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.
Thomas Gataker 1574–1654London: printed by Edward Griffin, 1619
[12], 360 p. · 94k words · STC 11670 · ESTC S102922
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.
The Civill constitutions are either of the whole Roman Empire; whereof some are said to be general bforbidding the use of those games to all generally, ⟨p. 197⟩either in public or private, by being partakers in them or spectators at them; camercing fourfold for the money lost in them; ddenying relief or redress to any wronged in game; and efining such as entice or compel any to play.
The Ciuill constitutions are either of the whole Romane Empire; whereof some are said to be generall bforbidding the vse of those games to all generally, ⟨p. 197⟩either in publike or priuate, by being partakers in them or spectators at them; camercing fourefold for the money lost in them; ddenying releife or redresse to any wronged in game; and
bC. derelig. sumpt. suner. Cùm antiquitus militibus permissum fuisset extra operas alea ludere, queritur unper. to tempore omne•ludere, & ludendo patrimanium exhaurire, & blasphemias postremè in deū addere: itaque deceruit nemins licere ludera aut ludentē spectare Martyr in lud. c. 14. ut nulli •ic•at in publicis vel privatis domibus l••isu• alea ludere, neque inspicere, &c. Dan. de alea c. 7.C. derelig. sumpt. suner. Cùm antiquitꝰ militibꝰ permissum fuisset extra operas alea ludere, queritur vnper. to tempore omne•ludere, & ludendo patrimanium exhaurire, & blasphemias postremè in deū addere: itaque deceruit nemins licere ludera aut ludentē spectare Martyr in lud. c. 14. vt nulli •ic•at in publicis vel priuatis domibus l••isu• alea ludere, neque inspicere, &c. Dan. de alea c. 7.
cAscon. in divin. 2. Cic. setibit ale• tores in quadruplū petuniae esus damnatos quam ludendo amisissent. Dan. ibid.Ascon. in diuin. 2. Cic. setibit ale• tores in quadruplū petuniae esꝰ damnatos quam ludendo amisissent. Dan. ibid.
dSi aleator à socio sue iniuria aff•ctus fuerit, non dabo •i judicium•ff de aleator. Martyr in Ind. c. 14. Pandect. 11. tit. 5. Si quis com apud quem alea lusum esse dicetur, verb•raverit, damnumne ei dederit, five quid eo tē pore domo eim subtractum sit, judiciū non dabo. Dan. de alea c. 7.Si aleator à socio sue iniuria aff•ctus fuerit, non dabo •i iudicium•ff de aleator. Martyr in Ind. c. 14. Pandect. 11. tit. 5. Si quis com apud quem alea lusum esse dicetur, verb•rauerit, damnumne ei dederit, fiue quid eo tē pore domo eim subtractum sit, iudiciū non dabo. Dan. de alea c. 7.
eSi quis alterum coegerit ad ludum, sumetur de eo supplicium ff. de aleator. Martyr in Jud. c. 14. In eū qui ale• ludendae causa vim at••lerit, uti quaeque res erit, animaduertam. Pand. l. 11. tit. 5. Dan. de alea c 7. i. qui ludere compulit. Ulpian. Digest. l. 11. tit. 5. leg. 1. vel ab initio vel victus dum retinat. Paulus ibid. l. 2. Vise & l. 47. tit. 10. leg. 26. deco qui seruum alienum ad ludum pellexerit.Si quis alterum coegerit ad ludum, sumetur de eo supplicium ff. de aleator. Martyr in Iud. c. 14. In eū qui ale• ludendae causa vim at••lerit, vti quaeque res erit, animaduertam. Pand. l. 11. tit. 5. Dan. de alea c 7. i. qui ludere compulit. Vlpian. Digest. l. 11. tit. 5. leg. 1. vel ab initio vel victus dum retinat. Paulus ibid. l. 2. Vise & l. 47. tit. 10. leg. 26. deco qui seruum alienum ad ludum pellexerit.
Other some are special, fforbidding some sort of men, to wit, Ecclesiastical persons only, the use of them; or gcondemning some particular abuse of them only, to wit, where men play away more then their ability will well bear. Or they are positive laws of some particular nations; as hof the Land we live in; wherein iall dicing is said to be generally forbidden; kDicers taken punished with six days imprisonment, land with sitting in the stocks; mKeepers of dicing houses with three years, Players there with two years imprisonment: and nof the state of Geneva, wherein the very making of dice is condemned and inhibited.
