- 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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Chapter 133—How to Spend Holidays
Recreation is needful to those who are engaged in physical labor, and is still more essential for those whose labor is principally mental. It is not essential to our salvation, nor for the glory of God, to keep the mind laboring constantly and excessively, even upon religious themes. There are amusements, such as dancing, card-playing, chess, checkers, etc., which we cannot approve, because Heaven condemns them. These amusements open the door for great evil. They are not beneficial in their tendency, but have an exciting influence, producing in some minds a passion for those plays which lead to gambling and dissipation. All such plays should be condemned by Christians, and something perfectly harmless should be substituted in their place.MYP 392.1
I saw that our holidays should not be spent in patterning after the world, yet they should not be passed by unnoticed, for this will bring dissatisfaction to our children. On these days when there is danger that our children will be exposed to evil influences, and become corrupted by the pleasures and excitement of the world, let the parents study to get up something to take the place of more dangerous amusements. Give your children to understand that you have their good and happiness in view.MYP 392.2
Let several families living in a city or village unite and leave the occupations which have taxed them physically and mentally, and make an excursion into the country, to the side of a fine lake or to a nice grove, where the scenery of nature is beautiful. They should provide themselves with plain, hygienic food, the very best fruits and grains, and spread their table under the shade of some tree, or under the canopy of heaven. The ride, the exercise, and the scenery will quicken the appetite, and they can enjoy a repast which kings might envy.MYP 392.3
On such occasions parents and children should feel free from care, labor, and perplexity. Parents should become children with their children, making everything as pleasant for them as possible. Let the whole day be given to recreation.MYP 393.1
Exercise in the open air, for those whose employment has been within doors and sedentary, will be beneficial to health. All who can, should feel it a duty to pursue this course. Nothing will be lost, but much gained. They can return to their occupations with new life and new courage to engage in their labor with zeal, and they are better prepared to resist disease.—Testimonies for the Church 1:514, 515.MYP 393.2