A59693:665
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 33.
Now although the Jews observing this day, the Apostles observed it among the Jews by preaching among them; yet we shall find that among the Christian Gentile Churches and believers (where no Judaism was to be so much as tolerated for a time) not any such day was thus observed, nay another day, the first day in the week is honoured and preferred by the Apostles above any other day in the week for religious and Sabbath services. For, although Holy duties do not argue alway a Holy day; yet when we shall find the Holy Ghost single out and nominate one particular day to be observed and honoured rather then any other day, and rather then the Jewish seventh day it self for Sabbath services and Holy duties: this undeniably proves that day to be the Christian Sabbath: and this we shall make evident to be the first day of the week. Which one thing seriously minded (if proved) doth utterly subvert the whole frame and force of Master Brabournes shady Discourse for the observation of the Jewish Sabbath, and most effectually establisheth the Christian Sabbath. Master Braburne therefore herein bestirs his wits, and tells us on the contrary that Paul preached not ⟨p. 19⟩only to the Jews, but even unto the Gentiles upon this Jewish Sabbath rather then any other day; and for this end brings double proof•; one is Acts 13.42, 44. where the Gentiles are said to desire Paul to preach to them [Greek or Hebrew], i. e. the week between, or any Day between till the next Sabbath (as some translate it) or (if Master Brabourne will) the next Sabbath, or Jewish Sabbath, when almost all the City came out to hear Paul, who were most of them Gentiles, not Jews. Be it so, they were Gentiles indeed; but as yet no Church or Christian Church of Gentiles actually under Christs Government and Ordinances, among whom (I say) the first day of the week was so much honoured above any other day for sacred Assemblies. For, 'tis no wonder if the Apostles yield to their desires in preaching any time of the week, which they thought the best time, even upon the Jewish Sabbath; among whom the Jews being mingled, they might have the fitter opportunity to preach to them also, and so become all things to all men to gain some. His second proof is,