THE CHURCH AND STAGE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XI, Issue 3513, 17 May 1890, Page 2

THE CHURCH AND STAGE.

The relations of the Church aud Stage have at all times been a matter of fruitful controversy. In this progressive age prejudice is fast waning away, and while in by-gone days the antagonism against the. stage proved a bulwark of spiritual tyranny, in later years many leading members of. the clergy baye actually assisted in ' dispelling unfavorable bias against theatres, which have proved a'source of instruction, refinement, and intellectual pleasure.' The mission of the (Mroh is the promulgation of the Gospel, calculated to inspire mankind to_ lofty deeds; iii the portrayal of saints and virtuous examples man is spurred on ta lead a life ofreotitude and honor, Turning to the stage we behold in the dramatio world an epitome of all others. There tho corruption of nature, the jealousies, the mercenary habits of men are displayed in a condensed sphere. There we ;see depicted the uncertainty of hunwn greatness; we see exposed the singularities of haughtiness and fancy, falsehood . .and folly is made contemptible, and vice is discountenanced and- exposed. In example, Fausti the hero, of tie masterpiece of German drama, whctjfcj deviating from the simple faith of tie Ohuroh in the depth of despair, Was imbued by new hope and courage when listening to the Easter chorus. While the Church has exercised aparamount and steady influence ia the history of civilisation, the Stage has likewise proved-a medium of education, for in the latter we behold ' an epitome of human life and manners, for play and players " hold the mirror up to nature." Yet while admitting that there is still a wide gulf between Church and Stage, and while the notions of clergyman and actor may widely differ, they agree on the point of their physical welfare We quote subjoined the opinions of a leading representative of the Church and a member of the Stage. The one is the Be v. J, Stanley Low, for over.2o years minister of the Christ OliUroh, St Kilda, Melbourne; the' Other, Mr Alfrod Damper, the well-known actor, at present lessee of the Alexandra Theatre, Melbourne. The Eof. J. Stanley Low, under date Maroh 15, 1890, speaks as follows-"1 have used Warner's safe euro in conjunction with the safe pills for functional derange-' ment of the liver I labored under. I experienced a sense of weight as well '' as great pains in the region of the liver, while the kidneys were sytopa-, thetically affected, causing general ill-health; but on recourse to Warner'l safo cure I found my complaints speedily ohecked. I can thus heartily endorse its efficacy." Mr Alfred Dampier, the actor, says" I have used Warner's safe oure on various occasions with the most beneficial results to my health in general, and found it particularly relieved headache 1 of tho worst description; and I feel ' assured that if taken in . time there would be little or uo necessity for a physioian," Thus Church and Stage go hand-in-hand in promulgating tho merits and virtues of this sterling • specific as widelj their opinions may diverge on other snbjeots