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EGW on Sports and Games

6BC 1089 Healthy "competition"—the spiritual race with no


selfishness, unfairness, underhandedness, nor failure for those FE 72 Young desire activity. Provide it or face
doing their best. restless mischievousness and "unmanly" sports that corrupt the
youth.
4T 494 Competition (in business practice) corrupts
the purity of the church. MYP 391 Youth, focus on winning souls. Your sports, generally,
are not acceptable to God.
13MR 101 Undependable men excuse their failure by referring
"competition" against them. 1MCP 197 Teachers in good school went to play with their pupils,
and went on long walks with them. They thus regulated their
TM 83-85 A bicycle race: poor stewardship of time and energy sports. [See also 3SM 228]
and health. Health? Yes, the danger of accident. Worse, spiritual
declension follows participation. Conversation is cheapened. 2T 289 Foolish sports attract the mind and deaden
Christ dishonored. Superficial Christians playing are decoys the heart to His fear.
helping Satan cultivate love of pleasure. Men are thus confused
regarding how to live a Christian life. Carefully instructed youth 5T 523 Gymnasium exercises may help. Unless
are led astray in these exciting gatherings. carefully regulated, they are more harm than help. Manual
training should displace them.
AH 222 Fathers, affectionately join your children in
their sports and thus gain influence in their lives. 6T 205 Teach [little] children "how" to play
without unkind feelings. Bind their hearts to yours.
CH 189 Teachers perplexed regarding suitable
recreation. Serious accidents plague gymnastics, and fresh air is RH 06-13-07 Satan has invented sports to divert human
lacking. Indolence is terrible. But sports often repress academic minds from eternal things. Even spectator sports are used this
advancement. And they do not promote practical usefulness. The way. Death from sports injuries followed by verdict in judgment.
worst are schools of brutality, promoting domination, pride, Think.
reckless disregard of life. Less brutal games are hardly less
harmful, creating love of pleasure and dislike for tranquility. PH011 30 Students in school ready to seize new arrivals and
corrupt them with sports and pleasures.
4BIO 446-447 Simple game of ball, though
uncondemned, may be "overdone." Almost sure wake after such PH099 10 If God requires our attendance at sports to do a good
play is lost of money for evangelism and increase of self-serving. work, He will protect us. Otherwise, no. Angels leave us as we
The way played at college not approved by heaven. Character is enjoy the scene.
not refined. Rather, players are pronounced "lovers of pleasure
more than lovers of God." The Lord God protests against the 2MR 218-219 Students think school a place to perfect
burning passion thus cultivated. their sports ability. This is "all wrong." Recreation as exercise is
good, but only strictly within bounds.
AH 407 Tavern atmosphere corrupts. Keep children
inside after dark rather than allowing them to join others for 4MR 255 Big mistake: Copy world's plan of recreation. Start
sports that may lead to worse. over and copy the schools of the prophets. Foster not love of
pleasure.
COL 54 Parents often gratify child's love of sports
and pleasure. This love strengthens until it is pleasure is life's aim 11MR 160-161 Healdsburg College games. They
and being steadfast in Christ is nearly impossible. Cities are demoralized campus. Labor, not disgraceful games, should be
centers of this business. part of school. Do not substitute play and brutal games. Forbid it.

CT 312 Quality work-education program and 1NL 97 [Same as BIO 447 statement, plus:]
grounds maintenance would quell love of sports. Exercise of mind could have invented a harmless way to get
physical exercise and amusement.
CT 348-352 Avaondale, April, 1900. School celebrated
with games. God didn't approve. The games were "frivolous, 4BIO 441-446 [background for BIO 447: Girls tennis,
rude, and grotesque." Staff should have prevented it. Students boys cricket. Money raised to buy the equipment. Three-legged
should have understood it to be inappropriate. All, in spirit, said races, relay races, etc. Australians love pleasure. President
"we want not your way, oh God." Tennis, cricket, are examples of shocked at EGW's rebuke. Thought students would balk. They
games that are a kind of idolatry. The issues are Salvational. didn't. Bible study reconciled president to counsel.] Better than
sports in manual training. What to do with free-time? Practical
CT 366 Be sober-minded. Frivolity is not pleasing work. Get a builder to teach them. Students didn't take
to God. Sports are a door to temptation. opportunity to take a stand for right.

CT 456 Bible is full of needed nourishment, and 6BIO 370-374 4th of July Celebration. Read it.
time is spent in games and ball-playing and races?!

Ed 215 Exercise most beneficial will be useful


work. Children benefited by play. Older we grow, more we know,
to work we go. 

FE 58 Teachers and parents commanding too


much. Join students socially, in work and play, and thus win their
love.
6BC 1089 pervaded by the vital atmosphere of heaven, and has
This glorious contest is before us. The apostle plunged into an atmosphere of mist and fog. It may
seeks to inspire us to enter into a noble emulation, a be some humble believer is induced to join in these
competition in which will be seen no selfishness, sports. But if he maintains his connection with
unfairness, or underhanded work. We are to use Christ, he cannot in heart participate in the exciting
every spiritual nerve and muscle in the contest for scene. The words he hears are not congenial, for
the crown of life. No one who does his best will fail they are not the language of Canaan. The speakers
in this contest. do not give evidence that they are making melody in
their hearts to God. But there is unmistakable
4T 494 evidence that God is forgotten. He is not in all their
The custom of overreaching in trade, which thoughts. These parties of pleasure and gatherings
exists in the world, is no example for Christians. for exciting sports, made up of those who profess to
They should not deviate from perfect integrity, even be Christians, are a profanation of religion and the
in small matters. To sell an article for more than it is name of God.
worth, taking advantage of the ignorance of The tenor of the conversation reveals the treasure
purchasers, is fraud. Unlawful gains, petty tricks of of the heart. The cheap, common talk, the words of
trade, exaggeration, competition, underselling a flattery, the foolish witticism, spoken to create a
brother who is seeking to pursue an honest laugh, are the merchandise of Satan, and all who
business--these things are corrupting the purity of indulge in this talk are trading in his goods.
the church, and are ruinous to her spirituality. Impressions are made upon those who hear these
things similar to that made upon Herod when the
13MR 101 daughter of Herodias danced before him. All these
Everything is to be shaken that can be shaken, transactions are recorded in the books of heaven;
and those things that cannot be shaken will remain. and at the last great day they will appear in their true
You will hear men talking of competition. "He is not light before the guilty ones. Then all will discern in
treated as he should have been," they say. "Others them the alluring, deceptive workings of the devil,
have taken an advantage of him" But the trouble is to lead them into the broad road and the wide gate
with themselves. Constant perseverance in the right that opens to their ruin.
direction will give anyone standing place. Rational Satan has been multiplying his snares in Battle
effort in cooperation with Christ means success and Creek; and professed Christians who are superficial
victory. These fluctuating, blustering men are in character and religious experience are used by the
represented in our institutions and in our churches. tempter as his decoys. This class are always ready
But they are not the Lord's chosen workmen when for the gatherings for pleasure or sport, and their
men are called for to be depended on. [Isaiah 50:2, influence attracts others. Young men and young
3, quoted.] women who have tried to be Bible Christians are
persuaded to join the party, and they are drawn into
TM 83-85 the ring. They did not prayerfully consult the divine
Turn to another scene. In the streets of the city is standard, to learn what Christ had said in regard to
a party gathered for a bicycle race. In this company the fruit to be borne on the Christian tree. They do
also are those who profess to know God and Jesus not discern that these entertainments are really
Christ whom He has sent. But who that looks upon Satan's banquet, prepared to keep souls from
the exciting race would think that those who were accepting the call to the marriage supper of the
thus exhibiting themselves were the followers of Lamb; they prevent them from receiving the white
Christ? Who would suppose that any of that party robe of character, which is the righteousness of
felt their need of Christ? Who would think they Christ. They become confused as to what it is right
realized the value of their time and their physical for them as Christians to do. They do not want to be
powers as gifts from God, to be preserved for His thought singular, and naturally incline to follow the
service? Who thinks of the danger of accident, or example of others. Thus they come under the
that death may be the result of their wild chase? influence of those who have never had the divine
Who have prayed for the presence of Jesus, and the touch on heart or mind.
