to_o be_v fair_o treat_v because_o it_o have_v prescription_n for_o this_o privilege_n this_o be_v so_o evident_a a_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o age_n or_o country_n but_o afford_v sufficient_a proof_n a_o just_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_n will_v be_v a_o large_a book_n but_o i_o shall_v just_o skim_v it_o over_o and_o pass_v on_o and_o i_o sy_n for_o the_o jew_n josephus_n tell_v we_o the_o line_n of_o aaron_n make_v some_o of_o the_o best_a pedigree_n judaic_a and_o that_o the_o priest_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o principal_a nobility_n by_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o highpriest_n be_v the_o second_o person_n 8._o in_o the_o kingdom_n the_o body_n of_o that_o order_n have_v civil_a jurisdiction_n and_o the_o priest_n continue_v part_n of_o the_o magistracy_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n jehoiada_n the_o synedr_n highpriest_n be_v think_v a_o alliance_n big_a enough_o for_o the_o royal_a family_n he_o marry_v the_o 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priest_n and_o philosopher_n of_o that_o country_n this_o division_n be_v the_o least_o in_o number_n but_o the_o first_o in_o degree_n their_o privilege_n be_v extraordinary_a they_o be_v exempt_v from_o tax_n and_o live_v independent_a of_o authority_n they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o take_v care_n of_o funeral_n they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o favourite_n of_o the_o god_n and_o think_v skilful_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o other_o life_n and_o upon_o these_o account_n be_v large_o consider_v in_o present_n and_o acknowledgement_n the_o priestesses_z of_o argos_n be_v so_o considerable_a that_o time_n be_v date_v from_o they_o and_o they_o stand_v for_o a_o reign_n in_o chronology_n the_o brave_a roman_n be_v commend_v by_o polybius_n 6._o for_o their_o devotion_n to_o the_o god_n indeed_o they_o give_v great_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v in_o earnest_n for_o when_o their_o chief_a magistrate_n their_o consul_n themselves_o meet_v any_o of_o the_o vestal_n they_o 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preclarius_fw-la pontif._n qaum_v quòd_fw-la vos_fw-la eosdem_fw-la et_fw-la religionibus_fw-la deorum_fw-la immortalium_fw-la &_o sum_n rei_fw-la publicae_fw-la praeesse_fw-la voluerunt_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o e._n among_o the_o many_o laudable_a instance_n of_o our_o ancestor_n prudence_n and_o capacity_n i_o know_v nothing_o better_o contrive_v then_o their_o place_v your_o order_n at_o the_o helm_n and_o set_v the_o same_o person_n at_o the_o head_n both_o of_o religion_n and_o government_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o rank_n the_o priesthood_n hold_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o how_o nature_n teach_v the_o heathen_a to_o regard_v it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o now_o possess_v of_o as_o fair_a pretence_n as_o former_o be_v christianity_n any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o holy_a office_n and_o do_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o religion_n lessen_v the_o public_a administration_n in_o it_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o of_o idolatry_n can_v be_v compare_v without_o injury_n to_o argue_v for_o the_o preference_n be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o creed_n it_o be_v true_a the_o jewish_a priesthood_n be_v institute_v by_o god_n but_o every_o thing_n divine_a be_v not_o of_o equal_a consideration_n reality_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o type_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v the_o order_n of_o melchizedeck_v be_v great_a than_o that_o of_o aaron_n the_o author_n i_o mean_v the_o immediate_a 7._o one_o the_o authority_n the_o business_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o christian_a priesthood_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o the_o jewish_a for_o be_v not_o christ_n great_a than_o moses_n heaven_n better_o than_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o eucharist_n to_o be_v prefer_v to_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n of_o the_o law_n thus_o the_o right_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n stand_v and_o as_o for_o fact_n the_o christian_a world_n have_v not_o be_v backward_o in_o their_o acknowledgement_n ever_o since_o the_o first_o conversion_n 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the_o patriarchal_a line_n i_o suppose_v i_o histoire_n need_v say_v nothing_o of_o italy_n in_o spain_n the_o see_v general_o be_v better_o endow_v than_o elsewhere_o and_o wealth_n always_o draw_v consideration_n the_o bishop_n hold_v their_o land_n by_o a_o military_a noble_a tenure_n and_o be_v excuse_v from_o personal_a attendance_n and_o to_o come_v towards_o a_o end_n they_o be_v earl_n and_o duke_n cogmogk_n in_o france_n and_o sovereign_a prince_n in_o germany_n in_o england_n the_o bishop_n be_v lord_n of_o parliament_n and_o the_o law_n in_o plain_a word_n distinguish_v the_o upper_a house_n into_o the_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a nobility_n and_o several_a preamb._n statute_n call_v the_o bishop_n noble_n by_o direct_a implication_n to_o mention_v nothing_o more_o their_o heraldry_n be_v regulate_v by_o garter_n and_o blazon_v by_o stone_n which_o none_o under_o the_o nobility_n can_v pretend_v to_o in_o this_o country_n of_o we_o person_n of_o the_o first_o quality_n have_v be_v in_o order_n to_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o
