Excerpt from A Discourse on Dancing: Delivered in the Central Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati

The introduction of children to this fascinating amusement, and to the circle where it is most prized, places a mighty obstacle in the way of their conversion. I am aware, that many religious parents desire to have their children dance, not for the sake of the amuse ment itself, but because it is commonly practiced in the circle into which they would introduce them. But they would do well first to consider the effect this course is likely to produce in hindering their conversion to God. That their children may, at an early age, become true Christians, is certainly the chief desire of all truly pious parents; and most solemnly have they covenanted to use all the means of divine appointment to secure this desirable result. Are they, then, at liberty - will their feelings or their principles allow them, for any worldly consideration, to place them under powerful influences adapted to harden their hearts, and neutralize all God's means of grace?

Not only will their sentiments and habits be influenced by their thoughtless and pleasure-seeking associates, but their attachment to them, and their familiarity with them, will be one of the most ef fectual reasons why they will not think seriously, and why they will struggle to smother any convictions which the W'ord and the Spirit of God may fasten upon their minds. Human nature does not easily bear the taunting remark - Such a one is becoming quite religious; her face is getting very long; she is too conscientious to dance. What numbers of young persons have plunged into scenes of gaiety and dissipation, which they could no longer enjoy, for the express purpose of concealing and of smothering those deep convio tions impressed by the Spirit of God upon their souls. And how many have avoided every place where such impressions were likely to be made. What 'will my associates think - what will they say? These are the inquiries suggested to those who have moved in the gay and thoughtless circle, when the first serious impressions are fastened upon their minds; and often they are sufficient to determine them not to yield to their convictions. How much less difficulty would they feel, had they been accustomed from childhood, to refuse on principle to conform to the world, and to participate in its levity and folly. Then they would not be ashamed to have it known, that they are seeking to do their duty.

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