GOD the mightie maker of thynges , by his power and word ( that is his welbeloued sonne and our sauiour Christ Iesu ) intending for his pleasure onelie , to fashion that noble creature , and of moste delectation in all the woorkes of his handes , saied as the scripture witnesseth : let vs make man vnto our owne similitude and likenesse . Gene. 1. In these twoo woordes , similitude , and likenesse , knifyng or couplyng manne vnto hym self , disceueryng him farre bothe in knowledge and liuyng from the other woorkes of his makyng , for asmuche as he ordained all other thinges for his commoditie and pleasure , to obeye and serue hym , and that he should serue , and bee obediente to none of them all , but onely to his creatour and maker , the celestiall God of heauen and yearth , vnto whose similitude , and likenesse he is made , in that he is made vnto his likenes it certifieth vs that he is inuested , and indued with the knowledge , and vnderstandyng of Gods beneuolence toward hym , and with affections obsequious vnto reason , kindeled with the Lanterne of Gods bright countenaunce , as to knowe where as a little before , he was but a vile peece of yearth , and the dounge of the filthie grounde , that he is now made of that caranous yearthly slime , a creature moste noble and worthie , not made vnto the likenesse , either of the yearth , or water , either of fishe or foule , either of Aungell , or Archaungell , but onely vnto the likenesse of his Lorde GOD in memorie , vnderstanding , and pure will , the whiche he bestowed vnto the glorie of his God that made hym , and not in vaine trifles , musinges of folie , phantasies of a transitorie and waueryng mynde , and that sheweth well the woorde that followeth , that is , that manne was made to his similitude , certifiyng vs that manne , beside that he was indewed with the Image of his lord God , with the properties before recited , yet notwithstandyng , in as muche as man representyng his Lorde GOD in similitude , is not onely indued with these noble giftes : as memorie , vnderstandyng , pure will , after the Image of his maker , but also with moste excellente , and higheste vertues after his similitude , as with originall Iustice , whiche is els nothyng , sauyng the innocencie of a pure godlie life , and a Religion of righteousnesse , newlie ingraffed in his harte , toward his Lorde God , and a pure obedience vnto his commaundementes , with a single eye to his neighbours profite , with the whiche properties is he righte made vnto the similitude of his Lorde God , accordyng to the saiyng of the holie Ghoste in the thirde booke of Moises : Leuiti. 11. Bee ye holie , for I am holie , nowe is it manifeste with what comely qualities , man is like his Lorde God , bothe in Image , and in similitude , and thus adourned with these Godly ornamentes and graces , he appoincted a place for hym to exercise these noble vertues , and that thei should not throughe slothfulnesse dye in hym , as thynges of small estimation and worthinesse , and so sente hym into Paradise . What to dooe there ? To Bowle , or to plaie at Dise , or Cardes , Penipricke , or slipthrift ? Were these noble giftes of no higher worthinesse , then to be bestowed in suche trifles of folie ? Is the memorie that his Lorde God gaue him to vse , to the remembraunce of his firste makyng , no better worthe then to be exercised , in packyng of a carde or settyng of a Dye , or deliueryng of a Bowle , or inuentyng of crafte to deceiue his neighboure ? For these or suche like trifles , did not God prepare Paradice for Adam , with his notable giftes , and in earnest , to professe the truthe , it is to muche shame , to graunte these goodlie giftes to bee receiued at the handes of the moste pure , and glorious God , and so wickedlie bothe againste Goddes blessed pleasure , and the vtilitie of our neighbour to bee vsed , for our GOD prepared Paradice for Adam to woorke in , saieth the texte . Gene. 2 . Is Bowlyng woorkyng ? Is Carde plaiyng woorkyng ? Is the blasphemie of Goddes moste holie name a woorkyng ? Yea , and meete for Paradice . Is crafte , disceiyte , guile , and dissimulation , a woorke fitte for hym that should enter into Paradice ? If these vices and suche like , be not found in gamenyng , beside chaunging of the colour : sighyng from the harte , for the losse of a pilde halfpenie , more then for the vaine takyng of Gods blessed name , with the whorlyng of the Pottes aboute the house , the Cardes into the fire , the Dice vnder the feete , where shall ye finde them ? In gamening I saie , and not in working , and for this cause did God ordaine Paradice for manne to worke in , indued with all these Godlie qualities , meete to enter into suche a worthie place , and there at his pleasure to exercise theim to the honour of his Lorde GOD . But a lacke for pitie , long did no manne continue in this godlie state and vocation , to occupie hym self in Goddes Commaundementes , for , foorthwith did the Serpente ( disdainfull of mannes felicitie ) blowe suche blaste● into his fleshely eares , that he sette a side his Lordes will , and gaue attendaunce , and listened to the voice of the Serpent , and in a momente , he loste quite all these Godlie giftes , wherewith he was made vnto the Image , and similitute of his Lorde God , and was redacte to suche penurie and beggerie , that he had nothyng lefte hym but shame onely , and had not ( as the common saiyng