A DEMONSTRATION OF FAMILY-DVTIES OR Certaine Propositions and Reasons of them taken â—â—t of the holy Scriptures tending to shew the necessity nature and manner of performance of such Religious duties as Christian Families ought to spare some time unto from common affaires every day BY T. P. Joshua 24.15 But as for me and my house we will serve the Lord. M DC XLIII Printed by H. A. for Thomas Vnderhill dwelling at the signe of the Bible in Woodstreet LONDON To the truly Noble much honoured GEORGE BOOTH Esquire of Dunham-Massie together vvith the Right Honourable the Lady KATHARINE BOOTH his pious Consort And also to the vvel-affected Gentry and Commons in CHESHIRE and in Manchester Parish in LANCASHIRE THOMAS PAGET SINCERELY WISHETH an increase of the power of godlinesse which is profitable unto all things and hath the promises of the life that now is and of that which is to come AND HUMBLY PRESENTETH the ensuing discourse touching Religious Family-duties in testimony of his reall engagements to serve them in the LORD as long as he is in this tabernacle THE PREFACE THe (a) Tit. 2.11 grace of God that bringeth salvation hath abundantly appeared unto his people in these latter daies of the Christian world in their effectuall (b) Revel 18.4 calling and comming out of mysticall Babylon that they partake not of her sinnes nor receive of her plagues The (c) Revel 11.11 Spirit of life from God hath entred into his two witnesses who (d) Revel 11.7.8 had beene warred against and slaine by the beast and whose dead bodies did lie in the streets of the great city which spiritually is called Sodome and Egypt so that they have stood upon their feet and (e) Revel 6.2 gone forth conquering and to conquer by the (f) Ephes 6.17 Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God (g) 2 Cor. 10.4 5. the strong holds of Antichrist and all spirituall adversary power whatsoever And hence it is come to passe that (h) Revel 11.13 a great part of Romish Babylon is fallen and a most glorious remnant in England Scotland Ireland the United Netherlands Germany Bohemia Denmark Sweden Poland Hungary Helvetia France Geneva c. are become Protestants giving glory to the God of heaven (i) Zach. 4.7 shouting Grace Grace and (k) Revel 15.3 4. singing the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lambe saying Great and marveilous are thy workes Lord God Almighty just and true are thy waies thou King of Saints Who shalâ— not feare thee O Lord and glorifie thy Name for thou only art holy for all nations shall come worship before thee for thy judgments are made manifest The dispensation of (l) Ephes 3.8.10 the unsearchable riches of Christ according to the manifold wisdome of God in the behalfe of his Churches and people which have obteined deliverance from their spirituall captivity hath likewise been (m) 1 Cor. 12.11 made manifest in dividing to every one severally as he will (n) Math. 13.23 either thirty sixty or an hundredfold As may further appeare by a short survey of the state of his severall Churches viz. I. The Lutherane Churches as they are commoÌ„ly called through the grace of God (o) 1 Tim. 3.13 have purchased unto themselves a good degree and great boldnesse in the faith which is in Christ Jesus by their separating from Antichristian heresies and entertaining the fundamentall doctrines of justification and salvation by Christ alone For howbeit they (p) 1 Cor. 3.12 15. have built in some part wood hay stubble c. upon the foundation and in that respect shall suffer losse yet they shal be saved notwithstanding as by fire II. The Reformed Evangelicall Churches as (q) Act. 17.11 the Bereans were more noble theÌ„ the Thessalonians have (r) 2 Thess 3.1 glorified the Word of God not only in their orthodoxall soundnesse in the (Å¿) Hebr. 6.1 2. Principles and doctrine of the Sacraments (t) 1 Cor. 3.12 building gold silver precious stones c. on the foundation but also in the vindication of the glory of Gods free grace touching his absolute Election of some to grace and happinesse The efficacy of the death of Christ for his chosen called and faithfull ones Effectuall conversion Saving faith Certainty of Salvation Perseverance in grace unto the end All which may be fully read over in the acts of that most renowned and most profitable Synod assembled at Dort in Holland Anno 1618. 1619. III. The French Scotish and Belgick Reformed Churches have beene singularly beautified with their (v) Coloss 2.5 comely order decently (x) 1 Pet. 5.5 clothed with amiable humility (y) Rom. 12.3 not thinking more highly of themselves then they ought to thinke nor hierarchically (z) 3 John 9. affecting preeminence but thinking soberly As appeareth not only by their demeaning and deporting of themselves as God (a) Rom. 12.6 7 8. hath dealt to every one in office his gift of exhorting teaching ruling and distributing for the benefit comfort of the CongregatioÌ„s to which they doe minister and the Congregations submitting themselves to their Church-officers in the Lord but also by their combining themselves into (b) 1 Tim. 4.14 Presbyteries (c) Act. 15.2 Classes and Synods for the better and more (d) Prov. 11.14 prudent determination of their more weighty affaires (e) Math. 18.17 according to Christs order and rule of Discipline IV. The people of God in England howbeit their Ecclesiasticall officers have beene too like to the (f) Revel 3.15 17. Angel of the Church of Laodicea as he is notified in the Apocalyps yet they themselves are like unto those (g) Revel 3.4 few in Sardis which defiled not their garments and who shall walke with Christ in white as being worthy of (h) 1 Chron. 4.9 a more honourable name then any of the Reformed Churches for their (i) Psal 16.3 excelling in the power of godlinesse There are three choyce vertues as (k) Eccles 4.12 a threefold coard that is not quickly brokeÌ„ which have truely ennobled and renowned the people of God in England and greatly magnified the grace of God conferred on them above other Churches viz. 1. The (l) Jer. 17.24 high prizing and conscionable sanctifying of the Lords day 2. The (m) Act. 13.44 due esteeme and joyfull frequenting of Lectures 3. The (n) Genes 18.19 carefull and constant performance of religious family-duties First the unfeigned respects of the people of God in England to the sanctifying of the Lords day are (o) Rom. 1.8 spoken of throughout the Christian world both in regard of their godly-learned treatises in justification of the morality of the fourth commandement and keeping holy of the Sabbath day beyond what is ordinarily to be seene in the books of forraine Divines and also in regard of their most spirituall exemplary practise (p)
