Selected quad for the lemma: authority_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
authority_n	bishop_n	church_n	rome_n	17,242	5	7.2290	4	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A57291	The stage condemn'd, and the encouragement given to the immoralities and profaneness of the theatre, by the English schools, universities and pulpits, censur'd King Charles I Sundays mask and declaration for sports and pastimes on the Sabbath, largely related and animadverted upon : the arguments of all the authors that have writ in defence of the stage against Mr. Collier, consider'd, and the sense of the fathers, councils, antient philosophers and poets, and of the Greek and Roman States, and of the first Christian Emperours concerning drama, faithfully deliver'd : together with the censure of the English state and of the several antient and modern divines of the Church of England upon the stage, and remarks on diverse late plays : as also on those presented by the two universities to King Charles I.	Ridpath, George, d. 1726.	1698 (1698)	Wing R1468; ESTC R17141	128,520	226

if_o they_o please_v that_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n hold_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o pope_n innocent_a the_o three_o in_o the_o year_n 1215._o consist_v of_o two_o patriarch_n seventy_o arch-bishop_n four_o hundred_o twelve_o bishop_n and_o eight_o hundred_o abbot_n and_o prior_n do_v forbid_v clergyman_n to_o be_v present_a at_o stage-play_n or_o to_o encourage_v tumbler_n or_o jester_n 734._o so_o that_o if_o neither_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n alone_o nor_o that_o of_o ●_o pope_n and_o council_n together_o be_v sufficient_a to_o 〈◊〉_d the_o paris_n doctor_n of_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o clergymens_n frequent_v the_o stage_n then_o i_o mus●_n make_v bold_a to_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o the_o chapel_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o playhouse_n spectaculis_fw-la as_o mr._n mot●●ux●as_v ●as_z sacrifice_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n he_o reap_v from_o the_o theatre_n and_o drama_n what_o a_o horrid_a shame_n be_v it_o that_o juli●n_n the_o apostate_n shall_v have_v have_v more_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o pagan_a priest_n than_o our_o present_a patron_n of_o the_o stage_n have_v either_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o popish_a or_o protestant_n divine_v when_o as_o zozaman_n tell_v we_o he_o order_v the_o priest_n to_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o theatre_n on_o pain_n of_o disgrace_n 17._o a_o answer_n to_o the_o defence_n of_o dramatic_a poetry_n cap._n viii_o church_n of_o england_n divine_v against_o the_o stage_n i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n of_o that_o book_n call_v a_o defence_n of_o dramatic_a poetry_n or_o review_n of_o mr._n collier_n and_o must_v in_o the_o threshold_n declare_v my_o agreement_n with_o the_o ingenious_a author_n in_o his_o preface_n that_o if_o the_o sufferance_n of_o the_o theatre_n be_v so_o fatal_o destructive_a to_o morality_n virtue_n and_o religion_n as_o mr._n collier_n have_v endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o he_o have_v more_o satyrize_v the_o pulpit_n than_o the_o stage_n and_o that_o this_o universal_a silence_n of_o the_o whole_a clergy_n must_v conclude_v their_o neglect_n of_o their_o christian_a duty_n but_o i_o 〈◊〉_d beg_v leave_v to_o inform_v he_o that_o he_o be_v mistake_v 〈◊〉_d he_o say_v mr._n collier_n be_v the_o first_o pulpit_n or_o 〈◊〉_d sermon_n upon_o that_o text_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n of_o england_n clergy_n in_o general_n 〈◊〉_d be_v guilty_a of_o a_o culpable_a silence_n as_o to_o 〈◊〉_d head_n since_o the_o restoration_n of_o king_n charl●●_n yet_o other_o have_v not_o nor_o be_v mr._n collier_n the_o 〈◊〉_d church_n of_o england_n divine_a who_o since_o that_o 〈◊〉_d have_v attack_v the_o stage_n from_o the_o pulpit_n 〈◊〉_d wesley_n in_o a_o reformation-sermon_n preach_v in_o 〈◊〉_d james_n church_n westminster_n feb._n 13._o and_o 〈◊〉_d ward_n at_o st._n bride_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o start_n of_o he_o wherein_o he_o express_v himselve_v page_v 20_o etc._n etc._n thus_o our_o infamous_a cheatre_n seem_v to_o have_v do●_n more_o mischief_n than_o hobbs_n himself_o or_o our_o 〈◊〉_d atheistical_a club_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o moral_n 〈◊〉_d the_o nation_n moral_a representation_n be_v own●●_n to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n not_o only_o innocent_a but_o even_o useful_a as_o well_o as_o pleasant_a but_o what_o 〈◊〉_d this_o to_o those_o which_o have_v no_o moral_n or_o morali●●_n at_o all_o in_o they_o and_o which_o be_v the_o most_o immoral_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o the_o more_o any_o good_a man_n be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o