is ) one good poinct aboute him , and thus he ranne awaie from the presence of his Lorde GOD , and the farther he ranne , the worse he was , and the more shame followed hym , for he had neither the shape nor similitude , that he receiued of his Lorde God to shewe him , as obedience , singlenesse of mynde , pure abstinence from carnall affections , originall equitie , true religion of his celestiall father , subiection of the harte . &c. But rather the similitude of the Serpente , as shame , disobedience , presumption of stomacke , to be like his lorde God in knowledge and vnderstandyng , ready to clime vp to heauen by folly , breakyng of his couenaunte with suche like shamefull , and wicked enormities , what remeadie now to restore this lost Image again ? Whiche is the waie to obtain this deformed similitude , to his pristine and former shape againe ? Is idlenesse the waie ? Is phansiyng the waie ? Is the waie by plaiyng , and sportyng , or resting of thy wearie bones , with the bones of a paire of Dice , or with a paire of Cardes ( otherwise nowe called the bookes of life ) and though it be spoken but in iestyng , yet is it not altogether for naught , for the nature of some is to reste more in theim , and are more at quiete with the Ace , Kyng , Queene , or Varlet of Spades , then thei can be with a Spade to digge or delue honestly after Goddes preceptes for their liuyng : yea , and delighte quietlier in the Ace , Kyng , Queene , or Varlette of the Hartes , then thei dooe in the booke of life , regestered with the death of an vnspotted Lambe , and sealed with the bloud of Christ , springyng from his tender harte , and thei are the moste parte ( I saie ) verie sorie that thei haue not wherewith to maintaine suche an idle life continually , is this the waie now to claime the Image and similitude loste again ? No , no , whiche is then the waie ? Surely Paule ( moued by the spirit of God ) findeth how to restore this loste Image againe right well , ●●e . 4. saiyng . So then , as concernyng the conuersation in tyme paste , laie from you that old man whiche is corrupte through deceiueable lustes , and bee ye renewed in the spirite of your myndes , and putte on that newe man , whiche after the Image of God , is shapen in righteousnesse and true holinesse . Here haue ye of saincte Paule the Image of GOD repaired againe a right . Wherin thinke ye ? in deceiueable lustes and phansiynges of the wanton fleshe , after the Image of the olde man , corrupted by nature , no surely . But in righteousnes saith Paule , well , is this then right that for my restitution and restauration performed in Christ , I shall now quitte and recompence the same , with a payre of Cardes or Dice ? I would also learne verie faine whether such vaine pastime belongeth to the olde man , or to the newe , if it pertaine to the new man , then are we bound in conscience continually to be plaiyng , carding , dicing , bowling , faring , kailyng , or such like . For christ saith plainly . Iohn . xiii . I haue geuen you to an example , that ye do as I haue doen. i. Peter . ii . Also Christ left vs an example that we should folow his foote steps , now therefore , if these thynges pertayne to the newe man fashioned after Christ , shewe vnto vs clearely by the manifest Scriptures where wee shall finde them , that we may folowe christ in them . The text saieth plainely , that the newe man is fashioned to the Image of God in holines . i. Peter . ii . That as hee whiche called you is holye , euen so be ye holye in all maner of conuersation , all this waie , yet finde I none occasion to followe Christe in suche trifling phantasies . And to helpe the matter for the. Luke . ●● . In his Gospell the first Chapiter saieth , verie godly on this wise , that we beyng deliuered out of the handes of our enimies , might serue hym without feare all the daies of our life , in suche holinesse and righteousnesse as are accepts before hym : Peter saieth in all maner of conuersation , we must be holy as Christe is holy , but the olde man saieth , for a faire touche and vse it not , wee muste some time beare with the weakenesse of our neighbour , and if we liue in the worlde , wee must nowe and than dally with the worlde , the newe man saieth , fashion not your selues like vnto this world . ●●m . xii . And I would not aduise thée , for the pleasure of this blinde world , to folowe the folish appetite thereof , and so to bee condempned with the world . * * Cor. ii . Thou wilt saie , I purpose not to remaine in it , but pastime for a daie or twoo , and so to leaue of . Well , thou dooest well to laie for thy selfe , and to sette Christe to scole , hee saieth for thy deliueraunce out of thy enimies handes , thou must serue hym in holines and righteousnesse all the daies of thy life , & thou as sum what wiser then he , wilte keepe a daie or twoo for thyne owne pastyme , to serue thy worldely affection . Nowe then belike we can not learne no such daliance or vaine pastime to pertaine to the Christen or newe man regenerate in Christe . For it is yet vnproued , and the scriptures vnsought , and therefore on our parte vnbeleued : therefore sore if ye will haue be credite them , proue it vnto vs by reason , and the sacred Scriptures , and laie them plainely before vs as we haue doen , and we wil willingly receiue it with thankes , and tyll ye haue so doen , I praie you hold vs excused though wee beleue them not .