protection of the ministering angels? Is God In these exciting gatherings, carried away by the
glorified by these performances? Satan is playing glamour and passion of human influence, youth that
the game of life for these souls, and he is well have been carefully instructed to obey the law of
pleased with that which he sees and hears. God, are led to form attachments for those whose
The once earnest Christian who enters into these education has been a mistake, and whose religious
sports is on the downgrade. He has left the region experience has been a fraud. They sell themselves to
a lifelong bondage. As long as they live, they must excess to which they are carried. They stimulate the
be hampered by their union with a cheap, superficial love of pleasure and excitement, thus fostering a
character, one who lives for display, but who has not distaste for useful labor, a disposition to shun
the precious, inward adorning, the ornament of a practical duties and responsibilities. They tend to
meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of destroy a relish for life's sober realities and its
great price. When sickness and death shall come to tranquil enjoyments. Thus the door is opened to
those who have lived to please themselves merely, dissipation and lawlessness, with their terrible
they find that they have provided no oil in their results.
vessels with their lamps, and they are utterly
unfitted to close their life's history. This has been,4BIO 446-447
this will continue to be. I do not condemn the simple
exercise of playing ball; but this,
AH 222 even in its simplicity, may be
Fathers, . . . combine affection with authority, overdone.
kindness and sympathy with firm restraint. Give I shrink always from the
some of your leisure hours to your children; become almost sure result which follows
acquainted with them; associate with them in their in the wake of these amusements.
work and in their sports, and win their confidence. It leads to an outlay of means that
Cultivate friendship with them, especially with your should be expended in bringing
sons. In this way you will be a strong influence for the light of truth to souls that are
good. perishing out of Christ. The
amusements and expenditures of
CH 189 means for self-pleasing, which
The question of suitable recreation for their lead on step by step to self-
pupils is one that teachers often find perplexing. glorifying, and the education in
Gymnastic exercises fill a useful place in many these games for pleasure produces
schools, but without careful supervision they are a love and passion for such things
often carried to excess. In the gymnasium many that are not favorable to the
youth, by their attempted feats of strength, have perfection of Christian character.
done themselves lifelong injury. The way that they have been
Exercise in a gymnasium, however well conducted at the college does not
conducted, cannot supply the place of recreation in bear the impress of heaven. It does
the open air, and for this our schools should offer not strengthen the intellect. It does
better opportunity. Vigorous exercise the pupils must not refine and purify the character.
have. Few evils are more to be dreaded than There are threads leading out
indolence and aimlessness. Yet the tendency of most through the habits and customs
athletic sports is a subject of anxious thought to and worldly practices, and the
those who have at heart the well-being of the youth. actors become so engrossed and
Teachers are troubled as they consider the influence infatuated that they are
of these sports both on the student's progress in pronounced in heaven lovers of
school and on his success in afterlife. The games pleasure more than lovers of God.
that occupy so much of his time are diverting the In the place of the intellect
mind from study. They are not helping to prepare the becoming strengthened to do
youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their better work as students, to be
influence does not tend toward refinement, better qualified as Christians to
generosity, or real manliness. perform the Christian duties, the
Some of the most popular amusements, such as exercise in these games is filling
football and boxing, have become schools of their brains with thoughts that
brutality. They are developing the same distract the mind from their
characteristics as did the games of ancient Rome. studies. . . .
The love of domination, the pride in mere brute Is the eye single to the glory
force, the reckless disregard of life, are exerting of God in these games? I know
upon the youth a power to demoralize that is that this is not so. There is a losing
appalling. sight of God's way and His
Other athletic games, though not so brutalizing, purpose. The employment of
are scarcely less objectionable, because of the intelligent beings, in probationary
time, is superseding God's for its own sake open the door to a flood of
revealed will and substituting for temptations. They give themselves up to social
it the speculations and inventions gaiety and thoughtless mirth, and their intercourse
of the human agent, with Satan by with pleasure lovers has an intoxicating effect upon
his side to imbue with his spirit. . . the mind. They are led on from one form of
.The Lord God of heaven protests dissipation to another, until they lose both the desire
against the burning passion and the capacity for a life of usefulness. Their
cultivated for supremacy in the religious aspirations are chilled; their spiritual life is
games that are so engrossing.-- darkened. All the nobler faculties of the soul, all that
Letter 17a, 1893 (AH, pp. 499, link man with the spiritual world, are debased.
500).
CT 312
AH 467 Let the students who are engaged in building do
Under the cover of darkness boys collect in their tasks with thoroughness, and let them learn
groups to learn their first lessons in card playing, from these tasks lessons that will help in their
gambling, smoking, and wine or beer sipping. The character building. In order to have perfect
sons of religious parents venture into the saloons for characters, they must make their work as perfect as
an oyster supper or some similar indulgence, and possible. Into every line of labor let there be brought
thus place themselves in the way of temptation. The that stability which means true economy. If in our
very atmosphere of these resorts is redolent with schools the land were more faithfully cultivated, the
blasphemy and pollution. No one can long remain in buildings more disinterestedly cared for by the
it without becoming corrupted. It is by such students, the love of sports and amusements, which
associations that promising youth are becoming causes so much perplexity in our schoolwork, would
inebriates and criminals. The very beginnings of the pass away.
evil should be guarded against. Parents, unless you
know that their surroundings are unexceptionable, CT 348-352
do not permit your children to go into the streets Recent experiences in our colleges and
after nightfall to engage in outdoor sports or to meet sanitariums lead me to present again instruction that
other boys for amusement. If this rule be rigidly the Lord gave me for the teachers and students in
enforced, obedience to it will become habitual, and our school at Cooranbong, Australia.
the desire to transgress will soon cease. In April, 1900, a holiday was appointed at the
Avondale school for Christian workers. The program
COL 54 for the day provided for a meeting in the chapel in
Many parents seek to promote the happiness of the morning, at which I and others addressed the
their children by gratifying their love of amusement. students, calling their attention to what God had
They allow them to engage in sports, and to attend wrought in the building up of this school, and to
parties of pleasure, and provide them with money to their privilege and opportunities as students.
use freely in display and self-gratification. The more After the meeting, the remainder of the day was
the desire for pleasure is indulged, the stronger it spent by the students in various games and sports,
becomes. The interest of these youth is more and some of which were frivolous, rude, and grotesque.
more absorbed in amusement, until they come to During the following night I seemed to be
look upon it as the great object of life. They form witnessing the performances of the afternoon. The
habits of idleness and self-indulgence that make it scene was clearly laid out before me, and I was
almost impossible for them ever to become steadfast given a message for the manager and teachers of the
Christians. . . . school.
