A63997:283
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
THE DOCTRINE OF THE SABBATH DELIVERED in the Act at Oxenford, Anno… › Section 8
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.
And therefore I cannot but wonder at the indiscretion of this Prefacer, who catcheth after such a superficial advantage as the denomination of a feast amongst the Jews, not considering how little suitable it is to the grounds of his Tenet; For by his Tenet, after evening Prayer the Sabbath is at end, the Churches meaning being not any further to oblige them to the sanctifying of the Lords Day, but to give them liberty to use any sports or pastimes not forbidden them by the Laws of the Land. But so was not the feast of the Jews ended when they danced; this being but an expression of that joy whereunto the present solemnity called them; and they sinned no more herein then David, did when he danced before the Ark; as we see Jer. 31.12. Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord for Wheat, and for Wine, and for Oil, and for the young of the flock, and of the heard, and their soul shall be as a well watered Garden, and they shall not sorrow any more at all. 13: Then shall the Virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men, and old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them & make them rejoice for their sorrow. 14. And I will satiate the soul of the Priest with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness saith the Lord. And the like we read Isaiah 30.19. Ye shall have a song as in the Night, when an holy solemnity is kept, and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a Pipe to come into the Mountain of the Lord to the mighty One of Israel; so that if Morricing and May-games and Dancing about May-poles were a sanctifying of the Sabbath Day in part (as the Lord commands the day to ⟨p. 184⟩be sanctified) then indeed these sports were as lawful on the Lords Day, as the Jews piping and dancing were lawful on their feasts. But that any such piping and dancing were used and allowed in those ancient times among the Jews on their Sabbaths, there is not the least colour of evidence. And it is evident that such sports put them to less rest for their bodies, then the works of their calling; neither is there any better evidence that any such piping and dancing were in use amongst the Jews while they continued the people of God on every day of their solemn feasts;
And therefore I cannot but wonder at the indiscretion of this Prefacer, who catcheth after such a superficiall advantage as the denomination of a feast amongst the Jewes, not considering how little sutable it is to the grounds of his Tenet; For by his Tenet, after evening Prayer the Sabbath is at end, the Churches meaning being not any further to oblige them to the sanctifying of the Lords Day, but to give them liberty to use any sports or pastimes not forbidden them by the Lawes of the Land. But so was not the feast of the Jewes ended when they danced; this being but an expression of that joy whereunto the present solemnity called them; and they sinned no more herein then David, did when hee danced before the Arke; as wee see