Habits and Amusements : Part 5

Golden Steps to Respectability, Usefulness and Happiness
by John Mather Austin

(Page 8 of 10)

If, from its influences, card-playing, even for amusement, is improper for gentlemen, I conceive it much more so for ladies. A woman - and more especially a young woman - seems entirely out of place at a card-table. The associations are so masculine - they bring to mind so much of the cut-and-shuffle trickery, vulgarity and profanity - so many of the words and phrases of that hell, the gaming-table - that for a lady to indulge in them, appears entirely opposed to that modesty and refinement, which are so becoming the female character. I trust all young ladies of discretion will shun the card-table. I am confident every woman, who possesses a proper sense of the dignity and delicacy which form the highest attractions of the female character, will avoid a practice which is made an instrument of the most despicable uses, and to which the most vile and abandoned constantly resort.

"Daughters of those who, long ago,
Dared the dark storm and angry sea,
And walked the desert way of woe,
And pain, and trouble to be free!

"Oh, be like them! like them endure,
And bow beneath affliction's rod;
Like them be watchful, high and pure -
In all things seek the smile of God."

The same caution I have uttered in regard to card-playing, I would apply to all games of hazard and chance. The young should never indulge in them, even for amusement. Although they may be able to see no harm in them as recreations, yet the influences they exert, and the associations into which they lead, cannot but exert a deleterious influence. They can do no good. They may lead to the most dire results!

Another amusement in which the youthful frequently engage, is Dancing. This is the most fascinating of pastimes. And it might be made the most proper, healthful, and invigorating. In the simple act of dancing - of moving the body in unison with strains of music - there can be no harm. It is a custom which has been practised in all ages, and among all nations, both civilized and barbarous. The very lambs in the green and sunny meadow, and the cattle on a thousand hills, in many a fantastic game, exult and rejoice in the blessings a kind Providence bestows upon them. It is one of Nature's methods of attesting the consciousness of enjoyment.

Dancing, when viewed in the light of a pleasant bodily exercise, is undoubtedly healthy and beneficial. It is peculiarly so to females, and those whose occupation and habits are of a sedentary character. When properly engaged in, it strengthens the limbs, developes the chest, enlarges the lungs, and invigorates the whole system.

But this pastime is greatly abused, and is so perverted as to have become one of the most serious evils. In this view, it is subject to severe and well-grounded censure. As dancing is usually conducted in modern times, it has proved one of the greatest evils into which the youthful have fallen. The routs and balls to which the young resort, as generally managed, cannot be too severely condemned. The late hours to which they are prolonged - the rich and unhealthy pastry partaken of in abundance - the intoxicating drinks passed around, or conveniently found in the side-room, or at the bar - the thoughtless manner of dressing, exposing to cold and damp, and so confining the lungs, that when, by reason of exercise, they need the most room for expansion, they have the least, thus sowing the seeds of speedy disease and early death - the long-continued excitement and over-fatigue - the improper company which often assembles on such occasions - these all combine to make such assemblages a source of injury in all their influences and consequences. They should be discountenanced by every parent and well-wisher of public good. The young of both sexes, who have any just regard for their morals - and their health, should avoid these routs, and balls, and cotillion parties. Their tendency, in every respect, is evil in the extreme.

Dancing among children [unreadable] their pastimes - or by young people, at private parties, or social gatherings, engaged in temperately, and for a brief period, with proper precautions in regard to health, cannot, be objectionable. In this, as in most other amusements, it is the excess, the abuse, that causes the injury.

In urging these considerations on the young, I would not seek to deprive them of any amusement suited to their age and circumstances. Youth is the season of joyousness - of light-hearted pleasure, and budding hope. I would not overshadow one ray of its bright and beautiful sunshine - nor check one throb of its innocent pleasure. The shadows, the cares, and burthens of life, will come upon them full early enough, at the latest. In the spring-time of their days - the delicious, romantic morning of their being - they can experience some of the sweetest hours of their earthly existence. Nor would I rob them of that which God and nature designed them to enjoy. But I would have them seek for innocent amusements - for recreations and enjoyments, of a pure and elevated character. None other can make them truly happy. All things sinful in their nature, or demoralizing in their tendency, are unmitigated evils, destructive in their consequences. However attractive they may appear to the inexperienced, in the form of amusements, yet in the end, they will "bite as a serpent, and sting as an adder."

There is no necessity that the young should resort to that which is low and vicious to find amusement. A thousand means of recreation surround them, of the most harmless character. The enjoyments of the paternal roof - the social party, where the young engage in sprightly conversation, or innocent pastimes - the friendly call - the perusal of interesting and instructive books - the scanning of the journals of the day, by which they can look out upon the shifting scene of the busy, restless world - the summer morning walk, to behold the opening beauties of the glorious day, and listen to the singing of the birds, the lowing of the flocks and herds, the murmuring of the streamlet, nature's early anthem of praise to God - or the evening ramble, to watch the flowers as they open their fragrant leaves to be bathed in sweet distilling dews - to gaze upon the golden sunset, making the fleecy clouds to blush with a crimson glow, as the king of day bids them "good night;" or to behold the stars, as one by one they come forth to their appointed stations, bestudding the whole heavens with crystal coronets. - These, O youth! and countless other fountains, are open for you, from which the sweetest and purest enjoyments can be obtained. Seek for amusement - for pleasure - in these directions, and the cup which you press to your lips shall be one of unmixed happiness!

"While some in folly's pleasures roll,
And court the joys that hurt the soul,
Be mine that silent, calm repast,
A conscience peaceful to the last."

Derby, Miller, and Company, 1851