The Necessary Use of the Christian Sabbath, Text 2

The Necessary Use of the Christian Sabbath · Text 2

p. 39The Practiſe of the Chriſtian Sabbaoth, according to the WORD.

THe Practiſe of the Chriſtian Sabbaoth ſtandeth eyther in

1. Praeparation to it:

2. Sanctificatiō of it.

I. Praeparation, is a fitting of our ſelues before hand, to perform the duties of the Sabbaoth according to Gods wil: vvhichwhich dutie the Church of God among the Iewes did moſt carefully vſe and practiſe, the day before the Sabbaoth. Mark. 15. 42. Luk. 23. 54. A duty needefull in reſpect of 1. The glorious praeſence of God in whoſe ſight we are, and before whom we are more ſpecially to praeſent our ſelues the next day. Eſa. 1. 12. Habac. 1. 13. 2. In reſpect of the holineſſe and purity that is required of vsus in vſing the ſacred ordinaunces of God, Pſal. 93. 5. 2. Tim. 2. 19. Pſal. 50. 16. 17. Mich. 6. 6. 8. 3. And laſtly in reſpect of the vanity & profaneneſſe of our nature, and thereby our vnfitneſſe to vſe Gods ordinances. Rom. 7. 15. 18. 19. 23. Eccleſ. 4. 17.

p. 40The duties of praeparation are eyther

1. Speciall and proper to that day:

1. In obſeruing the due time of the Chriſtian Sabbaoth, which doubtleſſe is one whole naturall day: as appeares, Exod. 20. 10. Leuit. 23. 32. which time beginneth at the euening before the day (which is the time of praeparation) and endeth alſo on the Sabbaoth euen (the time appointed by God of naturall reſt.) Nehem. 13. 19. with Leuit. 23. 32.

2. In remoouing all things that may hinder the ſanctifying of it the next day, both in our ſelues & in our ſeruants: and this we are to preuent with ſpeciall care and prouidence: both to keepe the peace and quiet of our conſcience in preuenting of a ſin, cauſing vsus to profane the Sabbaoth: as alſo thereby to redeeme our ſpirituall profit, and to cut away occaſion of offence and euill example vntounto others, Exod. 16. 23.

2. Common to other dayes, and therefore now eſpecially required: and they are,

1. Examining our conſciences: and repentance. 1. Cor. 11. 28. Pſal. 119. 59.

2. Reading, and Meditation of Gods word. Pſal. 1. 2. & 119. 97. Ioſu. 1. 8. Deut. 6. 6. 8. 9. & 11. 19. Io. 5. 35. Col. 3. 16.

3. Inſtruction, examining and praeparing of our Families, Deut. 6. 7. and 11. 18. 20. Geneſ. 18. 19. Ioſu. 24. 15.

4. Prayer, inuocation, confeſſion, petition, interceſſion and praiſe, Col. 3. 17. 1. Theſſ. 5. 17. 18.

5. Singing of Pſalmes. Iam. 5. 13. Col. 3. 16. Eph. 5. 19.

6. Sobriety of dyet and going to bed in due time: that our bodies be not diſquieted, or diſtempered, and made vnfit and vnpraepared to the duties of the Sabbaoth. Pſal. 4. 8. Luk. 21. 34.

II. Sanctification, of the Sabbaoth day it ſelfe: the performance p. 41whereof God biddeth vsus, Remember, becauſe we eaſily forget the beſt and moſt needefull duties. Wherin eueryevery perſon is to obſerue his duty required. The forgetting or neglecting whereof is to bee accounted vntounto God. And the perſons are

I. The Magiſtrate, or Perſon hauing authority; either the

1. Greater: of the Common-wealth: whoſoeuer hath publicke lawfull power to commaunde or ouer-rule, more or leſſe. The greater Magiſtrate is called to bee a nurſing Father of the Church of God, Eſa. 49. 23. And therfore herein muſt he look and remember that the Church be fed, and not deliuered ouer to dry Nurſes that ſtatue their children. They are Gods ordinance and Miniſters, and their power is of God. Rom. 13. 1. 2. 6. For elſe they could doe nothing. Io. 19. 11. This they muſt acknowledge and therefore honour God, and vphold his ordinances aboue all things, vnderunder the penalty of a heauy woe. 1. Sam. 2. 30. their due is limited. Matt. 22. 21. They muſt therefore giuegive to God his due: elſe they muſt know that God can abaſe them that walke in pride, in whoſe eyes they are as nothing. Dan. 4. 32. 34. They are alſo called gods in reſpecte of that Image to which they ought to bee conformed, and muſt feare God. Exodus, 18. 2. Elſe they ſhall dye like men: Pſalm. 82. 6. 7. Laſtly, they are to know that by Chriſt kings reigne. Prou. 8. 15. Therefore they muſt employ their power & authority to the ſeruice and glory of Chriſt; and ſo to kiſſe the Sonne of God: and that alſo vnderunder paine, leaſt Chriſt be angry, and hee breake them in pieces like a Potters veſſell. Pſal. 2. 11. 12. 9. Wherefore ſeeing Chriſt is now Lord of the Sabbaoth, Mat. 12. 8. they muſt take eſpeciall care not to vſurpe the right of Chriſt, but ſerue the Lord in feare, and remember to keepe holy the Chriſtian Sabbaoth; whereof they hauehave cleare and expreſſe Commandement, Exod. 28. 9. 10. Ezech. 46. 2. 4. 10. Becauſe the kingdome is our Lords & his Chriſts. p. 42Who is the King of kings, and Lord of lords. Reu. 11. 15. & 17. 14. & 19. 6. 16. The duty of the Magiſtrate of the Common-wealth, is

1. To repreſſe the profaning of the Sabbaoth: for, Qui non prohibet cùm poteſt, iubet. Leu. 19. 17. This duty ſtandeth in vſing all meanes wherby the profaning of the Sabbaoth is repreſſed: Namely, to forbid, Neh. 13. 15. reproue, Neh. 13. 17. 18. threaten, Neh. 13. 21. hinder: Neh. 13. 19. 22. and puniſh the profaning of it. Neh. 13. 20.

