The Parents Primer and the Mothers Looking-glass, Dialogue 3 – Errata
A THIRD DIALOGUE Concerning the SABBATH-DAY.
Min.
BEN!—BEN!—BEN!
Ben.
Where? what? who calls me before I can ſee?
Min.
O! Sleepy-head! hear you not low haſtily ſome one knocks at the door? Pray riſe and know the matter.—
Ben.
Sir I have been down to know his name, and his buſineſſe: and he tells me its he that, ſat ſo long with you under the Tree: and he deſires to ſpeak with you Preſently.
Min.
Strike a light and let him in: and tell him I will riſe.—
Fath.
God Save you Sir. I am compelled to come and viſit you at an unſeaſonable time: I hope you will hold me excuſed.
Min.
Sir, you are welcome to me: but I wonder to ſee you in Town ſo Soon: and am ſurprized to ſee you look ſo Sad. Pray what is the matter? is all well at home?
Fath.
All in health praiſed be God:Parents complaint. of Self. but I am under Grief upon Grief. It hath been a Sad time with me ſince we ſat under the Tree: though I concealed it from you in our laſt conference. SAD! I have Reaſon to be Sad indeed, to think how ſadly I have neglected my poor children Souls. O to think how many times we have walked by the way, and not a word of God! to think how many times they have been twatling about me in the houſe, and not a word! how many times they have been packed to bed, and pulled out, and not a Word of God have I ſpoken for their good! O it hath cut me to the quick! and put me upon prayer for pardon, ſpace, and grace to do my duty. And I did addict my ſelf to it: and began to find peace in it. But yeſterday after the afternoon Sermon, as I was inſtructing my children about the Sabbath,Parents complaint of Mr S Mr A Mr L. in came Mr S in anger, and told me, I kept the wrong day: and ſaid, I ſhould keep the Seventh day, firſt appointed, and never reprealed. When he was gone, Mr A came in and Laughed at me, and my practice as a low thing: viz, to keep One day in a week: and told me, I ſhould keep Every day as He did. When he was gone, Mr L came in and told me, I ſhould keep Never a day Sabbath: for that command for a Sabbath was Ceremonial, and long ſince ceaſed at Chriſt's death. And my Children liſtened to this laſt with delight: and now they ſlight the Sabbath, and whatever I ſay for it: and tell me Mr L is counted a wiſe man. And under this Sorrow upon Sorrow I am ſo diſquieted I am almoſt diſtracted. In your laſt conference, at end of the Tenth Note, when you preſſed it upon me to learn my Children to reverence the Sabbath; I had a mind to ask you what Scripture proof we have for the change of the Day: but I was loth to interrupt you: but now being driven out in diſtreſſe, I pray let me hear your reply to all theſe Opinions, but chiefly for the change of the Sabbath Day.
Min.
Did they uſe to be thus Oppoſite?
Fath.
A little by the By, when other buſineſſe brought us together: but now they came on Purpoſe, and aſſaulted me as Never before.
Min.
Juſt now! as ſoon as you are ſet upon a Solemn work: when the good ſeed is ſown, then comes the Devil †Lu. 8.12.. Indeed you are to be pitied, and ſo are they: but I fear ſome of them will be plagued. As for your former Sorrow, its Alway better than laughter *Ecl. 7.3., Sometimes better than joy: there is ſorrow that Dries the ſpirit, this will Water it: and ſo I praiſe God for it, and paſſe it. But this Laſt is the Peſt, that carries the Poyſon in it: for which I muſt provide ſome Antidote to expell it. As for my reply to theſe perſons, Mr A who keeps every day Sabbath, and Mr L who keeps never a day Sabbath;Every day Never a day. you may put them together (for he that keeps Every day keeps Never a day) and ſo look on them as two perſons poſſeſſed by Satan: above the dominion of God, and under the dominiof the Devil. But let us take them aſunder again: and ſpeak to them apart.
¶ 1) This Every day Sabbath is none of God's ordinance,Mr A conſuted. for God's command is, Six dayes ſhalt thou labour †Exo. 20.9.: it muſt therefore be the Devils ordinance, and to him its obſerved: as the Prieſts which God did not appoint, are ſaid to be ordained for the Devils *2 Chro. 11 15.. Mr A is blown up into the Air with a blaſt from the bottomleſſe pit, and puft up with Pride: a Sabbath day a week is a weak thing with him: he is a 7-fold Saint or under a 7-fold Deceit, in the border of Heaven, whence he is like to fall into the belly of Hell.
¶2)Mr L conſuted. Mr L who keeps Never a day Sabbath, but ſlights the Sabbath as Ceremonial, is to conſider, (1) The Sabbath was not given firſt to the Jews or ſeed of Abram, as Ceremonies were:Sabbath was made for Man. but it was given to Adam as a Publick perſon, for him and his poſterity, to be obeyed whether man ſtood or fell: and this in Innocency before Ceremonies were in uſe. And though Adam was not ſubject to wearineſſe before ſin, yet a Sabbath was ſuitable for him, as a Sacred ceſſation from his calling. So God gave Adam a Sabbath, and Bleſſed it: i e, to make it a bleſſing to him that kept it: and Sanctified it †Gen. 2.3, i e, he ſet it apart for holy uſe. (2) The Sabbath was Certainly obſerved, from Adam to the Law on Sinai, though not much expreſſed in Geneſis, which is but a very ſhort Epitomy of 2000 years Acts, in which time many excellent acts were done, which are omitted, and not recorded. Abrahams obſervation of the Sabbath day, is without diſpute: becauſe he is ſo commended for keeping Gods commandments*Ch. 26.5.. And that the Sabbath was known to Iſrael before Sinai, you may See†Exo. 16.23.: the breach of which command is counted as the breach of all*Ver. 28.. (3) This command for a Sabbath is one of the Ten, delivered on Sinai before Ceremonies:Joſephus's Sabbatical river that runs ſix dayes and reſts one will riſe up in judgement with Mr L and Mr A. and wrote on two tables of Stone, and put into the Ark, as no Ceremony ever was. Mr L playes the Papiſt, who takes away one, and leaves but nine. (4) Chriſts precept for Prayer, to prevent flight on the Sabbath, which flight was to be 40 years after Ceremonies ceaſed, proves the Sabbath no Ceremony: Pray that your flight be not in the Winter, q d, that will wrong your Bodies: neither on the Sabbath †Mat. 24.20., q d, that will wrong your Souls. Mr A and Mr L are brethren, both under a 7-fold deceit: to undeceive them, let us put them together again to conſider, viz, God in wiſdom did ſo order the change of the Day, that though it occaſioned two Sabbaths to come together, yet there was not Two in a week, nor a week without One: to ſignifie, there muſt be nor more nor leſſe than One Sabbath in One Week.
Fath.
What ſay you of Mr S, and of the change of the Sabbath Day?
Min.
As for Mr S who denies the change of the Day,The chang of the Sabbath. I ſay; Though the Change of the Sabbath be not founded out with a Trumpet on Sinai as the Command of the Sabbath was; yet have we ſo much in Scripture as may Satisfie concerning it. They that ſay, Give me a plain precept for a practice, or I will not regard it; may mean Honeſtly, but they ſpeak Ignorantly. For if from a Text we can draw a direct, ſound Inference to prove a practice, that (being the Senſe of Scripture) is to be regarded as Scripture it ſelf. The ſenſe of Scripture we are to ſeek as Silver: and if this be not to be regarded, its vain to uſe any Scriptural Reaſon, or Argument in diſcourſe as Paul uſed to do*Act. 17.2. Ch. 18.4, 19. Ch. 24.25.: or to Study and expound the Scripture by preaching. Then put a Boy into a pulpit to read a Chapter: for what other Sermon can an able Miniſter make? if nothing but the very words of Scripture muſt be delivered. But let us ſee ſome Scriptural proof for this practice.
¶ 1) The ſtone the builders refuſed, O T proof.i e, for a foundation for Faith and Practice, is become the head †Pſ. 118.22., of the work of Redemption: he hath laid the foundation and finiſhed it by his Reſurrection. This is the day the Lord hath made, i e, the day of the week on which Jeſus roſe: we will rejoyce and be glad in it *Ver. 24., i e, to foreſee it by Faith, if we live not to ſee it by Sight. Yet prayes pathetically and ſpeedily for it: Save now, I beſeech the, O Lord †Ver. 25.. God is the Lord which hath ſhewed us light *Ver. 27.i e, to foreſſe this Day. ¶ 2) Thus ſaith the Lord, my ſalvation is near to come †Iſa. 56.1., i e, Actually: it was come before Virtually. Bleſſed is the man that doth This, and the ſon of man that layeth Hold on it, that keepth the Sabbath *Ver. 2.i e, a Sabbath in remembrance of Chriſt's Actual redemption. ¶ 3) When theſe 7 dayes are expired, i e,Eight is a Sabbatical and Vital Number. by the death and Reſurrectiof Jeſus: it (i e, the Sabbath) ſhall be upon the Eight day and ſo forward (the firſt day added to ſeven is the eight day) and I will accept you ſaith the Lord God †Ezek. 43.27..
¶ 1) After Jeſus's reſurrection he ſaid to his Diſciples, All power is given to me in Heaven and in Earth *Mat. 28.18.: which implies power to change the Sabbath. And Chriſt gave them Commiſſion to teach the Nations to obſerve all things whatſoever he had commanded them†Ver. 19, 20. i e, nor more nor leſſe. N B, If Jeſus did not ordain the firſt day Sabbath, the Diſciples (by their practice) have taught England and other Nations to obſerve a New Sabbath of their Own invention. ¶ 2) The Diſciples aſſembled on the firſt day, and ſhut the doors for fear of the Jews; i e, becauſe it was in oppoſition to their ſeventh day Sabbath: and Chriſt came and Sealed their New Sabbath with his ſweet preſence*Joh. 20.19, 20.. ¶ 2) Jeſus was ſeen of the Apoſtles 40 dayes, ſpeaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God †Act. 1.3.: of which the Sabbath is One, and none of the leaſt. ¶ 4) The Diſciples came together to break bread upon the firſt day of the week *Chap. 20.7.: in remembrance of Jeſus, for whoſe ſake they obſerved that day. ¶ 5) The congregation and Collection of the Churches of Galatia, and Corinth upon the firſt day of the week, was by the Apoſtles order†1 Cor. 16.1, 2.: to theſe at Corinth by writing, and ſaith he, the things which I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord *Ch. 14.37. ¶ 6) John being in Patmos ſaid, I was in the ſpirit on the Lords day †Rev. 1.10 A deſert Iſland in the Aegean Sea.. He does not give the day this name, but the day on which he was in the ſpirit, he Signifies by its name, ſo well know to the Churches to whom he wrote: i e, the Lords day, ſo called upon the ſame account as the Supper is called the Lords Supper: viz, becauſe Jeſus (who is Lord of all) did inſtitute both to be kept in remembrance of him. ¶ 7. The firſt day is called Sabbath in ſeveral Scriptures: e g, foreign, the beginning of the Sabbath *Mar. 16.9.:] foreign, the Firſt of the Sabbaths †Joh. 20.1 Cardinal for the Ordinal., i e, the New Sabbaths.] Paul went into the Synagogue on the (Jews) Sabbath day *Act. 13.14., and preached Jeſus: and when the Jews were gone out of the Synagogue, the Gentiles beſought that theſe words might be preached to them the next Sabbath, foreign, the Sabbath between †Ver. 42. See his Sermon. from Ver 15 to Ver 42.] i e, between two Jewiſh Sabbaths, which Sabbath was the firſt day: and that was the Reaſon the Gentiles durſt not name it till the Jews were gone out. Thus far for Scripture Proof: now for ſome Scripture Paralle.
