| Citation |
PC.767.062
30 Mar-6 Apr 1767:412, 413 (1/11)
[Continuation of "The Absolute Unlawfulness of the Stage-
Entertainment Fully Demonstrated. . . ]
Now this diversion [of the masquerade] is new in our
country; and therefore most people yet judge of it in the
manner that they ought, because they are not blinded by use
and custom. But let any one give but the true reasons why a
person of virtue and piety should not go to masquerades; and
the same reasons will as plainly shew, that persons of
virtue and piety should keep at as great a distance from the
Play-house. . . [1/2 column railing against play-house and
painting.]
You are not to consider the stage; you are to keep close
to scripture, and fancy that you yet know nothing of plays.
You ask therefore first, what the stage or play-house is?
You are told it is a place where all sorts of people meet to
be entertained with discourses, actions, and
representations; which are recommended to the heart by
beautiful scenes, the splendour of lights, and the harmony
of music. You are told that these discourses are the
invention of men of wit and imagination, which describe
imaginary intrigues and scenes of love, and introduce men
and women discoursing, raving and acting in all the wild,
indecent transports of lust and passion. You are told, that
the diversion partly consists of lewd and prophane songs
sung to fine music, and partly of extravagant dialogues
between immodest persons . . . [83 lines, the stage against
all religion.]
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