A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

But now for Sports, and other the Delights of Humane Life; accept of God's Indulgence with Thankfulness, and use it with Moderation. Adam in Innocency was placed in a Garden of Delight: and since the Fall, God hath provided not only for Necessity, but Pleasure. Certainly in Christ we have a great Liberty, but we should not use it as an Occasion to the Flesh. To the Pure all things are pure, Titus 1.15. Only let us take heed that we are pure in the use of these outward Comforts and Refreshments. Now we need not fear the Uncleanness of Meats and Sports, but let us fear the Uncleanness of Lusts. There is a double exercise of Sobriety in our Sports and Recreations, and the Delights of the Humane Life, to direct us in the Choice of them, and in the Use of them.

1. In the Choice of them, that they be lawful, not the Pleasures of Sin, Heb. 11.25. There is a strange Perverseness in Man's Nature: those Pleasures relish best that are seasoned with Sin; as if we could not do Nature Right, without Wrong to God, and putting an Affront upon his Laws. He that breaks the Hedge, a Serpent shall bite him, Eccles. 10.8. Now to prevent danger in this kind, and that we may not break through the Hedge, and the Restraints which God hath set us, and so find Remorse upon our Death-Beds, Conscience must be informed. Generally we may observe, that we offend God more in our Recreations than in any other Affairs of Life, and are more guilty of unlawful Recreations, than of unlawful ways of Gain and Traffic: and therefore it is good to be wary, and keep at a distance from Sin. And because Recreations are not among things absolutely necessary, but only convenient, if they be questionable, or of ill Fame, it is better to forbear; Phil. 4.8. Whatsoever things are of good report, &c. think of these things; that we may be sure not to be guilty of any contempt of God, and that we may not give offence to others. As for Instance, a Lusory Lot in Cards or Dice is very questionable, therefore better to be forborne than used, especially where they give offence. And again, because every thing is sanctified by the Word of God and Prayer,