The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-05-25
AnWSeInacuts.

/
The Independent contains an article upon "For.
hidden Amusements," from which We quote
not because we agree with all of it-but to show
how opinions vary: t, ...a.t.,. ..ri
1--WE start, then, with the admission that these
pastimes are in themselves innocent and excellent
| Take, for instance, the game billiards.
This il almost universally condemned by Christ
ians; and yet it is one of the best games that has
ever been invented. There is just enough excite
ment in it to make it interesting, and not so
much as to tax the nerves unduly. It gives us
exercise without violent exertion, it trains the
| muscles to steadiness and precision Of movement,
and it developes to some extent the mathematical
faculties. If we discard it, know nothing that
| can take its place.
''Cards are designed to answer different pur.
pose. They furnish to those who are worn out
with labor pleasant relaxation A clergyman,
who is distinguished professor in one Of our
colleges, and man not inclined to looseness in
his opinions, gave his testimony on this subject
not long ago, in my hearing, substantially in
these words: There was time said he, when
l felt that the best thing could possibly do for
an hour in the evening was to play whist l was
too tired after the labors of the day TO read or
study; to listen to reading or to sit still and
think, would not do, for either involved an intel
lectual activity which it was necessary that
shoulda void. Twas too weak physically toattempt
any athletic sport, and it became serious ques-
ton how l should spend the time between sup
per and early bed time. A friend, in much the
same condition of health, was boarding with me-
and we cast about US for 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 were soon ex-
hausted, and wO concluded at last that whist was
just what we wanted. 1t required no intense
mental application ; there was just enough ex-
citement in it to keep us wide awake, and it
permitted desultory chat which would be far
better for us than any conversation upon pro-
founder topics. This testimony is variously con-
firmed by persons whose opportunities of obser-
walton have been ample and whose Christian
character cannot be questioned. There can be
no doubt that among the quiet tiresde recreatiOns
this game is one OF the very best.
With regard to dancing, can do no better
than to quote the words of DIR. Charming. We
may not agree with this eminent divine in his
theological views, but no one can doubt the pure
and lofty morality of his doctrine and his life.
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. n
1t is to be desired that dancing should become so
common among as not to be made the object of
special preparation, in the ball. that members of
the same family, when confined by unfavOrable
weather, should recur to it for exercise and ex-
liberation; that branches of the same family
enliyen in this way their occasional meetings;
that it should fill up an hour in all the assem-
blages for relaxation in which the young form
part"