The Practical Observance Of The Lord'S Day
E X E R C I TAT I O N V I
THE PRACTICAL OBSERVANCE OF THE
LORD'S DAY
1. Practice the end of instruction and learning. 2. Practical observation of the Sabbath handled by many. 3. Complaints concerning too much rigour and strictness in directions for the observation of the Sabbath. 4. Extremes to be avoided in directions of sacred duties—Extreme of the Pharisees. 5. The worse extreme of others, in giving liberty to sin. 6. Mistakes in directions about the observation of the Lord's day. 7. General directions unto that purpose proposed.
8. Of the beginning and ending of the Sabbath—The first rule about time. 9.
The frame of spirit required under the gospel in the observation of the Lord's day. 10. Rules and principles for its due observation. 11. Duties required thereunto of two sorts. 12. Preparatory duties, their necessity and nature. 13.
Particular account of them. 14. Meditation. 15. Supplication. 16. Instruction. 17.
Duties of the day itself. 18. Of public duties. 19. What refreshments and labour consistent with them. 20. Of private duties.
1. IT remains that something be briefly offered which may direct a practice suitable unto the principles laid down and pleaded; for this is the end of all sacred truth and all instruction therein. This that great rule of our blessed
Saviour both teacheth us and obligeth us to an answerable duty, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them," John 13:17;—words so filled with his wisdom, that happy are they in whose hearts they are always abiding. The end, then, of our learning Scripture truths, is to obtain such an idea of them in our minds as may direct us unto a suitable practice. Without this they are to us of no use, or of none that is good. Ἡ γνῶσις φυσιοῖ. Knowledge without practice puffeth, not buildeth up. For, as Austin speaks with reference unto these words,
Con. Faust. Man. lib. xv. cap. viii., "Multa quibusdam sunt noxia, quamvis non
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day sint mala." Things not evil, yea, good in themselves, may be hurtful unto others.
And nothing is useful but as it is directed to its proper end. This practice is unto sacred truth.
2. I confess our endeavours herein may seem less necessary than in the foregoing discourses; for there are many treatises on this part of our present subject extant in our own language, and in the hands of those who esteem themselves concerned in these things. With some they meet, indeed, with no other entertainment than the posts did that were sent by Hezekiah through Ephraim, Manasseh, and Zebulun, to invite them unto the passover;—they are laughed to scorn and mocked at, 2 Chron. 30:10. "But Wisdom is justified of her children." Unto some they are of great use, and in great esteem; and, for the most part, in the main of their design they do agree. So that the truth in them is established in the mouths of many witnesses, without danger of dividing the minds of men about it. But yet I cannot take myself to be discharged hereby from the consideration of this concern also of a sacred rest under the gospel, the nature of our design requiring it. And there are yet important directions for the right sanctifying of the name of God, in and by the due observance of a day of sacred rest, which I have not taken notice to have been insisted on by others; and whereas a due improvement may be expected of the peculiar principles before discussed, I shall go through this part of the work also.
3. Besides, there are not a few complaints, and those managed, at least some of them, by persons of sobriety and learning, pretending also a real care for the preservation and due observance of all duties of piety and religion, that there hath been some excess in the directions of many given about the due sanctification of the Lord's day. And there is no small danger of mistakes on this hand, whilst therein is a pretence of zeal and devotion to give them countenance. Of this nature some men do judge some rigorous prescriptions to be which have been given in this matter. And they say that a great disadvantage unto religion hath ensued hereon: for it is pretended that they are such as are beyond the constitution of human nature to comply withal; of which kind God certainly requires nothing at our hands. Hence it is pleaded, that men finding themselves no way able to come unto a satisfaction, in answer unto the severe directions for duties and the manner of their performance which by some are rigorously prescribed, have taken occasion to seek for relief by rejecting the whole command; which, if duly interpreted in such a condescension as they were capable of a compliance withal, they would have adhered unto. On this account men have found out various inventions, to colour their weariness of
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day that strict course of duty which they were bound unto. Hence have some taken up a plea that every day is to them a Sabbath, that so they might not keep any; some, that there is no such thing as a sacred rest on any day required of us by the authority of Christ, and therefore that all directions for the manner of the observance of such a day are to no purpose. And many by degrees have declined from that strictness which they could not come up unto a delight in, until they have utterly lost all sense of duty towards God in this matter. And these things are true; only the reasons of them are not agreed on.
4. And in things of this nature those who are called to the instruction of others are carefully to avoid extremes; for "he that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the LORD." And several instances there are of the miscarriages of men on the one hand and the other. On the one lay the sin of the Pharisees of old. When they had gotten the pretence of a command, they would burden it with so many rigid observances, in the manner of its performance, as should make it a yoke intolerable to their disciples, getting themselves the reputation of strict observers of the law. But, in truth, they were not so wanting unto their own ease and interest as not to provide a secret dispensation for themselves. They would scarce put a finger to the burdens which they bound and laid on the shoulders of others. And this is the condition of almost all that hath an appearance of religion or devotion in the Papacy. And a fault of the same nature, though not of so signal a provocation, others may fall into unadvisedly, who are free from their hypocrisy. They may charge and press both their own consciences and other men's above and beyond what God hath appointed. And this they may do with a sincere intention to promote religion and holiness amongst men, by engaging them into the strictest ways of the profession of it. Now, in the direction of the consciences of men about their duties to God, this is carefully to be avoided; for peace is only to be obtained in keeping steady and even to the rule. To transgress on the right hand, whatever the pretence be, is to lie for God; which will not be accepted with him.
5. On the other hand there lieth a rock of far greater danger; and this consists in the accommodation of the laws, precepts, and institutions of God, unto the lusts, and the present courses and practices of men. This evil we have had exemplified in some of late, no less conspicuously than the forementioned was in them of old. A mystery of iniquity unto this purpose hath been discovered not long since and brought forth to light, tending to the utter debauchery of the consciences and lives of men. And in it lies the great
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day contrivance whereby the famous sect of the Jesuits have prevailed on the minds of many, especially of potentates and great men in the earth, so as to get into their hands the conduct of the most important affairs of Europe. And this abomination, as it is known, hath lately been laid open by the diligence of some; in which at once concurred a commendable care of Christian morality and a high provocation in other things by them who endeavoured to corrupt it.
