The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-12-12

SOClui
The first of a series of parties, was held
a, Mnzourka Hall (Eifelr'S) on Monday
evening of last week. About seventy five
gentlemen and ladies were present, min
Cling in the joyous dance. enivened by the
music of Mr.. Jacksoh's 9Th Reg. Band.
We regard il as in Our province, eslitori
ally 10 discuss the policy, or r,ore properly
the right and the wrong, the tendency for
good or for evil, Of this as well as o. all
things relating 10 the social, moral, politi-
al, or even The religious character of our
Territory; and we do this the more cheer
fully, rs we have reason, we think, 10 rely
upon the caador and sense Of The most of
Our readers; f1any Of whom are pious with
ont bigotry AMI believe in no dogmas which
caanot stand before the warm sunshine of
truth. iht lr Z.
We might, but will not, defend dancing
hy scripture authorities; that is of no con-
sequence. If The bible seemed TO lend
sanction TO slavery, il would not reconcile us
in the slightest degree, TO the clanking
u.anacles oi human cbattelism. There are
many things that the billie does not teach;
such as astronomy, flute playing, the tcle-
graph, and the semi omni potent power Of
sieani; it teaches nothing Of printed hymn
books in velvet cushioned pews-no,hing
of church be!ls--nothing of '',he early
pointed style" Of church architecture, moth
ing Of The 1901 inventions, fashions, and
practices by which ne are surrounded, and
which all aifect in a more or less remote
degree, cur social, moral and religious
characters.
First however, let it be understood, that
we do not, will not, defend the abuse Of
dauciDg-tbe excess of this or any other ex
citement. The existepce oftie St. Filus'
dance, is no better argument against all
dancing, than the Kentucky shakes or the
gibbering or a Mormon vi o has the pocer,
IN an unknown tongue, is al argument
against genuine, practical piefy. But If
''used withou. abusing" nothing we be-
lieve, can have a better tendency than such
parties, to harmonize, socialize, and civil
ize US. Of what value is u cold, selfish in
dividual existence, 10 a people ice olated as
We are? We cannot too nsluously cultivate
all our social and religious privileges
They arc all consistent with each other and
with our own happinessr when properly
limited aud restrained We should dill.
gently attend church, and learn and prac-
rice the divine morality of our blessed Re-
deemcr, without becomcng imbucd with
that asceticism, which turns 10 vinegar all
those sweet social delights which God Great
cd us certainly tocheri$h and to enjoy. SO
also, should we attend the Assembly room
or Concert, without forgetting that God is
ihere--lbat he is every where-without &C
quiriag a disrelsh for the cultivation Of
spirit of piety, of humility and ofrcverencc
toward our Maker.
Nothing is more fatal to the growth Of
genuine religion ia The church and to NOR
ais out OF the church, than to erect wall
around the church, which excludes oil the
light and JOY OF social amnscnen,s The
nature of man and of woman, 20 be properly
developed, requires like, n plant, alternate
shade ami sunshine. The monk in his
gloomy cell, the plant that is planted in
d lr% cellar, illustrate the partial dcvelope-
ni1nt Of man AMI of vegetable. To become
amau-au SORTS Of a n,ca-requires all sorts
of cxper;cnre If life, an acquaintance with
all society, all morals, all teachings, all
paactices. and in short, with all types of hu-
man ,ievelepemeut. Your true cosinopo-
lite, is generally man Of broad plilanthro-
ply and genuine pic;y. if he has any re-
iigious character at all. He respects good
ness and revcrences all that is Gollike.
whether la the Catholic or the Protcs,au;
or Pagan. He learns that the noblest ,ir-
tues are often coupled in The same breast.
with vices the 'aost foul; and that these con-
tras;s ofhshi AT! shade. in the same char
acter. are mostly produced l,y a svant of,hat
culture ofIhc. 'rhoie mai, wisi, all his facul
ties, DEVELOPED as we e,nintain they ought
20 be-, IN that great srhoul, universal cx
Rcrie:ice Of nankina as il really exists. A.
actors the drama Of iife--not spectators
'nercly, It is our business TO go behind the
enriaiu<. toexan'ine The furniiures an,l iron.
eriies, learn what is false aud wbs, is real.
ais:aver,h mystery of ART fetal earthquakes
and The secret OF making sham thunder and
hshtnias- He who never goes behind the
iat-lls'ts ~''i'ise the victim ofclap-,ral.
a,al icluJeJ.