Then it séemeth most lyke , that suche vaine triflyng pastimes beelong to the olde man vnaquainted with Christe and his worde if it so be as it is in déede , then the text commaundeth vs to laie them a side , and to haue nought to do with them . Col. iii. Paule also in the spirite of GOD councelleth vs to put from vs all thynges , as wrath , fearcenes , maliciousnes , cursed speaking , filthy speaking out of our mouthes . Nowe tell mee I praie thée , where shall ye finde more wrathe , displeasure , hart burnyng , hate , enuie from the verie hearte , then ye shal doe in dicyng and cardyng ? Yea it chaunceth oftentimes , that twoo shal enter into gamenyng , very good louers and fréendes , and or euer their gamening be ended , they shall be mortall enemies , and the one readie to reuile the other so spitfully , that it is a thousande to one if they parte without blowes . Than foloweth straight waies such anger that runneth into the daunger of iudgement , and Racha . That is worthy of councell , yea , and thou foole that is worthy of Hell fyre . ●●th . ● . Ought not now gamenyng , which engendereth suche incommoditie , and inconuenience , to bee auoyded as a thyng most daungerous , and most pestilent , among them that professe them selues christians ? Yea , ought not rather the verye Iewes and infidels , the whiche are without all godly lawes , sauing only the lawe of their conscience , excusing and accusyng them . ●●m . ii . As their wickednes are enormious to shunne suche vngodly pastymes ? yes truely ought they , then muche more thou beyng the professour of Christes holy Euangely , oughtest to be an abstayner from all thynges that haue any shewe or likelihoode of vice . As the good and true disciple of Iesu Christe . Sainct Peter testifieth . ● . Peter . ii . I beséeche you brethren as Pylgrims and straungers to abstaine from fleshely lustes , whiche fight against the soule : and sée that ye haue honest conuersation among the Gentiles , that , they whiche backebite you as euill doers , maie see your good workes , and prayse God in the daie of visitation . But thou wilt perchaunce saie , that I am to harde to reprehende that thyng , that maie for an honest recreation bee frequented , where as the companie is sober , and purposed of a gentle intent , secludyng blaphemie , riot , dronkenship and such like excesse , only for the passyng of tyme , to refreshe our wittes . Wel , I heare thine excuse verie wel , my thinke thou callest it an honest recreation , and that I am to hard to reprehende such an honest recreation , if plaiyng at cardes or tables , scalyng or bowlyng , be suche an honest recreation , I pray thée for the loue of God , finde it out of the worde of God , and shewe it me , that I may also refreshe my selfe , and geue thée thankes .

We haue proued a little before , that they are suche actes as appertaine to the olde man . For we could not finde them méete for them that were fashioned after the Image of God , and so borne a newe , and regenerate in Christ , and in as much as they are the feares and béedes of the olde man , call them by what name or vocable so euer thou wilte , yet maie not we for the honest terme that thou geuest vnto it , receiue the thing that is naught and wicked neuer the soner : for Paule calleth it the olde man corrupt through deceiuable lustes . ●●e . iiii . And here Peter would haue vs as well acquainted with them , as a waie faryng man is in the countrie , that he neuer was acquainted or came in al his life tyme , and calleth them plainly , fleshly lustes , fightyng against the soule , hee would also we should haue good woorkes to shewe among the Heathen to praise God with , in the daies when thou shalte be circumuented of the enemies of Christes crosse , and chauncest to be persecuted for thy maisters sake , whiche hee calleth the day of visitation , what wilt thou haue to shewe for thy selfe ? shall any of these honest recreations , sober pastimes , refreshyng of the witte , be taken then for good workes ? bicause thou geuest them honest names , no , no , surely , Matthewe declareth very plainely , Math. ● . where he would haue our good workes for to shine before men , that they maie sée our good workes , and glory our father whiche is in heauen , and ye shal finde that he there speaketh of the sacred Gospell with his workes . Wil ye see what goodnes ensueth of your honest termed pastimes ? firste where dooe children pitiously crie out for meate & drinke and can not get it ? forsooth , where their father is giuen to Bowlyng , Di●●ng , or Cardyng , Tennis plaiyng , frailyng , and suche like . Where doe seruauntes lacke worke , and stande whirlyng their knife aboute their fingers , and gasing idlely aboute the streates and walles , to occupie the whole halfe daie in vaine language ? where their maisters be addicte to Bowlyng , Dicyng , Tables , Cardes , Tennis-plaiyng , Scailyng with such like . Where wanders women aboute the towne middaie and midnight , with , wot ye where my husband is ? when se ye my good man ? where might she best inquire for her vnthriftie husbande ? but where the man is geuen to suche vncomely vices ?

