September 1642
[2 September, 1642.]
Whereas the distressed Estate of Ireland, steeped in her own
Blood, and the distracted Estate of England, threatened with a
Cloud of Blood by a Civil War, call for all possible Means to
appease and avert the Wrath of God, appearing in these Judgements; among which, Fasting and Prayer, having been often
tried to be very effectual, having been lately and are still enjoined;
and whereas Public Sports do not well agree with Public
Calamities, nor Public Stage-plays with the Seasons of Humiliation, this being an Exercise of sad and pious Solemnity, and the
other being Spectacles of Pleasure, too commonly expressing
lascivious Mirth and Levity: It is therefore thought fit, and
Ordained, by the Lords and Commons in this Parliament
assembled, That, while these sad causes and set Times of Humiliation do continue, Public Stage Plays shall cease, and be forborn,
instead of which are recommended to the People of this Land
the profitable and seasonable considerations of Repentance,
Reconciliation, and Peace with God, which probably may produce
outward Peace and Prosperity, and bring again Times of Joy and
Gladness to these Nations.