Year: 1867

BY Rev. Washington GLADDEN..


Some of the reasons given for
the prohibition Of certain innocent
amusements were recently consid-
cred. These reasons were not
found to be conclusive. The ques-
ton now before us is, whether, all
things considered, it is not better
for Christians to approve these a.
musements, and to regulate them
with care and wisdom, than to for
bid them. Let us keep it con-
stantly before US that the only
question is question of expedi-
ency. If they are forbidden, it is
not because they are immoral, but
because it is inerpedient to permit
them, because Of the perils which
attach to them and the abuses
which grow ont Of them. And what
we arc to decide is whether it is
mot more dangerous to forbid than
TO IjeTtnit them. f yI


We start. then, with the admis-
sion that these pastimes are in
themselves innocent and excellent,
Take, for instance the game of bill
liards. This is almost universally
condemned by Christians; and yet
it is one of the best games that has
ever been invented. There isjust
enough excitement in tito make it
interesting, and not SO much as to
tax the nerves unduly. 1t gives
us exercise without violent exer-
tion, it trains the muscles to steadi-
ness and precision Of movement,
and developes, TO some extent, the
mathematical faculties. IF we dis
card it, / know of nothing that can
takeits place.


Cards are designed to answer
a different purpose. They furnish
to those worn out with labor a
pleasant relaxation. A clergy
man, who is a distinguished pro-
fessor in one ofour colleges, and a
man not inclined to looseness in
his opinions, gave his testimony
on this subject not long ago, in my
hearing substantially in these
words; 'There was a time" said
be, "wben felt that the best
thing could possibly do for an
hour in the evening was to play
whist. I was too tired after the labors
ofthe day 10 read or to study; to
listen to reading, or to sit still and
think would not do, for either in
volved an intellectual activity
which it was necessary that should
avoid. / was too week physically
TO attempt any athletic sport, and
it became a serious question how !
should spend the time between
supper and an early bed time A
friend, in much the same condition
of health, was boarding with me ;
and we cast about US for some suit
able amusement. First we tried
chess, but that was too hard work.
Then we played checkers for a few
evenings; but the possibilities OF
the game were soon exhausted, and
we concluded at last that whist was
Just what we wanted. 1t required
no intense mental application
there was just enough excitement
nit to keep US wide awake; and
it permitted a desultory chat, which
would be far better for us than any
conversation upon profounder top
ics." This testimony is variohsly
confirmed by persons whose oppor
tunities of observation have been
ample, and whose Christian char
acter cannot be questioned, Tbert
can be no doubt that among tht
quiet freside recreations this game
is one of the very best.


WI h regard to dancing, l can do nj
better than to quote the words o
DR.. Charming. We may not agree
with this eminent divine in hi
Theological Views, but no one cal
doubt the pure and lofty moralitl
of his doctrine and his life. "Thi
exercise" he says, ''is among thu
most healthful. The body, as wei
as the mind, feels its gladdenint
influence. No amusement seem
more to have foundation in ou
nature. = y i 1t is to be de
sired that dancing should becom
too common among US to be mad
the object of special preparation
as in the ball; that members of tn
same family, when confined by un
favorable weather, should recur T.
it for exercise and exhilaration
that members of the same famil.
should enliven in this way thei
occasional meetings; that it shoul'
fill up an occasional hour in all th
assemblages for relaxation in whicI
the young form a part"


These amusements are good i,
themselves; but there is danger i
permitting them, because Of thei
abuses. That we have conceded
So far as Christians are concerned
there is no more danger on tn
one score than on the other. On
who is only held back from thes
Sndulgences by threatenings
church discipline might be in pei
ii if these restrictions were with
drawn. Such a person, however
can hardly be calleda a Christian
But one whose Christian principl
is strong enough to lead him vo
unfairly to deny himself on or
ioyment, which he considers innC
cent, for the sake Of others, is abl
to use the enjoyment temperatel
and with no danger of abuse. A
the danger. therefore, is in th
cases Of those who are not undt
Christian principle, many Of whol
are Young and inexperienced.