practice_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o love_v and_o take_v delight_n to_o heaâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d of_o a_o maxim_n this_o be_v of_o very_a greâ—…â—…icance_n and_o use_v in_o matter_n relate_v to_o â—…ane_a conversation_n and_o such_o as_o once_o allow_v will_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o those_o agreeable_a and_o ensnare_a sentiment_n which_o be_v now_o the_o groundwork_n and_o darling_n subject_a of_o all_o our_o modern_a composition_n for_o the_o stage_n xix_o another_o prin_fw-mi ciple_n of_o plato_n upon_o this_o matter_n plato_n by_o a_o principle_n still_o more_o general_a 7._o be_v convince_v that_o those_o art_n and_o trade_n which_o minister_v only_o to_o pleasure_n and_o have_v this_o for_o their_o object_n be_v all_o of_o they_o dangerous_a to_o morality_n and_o humane_a life_n because_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o pick_v it_o up_o any_o where_o from_o good_a or_o bad_a cause_n even_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o all_o that_o be_v true_o valuable_a nay_o they_o sacrifice_v even_o virtue_n and_o conscience_n and_o decency_n and_o every_o thing_n so_o little_o be_v they_o give_v to_o proceed_v with_o any_o distinction_n who_o end_n it_o be_v to_o furnish_v pleasure_n if_o the_o most_o scandalous_a mean_n happen_v at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v necessary_a for_o compass_v that_o end_n and_o hence_o this_o philosopher_n fetch_v a_o fresh_a argument_n for_o banish_v utter_o out_o of_o his_o republic_a not_o only_o comic_a and_o tragic_a but_o even_o epic_a poet_n too_o nor_o can_v he_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o divine_a homer_n himself_o as_o he_o be_v then_o style_v though_o his_o write_n in_o those_o day_n be_v think_v the_o effect_n of_o inspiration_n but_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o the_o inexorable_a plato_n send_v they_o all_o pack_v together_o because_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a design_n of_o pleasure_n they_o do_v all_o put_v true_a or_o false_a good_a or_o bad_a instruction_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unity_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v the_o same_o they_o vary_v and_o shift_v as_o occasion_n serve_v and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o please_v the_o palate_n and_o cherish_v the_o passion_n of_o men._n which_o be_v the_o most_o complicate_v and_o changeable_a thing_n in_o nature_n they_o must_v shuffle_v and_o change_v according_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o very_a reason_n sâ—…u_n why_o there_o be_v a_o old_a antipathy_n between_o the_o philosopher_n and_o the_o poet_n the_o former_a conform_v themselves_o to_o reason_n the_o latter_a accommodate_v their_o study_n to_o pleasure_n he_o therefore_o frame_v such_o law_n as_o dismiss_v these_o latter_a with_o a_o appearance_n of_o respect_n and_o crown_v they_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o imaginary_a laurel_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o a_o inflexible_a severity_n accost_v they_o thus_o we_o can_v away_o with_o the_o exclamation_n 7_o of_o your_o theatre_n nor_o bear_v that_o any_o body_n in_o our_o city_n shall_v speak_v loud_o or_o be_v more_o hear_v than_o ourselves_o and_o if_o these_o civil_a institution_n be_v so_o rigorous_a shall_v the_o christian_a suffer_v any_o to_o drown_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n among_o we_o shall_v man_n most_o zealous_o applaud_v and_o labour_n with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n ambition_n and_o fame_n and_o revenge_n and_o those_o fantastical_a notion_n of_o honour_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v banish_v from_o among_o they_o who_o he_o have_v command_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n shall_v we_o support_v and_o cherish_v those_o passion_n which_o he_o have_v direct_v we_o to_o subdue_v and_o stifile_v sy_n john_n call_v loud_o to_o all_o believer_n and_o all_o age_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o father_n 12._o i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o old_a man_n i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n i_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o child_n that_o be_v to_o all_o you_o that_o be_v christian_n of_o what_o quality_n soever_o love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o elesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o these_o word_n both_o the_o world_n itself_o and_o the_o stage_n which_o be_v the_o image_n and_o picture_n of_o it_o be_v equal_o reprove_v for_o it_o be_v the_o world_n with_o its_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n and_o wicked_a charm_n which_o our_o play_n represent_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o as_o therefore_o in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o original_a all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o sensuality_n and_o curiosity_n ostentation_n and_o vanity_n and_o pride_n so_o in_o the_o stage_n which_o be_v the_o copy_n these_o thing_n abound_v and_o reign_v and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o theatre_n must_v needs_o be_v to_o make_v we_o fond_a of_o these_o thing_n because_o the_o only_o end_v it_o pursue_v be_v to_o promote_v pleasure_n and_o render_v the_o representation_n of_o these_o thing_n entertain_v and_o delightful_a to_o we_o xx._n the_o scripture_n silent_a upon_o this_o â—…sion_n and_o why_o but_o after_o all_o if_o play_v be_v so_o very_o dangerous_a we_o be_v urge_v to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v never_o give_v we_o warning_n of_o so_o exceed_o perilous_a a_o diversion_n nay_o that_o they_o have_v not_o express_o forbid_v so_o great_a a_o evil._n this_o remark_n have_v likewise_o be_v think_v worthy_a a_o place_n in_o the_o discourse_n if_o you_o read_v the_o scripture_n over_o and_o 3._o over_o