Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer
QUESTIONABLE AMUSEMENTS AND WORTHY SUBSTITUTES
By J. M. Judy
Introduction by George H. Trever, Ph.D., D.D. The manuscript of
This book was not submitted to any publisher, but was put in its
present form by JENNINGS & PYE, for a friend of the author.
Address. Chicago: Western Methodist Book Concern, 1904.
INTRODUCTION.
By George H. Trever, PH.D., D.D.
Author of Comparative Theology, etc.
A BOOK on "Questionable Amusements and Worthy Substitutes" is timely
to-day. Such a grouping of subject matter is in itself a commendation.
Possibly we have been saying "Don't" quite enough without offering the
positive substitute. The "expulsive power of a new affection" is, after
all, the mightiest agency in reform. "Thou shalt not" is quite easy to
say; but though the house be emptied, swept, and garnished, unless pure
angels hasten to occupy the vacated chambers, other spirits worse than
the first will soon rush in to befoul them again.
The author of these papers, the Rev. J.M. Judy, writes out of a full,
warm heart. We know him to be a correct, able preacher of the gospel,
and an efficient fisher of men. Having thoroughly prepared himself for
his work by courses in Northwestern University and Garrett Biblical
Institute, by travel in the South and West of our own country, and by a
visitation of the Old World, he has served on the rugged frontier of his
Conference, and among foreign populations grappling successfully with
some of the most difficult problems in modern Church work.
The following articles aroused much interest when delivered to his own
people, and must do good wherever read. In style they are clear and
vivid; in logical arrangement excellent; glow with sacred fervor, and
pulse with honest, eager conviction. We bespeak for them a wide reading,
and would especially commend them to the young people of our Epworth
Leagues.
WHITEWATER, WIS., March 2, 1904.
PREFACE.
"QUESTIONABLE Amusements and Worthy Substitutes" is a consideration of
the "so-called questionable amusements," and an outlook for those forms
of social, domestic, and personal practices which charm the life, secure
the present, and build for the future. To take away the bad is good; to
give the good is better; but to take away the bad and to give the good
in its stead is best of all. This we have tried to do, not in our own
strength, but with the conscious presence of the Spirit of God.
The spiritual indifference of Christendom to-day as one meets with it
in all forms of Christian work has led us to send out this message.
"Questionable Amusements," form both a cause and a result of this
widespread indifference. An underlying cause of this indifference among
those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ, is lack of conviction
for sin, want of positive faith in the fundamental truths of the
Scriptures, too little and superficial prayer, and lack of personal,
soul-saving work. Is the class-meeting becoming extinct? Is the
prayer-meeting lifeless? Is the revival spirit decaying? Is family
worship formal, or has it ceased? However some may answer these
questions, still we believe that the Church has a warm heart, and that
signs of her vigorous life are expressed in her tenacious hold for high
moral standards, and in her generous GIVING of money and of men.
Our point of view has been that of the person, old or young, regardless
of sect, race, party, occupation, or circumstances, who has a life to
live, and who wants to make the most out of it for himself and for his
fellow-men, and who believes that he will find this life disclosed in
nature, in history, and in the Word of God. J.M.J.
ORFORDVILLE, WIS., March, 1904.
CONTENTS
PART I.
QUESTIONABLE AMUSEMENTS
CHAPTER
I TOBACCO
II DRUNKENNESS
III GAMBLING, CARDS
IV DANCING
V THEATER-GOING