The Players Scourge, Part 1 · Act 1
ACTVS 1.
SCAENA PRIMA.
THat all popular, and common Stage-Playes, Argument. 1.whether Comicall, Tragicall, Satyricall, Mimicall, or mixt of either, Stage-Playes had their originall from the Deuill himselfe, therefore they must needes be euill.(especially, as they are now composed, and personated,) are such sinfull, hurtfull, and pernicious Recreations, as are altogether vnseemely, and vnlawfull vntounto Christians: I shall first of all euidence, and prooue it, from their originall parents, and primary Inuentors: which were no other, but the very Deuill himselfe; or at leastwise, Idolatrous, and Voluptuous Pagans, impregnated with this infernall issue from Hell it selfe: from whence I argue in the first place, thus.
That which had its birth, and primarie conception from the very Deuill himselfe, who is all, and onelyonly euill; must needes be Sinfull, Pernicious, and altogether vnseemely, yea, Vnlawfull vntounto Christians.
But Stage-Playes had their birth, and primary conception, from the very Deuill himselfe, who is all, and onelyonly euill.
Therefore they must needes bee Sinfull, Pernicious, and altogether vnseemely, yea, Vnlawfull vntounto Christians.
The Minor, (which is onelyonly liable to exception,) I shall easily make good: First, by the direct, and punctuall testimony of sundry Fathers. Clemens Alexandrinus, Oratio Exhortatoria, ad Gentes. fol. 8. Tertullian de Spectaculis. cap. 5.7.10.24. Clemens Romanus, Constitutionum Apostolorum. lib. 2. c. 65.66. S. Cyprian, De Spectaculis. l. & Epist. l. 1. Epist. 10. Eucratio, Arnobius Disputatio… Aduers. Gentes. l. 7. Lactantius, De Vero Cultu. c. 20. Cyrill of Hierusol. Catech. Mystag. 1. S. Chrysostome, Hom. 6.7. & 38. on Mat. S. Augustine, De Ciuit. Dei. lib. 1. cap. 32. l. 2. c. 6. to 23. Saluian. De Gub. Dei. lib. 6. pag. 206.207. aTertullianus apud Latinos omnium facile princeps iudicandus: Quid enim hoc viro doctius? quid in diuinis atque humanis rebus exercitatius? Nempe omnem Philosophiam & cunctas Philosophorum sectas, auctores, adsertoresque sectarum, omnesque …orum disciplinas, omnem historiarum …c studiorum varietatem mir …qu… dam mentis capacitate complexus est. Vincenti…s Le…inensis, Contra. Haereses. cap. 24.All excellently learned in all the learning of the Heathen, and therefore, best able to determine of the Originall of Stage-Playes, especially, since they liued so neere vntounto their birth-day.) All these, I say, to whom I might adde: Pope Innocent the first, Epistolarum Decretalium. Epist. 2. ad Victricium. cap. 11. (which you shall finde in Surius, Conciliorum. Tom. 1. pag. 529. and in Gratian. Distinctio. 51. cap. Praeterea, frequenter:) Ludouicus Vi…es, Comment. in Augustinum, De Ciu. Dei. lib. 1. cap. 32. lib. 2. cap. 6. to 22. Coelius Rhodiginus Antiquarum Lectionum. lib. 8. cap. 7. Agrippa De Vanitate Scientiarum. cap. 59. Ioannes Mariana, Doct. Reinolds, Gosson, with sundry others in their Bookes, and Treatises against Stage-Playes: doe expressely testifie: That all Theatricall Playes, or Enterludes, had their Originall birth from the very Deuill himselfe, who inuented them for his owne honour, and worship, to detaine men captiue by them, in his infernall snares: Whence they all condemne them, as sinfull, hurtfull, abominable, and vnlawfull pleasures: stiling all Play-houses: the bDiabol… Ecclesia: Officina scelerum; Cathedra pestilentiarum, &c Tertul. Apolog. & De Spectac. lib. Clem. Alex. Paedag. lib. 3. cap. 11. Basil. He…aem. hom. 4Temples, Chappels, Chaires, Shops, and School…s of Satan: and Playes, the Deuils Spectacles, Lectures, Sacrifices, Recreations, and the like. If all these seuerall Witnesses then hauehave any credit: (as their testimony in our present case, was neuer contradicted to my knowledge, by any Christian, or Pagan Author:) my Minor, (yea, my Maior likewise,) neede no farther proofe: But yet to satisfie vncredulous spirits in this point, I shall here in the second place, recite some two, or three Histories of note, and credit, which prooue my assumption to the full. Memorable to this purpose, is that story cDe Spectac. cap. 26.in Tertullian; who informes vsus: that a Christian woman in his time, going to see a Stage-Play acted, returned from it possessed with a Deuill: which Deuill being interrogated by the Exorcists, and Christians that came to dispossesse him, how he durst assault a beleeuing Christian in such a presumptuous manner? Returned them this answere, with much boldnesse: that he had done most iustly in it, in meo enim eam inueni: for I found her in my owne Temple, negociated, and imployed in my seruice: Whence this acute, and learned Author doeth (as we also from it may) conclude: dDe Spectac. cap. 24. to 28.that Playes, and Play-houses came originally from the Deuill himselfe, because hee claimes both them, and those who doe frequent them for his owne. eValerius Maximus. l. 2. cap. 4. sect. 4. Polydor Virgil. De Inuent. Rerum l 4. c. 14.Adde wee to this, the storie of one Valesius a wealthy Roman: whose three children being desperately sicke of the Plague, and afterwards recouered by washing them in hote water, taken from the Altar of Proserpina: which remedy, was prescribed vntounto him by an immediate voyce from his Deuill-Gods, after his earnest prayer to them, to translate their sickenesses on himselfe: these infernall Spirits, in recompence of this their cure, appearing to those recouered Patients in a Dreame: commanded them to celebrate Playes vntounto them; which Valesius did accordingly: This story I shall couple with that of fDionysius Hallicarnasseus An…iq Rom. l. 7. c. 9. Cicero de Diuinatione lib. 1. Arnobius Disput. aduersus Gentes. l. 7. Lactantius de Orig. Erroris. cap. 8. Minutius Felix. Octauius. p. 19. Augustine De Ciui. Dei. lib. 4. cap. 26. Ludo. Vi…es Notae. in August. Ibid. Li…e. Rom. Hist. lib. 2. Sect. 36. Relate this storie.Titus Latinus, as some; or Tiberius Atti…ius, as others stile him: to whom the great Deuill-God Iupiter Capitolinus, vnderunder the Consulship of Qu. Sulpitius Camerinus, & Sp. Largius Flauus, in a great mortality both of men, and beasts, appeared in a dreame: commanding him, to informe the Senate; that the cause of this fatalitie, was, their negligence, in not prouiding him an expert, and eminent Presultor in their last Playes, that they celebrated to him: and withall, to enioyne them from him, to celebrate these Playes afresh vntounto him, with greater care and cost, and then this Plague should cease: He supposing it to be a meere dreame, and fancy of his owne, neglects his arrant; vponupon which this great Master-Deuill appeares vntounto him the second time, threatning to punish him for his precedent neglect, and charging him to di…patch his former message to the Senate: Who neglecting it as before, as being ashamed, and with all affraide, to relate it to the Senate, *Quanquam hand sa…e liber erat religione animus: vere cundia tamen maiestaris Mag…stratuum timorem vic…t, ne in ore hominum pro ludibrio abiret. Liuie. Rom. Hist. l. 2. Sect. 36.left it should prooue nothing but his own… priuate fancy… some few dayes after, his Sonne was taken away from him by sodaine death, and a griping sickenesse seised vponupon eueryevery part, and member of his body, so that he could not so much as stirre one ioynt, without intollerable paine and torture. Where vponupon, by the aduice of some of his friends, to whom he did impart these dreames, hee was carried vp out of the Countrey in a litter, into the Senate house, where he deliuered his former message: no sooner had he ended his relation, but his sickenesse foorthwith leaues him; and rising out of his bed, he returnes vntounto his house an healthie man: The Senate wondring at it, commanded these Playes to bee againe renewed, with double the former pompe and cost; and so the Pestilence ceased.
