Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1869-02-03

what to do with himself. Put him in
the mine or workshop and he was at
home; but tell him to be graceful
and happy, and it was beyond his
power. 1t is said that provision
should be made for the amusement OF
the people. By whom, and what
kind. is matter upon which opinions
differ. 1t is said the church should
provide The church is not fitted to
promote instruction in this direction.
Associations may do much, how
ever. When public opinion is en-
lightened, amusements will spring up
of themselves. Amusement as the
business of life Is immoral. Those
who live solely for pleasure must
needs grow shallow. Who is there
that does not enjoy the hearty laugh
of strong jOvial man; but suppose
he should laugh all the timel Every
body should earn his amusement, it
is the wages paid to labor, and it is
dishonest to cheat labor out of it.
Amusement should be milestone
to make the faculties sharp. He
liked to see n merry party dance in
summer time on the green-sward, or
in the house, and this might be COM
mended rs useful, but all-night balls
set at naught all rational enjoyment.
They are a mOnstrOus vOmit in the
face of nature, these balls. He did
not say this because he was sour and
cynical, not because he was growing
old, but because these public balls are
mOnstrOus abOrtiOns of pleasure They
sacrifice every end which amusement
prOperally seeks. They jade, not rest,
and give to life a false keynote. In
the name of dancing he protested
against such eXtravagances. he
showed how necessary it is for people
to seek the amusement they require.
Chess is not the relaxation for a
scholar. IfyOu are shut up, go out ;
if YOU are out, go in doors for recrea-
ton. He knew of a professional man
who gets his amusement by frOlicking
with his children, and playing with
them, and has all the rest he requires,
but how would thissort of amusement
do for q nurse in a fOundling hospital
Those who sit should stand; those
who stand sit. Those who think
must frOlic, those who frOlic think.
For himself he would like for his
amusement to drive an engine an
hour and a half day. The engineer
cannot perhaps write a sermon, but
he can read one, and if he is broken
of his rest and needs quiet, he will
find it sweet relief. He referred TO
various games as healthful-the
different games of ball, ten pins, and
billiards. He considered the latter
the gentleman's game. In private
dwellings and under the management
of association it has no danger and
must be especially advantageous to
sedentary men. The oar is democrat
ic, few amusements give men exercise.
Americans do not walk enough; few
know what infinite recreation there
is in walking.
He could speak from experience of
the delightful freedom and eXhilara-
ton of long, bracing walks. In his
college dayS he made n tour of New
England. and he could walk thirty
miles day with tOlerable ease. On
one occasion oil going to the house OF
certain family. he walked fifty
miles and did not feel it. OF the
horse he spoke earnestly and eloquent
Iy. 1t is not cruel to race horse, but
it would be to race an OK! No man
knows a horse from behind, but from
on tOp-hOrseback riding is the thing.
He was appOsed to the turf, because
it is hOpelessly given over to gamblers
The bet is the marrow of the race.
Some say why not REFORM it when
ever amusement becomes demOraliZed
it is cheaper to let il die and start
something new than to try to reform
it.
No amusement, is innocent if it
Injuries the participant. Every man
should learn to select and discrimi-
nate pleasure by his own experience.
Where is the man who eats=R eer-
tain article of food because it suits
the digestion of his neighbOrl What
man. when taken i'll, sends to the
apothecary and asks him to furnish
the last prescription he put for some
other man? Every man should select
his amusement according to his tenn
per. circumstances of life, etc. BY
so doing he will be a better citizen, a
better friend, better Christian. lt
ought to be n part of duty OF the
church to see that people were Kept
happy and he hoped to see theday when
Young Mems Christian Associations
would be provided with ninepins,
chess and billiards, so that the mem
bers might play without liquor, and
under Christian and elevating intiu-
ence. Amusements should be social.
Home should be made rich and
bright and as attractive as possible,
so that children will not feel that any
place is happier than home