A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

wherein for proc •ring the mercy of the Gods there was a lectisterne, but when by no d •vice of man, nor help of the Gods, the violence of the plague could be assuaged, their minds were so possest with superstition, that the Stage-plays were, as men say, first invented (that is belike, Plays in that pompous, ludicrous, effeminate, and luxurious mode on the Stage which had never before been used in the City (for several Plays they had ere this time) a strange device for a martial people, who were before time (for most part at least) accustomed to behold games of activity and strength in the great list called Circus; and from this small beginning (says he) in a sound and wholesome State, this folly grew to such a height of madness, as is untolerable to the most opulent States and Empires; and yet these Plays so brought in, and set forth (called by Florus in his Breviary on that Book, new and strange Religions) i •ployed about a religious business, did neither rid mens minds of scruple and superstition, nor case their bodies: Thus they are condemned as superstition and an innovation of their old Religion by these two famous Heathen Historians. The fourth may be that which is made mention of by Tit. Livius also towards the end of his •0. Book concerning Fulvius Flaccus, fellow-Consul with his own German-brother L. Manlius Oecidinus, Ann. ab urb. cond. 575. Who declared that before he would meddle with his office, he would discharge both himself and the City of duty towards the Gods in paying the Vows that he had made on that same day, that he had his last battle with the Celtiberians anent the celebrating Plays to the honour of the most mighty and gracious God Jupiter, and to build a Temple to Fortuna Aequestris; and accordingly levied a great Tax for that end, which behoved to be retrenched, because of the exorbitancy of it. The fifth and last shall be that which is touched by Pol. Virg. •bi prius pag. 377. concerning the Romans, their taking care for Apollo his plays, which were first ⟨image 19⟩dedicated to him in the time of the second Punic War for obtaining victory from him, to drive Hannibal out of Italy. To these may be added what Spondanus in his Eccles. Annal. pag. •63.