A Discourse on the Evils of Dancing   By: John F. Mesick

DELIVERED MARCH 8, 1846,

BEFORE THE CONGREGATION

OF

THE GERMAN REFORMED SALEM CHURCH

OF

HARRISBURG, PA.,

By the Pastor, the Rev. John F. Mesick,

PUBLISHED BY THE VESTRY.

HARRISBURG:

THEO: FENN, PRINTER.

1846.

HARRISBURG, March 11, A. D. 1846. REV. JOHN F. MESICK Dear Sir: On last Sabbath evening, 8th inst., you preached a sermon to our congregation on " The Evils of Dancing ." As this is a custom which is in much practise even by those who consider themselves patterns in society, and, who generally comprise the youth, and say that it is an innocent amusement. We would esteem it as a favor if you would furnish us with a copy thereof for publication that it may be circulated in our Sabbath Schools, among the votaries of dancing, the parents and friends of those who have been assenting to it, in the hope that they may read it and learn its evil consequences, and abstain from its practice hereafter, and be satisfied that its use is not in character with the present age, whatever may have seemingly commended it in former days.

JOHN C. BUCHER, GEO. P. WIESTLING, GEORGE ZINN, DANIEL W. GROSS, ELIAS ZOLLINGER, JACOB SHELL, LUTHER REILEY, GEORGE BEATTY, RUDOLPH F. KELKER, SAMUEL B. KEYSER, VALENTINE EGLE, GEORGE L. KUNKEL.

HARRISBURG, March 11, 1846. To the Vestry of the German Reformed Salem Church: DEAR BRETHREN: Although the Discourse preached on Sabbath evening last, was prepared during the preceding week as a regular duty, without a thought in reference to a request of this kind; yet as you have been pleased to express a wish to see it in print, in the hope of extending its usefulness, the manuscript is at your service. With sincere esteem and affection, yours, &c., JOHN F. MESICK.

THE EVILS OF DANCING.

ROMANS, XII. 3. "BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD."

The Bible is the only rule for all who wish to be saved. The professed Christian, not only, but every unconverted man, must bow to its precepts, if he would gain the favor of God. There is but one way, and but one gate of entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven, for saint and for sinner. Whatever, therefore, shall be acknowledged to be the duty of the covenanted follower of the Lamb, is equally the duty of every individual who stands disconnected with the visible Church.

It is a doctrine of revelation that, both classes of persons will be judged by the same law, and will be tried with equal impartiality and rigor. We are taught that, what Divine justice shall demand from the one, it will demand from the other; and that there is no respect of persons with God. The human race, as dependent and accountable agents, are placed on the same moral level in his sight. Each commandment of his word is addressed to every hearer of the Gospel. And all are under obligation to obey its injunctions, as they value the eternal welfare of their immortal spirits.