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which_o he_o begin_v thus_o now_o out_o of_o the_o like_a pious_a care_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o suppress_v any_o humour_n that_o oppose_v truth_n and_o for_o the_o ease_n comfort_n and_o recreation_n of_o our_o well-deserving_a people_n we_o do_v ratify_v and_o publish_v this_o our_o bless_a father_n declaration_n this_o declaration_n do_v but_o too_o much_o verify_v what_o a_o old_a reverend_n divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n say_v to_o king_n james_n i._o when_o he_o ask_v his_o blessing_n on_o his_o journey_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o crown_n of_o england_n viz._n pray_v god_n bless_v you_o sir_n and_o make_v you_o a_o good_a man_n but_o he_o have_v ill_a stuff_n to_o make_v it_o of_o the_o declaration_n add_v we_o command_v that_o no_o man_n do_v trouble_n or_o molest_v any_o of_o our_o loyal_a people_n in_o or_o â—rom_o their_o lawful_a recreation_n and_o we_o further_o will_v that_o
the_o stage_n condemn_v and_o the_o encouragement_n give_v to_o the_o immorality_n and_o profaneness_n of_o the_o theatre_n by_o the_o english_a school_n university_n and_o pulpit_n censure_v king_n charles_n 1._o sundays_n mask_n and_o declaration_n for_o sport_n and_o pastime_n on_o the_o sabbath_n large_o relate_v and_o animadvert_v upon_o the_o argument_n of_o all_o the_o author_n that_o have_v write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n against_o mr._n collier_n consider_v and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o father_n council_n ancient_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n and_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a state_n and_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n emperor_n concern_v the_o drama_n faithful_o deliver_v together_o with_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o english_a state_n and_o of_o several_a ancient_n and_o modern_a divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o stage_n and_o remark_n on_o diverse_a late_a play_n as_o also_o on_o those_o present_v by_o the_o two_o university_n to_o king_n charles_n i._n london_n print_v for_o john_n salusbury_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1698._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n and_o commons_o of_o england_n in_o parliament_n assemble_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o stage_n most_o noble_a senator_n be_v so_o very_o palpable_a and_o notorious_a that_o the_o author_n themselves_o who_o live_v by_o it_o and_o have_v late_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o want_v a_o reformation_n etc._n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o particular_n every_o one_o stand_v upon_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o play_n of_o his_o write_n contain_v any_o thing_n culpable_a or_o blameâ—worthy_a all_o of_o they_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o some_o of_o they_o plead_v the_o usefulness_n and_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o the_o nation_n who_o they_o charge_v as_o the_o 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alone_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o apply_v the_o sovereign_a remedy_n by_o oblige_v magistrate_n and_o minister_n to_o perform_v their_o duty_n or_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o by_o new_a law_n if_o those_o we_o have_v already_o be_v not_o sufficient_a our_o gracious_a sovereign_n have_v not_o only_o rescue_v we_o from_o popery_n and_o tyranny_n but_o out_o of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n to_o prevent_v our_o future_a danger_n have_v again_o and_o again_o recommend_v it_o to_o his_o people_n to_o take_v effectual_a method_n for_o the_o suppress_v of_o profaneness_n and_o immorality_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n make_v use_v of_o as_o the_o most_o successful_a engine_n to_o ruin_n both_o the_o author_n of_o this_o treatise_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o stage_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n owe_v to_o the_o method_n of_o educate_v our_o youth_n in_o school_n from_o whence_o the_o infection_n spread_v into_o the_o university_n and_o pulpit_n and_o have_v be_v encourage_v by_o the_o late_a reign_n and_o part_n of_o the_o clergy_n have_v at_o last_o prove_v so_o fatal_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—ople_n that_o the_o stage_n be_v become_v a_o general_a 〈◊〉_d and_o have_v be_v complain_v of_o as_o such_o 〈◊〉_d by_o puritan_n and_o those_o who_o oppose_v king_n charles_n i._o as_o the_o advocate_n of_o the_o theatre_n do_v false_o pretend_v but_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a church_n of_o england_n divine_v and_o have_v be_v sometime_o restrain_v and_o at_o other_o time_n entire_o banish_v by_o the_o state_n of_o england_n in_o parliament_n assemble_v whether_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o present_a stage_n be_v such_o as_o may_v deserve_v a_o more_o favourable_a censure_n at_o your_o hand_n be_v submit_v as_o be_v fit_v it_o shall_v to_o your_o great_a wisdom_n in_o the_o follow_a treatise_n there_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n of_o the_o heathen_a greek_a and_o roman_a state_n of_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o our_o english_a state_n against_o the_o theatre_n fair_o exhibit_v but_o see_v the_o defender_n of_o the_o playhouse_n argue_v the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o english_a nation_n in_o general_n and_o to_o the_o present_a govenment_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v reasonable_a the_o appeal_n shall_v be_v to_o our_o honourable_a representative_n and_o that_o the_o argument_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v shall_v be_v lay_v before_o they_o not_o doubt_v if_o they_o think_v fit_a at_o all_o to_o take_v it_o into_o consideration_n but_o they_o will_v give_v a_o true_a and_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o in_o england_n alone_o where_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o the_o immorality_n and_o profaneness_n of_o it_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n of_o controversy_n but_o in_o france_n and_o italy_n nay_o at_o rome_n itself_o where_o as_o well_o as_o at_o paris_n the_o stage_n have_v of_o late_a as_o all_o the_o public_a intelligence_n inform_v we_o receive_v a_o check_n though_o the_o prefacer_n to_o the_o play_n call_v beauty_n in_o distress_n say_v the_o french_a stage_n be_v so_o reform_a as_o not_o to_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o honour_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o religion_n will_v therefore_o seem_v to_o require_v that_o our_o theatre_n shall_v come_v under_o examination_n as_o well_o as_o they_o but_o the_o time_n wheâ—_n and_o the_o method_n how_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n to_o determine_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o our_o english_a lady_n and_o gentlewoman_n who_o encouragement_n and_o presence_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n after_o all_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o by_o who_o absent_v themselves_o it_o must_v fall_v in_o course_n without_o law_n or_o statute_n will_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o wise_a roman_a senate_n approve_v the_o divorce_n which_o sempronius_n sophus_n give_v to_o his_o wife_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o she_o resort_v to_o the_o cirques_n and_o playhouse_n without_o his_o consent_n the_o very_a sight_n of_o which_o may_v make_v she_o a_o adultress_n and_o cause_v she_o to_o defile_v his_o bed_n 12._o and_o the_o christian_a emperor_n justinian_n make_v the_o follow_a constitution_n that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o put_v away_o his_o wife_n if_o she_o resort_v to_o cirques_n to_o playhouse_n or_o stage-play_n without_o his_o privity_n and_o consent_n because_o her_o chastity_n may_v thereby_o be_v endanger_v 117._o if_o our_o stage_n then_o be_v so_o much_o corrupt_v as_o its_o advocate_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v its_o influence_n upon_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o audience_n must_v needs_o be_v dangerous_a and_o 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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 â—_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 musâ—_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 motâ—â—uxâ—as_v â—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 juliâ—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 charlâ—â—_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 doâ—_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 ownâ—â—_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 moraliâ—â—_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 musâ—_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 olâ—_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 â—â—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 theâ—â—_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 whereoâ—â—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 rathâ—â—_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 foâ—_n mer._n if_o oath_n if_o blasphemy_n if_o perpetual_a profaâ—_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 laughtâ—â—_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 mâ—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 â—it_a place_n for_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n
of_o service_n to_o the_o court_n of_o st._n germains_n and_o versail_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o restore_a and_o encourage_v of_o playhouse_n be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a expedient_n of_o those_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o put_v cardinal_n mazarins_n advice_n in_o execution_n which_o be_v to_o debauch_v the_o nation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a introduce_v of_o poâ—ory_n and_o slavery_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o reflect_v upon_o mr._n collier_n 37._o for_o his_o nonjurancy_n for_o his_o book_n call_v a_o persuasive_a to_o consideration_n and_o for_o his_o absolve_a sir_n william_n perkins_n and_o sir_n john_n friend_n at_o tyburn_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o he_o for_o write_v against_o the_o stage_n if_o all_o our_o churchman_n have_v do_v their_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o mr._n collier_n have_v do_v he_o in_o this_o matter_n stage-play_n have_v never_o bâ—en_o suffer_v in_o the_o nation_n nor_o have_v there_o be_v the_o least_o pretence_n for_o their_o usefulness_n but_o in_o k._n charles_n i._o time_n they_o be_v necessary_a to_o ridicule_n the_o puritan_n and_o run_v down_o the_o patron_n of_o liberty_n and_o property_n and_o in_o k._n char._n ii_o reign_n they_o be_v no_o less_o want_v to_o lash_v the_o dissenter_n and_o whig_n that_o oppose_a tyranny_n and_o needful_a to_o promote_v the_o glorious_a design_n of_o debauch_v the_o nation_n and_o to_o baffle_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o popish_a plot_n and_o now_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o clergy_n who_o do_v but_o too_o much_o countenance_n the_o proceed_n of_o those_o reign_v be_v lash_v and_o expose_v in_o the_o playhouse_n themselves_o which_o mr._n collier_n complain_v of_o this_o it_o be_v hope_v will_v cure_v their_o itch_n of_o adorn_v or_o rather_o disguise_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o their_o fondness_n of_o read_v play_n for_o refine_n their_o style_n no_o clergyman_n can_v propose_v to_o himself_o any_o justifiable_a end_n in_o read_v play_n but_o that_o which_o mr._n collier_n have_v excellent_o perform_v to_o wit_n the_o expose_v their_o immorality_n and_o profaneness_n and_o to_o discover_v their_o failure_n in_o their_o pretend_a design_n it_o be_v altogether_o unsufferable_a to_o hear_v a_o sort_n of_o young_a divine_n regale_n our_o ear_n from_o the_o pulpit_n with_o the_o rhetoric_n of_o a_o play_n while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o treat_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o language_n of_o ancient_n and_o learned_a divine_n as_o unintelligible_a cant_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o have_v be_v and_o be_v still_o too_o common_a among_o some_o of_o our_o clergyman_n can_v be_v deny_v so_o long_o as_o those_o write_n of_o parker_n and_o other_o which_o call_v the_o new_a birth_n a_o fantastical_a jargon_n or_o those_o sermon_n which_o treat_v the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n austin_n calvin_n and_o beza_n nay_o and_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n too_o as_o stuff_n and_o cant_n have_v a_o existence_n mr._n collier_n and_o other_o may_v write_v volume_n against_o the_o stage_n as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v but_o they_o will_v find_v it_o to_o little_a