What May We Do? by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 17, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 23.

What May We Do?

By Editor

In a private letter to a friend, a young lady asks the following question, which we are requested to answer:—

"Is it right that the young people of our church should have parties of candy pulling and playing simple games, and staying out until midnight?"

We say unhesitatingly, No; not for the young people of "our church" or any other church. If any one wants to know why we give so emphatic a negative, we reply as follows:—

1. An unlimited amount of candy, even of the most healthful kind, eaten at a late hour of the night, is certainly injurious. But allowing that it is harmless, why assemble in crowds to manufacture and eat it? Simply for the "fun" that is enjoyed. This word, which would be the one employed in nine cases out of ten, should of itself condemn the proceeding, for

2. The "simple games" indulged in are, so far as our observation and experience go, decidedly "simple," even silly, and often even worse. It is a false idea of modern times that young people must be "amused," as though that were the chief end of life. Healthful recreation is necessary for all, but there is no healthful recreation in an entertainment which unfits one for the duties of the next day, or for quiet meditation.

3. In this last lies the point of the whole thing. Such frolics leave the soul lean and barren. A so-called "recreation" upon which one cannot ask God's blessing, or which leaves the individual with less inclination for his religious duties than he had before, is unquestionably wrong. It is useless and impossible to specify the amusements in which Christians ought not to indulge; but this principle will settle every case: Any place where you would hesitate to invite the Lord Jesus, if he were on earth, or any performance which you would feel like omitting if the Saviour were present in person, should be shunned. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Let all things be tested by this rule. We do not know of any exception to it, and it will allow all necessary recreation. If one is indeed a Christian, he will find his highest pleasure in following out this rule.