THE JUDGMENT OF Mr. Francis Bampfield late Minister of Sherborne in Dorsetshire FOR THE Observation of the Jewish OR Seventh Day SABBOTH With his Reasons and Scriptures for the same Sent in a Letter to Mr. Ben of Dorchester TOGETHER With Mr. Ben's sober Answer to the same and a Vindication of the Christian Sabboth against the Jewish Published for the Satisfaction of divers Friends in the West of England Revelations 1.10 I was in the Spirit on the Lords Day LONDON Printed by W. Godbid for Sarah Nevill at the sign of Archimedes in St. Paul's-Church-yard 1677. The Preface Christian Reader IN times when People are generally debauched in their Intellectuals as well as in their Morals and take as great a liberty of opining as they do of practising it is no wonder if in this Age when as all Sects seem to have a general resurrection that the Jewish Sect have also their Abettors but if People would but seriously consider that the change of the Day hath the same Foundation that the Scriptures themselves have and that is Catholick Tradition the Controversie would quickly be at an end It would then be an easie thing to believe that when the whole Jewish Frame of Worship was laid aside it was fit that the very Time it self should also put on Mourning and therefore well may it pass for a Fast as our Church hath rightly instituted it but to continue it as a Feast to the Lord is to put an Affront upon the Gospel and the whole Oeconomy of it And therefore if this Tract may contribute any thing either to the confirming those that stand or the establishing those that are ready to fall or recovering of those that are already gone astray the Author hath his end and desires thee to give God all the Glory Honoured Sir I Understand by some others who reports it to me as from you That you desire some Scriptures may be put to those particulars which I formerly sent you wherein I gave you an account of my Judgement which accordingly here I have done If any do think fit to examine this Paper and to return me an Answer in Writing I expect that he should consider it as it doth stand in order and declare expresly his Assent and Consent to the several Particulars if he be convinced that they are the mind of GOD in his Word or if he Dissent that he give the Reasons thereof in a Scripture-way My Judgement according to the Scriptures is as followeth That 1. First Jehovah Christ by the appointment of the Father and by the anointing of the Spirit is established forever to be the only Lord over the Conscience and Law-giver to the Soul Isa 33.22 To shew that this is meant of the Lord Christ compare Isa 32.1 15. and 33.17 18. and 42.1 4 16 21. the 18. verse of the 33. chap. of Isa is applyed by the Apostle in 1 Cor. 1.20 to the times of the Gospel so also is Isa 42.1 2 3 4. applyed by Christ to himself Matth. 12.17 21. Gal. 6.2 Jam. 2.8 10 11 12. and 4.12 Rom. 14.9 11. Heb. 12.2 6 Deut. 18.18 Joh. 16.13 14 15. Acts 3.22 23. Isa 8.10 16.20 1 Cor. 12.3 Mat. 12.18 Mark 2.28 Luke 6.5 Matth. 17.5 Acts 7.37 38. Psal 68.8 11 17 18. Psal 2. Matth. 28.18 19 20. 2 dly Secondly The holy Scriptures of truth are perfect full and sufficient in all cases whatsoever of Doctrine of Worship of Discipline of Government and of Conversation 2 Tim. 3.15 16 17. Rev. 22.18 19. compared with Deut. 4.12 Prov. 30.6 Mark 7.7 13. Deut. 12.32 Levit. 18.34 Deut. 17.15 20. Josh 11.8 Joh. 20.30 31. Gal. 3.15 Matth. 22.9 3 dly Thirdly The Ten words are a perfect and compleat standing unchangeable Rule of Life in all matters of Duty to be performed and of Sin to be avoided Psal 19.7 8 9. Isa 8 20. Rom. 3.20 and 4.15 1 Joh. 3.4 Deut. 12.32 1. Pet. 1.23 25. Deut. 4.1 2 13. Luke 16.29 30. Deut. 5.22 Exod. 1.27 28. and 31.18 Psal 119. throughout and particularly vers 126 151. Joh. 20.35 Jam. 1.25 Prov. 8.8 9. Matth. 15 17 19. Rom. 3.31 1 Joh. 2.7 4 thly Fourthly The Seventh day which is the last day in every Week in the weekly returns of it is alone that particular peculiar day in every week which is the weekly Sabbath day to be kept Holy to Jehova in obedience to his Command as such Exod. 20.8 9. Deut. 5.12 15. 1. First Because those weighty Reasons which Jehova the Law giver himself hath given to enforce Obedience to his Command in observing a weekly Sabbath day holy to himself do properly and only belong and are applicable to the Seventh day which is the last day in every Week in order of time in the weekly returns of it as a weekly Sabbath day and to no other day in the week Exod. 20.11 1. First God rested only upon the Seventh day which is the last day in the week and upon no other day in the week as a weekly Sabbath day Exod. 20.1 and 31.15 17. compare Gen. 1. throughout particularly vers 5 8 13.31 with chap. 2.1 2 3. Heb. 4.3 4. Exod. 16.23 30. Lev. 23.3 2 dly Secondly God blessed only the Seventh day which is the last day of the week and no other day of the week as a weekly Sabbath day Exod. 20.10 11. compared with Gen. 2.2 3. 3 dly Thirdly God sanctified only the seventh day which is the last day of the week and no other day of the week as a weekly Sabbath day Exod. 20.10 11. compared with Gen. 2.2 3. 2 dly Secondly Because all the Scriptures throughout where the holy Spirit speaketh of a weekly Sabbath day 1. First The name and thing of a weekly Sabbath day is given only to the Seventh which is the last day in the weekly returns of it and to no other day in the week as a weekly Sabbath day Deut. 5.14 Exod. 20.10 and 16.25 26. and 31.15 and 35.1 Lev. 23.3 Acts 16.13 and 17.2 and 18.4 Luk. 4.16 Matth. 24.20 2 dly Secondly There is no Command given for the observation of any other day in the Week as a weekly Sabbath day to Jehovah but only the seventh which is the last day of the week in the weekly returns of it Exod. 20.8 11. Deut. 5.12 15. Exod. 16.28 and 34.31 and 35.12 and 23.12 and 31.13 14 15. Levit. 19.3 30. and 23.3 and 26.2 Neh. 9.14 Jer. 17.21 22. Matth. 28.18 19 20. Ezek. 20.19 20. and 44.24 Luke 23.5 6. Levit. 10.1 Jer. 7.23 31. 3 dly Thirdly There is no Promise made to the observation of any other day of the Week as a Weekly Sabbath day but only of the seventh which is the last day of the Week in the Weekly returns of it Isa 56.1 8. and 58.13 18. Jer. 17.24 25 26. Levit. 26.2 13. Exod. 16.29 Mark 2.27 Ezek. 20.20 4 thly Fourthly There is no Threatning either denounced against or execrated upon any that shall not observe any
