the harmony of the soul by the excess and length of our pleasures; it may be said that neither those who compose them, nor those who act them, so far unbend their minds as to destroy that just disposition of soul. As for the first, they have liberty to go or stay away; and after a days labour, two hours of refreshment may be allowed. As for the authors and players, whose profession seems to be one continued diversion, they do not certainly look upon their lives to be a play, since they have other serious business, in providing for and supporting their families, besides the common duties of christians to perform. As for the circumstance of time, of which our casuists would have us take care, it is observed in France, where they never act but at proper hours. One of the things against which the Fathers declaimed the most, was the time of acting the plays; they lasted the whole day, and people had scarce any time to go to church. Thus St. Chrysostom complains: "That the christians in "his time, and in his diocess, did not only go to "plays, but were so intent upon them that they "staid whole days at those infamous sights, without going one moment to church." St. John, of Damascus, condemned the same excess in these words, "There are several towns where the inhabi"tants are from morning to night feasting their 66 eyes with all manner of sights, and in hearing "always immodest songs, which cannot chuse but "raise in their minds wicked desires." Is there any thing like this to be found in our plays? They begin at five or six o'clock when divine service is over, the prayers and sermon ended; when the church doors are shut, and people have had time enough to bestow on business and devotion,-and they end about eight or nine. As for the circumstance of places, it is observed in France;-formerly they acted in churches, but now they have public theatres for the purpose. The circumstance of the persons is also observed, for those who act are civil people, who have undertaken the employ, and generally behave themselves in it with decency; at least there are as few ill men among them as in other professions : their vices arise from their own corrupt nature, and not from the state or calling they are in, since all men are like them. I have conversed, and am PARTICULARLY ACQUAINTED WITH SOME OF THEM, WHO, OUT OF THE THEATRE, AND IN THEIR OWN FAMILIES, LIVE THE MOST EXEM, PLARY LIFE IN THE WORLD*. You have told * How Doctors differ! a Doctor Witherspoon in a letter upon Play-Actors, says-" For my own part, I would no more hold communication with a master of the Circus. than a manager of the Theatre. And I should be sorry σε me yourself, that all of them in general, out of their common stock, contribute a considerable sum to pious and charitable uses, of which the magistrates and superiors of the convents could give sufficient testimony. I question whether we can say as much of those zealous persons who inveigh so loudly against them. I am conscious, Sir, that some people will blame me for having followed the most favourable opinion concerning plays, for it is now the fashion to teach an austere doctrine, and not to practice it, but I assure you, I have been solely governed by truth, wishing still to observe that Father's rule who directs us to form our actions by the most severe opinions, and our doctrine by the most indulgent. I am, "to be thought to have any intimacy with either the one "or the other."-But the sagacious Doctor has contrived to bring in Lord Chesterfield, as a party joining in the condemnation of Opera performers and musicians!How or why?-Because he tells his son "that to be always fiddling and playing, is not consistent with the " character of a gentleman." 66 O Witherspoon! Withersooon! sapient Witherspoon ! living or dead, Hail to thee, Witherspoon!! R. M. FREE THOUGHTS UPON Methodists, Actors, and the Influence of the Stage. ADVERTISEMENT. I MUST openly and candidly inform my readers, that they will occasionally find in the subsequent pages expressions which policy cannot warrant, nor prudence justify. But I am whipped and scourged with rods, nettled and stung with pismires, when I think of the many provocations we have received from some certain TOLERATED INTOLERANTS." Several of my friends, who honoured my manuscript with a perusal, suggested to me the impropriety of approaching, if not entering, the province of abuse, at the very moment I am condemning my opponents for their frequent excursions to the same disgraceful resource*. I daringly mention this to shew, that if I am erring, it is wilfully, and I shall probably add to * Vide Introductory Letter, page 9. the offence, by not only avowing my knowledge of it, but by openly justifying the measure. The arrears of two centuries*, from a long unsettled account, which I much regret some of my predecessors did not balance at former periods, and thus have added another instance in favour of the good old adage. "that short reckoning makes long friends." However, since the office of accomptant-general, has fallen to my lot, it is my wish to re-pay our accusers and abusers, partly in their own coin. I confess myself incompetent to the task of making up the whole sum, but whatever deficiency there may be found on this score, I trust will be more than compensated for by an overplus of reason, candour, and justice. I have been conscientious in striking the balance, and, by the soul of Cocker, I believe every item advanced in my statement to be strictly correct. In this wordy war, let it be clearly understood, that I do not consider myself as the aggressor, on the contrary, my profession is daily-hourly annoyed by an enemy armed like wild Indians, with poisoned darts, tomahawks, and KIMES+!-What weapon can * Vide Introductory Letter, page 9. + Vide Edinburgh Review, April, 1809, page 46. |