A search hath been made into the writings which that sort of men have published, for the direction of the consciences of men in the practice of moral duties, or unto their disciples, for their guidance upon confessions. And a man may say of the discovery what the poet said upon the opening of the house of Cacus, Æn., viii. 262; 243:— "Panditur extemplo foribus domus atra revulsis:
Abstractæque boves, abjuratæque rapinæ Cœlo ostenduntur.
Non secus ac si qua penitus vi terra dehiscens, Infernas rescret sedes, et regna reeludat
Pallida."
Such a loathsome appearance of vizards and pretences for the extenuating of sin, and countenancing of men in the practice of it, was never before presented unto the eyes of men. The main of their design, as is now manifest, hath been so to interpret Scripture laws, rules, and precepts, as to accommodate them all to that course of corrupt conversation which prevaileth generally in the world, even among them who are called Christians,—
"Gratum opus agricolis;"— a work exceedingly acceptable and obliging to all sorts of men, who, if not given up to open atheism, would rejoice in nothing more than in a reconciliation between the rule of their consciences and their lusts, that they might sin freely, without trouble or remorse. To this end, having learned the inclinations and temptations of men from their private confessions, and finding it a thing neither possible in itself, nor at all conducing to their own interest, to endeavour their reformation by and recovery unto the fixed, stable rule of truth and duty, they have, by their false glosses, subtile distinctions, and refined imaginations, made it to justify and countenance them in the highest abominations, and in ways leading constantly to the practice of them. And there is nothing, in their whole course, which faithful interpreters of the mind of God ought more carefully to avoid, than a falling in any instance into that
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day evil which these men have made it their design to promote and pursue. The world, indeed, seems to be weary of the just, righteous, holy ways of God, and of that exactness in walking according to his institutions and commands which it will be one day known that he doth require. But the way to put a stop to this declension, is not by accommodating the commands of God to the corrupt courses and ways of men. The truths of God and the holiness of his precepts must be pleaded and defended, though the world dislike them here and perish hereafter. His law must not be made to lackey after the wills of men, nor be dissolved by vain interpretations, because they complain they cannot, indeed because they will not, comply with it. Our Lord Jesus Christ came not to destroy the law and the prophets, but to fulfil them, and to supply men with spiritual strength to fulfil them also. It is evil to break the least commandment; but there is a great aggravation of that evil in them that shall teach men so to do.
And this cannot be done but by giving such expositions of them as by virtue whereof men may think themselves freed from an obligation unto that obedience which indeed they do require. Wherefore, though some should say now, as they did of old, concerning any command of God, "Behold, what a weariness it is! and what profit is it to keep his ordinances?" yet the law of God is not to be changed to give them relief. We are therefore, in this matter, to have no consideration of the present course of the world, nor of the weariness of professors in the ways of strict obedience. The sacred truth and will of God in all his commands is singly and sincerely to be inquired after.
6. And yet I will not deny but that there have been and are mistakes in this matter leaning towards the other extreme. Directions have been given, and that not by a few, for the observation of a day of holy rest, which, either for the matter of them or the manner prescribed, have had no sufficient warrant or foundation in the Scripture. For whereas some have made no distinction between the Sabbath as moral and as Mosaical, unless it be merely in the change of the day, they have endeavoured to introduce the whole practice required on the latter into the Lord's day. But we have already showed that there were sundry additions made unto the command, as to the manner of its observance, in its accommodation unto the Mosaical pedagogy, besides that the whole required a frame of spirit suited thereunto. Others, again, have collected whatever they could think of that is good, pious, and useful in the practice of religion, and prescribed it all, in a multitude of instances, as necessary to the sanctification of this day; so that a man can scarcely in six days read over all the duties that are proposed to be observed on the seventh. And it hath been also no
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day small mistake, that men have laboured more to multiply directions about external duties, giving them out as it were by number or tale, than to direct the mind or inward man in and unto a due performance of the whole duty of the sanctification of the day, according to the spirit and genius of gospel obedience.
And, lastly, it cannot be denied but that some, it may be measuring others by themselves and their own abilities, have been apt to tie them up unto such long, tiresome duties, and rigid abstinences from refreshments, as have clogged their minds, and turned the whole service of the day into a wearisome bodily exercise, that profiteth little.
7. It is not in my design to insist upon any thing that is in controversy amongst persons learned and sober; nor will I now extend this discourse unto a particular consideration of the especial duties required in the sanctification or services of this day. But whereas all sorts of men who wish well to the furtherance and promotion of piety and religion in the world, on what reasons or foundations soever they judge that this day ought to be observed a holy rest to the Lord, do agree that there is a great and sinful neglect of the due observation of it,—as may be seen in the writings of some of the principal of those who cannot grant unto it an immediate divine institution,—I shall give such rules and general directions about it as a due application whereof will give sufficient guidance in the whole of our duty herein.
8. It may seem to some necessary that something should be premised concerning the measure or continuance of the day to be set apart unto a holy rest unto the Lord; but it being a matter of controversy, and to me, on the reasons to be mentioned afterwards, of no great importance, I shall not insist upon the examination of it, but only give my judgment in a word concerning it.
Some contend that it is a natural day, consisting of twenty-four hours, beginning with the evening of the preceding day, and ending with the same of its own. And accordingly so was the church of Israel directed, Lev. 23:32, "From even unto even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath;" although that doth not seem to be a general direction for the observation of the weekly Sabbath, but to regard only that particular extraordinary Sabbath which was then instituted, namely, the day of atonement, on the tenth day of the seventh month, verse 27.
