Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1894-04-16
AnluseInents.

Landing, Feb. 1921, 1894, as sym
postum:
WHY NEEDED AND HOW MUCH?
The definition accepted for the
word amusement will, doubtless, be
that given by Webster-diversion,
recreation, pastime, sport. The es-
sayist recognizes the necessity for
amusement, and trusts that the fol-
lowing papers on the various phases
of the subject will shed such light as
to insure more intelligent, consis-
tent and united stand to be taken
upon it by our people. We hope in
this matter, as in all other things, our
combined influence and example may
be for the good of men and glory of
God.
Pleasant as it might be to treat the
subject in a general way, and to touch
upon the points of interest, the writer
will confine his attention to the part
of the subject assigned to him.
WHY disbursements are
needed because our Heavenly
proper development of body, mind
and soul there must be seasons Of
recreation. In the trinity of our
nature we discover the embodiment
of Gods best thought, and whatever
contributes toward q perfect man
hood or toward a happier or better
life ought to be recognized.
The mind must be pleasurably oc-
cupied with something beside the reg
ular tasks and constant burden bear
ing of a dull, monotonous existence.
Nature requires, not only the rest
which may be derived from q change
of labor, which is often very benei-
cial, but she requires that the occu-
patton be thoroughly entertaining,
restful and amusing. Without such
changes life becomes hard and unre-
sponsive to the touch of common ne
cessities, and out Of harmony with
youth, not having sympathy for, or
interest in, the prominent features Of
youthful experiences. Whenever one
and conduct of the young loses inter
est in what rightfully interests them,
his influence is seriously restricted.
The quiet, shallow places, if they may
be so called, where the playful and
humorous qualities are shown, often
SO prepare the body and mind for
their respective duties that the deep
places in the strong current of pro-
gress are made clearer, more useful
for the time spent under the willows
playing by the narrow borders Of the
rushing stream.
The business man, who can throw
aside the mantle Of care and anxiety
for a little time as ne steps into the
home with his loved ones and engag-
es in the merriment Of childhood,
comes forth refreshed to be a more
thorough business man. The relaxa-
ton from close thought and applica
ton, not only by rest, but by diver
sion, is necessary TO keep q man at
his best. It let's the sunshine into the
hearts Of cid and young and secures
a more harmonious development than
could otherwise be attained. In an
hour OF harmless recreation mutual
ties Of interest and happiness are
among those who are
brought together. Many cloud in
life, otherwise dark and gloomy, is
seen to be q rifted cloud, and the
light shines through to gladden., beau
tify and purify the inner and outer
life. The regular, unbrolen burden
bearing of this world leads to one
sided development and does not in
sure greatest usefulness for self Or
others. The one who simply sits
down to rest, but yet allows the mind
to look upon the blue side Of the can
vass, and who thinks only of the solemn
is not fitting himself for the
Of the highest ideals Of
human achievement; nor is he max
ing the most Of the opportunities of
the present and becoming the most
prepared for the future.
How Much IS REQUIRED?
It is impossible to observe any cast
iron rule in this matter. Amuse-
nents must be regulated in harmony
with the real needs and actual re-
auirements Of those in the varied
stages in life from youth up, age,
health and occupation considered,
determining as they do the amount Of
required for mind and
body. CAN work and no play makes
Jack duh boy" and if Jack should
grow up to be q Methodist preacher
he would doubtless be a dull one and
minister to q sleepy audience.
think it safe to say that such an