institution of Sacrifice before Abel Sacrificed though it be not recorded when because God accepted his Sacrifice So he hath accepted the Service upon the first day of the week the first of seven and blessed it as eminently he did the last of seven as I shall shew when I come to speak of your Reasons Why then might he not institute this day though it be not express'd when or where What can be said against it but that he might do in the one as in the other Though it be not recorded why may it not be thought to be one of those things which he had to say unto his Disciples and without he did say to them afterwards because they were not then able to bear them John 16.12 Surely the change of the Sabbath which they with the whole body of that Nation had such an high esteem of would hardly then have been received by them 4. Fourthly To me it seems very evident that the day was changed either by Christ own immediate appointment or by his Apostles as they were guided and directed by the holy spirit which they received according to that promise John 16.13 and what they did teach and practise as thus guided and directed ought to be received and believed as if it had been immediatly done by Christ himself as was proved in the sixth Proposition 5. Fifthly and that the change of the day was thus appointed either by Christ immediatly or by his Apostles as guided by the spirit of truth these following particulars seem to me undeniably to prove it 1. First by the Apostles practice let that be seriously considered as it is recorded in several places I shall begin with that Acts 20.7 it is there said that when Paul came to Troas where he abode seven dayes upon the first day of the week which is infallibly proved to be the day of Christs Resurrection when the Disciples came together to break Bread Paul Preached I desire this Text may be considered in the fear of God It was some grief to me to think how slightly as I heard within these few days some turn it off for if it be as it ought to be seriously considered of it will appear to have much weight in it for it is clear in the Text that Paul continued there seven days and therefore was there on the seventh day Sabbath yet there is no mention that either he or the Church took any notice of it more than of any other of the six dayes but upon the first day the work of the Sabbath was carried on Paul both Preaching and Administring the Lords Supper If this had been done upon the seventh day and that he had begun his Journey upon the first day it had made very much for the establishing of the old Sabbath whereas now it makes much for the establishing of the new and Christian Sabbath if there had been but one such express Instance of Pauls Baptizing but one Infant in any of the Christian Churches I think it would have prevailed much with those that are humble conscientious and godly as I believe many are that scruple much the Administration of that Ordinance to any that are not able to make profession of their Faith if I say there had been but one such Instance so plain and evident in the Scripture it would probably have prevailed much with them though there are Arguments sufficient in the Scripture for it yet they are not so plain to them they would it may charitably be supposed have yielded that such an Apostle would not have done this without Warrant unless he had known the mind of Christ for it yet you see we have it for the Christian Sabbath and shall this signifie nothing Surely what ever it doth with others it signifies much with me 2. Secondly it is farther observed that the one hundred and twenty Disciples spoken of Acts 1. and it may be some more with them met together distinctly from the Jews and did not keep the Feast of Pentecost with them but together by themselves and this they did with one accord as we read Acts 2.1 and this upon the first day of the week as may be undeniably demonstrated The Lord Jesus was buried on the evening of the sixth day that day being the first in the Passion week but the seventh day Christ rested in the grave this was the second day in the Passion week in which the first fruit Sheaf of was waved before the Lord Levit. 23.11 and from this day they began to count their seven weeks to Pentecost as in the same Chapter vers 15 16. and which should be observed this day Christ rose again from the dead and becomes the first fruits of them that sleep 1 Cor. 15.20 which being counted seven times the fiftieth day is just the first day of the week So that it is clear it was the first day of the week when the the Disciples thus met together to observe it in the duties of the day which without doubt they knew to be the mind of Christ 3. Thirdly The Disciples met together twice on the two first dayes of the two first weeks immediately after Christs Resurrection if it be granted that the first time they did not understand the change of the day but shut the doors for fear of the Jews because of the information of the Souldiers against them that they had taken away the body of Jesus what can be said against it all things considered but that they knew the change of the day at their second meeting and that then they shut the doors for fear of the Jews because they did not observe the old Sabbath the same that the Jews did and as they themselves formerly had done Thus much of the Apostles practice Now it cannot be shewed that ever they gave any respect to the seventh day Sabbath as the day of holy rest unto the Lord after Christs Resurrection that of their Preaching sometimes on that day was upon another account as hath been proved already Neither doth it appear that any other did by what we find in the Scripture It s true those holy women mentioned in the Evangelists observed it to the last even to the day before Christs Resurrection and it was their duty Christ being not risen And for the Apostles it is evident they shewed all respects after the Resurrection to the first of seven none to the last of seven And further it is not nothing what is recorded of the Lord Jesus himself that he appeared so often unto his Disciples on that day For though I lay not so much stress upon it as I have heard others have done for it is very profitable that during these forty days he appeared unto them upon other dayes as well as upon the first day but this I say is not nothing that there is no day mentioned by name but the first day if it had been mentioned that he had appeared unto them but once upon the seventh day I cannot
