A63997:120
The Christian Sabbath defended against a crying evil in these times of the antisabitarians…
The Christian Sabbath defended against a crying evil in these times of the antisabitarians of our age: wherein is showed that the morality of the fourth Commandment is still in force to bind Christians unto the sanctification of the Sabbath day. Written by that learned assertor of the truth, William Twice D.D. late prolocutor to the Assembly of Divines.The Christian Sabbath defended against a crying evil in these times of the antisabitarians of our age: wherein is shewed that the morality of the fourth Commandement is still in force to bind Christians unto the sanctification of the Sabbath day. Written by that learned assertor of the truth, William Twisse D.D. late prolocutor to the Assembly of Divines.
London: printed for Thomas Pierrepont, 1652
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.
To this I reply.
Here we have acknowledged, that not only some time,1 but also a sufficient proportion of time is to be set apart for Gods public service, and that by the very light of nature; for that I conceive to be his meaning, and not with reference to the precise Commandment commanding it but with reference unto it as it is moral, and so acknowledged by light of nature. For it is apparent that the Commandment in requiring a seventh doth therein require one day in seven, and not leave it at random, what proportion of time, but defines it. 2. I appeal to every mans conscience, and that as guided by the very light of nature so far as it may be justly thought to be incorrupt, whether it be not more fit the Lord himself should set down what proportion of time he thinks sufficient, then that the definition hereof should be left to the servant, and that for these considerations. 1. If it be left unto man, how improbable is it that all the Nations of the World (as Christians are or may be found in all) will concur in judgement, and if they do not, who seeth not what a way is hereby opened to miserable distraction and confusion, consider what Socrates hath written of different rites in keeping Lent, and in observing holidays. 2. If it be left to man, it is very likely that little enough will be thought sufficient, so burdensome unto flesh and blood is Gods service; and the major part in most Nations (if not in all) even of the best (as is to be feared) is not truly regenerate. For as our Saviour tells us though many be called yet but few ⟨p. 70⟩are chosen. 3. upon this he concludes it may not be differed to the twentieth day; yet it is well known that Brentius hath professed it may be differed to the fourteenth upon Leviticus. 25.8. as Doctor Bound allegeth him. Now if so great a writer hath been of opinion that from the seventh it may be put off to the 14th. why may not another rise up and maintain that from the fourteenth it may be put off to the twentieth, so dangerous it is to forsake that light which God hath given us in his Word; and by way of divination, hunt after a new light of evidence in the counsels of our own hearts. In the light of my conscience it seems most absurd, that it should be left to the servant to cut out what proportion of service he thinks good unto his master.