and truly since God hath so eminently crowned my weak but willing endeavours among you we cannot without ingratitude for get the many fatherly favours and constant encouragements of that worthy instrument who first invited me to serve you The good Lord strengthen us by the choice graces of his precious spirit that we may never forfeit our interest in this honoured Patriot or in the least blemish our most holy profession Your gracious submission to gospel truth hath filled my soul with joy and I am sure God hath enriched your hearts with gifts and grace since your souls were set towards his Sabbath T is very much for yoar sakes who have earnestly desired it that I have thus far engaged wherefore with endeared bowels of love I present it to you the good Spirit engrave it in your hearts that you may honour it in your lives till the Lord of the Sabbath crown all your services and sufferings with everlasting rest Dear Brethren cease not to pour out your souls on the be half of Your faithful and affectionate Minister Tho. Tillam THE Seventh Day SABBATH Sought out and celebrated BY Saints obtaining Victory over the Mark of the Beast THe first Royal Law that ever Jehovah instituted and for our Example celebrated namely his blessed seventh-Seventh-day Sabbath is in these very last days become the last great controversie between the Saints and the Man of sin The Changer of Times and Laws Awake ye slumbring Virgins the fig-tree is apparently budded the signs of his second coming who is The Lord of this Sabbath are so fairly visible that although the day and hour be not known yet doubtless this generation shall not pass till new Ierusalems glory shall crown obedient Saints with everlasting Rest Wherefore rouze up your selves ye spirited Citizens of Sion shake off the dust and trash of beastly Babylon and whiles that imperious Harlot shames not to assert that Ignorance is the Mother of Devotion let heavenly wisdome be your sole design with raised expectations of his faithfull performance Hab. 2.14 who hath promised That the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the Sea Many shall run to and fro Dan. 12.4 2 Thes 1.8 and knowledge shall be encreased Whiles vengeance in fiery flames shall be the portion of such as are disobedient and willingly ignorant Remember the slights and deceits of imposing Pope and Prelate their Altars Pictures Gossips kneeling at the Rail Surplice with the whole Systeme of invented service and let this consideration quicken all that fear the Lord That the very same Horn who thus imposed his Canons upon our consciences must change our Times no less then our Laws Dan. 7.25 or else he is not Antichrist Since therefore 't is undeniable that we have been deceived by his Laws 't is worthy our enquiry whether we have been cheated of the appointed Times of Gods worship 'T will be said to that soul that after warning shall be found in the weekly pollution of Gods Sabbath 't is not one day in seven will serve turn Rev. 2â— when the books shall be opened and that very seventh day on which God himself rested shall be found expresly commanded The Beasts Wafer câ—kes and Water in stead of enjoyned Bread and Wine will be as excusable one day as the change of Gods holy Sabbath As for such professors who surpass the late Prelates in scoffing at Gods Sabbath as an empty form a trifle c. let New-England however mistaken in the precise time mourn over their licentiousness in these sorrowfull strains No measure of tears are sufficient to lament the present estate of times that when the Lord Jesus was come forth to vindicate the cause and controversie of Sion there should rise up other instruments of spiritual wickedness in high places to blot out the name and sweet remembrance of this day from off the face of the earth The enemies of the Sabbath are now not so much negligent time servers and aspiring brambles whom preferment principally byassed to knock at the Sabbath but those who have eaten bread with Christ a generation of professing people do lift up their heel against the Sabbath So that what could formerly not be done by Angels of darkness the old Serpent takes another course to effect by seeming Angels of light And what enlightened soul can cease to câ—st in a heart full of sighs not onely for such frothy professors whose earthly minds under spiritual pretences contemn Gods hallowed time without fear or trembling but even for those whose ignorance hurries them hood-wink'd from week to week to wallow in wickedness being that day most busily imployed about their perishing bodies which God hath solemnly designed for his honour and health of their immortal souls Never more cause of mourning then to see Saints in these days of light still honouring the little Horn in the gross abuse of the Lords Sabbath time and the Lords Supper-time Why Christians will you stick here Have you got victory over the Beast and beheld the Holy One tumble down his Image and will you now lose all your labours for want of a compleat victory over the Marke of the Beast Rev. 15.2 20.4 which is so visible and legible in the head of the little Horn The changer of Times and Laws Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth Isa 24.5 Because they have transgressed the Laws changed the Ordinance broken the everlasting Covenant You are assured Christians the Horn hath changed the Laws and he cannot be that Horn unless he change your Times also will you therefore wisely weigh that he had no Times to change save the Lords Sabbath-time and the Lords Supper-time and these he and none but he hath changed as I shall plainly prove under this Position The seventh day Sabbath is a perpetual royal Rule for the righteous established by precept and president to Gods praise and Saints priviledge And to prevent a sudden censure of singularity let the ingenuous know that this Conclusion contains not a tittle different from the professed doctrine of the esteemed Orthodox of this age as will appear in its parts as so many heads of the ensuing Treatise 1. 1 The Rest The Sabbath is one of the Assemblies approved points Art Relig. p. 35. 2. 2 The Time Thes Sab. p. 100. Large Cat. p. 34 The time is confessed to be the very seventh day determined by God for thus write the Elders of New England with whom accord our English Synod Not onely a day not onely a rest day but the rest day or Sabbath day which is expressed and expresly interpreted in the Commandement to be the 7th day or a 7th day of Gods determining and therefore called the Sabbath of the Lord our God is here also enjoyned and commanded as generally moral Here is a full and free confession and all I shall crave of Christians is but to observe the true seventh day Sabbath
the Father Established by the Son Approved by the Spirit and Observed by the Saints And if these will not prevail with Christians so called to break off their weekly prophanation of this sanctified Sabbath I shall leave them to the righteous judgement of the great day and for their sakes who obtain the grace of self-denial to cast off their carnal encumbrances and joyn with the ancient Gospel Saints in observing the Sabbath I shall now descend to the 4th part of my general Pofition and as I have confirmed the Sabbaths Authority so I doubt not through Christ strengthening me to prove its Porpetuity THE Fourth head Perpetuity of the seventh day Sabbath The infinite wisdome who is Lord of the Sabbath foreseeing the high presumption of the little horn such as to change both times and lawes and knowing that all truths ebbe and flow in the sonls esteeme as holy time is sleighted and observed was graciously pleased most strongly to secure that law against which Satan and his eldest Son would make their first and fiercest assault For t is to be observed that the horn attempted first to change times and then laws well knowing that holy laws are taught and learned especially in holy times and therefore he first prevailed with Constantine as is declared to change the Sabbath time into the first day But against this designe doth the good God graciously guard his Sabbath and Alarm his Saints to be especially mindfull of this truth setting a superscription as it were a watchword upon the portall of this precept REMEMBER the Sabbath day to keep it holy telling us expresly what day it is The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God so that if the Lord be indeed thy God thou must observe that seventh day for his Sabbath which he hath so carefully required thee to remember as knowing that Antichrist would doe his utmost to cause thee to forget it either in slighting of it as a ceremony or else in changing this blessed day Jeroboam-like and burying its very name under the odious and most detestable name of Saturday that it may therefore be known to his Saints as no ceremony but a perpetual unchangeable Royall Law the Lord hath fenced it above all other Laws first positively keep it holy Secondly negatively doe not work upon it and that thou maist never be insnared to change or alter it I charge thee carefully to Remember this Law in a speciall singular manner This may for ever silence their conceits who would slight the seventh day Sabbath as a jewish ceremony though their consciences know it was instituted before any Jew or ceremony had being Ten Royall Laws the Lord delivers to his Saints and knowing that all of them would be more or lesse observed as his Sabbath should be sanctified or slighted he bids he forbids he marks it above all the rest that it may be remembred and yet disobedient spirits dare reject it as ceremoniall and put upon the highest an absurdity as grosse as likely can be imagined As if wisdome it selfe should with so much care command the exact remembrance of a ceremony above all his morall Laws for thus vaine man would render his maker I your Lord God doe here deliver you ten precents nine of which are perpetuall but one â—s a changeable ceremony wherefore I chang you to observe all my nine royall precepts but especially observe my perishing Sabbath which is but a meer ceremony besure you sanctifie that besure you doe not prophane that besure you remember that I lay it as a speciall command upon your souls to remember my mutable ceremoniall seventh day Sabbath more especially Me thinks gracious hearts should tremble to put such an absurdity upon God himselfe as binding us to remember that which as a mutable ceremony should be forgotten and buried in oblivion yea and which is yet more absurd if more may be they render the reason of sanctifying the seventh day Sabbath on this wise For in six dayes the Lord made Heaven and Earth and rested the first day wherefore the Lord blessed the first day for his Sabbath and sanctified it either we must put this absurdity also upon our God or else we must cast off the fourth commandement at least the reason of it must be rejected or else which is better then a thousand shifts we must returne from the little horn to our first husband and do the Saints first works and religiously remember the seventh day Sabbath to sanctifie it Thou meetest him that rejoyceth and worketh righteousnesse Isa 64.5 those that remember thee in thy wayes If it be objected that not Christians but Jewes are commanded to remember and observe the seventh day Sabbath I answer 1. That not the Christians but the Jewes were first commanded the rest of the ten commandements If Christians are to walke by the Jewes nine commandements as a righteous rule they are no lesse oblieged to every jott and tittle of the Jewes ten commandements The Royall Law of God was dispenced to the Jewes not only for themselves Act. 7.38 But to give unto us as that first faithfull martyr of the Lord Jesus taught in his funerall sermon when filled with the irresistable wisdome of the holy Spirit he sealed the faith of the Gospell with his blood and amongst the rest of those Evangelicall verities which the protomartyr prized as the Christians priviledges this is undeniably an eternall truth That the Jewes did receive those lively Oracles from mount Sinai to give unto us Here then 't is evident first what Lawes are Gods lively Oracles namely those precious precepts which God himselfe by the Angell of his presence delivered with a lively voice in the mount Sinai one of which lively Oracles is the seventh day Sabbath 2. To whom these lively Oracles were delivered and this is agreed on all hands that the only people so highly priviledged above all the world were the beloved Israelites 3. For whom and to what end were these lively Oracles from mount Sinai delivered to Israel And this is as cleare by blessed Stephens divine Testimony They received the lively Oracles from the mount Sinai to give unto us that is unto me Stephen an Officer in the church of Christ and to all my brethren for whose faith in the true Messiah I am now pleading my last they received the lively Oracles to give unto us Christians this is cleare that the Jewes received the lively Oracles from the Mount Sinai to give unto us though we have no heart to receive them yet God hath a heart of love to give them not only to the Jewes but even to us Christians 4. Then the fourth inquiry will be whether these lively Oracles from Sinai were given us to be broken or kept to be slighted or observed If to be kept and observed then either we must deny the seventh day Sabbath to be one of Sinai's lively Oracles or deny Stephens doctrine of their being delivered to the Jewes to
give unto us or else we must become followers of God as dear children in sanctifying this lively Oracle of his seventh day Sabbath This divine truth of the Sabbaths perpetuity is in words confessed by our English assembly who doe not only acknowledge that the Law in generall doth for ever binde Christians Confes Pag. 33 and that Christ did not ANY WAY dissolve it but much more strengthen this obligation in the Gospell But in particular they confesse that God by a positive morall and perpetuall commandement doth bind all men in all ages to that particular seventh day which himselfe hath appointed Idem Pag. 39. And whereas they say this is changed in the Gospell from that seventh day to the first day of the week I shall with the candle of Gods word search their grounds which will be found too shallow to satisfie an awakened conscience for if Christ doth perpetually bind his Saints to exact intire personall obedience to his lively Oracles then surely no power is able to absolve his people from that obedience And if it be as they say that Christ did not any way dissolve but much strengthen this obligation in the Gospell then it is impossible to prove any kind of alteration yet Further If God by a positive morall and perpetuall commandement doth binde all men in all ages to such a particular seventh day as himselfe appointed then either they must prove that God hath made his morall Law mutable by appointing some other day or else the seventh day Sabbath must be restored to its primitive glory Their first ground for change of the Sahbath to the first day is raised from Christs resurrection and apparition to his Disciples But the very great difference between the fathers example at the worlds creation and the Sons action at his resurrection will soone discover the vanity of this argument For upon the Creation of the world God did solemnly sanctisie the seventh day for his Sabbath and rested on it giving as an example for the ground of our obedience but upon the resurrection there 's not the least syllable of a change institution sanctification or celebration yea so farre was Christ from resting upon his resurrection day that be travelled 15 Miles upon this supposed New-Sabbath and this not to any Church-meeting but from Jerusalem the place where most of his Disciples were purposely joyning with the two Disciples that were journeing on foot 7 miles and a halfe into the Countrey Luke 24.13.15 Mar. 16.13 Why Christians awake in the name of the Lord and polute your soules no longer with weekly prophanation upon such a salf supposition of a change at Christs resurrection you see your Creator sanctified his seventh day Sabbath and solemnly rested upon it but for the resutrection day you have not one word of a command to keep it as a sabbath and for an example you have indeed a lively one in your Saviours refusing to appeare all that day to his Disciples at Jerusalem and travelling with two upon their private occasions not giving them the least admonition about Sabbath observation which undoubtedly he would have done as freely as in other things had he intended that day for his new Sabbath Now I beseech you consider whether this be likely that Christ who was saithfull in all his house should intend the first day for his Sabbath and yet never leave one word of institution nor any other pattern but journeying 15 miles And whereas 't is gloried that our Lord appeared severall first dayes to his Disciples as they were assembled I believe upon diligent search it will be found but a vainflourish and that he never appeared to any assembly no not any one first day For it is most certaine that the day upon the Scripture account begins with the evening And now let us observe that upon the first day Luke 24.29 30. he arose we find him at the Village 7 Miles from Jerusalem when it was towards evening and the day far spent Luk. 24.29 30. after which he supped with the two which tooke up some time then they returned that 7 miles and a halfe to Jerusalem on foot So that if the day were far spent before they entred the Village it must doubtlesse be quite spent before they could provide and eate their suppers and returne 7 miles and a halfe And so before Christ appeared to the eleven Luk. 24.22 John 20.19 the first day must needs be done and whereas 't is said he appeared the first day at evening yet you must know that the first day was then as fully ended as it is plaine the sabbath * Mar. 1.32 was ended at evening when the Sun did set and the people brought their sick to be healed which they were forbidden to doe on the Sabbath day As for Christs second appearing to the assembled Disciples John 20.26 it 's expresly said it was after eight dayes and therefore could not be on the first day of the Week And for his third apparition John 21. surely they will not say 't was on the first day seeing they were at their trade But indeed the Lord was seene of some Acts 1.2.3 or other of them fourty dayes never being idle all the time 1 Cor. 15.6 so that his apparations prove not any thing as to a change of the Sabbath There is a conceit that the cause of the Disciples assembling on the first day was to celebrate the new Sabbath in honour of Christs resurrection when as they were so far from believing Christ was risen that the womens tydings there of Luk. 24.11 Mar. 16.13 seemed to them as idle tales Yea the first day was finished before they beleeved so that they could not in faith doe any such thing But here 't is evident how sadly they are put to it that must say something for their first day Sabbath and yet can say no better For although they would make some shew of Scripture yet all amounts to a bare endeavour to draw some support for an unwarantable Sabbath from any Text that doth but mention the first day of the Week Act. 20.7 As first from the Disciples occasionall meeting to breake bread upon Paul's departing by Sea they suppose this may make something for a first day Sabbath and truly they may as groundly plead for an every day Sabbath Act. 2.26 since it is as clear that the Saints assembled and brake bread every day 2. We find the Saints at Troas no sooner assembled but many lights are seen in their upper chamber So that 't is not probable they met till towards evening which is no good example for celebrating a Sabbath 3. If breaking of bread had been a service designed for the honour of the first day the Apostle who so much pressed to Church-order 1 Cor. 11. ulâ— and particularly in this Ordinance would not have deferred breaking of bread till the second day especially now that he was to
judgements and therefore there is little in those instances of fire and other providences upon the first day for if the judgements but of one generation were observed it is easy to think that as many fires flouds or the like may be found upon any other day Dumbar and Worcester sight are fresh instances of the same day twelve month yea divers instances of this nature might be brought against the first day of thunder lightnings c. Wounding and killing divers persons in sundry places Psa 81.11 12. while they have been at publick worship on the first day But the most dreadful judgement is to leave persons after conviction to their own hearts lusts As also so those woful wordly wights that are convinced of the Lords sabbath and prefer a little gain before it what will they what can they answer the Lord of the sabbath in the last day when they shall see all their drosse which they have doted upon devoured by the burning flame before their faces Then shall their sorrows be greatly aggravated to see those sabbath keepers whom for sabbaths sake they envied maligned invested with robes and palmes of victory in eternal glory And now that these righteous persons the people of God for whom in special the sabbath was made may be encouraged in their continued sanctification of this blessed day I shall in the last place shew the use and end of this seventh day Sabbath of the Lord our God The eighth Head Vse and End THe two great designs of a sanctified soul are Gods glory and his own felicity and these are the scope of my Position and with these I shall conclude That the seventh day Sabbath is a perpetual royal rest for the righteous established by precept and president for Gods praise and Saints priviledge 1. I have fully proved the rest in its morality uncapable of mutability 2. I have demonstrated the punctual appointed time to be the seventh day 3. I have vindicated the authority of this seventh day-Sabbath from 1. The fathers institution 2. The sons confirmation 3. The spirits appellation 4. The Saints observation 4. I have cleared the unchangeable perpetuity of this seventh-day-Sabbath 5. I have shewed how it should be sanctified 6. I have declared the nature of the royal law not a covenant but a Rule 7. I have pointed out the persons who are specially concerned in the celebration of this day viz. the saints of Christ And now I am to inform these pretious persons of the blessed end and holy use of this lively oracle for as there is no precept that does more promote Jehovahs praise so there is no part of the royal Law of Liberty that doth more advance the Saints priviledge upon this day the Almighty sits in his throne of State amidst the assemblies of Saints in the beauties of holiness This day the faithful Doves mounting on the wings of contemplation Isa 33.17 behold the King in his beauty and cease not soaring till seeing things invisible their raised notes sing forth his glorious praise with the sweet singer of Israel O Lord Psalm 8. our Lord how excellent is thy name in all the earth thou hast set thy glory above the heavens This day with self-denying grace they leave the Worlds lovers to that muck which moves their earthly minds and take some turns with their Prince in paradise delighting to behold the wonderful glory and celerity of the Sun in his circuit the moon in her constant unconstancy the stars as so many sparling glories in the expanded firmament communicating some glimmerings of that inaccessible light from the Empyreal Heavens And then from this Pinacle as it were a Pisgah sight of Palestine wondring at the wisdom and power of that glorious potentate who hath hung the earth this vast massie Globe in the midst of the fleeting air upon nothing admiring the Sea that huge unruly element surrounded in a sandy girdle with such a marvellous motion as makes the wisest of the Sons of men amazed O the glory excellency might and majesty of the maker of all these The soul cannot but make one in that heavenly consort which with united hearts and voices sounds forth Jehovahs praise in that Psalm especially designed for the Sabbath Psal 92. 1. To praise the Lord most thankfully it is an excellent thing And to thy Name O thou most High sweet Psalms of praise to sing 2. To spread thy loving kindness Lord When Mornings glory springs And all thy faithfulnesse record 3. Each might with heavenly firings 4. For thou hast made me to rejoice in work so wrought by thee And I triumph in heart and voice thy handy works to see 5. How great O Lord who can expresse thy works and thoughts profound Which are a deep so bottomless that none can search or sound Thus doth the Heavenly Psalmist teach Sabbath-keepers to set forth the glory of the invisible Creator by the admirable beauty and excellency of the sisible creature This is the first use and end of the sanctified seventh-day Sabbath purposely appointed to spread forth Jehovahs praise And after the Prophet hath discovered the ignorance of brutish persons with the vanity and issue of their earthly endeavours That though they spring as grass and flourish in their sensuality for a season yet it is but like beasts in a fat pasture feeding for the shambles to perish for ever He acquaints us in the close of this Psalm with the second Use and end of the Sabbath which is strength growth by insensible degrees as so many plants of renown to full maturity 10. But like the Stately Vnicorn shall I advanced be Jehovah will exhalt my horn and pour fresh oyl on mâ— 11. The righteous like the Palm shall be flourishing every one And like the goodly Cedar Tree in lofty Lebanon 13. Those that within the house of God are planted by his grace In our Gods Courts shall spread abroad and flourish in their place 14. And in their age much fruit shall bring delightfull to be seen And pleasantly both bud and spring with boughes and branches green 15. The Lords uprightness to express who is a rock to me And there is no unrighteousness in him nor none can be What glorious priviledges are here presented as the pretious portion of Sabbath-keepers and yet as if these were too little for us whom God hath stirred up in these last daies to raise the razed foundations of many generations he assures us by his Prophet that he who was Jacobs portion will be also ours If we turn away our foot from Sabbath-pollution and make that day our delight then shalt thou delight thy self in the Lord Is 58.12 13 14. and I will cause thee to ride upon the High places of the earth and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Friends God is not obliged to us for sanctifying his Sabbath but we are for ever engaged to
