of these spheres of his influence and work on needs to
be sobered down, corrected, stimulated. In no other way is this better
accomplished than through one's very contact with his fellows in the
religious gathering, among his workmen, in the political meeting, at the
assembly, in the social gathering whenever and wherever persons may see
one another and talk over common interests.

A SPECIFIC SENSE.

In a specific sense, by social recreation, we mean those pastimes and
pleasures which all persons, except the social recluse, enjoy as they
meet to spend an afternoon or an evening together. Now, how may we
get the largest amount of pleasure, of rest, of recreation from such
gatherings? How may we best benefit ourselves, inspire one another, and
in it all, honor God? It is no small task to accomplish these three ends
in all things, in one's life. We have agreed that some social practices
are positively bad. And we have tried to show why the "tobacco club,"
the "social glass," the "card-party," the "dancing-party," and the
play-house reveries should be avoided. We have left these forms of
so-called "questionable amusements" out of our practice and let our of
our lives. To what may we turn? Where may we go? We turn to the social
gathering.

BUT IT MUST BE PLANNED.

No social gathering can successfully run itself. See what forethought
and expenditure are given to make successful the "smoking-club," the
"wine-social," the "card and dancing parties," and the "theater." Not
one of these institutions thrive without thought and cost in their
management. Put the same thought and expense into the gathering
for social recreation, and you will find all of the merits of the
questionable institution and none of its demerits. No company has larger
capabilities than the mixed company at the social gathering. Nor may
any purpose be more perfectly served than the purpose of true social
recreation. Here we find those skilled in music, versed in literature,
adept at conversation; we find the practical joker, the proficient
at games, and last, but not least, those "born to serve" tables. This
variety of genius, of wit, of skill, of willingness to serve, is laid
at the altar of pleasure for the worthy purpose of making new again
the weary body, the languishing spirit, the lonely heart. Let the right
management and stimulus be given to this resourceful company, and the
hours will pass as moments, the surest sign of a good time.

SOME E