who_o live_v in_o the_o thirteen_o century_n we_o find_v among_o the_o sermon_n print_v in_o st._n ambrose_n one_o of_o sy_n coesarius_n archbishop_n of_o arles_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o three_o or_o four_o time_n over_o that_o 〈◊〉_d whoever_o hunt_v any_o part_n of_o lent_n horum_fw-la quadraginta_fw-la dierum_fw-la curriculo_fw-la do_v not_o real_o fast_a no_o say_v he_o not_o though_o he_o abstain_v from_o food_n long_o than_o ordinary_a and_o do_v not_o eat_v till_o the_o evening_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a usage_n of_o that_o age_n it_o be_v true_a he_o do_v not_o refresh_v himself_o at_o common_a hour_n but_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o have_v not_o fast_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o fast_v imply_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o eat_v late_a than_o be_v usual_a potes_fw-la videri_fw-la tardius_fw-la te_fw-la refecisse_fw-la non_fw-la tamen_fw-la domino_fw-la jejunasse_n this_o author_n live_v about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o six_o century_n in_o the_o nine_o age_n pope_n nicolas_n 44._o impose_v the_o same_o observance_n upon_o the_o bulgarian_n who_o consult_v he_o for_o direction_n and_o ground_n it_o upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n this_o severity_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o primitive_a discipline_n in_o the_o case_n of_o penitent_n and_o what_o be_v then_o think_v expedient_a for_o particular_a person_n and_o case_n be_v afterward_o judge_v a_o proper_a course_n for_o the_o observance_n of_o lent_n this_o be_v a_o season_n when_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o put_v themselves_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o penitent_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v imagine_v that_o this_o discipline_n of_o penitent_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o beyond_o all_o measure_n rigorous_a st._n thomas_n justify_v it_o with_o this_o argument_n that_o such_o public_a show_n and_o exercise_n take_v off_o from_o the_o seriousness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n 2._o to_o recollection_n that_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n be_v a_o state_n of_o uneasiness_n and_o trouble_v and_o therefore_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a and_o do_v well_o in_o such_o circumstance_n to_o use_v her_o right_n of_o debar_v such_o from_o the_o use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o though_o useful_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v yet_o by_o no_o mean_n proper_a for_o these_o person_n present_a condition_n and_o that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n be_v a_o good_a exception_n to_o this_o rule_n ubi_fw-la necessitas_fw-la exposcit_fw-la as_o for_o instance_n if_o a_o man_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o get_v his_o live_n but_o by_o hunt_v 16._o all_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o canon_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o have_v by_o all_o these_o authority_n moderate_v the_o diversion_n which_o a_o private_a penitent_n may_v allow_v himself_o in_o for_o the_o refreshment_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o keep_n up_o a_o good_a correspondence_n with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o acquaintance_n he_o forbid_v such_o the_o use_n of_o all_o public_a show_n and_o all_o those_o exercise_n which_o discompose_v the_o mind_n and_o render_v it_o unfit_a for_o serious_a thought_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o the_o discourser_n in_o the_o passage_n now_o before_o we_o have_v declare_v it_o allowable_a to_o see_v and_o hear_v play_n all_o lend_v long_o for_o these_o â—…4_n be_v his_o very_a word_n he_o discover_v in_o this_o no_o manner_n of_o inconsistence_n with_o that_o spirit_n of_o mortification_n and_o deep_a sorrow_n which_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n make_v public_a profession_n of_o and_o he_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o call_v this_o answer_v all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o th._n aquinas_n his_o own_o word_n the_o same_o author_n declare_v himself_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d far_a upon_o this_o subject_n in_o that_o question_n already_o quote_v out_o of_o his_o sum_n where_o in_o the_o four_o article_n he_o inquire_v whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o sin_n in_o the_o defect_n or_o too_o rigid_a forbearance_n of_o diversion_n that_o be_v in_o refuse_v and_o deny_v a_o man_n self_n every_o thing_n that_o may_v contribute_v to_o the_o recreate_v his_o mind_n for_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o ludâ—…s_n or_o play_n mention_v there_o and_o the_o