you_o will_v never_o meet_v say_v he_o with_o any_o express_a and_o particular_a precept_n against_o play_n now_o the_o writer_n that_o pretend_v to_o argue_v at_o this_o rate_n and_o will_v draw_v any_o advantageous_a inference_n from_o this_o silence_n of_o scripture_n may_v proceed_v and_o will_v do_v like_o themselves_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n to_o justify_v the_o gladiator_n and_o all_o the_o horror_n and_o brutality_n of_o the_o heathen_a spectacle_n since_o the_o scripture_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v have_v no_o more_o express_a precept_n against_o these_o than_o they_o have_v against_o play_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v either_o but_o the_o holy_a father_n who_o be_v press_v with_o the_o like_a difficulty_n by_o the_o apologist_n for_o those_o spectacle_n heretofore_o have_v lead_v we_o the_o way_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o from_o they_o we_o may_v learn_v that_o the_o true_a and_o solid_a answer_n to_o such_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o forbid_v and_o banish_v vicious_a inclination_n as_o unlawful_a do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n forbid_v all_o such_o representation_n which_o by_o delight_v the_o sense_n do_v natural_o and_o industrious_o entangle_v and_o uphold_v man_n in_o those_o vicious_a inclination_n thus_o immodest_a picture_n be_v condemn_v in_o all_o those_o passage_n of_o holy_a writ_n where_o all_o immodest_a and_o uncomely_a thing_n be_v forbid_v in_o general_a term_n and_o the_o case_n be_v exact_o the_o same_o in_o the_o representation_n upon_o the_o stage_n st._n john_n have_v include_v all_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o full_a than_o that_o of_o his_o first_o epistle_n love_v not_o the_o world_n neither_o the_o thing_n that_o 15._o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o the_o father_n be_v not_o in_o he_o for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n â—…_n life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n but_o be_v of_o the_o world_n now_o if_o this_o lust_n be_v not_o of_o god_n that_o delightful_a representation_n which_o trick_n it_o up_o and_o set_v it_o off_o in_o all_o its_o allure_a charm_n be_v not_o of_o he_o neither_o and_o if_o this_o be_v of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o than_o christian_n be_v as_o much_o forbid_v to_o love_n or_o partake_v in_o this_o as_o the_o other_o st._n paul_n have_v likewise_o comprehend_v all_o such_o matter_n in_o that_o solemn_a and_o very_a remarkable_a precept_n final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v 8._o honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n consequent_o whatever_o take_v our_o thought_n and_o affection_n off_o from_o these_o thing_n and_o inspire_v thought_n and_o affection_n of_o a_o contrary_a quality_n aught_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o delight_v we_o nay_o aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v suspect_v
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
they_o drive_v at_o what_o they_o call_v noble_a passion_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n of_o a_o false_a and_o frail_a beauty_n that_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n which_o they_o set_v off_o and_o trick_n up_o in_o its_o best_a colour_n flatter_v the_o vanity_n of_o one_o sex_n disparage_v and_o degrade_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o other_o and_o bring_v both_o into_o subjection_n to_o the_o dominion_n of_o appetite_n and_o sense_n vii_o the_o author_n word_n and_o the_o advantage_n he_o make_v of_o confession_n but_o the_o most_o dangerous_a passage_n in_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o where_o the_o author_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o harmlessness_n of_o the_o stage_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o experience_n there_o be_v he_o tell_v we_o three_o very_a easy_a way_n of_o know_v what_o be_v do_v at_o the_o theatre_n and_o i_o say_v he_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o all_o three_o the_o first_o be_v to_o inform_v one_o self_n of_o it_o by_o man_n of_o part_n and_o probity_n who_o out_o of_o that_o horror_n they_o have_v to_o sin_n will_v not_o allow_v themselves_o 38._o to_o be_v present_a at_o those_o sort_n of_o show_n if_o sinful_a the_o next_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o go_v thither_o of_o the_o evil_a effect_n which_o play_v produce_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a method_n than_o the_o former_a because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a accusation_n of_o they_o than_o that_o which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o person_n guilty_a and_o selfcondemn_v the_o three_o be_v the_o read_n of_o the_o play_n which_o be_v not_o forbid_v as_o the_o representation_n of_o they_o may_v have_v be_v and_o i_o protest_v proceed_v he_o that_o i_o have_v not_o by_o any_o of_o these_o way_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o least_o appearance_n of_o the_o excess_n which_o the_o father_n with_o so_o much_o justice_n condemn_v in_o play_n here_o you_o have_v a_o man_n urge_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o appeal_n not_o to_o his_o own_o experience_n alone_o but_o to_o that_o of_o the_o most_o and_o best_a man_n nay_o to_o almost_o all_o mankind_n a_o world_n of_o people_n he_o tell_v we_o of_o eminent_a virtue_n and_o of_o a_o very_a nice_a not_o to_o say_v scrupulous_a conscience_n have_v be_v force_v to_o own_o that_o play_v on_o the_o french_a theatre_n be_v at_o present_a so_o pure_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o which_o can_v offend_v the_o chaste_a ear._n viii_o the_o open_a and_o secret_a fault_n in_o play_n dangerous_a and_o unseen_a disposition_n concupiscâ—…nce_o sâ—…attered_v through_o all_o the_o sense_n at_o this_o rate_n if_o we_o may_v credit_v this_o author_n