A27053:455
A treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at KidderminsterA treatise of self-denial. By Richard Baxter, pastor of the church at Kederminster
London: printed by Robert White for Nevil Simmons, 1675
Treatise › Chapter 23: Vain Sports and Pastimes to be denied.
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.
CHAP. XXIII. Vain Sports and Pastimes to be denied.
6. Another part of fleshly interest to be denied, is, vain sports and pastimes, and all unnecessary Recreations. For this also is one of the harlots that the flesh is defiled with.
6. ANother part of fleshly interest to be denied, is, vain sports and pastimes, and all unnecessary Recreations. For this also is one of the harlots that the flesh is defiled with.
Recreations are lawful and useful if thus qualified. 1. If the matter of them be not forbidden: For there's no sporting with sin. 2. If we have an holy Christian end in them, that is, to fit our bodies and minds for the service of God: and do not do it principally to please the flesh. If without dissembling our hearts can say, I would not meddle with this recreation, If I thought I could have my body and mind as •ell strengthened and fitted for Gods service without it. 3. If we use not recreations without need, as to the said End; nor continue them longer than they are useful to that End; and so do not cast away any of our precious time on them in vain. 4. If they be not uncivil, excessively costly, cruel, or accompanied with the like unlawful ⟨p. 160⟩accidents. 5. If they contain not more probable incentives to vice than to virtue: as to Covetousness, Lust, Passion, Profaneness, &c. 6. If they are not like to be more hurtful to the souls of others that join with us, than profitable to us. 7. If they be not like to do more hurt by offending any that are weak or dislike them, than good to us that use them. 8. If they be used seasonably, in a time that they hinder not greater duties. 9. If we do it not in company unfit for us to join with. 10. Especially if we make a right choice of Recreations, and when divers are before us, we take the best; that which is least offensive, least expensive of time and cost, and which best furthereth the health of our bodies, with the smallest inconvenience.