A Preservative of Piety, Part 1 · Chapter 4
CHAP. IV. Of the Observation of the Lords-day, or the Christian Sabbath.
THe Christian Sabbath (as our Church calleth it (m)Homil. of the place and time of Prayer.,) that is, the Lords-day, being a matter of so g…eat importance, both in respect of Christians and of Christianity, as that the name of the Lord of Glory is imprinted upon it(n)Rev. 1.10.. And the Primitive Christians accounted it their glorious character (o)It was the constant question of the persecuting Heathens, What? Hast thou kept the Lords-day? To which the answer was; I am a Christian, and therefore I cannot intermit it, and the Law of God prompteth me to it. Bishop of Winchester in his speech against Trask.. And the Catholick Church hath still owned it, and in the best of times most acknowledged it to be a day wholly dedicated to the remembrance and service of God our Saviour, I shall therefore (after what hath been already spoken concerning other parts of godliness), endeavour (according to my ability) to add something briefly and summarily concerning this great day, and the duties thereof; and that so, as to stir up Christians to the due observation of that day, and performance of those duties.
For this purpose I shall make choice of a portion of Scripture that fully declares the danger of profaning the Lords Holy-day; It is that which is written
Neh. 13.17, 18,
Then I contended with the Nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that yee do, and profane the Sabbath day? Did not your Fathers do thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this City? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the Sabbath.
It is easie here (before I go any further) to foresee this Objection, That a Text in the Old Testament, Object.speaking of the Jews Sabbath, is improper for the establishing of the observation of the New Testament Sabbath. Unto which I answer:
1. More generall,Answ. 1. That whatsoever things were written afore time, they were written for our learning (p)Rom. 15.4.; and examples of divine Justice (such as this Scripture declareth to be inflicted for profaning that which was Gods holy day then) are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come (q)1 Cor. 10.11., to terrifie all men from offending in the like kind; as here, from abusing and applying to common use his consecrated time, and solemn day.
2. More particularly, The fourth Commandement being (as a remarkable part of the Moral and Eternal Law of God) still in force, for the holy observation of a Sabbath every week, of Gods appointment unto the end of the world; it will from thence follow, that any thing spoken in the Old Testament concerning the Weekly Sabbath in use then, if it be not proper to the Jewish people, nor to the Jews Sabbath day, but be prescribed in the fourth Commandement, as common to each weekly Sabbath of Gods institution, doth still remain in its full strength to bind the people of God in all Ages; briefly, What belonged to the Jews Sabbath, A quatenus ad ad on…ne valet argumentum.as [a] Sabbath, and not as [that] Sabbath, is still in force for every Sabbath, I mean, for any weekly day which God appoints for his day of rest and holiness. Hence it followeth also, that what we find in the Old Testament, about the Sabbath, approved, that's for our imitation; what we find reproved and punished, that's for our restraint and warning.
This morality of the fourth Commandement, and its common aspect, both on the Old and New Testaments weekly day, being purposely and strongly proved by others (r)D. Ames. D. Bound. Mr. Caud…ey, & Mr. Palmer, &c. Mr. Shephard., I shall not (here) speak further of it, but hasten to a brief opening of the Scripture before recited; wherein it appeareth, that amongst other gross abuses, (mentioned in the former and latter part of this Chapter) the Sabbath also was very provokingly profaned, and that in Jerusalem it self; (the Lords City); wherein the Temple was, (the Lords House); and wherein God himself so resided, that they hid their eyes from the Sabbath, in his eyesight, and by the profanation thereof he was profaned among them, Ezek. 22.26.
If any ask, How all this came to pass? Nehemiah himself gives an account of it, when he saith, All this while was not I at Jerusalem, v. 6. The presence of a good Governour prevents impiety (s)Prov. 20.8.? And Nehemiah being once come; Sabbath profanation is non-pluss'd, and overcome, They came no more on the Sabbath, v. 21. But, as when Moses was absent, the Calf was made; so Nehemiah going (after his first coming to Jerusalem, and the building of the walls thereof) into Persia again, there were, in that his absence from Jerusalem, many profanations crept in, which he, when he returneth, most zealously reformeth. In particular; when he saw in Judah the violation of the Sabbath, and that it was made a very Market-day, v. 15. his eyes affected his heart, and his zeal discovers it self.
1. In vehement speaking; for he testified, and contended against the profaners of that day, v. 15. and with the Nobles that should have prevented and obviated such profananation, v. 17, 18.
2. In resolute acting; taking order,
1. For the shutting and guarding of the Gates of Jerusalem, against buyers and sellers within the City, v. 19.
2. For restraining them that lodged about the wall, who might continue buying and selling in the Suburbs, v. 20.21.
3. He gave charge to the Levites also to keep the Gates, to wit, of the Temple (Nehemiah's own servants being appointed to keep the City-gates), that so nothing might be wanting, on their part, to keep the day and house of God from profanation, v. 22. The result and conclusion of all which, is, an humble applying of himself to the mercy of God for the remembring of him, as he, by the grace of God, was zealous in remembring the Lords holy day; where his confidence is also implyed, and this contained, that, The Lord will mercifullly remember them, who remember dutifully the Lords day.
In the two verses before te…ited, (v. 17, 18.) is contained Nehemiah's contending (or arguing the case by strong and solid reasons, (t)Wolph. in v. 11. Avenar. Diction. in radice foreignwith the Nobles, who either had a hand in this evil, as being Acto…s in it themselves (u)Ezra 9.2., or at least, were under the guilt of it for want of being the restrainers of it (x)1 Sam. 2.29. & 3.13., being (it's like) intrusted with the care of such things in Nehemiah's absence.
This contention is made good, by the great evil that there is in profaning the Sabbath day, which is twofold.
1. The evil of sin, v. 17. What evil thing is this that ye do?
2. The evil of punishment, Did not your fathers do thus, and did not God bring all this evil upon us, v. 18.
The former of these sheweth, that, It is an evil thing to profane the Sabbath day.
I use the word Sabbath, not as intending to speak of, or to give any countenance to the observation of the Jews Sabbath (now); but as purposing to speak of the Christian Sabbath, and to take in that only of the Jews day, which sometime belonged to it in the general nature and no…ion of a Sabbath, and with respect to that observation of a Sabbath, which (being prescribed in the fourth Commandement) belongs to every Sabbath of Gods appointment.
Nor do I (while I make use of the name [Sabbath]) deny the Lords day to be the more Evangelical name; but I call it a Sabbath, because it will never be the Lords day, unless it be a Sabbath day, that is, it will never be a day of holy Rest, unless it be a day of rest, which the word Sabbath signifieth (y)Hence we read of the Sabbath of the Land, that is, the Rest of the Land, Lev. 25.5.6. So, the Land is said to keep Sabbath, 2 Chron. 36.21..
