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 1.

THe change of this day from the last to the first of [ 1] the week, although it be confirmed by an ancient custome, yet the true reason and grounds of so great a change are not so fully known: Sacred writings not so expresly setting down (as it doth in some things of lesse concernment) the causes hereof. And many of the Arguments heaped up, and multiplyed by some for the change of it, which may seem of great weight, while they want an adversary at the other end of the Scale to bal∣lance them: Yet upon sad examination and search into them they prove too light, and consequently occasion the temptati∣on of scrupling the truth and validity of others more cleare. We are therefore with more warinesse and humility of mind to search into this Controversie, and with much thankful∣nesse and modesty to accept that little light which God gives us in greater, as well as of much light which he is pleased to lend us in smaller matters. Pascimur apertis, exercemur obscuris, was his speech long since concerning the Scriptures. There is no truth so clear, but mans loose wit can invent and mint many pernicious Cavils against it; and therefore in those things which shine forth with lesse evidence, it is no wonder if it casts such blots and staines upon them as that they can fear 〈…〉〈…〉 discerned, Nil magis inimicum veritati, acumine 〈…〉〈…〉 therfore be wise with sobriety, & remember

that in this and such like Controversies, the Scriptures were not written to answer all the scruples and objections of Cavil∣lers, but to satisfie and stablish the consciences of poor belee∣vers. And verily when I meet with such like speeches and ob∣jections as these, viz. Where is it expressely said that the old Sab∣bath is abrogated? and what one Scripture is there in the N. Testa∣ment declaring expressely that the Lords day is substituted and put in its roome? I cannot from such expressions but think and fear that the ignorance of this change in some doth not spring so much from deficiency and want of light on Gods part, but ra∣ther from perversnes on mans part, which will not see nor own the t••uth, because it is not revealed and dispensed after that manner and fashion of expression as mans wit and phan∣tasie would have it: Like Naaman, who, because the Prophet went not about the cure of his Leprosie in that way and fashi∣on which he would have him, did not therefore (for a time) see that way of cure which God had revealed to him. For the Holy Ghost is not bound to write all the principles of Religi∣on under Common-place heads, nor to say expressely, In this place of Scripture you may see the old Sabbath abrogated, and the new instituted; for we find no such kind of expressions concerning Pauls Epistles and many books of Scripture, that this or that Epistle or book is Canonical; which yet we know to be so by other evidences. We know also that the Holy Ghost by brief hints of Truth, gives occasion of large Comments; and by writing about other matters tanquam aliud agens, it brings forth to light by the By revelations of great concernment, which it saw meet purposely in that manner to make known. And as in many other things it hath thus done, so especially in this of the Sabbath. So that if our hearts like Locks were fitted to Gods Key, they would be soon opened to see thorough the difficulties of this point; which I confesse of all practicall points hath been most fu••l of knots and difficulties to my own weaknesse.

Notes

• Vide Spri•••• on Sabb. Ironsides answer to 30 Argum. Qu. 5. c. 17.
• Austin.