However, suppose it to belong also unto the weekly Sabbath, it is evidently an addition unto the command, particularly suited unto the Mosaical pedagogy, that the day might comprise the sacrifice of the preceding evening in the services of it; from an obedience whereunto we are freed by the gospel. Neither can I subscribe unto this opinion; and that because,—(1.) In the description and
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day limitation of the first original seven days, it is said of each of the six that it was constituted of an evening and a morning, but of the day of rest there is no such description; it is only called "the seventh day," without any assignation of the preceding evening unto it. (2.) A day of rest, according to rules of natural equity, ought to be proportioned unto a day of work or labour, which God hath granted unto us for our own use. Now, this is to be reckoned from morning to evening: Ps. 104:20–23, "Thou makest darkness, and it is night: wherein all the beasts of the forest do creep" (from whose yelling the night hath its name in the Hebrew tongue.) "The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God. The sun ariseth, they gather themselves together, and lay them down in their dens. Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening." The day of labour is from the removal of darkness and the night, by the light of the sun, until the return of them again; which, allowing for the alterations of the day in the several seasons of the year, seems to be the just measure of our day of rest. (3.) Our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his resurrection gave beginning and being to the especial day of holy rest under the gospel, rose not until "the morning of the first day of the week," when the beamings of the light of the sun began to dispel the darkness of the night, or "when it dawned toward day," as it is variously expressed by the evangelists. This, with me, determines this whole matter. (4.) Mere cessation from labour in the night seems to have no place in the spiritual rest of the gospel to be expressed on this day, nor to be by any thing distinguished from the nights of other days of the week. (5.) Supposing Christians under the obligation of the direction given by Moses before mentioned, and it may entangle them in the anxious, scrupulous intrigues which the Jews are subject unto about the beginning of the evening itself, about which their greatest masters are at variance; which things belong not to the economy of the gospel. Upon the whole matter, I am inclinable to judge, and do so, that the observation of the day is to be commensurate unto the use of our natural strength on any other day, from morning to night. And nothing is hereby lost that is needful unto the due sanctification of it; for what is by some required as a part of its sanctification, is necessary and required as a due preparation thereunto. This, therefore, is our first rule or direction:—
I. The first day of the week, or the Lord's day, is to be set apart unto the ends of a holy rest unto God, by every one, according as his natural strength will enable him to employ himself in his lawful occasions any other day of the week.
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day There is no such certain standard or measure for the observance of the duties of this day, as that every one who exceeds it should by it be cut short, or that those who, on important reasons, come short of it should be stretched out thereunto. As God provided, in his services of old, that he who was not able to offer a bullock might offer a dove, with respect unto their outward condition in the world; so here there is an allowance also for the natural temperaments and abilities of men. Only, whereas if persons of old had pretended poverty, to save their charge in the procuring of an offering, it would not have been acceptable, yea, they would themselves have fallen under the curse of the deceiver; so no more will now a pretence of weakness or natural inability be any excuse unto any for neglect or profaneness. Otherwise, God requires of us, and accepts from us, "according to what we have, and not according to what we have not." And we see it by experience, that some men's natural spirits will carry them out unto a continuance in the outward observance of duties much beyond, nay, double perhaps unto what others are able, who yet may observe a holy Sabbath unto the Lord with acceptation. And herein lies the spring of the accommodation of these duties to the sick, the aged, the young, the weak, or persons any way distempered. "God knoweth our frame, and remembereth that we are dust;" as also that that dust is more discomposed and weakly compacted in some than in others. As thus the people gathered manna of old, some more, some less, ৠאִּכ י
" ,לְפִּכ י־ָאכְלֹוevery man according to his appetite," yet "he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack," Exod. 16:17, 18; so is every one in sincerity, according to his own ability, to endeavour the sanctifying of the name of God in the duties of this day, not being obliged by the examples or prescriptions of others, according to their own measures.
9. II. Labour to observe this day, and to perform the duties required in it, with a frame of mind becoming and answering the spirit, freedom, and liberty of the gospel.
We are now to serve God in all things "in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter," Rom. 7:6,—with a spirit of peace, delight, joy, liberty, and a sound mind. There were three reasons of the bondage, servile frame of spirit which was in the Judaical church, in their observance of the duties of the law, and consequently of the Sabbath:— (1.) The dreadful giving and promulgation of it on mount Sinai; which was not intended merely to strike a terror into that generation in the wilderness, but through all ages during that dispensation, to influence and awe the hearts of
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day the people into a dread and terror of it. Hence the apostle tells us that "mount
Sinai gendered unto bondage," Gal. 4:24;—that is, the law, as given thereon, brought the people into a spiritually servile state; wherein, although secretly, on the account of the ends of the covenant, they were children and heirs, yet they differed nothing from servants, chap. 4:1–3.
(2.) The renovation and re-enforcement of the old covenant, with the promises and threatenings of it, which was to be upon them during the continuance of that state and condition. And although the law had a new use and end now given unto it, yet they were so in the dark, and the proposal of them attended with so great an obscurity, that they could not clearly look into the comfort and liberty finally intended therein; for "the law made nothing perfect," and what was of grace in the administration of it was so veiled with types, ceremonies, and shadows, that they could not see to the end of the things that were to be done away, 2 Cor. 3:13.
(3.) The sanction of the law by death increased their bondage; for as this in itself was a terror unto them in their services, so it was expressive and a representation of the original curse of the whole law, Gal. 3:13. And hereby were they greatly awed and terrified, although some of them, by especial grace, were enabled to delight themselves in God and his ordinances.
And in these things was administered "a spirit of bondage unto fear," which by the apostle is opposed to "the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba,
Father," Rom. 8:15; which where it is, there is liberty. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," 2 Cor. 3:17, and there only. And therefore, although they boasted that they were the children of Abraham, and on that reason free and never in bondage, yet our Saviour lets them know, that whatever they pretended, they were not free until the Son should make them so. And from these things arose those innumerable anxious scrupulosities which were upon them in the observation of this day, accompanied with the severe nature of those additions in its observation which were made unto the law of it, as appropriated unto them for a season.
Now, all these things we are freed from under the gospel; for,— (1.) We are not now brought to receive the law from mount Sinai, but are come unto mount Sion. So the apostle at large, Heb. 12:18–24, "For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched" (that is, which naturally might be so by men's hands, though morally the touching of it was forbidden), "and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, and the
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more; for they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: and so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake;" which it seems were the words he used, where it is on this occasion said of him, "And Moses spake," but nothing is added of what he said, Exod. 19:19. Which things are insisted on by him, to show the grounds of that bondage which the people were in under the law. Whereunto he adds, "But ye are come unto mount Sion, unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem;"—"Jerusalem which is above, which is free, which is the mother of us all," Gal. 4:26. That is, we receive the law of our obedience from Jesus Christ, who speaks from heaven, to be observed with a spirit of liberty.
(2.) The old covenant is now absolutely abolished, nor is the remembrance of it any way revived, Heb. 8:13. It hath no influence into or upon the minds of believers. They are taken into a covenant full of grace, joy, and peace: for "the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ," John 1:17.