the_o less_o he_o mus●_n still_o like_o they_o and_o at_o which_o modest_a heathen_n will_v blush_v to_o be_v present_a if_o we_o ever_o hope_v for_o a_o entire_a reformation_n of_o manner_n even_o our_o jail_n and_o our_o theatre_n must_v have_v their_o share_n with_o as_o much_o reason_n may_v we_o exclaim_v against_o our_o modern_a play_n and_o interlude_n as_o do_v the_o ol●_n zealous_a father_n against_o the_o pagan_a spectacle_n and_o as_o just_o rank_v these_o as_o they_o do_v the_o other_o among_o those_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n which_o our_o baptism_n oblige_v we_o to_o ●●nounce_v and_o to_o abhor_v what_o communion_n have_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n with_o idol_n with_o those_o abominable_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n which_o out_o do_v the_o old_a fescennina_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o lewd_a 〈◊〉_d of_o bacchus_n and_o the_o impious_a feast_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o priapus_n i_o know_v not_o how_o any_o person_n can_v profitable_o or_o indeed_o decent_o present_v themselves_o here_o before_o god_n holy_a oracle_n who_o be_v frequent_o present_a at_o those_o school_n of_o vice_n and_o nursery_n of_o profaneness_n and_o lewdness_n to_o unlearn_v there_o what_o they_o be_v here_o teach_v out_o of_o god_n holy_a word_n will_v you_o suffer_v your_o friend_n or_o your_o child_n to_o resort_v every_o day_n to_o a_o pesthous_n or_o a_o place_n infect_v with_o any_o contagious_a or_o deadly_a disease_n whence_o you_o have_v see_v many_o person_n carry_v out_o dead_a before_o you_o if_o 〈◊〉_d will_v do_v this_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o his_o right_a sense_n what_o excuse_n can_v be_v make_v for_o those_o who_o do_v worse_o and_o be_v themselves_o frequent_o present_a as_o well_o as_o suffer_v other_o to_o be_v so_o at_o that_o place_n which_o be_v so_o near_o ally_v to_o she_o which_o solomon_n describe_v who_o house_n be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n and_o her_o gate_n lead_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n how_o can_v such_o person_n pray_v every_o day_n lead_v we_o not_o into_o temptation_n when_o they_o themselves_o wilful_o rush_v into_o the_o very_a mouth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o stage_n pretend_v to_o reform_v manner_n but_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o how_o many_o convert_v they_o can_v name_n by_o their_o mean_n to_o virtue_n and_o religion_n during_o these_o last_o thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n and_o we_o can_v give_v numerous_a and_o sad_a instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a even_o of_o a_o brave_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n too_o general_o deprave_v and_o corrupt_v to_o which_o there_o can_v perhaps_o be_v any_o one_o thing_n assign_v which_o have_v more_o high_o contribute_v than_o these_o unsufferable_a and_o abominable_a representation_n the_o author_n of_o which_o though_o the_o public_a shall_v continue_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o will_v either_o be_v force_v so_o far_o to_o alter_v they_o that_o they_o will_v hardly_o be_v know_v or_o else_o they_o will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o if_o man_n will_v but_o withdraw_v their_o company_n from_o the●●_n as_o their_o presence_n there_o do_v actual_o encourage_v and_o support_v they_o to_o close_v the_o head_n whereo●●am_n sorry_a there_o be_v so_o much_o cause_n of_o insist_v 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v too_o many_o of_o who_o we_o may_v without_o breach_n of_o charity_n believe_v that_o they_o will_v rath●●_n forsake_v the_o church_n than_o the_o theatre_n by_o 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o much_o more_o frequent_o and_o delightful_o present_a at_o the_o latter_a than_o they_o be_v at_o the_o fo●_n mer._n if_o oath_n if_o blasphemy_n if_o perpetual_a profa●_n tion_n of_o the_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o our_o blesed_a redeemer_n if_o make_v a_o scoff_n and_o a_o laught●●_n at_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o institution_n and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o shall_v not_o add_v his_o minister_n too_o which_o be_v the_o very_a salt_n and_o almost_o imprimatur_fw-la to_o most_o of_o the_o comedy_n of_o the_o present_a age._n if_o filthiness_n and_o foolish_a talk_v and_o profane_a or_o immodest_a jest_a and_o insult_v over_o the_o misery_n and_o excuse_v and_o represent_v and_o recommend_v the_o vice_n of_o mankind_n either_o by_o not_o punish_v they_o at_o all_o or_o slight_o punish_v they_o or_o even_o make_v they_o prosperous_a and_o happy_a and_o teach_v other_o first_o how_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o then_o to_o defend_v or_o hide_v their_o wickedness_n or_o at_o least_o to_o think_v virtue_n ridiculous_a