until some other day of Gods determining shall be produced but since that will never be done I shall proceed to the third point 3 The Authority Gods precept seconded by his own practife gives such full honour to the Sabbath that I hear of none save Atheists Papists Prelates Ranters Quakers and some Notionists that gainsay it 4 Perpetuity Neither was this ancient Law instituted for a year or an age but perpetuated to all posterity as is sully acknowledged Synod confess p. 38. 5 The sanctification This royal Sabbath is no base or beggarly rudiment as some tremble not to reproach it but an honourable perfect Law of liberty Thes sab p. 49 worthy to be imbraced by all the heavenly race of true believers 6 The Rule Not as a Covenant accompanied with thunder denouncing curses for the least disobedience but as a holy just religious Rule breathed by the still and soft voice of the Gospel 7 The Persons To persons principled in Church order Isa 8.13 the Antitype of Gods Ark in whose renewed hearts by vertue of the new Covenant all Gods Laws are fairly registred which are by others slighted Hos 8.12 8 The Vse and End And all for these two great Ends 1. To honour God 2. To enjoy him for ever which is the peculiar prerogative of such as obtaâ—u victory over the Beasts Mark The changer of Times and Laws And thus each tittle of my tenent being attested in so many words by such as are esteemed Orthodox I hope it may freely appear without prejudice The seventh-day Sabbath is a perpetual royal Rule for the righteous established by precept and president to Gods praise and Saints priviledge First Of the Rest The Hebrew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Shabbat signifieth a cessation from common work Gen. 2. and where it is first found it is Gods rest and the day for ever separated and consecrated or the honour of the most High in memorial of his most glorious works of Creation the benefit whereof is extended even unto us and morally engageth us to the Religious Observation of it which can never be truly sanctified until all false Rests be removed such as National custome humane tradition shadie speculation all which are but vain worship Matth. 15.9 and as for natural or civil relations carnal encumbrances with those sensual pleasures which steal away the soul from Gods Sabbath they are all but Aegyptian reeds and therefore let the Prophets alarm rouze up the self-denying Disciple from every deceit Mic. 2.10 Arise ye and depart for this is not your rest because it is polluted it shall destroy you with a sore destruction And so taking up the Cross of Christ with Spouse-like affections enquire as for the place so for the Time of rest Tell me O thou whom my soul loveth Caut. 1.7 where thou feedest where thou makest thy flocke to rest at Noon Observe the Spouse of Christ enquires not onely where but when not onely for his flocks resting place which is his bosome but also for the Time Isa 40.11 the rest at Noon Christ hath his Gospel seasons to sit in State Meridian heighths like the Sun in his circuit weekly returns to beam forth his grace to his beloved 2 Tim. 4.1 2. which the Spirit terms IN SEASON I have heard of a silly shift to shuffle off Gods Sabbath in making Christ the bolster of disobedience unscripturally asserting that Christ is the Sabbath thus confounding resting place with resting time But as for this Time of rest placed in the middest of the Royal Law it is truly Moral and so termed as Baptism and the Lords Supper are termed Sacraments in distinction from inferiour Ordinances though neither of the terms Moâ—al or Sacrament be found in Scripture The word Moralis signifieth belonging to manners and therefore the ten Commandements are fitly termed Moral as being indeed an exact rule of good manners informing us how to demean our selves towards God and men and it is in all things equal holy just and good yea and every way sutable to pure Nature and Grace and though the Bishop * White see not a sutableness in the Sabbath to pure Adam yet those who are better learned can see it sutable to the glorious Creator who in observing it made himself a pattern to his Creature and surely nothing can be more lovely and delightful to a person principled then to follow his gracious God in a president so pleasant Indeed Natures light as now 't is blurred and clouded is not capable of judging in the things of God every man is naturally Popish framing Idea's of the Deity 1 Cor. 2.14 setting up images or imaginations 't is therefore most absurd to try the morality of the Second or of the Fourth Commandement at corrupt natures Tribunal But this threefold mystery may possibly add strength to the Sabbath Morality if it be observed 1. That innocent Adam had all the ten Commandements written in his heart whiles his heart was flesh Rom. 2. 2. When his heart was condensed into stone and thereby the Moral Law was defaced Gal. 3.19 God condiscends for prevention of sin to write all the very same Lawes in Tables of stone 3. And when Gospel grace appears in new Covenant clemency transforming our hearts again from stone to flesh Heb. 8.10 11. 2 Cor. 3.3 Eze. 11.18 19 20. the very Laws written in Tables of stone are once more registred in the fair Tables of renewed hearts and that for this end that we should walk in his statutes and keep his ordinances and do them He that sees not through this three-fold mystery depths of wisedome with unsearchable riches of mercy may well suspect an unchanged stony heart whiles the renewed soul beholds the revived glory of Gods seventh-day Sabbath as a Moral duty sutable to Adam in his pure nature and good for Saints in the present state of grace freely concurring with this conclusion touching the morality of a Law That a moral Law is not meerly good because commanded but it is therfore commanded because it is good and such is the nature of the seventh day whereon God rested purely good and therefore commanded though depraved Nature cannot discern it As the nature of a moral Law doth thus confirm Gods Sabbath and none other So the title of the moral Law involves and secures this blessed day amongst the ten precepts termed in Hebrew Exod. 34.28 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English it hath borrowed the title of Decalogue or the Law of ten words or Commandements all of equal honour and dignity though Satans delusions have prevailed with licentious spirits to slight and censure one of these ten Moral commands as ceremonial and from hence to ascend even to Blasphemy in reckoning this Moral precept amongst beggarly Elements and so charging the glorious God with the observation of a base Ceremony since nothing is more certain then that the Highest himself
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
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