`SEiiM, GRAVITY, DECEpCy, &C. 393 words or hours at that day ; and it is the judge hianself who tells us so, and adds his amen to it. It is proper more especially for persons that are of a melancholy temper, or that have perhaps been over- whelmed with bodily diseases, or overloaded with some sorrows, or cares, or businesses of life, to give themselves a little loose or diversion now and then in delightful con- versation, Or other recreations and exercises; These may be as useful as a glass of wine to refresh nature, to make the heart glad, and the spirits lightsome ; for they tend to fit this animal body of ours for better service to the soul in future duties that God calls us to : And so long 'as we confine our recreations to this design, and keep this end in view, our words of pleasantry in private conversation, and even our recreations and diversions that are More public, may be agreeable to the mind and will of God ; for it is his will, that our whole nature, flesh and spirit, should be kept in the fittest frame for duty. And some natures are so constituted, that they will hardly be kept in a temper fit for duty, without sonic divertisements and recreations. Where this therefore is the end, these prac- tices cannot be called idle, that is, impertinent, and to no purpose: But where no reasonable design is pro- posed, sports and merriments are hardly to be defended, for all rational creatures ought tò act with a view to some valuable end. 52. Another regulation which ought to be given to all our diversions, is this ; we shóuld narrowly watch, lest he time of our recreations intrude upon the hours and 3asons of business or of religion. There is a time to 'ugh, thewise man tells us, as well as a time to labour or I pray; but laughter must be confined to its proper lace and 'proper time, andnot intrench upon the season viere affairs of bigger importance, and matters of grave ad serious consequence should be transacted. Conscience has something to do in matters of recrea- tirl as well as in our religious or civil affairs: And as it co. never be lawful to rob God or our families of th time that. should be devoted to their service, on pur- pe to lay it out in diversion, so neither is it by any mens proper to let the seasons of diversion come too nez the seasons of worship. When a loose is given to allie natural powers in mirth and pleasure, they are not So tsily recollected all at once for thé sacred service of MIIIIIINr
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