Where is the name of God wickedly blaspemed , but in suche vnméete assemblies ? where is twelue pence spente before eight pence bee earned ? but in suche vnlawfull gamenyng ? Where flye the portes aboute the howse ? where fal men together by the eares ? how come menne into extreme pouertie ? when fall manne and wife to sighyng and sorrowyng and startyng in their sleepes , and wryngyng of their handes ? but where is geuen to such excesse in pastime ? Wher are fraies raised ? menne stabbed in with woundes , and lie at their wiues handes , which hath thrée or fower children , and little woorke and small frendes , and colde charitie ? but where there is vsed such riote and excesse in gamenyng . And wilt thou nowe saie , that a christen man maie exercise with a good conscience that thyng that all this mhischefe spryngeth on ? séeyng also they pertaine to the olde man which we ought to put from vs ? and are called of Peter fleshely lustes also , the whiche we muste absteine from , loke now and marke if thy honest recreation , gentle pastime , and conuenient refreshing of thy witte , with suche like comely tearmes , wyll make a wicked , a sinfull , a detestable , a fleshelie and corrupte thyng good ? No , no , it will not be : therefore I hartely beseeche thee ( good christen reader ) call me not an hard reprehender , for ( before the righteous God I speake it ) I reprehende it none otherwise then I haue a cause , and no harder then thou thy self ( if thou doest right ) oughtest for to dooe , and I praie thee instantly desire God of his fatherly affection , i. Timo. ii . in thy praier , that he will graunt to the compiler of this simple and rude matter . Roma . i. ( Yet god he taketh to his conscience faithfull and true ) that he wyll kindle his harte i. Peter . i. With his sacrifiyng spirite , that he maie leaue of ( as he entendeth none other ) suche vaine and idle trifelyng . Also thou saist where a sober company is met , suche pastimes may be vsed that maketh mee sore to muse , for I can not thinke that sober company will take an vnsober matter in hande , yea though they were as sober as euer was Abstemius , as constaunt as euer were the Rechabites , in abstinence . ●em . xxxii . As austere in liuing as euer was Iohn the Baptiser . ●ath . xiii . As circumspect as euer was Iosephe in Egypte vnder Pharao . ●●nesis . xli . Yet if they shoulde goe aboute suche trifles of follye , and occupie themselues in phantasis , inhibit by the mouth of God , I can see in them no sobernes , no wisedome , no circumspection . But rather folly , sobernesse , that is corrupt with deceiuable lustes . The olde man fashioned after the Deuill , and not after the Image of God . For what sober companie can ye appointe me , that frequentate suche vaine pastimes , the whiche after the custome of the realme when they are inhibite , are called vnlawfull games ? Excepte dronkerdes , blaspemers , railers , gesters , ydle talkers , that parteine nothyng to the matter . ●phe . v. Be a sober companie ? excepte craftie deceiuers , sulbtill workers , false dissembles be a sober companie ? for marke the most honest gamesters that will professe themselues before they enter into plaie by their false fidelitie , that thei will plaie neuer a Carde false , nor neuer an Ace wrong , and when they are once entered into plaie , there shall be packyng of Cardes , winkyng with the eyes , blaryng out the tongue , renouncyng the Trompe and commyng in againe , and when that disceite is spied , then shall thei fall to reasonyng why he did so , then will thei haue an aunswere why he hath broke his promise , as though he would haue him kéepe his promise in a foolishe matter , when he breaketh his promise daily in a weightier and more deeper matter made betweene God and his neighbour , is not this good stuffe thinke you ? is not this méete for a sober companie ? well go to , admitte it be méete for a sober companie , as to take sober men for the discrete men of the world ( for more honestlier can ye not take sobernes ) is it therefore ( and speake of pure conscience ) mete for a christen company ? I dare boldely saie that the corrupt olde man shall neuer enter into the kingdome of heauen . Colos. iii. Ephe. iii. And if these bee the workes meete for a christen companie , then shall the Christen companie neuer come in heauen , and I marueile much also if these workes be so meete for a christen companie , why Christ taught not his Disciples suche méete workes , and the people also in the heauenly Sermon that he made in the Mountaine . ●ath . v. vi.vii . Where hee blessed the poore in spirite , the mourners , the méeke , the hungrie and thirstie for rightousnes , the mercifull , the pure in harte , the peace makers , the sufferers of persecution for his names sake , he blessed than also which were reuiled , and suffered all maner euill saiynges for his names sake , these with suche like were the woorkes whiche hee blessed . But I here not in this place that he blessed , either Cardes , or Dice , Counters to plaie at Pen●pricke with , or paysed Groates to plaie at slipthrifte , Tennis balles or bowles horse bones for scailes , nor kniues for muggle pricke , nor Shaftes to darte ouer Beames in rainie daies ? No , neither Dicers nor Carders , Penipricke plaiers , nor Slidethrifters , Scailers , nor Darters , Tennis plaiers nor muggle prickers , but if they had been workes méete for a christen companie , he would not haue forgotten them no more then they did the other . But what was the occasion that he remembred not the laste workes in his sermon , as well as he did the firste ? Loke and searche the Chapiters ( I praie thée ) and thou shalt manifestly see that the former workes ( which are méete in deede for a christen companie ) haue the promises of the kyngdome of heauen . But the latter workes meete for the olde man and the deuill hath not so , and in deede ( to professe the truth ) thei that are well acquainted with the firste workes , will haue no deintie in the laste . Nowe then if the first workes be approued of God , méete for a christen assembly , and suche as haue the promises also of the kingdome of GOD , and the latter beyng fleshely lustes . i. Peter . ii . Fightyng against the soule , not shapen after the Image of god , but after the olde man , corrupt with deceiuable lustes , Coloss. iii. destitute also of the promises of the celestiall kyngdome . i. Corin. v. Iudge I praie thee good reader ) if thou bee not corrupt with like infection ( whiche workes bee meetest for a christen companie , as for the first workes we will not make much mention of , for they are in case good enough .

