National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-10
POPULAR ADJUSTMENTS.
LECTURE of Rev. Dr.. Porteous.

Owing to the extreme severity Of the weather
last evening LincOla hall was only partially
filled at the lecture of Rev. DR.. POrteous on the
Attitude Of the Clergy Toward Popular Amuse-
ments." DR.. P. is q ine-lOOking, fair-complex-
toned gentleman, typical English gentleman,
though It seems he was born in Scotland. He
has full, rich voice, an abundant flow of Ian
guage, delivering his lecture without notss.)
and great energy of manner He began by say
ing that the question Of amusement, having re-
lation to our most vital interests, demands a
healthy and liberal treatment. We can't ignore
the necessity for amusement any more than We
can the law Of gfaVitatiOn. There never was a
time when rational and healthy amussments
were more needed than in this rushing nineteenth
century. But OF what kind shall they be?
Amusement is recuPeratIon-a restorative to the
Mearied physical aud mental energies. True re-
lgion is not opposed to mirth and hilRrity. It
was not intended that we should 90 to church all
the time. Men were not intended for ascetics,
hut TO be manly, social and genial.
He then referred to Rev. Mr.. Talmaze's re-
cent attack on theatres, and said that he had
stated many things about them aud about actors
and actresses WbIFh were untrue, and said he con-
sidered such slanaer and bearing false witness as
high crime. He then took up some of Mr.. Tai
ns3e,s objections and examined them. The first
was they are not sCTptural. But theatres are only
mentioned once in the Bible, and then not to con-
denim them. st. Paul never tells people not to
&c 70 me theatrS, although he lived in city
(Corlnth) Of 200 theatres, which was very wrong
OF ST. Paul, according to Mr.. Talmage
But, It is said. the theatre is immoral not
merely by its abuses, but II is wrong per Sc, and
breeder OF every kind Of corruption. To this he
would reply that il Is as natural for man and for
children to act or drsmatze as it is to breathe
Dramatic represent alton is as much one OF the
hne arts as painting or sculpture, and destruction
is not our true policy, but TO elevate and purify
His Church (the Church OF England) does not
condemn it, and AGO clergy men, including II
bishops, had written ten plays for the stage. 1t
IS also hne school OF elOcutiOn, to which many
clergyhen might 20 with much advantage to
their pulpit miIistratiOns. Some of the puresC
and nOblest women that have ever lived have
been the stage; and II 1t is demanded that the
theatres be closed because there arc some bad
characters contested with them, he would de-
mand the closing Of the churches on the same
ground.
He had attended the theatre good deal, and
had seen far more that was eleyating and refining
than what Yves bad aud dem0ralizing, and had |
noticed that applause followed when virtue was |
triumphant. |
DR.. p. then proceeded to speak of dancing,
which he regarded not only as a graceful, but a |
very healthy form of amusement. 1t is often
spoken Of in Scripture, but never with dIsapprO-
GatiOn. He had no doubt there was dancing at |
the marriage Of Cana, which Christ graced with |
his presence, and furnished wine for the guests.
The persons who had danced the most among his |
acquaintance were usually hale and hearty old |
men and women, and the best dancers were |
church goers.
He then said he would say a word by special |
request, on Sunday amusements. He believed |
Sunday should be a brig hit ind cheerful day aud |
that God meant US to be gladdeuea with ioy |
There lie not single passage in the Bible com |
~ SLiNAS vi W IIl0 EoaUodNu' but
command is simply to rest. One half or two /
thirds OF the community will not 20 to church, |
and TO brOWbeat them and maltreat them there |
for lie simply absurd. He favored the perform
ance Of religious dramas, OratOriOs, those parts |
of operas teaching high moral sentiments and
the opening Of Teading-rOOms, museums, sc. If /
be could turn his church in Brooklyn into a con-
eert-roOm Sunday evenings he would gladly do
so, but the trustees slightly objected He would /
make Sunday not a day of shackles. OF gloom and
austerity, but time Of freedom, Of the enjoyment
of nature and the gifts our Heavenly Father has
so beautifully bestowed. The eloquent speaker
was warmly applauded at various pOiuts