¶ 1) The ſeventh-day was kept in remembrance of God's Creation:Scripture Parallel. the firſt day is kept in remembrance of a New Creation by Chriſts Redemption. As ſoon as man ſinned, there was [Virtually] a diſſolution: he and the world was at an end with him. So as Chriſt was [Virtually] ſlain from the foundation of the world, there was [Virtually] a New creation, by prevention of a diſſolution of the Old: for by him all things conſist *Col. 1.17.. This new creation was called the world to come †Heb. 2.5. 2 Paral.. ¶ 2) The ſeventh day was kept in remembrance of Gods reſt from his work of Creation: the firſt day in remembrance of Chriſt's reſt from his work of Redemption: that all men ſhould honour the Son even as they honour the Father *Joh. 5.23.As from the concluſion of the Creation men were to honour the Father with a day in remembrance of That: ſo from the concluſion of Redemption are men to honour the Son with a day in remembrance of That. When God had actually finiſhed his work of Creation at end of the Sixth day, he inſtituted a Sabbath the Seventh day: ſo when Jeſus had actually finiſhed his work of Redemption at end of the Seventh day, he inſtituted a Sabbath on the Firſt day. ¶ 3) The ſeventh day was kept in remembrance of a Delivery from Slavery†Deu. 5.15: 3 Paral.ſo is the firſt day to be kept. And though all men are not free indeed by Chriſts redemption, ſo as to obtain Salvation; yet is he (in a ſenſe) the Saviour of all men *1 Tim. 4.10.: and may command all men to keep this day in remembrance of him. N B, When the ſeventh day Sabbath was in uſe, it was ſaid, the government Shall be upon his ſhoulder †Iſa. 9.6.: the government is not Now in the hand of God as Creatour, but in the hand of Jeſus as Redeemer: for the Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand *Joh. 3.35., which he will deliver to the Father at laſt day†1 Cor. 15.24. Judgments of God..
¶ The Judgments of God which (on the firſt day) have befallen the prophaners of it, will One day be a Witneſſe for it: though at preſent the plague of Pharoh be ſo upon the hearts of prophane and profeſſing people, that they are not moved at them. viz, (1) Gods judgments on mens houſes and goods by fire: e g, Teverton, Chesterton, London: though in this laſt Hell-born bloody Sinners were the Inſtrumental cauſe, yet the inhabitants Sin was the Meritorious cauſe. (2) On Sabbath-breakers Bodies, who by the formidable hand of God, have been ſtruck Dead on this day in the very Act. (3) On Sabbath-breakers Souls, who have proudly pretended to keep every day: ſuch have been (and are) commonly Curſed and Blaſted, and with all their Blaze brought to nought. To which 1 adde 2 Queries for conſideration, and one Aſſertion for full ſatisfaction.
¶ 1) Was not the Fourth command for a Sabbath Day placed among (and one of) the Ten,1 Q. to ſignifie, it is Originally and Eſſentially Moral and Perpetual? and ſometimes put among Ceremonial Sabbaths*Lev. 23.2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. to ſignifie, that in reſpect of that circumſtance of Time, it was Typical, and ſubject to change? viz, with reſpect to the Day.
¶ 2) Did not Adam fall on the Sabbath Day,2 Q. and ſo break the firſt Sabbath that ever was made? and if ſo, did not that ſignifie, the day was mutable? as the fall and breach of the Tables containing the C W with Adam ſignified the mutation of that Covenant, and the making of a New C from the beginning.
¶ A firſt day Sabbath is (in a Senſe) of as great Antiquity,Aſſertion. as the firſt Sabbath ordained for Adam in Innocency. Though that was at the end of Gods Works, it was at the beginning of mans Life. God Ended his week with a Sabbath: but man Began his week with a Sabbath. It ſeems he was made at end of the Sixth day, to begin his life on the Seventh day, which was his Firſt day, though he was made a moment before the day began. Adam was a Type of Jeſus, who began his New Life at his Reſurrection with a Sabbath, the firſt day of the week. And ſo muſt we begin our week with a Sabbath: a day for God Firſt, which is Certainly more acceptable to God, than to ſerve our ſelves Six dayes firſt, and then put off God (bleſſed for ever) with an Od day at laſt. So much for the change of the Sabbath Day.
Fath.
I am ſatisfied in the change of the Sabbath: but I am at a loſſe to know when the Sabbath begins: but I think its not much matter for that, ſo that a man keeps a day.
Min.
HOW! keep a Sabbath and not know when it begins nor ends! nor Care to know! conſequently you will not care to know when Chriſt roſe from the dead, for his reſurrection gives beginning to the Sabbath. Nor will you care to know how long he lay dead. What grown like Gallio! †Act. 18.17. Simile.Sir, I am ſorry to hear ſuch an ungracious ſpeech fall from your lips. Suppoſe your ſelf taken by cruel Turks: a moſt loving friend (to reſcue you) falls into their hands himſelfe: in which Skirmiſh you eſcape. But for your ſake he is cruelly uſed, wounded, mangled, impriſoned in a diſmal dungeon, So many dayes. Then eſcapes, acquaints you with it, and deſires you (for his ſake) to keep a day in remembrance of his deliverance: beginning at the time when it was. What would you not care to know when to begin nor End! nor how long your friend lay Bound! truely you deſerve to be retaken by the Turks without remedy.
Fath.
I perceive by this, you hold Jeſus went to Hell: but that many Divines deny, and ſo do I: for its contrary to Chriſts words upon the Croſſe, viz, To day ſhalt thou be with me in Paradiſe *Lu. 23.43.. If Chriſt went to Heaven, how could he go to Hell?
Min.
If he went to Both, its not ſo great a myſtery as the Trinity. God is in Heaven and Hell at once†Pſ. 139.8. And Jeſus was in Heaven and Earth at once, before his death*Joh. 3.13.: and why not in Heaven and Hell at once, after his death? Take heed of unſound notions of a Saviour: if Jeſus hath not been in Hell for you, I fear you muſt be there for your Self.
Fath.
Well! let it paſſe. If it be of ſuch concern to know when the Sabbath begins, tell me the time: for there are divers opinions about it.
Min.
I need not inſtance every hour of the day,The Beginning of the Sabbath. but onelyonly the time contended for: viz, Morning, Noon, Even, Midnight: and the meaſure of the day, viz, 12 hours, and 24 hours.
¶ 1) I need not deny that it begins at [Noon] (as the Gipſies count) as if that time was contended for in England: Not at Noon.but though it be not the Plea, it is the Practice of ſome profeſſors, who begin to aſſemble in Gods ſervice after noon, as it were by way of Recreation, to ſerve God by the halves. Such have loſt half the Sabbath long ſince. And it is to be wiſhed they turn not Aminomians and Libertines to loſe it all, and themſelves too at length: for they by whom God is but half Served, are like to be but half Saved.
¶ 2) Some Roman-like plead for [Midnight] to begin and end the Sabbath:Not at Midnight. for which they produce two Texts. (1) Paul preached on the firſt day till Midnight †Act. 20.7.:] which is no ground for this beginning, for he preached till midnight becauſe he was to depart next morning with a final Farewell. (2) Samſon aroſe at midnight and carried away the gate of Gaza *Judg. 16.3.: which ſay ſuch was a Type of Chriſts riſing at midnight.] Samſon was a Type of Chriſt in 20 things: but that he was a Type of Chriſts death and reſurrection, in laying a piece of a night upon pleaſure, is a very unlikely matter. Had he lay 3 nights and dayes in a dungeon, there had been ſome colour for it.
¶ 3) For the [Morning] many will plead,Not in the Morning. and ſo I ſuppoſe will you: but I ſhall oppoſe this Time, time it how you will, and ſay what you can for it.
Fath.
I will try that: what if it begin at Spring of day, and end at Dark night?
Min.
Not ſo: for in ſome Countries the day will be a month long:North. for ſo long at leaſt (ſometime of the year) does day-light laſt.
Fath.
What if the Sabbath begin at Sun-riſe and end at Sun-ſet?
Min.
Not ſo: for in ſome Countries the Sabbath would be more than a Month long:In Ruſſia Muſcovia & Tartaria. for ſo long goes the Sun a Circular courſe round about them in ſight, except Clouds come between: as you would eaſily underſtand if I had a Globe in my hand.
Fath.
We have Morning and Even all the year: we may begin at morning and end at night.
Min.
Not ſo: its no meet meaſure: for the length of a Sabbath in June, will be twice as long as in December.
Fath.
But if we begin at Six and end at Six, the Sabbaths will be all of a length all the year: now I hope I have hit on it.
Min.
Not ſo: for a Sabbath muſt be the Seventh part of Time: a natural day of 24 hours. It is not enough to make one Sabbath equal with another but alſo equal with another day.
Fath.
Then it muſt be from morning to morning: from Spring of day to Spring of day: or from Sun riſe to Sun riſe.
Min.
Not ſo: for then the precedent day hath two nights: or this precedent night belongs to no day. Not to the ſeventh day, for that ends at Even: nor to the firſt day, if it begins in the Morning: and ſo is cut off from both dayes, like Job's curſed night, which he would have disjoyned from the dayes of the year †Job 3.6.. But who dares act ſo contrary to Gods ordinance? who dare divide the night from the day? and Separate what God hath Joyned.
Fath.
I can ſay no more for the Morning.
Min.
Then we are come to the fourth and laſt time under Inſtance,Even, the beginning of the Sabbath. viz, the [Even:] and this I affirm to be the beginning of the Sabbath: and from Even to Even is the meaſure of the Sabbath, from the beginning to the end of the world. At firſt, where the Sixth day ended, the Seventh day (ſucceſſively) began: ſo where the Seventh day Sabbath ended (i e, at Even) the firſt day Sabbath began. And thus of Ceremonial Sabbaths: from Even to Even ſhall ye celebrate your Sabbath *Lev. 23.32..
Fath.
God made the day to beain at Even at firſt: Object. 1 but aſter That world was drowned, and a New world to ſpring out of the Ark, it ſeems the beginning of the day was altered to morning: for ſaith God, Day and night ſhall not ceaſe †Gen. 8.22.. And morning is put before Even in this Pſalm*Pſ. 92.2.: the Title of which is, A Pſalm for the Sabbath day: Ergo, the Sabbath begins in the morning.
Min.
God that made the world, made the day to begin at Even, from the beginning to the end of the world, If after this. God alters the order of his Words, that does not alter the order of his Works. Aaron was older than Moſes †Exo. 7.7., therefore ſaith God, Theſe are that Aaron and Moſes *Chap. 26.: in the next verſe it is, theſe are that Moſes and Aaron †Ver. 27.. You may as well ſay, Aaron was older than Moſes at Firſt, but Moſes was older than Aaron at Laſt, while they lived gogether: as to ſay, The night was before the day at firſt, but now the day is before the night.] Honour thy Father and thy mother *Ex. 20.12.: the father is put firſt, for Adam was firſt formed, then Eve †1 Tim. 2.13.. (By order of the Creation of Man, and firſt inſtitution of Marriage, the man is to be older than the woman: elſe marriages are Monſters.) Yet God alters his order of words, viz, Ye ſhall fear every man his Mother and his father *Lev. 19.3.: this is becauſe children are more prone to deſpiſe their mothers than their fathers.] Render to Ceſar the things that are Ceſars, and to God the things that are Gods †Mar. 12.17.by your argument Ceſar was before God, or to be preferred before him.
Fath.
But ſome ſay, Object. 2 The ſeventh day was not butted and bounded with Even and Morning as the Six dayes were: Ergo, it did not begain at Even as they did: its a day without night.
Min.
If a man had 7 pound in his purſe,Simile. and tells you he hath ſpent juſt 6 pound, does he need to tell you what remains?Simile. If I had 7 dayes natural allowed me to live in a houſe, and tell you I have ſpent juſt 6 nights and 6 dayes, do I need to tell you what remains? or if I ſay, a Day remains, is it not ridiculous for you to conclude, it is a day without night? I am aſhamed of ſuch Arguments: if men will make Miſts, they deſerve to dwell in the Dark.
Fath.
What time in the Even does it begin?
Min.
