The Players Scourge, Part 1 · Act 7 · Scene 3 · Floating text 46 – Floating text 55

The Players Scourge · Part 1 · Act 7 · Scene 3 · Floating text 46 – Floating text 55

p. 624iiBinius Tom. 4 p. 883. Langhe…rucius de Vita …t Honestate Clericorum l. 2. c. 22. p. 322, 323.Et quoniam piè introducta consuetudo repraesentandi populo venerandam Christi Domini passioném, et gloriosa martyrum certamina, aliorumque sanctorum res gestas, hominum perversitate eo deducta est, ut multis offensioni, multis etiam risui et despectui sit; ideo statuimus, ut deinceps Salvatoris passio nec in sacro, nec in prophano loco agatur, sed doctè et graviter eatenus à concionatoribus exponatur, ut qui sunt uberes concionum fructus, pietatem et lachrymas commoveant auditoribus, quod adjuvabit proposita crucifixi Salvatoris imago, caeteri que pij actus externi quos Ecclesiae probatos esse Episcopus judicabit. Item sanctorum martyria et actiones, ne p. 625ne agantur, sed ità piè narrentur, ut auditores ad eorum imitationem, venerationem et invocationem excitentur.

kkBinius Tom. 4. p. 884.Cap. De Festorum dierū cultu. Ijs etiā diebus studebunt Episcopi, ne personati homines incedant; ne ludi equestres, certamina, aut alia ludicra aut inania spectacula adhibeantur. Choreae, saltationes in urbibus, suburbijs, opidis, vicis, aut usquam omnino ne patiantur.

llBinius Ibid. p. 893.Cap. De armis, ludis, spectaculis, et ejusmodi à Clerico vitandis. Clerici personati non incedant: choreas publicas vel privatas non agant. A venatione abstinebunt, fabulis, comaediis, hastiludijs… alijs que prophanis et inanibus spectaculis non intererunt; ne aures et oculi sacris officijs addicti, ludicris et impuris actionibus sermombusque distracti polluantur. Clericalis ordinis hominibus omni genere saltationis et ludi praesertim ve…ò aleae …t p. 626tesserarum ac talorum interdicimus. Nec solum ludere vetamus, sed eos ludorum spectatores esse noluimus, aut quenquam ludentem in aedibus suis permittere.

mmBinius Ibid. p. 906, 907.Cap De Histrionibus et Aleatoribus. De his etiam Principes et Magistratus commonendos esse duximus, ut histriones et mimos, caeteros que circulatores et ejus generis perditos homines è suis finibus ejiciant, et in caupones et alios quicunque eos receperint acriter animadvertant. Et quoniam usu p. 627compertum est, ex aleae ludo saepe furta, rapinae, fraudes, blasphemias, alia que id generis flagitia proficisci, prohibeāt taxilis aut alea ludi, et graviter in publicos aleatores, et in eos qui hujusmodi ludis intersint, quive domum ad recipiendos …udentes expo…itam habent animadvertant. Maximè vero efficiant, ut bonis artibus instituendis vel renovandis, otia, quantū fieri poterit, è civitatibus tollantur.

And because the piously introduced custome of representing to the people the venerable passion of Christ the Lord, and the glorious combates of martyrs and acts of other Saints, is brought to such a passe by the perversenesse of men, that it is an offence to many, and likewise a matter of much **No….derision and contempt to many: we therefore decree, that from henceforth the passion of our Saviour be no more acted neither in any sacred or profane place, but that it be learnedly and gravely declared by the preachers in such sort, as that they may stirre up piety and teares in the auditors, (which are the most profitable fruites of sermons) which the picture of our crucified Saviour set before them, and other externall pious actions which the Bishop shall judge to be approved by the Church, will helpe p. 625to further. Likewise let not the martyrdomes & actions of the Saints be played, but so piously related, that the auditors may bee excited to their imitation, veneration, and invocation.

Cap. Of the observation of holy-dayes. On these dayes the Bishops shall endeavour, that no man goe disguised; that no Cirque-playes, combates, or other pastimes or vaine spectacles be exhibited. Let no morrice-dances be suffered in Citties, suburbes, townes, villages, or in any other place whatsoever.

Cap. Of weapons, playes, spectacles, and such like to be shunned by Clergy men. Clergy men may not disguize themselves, or put on a vizard; they may not lead any publike or private dances. They shall abstaine from hunting, tables, comaedies, and tiltings, neither shall they be present at other profane or ridiculous spectacles; lest the eyes and eares devoted to sacred offices being distracted, should be polluted with impure actions and speeches. We prohibit Clergy men all kinde of dancing, and of play, but especially of dice and tables. Neither doe we onelyonly p. 626forbid them to play, but wee will not so much as have them spectators of plaies, or to admit any one to play in their houses.

And were not these ranke Puritans thinke ye?

Chapter. Of Stage-players and Dicers. Of these also wee have thought good to admonish Princes and Magistrates, that they banish out o… their territories all Stage-players, tumblers, juglers, jesters, and other castawayes of this kinde, and that they severely punish victuallers and all others whatsoever who shall receive them. And because it is found by experience, that nnSee St. Cyprian de Ludo Aleae, Paris de Puteo de Ludo. Baptista Caccilialupus de Ludo. Stephanus Costa de Ludo in Tractat. Tractatuum. Lugduni Anno 1543. p. 157. to 170. Ioannis Sarisberiensis De Nugis Curialium l. 1. c. 5. Lyrae Praeceptorium in octavo Praecepto. Alexander Fabricius Destructorium Vitiorum pars 4. c. 23 Alvarus Pelagius De Planctu Ecclesiae lib. 2. Artic. 28. fol. 133. B. Danaeus De Ludo Aleae, lib. Alexander Alensis Summa Theologiae pars 4. Quaest. 11. Memb. 2. sect. 4. p. 39…, 392. Mapheus Vegius de Educatione Liberorum l. 3. c. 7. Bibl. Patrum. Tom. 15. p. 864. F.G. & l. 1. c. 14. p. 848. C. Roger Hutchinson his Image of God and man. Epistle Dedicatory. Sir Thomas Eliot: Governour. l. 1. c. 26. Agrippa de Vanitate Sci…ntiarum, Cap. 14. Mr. George Whetston his Enemie of Vnthriftinesse or mirrour for all Magistrates, fol. 23. to 30. Media Villa pars 4. In Sentent. Distinctio 15. Artic. 57. Quaest. 8. fol. 225, 226. M…. Stubs his Anatomy of Abuses, pag. 129. to 134. Mr. Northbrooke his Treati…e against dice-play. Mr. Samuel Byrd his Treatise of the pleasu…es of this present life. Epistle to the Reader. & cap. 1, 2, 3. Richard Rice his destruction of small Vices… Ioannis Langhecrucius de Vita et Honestate Ecclesiasticorum l. 2. c. 19. & l. 3. c. …. Summa Angelica, & Summa Rosella. Tit. Ludus et Alea. Bp. Babington, Beacon, Perkins, Lake, Dod, Elton, Downham, Williams, Ames, and others upon the 8. Commandement Dr Humphrey of Nobili…y lib. 3. Mr. Thomas Gataker of the Right u…e of Lots, and his defence of that Treati…e, …. Rawlidge his scourging of typlers, p. 1. to 6. Tostatus Tom. 10. in part 3. Ma…th 6. Quaes…. 51. to 57. and 67. Olaus Magnu… H…toriae l. …. c. 12, 1…. p 572, 573. Marianus Socinus Senensis super part. …. lib. 5. Decretalium de Excessibus Praelatorum cap 11. …. 73. to 80. Lessius de Ius…itia et …urel. 2 c. 26. p. 313. to 318. with infinite others who have written against dice-play. Vincentius Speculum doctrinale l… 11. c. 97.robberies, p. 627thefts, fraudes, blasphemies, and other wickednesses of this kinde, doe oft proceede from dice-play,**See Constitutiones Carolinae Rubr. 30, 31. Andreas Fricius de Republica Emendenda. l. 1. c. 17. p. 62, 63, accordingly. let them forbid all playing at tables and dice, and severely punish all common dicers, and those who are present at such games, or keepe houses to receive such gamesters. But let them chiefly endeavour to effect, that idlenesse may as much as may bee quite banished out of Citties by instituting or renewing good arts.

