the_o gravity_n of_o a_o christian_a conversation_n 17._o it_o be_v a_o very_a common_a thing_n with_o the_o father_n to_o understand_v that_o passage_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n woe_n unto_o you_o that_o laugh_v now_o for_o you_o shall_v mourn_v and_o weep_v in_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n and_o literal_a sense_n st._n basil_n who_o from_o thence_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o laugh_v at_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o it_o be_v mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o mighty_a number_n of_o those_o wicked_a and_o profane_a wretch_n who_o open_o affront_v god_n and_o treat_v his_o law_n with_o despite_n and_o contempt_n this_o single_a consideration_n be_v sad_a enough_o to_o damp_n and_o quash_n all_o disposition_n to_o mirth_n in_o a_o zealous_a and_o good_a man_n moderate_v the_o severity_n of_o this_o 20._o sentence_n by_o that_o in_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la a_o fool_n lift_v up_o his_o voice_n with_o laughter_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n do_v scarce_o smile_v a_o little_a i._n e._n he_o seem_v to_o check_v himself_o for_o it_o when_o he_o do_v it_o agreeable_o to_o this_o sentence_n he_o allow_v we_o with_o the_o preacher_n to_o sweeten_v our_o countenance_n now_o and_o then_o with_o a_o modest_a smile_n but_o as_o for_o those_o loud_a peal_n of_o noisy_a mirth_n those_o rattling_n and_o shake_v of_o the_o lung_n and_o side_n which_o be_v rather_o violent_a convulsion_n than_o any_o real_a delight_n these_o according_a to_o he_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o practice_n of_o a_o man_n of_o virtue_n and_o one_o who_o be_v a_o master_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o extravagance_n of_o mirth_n be_v what_o he_o often_o inveigh_v against_o and_o press_v the_o prevent_n and_o suppress_v it_o as_o duty_n to_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v all_o that_o profess_v it_o now_o whether_o the_o maxim_n and_o precept_n here_o mention_v aught_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o the_o utmost_a point_n of_o rigour_n and_o hold_v for_o obligatory_a in_o all_o case_n or_o whether_o there_o may_v not_o in_o some_o instance_n be_v some_o abatement_n allow_v and_o what_o again_o that_o equitable_a relaxation_n be_v or_o where_o to_o take_v place_n be_v question_n which_o no_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o determine_v and_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v be_v very_o tender_a of_o determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o private_a spirit_n but_o especial_o where_o himself_o be_v a_o party_n thing_n may_v seem_v very_o hard_a and_o impracticable_a to_o we_o which_o yet_o almighty_a god_n both_o see_v high_o reasonable_a and_o know_v very_o possible_a to_o be_v perform_v god_n i_o say_v who_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o excellence_n of_o that_o happiness_n and_o reward_n promise_v to_o our_o obedience_n and_o the_o power_n of_o that_o assistance_n he_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_v of_o it_o know_v how_o much_o these_o advantage_n ought_v in_o equity_n to_o cost_v we_o and_o though_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n may_v seem_v to_o require_v these_o diversion_n and_o render_v our_o condition_n pityable_a yet_o no_o tenderness_n for_o our_o own_o frailty_n shall_v make_v we_o partial_a interpreter_n of_o god_n law_n nor_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o serious_a deportment_n befit_v the_o virtue_n and_o quality_n of_o christian_n these_o thing_n however_o severe_a must_v not_o either_o fright_n or_o blind_v we_o in_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n but_o we_o must_v take_v the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o it_o together_o as_o it_o lie_v that_o by_o contemplate_v its_o perfection_n we_o may_v be_v make_v due_o sensible_a both_o how_o deep_o we_o ought_v to_o humble_v our_o soul_n before_o god_n for_o a_o conversation_n so_o very_o defective_a and_o short_a of_o its_o just_a perfection_n and_o likewise_o how_o high_a a_o pitch_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o aim_v at_o the_o engagement_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o point_n before_o we_o can_v be_v extend_v further_o than_o st._n basil_n have_v set_v they_o upon_o that_o say_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n for_o every_o idle_a word_n man_n 36._o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n where_o to_o that_o enquiry_n what_o that_o word_n be_v which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v