other day as a Weekly Sabbath day but only the Seventh day which is the last day of the Week in the weekly returns of it Exod. 20.9 10. and 31.13 14 15. and 35.3 Jer. 17.27 Exod. 20.21 Nehem. 13.15 21. 3 dly Thirdly Because God hath put this into Nature Exod. 20.10 thy Stranger Deut. 5.14 the three first Chapters to the Romans particularly chap. 2 14 15 26 27. and 3.9 20. 1 Cor. 11.14 Nature hath its teachings the Humane nature in the first Adam was made and framed to the perfection of the Ten Words some notions whereof are still retained even in the Corrupt state of fallen Man compare Gen. 1.26 27. Ecles 7.29 Ephes 4.20 Col. 3.10 The Law of the seventh day Sabbath was given before the Law was proclaimed at Sinai Exod. 16.23 even from the Creation Gen 2.2 3. given to Adam in respect of his Humane nature and in him to all the World of humane creatures compare Gen. 1.14 and Psal 104.19 with Levit. 25.21 and Num. 28.2 9 10. it is the same word in the Original Mognadim contracted Mognade Set times of Divine appointment for solemn Assembling and for Gods instituted Service are directed to and pointed at by those great Lights which the Creator hath set up in the Heavens Psal 19. throughout compared with Rom. 10.4 5 6 7 8 18 19 20. Deut. 30.10 15. Joh. 1.9 Every man hath a Law and Light of Nature which he carrieth about him and is born and bred together with him Those seeds of Light and Truth Rom. 1.20 though they will not Justifie him in the sight of God and bring a Soul through and safe home to Glory yet there even since Adam's fall are those reliques and dark letters of His holy Law of the Ten words to preserve the memory of our first created Dignity and for some other ends though these Seeds are utterly corrupted now Tit. 1.15 Natural Reason will tell men that seeing all men in all Nations do measure their times by Weeks and their Weeks by Seven days they should besides what they offer up of their time as due to God every day give one whole day of every Week to their Maker who hath allowed them so liberal a portion of time therein to provide for themselves there being no other proportion of time that can so well provide for the necessities of Families as Six dayes of every Week and that is so well fitted to all functions callings and employments And the light of Nature when cleared up will tell men That all labour and motion being in order to rest and rest being the perfection and end of labour into which labour work and motion doth pass that therefore the Seventh which is the last day in every Week is the fittest and properest day for a religious Rest unto the Creator for his Worship and Service Gen. 2.1 2 3. Exod. 20.9 10 11. Deut. 5.13 14. Heb. 4.1 11. Exod. 31.7 Rom. 14.13 Exod. 23 12. and 34.2 Nature doth suggest that Man and Beast should have a Resting-day every Week Deut. 5.14 The Lord Christs obedience unto this fourth Word in observing in his life time the Seventh day as a Weekly Sabbath-day which is the last day of the Week in the weekly returns of it and no other day of the Week as such is a part of that perfect Righteousness which every sound believer doth apply to himself in order to his being Justified in the sight of God and every such person is to conform unto Christ in all the acts of his Obedience to the Ten Words Luk. 4.16 Rom. 8. 2 3 4. and 5.12 Gal. 4.4 5. 2 Cor. 5. 21. Jer. 23.6 Rev. 19.8 Isa 45. 23 24 25. Rom. 6. throughout 1 Pet. 2.21 Ephes 5.1 2. 1 Joh. 2 3 4. 1 Joh. 1.6 1 Joh. 2.1 6. and 4. 17. Joh. 15.10 12 14. Matth. 11.28 29 30. Joh. 13.34 Heb. 12.2 Francis Bampfield Mr. BEN'S ANSVVER TO Mr. BAMPFIELD'S PAPER The will of Gods good pleasure is the sole Rule and reason of all his actings towards the Creature The holy Will of God revealed in his holy Word is the sole Rule and Measure of all the Creatures actings towards God Honoured Sir and very much Reverenced in the Lord GReat is the Obligation you have laid upon me in condescending so far as to communicate unto me those Scripture grounds and reasons which have had such an irresistable influence upon your Conscience as to undergo such a change in your Judgement and Practice relating to the observation of the Weekly Sabbath from what you have formerly believed and practised and that I am fully perswaded in Godly sincerity This Sir is as I understand the discourse of many the wonder of not a few and the grief of some I do acknowledge that the report which you say was brought unto you was true I did indeed desire that you would be pleased at your leisure if you thought good to add some Scripture-proofs to those Propositions which I had formerly received from you Which I think I should not have taken the boldness to have done but that you had given me encouragement as I suppose you remember when and where and how which now that you have done I shall endeavour to observe your order in giving you my thoughts of them and that as they stand in your Paper and according to your desire expresly declare my assent and consent to the several particulars so far as I am convinced that they are according to the mind of God and wherein I dissent to give you my reasons thereof and yet as you expect in a Scripture way so far as I am able and understand the meaning of that expression and submit all to your serious examination 1. Concerning your three first Propositions I do both heartily assent and unfeignedly consent unto you so far as I apprehend aright your mind in them as divine truths of infallible veracity deeply engraven in the Word of Truth Oh that they were as deeply engraven in the hearts of all the Lords professing People Only I crave leave to tell you 1. That whereas for the proof of the first That Jehovah Christ is by the appointment of the Father c. whereas I say for the proof of this you quote if I mistake not near about 26 Scriptures I cannot either assent or consent that every one of them speaks clearly to the confirmation of the Proposition possibly they are mis-written â—y the Transcriber however the Truth is sufficiently confirmed by some of them and I think all of them may afford matter of comfortable meditation for the right improvement of Christs Kingly Office which perhaps is all that you intend by them Blessed be the Lord the Government is upon his shoulder Isa 9.8 that he is the King of Nations Jer. 10.17 that he is the King of Saints Rev. 15.3 head over all things to the Church Ephes 1.22 hath power over all flesh to give eternal life to all those the father hath given him Joh. 17.2