Concerning which, I shall mention these three particulars,
1. The Rest enjoyned.
2. The thing intended in that rest, to wit, Holiness.
3. The Extent both of the rest and the holiness; it is for the whole day.
First, In a Sabbath, rest is required, and that so as to do no manner of work; the meaning is not, that we are to abstain from sinful works only, which though they be eminently unlawful on that day, yet are truly unlawful any day, and … …rbidden in all the other Commandements, Nor is it the meaning, that we should abstain f…om servile work only, that is, worldly works painful and gainful, (which are allowed on other days); for howsoever such works be in special manner forbidden, as being named in the fourth Commandement, yet that's but by a Synechdoche, or a figure, whereby more is meant: for if they only were forbidden, then the Sabbath might be spent in things easie, liberal, and ingenuous without blame; and then God should have the day no more, or little more, then if it were spent in servile works, when yet it must be a Sabbath of, or to the Lord; The thing therefore required, is, that all manner of work be forborn, (by what name or title soever it be called) that is ours (z)Ut admoneret eos quae opera Sabbati lex prohiberet, h…m…na scilicet; & quae p…aeciperet, divina scili…et, Tertul. advers. Ma…c. O Ecolamp. in Isa. 58.13. Opus factum in fide ad utilitatem proximi, Sabbatum non violat, hoc enim est opus Dei; sed si proprium in eo commodum spectes Sabbatum violas., and not Gods; that depriveth God of his day, or is an hinderance of that holiness which is intended in the Sabbath or day of rest.
Of this Rest there are divers reasons. As
1. The solemnity of the day (for it's one of Gods solemn dayes, Psal. 81.5.) that the celebration thereof may be more fair and full by laying aside all work, and the whole Creation (as it were) to wait on the Creator, Levit. 23.3.
2. As in point of solemnity, so, In point of mercy, for the relief, refreshing and taking breath of the toiled creature after six dayes labour; which is said of God himself, after his work, but it is spoken after the manner of men, Exod. 31.17. On the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
3. And especially, In point of Piety, for the sanctification of the day, in the holy services thereof; and that not without need: For, if we look to innocent Adam, albeit some question, Whether the Law of the Sabbath were given to him before the Fall; yet there's no cause to question, but that it would have been useful to him, though he had not faln: because he could not, at once, dress and keep the Garden, and have that compleat and indistracted communion with God, which it was easie for him to enjoy, in a time of rest and separation from all such earthly and heterogeneal imployment.
But now, man being faln, this Rest is of more absolute necessity, because both humane infirmity and corruption so compass and cleave to us, that we cannot with full intention of mind be in Heaven and Earth both at once; that is, we cannot, at the same time, apply our selves intirely to matters of so different a nature and operation as heavenly and earthly things are, which apparently carry our hearts contrary wayes: whereof there needs not further proof then the dayly experience we have of the dividing of our hearts, and the withdrawing of them from things spiritual, or, at least, the eclipsing of them, by the interposition of earthly things; which, if they be earthly thoughts, hinder spiritual thoughts, and disturb heavenly meditations; if they be earthly words, they cool spiritual communications (a man cannot speak two different languages both at once); and if they be earthly Actions, they weaken spiritual exercises, and thrust aside heavenly transactions.
For this reason, Play also and Sports are forbidden: for God forbids not work for the thing, (He likes work better then play), but for the end; to wit, because it hinders the intire imploying of the day in holy things, which Play doth much more, because of a greater delight in it, and for that the heart is more taken up with it, and stollen (as the hearts of the men of Israel were by Absaloms kisses, 2 Sam. 15.5, 6.) from the son of David, the Lord of the Sabbath, by it.
Now, Albeit there might be some rest (out of the fourth Commandement) appendant to the Jews day, and proper to them, as appertaining to their Education, (which, I conceive, it will be hard to find; that which is produced for it, being as probably answered as urged (a)Dr. Bownd 1 Book p. 136. Cawdr. Part. 1. p. 86, &c.:) yet all that rest which is enjoyned in the Commandement, and is necessary for Sabbath-sanctification, belongeth to us as well as to them: for, As the observation of the Sabbath (prescribed in the fourth Commandement) being spiritual, argueth the Law that requireth it to be both moral and eternal; so, with respect thereto, the bodily rest also becometh moral (b)Mr Crookes Characters, p. 552., and therefore a common and continuing thing to us as well as to the Jews.
Nor need this rest seem tedious, if we consider what works God requireth and alloweth on the Sabbath-day; As
1. Works of Religion] Six dayes shalt thou labour, and do all [thy] work, saith the Commandment (c)Exod. 20.9., but on the Sabbath-day, we may and must do Gods work. Hence, it's said, The Priests profane the Sabbath, that is, materially, by doing those works that would profane it, if God had not commanded them for his service: but being that he hath so done, those Priests are blameless (d)Mat. 12.5., because those works, though servile in their nature, yet were sacred in their end and application. Such a work was the infirm mans carrying his bed on the Sabbath when Christ had healed him (e)Joh. 5.8.. The bearing of burthens, on that day, for worldly lucre, is one of the things that Nehemiah here contends against; but that mans carrying his bed became a religious action, by being an appurtenance of the Miracle, and an open declaration to all men (who on that day did more flock together), of the grace and power of God by which he was cured; under this head may be comprehended those bodily provisions that are truly needful and helpful for our more able and vigorous performance of religious duties, or for the glory of God some other way.
2. Works of necessity] to wit, real, not feigned; and present and apparent, not possible only, and which may be or not be: To this we may refer the Disciples plucking and eating the ears of corn (f)Mar. 12.1, 2, 3, 4., whom Christ excuseth, because, at that time, they (as David) needed sustenance (g)Discipulos excusat, quoniam humanam opponit necessitatem quasi deprecatricem. Tertul. advers. Marc. lib. 40.. And add thereto the other plain instance of a Sheeps falling into a pit, Matth. 12.11. which they that so quarrel'd with our Saviour, made no scruple to pull out on the Sabbath day.
3. Works of mercy] as the healing of the woman bound by Satan, Lo eighten years, Luk. 13.15, 16. A Saviour so merciful would not stand upon healing on the Sabbath day in a case so pitiful; for, The Sabbath is made for man, Mar. 2.27. that is, the rest of the Sabbath is to give place to mans relief; And though God propound to us his example of rest on the seventh day for our resting, yet we have his example of working also for mans benefit; for (saith Christ) my Father worketh hitherto (h)Joh. 5.17., (no Sabbath day excepted) to wit, in the preservation, government, and for the good of his Creatures.
Thus of the first thing belonging to a Sabbath, to wit, rest.
Secondly, The thing further and chiefly required, and which is intended in this rest, is holiness, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy; wherein is contained,
1. A reverent opinion of it] to wit, as the Lords holy and honourable day (i)Isa. 58.13., There will never be a good observation of it in our practise, without an estimation of it in our judgement. Men will not leave the world (with which nature closeth) nor close with God in those holy things which nature is opposite to, and in the best, too averse from; I say, they will not do this on a day (and that every week) which they▪ care not for; on which they see no divine character; and in the service whereof they expect no divine blessing.
