The Christian-man's calling: or, A treatise of making religion ones business.: Wherein the nature and necessity of it is discovered. : As also the Christian directed how he may perform it in [brace] religious duties, natural actions, his particular vocation, his family directions, and his own recreations. / By George Swinnock ...

CHAP. XXI. How to exercise our selves to godliness on a Lords Day.

BEcause the Lords Day is the special time for Religious Duties, I shall therefore Reader, give thee here some particular directions for thy Sanctification of it, and Edification by it.

As of all actions, none call for more care then holy duties; so of all seasons for those actions, none commandeth so much caution and Consci∣ence as the Lords Day.

The first Command teacheth us the object of Worship; the second, the matter of Worship;

the third, the manner of Worship; the fourth, the time of Worship.

That God is to be worshipped, * 1.1 that some time must be set apart for that work, is Moral, Natu∣ral, and written on the Tables of all our hearts; but that one day of seven must be consecrated to this end, is Moral, Positive, and written on the Tables of stone.

All Nations have had their seasons for Sacrifice, even the Heathen who worshipped dumb Idols, had their Festivals and Holy days. It is reported of Alexander Severus, Emperor of Rome, that he would on a Sabbath Day lay aside his Wordly af∣fairs, and go into the Capitol to Worship his gods. Among those that acknowledge the true God, the Turks have their Stata tempora, set times of devo∣tion, nay, they have their Fryday Sabbath.

But to keep the Lords Day upon a conscientious ground, and in a religious manner, is peculiar to the true Christian. In the primitive times, the observation of this day was esteemed the princi∣pal sign of a Saint. Indeed our Sanctification of it, is by God himself counted a sign that he hath sancti∣fied us, Exod. 31.13.

It is observable, that God hath fenced this Com∣mand with more hedges then ordinary, to pre∣vent our excursions:

1. It is markt with a Memento above other com∣mands, Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy; partly, because of our forgetfulness; and partly, because of its concernments.

2. Its delivered both Negatively, and Affirma∣tively,

which no other commands is, to shew how strongly it bindes.

3. It hath more Reasons to enforce it then any other Precept; Its Equity, Gods Bounty, His own Pattern, and the Days Benediction.

4. Its put in the close of the first, * 1.2 and begin∣ning of the second Table, to note, that the obser∣vation of both Tables, depends much upon the Sanctification of this day.

It is considerable also, that it is more repeated then other of the Commands, Exod. 20.31. & 14.34. and 24.35. & 1.19. Levit. 3.28.30.

God would have Israel know, * 1.3 in those fore∣quoted places, that their busiest times, earing and harvest, and the very building of the Taberna∣cle, must give way to this Precept.

On the Lords Day we go into Gods Sanctuary, and his pleasure is, that we reverence his Sanctuary, Levit. 19.30. The Jews indeed made a great stir about their outward reverencing the Temple: * 1.4 They tell us, they were not to go in with a staff, nor shoes, nor to spit in it, nor when they went away, to turn their backs upon it, but go sideling, Ezek. 8.16. but certainly Gods meaning is princi∣pally, that we do with inward reverence and se∣riousness worship him in his Sanctuary.

Reader, I desire thee to take notice, that the more holy any action is, the more heedful thou oughtest to be about it: Upon which account, the duties of this day require extraordinary dili∣gence; for they have a double die of holiness up∣on them, they are double gilt: Thy task on that

day, or the exercises thereof, are of Divine Insti∣tution, and so is the time, the day: Thou hast Gods hand and seal to the duties, he commands thee to pray, hear, sing, meditate, receive the Sa∣crament; and thou hast also Gods hand and seal to the day, Acts 20.7. 1 Cor. 16.2. Revel. 1.10. It is considerable, that in the fourth Command, God doth not say, Remember the seventh day, to keep it holy; but, Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy; this Zanchy takes great notice of: further, the se∣venth, or a seventh, is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; so then the morality of that Command is one day of even. The Jews seventh day was buried in Christs grave, though its shadow walked a little while after. Take heed how thou observest this day, Gods eye is very much upon thy behavior in his house; there∣fore in the Tabernacle, the place of publike worship, it was commanded, * 1.5 Exod. 25.37. Thou shalt make seven lamps, and they shall light the lamps that they may give light: to teach us, that nothing there escapes his sight, for in his house there is always light: His eye beholds all thy commission of evil, and all thine omission of good there: In his Sanctuary thou canst not sin in secret; there are seven Lamps to discover thy miscarriages in the Lords house, and therefore it behoves thee to be very pious in that place. Af∣terwards, when the Temple was built, and became heir to the Tabernacle, as that succeeded this in the Celebration of Gods Worship, so also in Gods observation of all the works done there: Mine eye (saith God) shall be there perpetually, 1 Kings 9.3. There is a threefold eye of God present in the Assemblies of his people.

