The Problem of Popular Amusements
Dr. Whedon, in the Methodist Quarterly Review, noticing a late work on Amusements, by Rev. Hiram Mattison, thus presents some points in respect to which he thinks there is need of more explicit instruction as to what is right and what is wrong: “During the past summer we have seen ministers in high standing and of pure religious reputations play hours at croquet, and at evening, without apparent loss of spirituality or of power in their words before the people, lead the social prayer-meeting. We have seen three doctors of divinity, and one promising candidate for that honor, playing nine-pins at the same alley. We have seen leading ministers of different denominations in a large parlor lead the assembly in “amusement” at charades, conundrums, and other like sports of mind, and with no misgivings in any mind, preach and administer communion a Sabbath or two after. Was, or was not, all this right? If so, upon what principle? And must there not be some discrimination to satisfy and guide the public mind, rather than vague pronunciations against “popular amusements”? If conferences and preachers’ meetings pass resolutions against amusements, and then spend a good part of the summer in amusing themselves, should not the principle of the double action be clearly expounded? Otherwise, they may in public estimation lose character for consistency, or justly cut themselves off from those recreations which they themselves esteem necessary and right.”