The pursuit of pleasure and amusement centers in I was shown that in the amusements carried on at
the cities. Many parents who choose a city home for the school that afternoon the enemy gained a
their children, thinking to give them greater victory, and teachers were weighed in the balances
advantages, meet with disappointment, and too late and found wanting. I was greatly distressed and
repent their terrible mistake. The cities of today are burdened to think that those standing in responsible
fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah. The many positions should open the door and, as it were, invite
holidays encourage idleness. The exciting sports-- the enemy in; for this they did in permitting the
theatergoing, horse racing, gambling, liquor- exhibitions that took place. As teachers, they should
drinking, and reveling--stimulate every passion to have stood firm against giving place to the enemy in
intense activity. The youth are swept away by the any such line. By what they permitted they marred
popular current. Those who learn to love amusement their record and grieved the Spirit of God. The
students were encouraged in a course the effects of ennoble, and sanctify human beings was grieved at
which were not easily effaced. There is no end to the the performance.
path of vain amusements, and every step taken in it Hearing a voice, I turned to see who spoke to me.
is a step in a path which Christ has not traveled. Then with dignity and solemnity One said, "Is this
This introduction of wrong plans was the very the celebration for the anniversary of the opening of
thing that should have been jealously guarded the school? Is this the gratitude offering you present
against. The Avondale school was established, not to to God for the blessings He has given you? The
be like the schools of the world, but, as God world could render as acceptable an offering on this
revealed, to be a pattern school. And since it was to memorial occasion. The teachers are making the
be a pattern school, those in charge of it should have same mistake that has been made over and over
perfected everything after God's plan, discarding all again. They should learn wisdom from the
that was not in harmony with His will. Had their experiences of the past. The careless, godless world
eyes been anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, they can offer an abundance of such offerings as these, in
would have realized that they could not permit the a much more acceptable manner."
exhibition that took place that afternoon, without Turning to the teachers, He said, "You have made
dishonoring God. a mistake the effects of which it will be hard to
On Wednesday morning when I spoke to the efface. The Lord God of Israel is not glorified in the
students and to the others who had assembled, the school. If at this time the Lord should permit your
words that the Lord gave me to speak, I did not life to end, many would be lost, eternally separated
know anything of what was to take place afterward; from God and the righteous." . . .
for no intimation of it had come to me. How could The effort to regain that which was lost by the
those at the head of the school harmonize with the proceedings of that afternoon cost the teachers much
words spoken the proceedings that followed, which labor. They were severely tried. With the students
were of a character to make of no effect the there was seen a desire for further pleasure and less
instruction that had just come to them from God? If regard for the instruction of God's word. The Lord
their perceptions had not been greatly beclouded, of heaven was thus dishonored, and the indulgence
they would have understood this instruction as of the desires of the human heart in sin and love of
rebuking all such proceedings. pleasure was the education received.
I felt deeply the importance of the words that the
Lord gave me at this time for teachers and students. CT 366
This instruction presented before the students duties I entreat the students in our schools to be sober-
of the highest order; and to efface by the minded. The frivolity of the young is not pleasing to
amusements afterward entered into, the good God. Their sports and games open the door to a
impressions made, was virtually saying, "We want flood of temptations. They are in possession of
not Thy way, O God; we want our own way; we God's heavenly endowment in their intellectual
want to follow our own wisdom." faculties, and they should not allow their thoughts to
In the night season I was a witness to the be cheap and low. A character formed in accordance
performance that was carried on on the school with the precepts of God's word will reveal steadfast
grounds. The students who engaged in the grotesque principles, pure, noble aspirations. The Holy Spirit
mimicry that was seen, acted out the mind of the co-operates with the powers of the human mind, and
enemy, some in a very unbecoming manner. A view high and holy impulses are the sure result. . . .
of things was presented before me in which the
students were playing games of tennis and cricket. CT 456
Then I was given instruction regarding the character I could refer to chapter after chapter of the Old
of these amusements. They were presented to me as Testament Scriptures that contain great
a species of idolatry, like the idols of the nations. encouragement. These Scriptures are a treasure
There were more than visible spectators on the house of precious pearls, and all need them. How
ground. Satan and his angels were there, making much time is spent by intelligent human beings in
impressions on human minds. Angels of God, who horse racing, cricket matches, and ball playing! But
minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation, will indulgence in these sports give men a desire to
were also present, not to approve, but to disapprove. know truth and righteousness? Will it keep God in
They were ashamed that such an exhibition should their thoughts? Will it lead them to inquire, How is
be given by the professed children of God. The it with my soul?
forces of the enemy gained a decided victory, and
God was dishonored. He who gave His life to refine, Ed 215
As a rule, the exercise most beneficial to the they take their scholars out and have a long walk
youth will be found in useful employment. The little with them. I like this; I think there is less
child finds both diversion and development in play; opportunity for the children to yield to temptation.
and his sports should be such as to promote not only The teachers seem to enter into the sports of the
physical, but mental and spiritual growth. As he children and to regulate them.
gains strength and intelligence, the best recreation I cannot in any way sanction the idea that
will be found in some line of effort that is useful. children must feel that they are under a constant
That which trains the hand to helpfulness, and distrust and cannot act as children. But let the
teaches the young to bear their share of life's teachers join in the amusements of the children, be
burdens, is most effective in promoting the growth one with them, and show that they want them to be
of mind and character. happy, and it will give the children confidence. They
may be controlled by love, but not by following
FE 58 them at their meals and in their amusements with a
Both parents and teachers are in danger of stern, unbending severity.--5T 653 (1889).
commanding and dictating too much, while they fail
to come sufficiently into social relation with their 3SM 228
children or their scholars. They maintain too great a As a reward for good behavior and studious
reserve, and exercise their authority in a cold, habits the teachers take their scholars out and have a
unsympathizing manner, which tends to repel long walk with them, dismissing the school earlier
instead of winning confidence and affection. If they than usual. I like this; I think there is less
would oftener gather the children about them, and opportunity for the children to yield to temptation.
manifest an interest in their work, and even in their The teachers seem to enter into the sports of the
sports, they would gain the love and confidence of children and to regulate them.
the little ones, and the lesson of respect and
obedience would be far more readily learned; for 2T 289
love is the best teacher. A similar interest manifested Your labor in this direction will bring no profit,
for the youth will secure like results. The young but great loss. The wages of sin is death. Life and
heart is quick to respond to the touch of sympathy. heaven are before you, but you seem not to know
their value. You have not meditated upon the
FE 72 precious things of heaven. If the inestimable love of
The young naturally desire activity, and if they Christ be turned from, if heaven and glory and
find no legitimate scope for their pent-up energies everlasting life be considered of little value, what
after the confinement of the schoolroom, they motive can we present to move? what inducement to
become restless and impatient of control, and thus charm? Will foolish sports and a round of exciting
are led to engage in the rude, unmanly sports that pleasures attract the mind, and separate from God,
disgrace so many schools and colleges, and even to and deaden the heart to His fear?
plunge into scenes of actual dissipation. Many of the
youth who left their homes innocent, are corrupted 5T 523
by their associations at school. Gymnasium exercises may in some instances be
an advantage. They were brought in to supply the
MYP 391 want of useful physical training, and have become
Every talent of influence is to be sacredly popular with educational institutions; but they are
cherished and used for the purpose of gathering not without drawbacks. Unless carefully regulated,
souls to Christ. Young men and young women they are productive of more harm than good. Some
should not think that their sports, their evening have suffered lifelong physical injury through these
parties and musical entertainments, as usually gymnasium sports. The manual training connected
conducted, are acceptable to Christ. with our schools, if rightly conducted, will largely
take the place of the gymnasium.