These two precedent parallell Histories, (the trueth of which the Fathers in the margent testifie, (doe insallibly demonstrate, the Deuill hims…lfe to b…e the Authour of these Stage-Playes, since he inioynes his Pagan worshippers to celebrate them to his honour, and takes such pleasure, and contentment in them. To these, I shal annexe one story more, which though most Protestants may chance to slight, as a fable; yet all our Roman Catholiques, (who are much deuoted to these. Theatricall Spectacles,) will ready subscribe vntounto it, as an vndoubted trueth: and that as our rare Historian, fHistoria Angliae, Tiguri 1589. pag. 209.210.Mathew Paris at large relates it, is briefely this: Saint Dominicke, Saint Iulian, and one Thurcillus a plaine Husband-man, being in the Church of Saint Maries, about the middle of the world, where there were many Soules of Saints departed, in endlesse Blisse, others… in Purgatory: on a Saturnday euening neere night: saw a Deuill towards the North part of the Church, riding post towards Hell on a blacke horse, with many damned Soules: Saint Dominicke chargeth this Deuill to come presently to him: who delaying to doe it, out of ioy for the great bootie of Soules which he had gotten, Saint Dominicke takes a rod, and whips him well, causing him to follow him to the North side of the Church, where Soules were vsually freed; where the Deuill among other things informes him, that eueryevery Lords day at night, (a time which some men consecrate and set apart for Stage-Playes, and such infernall Pastimes, whereas gAct. 20.7.9.11.Saint Paul did spend it all in preaching:) the Deuils did vse to meete in Hell, and there did recreate, and exhilarate themselues hLudis Theatralibus.with Stage-Playes: Which Saint Dominicke, and the others hearing, they desired the Deuill, that they might goe along with him to Hell, to see their Enterludes: who putting by Thurcillus, per…itted Saint Dominicke, and Saint Iulian to accompany him: the Deuill brings them into a large, but smokie house towards the North, enuironed with three wals; where they see an ample Theater with seates round about it, where sundry Deuils sate in a row laughing, and making themselues merry with the torments, and sinnes of the Damned, whom the Prince of the Deuils commanded to bee brought vponupon the Stage, and to Act their parts in order. And first of all, the Proud man is brought vponupon the Theater: next an iAnimarum nec casu… reputatur, nec salus. Male viuunt, & subi…ct…s male vi…re volunt. Bernard. ad Cle…um Sermo Col. 1726. C.Didle Nonresident, who did not feede his Flocke, neither by Life, nor Doctrine: then a Souldier, who had liued by Murther, and Rapine: then an Oppressing, and Bribe-taking Lawyer, who was once an Officer in the Kings Exchequer, and did much oppresse the Subiects: next a… Adulterer, and an Adulteresse: then a Sclanderer: next a Theife: and last of all, a Sacrilegious person, who had violated Sanctuaries; all these comming in their seuerall garbes, and postures, did Act their proper parts, and had seuerall Tragicall tortures inflicted on them by the Deuils Ministers, who were likewise Spectators of-these Ludibrious Spectacles. If then the Deuils recreate themselues thus in Hell with Stage-Playes, as this Historian reports; if they thus Proiect, and Puruay for them; they may be well reputed the primary Authors, and Inuentors of them.
Lastly, that which is vtterly displeasing vntounto God, and wholy fraught with Scurrility, Prophannesse, Sinne, and Wickednesse: that which was at first de…oted to the Deuils immediate worship, and cannot any wayes bee deemed the inuention, or product, either of God himselfe, kPsal. 99.5. Hab. 1.13. 1 Pet. 1.15, 16.who is infinitely holy, lNihil turpe ex honesto nasci potest. Lactant. de Falsa Sapientia. cap. 11.and therefore, no Proiector of such vnholy pleasures:) or of Christians, or ciuill Pagans; mNihil Diaboli non est, qui…quid D…i non est, vel deo displicet. Tertul. de Spectac. cap. 24must of necessitie be fathered on the Deuill himselfe, who is the common seed-plot of all vncleannesse, and prophannesse whatsoeuer: But such are Stage-Playes: as nSee Scaene 2.hereafter I shall prooue at large: Therefore they must of necessitie, call the Deuill Father, and be reputed as his of-spring… so that the Assumption of my former argument is irrefragable.