Other some are speciall, fforbidding some sort of men, to wit, Ecclesiasticall persons onely, the vse of them; or gcondemning some particular abuse of them onely, to wit, wheremen play away more then their abilitie will well beare. Or they are positiue lawes of some particular nations; as hof the Land wee liue in; wherein iall dicing is said to be generally forbidden; kDicers taken punished with six daies imprisonment, land with sitting in the stockes; mKeepers of dicing houses with three yeares, Plaiers there with two yeeres imprisonment: and nof the state of Geneua, wherein the very making of dice is condemned and inhibited.
fJustinian. ju autheut. (collat. 9. tit. 15. & in Cod. l. 1. tit 6. leg. 18.) nominatim prohibet ne Èpiscopus, Presbyter, aut Diaconus, vel ipsi ludant (ad tabulas) vel ludentes aspi•iant; si secus seceriut, in Monasterium ad triennium detrudendi. Martyr ad lud. cap. 14.Iustinian. iu autheut. (collat. 9. tit. 15. & in Cod. l. 1. tit 6. leg. 18.) nominatim prohibet ne Èpiscopus, Presbyter, aut Diaconus, vel ipsi ludant (ad tabulas) vel ludentes aspi•iant; si secus seceriut, in Monasterium ad triennium detrudendi. Martyr ad lud. cap. 14.
gLege Roscia exili• multabantur, qui supra facultatum suarum modam aliquid alea vel luserant vel amiserant. Dan. de alea cap. 7.
hBabington on the eighth Commandment.Babington on the eighth Commandement.
The Ecclesiastical Canons likewise produced in this point are either general and universal, as othe Canons of the Apostles so commonly termed, inserted into pthe body of the Decree, qdepriving every Clergy-man given to dice or drunkenness, unless he reform: ⟨p. 198⟩according to the tenor whereof ra certain Clerk in the Decretal is found deposed for being a Dicer and a Usurer: and the Canons of two general Councils; sthe one held at Rome under Innocent the third, forbidding Clergy-men dice and hucklebones, either to play with them, or to be present at such play; the other tat Constantinople under the Emperor Justinian, inhibiting all in general, as well Lay-men as Clerks, to play ever after at dice, under pain of excommunication.
The Ecclesiasticall Canons likewise produced in this point are either generall and vniuersall, as othe Canons of the Apostles so commonly tearmed, inserted into pthe body of the Decree, qdepriuing euery Clergie-man giuen to dice or drunkenesse, vnlesse he reforme: ⟨p. 198⟩according to the tenor whereof ra certaine Clerke in the Decretall is found deposed for being a Dicer and a Vsurer: and the Canons of two generall Councells; sthe one held at Rome vnder Innocent the third, forbidding Clergie-men dice and hucklebones, either to play with them, or to be present at such play; the other tat Constantinople vnder the Emperour Iustinian, inhibiting all in generall, as well Lay-men as Clerkes, to play euer after at dice, vnder paine of excommunication.
oIn canonibus Apostolorum ludus idem interdicitur. Can. 42. & 43. Dan de lud. alea c. 8.
pGrat. dist. 35 can. 1.
qEpiscopus, Presbyter, Diaconus, alea a• que chrietati deseruiens aut desinat aut damuetur. Mart. in Jud. c. 14.Episcopus, Presbyter, Diaconus, alea a• que chrietati deseruiens aut desinat aut damuetur. Mart. in Iud. c. 14.
rCanonicus quidā aleator esse deprehensus, quodque in ludo pecunias ad usuram dedisset, ut pro 11. numis 12. reciperet, deposi•us est. De excess. praelat. c. Inter dilect. (decretal. l. 5. t. 31. c. 11.) Martyr in Jud c. 14.Canonicus quidā aleator esse deprehensus, quodque in ludo pecunias ad vsuram dedisset, vt pro 11. numis 12. reciperet, deposi•us est. De excess. praelat. c. Inter dilect. (decretal. l. 5. t. 31. c. 11.) Martyr in Iud c. 14.
sDe vita & honest. Cier. c. Clerici. (decretal. l. 3. c. 1. c. 1•) Ad aleas & taxillos non ludant, neo huiusmodi ludis intersint. Mart. ib. & Dan. c. 7. & Gloss. ibid. nec participes erunt ludentibus, ne• spectators ludi.De vita & honest. Cier. c. Clerici. (decretal. l. 3. c. 1. c. 1•) Ad aleas & taxillos non ludant, neo huiusmodi ludis intersint. Mart. ib. & Dan. c. 7. & Gloss. ibid. nec participes erunt ludentibus, ne• spectatores ludi.
tNullum omni•ò sive Clericum sive Laicum alea deinceps ludere: qui secus fecerit, excommunicatum i•i. Synod. Constantinop. 6. (non 1. ut Babingt.) c. 50.
Or they are Particular Canons of national or provincial Synods, as of ua Spanish Council held at Eliberis; suspending every Christian man from the Lords table, that shall play at dice or tables, for a twelve-month, upon promise of amendment to be received again then: and of *two French Synods held, the one at Rochelle, the other at Nimaux, both condemning and inhibiting the use of these games in general.
Or they are Particular Canons of nationall or prouinciall Synodes, as of ua Spanish Councell held at Eliberis; suspending euery Christian man from the Lords table, that shall play at dice or tables, for a twelue-month, vpon promise of amendment to be receiued againe then: and of *two French Synodes held, the one at Rochel, the other at Nimaux, both condemning and inhibiting the vse of these games in generall.
uSi quis fidelis alea (• tabula) luserit, placuit eum abstinere: & si emē datus cessaverit, p•st annum poterit communion reconciliari. Concil. Elib. c. 79.Si quis fidelis alea (• tabula) luserit, placuit eum abstinere: & si emē datꝰ cessauerit, p•st annum poterit communione reconciliari. Concil. Elib. c. 79.
