The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-02-08

argument for abstinence from all intoxi-
eating drinks, and it applies with equal
force and propriety to many other mat
ters. Paul applied it to the eating of
flesh, that had been offered in sacrifice to
idols, convinced that his eating of it,
gave offence to consciences not so we'll in
structcd and enlighted as his own, he
brought himself under litigation to abb
stain. TO all who thought and felt, as
he thought and felt, he recommended the
same principle; leaving it, however, with
each, to act according to the dictates of
conscience. He said it was lawful for
him to eat, but that it was expedient for
him to abstain and to do thing,
in itself lawful, but from which to alb
stain, he knew to be expedent, for the
edfication of his christian brethren, would
be to commit sin. Now there are things
which in themselves may not be morally
wrong, but which many christian breth-
ren deem offensive. They may be incon-
sistent with the gravity of christian char
acter. They may tend to relax the NOR
al principles of others. They may be
viewed by men of the world, as discred-
table to the church They may be used
as arguments against the body of chris
tians with whom you are associated, and
they may diminish the influence both of
your precepts and example, in relation to
those whose salvation you may otherwise
be anxious to promote. A gay and giddy
christian is certainly an Inconsistency
Far be it from me to affirm that he has
no right to be cheerful-no right to min
gle in the innocent amusements of life.
If any man has reason to be happy, and
to wear a countenance, expressive of joy
and delight, and to make full use of all
the social comforts and blessings of Prov
idence within his reach, it is the chris
tian. They are his by divine right,
guaranteed by covenant stipulation, and
accompanied with rich covenant compla-
cency. He is blessed in his basket and
store--in all the relations he sustains-
and in all the rational enjoyments of life.
1t is only in the abuse of these, that he
forfets the divine favor and blessing con-
nected with them. Let me specify one or
two things, as an illustration of what has
been said. Would it not give just Of
fence to many christians, to see brother
in Christ, fellow member of the Church
90 to the bar, even occasionally, not to
say habitually and drink the Intoxicating
cup? Possibly it is done by some who
are in communion with the church, but
surely to their own deep discredit with
cruel disregard to the feelings of many
christians, with reckless heedlessness of
public sentiment, and with insane indif-
ference to their own moral and christian
reputation. The man who does so, is
more bent on gratifying stubborn will,
if not a grossly sensual appetite, than of
securing the appreciation of all good men,
and the approval of God. His christian
character, to say the least, is most equiv
ocal, and certainly he must be out of all
harmony, in his sentiments and feelings,
with the immense majority of reputable
society. Is he abstaining from all appear
, ance of evil /? The intuitive belief, and
the unhesitating response of this entire
audience, is no.
Again, there are amusements to which
many christians take exception. In the
abstract, they may not be sinful, but gen.
orally, they have dissipating effect. We
may mention dancing. Respecting this
amusement, the judgment of most of the
protestant denominations in this country
is, that it is wrong. In the subordinate
standards of the Presbyterian church, the
subject is mentioned, as may be seen by
consulting the one hundred and twenty
ninth question of the Larger Catechism
When | speak of this amusement, | con
meet with it the circumstances in which
lit is usually INDUCED. They who are
partakers of divine nature, but whC
feel themselves liable to the influence o
sin, will determine to set no wicked thing
before their eyes. Instead of wilfully ex
posing themselves to scenes where gull
may be contracted, they will watch ant
pray, that they enter not into temptation
Without affirming that dancing in itsel
is sinful, [ have no hesitation in saying
that it is contrary to the rules of tn
church with which we stand connected
This being the case. besides being often