1. There is the eye of observation and inspection: God seeth what uprightness and seriousness there is in thy prayers and performances; God eyeth and takes notice, what integrity and fervency thou hast in thy services and sacrifices: Mine eyes are upon all their ways, Jer. 16.17. Whether thou art praying, or reading, or hearing, or singing, his eye is upon thee; and whether thou perform∣est thy duties slothfully and sluggishly, or duti∣fully and diligently, he observeth thee: His eyes behold, and his eye-lids try the children of men.

2. There is the eye of favour and benediction: Gods eye can convey a blessing as well as his hand: I will set mine eyes upon them for good, Amos 9.4. And Gods eye can speak his good will as well as his heart: Mine eye and my heart shall be there; that is, in my house, 2 Chron. 7.16. The affection of the breast is seen at the brows, Mine eye shall be upon the faithful of the Land, Psal. 101.6. Gods eye is in his house, to approve and bless thee, if thou sanctifie him in Ordinances. Friend, keep the Lords Day with care and conscience, perform thy duties with suitable graces, and Gods eye will be upon thee, thou shalt see his love in his pleasant and gracious looks. Jesus Christ beholds and ap∣proves the gracious performances of his people; he seems to say to them, as Paul to the Colossians, Though I am absent from you in the flesh, yet am I present with you in the Spirit, joying and beholding your order, Col. 2.15.

3. There is the eye of fury and indignation: Gods looks will speak his anger, as well as his

blows: His fury is visible by his frowns; Mine eyes shall be upon them for evil. Gods sight can wound as deeply as his Sword. Job speaks of him, He sharpneth his eyes upon me, Job 16.9. Wilde Beasts when they fight, whet their eyes, as well as their teeth. An Enemy enraged, looks on his Antagonist, as if he would look through him. He sharpneth his eyes upon me, as if he would stab me to the heart with a glance of his eye; so an Expositor glosseth on it. If thou wait on God irreverently, Wor∣ship him carelesly, and prophanest his Day, ei∣ther by Corporal labour, or Spiritual idleness, thou mayest not expect his eye of favour, but of fury: If ye will not hearken unto me, to hal∣low the Sabbath, then will I kindle a fire, which shall devour the Palaces of Jerusalem, and none shall quench it, Jerem. 17. ult. Ezek. 22.26, 31. Gods severity hath been remarkable on the Prophaners of his Sabbath. The first blow given the German Churches, was on the Lords Day, which they carelesly observed; on that day Prague was lost. When men disturb Gods rest, God doth usually deprive them of rest. The day of the Lord is like to be a dreadful day to them that despise the Lords Day.

Truly God is as jealous in his Courts under the Gospel as he was under the Law. Christ, whose eyes are as a flame of fire, walks in the midst of the Golden Candlesticks throughout the World; He observes how holy duties are performed, and how his holy day is sanctified; When two or three

are gathered together in his name, he is in the midst of them, Mat. 18.20. He is in the midst of us, to behold our inward and outward carriage in his Courts; he observeth in praying, what confessions are made of sin, with what confusion of face, and contrition of heart, what petitions are put up for grace and pardon, with what integrity of spirit, and fervency of affection. He observeth in hear∣ing, whether men hear with attention sutable to that word which is able to save their souls, whe∣ther men receive the truth in the love of it, whe∣ther they resolve on subjection, and to give them∣selves up to that form of Doctrine which is given down to them, or whether men hear Sermons as Children turn over books meerly for the gays that are in them; He goeth down into the garden of Nuts, to see the fruits of the Valley, Cant. 6.11. He seeth the rotten bough of Hypocrisie, the leaves of profession, without the fruits of an answerable conversation, He seeth all thine unripe, sowre, in∣digested duties.