Not at Sun ſet as you may ſuppoſe:The time of the Even. but when its dark night: which time is both Scriptural and Rational, i e, it agrees beſt with Gods Word, and mans Work. This laſt needs no more proof than mans experience. That its Scriptural, ſee Scripture. When it began to be dark, Nehemiah commanded the gates of Jeruſalem ſhould be ſhut *Neh. 13.19.: i e, that the Merchants might not come in to Sell and break the Sabbath. The gate of the inner court ſhall be opened on the Sabbath, i e, at Even: and ſhall not be ſhut till the Even †Ezck. 46.1, 2.. To begin the day at dark night, is Conſonant to its beginning at the Creation: the Evening and the morning were foreign one day *Gen. 1.5.. The Even or beginning of the night, is put for the whole night: Morning or the beginning of the day, is put for the whole day. N B, The beginning of the day was thus Counted, before the Sun was Created†Ver. 16.: to ſignifie, its not Sun-ſet that begins the day, but the beginning of darkneſſe, when light is at an end.
Fath.
In Summer it is day-light all night. Object. 3
Min.
What then? count the night to begin when it is as dark as it will be, near two hours after Sun-ſet. Thoſe Northern people who have day-light a month together, and they who have Sun-ſhine as long; can count the dayes, and tell when a day begins and ends, by the Circular motion of the Sun.
Fath.
To begin day at dark night is an unſettled Rule, Object. 4 for it is variable all the year long: in December our Sabbath will beain ſoon after 5 a clock: in June not till Ten.
Min.
It is by the Suns Aſcenſion and Declenſion, that night comes Sooner and Later, with us on the North of the Line. But thus hath God made the Sun to rule the day: which we are to reckon as good a rule as if the Sun did riſe and ſet all year at the ſame time. And they that live Eaſt or Weſt from us, are to begin their Sabbath when it is Even with them, though it be Morning or Noon with us, that is nothing to them. So we are to begin when it is Even with us, though it be Morning or Noon with them, that is nothing to us: for the Sun rules the day round the world.
¶ This leads me to a Leſſon for your Lads,A leſſon for Lads. who are apt to think, it is Day and Night, every where at once. To cure this conceit, conſider, When it is morning with us, a quarter part of the Circumference of the world Eaſt, it is Noon: half way round, it is Even: three quarters round, it is Midnight, quite round we are at home. Or when it is morning with us, a quarter part Weſt, it is Midnight: half way round, it is Even: three quarters round it is Noon. And thus it is Morning, Noon, Even, Midnight at once in 4 parts of the world, any hour of the day.
Fath.
That I perceive: Object. 5 but it ſeems unfit to begin a Sabbath with night and ſleep.
Min.
It does more than Seem unfit, to oppoſe the order of the Almighty: the God of order. Why do not you argue thus? It is fit to begin the Sabbath with night, becauſe it is a day of reſt. (2) Though it begin with Night, it is not to begin with Sleep: ſure there is Prayer and ſome holy exerciſe in Gods ſervice to preceed Sleep, if there be any Chriſtianity in a Family. (3) The night is ſanctified of God (for us) as well as the day, and may be ſanctified to God by us: we are to Sleep to God as well as to Wake to God: in ſo Sleeping God will be glorified, and we may be comforted*Pſ. 63.5, 6. (4) Works of Charity and Neceſſity are lawfull on the Sabbath day: and ſuch are eating, drinking, and ſleeping, ſo much as is meet for us.
Fath.
But the Sabbath muſt begin in the Morning, becauſe Jeſus roſe then. Object. 6
Min.
He did not riſe in the morning: there is not a Text in the Bible tells you ſo.
Fath.
You think I never ſearch the Scripture.
Min.
Yes perhaps with a Bible in one hand, and a Pipe of Tabacco in the other: in Paſtime, not in Pain, under your ignorance. Men may be Profeſſors and Preachers, and what they will: but except they are pinched to death under their darkneſſe, and both ſearch and pray to God in good earneſt, they are never like to know the mind of God while they live. Lay both hands and heart too to this work, leſt you come off with a Curſe, and a Blaſt, for a bleſſing.
Fath.
I hope you will not deny this Text†Mar. 16.9..
Min.
I hope ſo too: God for bid I ſhould: but for your ſatisfaction we will ſee what all the Evangeliſts ſay. Matthew tells us, the two Mary's came to ſee the ſepulchre as it began to dawn towards the firſt day of the week *Mat. 28.1..] Mark ſaith they came at the riſing of the Sun †Mar. 16.2.. This cannot be the firſt coming. Theſe ſaw a young man Sitting. *Mar. 16.5. Some ſaw 2 men Standing†Lu. 24.4.. Mary ſaw 2 Angels Sitting *Jo. 20.12.. It ſeems Several came at Several times. Its probable, Mary Magdalene (who had moſt love to Chriſt and to whom he firſt appeared†Mar. 16.9) came firſt along.*Job. 20.1..] Luke ſaith they came very early, foreign, in the depth of the morning †Lu. 24.1.: i e, at Cock-crowing. Depth, ſignifies a thing did in the dark: the morning was deep in the dark: the Spring of day was coming, but there was ſo much darkneſſe between, they could not diſcern it.] John ſaith Mary came when it was yet foreign, darkneſſe *Job. 20.1.: that is was be before Day ia as clear as the Sun. THEN ſaid the Angels, Why ſeek ye the living among the dead? he is not here, but is riſen †Luk. 24.5, 6.: q d, Long ago. Had Mary come at Midnight, ſhe had heard the ſame for all you know. None of the Evangeliſts tell us when Jeſus roſe. There had been a great eath-quake, for the Angel deſcended and rolled back the ſtone *Mat. 28.2.: and for fear of him the keepers did ſhake, and became as dead men †Ver. 4.: and were revived and gone, for ſaifh Mary, They have taken away the Lord *Job. 20.2.. Theſe things had a time to be acted over: but how long ended before Mary firſt came (before day,) is not expreſſed. It is now a Maxime, viz, If the day begins in the morning, Jeſus did not riſe on the firſt day.
Fath.
Mary's coming to the ſepulchre in the morning ſeems to ſignifie, Jeſus was to riſe in the morning.
Min.
Not at all! it was not the leaſt ſign of his riſing in the morning: nor came they with any expectation of his Reſurrection, but to anoint him †Mar. 16.1., as if he had been to lay in the grave as another dead man. When Jeſues foretold his riſing from the dead, his Diſciples queſtioned what the riſing from the dead ſhould mean *Chap. 9.10.. When Jeſus told them he ſhould be mocked, ſpitted on, ſcourged, put to death, and riſe the third day: they underſtood none of theſe things. †Lu. 18.34.. And when they ſaw he was riſen yet they knew not the Scripture that he muſt riſe again from the dead. *Job. 20.9..
Fath.
But the plaineſt proof for Chriſts Reſurrection in the morning, you leave out†Mar. 16.9..
Min.
It ſeems you will bring it in: but it will do you no ſervice, for the ſupport of this opinion. Take this Text as tranſlated, viz, When Jeſus was riſen early, and the Senſe is [when it was early Jeſus was riſen] which does no more prove, Jeſus roſe in the morning, than to ſay at noon [Jeſus is riſen] proves he roſe at Noon: Or than that ſaying the next Even the Lord is riſen *Lu. 24.34.] proves he roſe that Even. Or that expreſſion of Paul ſo long after Chriſts Reſurrection, [now is Chriſt riſen †1 Cor. 15.20.] proves Jeſus roſe juſt then.
Fath.
When then do you ſuppoſe Jeſus roſe?
Min.
I do more than ſuppoſe, for I am fully ſatisfied,Time of Jeſus's riſing. that Jeſus roſe from the dead in the Even, when the Jews Sabbath ended, and our Sabbath began: for it is the Reſurrection of Jeſus that cauſes the Jews Sabbath to ceaſe, and gives Being and Beginning to our Sabbath: which begins at …en, as I have proved. This opinion of Chriſts …ng at Even, I will prove by the ſame Scriptur… you produce to prove he roſe in the Morning: viz, Jeſus was riſen early the firſt day *Mar. 16.9.foreign ſignifies both [early and morning.] Sometimes when fo is tranſlated morning, it ſignifies a time long before day: eg, foreign in the morning riſing up a great while before day †Mar. 1.35.. [The firſt day] does not properly expreſſe the Original: foreign, the firſt of the Sabbath, ie, the firſt Time or beginning of the Sabbath. N B, I am A & Ω, the beginning and the end, the first and the last *Rev. 22.13.: beginning and firſt are One, end all laſt are One, and all ſignifie Chriſts Eternity: the former ſignifies, he is From everlaſting, the latter that he is To everlaſting. This is to ſhew you that by [first] the beginning of the day is intended. And this foreign firſt, is ſometimes tranſlated [beginning;] eg, the latter end is worſe than foreign, the beginning †2 Pet. 2.20.. And thus we are to take this Text*Mar. 16.9., Jeſus roſe early, a great while before day, at the firſt, or beginning of the Sabbath.] If ſome Critick was in our company, he would tell us, foreign Sabbath, ſignifies ſometimes a week: e g, foreign, I fast twice on the Sabbath †Lu. 18.12: i e, two dayes a week. Here its neceſſary to underſtand it a week, for its improper to ſay, I faſt twice a day: but there is no neceſſity of ſuch a Senſe here*Mar. 16.9.: yet if I grant it, all is One, for the beginning of the week, and of the Sabbath is at the Same time.
¶ For farther ſatisfaction, N B, Jeſus was Buried at Even. And it was at the very End of the day: for the day being almoſt at end, and Chriſt with his companions ſtill on the Croſſe, the Jews being netled with fear they ſhould hang there on their high Sabbath, beſought Pilate that their legs might be broken †Job. 19.31., and ſo diſpatched. Then came the Souldiers and braks the legs of the theeves *Ver. 32.: but ſeeing Jeſus dead, brake not his legs †Ver. 33.: but one of them with a ſpear pierced his ſide *Ver. 34.: q d, Thou hangeſt here like a hypocrite, feigning thy ſelf dead to ſave thy Shanks, but I will give thee a touch ſhall try thee. Now in the place where Jeſus was crucified was a garden, and in the garden a ſepulchre, there laid they Jeſus, for the ſepulchre was nigh at hand †Ver. 41, 42.. They hurried him into that hole being hard by, and had not time to carry him farther, becauſe their Sabbath was about to begin. Luke ſaith, foreign, the Sabbath began to ſhine *Luk. 23.54., i e, with Star-light, At this Juncture of time, when that day ended, and the next began, was Jeſus buried: Ergo, Jeſus muſt needs riſe in the Even, to complete the time Prefixt for his laying dead.
Fath.
If Jeſus roſe in the Even, he lay but a day and a night in the grave: for he was buried at end of the Sixth day, and (by your count) roſe at end of the Seventh day: how then did he fulfill his word in riſing on the third day?
Min.
Jeſus did fulfill his word, and we muſt believe it, if we underſtand it not more than the myſtery of the Trinity. But why do you ſay Jeſus died on the Sixth day?
Fath.
O! the Scripture is plain! he died the day before the Seventh day Sabbath. And I have ſeen it thus confirmed by the learned: viz, Adam fell on the Sixth day, proved by this Text†Pſ. 49.12.: and the Paſchal lamb was ſlain on the Sixth day, and Jeſus died on the Sixth day, and all about the ſame hour. Theſe are Parallel proofs. Adam's fall on the Sixth day, and the Lambs death on the Sixth day, prove Jeſus's death on the Sixth day: and Jeſus's death on the Sixth day, proves Adams fall on the Sixth day: as Jeſus muſt dye [virtually] that day and hour Adam ſinned, ſo [actually] that day and hour of the week. This mutual harmony makes all very clear.
Min.
As pithily proved as if you had ſaid, The King of Spain and forty thouſand men: Went up the Hill and then came down agen.
What a fine ſtory is here! and very clear: as ſometime a thing looks, for want of light to look on it.Simile. There is a ſort of rotten wood, that ſhines at Night: but you ſee no luſtre in it at Noon. That the Paſchal lamb was ſlain on the Sixth day, as ſaith your Author, ſee his pithy proof*Ex. 12.6.: which Text tells the day of the Month, not of the Week. And whether he falſiſies,Ainſworth on Exod Pag. 37. Ainſworth, whom he quotes for his Author; I leave it with you to look. That Jeſus was virtually ſlain as ſoon as Adam ſinned, Ideny not: no doubt he undertook for man before man was†Pro. 8.23 Rev. 3.14.: but that Jeſus's death which was 4000 years after mans fall, muſt needs be on that day and hour of the week on which man fell, I reject as ridiculous. If ſuch had ſaid, Jeſus Roſe on the week, day and hour that Adam Fell, it had carried a fairer colour. If men muſt ſearch as far as the foundation of the world, for a foundation to falſifie the day of Chriſts death; it is pity they are not better buſied. But if Adam's fall on the Sixth day. be a proof for Chriſts death on the Sixth day: let us lay aſide the day of Chriſts death a little, and begin with Adams fall.
