SOCIAL GATHERINGS by C. L. Taylor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 14, 1888

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 14, No. 36.

"SOCIAL GATHERINGS."

By C. L. Taylor

By the numerous fairs, mum-socials, grab-bags, festivals, crazy suppers, etc., which have entered into many of the churches, we are every day forcibly reminded of the fact that "Babylon is fallen." For years the Seventh-day Adventist Church has remonstrated against these practices, and no such entertainments have entered into its program. But while Satan cannot lead the remnant people of God to so openly violate the principles of right; while he cannot lead them to so openly show disrespect and irreverence for the house of God; he may influence them to indulge in something else which will, to a great extent, as effectually separate them from God and the love of his truth as those more gross practices already mentioned.

On the part of the young people of to-day there is a habit of holding frequent "social gatherings." The reason given for holding these gatherings is, as given by those who attend, "to benefit the young folks. We need to come together in order to get acquainted, and thus be able to help each other in the Christian life." Were this truly the motive which prompts those who plan these gatherings, all could say, Amen; go ahead; but it is to be feared that they are deceived in regard to the real motive. I believe that the power behind the scenes is one entirely different from that which they take it to be.

"By their fruits ye shall know them." In the first place, those who make it a business to attend, are generally those who are not the most "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord," but those who frequently absent themselves from religious meetings. The more they attend these parties the less they attend church, and the less they attend church the more they go to the parties. Here, then, is one evidence that the "social gathering" is destructive to spirituality.

Let us attend (in thought) one of these gatherings and see how they are conducted. Of course, as they are met together "to benefit" one another, we shall expect something of a sensible character on the list; but no; the whole program is a mass of foolish games and charades. Excitement runs high. Flirtation is ablaze; and many associations are formed which eventually result only in evil. At an hour when sensible people should be asleep (unless for good reasons they are denied the privilege), refreshments are served, and these usually of a nature to unfit, rather than preserve, the body as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God." The conversation is nearly all idle chitchat and wicked frivolity, unbecoming to a non-professor, let alone a Christian. Thirty or forty are present, remaining together several hours, and yet God is not once spoken about or hardly thought of.

I would not condemn the practice of the young people meeting together, provided such meetings are properly conducted, and God honored. It is good for boys and girls to associate together. They may meet and make the occasion one of refinement and elevation. "But," says one, "would you have us confine ourselves to the discussion, solely, of religious topics?" No, not wholly. There are many things that may profitably be considered which, while they are not religious, do not tend in the least to lightness and frivolity; but even these should not wholly exclude thoughts of the truth. There is pleasure in contemplating the joys of eternity. True happiness and true recreation, both mental and physical, are not found in disobedience to God's will. The highest type of rest and refreshment is that derived from spiritual things; therefore if the young people meet to benefit themselves, will they not, at least a part of the time, consider the truth?

As already said, the act of simply meeting together is not to be condemned; but all should condemn the spirit which characterizes the "social gathering" of the present day. The day of God is just before us; and to those living at this time the apostle James says: "Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep; let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord." Who will heed the admonition?

C. L. TAYLOR.