time of this distresse did he trespasse yet more against the Lord This is that King Ahaz XLV PROPOSITION As the sanctifying and religious observing of the Sabbath day doeth not exempt and excuse Christians from the performance of some religious duties upon the sixe working daies as it hath beene shewed and proved above Proposit 7. so neither doeth the performance of some religious duties on the sixe working daies morning and evening usually and at other times of the day or whole daies occasionally give any exemption or liberty unto them from their sanctifying oâ— the Sabbath day wholly But they are bound to keepe the Sabbath day holy both in a forbearance of all civill works recreations and also in an applying of themselves to pious services throughout the day either in publick or private or secret as occasion and opportunity serveth PROOF This is the maine scope of the fourth commandement of the Decalogue Exod. 20.8 10. Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy In it thou shalt not doe any worke thou nor thy sonne nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant c. And thus the godly have been wont to approve themselves both in the old and new Testament See this in the religious Eunuchs and sons of strangers who kept Gods Sabbath and did not pollute it Isaiah 56.4 6. The Apostle John being in the Isle called Patmos was in the spirit or spiritually exercised on the Lords day Revel 1.10 The disciples at Troas observed the first day of the weeke or Lords day comming together to the word and Sacrament and conversing therein throughout the day I. REAS. Because the Lord hath blessed and hallowed the Sabbath day unto religious exercises and propounded his owne example to be a president herein See Exod. 20.11 And he rested the seventh day Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it II. REAS. Because such families as keepe the Sabbath day holy doe thereby declare themselves to be the people of God forâ— hallowing the Sabbath is an indicant signe of acknowledgment of respect unto the affirmative parts of the three first commandements of the first Table viz. of having the Lord to be ones God and worshipping and honouring him c. See Ezek. 20.19 20. I am the Lord your God walke in my Statuteâ— keepe my Iudgments doe them And hallâ—â— my Sabbaths and they shal be a signe betweeneâ— and you that ye may know that I am the Lorâ— your God III. REAS. Because the Lord hath made very precious promises to all such as doe conscionably keepe and sanctify the Sabbath day See Isa 58.13 14. If thou turne away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine owne waies nor finding thine owne pleasure nor speaking thine owne words Then shalt thou delight thy selfe in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth anâ— feede thee with the heritage of Jacob thâ— father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it This goodnesse of God shoulâ— prevaile with his people to feare him anâ— keepe his commandements See Hos 3.5 IV. REAS. Because of the severity of God against profaners and breakers of the Sabbath day manifested by his threatning and executing of punishments See Jerem. 17.27 But if you will not hearken unto me to hallow the Sabbath day and not to beare a burden even entring in at the gates of Ierusalem on the Sabbath day then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof and it shall devoure the palaces of Ierusalem and it shall not be quenched Exod. 35.2 Whosoever doeth worke therein shal be put to death Numb 15.36 And all the Congregation brought him the Sabbath breaker without the campe and stoned him with stones and he died as the Lord commanded Moses This terrour of the Lord should perswade men See 2 Cor. 5.11 I. OBSERV The law of the Sabbath day is one of the ten commandements Exod. 34.28 It is one of the lawes of nature written in mens hearts that sufficient time be taken unto Gods solemne worship which God according to his infinite wisdome hath appointed determined shal be one of seven See Rom. 2.14 15. Eccles 3.1 compar Exod. 20.10 11. Act. 20.7 II. OBSERV The doing of the works of piety mercy and necessity on the Sabbath day in a due way are not any breach or profanation of the day but rather such duties as ought to be done which doe also tend to the sanctifying thereof as being agreeabâ—â— to the minde of God who is the Lord 〈◊〉 the Sabbath day and will have mercy anâ— not sacrifice inasmuch as he made the Sabbath for man and not man for the Sabbath See Math. 12.