2. A dear affection to it] calling it a delight (k)Isai. 58.13., and loving to be in the spirit on that day, Revel. 1.10. [No delight] is the companion of contempt (l)Jer. 6.10., but Delight is so far from despising service, that it doubleth it (m)2 Chr. 30.23..
3. An holy imploying of the rest] and bestowing of our selves in the duties belonging to such a day. This is well express'd, in those considerable Articles of Ireland, thus, The first day of the week, which is the Lords day, is wholly to be dedicated to the service of God; and therefore we are bound therein to rest from our common and daily business, and (mark what followeth) to bestow that leisure upon holy exercises both publike and private (n)Articles of Religion agreed upon, in the Convocation at Dublin, Anno 1615. Art. 56. Just so, Chrysost. tom. 1. Hom. de Lazaro; Judaei putant sihi Sabbatum ocii gratia suisse datum; verum non ista est causa, sed potius ut abducti à cu is rerum temporalium ocium omne consumerent in spiritualibus..
Publike exercises are the principal; In reference to which publike worship especially, the Sabbath is (as I conceive), said to be a Sign, that is, an open de…laration, Whose we are, and whom we serve, Jona. 1.9. Act. 27.23. For it doth not follow from the word [Sign] that the weekly Sabbath is a typical Ceremony: If it were so, then it should be a sin to observe a Sabbath now, since all Ceremonies end in Christ, in whom (notwithstanding) the Christian Sabbath begins (as to the day) and by whom it is confirmed as it is a weekly day, (which the fourth Commandement requireth) because he declareth that he came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfill it (o)Mat. 5.17.. It is not therefore a ceremonial sign (any more then the signs in the Sacraments are ceremonial) but rather a moral and real sign and demonstration how things stand between God and his people, which will further appear by looking more narrowly into that place of Ezekiel, where it is called a Sign, for thus the Prophet expresseth it, I gave them my Sabbaths to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctifie them (p)Ezek. 20.12., which words are also mentioned and applyed to the weekly Sabbath, Exod. 31.13. 15, 16, 17. When the Sabbath is said to be a sign, the meaning is (as some do most probably expound it (q)Jun. & Trem. in Exod. 31.13.,) that it is a document or an instructing Sign, and that between God and his people [me and you] (r)Exod. 31.13., saith the Lord; it teacheth and sheweth that which is common to us both, to wit, on my part, that I am your Creator and Sanctifier; on your part, that you are a people, by Me created and sanctified; And that it is thus an instructing sign, appears by the words following, that ye may know; as if the Lord had said, Look on the Sabbath as a monument of the relation between me and you; I would have you know and observe it so to be. Upon a nearer view of the words, it will be found a teaching sign of these three lessons:
1. That God is the Lord (s)Lev. 19.30. Ye shall keep my Sabbath, I am the Lord., that is, that Lord who is the only true God, (Jer. 10.10.) and that, because he hath made the Heaven and the Earth, v. 11, 12. Which the observation of a Sabbath, that is, resting a seventh day every week in relation to six dayes work, clearly holdeth forth; for it is in imitation of that God, who in six dayes made Heaven and Earth, and rested the seventh, who can be no other then the true God, and Lord of all.
The second lesson is, that this great Lord, is the God of his Church, or a God in Covenant with them: for thus the Lord speaks; (t)Ezek. 20.19, 20.I am the Lord [your God] —Hallow my Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know (and learn this lesson) that I am your God; for, Why do they wait upon him a whole day, every week, but to shew that they own him as their God, and that they believe he owns them as his people? Hence the Scripture saith, They sit before thee [as my people] and hear thy words (u)Ezek. 33.31..
The third lesson is, that he is the Lord that sanctifieth them; which may be understood two wayes;
1. Of a sanctification to himself by a separation from the world (x)Thus Sanctific…tion is conceived to be taken, Heb. 10.29. [Sanctified] from the world, and dedicated to God by Calling and Covenant, common to all visible members, Dickson in loc., so as to enjoy the priviledg of his Covenant; and so the Scripture speaks, Ye shall be holy to me, for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people that ye should be mine, Lev. 20.26. Exod. 33.16.
2. And also of an internal renovation, and sanctification in spirit, and soul, and body, 1 Thess. 5, 23. by the Word preached on that day through the operation of the Spirit, 1 Pet. 1.2. Act. 20.32. & 26.18. So that God hath not only made the Sabbath an holy day, but also makeeth men holy by his Ordinances, on that day (principally) dispensed.
I have been the longer in this, because hereby it appeareth what a necessity there is of a weekly Sabbath, as being a most signal Declaration and Representation of what God is in himself, that is, the maker of Heaven and Earth (his distinguishing character (y)Jer. 10.11, 12., and what he is to his Church, that is, a God in Covenant with them, and every way, a Sanctifier of them, and that's their distinguishing character, Exod. 33.16. Isa. 63.19. Now (to return to the thing in hand) since the Sabbath becomes of this use, especially by the general and solemn meeting of Gods people together to Publike Service, (as Prayer, Reading the Scripture, Preaching, administration of the Sacraments, &c.) therefore the rest and leisure we have on that day, is principally to be bestowed in, and sanctified by, such duties; And therefore, the Sacrifices appointed for the Sabbath day were full double to those appointed for every day, (z)Num. 28.9.for the Sabbath being a sign of more then ordinary favour from the Lord, he required greater testimonies of their thankefulness and sanctification (a)Aynsw. on Numb. 28.9.; And the Prophet Ezekiel, speaking of the state of the Church in the time of the Messiah, under the figure of legal Ordinances, mentioneth a yet greater oblation, to be offered on the Sabbath day (b)Ezek. 46.4, 5. vid. Chrysost. conc. 1. de Lazaro.signifying that in the time of the Gospel, the spiritual service should exceed the legal, the grace of the New Testament being greater then that of the Old: Now if we bring this greater service to the great day of service, that is, the Lords day, it will fairly follow, that the rest of that day should be fill'd up with holy duties, especially in publique; for in those duties the Sabbath is most a (sign) of the relations betwen God and us.
