When we consider the large number of young men, young husbands and fathers and mothers who are not able, in justice to themselves and those looking to and relying upon them for a support, to keep pace with the rich in their extravagance, and that all must come together on the same floor, in the same room and pass in review before the merciless critics always to be found in the ball room, and find that the weakest and most vulnerable points in human nature are here attacked by three of the devil’s most powerful armies, under command of three of his most stratagetic and experienced generals—­ENVY, JEALOUSY and WOUNDED PRIDE—­we may at once proceed to examine the fruit of dancing.  Nearly all of our young people are in love with some one, and not unfrequently two or three or more are in love with the same one, or the lover imagines that he or she has from one to a half dozen rivals, which is the same to them as if it were true.  It is often the case that an engagement exists, or there is grave suspicion of its existence.  A dancing party or ball is in prospect.  The same preparation must be made by rich and poor.  One young man who chanced to be born of rich or well-to-do parents, and one young lady the same, order their outfits, and they are paid for not unfrequently out of the usurious interest wrung from the fathers and mothers of the poorer young men and girls.  Now the poorer and less able to purchase the necessary all outfits, which are always costly, must go.  They must go, because they love the dance.  They are PASSIONATELY fond of it.

They must go, or it may be said they could not go on account of their poverty.  They must go, in order to keep pace with their rivals, so as to keep an eye on them, lest they be supplanted in their affections.  These are three powerful inducements.  Without Divine aid they are irresistible when brought to bear on the young.

THEY MUST GO!

THEY WILL GO!

THEY DO GO!

Here thousands of fathers and mothers have been compelled to yield to the entreaties of their daughters, and sometimes their sons, in purchasing costly apparel, jewelry, etc., when they knew they were not able, outfits that never would have been needed but for the dance.  Hundreds of thousands of young men, with small salaries, in moderate circumstances, have been induced, under this heavy pressure, to resort to many dishonest devices in order to make the necessary preparations.  Clerks have sold goods above the market price and put the excess in their pockets.  They have often borrowed money from their employer, without his knowledge, small amounts, from day to day.  They have borrowed from friends by telling them they had money coming from an estate, or friend or a debtor, which they knew to be false, and in the same way, or by other false statements, have bought articles of clothing, made large livery bills, which they knew would never be paid.  Many conceive the idea they