here to avoid as you said as much as may be repetitions hereafter They are as followeth 1. First That all dayes materially considered in themselves are equal and of the same nature in that respect none more necessary to be observed than another none more subservient to any spiritual advantage than another every day had the same efficient cause all being created by God and all very good Gen. 1. all ruled and governed by him and filled up with what providential dispensation seemed good in his sight Psal 47.16 Thus all dayes considered as I say materially in themselves now and ever will be alike As they were under the Law so under the Gospel none of them more eminent nor observable by any natural goodness than another If this be so and I think it cannot be denyed but that it is so this will be one strong argument as I apprehend to prove that the last day of seven in every week to be the only and perpetual day for the day of weekly holy rest unto Jehovah was not written in the humane nature in Adam in the state of Innocency as I hope to make evident when I come to speak to the third general reason 2 dly Secondly That though the letter of the Text ought alway to be carefully heeded yet alway to stick to it and never compare Scripture with Scripture for the better understanding of the sence thereof may prove a dangerous snare This hath been the Butt of Contention between the Lutherans and the Calvinists and this hath been the death of many faithful Martyrs by the Popish Generation when and where they had power in their hands the one holding too pertinaciously to the letter of the Text Mat. 26.26 This is my body for the maintaining of Transubstantiation a sad instance we have of this in that Conference at Hussia at Marpurgus I remember for the Book I have not by me between Luther Melancthon Zuinglius Oecolampadius Bucer and other German Divines as it is related in the Annals of Soulâ—etus where we read that even Luther himself rejected very strong reasons against which he had nothing to say but Hoc est corpus meum this if the Translator of his Mensalia hath not wronged him he receded from that opinion before his death So the Popish Commentators sticking to the letter of the Text Jam. 2.14 where it is said that a man is justified by Works and not by Faith only so far as they are believed overturn the foundation of Faith The like in part may be said of sticking to the letter of the fourth Commandment without minding of the scope sence and meaning of it I think thereby a man shall cast a mist before his eyes which will exceedingly hinder him from the right understanding of the Mind of God therein If I should do so I should find it to be so This being so makes way for a third Proposition which thus I lay down 3 dly Thirdly Though all things necessary to be known believed and observed in order to Salvation are clearly revealed though not altogether but in one place or other of the Scripture so that persons of ordinary capacities in the right use of means assisted by the holy Spirit of God may attain a sufficient understanding of them so as not to perish for want of knowledge yet all truths are not alike plain in themselves nor alike clear to all Some things are hard to be understood 2 Pet. 3.16 which though Peter speaking no doubt upon his own knowledge saith some misconstrued to their own ruine yet which is worthy our observation neither doth he nor Paul himself who was yet alive as seemed by that expression in the former part of the verse our beloved brother Paul and in all probability knew as much in this matter as Peter did neither of them I say did clear or amend the difficulties but let them alone as they were Thus it seemed good to the holy Spirit of God by whose inspiration the Scripture was written to have it so Some truths are as if it were hid under the rock that so there might be digging and searching after the knowledge of them as for hid Treasures Prov. 2.4 and if I say that the second and fourth Commandments may be reckoned amongst such truths I think I should have many that would say so too I have reason to say they have been both so to me but blessed be the Lord for that Light how little soever I have received in the one or in the other Doubtless it concerns us therefore to be much in Prayer that God would open our eyes that we might understand the wonderful things of his Law Psal 119.10 The vail that was upon the hearts of the Jews in reading the Old Testament 2 Cor. 3.14 15. is not fully removed from the hearts of the most knowing Christians to this day He that knows most hath cause to acknowledge he knows but in part 2 Cor. 13. therefore I may propose but I dare not impose any of my apprehensions upon others 4 thly Fourthly I desire this may be observed which I suppose will not be denied that a proof drawn by comparing Scripture with Scripture or by necessary consequence from Scripture rightly understood is a sufficient Scripture proof even of that which in express words is not found in Scripture That which we have Jam. 4.5 is no where that I can see found in Scripture in so many express words and syllables but the truth contained therein is clear therefore the Apostle saith that the Scripture saith that the Spirit that is in us lusteth to envy Many such instances might be given evidently proving that Inferences rightly deduced are to be valued as express Scripture In Mat. 22.32 the Lord Christ himself proves the Resurrection of the Just not by express Scripture but by consequence Thus for the Baptizing of Infants and many other things which come frequently under observation we have not express Scripture for or in full and entire sentences together but here a little and there a little which compared together and wisely and faithfully improved by rational Inferences sufficiently prove that Truth they are brought for And if the Divine institution of the first day of the Week can be thus cleared up for the day of the weekly Sabbath as I doubt not but it may it is sufficient to me it is He that conceives himself under no obligation to any thing but what he hath express Scripture for in so many words and syllables will either enlarge his liberty beyond its due bounds or streighten his rule beyond what is written and perhaps both it s a dangerous thing to refuse him that speaks from Heaven which way soever he speaks Heb. 12.25 5 thly Fifthly Let this be also considered that the holy Will of God which is the rule of all righteousness concerning what is required of man to do hath been revealed though the time when and manner how it hath been revealed be not recorded in