(3.) In this covenant they receive the Spirit of Christ, or adoption, to serve God without legal fear, Luke 1:74; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6. And there is not any thing more insisted on in the gospel, as the principal privilege thereof. It is, indeed, nothing to have liberty in the word and rule, unless we have it in the spirit and principle. And hereby are we delivered from that anxious solicitude about particular instances in outward duties, which was a great part of the yoke of the people of old; for,— [1.] Hence we may in all our duties look on God as a father. By the Spirit of his Son, we may in them all cry, "Abba, Father;" for "through Christ we have access by one Spirit unto the Father," Eph. 2:18,—to God as a father; as one that "will not always chide," that doth not watch our steps for our hurt, but "remembereth that we are dust;" one who tieth us not up to rigid exactness in outward things, whilst we act in a holy spirit of filial obedience, as his sons or children. And there is a great difference between the duties of servants and children, neither hath a father the same measure of them. The consideration hereof, regulated by the general rules of the Scripture, will resolve a thousand of such scruples as the Jews of old, while servants, were perplexed withal.
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day [2.] Hence we come to know that he will be worshipped "in spirit and in truth." Therefore he more minds the inward frame of our hearts, wherewith we serve him, than the mere performance of outward duties; which are only so far accepted with him as they are expressions and demonstrations thereof. If, then, in the observation of this day, our hearts are single and sincere in our aims at his glory with delight, it is of more price with him than the most rigid observation of outward duties by number and measure.
[3.] Therefore, the minds of believers are no more influenced unto this duty by the curse of the law and the terror thereof, as represented in the threatened penalty of death. The authority and love of Jesus Christ are the principal causes of our obedience. Hence our main duty lieth in an endeavour to get spiritual joy and delight in the services of this day, which are the especial effects of spiritual liberty. So the prophet requires that we should "call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable;" as also, on the other side, that we should "not do our own ways, nor find our own pleasure, nor speak our own words," Isa. 58:13.
And these cautions seem to regard the Sabbath absolutely, and not as Judaical.
But I much question whether they have not, in the interpretation of some, been extended beyond their original intention; for the true meaning of them is no more but this, that we should so delight ourselves in the Lord on his holy day, as that, being expressly forbidden our usual labour, we should not need, for want of satisfaction in our duties, to turn aside unto our own pleasures and vain ways, which are only our own, to spend our time and pass over the Sabbath,—a thing complained of by many; whence sin and Satan have been more served on this day than on all the days of the week beside. But I no way think that here is a restraint laid on us from such words, ways, and works, as neither hinder the performance of any religious duties belonging to the due celebration of the worship of God on this day, nor are apt in themselves to unframe our spirits, or divert our affections from them. And those whose minds are fixed in a spirit of liberty to glorify God in and by this day of rest, seeking after communion with him in the ways of his worship, will be unto themselves a better rule for their words and actions than those who may aim to reckon over all they do or say; which may be done in such a manner as to become the Judaical Sabbath much more than the Lord's day.
10. III. Be sure to bring good and right principles unto the performance of the duty of keeping a day of rest holy unto the Lord. Some of these I shall name, as confirmed expressly in, or drawn evidently from, the preceding discourses:—
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day (1.) Remember that there is a weekly rest, or a holy rest of one day in the week, due to the solemn work of glorifying God as God. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." We have had a week unto our own occasions, or we have a prospect of a week in the patience of God for them. Let us remember that God puts in for some time with us. All is not our own. We are not our own lords. Some time God will have to himself, from all that own him in the world; and this is that time, season, or day. He esteems not himself acknowledged, nor his sovereignty owned in the world, without it. And therefore this day of rest he required the first day as it were that the world stood upon its legs, hath done so all along, and will do so to the last day of its duration. When he had made all things, and saw that they were good, and was refreshed in them, he required that we should own and acknowledge his goodness and power therein. This duty we owe to God as God.
(2.) Remember that God appointed this day to teach us that as he rested therein, so we should seek after rest in him here, and look on this day as a pledge of eternal rest with him hereafter. So was it from the beginning. This was the end of the appointment of this day. Now, our rest in God in general consists in two things:—[1.] In our approbation of the works of God and the law of our obedience, with the covenant of God thereon. These things are expressive of and do represent unto us the goodness, righteousness, holiness, faithfulness, and power of God. For these, and with respect unto them, are we to give glory to him. What God rests in, he requires that through it we should seek for our rest in him. As this was the duty of man in innocency, and under the law, so it is ours now much more; for God hath now more eminently and gloriously unveiled and displayed the excellencies of his nature and the counsels of his wisdom, in and by Jesus Christ, than he had done under the first covenant. And this should work us to a greater and more holy admiration of them; for if we are to acknowledge that "the law is holy, just, and good," as our apostle speaks, although it is now useless as to the bringing of us to rest in God, how much more ought we to own and subscribe to the gospel, and the declaration that God hath made of himself therein, that so it is? [2.] In an actual solemn compliance with his will, expressed in his works, law, and covenant. This brings us unto present satisfaction in him, and leads us to the full enjoyment of him.
This is a day of rest, but we cannot rest in a day, nor in any thing that a day can afford; only it is a help and means of bringing us to rest in God. Without this design, all our observation of a Sabbath is of no use or advantage. Nothing will thence redound to the glory of God nor to the benefit of our own souls. And
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day this they may do well to consider who plead for the observation of the seventh day precisely; for they do profess thereby that they seek for rest in God according to the tenor of the first covenant. That they approve of, and that they look (by that profession) to be brought to rest by; though really, and on other principles, they do otherwise. Whatever, then, be the covenant wherein we walk with God, the great principle which is to guide us in the holy observation of this day is, that we celebrate the rest of God in that covenant, approve of it, rejoice in it, and labour to be partakers of it, whereof the day itself is given us as a pledge. We must therefore,— (3.) Remember that we have lost our original rest in God by sin. God made us upright in his own image, meet to take our rest, satisfaction, and reward in himself, according to the tenor of the law of our creation, and the covenant of works established thereon. Hereof the seventh day was a token and pledge. All this we must consider that we have lost by sin. God might justly have left us in a wandering condition, without either rest or any pledge of it. Our reparation, indeed, is excellent and glorious; yet so as to mind us that on our part the loss of our former estate was shameful, and in the remembrance whereof we ought to be humbled. And hence we may know that it is in vain for us to lay hold of the seventh day again, which is but an attempt to return into the garden after we are shut out and kept out by a flaming sword; for although it was made use of as a type and shadow under the law, yet to us who must live on the substance of things, or not at all, it cannot be possessed without robbery, and it is of no use when attained. For we are to remember,— (4.) That the rest in God and with God, which we now seek after, enter into, and celebrate the pledge of, using the means for the further enjoyment of it in the observation of this day, is a rest by a recovery, by a reparation in Jesus Christ.
