recreation

Recreation

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You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14.

Jesus has called Seventh-day Adventists to be representatives in this world that has no moral rudder and is going to eternal ruin at lightning speed. As His representatives, we are to be holding back the tide of evil that is sweeping our world. Those who are standing for truth and righteousness will be “the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13. “In many different ways His grace is also acting as the salt of the earth; whithersoever this salt finds its way, to homes or communities, it becomes a preserving power to save all that is good, and to destroy all that is evil.” Review and Herald, August 22, 1899.

Glorify God

As God’s ambassadors, we are to glorify God in every activity in which we engage. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. [Emphasis added.] I would like to examine this phrase, “whatever you do.” Would this include everything that I read? Watch? Listen to? Would it include every recreation in which my family and I engage? Yes, this phrase must encompass every activity in which I engage.

The Greek word for glory is doxa, which means, “to honor.” In other words, I am to promote the honor and glory of God in everything I do. Those things that would not bring honor to the name of God would need to be abandoned, so I do not fall even farther from the glory of God. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23.

“Seventh-day Adventists, above all people, should be patterns of piety, holy in heart and in conversation. To them have been entrusted the most solemn truths ever committed to mortals. Every endowment of grace and power and efficiency has been liberally provided. They look for the near return of Christ in the clouds of heaven. For them to give to the world the impression that their faith is not a dominating power in their lives is greatly to dishonor God.” Maranatha, 113. [Emphasis added.]

Temptations Abound

Because of the increasing power of Satan’s temptations on the people of God, we are in constant danger of having our faith overthrown by the enemy of souls. God’s people need to be constantly on their guard, watching to make sure that every step is in harmony
with our Great Pattern. We should be analyzing every activity in which we participate, making sure that what we are doing is in harmony with heaven, that angels may be by our side as protection from the enemy. Paul predicted, “that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.” 11 Timothy 3:1, 2, 4.

The Natural Mind

It is necessary for God’s professed people to choose carefully the recreation in which we participate. “Satan is a persevering workman, an artful, deadly foe. . . . He is in every sense of the word a deceiver, a skilful charmer. He has many finely woven nets, which appear innocent, but which are skilfully prepared to entangle the young and unwary. The natural mind leans toward pleasure and self-gratification. It is Satan’s policy to manufacture an abundance of this. He seeks to fill the mind with a desire for worldly amusement, that there may be no time for the question, How is it with my soul?” Review and Herald, August 29, 1912.

Notice carefully that Satan is trying to entangle our souls in worldly amusements that will keep our minds occupied, so that we have no time to examine our hearts to see what our standing is before God in this judgment hour. “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier.” 11 Timothy 2:3, 4.

Satan wants to fill our minds with the amusements that control our world to divert our minds and to bring us down to a low level. “Everything that Satan can devise to divert the mind of man from its accountability to God he will devise. Look at the many amusements and pleasures he has set in operation to keep men from thinking.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 1, 1899.

Ellen White also stated, in the previous Review and Herald statement, “The natural mind leans toward pleasure and self-gratification.” This is spoken of the unconverted people, the ones whose affections are set on earthly pleasure. They love what the world loves and hate what God loves. They are unmindful of what pleases God. The gratification of self is their ultimate goal. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh.” Romans 8:5. “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind.” Ephesians 2:2, 3. “(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, [that they are] the enemies of the cross of Christ: . . . who mind earthly things.)” Philippians 3:18, 19.

In order for us to choose amusements that are approved of God, we must first ask God for a true conversion in our lives. The unconverted will not be able to understand in what activity God would have him engage. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 2:14. Without being converted, we shall surely make the wrong choice in what activity we are to be engaging as individuals or families. Our only safeguard is to be converted daily.

Unsafe Amusements

What amusements are unsafe for our participation?

Ellen White provided counsel regarding the pursuit of pleasure and amusement centers in the cities: “Many parents who choose a city home for their children, thinking to give them greater advantages, meet with disappointment, and too late repent their terrible mistake. The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah. The many holidays encourage idleness. The exciting sports—theatergoing, horse racing, gambling, liquor-drinking, and reveling—stimulate every passion to intense activity. The youth are swept away by the popular current. Those who learn to love amusement for its own sake open the door to a flood of temptations. They give themselves up to social gaiety and thoughtless mirth, and their intercourse with pleasure lovers has an intoxicating effect upon the mind. They are led on from one form of dissipation to another, until they lose both the desire and the capacity for a life of usefulness. Their religious aspirations are chilled; their spiritual life is darkened. All the nobler faculties of the soul, all that link man with the spiritual world, are debased.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 54.