purpose_n whilst_o the_o play_n be_v so_o much_o read_v and_o encourage_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o by_o they_o retail_v again_o to_o the_o people_n if_o the_o language_n of_o the_o playhouse_n be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o ornament_n to_o a_o sermon_n the_o hearer_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o stage_n be_v not_o so_o criminal_a a_o thing_n as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v it_o account_v and_o see_v mr._n collier_n have_v be_v so_o much_o approve_v for_o lash_v the_o poet_n and_o the_o stage_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v amiss_o in_o another_o to_o censure_v the_o vanity_n of_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o write_v play_n or_o preach_v in_o that_o dialect_n and_o have_v neglect_v to_o inform_v their_o people_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o playhouse_n have_v they_o take_v due_a care_n to_o instruct_v their_o auditor_n in_o this_o matter_n at_o church_n the_o audience_n will_v never_o have_v be_v so_o numerous_a at_o the_o stage_n for_o why_o shall_v i_o think_v there_o be_v any_o hurt_n in_o the_o theatre_n when_o i_o see_v that_o its_o ordinary_a for_o our_o gallant_n on_o a_o saturday_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o by_o a_o play_n for_o heaâ—ing_v a_o sermon_n on_o sunday_n nay_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o yet_o the_o parson_n have_v not_o the_o courage_n or_o honesty_n to_o reprove_v it_o but_o perhaps_o choose_v it_o as_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n to_o recommend_v himself_o to_o the_o applause_n of_o his_o hearer_n to_o deliver_v his_o preachment_n in_o the_o stile_n of_o a_o comedy_n our_o wit_n indeed_o when_o pass_v their_o judgement_n on_o a_o sermon_n think_v they_o give_v the_o preacher_n a_o large_a encomium_n when_o they_o say_v he_o have_v read_v abundance_n of_o playbook_n which_o let_v our_o youngster_n in_o divinity_n value_n as_o they_o please_v i_o shall_v think_v it_o the_o most_o piquant_v satyr_n that_o can_v be_v put_v upon_o i_o be_v i_o worthy_a of_o bear_v the_o indelible_a character_n but_o that_o those_o flaunt_a preacher_n may_v have_v no_o occasion_n to_o say_v that_o i_o be_o alone_a in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v pray_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o follow_a authority_n prosper_n say_v to_o such_o 105._o whilst_o they_o will_v seem_v nice_a and_o elegant_a they_o grow_v perfect_o mad_a with_o fulsome_a expression_n st._n jerom_n write_v to_o nepotianus_n advises_n he_o when_o he_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o church_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o groan_n and_o not_o for_o the_o applause_n of_o his_o hearer_n not_o to_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o declaimer_n of_o feign_a oration_n or_o a_o pretend_a advocate_n and_o to_o talk_v without_o measure_n the_o sermon_n of_o a_o minister_n ought_v to_o be_v season_v with_o quotation_n from_o scripture_n 15._o prosper_v aquitanicus_n say_v that_o a_o preacher_n ought_v not_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o the_o accuracy_n of_o his_o style_n except_o he_o have_v more_o mind_n to_o show_v his_o own_o learning_n than_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o his_o sermon_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o the_o most_o ignorant_a person_n may_v understand_v it_o the_o business_n of_o declaimer_n or_o maker_n of_o oration_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o preacher_n another_o the_o former_a endeavour_n to_o set_v off_o the_o â—omp_n of_o a_o elaborate_v speech_n with_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o their_o eloquence_n the_o latter_a seek_v after_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o a_o sober_a and_o plain_a discourse_n 25._o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n be_v st._n â—erom_n ambrose_n theodoret_n theophylact_fw-mi and_o other_o as_o appear_v by_o their_o commentary_n on_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 1._o etc._n etc._n isidorus_n pelusiot_n a_o tax_n some_o monk_n of_o his_o time_n for_o their_o affect_a style_n in_o preach_v who_o can_v abstain_v from_o satyr_n against_o you_o say_v he_o when_o they_o hear_v your_o sermon_n cram_v with_o heathen_a historian_n and_o poet_n pray_v what_o be_v there_o in_o they_o preferable_a to_o our_o religion_n therefore_o either_o let_v your_o sermon_n be_v grave_a and_o prefer_v a_o modest_a style_n to_o big_a swell_a word_n and_o pompous_a rhetoric_n or_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v that_o you_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o stage_n than_o the_o pulpit_n 63_o the_o bishop_n of_o chemnis_n in_o his_o onus_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la 16._o have_v very_o remarkable_a saying_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o among_o other_o those_o that_o follow_v in_o these_o last_o day_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v utter_o lose_v the_o preacher_n be_v puff_v up_o with_o knowledge_n teach_v their_o own_o notion_n they_o extol_v the_o learning_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o thereby_o darken_v the_o sunshine_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o now_o most_o of_o the_o school_n where_o divinity_n be_v former_o teach_v be_v fill_v with_o poetical_a â—ictions_n empty_a trifle_n and_o monstrous_a fable_n the_o preacher_n hunt_v after_o their_o own_o applause_n and_o study_v to_o gratify_v the_o ear_n of_o their_o auditor_n with_o ornat_fw-la and_o polite_a discourse_n but_o true_a sermon_n be_v better_a than_o those_o that_o be_v elegant_a and_o let_v those_o eloquent_a doctor_n know_v that_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o they_o in_o vain_a do_v you_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n 4._o he_o commend_v his_o own_o sermon_n because_o his_o speech_n and_o his_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o
make_v to_o frisk_v and_o caper_v out_o their_o time_n and_o it_o be_v sin_n in_o we_o to_o dance_v the_o nightingale_n to_o sing_v her_o tragic_a tale_n of_o love_n and_o we_o to_o recreate_v ourselves_o with_o groan_n as_o if_o all_o perfume_v for_o the_o tiger_n be_v ordain_v cause_o he_o excel_v in_o scent_n colour_n and_o gawdy_a tincture_n for_o the_o eastern_a bird_n whilst_o all_o our_o ornament_n be_v russet_a robe_n like_o melancholy_a monk_n now_o action_n have_v get_v his_o rant_n out_o here_o be_v whole_a peal_n of_o ordnance_n and_o chain-shot_a against_o those_o that_o adhered_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o laud'_v arminianism_n the_o charge_n be_v no_o less_o than_o that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n and_o accuse_v god_n of_o tyranny_n towards_o men._n whilst_o bird_n and_o beast_n frisk_v and_o flutter_v about_o in_o their_o gawdy_a fur_n and_o feather_n we_o poor_a mortal_n be_v call_v to_o mourn_v repentance_n and_o humiliation_n a_o sort_n of_o doctrine_n the_o stage_n will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o except_o it_o be_v to_o ridicule_n it_o but_o here_o be_v not_o one_o word_n all_o this_o while_n that_o man_n have_v sin_v and_o therefore_o must_v sorrow_n before_o he_o can_v lay_v any_o solid_a claim_n to_o be_v a_o sharer_n in_o joy_n that_o be_v none_o of_o the_o poet_n business_n he_o be_v to_o preach_v up_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n and_o to_o persuade_v to_o it_o by_o a_o unanswerable_a argument_n the_o beast_n and_o bird_n be_v so_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o too_o then_o at_o the_o conclusion_n come_v the_o old_a false_a charge_n against_o seriousness_n in_o religion_n it_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o condemn_v we_o to_o rag_n and_o melancholy_a enough_o to_o make_v the_o gallant_n of_o the_o audience_n out_o of_o love_n with_o it_o for_o all_o their_o day_n and_o to_o ridicule_n clergyman_n of_o all_o sort_n a_o proper_a work_n for_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o next_o entertainment_n be_v merlin_n the_o prophetic_a magician_n bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n by_o imposture_n mean_n to_o conjure_v up_o from_o hell_n the_o great_a seducer_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o upon_o merlin_n strike_v the_o air_n with_o his_o rod._n the_o whole_a scene_n say_v our_o poet_n be_v transform_v into_o a_o horrid_a hell_n from_o the_o suburb_n of_o which_o enter_v the_o several_a antimask_n i._o entry_n of_o mockmusic_n of_o 5_o person_n one_o with_o a_o viol_n the_o rest_n with_o taber_n and_o pipe_n knacker_n and_o bell_n tongue_n and_o key_n gridiron_n and_o shooing-horn_n ii_o entry_n a_o ballad-singer_n his_o companion_n with_o their_o auditory_a a_o porter_n lade_v a_o vintner_n boy_n a_o kitchenmaid_n with_o a_o hand-basket_n a_o sailor_n iii_o entry_n a_o crier_n of_o mousetrap_n a_o seller_n of_o tinderbox_n bear_v the_o engine_n belong_v to_o their_o trade_n a_o master_n of_o two_o baboon_n and_o a_o ape_n iv._o entry_n a_o mountebank_n in_o the_o habit_n of_o a_o grave_a doctor_n a_o zany_n a_o harlequin_n their_o man_n a_o old_a lame_a chair-woman_n two_o pale_a wench_n present_v their_o urinal_n and_o he_o distribute_v his_o print_a receipt_n out_o of_o a_o budget_n v._o entry_n four_o old_a fashion_a parasitical_a courtier_n vi_o entry_n of_o rebellious_a leader_n in_o war_n cade_n kett_n jack_n straw_n and_o their_o soldier_n one_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o piece_n of_o foolery_n except_o it_o be_v to_o turn_v hell_n into_o ridicule_n by_o such_o a_o representation_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n or_o to_o be_v a_o pattern_n for_o the_o sport_n and_o pastime_n that_o be_v enjoin_v upon_o the_o country_n for_o sunday_n by_o his_o majesty_n declaration_n but_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o such_o a_o paltry_a opera_fw-la as_o this_o be_v become_v the_o majesty_n of_o a_o court_n on_o any_o day_n or_o let_v king_n charles_n i._o his_o admirer_n give_v we_o a_o instance_n if_o they_o can_v that_o ever_o any_o martyr_n employ_v themselves_o thus_o before_o on_o a_o sunday_n after_o this_o hell_n say_v our_o poet_n sudden_o vanish_v and_o there_o appear_v a_o vast_a forest_n in_o which_o stand_v part_n of_o a_o old_a castle_n keep_v by_o a_o giant_n who_o by_o his_o character_n one_o of_o those_o in_o guildhall_n be_v not_o big_a enough_o to_o be_v his_o page_n he_o be_v describe_v thus_o this_o day_n a_o day_n as_o fair_a as_o heart_n can_v wish_v this_o giant_n stand_v on_o shore_n of_o sea_n to_o fish_n for_o angling-rod_n he_o take_v a_o sturdy_a oak_n for_o line_n a_o cable_n that_o in_o storm_n never_o break_v his_o hook_n be_v such_o as_o head_n the_o end_n of_o pole_n to_o pluck_v down_o house_n ere_o fire_n consume_v it_o whole_a his_o hook_n be_v bait_v with_o a_o dragon_n tail_n and_o then_o on_o rock_n he_o stand_v to_o bob_v for_o whale_n which_o straight_o he_o catch_v and_o nimble_o home_o do_v pack_n with_o ten_o cartload_n of_o dinner_n on_o his_o back_n have_v i_o be_v worthy_a to_o have_v advise_v the_o poet_n he_o shall_v have_v save_v himself_o the_o labour_n of_o this_o witty_a composure_n the_o story_n of_o gara_n gantua_n or_o don_n quixot_n will_v have_v be_v as_o divert_v sure_a as_o this_o and_o equal_o fit_a for_o a_o digestion_n after_o sermon_n on_o sunday_n the_o rest_n i_o will_v venture_v brief_o to_o tell_v in_o prose_n for_o the_o verse_n be_v not_o in_o my_o opinion_n very_o charm_v the_o giant_n in_o his_o way_n home_o spy_v a_o knight_n and_o a_o lady_n under_o a_o hedge_n within_o his_o purlieu_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o whale_n go_v towards_o they_o in_o great_a fury_n spurn_v up_o tree_n by_o the_o root_n as_o he_o go_v ask_v the_o knight_n how_o he_o and_o his_o damsel_n dare_v comâ—_n thither_o demand_n the_o lady_n to_o be_v his_o cook_n to_o dress_v his_o whale_n and_o threaten_v to_o beat_v out_o the_o knight_n brain_n with_o a_o oaken_a tree_n if_o he_o refuse_v she_o the_o lady_n make_v a_o apology_n that_o they_o come_v thither_o only_o to_o gather_v sloe_n and_o bully_n the_o knight_n take_v he_o up_o sharp_o for_o offer_v such_o a_o disgrace_n to_o his_o lady_n and_o at_o last_o by_o merlin_n art_n the_o scuffle_n be_v turn_v into_o fantastic_a music_n and_o a_o dance_n i_o pass_v over_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o impertinent_a stuff_n and_o leave_v merlin_n to_o retire_v to_o his_o stygian_a shade_n a_o while_n though_o i_o think_v he_o can_v scarce_o be_v entertain_v there_o with_o great_a work_n of_o darkness_n than_o those_o that_o be_v then_o act_v at_o whitehall_n merlin_n and_o imposture_n be_v go_v of_o in_o the_o further_a part_n of_o the_o scene_n the_o earth_n open_v and_o there_o rise_v up_o a_o rich_o adorn_v palace_n seem_v all_o of_o goldsmiths-work_n with_o porticâ—s_n vault_a on_o pilaster_n