§ 6. For the Proposition of this argument and the conclusion following from it; as it is conceived, it cometh not near home to the main point in question: If it be conceived as it should, that whatsoever is forbidden by the civill or canon Law is evil simply in it self, it is not true; a thing confessed by xsome before alleged in this very particular we now deal in. Humane laws restrain the common use of things indifferent; which things notwithstanding ⟨p. 199⟩cease not to be indifferent in themselves and in their own nature: and so make them unlawful so far forth as they bind, and no further. But the main question here is, not whether the use of a Lot in game be prohibited by mans law, but whether it be inhibited by Gods law or no. For many things are lawful by Gods law, that are not lawful by mans law: as to transport such and such commodities without special licence, to trade and traffic into such and such foreign parts, to eat flesh at certain times, to bring some sorts of fish into the market for sale, and the like, which things yet are not evil simply, or in themselves.
§ 6. For the Proposition of this argument and the conclusion following from it; as it is conceiued, it commeth not neere home to the maine point in question: If it be conceiued as it should, that whatsoeuer is forbidden by the ciuill or canon Law is euill simply in it selfe, it is not true; a thing confessed by xsome before alleadged in this very particular wee now deale in. Humane lawes restraine the common vse of things indifferent; which things notwithstanding ⟨p. 199⟩cease not to be indifferent in themselues and in their owne nature: and so make them vnlawfull so far forth as they binde, and no further. But the maine question here is, not whether the vse of a Lot in game be prohibited by mans law, but whether it be inhibited by Gods law or no. For many things are lawfull by Gods law, that are not lawfull by mans law: as to transport such and such commodities without speciall licence, to trade and trafficke into such and such foraine parts, to eate flesh at certaine times, to bring some sorts of fish into the market for sale, and the like, which things yet are not euill simply, or in themselues.
xMali sunt ludi isti, quia prohibiti; non prohibiti, quia mali Angel. de Clavas. sum. tit. Ludus. & Briart. quodlibet. 5. & Delrio mag. d•sq. tom. 2. l. 4. c. 4. q. 2. Alea non est prohibita quia per se mala, sed mala facta quia prohibita, & quatenus prohibita. Et causa prohibitionis sunt mala quae communiter ex ipsis sequuntur. Angel. sum.Mali sunt ludi isti, quia prohibiti; non prohibiti, quia mali Angel. de Clauas. sum. tit. Ludus. & Briart. quodlibet. 5. & Delrio mag. d•sq. tom. 2. l. 4. c. 4. q. 2. Alea non est prohibita quia per se mala, sed mala facta quia prohibita, & quatenus prohibita. Et causa prohibitionis sunt mala quae communiter ex ipsis sequuntur. Angel. sum.
Yea take the Proposition as it is propounded, that Whatsoever is by humane Laws forbidden, cannot be done without offence; and it is not all out true neither. For how many cases are there wherein the Summists and Casuists both Civilians and Canonists with the School-men agre••, that without just offence given that may be done, which by the letter of some positive law is unlawful? Or what is more common then these and the like rules in their writings; that awe are rather to mark the cause that moved the Law-giver to make the Law, then the words of the Law it self: that, bA law ceaseth where the reason of it ceaseth, though the letter of it do not: that, cA law enacting something in regard of some inconveniences, bindeth not, where such inconveniences are not: that, dA reasonable cause ever excuseth a man, in case he break some humane Law: and that eThat cause is a just and sufficient cause, for which the Law-giver would ⟨p. 200⟩himself hold the party excused: that, fCommon equity ought to sway both in exposition of Laws, and in exaction of things enjoined by Law: that, gHumane constitutions are to admit favourable constructions: that, hHe is no Transgressor, that crosseth not the mind of the Law-maker, though he break the letter of the Law: and lastly that, iCustom interpreteth Laws: yea that kit giveth strength to them; as on the other side that ldisuse or Counter-custom is a kind of abrogation of them. Let me ad that which in the present case sometime may be somewhat, what they say mof him that keepeth not a Law, where it is an hard matter to keep it, and where he should be but counted a fool if he should, that such a Transgressor is in common equity excused. In some case therefore may that be done without just cause of scandal, the doing whereof is by humane Laws inhibited. Neither suppose I is there any man so extremely censorious, that because flesh on Fridays is forbidden with us by law, he will in that regard hold a man guilty of sin, for every bit of flesh, that being in company with others, or having it readier at hand when he is hungry, he shall put into his mouth, especially not doing it of any contempt, and being one that is regardful of the end of that Law otherwise.