¶ 1) Adam was a glorious piece of Gods creation:Adam's Fall. his Soul and Body was an Epitomy of Heaven and Earth: and an houſe for God to inhabit. To ſay Adam fell on the Sixth day, is to liken God his Maker to a fooliſh Builder: who lets the houſe fall under his hand before he can finiſh it.
¶ 2) It ſeems by Sacred Scripture, that neither Adam nor Angels fell on the Sixth day: for in the concluſion of the Creation, at the Cloſe of the Sixth day, God ſaw every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good: and the evening and the morning were the Sixth day *Gen. 1.31.: There is the Cloſe up of the whole Creation complete.
¶ 3) As it ſeems by Scripture, Adam fell not on the Sixth day, ſo it ſeems by Scripture, he fell on the Seventh day: and that is my perſwaſion. And I will produce no other proof for it, than the ſame Scripture your Author brings to prove Adam fell on the Sixth day: viz, that Hebrew Text foreign Adam in honour did not abide a night †Pſ. 49.12.. It ſeems he fell that firſt night, which was on the firſt Sabbath day natural, which began at Even.
¶ Note Satans old enmity againſt the Sabbath.Satans enmity at the Sabbath. (1) He myſtically murdered Adam and all his poſterity, on the firſt Sabbath that ever was. (2) The firſt Bodily murder (we know of) in the world, Satan acted by the hand of his ſervant Cain on the Sabbath day: and for a Sabbath dayes ſervice, as I ſuppoſe by this Text foreign in the end of dayes *Gen. 4.3.the Seventh day was the end of dayes, for there never was more than 7 dayes. (3) Satan ſets his Servants a work many wayes to break the Sabbath. And this enmity is not onelyonly againſt Gods Sabbath, but alſo againſt mans Soul. In indignation againſt both, this great governour drives on, as if he would drive all before him into Hell fire. At his command, they curſe, ſwear, whore, pot, pipe, prate, ſport, work, play, walk at pleaſure: all which paths lead to the Lake of fire. The Sabbath is ſpent as if it was the Devils day, and not Gods day. It is the Devils great Trading day for Hell, and the wickeds great Treaſuring day for Wrath: for ſin on Other dayes, does not fill the Vials of Gods wrath ſo faſt as it doth on This day. Adde to all, Satans provoking his ſervants to perſecute Saints on Sabbath dayes for the Service of God: diſturbing them in their meetings, haling them to Priſions, for uſing the liberty Chriſt hath given them. (4) Satan is very buſie with Saints on Sabbath dayes. He tempts them to work, and buy, and ſell, when the Sabbath is begun in the Evening. To lay in Bed in the morning. To trifle away time when they are Up. To talk of controverſies,Saints both ſleep and wake to Satan. and impertineneies: to abſent from Sermons: to Sleep to him at Sermons to Wake to him at Sermons, by wandring thoughts, a thouſands wayes. Here you may ſee by what ſpirit they are acted that are oppoſite to the Sabbath day. Mr A and Mr L did not tell you they came with a meſſage from the Devil yeſterday to diſturb you in your duty. But let us proceed to the day of Chriſts death.
¶ Here let me premiſe a few Cautions.Cautions premiſed. (1) Do not reflect on any thing that ſeems improbable: for it may be True though at firſt it ſeem falſe. Nor any thing that ſeems impertinent (q d, to what purpoſe is this? prove the Point) for it may be to ſome purpoſe though it preſently appear not. (2) This being an intricate point, for its clearing, ſome Scriptures muſt be opened, and ſome reconciled, which cannot be done with few words: in which I muſt croſſe my Self, for I affect to contract things in few words. (3) It being new and contrary to the commmon Creed, you will Object your All againſt it: your Objections you muſt hear orderly anſwered, or it will be in vain to offer them. (4) Be very punctual in obſerving the day of the month I ſhall have occaſion to ſpeak of, with its beginning and ending: elſe I ſpeak into the Air. If I digreſſe, or go forward or back ward from any Day or Thing before I have done with it; care not to carry it in your head, for I ſhall bring you to it again. In a word, before I proceed, reſolve to hear all, or none at all.
Fath.
I will hear what you have to ſay.
Min.
To introduce the day of Chriſts death,Of the day of Chriſts Death. I muſt begin with its lively Type, viz, The Lords Paſſe-over. This from its firſt inſtitution, was on the 14 day of the firſt month, Abib, or Niſan, according to that Sacred account from the time of Iſrael's deliverance out of Egypt †Ex. 12.2.. The Paſchal lamb was to be taken up on the 10 day*Ver. 3., and kept till the 14 day†Ver. 6.: probably that the ſight of it might occaſion Soul preparation. And it was to be killed in the Evening *Ver. 6.: Heb foreign between the two Evenings: i e, ſay ſome, Sun-ſet, and Dark night.] Short work! though they eat it in haſt, I do not think they prepared it in Poſt-haſt.
Fath.
What 2 Evens elſe had they?
Min.
The diviſion of the day by hours, was not uſed when the Paſſeover was commanded: the word [hour] except in Daniel) is not in the O T. But they divided the day into 3 parts, called Morning, Noon, Even†Pſ. 55.17.: from 6 to 10 was Morning, from 10 to 2 was Noon, from 2 to 6 at night was Even. The beginning and end of this laſt part, were the two Evens between which the Lamb was killed: and it was eat at night *Ex. 12.8.. Our Lord Jeſus who came to fulfill the Law: kept this Paſſeover according to Law: he commanded his Diſciples to kill and prepare it upon the 14 day, and he eat it with them at Night when the 15 day began†Mat. 26.17 to 20. Mar. 14.12 to 17. Luk. 22.7 to 14..
Fath.
You ſay I muſt punctually obſerve the day of the month: how ſhall I know the 14 day ended, and the 15 day began that Even?
Min.
Very eaſily. Pharoh roſe up in the night, *Ex. 12.30, and they were thruſt out of Egypt. †Ver. 39.. that night in which they eat the Paſſeover. And they departed from Rameſes in the firſt month, on the 15 day of the month: on the morrow after the Paſſeover *Nu. 33.3. ¶ Here its neceſſary to Note, viz, A Day in Scripture falls under a two-fold conſideration. (1) An Artificial day of 12 hours, from 6 to 6: of this, Jeſus ſpeaks thus, Are there not 12 hours in the day? †Job. 11.9.(2) A Natural day of 24 hours, from Even to Even: of this, Jeſus ſpeaks this night, Verily I ſay unto thee, that this Day, even in this Night before the Cock crow twice, thou ſhalt deny me thrice *Mar. 14.30.. Chriſt calls the night, Day: ie, the Dark part of the natural day. THIS night Jeſus Eat the Paſſeover, Inſticuted the Supper†M. 26.26., Foretold the Traitor at the Table*Lu. 22.21., Waſhed his Diſciples feet†Job. 13.4.. Preached his Funeral Sermon for his Diſciples conſolation*Chap. 14, 15, 16., Concluded it with Prayer†Chap. 17.. Then went out over the brook Cedron *Ch. 18.1. foreign, which word ſignifies black, ſad: over this brook David the Beloved paſſed, when his life was purſued: at which all the Countrey wept with a loud voice †2 Sa. 15.23.. Then to the mount of Olives, near 2 miles from Jeruſalem. *M. 26.30. Mar. 11.1. Job. 11.18.. NO reſt! I have a (bloody) baptiſm to be baptized with, and How am I ſtraitened till it be accompliſhed! †Lu. 12.50.Then to Gethſemance, exceeding ſorrowfull even unto deaht, fell on his face and prayed, O my Father! Did ſweat quaſi Great drops of blood falling down to the ground †Lu. 22.44., while his Diſciples Sleep. Then goes into a Garden*Job. 18.1.: to which Judas (with his Cabal) came, with Lanterns, Torches, and Weapons †Ver. 3.: where the Second Adam was taken in ſuch a place as the Firſt Sinned. Chriſt was carried away with ſuch an uproar, as raiſed a young man out of his Bed with his Sheet about his back, to ſee the Sight*Mar. 14.51.. Jeſus was led bound to Annas firſt †Jo. 18.13, who ſent him bound to Caiaphas the high Prieſt *Ver. 24., and with him were aſſembled all the chief Prieſts, Elders and Scribes †Mk. 14.53 Scaliger., probably to keep the Paſſeover that night. Jeſus was mocked,¶ Mat. 26.20 to end. Mar. 14.17 to end. Lu. 22.14, to 66. Jo. 13.1, to Ch. 18.28. blindfolded, buffeted, ſpit in the face: fear makes the Diſciples forſake him, and Peter deny him, for which he wept bitterly. This is an Epitomy of that nights proceedings: of which at leaſure, read at Large ¶. ¶ In the morning the Jews conſulted and delivered Jeſus to Pilate the Roman Deputy†Mar. 15.1, to fulfill this Saying, they ſhall deliver him to the Gentiles to Crucifie *M. 20.19. Pilate ſent him to Herod †Lu. 23.7., he mocked him and ſent him again to Pilate *Ver. 11., he examines him, finds no fault in him†Ver. 4., would fain releaſe him, but the violent vox populi was ſuch, that he delivered Jeſus to be Crucified *Mat. 27.24, 25, 26.. THEN they Stripped him, Crowned his head with thorns, Smote him, Spit upon him, and (I ſuppoſe) plucked off his Beard†Iſa. 50.6. Ezra 9.3. Neh. 13.25.. And at the third hour nailed him to the Croſſe.
Fath.
What time of the day was that?
Min.
The Jews counted their day of 12 hours,The Jews count of Leſſer hours, 12 in a day. from our Six in the morning to Six at night thus, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, as we do from mid-day to mid-night. Our 6 in the morning is their 12, ſo that their third hour is at 9 a clock.
Fath.
But John ſaith, It was about the Sixth hour before Jeſus was Crucified*Jo. 19.14..
Min.
They had another way to divide the day:The Jews Greater hours, 4 in a day. Godwyn. viz, as they divided the night of 12 hours into 4 watches, ſo they divided the day of 12 hours into 4 quarters: each one Watch and Quarter contained 3 hours. Theſe quarters were called Great hours: and took their name from the laſt of the 3 hours which cloſed the quarter. The firſt, from their 12 to 3, was called the third hour: this is with us from 6 to 9. The ſecond quarter, from 3 to 6, was called the Sixth hour: with us from 9 to 12. Mark means the end of the third hour, at 9 a clock: John means the beginning of the Sixt hour, which begins when the third hour ends: and thus they agree. John tells not the hour of Jeſus's Death: but Matthew, Mark and Luke all agree, that it was After the ninth hour †M 27.45 Mar. 15.34 Lu. 23.44., i e, after 3 a clock afternoon: & buried at Even. ¶ Now we muſt take a ſtep back (Juſt a day long) to the Even when Jeſus eat the Paſſeover, and ſo proceed. At this Even when the 14 day ended and the 15 day began, then began the firſt day of the 7 dayes of unleavened bread*Ex. 12.18 Lev. 23.6. Nu. 28.17. Ez. 45.21..
Fath.
Why then is the 14 day called the firſt day of unleavened bread?†Mar. 14.12.
Min.