Since television was an invention of the future in Ellen White’s day, she wrote of the theaters. These were places where people went to watch the drama of their choice. The same principle would apply to television viewing as to theater attendance. The television is in nearly every home in the United States, bringing to the minds of its viewers its soul-destroying vice. The television is referred to by some as the “home hypnotist.”

“Television viewing, because of the time it takes, can keep us away from other meaningful activities and pursuits, including spending time with God. When we look at an average person’s weekly activities before and after the arrival of television, we see that the amount of time in church or in reading spiritual material such as the Bible, has noticeably decreased.” Joe L. Wheeler, Remote Controlled: How TV Affects You and Your Family, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Hagerstown, Maryland, 1993, 45–50.

If you are interested in learning more about the harmful effects of television, read “The Frontal Lobe,” chapter 12 of the book, Proof Positive. A detailed study of the adverse effects of television is given there. (Dr. Neil Nedley, Nedley Publishing, Ardmore, Oklahoma, 1998.)

Effects of Television

For now, following are 17 harmful effects of watching unprofitable television for you to ponder. Television

  1. produces a hypnotic effect, bypassing frontal lobe filtering.
  2. reduces time spent in interesting reading and learning.
  3. weakens brain power.
  4. encourages poor lifestyle habits.
  5. encourages obesity.
  6. increases daydreaming.
  7. weakens creativity.
  8. may reduce our powers of discrimination.
  9. trains in non-reaction.
  10. influences viewers to regard violence lightly.
  11. makes children more irritable.
  12. increases aggressiveness.
  13. accelerates sexual activity.
  14. is addictive.
  15. reduces time available for productive achievements.
  16. steals time from family interaction.
  17. adversely affects spiritual pursuits.

Television viewing is the recreation of choice by many people in our contemporary world, but Christians are to separate completely from this sort of recreation. The same principle, I believe, should also be applied to the time that we spend on the Internet.

Guard Senses

We are to guard carefully our five senses, especially our eyes, ears, and mouth. “We are to watch every avenue of the soul, lest Satan come in and desecrate the temple of the heart, which should be wholly consecrated to God. We are to watch lest passion take possession of the soul, to watch lest selfish thoughts are cherished. The reason why there is not more vitality and power in the church is that we do not work and watch as we should. We should stand as faithful sentinels at the post of duty. I pray that the grace of Christ may come into our hearts, and that we may be ever watching for opportunities to do good.” The Signs of the Times, August 6, 1885.

Jesus said, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are [the things] which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.” Matthew 15:18–20. A person would have these kinds of sins in his or her life because of the time spent in viewing and listening to questionable things.

“They will talk of what they love most, and give thought and study to that, until by beholding they are changed to the same earthly image. Their conformity to worldly customs holds them in captivity to the god of this world; for ‘his servants ye are to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey.’ [Romans 6:16.]” The Signs of the Times, March 31, 1887.

“I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.” Psalm 101:3.

“He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil.” Isaiah 33:15.

“And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 11 Corinthians 6:16–18.

WWJD

Many Christians, wearing their necklaces and bracelets with the inscription “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do), may be seen entering the theaters, playing the card game, Solitaire, or other games on their computers, or patronizing the sports arenas and musical concerts. These things divert the mind away from the eternal realities and cause us to neglect the necessary preparation for heaven.

“Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even with those who claim to be Christians, tend to the same end as did those of the heathen. There are indeed few among them that Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls. Through the drama he has worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice. The opera, with its fascinating display and bewildering music, the masquerade, the dance, the card table, Satan employs to break down the barriers of principle and open the door to sensual indulgence. In every gathering for pleasure where pride is fostered or appetite indulged, where one is led to forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan is binding his chains about the soul.” The Adventist Home, 515.

In what kind of recreation should a Christian be involved? Is it acceptable to be found playing volleyball, softball, or basketball, for example? Ellen White wrote: “I do not condemn the simple exercise of playing ball; but this, even in its simplicity, may be overdone.” Ibid., 499. If these games are conducted correctly, they can be beneficial to our health and provide a wholesome atmosphere for children and for adults. These types of activities, if played without a spirit of competition and frivolity, are a good source of fresh air and exercise. They must be, as Ellen White described, “played in a good spirit.” Arthur L. White, Ellen G, White, vol. 6, The Later Elmshaven Years 1905–1915, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D.C., 370.