For the Maior: That things which had their birth, and primary conception from the Deuill himselfe, who is all, and onelyonly euill, must needes bee sinfull, pernicious, vnseemely, and vnlawfull vntounto Christians: I presume, no Christian dares gaine-say it: For what honest, profitable, good, or lawfull thing, can flow, or issue from him, o1 Iohn 2.13, 14. Math. 5.37.who is wholy euill, p1 Pet. 5.8. Iob 1.7. c. 2.2.and walkes about in an indefatigable, and restlesse manner, like a roring Lyon, seeking whom he may deuoure? qIam 3.1…, 12Can a bitter Fountaine, send foorth sweete; and pleasant streames? rMath. 7.17, 18.19.Or can a corrupt Tree bring foorth good, and holesome fruite? sIob 14 4.Who can bring a cleane thing out of filthinesse; or a good thing out of wickednesse? It is past the skill of any Chymicke, or artist to effect it. Certainely, tEzech. 16.44such as the Mother is, such is the Daughter: uIohn 3.6.that which is borne of the flesh, is flesh, and that which is borne of the spirit, is spirit: Now the xMath. 10…1. chap. 12.43. Marke 3.30. 1 Ioh. 2.13, 14. Peter 5.8.Deuill, is an vncleane, a wicked, a sinfull, and pernicious Spirit: there is no good at all within him: his inuentions, workes, and of-spring, therefore must resemble him: yFacit ad originis maculam, …e bonum existimes quod initium a malo accepit. Tertul. De Spectac. cap 8.they must be euill, vncleane, pernicious, and abominable, like himselfe: zMath. 7.16. Luke 6.43. Iames 3.12.Men doe not, men cannot gather Grapes of Thornes, or Figges of Thistles: such as the stocke is, such must bee the fruite; as Scripture, Nature, Reason, and Experience teach vsus. Since then the Deuill himselfe, is all, and onelyonly euill, abominable, polluted, and pernicious; I meane in his qualitie, as a Deuill, aDiaboli natura non improba, sed opera iniqua. Ambr. Comment. lib. 5. in Luc. 4. Tom. 3. pag. 33. H. & 85. B.not in his …ntitie, as a creature: these Stage-Playes (which are his proper, and immediate issue) must bee so too: if not to Pagans, bEphes. 2.2. 2 Tim. 2.26.inthralled to his bondage, and captiuated at his pleasure in his snares: yet at least to such, as lay any title to the name of Christians: who hauehave vowed in their very Baptisme, and first admittance into the Church of Christ: cCyril. Hierusol… Catech. Mystag. 1. Concil… Constantinop. 6. in Trullo. Can. 96.to forsake the deuill, and all his workes: of which these Stage-Playes, are well-nigh the chiefe: dTertul. D… Spectac. cap. 10.Oderis itaque Christiane, quorum Auctores non poteris non odisse: needes then must all Christians hate these Stage-Playes, whose Author they cannot chuse but hate: needes must they repute them euill, abominable, and pernicious; eQu…d pessimo initio nititur, in nullo vnquam censeri poterit bonum. Athanasius contra Gen…iles. lib.yea, altogether such; since the genitor, and parent of them, is wholly, onelyonly, alwayes such. fIohn 1.46.Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? was a question, that sincere Nathaniel demanded once of Philip, when hee brought tidings to him of Christ: Can any good thing come out of Hell? out of Satan; out of that wicked, and vncleane infernall Spirit, gDiabolus omnem hominem & omnem spi…itum qui sub caelo est, subitò in …cti… oculi perderet, deleret, interficeret, si permitteretur…; & si iuxta voluntatem iniquitatis suae potestatem haberet. Origen. in Iob. lib. 1. Tom. 2. fol. 13, D.who plots the ruine of mens Soules, and nothing else? is the demand I make to such who are inamoured with these Stage-Playes. Alas, what Christian, or Pagan heart, can so much as once conceiue; hDiabolus est humani generis inimicus. Greg. Mag. in 7. Psal. Paenitentiales. fol. 363. H. 1 Pet. 5.8. Mat. 13.39. Ambros. de Paradiso. c. 12.that the professed enemie of mankinde, of God, of goodnesse: the fountaine of all sinne, and wickednesse: the very sincke, and center of all vncleannesse, should be the Author, Propagator, or Contriuer of any reall good: of any thing that furthers the happinesse, or well-fare of the sonnes of men? Was it euer knowne since the world was framed; that this onelyonly Author of all euill, was the cause of any good? of any inuention that might benefit the Bodies, or Soules of men, or further their Temporall, or Eternall well-fare? Oh no: the experience of all ages, all men, all Christians prooues it: For though the Deuill may sometimes commend some seeming good vntounto vsus: yet iVirgil. Eclog. 3. pag. 9.latet anguis in herba: there is alwayes poyson, in his best, and sweetest Potions: there is a Soule-intangling snare, in all his inuentions: a dangerous, and ineuitable hooke in all his baites: all his workes, contriuances, and delights,kImmundi spiritus inn… meris contranos fraudibus accin…t…, …m suadere nobis iniqua nequeunt, ea sub virtutum spe cie nostris obtutibus exponunt. Greg. Mag. Moral. lib. 39. cap. 28. what euer glittering out-side, or Honie tasts, they seeme to hauehave; are but so many lDiabolus blanditur, vt fallat; ar…idet, vt noceat: illicit, vt occidat. Cypr. De Hab. Virginum. Diabolus non diligit f…lios suos, sed odit, quia non amat nisi vt perdat. Ambrose. Sermo. 44.trapp…s, and poysons, to captiuate, and indanger Soules: they are all abominable, and pernicious, like himselfe: and so are Stage-Playes too, as well as others: O then let this conuince them to bee vnlawfull, vnseemely, and pernicious vanities: (as the fore-quoted Fathers, and Authors in the Minor hauehave deemed them for this very reason;) and now at last perswade all Christians, all Pagans, (vnlesse they will sweare homage to the Deuill, and renounce the seruice, and protection of the Liuing, onelyonly God;) for euer to abominate them, as the very product of Satan, and the broode of Hell.
SCAENA SECVNDA.
Argument 2. Stage-Playes were inuented, and practised by Infidels, and Pagans, who were the Deuills instruments: therefo…e they must needes bee sinfull, and abominable.BVt admit, that the Deuill himselfe were not the immediate forger, and parent of these Theatricall Enterludes, which no man can disprooue by any Orthodox recordes: yet this must needes be granted: that Idolatrous Infidels, and the deboisest Pagans, were the first Actors, and Contri…ers of them, and that by the mPagan… ista docente Diabolo adinuenerunt. Concil. Ar…l…tense. 3. Surius Con…il. Tom. 3. pag. 727. Affl…tu Dia…oli tradunt ista quae mortem afferunt, …idem euertunt, &c. Clemens Rom. Cons…it. Apostol. lib. 2. cap. 65.very Instinct, and Tutorship of the Deuill, whose instruments they were: and this alone doeth brand them for euill, and vnlawfull pleasures, which Christians may not practise; as this second Argument will cleerely euidence.
That which had its rise, its pedigree, and being from Idolatrous Infidels; and the Deboisest Pagans, (who were the Deuils agents in this seruice:) must needes bee sinfull, vnlawfull, vnseemely, and pernicious; at least wise vntounto Christians.
