p. 197 | THE CLERGY FREE by J. Clarke

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 10, 1859

"THE CLERGY FREE."

By J. Clarke

When any remarkable or uncommon sight is to be displayed before a community, by magic actors, or tight rope walkers, a circus, or menagerie, or a musical, gymnastic, zoologic, dramatic, or panoramic show, they are generally advertised as being innocent, and frequently rather moral in their tendency, and wound up by, "The Clergy and their families free."

I suppose that the agents of Satan well know, when they seek for such leading characters as the clergy, that they shall of course take the laity with them: the shepherd will draw the flock, and so the gratuity to the clergy, proves a profitable investment.

But the idea suggested by the policy of these strolling actors, and show-men is this; that the professed church of Christ has fallen so low, that ministers and their people do very often, if not generally, patronize these institutions, to a greater or less extent.

"The clergy free." What a comment upon the times, when the professed Shepherds of Christ's flock, are found following the wandering vanities of the world, and leading the way to such places as above described; where is congregated all that is vile and worthless; where scenes are enacted, which mantle the cheek of modesty with crimson shame; where the loud laugh, and wanton eye, and profane jest, and ribald song, pollute the innocent, and harden the guilty! To such scenes do many of the shepherds lead the way.

"The Clergy Free." Is it not plain, that this proviso generally inserted in showbills, has good reason for being made? Would exhibitors be likely to bait for a class, which stood aloof from them as a body? But proof is not needed, observation will testify to the fact. Let those who doubt it, witness the defence made recently by a distinguished clergyman at the east, in favor of theatres, and dramatic performances, which defence was made in public, and in full.

(I speak from memory, as the paper which gave a synopsis of the views of the reverend lecturer, and his name, is not now at hand.)

Such a defence was made, by a clergyman, to an audience who were pleased with the argument. True it may be, the reverend doctor might object to a low puppet show, but the reason is obvious, to the candid observer.

Are not these perilous times when the professed ministers of Jesus, are found thus seeking their own pleasure? I gladly admit there are honorable exceptions; but as a class, how many are free from this and other corruptions of the day? With what avidity they seek for the mammon of earth.

J. Clarke.