A godly and learned exposition or commentary upon the three first chapters of the…A godly and learned exposition or commentarie vpon the three first chapters of the…

Now the day of collecting for the poor (as appeareth in the histories of the church) was the Sabbath day; when the people were assembled for Gods service. For this was the custom of the church for many years after Christ, First to have the word preached, and the Sacraments administered, then to gather for the poor: and for this cause in the writings of the church, the Lords supper is called a sacrifice, an oblation, and the mass; not a real sacrifice as the papists use it; but spiritual, because therewith was joined collection for the poor, which was a spiritual oblation, not to the Lord, but to the church for the relief of the poor; and it was called the mass, because the collected relief thereat was sent to the poor saints abroad. A second reason is this: The Apostles them selves kept this day for the Sabbath of the New testament, Act. 20.7. And it cannot be proved that they observed any other day for an holy rest to the Lord after Christs ascension, save only in one case, when they came into the assemblies of the Jews, who would keep none other but the old Sabbath of the law. A third reason is John 20.19.26. The same day where•n Christ rose from death being the first day of the week, •e appeared to his disciples, being gathered together, and taught them many things, which concerned the government of his Church. And eight days after being the first day of the week, he appeared unto them for the same end. Now it is more than likely that Christ in his own person gave them an example to celebrate and keep that day wherein he rose again for a Sabbath of the New testament.

Now the day of collecting for the poore (as appeareth in the histories of the church) was the Saboath day; when the people were assembled for Gods seruice. For this was the custome of the church for many yeares after Christ, First to haue the word preached, and the Sacraments administred, then to gather for the poore: and for this cause in the writings of the church, the Lords supper is called a sacrifice, an oblation, and the masse; not a reall sacrifice as the papists vse it; but spirituall, because therewith was ioined collection for the poore, which was a spirituall oblation, not to the Lord, but to the church for the releefe of the poore; and it was called the masse, because the collected releefe therat was sent to the poore saints abroad. A second reason is this: The Apostles thē selues kept this day for the Saboath of the New testament,