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

2. In the Use. Usually we offend in such things as are for the Matter lawful, there the Soul is more secure: as in the Gospel, the Excuse is put in the handsomest terms, Luke 14.20. I have married a Wife, and therefore I cannot come. For the understanding of it, note, Christ's Parables do put the Dispositions of Mens Hearts into Words: Now the Sensualist, or the Man that is addicted to Pleasures, is there represented; and mark, he doth not urge dalliance with Harlots, but I have married a Wife, and therefore I cannot come; implying, that excess in lawful Pleasures, keepeth many from Christ, and from the things of Grace: and therefore here is the Work of Sobriety, to set bounds and limits to the use and exercise of our Liberty, that it may not degenerate into Licentiousness.

Well, but what Rules shall we observe? In short, then we offend in Sports, when they waste our Estate, rob us of our Time, cheat us of opportunity of Privacy and Retirement with God, and when they unfit the Heart for the Duties of Religion.

1. When they waste their Estates. You may not do with your Estates as you please; you are Stewards, and are to be accountable to God at the last Day for every Penny. Why should a Prodigal have a greater Liberty and Dominion over his Estate, than a covetous Man? I will tell you for what reason I speak it; Prodigals that waste their Substance with riotous Living, as he described in Luke 15.13. when they are taxed for this, they say, It is my own, and I may do with my own as I please. We are not content to take such an Answer from a rich and covetous Man, when you press him to Charity; if he should say, It is my own, and I shall give what I please: as Nabal said,