A01545:251
Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theologicalOf the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall
Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theological; written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. sometime preacher at Lincolns Inn, and now pastor of Rotherhith.Of the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall; written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. sometime preacher at Lincolnes Inne, and now pastor of Rotherhith.
London: printed by Edward Griffin, 1619
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
§ 5. Secondly, if we consider aright the nature of a Lot, and the great uncertainty of it, we shall find it fittest for such matters as are of least moment, ⟨p. 130⟩and cnot fit to be used in any weighty affair. In regard whereof, as those that make use of it in serious matters, are wont, with all the Caution they can, so to dispose of things before-hand, that it may not be material which way the Lot light, or that as little, as may be, be left unto it: s• where it may be material and of some consequence whether it go the one way or the other, (I say not now what the iniquity of others may enforce a man unto; a less inconvenience is allowable for the avoiding of a greater;) there dwill no wise man willingly put such a matter of weight to the uncertain hazard of a Lot. That therefore that best sorteth with the nature of a Lot, may a Lot most lawfully be used unto: but the lightest matters best sort with the nature of a Lot: and therefore about things of that nature may a Lot most lawfully be used. Or more particularly for the present business: A matter of mere indifferency, that is, such as a man may lawfully either do or not do, and it is not material whether he do or omit, such may a man lawfully put either to the will of an other, or to the hazard of the uncertain motion of any creature whether he shall do it or not do it. But the using of a Lot in game (or the using of it in any business, be it serious or lusorious, qualified and cautioned as before) is but the putting of a matter of mere indifferency to the hazard of an uncertain event, to wit, who shall join or stand out, who shall lead or follow, who shall overcome or yield to the other side &c. which are matters merely indifferent, such as may without sin be either done or forborne, either ⟨p. 131⟩done the one way or the other. The Use therefore of a Lot in such cases, and the putting of such matters to the hazard of a Lot is not evil simply in it self.
§ 5. Secondly, if we consider aright the nature of a Lot, and the great vncertainty of it, wee shall find it fittest for such matters as are of least moment,