If therefore all Stage-players, tumblers, and common dicers are thus to be banished and cast out of the common wealth, and all those to be severely punished who entertaine or harbour them, their Playes must certainly be execrable, intollerable, which make their persons such.

The 47. is Synodus Ebroicensis Anno 1576. where 47I finde these following Canons.

bbBochellus decre…orum Ecclesiae Gallicanae l. …. Tit. 7. c. 52. p. 587, 588.Dies festos secundum Scripturas instituit Deus in monumentū ac memoriā suorū beneficiorū, ut ea homo agnosceret, et de ipsis gratias ageret, &c. quoni…m festa à creatione mundi fuerunt introducta, ut animus cum corpore cessaret à saeculo, et avocaretur à solicitudinibus et p. 628laboribus hujus mundi, occuparetur vero in Dei obsequio, recognoscendis ejus beneficijs et gratijs referendis. Arbi…ramur vero nu…lo secu…o gravius nec frequentius peccari contra festorum sanctā et legitimā observationē quam in nostro; quandoquidē plures ipsa insumūt voluptatibus huju… seculi sectandis, in tabernis, ganeis, lusibus illiciris, ac alijs vanis at que etiam viciosis actionibus &c. ppBochellus ibid. Tit. 1. cap …4. p. 545.Titus 1Ecclesiae hostiarij ergo diebus festis observēt et notēt, qui de presbyteris et parochia…is abfuerint ab Ecclesijs; et inquirant, qua de causa defecerint; an interea cauponis et …sibus tempus insumant &c.

God according to the Scriptures hath appointed holy-dayes for a monument and remembrance of his benefits, that men might acknowledge them, and give thankes for them, &c. because feasts were introduced from the beginning of the world, that the minde with the body might cease from the world, and might be avocated from the cares and labours p. 628of this world, but yet occupied in the service of God, in recognizing his benefits, and rendring thankes. But wee thinke verily, that in no age men offended more grievously and frequently against the holy and lawfull observation of festivalls, than in ours; since many consume them in following the pleasures of this world, in tavernes, in brothels, in unlawfull Playes, and in other vaine, yea, and vitious actions, &c. Let therefore the doore-keepers of the Church upon holy-dayes observe and note which of the Presbyters and Parishioners shall be absent from the Churches Offices, and inquire for what cause they were absent; whether they spend the time in Ale-houses or in Playes &c.

48The 48. is, Synodus Rothomagi, Anno 1581. which decreeth thus as followeth.

qqBochellus Decret. Eccles. Gall. l. 4. Tit. 1. cap. 6. p. 544.Titus 1Curatis Ecclesia…ū praecipimus, ne sinant in Caemeterijs choreas duci, aut alios lusus et infanias fieri, sed potius ea quae luctus et mortis memoriam inducunt.

rrBochellus Ibid. Tit. 7. cap. 26, 27, 30. p. 581, 582.Novimus et experimur a…tutias Diaboli ad derogandum cultui Dei, p. 629et ad suū substituendū in illius locum. In nostris enim diaecesibus per omnia festa solennia Apostolorum et aliorum sanctorū, ad augendū sacrilegiū, impudica at que obscaena ludicra in his admiscet, ut totū homin…m perdat in sabbatho …ibi que subjiciat. Dies vero Dominicos videbatur à nū dinis eximere, sed eos nō dissimili ratione foedavit ac prophanavit, &c. Eleemosynam enim vertit in crapulas, orationem in choreas, et concionem in scurrilitatē. Ad has festorū prophanationes mundandas &c. praecipimus Curatis ut paratū habeāt concionatoré, qui verbū Dei praedicet bis in die (pray marke it) …i fieri possit, ut contineatur populus in pi…tate, mane scilicet et à prandio. Cō messationes, ebrietates, sumptus, lites, lusus improbos et inhonestos, choreas plenas insanijs, cantilenas turpes; breviter omnē luxū et lasciviā atque omnē festorū prophanationem damnamus et reprobamus.

Wee command the Curates of Churches, that they suffer no dances, or other Playes or fooleries to be made in Church yards, but those things rather which may put men in minde of sorrow and death.

We have knowne and tried the subtleties of the Divell to derogate from Gods worship, p. 629and to substitute his owne in its roome. For in our Diocesse through all solemne feasts of the Apostles and other Saints, to augment sacriledge, he admixeth unchast and obscene Playes in these, that hee may destroy the whole man upon the Sabbath, and subject him to himself. But he thought good to exempt Lords-dayes from faires, yet he hath defiled and prophaned them with a like sacriledge: for hee turneth almes into riot, prayer into dances, and Sermons into scurrility. To cleanse these prophanations of holy dayes &c. wee command Curates that they provide a Preacher, which may preach the word of God **If then Papists thus p…ovide for two Sermons every Lords day and holy-day to keepe the people from Playes and sin…ull Past…mes: shall Protestants thinke one sermon every Lords-day enough? Certainly Mr. Bucer was of another minde… for, saith he, Dominicis di…bus in singulis parochi… ad minimum duae, si non tres habentur conciones. Bucer in Mat…h. 12.8.11. & Dr. B…nd of the Sabbath p. …68. See Bp. Hooper… passage to this purpose, Act. 6. Scene 12.Acts 6twice in a day (pray marke it) if it be possible, that the people may be kept exercised in piety both morning and evening, even from dinner. Wee condemne and reprobate rioting, drunkennesse, prodigality, contentions, wicked and dishonest plaies, dances fraught with fooleries, filthy songs; briefly all luxurie, lasciviousnesse, and all prophanation of holy-dayes, under paine of excommunication. Vide Ibidem.

p. 630So abominable, so unlawfull are dances, Playes and amorous Pastorals on Lords-dayes, holy-dayes and all solemne festivals devoted to Gods service.

49The 49. is, Concilium Burdigense, Anno 1582. Which as it complaines that Lords-dayes and holy-dayes were much prophaned with Playes, Pastimes, drunkennesse and other villanies in these words.

ssBochellus Decretorum Ecclesiae Gal…licanae l. 4. Tit. 7. c. 21. p. 580, 581.Tamersi Dominici festi que dies ad hoc unum instituti sunt, ut fideles Christiani ab **Dominicus dies ideo Dominicus appellatur, ut in eo a terrenis operibus, vel mundi illicebris ab…stinentes, tantum divinis cultibus serviamus. Alchuvinu… de Divinis Officijs cap. 27. Col. 1072.externis operibus abstinentes, liberius et majori cum pietate divino cultui vacarent &c. Nihilominus nostris temporibus praeposterè fieri solet, ut tàm solennes et religiosi dies non solum in illicitis et secularibus negotijs procurandis, verum etiam in luxu, lascivia, jocis et ludis vetitis, compotationibus caeteris que flagitijs exercendis toti transigantur. Which abuses it enjoynes Magistrates & Officials to suppresse: So it decreeth thus. ttBochellus Decretoram Ecclesiae G…llicanae l. 6. Tit. 19. c. 7. p. 1026.Clerici nunquam personati incedant, ne que comaedias, fabulas, choreas, vel aliquid aliud ludicrum ex ijs quae ab histrionibus exhibentur, agant vel spectent, ne visus et obtutus sacris mysterijs dicati turpium p. 631spectaculorum contagione polluantur. Ab alea, tesseris, chartis, et quovis alio vetito et indecoro ludo cū privatim, tū publicè penitus abstineant. Cō messationibus et minus honestis convivijs nunquā intersint. Forum, mer…catus andronas fug āt; nec tabernas et diversoria nisi longioris itineris necessitate unquam ingrediantur &c.