and_o many_o time_n a_o disease_n in_o the_o description_n this_o euripides_n be_v aware_a of_o and_o manage_v according_o and_o be_v remarkable_o regular_a both_o in_o stile_n and_o manner_n how_o wretched_o do_v we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o decency_n of_o heathenism_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o modesty_n 21._o on_o our_o stage_n it_o be_v count_v a_o ill_a breed_v quality_n and_o almost_o shame_v out_o of_o use._n one_o will_v think_v mankind_n be_v not_o the_o same_o that_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v read_v 41._o backward_o and_o virtue_n and_o vice_n have_v change_v place_n what_o then_o must_v life_n be_v huddle_v over_o nature_n leave_v imperfect_a and_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o town_n not_o show_v and_o pray_v where_o lie_v the_o grievance_n of_o all_o this_o must_v we_o relate_v whatever_o be_v do_v and_o be_v every_o thing_n fit_a for_o representation_n be_v a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o plague_n proper_a to_o make_v a_o sight_n of_o and_o must_v he_o 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standard_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o therefore_o justin_n martyr_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n look_v on_o he_o as_o a_o person_n of_o no_o pagan_a belief_n and_o think_v he_o suffer_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n this_o man_n aristophanes_n make_v fine_a sport_n with_o as_o he_o fancy_n he_o put_v he_o in_o a_o fool_n coat_n and_o then_o point_v at_o he_o he_o make_v socrates_n instruct_v his_o disciple_n strepsiades_n in_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o own_o the_o god_n in_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n he_o bring_v he_o in_o elsewhere_o affirm_v amstel_n that_o the_o cloud_n be_v the_o only_a deity_n which_o be_v the_o same_o lash_n which_o juvenal_n give_v the_o jew_n because_o they_o worship_v but_o one_o single_a sovereign_n be_v nil_fw-la praeetr_n nubes_fw-la &_o coeli_fw-la numen_fw-la adorant_fw-la 14._o socrates_n go_v on_o with_o his_o lecture_n of_o divinity_n and_o declare_v very_o roundly_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o jupiter_n afterward_o 106._o he_o advance_v far_a and_o endeavour_n to_o get_v strepsiades_n under_o article_n to_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o god_n but_o chaos_n the_o cloud_n 110._o and_o the_o tongue_n at_o last_o the_o poet_n bring_v the_o philosopher_n to_o public_a penance_n for_o his_o singularity_n he_o set_v fire_n to_o his_o school_n for_o teach_v young_a people_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o dispute_v against_o law_n and_o justice_n for_o advance_v atheistick_a notion_n and_o burlesque_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n 176._o that_o socrates_n be_v no_o atheist_n be_v clear_a from_o instance_n enough_o to_o mention_v but_o one_o the_o confidence_n he_o have_v in_o his_o daemon_n or_o genius_n by_o which_o he_o govern_v his_o affair_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n however_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v plain_a aristophanes_n be_v not_o of_o his_o religion_n the_o comedian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n for_o correct_v the_o common_a persuasion_n so_o that_o he_o must_v either_o be_v a_o orthodox_n heathen_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o let_v we_o see_v then_o with_o what_o respect_n he_o treat_v the_o receive_v divinity_n this_o play_n where_o one_o will_v not_o expect_v it_o discover_v somewhat_o of_o his_o devotion_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o phidippides_n who_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o newmarket_n spark_n swear_v by_o jockey_n neptune_n that_o he_o have_v a_o 86_o strange_a kindness_n for_o his_o father_n strepsiades_n upon_o this_o the_o old_a man_n reply_v no_o jockey_n if_o you_o love_v i_o that_o deity_n have_v almost_o undo_v i_o this_o be_v make_v somewhat_o bold_a with_o neptune_n who_o be_v jupiter_n brother_n sovereign_a of_o a_o whole_a element_n and_o have_v no_o less_o than_o the_o three_o share_n of_o the_o universe_n certain_o aristophanes_n have_v no_o venture_n at_o sea_n or_o else_o must_v think_v the_o trident_n signify_v but_o very_o little_a but_o this_o be_v mere_a ceremony_n to_o what_o follow_v in_o his_o first_o play_n plutus_n pretend_v he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o oblige_v only_a man_n of_o probity_n but_o jupiter_n have_v make_v he_o blind_a on_o purpose_n that_o he_o may_v not_o distinguish_v honest_a man_n from_o knave_n for_o to_o be_v plain_a jupiter_n have_v a_o pique_n against_o good_a people_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o this_o comedy_n mercury_n be_v abuse_v by_o cairo_n and_o 2._o act_n a_o ridiculous_a and_o lessen_v part_n himself_o afterward_o he_o complain_v heavy_o that_o since_o plutus_n be_v cure_v of_o his_o blindness_n the_o business_n of_o sacrife_v fall_v off_o and_o the_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o starve_v this_o mercury_n have_v the_o same_o ill_a usage_n with_o the_o poet_n knave_n informer_n and_o lewd_a woman_n from_o all_o this_o stuff_n put_v together_o his_o meaning_n be_v pretty_a plain_a viz._n that_o