even_o confession_n which_o disclose_v all_o sin_n can_v discover_v no_o fault_n in_o the_o playhouse_n and_o he_o assure_v we_o with_o a_o confidence_n and_o solemnity_n that_o will_v even_o make_v a_o good_a man_n tremble_v that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v any_o footstep_n of_o that_o pretend_a malignity_n nor_o of_o those_o vice_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o play_n as_o their_o proper_a source_n and_o cause_n it_o seem_v those_o of_o the_o female_a singer_n and_o actor_n and_o their_o keeper_n and_o gallant_n do_v not_o at_o present_a recur_v to_o his_o thought_n and_o he_o quite_o forget_v that_o precept_n leave_v we_o by_o solomon_n to_o avoid_v those_o woman_n 21_o who_o wear_v the_o attire_n of_o harlot_n and_o be_v subtle_a in_o heart_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o destroy_v soul_n who_o cause_n man_n to_o yield_v with_o much_o fair_a speech_n and_o force_v they_o with_o the_o flatter_a of_o their_o lip_n such_o as_o their_o discourse_n their_o song_n their_o rehearsal_n so_o that_o man_n throw_v themselves_o into_o their_o snare_n as_o a_o bird_n haste_v to_o the_o net_n and_o be_v there_o no_o fault_n in_o arm_a woman_n that_o profess_v christianity_n against_o feeble_a and_o unwary_a soul_n to_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n those_o dart_n which_o strike_v through_o the_o heart_n to_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_v they_o to_o public_a lewdness_n after_o a_o more_o dangerous_a manner_n than_o be_v do_v even_o in_o those_o place_n which_o decency_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o mention_v what_o mother_n i_o do_v not_o say_v who_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o chrstianity_n but_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o lose_v to_o all_o sense_n of_o decency_n and_o reputation_n will_v not_o rather_o choose_v to_o see_v a_o daughter_n in_o her_o grave_a than_o upon_o the_o stage_n what!_o have_v she_o be_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o tenderness_n in_o her_o education_n to_o see_v she_o after_o all_o that_o care_n engage_v in_o a_o livelihood_n of_o so_o much_o scandal_n have_v she_o keep_v her_o night_n and_o day_n under_o her_o wing_n as_o it_o be_v to_o shelter_v she_o from_o temptation_n and_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o her_o pain_n come_v to_o this_o at_o last_o to_o have_v she_o make_v common_a and_o set_v up_o for_o a_o snare_n to_o youth_n who_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o these_o wretched_a christian_n if_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v that_o title_n still_o who_o live_v in_o such_o barefaced_a contradiction_n to_o their_o baptismal_a vow_n who_o i_o say_v look_n upon_o they_o under_o any_o other_o character_n than_o that_o of_o slave_n and_o prostitute_n and_o such_o as_o have_v utter_o extinguish_v all_o remain_v of_o modesty_n and_o shame_n for_o such_o we_o must_v esteem_v they_o though_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o nothing_o else_o but_o industrious_o draw_v so_o many_o eye_n upon_o they_o for_o even_o this_o be_v monstrous_a and_o unnatural_a in_o person_n who_o very_a sex_n have_v consecrate_v they_o to_o modesty_n and_o reserve_n and_o who_o natural_a weakness_n require_v the_o safe_a retreat_n of_o a_o well_o order_v family_n and_o yet_o even_o these_o expose_v themselves_o in_o a_o full_a playhouse_n with_o all_o the_o pomp_n of_o vanity_n like_o those_o siren_n which_o isaiah_n say_v take_v up_o their_o dwelling_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o pleasure_n who_o look_n be_v arm_v with_o death_n and_o who_o take_v back_o again_o the_o poison_n scatter_v by_o their_o voice_n return_v in_o the_o applause_n which_o the_o company_n give_v their_o performance_n and_o be_v there_o no_o blame_v due_a no_o concern_v requisite_a to_o the_o spectator_n who_o reward_n these_o wretch_n luxury_n and_o make_v it_o a_o gain_n to_o they_o who_o support_v they_o in_o their_o corruption_n of_o manner_n who_o expose_v their_o own_o heart_n as_o a_o prey_n to_o they_o and_o go_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o such_o precious_a instructor_n thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o continue_v for_o ever_o ignorant_a of_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o which_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o measure_n of_o decency_n and_o good_a report_n if_o nothing_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v bring_v with_o man_n to_o confession_n i_o can_v but_o lament_v that_o such_o stupidity_n and_o blindness_n shall_v prevail_v among_o christian_n but_o especial_o what_o a_o amazement_n be_v it_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v use_v the_o title_n of_o priest_n that_o he_o may_v with_o the_o more_o authority_n and_o certain_a effect_n deliver_v christian_n from_o those_o poor_a remain_v of_o remorse_n which_o the_o world_n have_v not_o yet_o utter_o lose_v for_o such_o extravagancy_n you_o tell_v we_o you_o do_v not_o find_v by_o confession_n 40._o that_o the_o rich_a who_o frequent_a the_o theatre_n be_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o that_o the_o gild_n of_o their_o life_n be_v pretty_a equal_a with_o the_o poor_a who_o never_o see_v a_o play_n why_o do_v you_o not_o complete_a the_o argument_n by_o add_v far_o that_o luxury_n and_o esseminacy_n and_o idleness_n and_o the_o excess_n and_o exquisite_a delicacy_n of_o high_a feed_n and_o the_o anxious_a pursuit_n of_o pleasure_n in_o every_o thing_n they_o do_v be_v not_o at_o all_o injurious_a to_o the_o rich_a because_o the_o poor_a who_o condition_n set_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o these_o temptation_n be_v equal_o deprave_v with_o love_n of_o pleasure_n be_v not_o you_o sensible_a sir_n that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o think_v they_o do_v not_o visible_o produce_v the_o ill_a effect_n mention_v here_o do_v yet_o infuse_v some_o secret_a disposition_n of_o very_a mischievous_a consequence_n though_o these_o disposition_n do_v not_o always_o break_v out_o into_o act_n nor_o betray_v all_o their_o malignity_n present_o whatever_o feed_v and_o inflame_v the_o passion_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n and_o a_o man_n who_o make_v due_a enquiry_n into_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o examine_v all_o the_o lurk_a cause_n of_o evil_a there_o will_v find_v abundant_a matter_n for_o confession_n in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o
