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…

What then can be said for it? that it helpeth to pass the time (which is pretended by many as an excuse) is a part of its guilt and just accusation, for it maketh the time to be lost, which ought to be more thriftily and carefully spent; and what cheerfulness it is accompanied with is often carnal; when is their spiritual discourse, and what may be edifying, and minister grace to the hearers at such meetings? when do ye pray for the sanctified use of that time, fellowship or drink? if at all it is but seldom; many a cursed four-hours is taken by some, though all Gods creatures be good, being sanctified by the word and prayer: be exhorted therefore to forbear this, especially ye who have place in government, either Civil or Ecclesiastic; do not ye make others to offend with your example, nor strengthen these in their wickedness (to whom ye should be examples of good) encouraging them to go in and drink drunk in Taverns or Ale houses, when they see you go in to tipple: it is a shame to hear what drunkenness of this sort is to be found even amongst young men, and others from whom we would least expect it.

What then can be said for it? that it helpeth to pass the time (which is pretended by many as an excuse) is a part of its guilt and just accusation, for it maketh the time to be lost, which ought to be more thriftily and carefully spent; and what chearfulness it is accompanied with is often carnal; when is their spiritual discourse, and what may be edifying, and minister grace to the hearers at such meetings? when do ye pray for the sanctifyed use of that time, fellowship or drink? if at all it is but seldom; many a cursed four-hours is taken by some, though all Gods creatures be good, being sanctified by the word and prayer: be exhorted therefore to forbear this, especially ye who have place in government, either Civil or Ecclesiastick; do not ye make others to offend with your example, nor strengthen these in their wickedness (to whom ye should be examples of good) incouraging them to go in and drink drunk in Taverns or Ale houses, when they see you go in to tiple: it is a shame to hear what drunkenness of this sort is to be found even amongst young men, and others from whom we would least expect it.