Reader, If I were to counsel thee how to spend a Market day so, that thou mightest gain much wealth and treasure, I doubt not but thou wouldst hearken to me; I am now to advise thee how to spend the Lords day, the Market day for thy soul, so, that thou mayst get the true treasure, durable riches and righteousness; I pray thee to hear and obey the directions which I have to deliver thee from the Lord, for that end.

First, Make preparation for the day. There is scarce any work which admits of any considerable

perfection, but require some previous preparation. In works of nature, the ground must be dunged, dressed, plowed, harrowed, and all to prepare it for the seed. In works of Art the Musitian tuneth his Viol, screwing up some of his strings higher, letting some down lower, as occasion is, and all to prepare it for his lesson, and indeed without this he would make but sad M••sick. Truely Friend thus it is with us in matters of higher moment; hearts, like soil, must be prepared for the seed of the Word (how many a Sermon hath been lost, be∣cause this was wanting!) and the Viols of our souls must be tuned to praise God, or otherwise they will sound but harshly in his ears.

The Priests were to wash in the Laver, when they went into the Tabernacle, and when they came near to the Altar to Minister upon pain of death, Exod. 30.19, 20. Signifying that to holy performances there is required holy prepartion; Sutable to which is Davids speech, I will wash my hands in innocency, so will I compass thine Altar, Psa. 26.

When the Temple was to be built, the stones were hewn, and the timber squared and fitted, before they were brought to the place where the Temple stood; there was neither ax, nor ham∣mer, nor any use of them in the Temple: And what doth this speak, but that the Christian must be pollished and prepared to be a spiritual Temple, an habitation for the God of Jacob, and also fitted for his worship, which was then in the Temple.

There is no duty but requires some previous dis∣positi on. A little break-fast quickens the appetite to a good dinner; duty fits the heart for duty; Consider prayer. The Christian must be poor in spirit, that would prevail in prayer for spiritual riches. The vessel must be empty before it can be fil'd. O Lord, thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear to hear, Psa. 10.17. for hearing; the weeds must be pluckt up before the grain be thrown into the ground; Wherefore laying aside all malice and all guile and Hypocrisies, As new born born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, 1 Pet. 2.1, 2. In singing; the lungs must be good, the inwards clean, before the voice will be sweet and clear. O God, my heart is fixed, my heart is fixed, I will sing and give praise, Psa. 57.7. So for the Lords day, the Israelites had their preparation. It was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Mark. 15.42.

The preparation for the Lords day, consisteth partly in care so to order Worldly businesses, that they may not incroach on the Sabbath; Some ex∣positours observe that the word Remember, in the fourth Command, enjoyneth a provident foresight and diligent dispatch of earthly affairs on the day before, that nothing may remain to disquiet us in, or disturb Gods day of rest; There is an obser∣vable place, If thou keep thy foot from my Sabbath, Isa. 58.13. that is from treading on my holy ground with the dirty feet of earthly affairs, or affections. The Jews preparation began at three of the clock in the afternoon, * 1.6 which the Hebrews called the

Sabbath Eve; The antient Fathers called Caena pura, from the Heathen (say some) whose Religion taught them in their Sacrifices to certain of their Gods, to prepare themselves by a strict kind of ho∣liness, at which time they had a Supper consisting of meats holy in their opinion.

The Jews were so careful in their preparation, * 1.7 that saith mine Author, to further it, the best and wealthiest of them, even those that had many servants, and were Masters of Families, would chop hearbs, sweep the house, cleave wood, kindle the fire and do such like things. The marriner that intendeth a voyage, putteth his Ship off from Land; so truly, Friend, if thou woulst lanch Heaven-ward upon a Lords day, there is a necessity that the Vessel of thy heart be put off from the earth. When our blessed Saviour was teaching the people, he was disturbed by one that told him, Behold thy Mother and thy brethren, standwithout desiring to speak with thee, Mat. 12.47. So when thou art hearing, or praying, or about any Religious Ordinance, what an hinde∣rance, what a disturbance will it be for thy heart to suggest to thee, Man, thy calling, thy compani∣ons, or such and such things which lye upon the spoil through thy negligence in the week-days, they all stand without desiring to speak with thee. If thou wouldst avoid distraction, prevent the occasions; As Isaiah said to Hezekiah, Set thine house in order against thy deaths day; So I say to thee, Set thy house in order, and thy heart in order against the Lords day.