Family Activities

Mrs. White gave counsel regarding acceptable activities for the family.

“Fathers, . . . Give some of your leisure hours to your children; become acquainted with them; associate with them in their work and in their sports, and win their confidence. Cultivate friendship with them, especially with your sons. In this way you will be a strong influence for good.” The Adventist Home, 222.

“James White greatly admired Canright; it was a natural gesture to invite them to come to the mountains and join them in regaining their health. The two families enjoyed worshiping, hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking together.” Arthur L. White, vol. 2, 386.

“Nothing can increase the strength of the young like proper exercise of all the muscles in useful labor.” Child Guidance, 340.

“In pleasant weather let parents walk with their children in the fields and groves. Amid the beautiful things of nature tell them the reason for the institution of the Sabbath. Describe to them God’s great work of creation. Tell them that when the earth came from His hand, it was holy and beautiful. Every flower, every shrub, every tree, answered the purpose of its Creator. Everything upon which the eye rested was lovely and filled the mind with thoughts of the love of God. Every sound was music in harmony with the voice of God. Show that it was sin which marred God’s perfect work; that thorns and thistles, sorrow and pain and death, are all the result of disobedience to God. Bid them see how the earth, though marred with the curse of sin, still reveals God’s goodness. The green fields, the lofty trees, the glad sunshine, the clouds, the dew, the solemn stillness of the night, the glory of the starry heavens, and the moon in its beauty all bear witness of the Creator. Not a drop of rain falls, not a ray of light is shed on our unthankful world, but it testifies to the forbearance and love of God.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 358.

School Activities

“Gymnasium exercises may in some instances be an advantage. They were brought in to supply the want of useful physical training, and have become popular with educational institutions; but they are not without drawbacks. Unless carefully regulated, they are productive of more harm than good. Some have suffered life-long physical injury through these gymnasium sports. The manual training connected with our schools, if rightly conducted, will largely take the place of the gymnasium.” Christian Education, 211.

“Vigorous exercise the pupils must have. Few evils are more to be dreaded than indolence and aimlessness. Yet the tendency of most athletic sports is a subject of anxious thought to those who have at heart the well-being of the youth. Teachers are troubled as they consider the influence of these sports both on the student’s progress in school and on his success in afterlife. The games that occupy so much of his time are diverting the mind from study. They are not helping to prepare the youth for practical, earnest work in life. Their influence does not tend toward refinement, generosity, or real manliness.” The Adventist Home, 500.

“The healthful exercise of the whole being will give an education that is broad and comprehensive. Every student should devote a portion of each day to active labor.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 308.

“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.” Arthur L. White, vol. 5, 36.

More information on this subject is available in the pamphlet by Ellen White entitled Recreation.

Our Action

“Let the professed Christian ask himself, Can I seek God’s blessing upon the scene of pleasure? Would my Master be a guest at such a place? Will angels minister to me there? Can I there let my light so shine before men, that they may be led to glorify God?” The Signs of the Times, February 23, 1882.

May the Lord help us guard the amusements in which we engage so that we will not be swept away by the popular current of today.

Bible Study Guides – Physical Activity, a Blessing

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February 24, 2013 – March 2, 2013

Key Text

“Thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands.” Psalm 128:2.

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 3, 75–78; Testimonies, vol. 2, 186–192; Selected Messages, Book 2, 322–324.

Introduction

“Inactivity is a fruitful cause of disease. Exercise quickens and equalizes the circulation of the blood.” My Life Today, 130.

“How should we labor to obtain the reward offered to those who are faithful in the service of their God! Is not an eternity of bliss worth a life-long, persevering effort? Those who truly follow Christ will not be left to misdirect their efforts. They will be led to set their affections on things above, not on things on the earth. Transformed by the grace of God, their life will be hid with Christ in God. The energy of the true Christian will be employed in gaining spiritual power. He will appreciate his entrusted talents, and will feel his responsibility to use them for the glory of God. The servant of God will prize his property, but will not hoard it. He will value it only as it can be of use in advancing the kingdom of God on the earth. He will work as did Christ, to bless humanity. He will put his powers to their highest use, not to glorify self, but that every gift may be strengthened to render to God the best use. He will be ‘not slothful in business,’ but ‘fervent in spirit, serving the Lord’ (Romans 12:11).” The Signs of the Times, January 12, 1891.

1 HAPPINESS DEPENDS ON LABOR

  • What is the best activity for the well-being of God’s crowning act of creation? Genesis 2:8, 15.

