Histrio-Mastix. The Players Scovrge, Or, Actors Tragaedie, Divided into Two Parts, Wherein it is largely evidenced, by divers Arguments, by the concurring Authorities and Reso- lutions of Sundry texts of Scripture; of the whole Primi-tive Church, both under the Law and Gospell; of 55 Synodes and Councels; of 71 Fathers and Christian Writers, before the yeare of our Lord 1200; of above 150 foraigne and domestique Protestant and Popish Authors, since; of 40 Heathen Philosophers, Hi storians, Poets; of many Heathen, many Christian Nations, Repub- liques, Emporors, Princes Magistrates; of sundry Aposto- licall, Canonicall Imperiall Constitutions; and of our owne English Statutes, Magistrates, Vniversities, Writers, Preachers. That popular Stage-playes (the very Pompes of the Divell which we renounce in Baptisme, if we beleeve the Fathers) are sin- full, heathenish, lewde, ungodly Spectacles, and most pernicious Cor- ruptions; condemned in all ages, as intolerable Mischiefes to Churches, to Republickes, to the manners, mindes and soules of men. And that the Profession of Play-poets, of Stage players; together with the penning, acting, and frequenting of Stage-playes, are unlawfull, infamous and misbeseeming Chri stians. All pretences to teh contrary are here likewise fully answered; and the unlawfulnes of acting, of beholding Academicall Enterludes, briefly discussed; besides sundry other particulars con- cerning Dancing, Dicing, Health-drinking, & c. of which the Table will informe you

by William Prynne

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