Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1886-05-24
Reli9ioMs department.
IF JOIN THE CHURCH, MAY
I DANCEP

IF JOIN THE CHURCH, MAY
I DANCE?
"If | join the church, have you
any objection to my dancing?"
Such was the question of Mary
W., addressed to her pastor as he
was speaking to her about her maxi
ing a public profession of religion.
She was about eighteen years of age,
of high social standing, intelligent,
cultivated, thoroughly lady in feel
ing and manner. and surrounded by
all that makes life attractive and
plea ant.
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, eff L
join the church, Mr.. A., have you
any objection to my dancing! l am
very fond of it, and feel very unwill-
ing to give it up. What do you
think of it,"
81 will answer your question by
another" SAID her pastor. "Sup-
pose there was large and fashion
able party or public ball in town,
and you were invited to it. And
suppose you had accepted the invita-
ton, and that, going at rather late
hour, as you entered the room you
found all engaged in the dance, and
that you saw me, your pastor, taking
part in it, and leading 1t, what would
you think?
A look of surprise, almost of as
constituent, passed over her face, as
she frankly said: Il should think it
very strange, and greatly inconsist-
ent." ..ae
"Well," replied Mr.. A., elf dane
ing is right and a good thing, why
should not / enjoy it as we'll as you
And if in its influence and tenden-
cies it is wrong and evil, why should
you engage in it or wish it more than
/? A minister is but good man try
ing 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 fol
him. If lie is to be spiritual, and
set holy example, and to come out
from the world and be separate, anC
shun worldly amusements, why are
not you? And if such amusements
are right and proper for you as a fol.
lower of the Saviour, why are they
not for him? And why should you
or any member of the church, wisf
to be or do what you would not lik'
to see him be or do?"
She thought moment seriously
and then said: est is plain to m
now. ] will never dance again.
And she never did.
Uniting with the church by a pub
lie confession of her faith in Christ
she lived, and after some years died
an exemplary faithful, spiritual chris
tian, a help to her pastor in ever
good word and work, and brigt
example to all who knew her.
With this brief narrative in view
three thoughts are suggested for 81
rious and prayerful consideration:
/. AS to all worldly amusement:
if YOU have the least doubt as
YOUR conduct-if there is the lea!
conflict between inclination and dut
go in prayer to the Saviour, an
ask him what you ought to do, an
then act as you believe he would al
prove if he were present with you.
2. If there IS the least doubt, is
not best to err on the safe side, al
rather keep to far from the wor
than to go too near to it?
3. Is it not right for you, in thi
as in all things, TO take such cour
that, if all were to initiate your e:
ample, It would make the church
holy and spiritual and useful churc
and give you, personally, the highe
and best influence as a devoted al
faithful christian ?-Selected.