A53694:451
Exercitations concerning the name, original, nature, use, and continuance of a day of sacred…
Exercitations concerning the name, original, nature, use, and continuance of a day of sacred rest wherein the original of the Sabbath from the foundation of the world, the morality of the Fourth commandment with the change of the Seventh day are enquired into : together with an assertion of the divine institution of the Lord's Day, and practical directions for its due observation / by John Owen.
London: printed by R.W. for Nath. Ponder, 1671
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.
2) Hence we come to know that he will be worshipped in spirit and in truth. Therefore he more minds the inward frame of our hearts wherewith we serve him, than the mere performance of outward duties, which are alone so far accepted with him, as they are expressions and demonstrations thereof. If then, in the observation of this Day, our hearts are single and sincere in our aims at his Glory with delight, it is of more price with him than the most rigid observation of outward duties, by number and measure.
2) Hence we come to know that he will be worshipped in spirit and in truth. Therefore he more minds the inward frame of our hearts wherewith we serve him, than the meer performance of outward duties, which are alone so far accepted with him, as they are expressions and demonstrations thereof. If then, in the observation of this Day, our hearts are single and sincere in our aims at his Glory with delight, it is of more price with him than the most rigid observation of outward duties, by number and measure.
(3) Therefore the minds of Believers are no more influenced unto this duty by the curse of the Law, and the terror thereof, as represented in the threatened penalty of death. The Authority and Love of Jesus Christ are the principal causes of our Obedience. Hence our main duty lieth in an endeavour to get spiritual joy and delight in the services of this Day; which are the especial effects of spiritual liberty. So the Prophet requires, that we should call the Sabbath our delight, holy and honourable of the Lord, Isa. 58. 13. As also, that on the other side we should not do our own pleasure, nor do our own ways, nor find our own pleasure, nor speak our own words. And these Cautions seem to regard the Sabbath absolutely, and not as Judaical. But I much question whether they have not in the interpretation of some, been extended beyond their original intention. For the true meaning of them is no more but this; that we should so delight our selves in the Lord on his holy Day, as that being expressly forbidden our usual labour, we should not need for want of