kindes of religious exercises to be observed every day are Prayer Exercise in the Scripture and Meditation 9. Prayer ought to be performed every day 10. Conceived prayer is best approved 11. Yet it is lawfull and may be expedient for some to use set formes of prayer 12. Exercise in the Scripture ought to be every day 13. Scripture-exercise consisteth in Reading Singing of Psalmes Catechizing Conferenâ—â— 14. Reading of the Scripture ought to be used daily 15. It is a good course for the most part to read the Word in order 16. Singing of Psalmes ought to be used frequently 17. Catechising ought to be used frequently 18. It is lawfull and may be expedient to use a sâ— forme of some approved Catechisme 19. Conference of Scripture matters ought to be frequent 20. Meditation ought to be daily 21. The most seasonable time of every day should be taken for religious duties 22. Morning and Evening are the most seasonable times of every day for the service of prayer and Scripture-exercise 23. In some cases the performance of religious services may sometimes be omitted 24. When such cases are it ought to be greivous to such as by occasion are necessitated to such omissions 25. Vnjust or sleight pretences for omissions should be taken heed of 26. More or lesse time must be taken unto religious duties according as circumstances will allow 27. The Families of Gods people ought both morning and evening to performe such religious services 28. Such religious services for every day ought to be performed by the whole family joyntly and together 29. But Meditation ought notwithstanding to be performed by the severall members of the family apart by themselves 30. In performance of religious family-duties some one of the family should be as the mouth of the rest for the utterance of what is performed 31. Yet in singing of Psalmes all the members of the family ought to lift up their voices together 32. The Governour of the family ordinarily is the fittest person to be as the mouth of the rest of the family 33. The Governour of the family may according to his place and gift instruct his family aswell as pray with them 34. Yet he may not presume above his place and abilities in a course of instructing of them 35. The Governour of the family in some cases may lawfully depute some fit person of his houshold to performe some service which he himselfe otherwise ought to see unto 36. If the Governour be remisse or indisposed hereunto then the wife or some other ought to put the worke forward 37. If the Governour be froward so as not to admit of family-duties then the inferiours ought to redeeme time with as good conveniency as possibly they may 38. The severall members of the family ought to performe religious services in secret besides their joynt service of God 39. Vpon extraordinary occasions religious families ought to spend more then ordinary time yea sometimes whole daies together in religious services 40. Vpon occasion of extraordinary service it lawfull may be expedient to crave the asistance of neighbour godly-brethren 41. In extraordinary cases and occasions religâ—ous fasting may and ought to be added to thâ— other religious services 42. Religious fasting may be used in families with assistants aswell as publickly as occasiâ—â— shall require 43. There are sundry extraordinary occasions foâ— religious services to be accompanied with fasting 44. As the occasions may be more frequent so oughâ— the services to be frequent also 45. As sanctifying the Sabbath day exempteth mâ— from working-working-daies service in families ss neither doe working-working-daies services exempâ—â— from keeping the Sabbath day holy wholly 46. Publick services in the solemne Congregation ought cheifly to be seene unto on the Sabbath day 47. Yet it concerneth Christian families and thâ— members thereof to see to other services alsâ— on the Sabbath day both in the family and in secret 48. All due caution and circumspection ought to be used for the declining of finister cariage in any kind of religious duties 49. All religious services ought to be performed by all sorts in a spirituall and holy manner and due order 50. The performance of religious family-duties ought not to be rested in but God is to be depended on for his blessing the same 51. Such families as call not on Gods Name are in a most dangerous state 52. So likewise are such families as doe performe religious duties amisse 53. So are they also that are carelesse of learning to reade and of procuring or making use of Bibles 54. Those families are altogether inexcusable as doe walke contrary to the good waies of God 55. Governours of families ought to endeavour earnestly after soundnesse of judgment and godlinesse of conversation 56. Governours ought to see to the waies of the members of their families committed to their charge 57. Members of families ought to be tractable and ready to joyne in family-duties submitting to their Governours therein 58. Those families are happy as having the Lord to be their God doe serve him according to his will A DEMONSTRATION OF FAMILY-DUTIES I. PROPOSITION It is the cheife grand concernment of all people to know beleeve that the Lord is God Infallible proofes taken out of the word of God to confirme the Proposition THe importance of this first Proposition is declared by two sure witnesses even the two most eminent Prophets of the old new Testament Moses Christ Moses the man of God doeth effectually inculcate it to the Israelites in the booke of Deuteronomie according to all that the Lord had given him in commandement unto theÌ„ Deut. 4.39 Know therefore this day consider it in thine heart that the Lord he is God in heaven above upon the earth beneath there is none else And Christ Iesus who was faithfull to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithfull in all his house Hebr. 3.2 being asked Mark 12.28 Which is the first commandement of all Answered vers 29. The first of all 〈◊〉 commandements is Heare O Israel the Lord 〈◊〉 God is one Lord. Reasons or arguments taken out of Gods word to demonstrate the 1. Proposition I. REASON Because God himself who is infinite in wisdome and understaâ—ding Psal 147.5 doeth plainly testify thâ—â— the most seeming considerable valuabâ—â— estimates of people are of no worth in comparisoÌ„ of knowing him to be the Lord Goâ— See Ierem. 9.23 24. Thus saith the Lord 〈◊〉 not the wise man glory in his wisdome neither 〈◊〉 the mighty man glory in his might let not then man glory in his riches But let him that glorieâ—â— glory in this that he understandeth known me that I am the Lord c. II. REAS. Because knowledge and be leefe that the Lord is God is both a goâ—â— meanes also a cleere evidence of life eteâ—nall For so our blessed Saviour acknowledgeth affirmeth in his heavenly prayer 〈◊〉 the behalfe of his disciples a little before hâ—â— sufferings Iohn
