The trades-man's calling being a discourse concerning the nature, necessity, choice, &c. of a…

(3.) A third ruinous Course, whence this Prudence will preserve you, is Gaming, I mean all such Games as make an in-road upon your Time, when they devour that time which should be employed either in your religious or secular Affairs, or such as hazard any thing considerable of your Estate. For it is certain, that Gaming was never ordained to be a Trade, whereon to live, but for a Diversion, a refreshment of the Spirits, whereby Men may be more fitted for their general and particular Callings. And therefore such Recreations only are to be used, as do most contribute to the health of the Body, and refreshment of the Mind; and they are to be followed moderately, seasonably, and religiously, so as you may comfortably beg the Blessing of God upon them, and bless his Name after them. Fix your unalterable Resolutions therefore against all vain, prodigal, and hazardous Games whatsoever. For though Drunkenness, Whoredom, Idleness, Injustice will certainly do it, yet these two Follies of Suretyship and Gaming ⟨p. 71⟩may suddenly destroy those that use them: A Man may by these in a few hours undo himself and Family to all intents. Play for no more in any Recreation than you may lawfully expend upon your Delight, and can be content to lose without impairing your Estate, or the Tranquillity of your Mind; and never reckon the Estate you have your own, until ye have made Restitution of what ye have dishonestly gained thereby.

(3.) A third ruinous Course, whence this Prudence will preserve you, is Gaming, I mean all such Games as make an in-road upon your Time, when they devour that time which should be imployed either in your religious or secular Affairs, or such as hazard any thing considerable of your Estate. For it is certain, that Gaming was never ordained to be a Trade, whereon to live, but for a Diversion, a refreshment of the Spirits, whereby Men may be more fitted for their general and particular Callings. And therefore such Recreations only are to be used, as do most contribute to the health of the Body, and refreshment of the Mind; and they are to be followed moderately, seasonably, and religiously, so as you may comfortably beg the Blessing of God upon them, and bless his Name after them. Fix your unalterable Resolutions therefore against all vain, prodigal, and hazardous Games whatsoever. For though Drunkenness, Whoredom, Idleness, Injustice will certainly do it, yet these two Follies of Suretiship and Gaming ⟨p. 71⟩