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…

The second sort here reproved are those which live more civilly than the former; but yet they think they may do what they will on the Lords day: as to take their journeys thereon, and employ themselves in their ordinary affairs: persuading themselves they may serve God with as good an heart when they are alone about their business, as they do who go to the church. But these men ⟨p. 45⟩sin grievously against the fourth commandment: for hereby they make that their own day which is the Lords.

The second sort here reprooued are those which liue more ciuilltie than the former; but yet they thinke they may do what they will on the Lords day: as to take their iourneys thereon, and imploy themselues in their ordinarie affaires: perswading themselues they may serue God with as good an heart when they are alone about their busines, as they do who go to the church. But these men ⟨p. 45⟩sinne grieuously against the fourth commandement: for hereby they make that their owne day which is the Lords.

A third sort here reproved, though not so bad as the former, are those who think it needful to serve God at those ordinary times of the Sabbath which the laws of the land enjoin unto men; and therefore they will come duly to morning and evening prayer: thinking that they are not bound besides to hear the word of God preached, and that all the rest of the day they may do what they will pertaining either to their profit or pleasure. Of this sort are our ignorant people, and a great number every where. But they sin grievously against God, for the Sabbath day is called the Lords day, because it is wholly consecrated to his worship: but they part stakes with the Lord, and give him but a part of his own day, and that the lesser: taking the rest unto themselves, which thee misspend upon their lusts. Now as these vices must be abhorred so on the contrary, we must with all conscience keep the Lords Sabbath holy according to th• fourth commandment. And therefore we must thereon cease from all works of sin, and from the works of our callings; and sanctify this day wholly by applying it all to the honour and worship of God. And here we must remember that there is a double sanctification of the Sabbath: public, and private. Public when men assemble themselves together publicly to hear Gods word for the increase of faith and knowledge: and to call on Gods name for further graces; as also to give him thanks for his mercies, and to receive his Sacraments. Private, when men in their private places employ themselves in holy duties of prayer, reading, and meditation upon Gods word & works: whereby God is honoured, and their souls edified: and both these must be performed to the Lord every Sabbath day of every man: For we may not abridge God of that tim wherein glory should be given to his name. If the officers should take our servants in the week day from our private business, & employ them in public affairs, we would think much at it, though it were for the common good. And shall we not think that God will take himself dishonoured of us when we shall take either whole or part of his holiday, and employ it in our business. A main cause why many profit little by the public ministry, is want of private sanctification of this day.