The Portland daily press., 1897-11-18
THE QUESTION OF ADJUSTMENTS.
Kew. Rollin 7. Hack Addresses Chris
tian Endeayorers.

NO fixed Nules Can Be Laid Dovvn-Racb
Must Decide for Himself-Card P,.v-
ing, Dancing and observation-disclosures
to Recent Play at the ,Iesfarso,,
Al the Second Parish cburcb los,
evening the pastor, Rev. Rollin ~ u.oh-
delivered by request lecture on Ar,rsa'
ments, which he had previously oive,,
The audience consisted largely ne Chn,e
tian Endeayorers from his own and
neighboring churches.
Mir. Hack began by claiming that rao-
reation and amusement are recognized az
necessities. Therefore the question to be
decided by the true man and woman 10
what kind of amusement will best fit one
for the work of life. AS general ruIe
it might be laid down that the man of
sedentary life needs out of door exercise
while the man whose work is bodily la
Dor needs not only rest for his body but
be asked in regard to any entertainments
is: Is it harmful OF docs it have harm
full tendenoies? Next: Is it good, help
full, with uplifting tendencies.
The recent musical festival gave an
opportunity for recreation of the highest
and best Kind and greatest value. 1t not
only stimulated for the time, but left a
legacy of the noblest memor les.
Some arnusements have no definite
character. They may be said to be neu-
trial, with no harmful tendencies. In re-
gard to this, the only question is whether
or not the man is making the best use of
his time in enjoying them.
Another important question is as to
what effect ones amusements have on
others. The real question is not only
whether the amusement is right in itself,
but whether also it is right for me as a
member of society. The question should
also be looked at from the high plane of
mem bership in Christian society
There is no rule to be laid down for in
dividual cases, since the question must
be settled in each case according to prin-
ciples.
The speaker said that he could not lay
down rules as to the propriety or harm
fulness of particular forms of amuse-
ment. He would, however, speak briefly
of dancing, card playing and theatre
going solely from his own standpoint.
He would say what be should do, without
attempting to say what his hearer should
do. The game of cards might in itself be
called neutral. Cards are no more harm
full in themselves than checkers or chess.
But the company that the cards bring
one into and the time used in the game
should be considered. It was incon-
ceivable that people should wish to spend
much time playing ards when there are
SO many useful things to be seen and
done in this world. The playing of cards
was fully as much matter of common
sense as of religion.
In regard to dancing. in the lecturer S
opinion the round dance was to be con-
demned. The public ball was menace
to health and morals.
AS to the theatre, it is claimed to be
educatiye in it's power. 1t gives to those
who have not travelled an opportunity to
SCU q wow VI tl0 llu4AcIS, 0i65S anu
ideas of otner lands and other times.
The drama is form of art. We read
Shakespeare's plays. Why not see them
actedP
But the real question for me Is: Is it
good for me and for those ABOUT me, for
those behind the curtain as well as those
before 1t. A noted actor in London once
pointed behind the curtain and said:
"There is Gomorrah. If that is true,
said the lecturer, the theatre is not good
for me.
Many plays are of noble and uplift.
ing character. And perhaps I can dis
criminate. But the boys and girls whom
am trying to help by my example may
not be able to discriminate; and so if
attend the theatre l run the risk of
losing my influence with them.
In conclusion the lecturer said: 81 say
nothing about the jefferson. have been
told that several of the plays there were
corrupt, and young man who took a
her all the evening Out upon such
thiDgs And yet do not say you cannot
go. But if you go, see to 1t that it is not at
the cost of your neighbours downfall, be-
hind the scenes or in front. See to it that
it is not at the expense of your own
Christian life. Oh, see to it that you
keep your own spirit unsullied, pure,
fed at the very fountain of Gods life.
DO all things to the glory of God. This
is what is needed: Some overmastering
purpose to control, to lift, to lead the
life, SO that in our work we may be
pressing toward the mark of God, and in
our amusemerts seek sound mind and a
sound body, manhood growing richer,
fuller and TT uer; womanhood that as
years go by becomes more divine, inspir-