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

And though some are willing to admit that of Torniellus, that in the accomplishment of the Creation, the Angels did observe the Sabbath, provided he recompense them in this particular now in question, and add that the observance of it here upon the earth was not till many ages after. Yet this naked authority being little worth, his reason is so weak in the former, that we have cause to suspect it will not prove any thing stronger in the latter; though I should have been content to afford it due consideration had it been proposed: As for the Angels singing and shouting for joy, this was performed, as Torritallus acknowledgeth, the day wherein the foundation of the earth was laid, which undoubtedly could not be after the first day of the creation. For if the foundation of the earth was not laid then, when the Lord said, that it was without form and void, and the waters covered it, I cannot devise when it should be; It is granted that it may be probably conjectured, that the sanctification of the Sabbath was before the Law, as concurring herein with Calvin, but that Calvin saith that no more, is not proved, neither is that passage exhibited wherein Calvin should deliver his mind so coldly thereof; but Calvin in his harmony upon the four books of Moses, and on the fourth Precept, is express, that Diem septimū sibi sumpsit Deus ac consecravit completa mundi creation, that God assumed and consecrated the seventh day unto himself upon the finishing of the worlds creation. And it is enough for us, that then it was instituted; and hereupon let every sober reader judge, whether it be not more then probable, that the holy Patriarchs at least observed it. Neither do we affect that any man should rest satisfied with our conjectures; but let our reasons be considered, and the plain Text of Scripture professing that ⟨p. 201⟩because God rested the seventh day, ¹therefore he blessed the seventh day and sanctified it; and let them yield thereunto no more in this particular, then whereof it doth convince a man in conscience. Yet who those late Writers be who are so unsatisfied in this point, I know not well, I verily think they are very few Protestants. Gomarus (as I remember) allegeth but two, Vatablus and Musculus, whereas Walaeus and Rivetus between them, have alleged no less than thirty maintaining the contrary.

And though some are willing to admit that of Torniellus, that in the accomplishment of the Creation, the Angels did observe the Sabbath, provided he recompence them in this particular now in question, and adde that the observance of it here upon the earth was not till many ages after. Yet this naked authority being little worth, his reason is so weake in the former, that we have cause to suspect it will not prove any thing stronger in the latter; though I should have beene content to afford it due consideration had it been proposed: As for the Angels singing and shouting for joy, this was performed, as Torritallus acknowledgeth, the day wherein the foundation of the earth was laid, which undoubtedly could not be after the first day of the creation. For if the foundation of the earth was not laid then, when the Lord said, that it was without forme and voyd, and the waters covered it, I cannot devise when it should be; It is granted that it may be probably conjectured, that the sanctification of the Sabbath was before the Law, as concurring herein with Calvin, but that Calvin saith that no more, is not proved, neither is that passage exhibited wherein Calvin should deliver his mind so coldly thereof; but Calvin in his harmony upon the foure bookes of Moses, and on the fourth Precept, is expresse, that Diem septimū sibi sumpsit Deus ac consecravit completa mundi creatione, that God assumed and consecrated the seventh day unto himselfe upon the finishing of the worlds creation. And it is enough for us, that then it was instituted; and hereupon let every sober reader judge, whether it be not more then probable, that the holy Patriarches at least observed it. Neither doe we affect that any man should rest satisfied with our conjectures; but let our reasons be considered, and the plaine Text of Scripture professing that