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

Nor can any of these things be pleaded, to give countenance unto any other Day, that should be set up in competition with the Lords-day, or the first day of the week. What of this nature can be spoken concerning the seventh Day now by some contended for, and that which is grievous, by some persons Holy and Learned? Of what use hath it ever been to the Church of God, setting aside the occasional Advantages taken from it by the Apostles, of preaching the Gospel in the Synagogues of the Jews? What Testimonies have we of the presence of God with any Churches, in the Administration of Gospel-Ordinances and Worship on that Day? And if any lesser Assemblies do at present pretend to give such a Testimony, wherein is it to be compared with that of all the holy Churches of Christ throughout the World in all Ages, especially in those last past.

Let men in whose hearts are the ways of God, seriously consider the use that hath been made under the blessing of God, of the conscientious observation of the Lords-day, in the past and present age, unto the promotion of Holiness, Righteousness, and Religion universally in the power of it, and if they are not under invincible prejudices, it will be very difficult for them to judge, that it is a Plant which our Heavenly Father hath not planted. For my part, I must not only say, but plead whilst I live in this World, and leave this Testimony to the present and ⟨p. 398⟩future ages, if these Papers see the light, and do survive, that if I have ever seen any thing in the ways and worship of God, wherein the power of Religion or Godliness hath been expressed; any thing that hath represented the Holiness of the Gospel, and the Author of it; any thing that hath looked like a Proeludium unto the everlasting Sabbath and Rest with God, which we aim through Grace to come unto, it hath been there, and with them, where and amongst whom the Lords-day hath been had in highest esteem, and a strict observation of it attended unto, as an Ordinance of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Remembrance of their Ministry, their Walking and Conversation, their Faith and Love, who in this Nation have most zealously pleaded for, and have been in their persons, Families, and Churches or Parishes, the most strict observers of this Day, will be precious with them that fear the Lord, whilst the Sun and Moon endure. Their Doctrine also in this matter, with the Blessing that attended it, was that which multitudes now at Rest, do bless God for; and many that are yet alive, do greatly rejoice in. Let these things be despised by those who are otherwise minded, to me they are of great weight and importance.