Exercitations concerning the name, original, nature, use, and continuance of a day of sacred…

§. 6 Moreover, amongst those who do grant, that it is necessary, and that indispensably so as to the present Church State, which is under an Obligation from whence ever it arise, neither to alter nor omit the Observation of a Day weekly for the public Worship of God, wherein a Cessation from labour, and a joint Attendance unto the most solemn Duties of Religion are required of us; It is not agreed, whether the Day it self, or the separation of it to its proper Use and End, be any Part in it self of Divine Worship, or be so merely relatively, with respect unto the Duties to be performed therein. And as to those Duties themselves, they are not only variously represented, but great Contention hath been about them, and the manner of their Performances, as likewise concerning the Causes and Occasions which may dispense with our Attendance unto them. Indeed herein lies secretly the [Greek or Hebrew], and principal Cause of all the strife that hath been and is in the World about this matter. Men may teach the Doctrine of a Sabbatical Rest, on what Principles they please, deduce it from what Original they think good, if they plead not for an exactness of Duty in its Observance, if they bind not a Religious careful Attendance on the ⟨p. 13⟩Worship of God, in Public and private, on the Consciences of other men; if they require not a Watchfulness against all Diversions and Avocations from the Duties of the Day, they may do it without much fear of Opposition. For all the concernments of Doctrines and Opinions which tend unto Practice are regulated thereby, and embraced or rejected, as the Practice pleaseth or displeaseth that they lead unto.

§. 6 Moreover, amongst those who do grant, that it is necessary, and that indispensibly so as to the present Church State, which is under an Obligation from whence ever it arise, neither to alter nor omit the Observation of a Day weekly for the publick Worship of God, wherein a Cessation from labour, and a joint Attendance unto the most solemn Duties of Religion are required of us; It is not agreed, whether the Day it self, or the separation of it to its proper Use and End, be any Part in it self of Divine Worship, or be so meerly relatively, with respect unto the Duties to be performed therein. And as to those Duties themselves, they are not only variously represented, but great Contention hath been about them, and the manner of their Performances, as likewise concerning the Causes and Occasions which may dispense with our Attendance unto them. Indeed herein lyes secretly the , and principal Cause of all the strife that hath been and is in the World about this matter. Men may teach the Doctrine of a Sabbatical Rest, on what Principles they please, deduce it from what Original they think good, if they plead not for an exactness of Duty in its Observance, if they bind not a Religious carefull Attendance on the