The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1845-01-29
n, he 60 1900

@Nf - - 1T III Noul DdUtI vi AlG
18th inst. an article on "Social Parties, signed
by J. H., which think not just the thing.
The author pretends tOfnake some exceptions
IN parties, and thinks some kinds of parties may
ibe right; but condemns the ones carried ON in
Cadiz.
have had some knowledge of the manner in
which parties in Cadiz have been conducted,
and must say that they will not come under the
objections specified by J. II. see no good rea-
son why ministers and church members should
be excluded from the social enloyrnents of life
any more than other persons, if there is nothing
immoral in parties, abstractly considered, which
J. II. admits; but the harm is in the conduct of
those attending-it is for this very reason that |
would have ministers and church members attend
them. They exert a %salutaiy influence over the
rest of the company, by their godly CONVERSE
ton; and prevent the outbreakiugs Of folly and
vice which sometimes occur; they give tone to
the whole company, and by their clristiaH-like de-
dortment, recommend the religion they profess.
1t is true sometimes, when there is a large and
promiscuous assemblage of persons, who have
not been used TO attending parties of the first
class, that there will be some who feel under
restraint and rejoice when the ministers and more
steady members of the church leave, las they
usually do about led time) so that they can OK.
%erclse themselves a little at dancing, or some
other harmless amusement, although it may BIS
sore against The will of their accommodating host
and hosiess-who cut Of regard for the ministers
and members of the church, would discounte-
nance any thing unpleasant to their feelings.
AS to eTtraragance, that is altogether as peo-
pie fancy. Some consider it extravagant for a
man to wear a fur hat when a woollen might an
swer-or a cloth coat, when they could 90 in
their shirt sleeves; and a lady to wear a mcrino
or silk dress, when a flannel or calico would an
swer the same purpose.
think from what | have seen, there has been
no unnecessary extravaganza. AT most parties
they have had a few sweet cakes and preserves
sometimes an odd turkey or two--but what is
that compared to the immense amount consumed
by these very directors, in tobacco, segars, and
liquor annually. | have noticed that the persons
Who make parties are among The most liberal al
s%o--they aye usually most solicjtous about the
welfare of their neighboEs aud friends, and man
lfest every disposition to do them a good tuFn.--
Ii is true, there may be some persons who con-
sider themselves well off, and feel like making a
display TO CRAFTY some uuhallowed passion, Or 10
mortify some foe, OF to be considered good Gle
YER fellows, that reach little beyond their means,
in getting up a large party; buttheso are rare
C .scs, and if ministers aud members of the
church attend, they soon repent Of their folly,
and VII moi be caught again. But | wonder if
J. II. and those who sympathise with him, are
generally very liberal--are they foremost to con-
trilute towards any benevolent object? or do
they not find objections toward almost every
scheme of beneyolence in order TO justify Them
selves in Withholding?
As TO selections, they are generally made with
reference TO convenience, and not on account of
any claim 10 supetiority-and the objections most
Ily arise from those who would like to be of The
number, but owing either TO their penuriousness
or want of knowledge, they do moi take the steps
requisite to cnsllre hem an invitation, the con-
sequence IS that they Cry out "sour grapes"
AS to inviting the poor, manned, blind, &c,
&c, it will be time enough for J. II. and those
who syn,patAise with him, to complain Of others
neglcCting them, whom they have set an exam
pie.
/ see no reason why ministers are required to
.Ys,t every sick bed, and attend every funeral,
more than EIders Or church members generally.
They should give 4 proper portion Of their time
bub Ecl W tIC ACSIGSb VI OtHGi uutiCS' ILlillS-
tecs are Men Of like passions with others---they
are liable 10 disease, fatigue, &c, and Too much
should not be expected from them. If elders,
deacons and church members generally, would
faithfully discharge the duties incumbent on
them, by virtue Of their office, they would not
have SO much time TO notice the defects Of their
ministers; and instead OF finding railing accusa-
tions against them. would be more inclined to
pray for their infirmities. FINS.
P. S. DO not wish to obiectto the conduct
Of members of the church for dancing, simply
for exercise or amusement. AS Solomon says
there is a time for dancing and a time for mourn
ing---and | have no doubt but any church mem.
Der who does dance, or others who approve oft,
get their authority from Solomou--and very like
Iy he intended that dancing and mourning should
be alternate.
N. B. | hope the insertion of this communi-
cation will not be the occasion of any of your
numerous and valuable patrons Withdrawing their
subscriptions.