The Doctrine of the Sabbath, Thesis 33 – Thesis 34
Thesis 33.
Now although the Iewes observing this day, the Apostles observed it among the Iewes by preaching among them; yet we shall finde that among the Christian Gentile Churches and believers (where no Iudaisme was to be so much as tolerated for a time) not any such day was thus observed, nay another day, the first day in the weeke is honoured and preferred by the Apostles above any other day in the weeke for religious and Sabbath services. For, although Holy duties doe not argue alway a Holy day; yet when wee shall finde the Holy Ghost single out and nominate one particular day to be observed and honoured rather then any other day, and rather then the Iewish seventh day it selfe for Sabbath services and Holy duties: this undeniably proves that day to be the Christian Sabbath: and this we shall make evident to be the first day of the weeke. Which one thing seriously minded (if proved) doth utterly subvert the whole frame and force of Master Brabournes shady Discourse for the observation of the Jewish Sabbath, and most effectually establisheth the Christian Sabbath. Master Braburne therefore herein bestirs his wits, and tells us on the contrary that Paul preached not onelyonly to the Iewes, but even unto the Gentiles upon this Iewish Sabbath rather then any other day; and for this end brings double proof…; one is Acts 13.42, 44. where the Gentiles are said to desire Paul to preach to them foreign, i. e. the weeke betweene, or any Day betweene till the next Sabbath (as some translate it) or (if Master Brabourne will) the next Sabbath, or Iewish Sabbath, when almost all the City came out to heare Paul, who were most of them Gentiles, not Iewes. Be it so, they were Gentiles indeed; but as yet no Church or Christian Church of Gentiles actually under Christs Government and Ordinances, among whom (I say) the first day of the weeke was so much honoured above any other day for sacred Assemblies. For, 'tis no wonder if the Apostles yield to their desires in preaching any time of the weeke, which they thought the best time, even upon the Iewish Sabbath; among whom the Iewes being mingled, they might have the fitter opportunity to preach to them also, and so become all things to all men to gaine some. His second proofe is, Acts 16 12, 13. and here he tells us that Paul and Timothy preached not to the Iewes, but to the Gentiles, upon the Sabbath day. I confesse they are not called Iewes no more then 'tis said that they were Gentiles; but why might not Lydia and her company be Iewes or Iewish Proselytes, vvho vve know did observe the Iewish Sabbath strictly till they were better instructed, as they did all other Jewish ceremonies also? For Lydia is expressely said to be one who worshipped God befo…e Paul came. Master Brabourne tels us, they were no Iewish Proselytes, because they had no Iewish Synagogue, and therefore they were faine to goe out of the City into the Fields, beside a River, to pray. I confesse the Text saith that they went out to a River side where prayer was wont to be made; but that this was the open Fields, and that there was no Oratory, house, or place of shelter to meet and pray in, this is not in the Text, but its Master Brabournes comment and glosse on it. But suppose it was in the open Fields, and that they had no Synagogue: yet will it follow that these were not Iewes? might not the Iewes be in a Gentile City for a time without any Synagogue? especially if their number be but small, and this small number consist chiefly of women, as it seemes this did, whose hearts God touched, leaving their husbands to their owne waies? If they were not Iewes or rather Iewish Prosely…es, why did they choose the Sabbath day (which the Iewes so much set by) rather then any other, to pray and worship God together in? But verily such answers as these wherewith the poor man abounds in his Treatise, make me extreamly fear that he rather stretcht his Conscience, then was acted by a plaine deluded Conscience in this point of the Sabbath.
Thesis. 34.
It remains therefore to prove that the first Day of the week is the Christian Sabbath by Divine institution; and this may appeare from those three texts of Scripture ordinarily alledged for this end.
I. Acts 20.7. II. 1 Cor. 16.2. III. Revel. 1.10. Which being taken joyntly together, hold these three things:
1. That the first Day of the week was honoured above any other day for Sabbath services in the Primitive Churches practise, as is evident, Acts 20.7.
2. That the Apostles commanded the observation of this Day rather then any other for Sabbath-services, as is evident, 1 Cor. 16.1, 2.
3. That this day is holy and sanctified to be holy to the Lord above any other day, and therefore it hath the Lords name upon it (an usual signe of things Holy to him) and therefore called the Lords Day, as is evident, Revel 1.10. but these things need more particular explication.