Although Lords-dayes and holy-dayes were instituted for this onelyonly purpose, that faithfull Christians abstaining from externall workes, might more freely and with greater piety addict themselves to Gods worship &c. Notwithstanding it is preposterously usuall in our times, that even religious dayes are wholly spent not onelyonly in following unlawfull and secular affaires, but even in riot, lasciviousnes, prohibited sports and playes, compotations and other execrable wickednesses. Which abuses it enjoynes Magistrates and Officials to censure and prohibit: So it decrees thus. Clergy men may never put on vizards or goe disguized, neither may they act or behold comedies, fables, dances, or any other of those Playes that are exhibited by Stage-players, lest the sight and hearing dedicated to sacred mysteries should be polluted with the contagion p. 631of filthy spectacles. Let them wholly abstaine as well in private as in publike from dice, tables, cards, or every other prohibited and unseemely play. Let them be never present at riotous and dishonest feasts: let them avoid places of judicature, markets, and places of resort; neither let them ever enter into tavernes and innes, but being necessitated by some long journey.

The 50. is, Concilium Rhemense, Anno 1583. Which 50condemnes the use of Stage-playes and dancing, especially on Lord-dayes, holy-dayes, and the Christmas season, when they are most in use, under paine of excommunication.

vvBochellus Decret. Eccles. Gall. l. 4. Tit. 7. c. 28, 29. p. 582.Diebus Dominicis et Festis in suas Paraeseas populus conveniat, et Missae, concioni, et vesperijs intersit. Ijsdem diebus nemo lusibus aut choreis det operam, maximè dum divinum celebratur officiū, monebitur que ab Ordinario vel paraeco Magistratus ut id nequaquā fieri permittat. Ludos theatrales etiam praetextu consuetudinis exhiberi solitos, et puerilia caeteraque ludicra, quibus Ecclesiae inquinatur hone…tas et sanctitas in **Our Christmas Enterludes and Pastimes then had their originall from these Popish Enterludes.Christi p. 632et Sanctorum festivitatibus omnino prohibemus; contra nitentes autem poenis coerceri volumus à superioribus.

Let the people meete together in their parish Churches on Lords dayes and holy dayes, and let them be present at Masse, at Sermon and Vespers. Let no man give him selfe on these dayes to Playes or dances, especially whiles divine service is celebrating, and the Magistrate shall be admonished by the Ordinary or Parish Priest, that hee by no meanes suffer these things to be done. Wee utterly prohibit Stage-playes and other childish pastimes accustomed to be presented under pretext of custome, with which the p. 632honesty and sanctity of the Church is defiled in the festivalls of Christ, and of the Saints: those that doe contrary, wee will shall be punished by their superiours.

51The 51. is, Synodus Turonensis, Anno 1583. which is somewhat observable.

xxBochellus Decretorum Ecclesiae Gallicanae l. 4. Tit. 7. c. 40. p. 548.Cùm juxta divi Pauli praeceptum, qui Christi funt sobrietatem semper sectari debeant, diebus Dominicis praesertim et alijs festis, commessationes, convivia publica, tripudia, saltationes, strepitus et choreas fieri, vaenatu et aucupatu tempus terere, in hospitijs seu cauponis alijs quā peregrinis cibaria et vinum ministrari, ludos palmarios et alios (maximè dum sacra conficiantur, laudes que Deo decantantur) aperiri: comaedias, ludos scenicos vel theatrales, et alia ejus generis irreligiosa spectacula agi, sub anathematis poena prohibet haec Synodus: praecipitqu… omnibus et singulis Paraeciarum rectoribus eos apud Episcopum deferre, qui huic decreto non pa…uerint, ut illius ordinatione nominatim p. 633excommunicati denuncientur et publicentur: * valdè etenim est absurdū fideles, ijs diebus qui propitiando Deo sunt destinati, fallacibus illis Sathanae blanditijs illectos à divinis officijs, religiosis supplicationibus concionibus que sacris abduci.

Since according to the precept of St. Paul, those who are Christs ought alwayes to follow sobriety, especially on Lords dayes and other festivalls: this Synode prohibits under paine of excommunication (on the foresaid dayes especially) all r…oting, publike feasts, galliards, dances, clamours and Morrices to be made, to spend time in hunting and hauking; to serve wine or victualls in Innes or victualling houses to any but to strangers; any prizes or other playes to be shewed, (especially whiles divine things are performed, and praises sung to God:) any comedies, Stage-playes, and other irreligious spectacles of this kinde (so it stiles them) to be acted: and it enjoyneth all and singular Rectors of parishes to cite those before the Bishop who shall not obey this decree, that in his name they may be denounced and proclaimed p. 633excommunicated: for it is very absurd, that Christians, on those dayes that are destinated to appease Gods anger, allured with those deceitfull inticements of Satan, should bee drawne away from divine Offices, religious supplications, and holy Sermons.

So that by this Synodes expresse resolution, Stage-playes are irreligious spectacles, and the deceitfull inticements of Satan, to withdraw mens hearts from God, and from his service; which should cause all Christians to abominate them.

The 52. is, Concilium Bituriense, Anno 1584. where 52these constitutions were compiled.

yyBochellus Decret. Eccles. Gall. l. 6. Tit. 10. c. 19. p. 977.Pro…betur populus prophana sodalitia et commessationes, choreas, tripudia, larvas et theatrales ludos diebus Dominicis et festis exercere; pompas instrumentorum musicorum et tympanorum in gestationibus imaginū per vias et compita exhibere; à caupona abstineant, et nihil nisi quod pietatē redoleat exerceant. Imitentur Christiani totis hisce diebus sanctos illos quorum memoriam colant per opera charitatis.

zzBochellus Decret. Eccles. Gall. l. 6. Ti…. 19 c. 8. & 24 p… 1026, 1028.Clerici nunquam personati sint: a comaedijs, p. 634Mimis, chorcis, et saltationibus agendis at que spectandis abstineant. Aleas, tesseras, chartas, omnes ludos vetitos, cōmessationes, ac inverecunda convivia, mercatus et nundinationes, tabernas ac diversoria praeterquā in itinere devitent &c. Hortatur etiam haec Synodus Christianos omnes ut pro Christiani nominis honore et dignitate se gerant, tripudia et saltationes, publicos ludos, mimos, larvas, et aleas, quā tū fieri poterit, devitent.

The people are prohibited to exercise prophane assemblies, and riotous feasts, dances, morrices, disguises and Stage-playes on Lords dayes and holy dayes: to exhibit shewes or pompes of musicall instruments and tabers in the processions of images through the streetes and crosse wayes: let them abstaine from the Ale-house, and practise nothing but that which may savour of piety. Let Christians all these dayes imitate by the workes of charitie, those Saints whose memorie they observe.

Let Clergy men never put on vizards: let them abstaine p. 634from acting and beholding comaedies, Stage-playes, morrices and dances. Let them shun dice, tables, cards, all prohibited Playes, riotous and immodest feasts, markets, faires, tavernes and Innes, but onelyonly when they travell. This Synode doth likewise exhort all Christians, that they carry themselves for the honour and credit of Christianity, and that they avoid and shun Masques and dances, publike Playes, Iesters, Stage-players, vizards and dice, as much as may be. Which stands not with the honour of Christianity.

Which Councel extending unto all Christians as well as to Clergy men, and exhorting them as much as may be, to abstaine from all dancing, dicing, Stage-playes, Mummeries, Stage-players and the like, even for the honour of religion, is an unanswerable evidence, that these sports, these Enterludes are altogether unseemely and unlawfull unto Christians.

53The 53. is, Synodus Aquensis, Anno 1585. which decreeth thus.

aaBochellus Decretorum Ecclesiae Gallicanae l. 4. Tit. 7. c. 45. p. 586.Cessent in die sanctorum Innocentium ludibria omnia et pueriles ac theatrales lusus.

bbBochellus ibid. Tit. 1. c. 3. p. 563. See Codex Theodosii l. 15. Tit. 7.Titus 1Nullus etiam vestibus religiosorum hominū aut mulierum utatur ad larvas, vel scurrilia, sub poena excōmunicationis ipso facto incurrenda.

p. 635ccBochellus Decret. Eccl. Gall. l. 6. Tit. 19. cap 6. & 13. p. 1026, 1027.Sacerdotes ne pagellis, aut alea, aliove hujusmodi ludo ludant, aut …udentes spectent. Ne personati unquam incedant, neve comaediarum aut chorearum aut profani ullius spectaculi actores sint vel spectatores. Tabernas ne frequentent adeantve nisi itineris causa. A comessationibus aut minus honestis convivijs abstineant omninò: nec dicterijs aut mordacibus utantur salibus, neve sacrae Scripturae verbis ad profanos sermones abutantur.