first_o objection_n he_o raise_v be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o appedrance_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o the_o defect_n of_o these_o diversion_n because_o no_o sin_n be_v prescribe_v to_o penitent_n and_o yet_o all_o diversion_n be_v prohibit_v so_o such_o for_o this_o agree_v with_o a_o passage_n in_o a_o book_n attribute_v to_o st._n augustin_n where_o he_o say_v that_o if_o a_o penitent_a desire_n to_o obtain_v the_o grace_n of_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a pardon_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o forbear_v diversion_n and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o show_v of_o the_o world_n during_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n for_o his_o sin_n this_o passage_n be_v in_o the_o text_n of_o the_o master_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o the_o doctrine_n 16._o contain_v in_o it_o receive_v as_o contestable_a because_o agree_v exact_o with_o all_o the_o ancient_a canon_n st._n thomas_n likewise_o reply_n that_o lamentation_n and_o grief_n for_o sin_n be_v command_v the_o penitent_n and_o therefore_o diversion_n be_v not_o allow_v to_o such_o because_o reason_n require_v the_o abatement_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o person_n under_o circumstance_n of_o sorrow_n paenitentibus_fw-la luctus_fw-la indicitur_fw-la pro_fw-la peccatis_fw-la ideo_fw-la inter_fw-la dicitur_fw-la eye_n ludus_fw-la nec_fw-la hoc_fw-la pertinet_fw-la ad_fw-la vitium_fw-la defectus_fw-la quia_fw-la hoc_fw-la ipsum_fw-la est_fw-la secundum_fw-la rationem_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o eye_n ludus_fw-la diminuatur_fw-la this_o be_v the_o only_a restriction_n produce_v there_o which_o yet_o do_v not_o in_o any_o degree_n affect_v the_o public_a diversion_n because_o it_o do_v not_o take_v off_o the_o prohibition_n of_o show_n but_o it_o leave_v that_o in_o full_a force_n as_o we_o find_v it_o express_o lay_v in_o all_o those_o canon_n that_o concern_v a_o penitential_a state_n and_o this_o the_o same_o author_n himself_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o passage_n late_o cite_v out_o of_o his_o book_n upon_o the_o sentence_n let_v not_o man_n therefore_o injure_v the_o doctrine_n and_o misrepresent_v the_o judgement_n of_o so_o pious_a and_o great_a a_o man_n by_o pretend_v his_o authority_n for_o so_o manifest_a a_o relaxation_n of_o ecclesiastical_a discipline_n it_o be_v enough_o and_o too_o much_o to_o introduce_v he_o as_o a_o vindicator_n of_o play_n which_o yet_o he_o never_o intend_v but_o it_o be_v too_o great_a too_o shameless_a a_o abuse_n to_o make_v he_o justify_v act_v in_o lent_n though_o he_o have_v not_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o work_n one_o single_a passage_n which_o either_o direct_o or_o by_o remote_a consequence_n can_v bear_v this_o construction_n nay_o when_o on_o the_o contrary_a he_o have_v so_o express_o declare_v that_o the_o public_a show_n be_v so_o perfect_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o spirit_n of_o mortification_n and_o repen_n tance_n which_o the_o church_n at_o the_o season_n of_o lent_n particular_o labour_v so_o earnest_o to_o revive_v and_o cherish_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o christian._n xxx_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o lordâ—…_n day_n the_o command_n of_o keep_v festival_n holy_a explain_v as_o to_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o our_o author_n begin_v with_o this_o remark_n english_a that_o the_o holiday_n be_v give_v we_o not_o only_o to_o sanctify_v they_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v then_o more_o leisure_n then_o at_o other_o time_n we_o have_v for_o attend_v the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o also_o that_o we_o may_v rest_v after_o the_o example_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o from_o hence_o he_o infer_v that_o since_o pleasure_n be_v the_o proper_a rest_n of_o man_n according_a to_o st._n thomas_n he_o may_v even_o upon_o sunday_n allow_v himself_o the_o pleasure_n of_o play_n provide_v this_o be_v not_o do_v till_o the_o public_a office_n of_o the_o day_n be_v over_o and_o here_o again_o he_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v st._n thomas_n over_o to_o his_o party_n who_o yet_o first_o of_o all_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o what_o he_o make_v he_o say_v and_o second_o though_o he_o have_v say_v what_o he_o be_v produce_v for_o yet_o no_o conclusion_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o in_o favour_n of_o play_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o present_a discourse_n i_o shall_v be_v much_o to_o blame_v to_o spend_v time_n in_o a_o formal_a confutation_n of_o one_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o he_o read_v but_o yet_o his_o profanation_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o less_o to_o be_v endure_v because_o of_o their_o direct_a english_a tendency_n to_o overthrow_v the_o
