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

Recreation being the intermission of my labour, ¹and spending of some time in delightful exercise, for the refreshing of my body and mind, which (by working much) are apt to tire and grow weary, I wish in general that I may never abuse this favour which my Master affordeth me (as some drunken servants) to make me unfit for his work, but may be so conscientious in observing those cautions about it, which his law prescribeth, that my vigour and strength being thereby repaired, I may after it, follow his business with the more alacrity and ability. In particular, ⟨p. 464⟩I wish that my teeth may never water after forbidden fruit, ²that I may not be so prodigal as to lay my precious inestimable soul at stake by any sinful pleasure. My God hath told me how I may be merry and not have the Devil for my Play-fellow. O let me never defile my Spirit, whilst I am delighting the flesh, but let my sport for the kind of it, be like Caesars wife, without the least suspicion of fault. I desire that my carriage at it may be wholly free from passion and covetousness; and to this end, that I may never venture what I esteem at any value; my mind hereby would be disturbed, not refreshed, and so the end of recreation altogether frustrated. ³I wish that such delights may be used as my medicine, only now and then when nature requireth them, not as my meat constantly every day; let my God of all consolation lye (as a Wife) in the bed of my heart, in my bosom, be the delight of my eyes, whom I would by no means have out of my sight; but let these low pleasures as my servants, always remain in an outward room, and go or come as occasion shall require, and Religion direct. I wish that I may never mind recreations for those foolish sinful ends,