Prohibited Amusements
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are strengthened and confirmed by these entertainments. Low songs,
lewd gestures, expressions, and attitudes, deprave the imagination and
debase the morals. Every youth who habitually attends such exhi-
bitions will be corrupted in principle. There is no influence in our
land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy religious
impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil pleasures and sober
realities of life, than theatrical amusements. The love for these scenes
increases with every indulgence, as the desire for intoxicating drink
strengthens with its use. The only safe course is to shun the theater,
the circus, and every other questionable place of amusement.
There are modes of recreation which are highly beneficial to both
mind and body. An enlightened, discriminating mind will find abun-
dant means for entertainment and diversion, from sources not only
innocent, but instructive. Recreation in the open air, the contemplation
of the works of God in nature, will be of the highest benefit.
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