You ask, "Isn't it better to go to the theater than to the tavern?" It were as reasonable to ask, "Isn't it better to steal than to murder; or, isn't it better to steal bread than to steal money?" You might with greater profit ask, "Isn't it better to think pure thought than impure, or to behold virtue rather than vanity?" A forthright answer to this question will lead you to a clear and convincing answer to your prior query.—Selected
A church member answered his pastor's admonition by saying that he was not in the habit of attending the theater; he only went occasionally as a treat. The pastor answered, "Then the case is worse than I thought.... A consistent Christian does not seek God-dishonoring amusements for a treat."—The Biblical Illustrator
Grimaldi, the celebrated clown, went to a physician to obtain a cure for his depressed spirit. The physician did not know who the patient was, and thinking he only needed a little amusement said to him, "For medicine, go and hear Grimaldi." "But, doctor," was the answer, "I am Grimaldi."—Selected
A newspaper thus defined amusements: The Friends' picnic this year was not as well attended as it has been for some years. This can be laid to three causes, viz.: the change of place in holding it, deaths in families, and other amusements.
I wish that my room had a floor;
I don't so much care for a door;
But this crawling around
Without touching the ground
Is getting to be quite a bore.
I am a great friend to public amusements; for they keep people from vice.—Samuel Johnson.