declare_v man_n shall_v be_v call_v to_o so_o severe_a a_o reckon_a for_o he_o return_v this_o answer_n it_o be_v every_o word_n which_o have_v 23._o no_o regard_n to_o nor_o do_v contribute_v or_o aim_v at_o that_o usefulness_n and_o benefit_n which_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o religion_n have_v enjoin_v we_o to_o seek_v and_o follow_v after_o and_o the_o danger_n add_v he_o of_o speak_v these_o word_n be_v so_o great_a that_o a_o discourse_n otherwise_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n good_a if_o it_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o reference_n to_o edification_n promote_a faith_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o free_a from_o this_o danger_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o good_a it_o contain_v but_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o edify_v our_o neighbour_n it_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n this_o he_o afterward_o illustrate_v by_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n and_o then_o at_o last_o conclude_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o for_o i_o to_o say_v how_o wicked_a and_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o many_o argument_n bring_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o in_o several_a other_o part_n of_o his_o work_n and_o we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o evade_v the_o severity_n of_o these_o rule_n by_o a_o fond_a imagination_n that_o they_o be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o monastic_a life_n for_o quite_o contrary_a his_o expression_n the_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o support_v they_o and_o the_o whole_a strain_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o discourse_n manifest_o prove_v that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o lay_v down_o the_o obligation_n which_o christianity_n have_v lay_v upon_o all_o in_o common_a though_o he_o do_v indeed_o urge_v they_o upon_o the_o monk_n as_o person_n under_o peculiar_a and_o strict_a engagement_n to_o observe_v they_o in_o regard_v a_o monk_n pretend_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v more_o vigorous_o and_o without_o interruption_n fulfil_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o though_o other_o have_v the_o same_o engagement_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o the_o same_o opportunity_n to_o perform_v and_o if_o it_o be_v far_o plead_v in_o mitigation_n of_o this_o rigour_n that_o the_o fail_n st._n basil_n reprehend_v be_v however_o but_o venial_a sin_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n repute_v and_o call_v small_a that_o father_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o will_v not_o endure_v that_o any_o christian_n shall_v argue_v at_o this_o rate_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v he_o as_o a_o small_a sin_n that_o which_o we_o commit_v be_v always_o the_o great_a sin_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o overcome_v we_o and_o that_o be_v the_o little_a sin_n which_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v to_o we_o refuse_v and_o overcome_v and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o a_o comparative_a sense_n some_o sin_n be_v small_a yet_o a_o christian_a can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n how_o very_o high_o some_o such_o sin_n be_v aggravate_v by_o the_o violent_a inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o yield_v itself_o up_o to_o they_o and_o every_o christian_n have_v cause_n enough_o and_o too_o much_o to_o tremble_v at_o that_o warn_v give_v he_o by_o the_o wise_a man_n he_o that_o contemn_v small_a 1._o thing_n shall_v fall_v by_o little_a and_o little_a xxxiv_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o forego_n doctrine_n and_o now_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o undertake_v so_o difficult_a and_o laborious_a a_o task_n as_o the_o determine_v precise_o what_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o mischief_n play_n may_v be_v just_o charge_v with_o this_o be_v a_o nice_a enquiry_n and_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o careful_a consideration_n of_o a_o great_a many_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o by_o the_o principle_n and_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o father_n they_o undoubted_o deserve_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o most_o dangerous_a diversion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o much_o at_o least_o my_o reader_n be_v by_o this_o time_n qualify_v to_o judge_v whether_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a doctor_n who_o follow_v after_o they_o and_o particular_o whether_o st._n thomas_n among_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v all_o express_v themselves_o so_o severe_o and_o leave_v such_o strict_a rule_n of_o behaviour_n behind_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v endure_v the_o