did both sanctifie and celebrate the seventh-day Sabbath and that before sin and consequently before any need of a Saviour or Ceremony shadowing him As for the arguments levelled against the Morality of the Sabbath they do most of them strike at the morality of the whole Decalogue For if the Sabbath be ceremonial because the Jews were obliged by their deliverance from Egipt to observe it Deut. 5.15 upon the same account the whole Decalogue is ceremonial since they are laid under equall engagements to the whole Law Exo. 20. I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the Land of Egipt from the house of Servants Rev. 11.8 Thou shalt have no other Gods before me c. Wherefore let such as are experienced of their greater deliverance from all the slavery of spiritual Egipt religiously observe every jot and tittle of this Moral holy just spiritual Law as spiritually as is possible and God will teach such sincere souls that 't is a strong delusion to talk of keeping that seventh day Sabbath spiritually whiles 't is prophaned litterally 'T is true our Lord Jesus enjoyneth a more intrinsecal and spiritual observation of the Decalogue Math. 5. but withal he ratifieth and establisheth every tittle he that dare bee so deluded as to prophane the Seventh day under pretence of keeping a spiritual Sabbath dare not commit corporal uncleanness or murther under the like colour of the spiritual observation of these Laws The truth is such consciences dare be bolder with God in robbing him of holy time then they dare be with Man in stealing his common goods Christian thy Redeemer hath obtained as well corporal as spiritual mercies for thee Wherefore glorifie thy God in sanctifying his Sabbath with the whole Law both with thy body and with thy spirit which he hath purchased 1 Cor. 6.20 Such who study contention instead of obedience labour to undermine the Morality of the Law from that promise which they say was peculiar to Israel of long life in the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee 1. But first this smites at the whole Law out of hatred to Gods seventh day Sabbath 2. Let it be considered that those words are rather a motive then a mandate 3. 'T is dull Atheism to fancy the possession of a foot of Land that is not Gods gift and therefore binding us to obedience Acts 17.26 For he hath made of one blood all the Nations of men for to dwell over all the face of the earth and hath determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitations 4. 'T is high ingratitude in us above all people in the middest of so much peace plenty light and liberty to contend against Gods holy Laws rather then to submit to his holy Sabbath 5. The promise of long life was not peculiar to Palestine but a motive to Israels obedience both in the Wilderness and in Babylon Act. 2.5 yea and to the Gentile Proselytes in all Nations Eph. 6.2 and 't is worthy our consideration how the Apostle renders it Not land but earth that thou maist live long on the earth and so the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 properly signifies and the statute word for word runs thus Ex. 21.15 17. Pro. 20.20 Mat. 15 4 6 9. Honour thy father and thy mother that they may prolong thy dayes upon the earth Thereby freeing obedien children from untimely death and investing them with the comforts of life Hence 't is manifest that both Jews and Gentiles are bound to improve their blessings unto obedience and no longer endeavour to defile the whole Decalogue rather then set to the sanctification of Gods true Sabbath But the Sabbath hath another sort of adversaries who assert the whole Laws morality and yet plead the Sabbaths mutability which scarce savours of rationality And that the depraved creature may sin with an high hand against that very place where first he sinned he endeavours to divert Paradise of the glory of the Sabbaths institution boldly asserting that mans sin was more ancient then Gods Sabbath And this fancy is fathered upon the Psalmist whence 't is asserted Psal 49.12 That Adam being in honour did not abide a night and therefore his sin prevented the Sabbath But the text is abused for the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is future Hiphil and thus word for word rendred Man in honour shall not abide a night that is such as the context mentions Vers 19. that trust in their wealth c. But saith the spirit He shall go to the generation of his father they shall never see the light this cannot be applied to Adam unless the Preacher of Peters Colchester or some of the same fancy whom I would modestly provoke to a reply can shew what fathers Adam could go to But to prove that the Sabbath was instituted before sin and consequently no Ceremony leading to a Saviour take notice that man the last and best piece of the visible creation yea and Angels also stood in their integrity with the closure of the sixth day for then all things were very good And no sooner did the sixth day end Gen. 1.31 2.1 with Job 38.7 Luke 2.13 Ex. 31.17 and the seventh begin but God rested sanctified and celebrated his holy Sabbath in which he was refreshed or exceedingly well fatisfied with the goodness of all his creatures which must needs precede sin by which the creature became very bad Some time must be allowed for the sin of Angels and after that for the parley with the woman It was no little space wherein Adam gave significant names to every creature one by one But enough is shewed of the Sabbaths precedency of sin and so for the vanishing of this invention But 't is further objected though faintly that Adam having no servants Object c. was not in a capacity of keeping the fourth Commandement This is such a shift that it opens the door of licentiousness too wide for all persons that have no servants rich Citizens that use no cattel c. So that still Gods first and mans best and most delightfull Law for spiritual solace shines in full glory out of Paradise and though the decayed Prelates would render it improper for pure Adam Mar. 2.27 yet since 't was observed by the pure God and declared by Christ to be made for * Man doubtless if Adam were a man 't was made for for him yea and for all his posterity that bare the image of God and are called Man or Woman The first invention thus failling and no possibility of expelling the Sabbath out of Paradise a second design is endeavoured Viz. to confine this royal Law within the precincts of Palestine as a legal ceremony peculiar to the Jews This was the account given of a pretended conference at Peters Colchester where they were carefull to prevent opposition by continued dictates far differing from the nature of a conference The Person
Disciples to pray Mat. 24.20 That their slight might not be in the Winter nor on the Sabbath day of grace i. e. that they might not flye at all when as yet he had commanded them to flye 2. If the day of grace be our enjoyned Sabbath then we must be sure as long as the Gospel lasts to do no servile work according to the Commandement but here it 's also conceived that the works now prohibited are our sins Answ 1. The Law did no less prohibit sin then the Gospel 2. This conceit supposeth God thus commanding six days of the Laws duration thou shalt or mayest labour and do all thy work of sin but the day of grace is the Sabbath in it thou shalt not sin thou thy son and which is extreamly absurd thy cattle and the stranger that is within thy gates Either this opinion must reject the rest of the fourth Commandement as it doth the seventh day or els it puts it self upon more then an Egiptian task to keep his son servants strangers from sin As for the poor cattle they are uncapable of such a Rest as cessation from sin and the merciless Notionist is reasoning them out of that natural rest wherewith the merciful God hath priviledged them so that if there be no rest required but from sin the poor bruits may rue the time of Christs comming into the world 't were well for them that Peter had prevailed to build Tabernacles that they might have still enjoyed the good dayes of Moses And as for English servants their condition would be little different from Turkish slaves so that they might well bewail MESSIAH's birth should this opinion prevail for the boundless desires of earthy-minded Masters would seldome be weary of the way of getting wealth neither would their pretended spirituality dictate what day to spare their wearied servants But instead of the Angels good tydings of great joy to all people servants would soon cry out sad tidings of great sorrow to be thus deprived of the happy rest for soul and body and constrained to toil and travel on the Sabbath Thus by Origens allegorical Divinity making cessation from sin the onely Gospel Sabbath the letter of Gods Law which cals for corporal rest and spiritual service is perverted Christs Sermon abused Exe. 20. Is 58.13 the Royal Sabbath like a typical ceremony rejected the poor bruits wearied servants defrauded and manifold absurdities introduced to the great dishonour of the great Law-giver and grievous sin of such as assert the onely Sabbath is to abstain from sin which that soul shall do indeed who abstains from labour on Gods Sabbath servile work being the known sin of the fourth Commandement Cease from thy shallow conceits thou deluded slighter of holy Sabbaths The Saints day of eternal cestation from sin and sorrow is not yet come we see Babylon yet in beeing the Jews uncalled all the eath in confusion the day of peace is indeed approaching when such onely as are found in ways of obedience shall enter in by the gate to the glorious City of everlasting Rest Thus having through Divine aid vindicated the Sabbaths morality from those inventions and aspersions raised against it I shall now proceed to the second part in the Position Viz. The select season or precise time determined by him who is hasting to the ruine of that blasphemous Little Horn for his change of Times and Laws THat the seventh day was the Lords holy Sabbath Gen. 2.2 Heb. 4.3 from the Worlds foundation to our Saviours Passion is undeniable And yet such is satans envie at the Sabbath that he suggests a possibility of alteration by the Suns station in Joshua's time and retrogradation in Hezekiah's dayes But it may easily bee understood that when the same power who placed the Sun in its Sphere stayed its course one day and commanded it to return backwards another this did only lengthen those individual days and then returned to its natural motion but altered not the next day at all 2. It must be concluded that our Saviour who fulfilled the Law exactly observed punctually the very Sabbath and the scripture testifies that the holy women rested the Sabbath day according to the Commandement Luk. 23. ult that is upon the very seventh day which God instituted and required to bee observed And the whole world though different in Religion will give full testimony that neither the Heathens saturday so called long before Christs time the Turks friday the Papists sunday nor any other day in the week hath since met with any change so that I may with as much reason question whether my right hand be that the world calls so as I may question whether saturday be the very seventh day seeing the Jews also dispersed through the world punctually observe it And yet what a deal of dust hath been raised from the Prelates ashes by an old Professour of New England-way against their principles and his own conscience his great Argument borrowed from the Bishops is this That since all Regions cannot observe the same hours for the Sabbath by reason of the various rising and setting of the Sun therefore the seventh day is not universally moral Answ What will not enmity to Gods Sabbath set upon seeing such a one as Capt. Jenison is not ashamed to use the old Prelates worm-eaten Arguments in flat opposition to his Brethren Me thinks it should wound his soul to receive answer from Mr. Shepheard with approbation of the consociated Elders of New England in detestation of such deceit thus The fourth Commandement must stand firm Shep. sab pag. 147. the Heaven and Earth must fall asunder the Lord will rather waste Kingdomes and the whole Christian world with fire and sword then let one tittle of his Law perish the Land must rest when Gods Sabbath cannot c. And surely it may sadly affect their hearts in New-England if ever this reacheth their eye or ear that one of their professed members in a great publick assembly should combat the Sabbath with the same weapons foyled by them And in hopes it will make the Captain ashamed and silence all adversaries I shall transcribe the solid answer of reverend Mr. Shepheard to the cloudy argument which he saith Carpanter and Heylin compassed the whole earth and heavens to find out To think saith he that the Sabbath was proper to the Jews Shep. sab pag. 148. because they onely were able to keep and exactly observe the time of it being shut up as Mr. Primvose saith within a little corner of the earth and that the Gentiles are not therefore bound to it because they cannot exactly observe the time of it in several quarters of the earth so far distant is a very feeble argument for why might not all Nations exactly observe the rising and setting of the Sun according to several Climates by which the natural day and so this if the Sabbath is exactly measured and which God hath appointed without limitation
they will find less difficulty in observing the seventh Circuit of the Sun then in supplying the defects of their native soyl by plowing the Ocean for the fruit of the Vine Having thus by Sun-beams and Scripture streams rescued the certainty of the seventh day from the clouds of obscurity it will be time with all humility to enquire at the gate of Grace Whether this seventh day be the unaltered solemn season for holy service under the Gospel That there is a special season designed distrinct from common time is generally asserted and received by Scripture-Christians and one would think that the Levellers of dayes and duties should even be thunder-smitten with the Apostles alarm 2 Tim. 4.1 2. I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdome Preach the Word be instant IN SEASON OUT OF SEASON i. e. on the Sabbath day on the Week dayes in Gods time in mans time and this sense will be found the saving truth if we take that igitur in the Text for our direction to the fore-going Chapter I charge thee therefore i. e. since thou art so well instructed in the truths of the Old Testament the onely known Scriptures when thou wast a childe which are able to make thee wise through faith unto salvation 2 Tim. 3.14 therefore be instant in season out of season Now the onely moral season those scriptures in joyn us is the famous seventh-day Sabbath never changed till the little horn arose No wonder then the same spirit by another Apostle highly approves our fulfilling the royal Law accoring to the Scriptures Ja. 1.8 which as to the season of worship is none other in the royal Law then the seventh-day Sabbath and therefore we shall approve our selves noble Bereans indeed by searching the Scriptures whether this thing be so concluding that if the Scriptures bee able to furnish the man of God throughly to all good works 2 Tim. 3.17 then the seventh day Sabbath is that certain designed season which God will own as a good work in such as observe it Proud man presumes to make all seasons equal and alike but the good spirit promised by Christ to lead us into all truth puts undeniable difference between season and season And the Apostle which layes so great a charge upon Timothy to Preach in season out of season doth thus declare his own practise That he had been with the Saints At all seasons Acts 20.18 And he expounds his meaning first that he had preached publikely i. e. as in open places so in the solemn season designed by God for publike worship And from house to house Vers 20. i. e. improving all opportunities night and day Now that the seventh-day Sabbath was the special season for Gospel service namely prayer and preaching the Apostles practise yea his constant practise is pregnant proof as will be shewed in its proper place This is not left to the liberty of any creature to alter Acts 13. 16. 17. 18 though some who thereby justifie the abhominations of the little hom do assert but not for want of ignorance that 't is not that special seventh day that is enjoyned but A seventh day whereas we have not onely the Pattern in the Mount namely the precise time of Gods Rest to point out the Sabbath day but to end all cavils he points twice in the fourth Commandement to that very seventh on which he rested by the emphatical demonstrative particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so that 't is not a seventh but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the seventh day and further requires that we should keep Is holy because he blessed IT and sanctified IT And therfore they had need make sure work of a very clear word for a change or repeal of that seventh day against the day of judgement for fear of being left speechless And as for such as suppose A seventh day or A seventh part of time is the morality of the fourth Commandement they will never help themselves by it for if it be a seventh day then it cannot be A sixth day or an eighth day or any other but simply A seventh day unless they will destroy their own morality and so for the other notion of a seventh part of time which they confess is purely moral if so then no other time but simply the seventh part must from week to week be devoted to Gods worship throughout all ages for whensoever the seventh part of time is altered the Morality must needs be destroyed But by such vain jangling it seems they had rather have any Sabbath or no Sabbath then the true sanctified Sabbath which God hath especially designed and whereon the choicest blessings may be in faith expected All other dayes were good wherein God wrought but the seventh day was and is peculiarly blessed wherein God rested And therefore Antichrist engageth earthly powers more especially to prophane the seventh as the chief Market day and rakes up all the filth he can finde to defile the Lords Sabbath and affright the Saints from following the Lord in observing it His grand odium wherewith Mr. Aspinwal hath polluted his Title page is That it was the Jews Sabbath like that scornfull reproach of Pilate cast upon Christ Joh. 18.35 who was indeed a Jew and Lord of the Sabbath in which sense Gospel-saints may very safely embrace this blessed Jews Sabbath who hath proclaimed himself as well Lord of his Sabbath as of his Supper and there 's safe shelter under the skirts of this Jew But in scripture dialect 't is Jehovah's Sabbath and no where term'd the Jews Sabbath that I know of but this I know that as it was instituted before there was any distinction either of Jew or Gentile so it remains in full force to the people of God for ever ever since that wall of partition was demolished Christian is the fourth Command for the Sabbath made odious because it was given to the Jews thou maist even cast off all the Commandements upon the same account Why the whole Law was given to the Jews the holy Scriptures was given to the Jews Ast 7.38 They received the lively Oracles to give unto us Observe Christian these lively Oracles are Gods moral Laws which by a lively voice he committed to them Rom. 8.2 and that not onely for themselves but to give unto us As they received them from God so they gave them unto us and therefore see thou keep them as they gave them and amongst the rest the express seventh-day Sabbath And beware of slighting it because given to the Jews Let but this scoff drive thee to disdain what was given to the Jews and so living and so dying thou shalt assuredly be damned For the Scriptures that are able through faith in Christ to make wise unto salvation were given to the Jews 2 Tim. 3 Our Lord Jesus himself was a Jew
and given to the Jews and will shortly come in his glory to make them a glorious people neither will any thing more hasten mercy to Sion Ps 102.13 14. then Christians taking pleasure in her stones and favouring the dust thereof that is the times and Laws changed by Antichrist For 't is impossible that ever that beloved people should receive the Messiah while they see his Disciples disobedient to Gods royal commands We who were once drown'd in the delusion can now discern and detest that Popish impiety of image-worship in defiance of the second Commandement and yet they can plead as plausibly for Idolatry by their wretched distinction of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as wee can possibly for change of the Sabbath As their image-worship is one great stumbling-block to long forsaken Israel so our weekly wallowing in Sabbath pollutions sadly obstructs the hopes of their conversion Heb. 6.6 and indeed puts our dear Saviour to an open shame as may appear by a passage lately communicated which exceedingly affects my soul and so I hope it will my Readers thus The Jews in London are very much affected with our keeping of the Sabbath and do frequent our meeting places every Sabbath in the latter part of the day and truly I hope the Lord will in time awake upon them to imbrace the truth As yet they keep on their Hats in the time of prayer I am well acquainted with their Rabbi He and the rest of the Jews with him were so taken with Brother Sallars prayer for the restauration of the Kingdome to Israel Acts 1.6 as that they desired that they might have it in writing promising that they would print it and send it to all the places where the Jews inhabit I told them also your resolution to preach up the Sabbath and they are very much taken therewith desiring the Lord to prosper you in your endeavours therein I perceive it is a great stumbling block to them as to believe Christ to be the Messiah because Christians violate the Sabbath for say they if Christ were not a Sabbath-breaker why are Christians and if Christ were a Sabbath breaker then he was a sinner and if a sinner what benefit can we expect by the death of an evil doer And thus you see what evil consequents follow the non-observance of the Lords holy Sabbath I hope this may be usefull to your Auditors especially to those of your society Reader doth not thy heart with mine tremble before the Lord in the perusal of these lines why if the offence of one little one deserve so great punishment Mat. 18.6 what will be the doom of Sabbath-breakers after warning whose weekly disobedience so much dishonours Christ and stumbles all the Tribes of Israel how vain are their petitions for Israels conversion whose practise so much obstructs the glorious work Cast ye up Isa 57.14 cast ye up prepare the way take up the stumbling blocks out of the way of my people Awake awake Saints the seventh seal is opened and the seventh day Sabbath breaks through those Romish fogs that long obscured it under the Heathenish title of saturday or Saturns day The same blasphemous Horn that rob'd us of the Holy Scriptures hath long deprived us of the Holy SABBATH telling us that it was Jewish 'T is high time wholly to depart from Popish pollutions Zech. 8.13 and fulfill part of that Prophesie in taking such hold on the skirts of the Jews as to observe all their Moral Laws with delight Let nor the unscriptural odium of a jewish Sabbath startle us any more then a jewish SAVIOUR But let us put on Ruths resolution in meeting the Jews saying Thy Scriptures shall be my Scriptures thy Promises shall be my portion thy salvation shall be my expectation thy seventh day shall be my Sabbath thy Messiah shall be my SAVIOUR and thy God my God And thus shall we take up the stumbling blocks obstructing their return who can neither brook Babels abominations in the breach of Gods second Royal Law nor Protestants weekly prophanation of the Sabbath with deep disobediance to the fourth Commandement Which is most dreadfull in such as continue sabbath-breakers for earthly advantage after some light of Gods Law hath broken in upon their souls at least to suspect that it may be Gods Sabbath So that they have nothing to say against it and yet through the worlds snares and love of relations dare continue to act against it wallowing Weeke after Weeke in Sabbath pollutions till the just judgement of GOD at last leave them through custome of sin to a scared conscience Another odium cast upon the seventh day Sabbath by Gallio like indifferents and luke-warm Laodiceans is that 't is but a circumstance of time But the wise experienced Preacher doth speedily confute their folly in a sentence worthy our observation Who so keepeth the Commandement shall feel no evil thing and a wise mans heart discerneth both TIME and judgement Eccl. 3.5 Such as dare be careless of keeping the Commandements and judge themselves so wise as to contemn that TIME which God hath ordained to make men wiser we shall leave to that wisdome which is meer foolishness with God 1 Cor. 3.19 even to trifle with that precious time which weekly conveys precious plants into the Palace and special presence of their Prince But whereas 't is objected That holy time and holy place were both of like force Let such shew us the least syllable in Gods moral Law enjoyning holy place 2 Tim. 4.1.2 Joh. 4.20 21. 1 Tim. 2.8 and we shall well weigh it and in the mean time do our duty in that holy time which is expresly commanded us of God knowing that our Law-giver hath as fully confirmed this holy time as he hath laid common all holy place Thus these devices fail as not able to foyl this shining season Gods sanctified seventh day Sabbath which stands with strength in Gospel times Let our next business therefore be to know when to enter upon this holy rest for it cannot be conceived that God who hath been so punctual in prescribing the precise time of Circumcision the Passeover Penticost and other ceremonies should leave us to our liberty for the beginning of his holy Sabbath But oh the amusing Meanders perplexing and distracting Labyrinths that do even drink up their spirits who assert the Sabbaths change to the first week-day being not able to find when to begin their supposed Sabbath Some affirming it beins in the morning when the Lord arose but what hour they are not able to say since God hath purposely concealed Christs rising as he did Moses burial place to prevent our sin so that whether to begin their Sabbath at break of day or Sun-rising they are uncertain and know not what to do Others are moved but by what rule or reason I know not to appoint midnight for the entrance of their Sabbath when most are asleep
A third sort are content to observe their Sabbath by halves and having twenty four hours to their own days they shut up their Sabbath with one half and say an artificial day of twelve hours is sufficient A fourth declares that the evening is the time their Sabbath must begin Shep. beg sab p. 34. and sadly bewails the secret knots and difficulties that are found in the beginning of their first day Sabbath calling for humility and many tears But whiles thus they are confounded in their languages labouring with manifold difficulties to find some beginning of Mans Sabbath behold the lively Oracle of Gods unchangeable seventh day Sabbath opening all prison doors breaking all bars untying all knots and like Ariadue's Clue leading the perplexed spirit out of his Labyrinth whiles he returns by Christs direction to the beginning where in the infancy of time we meet with Gods spirit in a night of darkness brooding upon a confused Chaos Gen. 1.2 3. to produce a world of Wonders So that manifest it is night was the beginning of time in which the rude mass was made before any light appeared and this darkness with the ensuing light compleated the first day and so the second third fourth fifth and sixth wherein the Almighty finished the whole fabrick of heaven earth and sea leading man Gods Master-piece to the highest admiration And no sooner did the sixth days sun cease with the compleating of this peerless Potentate but Elohim ceased to shew his vertue and power in creation and withdrawing himself into himself he immediately sanctified the seventh day Sabbath to enjoy his own infinite beatitude delighting himself with full satisfaction in the pure and spotless works of his hands for as yet sin had not soiled the creature but whiles Iehovah celebrated his Sabbath with man for whom it was made Mar. 2. last Iob 38.7 lo the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy So that here the Lords Sabbath without the least loss of time exactly begins when with the sixth days sun the worlds creation ends and therefore such as desire to be holy as God is holy 1 Pet. 1.15 1 Joh. 3.3 must not onely observe this seventh day Sabbath but begin this holy Rest according to the pattern shewed in the Mount that is when the sixth circult of the sun shews us 't is time to cease from earthly labors as Iehovah in his royal Law hath proposed himself for our example Exo. 20.11 This hath been the constant course of believers I suppose it will scarce be questioned in Moses time since even the ceremonial Sabbaths because honoured as Sabbaths were so to be observed Lev. 22.32 From even unto even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath So after the Jews were rewarded in Babylon for slighting the Sabbath * 2 Chro. 36.22 did honest Nehemiah set to the exact observance of this day by causing Ierusalems gates to be shut before the Sabbath even whiles the declining sixth day sun by descending the Mountaines surrounding Ierusalem cast some obscurity upon the City gates a good example for earthy minds who wil not leave their servile labours till the last minute but perhaps allow themselves liberty to do some houshold business after the Sabbaths beginning We lie under equal engagements at least with ancient Israel which should oblige us to such evening sacrifice as appears to be their custome by that Psalm designed for the Sabbath Psal 92.1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord and to sing praises unto thy Name O most High to shew forth thy loving kindness in the morning thy faithfulness every night This sacrifice very well becomes Christians who should not be out-stript by those devour Tribes whose joys are further expressed by the Prophet Isa 30.29 Ye shall have a song as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept Hence 't is evident with what affection and at what time they set to the solemnity of this highest Sabbath Neither is the New Testament wanting of instructions when to begin this holy Rest for even after the sufferings of our Saviour the Saints did not onely observe the Sabbath but the Spirit is express in the beginning of the solemnity as is recorded for the everlasting honour of the precious women that having attended their Saviour to his sepulchre Luk. 23.55 56. They returned and prepared spices and oyntments and rested the Sabbath day according to the Commandement That part of the preparation day that remained after Christs burial these precious souls improved in preparing Aromaticks to embalm their beloved Luk. 23.54 but as the sixth day ended and the Sabbath drew on their work was done for so well were they discipled by our Saviour as not to violate his holy Sabbath no not to embalm his blessed body And yet some scoffers in these last days are so bold as to cast â—ilâ—â— in the faces of such as tread in these Saints stops reproaching them as worshippers of A dead Christ Col. 2.14 15. Act. 2.26 who was never more active then in the grave being there a conquerour not a sufferer But leaving these in scorners Chair the same Testament which thus shews us the Saints beginning of the Sabbath informs us also of the end by our Saviours example Mar. 1.21 who having performed the publick duties of the day retired to Peters house further to honour the Sabbath with his wonted miracles ver 19. Luk. 13.14 And though the envious Pharisees taught that the people should nor come for healing on the Sabbath day yet hereby we learn when the holy season determines by the liberty the people took according to the Pharisees doctrine Mar. 2.32 And at evening when the Sun did set they brought unto him all that were diseased So that 't is abundantly manifest Deu. 16.6 that from Even to Even or from Sun to Sun the Sabbath is to be celebrated Thus the Jews constantly observe it and thus all faithfull Christians ought to sanctifie it who by scripture authority are thus set free from all that confusion and contention which as a scourge from God porplexeth the observers of the supposed first day Sabbath who know not when to begin nor when to make an end But here it will be objected That upon this account the first day raust be utterly discarded since the 4th Commandment as wel requires six days service as the 7th days Sabbath To which I answer 1. That whereas the Lord doth expresly require cessation from work on the Sabbath day he doth not by a negative require that we never cease from work upon any of the six days for then we must never feast nor fast nor use any kind of recreation throughout the week 2. The Hebrew tense hath a various aspect 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet it is rather future then imperative and may well enough point out the creatures earthy inclinations thus Six days thou
