Tragedy is considered by the Quakers, as a part of the drama, where the
hero is generally a warrior, and where a portion of human happiness is
made to consist of martial glory. Hence it is considered as frequently
inculcating proud and lofty sentiments, as cherishing a fierce and
romantic spirit, as encouraging rival enmities, as holding of no
importance the bond of love and union between man and man. Now as
christianity enjoins humility, peace, quietness, brotherly affection,
and charity, which latter is not to be bounded by the limits of any
country, the Quakers hold as a christian body, that they cannot admit
their children to spectacles, which have a tendency to engender a
disposition opposite to these.
Comedy is considered as holding out prospects, and inculcating morals,
equally false and hurtful. In such compositions, for example, a bad
impression is not uniformly given of a bad character. Knavery frequently
accomplishes its ends without the merited punishment. Indeed treachery
and intrigue are often considered but as jocose occurrences. The laws of
modern honour are frequently held out to the spectator, as laws that are
to influence in life. Vulgar expressions, and even swearing are admitted
upon the stage. Neither is chastity nor delicacy always consulted there.
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