Church ought to have Elders I. REAS. Because if the directions in the holy Scripture should not be aswell gathered and drawne by just consequence from Promises Threatnings and Examples as from Doctrines and Precepts then it would follow that sundry portions of the Scriptures could not be applied for common instruction which yet is a principall end of all Scripture See Rom. 15.4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope 1. Corinth 10.11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples they are written for our admonition upon whom the ends of the world are come II. REAS. Because such directions as are implied by good consequence in the holy Scriptures by way of Promise Threatning or Example may be said to be the exposition or intimation of some commandements the which are not directly expressed As namely the observatiō of the Lords day or first day of the weeke instead of the seventh day or Sabbath of the old Testament Revel 1.10 Act. 20.7 1. Corinth 16.2 The baptising of womē aswell as men Act. 16.15 c. For our Saviour Christ after his Resurrection before his Ascention spake unto his Apostles of things perteining to the kingdome of God as it is written Act. 1.3 So that doubtlesse things practised by them afterwards which are mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles were observed by vertue of such his direction And whereas it is said 1. Iohn 3.4 Sinne is the transgression of the law The meaning seemeth to be extended thus farre that the law is transgressed not only in sinning against expresse precepts but also against implied commandements in any of the forementioned waies of Promises Threatnings or Examples recorded in the Scriptures I. OBSERVAT. The ten commandements being exceeding broad Psal 119.96 cannot be interpreted according to their just latitude unlesse their exposition be extended unto Promises Threatnings Examples c. throughout the Scriptures implying the true and full meaning of them in sundry particulars As is most evidently to be seene in the affirmative part understoode of the second and third commandements of the first table II. OBSERVAT. The Examples registred in the holy Scriptures may be said to be imitable or that ought to be imitated against which no just exception can be takē nor any good reason given why they should not belong apperteine unto all the people of God indefinitely aswell as to them themselves which have so walked and practised True it is God did some things which men cannot imitate neither is it lawfull for any to seeke to enterprise Christ likewise being God the Messias did such things which Christians neither may attempt nor can effect The Patriarchs Prophets Jews Apostles Evangelists did some things as Patriarchs as Prophets as Jews as Apostles as Evangelists wherein it is not lawfull to imitate them Magistrates Ministers Parents Masters c. have done and may doe some things which their inferiours subjected to them may not doe But in some other things God and Christ and the Patriarchs and the Prophets and the Jews and the Apostles and the Evangelists and the Magistrates Ministers Parents and Masters may ought to be followed being of generall or of speciall concernment for all or severall sorts of persons See Ephes 5.1 1. Corinth 11.1 Iames 5.10 Hebr. 6. 11 12. 12.1 Philip. 3.17 Iosh 24.15 VI. PROPOSITION One important direction and speciall concernment which God requireth in the holy Scripture is That his people shall worship and serve him in some religious performances every day in the whole course of their naturall lives PROOF Zachary the father of John the Baptist filled with the holy Ghost in his prophetical song thus expresseth this lesson Luk. 1.74.75 That we being delivered out of the hands of our enimies might serve him without feare In holinesse righteousnesse before him all the daies of our life And thus indeed the godly Israelites were wont to approve themselves as the Apostle Paul testifieth on their behalfe occasionally Act. 26.7 Vnto which promise our twelve tribes instantly serving God day night hope to come I. REAS. Because every day through Gods most wise dispensatiō government doth serve the Lord in its kinde ministring cause and occasion unto his people to serve him daily See this in Psal 19.2 Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night shewed knowledge II. REAS. Because God is the same every day unchangeable in his power in his will in his justice and in his mercy and other his divine attributes See Malac. 3.6 I am the Lord I change not Hebr. 13.8 Iesus Christ the same yesterday and to day and for ever Lament 3.22 23. His cōpassions faile not They are new every morning And therefore his people ought every day in their measure to walke answerably for so they shall walke worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing Col. 1.10 III. REAS. Because Mans short life is reckoned by daies See Job 14.1 Man the is borne of a woman is of few daies This is foure times in one sentence mentioned by the Patriarch Iacob Gen. 47.9 Iacob said unto Pharaoh The daies of the yeeres of my pilgrimage an◠an hundred and thirty yeeres few and evill have the daies of the yeeres of my life beene and have not attained unto the daies of the yeeres of the life of my fathers in the daies of their pilgrimage Moreover no man knoweth whether he shall live till to morrow James 4.14 Nor yet what a day may bring forth Prov. 27.1 And therefore it greatly behooveth to redeeme the time Ephes 5.16 for otherwise we may be surprised by the comming of the Lord in a day when we looke not for him and in an houre that we are not ware of Math. 24.50 OBSERVAT. In the old Testament God instituted and ordained that a daily sacrifice should be offered unto him See Exod. 29.36 38. Thou shalt offer every day day by day continually This his ordinance seemeth to signify to teach his people in all ages that no day should goe over their heads without performance of some religious service unto him like as they doe day by day continually expect and seeke daily bread at his hands Math. 6.11 Luk. 11.3 VII PROPOSITION The observing and sanctifying of the Lords day wholly in religious exercises publickly privately by vertue of the fourth commandement of the morall Law viz. Exo. 20.4 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy doeth not exempt or free the people of God from spending some time in religious exercises every day of the weeke besides according to that which hath beene declared in the sixt Proposition PROOF David a man after Gods owne heart 1. Sam. 13.14 that conscionably observed the Sabbath day as appeareth Psa 9◠1 Title A Psalme or song for the Sabbath day c. was conscionable also of daily service Psal 61.8 I will sing prayse unto thy Name for ever
