“Not so.  Because it has at times been perverted and made to contribute to what we denominate ‘evil,’ is no reason why the theatre should be condemned.  For the same reason we might condemn the church, for it, also, has in some periods of its history been made the means of base oppression and wrong-doing; it has drenched fields with blood, and slaughtered innocent beings by thousands.”

“But that was not the true church.”

“Neither in the former case, was it the true theatre; for the theatre, when confined to its legitimate purpose, is the greatest moral instructor the world has ever known.  Were you accustomed to visit the theatre, as I know you are not, you would find that the triumph of the right is always applauded by the audience, while the tricks and momentary successes of evil-doers are invariably condemned.  This proves more correctly the tendency of the theatre than all the homilies of those who spin fine-threaded arguments from the pulpit and the press.  Why, my dear sir, the church itself is unconsciously passing to the theatre, and the theatre equally unconsciously passing to the church.  Witness the fairs, the school exhibitions, the tableaux, and the private dramatic entertainments of the former, and the Sabbath evening services within the walls of the latter.  Does not this condition point to the ultimate combination I have spoken of?”

The pastor sat for a long time in deep thought.  At length he looked up to Hugh, as though relenting from his inward desire to be true to what was obviously the right, though contrary to public opinion, and said: 

“I hope the day of its coming is far distant, Mr. Wyman; I fear your views would destroy all religious sentiment, and make us a godless people.”

“What do you consider ‘religion’ sir?” responded Hugh; “merely attending to the outer forms, or living an earnest life?”

“Living a blameless life, to be sure, while attending to the outer forms; not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together.”

“Which is right, but which is the very smallest part of the christian’s battle.  What I call a religious life, is paying tribute to all the arts of living.  Everything which contributes to the health and happiness of mankind, is to me of vital importance, and a chief part of my religion.  My christianity leads me to build the best house I can with my means, and to furnish it in good taste, that the sentiment of its inmates may be uplifted.  It extends to every department-to the food, the garden, the dress, the amusements, to every social want; in fact to everything which elevates the standard of life.  Religion to me, is living in all that elevates, therefore I love the temple in which we all congregate, and believe it ought to be decked with every form of art.”

“I think you are right, thus far; I do not, myself, like the barren walls of the present style of churches.”