But let vs touche a little of the second , that it maie bee to the glorie of God , and to the reformation ( if it maie bée ) of suche shamefull vices . What is the occasion that the mother many tymes lacketh all the pinnes on her Pincase ? But because the parentes without the feare of GOD , bryng vp their children in wanton gamening , and will not rebuke them , but make theim delicate and wilfull . ●cle●● . xxx . What meaneth that the father lacketh now and then an halfpenie , or a penie out of his pourse ? Euen for because their parentes suffer theim to licenciously , to rage after their owne reane , whose songe at lengthe shall be full of heauinesse . For asmuche as thei haue rather maintained their folie in riot and gamenyng , and haue spared the rodde of correction , that ministered wisedome , and therefore shall thei bee bothe father and mother broughte to shame . ●ouerb . xxix . Kinges . iii. What meaneth it , that a sober manne takyng greate care , watche , and studie abroade , for his wife and childrens liuyng , cometh home at night , and findeth in his house , in steede of a sober houswife , a thyng worse then a Dragon , and Lyon , the Serpentes heade , chaungyng her countenaunce like a Beare , a drounken houswife ? But bicause she loueth daliaunce , and pastyme , Eccle. xxv . riottyng , & gamenyng , one potte a beare a broade , better then twentie at home ? What meaneth it that poore menne takyng muche paine for their wiues , and their own liuyng , and walke circumspectly abroade , to fetche with their honeste labour somewhat home , and at his retourne , findeth neither platter , nor dishe charger , nor saucer , spones , nor trenchers panne , nor potte , meate , nor drinke , because thei left shreude houswifes at home delightyng in riotte , and gamenyng , bowlyng , Cardyng , or Dicyng ? What meaneth that wee haue so many Gailes , lodges , and prisones , with as many yrons as thei maie bee thrust , so many stockes and Pillories , Gose houses , and Cokestoles , Barres for thieues to holde their handes at , and Galowe trees . Romanes . xi● But because the people is so sore sette on riotte . Prouer. xxvi● As the games before recited , with other wickednesse . The lord in heauen suppresse these vices once , that there maie bee many of these swordes , and corrections taken awaie . What meaneth that wee haue so many lane Sermones , and so many fatte banquettes ? Because there is more affection had to the tables , then to the Testamente , to the booke with twoo and fiftie leaues , then to the Bible ? What is the occasion that the woorkes of mercie are so sore abated ? ●ath . xxv . Because the woorkes of the deuill , and vaine pastyme is so sore increased . ●ath . xxiiii . Many mo pastymes there bée which I am not acquainted with ( though I am acquainted with to many ) that suppresse the glorie of GOD , and depriue vs from the Image of his glorious sonne Iesus Christe , by whom onely wee haue an enteraunce vnto the father . ●●n . vi . Marke now good Christian reader , and ponder well , whether these woorkes of ignoraunce , meete companions for the deuill . ●●me . v. These deceiueable lustes . ●●l . iii. Fleshely affections , woorkes of dampnation , the deedes of synne , bee meete for an honest companie , or not . Galat. ● . Yea , and for a Christian companie , and specially to bee blessed of Christ , without he blesse them , as he promised to Moises , with carefull curses . Leuit. xxvi . Deut. xxvi●● . In the citie , and in the Toune , and in the fielde , in the storehouse , and in the baskette , in the fruicte of thy bodie , that thou shall bée baraine , and if thou haste any children , thei shall bee blinde , dombe , lame , or halte , or in the fruicte of thy lande , and curses vpon thy Oxen , and vpon thy Shepe : In thy in going , and in thy out going , to thy destruction , and rebuke : to all that thou setteste thy hande to , till he bryng thee to naught quickely , for the wickednesse of thyne inuentions , because thou hast forsaken thy Lorde God , and giuen thy mynde , and set thy hart of other trifles , with an hundred suche like : wee maie chaunce to haue our deedes blessed on this maner , and excepte we amende in tyme , after many plagues , pestilences , and ●earthes , without controuersie , looke for none other blessynges and that shortly .

God open the eyes of our Magistrates that thei maie se a redresse for these thinges in season , that in steede of speakyng to a Bowle , or Die , or Carde , vnreasonable , and dombe thinges , we maie through our praiers , and their aide , speake vnto our neighbour , and our owne fleshe , and bloudde , thynges out of the volume of the sacred Bible , to his edification and soules healthe . ●●●t . xvii . ●suc . i. As the good Disciple of Iesu Christe saincte Peter counsaileth vs . i. Peter . iiii . If any man speake , lette hym talke as the woordes of God . Nowe Peter would not onely haue our deedes sauour , and taste of God , but also our speache , language , and communication , would he haue sounde as the woordes of God , or els not to speake at all . Nowe then , dooe Sise Ace , Kater Deuce , Sinke Trey , Ambes Ace , twoo Deuces , take hym nowe Dice if ye can , gentle Dice what ye will , I care not . A shame take these euill fauoured bones , a pestilence on the● ▪ with bloud , woundes Nailes , and Harte , I would these Dice were burnte . Sounde these tearmes , I saie , like the woordes of GOD ? Dooeth marke , well the Cardes , take heede howe he packeth them . I haue the Ace , therfore muste I robbe , with puttyng your hande to your cappe , your fiste on a heape , your finger to your harte , kissyng of the Cardes , takyng your self by the nose , with it is myne alreadie , ye plaie naughteilye , whorle , take vp , the tricke is mine , shamfully caste : I muste deale now , dooe these woordes I saie , sounde as the woordes of God ? Thei sounde in deede but after the trade of the old man , and not after Christ after the fleshe and her appetite , and not after the motions of the spirite , and in that S. Peter willeth here , that our speache should bee as the woordes of God . Paule to the Collossians . Col. iii. Addeth to the wordes of Peter , as it were a Paraphrases , puttyng it clearely