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

Now as offence may be given publicly or generally to those, that we live under or among, so may offence be given also to those, that we converse with in private. For which cause therefore are these games to be forborne in some cases in regard of our brethren, that either making scruple and doubt of them, or being persuaded in judgement of the unlawfulness of them, may there-through either offend with us, or be offended at us. For ^ethat is not indifferent, that is done with offence: since ^fwe ought not unnecessarily to give offence unto any; but ^gto seek to please others as well as our selves, and that now and then even ^hwith displeasing of our selves; doing that therein for them, that ⁱChrist once did for us. And therefore, ^kit is not good, saith the Apostle, to eat flesh or drink wine, or to do ought whereby ⟨p. 254⟩thy brother may stumble, or be offended, or be weakened. And undoubtedly, if ^lit be evil for a man, when he eateth with offence; then it is no less evil to him, when he gameth with offence.

Now as offence may be giuen publikely or generally to those, that we liue vnder or among, so may offence be giuen also to those, that wee conuerse with in priuate. For which cause therefore are these games to be forborne in some cases in regard of our brethren, that either making scruple and doubt of them, or being perswaded in iudgement of the vnlawfulnesse of them, may there-through either offend with vs, or be offended at vs. For ^ethat is not indifferent, that is done with offence: since