this_o error_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o just_a importance_n of_o those_o argument_n upon_o which_o these_o prohibition_n to_o clergyman_n in_o particular_a be_v found_v you_o will_v find_v for_o instance_n in_o the_o canon_n of_o â—…_n nice_a in_o the_o decretal_n of_o lâ—…o_n and_o other_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n upon_o which_o the_o forbid_a of_o usury_n to_o person_n in_o holy_a order_n be_v ground_v be_v such_o as_o equal_o concern_v and_o oblige_v all_o christian_n of_o what_o quality_n soever_o and_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n arise_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o what_o the_o general_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v before_o ordain_v for_o all_o the_o church_n by_o her_o subsequent_a order_n intend_v to_o enforce_v and_o bind_v yet_o more_o upon_o the_o clergy_n in_o particular_a and_o the_o true_a way_n of_o argue_v the_o like_a case_n will_v be_v to_o make_v the_o fame_n inference_n from_o these_o canon_n which_o forbid_v all_o ecclesiastical_a person_n to_o be_v present_a at_o public_a show_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n now_o before_o we_o and_o that_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o tours_n transcribe_v into_o this_o paragraph_n may_v prove_v a_o very_a safe_a and_o excellent_a guide_n to_o our_o reason_n in_o such_o matter_n fourteen_o a_o answer_n to_o that_o 〈◊〉_d takâ—…_n from_o the_o necessâ—…_n oâ—…_n diversâ—…_n we_o be_v tell_v indeed_o 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o some_o diversion_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o some_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v a_o amusement_n to_o court_n and_o common_a people_n but_o to_o this_o st._n chrysostom_n reply_v 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o flock_v to_o theatre_n for_o we_o may_v find_v abundance_n of_o entertainment_n elsewhere_o all_o nature_n be_v rich_o furnish_v with_o delightful_a spectacle_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o our_o own_o private_a affair_n be_v capable_a of_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o variety_n of_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o mind_n may_v recreate_v itself_o that_o a_o man_n need_v be_v at_o no_o trouble_n to_o seek_v out_o more_o in_o short_a that_o a_o christian_n have_v no_o such_o urgent_a occasion_n for_o pleasure_n as_o shall_v oblige_v he_o to_o procure_v it_o by_o such_o frequent_a repetition_n and_o such_o solemn_a and_o industrious_a pain_n to_o render_v it_o agreeable_a but_o if_o our_o vitiate_a palate_n can_v no_o long_o take_v up_o with_o such_o delight_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o natural_a and_o wholesome_a and_o disease_a mind_n must_v be_v awaken_v and_o quicken_v up_o to_o pleasure_n by_o motion_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o irregular_a leave_v to_o other_o the_o determine_n of_o particular_a case_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o present_a design_n i_o shall_v make_v no_o difficulty_n to_o declare_v in_o general_a that_o the_o most_o modest_a and_o moderate_a refreshment_n ought_v to_o be_v apply_v and_o such_o diversion_n as_o be_v least_o apt_a to_o stir_v our_o passion_n and_o discompose_v the_o settle_a sedate_n temper_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o those_o be_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o take_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n since_o even_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o have_v leave_v we_o sufficient_a information_n we_o do_v not_o say_v plato_n admit_v either_o comedy_n or_o tragedy_n into_o our_o city_n that_o very_a art_n which_o 3._o qualify_v a_o player_n to_o act_v so_o many_o several_a part_n and_o put_v on_o such_o different_a disguise_n be_v think_v by_o plato_n to_o taint_v humane_a conversation_n with_o a_o character_n of_o levity_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o a_o man_n and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o that_o sincerity_n require_v in_o all_o our_o manner_n and_o behaviour_n when_o he_o proceed_v far_a to_o consider_v that_o the_o character_n represent_v upon_o the_o stage_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n either_o mean_a and_o low_a or_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a he_o see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n and_o danger_n in_o this_o practice_n which_o threaten_v the_o player_n themselves_o and_o find_v cause_n to_o fear_v lest_o they_o by_o degree_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o be_v real_o ibid._n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n the_o very_a thing_n they_o use_v to_o personate_v this_o argument_n undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o theatre_n and_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o reason_n for_o idle_a spectator_n but_o leave_v none_o for_o the_o very_a actor_n to_o support_v themselves_o with_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o philosopher_n have_v its_o peculiar_a force_n upon_o that_o observation_n that_o imitation_n by_o degree_n turn_v into_o nature_n and_o by_o counterfeit_n other_o man_n quality_n and_o vice_n man_n at_o last_o come_v to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o