A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

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 it's 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; otherwise we might have mo Sabbaths then one, and the profanest would love them hest; 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) ⟨p. 285⟩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 it's inconsistent with this.

In a vvord, vvhatever is not religious and spiritual exercise, or furthering or helping unto vvhat is so, out of the excepted cases; much more vvhatever is sinful, scandalous, or unsutable on other dayes, or doth divert from, or indispose for the duties of holiness, and the vvorship of God on that day, is inconsistent vvith 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 vvhatever marreth that, though it should not be vvork strictly, but idleness, carnalness, or playing, and gaming, and sporting, yet it's 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 vve should play in it, but that vve should sanctifie it; and 4. playing or sporting cannot be called sanctifying the day; othervvayes vve might have mo Sabbaths then one, and the prophanest vvould love them hest; 5. playing separateth not the Sabbath from other days, more then vvork doeth; for men play in all; 6. playing is neither a religious duty, it being amongst the most irreligious and prophane; nor a duty of necessity for easing of vveariness, vvhich doth not here come by any bodily toyl and labour, but (if there be any)