notwithstanding_o the_o repute_a anthor_n be_v a_o divine_a yet_o the_o world_n can_v accuse_v divine_n with_o be_v favourer_n and_o approver_n of_o it_o for_o few_o or_o none_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v such_o except_o the_o comic_a poet_n and_o player_n who_o interest_n dispose_v they_o to_o uphold_v a_o tract_n as_o infamous_a and_o pernicious_a as_o those_o very_a play_n it_o defend_v but_o enough_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o the_o only_a thing_n now_o remain_v be_v to_o show_v unto_o man_n a_o more_o excellent_a way_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o extirpate_v utter_o all_o relish_n for_o play_n we_o shall_v recommend_v that_o better_a delight_n man_n may_v find_v from_o read_v the_o gospel_n and_o attend_v diligent_o upon_o prayer_n let_v we_o therefore_o with_o st._n paul_n set_v ourselves_o serious_o to_o consider_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o author_n and_o 2._o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o very_a jesus_n who_o when_o he_o condescend_v to_o take_v upon_o he_o all_o our_o natural_a infirmity_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v like_a unto_o his_o 15._o brethren_n in_o every_o thing_n sin_n only_o except_v be_v content_a to_o submit_v to_o our_o tear_n and_o our_o sorrow_n to_o accept_v out_o pain_n nay_o our_o terror_n and_o agony_n of_o spirit_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o sin_v that_o he_o take_v our_o diversion_n our_o mirth_n and_o our_o laughter_n he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a that_o those_o xlv_o lip_n which_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n shall_v ever_o once_o dilate_v themselves_o by_o any_o motion_n attend_v with_o indecent_a gaiety_n or_o unworthy_a the_o character_n of_o god_n make_v man._n i_o do_v not_o wonder_v at_o this_o difference_n for_o our_o pain_n and_o grief_n be_v real_a and_o substantial_a because_o these_o be_v just_a punishment_n and_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o sin_n from_o the_o time_n that_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n we_o have_v not_o any_o solid_a and_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o mirth_n and_o joy_n this_o make_v the_o wiseman_n cry_v out_o i_o look_v upon_o laughter_n to_o be_v 2._o madness_n and_o i_o say_v unto_o mirth_n why_o do_v thou_o cheat_v i_o or_o as_o the_o original_a import_v i_o say_v unto_o laughter_n thou_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o unto_o mirth_n what_o do_v thou_o here_o wherefore_o do_v thou_o transport_v i_o like_o a_o extravagant_a unthinking_a man_n and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v i_o that_o i_o have_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o rejoice_v when_o i_o be_o so_o thick_o beset_v with_o evil_n on_o every_o side_n thus_o the_o word_n make_v flesh_n the_o eternal_a truth_n manifest_v in_o our_o nature_n may_v without_o any_o diminution_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n take_v upon_o he_o our_o suffering_n which_o be_v real_a but_o he_o will_v not_o stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o take_v our_o joy_n and_o our_o mirth_n which_o be_v only_o fantastical_a and_o imaginary_a and_o imply_v great_a mistake_n or_o great_a inconsideration_n when_o we_o indulge_v they_o free_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o without_o agreeable_a quality_n and_o conversation_n to_o recommend_v 22._o he_o notwithstanding_o all_o man_n we_o be_v tell_v be_v astonish_v and_o wonder_v at_o the_o gracious_a word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n and_o not_o 69._o only_o his_o apostle_n say_v master_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n but_o even_o the_o officer_n send_v to_o apprehend_v his_o person_n bring_v back_o word_n to_o those_o pharisee_n by_o who_o commission_n 46._o they_o act_v never_o man_n speak_v like_o this_o man_n and_o yet_o as_o charm_v as_o his_o word_n be_v then_o he_o speak_v with_o quite_o another_o sort_n of_o sweetness_n with_o a_o more_o sensible_a more_o ravish_a delight_n when_o he_o make_v himself_o hear_v and_o understand_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n and_o kindle_v that_o pure_a celestial_a fire_n with_o which_o david_n feel_v himself_o inflame_v when_o he_o