2. To commaund and compell it to be ſanctified. 2. Chron. 34. 33. Exod. 20. 10. Ioſ. 24. 15.

3. To ſanctifie it himſelf, his children, Nobles, attendants and whole Court, both priuately. Pſal, 5. 7. Acts. 10. 1. 2. As alſo publikely. Ezech. 46. 2. 4. 10. 2. King. 11. 5. 7. 9. The duties of priuate & publicke ſanctifying, Look furder in the duties of the people: to which the Prince and other Magiſtrate is no leſſe ſtrictly tyed, then the meaneſt of his ſubiects or inferiors.

2. The Leſſer: as eueryevery houſholder ouer his family: who alſo may bee called a leſſe Magiſtrate, as man is called a leſſer world; In reſpecte of the authority he hath to commaund. Mat. 8. 9. Eph. 6. 1. 5. alſo of the dutie required of him. Gen. 18. 19. Epheſ. 6. 4. Pſal. 101. 6. 7. and laſtly of the account that he muſt make to God; Col. 3 25. Exod. 20. 8. 9. 10. The ſpeciall duties of the Houſholder are:

1. To ſanctifie it and keepe it holy himſelfe, with all care and conſcience. Ex. 20. 10. Thou—Remember.

2. To commaund and compell his family hereunto, that they may effectually practiſe it as wel as himſelfe. Gen, 18. 19. Ioſ. 24. 15. Eſth. 4. 16. Act. 10. 1. 2. Pſal. 101. 6. 7. Exod. 20. 10. Thy Sonne, thy Daughter, thy man and maide-ſeruant. Remember.

3 To cauſe the very Stranger and beaſt to reſt: Exod. 20. 10. Prou. 12. 10.

p. 43II. The Miniſter of God, or Teacher of Gods word; who is Gods ſteward: and therfore is required to be 1. wiſe &. 2. faithful, to rule & giuegive them their portion of meat in ſeaſon (in the ſeaſon appointed of God: Remember thou keep holy the Sabbaoth day.) Luk. 12. 42. He is giuen of God vntounto his Church for the gathering of the Saints, for the worke of the Miniſtry, & building vp of Gods Church (to which purpoſe, the Sabbaoth was ordained.) Eph. 4. 11. 12. 13. He is commanded to preach. 1. in ſeaſon (of Gods Sabbaoth) 2. and out of ſeaſon (at all ſit times and iuſt occaſions)▪ 1. Tim. 4. 2. Therfore he is effectually alſo & principally to ſanctifie the Chriſtian Sabbaoth aboue al others; ſeeing it is a good thing on the Sabbaoth to declare the works & word of God. Pſal. 92. 1. 2. 4. 5. And he the publick perſon appointed to be the publicke declarer of Gods word and workes, Ezech. 3. 17. He muſt therefore ſanctifie the Sabbaoth day, ſeeing he is the Agent and Miniſter of Chriſt, and the diſpoſer of the ſecrets of God: and therefore he is eſpecially appointed to be faithfull, and that vnderunder a fearefull woe and penaltie. 1. Cor. 9. 16. Matt. 24. 51. Luke, 12. 47. 48. He muſt I ſay ſanctifie the Sabbaoth; and that by the word of God and prayer, vvhichwhich are the meanes of ſanctifying eueryevery creature of God. 1. Tim. 4. 5. Of the which ſanctifying hee hath a ſpeciall charge. Ezechi. 44. 23. 24. and the contrary whereof is a moſt grieuous and expreſſed ſinne. Ezech. 22. 26. The duties of the Miniſter, vponupon the Chriſtian Sabbaoth, are theſe:

1. To aſſemble the Congregation, to admoniſh & cauſe the people to come together. Acts. 20. 17. 18. & 14. 27. Ioel. 1. 13. 14. & 2. 15. 16.

2. Inuocation, and vvorſhip of God for and vvith the Congregation: in a language vnderſtood. VnderUnder this duty are contained

1. Confeſſion of ſinnes. Leu. 16. 29. 30. 31. 1. Cor. 11. 28. Eſth. 9. 6.

p. 442 Petition. Act. 16. 13. Nehem. 9. 3. 1. Tim. 2. 1.

3 Deprecation. Ioel. 2, 17.

4 Interceſſion. Act. 12. 5. 1. Tim. 2. 1.

5 Prayſe and thankſgiuing. Pſal. 92. 1. 2. 2. Chron. 30. 21. Neh. 9. 5. Tim. 2. 1.

6 Bleſſing of the people. Leu. 9. 22. 23. Numb. 6. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 2. Chron. 30. 27. Pſal. 118. 26.

3 To reade the Scriptures and that eueryevery Sabbaoth; and and that alſo in a language vnderſtood by the people. Act. 13. 15. & 15. 21. Col. 4. 16. 1. Theſſ. 5. 27. 2. Chron 34. 30. Neh. 8. 3. 9.

4 To preach the word of God; Act. 20. 7. & 16. 13. Mark. 1. 21. & 6. 1. This he muſt performe, by preaching

1 All the counſell of God: not keeping any thing backe that is profitable. Act. 20. 20. 27. Mat. 28. 20.

2 OnelyOnly the word of God: the doctrine according vntounto godlineſſe, the true patterne of wholeſome words, the things that become holeſome doctrine. 1. Pet. 4. 11. 1. Timot. 6. 3. 2. Tim. 1. 13. Tit. 2. 1. Not fables, Philoſophy, profane & vaine babbling, and oppoſitions of ſcience. 1. Tim. 1. 4. & 4. 7. Col. 2. 8. 1. Tim. 6. 20.

