AN ORDINANCE OF BOTH HOVSES OF PARLIAMENT , For the suppressing of Publike Stage-Playes throughout the Kingdome , during these Calamitous Times .

WHereas the distressed Estate of Ireland , steeped in her own Blood , and the distracted Estate of England , threatned with a Cloud of Blood , by a Civill Warre ; call for all possible meanes to appease and avert the Wrath of God appearing in these Iudgements : Amongst which , Fasting and Prayer having bin often tryed to be very effectuall , have bin lately , and are still enjoyned : And whereas publike Sports doe not well agree with publike Calamities , nor publike Stage-Playes with the Seasons of Humiliation , this being an Exercise of sad and pious Solemnity , and the other being Spectacles of Pleasure , too commonly expressing lacivious Mirth and levitie : It is therfore thought fit , and Ordeined by the Lords and Commons in this Parliament Assembled , that while these sad Causes and set times of Humiliation doe continue , publike Stage-playes shall cease , and bee forborne . 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 againe Times of Joy and Gladnesse to these Nations .