Smyrna times., 1874-07-08
Senii.UeYil Meetings.
MARYDEL. Md, July 3.

MARYDEL, Md, July 81, 1874.
NJ. Edtor:-We are having quite number
OF seInl-devil meetings in our vicinity OF late.
known generally under the assumed name of
"pic-nic" These meetings are instituted and
carried oa by the devil s agents, to promote the
int, rests of the devil kingdom. At the conclu-
sion of their meetings they proclaim aloud a
big timel' Now in what sense can any man re-
gard such amusements as are exhlblteo lh tue
ballroom as being "big" unless 1t is 10 preparIc
ing our young people for the lie anu ueatn VI
the sensualist. the drunkard, or the outlaw
Observation confirms that which the experience
OF ages has declared, that there is an undylng
antsgonism between the ball room and pure
religion. As its aim is to amuse, and as the
great majority of them are the depraved, the
dissipated, and the sensual 1t must furnish
excitement suited to their grovellng desires.
The staple of the performances consists OF
plays and farces, which, like the phosphores-
cent light dancing over the pestllentlal marsh,
owe all their briancy to corruption, and
dazzle only to destroy the runaway gazers. We
regard such meetings as are carried on by these
eemi-devilS, as being curse to our community,
a nursery of vice and RIGHTEOUSNESS, recrea-
ton which ought not to be allowed among
a civilized, much less Christian people,
The various Christian denominations, how
ever far asunder In other respects, have agreed
In strongly denouncing this amusement. Even
the Roman Catholic Church has solemnly
warned her members against public balls, the
drama, the opera, and all exhibitions or
gatherings that may be the occasions of sin, as
the worst enemies of Christian piety. But we
have a class in our community who are so
completely governed by their father, the deOu,
that love of virtue, or the tear OF God, does
not prevent them gratifying their lmpious and
unclean inclinations They arc so very near
the pit of destruction that it seems impossible
for them to take another step lower without
stepping inside. We entertain no hopes of
recaiming them. These are the fools, doubt
less, of whom Solomon says, Though thou
shOudst bray fool in mortar among wheat
with peste, yet will not his foOlishness depart
from him" The greater part of their con-
versation runs upon card d-playing, dancing
parties, swearing, lying, aud drinking, while
some Of them might be termed the devil S
slciU Tub walking upright; such are the
characters OF those who pierce the air with the
cry OF "a big time, after having succeeded in
their diabolical design, of enticing our young
people from the pure and innocent joys OF
home, and introducing them into the ball room,
where they pOllute their imaginatlons, excite
their sinful passions, defile the delicate sensi-
blities OF their heart, corrupt their principles,
and FL their soul with thoughts and emotions
utterly incompatible with the presence of the
Holy Spirit And such men as will engage in
q calling so wicked, abOmnabe, and villain
GUS do not deserve the name of nled, for they
have not the principle of meO, but may Justly
be called at least semi-deyils. Beg All that
section of country lying between Petersburg
and Marydel is interspersed with these wicked
wretchss, the last named place inclusive.
MORNING GLORY.