Note: “God made Adam and Eve in Paradise, and surrounded them with everything that was useful and lovely. … The Creator of man knew that the workmanship of His hands could not be happy without employment. Paradise delighted their souls, but this was not enough; they must have labor to call into exercise the wonderful organs of the body. The Lord had made the organs for use. Had happiness consisted in doing nothing, man, in his state of holy innocence, would have been left unemployed. But He who formed man knew what would be for his best happiness, and He no sooner made him than He gave him his appointed work. In order to be happy, he must labor.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 77.

  • Why is a life of activity intended to be a blessing? Psalm 128:2.

Note: “Another precious blessing is proper exercise. Each organ and muscle has its work to do in the living organism. Every wheel in the machinery must be a living, active, working wheel. Nature’s fine and wonderful works need to be kept in active motion in order to accomplish the object for which they were designed. …

“Without such exercise the mind cannot be kept in working order. It becomes inactive, unable to put forth the sharp, quick action that will give scope to its powers.” My Life Today, 130.

  • What does the written Word say about work and indolence? II Thessalonians 3:10, 12.

Note: “Parents should provide employment for their children. Nothing will be a more sure source of evil than indolence. Physical labor that brings healthful weariness to the muscles, will give an appetite for simple, wholesome food.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 243.

2 DO NOT OVERWORK

  • Even though we are created to be active, what must we remember? Mark 6:31.

Note: “Bring into the day’s work hopefulness, courage, and amiability. Do not overwork. Better far leave undone some of the things planned for the day’s work than to undo oneself and become overtaxed, losing the courage necessary for the performance of the tasks of the next day. Do not today violate the laws of nature, lest you lose your strength for the day to follow.” Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, 376.

“Overwork sometimes causes a loss of self-control. But the Lord never compels hurried, complicated movements. Many gather to themselves burdens that the merciful Heavenly Father did not place on them. Duties He never designed them to perform chase one another wildly. God desires us to realize that we do not glorify His name when we take so many burdens that we are overtaxed, and, becoming heart-weary and brain-weary, chafe and fret and scold. We are to bear only the responsibilities that the Lord gives us, trusting in Him, and thus keeping our hearts pure and sweet and sympathetic.” Messages to Young People, 135.

“There is danger that the women connected with the work will be required to labor too hard without proper periods of rest. Such severe taxation should not be brought upon the workers. Some will not injure themselves, but others, who are conscientious, will certainly overwork. Periods of rest are necessary for all, especially women.” Evangelism, 494.

  • While we seek to preserve sound physical and mental health, what is to be our first object in life? Luke 12:30, 31.

Note: “[Matthew 6:28–30 quoted.] In the sermon on the mount these words were spoken to others besides children and youth. They were spoken to the multitude, among whom were men and women full of worries and perplexities, and sore with disappointment and sorrow.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 19.

“Hence that time is spent to good account which is directed to the establishment and preservation of sound physical and mental health. We cannot afford to dwarf or cripple a single function of mind or body by overwork or by abuse of any part of the living machinery. As surely as we do this, we must suffer the consequences.” Child Guidance, 395.

3 HUMANS MADE UPRIGHT

  • What other element of physical well-being is taught in Scripture? Acts 14:10; Ecclesiastes 7:29.

Note: “Among the first things to be aimed at should be a correct position, both in sitting and in standing. God made man upright, and He desires him to possess not only the physical but the mental and moral benefit, the grace and dignity and self-possession, the courage and self-reliance, which an erect bearing so greatly tends to promote. Let the teacher give instruction on this point by example and by precept. Show what a correct position is, and insist that it shall be maintained.” Child Guidance, 364.

  • How should we walk uprightly in a spiritual sense? Psalms 7:10; 32:11.

Note: “All the heavenly beings are in constant activity, and the Lord Jesus, in His lifework, has given an example for every one. He went about ‘doing good.’ God has established the law of obedient action. …

“Action gives power.” My Life Today, 130.

  • In all of our habits of work and rest, what should we do? Colossians 3:23; Acts 10:38.

Note: “We need to be converted from our faulty lives to the faith of the Gospel. Christ’s followers have no need to try to shine. If they will behold constantly the life of Christ they will be changed in mind and heart into the same image. Then they will shine without any superficial attempt. The Lord asks for no display of goodness. In the gift of His Son He has made provision that our inward lives may be imbued with the principles of heaven. It is the appropriation of this provision that will lead to a manifestation of Christ to the world. When the people of God experience the new birth, their honesty, their uprightness, their fidelity, their steadfast principles, will unfailingly reveal it.” Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, 251.

