A37049:790
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…
A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience.A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions and cases of conscience.
London: printed for Dorman Newman, 1675
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
If it be free to men to carve out what solemn and chief time is to be given to, and set a part for God's worship; then, either it is free to them to choose no time at all, or it is free for them to choose a longer or a shorter than this: But neither of these can be said; not the first as is clear; not the second, because it will not so quadrat • with the end; for if the time be shorter, it encroacheth on God's due; if it be longer, it encroacheth on God's concession of six days to work in. If it be shorter, it encroacheth on God's due (as is said) and our souls good; if longer, it encroacheth on our temporal Calling; and, Can any restrain man when God giveth him liberty?
If it be free to men to carve out what solemn and chief time is to be given to, and set a part for God's worship; then, either it is free to them to choose no time at all, or it is free for them to choose a longer or a shorter than this: But neither of these can be said; not the first as is clear; not the second, because it will not so quadrat • with the end; for if the time be shorter, it incroacheth on God's due; if it be longer, it incroacheth on God's concession of six days to work in. If it be shorter, it incroacheth on God's due (as is said) and our souls good; if longer, it incroacheth on our temporal Calling; and, Can any restrain man when God giveth him liberty?
Again, If it be free to men so to cut and carve at pleasure, on the solemn and chief time for God's worship, its either free for all men together to agree on a day, even one and the same; or its free for each Country, or each man, to choose what day they please; but neither of these are either possible or practicable to edification; therefore must the day be determined to them; and if so, then sure by this Command: And so its still binding, and cannot in that respect be altered without sin, which was the thing to be proved.