Scripture This to me is certain for the Will of God concerning Sacrificing was without doubt revealed unto Abel before the Law for Sacrifices was given for what he did therein he did in Faith and eminently found acceptance with God in what he did therein Heb. 11.4 neither the Light of Nature which is the knowledge of Principles neither the Law of Nature which is the conclusions drawn from these Principles could ever have made known this way of Worship to be a Duty if God had not some way revealed his Will to him therein This I hope will be made evident when I come to speak of the third general Reason If he had imposed this upon himself and that it had been the Product of his own imagination it had been will-worship Therefore certainly he had some word for it but when he received it and where and how that way of Worship was instituted for him to come to the knowledge of I never heard of any that could find it in the Scripture Great use may be made of this if need were for the clearing up of this present Controversie concerning an express word for the institution and observing the first day of the Week to be the Lords-day the day for his Weekly Sabbath we might say that it might be instituted though it be not recorded when and where as it was in the case of Abels Sacrificing but I hope we shall not be driven to this however I cannot but suppose it is of good use for some especially to consider of 6 thly Sixthly I desire that this also may be considered that what was delivered by the Apostles as they were guided by the holy Spirit of Truth ought to be received and believed as delivered and spoken by Christ himself Christ himself was never in person at Ephesus and yet 't is said Eph. 2.17 that he came thither and preached peace unto them we must understand it that he did so in the Ministry of the Apostles which was all one as if he had been there himself None that I know of durst ever undertake to prove that ever they prescribed any thing for all the Churches to observe but what they received in Commission from the Lord Jesus This was their charge Mat. 28.20 Teach what I command you and this was their practice 1 Cor. 11.10 23. What I received from the Lord that I delivered unto you so 1 Cor. 15.3 It is evident Act. 1.3 that Jesus Christ spake many things unto them betwixt his Resurrection and Ascension concerning the Kingdom of God i. e. especially the state of the Gospel-Church of all which we have no knowledge I have not I am sure in particular what they were farther than is found in their precepts and practice recorded in the New Testament And what if I should say that the change of the day from the last in seven to the first in seven was one of these things I know not what could be said against it but of that more hereafter 7 thly Seventhly Though I have declared as above my assent and consent concerning the Ten words to be perpetually obligatory or a standing and unchangeable rule for all Christians in all ages to walk by that so they may walk in all well-pleasing unto God as once I heard very solidly proved by your self in an Exercise wholly upon that subject from Psal 19.6 7 8 9. As I remember though I say and say it again that herein I consent with you yet I say it now and must say it again hereafter that the day of weekly holy Rest is altered and yet that alteration is no dissolution of the Commandment and that no tittle of the Law is broken thereby and that the first day of the week is and ought to be as much the weekly Sabbath for the Christians now as the last day of the week was to the Jews of old and that there is as good ground though perhaps not so clear to every one for the change of the day as there was at first for the choice of the day this is directly contrary to what you asserted in your paper I come now according as you desired me to take your 4th Proposition into consideration and your Reasons in order as they stand whereby you endeavour to confirm it having again and again in some weak measure I praise the Lord prayed for the assistance of the holy spirit of truth to guide and direct me that I may write nothing against the truth but for the truth being at this present under the actual consideration of the dreadful sentence that I may be called to an account I know not how soon before the great and glorious God for what I think for what I write as well as for what I speak or what I do I bless God I am willing that truth should be truth and appear to be truth Your fourth Proposition though I have repeated it already yet I think it meet to repeat it here again is this The seventh day which is the last day in every week in the weekly returns of it c. And for the proof of this you produce Exod. 20.8 9 10 11. Deut. 5.12 15. I conceive you lay the whole stress of your Arguments upon that in Exod. and that you do not so much as imagine that Deut. the 5th affords you any more help than what you have from the other alone This is that which is to be taken into serious considerations whether your Proposition takes in or be agreeable unto the full sense of the Commandment and that the Commandment speaks the same thing that the Proposition doth it seems as yet far otherwise to me and that the Commandment requires only the observation of one day in seven and doth not institute any particular day either the last or the first The last of seven had its institution as you seem to acknowledge which I was glad to find in your paper in Gen. 2.3 where and when the first day had its institution will be enquired into when this Proposition is cleared viz. That the fourth Commandment requires only the observation of one whole day in seven for the weekly Sabbath not instituting either the first or the last for any such intent or purpose And because as Solomon saith Prov. 6.23 that the Commandment is a Lamp and the Law is a Light I desire therefore in the strength of the Lord Jesus depending upon him for light and direction to look into the sense and meaning of this Law But first I shall premise this That As the second so the fourth Commandment comes in some things under a difrferent consideration from most if not from all the rest my meaning is this There is something in each of them is morral natural and something which is only positive In the second Commandment this is moral natural that God ought to be worshipped not as men will themselves but as God himself wills and describes but in what ordinances or acts of worship this
