A37049:999
A37049:999
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 should be asked here, What that, which is called a Sabbaths day Journey, Acts 1.12. was among the Jews? and whence it came, and what way may it be stinted or limited among Christians? Answ. It was to them 2000 Cubits, which according to the different measuring of that distance of ground consisting of these 2000 Cubits by a lesser or longer Cubi •, is reckoned to be more or less by learned Men; but all agree (says Goodwin in his Moses and Aaron) in this, that these 2000 Cubits was a Sabbath days Journey.
If it should be asked here, What that, which is called a Sabbaths day Journey, Acts 1.12. was among the Jews? and whence it came, and what way may it be stinted or limited among Christians? Answ. It was to them 2000 Cubits, which according to the different measuring of that distance of ground consisting of these 2000 Cubits by a lesser or longer Cubi •, is reckoned to be more or less by learned Men; but all agree (saies Goodwin in his Moses and Aaron) in this, that these 2000 Cubits was a Sabbath daies Journey.
It arose to be reckoned so from these grounds; 1. From their expounding Exod. 16.29. Let none go out of his place; thus, Let none go without the bounds of the City, which with its Suburbs was 2000 Cubits, or a mile about. 2. That the Tabernacle of the Congregation was so far from the Tents of these who pitched about it in the Wilderness, Numb. 2. as they supposed; and that the Priests kept that distance from the people in entering with the Ark into Jordan, Jos. 3.4. whence they gathered that a man might still go to the Ark or place of worship, as it was then in these cases at a distance from them, and no further on the Sabbath day.
But we say whatever superstitiously or on custom they took up (for that is but their Tradition) we cannot stint a Sabbath days journey to so many miles, fewer or more, but it must be as the man is in providence cast to reside further from, or nearer to the place where the Ordinances are dispensed; for one may go many miles and not profane the Sabbath, if he cannot have the public Ordinances nearer, whereas another may break the Sabbath by going but to his Neighbours door, yea by walking in his own house, or to his door, if either it be done idly, or with respect to another civil or worldly end, which agreeth not to that day; it is not here remoteness or nearness, but what swayeth us, and what is our end, that we are to try by.
But we say whatever superstitiously or on custome they took up (for that is but their Tradition) we cannot stint a Sabbath daies journey to so many miles, fewer or more, but it must be as the man is in providence cast to reside further from, or nearer to the place where the Ordinances are dispensed; for one may go many miles and not prophane the Sabbath, if he cannot have the publick Ordinances nearer, whereas another may break the Sabbath by going but to his Neighbours door, yea by walking in his own house, or to his door, if either it be done idly, or with respect to another civil or worldly end, which agreeth not to that day; it is not here remoteness or nearness, but what sweyeth us, and what is our end, that we are to try by.
3. All works of mercy are lawful on that day, as laying beside us something to the poor, 1 Cor. 16.1. sending or dealing something to those who are in want, Isa. 58.7. visiting others, to comfort, strengthen, or otherwise to edify them ⟨p. 279⟩christianly; though idle and carnal visits (albeit, alas • too rise) are not permitted.
3. All works of mercy are lawful on that day, as laying beside us something to the poor, 1 Cor. 16.1. sending or dealing something to those who are in want, Isa. 58.7. visiting others, to comfort, strengthen, or otherwaies to edifie them ⟨p. 279⟩christianly; though idle and carnal visits (albeit, alass • too rise) are not permitted.
4. Good Works, as Christ saith Matth. 12.12. it's lawful to do good or well on the Sabbath, such are giving of Physic (when it is necessary) bringing of Physiti •ns, saving a mans life, and taking p •ins for it, &c. Luke 13. (these good Works may be classed either with Works of mercy before, or with Works of necessity that follow, both being good Works as they are Works of mercy or of necessity)
4. Good Works, as Christ saith Matth. 12.12. it's lawful to do good or well on the Sabbath, such are giving of Physick (when it is necessary) bringing of Physiti •ns, saving a mans life, and taking p •ins for it, &c. Luke 13. (these good Works may be classed either with Works of mercy before, or with Works of necessity that follow, both being good Works as they are Works of mercy or of necessity)
5. Works of necessity, such as feeding Beasts, leading them to the water, pulling them out of Ditches, when they are fallen into them on that day, and much more preparing honestly sober allowance for the sustaining of the body, as the Disciples plucked the ears of Corn, Matth. 12. and the Jews, Exod. 16.23. dressed the Manna on the Sabbath, though they were not to gather it, yet on the Sixth day to bake and seethe a part, and to keep a part till the morrow, but not till the day following, and therefore they behoved to dress it also; yea, Jesus Christ went himself to a Feast on the Sabbath, Luke 14. (that he might take that opportunity by his spiritual discourse to edify the Company as he did notably) which he would not have done had it been unlawful to dress any meat on the Sabbath, yet his carriage was such at that Feast most remarkably, that it would be followed as a pattern by such as may be invited by others to eat with them, and shall be disposed to go on the Sabbath: And if this were the design of the inviters and invited, mens eating together on that day would not readily prejudice the sanctification of it, as very often it doth: Such is •lying on the Lords day from a destroying enemy, and in other warranted cases, Matth. 24. defending our selves against unjust violence, &c.
