This, too, is one great reason why worldly amusements are so objectionable. It may be difficult, in some instances, to show that they are, in themselves, positively unscriptural and wrong. But there is little difficulty in showing that the tendency of almost all of them is most injurious to the soul. They sow the seeds of an earthly and sensual frame of mind. They war against the life of faith. They promote an unhealthy and unnatural craving after excitement. They minister to the lust of the flesh,and the lust of the eye, and the pride of life. They dim the view of heaven and eternity, and give a false color to the things of time. They indispose the heart for private prayer, and Scripture reading, and calm communion with God. The man who mingles in them is like one who gives Satan vantage-ground. He has a battle to fight, and he gives his enemy the help of the sun, and wind, and hill. It would be strange indeed if he did not find himself continually overcome.
J.C. Ryle
(1816-1900)
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