1MCP 197
I see some things here in Switzerland[* NOTE:
WRITTEN WHILE THE AUTHOR WAS 6T 205
VISITING EUROPE, 1885-1887.] that I think are Teachers should sometimes enter into the sports
worthy of imitation. The teachers of the schools and plays of the little children and teach them how
often go out with their pupils while they are at play to play. In this way they may be able to check
and teach them how to amuse themselves and are at unkind feelings and actions without seeming to
hand to repress any disorder or wrong. Sometimes criticize or find fault. This companionship will bind
together the hearts of teachers and pupils, and about them; and if those who profess Christ go
school will be a delight to all. unbidden into this darkness, they tempt the Devil to
tempt them. If God requires us to go amid infernal
RH 06-13-07 spirits, where is the blackest darkness, in order to do
Christ looks upon a world filled with the din of good and glorify his name, he will encircle us with
merchandise and trade, with the dishonesty and his angels and keep us unsullied. But if we seek the
scheming of buyers and sellers. In their desire to get company of sinners, and are pleased with their
gain, men have lost sight of the laws of justice and coarse jests, and are entertained and amused with
equity. "It is naught, it is naught, saith the buyer: but their stories, sports, and ribaldry, the pure and holy
when he is gone his way, then he boasteth." Satan angels remove their protection, and leave us to the
has devised a multitude of ways in which to keep darkness we have chosen.
men from serving God. He has invented sports and
games, into which men enter with such intensity that 2MR 218-219
one would suppose a crown of life was to reward the There is great danger that parents and guardians,
winner. At the horse races and football matches, both by words and actions, will encourage self-
which are attended by thousands and thousands of esteem and self-importance in the youth. They
people, lives for which Christ shed his blood are pursue a course of petting, gratifying every whim,
thrown away. What will become of the souls of the and thus foster the desire for self-gratification so
men and boys whose lives are thus extinguished? that the youth receive a mold of character that unfits
Will they be counted worthy of the redemption them for the commonplace duties of practical life.
which Christ died to secure for them? When these students come to our schools, they do
not appreciate their privileges; they do not consider
PH011 30 that the purpose of education is to qualify them for
Especially has this been the case in Battle Creek. usefulness in this life and for the future life in the
Parents who have sent their children from their care kingdom of God. They act as if the school were a
to attend school there, thinking that others would do place where they were to perfect themselves in
the duty that they had neglected, have made a great sports, as if this were an important branch of their
mistake. There are young boys and girls in Battle education, and they come armed and equipped for
Creek standing ready to seize new-comers and this kind of training. This is all wrong, from
introduce them to their frivolous pleasures and beginning to end. It is not in any way appropriate for
sports. They profess to be Christians. They this time; it is not qualifying the youth to go forth as
sometimes speak in meeting, and this gives them missionaries, to endure hardship and privation, and
influence with strangers. Yet they have, many of to use their powers for the glory of God.
them, no experience in divine things, and their Amusement that serves as exercise and recreation
profession makes them no better than unbelievers, is not to be discarded; nevertheless, it must be kept
because they do not live Christian lives. They do not strictly within bounds, else it leads to love of
deny themselves, and bear the cross by restraining amusement for its own sake, and nourishes the
their desires. Their conversation is not humble; it is desire for selfish gratification. . . .
not in Heaven. Let all learn to save, to economize. Every dollar
wasted on frivolous things, or given to special
PH099 10 friends who will spend it to indulge pride and
Bro. Day: The Lord let his blessing rest upon you selfishness, is robbing God's treasury.
last spring; but you did not see the relation which
watchfulness and prayer sustain to a progress in the
divine life. You have neglected these duties, and the 4MR 255
result has been that darkness has enshrouded you. This is no time to foster pleasure loving by
You have been in a state of uncertainty and distrust. providing the youth, as they enter upon their
You have frequently chosen for your society those student's life, with facilities for the playing of games
who are in darkness, those whom Satan uses to which are a snare to all who engage in them. . . .
scatter from Christ. You could live among the most A great mistake has been made in following the
corrupt, and remain unstained, unsullied, if God in world's plans and ideas of recreation in indulgence
his providence thus directed you. But it is dangerous and pleasure-loving. This has resulted in loss every
for those who wish to honor God to choose for their time. We need now to begin over again. It may be
companions those who fear not God, and be pleased essential to lay the foundation of schools after the
and entertained with their society. Satan is ever pattern of the schools of the prophets.--Letter 47,
surrounding such, and great darkness is around
1893, pp. 5, 6, 7, 9. (T. W. W. Prescott, October 25, better work as students, to be better qualified as
1893.) Christians to perform the Christian duties, the
exercise in these games is filling their brains with
11MR 160-161 thoughts that distract the mind from their studies.
The Healdsburg College has been presented to Now the same power of exercise of mind and
me as being demoralized by disgraceful games. muscle might invent ways and means of altogether a
Games have been allowed such as God disapproves. higher class of exercise, in doing missionary work
It was to prevent this kind of thing that the Lord which would make them laborers together with God,
gave counsel to the effect that students should learn and would be educating for higher usefulness in the
useful trades. . . . present life, in doing useful work, which is a most
Where were these watchmen when these essential branch in education.
unseemly games and athletic sports, these trials of
animal strength and exhibition of physical skill were 4BIO 441-446
in progress? Students could have had this class of The Avondale school opened its fourth year on
education at home. . . . Thursday, February 1, 1900, with more students than
Labor should be connected with study, and any previous year. Ellen White addressed faculty
through following a course of this kind an all-sided, and students with appropriate remarks for the
well-balanced education will be the result. This is occasion, based on the character of Daniel, a man
the rational method through which souls may be who had a well-defined purpose in his heart that he
barricaded against evil influences. In this way the would not dishonor God by even the slightest
mind may be preserved in its soundness, and the deviation from the principles of righteousness. The
nervous energies may be regulated. Combining noticeable change in the faculty was in the Bible
manual labor with the study of the sciences will teacher; A. T. Robinson had been appointed to that
preserve the living machinery in excellent condition, post. The prospects were good for a profitable
and by taking proper exercise, the mind may be school year. But there is an enemy who is constantly
taxed and yet not sustain injury in any degree. alert to divert that which is planned as a benefit into
But do not substitute play, pugilistic boxing, a drawback, and this showed up on April 11, the day
football, matched games, and animal exercises, for set aside as the first anniversary of the completion of
manual training. All of this stripe and type should be College Hall.
vigilantly prohibited from the school grounds.-- E. R. Palmer and C. B. Hughes, principal and
Letter 27, 1895, pp. 1-3. (To F. Howe, May 21, business manager, respectively, planned for the day
1895.) what they thought to be appropriate--a morning
service at which Ellen White was invited to address
1NL 97 students and faculty, and in the afternoon various
I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing recreational games, including cricket for the boys
ball; but this, even in its simplicity, may be and tennis for the girls. Faculty members and
overdone. I shrink always from the almost sure students joined in raising money with which to
result which follows in the wake of these purchase the equipment (DF 249e, C. B. Hughes to
amusements. It leads to an outlay of means that WCW, July 22, 1912). Other games, as remembered
should be expended in bringing the light of truth to by Ella White Robinson included three-legged races;
souls that are perishing out of Christ. The eating apples suspended from a string, with the
amusements and expenditures of means for self- players' arms tied behind them; carrying eggs in a
pleasing, which lead on step by step to self- teaspoon in a knee race, et cetera (<SI ibid <EI., E.
glorifying, and the educating in these games for M. Robinson to David Lee, Nov. 9, 1967). Wrote
pleasure, produce a love and passion for such things Professor Hughes in his July 22 letter to W. C.
that is not favorable to the perfection of Christian White:
character. The students enjoyed the day
The way that they have been conducted at the very much, and at the close of it
college does not bear the impress of heaven. It does felt very grateful toward me,
not strengthen the intellect. It does not refine and especially, for planning such a
purify the character. There are threads leading out pleasant time. You know the
through the habits and customs and worldly Australians very much enjoy
practices, and the actors become so engrossed and holidays and sports. When Mark
infatuated that they are pronounced in heaven, Twain visited Australia, he found
lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. In the this such a characteristic of the
place of the intellect becoming strengthened to do people that he exclaimed, "Restful
Australia, where every day is a your teachers together. I want to
holiday, and when there is not a speak to them before I go in to
holiday, there is a horse race." speak to the students."
