AN ORDINANCE OF BOTH houses OF PARLIAMENT, For the suppressing of public stageplays throughout the kingdom, during these Calamitous Times.  
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: Amongst which, Fasting and Prayer having been often tried to be very effectual, have been lately, and are still enjoined: And whereas public Sports do not well agree with public Calamities, nor public stageplays 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 stageplays 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.   

Die Veneris, Septemb. the 2. 1642.  
ORdered by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, that this Ordinance concerning stageplays be forthwith Printed and Published.  
John Browne Cler. Parliament.   

Septemb. 3. London printed for John Wright. 1642,