wilt or shalt labour or as it is rendred elsewhere six days may work be done God gives us leave to serve our selves six days Exo. 31.15 that we may not murmur or repine in devoting the seventh wholly to his service but he is no Aegyptian Task-master to bind us to six days incessant labour for then Paul sinned in such a charge to preach in season out of season and God himselfe should cross his own Command in requiring Israel to observe the Passeover Penticost Feast of Tabernacles c. taking up as many days as the year hath weeks which ceremonial days Christ hath abolished and therefore we should not grudge to give unto God every first day as an addition to the Sabbath with thankfulness for our double benefit Creation and Redemption especially if both days be anthorized by the word of truth As for the scriptures quoted in the New Testament for the change of the seventh day Sabbath to the first day of the week I shall demonstrate in due time that not any one of them nor all together can make up an argument to satisfie a truly enlightened soul But that the Resurrection day is designed for a rejoycing day to Christs Disciples seems undeniable by the Psalmists saying Ps 118.24 This is the day which the Lord hath made we will rejoyce and be glad in it Which being compared with Peters speech * Act. 4.10 11. must needs be meant the Resurrection day And whereas some who are loath to appear in Gods presence too often do suppose this rejoycing day to be onely Easter day once in a year I shal forbear to answer them til they can better agree about the celebration of their traditional Easter and excite Gods people to rejoice and be glad on the Resurrection day as oft as the week brings it about But is this impossible to be done unless we reject Gods ancient 7th day Sabbath why may not the Sabbath stand with the first day amongst Christians as it stood with so many holy days amongst the Jews especially since the mercy of a free Redeemer is added to the blessings of a bountifull Creator 'T is sad to see persons spend more time in sin to satisfie their lusts then Profestors can part with to serve the Lord. Welf it seems to be Scriptural that the Lord made the Resurrection day a rejoyoing day but he never made it a Sabbath day and if it be allowed that honourable title of the Lords Day Rev. 1. yet doth it no more cashier the seventh day Sabbath then did the ceremonial Feasts called Sabbaths of old Those many Jewish holy dayes honoured with the title of Sabbaths did not then weaken the Royal Sabbath nor can the supposed title given to the first week-day now do it seeing Christ hath for ever confirmed each point and parcel of the Moral Law Jam. 2.8 10 11. Both days may lovingly live amongst Christians redeemed from the earth And though many would be accounted Saints that think they should be undone in so doing yet the spotless Spouse of Christ whiles arayed in those royal robes of Sun-like Majesty Rev. 12. and decked with that diadem of infallibility trampling under feet all sublunary fading mutable glories I say in this her primitive purity during the first three Centuries she constantly observed both these dayes in honour of her Creator and Redeemer till the little Horn changed her Times and Laws This is so generally confessed even by the adversaries of the seventh day Sabbath that other proof would be needless in this place It cannot be denied that the primitive saints did honour the Resurrection day with the honourable title of their Lord so that it became a proverbial question in their greetings Servasti Dominicum hast thou kept the Lords day to which the other would answer Christianâ—â— sum intermittere non possum I am a Christian I may not omit it This I conceive is a second ground for observing the first day and although the decree of Constantine with the Councel of Laodicea do not any way concern us in this point 2 Chr. 10.10.3 Neh. 9.27 Est. 9.20 yet the statutes enacted by a just authority for the observation of daies should be observed provided that such decrees be no way destructive to the Sabbath of the Lord our God Matth. 15.2 3. This I offer as a third ground of rejoycing on the Resurrection day commonly called the Lords day which we should more readily embrace then any Lecture day According to the good old Christian custom of Saints and it may be fitly termed the Lords day Rom. 14.6 when with delight we observe it to the Lord. Reasons for observing both daies are these 1. Christians have more engagements upon them then ever ancient Israel had to devote as much of their time to God shall the greatness of his graces straighten us in the advancement of his glory 2. We have as frequent necessity of heavenly supplies as they had why should we be seldomer at the throne of grace 3. We are set free from those great burdens and bondages long journeys and vast expences sacrifices and ceremonies under which they groaned and are two daies in seven such a task Is our fathers presence and saints fellowship so itksome Doubtless 't is so to drossie Disciples whose love extends no further then the Leaves why we are invited into the holy of holies to make sure work of eternal mansions to bear up Gods standard and honour in the world for a little season and are two daies for God and our souls so tedious and troublesome when we have more then twice two for our perishing bodies we should not be weary to approach the presence of an earthy Prince so often for wealth and honour 4. The highest pretender to spirituality had need enough to get often into Gods Courts and Saints company to shake off his earthy shackles the durty face of our earthly Mother too frequently dulls our affections to our heavenly Father we have little cause to couzen our consciences with with a device to honour God by disobeying him in slighting his precepts under pretence of spiritual performances as if frequent attendance at heavens gates could hinder our spiritual growth or Gods Sabbath suppress one sanctity 5. We are marvailously delivered from all those Mass daies upheld by the Beast and his image to which Saints were compelled by Parators as Candle Mass Christ-Mass Michael-Mass and I know not how many Mastes and is it now such a matter with the Sabbath day to devote the first day of the week to Gods worship as Saints have done I fear such Professors did never count the cost before they took up Christianity and therefore they fail in that measure of self-denial which the Sabbath calls for which I confess is more then all other Ordinances but let such know they will find it as hard for flesh and bloud to inherit the Kingdome of God as now they feel the observance of Gods
Sabbath and the Lords day I know not why this term of Lords day should offend Christians now more then of old if some sabbath-keepers shall scruple it yet I hope they can religiously embrace those Gospel-opportunities and precious priviledges that the first day affords Let us beware of a censorious spirit towards persons of different perswasions Our God waited long upon us whiles living in disobedience to the Law of the seventh day Sabbath and he looks for a spirit of forbearance towards others till Sabbath light break in upon their souls unless sathan prevail with them to deprive us of our hopes by their forsaking of our assemblies as the manner of some is whose practice proclaims they will learn no more nor suffer sabbath-light to take possession of their souis We shall leave such to that drerdfull doom which attends Heb. 10.25 26.27 Those that wilfully sin in forsaking the assemblies of the Saints for whom there remains no more sacrifice but a certain fearfull looking for of judgement and fiery indignation to devour the adversaries who will not have the Lord of the Sabbath reign over them but will follow their earthly enjoyments and imployments till he return to tell them they have already received their good things i. e. the things they esteemed so and preferred before the celebration of his Sabbath and therefore must never look for more But for the enlightened Saint who sees the abiding glory of Gods seventh day Sabbath in its morality exact measure of time beginning and end let him proceed in the power of Gods spirit what ever he pay for it Though parents forsake him he hath a God to go to who will willingly receive him into a bosome of grace and after a few more weekly returns to the Gospel noon-tide Rest he and I shall be translated into New Jerusalems glory to joyn in songs of praise to the honour of the Lord of the Sabbath in the Saints everlasting rest Thus through Divine assistance I have to the full satisfaction of my own foul vindicated the morality of the holy Rest of Saints or the Sabbath of the Lord our God which is undeniably the solemn Season for Gospel worship The next thing is the special warrant for Christians to celebrate this holy day which is sour-fold 1. The Creators institution 2. The Redeemers confirmation 3. The Spirits approbation 4. The Saints observation Which being confirmed by clear Scripture will undoubtedly be fully satisfactory to all that are willing to imbrace truth The third Head VIZ. The AUTHORITY THough the Great God be not engaged to give any account of his matters yet behold his marvailous condiscentions in giving his creature not onely a command but the reason why he requires the solemn observation of this seventh day Sabbath which cannot possibly for this reason be changed to any other day For in six dayes Jehovah made the Heavens and the Earth the Sea and all that in them is and rested the seventh day wherefore Jehovah blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it As our Lord Jesus sets forth the excellency of that universal decree of marriage made in Paradise for Adam which is therefore honourable amongst men even so doth Jehovah lay the Basis of our obedience to his holy Sabbath in the first institution reducing us to the beginning when first as his first and his Saints best ordinance he made the Sabbath for man thereby engaging all mankinde both Jews and Gentiles to observe it upon which account the Israelites were bound not onely to sanctifie it themselves but to see that all strangers within their gates did observe the same a practise exemplary in holy Nehemiah Neh. 13. If then all Gentiles when but resident in Palestina were required to rest on Gods Sabbath whiles they were Aliens to the Commonwealth of Israel much more are we now engaged being fellow Citizens with the Saints and of Gods family The Authority then with its equity universally obliging all Adams posterity to observe the seventh day Sabbath purely springs from Gods holy Rest and Divine institution 1 Point Institution after the Worlds creation which being not made onely for Israel but for all people I appeal to all conscientious understanding Christians that presume not to destroy the reason of the fourth Commandement whether all mankinde be not hence obliged to observe that very 7th day Sabbath who enjoy the benefit of the creation God hath not only vouchsafed his children such a precious precept with the ground of it 1 Precept 2 President But is graciously pleased to make himself a perfect president in observing this seventh day Sabbath A most pure pattern for his Saints to work by a most clear coppy for his schollers to write after and lot such as desire to be Godly that is God-like follow their first and fairest example The spirit of Christ in the Gospel enjoyns us to Be followers of God as dear children Eph. 5.1 To be holy as he is holy pure as he is pure Impure persons pollute the Sabbath but the holy God sanctifies and observes it that his dear children may follow him in it Shall we pretend to press after God-like purity and yet slight Gods example in this sweet solemnity Why Gods president is the most absolute pattern of all perfection the best of men may fail and be outstript by their folfollowers but who so makes the perfect God his pattern still presseth forward and hath still more perfections before him which allures the growing mounting soul from grace to grace and so to glory Since then the blessed Creator so compleated every creature in six days that he might immediately consecrate and celebrate the seventh day Sabbath for mans example let not man think to be wiser then his Maker either in presuming to change his holy day or pretending a spiritual observance in a literal disobedience Can poor worms dust and ashes contrive a way to be more spiritual then the Father of spirits Can Satan suggest a president more perfect then Perfection it self Be not righteous overmuch but learn of the Lawgiver who in expounding his own Law sums up all in this instruction Be ye therefore perfect Mat. 5.48 even as your heavenly Father is perfect that is in quelity though equality is utterly impossible Wherefore let that very seventh day which your heavenly Faâ—her hath separated by his institution benediction and celebration be your constant observation that in this point you may be perfect EVEN As your heavenly Father is perfect Here it appeareth plainly with what full authority the blessed seventh day Sabbath is established even from the Worlds foundation Heb. 4.3 4. So that it may well be owned as a foundation Oracle instituted and observed by God himself The royal Psalmist elegantly sings Ps 87.1 That Gods foundations are in the holy mountains and certainly this toyal Law is thus gloriously founded For as it was the first statute decreed by Jehovah so its foundation
as hath been shewed was first laid in that pure pleasant Paradise Eden where God rested and inseparably united the Sabbath to the seventh day The second holy Mountain wherein God established this foundation truth Sinai was Mount Sinat made glorious by the terrible Majesty of the Lord descending with shrill trumpet in dreadful tempests thunder and lightening where with a lively voice he immediately delivered this lively Oracle crowning this seventh day Sabbath with the very same honour and dignity as the other nine Royal statutes and recording the same in Tables of stone which by his new Covenant he writes in renewed hearts so that if Christians stand obliged to those ten Commandements as so many lively Oracles committed to the Jews to be given unto us Rom. 3.2 Act. 7.38 Iam. 2.8 and that we shall do well in observing these royal Laws according to the Scripture that is according as God himself hath written them then must this very seventh day Sabbath as one of those Royal Laws be for ever observed by saints without alteration or diminution and the rather since this foundation oracle obtains confirmation in the third glorious holy Mountain even in the heighths of Gospel Sion where the very same seventh day Sabbath instituted by the Father is established by the Son which is the second point proposed wherein I shall prove 2 Confirmation That the seventh day Sabbath sanctified by Iehovah is ratified by Iesus upon a two-fold account 1. He owns it by his Words 2. He crowns it by his Works And if this be cleared then surely Christians should carefully observe it both in word and work 1. Our blessed Redeemer confirms the seventh day Sabbath by his Word more generally amongst the rest of those Royal statutes which he assures us shall continue in every tittle not so much as one Hebrew point to be diminished or altered til the heavens be no more and the earth be removed and all be compleated and fulfilled Christian turn to thy Bible and behold with horror the dreadful doom which thy Redeemer hath denounced against such as shall transgress the least of his Laws and teach others to be disobedient Mat. 5.18 19. O how dangerous is the disobedience to this duty seeing it is undeniable that the seventh day Sabbath is a tittle and more then a tittle of that royal Law the wilfull offence of one point whereof renders the Rebel a transgressor of all Gods Laws Iam. 2.10 Suppose the Sabbath were the least Commandement yet saith Christ our King Comp. Mat. 5.19 with Act. 3.23 He that breaketh and bids others break the least of these Commandements shall be cut off from Gods Kingdome Neither doth Christ in flesh whiles the ceremonial Law was in full fore onely confirm the whole moral Law but even since his ascention by his holy spirit he moves his Apostles to establish the whole every part of the ten words Rom. 3. Do we then make void the law through faith saith Paul God forbid yea we establish the law Which cannot be the ceremonial Law Christ having utterly abolished all those beggarly elements It must be onely that * holy Rom. 7.7 12 14. just good spiritual Law which ends with this Command Thou shalt not covet And not in part is this Law perpetuated but in every point saith the other Apostle Jam. 2.10 And therefore let such as after warning slight the seventh day Sabbath make sure work that it be no point of that Law whose every jot and tittle is established by Christ and his Apostles And yet after this full confirmation how fain would vain contentious flesh find out a device to live in disobedience to that precious heavenly Law Object for 't is objected That Christ hath not expresly and particularly established the fourth Commandement and therefore it may be no sin to slight the seventh day Sabbath Answ By this reasoning the Papists may excuse all their Idolatry since Christ hath not expresly and particularly confirmed the second Commandement and therefore they may as lawfully make and worship Images as we may prophane the seventh day Sabbath 'T is sad to strengthen Antichrists lewdness by weakening Christs Law 2. Christ hath confirmed every tittle and his Apostles every point of the Royal Law will not this suffice if not behold the kindness of Christ condescending to our weakness shewing us as it were the very print of the nails fastening his seventh day Sabbath for ever as a foundation Oracle not onely in Eden and Sinai but in the beauty of Sion for he doth expresly own the seventh day Sabbath particularly with the honour that none other Law enjoys professedly acknowledging it to be his Sabbath proclaiming himself Lord of it and most punctually observing it yea solemnly averring that he came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it And indeed this spotless Lamb did faithfully fulfil this Law of the Sabbath as the rest without the least violation of any tittle even then when those presumptuous spirits charged him Mar. 2.27 28. He cheeking their blind conceit who thought belike that Man was made for the Sabbath and informs them that the Sabbath was made for Man and not Man for the Sabbath that is for mans benefit and comfort both body and soul even as the Laws of a Nation are made for the subjects and not subjects for the Laws And further be compleats his answer to their false accusation by proclaiming himself Lord of the Sabbath as if he should say The Sabbath is mine I am the Lord of it I made it for Man that he should sanctifie it and therefore having given Man a precept and pattern to keep it I shall not make my self a president to prophane it as you superstitiously suppose Certainly Christs engagement to fulfil it to the least jot or tittle with his professed owning of it claim to it and care for it as its Lord is the fullest confirmation that can possibly be desired That which Christ lays claim to as Lord must needs be confessed to be his esteemed and honoured as his the Bride is his for he is her Lord Psal 45.11 the Harvest is his Heaven and Earth is his the Angels are his and all to be esteemed his who is proclaimed Lord of all Therefore we celebrate the holy Supper because 't is the Lords Supper and therefore we ought to sanctifie the holy Sabbath because he declares himself Lord of the Sabbath He gave it the institution when he made the world he gave it confirmation when he redeemed the world and his Saints must endeavour to observe every jot and tittle of it to the end of the world For as he doth expresly own his holy day in asserting himself Lord of the Sabbath so he takes special care by particular instruction that his Saints might avoid the violation of this rest on earth even whiles he himself should rest triumphantly in Heaven wherefore after his predictions of the approaching
inflame our affections for hence we shall behold the sheaf of first fruits waved and that Lamb without spot so fairly sacrificed in our blessed Saviour as will make every Babe in Christ a sufficient Arithmetician in numbring the fiftie dayes to finde out the seventh day Sabbath Lev. 23.9.15 So Diodation Lev. 23. The institution of this Feast of Pentecost is recorded by Moses who from God appointed Israel to bring on the morrow after their Passcover Sabbath a sheaf of of their first fruits to bee waved by the Priest before the Lord and to offer the same day a Lamb without blemish to the Lord. Deu. 16.9 And from that very day to count seasen Sabbath or Weeks and the morrow after the seventh Week was the Feast of Pentecost or the fiftieth day And this numbring of seven Weeks or fifty dayes is still observed by the Jews who every night when the starres arise Chilm p. 132. Ross view 300. 1 Cor. 15.23 say a prayer and conclude To day are so many dayes past of the Omer And here let the Believer who sees all types ended in Christ with confidence behold his dying Redeemer as the undoubted sheaf of first fruits waved upon the Cross by the crucifying Priests the very morrow after he had eaten the Passeover and for the Lamb without blemish to be offered the same day behold the spotless Lamb of God taking away the sins of the world And after admiration of this compleat Saviour in whom all these misteries which point out this true Messiah are fully accomplished Let us number fifty dayes or seven full Weeks according to the rule that is Lev. 23.15 16.11 c. from the day that the sheaf and Lamb were offered Now our sheaf of first fruits and Lamb without spot is known to every Babe to be offered up on the sixth day of the Week commonly called Good-Friday from which day we must number fifty dayes or seven full Weeks and the morrow after the seventh Week is the fiftieth day called Pentecost and because we have been so long deceived of our true Sabbath by Antichrist and that his Image would still perswade us his Whitsunday is the day of Pentecost I shall take the tender Lambs of Christ by the hand and if they have no readier Arithmetick let them but take an Almanack and number seven weeks or fifty daies and see with their own eyes whether the fiftieth day be the seventh day Sabbath from the day that our sheaf of first fruits and Lamb without spot was offered As thus Good Friday so called is the known day from which we must begin our account of seaven compleate weekes or fifty dayes and the first of these fifty daies is Saturday as Heathens term it and the following Friday is the end of the first week which makes seven compleat daies The second Friday is the 14th day The third Friday is the 21th day The fourth Friday is the 28th day The fifth Friday is the 35th day The sixth Friday is the 42th day The seventh Friday is the 49th day Making up seven compleat weeks And the fiftieth day being the morrow after the seventh week must undeniable be granted the Worlds Saturday and the Saints seventh day Sabbath upon which Sabbath the Apostles were assembled with one accord in one place Acts 2. when the eternal Spirit gave full testimony to that Royal solemnitie with the highest approbation that ever was given to any assembly of Saints and the unspotted Virgin-spouse of the Lambe did sweetly celebrate the most glorious Sabbath that ever Church enjoyed for here heaven and earth accord mutually inviting each other Here the promised Spirit saith come with his quickening motions inviting the Saints to assemble themselves upon his holy Sabbath And here the lovely Bride saith come purposely presenting her self on Gods seventh day Sabbath in expectation of this glorious power from on high What then should hinder the desired inspiration Christs promise is engaged his saints are solemnly assembled in a season sanctified their unanimous supplications are continued Acts 1.14 their hopes are heightened and down comes the eternal Dove with a sudden sound from heaven as a rushing mighty wind filling the house and furnishing all their hearts with Divine abilities to publish the Gospel of Christ to all Nations under heaven Thus while the saints are acted by the spirits operation the seventh day Sabbath is crowned with the highest approbation thousands this day were convinced converted baptized incorporated and with transcendant joys transported feeding like Lambs in fresh pastures closing this blessed seventh day Sabbath with the incomparable feast of the Lords Supper and sacramental union into one entire body by breaking of bread O what a day of wonders is the Lords true Sabbath instituted in Eden advanced at Sinai owned and crowned by Christ and thus highly approved by his spirit in Sion A day of marvellous mysteries a day of manifold mercies Was ever day honoured like Iehovah's Sabbath the Lord Iesus's Sabbath the Holy Spirits Sabbath which therefore must be the Saints Sabbath I have been the more exact and free even to the shallowest capacity in opening these mysteries that Christians may clearly discern the deceits of the little Hom in changing Times as well as Laws perswading poor souls to live by an implicite faith in taking his Whitsunday upon trust for the day of Pentecost as is still pressed by Parish preachers to shuffle off the renowned seventh day Sabbath But some seeing they can no longer delude the people it being so apparent that the day of Pentecost was the very seventh day Sabbath yet devise to detain them longer in disobedience objecting Object That though the day of Pentecost was the Sabbath yet the Saints assembled upon the other days as appears Act. 1.14 Answ It 's indeed declared that they continued with one accord in prayer but it 's not assertted they were constantly together in one place 2. 'T is not likely they did watch all those ten nights and as improbable that they all lodged together 3. But this is manifest That very early upon the fiftieth day they were unanimously solemnly assembled in one place which is not affirmed in that solemn manner of the other days neither was any day like this honoured with the glorious presence of the Holy Spirit This Sabbath was the first honoured with the conversion of souls this and no day before did they break bread together yea many signal tokens of Divine approbation have beyond all dispute advanced the glory of this day above all other days But 't is further objected Object That the ceremonial day of Pentecost is as much honoured as the seventh day Sabbath 1. Answ The Apostles might observe Pentecost as a ceremony not yet buried yet undeniably they would much more honour the Royal Sabbath No ceremony was ever esteemed like the Law of ten Commandements 2. This objection was never made against Whitsunday till the glory of Gods Sabbath discovered
