Theses Sabbaticæ, or, The doctrine of the Sabbath wherein the Sabbaths I. Morality, II. Change, III. Beginning. IV. Sanctification, are clearly discussed, which were first handled more largely in sundry sermons in Cambridge in New-England in opening of the Fourth COmmandment : in unfolding whereof many scriptures are cleared, divers cases of conscience resolved, and the morall law as a rule of life to a believer, occasionally and distinctly handled / by Thomas Shepard ...

Thesis 45.

[ 45] Though also it be true that the Lord smote the Egyptians at midnight, and that the Israelites were prohibited from stirring out of doors till Morning, Exod. 12.22, 29, 30. and yet that they did stir up one another to depart before morning-light; yet it will not hence follow (as some would infer) that midnight was the beginning of their Morning: for then, 1. They might have risen at midnight just then when God was destroying the Egyptians first born, for that was part of the Morning by this account. 2. They are prohibited from stirring out of doors till Morning as of themselves: yet if God and Pharoah and Moses will force them out, there is no rule broken by stir∣ring out in such a case before day light morning. 3, 'Tis more then probable that there was some good space after midnight before they stird out, which is said to be in the Morning watch; for the Deaths stroak was at midnight after which Pharoah and his councel must fit and consult, and conclude what to do, and send for Moses; after which there must be some time for Moses to acquaint the Israelites to make them fit and ready to depart their departure; therefore in the Morning was not at midnight which began this Morning, 4. Pharoah sends for Moses after midnight, yet this Time is called Night Psal. 30.31. and not Morning; and indeed properly it was not so, onely called so by an improper speech.