Yea take the Proposition as it is propounded, that Whatsoeuer is by humane Lawes forbidden, cannot be done without offence; and it is not all out true neither. For how many cases are there wherein the Summists and Casuists both Ciuilians and Canonists with the Schoole-men agre••, that without iust offence giuen that may be done, which by the letter of some positiue law is vnlawfull? Or what is more common then these and the like rules in their writings; that awee are rather to marke the cause that moued the Law-giuer to make the Law, then the words of the Law it selfe: that, bA law ceaseth where the reason of it ceaseth, though the letter of it doe not: that, cA law enacting something in regard of some inconueniences, bindeth not, where such inconueniences are not: that, dA reasonable cause euer excuseth a man, in case hee breake some humane Law: and that eThat cause is a iust and sufficient cause, for which the Law-giuer would ⟨p. 200⟩himselfe hold the party excused: that, fCommon equitie ought to sway both in exposition of Lawes, and in exaction of things enioyned by Law: that, gHumane constitutions are to admit fauorable constructions: that, hHe is no Transgressor, that crosseth not the minde of the Law-maker, though he breake the letter of the Law: and lastly that, iCustome interpreteth Lawes: yea that kit giueth strength to them; as on the other side that ldisuse or Counter-custome is a kinde of abrogation of them. Let me ad that which in the present case sometime may be somewhat, what they say
aIntelligentia dictorum est ex causis assumenda dicendi. Hilar de trinit. l 4. Magis attendendū est ad causam quae moxit legislatorem, quàm ad ipsa verba legis. Thom. sum. par. 12 2 •. q 96. a. 6Intelligentia dictorum est ex causis assumenda dicendi. Hilar de trinit. l 4. Magis attendendū est ad causam quae moxit legislatorem, quàm ad ipsa verba legis. Thom. sum. par. 12 2 •. q 96. a. 6
bRatione cessante lex quoque cessat, etiamsi verba non cessarent ff. de jure patron. l. adigere. Et c. cum cessante. de appellat. Na•arr. enchirid c. 4. §. 7.Ratione cessante lex quoque cessat, etiamsi verba non cessarent ff. de iure patron. l. adigere. Et c. cum cessante. de appellat. Na•arr. enchirid c. 4. §. 7.
cLex praecipiens aliquid ob aliqua inconueni•ntia, illis cessantibus nom obligat. Caietan. opuscul. tom. 1. op. 12 q 2. Panorm in c Quoniam contra. de probat. Navarr. evebir. c 16. §. 37.Lex praecipiens aliquid ob aliqua inconueni•ntia, illis cessantibus nom obligat. Caietan. opuscul. tom. 1. op. 12 q 2. Panorm in c Quoniam contra. de probat. Nauarr. euebir. c 16. §. 37.
dCausa rationabilis semper excusat transgressor•m legis humanae. Thom. sum par. 2• 2 ae. q. 147. a 3. Archidiac. d. 76 c. utinā. Panorm. de obseru. Navar. en•bir. c. 9. §. 16. &c. 23. § 43Causa rationabilis semper excusat transgressor•m legis humanae. Thom. sum par. 2• 2 ae. q. 147. a 3. Archidiac. d. 76 c. vtinā. Panorm. de obseru. Nauar. en•bir. c. 9. §. 16. &c. 23. § 43
eCausa justa videtur, propter quam legislator, si adess•t, eum pro excusato haberet. Thom. & Navarre. ibid.Causa iusta videtur, propter quam legislator, si adesst, eum pro excusato haberet. Thom. & Nauar. ibid.
For the former; neither is all Lottery used in game generally condemned: for there might be use of it in those games that the civill Laws expressly allow, (to omit that nsome good Lawyers suppose a Lot game to have been one of them; for what they were indeed is onot certain) for joining and leading, and taking of turns, and the like; as there is use oft thereof in that kind in games allowed by our Laws; as when in shooting by arrows shuffled and severed again, men are sorted into sides, or it is decided who shall lead.
For the former; neither is all Lotery vsed in game generally condemned: for there might bee vse of it in those games that the ciuill Lawes expresly allow, (to omit that nsome good Lawiers suppose a Lot game to haue beene one of them; for what they were indeed is onot certaine) for ioyning and leading, and taking of turnes, and the like; as there is vse oft thereof in that kinde in games allowed by our Lawes; as when in shooting by arrowes shuffled and seuered againe, men are sorted into sides, or it is decided who shall leade.
nTertius ludius à Justiniano probatus [Greek or Hebrew] dicitur, quando unus scil. per sortem deligitur ex pluribus qui imperet reliquis, si credamus Pollescil. 9. Gregor. Tolos. syntagin. lib. 39 c. 4.Tertius ludius à Iustiniano probatꝰ 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 dicitur, quando vnus scil. per sortem deligitur ex pluribus qui imperet reliquis, si credamus Pollescil. 9. Gregor. Tolos. syntagin. lib. 39 c. 4.
oVise Gregor. Tolos. ibid. & Alciat. in verb. Lud. Alea.
Neither are those games alone prohibited that consist of Lot or depend thereupon, pmuch less are they rejected or condemned upon that ground; but all games qat Tables (within which compass comes even rChess too, whatsoever ssome say to the contrary) which yet, bare dice only excepted, tthose Authors whom I now deal with do expressly approve; yea uall games whatsoever, though *by slight and skill managed, five only excepted, that are in the Law there by name mentioned.
