5. They likewise entirely disapproved of dice, and all other sedentary games, the least mischief of which they judged to be, the nourishing of sloth and idleness. They did not approve of loud laughter, or whatever has a tendency thereto: as light discourses, ludicrous gestures or actions, buffoonery, drollery. They thought all these beneath the dignity of a Christian, and absolutely unworthy his high calling: whose conversation ought to be always _good, to the use of edifying_, that it may _minister grace to the hearers_. They considered, that both our Lord and all his apostles, led the most serious life possible: and that St. _Paul_ condemns by name, that habit of jesting, raillery or facetiousness, which the Heathens ranked among their virtues, as not convenient for a follower of Christ. 6. But as strict as the life of these Christians was, we must not imagine it was melancholy. No, as they _prayed without ceasing, and in every thing gave thanks_, so they _rejoiced evermore_. They were not disquieted by covetousness or ambition. They were free from pride, malice, envy, and all that train of uneasy passions, by which, men of the world are continually tormented: not being attached to the goods of the present life; they were little touched with the calamities of it: having always the peace of a good conscience, the joy of doing well, and a full assurance of the favour of God, both in time and in eternity. 7. Nor did the care of their posterity give them any inquietude. The happiness they wished their children was no other, than that they desired for themselves, even to finish their course with joy. If they left them orphans, they knew the church would be their mother, and supply all their wants. Thus they lived without care, without fear, without desire of any of the things of the world. But not without pleasure. What pleasure, (says _Tertullian_) is greater than contempt of the world, “contempt of death, true liberty, purity of conscience; contentedness with all things? You tread under foot the gods of the Heathens; you heal diseases; you cast out devils; you are led by the Holy Ghost; you live to God. These are the pleasures; these the diversions of Christians.” CHAPTER VI. _Of their marriages, their union and public assemblies._