the vanity of that Anti-christian invention But 3. We must learn to distinguish between Ceremonials and Morals both are not alike confirmed when they are together mentioned Act. 5.20 42. The Apostles preached and prayed in the Temple yet are they not of equal authority The Royal Sabbath is indeed mentioned with New Moons and sacrifices but it is no more rejected then Prayer and the prayer hearing God which are mentioned together * Isa 1.13 14 15. 57.6 7. 3d. Obj. A third objection is newly made by Mr. Aspinwal who grants Pentecost to be indeed the seventh day but thinks the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 translated fully come should rather be rendred fully past Pag. 5. Whence he would perswade that the Spirit did not descend upon the true day of Pentocost but upon the Jews false day of Pentecost which he saith was the first day of the week 1. The Greek being a Gerund in Do signifies fulfilling and most certain it is that as the saints were fulfilling the true Pentecost on the seventh day the spirit of Christ descended early upon them 2. His great mistakes are manifest in that our Lord Jesus who was punctual as he grants p. 5. to his own Law exactly celebrated the Passeover upon the 5th day the Jews on the 7th and such distance must needs be at the true and false Pentecost the true on the 7th the false not as he asserts on the first day but on the second so that his supposition of all those wonders which he would have done on the Jews Pentecost* do utterly vanish Pag. 35. and the glory of the 7th day Sabbath whereon those mighty things were wrought as I have convincingly proved is more abundantly confirmed seeing himself grants pag. 34. That those actions of the spirits effusion glorious conversion baptism breaking bread c. are signal characters of our Christian Sabbath Thus whiles we seek for wisdome in Gods way of counting his numbers Pro. 2.4 Rev. 13.18 we find the ancient Sabbath of the Lord our God within the mysterious numbers of Pentecost which saints should esteem as highly approved by the spirits glorious manifestation To which may be added 3ly His constant Appellation Christs promise was that the blessed spirit shall be ever with us to instruct us in all his truths And since this infallible guide doth constantly call the seventh day the Sabbath it must be received as a word of truth from God that cannot lie And truly 't is high presumption to alter the perfect word of God in calling any day the Lords Sabbath which the Lord never dignified with any such honourable appellation Let but the least authority be produced for honouring any other day as a Sabbath day in the Gospel besides the Lords honourable seventh day and the controversie will soon be ended I know what some have endeavoured to pacifie their perplexed spirits about the Sabbath who would perswade themselves that the first day of the week was thus honoured by the Evangelists in terming it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the first of the Sabbath Mat. 28.1 But first Answ here 's no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mentioned the glory of the Sabbath DAY is onely given to the seventh day whiles the first day of the week is termed like other common days the first of the Sabbath the second of the Sabbath the third c. 2. Whether they take this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for one of the Sabbaths or the first of the Sabbaths to be sure 't is not any one of the sanctified Sabbaths instituted or authorized by the Lord our God Father Son or Spirit neither can it be the first of the Sabbaths in their sense for the seventh day was undeniably the first Sabbath If they say it was the first individual Gospel Sabbath then I suppose that first day in the 1 Cor. 16.1 may be the twentieth Sabbath at least and yet that also is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As for the proper signification and sence of the word it is the first of the week in English for Sabbath is an Hebrew not an English word and must be rendred week where ever it points at any time except the seventh day or some ceremonial sabbath as as the Pharisees vaunt shews Luke 18.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 I fast twice on the Sabbath that is not twice in one day but twice a week The Evangelist fairly follows that form of expression used by the Septuagint which the Apostles more frequently observed then the Hebrew as being more common amongst the Gentiles where especially their work lay terming the week days the first of the sabbath the second of the sabbath c. instead of the heathen names of Sun-day Moon day c. which I hope may satisfie all such as had rather use scripture then heathenish names As in the title of Psal 24 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the first of the Sabbath or Week Ps 48. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the second of the Sabbath or Week Psal 94. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the sourth of the Sabbath or the fourth of the Week c. The Sabbath day is the peculiar honour given to the seventh day alone Luk. 4.16 Act 13 14. 16.13 c. So that if we be followers of God as dear children and take the blessed spirit for our guide in all our expressions and actions we must honour the Sabbath with holy devotion which he hath so honoured with highest Encomiums we must reverence that day above all daies in which he so gloriously descended upon the first pure Church solemnly assembled If this be not the pattern shewed Christians in the Mount I desire them to shew me some other pattern of some pure Church but if this be the undoubted pattern shewed this blessed day in the Mount Then Christian look well to thy walk Heb. 8.5 See that thou make all things according to the Pattern shewed thee in the Mount And since the spirits appellation is a further approbation of the seventh day which is the onely day he honours with the royal name of Sabbath day See thou presume not to call any day the Sabbath day but that which he hath so called See thou observe that for the Sabbath day which he hath so crowned It is the presumption of the little Horn not onely to change times but that this time of Gods solemn worship might be for ever buried in oblivion he hath devested it of this royal appellation of the Sabbath day and obscured its glory under the detestable name of Saturday i.e. Saturns day and so sheweth himself to be that Antichrist misteriously opposite to Christ devoting that very day to the father of Daemons or chief of idolized Devils which our Lord hath designed owned crowned and approved his chief day for Gospel worship And truly Christians the holy spirit would not that you should have fellowship with Devils 1 Cor. 10.20 Our English Laws have somewhat lessened this impiety wherein the
secret hand of providence eminently appears in preserving the honourable memory of the seventh day Sabbath for whereas the Heathenish names of Weeks daies are still retained in the decrees of the highest Courts passed on the seventh day the Acts have the proper appellation Die Sabbati But 't is sad that such as so honour it with their Pen should prophane it so openly in their practise And though Satan should prevail with them to become my persecutors I cannot but in faithfulness remember them That as their Laws look for obedience till by the same power that enacted them they shall be repealed so it is most equal they should cease from prophanation of this royal Law of Jehovah till a repeal form the same power can be proved or that the blessed spirit hath any way altered or changed it How sad would a sentence of this import be when 't is too late to reform O thou Prince and Parliament Out of thy own acts I will judge thee who hast recorded the seventh day Die Sabbati and yet hast proclaimed thy chief Markets upon this my Sabbath You profess it in words but prophane it in works you honour it in your Laws but shame it in your lives Oh can it be hoped that a Josiah-like spirit should set upon reformation instead of persecution 2 Rin. 22 8 10 1â— ca. 23 instead of penalties to begin with Sabbath practise Is there no other way to confute Sabbath Keepers then by fine or imprisonments Must Prelatical principles appear after so many Engagements and solemn Protestations of liberty why yet here 's this remedy The will of the Lord be done And so I have done with my three first Proposals for the authority of this truth 1 The Father Institution 2 The Sons confirmation 3 The Spirits approbation And now proceed to the fourth namely 4. The Saints observation 4 Saints observation whereinto I have already made some entrance As first the precious womens practice after our Saviours sufferings when all ceremonies were abolished They rested the seventh day according to the Commandement And doubtless 't is a blessed thing to be found obedient to Gods Commandements 2. It hath been clearly and plainly shewed that even after our Lords highest exaltation the most glorious assembly of saints that ever the world saw was upon the seventh day Sabbath most exemplarily celebrated with prayer preaching baptizing incorporating communicating and all this eminently approved and sealed by the spirits miraculous and special grace in the conversion of thousands suâ—â— a day no Age ever produced Well may this day deserve the honour of a pattern in the Mount and to be exemplary to all posterity 3. The great wisdome of God eminently shines in concealing the practice of the Apostles deputed to serve the Circumcision Gal. 2.9 2 Tim. 1.11 since it must be acknowledged that if the Apostle of the Gentiles who was the great rejecter of ceremonies did constantly celebrate the seventh day Sabbath then much more those Apostles among the Jews whose forbearance was much even in ceremonials The Gospel then being the Epitome of things most necessary onely presents us with Pauls practice for our Christian pattern who expresly requires our conformity in these words Phil. 4.9 Those things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in me do and the God of peace shall be with you Here 's a general injunction which must be observed only with these limitations That Pauls practise be plain possible peaceable Evaugelical and unrepealed or else it binds not 1. It must be plain such as our Lord hath promised to his Lambs Joh. 16.25 2 Cor. 3.12 Col. 2.8 We must take heed of Philosophy and vain deceits of men who set up Ordinances by consequences and have some plain precept or president for our practice and such is the seventh day Sabbath There 's not a plainer precept in all the scripture not any thing more plain then Pauls practice herein and therefore to be observed by saints who desire the presence of the God of peace 2. It must be possible for some things Paul practised impossible for saints as mighty miracles travels c. But for the seventh day Sabbath though flesh and bloud think it a bondage to be detained a day from the Dunghil yet to the self denying Saint 't is a most pleasant season and his soul can seal to it as an easie yoke a light burthen a day exceeding a thousand therefore in this Paul is to be followed 3. His practise must be peaceable if we tread in his steps for Paul was but a man Acts 13.39 and sometimes a very angry man his precept may possibly exceed his practise herein If it be possible as much as in you lieth live peaceably with all men Rom. 12.18 and let the peace of God rule in your hearts Now the seventh day Sabbath is a day of rest and peace which sweetly calms the perplexed spirit so that thus far wee may freely follow Pauls practise 4. It must be Evangelical for we may not follow Paul in his compliance with the Jews in ceremonials no not to gain the Jews 1 Cor. 9.20 and therefore let Paul pass into the Temple to purifie himself with his Votaries this is no president for me But for the sacred seventh day Sabbath as it was instituted before any ceremonie was in the world for was confirmed Evangelically by the Son of God and by his holy Spirit and therefore in this Evangelical duty I shall attend Paul 5. It must be unrepealed if it oblige Saints for something Paul did which himself after repealed Gal. 5.1 2 3. as the Circumcision of Timothy which he solemnly declares to be utterly destructive to Christianity and therfore waving that let Christians conform to the Apostles practise of the seventh day Sabbath which is proved to be plain possible peaceable truly Evangelical and never in the least tittle repealed or any way altered And thus doing we shall follow Paul as Paul followed Christ 1 Cor. 11 1 2. For as it was undeniably Christs custome to celebâ—ate the seventh day Sabbath so it was Pauls mannet to observe the same day The words are the fame in the Greek both of Christs practise * Luk. 4.16 Acts 17.2 and Pauls the Penman is the same and all the difference in English is onely this Christs custome and Pauls manner Christ as his custome was went went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath day Luk. 4.16 And Paul as his manner was did the same thing Acts 17.2 Christ preached and Paul preached and where lies the difference between Christs obsetvation of the seventh day Sabbath and Pauls observation of the seventh day Sabbath It is made a great argument for the observation of the first day Act. 20.7 That Paul once preached on that day but it is as clearly declared Acts. 18.4 that Paul preached every Sabbath day onely the Translators have not dealt so clearly
for in Acts 20.7 they tell us that Paul preached on the first day but in Acts 18.4 they say Paul reasoned every Sabbath day and yet the Greek word is the very same in both places Neither was this Pauls single practise But the constant custome of all the Disciples that ever accompanied him we finde one companie with Paul Acts 13.13 14. who solemnly observed the Sabbath in holy duties Other associates he selects Acts 15.40 and these celebrate the Sabbath Acts 16.13 17. 17.1 2. Thus we may follow Paul and his companions from place to place and constantly find them observing the seventh day Sabbath And though he solemnly professed He had not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God Act. 20. yet this great slighter of ceremonies never gives the least hint of a change which undoubtedly he would have done had it been any way altered Nay he strictly requires all beleevers to follow his example as he followed Christs and certainly in the observation of the Sabbath he followed Christ as close as in any Ordinance whatsoever Object There are conceits that Paul onely took that opportunity to preach to the people Answ But 1. They speak without book and fancy is no fuel for a Christians faith 2. They render this Apostle of the Gentiles a constant dissembler 3. They may as warrantably lay this crrime to Christ that he did but take such opportunities and not in conscience of the Sabbath for it 's proved that Christs custome herein is the very same with Pauls Such as assert that Paul onely observed the Sabbath among the Jews and not among the Gentiles may be better informed Act. 18.4 13.42 where it is evident That when the Iews were gone out of the Synagogue the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached the next Sabbath Here the Apostle had the fairest opportunity that possibly could be desired in the Jews absence to instruct the Gentiles in a first day Sabbath if ever such a change had been intended for why should publick preaching be deferred till the next seventh day Sabbath especially to the Gentiles if the first day had been a Sabbath The Apostles silence at this time and occasion will not allow any rational conjecture of such an intention of a first day Sabbath But here it is objected Object That the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifieth the week between or Sabbath between 1. I demand between what Answ The fairest conjecture is that the Gentiles might beseech Paul to preach the Sabbath between their desire and his departure and without some such supposition this translation of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 will scarce be good sense 2. If we may rely on the schollarship of Arius Montanus who was a professed enemy to the seventh day Sabbath he will tell us 't is sequens Sabbatum the following Sabbath 3. However this is manifest Act. 13.44 that the next Sabbath day Paul did p each and either it was in answer to the request made or else if the Gentiles desired him to preach to them on some week day and yet the Apostle deferred it to the known Sabbath day this will much more abundantly testifie his special respect to the seventh day Sabbath So that beyond all contradiction the Apostle and the Christians with him did as constantly observe the seventh day Sabbath as Christ himself and if none other ground next to Gods command be given us why they did so but that we should be followers of Paul as he was of Christ we must either press after our pattern or resolve to rest in disobedience to so great a Commandement Me thinks ingenious saints should even read Christs confirmation of the seventh day Sabbath in the Apostles practice for undoubtedly such as Pauls constant custome was such was his Commission It was not onely in the Lords Suppet that Paul delivered the same to the Church by precept or president which he received of the Lord but his constancy was equal in observing the Lords Sabbath as the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11.1 2. and in requiring the same Church in the same Chapter to follow him as he followed Christ in all things There is a heavenly haâ—mony between Christs commission and Pauls custome both in the observation of the Lords Supper and the Lords Sabbath And seeing it is so manifest that Paul and the saints with him did constantly observe the known seventh day Sabbath both amongst Jews and Gentiles and that the blessed spirit gives us none other reason of Pauls custome but that we should be followers of that blessed Apostle even as he also was of Christ set us not coin or invent reasons without book of the Apostles constant observation of the Sabbath to justifie our own prophaneness but bethink our selves what we shall answer in the day of judgement when it shall be set fairly before us that as it was Christs custome to observe the Sabbath even so it was Pauls custome with his companions punctually to tread in the same steps and since the Spirit of truth never gave other reason why the Apostle did so but that we should follow him as he followed Christ in this divine duty which is so plain possible peaceable evangelical unrepealed Ah Christian ask thy conscience if thou canst judge this a sufficient answer for thy weekly pollution of the seventh day Sabbath That thou badst thought Paul had onely practised it to please the sews when it will appear plainly that he did it purposely for a pattern to the Gentiles And that thou mayest be utterly silent and for ever left without excuse take notice if thy spirit be not too much prejudiced and thy heart hardened against this truth that one of the fairest patterns of the Apostles for Sabbath-keeping was set before these very Gentile Corinthians whom he so strictly enjoyns to follow him as he followed Christ For in their famous Citie it was that the blessed man abode and preached in the Sinagogue EVERY Sabbath day Acts 18.1 3 4. and perswaded the Jews and the Greeks If any should contend that I term that preaching here which is translated reasoning let them mind that the word is the very same which is rendred preaching Acts 20.7 Well to these Greeks he gives that pattern which he commands them to follow and truly Christian out best way will be to walk with them in the same narrow path to new Jerusalem especially seeing their Epistle is expresly directed to us 1 Cor. 1.2 with 11 1. as well as to them Under this fourth point of the Saints observation of the seventh day Sabbath next to the Apostles constant custome I shall offer the practise of the purest times as the best anâ—iquity affords And in the first place that blessed Clement whose name is written in * Phil. 4.3 the book of life and himself now in glory instructs us in that undoubted Epistle of his to the Corinthians How God hath ordered that oblations and other dutie of his
worship Clem. first Ep. to Corin. p. 21. be preformed according to the APPOINTED SEASONS not as it happens and disorderly but at SET TIMES and houres they therfore that perform their oblations according to the APPOINTED TIMES are accepted and blessed Here observe how this blessed Minister of Christ seconds the Apostle in labouring to reform that great disorder amongst the Corinthians who came as they listed to the Lords Supper some sooner some later whence sprang that confusion transgression and wofull desolation amongst them 1 Cor. 11.20 21 29 30. Wherfore he informs them and us that our oblations or sacrifices of praise are not to be performed at our liberty but that the Lord himself hath ordered and appointed set times and hours which undoubtedly is the sum of the Apostles mighty charge to Timothy That he should be instant in preaching in season out of season And the holy Clement assures us that in observing the appointed seasons we shall be accounted blessed Now what these appointed seasons and time are that this great God hath ordered his Saints should observe the same elect vessel declares in these words Epist Const l. 7. c. 24. You must keep holy the Sabbath in memory of the Creation and the Lords day in memory of Christs Resurrection Certainly this ancient Disciple of Paul did clearly understand these daies to be ordered and appointed of the Lord and since a person so assuredly sanctified would not deceive us Let us follow Clement also as he followed Paul and not think two daies time too much for our souls whiles we have more then twice as many for our bodies Another famous Disciple of the Apostles and holy Martyr of Jesus even that heavenly Ignatius teacheth the very same doctrine in this Dialect Next after the Sabbath day let every friend of Christ make the Lords day a solemn Festival And the same holy man ad Philip shews his his detestation of Sabbath pollution saying If any one shall keep a fast on the Lords day or on the Sabbath day Ignat. ad Magn. let him be accursed Certainly he that shews such indignation against those that pervert the Law of the Sabbath from a Feast to a Fast would much more abominate those that turn it from spiritual delight to corporal labour Thus were these two appointed days honoured in the Virgin state of the unspotted Spouse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Germani fratres like lovely twins or natural brethren the one born at the Creation the other at the Redemption of the world But in the third Century man took upon him to be more spiritual then his Maker and some parts began to be infected with Origens allegorical Divinity taking liberty to prophane the seventh day under pretence of keeping a mystical Sabbath by cessation from sin while they lived in the manifest sin of slighting the Sabbath So that the mistery of iniquity gâ—t ground by this mistical notion making way for the rising of the presumpâ—uous little Horn to change Times and â—â—aws till at last he prevailed with the Emperour abolishing the seventh day Sabâ—ath by a Decree to establish the Lords day or first day of the Week Eusâ—b vit Constant l. 4. c. 17. for the great hoâ—y day appointing a set form of Latin prayers to be used upon it And this was done the 330. year after of out Redemption But maugre this presuâ—â—ptious decree many pretious Churches still devoted themselves both daies to Gods honour as is evident in that of Ambrose Sacrum l. 4. c. 6. Upon the next day saith he being the Sabbath and after that on the Lords day I will treat of the order to be used in praier And I wish I could intreat all that read this holy resolution to resolve to walk in the same order and reject those Romish abominations as Rome rejected the Christian custome of saints witnessed by Socrates four hundred years after Christ Though saith he in manner all the Churches throughout the world do celebrate and receive the holy misteries every Sabbath day after other yet the people inhabiting Alexandria and Rome of an old tradition do not use it Socrat. scholast l. 5. c. 21. The Egytians adjoyning to Alexandria use to celebrate the communion upon the sunday Here you may see how long the Saints honoured Gods Sabbath for the generality of Christians almost throughout the world did then communicate in the highest misteries of the body and bloud of our Redeemer upon the Sabbath day whiles onely the apostatizing Church of Rome with some few of her adherents did communicate upon the sunday so called Now which of the examples we should follow the good Lord help us to consider though me thinks it might easily be determined if we well weigh the pattern in the Mount where wee finde the first pure Church breaking bread upon the seventh day Sabbath Acts 2. I may not omit another instance of the same authentick Author 404. years after Christ who being one of the best Historians we can boast of thus writeth Wherefore when the festival meeting throughout every week was come Socr. schol lib. 6. cap. 8. I mean saith he the Saturday and the Sunday upon which days the Chrâ—stians are wont solemnly to assemble in the Church Since therefore this was the Saints custome through those purest times even 400. years after Christ why should not we also be followers of Christ and his Scripture Spouse with them Especially if we consider that unto this very day those Christians that have lived from under the power of Rome do constantly celebrate both these days It is the testimony of Mercator Heylin and other Historians of good account That the Aethiopians do constantly observe both the Sabbath day and the Lords day without doing any work according * Mercat hist. mun p. 827. to the ancient manner of the Christians This Aethiopia is described to be as large as all the Empire of Germany with France and Italy having threefcore and ten Kingdomes tributary their King is called Presbyter John exercising both the Legal and Ministerial functions It was their Queen who travelled so far to hear the wisdome of Solomon Matth. 12.42 and shall rise up in judgement to condemn such as wilfully refuse to wait upon the Lord of the Sabbath To this people did Gods spirit punctually fulfil that royal Prophesie Psal 86.31 Aethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God directing the Evangelist to instruct convert Act. 8.26 27 35. and baptize the Treasurer to another of their Queens so that the Noble Eunuch returning with joy into his own Countrey as their Histories inform us converted and baptized his Prince who with joynt endeavours spread the Gospel through those large territories likely to abide in the faith of Christ until his second comming according to the ancient Prophesie Zeph. 3.9 10. And thus I have faithfully performed my task in vindicating the ample authority of the seveuth day Sabbath as being Instituted by
