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SCENA QVINTA.
THe fift effect of Stage-playes, is the generall depra∣vation [ 5] of the mindes, the manners, both of their Actors and Spectators; which administreth the 31. Ar∣gument against them.* 1.1
That which ordinarily corrupts the mindes, and vitiates the manners, both of the Actors and Spe∣ctators, must doubtlesse be unlawfull, yea abomi∣nable unto Christians, if not intollerable in any Christian wel-ordered Common-weale.
But Stage-playes n 1.2 ordinarily corrupt the mindes, and vitiate the manners, both of their Actors and Spectators.
Therefore, they must doubtlesse bee unlawfull, yea abominable unto Christians, intollerable in any Christian wel-ordered Common-weale.
The Major is most apparantly evident: First, from the very principals of reason: * 1.3 For what-ever vitiates another thing (especially mens mindes and manners) must needs be corrupt it selfe, the depravation of the one, p 1.4 arising m••erely from the pravity of the other: If Stage-playes therefore corrupt the manners, the mindes of others, they cannot but be ill themselves. Secondly, from the grounds of Theology: which as they enjoyne men q 1.5 to avoyd the corruptions that are in the world through lust: r 1.6 to eschue all occasions of evill, s 1.7 all scurrilous idle speeches, t 1.8 all wicked places, all lewde companions which may defile their soules, their manners; and u 1.9 to keepe themselves