I have given you the sence wherein I conceive the words are to be understood Thus We must not understand this properly according to the Letter for the infinite glorious divine essence ceaseth no more to work than he ceaseth to be God neither doth he rest as man doth because he is weary Isa 40.28 We are therefore to understand his ceasing to Create from the works of providence ordering and disposing all thing that he hath made he never resteth according to that Joh. 5.17 Having thus given you the sense now I shall give you my Reasons why I conceive that this example of Gods resting is not alledged here to lay an obligation upon the Conscience that the same day wherein he rested which was the last of seven ought to be observed for ever 1. First It seems to me to relate to what God himself did rather then any way propounded as an argument to prove that for which you urge it I will give you a parallel Scripture wherein the Example of the Lord Jesus is thus to be understood 1. Cor. 11.23 We have there the institution of the Lords Supper when and how it was instituted repeated out of the Evangelists and Christs example is related as to the time when that it was not only in the night but in that particular night in which he was betrayed now this is not recorded as a binding rule for our imitation for then night Administrations should not onely of absolute necessity be observed but that particular night in which he was betrayed which is commonly called with us Thursday night which is more then ever I heard that any one practised as a necessary duty I am sure the Apostle Paul did not Acts 20.7 This example of Christ then seems to be historically related and whether the like may not be said of Gods example in the Commandment let it be considered But 2. Secondly though Gods exemple be historically related yet it must be acknowledged to be related for some special end and purpose As the example of Christ in the forementioned Scripture was without all doubt mentioned upon the highest ground of reason which to speak of here though it might be of good use yet it would be a digression from the matter in hand And the special end and purpose why Gods example is here related seems to be this even to shew that what is required in the Commandment is equal and reasonable and for mans good The holy Laws of God are often called Judgments as for other Reasons so specially I think for this to shew that God requires nothing but what is just and equal Thus God reasons the case with those Ezek. 18 25. Hear ye me O house of Israel are not my waies equal and therefore certainly the sence of the Argument from Gods example which doth best shew the equity of the Commandment and to be for the good of those that observe it is the best and truest sence Now to argue that because God wrought the six first days of seven and then rested the last of seven this carries no convincing reason with it that therefore we ought first to work six days of the week and then to rest the last day of the week and to keep it holy to the Lord. Reason right Reason if that alone were to judge would rather judge it fit to keep the first of seven holy to the Lord and seeing by Divine allowance we have six for one take the six last to our selves In reason we may hope that the work on Earth will speed best when our work for Heaven is done first But now to argue from Gods example that it bindeth neither to the first of seven nor to the last of seven but to one of seven carries very great reason in it For if the great God who needs not one moment either for rest or for work who never fainteth who never is weary wrought six days and rested one how much more should poor frail man hold that proportion who by reason both of bodily weakness and spiritual wants needs such a competency of time both for his worldly imployment and Soul refreshments and thus much you say your self hath been already noted Thus you have my reason why I conceive there is nothing in Gods example that affords any help to afford your Proposition 3. Thirdly I find as little in Gods blessing and sanctifying the Sabbath-day for that which you alledge it 1. First To give the sence he sanctified it i. e. separated it from common use to be filled up with such duties as he appoints and then blessed it i. e. appointed it to be a day of blessing A day naturally considered is capable of no other blessing but only to be a means of blessing according to Divine appointment but his blessing and sanctifying it secures the blessing to the right observers of it Now for my reason why herein I dissent from you 't is this He blessed and sanctified it but not as it was the last day of seven but as it was the day of his Rest declaring thereby Creation-work to be perfected Neither was his resting so far as I can see the ground of his blessing and sanctifying it but as considered in conjunction with the reason of his Rest his finishing the Creation and also with the result and consequence of his Rest viz. his magnifying and honouring that day for the time being above all other dayes for the greatest work then in being Whether this blessing be applicable to no other day but this as you say it is not in the third Branch of the first Reason for the confirming your Proposition shall be considered of when it comes to be spoken to in order as it stands in your Paper and I hope to make the contrary to appear at least it appears so to me 4. Fourthly To mention it once again though it was hinted before in the very conclusion of the Commandment vers 11. though the last of seven is mentioned in the same verse in the words immediately foregoing it is not said I mean in that place that he blessed and sanctified the seventh day though it be said that he did bless it Gen. 2. in the sence that is given above but he blessed and sanctified the Sabbath day What should be the reason of the suddain change of the expression I conceive it may be this and I think it may not be unworthy of your serious consideration it may be this I say Because the Command for the Sabbath-day was to be of a larger extent than the last day of seven I cannot but think that if God had intended to bind his Church in all ages to the end of the world to the last day of seven as you conceive he hath done he would have fixed upon that day in the conclusion of the Commandment Thus Sir I have given you my reasons why I dissent from you in that sence which you give of the Commandment in your Proposition And why I
