A59693:497
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.
Thesis. 172.
If therefore it was a duty which Adam and his posterity were bound to keep by a Law given them in innocency: Then it undeniably follows, that the observance of a Sabbath doth not depend upon great numbers of people to sanctify it; for at first creation the number was but two, and yet they both were bound to observe it then: nor yet is it to be cast aside through any mans freedom from worldly imcumbrances, whereby he hath liberty to serve God more frequently every day; for thus it was also in the state of innocency, and yet the Sabbath to be observed then: It is therefore unsound which M. Primrose affirms herein, viz. That the consecration of a certain day for Gods service is not necessary, but then only, when many troop together and make up the body of a great Assembly; and that therefore it may be doubted whether the Patriarchs having but small families and little cumber, observed any Sabbath, but rather served God alike every day with great ease and assiduity; and that therefore there was no need nor cause of a Sabbath till they became ⟨p. 169⟩a numerous people at mount Sinai. But beside what hath been said, how will it appear that the posterity of Seth called the sons of God, Gen. 6.1, 2. were not a numerous people? Or that Abraham's family was so small? out of which he could gather three hundred fighting men to pursue five mighty Princes in battle? But suppose they were few, yet have not small companies, and particular persons as much need of the blessing of a Sabbath? and special communion with God therein, as great numbers and troops of people? Is not the observation of the Sabbath built upon better and surer grounds mentioned in Scripture, then bigness of number, and freedom from cumbers, not mentioned at all?