The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-03-15
WHOLESOME ADJUSTMENTS.


fifty years ago would not have discussed the
subject OF Proper Amusements." as did the
Methodist ministers of Indiana polls at their
meeting on last Monday Time hes been
when MetbodIsm ard Preeby terianism an
athematized any and every form of pleas
urable entertainment Ia even other de-
nominations, also, there have been spiritual
teachers whose rigid views were no compro.
mise upon those of old david Deans" of
the Heart of Midlothian" Not only were
children restrained from any essemblags
for good cheer, bat their homes we're prisons
with guards stationed to arrest any natural
ebulition OF merriment. For glaisome songs
the young were commended such as begin
with "Hark from the tombs a dolefol
sound" or mo room for mir.h or trihing
here"
But in the discussion by the Indianapolis
Methodist ministers one is quoted as saying
parents sought to open their homes to their
childrens friends, even if carpets are soiled
and brio s-brac displaced" Said another,
Laugh and grow fat is not entirely an ire
ligious saying. There is vein ofhumorin the
nature of every one-all the way from 'Peck's
Bad Boy to toe most stsid old Christian
Imaginable" There were expressions of like
tenor from others. while there were several
to condemn amusements as hurtful in ten
dency TO morality and spirituality. But the
discussion as whole indicates growth of
liberalty in me Methodist Church, and the
same is true of other denominations, as to
amuse ments. 1t shows spirit for regulating
rather than prohibiting resources for pleas.
ure. With such teachings from the min
istry, parents will be found
considering and adopting measures
for providing home amusements
for their children. When they do this and
take part themselves in the rastimes their
boys will not be found SO anxious to be from
home at night. There will be q happier
community of feeling between the several
members of the family. When evening
comes let music readings aud social games
lend cheer to the sitting room. These en-
liveniDg features csptigste and make home
something more than place of abode. Oae
of the most devout and successful ministers
of the Methodist Church was recently found
by q visitor engrossed in q game of backgam.
mon with his better half. In the parlor
their three sons and three daughters,
ranging from ten to twenty three years, were
singing, one of the boys skillfully accompa-
nyiDg the piano with violin. An hour
later the entire family, with the visitor. was
engaged in social game, which afforded
much merriment, at the conclusion of which
family prayers were held, the evening hymn
being sung 10 piano and violin accompsni-
ment. Every member of that family is
esteemed In the community for irreproacha-
bic life and lovable qualities.
The stage often affords amusement, in
struction aud entertainment, improving to
the mind and promotive OF good in the
heart. This is now recognized by many
ministers, and the day is not far dis
tant when instead OF prohibiting
plsy.going the ministry, or at least
large portion OF il, will look only to the
class of plays. Whatever tends to the culti-
walton of cheerfalness, so that it does not de-
bauch morals, is conducive of good. The
growing plant which knows only darkness
or clouds or cold will be dwarfed, odorless
and colorless; warmth, light and freshening
dews are needed to make them strong,
brilliant and fragrant. The creature whe
frowns. is melancholy, denounces harmless
cheer, is not q good advertisement for reli.
giop. He is not our ideal of an inhabitant
of the celestial realm. Nor are those whose
precepts favor
well spread looks and long, wry faces"
most influential in winning the human
family to the better life Amusement Is mol
this and aiding in drawing the line between
demoralizing and innocent recreation, the
ministry is taking great step forward.