see them no more and to give them an example to which he binds the Saints so that his deferring breaking of bread 1 Phil. 4.9 till after mid-night when the first day was more then finished shews plainly that this was no duty proper to the first day or in the least pointing it out for a Sabbath 4. 'T is strange that once mention of Preaching on the first day should be so stood upon when Paul's constant custome of preaching and praying upon the seventh day Sabbath with his company both amongst Jewes Acts 16.13.16 18.4 and Geneiles is not only slighted but opposed as no proofe of the Sabbath O how indulgent are poore creatures to brats of their own breeding A second Scripture is produced as though it favoured the change of the Sabbath because the Apostle gave order to some Churches for laying aside reliefe 1 Cor. 16.1.2 for the present necessities of the Saints in Judea upon the first day of the week But first Let it be considered that if this had been a Sabbath dayes duty the Apostle would not have omitted it either present or absent whereas he plainly declares his dislike of gathering at his coming and desires it may be then in a readinesse 2. The direction he gives for this collection shews evidently he intends no Sabhath dayes work for there is not the least hint of any assembly though custom hath prevailed so far with most I have met with that they frequently urge the Text thus Vpon the first day of the weeke when ye come together c. Though there 's no such word as coming together But let every one of you lay by * himselfe in store He doth not enjoyn them to a Church meeting nor to lay it before the Deacons as doubtlesse he would had there bin a Church meeting that day Let every one of you lay by himself in store That is at his own house in the poores box which truly every tender Christian should have alwaies with some stock by him for charitable uses 1 Tim. 6.17 Tit. 3.14 3. The Survey the Apostle exhorts every man to take of his owne estate that he may give thereafter doth notably overthrow the conceit of a first day Sabbath for he orders every man to lay something by himselfe in store As God hath prospered him that is according as his yearly revenue increaseth or his weekly trade proves more or lesse gainfull Now if the first day had been a Sabbath surely Col. 3.1 2. the Apostle knowing the pronenesse of our nature to mind earthly things from which he rouseth Saints would not have put upon them the consideration of their outward estates But Why should he have this done on the first day Answ It hath been clearly shewed that Pauls constant practice was to preach on the seventh day Sabbath and that it was the exact examplar Act. 18. he set before this Church of Corinth in particular they being the fruit of his Sabbath exercises who were enjoyned to follow him as he followed Christ So that if we can believe they walked in Pauls constant Practice in keeping the true Sabbath we may easily judge that Pauls Epistle was read in the Church at their solemne assembly on the Sabbath day and we may not doubt that the Teachers would stir up the people to liberallity upon the Apostles order and the rather seeing he closed his Epistle with it that it might sit close and warm upon their hearts and for as much as they were not like to be so well stored at present upon the Sabbath he would have it to be their first worke the very next day whilest the sweet sence of the Epistle and heavenly relish of Gospel Sermons and other Ordinances which they enjoyed the day before were yet fresh and divinely pleasant upon their spirits and before they lanched into the worlds weekly imployments which puts too great a damp upon our best purposes he would especially make choice of the first day of the Week and have them make it their first businesse next to the consideration of their abilities how God had prospered them in worldly goods to present unto God in secret by themselves the first fruits of their increase for the refreshing of Christs bowels and as anearnest of their duties towards him unto whom they owed all Thus with very good reason did the Apostle make choice of the first day for this duty But to assert the first day to be a Sabbath because the Apostle ordered every man by himselfe to lay up something for the poore Saints there being not the least mention of a Church-meeting that day and yet I say to assert that day for a Sabbath is altogether irrationall and utterly unscriptuâ—all The third Scripture abused about the supposed change of the Sabbath only speaks thus much That John was in the spirit on the Lords day but that this was any individuall day is uncertain Rev. 10. or if it were he sayes not what day it was and therefore we must enquire in some other Scriptures seeing they are able to furnish us throughly to every good worke and if the first day 2 Tim 3.17 shall any where in Scripture appeare to be called the Lords day let it weare the Garland as a day devoted to the Lord or designed by the Lord to be kept holy which yet I hope may be done without rejecting or prophaning the seventh day Sahbath But if the Scripture may be our guide it will inform us but of two dayes honoured as the Lords dayes And the first is the antient sanctified seventh day Sabbath royally dignified with that title of the Sabbath of THE LORD OUR GOD Isa 57.5 which is owned by the father for his holy honourable day and by the Son is expresly declared to he his Sabbath Mar. 2. ult The Son of man is Lord of the Sabbath and no other day declares he to be his throughout the Gospel So that the seventh day Sabbath and only that as an individuall and single day is honoured with this high title of the Lords day and therefore if John intends any single day 't is most like it was the Sabbath of the Lord that here he calls the Lords day But I rather think he spake of that other Lords day owned in Scripture as the Lords judgment day Mal. 14. Luke 17. Phil. 1.16.10 and this the Lord himselfe calls his day and this day was most clearly shewed unto John in many glorious visions and in the Spirit he was in this day for so runs the Greeke I was in the Spirit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 IN the Lords day But grant the first day should be here intended and called the Lords day yet how dare any avouch it to be the Sabbath day since we have not the least hint in Scripture to warrant it much lesse to reject the true Sabbath and set up the first day not only as the Lords day for Christians to rejoyce and to
be glad in But as the Sabbath day enjoyned in the fourth Commandement against the reason there rendred For in six dayes the Lord made heaven and earth and rested the seventh day wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and sanctified it Saints For your souls sake search the Scripture if ever you find the Lord resting upon the first day I have proveâ— unto you that when he arose the first daâ— he was so far from resting that he travelled 15 miles that very day and encouraged his Disciples so to doe Ask your consciences in the fear of God if this were sanctifying a new Sabbath The ancient Christians who called it the Lords day did never terme it the Sabbath day but religiously celebrated the seventh day Sabbath with it But see what partiality this is to avouch that to be the Lords day which is so uncertain in Scripture and to reject the seventh day which is constantly called the Sabbath And thus I have faithfully opened the 3 Scriptures which neither singly nor joyntly give the least ground to observe the first day as a Sabbath So that Scriptures failing they flee to unscripturall consequences to support their supposed change First Arg. 1 They tell us that the worke of Redemption is greater then the worke of Creation and therefore the greater worke deserves the honour of the day Answ 1 I may demand with the Almighty to lost Adam who told thee that thou wast naked who told thee the work of Redemption was the greater who told thee the greater â—ork if it were so deserves the honour of the day hath God no other way to bear up the honour and preserve the memory of Redemption but thy supposed Sabbath Then learne to know that for the honour of the glorious work of creation God hath instituted his holy Sabbath and for the commemoration of the gracious work of Redemption he invites thee if thou hast grace to his sacred Supper Wherefore cease presumptuous man to set up thy posts by Gods Pillars blesse his name for his Royall Sabbath to meditate on the worke of his hands and sound forth his praise for his precious Supper that sets forth the Love of his heart Arg. 2 A second reason is raised from the Israelites obligation to offer their first-borne and first-fruits and therefore t is thought more equall to offer the first day for a Sabbath then first to serve our selves six dayes and put of Gods Sabbath till the seventh Answ 1 T is most equall to offer unto God what he requires and therefore none other Sabbath will bâ— accepted but that very seventh day which God hath sanctified I freely joyne thus far with the adversaries argument That it is most meet for man to offer unto God his first day But I feare my Antagonists will not stick to their own conclusions when they are remembred that the seventh day is mans first day he being made on the sixth day and immediately the seventh day Sabbath made for him to offer his first fruites unto his maker who in very deed accepts no other Sabbath but mans first day since then the adversary himselfe hath concluded that mans first day is most equall to offer unto God for his Sabbath let him either stand to his own argument Job 5.12.13 1 Cor. 1.1 and see that he offer none other Sabbath to the Lord then mans first day or else be for ever condemned by his own mouth Thus the Lord disappointeth the devices of the crafty and snareth them in their own wisdome yet will they not cease their vaine jangling Arg. 3 But tell the people that as no Manna was to be found on the seventh day so those that observe the seventh day Sabbath cannot find Christ the true Manna upon it Ans Then the Apostle was unwise to preach constantly upon that day whereon no spirituall Manna fell Act. 2.41 1â— 42 44 45. 6.13.14 but blessed be the Lord of the Sabbath that multitudes of Jewes and Gentiles have found such plenty of the heavenly Manna upon this blessed seventh day Sabbath that the adversary may stop his mouth with shame yea many living witnesses can bear their joyfull testimony to the free effusion of Gospel grace upon the true sanctified seventh day Sabbath Another reason is rendred why the first day should be observed viz. Arg. 4 from the successe of sermons in the conversion of souls on that day Ans It may be feared many are judged converts that never knew the power of the Spirit Conversion is a turning from sin to the faith and order of the Gospell which many supposed converts will be found short of If more persons be truely converted on the first day then upon other days the honour is due to Gods grace in that meanes which more abounds on the first day then other dayes and he that commands the word to be preached in season and out of season will not faile to follow it with his blessing at all seasons witnesse the notable successe of Lectures But if conversion of souls be a seale to Gods Sabbath never was day so crowned with true converts in the Scripture as the seventh day instances whereof have been already given in that famous 50 day Acts 2. and 13. and 16. and 18. cap. Argu. 5 But 't is supposed that serveing God on the seventh day Sabbath is to put new wine into old bottles Old things are passed away all things are become new 'T is true Answ Old sins are passed away and all old Ordinances Curses and Covenants but surely old Scriptures and old promises and Gods old loving kindnesses are not passed away The good old way promising rest to our soules Jer. 6.16 Heb. 10.20 is none other then the Gospel New and living way The new commandement of Christs Apostle is the old commandement that was from the beginning John 3.17.8 And the very first institution that we here of in the beginning is the seventh day Sabbath therefore if we are Christs Disciples indeed let us reform in observing the true Sabbath as we are directed about the true marriage Mat. 14.5.6 i. e. looke to the beginning we do no more put new wine into old bottles by celebrating the Antient Sabbath then by joyning in the antient way of marriage The purest water is at the spring head 1 Joh. 2.24 Let that therefore abide in you which you have heard from the beginning if that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you ye also shall continue in the Son and in the Father If you will not believe that the Sabbath which was from the beginning doth still remaine to be observed unlesse you hear the same in so many words give me leave to take off the Translators vail and let but Gods Spirit speake in his owne language wherein the holy Oracles were written and you will soon be informed Heb. 4.9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Thero remaineth therefore the celebration of the Sabbath to the
have considerable first the continued duty that is The celebration of the Sabbath 2. The persons exhorted to the duty and they are such as by entring into the spirituall rest through faith are the people of God 3. Here 's the ground and reason of the duty and this is twofold 1. Gods rest from Creation 2. Christs rest from Redemption First as to the remaining duty the celebrating of the Sabbath I need say little having already shewed that the seventh day Sabbath is one of those lively Oracles that Israel received from Sinai to give unto us And that our God hath especially commanded us to whom these Oracles are given to REMEMBER his seventh day Sabbath to sanctifie it and t is our mercy that his holy spirit doth here record what the translators were loath to reveale in english That there remaineth the keeping of the Sabbath to the people of God I know t is set downe in the margin of our Bibles the keeping of a Sabbath whence they would evade the seventh day Sabbath and set up a Sabbath of their own although the Dictionaries and Lexicons render it plainly the keeping of the Sabbath But let the people of God celebrate the seventh day Sabbath untill they can find the holy Spirit calling any other day a Sabbath and then let them change The second thing is the persons exhorted to this duty and they are believers entred into their spirituall rest and therefore t is most irrationall to affirm this remaining Sabbath to be nothing but a spirituall rest into which believers enter verse 3. and so become the people of God and as Gods people they are to celebrate the Sabbath There remaineth therefore the celebration of the Sabbath to those that are already the people of God And I hope such as are the people of God will remember to observe it as being under a double obligation I Gods institution and observation making himselfe our president of which I have already spoken 2. Christs cessation from his great works and entring thereupon into his rest and this is laid down as the Gospel reason why the Sabbath remaines to the people of God For he that is entred into his rest he also hath ceased from his works as God did from his owne works Some conceive That believers are here said to enter into rest but then it would be needless to excite them to enter in the verse following It is Christ only * Heb. 4.12 whose entrance into rest is here intended who ceased from his works as God did from his and therefore there remaineth che celebration of the Sabbath to the people of God Here then the mysterious payment of mans Ransome is matter of high admiration being the same day that man was made and that very day and time of the day whereon God finished the glorious work of creation and so ceasing from his labours our Saviour exactly entered into his rest that very day and time as God began his rest povidentially ordering his body to be taken down and laid to rest in his Sepulchre in the Close of the sixth day that no part of his Sabbath should be violated and thus ceasing from his works as God did and entering into his Rest exactly as God did it laies believers under a double engagement to sanctifie the seventh day Sabbath That all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father i.e. As the Father engageth us to honour him in celebrating the sabbath because he rested on it from the works of Creation John 5.23 So 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 even so the Son engageth us to sanctifie the same holy sabbath because he rested in it from the works of our redemption There remaineth therefore the keeping of the Sabbath to the people of God Mr Aspinwall and others would perswade us without one word from God that Christ entred into his rest upon the day of his Resurrection whereas he journeyed fifteen miles that very day which was no faire president for celebrating a Sabbath But that he entred into rest the true seventh day Sabbath when he had finished his great worke of Redemption the Scripture gives full evidence Our deare Redeemers soule was no sooner seperated from his body but his better part immediately entred into glory by his own resignation of it into Gods custody saying Father into thy hands I commend my Spirit And now the converted theife reaped his promised fruits To day shalt thou be with me in Paradise And soon after our Saviours soul had taken possession for us of glory his blessed body was laid to rest in the grave the quiet cell of a weary soul There the wicked cease from troubling and there the weary be at rest Job 17.3 There are some that deny Christs rest in the grave mistaking that text of Gods loosing The pains of death As if God had not then loosed the pains of death Luke 24 25 26. when Christ resigned his spirit into his protection and for his body that also was far from pains for having finished his work John 19.30 Heb. 1.14 Rev. 14.13 and by one offering for ever perfected them that are sanctified he enjoyed that rest from his labours which is the lot of those that dy in the Lord yea the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the grave his heart rejoiced his tongue was glad and his flesh did Rest in hope Act. 2.26 Whiles the Deity held Christs body and soul asunder like a man with a drawn sword in one hand and a Scabberd in the other which the third day he again put into his sheath Since then it is so fully manifest that Christ ceased from his works as God did from his own works and so entring into his rest exactly celebrated the seventh-day Sabbath quietly and out of the reach of desperate enemies his soul in glory his body in the grave we must conclude that there remaineth therefore the celebration of the Sabbath to the people of God And so according to our pretious Saviours example let us resolve through grace with the close of the sixt day to recall our better part and resign it to Gods service saying Return unto thy Rest O my soul Psa 116. for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee and likewise with the burial of Christs body burying all our earthly business in the grave of oblivion Let us at last begin to consecrate the true seventh day-Sal bath as a day of delights to the Lord and so obtain mercy for the Sabbath pollution of our daies of ignorance and Christ will not fail to pour oyl and wine into those wounds our souls have received amongst Thieves who have stollen and taught us to steal holy time from God And thus grace by weekly returns from Sabbath to Sabbath shall so strengthen our hearts that at last we shall arrive at our expected home our joyfull jubilee a Sabbath whose Sun shall never set 5 Rest eternal which is that true eternal rest
whereunto the Apostle presseth v. 11. Let us therefore labour to enter into that Rest Heb. 4.11 lest any man fall after Israels example of Disobedience And thus in opening the five-sold rest contained though promiscuously in the third and fourth to the Hebrews I hope it is convincingly manifested that the seventh day Sabbath by a double obligation remaines to the people of God And indeed it is impossible to change it without violation to the confessed morality of the commandement for whereas our adversaries assert a just seventh part of time yea and a seventh day as truly Moral they know the seventh day from the Creation was instituted in Paradise and the same day commanded from Mount Sinai and certain it is that if the Jewes had observed any other day they had destroyed the morality neither can the wisest Christian in the World contrive a change but he destroys the morality for let him change the Sabbath to the sixth day and that cannot be a seventh day or seventh part of time Let him translate it to the eighth day and then seven daies passe without any one Sabbath Let him keep the seventh day and the eighth or first day at his change of the sabbath and then he keeps two sabbaths within the circuit of seven daies So that do what he can the morality is subverted either he must deny the morality of a seventh day or seventh part of time or else he must stick to the good old seventh-day-Sabbath I would not smother any objection that might carry the least shew for any other Sabbath then this lively oracle of the Seventh day knowing therefore that some endeavours have been used by such my soul honours for the image of God upon them I shall weigh their apprehensions as they are declared and first from Mark 16.1 Object 1 Object Mark 16.1 1. T is supposed that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may signifie being dissolved and so it may be rendred when the Sabbath was dissolved Answ Answ T is strange that any tender conscience should take liberty from a strained participle to live in the weekly pollution of the Royall Sabbath but the word is fairly translated when the Sabbath was past or the sabbath being passed over or compleatly finished 2. It onely intends the passing over and compleat finishing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of that one individual sabbath there is not the least appearance of abolishing that lively oracle which enjoines the seventh day sabbath Behold the Wisdome of the spirit overturning this device while he secures what the Objectors strike at for it is not the Sabbath they contend against but the seventh day now if they will strain at the word let them stick to the word which mentions not the seventh day at all but the sabbath St. Mark doth not say the seventh day was finished but when the sabbath was ended so that they cannot hence reject the seventh day and retain the sabbath 4. The scope of the Evangelist is to hold forth the passing over of that rest which prevented the womens applications of their spices Luke 23. ult and that was the sabbathday or the duty not one syllable expressed of the time or seventh day and though I am aboundantly satisfyed that the sabbath and the seventh day are unseparable never to be divided yet the objectors can distinguish as clearly as my self between the seventh day which is the time and the sabbath which is the duty so that if they 'l dissolve any thing from a squeezed participle it must not be the seventh day which lies unmentioned but the sabbath duty which is expressed And doubtless many great professors had rather cashier the sabbath duty morality of the fourth commandement yea and the morality of all the commandements as no way concerning Christians then set to the celebration of the seventh daie The Lord pity them whiles I return to another precious to the Lord and faithfull amongst the Saints who yet objecteth Object that Saint Matthews 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 may signifie the ultimate end of the sabbath Math. 18.1 never to be celebrated more amongst Christians 1 Answ This may receive the same answer with the former for if it destroy any thing it must be the duty which is expresly in the word sabbaths and not the day and time of the rest which is not mentioned If persons will strain at expressions they must keep to these expressions This adverb 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth not primarily or properly signifie the end but the genuine signification of it is vespere the evening and to it should be rendred viz. the evening of the Sabbaths Let the scriptures be consulted where this advâ—â—b is used which is but twice that I can find in the new testament Mark 11.19 and 13.25 in both which places it signifies the evening for the sence would be mar'd to render it other wise and so here the evening of the Sabbaths termed Sabbath in the plural as being not onely the seventh day sabbath but the Jews passover sabbath as is evident well I hope it is not possible for Satan to delude tender consciences long with such sory slights Luke 23. with John 19.24.31 as to neglect a royal statute of Jehovah upon such slender terms But since the seventh day sabbath is undoubtedly one of those lively oracles which Israel received from Sina to give unto us O Christians embrace it love it lay it in your bosomes it in vites and will conduct you weekly into the Princes presence where it will open unto you all the rest of those lively oracles and divine mysteries that are coupled with it while such as slight and reject this heavenly law and still assert a chang without book shall run themselves upon many dangerous rocks and sands which tender hearts should tremble at As first they must affront the holy spirit who was most punctual in sundry scriptures for the solemn repeal and abrogation of circumcision and all those typical Sabbaths which were against us and contrary to us shaddowing good things to come with the visible burial of the whole body of the ceremonial law and yet this blessed spirit purposely appointed to lead us into all truth was so far from repealing the seventh day Sabbath that he constantly calls that and none other the Sabbath day that is the Lords holy rest-day and pours down his graces in most abundant measure that day So that if the sabbath day be altered Gods holy spirit cannot escape an affront for concealing the change from us Certainly there is need of a clear word for the change or repeal of such a royall Law and lively oracle Next to their traducing of Gods spirit Acts 20. The sabbath changers must needs bring a high charge against the Apostle for calling God to record that he had not shunned to declare all the counsel of God and yet never opened his mouth about the change of the royal seventh day sabbath He manifestly
spiritual pretences in literal disobedience the Lord will perswade his pretious ones to receive the Alarm of the seventh Angel sounding forth the antient glory of the Lords Sabbath Re. 10.6 swearing by him that liveth for ever and ever That time shall be no longer Me thinks none should be so simple as to suppose the seventh Angel should put an end to all time seeing it is evident that his Alarm must yet pass among Many peoples and Nations and Tongues Vers 11. and Kings But in swearing that time should be no longer is meant that the mystery of God by his Prophets should be finished which is the mystery of iniquity Vers 7. and the mysterie of Israels glory and since it is impossible that Sion should be raised but in the ruins of Babylon after a time times and the dividing of time the seventh Angel means that the time changing horn shall no longer prevail Dan. 7.25 26 27. but the Lords Sabbath time and the Lords supper time shall be recovered by the Saints who keep the commandements of God as well as the faith of Jesus Wherefore awake arise and arm your selves ye obedient souls to Jehovahs Sabbath at the distinct sound of the seventh Angel who swears for your encouragement that you shall be no longer deprived of your appointed time changed and obscured by the mystery of iniquity as the grand obstruction and stumbling block to Israels glory And to quicken your souls to this heavenly royal duty Ja. 4.12 Je. 5 22. consider t is the will of that one Royal Law-giver who is able to save and to destroy will you not fear him will you not tremble at his presence who hath declared himsel Lord of the sabbath not to break it no not in one title but that faints thould sanctifie it Mat. 24.30 because it is hiâ— will who will shortly set forth his Royal Mâ—jesty in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to take account of all his Citizens who shew their hatred to him in slighting that sabbath whereof he is the Lord which he hath for ever established by a perpetual decree Ah! what can be expected by sâ—bbath-breakers when the Royal Lord of the sabbath shall appear Luke 19.27 But those mine enemies who would not that I should reign over them bring them hither and slay them before me Happy souls who shall then be found observing his sabbath because it is the will of the Royal Law-giver Because it is a Royal Law a lively Oracle the Christians Legacy a holy just spiritual commandement Rom. 7.12 14. a perfect Law of Liberty setting the heaven-born soul free from that earthy bondage to which dunghil-drudges would willingly be slaves being then chiefly in bondage when called from the World to wait upon God But the soul that is a Saint indeed takes sweet delight in this Royal Law which not onely allowes him the open freedome of Jehovahs Courts his ear his heart a whole day together Ja. 1.25 but sends him away laden with blessings fraught with spiritual favours shaming himself that he can yet be no more like this Royal Lawgiver in the sanctification of this Royal Law whiles his soul labours to be transformed into the same Royal image 1 Cor. 3.18 because it is a Royal Law and yet Because it is ordained for a Royal people For 1. The Lord did not institute it till he had made his Royal image to rule as Soveraign over all his works and when he had made man he presently made this royal Law of the sabbath for man Mark 2 ult 2. The Lord did not afterwards dispense this lively oracle with the rest till he had prepared a royal people to imbrace it and when he had instructed them as his peculiar treasure his royal nation of Priests Exod. 19.5 his Israel that is in the Hebrew A Prince with God then he dispensed this Law in great Majestie and glory to them 3. He did not bequeath it under hand and seal unto us Christians till he had furnished his new spouse with the glorious graces of his holy spirit But when great grace was upon all the Church And seven men were singled out the most royally adorned of them all Acts 4.33 then the first and most Princely of all these seven was selected whose name signifies A Crown And whiles the power of the spirit appeared in the purest lustre for the vindication of the faith of Jesus Acts 6.3.5 by the Peerless Protomartyr this glorious deed of gift was made to all Christians by the precious Doctrine of Stephen who assures us in the word of the Lord that Israel received the lively oracles from the Mount of Sinai to give unto us and having declared this blessed truth he suddenly sealed it with his blood Acts 7.38 And now it cannot be but Gods royal people should bethink themselves of this royal Doctrine delivered by the first Christian Martyr and as becomes a royal people set to the sanctification of the royal sabbath of our royal Lord Jehovah in Jesus the Lord of the Sabbath And Gods Saints shall no sooner search the Scriptures whether this be so or no but presently they shall be made noble men and women Acts 17.11 and when once they are brought into obedience of this and therest of those lively oracles which seeming Saints must stumble at they are presently proclaimed A Royal Priesthood 1 Pet 2.8 9. a chosen generation a holy Nation a peculiar People And as they grow up in obedience to Stephens lively Oracles all which are set opâ—n especially on Gods Sâ—bbath they shall be transformed into Christs image and the same Character stampt upon them as once upon Gideons Brethren As thou wast Jesus Jud. 8.18 so are they each one resembling the children of a King And whiles this royal race are sanctifying the Royal rest of their Royal Redeemer Behold Num. 23.4 the Lord his God is with him and the shout of a King is among them Now who would not be one of these who would not sanctifie this true Sabbath as becometh such a Law such a Lawgiver such a people 1. The way to perform this is by preparation the Lord our God would have us to remember so to sanctifie his sabbath as to remove all impediments that might any way obstruct out solemn celebration Then away with all your lusts and lovers I will wash mine hands in innocencie so will I compasse thine Altar O Lord. Psal 26.6 Sin is doubled on the sabbath day Sin is sinfull at all seasons but exceeding sinful in this sanctified season A way with all your labours In it thou shalt do no work that is no servile gainful work Sx days thou maist do all thy work in six dayes thou must so finish thy work that the seventh may be wholly designed to My work saith the Lord whose service is pure freedom Saints must so leave their labours as Abram left
