The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1854-06-29

To THE EDIFoR.-A handful, distributed
through the city, informs us and this COM
munity, that Clergymen are admitted free
to the moral drama of Uncle Toms Cabin
TO be exhibited here during the present
week.
1t is no new thing for clergymen to be
complimented with free tickets to a vast va
riety of exhibitions which appear from time
to time among us. But for our part, we
feel disposed to say that we take such Of
fers as no compliment; for we well know
that the proprietors wish only to increase
their w profits by the use of our influence.
If they can produce the impression that
ministers go to their exhibitions, they secure
more visitors than will compensate for the
few tickets given away. Free tickets are
the brides by which a double effect, it is
thought, may be secured. CIergymen will
be so grateful as to close their lips against
all disapproval; and their people of course
can go where their ministers are invited.
It is u earnest opinion that a most per-
~nicious and demeralizing effect is exerted
in all our communities by these travelling
shows. Some ofthem, indeed, such as me-
nageries, exhibit the wonderful works of
God, and these christians and their families
may lawfully visit; yet when we consider
the manner in which even these arc con-
Quoted, they are far from being unexcep-
tionable. There are others including cir
cuses and theatrical exhibitions, the inf
ence of which is almost purely evil. We
have seldom known a circus exhibited in
any place, that a mischieyous influence
could not be observed Immediately after, in
the conduct, words, and songs of the boys
upon the streets.
We have no reason to believe that the
drama of Uncle Toms Cabin exhibits any
fit scenes for the eye Of a clergyman, or a
christian. The time has gone by for vim
dicating theatrical exhibitions upon chris
tan principles. The men whousually play
in such scenes, are not fit teachers for a
christian people; the example set OF en-
couraging such scenes, is not the example
christians ought to set; and the sentiments
there uttered, are either out Of place, or
they ought not to be heard at all. We do
, not need that vice, profanity, and cruelty
should be thus set forth before us and our
children; and the stage is not the place, and
actors are not the men, to quote scriptural
, expressions and exhibit pious conduct.
!, Religion in a theatre seems to be the
t great theme of this show bill. Upon the
stage not only brandy, profanity, and Ii
c%entiousness are to be exhibited; this is
: consistent enough; but piety is to be SCI
forth on the lips of men who possibly care
nothing for it; scripture is to be quoted
e prayer is to be offered, the bible to be
r commended, and that nothing be wanting
: to the impious tableaux, the awful appear
: ance of death himself is expected; and a de
parting spirit is ODE seen winging itswaJ
: to heaven. Can christians innocently lool
: upon this?
AS ministers Of the gospel we protest a
: gainst any set of men who would link ou
g names or office, however remotely, will
d such scenes; and we call uponthe lovers 0
religion, morality and good order in thi
= community, to set their faces against thes,
exhibitions. They carry off annually larg
sums of money; and they leave, not onl,
no good, but much evil behind. In thi
: case the increasing sin Of gambling is ais
k promoted; for a concealed system %oflotter
v is connected with this show; and the hold
ers of the lottery tickets are admitted a
free as clergymen; indeed on better terms
1t for a lottery ticket admits two,
n We trust these reasons will prevail wit
those that love christianity and morality
SO that they and their children will give n
countenance to SO unworthy an exhibition
JOHN M. LOWRIE,
= J. +. REINMUND,
j.. B. SACKETT,
N. WESTERMAN,
@, BALDWIN,
10 D. RISER.