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Mark 2 2â— Luk. 13.15 16. III. OBSERV It is a vaine sinfull pretence of Anabaptists and Libertines that iâ— these daies of the Gospell our Christian lâ—berty freeth us from the strict observation of any one day of the weeke unto the Lord more then any other of the sixe pretending that every day ought to be a Sabbath day to Christians alledging and objecting Coloss 2.16 Hebr. 4.10 in defence of their errour and so for want of understanding learning and stability doe wrest these other places in the Apostle Pauls Epistles to their owne destruction as the Apostle Peter sheweth 2 Pet. 3.15 16. The text Coloss 2.16 Let no man therefore judge you in meate or in drinke or in respect of an holy day or of the new Moone or of the Sabbath daies is to be understood of Jewisâ— festivities in their severall kindes and not of the morall Sabbath day But if the morall Sabbath day be at all meant then it is only in respect of observing the last day of the weeke sith the first day of the weeke was now appointed to be observed for the Sabâ—ath day in the daies of the new Testament â—ee Act. 20.7 1 Corinth 16.2 Revel 1.10 The text Hebr. 4.10 For he that is entred â—nto his rest he also hath ceased from his owne â—orke as God did from his is to be understood â—ouching the state condition of the people â—f God that did live and were under the old Testament aswell as of their state that doe â—ive and are under the new Testament and â—herefore ought not to be restrained unto â—hese daies and times of the Gospell For so â—he scope and coherence of the text doeth â—asily and plainly make manifest to any considerate and judicious reader thereof XLVI PROPOSITION The religious duties and services which Christian families ought to observe and attend on the Sabbath day are cheifly those which ought to be performed conversed in in the publick and solemne assemblies of the Church or Congregation assembled together to such end PROOF The members of the Church at Troas and other brethren occasion there assembled on
17.3 This is life eternall is they might know thee the only true God 〈◊〉 Now that this is of grand concernment may be gathered from Moses his solemâ— attestatioÌ„ mentioned Deut. 30.19 I call haven earth to record this day against you the have set before you life death blessing cursing therefore choose life that thou thy seede may live III. REAS. Because ignorance of God or a not knowing him to be the Lord will expose people to everlasting destructioÌ„ from the presence of the Lord from the glory of his power at the latter day As it is writteÌ„ 2. Thess 1.7 8 9. The Lord Iesus shal be revealed from heaven with his mighty Angels In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God c. So that the terrour of the Lord should perswade men to looke seriously after the knowledge of God 2. Cor. 5.11 For what is a man profited if he shall gaine the whole world and loose his owne soule Or what shall a man give in exchange for â—is soule Math. 16.26 Observation for better understanding the meaning of the 1. Proposition Albeit the nature of the Majesty of God is infinite incomprehensible therefore cannot perfectly be knowne of any people As it is most excellently argued Iob 11.7 8 9. Canst thou by searching finde out God Canst thou finde out the Almighty unto perfection It is as high as heaven what canst thou doe deeper then hell what canst thou know The measure thereof is longer then the earth broader then the sea And 1. Timoth. 6.16 dwelling in the light which no man can approch unto whome man hath seene nor can see Yet the Lord haâ—â— made manifest in his works that whicâ— may be knowne of God Rom. 1.19 20. Yeâ— and he hath so revealed declared himself in his word by his only begotten sonne Iohâ— 1.18 Hebr. 1.1 that his people may in theâ—â— measure attaine unto all riches of the fuâ—â— assurance of understanding to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God Colos 2.2 II. PROPOSITION Such people as doe know beleeve that the Lord is God oughâ— to performe religious worship service unto his divine Majesty PROOF Moses the servant of the Lord inferreth this second Proposition from thâ— proofe alledged to confirme the former or of Deut. 4.39 concluding thus ver 40. The shalt keepe therefore his statutes and commandments c. Now this is one of his commandements that he be worshipped for so oâ— Saviour Christ expoundeth Moses Math. 4.10 It is written thou shalt worship the Lord tâ—â— God In like manner the Psalmist having occasionally shewed how it was made knowne to Iudah Israel that God is the Lord inâ— dispensation of his word ordinances works Psal 76.1 2 3. inferreth thence vers 11. Vow pay unto the Lord your God let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared that is to say Let Gods people that doe know and beleeve that the Lord is God performe religious hommage and worship to him I. REAS. Because the Gentiles who have not the use of the holy Scriptures are convinced by the light of the law of nature their consciences bearing witnesse Rom. 2.14 15. that he that is God ought to be religiously worshipped and accordingly have beene wont albeit superstitiously to order their course as is evident not only froÌ„ their owne books but also in sundry passages of the Bible See for this the Apostle Pauls testimony touching the Athenians when by occasion he sojourned at