6. When the breach of a Ceremonial Precept bringeth with it the Transgression of a Moral Precept, and is (without any absolute necessity) imposed, in neglect and contempt of the Law of God; then we are to run all Hazards, rather than to transgress in the smallest Externals: because tho the Matter enjoined be but small, yet the Contempt of God is a great Sin, and our Sincerity and Obedience to God is a great Matter. As for Instance; When Antiochus pressed the Jews to eat Swines-Flesh, which in case of great Extremity no question they might do; yet when he pressed them out of Contempt of the Law, they chose rather to be tortured ⟨p. 16⟩to Death, than to yield to it. And for this they are registered Martyrs, Heb. 11. 35. They were tortured, not accepting Deliverance, that they might receive a better Resurrection. There is a plain Allusion to the Story in the Book of the Maccabees, concerning Eleazar, and the Woman with her seven Sons, so cruelly tortured. But these Commands were contrary to the Laws of God: Should they have said, God will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice? No, in such a case God will have Sacrifice, and not Mercy. Tho often advised to yield, they would not abate a Jot of their Zeal. For tho the Case be but in Externals, yet there is a Renunciation of our Relation and Obedience to God's Law. So Daniel opening his Windows, and praying three times a day, as he was wont to do, Dan. 6. 10. That Circumstance might have been forborne, you will think, in a Case of such imminent Peril of Life: No, he would neither forbear praying, nor opening his Windows; he had wont to do so before, and without dishonouring God, and renouncing his Profession, he could not forbear to do so now. The Promise of Audience, made to Solomon at the Dedication of the Temple, required this Ceremony ⟨p. 17⟩as an Effect of Faith; 1 Kings 8. 42, 43. When they shall pray towards this House, then hear thou in Heaven. And David saith, Psal. 5. 7. In thy Fear I will worship towards thy holy Temple. The Temple did shadow forth the Body of our Lord Christ, the Mediator, in whom only our Prayers and Services are accepted with the Father, which Solomon respected in looking towards the Temple. But the chief Reason is, the Necessity of Profession, and open Profession too, against this impious Law, contrived by the Malice of his Enemies to make him afraid.
6. When the breach of a Ceremonial Precept bringeth with it the Transgression of a Moral Precept, and is (without any absolute necessity) imposed, in neg•lect and contempt of the Law of God; then we are to run all Hazards, rather than to transgress in the smallest Externals: because tho the Matter enjoined be but small, yet the Contempt of God is a great Sin, and our Sincerity and Obedience to God is a great Matter. As for Instance; When Antiochus pressed the Jews to eat Swines-Flesh, which in case of great Extremity no question they might do; yet when he pressed them out of Contempt of the Law, they chose rather to be tortured ⟨p. 16⟩to Death, than to yield to it. And for this they are registred Martyrs, Heb. 11. 35. They were tortured, not accepting Deliverance, that they might receive a better Resurrection. There is a plain Allusion to the Story in the Book of the Maccabees, concerning Eleazar, and the Woman with her seven Sons, so cruelly tortured. But these Commands were contrary to the Laws of God: Should they have said, God will have Mercy, and not Sacrifice? No, in such a case God will have Sacrifice, and not Mercy. Tho often advised to yield, they would not abate a Jot of their Zeal. For tho the Case be but in Externals, yet there is a Renunciation of our Relation and Obedience to God's Law. So Daniel opening his Windows, and praying three times a day, as he was wont to do, Dan. 6. 10. That Circumstance might have been forborn, you will think, in a Case of such imminent Peril of Life: No, he would neither forbear praying, nor opening his Windows; he had wont to do so before, and without dishonouring God, and renouncing his Profession, he could not forbear to do so now. The Promise of Audience, made to Solomon at the Dedication of the Temple, required this Ceremony ⟨p. 17⟩as an Effect of Faith; 1 Kings 8. 42, 43. When they shall pray towards this House, then hear thou in Heaven. And David saith, Psal. 5. 7. In thy Fear I will worship towards thy holy Temple. The Temple did shadow forth the Body of our Lord Christ, the Mediator, in whom only our Prayers and Services are accepted with the Father, which Solomon respected in looking towards the Temple. But the chief Reason is, the Necessity of Profession, and open Profession too, against this impious Law, contrived by the Malice of his Enemies to make him afraid.