of_o rustic_a work_n their_o base_n and_o capitel_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o midst_n be_v the_o principal_a entrance_n and_o a_o gate_n the_o door_n leave_v with_o figure_n of_o basse_fw-fr relieve_v with_o jamb_n and_o frontispiece_n all_o of_o gold_n above_o these_o run_v a_o architrave_n frieze_n and_o coronis_n of_o the_o sarne_n the_o frieze_n enrich_v with_o jewel_n this_o bear_v up_o a_o ballestrata_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o upon_o a_o high_a tower_n with_o many_o window_n stand_v fame_n in_o a_o carnation-garment_n trim_v with_o gold_n with_o white_a wing_n and_o flaxen_a hair_n in_o one_o hand_n a_o golden_a trumpet_n and_o in_o the_o other_o a_o olive_n garland_n in_o the_o low_a part_n lean_v on_o the_o rail_n of_o the_o ballaster_n be_v two_o person_n that_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n personate_n arm_n with_o a_o cuirass_n and_o plume_a helm_n and_o a_o break_a lance_n in_o his_o hand_n on_o the_o left_a hand_n a_o woman_n in_o a_o watchet_a robe_n trim_v with_o silver_n on_o her_o head_n a_o bend_n with_o little_a wing_n like_o those_o of_o mercury_n and_o a_o scroul_n of_o parchment_n in_o her_o hand_n represent_v science_n when_o this_o palace_n be_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n the_o whole_a scene_n be_v change_v into_o a_o peristilium_fw-la of_o two_o order_n doric_a and_o jonick_a with_o their_o several_a ornament_n seem_v of_o white_a marble_n the_o base_n and_o capitel_n of_o gold_n this_o join_n with_o the_o former_a have_v so_o many_o return_v open_n and_o window_n may_v well_o be_v know_v for_o the_o glorious_a palace_n of_o fame_n a_o very_o odd_a medley_n to_o assign_v one_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o another_o for_o the_o representation_n of_o a_o heathen_a goddess_n this_o be_v not_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n but_o now_o we_o come_v to_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o thiâ—_n mask_n
which_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n 〈◊〉_d k._n charles_n 1._o britanocles_n as_o bellâ—rophon_n express_v it_o this_o happy_a hour_n be_v call_v to_o celebrate_v britanocles_n and_o those_o that_o in_o this_o isle_n the_o old_a with_o modern_a virtue_n reconcile_v the_o chorus_n of_o poet_n enter_v in_o rich_a habiâ—â—_n of_o several_a colour_n with_o laurel_n on_o theiâ—_n head_n gilt_n fame_n sing_v i._o break_v forth_o thou_o treasure_n of_o our_o sight_n that_o be_v the_o hopeful_a morn_n of_o every_o day_n who_o fair_a example_n make_v the_o light_n by_o which_o heroic_a virtue_n find_v her_o way_n ii_o o_o thou_o our_o cheerful_a morning_n rise_v and_o straight_o those_o misty_a cloud_n of_o error_n clear_a which_o long_o have_v overcast_v our_o eye_n and_o else_o will_v darken_v all_o this_o hemisphere_n iii_o what_o to_o thy_o power_n be_v hard_a or_o strange_a since_o not_o alone_o confine_v unto_o the_o land_n thy_o sceptre_n to_o a_o trident_n change_n and_o straight_o unruly_a sea_n thou_o can_v command_v iv._o how_o have_v thy_o wisdom_n raise_v this_o isle_n or_o thou_o by_o what_o new_a title_n shall_v we_o call_v since_o it_o be_v lessen_v of_o thy_o style_n if_o we_o shall_v name_v thou_o nature_n admiral_n v._o thou_o universal_a wonder_n know_v we_o all_o in_o darkness_n mourn_v till_o thou_o appear_v and_o by_o thy_o absence_n dull_v may_v grow_v to_o make_v a_o doubt_n if_o day_n be_v ever_o here_o be_v not_o this_o religious_o do_v to_o convert_v any_o part_n of_o tâ—e_v sabbath_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o great_a redeemer_n to_o be_v â—mispent_v in_o such_o fulsom_n praise_n of_o any_o mortal_a man_n and_o be_v it_o not_o just_a from_o god_n whatever_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o the_o instrument_n that_o he_o who_o power_n they_o so_o blasphemous_o extol_v over_o sea_n and_o land_n shall_v afterward_o find_v himself_o too_o weak_a for_o a_o party_n of_o his_o own_o subject_n that_o he_o shall_v receive_v his_o first_o discomsiture_n from_o they_o on_o the_o sabbath_n which_o he_o have_v so_o horrible_o profane_v and_o be_v bring_v to_o his_o fatal_a exit_fw-la in_o that_o very_a palace_n where_o he_o suffer_v god_n to_o be_v so_o much_o dishonour_v fame_n have_v end_v her_o song_n the_o masquer_n come_v forth_o of_o the_o peristilium_fw-la and_o stand_v on_o each_o side_n and_o at_o that_o instant_n the_o gate_n of_o the_o palace_n open_v and_o britanocles_n appear_v the_o habit_n of_o the_o masquer_n be_v close_a body_n of_o carnation_n embroider_v with_o silver_n their_o arm_v sleeve_n of_o the_o same_o about_o their_o waste_n two_o row_n of_o several_a fashion_a leave_n and_o under_o this_o their_o base_n of_o white_a reach_a to_o the_o middle_n of_o their_o thigh_n on_o this_o be_v a_o under_o basis_n with_o label_n of_o carnation_n embroider_v with_o silver_n and_o betwixt_o every_o pain_n be_v puff_n of_o silver_n fasten_v in_o knot_n to_o the_o label_n the_o trim_v of_o the_o shoulder_n be_v as_o that_o of_o the_o basis_n their_o long_a stocking_n set_v up_o be_v carnation_n with_o white_a shoe_n and_o rose_n their_o band_n and_o cuff_n make_v of_o purl_n of_o cutwork_n upon_o the_o head_n little_a carnation_n cap_n embroider_v as_o tâ—â—_n rest_n with_o a_o slit_n turn_v up_o before_o out_o of_o tâ—â—_n midst_n come_v several_a fall_n of_o white_a feather_n diminish_v upward_o in_o a_o pyramidical_a form_n thâ—â—_n habit_n they_o choose_v as_o beautiful_a rich_a and_o light_a 〈◊〉_d dance_v and_o proper_a for_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o masâ—_n the_o palace_n be_v sink_v fame_n remain_v hâ—vering_v in_o the_o air_n rise_v on_o her_o wing_n sing_v aâ—â—_n be_v hide_v in_o the_o cloud_n then_o the_o chorâ—â—_n sing_v another_o song_n in_o praise_n of_o britanocles_n after_o which_o the_o masquer_n descend_v into_o thâ—_n room_n and_o dance_v which_o be_v end_v a_o neâ—_n chorus_n of_o modern_a poet_n raise_v by_o merlin_n 〈◊〉_d rich_a habit_n make_v their_o address_n to_o the_o queen_n thus_o i._n our_o eye_n long_o since_o dissolve_v to_o air_n to_o thou_o for_o day_n must_v now_o repair_v though_o raise_v to_o life_n by_o merlin_n might_n thy_o stock_n of_o beauty_n will_v supply_v enough_o of_o sun_n from_o either_o eye_n to_o fill_v the_o organ_n of_o our_o sight_n ii_o yet_o first_o thy_o pity_n shall_v have_v draw_v a_o cloud_n of_o cypress_n or_o of_o lawn_n to_o come_v between_o thy_o radiant_a beam_n our_o eye_n long_o darken_v in_o a_o shade_n when_o first_o they_o so_o much_o light_n invade_v must_v ache_v and_o sicken_v with_o extreme_n iii_o yet_o wise_a reason_n have_v prevail_v to_o wish_v thy_o beauty_n still_o unveil_v it_o be_v better_o that_o it_o blind_a shall_v make_v we_o than_o we_o shall_v want_v such_o heavenly_a fire_n that_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o inspire_v those_o rapture_n which_o will_v else_o forsake_v we_o if_o modesty_n will_v not_o blush_v at_o such_o entertainment_n on_o any_o day_n yet_o certain_o religion_n will_v have_v abhor_v it_o on_o a_o sunday_n and_o though_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n will_v admit_v of_o it_o it_o ill_o become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o approve_v it_o after_o this_o the_o scene_n be_v change_v and_o in_o the_o far_a part_n the_o sea_n be_v see_v terminate_n the_o sight_n with_o the_o horizon_n on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v a_o haven_n with_o a_o citadel_n and_o on_o the_o other_o break_a ground_n and_o rock_n from_o whence_o the_o sea_n nymph_n galatea_n come_v wave_v forth_o ride_v on_o the_o back_n of_o a_o dolphin_n in_o a_o loose_a snow-white_a garment_n above_o her_o neck_n chain_n of_o pearl_n and_o her_o arm_n adorn_v with_o bracelet_n of_o the_o same_o her_o fair_a hair_n dishevel_v and_o mix_v with_o silver_n and_o in_o some_o part_n cover_v with_o a_o veil_n which_o she_o with_o one_o hand_n gracious_o hold_v up_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o dolphin_n stay_v and_o she_o sing_v with_o a_o chorus_n of_o music_n galatea_n song_n i._o so_o well_o britanocles_n over_o sea_n do_v reign_v reduce_v what_o be_v wild_a before_o that_o fair_a sea_n nymph_n leave_v the_o trouble_a main_n and_o haste_v to_o visit_v he_o on_o shore_n ii_o what_o be_v they_o less_o than_o nymph_n since_o each_o make_v show_v of_o wondrous_a immortality_n and_o each_o those_o sparkle_a treasure_n wear_v that_o grow_v where_o breathless_a divers_n can_v pry_v etc._n etc._n the_o valediction_n or_o farewell_n be_v as_o follow_v i._o wise_a nature_n that_o the_o dew_n of_o sleep_n prepare_v to_o intermit_v our_o joy_n and_o ease_v our_o care_n invite_v you_o from_o these_o triumph_n to_o your_o rest_n may_v every_o whisper_n that_o be_v make_v be_v chaste_a each_o lady_n slow_o yield_v yet_o yield_v at_o last_o her_o heart_n a_o prisoner_n to_o her_o lover_n breast_n ii_o to_o wish_v unto_o our_o royal_a lover_n more_o of_o youthful_a blessing_n than_o he_o have_v before_o be_v but_o to_o tempt_v old_a nature_n above_o her_o might_n since_o all_o the_o odour_n music_n beauteous_a fire_n we_o in_o the_o spring_n the_o sphere_n the_o star_n admire_v be_v his_o renew_v and_o better_v every_o night_n iii_o to_o bed_n to_o bed_n may_v every_o lady_n dream_n from_o that_o chief_a beauty_n she_o have_v steal_v a_o beam_n which_o will_v amaze_v her_o lover_n eye_n each_o lawful_a lover_n to_o advance_v his_o youth_n dream_v he_o have_v steal_v his_o vigour_n love_n and_o trutâ—_n then_o all_o will_v haste_v to_o bed_n but_o none_o to_o rise_v thus_o i_o have_v bring_v this_o mask_n to_o a_o conclusion_n if_o the_o reader_n think_v i_o have_v insert_v too_o much_o of_o it_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o sarce_o to_o be_v have_v and_o be_v extraordinary_a because_o of_o its_o have_v be_v act_v on_o a_o sabbath_n day_n i_o think_v it_o the_o more_o necessary_a to_o give_v a_o large_a account_n of_o it_o that_o he_o may_v see_v what_o sort_n of_o religion_n or_o evening_n sermon_n it_o be_v that_o the_o court_n and_o laud'_v faction_n of_o the_o church_n then_o aim_v at_o let_v any_o man_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o impression_n of_o religion_n upon_o his_o mind_n consider_v the_o valediction_n and_o declare_v his_o opinion_n whether_o it_o answer_v that_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o chastity_n which_o some_o man_n will_v have_v k._n charles_n the_o first_o to_o have_v be_v endow_v with_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o it_o have_v a_o amorous_a tendency_n and_o must_v of_o necessity_n leave_v quite_o another_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o hearer_n than_o the_o blessing_n which_o they_o hear_v pronounce_v at_o church_n after_o sermon_n ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o that_o the_o whole_a
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 summonâ—o_fw-la dotâ—s_fw-la impias_fw-la esse_fw-la meas_fw-la callimachum_fw-la â—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 câ—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 thaâ—_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 coulâ—_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 timâ—_n in_o teach_v their_o youth_n who_o jupiter_n vulcaâ—_n neptune_n and_o saturn_n be_v than_o who_o jesus_n chrisâ—_n be_v and_o to_o teach_v they_o those_o lascivious_a heatheâ—_n poâ—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 conâ—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 haâ—â—_n be_v instruct_v in_o profitable_a book_n whilst_o i_o wâ—â—_n a_o youth_n at_o school_n i_o hear_v they_o talk_v of_o jupitâ—â—_n dart_v thunder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n at_o tâ—â—_n same_o time_n the_o jew_n be_v command_v to_o teach_v the_o laâ—â—_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 thâ—â—_n walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o anâ—_n when_o they_o rise_v up_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o posâ—_n of_o their_o house_n and_o on_o their_o gate_n deut._n 6._o 6_o 7_o â—_o the_o royal_a prophet_n david_n teach_v they_o thâ—_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 goâ—_n psal._n 119._o 9_o and_o the_o wise_a king_n solomon_n coâ—â—manded_v child_n to_o be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o way_n tâ—â—_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o when_o they_o be_v old_a they_o woâ—â—_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 poeâ—_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 latiâ—â—_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 infiniteâ—_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 inâ—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
of_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n viz._n by_o father_n caâ—â—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 mohomeâ—_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 goâ—_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 tâ—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 iâ—_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 nebuchadâ—nezzer_n who_o â—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 rebâ—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