his servants Gen 22.5 at the bottom of the hill whiles he ascended to sacrifice his son Isaac No work may be done in our ordinary callings 1 Works of necessitie Josh 6.14.15 1 Kings 20.19 Acts 20.6 27.20 2 Works of piety unlesse in case of necessitie as soudiers in War Saylers in their voyages though I supose no warrant can be found for setting forth on Gods Sabbath Physicians Chirurgeons Midwives and any other in straits Ministers may and must Labor at all seasons but especially in this season I mean Ministers of Christ who Preach freely and live honourably of whatsoever is freely given but for hirelings bargaining Preachers who pretend to Gods work yet dare not trust him for wages Mic. 3.5.11 these do their own works and not Gods work like to the tradesman that labours for advantage This holy day the poor may be supplied the sick visited and a sabbath dayes journey lawfully performed which I conceive is so far as a person may ride or go without toil to such meeting where his soul may be most refreshed For where no Law is there is no transgression A sabbath days journey is Scripture 3 Works of conveniency the extent of it is left to conscience Convenient food is to be received with thanks which each sincere Sabbath keeper will remember so to provide and prepare before the sabbath that his servants souls be not deprived of sustenance by staying at home to provide for his body We find the Lord of the sabbath content with bread Luke 14.1 and his Disciples with ears of corn on the sabbath day As for the Jewish prohibition of kindling a fire it is not mentioned but in the ceremonial Law and so concerns not Christians who though not in danger of stoning yet I hope will find somewhat else to do then gather stickes on the sabbath In brief I doubt not but a person principled with the love of God will so remember to sanctifie the sabbath as to order all his business to be as much as possible in the worship of Jehovah 3. As we must leave our unlawful lusts and servile labours so we must part with our own lawful pleasures and be sure we plead not for any pastimes or whatsoever may please the flesh further then Gods word will warrant and what can please or delight a devout soul like Christs presence amidst his saints in the use of gospel ordinances T is the revealed will of God that we should turn away our foot from defiling the Sabbath and from doing our pleasures on his holy day that we should call the Sabbath our delight the holy of the Lord honourable and honour our God upon it not doing our own wayes nor finding our own pleasures nor speaking our own words Is 58.13 And therefore being thus prepared by removing all obstructions making all possible preparations and being furnished with heavenly directions let us religiously set to the observation and sanctification of this blessed Sabbath And upon our entrance into Sabbath duties If there be the hapy conveniency of saints that may assemble together as through mercy is our priviledge when the sixth day is done then be sure to turn away thy foot from sabbath pollution and being shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace take the wise mans precept Eccl. 5.1 Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God If thou shouldest have no society to sanctifie the Sabbath with thee yet thou canst not want company having the promised presence of the Lord of the Sabbath and his holy Angels to attend thee Heb. 1. ult When thy beloved hath been lodged all night between thy brests and thy soul is warmed with his bosom embraces let not the sun shame thee by his salute before thou salute thy Lord in secret in the private family if such advantage be given thee or else the garden fields grove or water side may furnish thee with matter enough for meditation Indeed no place can exclude the Creators glory from a contemplative sabbath keeper When the doves begin to flee to their windows Is 60.8 let no secret or private duty much lesse emcumbrance keep thee from the flocks of Christs companions and being assembled stir up the gift and grace that is in thee till Jacobs ladder mount thy soul to Jacobs height of admiration How dreadful is this place this is none other but the house of God and this is the gate of heaven surely the Lord is in this place Gen. 28.16.17 And now let the awfull dread of the Lord of the Sabbath before whose peircing eyes thy actions and affections are naked and open engage thy soul and body to such a mannerly demeanour as becoms a saint in so great a service Keep thy heart with all diligence because of the Almighty Prov. 24.23 1 Cor. 11.10 keep thy body in a comely deportment because of the Angels Remember thou art upon a moral duty wherefore do all things decently and in order pray when the saints pray Saints must be like Aaron Hur holding up Moses hands 1 Cor. 14.40 they must be like the heavenly host singing forth the praises of God together they must doe all things as becoms the blessed communion of Saints breath after the fullest communion with God that is attainable in this state of grace the communion to be sought by every Sabbath keeper must be 1. A choice communion such as the saint must prefer to all enjoyments Never let the soul think to sanctifie Gods Sabbath that does not esteem one day in Gods courts better then a thousand Psal 84.10 Let him never imagine his service shall be accepted unlesse he endeavour at least to make a Moses a Maries a Davids choice One thing have I desired of the Lord that will I seek after He that makes such a a choice he shall enjoy the comforts promised to Christians Psalm 27.4 Is 56.4 5 6 7 that keep Gods Sabbath from polluting it even them saith the Lord will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer God cannot choose but delight in that soul who makes his choice of Sabbath communion with his maker 2 It must be a close communion Thâ— Sabbath keeper must be in his Saviours â—osome all the day Can. 8.1 O saith the spouse that thou wert my brother that suâ—ked thâ— brests of my mother I would kiss thee c. It is good for me saith the Psalmist to draw near to God O Christian keep close and let him not go till he send thee to thy house with a blessing in thine heart 3. Thou must labour for a clear communion 3. Ps 63.2 Content not thy self till thou seest his power and his glory as his saints hase seen him in his sanctuary 2 Cor. 3.18 Acts 2. Presse after primitive experience to behold as in a glâ—sse the glory of the Lord till thou be changed
our God that will accept of our service and give us true repentance and pardon for sabbath prophanation and that he will honor us to set up and celebrate his long slighted sabbath according to his faithful promises in several scriptures where the gracious soul may find out the work of his generation Wherefore let such as are sincere unite heart and voice with one shoulder Comp. Is 58.12 69.1 2 3 4. with Acts 15.16 Rev. 11.1 2. to advance this lively oracle to its antient glory I know this doctrine would be readily embraced by earthworms did it but produce such priviledges as are their prized portions a fat benefice a gainful office or a good market but how can such embrace Gods sabbath who are greedy of gain and sit upon thornes whiles they are at such services O the Egyptian bondage of such obedience to a home-born slave When will the new moon be gone that we may sell corn Jer 2 14. Amos 3.6 and the sabbath that we may set forth wheat said the like drudges of old Indeed all the discipline of the Gospel together calls not for such a measure of self-denyal Phil. 3.13.19 as this weekly duty of the holy Sabbath But in recompence of our obedience though our creation mercies oblige us to whatsoever the creator calls for the most High hath freely held forth very many priveledges to encourage us in our service 1. 1 Fredom Ps 84. 'T is no smal priveledge to be exempted from dunghil drudgeries to enjoy a whole day in a week in sweet Sabbath communion with our God Christians often complain for want of spiritual enjoyments and acquaintance with Christ the Sabbath opens the door of the holy of holies as a spring of spiritual joyes 2. 2 Fulness He who so freely handed forth health to body and soul on the Sabbath day by himself and his Apostles will not now fail to pour out of his spirit to such as seek him in his own wayes Acts. 16.14 he that opened Lydias heart upon his holy Sabbath will also open thine If thou set open the everlasting doors for the King of Glory 3. 3 Knowledge If once the soul set to the advance of those times which Anti-christ hath changed the promise will pursue him whiles he pursues his purpose many shall runne to and fro Dan. 12. and knowledge shall be increased yea the day is now dawned and will shine more and more as the Sabbath is sanctified that the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea The sabbath keeper shall enjoy the legacy that Christ hath left him He. 2.13 Peace Jo 14.27 Ps 119.165 great peace have they that love thy laws and nothing shall offend them the Lord longs to invest thy soul with this priviledge of peace Isa 43.73 O that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments then had thy peace been as a river and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea He that will but follow Paul as well in sabbath keeping as in other gospel duties Ph. 4.9 shall be sure to enjoy the God of peace 2. The prince of peace 3. A life of peace Isa 26.3 4. A death of peace Psalm 37.37 5. And after death eternal peace Isa 57 2 5. 5 Pleasure The obedient foul shall not want his pleasure whose delight is placed in sanctifying Gods sabbath Isa 57.13 Iob. 36.11 6. Plenty 1 Tim. 4.3 Let him not fear scarcety for he may be assâ—â—ed of plenty which no man enjoyes but he that can be content with what God sends 7. prosderity Jos 1 7 8. All that he takes in hand shall prosper and all shall work together for his good his very miseries have mercy in their bowels witness Moses Mordecai Joseph Paul Heb. 11. the whole catalogue of Saints 8. Victory And whiles he is combating perhaps sometimes foiled he is assured of a compleat conquest Gen. 49.19 Gad saith Jacob A troop shall overcome him but he shall overcome at the last he shall overcome the beast and his image the triple-crowned monster Pope Prelate and persecuting Presbyter yea he shall not fail of an absolute victory over the mark of the Beast the changer of times and Laws i. e. he shall raise the foundations of many generations in restoring the Lords Sabbath time and the Lords supper time 9. Trials Phil. 1.29 And howsoever he meet with many difficulties such as must be expected in a work of this high nature even all that malicious men and Divels can do yet let the obedient soul build upon it that all his Trials shall end in Triumph 10. Triumph It is the faithful promise of the Sabbaths Lord to make a rich return for all the reproofs sorrows and sufferings of Christian Sabbath-keepers and we may rest upon it for it is a gracious Gospel-promise I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly Zeph. 3.18 who are of thee to whom the reproach of it was a burthen then Sabbath-keepers sorrow shall end and then Sabbath-slighters sorrows shall begin Jesus Christ himself forewarns had they hearts to consider that as it was in the dayes of Noe so shall it be also in the dayes of the Son of Man Now it appears in the dayes of Noah the deluge came upon the world on the seventh-day Heb. 2.14 Luke 17.26 Gen. 7.10 See the margin and the Apostle speakes exprâ—sly though scoffers remain willingly ignorant of this admonition that as the old world perished by water so this is reserved for fire against the day of judgement and perdition of ungodly men It will be sad for professâ—rs to be found fighting under Anti-christs banner in Sabbath-profâ—nation after admonion 2 Pet. 3.3 4 5 6. Ah poor slumbering souls it is not hearing fasting feasting baptising that will avail in that 〈◊〉 day it is not Lord Lord we have prophesied in thy name we have done many things by thy power alas miserable muck-worms many things will not serve their turn Mat. 7. â—2 he who keeps the whole law and offends wilfully in one point he is guilty of all God gave ten commandments to Israel and Israels duty was to deliver them as so many lively oracles unto us Ja. 2.12 now one of those lively oracles enjoynes the seventh day Sabbath Acts. â— 38 it will not avail to tell Christ they have kept nine of them in the very letter if the tenth be slighted in the letter they must then see and feel that not one jot or title of those lively oracles is in the least altered Confess Pag. 33. Eze. 33.4 or ANY WAY dissolved as Englands whole assembly have in words confessed Wo and alas what will become of those that Jeroboam-like have changed the time expresly appointed in that Law which they say Christ hath not ANY WAY dissolved but much strengthened to binde Gospel Saints
Miserable Sabbath breakers that will not take warning I shall leave you to the hardness of your own hearts till you bring your own blood upon your heads I expect nothing from you but scoffes reproaches persecutions the worst you can do t is your nature you must act up to your principles and to the height of your power 2 Pet. 3.3 I pity you and pray that God may give you grace to pity your selves before it be too late He that overcometh shall sit with Christ in his throne when the Sabbaths weekly returns have wasted his obedient soul from strength to strength to keep a joyful Jubile in Messiahs Mansions of majesty Days shal be changed into years yea the Lords Sabbath of grace to a thousand years rest with the Lord of the Sabbath in glory Then those that carefully keep Gods Sabbath through reproaches as Jew turning back to Moses shall find a heavenly harmony between Jew and Gentile joyning in continual Alelujah to Jesus Rev. 19. then they shall find Christ and Moses friends and none honoured to sing his praise who have contemned Moses musick then those and only those that have obtained victory over the Beast his image his Mark and the number of his name Rev. 15.2.3 shall sing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb happy souls who shall be found in the possession and faithful profession of Moses lively oracles and the oracles of the Lamb together Moses's ten precepts received from Sina Acts 7â— 38. and the Lambs six principles delivered in Sion are equally honoured by the Spirit of truth as the oracles of God Heb 5.12 Heb. 1.2 6.1.2 1 Pet. 4.11 and equally given to the Saints and therefore let such as would approve themselves Saints be careful to speak as the oracles of God This is the very day of singing the song of Moses the Lamb that is of reviving the ten precepts and six pinciples as through Gods grace I shall fairly prove in another peece wherein it will appear how the sixth seal opened the six principles of Christian Religon in their primitive puritie which many precious souls have with joy embraced and that of the opening the seventh seal hath now discovered the long concealed mystery of the seven pillars of wisdoms palace which I shall demonstrate by good authority to be the seven sorts of Officers that Christ hath appointed in his house As 1. Prov. 9.1 Prophets 2 Apostles 3. Evangelists 4. Pastors 5. Teachers 6. Elders 7. Deacons all which were brought to open view upon the late terrible commotion wherein the tenth part of the City fell with the tenth horn Re. 11.13 So the Greek and 7000 names of men in whose ruines all the seven stars oâ— heaven ascended our horizâ—n to trumpet forth the long concealed seventh day sabbath which with the foremenâ—ioned precepts and principles make up the melodious harmony of Moses and the Lamb. But look about you unbelievers for whiles the Saints stand on a sea of glass mingled with the oracles of Moses and the oracles of the Lamb in their hearts and mouthes professing the precepts and principles of Law and Gospel Rev. 15.1.23.4 Behold 7 Angels having the 7 last plagues full of the wrath of God to pour upon the heads and hearts of such as joyn not in the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb. Great and marvellous are thy works Lord God Almighty just and true are thy wayes thou King of Saints Observe as you desire your souls good that the song of Moses and the song of the Lamb are the JUST AND TRUE WAYES of the Lord handed forth by Moses and the Lamb. Rev. 15.3 Who shall not fear thee O Lord and glorifie thy name for thou alone art holy Vers 4. for all nations shall come and worship before thee for thy judgements are made manifest High praises to thy glorious majesty for thy special grace O God in the glorious discovery of thy pure precepts and precious principles those lively oracles left unto the Saints by Moses and the Lamb honour and glory unto thy great Name in revealing the high presumption of that little horn in changing times and Lawes for ever magnified be thy mercy in making this precious truth manifest to the souls of many of thy Saints That there remaineth the celebration of the Sabbath to the People of God Sweet spirit of Holiness do thou sanctifie our hearts that we may Religiously sanctifie thy blessed Sabbath till thou bring us to thy Palace in peace and receive us into our Masters joy where we shall enjoy everlasting rest Aleluâ—ah Blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city Rev. 22.14 Amen FINIS
THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH Sought out and celebrated OR The Saints last Design upon the man of sin with their advance of Gods first institution to its primitive perfection being a clear discovery of that black character in the head of the little Horn Dan. 7.25 THE Change of TIMES LAWS With the Christians glorious Conquest over that mark of the Beast and recovery of the long-slighted seventh day to its antient glory wherein Mr. Aspinwal may receive full answer to his late piece against the SABBATH By Tho. Tillam Minister of the Gospel Psalm 102.13 14. Thou shalt arise have mercy upon Sion for the time to favour her yea the set time is come For thy servants take pleasure in her stones and favour the dust thereof London Printed for the Author and are to be sold by Livewell Chapman at the Crown in Popes-head Alley 1637. To the Church of Christ which is at Colchester gathered by Gods grace with the Authors Ministry into the beautiful order of the Gospel Precious and therefore Beloved WHat hath the holy one done for you what hath Gospel grace wrought in you who are these that flie as a cloud and as doves to their winâ—ows Isa 60.8 Happy day when the eternal spirit broke open your doors and led you through the pangs of the new birth into the favour of God by Christ Blessed season when the Almighty displayed his bright beams of evangelical light forming Christ in your souls by the same way that the blessed virgin conceived viz. by the ear alluring you out of Bâ—bylonish abominations worldlly pollutions and unscriptural mazes to follow the Lamb in all his pretious appointments Look my beloved from the top of the mountain to which grace hath advanced you and behold the woful world still wallowing in wickedness and weltring in blood under the wrath of a jealous God 1 Cor. 6.11 in a hopeless graceless christless condition And such were some of you but ye are washed but ye are sanctified but ye are justified no more strangers and forreiners but fellow Citizens with the Saints and of the houshould of God founded upon your Rock of Ages whose mysterious habitation and temple ye are Now what shall we return to the Lord for these invaluable benefits I hope there is not a soul of you that dare slight such unsearchable riches of grace I trust you are truly enlightned purely principled which with the sence of your former weight of sin the intolerable burthen of an awakened conscience will cause you for ever to delight in Christs shadow and sit with soul-satisfaction under the spread wings of the eternal Saviour that soul hath onely a name to live that loves not such a Lord. Amongst all the blessings bestowed upon man God made for him a holy sabbath and this of old was the honour of Gods Israel and shall be again the glory of such as stand in the antient path enquiring for the good old way Now since Jehovah hath graciously revealed Sabbath lâ—ght amongst you and laid you under many endearments let each soul that is indeed a Saint take up with the Psalmist Return unto thy rest O my soul for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee for truly you have need of rest amidst all your reproaches for the Law of your God and to strengthen you for new trials especially if you and I who have hitherto enjoyed our pretious liberty should experience what we hear namely that the present powers make no conscience of Oaths or Acts if this should prove so indeed what can be expected to Sabbath-keepers but new prelatical persecution There is a solumn Oath taken before God and men to protect such as professe faith in God by Jesus Christ though differing from the doctrine or discipline of the nation which is seconded by the present Parlament who have enacted Inster for Gover. Artic. 36 37. That such as professe faith in God Father Son and Spirit and own the scriptures Parl. Petit. advic 1657. pag. 13. shall not be compelled by penalties nor restrained from their profession though differing from the publick Doctrine and discipline but shall be protected in the peacable exercise of their religion But notwithstanding these great engagements there would be little prohability of peace should their principles be as some are perswaded Wherefore flie with speed to your experienced City of resuge and improve your interest in heaven for the suppression of Jeroboams sin 1 Ring 32.33 who did not onely advance the device of his own heart in the time of worship but imposed it on the people and so made Israel to sin Strive with your prayers against the remaining corruptions rising oppressions appearing persecutions a manifold enormities of a revolting nation God hath eminently punished the princes and the Kings children and threatens all such as are clothed in strange Apparrel Zeph. 1.8 and yet how this abomination abounds amongst us yea t is feared that as Jehu pulled down one Baal and advanced two golden Calves In Hebr. Lord. so the suppression of one proud Prelate may be attended with the promotion of many persecuting Presbyters and then farwell our precious Gospel priviledges if ever our liberty should be at their allowance They have already put forth their sting by underhand attempts to obstruct this great truth of Gods sabbath Their contentious Lecture at Colchester termed your Gospel Baptism an infant damning doctrine and the minsters thereof the Devils Factors stirring up Rulers against us which prebably may prove their strongest arguments in opposing the Sabbath As for such either Presbyterian or any other opinion who are of a Gospel frame of Spirit free from Ishmaelitish persecuting principles I do not in the least reflect upon them but highly prize all the lovely appearances of Christ in them knowing that such though our elder Brethren dare not murmure at our fathers love who hath enlightened our minds with the revived glory of his Royal Sabbath but will like noble Bereans weigh this serious and I hope sober work in the balance of the sanctuary If such as would have a precept of this high import smothered or concealed under a bed of security or Bushel of plenty were throughly a wakened by the whisperings of Christ they would readily proclaim this glorious truth upon the house top If this lively oracle of Gods seventh day Sabbath be not clearly Instituted by the Father Ratified by the Son Approved by the spirit and observed by the Saints Let it be confuted and rejected but if this Royal Law be thus established how dreadful must be the continued weekly pollution of it after Christs call to repentance and reformation God hath long winked at the dayes of our ignorance but he will not long bear with wilfulness As for you the beloved spouse of Christ Elders Deacons and Brethren I do bless the Almighty for you I can never sufficiently admire that unexpected passage of providence that made plain my path unto you
