ABOUT PARTIES OF PLEASURE.
By B. F. M.
One said he would not go to the ball, or any of the haunts of pleasure, where the giddy and thoughtless meet to delight themselves in their own ways, and revel in their sports; where God and his truth are alike forgotten, and where the evil imaginations of vain and unsanctified hearts are so proudly displayed; for he did not think Jesus would lead him there if he were here upon earth, and it is written, “Be ye followers of God as dear children.” Eph. v, 1. Another said he would not go; for should Jesus come, he wanted to be where he would look for his people, and he did not think he would seek them there; and thus it is written, “Watch, therefore, for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” Matt. xxiv, 42. And one said he would not go; for the persons he would find there would not be lovers of Jesus, who, to him, were dearer than all others, and “How,” said he, “can the Saviour so dearly love me, if I join hands with those who hate him, and delight myself in their sinful ways;” and thus it is written, “Come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” 2 Cor. vi, 27. Again it was said, “I will not go; for such pleasures pass away, and leave a barrenness of soul,—an aching void. And thus it is written, “Forsake the foolish, and live, and go in the way of understanding.” Prov. ix, 6. Such as I desire will not be found there. Shall I go to pass away time? I have not a moment to spare. It is written, “Redeeming the time because the days are evil.” Eph. v, 16. Then said one, “For what should I go? To manifest a proud heart, and exalt myself in the eyes of such as there assemble? It is written; “Whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased.” Matt. xxiii, 12. Shall I go to seek a companion? Will a lover of such retreats,—one who tries not to walk in the straight and narrow way,—one who loves not, and is not obedient to my Lord and Master, be a blessing to me as I tread life's rugged pathway? Then, thought I, I will not go; for I see that going is not for the better, but for the worse. I will try to tread the narrow way, and seek a part with those who shall ere long find an everlasting home, and delight themselves in the abundance of peace. B. F. M.
Peoria Co., Ill.