religion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o imposture_n support_v by_o art_n and_o ignorance_n and_o that_o when_o man_n understanding_n be_v awake_a and_o their_o eye_n a_o little_a open_a they_o will_v have_v more_o discretion_n than_o to_o be_v at_o any_o expense_n about_o the_o go_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o moral_a of_o his_o fable_n if_o we_o look_v far_o into_o he_o we_o shall_v see_v more_o of_o his_o mind_n his_o ranae_n make_v merry_a with_o theheathen_a scheme_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n here_o charon_n and_o the_o stygian_a frog_n be_v bring_v in_o comical_o enough_o and_o that_o you_o may_v understand_v his_o opinion_n more_o perfect_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o that_o bilk_v his_o catamite_n after_o a_o sodomitical_a abuse_n be_v throw_v into_o the_o common_a shore_n of_o hades_n and_o what_o company_n do_v you_o think_v he_o be_v lodge_v with_o why_o with_o those_o who_o perjure_n themselves_o with_o those_o who_o kick_v their_o father_n and_o mother_n it_o seem_v in_o the_o poet_n justice_n a_o man_n 188._o may_v as_o good_a be_v false_a to_o his_o oath_n as_o to_o his_o lewdness_n to_o disappoint_v the_o stew_n be_v every_o jot_n as_o great_a a_o crime_n as_o to_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o nature_n and_o outrage_n our_o parent_n his_o quarter_a his_o malefactor_n thus_o critical_o be_v without_o question_n on_o purpose_n to_o banter_n the_o persuasion_n of_o future_a punishment_n in_o the_o same_o play_n xanthias_n bid_v aeacus_n answer_v he_o by_o jove_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o little_a scoundrel_n of_o a_o slave_n have_v the_o manner_n to_o make_v jupiter_n quality_n no_o better_o than_o his_o own_o to_o go_v on_o with_o he_o in_o his_o ave_n he_o speak_v out_o to_o purpose_n here_o pisthetaerus_n tell_v epop_n that_o if_o the_o bird_n will_v build_v a_o castle_n in_o the_o air_n they_o may_v intercept_v the_o fume_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o starve_v the_o god_n unless_o they_o will_v come_v too_o and_o be_v tributary_n it_o seem_v the_o bird_n have_v very_o good_a
pretence_n to_o execute_v this_o project_n for_o they_o be_v ancient_a than_o jupiter_n and_o saturn_n and_o govern_v before_o the_o go_n and_o to_o speak_v truth_n be_v more_o capable_a of_o the_o function_n their_o adviser_n go_v on_o to_o inform_v 546._o they_o that_o after_o they_o have_v build_v their_o pensile_a city_n and_o fortify_v the_o air_n their_o next_o business_n be_v to_o demand_v their_o ancient_a soveragnity_n if_o jupiter_n refuse_v to_o quit_v they_o be_v to_o declare_v a_o holy_a war_n against_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o confederate_a god_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o communication_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n pisthaeterus_fw-la grow_v very_o warm_a in_o his_o 542._o new_a interest_n and_o swear_v by_o jove_n that_o man_n ought_v to_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o bird_n and_o not_o to_o jupiter_n and_o if_o thing_n come_v to_o a_o rupture_n and_o jupiter_n grow_v troublesome_a 582._o he_o undertake_v to_o send_v a_o detachement_n of_o eagle_n against_o 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hell_n and_o defiance_n as_o in_o the_o modern_n so_o much_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o as_o for_o point_n of_o law_n i_o hope_v there_o need_v not_o many_o word_n to_o prove_v swear_v a_o sin_n for_o what_o be_v more_o provoke_a than_o contempt_n and_o what_o sin_n more_o contemptuous_a than_o common_a swear_v what_o can_v be_v more_o insolent_a and_o irreligious_a than_o to_o bring_v in_o god_n to_o attest_v our_o trifle_n to_o give_v security_n for_o our_o folly_n and_o to_o make_v part_n of_o our_o diversion_n to_o play_n with_o majesty_n and_o omnipotence_n in_o this_o manner_n be_v to_o render_v it_o cheap_a and_o despicable_a how_o can_v such_o custom_n as_o these_o consist_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n or_o revelation_n the_o poet_n be_v of_o all_o people_n most_o to_o blame_v they_o want_v even_o the_o plea_n of_o bully_n and_o sharper_n there_o be_v no_o rencounter_n no_o start_n of_o passion_n no_o sudden_a accident_n to_o discompose_v they_o they_o swear_v 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preach_a be_v against_o sermon_n and_o their_o business_n but_o diversion_n at_o the_o best_a in_o short_a let_v the_o character_n be_v never_o so_o well_o manage_v no_o christian_a priest_n especial_o ought_v to_o come_v upon_o the_o stage_n for_o where_o the_o business_n be_v a_o abuse_n and_o the_o place_n a_o profanation_n the_o demureness_n of_o the_o manner_n be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n mounseur_fw-fr racine_n be_v a_o exception_n to_o what_o i_o have_v observe_v in_o france_n in_o his_o athalia_fw-la joida_o the_o highpriest_n have_v a_o large_a part_n but_o then_o the_o poet_n do_v he_o justice_n in_o his_o station_n he_o make_v he_o honest_a and_o brave_a and_o give_v he_o a_o shine_a character_n throughout_o mathan_n be_v another_o priest_n in_o the_o same_o tragedy_n he_o turn_v renegado_n and_o revolt_n from_o god_n to_o baal_n he_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a man_n but_o make_v a_o considerable_a appearance_n and_o be_v one_o of_o the_o top_n of_o athaliahs_n faction_n and_o as_o for_o the_o blemish_n of_o his_o life_n they_o all_o