Private duties also are necessary, because the whole day cannot be spent in publike service conveniently, and yet it is to be spent holily; Before we come to the Congregation therefore, (considering how holy a God that is before whom we come, and how serious a service that is about which we come) there is great need to spend some time in repentance, especially of the sins committed the week before (c)Agnoscenda peccata per septimanam commissa, Scultet. in Isa. 58.13., for how can we stand before God in our sin? Ezra 9.15. And since God requires the heart, How much need is there to purge it? for he endures not a filthy heart, but cryes out upon it Mat. 23.25. (d)Ezek. 33.32.; nor will the seed of the Word prosper in it (e)Jer. 4.3.: How much need also to adorn it with humility, faith, fear of God, holy desires and affections? for God likes not an empty heart, but requires to be greatly feared in the Assembly of his Saints (f)Psal. 89.7, to come with hungring, thirsting, and the desire of new-born-babes (g)Math. 5.6. Isai 55.1. 1 Pet. 1.2., and especially with faith, without which neither Gods Word to us, nor our words (in Prayer) to him, can ever profit, Heb. 4.2. James 1.6, 7. O how empty do we go away from Ordinances, either because full of that which we ought to lay aside (h)1 Pet. 1.1.? or void of that which we ought to provide when we come into Gods presence! what need therefore of preparation? And, After we have been before God in Publike Exercises, we are not left at liberty to do and speak as we please, for it is the Sabbath of the Lord our God still; and therefore must have continued in it that rest, which is the body of it; and that holiness, which is the soul of it; As therefore, before the Publike Service, we are to get a stomack, and then feed on the heavenly Manna at it; so we are to ruminate and chew the cud after it, that is, we are to consider what God hath said to us, meditate and ponder upon it (i)Luk. 2.19.. We should be in the spirit on the Lords day, that is, taken up with spiritual Meditations, Rev. 1.10. or spiritual Conference, such as our Saviour used with the men of Emmaus on the day of his Resurrection (k)Luk 24.25., sutable to what he did before on the Jews Sabbath, when going into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread, he teacheth one good lesson to the guests that were bidden, another to him that bade him▪ them he teacheth Humility, and him, Charity (l)Luk. 14.1, 7, 12, 15.; And a third that sate at meat with him (and in him all other men), Piety; and providence that no worldly encumbrances hinder from spiritual Ordinances. It's true, that Christ spake of good things every day, but we (being taken up with other things on our ordinary dayes) have the more need to follow his holy example in speaking of things godly on the Sabbath day Wherein we are not so free to talk of what we list, as some may imagine: for if there be a liberty for working-day words, and any every-dayes discourse, how will the rest of that day be holy? If two or three hours be spent in worldly talk or tales, and not in Christian Colloquies, and Communications (such as Paul so persisted in on the Lords day (m)Act. 20.12. foreign colloq…utus.,) Where will the holiness of those hours be found, and, What distinction will there be (for that time) between that and the working dayes?
Unto these godly Meditations and Conferences, are to be added holy Actions. As,
1. Works of Piety; Reading, Praying, Admonishing, Singing Psalms, Catechising child…en and servants; And (in special) repeating the Sermons preached for the good of the Family, or of other Christians; who finding how frail their memories are, will be glad of such an assistance.
2. Works of Charity, as laying up, or laying out, for the use of the poor, as God prospereth us (n)1 Cor. 16.1, 2., visiting and helping the sick, spiritually and outwardly, as our Saviour used to heal on the Sabbath day; yet not so as to make more work then we need, but doing any good to poor creatures, which will not be so much for God's glory, and the winning of others to Religion (who are at leisure to look out that day) or for their comfort that are in distress, if it be not on the Lords day, done and dispatch'd.
Hitherto of the Rest and Holiness of the Sabbath.
Thirdly, There remaineth to be considered the extent of this rest and holiness, which is, for a whole day; for the Commandement saith, Remember the [day] of rest, to keep it holy. There is some question when the Christian Sabbath begins; some will have it to begin in the evening (o)Shepheard Thes., and so the night shall be first, and the day after; Others (I conceive) more probably hold that it beginneth in the morning (p)Dr. Bownd. p. 104. Beza in Mat. 28.1. Bifield Expos. Creed. p. 463. Dutch Annot. on Joh. 20.19., because then, and that very early, when it was yet dark, Joh. 20.1. our Saviour was risen, and in his Resurrection, that work which gave occasion of the institution of the day was finished; and so the Lords day is reckoned from morning to morning, or (as some account it) from midnight to midnight(q)Mr. Cawdr. Palm. Part. 3. ch. 2. & ex Chrysost. p. 387., conceiving that the morning begins at midnight, and that Christ rose not much after midnight. Referring this to the Authors (mentioned in the margent) that are large in it, I shall only speak to the thing in hand, which is, that whensoever it begins, it must be a day, and such a day as our six dayes are; for Gods dividing of the week into six dayes of labour, and one intire day of rest must ever stand: As therefore we may take the whole six for our labour, so we must give the whole seventh to God (r)Legem hanc nobis scribamus immobilem, nec nobis modò, sed conjugibus etiam, liberisque nostris, Ut unum hunc totius hebdomadis diem, quo ad audiendum concurritur, totum in eorum quae dicuntur meditatione ponamus. Chrysost. in cap. Mat. 1. in Hom. 5.. There are still seven dayes in the week, of which God never alloweth us more then six for our ordinary and earthly occasions.
Quest. May not a man read a Letter, or answer a Question, Quest.or a Messenger on that day; or do something in an earthly business falling in occasionally?
Answ. 1. I shall not say that's unlawful; for sometimes such a necessity may arise about these earthly things,Answ. 1. or such a work of mercy may fall in to be performed on that day, as may not be deferred; in which regard there may be cause to speak and do such things as (in themselves) are not proper on that day (out of such cases) not permitted. It's one thing to yield to an extraordinary occasion; another, to make a common practice of turning aside securely from holy to common things upon the Lords day.
2. Yet it belongs to our piety, on that day, to sabbatize, as much as we may, those things which are, in their nature, earthly; and to get and use an holy art and skill to turn them heaven-ward (s)Exigua & brevis aliqua occupatio, quae circa res temporales ex occasione versatur, ita potest dirigi, & meditatione piâ temperari, ut religionis officia non impediat sed potius iuvet. Ames. cas. l. 40. cap. 33. n. 16., which we still find in our Saviour, who therefore saith of himself, that he spake earthly things, Joh. 3.12. Not that he did use to talk of the world, but he set forth heavenly things under earthly similitudes, and did weave spiritual instructions within worldly resemblances; What our Saviour did every day, and every way he went, that we should endeavour to do on the Lords day. In which diversion and coming off from earthly things to heavenly, and setting off heavenly with earthly, though some be more happy, yet all, whose hearts are holy, may (if they mind it, and will make a business of Religion) speak one good word or another, to let those know that interrupt them by some earthly occasion, that even in the managing of such a business, they put a difference between Gods day, and their own days. And so they that come with a worldly message to them, may go away with a more heavenly mind from them; and an heart better affected to the Lords day, then they brought with them.
And lest any should think that this is a preciseness which an understanding man would not own, I shall relate here the words of a foraign and very learned Divine, on the Text we have in hand, which are these; The foolish wisdom of mortal men, thinks it a small matter, if some work (especially some lighter work) be done on the Sabbath, (better do so, then worse); but Gods will is, that mens minds should be taken up on the Sabbath day with other (I doubt not, but he understands, holy and heavenly) cares: which cares, (saith he), if thou do never so little a thing of another kind (t)Si vel tantillum aliud agas —., are interrupted, and by this very thing all use of Religion would be exploded, and thrust out of dores; unto which he further adds, that Those things are to be done on the Sabbath which are sutable to the Sabbath, and (on the other side) things vile and evil, are to be taken heed of at all times. Wolph. Comment. in Nehem. 13.15, 16.
Quest.Quest. But if the Sabbath must continue for a natural day of 24 hours, What is to be done in the night of that day? How shall that be sanctified, or what can be done to distinguish it from other nights belonging to our common dayes?
