American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1872-04-20
Popular Amusementc.
For the Citizen !


For the Citizen
MIR. EDITOR :-Inqniries are fire.
quently made with reference to the
doctrine of the Methodist Church,
as well as others, with regard to
amusements. We send You here
with, for publication, the Address
of the Bishops of the NJ. f. Church,
South, on this subject, which was
prepared aud delivered at the spec
ial request of the General Confer
ence during its session at Memphis
in 1870 All churches which have
published their views officially to
the world, agree substantially with
those herein set forth.
We have been accustomed to re-
gard the advice of wise and ex
perienced men as second only to the
teachings of the Bible. Good
counsel is cheaper than experience
1t is both safe and wise to accept it.
Having endeavored for years to
conform our lives to these views,
certainly without any detriment,
and, we think, with great advan-
tage to ourselves, we commend
them to the consideration of others.
| II.
, To tie Members of the NJ E Church. South.
| DEAR BR THRES We have been request
| ed by the General Conference, nov in sessi IL,
to address to you brief pastoral letter oil
the subject OF worldly and fashionable
ADJUSTMENTS. The On OF this is to set
forth an earnest deliv-r.nce as to the danger
to spiritual religion arising from lax views OF
moral obligation at this point, and the peril of
the soul incurred by any removal of the an
Gent landmarks which separate the Church OF
Christ from the spirit the world To the
thoughtful. religious mind, the tendency of
society in tine direction of unrestraned indul
gence in all forms of sensuous gratifica ton is
alarming. Whether this is the result OF a
reaction tie public mind from restraints
necessarily imposed by years OF devastating
evil war. or OF an advancing civilization which
ministers mainly to material ends and luxu-
'lOus tastes, il is certain that the eager rush
OF Southern soc ETY. after anuscments of one
kind and another is one of the startling
signs oil the time
We feel assured that a religion of mere
forms and dosmas, whatever its boast NAV
he cam t arrest this current. or counterfeit
its tendency to ruinous social degra alton
Nothing less than a genuine goodness, in
the power of its re@enerating influence, can
meet the necessities of the case. 80 power
tul, indeed are the destinations Of pleasure, SO
Astounding the niquity in high places anu
laxy rhat he. Iowa of has, u cold
Young persons OF cul ivared minds and elr-
giant manners, who may desire to be sincere
ly religious. specially open to dar ger,
from the tone OF surrounding fashionable
society. and from the plausibilitcs of the
worldly spirit But the law OF qualification
which rules the world, and offers the present
and immediate, is, and ever must be. opposed
TO the unbending law of duty which conscience
and G od impose.
There can be no compromise here. There
can be no inward experience of grace, no
valid religion OF the heart. which is not pr, =
,e led by full. unreserved, irrevucable
C, imminent to the Lord Jesus. This COM
mitment in, olives sci -der ia1, taking up the
cross and following Christ. 1t is the SURF n
der OF the will to supreme governing pur-
posc-of the affections to supreme govern
ing love. religion OF mere culture, OF
amiabiiitics and aesthetic tastes. OF sentiment,
opinion and ceremony, NAV readily allow par
ticpation in diversions which cannot be used
IN the name OF the Lord Jesus-in dancing
and revelng, in theatrical aid operate, and
circus exhibitions. III the gambling operations
OF tire tIri-nOt to mention the recently re-
vived excitements of the cockpit. hut the
religion which is a divine lite in the soul OF
| hrist's true disciple, needs the voice OF
conscience and feels the powers Of the world
To come. 1t confers the d e ity of holiness,
the strength OF selt-denial. the glad freedom
OF a spirit re- oicing in the right and good.
Such relig.on needs not desires not. allows
not, participation in worldly pleasures. in
diversions which. however sanctioned by
lashon are felt and known to be wrong by
every truly awakened heart. Its spiritual
discernu ent is not deceived by well-dressed
plausiblities, by rein. ments in last, re-
spec abilities in social position. 1t has put
The Lord Jesus and made no provision tor the
| flesh to fulfill the lus:s thereof TIE infu-
nee OF this form OF religious oh. racter may
be lent but it is none the less potent. in the
| family, by The hrcs''e, at the watering-placc +,
OF on the broad thoroughtares OF business.
What the Church lives, will alone affect the
world.
In conclusion. We beg to suggest that the
pastors the NJ E. Church, -outh give
| iced to these things in the administration OF
Discipline. Indulgence in worldly diversions
ui the class aforementioned. we hold to be
| inco. ssteHt with tn" baptisnal VOWS of our
members. and with their Church covenant
hey nave solcmniy engaged 10 renounce t; e
devil and All nio works, The VAN! I0iup ard
glory the world. with all cuvetou- desires
OF the same. and the carnal desires OF the
flesh, SO that they will not follow or be led
by them. The Book o. Discipline provides
not only against crimes and gross immorali
ties, bat the.e Is process laid down Tor cases
OF Imprud-nt conduct, and In,ulging sinful
tempers or words. We are persuaded that
where that process is faithfully, firmly, but
kindly followed, these growing evils may be
| arrested.
That you all, beloved brethren. may be
blameless and harmless, the children of God
without rebuke-l. hts in the world, holding
forth the word of lie is the earnest desire
and prayers of your pastors. Whatsoever
things are true, whatsoever things are honest
whatsoever things are Just whatsoever things
are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, what
soever things are OF good report, il there be
any virtue, and if there be any praise. think
IN these things" And may the God oil peace
! be with you.
AN ACT to amend sections 1929,
1880, and 1851, CT the Revised