the University of Athens Act. 17.22 23. Yee men of Athens I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious For as I passed by beheld your devotions I found an Altar with this inscription TO THE UNKNOWNE GOD whom ye therefore ignorantly worship him declare I unto you II. REAS. Because a knowledge beleefe that the Lord is God implieth a knowledge in some measure of his Name Attributes Works how great how gracious how dreaded and how glorious they are the worth and excellency whereof doe châ—â—lenge and call for hommage and worship 〈◊〉 due thereunto For even so the holy servant of God in Scripture doe argue See Ieren 10.6 7. Forasmuch as there is none like unto the O Lord thou art great and thy Name is greatâ— might who would not feare thee O king of nations c. Psal 95.6 O come let us worship 〈◊〉 fall downe kneele before the Lord our Make Revel 4.11 Thou art worthy O Lord to receiâ—â— glory and honour and power for thou hast created all things c. OBSERVAT. It is an infallible signeâ— profane folly and of abominable Atheist in heart notwithstanding any professor otherwise with the lips when God is noth prayer worshipped and served This is demonstrated Psal 14.1 vers 4. being compared together The foole hath said in his hee there is no God They call not upon the Lord. III. PROPOSITION The religious worship and service which people should performe unto God ought to bâ— such as God himselfe doeth instâ—tute and appoint PROOF The scope and summe of thâ— affirmative part understood in the second commandement of the Decalogue Exod. 20.4 is that God ought to be worshipped according to his owne institutioÌ„ appointment Moreover likewise the summe of the commission given by our Saviour Christ in the new Testament to the Ministers of the Gospell is that they doe only teach his commandements as it is expressed Math. 28.19 Goe ye teach all nations Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you I. REAS. Because God himselfe is the onely Lawgiver and soveraigne King of his Churches as it is both taught and aknowledged in the old Testament and also in the new See Isa 33.22 For the Lord is our Iudge the Lord is our Lawgiver or statute-maker the Lord is our King Iam. 4.12 There is one Lawgiver who is able to save to destroy II. REAS. Because such religious worship and service as is tendered unto God which is not according to his owne institution and appointment is a vaine worshipping of him notwithstanding any pretence whatsoever either of antiquity custome seeming reasonablenesse or humane authority c. For so our Saviour Christ alledgeth approveth out of the prophesie of Esaias Mat. 15.9 In vaine they doe worship me teaching for doctrines the commandements of men Year hence it is that the Lord God in high displeasure hath sometimes executed fearfull punishment on transgressors in such kind as 〈◊〉 to be seene in his proceedings against the sonnes of Aaron very remarkably Levit. 10.1 2. Nadab and Abihu the sonnes of Aaron tooâ—â— either of them his censer put fire therein pâ—â— incense thereon and offered strange fire before tâ—â— Lord which he commanded them not And theâ—â— went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord. OBSERV Like as Monarchs kings oâ— the earth are wont to take just
that I may daily performe my vowes So the Christians in the new Testament had respect not only unto the Lords day to keepe it holy Act. 20.7 Vpon the first day of the weeke the disciples came together to breake bread c. but also to religious exercises daily Act. 17.11 And searched the Scriptures daily I. REAS. Because God is the absolute soveraigne Lord of every day to order and dispose of it as seemeth good unto the will of his divine pleasure Psal 74.16 The day is thine the night also is thine thou hast prepared the light and the Sunne And therfore he hath authority to command and appoint such service to be done as he pleaseth either in our generall or particular callings II. REAS. Because in the old Testament there were sundry times set apart unto divine worship by Gods owne institution and appointment besides the morall Sabbath day Levit. 23.4 c. These are the feasts of the Lord even holy convocations which ye shall proclaime in their seasons viz. The Passover The feast of the first fruits of Pentecost of Trumpets of Tabernacles the day of atonement c. So that the keeping of the morall Sabbath should be no prejudice to religious service at any other seasonable times OBSERVAT. The meaning of the argument used to perswade unto the religious keeping of the Sabbath day in Exod. 20.9 Sixe daies shalt thou labour doe all thy worke c. seemeth to be that the works of mens particular callings may ought to be done only within the space of the sixe daies of the weeke and not on the seventh or Sabbath day But it doth not follow hence as if men were not allowed to serve God religiously at any time within the sixe daies And this will further appeare if it be also observed that