There is now a new rest of God, and a new rest for us in God. God now rests and is refreshed in Christ, in his person, in his works, in his law, in the covenant of grace in him; in all these things is his soul well pleased. He is "the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person," making a far more glorious representation of him than did the works of creation of old; which yet he had left such impressions of his goodness, power, and wisdom upon, as that he rested in them, was refreshed with them, and appointed a day for man to rest in his approbation of them, and giving glory to him for them. How much more is it so with him, with respect unto this glorious image of the invisible God! This he now dealeth with us in. For as of old he commanded light to shine out of darkness, whereby we might see and behold his glory, which he had implanted
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day and was implanting on the work of his hands; so now he "shineth in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ," 2 Cor.
4:6,—that is, enableth us to behold all the excellencies of his nature, made manifest in the person and works of Jesus Christ. The way, also, of bringing them unto him, through Christ, who had by sin come short of his glory, is that which he approveth of, is delighted with, and resteth in, giving us a pledge thereof in this day of rest. Herein lies the principal duty of this day's observances,—namely, to admire this retrieval of a rest with God, and of a rest for God in us. This is the fruit of eternal wisdom, grace, and goodness, love, and bounty. This, I say, belongs unto the sanctification of this day, and this ought to be our principal design therein,—namely, in it to give glory unto God for the wonderful recovery of a rest for us with himself, and to endeavour to enter by faith and obedience into that rest. And for these ends and purposes are we to make use of all the sacred ordinances of worship wherein and whereby this day is sanctified unto the Lord.
(5.) That in the observation of the Lord's day, which is the first day of the week, we subject our consciences immediately to the authority of Jesus Christ, the mediator, whose day of rest originally it was, and which thereby and for that reason is made ours. And hereby, in the observation of this day, have we fellowship with the Father and his Son Jesus Christ. Of old there was nothing appeared in the day, whilst the seventh day was in force, but the rest of God the creator, and his sovereign authority, intimated unto us thereby, for the observing of a holy rest unto him, according to the tenor of the first covenant.
But now the immediate foundation of our rest on the Lord's day is the Lord's rest, the rest of Christ, when, upon his resurrection, he ceased from his works, as God did from his own. This gives great direction and encouragement in the duty of observing this day aright. Faith truly exercised in bringing the soul into an actual subjection unto the authority of Christ in the observance of this day, and directing the thoughts unto a contemplation of the rest that he entered into after his works, with the rest that he hath procured for us to enter into with him, doth more thereby towards the true sanctification of this day than all outward duties can do, performed with a legal spirit, when men are in bondage unto the command as taught to them, and dare not do otherwise. God in several places instructs the Israelites what account they shall give unto their children concerning their observation of sundry rites and ceremonies that he had instituted in his worship: Exod. 13:14, "And it shall be when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What is this? that thou shalt say unto him, By
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt," etc. It was in remembrance of such works of God amongst them, whereof those rites were a token and representation. And we have here a special observance in the worship of God. What account can we give unto ourselves and our children concerning our observation of this day holy unto the Lord? Must we not say, nay, may we not do so with joy and rejoicing, that whereas we were lost and undone by sin, excluded out of the rest of God, so far as that the law of the observation of the outward pledge of it, being attended with the curse, was a burden, and no relief unto us, our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, undertook a great work to make peace for us, to redeem and save us; and when he had so done, and finished his work, even the erecting of the "new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness," he entered into his rest, and thereby made known unto us that we should keep this day as a day of holy rest unto him, and as a pledge that we have again given unto us an entrance into rest with God?
(6.) We are then to remember, that this day is a pledge of our eternal rest with God. This is that whereunto these things do tend; for therein will God glorify himself in the full accomplishment of his great design in all his works of power and grace. And this is that which ultimately we aim at. We do at best in this world but enter into the rest of God; the full enjoyment of it is reserved for eternity. Hence that is usually called our everlasting Sabbath, as that state wherein we shall always rest with God and always give glory unto him. And this day is a pledge hereof on sundry accounts:—
[1.] Because thereon God as it were calleth us aside out of the world, unto an immediate converse with himself. Israel never had a more dreadful day than when they were called out of their tents, from their occasions and all worldly concerns, " ,לִּכ קְרַאת הָאֱֹלהִּכ יםin occursum Jehovæ,"—to "a meeting with God"
Exod. 19:17. God called them aside, to meet and converse with them. But it was unto mount Sinai that he called them; which was "altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire," verse 18. Hence, although they had been preparing themselves for it sundry days, they were not able to bear the terror of God's approach unto them. But under the gospel we are this day called out of the world and off from our occasions, to converse with God, to meet him at mount Sion, Heb. 12. Here he doth not give us a fiery law, but a gracious gospel; doth not converse with us by thunder and lightning, but with the sweet, still voice of mercy in Jesus Christ. And as this requireth due thoughts of heart in us, to prepare us for it, so it is in itself a great and unspeakable privilege, purchased for us by Christ. And herein have we a pledge of rest with God above,
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day when he shall call us off from all relations, all occasions of life, all our interests and concerns in this world, and eternally set us apart unto himself. And, undoubtedly, that it may be such a pledge unto us, it is our duty to take off our minds and souls, as far as we are able, from all occasions of life and businesses of this world, that we may walk with God alone on this day. Some, indeed, do think this a great bondage; but so far as they do so, and so far as they find it so, they have no interest in this matter. We do acknowledge that there are weaknesses attending the outward man, through the frailty and imbecility of our nature, and therefore have before rejected all rigid, tiresome services; and I do acknowledge that there will be repining and rebelling in the flesh against this duty: but he who really judgeth in his mind, and whose practice is influenced and regulated by that judgment, that the segregation of a day from the world and the occasions of it, and a secession unto communion with God thereon, is grievous and burdensome, and that which God doth not require, nor is useful to us, must be looked on as a stranger unto these things. He to whom the worship of God in Christ is a burden or a bondage,—who says,
"Behold, what a weariness it is!"—who thinks a day in a week to be too much and too long to be with God in his especial service,—is much to seek, I think, of his duty. Alas! what would such persons do if they should ever come to heaven, to be taken aside to all eternity to be with God alone, who think it a great bondage to be here diverted unto him for a day? They will say, it may be,
'Heaven is one thing, and the observation of the Lord's day is another.' Were they in heaven, they doubt not but they should do well enough; but for this observation of the Lord's day, they know not what to say to it. I confess they are so, they are distinct things, or else one could not be the pledge of the other; but yet they both agree in this, that they are a separation and secession from all other things unto God. And if men have not a principle to like that in the Lord's day, neither would they like it in heaven, should they ever come there.
