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Originally Posted by Stephen  Quote:
Originally Posted by Daniel Ritchie I was going to suggest Joel Beeke, Joesph Pipa and Walter Chantry; but I am not sure if they fully adopt the Puritan view. Can anyone elaborate? I got the impression from Walt Chantry's book that he would allow for recreations. | I am not certain that Chantry holds that position but I will have to look at that further. The confession clearly states that we are to give ourselves to a holy resting from all work and recreation, so that we can devote ourselves entirely to worship. I do not think you can explain it any other way. |
As I recall, in his little book "Call the Sabbath a Delight", he doesn't approach the recreation question as a yes or no, but rather says that things that clear your mind for reflection are quite OK. I think the example he used was that if you were a sedentary office worker who rarely got outside during the work week, it was quite all right to go out for a bike ride or a walk for some exercise and air, all to clear your mind and aid your meditations.
I thought his book was good at urging the command but avoiding the over-focus on negative rules (without being antinomian). Rather, he pointed out the purpose and joyful benefits of obeying the Fourth Commandment.