But Stage-Playes, if wee take them in their very best conception, had their rise, their pedigree, and being, from Idolatrous Infidels, and the Deboisest Pagans, who were the Deuils Factors in this seruice.
Therefore they must needes be sinfull, vnlawfull, and pernicious; at least wise vntounto Christians.
For the Maior, I shall clearely euidence it, by Authentique Recordes; which though they somewhat vary in the particular persons, yet they all concurre in this: that Pagans, and Infidels, were the first contriuers of these Stage-Playes. nDipnos. l. 2. cap. 1. Horace de Arte Poetica. l. Polyd. Virgil de Inuent. Rerum. lib 1. cap. 10. Alex. Sardis. de Rerum Inuentor. lib. 1. p. 41, 42. Theatrum Vitae humanae. lib. 1. pag 75, 76. Ouid. Fastorum. l. 3. c. 57. Lud. Viues Comment in Aug. de Ciu. Dei. l. 2. cap. ….Athenaeus, with others, informes vsus: that the Athenians were the primary composers of Comicall Enterludes, in imitation of those drunken Husband-men, who Sacrificed, and made Playes to Bacchus, the God of their Vineyards: *De Homero. lib See Dionys. Hallicarnas. Antiq. Romanorum. lib. 7. cap. 9.Plutarch relates, that Comedies, and Tragoedies, tooke their Originall from Homer: oStromatum. lib 1, fol 64.Clemens Alexandrinus records: that one Thespis: pInstit. Orat. lib. 1. cap. 1.Quintilian, that AEschylus, was the first who brought Tragoedies to light. Who euer he was, that first inuented these Playes among the Graecians; yet all concurre, that the Romans (who as it seemes, qDionys. Hallicarnas. Antiq. Rom. lib. 7. cap. 9. Ludou. Viues Comment. in August. De Ciu. Dei l. 2. c. 8. Accordingly.deriued them from the Greekes,) did first imbrace them vponupon this occasion. rLiuie. Hist. lib. 7. Sect. 2. Plut Quest. Rom. lib. Quest. 107. Tertul. de Spectac. cap. 3. to 8. Valerius Maximus. lib. 2. cap. 4 Sect. 4. Macrobius Saturn. lib. 3. cap. 14 B…emus de M…r. Gentium. lib. 3. cap. 8. August. de Ciui Dei. lib. 2. cap. 8. & Ludou. Viues Ib. Orosius. Hist. lib. …. cap. 4. Cael. Rhod. Antiq. Lect l. 8. c. 7. Polyd. Virgil. de Re…. Inuent. lib 3. cap. 13. Alexander, Sardis, de Rerum, Inuent. lib. 1. Godwins Roman Antiquities. lib. 2. Sect. 3. cap 11. Alex. ab Alexand. Gen. Dierum. lib. 6. cap. 19.When as there was a great Plague in Rome, which could not be aswaged by any Diuine, or humane helpes, the Romanes to appease the wrath of their enraged Deuill-gods, sent into Tuscanie for Stage-Players: among whom, one Hister, being more eminent, and expert then the rest, as most: or the AEtrurian word Hister, which signifieth a Play, as others: gaue the name of Histrio, which denominates an Actor, or Player, to all succeeding Stage-Players: How Stage-Playes, which were more rude, and plaine at first, came to be more refined, and inlarged afterwards, I shall referre you, to these marginall sLiuie Hist. Rom. lib. 7. Sect. 2. Alex. Sardis de rerum Inuent. lib. 1. pag. 41. to 46. Horat. de Art… Poetica. lib. Godwins Roman Antiq. lib. 2. Sect. 3 c. 13.14.Authors, which will at large informe you: onelyonly this I shall say in briefe; that both the inception, and grouth of Stage-Playes, by the consent of all Recordes, was from Idolatrous Infidels, and voluptuous Pagans, whose wayes, and workes, we Christians must not follow.
For the Maior, I willingly acknowledge; that tTota pars humanarum institutionum quae ad vsum vitae necessarium proficiunt, nequaquam est fugienda Christiano, immo quantum satis est intuenda, memori…que retinenda. Omnes verò artes huiusmodi vel nugatoriae. vel noxiae superstitionis, ex quadam pestifera societate hominum & damonum, quasi pacta infidelis & dolosae amicitiae consti…tae, penitus sunt repudiandae Christiano. August. De Doctr. Christiana. l. 2. cap. 23, 24, 25, 26. Tertul. de Corona Militis. cap. 6.7. Gossons Confutation of Playes. Act. 1. accordingly.those inuentions of Infidels, and Pagans, which may further Gods glory, or the good of men: as Musicke, Poetrie, Husbandry, Nauigation, Architecture, Letters, Writing, and the like: are lawfull vntounto Christians; because they issue from those common gifts, which God himselfe implanted in them: but as for all their noxious, improfitable, and vaine productions, which dishonour God; which preiudice mens Soules, and were destinated at first to sinfull endes, (which is the case of Stage-Playes:) these Christians must auoyde: if for no other reason, yet for this one alone: that the Heathen Gentiles were the Authors, fomentors, and frequenters of them. Hence God himselfe doeth charge the Israelites: uLeuit. 18.30. Deut. 12.29, 30.That when they were possessed of the Land of Canaan, they should beware, that they committed not any of those abominable customes, which were committed before them, by the Cananites: that they should not defile themselues therein, but take heede, lest they were taken in a snare after them, lest they should aske after their Gods, saying: how did those Nations serue their Gods, that I might doe so likewise: Hence Christ himselfe enioynes all Christians, xMat. 6.7, 8.31.32.not to vse vaine repetitions when they pray, as the Heathen doe, who thinke to be heard, for their much babling: be ye not therefore (saith hee) like vntounto them: Not to take thought, what wee shall eate, or what we shall drinke, or wherewith we shall bee cloathed: and what is his reason? For after all these things doe the Gentiles seeke: Hence Saint Paul doeth exhort the Thessalonians, y1 Thes. 4.4.to possesse their vessels in holinesse, and honour; not in the lust of concupiscence, as the Gentiles doe: Hence Saint Peter informes vsus: z1 Pet. 4.3.that the time past of our liues, may suffice vsus to hauehave wrought the will of the Gentiles: Hence Saint Paul exhorts the Ephesians, aEphes. 