The main preparation of the heart for a Sab∣bath, lyeth in removing the filth of Sin, * 1.8 and in quickening, and awakening grace, sin must be removed; If the stomach be foul, it must be pur∣ged before it be fed, or the meat will nourish and strengthen, not nature, but the ill humours; If a man purge himself from these (It is true of evil affections, as well as evil persons) he shall be a Vesselunto honor, sanctified and meet for the Masters use, and prepared unto every good work, 2 Tim. 2.21.

Superfluity of naughtiness, must be laid aside before we can receive the word with meekness, James 1.21. When the Vessel is unclean, it sowres quickly the sweetest liquors powred into it; when the heart is unclean, it loseth the good it might receive by the truths of God.

As sin must be cast out, so grace must be cal∣led up; Grace is like fire apt to be deadish and dull, thy duty is before-hand, therefore to blow it up; Most people upon a Sabbath adorn their bodies, with their best cloaths; but, Alass, who almost attireth his soul as he ought on this day, when he is going to meet the blessed Redeemer!

Reader, Suppose thou wert a person of great quality and estate, and the King should send thee word, that he would dine with thee to morrow, what preparation wouldst thou make for his enter∣tainment? would not thy first work be to cleanse thy house, by causing the dust to be swept out, the flores to be washt, nay rubd, every thing to be neat and cleanly? Wouldst thou not put up thy choicest Hangings, lay on thy richest Carpets,

bring out thy best plate, adorn thy room with thy costliest furniture, endeavour that all things should be in print, somwhat suitable to the dig∣nity of so great a Prince. I tell thee, that the great King of all the World, doth give thee no∣tice in his Word, that on such a day, being the Sabbath, he intends to sup with thee: Now friend, what preparation wilt thou make, to testifie thy respect to this blessed and onely Potentate? Canst thou beforehand do less then sweep out the dust of sin, and wash the room of thine heart clean, adorn it with the best furniture, the Graces, the embroidery of the Holy Ghost. Truly unless this be done, Christ will not think himself welcome, nay all thy pretended entertainment of him, will be not onely infinitely unworthy of, but also pro∣voking to so jealous and glorious a Prince.

Believe it, thy profit by a Sabbath, depends not a little upon thy preparation for the Sabbath; till the matter be prepared, how can it receive the form, Job 11.12, 13. Thou hast enjoyed many Lords Days, and it may be got little soul-saving good: Thou goest to the House of God, where a table (in the preaching of the Gospel) is set be∣fore thee, spread with all the dainties of Par∣don, Love, Grace, Peace, and Eternal Life, at which others sit and feed, their Souls are fill'd with Marrow and Fatness, and their mouthes praise the Lord with joyful lips; but thou hast no stomack, canst eat little, and savour nothing: I dare be the Physici∣an to tell thee the cause & cure of this; the cause is, Thy stomack is foul, thy heart is unclean; and there∣fore

as a man that hath a cold, or some disease predominant, cannot rellish his meat, but com∣plains sometimes of the meat, sometime of the Cook, when the fault is in himself; so thou canst taste no goodness in the best meat, neither Prayer, nor Scripture; neither Sermon, nor Sabbath are savoury to thee, yet it may be thou blamest the Preacher, he doth not dress the meat to thy mind, when the fault is in the foulness of thy affections: Thy cure must be, to purge out this old leaven, to take some pains beforehand in cleansing thy heart. When the stomack is clean, as after purg∣ing or fasting, how sweet is a piece of bread! So if thou wouldst but in secret search thy soul, vo∣mit up thy filth, by a penitent confession, cleanse thine heart by sincere contribution, and wouldst then frequent the publique Ordinances, thou wouldst finde prayer sweet, preaching sweet, the Sacrament sweet, every service sweet: O how wouldst thou love the habitation of Gods House, and the place where his honor dwelleth!