chiefly engaged was a Tradesman a sad Omen to the decayed Clergy who silently admired his invenâ—on whiles he opposed his own Nâ—w England princlples manifestly sinning against his light in rendring the Sabbath ceremoâ—aâ— bâ—cause given to the Jewes for a signt over whose deplorable condition New England thus laments It may affect ones heart with great mourning to see the many inventions of mens hearts to blot out this remembrance of the Sabbath day Shep. Sab. they first cast it out of Parâ—dâ—se and shut it out of the world until Moses time when in Moses time 't is published as a Law and crowned in the same manner as all Moral Laws yet then they make it to be but a ceremonial Law continuing onely till the comming of Christ Jesus Thus New England mourns over such impieties and 't is cause of grief indeed that one of their own professed Members should so openly oppose their impregnable doctrine of the morality of the Sabbath It is truth that the Sabbath was given to the Jews for a sign Exo. 31.13 and so was Christ himself Isa 7.14 Euk. 2.11,34 but it followes not that either Sabbath or Saviour must be therefore ceremonial The Saints are set for signes so is the holy spirit 1 Joh. 4.13 Isa 8.18 Eze. 20.12 20. yea for the very same sign as the Sabbath is viz. That you may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctifie you There the same honour is put upon the Sabbath as upon the holy Spirit yea let the self-denying Disciple know that in the conscientious observance of Gods Sabbath he shall not long want the blessed sign of Gods sanctifying presence The Sabbath is indeed a signe of goed things formerly produced Exo. 20. 31.13 as the worlds creation or else of good things at present enjoyed as Gods sanctifying grace but never was it set for a sign of good things to come like the ceremonial * Compare Col. 2.17 18. with Lu. 4.18 19 21. Deut. 6.5 6 7 8. 13.18 c. Mat. 22.17 Sabbaths I might here retort the vaunting language of the Preacher of Peters of cutting off Goliahs head with his own sword for if the Morality of the Sabbath cease by being a sign to the Jews in their generations upon the same account must the whole Law cease to bee Moral since Gods spirit hath set it also for such a sign Thus while vain man findes out inventions to slight Gods Sabbath as a Jewish ceremony because given to that people for a sign he rejects the Holy spirit Scriptures Christ and all as so many Jewish ceremonies Neither is it possble to escape the Dilâ—â—â—ma by saying that the Sabbath is Moral but the seventh day Ceremonial for though the seventh day and Sabbath be terms convertible in the fourth Commandement yet even in the place mentioned the term seventh day is not set for the sign but the term Sabbath And whereas the same person puzzled the people by a third inwention but without the Book Object That if we observe the Jews Sabbath we must also offer the Jâ—ws sacrifices 1. Answ Now England Divinity might have instructed him That if sacrifices could make the Sabbath ceremonial then they may make that day and every day ceremonial but sacrifices make not the Sabbath ceremonial therefore not the day 2. Heb. 7. All sacrifices were recorded types of Christ and therefore abolished but the Sabbath did never type out Christ therefore never abolished nor changed 3. The seventh day Sabbath is part of the Law Moral where no syllable is found of sacrifices 't is therefore as absurd to conclude we must offer sacrifice if we will keep the Sabbath as to say we must keep the Ceremonial Law if we observe the Moral When these fancies fail and the Sabbath can neither be expelled Paradise nor confined to Canaan A third invention is found to make Christ a bolster to disobedience by proclaiming him a Sabbath-breaker Who never transgressed no not a tittle of the least Ceremony For had he failed of the smallest service he could never have been the Saviour of the world God must have a Lamb without spot or blemish The charge brought against Christ is 〈◊〉 1. That he justified his Disciples in plucking Ears of Corn as well he might when the Law expresly allows it Deut. 23 25. without restraint of time and where no Law is there 's no transgression If the Phariseos were righteous over much who had so deeply suffered for slighting the Sabbath formerly shall the Lord of the Sabbath be censured for allowing that to his hungry Disciples which even the Hipocâ—ites themselves did not deny their beasts that is Luk. 3.15 Necessary food If Professors are not ashamed to joyn with Scribes and Pharisees in censuring our Saviour as a Sabbath-breaker yet let not these continue bold whiles Christs words make the others blush Luke 13.17 And whiles our Advocate performs his office in pleading the cause of his Disciples let Christians learn to content themselves by the Apostles examples with a slender Sabbath days Dinner rather then prophane the sanctified feason to make provision for their perishing bodies Trust to his word who hath promised to such as first seek his King dome that all things needfull shall be supplied he will never leave thee nor forsake thee but rather then fail Mar. 6.34 he will put forth a beam of his Divinity to feed thee who dost faithfully follow him Wherefore resolve to serve him though he feed thee but with Ears of Corn and this also be grudged by superstitious Pharisees A second charge jointly brought by the Hipocrites of old and present Professours against our innocent Saviour is about the Cripples miraculous cure Jâ—â— â—â— 8 and carrying his Bed on the Sabbath Whereas they were no more capable of understanding the supposed violated Scripture then of discerning the person they quarrelled with The scope of the Scripture is onely to restrain traffick and travel for gain in our ordinary callings Jer. 13.21 Neh. 13 11 c. but not to obstruct any work simply for Gods glory and spiritual profit neither did the man transgress any letter of the Law for 't is Thy work the Law forbids but this was properly the Lords work to confirm the miracle wrought upon a helpless and almost hopeless creature The Word of God freely allowes bearing Mat. 12 5. of Burdens for his own honour even on the Sabbath Joh. 7.21 23. Josh 6.12 c. 1 Kin 20 28 29. as in Circumcsion and Sacrifiees in the miraculous taking of Jericho and in * Heb. 2.1 2 3 4. war And so lar was our dear Redeemer from slighting the Sabbath that he singled out that Sanctified season to honour it with his chief miracles Gods spirit enjoyns exact obedience to those truths that were confirmed by * Heb. 2.1 2 3 4. maricles and as the wo was greater to those ungratefull Cities where his chief maracles
were wrought so it will be sad for such as will persist in slighting the holy Sabbath which he hath so eminently arown'd with his wonders After labour hath bin spent in vain to fasten some defamation on the Lord of the Sabbath the next invention is to fal upon his servants And first they seek some shelter for Sabbathâ— breaking from the Apostles words One Man esteemeth one day above another Rom. 14.5 Another osteemeth every day alike The Apostle doth not here expose Gods moral Sabbath to our censure or to be esteemed or disesteemed as we please for he had before firmly established the moral Law * Rom. 3 31. and cannot be thought to destroy what he hath setled in the same Epistle onely in meats and dayes ceremonial he leaves weaklings to liberty for since Christ hath took down the wall of partition The persons places meats and days which did support it are all level'd but the seventh day Sabbath was instituted long before that partition wall was raised So that 't is not in our liberty to esteem it as we please for God himself hath made it holy and so esteems it whether we do or no. 'T is God that from the Worlds foundation placed holiness in this day and what God hath sanctified let not us presume any longer to make common Another argument is drawn from Gal. 4.10 Ye observe Days and Months and Times and Years Answ He cannot here condemn the observing of all days since Fasting and Feasting days are approved by Christ and his Church onely weak and beggarly seasons are condemned If any dare be so bold to reproach the seventheday-Sabbath instituted and observed by God himself as a weak and beggerly element at his peril be it 'T is a royal Law and will be the joy of a royal people The third argument aspersing the Apostles is raised from Col. 2.16 17. Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink or in respect of part of a Feast * So the Greek or of the New Moon or of the Sabbaths which are a shadow of things to come but the body is of Christ 1. Here at first sight 't is evident that onely such Sabbaths are ceased as were a shadow of good things to come But the seventh day was never such a Sabbath a sign indeed of good things past and present as is already shewed but never termed a shadow of things to come 2. The blessed Spirit by two other terms declares clearly what Sabbaths are ceased 1. Col. 2.14 such as were against us 2. contrary to us and such were those annual Sabbaths requiring great labour and travel in comming three times a year from all parts to Jerusalem far from the sweet Rest which the fourth Commandemnent enjoyns upon the seventh day Sabbath which never was in the least against us or any way contrary to â—s and therefore not here intended though he Prelates by perverting the Text would â—volve it for unto the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which onely signifieth Sabbaths they have deceitfully added dayes to the Text as though there were no other Sabbaths but Sabbath days whereas the seventh year was a Sabbath and the seventh seventh the great ceremonial Sabbath or Jubile And whereas by this bold and absurd addition some would cast off the seventh day as ceremonial who yet plead strongly for the morality of the Sabbath it is very considerable that this Text toucheth not the Day at all but the Duty that is the Sabbath which even many enemies of the seventh day confess to be moral Evident it is that as the seventh day points out the time of worship so the Sabbath denptes the worship it self and the Apostle mentions not the day or time as a shadow but the Sabbaths and so if any thing in the fourth Commandement were a shadow of Christ it must be onely the Rest which is the duty and not the Time which is the seventh day As warrantably may they reject the moral Law upon that expression of the Law being changed Heb. 7.12 as the seventh day upon this word of Sabbaths being ashadow We may as well distinguish of Sabbaths in this place as Laws in that Mr. Aspinwal pretends to reform the Bishops abuse of this Col. 2. and translates it rightly Sabbaths but renders those words a Feast which he knows is onely part of a Feast and from hence takes liberty p. 4. to descant upon Feasts contrary to the word Well after all attempts the 7th day Sabbath remains a glorious lively Oracle to Christians it is no bâ—se ceremony or beggarly rudiment for God himself observed it and with his own voice with great Majesty enjoyned and recorded it a mongst the rest of his royal perpetual precepts it requireth no toil nor trouble like the ceremonial Sabbaths but lovingly releaseth man from his labours It is no way against us or contrary to us unless we be against God and contrary to those heavenly spirits who prefer one day in Gods Courts before a thousand in that dunghil drudgery wherein earthy carnal base-born muck worms delight to be toiling and moiling in this bewitching world It mounts the Dove-like Spouse from earth to heaven where she obtains a tast of her eternal glory dwelling this day in her Beloveds bosome sweetly reposing her weather-beaten Vessel in this shining season of noon-tide Rest in the very arms of Christ Caut. 1.7 These are undeniably the sweet enjoyments and soul-ravishing delights which this Royal Sabbath of Iehovah opens to the sincere obedient soul and therefore onely to be slighted by such as observing lying vanities forsake their own mercies When restless spirits find their fancies frustrate and that they have onely wearied themselves with these inventions 1. To expel the glorious Sabbath out of Paradise 2. To imprison it in Palestina 3. To defame our Saviour as a Sabbath-breaker 4. To asperse the Apostles as Sabbath-slighters And finding the Sabbaths lustre breaking through these foggy inveations 5. Satan the Prince of darkness transforming himself into an Angel of Light furnisheth them with the last invention under the most specious pretence of a spiritual Sabbath to live in the weekly pollution of that blessed day which the Father of Spirits hath appointed for the inlet of all spiritual sweets into the soul And the poor deceived Notionists 2 Cor. 11.2 3. Gen. 3.5 forgetting how the serpent beguil'd Eve through his subtilty under the very same bait of disobedience to Gods Commands promising most gâ—orious spiritual enjoyments are so transported with the glistering Alchymie of his sublime aiery notions that away goes all the tryed Gold of the Law and the Testimony and now no duties will down with these lawless Libertines but all their devorion lies buried in the abysse of pretended spiritual prayer spiritual singing spiritual fasting spiritual feasting spiritual baptism spiritual supper spiritual sabbath leaving all literal obedience as too low for their bewitched fancies as if Christ and primitive Christians
were not as spiritual in obedience to these litreal commands as any of these pretenders who notwithstanding all their boasted high attainments are most of them deeply drenched in earthy Dens whiles they promise librety to others 2 Pet. 2.19 many of themselvs are the servants of corruption The spring of these delusions for the most part breaks forth from the palpable contradictions of such as having laid an impregnable foundation for Gods Sabbath by their excellent arguments for its morality do presently demolish their own structure again in asserting its mutability And whiles they labour in the very fires to find some Scripture authority for their supposed change ingenious mounting refined spirits seeing not the least Gospel ground for a first day Sabbath and being prejudiced against the seventh day stigmatized with the odious unscriptural character of JEWISH Sabbath they presently become a prey to Satan who perswades them that in slighting the Sabbath literally they may keep it spiritually and belike God whiles thus they become most unlike him who really sanctified and observed the seventh day Sabbath And thus like Eve casting off the literal command upon a spiritual pretence they break the bounds of Paradise and whither will they post for 't is evident in Scripture that all Religionebs and flows according as the Sabbath is slighted or sanctified Being thus confounded with the contradictions of such as assert the Sabbath to be moral and yet mutable withal blinded by Satans baits to construe all Scripture according to his custome promising spiritual blessings upon literal disobedience * Gen. 3.4 5. Mai t 4.4.6 Mat. 5. they now endeavour to support their deceits by slandering our Saviours first Sermon as if his prohibition of spiritual adultery opened a gap to corporeal Uncleanness which this principle hath even hurried many to practise wheras the great Expositor detecting and detesting that Phatisaical outside service then in esteem for true Religion binds us over to spiritual obedience without destroying one jot or tittle of the Law Mat. 5.19 severely threatning such as should transgress the least of those staturea And yet these deceived souls fear not to break all bands and bounds that so they may drive on in disobedience without sence of sin for where no Law is there is no sin and where no sin is there can be no Saviour and where no Saviour no possibility of salvation which they shall find too true that leave Gods moral Law or put away or deprave any part thereof They shall find that if Gods Law be nothing to them God himself will be nothing to them but a severe Judge to condemn them by that Law they refuse to rule their lives by Sad will the sight of this sentence be to deceived souls in that dreadful day when Books and hearts shall be opened Now go Isa 30.8 9. write it before them in a table and note it in a book that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever that this is a reâ—ellious people lying children chilaren that will not hear the Law of their God And whereas us objected that our Lord hath fulfilled the Law and that indeed one jot or tittle might not pass till he had fulfilled it but that we need not now fulfill it Let such know that 't is no more lawfull now then before to be unclean lye steal or covet 't is as unlawfull now as ever to bâ—aspheme make or worship images and it will one day be found as sinâ—ull now as ever it was Mat. 3.15 to slight Gods sanctified seventh-day Sabbath which Christ fulfilled he fulfilled Baptism and so must we he observed his Supper and so must we he sanctified the seventh-day Sabbath and establisht it for ever and therefore so must we As to that objection that Christ mentions not the Sabbath in his Sermon and therefore it may be neglected By the same reasons the Papists may justifie their abominable idolatries since in all that Sermon no mention is made of images Thus while the unwary Rebel thinks to escape Sâ—ylla he wracks upon Charybais so dangerous is it to dally with any one of Gods Laws Wherefore take heed of disobedience under a pretence of spirituality That principle which now prompts you to the weekly prophanation of the Lords Sabbath will lead you by insensible degrees to as light esteem of the Lords Supper and under a pretence of praying continually force you from family prayer as a formality Christ delights in his Doves voice and surely our voice is not too good for God neither it man more spiritual then his Maker he that made us praieth often for us both with heart and voice and so taught us to pray 1 Joh. 2.6 and so he observed Gods seventh-day Sabbath both litterally and spiritually and left us an example that we should follow his steps in all Moral actions Some Sabbath-slighters would fain affix a Type to the Sabbath but are pitifully puzzled how to bring it to pass One would have it a type of our Rest in Christ but for want of Scripture this conceit is cashiered A second supposeth that the sacrifices annexed to the Sabbath made it typical upon which account every day must be typical since sacrifices were enjoyned every day A third thinks the Sabbath may be a type of Christs lying in the grave but iâ—stead of may-be's I shall prove in its place that his rest in the grave on the Sabbath confirms this Law to Christians A fourth confesseth 't is very difficult to find out this supposed typicalness and yet adventures to affix the deliverance out of Egypt to the Sabbath as a type of our deliverance by Christ but every babe in Christ at first blush beholds the very same deliverance affixed upon the front of the ten Commandements which manifestly proves the Sabbath as free from being typical as any other part of the Law A fifth with whom my spirit joynes finding that the Sabbath was never any type of Christ Ledgard Heb. 4. is perswaded if it be typical 't is onely since Christ and that not Moses but Paul makes it typical of that glorious Rest-day which saints shall enjoy with Christ a thousand years that as the Weekly labour of six dayes ends in a Rest-day of grace so the worlds 6000. years travel shall terminate in a Rest-day in glory Now although I judge that as marriage ordained in Paradice is not a type but a similitude of Christ so the Sabbath of the same descent doth rather resemble then type out that Rest yet I shall not contend but rather conclude that if the seventh day Sabbath be typical of that expected happy Rest then of necessity the type must remain until it shall be swallowed up of the glorious Anti-type A sixth in the middest of such uncertainties conceives the Sabbath may be typical of the Gospel or day of grace But what an absurdity would this conceit put upon our Saviour as if he should direct his
of any hour to be the bounds of the Sabbath as it sooner or later riseth or sets Were not the Mariners of the men of Iudah bound to observe the seventh day in all the several coasts where they made their voyages Did God limit them to the rising or setting Sun of Indea onely c. Thus far New Englands answer to that argument taken up by Mr. Ienison against them into whose treasury I shall cast my mite upon consideration of 1. Act. 2.5 15.11 13.14 17.1 The Proselytes of Ierusalem out of all Nations under heaven whose undoubted observation of the Sabbath in their several Countreys is a full confutation of this aiery argument 2. There will probably be granted some variation between â—â—ai and Sion yet the Sabbath punctually observed in both places Captain Ienison is not ignorant of four hours difference in the rising Sun between England and the American Colonies and yet the same first day observed both here and there But by the way we may observe that the wounds he would give unto the seventh day Sabbath fall as heavily upon the first day whereunto he pretends great devotion with his Brethen for if the seventh be uncertain the first must needs be so and thus whiles he would weaken the true Sabbath he opens a gap to that impiety of rejecting the authority of the fourth Commandement which sober spirits abhor But our God hath not bound us to the obedience of such hours but of such a day the Clock is not to be our guide but the Sun Here they object That in some though scarce any habitable Regions the Sun for many moneths leaves not their view whence they suppose an impossibility of observing the sabbath The answer is That in all parts the Sun is ever upon motion his Eastern Western circuits are not onely observed but exactly measured familiarly each four and twenty hours so as not onely to know their times of repose but possibly to shame us in the abuse of ours should the clouds or other meteors in ercept their sight of the Sun or ours the fowls of the heaven would give information 〈◊〉 8.7 And as sleeping and working time is easily discerned each four and twenty hours with like facility may the six working days be distinguished from the Sabbath If once the heart be free to yeeld obedience it will cease to create * Prov. 22.13 and invent difficulties and the renewed nature will no less breath after the souls weekly Sabbath than the old nature will expect its accustomed repose The Suns daily circuit and weekly revolution is no such difficulty to a devout soul But whither are we roving Will not our own Climate contain us Joh. 21.21 22. Are we not more inquisitive with Peter to know what other Nations shall do then to study our own duty We should even shame to slight Gods Sabbath whiles the Heavens declare his glory and whiles we fancy Bugbears of uncertainty in observing the exact time Lo day unto day uttereth speech Psal 19. night unto night sheweth knowledge there is no speech or language where their voice is not heard What beter directions can we desire then this faithfull witness of Heaven by his several circuits exactly measuring out our time and informing our eye as words instruct our ear When his fix days light leaves our Land 't is then time to leave our labours For then doth the glorious Lamp of Heaven like a Herald proclaim the approaching Sabbath that Saints may set open the everlasting Gates for the King of Glory I would not leave this scruple wherewith the self condemning adversary reproached his own principles till the path rendred so abstruse and intricate attain its promised perspicuity Isa 35. even to the weakest sight that so way faring men though fools may not erre therein Wherefore observe that in the beginning when Heavens bright Eye declined the sixth Evening in Eden the holy God gave unto man not onely a precept but a fair president also in ceasing from the work of Creation to sanctifie and observe his holy Sabbath Howbeit at the same hour it was impossible for other Climates of the World regularly to begin the Sabbath for the more Western parts must wait for the Suns warning or else they should not sanctifie the seventh day exactly as measured and regulated by the Sun which God hath purposely set for signs and for seasons Gen. 1.14 and for days and years Having therefore proclaimed rest in Paradise leaving man with his Maker to sanctifie the Sabbath away he posts as a Bridegroem from his Chamber Psal 19. rejoycing as a Giant to run his race and so coursing in his circuit through the Heavens he declares to the Regions sooner or later as fast as he can sly when to cease from their six days servitude to sanctifie the exact seventh day Sabbath Yea when mounting the other Hemisphere the interposition of the terrestrial Globe makes their Meridian the Antipodes Midnight yet is the seventh day as measured by the Sun punctual and certain in each Region God hath not engaged us to the same hours but to that assured seventh day or seventh part of time regulated by the glorious Lamp ordained for times and seasons for days and years Where then lies the difficulty of the seventh days certainty which was suggested to the people with such a cloud of confusion But lastly the difference between out Summer and Winter Sabbath in this little Island is as evident to every A B C Christian as is the certainty of the seventh day in the midst of such variation for who knows not that our Winters Sabbath begins four hours sooner then in Summer and ends upon the same account making full eight hours difference between Summer and Winters Sabbath But though the hours so much differ yet the seventh day surrounded by the Sun is unalterabiy the fame and the Sabbath certain as in Summer and Winter season with us so in each Climate and Countrey throughout the world And therefore 't is but an aiery flourish borrowed from the Bishops and perhaps a vaunt of more Aâ— then suits education or capacity to compass the earth for an agument to prove the variation of time which is so obvious and familiar in our little angle and yet I suppose never begat the least scruple in any Christian neither is there the least cause But I hope the adversary sees great cause by this time to be ashamed of his cloudy speculation amusing the people and humbly to confess he did he knew not what against New Englands testimony and Scripture evidence and so obtain the benefit of Christs Petition Luk. 23.34 Father forgive them for they know not what they do Carnal hearts might with more reason contend against the Lords Supper in some Countreys for want of Wine then against the Lords Sabbath for want of Light But when Grace shall make Saints as zealous for the Sabbath as the Sacrament
people of God I know 't wil be suddenly objected Psal 132. there 's no mention of the Sabbath in our English Bibles only there remaineth a rest to the People of God Indeed the greater is their sin who have abused the word Sabathismos translating that only rest which signifies the celebration of the Sabbath Mar. 28.13.14 as any Grammer School-boy may see in his common Dictionary and the greatest Adversaries of the Seaven day Sabbath are not able to deny If any shall plead Psal 27.19 20. That seeing the keeping of the Sabbath is a Rest therefore the Translators may be excused in rendring the word Rest let them know that although every Sabbath is a Rest yet every Rest is not a Sabbath We rest in our beds yet who is so simple to call that a Sabbath That word which so often is rendred Rest in Heb. 3.4 is quite another Greeke word So that their sin cannot be excused who have perverted the sence and by mis translation and their own additions to the Scripture have obscured the Sabbaths Gospel-glory more then once or twice as in Col. 2.36 they have destroyed the A postles scope by their addition of Dayes so in Acts 18.4 they have translated that word Reasoning to the undervaluing of the Sabbath which in Acts 20.7 they English Preaching for the greater advancement of the first day But since so great a cloud of obscurity is cast over the Sabbath by translating that barely rest which signifies so clearly the celebration of the Sabbath and finding many perplexing their spirits to find out what rest is to pressed by the spirit In Heb. 3. 4. I shall endeavour to helpe their understandings who through some cursorie consideration of the Scripture have supposed that it only intends some one single Rest whereas upon a serious search into these two Chapters there will be found a five-fold rest 1 Typicall 2 Spirituall 3 Evangelicall 4 Morall and 5 Eternall though indeed they are as mysteriously and promiscuously held forth as those interwoven predictions of our Lord Jesus In the 4 of Mat. and the book of the Revelation which are purposely so delivered to exercise the faith and mind of wisdoms children I shall therefore through grace lay open this five-fold rest as it appeares to be the mind of the Spirit by the Apostle Heb. 3. ver 3.5.6 7 whose scope is to warne and admonish Christians by Israels woes of falling short of the true Rest and having shewed the difference between Christ and Moses with their two houses he takes his Text as it were from David Psal 45.7 exhorting Christs house by faith to walk in Gods wayes * vers 10 12 13 14. from which Israel swerved and so fell short of that Rest termed another day whereof Joshuah's Canaan was only a Type This being the Apostles scope by that Typicall rest to shadow forth that other day viz. Gospel grace and Glory by Christ The entrance into which grace is the Saints spirituall rest For saith the Apostle We which have beleeved doe enter in to rest This is that promised rest to heavy-laden souls the delightful fold of believing Lambs The very same resting place saith Christ my Father makes for me have I prepared for you even mine own bosome and all I look for from you in liew of this great love Iohn 1.18 is as thus as I rest in my Fathers bosome and you in mine so I may rest in yours Wherefore let each spirituall Virgin Spouse conlude My beloved shall lye as a bundle of myrrhe all night between my breasts Can. 1.13 And having thus attained their Spirituall rest by Faith the Saints third repose I term 4 Rest Evangelical a Church estate caled by the Apostle The house of Christ the Zion of God built up of Spirituall stones the rest which God himselfe hath chosen Heb. 31.6 12.22 Ps 132.13 14. and all should choose that have entred by faith into that Spirituall rest For the Lord hath chosen Zion he hath desired it for his habitation this is my rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it Here Christ hath promised his precious presence to the worlds end and this should be that on thing in believers desires whilest pretenders to Spirituallity are passing from mountaine to hill forgetting their resting Place 4. As Christs Church is his resting place where we may find him and rest in him So he hath a solemn resting time or Gospel-Season which is the noon time rest after which the Spouse enquires not only where but when Tell me ô thou whom my soul loloveth where thou feedest where thou makest thy slocks to rest at noon At this Season Christ sits in his meridian glory amidst his flocks in his weekly returne to his beloved this I call his Morall rest or the mannerly attendance which the Church owes unto Christ entring his Royal palace deckt in robes of righteousness when the Royall Scepter is gratiously extended to every trembling Hester The neglect of this morall rest was wofull Israels sin for which the Lord destroyed them in the Wildernesse as is plain Ezek. 20.13 and this being compared with the Apostles Admonition to the Christians plainly points out the Sabbath that remains to the people of God He sets forth Israels fin and Israels sorrow on this wise Although God finished his works from the foundation of the world and thereupon speaks Gen. 2. And God rested the the seventh day from all his works yet neither the glory of his wonderfull Creation authority of his institution or observation of his holy Sabbath to keep up the Creators honour could engage them to follow his example but so highly did they provok him in the wildernesse by refusing his Statutes and despising his judgments in generall but especially in poluting his Sabbaths that he sware in his wrath they should not enter into his rest but for their sins and particularly sabbath-breaking he consumed them in the Wildernesse Wherefore the Apostle concludes in applying all unto believers exhorting them to labour in the use of that meanes which Israel neglected To enter into the eternall rest after the true Jesus least any man fall by the same example of unbeliefe or disobedience as the Greeke signifies Christians believe it this is the summe of the Apostles admonition so to presse after our eternall rest that we fall not after Israels example of disobedience Ezek. 20.13 in rejecting Gods statutes despising his judgments and in particular poluting his seventh day Sabbath which he made and wherein he rested for a patterne to all that enjoy the benefit of his works of creation But especially for Christians who by entring into his spirituall rest through faith are become the people of God There remaineth therefore the celebration of the Sabbath to the people of God for he that is entred into his rest he also hath ceased from his works as God did from his own works And here we
