the beginning of those feasts in the evening which did then begin As for the supposed beginnings of the first daies gathered out of this phrase the evening and the morning were the first day they cannot be necessarily concluded to be at evening For the evening and the morning there importeth the moment of the evening and morning parting one from another and the returne to the same period which moment is rather at the beginning of the morning then of the evening The evening useth to be referred to the end of the day and the morning to the beginning as Exod. 29. 38 39. 1. Sam. 17. 16. and 30. 17. Joh. 20. 19. 50 Q. What other reason is there of the Lords daies beginning in the morning A. Christ then rose Mar. 16. 2 9. Of Christs rising in the morning no question can be made all the Evangelists agree in the narration thereof Now the Lords day being a memoriall of Christs Resurrection if it should begin in the evening the memoriall would be before the thing it selfe which is absurd to imagine As all Gods workes were finished before the first Sabbath so all Christs sufferings before the Lords day His lying dead in the grave was a part of his suffering therefore by his Resurrection was all ended With his Resurrection therfore must the Lords day begin To make the evening before the Lords day a time of preparation thereunto is a point of piety and prudence but to make it a part of the Lords day is erroneous and in many respects very inconvenient Hitherto of Directions Aberrations follow Aberrations concerne Mens Opinion Practise Some mens opinion is erroneous in too much loosenesse others in too much strictnesse Errors in too much loosenesse are foure 1. Denying the morality of the Sabbath 2. Accounting the Lords day a matter arbitrary 3. Judging externall rest and rites sufficient 4. Supposing servil works in case of hazard to be lawfull The error in too much strictnesse is this Thinking needfull works to be unlawfull Aberrations in practise respect others or themselves Two respect others viz. Keeping others from sanctifying the day Scoffing at such as make conscience thereof Foure respect men themselves Doing servil works openly Deviding the Lords day betwixt God and themselves Waxing weary of holy duties Profaning the Lords day under a pretence of keeping it 51 Q. What aberrations are contrary to the Law of the Sabbath 1. Deniall of the morality and equity thereof There be many that account it no morall precept but reckon it among the ceremonies which were appropriated to the Jewes Herein they may justly be reckoned in the number of those who make void the law of God Psal. 119. 126. Much more they who account it too heavy a yoke for Christians to beare Indeed the sacrifices and other legall rites which were enjoyned to the Jewes for the manner of solemnizing the Sabbath are too heavy a burden now to be laid on Christians But none of those are mentioned in the Morall Law That which we account Morall and to have a perpetuall equity is the substance of the Law Yet against this doe many also except as a wrong done to Christians in that thereby as they alleadge they are deprived of a seventh part of their time Is man deprived of that time which is best spent which is spent in serving God edifying his soule and promoting the eternall salvation thereof Fie on such sensuall and unreasonable conceits who complaines of being deprived of that time which is spent or rather mispent in idlenesse and wickednesse 52 Q. What is a second aberration A. Making it a matter arbitrary There be that grant it to be a very meet and equall thing that a day should be set apart to Gods honour and our spirituall edification but they hold it too strait a bond to be tied to a set and certaine day they would have it left to the liberty if not of particular men yet of the Church to set apart what time they thinke fit What is this but to suppose tâ—at men may be wiser then God or at least that men who live in after ages when the Spirit hath withheld his extraordinary assistance and immediate inspiration may better know how to order times then they who were in speciall manner inspired and assisted by the Holy Ghost yea what is this but to give liberty to man to breake the Lords bonds and to cast away his cords from them This is a ready way to bring man to teach for doctrines the commandements of men and so to worship God in vaine Mat. 15. 9. 53 Q. What is the third aberration A Judging externall rest and rites sufficient This was one of the reasons and that an especiall one which moved the Prophets to cry out against the Jewes for observing those ordinances which God himselfe had enjoyned namely that they rested onely in doing the outward workes In this respect saith the Lord Isa. 1. 13. The Sabbath and calling of assemblies I cannot away with Yet herewith doe most content themselves The externall rites are onely meanes and helpes for sanctifying the day the sanctification thereof doth not simply consist in them much lesse in sneere rest and cessation from labour for then a beast might sanctifie the Sabbath 54 Q. What is the fourth aberration A. Supposing servil workes in case of Hazzard to be lawfull Thus they pretend unwarrantable workes of necessity that is such workes to be of necessity which are not so What are to be accounted workes of necessity we heard before namely such as require a present performance in that they could not be done the day before nor put off to the day after To them many add such things as are in hazard or whereof there is feare that they may be spoiled as in harvest if the weather have beene foule a day or two before the Lords day they thinke they may on the Lords day if it be faire make hay reape corne gather fruit and do other like servile workes But these are not of an absolute necessity For the weather may be faire after the Lords day as well as upon it The Law therefore hath expressely forbidden this Exod. 34. 21. In earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest on the seventh day To worke on the Lords day on feare that the next day will be foule is to distrust the divine providence These foure are errors in overmuch loosenesse 55 Q. What is the fift aberration A. Thinking needfull workes to be unlawfull on the Lords day This is an error in over-much strictnesse For some are so over-strict as they will not suffer a fire to be kindled on that day nor any hot meate to be drest nor sundry workes of mercy to be done like the Jewes who blamed Christ for the manifold cures he did on the Sabbath and his Disciples for plucking and rubbing eares of corne and eating the graine The many proofes which Christ alleadgeth in defence of himselfe and of his Disciples and