and_o unfashionable_a and_o religion_n and_o piety_n sit_v for_o none_o but_o old_a people_n fool_n and_o lunatic_n if_o contempt_n of_o superior_n if_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n if_o height_n of_o lewdness_n and_o pride_n and_o revenge_n and_o even_o murder_n be_v those_o lesson_n which_o be_v daily_o teach_v at_o these_o public_a playhouse_n to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o our_o age_n corruption_n of_o our_o m●rals_n and_o scandal_n and_o odium_n of_o our_o nation_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o the_o unprejudiced_a and_o virtuous_a part_n of_o mankind_n then_o we_o may_v further_o ask_v whether_o these_o be_v ●it_a place_n for_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n

of_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n viz._n by_o father_n ca●●aro_n divinity_n professor_n at_o paris_n as_o i_o find_v it_o annex_v to_o mr._n motteux_n play_v call_v beauty_n in_o distress_n before_o i_o come_v direct_o to_o the_o point_n it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o observe_v that_o consider_v the_o palpable_a influence_n which_o the_o stage_n have_v have_v upon_o the_o corruption_n of_o manner_n so_o much_o complain_v of_o it_o seem_v no_o very_a suitable_a employment_n for_o one_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o espouse_v the_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n against_o another_o nor_o be_v it_o very_o much_o for_o the_o defendant_n honour_n to_o make_v use_n of_o arrow_n from_o a_o popish_a quiver_n for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o a_o popish_a divine_a will_v be_v a_o cordial_a enemy_n to_o the_o stage_n when_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o church_n do_v so_o much_o resemble_v the_o pomp_n of_o the_o theatre_n the_o doctor_n first_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o express_a and_o particular_a precept_n against_o play_v page_n 10._o which_o admit_v to_o be_v true_a be_v a_o argument_n of_o no_o weight_n for_o consequence_n natural_o deduce_v from_o scripture_n have_v the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o text_n otherwise_o it_o can_v never_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o serve_v as_o a_o rule_n that_o it_o do_v not_o particular_o express_v so_o that_o the_o doctor_n argument_n will_v be_v equal_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a turk_n there_o be_v no_o express_a nor_o particular_a precept_n against_o receive_v mohome●_n as_o a_o prophet_n ergo_fw-la but_o it_o be_v naturally_n and_o plain_o infer_v from_o the_o scripture_n that_o because_o we_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o be_v there_o teach_v we_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o receive_v mahomet_n as_o a_o prophet_n by_o consequence_n of_o like_a force_n and_o every_o whit_n as_o plain_a we_o shall_v find_v stage-play_n condemn_v in_o scripture_n i_o mean_v not_o only_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o immorality_n profaneness_n blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o stage_n will_v not_o offer_v to_o defend_v but_o even_o stage-play_n in_o general_a who_o business_n they_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v to_o recommend_v virtue_n and_o discountenance_n vice_n which_o i_o think_v will_v be_v very_o plain_a by_o the_o follow_a argument_n that_o which_o god_n have_v appoint_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o man_n to_o appoint_v other_o mean_n to_o accomplish_v but_o go●_n have_v appoint_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o recommend_v virtue_n and_o discountenance_v vice_n without_o the_o stage_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o man_n to_o appoint_v the_o stage_n for_o recommend_v virtue_n and_o discountenance_v vice_n all_o t●e_v controversy_n will_v lie_v about_o the_o first_o proposition_n but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o man_n who_o have_v a_o serious_a impression_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o mind_n that_o will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n see_v he_o must_v necessary_o by_o so_o do_v cast_v a_o reflection_n upon_o all_o those_o attribute_n and_o prefer_v the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god._n the_o second_o proposition_n be_v clear_a from_o express_a text_n of_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o magistracy_n be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n that_o ruler_n be_v ordain_v by_o he_o to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a work_n and_o to_o praise_v those_o that_o do_v good_a and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n continual_o attend_v upon_o this_o very_a thing_n rom._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o original_a end_n and_o design_n of_o magistracy_n be_v to_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o to_o punish_v