Smyrna times., 1855-04-25
Written Jor the Smyrna Times.
Conversation on the Pro2riety of
Circuses.
BY JUvENTCS.

flames, are you professor OF religion y
"Yes, | am."
"Did you go to the Circus on last Friday?"
"Yes, did; for | did not see much impro-
priety in going.'
well, James, let US examine, aud see if
there is any improperly. You say that you
are professor of religion but let Inc ask you
of what kind of religion-the MahOmetan,
Brahlnan, or Pagan religion q
"No-none Of these but the Christian re-
ligion."
"Then, as Christian, you profess to be gov
erned by the teachings and examples of Christ
and there is an acknowledgment of the divinity
of those teachings. He plainly says, Search
the Scriptures" Then, let US commence, and
not confine ourselves exclusively to the New
Testament; but let US hear what Solomon says
Prov. 4th ch., l4th and 18th WIS., Enter
not in the paths of the wicked, and 60 not in
the way of evil men; avoid it, pass not by it,
turn from it and pass away Listen to the
words of apostle Paul-CoIlosians, Sd ch., lst
aud Cd vrs-' If we be then risen with Christ,
seek those things which are above, where Christ
sitteth on the right hand of God; set your af-
tectiun on things above, not on things on the
earth. True, you may argue that you can at
tend those places of worldly amusement with
out setting your affections upon them. This
plea may doubtless arise from want of know
! ledge of our own nature, or the weakness of our
own hearts. There is law of our nature to
this effect: that every time vice is INDUCED
in or permitted to overcome US, degree of
virtue is lost; and every victory gained by vlr-
tue renders it stronger and weakens the power
of vice; and hence, every idle word, every
worldly amusement indulged in, and, in fact,
every pursuit or enjoyment upon which we cam
not ask the blessing of Heaven-or which will
not result either directly or indirectly to the
glry of God--weakens the power of virtue,
, and vice increases in about the same ratio that
virtue decreases, and we may almost uncon-
olsly rush with fearful momentum towards
destruction. Then, how applicable is the ad'
vice of the apostle-1st Thessalonlans, 9th ch
22d Vs. Abstain from all appearance of evil.
The apostle speaks again in language, if possl
BILE, stronger than ever; with all the Divine
authority that inspires his writings and preach
ngs, he says, Have no fellowship with th'
unfruitiul works of Darkness, but rather reprov'
: them And if anything is snecessary to stimu
:, late you to rePrOve these vain works OF dark
:, ness by words and conduct consider the short
ness of human life, the frailty of earthly AM
, sensual objects-consder the words of apostl
hat oil c IN
be dissolved, what manner of persons ought y
:; to be in all holy conversation and godliness !
:, Looking for and hasting unto the coming OF tn
- day of God wherein the heavens, being on fir
shall melt with fervent heat. Wher'
=, fore, beloved, seeing that ye look for sue
things, be diligent that ye be found of Him
" peace, without spot and blameless-2 Peter,
- ch., 1Ith, 18th and I4th YRS.
:, "Were you ever baptized, James :"
ayes, have BEEN"
1c "Do you remember your Babtismal cove
.ru ant o.
:! al do not think about them as much as
nd ought, know"
~ "Let me hear you repeat it-commence Il
All first part" ......... ....e -..... -.
~ 81 renounce the devil, and all his works. t
T. vain pomp and glory Of the world, with all
ctlyetous desires of the same, and the sinful 4
sires of the flesh, SO that / will not follow +
ms be- led by them i. - .....o \. ..,.i..s tt.l
- 81" There, that 10 sufficient. Now, let me q
-. YOU sincerely and humbly, have you kept t
al vow Z" '|"'
'T'' T4 eo"A Alas alas! see plainly that I am gui
H., before God" pass. - a.., a..trs -. 49,
~ IL" Then, dear friend, fly to Jesus for me!cy
,oss resolving, in His strength, that you will ne
Inc. 40 to another Circus" ~ =. .,,,..e...
who NJ "Allow me, further, to speak plainly"
/ in "Speak on, and as plainly and freely as,
hall desire; let me hear the worst now, for II
hall hear it all in the day of Judgment" o... -
such seas your confidential friend, will be c
are did, though brief BY going to the circus,
this we're encouraging wickeness; by yourprese
'lity and money, you said as much as this "t {
been alemen, I am very well pleased with the CO.
! tho which youHre pursuing, and the llie you y
- 81 yt fgats~ fft