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 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interlude_n can_v serve_v for_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o divert_v their_o meditation_n from_o whatever_o be_v serious_a and_o therefore_o the_o set_n up_o of_o mask_n and_o sport_n and_o pastime_n upon_o sunday_n and_o holyday_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a method_n that_o the_o enemy_n of_o piety_n can_v have_v invent_v to_o hinder_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o ordinance_n which_o the_o church_n of_o england_n look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a to_o promote_v the_o salvation_n of_o her_o people_n cap._n iii_o the_o sâ—age_n encourage_v by_o the_o king_n and_o archbishop_n laud'_v book_n of_o sport_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o the_o then_o head_n of_o the_o church_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o and_o laud_v the_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o england_n do_v to_o run_v down_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o corrupt_v the_o people_n only_o by_o bad_a example_n but_o enjoin_v also_o the_o book_n of_o sport_n and_o 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he_o have_v this_o heavy_a sentence_n pass_v upon_o he_o viz._n to_o be_v imprison_v during_o life_n pay_v 5000_o l._n fine_a be_v expel_v lincolns-inn_n disable_v to_o exercise_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o barrister_n degrade_v by_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n of_o his_o degree_n take_v there_o and_o that_o do_v to_o be_v set_v in_o the_o pillory_n at_o westminster_n and_o have_v one_o of_o his_o ear_n cut_v off_o and_o at_o another_o time_n to_o be_v seâ—_n in_o the_o pillory_n in_o cheapside_n and_o there_o to_o have_v his_o other_o ear_n cut_v off_o which_o be_v according_o execute_v on_o the_o seven_o and_o 10_o of_o may_n and_o he_o remain_v sâ—ndry_a year_n in_o the_o tower_n upon_o this_o censure_n though_o the_o queen_n be_v say_v to_o have_v intercede_v earnest_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o this_o sentence_n which_o be_v tyrannical_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n consider_v â—he_n law_n beforementioned_a against_o stage-plays_a declare_v the_o actor_n to_o be_v rogue_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o 39th_o of_o eliz._n and_o the_o seven_o of_o king_n james_n the_o first_o have_v be_v so_o successful_a against_o mr._n prin_fw-mi laud_n and_o his_o faction_n take_v courage_n and_o prevail_v with_o his_o majesty_n to_o publish_v his_o declaration_n concern_v recreation_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n after_o evening_n prayer_n date_v octob._n 18._o in_o the_o nine_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n which_o be_v 1634._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o find_v this_o declaration_n on_o one_o of_o his_o father_n king_n james_n in_o anno_fw-la 1618._o wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o when_o that_o prince_n return_v from_o scotland_n he_o find_v his_o subject_n but_o chief_o those_o in_o lancashire_n debar_v from_o lawful_a recreation_n on_o sunday_n after_o evening_n prayer_n for_o which_o he_o rebuke_v the_o puritan_n and_o publish_v his_o declaration_n that_o none_o shall_v thereafter_o prohibit_v his_o good_a subject_n from_o use_v their_o lawful_a recreation_n on_o that_o day_n he_o add_v in_o another_o part_n of_o it_o that_o his_o county_n of_o lancashire_n to_o his_o great_a regret_n have_v more_o popish_a recusant_n than_o any_o other_o county_n in_o england_n but_o be_v inform_v by_o his_o judge_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o diocese_n that_o they_o be_v beginning_n to_o amend_v he_o be_v very_o sorry_a to_o hear_v the_o general_a complaint_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o be_v debar_v from_o all_o lawful_a recreation_n and_o exercise_n on_o sunday_n after_o the_o end_n of_o all_o divine_a service_n which_o can_v not_o but_o produce_v two_o evil_n viz._n the_o hinder_v the_o conversion_n of_o many_o who_o their_o priest_n will_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v no_o honest_a mirth_n or_o recreation_n allow_v in_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o set_n up_o of_o filthy_a tipple_a and_o drink_v and_o breed_v a_o number_n of_o idle_a and_o discontent_a speech_n on_o those_o day_n his_o express_a pleasure_n therefore_o be_v that_o no_o lawful_a recreation_n shall_v be_v bar_v to_o his_o good_a people_n and_o that_o the_o bishop_n shall_v take_v strict_a order_n with_o all_o puritan_n and_o precisian_n and_o either_o constrain_v they_o to_o conform_v themselves_o or_o to_o leave_v the_o country_n and_o that_o his_o pleasure_n be_v that_o his_o good_a people_n shall_v not_o be_v hinder_v after_o the_o end_n of_o divine_a service_n on_o sunday_n from_o their_o lawful_a recreation_n such_o as_o dance_v either_o man_n or_o