the_o stage_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v further_o object_v that_o the_o magistrate_n be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n as_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o recommend_v virtue_n and_o discountenance_v vice_n he_o may_v appoint_v the_o stage_n for_o that_o end_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v the_o magistrate_n be_v infinite_o better_a provide_v of_o mean_n already_o he_o have_v the_o minister_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o judge_n to_o explain_v his_o law_n from_o the_o bench_n and_o be_v provide_v with_o a_o sword_n to_o protect_v virtue_n and_o punish_v vice_n and_o therefore_o to_o spend_v time_n and_o money_n in_o that_o which_o be_v needless_a will_v be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n rule_n but_o to_o commonsense_n nor_o can_v the_o patron_n of_o the_o stage_n give_v we_o a_o instance_n that_o ever_o any_o magistrate_n appoint_v the_o stage_n for_o those_o end_v they_o mention_v we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o introduction_n to_o britania_n triumphens_n act_v on_o a_o sunday_n at_o whitehall_n in_o 1637._o as_o beforementioned_a that_o prince_n of_o sweet_a and_o humane_a nature_n have_v ever_o both_o amongst_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_n in_o the_o best_a time_n present_v spectacle_n and_o personal_a representation_n to_o recreate_v their_o spirit_n waste_v in_o grave_a affair_n of_o state_n and_o for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o their_o nobility_n lady_n and_o court_n that_o be_v the_o only_a end_n according_a to_o the_o then_o poet_n that_o the_o stage_n pretend_v to_o but_o now_o it_o seem_v that_o they_o will_v usurp_v both_o upon_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o pulpit_n cap._n vi_o the_o father_n against_o the_o stage_n and_o mistakerâ—_n by_o aquinas_n the_o next_o argument_n be_v 11._o from_o thomas_n a._n quinas_fw-la who_o in_o his_o question_n of_o sport_n and_o diversion_n say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o part_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n sometime_o to_o unbend_v his_o mind_n by_o divert_v word_n or_o action_n whence_o the_o dr._n conclude_v that_o st._n thomas_n approve_v the_o drama_n this_o man_n may_v perhaps_o be_v a_o professor_n of_o divinity_n but_o it_o will_v seem_v he_o be_v never_o a_o professor_n of_o logic_n else_o he_o will_v not_o put_v more_o into_o the_o conclusion_n than_o be_v find_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o here_o he_o have_v do_v except_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o divert_v word_n or_o action_n but_o in_o play_n and_o the_o strain_n of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o needless_a that_o he_o bring_v in_o aquinas_n afterward_o express_o give_v his_o opinion_n for_o play_n provide_v the_o player_n and_o spectator_n he_o not_o guilty_a of_o excess_n or_o speak_v and_o act_n nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a etc._n etc._n pag._n 12._o but_o as_o the_o dr._n bring_v in_o aquinas_n to_o reconcile_v the_o father_n with_o the_o schoolman_n in_o this_o point_n or_o indeed_o rather_o to_o contradict_v the_o father_n by_o the_o schoolman_n what_o if_o we_o bring_v in_o aquinas_n contradict_v the_o dr._n himself_o if_o either_o the_o paris_n doctor_n or_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o applaud_v his_o performance_n please_v to_o look_v into_o aquinas_n his_o secunda_fw-la secundâ—_n quaest._n 168._o art_n 3._o ad_fw-la 3m_fw-la it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o make_v the_o angelical_a dr._n speak_v otherwise_o than_o he_o real_o do_v aquinas_n be_v word_n be_v si_fw-mi qui_fw-la autem_fw-la superâ—luen_fw-la sua_fw-la in_o tale_n consumunt_fw-la veletiam_fw-la sustentant_fw-la illos_fw-la histriones_fw-la qui_fw-la illicitis_fw-la ludio_n utuntur_fw-la peccant_a quali_fw-la â—os_v in_o peccato_fw-la foventes_fw-la unde_fw-la augustinus_n dicit_fw-la super_fw-la johannem_fw-la quod_fw-la donare_fw-la res_fw-la svas_fw-la histrionibus_fw-la vitium_fw-la est_fw-la immane_a non_fw-la virtus_fw-la nisi_fw-la forte_fw-fr aliquis_fw-la histrio_fw-la esset_fw-la in_o extrema_fw-la necessitate_v in_o qua_fw-la esset_fw-la ei_fw-la subveniendum_fw-la dicit_fw-la enim_fw-la ambrose_n in_fw-la libro_fw-la de_fw-fr oâ—â—iciis_n pasce_fw-la same_o morientem_fw-la quisquis_fw-la enim_fw-la pascendo_fw-la hominem_fw-la servare_fw-la poteris_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la paveris_fw-la occidiâ—ti_fw-la it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o paris_n dr._n or_o his_o translator_n make_v aquinas_n say_v what_o he_o never_o intend_v the_o angelical_a dr._n say_v it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o give_v superfluous_o â—r_o lavish_o to_o stage_n player_n but_o it_o seem_v nothing_o be_v criminal_a with_o the_o parisian_a dr._n or_o his_o englisher_n except_o they_o give_v they_o their_o whole_a estate_n beside_o they_o injure_v st._n austin_n mighty_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o african_a father_n be_v only_o against_o give_v whole_a estate_n to_o player_n too_o when_o the_o honest_a man_n say_v express_o that_o to_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o a_o stage-player_n except_o at_o the_o point_n of_o starve_v be_v a_o monstrous_a crime_n or_o first-rate_a sin_n immane_a vitium_fw-la and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o exception_n he_o bring_v from_o st._n ambrose_n that_o whosoever_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o give_v a_o man_n bread_n and_o yet_o let_v he_o starve_v kill_v he_o and_o how_o well_o aquinas_n reconcile_v the_o schoolman_n with_o the_o father_n in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o stage_n may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o very_a follow_a article_n where_o he_o quoteâ—_n st._n augustine_n in_o his_o book_n of_o true_a and_o false_a repentance_n charge_v those_o that_o will_v obtain_v forgiveness_n to_o abstain_v from_o the_o play_n and_o show_v of_o the_o age_n which_o be_v compare_v with_o his_o former_a advice_n not_o to_o give_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o stage-player_n except_o he_o be_v at_o the_o point_n of_o starve_v show_v plain_o for_o all_o the_o angelical_a doctor_n nice_a distinction_n of_o st._n augustine_n only_a forbid_a play_n to_o man_n under_o penance_n that_o he_o wrest_v his_o word_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v be_v prove_v by_o st._n austin_n himself_o who_o say_v that_o have_v there_o be_v none_o but_o honest_a man_n in_o rome_n they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v stageâ—plays_v 1._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o say_v the_o roman_a virtue_n know_v nothing_o of_o those_o theatrical_a act_n for_o almost_o 400_o year_n and_o when_o they_o be_v introduce_v for_o the_o recreation_n of_o sensualist_n and_o admit_v by_o the_o dissolute_a moral_n of_o the_o time_n the_o heathen_a idol_n delve_v they_o may_v be_v dedicate_v to_o they_o 13._o he_o likewise_o take_v notice_n that_o be_v bring_v into_o rome_n to_o assuage_v the_o plague_n which_o afflict_a theiâ—_n body_n the_o crafty_a devil_n who_o know_v that_o the_o disease_n will_v in_o its_o proper_a time_n come_v to_o a_o period_n do_v thence_o take_v occasion_n to_o infect_v their_o moral_n with_o a_o far_o great_a contagion_n and_o add_v that_o their_o pontif_n scipâ—_n dread_v that_o plague_n and_o infection_n upon_o their_o mind_n when_o he_o forbid_v the_o building_n of_o theatre_n well_o know_v that_o the_o republic_a can_v not_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o stand_n of_o their_o wall_n if_o their_o â—orals_n fail_v but_o they_o be_v more_o prevail_v on_o by_o the_o allurement_n of_o impious_a devil_n than_o by_o the_o precaution_n of_o provident_a stateman_n 33_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o of_o the_o father_n more_o pathetical_a and_o press_v in_o their_o exhortation_n to_o christian_n to_o avoid_v the_o stage_n than_o this_o excellent_a person_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o his_o homily_n and_o other_o write_n then_o as_o to_o the_o whim_n of_o the_o revelation_n to_o paphnutius_fw-la that_o a_o certain_a player_n shall_v be_v his_o partner_n in_o glory_n by_o which_o aquinas_n will_v prove_v that_o player_n be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n however_o it_o may_v relish_v with_o the_o paris_n doctor_n it_o sound_v but_o ill_a to_o be_v quote_v by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o admit_v the_o revelation_n to_o be_v true_a it_o will_v not_o prove_v what_o they_o will_v have_v it_o for_o the_o player_n mention_v may_v have_v abandon_v the_o stage_n and_o become_v a_o true_a penitent_n otherwise_o by_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v thief_n may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n because_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o one_o on_o the_o cross_n this_o day_n shall_v thou_o be_v with_o i_o in_o paradise_n beside_o aquinas_n word_n be_v quod_fw-la quidam_fw-la jocuâ—ator_fw-la â—uturus_fw-la erat_fw-la sibi_fw-la censor_n in_fw-la vita_fw-la fuâ—ura_fw-la now_o the_o doctor_n know_v that_o joculator_fw-la and_o histrio_fw-la be_v not_o convertible_a term_n there_o be_v many_o jocose_v man_n that_o will_v think_v the_o stage_n below_o they_o or_o if_o joculator_fw-la must_v needs_o be_v a_o stage-player_n let_v it_o be_v translate_v the_o merry_a andrew_n or_o fool_n in_o the_o play_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o shall_v be_v deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o papâ—â—utius's_n evidence_n for_o heaven_n it_o be_v but_o
seldom_o that_o their_o part_n of_o the_o play_n be_v the_o most_o criminal_a in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v what_o sort_n of_o play_n they_o be_v which_o st._n thomas_n approve_v he_o say_v oâ—â—icium_fw-la histrionum_fw-la quod_fw-la ordinatur_fw-la ad_fw-la solatium_fw-la hominibus_fw-la exhibendum_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la secundum_fw-la se_fw-la illicitum_fw-la ibid._n ad_fw-la 3m_fw-la i_o e._n that_o stage-play_n which_o be_v direct_v to_o recreate_v or_o solace_v man_n be_v not_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o this_o be_v quite_o another_o work_n than_o our_o stage_n now_o assume_v to_o itself_o as_o mr._n collier_n mention_n in_o his_o introduction_n and_o have_v the_o stage_n hold_v there_o and_o be_v regular_a and_o moderate_a in_o its_o practice_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o culpable_a as_o now_o it_o be_v but_o all_o this_o be_v mere_o a_o cover_n its_o nakedness_n with_o figleaf_n that_o be_v not_o the_o original_a design_n of_o the_o stage_n it_o be_v invent_v by_o the_o devil_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v tertullian_n 28._o and_o therefore_o have_v all_o along_o be_v true_a to_o its_o founder_n in_o pursue_v its_o primary_n design_n of_o debauch_v instead_o of_o divert_v mankind_n before_o i_o go_v further_o i_o must_v observe_v two_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v that_o st._n thomas_n however_o condemn_v the_o present_a practice_n of_o the_o english_a stage_n in_o jest_v with_o scripture_n use_v obscene_a word_n or_o action_n and_o man_n and_o woman_n put_v on_o apparel_n of_o the_o contrary_a sex_n 3_o and_o the_o next_o be_v that_o it_o look_v somewhat_o odd_a that_o a_o dr._n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o a_o divine_a of_o thâ—_n church_n of_o england_n shall_v offer_v to_o shake_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o playhouse_n see_v they_o be_v the_o principal_a quiver_n whence_o the_o former_a draw_v her_o arrow_n against_o the_o protestant_n and_o whence_o the_o latter_a pull_v dart_n to_o hurl_v against_o the_o puâ—itaus_n in_o the_o next_o place_n they_o bring_v we_o st._n thomas_n answer_n to_o chrysostom_n which_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o father_n viz._n that_o they_o declaim_v only_o against_o the_o excess_n in_o play_n 4._o because_o the_o excess_n of_o the_o drama_n in_o their_o time_n be_v criminal_a and_o immoderate_a to_o this_o let_v st._n chrysostom_n answer_v for_o himself_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v any_o reason_n â—o_o peep_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o tell_v aquinas_n benâ—_n scripsisti_fw-la de_fw-la i_o thoma_n as_o they_o foolish_o tell_v we_o our_o saviour_n do_v to_o that_o same_o agelical_a doctor_n st._n chrysostom_n against_o the_o stage_n he_o call_v stage-play_n the_o devil_n solemnity_n or_o pomp_n satanical_a fable_n diabolical_a mystery_n