The Immorality of the Stage
In one of the universities of the nation, the name matters not, there was planned a certain theatrical performance among the students in which a chorus of girls were to appear in their nightgowns so as to represent a lot of "spooks." Be it said to the credit of the girls that at last accounts the leading spirits among them were "on strike" against the procedure, saying that it was improper for them to appear in such attire outside of their own private bedchambers. But the managers of the "play" were determined that the girls should act the part. There are many persons who will decry the growing evil of the "white slave traffic" and the shameful sins with which it is connected; but many of these same persons will uphold the stage and the scenes that it depicts, not seeming to realize that much of the theatrical performance of "spooks" would not be designed so as to more effectively down the sense of morality and virtue to be strong and active in every mind. And indecencies are presented on the most sacred ties of the family and of religion are made the subject of jest and ridicule; and all this is classed as "art." Is it any wonder then that society is abounding with such lustful indecencies that men and women are found who can find an increasing demand for their "white slave" activities? A little observation of current theatrical advertisements ought to show any one the low standard of morals and virtue that has already been reached. Performances are upheld and patronized by the "good society" of to-day that would not have been tolerated twenty-five and thirty years ago. Some people see in this a "great advancement and breadth of culture." There can be no question as to the advancement and the culture, but it is advancement and culture in immorality. The tendencies of the times are ominous. God's judgments were visited upon the inhabitants of old Sodom and Gomorrah because they had given themselves over to just such sins as are being enacted to-day, and He says in His Word that those wicked cities were set forth as examples to those that should follow.