they_o degenerate_a into_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n they_o put_v on_o become_v slave_n by_o affect_v to_o appear_v such_o and_o vicious_a by_o commit_v vice_n in_o effigy_n but_o especial_o when_o the_o vehemence_n of_o any_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v represent_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o form_v and_o blow_v up_o those_o passion_n in_o their_o own_o mind_n which_o must_v be_v express_v and_o convey_v to_o the_o audience_n by_o outward_a gesture_n the_o spectator_n likewise_o who_o be_v please_v with_o this_o must_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o temper_n he_o commend_v and_o admire_v the_o player_n because_o he_o raise_v these_o emotion_n in_o he_o and_o all_o this_o as_o he_o go_v on_o there_o be_v just_a the_o water_v and_o cherish_v those_o ill_a weed_n which_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o have_v their_o growth_n check_v and_o be_v suffer_v to_o wither_v away_o and_o die_v in_o we_o thus_o all_o the_o pomp_n and_o preparation_n of_o play_n tend_v only_o to_o make_v man_n passionate_a to_o strengthen_v that_o brutal_a and_o unreasonable_a part_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o our_o weakness_n and_o folly_n and_o from_o hence_o he_o determine_v utter_o to_o reject_v and_o exclude_v from_o his_o constitution_n that_o voluptuous_a and_o sensual_a kind_n of_o poetry_n which_o he_o say_v be_v so_o dangerous_a a_o temptation_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v capable_a of_o corrupt_v the_o most_o and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n xv._n the_o tragedy_n of_o the_o ancient_n though_o more_o grave_a than_o that_o of_o the_o modern_n conâ—…ned_v by_o 〈◊〉_d principle_n of_o 〈◊〉_d philosopher_n by_o this_o mean_n he_o push_v his_o argument_n on_o to_o the_o very_a first_o principles_n and_o carry_v it_o so_o high_a as_o to_o strip_v play_n of_o all_o that_o be_v pleasurable_a and_o entertain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o diversion_n they_o give_v by_o represent_v and_o exciting_a the_o passion_n the_o invective_n of_o the_o father_n be_v partly_o level_v at_o the_o too_o large_a freedom_n and_o the_o indecency_n of_o the_o theatre_n of_o the_o ancient_n which_o yet_o be_v intend_v against_o all_o scenical_a 〈◊〉_d and_o representation_n in_o general_n it_o be_v the_o great_a mistake_n in_o the_o world_n to_o think_v that_o their_o tragedy_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n blame_v for_o whatever_o piece_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o from_o the_o old_a pagan_n i_o blush_v to_o think_v what_o a_o reproach_n this_o observation_n be_v to_o christian_n do_v so_o very_o far_o excel_v we_o in_o gravity_n and_o wisdom_n that_o the_o modern_a theatre_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o natural_a simplicity_n our_o poet_n do_v so_o far_o exceed_v all_o measure_n in_o this_o point_n that_o even_o the_o english_a i_o hear_v insult_v over_o some_o of_o they_o for_o their_o intemperate_a itch_n of_o gallantry_n and_o make_v their_o hero_n carry_v their_o soft_a passion_n to_o the_o utmost_a height_n in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n the_o ancient_n be_v very_o far_o from_o this_o indecency_n and_o prudent_o confine_v that_o passion_n to_o comedy_n which_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o sublime_a air_n fit_a for_o the_o grandeur_n proper_a to_o tragedy_n and_o yet_o even_o this_o most_o exalt_a and_o serious_a part_n which_o be_v true_o tragical_a can_v not_o obtain_v the_o approbation_n of_o their_o philosopher_n plato_n will_v not_o endure_v the_o solemn_a i_o amentation_n 10._o of_o the_o theatre_n because_o as_o he_o say_v â—…y_o give_v too_o much_o countenance_n to_o that_o weakness_n of_o mâ—…d_n and_o querulous_a temper_n which_o utter_v it_o â—…elf_n 〈◊〉_d sigh_n and_o tear_n and_o dolâ—…ful_a complaâ—…s_n and_o the_o argument_n he_o bring_v against_o 〈◊〉_d be_v very_o substantial_a viz._n that_o no_o â—…tunes_n which_o happen_v to_o man_n in_o this_o 〈◊〉_d be_v worth_a so_o deep_a resentment_n and_o so_o many_o tear_n nor_o be_v he_o less_o displease_v with_o the_o cherish_n those_o
and_o shun_v by_o we_o in_o this_o collection_n of_o object_n for_o our_o thought_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o propound_v to_o every_o christian_a let_v our_o vindicator_n try_v if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o place_n for_o our_o modern_a play_n how_o loud_o and_o bold_o soever_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n maâ—…_n boast_v of_o or_o undertake_v to_o defend_v then_o but_o far_a yet_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o assign_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o profound_a silence_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o this_o subject_a of_o play_n which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o they_o to_o those_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o principal_o address_v themselves_o because_o these_o sort_n of_o diversion_n have_v never_o be_v receive_v or_o in_o common_a practice_n among_o they_o they_o have_v no_o spectacle_n to_o make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o solemn_a rejoying_n their_o festival_n their_o sacrifice_n and_o their_o religious_a ceremony_n supply_v this_o office_n abundant_o they_o be_v by_o their_o primitive_a institution_n a_o plain_a and_o natural_a sort_n of_o liver_n they_o have_v none_o of_o the_o gaiety_n and_o corrupt_a invention_n of_o greece_n and_o after_o that_o encomium_n of_o balaam_n there_o be_v no_o idol_n 23._o in_o jacob_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o divination_n in_o israel_n a_o man_n may_v add_v there_o be_v no_o theatre_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o corrupt_a and_o dangerous_a representation_n among_o they_o this_o innocent_a people_n find_v pleasure_n and_o