woman_n archery_n leap_v vault_a nor_o from_o have_v of_o may-game_n whitsonale_n morrice-dances_a and_o set_v up_o of_o maypole_n or_o other_o sport_n therewith_o use_v and_o he_o bar_v from_o those_o sport_n all_o recusant_n that_o abstain_v from_o come_v to_o church_n and_o divine_a service_n and_o those_o that_o though_o they_o conform_v in_o religion_n do_v not_o come_v to_o church_n be_v the_o place_n proper_a for_o it_o this_o declaration_n afford_v a_o large_a field_n for_o reflection_n here_o be_v the_o platonic_a king_n the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o â—irst_n as_o some_o say_v to_o who_o they_o give_v the_o title_n of_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n who_o to_o convert_v the_o papist_n as_o he_o pretend_v order_v the_o lord_n day_n to_o be_v profane_v with_o such_o sport_n and_o pastime_n as_o tend_v to_o debauch_v the_o moral_n of_o the_o people_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o show_v the_o least_o favour_n to_o the_o strict_a sort_n of_o protestant_n but_o brand_v they_o with_o the_o nickname_n of_o puritan_n and_o precisian_n and_o order_n his_o bishop_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o conformity_n or_o to_o expel_v they_o the_o country_n but_o the_o pleasant_a jest_n be_v this_o that_o he_o invite_v they_o to_o come_v to_o church_n by_o the_o tempt_a reward_n of_o have_v liberty_n to_o profane_v the_o sabbath_n which_o they_o perfect_o abhor_v his_o son_n king_n charles_n 1._o corroborates_n this_o declaration_n by_o he_o of_o the_o 18_o of_o oct._n 1634._o 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
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
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
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
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 most_o splenetic_a and_o rebellious_a people_n in_o europe_n stage_n and_o that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o the_o drama_n as_o a_o sovereign_a preservative_n against_o the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o that_o distemper_n at_o your_o foot_n therefore_o most_o noble_a senator_n the_o follow_a sheet_n be_v humble_o lay_v as_o contain_v among_o other_o thing_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o brave_a and_o generous_a people_n who_o you_o represent_v from_o that_o foul_a slander_n and_o charge_v the_o gild_n upon_o the_o true_a criminal_n who_o endeavour_v to_o tear_v our_o constitution_n in_o piece_n by_o set_v our_o king_n and_o parliament_n at_o variance_n and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v liberty_n and_o property_n swallow_v up_o by_o prerogative_n to_o which_o wicked_a design_n the_o stage_n have_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v the_o bleed_a moral_n of_o this_o gallant_a nation_n be_v past_o the_o cure_n of_o all_o quack-pretender_n it_o be_v his_o majesty_n and_o your_o honour_n 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 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demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n yet_o this_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v bring_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n and_o have_v more_o humane_a learning_n than_o 20_o of_o our_o flutter_a doctor_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o cry_v down_o eloquence_n in_o a_o preacher_n nor_o to_o commend_v a_o rough_a way_n of_o expression_n from_o the_o pulpit_n eloquence_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o commend_v in_o the_o preacher_n apollo_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n and_o teach_v diligent_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n 25._o it_o be_v reckon_v high_o profane_a and_o mr._n collier_n have_v smart_o reprove_v it_o for_o poet_n to_o apply_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o vice_n versa_fw-la it_o shall_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o that_o same_o censure_n to_o adopt_v the_o phrase_n of_o the_o stage_n for_o the_o language_n of_o the_o pulpit_n not_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o unlawful_a for_o a_o preacheâ—_n to_o quote_v a_o apposite_a sentence_n or_o verse_n either_o from_o greek_a latin_a or_o other_o poet_n the_o apostle_n himself_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o contrary_a by_o his_o own_o example_n when_o he_o tell_v the_o cretan_n that_o one_o of_o their_o own_o poet_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 12._o but_o it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a affectation_n of_o novelty_n when_o a_o new_a word_n or_o a_o acquaint_v phrase_n be_v no_o soon_o publish_v in_o a_o play_n or_o gazzette_n but_o we_o shall_v the_o next_o sunday_n after_o hear_v it_o out_o of_o the_o pulpit_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n as_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v timothy_n 13._o that_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_v he_o command_v