burst_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n of_o his_o zeal_n the_o fire_n kindle_v and_o at_o the_o last_o i_o speak_v with_o any_o tongue_n then_o then_o it_o be_v 4._o that_o by_o the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n there_o spring_v up_o and_o overflow_v such_o a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o divine_a joy_n in_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n a_o joy_n too_o sublime_a for_o the_o world_n to_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n or_o just_a notion_n of_o a_o joy_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o contemn_v that_o which_o court_v and_o caress_n our_o sense_n and_o grow_v more_o exquisite_a by_o such_o contempt_n a_o last_a and_o unchangeable_a peace_n of_o mind_n a_o sweet_a and_o revive_a hope_n of_o enjoy_v god_n the_o chief_a the_o only_a good_n no_o rehearsal_n no_o music_n no_o harmonious_a voice_n be_v necessary_a or_o comparable_a to_o this_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o require_v show_n and_o representation_n to_o move_v our_o affection_n with_o a_o agreeable_a vehemence_n if_o we_o will_v have_v shed_v of_o blood_n and_o image_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n set_v before_o our_o eye_n let_v we_o fix_v our_o sight_n and_o thought_n upon_o the_o same_o bless_a jesus_n for_o what_o can_v we_o possible_o look_v upon_o so_o beautiful_a and_o charm_v to_o behold_v so_o tender_a and_o affect_v as_o the_o bloody_a death_n of_o jesus_n and_o his_o martyr_n what_o battle_n brave_o fight_v what_o crown_v win_v can_v in_o any_o degree_n compare_v with_o his_o glorious_a conquest_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o the_o throne_n and_o kingdom_n of_o his_o truth_n set_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n what_o dart_n be_v so_o pierce_v as_o those_o with_o which_o he_o wound_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n what_o sigh_n so_o pure_a and_o chaste_a as_o those_o which_o his_o church_n be_v continual_o breathe_v forth_o and_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v ravish_v with_o his_o love_n and_o run_v and_o pant_v after_o his_o sweet_a perfume_n be_v man_n once_o bring_v to_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o to_o taste_v and_o delight_n in_o these_o heavenly_a sweetness_n to_o feed_v and_o feast_v upon_o this_o hide_a manna_n the_o playhouse_n cxix_o door_n will_v quick_o be_v shut_v up_o and_o every_o true_o christian_a soul_n will_v take_v up_o david_n meditation_n the_o sinner_n and_o such_o as_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o world_n and_o its_o sensual_a delight_n have_v contrive_v lie_n and_o seduce_v i_o with_o fictoâ—…s_n and_o fable_n the_o fond_a conceit_n and_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n or_o according_a to_o the_o septuagint_n they_o talk_v to_o i_o of_o false_a and_o deceitful_a pleasure_n but_o my_o delight_n have_v be_v in_o thy_o law_n nothing_o but_o this_o fill_v man_n heart_n with_o true_a joy_n and_o such_o be_v have_v a_o firm_a foundation_n stand_v fast_o and_o endure_v for_o evermore_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n desirous_a to_o make_v a_o thorough_a reformation_n in_o play_n that_o so_o like_o the_o heathen_n of_o old_a we_o may_v contrive_v to_o insinuate_v morality_n and_o wisdom_n by_o the_o most_o entertain_a method_n and_o at_o once_o consult_v the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o so_o mix_v a_o audience_n by_o introduce_v proper_a example_n and_o serious_a instruction_n for_o prince_n and_o common_a people_n i_o can_v find_v any_o fault_n with_o the_o honest_a intention_n of_o these_o well-meaning_a men._n but_o then_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_n to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n how_o improper_a a_o expedient_a they_o have_v pitch_v upon_o for_o their_o purpose_n and_o this_o they_o will_v soon_o be_v sensible_a of_o if_o they_o reflect_v that_o charm_v the_o sense_n be_v but_o a_o very_a awkward_a and_o unlikely_a way_n of_o reform_v the_o mind_n and_o introduce_v the_o sentiment_n and_o love_n of_o severe_a virtue_n the_o theatre_n indeed_o may_v possible_o do_v some_o service_n to_o heathen_n who_o virtue_n be_v imperfect_a and_o gross_a worldly_a and_o superficial_a only_o but_o alas_o christian_n can_v expect_v the_o same_o benefit_n from_o it_o for_o it_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n nor_o the_o dignity_n nor_o the_o efficacy_n requisite_a for_o inspire_v the_o refine_a and_o exalt_v virtue_n suitable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o for_o king_n god_n have_v provide_v they_o a_o better_a teacher_n he_o send_v they_o to_o 22._o his_o law_n to_o learn_v their_o duty_n there_o he_o order_n that_o they_o shall_v read_v this_o diligent_o all_o the_o day_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o shall_v with_o david_n meditate_v and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o it_o day_n and_o night_n and_o with_o solomon_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v by_o religious_a wisdom_n when_o they_o go_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v by_o it_o when_o they_o sleep_v that_o they_o talk_v and_o converse_v familiar_o with_o it_o when_o they_o
