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

3. When they unfit the Heart for any serious Work, by putting the Affections out of Joint, then they become a Snare, and it is high time to think of setting a restraint. All Things are to be measured by their End: Now the end of Pleasure is only this, to quicken the Mind, and revive the Body, and fit it for Work and Service. The end of Pleasure is not for Pleasure, but Work and Service. Well then, a thing is no longer good, than it conduceth to its End. Now when the Heart is set back, and unfitted more for Duty, and less able to pray and meditate, and labour in our Callings, by reason of our Sports and Recreations, it is a sign we have too much let loose the Reins to Pleasure: For Pleasure was appointed to make us better, not worse, more cheerful in the Duties of our Callings; but now it proveth a Clog and a Snare.

3. When they unfit the Heart for any serious Work, by putting the Affections out of Joint, then they become a Snare, and it is high time to think of setting a restraint. All Things are to be measured by their End: Now the end of Pleasure is only this, to quicken the Mind, and revive the Body, and fit it for Work and Service. The end of Pleasure is not for Pleasure, but Work and Service. Well then, a thing is no longer good, than it conduceth to its End. Now when the Heart is set back, and unfitted more for Duty, and less able to pray and meditate, and labour in our Callings, by reason of our Sports and Recreations, it is a sign we have too much let loose the Reins to Pleasure: For Pleasure was appointed to make us better, not worse, more chearful in the Duties of our Callings; but now it proveth a Clog and a Snare.

4. Then is Sobriety to interpose, when our Pleasure doth cheat us of opportunity of Retirement, and religious Privacy with God and our selves. Certainly it is a Duty to maintain a constant Converse with God; Job 22.21. Acquaint thy self with him, and be at Peace. He delights to speak with his Creatures, and be familiar with them. This is that which is called Communion with God, a constant Correspondency that is kept up between God and the Soul. Now will a Man rob God? this is strange and monstrous. Well then, when Ease and Pleasure will not give way for Communion with God, and stops the Voice of Conscience when it pleads for God, then it is naught. And so for privacy with our selves; it is a duty to commune