Let all pastimes, all childish and theatricall Enterludes on the day of the holy Innocents, cease.

Let none likewise use the garments of religious men or women for Masques and scurrilous Playes, under paine of excommunication to bee ipso facto incurred.

Ministers may not play at cards or dice, or any other such like play, or look upō those that play. They may not walke disguized, neither may they be actours or spectatours of comaedies or dances, or of any prophane Play. Let them not frequent or goe to tavernes, but by reason of travell. Let them wholly abstaine from riotous and dishonest feasts: neither let them use scoffes or biting jests, nor yet abuse the words of holy Scripture to prophane discourses. A good pious Canon, which I wish all Ministers would observe.

The 54. and last printed Councell with which I will 54conclude, is Concilium Tholosanum, Anno 1590. which concludes in this manner.

ddBochellus Decret. Eccles. Gall. l. 4. Tit. 1… cap. 98. p. 560.Titus 1Ludis, spectaculis, histrionum que circulationibus, Ecclesiam caemiteriumque deinceps patere prohibemus.

eeIbid. lib. 5. Tit. 1…. cap. 47. p. 812.Titus 1Et quoniā Sacerdotū vitia ut apparere maximè et primo conspectu occurrere, majori deni que dedecore haberi, imò et quae in alijs levia, in illis gravissima censeri consueverunt, ijs tripudia, ludos publicos, alia que omnia, quibus reliquos homines p. 636damnoso aliquo scandalo offendere possent, omnino interdicimus et prohibemus.

Wee prohibit the Church and Churchyard from henceforth to stand open to Playes, to Spectacles, and the jests of Stage-players.

And because the vices of Ministers are wont most of all to appear & to come in ure at the first sight, and to be accounted more shamefull, yea and those things that are reputed slight things in others, are deemed most hainous in them; wee wholly interdict and prohibit them dances, publike Playes, p. 636and all other things, by which they may offend any other men by any hurtfull scandall.

55To these I shall adde as a Corollary, the Nationall Protestant Synode at Rochell, Anno Dom. 1571. Where these two Canons were unanimously composed by all the Protestants in France.

ffThese Canons I have in a French Manuscript, intituled; Le Discipline Ecclesiastique Des Egglises reformees du Roi aume de FranceAll Congregations shall be admonished by their Ministers seriously to repr…hend and suppresse all Dances, Mummeries and Enterludes. And it shall not be lawfull for any Christians to act, or to be present at any Comedies, Tragedies, Playes, Enterludes, or any other such sports, either in publike, or in private chambers. Considering, THAT THEY HAVE ALVVAYES BEENE OPPOSED, CONDEMNED AND SVPPRESSED IN AND BY THE CHVRCH. AS BRINGING ALONG WITH THEM THE CORRVPTION OF GOOD MANNERS, especially when as the holy Scripture is prophaned; which is not delivered to be acted or played, but onelyonly to be preached.

Dancing-masters, or those who make any dancing-meetings, after they have been often admonished to desist, ought to be excommunicated for this their pertinacy and rebellion.

By which it is most apparant; that Stage-playes, Dan…es and Mummeries, have beene evermore condemned in and by the Church of God, as the corruptions of mens manners, and unlawfull Pastimes. Whence the ggSee Andreas Fric…us De Repub. Emendanda l. 1. c. 23. p. 90. Lydii Waldensis pars 2. p. 358. here p. 226, 228, to 233, accordingly.French Protestants (as I am informed by those who have lived among them) doe wholly abandon Stage-playes and Dancing, as hhAntea nam que et Reginae in conviviis virorum saltabant, sicut filiam Herodiadis fecisse legimus, nunc vero vix famula dignatur hoc facere. Chrysost. Hom. de Spir… Tom. 3. …l. 7…7. A.unchristian & sinfull pastimes; neither will they suffer their sonnes or daughters to dance, or to resort unto a dancing-schoole, as the French Papists doe, who delight and glory in nothing more than dancing, to which they are naturally addicted; whereas effeminate, amorous dancing either of men or women together, p. 637or of men in the presence of women, or of women in the sight of men, hath beene alwayes an allurement to lewdnesse, a grand occasion of much whoredome and uncleannesse, a recreation fit for none but whores adulteresses, &c. as hhAspectibus meretriciis, & verborum l…nocinio, …altationibus etiam ac lascivis gestibus, …uvenum partem non contemnendam pell…ciunt, per…rahunque in stupri …oci… tatem &c. De F…r…dine lib. p. 1006.Philo Iudaeus, iiHom. 56. in Genesis… & Hom. 12. in 1 Cor. c. 4.1 Cor 4Chrysostome, kkColo…s vero parietibus relinquamus, i…sque mul…e…uli… quae caeno suo …uvenes in rabiemagunt. …llae sane et impudenter saltent et rideant. Adver…us Mulie…es …. 994.Nazienzen, llDe …rietate et luxu Sermo. See here p. 224, 225.Basil, mmSpeculum Morale cap. 3. Disti…ctio 6. pars 9. p. 251, 252.Vincentius, nnIn Matth. c. 14.Matt 14Hugo Cardinalis, and ooConcio 6. & 19. Operum Tom. 6. Coloniae Agrippinae 1617. Col. 60, 61, 204, 205.Bellarmine himselfe, with sundry other Fathers and Authors formerly quoted Act. 5. Scene 8. most plentifully testifie.

By all these 55 severall Councels and Synodes, in divers ages and Countries (3 or 4 of which are conf…ssed to be ffViz. Concilium Constantipolitanum 6. Synodus Nicaena 2. Concil. Constantinop. 8. Concil. Lateranense sub Innocentio 3.oecumenicall and universall, to which all the Christian Churches in these knowne parts of the world subscribed by their selected Bishops and proxies,) it is most apparant, (to passe by dicing, carding, dancing, health-drinking, bonefires, New-yeares gifts, scurrilous songs, and other recited particulars concerning Clergy men, which they have condemned:) First, that the profession of a Stage-player is altogether unchristian, abominable and unlawfull: and that all common Actors and Stage-players ought to stand excommunicated ipso facto, both from the Church, the Sacraments and all Christian society, till they have utterly renounced, and quite given over their infamous, execrable lewd profession, which is no wayes tolerable among Christians. And if the very profession of a Stage-player bee so execrable by these Councels resolution, much more abominably execrable must Stage-playes be, which make it so. Secondly, that all Christian Princes and Magistrates ought to suppresse all Stage-playes, all common Actors, and to banish them their territories and dominions; severely punishing all such persons who dare to harbour or protect them. Thirdly, that Stage-playes are diabolicall, heathenish, unchristian polluted spectacles, which defile the eyes, p. 638the eares, the soules; corrupt the manners, enflame the lusts of those who act, who see or heare them acted, disabling them likewise to,**See Act. 6. Scene 12.Acts 6 and withdrawing them from 4Gods holy worship and service. Fourthly, that Stage-playes even in private houses, at marriages or feasts, are unlawfull, and misbeseeming Christians; as well as in 5publike Theatres. Fifthly, that the acting of Stage-playes whether publike or private, by common Actors or others, especially in Churches and Church-yards, is altogether abominable and unlawfull; though it be still permitted in some places, among the Papists in forraigne 6parts. Sixthly, that the acting of our Saviours passion, or of any other sacred history, either in the Church, or on the Stage, (a **See Act. 3. Scen. 5. & Ioannis Molanus Hist. SS. Imaginum l. 4. c. 18.Acts 3practise yet in use among the prophane sacrilegious Papists and Iesuites,) is altogether to be abandoned, and condemned. Seventhly, that dancing, 7dicing, carding, and Stage-playes, are unlawfull and abominable, as at all other times, so chiefly upon Lords dayes, holy dayes, and solemne Christian festivalls, (especially on Easter… Whitsontide and Christtide, set apart and consecrated to Gods peculiar and more speciall worship;) when they are now most in use.