he_o to_o avoid_v and_o which_o 20._o calvin_n upon_o the_o place_n say_z be_v inanis_fw-la tinnitus_fw-la &_o profanus_fw-la simulatque_fw-la doctores_fw-la it_o a_o inflant_fw-la svas_fw-la tibias_fw-la ad_fw-la svam_fw-la eloquentiam_fw-la venditandam_fw-la a_o profane_a and_o empty_a jingle_n which_o the_o doctor_n make_v use_v of_o to_o set_v off_o their_o eloquence_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o quote_v as_o many_o sermon_n guilty_a of_o these_o vanity_n as_o mr._n collier_n have_v quote_v play_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v scripture_n but_o for_o obvious_a reason_n i_o forbear_v it_o the_o only_a cause_n why_o i_o mention_v it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o poet_n alone_o that_o support_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o that_o what_o be_v criminal_a in_o a_o poet_n be_v ten_o time_n worse_o in_o a_o priest_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o pass_v without_o a_o reproof_n it_o be_v know_v there_o be_v many_o godly_a person_n among_o our_o clergy_n who_o bewail_v those_o thing_n and_o oppose_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v but_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a neglect_v somewhere_o and_o the_o world_n will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v that_o our_o church_n of_o england_n be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o matter_n else_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o they_o who_o shake_v king_n james_n out_o of_o his_o throne_n to_o overturn_v the_o stage_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n will_v deny_v the_o clergy_n such_o a_o request_n if_o it_o be_v due_o present_v and_o consider_v how_o much_o the_o nation_n have_v suffer_v in_o its_o moral_n and_o religion_n by_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o stage_n it_o be_v high_a time_n that_o some_o effectual_a course_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o suppress_v it_o but_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o the_o faction_n begin_v by_o archbishop_n laud_n have_v still_o too_o great_a a_o interest_n among_o our_o clergy_n for_o scarce_o can_v any_o other_o reason_n be_v imagine_v why_o after_o so_o many_o year_n experience_v of_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o stage_n the_o church_n shall_v be_v so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o this_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v because_o of_o the_o deference_n many_o of_o the_o clergy_n man_n pay_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o that_o prelate_n and_o of_o his_o master_n king_n charles_n i._n who_o he_o help_v to_o mislead_v in_o those_o time_n as_o mr._n prin_fw-mi acquaint_v we_o in_o his_o histriomastix_n none_o be_v account_v enemy_n to_o the_o playhouse_n but_o puritan_n and_o precisian_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o it_o probable_o be_v that_o laud_n and_o his_o clergy_n become_v its_o patron_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlike_a that_o many_o of_o the_o less-thinking_a churchman_n continue_v still_o to_o favour_v it_o on_o that_o account_n as_o be_v unwilling_a to_o condemn_v that_o for_o which_o king_n charles_n i._n and_o archbishop_n laud_v testify_v so_o much_o passion_n but_o these_o gentleman_n will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o stage_n be_v never_o so_o much_o the_o characteristic_a of_o their_o church_n as_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o passive_a obedience_n and_o see_v the_o majority_n of_o they_o have_v relinquish_v that_o they_o be_v infinite_o the_o more_o to_o blame_v for_o still_o adhere_v to_o this_o if_o a_o petition_n of_o the_o londoner_n have_v so_o much_o influence_n on_o queen_n elizabeth_n as_o to_o get_v the_o playhouse_n suppress_v and_o if_o the_o stage_n be_v express_o condemn_v by_o a_o statute_n of_o king_n james_n i._o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o obtain_v the_o same_o now_o upon_o the_o like_a application_n and_o methinks_v the_o clergy_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o stir_v in_o it_o than_o ever_o see_v it_o will_v appear_v by_o mr._n collier_n three_o chapter_n of_o the_o clergy_n abuse_v by_o the_o stage_n that_o the_o theatre_n be_v now_o become_v a_o nusanoâ—_n to_o themselves_o it_o be_v apparent_a enough_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o that_o the_o clergy_n be_v chargeable_a with_o the_o mischief_n of_o the_o stage_n by_o the_o omit_v of_o what_o their_o character_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v against_o it_o and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v also_o culpable_a by_o seem_v to_o hallow_v its_o phrase_n in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o what_o follow_v we_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o stage_n be_v condemn_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n in_o king_n james_n i._o time_n but_o revive_v