Show concerning amusements it la Is characteristic of the latter day saints that a definite policy of their leading men has been to deal directly with the subject of amusements amu sementa for the people and to bring these under a religious reli glouB influence whereby all forms of suitable table recreation would be ball hallowed balloted owed to the rood good of those participating therein in pursuance of this policy musical and dramatic enter tali ments mente parties reunions oe celebrations lebra etc have been conducted under the supervision of local church authorities in various wards ward and districts and as an a consequence the amusement feature which Js is so 90 essential to the be cheerful life especially of the young has been relieved of objectionable associations that way accompany it under some conditions and has baa been conducive condu elve to the good of the community in a religious rel llou view participation in amusements in a tern tem degree is commendable it is oneff one of the agencies productive of aaa a glad heart and a cheerful counte nance in which the lord delights therefore to Is to be in that form but immoderate or untimely indulgence therein is in religiously wrongs wronie just as coarse loud laughter to is sinful while the merriment and smiles of happiness are of heavenly benefi cence therefore while parties and entertainments should be provided in which the people may participate they should not be carried to excess nor be countenanced outside of proper regulations and associations the counsel to ward authorities has baa been to have amusements in their jurisdictions conducted under certain managements and safeguards that would render them beneficial excluding everything of an unseemly character and taking special care to debar from these assemblages among the saints those whose association would tend to evil parties and entertainments where this counsel is conformed to thus are agencies la in preserving an n elevated moral tone and in producing social improvement while a disregard of this advice to ure sure to bring results of a different character tuis religious control of amusements amu sementa ties baa developed highly commendable fea features one of which may be named man aa an illustration this being the season at which it is ie timely this is the old folka folks P gatherings which io in the summer take form in enjoyable exour adoni for which utah has bai pained gained more than national renown throughout various stakes oi of zion these have been receiving the usual attention at this season the next one on the tapis that we have information of 0 bellap bein the old folak party ut at american fork on wednesday next the instant and following follo upon that will he the regular old folks winter entertainment in the suit salt lake theater on the afternoon of february 5 when all over 70 years of age all the widows the orphans deaf mutes and others whom too afteu the world forgets forge tR are gf von ven a tree and open wel welcome conae leeB of any dig ions of ored color or wealth all are invited all are wanted there to be made happy these gatherings are only one of the practical of rood mood that re salts ou itis from religious control in amusements the benefits that come to the aged infirm and unfortunate are no greater comparatively than those which to the lieba bearded youth every ward in zion debould afford opportunity to its ita youth for recreation within reasonable limits whenever this thin is not provided pr ovidea for forand and as aa a consequence of the neglect the young are 0 impelled to go elsewhere for the amusement essential to foulness and for which their MOT natures years yearn there in ia a 8 culpability on the part oi of those responsible for such guch a conditi n A shepherd is in recreant io 0 his hia trust if be refuses or wilfully neglects to provide for his bia flock that which wiloh to la easen bial to their well being and protection and any who may to some extent thus torce orce those under their watch watchcase care to seek recreation in other chan channels nelm bear a responsibility they would be better rid of at the same flame time pandering pande rioe to an extreme desire for hilarity and folly Is ii not to be thought of an aa per mie eible experience in this territory has ha shown hown the virtue of religious influence and control in amusements amu so tar far as the latter day saints are concerned its ito application should be more extensive exten elve than it now DOW is IB in practice it should be made to more nearly approximate with the counsel of tb the general author attee than it now appears appear to do in many instances inc the prent condition of the world presents numerous dangers danger sto to the moral welfare of the young and in no direction do these need to be more carefully guarded against here than to in the recreation and amusements for the youth of israel which should be sufficient eutH for the occasion and be sanctified by the most exalted influences that can be brought I 1 to 0 bear thereon through ampro supervision |