H105, American History I

Concerning the Controversy about Dancing, the Question is not, whether all Dancing be in itself sinful.  It is granted, that Pyrrhical or Polemical Saltation: i.e. where men vault in their Armour, to shew their strength and activity, may be of use.  Nor is the question, whether a sober and grave Dancing of Men with Men, or of Women with Women, be not allowable; we make no doubt of that, where it may be done without offence, in due season, and with moderation.  The Prince of Philosophers has observed truly, that Dancing or Leaping, is a natural expression of joy: So that there is no more Sin in it, than in laughter, or any outward expression of inward Rejoycing.

But our question is concerning Gynecandrical Dancing, or that which is commonly called Mixt or Promiscuous Dancing, viz. of Men and Women (be they elder or younger persons) together:  Now this we affirm to be utterly unlawful, and that it cannot be tollerated in such a place as New-England, without great Sin.  And that it may appear, that we are not transported by Affection without Judgment, let the following Arguments be weighed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary.

Arg.  1.  That which the Scripture condemns is sinful....

Arg.  2.  If we consider, by whom this practice of Promiscuous Dancing was first invented by whom patronized, and by whom witnessed against, we may well conclude, that the admitting of it, in such a place as New-England, will be a thing pleasing to the Devil, but highly provoking to the Holy God.

We design to write as comprehensively as we can; and have therefore in this Argument put several things together, the particulars wherof we shall endeavour to clear.

I.  Who were the Inventors of Petulant Dancings?  They had not their original amongst the People of God, but amongst the Heathen....

II.  By whom have Promiscuous Dances been patronized?  Truly, by the worst of the Heathen....

III.   Who are they that have faithfully testified against this practice?  Ignorant and Profane Men say, no body is against it, but a few silly Precisians, who are more precise than wise.  But we certainly know, that the wisest, and the learnedest, and the holiest men in the world have disliked it....

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But let us hear what the Patrons of Dances have to plead.  Produce your Cause, and bring forth your strong Reasons, saith the Lord.  Say all that you have to say.

Plea.  I.  We Read in the Scripture of Dances.  Miriam Danced, and David Danced.

Answ.  1.  Those Instances are not at all to the purpose; for they were Religious Dances, accommodated to the State of the Old Testament-Church....

Plea.  II.  The Design of Dancing is only to teach Children good Behaviour and decent Carriage.

Ans.  Religion is no Enemy to good Manners, to learn a due Poyse and Composure of Body is not unlawful, provided it be done without a provocation to Uncleanness, and be not a Nurse of Pride and Vanity.  If therefore any be disposed to have their Children instructed in that which may be truly Ornamental, or a desirable Accomplishment in these respects, they may send them not to a Blasphemer, but to some Grave Person that will teach them Decency of Behaviour, not Promiscuously, but each Sex by themselves; so neither God nor Man will be offended.

This notwithstanding, Every thing is not Good Carriage; which Light and Vain Persons shall call so.  Why should Pantomimical Gestures be named good Carriage?  There is a behaviour which Light Persons look upon as an accomplishment; but such as are grave and solid, and wise (whose esteem is most to be valued) have other thoughts of it.  If the Holy Prophet Isaiah were alive in these dayes, he would not call a stretched forth neck, and wanton eye, a Mincing as they go, by the name of good carriage.  It is one of the Devil’s Wiles to Guild over corrupt Practices with Golden Names, that men may the more easily swallow them.  In this debauched Age; frequent Osculations amongst those that are not in any Conjugal Relation, is called good Breeding, Gentile behaviour, and the like.  But Christians ought to hate such tendencies to Nicolaitism, for Christ hates them, Rev. 2:6.

Plea.  III.  Children are much pleased with this Exercise.

Ans.  That we believe:  But if it suit with their corrupt natures, that’s a sign it is evil....