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…

Again, men in company drinking healths, either take drink when it is necessary (and in that case, healths are but for the fashion) and do not press it on others, and even thus, though it be indifferent like, yet considering the abuse which hath been of it, the offence that ⟨p. 391⟩may flow from the maintaining of it, and that it often proveth the rise of more, and giveth occasion to others to follow it more, and to hold it on (even beyond the intention of the first Inventer or Proposer) it is much more safe to forbear; or they drink unnecessarily, and press it on others, and thus it is abominable. See what the Fathers think of this in Mr. Bolton's directions for comfortable walking with God.

Again, men in company drinking healths, either take drink when it is necessary (and in that case, healths are but for the fashion) and do not press it on others, and even thus, though it be indifferent like, yet considering the abuse which hath been of it, the offence that ⟨p. 391⟩may flow from the maintaining of it, and that it often proveth the rise of more, and giveth occasion to others to follow it more, and to hold it on (even beyond the intention of the •irst Inventer or Proposer) it is much more safe to forbear; or they drink unnecessarily, and press it on others, and thus it is abominable. See what the Fathers think of this in Mr. Bolton's directions for comfortable walking with God.

If we look narrowly into the thing it self (although custom when it is inveterate weakneth us in the right uptaking of things, yet) it will probably be found to have arisen from heathenish Idolaters, who used Libamen Jovi, Baccho, &c. and if it be supposed to help the health of others, that cannot be expected from God, who hath given no such promise, it must therefore be from the Devil; it was called by the Heathens, Phiala Jovis, drinking of healths being among them as a piece of Drink-offering or Sacrifice to their Idols on the behalf of those they mentioned in their drinking, or whose health they drank; and it is certain there is no vestige of it in Christianity, nor any reason for it, and experience cleareth that many grow in a sort superstitious in the use of it, as if the refusing such a thing were a prejudice or indignity to the person mentioned, and that the Devil hath made use of it as a rower to convey in much drunkenness into the world; we think it therefore absolutely safest to forbear it, and we are sure there is no hazard here; See Ambros. de alea & Jejunio, cap. 13. & 18. August. de temp. ser. 231, 232. Basil. in Epist. ad Cor. ser. 14. Cartwright's Confession. To this same purpose these old Latin lines are worthy the noticing.