stick_n upon_o his_o own_o honour_n and_o reach_v no_o far_o than_o his_o person_n in_o fine_a the_o play_n be_v a_o very_a religious_a poem_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n all_o sermon_n and_o anthem_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o theatre_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n let_v we_o now_o just_a look_n over_o our_o own_o countryman_n till_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o shakespeare_n take_v the_o freedom_n to_o represent_v the_o clergy_n in_o several_a of_o his_o play_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n he_o hold_v up_o the_o function_n and_o make_v they_o neither_o act_n nor_o suffer_v any_o thing_n unhandsome_a in_o one_o play_n or_o two_o he_o be_v much_o bold_a with_o the_o order_n juliet_n windfor_n sr._n hugh_n evans_n a_o priest_n be_v too_o comical_a and_o secular_a in_o his_o humour_n however_o he_o understand_v his_o post_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o freedom_n of_o a_o gentleman_n i_o grant_v in_o love_n labour_n lose_v the_o curate_n play_v the_o fool_n egregious_o and_o so_o do_v the_o poet_n too_o for_o the_o whole_a play_n be_v a_o very_a silly_a one_o in_o the_o history_n of_o sr._n john_n oldcastle_n sr._n john_n parson_n of_o wrotham_n swears_n game_n wench_n pad_n tilt_n and_o drink_v this_o be_v extreme_o bad_a and_o like_o the_o author_n of_o the_o relapse_n etc._n etc._n only_o with_o this_o difference_n shakespear_n sr._n john_n have_v some_o advantage_n in_o his_o character_n he_o appear_v loyal_a and_o stout_a he_o bring_v in_o sr._n john_n acton_n and_o other_o rebel_n prisoner_n he_o be_v reward_v by_o the_o king_n and_o the_o judge_n use_v he_o civil_o and_o with_o respect_n in_o short_a he_o be_v represent_v lewd_a but_o not_o little_a and_o the_o disgrace_n fall_v rather_o on_o the_o person_n than_o the_o office_n but_o the_o relapsers_n business_n be_v to_o sink_v the_o notion_n and_o murder_v the_o character_n and_o make_v the_o function_n despicable_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a shakespeare_n be_v by_o much_o the_o gentile_a enemy_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o silent_a woman_n ben_n johnson_n bring_v in_o a_o clergyman_n and_o a_o civilian_n in_o their_o habit_n but_o then_o he_o premise_n a_o handsome_a excuse_n acquaint_v the_o audience_n that_o the_o person_n be_v but_o borrow_a and_o throw_v in_o a_o salvo_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o either_o profession_n in_o the_o three_o act_n we_o have_v another_o clergyman_n he_o be_v abuse_v by_o cutberd_n and_o a_o little_a by_o morose_n but_o his_o lady_n check_v he_o for_o the_o ill_a breed_n of_o the_o usage_n in_o his_o magnetic_a lady_n tale_n of_o a_o tub_n and_o sad_a shepherd_n there_o be_v priest_n which_o manage_v but_o untoward_o but_o these_o play_n be_v his_o last_o work_n which_o etc._n mr._n dryden_n call_v his_o dotage_n this_o author_n have_v no_o more_o priest_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v take_v leave_n beaumond_n and_o fletcher_n in_o the_o faithful_a shepherdess_n the_o false_a one_o a_o wife_n for_o a_o month_n and_o the_o knight_n of_o malta_n give_v we_o both_o priest_n and_o bishop_n part_v heathen_a and_o part_n christian_n but_o all_o of_o they_o save_o their_o reputation_n and_o make_v a_o creditable_a appearance_n the_o priest_n in_o the_o scornful_a lady_n and_o spanish_a curate_n be_v ill_o use_v the_o first_o be_v make_v a_o fool_n and_o the_o other_o a_o knave_n indeed_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v bring_v in_o on_o purpose_n to_o make_v sport_n and_o disserve_v religion_n and_o so_o much_o for_o beaumond_n and_o fletcher_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o english_a stage_n have_v always_o be_v out_o of_o order_n but_o never_o to_o the_o degree_n it_o be_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v now_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o poet_n and_o touch_v a_o little_a upon_o history_n and_o argument_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v the_o right_a the_o clergy_n have_v to_o regard_n and_o fair_a usage_n upon_o these_o three_o follow_a account_n i._o because_o of_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o deity_n ii_o because_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o their_o office_n iii_o they_o have_v prescription_n for_o their_o privilege_n their_o function_n have_v be_v in_o possession_n of_o esteem_n in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n i._o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o deity_n the_o holy_a order_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o divine_a worship_n and_o a_o priest_n have_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n to_o belong_v to_o nothing_o less_o than_o god_n almighty_a now_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o service_n always_o rise_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o quality_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o master_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o serve_v a_o prince_n than_o a_o private_a person_n to_o apply_v this_o christian_n priest_n be_v the_o principal_a minister_n of_o god_n kingdom_n they_o represent_v his_o person_n publish_v his_o law_n pass_v his_o pardon_n and_o preside_v in_o his_o worship_n to_o expose_v a_o priest_n much_o more_o to_o burlesque_fw-la his_o function_n be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o