Let us, then, be ready to attend in this matter to the call of God, and go out to meet him; for where he placeth his name, as he doth on all his solemn ordinances, there he hath promised to meet us. And so is this day unto us a pledge of heaven.
[2.] It is so in respect of the duties of the day, wherein the sanctification of the name of God in it doth consist. All duties proper and peculiar to this day are duties of communion with God. Everlasting, uninterrupted, immediate communion with God is heaven. Carnal persons had rather have Mohammed's paradise than Christ's heaven. But this is that which believers aim at,—eternal
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day communion with God. Hereof are the duties of this day, in a right, holy performance, an assured pledge; for this is that which in them all we aim at, and express according to the measure of our light and grace. Hereon we hear him speak unto us in his word; and we speak unto him in prayers, supplications, praises, thanksgivings, in and by Jesus Christ. In all, our aim is to give glory to him, which is the end of heaven; and to be brought nearer to him, which is its enjoyment. In what God is pleased hereby to communicate unto our souls, and in what, by the secret and invisible supplies of his grace and Spirit, he carries out our hearts unto, lie and consist those first-fruits of glory which we may be made partakers of in this world. And the first-fruits are a pledge of a full harvest; God gives them unto us for that end that they may be so. This, then, are we principally to seek after in the celebration of the ordinances of God, whereby we sanctify his name on this day. Without this, bodily labour, in the outward performance of a multitude of duties, will profit little. Men may rise early, and go to bed late, and eat the bread of care and diligence all the day long, yet if they are not thus in the Spirit, and carried out unto spiritual communion with God in the services of the day, it will not avail them. Whatever there be, either in the service itself performed, or in the manner of its performance, or the duration of it, which is apt to divert or take off the mind from being intent hereon, it tends to the profanation rather than the sanctification of this day.
[3.] The rest of the day is also a pledge of our rest with God. But then this rest is not to be taken for a mere bodily cessation from labour, but in that extent wherein it hath before been at large described.
These are some of the rules which we are to have a respect unto in our observation of this day. A due application of them unto particular occasions and emergencies will guide us through the difficulties of them. Therefore did I choose rather to lay them thus down in general than to insist on the determination of particular cases; which, when we have done all, must be resolved into them, according to the light and understanding of them who are particularly concerned.
11. It remains that we offer some directions as to the duties themselves wherein the sanctification of this day doth consist. And this I shall do briefly. It hath been done already at large by others, so as that from thence they have taken occasion to handle the nature of all the religious duties, with the whole manner of their performance, which belong to the service of this day; which doth not properly appertain unto this place. I shall therefore only name the
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day duties themselves which have a respect unto the sanctification of the day, supposing the nature of them and the due manner of their performance to be otherwise known.
Now these duties are of two sorts;—I. Preparatory for the day; and, II. Such as are actually to be attended unto in it.
12. I. There are duties preparatory for it; for although, as I have declared, I do not judge that the preceding evening is to be reckoned unto this holy rest as a part of it, yet doubtless it ought to be improved unto a due preparation for the day ensuing. And hereby the opinion of the beginning of the sabbatical rest with the morning is put into as good a condition, for the furtherance of the duties of piety and religion, as the other about its beginning in the evening preceding. Now, preparation in general is necessary,—
(1.) On the account of the greatness and holiness of God, with whom in an especial manner we have to do. The day is his; the duties of the day are his prescriptions; the privileges of the day are his gracious concessions;—he is the beginning and ending of it. And as we observed before, on this day he calleth us aside unto a converse with himself; and certainly some special preparation of our hearts and minds is necessary hereunto. This belongs to the keeping of our foot when we go to the house of God, Eccles. 5:1,—namely, to consider what we are to do, whither we are going, to whom we make our approaches, in the solemn worship of God. The rule which he gives, Lev. 10:3, is moral and perpetual or everlasting: "I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified." He loves not a rude, careless rushing of poor sinners upon him, without a sense of his greatness and a due reverence of his holiness. Hence is that advice of our apostle, Heb. 12:28, 29, "Let us have grace," be graciously prepared in our hearts and minds, "whereby we may serve
God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a consuming fire."
And this will not be answered by mere bodily postures of veneration. Hence there is a due preparation necessary (2.) It is so from our own distractions and entanglements in the businesses and occasions of life. I speak not of such who spend the whole week in the pursuit of their lusts and pleasures, whose Sabbath rest hath an equal share in profaneness with all other parts of their lives; but we treat of those who in general make it their design to live unto God. The greatest part of these I do suppose to be engaged industriously in some calling or course of life; and these things are apt to fill their minds, as well as to take up their time, and much to
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day conform them to their own likeness. Much converse with the world is apt to beget a worldly frame in men, and earthly things will taint the mind with earthliness. And although it be our duty in all our secular occasions also to live to God, and whether we eat or drink to do all things unto his glory, yet they are apt to unframe the mind, so as to make it unready unto spiritual things and heavenly contemplations. There is a command, indeed, that we should pray always, which at least requires of us a readiness of mind to lay hold of all occasions and opportunities for prayer; yet none will deny but that there is great advantage in a due preparation for that and all other duties of religion. To empty, therefore, and purge our minds of secular, earthly businesses, designs, projections, accounts, dependences of things one on another, with reasonings about them, as far as in us lieth, is a duty required of us in all our solemn approaches unto God. And if this be not done, but men go full of their occasions into religious services, they will by one means or other return upon them, and prevail upon them, to their disturbance. Great care is to be taken in this matter; and those who constantly exercise themselves unto a good conscience herein, will find themselves fitted for the duties of the day to a good success.
13. For these preparatory duties themselves, I should refer them to three heads, if the reader will take along with him these advertisements:—
(1.) That I am not binding burdens on men or their consciences, nor tying them up unto strict observances, under the consideration of sin if not precisely attended unto. Only I desire to give direction, such as may be helpful unto the faith and obedience of those who in all things desire to please God. But if they apply themselves to those ways in other instances which they find more to their own edification, all is done that I aim at.
