Iowa state bystander. [volume] (Des Moines, Iowa) 1894-1916, 1904-09-16
Especial to Bystander.)

Mr.. Editor: The following head
lines noted in your paper, "A Church
Dance" to my mind is contrary to
reason or propriety, inconsistent with
the plain dictates of common sense,
nonsensical and ridiculous, to say the
least, in a civilized world.
Again, the minister of the gospel
who in any wise would even think
Of having public dance" at his resi-
dence, has forgotten his mission, viz,
an instrument in the hands of God
for the saving of souls, rather than
erecting platforms for the wearing out
of soles. Saul was no less a promi-
ment factor in the stoning of Stephen
because he only held the coats. III
you pursue good with labor, the labor
passes away, but the good remains;
if you pursue evil with pleasure, the
pleasure passes away, but the evil
remains"
The divine command, "Let your
lighb so shine before men that they
may see your good works." was in
tended for all who profess His name.
but the more for the shepherd of the
flock.
How often have I been asked, "Do
you believe a church member should
dance?" What does the church men,
Der think of it? is my reply.
If you can conscentiously dance
and play cards, and serve God, why.
you are the Judge; but few have met
with abundance of success in the at
tempt. The loss of sleep, exposure,
late hours, which accompany these
worldly pleasures are sufficient proof
that it is wise to think well; for
cent per cent do we pay for every
vicious indulgence"
| know of no object of contempla-
ton more sad than human wreck.
l can contemplate great calamity:
when it involves no strain of honor
and no less of character, with equa.
nimity-content that the hand OF
providence is in it, and that good
must consequently come out OF 1t.
can read, of the great conflicts upon
the battle field, where the atmosphere
is burdened by expiring life. and
blood flows in rivers, and rise from
the picture inspired by it's heroism
but to think of youths bright hopes
and precious innocence, OF love and
truth and purity of honor, and man
hood and womanhood, of all goodly
gifts of person and graces of mind
led down into the abyss of perd1tlon
blotted out or spoiled-ah, and this
by one appointed to lift up the fallen
one who bears the name of minister
of the gospel, this is, by awful emil
mence, the horror of the world.
There comes a point in every mans
history when, if he wishes to be
sanctifed vessel, meet for the Mas
ter's use, he must decide to droG
J everything that prevents holy career
and a life of perfect service among
the people of the Lord. 10 -oul
! brother who would build platforms fol
dancing, Build ye more stately man
sions, Oh! my SOUL" and remember
| that life is as serious thing al
! death, and the saving of a soul o.
| more worth than money galneC
| through dances or any other worldly
| pleasures.
| At this time I would like also tt
add that some of our good ministers
of the gospel want to observe hloi.
| closely the fourth commandment
Why desecrate Gods holy day at thf
head of railroad excursions?
What good can you hope to brinl
out Of evil? God has not given to u
vast learning to solve all the prop
lens, or unfailing wisdom to dlrec
all the wanderings Of our brothers
lives; but He has given to every on
of us the power to be spiritual, AM
by our spirituality to lift up and en-
large and enlighten the lives w
| touch.
] Let us teach the people to ODE,
Gods laws for their own good.
Let us teach them economy by say
ing the unnecessary dollars given 7
railroads on Sunday excursions.
i A man has no more religion thai
/ he acts out in life; for religion