Answ. 1. I doubt not, but that they that are conscientiously careful to observe our Gospel-Sabbath all the day,Answ. 1. will find out wayes to resolve themselves as concerning the night: And all Christians would be advised, if they propound such a question as this is, to see they do it out of conscience, and as seeking resolution, not out of curiosity, and as glad of an objection to make an opposition.
2. Let the question be turned from the Sabbath to the working dayes, thus;Answ. 2. Since I ought to labour in my ordinary Calling on the six dayes, What shall I do in the night? Here this answer may be returned; I may, and should, when the dayes are shorter, work part of the night; and if there be extraordinary occasion, I may work all the night, but if I should do so ordinarily, I should quickly be unable to do any thing in the day: God therefore so requires labour six dayes, as to give us leave (yea, to imply it is our duty) to rest in the night, because he hath given the night for that end. Now, if this answer will hold, then may the like be said concerning the Sabbath day, that is, that the Sabbath night as well as other nights, is appointed of God for rest; but yet, if it so fall out, that we do not rest that night, or in any part of it wherein we do not rest, we are to remember, that it is a part of time belonging not to a working day, but to the Lords day, and therefore that it is to be used accordingly, that is, in one thing or other sutable to a Sabbath; and so, as that what we do in the light and in the night of such a day, may agree together: which shall be further opened in the ensuing Answers.
Answ. 3.3. It is well expressed, that the time of observing the Sabbath is our waking time (u)D. Cawdrey H. Palmer, 2. Part. p. 183.; for, though we say, that the whole 24 hours of that day be taken in of God; and set a part for his use, yet he may give us again what he pleaseth, and he giveth us the night to rest in, which may be reckoned among the works of necessity and mercy allowed on that day; and that both in regard of the holy labours of that day (for it is not an idle day) which require rest the night before, that we may serve God with more strength and vigour, and the night after, because of the expence of strength in such service; and withall, because of the labour of our ordinary Callings the next day, which necessarily requireth the rest of the Sabbath night, that for want thereof we may not be weakened in our worldly work; for as God would not have us to trench on his day of Rest, so it is not his mind that we should return faint and feeble to our day of labour.Answ. 4.
4. I add bes…des, that, though we are not to prevent rest and sleep that night, by setting our hearts (when we lie down) upon serious and retentive thoughts; yet if we cannot sleep (God holding our eyes waking) it appertaineth to the holiness of that t…me, to resume (and call to mind,) some godly meditations: which is more easily done that night, because of the help we have had for better thoughts the day before. Yea, I shall not fear to say further, that in them that have observed the day as they ought, there will be such an holy habit and frame of heart left behind▪ as that, (though they sleep and take their rest, yet) even the dreams of that night (I do not say alwayes will, but divers times) will be like to relish of the holiness of the day; which though some are willing to make sport with, and to count worthy of derision; yet herein they call in question, not only their Piety, but their Reason; for, Nature it self, and common Experience teacheth, that things acted and most affected in the day, leave such impressions, as that they are ordinarily represented by the phansie in the dreams of the night (x)Vid. K…ck erman. System. Phys. l. 3. c. 29. Ple…aq, somnia oriun ur ex imaginibus earu… actionum quas interdiu exercuimus. Hinc Claudianus; Omnia quae sensu volvuntur votae diurno, Pectore sopito reddit amica quies. Venator desessa thoro dum membra reponit, Mens tamen ad sylvas & sua lustra redit. Me quo que Musarum studium sub nocte silenti, Artibus assiduis sollicitare solet..
I have thus far enlarged in describing the Sabbath, out of a desire to establish the holy observation of the Lords day, which will best be discerned by that respect, reverence and observance that is due to the weekly Sabbath according to the fourth Commandement.
Now, when we know what is meant by [Sabbath], and by the observation of it; it's easie to know what is meant by the profanation thereof (mentioned before); which is, the applying of it to common use as we do the other six dayes, when God hath set it a part for holy and heavenly imployments: see Act. 10.15.
This profanation must needs be (as I have said) an evil thing, because it is a transgression of the moral Law of God (y)1 Joh. 3 4, which Law, though it be short, yet the Precept concerning the Sabbath is full and large. If that law be holy, and just, and good (z)Rom 7.12. See Perkins Serm of Repentance on Zeph. 2.1, 2. Prophanation of the Sabbath is a common, yet so great a sin; that where it reigns, in that Countrey, Congregation, Family, Man, or Woman, there is no fear of God, nor any true grace in them., then the profanation opposite to it must needs be evil: Hence the Lord himself said of old, when that which was commanded on the Sabbath was not obeyed, How long refuse ye to keep my Commandements and my Laws? Exod. 16.28. & Ezek. 22.18. Thou hast profaned my Sabbath, is in the catalogue of their sins.
But because there are two things about the Christian Sabbath much disputed; one, the divine institution and appointment of a Sabbath day in every week, for all ages, by vertue of the fourth Commandement; the other, the divine constitution, or Gods ordaining of that weekly day for a Sabbath which we now observe, that is, the first day of the week, commonly called the Lords day: I shall therefore endeavour (as I am able) to speak something, in way of resolution, to these two proposals, that so, Sabbath-doubts may not hinder Sabbath-duties. For the former of these I propound this question.
Quest. How doth it appear that the Law of the Sabbath, Quest.contained in the fourth Commandement, continueth, and is in force in Gospel times, for the observing of one day in seven as a Sabbath, or day of holy rest?
Answ. If it be not of any force, then we have not now a Decalogue, that is,Answ. 1. there are not now in the time of the Gospel, Ten Commandements, but nine only.
If it be said, That doth not follow, because something of that Commandement remains, and is in force for ever, to wit, that some time should be set a part for the publike worship of God.
To this I answer, That it is manifest to him that reads the fourth Commandement, that the thing required in it, is not a time at large (which the second Commandement, that prescribeth the Worship of God, supposeth; because nothing can be done, unless there be a time set apart for the doing of it) but that which is enjoyned, is a day; Nor is it a day at large, but a day in every week, for it is opposed to six working dayes; Nor is it a day in a week at large, but such a day as may challenge this title, The Sabbath of the Lord thy God, that is, it must be a day of Gods appointment, When a Master saith to his servant, wait on me every week in the day I appoint you, and lay before him great reason for it; If the servant should say, My Master looks for no more but that I should wait on him one time or other, it would be but a poor account.
2. If any of the ten Commandements be taken away, it must be taken away by Christ,Answ. 2. that is, by his order, or by some declaration from him; But, he saith, he came not to take away, but to fulfil the Law (a)Mat. 5.17.. And to prove that, he instanceth in divers Precepts of the Moral Law, which he presseth in the greatest height of spiritual observation. Why should the fourth Commandement be taken away any more then the fifth? which yet the Apostle urgeth strongly upon children, and that from the moral and perpetual reason thereof, which though it be delivered in a Jewish phrase relating to the land of Canaan, yet for the substance of it, it concerns all men that live on the earth, Ephes. 6.1, 2, 3.
