Of the morality of the fourth commandment as still in force to bind Christians…Of the morality of the fourth commandement as still in force to binde Christians…

for two days in each of them, to wit, the first day, and the last, they are commanded to keep as Sabbaths, whereon they were to have an holy convocation; and thereon they are expressly commanded to rest from all servile works; and I should think, the following of natural pleasures are to be presumed as servile works, as the works of a mans calling.

for two dayes in each of them, to wit, the first day, and the last, they are commanded to keepe as Sabbaths, whereon they were to have an holy convocation; and thereon they are expressely commanded to rest from all servile workes; and I should thinke, the following of naturall pleasures are to be presumed as servile workes, as the workes of a mans calling.

Lastly, all recreations are to this end, even to fit us to the works of our calling; either for the works of our particular callings, or the works of our general callings, as we are Christians; Such sports, if they fit us for the service of God, were more seasonable in the Morning then in the Evening. If for the works of our particular calling; then are they inferior to the works of our calling, the furthering whereof is their end; and the means are always inferior in dignity unto the end. Now if the more noble works are forbidden on that day, how much more such as are inferior are forbidden? But it may be said, that mens minds being burdened, and oppressed with the former service of the day, therefore some relaxation is to be granted for the refreshing of our spirits; As much as to say, a part of the Lords Day is to be allowed for profane sports and pastimes, to refresh us after we have been tired out with serving God; can this be savoury in the ears of a Christian? should not we rather complain of these corruptions, and bewail it before God, then give our selves to such courses as are apt to strengthen it? It is true; such is our natural corruption, that nothing is more tedious unto us as we are in our selves, then to converse with God; but should not the consideration hereof provoke us so much the ⟨p. 185⟩more to strive against it, then give way to the nourishing and confirming of it? And hath not our Saviour told us, that not the cares of this World only, but voluptuous living also, is it that chokes the good seed of Gods Word, and causeth it to become unfruitful in us? As for the refreshing of our spirits and quickening them, and thereby making us the fitter for Gods service; as in any modest exercise of the body in private, according to every mans particular disposition, to prevent drowsiness and dullness in attending to Gods Word, in praying in singing of Psalms, I know none that takes any exception against it. And as for the authority of the magistrate to appoint pastimes, sure I am, the high Court of Parliament with us, and that in the days of King Charles, hath forbidden every man to come out of his parish, about any sports and pastimes; a manifest evidence that in their judgement the public prosecuting of such sports, and pastimes, is a plain profanation of the Sabbath;