out of question , that all thynges what soeuer wée doe in woorde , or in deede , should bee dooen in the name of the Lorde Iesu , giuing thankes to God the father by hym . Looke if these wordes or deedes that are spoken of before , bee doen in the name of the Lorde Iesu , or as Dauid in his twelue Psalme declareth , Psalme . xii . what maner of woordes , the woordes of the Lorde bee , to giue the more lighte to Peters sentence , saiyng : the woordes of the Lorde are pure woordes . Euen as the Siluer whiche from the yearth is tried , and purified seuen tymes in the fire . Now ponder , how the wordes of the Lorde are pure woordes : and our woordes are vnpure , filthie , and wicked , and specially in suche light pastymes : pure as the Siluer tried from the yearth , are the woordes of the Lorde , and our woordes are as filthie as dounge , tried out of a filthie , and stynkyng stomacste , pollutyng , and defilyng the man . ●ath . xv . Whereby we shall not misse , but bee condempned . ●ath . xii . And therefore appoincte with thy self assuredly to giue accoumptes for all suche idle , vnprofitable , and vaine woordes , before the high iudge , that shall waigh bothe thy actes , woordes , and woorkes in a paire of euen balaunce , and rewarde thee after thy desertes , as thou hast wrought them in thy caranous bodie . Cor. v. Now yet once againe I saie , take heede , and bee well aduised what woorkes ye will prepare , to appeare with before the glorious Iudge , thou haste nowe warnyng , and bothe the woorkes of the fleshe , and the woorkes of the spirite laied openly before thyne eyes , with the woordes and communication , mete for a sober , an honeste , and a Christian companie , with the contrary , and both their rewardes , therefore take heede and bee wise in tyme . Beside this thou saiest that a sober companie , nowe and then maie exercise suche honeste recreations , for the passyng awaie of the time , excludyng blasphemie , riotte , and excesse . I would gladlie heare these recreations , whiche ye call honeste , to bee firste proued honeste : before ye call theim honeste recreations , if that bee an honest recreation , to exercise that thing , that thieues , whoremongers , blasphemers murtherers , dronkerdes , railers , iesters , mockers , and scorners doe occupie , it is a wonders honest recreation . Now then I perceiue verie well , that ye can bee partakers with that wickednesse , that suche a shamefull rable of riottoures and dronkardes vsed , with the vengeaunce of God annexed vnto them , for where is the vengeaunce of GOD more presente , then where the deedes of the fleshe are exercised . Gala. v. Cor. v. Then ye can be partakers with the poore flocke of Christe , that doe abhorre suche phantasies , and imaginations of the Deuill , ●●●n . viii . wholie addicte to an honeste puritie of liuyng , and to the searchyng of the sacred will of God , out of the holie Bible , Christ beyng in the middes of them . 〈◊〉 xvi . Honeste recreations are meete for honeste menne , but Cardyng , Dicyng , Bowlyng , Scailyng , and Tennis plaiyng , are not honest recreations : Ergo thei are not méete for honeste menne . If thei bee honeste recreations , then thefte is an honest recreation , then is murther an honeste recreation , then is whoredom an honest recreation , for thynges worthie like praise , are of like honestie , and worthy like reward : But thefte , murther , whoredome , with other like deedes of the fleshe , are worthy like praise . Ergo like honest , and worthie like reward . For what praise is a wicked thyng worthie , but the cursse of God and dampnation ? As the Scribe in the ninetene of Matthewe , 〈◊〉 . xix . demaunded of Christe what he might doe to haue eternall life ? Christe aunswered , thou shalt not steale : Thou shalte not breake wedlocke : Thou shalte not kill . Now if the Scribe , or any other Christian man , will haue eternall life , he must obserue these preceptes , that he be no thiefe , no whoremonger , nor no murtherer . If he bee , then lette hym not looke for eternall life : for he that keepeth the commaundementes , dwelleth in God and God in hym . i. Iohn . iiii . Then let vs thus reason , he that keepeth not the commaundementes , dwelleth not in God . But he that is a theife , whoremonger , or murtherer , kepeth not the commaundementes . Ergo he is a thiefe , whoremonger , or murtherer , dwelleth not in GOD : and he that dwelleth not in God , hath no life in hym . Iohn . i. In him is life , and the life was the light of menne . &c. Also Dauid saieth plainely . Psalme . i. The wicked shall not rise in iudgement because thei are alwaie deade ( saieth Augustine ) from GOD , and shall not rise to life ; and he that hath not life in God , is alwaie addicte to dampnation . Example of Cain the firste murtherer , Gene. iiii . whiche ran awaie from the presence of God , in whom is life : and the whoredome of the people of Israell , with the doughters of Moab . ●um . xxv . Nume . xxv . Reade the whole Chapiter , I praie thee . Iudas the thiefe and purse-bearer . ●●hn vi . ●ath . xxvi . Now the thiefe , the whoremonger , and murtherer haue no life in God , therefore the thiefe , whoremonger , and murtherer , are addicte to dampnation , then if the deedes of the fleshe ( for better deedes can ye not make them , for thei wil in no wise agree with the deedes of the spirite ) bee worthie like rewarde and dampnation : then it followeth , that they are like euill and wicked vices , like abhominable in the sight of GOD , are worthie like dampnation : but Bowlyng , Dicyng , Cardyng , Tennesyng , with such like actes and deedes of the fleshe , are of like rewarde and dampnation , with murther , whoredome , and theft . Ergo thei are like abhominable and wicked , that thei are of like damnation is manifest . ●om . viii . Where with a godly antithesis or contrarietie he pronounceth it on this sorte , there is no dampnation to them , which are in Christ Iesu , whiche walke not after the fleshe , but after the spirite . Now saieth Paule , to be in Christ Iesu is no damnation , bicause they walke in a newe Godly life , after the spirite fashioned , and not after the fleshe , then if there be no damnation to them that are in Christe Iesu , bicause they walke after the spirite , it foloweth on the other partie , that there is damnation to them that are not in Christ Iesu , bicause they walke after the fleshe . But Dicers , Bowlers , Carders , Scailers , Crossers and Pilers , Tenessers , Chesterers with such like a thousand mo , when they are in their most honestest pastime , secluding ( as thei say ) blasphemyng , riot , and excesse , yet are they in the deedes of the fleshe . Therefore is there also suche damnation after the sentence of Saincte Paule , For bee not a shamed hardely to nomber these honest recreations amongest deedes of the fleshe , till ye can by the Scripture discharge them thereof . Loke also , Math. vii . where he maketh a difference betwéene the good Trée and her fruite , and the bad tree and her fuicte : and saie of an honest hearte , in whiche of these Trees , bowlyng cardyng , with the residue of their fruites , growe . And he saieth in the same place , that euerie Tree that bryngeth not foorth good fruite , shall be caste into the fyre . Gala. v. And Paul to the Gallathians , verie plainly declareth the sentence of Matthewe , and nameth both the trees with their fruites , and calleth the good tree , the spirite , and the deedes thereof , the fruites of the spirite . But in those fruites shall ye finde no place for none of these dedes , the words are these : the fruites of the spirite , loue , Ioye , long sufferaunce , gentlenes , faithfulnes , mekenes , goodnes , temperaunce . Now marke wel this good trée , and shewe me what fruite or braunche thereof ye can finde meete , for to place your honest pastimes , good refreshyng of the witte , the passyng awaie of the tyme , and with riot and suche lyke vaine trifles . The fruites of the euill tree are these : aduoutrie , fornication , vncleanes , wantonnes , Idolatrie , witchcrafte , hatred , variaunce , wrath , strife , sedicion , sectes , enuie , murther , dronkennes , glotonie , couetousnes , pride , lecherie , bacbityng , discorde , and innumerable suche like . If you marke these fruictes wel , you maie chaunce to finde some braunches , meete for your purpose . How be it , if any manne bee so addicte to follie , that though he seeth it , he will not see it , leaste his synne should be reproued , I shall take the paines my self ( though I haue little thanke therefore ) to sette one or twaine before your eyes , and if you haue any felicitie or pleasure , in the searchyng out of the holie worde of God , you shall verie easily with your studious indeuour , finde out the residue right well . Firste , what saie you to this braunche of vncleanesse , maie it not take place ( thinke you ) emong your vaine pastyme ? I suppose the deedes of the flesh bee not cleanly , but your recreations are before proued to be dedes of the flesh . Ergo your foolishe vaine recreations , are not verie cleanly , therefore laie vp this fruict of vncleanesse , to bee one of your precious iewelles to serue you a purpose . How like ye also by wantonnesse , maie ye not bee nombred well inoughe emong youre vaine sporte and pastyme ? i. Peter . iiii . Looke the first and fowerth Chapiter , where he declareth how we should arme our selfes with the same mynde , to cease from synne , by sufferyng in the fleshe , as Christe did , and to liue after the will of GOD . He addeth straight waies , that it is sufficient for vs , that we haue spent the tyme that is past , of the life , after the will of the Heathen , and Gentiles , walkyng in wantonnesse , fleshely lustes , in excesse of wines , in excesse of eating , in dronkennesse , and in abhominable Idolatrie . Here Peter rehearseth wantonnesse , to pertaine to the life of the wicked Gentiles . ●er . ii . To lustes , Peter before in the seconde Chapiter saith , that thei fighte againste the soule : and here he saieth plainely , that thei induce vs vnto abhominable Idolatrie . For what can bée greater Idolatrie , then to departe from the Lorde GOD , through inticyng of the fleshe , and wantonnesse , to cleaue to the wicked Gentiles , whiche are straungers from the life that is in GOD , blinded in their vnderstandyng , and walkyng in the vanitie of their foolishe myndes ? ●●e . iiii . Now good Christian Reader , accordyng to the affection that thou haste to Goddes moste blessed woorde , searche out the residue . Nowe maie you expressely perceiue and see , Math. vii . bothe what Matthewe in the seuenth chapiter , meaneth by the good tree , which Paule calleth the spirite , and her fruictes , doeth Paule call the deedes of the spirite . Where he excludeth the fleshe , with all her appetites , lustes , and concupiscences . And that , that Matthewe calleth the euil tree , Paule calleth the fleshe : and by the fruictes thereof , the deedes of the fleshe . In the whiche is conteined , all your fleshly pastymes , honest recreations , sober refreshyng of the wit , with suche like . And where Matthewe saieth , that euery euill tree shall bee cutte doune , and caste into the fire : Paule saieth manifestly , that as many as commit suche thynges , shall not inherite the kyngdome of God . And to be excluded out of the kyngdome of GOD , and to be hewen doune , and caste into the fire : Is to taiste dampnation . For howe farre was that braunche from dampnation , that was cutte from the tree , and cast into the fire ? After his fine Reines and Purple , and delicious fare , doeth not the texte saie , that he descended into hell , and was sore tormented in the flambe . ●●ke . xvii . ●●e . ● . Paule also to the Ephesians saieth , that neither filthinesse , neither foolishe talkyng , neither iestyng , whiche are not comely , neither any vncleane persone , hath any inheritaunce in the kyngdome of Christe , and of GOD . And how farre is it ( thinke ye ) from dampnation to bee separate , and deuided from the kyngdome of Christe and God . Is there any Saluation , but in Christe onely ? ●ctes . iiii . Luke saieth plainly naye . There is none other name giuen vnto vs wherin we must be saued : And therefore saieth Matthewe in his firste Chapiter , ●ath . .i that he shall saue the people from their synne . Then is there no Saluation saue onely in Christe , then without Christe is there nothyng but dampnation . And