Object. There is this difference between the fourth and fifth Commandement: Object.That Nature teacheth men to obey their Parents; but to observe a Sabbath one day in seven, it teacheth not.
Answ. In regard of a day of holy Rest in general,Answ. 1. Nature is not silent; for it granteth a God; and that that God is to be worshipped; and therefore that a time must of necessity be set a part for it; and that, a convenient time, and in such a distance, that we may neither neglect our God, nor our affairs; And, taking it for granted, that the Creation is known, that is, that God did make the world in six dayes, and rest the seventh; Nature hath a fair copy to write by, and a glorious example before it to work upon, and to take a light from, to work and to rest in such a proportion of time; I say, to rest, for Nature speaks out this fully, that the time consecrated to God must be a time of rest; because, we cannot serve God in holiness, and be about profane and common imployment, both at once.
2. If we take in, to the light and principles of Nature,Answ. 2. the assistance of divine Revelation, then Nature will say all that needs to be said for a Sabbath, to wit, that it is fit God should appoint his own time for his own service, and therefore he in his Word having appointed a weekly time, such a time ought to be observed.
3. Setting aside all the natural morality that may be pleaded for a weekly Sabbath,Answ. 3. it sufficeth that the spending of one day in seven in holy Rest, is enjoyned by the positive Law of God; for, why shall not the Law of the God of Nature (revealed from Gods mouth, or) written in the Word, bind as well, and as much as the Law of Nature written in the heart? especially considering that what is spoken or written by God (especially by his own finger, as the Ten Commandements were), is pure and incorrupt, as that is not which is written in mans heart, though it were so when it was first written. Yea, Why may we not say (in some respect) that it is worse to disobey a positive law, then a law of Nature? and that because, where Nature saith nothing, but God saith all; there's a greater tryal whether Gods Word, his naked Will, and Prerogative Royal, is of any weight with us or no; and in the despising of such a command, a greater indignity is offered to the Supream Law-giver; as if a Law of his mouth were not worth the marking, unless Nature and Reason open their mouths also; unto which we may add, that he who disobeyeth a positive law, alwayes disobeyteh a natural, to wit, this, that it is meet and necessary, that God should have his will, and retain his soveraignty, which by transgressing a plain precept, wherein Nature can say nothing, is more violated. Hence, that first sin, in eating the forbidden fruit, for the forbearing whereof (being considered in it self) Nature had not what to say, did undo us all, there being thereupon, this charge drawn up against all mankind, in the first man, Hast thou eaten of the Tree whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat (b)Gen. 3.11.? (The like whereof we find in the business of the Sabbath (c)Exod. 16.28, but) I instance in the former, because of the weight that lay upon it, and because of the resemblance there is between forbidden work, and forbidden fruit, by which the disobedience receives a great aggravation, namely thus; Was there liberty for all the Trees of the Garden, and couldst thou not fo…bear one upon my precise command? so, Have I given thee six dayes to work for thy self, and canst thou not rest with me one day (d)As Mat. 26 40. What, could ye not watch with me one hour??
Object.Object. But if the fourth precept stand still established, yet all it commands, is, the observing of the seventh day from the Creation?
Answ. 1.Answ. 1. If it be supposed, that the fourth Commandement enjoyneth the seventh day from the Creation (which I grant not, save only in that sense which I shall afterward express) yet, that hindereth not, but that it remaineth also firm, and in force for one day in seven, as well as the reason of the fifth Commandement is a moral and perpetual reason, though it be delivered in a Jewish phrase, and concern, in the first place and in the form of words, the Jewish people, and therefore the Apostle (to extend the force of the reason to all places and persons thus explaineth it, (e)Ephes. 6.3.That it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest live long on the Earth, (as was touch'd before).
Answ. 2.2. I answer, That the fourth Commandement layes down and prescribes how God would have his Sabbath observed, but it doth not command or institute any particular or individual day, save only in the generality, that is, as it falls under the general notion of being a day of Gods appointment; which day of Gods appointment was well known to the Jews, otherwhere, and before the fourth Commandement was delivered; and therefore it is spoken of in the sixteenth of Exodus as a known law (f)Exod. 16.29. The Lord [hath] given you the Sabbath, not doth [now] give., and the people on the sixth day gathered twice so much bread, two Omers for one man; when on other dayes they gathered but one, as being accustomed to observe the Sabbath (g)Piscat. in Exod. 16.23. Ut qui assueti erant Sabbato observando. Diodat on Exod. 16.22., at least, as knowing that God required it should be observed, that day being set a part for a Sabbath ever since, and by reason of the Creation of the world, Gen. 2.3. Heb. 4.3. (h)Rivet. in Explicat. Decalogi, p. 131.. And as the day the Jews observed and spent in holy rest, was known otherwise, and needed not to be expressed in the fourth Commandement; so also, the day that we Christians observe, though it be not mentioned in that Commandement, yet is otherwise sufficiently made known to be the day that God hath ordained for his weekly Sabbath in Gospel-times, as shall appear hereafter.
3. This being premised, I shall grant (as others do,Answ. 3. who have with much diligence and satisfaction, searched into this argument), (i)D. Cawdr. & H. Palmer, Sabb. Vindicated, 3. Part. p. 448.that the seventh day Sabbath was to be observed by vertue of the fourth Commandement, yet not as instituted there directly, but as belonging to it reductively; that is, by way of argument and consequent, namely, thus: One day in seven, of Gods appointment is directly and for ever required to be observed as a Sabbath by the fourth Commandement; Now, the seventh-day-Sabbath, (that is, the seventh from the Creation) is, that one of seven that God appointed from the foundation of the world till our Saviours coming, suffering, and rising again; It therefore followeth, that that seventh was for all that time, to be observed as the Lords Sabbath, and that by necessary collection from the fourth Commandement. As, in like manner our first-day-Sabbath is grounded on the fourth Commandement, because it is that one of seven which God hath appointed to be observed since Christs Resurrection. The sum is; The genus, or general name of Sabbath is common to each Sabbath day of Gods institution, and so comprehends both the Jews Sabbath and ours.
Answ. 4.4. I answer, (as before), that, otherwise then thus, the fourth Commandement requireth not any particular day; but that which it commandeth, is, (to come more closely to the question) one day in seven in relation to six working dayes, as the Commandement it self expresseth, saying, Six days shalt thou labour,—but the seventh is the Sabbath;—as if it had been said, Divide the week, and there being seven dayes in it, take thou the sixth, and give me the seventh, and namely, that seventh, which I appoint and give order for. And that the Commandement is thus to be interpreted, may appear both by the first words thereof, Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy; (he saith not, the seventh day, but the Sabbath day): as also, by the last words, wherein it is said, the Lord blessed, and hallowed, (not the seventh day, but) the Sabbath day, which sheweth, that the main drift and intent of the Commandement, was not the institution of the Jews seventh, or any other particular day, but of a weekly Sabbath, or of one day in every week: such as then was, or afterward was to be, specified, and declared of God to be his day of rest; yet such as may be called the seventh day, because it must be the seventh part of the weekly time.
