ETHICS OF THE DANCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18389, 3 May 1923, Page 4

ETHICS OF THE DANCE.

Sir,—The visit of Mr. Herbert Booth has revived the discussion on tho attitude of the church to dancing, smoking,_ thea-tre-going, and other popular practices of present day society. As ' one > who listened to Mr. Booth's address on "Tho Wiles of the Devil or Sports that Kill," I may say that while one; may not entirely agree with some of the speaker's evangelistic methods, credit is duo to Mr. Booth for the outspoken manner in which ho deals with the temptations and tendencies which to-day menace the pathway of "the children of light." The evangelist's objective is evidently not satisfied by merely seeing men profess conversion. Hie aims to assist in character building by pointing definite lines of Christian conduct afterwards. Hence he issues to converts his "covenant," which contains many "Thou Shalt" and "Thou Shalt Note" adapted to modern life and conditions. Tho discipline ho suggests is mainly wholesome. The Christian standpoint toward dancing and kindred amusements is often misunderstood by the enthusiasts of the ballroom. Perhaps Mr. Booth himself failed to correctly express it. The, charge to be brought against dancing is not that it is immoral, but that it is unspiritual. Many moral people dance. We do not class dancers among liars, thieves, or blackguards, but we say that dancing contains an absorbing interest which dulls our aspirations. Godward, and our keenness of interest and enthusiasm for the great things of Christ's Kingdom. Points against the ballroom which easily strike an unbiassed observer are tho late hours, and the familiarity of contact between comparative ' strangers, which would not be countenanced in polite society under any conditions. Entirely wholesome and refreshing recreation may be found in other ■ pastimes in plenty. Why touch what is doubtful, a*nd against which the evidence and Christian experience of the past and present has given its testimony? The most telling illustration on this subject I ever heard was given by the ! late Rev. C. H. Garland some years a*go. He said : "In many gardens flowers frow in abundance, but weeds also grow, n _ the bounteous wealth of the garden it is as easy to gather the flowers as the weeds." Therefore, gather the flower:) in the great garden of Life. Enrichment for ourselves and others will follow. The highest standpoint to take on questions 1 where risk is involved, is abstinence for ! our own highest interest, and for the wider interest of the Kingdom of God. At the formative stage of youth, character takes its trend, the crossroads lead out to great and eternal issues. It is the church's opportunity. The wise choice of recreations, moderation in the use of the best, have a vital influence on character. Some things are not absolute "sims," but they are "weights" in moral and spiritual progress. Some amusements though not inherently evil, yet do not edify or uplift.-' St. Paul urges us "the more excellent way." We may trust our desires if tbey lead us to the things which are pure, honest, lovely, and of good report. Haar Hook.