3 Faithfully, purely, and ſincerely. 1. Cor. 4. 2. 2. Cor. 2. 17. & 4. 2. Ier. 23. 28. Neither pleaſing, or falſe, or ſtraunge doctrine: nor for vaineglory, contention or enuy. Gal. 1. 10. 9. Ezech. 13. 12. 18. 22. 1. Tim. 1. 3 Rom. 16. 17. Hebru. 13. 9. 2. Ioh. ver. 10. 2. Corin. 4. 5. Philip. 1. 14. 15.

4 Reuerently, grauely, and ſoberly handling it as the word of God, with reuerence and maieſtie, that it may carry authority and feeling power. 1. Cor. 4. 20 1. Theſſ. 1. 5. & 2. 13. Tit. 2. 15. Eccleſ. 12. 11.

5 Zealouſly with feruency of ſpirit. Eſay, 58. 1. Act. 17. 16. & 18. 25. Io. 2. 17. Matth. 7. 29. Acts. 18. 28.

6 Continually eueryevery Sabbaoth. Luke 4. 16. Act. p. 4517. 2. 3. & 18. 4. 5. & 13. 14. 15. 42. 44. 1. Tim. 4. 16. Mat. 26. 46. Rom. 12. 7. 8.

7 Painefully, by giuing attendance to priuate ſtudying, and reading, and diligently by publicke preaching on both morning & euening of the Sabbaoth. Pſa. 92. 1. 2. 1. Theſſ. 4. 12. 13. 1. Tim. 4. 13. 2. Tim. 4. 2. 1. Pet. 5. 2. Dan. 9. 2. Eccleſ. 12. 9. Pro. 27. 23. Act. 20 31. & 18. 25.

8 Wiſely diuiding the Word aright. 2. Tim. 2. 15. both firſt in giuing the ſenſe and cauſing the people to vnderſtand; Nehe. 8. 8. 12. as alſo, ſecondly, fitly applying it to the preſent eſtate of time, place and perſon: and giuing to eueryevery one his portion. Luke, 12. 42. 2. Timot. 3. 16. & 4. 2. Tit. 1. 9. This publicke duty hath fiue parts:

1 Doctrine of truth, to teach it and defend it. Act. 17. 2, 3. & 18, 4. Mat. 12. 3, 4, 5, 11. 2. Tim, 3. 16.

2 Inſtruction in righteouſneſſe & exhortation. Act. 18. 4. Matth. 12 12. 2. Tim. 3. 16.

3 Reprouing and rebuking ſinne with terror to the obſtinate, Io. 7. 23. 2. Tim. 3. 16. & 4. 2. Tit. 2. 15. 1. Tim. 5. 20. Iude, ver. 23.

4 Diſprouing, confuting, and conuincing error. Act. 17. 23, & 18, 3. 2. Timoth. 3. 16, and 4, 2. Titus, 1. 9.

5 Comfort and conſolation: Act. 13. 46. 47. 48. 52. Rom. 15. 4. 1. Theſſ. 4. 18.

5 To miniſter the Sacraments: wherin he is to

1 Deliuer that which he hath receiued frō Chriſt, 1. Cor. 11. 23.

2 Baptize

1. The Children of belieuing Parents: requiring it. Act. 2. 38. 39. 1. Cor. 7. 14.

2. With inuocation & exhortatiō, &c. Act. 16. 13, 15. Mat. 28. 19, 20. Io. 7. 23.

3 Celebrate the Lords Supper, with

p. 461. Publique exhortation and inuocation. Act. 20. 7. & 2. 42. and ſinging of Pſalmes, Matthew 26. 30.

2 Priuate

1 Inſtruction, admoniſhment, and direction to the ignorant and vnpraepared, 2. Chron. 30. 15. 16. 15. 18. 1. Cor. 11. 28.

2 Putting back the vnworthie. Ezech. 22. 26. Matth. 7. 8.

6 To Catechiſe the children of his charge, and inſtruct them in information of the Lord. Hebr. 5. 12. and 6. 1. Luke 1. 4. 1. Corinth. 3. 1. Galath. 6. 6. Marke 10. 14. 2. Tim. 3. 15.

III. The people: or whole Congregation; who are called the people of God. 1. Pet. 2. 10. and of Gods paſture. Pſal. 95. 7. his ſheep, Ibidē. his ſeruants. 1. Pet. 2. 16. his Church. 1. Tim. 3. 5. 15. his inheritance. Iſay 19. 25. Kingdome of Chriſt. Ioh. 3. 5. Mat. 3. 2. The body of Chriſt, which is the head thereof. Coloſſ. 1. 18. 24. A choſen generation, a royall Prieſthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that they ſhould ſhew forth the vertues of him, that hath called them out of darkeneſſe into his maruellous light. 1. Pet. 2. 9. They therfore muſt alſo keep holy the Sabbaoth. 1. Both to the honor of Chriſt the Lord of the Sabbaoth. Matt. 12. 8. after whoſe excellent name they are called: and into whoſe name they were baptized. Mat. 28. 19. Acts. 2. 38. & 19. 5. 2. As alſo in reſpect of their owne ſpirituall profit, inſtruction, and comfort.

The ſanctification of the Chriſtian Sabbaoth; by the people is eyther

1 Publique: the which is ſanctified by the Chriſtian people with publique meanes, and after a publique and free manner; as it ought alwaies ſo long as the viſible Church remaineth, or a caſe of neceſſity enforce not the contrary.

p. 472 Priuate: is ſuch as is performed by priuate perſons, and after a priuate manner: namely, vvhen Chriſtians cannot ſanctifie the Sabbaoth publiquely, in regard of

1 The abſence of Gods publique ordinaunces: as publique preaching, prayer &c.

2 The times of common warre or perſecution.

3 A caſe of ineuitable & moſt neceſſary trauell, which cannot be deferred or auoided: or in caſe of ſickneſſe, impriſonment, hard ſeruice, ſlauery, oppreſſion, or captiuity of any particular perſon and the like caſe: wherin God accepteth our holy deſire and honeſt indeuor according to that we hauehave, and not according to that we hauehave not.

