Fifthly, from all recreations and sports, which at other times are lawful: for if lawful works be forbidden on this day; much more lawful sports, which do more steal away our affections from the contemplation of heavenly things,1 than any bodily work or Labour. Neither can there be unto a man (that delighteth in the Lord) any greater delight or recreation,2 than the sanctifying of the Lord's day, For can there be any greater joy for a person condemned, than to come to his Prince his house to have his Pardon sealed? for one that is deadly sick to come to a Physician that can cure him? or for a prodigal child that ⟨p. 262⟩fed on the husks of swine, to be admitted to eat the bread of life, at his father's table? or for him who fears for sin the tidings of death, to come, to hear from God the assurance of eternal life? If thou wilt allow thy self, or thy servant recreation, allow it in the six days which are thine: not on the Lord's day, which is neither thine nor theirs. No bodily recreation therefore is to be used on this day; but so far as it may help the soul to do more cheerfully the service of God.
Fifthly, from all recreations and sports, which at other times are lawful: for if lawful works be forbidden on this day; much more lawful sports, which do more steal away our affections from the contemplation of heavenly things,1 than any bodily work or Labour. Neither can there be unto a man (that delighteth in the Lord) any greater delight or recreation,2 than the sanctifying of the Lord's day, For can there be any greater joy for a person condemned, than to come to his Prince his house to have his Pardon sealed? for one that is deadly sick to come to a Physician that can cure him? or for a prodigal child that ⟨p. 262⟩fed on the husks of swine, to be admitted to eat the bread of life, at his father's table? or for him who fears for sin the tidings of death, to come, to hear from God the assurance of eternal life? If thou wilt allow thy self, or thy servant recreation, allow it in the six days which are thine: not on the Lord's day, which is neither thine nor theirs. No bodily recreation therefore is to be used on this day; but so far as it may help the soul to do more chearfully the service of God.
- 1Isa. 58. 13, 14.
- 2Psal. 37. 4.
