2. Another sin which hath ⟨p. 60⟩brought us low, is Sabbath-profanation. The Sabbath is given as a distinctive Sign between the people of God, and the profane. Exod. 31.17. And among the Primitive Saints, when the question was asked, Hast thou kept the Lords Day? *the answer was, I am a Christian, and dare not omit the celebration of this day. The Lord hath commanded the observation of the Sabbath under a sub poenâ. He hath enclosed this day for himself: He hath set an hedge about it. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day. But how is this enclosure made common? This blessed day which is made purposely for communion with God, is become a day of perambulation. People frequent the Fields or Taverns, more than the holy assemblies. O that our head were waters, and our ⟨p. 61⟩eyes a fountain of tears! That we might weep, *To see men pollute what God himself hath consecrated. If they are to take Physic, it must be on the Lords Day; if they are to make Feasts or Visits, it must be on this day. And so in a profane sense, they call the Sabbath a delight. *Sabbath-breaking is Sacrilege; 'tis a robbing God of his due. *People take that time which should be dedicated wholly to the Lord, and spend it in the service of the Devil and their lusts: and hath not this sin brought us low? God threatens Jer. 17.27. If ye will not hearken to me, to hallow the Sabbath Day, then will I kindle a fire. I observe, the devouring Fire which brake out in London, began on the Sabbath Day; as if God would tell us from Heaven, he was now punishing us, for our profaning his day.
2. Another sin which hath ⟨p. 60⟩brought us low, is Sabbath-prophanation. The Sabbath is given as a distinctive Sign between the people of God, and the prophane. Exod. 31.17. And among the Primitive Saints, when the question was asked, Hast thou kept the Lords Day? *the answer was, I am a Christian, and dare not omit the celebration of this day. The Lord hath commanded the observation of the Sabbath under a sub poenâ. He hath enclosed this day for himself: He hath set an hedge about it. Remember to keep holy the Sabbath Day. But how is this enclosure made common? This blessed day which is made purposely for communion with God, is become a day of perambulation. People frequent the Fields or Taverns, more than the holy assemblies. O that our head were waters, and our ⟨p. 61⟩eyes a fountain of tears! That we might weep, *To see men pollute what God himself hath consecrated. If they are to take Physick, it must be on the Lords Day; if they are to make Feasts or Visits, it must be on this day. And so in a prophane sense, they call the Sabbath a delight. *Sabbath-breaking is Sacriledge; 'tis a robbing God of his due. *People take that time which should be dedicated wholly to the Lord, and spend it in the service of the Devil and their lusts: and hath not this sin brought us low? God threatens Jer. 17.27. If ye will not hearken to me, to hallow the Sabbath Day, then will I kindle a fire. I observe, the devouring Fire which brake out in London, began on the Sabbath Day; as if God would tell us from Heaven, he was now punishing us, for our prophaning his day.
- *Servasti dominicum?
- *Jer. 9.1.Ier. 9.1.
- *Isa. 58.13.
- *Justitia suum cuique tribuit.Iustitia suum cuique tribuit.