plato_n 59_o chap._n xvii_o that_o woman_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o ancient_n 60._o chap._n xviii_o aristotle_n opinion_n in_o this_o matter_n 61._o chap._n xix_o another_o principle_n of_o plato_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a 63._o chap._n xx._n the_o scripture_n silent_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o public_a show_n and_o why_o no_o such_o in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n 66._o how_o they_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n two_o passage_n of_o st._n john_n and_o st._n paul_n chap._n xxi_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o canticle_n and_o music_n in_o church_n 71._o chap._n xxii_o st._n thomas_n aquinas_n his_o doctrine_n upon_o this_o occasion_n examine_v and_o explain_v 72._o chap._n xxiii_o the_o first_o and_o second_o reflection_n upon_o st._n thomas_n his_o doctrine_n 75._o chap._n xxiv_o the_o three_o reflection_n upon_o st._n thomas_n his_o doctrine_n some_o passage_n out_o of_o this_o holy_a and_o eminent_a casuist_n concern_v buffoonery_n 77._o chap._n xxv_o the_o four_o and_o five_o and_o six_o reflection_n a_o express_a passage_n out_o of_o st._n thomas_n in_o another_o part_n of_o his_o work_n and_o his_o opinion_n here_o reconcile_v with_o that_o former_o cite_v 79._o chap._n xxvi_o the_o opinion_n of_o st._n antonine_n arch_n bp._n of_o florence_n examine_v 85._o chap._n xxvii_o the_o profanation_n of_o festival_n and_o fast_n introduce_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o his_o own_o word_n upon_o fastingday_n produce_v against_o he_o 88_o chap._n xxviii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o subject_a of_o fast_v 89._o chap._n xxix_o a_o fresh_a abuse_n of_o st._n thomas_n his_o doctrine_n 92_o chap._n xxx_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o strange_a explication_n of_o the_o precept_n for_o sanctify_a day_n set_v apart_o for_o divine_a worship_n 99_o chap._n xxxi_o reflection_n upon_o that_o virtue_n which_o aristotle_n and_o after_o he_o st._n thomas_n have_v term_v eutrapelia_n aristotle_n oppose_v by_o st._n chrysostome_n in_o a_o passage_n of_o his_o commentary_n upon_o st._n paul_n 105._o chap._n xxxii_o some_o passage_n take_v from_o s._n ambrose_n and_o st._n jerom_n upon_o discourse_n which_o provoke_v laughter_n 110._o chap._n xxxiii_o some_o passage_n of_o st_n basil_n upon_o the_o seriousness_n require_v in_o a_o christian_n conversation_n 116._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o foregoing_a doctrine_n 120._o chap._n xxxv_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o whole_a treatise_n 122._o maxim_n and_o reflection_n upon_o play_v i._o that_o father_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o play_n be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o late_a letter_n or_o discourse_n in_o defence_n of_o play_n have_v give_v public_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o recantation_n as_o submissive_a as_o it_o be_v solemn_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n have_v exert_v itself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o by_o her_o pious_a care_n truth_n have_v have_v right_o do_v it_o sound_a doctrine_n be_v assert_v and_o preserve_v and_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o disabuse_v and_o inform_v the_o world_n upon_o a_o subject_a which_o great_a pain_n have_v be_v take_v to_o darken_v and_o perplex_v the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v indeed_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a such_o as_o will_v deserve_v only_o to_o be_v despise_v if_o we_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o despise_v any_o thing_n which_o bring_v unwary_a and_o injudicious_a soul_n into_o hazard_n and_o such_o be_v these_o because_o in_o their_o consequence_n apt_a to_o confound_v man_n of_o worldly_a mind_n who_o be_v always_o dispose_v to_o be_v lead_v easy_o into_o error_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o cherish_v and_o flatter_v their_o inclination_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n be_v here_o very_o laborious_o elude_v and_o that_o of_o the_o schoolman_n and_o casuist_n set_v up_o in_o opposition_n against_o it_o and_o some_o crafty_a accommodation_n have_v be_v find_v out_o to_o bring_v these_o two_o seem_o contend_v party_n upon_o amicable_a term_n with_o one_o another_o as_o if_o play_v in_o process_n of_o time_n be_v become_v more_o innocent_a pure_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o our_o day_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v