If any here demand of me, how the beginning and ending of Lords dayes and holy dayes (on which these Stage-Playes and Pastimes are more specially prohibited) should be accounted? I answer; that the Lords day (notwithstanding some hhWolphius Chronol. …. 2. c. 1 Dr. Bond Of the Sabbath, …. 2. p. 46. and others who have since followed their mistake.late reverend opinions to the contrary) hath alwayes anciently beene reputed to begin at saturday evening, (not at midnight, or daybreaking, as some now teach,) and so to continue to the evening following. At the time of the creation, it is most apparant, that the day began at evening: For, the **Gen. 1.5, 8, 17 19, 23, 31. In Genesi nox nō praecedentis di…i est, sed subsequentis; id est, principium futuri, non finis praeteriti. Hierom. in Ion…m c…p. 2. Tom. 5. p. 1…7. G.Gen 1:5Gen 1:8Gen 1:17evening and the morning were the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, (and so by consequent the seventh) day: in ratification of which originall law of nature for the beginning and ending of dayes, the Lord himselfe above two thousand yeares after, commanded the Israelites to celebrate their p. 639Sabbath from evening to evening. Levit. 23.32. From even to even shall you celebrate your Sabbath. By vertue of which precept, the kkSee Exodus 16.2, 23, to 30. &c. 27.10, 11. Iosephus Contra Appionem l. 1. p. 833. Chrysost. Hom. 4. in Genes. Tom. 1. Col. 26. B. & Hom. 82. in Matth. I…m. 2. Col. 559. B. Hierom Com. in Ionam cap. 2 Tom. 5. p. 137… G. Iosephus Sca…ger de Emendatio…e Temporum l. 2. De Anno ludaeorum novitio, p. 119. & l. 6. p. …32, 533. Godwin his Iewish Antiquities, l. 3. c. 3. p. 121. & Ainsworth hi… Annotations on Genesis c. 1. v. 5.Exod 16:2Exod 16:23–30Matt 1Gen 1:5Iewes did alwayes begin and keepe their Sabbaths, and solemne festivalls from evening to evening, till our Saviours passion, and this present day. Neither did our Saviours resurrection on the first day of the weeke, alter the beginning and end of that day, nor yet of the Sabbath, which we now keepe upon it: For if the first day on which our Saviour rose againe tooke its beginning onelyonly from the time of his resurrection (as some affirme;) then our Saviour could not possibly be llMat…h. 12.40. c. 16.21. Luke 24.6. Acts 10.40. 1 Cor. 15.4. & our Creed.Luke 24:6Acts 10:401 Cor 15:4three dayes in the grave, nor yet be truly said, to rise againe the third day according to the Scriptures: the night in which our Saviour rose, being according to this computation, a part of the seventh day, and no part of the first, of which the mmHierom. Cō in Ionam c. 2. Tom. 5. p. 137. G. & Com. in Mat…h. 1…. v. 46. Augustin. Quaest. Super Evangelia l. 1. Quaest. 6. & 7. Gregory Nyssen De Resurrect. Christi Oratio 1. p. 145. Theophilus Antiochenus Com. in M…tth. l. 1. Bib…. Patrum Tom. 2. p. 152. Anastatius Sianita Quaest. 152, 153. Bibl. Patrum Tom. 6. pars 1. p. 794, 795. Theophylact. Com. in Matth. c. 12. v. 40. See Marlorat Musculus, Lyra, Gorran, Calvin, Bucer, Arctius, and others in Matth. 12. v. 40 & 16. v. 21. accordingly.Matt 12:40Matt 16:21Fathers and all other Expositors have alwayes made it parcell, to justifie the truth of our Saviours resurrection on the third day. And whereas some object, that it is absurd, that our Christian sabbath should begin before the houre of our Saviours resurrection, which is the ground of it; for th…s were to put the effect before the cause, and to make the sabbath precede Christs resurrection, which was the cause of its commencement. I answer first; that Christs resurrection did not sanctifie onelyonly the first houre, but the first day on which he rose: therefore the antecedent part of the first day, (which was past before his resurrection) as well as the subsequent: For as Christians celebrate the day of our Saviours passion, even from the very morning, though our Saviour suffered not till towards evening: and as the Israelites by Gods owne appointment, were to begin their Passeover, nnExod. 12.6.Exod 12:6the evening p. 640of the foureteenth day, not at midnight; though the Angell slew not the first-borne of Egypt, nor yet passed over the Israelites till **Exod. 12.29.Exod 12:29midnight: And as all Christians keepe holy the mornings of those dayes wherein they receive any publike deliverances, as well as the evening, though the deliverances perchance were not till noone, or after. And as if our Saviour should have risen at two of the clocke in the afternoone, (about which ppLuke 24.13, 29. &c. compa…ed together.Luke 24:13Luke 24:29time he first shewed himselfe to his Disciples) yet no man would have argued; that therefore the sabbath must not begin before that houre, (& so be kept from noone to noone) because we observe not the houre, but the intire day: So our Christian sabbath by the selfsame reason, must be still kept from evening to evening, though our Saviour rose not till the morning; because we observe not the houre, the minute, but the intire day whereon he rose againe, 2which then began at evening. Secondly, I would demand, on what day our Saviour rose? on the seventh, or on the first day of the weeke? If on the seventh, then he was not three dayes in the grave; and then we have no ground for sanctifying the first day: If on the first day of the weeke, then the day was begun before he rose: for if the day began not till he was risen; then he rose not on it, but before it. If he rose after the day began (as it is certaine he did, qqMatth. 16.21. compared with cap. 28.1.6. Mark 16.1, 2. Iohn 20.1. Luk 24.1.6. Acts 10.49. 1 Cor. 15.4.Matt 16:21Mark 16:1Luke 24:1Luke 24:6Acts 10:491 Cor 15:4by severall Scriptures,) then his resurrection did not change the beginning of the day, it being begun befo…e: (else this day should have two beginnings, and so it was begun before it began, and after it began, which is a contradiction:) and if it altered not the beginning of the first day, then by what authority is it changed now? Neither can it be here replied, that the first day hath one beginning, and the Sabbath or Lords day another: for as it is said of the seventh day: rrExod. 16.25, 26. c. 20.8, 10, 12. Deut. 5.12, 14.Exod 16:25Exod 16:26Deut 5:12Deut 5:14that the seventh day is the sabbath, and the sabbath the seventh day: so it may be truly said; that the ss1 Cor. 16.2 Rev. 1.6. compared with Matth. 28.1 Marke 16.1. Luke 24.1. Ioh. 20.1.1 Cor 16:2Rev 1:6Matt 28:1Mark 16:1Luke 24Lords day is the first day of the weeke, and the first day of the weeke the Lords day, they having both the selfe-same limits. p. 641Thirdly, no Scripture informes us, that our Saviours 3resurrection changed the beginning or end of the sabbath, that it should now begin at midnight, or morning, not at evening; therefore it k…epes the self…same beginning and end it had before. Neither doth the objected reason, (viz: that the cause should precede the effect, warranted by no Scripture,) prove any thing at all. Indeed if any had celebrated the first day as a sabbath, before our Saviour had risen, the reason had beene good: but since our Saviour was risen againe before the first day was ever kept holy; and since his resurrection on it was the ttSee Iustin Martyr, Apologia 2. pro Christianis. Aug… stine de Tempore p. 251. Dr. Bond Of the Sabbath, and all Commentaries on the 4. Commandement, & others who have written of the Sabbath, accordingly.cause why Christians subsequently observed the whole day, not the very minute or houre on which he rose, or that part onelyonly of the day which remained after he was risen; the reason is of no weight at all: For if our Saviours resurrection should not extend to consecrate that part of the first day which preceded it, because the effect should not goe before the cause: a man might by the selfesame reason argue; that our Saviours passion did not relate à parte ante, to save those beleevers who died before, but only à parte post, to redeeme such onelyonly who departed after his incarnation: which were blasphemy for to thinke; since our Saviour was virtually and in destination (though not actually) vvRev. 13.8.Rev 13:8a lambe slaine from the beginning of the world. Now that the Christian sabbath or Lords day begins at even, and so ought to be sanctified from even to even, not from morning to morning, or from midnight to midnight; (which ecclesiasticall beginning of dayes we never find in Scripture, or in any Ecclesiasticall Writers;) it is most apparant: First, because we reade of no other beginning 1or end of the sabbath in Scripture but this: and to make it begin from the very houre or minute of our Saviours resurrection, is to make it arbitrary and altogether uncertaine, because the very houre and minute of his resurrection is not, neither can it certainly be knowne. Secondly, because the sabbath being nothing else in proper p. 6422speach, but a day of rest, it is most naturall and proper it should then begin when as God and man begin their rest; and leave off their labour; not when as they begin their worke: xxGen. 2.1, 2, 3 Exod. 20.8. to 13.Gen 2:1Gen 2:2Gen 2:3Exod 20:8–13but God began his rest at the end of the sixth day, not on the morning or midnight of the seventh day: and men begin their yyNoctem enim ad quietem corporis datam esse cognoscimus, non ad muneris alicuius vel operis functionem, quae somno et oblivione trāscurritur. Ambrosi… Hex…eni. l. 1. c. 10.rest at evening, not at midnight or morning: Witnesse Psal. 104.22, 23. The Sunne ariseth, and man goeth forth to his worke and to his labour unto the evening: and Iohn 9.4. I must worke the workes of him that sent me whiles it is called to day: the night commeth when no man can worke: therefore it is most consonant to reason and nature that it should begin at evening. Thirdly, this beginning of the 3Lords day on saturday at even doth best prepare Christians for the sanctification and duties of the Lords day: For it makes them put a period to their labours in due time, it disburdens them the sooner of their weekday imployments; it causeth them to goe to bed sooner, to rise earlier, and to prepare themselves the better for the duties of the ensuing morning; and upon this ground did the Church appoint zzConcilium Constantinop. 6. Can. 90. & Aquisgranense sub Ludovico Pio Can. 130. Polydor Virgil. De Inventoribus rerum l. 6. c. 4. Ioannes Langhecrueius De Vita et Honestate Ecclesiasticorum l. 2. c. 11.14.Vigils and Evening Saturday service in ancient times, that Christians laying aside all secular imployments, and resorting then unto Gods publike worship, might (after the manner of the Iews, who **Luke 23.54. Iohn… 19.42.Luke 23:54John 19:42had their preparatiō of the sabbath) the better prepare themselves for the sacred duties of the Lords day. And hence perchance it is that we have seldome any Playes or Masques at Court upon saturday nights. 4Lastly, it is infallibly evident by the constant practise of the primitive Church, who kept the Lords day onelyonly frō evening to evening, not from morning to morning; as is evidenced (not onelyonly by the assemblies of the primitive Christians, who met together **Christiani sol…ti …rant …tato die ante lucem convenire, carmen que Christo, quasi Deo dicere secum invicem. Pliniu… Secundu… Epist. l. 10. Epist. 97. Which meetings Tertullian stiles, Nocturnae convocationes. Ad V…orem l. 2. c. 3. And others. An…el…cani ca…u….before day-breake upon the Lords day to praise their Lord and Saviour Christ,) but by sundry Councels, Fathers, and Imperiall Constitutions. p. 643To begin with Councels. Survey we Concilium Tarraconense Can. 7. Surius Concil. Tom. 2. p. 292. Matisconense 2. Can. 2. Ib. p. 683. Toletanum 4. Can. 8. Ib. p. 729. Constantinop. 