2. These in one respect may be accounted workes of piety namely as they are instructions directions and reprehensions gathered out of Gods word but in another respect they are workes of mercy namely as they tend to the reliefe of our brother in regard of his spirituall distresse and need of his soule The matter of them makes them workes of piety the end whereto they tend makes them workes of mercy There is therefore a double bond to tye us to a diligent performance of all these on the Lords day as we can finde any occasion of doing them one the bond of piety the other the bond of mercy Yea as the soule is more excellent then the body and the good of the soule more necessary then the good of the body so these works of mercy which so much concerne the good of the soule ought with more diligence to be done then those which concerne the good of the body which yet we must not neglect These we ought to doe and not leave the other undone 19 Q. What are the workes of mercy which concerne the body A. 1 Visiting the sick and such as are otherwayes restrained of liberty Mark 1. 29 30. Mat. 25. 36. 2 Relieving the needy with what they want Isa. 58. 7. 1 Cor. 16. 2. Mat. 25. 35 36. 3 Pulling out of danger such as are therein Mat. 12. 11. Luk. 13. 16. 4 Affording all other seasonable succour Mat. 12. 1 4. These may be so ordered as none of the forementioned duties of piety need to be omitted for them If Christians rise in any seasonable time they may performe both private and secret duties of piety before they goe to Church in the fore-noone and if they spend not too much time at dinner they may doe the like before Church-time in the afternoone And when they come from the after-noone publick service of the Church either before or after the like private duties of piety they may doe some of the fore-mentioned workes of mercy and those such as concerne the body If they prove such as hinder workes of piety they belong to workes permitted which are hereafter distinctly set downe 20 Q. Are not duties of piety and mercy to be done on other dayes also A. Yes Act. 2. 46. 2 Tim. 4. 2. 1 Thes. 5. 17 18. Prov. 3. 28. God every day continues the same God and answerably he is to be so acknowledged and in testimony thereof divine worship is every day to be performed Under the law they had their morning and evening sacrifices every day Exod. 29. 38 39. By duties of piety to God are our secular affaires sanctified and seasoned Every day therefore are they to be performed And because every day the necessities of some or other require workes of mercy we must be ready every day to doe them so farre as we are able The rules for shewing mercy are especially these three 1 Our brothers necessity 2 Our owne ability 3 Gods opportunity that is the occasion which by the divine providence is offered unto us Luk. 10. 33 34. 1 Joh. 3. 17. 21 Q. Wherein lyeth the difference betwixt doing workes of piety on the Sabbath and on other dayes A. They are on the Sabbath as meat on other dayes as sauce Numb. 28. 9 10. We use to fill our bellies with meate and to eate as much as we can I speake of such as eate for strength and not for gluttony but we take a little sauce no more then will give a rellish to the meate and sharpen appetite So on the Sabbath we ought to doe as many duties of piety thereon as conveniently we can To secret duties private must be added to secret and private publick The greater part of the Sabbath day must be spent in these But it is sufficient on other dayes to performe secret and private duties of piety morning and evening to season and sanctifie the workes of our calling thereby and that by craving pardon of sinne assistance and blessing and by giving praise to God yea and by learning directions out of Gods word For which end some part of the holy Scripture is to be read and some opportunities are to be taken where they may be had to heare Sermons on weeke dayes But the greatest part of every of the six dayes is to be spent in the workes of our calling Exod. 20. 6. 22 Q. Wherein lyeth the difference betwixt doing works of mercy on the Sabbath and on other dayes A. Opportunities for works of mercy are to be sought on the Sabbath and taken on other daies 1. Cor. 16. 2. No Sabbath ought to passe over our heads wherin some worke of mercy if at least we be able is not done The time that we spare from duties of piety and from a lawfull refreshing of our bodies ought to be spent in works of mercy For which end it is requisite that we take due notice of such as are sicke or in prison or otherwise restrained of liberty or any way troubled and perplexed and of such as are poore and in want yea if we know none such to enquire after them and to goe to visit them and comfort them and relieve them Where the Apostle enjoyneth to lay up something in store every first day in the weeke which is the Lords day he implies that that is a very fit season not only to doe workes of mercy which then are offered to us but also to prepare on that day for other times Surely if every one would every Lords day lay something aside as God hath prospered him for a stocke to give to the poore much good might be done thereby Thus will men have more to give thus will they have in a readinesse to give it being a sacred stock by their voluntary setting it apart to such an use their conscience will account it sacriledge to lay it out any other way thus will they more cheerefully give because the stock out of which they give is prepared before hand and thus will their benevolence on another day be a Sabbath-daies work because it is out of the stock which on the Sabbath day was laid aside If poore men that live on their daies labour if servants that live on their wages would every Lords day lay up some tokens or pence for this end they might have without any sensible dammage to themselves a stock for the poore how much greater stoare would be for the poore if rich men according to Gods blessing on them would so doe 23 Q. What servil workes are permitted on the Sabbath A. 1. Such as further the proper works of the Sabbath Mat. 12. 3 4 5. 2. Such as hinder them Mat. 12. 11. Such is Gods wisedome as in all things that he requires he affords all meanes that may further the same And withall such is Gods tender respect to us as he ordaines and orders all things for our good For our good namely for the spirituall edification of our soules he first ordained the Sabbath The Sabbath
was made for man Mar. 2. 27. Therefore those ordinances wherein and whereby he is worshipped and honoured are the meanes of edifying and saving our soules But God did so aime at our spirituall good as he would not on his day have the temporall good of our bodies neglected If therefore our bodies stand in need of present succour for the affording whereof duties of piety must be omitted he suffers us to forbeare the externall works of piety and thereby verifies that which the Prophet of old testified Hos. 6. 6. and Christ once and againe confirmed Mat. 9. 13 and 12. 7. I will have mercy and not sacrifice 24 Q. What servil things may further the proper works of the Sabbath A. First externall rites about the performing of them Levit. 24. 8. Num. 18. 9 10. Vnder the Law there were sundry rites which required much bodily labour that tended to that worship which God then required as slaying sacrifices fleaing and cutting them in peeces laying wood on the altar and the sacrifices thereon renewing the lamps setting the shew-bread on the table and many other the like concerning which Christ thus saith of the performers thereof The Priests in the Temple prophane the Sabbath and are blamelesse Mat. 12. 5. that is they do such things as in other cases not concerning the Worship of God would be a profanation of the Sabbath If a butcher in his slaughter-house should so slay slea and cut beasts in peeces on the Sabbath he would therein prophane the Sabbath But in the case of Gods worship they are no profanation and therefore the performers thereof may justly be acquitted of all blame therein Thus Church-Wardens and Clearkes may provide good Bread and Wine for the Communion and Water for Baptisme and bring them to Church Thus Collectors may receive tell out and distribute money to the poore Thus Ministers may studie for their Sermons And other like works may be done that tend to the principall duties of the Sabbath 25 Q. What other servil things may further the proper workes of the Sabbath A. Such as our weake bodies doe stand in need of Exod. 12. 16. Mat. 12. 