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

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. ^zAs peace is the end of war; and peace is aimed at in war; so ^ais business the end of recreation, ^ait being ordained for business, and not business for it. Yea as the right end of war is peace, so the main end of peace is not so much the taking of our pleasure, (though ^bwe enjoy that benefit also thereby) as the freedom of following our serious affairs. The time therefore that ought to be employed in the one, must not be unseasonably misspent in the other. ^cOur vacant time only is allowed for disport: ⟨p. 248⟩which is then most seasonable, as food, when hunger craveth it, or as sleep, when heaviness after watching calleth for it, so when wearisomeness after other employments requireth it.

First, when they should be about any necessary duty concerning their estate and place, or the means of their maintenance, and the good of themselues and theirs. In which regard was not that parties course commendable that saith, ^y