Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 June 1877 — The Christian at Play. [ARTICLE]

The Christian at Play.

Tbeb Christian at work is the outward expression, in its thousand forms of activity, Christian life and energy, of the apostolic commandment: “Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.” But there is another phase of the Christian scarcely less important, and out of the moods ot which he emerges either refreshed and strengthened or with more or less taint and damage. The grand object of the Christian’s life is work —work for Christ in all its multitudinous forms, and work for humanity in its unnumbered opportunities. But there are times when he is also a Christian at play. Even the Christian must at times UDbend. The bow that is kept continually at its utmost tension soon loses entirely its elasticity. “ All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Sothe Christian kept continually on-the strafe loses-muoh of the natural sunshine of his nature which is calculated to attract and win, and grows in proportion repellently stern and rigorous. We are glad, therefore, to see that this whole subject of Christian amusement is claiming much of public attention, for it is one of no small importance, whether considered in its bearings upon the Church collectively or in its effects upon the spiritual life of the individual Christian. All amusements may be classified under three distinct heads: I. Those purely amusing while innocent. * 11. Those amusing and instructive. 111. Those amusing and vicious. In the first class may be placed all outdoor recreations which are free from the vice of, betting; in the second popular and scientific lectures and the better class of concerts; in the third, all amusements of whatever kind which draw together the vicious, and are conducive to licentiousness, drinking ana gambling. The; first two classes are open to the Christian, but we contend that he is absolutely shut out from the latter. His very presence at them, however innocent on his part, is an indorsement of them. The solemn command of God Himself in reference to all such is, “ COrae out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the uncltean thing.” In aword, nn amusements are permissible to the Christian which are conducted by, or in the interest of, persons of immoral character, or the surroundings of which are conducive to vice. With this broad plank laid down the subject must be relegated to the individual conscience, with this reminder, that a Christian in whose heart that kingdom ia established, which is “ righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost,” will feel no craving for such delights, but will live above them, drawing hts purest joys aad noblest satisfactions, not from earthly. hut from heavenly sources. We are net arguing against the Christian at play. He must have his seasons of relief and | recreation, and these, when properly enjoyed, brace him up afresh for his work. But we do denounce most strenuously those forms of indulgence which rob him of • spiritual power, dim the brightness of his example and lead him to squander on worse than useless pleasures what ought to be consecrated to the cause of Christ. There is a meaning in those words, “ If any love the world, or Ihe thiflft of the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” “If any man will be my disciple,” says Christ, “ let him take up his cross, and aeny himself, and follow Me.” — Dr. Taylor, in Chrietian at Work.