New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-09-09
IN THE CHURCH PORCH.
THEATRE GOING-CHRISTIAN UNITY.

year the number OF church members who haoi'uaiV
attend the theatre is increasing have talked win
many pastors the subject and they admit the iac'
though some of them do reluctantly. They know
perfectly well that a large percentage OF tneir
members go to the theatre but as It IS impossible 10
ndict nation, so It has become impossible for the
churches TO discipline Their theatre going members,
simply because Of their great numbers. Even the
denomnati which specifically condemn the theatre
are pt wercss TO enforce Their condemnation IN
pracice while other denominations either ignore tho
question entirely leaving to each member TO settle
for himself or mildly approve OF tho drama In tho
abstract An ncreasingly large number OF the Clergy
either 90 themselves TO reputable dramatic perform
ances or approve Of their members doing So The
Nominations OF individual clergymen against the
drama excite little attention either in the church
or out Of IT, II is not likely that any denomination
Will ever In many words approve Of theatre going
But in the end II amounts to the Same thing when they
refuse to unchuroh those who known to be
theatre goors hold bref either for the church or
tho stago but simply state tho facts they arc 1t
rests with the theologans to explain these facts,
and give them the proper moral color
"Yes, attend the theatre occasionally said
Baptist clergyman to me not long ago. u do
so because It IS me one Of the best kinds Of mental
recreation. never witness good play without feel
Ing the better for II. The drama is a school In
which learn much about humanity that would not
otherwise learn. 1t brushes away the cobwebs that
apt to gather in the mind of bookish Pro
fcssional man. 1t brings him in touch with the world
of real men and women around him. 1t satisfies his
hunger for that ideal justice and IDEAL triumph OF
right over wrong which are so seldom seen in the
actual world ! do not assume to speak for any
one but mytelf: but in my opinion an occasional
visit to frst-class theatre would be good for all
the clergy. 1t would quicken Their sympathies,
correct their superabundant dcal.sm, give them
iruer insight into the relations between good and
evil and last but not least would do than any
thing else to elevate the drama When Christian men
and women both clerical and lay, shall frankly
recognize the drama necessary outcome of human
nature the moral character Of the drama will at once
reflect the ideas and beliefs OF these Christ an men
and women. 1t will be whatever they desire to mako
its
The churches have boon very much handicapped In
their opposition TO the theatre by the tacit approval
which many Of them have given to locr es and other
equally Objectionable entertainments tho object OF
which Is to raise money There can be nothing In
vidous in referring to this most Of the donom!-
nations tarred with the same stick, and their
organs have vigorously denounced the abuse. was
once present a negro minstrel entertainment given
In the church for tie benefit OF church. And the
only difference between the entertainment and pro
fcsslonal minstrel show that II was little more
coarse and poutless, and not so well done. The
wretched pastor had to DO present at the thing, or
efforts Of the young people. lie told me afterward
that IL hc refused to cUunenance such entertainments
lie would lose his hold the young people entirely
as they would go TO another church where they
would be appreciated have even known OF church
fairs In VII Oh certain pretty girls could be kissed for
a dollar that is to say kissing game was opened
the entrance fec TO which was one dollar. l noed
not enlarge on the lottery business can see # in
full blast every season at numerous church ia rs So
oil rod he h1frche
not cons's silently condemn theatre going On the
scorc Of morality, decency refinement and interest
a good play in a reputable theatre is far preferable
10 a demoraz ng church fair with a lottery attach
ment cheap amateur dramatic show
An esteemed Episcopal clergyman demurs TO my
playful description last sunday of the spirit In which
the Presbyterian Church might offer terms Of union
10 the Episcopal Church. He thinks that to ask the
Epscopallans TO give up EpiscOpacy, liturgy and
vestments would be TO ask them to give up every
thing that distinguishes them from other churches
and as the Episcopal Church does not impose similar
terms on other churches condition to unity he
cbaractcrzes my illustration as unfair. But Is II
true as my good friend asserts, that tho Episcopal
Church In her terms Of unity docs not ask any 70
lgious body to give up any doctrine or ruth or
rite of which 1t is already in possession; think
not. Every non Episcopal denomination of which
know anything claims to have a valid ministry; in
and preach the Gospel. But the Episcopal Church
does not admit that claim, and indeed, cannot adj
mt II without surIcnderng the cornerstone OF
Epscopacy. 1t seems 10 me. therefore, that the
Episcopal Church does ask its sister churches 10 give
up everything which they possess or think they
possess For the moment they acknowledge that they
have no valid ministry they thereby acknowledge
themselves TO be churches and they ere of course
therefore. I'm duty bound 10 seek admission TO the
Creek Roman or Anglican communions as the case
nav be- This is the real point at issue, and no
amount of pretty talk can obscure 1t. Imagine, for
instance, Island thousands OF miles from any other
country Imagine all the inhabitants Of that island
but 100 TO be members Of the Roman Catholic Church
Imagine those hundred dissenters to be members OF
duly organized Presbyterian Church Imag ne that
for various reasons IL is impossible to establish or
introduce the Protestant Episcopal Church in this
island The great Roman Catholic Church fully
organized and the little Presbyterian congregation
fully organized live side by side, amcably, yet IN
dependent OF each other. One day an Episcopal
clergyman arrives the island, and on Sunday
every one Is anxious to SEQ where he VIII attend
service. Docs he show his desire for Protestant
unity by attending the Presbyterian service' Not
at ALL for he IS very strong Churchman and he holds
that tho Presbyterian Church is not branch OF tho
,rue church. Therefore no worships in Roman
Catholic church, which is a branch OF the true
church. And Monday morning he tells those
moor Presbyterians that IN the absence OF the Eps
copal Church their Only course is to submit to the
Roman Catholic Church. In that way alone can
they promote Christian unity. Carried TO It's logical
conclusions this Is the Episcopal position on the
oucs, on of Christian unity. Need we be surprised
n the Protestant sects7 do not az once recognize us
beautyl
The relation between science and religion Is
pretty tbreadbarc subject, but DR. Mengar has never
theless succeeded in saying something fresh aoou I'd
Oh. .rcrst Forum Religions Gain from Science
IS his topic. and his argument may be Summed up a.
follows:
l. Science has dccpened reverence. 1t is not as
ecstatic perhaps It was, but 1t Is profounder ana
rational.
Science has taught religion to think according 10
csuse and effect Religion now tends less to exhae