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

Hereunto I answer: First, these abuses are common to all kind of game: they accompany other games as well as these in those that be evil minded and profanely disposed. And the like therefore in that regard may be said either of all other games, or of any other particular game, at least in ordinary use.

Hereunto I answere: First, these abuses are common to all kinde of game: they accompany other games as well as these in those that be euill minded and prophanely disposed. And the like therefore in that regard may be said either of all other games, or of any other particular game, at least in ordinarie vse.

Secondly, it is true indeed, that where the use and the abuse of a thing are so enwrapped and entangled ⟨p. 263⟩together, that they cannot be easily severed the one from the other, there the use of the thing it self, if it be unnecessary otherwise, would wholly be abandoned. But in these games the use and the abuse may, for the most part, (some special dispositions only excepted,) by those that desire to walk in the fear of God, easily be severed. For as for those that make no conscience of their courses, they will not be dissuaded from them, though it be never so evidently discovered unto them in what manner they abuse them, and by their abuse of them make that evil and unlawful to themselves, that otherwise were not such in it self. And for those that fear God, they may with ease as well rectify and sanctify these lusorious Lots to themselves, as they may any other games of the like use, and as easily sever them from such abuses as are commonly committed in them, as they may other disports, as draughts, and bowls and the like, that are commonly used and generally allowed.

Secondly, it is true indeede, that where the vse and the abuse of a thing are so enwrapped and entangled ⟨p. 263⟩together, that they cannot be easily seuered the one from the other, there the vse of the thing it selfe, if it be vnnecessarie otherwise, would wholy be abandoned. But in these games the vse and the abuse may, for the most part, (some speciall dispositions onely excepted,) by those that desire to walke in the feare of God, easily be seuered. For as for those that make no conscience of their courses, they will not be disswaded from them, though it be neuer so euidently discouered vnto them in what manner they abuse them, and by their abuse of them make that euill and vnlawfull to themselues, that otherwise were not such in it selfe. And for those that feare God, they may with ease as well rectifie and sanctifie these lusorious Lots to themselues, as they may any other games of the like vse, and as easily seuer them from such abuses as are commonly committed in them, as they may other disports, as draughts, and boules and the like, that are commonly vsed and generally allowed.