6. Can. 90. Ib. p. 1052. Foro-juliense Can. 13. Surius Tom. 3. p. 266. Turonicum 3. sub Carolo Magno Can. 40. Ib. p. 272. aaAnd Apud Radulphum Tungrensem De Canonum Observantia Propositio 15. Bibl. Patrum Tom. 11. p. 44…. F. G. & Tom… 14. p. 242.Concilium apud Compendium, Apud Alexandr: Alesium, Summa Theolog. pars 3. Quaest 32. Artic. 2. p. 245. bbApud Alchuvini Opera Col. 1893.Synodus Francfordiana Anno Dom. 793. cap. 22. ccApud Bochellum Decret. Ecclesiae Gallicanae l. 4. Tit. 7. cap. 14. p. 578. & …it 10. c. 12. p. 595. See cap. 6. Ibid.Concilium Moguntinum Anno 813. apud Iuonis Decreta, pars 4. c. 16. Synodus Galonis et Simonis Legatoris An. 1212. & Synodus Andegavensis An. 1282. All these expresly decree. Vt dies Dominicus à vespera usque ad vesperam servetur. Omnesdies Dominicos à vespera in vesperam omni veneratione decernimus observari, et ab omni illic…to opere abstinere. Nec aliquis à vespera dici Sabbathi, usque ad vesperā diei Dominicae ad molendina aquar…, nec ad aliqua alia molere audeat &c. So that by the expresse resolution of all these severall Councels, whereof one is oecumenicall: the Lords day ought to be kept onelyonly from evening to evening; and so to begin and end at evening. If we peruse the Fathers; we shall finde ddObservemus ergo diem dominicam fratres, & sanctifi…cemus illam sicut antiquis praeceptum est de Sabbato, dicente Legislatore; A vespere usque ad vesperam celebrabitis Sabbata vestra. Videamus ne otium nostrum vanum sit, sed a vespera dici Sabbati usque in vesperam dici do…inicae sequestratia rurali opere et ab omni negotio, solo divino cultui vacemus. De Tempore Serm… 251. See Quaestiones super Evangelia, l. 1. Quaest. 6, 7.St. Augustine, enjoyning Christians to celebrate the Lords day from evening to evening, as the Iewes did celebrate their sabbath. And that the Lords day and our Christian sabbath begins at evening, not at morning or midnight, it is the direct and punctuall verdict of Dionysius Alexandrinus Epist. 1. Bibl. Patrum Tom. 3. p. 81. A. to H. Of Theophilus Antiochenus Comment. in Evangelia, l. 1. Bib. Patr. Tom. 2. p. 153. C, D. Of Gregory Nyssē Oratio 1. & 2. De Resurrect. Christi p. 145, 146, 151… 152. Of Hierō. Com. in Ionā c. 2. Tō. 5. p. 137. E. & Cō. in Mat. 12. v. 40. Tō. 6. p. 22, 23. of Leo Epist. Decret. Epist. 81. c. 1. HRabanus Maurus Homil. De Dominicis Diebus: Operum Tom. 5. p. 605. Chrysost. Hom. 5. in Genes: Tom. 1. Col: 26 B. & Hom: 82. in Matth: Tom: 2. Col: 559. B. Theophylus p. 644Alexandrinus Epist: Paschalis 3. Bibl: Patrum Tom: 4. p: 723. G. Cassianus de Incarnatione Domini lib: 5 Bibl: Patr: Tom: 5. pars 2. p: 81. F, G. Anastatius Sianita eePropterea enim Scriptura tenebras ponit ante lucem, quoniam prius eramus in errore, deinde trāsivimus ad lucem. Propterea prior est vespera, deinde dies. Hinc lege est constitutum, ut inciperetur a uespera, dominica; quoniam a morte obscura processimus ad lucem resurrectionis. Ibid.Anagogicarum Contemplationum Hexaëm. l. 2. Bibl: Patr: Tom: 6… pars 1 p. 634. E. ffNos dominicam a vespera Sabbati auspicamur. Ibid.Quaestionum lib: Quaest: 87. Ibid: p: 778. Quaest: ggQuemlibet diem a vespera computare, et cum praecedente nocte, ceu u…um copu…are solemus. Sic e…im et Moyses &c. vacationem a laboribus in Sabbato ita descripsit, ut et praeceden…e nocte et sequenti die otium agerent. Testes do Iudaeos qui usque in hodiernum diem id observant; quippe qui non illam noctem, quae Sabbatum subsequitur, sed illam quae antegreditur cessatione ab operibus quiete colurit. Et nos in observatione diei dominici, praecedentem noctem, tanquam cum die copula tam, et non sequentem noctem veneramu…. Ibid. A most full testimony.152, 153. Ibid: p: 794, 795. Theophylact. in Matth: 12. v: 40. & 28. v. 1. Anselmus in Matth: 12. Tom. 1. p: 60, 61. & in cap: 28.1. p: 116. Eusebius Gallicanus de Symbolo Hom: 2. Bibl: Patr: Tom: 5. pars… 1. p: 554. G, H. Paschatius Rhadbertus in Matth: l: 12. Bib. Pat: Tom: 9. pars 2. p: 1230. Haymo Halberstattensis Homil. in Die Paschatis, p. 7, 8. Radulphus Tungrensis De Canonum observantia lib: Propositio 23. Bibl: Patr: Tom: 11. p: 455. F, G. & Propositio 15. Ibid: p: 445. F, G. & Tom: 14. p: 242. B. C. Amalarius Fortunatus De Ecclesiasticis Officijs l: 1. c: 11. Bibl: Patr: Tom: 9. pars 1. p: 311. F. Honorius Augustodunensis De Imagine Mundi lib. 1. cap: 27. Bibl: Patr: Tom: 12. pars 1. p: 947. H. & De Antiquo ritu Miss: lib: 1. c: 191. p: 1047. F. Christianus Grammaticus Expositio in Matth: Bibl: Patr: Tom: 9. pars 1. p: 941. D, E. Zacharias Chrysopolitanus in unum ex quatuor lib. 4. c. 173. Bibl: Patr: Tom: 12. pars 1. p: 203, 204. To which I may adde Gregorius 9. Decretal. l. 2. Tit. 9. De Ferijs cap. 2. p. 595. Summa Angelica. Tit. Dies. sect. 1. & Constitutiones Symonis Islepe Archiepisc. Cantuariensis, apud Gulielmum Lindwood. Constit. Provinciales l. 2. Tit. de Ferijs fol. 74. B. & Ioan. Aton. fol 148. a. where he decreeth thus. In primis sacrū diem dominicum ab hora diei Sabbati vespertina inchoandum &c. to which the forequoted Authours suffragate. Lastly, **Booke of Martyrs, Edit. 1610. p. 715.King Edgar and Canutus enacted by their Lawes, That the Sunday should be kept holy from p. 645saturday at noone till monday in the morning. And Charles the Great, Capit. lib. 6. enacted: iiA vespera us que ad vespe…am dies Dominic…s servetur. …hellu… Decre…. E…cl…. Gal. l. …. Ti…. … c. 59. p. 589. A v…pera diei S…bba…i usque ad vesperam diei d…minici …equestrati a rurali opere, et om…i negotio, so…o divino cultui vacemus HRa…nus Maurus Homiliae in Dominicis di… bu…. ope…um Tom. 5. p. 605. A.that the Lords day should be kept holy from evening to evening. By all which testimonies and reasons it is most apparant, that Lords dayes and holy dayes begin at evening, and so ought to be celebrated and kept holy from evening to evening. Therfore all dancing, dicing, carding, masques, stageplaies, (together with all ordinary imployments of mens callings) upon saturday nights, are altogether unlawfull by the verdict of the forequoted Councels; because the Lords day (as all these ancient Authorities and reasons, against all new opinions prove,) is even then begun. Neither will it hereupon follow, that we may dance, dice, see Masques or Playes on Lords-day nights (as too many doe,) because the Lords day is then ended; since these Councels prohibit them altogether at all times whatsoever. But put case they were lawfull at other times, yet it were unseasonable to practise thē on Lords day nights: For this were but to kkGal. 3.32.Gal 3:32begin in the spirit, and end in the flesh; to conclude holy daies & duties with prophane exercises; and llSee Tertullian De Spectaculis c. 25, 26. & Here Act. 6. Scene 12. accordingly.Acts 6immediately after the service of God to serve the Divell, and to commit our selves to his protection. Wee must therefore know, that though the Lords day end at evening, yet there are then evening-duties still remaining, answerable to the workes of the precedent day: as the mmPsal. …, 1, 2. Deut. 6.4, 5, 6. Acts 17.11. 1 Iohn 4.1.Deut 6:4Deut 6:5Deut 6:6Acts 17:111 John 4:1repetition, meditation, and tryall of those heavenly instructions which we have heard or read in the day-time; nnEphes. 3.14. to 21. Phil. 1.9, 10. 1 Tim. 2.1.8.Eph 3:14–21Phil 1:9Phil 1:101 Tim 2:11 Tim 2:8prayer to God for a blessing upon all those holy ordinances of which wee have beene made partakers: ooHebr. 12.15.Heb 12:15thanksgiving to him for his manifold mercies: ppEph. 5.19, 20. Col 3.15.Eph 5:19Eph 5:20Col 3:15singing of psalmes and hymnes and spirituall songs: qqCol. 3.15. Deut 6.5, 6, 7. Ephes. 5.4.Col 3:15Deut 6:5Deut 6:6Deut 6:7Eph 5:4instruction and examination of our children, servants and families: rrPsal. 4.4. Lam. 3.40. 2 Cor. 13.5.Ps 4:4Lam 3:402 Cor 13:5examination of our owne hearts, estates, and wayes by the touch-stone of Gods word: together with a ssPsal. 4…8. Psal. 31.5. Luk. 23.46. 1 Pet. 4.19.Ps 4:8Ps 31:5Luke 23:461 Pet 4:19serious commendation of our soules and bodies into the hands of God by prayer and well-doing, when as we are lying downe to our rest. All which most serious necessary duties, with which wee should p. 646close up every day and night, ttQuis scit an adiiciant hodi. ernae crastina summae Tempora dii superi? Hora…. Carm. l. 4. Ode 9. Nemo in crastinum sui certus. Seneca Epist. 92. Nemo tam divos habuit faventes crastinum ut possit sibi polliceri. Seneca, Thyestes Act. 3.Acts 3(it being for ought we know the utmost period of our lives,) will out all dancing, dicing, Masques and Stage-playes, which are incompatible with these holy duties, and altogether unseasonable for the night, which God made for vvPsal. 104.23. Psal. 127.2. Prov. 3.24. 2 The…s. 5.8. See Chrysost. Oratio habita Kalendis.Ps 104:23Ps 127:2Prov 3:24Prov 3:2sleepe and rest; not for these dishonest workes of darknesse in which too many spend whole nights, who never imployed one halfe night (or day) in prayer, as their xxLuke 6.12.Luke 6:12Saviour, and yyPsal. 6.6. Ps. 16.7. Ps. …2.8. Ps. 776. Ps. 91.1 Ps. 119.62.Ps 6:6Ps 16:7Ps 2:8Ps 91:1Ps 119:62King David did. Since therefore we never reade of any faithfull Saints of God in former times who practised dancing, dicing, Masques or Enterludes on Lords day nights, (no zzSee Act. 5. Scene 8.Acts 5nor yet on any other dayes or nights for ought appeares by any Author,) though they have oft times spent whole dayes and nights in prayer: let us not take up this godlesse practise now, which will keepe us off from God and better things. But let us rather follow aaSee pag. 644.Edgars and Canutus Lawes, keeping the Sunday holy from saturday evening, till monday morning; spending the bbSee Psal. 92.1, 2. Isay 58.13. See here page 242. & 5. & 6. Ed. 6.….3.Ps 92:1Ps 92:2Isa 58:13whole day and night in ccSee Psal. 92 1, 2. Ps. 134.1, 2.Ps 92:1Ps 92:2Ps 134:1Ps 134:2prayer and praises unto God, and in such holy actions, as we would be content, that ddMatth. 24.46.Matt 24:46Christ and death should finde us doing. No man I am sure would be willing, that Christ, that death, or the day of judgement should deprehend him **See Matth. 24 38, 39. 1 Sam. 3….16, 17. Ioh. 21.11, 12, 13.Matt 24:38Matt 24:391 Sam 3:161 Sam 3:17John 21:11John 21:12John 21:13whiles he is dancing, drinking, gaming, Masquing, acting, or beholding Stage-playes: yea who would not tremble to be taken away sodainly at such sports as these, especially on a Sunday night, when every mans conscience secretly informes him that they are unexpedient, unseasonable, if not unlawful too? Let us therfore alwaies end the Lords day, yea every weekday too with such holy exercises, in which we would ffPul…hra res est consummare vitam ante mortem, deinde expectare securus reliquam temporis sui partem. Seneca Epist. 22.willingly end our dayes: then neede we not be ashamed for to live nor feare to die. Lastly… it is evidently resolved by the foregoing Councels… that the very beholding and acting of Stage-playes either in publike or private, is altogether p. 647unlawfull unto Christians, and more especially to Clergy men, (who now are not ashamed to **Yea sometimes to act them too in our V…iversities.frequent them, against the expresse resolution of all these Councels:) who are neither to behold nor countenance any dancing, dicing, carding, table-playing, much lesse any publike or kkTherefore no Academicall Stage-playes.private Stage-playes; the very acting or beholding of which subjects them both to suspension and degradation; as the recited Canons witnesse to the full: which I wish all Ministers would now at last remember.

If any man here object:Object. that many of the alledged Councels prohibit Clergy men onelyonly from acting and beholding Stage-playes; therefore Lay men may safely personate and frequent them still.

To this I answer.Answ. First that most of these Councels expresly inhibit as well Lay men as Clergy men both from acting and beholding Stage-playes: therefore the objection is but idle. Secondly, the very reason alledged by these Councels, why Clergy men should abstaine from Stage-play…s: to wit; lest their eyes and eares deputed unto holy mysteries should be defiled by them &c. **See Chrysost. Hom. 2. in Mat. Tom. 2. Col. 15. D. & Hom. 7. in Mat. here, p. 410 411, where hee proves that Laymen as well as Monkes & Ministers ought to abstain from Stage playes.extends as well to the Laity as the Clergie; since every Lay Christian is as apt to be defiled by Playes, and ll1 Pet. 1.13, 14, 15, 16. 2 Pet. ….11.1 Pet 1:131 Pet 1:141 Pet 1:151 Pet 1:16ought to be as holy in all manner of conversation, as Clergy men. Every Lay Christian is, or ought to be a mm1 Pet. ….5, 9. Rev. 1.6. Hebr. 13.15, 16. Exo. 19.6. Isay 61.6. & 65.21. Nonne et Laici Sacerdotes sumus? Scriptum est, Nos Sacerdotes Deo et Patri suo fecit. Differentiam inter Ordinem et plebem constituit Ecclesiae authoritas. Sed et ubi tres, Ecclesia est, licet Laici T…rtullian. Exhor…atio ad Castitatem cap. 5.Rev 1:6Heb 13:15Heb 13:16Exod 19:6Isa 61:6Isa 65:21spirituall Priest, to offer up spirituall sacrifices of prayer and praise to God both morning and evening, and at all other seasons: whence God himselfe enjoynes even Lay men as well as others; nn2 Cor. 7.1.2 Cor 7:1to cleanse themselve… from all pollution of flesh and spirit perfecting holinesse in the feare of God; **Iam. 1.27.Jas 1:27to keepe themselves unspotted of the world; pp1 Pet. 2.11.1 Pet 2:11to abstaine from fleshly lusts which warre against the soule; and qqLevit. 11.44. c. …9.2. c. 20.7. 1 Pet. 1.15, 16.Lev 11:441 Pet 1:151 Pet 1:16to be holy even as God is holy. p. 648There is the selfesame holinesse required both of the Laity and Clergy; both of them ought to be alike spirituall Priests to God (at leastwise in respect of rrGen. 18.19. Deut. 6.6, 7. 1 Tim. 2.8. Hebr. 3.13. Col. 3.16, 17. Ephes. 4.29, c. 5.17, 19, 20. &c. 6.4.Gen 18:19Deut 6:6Deut 6:71 Tim 2:8Heb 3:13Col 3:16Col 3:17Eph 4:29family-duties, and private exercises of piety and devotions:) if therfore Stage-playes unsanctifie or pollute the one, and indispose them to Gods service, needes must they ooSee Act. 6. Scene 3, 4. & 12 accordingly.Acts 6defile the other too: and so they are equally unlawfull to both by these Councels verdict. Lastly, though many of these Councels prohibit only Clergie men frō acting or beholding Stage-plaies; partly because their ppSee The Difference betweene the Ecclesiastical Power and Regall Englished by Henry Lord Stafford; and dedicated to the Duke of Sommerset; printed cum Privilegio; & Dr. Crakenthorp Of the Popes Temporall Monarchy accordingly.Canons bound none but Clergy men, not the Laity, untill they were received: and partlie, because the reformation of the Clergie (whose qqSee Concil. 54.resort to Stage-playes did seduce the Laity,) was the …peediest meanes to reclaime all Laicks: yet they intended not to give anie libertie to Lay men, to haunt Plaies or theatres; for as they inhibit Ministers themselves from Plaies, so they rrSee Concil. 19.23, 31, 34, 36, 38, 44, 47, 50, & 55, accordingly.charge them likewise both by preaching, by ecclesiasticall censures, & all other meanes, to withdraw their parishioner and all others from them. So that the objection is meerelie frivolous; and I may safelie conclude, that these 55 recited Councels have censured and condemned all kinde of Stage-plaies, together with their Actors and spectatours. And dare then anie Clergie man, anie Lay man or Christian whatsoever after all these pious Constitutions, these deliberate resolutions of above a double Grand-Iurie of oecumenicall, nationall, provinciall Synodes and Councels, of all times, all ages of the Church; after the solemne verdict of above 5000 reverend Bishops and Prelates, (who were present at these Councels, and subscribed them with their hands,) once open his eyes to see, his eares to heare, his purse to cheerish, his mouth to justifie Plaies or Plaiers? I hope there is none will be so desperately shamelesse, so gracelesse as to doe it now, though they did it out of ignorance heretofore.