again_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o k._n charles_n contrary_a to_o law_n and_o that_o operas_fw-la be_v practise_v in_o his_o own_o court_n by_o his_o royal_a authority_n on_o sunday_n now_o consider_v how_o much_o that_o prince_n be_v devote_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o clergy_n it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o he_o will_v have_v atttempt_v any_o such_o thing_n have_v the_o then_o govern_v part_n of_o the_o church_n give_v he_o faithful_a warning_n against_o it_o but_o laud_v and_o the_o other_o top_v churchman_n of_o that_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o oppose_v it_o that_o they_o concur_v with_o he_o &_o impose_v a_o book_n of_o sport_n and_o pastime_n upon_o all_o their_o clergy_n to_o be_v read_v to_o the_o people_n on_o sunday_n which_o be_v a_o fair_a step_n towards_o convert_v all_o the_o church_n of_o the_o nation_n into_o playhouse_n this_o great_a example_n do_v so_o much_o encourage_v the_o stage_n that_o mr._n prin_fw-mi tell_v we_o in_o his_o book_n beforementioned_a in_o two_o year_n time_n there_o be_v above_o 40000_o playbook_n print_v they_o become_v more_o vendible_a than_o the_o choice_a sermon_n grow_v up_o from_o quarto_n to_o folio_n be_v print_v on_o far_o better_a paper_n than_o most_o of_o the_o octavo_fw-la or_o quarto_fw-la bibles_n and_o be_v more_o saleable_a than_o they_o and_o shackspeers_n play_v in_o particular_a be_v print_v in_o the_o bestâ—_n paper_n the_o two_o old_a playhouse_n be_v rebuilt_a and_o enlarge_v and_o a_o new_a theatre_n erect_v so_o that_o there_o be_v then_o six_o playhouse_n in_o london_n twice_o the_o number_n of_o those_o in_o rome_n in_o nero_n time_n which_o though_o a_o much_o more_o spacious_a city_n seneca_n complain_v of_o as_o be_v too_o many_o that_o faction_n of_o the_o clergy_n become_v at_o last_o so_o enamour_a of_o the_o stage_n that_o the_o same_o author_n inform_v we_o 935._o he_o have_v hear_v some_o preacher_n call_v their_o text_n a_o landscape_a or_o picture_n and_o other_o a_o play_n or_o spectacle_n divide_v their_o text_n into_o actor_n spectator_n scene_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v act_v a_o play_n upon_o which_o he_o complain_v of_o their_o use_v playhouse_n phrase_n clinch_n and_o strong_a line_n as_o they_o call_v they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o to_o frequent_a to_o have_v sermon_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o division_n
time_n of_o the_o reformation_n here_o in_o england_n several_a good_a christian_n propagate_v the_o protestant_a doctrine_n under_o the_o veil_n of_o dialogue_n by_o way_n of_o comedy_n and_o tragedy_n insomuch_o that_o the_o popish_a clergy_n get_v they_o forbid_v by_o the_o 34_o and_o 35_o of_o henry_n 8._o c._n i._o the_o famous_a du_n plessis_n mornay_n write_v a_o tragedy_n of_o ieptha_n daughter_n the_o great_a poet_n buchanan_n do_v the_o like_a he_o write_v also_o another_o call_v baptiste_n and_o translate_v into_o latin_a the_o medea_n and_o alcestis_n of_o euripides_n but_o it_o will_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o those_o great_a man_n approve_v the_o stage_n buchanan_n in_o his_o dedication_n of_o alcestis_n to_o margaret_n of_o france_n sister_n of_o henry_n ii_o recommend_v that_o tragedy_n to_o she_o because_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n in_o it_o of_o parricid_n witchcraft_n or_o other_o crime_n with_o which_o tragedian_n common_o abound_v so_o that_o by_o this_o he_o rather_o censure_n than_o approve_v the_o theatre_n our_o author_n assertion_n that_o the_o stage_n be_v establish_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n and_o flourish_v in_o that_o of_o k._n james_n upon_o which_o spencer_n bacon_n and_o raleigh_n three_o prodigy_n of_o wit_n appear_v all_o at_o once_o and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o first-rate_n writer_n till_o henry_n viii_o be_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o confidence_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v establish_v in_o queen_n elizabeth_n time_n though_o it_o have_v then_o but_o too_o much_o encouragement_n that_o all_o the_o playhouse_n in_o london_n be_v suppress_v upon_o a_o petition_n to_o that_o queen_n in_o 1580._o the_o stage_n be_v restrain_v by_o the_o 14_o and_o 39th_o of_o her_o reign_n and_o book_n against_o it_o there_o dedicate_v to_o her_o secretary_n walsingham_n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o flourish_v in_o king_n james_n i._o time_n that_o in_o the_o one_a year_n of_o his_o reign_n stage-player_n be_v by_o act_n of_o parliament_n declare_v rogue_n and_o vagabond_n etc._n etc._n as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v under_o the_o head_n of_o the_o english_a state_n against_o the_o stage_n as_o to_o the_o learning_n of_o bacon_n and_o raleigh_n it_o surpass_v mr._n dennis_n skill_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v any_o way_n owe_v to_o the_o