vice_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v equal_o clear_a that_o see_v commend_v be_v a_o species_n of_o reward_n and_o lash_v and_o expose_v a_o sort_n of_o punishment_n the_o pretend_a service_n of_o the_o stage_n for_o those_o end_n be_v whole_o needless_a god_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o that_o by_o appoint_v magistrate_n this_o be_v so_o the_o patron_n of_o the_o stage_n have_v no_o other_o pretence_n leave_v they_o but_o such_o as_o mr._n collier_n enumerate_v brief_o in_o his_o introduction_n viz._n that_o the_o stage_n be_v useful_a to_o show_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a greatness_n the_o sudden_a turn_n of_o fate_n and_o the_o unhappy_a conclusion_n of_o violence_n and_o injustice_n to_o expose_v the_o singularity_n of_o pride_n and_o fancy_n to_o make_v folly_n and_o falshhood_n contemptible_a and_o to_o bring_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v ill_a under_o infamy_n and_o neglect_v but_o we_o be_v infinite_o better_o provide_v for_o those_o end_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o ministry_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o former_a be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n i●_n give_v we_o by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n for_o doctrine_n reproof_n correction_n and_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n 2_o timoth._n 2._o so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o need_n of_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o stage_n for_o any_o of_o the_o end_v aboven_v mention_v be_v any_o of_o our_o author_n for_o the_o theatre_n able_a to_o give_v such_o a_o description_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a greatness_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o solomon_n have_v give_v in_o his_o ecclesiaste_n can_v any_o of_o they_o give_v we_o more_o surprise_v instance_n of_o the_o sudden_a turn_v of_o fate_n and_o revolution_n of_o providence_n than_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n sennacherib_n and_o his_o army_n and_o many_o other_o relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o reference_n not_o only_o to_o the_o public_a but_o to_o particular_a person_n nay_o be_v we_o not_o infinite_o better_a accommodate_v with_o real_a instanced_a of_o that_o nature_n even_o from_o profane_a history_n than_o we_o possible_o can_v be_v from_o their_o forge_a one_o on_o the_o stage_n can_v our_o poet_n show_v we_o more_o unhappy_a conclusion_n of_o violence_n and_o injustice_n than_o those_o that_o attend_v pharaoh_n and_o the_o other_o tyrant_n that_o persecute_v the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v they_o able_a to_o give_v we_o instance_n of_o the_o singularity_n of_o pride_n and_o tyranny_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o that_o same_o pharaoh_n who_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o shall_v obey_v he_o of_o nebuchad●nezzer_n who_o ●or_a his_o pride_n be_v turn_v a_o graze_a with_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n or_o of_o herod_n who_o for_o his_o fantastical_a apparel_n and_o pride_n be_v eat_v up_o of_o worm_n be_v they_o able_a to_o expose_v folly_n and_o falshhood_n to_o more_o contempt_n than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v which_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o poor_a and_o a_o wise_a child_n be_v better_a than_o a_o old_a and_o a_o foolish_a king_n eccl._n 4._o 13._o and_o that_o though_o the_o bread_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n be_v sweet_a to_o a_o man_n yet_o afterward_o his_o mouth_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o gravel_n prov._n 20._o 17._o have_v not_o god_n appoint_v the_o ministry_n to_o teach_v all_o nation_n to_o observe_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v matth._n 28._o 19_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a jer._n 15._o 19_o to_o use_v sharpness_n according_a to_o the_o power_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o 2_o corinth_n 13._o 8_o 9_o 10._o to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n to_o reprove_v reb●ke_v exhort_v to_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a evil_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o thus_o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v plain_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o recommend_v virtue_n and_o discountenance_v vice_n without_o the_o stage_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o appoint_v the_o stage_n for_o recommend_v virtue_n and_o discountenance_v vice_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o by_o this_o argument_n the_o exhortation_n and_o reproof_n of_o parent_n master_n and_o neighbour_n be_v also_o prove_v to_o be_v needless_a to_o which_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a that_o those_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o scripture_n on_o parent_n master_n and_o neighbour_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o minister_n duty_n to_o urge_v they_o and_o the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o see_v they_o perform_v but_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v of_o