entertainment_n enough_o in_o their_o own_o family_n and_o with_o their_o own_o child_n here_o they_o choose_v to_o recreate_v their_o mind_n after_o the_o example_n set_v they_o by_o their_o ancestor_n the_o patriarch_n when_o they_o have_v labour_v and_o satigue_v themselves_o in_o cultivate_v their_o ground_n or_o attend_v their_o flock_n and_o those_o other_o domestic_a care_n which_o succeed_v into_o the_o place_n of_o these_o employment_n and_o indeed_o we_o much_o mistake_v the_o matter_n if_o as_o we_o find_v they_o have_v not_o so_o we_o vain_o suppose_v that_o any_o other_o man_n have_v need_v of_o so_o profuse_a expense_n so_o much_o contrivance_n and_o such_o exquisite_a vanity_n to_o divert_v and_o refresh_v themselves_o such_o be_v the_o character_n of_o those_o jew_n and_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v one_o main_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n be_v silent_a in_o this_o matter_n they_o who_o have_v all_o along_o be_v accustom_a to_o that_o simplicity_n of_o behaviour_n in_o use_n among_o that_o race_n and_o in_o that_o country_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o reprove_v or_o take_v notice_n in_o their_o write_n of_o such_o practice_n as_o the_o nation_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v and_o to_o who_o they_o write_v be_v perfect_o stranger_n to_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n to_o lay_v down_o such_o general_a principle_n of_o virtue_n as_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o create_v a_o dislike_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o ever_o they_o shall_v be_v afterward_o introduce_v the_o christian_n know_v well_o enough_o that_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o superstructure_n upon_o the_o jewish_a and_o that_o the_o church_n ought_v not_o to_o admit_v what_o the_o synagogue_n have_v banish_v before_o but_o however_o that_o be_v the_o jew_n reserve_v and_o strictness_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o great_a example_n to_o christian_n and_o a_o horrible_a reproach_n it_o be_v to_o a_o spiritual_a people_n to_o indulge_v the_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o affection_n by_o those_o delight_n which_o a_o carnal_a people_n never_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o xxi_o reflection_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o canticle_n and_o church-music_n there_o be_v but_o one_o dramatic_a poem_n ever_o among_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o canticle_n but_o this_o breathe_v only_o heavenly_a and_o divine_a love_n and_o yet_o because_o this_o refine_a and_o exalt_a affection_n be_v represent_v in_o character_n of_o human_a love_n young_a people_n be_v forbid_v to_o read_v that_o book_n whereas_o now_o no_o scruple_n be_v make_v of_o invite_a man_n to_o see_v lover_n sigh_v and_o die_v only_o for_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o love_v and_o to_o give_v the_o spectator_n a_o relish_n for_o the_o amorous_a 33._o folly_n st._n augustin_n make_v some_o question_n whether_o music_n and_o singing_n shall_v be_v allow_v in_o church_n and_o if_o the_o severe_a discipline_n of_o st._n athanasius_n and_o the_o church_n of_o alexandria_n shall_v not_o rather_o be_v stick_v to_o which_o be_v so_o grave_a and_o rigorous_a as_o scarce_o to_o allow_v the_o gentle_a turn_n of_o the_o voice_n in_o sing_v or_o rather_o in_o repeat_v the_o psalm_n so_o very_o jealous_a be_v some_o good_a man_n in_o the_o church_n that_o the_o sweetness_n of_o sing_v may_v make_v the_o mind_n too_o light_a and_o airy_a i_o do_v not_o instance_n in_o this_o example_n with_o any_o design_n of_o censure_v the_o contrary_a method_n since_o in_o use_n by_o which_o though_o somewhat_o late_o grave_a and_o solemn_a music_n be_v introduce_v into_o divine_a worship_n to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o sink_v and_o flag_n and_o sensible_o to_o express_v the_o magnificence_n of_o this_o worship_n when_o their_o cold_a and_o languid_a devotion_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o these_o help_n i_o will_v not_o therefore_o be_v think_v to_o condemn_v this_o practice_n either_o by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o ancient_n or_o the_o gravity_n of_o the_o modern_a sing_v i_o only_o complain_v that_o the_o scrupulous_a nicety_n of_o those_o holy_a father_n be_v so_o far_o forget_v that_o instead_o of_o be_v tender_a and_o jealous_a of_o admit_v the_o delight_n of_o music_n to_o set_v off_o the_o song_n of_o zion_n the_o world_n take_v pain_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o vice_n and_o ribaldry_n and_o such_o as_o profane_a atheistcal_n babylon_n will_v inspire_v her_o abomination_n with_o the_o same_o st._n augustine_n reprove_v those_o writer_n who_o make_v a_o ostentation_n of_o their_o wit_n in_o give_v pretty_a turn_n to_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o beg_v they_o that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v pain_n to_o make_v that_o please_a which_o be_v not_o profitable_a ne_fw-fr faciant_fw-la delectabilia_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la inutilia_fw-la but_o now_o man_n labour_v to_o make_v that_o please_v which_o be_v sure_a to_o hurt_v they_o who_o it_o please_v and_o no_o less_o pernicious_a a_o design_n than_o this_o have_v gain_v the_o author_n of_o the_o discourse_n a_o great_a many_o friend_n and_o favourite_n in_o the_o world_n xxii_o st._n thomas_n aquinas_n his_o doctrine_n upon_o this_o occasion_n explain_v etc._n it_o be_v now_o a_o proper_a time_n to_o divest_v this_o discourse_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o warrant_n which_o play_n be_v here_o entitle_v to_o from_o the_o great_a name_n of_o st._n thomas_n and_o other_o holy_a and_o learned_a casuist_n as_o to_o st._n thomas_n two_o article_n be_v allege_v out_o of_o he_o part_n of_o the_o question_n concern_v modesty_n in_o outward_a action_n and_o bodily_a