An appeal to Christians on the subject of Dramatic entertainment
James Dodson
By
Robert Kaye Greville.
Edinburgh:
W. Oliphant,
1830
AN APPEAL, &c.
THOSE who profess to believe in christianity, must admit that all their thoughts, words, and actions, ought to be agreeable to the word of God; and that their very amusements (if they have any pretensions to consistency of character) should be of such a nature as to allow of being clearly defended upon christian principles.
It is my intention, in the following pages, to bring theatrical representations, as they at present exist, to the test of Scripture—the only test acknowledged by nominal as well as by real christians. Let every one into whose hands this little Essay may fall, assume the privilege of a rational being, and refrain from condemning the conclusion, until he have fairly considered the premises.
I have seen much of the acted, and read much of the written drama of my own and other countries; the facts which I have committed to paper, are, therefore, the result of
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personal observation and experience. They may be denied, but cannot possibly be disproved.
I. It is undeniable, that the name and attributes of Almighty God are habitually invoked on the stage.
Let the frequenter of the theatre put the following questions to himself: his conscience will reply.
1. Can the Lord’s name be used innocently on any, except solemn and religious occasions, or with a solemn and religious intention?
2. Do actors on the stage pronounce and invoke the Lord’s name on a solemn and religious occasion, or with a solemn and religious intention?
3. If actors do not so invoke the name of the Most High, they must invoke it profanely and blasphemously. Is then a sincere Christian guiltless, if he resort at any time to the theatre? for, would he not, by so doing, encourage a set of individuals to persist in a sinful course of life?
What say the Scriptures?
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.—Exod. xx. 7.
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And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the Lord.—Levit. xix. 12.
If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law, that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD; then the Lord will make thy plagues wonderful, and the plagues of thy seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sickness, and of long continuance.—Deut. xxviii. 58, 59.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.—Matt. vi. 9.
If these texts carry conviction along with them, in the quiet retirement of the closet, the inevitable conclusion is, that modern theatrical establishments cannot be encouraged in any degree, directly or indirectly, by the sincere Christian. If any persons, in spite of such conviction, persist in attending the play-house, they adopt the awful alternative of DELIBERATELY SACRIFICING WHAT THEY KNOW TO BE THE LAW OF ALMIGHTY GOD, FOR THE SAKE OF A FEW HOURS OF MERE AMUSEMENT!
II. It is undeniable, that the modern Drama is replete with indecency, both in regard to language and gesture, both of which are carried as far as the public taste will permit. And the public, it is well known, submit to see and hear things in the theatre, that would never be tolerated in private society.
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Let the frequenter of the theatre put the following questions to himself: his conscience will reply.
1. Is impurity and obscenity permitted by Scripture, or is it forbidden?
2. If forbidden, is it the excess only that is forbidden, or is it forbidden under every form, wholly and totally?
3. Do performers on the stage, when they talk or act indecently, observe the precepts of a Christian life, or do they deliberately disobey the commands of God?
4. If the latter,—in what situation am I placed, who go voluntarily, for mere amusement, to listen, and perhaps applaud? Do I not (as far as I am individually concerned) often hire them to perform pieces in which the Almighty’s name is profaned, and ribaldry and indecency hold a place?
What say the Scriptures?
But fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.—Eph. v. 3—6.
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But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.—Col. iii. 8.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.—2 Cor. vii. 1.
Is it within the limits of possibility, to reconcile the modern Drama with the above texts? Assuredly not. It rests with those who are once alive to the immoral tendency of the play-house, to explain upon what grounds they support it, when the law of God is manifestly opposed to it. It rests with fathers to say, why they allow their sons to resort to the theatre, where every thing that can tend to corrupt their principles, is collected into one focus. IT RESTS WITH MOTHERS TO SAY, WHY THEY CARRY THEIR DAUGHTERS TO A PLACE OF ENTERTAINMENT WHERE FEMALE PROFLIGATES ARE OPENLY TOLERATED, AND IN THE EYES OF THE WHOLE AUDIENCE HAVE A PARTICULAR PART ALLOTTED TO THEIR ACCOMMODATION.* It rests with both fathers and mo-
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* It is unquestionable, that there is a tacit understanding, that those unhappy creatures are to confine themselves to certain boxes or other parts of the theatre; and they are freely admitted on this understanding. In London, it is well known that the lobbies are crowded with them, and all females who go to the boxes must pass through the midst of them.
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thers to shew upon what principle they lead the way to such a scene, and stretch forth a helping hand to tarnish, if not insensibly to destroy, the moral feeling of their own offspring; why, for the sake of mere pleasure, they introduce their children under the same roof with tolerated prostitutes, and where, it may be observed, those very prostitutes resort, because it is the favourite haunt of the most profligate of the other sex. Alas! this is indeed to love pleasure more than God.
III. It is undeniable, that the system of morality, uniformly advocated on the stage, is not the morality of the gospel, but directly opposed to it.
Let the frequenter of the theatre put the following questions to himself: His conscience will reply.
1. Does the modern Drama express a virtuous indignation when a want of chastity characterises the male or female personages of the piece? or is it varnished over, and generally rendered as agreeable as possible?