the_o impure_a food_n of_o devil_n hellish_a conventicle_n 1471._o and_o tell_v his_o hearer_n that_o if_o they_o continue_v to_o go_v to_o play_n he_o will_v never_o give_v over_o but_o use_v a_o sharp_a style_n and_o wound_v they_o deep_o till_o he_o have_v pull_v in_o piece_n the_o devilish_a theatre_n that_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v in_o another_o place_n he_o say_v every_o thing_n act_v on_o the_o stage_n be_v most_o filthy_a and_o obscene_a the_o word_n the_o apparel_n the_o tonsure_v the_o gesture_n the_o music_n the_o glance_n of_o the_o eye_n nay_o the_o very_a subject_n of_o the_o play_n 298._o whence_o they_o infuse_v so_o much_o lascivousness_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o audience_n as_o if_o they_o conspire_v together_o to_o root_v all_o modesty_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o drench_v they_o in_o pernicious_a sensuality_n in_o his_o homily_n of_o saul_n and_o david_n he_o write_v thus_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o go_v to_o stage-play_n because_o it_o make_v they_o complete_a adulterer_n wish_n he_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o leave_v the_o church_n yesterday_o and_o go_v to_o those_o spectacle_n of_o iniquity_n that_o he_o may_v excommunicate_v they_o they_o have_v impudent_o defile_v themselves_o with_o adultery_n and_o if_o so_o be_v say_v he_o you_o desire_v to_o know_v the_o kind_n of_o adultery_n i_o will_v not_o rehearse_v my_o own_o word_n but_o the_o word_n of_o he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n 28._o that_o man_n say_v he_o who_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n in_o his_o heart_n if_o then_o a_o woman_n accidental_o pass_v the_o street_n and_o but_o careless_o dress_v do_v frequent_o ensnare_v a_o man_n with_o one_o single_a look_n with_o what_o confidence_n can_v those_o that_o purposely_o run_v to_o the_o playhouse_n and_o sit_v there_o a_o whole_a day_n together_o with_o their_o eye_n fix_v on_o the_o face_n of_o woman_n say_v they_o have_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o so_o as_o to_o lust_n after_o they_o where_o there_o be_v the_o enticement_n of_o lafcivious_a word_n whorish_a song_n paint_a face_n and_o entice_a dress_n to_o allure_v the_o beholder_n if_o here_o where_o there_o be_v psalm_n and_o the_o preach_a of_o god_n word_n concupiscence_n do_v frequent_o creep_v in_o like_o a_o crafty_a thief_n how_o can_v those_o who_o sit_v idle_a in_o playhouse_n where_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o hear_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o where_o their_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v beset_v on_o every_o side_n overcome_v their_o lusâ—_n and_o if_o they_o can_v conquer_v it_o how_o can_v they_o be_v acquit_v from_o the_o charge_n of_o adultery_n then_o how_o can_v those_o who_o be_v chargeable_a with_o this_o crime_n come_v to_o these_o sacred_a assembly_n without_o repenrance_n if_o a_o servant_n shall_v put_v his_o nasâ—y_n and_o lousy_a apparel_n among_o his_o master_n rich_a and_o costly_a robe_n will_v you_o bear_v with_o it_o patient_o if_o he_o shall_v throw_v dung_n into_o a_o vessel_n of_o gold_n wherâ—_n your_o precious_a ointment_n be_v keep_v will_v you_o not_o cudgel_v he_o for_o it_o shall_v we_o then_o be_v so_o careful_a of_o our_o clothes_n and_o our_o vessel_n and_o put_v so_o low_a a_o value_n upon_o our_o soul_n tell_v i_o how_o you_o thiâ—k_v god_n can_v endure_v this_o when_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o difference_n between_o ointment_n and_o dirt_n nor_o the_o clothes_n of_o master_n and_o servant_n as_o betwixt_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o perverse_a action_n do_v thou_o not_o tremble_v whilst_o thou_o behold_v this_o holy_a table_n where_o dreadful_a mystery_n be_v administer_v with_o the_o self_n same_o eye_n that_o thou_o do_v behold_v the_o bed_n on_o the_o stage_n where_o the_o detestable_a fable_n of_o adultery_n be_v act_v whilst_o with_o the_o same_o ear_n thou_o hear_v a_o adulterer_n speak_v obscene_o and_o a_o prophet_n and_o a_o apostle_n lead_v thou_o into_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n whilst_o with_o the_o same_o heart_n thou_o receive_v deadly_a poison_n and_o this_o holy_a and_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v not_o these_o play_v the_o subversion_n of_o life_n the_o corruption_n of_o manner_n the_o destruction_n of_o marriage_n the_o cause_n of_o war_n of_o fight_n and_o brawl_n in_o house_n when_o thou_o return_v from_o the_o stage_n more_o dissolute_a wanton_a and_o effeminate_n the_o sight_n of_o thy_o wife_n will_v be_v less_o please_v to_o thou_o let_v she_o be_v what_o she_o will_n what_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o a_o wife_n or_o family_n when_o as_o afterward_o thou_o will_v be_v less_o willing_a to_o come_v to_o church_n and_o will_v hear_v a_o sermon_n of_o modesty_n and_o chastity_n with_o irksomeness_n wherefore_o i_o entreat_v you_o all_o to_o avoid_v the_o wicked_a remembrance_n in_o stage-play_n and_o to_o draw_v back_o other_o from_o they_o who_o have_v be_v lead_v unto_o they_o for_o whatever_o be_v there_o do_v be_v not_o delight_n or_o recreation_n but_o destruction_n in_o his_o first_o homily_n on_o psalm_n 50._o speak_v of_o david_n he_o see_v bathsheba_n say_v he_o be_v wound_v in_o his_o eye_n and_o strike_v with_o a_o dart._n let_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o who_o be_v mad_a upon_o stage-play_n where_o they_o may_v contemplate_v the_o beauty_n let_v they_o observe_v this_o who_o say_v they_o can_v look_v upon_o they_o without_o hurt_n david_n be_v wound_v and_o be_v you_o like_v to_o escape_v he_o be_v overcome_v and_o can_v i_o trust_v to_o your_o strength_n he_o that_o have_v so_o much_o grace_n be_v strike_v through_o and_o do_v thou_o deny_v that_o thou_o be_v wound_v in_o his_o seventeen_o homily_n on_o matthew_n 5._o if_o thy_o right_a eye_n offend_v thou_o he_o write_v thus_o let_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o who_o frequent_a the_o playhouse_n so_o much_o and_o deâ—ile_v themselves_o almost_o daily_o with_o adultery_n how_o can_v
they_o be_v defend_v who_o by_o their_o stay_n at_o playhouse_n contract_v acquaintance_n with_o lewd_a person_n that_o they_o know_v not_o before_o upon_o psalm_n 119._o v_o 151._o he_o say_v we_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n but_o he_o serve_v two_o who_o go_v to_o church_n one_o day_n and_o to_o stage-play_n another_o on_o psalm_n 4._o 2._o why_o do_v you_o love_v vanity_n in_o stage-play_n and_o seek_v after_o lease_v in_o stage-player_n on_o psalm_n 66._o 1._o nothing_o bring_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n into_o so_o great_a contempt_n as_o those_o stage-play_n and_o the_o spectacle_n there_o show_v wherefore_o i_o have_v often_o exhort_v you_o that_o none_o of_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o divine_a doctrine_n and_o partake_v of_o the_o dreadful_a sacrament_n go_v to_o those_o stage-play_n yet_o some_o be_v become_v so_o mad_a that_o though_o they_o profess_v religion_n and_o be_v grow_v white_a with_o old-age_n they_o run_v to_o they_o notwithstanding_o and_o say_v they_o reap_v much_o profit_n from_o they_o by_o see_v example_n of_o the_o victory_n and_o crown_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v a_o rot_a and_o deceitful_a say_v whence_o can_v thou_o reap_v profit_n there_o from_o contention_n from_o rash_a oath_n from_o the_o abuse_n revile_v and_o scoff_v which_o the_o spectator_n throw_v upon_o one_o another_o in_o his_o six_o homily_n on_o matthew_n he_o say_v god_n never_o teach_v man_n to_o play_n but_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v form_v jest_n and_o play_n into_o a_o art_n that_o by_o these_o he_o may_v draw_v the_o soldier_n of_o christ_n to_o himself_o he_o have_v erect_v theatre_n in_o city_n and_o propose_v those_o incentives_n of_o laughter_n and_o filthy_a pleasure_n it_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n to_o effeminate_a themselves_o with_o delight_n and_o let_v loose_v the_o râ—ins_n to_o loud_a laughter_n and_o derision_n for_o those_o who_o applaud_v the_o writer_n of_o blasphemous_a and_o filthy_a thing_n persuade_v they_o to_o act_v they_o he_o that_o personate_v those_o thing_n do_v not_o sâ—n_o so_o much_o as_o thou_o that_o command_v they_o to_o be_v do_v but_o thou_o say_v this_o be_v only_o feign_v not_o commit_v a_o crime_n but_o certain_o those_o man_n deserve_v a_o thousand_o death_n who_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o imitate_v that_o which_o all_o law_n do_v most_o strict_o forâ—bid_v if_o adultery_n be_v evil_a in_o itself_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o must_v certain_o be_v unlawful_a i_o say_v nothing_o how_o many_o adulterer_n they_o may_v make_v who_o personate_v adultery_n upon_o the_o stage_n nor_o how_o they_o render_v spectator_n impudent_a foâ—_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o filthy_a nor_o lascivious_a than_o that_o eye_n that_o can_v patient_o behold_v such_o thing_n in_o his_o thirty_o eight_o homily_n on_o matthew_n he_o answers_z the_o question_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o shut_v up_o the_o playhouse_n thus_o yea_o very_o these_o stage-play_n be_v overturn_v you_o shall_v not_o overthrow_v the_o law_n but_o iniquity_n and_o extinguish_v all_o the_o plague_n and_o mischief_n of_o the_o city_n tâ—ou_fw-mi will_v say_v shall_v we_o then_o pull_v down_o the_o playhouse_n will_v to_o god_n they_o be_v pull_v down_o yet_o i_o command_v you_o not_o to_o pull_v they_o down_o the_o magnifccence_n of_o the_o house_n may_v stand_v and_o the_o play_n and_o dance_a cease_v take_v at_o least_o example_n from_o the_o barbarian_n who_o have_v none_o of_o those_o stage-play_n what_o excuse_v can_v you_o bring_v for_o yourselves_o who_o be_v register_v in_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o companion_n and_o coheir_n with_o angel_n if_o you_o be_v find_v worse_o than_o the_o barbarian_n in_o this_o especial_o when_o thou_o may_v procure_v to_o thyself_o better_a comfort_n elsewhere_o for_o when_o thou_o will_v refresh_v thy_o mind_n thou_o may_v go_v into_o garden_n behold_v run_v river_n contemplate_v great_a lake_n look_v upon_o pleasant_a place_n etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v a_o wife_n and_o child_n thou_o abounde_v in_o friend_n all_o which_o may_v afford_v thou_o honest_a delight_n and_o profit_n the_o barbarian_n themselves_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o these_o stage-play_n utter_v expression_n worthy_a of_o the_o great_a philosopher_n what_o say_v they_o have_v the_o roman_n no_o wife_n nor_o child_n but_o thou_o will_v say_v these_o playhouse_n do_v no_o hurt_v yes_o very_o they_o do_v in_o that_o thou_o spend_v thy_o time_n there_o idle_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o give_v cause_n of_o scandal_n to_o other_o for_o though_o thou_o by_o fortitude_n and_o sublimeness_n of_o mind_n have_v escape_v the_o infection_n yet_o by_o give_v example_n to_o other_o who_o be_v weak_a thou_o have_v occasion_v their_o commit_n of_o evil._n in_o his_o seventy_o four_o homily_n on_o matthew_n he_o say_v many_o come_v to_o church_n to_o behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n do_v you_o not_o therefore_o wonder_v that_o thunderbolt_n be_v not_o dart_v forth_o on_o every_o side_n but_o these_o thing_n you_o have_v learn_v from_o the_o unchaste_a theatre_n that_o most_o contagious_a plague_n that_o unavoidable_a snare_n of_o idle_a person_n such_o be_v the_o accurse_a fruit_n of_o stage-play_n not_o only_o to_o make_v the_o playhouse_n but_o the_o very_a church_n of_o god_n a_o brothel_n in_o his_o sixty_o nine_o homily_n on_o that_o same_o evangelist_n he_o express_v himself_o thus_o where_o be_v those_o who_o sit_v daily_o in_o the_o playhouse_n to_o hear_v pernicious_a song_n and_o to_o see_v the_o dance_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o must_v say_v unto_o you_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v as_o you_o have_v hitherto_o give_v up_o your_o member_n to_o serve_v uncleanness_n even_o so_o now_o give_v up_o your_o member_n as_o servant_n of_o rightcousness_n unto_o holiness_n let_v we_o compaâ—e_v the_o life_n of_o the_o harlot_n and_o corrupt_v young_a man_n who_o sit_v together_o in_o the_o pit_n and_o box_n with_o tâ—e_v life_n of_o those_o bless_a one_o even_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o pleasure_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v as_o great_a betwixt_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o â—s_a betwixt_o the_o song_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o grunt_v of_o swine_n wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n christ_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o one_o but_o the_o devil_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o other_o from_o the_o song_n of_o harlot_n