The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business. Wherein the nature…

Thy duty is to exercise thy self to Godliness in thy Recreations; the Christian in his walking, ¹as well as in his working, must be furthering his eternal weal. Our Gardens or places of delights, as well as our Houses, must be consecrated ground; Davids Cymbal, Viol and Timbrel were all useful in, and serviceable to the Tabernacle; with them he praised God, Psa. 150. Saints outward pleasures must be some way or other subservient to their inward purity. ²It was a witty observation of Bernard on the signification of Isaac (which is laughter or joy) Sacrifice your Isaac, and your Isaac shall live. It is the Ram, the rankness and stoutness of your heart which shall dye. Reader, sacrifice thy recreations, thy joys, thy delights to God, and they shall all live; it is rankness of them which God desireth should be put to death. That these pleasures are not simply unlawful, is plain; Eat thy bread (saith God) with joy, drink thy Wine with a merry heart; live joyfully with the Wife of thy youth, Eccles. 9.7, 8, 9. Epicurism is not at all commanded, ⟨p. 446⟩but moderate delight in creatures is allowed and commended; He gives all things richly to enjoy. To enjoy, not to behold, nor to hoard up; He condemneth those rich cormorants that starve at a full Table, and like Asses laden with good victuals, feed on thistles,