because as I said your Paper gives me no occasion to say any thing of it However this I must say for the proof of what hath been said I cannot but assert this that it is an Article of my Faith that the Lord Jesus rose again the third day 1 Cor. 15.4 Luk. 32. Mat. 16.21 and that as certain it is that the first day of the week after his Passion week is and was the third day after his Passion the Lord of Life laid down his life and was obedient unto death the sixth day of the foregoing week which with us is called Friday lay in the Grave the remaining part of that day that night and all the seventh day when the old Sabbath I think was buried with him and then that night and arose early the next morning which was the first day of the week after his Passion so that his blessed body continued in the Grave two whole nights one whole day and some part of the two other dayes the sixth and the first of the week following in all about thirty six hours And this was accounted three dayes and three nights according to the allowed Dialect of that Nation as one of the most learned in the Jewish Antiquities I think this Nation affordeth by several instances makes good And indeed there seems to be something in the Scripture for it Esthers Fast was for three days and three nights yet on the third day after her Feast began she presents her self before the King and invites him to a Banquet Est 5.1 This then is evident the Resurrection of Christ notwithstanding any thing that I think can be said against the Translation was upon the first day of the week besides what hath been said already the Scripture is express for it Luk. 24.13 The same day i. e. the day of Christs Resurrection the two disciples were travelling to Emaus and vers 21. they say this day was the third day thus the Resurrection of Christ being upon the first day of the week though to speak properly it was not so much the ground as the occasion of the choice of the day because then it was manifested that the price of our Redemption was both paid and accepted the day of Christs Passion could not give the like occasion because though the price was paid the Surety was not discharged the Grave was a part of his humiliation he was not raised from all the sorrows of death till he was raised from the Grave Acts 2.24 And as the day of Christs Passion could not for this cause give this occasion for the change of the day so neither could the day of his Ascension On that day indeed he entred into the place of Rest to sit down on the right hand of the Father but it was on the day of his Resurrection that he entred into the state of Rest and this day as I said on the first day of the week gives as fair and strong a ground for fixing of the day of holy Rest on the first day of seven as Gods resting from the work of the Creation did for fixing it at first upon the last of seven If it be said by this means we blot out the memory of the Creation which ought not to be done Is is true it ought not to be done that marvelous great work comes within the compass of that Text Psalm 111.4 which ought to be had in remembrance and the serious consideration of it is a great relief in difficult cases for what cannot he do that made Heaven and Earth of nothing Thus they reason their hearts into a believing frame Psalm 124. ult that their hope and their help did stand in the name of the Lord that made Heaven and Earth we ought therefore as Elihu saith to magnifie God in his works which men behold Joh. 36.24 25. Only the work of Redemption ought more especially to be remembred as the more glorious and indeed the most glorious work as therefore the work of Creation ought not to be forgotten so the change of the day gives no cause for it for as the first day of seven preserveth the memory of our Redemption so one of seven preserveth the memory of our Creation only preeminence is given to the work of our Redemption But it will still be enquired where is the word of Institution I Answer 't is acknowledged that as I said before I find no express word for the Institution of the last day of seven so we have no express word in so many letters and words or syllables for the Institution of the first day of seven but we have several particulars which not taken apart but laid altogether will clearly and I think undeniably imply it and which was observed in the fourth Proposition which way soever God speaks his minde to us we ought not to despise him that speaks from Heaven Now among all these particulars I desire these may be in all sobriety and seriousness taken into consideration 1. The first is this which I think none will deny that Jesus Christ the Mediator had power to change the day I do not I dare not say that he hah power to change the moral substance of the Commandment for it was not in his Commission He came not to destroy the Law but to fulfil it not to change the day from one of seven but that he had power to change from one day of seven to another day that Text which you quote three several times sufficiently proves it He is Lord of the Sabbath i. e. of the day and might do with his own what he pleaseth even as he was Lord of the Vineyard and might let it out to what Husbandmen he pleased Matth. 21. and that which we read John 5. carries a probable appearance that even then he began to manifest that he had a purpose to change the day for there we read that having healed the poor diseased man who had been bedrid for thirty eight years together he bids him take up his bed and walk but why did he so this was expresly against the letter of the Law there was no necessity of it for the evidencing of the Miracle that might have been done by his leaping and walking and the like was Acts 3. and Acts 14. he might have gone home and come again for his bed the next day Why then might it not be to shew that he had power and authority over that day equal to what he had over the desease To this purpose it is worthy our observation that all along in that chapter he justifies his Acts against the cavilling Jews by asserting his power as may be seen verse 17. to the end of verse 22. As it appears by this that he had power to change the day what if it should be said that he did according to his power actually change the day though when and how it be not recorded Let the fifth Proposition be consulted for this there it appears that there was word for