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
not_o concern_v to_o reprove_v a_o abuse_n as_o yet_o unheard_a of_o when_o they_o live_v and_o write_v they_o can_v not_o foresee_v a_o profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n which_o our_o immediate_a ancestor_n see_v the_o first_o break_v out_o of_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o then_o to_o allege_v a_o vicious_a practice_n against_o which_o all_o the_o canon_n cry_v out_o so_o loud_o and_o to_o urge_v corruption_n in_o bar_n to_o law_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v all_o to_o be_v lawful_a which_o through_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o hardness_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v under_o a_o unhappy_a necessity_n of_o tolerate_v or_o that_o every_o thing_n which_o the_o civil_a government_n can_v effectual_o redress_v or_o punish_v will_v escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o easy_o as_o it_o do_v that_o of_o man._n and_o after_o all_o what_o do_v it_o signify_v to_o the_o player_n or_o to_o the_o spectator_n that_o these_o entertainment_n do_v not_o interrupt_v the_o public_a worship_n but_o leave_v the_o time_n appoint_v for_o that_o entire_o free_a to_o be_v better_o employ_v do_v these_o man_n attend_v upon_o that_o worship_n ever_o the_o more_o for_o not_o be_v just_o then_o in_o the_o play_n house_n do_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o person_n that_o frequent_v the_o playhouse_n ever_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o public_a worship_n or_o not_o do_v they_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o due_o who_o zealous_o attend_v upon_o the_o sermon_n and_o parochial_a service_n and_o immediate_o upon_o hear_v these_o go_v straight_o to_o the_o play_n and_o there_o in_o a_o loose_a of_o worldly_a delight_n lose_v all_o that_o spirit_n of_o seriousness_n and_o recollection_n and_o contrition_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o praise_n have_v excite_v in_o their_o heart_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v that_o play_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n make_v or_o fit_v to_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o person_n who_o know_v how_o to_o celebrate_v festival_n with_o a_o true_a become_a frame_n of_o mind_n those_o that_o be_v christian_n in_o disposition_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n and_o attend_v the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o gravity_n and_o considerate_a attention_n which_o these_o duty_n suppose_v and_o require_v xxxi_o reflection_n upon_o the_o virtue_n â—…alled_v by_o aristotle_n 〈◊〉_d aâ—…nas_fw-la eutrapelia_n after_o have_v clear_v st._n thomas_n from_o those_o aspersion_n cast_v upon_o his_o doctrine_n which_o charge_v it_o with_o all_o those_o vicious_a and_o extravagâ—…t_a practice_n already_o mention_v i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v with_o all_o the_o respect_n due_a â—…o_o so_o great_a a_o man_n to_o confess_v ingenuous_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v swerve_v a_o little_a if_o not_o from_o the_o judgement_n and_o real_a opinion_n yet_o at_o least_o from_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o ancient_a father_n use_v to_o express_v themselves_o upon_o this_o subject_a of_o diversion_n and_o the_o enter_v into_o this_o disquisition_n will_v be_v of_o some_o service_n to_o we_o because_o it_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o rule_n and_o principle_n whereby_o to_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o comical_a composition_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o conversation_n and_o discourse_n which_o provoke_v laughter_n now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o must_v be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o esteem_v drollery_n in_o conversation_n a_o excellence_n or_o â—…anging_v it_o under_o any_o species_n of_o virtue_n as_o even_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o species_n of_o vice_n rather_o