in_o they_o who_o inveigh_v against_o they_o with_o such_o holy_a vehemence_n heretofore_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o st._n thomas_n and_o other_o eminent_a light_n in_o the_o church_n be_v produce_v in_o their_o vindication_n and_o even_o the_o confession_n of_o penitent_n make_v to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o lawfullness_n and_o harmless_a effect_n of_o these_o diversion_n the_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o apology_n be_v a_o priest_n and_o a_o confessor_n and_o he_o give_v we_o his_o solemn_a word_n that_o he_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o all_o those_o vice_n and_o evil_a consequence_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o play_n by_o some_o overrigorous_a and_o morose_a divine_n the_o force_n of_o public_a censure_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o ritual_n be_v weaken_v and_o disparage_v and_o no_o artifice_n in_o short_a be_v omit_v in_o this_o little_a tract_n which_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o for_o as_o its_o brevity_n will_v render_v it_o more_o general_o read_v so_o the_o composition_n be_v of_o that_o contrivance_n which_o will_v qualify_v it_o admirable_o for_o impose_v upon_o the_o reader_n by_o put_v a_o good_a face_n upon_o a_o bad_a cause_n nothing_o far_o can_v be_v requisite_a to_o abuse_v the_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a and_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o that_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o without_o such_o advocate_n be_v but_o too_o prone_a to_o indulge_v itself_o upon_o these_o account_n some_o person_n eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o learning_n and_o their_o station_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o disposition_n of_o mankind_n and_o well_o aware_a of_o the_o mischief_n which_o may_v grow_v from_o thus_o patronise_a they_o have_v think_v it_o may_v be_v a_o useful_a and_o seasonable_a prevention_n to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o discourse_n by_o some_o short_a reflection_n which_o beside_o the_o same_o advantage_n of_o brevity_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o the_o reader_n perusal_n may_v in_o all_o point_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o these_o person_n it_o be_v that_o i_o suffer_v this_o little_a tract_n to_o come_v abroad_o and_o make_v a_o small_a addition_n to_o the_o several_a discourse_n already_o publish_v upon_o this_o subject_n ii_o the_o true_a stat_n of_o the_o question_n to_o remove_v those_o powerful_a prepoffession_n which_o so_o considerable_a a_o authority_n as_o that_o of_o thomas_n aquinas_n may_v infect_v man_n mind_n withal_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v think_v the_o proper_a course_n to_o begin_v this_o tract_n with_o discuss_v the_o several_a passage_n produce_v in_o favour_n of_o play_n from_o so_o eminent_a a_o casuist_n but_o i_o rather_o choose_v to_o lead_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o truth_n by_o a_o short_a cut_n and_o before_o i_o engage_v he_o in_o this_o examination_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o plain_a principle_n which_o will_v require_v neither_o niceness_n of_o judgement_n nor_o laborious_a read_n for_o thus_o much_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n indeed_o can_v pretend_v to_o deny_v it_o that_o if_o st._n thomas_n and_o other_o holy_a person_n have_v tolerate_v or_o allow_v play_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o intention_n that_o such_o among_o these_o as_o be_v destructive_a of_o good_a manner_n shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o any_o privilege_n or_o benefit_n by_o such_o toleration_n or_o be_v think_v in_o any_o degree_n to_o be_v approve_v or_o protect_v by_o they_o this_o be_v the_o point_n to_o which_o we_o must_v keep_v our_o adversary_n close_o and_o i_o desire_v no_o fair_a advantage_n to_o join_v issue_n upon_o not_o doubt_v but_o upon_o this_o single_a concession_n i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v they_o all_o the_o pretension_n of_o this_o apology_n iii_o now_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o find_v fault_n with_o upon_o this_o occasion_n be_v that_o one_o who_o call_v himself_o a_o priest_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o affirm_v that_o play_v such_o as_o be_v now_o act_v be_v such_o as_o he_o can_v see_v no_o fault_n in_o nay_o that_o 40._o they_o be_v at_o present_a so_o pure_a upon_o the_o french_a threatre_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o which_o can_v offend_v the_o chaste_a far._n it_o seem_v then_o at_o this_o rate_n that_o either_o all_o those_o impious_a and_o scandalous_a passage_n in_o which_o the_o composition_n of_o moliere_n abound_v must_v be_v allow_v for_o innocent_a and_o unblameable_a or_o else_o that_o these_o play_n be_v not_o to_o