After giving her morning address, Ellen White If Sister White had struck a
returned to her Sunnyside home and her work. But blow full in my face, I do not
"during the following night," as she was to write think I would have felt so hurt as I
later, "I seemed to be witnessing the performances did at her words. What she said
of the afternoon." sounded so unreasonable to me. I
The scene was clearly laid believed that what I had done the
out before me, and I was given a day before was for the best
message for the manager and interests of the students. . . .
teachers of the school. I was I was very much troubled,
shown that in the amusements knowing as I did the attitude of the
carried on, on the school grounds Australians toward holidays and
that afternoon, the enemy gained a games. I felt that Sister White was
victory, and teachers were acting rashly. . . . I was very much
weighed in the balances and found tempted to advise her not to talk to
wanting.--MS 73, 1912 (see also the students that morning.
CT, p. 348). We went into the chapel and
she delivered her talk, but it did
In her diary she noted, "The whole transaction not produce the commotion that I
was presented to me as if I was present, which I did had expected. In fact, the students
write out."--MS 92, 1900. She later declared: generally seemed to receive it
quite well, but not so with
The Avondale school was myself.--DF 249e, C. B. Hughes
established, not to be like the to WCW, July 22, 1912.
schools of the world, but, as the We cannot here trace in detail the personal
Lord revealed, to be a pattern struggle Professor Hughes experienced. When,
school. And since it was to be a through Miss Peck, he inquired of Ellen White why,
pattern school, those in charge of in the light of her counsel that teachers should play
it should have perfected with their students, he should be reproved for what
everything after God's plan, they had done, the answer came that the students at
discarding all that was not in Avondale were not children but young men and
harmony with His will. Had their young women preparing to be laborers for God.
eyes been anointed with the Then, with his concordance, he searched his Bible.
heavenly eyesalve, they would One of the first references he turned to related to the
have realized that they could not children of Israel, when they" sat down to eat and
permit the exhibition that took drink, and rose up to play." Nor were other texts any
place that afternoon, without more helpful. When he came to recognize that
dishonoring God.--MS 73, 1912 winning in games meant others must fail, he was led
(see also CT, p. 349). to conclude that the spirit of most games and sports
Apparently there was much involved, in a country was not the right spirit of the adult Christian. "These
given to holidays and sports, in allowing any thoughts," he declared, "brought me out of darkness
beginning toward what could easily become an into light, and I left behind me an experience which
infatuation. was a very trying one."--<SI Ibid <EI.
The next morning, as Hughes was leaving his As was usually the case when counsel was given
house for the school, Ellen White's carriage drove regarding the perils of a certain course, constructive
up, and he was informed that she wished to speak to alternatives were suggested. Ellen White did so
him. As he wrote of this in 1912, Hughes bared his along two lines:
soul: In the place of providing
I went out to her carriage, diversions that merely amuse,
and she leaned out toward me and arrangements should be made for
said in very earnest tones, "I have exercises that will be productive
come over to talk to you and your of good. Satan would lead the
teachers and your students about students, who are sent to our
the way you spent yesterday. Get schools to receive an education
that will enable them to go forth as give us clear perception of right
workers in God's cause, to believe and wrong."--<SI Ibid <EI.
that amusements are necessary to It seems that teachers and students were too
physical health. But the Lord has stunned to speak But the message sank into hearts
declared that the better way is for and was effective. Faculty and students did some
them to get physical exercise prayerful studying and thinking. Hughes reported
through manual training, and by that the equipment was disposed of, and recreation
letting useful employment take the was found in activities other than sports and games.
place of selfish pleasure. The The author, when visiting Australia in 1958,
desire for amusement, if indulged, talked with a physician who was one of the students
soon develops a dislike for useful, at Avondale in 1900. He volunteered the experience
healthful exercise of body and of some of the students, the memory of which had
mind, such as will make students not dimmed in his mind. He and another young man
efficient in helping themselves banded together, in the light of Ellen White's
and others.--MS 73, 1912 (see also counsel, to study what they could accomplish in
CT, p. 354). helping others in the community. They found many
After Hughes and Palmer sought Ellen White's help places where they could help those in need, and this
in planning activities, she wrote: positive type of recreation provided soul-warming
They said they were experiences in Christian service. In just a short time
perplexed to know what to do with they sensed the advantages of finding recreation in
the students' Sunday afternoons. activities that bring strength to the character as well
They thought they could unite as to the body. The grueling experience bore a good
with them in these games and they harvest. . . .
would not be strolling around in In the April confrontation Ellen White had
the bush. I said, "Is there not an suggested as an alternative to engaging in sports,
abundance of work to be done on "There are houses that can be built."
this farm where all the energy and
tact would be turned to the most 6BIO 370-374
useful account in a good work?" . . The records for 1912 mention only a few visions
. given during that year, but there was one of
All are to be rightly educated considerable significance on the night of July 4. In
as in the schools of the prophets. . 1912, the Fourth of July fell on Thursday. The
. . Let another teacher . . . educate management of St. Helena Sanitarium was
how to do work in helping some concerned about keeping their patients and helpers
of the worthy poor about us. There on the grounds happy, and planned a well-filled day
are houses that can be built. Get of patriotic activity and recreation. In the morning
your students under a man who is there was band music and a flag-raising ceremony,
a builder and see if you cannot and in the afternoon a baseball game, which,
find something that can be done in according to reports, was played in a good spirit.
the lines of education and in the But in the evening there were some events of a
lines of holiness.--MS 92, 1900. different nature. Among the activities, of which
As Ellen White addressed the students and musical renditions were apart, was a contest
faculty, she was disappointed that there was dead between two boys with blackened faces who,
silence. She wrote a few days later: balanced on rails, endeavored to knock each other
I knew after I had borne my off with pillows. Another feature was a contest
testimony that the teachers and called "Slinging the Monkey." Each of three or four
students might have taken a stand. young men put his feet in a slip noose, the other end
. . . But not one word was said in of which was tied to a ceiling beam. Walking on
response to the testimony; not one their hands they tried to see who could go the
word spoken before that school to farthest before the rope swung them back. Then
say, "The Lord has spoken to us there was a pie-eating contest. Four fellows with
through His servant and we will their hands tied behind their backs ate custard and
thank God for the light that is blackberry pies off the table (DF 249d, WCW to E.
come to us and will receive the C. Kellogg, Nov. 1, 1912).
light and prayerfully ask God to The W. C. White children were at the party; the
parents were not. Grace reported years later that her
parents, Willie and May, were in bed by the time the need to plan for unholy
children returned home. Ellen White at her amusements. When your life is hid
Elmshaven home had retired much earlier. with Christ in God, you will find
When W. C. White stepped in to see his mother in Him all the enchantment that
the next morning, he found her "perplexed and you need." Words like these had
disheartened." She told him that she had slept but been spoken to me.
little the night before, and various scenes had passed As I passed from one group
before her. She felt too weak to talk about it then, to another, I experienced
but later in the day dictated a letter addressed to disappointment after
"The Sanitarium Family at St. Helena." On Sabbath disappointment. There was
morning, July 6, she asked for the pulpit at the revealed in each company a desire
Sanitarium church so that she might address the for foolish pleasure. Men and
worshipers and read the letter written on Friday. As women, acting like children,
she stood in the pulpit in the chapel, with employees seemed to have forgotten their
and guests before her, she began to speak: responsibility to glorify God. I
I have felt an intense interest saw the foolish actions, and heard
in regard to the directing of this the foolish words that were
sanitarium; and as we have spoken.