stage_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o his_o solid_a way_n of_o write_v he_o own_v as_o much_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v immediate_o upon_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o drama_n those_o three_o prodigy_n of_o wit_n appear_v and_o i_o must_v likewise_o observe_v that_o bacon_n and_o raleigh_n as_o he_o call_v they_o employ_v themselves_o in_o more_o generous_a and_o manly_a study_n than_o any_o the_o stage_n can_v boast_v of_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o learned_a work_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o assertion_n that_o we_o have_v no_o first-rate_n writer_n on_o any_o subject_a 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of_o english_a writer_n and_o there_o he_o will_v find_v his_o bold_a assertion_n to_o be_v shameful_o false_a for_o in_o the_o 8_o century_n that_o author_n reckon_v 18_o more_o writer_n beside_o bede_n 7_o in_o the_o 9th_o 14_o in_o the_o 10_o 18_o in_o the_o 11_o 87_o in_o the_o 12_o among_o who_o be_v 6_o of_o the_o decem._n angliae_fw-la scriptores_fw-la 123_o in_o the_o 13_o 244_o in_o the_o 14_o 137_o in_o the_o 15_o and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o year_n 1557._o but_o 137_o more_o not_o that_o these_o be_v all_o first_o rate_n writer_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o learning_n be_v not_o so_o low_a in_o england_n as_o mr._n dennis_n will_v represent_v it_o to_o have_v be_v and_o that_o the_o increase_n and_o decrease_v of_o learning_n have_v no_o dependency_n on_o the_o stage_n all_o that_o our_o play_n can_v pretend_v to_o teach_v be_v only_o some_o scrap_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o history_n which_o may_v be_v much_o better_o learn_v 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the_o revival_n of_o the_o stage_n and_o i_o dare_v bold_o aver_v that_o the_o theatre_n afford_v he_o none_o of_o those_o learned_a argument_n by_o which_o of_o late_o he_o have_v baffle_v the_o deistâ—_n and_o socinian_n the_o bishop_n of_o salisbury_n who_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o famous_a owe_v his_o education_n to_o a_o country_n where_o the_o stage_n never_o take_v root_n the_o late_a archbishop_n tillotson_n owe_v nothing_o of_o his_o great_a endowment_n to_o the_o theatre_n and_o i_o question_v whether_o mr._n lock_v and_o mr._n newton_n who_o learning_n he_o mention_n wiâ—h_v deserve_v applause_n will_v give_v it_o under_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o have_v have_v any_o benefit_n by_o it_o this_o venomous_a reflection_n that_o none_o be_v encourage_v in_o the_o parliament_n time_n but_o hypocritical_a fool_n who_o abominable_a cant_v be_v christen_v gift_n and_o their_o dulness_n grace_n 42._o be_v no_o scandal_n from_o the_o pen_n of_o a_o ignorant_a libertine_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o some_o of_o they_o that_o be_v yet_o alive_a such_o as_o dr._n bates_n mr._n how_o mr._n alsoâ—_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o general_a esteem_n by_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o side_n the_o two_o former_a be_v particular_o respect_v by_o the_o late_a archbishop_n tillotson_n for_o their_o great_a learning_n and_o worth_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o accuteness_n of_o his_o pen_n his_o admirable_a talon_n of_o preach_v and_o universal_a learning_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o mention_v dr._n owen_n mr._n baxter_n mr._n câ—arnock_n and_o mr._n pool_n decease_v and_o i_o have_v almost_o forget_v to_o mention_v the_o poly-glot_a a_o laborious_a and_o learned_a work_n the_o birth_n of_o which_o be_v owe_v to_o those_o time_n in_o a_o word_n the_o reflection_n be_v so_o malicious_a and_o ill_o ground_v that_o
nothing_o can_v justify_v my_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o answer_v a_o fool_n according_a to_o his_o folly_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v wise_a in_o his_o own_o conceit_n i_o come_v now_o to_o his_o second_o part._n where_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n he_o assert_n with_o his_o usual_a confidence_n that_o the_o stage_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o government_n which_o if_o true_a the_o ancient_a greek_n and_o roman_n who_o understand_v government_n the_o best_a of_o any_o people_n in_o the_o gentile_a world_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o wrong_n when_o they_o banish_v the_o stage_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o state_n as_o have_v be_v already_o mention_v and_o the_o government_n of_o england_n be_v mighty_o out_o in_o their_o measure_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n james_n and_o charles_n i._n when_o by_o act_n of_o parliament_n stage-player_n be_v declare_v rogue_n and_o vagabond_n if_o the_o stage_n be_v such_o a_o sovereign_a remedy_n against_o ambition_n and_o the_o immoderate_a love_n of_o pleasure_n as_o mr._n dennis_n will_v have_v