The publique ſanctifying of the Chriſtian Sabbaoth, ſtandeth in duties eyther

affirmatiue.

negatiue.

The duties affirmatiue are ſuch as Chriſtians are commaunded and tyed in conſcience to performe: and are eyther works of

1 Piety.

2 Mercy.

The works of Pyety are performed eyther

1 In the duties themſelues, beeing mayne and direct worſhips of God.

2 In the circumſtances tending to the better permance of them.

*1. The duties themſelues of Pyety to be performed by the Chriſtian people are theſe:

1 To hearken to Gods word preached publiquely by a lawfull & authorized Teacher. This they are required to doe, with

1 Feare, reuerence, and humility. Eſa. 66. 2. Pſal. 5. 7. Num. 16. 22.

2 Ioy, gladneſſe, and cheerefulneſſe. Act. 13. 48. 1. Theſſ. 1. 6.

p. 483 Attention, diligence, heede, and watchfulneſſe. Act. 16. 14. Eccleſ. 4. 17. Luke, 4. 20. 2. Pet. 1. 19.

4 Faith, conſent, and application of the doctrine and vſes. Rom. 10. 17. Hebr. 4. 2. Luke 4. 22, & 7, 35. Act. 17. 34. Io. 10. 26. 27. Act. 13. 48. & 28. 24. Eph. 1. 13.

2. To receaue the Sacrament of the Lords Supper; as often as thou mayſt. Act. 16. 13. 15. & 20. 7. This muſt be performed, with

1 Repentance; examining & iudging ourſelues: and with a good conſcience. 1. Pet. 3. 21. 1. Cor. 11. 28 Mark. 1. 4. 2. Chro. 30. 19.

2 Faith and application. Mark. 16. 16. Act. 8. 37. Mat. 26. 28. 1. Cor. 10. 3. 4. Io. 6. 63. 64. 2. Cor. 13. 5. Gal. 3. 26. 27.

3 LoueLove, 1. Cor. 10. 17. & 11. 18. Act. 2. 41. 42 46. Io. 13. 2. 35. 1. Cor. 12. 13.

4 Thankefulneſſe. Matth. 26. 26, 30. 1. Cor. 11. 25. 26. 2. Chro. 30. 15, 21. 1. Cor. 10. 16.

Alſo remember alwayes to bee praeſent at the baptiſme of infants. 1. That thou may eſt omit no part of the publick worſhip of God, but pray with the Church and Congregation. 2. That thou may eſt outwardly grace Gods ordinaunce and countenance it (as it were) with thy praeſence, and not diſgrace, or ſeeme to ſcorne it by turning thy backe vntounto it. 3. That Gods publicke ordinance may bee publickely not priuately performed, 4. That thou alſo may eſt hereby call to mind thy Couenant with God in Baptiſme, and Gods couenant made with thee: and examine what fruit thereof appeares within thee, that thou may eſt bleſſe God, if thou finde the ſame effectuall; and be humbled to labour vntounto it if thou finde it to be ſmall.

3. To pray to God and prayſe him. Matth. 18. 19. 1. Tim. 2. 1. 2. This duty muſt alſo be done, with

p. 491 Humility: and ſenſe of Gods purity & our owne vnworthineſſe. Pſalm. 2. 11. & 145. 19. Luke 18. 13. Eſa. 56. 15. & 66. 2. Pſal. 51. 17. Hebr. 5. 7.

2 Senſe and feeling of our wants, with hunger and deſire of obtaining them. Col. 1. 9. Pſal. 16. 17. & 38. 9. Neh. 1. 11. Mat. 5. 6. Luk. 11. 13.

3 Feruency and heartineſſe: Iames 5. 16. Rom. 12. 11. Pſal. 25. 1. & 119. 5.

4 Faith & perſwaſion of obtaining, vponupon Gods mercifull nature & promiſes. 1. Io. 5. 14. & 3. 22. Mat. 21. 22. Iam. 1. 6. Pſal. 4. 8. & 38. 15. & 55. 17.

5 LoueLove, vntounto our neighbour vnfeined. Mark. 11. 25. 26. 1. Pet. 3. 7. 1. Tim. 2. 8.

6 Holineſſe of life, and a good conſcience: 2. Tim. 2. 19. 22. 1. Tim. 2. 8. 1. Io. 3. 22. Ioh. 15. 7. Eſa. 1. 15. Iob. 22 23. 27. Pſal. 66. 18.

4 To ſing the Pſalmes and ſpirituall ſonges indited by the holy-Ghoſt. The vvhichwhich duty becauſe it is a ſpeciall part of Gods worſhip (thoſe duties and affections beeing performed and required in ſinging of pſalmes, which are performed and required in prayer) wee are therefore to attend vntounto it with all care and conſcience, by how much the more it is neglected commonly. Herein theſe duties are commaunded: that namely it be performed

1 With vnderſtanding. 1. Cor. 14. 15. Pſal. 47. 7.

2 With heart and ſpirit. 1. Corinth. 14. 15. Col. 3. 16. Epheſ 5. 19.

3 With a grace and decency. Col. 3. 16.

4 With melody, mirth, inſtruction, and comfort to ourſelues. Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. Iam. 5. 13.

5 VntoUnto the Lord in a direct intention, beeing ſo affected as the matter of the Pſalme, and our owne praeſent eſtate doth occaſion: this being alſo (as before is ſaid) a part of Gods worſhip. Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. Iudges. 5. 3. Pſal. 7. 17. & 30. 4. & 47. 6. & 92. 1. & 111. 1. & 137. 4.

p. 502. The circumſtances tending to the better performance of theſe worſhips of God: and they are to bee conſidered according to the times; which are,

1 Before the exerciſe of the Word and Prayer;

1 Riſing early, both fitly to prepare our ſelues: as alſo to conſecrate as much of the Lords day vntounto the Lords ſeruice and worſhip as we can. Ier. 7. 25. & 32. 3. Mark. 1. 35. with ver. 38. 39. Luke 24. 1.

