The law unsealed

4. It should be gone about, in the right manner. 1. With Reverence, as if we were to hear God pronounce the Sentence, and speak his Mind; as while Saul is a-taking, the People stand before the Lord, 1 Sam. 10. 19, 22. 2. In the Faith that God guideth it; and so, without Anxiety and fear. 3. In Singleness, Committing it to Him, even in Heart, as well as in Appearance; Abstaining from all Fraud or Tricks, or any thing which may have influence, as a second cause, to mar or cast the Decision; this were a high way of mocking God, to put the Decision to Him, and yet to endeavour to give the Answer our selves,

Lastly, After the Lot, there should be a reverend acknowledging of Gods Mind, without fretting or grumbling, and a cheerful submitting to it, as we see in all the Cases instanced in Scripture. These Rules being observed, we think that for dividing of Stations or Charges; or of Portions, which cannot be other-ways done, without offence or prejudice; Lots may be used.

Lastly, After the Lot, there should be a reverend acknowledging of Gods Mind, without fretting or grumbling, and a chearful submitting to it, as we see in all the Cases instanced in Scripture. These Rules being observed, we think that for dividing of Stations or Charges; or of Portions, which cannot be other-ways done, without offence or prejudice; Lots may be used.

Yet, I would say these few things, for Caution here: 1. Ye should not in petty things use them, when the matter is of no value at all, or of very small value; so that ye are indifferent, how it falls out: Or when it is not of that weight, that ye would give an Oath in it; but rather quit it, (and there would be here a Proportion kept,) ye should rather in such a Case hazard some Loss then put it to a Lot, out of that Reverence ye owe to Gods Name: All the Cases in Scripture are weighty: In your Ordinary Merchandise, I desire you to remember this: