[1]
DELIVERED MARCH 8, 1846
BEFORE THE CONGREGATION
OF
THE GERMAN REFORMED SALEM CHURCH
OF
HARRISBURG, PA.
By the Pastor, the Rev. John F. Mesick
PUBLISHED BY THE VESTRY
HARRISBURG
THEO: FENN, PRINTER
1846
[2]
Harrisburg, March 11, A. D. 1846.
Rev. John F. Mesick—Dear Sir: On last Sabbath evening, 8thinst., you preached a sermon to our congregation on "The Evilsof Dancing." As this is a custom which is in much practise evenby those who consider themselves patterns in society, and, whogenerally comprise the youth, and say that it is an innocentamusement. We would esteem it as a favor if you would furnish uswith a copy thereof for publication that it may be circulated inour Sabbath Schools, among the votaries of dancing, the parentsand friends of those who have been assenting to it, in the hopethat they may read it and learn its evil consequences, andabstain from its practice hereafter, and be satisfied that itsuse is not in character with the present age, whatever may haveseemingly commended it in former days.
| JOHN C. BUCHER, | LUTHER REILEY, |
| GEO. P. WIESTLING, | GEORGE BEATTY, |
| GEORGE ZINN, | RUDOLPH F. KELKER, |
| DANIEL W. GROSS, | SAMUEL B. KEYSER, |
| ELIAS ZOLLINGER, | VALENTINE EGLE, |
| JACOB SHELL, | GEORGE L. KUNKEL. |
Harrisburg, March 11, 1846.
To the Vestry of the German Reformed Salem Church:
Dear Brethren: Although the Discourse preached on Sabbathevening last, was prepared during the preceding week as aregular duty, without a thought in reference to a request ofthis kind; yet as you have been pleased to express a wish to seeit in print, in the hope of extending its usefulness, themanuscript is at your service.With sincere esteem and affection, yours, &c.,
JOHN F. MESICK.
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ROMANS, XII. 3.—"BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD."
The Bible is the only rule for all who wish to be saved. The professedChristian, not only, but every unconverted man, must bow to its precepts, if hewould gain the favor of God. There is but one way, and but one gate of entranceinto the Kingdom of Heaven, for saint and for sinner. Whatever, therefore,shall be acknowledged to be the duty of the covenanted follower of theLamb, is equally the duty of every individual who stands disconnected withthe visible Church.
It is a doctrine of revelation that, both classes of persons