The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-04-27
from rigidity and cxnggcration-tho Scylla
and Charybdis Of the new style.
For the Union and Journal,
POPULAR ADJUSTMENTS.

For the Union and Journal,
POPULAR ADJUSTMENTS.
Mr.. EDITOR. the substance Of tho follow
ing remarks were made at our last educa
tional meeting. If you think thcy arc O
sufficient interest, you may give them plac'
in your paper.
Mr.. CHAIRMAN: II seems that tho subject
which is to engage our attention this even
ing, is amusement. In submitting q few de
sultory thoughts, touching this subject, w
shall not confne our remarks 10 tho amuse.
mcnts Of childhood and youth, but may refer
to somo Of those which attract the attention
Of manhood, "ehiidicn of larger grocfh."
First, then, we say, II is right for children
and youth to indulge in sports and ananse
mcnts, because 1t is natural. Children ir
health cannot remain inactive. They mus
have some employment; and, when not other
wise engaged, they must have some kind Of
amusement, which is no evidence Of do
pravity. 1t is natural as breath, and n,
extensive as life for children and youth tc
love play and when their sports are KEPT
within proper bounds, 1t is pleasing fol
men to behold their innocent amusements.
If were to name some the sports propc,
for the young to pursue, it would be th'
various games of ball, skating, coasting
kites, balloons, trundling tho hoop, riding
on horse back, excursions into the fields, the
meadows, the wild woods, on the sca-shorc
and experiments with the microscope, thu
telescope, tho camera obscua, with Geo
graphical games, and Arithmctical puzzles.
For children to play marbles is right but
to play in order to win each Others marbles
is wrong, because it cngcndcr selfshncss,
perverts the heart, and therefore, counteracts
natures law. Now all amusements which
arc innocent, are not only in accordance with
tho spirit and will Of God, but also in har-
mony with the law of nature. If the amuse-
ments of the times are injurious to health,
or Interfere i"i'h more I'LL Poi'ahs uu''''
or come in contact with the@ill of heaven,
thcy are wfons' anu Snouiu no' W o"'
couragcd.
Thr morality or immortality of an act docs
~
not depend on the iashlon o. "rI,nc'ai RUM me-
put on inc VIII o' uoa' ihe n'''' 70 '"'
only 'es. oi r'sn' anu wrong o' so"o a".
evil, anu not INC CUSTOM Vi u ''h'''a'n'u
worid'
We have said, that VIC believe it right Tor
children and others, to amuse themselves on
uifpropsr oooasions'-aecause-itis natural.
This may be seen from tho instinct OF certain
animals. The lamb skips and plays the dog
plays his jocund tricks the horse runs leaps
and pranccs about for pleasure. The birds
make vocal tho groves with their songs, ,whilo
the antelope oounaS along ms native c''ns-
and thus we SEQ tho animal Kihsdom ""cncs
amusements. But Us some arc good' whi'o
Others have an evil tendency, II VIII always
need the guiding hand OF wisdom to point IN
the rig ut direction Amusoments arc wrong
when they run to excess ior tue hrS' s'cp IN
excess is one stop IN SIN. Inc k'nea0m Oh
evil closely pofaerS on ,hc k'nsaom Oh sooa'
Mr.. Wrong lives next door heishoor 70 mr.
Right. The design ofamus'monts is not to
intoxicatc, but to make cheerful; not to be-
wilder, but to enlightcn; not to degrade
but to elevate.
The principal scene ofyouthiul amusement
should bo at home because here is but little
danger of excess. Dissipation is generally
found abroad. AT home, youth are guarded
from harm. Every home should have aplay
ground and garden attached to it, where
children can divert themselves in the open
air. House plants look pale, sickly, and Of
lcaden hue, while those that grow in tho
open air, look aourishing and vigorous.
Again lot us look ut tho amusements OF
children "cf larger gropfh." And hrSt,
theatrical displays. Tho utility OF ali
amuscmcnts must be judged oy the moral
influences they produce. In respect to the
Theatre-going people, their time and money
character, and happiness are involved in this
question. 1t costs as much to sustain these
seminaries OF vice. us 1t docs aii the common
schools OF this city; ana yet tho nara earn
ings OF tho industrious poor are ireeiy eA-