frequently brought thither to expose her own absurdities,

3rd. “Because we are not to consent to people's sin.”

This ingenious objection we must leave to Rowland Hill, Johanna Southcoate, or any other old woman, deep in mystery, to enucleate.

4th. “ Because men are abused in these places, and neither princes, nor people spared, and this being unlawful elsewhere, must be unlawful upon the stage."

How glorious an eulogium! This is the highest panegyric upon the stage, I have ever had the good fortune to peruse.--It shows the exalted independence of the dramatic muse, and the boundless extent of her power.--She knows no enemy but

vice.-No friend but virtue!- And, until
all men are honest, all princes just, all
soldiers valiant, all magistrates pure, and
all priests sincere, I hope and trust she will
fearlessly exercise her jurisdiction, not
being biassed by the rank of the cul-
prit, but justly indignant, at the extent of
his offence.

5th. “Because all immodesty and scurrility is forbid by the law of the gospel, and not only acting it, but seeing and hearing it acted.”

This is as foreign to the existing drama,
as a decree of the court of chancery to a
subject of Tripoli. These offences would
now receive the immediate and summary
punishment of the audience, hy censure
and disapprobation.

but
an recurve
6th.“ Because all Players are hypo-

now I8oy 8

crites, seem to be what they are not, and all hypocrisy is condemned by the gospel."

Did you ever, Madam, at a play, imagine Mrs. Siddons was absolutely endeavouring to persuade you she was not Mrs. Siddons, but Queen Catharine?-or Mr. Kemble, that he was really the proud patrician Coriolanus?*. -No-one of the great pleasures arising from the exhibition of the art, is knowing the actors designated by their separate names, yet, witnessing their skill in expressing the thoughts and actions of others."

With respect to any other latitude given to this offensive word, I have often wished

* If identity of person can really be absorbed in imaginary character, these are two of the most probable specimens I know to establish the doctrine.

my brethren possessed a share of this modern succedaneum for every virtue. Perhaps, though, we mistake the good father, he might have been speaking literally;—for I believe, Madam, the term hypocrite originated in being applied to the the ancient actors, who, by playing in visors, appeared that which they were not. How customs change! The stage adepts have dropt the visor; and adepts of another description have taken it up!

7th. “Because the actors very often belie their sex, and put on woman's apparel, which is forbid by the law of God.”

In the days of Tertullian there were no actresses, the female characters* were represented by youths. With respect to the change of dress I am aware the Mosaic law condemns the custom; the reason for which, those versed in the Jewish antiquities, customs and manners, can probably furnish us. I profess my ignorance.I only know we do not practice the purifications, and the many peculiar and minute regulations to be found in the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy.

8th.“ Because these plays dull and damp devotion and seriousness, which is, and ought to be, the indelible character of christians."

We do not wish to damp pure devotion; on the contrary, it is our desire to fan the flame. We certainly are averse to dull seriousness.

For my own part, Madam, sincerely do I wish the word banished from our vocabulary.—There are at present as