gesture_n and_o nothing_o we_o be_v tell_v can_v be_v more_o particular_a more_o full_a to_o the_o purpose_n than_o what_o he_o deliver_v there_o be_v in_o vindication_n of_o play_n now_o first_o of_o all_o i_o must_v observe_v to_o my_o reader_n that_o the_o business_n of_o play_n be_v not_o the_o main_a subject_n which_o he_o there_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o but_o that_o it_o come_v in_o occasional_o only_a the_o question_n propound_v in_o that_o second_o article_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o 3._o we_o call_v â—…udicrous_a and_o divert_v which_o may_v be_v allow_v of_o in_o human_a conversation_n as_o well_o in_o action_n as_o in_o word_n dictis_fw-la seu_fw-la factis_fw-la in_o plain_a term_n whether_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o sport_n and_o diversion_n and_o innocent_a recreation_n which_o may_v come_v under_o the_o head_n of_o bodily_a gesture_n and_o he_o affirm_v that_o such_o there_o be_v and_o that_o the_o use_v they_o well_o and_o pâ—…dently_o be_v not_o only_o allowable_a but_o even_o a_o virtue_n which_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_v the_o matter_n now_o in_o dispute_n throughout_o this_o whole_a article_n he_o say_v not_o one_o word_n of_o play_n but_o he_o speak_v in_o general_a term_n concern_v diversion_n necessary_a for_o unbending_a and_o refresh_a the_o mind_n which_o he_o reduce_v to_o that_o virtue_n style_v by_o aristotle_n eutrapelia_n as_o their_o proper_a topick_n in_o morality_n a_o term_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o explain_v by_o and_o by_o from_o hence_o he_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o article_n and_o here_o the_o point_n to_o be_v discuss_v be_v whether_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o vicious_a excess_n in_o such_o merriment_n and_o diversion_n and_o he_o show_v evident_o that_o
fool_n and_o clown_n whereas_o st._n chrysostome_n keep_v his_o eye_n chief_o upon_o that_o part_n of_o the_o signification_n which_o imply_v the_o levity_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o the_o person_n the_o meanness_n of_o turn_v mimic_n and_o affect_v to_o make_v the_o company_n laugh_v all_o which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o quality_n much_o too_o trifle_a and_o airy_a for_o the_o gravity_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v such_o important_a concern_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o beneath_o who_o character_n it_o be_v to_o descend_v to_o such_o little_a and_o despicable_a artifices_fw-la and_o design_n this_o be_v what_o he_o very_o frequent_o inculcate_n 4._o and_o urge_v in_o proof_n of_o it_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n immediate_o follow_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o convenient_a for_o whereas_o the_o vulgar_a have_v translate_v it_o scurrilitas_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la non_fw-la pertinet_fw-la so_o refer_v this_o last_o clause_n to_o jest_a only_o the_o greek_a plain_o intimate_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n mention_v before_o by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o convenient_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o the_o vulgar_a likewise_o heretofore_o understand_v the_o passage_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o st._n jerome_n who_o read_v it_o non_fw-fr pertinent_a but_o whatever_o become_v of_o these_o criticism_n and_o various_a readins_n st._n chrysostome_n be_v express_v and_o positive_a that_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o discourse_n the_o filthy_a the_o foolish_a and_o the_o jest_a or_o ridicul_v be_v not_o convenient_a for_o a_o christian._n and_o he_o explain_v that_o term_n convenient_a by_o say_v they_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o that_o be_v they_o do_v not_o suit_v our_o condition_n nor_o be_v of_o a_o piece_n with_o our_o christian_a call_v and_o duty_n under_o these_o sort_n of_o discourse_n thus_o unbecoming_a and_o unworthy_a of_o christian_n he_o comprehend_v even_o those_o which_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a writer_n style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d urbana_n by_o which_o they_o mean_v the_o most_o witty_a and_o inoffensive_a sort_n of_o raillery_n such_o as_o speak_v a_o man_n ingenious_a and_o well_o breed_v as_o well_o as_o facetious_a and_o good_a humour_v of_o what_o use_n say_v he_o be_v even_o these_o raillery_n they_o only_o serve_v to_o make_v you_o laugh_v and_o a_o little_a after_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o turn_v to_o no_o profit_n and_o such_o as_o we_o 〈◊〉_d have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n which_o consist_v of_o and_o recommend_v such_o method_n and_o practice_n only_o as_o be_v profitable_a and_o pertinent_a to_o it_o be_v main_a design_n therefore_o let_v there_o be_v no_o idle_a word_n among_o you_o plain_o allude_v to_o that_o sentence_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n where_o he_o forbid_v and_o threaten_v such_o word_n with_o a_o severe_a reckon_a to_o be_v require_v for_o they_o this_o father_n proceed_v to_o represent_v the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o such_o light_n and_o frothy_a wit_n and_o at_o every_o turn_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n again_o that_o such_o discourse_n as_o aim_v at_o provoke_a laughter_n however_o they_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o mark_n of_o part_n and_o polish_a conversation_n be_v yet_o unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_a and_o he_o at_o once_o lament_v and_o profess_v himself_o amaze_v that_o any_o such_o wretched_a thing_n as_o a_o knack_n of_o this_o kind_n shall_v pass_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o a_o accomplishment_n and_o be_v rank_v under_o any_o head_n of_o virtue_n this_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v