Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theologicalOf the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall

Herein then men offend, not only when they take up too much time with it, but when they take not fit times for it. For a man may spend too much time at it, and then he sinneth in using it immoderately: and again he may spend but little, yet not ⟨p. 247⟩fit time about it, & then he sinneth in using it unseasonably. Now then do men use game & recreation unseasonably, when they should and ought to be otherwise employed, either in the works of their special callings, or about the holy things of God.

Herein then men offend, not onely when they take vp too much time with it, but when they take not fit times for it. For a man may spend too much time at it, and then he sinneth in vsing it immoderately: and againe he may spend but little, yet not ⟨p. 247⟩fit time about it, & then he sinneth in vsing it vnseasonably. Now then doe men vse game & recreation vnseasonably, when they should and ought to be otherwise imployed, either in the workes of their speciall callings, or about the holy things of God.

First, when they should be about any necessary duty concerning their estate and place, or the means of their maintenance, and the good of themselves and theirs. In which regard was not that parties course commendable that saith, ^yhe neglected his own business to attend others at play: nor can those be justified that either sit at cards and tables within doors, or be in the bowling alley abroad, when other affairs of great consequence require their presence else-where. Since the use and end of recreation is not to withdraw or with-hold us from our more serious employments; but ¹to make us fitter for them, and better able to go through with them. ^z