The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1881-12-28
For the Central Presbyterian.
A Girls View of Dancing.

Every thing has right and wrong.
If it is not right for Christians to dance,
go to the theatre, play cards, etc., etc., it
is bound to be aOrong
A party of young people meet. Some
are Christians and some are not. There
is no distinction and they all Join in. a
sociable dance or game of cards. Some
young girl is fascinated with dancing
and begins to go to balls. The first
time, she says to herself, There can be
no possible harm in my going to this
ball, such and such friend of mine is
going, and she is member of the
church" also she says, eve danced few
nights ago and no one seemed to think
it any harm; then too, know all who
are going to be at this ball" Having
thus quieted her conscience she goes.
The Christian friend IS there, she goes
for just once, and is not injured in the
least, but the weaker friend is fascinated.
She goes again and again, and meets in
the ballroom people who are not fit com
panions for young girl. She is led away
from all that is pure and good, and be-
cause her stronger friend went once. We
cannot act only for self; we must think of
others. There are many things which
we can do without any injury to our
selves, but our example will injure
weaker brethren.
o Christians why are we not more
separate from the world? If we are
going to be on the Lords side, why not
serve him with our whole hearts?
About going to theatres, it is much
the same. Good Christian people say,
COIL we certainly cannot miss seeing
this or that fine actor, every one goes to.
see him" So they go. They may come
home delighted and not at all injured.
But where is the weak brother?-
Simply saying If so and so go, who are
members of the church, why can I not
go? he goes. He has no discrimination.
and he goes from one to the other, from
bad to worse he sees the vilest plays
and he is not strong enough to resist the
fascination. Theatre-going becomes pas
sion with him. All that was pure in
him is mprooted, and he becomes vile.
This is because the strong Christian"
brother or sister went only once. We
cannot think only of ourselves; if God
has given us strength we must use it for
his glory-we must give of our strength
to him that is weak. Let us come out
LtOLh ouOhS Iueu anu ne separate
Have we not leader? a glorious
leader? Ought we not to be proud to
stand up before all the world and con-
fess him? If we are not proud of being
on the Lords, side and if we are not will
ling to give up something for him, why
do SO many profess love for him? If we
profess love for him and then do nothing
for him, we only bring dishonor on his
name. Let all know we are on the
Lords side, and let them see we are
proud to be there. Young Christians,
and especially women, what an influence
you can have either for good or for evil
on your friends. God has given you
such wide field in which to work for
him. You may never know what an in
tiuence some word or action of yours may
have had on the life of friend. But
God will know what effect every word
has had, for Every word mans lips
have uttered, echoes in Gods skies. >"
How many young man may have
played his first game of cards at yoam'
side, young womanl May have received
his first glass of wine from youy hands.
OH think what responsibility rests on
your shoulders. Decide what is the right
course for you to take, and then stick to
1T: If you can stand temptations, think
OF the weak brother and 40 not lead him
astray Girls be women, true, pure,
noble-hearted women If the women are
purer the men will be better men.