4.17, 18, 19. cap. 2.3.that they should not hencefoorth, walke as other Gentiles in the vanities of their mindes, in Lasciuiousnesse, and all Vncleanenesse: Hence the Prophet Ieremie, speakes thus vntounto the house of Israel: bIer. 10.1, 2, 3Thus saith the Lord, learne not the way of the Heathen, and be not dismayed at the signes of Heauen, marke his reason: for the Heathen are dismayed, at them. Hence God himselfe, doeth c2 Kings 17.15. … Chro. 33.2. Chap. 36 14 Psal. 106.35. Ezech. 11.12 Ch…p 20.32. Cha… …3.30. Chap. 25.8.oft times in the Scriptures, reprooue, and blame the Israelites, Manasseh, and others, and likewise threaten Iudgements against them, for going after the Heathen, that were round about them: for running after their vanities, customes, fashions, and abominations, conc…rning whom the Lord had said, that they should not doe like them, nor learne their workes: Hence is it, d1 Sam. 8.5, 6, 7.20. Chap. 12.17, 18, 19.that God reputed the desire of a King, which in it selfe is lawfull, a hainous sinne in the Israelites, because it issued from an apish imitation of other people: that they also in this respect, might be like all other Nations: and hence, eZeph. 1.8. Isay 3.17. to 2….did hee threaten to visit, not onelyonly the inferiour ranke of the Israelites; but euen the Children, and Courteours of their Kings, for wearing strange Apparell, and taking vp the garbes, and fashions, of those Pagans which bordered round about them. If then it bee vnlawfull to imitate, not onelyonly the abominations, rites, and ceremonies: but euen the prayers, cares… and feare: the gouernment, and strange Apparell, of Infidels, and Pagans, as all these Scriptures strongly euidence: much more must it bee vile, and sinfull, to trace their foote-steps, in practising, approouing, and frequenting, their Histrionicall Stage-inuentions, which hauehave no good, nor profit in them. How chary, and fearefull the Saints of God in former ages were, of admitting the Festiuities, Customes, Ceremonies, Reliques, or Inuentions of Idolatrous Pagans; how ready they were to disauow them; may appeare by sundry instances, that are Parallell with Stage-Playes. fDe Corona Militis. lib. cap. 6, 7, 8.Tertullian, cond…mnes the wearing of a Laurell Crowne, or flowrie Garland by way of Triumph, in a Christian Souldi…r; because those Crownes, and Garlands, were first inuented by the Deuill, and gSee Demost. Oratio De Corona. Oratio aduersus Midiam. Virgil. Copa p 510.worne by his Minions, to his honour. hSurius. Tom 1. Con. p 577.The Councell of Africk…, Canon 27. Prohibits Christians to make Feasts, or Morricedaunces, on the Birth-dayes of Martyres, because such Feasting, and Dauncing, iQu… ab errore Gentilium attracta sunt.had their Originall from Gentilisme. kSurius. Tom 1. pag. 299.The Councell of Ancyra, or Engury, Canon 21. exposeth all Christians to fiue yeeres penance, who shall obserue any Prophesies, Dreames, Diuinations, or Fortune-tellers, after the customes of the Gentiles, or should entertaine such Diuiners, or South-s…yers in their houses. lSurius. Tom. 2. p. 647.715.The second Councell of Towers, Canon 23. The Councell of Antisyodorum, Canon 1. Saint Augustine, De Rectitud. Cathol. Conuersationis. Tract. Tom. 9. pag. 1448. mTom. 5. pag. 8. B.Saint Ambrose, Oration. 11. Gratian, Causa. 26. Qu…st. 7. condemne the obseruation of Newyeeres-day, and the sending of New-yeeres-gifts, as a sinne, threatning Excommunication, both from the Church, and Sacraments, to such who should obs…rue it: because they were but the Reliques, and Obseruations of Pagans, nSee Ouid. Fastorum. l. 1. Caeli…s. Rhod. Antiq. Lect. lib. 23. cap. 11. Polyd. Virgil. De Inuent. Rerum. lib. 2. cap. 4. Macrob. Saturnal. l. 1. cap. 9. Al…x. ab Alex. lib. 3. cap. 8.who Cons…rated this day, to the honour of Ianus their Deuill-God, and sent reciprocall Newyeeres-gifts to their friends vponupon it. oSurius. Tom. 2. pag. 748. B.The first Councell of Braga, Canon 29. Prohibits all such, who are ordained Readers in the Church, to sing in a Secular habit, or to giuegive ouer their degree, after the manner of the Gentiles: pSurius. Tom 3. pag. 40. B. Gratian Cau. 26. Quaest. 5. & 7.The French Synod vnderunder Pope Zacharie, in the yeere 742. enioyned all Bishops, to giuegive all diligence to inhibit, and keepe backe Christians, from all the Reliques of Paganisme, and G…ntilisme: as Pageants, Southsayings, Diuinations, Lot-fortunes, Sacrifices to Saints, and Martyres, neere to Churches, after a Pagan manner; Sacril…gious fires, called N…dfire, or Bonefires, with all other Heathenish Obseruations, and Ceremonies; because they are vnbeseeming Christians. qSu…ius. Tom 2. pag. 757. B. Gratian… Cau. 26. Quaest. 5. & 7.The Canons of the Greekes Synods, collected by Martin, Bishop of Braga, Can. 71, 72, 73, 74, 75. Prohibit the entertainement of Southsayers, Fortune-tellers, and Diuiners, into Christians houses, after the custome of the Pagans, …ither to expell some euill out of them, or to purge them by some Pagan Spelles, vnderunder fiue yeeres pennance. Yea, they say expressely: that it is vnlawfull for Christians, to retaine the traditions of the Gentiles, in rSee Ier. 10.1, 2, 3 Gratian. Causa. 26. Quaest. 5. Aug. De Rectitud. Cathol. Con…uersat. Tract. Tom. 9. pag. 1447, 1448. Accordingly.obseruing the course of the Elements, Moon…, or Starres, or the vaine fallacies of Signes; in building Houses, in sowing Corne, in planting Trees, or solemnizing Marriages: that it is vnlawfull to obser…e Calends, or to addict themselues to Heathenish Feastiualls, and Delights; or to decke vp their Houses with Laurell, sHedera est gratissima. Baccho. Ouid. Fastorum. lib. 3. pag …7.Yuie, and greene boughes, (as we vse to doe in the Christmas season:) because all this obseruation is descended of Paganisme: and that Christians …ay not obserue, or vse any Spelles, or Ceremonies, in gathering medicinall Hearbes, or in their lanifices; because the Heathens did obserue them. tSurius Tom. 1. pag 513. B. Carranza. fol. 70.The fourth Councell of Carthage, Canon 16. together with Saint Hierom…, Epist. 22. cap. 13. Prohibit Christian Bishops, to read the Bookes of the Gentiles. uSurius. Tom 1. pag. 457.294, 295.The Councell of Laodicea, Canon 37.39. The Councell of Ancyra, Canon 5, 6, 7. Saint Ambrose Orat. 3. Tertullian De Spectaculis. lib. with sundry others informe vsus: that it is a great sinne to obserue the Feastiualls, or Solemnities of Pagans; to be present with them at th…ir Feasts; to retaine their Feastiuall-gifts; or to communicate with them in their Ceremonies, which are not of God: whence they prohibit Christians from them, vnderunder paine of Excommunication, and two yeeres Penance. xSurius. Tom 2. pag. 1053. A. 1…49. B. 1050. S…e August. De Rect. Cathol. Conuers. Tract. Tom. 9. part. 1. p. 1447, 1448.The sixt Councell of Constantinople, Canon 96. Excommunicates all such as shall sweare the Oathes of the Gentiles: Yea, the same generall Councell, Canon 62. disanulles, and condemnes the obseruation of the ySee Alex. ab Alexandro. Genial. Dierum. lib. 3. cap… 8. AElij. Lampridij. Seuerus pag 23… 1. Ouid. Fastorum. lib. 1.2, 3.5. How the Pagans obserued them.Calends, and Winter votes: all meetings, on the first of March; all publike Dauncing of Women: all Mummings, Dauncings, Sportes, and Ceremonies, which might prouoke Laughter, vnderunder the name of Bacchus, or any other, which was falsely named a God among the Graecians: inflicting Excommunication, and Deposition on those that sh…uld from thence obserue them, because they were the Impostures of Satan, and the Sportes, and Vanities of the Heathen: Yea, Canon 65. It prohibits the making of zSee August. De Rectitud. Cathol. Conuersat. Tract. Tom. 9. part. 1. pag. 1448. Accordingly.Bonefires on New-moones, before the Houses, or Shops of Christians; together with all skipping, iesting, and fooling about them, after the Ancient custome, vnderunder the foresaid penaltie; as being a Pagan practise, condemned in Manasseh: in the 2 Chro. 33.2.5, 6. And Can. 70. it informes vsus: that Christians who are taught the Lawes of God, ought not to vse the manners, Tumblings, Playes, and Vestments of the Graecian Infidels. aDe Ebr…etate & Luxu. Sermo.Saint Basil, and bDe Tempore. Sermo. 132. See my Healthes Sickenesse. Argument. 14.Saint Augustine, condemne the Drinking, and Pledging of Healthes, from this very ground; that they were the inuention of the Deuill, and the obseruations, or reliques of Infidels, and Pagans: Clemens Romanus, Constit. Apostol. lib. 2. cap. 66. cSurius. Tom. 3. p…g. 727. Gratian. Cau, 27. Quaest… 1.The third Councell of Arles: The third Councell of Toledo, Canon 23. Nazienzen. Oratio. 48. p. 796, 797. Cyrillus. Hierusol. Catech. Mystag. 1. with sundry other Councells, and Fathers, which I might enumerate, prohibit, and condemne all lasciuious Dauncing, all scurrilous Songs, and Iests, with sundry other Sportes… and Mer…ments, because they were the Recreations, Ceremonies, and Inuentions of Heathen men. The Councell of Eleberi…, Canon… 34.37. The second Councell of Arles, Canon 23. Tertullian in his Apologie against the Gentiles: and his Booke against Idolatrie. Lactantius De vero Culta. lib. 6. cap. 2. Cyrillus Hierusolomitanus. Catech. Mystagogica 1. together with Ormerod in his Pagano-Papismus. Semblance 37.123, 124, 125. Condemne the burning of Tapers in Church-yardes, or Churches, dSee Nazienz…n. Oratio. 48. pag. 796. Hierom. aduers. Vigilantium cap. 23. Nazienzen Oratio… in Pascha. Rhenanus in Ter…ul… Apolog. August. De Tempore. S…rmo. 3. Arti…les of Ireland. Art. 52. Queene Eli…abeth … Iniuncti…ons. Iniunct. 23 Doct…r Reinolds Con…rence with Hart …ap. …. Diuision 4. pag. 512, 513.492 494, 495. Homely against the perill of Idolatrie 3. part. pag. 75. Polyd. Virgil. De Inuent. Rerum. lib. 2. cap. 23. lib. 6. cap. 12.especially in the day-time, as the Papists doe) vponupon the selfe-same reason: euen because the Pagans practised it: as i… euident by Baruch 6.19. by Plinie. Nat. Hist. lib. 16. cap. 37. Suetonij C…lig. cap. 13. Virgil. AEneid. lib. 11. p. 353. Copa. p. 510. & Tatianus Oratio aduers. Graecos. And yet the Papists are not ashamed for to vse them: Saint Hierome, and Theodoret, in their Commentaries, and Interpretations on Ezech. 44.20. which inioyne the Priests, not to shaue their heads, but onelyonly to poll them; make the ground of this Iniunction, the practise of the Idolatrous Priests of Isis, and Serapis, eBaruch 6.31. Apuleius Aurei. Asini. lib. 11. AElij Lamprid. Commodus pag. …8. AElij Spar…iani. P…scennius. pag. 137. Herodoti. Euterpe. Sect 45. pag. 102. Diodorus. Siculus. Bibl. Hist. Sect. 83, 84. Bo…mus De Moribus Gent. lib. 1. cap. 5. p. 34. Plu…arch. De Iside & Osiride. lib. M…r. Tom. 2. pag. 131. Alex. ab Alex. Gen. Dierum. lib. 6 cap. 12. fol. 349. Polyd. Virgil… De Inuent. Rerum. lib. 4. c. 8. Ormerod… Pagan… papismus Semblance… 99. Ainswort…, on L…uit. 19.27. and 21.5. Munster. Cosmog. lib. 3. cap. 38. pag. 1311. Accordingly.who did vse to shaue their crowne, and beards, and make bald their heads. Yet notwithstanding, this expresse command of God himselfe, which is likewise seconded by L…uit. 19.27. and 21.5. fGotardus Histor. Indiae pag. 307. Guagninus Re…um Polon. pag. 305. Erasmus Moriae Encomium. pag. 301. Polyd. Virgil. De Inuent. Rer…m. lib. 4. cap. 8.All Popish Priests, and Friers, doe shaue their heads, and beards, in imitation of these, and other Idolatrous gBusbequius. Epist. Eccles. Ep. 4. pag. 277. Bo…mus De Mor. Gent. lib. 1. cap. 6. pag. …3. Zenophon, Histor… Graecae. lib. 1. pag. 449. Acosta. Indian. Histor. lib. 5. cap. 16. pag. 373. Orosius, Histor. lib. 4. cap 20. pag. 225. Guagninus, Rerum Polon. Tom. 3. pag. 444. Lerius, De Nauigat. in Brasil. cap. 8.Priests, and Nations; yea, they doe hConcil… Toletanum. 