ordinary_a support_n and_o refreshment_n of_o nature_n be_v design_v for_o that_o very_a purpose_n that_o this_o painful_a denial_n of_o ourselves_o may_v dispose_v we_o the_o better_a for_o a_o sorrowful_a temper_n of_o mind_n while_o man_n be_v eager_a and_o allow_v themselves_o a_o free_a use_n of_o necessary_n they_o be_v not_o mighty_a cautious_a of_o slide_v into_o superfluity_n but_o upon_o pretence_n of_o necessity_n fall_v in_o to_o excess_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a in_o the_o chastise_v and_o humble_v of_o ourselves_o to_o take_v the_o contrary_a method_n to_o cut_v off_o first_o the_o common_a supply_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o this_o abstinence_n to_o join_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v mortify_v and_o afflict_v sackcloth_n upon_o the_o body_n ash_n upon_o the_o head_n tear_n and_o groan_n and_o lamentation_n and_o all_o this_o because_o this_o be_v a_o day_n of_o atonement_n a_o time_n to_o propitiate_v and_o seek_v pardon_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o feel_v and_o to_o bear_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o deep_a sorrow_n and_o affliction_n and_o to_o find_v lviii_o no_o rest_n no_o comfort_n to_o their_o soul_n fast_v have_v yet_o one_o character_n more_o peculiar_a to_o it_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o that_o grief_n the_o church_n lie_v under_o during_o the_o time_n of_o her_o spouse_n absence_n and_o this_o agree_v with_o that_o say_n of_o christ_n himself_n can_v the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n mourn_v as_o long_o as_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v with_o they_o but_o the_o day_n will_v 15._o come_v when_o the_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o then_o shall_v they_o fast_v here_o you_o see_v mourning_n and_o fast_v put_v together_o again_o and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v in_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n the_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o that_o time_n when_o the_o church_n lament_v the_o death_n and_o absence_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o holy_a father_n in_o like_a manner_n tell_v we_o that_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n the_o most_o solemn_a fast_o of_o all_o which_o be_v the_o season_n of_o lent_n be_v celebrate_v upon_o the_o approuch_n of_o and_o as_o a_o proper_a preparation_n for_o that_o of_o our_o lord_n passion_n during_o this_o time_n so_o devote_v to_o repentance_n and_o mortification_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n death_n all_o public_a rejoice_n and_o diversion_n be_v forbid_v in_o this_o whole_a interval_n of_o sorrow_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o church_n order_n man_n to_o 52._o abstain_v from_o the_o celebration_n of_o marriage_n and_o they_o who_o be_v at_o all_o verse_v in_o the_o discipline_n and_o usage_n of_o the_o church_n can_v but_o understand_v the_o reason_n for_o it_o it_o can_v then_o seem_v strange_a that_o show_v and_o public_a entertainment_n have_v be_v in_o a_o particular_a 51._o manner_n forbid_v during_o this_o season_n for_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v altogether_o innocent_a yet_o it_o be_v obvious_a they_o be_v indecent_a as_o a_o testimony_n of_o gaiety_n and_o joy_n which_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n suitable_a to_o the_o then_o sorrowful_a state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n but_o if_o even_o innocent_a diversion_n be_v not_o then_o allow_v much_o less_o be_v the_o infamous_a and_o the_o prosane_n the_o church_n forbear_v even_o holy_a rejoice_n and_o the_o very_a festival_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v keep_v because_o these_o can_v not_o be_v solemnize_v without_o some_o demonstration_n 〈◊〉_d â—…blick_a joy_n this_o temper_n and_o spirit_n be_v still_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o who_o be_v learn_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o it_o know_v and_o teach_v it_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o no_o fast_n be_v keep_v on_o sunday_n nor_o between_o easter_n and_o whitsuntide_n because_o these_o be_v time_n set_v apart_o for_o holy_a rejoice_v when_o we_o sing_v hallelujah_n and_o hymn_n of_o praise_n the_o figure_n of_o that_o song_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o never_o cease_v joy_n in_o the_o next_o world_n now_o if_o fast_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o season_n dedicate_v to_o holy_a joy_n ought_v common_a mirth_n and_o profane_a revel_v to_o be_v mingle_v with_o it_o aught_o even_o those_o public_a