1. Man by sinne hath brought many infirmities upon his body By them is he much disabled and hindered from performing good duties The Lord therefore every way endeavouring with his goodnesse to overcome mans wretchednesse hath by his providence afforded him sufficient meanes to support and redresse his infirmities These meanes God is willing that man should use at all times on all accasions so farre forth as may be needfull and usefull for him The Lord is not like that cruell Tyrant who laid upon the Israelites whom he held in hard bondage as much as they could doe if not more and yet would not afford them ordinary meanes to doe it He rather will have his work intermitted then man oppressed thereby 26. Q. What are those particulars which our weake bodies doe most need A. 1. Sleepe Eccles. 5. 12. 2. Foode Luke 14. 1. 3. Apparell 2. Sam. 12. 20. 4. All other occasionall helps Mar. 2. 3 4. 27. Q. Why is sleepe requisite A. If we have not seasonable sleepe the night immediately before the Sabbath the latter part whereof namely from midnight to the time we rise is part of the Sabbath the duties of the day will be so drousily performed if at all they be performed as they cannot be acceptable to God nor advantageable to our spirituall edification Sleep doth much refresh our drowsie bodies and cheere our dull spirits and so make us much better performe the duties of the Sabbath Therefore sleep is said to be sweet Eccles. 5. 12. 28 Q. Why is food needfull A. Food is of speciall use to refresh the body and quicken the spirit if it be seasonably and moderately taken Many mens spirits will be ready to faint if they be not in due season refreshed with convenient food Christ therefore on the Sabbath tooke his ordinary repast Luke 14. 1. and made an apology for his Disciples refreshing themselves on that day Luke 6. 1 c. yea he sheweth that such mercy ought to be afforded to Beasts Luke 13. 15. 29 Q. To what use is apparell A. Apparell also is needfull and usefull for refreshing the body and for comelinesse It keepeth the body warme it covereth our uncomely parts Then especially are wee to make our selves comely when we go into great assemblies and greatest assemblies use to be in Churches on the Lords day Of old they were wont to put on their best apparell when they went to the House of God 2. Sam. 12. 20 unlesse it were a time of humiliation Exod. 33. 4 5. 30 Q. What other helps are there A. There are sundry other helps which occasionally arise from sundry accidents As in case of lamenesse or weakenesse of limmes by gout spraining or any other meanes it is a great helpe to be carried to Church and that carrying may prove to the bearers a laborious worke So where the Church is remote the help of horse and coach by land and boate by water is needfull It appeares that many brought such friends to Christ as could not come of themselves on the Sabbath Mar. 1. 32. 2. 3. 31 Q. How doe the fore-mentioned meanes further duties of piety A. By enabling us the better to doe them Psal. 104. 14 15. We heard how they refresh our bodies cheere our spirits and support yea and redresse our manifold infirmities thereby they enable us to doe the things which we take in hand the more cheerefully and steddily and thereby further the same A man that hath a long journey to ride by resting some-time in an Inne by taking repast himselfe and giving his horse provinder enableth himselfe and horse to goe further then other-wise they could and so doth further his journey Though in baiting he doth not travell or goe any whit of his way but abide in his Inne yet hee helpeth forward his journey and shall by that meanes better come to the end thereof Even so though in doing those servill things which are needfull for our bodies the Sabbath be not properly sanctified yet by them the sanctification thereof is furthered in that the services tending thereto are thereby better performed 32 Q. What cautions are to be observed for well using these on the Sabbath day A. First no more time then needs must be spent on them Exod. 34. 4. The Lord testifieth his respect to us in offording us liberty to use the things whereof we stand in need and time convenient therein to use them It becommeth us therefore to testifie our respect to God by giving to him and his service as much time as we can and not to abuse his indulgency by spending on our selves more time then is needfull Wherefore having had quiet rest in the night we ought to rise betimes in the morning and to be quick and speedy in attiring our selves that we may have the more time to serve God on
his day The like must be done by servants in the needfull services which they doe So in sitting at table to eate meate wee must use all convenient speed To rise the sooner from bed and table and to doe all needfull servile workes the more speedily because it is the Lords day argueth a good respect to God and his service 33 Q. What other caution is to be observed A. Such servil workes as are permitted on the Sabbath must be performed as Sabbath daies workes Such respect must be had to this sacred time as we ought to endeavour to turne all things so farre as wee can to a sanctification of that day 34 Q. How may they be so done A. 1. With due respect to the end 2. With like respect to the manner The end and manner make much to the qualifying of that we doe An evill end and manner much pervert the things we doe but a good end and manner adde much to the glory of warrantable things 35 Q. What is the end to be aimed at A. To be better enabled to workes of piety 1. King 19. 7. This end especially if indeed we doe the better what we are enabled to doe which is the right use and proper effect of the end this end maketh servile works to become Sabbath works For instance if going to bed the evening before the Sabbath we pray to have quiet rest for this end that we may more cheerefully doe the duties of the Sabbath that sleep is a Sabbath sleep so to eat and drinke for that end is a Sabbath eating and drinking So in other things 36 Q. After what manner must they be done A. With raising matter of spirituall meditation from them Luk. 14. 7. On the Lords day our mind ought to be so heavenly as thereby every thing should be done after an heavenly manner not onely workes of piety but also every other worke that we doe thereon should be so done When we first wake we should call to mind what day it is and desire God to sanctifie us to the duties thereof Rising out of bed should bring to our minde the first resurrection out of sinne and the second out of the grave In apparelling our selves we should meditate on the adorning of our soules In washing face and hands thinke on the cleansing of our soules Servants in making and blowing the fire should thence take occasion of stirring up the fire of Gods Spirit in them In preparing meate they should thinke of the food of their soules There is nothing which may lawfully be done from which a pious minde may not draw matter of heavenly meditation whereby the things from which meditation is drawne are sanctified 37 Q. May servil works be done on the Sabbath though they hinder duties of piety A. Yea. Mat. 12. 7. God doth not so strictly tie us as fall what will or can fall out we must goe to Church This phrase not sacrifice Hos. 6. 