A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

2. Amongst all the commands of the first Table, yea all the commands, this religious observance of the Sabbath, is most forcibly pressed with more reasons, and with more full and particular explication: Because 1. All the commands hang some way on this; and obedience is ordinarily given to them with the same readiness, as this day is employed in Gods Service. 2. It keepeth life, as it were, in all the rest, and when men are could in this, so are they in all the rest. 3. This trieth men in their love to God best: If indeed his company and service be more delighted in, then the World: And is a notable indication of the frame of the soul; it maketh proof both of their state and frame, as men are usually and habitually on the Sabbath, so in effect are they, as to these.

2. Amongst all the commands of the first Table, yea all the commands, this religious observance of the Sabbath, is most forcibly pressed vvith more reasons, and vvith more full and particular explication: Because 1. All the commands hang some vvay on this; and obedience is ordinarily given to them vvith the same readiness, as this day is employed in Gods Service. 2. It keepeth life, as it vvere, in all the rest, and vvhen men are could in this, so are they in all the rest. 3. This tryeth men in their love to God best: If indeed his company and service be more delighted in, then the World: And is a notable indication of the frame of the soul; it maketh proof both of their state and frame, as men are usually and habitually on the Sabbath, so in effect are they, as to these.

3. No breach of any command hath more aggravations; for 1. It is against reason and equity, when God hath given ⟨p. 302⟩us so many and so good reasons for it. 2. It's high Ingratitude, the Sabbath being a Mercy; and a great Mercy indeed it is to be privileged with access to converse with God a whole day of every week in duties of worship. 3. It's against Love, God's Love hath instituted it, and our Love should in a special manner vent it self to him on it. 4. It's cruelty against our selves; for the Sabbath kept holy, is backed with the promise of a special blessing, and we by this sin prejudge our selves of that; yea the Sabbath rightly spent is a mean both of holiness and of nearness to God, of conformity to him and of communion with him, it promoteth both: So that it is eminently verified here, that these who sin against this command, in against, and forsake their own Mercy.