deity_n all_o indignity_n do_v to_o ambassador_n be_v interpret_v upon_o their_o master_n and_o revenge_v as_o such_o to_o outrage_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o treat_v the_o bible_n like_o a_o romance_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v the_o story_n of_o a_o other_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o little_a priest-craft_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o lash_n the_o profession_n but_o to_o droll_n upon_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n to_o make_v his_o minister_n cheap_a and_o his_o authority_n contemptible_a to_o do_v this_o be_v little_o less_o than_o open_a defiance_n it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o challenge_n to_o awaken_v his_o vengeance_n to_o exert_v his_o omnipotence_n and_o do_v right_o to_o his_o honour_n if_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o courtier_n be_v unfashionable_a a_o prince_n commission_n think_v a_o scandal_n and_o the_o magistracy_n laugh_v at_o for_o their_o business_n the_o monarch_n have_v need_n look_v to_o himself_o in_o time_n he_o may_v conclude_v his_o person_n be_v despise_v his_o authority_n but_o a_o jest_n and_o the_o people_n ready_a either_o to_o change_v their_o master_n or_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o government_n and_o religion_n no_o less_o than_o trade_n subsist_v upon_o reputation_n it_o be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v depose_v neither_o do_v his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o homage_n but_o since_o he_o do_v not_o govern_v by_o omnipotence_n since_o he_o leave_v man_n to_o their_o liberty_n acknowledgement_n must_v sink_v and_o obedience_n decline_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o lessening_n of_o authority_n how_o provoke_v a_o indignity_n of_o this_o kind_n must_v be_v be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v ii_o the_o function_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n on_o society_n the_o interest_n of_o this_o life_n lie_v very_o much_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o so_o that_o if_o our_o hope_n be_v bound_v with_o sight_n and_o sense_n if_o eternity_n be_v out_o of_o the_o case_n general_n advantage_n and_o public_a reason_n and_o secular_a policy_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o be_v just_a to_o the_o priesthood_n for_o priest_n and_o religion_n always_o stand_v and_o fall_v together_o now_o religion_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o government_n and_o man_n be_v a_o wretched_a companion_n without_o it_o when_o conscience_n take_v its_o leave_n good_a faith_n and_o good_a nature_n go_v with_o it_o atheism_n be_v all_o self_n mean_a and_o mercenary_a the_o atheist_n have_v no_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v the_o most_o of_o this_o world_n interest_n and_o pleasure_n be_v the_o god_n he_o worship_n and_o to_o these_o he_o will_v sacrifice_v every_o thing_n else_o iii_o the_o priesthood_n ought_v
some_o few_o odo_n brother_n to_o william_n the_o conqueror_n be_v bishop_n of_o baieux_n and_o earl_n of_o kent_n king_n stephen_n brother_n be_v bishop_n of_o winchester_n nevil_n archbishop_n of_o york_n be_v brother_n to_o the_o great_a earl_n of_o warwick_n and_o cardinal_z pool_n be_v of_o the_o royal_a family_n to_o come_v a_o little_a low_o and_o to_o our_o own_o time_n and_o here_o we_o may_v reckon_v not_o a_o few_o person_n of_o noble_a descent_n in_o holy_a order_n witness_v the_o berklye_n comptons_n montague_n crew_n and_o north_n the_o annesleys_n finche_n grayhams_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o for_o the_o gentry_n there_o be_v not_o many_o good_a family_n in_o england_n but_o either_o have_v or_o have_v have_v a_o clergyman_n in_o they_o in_o short_a the_o priesthood_n be_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o gentleman_n a_o parson_n notwithstanding_o the_o ignorant_a pride_n of_o some_o people_n be_v a_o name_n of_o credit_n and_o authority_n both_o in_o religion_n and_o law_n the_o addition_n of_o clerk_n be_v at_o least_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o gentleman_n be_v it_o otherwise_o the_o profession_n will_v in_o many_o case_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o punishment_n but_o the_o law_n be_v far_o from_o be_v so_o singular_a as_o to_o make_v order_n a_o disadvantage_n to_o degree_n no_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o family_n continue_v and_o the_o her_o aldry_n be_v every_o jot_n as_o safe_a in_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o state_n and_o yet_o when_o the_o laity_n be_v take_v leave_v of_o not_o gentleman_n but_o clerk_n be_v usual_o write_v this_o custom_n be_v a_o argument_n the_o change_n be_v not_o make_v for_o the_o worse_o that_o the_o spiritual_a distinction_n be_v as_o valuable_a as_o the_o other_o and_o to_o speak_v modest_o that_o the_o first_o addition_n be_v not_o lose_v but_o cover_a do_v the_o subject_n require_v it_o this_o point_n may_v be_v far_o make_v good_a for_o the_o stile_n of_o a_o high_a secular_a honour_n be_v continue_v as_o well_o with_o priesthood_n as_o without_o it_o a_o churchman_n who_o be_v either_o baronet_n or_o baron_n write_v himself_o so_o notwithstanding_o his_o clerkship_n indeed_o we_o can_v well_o imagine_v the_o clergy_n degrade_v from_o paternal_a honour_n without_o a_o strange_a reflection_n on_o the_o country_n without_o suppose_v