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Show HE IV It Y WAIll ON B1LL.IAH.DS. I have received many letters asking an opinion of billiards, and especially of the propriety of indulging in the game. As to tho gams itsqlf, it must be regaTdod as ene of the most charming that was ever invented. Unlike sedentary seden-tary games, it iucites an unremitted activity, both of body and mind. The walking about tho table, the strokes, the various postures into which tho body , oomes in adapting tho stroke to the po-sition po-sition of tho balls, afford a gentle exercise exer-cise of the most refreshing character. Tho mind likewise, without severe taxation, as in chess, is kept alert and sharp. The w-holo game is manly, ingenious in-genious and agreeable. It can bepfuyed by man aud women alike. It is notnoisy like ten-pins; it requires but little space, compared with many other games; and it is not so absorbing but that conversation conversa-tion may be carried on,and the pleasure of friends and spectators be considered. But, it is asked, "Is it not a wasto of precious tiruo that might be bettor employed?" em-ployed?" That depends upon circumstances circum-stances Every one must form a judgment judg-ment for himself. If one becomes fascinated fas-cinated with the game, neglects regular duties, and makes tho game a considerable considera-ble part of his business, he should be ashamod of such an abuse of an innocent inno-cent amusement. But when one oats too much we do not exhort him to eat not at, all, but to govern and modora'.e his indulgence- Kreercation is an important aid to industry. in-dustry. He who has no amusemont cmnot work as well as ho who has one. There is liability to excess in two directions. di-rections. Koine over-work and some over-pay, and both aro to bo guarded against. Thc-re is no more danger of wasting time at billiards than at base-ball, or at rowing or riding, or at any other manly exercise- Tho objection is not aoy more against billiards than against all pleasing pleas-ing recreations whatever. And a blow at rational amusement is a blow at good luted, unless a channel be made for the overtlow of the fancy, it will find one for itself, silently, clandestinely, dangerously. danger-ously. Secreted amusements is full of danger- Open and manly amusements are refreshing and wholesome. "But if one begins with billiards, will it not lead to cards and lo ail fashionable fashion-able amusement '." It may. But so may a school, a church, a lecture, a concert, or any other place of concourse, be used as a point of decline and of evil association. But there is nothing in a home game of billiards that tempts to dissipation or irregularity. It is singularly free from all such eicitement. If a young man can be kept from evil only by being shut off from all temptation, ho should be imprisoned for liie. But God did not so order the world. Men must be tnmptfd. They are to Jearn how to overcome evil by feeling its pressure-U pressure-U nothing may b-j employed out of which .temptation tan come, then ono must givo up life itself. There is temptation temp-tation in leisure and in Wurk, mere is temptation in spending and in earning. There is tcmptalion in thinking, in feeling, feel-ing, in willing, in aia-u. Ono must learn safely, not by hiding, but by coiit luering. |