I. REAS. Because the Lord God who â—s the onely absolute lawgiver Isaia 33.22 may dispense with his owne law as seemeth good unto himselfe and as sometimes he hath done He dispensed sometime wiâ—â— the sixt commandement of the Decalogue Thou shalt not kill when he appointed Abâ—ham to offer up his sonne Isaac See Geâ—â— 22.2 And with the eight commandemenâ— Thou shalt not steale when he directed thâ— Israelites to spoile or rob the Egyptian See Exod. 3.22 II. REAS. Because God the Father whâ—â— hath put the times in his owne power hâ—ving an absolute soveraignty over them 〈◊〉 is expressed Psal 74.16 The day is thine 〈◊〉 night also is thine may therefore disposeâ— them according to the will of his owâ— pleasure See Matth. 12.8 The sonne of mâ—â— Lord even of the Sabbath day OBSERV The Soveraigne Lord Goâ— may doe with his owne what he wilâ— Math. 20.15 Is it not lawfull for me to doe wâ—â— I will with mine owne He may appoint thâ— same time to a worke of mercy or necessity which he hath ordinarily designed unto thâ— solemne serving of him See Math. 12.7 8. XXIV PROPOSITION When by occasion of works of necessity any one is necessitateâ— to an omission of such religious serving of God in Prayer and Scripture-exercise which ought to be performed morning and evening every day Then such omission ought notwithstanding to be very greivous and taken to heart greatly by him that is exposed to so great straits PROOF This Proposition is implied in another case intimated by our Saviour Christ when he had foretold the destruction of Ierusalem unto his disciples See Math. 24.20 Pray that your flight be not on the Sabbath day For it would be greivous to fly on the Sabbath day consecrated to religious serving of God though necessity did compell thereunto sith by such flight there must needs be an unavoidable omission of the solemne worship of God So it is in other cases likewise I. REAS. Because through an omission of solemne serving of God there must needs be a want of that blessed comfort and reviving which is wont to be found in sweet communion with God therein This is evident from that complaint of David in his necessitated want of Gods solemne worship occasioned by Sauls persecuting of him Psal 63.1 2. My soule thirsteth for thee my flâ—â— longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land who no water is To see thy power and thy glory as have seene thee in the Sanctuary There is the same reason for complaint in regard of necessary omission of solemne serving of God morning and evening II. REAS. Because there is great dangeâ— of spirituall distemper in the soule of a Christian through omission of any daily duty 〈◊〉 religion For so the Apostle Paul giveth 〈◊〉 understand as it is implied Hebr. 3.13 But exhort one another daily while it is called To day lest any of you be hardened through thâ— deceitfulnesse of sinne OBSERV As the want of corporall repaâ—â— although it be but for a day will occasion and cause some faintings of spirits as is to be seene in that fainting that was in the people in Sauls army when they had had no fooâ— for the space of one day See 1 Sam. 14 2â—.29 So likewise in the want of spiritual repast to be tasted in Gods ordinances thâ— soule or inward man wil be apt and ready 〈◊〉 faintings as David professeth Psal 84. â—â— My soule fainteth for the courts of the Lord c This is likewise appliable in the case of daiâ—â— serving of God XXV PROPOSITION Vnjust and sleight pretences of want of leisure through some urgent necessity for performance of religious service at seasonable times ought carefully to be taken heed of and avoided PROOF The Prophet Haggai doeth notably convince the Jews after their returne from the captivity of grosse failing for a sleight excusing their delay of reedifying the Temple Hag. 1. vers 2. Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts saying This people say The time is not come the time that the Lords house should be built c. I. REAS. Because vaine pretences and excuses do argue and bewray unsoundnesse of heart and notorious hypocrisy which God the searcher of mens hearts and waies Jerem. 17.10 taketh notice of and convinceth as tending to apostacy See 1 Timoth. 4.2 Speaking lies in hypocrisie having their conscience seared with an hot yron II. REAS. Because such hypocriticall pretences and excuses will affoard no solid comfort in the latter end to such as make use of them as is noted Isa 33.14 The sinners in Zion are afraid fearfulnesse hath surprised the hypocrites who among us shall dweâ—â— with the devouring fire who amongst us shalâ— dwell with everlasting burnings OBSERV It is utterly a fault to be addicted to excuses yea it will find out in duâ— time and cause ruine It was inexcusable on Sauls part to command the Priest to withdraw his hand by occasion of an unjust feare of danger 1 Sam. 14.19 It was the fault of Felix to dismisse the Apostle Paul as he was preaching upon a pretence of taking a more convenient season to send for him againe Act. 24. vers 25. It was the sinne of Jeroboam the sonne of Nebat who made Israel to sinne to hinder the ten tribes from going up to Jerusalem to worship pretending it would be too much paines for them 1 King 12.28 Thus it is in all vaine and unwarrantable excuses XXVI PROPOSITION More or lesse time ought to be spent every day in religious exercises according to the gifts state degree calling and condition of persons as they shall require or admit PROOF See Luk. 12.48 Vnto whomsoever much is given of him shal be much required and to whom men have committed much of him they will aske the more I. REAS. Because God who dispenseth his gifts diversly even to every one according to his ability of imploying them viz. giving to one five talents to another two to another one Math. 25.15 He doth accordingly reckon with them vers 19. ibid. II. REAS. Because God graciously accepteth and abundantly recompenseth the religious service that any one doeth performe in trueth and sincerity according to his talent whether it be more or lesse See 2 Corinth 8.12 For if there be first a willing minde it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not OBSERV In the time of the Ceremoniall law the people of God were required to offer onely as their state and ability would suffer See an instance hereof in the case of a womans purification Levit. 12.8 If she be not able to bring a lambe then she shall bring two turtles or two yong pigeons the one for the burnt offering and the other for a sinne offering and the Priest shall make an atonement for her and she shal be cleane Our Saviour Christ likewise doth highly valew the widows farthing cast into the treasury Mark 12. vers 4â—â— XXVII PROPOSITION The daily worship and service
