B00830:14
A brief treatise, concerning the use and abuse of dancing. Collected out of the…A briefe treatise, concerning the vse and abuse of dauncing. Collected oute of the…
A brief treatise, concerning the use and abuse of dancing. Collected out of the learned works of the most excellent dean doctor, Peter Martyr, by paister Rob Massonius: and translated into English by I.K.A briefe treatise, concerning the vse and abuse of dauncing. Collected oute of the learned workes of the most excellent deaine doctour, Peter Martyr, by paister Rob Massonius: and translated into English by I.K.
London: printed by John Jugge, 1580London: printed by Iohn Iugge, 1580
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Theirs (who knoweth not) tended to the dishonouring of God: and to tell thee how many ways God is dishonoured by ours: I may deal with thee, as the spirit of the Lord dealt with the Prophet Ezekiel. Son of man, behold the abominations flowing out of this filthy fountain. 1For every idle word that man shall speak, shall he give account at the day of judgement: And whether at this play, there be any other almost, then idle words uttered, if man will not, I call heaven and earth to witness. But yet turn thee, and thou shalt see greater abominations then this. That filthy communication proceed not out of our mouths, 2but that which is good to the use of edifying, that no uncleanness be once named amongst us, as it becometh Saints: neither filthiness, neither foolish talking, neither jesting, which are things not comely, but rather giving of thanks, we are by the Apostle charged. And whether at these meetings, these things be not commonly used: notwithstanding, we find them forbidden us by Gods word: if the offenders will not give glory to the Lord God of Israel, by making confession of their faults, I appeal ⟨image 5⟩to their conscience, bearing them witness, & their thoughts accusing one another, or excusing. But yet turn thee, and thou shalt see greater abominations then these. Christ condemneth him of adultery, that looking upon a woman lusteth after her:3 but qualifying the condemnation of adultery, because the Law of man requireth so precise proof: yet how the looks are a provocation thereunto, believe the Wise man, and follow his good counsel. Use not the company of a woman that is a singer, and a dancer, neither hear her: 4least thou be taken in her craftiness. Gaze not on a Maid, that thou fall not by that, that is precious in her. The sons of God gazed on the daughters of men, 5and seeing them fair, took them wives of all that they liked. Therefore the Lord said: my spirit shall not always strive with man, because he is but flesh, his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.