6. implieth that there may be cases wherein God doth not expect sarcrifices that is externall duties of piety to be performed by us 38 Q. What are those servil works which may be done though they hinder duties of piety A. Such as are of an absolute necessity This absolute necessity hath relation to mans need namely that it is necessary that such and such things be done or els some great dammage or prejudice will come to man 39 Q. How may that absolute necessity be knowne A. If that which must needs be done could not be done the day before nor can be put off to the day after This implies a necessity of the present performance even upon the Sabbath day This first is laid downe as a ground that it must needs be done then it is taken for grant that it could not be done the day before and also that it cannot be put off to the day after therefore it remaines that it must be done on the Lords day For instance A tile falls on a mans head and soarely wounds him on the Lords day It is necessary that succour be afforded to this man The day before nothing could be done for his cure because no man knew he would be hurt Succour must not be put off to the day after least the man perish for want of succour Such therefore as are able to helpe him must doe it though thereby the duties of piety be hindred Note for this purpose Joh. 7. 23. 40 Q. Of what sorts are those workes of absolute necessity A. 1. Ordinary 2. Extraordinary Ordinary are such as for the most part happen every Sabbath and some-where or other are performed on that day Extraordinary are such as may fall out and sometimes do fall out but very seldome and it is a lamentable accident when any of them doe fall out 41 Q. What instances may be given of ordinary servil works which hinder duties of piety A. 1. Tending young children 2. Keeping sick and impotent persons 3. Helping women in travell Most families have some young children which cannot looke to themselves nor be brought to Church without disturbance of the whole Congregation Very oft it falls out in every City and Towne that some be sicke or otherwise impotent by age or some casualty so as they cannot goe to Church but require some to tarry with them and to attend upon them And in what day of the yeare doth it not fall out that some women in one place or other fall in travell If every day then also every Lords day But it is requisite that more then one or two assist them in their travell All these therefore are ordinary servil works whereby some are kept from duties of piety and yet are blamelesse Instance Hannah who tarried from the Temple till her child was weined 1 Sam. 1. 22. and was blamelesse 42 Q. What instances may be given of extraordinary servil workes which hinder duties of piety A. 1. Quenching fire on houses 2. Making up breaches of water 3. Withstanding enemies 4. Freeing living creatures out of present danger The three first of these concerning Fire Water and Enemies are so violent that if present helpe be not afforded against them irrecoverable dammage may soone follow thereupon If therefore in any cases that rule hold mercy and not sacrifice Hos. 6. 6. Mat. 12. 7. most of all in these As for freeing living creatures out of danger we have Christs expresse warrant Mat. 13. 11. Luke 14. 5. If unreasonable creatures are instantly to be pulled out of danger much more reasonable Luk. 13. 15 16. By these particulars which are permitted we may see that a conscionable observing of the Sabbath is not so heavy a yoke as many imagine it to be 43 Q. Is our Lords day now the true Sabbath A. Yes 44 Q. What grounds are there to prove it to be so A. 1. Divine authority This is the best ground that can be even that which is sufficient to settle a mans judgement and conscience Divine authority is that which is
the many evidences which he giveth of the Jewes superstition herein are a sufficient refutation of this erroneous opinon For this purpose reade Mat. 12. 1 2 c. Luke 13. 15 16. 14. 4 5. Joh. 7. 23. These five are errours in opinion Aberrations in practise follow whereof two concerne others 56 Q. What is the sixt aberration A. Keeping others from sanctifying the Lords day The Law layeth the charge of sanctifying the Sabbath on men not onely for themselves but also for others especially for such as are under their charge For the Law thus expresseth the prohibition of servile workes In it thou shalt not doe any Worke thou nor thy Sonne nor thy Daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant nor thy cattell nor thy stranger Which is Within thy gates Yet there be many so farre from procuring others and those under their charge to sanctifie the Lords day as they hinder them and suffer them not to doe it Such are they that use to make great feasts on the Lords day rather for pomp then necessity or to relieve the poore or set out enterludes or such kinde of solemnities for meere pleasure and they who having others to attend upon them spend all the fore-noone in attiring and adorning themselves and all they who imploy servants or others upon secular affaires contrary to the commandement These and other like to these pull their owne and others blood upon their owne soules They have cause to feare the doome denounced Jer. 34. 16 17. 57 Q. What is the seventh aberration A. Scossing at such as make conscience of sanctifying the Lords day There are many not onely deceived in their understanding but also so perverted in their will and so impious in their heart as they cannot endure such as are better enformed then themselves or that beare and shew a better respect to God and his worship then they doe Therefore to discourage men from their pious courses they brand them with ignominious titles as Precisians Puritanes Sabbatarians and Jewes Herein they doe exceedingly aggravate their sinne and shew themselves like him that was borne after the flesh whose doome was to be cast out Gen. 25. 9 10. Gal. 4. 29 30. David was troubled with such in his daies for thus he complaines Psal. 119. 51. The proud have had me greatly in derision But yet marke his resolution in this that follows yet have I not declined from thy Law To which purpose note also 2. Sam. 6. 16 20 21 22. These two last aberrations in practise have respect to others The soure last that follow have respect to men themselves 58 What is the eight aberration A. Doing servile Workes openly on the Lords day Many that are convinced in their judgements concerning the equity of sanctifying the Lords day yet have their hearts so possessed with covetousnesse and their minds so filled with the affaires of this world as they are loath to spare a day from their worldly employments to the honour of God and the spirituall edification of their owne soules They are like those who being invited to a great supper made their excuses from their secular affaires Luke 14. 16 18. Great was the zeale of Nehemiah against such Neh. 13. 15 16 17. The faires that in many places are kept and open selling of commodities are too publicke and open profanations of the Lords day 59 Q. What is the ninth aberration A. Deviding the Lords day betwixt God and themselves Some thinke they doe sufficiently sanctifie the Lords day if they goe to Church and serve God some part of the day though they spend the other part thereof in their owne affaires Herein they shew themselves like to those who set their threshold by Gods thresholds and their posts by Gods posts whereby they defile Gods holy name Ezek. 43. 8. 60 Q. What is the tenth aberration A. Wearisomenesse in the duties of the Lords day Many that live in Countries Cities Townes Parishes and Families where good orders for sanctifying the Lords day are strictly observed are thereby brought to performe the duties tending thereto but because they have no delight therein they are exceeding weary thereof and thinke it the longest and most tedious day in the weeke saying When Will the Sabbath be gone Amos 8. 5. This wearisomnesse takes away all the glory and comfort of what they doe it is neither acceptable to God nor profitable to their owne owne soules Therefore let us not be weary in well-doing Gal. 6. 9. 