Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1857-09-23
From the Rising Sun.
THE DRAMA,

TILE DRAMA.
Whilst there have been many opposers of the
Drama-men too who have stood, and stand
high in the world, and whose opinions have
been handed down on the subject; there is
equally as powerful authority in its favour /;
authority which must and will command re-
spcct and attention.
Mar~us Aurelius, an emperor, distinguished
for his picty, says: "Tragedes were first
brought in and instituted to prt men in mind
of worldly chances and casualties. After the
tragedy, the Comeda Vetus, or ancient comedy,
was brought in which had the liberty to inveigh
against personal vices"
Martin Luther, on the subject of The stage,
says: {" In ancient times the dramatic art has
been honorcd by being made subservent to re-
lgion and morality; and in the most enlighten-
ed country Of antiquity, in Greece, the theatre
vas supported BY the State. The dramatic ma
ture of the dialogues Of Pluto has always been
justly celebrated, and from them we may con-
ce!yc the great charm of dramatic poetry. Ac-
ton is the true enjoyment Of life, nay, Of life
itself. The great bulk Of mankind are either
from their situation or their ncapacity for un-
common efforts, confined within narrow circle
Of operations; Of all amusement, therefore, the.
theatre is the most profitable; for there we see
important actions when we cannot act impor-
tantly ourselves. 1t affords us a renovated pic
ture of life, compendium Of whatever is AMI
mated and interesting in human existence. The
susceptible youth opens his heart to every cle-
vated feeling; the philosopher finds subject
for tie deepest reflections on the nature and
constitution of man."
In another work, Luther says: "Christians
ought not altogether to fly and abstain from
Comedies, because now and then gross tricks
and dallving passages are acted therein; for
then it will follow that by reason thereof we
should also abstain FROM reading the Bible.
Therefore, it is of no value that some allegc
such and the like things, and forbid christians
to read or act comedies"
We might, if we had time and space, intro
ducc numerous paragraphs from the writings Of
such men as Philip Melancthon, Rev. DR.. Knox,
Lord Bacon DR.. Philip Sidney, DR.. Gregory,
Sir Joshua Reynolds, DIsracli, DR.. Isaac Watts
Archbishop Tillotson, Potter Porteous, Percy,
Warburton, South, Watson, Paley, Ridley,
Young, with hundreds of others in defence Of
the Drama. The testimony Of such men-men
Of character and tore, Is such as must speak in
its favor.
The Drama has been supported from the
earliest periods, and for d long series of years,
las met with the protection and encouragement
Of government. Would this have been the case
if there had have been within it the seeds of
evil? Ii it had been found injurious to the
we'll being of communities assuredly not.
The Drama has met with support and favor
from christian ministers and Laymen. Profes-
sing chris stians5 haye been ramatics writer's
tRfchbishSp Gregory n NSazeanzen wroee sssacred
dramas. Apolenaris wrote scriptural tragedies
and comedies together with DR.. Edward Young,
author of Night Thoughts, Rev. G. Maturin,
Rev. Dr. Coly, Rev. II. NIillman, author Of the
history Of Christianity, Addison, DR.. johnson,
SIil!on, Coleridge, Thompson, Goldsmith, Miss
Hannah Moore, Miss Joanna Baille, Miss Nit
ford, with numbers Of others, whom we might
INTRODUCE as noted for their pious Qua!itics-as
their great gifts.
As to the character, position and standing OF
actors; erroneous impressions exist; some may
bc inclined to think that they stand outside the
paic Of society. But this is false. 1t is with
them as with members Of every other profes-
sion. Those whose ability, conduct and talent
entities them to respect, are always esteemed.
The profession Of AZ actor was highly cstecrrSl
among the Greeks. Eschyus held command at
Marathon, under Miltiades. He was an actor
ami author. Sophocles held command under
tie great PericlcS. Euripides was distinguish
e.! C oiil''eF; lcus WIS 'ne i''ii,'es c Ac
cT,:u*. In modern times, Mrs. Give, Garrlck,
Cibbcr, kcmbIc. kcail, Mathews, Cooke Qrn
aul Mrs. sltltluns, down to McCrcady and For
CT. OF the present day have been the especial
l:.vpritcs ots monarch; and high dignitaries;
have been receives; in the highest society and
treated with marked distinction.
Numbers Of lovcly and accomplished women
~ Julia Dean iIaync, Mrs. Mowatt, Mrs. Sid
.!,,,,<. An. Cara. !Hsitchr, ;!avc <ho"'n J., ;;s.
arti,:n., by their ci,a,:,Y AMI lat;,g. .,at
tinu"n i,cnr.;n:, 10 ::.c -;agc. yci cnrr,":j.n
j.; moi the ;nIert, o. i;.sir.~c consequence 81
,.i.ir;oni, HE.
The .t:.e In, Lcun a...i st: :, %ia,cd By
nuIn::rrs who are IS pure. is ......ai..i,:.. -
,i,a.;c, as tl,cse of al, ether. They Lave icen
IGNORED time arj"r time. They have been trc