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

(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 ⟨p. 430⟩satisfaction in our duties, to turn aside unto our own pleasures, and vain ways, which are only our own, to spend our time, and pass over the Sabbath; a thing complained of by many; whence sin and Satan have been more served on this Day, than on all the Days of the Week beside. But I no way think, that here is a restraint laid on us from such Words, Ways, and Works, as neither hinder the performance of any religious duties belonging to the due celebration of the worship of God on the Day, nor are apt in themselves to unframe our spirits, or divert our affections from them. And those whose minds are fixed in a spirit of liberty to glorify God in and by this Day of Rest, seeking after Communion with him in the ways of his worship, will be unto themselves a better Rule for their Words and Actions; than those who may aim to reckon over all they do or say, which may be done in such a manner, as to become the Judaical Sabbath, much more then the Lords-Day.

(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 threatned penalty of death. The Authority and Love of Jesus Christ are the principal causes of our Obedience. Hence our main duty lyeth 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,