Neither are those games alone prohibited that consist of Lot or depend thereupon, pmuch lesse are they reiected or condemned vpon that ground; but all games qat Tables (within which compasse comes euen rChesse too, whatsoeuer ssome say to the contrary) which yet, bare dice onely excepted, tthose Authors whom I now deale with doe expresly approue; yea uall games whatsoeuer, though *by slight and skill managed, fiue onely excepted, that are in the Law there by name mentioned.
pDubius eventus fortunae contractus illicitos non facit. Jul. Clar. sent l. 5. § Ludu•. Non im fortuna fu•datur aleae prohibitio. Delrio mag. disq. tom. 2. l. 4. c. 4 q. 2.Dubius euentus fortunae contractus illicitos non facit. Iul. Clar. sent l. 5. § Ludu•. Non im fortuna fu•datur aleae prohibitio. Delrio mag. disq. tom. 2. l. 4. c. 4 q. 2.
qIn tabulas, & tabula ludere. Authen•. collat. 9 tit. 15. & Cod. lib. 1. tit. 6. leg. 18. Conc. Eliber. c. 79. [Greek or Hebrew]. Justin. novel. Omn•s pariter sunt prohibiti, etiam in quibus est nix•ura ingenij & fortunae. Jul. Clar. sentent. •. 5. §. Ludus. Joan. Imol. in c. Clerici de vit. & honest. Cleric. & Damh•uder. prax. crim c. 126.In tabulas, & tabula ludere. Authen•. collat. 9 tit. 15. & Cod. lib. 1. tit. 6. leg. 18. Conc. Eliber. c. 79. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Iustin. nouell. Omn•s pariter sunt prohibiti, etiam in quibus est nix•ura ingenij & fortunae. Iul. Clar. sentent. •. 5. §. Ludus. Ioan. Imol. in c. Clerici de vit. & honest. Cleric. & Damh•uder. prax. crim c. 126.
rTabula luditur pyrgo, calculis, tesserisque. Isid. orig. l. 18. c. 60. In tabula lusoria & alea exercebatur & latrunculorum ludus, ques calculos Martialis appeliat. Volaterr. comment. l. 29. c. 12. Tabula lus•ria. Hîc tib• bisseno numeratur tessera puncto: Calculus •ic gemino discolour hose perit. Martial. l. 14. Hinc Seneca de Canio latrunculis ludente cùm ad necem au•caretur; Lusisse tu Canium illa tabula putas? illusit. de tranquill. c. 14.
Again xthey condemn not these games simply as evil in themselves, which ythey confess to have been formerly used to good purpose; but restrain the use of them zin regard of some common abuse; and aforbid all playing for gain at them; which yet at some other games bwith some kind of caution, and cat these also upon somewhat stricter terms, as for somewhat to be spent privately in common, they allow.
Againe xthey condemne not these games simply as euill in themselues, which ythey confesse to haue beene formerly vsed to good purpose; but restraine the vse of them zin regard of some common abuse; and aforbid all playing for gaine at them; which yet at some other games bwith some kinde of caution, and cat these also vpon somewhat stricter tearmes, as for somewhat to be spent priuately in common, they allow.
xLicèt sit prohibitum ludere, non tamen est perpetuò prohibitum; quandoque enim permittitur. G••ss. ad ff. lib. 11. t•t. 4. leg. 4.
yAlearum usus an•iquares est, & extra operas pugnato•l•us con•essa. Cod. lib. 3. tit. 43. leg. 1. Militia ergò alea ludebatur, ne exercitus otio torp•ret. Acro in Horat. carmin. lib. 2. ode 1.Alearum vsus an•iquares est, & extra operas pugnato•l•us con•essa. Cod. lib. 3. tit. 43. leg. 1. Militia ergò alea ludebatur, ne exercitus otio torp•ret. Acro in Horat. carmin. lib. 2. ode 1.
aScum vetuit in pecuniam lud•re, praterquam si qu•• certet hasta, pila, jacie••o, currendo, saliendo, luctando vel pugnando,quod virtutis causa fiat. ff. lib. 11. tit. 4. leg. 1.SCum vetuit in pecuniam lud•re, praterquam si qu•• certet hasta, pila, iacie••o, currendo, saliendo, luctando vel pugnando,quod virtutis causa fiat. ff. lib. 11. tit. 4. leg. 1.
bSed nec permittimus in his ludis ulera unum solidum, &c. Cod. lib. 3. tit. 43. leg. 2.Sed nec permittimus in his ludis vlera vnum solidum, &c. Cod. lib. 3. tit. 43. leg. 2.
cQuod in co• uiu•o vescendi causa ponitur, in cam rem famillam ludere permittilu•. Ibid. l. 3. i. ut si pauciora puncta habneris, p•rtem amit•as; five ut ex pecunia amissa ematu• quo in commune vescantur. Azo. Conuiu•• causa ludere licet. Gloss. ad decretal. l. 5. tit. 31. c. 11.Quod in co• uiu•o vescendi causa ponitur, in cam rem famillam ludere permittilu•. Ibid. l. 3. i. vt si pauciora puncta habneris, p•rtem amit•as; fiue vt ex pecunia amissa ematu• quo in commune vescantur. Azo. Conuiu•• causa ludere licet. Gloss. ad decretal. l. 5. tit. 31. c. 11.
