'As I have often said these Foppish, these pernicious Diversions, must be avoided. We must set a Guard upon our Senses, and keep the Sentinal always upon Duty. To make Vice familiar to the ear, is the way to recommend it. And since the mind of Man has a Natural Bent to Extravagance; how is it likely to hold out under Example, and Invitation? If you push that which totters already, whether will it tumble? In earnest, we must draw off our Inclinations from these Vanities. A Christian has much better _Sights_ than these to look at. He has solid Satisfactions in his Power, which will please, and improve him at the same time. 'Would a Christian be agreeably Refresh'd? Let him read the _Scriptures_: Here the Entertainment will suit his Character, and be big enough for his Quality.--Beloved, how noble, how moving how profitable a pleasure is it to be thus employed? To have our Expectations always in prospect, and be intent on the Glories of Heaven?' He has a great deal more upon this Subject in his _Epistles_ to _Donatus_ and _Eucratius_, which are undoubtedly genuine. The later being somewhat remarkable, I shall Translate part of it for the _Reader_. [491] 'Dear Brother, your usual Kindness, together with your desire of releiving your own Modesty and mine, has put you upon asking my Thoughts concerning a certain _Player_ in your Neighbourhood; whether such a Person ought to be allow'd the Privilege of _Communion_. This Man it seems continues in his Scandalous Profession, and keeps a Nursery under him. He teaches that which 'twas a Crime in him to learn, sets up for a Master of Debauch, and Propagates the lewd Mystery. The case standing thus, 'tis my Opinion that the Admission of such a _Member_ would be a Breach of the Discipline of the Gospel, and a Presumption upon the Divine Majesty: Neither do I think it fit the Honour of the Church should suffer by so Infamous a Correspondence.' _Lactantius_'s Testimony shall come next. This Author in his _Divine Institutions_,[492] which he Dedicates to _Constantine_ the Great, cautions the Christians against the _Play-House_, from the Disorder, and danger of those places. For as he observes. 'The debauching of Virgins, and the Amours of Strumpets, are the Subject of _Comedy_. And here the Rule is, the more Rhetorick the more Mischeif, and the best _Poets_ are the worst Common-Wealths-men. For the Harmony and Ornament of the Composition serves only to recommend the Argument, to fortifie the Charm, and engage the Memory. At last he concludes with this advice. 'Let us avoid therefore these Diversions, least somewhat of the Malignity should seize us. Our Minds should be quiet and Compos'd, and not over-run with Amusements. Besides a Habit of Pleasure is an ensnaring Circumstance. 'Tis apt to make us forget God, and grow cool in the Offices of Virtue.[493]