considered the best course to And I saw how the Spirit of
pursue to bring the light of truth God was grieved, and the Lord
before the patients, I have dishonored. While God and angels
earnestly desired that they should were working by every possible
understand what is truth for this means for the upbuilding of the
time. And I have felt some anxiety kingdom of heaven in earth in
in regard to the youth in this truth and righteousness, those who
institution. The example set at this should have been standing as
place should be such as to reveal heaven's representatives were
the uplifting principles of the taking a low level and dishonoring
Word of God, that those who their Redeemer's name.
come here may be led to follow I said to some, "You should
fully the light of truth. In the night bear in mind that as God's
season some matters were brought professed people you are called to
very clearly before me. A message reach a high standard. The Lord
was given to me for you. . . . Some cannot be glorified by such a
things have been presented to me course as you are now pursuing.
showing that we needed to come He bids us glorify Him in our
into a more sacred nearness to body, and in our spirit, which are
God. In the night season I was His.
taken through the institution, and I "I do not know with what
heard some things and saw some words to describe these scenes, or
things that were not pleasing to what character to give them; but I
God. I do not know that others know that in participating in them
noticed them. If they did not, they you are lessening your influence
will have to know, because for righteousness; you are
everything done in this institution displeasing the Lord; you are
must be done to the glory of Him setting an example that none can
who established it.--MS 49, 1912. safely follow."--Letter 32, 1912.
Picking up the transcript of her letter addressed The letter she was reading continued in this vein,
to the Sanitarium family Friday morning, she read: stressing the responsibility of sanitarium employees
Last night after I had retired to for setting a high standard in example, and the
rest, a strange depression came raising of the question of what influence for good
over me, and for a long time I was could those who participated in such happenings
unable to sleep. have as they should pray at the bedside of patients
Then I seemed to be talking who witnessed what had taken place. She mentioned
with companies of our people. . . . that she saw angels standing by, writing.
I was saying to them, "You do not
I looked to see what they had from their work (DF 249d, C. B. Hughes to WCW,
written. I read these words: “None Aug. 26, 1912).
of these things will give you The Fourth of July incident and the testimony
spiritual strength, but will lessen written the next morning and these various reports
your influence for encouraged the staff at Elmshaven to publish
righteousness.”—Ibid another <SI Special Testimony, <EI which they
After reading the six-page letter, she titled "Recreation" (see Sp. T, Series B, No. 21). The
commented at some length and reminded the type was set at the "Elmshaven Press," and the
personnel of the institution: printing was done at Mountain View. Its distribution
We are here to minister to the and reading exerted a modifying influence in church
sick and afflicted, to relieve their ranks.
sufferings, and if possible, to win Only two or three weeks before this Fourth of
them to Christ. It is your privilege July incident and the vision, Ellen White had
to seek to benefit all who come sounded some cautions concerning the operation of
upon this ground. Nothing should swimming pools at Seventh-day Adventist
be done on these premises that institutions. This was in connection with W. C.
will in any way counteract the White's Sabbath-afternoon visit with his mother on
influence of the Spirit of God June 15. The students at Loma Linda had urged the
which should constantly abide construction of a swimming pool, to be financed and
here.--MS 49, 1912. . . . controlled by an organization of the students. The
It was a solemn meeting. There was no board had voted to investigate the Spirit of Prophecy
resentment, but a humbling of heart. Commenting counsels before proceeding with the proposition.
on the experience the following Wednesday, W. C. Now W. C. White, a member of the board, put the
White wrote: matter before his mother. She responded:
The tenderness with which "The swimming pool may be
Mother introduced the matter and an advantage healthwise, but all
which accompanied her along as proposals have been
presentation of that which she had made in various places to provide
written impressed those present swimming pools, it has been
very much. In the afternoon we presented to me that there is great
had an excellent social meeting in danger of the development of
which many bore testimony unfavorable and serious
expressing sorrow for a part which difficulties.
they had taken in the Fourth of
July program, and many expressed 6BIO 374
gratitude to God that He had sent "In no case could I consent to
them a message of counsel and a swimming pool being
reproof. We are hoping that this established which should be under
will mark the turning point in the the control of an organization of
experience of our Sanitarium students. If there is to be a
helpers.--WCW to E. E. Andross, swimming pool, it should be fully
July 10, 1912. under the control of the institution.
Soon after this experience at the Sanitarium, W. Such an enterprise would need to
C. White discovered that the question of recreation be cared for by persons wisely
and sports was a live one in many places. Sarah chosen who will superintend the
Peck, now at Union College, wrote about the use of the place with Christian
nonsensical "cheers" that had been developed to vigilance."—WCW to AGD, June
spur the athletic teams to "greater frenzy." From 16, 1912.
Keene, Texas, Prof. C. B. Hughes, the principal,
wrote that while things seemed to be under control CS 201
at the time, during the past two years the broom Such an example makes an impression upon the
shop manager had had a terrible time keeping his minds of youth. They notice that lotteries and fairs
workers at their jobs. Football and baseball games and games are sanctioned by the church, and they
seemed to have a stronger appeal, and the games think there is something fascinating in this way of
were so vigorous that one boy had his arm broken obtaining means. A youth is surrounded by
and several others suffered injuries that kept them temptations. He enters the bowling alley, the
gambling saloon, to see the sport. He sees the off his guard, sowing his seeds in human minds, and
money taken by the one who wins. This looks controlling the human intellect. For Christ's sake call
enticing. It seems an easier way of obtaining money a halt at the Battle Creek College, and consider the
than by earnest work, which requires persevering after-workings upon the heart and the character and
energy and strict economy. He imagines there can be principles, of these amusements copied after the
no harm in this; for similar games have been fashion of other schools. You have been steadily
resorted to in order to obtain means for the benefit progressing in the ways of the Gentiles, and not after
of the church. Then why should he not help himself the example of Jesus Christ. Satan is on the
in this way? schoolground; he is present in every exercise in the
schoolroom. The students that have had their minds
CT 274 deeply excited in their games, are not in the best
The public feeling is that manual labor is condition to receive the instruction, the counsel, the
degrading, yet men may exert themselves as much reproof, most essential for them in this life and for
as they choose at cricket, baseball, or in pugilistic the future immortal life.
contests, without being regarded as degraded. Satan
is delighted when he sees human beings using their FE 302
physical and mental powers in that which does not You need to study carefully the question of
educate, which is not useful, which does not help amusements. Ask yourself, What is the influence of
them to be a blessing to those who need their help. amusements on mind and character, and on the work
While the youth are becoming expert in games that which I have come to do? Ask yourself, What
are of no real value to themselves or to others, Satan bearing has the question of amusements on my
is playing the game of life for their souls, taking religious life, on my character as a Christian? Do the
from them the talents that God has given them, and games in which you participate, fit you to engage in
placing in their stead his own evil attributes. It is his prayer and in the service of God? Do they aid you to
effort to lead men to ignore God. He seeks to bring as much zeal and earnestness into the Lord's
engross and absorb the mind so completely that God work as you put into the games you play? Have not
will find no place in the thoughts. He does not wish these amusements in which you have engaged,
people to have a knowledge of their Maker, and he absorbed your interest so that you have not been
is well pleased if he can set in operation games and able to put as much fervor into the learning of your
theatrical performances that will so confuse the lessons as you should have done? Which is to have
senses of the youth that God and heaven will be the supremacy--the service of God, or the service of
forgotten. self? Let every student closely examine the ground
on which he is standing.