So that it is not the games themselves that are simply condemned, but dthe evil and hurtful usage of them, to wit, either ethe immoderate and customary, or fthe excessive and expensive use of them; as both by the letter of the law it self plainly appeareth, gthe best Interpreters according therewith; and as the Authors also that cite them do themselves some of them confess. hA man, well saith one of them, is not to be condemned, if being weakly or evil at ease he recreate himself by playing at Hazard, so he hazard not his monies: for it is especially to be observed, what the scope was of those laws, that ⟨p. 203⟩forbade such kind of games: now that was that men should not wast their estates: to which purpose it is enacted, that no man hazard above a shilling: this was the scope and drift of the Law, to provide that monies might not be misspent. Which if they be not, then the Law is not broken.
So that it is not the games themselues that are simply condemned, but dthe euill and hurtfull vsage of them, to wit, either ethe immoderate and customary, or fthe excessiue and expensiue vse of them; as both by the letter of the law it selfe plainly appeareth, gthe best Interpreters according therewith; and as the Authors also that cite them doe themselues some of them confesse. hA man, well saith one of them, is not to be condemned, if being weakely or euill at ease he recreate himselfe by playing at Hazard, so he hazard not his monies: for it is especially to be obserued, what the scope was of those lawes, that ⟨p. 203⟩forbad such kinde of games: now that was that men should not wast their estates: to which purpose it is enacted, that no man hazard aboue a shilling: this was the scope and drift of the Law, to prouide that monies might not be mispent. Which if they be not, then the Law is not broken.
dLudus noxius in culpa est. Gloss. ad decretal. ibid. Et Paulus ff. ad Leg. Aquil. lib. 9. tit. 2. leg. 10. imò non est ludus ex quo crimen oritur. Accurs. ibid. ex pr•••. Justin. ad ff.Ludus noxius in culpa est. Gloss. ad decretal. ibid. Et Paulus ff. ad Leg. Aquil. lib. 9. tit. 2. leg. 10. imò non est ludus ex quo crimen oritur. Accurs. ibid. ex pr•••. Iustin. ad ff.
§. 8. For the Laws of our Land how unfitly they are alleged to the present purpose, to wit, ito prove dice to be evil and utterly to be condemned, yea or generally prohibited, Cards and Tables being notwithstanding allowed and approved; may appear by a particular survey both of the Laws to that end cited, as also of others that have since in later times been enacted.
§. 8. For the Lawes of our Land how vnfitly they are alleadged to the present purpose, to wit, ito proue dice to bee euill and vtterly to bee condemned, yea or generally prohibited, Cards and Tables being notwithstanding allowed and approued; may appeare by a particular surueigh both of the Lawes to that end cited, as also of others that haue since in later times beene enacted.
The kfirst Law wherein dice are said to be generally forbidden, enacteth only that All servants of husbandry, labourers, servants of any artificer or victualler shall have bow and arrows, and use the same on Sundays and Holidays; and shall leave all playing at Tennis, foot-ball, quoits, dice, casting of the stone, kayles, and other such importune games. The lnext Act imposing a penalty of 6. days imprisonment upon all offenders against the former. The mthird of them discovereth the main scope of these acts, namely, to bring in a more frequent use of the bow, because the defence of the Land was much then by Archers: and withal giveth divers other grounds of the former prohibitions then revived and renewed, to wit, sundry unlawful games as closh, kayles, bowls, qeckbord &c. newly invented, gaming houses erected and so commonly employed; Gamesters thereby impoverished; murders and robberies occasioned &c. Whereupon ⟨p. 204⟩it enacteth further a penalty of twenty pounds and three years imprisonment against every one that shall keep, and of ten pounds and two years imprisonment against every one that shall haunt, any such house. The nfourth commandeth that no servant or labourer play at tables save for meat and drink: nor at any other unlawful game save at Christmas, and then in his Masters dwelling house only: every one so offending to be set in the stocks, and he that suffereth it in his house to forfeit a noble at least. To which, though not alleged, may be annexed oanother Act of little later date, forbidding the same persons to play at tables, tennis, closh, dice &c. save as above, with the same penalties upon persons therein delinquent imposed.