(2.) That I propose not these duties as those which fall under an especial command with reference unto this season, but only as such which, being commanded in themselves, may with good spiritual advantage be applied unto this season. Whence it follows,— (3.) That if we are, by necessary occasions, at any time diverted from attending unto them, we may conclude that we have lost an opportunity or advantage, not that we have contracted the guilt of sin, unless it be from the occasion itself or some of its circumstances.
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day 14. These things premised, I shall recommend to the godly reader a threefold preparatory duty, to the right observation of a day of holy rest unto the Lord:—
(1.) Of meditation; (2.) Of supplication; (3.) Of instruction, unto such as have others depending on them.
(1.) Of meditation. And this answers particularly the reasons we have given for the necessity of these preparatory duties; for herein are the minds of believers to exercise themselves unto such thoughts of the majesty, holiness, and greatness of God, as may prepare them to serve him "with reverence and godly fear." The nature of the duty requires that this meditation should first respect
God himself, and then the day and its services in its causes and ends. God himself, I say, not absolutely, but as the cause and author of our sabbatical rest.
God is to be meditated on with respect unto his majesty, greatness, and holiness, in all our addresses unto him in his ordinances; but a peculiar consideration is to be had of him as the especial author of that ordinance which we address ourselves to the celebration of, and so to make our access unto him therein. His rest, therefore, in Jesus Christ, his satisfaction and complacency in the way and covenant of rest for us through him, are the subjects of a suitable meditation in our preparation for the observance of this day of rest. But especially the person of the Son, whose works and rest thereon are the foundation of our evangelical rest on this holy day, is to be considered. It were easy to supply the reader with proper meditations on these blessed subjects, for him to exercise himself in as he finds occasion; but I intend only directions in general, leaving others to make application of them according to their ability. Again, the day itself and its sacred services are to be thought upon. The privileges that we are made partakers of thereby, the advantages that are in the duties of it, and the duties themselves required of us, should be well digested in our minds. And where we have a habitual apprehension of them, yet it will need to be called over and excited. To this end those who think meet to make use of these directions may do well to acquaint themselves with the true nature of a sabbatical rest, from what hath been before discoursed. It will afford them other work for faith and thankfulness than is usually taken notice of by them who have no other notion of it than merely a portion of time set apart unto the solemn worship of God.
There are other mysteries of God and his love, other directions for our obedience unto God in it, than are commonly taken notice of. By these means the ends of preparatory duties above mentioned will be effected; the mind will
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day be filled with due reverential apprehensions of God on the one hand, and disentangled on the other from those cares of the world and other cumbersome thoughts wherewith the occasions of life may have possessed it.
15. (2.) Supplication; that is, prayer with especial respect unto the duties of the day. This is the life of all preparation for every duty. It is the principal means whereby we express our universal dependence on God in Christ, as also work our own hearts to a sense of our indigent estate in this world, with all our especial wants, and the means whereby we obtain that supply of grace, mercy, and spiritual strength, which we stand in need of, with respect unto the glory of God, and the increase of holiness and peace in our own souls. Special directions need not be given about the performance of this known duty. Only I say, some season for it, by way of preparation, will be an eminent means to further us in the due sanctification of the name of God on this day. And it must be founded on thanksgiving for the day itself, with the ends of it, as an advantage for our converse with God in this world. His goodness and grace in this condescension and care are to be acknowledged and celebrated. And in the petitory part of preparatory prayer, two things are principally to be regarded:—[1.] A supply of grace from God, the God and Fountain of it. And herein respect must be had,
—1st. Unto that grace or those graces which in their own nature are most immediately serviceable unto the sanctification of the name of God in this ordinance. Such are reverence of his authority and delight in his worship. 2dly.
Such graces, in particular, as we have found advantage by in the exercise of holy duties; as, it may be, contriteness of spirit, love, joy, peace. 3dly. Such as we have experienced the want of, or a defect in ourselves as to the exercise of them on such occasions; as, it may be, diligence, steadfastness, and evenness of mind. [2.]
A removal of evils, or that God would "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." And herein a regard is to be had,—1st. Unto the temptations of Satan. He will be casting his fiery darts in such a season. He is seldom busier than upon our engagement into solemn duties. 2dly. To the inconstancy, wavering, and distraction of our own minds. These are, indeed, a matter of unspeakable abasement, when we consider aright the majesty of God with whom we have to do. 3dly. To undue and unjust offences against persons and things, that we may lift up "holy hands" to God, "without wrath and doubting."
Sundry things of the like nature might be instanced in, but that I leave all to the great direction, Rom. 8:26, 27.
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day 16. (3.) Instruction. This in such cases was peculiarly incumbent on the people of old,—namely, that they should instruct their children and their families in the nature of the ordinances whereby they worshipped God. This is that which God so commended in Abraham, Gen. 18:19, "I know Abraham," saith he, "that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment;" in which expression the nature and observance of all ordinances is required. Thus is it incumbent on them who have others under their charge to instruct them in the nature of this service which we observe unto the Lord. It may be this is not, this will not be necessary upon every return of this day; but that it should be so done at some appointed season, no man that endeavours to walk uprightly before God can deny. And the omission of it hath probably caused the whole service, amongst many, to be built on custom and example only. Hereon hath that great neglect of it which we see ensued; for the power of their influence will not long abide.
17. We have done with preparatory duties.
II. Come we now to the day itself, the duties whereof I shall pass through with an equal brevity. And they are of two sorts:—(1.) Public; (2.) Private: whereof the former are the principal, and the latter subordinate unto them; and those of the latter sort are either personal or domestical.
18. The public duties of the day are principally to be regarded. By public duties, I intend the due attendance unto and the due performance of all those parts of his solemn worship which God hath appointed to be observed in the assemblies of his people, and in the manner wherein he hath appointed them to be observed. One end of this day is, to give glory to God in the celebration of his solemn worship. That this may be done aright and unto his glory, he himself hath appointed the ways and means, or the ordinances and duties wherein it doth consist. Without this, we had been at an utter loss how we might sanctify his name, or ascribe glory to him. Most probably we should have set up the calves of our own imaginations, to his greater provocation. But he hath relieved us herein, himself appointing the worship which he will accept.