5. Works of necessity, such as feeding Beasts, leading them to the water, pulling them out of Ditches, when they are fallen into them on that day, and much more preparing honestly sober allowance for the susteining of the body, as the Disciples pluck't the ears of Corn, Matth. 12. and the Jews, Exod. 16.23. dressed the Manna on the Sabbath, though they were not to gather it, yet on the Sixth day to bake and seethe a part, and to keep a part till the morrow, but not till the day following, and therefore they behoved to dress it also; yea, Jesus Christ went himself to a Feast on the Sabbath,
6. Works of comeliness, tending to honest or decent walking, as putting on of clothes honestly, making the house clean from any uncleanness that may fall in it throughout the Sabbath, &c.
6. Works of comliness, tending to honest or decent walking, as putting on of clothes honestly, making the house clean from any uncleanness that may fall in it throughout the Sabbath, &c.
By all which Believers have allowance, 1. for piety, 2. for charity, 3. for what is needful for their beasts, 4. what is needful and convenient, or comely for themselves; and more is not necessary: In these the Lord hath not straitened them, ⟨p. 280⟩neither hath he pinched and pinned them up to absolute necessity, but hath left them to walk by Christian prudence (yet so as they may not exceed) for the Disciples possibly might have endured that hunger, and not plucked the ears of Corn, or beasts may live a day without water, and not be much the worse, or some sort of Victuals may be provided to be set beside men on the Sabbath needing no dressing or preparing; yea, a man may live on little or nothing for one day: but the Lord hath thought good not to straiten them, so as to make his day and worship a weariness and burden unto them, seeing he hath made the Sabbath for man, to be refreshing to him, and not man for the Sabbath; nor will he have their Consciences to be festered with inextricable scruples: He leaveth it to men on other days, how much to eat and drink by a Christian prudence (yet alloweth them not to exceed even on these) so here there is some latitude left to conscientious reason to walk by; for some may do something at one time, and not at another, yea, one man may take more pains in upholding his body then is called for from another who is stronger, so that it's impossible to set particular rules which vvill agree to all, but men would look, 1 to their end, 2. to their need, 3. to what may conveniently attain the end.
By all which Believers have allowance, 1. for piety, 2. for charitie, 3. for what is needful for their beasts, 4. what is needful and convenient, or comly for themselves; and more is not necessary: In these the Lord hath not streightned them, ⟨p. 280⟩neither hath he pinched and pinned them up to absolute necessitie, but hath left them to walk by Christian prudence (yet so as they may not exceed) for the Disciples possibly might have endured that hunger, and not pluck't the ears of Corn, or beasts may live a day without water, and not be much the worse, or some sort of Victuals may be provided to be set beside men on the Sabbath needing no dressing or preparing; yea, a man may live on little or nothing for one day: but the Lord hath thought good not to streighten them, so as to make his day and worship a weariness and burden unto them, seeing he hath made the Sabbath for man, to be refreshing to him, and not man for the Sabbath; nor will he have their Consciences to be festered with inextricable scruples: He leaveth it to men on other dayes, how much to eat and drink by a Christian prudence (yet allovveth them not to exceed even on these) so here there is some latitude left to conscientious reason to vvalk by; for some may do something at one time, and not at another, yea, one man may take more pains in upholding his body then is called for from another vvho is stronger, so that it's impossible to set particular rules vvhich vvill agree to all, but men vvould look, 1 to their end, 2. to their need, 3. to vvhat may conveniently attain the end.
Yet it is needful here to add some qualifications or caveats, lest folk indulge themselves too much, and exceed under the pretext of the former liberty which the Lord hath condescended to leave men at.
Yet it is needful here to add some qualifications or caveats, lest folk indulge themselves too much, and exceed under the pretext of the former libertie vvhich the Lord hath condescended to leave men at.
1. That men would see that the necessity be real, that real sickness keepeth at home, that real hazard maketh them fly, or maketh them bide at home, that it be such a necessity as they cannot contrive a way conveniently to evite when it cometh, or could not foresee before it came.
1. That men vvould see that the necessity be real, that real sickness keepeth at home, that real hazard maketh them flie, or maketh them bide at home, that it be such a necessitie as they cannot contrive a vvay conveniently to evite vvhen it cometh, or could not foresee before it came.
2. Men would see that that necessity be not brought on by themselves; If the thing might have been done at another time, that necessity vvill not excuse; though if the sin be taken with, and repented of, and Christ fled unto for the pardon of it, we may go about the doing that lawfully which sinfully we have necessitated our selves unto; as suppose one had got warning to sly the day before, to bring ⟨p. 281⟩such a Physician, or to provide such drugs, &c. if he did it not, then he sinneth, yet when necessity cometh he may still do it, but not with a good conscience, till he first acknowledge the former fault of his neglect.