The kfirst Law wherein dice are said to be generally forbidden, enacteth onely that All seruants of husbandrie, labourers, seruants of any artificer or victualer shall haue bow and arrowes, and vse the same on Sundaies and Holidaies; and shall leaue all playing at Tennis, foot-ball, quoites, dice, casting of the stone, kailes, and other such importune games. The lnext Act imposing a penalty of 6. daies imprisonment vpon all offendors against the former. The mthird of them discouereth the maine scope of these acts, namely, to bring in a more frequent vse of the bow, because the defence of the Land was much then by Archers: and withall giueth diuers other grounds of the former prohibitions then reuiued and renued, to wit, sundry vnlawfull games as closh, kailes, boules, qeckbord &c. newly inuented, gaming houses erected and so commonly imploied; Gamesters thereby impouerished; murthers and roberies occasioned &c. Whereupon ⟨p. 204⟩it enacteth further a penalty of twenty poundes and three yeares imprisonment against euery one that shall keepe, and of ten pounds and two yeeres imprisonment against euery one that shall haunt, any such house. The nfourth commaundeth that no seruant or labourer play at tables saue for meate and drinke: nor at any other vnlawfull game saue at Christmas, and then in his Masters dwelling house onely: euery one so offending to be set in the stockes, and he that suffereth it in his house to forfeit a noble at least. To which, though not alleadged, may be annexed oanother Act of little later date, forbidding the same persons to play at tables, tennis, closh, dice &c. saue as aboue, with the same penalties vpon persons therein delinquent imposed.
And these are all, yea more then all, the laws that are particularly cited. But because we are referred to another work for more matter in this kind;p let us see also what later Laws have enacted concerning such games, if we shall not tire out our Reader with proofs so impertinent.
And these are all, yea more then all, the lawes that are particularly cited. But because wee are referred to another work for more matter in this kind;p let vs see also what later Lawes haue enacted concerning such games, if we shall not tire out our Reader with proofes so impertinent.
pSee more in Pultons Abridgement. Babington on Command. •.
The later laws therefore qforbid keeping any common house, alley, or place of bowling, coiting, closh, kayles, tennis, dying, tables, or carding for gain, lucre and living, and haunting places so kept, without special placard expressing what games, and what persons to use the same: As also private playing at tennis, tables, dice, cards, bowls, closh, coiting or logeting by any artificer, husbandman, labourer, apprentice, journeyman, servingman &c. out of Christmas, and then also any where save in his Masters house and presence: And further, playing at bowls by any man at any time in open places ⟨p. 205⟩out of his garden or Orchard; several pecuniary mulcts imposed upon the former offences: yet allowing any servant to play at cards, dice or tables with his Master, or any Gentleman repairing to his house openly in his house and in his presence; and permitting any Nobleman or Gentleman of a hundred pound lands per annum to licence his servants at his discretion to play at cards, dice, tables, bowls or tennis within his house, garden or orchard, either among themselves, or with others repairing to them: rVictuallers to put in recognisance not to suffer such games in their houses: And lastly sall wandering persons using unlawful games to be punished as Rogues and Vagabonds.
The later lawes therefore qforbid keeping any common house, alley, or place of bouling, coiting, closh, cailes, tennis, dieing, tables, or carding for gaine, lucre and liuing, and haunting places so kept, without speciall placard expressing what games, and what persons to vse the same: As also priuate playing at tennis, tables, dice, cards, boules, closh, coiting or logeting by any artificer, husbandman, labourer, apprentice, iourneyman, seruingman &c. out of Christmas, and then also any where saue in his Masters house and presence: And further, playing at boules by any man at any time in open places ⟨p. 205⟩out of his garden or Orchard; seuerall pecuniary mulcts imposed vpon the former offences: yet allowing any seruant to play at cards, dice or tables with his Master, or any Gentleman repairing to his house openly in his house and in his presence; and permitting any Nobleman or Gentleman of a hundreth pound lands per annum to licence his seruants at his discretion to play at cards, dice, tables, boules or tennis within his house, garden or orchard, either among themselues, or with others repairing to them: rVictuallers to put in recognisance not to suffer such games in their houses: And lastly sall wandring persons vsing vnlawfull games to be punished as Rogues and Vagabonds.
q33. Henr. 8. ca. 9. revived 2. & 3. Phil. & Mar. ca. 9.33. Henr. 8. ca. 9. reuiued 2. & 3. Phil. & Mar. ca. 9.
r5. Edw. 6. cap. 25.
s22. Henr. 8. c 12. revived 35. Elisab. cap. 7.22. Henr. 8. c 12. reuiued 35. Elisab. cap. 7.
of him that keepeth not a Law, where it is an hard matter to keepe it, and where he should be but counted a foole if he should, that such a Transgressor is in common equity excused. In some case therefore may that be done without iust cause of scandale, the doing whereof is by humane Lawes inhibited. Neither suppose I is there any man so extreamely censorious, that because flesh on Fridaies is forbidden with vs by law, he will in that regard hold a man guiltie of sinne, for euery bit of flesh, that being in company with others, or hauing it readier at hand when hee is hungrie, he shall put into his mouth, especially not doing it of any contempt, and being one that is regardfull of the end of that Law otherwise.