To these forenamed Councels I shall accumulate some Canonicall Play-condemning Constitutions to the same p. 649effect, according to their severall antiquities.

The first of them (if we beleeve Clemens Romanus) 1are the very Canons and Constitutions of the Apostles themselves, who decree thus.

ssApostolorum Canones apud S…rium Concil. Tom. 1. p. 23. Gratian. Distinctio 34. Carranza fol. 2. Can. 18. See Binius & Crab Tom. 1. Conciliorum, Apostolorum Canones, Can. 17.Can. 17. Qui accepit meretricem, vel mimam seu scenicam, non potest esse Presbyter, vel Episcopus, vel Diaconus, vel omnino in numero sacerdotali

Hee who hath married a strumpet, or a woman-actor or stageresse, cannot be an Elder. a Bishop, or Deacon, nor yet in the number of the Clergy.

If then the marrying with a woman-actor or Stage-hauntresse (who were commonly ttSee here Act. 5. Scen. 6. p. 214 215. Act. 6. Scene 3, 4. Dr. Reinolds Overthrow of Stage-playes, p. 70. & Codex Theodos… lib. 15. Tit. 7. accordingly. Whence Scenica mulier, or mima, is used for a whore. See Nazienzen Oratio 28. p. 472. Chrysost. Hom. 10. in Matth. 12. Col. 79. D.Acts 5Acts 6Matt 12notorious prostituted strumpets in ancient times,) disables men from bearing any ecclesiastical function, by the Apostles owne verdict; how execrable must Stage-plaies themselves and Plaiers be? The same Apostles in their Constitutions (recorded by the selfesame Clemens,) will informe us: where thus they write.