| Citation |
PGCJ.774.021
23 Apr 1774:11,12,13,21,22,23 (537)
By inserting the following answer, from Pike and Hayward's
Cases of Conscience,, to this question, "Is going to plays,
and other theatrical performances, consistent with the
profession and practice of Christianity?" you will oblige
[signed] A Reader
. . . [Topics presented in this 5 column article include the
following subjects:]
I. Attending plays, and other diversions of the like kind,
is by no means profitable to our souls. . . Music has all
the charms of eloquence, all the force of oratory, in it:
And those who have a musical soul cannot withstand its
influence. Its effects either to fill us with melancholy,
or elate us, will be according to the suitableness in the
music to our natural frame and constitution. This you see
therefore is something mechanical. . .
II. Much time is spent in these diversions, that might be
spent to better purposes. . .Oh, the time I have foolishly,
nay, wickedly spent in the play-house, and in other vain and
ensnaring diversions!. . .
III. Attending upon plays, and other such pleasures,
greatly unfits us for the spiritual discharge of duties, and
leads to the neglect of them. . . Have you not found a
shyness to duty after attending the stage? . . .
IV. Attending plays, and other such diversions, has a
particular tendency to set persons against the power and
life of religion, and to make them take up with a mere form.
. . Do you ever see any persons attend the play-house, who
are growing and flourishing Christians!. . .
V. Attending plays, and other such diversions, is
accompanied with the greatest evils. . . And it is no
wonder, when we consider the degeneracy of our natures, and
the tendency of plays to lead to prophaneness in
conversation; and promote impurity of thought by the wanton
songs, the filthy jests, and blasphemous speeches, with
which many of them are crowded. . .
VI. For professors to attend plays, and other such
entertainments, is to set a bad example. . . Remember if you
go, other will go too. . .
1. To masters and heads of families--particularly to those
who attend themselves. . . I taught him first to go to a
play; and see what evils I have hereby introduced into my
family!
2. I would address myself to professors of religion upon
this subject. . .See amongst the crowd, that is passing into
the play-house, how many professors!. . .
3. I would close all [?] young persons. . . Oh, if your
minds were once suitably impressed with a sense of these
important things, you would soon see the impropriety and
danger of plays. . .
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