it_o 51._o what_o unlucky_a star_n be_v they_o that_o mar_v its_o influence_n and_o prevent_v its_o cure_n of_o julius_n caesar_n nero_n and_o other_o of_o old_a and_o three_o of_o our_o own_o successive_a king_n of_o late_a who_o encourage_v and_o frequent_v it_o more_o than_o any_o of_o their_o predecessor_n how_o come_v the_o jew_n to_o be_v so_o foul_o mistake_v as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o stage_n will_v over-turn_a their_o constitution_n as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v from_o josephus_n or_o do_v old_a samuel_n spirit_n of_o prophecy_n forsake_v he_o when_o he_o recommend_v the_o perusal_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o the_o king_n of_o israel_n as_o the_o proper_a method_n to_o keep_v they_o steady_a in_o their_o administration_n 18._o have_v there_o be_v such_o poet_n among_o they_o in_o those_o day_n who_o as_o mr._n dennis_n have_v it_o be_v sometime_o by_o a_o spirit_n not_o their_o own_o exalt_v to_o divinity_n 44._o they_o will_v have_v prescribe_v tragedy_n as_o the_o best_a remedy_n against_o their_o inconsiderate_a ambition_n and_o immoderate_a love_n of_o pleasure_n 52._o nothing_o say_v mr._n dennis_n be_v more_o capable_a than_o tragedy_n of_o raise_v the_o soul_n and_o give_v it_o that_o greatness_n that_o courage_n that_o force_n and_o that_o constancy_n which_o be_v the_o qualification_n that_o make_v man_n deserve_v to_o command_v other_o which_o be_v evident_a from_o experience_n for_o they_o who_o in_o all_o country_n and_o in_o all_o age_n have_v appear_v most_o to_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o tragedy_n have_v be_v the_o most_o deserve_a and_o the_o great_a of_o men._n aeschylus_n among_o the_o athenian_n be_v a_o great_a captain_n and_o tragic_a poet._n sophocles_n a_o able_a state_n man_n and_o a_o victorious_a general_n the_o very_o great_a among_o the_o roman_n be_v so_o far_o touch_v with_o the_o drama_n as_o either_o to_o 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pompey_n and_o other_o aspire_a roman_n seem_v rather_o to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o ambition_n than_o propose_v as_o a_o cure_n for_o it_o that_o by_o immerse_v the_o people_n in_o debanchery_n and_o pleasure_n they_o shall_v be_v render_v the_o less_o careful_a of_o their_o expire_a liberty_n which_o the_o senate_n be_v aware_a of_o think_v fit_a whilst_o they_o have_v any_o power_n leave_v they_o to_o cashier_v the_o stage_n and_o this_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o state_n be_v more_o to_o be_v regard_v than_o that_o of_o any_o particular_a person_n how_o great_a soever_o it_o be_v likewise_o worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n that_o augustus_n himself_o and_o several_a other_o emperor_n who_o favour_v the_o stage_n be_v soree_v to_o discharge_v it_o at_o last_o as_o a_o nursery_n of_o lewdness_n and_o villainy_n scipio_n nascica_n a_o great_a general_n who_o by_o vote_n of_o the_o senate_n be_v declare_v the_o best_a man_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n because_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a valour_n prudence_n and_o morality_n suppress_v the_o stage_n as_o destructive_a to_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o people_n trajan_n who_o if_o pliny_n may_v be_v credit_v be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a roman_a emperor_n do_v the_o like_a and_o the_o emperor_n alexander_n severus_n who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o worlt_n of_o they_o withdraw_v the_o pension_n of_o the_o player_n so_o that_o all_o that_o be_v great_a among_o the_o roman_n be_v far_o from_o favour_v the_o stage_n the_o influence_n which_o mr._n dennis_n ascribe_v to_o the_o stage_n in_o prevent_v rebellion_n among_o the_o people_n 56._o be_v equal_o ridiculous_a with_o his_o other_o proposition_n it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o of_o the_o people_n at_o best_a who_o have_v either_o time_n opportunity_n or_o money_n to_o frequent_v the_o theatre_n so_o that_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n its_o influence_n can_v never_o be_v universal_a but_o beside_o he_o be_v contradict_v by_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o encouragement_n give_v to_o the_o stage_n here_o in_o england_n can_v neither_o prevent_v the_o opposition_n make_v by_o the_o parliament_n and_o people_n to_o charles_n the_o be_v it_o nor_o the_o plot_n of_o the_o papist_n against_o charles_n the_o iid_n nor_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o nation_n from_o the_o last_o k._n james._n the_o stage_n in_o france_n can_v not_o prevent_v the_o rebellion_n against_o lewis_n fourteen_o during_o his_o minority_n and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o protestant_n of_o that_o kingdom_n who_o have_v declare_v against_o the_o theatre_n in_o a_o national_a council_n as_o before_z mention_v be_v his_o firm_a friend_n it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o