New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-12-15
THE cJFRGy AND RECRE1TION

Elsewhere in this issue will be found breezy
interviews with a number of clergymen on the
subject Of clerical exercise and recreation. That
the cIergymen who speak on this question take
sane and rational attitude in regard to it
ought not to surprise anybody, and yet prob
ably it will for many people, even to- day, look
upon the clergy as "A sort of third sex. who can
have and ought to have no interest in physical
or mental recreation. But this view is fast dis
appearing. and the clergy themselves are max
ing vigorous stand against it. They are in
cljned to say with the Rev. DIR. Henry van
Dyke, " dare do all that may become a man."
or with the Rev. DIR. William VI. Taylor ::
ANY sport that is good for member OF my
congregation is good for me- or with the Rev.
DR.. Charles II. Parkhurst that what is proper
for ayman is proper for 4 clergyman and
what is improper for clergyman is improper
for layman.
This is undoubtedly sound position in the
abstract. But as will be seen. the cergymen
who take it feel it their duty - modify it in
practice The Rev George H. NcGrew for
instance, would like to 60 to the theatre, but
does not out of Difference to religious public
opinion Neither does he dance. because his
not hesitate to say that he diSagrees with his
Church on that point. DR.. Taylor also would
like to go to the theatre very much but re-
trains from doing 50 because he feels that the
practice would impair his influence. DIR. Park
hurst believes in a wholesome and moral drama,
and recently went to see Il play about whose
wholesome morality there would seem to be no
question. The Rev. Mr. Faunce does not 60 to
the opera, though he is paSSionately fond OF
music. And although the Rev. Dr. Charles II.
Eaton enjoys a game of billiards, he does not
pay in public halls because of the associations.
Yet he finds that it does not impair his Influence
to 90 occasionally to the theatre The rule
which these cergymen lay down for themselves
+, without doubt a wise one They will not use
even their lawful liberty in such n way need
eSsly to offend the prejudceS Of Christian peo-
pie, irrational though such prejudceS my some
times be.
1t is not surprising to find that the Apostolic
paStime Of fishing is popular with the clergy, al
though one clergyman, Dr. Eaton, condemns
it when it is INDUCED in simply as sport But
the attitude Of some Of the clergy in regard TO
hunting is surprising. Mr.. McGrew, Dr. Tay-
Tor and DIR. Parkhurst see no harm in it. and
the first-named clergyman is himself fond Of
hunting As is well known also, the Rev. Or
Rainsford is a mighty hunter who has the
courage of his convictions. The Roy Mr..
Faunce and DR. Eaton, on the other hand
strongly disapprove of hunting as sport, on
the broad ground apparently that no one has
a right to kill animals for amusement In this,
rs in every other similar question. every clergy
man Of cOulSe must decide for himself. But
those Of them who indulge in hunting simply
as sport will find il hard to satisfy multitude
Of good Christian people that such a sport is in
keeping with a calling whose spirit should be
gentleneSs, peace and love.
Altogether it is evident that the modern
clergyman need not suffer for lack of exercise
or recreation. There are no end of harmless
or even useful hobbies in which he can engage
and which will give him the mental recreation
and stimulus he needs. While as to physical
exercise there is sufficiently wide choice open
to him without counting any sports which are
cf doubtful prCpriety. If everything else fails
he can always walk, or set up cheap ard
simple gymnasium in his study. 1t is pleasant
to know that the clergy are alive to the impor-
lance Of physical and mental recreation. and
that they are taking a rational and compre-
hensive view Of its relation to a well-developed
manhood