proper_o apply_v to_o they_o that_o not_o only_a thos●_n who_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n but_o they_o also_o that_o take_v pleasure_n in_o those_o that_o do_v they_o he_o further_o tell_v the_o ancient_a roman_n that_o stage-play_n pollute_v their_o soul_n deprave_v their_o manner_n provoke_v god_n and_o offend_v their_o saviour_n dishonour_v their_o christian_a profession_n and_o draw_v down_o god_n judgement_n on_o their_o state_n then_o miserable_o waste_v by_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n therefore_o he_o advise_v they_o eternal_o to_o abandon_v theatre_n which_o will_v bring_v their_o soul_n their_o body_n their_o church_n &_o their_o state_n to_o utter_v ruin_n this_o be_v so_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o be_v against_o stag●-plays_n in_o general_a and_o those_o too_o not_o pollute_v with_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o when_o church_n and_o state_n be_v both_o christian_a that_o certain_o our_o doctor_n can_v never_o quote_v salvian_n any_o more_o for_o their_o purpose_n i_o pass_v over_o their_o other_o popish_a saint_n and_o schoolman_n that_o they_o quote_v for_o their_o opinion_n which_o i_o suppose_v will_v have_v as_o little_a weight_n with_o any_o true_a protestant_n as_o if_o they_o have_v quote_v st._n garnet_n or_o st._n coleman_n but_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o argument_n page_n xxi_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o council_n bring_v against_o the_o stage_n relate_v only_o to_o scandalous_a play_n or_o immodest_a actor_n and_o here_o also_o the_o council_n shall_v speak_v fo●_n themselves_o cap._n vii_o council_n against_o the_o stage_n the_o council_n of_o eliberis_n in_o spain_n hold_v anno_fw-la dom._n 305._o order_v those_o who_o lend_v their_o garment_n to_o adorn_v play_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o three_o year_n 57_o that_o no_o stage-player_n shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n unless_o they_o renounce_v their_o art_n and_o if_o they_o return_v to_o it_o again_o they_o shall_v be_v cast_v out_o 62._o that_o no_o believer_n shall_v marry_v a_o stage-player_n on_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n 67._o the_o council_n of_o arles_n hold_v at_o narbon_n in_o france_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 314._o in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n the_o great_a order_v that_o all_o stage-player_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v to_o act_n 5._o the_o council_n of_o arles_n in_o that_o same_o kingdom_n hold_v anno_fw-la 326._o enact_v the_o like_a 5._o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n in_o phrygia_n pacatiania_n hold_v about_o 364._o where_o most_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o asia_n be_v present_a enact_v that_o no_o clergyman_n shall_v be_v present_a at_o any_o stage-play_n 20._o the_o council_n of_o hippo_n 35._o hold_v an._n 393._o and_o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n in_o africa_n hold_v an._n 399._o whereof_o st._n ●ustin_a be_v a_o member_n forbid_v the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n the_o use_n of_o stage-play_n but_o order_v they_o to_o be_v readmitted_n into_o the_o church_n upon_o repentance_n 35._o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n hold_v an._n 401._o enact_v that_o those_o who_o be_v new_o baptise_a or_o convert_v shall_v abstain_v from_o stage-play_n and_o that_o those_o who_o upon_o any_o solemn_a festival_n omit_v the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n and_o resort_v to_o stage_n play_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v 88_o the_o council_n of_o africa_n hold_v an._n 408._o decree_v that_o reconciliation_n with_o the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o stage-player_n and_o common-actor_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n and_o abandon_v their_o profession_n 12._o that_o stage-play_n be_v against_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n 28._o and_o that_o stage-player_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v as_o evidence_n against_o any_o person_n but_o in_o their_o proper_a cause_n 96._o the_o council_n of_o carthage_n hold_v an._n 419._o declare_v all_o stage-player_n to_o be_v infamous_a person_n and_o uncapable_a of_o bear_v evidence_n 2._o the_o council_n of_o constantinople_n hold_v an._n 680._o and_o repute_v both_o by_o protestant_n and_o papist_n to_o ●e_v ecumenical_a order_a clergyman_n that_o frequent_v stage-play_n to_o be_v deprive_v and_o layman_n to_o be_v excommunicate_v 8._o the_o ●d_a council_n