The illustration of this absorbing attachment to play was witnessed in every city and town in the land where the game of base-ball was introduced. Young men, in many instances, seem to be infatuated to such an extent as to unfit them entirely for every useful employment. Such devotion is surely worthy of some better cause. When amusement ceases to be a recreation, and becomes a business, it should be abandoned. Amusement as it affects habits.-In the selection of any method of enjoyment, it would also be well to inquire whether it may not lead to the acquisition of injurious habits. It is not safe for us to follow the road that has led others to ruin. If persons have been injured by such an indulgence, what reasons have we to suppose that we shall be exempt from the same danger? Are we stronger, wiser, or better than they? Self-love may induce us to set a very high estimate upon our powers of self-control; but a superior wisdom has said, "Lead us not into temptation." We have no right to put ourselves in danger of acquiring injurious habits, for the gratification of our love of pleasure. The amusements of bad company.-It is a matter of the first importance to inquire whether the enjoyment of any particular form of recreation will lead us into disreputable company. Is its exercise confined to the society of the good, or may we be thrown by its pursuit among those of questionable character? No one can afford to sacrifice his self-respect by associating with the vicious or vulgar for the sake of any temporary gratification. Amusement in improper places.-Does the proposed What is your observation of those who are intensely absorbed in pleasure? What prospect have they in life, if they continue so? Why? Is it wise for us to go in the way of temptation? Is the pleasure worth the risk? Are we likely to escape the snares into which others have fallen? Why? What is good society? What is our duty in reference to our company? Why? Dare we go into any improper place for amusement. pleasure lead us into any place of questionable propriety, in which we would not be willing to be seen by those whose good opinion we value? If so, we should abstain from the amusement by shunning such resorts. The influence of our amusement.-Our methods of enjoyment may be altogether harmless to us, but our neighbor, who has not much self-control, may be in danger of serious injury from following our example. Ought we not to be solicitous for his welfare, and have we a right to do anything which may serve as a pattern to lead him to ruin? Is it not our duty to abstain from any gratification, if we discover that our conduct is the means of tempting a weaker brother to do wrong? Have we a right to persist in following a course of conduct which induces him to violate the commands of parents, guardians, and teachers? The gratification of our own selfish purposes can not afford us a sufficient compensation for the injury that our brother may receive from making us his model. The expense of amusements.-Some kinds of amusement are expensive, involving a considerable outlay of time and money. If the indulgence of our taste requires the expenditure of money, it may be a serious question whether we can afford it. When injury, inconvenience, or annoyance shall arise to ourselves or our friends, on account of our wasteful pleasures, we are committing a serious injury by persisting in such a course. Sometimes young people have not the moral courage to say, frankly, "I can not afford such indulgence;" and will permit themselves to be drawn into expenses which they are really not able to bear. When we consent to run in debt Should we lead others into temptation? Suppose certain pleasures do not hurt us, but do hurt our friends. what should we do? Can we take the responsibility of leading our neighbor astray? What is our duty in regard to expensive pleasures? Is there any test of moral courage in this? What should every young man do in reference to this subject? Is there any disgrace in being poor? Why not say so and avoid trouble? for anything that is unnecessary, from a foolish fear that we shall be considered mean or parsimonious, we are preparing the way for much future annoyance and discomfort. It would be better to say, with manly independence, “I have no money, and can not incur a debt for amusements," and thus save the mortification which always follows the unavailing attempt to conceal our poverty. Amusements contrary to law. We have no right to indulge in any pleasure that injures, endangers, or incommodes the person or property of our neighbors. The civil, as well as the moral law prescribes to us rules of conduct in reference to amusements, that are often very thoughtlessly and sometimes intentionally violated. Thus, there are some plays and pastimes particularly unsuited to certain times and places, because they are liable to cause serious injuries. The rolling of the hoop on the crowded sidewalk; the explosion of fire-crackers or flying of kites in the streets of a town or city; the shooting with the bow and arrow among the children in a school-house yard; or the racing of horses in a crowded thoroughfare, are illustrations of dangerous fun. Such amusements are not wrong, provided they are enjoyed at proper times and under suitable circumstances; but when they are persisted in at the risk of great damage to persons and property, they indicate an inexcusable selfishness. The debatable ground.-From the above principles, we may determine whether the pleasures in which we indulge, or wish to indulge, are beneficial or injurious. Duty to ourselves, and regard for our neighbors, demand that we shall examine critically whether the course of amusement is really the best adapted to our happiness. If there is the least possible doubt as to its propriety, we should not con Name some dangerous amusements. Why are they so? What is our duty in reference to such? Have we a right to endanger the rights of others? Why? When and where should such amusements as have been named be enjoyed? If there is a doubt in our mind as to the propriety of any game, play, or recreation, what should we do? test the point with our conscience, but immediately obey its dictates. There are, and often will be, honest differences of opinion in regard to kinds and places of amusement; but it is our duty to side with those whose character demands our admiration, and whose opinions, matured by observation and experience, are worthy of our respect and confidence. A few brief questions should determine whether we may engage in any specified game, play, or exercise for amusement. These, briefly stated, are as follows: 1. Is it right? 2. Do good people generally approve of it? 3. Will it interfere with school or business? 5. Will its enjoyment lead into doubtful company? 9. Will my pleasure affect the rights of any one in person or property? If, upon reflection, we conclude to indulge in the proposed pastime, let it be with an unquestioning conscience, based upon a clear conviction that the action is right. If, on the other hand, we think the indulgence may be wrong, let the doubt control us, and let us deny ourselves the gratification. Honest reasons for refusal.-When questioned as to our motives for declining a proposed amusement, there should be no evasion or quibbling, but a resolute, courageous answer, the expression of the truth. He who endeavors to secure friendship and admiration by appearing to agree with every body, will soon lose the respect of those whose good Name these principles in the order given. If these tests are correct, what should be done with any amusement to which they are applied? Should our feelings or our conscience rule us in this indulgence? If questioned about our refusal to play or perform, what should be our answer? What is meant by moral courage? Who is the really brave person? If we shirk or quibble, do we command respect? Can you afford to be laughed at? If you are laughed at, what is the character of those who do it? opinion is worth having. Be manly, honest, and truthful. When convictions of duty are forced upon us, let us acknowledge their influence; let us stand up for what we think is right. Such courage will command the admiration of the good, because it is based upon a sense of duty. CHAPTER XXIII. "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given, will He pay him again." THE POOR. Pity is a divine attribute, which is manifested among men by sympathizing with the sorrows, lessening the burdens, and alleviating the distresses of the poor, the needy, and the unfortunate. The exhibitions of this virtue are as various as the wants and conditions of human society. There are objects of beneficence everywhere, as it is written, "For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will, ye may do them good." We can not fail to recognize the obligation to do good, but there are questions of great practical importance, concerning the methods by which we shall best accomplish the desired end. Classes of the poor.-Who are the poor that have a claim on our pity? They are those whom misfortune has made How will good society consider any conscientious act? Do you desire the praise of the good or bad? How is pity exhibited? What is said of the poor? What obligation are we What is the subject of Chapter XXIII? Repeat the text. |