The redemption of time, or, A sermon containing very good remedies for them that…

Secondly, for honest comely mirth in speech, (besides that it must not relish of lust, nor savour of malice and profaneness, for then it is worse than idle words) it ought to be bounded with this rule; namely, that it be used as a means to quicken our selves or others against some natural heaviness or deadness, by which the heart is made unapt for better conference, and other exercises of more profitable use; and when this effect is brought to pass, that laughter hath scattered the mist of dullness from off the heart and mind (or if no such occasion be offered) then let mirth and natural laughter give place to his betters: otherwise coming into a continued custom, and shouldering out more needful communication, it takes the name and nature of jesting, and is a thing much unbeseeming the stayedness of a Christian. Thus the ⟨p. 32⟩tongue may be bound from dealing falsely with the heart, and cozening the soul of good hours and occasions.

Secondly, for honest comely mirth in speech, (besides that it must not relish of lust, nor savour of malice and prophaneness, for then it is worse than idle words) it ought to be bounded with this rule; namely, that it be used as a means to quicken our selves or others against some natural heaviness or deadness, by which the heart is made unapt for better conference, and other exercises of more profitable use; and when this effect is brought to pass, that laughter hath scattered the mist of dulness from off the heart and mind (or if no such occasion be offered) then let mirth and natural laughter give place to his betters: otherwise coming into a continued custom, and shouldering out more needful communication, it takes the name and nature of jesting, and is a thing much unbeseeming the stayedness of a Christian. Thus the ⟨p. 32⟩tongue may be bound from dealing falsly with the heart, and cousening the soul of good hours and occasions.

Now followeth the third devourer of time, and that is immoderate sleeping or sluggishness. The wi•e King Solomon have a great hatred to this Thief, and gives many warnings and caveats; whereby men might learn to take heed of it. The bed is a very cunning and sly cozener, that useth a pleasing trick to deceive a man, and robs him, under show of friendship. Now Solomon hath made a most fit description of a sluggard caught by the whiles of sleep and sloth; setting him out to the light,