of_o nice_a hold_v about_o 787._o and_o common_o repute_v the_o seven_o ecumenical_a council_n forbid_v stage-play_n as_o be_v accurse_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 22._o cap._n 5._o v._n 11_o 12._o and_o forbid_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 31._o the_o synod_n of_o tours_n hold_v in_o the_o time_n of_o char●emain_n an._n 813._o forbid_v to_o frequent_a stage-play_n and_o order_v they_o to_o teach_v other_o to_o avoid_v they_o 7._o the_o second_o synod_n of_o cabilon_n hold_v in_o the_o sa●●_n year_n forbid_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o council_n of_o mentz_n and_o rheimn_v hold_v under_o that_o same_o emperor_n do_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n forbidden_a stage-play_n to_o the_o clergy_n the_o council_n of_o cologn_n hold_v an._n 1549._o forbid_v comedy_n to_o be_v act_v in_o nunnery_n for_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o sacred_a and_o pious_a subject_n they_o can_v notwithstanding_o leave_v little_a good_a but_o much_o hurt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o holy_a virgin_n who_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o external_n gesture_n therefore_o they_o forbid_v the_o act_n of_o comedy_n in_o monastries_n or_o that_o virgin_n shall_v be_v spectator_n of_o they_o the_o council_n of_o milan_n hold_v an._n 1560._o in_o the_o chapter_n concern_v the_o stage_n and_o the_o dice_n admonish_v prince_n to_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o territory_n all_o stage-player_n tumbler_n juggler_n and_o jester_n and_o to_o punish_v such_o public_a house_n as_o entertain_v they_o thus_o we_o find_v synod_n ancient_a and_o modern_a and_o some_o of_o they_o during_o the_o very_a darkness_n of_o popery_n express_o condemn_v the_o stage_n and_o that_o of_o the_o council_n of_o cologn_n be_v very_o remarkable_a which_o forbid_v virgin_n the_o see_v of_o comedy_n though_o the_o subject_n be_v sacred_a and_o pious_a because_o of_o the_o bad_a impression_n which_o the_o external_n gesture_n may_v leave_v upon_o their_o mind_n nay_o the_o very_a council_n of_o trent_n declare_v so_o far_o against_o stage-play_n as_o to_o forbid_v they_o to_o the_o clergy_n 979._o then_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v so_o remiss_a in_o declare_v against_o the_o stage_n but_o that_o any_o of_o her_o clergy_n shall_v appear_v to_o defend_v it_o as_o that_o dr._n do_v who_o send_v the_o letter_n to_o m._n motteux_fw-fr to_o prefix_v to_o his_o beauty_n in_o distress_n and_o much_o more_o that_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v author_n to_o write_v play_n for_o the_o stage_n as_o jasper_n main_n and_o other_o of_o a_o latter_a date_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o innocent_a impostor_n etc._n etc._n who_o out_o of_o respect_n i_o forbear_v to_o name_n to_o these_o ancient_n and_o modern_a council_n i_o shall_v add_v that_o of_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n hold_v at_o rochel_n an._n 1571._o where_o this_o canon_n be_v unanimous_o agree_v upon_o viz._n all_o congregation_n shall_v be_v admonish_v by_o their_o minister_n serious_o to_o reprehend_v and_o suppress_v all_o dance_n mummery_n and_o interlude_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o act_v or_o be_v present_a at_o any_o comedy_n tragedy_n play_n interlude_n or_o any_o other_o such_o sport_n either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a consider_v that_o they_o have_v always_o be_v oppose_v condemn_a and_o suppresse●_n in_o and_o by_o the_o church_n as_o bring_v along_o with_o they_o the_o corruption_n of_o good_a manner_n this_o methinks_v aught_o to_o have_v more_o weight_n with_o m._n motteu●_n and_o his_o church_n of_o england_n divine_a than_o the_o letter_n of_o a_o popish_a doctor_n of_o paris_n i_o shall_v insist_v no_o further_o on_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n by_o the_o prefacer_n to_o beauty_n in_o distress_n those_o i_o have_v already_o touch_v be_v his_o principal_a argument_n as_o for_o his_o hint_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v condemn_v by_o those_o father_n and_o council_n which_o be_v now_o general_o hold_v to_o be_v innocent_a they_o be_v me●r_a trifle_n no_o protestant_a ever_o hold_v that_o either_o man_n or_o council_n be_v infallible_a but_o the_o argument_n here_o adduce_v by_o those_o father_n and_o council_n against_o the_o stage_n be_v found_v upon_o general_a scripture_n rule_n aught_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o faith_n and_o practice_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n yet_o see_v our_o parisian_a doctor_n think_v it_o a_o mighty_a argument_n for_o the_o stage_n that_o bishop_n cardinal_n and_o nuncios_fw-la make_v no_o scruple_n to_o be_v present_a at_o play_n 21._o though_o the_o same_o have_v be_v forbid_v by_o so_o many_o council_n mr._n motteux_fw-fr or_o his_o church_n of_o england_n divine_a may_v acquaint_v he_o