Partly becauſe it was prefixt, and joyned to them: and partly becauſe the Paſſe. over was killed on the 14 day, which was eat with unleavened bread at Even, or beginning of the firſt day of unleavened bread. And ſo ſometimes all the 8 dayes are called dayes of unleavened bread †Act. 12.3.: and ſometimes the feaſt of unleavened bread *Lu. 22.1.. But the dayes of unleavened bread (properly ſo called) were but 7, and exactly bounded†Exo. 12.18.. N B, The firſt day of the 7 was the Feaſt of the Paſſeover. In the 14 day of the firſt month is the Paſſeover: and in the 15 day of this month is the Feaſt *Nu. 28.16, 17..] Now before the Feaſt of the Paſſeover †Joh. 13.1, Jeſus inſtituted the Supper, gave Judas a Sop, and after the ſop Satan entred into him: then ſaid Jeſus, That thou doeſt, do quickly *Ver. 26, 27.. Hence (he bearing the Bag) ſome thought Jeſus had ſaid, Buy thoſe things that we have need of againſt the Feaſt †Ver. 29.. N B, The firſt and laſt of theſe 7 dayes were holy Convocations: Seven dayes ſhall ye eat unleavened bread: in the Firſt day there ſhall be an holy Convocation, and in the Seventh day there ſhall be an holy Convocation *Exo. 12.15, 16.. Theſe were Ceremonial Sabbaths, and commonly called Sabbaths. But its the firſt day of the 7, which falls under our conſideration: viz, the 15 day of the month, which you may ſee called a Sabbath †Lev. 23.11, 15.. N B, THIS is the Sabbath which the Jews made to follow Jeſus's Funeral: and which you ſuppoſe to be the 7 day Sabbath.
Fath.
Suppoſe! Ay: well! let that paſſe at preſent. Then it ſeems this Sabbath ſhould have been that day on which Jeſus died.
Min.
Its well obſerved: and by this I ſee you obſerve what I ſay. The 15 day of the month on which Jeſus died, was the day: but they deferred it to the day following, and called the 15 day, preparation day *Jo. 19.42.
Fath.
Why did they ſo?
Min.
As when a fixt Fair falls on Sunday,Jews Tranſlation. the Countrey keeps it on Munday; ſo if this Paſſeover Sabbath, fixed on the 15 day of the month, fell on ſome certain dayes of the week, the Jews had a Cuſtome to Tranſlate it to the next day, by their Rule foreign Badu †Godwyn.: of which one Eleazar is ſaid to be the Author, who lived 350 years before Chriſts Birth*Hoſpinian de Orig feſt. P6.. N B, That this Sabbath was thus tranſlated, a man can no more deny, than he can deny the Day to Spring, or the Sun to Shine.
Fath.
I cannot deny it: but then I believe it was tranſlated from the 6 day to the 7 day: and ſo a double Sabbath, Ceremonial and Moral: and on that account called a high day †Joh. 19.31..
Min.
That I deny, and this I affirm;The high Sabbath no Sabbath. that (as to the Day) it was no Sabbath at all (Ceremonial nor Moral) but one of their own invention. Hence ſometime it hath no Sabbatical Title: e g, John ſpeaking of the day of Jeſus's death, ſaith, It was the preparation of the Paſſeover *Joh. 19.14.: its no more but Paſſeover. Matthew ſpeaking of this high Sabbath, calls it, The next day that followed the day of Preparation †Mat. 27.62., Strange! a Sabbath! a Double Sabbath! a High day! and no other Title but [the next day.] Thus God is pleaſed to drop words, to ſee what notice men will take of them.
Fath.
HOW! no Sabbath! why then is it called a High Day?
Min.
The right day was a high day, for on it Iſrael went out of Egypt with an high hand *Exo. 14.8 Why a High Sabbath.. And it was for a Monument of their miraculous deliverance: e g, This day ſhall be unto you for a Memorial †Ch. 12.14.] Remember this day in which ye came out from Egypt *Ch. 13.3..] And thou ſhalt ſhew thy ſon, &c †Ver. 8..] And it ſhall be for a Sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a Memorial between thine eyes *Ver. 9.. And many ſuch Solemn injunctions, to remember this day with wonder: viz, That Pharoh who ſtood ſo many a Storm, like a perſon Plague-Proof, ſhould riſe up in the night †Ch. 12.30, and call for Moſes and Aaron, and ſay, Go ſerve the Lord as Ye have ſaid *Ver. 31.: alſo take your Flocks, and your Herds, as Ye have ſaid, and be gone, and bleſſe me alſo †Ver. 32.. That ſix hundred thouſand men, beſides women and children, ſhould be pulled out of Priſon, from two hundred years Tyranny, and all in One night: a night INDEED! to be much obſerved to the Lord *Ver. 42.. Upon this account, that Sabbath day was an High day †Joh. 19.31.. Good Joſiah, and ſome few Princely Perſons, ſpent at this Paſſeover, oxen, bullocks, and ſmall cattel, forty one thouſand, 41400 cattel killed.and four hundred *2 Chro. 35.7, 8, 9.: this was an High day. And whether they kept the right day or the wrong, it was all one in their eſteem: they pretended Reaſon, for its Tranſlation. And in caſe of neceſſity, Hezekiah tranſlated this Paſſeover to the Second month †2 Chro. 30.2.: and in ſuch caſe there was an allowance*Num. 9.6 to 11.. N B, This temporal deliverance on the 15 day, was a Type of Eternal deliverance by Chriſts death on the ſame day of the year. And though this temporal deliverance was long before Chriſts death, yet it was by Vertue of Chriſts death, who was [virtually] ſlain before the Firſt Paſſeover was killed. This then ſhould have been an High day on Chriſts account: but him the carnal Jews laid Low: they killed Chriſt on the Right day, and kept the Paſſeover Sabbath on the Wrong.
Fath.
Bleſſe us! no Sabbath! but the Scripture calls it a Sabbath.
Min.
So does the Scripture call the Devil Samuel, 5 times in few words†1 Sam. 28.12 to 20. Satan called Samuel.: and does not once tell us it was the Devil. In calling the Devil, Samuel, God tells us what Saul, and the Witch called him: and leaves it with us to Judge, whether a wicked Silly Witch had power to bring Samuel, Soul and Body from Heaven and Earth. So in calling that a Sabbath, God tells us what the Jews called it: and leaves it with us to Judge, whether Jeſus or the Jews were likeſt to break Gods Law. If that was a C Sabbath (not tranſlated) Jeſus was a Sinner, not a Saviour.
Fath.
I know not what to ſay of the tranſlation of the day. But for Jeſus's dying on the 6 day, the Scripture is clear: beſides invincible Arguments, I have yet to bring. The Scripture ſaith, Jeſus roſe on the firſt day, you dare not deny it: and though it does not ſay Jeſus died on Fryday, or the 6 day, yet in ſaying he died the day before the Sabbath, and roſe in the end of the Sabbath *Mat. 28.1, I think its as plain as if the 6 day had been named.
Min.
Miſtake not the State of our difference. We differ not about the day of Jeſus's Reſurrection, except the Time of the day: viz, you for the Morning the midſt of the day, I for the Even the beginning of the day. But our difference is in the day of Jeſus's Death: you ſay it was on the 6 day: I deny it, and do plainly tell you, your proof by Inference from Scripture, is no better than a Blind Conjecture. Let me hear your invincible Arguments alſo.
Fath.
I have read in learned Authors,The Rd Bp of—for One. that the two dayes which bounded the feaſt of 7 weeks, viz, the firſt day and the 50 day, fell (that year) both on the firſt day of the week. That the firſt day of the 50 followed the Paſſeover Sabbath, is as clear as the Sun†Lev. 23.11, 15.: ſeeing Jeſus roſe on that firſt day, and lay dead on the 7 day, and died the day before; its alſo as clear as the Sun, that he died on the 6 day. Moreover, ſaith my Author, The reſurrection was Tipified to be on the firſt day of the 50 by the Wave-Sheaf (of firſt fruits) which was a pregnant Type of Chriſts reſurrection on that day, who was waved before the Lord by the Earthquake at his riſing that morning, and called the firſt fruits *1 Cor. 15.20.. And the 50 day, that famous Pentecoſt, was Sealed for a New Sabbath by the gift of the holy Ghoſt to the Apoſtles: by vertue of which, 3000 ſouls†Act 2.41. were converted as firſt fruits to God and the Lamb.] And this Harmony hath been a Confirmation of this opinion, viz, Chriſts death on the Sixth day, for many generations.
Min.
If ſo, its high time it was laid low.I hope the beſt of that Bp: he was no horned Beaſt: but this his opinion I approve not. If I had no better foundation for my oppoſite opinion (I am not aſhamed to tell you) I ſhould be aſhamed to own it. This is ſuch another Proof as Adams fall was: and to as much purpoſe as the Story in the Greek Epigram: viz [Two deaf men pleaded a Cauſe before a deaf Judge.] But let us look on theſe 50 dayes,The 50 dayes diſcuſſed. in the letter of the Law. And ye ſhall count unto you from the morrow after the Sabbath, from the day that ye brought the Sheaf of the Wave-offering, 7 Sabbaths ſhall be complete: even unto the morrow after the ſeventh Sabbath, ſhall ye number 50 dayes *Lev. 23.15, 16.. This morrow or Wave-day is the firſt of the 50 dayes: 7 weeks is 49 dayes: the morrow after the ſeventh Sabbath is the fiftieth day (as the Greek word Pentecoſt ſignifies) and when the day of Pentecoſt was Fully come †Act. 2.1., i e, when the ſeventh Sabbath was paſt, the 7 weeks were complete, then the Pentecoſt was fully come. N B, The 50 day begins another week on the ſame day of the week that the firſt day of the 50 began the firſt week of the 7: ſo that the firſt day and 50 day fall both on the ſame day of the week. This a Child can tell, but I mind you of it (though a man) that you may ſee, your 2 great dayes for confirmation of your opinion, Stand and Fall together. And now I tell you, theſe 2 dayes did not fall on the firſt day of the week. Your famous Pentecoſt fell Not on the firſt day. But why do I talk? let us to work. That the Paſſeover was killed on the 14 day, that the Paſſeover Sabbath was on the 15 day on which Jeſus died, and that the Sheaf was waved on the 16 of Niſan; is as plain as A B C: by your rule, Jeſus roſe from the dead the next day after his death: buried at Even, and roſe in the Morning. But ſuppoſe Jeſus had roſe on this Shake-ſheaf day†As your Author calls it., yet what Type of Chriſts reſurrection was this Sheaf? there was an he-lamb without blemiſh *Lev. 23.12.offered on that day too, which was as much a Type of Chriſts Death on that day, as the Sheaf could be of his Reſurrection: by this rule Jeſus both died and roſe in a day: into what a wilderneſſe will the wit of man lead us! N B, This wave-day (on which you ſay Jeſus roſe) was the firſt day he lay in the grave: if your Author had ſaid, The lamb was a Type of Jeſus's death Before that day, and the wave-ſheaf a Type of his reſurrection After that day, there had been ſome ſhadow of Reaſon in his aſſertion. So you may ſee, that your Pentecoſt proof is periſhed: and your invincible Arguments, are overcome.
Fath.
You ſay the Jews tranſlated the Paſſeover to the next day: did they not alſo tranſlate the Pentecoſt from their Sabbath to our Sabbath? and ſo make it fall on the firſt day.
Min.
If ſo, that proves a falſe Pentecoſt to fall on the firſt day: but its no proof for Chriſts reſurrection on the Wave-day: nor is the Pentecoſt to be reckoned from Chriſts reſurrection (as our Calender men count) but the 16 of Niſan is the Standing Rule to count the Pentecoſt from.Calender count falſe. (2) If the Pentecoſt fell on the 7 day Sabbath, the Jews would tranſlate it to the firſt day, by their rule foreign Gahaz: Godwyn.but that year, the Pentecoſt did not fall on the 7 day, nor on the firſt day: not on their Sabbath, nor on Ours neither.
Fath.
If the Pentecoſt fell not on the firſt day why did the Diſciples obſerve it, and countenance Ceremonies which were to ceaſe?
Min.