4. Canon. 40. Aquisgranense Concil. Sub. Lud. Pio. cap. 1. Concil Rom. Sub. Greg. 2. Can. 17. Lateran. Sub. Innocent. 3 part. 28. ca…. 4 Agathense… Can 20. Capit… Graecar. Synod. Can. 66. Lateranense. Sub. Leone. 10. Sess. 9. Su… Tom 4… pag. 633.6. Gratian. Distinc. 33.inioyne this To…sure to them by sundry Councells, and Decrees: for which not onelyonly iBB. Babbingtons Notes on Leuit. 19. Sect. 14. D. Reinolds Conference with Hart. cap. 4. Diuis. 8. pag. 494, 495. Will…ts Synop. p. 353, 354. Ormerod. Pagano-Papis. Sembla 99. Ainsw. Ca…u Lauat…r and most other Protestant Commentators on Leuit… 19.27. cap. 2….5. & Eeze. 44.20.Protestants, but euen their owne kIohn Valerian. De Sacerdotum Barbis lib. E…asmus Moriae Encomium. pag. 301. Pol…d Virgil. De Inu…nt rerum… lib. 4. cap. 8. Agrippa. De Van. Scient. cap. 62.Popish writers doe condemne them, as Heathenish, and absurd; Pope Anicetus was the first that made this innouation: as Gratian. Distinctio. 33. Polyd. Virgil. De Inuent. Rerum. lib. 4. cap. 8. and Lorinus on Leuit. 19.27. record: contrary to the expresse Word of God; and the fourth Councell of Carthage. Canon 44. which inioyneth Clerkes, or Clergie-men: neither to let th…ir haire grow long, nor yet to shaue their beards: which their Binius, Surius, Carranza, and Crabb, hauehave miserably corrupted: as Iohn Valerian in his Booke, De Sacerdotum barbis, witnesseth: rendring it in this manner. Clerici nec comam nutriant, nec barbam; shauing away this word radant, from the latter clause, as a superfluous excrement; because it expressely condemnes their lSee Clem. Alexa. Paedag. lib. 3. cap 3. & 11. Clem. Romanus Constit. Apost lib. 1. cap. 4. Lorinus Com. in Leuit. 19.27. who vtterly condemne the shauing of mens beardsEffeminate, Vnnaturall, Heathenish, and Popish shauing. If then these seuerall Fathers, and Councells hauehave vtterly condemned, these Morrice-daunces, Bonefires, Newyeeres-gifts, Newyeeres-dayes, Diuinations, Lotteries, Mummings, Dancings, Healthes, Tapers, mSee Concil. Eliberinum. Can 55.Shauen-crownd, and bare-chind Priests, together with all the other fore-recited Ceremonies, Customes, and Obseruations, (which are now too frequent among Christians,) as sinfull and abominable, because they were in vse among the Gentiles, and had their rise, and birth from Pagans: then certainely, by the same analogie of reason; wee must needes reiect, and censure Stage-Playes, as pernicious, vnseemely, and vnlawfull vntounto Christians, because they had their birth, their authoritie, vse, and progresse from Idolatrous Heathens, and the deboisest Pagans. VponUpon this very ground, among sundry others: Tertullian, and Cyprian, in their Bookes De Spectaculis. Clemens Romanus Constit. Apost. lib. 2. cap. 65.66. Clemens Alexandrinus Oratio. Adhort. ad Gentes. fol. 8.9. Tatianus Oratio. aduersus Gr…cos. Bibliotheca Patrum. Coloniae Agrip. 1616. Tom. 2. p. 180, 181. Athen…goras, pro Christianis Legatio. Ib. pag. 138, 139. Theophilus Antiochenus Contr. Autolichum. lib. 3. Ib. pag. 170. Arnobius Disput. aduersus Gentes. lib. 7. pag. 230. to 242. Lactantius De vero Cultu. cap. 20. Diuinarum Instit. Epit. cap. 6. Cyrillus Hierusol. Catech. Mystag. 1. Fol. 175. B. Minutius Foelix Octauius. pag. 34.101.123. Hierom. Epist. 18. cap. 1. Com. in Ezech. lib. 6. cap. 20. Tom. 4. pag. 389. H. Chrysostome, Hom. 6, 7. & 38. on Mat. Ambrose, Sermo. 11. & 81. Augustine De Ciu. Dei. lib. 1. cap. 31, 32, 33. lib. 2. cap. 4. to 15. De Rectitudine Cathol. Conuersationis Tractatus. De Doctrina Christiana. lib. 2. cap. 25. Saluian. De Gub. Dei. lib. 6. Ioannis Salisburiensis. De Nugis Curialium. lib. 1. cap. 7, 8. Concil. Constantinop. 6. Can. 62. The Councell of Africke. Canon 26, 27. D. R…inolds, Gosson, and Northbro…ke, in their Bookes gainst Stage-Playes; together with sundry other Councells, and Authors, which I shall muster vp hereafter; condemne these Stage-Playes, as vnlawfull, and misbese…ming Christians; euen because they were the Inuentions, Sportes, and Ceremonies of Gentiles, which Christians must not entertaine. Now there is in trueth great reason, why Christians should not imitate, nor imbrace the Pleasures, Sportes, and ceremonies of the Heathen, though many Libertines, and nNon minu… de…ecti qua… el…ti animi est, voluntate vti, negligere rationem: & veluti rationis expertem, non pro rati…one, sed pr… libitu agere; nec iudicio vti, sed appetit…. Bernard. De Consid. lib. 3. cap 4.Licentious Christians, who make their will, and lusts their law, may deeme it Puritanisme, or brand it for ouerstrict precisenesse, in this dissolute, and vnruly age.
For first, the Scriptures doe positiuely informe vsus; o2 Cor. 6.14, 15, 16. 1 Cor. 10.21.that Righteousnesse… hath no fellowship with Vnrighteousnesse; nor Light with Darkenesse: that Christ hath no co… cord with Belial; that he that beleeueth, hath no part, nor portion with an Infidell: that the Temple of God hath no agreement wi…h Id…les: and that we cannot drinke the cup of the Lord, and the cup of De…ils, nor be partakers of the Lords table, and of the table of Deuils. If then Christ, if Christians, and Infidels hauehave no communion; great reason is it, pQuis agis? Deum in teipso gestas; & ad illos curris quibus cum Deo nihil commune est? Haec cine veni… digna …unt? Chrysost. Hom. 13. in 2 Cor. 6.that they should not intercommon in these Heathenish Spectacles, and delights of sinne.
