The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1890-05-19
A SERMON ON THE THEATRE.
DR.. Gushing Thinks the Drama Has nn
Immoral Effect.

~ SusuAno AHlhks tlio OEslna nNs M
Immoral Effect.
Rev. Dr.. G. W. Gushing preached on
the evil influences OF theatres aud the
atre.going, at the Fourth street NJ. E..
Church last night. The bad weather
made the audience small, fewer than
half the pews being occupied.
He chose his text from Acts XIX, 30
and 81: "And when Paul would have
entered in unto the people the disciples
suffered him not. s.. :
'Aud certain OF the chief of Asia,
which were his friends, sent unto him,
desiring him that he would not adveu-
ture himself into the theatre"
DR.. Cushing did not condemn all plays
nor all players, but lie did find fault
with the latter day tendencies Of thea
tres, players and play.writers to cater to
the base aud immoral desires Of the
people. He took exception to the state.
ment so often made that the stage is q
school OF morals. He said: "True, the
stage might be made school OF morals,
moral thoughts and moral education.
The players have splendid epportuui-
ties to depict characters, and give per.
feet interpretatons,of those characters 80
that those who see them outlined as
they were or are have more perfect con.
ception Of their reality. Ii the plays
were based on modern moral and educa.
tional subjects, their influence would be
good" &r' '-''- Vt
He then cited the almost innumerable
condemnations by philosophers, acien-
lists aud teachers OF the theatre. He
told Of the promulgation OF the Roman
Senate that all theatres be leveled to the
ground, and the consequent destruction
OF the buildings. Roman theatres were
originally religisus in their tendencies,
and offerings were made before
and after the performances, which took
place semi.annually and lasted whole
day. He said that English and Ameri.
can theatres are much worse than the
worst Roman theatres when they were
at their lowest point ia moral standing
One strong objection to the theatre, il
the fact that debauchees, sensualists ant
wicked people are always there, and
moral people muat associate and mingle
with them, while in the theatre, at
least. rI'
He said that the impression that somt
churches are more lenient than other
in the matter Of theatre-going is incor.
rect, and that nil Christian churches, in
Guiding the Roman Catholic, Episcopal
Presbyterian and Methodist, are alike
opposed to the practice.
| He said that he had read the text O.
many popular plays, and that they al
depend upon their immortality for thei
strength. He cited number Of popular
plays, including in the list, "She Stoopl
to Conquer" "Tickes OF Leave Man,
"East Lynne" and School for Scandal
and stated that fve.sixth Of them ca.el
to the basest desires Of men.
In response to the question, "Wh,
do not moral people go to the theatre
and demand by their patronage an i'm
proyement in the moral standing? ht
said that the theatre was beyond ~
demption, and has constantly retrogra
ding in u moral sense for fifty years
When q Christian goes to the theatre
no matter what the play, he sautions th,
institution and supports it."
| lie closed by saying that it is deligh
TO aee a character perfectly depicted b!
an actor who can do the work we'll, ant
If the stage was what 1t should be ane
might be, he would find pleasure in see
Ing and hearing these great actors.