Recreation is Essential
Extreme Views Regarding Recreation. --There are persons with a diseased
imagination to whom religion is a tyrant, ruling them as with a rod of iron.
Such are constantly mourning over their depravity and groaning over supposed
evil. Love does not exist in their hearts; a frown is ever upon their
countenances. They are chilled by the innocent laugh from the youth or from
anyone. They consider all recreation or amusement a sin and think that the mind
must be constantly wrought up to just such a stern, severe pitch. This is one
extreme. Others think that the mind must be ever on the stretch to invent new
amusements and diversions in order to gain health. They learn to depend on
excitement and are uneasy without it. Such are not true Christians. They go to
another extreme. The true principles of Christianity open before all a source of
happiness, the height and depth, the length and breadth of which are
immeasurable.
To Refresh the Spirits and Invigorate the Body. -- It is the privilege and
duty of Christians to seek to refresh their spirits and invigorate their bodies
by innocent recreation, with the purpose of using their physical and mental
powers to the glory of God. Our recreations should not be scenes of senseless
mirth, taking the form of the nonsensical. We can conduct them in such a manner
as will benefit and elevate those with whom we associate, and better qualify us
and them to more successfully attend to the duties devolving upon us as
Christians.
I was shown that Sabbathkeepers as a people labour too hard without allowing
themselves change or periods of rest. Recreation is needful to those who are
engaged in physical labour and is still more essential for those whose labour is
principally mental. It is not essential to our salvation, nor for the glory of
God, to keep the mind labouring constantly and excessively, even upon religious
themes.
With the question of recreation the surroundings of the home and the school
have much to do. In the choice of a home or the location of a school these
things should be considered. Those with whom mental and physical well-being is
of greater moment than money or the claims and customs of society should seek
for their children the benefit of nature's teaching and recreation amidst her
surroundings.
Recreation Is Essential to Best Work. --The time spent in physical exercise
is not lost. . . . A proportionate exercise of all the organs and faculties of
the body is essential to the best work of each. When the brain is constantly
taxed while the other organs of the living machinery are inactive, there is a
loss of strength, physical and mental. The physical system is robbed of its
healthful tone, the mind loses its freshness and vigour, and a morbid
excitability is the result.
Care needs to be exercised in regard to the regulation of hours for sleeping
and labouring. We must take periods of rest, periods of recreation, periods for
contemplation. . . . The principles of temperance have a wider range than many
think.
Students Need Relaxation. --Those who are engaged in study should have
relaxation. The mind must not be constantly confined to close thought, for the delicate mental machinery
becomes worn. The body as well as the mind must have exercise.
Attention to recreation and physical culture will at times, no doubt,
interrupt the regular routine of schoolwork; but the interruption will prove no
real hindrance. In the invigoration of mind and body, the fostering of an
unselfish spirit, and the binding together of pupil and teacher by the ties of
common interest and friendly association, the expenditure of time and effort
will be repaid a hundredfold. A blessed outlet will be afforded for that
restless energy which is so often a source of danger to the young. As a
safeguard against evil, the preoccupation of the mind with good is worth more
than unnumbered barriers of law and discipline.
Office Workers Who Needed Days for Recreation. -- I saw that but few realise
the constant, wearing labour of those who are bearing the responsibilities of
the work in the office. They are confined within doors day after day and week
after week, while a constant strain upon the mental powers is surely undermining
their constitutions and lessening their hold on life. These brethren are in
danger of breaking suddenly. They are not immortal, and without a change they
must wear out and be lost to the work.
We have precious gifts in Brethren A, B, and C. We cannot afford to have them
ruin their health through close confinement and incessant toil. . . .
They have had scarcely any variation except what fevers and other sickness
have given them. They should have a change frequently, should often devote a day
wholly to recreation with their families, who are almost entirely deprived of
their society. All may not be able to leave the work at the same time; but they should so arrange their work that
one or two may go, leaving others to supply their places, and then let these in
their turn have the same opportunity.
I saw that these brethren, A, B, and C, should as a religious duty take care
of the health and strength which God has given them. The Lord does not require
them just now to become martyrs to His cause. They will obtain no reward for
making this sacrifice, for God wants them to live.
Seek Means for Innocent, Instructive Recreation. -- There are modes of
recreation which are highly beneficial to both mind and body. An enlightened,
discriminating mind will find abundant means for entertainment and diversion,
from sources not only innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open air, the
contemplation of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.
I believe that, while we are seeking to refresh our spirits and invigorate
our bodies, we are required of God to use all our powers at all times to the
best purpose. We may associate together as we do here today,[* NOTE: PORTION OF
AN ADDRESS TO A COMPANY OF ABOUT TWO HUNDRED, ENJOYING A SEASON OF RECREATION AT
LAKE GOGUAC, NEAR BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN, IN MAY, 1870.] and do all to the glory
of God. We can and should conduct our recreations in such a manner that we shall
be fitted for the more successful discharge of the duties devolving upon us, and
that our influence shall be more beneficial upon those with whom we associate.
Especially should it be the case upon an occasion like this, which should be of
good cheer to us all. We can return to our homes improved in mind and refreshed
in body, and prepared to engage in the work anew, with better hope and better
courage.
God's Invitation to Youth. --God's invitation comes to each youth, "My
son, give Me thine heart; I will keep it pure; I will satisfy its longings with
true happiness." God loves to make the youth happy, and that is why He
would have them give their hearts into His keeping, that all the God-given
faculties of the being may be kept in a vigorous, healthful condition. They are
holding God's gift of life. He makes the heart beat; He gives strength to every
faculty. Pure enjoyment will not debase one of God's gifts.