This is certainly the right method, and best secures the Outworks of Piety. The Holy Function is much too Solemn to be play'd with. Christianity is for no Fooling, neither the _Place_, the _Occasion_ nor the _Actors_ are fit for such a Representation. To bring the _Church_ into the _Playhouse_, is the way to bring the _Playhouse_ into the _Church_. 'Tis apt to turn Religion into _Romance_, and make unthinking People conclude that all Serious Matters are nothing but _Farce_, _Fiction_, and _Design_. 'Tis true the _Tragedies_ at _Athens_ were a sort of _Homilies_, and design'd for the Instruction of the People: To this purpose they are all Clean, Solemn, and Sententious. _Plautus_ likewise informs us that the _Comedians_ used to teach the People Morality.[264] The case standing thus 'tis less suprizing to find the _Priests_ sometimes Appear. The Play had grave Argument, and Pagan Indulgence, to plead in its behalf. But our _Poets_ steer by an other _Compass_. Their Aim is to _destroy_ Religion, their _Preaching_ is against _Sermons_; and their Business, but Diversion at the best. In short, Let the Character be never so well managed no Christian _Priest_ (especially,) ought to come upon the _Stage_. For where the Business is an Abuse, and the place a Profanation; the demureness of the Manner, is but a poor excuse. Monsieur _Racine_ is an Exception to what I have observ'd in _France_. In his _Athalia_, _Joida_ the _High-Priest_ has a large part. But then the Poet does him Justice in his Station; he makes him Honest and Brave, and gives him a shining Character throughout. _Mathan_ is another _Priest_ in the same Tragedy. He turns Renegado, and revolts from God to _Baal_. He is a very ill Man but makes a considerable Appearance, and is one of the Top of _Athaliahs_ Faction. And as for the _Blemishes_ of his Life, they all stick upon his own Honour, and reach no farther than his Person: In fine the _Play_ is a very Religious Poem; 'Tis upon the Matter all _Sermon_ and _Anthem_. And if it were not designed for the _Theatre_, I have nothing to object.