in his change of Gods seventh day to his eighth day hath little spiritual eye sight But that Gods children may for ever beware of changing his appointments let his displeasure that brake forth against holy David be our admonition David had a pious purpose to fetch the Ark of God to Jerusalem he goes with 30000. chosen men 2 Sam. 6. sâ—ts the Ark upon anew cart the oxen they shake it Vzzah endeavours to support God smits him dead and spoils all their mirth But what is the cause of all this why it is their invention of setting the Ark upon a new a cart which should onely have been carried on the Levites shoulders of which errour holy David being made sensible humbly repents before the Lord saying 1 Chr. 15.2.13 None ought to carry the Ark of God but the Levîtes for because ye did it not at the first the Lord our God made a breach upon us for that we sought him not after the due order I solemnly professe unto you my flesh trembles in writing this sad example and dare any continue by weekly disorder to provoke this jealous God believe it Christians it is not all your doing that will avail it must be so doing that God will accept Let all things be done decently and in order Now all these things were written for our admonition Rom. 15.4 Therefore think not after admonition that any sabbath will be accepted but that alone which God hath ordained God will at last make a breach upon you if you do not repent in time and seek him after the due Order I have nowthrough grace fully proved the unchangable perpetuity of Gods seventh day Sabbath That it is Gods special command to remember it That it is one of those lively oracles received by Israel from Sinai to give unto us That we are under a double obligation to observe it First from Gods rest at the Creation Secondly from Christs rest at our Redemption There remaineth therefore the celebration of the sabbath to the people of God Undoubtedly Sinai's lively oracles given to Christians are some of Sions cords or stakes to fasten us in obedience to our God and it is his faithfull promise that they shall be perpetuated Not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed Isa 33.20 neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken Let Antichrist conspire with earthly powers to break these bands in sunder Psa 2.3 and cast away these cords from them 'T is but for a time times and half a time Da 7.25 The saints shall recover their changed Laws and changed times too and in keeping the royall Law those lively oracles according to the scriptures they shall do well and be blessed in their deed Ia. 1.15 2.8.10 whiles such as content themselves with partial obedience shall know when Lord Lord will be to late that whosoever shall keep the whole Law and yet off end in one point wilfully after warning he is guilty of all Now that sincere souls may sweetly conform themselves to this Royal Law this lively Oracle this perpetual remaining seventh day-day-Sabbath I shall in the power of the Highest assist them in the next part of my Position The fifth Head Sanctification AS the word sabbath fignifies holy Rest so this rest is to be sanctified to the honour of the holy God by a holy People in a holy manner T is no small mercy that God hath winked at the daies of our ignorance while we were weekly wallowing in Sabbath-pollution and that now he calls upon us to repent Acts 17.30 and reform in Sabbath sanctification The seventh seal being undoubtedly opened Pro. 9.1 Rom. 12. Ep. 4.11 12. hath discovered the seven Pillars of wisdomes house i. e. Those seven sorts of officers into whose Hearts God will put grace to trumpet forth the glory of the seventh-day-Sabbath whiles faithful souls coming out of their one thousand two hundred and sixty years wilderness condition Can. 8.5 leaning upon their beloved Re. 12.17 will readily embrace and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Observe here the blessed character of those blessed souls that come flying as a cloud out of Babylonish abominations to the Windows of the Ark of God These are they that keep the Commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Here 's the Character of a new Creature that hath a faith working by love he knows that circumcision is nothing Compare Gal. 6 15. with 5.6 1 Cor. 7.19 and uncircumsion is nothing but the keeping of the commandements of God All the tongue profession in this World is nothing all the pretences of spiritual Sabbatizers with their guilded expressions of living in the bosom of love is nothing This is the Love of God 1 John 5.3 that we keep his commandments and his commandments are not grievous To be sure this command of sanctifying Gods Sabbath is not gâ—ievous to gracious souls As the Jewes in their return from literal Babylon set to the observation of all they sound enjoined them in the holy Scriptures though some things bad been discontinued a long time So the faithful Christians coming out of mystical Babylon Read Neh. 8.8.14.17 such as do not only believe in Jesus but are likewise found with the commandments of God those lively oracles that Israel received from Sinai to give unto us Wherefore seeing how Antichrist violated the second commandment by his idolatrous images they first cast out the Idols and kept the second commandement they also relinquished the horrible blasphemies of the Beast and so observed the third commandement And at last taking a serious view how Antichrist had changed times as evidently as laws Rev. 12.17 they set long since to the sanctification of Gods seventh-day Sabbath according to the fourth commandement upon which the Dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the commandements of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. A remnant there was in the Prelates daies that endeavoured to keep Gods Sabbath amongst his commandements but the Dragon in Lawn sleeves was wroth with them the Proud image of the Beast pushed at them and undoubtedly whatsoever relique remains of the Beasts image in the present powers will be putting forth the horn to push at the observers of the true seventh-day-Sabbath whatsoever is of Antichrist in the present Authority will not cannot indure to see those times reformed which the little horn hath changed It is the nature of all Jeroboams golden Calves not only to observe those times which their Founder hath devised of his own heart But to push at Gods people and impose penalties upon them for observing Gods Sabbath But whiles these go on in sin and make England to sin in the weekly pollution of the Lords true Sabbath handed from Sinai by Israel unto us and whiles others have devised an every-day Sabbath to secure themselves under
into the same image from glory to glory even as by the spirit of the Lord. O the clear communion saints enjoyed that blessed sabbath on which the spirit descended 4. 4. Can. 5 1. 1 Iohn 1.3 4 5. Thou art invited to a compleat communion Eat O friends drink abundantly O beloved The saints have fulnesse of joy in their fellowship with God 5. Thy communion must be constant Never leave loving thy loving Lord for he hath said he will never leave thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13. Rev. 14. the virgins that are redeemed from the earth follow Christ constantly and shall the love of this world interrupt thy communion with thy God Psal 42.12.14 That famous Psalm for the sabbath sets forth the constancy of saints communion with their God day and night and let this be the measure of thy souls devotion the holy Sabbath And if thus thou obtain a choice close clear compleat constant communion with thy God I am sure thy communion will be very comfortable so that having thus sanctified Jehovahs Sabbath he will send thee home with a sanctified soul and renewed strength wherewith every Sabbath thy vessel shall be replenished till at last thou shalt enjoy immediate communion with thy God in rest eternal The sixth Head The Rule THis royal Law was unto Israel a severe School-master Gal. 4. 3. Rom. 7. and strict husband requiring exact and punctual obedience and denouncing dreadfull curses upon the least transgression But Christ having drawn out that terrible sting Rev. 11.1 2. and turned it from a fiery Serpent to a friendly Scepter thereby measuring the Temple the Altar and them that worship therein Psal 23. it is now the joy and solace of a sanctified soul Thy rod thy staffe shall comfort me As a staffe oâ— Beauty it directs the new creature to obedience Zech. 11.14 As a staff of Bands it only engageth as a rule of Righteousness shewing our defects that we may see our need of a Saviour The thunders of Sinai the blackness darkness and terrible trumpet Heb. 12. are now by Christ so sweetned that all it can speak or say to Saints is If ye fulfill the Royal Law according to the Scripture Ja. 1 8. ye shall do well But what if we should fail of fulfilling it through humane frailty Why if any man Sin we have an advocate with the father Well may we say here is an easie yoak 1 Jo. 2.1 a light burden indeed and yet too hard and heavy for Ranters Quakers Notionists Antinomians c. who though contrary to each other will not admit of the royal Law no not as a rule of righteousness but pervert the Scripture which saies the Law was not made for a righteous man and Pharisee like concluding themselves righteous 1 Tim. 1.9 Luke 16.15 they utterly reject the pretious Law of God as not made for them to which I answer 1. T is true the Law is not made to bind over the righteous man to its curse and malediction but to be sure the law was made for Christs disciples and whosoever speaks not according to the Law though he boast of his light within Isa 8.16.20 yet he has no light in him nay more especially this very Law of the Sabbath Mar. 2.27 was made for Christs Disciples and surely they were righteous men 2. In the very same Scripture from whence this objection is made It is manifest That the Law is good and to be used by Saints if they use it lawfully Now the Objectors will not use it at all but though it be proclaimed a good law a holy just spiritual Law yet they will have none of it but will join with Antichrist in breaking bands asunder Psal 2. and casting away Christs cords from them after he has told them that whosoever breaks and teacheth to break the least of these lively Oracles given unto us shall be least in the Kingdom I shall leave these Libertines to their lusts and shew the orderly Saints how this good Law may be lawfully used and how it is not made for a righteous man It is not made for a righteous man in Christ as a ministration of condemnation 2 Cor. 3. Rom. 8.1 For there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit It is not a covenant binding us to obedience without any ability given to obey for we are now delivered from the Law that being dead wherein we were held as a covenant that we should serve in newness of spirit and not in the oldness of the Letter Rom. 7.6 he does not undervalue the letter of the Law no not the least point or title but rejects the oldness of the Letter as a covenant The Law is not a foundation for our faith Gal. 3.12 it is neither under us nor over us we are not under the Law but under grace Ro. 6.14 neither are we above the Law except we belong to that Lawless one As we must nor reject the least point of the Law 2 Thes 2. unless we would be least in the Kingdome of God Ro. 8.3 1 Cor. 3.11 12. neither must we rest upon the greatest duty of the Law no nor of the Gospel since all rests short of Christ are but Egyptian Reeds The Law is not made for the righteous man to give him life or righteousness But Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to all them that believe He saies not that Christ is the end of the Law but that Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness for the Law can neither give us life nor righteousnes but Christ is made unto us of God Wisdom and Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption Gal. 3 1â— 1 Cor. 1â— 30 in none of these respects is the law made for a righteous man and yet we know the Law is good and may and must be used lawfully Then it is utterly unlawful to destroy one Letter of the Law under a pretence of worshipping God in spirit he that worships God in spirit must worship him also in truth by the Law of truth it is a strong delusion for Papists to say they know God is a spirit whilles they make his image it is absurd to say we keep our hearts in the Spirit if we transgresse the letter and commit corporal Fornication it is no lesse ridiculous to assert we keep the Sabbath in the spirit whiles we live in the weekly pollution of the Letter The lawful use of the Law is 1. To make known sin to the most righteous soul for saith that excellent Apostle I had not known sin but by the law if there be no Law there can be no sin if there be no sin there is no Saviour for such a Soul Rom. 7.7 4.15 Mat. 9.13 The lawful use of the Law is to direct a righteous soul to be a rule not a School-master
to the new creature 2. Is 8.20 and this new creature is he whose faith works by Love and this is the love of God that we keep his commandements Gal. 6.15 5.6 1 Cor. 7.19 1 Joh. 5.3 Ga. 6.16 and as many as walk according to this rule of the new creature peace be upon them and mercy and upon the Israel of God Christs death hath not opened a door to our disobedience Heb. 5.9 10. The good law of God is to the righteous man a perfect Law of liberty 3. Ja. 3.25 2.8 12. As first it would be such a bondage to bow to any other God that with the three children the saint would rather be bound like a saggot for the fire Should he be confined to Spain or Italy his spirit would be perplexed like Pauls to see their abominable idolatry O! what a righteous rule O! what a Law of Liberty is that which calls the soul from the bondage of Babylon in breaking the second commandment Acts 17.8.10 And alas what a bondage is it to his blessed soul to hear the third royal Law broken by Blasphemers his flesh trembles his hairs stands an end his heart and soul is wounded to hear the name of God blasphemed But when he gets among righteous men and women walking by this most righteous rule why he is out of prison and at perfect liberty though his feet were ever so sast in the stockes But amongst all Gods royal Lawes none sets the righteous soul more at liberty then the fourth lively oracle which therefore he cannot but esteem as his blessed Legacy O how the setting of the sixth dayes sun comforts his soul why now he is cal'd regularly to cast off his carnal encumbrances and to meet with his fellow citizens assembling to celebrate the seventh day sabbath which God hath sanctified Now he shall rest at noon in his beloveds bosom and get up two or three rounds more of Jacobs ladder towards new Jerusalem Here is the perfect Law of libertie here is the righteous rule of a Christian here is the lawful use of the good Law for a righteous man who is the person for whom the sabbath was specially made which is The seventh Head The Persons I have already fully shewed that the sabbath was made for Man and it is evident that in the first invtitution it was made for righteous Man Eccl. 29. Adam was not onely Man but good man upright Man when the sabbath was made for him The proud Prelates have indeed confessed that Adam was then a righteous man but they would perswade their proselytes that the sabbath was not suteable for pure Adam and that he had no need of the sabbath in the state of innocency But surely every saint can see further then such blind guides that the sabbath was as suteable and needful for the pure creature as for the transcendantly pure Creator neither can it enter into a wise mans heart that Adam should be dressing his garden upon the seventh day when God was sanctifying his holy sabath when the morning stars sang together Job 38.7 and all the sons of God shâ—â—ted for joy Eph. 5.1 certainly if Adam were a follower of God as a dear child he then kept sabbath with his father 2. Eph. 19.5 When God dispenced his sabbath upon Sinai it was to righteous Israel and when they degenerated the Lord did even abhor their sabbaths and services 3. When this lively oracle with the rest was given unto us It was intended to righteous Stephen and all his fellowes The sabbath is certainly designed for the same persons to whom the supper is enjoyned Our Lord tels us that his sabbath was made for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 man and woman Mar. 2. ult 1 Cor. 11 28. and the same Lord puts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 man and woman upon the celebration of his supper they both belong to the same persons Not but that the vilest men in the world are bound to observe the sabbath the pollution whereof shall encrease their damnation for though man hath lost his ability to obey yet God hath not lost authoritie to command The Sabbath is a precept as ancient and universal as marriage both made for Adam a publike person and for all his posteritie But none can though all should sanctifie the Sabbath save Christs Disciples who are redeemed from earthly interests and brought out of Babylon Rev. 14.4.12 and 12.12.17 these in these last dayes hath God designed to build the old wast-places to raise up the soundations that Antichrist hath destroyed of many generations to repair the breach and restore pathes to dwell in by turning the foot of transgression from any further pollution of the sabbath Isai 57.12 13. This is a generation work here is royal service for enlightened souls Glorious work for such onely as get victory over the Beast his image and his mark viz. THE CHANGE OF TIMES AND LAWES Object But had not our Godly Fathers victory over the Beast his Image and his mark Answ They have worthily performed the work of their generation in their courageous renouncing the Beasts detestable Decalogue and restoring the ten lively oracles to their ancient glory that all might hear in their own language the roâ—al Law of the Lord. They have most gallantly contended with the proud image of the Beast for the morality of the Sabbath like so many Davids preparing materials for the royal building and some of them with a prophetick spirit have foreseen and foretold glorious things such as themselves never knew As Mr. Rogers of Dedham c. but now when those glorions things are in view by the discovery of the beasts mark the great admirers of our fathers are become the greatest opposers of their glorious predictions Object But we hear nothing of the Patriarchs keeping Sabbath or reproof for Sabbath prophanation before the Law at Sinai Answ It is probable that Abels sacrifice was on the sabbath day for though the word be translated in processe of time yet the Hebrew is at the end of days and what may this end of dayes mean more likely then the end of the week dayes when the time came for solemn sacrifices If the old World did as t is like prophane the seventh day sabbath no wonder God poured the deluge upon them on the seventh day Gen. 7.10 as is evident in the margent of our Bibles It is not probable that Enoch walked with God so as to please him Gen. 5.4 or that Noah should be esteemed righteous or that Abraham should be recorded for one who kept Gods commandments Gen. 5.14 7.1 26.5 his statutes and his Laws unless they observed his sanctified sabbath which was undoubtedly one of Gods commandments If they were sabbath breakers and were without reproof yet does it not follow that the sabbath had then lost its authoritie any more then marriage which was in full force from the
beginning although the Patriachs transgressed but were not reproved Gods Laws do not stand or fall as man either keeps them or is reproved for the transgression But whether men observe them or not the moral Lawes of God are still in force Object It is further objected That Gospel Saints are not reproved or admonished about the Sabbath as probably they would had it been a duty incumbent upon them 1. Answ Possibly it needed not seeing we find even the Apostle of the Gentiles and his companions constantly observing the sabbath yea and the Gentiles themselves desiring to serve on the sabbath Acts 13. 2. Had any of the Christians prcphaned the sabbath doubtless the priests and legal professors that were so hot about ceremonies would have made the Worldâ—ring with their clamours Acts 21.27.28 The Priests universal silence a notable Argument that Christians kept the seventh daysabbath they that made such noise against Christ for doing what was lawful on the sabbath-day would not have spared Christians had they done any thing unlawfull It is evident that for almost five hundred yeares during the Judges in Israel we hear nothing either of them Acts 13.20 keeping of the sabbath or the reproof for not observing it and yet that person must renounce his reason and Religion that shall deny their keeping the sabbath much more if he shall reject the sabbath because in five hundred years no mention is made of it 4. But if a doubting Dydimus will not believe unless he see the print of some admonition to Christians about the Sabbath lo the spirit condiscends and upon serious search we shall find Christians admonished to beware of Sabbath polution 1 Cor. 6.10 to 12. for the Apostle presents the Christians at Corinth with several instances of Israels miseries in the wilderness and plainly declares That all these things hapned unto them for our ensamples and are written for our admonition therefore it behoves us to search the Scriptures for the cause of their calamity Ezek. 20.13 and in searching we shall sind that the special cause of all their plagues was sabbath prophanation as I have already proved by another warning peal to professors out of Heb. 3â— and 4â— Well Christians if Israel be set for our ensample and their sad story be written for our admonition as is plain then let us be warned that we partake not of their sins least we partake of their plagues Neh. 9.14.15 13 17.18 wherewith they were destroyed in the Wildernesse and afterwards captivated in Babylon as godly Nehemiah sadly bewailes setting forth the special cause of both to be Sabbath-breaking And therefore let this be a seasonable warning to all that fear the Lord that they no longer provoke him with Israels Sabbath pollution least they bring Israels punishment upon themselves for God will at length wound the hairy scalp of such as go on in their wickedness after warning Ps 64.21 It is objected Object That God doth not plague Sabbath breakers but hath poured down judgements upon such as have slighted the first day 1. Answ It is true God doth wounderfully forbear Sabbath breakers it is his great goodness to wink at persons in the days of their ignorance but shall the delay of his judgements set thy heart fully to do evil Eccles 8.11 Because God is so patient art thou resolved to be still profane build upon it That after a Seal is opened and Gods trumpet proclaimes the truth and gives warning the next to be expected is the out-powring of a vial of wrath 2. If any humane testimony be produced of Judgements upon the first day we have both humane and divine of high displeasure of seventh day-sabbath breakers As for Divine vengeance poured forth by Scripture proof enough hath been shewed for our ensample and admonition to which this may be added Lev. 26.33 34 35.2 Cor. 36.20 21. that as the cause of Israels desolation for one generation was Sabbath polution so the grand cause of the woful desolations for many generations in treading under foot the Temple the Altar and Worshippers was the little horns presumption in changing the Saints time and laws Rev. 11.2 Dan. 7.25 Here are Judgements with a witness and now the only way to raise the desolation of many generations is to advance those holy times and Laws changed by ANTICHRIST There are already since this truth sounded many signs of high displeasure upon Sabbath-breakers No plague like that of a hard heart no judgement like those strong delusions which have already seised upon Ranters and Quakers whose enmity never appeared so eminently against any one ordinance nor scarce against all that ever I knew as against this glorious Oracle of God labouring with all their might against it in the very birth And as for sundry hypocrites who masked and marched in profession as far as their gifts would carry them The Lord hath notably unhooded them by this glorious truth so that the Sabbath being too hot for them Satan hath drawn them from the worship of the Lord to wallow again in the world neer upon twenty persons hath the enemy thus ensnared out of two hundred and fifty Let all take heed by the sad example of a yong man one William Sloat who upon hearing of this Doctrine that Gods commandments are not grevious to gratious souls was brought under self-condemnation being convinced 1 John 15.13 that this lively oracle of the true sabbath was most grevious to him through fear of relations and losse of earthly advantages so that he fell into a dreadful Agony like unto what is related of Francis Spira the terrors of his eternal state tormenting him for a season till at last with the advice of carnall relations he Apostatized not only from the Sabbath but from all that ever he professed in the way of Church worship declaring that all he had done was in hypocrisie and so with a raging tortur'd spirit he was hurried up and down to perswade all he could meet with that they were hypocrites like himself exclam against the ordinances of the Gospel and returning to the parish profession like the dog to his vomit and to the filth of the world like the Sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire where we shall leave him under the unpardonable sin to the judgement of the great day Heb. 6. S 5 9. 10.26 27. for if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth there remaineth no more sacrifice for sin but a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation which shall devour the adversaries As for external judgements it is hard to conclude love or hatred from thence suppose ye that these Galileans were the greatest sinners I tell you nay but except you repent ye shall likewise perish Luke 13.2.3 1 Cor. 11 30. Rev. 2. 3. for though sometimes the Lord doth externally afflict yet usually gospel judgments are spiritual