is there any life but in GOD onely ? Sainct Ihon saieth naie in his firste Chapiter of his Gospell . ●●hn . i. Nowe , for as muche as there is no saluation but in Christe onely , and no life but in God : and seyng also , that to haue no saluation , nor life in god , is plain dampnation , then the deedes of the fleshe as youre fore saied pastymes , are plaine dampnation , because thei haue no saluation in Christe , nor life in God , nor any inheritaunce in the kyngdome of God and Christe . Now see you plainely , that these filthie deedes of the fleshe ( as the games before named , when thei are moste purely vsed ) are of like dampnation , with murther and thefte : Ergo thei are like wicked and abhominable . At this tyme satisfie your selues ( I praie you ) with these smal warnynges , gentle admonitions , and daungerous threatenynges : and if ye regarde not this , then suppose not the contrarie , but that there shall bee a more weightier matter laied to your charge , and the spirit of Goddes mouthe shall destroye bothe you and then together . Therefore awake betyme , and putte from you the woorkes of darkenesse , that you maie walke honestly while it is daie . Roma . xiii . Now at the laste you saie , for the passing awaie of the tyme : wee maie exercise suche vaine pastymes and recreations , and that I wil goe aboute to withdrawe honeste menne from their honeste fellowshippes , familiare neighbourhoode , neighbourly metinges and assemblies . And will also ( I am sure ) demaunde of me , what I would honeste companie should doe ? How I would thei should bee occupied , and passe awaie the tyme , the howers , the daies , and the nightes ? If all these before named pastymes , and recreations were laied a side , I shall shortely saciate this question , euen with the saiyng of Salomon in his Prouerbes , ●●ouerb . xxvi . who saith thus . Giue not the foole an aunswere after his foolishenesse , least thou become like vnto hym . But make the foole an aunswere , accordyng to his foolishnesse , least he bée wise in his owne conceipte . Here maie you perceiue ( if you liste ) that I compte not this question verie wise . For the fleshely children of this wicked worlde , thinke this a right notable question . Yea , and worthie to bee soluted or aunswered , with greate witte , discretion and learnyng , when in verie deede it is nothing els , but vnlearned and witlesse , and therefore , accordyng to the Prouerbes of Salomon , not worthie to be aunswered , leaste the foolishe reioyce in his folie . For if this question , or suche like were worthie aunswere , and that a man were bounde to satisfie them , I dare boldly saie , that there should bee more questions , then might well either with reason , or learnyng bée aunswered . For this question is a greate deale meeter for Ethenickes , Turckes , Iewes , and Sarasins , then it is for sober menne , then it is for discrete menne , then it is for Christian men , or for godlie disposed persones . For will not the banketters ( thinke ye ) after their gurgitation , and rauenous deuouryng of their deintie meates , and sweete wines , demaunde with idle braines and beallies , what shall wée dooe all this daie ? How shall we bryng this longe daie at an ende ? How shall we spende our tyme ? Is not there ( thinke you ) good , honeste , and verteous bargaines made , with , we twoo against you twoo , for what wager so euer ye will , either at Tables , Dice , Cardes , Tennis , or Bowles , as longe as a Riall , twentie shillynges , or fowertie shillynges will laste , or till wee goe to Supper ? And to make vp the bargaine , thei lashe out one othe vpon an other , in suche wise , that there shall bee neuer a member of Christ , vnsought , or torne , so that it maie come to memorie . Yea , the honestest man in a toune , if he beginne once to face , will thinke scorne to bee outsworne for fourtie shillynges at Bowles , Cardes , Tables , or Dice . Will not drounkardes also muse with them selues , where thei maie gette a companie meete for their diete , to passe awaie the tyme , in glossyng and gullyng , either at suche tyme as it wer more méete for them to please their Lorde god . If thei be of the Spirituall sorte , with labouryng in the sacred woorde of God , to ●eede their flocke on the Sabboth , or holy daie nexte insuyng : Or if thei bee of the laye sorte , to bee occupied in his misterie , or occupation for his housholde or familie : or els at suche tyme , as it were meete for sober , discrete , and honeste menne to be at their rest : For the which thing , God made the night ? What dooe poore labouryng menne , that haue twoo or three children , and nothyng but their manuall , and handie craft , to succour them selues , their wife and familie . Will not thei ( thinke you ) also studie to riotte aboute streates , and lanes , searching out a companie mete for them , in Ale houses , and béere houses , and inuente how their may bryng the day at an ende , and occupie their tyme in riot and gamenyng , their wiues and children in the meane while at home , criyng out for victualles , and can gette none , for the good manne of the house , hath bestowed al his money so warely at Sice and Cinck or haue at all : or at the Spades , Hartes , Diamondes , and Clubbes , and commeth home at nighte , with as many faces as a Shéepe , & can speake neuer a good worde , neither to wife nor childe , and yet notwithstandyng , muste it bee called an honeste pastime , and sober refreshyng of the witte . And thus dooe thei passe awaie the tyme , the howers , the daies , and the nightes . And why is this vice so slowely defaced ? Because that in the myndes of the Starres , the Moone shineth verie darckly , and thei are bothe giltie of one offence , so that if the heades would redresse these vices , the members would aunswere . O Hypocrite , caste out the beame that is in thyne eye firste , that thou maiest perfectly see , to pull out the moate , that is in thy brothers eye . Luke . vi . For what doe we , but that wee see it firste spryng from you ? Well , you wote what I meane , amende it therfore in time , least you chaunce to gette an afterclappe , I meane the sworde , Pestilence , or dearth sente from GOD , for the correction of the same .