The law unsealed

In sum: As Lots and Oaths are much for one end, to wit, the ending of controversy and strife. Heb. 6. 16. Prov. 18. 18. So ought the same Rules almost to be observed in them both. Then 1. Before the Lot we should look to and follow Gods call, and depend on him in it. 2. In the time of Lotting, we should act reverently. 3. After the Lot we should reverence the Lord, and submit to the event of it as to his mind, even though our frame has not been so right: As an Oath bindeth when taken in lawful matter, though there hath been rashness as to the manner, by virtue of Gods Name which is interposed; So do Lots. Because how ever we be as to our frame, it is He who decideth as to the event; therefore ought that decision to be looked on as most Sacred; God having thought good beside the general rules in his Word to give evidence of his mind by Lots, as to some particular events; and though these Games at Dice or Cards may in the complete frame of them require some skill, how to manage such throws or such particular Cards when a man hath gotten them; yet that, that-throw is such, casting up so many blacks and no more, that such a man hath such Cards and no other, that is merely by immediate providence, and so must of necessity be a Lot▪ or it is by some other means which would (if assayed) wrong God also very much: And though skill may possibly influence the event as to the upshot of the Game, yet in these throwings or shufflings the•e is no skill, or if there be any thing that is accounted Art or skill, it is but deceit, seeing the scope is by these to leave it to providence in its Decision.

In sum: As Lots and Oaths are much for one end, to wit, the ending of controversie and strife. Heb. 6. 16. Prov. 18. 18. So ought the same Rules almost to be observed in them both. Then 1. Before the Lot we should look to and follow Gods call, and depend on him in it. 2. In the time of Lotting, we should act reverently. 3. After the Lot we should reverence the Lord, and submit to the event of it as to his mind, even though our frame has not been so right: As an Oath bindeth when taken in lawful matter, though there hath been rashness as to the manner, by vertue of Gods Name which is interposed; So do Lots. Because how ever we be as to our frame, it is He who decideth as to the event; therefore ought that decision to be looked on as most Sacred; God having thought good beside the general rules in his Word to give evidence of his mind by Lots, as to some particular events; and though these Games at Dice or Cards may in the compleat frame of them require some skill, how to manage such throws or such particular Cards when a man hath gotten them; yet that, that-throw is such, casting up so many blacks and no more, that such a man hath such Cards and no other, that is meerly by immediate providence, and so must of necessity be a Lot or it is by some other means which would (if assaid) wrong God also very much: And though skill may possibly influence the event as to the upshot of the Game, yet in these throwings or shufflings thee is no skill, or if there be any thing that is accounted Art or skill, it is but deceit, seeing the scope is by these to leave it to providence in its Decision.