time of this distresse did he trespasse yet more against the Lord This is that King Ahaz XLV PROPOSITION As the sanctifying and religious observing of the Sabbath day doeth not exempt and excuse Christians from the performance of some religious duties upon the sixe working daies as it hath beene shewed and proved above Proposit 7. so neither doeth the performance of some religious duties on the sixe working daies morning and evening usually and at other times of the day or whole daies occasionally give any exemption or liberty unto them from their sanctifying oâ— the Sabbath day wholly But they are bound to keepe the Sabbath day holy both in a forbearance of all civill works recreations and also in an applying of themselves to pious services throughout the day either in publick or private or secret as occasion and opportunity serveth PROOF This is the maine scope of the fourth commandement of the Decalogue Exod. 20.8 10. Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy In it thou shalt not doe any worke thou nor thy sonne nor thy daughter nor thy man-servant nor thy maid-servant c. And thus the godly have been wont to approve themselves both in the old and new Testament See this in the religious Eunuchs and sons of strangers who kept Gods Sabbath and did not pollute it Isaiah 56.4 6. The Apostle John being in the Isle called Patmos was in the spirit or spiritually exercised on the Lords day Revel 1.10 The disciples at Troas observed the first day of the weeke or Lords day comming together to the word and Sacrament and conversing therein throughout the day I. REAS. Because the Lord hath blessed and hallowed the Sabbath day unto religious exercises and propounded his owne example to be a president herein See Exod. 20.11 And he rested the seventh day Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it II. REAS. Because such families as keepe the Sabbath day holy doe thereby declare themselves to be the people of God forâ— hallowing the Sabbath is an indicant signe of acknowledgment of respect unto the affirmative parts of the three first commandements of the first Table viz. of having the Lord to be ones God and worshipping and honouring him c. See Ezek. 20.19 20. I am the Lord your God walke in my Statuteâ— keepe my Iudgments doe them And hallâ—â— my Sabbaths and they shal be a signe betweeneâ— and you that ye may know that I am the Lorâ— your God III. REAS. Because the Lord hath made very precious promises to all such as doe conscionably keepe and sanctify the Sabbath day See Isa 58.13 14. If thou turne away thy foot from the Sabbath from doing thy pleasure on my holy day and call the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and shalt honour him not doing thine owne waies nor finding thine owne pleasure nor speaking thine owne words Then shalt thou delight thy selfe in the Lord and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth anâ— feede thee with the heritage of Jacob thâ— father for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it This goodnesse of God shoulâ— prevaile with his people to feare him anâ— keepe his commandements See Hos 3.5 IV. REAS. Because of the severity of God against profaners and breakers of the Sabbath day manifested by his threatning and executing of punishments See Jerem. 17.27 But if you will not hearken unto me to hallow the Sabbath day and not to beare a burden even entring in at the gates of Ierusalem on the Sabbath day then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof and it shall devoure the palaces of Ierusalem and it shall not be quenched Exod. 35.2 Whosoever doeth worke therein shal be put to death Numb 15.36 And all the Congregation brought him the Sabbath breaker without the campe and stoned him with stones and he died as the Lord commanded Moses This terrour of the Lord should perswade men See 2 Cor. 5.11 I. OBSERV The law of the Sabbath day is one of the ten commandements Exod. 34.28 It is one of the lawes of nature written in mens hearts that sufficient time be taken unto Gods solemne worship which God according to his infinite wisdome hath appointed determined shal be one of seven See Rom. 2.14 15. Eccles 3.1 compar Exod. 20.10 11. Act. 20.7 II. OBSERV The doing of the works of piety mercy and necessity on the Sabbath day in a due way are not any breach or profanation of the day but rather such duties as ought to be done which doe also tend to the sanctifying thereof as being agreeabâ—â— to the minde of God who is the Lord 〈◊〉 the Sabbath day and will have mercy anâ— not sacrifice inasmuch as he made the Sabbath for man and not man for the Sabbath See Math. 12.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. Mark 2 2â— Luk. 13.15 16. III. OBSERV It is a vaine sinfull pretence of Anabaptists and Libertines that iâ— these daies of the Gospell our Christian lâ—berty freeth us from the strict observation of any one day of the weeke unto the Lord more then any other of the sixe pretending that every day ought to be a Sabbath day to Christians alledging and objecting Coloss 2.16 Hebr. 4.10 in defence of their errour and so for want of understanding learning and stability doe wrest these other places in the Apostle Pauls Epistles to their owne destruction as the Apostle Peter sheweth 2 Pet. 3.15 16. The text Coloss 2.16 Let no man therefore judge you in meate or in drinke or in respect of an holy day or of the new Moone or of the Sabbath daies is to be understood of Jewisâ— festivities in their severall kindes and not of the morall Sabbath day But if the morall Sabbath day be at all meant then it is only in respect of observing the last day of the weeke sith the first day of the weeke was now appointed to be observed for the Sabâ—ath day in the daies of the new Testament â—ee Act. 20.7 1 Corinth 16.2 Revel 1.10 The text Hebr. 4.10 For he that is entred â—nto his rest he also hath ceased from his owne â—orke as God did from his is to be understood â—ouching the state condition of the people â—f God that did live and were under the old Testament aswell as of their state that doe â—ive and are under the new Testament and â—herefore ought not to be restrained unto â—hese daies and times of the Gospell For so â—he scope and coherence of the text doeth â—asily and plainly make manifest to any considerate and judicious reader thereof XLVI PROPOSITION The religious duties and services which Christian families ought to observe and attend on the Sabbath day are cheifly those which ought to be performed conversed in in the publick and solemne assemblies of the Church or Congregation assembled together to such end PROOF The members of the Church at Troas and other brethren occasion there assembled on
Isa 58.13 Calling the Sabbath a delight the holy of the Lord honourable and honouring him not doing their owne waies nor finding their owne pleasure nor speaking their owne words c. True it is the generality both of the Ministers People in England have conceited too meanly and unbeseemingly of the Lords day as is palpably argued by the common neglect and contempt of preaching and by the unwarrantable liberties given and taken on that day Yea there have beene found some in England like those of (q) Act. 6.9 the Synagogue of Libertines that coÌ„tradicted the blessed martyr StepheÌ„ who have imployed both their witts tongues pennes to plead against the necessary and strict keeping holy the Sabbath day But albeit the more number-some and greater sort doe (r) Hos 11.12 compasse God about with lyes deceit yet the better more pious people doe rule with God and are faithfull with the Saints being heartily (Å¿) Ezek. 9.4 greived for the abominations done in the midst of the land on the Sabbath day Secondly the sincere respects of the people of God in England to Lectures appeare both by their great (t) 2 Sam. 24.24 costs to uphold and establish them where maintenance hath beene wanting otherwise and likewise by the fulnesse of the assemblies not only in London and greater cities but also in other parts of the countrey where they are used Oh how my spirits are revived and cheered and my heart (v) Psal 122.1 2. comforted within me when I call to minde the great concourse of well-affected Christians in severall parts of Lancashire and Cheshire where sometimes I had my station who have resorted to Lectures and monethly exercises as (x) Isa 60.8 doves fly to their windows going from strength to strength many miles round about till they appeared before God in the assembly of Saints Such their course seemed to be a reall experimentall commentary on the 84 Psalme True it is there hath beene speciall opposition against Lectures in England I tremble to mention it through the absurd unreasonablenesse of some seeking (y) 2 Thess 3.2 to hinder the free course of the Gospell But such their (z) 2 Tim. 3 8 9. folly and madnesse in resisting the trueth is made manifest to all men Thirdly the respective performance of religious family-duties by the people of God in England crowneth their keeping of the Sabbath and attendance on Lectures sith thereby it is demonstrated that their (a) Deut. 6.6 7. Christian profession is to purpose turning words into works and attaining a power of godlinesse aswell as the forme of it True it is that some professing themselves to be the people of God notwithstanding that family-duties are (b) Hos 8.12 of the great things of the law yet doe count them as a strange thing Not unlike those ignorant baptized (c) Act. 19.2 disciples at Ephesus who being asked whether they had received the holy Ghost since they had beleeved said They had not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost But (d) Hebr. 13.22 I beseech such to suffer the words of instruction and exhortation in the discourse ensuing True it is also there are some (e) Gen. 21.9 Gal. 4.29 scoffing Ismaels and (f) 2 Sam. 6.16 20. giering Micals who doe despise in their hearts and persecute what in them lieth the families that call upon Gods Name for their performance of family-duties But let such know that godly families are not wont to be daunted by (g) Hebr. 11.36 the tryall of cruell mockings as being resolved in their measure with David to be (h) 2 Sam. 6.22 yet more vile then thus if this be to be vile and with Joshua that however it may seeme evill to others to serve the Lord Yet (i) Josh 24.15 as for them their houses they will serve the Lord. Now forasmuch as many of the Lords approved workmeÌ„ have taken in hand to set forth their well studied labours to defend and promote the religious observation oâ— the Lords day and to justify and encourage effectuall preaching and fruitfull hearing of the word It seemed good to me also knowing that I am (k) Philip. 1.17 set for the cause of the Gospel to put forth my slender talent in composing an Essay touching the necessity nature and manner of performance of religious family-duties if so I may give an (l) Math. 25.19 Hebr. 13.17 Luk. 16.2 Neh. 13.22 account of my stewardship with joy and be spared according to the greatnesse of Gods tender mercies when I shal be summoned to a reckoning in that day And this I have attempted the rather (m) Psal 122.8 for my brethren companions sakes whose spiritual good and prosperity I unfeignedly desire and seeke after partly to stirre up and helpe forward the sincere and zealous devotions of such as desire to (n) Psal 10.2 walke within their houses with a perfect heart partly likewise to provoke such as are of greater abilities to contribute our of their (o) Math. 13.52 old and new store into our Lords treasury who standeth (p) Mark 12.41 to behold and observe and will graciously accept and commend the liberality of offerers be the gift never so meane It is undoubtedly (q) Math. 25.22.23 well done of Gods good and faithfull servants the godly-zealous preachers in England that in their sermons and treatises they doe most seriously call for and frequently inculcate an exercise and practise of religious family-duties but yet me thinks it may seeme to be some upbraiding of the reformed times that there is no peculiar treatise bestowed on this subject at least that I have either seene or ever heard of The blessing of God (r) Ephes 3.14 15. the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and on earth is named and (Å¿) Jerem. 31.1 the God of all the families of the English Israel goe along graciously with this poore and weake endeavour for the glory of his great Name and the spirituall welfare of my most endeared countreâ— men Even so prayeth his Lord unworthy servant and humble pâ—â—titioner at the throne of grace THOMAS PAGE A Series or order of the severall Propositions in the ensuing Demonstration 1. IT is a grand concernment to know and beleeve that the Lord is God 2. Such as know and beleeve that the Lord is God ought to worship and serve him 3. God ought to be worshipped and served according to his owne appointment 4. The word of God is the rule of the worship and service which God hath appointed 5. The rule directed in the Word is not only expressed in doctrinall precepts but also is implied in the promises threatnings and examples 6. One cheife direction is that God be served every day in some religious exercises 7. A religious sanctifying of the Sabbath day doeth not exempt any from religious duties on the working daies 8. The
that I may daily performe my vowes So the Christians in the new Testament had respect not only unto the Lords day to keepe it holy Act. 20.7 Vpon the first day of the weeke the disciples came together to breake bread c. but also to religious exercises daily Act. 17.11 And searched the Scriptures daily I. REAS. Because God is the absolute soveraigne Lord of every day to order and dispose of it as seemeth good unto the will of his divine pleasure Psal 74.16 The day is thine the night also is thine thou hast prepared the light and the Sunne And therfore he hath authority to command and appoint such service to be done as he pleaseth either in our generall or particular callings II. REAS. Because in the old Testament there were sundry times set apart unto divine worship by Gods owne institution and appointment besides the morall Sabbath day Levit. 23.4 c. These are the feasts of the Lord even holy convocations which ye shall proclaime in their seasons viz. The Passover The feast of the first fruits of Pentecost of Trumpets of Tabernacles the day of atonement c. So that the keeping of the morall Sabbath should be no prejudice to religious service at any other seasonable times OBSERVAT. The meaning of the argument used to perswade unto the religious keeping of the Sabbath day in Exod. 20.9 Sixe daies shalt thou labour doe all thy worke c. seemeth to be that the works of mens particular callings may ought to be done only within the space of the sixe daies of the weeke and not on the seventh or Sabbath day But it doth not follow hence as if men were not allowed to serve God religiously at any time within the sixe daies And this will further appeare if it be also observed that labour in mens particular callings is not commanded in the fourth commandement of the Decalogue sith it is in the first table which enjoyneth our duty towards God but it seemeth to be required in the eight commandement which is in the second table directing our duty towards our selves and our neighbours VIII PROPOSITION The worship and religious seâ—vice which ought to be perfoâ—med unto God every day is tâ— Prayer 11. Some exercise in thâ— holy Scripture and III. Godlâ— Meditation The Proofes and Reasons of this Propâ—sition are to be seene in the declaration 〈◊〉 these kindes of religious services distinctly as followeth IX PROPOSITION Prayer unto God is a princâ—pall part of such religious woâ—ship service as is taught in thâ— holy Scriptures in which the people of God ought to spend somâ—time every day PROOF This Proposition is by goodâ— just consequence implied in the Lords prâ—yer as it is usually styled in that fourth â—â—rection or petition Math. 6.11 Give us 〈◊〉 day our daily bread which is also expressed the same effect Luk. 11.3 For hereâ—â— we are given to understand that it is our duty to seeke unto God every day for a supply of daily requisites for subsistance in this life And this is manifest the rather if we doe observe that the terme or adverbiall particle of time This day or To day implieth Every day as it shall succeed other day by day continually I. REAS. Because whereas the evills miseries of sinne punishment are every day incident Math. 6.34 Sufficient unto the day is the evill thereof Prayer to God is a most effectual meanes to prevent or stay or remove the same See this Amos 7.2 3 4 5 6. 1. Chron. 4.10 Amos and Iabez by their prayers prevented stayed and removed invading evills God accepting them And thus much may also be gathered from the following directions and deprecations in the Lords prayer Math. 6.12 13. Forgive us our debts Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evill For God is able to keepe from falling Iude ver 24. to subdue iniquity Micah 7.19 to deliver out of temptation 2. Pet. 2.9 to uphold in weaknesse 2. Cor. 12.9 and to stay the course of evills 2. Chron. 30.20 Yet notwithstanding he wil be sought unto therein Ezek. 36. vers 37. Thus saith the Lord God I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to doe it for them II. REAS. Because Prayer to God that most powerfull way and meanes whicâ— God hath ordained and sanctified for thâ— obteining of such blessings as he purposeâ— to bestow upon his people As it is directâ— taught Math. 7.7 8. Aske and it shal be givâ—â— you seeke and ye shall finde knock and it shâ—â—â—â— opened unto you For every one that asketh â—â—ceiveth and he that seeketh findeth and to bâ— that knocketh it shal be opened Ierem. 29 1â— 13. Then shall ye call upon me and ye shall go 〈◊〉 pray unto me and I will hearken unto you Aâ—â— ye shall seeke me and finde me when ye shall seâ—â—â—â— for me with all your heart III. REAS. Because Prayer giveth 〈◊〉 sanctified and comfortable use of such blâ—â—sings and mercies as are already possessed aâ—â— enjoyed by the people of God See 1 Tiâ— 4.4 5. Every creature of God is good c. for 〈◊〉 is sanctified by the word and prayer OBSERVAT. When God is sought unâ—â— every day by prayer for a bestowing of daâ—â—â— requisites it is a good testimony that theâ—â— is an acknowledgment and dependance tâ— his gracious providence fatherly dispeâ—sation continually as it is implied in Psal 6 2. O thou that hearest prayer unto thee shall 〈◊〉 flesh come The Psalmist David in time of thâ— famine which lasted three yeeres soughâ— unto God for daily bread 2. Sam. 21.1 c And having received an answer of peace he penned as may be probably conjectured the 65th Psalme to expresse his gratitude and to teach others how to demeane themselves in time of straits and wants namely to goe to God that heareth prayers when he is sought unto and called upon X. PROPOSITION The best and most acceptable way and course for the people of God to approve themselves in the performance of the service of prayer is that having a gift of knowledge and utterance they doe not limit stint themselves unto a set forme of words but rather that they doe conceive their Prayer as cause occasion shall justly require PROOF The holy servants of God mentioned and approved of in Scripture in their course of praying have beene wont usually for the most part to coÌ„ceive their prayers Daniel greatly beloved wheÌ„ he understood by his reading in the booke of the prophesy of Jeremiah the number of the yeeres to be accomplished in the desolations of Jerusalem conceiveth his prayer accordingly See Dan. 9.1 c. The booke of God is plentifull in instances of this kinde as may be seene in the booke of Psalmes and otheâ— historicall books I. REAS. Because every gift of God Spirit and consequently the gift of prayer ought to be stirred up and exercised according to just occasions offering themselves See 2 Timoth. 1.6 I
the first day of the weâ—â— or Lords day to joyne together in the â—â—lemne worship of God besides any otâ—â—â— course held and observed on the other 〈◊〉 daies in their generall or particular calling See Act. 20.7 And upon the first day of 〈◊〉 weeke when the disciples came together to brâ—â—â— bread Paul preached unto them c. This 〈◊〉 appeare likewise from what is noted of 〈◊〉 Jewish people Act. 13.15 And after then ding of the law and the Prophets on the Sabath day vers 14. the rulers of the Synagâ—â— sent unto them saying Yee men and brethren ye have any word of exhortation for the people 〈◊〉 on c. Act. 15.21 For Moses of old time bâ— in every citie them that preach him being rulâ—â— the Synagogues every Sabbath day Yea heâ—â— it was that our Saviour Christs custome 〈◊〉 when he fulfilled his ministery in the dâ—â—â— of his flesh to goe to the Synagogues the Sabbath daies See Luk. 4.16 I. REAS. Because the due keeping of 〈◊〉 Sabbath day holy seemeth to be speciaâ— argued and approved by a due frequentlâ— of the publick assemblies at the times of â—â—lemne worship This argument may be â—â—ferred from the connexion of the two claâ—â—ses in a direction given by the Lord himselâ— Levit. 26.2 Yee shall keepe my Sabbaths 〈◊〉 â—everence my Sanctuary I am the Lord. As if he had said ye shall approve your keeping the Lords Sabbaths by a due respect unto the publick assemblies II. REAS. Because publick communion in the solemne ordinances of God on the Sabbath day is a principall cheife end though not the only end of our union and consociation with particular Churches sith Church-ordinances are of a publick nature and dispensed by publick persons called thereunto See 1 Cor. 10.16 17. The cup of blessing which we blesse is it not the communion of the blood of Christ The bread which we breake is it not the communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread and one body for we are all partakers of that one bread The publick ordinances conversed in are as it were badges of Gods people See Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his word unto Iacob his statutes and his judgments unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation c. III. REAS. Because of the speciall blessing which God hath appointed unto such sanctifying the Sabbath day in the publick assemblies and Church-meetings See Isa 56 6 7. Also the sonnes of strangers that joyne themselves to the Lord to serve him and to love the Name of the Lord to be his servants every one that keepe the Sabbath from polluting it and takeâ— hold of my covenant Even them wilâ— bring to my holy Mountaine and maâ—â— them joyfull in my house of Prayer the burnt-offrings and their sacrifices shaâ—â— accepted upon mine Altar for my hod shal be called a house of prayer for all people See also Psal 133.3 In Zion thâ— Lord commanded the blessing even laâ—â— for evermore Like as the Prophet Eliâ—â— went a long journey in the strength of the meat and drinke which the Angel of Goâ— provided for him 1 King 19.7 8. Evenâ—â— the members of godly families feedinger their spirituall food dispensed on the Lord day in the congregation of Saints may wâ—â— in the strength of it till they appeare befoâ—â— the Lord againe in Zion the next Sabbaâ—â— day See Isa 66.23 I. OBSERV A consociation or joynâ—â— together in Church-fellowship is a meâ— eminent and more worthy relation theâ—â— the relation that is in families See Act. 2 4â— And the Lord added to the Church daily such 〈◊〉 should be saved Howbeit that relation whiâ—â— is in families is a most comfortable and goeâ— condition See Psal 68.6 God setteth these litary in families c. II. OBSERV The solemne and public ordinances to be observed and conversed in on the Sabbath day in the Congregation or Church-meeting are the Ministery of the Word the Administration of Sacraments if occasion serve thereunto Prayers Distribution to the Poore and Singing of Psalmes See Act. 2.42 20.7 1 Corinth 16.2 Psal 92.1 Title III. OBSERV Such as are conversant in Gods ordinances in the publick assemblies on the Sabbath day ought to be disposed as one man attending seriously the sacred businesse in hand not suffering themselves to be taken up with private reading prayer meditation wandring thoughts drowsinesse c. See Act. 2.1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come they were all with one accord in one place See also Eccles 5.1 Keepe thy foot when thou goest to the house of God and be more ready to heare then to give the sacrifices of fooles for they consider not that they doe evill IV. OBSERV They deceive themselves greatly who under a pretence of better profiting themselves in reading of good books at home and private devotions doe neglect to converse with God and his people in the publick ordinances on the Sabbath day as may appeare by a consideration of what is written Rom. 10.17 Faith commeth by hearing and hearing by the word of God 1 Cor. 1.21 For after that in the wisdome of God the world bâ— wisdome knew not God it pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching to save them that beleeve 1 Pet. 2.2 As new borne babes desire the sincâ—â— milke of the word that yee may grow thereby Prov. 28.9 He that turneth away his eare from hearing the law even his prayer shal be abomination XLVII PROPOSITION Albeit a converse in religious services in the solemne assemblies of the Church doth in speciall tend to a sanctifying of the Sabbath day Yet the members of Christian families ought likewise to serve God in the family and in secret on the Sabbath day as opportunity serveth thereunto when they are not imployed in publick PROOF Our Saviour Christ and his family notwithstanding their respective frequenting the Synagogues on the Sabbath daies yet after the publick ministery was ended they also redeemed the time in private unto religious exercises This may appeare Math. 12.1 13.1 compared with Math. 13.36 37. Then Iesus sent the multitude away and went into the house and his disciples came unto him saying Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field He answered and said unto them He that soweth the good seed is the sonne of man c. See also Mark. 1.21 c. I. REAS. Because the Sabbath day ought to be sequestred wholly from a pursuit of profits and pleasures of this life and to be spent wholly in holy exercises publickly or privatly as the Lord hath commanded Exod. 20.8 Remember the Sabbath day to keepe it holy c. for here is no exemption nor exception given to any part of the day that it should not be sanctified and kept holy aswell as the other parts of the day See also Isaiah 58.13 14. II. REAS. Because a performance of religious exercises in private on the Sabbath day tendeth much unto a better profiting by the administration