The Diſciples being few, about 120†Act. 1.15., were at Jeruſalem, becauſe Chriſt had commanded them to continue there*Ver. 4.. The Pentecoſt being an holy Convocation, in which work was forbid†Lev. 23.21., the Diſciples might meet on that day, though the Pentecoſt was to ceaſe: as a Church may do now if work be forbid by Authority, though they approve not the day. (2) Suppoſe the Pentecoſt not to be obſerved, yet the Diſciples might not underſtand the ceſſation of Ceremonies ſo ſuddenly: they were hardly brought off Ceremonies ſome years after. (3) The Pentecoſt keeping the day of the month, changed the day of the week every year; and could not be on the firſt day 2 years together:Paul's Pentecoſt practice. yet it was Pauls yearly practice to be at Jeruſalem at Pentecoſt. e g, I will tarry at Epheſus untill Pentecoſt, for a great door and effectual is opened unto me *1 Cor. 16.8, 9., i e, at Epheſus: and yet, q d, I will tarry but till Pentecoſt, and then I am for Jeruſalem.] When they deſired him to tarry longer with them, he conſented not: but bad them farewell, ſaying, I muſt by All means keep this Feaſt that cometh, in Jeruſalem †Act. 18.20, 21..] Paul haſted, if it were Poſſible for him, to be at Jeruſalem the day of Pentecoſt *Ch. 20.16. Not becauſe it was the firſt day, as your Authors imagine of this†Act. 2.1.: for the firſt day was the unlikeſt day of All for Chriſtians to regard the Pentecoſt, after Chriſts reſurrection: becauſe on that day they met in remembrance of That. Nor to ſupport the Pentecoſt, though he went on the account of no other day: but for advantagious opportunities of preaching Jeſus to the Jews. Paul could call the Gentiles together, but he could not command the Jews: therefore he would watch for ſuch Prizes as Ceremonial Sabbaths pun into his hands, by bringing the multitude together. And ſometime (for his encouragement) he had liberty of preaching in their Synagogue on a Sabbath freely offered: the rulers of the Synagogue ſent unto them, ſaying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, ſay on: then Paul ſtood up (as in his Element) and ſaid, Men of Iſrael, give audience *Act. 13.15, 16.. And Paul thought good to ſmile on ſome Ceremonies for a ſeaſon: for the Jews, Carnal nor Spiritual could endure their Ceremonies ſhould be ſuddenly forſaken. Thou ſeeſt brother how many Thouſands of Jews there are that believe, and they are All zealous of the Law †Act. 21.20., i e, the C L: ſo the Chriſtians counſelled Paul to countenance them, and he did ſo*Ver. 23, 26.. Not to uphold Ceremonies, but to get an intereſt in their affections, that by degrees as they could bare it he might bring them Off: and had he not done ſo, they had caſt him off. Thus to the Jews he became a Jew to gain the Jews †1 Cor. 9.20..
Fath.
But if Pentecoſt was not on the firſt day, why did God countenance it by giving the Diſciples the holy Ghoſt on that day?
Min.
Becauſe I would not onelyonly Silence, but alſo Satisfie you; I have been willing to give you all the advantage I can, by ſtating things fairly for you: and will do ſo ſtill. Suppoſe then the Diſciples met contrary to the mind of God, and knew it: yet for fear or favour of the magiſterial Jews, they conform to keep the Pentecoſt: if God will be gracious, what then? I will not again curſe the ground for mans ſake, for the imagination of mans heart is evil from his youth *Gen. 8.21.] Let my Lord I pray thee go among us, for it is a Stiff-necked people †Ex. 34.9.. Strange Arguments! Gods Word is mans rule, but Gods Will is Gods rule: and if God will be gracious to man, when man walks contrary to his Will; will man ſay, Lord what doeſt thou mean to have mercy on me? Will man call God to his Bar? and bring him into judgement for his mercy. Mercy or judgment, if it be the will of God, it is juſt. Yea if God ſhould command man contrary to his own command: e g, If God will forbid man to murder upon pain of Death, and then command a man to kll his own Son*Gen. 22.2, who will ſay unto him, What doeſt thou? †Job 9.12.God did not make man, to conſult what promiſes God ſhould make to man: nor when he ſhould fulfill them. God gave the Diſciples a promiſe of the Spirit: and he took this time [Pentecoſt] to fulfill it. ¶ 2) I would form a foundation for a Queſtion, for your conſideration. viz, The 50 dayes bounded Harveſt; the firſt day was at Beginning of harveſt: begin to number the 7 weeks from ſuch time as thou beginneſt to put the Sickle to the Corn *Deu. 16.9.. The fiftieth day was at End of harveſt. Harveſt was in the land of Canaan: a Type of Heaven. The 50 dayes contained 7 Sabbaths, a number noting Perfection. Theſe dayes were all linked to the Paſſeover: and all Typical of eternal life. Jeſus began to obſerve this time (with the Paſſeover) before his death. It being ſo, Quere. I Quere whether this Pentecoſt was not to be kept, that God might give the Diſciples a little Heaven on Earth, to ſignifie what an eternal Sabbath they ſhould have in Heaven, Typified by theſe preceeding Sabbaths, which at this day Pentecoſt were conſummated. If you can Anſwer this Queſtion in the Affirmative, then your Queſtion [Why did God countenance the Pentecoſt] is reſolved.
Fath.
I may take it into conſideration another time. But, Suppoſe the Jews did not tranſlate the Paſſeover Sabbath, it fell on the 7 day Sabbath: then they kept the 15 day, and Jeſus roſe the 16, and Wave-day: this proves Pentecoſt on the firſt day, and Chriſts death on the 6 day too.
Min.
Now I can follow you no farther: I dare not Say the word [ſuppoſe] in this caſe: nor dare I think ſuch a wicked thought. But though I dare not Follow you, I dare Meet, and withſtand you to the Face. If you ſay the Jews kept the right day, you ſay Jeſus kept the wrong day. If you ſay the Jews did not Tranſlate the Paſſeover to the day after the right day, you ſay Jeſus did Anticipate it the day before the right day: viz, Jeſus died on the 14 day, and killed the Paſſeover on the 13 day contrary to the Law. In ſo ſaying, you make Jeſus a Tranſgreſſor. Thus by juſtifying the Jews, and condemning Jeſus, you hope to Hit it. Monſtrum! Horrendum! this proof comes from the bottomleſſe Pit: and there being no other way in the world to prove your opinion, rather than fail, you will make Jeſus the Saviour, and actual Sinner: at which attempt what is that heart that will not tremble! Should you Suppoſe, You and I are now in the EaſtIndies, or, London ſtands on the Main Ocean, or, there is no difference between Heaven and Hell, I would as ſoon conſent.
Fath.
But we may Reaſon, and Queſtion: Chriſt was Lord of the Sabbath, and had power to change the Sabbath: might not he change the Paſſeover and be no tranſgreſſor?
Min.
Though Jeſus was Lord of the Sabbath, he was made under the Law †Gal. 4.4., and Subject to it. Though he was the Sabbaths Lord, the Law was his Lord, and had him at command, on which account it was honourable *Iſa. 42.21.. And though Jeſus changed the Sabbath, it was not while he was under the Law: but at his Reſurrection, when he had fulfilled it. Jeſus ſtood in mans ſtead: he was a debtor to the whole Law: the payment of which debt the Law required ot the laſt mite. Chriſts perſon is taken into cuſtody, impriſoned in the grave, till the debt be diſcharged, and juſtice ſatisfied: at his reſurrection (being acquitted) he was taken from priſon and from judgment †Iſa. 53.8.: alluding to a debtour who hath ſatisfied the creditour. Then Jeſus changed the Sabbath.
Fath.
It ſeems Jeſus juſtified his Diſciples in an unlawfull deed on the Sabbath day: for they eat Other mens Corn*Mat. 12.1.
Min.
Not in the Leaſt! the Law allowed that deed: e g, When thou comeſt into the ſtanding corn of thy neighbours, then thou mayſt pluck the ears with thine hand †Deut. 23.25.. As for Davids eating the Shew-bread, and the Prieſts proſaning the Sabbath by killing their Sacrifices*Mat. 12.3, 4, 5.; theſe according to the Letter of the Law were unlawful, but not according to the Senſe of the law; which provided liberty for works of Charity and Neceſſity. And Jeſus in pleading theſe practices to excuſe his Diſciples, doth q d, You count David and the Prieſts blameleſſe in theſe neceſſitous acts, and yet condemn my Diſciples in the ſame Caſe.
Fath.
But Jeſus refuſed to go up to the feaſt of Tabernacles†Job. 7.8., which Law he was under as well as this of the Paſſeover: and if he could diſpenſe with That, why not with This?
Min.
Jeſus refuſed to go up by way of vain Oſtentation, as his unbelieving brethren would needs have him go, for ſay they, Shew thy ſelf to the World *Ver. 4.: that Jeſus reſuſed, ſaying, Go ye up to this feaſt †Ver. 8., q d, by way of Oſtentation if you will it being ſo Faſhionable the world cannot hate you *Ver. 7.for it, they will love their won. (2) Jeſus refuſed to go with Them, becauſe the Jews ſought to kill him †Ver. 1.: not at the feaſt for fear of an uprore *Mat. 26.5: but to Way-lay him, q d, He will come with his kindred as other people uſe to do, and ſo we ſhall Snap him by the way. Therefore ſaid Jeſus, I go not up Yet to this feaſt: q d, till Ye are gone, for my time is not yet fully come †Job. 7.8.: q d, my Meet time to go, or my time to be Taken, when it is I ſhall not ſeek to Save my ſelf. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he alſo up unto the feaſt, not openly *Ver. 10., i e, by the way, for at Jeruſalem about the Midſt of the feaſt, Jeſus went up into the Temple and taught *Ver. 14.. And in the laſt day, that Great day of the feaſt, Jeſus ſtood and cryed, ſaying, If any man thirſt, let him come to me and drink *Ver. 37.. So you ſee, Jeſus did not refuſe to go up to this feaſt.
Fath.
But you have ſaid, Hezekiah changed the Paſſeover, in caſe of neceſſity†Pag 253..
Min.
Hezekiah's Salvation did not depend upon his perfect obedience to the Law: if it had, he had never been Saved: but upon Chriſts perfect obedience, without which, He nor We ſhall never be Saved.
Fath.
If Chriſt kept the Paſſeover a Day before the Right day, he kept it.
Min.
Suppoſe you ſay to a Servant, Do ſuch a work to Morrow. No Sir, faith he, I will do it to day. Nay, ſay you, I am reſolved to have it done to Morrow. Away goes he and does it to Day: does this ſervant Obey or Diſobey you?
Fath.
I confeſſe he Diſobeys me, even in doing the work which I command him.
Min.
How many times hath God plainly expreſſed his mind in this matter! in the Law which Jeſus was under: viz, That the Paſſeover ſhould be killed the 14 day of the month: by your Own confeſſion, Chriſt was diſobedient if he changed the day. N B, Suppoſe you could prove, Jeſus did Anticipate the Paſſeover and not ſin; and that the Jews kept the 15 day; yet except you prove the 15 day of the month to be the 7 day of the week, you neither prove Jeſus roſe on the Wave-day, nor Pentecoſt on the firſt day, nor Jeſus's death on the 6 day: and ſo you are never the near. But if Jeſus had brake any Sabbath, or Law of God in the Leaſt; he could not have been in the Leaſt, any Saviour†Ja. 2.10.. And that Jeſus failed in the leaſt Jota, Jod, Point, or Tittle; is folly, wickedneſſe, madneſſe in a man once to imagine. Before Chriſt would have broken any Command, he (upholding the whole Creation) would have let Heaven and Earth fall: for had he failed a Tittle of fulfilling the whole Law, Gods purpoſe of Salvation had fell. ERGO, this is an infallible Maxime, A Maxime.viz, On the 14 day of the firſt month Niſan, Chriſt killed the Paſſeover, according to All the Rites of it *Nu. 9.3.: and on the 15 day he was killed himſelf: the 16 and Wave-day, was the firſt day Jeſus lay dead, therefore he roſe not That day, nor could Pentecoſt fall on the firſt day. So your Pentecoſt opinion is utterly overthrown: and that for Jeſus's death on the 6 day will follow: and you ſhall never recover them again while the World ſtands.
Fath.
I confeſſe I cannot at preſent tell what more to plead, for One or Other. But though you deny Jeſus died on the 6 day, you do not declare on what other day he died.
Min.