diversion_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v not_o allowable_a be_v this_o a_o time_n to_o hear_v the_o jest_n of_o buffoon_n who_o whole_a discourse_n utter_o stifle_v the_o spirit_n of_o compunction_n be_v play_n then_o proper_a which_o take_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a character_n their_o champion_n contend_v for_o will_v at_o least_o fill_v your_o head_n with_o vain_a and_o idle_a thought_n with_o sensitive_a and_o worldly_a admit_v they_o to_o be_v innocent_a and_o otherwise_o unblameable_a pleasure_n xxix_o a_o fresh_a abuse_n of_o st._n thomas_n aquin._n his_o 〈◊〉_d in_o despite_n of_o these_o holy_a tradition_n and_o in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o wise_a 6._o man_n produce_v by_o our_o author_n against_o the_o use_n of_o music_n in_o time_n of_o mourn_v he_o still_o persist_v in_o allow_v play_n to_o be_v act_v the_o whole_a season_n of_o lent_n throughout_o he_o will_v not_o indeed_o deâ—…e_a from_o we_o the_o mere_a favour_n of_o give_v he_o the_o hear_v upon_o this_o occasion_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o great_a authority_n than_o his_o own_o which_o he_o have_v the_o hardiness_n once_o more_o to_o summon_v in_o as_o a_o voucher_n for_o his_o error_n above_o for_o after_o propound_v all_o the_o objection_n he_o know_v against_o act_v play_n in_o lent_n he_o add_v to_o all_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o st._n thomas_n his_o own_o word_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v a_o article_n of_o this_o holy_a doctor_n upon_o the_o sentence_n which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o produce_v and_o examine_v already_o upon_o another_o occasion_n now_o first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o casuist_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o lent_n in_o that_o place_n nor_o do_v he_o say_v one_o single_a syllable_n concern_v it_o but_o though_o a_o man_n will_v as_o i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v he_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o apply_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o season_n of_o lent_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n which_o this_o great_a oracle_n lay_v down_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o state_n of_o penitent_n in_o general_a yet_o even_o thus_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n there_o which_o will_v not_o make_v against_o the_o pretention_n of_o our_o author_n st._n thomas_n do_v in_o that_o place_n take_v three_o question_n into_o consideration_n the_o two_o former_a whereof_o relate_v to_o sport_n or_o diversion_n in_o the_o first_o he_o speak_v of_o these_o in_o general_n in_o the_o second_o he_o descend_v to_o show_v in_o particular_a while_o he_o be_v treat_v of_o diversion_n in_o general_a and_o before_o he_o come_v to_o instance_n in_o or_o consider_v show_n or_o public_a sight_n he_o forbid_v penitent_n the_o indulge_v though_o never_o so_o private_o such_o diversion_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o rejoice_v and_o very_o agreeable_o entertain_v the_o mind_n which_o prohibition_n he_o ground_n upon_o this_o that_o a_o state_n of_o penitence_n require_v tear_n and_o not_o mirth_n and_o therefore_o the_o utmost_a he_o allow_v they_o be_v with_o great_a moderation_n to_o use_v some_o certain_a recreation_n so_o far_o as_o may_v refresh_v themselves_o and_o keep_v up_o good_a c._n society_n with_o the_o person_n they_o dwell_v and_o converse_v among_o and_o all_o this_o it_o be_v plain_a be_v nothing_o to_o the_o point_n before_o we_o for_o such_o permission_n will_v not_o reach_v very_o many_o case_n but_o now_o under_o the_o second_o question_n where_o he_o come_v to_o consider_v show_n in_o particular_a there_o he_o positive_o determine_v the_o point_n against_o ead_n penitent_n and_o declare_v such_o be_v bind_v to_o avoid_v they_o spectacula_fw-la vitanda_fw-la penitenti_fw-la nay_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v not_o only_o to_o decline_v such_o as_o be_v evil_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n from_o which_o say_v he_o these_o person_n lie_v under_o a_o strong_a obligation_n to_o abstain_v than_o common_a man_n but_o even_o from_o such_o diversion_n as_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n among_o which_o he_o instance_n particular_o in_o hunt_v how_o strict_a the_o discipline_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n be_v upon_o this_o occasion_n as_o it_o be_v pretty_a well_o know_v so_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v constant_o remember_v by_o this_o all_o sort_n of_o exercise_n be_v interdict_v to_o penitent_n which_o unsettle_v the_o mind_n and_o dispose_v to_o levity_n and_o this_o rule_n be_v so_o well_o fix_v that_o you_o see_v there_o be_v no_o relaxation_n of_o it_o grant_v by_o st._n thomas_n