read_v how_o this_o stage_n panegyrist_n will_v in_o spite_n of_o history_n and_o common_a sense_n ascribe_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n do_v by_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n to_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o stage_n etc._n when_o the_o state_n of_o both_o condemn_v they_o as_o occasion_v a_o dissolution_n of_o manner_n which_o render_v they_o unfit_a either_o to_o defend_v themselves_o or_o to_o conquer_v other_o and_o themistocles_n in_o particular_a who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o general_n he_o mention_n have_v so_o low_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o theatre_n that_o he_o make_v a_o law_n against_o magistrate_n frequent_v it_o lest_o the_o common_a wealth_n shall_v seem_v to_o play_v and_o loiter_v in_o the_o stage_n themist_n pericles_z another_o of_o they_o who_o be_v joint_a praetor_n with_o sophocles_n rebuke_v his_o companion_n for_o behold_v and_o commend_v a_o beautiful_a boy_n tell_v he_o that_o wanton_a look_n do_v not_o become_v a_o praetor_n 8._o what_o will_v he_o have_v say_v then_o of_o the_o modern_a stage_n our_o author_n have_v forget_v to_o mention_n alexander_n the_o great_a the_o discipline_n and_o apparel_n of_o who_o army_n smell_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o gawdy_a and_o lascivious_a theatre_n and_o yet_o his_o conquest_n exceed_v all_o
answer_v in_o the_o word_n of_o augustus_n former_o mention_v in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o he_o have_v be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o make_v his_o enemy_n stoop_v and_o be_v he_o not_o able_a now_o to_o banish_v jester_n and_o fool_n his_o next_o insinuation_n that_o it_o divert_v the_o jacobite_n and_o prevent_v their_o plot_n and_o conventicle_n be_v equal_o absurd_a let_v he_o but_o cast_v a_o eye_n up_o to_o westminster-hall_n or_o the_o city_n gate_n and_o there_o the_o head_n and_o limb_n of_o charnock_n perkins_n and_o friend_n etc._n etc._n will_v tell_v he_o to_o his_o face_n that_o he_o be_v mistake_v his_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n from_o authority_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n i_o shall_v pass_v over_o as_o have_v say_v enough_o on_o that_o head_n already_o in_o answer_n to_o other_o and_o as_o for_o his_o pretence_n in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n to_o show_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o stage_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v only_o a_o 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theatre_n dr._n reynolds_n in_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o overthrow_n of_o stage-play_n etc._n affirm_v that_o the_o best_a and_o grave_a divine_n in_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n condemn_a stage-play_n by_o a_o express_a statute_n in_o a_o full_a convocation_n of_o the_o whole_a university_n in_o 1584._o whereby_o the_o use_n of_o all_o common-plays_a be_v express_o prohibit_v in_o the_o university_n lest_o the_o young_a sort_n who_o be_v prone_a to_o imitate_v all_o kind_n of_o vice_n be_v spectator_n of_o so_o many_o lewd_a and_o evil_a sport_n as_o in_o they_o be_v practise_v shall_v be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o and_o mr._n prin_fw-mi inform_v we_o 490._o that_o the_o university_n of_o cambridge_n enact_v the_o like_a that_o no_o common_a actor_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o play_v within_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o university_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v deprave_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o scholar_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o university_n approve_v of_o private_a stage-play_n act_v by_o scholar_n in_o private_a college_n dr._n reynolds_n answer_v in_o the_o book_n abovementioned_a that_o though_o they_o connive_v at_o they_o yet_o they_o give_v no_o public_a approbation_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v into_o all_o college_n but_o only_o practise_v in_o some_o private_a house_n perchance_o once_o in_o three_o or_o four_o year_n and_o that_o by_o the_o particular_a statute_n of_o those_o house_n make_v in_o time_n of_o popery_n which_o require_v some_o latin_a comedy_n for_o learning_n sake_n only_o to_o be_v act_v now_o and_o then_o and_o those_o play_n too_o be_v for_o tâ—e_v most_o part_n compose_v by_o idle_a person_n who_o dâ—â—_n not_o affect_v better_a study_n and_o they_o be_v act_v 〈◊〉_d such_o as_o prefer_v vainglory_n ostentation_n and_o strut_a on_o the_o stage_n before_o learning_n â—_o by_o such_o who_o be_v send_v to_o the_o university_n not_o so_o much_o to_o obtain_v knowledge_n as_o to_o keep_v tâ—â—m_n from_o the_o common_a riotous_a way_n of_o live_v â—s_a parent_n send_v little_a child_n to_o school_n to_o keeâ—_n they_o out_o of_o harm_n way_n and_o their_o spectator_n â—_o the_o most_o part_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n