Obj. THere is also another sort of lyes, which are allowed by the Papists, which they terme Mendatia Jocosi, lyes in merre∣ment, and that they are tollerable, tum ex necessitate, both for necessity sake, because they are made for delight, and recreation, which is necessary, and, nulli nocent, for that they hurt no body.
Ans. Though recreation and delight be necessary, which we grant; for as rest is necessary for the body, so recreation is for the minde, yet there are other delights and recreations which* 1.1 may be used. There is no such necessity to jeast and make sport with telling of Lyes; David could say, That the Lawes of God was his delight. 2. Though none other be hurt, yet the lyar hurteth his owne Soule, because he speaketh not the truth; therefore this kinde of lying is not tollerable. 3. There is di∣versity of recreations, and also diversities of men, which are affected with such delights and recreations, which may be redu∣ced to these foure sorts.
1. Our Saviour needed no such delight or recreation at all,* 1.2 who as he is often read to have wept, so is he never found to have laughed; for whereas recreations and delights are to succour the infirmities of our Nature, Christ being God, could reare him∣selfe up from all such mortall defect as he would himself, without any help or supportation.