2 Examining of our conſciences, and confeſſing of our ſinnes to God: that wee may bring into the preſence of God, and aſſembly of the Saints, the peace of a quiet heart. 1. Cor. 11. 28. 1. Pet. 3. 31. To the which is required a taking heede vntounto our wayes, and a carefull ſtudy of holineſſe the whole weeke before. 2. Tim. 2. 19. Pſal. 50. 15. Eſa. 1. 15.

3 To ioyne with our families in priuate prayer: or if our eſtate and condition be not ſuch, yet by our ſelues to pray feruently vntounto God. 1. Both for our ſelues that we may bee profitable hearers for vnderſtanding, memory, grace and a bleſſing of the word. Pſal. 119. 18. Prou. 2. 3. 5. Mat. 7. 7. Luke, 11. 13. Iam. 1. 5. 2. As alſo for our Teachers and Inſtructors that God would giuegive them vtterance, that they may ſpeak as they ought. Eph. 6. 19. 20 Col. 4. 3. 2. Theſſ. 3. 1. Heb. 13. 18.

4 To diſpatch, vvith all effectuall care and prouidence, all neceſſary buſineſſe, and put-by vnneceſſaries, that wee or ours be not hindred from comming or timely comming: but that we with our houſholdes may ſerue God. Ioſ. 24. 15. To this end the Houſholder muſt get fit ſeruants. Pſal 101. 6. and command them. Gen. 18. 19.

2 In the exerciſe; both afore and after noone: that thou maieſt giuegive to Chriſt all his owne day. Pſal. 92. 1. 2. Eſa. 58. 13.

1 To come at the beginning to ioine to the preſent exerciſes: and there continewe to the end, thou and thine. Ezech. 46. 10. Act. 10. 2. 33. & 13 44. & 20. 7. Eccleſ. 4. 17 p. 511. Cor. 14. 16. 19. Luke 1. 21. 1. King 8, 54. 55.

2 Such behauiour as becommeth Saints: tendeth to edification: and is guided by the rule of decency. 1. Cor. 11. 13. & 14. 26. 40. Eph. 5. 3. 4. Namely:

1 Head vncouered, and knee and body bowed: 1. Corin. 11. 7. 25. Neh. 8. 6. Leuit. 9. 24. Acts. 9. 40. & 20. 36.

2 Lifting vp the heart at the publicke prayers; to ſay Amen vntounto them: Neh. 8. 6. 1. Cor. 14. 16.

3 To note with penne the doctrines, or with the Bible to obſerue the diuiſion, coherence, doctrine, vſes and proofes. Act. 17. 11. To the end thou maiſt eſchew ſleepe: and wandring thoughts; and ſo to heare with vnderſtanding, delight, and profit. 1. Cor. 14. 15. 16. 19. & 6. 20. & 10. 15. Eſa. 58. 13. Luke 8. 18.

3 After the exerciſe of the fore and after noon, we muſt be careful of theſe: viz.

1 Sobriety of meat and drink, and carefull temperance aboue all other times: that the body may bee ſtrengthened and better diſpoſed to the duties of godlineſſe; not ouer burdened and made vnapt to remember, meditate, conferre, or hearken and giuegive heede. 1. Cor. 11. 21. 29. 30. Mat. 10. 1. 2. Rom. 14. 17. Luke 21. 34.

2 Holy conference with other: either

1 By occaſion at the table: whether of the things deliuered that day by the Preacher: or elſe of ſome other good matter miniſtred: auoiding the common rocke (vvhereupon men ſtumble) of profane and worldly talk: remembring the rule. Eſa. 58. 13. Luke 14. 1. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 15. 16.

2 By purpoſe and intention: calling our family together and examining them: or ioyning to other like minded Chriſtians, and mutually conferring of that which wee hauehave heard. Luke 24. 14. 5. 17. Acts 17. 11.

p. 523 Praier for a bleſſing of this our labour, and for grace effectually to performe the particular duties we hauehave bin taught this day. Luk. 17. 5. Mat. 9. 37. 38.

4 Singing of Pſalms in priuate. Act 16. 25. Eph. 5. 19.

5 A time for priuate reading of the Scripture, and meditation (Pſal. 1. 1. 2. & 119. 11. 15. 97.)

1 Of our owne

1 Sinnes. Pſal. 119. 59. Iam. 3. 2

2 Wants. Philip. 1. 12.

3 Infirmities. 2. Cor. 12. 7. 8. 9. 10

4 Miſeries. Pſal. 34. 19.

5 Profitings in grace & knowledge. 2. Pet. 3. 18.

2 Of the eſtate of the Church of GOD, whether in the ſtate of

1 Miſery.

2 Mercy. Pſal. 147. 20. Eſay 5. 4. 2. Sam. 7. 23.

3 Of GOD his

1 Works of

Wiſedome.

Power.

Iuſtice.

2 Benefits and mercies on our ſelues. Pſalm. 116. 12. 1. Pet. 9. 10. Col. 1. 12. 13.

3 Word: eſpecially of the things which wee hauehave heard.

1 How much we vnderſtand and remember. Heb. 2. 1. & 12. 5.

2 What proofs we hauehave of it. Act. 17. 11. Rom. 14. 23.

3 How appliable to our ſelues eueryevery thing is. Rom. 2. 21. Prou. 9. 12. Pſal. 90. 12.

6 Conſcience, care and heedfulneſſe to put in praeſent practiſe the doctrine & vſes we hauehave heard remēbred, & ſo called to mind: with continuall & feruent praier vntounto God to work in vsus the things that he hath taught vsus. Io. 17. 13. Luke 11. 28. Matth. 7. 24.