Secondly, all Christians hauehave vowed in their Baptisme: to forsake the Deuill and all his workes, the Pompes, and Vaniti…s of this wicked world, and all the sinfull lustes of the flesh: and hauehave they any reason then, to harbour, or retaine the Ceremonies of Worldlings, or Enterludes of Pagans, which they hauehave thus seriously renounced?
Thirdly, all true and reall Christians, are Redeemed by the red, and precious blood of Iesus Christ, from qCol. 2.20, 21, 22.the ordinances, rudiments, and customes of the world: r1 Pet. 1.18.from their vaine conuersation receiued by tradition from their Fathers: sRu. 14.3, 4.they are purchased from off the earth, and from among the sonnes of men: tIohn 15 19. Cap. 17 14.they are ransomed, and taken out of this World, and made m…n of another world, that so uPhil 3.20.they might hauehave their whole conuersation with God in Heauen; x1 Pet. 1.15. 2 P…t. 3.1…. Luke 1.74, 75.and walke on in all holy conuersation, and godlinesse, seruing God in holinesse, and true Righteousnesse, all the dayes of their liues: Christ Iesus himselfe hath bought them at the dearest rate for this very end, yRom. 14.8. Cap. 12.2. Gal 2.1…, 20. 1 Pet. 4.2. 2 Cor. 5.15.that they should no longer liue to the world, or to the will, and lusts of men, but vntounto him alone: zEphe. 5.8.11that they should cast off the workes of Darkenesse, and put on the armor of Light: aEphes. 4.17, 18, 19. Cap. 2.2.3.that they should not hencefoorth walke as other Gentiles, in the vanitie of their mindes, following the desires of the flesh, and of the minde, giuing themselues ouer to Lasciuiousnesse, and vncleannesse: b1 Pet. 4.1, 2, 3.that the time past of their liues might suffice them to hauehave wrought the will of the Gentiles, when as they walked in Lasciuiousnesse, Lusts, Reuellings, Banquetings, and abominable idolatries: *Tit. 2.12, 13, 14.that they should now denie vngodlinesse, and worldly lusts, and walke soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, looking for the blessed comming, and appearance of their Lord and Sauiour Iesus Christ: dEphes. 2.2, 3.that they should not hencefoorth walke according to the course of this world, according to the power of the Prince of the ayre, which now worketh in the children of disobedience: *Iam. 1.27. Actes 2.40.but that they should be pure, and vndefiled before God, keeping themselues vnspotted from the World: Since therefore Ie…us Christ ha…h thus Redeemed all Christians from the World, and all i…s Pagan customes, pleasures, ceremonies, and delights of sinne, fEphes. 1.4. Col. 2 22.that so they might be holy, and blamelesse before him in louelove, gTitus 2.14. … Pet. 2.9.and become a peculiar people to him, Zealous of good workes: great reason is there, that they should abominate all Pagan practises, Enterludes, and Ceremonies, as vnlawfull, and misbeseeming Christians: else they should but euacuate, and make voyde vntounto themselues the death of Christ: hH…br. 10.29.yea trample vnderunder feete his precious blood, and put him vntounto open shame: And would any Christian be so ingratefull, so dispitefull to his blessed Sauiour, (whose iClamat clauus, clamat vulnus quid vere D…us sit in Christo mu…dum reco…cilians sibi: Patent viscera misericordiae, patet arcanum cordis per foramin… corporis. Quid tam ad mortem quod non Christi morte saluetur? Bernard. Super. Cant. S…rm. 61.bleeding wounds doe preach Saluation to his fiercest enemies,) as thus to wrong, and shame him?
Fourthly, mans nature is exceeding prone to Paganisme, and Heathenish superstition; as is euident, not onelyonly by the frequent Apostasies of the Israelites to grosse Idolatrie, recorded kSe… 2 Chro. 33 2. to 10.4. Ezech. 8.6. to 18. Psal. 106.33. to 40. Iere. 7.17, …8.31. Ezech 16.15. to 36. …or all the rest.in the Scriptures; but likewise by that generall deluge of Heathenisme, Mahometisme, and hideous Idolatrie, which now, and alwayes heretofore, hath ouerspred the greatest part of all the world: God lSee Hi…rom, and Theodore…s Com. in Ezech. 44.5. Amb…os. Serm. 11. Lorinus, BB. Babington, Caluin… and Ainsworth… on Leuit. 19.27. Willets Synopsis Papismi. pag. 354, 355. Who giuegive this reason.therefore out of his Fatherly care, and compassi…n …o his Children, to anticipate all occasions, which might withdraw them from him, to Idolatrie; doeth oft times prohibit them, to imitate the Fashions, Customes, Vanities, Habites, Rites, or Ceremonies of Infidels, and Heathen Gentiles; for feare lest one thing should draw on another by degrees, till they were quite Ap…statized to Idolatrie, and seduced from the Faith. Whereupon, mLudos diabolicos, ve… vacillationes, vel cantic… gentilium fieri vet…te: nullus Christianus hoc exerceat, quia per hoc Paganus efficitur. De Rectitud. Cathol. Conuersationis. Tract. Tom. 9. pag. 1447, 1448.Saint Augustine exh…rts all Christians, to prohibit the vse of all diabolicall Enterludes, Vacillations, and songs of the Gentiles: and that no Christian should exercise any of these, because by this he is made a Pagan. Since therefore the imitation of Pagan customes, pleasures, and delights, are but so many ingredients, and nSee Leuit. 18.30. Deut. 12.29, 30.allectiues to Paganisme, and grosse Idolatrie; and since they alienate, or at least in some degree, disioyne our affections from God, and heauenly things; there is ground, and cause enough, that Christians should reiect them, as sinfull, and pernicious. So that vponupon all these authorities, and reasons, (the force of which no pious heart is euer able to withstand:) I may safely conclude this second Scaene, with this short Corollary: That Stage-Playes are sinfull, vnseemely, pernicious, and vnlawfull, at least wise vntounto Christians; because they were the inuentions, ceremonies, and pastimes of Idolatrous Infidels, and the most Licentious Heathens, (who were no other but the oIpsi scilicet sibi procurauerunt Daemones, per …os in quibus esurierant an…equam procurauerunt. Tertul. De Coron. Militis. cap. 6.Deuils Purueyers,) whom Christians must not imitate.