61 Q. What is the eleventh aberration A. Profaning the Lords day under a pretence of keeping it The Government under which men live and the lawes of their Governours which they dare not transgresse make many to forbeare the ordinary workes of their calling the doing whereof is in all mens opinions an apparent profanation of the Lords day therefore Lawyers will forbeare to pleade at the barre Tradesmen will shut up their shops Husbandmen will forbeare the ordinary tillage of their ground work-men their usuall labour and others that which in the sixe daies they busie themselves about But yet under pretence of that externall keeping the Lords day they will take advantage of doing sundry other things which are plaine prophanations of the day wherein they doe not celebrate the Sabbath of the Lord but the Sabbath of sundry other things all which may be brought to foure heads and under them all profanations of the Sabbath may be comprised as the particulars following will shew 62 Q. What is the first kinde of Sabbath that is not the Lords A. The Sabbath of worldlings Worldlings are such as have their minds so set upon the things of this world as they take all the advantages that possibly they can to get and heape up the things of this world and to that end they will turne those things that are ordained to another end even the meanes which are afforded to attaine to eternall life to their worldly advantages 63 Q. What is the Sabbath of worldlings A. Doing his works on it In that ordinary works of a calling are forborne there is a shew of keeping a Sabbath but that forbearing of such works giveth occasion to worldlings to do other things that prove as advantageable to them and which must be done at other times if they were not then done For instance the Lawyer will on the Lords day when he pleads not at the barre because the Law suffers it not appoint his Clients to come to him to informe him in their causes The Trades-man that shuts up his shop will then cast up his books and send his servants to his Creditors to require his debts The Farmer will then take his time to meet with his neighbours to make bargaines to buy and sell their commodities So in other cases advantages being taken for the things of this world from a shew of keeping the Lords Sabbath makes it to be not the Sabbath of the Lord but the Sabbath of worldlings 64 Q. What is a second kind
THE SABBATHS Sanctification Herein I. The Grounds of the morality of the Sabbath II. Directions for sanctifying it III. Proofs that the Lords day is the Christians Sabbath IIII. Aberrations about the Sabbath V. Motives to sanctifie the Sabbath By W. G. LONDON Printed by G. M. for Joshua Kirton and Thomas Warren at their shop in Pauls Church-yard at the white Horse 1641. To the Reader Christian Reader THis Treatise of the Sabbaths Sanctification hath in the private family of the Author and in other families of his pious Friends beene taught and learned many yeares together They who have beene made partakers thereof and made conscience of well using it have found a singular help thereby for a comfortable and profitable passing thorow that day which unto too too many seemeth very tedious and if at least they be under the Ministery or government of such as restraine them from those sensuall workes that satisfie the flesh makes them complaine and say as the Iewes of old did Amos 8. 5. when will the Sabbath be gone But they who take notice of the variety of duties therein set downe and of their fit dependance one upon another shall rather find want of time for a due performance of them then superfluity By care and conscience in aright observing of them the Lords day will prove an holy spirituall market day wherein we may procure weeke after weeke such spirituall provision for our soules as will nourish and cherish them unto eternall life The very life of piety is preserved by a due sanctification of the Lords day They put a knife to the throat of religion that hinder the same Let such as desire and expect the blessed fruition of the eternall Sabbath to come make conscience of well sanctifying the Christian Sabbath while here they live for an help whereunto this Treatise of the Sabbaths Sanctification is published To it is added another Treatise about Apostasy which two may fitly goe together because a conscionable sanctifying of the Lords day will be an especiall meanes to keepe men from Apostasy THE SABBATHS SANCTIFICATION 1 Q. IS the Sabbath morall or ceremoniall A. Morall That is accounted morall which as a rule of life bindeth all persons in all places at all times 2 Q. How appeares it to be morall A. 1 It was sanctified in Adams innocency Gen. 2. 2 3. Adam in his innocent estate was a publick person and bore in his loynes all man-kinde and that without distinction of Jew and Gentile That therefore which was given to him in chardge appertained to all that in any age should come from him 2 It is one of the ten precepts of the morall law Ex. 20. 8. It is not an appendix to another precept but an intire precept in it selfe If it be abrogated or made ceremoniall there are but nine precepts of the morall law contrary to these expresse Scriptures Exod 34. 28. Deut. 4. 13. 10. 4. 3 Q. Of how many houres doth the Sabbath day consist A. Of foure and twenty Gen. 2. 3. The Sabbath is called the seventh day so as it is a seventh part of the weeke therefore so many houres as make up every of the other dayes which are foure and twenty must be accounted to this day 4 Q. Are all those houres to be sanctified A. Yes Exod. 20. 11. The Lord rested the whole seventh day and all the time wherein he rested he sanctified Gen. 2. 2 3. 5 Q. How can all that time be sanctified A. 1. By observing things commanded Jer. 17. 22. 2. By observing things permitted Exod. 12. 16. Duties commanded by reason of Gods supreme soveraignty must be done They are so proper to the day as in a right performing of them the sanctification of the Sabbath consisteth Matters permitted by reason of Gods tender indulgency having respect to our infirmity and necessity may be done And though the Sabbath be not properly sanctified in them yet is it the better sanctified by them 6 Q. What are the heads of Duties commanded A. 1. Duties of Piety Luk. 4. 16. 2. Duties of Mercy Mark 3. 4. Isa. 58. 13. Duties of Piery are such as immediately tend to Gods honour wherein and whereby he is worshipped and withall they are such as directly tend to our spirituall edification Wherefore the wise Lord who affordeth us six dayes for secular and temporall affaires seeth it meet that every seventh day should be set apart for divine and spirituall matters And because the workes of our calling wherein we are most employed in the six dayes tend especially to our owne profit God will have us on his day to shew mercy to others that stand in need of our helpe Many are the works of mercy which Christ did on Sabbath dayes as appeareth Mark 1. 21 25 29 34. 3. 2 5. Luk. 13. 10 11. 14. 1 c. Joh. 5. 9. 7. 23. 9. 14. 7 Q. What kindes are there of workes of Piety A. 1 Publick Act. 15. 21. 2. Private Act. 16. 13. 3. Secret Mar. 1. 35. The severall duties of piety which are comprised under these heads are very helpfull one to another and cause the Sabbath to be more comfortably passed over without any seeming tediousnesse or wearisomenesse 8 Q. Where are publick duties of piety done A. In the Church 1 Cor. 4. 17. 11. 20 22 14. 19 28. Heb. 2. 12. Churches are publick places where many of severall families meete together There use to be most frequent assemblies to worship God The doores of Churches use to stand open for any that will to enter in There the most solemne duties of piety are performed 9 Q. By Whom are they performed A. 1 By the Minister Act. 13. 