Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1837-05-24

from every port under heaven; and from
them the heather get nearly all they I
know Of Christianity Let their infu-
ense be what it ought 10 be, and there is
no class Of men who could do so much
for the spread Of the gospel. But let it
be what it should not be, and there is no
class that can do so much TO counteract
our missionary operations.
And what is the general character of
our seamen2 They are those who wish
to get away from the restraints of home
and religious influence. They are gath
cred into our large cities, where they are
schooled- educated-covered all over
with pollution, and sent forth to repres sent
Christianity. And where are they school,
ed2 In the heatre-that school of
good morals"-and that in its worst forms.
Again, they arc schoole1 in grog,shops,
and those of the worst character. Again.
there is another class of places where
they 60 for tuition-where they find it
among the very lowest grade of the open
Iy abandoned. In these low places they
get their characters, and carry them forth
to the world, as the character of Christian
ity. Is there nothing here to impede the
progress Of the Redeemer's kingdom?-
Is there no obstacle in the way of its ex-
tension, worthy to engage the attention
and prayers and efforts of those who love
Zion?
What shall be done! 1t seems TO me
something can be done. Is there moth
ing that can be done for the suppression of
the theatre2 believe something can be
done by combined efforts of religious
people. And what shall Christians do
can tell one thing that they can do
they can stay atcGy from the theatre them
seIres He said there was a general
impression that every man must 90 to the
theatre once, and stated some facts to show
that Christians from the country are in
the habit Of visiting the theatre, for the
purpose OF seeing for once what is done
there. A little more than a wear ago,
two men came to this city, and put up at
. the same pIace-one professor of reIi-
gIon and the other an mtidel. The pro-
lessor of religion was a civil officer from
the city Of New Haven, who had come
> here IN pursuit of wretch who had de-
coyed away female, for the hasest of
purposes; and when be arrived here. the
first thing he did was to 90 to the theatre.
= And how many others do you suppose
follow his example2 1t is believed that
the money paid to the theatres bv stran-
gers who visit our cities is sufficient TO
support them. believe If professors of
] religion would stay away, they could not
be supported. But suppose the whole
$ Christian country should combine and
J. present petitions to our legislatures, to
II pass laws for the suppression Of these
Il schools Of vice, believe they might be
J. put down. Is there nothing in the force
o OF moral sentiment to effect this? And
e when we have succeeded in getting whole
e some laws passed, by the same influence
, they can be executed. We need conbn.
d ed infuence-concentrated action-direct,
: ed with strong and united force, against
d this vice Of vices-this giant of iniuuities
y and before this it will quail-before this it
!, will flee away.
l. He was followed by Rev Mr.. Hague
OF Boston, who offered resolution de-
claring it TO be wrong for any protested
e friend Of morality to sustain the theatre
b by his attendance or influence. This res.
h olution, said he, brings to my mind the
e remarks of a learned bishop in France
If who had made severe reflection upon
the theatre, which the king cndeavored tc
y persuade him TO retract-"Sre, it has fol-
e It great names, but it has against it stron
IS arguments" would stamp upon it, ir
= flaming letters, as we did upon the traffic
e and use of ardent spirits, WRONG-in
5 herent WRONG The infatuation o
= the theatre has lured very many to ruin
S. admit that some amusement is necessa.
y ry. But what is the design of amuse
h ment2 To exhiarate the spirits, and re
n fresh the mind, that it may be prepared
d, for renewed exertion. But every one
re feels contempt for the man who lives only
to be amused. lsthis the object for which
d, man was created2 And what is ANYTHING
10 good for, which does not answer the de
T. sign of its being! Of what value is &
le watch that does not keep time7 We are
ID not made merel y to be amused, but tc
E. serve, honor, and glorify God.
IS He now proceeded to give some rca.
y sons why he thought the theatre wa.
WRONG:
u !. No amusement can be right, which
rs demands such excitement and concentra
s. ton Of soul as must give tone and char
lie acter 10 the whole man. 1t is for thi.
70 reason that object to the game Of chess
ID The whole energies of a mans minc
he must be so taxed, in the acquisition of tn,
a; game. that by the time it is learned, tn,
ne man is a slave to his habit AS Ilustra
tn tons, he alluded to King James and tn,
ed Caliph Of Bagdad, one of whom coul,
~ not attend to the news that city was be
lis siged, and the other that his capital wa
n on lire till they had finished their games