Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1818-07-03

The Theatre gave way as Christianity prevail.
ed among the nations; and in process OF time
disappeared from ChiIsteudcri. nor did IL re.
sppear until superstition succeeded in spread
ins her sable mantle over the Christian nations
The Church of Rome, however, by her Coui-
ellis repeatedly raised her voice against the
Iheattr. The Protestant Churches with one
accord condemned IL; a;I;l the most pious ,sien
OF every country >et their faces against this
evb. hreliStOus aud wealthy men in the s.u-
ropeau nations first introduced into theirown
houses, such exhibitions: aud " hen luxur, and
a false as welt nS liccutiOuS taste. became pre-
valcnt, tie public stage obtained in such ii;,.
tons, permanent establishment. From The
European continent il was introduced inlo
England, and from thence was imported into
the United States.
The theatre is in its nature a criminal insti-
tuition.
In order TO determine whether christians
may consistently give IL ihcir presence and
support. the stage must be considered as we
find II organized. Ii ihrst be examined no; as
AN imaginary system, bu, as il an fact erisis.
ing more 10 dissuade them from sunportinp it
than evidence that IL is in It's nature slnfnI.-
such evidence is of easy attainment Tried
by the laws or thcchristan religion, the theatre
IS OBVIOUSLY criminal as it respects both the
actual performance of PLAYS and the profession
OF play actor. THIS trial, however, cannot
justly depend an the merits OF one play, or the
personal character vi AN individual actor.
AS II respects the actual performance Of
plays, it is sufficient TO observe m evidence of
their criniinaity, that althou.h ,here is no
play whatever performed on the stage. thar
recommends morality upon principles OF lie
gospel, or recommends at all the practice rs
Tie christian graces, there is scarce one >yhicb
does not contain obscure aiiuson. false mnr:,I
ity or Proclamation of The name OF God And
can Christians support by their presence. and
by their money, set OF men in the very work
of conterrlng ornament on pernicious s,ati.
ments, III rendering iiceRtiousuess agreeable
to the audience and in violating the tlird com
mandnent Tor their amusement. Can chrisA
tians consent 10 pay stage players for treating
WITH dIsrespect their Creator and Redeemer
and think themselves guiitleSs' 1t is iinpos.
sible.
The profession of a play actor is criminal
one. IL was esteemed infamous i'm Pagan
Rome-aud Ia every civilized society il is Still
disgraceinl. In the light of the gospel il is
sinful.
If The profession of PLAYER was NOT aisre.
putable, why is il, that no person of characler
IS wiling that near aud dear friend shouId
follow the profession, or become united i'm
matrmony TO such are devoted 10 that
course oil NE Ii disrepuiable, can christian
upon any ptinciple feel justified in visiting the
play house?
The theatre under every form in which il
can he presented 10 useless. The convention
IN endeavorirg TO dssuahe The christian r,em
berS of the church, from ATTENDING il do nor
ask great sacrifice. they are not called mn.
on 10 perform a hazardous duty, i'm which
health or property or life can he endangered.
.
lead them into danger, and which all wiiladmit
is productive of no good TO soul or hody lis
entertainments are ali adapted 10 the taste of
the vain, the Idle and the prot!isatc and will
never aid III obtaining the end Of Our creation
were ~ OF apy use as "A school of morality it
wosid have been sanctioned bv a recomicn-
datIon from the great supreme lsawgiver 1t
would recommend itself by its fruits in the
distinguished virtue and piety of both play
actors themselves, and those who habitnalIy
attend on their performances.
is II by frequeDting the theatre. the trades
man becomes industrious, that the merchant
acquires practical skill, that the civilian is fit.
TED tor the government OF empires, that The
learned professions are studied with success
that mothers and daughters become qualified
10 act their important part in society, or any
one becomes wiser or better?
theatrical representations necessarily tend
TO demoraliGe every society in which they are
supported. The idle and the proteate visit
them, without undergoing any reform...
lnhdeity and RIGHTEOUSNESS are introduced
under every form which would diminish, dis
gust, OF be calculated 70 render them agreeable
to the hearers.
The neral sentiment inculcated from the
stage, with all the graces of composition and
delivery, is nnifOrmly separated from the mo-
tives ana principles OF christianity, is never
tested by the precepts OF the divine law. and
is of course both impious and deusory.-
Therefore the wicked returns from the NAV
honse highly gratItied with his entertainment
But II The good man even retires hOm il With
out disgust, IT is because his taste has been
corrupted hy evil communications
VIII IN my next number endeavor TO shey
from The opinion OF great and gGod mem OF all
ages, that the atieedance on the theatre is in-
" consistent with the Character Of christian
CONSTITUENCY.