though_o not_o in_o all_o case_n actual_o and_o direct_o sinful_a nor_o such_o a_o crime_n as_o render_v the_o person_n use_v it_o liable_a to_o damnation_n the_o least_o accusation_n they_o bring_v against_o it_o be_v its_o unprofitableness_n which_o in_o their_o opinion_n lay_v it_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o 36._o those_o idle_a word_n which_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v declare_v must_v be_v account_v for_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n now_o how_o severe_a soever_o the_o doctor_n and_o casuist_n may_v appear_v yet_o all_o their_o censure_n fall_v short_a of_o christ_n who_o have_v make_v not_o only_o evil_a but_o even_o useless_a and_o idle_a word_n subject_a to_o so_o rigorous_a a_o scrutiny_n in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v wonder_v much_o if_o the_o father_n who_o understand_v that_o text_n in_o so_o strict_a a_o sense_n agree_v unanimous_o in_o their_o condemnation_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o conversation_n as_o for_o that_o virtue_n term_v eutrapelia_n which_o st._n thomas_n take_v his_o notion_n of_o from_o aristotle_n they_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v not_o to_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o the_o translator_n have_v render_v the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o urbanity_n politeness_n good_a breed_n a_o man_n will_v come_v near_o aristotle_n sense_n who_o shall_v term_v it_o raillery_n facetiousness_n or_o to_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a notion_n of_o it_o a_o agreeable_a way_n of_o wit_n gaiety_n of_o humour_n and_o sprightlyness_n in_o conversation_n attend_v with_o pleasant_a discourse_n which_o i_o think_v answer_v the_o character_n intend_v for_o it_o by_o the_o philosopher_n this_o be_v the_o very_o best_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v say_v of_o such_o talk_v as_o make_v the_o company_n laugh_v and_o to_o this_o 8._o purpose_n he_o explain_v himself_o when_o treat_v of_o that_o virtue_n in_o his_o ethic_n but_o this_o be_v so_o nice_a and_o airy_a a_o virtue_n that_o the_o very_a same_o term_n be_v apply_v by_o st._n paul_n to_o a_o vice_n which_o we_o render_v jest_a but_o the_o vulgar_a sâ—…urrility_n though_o indeed_o it_o do_v not_o include_v abusive_a language_n as_o scurrility_n do_v but_o may_v according_a to_o the_o father_n be_v render_v in_o a_o more_o general_a term_n such_o as_o tartness_n of_o wit_n the_o art_n of_o move_a laughter_n or_o if_o you_o please_v buffoonery_n st._n paul_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o place_n it_o in_o very_o bad_a company_n such_o as_o filthiness_n and_o foolish_a talk_v so_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o apostle_n the_o three_o unblamable_a quality_n of_o discourse_n be_v the_o be_v indecent_a or_o filthy_a the_o be_v light_n inconsiderate_a or_o foolish_a or_o the_o be_v smart_a ridicul_v or_o jest_a or_o if_o you_o allow_v that_o render_n savour_v of_o buffoonery_n for_o all_o these_o word_n have_v signification_n which_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o express_v in_o strict_a propriety_n of_o term_n now_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o st._n paul_n give_v this_o sort_n of_o talk_v the_o very_o best_a and_o most_o creditable_a name_n that_o be_v ever_o pretend_a to_o belong_v to_o it_o for_o he_o may_v one_o will_v have_v think_v have_v call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v that_o scandalous_a title_n fix_v by_o the_o greek_n upon_o the_o vice_n in_o this_o kind_n on_o the_o exceed_a side_n and_o that_o which_o aristotle_n have_v distinguish_v the_o impertinence_n and_o ill_a manner_n of_o prate_a buffoon_n by_o and_o yet_o st._n paul_n after_o have_v take_v this_o merry_a and_o jocular_a way_n of_o conversation_n under_o the_o best_a figure_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v and_o give_v it_o it_o be_v most_o favourable_a name_n do_v not_o scruple_n to_o rank_v it_o among_o the_o vice_n not_o that_o we_o be_v from_o hence_o to_o conclude_v ourselves_o absolute_o forbid_v to_o be_v sometime_o pleasant_a and_o divert_v in_o company_n but_o because_o to_o be_v always_o upon_o the_o merry_a pin_n and_o make_v it_o one_o be_v constant_a business_n and_o trade_n as_o it_o be_v to_o promote_v laugh_v be_v exceed_v faulty_a and_o altogether_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o man_n or_o christian_n st._n thomas_n who_o attend_v but_o little_a to_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o greek_a text_n can_v not_o make_v this_o reflection_n upon_o st._n paul_n manner_n of_o express_v himself_o but_o it_o do_v not_o escape_v st._n chrysostome_n who_o have_v the_o skill_n to_o observe_v that_o the_o word_n eutrapelos_n do_v proper_o signify_v a_o man_n of_o art_n and_o address_n one_o who_o can_v with_o great_a ease_n turn_v himself_o into_o ephes._n different_a form_n and_o humour_n which_o agree_v with_o aristotle_n account_n and_o etymology_n of_o the_o word_n only_o the_o father_n and_o the_o philosopher_n differ_v in_o this_o that_o aristotle_n take_v it_o in_o a_o good_a sense_n as_o it_o imply_v agreeableness_n of_o conversation_n readiness_n of_o wit_n and_o gaiety_n of_o humour_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o blunt_a rudeness_n and_o ribaldry_n of_o
