productions of a writer more conversant with plays than with human nature and the Christian Religion; but, though they are such as I would not now send abroad into the world, I do not wonder that they are not better; they contain some heathenism, and some false sentiment; but, at the same time, I think, some good. Some exceptionable passages in one of them are mentioned in the Notes to these Discourses. I have the satisfaction, however, in reflecting that their circulation has not been very extensive; and, therefore, that they would not have done any great injury to the world, had the principles of them been worse than they really are.

In the following Discourses instruction has been my only object. I have not, therefore, scrupled to avail myself of the writings of others, whenever I found them to my purpose; for I consider the taking another person's sentiments, and putting them into other, and perhaps inferior language, for the purpose of passing them off for an author's own, to be not only unnecessary, but disingenuous. By adopting the sentiments of another, the person becomes responsible for them; and, on subjects of importance, he has the advantage, in so doing, of adding weight to his opinion. But, where my own sentiments differ from those of another, even of any person for whom I have the greatest respect, I have made no scruple in expressing it. The opinions stated in these Discourses and Notes are the result of long and mature deliberation, and formed after reading some of the most important works written against the subject here treated; such as they are, I conceive them

to be true; nevertheless I am perfectly aware, that every man is liable to be deceived, and as I by no means consider myself an exception to the general rule, I claim the privilege of retracting,* should I ever see occasion; for I trust I should not think it any disgrace to find myself wiser to-morrow than I am to-day.

With sentiments of the warmest gratitude and respect to you, my Dear Sir, for the kindness you have shewn me on this and other occasions; and wishing you many years of health and happiness, not only on your own account, but that we, in this place, and the world at large, may profit by your Writings, your Influence and your Example, is the sincere wish of

Your much obliged

and devoted humble Servant,

JAMES PLUMPTRE,

CLARE-HALL,

November 7, 1808.

*See Dr. Hey, vol. ii. B. IV. Art. I. p. 213.

ON SUBJECTS RELATING TO THE AMUSEMENT OF

THE STAGE.

DISCOURSE I.

The Lawfulness of the Stage considered.

1. Cor. X. 31.

WHETHER, THEREFORE, YE EAT, OR DRINK, OR WHATSOEVER YE DO, DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD.

ST. Paul, the Apostle of the Gentiles, in the course of his ministry and travels, had planted a church at Corinth, a maritime city of great riches; and, as riches, without a very deep sense of the fear of God, inevitably lead to luxury and vice, the city of Corinth was infamous to a proverb.

About three years after St. Paul left Corinth, some important questions were proposed to him by his converts in that place, and he wrote an Epistle in reply, in order to correct several abuses which had prevailed. Amongst other things, it had been asked, how far it was lawful for christians to partake of "things sacrificed to idols." (viii. 1-4.) The Apostle, on this

B

subject, reminds them, that, although all christians might be supposed to "know, that an idol is nothing," yet it might prove a matter of offence to weak brethren, should they partake of these sacrifices in their temples; which, on that account, he would have them avoid; and he lays down some rules (ch. x. 19, &c.) as to the particular cases, in which things sacrificed to idols might, or might not, be lawfully eaten; concluding with this great and general direction, "whether ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God;" a direction equally binding upon all christians to the end of time.

By persons of a worldly and merely sensual disposition, it will no doubt be asked, how the common actions of eating and drinking, and various others, which, in them, are unconnected with any ideas of piety, can possibly tend to promote "the glory of God:" and he who makes use of the expression, will, no doubt, be condemned as an enthusiast, and as making use of a cant language, to which no definite ideas can be annexed. To these it may be replied, that, although this language may have been abused by enthusiasts, yet it is not therefore to be rejected by those, whose piety is sober and sincere. No it is scripture-language, and scripture-doctrine, and we are bound to make it the rule of our practice; and,