The Van Buren press., 1875-02-16
A Word About Dancing.

spiritual truth ana freeC0m-Why u u tH"t
so many good. and otherwise sensible people,
still cling to that old notion that dancing Is
something that Is wrong, something that
christians should not engage In; and wage
such foolish and futile war against itr
war in which they continually lose ground,
lose the onritlcrce Of other sensible people in
their Judgment. lose their influence over the
young, lose church members, lose the chance
Of winning many a soul for Christ.
Some of the very persons who oppose dane
ing, at the same time go To extremes In dress,
or encourage their children In doing So
which are tar more productive Of harm,'in
volving u really sinful expenditure Of time.
eye-siyht and often Of money which should
be kept for things more necessary. And some
while censuring Others tor what they call
frvolity, are so careless in their own conver-
sation regarding truth. (that great corner
stone of christian virtue). that their word l.
hardly to be depended on. Yet there does
not seem to be half the strong out.spoken op.
position towards such things, that is shown
towards dancing.
Young people piU have amuscments; it is
right that they should. 1t Is law Of nature
W hich should be obey ed-to have recreation
for the body and mind. as well as solid occu-
patton. And tastes are 50 different that more
than one or two kinds are needed.
Young people should also be christians.
There Is no good reason why they should not;
no just reason why they shot'd be kept out OF
some Of the churches by iarl, forbidding
rules. (unlike any that Christ laid down.
which often make religion seem II stern duty,
instead Of joy full, willing service Christians
have MS much--yes more right than any other
people to be joyous and light-hearted, and to
let that light-heartedness manifest itself not
only in a cheerful demeanor, but by engaging
In any kind OF innocent, harmless amusement.
And it is the place of the older ones to pro-
vide such for the young. Let us consider
now what ones are harmless. That which
finds most favor with those who are opposed
to dancing, is the social party. In some eases
they are well conducted. and afford much en-
joyment, especially where music Is one Of the
accomplishments. Again In many cases there
|. no good music, or whole party of people
the proper elements are not thrown together
to produce much rational conversation. The
consequences frequently are that silly pratt
tie. or gossip about ones acquantances Is IN
dulyed in sometimes resulting in real harm
Or worse still, foolish plays are resorted to.
which often put young girls modesty to a
severe trial, and in time wear o1lts fine edge.
and dull her perceptions in regard to the care
ful bella, ior and dignity of demeanor; which
ought to characterize her conduct towards
gentlemen. Kisses are lightly given which
should have been kept for something far more
sacred. or taken from lips which should never
have been allowed to touch hers; aud people
of good taste and delicacy. are often sickened
" with such affairs.
Another popular pastme Is card playing.
Harmless and innocent in ITSELF good home
amusement. affor1ing much pleasure to some;
while many others can see DO enjoyment in
it at ALL and card party would be Il dull ai-
fair to them. Besides it 81 often leads to gam
bling. that most careful mothers dread to see
their sons engage in it. and many persons
cannot bear to see it introduced In the social
circle, because of its associations and suS-
gestions.
Attending the theatre Is one Of the most
fascinating amusemcnts OF the age. In places
where 1t Is practicable; and where the legiti-
mate drama Is used, good plays, well enacted,
afford rational enjoyment and benefit, But
In these days unfortunately there are very
many which do anything but benefit the be-
holder, and such should be Stunned by all
who have regard for true morality. Besides
to some persons this Is an expensive luxury.
and great many have no access to 1t
Now, let us look at dancing. In the first
place 1t is graceful healthful, invigorating
exercise--one which nearly all enjoy. which
can be participated In BY old and young and
generally with little or no expense. The
dancing at parties can be alternated with con-
versation, or IL persons so choose. there need
be little talking except the interchange OF
pleasant civilities or little common places.
The use OF proper dances does not lead to
anything wrong. 1--WE do not advocate waltz
ing) Wrong can be made however, out of
almost anything by carrying 1t to extremes.
The "harm" that comes from dancing Is when
1t is kept up until too late an hour, or indnlg-
ed In too often. thus making 1t dissipation,
injuring health, or wasting time.
Thus think we can see that all amuse-
ments may have harm made out Of them, or
mingled with them, II not properly used. and
none have less tendency to II than dancing.
If parents and elders generally. would attend
parties with the younger ones, and have
them at home when they could--whch Is the
best place for them-participate In the dane
Ing if they are light-hearted or active enough
TO do so, see that all things were carried on
properly, and by their influence exclude wine
drinking and late hours; II ministers would
occasionally mingle with their focks NJ such
places, giving a word Of pleasant encourage
ment or counsel where 1t WAS fitting, thus
gaining the love and confidence of the young.
and showing themselves Ia nsympathy with
| them; therc would be little disposirion to do
what was not right, and we would cease to
hear about the sin OF dancing;" ofits "lead-
Ing young people to perditlon;" Of girls
breaking the rules OF their church, or their
promises to parents; or practicing deception
to gain the opportunity to indulge In for
hidden pleasure. Almost all girls can see
that there is no real sin In dancing; that It ID
no more worldly or harmful than other thing,
which others are nor required to give up on