Prepare to meet thy God, O Christian; betake thy self to thy chamber on the Saturday night, confess and bewail thine unthankfulness for, and unfruitfulness under the Ordinances of God; shame and condemn thy self for thy sins; entreat God to prepare thy heart for, and assist it in thy Re∣ligious performances; spend some time in consi∣deration of the infinite Majestie, Holiness, Jealou∣sie and Goodness of that God, with whom thou art to have to do in sacred duties; ponder the weight and importance of his holy Ordinances, how

they concern thy salvation or damnation, thine everlasting life or death; how certainly they will either further thine unchangeable welfare, or en∣crease thine endless wo; meditate on the short∣ness of the time thou hast to enjoy Sabbaths in, how near thy life may be to an end, how speedi∣ly, and how easily God may take down thine earthly Tabernacle, how there is no working, no labouring, no striving in the other World, to which thou art hastning, and continue musing and blowing, till the fire burneth; thou canst not think the good thou mayest gain by such fore-thoughts, how pleasant and profitable a Lords Day would be to thee, after such a preparation. The oven of thine heart thus baked in (as it were) over night, would be easily heated the next morning; the fire so well raked up when thou wentest to bed, would be the sooner kindled when thou shouldst rise: If thou wouldst thus leave thine heart with God on the Saturday night, thou shouldst finde it with him in the Lords Day morning.

Secondly, Possess thy soul in the morning with the greatness of thy priviledge, in the enjoyment of a Sabbath, and such seasons of grace: Look upon thy work that day, as thy reward; thy duty on that day, as thy greatest Dignity. O what a favour, what an honor, what happiness doth God vouch∣safe to thee, in affording thee such a golden sea∣son! David, though a King, the Head of the best people in the World, esteemed it an honor to be the lowest Officer in Gods House; to be a Door∣keeper

there, to fit at the threshold, as it is in the Hebrew, Psal. 84.10. If the Queen of Sheba could say, when she saw the wealth, and heard the wis∣dom of Solomon, Happy are these thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom; and blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the Throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee King, 1 Kings 10.8, 9. mayest not thou when thou beholdest the beautiful face of thy Saviour, in the glass of Or∣dinances; and hearest the sweet delightful voyce of Jesus Christ, a greater then Solomon; when thou seest the delicate and plentiful provision, the feast of fat things, of wine on the lees well refined, which he makes for his people, upon better ground say, Blessed are thy servants that hear thee daily, watching at thy gates, waiting at the posts of thy doors, Prov. 8.34. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, they will be still praising thee: And blessed be the Lord God of Israel, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the Throne of Israel; because he loved Israel for ever, therefore hath he made thee King.

The Ordinances of God are called an appearing before God; the fruition of them is a seeing his face: Capernaum, because of them, was said to be lifted up to Heaven. Who can tell what ho∣nor it is to appear in the presence of this King; or what happiness it is to see his comely counte∣nance! Those that enjoy this, are lifted up to Heaven.

Israel was an unparallel'd people, because of this incomparable priviledge; For what Nation is there so great, which hath God so nigh unto them? Deut. 4.7. In the Ordinances of God, the Chri∣stian hath sweet communion, with ravishing de∣light in, and enflamed affection to the blessed God; in them he tastes God to be gracious, hath the First-fruits of his Glorious and Eternal Har∣vest.

Well might the French Protestants call their place of publique meeting Paradise: Well might David cry out, Psal. 84.1, 2. & 27.4. How amia∣ble are thy Tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts! At the Tabernacle God did meet David: Who can tell what joyful greeting there was at that holy meet∣ing; what sweet kisses, what loving embraces God gave his soul?

As the Ordinances are Heaven in a glass; so the Lords Day is Heaven in a map: This is to be valued at an high rate, because therein we enjoy all the means of communion with God, in the highest degree and measure, without inter∣ruption. The Hebrews call thee Week days pro∣phane days, but this is an holy, pious day. The Greeks call them working days, but this is a day of sweet rest. Other days are common and ordi∣nary handmaids, but this is fitly termed by the Jews, the Queen of days: Many Daughters have done wisely, but thou hast excelled them all: Many days, as Lecture-days, Fast-days, Thanksgiving∣days, have done vertuously, have done valiant∣ly; but thou, O Queen of days, hast excelled

them all: They, like Saul, have slain their thou∣sands of Spiritual Enemies; but thou hast slain, as David, thy ten thousands: They, like the peo∣ple, must worship afar off, but thou, like Moses, mayest draw near, go up into the mount: There is none like thee, whom God knoweth face to face. Well may other days say to thee, as the people to David, Thou art worth ten thousand of us: Well might the good Soul run to meet thee in the morning, and salute thee with Veni Spousa mea, Come my sweet Spouse, thee I have loved, for thee I have longed, and thou art my dearest de∣light.

