People who went to church to see a theater would not expect the same entertainment as those who go to the theater simply for a laugh.
In China we do not expend as much energy as Americans and Europeans in trying to make other people good.

We try to be good ourselves and believe that our good example, like a pure fragrance, will influence others to be likewise.

We think practice is as good as precept, and, if I may say so without being supposed to be critical of a race different from my own, the thought has sometimes suggested itself to me that Americans are so intent on doing good to others, and on making others good, that they accomplish less than they would if their actions and intentions were less direct and obvious.

I cannot here explain all I mean, but if my readers will study what Li Yu and Chuang Tsz have to say about "Spontaneity" and "Not Interfering", I think they will understand my thought.

The theater, as I have already said, was in several countries religious in its origin; why not use it to elevate people indirectly?
The ultimate effect, because more natural, might be better and truer than more direct persuasion.