a_o flame_n of_o lust_n do_v present_o set_v the_o hearer_n on_o fire_n and_o as_o if_o the_o sight_n and_o face_n of_o a_o woman_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o inflame_v the_o mind_n they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o plague_n of_o voice_n too_o but_o by_o the_o divine_a praise_n of_o holy_a mâ—â—_n if_o any_o such_o disease_n do_v vex_v the_o mind_n it_o soon_o extinguish_v in_o his_o 17_o homily_n to_o the_o people_n of_o antiâ—â—_n where_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n have_v shut_v up_o 〈◊〉_d playhouse_n he_o say_v will_v to_o god_n it_o may_v neâ—_n be_v open_v again_o hence_o the_o work_n of_o dâ—â—ness_n flow_v out_o into_o the_o city_n hence_o come_v thâ—_n who_o be_v criminal_a in_o their_o manner_n but_o nâ—â—_n our_o city_n look_v like_o a_o beautiful_a fair_a and_o mâ—â—dest_a woman_n let_v we_o not_o then_o lament_v with_o 〈◊〉_d feminate_a sorrow_n as_o i_o have_v hear_v many_o do_v 〈◊〉_d unto_o thou_o antioch_n what_o have_v befall_v theeâ—_n and_o how_o be_v thou_o deprive_v of_o honour_n 〈◊〉_d when_o thou_o shall_v see_v dancer_n player_n drinker_n blasphemer_n swearer_n liar_n then_o make_v 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o expression_n woe_n unto_o thou_o o_o antiocâ—_n in_o his_o 62d_o homily_n to_o that_o people_n he_o saâ—â—_n prison_n be_v better_a than_o playhouse_n because_o 〈◊〉_d the_o former_a there_o be_v sorrow_n fear_v humility_n &_o â—_o but_o in_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v laughter_n wantonness_n diabolical_a pride_n prodigality_n expense_n of_o timâ—_n the_o plot_v of_o adultery_n the_o school_n of_o foâ—â—_n cation_n the_o example_n of_o lewdness_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v abundance_n of_o other_o excellent_a thinâ—_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o this_o eloquent_a father_n homily_n direct_o against_o the_o stage_n in_o general_a but_o this_o 〈◊〉_d enough_o and_o more_o than_o enough_o to_o convict_v 〈◊〉_d parisian_a doctor_n and_o church_n of_o england_n diviâ—â—_n of_o misrepresent_v st._n chrysostom_n when_o they_o saâ—_n he_o be_v only_o against_o the_o excess_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a upon_o he_o not_o only_a 〈◊〉_d confute_v that_o groundless_a assertion_n but_o because_o 〈◊〉_d declamation_n against_o the_o stage_n in_o those_o day_n looâ—_n as_o if_o they_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o stage_n in_o we_o 〈◊〉_d shall_v only_o add_v one_o observation_n that_o he_o no_o wheâ—_n speak_v of_o resorming_a the_o stage_n but_o of_o 〈◊〉_d down_o and_o overturning_a it_o as_o the_o
proper_o apply_v to_o they_o that_o not_o only_a thosâ—_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 stagâ—-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 foâ—_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 â—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 â—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 â—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 charâ—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 saâ—â—_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 suppresseâ—_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 motteuâ—_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 meâ—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
religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o bring_v vice_n and_o corruption_n of_o manner_n into_o esteem_n and_o reputation_n the_o poet_n that_o write_v for_o the_o stage_n at_o least_o a_o great_a part_n of_o they_o seem_v deep_o concern_v in_o this_o conspiracy_n these_o be_v the_o champion_n that_o charge_v religion_n with_o such_o desperate_a resolution_n and_o have_v give_v it_o so_o many_o deep_a and_o ghastly_a wound_n the_o stage_n be_v a_o out-work_n or_o fort_n raise_v for_o the_o protection_n and_o security_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o the_o poet_n that_o keep_v it_o have_v revolt_v and_o base_o betray_v it_o â—nd_v what_o be_v worse_o have_v turn_v all_o their_o force_n and_o discharge_v all_o their_o artillery_n against_o the_o place_n their_o duty_n be_v to_o defend_v if_o any_o man_n think_v this_o a_o unjust_a charge_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o read_v any_o of_o our_o modern_a comedy_n and_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v the_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o â—ine_z gentleman_n in_o the_o comedy_n who_o as_o the_o chief_a person_n propose_v to_o the_o esteem_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o audience_n be_v enrich_v with_o all_o the_o sense_n and_o wit_n the_o poet_n can_v bestow_v this_o extraordinary_a person_n you_o will_v find_v to_o be_v a_o derider_n of_o religion_n a_o greaâ—_n admirer_n of_o lucretius_n not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o learning_n as_o irreligion_n a_o person_n whole_o idle_a dissolve_v in_o luxury_n abandon_v to_o his_o pleasure_n â—_o great_a debaucher_n of_o woman_n profuse_a and_o extravagant_a in_o his_o expense_n and_o in_o short_a this_o furnish_a gentleman_n will_v appear_v a_o finish_v libertine_n the_o young_a lady_n that_o must_v support_v the_o character_n of_o a_o virtuous_a well-mannered_a sensible_a woman_n the_o most_o perfect_a creature_n that_o can_v be_v and_o the_o very_a flower_n of_o her_o sex_n this_o accomplish_v person_n entertain_v the_o audience_n with_o confident_a discourse_n immodest_a repartee_n and_o profane_a raillery_n she_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o intrigue_n and_o assignation_n a_o great_a scoffeâ—_n at_o the_o prudent_a reservedness_n and_o modesty_n of_o the_o best_a of_o her_o sex_n she_o despise_v the_o wise_a instruction_n of_o her_o parent_n or_o guardian_n be_v disobedient_a to_o their_o authority_n and_o at_o last_o without_o their_o knowledge_n or_o consent_n marry_v herself_o to_o the_o gentleman_n above_o mention_v and_o can_v any_o one_o imagine_v but_o that_o our_o young_a lady_n and_o gentlewoman_n be_v admirable_o instruct_v by_o such_o pattern_n of_o sense_n and_o virtue_n if_o a_o clergyman_n be_v introduce_v as_o he_o often_o be_v it_o be_v seldom_o for_o any_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o abuse_v he_o to_o expose_v his_o very_a character_n and_o profession_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o pimp_n a_o blockhead_n a_o hypocrite_n some_o wretched_a figure_n he_o must_v make_v and_o almost_o ever_o be_v so_o manage_v as_o to_o bring_v his_o order_n into_o contempt_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a common_a but_o yet_o so_o gross_a a_o abuse_n of_o wit_n as_o be_v never_o endure_v on_o a_o pagan_a theatre_n at_o least_o in_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a time_n of_o poetry_n before_o its_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n become_v corrupt_v with_o the_o invention_n of_o after_o age_n poet_n then_o teach_v man_n to_o reverence_n their_o god_n and_o those_o who_o â—erved_v they_o none_o have_v so_o little_a regard_n for_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o expose_v it_o public_o or_o if_o any_o have_v their_o government_n be_v too_o wise_a to_o suffer_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n to_o be_v treat_v on_o the_o stage_n with_o contempt_n in_o our_o comedy_n the_o wife_n of_o our_o citizen_n be_v high_o encourage_v to_o despise_v their_o husband_n and_o to_o make_v great_a friendship_n with_o some_o such_o virtuous_a gentleman_n and_o man_n of_o sense_n above_o describe_v this_o be_v their_o way_n of_o recommend_v chastity_n and_o fidelity_n and_o that_o diligence_n and_o frugality_n may_v be_v sufficient_o expose_v though_o the_o two_o virtue_n that_o chief_o support_v the_o be_v of_o any_o state_n to_o deter_v man_n from_o be_v industrious_a and_o wealthy_a the_o diligent_a and_o thrive_a citizen_n be_v make_v the_o most_o wretched_a contemptible_a thing_n in_o â—he_n world_n and_o as_o the_o alderman_n that_o make_v the_o best_a figure_n in_o the_o city_n make_v the_o worst_a on_o the_o stage_n so_o under_o the_o character_n of_o a_o justice_n of_o peace_n you_o have_v all_o the_o prudence_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o country_n most_o unmerciful_o insult_v over_o and_o as_o these_o character_n be_v set_v up_o on_o purpose_n to_o ruin_v all_o opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o virtue_n so_o the_o conduct_n throughout_o the_o language_n the_o fable_n and_o contrivance_n seem_v evident_o design_v for_o the_o same_o noble_a end_n there_o be_v few_o fine_a conceit_n few_o strain_n of_o wit_n or_o extraordinary_a piece_n of_o raillery_n but_o be_v either_o immodest_a or_o irreligious_a and_o very_a few_o scene_n but_o have_v some_o spiteful_a and_o envious_a stroke_n at_o sobriety_n and_o good_a manner_n whence_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v apparent_o receive_v very_o bad_a impression_n the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o irreligious_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o infect_v the_o kingdom_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n derive_v from_o the_o stage_n or_o have_v at_o least_o be_v high_o promote_v by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o those_o 〈◊〉_d who_o power_n it_o be_v have_v not_o restrain_v the_o 〈◊〉_d centiousness_n of_o it_o and_o oblige_v the_o writer_n to_o observe_v more_o decorum_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o poet_n as_o preacher_n be_v in_o some_o country_n be_v pay_v and_o license_v by_o the_o state_n and_o that_o none_o be_v suffer_v to_o write_v in_o prejudice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o government_n but_o that_o all_o such_o offender_n as_o public_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n shall_v be_v silence_v and_o due_o punish_v sure_o some_o effectual_a care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o these_o man_n may_v not_o be_v suffer_v by_o debauch_v our_o youth_n to_o help_v on_o the_o destruction_n of_o a_o brave_a nation_n but_o see_v the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n say_v without_o any_o limitation_n that_o mr._n collier_n be_v the_o first_o who_o appear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n or_o press_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o must_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o other_o that_o have_v write_v and_o preach_v against_o the_o stage_n long_o before_o those_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v and_o i_o think_v mr._n prin_fw-mi author_n of_o the_o histriomastix_n deserve_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v name_v with_o the_o first_o his_o treatise_n be_v perhaps_o the_o largest_n learn_a and_o most_o elaborate_v of_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o which_o mr._n collier_n have_v be_v very_o much_o oblige_v for_o many_o thing_n in_o his_o ingenious_a book_n as_o i_o own_o here_o once_o for_o all_o i_o be_o high_o oblige_v myself_o for_o not_o a_o few_o though_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o a_o different_a method_n i_o have_v already_o agree_v with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n that_o the_o general_a silence_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o late_a against_o the_o stage_n be_v a_o neglect_n of_o their_o christian_a duty_n but_o shall_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v not_o always_o be_v thus_o with_o the_o clergy_n which_o will_v be_v a_o further_a confutation_n of_o our_o author_n proposition_n that_o mr._n collier_n be_v the_o first_o that_o break_v silence_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o serve_v as_o a_o reproof_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n divine_v of_o the_o present_a time_n that_o they_o come_v so_o much_o short_a of_o those_o of_o the_o former_a in_o their_o zeal_n against_o the_o stage_n ancient_a church_n of_o england_n divine_v against_o the_o stage_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v reckon_v needless_a to_o go_v so_o far_o back_o as_o the_o famous_a bradwardin_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o write_v against_o the_o 20._o stage_n in_o 1345._o or_o wickliff_n the_o morningstar_n of_o our_o reformation_n who_o write_v against_o 1._o play_n in_o 1380._o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v descend_v to_o those_o time_n when_o the_o reformation_n be_v arrive_v to_o a_o good_a height_n and_o thus_o we_o find_v in_o 1572._o dr._n matthew_n parker_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr antiquitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la britannicae_n page_n 445._o assert_n that_o stage-play_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o any_o christian_a or_o well_o govern_v commonwealth_n dr._n george_n alley_n bishop_n of_o exeter_n and_o divinity_z lecturer_n at_o st._n paul_n in_o 1571._o the_o second_o year_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n declaim_v against_o