So much of the duties of Piety.

p. 53*2. The workes of Mercy and neceſſity concerning eyther:

1 God and his worſhip: ſo it is lawfull on the Sabbaoth▪

1 For Kings & Magiſtrats, to cleanſe the Church of Idolatry. 2. King. 11. 15. 16. 18.

2 For the Prieſts of the olde Teſtament, and Miniſters of the Goſpell, to doe ſuch neceſſary buſineſſe as tendeth to the worſhip of God. Mat. 12. 5.

3 For a Miniſter in teaching, or Chriſtians in hearing, to ouer-watch themſelues and to breake their ſleep. Act. 27. 8, 9.

4 To trauell on the Sabbaoth to heare the preaching of Gods word: or to performe a neceſſary deede of Mercy: vvhichwhich caſes properly doe make a Sabbaoth dayes iourney. 2. King. 4. 23. Pſal. 84. 6. 7.

2 Gods Church: in ſuch like actions as theſe;

1 To fight againſt the enemies of God in lawfull battell. 1. King. 20. 29. Ioſ. 6. 15. [1. Maccabees 2. 34] and to do ſuch other needfull publick buſineſſe, as can admit no longer delay.

2 To put to death an idolatrous and euill deſeruing perſon, whoſe longer life may be daungerous to the Church of God. 2. King. 11. 9. 16.

3 Our ſelues: ſo is it lawfull for vsus

1 To eate and ſatisfie hunger, by vſing Gods creatures with thankſ-giuing and ſobriety, Matth. 12. 1. 3. 4. 5. 7. Luke 14. 1. Acts 20. 11. 1. Corinth. 11. 34. 1. Timoth. 4. 4. Luke 21. 34.

2 Carying of a bed home, or the like action: neceſſity of Gods glory, or obedience to his Commaundements vrging vsus. Io. 5. 9. 11.

p. 544 Our Neighbour: in things concerning his

1. Body.

1 To ſaue life. Mark. 3. 4 Mat. 12. 11. 12. Ioh. 7. 23.

2 To heale. Io. 9. 14. Note that this doth not patronize

1 The labors of our calling on that day.

2 Studie and looking a…ter gayne.

3 To feed and ſend part of our aboundance. Neh. 8. 10. 11. 12. Mat. 25. 42.

2. Soule. To viſite, inſtruct, exhort, reproue, and cō fort. Mat. 25. 42. 43.

3. Goods

1 To ſaue, Luke 10. 27.

2 To giuegive and collect almes. 1. Cor. 16. 2. Heere note, this almes or collection muſt be performed

1 Cheerefully: Rom. 12. 8. 2. Corin. 8. 11. 12. & 9. 7.

2 Liberally to our power, 2. Cor. 8. 12. & 9. 5. 6.

3 Wiſely and diſcreetly. Galat. 6. 10. Prouer. 31. 6. Matth. 25. 40. 45. & 10. 41. 42.

4 Continually and weekly. 1. Cor. 16. 1. 2. Heb. 13. 16.

5 Our Cattell. Leade him to water: lift him out of a pit, and the like caſes wherein is danger of the ſpoyle and caſting away of Gods liuing creatures, which may be preuented by our helpe. Matthew 12. 11. Luke 13. 15. & 14. 5.

6 Generally any good deede or morall duty, to doe well on a Sabbaoth is a Sabbaoth dayes duty. Matthew 12. 2. Mark. 3. 4.

Negatiue: Things not to be done, but carefully auoyded, as profaning the Sabbaoth: in cauſing to break Gods Commaundements. Namely, all ſinne either in nature or circumſtances, Eſa. 56. 2: Either committed againſt

p. 551 The firſt Table: as

1 To ſeeke, or to doe our owne will or wayes. Eſa. 58. 13.

2 Idolatry. Ezech: 20. 24. & 23. 37. 38.

3 Hypocriſie. Luke 13. 15.

4 Diſobedience to God euen in a light matter. Ex. 20. 10. Numb. 15. 32. 35.

5 An vnlearned, vnſufficient falſe teaching, man-pleaſing, lewd-liuing, or ſcandalous and vnſanctiſi. ed Miniſtery. Ezech. 22. 26. Hoſ. 4. 6. Ier. 8. 9. 1. Tim. 5. 22.

6 Contempt or loathing or perſecuting of Gods word, or of Gods faithfull Miniſtry. Ezec. 20. 21. 24 Act. 13. 45. 46. 50.

7 To trouble or hinder wittingly or wilfully a worke or duty of the Sabbaoth: whether it bee of

1 Pyety: as the preaching of the Word. Acts. 13. 45. 46.

2 Mercy: Luke 13. 14. 16.

8 All things that hinder the worſhip of God, or any part thereof: as prayer, the preaching or hearing of Gods word, the receiuing of the Sacraments: (except it be in a caſe of a neceſſary work of mercy, with out the which our ſelues or others cannot be, or not wel be by any longer delay of time.) Ex. 16. 23. 24. 26 29. & 35. 3. & 15. 32. 35. Of theſe kind of vnlawfull hindrances are;

1 The ordinary labours of our weeke dayes calling: Exod. 20. 9. Ier. 17. 22. 24. Leuit. 23. 3. 8.

2 Harueſt worke, or bearing of burthens. Neh. 13. 15. Ier. 7. 22. 24.

3 Buying or ſelling wares or victuals, albeit offered to ſell (vnleſſe in an extraordinary caſe the wares to our great loſſe or hazard of vndooing ſhall vndoubtedly be ſpoyled: or vnleſſe we ſhall endanger our health by not buying victuals.) Neh. 13. 16. In which caſes prouidence would be required before, p. 56and repentance, vvith amendment of our negligence after.

4 Trauelling on the Sabbaoth for gayne or pleaſure. Exod. 16. 29. 30.

2 The ſecond Table:

1 Murder: profanenes, vponupon the Sabbaoth. Mark. 3. 4. Ezech. 23. 37. 38.

2 Couetouſneſſe, oppreſſion, and worldly cares, luſts and deſires. Amos 8. 5. 6. Luke 21 34.

3 Adultery. Ezec. 23. 37.

4 Debate and contention. Eſa. 58. 3. 4.

5 Vaine words. Eſa. 58. 13.

So much of the publicke ſanctifying of the Sabbaoth.

