A59693:13
Theses Sabbaticæ, or, The doctrine of the Sabbath wherein the Sabbaths I. Morality, II.…
Theses Sabbaticæ, or, The doctrine of the Sabbath wherein the Sabbaths I. Morality, II. Change, III. Beginning. IV. Sanctification, are clearly discussed, which were first handled more largely in sundry sermons in Cambridge in New-England in opening of the Fourth Commandment : in unfolding whereof many scriptures are cleared, divers cases of conscience resolved, and the moral law as a rule of life to a believer, occasionally and distinctly handled / by Thomas Shepard ...Theses Sabbaticæ, or, The doctrine of the Sabbath wherein the Sabbaths I. Morality, II. Change, III. Beginning. IV. Sanctification, are clearly discussed, which were first handled more largely in sundry sermons in Cambridge in New-England in opening of the Fourth COmmandment : in unfolding whereof many scriptures are cleared, divers cases of conscience resolved, and the morall law as a rule of life to a believer, occasionally and distinctly handled / by Thomas Shepard ...
London: printed by T.R. and E.M. for John Rothwell, 1650
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.
When therefore the good will of him who dwelt in the burning bush of the afflicted Primitive Churches, gave Princes and Emperors to be their nursing fathers; pious Constantine among other Christian Edicts, enjoins the observation of the Lords Day: wherein (if he was bound by his place to be a nourishing father) he went not beyond his Commission, in swaddling and cherishing this truth and appointment of Christ, and not suffering it to dye and perish through the wickedness of men; the power of Princes extending to see Christs Laws observed, though not to impose any humane inventions and Church constitutions of their own. Its true indeed that this Princely Edict was mixed with some imperfection and corruption, it following too short in some things, and extending too far in others; but there is no just cause for any to stumble much at this, that knows the sick head and heart by the weak and feeble pulse and crazy temper of those clouted, though otherwise triumphing times.
When therefore the good will of him who dwelt in the burning bush of the afflicted Primitive Churches, gave Princes and Emperours to be their nursing fathers; pious Constantine among other Christian Edicts, injoynes the observation of the Lords Day: wherein (if he was bound by his place to be a nourishing father) he went not beyond his Commission, in swadling and cherishing this truth and appointment of Christ, and not suffering it to dye and perish through the wickednesse of men; the power of Princes extending to see Christs Lawes observed, though not to impose any humane inventions and Church constitutions of their own. Its true indeed that this Princely Edict was mixed with some imperfection and corruption, it following too short in some things, and extending too far in others; but there is no just cause for any to stumble much at this, that knowes the sick head and heart by the weak and feeble pulse and crasie temper of those clouted, though otherwise triumphing times.
The Successors of this man-child (borne out of the long and weary throws of the poor travelling Church) were enlarged generally in their care and conscience to preserve the religious honour due to this day, until the time of Charles the Great, who in the latter end of his reign observing how greatly the Sabbath was profaned (especially by the continuance and lewdness of Church-men) did therefore call five National Councils (which I need not here