be_v more_o severe_o restrict_v if_o not_o total_o discharge_v by_o the_o first_o and_o three_o of_o james_n and_o first_o of_o charles_n and_o that_o the_o stage_n be_v culpable_a in_o those_o time_n as_o well_o as_o now_o for_o jest_a with_o scripture_n and_o profane_o use_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o the_o trinity_n from_o all_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o whatever_o opinion_n may_v have_v be_v sometime_o entertain_v of_o it_o by_o the_o court_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o english_a state_n which_o include_v the_o court_n and_o parliament_n too_o have_v not_o at_o any_o time_n be_v very_o favourable_a to_o it_o cap._n xi_o seditiâ—ns_n and_o tumult_n occasion_v by_o theâ—â—_n stage_n our_o author_n page_n 13._o upbraid_v mr._n collier_n for_o not_o quote_v a_o more_o modern_a national_a opinion_n against_o the_o stage_n when_o it_o lay_v under_o a_o more_o universal_a abdication_n viz._n in_o the_o reign_n of_o those_o late_a power_n at_o the_o helm_n who_o with_o no_o little_a activity_n leap_v over_o the_o block_n and_o the_o whole_a whitehall-stage_n it_o stand_v upon_o and_o yet_o stumble_v at_o the_o straw_n etc._n etc._n a_o prosane_a comedy_n and_o tragedy_n be_v all_o heathen_a and_o antichristian_a but_o pious_a regicide_n and_o rebellion_n be_v religion_n and_o sanctity_n with_o they_o the_o camel_n will_v go_v down_o but_o the_o gnat_n stick_v in_o their_o throat_n he_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o have_v quote_v this_o national_a opinion_n of_o the_o stage_n in_o pure_a gratitude_n to_o the_o patron_n of_o his_o book_n the_o gentleman_n of_o the_o calves-head-feast_n who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o particular_a bosom_n favourite_n etc._n etc._n here_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o of_o ill_a nature_n than_o wit_n whether_o we_o take_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o nation_n to_o mr._n collier_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a party_n he_o reflect_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o malicious_a false_a and_o unmannerly_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nation_n to_o insinuate_v that_o king_n charles_n i._o be_v cut_v off_o by_o their_o authority_n when_o the_o world_n know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o prevail_a headstrong_a faction_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o of_o that_o very_a parliament_n who_o begin_v the_o opposition_n to_o king_n charles_n for_o his_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n if_o levy_v of_o money_n without_o consent_n of_o parliament_n and_o force_v the_o citizen_n of_o london_n and_o other_o that_o will_v not_o lend_v he_o the_o sum_v he_o demand_v to_o serve_v as_o soldier_n in_o his_o fleet_n and_o army_n and_o a_o hundred_o other_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n it_o be_v malicious_a upon_o mr._n collier_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n who_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v for_o passive_a obedience_n the_o opposite_a extreme_a it_o be_v as_o full_a of_o spite_n against_o those_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o stage_n many_o of_o who_o abhor_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o fact_n and_o be_v zealous_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o detest_v tyranny_n be_v it_o in_o prince_n or_o prelate_n but_o to_o repay_v our_o author_n in_o his_o own_o coin_n we_o have_v have_v a_o late_a instance_n of_o friend_n to_o the_o stage_n as_o goodman_n and_o other_o engage_v in_o a_o design_n of_o as_o black_a a_o nature_n if_o the_o assassination_n of_o the_o brave_a prince_n in_o the_o universe_n may_v be_v so_o account_v but_o lest_o they_o object_n that_o this_o be_v but_o one_o instance_n we_o shall_v bring_v antiquity_n in_o for_o further_a evidence_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n st._n chrysostom_n who_o 2._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o player_n and_o play_n haunteâ—s_v of_o his_o time_n be_v most_o notorious_a adulterer_n the_o author_n of_o many_o tumult_n and_o sedition_n set_v people_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n with_o idle_a rumour_n fill_v city_n with_o commotion_n and_o be_v more_o savage_a than_o the_o most_o cruel_a beast_n tertullian_n 18._o cyprian_n 2._o and_o clemens_n alexanandrinus_fw-la 11._o declaim_v against_o tragedy_n and_o comedy_n as_o bloody_a impious_a and_o prodigal_a pastime_n which_o occasion_n tumult_n and_o sedition_n gregory_n nazianzen_n inform_v we_o that_o play_n and_o interlude_n disturb_v city_n raise_v sedition_n among_o the_o people_n teach_v man_n how_o to_o quarrel_v sharpen_v ill_a tongue_n destroy_v the_o mutual_a love_n of_o citizen_n and_o set_v family_n at_o variance_n 1063._o cornelius_n tacitus_n acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o annal_n that_o the_o stage-player_n in_o rome_n grow_v so_o seditious_a that_o after_o many_o renew_v complaint_n against_o they_o by_o the_o praetor_n tiberius_n and_o the_o senate_n baâ—ished_v they_o out_o of_o italy_n 3._o marcus_n aurelius_n testify_v that_o because_o of_o the_o adultery_n rape_n murder_n tumult_n and_o other_o outrage_n occasion_v and_o commit_v by_o stage-player_n he_o be_v force_v to_o banish_v they_o out_o of_o italy_n into_o hellespont_n where_o he_o command_v lambert_n his_o deputy_n to_o keep_v they_o hard_o at_o work_n lamberâ—_n suetonius_n tell_v we_o 26._o that_o in_o nero_n time_n there_o be_v so_o many_o sedition_n quarrel_n com._n motion_n and_o misdemeanour_n in_o the_o roman_a theatre_n that_o nero_n himself_o though_o he_o take_v great_a delight_n in_o they_o suppress_v all_o play_n by_o a_o solenan_n edict_n caesar_n bulengerus_n inform_v we_o that_o under_o hypatius_n and_o belisarius_n there_o be_v at_o least_o 35000_o man_n slay_v in_o a_o commotion_n and_o tumult_n raise_v at_o a_o cirque_fw-la play_n 47._o in_o the_o time_n of_o theodorick_n king_n of_o italy_n we_o be_v imâ—ormed_v by_o cassiodorus_n 10._o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o tumult_n quarrel_n and_o commotion_n raise_v at_o stage_n play_n that_o he_o be_v force_v upon_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o people_n to_o write_v to_o the_o senate_n to_o punish_v the_o mutineer_n and_o suppress_v their_o insolence_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reform_v of_o they_o he_o give_v order_n whole_o to_o suppress_v they_o we_o have_v hear_v already_o that_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o four_o of_o henry_n 4._o cap._n 27._o restrain_v they_o in_o wales_n because_o of_o the_o commotion_n murder_n and_o rebellion_n they_o occasion_v there_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o 3d_o of_o henry_n 8._o cap._n 9_o against_o mummer_n proceed_v from_o the_o like_a cause_n and_o we_o be_v inform_v that_o ket_n rebellion_n in_o the_o 3d_o of_o edward_n vi._n be_v concert_v at_o and_o partly_o occasion_v by_o a_o meeting_n at_o a_o stage-play_a at_o wimonham_n to_o which_o the_o country_n people_n resort_v be_v by_o the_o instigation_n of_o one_o john_n flowerdew_n first_o encourage_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o enclosure_n and_o then_o to_o rebel_v stir_v nay_o i_o refer_v our_o author_n to_o his_o own_o stow_n in_o his_o survey_n of_o london_n 16._o where_o he_o 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thing_n may_v be_v establish_v i_o shall_v add_v that_o of_o a_o actor_n who_o die_v at_o the_o bath_n about_o 1630._o send_v for_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v breed_v up_o to_o that_o same_o way_n of_o live_v and_o abjure_v he_o with_o his_o last_o breath_n and_o flood_n of_o tear_n that_o as_o he_o tender_v the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o shall_v abjure_v and_o for_o sake_n 〈◊〉_d ungodly_a profession_n which_o will_v enthral_v he_o to_o the_o devil_n vassalage_n for_o the_o present_a and_o plunge_v hiâ—_n for_o ever_o into_o hell_n at_o last_o 910_o if_o our_o author_n consider_v it_o he_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o seizure_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v incomparable_o more_o dreadful_a than_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o one_o instance_n that_o be_v frightful_a enough_o as_o it_o be_v record_v by_o mr._n braithwait_n who_o be_v present_a and_o see_v it_o etc._n a_o english_a gentlewoman_n of_o 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their_o sense_n and_o lust_n as_o one_o that_o have_v the_o green-sickness_n may_v say_v coal_n and_o clay_n and_o ash_n do_v i_o more_o good_a than_o meat_n because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o sit_v to_o judge_v as_o those_o that_o have_v a_o healthful_a state_n and_o appetite_n and_o it_o seldom_o please_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o die_a man_n to_o remember_v the_o time_n he_o have_v spend_v at_o stage-play_n ix_o usual_o there_o be_v much_o cost_n bestow_v on_o they_o which_o may_v be_v better_o employ_v and_o therefore_o be_v unlawful_a x._o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o state_v mean_n of_o instruct_v soul_n by_o parent_n minister_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v much_o more_o fit_a and_o powerful_a therefore_o that_o time_n be_v better_o spend_v and_o it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o playhouse_n be_v not_o a_o state_v mean_n of_o man_n institution_n set_v up_o to_o the_o same_o pretend_a use_n as_o the_o church_n and_o ministry_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v not_o against_o the_o second_o commandment_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v defend_v they_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v apish_o make_v these_o his_o church_n in_o competition_n with_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n xi_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o heinous_a sin_n for_o player_n to_o live_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o trade_n and_o function_n and_o to_o be_v educate_v for_o it_o and_o maintain_v in_o it_o that_o which_o may_v be_v use_v as_o a_o recreation_n may_v not_o always_o be_v make_v a_o trade_n of_o xii_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n that_o ever_o such_o play_n be_v use_v in_o scripture-time_n by_o any_o godly_a person_n xiii_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o church_n be_v common_o against_o they_o many_o canon_n be_v yet_o to_o be_v see_v by_o which_o they_o do_v condemn_v they_o read_n but_o dr._n io._n reinolds_n against_o albericus_fw-la gentilis_fw-la and_o you_o shall_v see_v unanswerable_a testimony_n from_o council_n father_n emperor_n king_n and_o all_o sober_a antiquity_n against_o 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themselves_o in_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o their_o saviour_n ps._n 1._o 2_o 3._o as_o for_o playbook_n and_o romance_n and_o idle_a tale_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o my_o book_n of_o self-denial_n how_o pernicious_a they_o be_v especial_o to_o youth_n and_o to_o frothy_a empty_a idle_a wit_n that_o know_v not_o what_o a_o man_n be_v not_o what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v powerful_a bait_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o keep_v more_o necessary_a thing_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o better_a book_n out_o of_o their_o hand_n and_o to_o poison_v the_o mind_n so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_o as_o they_o be_v read_v with_o more_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n and_o to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o sensual_a people_n with_o such_o idle_a fume_n and_o intoxicate_a fancy_n as_o may_v divert_v they_o from_o the_o serious_a thought_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o which_o be_v no_o small_a loss_n to_o rob_v they_o of_o abundance_n of_o that_o precious_a time_n which_o be_v give_v they_o for_o more_o important_a business_n and_o which_o they_o will_v wish_v and_o wish_v again_o at_o last_o that_o they_o have_v spend_v more_o wise_o i_o know_v the_o fantastic_a will_v say_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v innocent_a and_o may_v teach_v man_n much_o good_a like_o he_o that_o must_v go_v to_o a_o whore-house_n to_o learn_v to_o hate_v uncleanness_n and_o he_o that_o will_v go_v out_o with_o robber_n to_o learn_v to_o hate_v thievery_n but_o i_o shall_v now_o only_o ask_v they_o as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 1._o whether_o they_o can_v spend_v that_o time_n no_o better_o 2._o whether_o better_a book_n and_o practice_n will_v not_o edisie_v they_o more_o 3._o whether_o the_o great_a lover_n of_o romance_n and_o play_n he_o the_o great_a lover_n of_o the_o book_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o holy_a life_n 4._o whether_o they_o feel_v in_o themselves_o