- Preface
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- Chapter 13—Temptation No Excuse for Sin
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- Chapter 38—Accountability for Light
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- Chapter 41—Divine Guidance
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- Chapter 44—Self-denial
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- Chapter 46—Abiding Presence of Christ
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- Chapter 50—Education for Eternity
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- Chapter 55—Aspiration for Improvement
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- Chapter 59—Responsibility for Soul Winning
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- Chapter 61—Personal Work
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- Chapter 64—Unselfish Service
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- Chapter 79—Our Attitude in Prayer
- Chapter 80—Faith and Prayer
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- Chapter 82—Search the Scriptures for Yourself
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- Chapter 87—A Well-grounded Hope
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- Chapter 94—The Effect of Fiction
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- Chapter 107—A Christian Household
- Chapter 108—Faithfulness in Home Duties
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- Chapter 115—The Hour of Worship
- Chapter 116—Religious Hospitality
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- Chapter 126—Words of Counsel
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- Chapter 129—Unholy Influences at Work
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- Chapter 134—Literary Societies
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- Chapter 137—Christian Sociability and Courtesy
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- Chapter 141—The Choice of Companions
- Chapter 142—The Golden Rule
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- Chapter 147—Irreligious Visitors
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- Chapter 155—Responsibilities of Marriage
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- Chapter 157—The Example of Isaac
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Relaxation and Amusement
Those who are engaged in study should have relaxation. The mind must not be constantly confined to close thought, for the delicate mental machinery becomes worn. The body as well as the mind must have exercise. But there is great need of temperance in amusements, as in every other pursuit. And the character of these amusements should be carefully and thoroughly considered. Every youth should ask himself, What influence will these amusements have on physical, mental, and moral health? Will my mind become so infatuated as to forget God? Shall I cease to have His glory before me?MYP 379.2
Card-playing should be prohibited. The associations and tendencies are dangerous.... There is nothing in such amusements beneficial to soul or body. There is nothing to strengthen the intellect, nothing to store it with valuable ideas for future use. The conversation is often upon trivial and degrading subjects....MYP 379.3
Expertness in handling cards often leads to a desire to put this knowledge and tact to some use for personal benefit. A small sum is staked, and then a larger, until a thirst for gaming is acquired, which leads to certain ruin. How many has this pernicious amusement led to every sinful practice, to poverty, to prison, to murder, and to the gallows! And yet many parents do not see the terrible gulf of ruin that is yawning for our youth.MYP 380.1
Among the most dangerous resorts for pleasure is the theater. Instead of being a school for morality and virtue, as is so often claimed, it is the very hotbed of immorality. Vicious habits and sinful propensities are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs, lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes, deprave the imagination and debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhibitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for tranquil pleasures and sober realities of life, than theatrical amusements.MYP 380.2
The love for these scenes increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater, the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement.MYP 380.3
There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both body and mind. 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 for the Church 4:651-653.MYP 380.4