Innocent in Itself

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 3, 1885

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 34

“Innocent in Itself.”

HOW OFTEN is this remark made whenever the question of doubtful popular amusements is being discussed! Dancing, testing the speed of blooded stock, boat-racing as ordinarily practiced, games at billiards and cards,—these, and numerous other amusements, are sometimes justified on such grounds alone. If it be urged that, under the circumstances, these things are inexpedient, and ought to be avoided, the reply is, “Oh, these are innocent in themselves.”

The error lies in assuming that certain actions and words may stand alone, and, separated from all others, may have nothing to do in moulding the character. But can we conceive of such isolation? Every moment our influence touches other souls. Whatever may be the cause or even the occasion of evil is to be carefully avoided. There is no law more plainly written than this.

Personal influence, rightly considered, has no place for the doctrine, “This is innocent in itself.” Life is profoundly serious, because each part holds a necessary relation to every other part. In all our estimates of the guilt or innocence of human action, this view ought to be ever present with us.—Sel.