that_o the_o love_n of_o these_o vanity_n do_v increase_v their_o love_n to_o the_o word_n of_o 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contain_v a_o unmannerly_a and_o malicious_a reflection_n upon_o the_o clergy_n in_o general_n rebellion_n worse_o than_o witchcraft_n they_o pursue_v the_o pulpit_n preach_v the_o crime_n the_o people_n rue_v the_o stage_n be_v silence_v for_o the_o saint_n will_v see_v in_o field_n perform_v their_o plot_a tragedy_n mr._n dryden_n wit_n and_o extraordinary_a talon_n of_o poetry_n be_v uncontrovertible_a but_o his_o turn_a renegado_n from_o the_o protestant_a religion_n which_o abhor_v the_o doctrine_n of_o kill_v king_n and_o run_v over_o to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v advance_v that_o practice_n to_o the_o dignity_n of_o merit_n render_v he_o as_o unfit_a as_o any_o man_n alive_a to_o charge_v his_o neighbour_n with_o rebellion_n and_o be_v no_o convince_a proof_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a judgement_n either_o as_o to_o divinity_n or_o politic_n if_o his_o charge_n have_v be_v level_v against_o sibthorp_n and_o manwaring_n and_o their_o disciple_n on_o the_o one_o 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number_n the_o very_a name_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o vice_n be_v infectious_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n but_o much_o more_o must_v such_o a_o representation_n of_o it_o be_v i_o know_v our_o author_n will_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o common_a apology_n that_o he_o bring_v the_o vicious_a person_n â—o_o a_o tragical_a exit_fw-la and_o display_v his_o crime_n only_o to_o expose_v it_o but_o that_o be_v a_o poor_a pretence_n we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v of_o it_o especial_o when_o the_o fatal_a experience_n of_o our_o own_o and_o former_a age_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o those_o theatrical_a representation_n nourish_v vice_n instead_o of_o curb_v it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o know_v the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v forbid_v that_o forâ—ication_n or_o uncleanness_n shall_v be_v name_v among_o saint_n without_o abhorrence_n and_o much_o more_o such_o representation_n of_o it_o as_o may_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o corrupt_v the_o mind_n many_o other_o remark_n may_v be_v make_v upon_o this_o tragedy_n but_o these_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o whatsoever_o our_o author_n may_v pretend_v his_o reformation_n come_v short_a of_o the_o scripture_n rule_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o the_o exception_n of_o those_o very_a father_n who_o he_o and_o his_o church_n of_o england_n divine_a will_v reconcile_v to_o the_o stage_n and_o particular_o st._n chysostom_n who_o as_o i_o have_v mention_v already_o say_v that_o stage-player_n deserve_v a_o thousand_o death_n because_o they_o personate_v those_o villainy_n obscenity_n and_o adultery_n which_o the_o law_n of_o all_o nation_n command_v man_n to_o avoid_v remark_n on_o the_o rape_n or_o innocent_a impostor_n in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o a_o play_n entitle_v the_o rape_n or_o innocent_a impostor_n print_v in_o 1692._o and_o whereof_o i_o understand_v the_o author_n be_v a_o clergyman_n of_o good_a reputation_n and_o therefore_o be_o bind_v in_o charity_n to_o think_v that_o he_o design_v to_o correct_v and_o not_o to_o encourage_v vice_n by_o his_o play_n but_o as_o the_o pulpit_n and_o not_o the_o stage_n be_v his_o business_n he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o road_n when_o he_o meddle_v with_o play_n and_o though_o it_o be_v more_o modest_a and_o chaste_a than_o that_o call_v beauty_n in_o distress_n yet_o i_o dare_v refer_v it_o to_o his_o own_o serious_a thought_n whether_o genselarius_fw-la premediate_v rape_n upon_o eurione_n his_o glory_v in_o it_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o foul_a crime_n and_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o have_v in_o it_o even_o to_o the_o last_o moment_n when_o he_o be_v to_o die_v for_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o modesty_n or_o whether_o it_o have_v not_o rather_o a_o tendency_n to_o encourage_v lustful_a youth_n to_o dangerous_a attempt_n nor_o be_v eurione_n practice_n who_o kill_v herself_o after_o the_o rape_n to_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o pattern_n in_o such_o case_n our_o author_n know_v that_o the_o father_n disallow_v of_o all_o such_o representation_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n which_o methinks_v shall_v have_v hinder_v he_o from_o employ_v himself_o that_o way_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o that_o he_o know_v the_o mischief_n that_o have_v be_v do_v to_o our_o moral_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o theatre_n and_o that_o other_o may_v be_v influence_v to_o take_v a_o great_a liberty_n by_o his_o example_n we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o mr._n durfey_n in_o his_o comedy_n call_v the_o campaigner_n who_o value_v himself_o so_o much_o upon_o his_o conversation_n with_o several_a eminent_a man_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o good_a word_n to_o prove_v his_o good_a behaviour_n that_o he_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o ward_v off_o the_o heavy_a charge_n mr._n collier_n have_v bring_v against_o his_o comical_a history_n of_o don_n quixoâ—_n 3._o nay_o a_o page_n or_o two_o further_a he_o triumph_n and_o think_v he_o have_v sufficient_o answer_v mr._n collier_n when_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o mr._n thomas_n randolph_n a_o gown-man_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n make_v it_o his_o whole_a moral_a in_o his_o piece_n call_v the_o muse_n looking-glass_n to_o vindicate_v the_o stage_n 7._o of_o such_o mischievous_a consequence_n be_v it_o for_o clergyman_n to_o give_v countenance_n to_o the_o playhouse_n either_o by_o write_v for_o the_o stage_n themselves_o keep_v company_n with_o play-poet_n or_o defend_v the_o drama_n i_o shall_v not_o any_o further_o urge_v the_o sense_n of_o antiquity_n against_o their_o practice_n in_o that_o matter_n but_o will_v humble_o propose_v to_o their_o consideration_n whether_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o character_n thus_o to_o countenance_v such_o man_n as_o have_v by_o our_o statute-law_n be_v declare_v rogue_n who_o profession_n the_o best_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n divine_v since_o the_o reformation_n have_v write_v against_o as_o unlawful_a and_o which_o repent_v nay_o heathen_a poâ—ts_n themselves_o have_v condemn_v and_o abhor_v as_o have_v heen_n already_o prove_v though_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o lash_n which_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v give_v to_o dissenter_n from_o the_o stage_n which_o mr._n durâ—â—y_o argue_v as_o a_o piece_n of_o merit_n in_o his_o collins_n walk_n through_o london_n and_o westminster_n 3._o and_o by_o which_o he_o confirm_v my_o conjecture_n as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o general_a silence_n of_o the_o clergy_n against_o the_o theatre_n yet_o they_o will_v find_v at_o last_o that_o they_o themselves_o shall_v not_o escape_v but_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o chastisement_n through_o the_o back_n and_o side_n of_o clergyman_n of_o other_o denomination_n the_o opprobrious_a term_n of_o say_a grace_n cuffâ—cushion_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o play_n call_v the_o relapse_n be_v as_o applicable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o other_o and_o can_v serve_v to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o render_v the_o ministry_n ridiculous_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o just_a that_o such_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o have_v be_v please_v with_o injurious_a reflection_n upon_o their_o brethren_n the_o dissenter_n shall_v come_v in_o their_o turn_n to_o feel_v the_o lash_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o the_o clergy_n have_v their_o fault_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o so_o have_v the_o bless_a apostle_n who_o own_o that_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v to_o earthen_a vessel_n 7._o and_o that_o they_o have_v their_o humane_a frailty_n like_o other_o man_n but_o it_o will_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o any_o christian_a state_n that_o the_o theatre_n shall_v make_v sport_n with_o peter_n swear_v and_o deny_v his_o master_n paul_n '_o s_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o barnabas_n '_o s_o dissension_n nor_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n ought_v it_o to_o be_v allow_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v so_o treat_v now_o for_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o power_n with_o the_o apostle_n nor_o their_o pretension_n to_o infallibility_n in_o doctrine_n yet_o their_o ofsice_n be_v stamp_v with_o the_o same_o authority_n and_o they_o be_v commission_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o master_n reflection_n on_o the_o campaigner_n i_o come_v next_o to_o view_n the_o campaigner_n a_o comedy_n write_v by_o mr._n dursey_n who_o it_o will_v seem_v think_v himself_o above_o reformation_n i_o be_o no_o way_n concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o his_o preface_n upon_o mr._n collier_n because_o i_o find_v nothing_o of_o argument_n in_o it_o but_o mere_o recrimination_n which_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o mr._n dursey_n comedy_n can_v have_v as_o little_a good_a influence_n upon_o the_o moral_n of_o his_o audience_n as_o mr._n collier_n book_n can_v have_v upon_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o reader_n but_o to_o come_v to_o his_o play_n the_o dialogue_n betwixt_o van_fw-mi scopen_fw-mi and_o masâ—arillo_n in_o his_o first_o act_n can_v have_v no_o other_o tendency_n but_o to_o harden_v such_o fellow_n in_o their_o impiety_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o art_n of_o drunkenness_n filch_n and_o play_v the_o pimp_n his_o conference_n betwixt_o dorange_a and_o kinglove_n be_v adapt_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o nourish_v vice_n and_o to_o teach_v the_o method_n of_o debauch_v lady_n and_o how_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n may_v carry_v on_o their_o intrigue_n with_o their_o gallant_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o mr._n durfey_n bless_v himself_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o invention_n in_o make_v kinglove_n say_v that_o a_o hundred_o pistol_n be_v enough_o for_o a_o hundred_o princess_n a_o price_n sit_v for_o none_o but_o a_o goddess_n and_o
it_o have_v be_v more_o become_v a_o supreme_a magistrate_n to_o provide_v against_o such_o unsuitable_a match_n by_o wholesome_a law_n than_o to_o have_v have_v they_o represent_v as_o the_o subject_a of_o mirth_n on_o a_o stage_n as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o decent_a for_o a_o university_n to_o have_v give_v he_o such_o counsel_n than_o to_o divert_v he_o with_o such_o ridiculous_a entertainment_n the_o dialogue_n betwixt_o albumazar_n pandolfo_n and_o cricca_n about_o astrology_n be_v a_o mere_a rhapsody_n of_o study_a nonsense_n which_o look_v very_o unlike_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_n who_o great_a lawgiver_n tell_v they_o 36._o they_o must_v be_v accountable_a for_o every_o idle_a word_n the_o courtship_n betwixt_o trincalo_n a_o farmer_n and_o armellina_n pandolfo_n maid_n wherein_o trincalo_n compare_v himself_o to_o a_o lusty_a strong_a ass_n and_o she_o to_o a_o wanton_n young_a filly_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o race_n of_o mule_n if_o she_o be_v willing_a be_v so_o very_a coarse_a and_o throw_v so_o much_o contempt_n upon_o the_o country_n farmer_n who_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o the_o nation_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o maxim_n of_o christianity_n nor_o common_a policy_n in_o short_a the_o whole_a comedy_n be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o tendency_n to_o virtue_n in_o it_o except_o reflection_n upon_o the_o city_n as_o not_o afford_v a_o dozen_o of_o chaste_a virgin_n and_o the_o like_a on_o sheriff_n and_o justice_n of_o peace_n as_o cheat_v and_o hector_v their_o neighbour_n and_o represent_v country_n gentleman_n as_o mind_v nothing_o but_o wench_a and_o drink_v and_o young_a gentlewoman_n talk_v smutty_o of_o their_o amour_n be_v vertâ—ous_a representation_n if_o it_o be_v say_v as_o usual_a that_o those_o vice_n be_v represent_v in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o be_v abhor_v and_o the_o guilty_a person_n ashamed_a of_o they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o answer_n that_o a_o supreme_a 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