4 REAP THE BENEFITS

  • What are the benefits of a life of activity? Genesis 2:15; Ecclesiastes 5:12.

Note: “Not only will the organs of the body be strengthened by exercise, but the mind also will acquire strength and knowledge through the action of these organs.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 77.

“Judicious exercise would induce the blood to the surface, and thus relieve the internal organs. Brisk, yet not violent exercise in the open air, with cheerfulness of spirits, will promote the circulation, giving a healthful glow to the skin, and sending the blood, vitalized by the pure air, to the extremities.” Ibid., vol. 2, 530.

“Digestion will be promoted by physical exercise.” Ibid., 569.

  • How should we develop every faculty with which we have been created? I Corinthians 6:20; I Thessalonians 5:23.

Note: “All the varied capabilities that men possess—of mind and soul and body—are given them by God, to be so employed as to reach the highest possible degree of excellence. But this cannot be a selfish and exclusive culture; for the character of God, whose likeness we are to receive, is benevolence and love. Every faculty, every attribute, with which the Creator has endowed us, is to be employed for His glory and for the uplifting of our fellow-men. And in this employment is found its purest, noblest, and happiest exercise.” Christian Education, 64.

  • What should we learn from the competitive sports practiced in the world? I Corinthians 9:24–27.

Note: “Among the youth the passion for football games and other kindred selfish gratifications have been misleading in their influence. Watchfulness and prayer and daily consecration to God have not been maintained.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 6, 127.

5 SPIRITUAL EXERCISES

  • What is even more important in our life than physical exercise? I Timothy 4:8, 7.

Note: “Unless the mind is educated to dwell upon religious themes, it will be weak and feeble in this direction. But while dwelling upon worldly enterprises, it will be strong; for in this direction it has been cultivated, and has strengthened with exercise. The reason it is so difficult for men and women to live religious lives is because they do not exercise the mind unto godliness. It is trained to run in an opposite direction. Unless the mind is constantly exercised in obtaining spiritual knowledge and in seeking to understand the mystery of godliness, it is incapable of appreciating eternal things. … When the heart is divided, dwelling principally upon things of the world, and but little upon the things of God, there can be no special increase of spiritual strength.” God’s Amazing Grace, 297.

  • What is included in spiritual exercise? Jeremiah 9:24; Acts 24:16.
  • What will happen if we do not remain both physically and spiritually active? Proverbs 24:32–34; Matthew 25:26–29.

Note: “[Luke 21:34–36 quoted.]

“This is a warning to those who claim to be Christians. Those who have had light upon the important, testing truths for this time, and yet are not making ready for the coming of the Son of man, are not taking heed. ‘Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares’ (Luke 21:34). There is no period of time when spiritual slothfulness is excusable.” Counsels to Writers and Editors, 24.

  • What are the benefits of spiritual diligence? Romans 12:11, 12; Hebrews 6:12; Philippians 2:14–16.

PERSONAL REVIEW

1 Am I thankful for the ability and opportunity to labor physically?

2 Am I temperate in my work habits? Is there something that I need to change in order to be more in line with God’s way?

3 How is my posture as I walk, sit, or sleep? Uprightness is known also as being an honest, trustworthy individual. Am I one? What can I do to improve my physical and spiritual uprightness?

4 What benefits have I noticed in the life of those who are physically active?

5 Am I active or slothful in my spiritual exercises? No one wins a race without running.

Proper 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.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 653.

“Healthy young men and young women have no need of cricket, ball playing, or any kind of amusement just for the gratification of self, to pass away the time. There are useful things to be done by every one of God’s created intelligences. Some one needs from you something that will help him. No one in the Lord’s great domain of creation was made to be a drone. Our happiness increases, and our powers develop, as we engage in useful employment.” The Youth’s Instructor, January 31, 1901.

Healthy Upbringing “Young children can grow into almost any shape, and can, by habits of proper exercise and positions of the body, obtain healthy forms. It is destructive to the health and life of young children for them to sit in the school-room, upon hard ill-formed benches, from three to five hours a day, inhaling the impure air caused by many breaths. The weak lungs become affected, the brain, from which the nervous energy of the whole system is derived, becomes enfeebled by being called into active exercise before the strength of the mental organs is sufficiently matured to endure fatigue.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 436.

© 2007 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.