story_n or_o poem_n there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o let_v their_o disposition_n be_v never_o so_o good_a but_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v by_o this_o method_n and_o i_o shall_v look_v on_o it_o as_o next_o akin_a to_o a_o miracle_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virgin_n or_o matron_n so_o religious_o chaste_a as_o not_o to_o have_v their_o lust_n inflame_v almost_o to_o madness_n by_o read_v such_o kind_n of_o book_n and_o poem_n 64._o in_o this_o case_n even_o the_o heathen_a lecher_n ovid_n who_o be_v much_o more_o ingenuous_a than_o our_o pretend_a christian_a poet_n give_v judgement_n against_o his_o own_o amorous_a poem_n and_o those_o of_o tibullus_n etc._n etc._n eloquar_fw-la in_o vitus_fw-la teneros_fw-la ne_fw-la tange_fw-la poetas_fw-la summon●o_fw-la dot●s_fw-la impias_fw-la esse_fw-la meas_fw-la callimachum_fw-la ●ugito_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la inimicus_fw-la amori_fw-la et_fw-la cum_fw-la callimacho_fw-la tu_fw-la quoque_fw-la coe_n noces_fw-fr carmina_fw-la quis_fw-la potuit_fw-la tuto_fw-la legisse_fw-la tibulli_fw-la well_fw-mi tita_fw-la cujus_fw-la opus_fw-la cynthia_n sola_fw-la suit_n quis_fw-la potuit_fw-la lecto_fw-la durus_fw-la discedere_fw-la gallo_n et_fw-la mea_fw-la nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la carmina_fw-la tale_n sonant_fw-la de_fw-fr remedio_fw-la amoris_fw-la lib._n 3._o p._n 230._o it_o will_v appear_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o christian_a school_n that_o such_o thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v teach_v in_o they_o the_o end_n of_o all_o such_o school_n be_v to_o teach_v wisdom_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o may_v know_v god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o how_o to_o worship_n god_n aright_o whereas_o the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v teach_v by_o those_o author_n homer_n hesiod_n pindar_n aristophanes_n virgil_n horace_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o heathen_a author_n arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n and_o madness_n that_o they_o feign_v such_o lewd_a thing_n to_o be_v act_v by_o their_o god_n as_o a_o modest_a man_n can_v but_o be_v ashamed_a to_o rehearse_v before_o youth_n for_o they_o represent_v their_o god_n and_o goddess_n to_o be_v such_o as_o no_o honest_a or_o well-governed_a commonwealth_n will_v have_v admit_v they_o for_o citizen_n so_o that_o palingenius_fw-la write_v true_o of_o they_o in_o c●elo_fw-la est_fw-la meretrix_n in_o coelo_fw-la est_fw-la turpis_fw-la adulter_fw-la lib._n i._n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o heathen_a poet_n be_v influence_v by_o satan_n to_o feign_v such_o monstrous_a and_o horrid_a thing_n concern_v their_o deity_n that_o they_o may_v thereby_o promote_v and_o authorize_v whoredom_n and_o uncleanness_n among_o man_n and_o add_v fuel_n to_o the_o flame_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n certain_o those_o fable_n in_o ovid_n metamorphosis_n concern_v the_o amous_n nay_o rape_n of_o the_o god_n and_o other_o can_v leave_v any_o chaste_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o youth_n what_o a_o fulsome_a expression_n be_v that_o of_o virgil_n aneid_n 7._o mista_fw-la deo_fw-la mulier_fw-la the_o danger_n of_o teach_v such_o thing_n to_o youth_n be_v see_v by_o the_o very_a heathen_a philosopher_n and_o therefore_o plato_n say_v that_o those_o fabulous_a story_n of_o the_o poet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v into_o a_o city_n as_o if_o the_o god_n wage_v war_n and_o form_v ambush_n against_o one_o another_o etc._n etc._n whether_o they_o be_v take_v in_o a_o allegorical_a sense_n or_o not_o for_o child_n say_v he_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o what_o be_v speak_v figurative_o or_o otherwise_o and_o such_o opinion_n as_o they_o drink_v in_o when_o they_o be_v young_a they_o can_v hardly_o ever_o lie_v aside_o to_o feign_v that_o god_n who_o be_v altogether_o good_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o error_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v refute_v and_o therefore_o the_o poet_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o write_v and_o speak_v thing_n that_o be_v honest_a 2._o tha●_n same_o author_n say_v in_o theage_n i_o know_v not_o what_o any_o man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n aught_o to_o be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o than_o how_o to_o have_v his_o son_n make_v as_o good_a as_o possible_a and_o therefore_o he_o advise_v that_o care_n be_v take_v that_o nurse_n do_v entertain_v they_o with_o old_a wife_n fable_n lest_o they_o be_v corrupt_v with_o madness_n and_o folly_n from_o their_o very_a infancy_n see_v those_o poor_a heathen_n who_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o direct_v