DEFENCE OF THE STAGE, OR AN INQUIRY INTO THE REAL QUALITIES OF THEATRICAL ENTERTAINMENTS, THEIR SCOPE AND TENDENCY.. BEING A REPLY TO A SERMON ENTITLED "THE EVIL OF THEATRICAL AMUSEMENTS STATED AND ILLUSTRATED," LATELY PUBLISHED IN DUBLIN, AND PREACHED IN THE WESLEYAN SUNDAY, NOVEMBER, 4TH, 1838, BY THE REV. DR. JOHN B. BENNETT. INCLUDING AN EXAMINATION OF THE AUTHORITIES ON WHICH BY JOHN WILLIAM CALCRAFT, LESSEE AND MANAGER OF THE THEATRE ROYAL, DUBLIN. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.- "Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou "Speak evil of no man."-Tilus, iii. 2. "Be not too hasty to erect general theories from a few particular observations." —-- DUBLIN: MILLIKEN AND SON GRAFTON-STREET, BOOKSELLERS TO THE UNIVERSITY. M.DCCC.XXXIX. 1839 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA In compliance with current copyright law, the University of Minnesota bindery prodhood this facsimile on permanent-durable paper to replace the irreparably deteriorated original volume owned by the University Library. "Orator ad vos venio ornatu prologi, Sinite exorator sim. Quia sciebam dubiam fortunam esse scenicam Spe incerta certum mihi laborem sustuli." Terent. Prol. Hecyr. PRINTED BY R. GRAISBERRY. 0675 PREFACE. THE following remarks have been thrown together more hastily than I could have wished, had other avocations permitted me the necessary leisure. I am aware that the subject might have been much more deeply considered, and that what I have written is a summary rather than a dissertation. A great deal more may be said, should occasion arise. At present I have chiefly confined myself to two leading points. An objection to the manner in which the authorities against us are produced, and the strength of our defences in the host of authorities that speak in our favour. It is easy to enter into a controversy, but difficult to retire from one. "Facilis descensus averni Sed revocare gradum hoc opus, hic labor est.”—Virg. Setting aside the time it occupies, which few professional men can command, controversy is ob 13981 |