16. 2 By the People Act. 20. 7. 3 By all together 1 Cor. 14. 24 25. A Minister on the one side and people on the other make up a true Church The Minister is the mouth of God in whose roome he stands to the people and by reason thereof he declares out of Gods word Gods will to the people A Minister is also the peoples mouth unto God presenting their mind to God which he doth for order sake For if all should utter their owne mind together by their own severall voices what confusion would there be Yet are there also duties to be performed by the people joyntly among themselves but distinctly from the Minister els that which the Minister doth will be in vaine Yea there are also some duties wherein the Minister joyneth with the people and the people with the Minister even in the same manner of performing them as the particulars following will shew 10 Q. What duties are done by the Minister A. 1 Reading the Word Act. 13. 27. Col. 4. 16. 2 Preaching it Luk. 4. 20 21. Act. 13. 15. 3 Praying and praising God 1 Cor. 14. 15 16. Neh. 8. 6. 9. 5. 6. 4 Administring Sacraments Mat. 28. 19. 26. 26. Act. 20. 11. 5. Blessing the people Num. 6. 23. In performing the
two first reading and preaching the word and the two last administring Sacraments and blessing the people the Minister stands in Gods roome and is his mouth but in the middlemost duty praying to God and praising him he is the peoples mouth to God 11 Q What duties are done by the people A. 1 Attending to the Word read and preached Act. 10. 33. 2 Assenting to the prayers and praises 1 Cor. 14. 16. 3 Partaking of the Sacraments Mat. 3. 6. 1 Cor. 12. 13. 4 Saying AMEN audibly to all Neh. 8. 6. If people attend not to the Word it is like the seed sowne in the way side which the soules soone pick up Mat. 13. 4 19. If they assent not to the prayers and praises they are like those that draw neere to God with their lipps but have their hearts farre off Mat. 15. 8. If they partake not of the Sacraments they cast themselves out of the communion of Saints Gen. 17. 14. Num. 9. 13. Luk. 14. 24. As for an audible pronouncing of Amen if the mind of them that pronounce it have beene upon that which the Minister uttered and their heart have given consent thereto it compriseth alltogether as much as the Minister hath uttered This is the only warrantable meanes for people to utter their mind in a Congregation It must therefore be uttered by every one altogether so loud as the Minister may heare their consent as well as they heare what he hath uttered in their name For the one is as requisite as the other 12 Q. What duties of piety are done by Minister and people all together A. Singing Psalmes Mat. 26. 30. Singing of Psalmes was alwaies used by Gods people not onely in the Tabernacle Temple and Synagogue of the Jewes but also in Christian Churches Christ used it with his Disciples Mat. 26. 30. It is enjoyned by the Apostle Eph. 5. 19. Col. 3. 16. and it was practised by the primitive Church 1. Cor. 14. 15 26. By this duty joyntly performed by all as our owne spirits are quickned so we quicken the spirits of others and we are all made the more cheerfull in serving God On this ground they who are merry are enjoyned to sing Jam. 5. 13. 13 Q. Where are private duties of Piety done A. In a family or some other private place Herein lieth a difference betwixt performing publick and private duties that from the publick none are excluded but private are done by the mutuall consent of a certaine number either of such as are under one roofe Josh. 24. 15. Act. 10. 2 30. or else of others that agree together for that end Act. 16. 13. By private meetings of such as are of the same minde and piously affected Christians doe bring much sweet consolation and mutuall edification one to another and the power and profit of publicke duties is much promoted thereby 14 Q. What are private duties of Piety A. 1. Reading Gods Word 1. Tim. 4. 13. 2. Praying and praising God Act. 16. 13. 3. Catechising Deut. 6. 7. 4. Repeating Sermons Act. 17. 11. 5. Holy conference Luk. 24. 14. 6. Singing Psalmes Act. 16. 25. Jam. 5. 13. By a conscionable and constant performance of these private duties a private house is made Gods Church and God will be there present as he was in the house of Obed-edom 2. Sam. 6. 12. to blesse them Yea wheresoever two or three duly meet for such purposes Christ by his Spirit will be among them Mat. 18. 20. In performing these it is requisite that some one of ability be as it were the mouth of the rest in reading the Word praying to God and praising him instructing in the grounds of Religion which is catechising and repeating Sermons and the governour of the family if he be able is the fittest to performe those duties By such kind of duties of piety performed as we can before we go to Church we are the better fitted to the publick and after we come from Church by these will publick duties be made the more profitable yea by these much of that time wherein we are absent from Church is sanctified 15 Q Where are secret duties of piety done A. In some secret place betweene God and ones selfe alone Mat. 14. 23. No place is exempted from secret duties so as a Christian may be there alone and none with him In relation to such duties thus saith the Lord enter into thy Chamber and when thou hast shut thy doore pray Mat. 6. 6. Secret duties ought so to be performed as none but God should know what we are about so will thy soule be the more upright and freed from hypocrisy and vaine-glory so will the duties bring the more comfort to the performers thereof 16 Q. What are secret duties of Piety A. 1 Reading Gods word Act. 8. 28. 2 Praying and praising God Mar. 1. 35. Act. 10. 9. Psal. 119. 164. 3 Meditating Gen. 24. 63. Psal. 63. 6. 4 Examining ones selfe Psal. 4. 4. 1 Cor. 11. 28. The two former of these secret duties are such as may be performed both in private and publick but the difference is in the manner of performing them But the two latter meditation and examination of ones selfe are most proper to be performed in the most secret places that may be because they are actions of the mind and concerne a mans owne selfe in particular These secret duties of piety would especially be performed first in the morning and last in the evening that the Lords day may be begun with them for a better preparation to the other duties and ended with them as a means of attonement for all our failings past The forenamed secret duties are of excellent use to both those purposes They who are conscionable in performing all the fore-mentioned duties of piety publick private and secret shall finde time little enough from their rising up to their lying downe so as they shall have no cause to complaine of the many houres or to say they know not what to doe or how to spend their time especially if to those sundry duties of piety they adde duties of mercy 17 Q. What kindes are there of workes of mercy A. 1 Such as concerne the soule Joh. 7. 22 23. 2 Such as concerne the body Mar. 1. 29 30 31. Man consists of two parts Soul and Body and both of them are subject to many maladies and many necessities we may therefore afford much succour and shew much mercy one to another both in soul and body 18 Q. What are the workes of mercy which concerne the soule A. 1 Instructing the ignorant 1 Cor. 12. 1. 2 Establishing the weake Act. 20. 35. 3 Resolving the doubtfull Luk. 24. 38 39. 4 Comforting troubled soules Joh. 11. 31 14. 1. 2 Cor. 2. 7. 1 Thes. 5. 14. 5 Informing such as are in errour Mar. 22. 29. Jam. 5. 19 20. 6 Reproving the sinner Mar. 8. 33. Luk. 3. 19. 2 Cor. 2. 6. 7 Every way edifying others 1 Thes. 5. 11. Rom. 15.
