Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-03-07
From the Southern Churchmdn.

FROM HS OOulReTN Sh'CtAneJe.
Mr.. ED1ToR.-Having been regular
reader of your paper ever since Its Publ'-
caton-so far as my time would permit,
and hoping that have been benefited by
two pieces lately published it it, Zone on
personal piety, the other signed Psulos,)
the latter Of which, brought home to my
heart one of my besctting sins-irritability
of temper, l would offer through your
columns, few hints 10 protesting Chris
tians of the present day, on participating
in worldly amusements; hoping, as have
been benefited by your selections, my re-
marks-tho' common may be read by some
to editication. 1t has been but short
time since professed hope in Christ;
since which, have frequently been urged
by those who care not for the things OF
God, to attend dancing parties, and much
to my surprise, some professors OF religion
do not seem to view attendance at such
places as improper. | was once devoted
to it as an amuse .nent, but since became
a professor Of religion, have never once
felt an interest to participate in, or be
where it was the amusement of the eve
ming. Nor can see, how any, who have
felt themselves to be lost sinners, and be-
lieve that Jesus has purchased them with
his own precious blood, can at all desire to
participate in that, or any other worldly
amusement. Who that has ever looked
within himself-and felt the burden OF his
guilt, his deadness and want of love to his
Redeemer, can think such places caicula-
ted to cultivate spirit Of piety. Has He
no. told US to s'love not the world, neither
the things of the world" to swatch and
pray, lest We enter into temptations" and
who that has ever felt that there is tempta.
ion without, and corruption within, can
suppose that he can partake Of worldly
amusements, without injury Does not
the Apostle say, "be We holy, for | am
holy" and what holiness can there be in
the frivolous amusement of dancing! Ma
nv say that there is less sin in dancing,
than in engaging in the triaing converse.
ton usually held at evening assemblies,
and it may be so-but we are not COM
manded to choose between sins OF greater
and less magnitude-but to avoid even the
appearance Of sin, lest we cause weak
brothers 10 offend. And l now address
myself to the Christian, (not to the world.
| ling,) and would beg him to remember
that when he is mingling in the dance, ne
is giving a hold TO the world to esteem
Christianity as but a name. The bible
clearly shows US, that there must be dis
tinction between the people of God, and
the world. For it says, come out from
among them, and be ye separate, and
will receive you, &c. sc. Weddings are
often made an apology for joining in such
amusements. But l would ask, if we are
not told to take up our cross daily, deny.
inc ourselves, and follow Christ. And. IT
reproach is cas-. on his name, by our at
tendance at such places, is it not our duty
to stay away-even though we have an in-
clination to 90. The old professor knsws
not how narrowly he is watched by the
Young; and l must confess that when my
tbouehts we're first turned to the subject,
the lives of some were such an enigma,
that knew not what to think, till deter.
mined to take the word of God as my
guide; and after careful perusal Oft
can find no place in it, where we are COM
manded, or even permitted 10 mingle in
the amusements of the world.
Having united myself 10 the Protestant
Episcopal Church, have, with deep NOR.
ti6cation, heard the accusation brought
against it, as denomination, that they aP.
proved ofdancing. Living far from any
established Church of the denomination 10
which belong, and not believing the ss-
sertion, | feel anxious that it should be re-
futcd. A dancing Christian, appears to
me paradoxical. should be glad to have
YOUR opinion on the subject, through the
medium Of your inestimable paper.
Should these remarks be thought worthy
Of notice, you are at liberty to make any
use of them you may think best: -
FEEBLE FAITH.