Nor was it proper for me out of the place: every thing beautifull in his time †Eccl. 3.11.. I could eaſily have done that at firſt in few words: but the work was to Anſwer your Objections againſt my Judgment: and your Arguments for your Own. Having done that, I can ſhew my Opinion with pleaſure: but not with ſubmiſſion to better judgments, as ſome finely phraſe it. When I ſpeak my thoughts of what I am uncertain, it ſhall be with ſuch ſubmiſſion: but when I am well aſſured of the truth of what I ſay, I ſhall neither ſubmit to better nor worſe, to Stand or Fall, by this or that mans perſwaſion. I deſire a better foundation, than mans Praiſe, for my Opinion. And what that is concerning the day of Chriſts death, I will now declare: and were it to the whole World with your Self, I would declare it. viz,Week-day of Jeſus's death declared. The 15 day of the firſt month Niſan, on which Christ was Crucified and Died, fell that year on the Fourth day of the week, i e, Wedneſday: at end of which Day our Bleſſed Jeſus was Buried: from which time to the end of the 7 day Sabbath, was 3 dayes and 3 nights,N T proof. the Term of time our Lord foretold he ſhould lay in the grave*Mat. 12.40.. So there was two dayes between the day of Jeſus's death, and the 7 day Sabbath. And one day between that high Sabbath, and the 7 day Sabbath: had the Jews kept the right day, there had been two dayes between their high Sabbath, and the 7 day Sabbath: which you ſay were both on a day. The Reaſon of this Tranſlation,Reaſon of tranſlation. was becauſe it fell on Wedneſday: for if this Sabbath fixt on the 15 day, fell on Munday, Wedneſday, or Fryday; the Jews Cuſtome was to tranſlate it to the next day,Godwyn. by the Rule 172 Badu. That year it fell on Wedneſday, they kept it on Thurſday, the 16 or Wave-day: ſo now you may ſee, your Wave-day and Pentecoſt were on Thruſday.
Fath.
I begin to Stagger! have you any more proof for the day of Jeſus's death?
Min.
What need of more proof than Chriſts Own words? but this Old world being ſo full of Novelty, I thought a New Opinion muſt have a New Proof too: take one then out of the O T.O T proof. And after 62 weeks ſhall Meſſiah be cut off, but not for himſelf †Dan. 9.26: theſe are extraordinary weeks. And he ſhall confirm the covenant with many for One week *Ver. 27.: there is no Prefix in the Hebrew to render it [for] one week, but foreign one week] he ſhall confirm the covenant (with or rather) For many, i e, for all the Elect, by being cut off according to the covenant†Zech. 9.11.. And he ſhall cauſe the Sacrifice and Oblation to ceaſe: the Sacrifice was the yearly Paſſeover*Ex. 12.27, the Oblation was the daily Sacrifice†Num. 28.2, 3, 4. Dan. 9.21.: theſe two, viz, the Yearly Type and the Daily Type of Chriſts death, when he the Subſtantial Sacrifice was ſacrificed for us, then he cauſed them Shadows to ceaſe. But when? in the Midſt of the week he ſhall cauſe the Sacrifice and Oblation to ceaſe *Ver. 27.: this One Week was an Ordinary week of 7 dayes, the Midſt of which is the Fourth day, or Middle day,The time Jeſus lay Dead. having 3 dayes before it and 3 dayes after it, all which of theſe 3 laſt Jeſus lay dead. So you may ſee, though the Week-day of Jeſus's death (ſo long ſince) be not known to this Day; yet this day was foretold before Chriſts Birth, by the Scriptures of Truth: in which God drops words in the Dark, to ſee if men will feel after him †Act. 17.26, 27.. Thus I have given you the Teſtimony, of Gods two Teſtaments, to prove my Opinion.
Fath.
I confeſſe this is more than I looked for: but if Chriſt lay ſo long dead, it will occaſion ſome more Queſtions.
Min.
Bring out them Queſtions, and let nothing remain to broile at bottom.
Fath.
If there was a day between the 2 Sabbaths, why did the Jews go to Pilate for an Order to ſecure the Sepulchre on a high Sabbath?*Mat. 27.62. and not ſtay till next day.
Min.
As neceſſity hath no Law, ſo neceſſity hath no Holy-dayes.Neceſſitas non habet Ferias. What cannot be done Before, nor deferred till After, may be done on the Sabbath. It could not be done Before: their crowns were ſo full of concern to get Chriſt crucified, there wanted room for that conſideration. And they had been Up the night before that day Too: but having Slept upon it, and ſettled their wicked wits, now Sir, we remember that that deceiver ſaid After 3 dayes I will riſe again †Mat. 27.63..] And it cannot be omitted till to morrow: q d, So he may be ſtole away to night, by his deceitfull Diſciples*Ver. 64..
Fath.
If there was a day for work between the Sabbaths, why did not them zealous women bring their Spices on that day? but ſtay till after the 7 day.
Min.
Why lay the Popiſh Lords in the Tower? why the Priſoners in Newgate?
Fath.
Becauſe they cannot get out.
Min.
No more could they get in. The Jews made the ſepulchre Sure, ſealing the Stone and ſetting a Watch †Ver. 66.. It was made faſt for 3 dayes, to prove Chriſt an Impoſtor.
Fath.
Why did they ſtay till morning? and not come at Even, at the 3 dayes end.
Min.
Why do not fearfull folk who are ſcared at their own Shadows, go into Church-yards among graves at midnight?
Fath.
Indeed becauſe they dare not.
Min.
No more durſt they go into a Tomb at night to the Dead. Frights make folks fearfull: it had been a Terrible time with them. When they came in the Morning, they feared to go in. Mary ſtooped down and looked in *Joh. 20.11.: and the Diſciple whom Jeſus loved came Running to the Sepulchre: yet went not He in †V. 2, 4, 5..
Fath.
How does your Opinion accord with this expreſſion? he roſe again the third day *1 Cor. 15.4..
Min.
This phraſe [the third day] is moſt miſerably miſtaken if thus taken,A miſerable miſtake. viz, Friday 1, Saturday 2, Sunday 3: as if the day of Chriſts Death, and the day of his Reſurrection were 2 of the 3 dayes: for neither is the One or the Other any of that number. But [the third day] muſt be underſtood by theſe Standing Rules, viz, the Son of man ſhall be 3 dayes and 3 nights in the heart of the earth †Mat. 12.40..] The Son of man muſt be killed, and After 3 dayes riſe again *Mar. 8.31.] Chriſt's enemies could remember his words (though his friends forget them) viz, We remember that deceiver ſaid, After 3 dayes I will riſe again †Mat. 27.63..] The Angel ſaid to the women, He is riſen as He ſaid *Chap. 28.5, 6.: i e, when the dayes and nights were ended which he prefixed.] On the firſt day ſaid Cleopas to Chriſt, To day is the third day ſince theſe things were done †Lu. 24.21 foreign.. This is a dark Text, and thus to be tranſlated, To day the third day is Gone ſince theſe things were done *PAS LEX pag 43..] Eſther faſted 3 dayes, night and day†Eſt. 4.16.: yet ſhe is ſaid to put on her Royal apparell to approach to the King on the third day *chap. 5.1. completo die tertio. Junius.: i e, at end of the third day.] Thus my Opinion does accord with the Word, but how does Gods word and You agree! from the beginning of your count, viz, Friday at Even to the time when Jeſus roſe is but a Night and a Day: and from the beginning to the end, i e, the next morning, is but 2 Nights and a Day: how did Jeſus fulfill his word?
Fath.
Synechdochically, I ſuppoſe Jeſus was buried a little bit before the Sixth day ended, and I count That for a day: and that he lay a moment on the firſt day morning, and I count That for a day.
Min.
Yet here is but 3 dayes and 2 nights: here is not a Bit of a third night.
Fath.
Then the night preceeding the Sixth day, muſt make it up.
Min.
And can you imagine this to be Chriſts meaning! In all this you do little better than ſay, Jeſus (the man of Sorrow) Jeſted, Joqued, and Juggled with his death. I wonder in what Darkneſſe we over-look this word NIGHT! If Jeſus had ſaid, The Son of man ſhall lay 3 Dayes dead, you had ſome Plea for your Opinion: for [Day] ſometime ſignifies Day without Night, and ſo Part of a day natural: but it is [3 dayes and 3 nights.] And I would know where in all the Bible, this phraſe [day & night] does once ſignifie Day without Night, or Night without Day, except in Heaven or Hell. But your Firſt day (as you call a Bit) is without Night: and your Laſt day (as you call a Night) is without Day. By your Synechdochical rule you may argue, that Jeſus lay 3 Years or 3 Ages dead: for [Day] figuratively ſignifies a Year or an Age.A Hellhinge. A moſt miſerable miſtake. This taking Scriptures Figuratively which ſhould be taken Literally, is the Hinge on which them poor deceived people called Quakers turn all into confuſion, and overturn all the Fundamental truths of the Goſpel, viz, The birth, life, death, burial, reſurrection, aſcenſion, interceſſion, ſecond coming of Chriſt: the reſurrection of the dead and eternal judgment: yea Heaven and Hell, and all Figurative, and Within†O! Great Gulf! Monſtrum! Horrendum!. This is a piece of the Pride of that Humble people, who count the Common literal ſenſe of Texts too Low for them.
Fath.
How may we know when a Scripture is to be taken in a Figurative Senſe?
Min.
When a Literal ſenſe is abſurd, or contrary to the Analogie of Faith, or good morality of Life. e g, To eat the fleſh of Jeſus, to drink his blood, to cut off a right hand, to pluck out a right eye. To take ſuch ſayings in a Literal ſenſe, is abſurd, fooliſh, agrees not with faith, or good life. N B, Bleſſed are your eyes †Mat. 13.16.] take this literally and its ridiculous! to think their eyes were Bleſſed, and all the body and ſoul beſide Curſed: but this is by your figure Synechdoche, when a Part is put for the Whole, or è contra: but the whole [3 dayes and 3 nights] are not put for parts, bits, and moments as you imagine.—
¶ If your Qu be An, let us come towards a Cloſe. I have given you a true account of the Day of Jeſus's death, of the Time of his burial, of the Time he lay dead, of the Time of his reſurrection. But you neither tell when Jeſus Died, or how long he lay Dead, or when he Roſe: for you have nothing in the Bible to prove your opinion by. (1) The day of Jeſus's death is not ſaid to be the 6 day. (2) The Sabbath enſuing is not ſaid to be the 7 day. (3) The firſt day is not ſaid to be the morrow after That Sabbath: but when its ſpoken of, its thus phraſed, viz, the firſt day of the week *Joh. 20.1..] When the Sabbath was paſt †Mar. 16.1, i e, the moral Sabbath.] foreign, in the end of the Sabbaths *Mat. 28.1, i e, Ceremonial and Moral. N B, This moral Sabbath fell in between two Ceremonial Sabbaths: viz, the firſt and laſt dayes of unleavened bread, and after the 16 of Niſan. Such a Sabbath we read of, called the ſecond Sabbath after the firſt †Lu. 6.1. Mat. 12.1. idem.: ſo called becauſe it followed the firſt, i e, the Paſſeover Sabbath. foreign, the Second firſt Sabbath: ſo called becauſe it fell after the firſt, and before the ſecond Ceremonial Sabbath.Scaliger de emend temp. It was the next Moral Sabbath after the 16 of Niſan: which day was foreign. the Deutera, or ſecond day of the 7, the Wave-day from whence they counted the Pentecoſt. The Diſciples rubbing the cars of Corn *Lu. 6.1., tell us it was at this time of year which we are treating of: i e, at beginning of Harveſt, which began the 16 of Niſan, the firſt of the 50 dayes. Hence the name of the month foreign Abib, which ſignifies an ear of corn: this is in March †Buxtorf Heb LEX Pag 1.. The fiftieth day, was at end of Harveſt, in April, or May.
Fath.
Well! you go quite croſſe to the common account of the Church for Ages: and to Chriſtians and learned Miniſters now living: I fear this will be offenſive, if I ſhould make it known.
Min.