julian_n at_o the_o helm_n the_o law_n antichristian_a and_o infidelity_n in_o the_o very_a constitution_n to_o make_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n less_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o function_n will_v be_v a_o penalty_n on_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o god_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v our_o saviour_n reason_v he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v 10._o i_o and_o he_o that_o despises_n i_o despises_n him_n that_o send_v i_o i_o hope_v what_o i_o have_v offer_v on_o this_o subject_n will_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v there_o be_v no_o vanity_n in_o necessary_a defence_n to_o wipe_v off_o aspersion_n and_o rescue_v thing_n from_o mistake_n be_v but_o bare_a justice_n beside_o where_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o public_a interest_n be_v concern_v a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o speak_v to_o argue_v from_o a_o resemble_v instance_n he_o that_o have_v the_o king_n commission_n ought_v to_o maintain_v it_o to_o let_v it_o suffer_v under_o rudeness_n be_v to_o betray_v it_o to_o be_v tame_a and_o silent_a in_o such_o case_n be_v not_o modesty_n but_o meanness_n humility_n oblige_v no_o man_n to_o desert_n his_o trust_n to_o throw_v up_o his_o privilege_n and_o prove_v false_a to_o his_o character_n and_o be_v our_o saviour_n authority_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o prince_n be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o this_o world_n more_o glorious_a than_o that_o of_o the_o next_o and_o can_v the_o concern_v of_o time_n be_v great_a than_o those_o of_o eternity_n if_o not_o the_o reason_n above_o mention_v must_v hold_v in_o the_o application_n and_o now_o by_o this_o time_n i_o conceive_v the_o ill_a manner_n of_o the_o stage_n may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n apparent_a and_o that_o the_o clergy_n deserve_v none_o of_o that_o coarse_a usage_n which_o it_o put_v upon_o they_o i_o confess_v i_o know_v no_o profession_n that_o have_v make_v a_o more_o creditable_a figure_n that_o have_v better_a custom_n for_o their_o privilege_n and_o better_a reason_n to_o maintain_v they_o and_o here_o set_v aside_o the_o point_n of_o conscience_n where_o lie_v the_o decency_n of_o fall_v foul_a upon_o this_o order_n what_o propriety_n be_v there_o in_o misrepresentation_n in_o confound_a respect_n disguise_v feature_n and_o paint_v thing_n out_o of_o all_o colour_n and_o complexion_n this_o cross_v upon_o nature_n and_o reason_n be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o out_o of_o rule_n and_o now_o what_o pleasure_n be_v there_o in_o misbehaviour_n and_o abuse_v be_v it_o such_o a_o entertainment_n to_o see_v religion_n worry_v by_o atheism_n and_o thing_n the_o most_o solemn_a and_o significant_a tumble_v and_o toss_v by_o buffoon_n a_o man_n may_v laugh_v at_o a_o puppy_n tear_v a_o wardrobe_n but_o i_o think_v it_o be_v altogether_o as_o discrect_v to_o beat_v he_o off_o well!_o but_o the_o clergy_n mismanage_v sometime_o and_o they_o must_v be_v tell_v of_o their_o fault_n what_o then_o be_v the_o poet_n their_o ordinary_n be_v the_o pulpit_n under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o be_v those_o fit_n to_o correct_v the_o church_n that_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o come_v into_o it_o beside_o what_o make_v they_o fly_v out_o upon_o the_o function_n and_o rail_v by_o wholesale_n be_v the_o priesthood_n a_o crime_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n a_o disadvantage_n i_o grant_v person_n and_o thing_n be_v not_o always_o suit_v a_o good_a post_n may_v be_v ill_o keep_v but_o then_o the_o censure_n shall_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o office_n not_o suffer_v for_o the_o manager_n the_o clergy_n may_v have_v their_o fail_n sometime_o like_o other_o but_o what_o then_o the_o character_n be_v still_o untarnish_v the_o man_n may_v be_v little_a but_o the_o priest_n be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o like_o other_o people_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v treat_v by_o their_o best_a distinction_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o clergy_n in_o play_n be_v common_o chaplain_n and_o that_o these_o belong_v to_o person_n of_o quality_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o represent_v they_o servile_a and_o submissive_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o sy_n in_o my_o former_a remark_n that_o the_o stage_n often_o outrage_n the_o whole_a order_n without_o regard_n to_o any_o particular_a office_n but_o be_v it_o not_o so_o in_o the_o 2_o d._n place_n they_o quite_o overlook_v the_o character_n and_o mistake_v the_o business_n of_o chaplain_n they_o be_v no_o servant_n neither_o essay_n do_v they_o belong_v to_o any_o body_n but_o god_n almighty_a this_o point_n i_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o another_o treatise_n and_o thither_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n chap._n iu._n the_o stage-poet_n make_v their_o principal_a person_n vicious_a and_o reward_v they_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o play_n the_o line_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v strike_v out_o by_o nature_n in_o very_o legible_a distinction_n they_o tend_v to_o a_o different_a point_n and_o in_o the_o great_a instance_n the_o space_n between_o they_o be_v easy_o