of Sabbath that is not the Lords A. The Sabbath of Epicures There was a Philosopher called Epicurus who held pleasure to be mans summum bonum his greatest happinesse Thereupon they that pursue their pleasures with all the might and maine they can and place a kind of content therein are called Epicures 65 Q. What is the Sabbath of Epicures A. Satisfying mens owne delights in it They who are given to their pleasures being on the Lords day restrained from their ordinary calling and the workes thereof take that opportunity to make pompous feasts to follow their sports and pastimes and other waies to satisfie their fleshly delights neglecting Gods service Thus the Sabbath which they keepe is not the Sabbath of the Lord but the Sabbath of Epicures 66 Q. What is the third kind of Sabbath that is not the Lords A. The Sabbath of Beasts Beasts being unreasonable creatures do not conceive any difference of daies nor the end why they rest from their accustomed labour and work Thereupon that time wherein they are not put to work they spend in sleeping grazing or otherwise feeding in standing still or going idly here and there 67 Q. What is the Sabbath of beasts A. Passing it over in idlenosse There be very many that do no more consider the end of intermitting the duties of their calling then beasts But because they may not do them they spend the Lords day in lying a bed or otherwise sleeping in attiring themselves in eating and drinking in vaine talke in sitting at doores to behold what comes to their eyes in walking up and down and such other idle courses This is not to keep the Lords Sabbath but the Sabbath of Beasts 68 Q. What is the fourth kind of Sabbath that is not the Lords A. The Sabbath of Divels Divels are spirits of wickednesse doing all the evill they can and taking all the occasions they can to doe evill 69 Q. What is the Sabbath of Divels A. Making it a day of sin Many that by their calling are all the six daies restrained from outward notorious evill acts make the Lords day a time to let loose the reines to all sin Whoremongers and whores appoint the Lords day to meet on to commit their lewdnesse Theeves set that day apart to breake into houses to rob and steale Then drunkards meet together to make one another drunk Others that have mischievous plots in their heads will then meete to advise about the execution of them and animate one another thereunto Thus they serve the Divel they doe his works they shew themselves herein like the very Divels This therfore is to keep not the Sabbath of the Lord but the Sabbath of divels 70 Q. What motives may be given for sanctifying the Sabbath A. 1. Expresse precept Deut. 5. 12. Were there no other motive this were sufficient to a pious mind that knoweth God to be the only Lord the highest Soveraigne over all who hath an absolute power to command to whose commandement obedience is expected yea shall be exacted and severe vengeance executed on such as refuse to obey 71 Q. What other motive A. The item before that precept Exod. 20. 8. The item prefixed before the Precept concerning the Sabbath is this Remember remember the Sabbath day Where among sundry precepts a memēto is set upon one without question it implieth an especiall heed to be given to it as if more largely it were said Of all that is given in charge let not this be forgotten especially remember this and give good heed thereto 74 Q. Why is a MEMENTO especially set before the fourth Commandement A. First the fourth Commandement bringeth a singular help to all the other precepts as shall be distinctly shewed on the seventh motive Secondly it intimates mans aversenesse against this precept The morality of none of the tenne Commandements written with Gods owne fingers in the two Tables of stone was ever questioned by such as professed themselves Christians but this of the Sabbath Indeed Papists in setting downe the ten Commandements whether in Catechismes or els-where do leave out the words of the second Commandement yet they do not denie the morality of it for they render this reason of leaving out the words The substance of the words left out is in the first Commandement all that is left out is but an exposition of the first Though the reason be not sound much lesse sufficient to justifie so audacious a fact as the leaving out of that which God hath so expressely with his own fingers set downe yet it sheweth that they denie not the morality of that precept The memento then intends thus much That though there may be many that deny the morality of the Sabbath yet let such as beare a due respect to whatsoever is given in charge by the Law remember this part thereof Remember the Sabbath day to sanctifie it Thus we see that this is a motive of moment 75 Q. What third motive A. Gods honour Isa. 58. 13. To have one of the seven daies weekely set apart for the worship of God and to dedicate the same wholy thereunto must needs make much to the honour of God And who would not who should not do all that he can especially all that that is appointed by God himself to the honour of God Them that honour me will I honour saith the Lord 1. Sam. 2. 30. 76 Q. What fourth motive A. Gods example Gen. 2. 2. Exod. 20. 11. The example of God in this particular is for this end expressely produced in the Law that we should the rather be induced thereby to sanctifie the Sabbath Exod. 20. 11. To imitate God in that wherein he is to be imitated must needs be acceptable to God and most honourable it is in it selfe It is a matter of good credit for a child to imitate a good Father for a subject to imitate a prudent Prince yea for any to imitate those whose example is worthy imitation How much more to imitate God This motive is much pressed in the holy Scriptures Levit. 19. 2. Luk. 6. 35 36. Eph. 5. 1. 77 Q. What fift motive A. The practise of Saints Luk. 4. 16. Act. 16. 30. 1. Cor. 16. 1 2. This though it be not equall to the former motive yet it is a motive of great moment and it is also much pressed in sacred Scripture as Ps. 99. 6. Heb. 6. 12. Jam. 9. 10. Patterns of Saints who were men subject to like passions that we be shew that what we endeavour after is no other then that which appertaineth to man Now for this duty of sanctifying to God a seventh day we have the examples of Saints before the Law Exod 16. 30. under the Law Neh. 13. 19 22. after the Law Act. 20. 7. 78 Q. What sixt motive A. The equity of the duty Exod. 20. 9. The Lord might exact of us every day to be dedicated to the honour of his name But it pleaseth him in tender respect to our need to
