It is remarkable that the heathen Romans should have given representations of several of the sacred articles of the Jews, and that these should have been preserved, while many other arches and representations commemorating their victories have been destroyed.

When music is used properly, it solemnizes the mind; but it is often much abused for profane and wicked purposes. This should make us very careful to shun trifling or foolish music, while there appears sufficient warrant to authorize us to use it for good purposes. Like wine, and many other gifts of God, it is too often misused; and those who cultivate this talent or ability should earnestly pray that it may not lead them into temptation, but that they may use it only for the glory of God, and in such a manner as his word permits. They should be particularly reminded of the apostle's declaration respecting singing, which may be fully applied to music: "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also," 1 Cor. xiv, 15.

With respect to dancing, it is hardly necessary to say, that what is now called dancing is very different from that used by David and others. The dancing mentioned in the Bible, accompanying music on solemn occasions, was a grave, regular manner of moving, or a measured step. There certainly is not a text or passage in the Bible which justifies what is now called dancing. The dancing of the daughter of Herodias was probably something of that sort, and its evil effects are recorded. It led to the destruction of the life of a prophet, which tended to fill up the measure of iniquity of Herod and his wicked family. There are also other instances in the Bible where dancing ended badly.

As for plays, or, as they are called, theatrical amusements, which often include music and dancing, it cannot be necessary to say more, than that no real Christian will be found encouraging such abominations. The apostle Paul expressly mentions revelings and such like, among the works of the flesh; and says, that“ they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God," Gal. v, 21. The apostle Peter also condemns revelings as being contrary to the will of God, 1 Pet. iv, 3. The original word used in both these places is KOMOI, or comedies, and plainly

shows that what are called plays are expressly forbidden in the word of God.

PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS.

The ancients had many public amusements besides those already noticed; but most of them were very barbarousquite contrary to the spirit of Christianity. The public combats with wild beasts were of this sort. In them criminals condemned to death were exposed to fight with lions, bears, wild bulls, and other savage beasts; and the people took pleasure in seeing their fellow-creatures torn to pieces by these fierce animals! The apostle Paul compares his having to withstand his enemies at Ephesus, (Acts xix,) to a combat of this nature, 1 Cor. xv, 32. In many passages, wicked men are spoken of as wild beasts. Herod is compared to a fox, Luke xiii, 32. Hypocrites are called wolves in sheep's clothing, Matt. vii, 15. See also Acts xx, 29; Phil. iii, 2.

What now are usually described as public amusements are mentioned among the Jews. Among the heathens there were many, and to them there are some references in Scripture. The Olympic Games were the most famous public amusements. On those occasions people came from all parts of the world to see the contests, which were principally racing or wrestling. Only persons of good character, and of respectable families, were allowed to contend for the prizes, which were merely crowns of leaves and palm pranches; but the honor of being a conqueror at these contests was reckoned very great: even kings sometimes engaged in the games. In the races, the runners threw aside all their garments, and on an appointed signal rushed forward, in the sight of many thousand spectators. The rewards were presented to their view at the end of the course, which was kept clear from every obstruction. This illustrates that beautiful passage, (Heb. xii, 1–3, 12, 13,) "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith." The word which is translated " beset," means also to entangle; as long garments, such as were then worn, might entangle and throw

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down the runner if he did not throw them off. corded as having happened once, and afterwards the racers threw aside all their garments. How desirable it is that a Christian should throw aside and be freed from the sins which beset or entangle him in his Christian course!

St. Paul, in another place, alludes to these contests. "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means when I have preached (the gospel) to others, I myself should be a castaway," 1 Cor. ix, 24-27.

The racers and others who contended for the prizes, fasted, or lived upon a particular diet, for some time before the day of the contest: the apostle strongly urges the followers of Christ to consider the pains and privations which the heathens endured for a poor, fading, worldly honor. He shows how much more in earnest they should be, since a reward infinitely greater was offered to them. This passage is in one of St. Paul's epistles to the inhabitants of Corinth the games to which the apostle alludes were celebrated near that city. The words of the apostle have

often been recollected by Christian travelers when in that neighborhood. Wilson, the missionary in Greece, especially noticed this when passing the Isthmus of Corinth.

The same circumstances explain two other beautiful passages in the epistles: one is, (Phil. iii, 13, 14,)" Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." The other, (2 Tim. iv, 7, 8,) "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, Í have kept the faith: henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." Let not the readers suppose that the apostle, by referring to the games and customs of those times, meant to encourage or approve of Christians engaging therein. And let them not suppose that the games and races practiced at the present day are countenanced thereby. The ancient games were conducted with much order and solemnity by the heathens; the greatest and best characters among them engaged therein, and they were in their view religious ceremonies. But we live in a better day, and in the light of the gospel we do not offer such things for worship, and no one can suppose that the riotous and wicked practices so prevalent at the English wakes and fairs, are pleasing to God, or approved by his word. They are "the revelings, and such like," (Gal. v, 21,) of which the apostle expressly declares, that "they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." It is also to be remarked, that most of those wakes are the continuance of heathen revelings, which were practiced by our forefathers, when Pagans, many centuries ago; for when the Romish missionaries were sent to this country by Pope Gregory, about the year 600, they allowed those revels to be continued, that they might the more easily persuade the heathen Saxons, who then ruled the greater part of England, to profess themselves Christians. Let us earnestly pray for grace, that we may be enabled to run the race which is set before us, and to wrestle with the corruptions of our hearts, seeking for strength from the Lord.

THE Jews do not appear to have had regular public schools, either boarding or day-schools, nor schools like those now established by our missionaries. The schools of the sons of the prophets, if they are to be called schools, were very different. The way of life of the ancient Jews was laborious, and that constantly; so that they needed the help of their children, and brought them up to work from their childhood. Thus Gideon, Saul, David and his brothers, and Elisha, all engaged at an early age in the labors of a country life. In the cases just named, as well as those of Amos and others, God chose persons engaged in the duties of their callings, to perform services for him.

It was much the same in other nations: the word "school" is originally Greek, and signifies leisure, as denoting the place where people met who had no particular business to do, so that they had time to amuse themselves. There are, however, many references in the Bible to instruction: (Prov. i, 7,) "Fools despise wisdom and instruction; a wise person