The Works of John Witherspoon (Volume 6); Containing Essays, Sermons, &C., on Important Subjects Together with His Lectures on Moral Philosophy Eloquence and Divinity, His Speeches in the American Congress, and Many Other Valuable Pieces, Never Before Pub (Paperback)

Book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1815. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... A SERIOUS INQUIRY INTO THE NATURE And EFFECTS OF THE STAGE; BEING AN ATTEMPT TO SHEW, THAT CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUPPORT OF A PUBLIC THEATRE, IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE CHARACTER OF A CHRISTIAN. THE reader will probably conjecture, andtherefore I do readily acknowledge, that what gave occasion both to the writing, and publishing the ensuing treatise, was the new tragedy of Douglas, lately acted in the theatre at Edinburgh. This, univerfal uncontradicted fame fays, is" the work of a minister of the Church of Scotland. One of tha$ character and office employing his time in writing for the stage, every one will allow, is a very new and extraordinary event. In one respect neither author nor actors have suffered any thing from this circumstance: for doubtless, it contributed its share in procuring that run upon the representation, which continued for several days. Natur.il curiofity prompted many to make trial, whether there was any disference between a play written by a clergyman, and one of another author. Aud a concern for the fate of such a person excited the zeal and diligence of friends, to do all in their power to procure a full house, that the bold adventurer might be treated with respect and honour. Some resolutions of the presbytery of Edinburgh seem to threaten, that public notice will be taken of this author and his associates by their superiors in the church. Whether this will be carried on, and if it be, whether they will be approved or censured, and if the last, to what degree, I pretend not to foretel. But one thing is certain, that it hath been, and will be, the subject of much thought and conversation among the laity of all ranks, and that it must have a very great influence upon the state of religion among us, in this part of the nation. That this influenc...