“Our work in the theological schools,” quickly responded the leader. “Special sections of our committee have labored with stealthy vigor to capture the preacher before he reaches the pulpit. The last years of the century have witnessed phenomenal gains for our cause. By winning the theological student early to our Theatrical theories we are likely to gain his heart and sympathy in after years. Our success along these lines is the most hopeful sign of the times, and bespeaks the ushering in of more sensible conditions. (Furious applause.)
“Before retiring,” continued the leader, “let me quote the utterances of a certain broad-minded clergyman: ‘The clean Theatre of the twentieth century will be, and ought to be, the moral prayer-meeting for Christians, while the spiritual prayer-meeting will be held in the church as usual.’”
The whole army of devils cheered like madmen. I was so aroused that I felt that ecclesiastical lynch law should be applied to any minister whose utterances caused such jubilee among the legions of Hell.
I could not remain to hear the report of:
“The Moral Play” committee,
“The Variant Dance” committee,
“The Sacred Concert” committee and other committees whose names I could not learn.
CHAPTER XIII.
SCHOOLS OF LITERATURE. THIRD DIVISION
1. Seven separate halls described.
2. The far-reaching schemes of Satan to pollute the Press and the Pen.