Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

een led step by step from the path of virtue into depths of disobedience and
dissipation to which at one time they would have thought it impossible for
them to sink.
Do not think that God wishes us to yield up everything which it is for
our happiness here to retain. All He requires us to give up is that which
would not be for our good and happiness to retain.
Entire Rest and Self-Amusement
Young men should remember that they are accountable for all the
privileges they have enjoyed, for the improvement of their time, and for the
right use of their abilities. They may inquire, Shall we have no amusement or
recreation? Shall we work, work, work, without variation?
A change from physical labor that has taxed the strength severely may
be very necessary for a time, that they may again engage in labor, putting
forth exertion with greater success. But entire rest may not be necessary, or
even be attended with the best results so far as their physical strength is
concerned. They need not, even when weary with one kind of labor, trifle
away their precious moments. They may then seek to do something not so
exhausting, but which will be a blessing to their mother and sisters. In
lightening their cares by taking upon themselves the roughest burdens they
have to bear, they can find that amusement which springs from principle and
which will yield them true happiness, and their time will not be spent in
trifling or in selfish indulgence. Their time may be ever employed to
advantage, and they be constantly refreshed with variation, and yet be
redeeming the time, so that every moment will tell with good account to
someone.
Many claim that it is necessary for the preservation of physical health to
indulge in selfish amusement. It is true that change is required for the best
196