2. Men vvould see that that necessitie be not brought on by themselves; If the thing might have been done at another time, that necessity vvill not excuse; though if the sin be taken vvith, and repented of, and Christ fled unto for the pardon of it, vve may go about the doing that lavvfully vvhich sinfully vve have necessitated our selves unto; as suppose one had got vvarning to slie the day before, to bring ⟨p. 281⟩such a Physician, or to provide such drugs, &c. if he did it not, then he sinneth, yet vvhen necessity cometh he may still do it, but not vvith a good conscience, till he first acknovvledge the former fault of his neglect.
3. It would be adverted, if that thing may be done, as well another time, or may not without prejudice (that is considerable) be delayed till the next day; Thus taking or giving of physic on the Lords day, making ordinary civil visits, beginning voyages, &c. vvill not sustain and bear weight before God, when folk do them that day, to have their own work day free, and so put by the proper duties of the Lords day, for some things that may be done the day or days following: Thus rest is commanded Exod. 34.21. even in sowing time and harvest; because the necessity is not clear, but dependeth on ordinary providence, and folks are to expect occasion and opportunities for them afterward.
3. It vvould be adverted, if that thing may be done, as vvell another time, or may not vvithout prejudice (that is considerable) be delayed till the next day; Thus taking or giving of physick on the Lords day, making ordinary civil visits, beginning voyages, &c. vvill not sustein and bear vveight before God, vvhen folk do them that day, to have their ovvn vvork day free, and so put by the proper duties of the Lords day, for some things that may be done the day or daies follovving: Thus rest is commanded Exod. 34.21. even in sovving time and harvest; because the necessitie is not clear, but dependeth on ordinary providence, and folks are to expect occasion and opportunities for them aftervvard.
4. Men would take heed that they have not a tickling complacency that such necessities fall on the Sabbath, and be not glad to have diversions from the proper duties of the day. They would go about such works with a sort of sadness, though yet with clearness and peace of conscience as to their lawfulness: Therefore Christ saith to his Disciples, Matth. 24.20. pray that your flight be not on the Sabbath day; because it would be heavy to Gods people to sly on that day, though it was lawful.
4. Men would take heed that they have not a tickling complacencie that such necessities fall on the Sabbath, and be not glad to have diversions from the proper duties of the day. They would go about such works with a sort of sadness, though yet with clearness and peace of conscience as to their lawfulness: Therefore Christ saith to his Disciples, Matth. 24.20. pray that your flight be not on the Sabbath day; because it would be heavy to Gods people to slie on that day, though it was lawful.
5. We would see that it mar not a spiritual frame, and that in doing these we turn not to mind the World as on other days; There would be still a respect to the day in our frame (which is called for in the word remember) and even when our hand is otherwise employed, the heart should not be taken up with these things, but so far as is necessary to the acting of them.
5. We would see that it marr not a spiritual frame, and that in doing these we turn not to mind the World as on other dayes; There would be still a respect to the day in our frame (which is called for in the word remember) and even when our hand is otherwayes imployed, the heart should not be taken up with these things, but so far as is necessary to the acting of them.
6. It would be adverted to, that they be done without irregularity, and so as not to give offence by them (hence it was that Christ ever gave the reasons of what he did on the Sabbath) lest others, not knowing our necessity, judge us guilty of Sabbath-breaking, or be involved without necessity to do the like.
6. It would be adverted to, that they be done without irregularity, and so as not to give offence by them (hence it was that Christ ever gave the reasons of what he did on the Sabbath) lest others, not knowing our necessity, judge us guilty of Sabbath-breaking, or be involved without necessitie to do the like.
7. Folks would have great respect to the end in these works, and to the motive which swayeth and putteth them on. If it be outward gain or fear of some temporal loss; as if for gaining money a Physician should go rather on the Sabbath then on another day to save the life of a man; that turneth then to be a servile work, and one of his ordinary Week day calling (to speak so): So if a Minister should preach with respect to gain or applause on the Sabbath, or if any man should make a visit for a mere civil end, as we visit on other days, without a suitable respect to spiritual edification or furtherance of Piety, it will mar all, and will be found a breach of the Sabbath.
7. Folks would have great respect to the end in these works, and to the motive which swayeth and putteth them on. If it be outward gain or fear of some temporal loss; as if for gaining money a Physitian should go rather on the Sabbath then on another day to save the life of a man; that turneth then to be a servile work, and one of his ordinary Week day calling (to speak so): So if a Minister should preach with respect to gain or applause on the Sabbath, or if any man should make a visit for a meer civil end, as we visit on other dayes, without a sutable respect to spiritual edification or furtherance of Piety, it will marr all, and will be found a breach of the Sabbath.