Amusements

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General Books LLC, 2009 - Juvenile Nonfiction - 86 pages
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1880. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER VIII. THE THEATRE, THE OPERA, AND THE DANCE. The question then, which with great deference I would propose, is not whether those who risk everything may not risk this also; but whether the more correct and considerate Christian might not find it worth while to consider if the amusement in question be entirely compatible with his avowed character; whether it be entirely consistent with the clearer views of one who professes to live in the sure and certain hope of that immortality which is brought to light by the Gospel. Hannah More. If play be something from which you are to return with renewed strength and interest to work, I doubt whether the ballroom is the place where it is to be found. Late hours, a feverish atmosphere and excessive exercise, tend to morning slumbers, headaches, crossness and laziness. Country Parson. No discussion of our subject can be considered complete which does not give specific attention to the theatre, the opera, and the dance. For many centuries they have thrown a fascinating spell over all civilized nations; they have, therefore, a history in the light of which they are to be judged and an influence for which they are responsible. The limits of this essay forbid an exhaustive discussion of these themes, but their importance justifies and indeed necessitates a treatment somewhat full. The actual presence of certain forms of amusement among all civilized peoples, and for many continuous centuries, has sometimes been brought for, .... The argu ward as a conclusive argument in their mem from their universality. favor; as if to be everywhere found were equivalent to being everywhere a necessity; and being a necessity were their adequate justification. This inference may well be called in question. We are not quite ready t...

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