The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1867-05-11

The sNmdependento ON Amnsements.
The Independent of last week contains an ar
ticle upon forbidden Amusements," from
which we quote-not for the purpose OF indors-
ing or condemning it-but to show how wide-
ly opinions may vary, and how changed is the
position of respectable portion of the reli-
gious world upon this important question:
We start, then, with the admission that these
pastimas are in themselves innocent and excel
lent. Take, tor instance, the game of billiards,
This is almost universally condemned by Chris
tians; and yet it is one of the best games ever
invented. There is just enough excitement in
it to make it interesting, and not so much as to
tax the nerves unduly 1t gives us exercise
without violent exertion, it trains the muscles
to steadiness and precision of movement, and
it developes to some extent the mathemat-
ical faculties If we discard it, / know of moth
ing that can take its place.
Cards answer different purpose. They fur
niSh to those who are worn out with labor
pleasant relaxation. A clergyman, who is q
distinguished professor in one of our colleges,
and man not inclined to looseness in his opin-
ions, gave his testimony not long ago, in my
hearing, substantially in these words: There
was q time" said he, when felt that the best
thing could possibly do for an evening was to
play whist. 1 was too tired after the labors of
the day to read or to study; and to listen to
reading or to sit still and think would not do,
for either involved an intellectual activity
which it was necessary that l should avoid. L
was too weak physically to attempt any athletic
sport, and it became q serious question
how should spend the time between supper
and early bed time. A friend, in much the
same condition of health, was boarding with
me, and We cast about us for some suitable
amusement. First we tried chess, but that
was too hard work Then we played checkers
for few evenings, but the possibilities OF the
game " ere soon exhausted, and we concluded
at last that whist was Just what we wanted. 1t
required no intense mental application; there
was just enough excitement TO keep us wide
awake, and it permitted a adesultory chat which
would be far better for us than any converse
ton upon profounder topics"
This testimony is variously confirmed by
persons whose opportunities of observation
have been ample, and whose Christian charac-
ter cannot be questioned. There can be no
doubt that among the quiet freside recreations
this game is one of the very best.
With regard to dancing, can do no better
than to quote the words OF DIR. Claiming. We
may not agree with that eminent divine in his
theological views but no one can doubt the
fife "This exercise" he says, sis among the
most healthful. The body as well as the mind
feels its gladdening influence. No amusement
seems more to have foundation in our nature.
1t is to be desired that dancing should
become too common among us to be made the
object of SPECIAL preparation, as in the ball (;
that members Of tSe same family, when con-
fined by unfavorable weather, should recur to
it tor exercise and exhilarat;on; that branches
of the same family should eniisap in this way
their occasional meetings; that it sholl,l fill up
an hour in all the assemblages for reaxation
in which the young form q part"