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particular and general calling. And the best recreation to a spiritual mind, when it is weary of worldly employments, is to walk into Christ's garden, Cant. iv. 12 - 15, v. 1; and there, by reading and meditating, Psa. xciv. 19, singing of Psalms and holy conference, Col. iii. 16, you may solace yourself with the sweet comforts of the Holy Spirit, and enliven your heart with joy in God, even joy in the Holy Ghost; and a delight in the commandments and word of God, Psa. cxix. 14, 16, 24. These are the most profitable, most ravishing, and most lasting delights of all other. And by how much the soul is of a more spiritual, heavenly constitution, by so much more it will content and satisfy itself in these delights.

Yet since bodily and natural delights are part of our Christian liberty, therefore (taking heed that you abuse not your liberty) you may, when you have need, recreate yourself with them. Now that you may innocently enjoy recreation, follow these directions:

1. The matter of your recreation must be of a common nature, and of things of indifferent use. Things holy are too good, and things vicious are too bad, to be sported or played with.

2. Recreations must be seasonable for time; not on the Lord's day, in which time God forbiddeth all men to seek their own pleasures, Isa. lviii. 13. Usually, diversions must be used, not before, but after the body or mind has been thoroughly employed in honest business. Not over long, to the expense and loss of your precious time, which you should study to redeem, not to trifle away, Eph. v. 16.

3. Recreations must always be inoffensive, 1 Cor. xvi. 14; such as do no harm to yourself, or to your neighbour. If your diversions do impeach or hazard your own, or your neighbour's life, estate, or comfortable living, they are unlawful.

4. Recreations must be moderate, not sensual or brutish; looking at no higher or further end than earthly delights. For as he that eateth and drinketh that he may enlarge his appetite, to eat and drink yet