Dennis, John (1658-1734)

The Grounds of Criticism in Poetry

London

Printed for Geo. Strahan

1704

"It is plain then that these Persons by designing totally to suppress the Stage, which is the only encouragement that we have in these Islands of Poetry, manifestly intended to drive out so noble and useful an Art from among us, and by that means endeavour'd with all their might to weaken the power of Religion, which has need of Poetry to make its utmost Impression upon the Minds of Men."

And this I thought would be an effectual way of Reconciling People to a Regulated Stage, in spight of the Grimaces of some Spiritual Comedians; who have themselves a mind to be the only Actors in Vogue; and who in order to a total suppression of the Stage, have endeavour'd to set up private Authorities against the common Sense of Mankind, and the Errors of two or three Churchmen against Divine Inspiration. For I appeal to any impartial Reader, whether the constant practice in all Ages of the best and the bravest Nations in their most flourishing States, may not pass for the common Sense of Men: And we know very well that St. Paul, whom we believe to be divinely inspir'd, has made use of Heathen Poets nay ev'n Heathen Dramatick Poets, for the Reformation of Mankind. Witness that famous passage, Evil Communications corrupt good manners; which St. Paul makes use of in his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, and which Grotius informs us that he borrow'd from the Thais of the famous Menander. Now how that which was the Language of the Holy Ghost, in the Mouth of St. Paul, comes to be the Language of the Devil in ours, I believe our Bigots will find it a Difficult matter to shew. It is plain then that these Persons by designing totally to suppress the Stage, which is the only encouragement that we have in these Islands of Poetry, manifestly intended to drive out so noble and useful an Art from among us, and by that means endeavour'd with all their might to weaken the power of Religion, which has need of Poetry to make its utmost Impression upon the Minds of Men.
(Preface)

Impressions

C-H Lion

The Grounds of Criticism in Poetry, Contain'd In some New Discoveries never made before, requisite for the Writing and Judging of Poems surely. Being A Preliminary to a larger Work design'd to be publish'd in Folio, and Entituled, A Criticism upon our most Celebrated English Poets Deceas'd. By Mr. Dennis (London: Printed for Geo. Strahan and Bernard Lintott, 1704). <Link to ECCO-TCP> [46], 127 p.

07/11/2013