buffoonery_n of_o the_o modern_a theatre_n or_o allow_v a_o christian_a in_o personate_n the_o many_o vile_a ridiculous_a character_n which_o the_o stage_n present_v we_o with_o every_o day_n and_o much_o less_o yet_o can_v we_o believe_v that_o any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v find_v who_o do_v not_o ready_o agree_v that_o the_o make_v buffoonery_n a_o constant_a practice_n and_o trade_n can_v never_o consist_v with_o the_o character_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a person_n such_o as_o every_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v evident_a be_v suppose_v and_o require_v to_o be_v but_o when_o once_o i_o have_v bring_v you_o thus_o far_o st._n chrysostom_n then_o will_v fall_v upon_o you_o may_v and_o main_n he_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o your_o account_n that_o a_o christian_n ephes._n make_v himself_o a_o public_a jest_n that_o you_o be_v answerable_a for_o his_o betray_v the_o dignity_n of_o and_o become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o glorious_a name_n he_o bear_v for_o do_v but_o you_o say_v he_o take_v care_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o audience_n and_o the_o actor_n will_v cease_v of_o course_n and_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o commendable_a such_o a_o fine_a thing_n to_o turn_v mimic_n and_o break_v jest_n upon_o a_o stage_n why_o do_v you_o not_o enter_v man_n of_o birth_n and_o quality_n in_o this_o noble_a profession_n to_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o honour_n we_o may_v allege_v what_o beauty_n what_o commendation_n can_v there_o be_v in_o a_o art_n which_o no_o man_n can_v excel_v in_o without_o shame_n and_o scandal_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n themas_n as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a tread_v in_o his_o step_n and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o little_a deviate_v into_o the_o notion_n or_o rather_o into_o the_o language_n and_o expression_n of_o aristotle_n yet_o when_o nice_o examine_v we_o find_v he_o staunch_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o not_o at_o all_o differ_v from_o the_o strictness_n and_o regularity_n of_o the_o father_n who_o lead_v the_o way_n before_o he_o xxxv_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n and_o now_o after_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o will_v be_v of_o very_o little_a consequence_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o divine_n about_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o own_o that_o after_o have_v set_a themselves_o for_o a_o long_a while_n against_o all_o public_a show_n and_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n against_o those_o of_o the_o theatre_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a period_n in_o the_o church_n when_o man_n begin_v to_o entertain_v some_o hope_n that_o the_o stage_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o such_o measure_n as_o if_o observe_v will_v render_v it_o harmless_a and_o decent_a or_o at_o least_o not_o altogether_o insupportable_a this_o put_v they_o upon_o regulation_n and_o remedy_n for_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n which_o must_v necessary_o grow_v from_o the_o people_n furious_a and_o unconquerable_a inclination_n to_o those_o dangerous_a amusement_n but_o experience_n quick_o convince_v they_o that_o humorsom_n drollery_n and_o study_a diversion_n bear_v too_o hard_o upon_o licentiousness_n ever_o to_o be_v entire_o separate_v from_o it_o not_o that_o these_o thing_n when_o consider_v abstract_o and_o in_o there_o own_o nature_n have_v any_o such_o necessary_a connexion_n and_o mutual_a dependence_n as_o shall_v render_v such_o a_o separation_n absolute_o impossible_a or_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v that_o it_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o i_o will_v veuture_a to_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o utter_o