they_o coul●_n give_v such_o excellent_a precept_n what_o a_o shame_n 〈◊〉_d it_o for_o christian_a schoolmaster_n to_o spend_v more_o tim●_n in_o teach_v their_o youth_n who_o jupiter_n vulca●_n neptune_n and_o saturn_n be_v than_o who_o jesus_n chris●_n be_v and_o to_o teach_v they_o those_o lascivious_a heathe●_n po●ts_v in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o the_o seven_o command_n st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o con●ession_n 15._o 〈◊〉_d out_o oh_o that_o when_o i_o be_v a_o young_a man_n i_o ha●●_n be_v instruct_v in_o profitable_a book_n whilst_o i_o w●●_n a_o youth_n at_o school_n i_o hear_v they_o talk_v of_o jupit●●_n dart_v thunder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n at_o t●●_n same_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v the_o la●●_n of_o god_n to_o their_o child_n diligent_o to_o talk_v 〈◊〉_d they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n when_o th●●_n walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o an●_n when_o they_o rise_v up_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o pos●_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7_o ●_o the_o royal_a prophet_n david_n teach_v they_o th●_n young_a man_n be_v to_o purify_v their_o way_n by_o take_v heed_n thereunto_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o go●_n psal._n 119._o 9_o and_o the_o wise_a king_n solomon_n co●●manded_v child_n to_o be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o way_n t●●_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o they_o be_v old_a they_o wo●●_n not_o depart_v from_o it_o prov._n 22._o 6._o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d join_v that_o our_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o 〈◊〉_d the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o the_o lord_n eph._n 6_o and_o command_v timothy_n to_o avoid_v profane_a and_o 〈◊〉_d wife_n fable_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 7._o the_o only_a objection_n of_o any_o weight_n that_o can_v 〈◊〉_d raise_v against_o this_o be_v that_o in_o those_o heathen_a poe●_n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o excellent_a moral_a sentence_n and_o that_o youth_n learn_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o lati●●_n tongue_n from_o they_o to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v answer_n that_o put_v they_o all_o together_o they_o come_v infinite●_n short_a of_o those_o moral_a instruction_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o ecclesiaste_n that_o its_o evident_a what_o moral_a say_n of_o worth_n any_o of_o those_o heathen_a author_n have_v they_o borrow_a they_o from_o moses_n and_o other_o of_o the_o divine_o inspire_a writer_n and_o we_o may_v with_o more_o safety_n and_o purity_n drink_v from_o the_o same_o fountain_n than_o from_o their_o pollute_a stream_n and_o as_o for_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o latin_a tongue_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v learn_v from_o other_o as_o from_o the_o poet_n the_o roman_a history_n be_v excellent_a for_o that_o end_n and_o if_o their_o poet_n be_v purge_v from_o their_o obscenity_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o youth_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o '_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v excellent_a latin_a poem_n by_o christian_a author_n which_o may_v be_v equal_o serviceable_a for_o instruct_v our_o youth_n in_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o latin_a tongue_n and_o inspring_n they_o also_o with_o true_a christian_a sentiment_n such_o as_o the_o famous_a ancient_a poem_n of_o tertullian_n arator_fw-la apollinaris_n nazianzen_n prudentius_n prosper_n and_o other_o christian_a worthy_n and_o the_o late_a one_o of_o du_n bartas_n beza_n scaliger_n buchanan_n heinsius_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o reform_v of_o the_o school_n in_o this_o point_n have_v be_v so_o long_o neglect_v reflect_v shame_n upon_o the_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v chief_o concern_v themselves_o in_o it_o and_o be_v one_o main_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o person_n of_o good_a part_n have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o write_v for_o the_o stage_n and_o that_o too_o with_o more_o wantonness_n and_o latitude_n than_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_a poet_n ever_o dare_v to_o allow_v themselves_o and_o the_o corruption_n have_v spread_v so_o far_o as_o to_o in●ect_v our_o university_n who_o though_o former_o they_o condemn_v the_o stage_n be_v now_o become_v its_o admirer_n and_o to_o the_o scandal_n of_o the_o nation_n obscene_a poem_n be_v write_v at_o their_o public_a acts._n cap._n v._n a_o answer_n to_o m._n motteux_n defence_n of_o the_o stage_n i_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v offer_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o the_o authority_n