Would we, therefore, give full direction in particular for the right sanctifying of the name of God on this day, we ought to go over all the ordinances of worship which the church is bound to attend unto in its assemblies. But this is not my present purpose. Besides, somewhat of that kind hath been formerly done in another way. I shall therefore here content myself to give some general rules, for the guidance of men in the whole; as,—
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day (1.) That the public and solemn worship of God is to be preferred above that which is private. They may be so prudently managed as not to interfere nor ordinarily to intrench on one another; but wherever on any occasion they seem so to do, the private are to give place to the public: for one chief end of the sacred setting apart of this day, is the solemn acknowledgment of God, and the performance of his worship in assemblies. It is therefore a marvellous undue custom, on the pretence of private duties, whether personal or domestical, to abate any part of the duties of solemn assemblies; for there is in it a setting up of our own choice and inclinations against the wisdom and authority of God. The end of the day is the solemn worship of God, and the end is not to give way to the most specious helps and means.
(2.) Choice is to be made of those assemblies for the celebration of public worship where we may be most advantaged as unto the ends of them, in the sanctification of this day, so far as it may be done without breach of any order appointed of God: for in our joining in any concurrent acts of religious worship, we are to have regard unto helps suited unto the furtherance of our own faith and obedience. And also, because God hath appointed some parts of his worship, as in their own nature and by virtue of his appointment are means of conveying light, knowledge, grace, in spiritual supplies unto our souls, it is certainly our duty to make choice and use of them which are most meet so to do.
(3.) For the manner of our attendance on the public worship of God, with reverence, gravity, order, diligence, attention, though it be a matter of great use and moment, yet not for this place to handle; nor doth it here belong unto us to insist on those ways whereby we may excite particular graces unto due actings of themselves, as the nature of the duties wherein we are engaged doth require.
19. (4.) Although the day be wholly to be dedicated unto the ends of a sacred rest, before insisted on, yet,— [1.] Duties in their performance drawn out unto such a length as to beget wearisomeness and satiety, tend not unto edification, nor do any way promote the sanctification of the name of God in the worship itself. Regard, therefore, in all such performances, is to be had,—1st. Unto the weakness of the natural constitution of some, the infirmities and indispositions of others, who are not able to abide in the outward part of duties as others can. And there is no wise shepherd but will rather suffer the stronger sheep of his flock to lose somewhat of what they might reach unto in his guidance of them, than compel the weaker to keep pace with them to their hurt, and it may be their ruin. Better a
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day great number should complain of the shortness of some duties, who have strength and desires for a longer continuance in them, than that a few who are sincere should be really discouraged by being overburdened, and have the service thereby made useless unto them. I always loved, in sacred duties, that of Seneca concerning the orations of Cassius Severus, when they heard him,
"Timebamus ne desineret;"—"We were afraid that he would end." 2dly. To the spiritual edge of the affections of men, which ought to be whetted, and not, through tediousness in duties, abated and taken off. Other things of a like nature might be added, which for some considerations I shall forbear.
[2.] Refreshments helpful to nature, so far as to refresh it, that it may have a supply of spirits to go on cheerfully in the duties of holy worship, are lawful and useful. To macerate the body with abstinences on this day is required of none, and to turn it into a fast, or to fast upon it, is generally condemned by the ancients. Wherefore to forbear provision of necessary food for families on this day is Mosaical; and the enforcement of the particular precepts about not kindling fire in our houses on this day, baking and preparing the food of it the day before, cannot be insisted on without a re-introduction of the seventh day precisely, to whose observation they were annexed, and thereby of the law and spirit of the old covenant. Provided always that these refreshments be,—1st.
Seasonable for the time of them, and not when public duties require our attendance on them; 2dly. Accompanied with a singular regard unto the rules of temperance; as, (1st.) That there be no appearance of evil; (2dly.) That nature be not charged with any kind of excess, so far as to be hindered rather than assisted in the duties of the day; (3dly.) That they be accompanied with gravity, and sobriety, and purity of conversation. Now, whereas these things are, in the substance of them, required of us in the whole course of our lives, as we intend to please God, and to come to the enjoyment of him, none ought to think an especial regard unto them on this day to be a bondage or troublesome unto them.
[3.] Labour or pains for the enjoyment of the benefit and advantage of the solemn assemblies of the church, and in them of the appointed worship of God, is so far from intrenching on the rest of this day that it belongs unto its due observation. A mere bodily rest is no part of religious worship in itself, nor doth it belong unto the sanctification of this day any further than as it is a means for the due performance of the other duties belonging unto it. We have no bounds under the gospel for a Sabbath-day's journey, provided it be for Sabbath ends. In brief, all pains or labours that our station and condition in this world, that our
Exercitation VI: The practical observance of the Lord's Day troubles which may befall us, or any thing else, make necessary, as that without which we cannot enjoy the solemn ends and uses of this holy day of rest, are no way inconsistent with the due observation of it. It may be the lot of one man to take so much pains, and to travel so far, for and in the due celebration of the Lord's day, as if another should do the like without his occasions and circumstances, it would be a profanation of it.
[4.] Labour in works of charity and necessity, such as to visit the sick, to relieve the poor, to help the distressed, to relieve or assist creatures ready to perish, to supply cattle with necessary food, is allowed by all, and hath been by many spoken unto.
[5.] For sports and such like recreations, and their use on this day, I refer the reader to laws of sundry emperors and nations concerning them. See of Constant. Leg. Omnes cap. de Feriis; Theodosius and Arcadius ibid.; and of Leo and Authemius, in the same place of the Code; of Charles the Great, Capitular., lib. i. cap. lxxxi., lib. v. cap. clxxxviii. The sum of them all is contained in that exhortation which Ephraim Syrus expresseth in his Serm. de Diebus Festis:
"Festivitates dominicas honorare studiose contendite, celebrantes eas non panegyrice, sed divine; non mundane, sed spiritualiter; non instar gentilium, sed Christianorum. Quare non portarum frontes coronemus; non choreas ducamus, non chorum exornemus; non tibiis et citharis auditum effeminemus, non mollibus vestibus induamur, nec cingulis undique auro radiantibus cingamur; non comessationibus et ebrietatibus dediti simus, verum ista relinquamus eis quorum Deus venter est, et gloria in confusione ipsorum."
20. For private duties, both personal and domestical, they are either antecedent or consequent unto the solemn public worship, as usually for time it is celebrated amongst us. These consisting in the known religious exercises of prayer, reading the Scripture, meditation, family instructions from the advantage of the public ordinances, they are to be recommended unto every one's conscience, ability, and opportunity, as they shall find strength and assistance for them.