Object.Object. But it is said in the latter part of the Commandement, and brought in also as a reason to observe it, that God rested the seventh day, whence it is thus argued: That day is meant, in the body of the Commandement, as the day enjoyned to be the Sabbath or day of Rest, wherein God himself rested; But that was the seventh in order from the Creation; Therefore that's meant by [seventh day] in the body of the Commandement, yea, in the whole Commandement, for God blessed and sanctified that day for the Sabbath whereon himself rested.
Answ. I grant that God rested that seventh day; and that he blessed and sanctified it,Answ. but How? Not meerly as that particular seventh, but as a Sabbath, for so (as it was but now said) the Commandement expresseth it (k)God rested the seventh, and blessed the Sabbath.; only the blessing and sanctification was, at first, fixed on the seventh from the Creation, because that was the day set a part to be the Lords Sabbath for that first age of the world.
I grant also, that Gods resting is brought in as a reason of the Commandement. But then, the question is, Wherein the force of that reason lyeth? To which I say, that it is not brought in as a reason of resting on that individual and precise day, wherein God rested, (save only under this notion and consideration, that it was the day at that time, and for that first world, appointed of God to be his Sabbath) For, it is not a cogent, or inforcing argument, We must rest one day in every week, and never work more then six, because God rested the last day of the week: but this is a strong and convincing reasoning, We must rest one day in seven perpetually, and work but six, because God, our great Lord and Maker, did only work six dayes, and make the remaining day (which was then the seventh in order) a Sabbath, holding forth that his example for our imitation.
I shall say this over again in some other words, more fully to open my mind, and the matter in hand, and therefore express it thus, The argument drawn from Gods Example, is not for the same day, that is, for that very seventh (wherein He rested) determinately, as if it reached and extended it self to no other day in the week; but it is for [a] seventh, or for the day wherein God rested, as a seventh comparatively, that is, in relation to his six working dayes, and therefore they are compared together both in the body of the Commandement, where it is said, Six dayes shalt thou labour, but the seventh, is the Sabbath ▪ and, in the conclusion, wherein it is not barely said, God rested the seventh day, but it is brought in with this, In six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth, that is, ended his work (l)Gen. 2.2, 3., and rested the seventh; Sanctifying that day as his Sabbath for those times, and therein, any other seventh which Himself should appoint for his Sabbath in after-times; for any other day of the week may be called the seventh day, as it is set against six working dayes (m)Suarez de dieb. Festis Deputare septimum diem inhebdomade, est fo…maliter deputare septimum diem; licet materialitèr non idem dies semper fuerit deputatus. See Haman L'estrange of Gods Sabbath, p. 43. The seventh is the Sabbath. The seventh, What seventh? he saith not, the seventh from the Creation, he nameth no day; if he had, it would have restrained the Law to that day: but because he meant the day should change, and yet the Law continue, he saith only, the seventh, that is, the seventh after six, or one in a week.. To conclude, the reason is not for that peculiar portion of time wherein God rested, as if God meant no more but to reason men into the observation of that seventh day (for then the fourth Commandement is gone, or else the Saturday-Sabbath is to be observed still): but it is for the proportion of time, that is, for a weekly day, or one day in a week; and for the portion and particular day, only according to Gods appointment: which appointed time, to the Jews was Saturday; to us now, it is the Lords day.
Of the Christian Sabbath-day, or the Lords-day.
HAving spoken thus far of the Sabbath in general, and in its common nature, or of the Christian Sabbath [as a Sabbath]: I come now to speak of that particular day, which we call the Christian Sabbath, that is, the first day of the week, about which this great Question ariseth;
Quest.Why should this day be so much stood upon, when we find not in Scripture, when we find not in all the New-Testament, any divine Institution of it?
In answer unto this I shall be brief, both because I have been so large already, and because others have written so largely and so convincingly concerning the Lords-day, and the divine Institution thereof, with a full answer to the Objections made to the contrary (n)Ames. Medul c. 15. lib. 2. Num. 27. &c. Dan. Cawd. & Hen. Palm. 4. part. c. 1. &. Ham L'estrange p. 59. &c. & p. 95.: yet it being needful to say something, and other Books not coming to the hands of all; I shall endeavour to give some satisfaction to Christians (as to the former Proposal) in the ensuing particulars.
Answ. 1. It hath been declared before,Answ. 1. that the proportion of time, that is, the observing of a Sabbath weekly, or one day in seven, is required of God in the fourth Commandement, wherein also hath been shewed the manner how it is to be observed, and that we are not to spend it as we do the six working-days, in our ordinary, and earthly imployments, but in religious Exercises, as a day of holy rest to the Lord. I mention this, though it be not so proper to the question, yet as pertinent to it; for, if it be once granted, that by the Commandement of God himself, one day in a week must be kept as a Sabbath, it will quickly be found that the (Lords-day) will make the best plea for that priviledge—. But I go on.
Answ. 2. As to the portion of time,Answ. 2. and the particular day, about which the question is moved, to that I answer, That a thing may be said to be commanded of God, two wayes;
1. In express words, as if it should be said, I require all men to observe, in the time of the New-Testament, the first day of the week for my Sabbath. We do not say, that the Lords-day is thus commanded to be observed as a Sabbath.
2. By necessary collection, or collation, and comparing one Scripture with another; and so a divine Command and Institution is divers wayes gathered, and by strong arguments and consequences concluded; as our Saviour proves the Resurrection (o)Mat. 22.29, 31.and as it is proved that there was a Precept for Sacrifices before the Law, and before any such Precept is found, because God accepted the Sacrifice offered by Abel, which shews it was not Will-worship, but Word-worship (p)Col. 2.23., that is, guided by a word known to them, though not revealed to us.
After this manner, and by sound reasoning from things revealed in Scripture, the divine Institution of the first day of the week for the Christian Sabbath, sundry wayes appeareth, Namely by these ensuing Evidences.
