Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1899-05-18
ABOUT DANCES.
EDITOR EXAMINER

EDITOR EXAMINER
May | ask the privilege of saying a
few words through the columns of Your
paper? It is only in this way that
can reach the public ear and | feel that
in justice to myself and the church
which represent the truth should be
known. What 1 say for myself and
the Presbyterian Church will upon ex-
animation be found to be the position
of many of the churches of ChIisten-
dom. And before I go farther let me
say that / write without malice or evil
thought for any one or any organiza-
ton, and simply to correct slight
misunderstanding.
May we present very briefly our
views on four questions, viz: The
wine glass, the card table. the theatre
and the dance.
First, then, the wine glass, or more
! broadly, the liquor question If a
! member Of the Presbyterian Church
desires to have his wine, and etc, upon
his private family table, and is temper
ate in the use thereof, we hold our
peace, for that is q question for him to
decide individually with his God. But
let that same man make beast of him
self, or open d saloon for public bust
ness he is liable to discipline by the
church. We take the same position on
the other questions. If and individual
plays a quiet game of cards in his own
home we have nothing to say, but LET
that same person give a public card
party, the church would protest. Can
| attend the theatre2" asks another
member. We reply, that is a ques
tion for each Individual to answer for
himself or herself as each opportunity
occurs. But if you should join a pro
fassional theatrical troupe the church
would very speedily take the proper
course with you"
The fourth question is the dance
as to the members Of the Presbyterian
. Church attending public dances that ii
something for each individual to decide
prayerfully and sincerelyEas he or sht
should the other questions. You and
God, or God and you, or the two par
ties most vitality concerned, and if yor
can glorify God by dancing, why dance
and may God bless You" But be no
. like the old negro preacher who opened
tho cake walk by asking God ito for
give the sins that they were about t.
commit" TIE Apostle Paul enjoin
J. Christians, and indeed all in thes
words: Whether, therefore. ye ca
or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all t
I the glory of God
The Presbyterian Church does not be
lieve that the management and con
duct of public dances is. becoming t
its members and they are, therefore
!. by such action made liable to the dis
cipline of the church Indeed, we II
gard all these things dangerous. If
member cannot ask the presence {
u those who have been put over them j
y the Lord" at such times and gathering
Il how can they ask their Lord himself
We pray. Lead US not into temptatio
but deliver us from evil, may our live
l and prayers agree.
The ministers of the Presbytaria
church are not dietators, as the oficia
Of some religious organizations. "
: believe in private Judgment, respect ft
< individual opinion, and personal Ill
erty, but when liberty becomes licen'
we call halt.
A few quotations now. showing IL
position of other bodies. We for I'll
sake OF bravity, choose the four repr
sented in our community.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC POSITION.
The pastoral letter Of the Arch bIsht