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

§. 33 Moreover it is evident that this opinion concerning the necessary observation of the seventh Day Sabbath, tends to the increasing and perpetuating of schisms and differences amongst the Disciples of Christ; things in their own nature evil, and to be avoided by all lawful ways and means. It is known how many different opinions and practices there are amongst professors of the Gospel. That they should all be perfectly healed or taken away perhaps in this world, is not to be expected. For the best know but in part, and prophesy but in part. That every good man, and genuine Disciple of Christ ought to endeavour his utmost for their removal, none will deny. For if it be our duty so far as it is possible, and as much as in us lieth to live peaceably with all men, in that peace which is the life of civil society; doubtless it is so much more to live so with all Believers, in a peaceable agreement in the worship of God. And therefore of all differences in judgement which lead unto practice, those are the worst and ⟨p. 407⟩most pernicious, which occasion or draw after them any thing whereby men are hindered from joining together in the same public solemn worship, whereby they yield unto God that Revenue of his Glory which is due unto him in this world. And that many of these are found at this day, is not so much from the Nature of the things themselves about which men differ, as from the weakness, prejudices, and corrupt affections of them who are possessed with different Apprehensions about them. But now upon a supposition of an Adherence by any unto the seventh day Sabbath, all Communion amongst Professors in solemn Gospel-Ordinances is rendered impossible. For if those of that persuasion, do expect that others will be brought unto a relinquishment of an Evangelical observance of the Lords-day Sabbath, they will find themselves mistaken. The Evidence which they have of its Appointment, and the Experience they have had of the presence of God with them in its Religious Observation, will secure their Faith and Practise in this matter.

§. 33 Moreover it is evident that this opinion concerning the necessary observation of the seventh Day Sabbath, tends to the increasing and perpetuating of schismes and differences amongst the Disciples of Christ; things in their own nature evil, and to be avoided by all lawfull wayes and means. It is known how many different opinions and practices there are amongst professors of the Gospel. That they should all be perfectly healed or taken away perhaps in this world, is not to be expected. For the best know but in part, and prophesie but in part. That every good man, and genuine Disciple of Christ ought to endeavour his utmost for their removal, none will deny. For if it be our duty so far as it is possible, and as much as in us lyeth to live peaceably with all men, in that peace which is the life of civil society; doubtless it is so much more to live so with all Believers, in a peaceable agreement in the worship of God. And therefore of all differences in judgement which lead unto practice, those are the worst and