impracticable_a for_o there_o have_v be_v in_o fact_n some_o innocent_a representation_n of_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a stretch_n of_o rigour_n to_o condemn_v some_o of_o those_o use_v in_o college_n which_o the_o master_n impose_v upon_o the_o youth_n under_o their_o charge_n as_o exercise_n which_o contribute_v to_o the_o form_v their_o style_n their_o gesture_n their_o elocution_n their_o behaviour_n oâ—…_n however_o for_o a_o refreshment_n and_o harmless_a diversion_n to_o they_o at_o the_o close_a of_o the_o year_n when_o they_o have_v go_v through_o the_o painful_a course_n of_o their_o study_n and_o yet_o those_o rule_n be_v worth_a our_o observation_n which_o a_o very_a learned_a society_n have_v make_v upon_o this_o occasion_n who_o with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n and_o marvellous_a success_n have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o young_a 13._o person_n they_o order_n that_o the_o tragedy_n and_o comedy_n shall_v never_o be_v allow_v in_o any_o language_n but_o latin_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v act_v but_o very_o seldom_o that_o the_o subject_a of_o such_o play_n shall_v not_o be_v grave_a only_o but_o holy_a and_o pious_a that_o the_o interlnde_n between_o the_o act_n shall_v likewise_o be_v all_o in_o latin_a and_o contain_v nothing_o which_o in_o the_o least_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o that_o no_o female_a character_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o habit_n of_o that_o sex_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n a_o man_n in_o his_o read_n may_v discover_v infinite_a touch_v of_o this_o wisdom_n in_o the_o regulation_n of_o this_o venerable_a institution_n and_o particular_o we_o find_v that_o with_o regard_n to_o play_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o precaution_n to_o preserve_v those_o collegiate_n recreation_n from_o all_o the_o abuse_n with_o which_o other_o representation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v taint_v the_o best_a course_n they_o can_v take_v be_v after_o all_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o return_v of_o they_o be_v but_o very_a seldom_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o exceed_v difficult_a to_o bring_v the_o theatre_n to_o any_o tolerable_a decorum_n under_o the_o jealous_a observation_n and_o severe_a discipline_n of_o prudent_a and_o pious_a master_n what_o a_o wretched_a thing_n be_v it_o 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take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v it_o that_o play_n can_v be_v support_v without_o we_o allow_v they_o to_o mingle_v evil_a with_o good_a nay_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o alloy_n of_o evil_n must_v be_v in_o much_o the_o great_a quantity_n to_o enable_v the_o playhouse_n to_o stand_v because_o they_o live_v and_o thrive_v by_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o taste_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n and_o this_o taste_n to_o be_v sure_o be_v vitiate_a and_o think_v itself_o best_o regale_v with_o the_o worst_a object_n upon_o this_o account_n also_o it_o be_v that_o among_o all_o the_o solemn_a and_o bitter_a invective_n against_o the_o theatre_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o father_n we_o never_o find_v they_o lay_v any_o project_n or_o make_v any_o attempt_n to_o reform_v it_o they_o be_v very_o senfible_a how_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a all_o such_o expedient_n must_v needs_o prove_v when_o bring_v to_o trial_n they_o see_v these_o man_n business_n be_v to_o please_v and_o that_o whoever_o make_v that_o his_o end_n will_v stick_v at_o no_o mean_n of_o compass_v it_o virtue_n and_o conscience_n be_v then_o set_v aside_o and_o please_v the_o audience_n must_v be_v at_o any_o rate_n of_o the_o two_o kind_n of_o dramatic_a poetry_n the_o one_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a but_o full_a of_o passion_n the_o other_o more_o resemble_v common_a conversation_n but_o all_o upon_o the_o repartie_n and_o the_o jest_n and_o the_o buffoonery_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o in_o either_o kind_n find_v any_o thing_n fit_a for_o christian_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v the_o safe_a as_o well_o as_o short_a way_n will_v be_v utter_o to_o discard_v all_o for_o why_o shall_v they_o give_v themselves_o the_o endless_a trouble_n of_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n since_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n fight_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o play_n must_v cease_v to_o be_v what_o