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…

There is also respect to be had to Christian liberty, where, by Gods goodness, men have allowance to make use of these ⟨p. 377⟩things, not only for necessity, but for refreshing also, and the virtue of temperance and sobriety (as all other virtues) doth not consist in an indivisible point, so that a man is to eat and drink so much, and neither less nor more, without any latitude; the Lord hath not so straitened the consciences of his people, but hath left bounds in sobriety, that we may come and go upon, providing these bounds be not exceeded. Neither is every satisfaction or delight in meat or drink to be condemned (seeing it is natural) but such as degenerateth and becometh carnal.

There is also respect to be had to Christian liberty, vvhere, by Gods goodness, men have allovvance to make use of thèse ⟨p. 377⟩things, not only for necessity, but for refreshing also, and the vertue of temperance and sobriety (as all other vertues) doth not consist in an indivisible point, so that a man is to eat and drink so much, and neither less nor more, without any latitude; the Lord hath not so streightned the consciences of his people, but hath left bounds in sobriety, that we may come and go upon, providing these bounds be not exceeded. Neither is every satisfaction or delight in meat or drink to be condemned (seeing it is natural) but such as degenerateth and becometh carnal.

We would therefore inquire into the sinfulness thereof, and because there is a great affinity betwixt these two evils of Gluttony and Drunkenness, we may speak of them together for brevities sake.

We suppose then, 1. That both gluttony and drunkenness are sinful; and that both in the use of meat and drink men may several ways fail; the many prohibitions and commands that are in the Word, for ordering us in the use of meat and drink.