What does Paul say about partaking in other men's sins? I Tim. v: 22. If men engage in an evil practice, and we encourage them either by our presence or our money, do we partake of their sins? What kind of characters are the most of men and women connected with theatrical troupes, negro minstrels, and circuses? Judging of these things by the characters of those connected with them, have they a good, or a bad effect on character?

      Note.--It is a well known fact that with only a few exceptions the persons connected with those establishments are either very corrupt in their morals at the start, or soon become so.

      When Christians encourage such exhibitions by their presence and their money, are they not becoming partakers of other men's sins? What classes of persons are most addicted to theater going, the pious, or the ungodly? Is it properly classed as a worldly amusement? Can Christians indulge in it without conforming to the world, thus violating Rom. xii: 2?

      Is it good repute for a Christian to be seen [96] at such places? Can he go without giving offense to his brethren?

      What is there about these exhibitions to make them corrupting? Ans.--1st. In most of them there are improper sentiments and practices exhibited by the actors. 2d. The dress of both sexes, especially that of the women, is usually immodest, tending to incite impure thoughts and feelings. 3d. Mingling in the presence of such scenes with the rude crowd which generally attend them, is demoralizing.

      Suppose that a young person does not think that these exhibitions are corrupting, while the great majority of those who are older and more experienced do; by whose judgment should he be governed? See I Peter v: 5. What is the judgment of such persons? Ans.--It is almost universally agreed among preachers and pious persons in our cities, that a large number of young persons of both sexes are being constantly brought to ruin by theater-going. Some regard it as the most corrupting practice that is tolerated in decent society.

      How did the early Christians regard theater-going? Ans.--It is not mentioned in the Scriptures, but the early Christians after the time of the apostles were very strenuous in opposition to it, as we learn from Church history.

      Can a disciple attend the theater without giving offense to pious brethren and sisters? Are there any grounds on which dancing is condemned which do not equally require us to condemn theater going?

      What can be said of card-playing, billiard-playing, and attending running or trotting races? Ans.--They all come under the same [97] condemnation with dancing and theater-going. This can be seen by going back over this and the last three lessons, and applying the argument to each of these practices.

[FBL 96-98]