labour in mens particular callings is not commanded in the fourth commandement of the Decalogue sith it is in the first table which enjoyneth our duty towards God but it seemeth to be required in the eight commandement which is in the second table directing our duty towards our selves and our neighbours VIII PROPOSITION The worship and religious seâ—vice which ought to be perfoâ—med unto God every day is tâ— Prayer 11. Some exercise in thâ— holy Scripture and III. Godlâ— Meditation The Proofes and Reasons of this Propâ—sition are to be seene in the declaration 〈◊〉 these kindes of religious services distinctly as followeth IX PROPOSITION Prayer unto God is a princâ—pall part of such religious woâ—ship service as is taught in thâ— holy Scriptures in which the people of God ought to spend somâ—time every day PROOF This Proposition is by goodâ— just consequence implied in the Lords prâ—yer as it is usually styled in that fourth â—â—rection or petition Math. 6.11 Give us 〈◊〉 day our daily bread which is also expressed the same effect Luk. 11.3 For hereâ—â— we are given to understand that it is our duty to seeke unto God every day for a supply of daily requisites for subsistance in this life And this is manifest the rather if we doe observe that the terme or adverbiall particle of time This day or To day implieth Every day as it shall succeed other day by day continually I. REAS. Because whereas the evills miseries of sinne punishment are every day incident Math. 6.34 Sufficient unto the day is the evill thereof Prayer to God is a most effectual meanes to prevent or stay or remove the same See this Amos 7.2 3 4 5 6. 1. Chron. 4.10 Amos and Iabez by their prayers prevented stayed and removed invading evills God accepting them And thus much may also be gathered from the following directions and deprecations in the Lords prayer Math. 6.12 13. Forgive us our debts Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evill For God is able to keepe from falling Iude ver 24. to subdue iniquity Micah 7.19 to deliver out of temptation 2. Pet. 2.9 to uphold in weaknesse 2. Cor. 12.9 and to stay the course of evills 2. Chron. 30.20 Yet notwithstanding he wil be sought unto therein Ezek. 36. vers 37. Thus saith the Lord God I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them II. REAS. Because Prayer to God that most powerfull way and meanes whicâ— God hath ordained and sanctified for thâ— obteining of such blessings as he purposeâ— to bestow upon his people As it is directâ— taught Math. 7.7 8. Aske and it shal be givâ—â— you seeke and ye shall finde knock and it shâ—â—â—â— opened unto you For every one that asketh â—â—ceiveth and he that seeketh findeth and to bâ— that knocketh it shal be opened Ierem. 29 1â— 13. Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go 〈◊〉 pray unto me and I will hearken unto you Aâ—â— ye shall seeke me and finde me when ye shall seâ—â—â—â— for me with all your heart III. REAS. Because Prayer giveth 〈◊〉 sanctified and comfortable use of such blâ—â—sings and mercies as are already possessed aâ—â— enjoyed by the people of God See 1 Tiâ— 4.4 5. Every creature of God is good c. for 〈◊〉 is sanctified by the word and prayer OBSERVAT. When God is sought unâ—â— every day by prayer for a bestowing of daâ—â—â— requisites it is a good testimony that theâ—â— is an acknowledgment and dependance tâ— his gracious providence fatherly dispeâ—sation continually as it is implied in Psal 6 2. O thou that hearest prayer unto thee shall 〈◊〉 flesh come The Psalmist David in time of thâ— famine which lasted three yeeres soughâ— unto God for daily bread 2. Sam. 21.1 c And having received an answer of peace he penned as may be probably conjectured the 65th Psalme to expresse his gratitude and to teach others how to demeane themselves in time of straits and wants namely to goe to God that heareth prayers when he is sought unto and called upon X. PROPOSITION The best and most acceptable way and course for the people of God to approve themselves in the performance of the service of prayer is that having a gift of knowledge and utterance they doe not limit stint themselves unto a set forme of words but rather that they doe conceive their Prayer as cause occasion shall justly require PROOF The holy servants of God mentioned and approved of in Scripture in their course of praying have beene wont usually for the most part to coÌ„ceive their prayers Daniel greatly beloved wheÌ„ he understood by his reading in the booke of the prophesy of Jeremiah the number of the yeeres to be accomplished in the desolations of Jerusalem conceiveth his prayer accordingly See Dan. 9.1 c. The booke of God is plentifull in instances of this kinde as may be seene in the booke of Psalmes and otheâ— historicall books I. REAS. Because every gift of God Spirit and consequently the gift of prayer ought to be stirred up and exercised according to just occasions offering themselves See 2 Timoth. 1.6 I