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…

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