•
fTò [Greek or Hebrew]. Aristot. Ethic. l. 5. c. 10. Aequitas praeponderat juris rigori. Gerson. reg. mor. Ipsae etiam leges cupivus ut jure regā tur: alecqui summa justitia summa iniustitia fit. Ibid.Tò 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Aristot. Ethic. l. 5. c. 10. Aequitas praeponderat iuris rigori. Gerson. reg. mor. Ipsae etiam leges cupiuus vt iure regā tur: alecqui summa iustitia summa iniustitia fit. Ibid.
gFavours ampliandi, od•a restringenda sunt. Gl•ss. ad ff. l. 4. tit. 4. de minor. leg • &c l. 28. tit. 2. de lib. postum leg. 19. Sensus benignior sequendus. Navarre. enchir. c 27. sect 283.Fauores ampliandi, od•a restringenda sunt. Gl•ss. ad ff. l. 4. tit. 4. de minor. leg • &c l. 28. tit. 2. de lib. postum leg. 19. Sensus benignior sequendus. Nauar. enchir. c 27. sect 283.
hRespiciendum ad sinem quem legislator intendit. Thom. sum. par. 2a 2 ae. q. 147. a. 3. Non peccat, qui implet legem secundum mē tem autoris, licèt in verba offendat. Navarre. enchit. c. 27 sect. 283.Respiciendum ad sinem quem legislator intendit. Thom. sum. par. 2a 2 ae. q. 147. a. 3. Non peccat, qui implet legem secundum mē tem autoris, licèt in verba offendat. Nauar. enchit. c. 27 sect. 283.
iConfuetudo interpretatur legem. Gloss. ad Grat. d. 76. c. Utinam. Usus est optimus legum positivarum interpres. Gerson. regul. moral.Confuetudo interpretatur legem. Gloss. ad Grat. d. 76. c. Vtinam. Vsus est optimus legum positiuarum interpres. Gerson. regul. moral.
kLoges instituuntur, cùm promulgantar; firmantur, cùm moribus utentium approbantur. Gratian. d. 4. c. In isto.Loges instituuntur, cùm promulgantar; firmantur, cùm moribus vtentium approbantur. Gratian. d. 4. c. In isto.
lMoribus utentium in contrarium nonnulle leges bodi• abrogata sunt. Grat. Lex abrogata per aliam legem contrariam, aut per consuetuàinem, non obligat. Navar. enchirid cap. 23. sect. 41. Consentire censendi sunt superiores saltem interpretatinè in abolitionem legum suarum positivarem, quando passim eac diu non obseruari scire possunt, & nec verbo nec facto reclamant. Ge•son. regul. moral.Moribus vtentium in contrarium nonnulle leges bodi• abrogata sunt. Grat. Lex abrogata per aliam legem contrariam, aut per consuetuàinem, non obligat. Nauar. enchirid cap. 23. sect. 41. Consentire censendi sunt superiores saltem interpretatinè in abolitionem legum suarum positiuarem, quando passim eac diu non obseruari scire possunt, & nec verbo nec facto reclamant. Ge•son. regul. moral.
mNon peccat qui legem non seruat, ubi & quando est valdè difficile; neque qui non seruat, ut pro stulto non habeatur. Navar. euchirid. cap. 27. sect. 283.Non peccat qui legem non seruat, vbi & quando est valdè difficile; neque qui non seruat, vt pro stulto non habeatur. Nauar. euchirid. cap. 27. sect. 283.
Tabula luditur pyrgo, calculis, tesserisque. Isid. orig. l. 18. c. 60. In tabula lusoria & alea exercebatur & latrunculorum ludus, ques calculos Martialis appeliat. Volaterr. comment. l. 29. c. 12. Tabula lus•ria. Hîc tib• bisseno numeratur tessera puncto: Calculus •ic gemino discolor hosse perit. Martial. l. 14. Hinc Seneca de Canio latrunculis ludente cùm ad necem au•caretur; Lusisse tu Canium illa tabula putas? illusit. de tranquill. c. 14.
sAccurs. ad Authent. collat. 9 & Jul. Clar. sentent. l. 5. Vise Greg. Tolos. syntag•. l. 39 c. 3. §. 12. &c. 4. § 8.Accurs. ad Authent. collat. 9 & Iul. Clar. sentent. l. 5. Vise Greg. Tolos. syntag•. l. 39 c. 3. §. 12. &c. 4. § 8.
tMartyr in Jud. c. 14. Danaeus de alea c. 9. Babington on Command. 8.Martyr in Iud. c. 14. Danaeus de alea c. 9. Babington on Command. 8.
uLudere liceat duntaxat hes quinque ludos. Cod. l. 3. tit. 43. leg. 1.
*Equi velequestres lignei prohibentur. Ibid. leg. 2. fabrica in medio diverso habent feramina, per qua globulos emittebant. Balsamo ibid.Equi velequestres lignei prohibentur. Ibid. leg. 2. fabrica in medio diuerso habent feramina, per qua globulos emittebant. Balsamo ibid.
Ludens •molumenti causa, & ex consu•tudine, alite• non socundum Ioan. Gloss. ad ff. lib. 11. tit. 4. leg. 1. & Ios. Mascard. de probat. vol. 2. concl. 997. § 6. Canon Apostolicus de l•di• intelligitu• qui f•unt lucri causa. Alex. Carpent. d•str. vlt. par. 4. c. 23. I•ris vtri•squ• legesintelliguntur d• ludentibus i• pecuniam. Astesa•. s•m. l. 5. tit. 30. §. 1. ex cupiditate, non ex socialitate. Ibid. §. 2.