perceive_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unlike_a than_o the_o original_a form_n of_o these_o quality_n the_o first_o have_v all_o the_o sweetness_n charm_n and_o grace_n imaginable_a the_o other_o have_v the_o air_n of_o a_o post_n ill_o carve_v into_o a_o monster_n and_o look_v both_o foolish_a and_o frightful_a together_o these_o be_v the_o native_a appearance_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o they_o that_o endeavour_v to_o blot_v the_o distinction_n to_o rub_v out_o the_o colour_n or_o change_v the_o mark_n be_v extreme_o to_o blame_v it_o be_v confess_v as_o long_o as_o the_o mind_n be_v awake_a and_o conscience_n go_v true_a there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o be_v impose_v on_o but_o when_o vice_n be_v varnish_v over_o with_o pleasure_n and_o come_v in_o the_o shape_n of_o convenience_n the_o case_n grow_v somewhat_o dangerous_a for_o then_o the_o fancy_n may_v be_v gain_v and_o the_o guard_n corrupt_v and_o reason_n suborn_v against_o itself_o and_o thus_o a_o disguise_n often_o pass_v when_o the_o person_n will_v otherwise_o be_v stop_v to_o put_v lewdness_n into_o a_o thrive_a condition_n to_o give_v it_o a_o equipage_n of_o quality_n and_o to_o treat_v it_o with_o ceremony_n and_o respect_n be_v the_o way_n to_o confound_v the_o understanding_n to_o fortify_v the_o charm_n and_o to_o make_v the_o mischief_n invincible_a innocence_n be_v often_o owe_v to_o fear_n and_o appetite_n be_v keep_v under_o by_o shame_n but_o when_o these_o restraint_n be_v once_o take_v off_o when_o profit_n and_o liberty_n lie_v on_o the_o same_o side_n and_o a_o
usage_n say_v virtue_n be_v a_o ass_n and_o a_o gallant_n be_v worth_a 3._o forty_o on_o it_o pinacium_fw-la go_v on_o to_o another_o head_n of_o duty_n and_o declare_v that_o a_o daughter_n can_v never_o respect_v her_o father_n too_o much_o and_o that_o disobedience_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o scandal_n and_o lewdness_n in_o it_o the_o lady_n 2._o jacinta_n as_o i_o remember_v do_v not_o treat_v her_o father_n at_o this_o rate_n of_o decency_n let_v we_o hear_v a_o little_a of_o her_o behaviour_n the_o mock_n astrologer_n make_v the_o man_n draw_v and_o fright_v the_o lady_n with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o quarrel_n upon_o this_o theodosia_n cry_v what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o jacinta_n answer_v we_o will_v die_v for_o company_n nothing_o vex_v i_o but_o that_o i_o be_o not_o a_o man_n to_o have_v one_o thrust_v at_o that_o malicious_a old_a father_n of_o i_o before_o i_o go_v 60._o afterward_o the_o old_a gentleman_n alonzo_n threaten_v his_o daughter_n with_o a_o nunnery_n jacinta_n spar_v again_o and_o say_v i_o will_v have_v thou_o to_o know_v thou_o graceless_a old_a man_n that_o i_o defy_v a_o nunnery_n name_n a_o nunnery_n once_o more_o and_o i_o disow_v thou_o for_o my_o father_n i_o can_v carry_v on_o the_o comparison_n between_o the_o old_a ibid._n and_o modern_a poet_n somewhat_o far_a but_o this_o may_v suffice_v thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o fine_a time_n lewd_a people_n have_v on_o the_o english_a stage_n no_o censure_n no_o mark_n of_o insamy_n no_o mortification_n must_v touch_v they_o they_o keep_v their_o honour_n untarnish_v and_o carry_v off_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o character_n they_o be_v set_v up_o for_o the_o standard_n of_o behaviour_n and_o the_o master_n of_o ceremony_n and_o sense_n and_o at_o last_o that_o the_o example_n may_v work_v the_o better_a they_o general_o make_v they_o rich_a and_o happy_a and_o reward_v they_o with_o their_o own_o desire_n mr._n dryden_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o mock-astrologer_n confess_v himself_o blame_v for_o this_o practice_n for_o make_v debauch_a person_n his_o protagonist_n or_o chief_a person_n of_o the_o drama_n and_o for_o make_v they_o happy_a in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o play_n against_o the_o law_n of_o comedy_n which_o be_v to_o reward_v virtue_n and_o punish_v vice_n to_o this_o objection_n he_o make_v a_o lame_a defence_n and_o answer_v one_a that_o he_o know_v no_o such_o law_n constant_o observe_v in_o comedy_n by_o the_o ancient_n or_o modern_a poet_n what_o then_o poet_n be_v not_o always_o exact_o in_o rule_n it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a law_n though_o it_o be_v not_o constant_o observe_v some_o law_n be_v constant_o break_v and_o yet_o never_o the_o worse_o for_o all_o that_o he_o go_v on_o and_o plead_v the_o authority_n of_o plautus_n and_o terence_n i_o grant_v there_o be_v instance_n of_o favour_n to_o vicious_a young_a people_n in_o those_o author_n but_o to_o this_o i_o reply_v one_a that_o those_o poet_n have_v a_o great_a compass_n of_o liberty_n in_o their_o religion_n debauchery_n do_v not_o lie_v under_o those_o discouragement_n of_o scandal_n and_o penalty_n with_o they_o as_o it_o do_v with_o we_o unless_o therefore_o he_o can_v prove_v heathenism_n and_o christianity_n the_o same_o his_o precedent_n will_v do_v he_o little_a service_n 2_o horace_n who_o be_v as_o good_a a_o judge_n of_o the_o stage_n as_o either_o of_o those_o comedian_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n he_o condemn_v the_o obscenity_n of_o plautus_n and_o tell_v you_o man_n of_o fortune_n and_o quality_n in_o his_o time_n will_v not_o endure_v immodest_a satir_n poet._n he_o continue_v that_o poet_n be_v former_o admire_v for_o the_o great_a service_n