2. Is the vice of drunkenness held up to detestation, especially when actually exhibit-
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ed on the boards? or is it laughed at, and palliated as a slight failing, or mark of good fellowship?
3. Is taking away the life of a fellow-creature brought forward as a horrible crime? or, is duelling represented as a justifiable and honourable mode of atoning for an affront?
4. Are meekness, forbearance, and self-denial warmly advocated? or, is it considered fair to be revenged, gentlemanly to retaliate, and highly desirable to obtain the end in view, by whatever means?
5. Is old age held in reverence, and the authority of parents and guardians recognized? or, is the former frequently introduced to be a butt for ridicule, and the latter in order to be disobeyed and deceived?
6. Is religion esteemed a sacred thing, and treated as such? or, are its professors, no matter of whatever Christian sect, put forward, if put forward at all, in order to be caricatured and laughed at?
What say the Scriptures?
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore, will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.—James iv. 4.
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Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.—Rom. xiii. 13.
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.—1 Cor. vi. 10.
Thou shalt not kill—Exod. xx. 13.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.—Matt. v. 5.
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.—1 Pet. iii. 4.
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.—Col. iii. 13.
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.—Matt. xvi. 24.
Honour thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.—Exod. xx. 12.
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord.—Levit. xix. 32.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue in these, and if there be any praise, think on these things.—Phil. iv. 8.
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.—Gal. vi. 7.
Nothing can be more palpable than this
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view of the modern Drama; I will venture to affirm, that no person acquainted with the stage, if he thinks at all, dare dispute its accuracy. Do the promoters of the Drama ever think? Do they ever reflect upon what they encourage; or are they really simple enough to imagine, that the theatre possesses no influence? This is too absurd to be admitted. Can we take fire into our bosom and not be burned? Can we touch pitch and not be defiled? Compare the queries with the texts that follow them, and say, whether it can be lawful to encourage, with our purse and our example, a system of morality so inimical to that inculcated by our Saviour. Let every one put this question honestly to himself—and an awful one it is: DO I NOT, FOR THE SAKE OF AN EVENING’S DIVERSION, OPPOSE MY INDIVIDUAL INFLUENCE TO THAT OF MY BLESSED SAVIOUR? HOW SHALL I ANSWER AT THE LATTER DAY, FOR HAVING COUNTERACTED HIS PURE AND MERCIFUL PRECEPTS?
IV. It is incontrovertible, that the profession of a player is, to say the least of it, unfavourable to a life of holiness. It would not be going too far to say, it was inconsistent with a life of holiness.
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Let the frequenter of the theatre put the following questions to himself: his conscience will reply.
1. From what I know of the general habits and character of stage-players in all ages, am I authorised in saying, that they constitute a body of moral and religious individuals? or, that they are mostly of a very opposite description?
2. Has the Drama, as I am acquainted with it, a religious tendency? or, does it abound with false morality, profane invocations to the Deity, and indecent jests?
3. If the latter, can the performers be said to be otherwise than unfavourably situated for leading a holy life? Is it possible for them to do it?
4. How do I justify myself for using my individual influence to retain a number of fellow-creatures in a profession which I know to be unfavourable to a life of holiness, consequently tending to eternal perdition, and all for a temporary, selfish gratification?
5. Is not this the same essentially, as saying, “provided I have my customary diversion, I care not whether those who contribute to it be thereby eternally lost or not; neither do I care whether I am to answer
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for it or not; I will have my amusement in this world, and take my chance in the next?
What say the Scriptures?
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.—Heb. xii. 14.
Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter.—Isaiah v. 20.
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.—Eccl. xi. 9.
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.—Rom. xiv. 10, 19.
Since it is unequivocally certain, that, in a moral sense, the theatrical profession is esteemed a degrading one, and this is the mildest term that can be applied to it—by what sophistical reasoning do christians judge it proper to foster it? In what new construction do they receive the doctrine of charity, so beautifully developed in the holy writings? Is this the never-failing charity, the brotherly love of the gospel? is it a sin to condemn the body of the miserable African to brutal
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slavery? and, is it no sin to be the spiritual jailor of those, who, but for you, might be emancipated from their moral thraldom? Are the bonds you delight to draw around the unhappy ministers to your pleasures, the light and easy ones of Christ Jesus? You cherish the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, the end of which is death; and you are not content without dragging others into the same condemnation.
In current language you are called christians—your parents were called christians—the country you live in is called a christian country: But what are your real pretensions to the name? Suppose, on your first visit to the theatre, the motto over the stage, or on the drop scene, were as follows: A CHRISTIAN COUNTRY, A CHRISTIAN STAGE, AND A CHRISTIAN AUDIENCE! THEN, AFTER THE PERFORMANCE OF A MODERN COMEDY AND FARCE, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR REFLECTIONS, ADMITTING YOU TO BE A SINCERE CHRISTIAN, AND CONSEQUENTLY WELL READ IN THE BOOK OF LIFE, A LOVER OF HOLY THINGS AND BROTHERLY CHARITY?
EDINBURGH:—PRINTED BY ANDREW JACK & CO.