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 if they had power to make holidays, then they might alter the Sabbath day; and so may the church in the New testament. Ans. These feasts of the Jews were no Sabbaths set wholly apart for the solemn worship of God: but were only days of the solemnity appointed by the church in token of joy and thankfulness for the repairing of the temple, & deliverance of Gods people: And were only celebrated as they served to put the people in mind of these outward benefits. So that whereas some hold that the church hath power to alter the Sabbath day: or to make two more Sabbath days in a week if it were convenient; it hath no ground in Gods word▪ For that authority which doth alter this day must not be less than Apostolical. And thus we see why this day was called the Lords day.

Now if they had power to make holidayes, then they might alter the Saboath day; and so may the church in the New testament. Ans. These feasts of the Iewes were no Saboaths set wholly apart for the solemne worship of God: but were onely daies of the solemnitie appointed by the church in token of ioy and thankfulnesse for the repairing of the temple, & deliuerance of Gods people: And were onely celebrated as they serued to put the people in mind of these outward benefits. So that whereas some hold that the church hath power to alter the Saboath day: or to make two more Saboath dayes in a weeke if it were conuenient; it hath no ground in Gods word▪ For that authoritie which doth alter this day must not bee lesse than Apostolicall. And thus wee see why this day was called the Lords day.

Now if the first day of the week be the Lords day,¹ set apart for his honour in the memory of so great redemption, then here are three sorts of men reproved. First, those that make the Lords day a day of vain pleasure and delight. This is the manner of all sorts of men, but especially of the younger sort and servants, who spend this day in carnal rejoicing, in riot, gaming, and wantonness; never thinking of the worship of God, which is then to be performed. But these sin greatly against the Lord: for hereby they pervert the end of the Lords day: It should be kept holy and glorious to the Lord, but they turn it to the worship and service of the devil.