The Christian Sabbath defended against a crying evil in these times of the antisabitarians…

Secondly, and here in the first place concerning the institution of it; let me take leave to profess, that the question it ⟨p. 189⟩self is not indifferently stated, when it is stated thus, whether before the publishing of Moses Law, the Sabbath was to be observed by the law of Nature. For I am verily persuaded, that the Doctor himself will not affirm, that after the publishing of Moses law, it was to be observed by the law of nature; understanding by the law of nature (as I presume he doth) such a law as is known by the very light of nature. Aristotle hath taught us in general, that moral duties are rather wrought upon a sober conscience by persuasion, than do carry with them any convincing evidence of demonstration. Yet it is confessed, that by the light of nature, some time ought to be set apart, even for the public service and worship of God, and not only so, but also it is nothing less clear, that a sufficient proportion of time must be allotted to the professed service of our Creator. But wherein this sufficient proportion of time doth consist, we are to seek, being left unto our selves, and in my judgement, considering what we are, it is very fit we should be to seek in this; that so our eyes may wait upon the direction of our Maker. For, is it fit that servants should cut out a proportion of service to their Master at their own pleasure, and not rather be guided herein by their Masters pleasure, especially by such a Master, to whom we owe not only all that we do enjoy, but our selves also; who holdeth our souls in life, and in whose hands is the breath of all man-kind. The question thus untowardly proposed, it is subjoined that, They commonly which are more apt to say any thing, than able afterward to prove it, maintain affirmatively that it was. Doctor Rivet having proposed this, addeth, that if it be spoken of the law of nature, properly so called, scarce any one will be found to maintain any such thing. And indeed, the question in hand, is of the institution of the Sabbath: Now, no wise man useth to inquire of the institution of that which is written in our hearts, and known unto us by the very common light of nature. It is true, some fetch the original thereof from the beginning of the world, when God first blessed the seventh day and sanctified it:

Secondly, and here in the first place concerning the institution of it; let mee take leave to professe, that the question it ⟨p. 189⟩