Effect of such Gatherings . Many such gatherings have been presented to me. I have seen the gaiety, the display in dress, the personal adornment. All want to be thought brilliant, and give themselves up to hilarity, foolish jesting, cheap, coarse flattery, and uproarious laughter. The eyes sparkle, the cheek is flushed, conscience sleeps. With eating and drinking and merrymaking, they do their best to forget God. The scene of pleasure is their paradise. And heaven is looking on, seeing and hearing all. {TM 83.1}

Virkningen af sådanne sammenkomster
Mange af sådanne sammenkomster er blevet vist mig. Jeg har set festligheden, klædernes iøjnfaldenhed, personlig prydelse. Alle ønsker at blive anset for at være glimrende, og bringe dem selv op til løssluppen munterhed, fjollet spøg, billighed, grov smiger, og larmene latter. Øjnene funkler, kinderne rødmer, samvittigheden sover. Ved at spise og drikke og gifte sig, gør de deres bedste for at glemme Gud. Fornøjelses stedet er deres paradis. Hele himlen ser på, ser og hører alt.