The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-11-15
"If Join the Church May Dance?"

eff l join the church have you any OBJ
lection to my dancing?'
Such was the question of Mary -, ad-
dressed to her pastor 70 he was speaking to
her about making public profession of re-
Iigion. She was about eighteen years of
age, of high social standing, intelligent, cul-
tivated, thoroughly lady in feeling and
manner, and surrounded by all that makes
life attractive and pleasant.
Having been hopefully converted, after
much thought and prayer she had decided to
unite with the church of which Mr.. A
was the pastor. But before so doing she
asked him, in the conversation alluded to,
"If | join the church, Mr.. A, have you
any objection to my dancing? l am very
fond of it, and feel very unwilling to give it
up. What do you think of itf"
81 will answer your question by another"
said her pastor. "Suppose there was a
large and fashionable party, or public ball
in town, and you were invited to it. And
suppose you had accepted the invitation, and
that going at rather late hour, as you en-
tered the room you found all engaged in the
dance and that you saw me, your pastor, tax
ing part in it, and leading it, what would
you think 2"
A look of surprise, almost of astonishment,
passed over the young lady's face, as she
frankly said, 81 should think it very strange,
and greatly inconsistent"
"Well," replied Mr.. A, " if dancing
is right and good thing, why should not l
enjoy it as we'll as you? And if in its infu-
ence and tendencies it is wrong and evil,
why should you engage in it, or wish it more
than -? A minister is but good man, to
do good to men. And there are not two
standards, one for him, and another for the
members of his church; not two rules of
Christian living, one for you, and another
for him. If he is to- be spiritual and set a
holy example, and to come out from the
world and be separate, and shun worldly
amusements, why are not you? And if
such amusements are right and proper for
you as follower of the Saviour, why are
they not for him? And why should you, or
any other member of the church, wish to be,
or to do what you would not like to zee him
be or do?''
She thought moment seriously, and then
said, cit is plain to me now. will never
dance again" And she neuer did,
Uniting with the church by public con-
fession of her faith in Christ, she lived, and
after some years died, an exemplary, faith
full, spiritual Christian, help to her pastor
in every good word and work, and bright
example to all who knew her.
With this brief narrative in view, three
thoughts are suggested for serious and pray
erful consideration:
l. AS to all worldly amusements, if you
have the least doubt as to your conduct-if
there is the least COL fict between inclination
and duty, go in prayer to the Saviour, and
ask him what you ought to do, and then act
as you believe he would approve if he were
present with you.
2. If there is the least doubt, is it not best
to err on the safe side, and rather keep two
far from the world, than to go too near
to it?
3. Is it not right for you, in this, as in
all things, to take such course, that if all
were to initiate your example, it would make
the church holy and spiritual and useful
church, and give you, personally, the highest
and best influence as devoted and faithful
Christian !?