Brookings register. (Brookings, S.D.) 1890-1894, 1892-03-04

They are not the persons they would
send for to pray when they come to
die. They know but too well that the
spiritual air of the dance hall is Gor-
eign and deadly to Christian lungs. 1t
is not their native air. The world is
always surprised to find in such a
place any in whose piety they have
any confidence. Neither can anyone
find Christ, however long he may seek,
who continues to attend the dance.
1t dissIpates conviction. True con-
version will, believe take out OF the
heart the desire to dance, for religion
gives us a new heart, and the things
we once loved We now hate and the
things we once hated we now love. Be
assured Of this, at least, that if there
is still in your heart the love OF the
dance your conservation is not perfect.
1t is still a divided heart. The Lord
does not rule the whole, for the Word
says, "Set your affections on things
above and not on things on the earth"
But how about attending balls? Is
there not as muct, harm III attend
ing as to dance. No, there is not,
If my argument amounts to anything
as to the physical, moral and mental
effects, though it may prove as delete
rlous spiritually. The influence would
be as great on others and We would
lower ourselves in the eyes OF the
world as much as if we participated.
True Christians are on q higher plane
of spiritual excellence, and so placed
by the worlds people, and l believe
that many of their hearts are sad
Il ha Nhrio iof1 in,
whom they have confidence and hoped
to initiate some day, perhaps. come
down from their vantage ground and
forever loose the power which they
once had to influence for better life
those honest but worldly hearts. Ii
this is so OF the honest worldly mind,
what must be the feelings of the godly
who are deeply interested in their
brethren and sisters in Christ and are
always deeply panied when any go
astray. How the pastors heart is
troubled when any Of his flock wan
der off even thoughtlessly into PLACES
of danger. The whole church feels the
effect. When one member suffers all
the members suffer with it. And how
sad it is for any who, for the sake
of little worldly pleasure which they
do not thoroughly enjoy, will break
their communion with the Source OF
all pleasure, loose the Joy Of reli-
gion, neutralize their influence on 9th
ers for q better life, and imperil their
eternal salvation. The effect en-
community, where many OF the peo.
pie are absorbed in the dance is spir-
itually great barrier to the spread
Of religion.
The dance is one of the greatest
foes of revival meeting. The two are
Numerically opposed. There is moth
ing in common, one is lite inspiring
and the other Is destructive, one is
thoughtful, serious, ennobling and
truly joyous and pleasurable, the
other thoughtless and frivolous, en-
dangers the health, the morals, the
soul, and has what the world calls
pleasures, but pleasures which are
evanescent, and which draw in their
train the twinge OF conscience, the pro-
test of the soul and perhaps the pangs
OF remorse.
Which of the two will you take?
Which OF the two will you allow to
move into your life? You cannot
choose both. "Ye cannot serve God
and mammon.'
Ihave considered this question from
the side, els there any harm?" and |
believe l have shown there is harm
physically, metally, morally and spir-
itually, enoagh to justify the church
in ruling against it.
But this is not the best way to ap-
proach a question of this nature.
Would it not be better to enquire, Is
there any good in the dance? Will it
help me bodily, mentally, morally and
spiritually? Are there any advant-
ages to me in the /. odern dance to
help build up character strong and
true, to promote my influence in help
ing somebody up to higher plane OF
living and acting in this world of diff
culties and dangers? As Christian,
can l do any good for nay Saviour in
the ball room? Can | ask my Saw
orr s::blessing on my presence? 1s Christ
present with me in such place? II
these questions can be answered in
the affirmative, then have nothing
more to say and would gladly bid you
godspeed in going.
Let all who are troubled to know
"What is the harm?" now take up the
question and say: What is the
good?
1t Took an Elevator Shaft.
Andrew Jackson Dox says he came
near falling down an elevator shaft at