but think it would have been much insisted upon Having now done with this I proceed from the Apostles practice to consider 2. Secondly Their expressions and that which I shall here take special notice of is that in Apoc. 1.10 where John gives this account of himself that he was in the Spirit on the Lords day This I have reason to believe was the first day of the week and pointeth at the institution of it by Christ himself and my reason is this Scripture is to be interpreted by Scripture even about the nature and meaning of a Phrase unless there be something in the Text where it is used why it should not be taken in that Text as in others This is generally acknowledged to be a good and safe rule for interpretation of difficult places why then may not this Phrase prove it was the day instituted by the Authority of Jesus Christ as being parallel with that of the Lords Supper which was instituted by Christ himself The holy Spirit of God directed both Paul and John in their expressions neither of which is used but once a piece and never applyed to any thing else in the New Testament but to the Lords Supper and to the Lords day why should these Ordinances be held forth under the same expressions if these had not the same institution It would seem strange to me if any should say that the Lords Passover in the Old Testament though a Supper Ordinance was the Lords Supper in the New Testament and it seems somewhat strange if the seventh day Sabbath which was indeed the Sabbath of the Lord under the Old Testament should be asserted to be the Lords day in the New Testament without some further proof than to say it is so I could produce Testimonies from Antiquity of some that lived near and of one that lived some considerable time with John himself who have interpreted the Lords day mentioned in the Revelation to be the first day but because you quote no such Testimonies neither will I. I have been careful to observe your order and to proceed in this order only in a Scriptural way Thus much of the Apostles expressions From their practice and expressions I come to the practice of the Primitive Churches as they are recorded in the Scripture as that of the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. 16.1 2. and that of Galatia and of Troas formerly mentioned who had their weekly solemn Assemblies on the first day I forbear to say any thing in justification of our Translation because as I said before you touch upon no such thing in your Paper desiring to be dealt withall in a Scriptural not in a Grammatical way only I cannot but add this because I conceive it is according to Scripture that it cannot with any reason be imagined that these Churches would have made such an important change of the day for their solemn Assemblies from what was formerly used by Gods appointment among the Jews without consulting with some at least of the Apostles and most likely with Paul as being best acquainted with him Hardly I think can there be produced any instance that particular Churches ever did determine any thing of this nature by their own Authority without consulting I say with some of the Apostles considering how in other matters not altogether of so great a concernment they consulted with Paul 2 Cor. 7. and as hardly can it be imagined that the Apostles would ever give them any such direction unless they had known the mind of Christ Thus Sir I have given you in as few words as the matter would permit a true account of the Reasons of my dissent from you in the sense that you give of the fourth Commandment and of what formerly hath and still doth satisfie my Conscience that the day is changed and that by divine Authority and that without any prejudice to the Authority of the fourth Commandment That which I have yet to do is to give you my thoughts concerning your Reasons produced for the confirming your Proposition which may be done with a little addition to what hath said done already 1. First You say those weighty reasons which Jehovah the Saviour himself hath given to enforce obedience unto his Commandment in observing a weekly Sabbath day holy to himself do properly belong and are applicable to the seventh day which is the last day in every week in order of time in the weekly returns of it as the weekly Sabbath day and are applicable to no other day and these you say are three 1. First You say God rested only upon the seventh day which is the last day in every week Answ I answer Thus far it is true that God rested on the seventh day the last day from the beginning of the Creation but it seems to me rather as a reason of that limitation six dayes of seven being allowed for labour one of which seven was a day for holy rest and not an argument engaging to observe the last of seven for the weekly Sabbath to the end of the world The reasons that prevail with me so to judge I have given before 2 dly Secondly your second and third Reasons I joyn them together he blest and sanctified the seventh day because you bring one and the same proof for both and besides they are to be looked upon in conjunction together he sanctified the seventh day by separating it from common use to be the day for his solemn Worship and he blessed it appointing it to be a day of blessing to the right observers of it In what sense I understand this I have given you an account before It is true when this Law was first given to Adam being then in the state of innocency so you acknowledge it was and therein I assent and consent with you the blessing was applicable to no other day but the last of seven because man continuing in that blessed state there was not there could not be supposed a more eminent work than the Creation of the World but now man being fallen the work of Redemption being every way more glorious than the work of Creation the blessing is applicable to the first day the day of Christs Resurrection for then the work of Redemption was manifested to be fully perfected and God blessed for evermore hath blessed that as eminently as ever he did the former day not to mention that which is and hath been done among the Churches of the Gentiles I desire you to look back to the second particular and I think it is there made evident that the Feast of Pentecost was on the first day and then the Disciples being together the Holy Ghost was given to the Disciples then they received those miraculous gifts and began to speak with Tongues which they never understood before and that day three thousand souls were added to the Church by the effectual working of the Spirit of God with the Ministery of the Apostles and these Sermons they Preached that are