they_o do_v for_o teach_v matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n and_o government_n for_o refine_n the_o manner_n temper_v the_o passion_n and_o improve_n the_o understanding_n of_o mankind_n for_o make_v they_o more_o useful_a in_o domestic_a relation_n and_o the_o public_a capacity_n of_o life_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o vice_n be_v not_o ibid._n the_o inclination_n of_o the_o muse_n in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o horace_n believe_v the_o chief_a business_n of_o a_o poem_n be_v to_o instruct_v the_o audience_n he_o add_v far_a that_o the_o chorus_n ought_v to_o turn_v upon_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o drama_n and_o support_v the_o design_n of_o the_o acts._n that_o they_o ought_v to_o speak_v in_o defence_n of_o virtue_n and_o frugality_n and_o show_v a_o regard_n to_o religion_n now_o from_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o chorus_n we_o may_v conclude_v his_o judgement_n for_o the_o play_n for_o as_o he_o observe_v there_o must_v be_v a_o uniformity_n between_o the_o chorus_n and_o the_o act_n they_o must_v have_v the_o same_o view_n and_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o horace_n will_v have_v no_o immoral_a character_n have_v either_o countenance_n or_o good_a fortune_n upon_o the_o stage_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o very_a mention_n of_o the_o chorus_n show_v the_o direction_n be_v intend_v for_o tragedy_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o consequence_n be_v not_o good_a for_o the_o use_n of_o a_o chorus_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o comedy_n the_o ancient_a comedian_n have_v it_o aristophanes_n be_v a_o instance_n i_o know_v it_o be_v say_v the_o chorus_n be_v leave_v out_o in_o that_o they_o call_v the_o new_a comedy_n but_o i_o can_v see_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o this_o assertion_n for_o aristophanes_n his_o plutus_n be_v new_a comedy_n with_o a_o chorus_n in_o it_o and_o aristotle_n schol._n who_o live_v after_o this_o revolution_n of_o the_o stage_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o chorus_n he_o rather_o suppose_v its_o continuance_n by_o say_v the_o chorus_n be_v add_v by_o the_o government_n long_o after_o the_o invention_n of_o comedy_n it_o be_v true_a plautus_n and_o terence_n 5._o have_v none_o but_o those_o before_o they_o probable_o may_v moliere_n have_v now_o revive_v they_o 〈◊〉_d and_o horace_n may_v be_v of_o his_o opinion_n for_o aught_o we_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_n last_o horace_n have_v express_o mention_v the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o comedy_n discover_v himself_o more_o full_o he_o advise_v a_o poet_n to_o form_v his_o work_n upon_o the_o precept_n of_o socrates_n and_o plato_n and_o the_o model_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o preserve_v decency_n and_o to_o assign_v a_o proper_a fate_n and_o behaviour_n to_o every_o character_n now_o if_o horace_n will_v have_v his_o poet_n govern_v by_o the_o maxim_n of_o ibid._n morality_n he_o must_v oblige_v he_o to_o sobriety_n of_o conduct_n and_o a_o just_a distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n mr._n dryden_n make_v homeward_o and_o endeavour_n to_o fortify_v himself_o in_o modern_a authority_n he_o let_v we_o know_v that_o ben_fw-mi johnson_n after_o who_o he_o may_v be_v proud_a to_o err_v give_v he_o more_o than_o one_o example_n of_o this_o conduct_n that_o in_o the_o alchemist_n be_v notorious_a where_o neither_o face_n nor_o his_o master_n be_v mock-astrol_n correct_v according_a to_o their_o demerit_n but_o how_o proud_a soever_o mr._n dryden_n may_v be_v of_o a_o error_n he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o of_o ben_n jonson_n company_n as_o he_o pretend_v his_o instance_n of_o face_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o alchemist_n be_v rather_o notorious_a against_o his_o purpose_n then_o for_o it_o for_o face_n do_v not_o council_n his_o master_n lovewit_n to_o debauch_v the_o widow_n neither_o be_v it_o clear_a that_o the_o matter_n go_v thus_o far_o he_o may_v gain_v her_o consent_n upon_o term_n of_o honour_n for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v true_a face_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cheat_n be_v pardon_v and_o consider_v but_o then_o his_o master_n confess_v himself_o kind_a to_o a_o fault_n he_o own_v this_o indulgence_n be_v a_o breach_n of_o justice_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o gravity_n of_o a_o old_a man._n and_o then_o desire_v the_o audience_n to_o excuse_v he_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o temptation_n but_o face_n continue_v in_o the_o cozenage_n till_o the_o last_o without_o repentance_n under_o favour_n i_o ibid._n conceive_v this_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o do_v not_o face_n make_v a_o apology_n before_o he_o leave_v the_o stage_n do_v he_o not_o set_v himself_o at_o the_o bar_n arraign_v his_o own_o practice_n and_o cast_v the_o cause_n upon_o the_o clemency_n of_o the_o company_n and_o be_v not_o all_o these_o sign_n of_o the_o dislike_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o careful_a the_o poet_n be_v to_o prevent_v the_o ill_a impression_n of_o his_o play_n he_o bring_v both_o man_n and_o master_n to_o confession_n he_o dismiss_v they_o like_o malefactor_n and_o move_v for_o their_o pardon_n before_o he_o give_v they_o