Arkansas intelligencer., 1849-11-24
W.sHiSGToS County, Nov: goth, ISIs
EdItcr Of the s.IatelHgencer."


Sir:-l see, in the last number of the InteIIi.
gencer," the copy OF a Resolution. passed at the
Baptist Association of Philadelphia declaring
dancing as opposed to the spirit of the Gospel
preJudcal to the growth of grace in the SOUL &C.
and IN language not to be mistaken, condemning
the practice unchrstian-like.
| fater myself that | am a sincere Christian,
true believer in the sacred scriptures, and one
no trusts in their blessed truths for future saliva
ton.
| am christian according to the words of the
gospel; and. relying upon Ihe precepis of that
blessed book, | would be the last man. knowingly
and wilfuv TO disregard its commands, vet
cannot subscribe TO the dictation set up in that
resolution, unless scripture be produced sus-
tanning such doctrine. ] cannot consent to fol-
low after mans opinions, so long as we have the
Holy Bible fer guide and, though not in the
habit of dancing, an advocate of such an idle
amusement. | am disposed to leave 1t where our
Saviour and the Apostles left it. in their preachngs
and teachings. ln neither, is dancing prohibited,
bat rather spoken of in language of approbation
In the parable of the Prodigal Son. our Lord uses
the words music and dancing as the most forcible
and expressive language TO represent the good
feelings of the happy family, upon the return of
their lost son. The 23d verse, in Chap. XIV.
Luke, he makes the father say: A nd bring
hither the fatted calf anj Kill 1T. and let US eat
and be Herry.'' Again. in the 25lh verse of the
same Chapter, SAYS: - Now the elder son was iu
the field. and he came, and drew nigh to the
house, he heard music md dancing.'' In the 32d
verse. the flther is made to say: &" 1t was meet
that should make merry and be glad for this
Thy brother was dead, and is alive again and was
lost. and is found.''
What to infer from this parable? Our
SlFiOur. to more forcibly convey his meaning to
The minds of his hearers, adopts the most approved
custom of the people his sime. That which
is admitted to be lawful and approved. 1t is
meet that they have music, dancing, and merry
making on that occasion. The Lord thought il
meet. and rebuked it not; but Baptist brethren
in Philadelphia think different, and rebuke the
practice.
If If can be pointed out in the scripture where
dancing is prohibited. | for shall condemn the
practices Otherwise | shall leave it where the
Apostles did. MARTIN LUTHER, the great Refor-
mer. Who undoubtedly is good authority the
Baptist Association, III Philadelphia. did not con-
denim dancing. but left the conscences of those
who chose TO participate in it. In the life of this
Soldier of Cod by II. Andin. is found the following
passage showing the opinion of Luther on dancing:
Is dancing sinfuI2'' his disciple asked him. He
replied, 50 Was not dancing allowed to the Jews
not able to say: but one thing is certan-PeoPle
dance a-days. Dancing necessity of state,
like dress with women, and Ike dinner supper.
And. indeed. DO not how dancing can be prohi-
bited IF people commit sin, it the fault of the
dance, which does offend against faith charity
Dance, then, my children
Like Luther. hope all good and true men.
engaged In the salvation of souls will continue to
preach and teach religion ii is laid down by the
Gospel. and not presume TO teach they think it
ought to have been laid down. 1t must not be
presumed that our Lord overlooked dancing as a
sin, and forgot to rebuke it, prohibit it and it
arrogance in his servants, to pretend to do better
than their Master.
If YOU will consent to admit these views. in the
Inie,lisoncer, you will confer a favor upon one
who does not desire 10 make its columns the arena
of religious coutrove rsv-whose only object is to
bring men to reflection on a subject of importance
to the religious world. A SUBSCRIBER.