The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-01-14
A Question With . Practical Side.
 Little Rock Gazette.


 ance of the Emma Abbott opera troupe in Memphis, Rev. Dr, Erwin, pastor of the Central Methodist church, preached what one of the city ! journals terms a sensational sermon" against amusements generally, though especially against theatrc- going. He assumed that all members of the church are aware "of the sin of at tending these places; yet there are many who, even alter listening to this sermon and tn" reading of the church laws, would willingly attend the theatre in order to hear some new opera, or to gaze upon some new star who is at this moment attracting the attention of the amusement loving public"
 Further on the pastor inveighed against fashionable dress" arguing that necessary bodily comfort "docs not mean that you shall allow your love of fashionable dresses, expensive laces, extavagant bonnets and other articles whereby you can make puh- lie display oi your own vanity, to control your every action. Most of you" he continued, casting his eye over the large and fashionable congrc- gation, are included in the greater proportion of the city's population, who have allowed this love of display to overcome their Christian scrupleS, and now follow the lead ot a fashion able world" Mir. Erwin said, in con clusion: v s'- .s-s
 "I have been in charge of the Cen tral Methodist church for some time past, and it is with feelings oi regret that have watched my flock gradually drifting into the tide of pleasure seekers not needing the teaching of the scriptures or the baptismal vows of the church, and think the time has arrived to check this spirit What action will he taken by the next con ference of ministers 1 do not know but | for one. siali insist and urge m expulsion from the church ofall mem bers who continue to attend places of public amusement, or indulge in the sinful pleasure of dancing as praeticcd by fashionable society"
 Ii is evident from this confession al growing indifference to his advice and inlunctions that in their every day concerns Rev. Mir. Ervin's flock choose to think for themselves, and do not permit him to think for them. They do not look upon these various forms of amusements as sinful and they claim the same right to think and aci for themselves he claims and exercises. If Rev Mir. Erwin were wiser man he might trace the growing indifier- ence of his flock to the constant prof fering of advice and the making of demands repugnant to their ideas of right, of propriety and established usage.
 "With feelings of regret" says MT Erwin, "I have watched my flock gradually drifting into the tide of pleasure seekers" If questioned by that flock az to his personal Knowledge of the stage he so especially criticises, Mir. Erwin would frankly confess that, personally, he knows nothing, or at best SO little as to be unable to speak with knowledge of the subject treated Just here Is his weakness exposed. He cannot speak discrimi- natingly and grown men and women will not be moved by general denun- citation founded on confessed lack of information.
 There Is n practical side to this question which men like Rev Mir Erwin appear to ignore. We have the theatre. It has existed In some form since our earliest civilization It's moral tone may bc changed for good or for evil. as changes the public taste by which that tone is influenced. But Ii will not bc abolished while the public desire it's existence. No doubt much could be done to elevate the stage by discriminating criticism, ten dered to separate the good from the bad, though nothing can be accom- pished by wholesale dcnunciatioD, regardless of the facts, which is con- demned and resented as unjust by the best classes of people, whose personal observations do not warrant the sweeping conclusions offered in heat by critics who, disdaining to see Or hear for themselves, rely for their facts on hcarsay evidence.
 4 certain and convenient remedy