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TOPIC: Gordon, Samuel Dickey - Quiet Talks on Personal Problems (Other Topics in this Collection)
SUBJECT: 70. Giving Comfort to the Enemy.
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Giving Comfort to the Enemy.
Regarding the theatre, it can be said that without doubt there are some performances, such as historical plays and others, that are thoroughly enjoyable, and that would not be otherwise than helpful. But clearly these are the exception. The theatre as an institution is not good; more, it is bad. The tone of its performances has been steadily lowering to cater to the sensual appetites, the morbid desire for the sensational. Its representation of life, as a rule, is not true, nor good, nor well balanced. Then it can be added that the worst features of sinful life in the city are constantly fostered and intensified by the theatre.
A man might choose only the exceptional, fine play, and refuse all others. But many of those in his circle who are under the influence of his conduct make no such discrimination. They are younger, it may be, with their character and convictions just in process of being formed. The fact that this man goes influences their going. The chances are all in favor of their choosing the popular play of the hour, or the one that happens to strike the fancy. The chances are still more in favor of their being hurt in their moral lives, not to go higher and say Christian lives.
Cards have long been gamblers' favorite tools. It may not be that the playing of any of the numerous card games has necessarily any influence upon one's thought of gambling. But there does seem practically to be a subtle, sure connection between the two. There is an itch about cards; a contagious itch. The chance of winning something for nothing must be added to give zest to the playing. And the step from a trifling something to something of real value, and then of great value, seems to be a very short one. And the highly colored glamour of high society casts a spell over all. Gambling itself is not questionable. It is only bad. It is wrong in principle, of course; never right. It would seem the only wise course to leave gamblers' favorite tools to themselves.
The word dancing seems to cover a great variety of physical exercise under greatly different conditions. David danced before the Lord to express his joy at the return of the Ark. The old Scottish dances were used as fine means of development, but were strictly guarded, men with men, and women with women, and never otherwise. What is called the modern dance seems to have radically altered these old regulations.
Many of the common usages of dancing to-day put it quite outside the line for the modest, thoughtful people. Many dancing institutions and centres join hands with the theatres in fostering the worst impurity lurking in city life.
But what about private dancing in one's own home with a chosen circle? Well, the fact that there is a question-mark over the whole custom would seem to answer that question. What is being questioned in morals would far better be left alone. And with this goes the kindred fact that people do not discriminate keenly.