The law unsealed

5. Consider that all things are prohibited which mar the end of the day, and are not consistent with the duties thereof▪ such are buying, selling, &c. out of the cases of pressing necessity▪ folks cannot be spiritually taken up, and with these also; so playing and gaming is no less consistent with praying, reading, conferring▪ &c. then ploughing or such like, yea, is much more indisposing for it, and so we do necessarily thereby incapacitate our selves for the duties of the day.

5. Consider that all things are prohibited which marr the end of the day, and are not consistent with the duties thereof▪ such are buying, selling, &c. out of the cases of pressing necessity▪ folks cannot be spiritually taken up, and with these also; so playing and gaming is no less consistent with praying, reading, conferring▪ &c. then ploughing or such like, yea, is much more indisposing for it, and so we do necessarily thereby incapacitate our selves for the duties of the day.

6. All things are forbidden, which consist not with this rest and the duties of worship called for from our selves and others; thus unnecessary journeying, walking, even suppose one could or should be exercised in meditation, is not resting as is required, much less is gadding in companies, in the street, or fields, to the neglect of secret and family duties.

In a word, whatever is not religious and spiritual exercise, or furthering or helping unto what is so, out of the excepted cases; much more whatever is sinful, scandalous or unsuitable on other days, or doth divert from, or indispose for the duties of holiness, and the worship of God on that day, is inconsistent with this rest, and so prohibited: for, This rest is not primarily commanded and required for it self, but as conducing and subordinate unto the performing of holy duties in it; therefore our rest is to be regulated, so as may best contribute to that scope, and whatever marreth that, though it should not be work strictly, but idleness, carnalness, or playing and gaming, and sporting yet its a breach of this rest: for 1. That is no religious duty nor 2. tending as a necessary help to it; nor 3. is rest commanded that we should play in it, but that we should sanctify it; and 4. playing or sporting cannot be called sanctifying the day; otherwayes we might have mo Sabbaths then one, and the profanest would love them best; 5. playing separateth not the Sabbath from other days, more then work doeth; for men play in all: 6. playing is neither a religious duty, it being amongst the most irreligious and profane; nor a duty of necessity for easing of weariness, which doth not here come by any bodily toil and labour, but (if there be any) from being exercised in spiritual duties; which, therefore, change and variety will through Gods blessing do, so as the person may be born out in them; nor is there any place for it, except some duty be neglected, therefore its inconsistent with this.