FE 225
"Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto AH 508
the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, Part of each day was spent in useful work, the
and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the students learning how to clear the land, how to
proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble cultivate the soil and to build houses in time that
yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, would otherwise have been spent in playing games
that He may exalt you in due time." All your self- and seeking amusement. And the Lord blessed the
uplifting works out the natural result, and makes you students who thus devoted their time to learning
in character such as God will not for a moment lessons of usefulness.
approve. "Without Me," says Christ, "ye can do
nothing." Work and teach, work in Christ's lines, and CT 283
then you will never work in your own weak ability, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary
but will have the co-operation of the divine, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking
combined with the God-given human ability. whom he may devour." Verse 8. He is on the
"Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for playground, watching your amusements, and
you. Be sober, be vigilant" [not in kicking football catching every soul whom he finds off guard,
and in educating yourselves in the objectionable sowing his seeds in human hearts, and gaining
games which ought to make every Christian blush control of human minds. He is present in every
with mortification at the afterthoughts] "be sober, be exercise in the schoolroom. Those students who
vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a allow their minds to be deeply excited over games
roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may are not in the best condition to receive the
devour." Yes, he is on your playground watching instruction, the counsel, the reproof, most essential
your amusements, catching every soul that he finds for them.
colleges in our land are many of them places where
CT 288 the youth are in danger of becoming immoral and
A constant strain upon the brain while the depraved through these evil associations.
muscles are inactive, enfeebles the nerves and gives
to students an almost uncontrollable desire for FE 229
change and exciting amusements. When they are The mind thus educated to enjoy physical
released, after being confined to study several hours taxation in practical life becomes enlarged, and
each day, they are nearly wild. Many have never through culture and training, well disciplined and
been controlled at home. They have been left to richly furnished for usefulness, and acquires a
follow inclination, and they think that the restraint knowledge essential to be a help and blessing to
of the hours of study is a severe tax upon them; and themselves and to others. Let every student consider,
because they have nothing to do after study hours, and be able to say, I study, I work, for eternity. They
Satan suggests sport and mischief for a change. can learn to be patiently industrious and persevering
Their influence over other students is demoralizing. in their combined efforts of physical and mental
... labor. What force of powers is put into your games
Had there been agricultural and manufacturing of football and your other inventions after the way
establishments connected with our schools, and had of the Gentiles -- exercises which bless no one! Just
competent teachers been employed to educate the put the same powers into exercise in doing useful
youth in the different branches of study and labor, labor, and would not your record be more pleasing
devoting a portion of each day to mental to meet in the great day of God?
improvement and a portion to physical labor, there Whatever is done under the sanctified stimulus of
would now be a more elevated class of youth to Christian obligation, because you are stewards in
come upon the stage of action, to have influence in trust of talents to use to be a blessing to yourself and
molding society. Many of the youth graduated from to others, gives you substantial satisfaction; for all is
such institutions would come forth with stability of done to the glory of God. I cannot find an instance
character. They would have perseverance, fortitude, in the life of Christ where He devoted time to play
and courage to surmount obstacles, and such and amusement. He was the great Educator for the
principles that they would not be swayed by a wrong present and the future life. I have not been able to
influence however popular. find one instance where He educated His disciples to
engage in amusement of football or pugilistic
CT 549 games, to obtain physical exercise, or in theatrical
"We can occupy our minds and our time performances; and yet Christ was our pattern in all
profitably without trying to devise methods for things. Christ, the world's Redeemer, gave to every
amusing ourselves. Instead of spending time in man his work and bids them "occupy till I come."
playing the games that so many students play, strive And in doing His work, the heart warms to such an
to do something for the Master. enterprise, and all the powers of the soul are enlisted
in a work assigned of the Lord and Master. It is a
FE 54 high and important work. The Christian teacher and
The rooms of some of the students last year bore student are enabled to become stewards of the grace
an unfavorable record of the roomers. If students are of Christ, and be always in earnest.
coarse and rude, their rooms frequently make this
fact apparent. Reckless sport, boisterous laughter, 1SM 131-133
and late hours should not be tolerated by those who When the students at the school went into their
rent rooms. If they allow this conduct in the match games and football playing, when they
students, they do them a serious wrong, and make became absorbed in the amusement question, Satan
themselves, in a great degree, responsible for the saw it a good time to step in and make of none effect
misconduct. The rooms of students should be the Holy Spirit of God in molding and using the
frequently visited, to see if they are favorable to human subject. Had the teachers to a man done their
health and comfort, and to ascertain if all are living duty, had they realized their accountability, had they
in accordance with the rules of the school. Any stood in moral independence before God, had they
remissness should be pointed out, and the students used the ability which God had given them
should be faithfully labored with. If they are according to the sanctification of the spirit through
insubordinate and will not be controlled, they are the love of the truth, they would have had spiritual
better off at home, and the school is better off strength and divine enlightenment to press on and on
without them. Our College should not become and upward on the ladder of progress reaching
depraved for the sake of a few lawless students. The heavenward. The fact is evident that they did not
appreciate or walk in the light or follow the Light of proclaim the warning, "The morning cometh, and
the world. . . . also the night" (Isa. 21:12).
Have not the playing of games, and rewards, and
the using of the boxing glove been educating and HR 04-01-71
training after Satan's direction to lead to the There are but few who realize that, in order to enjoy
possession of his attributes? What if they could see health and cheerfulness, they must have an
Jesus, the Man of Calvary looking upon them in abundance of sunlight, pure air, and physical
sorrow, as was represented to me. Things are exercise. We pity little children who are kept
certainly receiving a wrong mold, and are confined in-doors when the sun is shining gloriously
counteracting the work of the divine power which without. If parents would dress their children for
has been graciously bestowed. The work of every healthfulness, instead of according to fashion, they
true Christian is to represent Christ, to reflect light, would thoroughly clothe the limbs of their girls as
to elevate the standard of morals, and by words and they do those of their boys, and then let them out-
influence consecrated to God, to compel the careless doors in spring, summer, and fall, to sport and play,
and reckless to think of God and eternity. The world as free as the lambs.
would gladly drop eternity out of their reckoning,
but they cannot succeed so long as there are those RH 03-06-94
who represent Christ in their practical life. . . . Jesus, the Lifegiver, who has paid the ransom of his
The time is altogether too full of tokens of the own life for the life of the world, looks upon these
coming conflict to be educating the youth in fun and wild scenes; and bending down he says, "If thou
games.—Letter 46, 1893. hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the
things which belong unto thy peace!" Gisborne,
2SM 323 New Zealand, is one of the places where scenes like
I do not think, from the way the matter has been that I have described take place. The people of this
presented to me, that your ball games are so town are now waiting for their turn at the races, and
conducted that the record of the students will be of they look forward to the day of the race as if some
that character, in the estimation of Him who weighs great blessing were then to be bestowed upon them.
actions, that will bring a reward to the actors. Thousands upon thousands of pounds of money are
expended every year on horse-races and games of a
8T 52 wilder variety. The panic of desire is so contagious
I was told by my Guide: "Look ye, and behold the that even church-members, professed Christians, are
idolatry of My people, to whom I have been carried away with the excitement and give
speaking, rising up early, and presenting to them countenance to the races by presenting themselves
their dangers. I looked that they should bring forth as spectators. If they do not bet on the races, they
fruit." There were some who were striving for the are still one with the transactors in spirit, and their
mastery, each trying to excel the other in the swift doings are registered and condemned in the courts of
running of their bicycles. There was a spirit of strife heaven. They are reckoned among the godless
and contention among them as to which should be company, and must give an account to God for their
the greatest. The spirit was similar to that manifested wasted time and money.
in the baseball games on the college ground. Said
my Guide: "These things are an offense to God. SpTA07 56
Both near and afar off souls are perishing for the The prince of darkness has set in operation every
bread of life and the water of salvation." When device to ruin and destroy man. He has legions of
Satan is defeated in one line, he will be all ready evil workers uniting with him to obliterate the image
with other schemes and plans which will appear of God in our youth. I ask those who are acquainted
attractive and needful, and which will absorb money with truth, who know righteousness, What are you
and thought, and encourage selfishness, so that he doing? Are you using your influence to bring into
can overcome those who are so easily led into a the ranks of the Lord's army all whom you can
false and selfish indulgence. possibly reach? Have you yourself enlisted to fight
the battles of the Lord? As Christians it is our work
TMK 343 to represent Christ. We are to set an example that
Those who are waiting for the appearing of our Lord shall be in striking contrast to the practises of this
and Saviour Jesus Christ cannot mingle with those evil age. He that is selfish will neglect to do the very
who are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of work he ought to do, and take up a work that God
God, who are seeking amusement in games and has not given him to do. "He that loveth pleasure
pleasure parties. As faithful watchmen they must [margin, sport] shall be a poor man: he that loveth
wine and oil shall not be rich." "He that followeth Tuesday, April 17, 1900
after righteousness and mercy findeth life, My heart was pained to hear that notwithstanding
righteousness, and honor." "The desire of the my talk before the school on Friday morning, when I
slothful killeth him; for his hands refuse to labor. He read a testimony on amusements, and presented
coveteth greedily all the day long: but the righteous before the students the danger of games, the faculty
giveth and spareth not." had not wisdom or discernment to understand how
to deepen the impression made. . . .
1MR 381
Because of so many half-hearted professors, very Wednesday, April 18, 1900
many youth are inclined to think that religion that The Lord has blessed me, greatly me, as I have
needs fun and frolic, jesting and joking, would not taken my position in regard to the amusement
be any benefit to them, and the subject of religion is question and the games which have been unwisely
presented in an unfavorable light. Religion should introduced by the faculty, without one word of
not be made to appear gloomy and unattractive, counsel with me. We should not forget the things
something calculated to detract from their which have happened in the past in America. Little
happiness, making life tasteless and unenjoyable. did I suppose that these games would be introduced
Those who really enjoy the love of God will have and carried on upon the anniversary of the opening
joy and peace. Religion was never designed to make of our school in Cooranbong. Was this the service of
one pleasureless. What can be productive of greater thanksgiving that should have been rendered to
happiness than to enjoy the peace of Christ, the God? I feel so sorry as I think of this, and I am
bright sunshine of His presence? Can darkness or instructed to say, All these movements should be
discontentment surround your soul? Will dark sharply rebuked; for there has been no sparing of
despair brood over you? Never, while your faith is instruction on this point.--Ms 92, 1900, pp. 6-8.
in Jesus Christ. (Diary, April 16 to 18, 1900.)

6MR 127 13MR 45


Among the youth the passion for football games Parents and children should be striving together to
and other kindred selfish gratifications have been bring forth fruit in accordance with their knowledge
misleading in their influence. Watchfulness and of truth, but instead of this there is seen on every
prayer and daily consecration to God have not been hand a strife for advantage. Each seeks to excel in
maintained. Converse, communion with God, is life some line of display or indulgence. On the school
to the soul. The light has been beclouded, and it was grounds games are instituted that arouse the spirit of
well pleasing to Satan to have the impression go emulation. The youth are absorbed in a strife for the
forth that notwithstanding the wonderful work of the mastery, and to gain their ends will often imperil life
Holy Spirit in behalf of our institutions of learning, itself.
and the office of publication and the church, they
fell back to be overcome by temptation. Satan and SpM 197
evil workers cast reflection upon God, and His name There is such a thing as leaning heavily on men and
has been dishonored. . . . lightly on God. Those in charge of our schools
should put into active service every talent possessed
8MR 74-75 (Diary Entries) by the students that can be used for the help of the
Monday, April 16, 1900 school. When this is done as it should be, it will be
To spend money, which is so hard to obtain, on found that students will not hanker for football,
materials with which to play tennis and cricket is not tennis, and other amusements. What the students
in harmony with the testimonies which have been need to be taught is how to make themselves as
given to our school in Battle Creek. The danger of useful as possible wherever they may be placed.
playing these games is pointed out, and those in the They should learn how to adapt themselves to the
school discarded them. It has been understood all work in hand. Christ says, "I pray not that thou
through our ranks that these games are not the shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou
proper education to be given in any of our schools. shouldest keep them from the evil.". . . .
The school in Avondale is to be a pattern for other
schools which shall be established among our SpTEd 81
people. Games and amusements are the curse of the The world is full of excitement. Men act as though
Colonies, and they must not be allowed in our they had gone mad, over low, cheap, unsatisfying
school here. . . . things. How excited have I seen them over the result
of a cricket match! I have seen the streets in Sydney
densely crowded for blocks, and on inquiring what mastery, each striving to excel others in the swift
was the occasion of the excitement, was told that it running of their bicycles. There was a spirit of strife
was because some expert player of cricket had won and contention among them as to which should be
the game. I felt disgusted. Why are not the chosen of the greatest. The spirit was similar to that manifested
God more enthusiastic? They are striving for an in the base ball games on the College ground. Said
immortal crown, striving for a home where there my guide, "These things are an offense to God. Both
will be no need of light of the sun or moon, or of near and afar off, souls are perishing for the bread of
lighted candle; for the Lord God giveth them light, life and the waters of salvation. When Satan is
and they shall reign forever and ever. They will have defeated in one line, he will be all ready with other
a life that measures with the life of God; but the schemes and plans which will appear attractive and
candle of the wicked shall be put out in ignominious needful and which will absorb money and thought
darkness, and then shall the righteous shine forth as and encourage selfishness, so that he can overcome
the sun in the kingdom of their Father. those who are so easily led into a false and selfish
indulgence.
5BIO 36
Some months after getting settled, Ellen White made
an earnest appeal to the believers to establish a
church school. She was particularly gratified that
she could make available nearly an acre of land in a
little triangle near the Sanitarium Road. This she set
aside for the church school for as long as it should
be operated there. On it a building was erected and
eventually enlarged to accommodate a ten-grade
school. She was pleased that her own grandchildren
could attend this school. Part of her cow pasture just
across the Sanitarium Road was soon serving as a
baseball field.

CG 352
Every day there is housework to be done--cooking,
washing dishes, sweeping, and dusting. Mothers,
have you taught your daughters to do these daily
duties? . . . Their muscles need exercise. In the place
of getting exercise by jumping and playing ball or
croquet, let their exercise be to some purpose.

3SM 258
Every working of Christ in miracles was
essential, and was to reveal to the world that there
was a great work to be done on the Sabbath day for
the relief of suffering humanity, but the common
work was not to be done. Pleasure seeking, ball
playing, swimming, was not a necessity, but a sinful
neglect of the sacred day sanctified by Jehovah.
Christ did not perform miracles merely to display
His power, but always to meet Satan in afflicting
suffering humanity. Christ came to our world to
meet the needs of the suffering, whom Satan was
torturing.--Letter 252, 1906

PH084, 8
I was told by my Guide, "Look ye, and behold
the idolatry of my people, to whom I have been
speaking, rising up early, and presenting to them
their dangers. I looked that they should bring forth
fruit." There were some who were striving for the

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