command_n of_o keep_v holy_a the_o sabbath-day_n now_o it_o be_v truâ—…_n that_o in_o exodus_fw-la we_o find_v that_o command_v deliver_v and_o enforce_v after_o the_o follow_a manner_n six_o day_n thou_o shall_v do_v thy_o work_n and_o on_o the_o seven_o day_n thou_o shall_v rest_v that_o thy_o ox_n and_o thy_o ass_n and_o all_o who_o those_o beast_n represent_v all_o who_o life_n be_v employ_v continual_o in_o labour_n may_v rest_v and_o the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n and_o the_o stranger_n may_v be_v refresh_v now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n we_o may_v just_o make_v st._n paul_n reflection_n do_v god_n take_v care_n for_o ox_n no_o 9_o without_o all_o controversy_n his_o concern_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o produce_v a_o express_a command_n for_o that_o purpose_n but_o that_o fatherly_a care_n and_o compassion_n which_o as_o david_n observe_v have_v a_o tender_a regard_n to_o the_o safety_n both_o of_o man_n and_o beast_n provide_v for_o the_o refreshment_n even_o of_o brute_n themselves_o that_o man_n may_v learn_v by_o this_o example_n not_o to_o harass_n and_o oppress_v those_o that_o be_v like_o themselves_o with_o never_o cease_v drudgery_n and_o toil._n or_o else_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o command_n may_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o body_n and_o will_v have_v some_o convenient_a intermission_n for_o their_o comfort_n from_o that_o labour_n and_o fatigue_n which_o be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o creature_n of_o a_o inferior_a degree_n so_o that_o this_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o second_o and_o less_o principal_a motive_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sabbath_n but_o to_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o sport_n nay_o even_o that_o public_a sport_n be_v allow_v to_o that_o ancient_a and_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n betray_v so_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o custom_n as_o deserve_v no_o other_o answer_n than_o disdain_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o wretched_a consequence_n deduce_v from_o this_o law_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n consist_v in_o a_o intermission_n of_o bodily_a labour_n by_o which_o they_o may_v have_v leisure_n to_o employ_v their_o thought_n in_o meditation_n upon_o god_n and_o his_o law_n and_o to_o dedicate_v that_o time_n to_o his_o more_o immediate_a service_n but_o to_o seek_v their_o own_o pleasure_n and_o especial_o so_o unthinking_a a_o pleasure_n as_o that_o of_o play_n suppose_v that_o age_n to_o have_v be_v addict_v to_o such_o sort_n of_o diversion_n have_v doubtless_o be_v a_o manifest_a profanation_n and_o cry_a abuse_n of_o that_o holy_a day_n isaiah_n be_v express_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o there_o god_n rebuke_n the_o jew_n severe_o and_o upbraid_v they_o over_o and_o over_o for_o do_v their_o own_o will_n and_o seek_v their_o own_o pleasure_n upon_o the_o day_n he_o have_v sanctisied_a and_o set_v apart_o to_o 14._o his_o own_o use_n for_o look_v upon_o the_o sabbath_n as_o a_o day_n of_o delight_n or_o as_o a_o day_n of_o ostentation_n and_o vainglory_n he_o show_v they_o what_o sort_v of_o pleasure_n it_o be_v intend_v they_o shall_v pursue_v upon_o this_o day_n thou_o shall_v delight_v thyself_o in_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o some_o luterpreter_n indeed_o put_v another_o sense_n upon_o these_o passage_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o come_v all_o to_o one_o at_o the_o last_o since_o all_o agree_v that_o the_o proper_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o sabbath_n be_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o god_n and_o good_a thing_n and_o yet_o now_o man_n go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o propose_v the_o pleasure_n of_o play_n which_o be_v a_o delight_n so_o immediate_o and_o entire_o sensual_a for_o a_o imitation_n of_o god_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a rest_n and_o a_o part_n of_o that_o refreshment_n which_o he_o have_v direct_v and_o ordain_v for_o mankind_n but_o let_v we_o leave_v these_o reason_n to_o their_o author_n which_o indeed_o be_v so_o extravagant_a and_o odd_a that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o say_v whether_o they_o be_v more_o despicable_a for_o the_o weakness_n or_o detestable_a for_o the_o profaneness_n of_o they_o he_o that_o shall_v undertake_v to_o defend_v act_v play_n upon_o sunday_n either_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o discourse_n or_o upon_o any_o other_o of_o his_o own_o will_v do_v well_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o make_v out_o the_o