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

These Rules being observed, Recreations are as lawful as sleep, or food, or Physic.

These Rules being observed, Recreations are as lawful as sleep, or food, or Physick.

But, alas, they are made another thing by the sensual, ungodly world. Sometime they must sport themselves with sin it self, in the abuse of Gods Name, and Servants, and Creatures: Tippling and profane Courses are some mens chiefest recreations: And though the Law of the Land forbid most of their sports, and the Law of God commandeth them to obey all the Laws of men that are not against the Law of God, yet this is a matter of nothing to their consciences. And let the matter be never so lawful, they make all impious by a carnal end. It's none of their intention to strengthen and fit themselves for the service of God, and an holy, righteous life, by their recreations: but it's merely because their fancy and flesh is pleased in them: Even as the Drunkard, Glutton, or Whoremonger, that have no higher end than Pleasure, and can give you no better account why they feed their lust, but because they Love it, and it's their delight: just so is it with sportful youths and gallants. How few of many thousands can ⟨p. 161⟩you come to that are at Cards, Dice, or Dancing, that can truly say, they would not do any of this but for God, and to fit themselves for his service? Did you ever know such a one? I believe in some better kind of Recreations you may know some such; but scarce in these. Alas this sin is not of so small a stature as too many impenitent souls imagine. It's one of the crying sins of the Land, and I believe one that brought down the vengeance of the late war upon us: and yet it is not half cured after all. The Gentry of England that should have been educated in Learning and the fear of God, and been the examples of the people in temperance and holiness, have been lamentably brutified and drowned in this (with other parts of gross) sensuality. Instead of serious Prayer, and holy Conference, and instructing of their Families, Cards and Dice took up the time, and cursing and swearing were the common attendants of them: and their Children and Servants learned of them, and took the same course. They bestowed more time in these, and in hunting, hawking, bowling, cocking, Stage-plays, and such like, than they did in the serious worshipping of God; yea than they did in the works of any lawful calling: