A37049:696
A37049:696
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1675
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
3. Let it be in such a matter, and so used, as ye may seek God in it, and in call His Name by Prayer: To Lots in a thing, ⟨p. 171⟩that folks will not, or dare not pray in, agreeth not with Scripture examples, nor with that tenderness which a Believer should have at such a time: It should then be in a thing respecting a promise.
On the contrary, we may see how men fail here, 1. In weighty things, by not keeping the right manner before the Lot, in the time of it, and after it is past, when it endeth not strife. 2. In Trivial things, by making this too Customary; so that folk use the Lot almost in every thing, making that which is extraordinary to become ordinary, contrary to the nature thereof. It is an ultimate Judge and Decider, even as an Oath is for ending all Controversies: it is like unto Moses (as one saith), the great matters should be reserved to it; yea it is greater than Moses, its God himself, thus in His providence passing a Decision; The lesser things would be otherwayes Decided.
3. We may gather from what is said, what is to be thought of such Games and pastimes as run on Lottery (having that for the very foundation of them) and have an immediate dependence on providence for the issue of them.
3. We may gather from what is said, what is to be thought of such Games and pastimes as run on Lottery (having that for the very foundation of them) and have an immediate dependance on providence for the issue of them.
1. That they are Lottery cannot be denied, for they have all that is in Lotting; there is in them a putting of things to a doubtful event as to us; and that event is guided either by God, or by some other, and which-ever of the two, we say, it will be a Breach of this Command; so trivially for our pleasure to take the name of God in vain, as many formally do; for none can tell, how such a thing will come to pass by any reason.
1. That they are Lottery cannot be denyed, for they have all that is in Lotting; there is in them a putting of things to a doubtful event as to us; and that event is guided either by God, or by some other, and which-ever of the two, we say, it will be a Breach of this Command; so trivially for our pleasure to take the name of God in vain, as many formally do; for none can tell, how such a thing will come to pass by any reason.
2. That to do so, or to use a Lot in this case is a sin, may also be made out clearly, 1. Because it is against the end of Lots, which is to divide or decide where there is Controversy, and so it interverteth their end, and becometh sinful; even as Swearing were no Controversy is, is a sin. 2. There is either no necessity at all to take that way, or there is but a made-necessity of our own, it must therefore be a tempting of God; as suppose this to be the end of Lotting, to know in the upshot whether so much Money should belong to you, or to me; no doubt that point of right to whom the Money belongeth, may be decided as well at the entry; therefore this way of decision is in vain.
2. That to do so, or to use a Lot in this case is a sin, may also be made out clearly, 1. Because it is against the end of Lots, which is to divide or decide where there is Controversie, and so it interverteth their end, and becometh sinful; even as Swearing were no Controversie is, is a sin. 2. There is either no necessity at all to take that way, or there is but a made-necessity of our own, it must therefore be a tempting of God; as suppose this to be the end of Lotting, to know in the upshot whether so much Money should belong to you, or to me; no doubt that point of right to whom the Money belongeth, may be decided as well at the entry; therefore this way of decision is in vain.
3. That Lotting which hath in it no reverence to God, but ba •fleth his Name, nor is consistent with the right manner of ⟨p. 172⟩Lotting, cannot be lawful; but this is such: for it is not only, de facto, contrary to the former rules, but in its own nature is inconsistent with them; this is clear, 1. From the great frequency of Lotting in these Games. 2. In the little dependence on God for the event that is in them; and indeed a spiritual frame of dependence on him, cannot well, if at all consist with them. 3. From its inconsistency with serious prayer: what! can or dare men pray in earnest for Gods guiding in these things, in every throw of the Dice, or shuffling of the Cards? or in faith expect still the revealing of his Decree that way? or when it is done and past, can they suitably acknowledge Him in it? Men dare not look so seriously on these things, yea they know they dare not.
3. That Lotting which hath in it no reverence to God, but ba •fleth his Name, nor is consistent with the right manner of ⟨p. 172⟩Lotting, cannot be lawful; but this is such: for it is not only, de facto, contrary to the former rules, but in its own nature is inconsistent with them; this is clear, 1. From the great frequency of Lotting in these Games. 2. In the little dependance on God for the event that is in them; and indeed a spiritual frame of dependance on him, cannot well, if at all consist with them. 3. From its inconsistency with serious prayer: what! can or dare men pray in earnest for Gods guiding in these things, in every throw of the Dice, or shuffling of the Cards? or in faith expect still the revealing of his Decree that way? or when it is done and past, can they suitably acknowledg Him in it? Men dare not look so seriously on these things, yea they know they dare not.
4. That way of Lotting which cannot but occasion the wronging of the Name of the Lord; and his providence, cannot be right; but this is such: for we must say, that either Gods hand is not at all in such things, and so we deny his providence; or we must say that he may be put to it by this common and coarse way, and that in our sport, and for our pleasure in his immediate providence to declare his mind; which is a notable Baffling (to say so) and Profanation of his Name; hence it is that men so often Swear, Curse, Fret, and exclaim in these Games at Cards, Dice, &c. (wherein chance, luck, fortune, &c. are so much looked to, and in a manner deified) and altogether overlook and misregard the Majesty of God, as if he had no Providence at all in such things.
4. That way of Lotting which cannot but occasion the wronging of the Name of the Lord; and his providence, cannot be right; but this is such: for we must say, that either Gods hand is not at all in such things, and so we deny his providence; or we must say that he may be put to it by this common and coarse way, and that in our sport, and for our pleasure in his immediate providence to declare his mind; which is a notable Baffling (to say so) and Prophanation of his Name; hence it is that men so often Swear, Curse, Fret, and exclaim in these Games at Cards, Dice, &c. (wherein chance, luck, fortune, &c. are so much looked to, and in a manner deified) and altogether overlook and misregard the Majesty of God, as if he had no Providence at all in such things.
5. What is done without warrant of either Scripture-precept or practise, cannot be done in faith? Now there can be no suc • warrant drawn from Scripture for such plays or games, the very foundation whereof is Lottery, and not only accidentally and rarely incident to them, as may be on the matter to other lawful Recreations, if that can be called Lottery at all, which is rather an undesigned, unexpected surprising Incident of providence; whereas in the other, the decision by a Lot is designed, waited for, and all along the game referred unto, and hung upon: yea it is insuitable and inconsistent with the Scripture-way of using Lots, which is always in most grave and important things; but this way of using them is manifestly to abuse them.
5. What is done without warrant of either Scripture-precept or practise, cannot be done in faith? Now there can be no suc • warrant drawn from Scripture for such playes or games, the very foundation whereof is Lottery, and not only accidentally and rarely incident to them, as may be on the matter to other lawful Recreations, if that can be called Lottery at all, which is rather an undesigned, unexpected surprizing Incident of providence; whereas in the other, the decision by a Lot is designed, waited for, and all along the game referred unto, and hung upon: yea it is insuitable and inconsistent with the Scripture-way of using Lotts, which is alwayes in most grave and important things; but this way of using them is manifestly to abuse them.
6. That which hath a native tendency to ma •e any Ordinance of God Vile and Contemptible, cannot be Warrantable; Now that Lotting in these Games hath such a tendency to make the Ordinance of a Lot, and of Prayer, which should at least be joined with it, Contemptible; is obvious to any serious and impartial considerer of it, neither can it in reason be thought that, that which is in so Sacred a manner, and with Prayer to God, to be gone about in one thing, and is by Him appointed for such an end as an Oath is; can Warrantably be used in a manner, and for ends so vastly different from the former in an other thing.
6. That which hath a native tendency to ma •e any Ordinance of God Vile and Contemptible, cannot be Warrantable; Now that Lotting in these Games hath such a tendency to make the Ordinance of a Lot, and of Prayer, which should at least be joyned with it, Contemptible; is obvious to any serious and impartial considerer of it, neither can it in reason be thought that, that which is in so Sacred a manner, and with Prayer to God, to be gone about in one thing, and is by Him appointed for such an end as an Oath is; can Warrantably be used in a manner, and for ends so vastly different from the former in an other thing.
7. If Lots belong at all to this Command, then these Lotting-Games are unlawful: for they cannot with any Religious reason be supposed to be commanded in it, and therefore they must be forbidden. And, if in trivial things, Lots be unlawful, much more in such Games which end not strife and contentions, but often and ordinarily begin them, and bring them to a height: and therefore do the Ancients declaim against this as a Sacrificing to Devils, and invented by Idolaters
If it be said here, that these things are thought but very little of by men; Answ. It is true, and no great wonder; for most men use but to think little of the breach of this Command, yet are their breaches sinful notwithstanding; as many take Gods Name in their mouth lightly, and think but little of it, and yet that maketh not their doing so, cease to be a sin. God hath added his Certification here the more peremptorily for that very end, that men may not think little, or lightly of the very least breach of this Command (to let pass more gross breaches of it).
If it be said here, that these things are thought but very little of by men; Answ. It is true, and no great wonder; for most men use but to think little of the breach of this Command, yet are their breaches sinful notwithstanding; as many take Gods Name in their mouth lightly, and think but little of it, and yet that maketh not their doing so, cease to be a sin. God hath added his Certification here the more peremptorily for that very end, that men may not think little, or lightly of the very least breach of this Command (to let pass more grosse breaches of it).
If it be further objected here, Why may not such Plays or Games be used as well as other Plays, wherein sometimes Chance or Fortune (as they call it) will cast the Balance? Answ. 1. Though in those other, Chance may now and then occasionally occur, yet that is but accidental; these are simply, or at least mostly guided by Lotting, and immediate providences, and cannot be prevented or made to be otherwayes by the best art and skill of men. 2. In these other Games there is an intervention of second causes, and an use of mens parts, Natural and Moral, for obtaining such an end ultimate (in some respect) and immediate; as for example, when men strike a Ball with a ⟨p. 174⟩Club, or throw a Boll to a hole, they are guided therein rationally, as they are in coming down a Stair; and they act therein, as in other things by second causes and use of means, whether of Body or mind; but in these Lotting-Games it is not so, for all is cast & hung upon extraordinary providence, even as if a man, who cannot, would betake himself to swimming in, or walking upon the Water, when an other betaketh himself to a Bridge or to a Boat.
If it be further objected here, Why may not such Playes or Games be used as well as other Playes, wherein sometimes Chance or Fortune (as they call it) will cast the Ballance? Answ. 1. Though in those other, Chance may now and then occasionally occur, yet that is but accidental; these are simply, or at least mostly guided by Lotting, and immediat providences, and cannot be prevented or made to be otherwayes by the best art and skill of men. 2. In these other Games there is an intervention of second causes, and an use of mens parts, Natural and Moral, for obtaining such an end ultimat (in some respect) and immediate; as for example, when men strike a Ball with a ⟨p. 174⟩Club, or throw a Boul to a hole, they are guided therein rationally, as they are in coming down a Stair; and they act therein, as in other things by second causes and use of means, whether of Body or mind; but in these Lotting-Games it is not so, for all is cast & hung upon extraordinary providence, even as if a man, who cannot, would betake himself to swimming in, or walking upon the Water, when an other betaketh himself to a Bridge or to a Boat.
In Sum: As Lots and Oaths are much for one end, to wit, the ending of Controversy & Strife, Heb. 6.16. Prov. 18.18. So ought the same Rules almost to be observed in them both. Then 1. Before the Lot we should look to and follow Gods call and depend on him in it. 2. In the time of Lotting, we should act reverently. 3. After the Lot we should reverence the Lord, and submit to the event of it as to his mind, even though our frame has not been so right: As an Oath bindeth when taken in lawful matter, though there hath been rashness as to the manner, by virtue of Gods Name which is interposed; So do Lots, Because how ever we be as to our frame, it is He who decideth as to the event; therefore ought that decision to be looked on as most Sacred; God having thought good beside the general rules in his Word to give evidence of his mind by Lots, as to some particular events; and though these Games at Dice or Cards may in the complete frame of them require some skill, how to manage such throws or such particular Cards when a man hath gotten them; yet that, that-throw is such, casting up so many blacks and no more, that such a man hath such Cards and no other, that is merely by immediate providence, and so must of necessity be a Lot; or it is by some other means which would (if assayed) wrong God also very much; And though skill may possibly influence the event as to the upshot of the Game, yet in these throwings or shufflings there is no skill, or if there be any thing that is accounted Art or Skill, it is but deceit, seeing the scope is by these to leave it to providence in its Decision.
In Summe: As Lots and Oaths are much for one end, to wit, the ending of Controversie & Strife, Heb. 6.16. Prov. 18.18. So ought the same Rules almost to be observed in them both. Then 1. Before the Lot we should look to and follow Gods call and depend on him in it. 2. In the time of Lotting, we should act reverently. 3. After the Lot we should reverence the Lord, and submit to the event of it as to his mind, even though our frame has not been so right: As an Oath bindeth when taken in lawful matter, though there hath been rashness as to the manner, by vertue of Gods Name which is interposed; So do Lots, Because how ever we be as to our frame, it is He who decideth as to the event; therefore ought that decision to be looked on as most Sacred; God having thought good beside the general rules in his Word to give evidence of his mind by Lots, as to some particular events; and though these Games at Dice or Cards may in the compleat frame of them require some skill, how to manage such throws or such particular Cards when a man hath gotten them; yet that, that-throw is such, casting up so many blacks and no more, that such a man hath such Cards and no other, that is meerly by immediate providence, and so must of necessity be a Lot; or it is by some other means which would (if assaid) wrong God also very much; And though skill may possibly influence the event as to the upshot of the Game, yet in these throwings or shufflings there is no skill, or if there be any thing that is accounted Art or Skill, it is but deceit, seeing the scope is by these to leave it to providence in its Decision.
This Doctrine concerning such Games, was the Doctrine of the Ancients, who did vehemently inveigh against this sort of Lottery, see Cyprian de Aleatoribus, who fathereth it on Zabulus and calleth it the snare of the Devil, and compareth it with Idolatry, ⟨p. 175⟩so Ambrose de Tobia, pag. 590. It was also in some Councils condemned, Can. Apost. Canon 42. Con. Trull. Canon 50.
This Doctrine concerning such Games, was the Doctrine of the Ancients, who did vehemently inveigh against this sort of Lottry, see Cyprian de Aleatoribus, who fathereth it on Zabulus and calleth it the snare of the Devil, and compareth it with Idolatry, ⟨p. 175⟩so Ambrose de Tobia, pag. 590. It was also in some Councils condemned, Can. Apost. Canon 42. Con. Trull. Canon 50.
This hath been the constant ordinary Judgment of Protestant Writers on this Command, and some of them have written peculiar Treatises to this purpose, particularly Danaeus; wherein he proveth that such Lottery is unlawful in it self, and most prejudicial to men; this is likewise the Doctrine of the Schoolmen, though none of the most rigid Casuists, yea it is the Doctrine of our own Church, these being, as unlawful Games, condemned of old; and of late, to wit, Anno 1638. by the General Assembly of Glasgow, according to a former Act of an Assembly held at Edinburgh, Anno 1596.
This hath been the constant ordinary Judgment of Protestant Writers on this Command, and some of them have written peculiar Treatises to this purpose, particularly Danaeus; wherein he proveth that such Lottry is unlawful in it self, and most prejudicial to men; this is likewise the Doctrine of the Schoolmen, though none of the most rigid Casuists, yea it is the Doctrine of our own Church, these being, as unlawful Games, condemned of old; and of late, to wit, Anno 1638. by the General Assembly of Glasgow, according to a former Act of an Assembly held at Edinburgh, Anno 1596.
Lastly, Consider for scarring from such Games, these Two things. 1. The contrary events (that follow most ordinarily on such Lottery): Strifes, & Contentions are occasioned, if not caused by them, which are ended by the other, so very different are the events. 2. Consider that most men who use them, fall often into gross Profaning of Gods Name, or into high passions at best.
Lastly, Consider for scarring from such Games, these Two things. 1. The contrary events (that follow most ordinarily on such Lottry): Strifes, & Contentions are occasioned, if not caused by them, which are ended by the other, so very different are the events. 2. Consider that most men who use them, fall often into grosse Prophaning of Gods Name, or into high passions at best.