but_o the_o rave_a better_a and_o more_o studious_a person_n especial_o divine_v condemn_v they_o censure_v they_o and_o come_v not_o at_o they_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o our_o university_n former_o condemn_v the_o stage_n and_o that_o they_o come_v afterward_o to_o countenance_v they_o must_v without_o doubt_n be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o influence_n of_o k._n charles_n i._n and_o a._n bishop_n laud_n for_o i_o find_v on_o aug._n the_o 30_o 1636._o the_o student_n of_o christ-church_n in_o oxford_n present_v a_o tragi-comedy_n call_v the_o royal_a slave_n to_o the_o k._n and_o queen_n which_o be_v afterward_o present_v again_o to_o their_o majesty_n at_o hampton-court_n and_o the_o 2d_o edition_n print_v at_o oxford_n by_o william_n turner_n in_o 1640._o the_o gentleman_n of_o trinity-college_n in_o cambridge_n do_v before_o that_o viz._n in_o 1634._o present_v a_o comedy_n to_o the_o king_n call_v albumazar_n print_v at_o london_n by_o nicholas_n okes_n upon_o both_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o remark_n and_o first_o upon_o albumazar_n remark_n upon_o the_o university_n play_v before_o king_n charles_n i._n the_o poet_n value_v himself_o in_o the_o prologue_n upon_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o audience_n but_o chief_o address_v himself_o to_o the_o lady_n who_o beauty_n he_o say_v make_v the_o whole_a assembly_n glad_a whether_o the_o play_n be_v altogether_o so_o pure_a and_o chaste_a as_o become_v his_o majesty_n presence_n the_o gravity_n of_o the_o university_n and_o the_o modesty_n of_o the_o lady_n we_o shall_v see_v afterward_o but_o this_o very_a hint_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o lady_n cheer_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o assembly_n will_v fall_v under_o our_o saviour_n reproof_n of_o not_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o and_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n for_o which_o st._n chrysostom_n declaim_v against_o play_n as_o we_o have_v hear_v already_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v reconcileable_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v set_v a_o bar_n upon_o our_o very_a look_n for_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o haunt_v playhouse_n in_o order_n to_o ogle_v one_o another_o as_o the_o stage-poet_n themselves_o now_o express_v it_o then_o for_o the_o play_n itself_o the_o dialogue_n betwixt_o albumazar_n harpax_n and_o ronca_n where_o they_o applaud_v theft_n and_o robbery_n as_o that_o which_o make_v the_o spartan_n valiant_a and_o arabia_n happy_a and_o charge_v it_o on_o all_o trade_n and_o calling_n though_o guilt_n with_o the_o smooth_a title_n of_o merchant_n lawyer_n or_o the_o like_a can_v have_v no_o natural_a tendency_n to_o teach_v moral_a honesty_n whether_o it_o may_v have_v any_o design_n to_o justify_v the_o after_o practice_n of_o levy_v money_n without_o consent_n of_o parliament_n exâ—orting_v loan_n money_n from_o merchant_n and_o tradesman_n as_o be_v only_o a_o better_a sort_n of_o thief_n or_o to_o justify_v plunder_v the_o country_n as_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n say_v be_v very_o usual_a among_o the_o king_n soldier_n afterward_o i_o know_v not_o but_o the_o fable_n seem_v to_o carry_v some_o such_o moral_a and_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o university_n will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n among_o libertine_n so_o that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o least_o innuendo_fw-la though_o never_o so_o much_o wrest_v albumazar_n insist_v upon_o great_a necessity_n as_o the_o cardinal_n virtue_n and_o it_o be_v print_v too_o in_o italic_a will_v seem_v to_o strengthen_v the_o conjecture_n especial_o see_v he_o go_v on_o to_o represent_v all_o mankind_n as_o thief_n and_o that_o the_o very_a member_n of_o man_n body_n be_v frame_v by_o nature_n so_o as_o to_o steal_v from_o one_o another_o which_o be_v good_a enough_o authority_n for_o the_o head_n to_o steal_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o second_o scene_n contain_v a_o discourse_n betwixt_o pandolfo_n a_o old_a fellow_n of_o 60_o in_o love_n with_o flavia_n a_o girl_n of_o 16_o and_o cricca_n his_o servant_n be_v far_o from_o be_v chast._n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o edification_n it_o can_v afford_v to_o the_o audience_n to_o hear_v a_o old_a man_n insist_v upon_o his_o vigour_n and_o fitness_n for_o a_o young_a girl_n and_o his_o servant_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n tell_v he_o that_o one_o night_n lodging_n will_v so_o much_o enfeeble_v he_o as_o flavia_n will_v make_v he_o a_o cuckold_n this_o seem_v more_o adapt_v to_o expose_v to_o laughter_n the_o dotage_n that_o old_a age_n be_v now_o and_o then_o subject_a to_o and_o to_o justify_v the_o disloyalty_n of_o a_o young_a wife_n so_o wed_v than_o to_o bewail_v or_o reprove_v such_o folly_n on_o both_o side_n