The priuate ſanctifying of the Chriſtian Sabbaoth, is performed priuately and by priuate perſons; namely, when Chriſtians can by no meanes enioy the benefit of the publique means: which caſe becauſe it is a iudgement and heauy plague of God, both by withdrawing light, and leauing vsus in darkneſſe: Chriſtians in this eſtate are to obſerue theſe rules:

1 To be greatly humbled and to mourne, for abſence from the Church aſſemblies, Communion of Saints, and meanes of ſpiritual nouriſhment, direction and comfort: as alſo in reſpect of the profanations of Gods Sabbaoths by the wicked. Pſal. 42. 4. & 120. 5. & 137. 4. 5. Lam. 1. 7. & 2. 6. Pſal. 119. 136.

2 To long for earneſtly and hunger with zealous and continuall deſire of minde, after the fruition and enioying of ſo great a benefit. Pſalm. 42. 2. & 84. 1. 2. 3. 4. 10.

3 To vſe all poſſible good meanes to come by the publique ordinaunces of God vponupon the Sabbaoth: and eſteeme it as a rich benefit, worthy of all endeuour to obtaine it

1 By earneſt intreaty & carefull ſuit vntounto the Magiſtrates and gouernors, by whoſe authority they are permitted and encouraged; as alſo to the Teachers p. 57themſelues. Act. 13. 42. Io. 4. 40. Ier. 38 9. 10. and 26. 17. 18. 19. 1. King. 22. 8. Exod. 5. 1. Neh. 1. 11. & 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

2 By feruent and continuall prayer vntounto God, the Lord of the harueſt, both to thruſt out faithfull labourers into his harueſt; as alſo to make vsus eſpecially partakers of the ſame. Mat. 9. 38. & 24. 20. Pſal. 27. 4.

3 By kinde intreating, incouraging, defending and maintaining of the godly learned Preacher: and ſo to purchaſe to our ſelues this pearle or treaſure & that gifte of God vntounto his Church for the gathering of the Saints, and edification of the body of Chriſt: Eph. 4. 12. Heb. 13. 17. Gal. 6. 6. 1. Theſſ. 5. 12. 13. 1. Cor. 9. 7. 8. 11. 13. 14. Matth. 10. 10. 11. 14. 40. 41. & 13. 44. 45. 46. Prouerb. 23. 23. Elſe, where the duty is omitted, a iuſt and heauy iudgement followeth. Hebr. 3. 17. Mark. 3. 5. Matth. 16. 4. & 8. 34. Act. 13. 46. & 19. 19.

4 By ſeeking with great hunger & feruent deſire, and trauailing abroad (how-euer painefull or coſtly it may prooue) to redeeme and enioy this benefite: Remembring that is a Sabbaoths day iourney to worſhip God and to heare a Sermon. 1. King. 4. 23. Amos 8. 11. Dan. 12. 4. Prou. 8. 33. & 2. 4. 5. Act. 1. 12. and to ſuffer much affliction to enioy this bleſſing 1. Theſ. 1. 6. Matth. 12. 42.

4 To vſe and put in practiſe all the meanes within our power, that are commaunded of God, or practiſed by the godly: wherein wee are carefully

1 To double our priuate diligence in the abſence of the publicke meanes.

2 To obſerue as carefully the whole day, both fore and after-noon, as if the publicke meanes were preſent: conſidering the perpetuall equity of theſe Commaundements. Ex. 20. 8. 9. 10. Eſa. 58. 30. 1. Cor. p. 5816. 1. 2. Pſalme 92. 1. 2. The priuate practiſe of the Lords day is eyther performed,

1 With others: as in a family: or conſent of practiſe by willing and vnited Chriſtians: in which caſes are required a ſpending of the day, in

1 Examination, inſtruction, and Catechiſme. Deut. 6. 7. 20. 21. and 11. 19. Gen. 18. 19. Eph. 6. 4.

2 Conference and godly queſtioning and anſwering. Luke 24. 14. 17. 18. Col. 4. 6.

3 Prayer, with thankſgiuing and praiſe. Mat. 18. 20. yea with faſting, on fit occaſions. 1. Sam. 31. 13. Heſt. 4. 16.

4 Singing of Pſalmes. Act. 16. 25. Eph. 5. 19.

5 Reading of Scriptures. Act. 17. 11. Malac. 3. 16.

6 Deedes and duties of mercy, collections, viſitings, comfortings. Matt. 25. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40.

2 With our ſelues alone: as in a caſe of trauelling, impriſonment, hard ſeruice, or ſlauery: in which later caſes wee are by humble intreaty to ſeeke

Liberty of ſanctifying the Lords day. Herin are required theſe things, or ſo much as is within our power, all or the moſt:

1 Meditation of our ſinnes: Gods word and works of wiſdome, power, Iuſtice, mercy, ſtate of the Church to reioyce or grieue at it, according as it is. Pſalm. 119. 58. Pſal. 92. 5. 6. 9. 12. 13. and 1. 2.

2 Prayer, and thankeſgiuing vntounto GOD. Matt. 6. 6. Iames 5. 13. Geneſ. 24. 63. 1. Theſ. 5. 17. 18. Col. 3. 17.

3 Singing Pſalmes: Iam. 5. 13. Pſalm. 57. 7. & 77. 6. Luke 2. 46.

4 Reading of the Scriptures. Ioſhua 1. 8. Coloſſians, 3. 16.

5 Workes of mercy, according to our power, and fit occaſion. 2. Cor. 8. 12. Mark. 12. 41. 42. 43. 44.

p. 596 To ioine prayer with faſting (if neede bee) to bee humbled for ſinnes or iudgement: or to farther prayer for our neceſſities. Neh. 1. 4. Dan. 9. 3.

So much of the priuate ſanctifying of the Chriſtian Sabbaoth.