afford us six daies to doe our owne worke therein Is it not then most meet and equall that we should give a seventh to God and to the honour of his Name may not God in this case say is not my demand equall Doe not they who take this day to themselves deale worse with God then he did with his neighbour who had many sheepe of his owne yet tooke from his poore neighbour the one onely one which he had 2. Sam. 12. 4. 79 Q. What seventh motive A. The helpe it brings to keepe the other Commandements An especiall part of sanctifying the Lords day consists in reading Gods Word in hearing it preached in conferring about it in meditating on it and in calling upon God Now by those duties which are about Gods Word we are instructed in God and in our duties to him how we may take him alone for our God how we may worship him and honour his name aright yea we are instructed also in all duties which we owe to our neighbour By Gods Word also we are perswaded and enduced to endeavour after those things wherein we are instructed And prayer is an especiall meanes to get the Holy Ghost Luke 11. 13. This precept therefore is to be observed as simply in regard of it selfe so relatively in respect to all other the precepts and thereupon an especiall memento is set before it alone 80 Q. What eight motive A. The spirituall benefit thereof Jer. 17. 26. A conscionable sanctifying of the Lords day by a due observing of those divine ordinances which God hath prescribed is an especiall meanes to convert such as have formerly lived in their naturall corrupt estate and to quicken and increase the graces which have beene formerly wrought in us We by reason of the flesh in us are prone as heavy things to fall downe and as water to waxe cold But the Lords day by the ordinances thereof is an especiall meanes of renewing what is decaied As waites of a clock by oft winding up are kept continually going so grace by the foresaid duties is kept in continuall exercise The Lords day is a spirituall market day wherein we may get such spirituall provision as may feed and sustaine our soules the whole weeke following and so weeke after weeke while here we live in this world 81 Q. What ninth motive A. The temporall benefit of it Deut. 5. 14. Surely a daies rest in every weeke is very needfull and usefull for man and beast especially for such as labour all the sixe daies Experience gives good proofe thereof Howsoever such as on no day take any great paines find no such benefit thereby yet others doe And the wise God saw it to be so For which end he expresly commanded that the beast should rest Exod. 20. 10. Now the beast can reape no other then a temporall benefit There is therefore a temporall benefit thence arising Some masters are so covetous and gripulous as if there were not a seventh day for rest set apart they would never afford any daies rest to servants or cattell but so weary them as their strength would quickly be exhausted It remaines then that as the rest of every night so the rest of every seventh day is usefull and needfull and a great temporall good is thereby brought to man and beast 82 Q. What tenth motive A. Promises to observers thereof Isa. 58. 13 14. Promises great and pretious promises being made by one that is able to performe what he promiseth and withall is true and faithfull and in that kind will not faile to make good his word are a strong motive to stirre up men to doe with the uttermost of their power the things whereunto such and such promises are made But promises great and many by God himselfe of whose power and truth no question can be made are made to such as are conscionable in keeping the Sabbath as appeares Isa. 56. 2 4 6. and 58. 13 14. Jer. 17. 24 25. 83 Q. What eleventh motive A. Threats against profaners of it What promises cannot do on hard hearts threats may doe For they are of force to affright men and in a manner to force men to obedience The Lord therefore being willing every way to try how men may be wrought upon useth this remedy and the rather he useth it that judgement and the execution thereof may be prevented For this is the proper end of threatnings before hand that after-judgements may be avoided so as in regard of the end whereat they aime they appeare to be evidences of Gods favour For these reade Exod. 31. 14 15. Ier. 17. 27. Ezek. 20. 13 21. 84 Q. What twelfth motive A. Judgements executed on such as violated it Execution of judgement hath a threefold end The first aimeth at him on whom the judgement is executed by the sence and smart thereof to be drawne to repentance Thus was Manasseh wrought upon by a fearefull judgement executed on him 2. Chron. 33. 12 13. The second aimeth at others that if they on whom the judgement is executed be so hardned as it move them not yet others may be warned thereby For this end the judgements on impenitent sinners of old is set before Christians to admonish them 1. Cor. 10. 6 c. Heb. 3. 12. Jude ver. 5 6 c. The third aimeth at God that if neither they on whom judgements are executed nor others that see them or heare of them be wrought upon yet God may be justified In which respect he is said to be knowne by the iudgement which he executeth Psal. 9. 16. He thereby is knowne to be a mighty a just a wise God a God that hateth iniquity Read Dan. 9. 7. and Neh. 9. 32 33. Now judgements being terrible to such as feele and to such as see them or heare of them they must needs be a forcible motive to restraine men from profaning the Sabbath Instances of fearefull judgements executed for this sinne are in Numb. 15. 32. and 2 Chron. 36. 21. Neh. 13. 18. 85 Q. What thirteenth motive A. The safety of sanctifying it Act. 4. 19. There is great question about the Sabbath whether it ought now to be sanctified and wholy dedicated to God or no Now to one that is not perswaded one way or other I would propound this question whether may be the safer to sanctifie it or not to sanctifie it If on the one side it still remaine as a precept whereunto we are all bound then it is a palpable transgression of the Law not to sanctifie it and in this case woe to the transgressors thereof But suppose the precept doe not still absolutely bind us yet if voluntarily we set apart a seventh day to the honour of God and the spirituall edification of our owne soules provided that superstition be not placed in the keeping of the day surely there is no sinne therein nor any great inconvenience So that questionlesse it must needs be the safest course to sanctifie the day Among other motives let this also be well considered FINIS Of peoples uttering Amen See The Guide to goe to God 243 Exod. 5. 7 8. * Christ is said Mar. 8. 31. to rise againe after three daies which is to be taken inclusively the whole third day being included Againe where Mat. 17 1. Mar. 9. 2. it is said that Christ went into the Mount where he was transfigured six daies after Luke 9. 28. saith about eight daies after Matthew Mark speake exclusively leaving out the day wherin he was last with all his Disciples and the day wherein he came to the Mount and meane only the six daies betwixt Luke speakes inclusively including the foresaid two daies Catechis 1c uit Catechis Vicelij Catechis B. llarm Lege Alanum Copum cap. 21. Dialogi 4.