1. A divine ground and foundation of setting apart that day in special, and above all other dayes, for that use; and that is, the divine work of rai…ing up the Lord Jesus from the dead (q)Cujus beneficii comm…morat o successit memoriae Creationis, non traditione humana, sed Christi ipsius observatione at que instituto. Jun. prael…ct. in Gen. 2.. As the first Sabbath had its rise from the work of Creation, and Gods resting on that day (as the fourth Commandement declareth); so hath the New-Testament-Sabbath its rise from the work of Redemption, and our Saviours rising and resting when that work was finished, wherein we may be the more confirmed, because the Scripture so highly extolleth our Saviours Resurrection, that being the great thing which the Apostles, in their Preaching were to stand upon, (Act. 1.22) and did stand upon, and stand for, (Act 3 4) as that without which all Preaching and Faith is vain, and the Apostles would be found false Witnesses, who made it their business to publish and testifie it (r)1 Cor. 15.14, 15.; Declaring the promise to the Fathers to be fulfill'd in raising up Jesus again, as it is written in the second Psalm, Thou a…t my Son, this day have I begotten thee (s)Act. 13.32, 33. Vid. Camer. Myrothec. in loc., that is, That was the great day (like the day when the Crown was set on David's head) wherein (notwithstanding all his humiliation in his life and death) He that was made of the seed of David before, was declared to be the Son of God with power (t)Rom. 1.3, 4 & v. 2., and so, that person in and by whom that which God had promised before in the holy Scripture was fulfilled, and that's it which makes the mercies of David, sure mercies (u)Act. 13.34.. We find also a [yea rather] put upon the Resurrection (x)Rom. 8 34. Vid. Piscat. in Rom. 10.11. in analysi., Christ being thereby a Conquerour, and our Justifier (Rom. 4.25.) when as, if Christ were not risen, we were yet in our sins, 1 Cor. 15.17. All this may shew, of how great weight the Resurrection is in the work of our Redemp…ion, and therefore how worthy it is to have a day set a part for the rememberance of it, and therein for the remembrance of the Redemption it self, and of our glorious Redeemer. And that it was, for that reason, so set apart, the testimony of St. Augustine is clear, who thus witnesseth, The Lords-day was declared to Christians (or declared to be the Christians day) by the Resurrection of our Lord, and from that time it began to have its Festivity, or to be the Christians Festival (y)Aug. Epist. 119. ad Januar. c. 13..
2. We find, A divine name or denomination; The first day of the week being generally agreed upon to be that day which is called, the Lords-day, Rev. 1.10. If we would know why it is called the Lords-day, the like name (z)1 Cor. 11.20.given to the Sacrament of the Body and Bloud of Christ, may inform us. Its true, it may be said to be the Lords-day, because our Lord rose on it; and so the Eucharist, the Lords Supper, because our Lord is remembred in it: But besides this, As we know the Sacrament to be the Lords Supper, because he instituted it for the remembrance of his Passion (a)1 Cor. 11.23.; So we have great cause to think, that the first day of the week is called the Lords-day, because our Lord appointed and took order to have it set apart for the remembrance of his Resurrection and our Redemption; for the Lords-day doth not only imply an acting on it, but an owning of it for his use (b)It being not called Dies Domini, but (which is more) Dominicus, not of the Lord, bu…, which is the Lords.: even as the old Sabbath day, being said to be the Sabbath day of the Lord, Exod. 20.8, 10. was so called, because God did appropriate it to himself as the special time of his service: And this is the more confirmed, because the Service of God was already used among the Christians on that day instead of the Sabbath, as all the ancients Doctors witness, and is to be gathered besides from Act. 20.7. & 1 Cor. 16.2. (c)Dutch Annotat. on Revel. 1.10. Apostoli illum diem haud dubie tanquam ex Domini instituto observarunt ad agendum in eo conventus Ecclesiasticos. Piscat. in Luc. 14 Obs., in which places we find Christians assembling together, and provision made for Collections for the Poor, as on the day already known to be consecrated to God for such uses; yea, it is very probably conceived, that since John could not be (in his banishment) present in body in the publick Congregation, he therefore set himself to holy meditations, that he might be present with them in spirit, and whilest he was thus intent on Soliloquies with God, as he was most fit for, so he was suddenly taken with that divine rapture, wherein those heavenly Revelations that the Scripture records, were communicated to him (d)See Marlorat. in Rev. 1.10. ex Seb. Mayer.. In brief, Nothing hath this Title (Dominical) in Scripture, but either Christs day or Supper, to shew that is taken alike in both (saith a Bishop of great (e)Bishop of Winch. Opuscula. His Speech against Trask in Star-Chamber.note); Now▪ we know that being applyed to the Supper, it implies an Institution, and why it should not do so also (being applyed to the Day) we know not.
3. We find (as hath been touched in that next before) a divine Practice and Observation: for it was observed, as the noted day for Christian Assemblies and Exercises, by the Apostolical Churches, (Act. 20.7. 1 Cor. 16.2.) and therefore it was ordained to be so by the Apostles: for who else guided those Churches? I have given order (saith the Apostles (f)1 Cor. 16.1., for those Collections, that were on that day, because their meetings were on that day for publike wo…ks of Piety and Charity: Now, if it were ordained by the Apostles, then was it ordained by the infallible Spirit of Christ; for what else guided the Apostles in their Church-constitutions (g)1 Cor. 7.40. & 14.37. Matth. 28.20. Act. 15.24.? I add lastly, that if the Apostles directed the Churches to this day, as being guided by that extraordinary and un-erring Spirit that they had, then it was ordained and appointed by Christ himself; for of that guiding Spirit it is, that our Saviour saith, He shall not speak of himself, (that is, not of himself only without the Father and the Son) but, whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; And again, He shall receive of mine, — take o… mine, and shew it unto you, Joh. 16.13.14, 15. So that Athanasius, (that excellent light in the Church of God) is like to be found as right as resolute in pronouncing roundly and plainly, that the Lord translated the Sabbath into the Lords-day (h)foreign, &c. Hom. de Semente..
For the confirming of which, that the translation of the Sabbath from the Jewish day to the first day of the week, was by the Lord himself, or divine Authority, I thus argue:
The seventh-day Sabbath (from the Creation) was expresly commanded the people of God in the Old-Testament (i)Exod. 16.28, 29., therefore the people of God, in the New-Testament, could not desist from the Observation of that day (making it a working-day) and take up a new day, and make it, of a working-day, a perpetual holy day, and that in all the Churches (as this day hath been still continued in the Church-Catholick); I say, this could not be done, unless by a new command of like authority either formal, or virtual; that is, either in express words, or collected by necessary and convincing arguments and evidences (k)To change the Lords day, the Church hath no authority: for it is not a matter of indifferency, but a necessary prescription of Christ himself by his Apostles. Fulk against Rhem. on Rev. 1.10.. And this appears, because every Law bindeth till it be repealed, and repealed it cannot be but by an Authority equal to that by which it was first made; especially with taking another day into its place and priviledge: Who could so change the Sabbath, but Christ himself the Lord of the Sabbath?
Unto this I add (for further confirmation of the divine authority of the Christian Sabbath) the constant observation of the Lords-day (unto this day) by the Christian Church, which Christian Church if it have not observed a right day (that is, a day appointed of God for his Sabbath) every week, then hath it neglected in all this time, and stands guilty of not observing the fourth Commandement; for that Commandement requireth (as hath been proved) a weekly day of Gods appointment to the end of the world (l)See the constant observation of the Lords day by the Primitive and successive Churches, proved in a Treatise entituled, Dies Dominica, lib. 1. cap. 2. & lib. 2. cap. 1. Edit. An. 1639. in quart..
That which remaineth for the closing up of this necessary part of Christianity, is, An Exhortation to the reverent Estimation and Observation of the Christian Sabbath; From 1. The Necessity. 2. The Commodity. 3. The Commendation of it. 4. The Threats and Judgements of God, denounced, and executed on profaners of the Sabbath. 5. The Promises, Priviledges, and Blessings assured to the reverent Observers thereof.