Motiues, reaſons, and incouragements to the cheerefull and faithful obſeruation of the Lords day or Chriſtian Sabbaoth: and deterring vsus from the profanation of the ſame; both in reſpect of

1 Bleſſings obtained.

2 Eſcaping iudgements.

1 Bleſſings and promiſes obtained.

1 Concerning the life to come.

1 Priuate: vrged to perſons in priuate:

1 It is a good worke. Pſal. 92. 1.

2 Sabbaoth exerciſes, commaunded of God, are bleſſed & ſanctified vntounto vsus of God. Exod. 20. 10. Gen. 2. 2. and a meanes of our ſanctification. Exod. 31. 13. Ezech. 20. 12.

3 Gods acceptation of our Prayer and obedience in ſanctifying it. Eſa. 56. 8.

4 Planting vsus in his Church, as flouriſhing plants. Eſa. 56. 7. Pſal. 92. 13.

5 An heart to delight in God. Eſa. 58. 14.

6 Ioy of the holy Ghoſt. Eſa. 56. 7.

7 Aſſurance and ſecurity of Gods election. Eſa. 56. 3. 4.

8 Saluation and bleſſedneſſe. Eſa. 56. 2. & 58. 14.

2 Publicke: The flouriſhing of the Church of God. Ierem. 17. 26. Leuit. 26. 2. 11. 12.

2 Concerning this life.

1 Publick. A flouriſhing Cōmon-wealth with other temporal & earthly bleſſings; To the Kings, Nobles, ſubiects and whole eſtate.**Ier. 1 Leui. 26▪ 6. 7.Jer 1

2 Priuate: It gaineth vsus, and ours, lawfull reſt of minde & body from the paines and labours of our calling. Exod. 20. 10. & 23. 12. Deut. 5. 14.

p. 602 Curſes, plagues and iudgements following the profaning of the Sabbaoth, which (by obſeruing it) wee doe eſcape. Heerein wee are to conſider, touching the profaning of the Lords Sabbaoth by negligence or wilfulneſſe,

1 What it bringeth:

1 The guilt of a great and grieuous ſinne: to violate the conſtitution and practiſe of the inſpired Apoſtles. 1. Corin. 16. 1. 2. Act. 20. 7. To forget that which God bids remember: to profane that which hee bids keepe holy; to labour in that day which he bids reſt: to vnhallow that which he bleſſed. Exod. 20. 8. 9. 10. 11. Ezech. 22. 26.

2 It is an heauy puniſhment of God, and a puniſhment of Idolatry and falſe Prophets; for God to giuegive vsus ouer to profane his Sabbaoths. Hoſ. 2. 5. 11. Lamentations 2. 6. 14.

3 It bringeth Gods great plague, and increaſeth wrath and guilt vponupon the Magiſtrate, people, and whole eſtate of the Common-wealth. Neh. 13. 18. Ier. 17. 27. Ezec. 20. 13. Namely:

1 Sickneſſe. Leuit. 26. 2. 16.

2 Famine. Leuit. 26. 2. 16. 19. 20. 26. 29

3 Warre. Leuit. 26. 2. 25. 36. 37.

4 Enemies rule, tyranny, and triumph ouer vsus. Leuit. 26. 2. 17.

5 Wilde beaſts. Leuit. 26. 2. 22.

6 Captiuity. Ezech. 20. 23. 24. Leuit. 26. 2. 33. 34.

7 Encreaſe of plagues. Leuiticus 26. 2. 18. 21. 24. 28.

8 Vtter deſolation and ouerthrowe of the p. 61whole eſtate of the Common-wealth. Ier. 17. 27. Amos. 8. 5. 6. 7. 8. 10. Neh. 13. 18. Leu. 26. 2. 32. 34. 38.

4 It finally bringeth euen vntounto the Church theſe euils;

1 Famine of the Word. Amos 8. 5. 6. 11. 12.

2 God abhorring and not accepting our ſacrifice. Amos 5. 21. 22. Eſa. 1. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

3 Vtter deſolation of the Church of God. Lam. 2. 6.

5 The bodily death, for the breach of the Ceremoniall, did figure vntounto vsus the death of the ſoule for the breach of the Morall part of the Sabbaoth. For the curſe remaineth ſtill. Exod. 31. 14. 15. & 35. 2. Deut. 27. 26. Galath. 3. 10.

2 What it maketh and marketh men to bee in the eyes of God:

1 Generally in all ſorts.

2 Particularly in the Clergie.

1 In the people and all perſons whatſoeuer:

1 They are not of God which keep not his Sabbaoth. Io. 9. 16.

2 They are fooles and vnwiſe that do profane and not ſanctifie the Sabbaoth. Pſal. 92. 1. 6.

3 Vnbelieuers, vagabond and wicked fellows are enemies and hinderers of the ſanctifying of the Sabbaoth. Acts 17. 5. 17.

4 They are Hypocrites that are offended at the keeping holy of the Sabbaoth. Luke 13. 14. 15.

p. 625 They are enemies of God and of his Church, that mocke at the Sabbaoth of the Lord. Lam. 1. 7.

6 They are ſuch as iudge themſelues vnworthie of euerlaſting life, that do hinder or perſecute the ſanctifying of the Sabbaoth day. Acts 13. 45. 46. 50.

2 In the Clergie and ſpirituall ſort.

1 It ariſeth of groſſe and wilfull ignorance in the Clergy, if they do not rightly ſanctifie the Sabbaoth of God; and deſerueth iuſt reproofe. Matt. 12. 3. 5. 7.

2 They are a wicked Clergie and vtterly diſliked & reproued by God, that hide their faces from keeping the Lords Sabbaoth holy, and ſo profane it. Ezec. 22. 26. & 46. 2. Hoſ. 4. 6.

MATTHEVV 12. 8.

The Sonne of Man is Lord of the Sabbaoth.

FINIS.

End of the text · John Sprint, The Necessary Use of the Christian Sabbath (1607)