And as croſſe to my ſelf you would ſay, if you knew how much its againſt the hair with me to diſpleaſe men. I deſign not to diſpleaſe, or pleaſe men, farther than for their profit. My main deſign is to pleaſe God and my Conſcience: if in ſo doing I do (accidentally) diſpleaſe men, I muſt harden my ſelf in that ſorrow †Job 6.10.. And may I but engage God and my Conſcience to ſtand by me, I have enough, were all the world to riſe up in arms againſt me. As for mens Hearts, they are in Gods Hand: and with him I leave it, to turn them To or Fro me as he pleaſe. I have learned to know, I am not to live by mens Smiles, nor to die by their Frowns.
¶ Sir,Conceſſion. you are at liberty to tell your Authors what I have told you: but counſel them not to Back-bite me, for that is uncomely. If they have any thing to reply more than your Self, deſire them to do it to my Face. But let them know, their Replication muſt come from holy Scripture, elſe it will be loſt labour. It will be in vain to tell me, I oppoſe the opinion of the Church for So many ages: or I am oppoſite to the Church that now is, National or Congregational†I mean all in ſeparation from the National: and ſo in Pag 213.: or to this or that learned Miniſter, or Dr. The Queſtion with me (concerning an opinion) is not, Whoſe is it? but, What is it? If they bring any thing out of Philo, Joſephus, Manaſſe Ben Iſrael, or any of the Talmudical Doctors, or Jewiſh Rabbies, that will give light to a Dark Text, I will embrace it: but if it comes to darken a Clear Text, or to diſprove a Plain Text, I ſhall utterly reject it: and therefore (to convince me) it will be in vain to produce it.
Fath.
I preſume you have not been long of this perſwaſion. Did you never ſpeak of the time of Chriſts reſurrection in Preaching? pray what account did you give the people of it?
Min.
Sir, I ſhall deal ingeniouſly with you.The Author's way in his Work. I have ſometime preached a Sermon for the obſervation of the Sabbath day. For a beginning I directed to the morning, ſuppoſing it to be the time of Jeſus's riſing. But I ſecretly thought I wanted a bottom: for I could not tell what time in the morning Jeſus roſe: and was as if my heart did not ſtand by me in it. I marvel now in what Miſt I was groping at Noon day, for the time of Jeſus's riſing in the morning: for that was not at all to be expected. Nor need the time of his reſurrection be expreſſed, when the time of his Burial, viz, Even, and the time of continuance in the Grave, viz, 3 dayes and 3 nights are both expreſſed. The ſhame of this Bottomleſſe counſel for a beginning of the Sabbath, I am willing to bear: but I knew no better: yet my ignorance will not excuſe my negligence, I ſhould have made better Search. But I was never concerned about it till you and I had talked under the Tree: ſince that I have been much perſwaded, that the Common count for the day of Chriſts death was not True: but that he lay longer dead. And becauſe I had never diſcourſed any man concerning it, I ſearched ſome Expoſitors of Texts relating to it: and found them all oppoſite to me: ſo I ſee, if I went on, I muſt go againſt the Stream. And ſeeing I could find nothing For me, I ſought to find all I could Againſt me: and to know the Full ſtrength of this Stream. This being found, I laid theſe learned Authors By, and fell to work by the ſearch of the Scriptures and Prayer: for I could not give it over. And though many a time after Much ſtudy and Little hope, I have been Cruſhed as if I ſhould give up the ghoſt; yet I could Not give it over: but continued in prayer to God, viz, that if the Common count of the day of Chriſts death was true, he would cauſe me to acquieſce in it: but if my perſwaſion was true, that he would be pleaſed to help me to underſtand it, and make it out to You, and not leave me to erre in it. To this purpoſe I did implore God with many prayers, and many t—, to ſay no more, he knows the way I take *Job 23.10 Prayer and Profeſſors are Strangers.. Prayer is another thing than many imagine: and many times I think I never prayed yet: but if ever I prayed, it was for this. And praiſed be his holy name, he hath heard me, and helped me through this intricate work, which was the hardeſt knot to untie, that ever I took in hand in my Time. I gave up my ſelf to the Conduct of God. As I was never for on work by any mans Word, Letter, or Print, or ever had the leaſt hint of this Opinion from man; ſo I never asked any creature any one Queſtion concerning it, in all the time I have been upon the ſearch of it. This I tell you to this end, viz, If you think I erre, you may blame no man but my ſelf: and if you think I am right, you may give God and not man the praiſe.
¶ Sir,Parent Cautioned. here is a Providence which you may not lightly paſſe over. viz, This concern of the Sabbath falling on me ſo ſoon after our Conference under the Tree: which ſeems to be for your Sake. I thought not of it in our Firſt Dialogue. I was concerned with it in our Second Dialogue, though (not being ready for it) I did not tell you of it: but I am no ſooner prepared for this Third Dialogue, but you are driven out by Yeſterdayes oppoſition to draw me to it. And let me tell you, In all this labour, I have had you in my eye: much deſiring your Sound ſettlement for the Sabbath. Here is a voice of God, ſpeaking to you: which I deſire you may hear. And I pray conſider ſeriouſly with your ſelf, what account you will give at the Great Day, if you will not hear Gods voice ſo Audible, nor ſee his word ſo Viſible: but will bottom your Sabbatical opinion on mans Tradition, which hath no ground in Gods word.
Fath.
I am ſhattered and unſettled, like a troubled Sea after a Storm, by this New ſudden aſſault of my Old opinion: but when there comes a Calm and my mind Quiet, I ſuppoſe I ſhall ſettle upon your foundation: ſo you may freely ſpeak what you have farther to ſay, as if I was already of your mind.
Min.
I counſel you to pray God to ſettle you on a ſure foundation,Parent Counſelled. as (day and night) I have done: and by which means I am at length come to the deſired Haven: towards which I have been long rowing. And though by the way, I have had many a fall down into the deep; yet I ever roſe upon this Text*MAT. XII.XL.. And my Antagoniſts being Anſwered; upon this even, firm, ſound ground I Stand*MAT. XII.XL.: and from this Opinion I ſhall Never depart while I Live, except Chriſt comes from Heaven, and declares me deceived.
¶ Having ſet the Sabbath upon its own Baſe, or rather ſhewed you where GOD hath ſet it,Praeſt at pauca avidè diſcere quam multa cum taedio devorare. Eraſmus. and on what Foundation he hath Bottomed its Beginning, and (as I hope) ſettled you upon that Foundation; I ſhall for your profitable practice, Drop a few Directions for the Sabbath Day, and ſo diſmiſſe you.
¶ 1) Remember the Sabbath day before it comes, to Prepare for it:1 Direct. Memento. and let none of yours remember it to Prophane it. If you forget or neglect the Sabbath, you loſe it, and let it fall. If the Sabbath falls, Sin and Satan too riſes, to your Ruine. REMEMBE… is a word of THUNDER! Remember, the Sabbath is Never to be forgot, while the World ſtands.A Popiſh Opinion. Popiſh writers ſay, There was no Sabbath before Sinai:] but the Sabbath came in with the Firſt man, and muſt go out with the Laſt man. REMEMBER! Prepare!Simile. If a great man was to come to your Houſe, you would make great preparation. REMEMBER! the Great GOD is to come (this day) to your Heart. Lift up your heads, O ye Gates! &c. and the King of Glory ſhall come in †Pſ. 24.7. foreign. Septuag.. The Septuagint Title of this Pſalm ſhews it to be A pſalm for a Sabbath.
¶ 2) Begin the Sabbath when the Sabbath begins: i e, at Even.2 Direct. End the work of the precèdent day when the day ends: i e, at Even. If you care not when you Begin the Sabbath, peradventure God will not care when you End it, nor how unprofitably you Spend it.
¶ 3) Riſe early in the morning.3 Direct. Sleep not away the Sabbath: ſo you may ſleep away Salvation, and the Soul. Be not Sleeping, when you ſhould be Praying. Pray him to give Bleſſing to the Sabbath, who gave Being to the Sabbath. Let the body be early Up, and the heart early Ope. Before you riſe, count, Chriſt is calling as to Zacheus: viz, Make haſt, and come down (UP) for to day I muſt abdie at thy houſe *Lu. 19.5..
¶ 4) Be not ſlothfull in duty on the Sabbath day.4 Direct. The ſluggard is Satans Cuſhen.Simile. Come not to a Sermon to be a Seat for Satan to ſit on. Satan entered J…s, Simile.at Supper-time: into idle ſouls, at Sermon time. The Sabbath is a day of Merchandiſe for the Soul†Better than of Silver and Gold.. Idleneſſe is Never good, nor Ever ſo had as on Sabbath-dayes. Some had rather ſweat their browes Six dayes for the Body, than their brains One day for the Soul. Do your duty on this day, or you do nothing: and do every duty in Seaſon. You cry, O the Times! we muſt hear comfortable Doctrine to ſtrengthen our Faith.] In vain is comfortable Doctrine, without conformable Life. A Chriſtian weakens his Faith more by a Sin, than a Miniſter can ſtrengthen it by a Sermon.
¶ 5) Be ſpiritual in every duty on the Sabbath day.5 Direct. In order to This, be ſpiritual on Other dayes. He that is carnal Six dayes, is not like to be ſpiritual One day. Be not content with outward expreſſions and actions, without inward affections: not with the Body of duty, without the Soul of duty: not with the Gift, without the Grace of duty.
¶ 6) Beware of your own Works.6 Direct. Do nothing but of neceſſity: viz, what you cannot do the day before, nor forbear till the day following. e g, To quench Fire, To ſtop Water†Sea-bank breaches. To ſave the life of Man, or Beaſt, To move Malt, To gather, and ſave Saffron. In ſuch caſe, we break the Sabbath, except we break it. But do theſe Spiritually, and with Speedy diſpatch.
¶ 7) Beware of your own Words.7 Direct. What may not be Done, may not be Said, or talked of. Talk not of News, except neceſſary. This diſcourſe eats as a Canker!Simile. and hath eat out the Life of Religion long ago. We talk much of the Papal Plot, as if we were well acquainted with it: but this Part of the Plot we are ignorant of, viz, Satans deſign to make us talk away our Time, till we talk our ſelves down the Stream:Simlie. like the Fool whoſe lips ſwallow up himſelf †Eccleſs. 10.12.. If men were acquainted with their ignorance of God, they would think all their time too little to talk of God.
¶ 8) Take heed of your own Thoughts.8 Direct. By them, many break the Sabbath, and few know it. What men do Openly, or ſpeak Audibly, is ſeen and heard by men: but a man may think Ang thing, Every thing, and all men know Nothing, but God knows all. The body, tongue, or hand may be Bound up from ſin, and the heart Bent for it againſt God. Such ſecret Sabbath breakers, are reſerved in Store, for the day of Wrath.
¶ 9) Be ſorry for the ſins of Sabbath dayes. Sigh and Cry!9 Direct. for all the abominations, that abound on Sabbath dayes. God groans under them: if you are at eaſe while God is preſſed, God will take no pleaſure in your Reſt.
¶ 10) Be acquainted with the emptineſſe of Religion,10 Direct. without a due obſervation of the Sabbath day. The 4. command for a Sabbath, is called, Guſtos primae tabulae, keeper of the firſt table:] the 5 command for honour of Parents, is called Cuſtos ſecundae tabulae, keeper of the ſecond table.] He that keeps not the 4 command, is locked out of the Firſt table, and is like to do GOD no Service: he that keeps not the 5 command, is ſhut out of the Second table, and is like to do Man none, well: but to be Abominable, and Diſobedient, and to Every good work, Reprobate *Tit. 1.16..
That theſe Drops may Water,Epilogue. &c make Better, LORD! put Life to every Line and Letter.
Fath.
That his may be as you do Say, I will go haſten home and Pray.
foreign
ERRATA.
Pag 13, lin 25, for bitterneſſe, read bitterneſſes.
Pag 19, lin 22, for Low, read Law.
Pag 37, lin 24, for plentitudinem, read plenitudinem.
Pag 136, lin 17, for full Horrour, read full of Horrour.
End of the text · Joseph Waite, The Parents Primer and the Mothers Looking-glass (1681)