Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1912-05-28

en- less pure than Plato's republic?
Valerius Maximus said Of the Roman theaters,
"The state first blushed and then bed account of
their existence Can it be expected that the spiritual
commonwealth of Christ should suffer shame and
injury on account of them?
Ovid poet far removed from anything akin to
asceticism, advised the Emperor Augustus to sup
press plays the promoters of RIGHTEOUSNESS and
dssoluteness Could we wish christian preachers to
be less scrupulous than this heather poet? Would
an institution that was injurious to the society of
ancient Rome be wholesome thing for christian
people to patronize?
sPlutarch condemns the Lacedemonians because
they would endure stageplays under any form of
regulations. and Tacitus applauds the Germans be-
cause their women were guarded against danger and
kept their honour out of harms way by having no
playhouses among them. Would any one have the
church of God less careful of its purity than were
the ancient Lacedemonian and German communities
and commonwealths?
Our Colonial fathers, whether protesting chris
tians or not saw the evil of these things and the
Continental Congress adopted the following preamble
and resolution:
'Thereas true religion and good morals are the
only solid foundation Of public liberty and happi-
resolved. That it be. and it is hereby
estly recommended to the several States to take
the most effectual methods for the encouragement
Thereof, and for the suppression of theatrical en-
l-
er diversions as are productive of idleness dissi-
patton. and general depravity of principle and
manners"
The Colonial Danes and Daughters of the Revo-
luton might do well to themselves behalf of
these principles the fathers of the republic from
whom they delight to trace their descent.
In the light of all these teachings of ancient and
modern morasts, and in view of the spiritual STAN
dards of christianity which rise far above all earthly
systems of morality christian who really in
tends to be christian at all cost, will scarcely imperl
his soul by indulgence of these worldly diversions
Piety is too precious thing for expose it need
lessly to injury.
Moreover the unanimous testimony Of all the
churches in opposition to all these diversions must
be conclusive against them with any one who really
intends TO live the christian life That gifted man.
Dr. Austin Phelps put the case we'll some years ago
in his charming book entitled. MY Portfolio. He
said THE christian church being what it is,
on any question of practical morals afford to
stand alone. This is specially true concerning such
things as the amusements of people. Oblivion of
this is often apparent in the spirit in which
the christian law of amusements is discussed It
debated too warmly question of individual lib
erty. But such is it worth debating? Liberty in
such matters is worth its cost if we gain it at
the expense of christian fellowship. There is more
than a loss of influence in such isolation; there is
loss of certain elements of character with which
man or woman should be willing to part There is
loss of t0iSe christian nOdesty 1t is possible, but
not probable that the individual right in his dis
from the instinct of the christian church. He
may be inspired above his peers but such is the
usual method of divine revelation. His self-conceit
feeds his modesty If ne believes himself
alted. There loss of frdterndI affection also 1t
is selfish thing in to stand up against the cur
rent of christian feeling for my right to attend
theater or a masquerade My combative nature ought
not to be aroused against good and praying won-
en- for mask and q farce. They can afford it; but
I? Sooner later must to myself and
grieve my irreparable loss
At last this amusement question is included in tha
larger and decisive question, Do intend to be
christian at all? If do intend to be real chris.
tian. will eschew these things. If do not intend
be christian. it is waste of time to discuss this
or any other question concerning piety.
s