intend_v for_o a_o gird_v at_o aristotle_n who_o be_v the_o only_a person_n with_o who_o this_o pass_n for_o a_o virtue_n which_o st._n chrysostome_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v to_o be_v such_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o he_o take_v his_o notion_n and_o etymology_n of_o eutrapelia_n from_o aristotle_n thus_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o discern_v he_o treat_v of_o it_o throughout_o that_o so_o often_o cite_v homily_n and_o those_o reader_n who_o be_v at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o manner_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n who_o discourse_n be_v full_a of_o learned_a and_o secret_a allusion_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a philosopher_n which_o it_o be_v his_o way_n frequent_o to_o reprove_v without_o any_o express_a mention_n of_o the_o author_n who_o maintain_v it_o will_v make_v no_o doubt_n that_o my_o present_a observation_n be_v just_a and_o thus_o you_o have_v st._n chrysostome_n opinion_n of_o that_o pretend_a virtue_n style_v eutrapelia_n which_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a christian_n know_v little_a of_o theophylact_fw-mi and_o oecumenius_n do_v here_o as_o be_v usual_a with_o they_o in_o other_o place_n they_o be_v only_o a_o abridgement_n of_o what_o st._n chrysostome_n have_v deliver_v more_o at_o large_a and_o do_v not_o go_v about_o at_o all_o to_o mollify_v the_o seem_a austere_a principle_n of_o their_o master_n xxxii_o some_o passage_n out_o of_o st._n ambrose_n and_o st._n jerom_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a nor_o be_v the_o latin_a father_n less_o severe_a upon_o this_o occasion_n st._n thomas_n quote_v a_o passage_n out_o of_o st._n ambrose_n which_o he_o find_v himself_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o reconcile_v with_o aristotle_n it_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o book_n of_o office_n wherein_o that_o father_n handle_v much_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o cicero_n have_v do_v in_o that_o tract_n we_o have_v of_o he_o under_o the_o same_o title_n and_o here_o after_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o rule_v give_v by_o that_o orator_n and_o some_o other_o philosopher_n who_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n seculares_fw-la viri_fw-la upon_o the_o matter_n of_o jest_a and_o raillery_n joca_fw-la he_o begin_v with_o this_o remark_n that_o he_o for_o his_o part_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v upon_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moral_a philosopher_n de_fw-fr jocandè_fw-la disciplina_fw-la this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o topick_n fit_a for_o we_o to_o pass_v over_o in_o silence_n nobis_fw-la proetereunda_fw-la such_o as_o christian_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o because_o as_o he_o go_v on_o there_o although_o there_o be_v some_o raillery_n in_o conversation_n which_o be_v sometime_o agreeable_a and_o decent_a licet_fw-la interdum_fw-la joca_fw-la honesta_fw-la sint_fw-la ac_fw-la suavia_fw-la yet_o be_v they_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n ab_fw-la ecclefiasticâ_fw-la abhorrent_n regulà _fw-fr for_o say_v he_o we_o can_v prescribe_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v any_o direction_n for_o quae_fw-la in_o scripture_n sanctis_fw-la non_fw-la reperimus_fw-la ea_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la usurpare_fw-la possumus_fw-la and_o this_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o in_o those_o holy_a book_n we_o no_o where_o meet_a with_o any_o approbation_n or_o warrant_n for_o such_o sort_n of_o talk_n as_o aim_n and_o labour_n to_o make_v man_n laugh_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o st._n ambrose_n after_o have_v instance_a in_o those_o word_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n woe_n unto_o you_o that_o laugh_v now_o express_v his_o astonishment_n that_o christian_n shall_v so_o industrous_o seek_v occasion_n and_o contrive_v matter_n for_o laughter_n et_fw-la nos_fw-la ridâ—…ndi_fw-la materiam_fw-la quaerimus_fw-la ut_fw-la hîc_fw-la ridentes_fw-la illîc_fw-la fleamus_fw-la where_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o observe_v that_o he_o rather_o forbid_v seek_v these_o occasion_n industrious_o than_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v divert_v with_o they_o when_o they_o offer_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o fall_v in_o without_o our_o seek_n but_o this_o distinction_n notwithstanding_o he_o infer_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o decline_v not_o only_o study_v and_o excessive_a raillery_n but_o indeed_o all_o sort_n of_o it_o non_fw-la solum_fw-la profusos_fw-la sed_fw-la omnes_fw-la etiam_fw-la jocos_fw-la declinandos_fw-la arbitror_fw-la and_o this_o explain_v what_o go_v before_o by_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o decency_n there_o mention_v and_o allow_v be_v such_o only_a as_o regard_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o common_a conversation_n not_o that_o it_o have_v any_o express_a allowance_n or_o approbation_n from_o scripture_n or_o be_v not_o if_o nice_o consider_v a_o offence_n against_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o christian_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n and_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n aquinas_n that_o he_o may_v mollify_v this_o passage_n 1._o so_o irreconcilable_a with_o aristotle_n virtue_n of_o eutrapelia_n tell_v we_o that_o st._n ambrose_n do_v not_o design_n utter_o to_o banish_v jest_a out_o of_o common_a conversation_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o allowable_a in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n non_fw-la excludit_fw-la universaliter_fw-la jocum_fw-la a_o conversatione_fw-la humana_fw-la
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