privilege_n this_o trade_n can_v pretend_v to_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o this_o shall_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o day_n which_o be_v god_n peculiar_a and_o presume_v to_o appropriate_v any_o part_n of_o it_o to_o itself_o be_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o player_n more_o liberal_a more_o to_o be_v respect_v and_o encourage_v than_o that_o of_o paint_v and_o sculpture_n not_o to_o mention_v any_o of_o those_o art_n which_o be_v useful_a for_o the_o necessary_a supply_n of_o humane_a life_n do_v not_o player_n subsist_v upon_o this_o odious_a art_n and_o can_v we_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n excuse_v those_o who_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o usual_a labour_n by_o pay_v they_o for_o work_v upon_o a_o day_n when_o other_o be_v forbid_v to_o exercise_v more_o honest_a calling_n this_o certain_o be_v carry_v licentiousness_n to_o much_o too_o high_a a_o pitch_n the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o particular_a which_o regard_v the_o sanctification_n of_o holy_a day_n will_v be_v too_o much_o disrespect_a and_o forget_v and_o upon_o these_o term_n god_n own_a day_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v less_o his_o than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o six_o such_o wicked_a and_o force_v exposition_n do_v man_n study_v to_o find_v out_o to_o abandon_v this_o day_n to_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n 56._o after_o this_o i_o shall_v scarce_o think_v that_o frivolous_a excuse_n for_o play_n upon_o festival_n and_o holyday_n worth_a a_o answer_n which_o ground_n itself_o upon_o a_o pretence_n that_o the_o theatre_n be_v not_o open_v till_o the_o public_a worship_n be_v end_v and_o the_o church_n door_n be_v shut_v for_o why_o shall_v not_o all_o other_o labour_n and_o trade_n be_v indulge_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n most_o of_o which_o without_o dispute_n be_v much_o more_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a and_o have_v a_o better_a title_n to_o be_v allow_v who_o be_v it_o i_o beseech_v you_o that_o first_o reserve_v this_o day_n and_o cut_v it_o off_o from_o common_a use_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a as_o well_o as_o any_o part_n of_o it_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v why_o all_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n of_o this_o day_n shall_v not_o be_v his_o as_o entire_o as_o those_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n be_v we_o i_o own_o there_o be_v some_o diversion_n which_o the_o church_n itself_o do_v not_o absolute_o prohibit_v out_o of_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n but_o play_n be_v never_o any_o of_o that_o number_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n have_v ever_o be_v uniform_a and_o consistent_a with_o itself_o in_o this_o point_n and_o the_o council_n of_o reims_n towards_o the_o close_a of_o the_o last_o age_n in_o the_o title_n of_o feastday_n after_o have_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n instance_a in_o some_o sport_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v or_o at_o least_o not_o till_o service_n be_v over_o do_v afterward_o in_o the_o six_o chapter_n put_v in_o a_o rank_n by_o themselves_o the_o diversion_n of_o the_o theatre_n as_o thing_n that_o cast_v a_o blemish_n upon_o morality_n and_o decency_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o absolute_o forbid_v upon_o holyday_n st._n charles_n have_v make_v the_o same_o declaration_n against_o they_o and_o all_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a canon_n speak_v the_o same_o language_n without_o any_o limitation_n or_o reserve_v in_o their_o favour_n st._n thomas_n who_o 2._o they_o so_o confident_o and_o groundless_o top_n upon_o we_o at_o every_o turn_n for_o a_o warrant_a of_o licentiousness_n do_v among_o other_o necessary_a condition_n for_o even_o innocent_a diversion_n require_v this_o as_o a_o indispensable_a one_o that_o they_o be_v indulge_v only_o at_o convenient_a season_n and_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o precaution_n but_o to_o inform_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o among_o they_o which_o however_o allowable_a they_o be_v at_o other_o time_n yet_o ought_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o be_v suffer_v upon_o holy_a day_n but_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o require_v from_o we_o particular_a passage_n out_o of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o divine_n condemn_v this_o abominable_a division_n man_n be_v now_o content_a to_o make_v of_o time_n set_v apart_o for_o religion_n between_o that_o and_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v the_o devil_n they_o be_v