Take heed of counting the Sabbath thy burden, and thine attendance upon that day on the Ordi∣nances of God, thy bondage: It argued spirits full of froth and filth, to cry out, When will the new Moon be gone, that we may sell our corn; and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, Amos 8.5. Count Religious duties, not thy fetters, but thy greatest freedom.

Think what the Phaenix is amongst birds, the Lyon among beasts, Fire among the Elements, that is the Lords Day among the days. Ordinary days, like wax in a shop, have their use, are worth somewhat; but this like wax to some Deeds, or which hath the Kings Seal to it, is worth thou∣sands. What is said of that Day of the Lord, may in a gracious sense be spoken of the Lords Day, There is none like it, before it, neither shall be after it. Upon this day Christ carrieth the Soul into his Wine-cellar, and his Banner over it is Love:

Upon other days he feeds his members upon this day, he feasts them; they have their ordinary every day, but upon this day exceedings; Upon this day he brings forth his living water, his best Wine; On this day, he gives the sweetest bread, the finest flower, the true meat, his own body. On this day he met the two Disciples and made their hearts warm, and even burn within them by the fire of his words; On this day, Saints that slept, arose out of their beds, their graves; Mat. 27. On this day, the Holy Ghost descended on the Apostles; On this day, the Lord brought forth the light of the World in Creation; On this day, Christ brought forth the light of his new Heavens and new Earth by his Resurrection; On this day, St. John had his glorious Revelation, containing the Churches state to the Worlds dissolution; On this day, he visited his dear Apostles with grace and peace; saying to them, Peace be unto you, behold my hands and my feet. On this day, he burst asunder the bands of death, he broke in peices the gates of Hell, he led captivity captive, trampled upon Principalities and Powers, and and triumphed over, grave, sin, the curse of the law, and Satan; Upon this day, he still rides triumphantly in the Chariot of his Ordinances, conquering and to conquer, casting down high thoughts, and subduing sinners to himself. It may be said of the Sabbath as of Sion, This and that man was born in her and the highest himself shall esta∣blish her. The Lord shall count when he writeth up the people, that this man was born then, Selah.

Psa. 87.56. O blessed day, how many thou∣sands souls have known thee the day of their new births! How willing have the people been in thee day of Gods power in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning, thou hast the dews of thy youth. Blessed art thou among days, from hence forth all generations shall call thee blessed. Blessed be the Father who made thee; blessed be the Son who bought thee; blessed be the Spirit who sanctifieth thee, and blessed are all they that prize and improve thee. Reader, thou hast not a drop of true holiness, if thou dost not bless God (as is reported of the Jews) at the coming in, and going out of this holy and blessed day.

Thirdly, Consider there is a present price put into thy hands, to get and increase grace, and therefore improve it. The wisdom of a Christian consisteth in observing his seasons; the High God sends man to School to the silly Ant, to learn this Art and peice of good Husbandry, Go to the Ant thou sluggard, consider her ways and be wise, which ha∣ving no Guide, Overseer, nor Ruler, provideth her food in the Summer, and gathereth her meat in the Harvest, Prov. 6.6, 7, 8. The Ants are a feeble folk, but famous for their forecast, and deserve saith one, to be fed with the finest of the Wheat, for the pattern they give to man. They labour not onely all day, but even by Moon-light they gather huge heaps together, lay it out a drying in a warm day, least it should putrifie, & bite off the ends of the ends of the grain least it should grow; but observe the season of this care and diligence; She provideth

her food in the Summer, and gathereth her meat in the Harvest. Then that time is the Ants opportu∣nity; if she do it not then, she cannot do it at all; therefore she makes use of that season. O that Friend, thou wert but as wise for the bread which came down from Heaven, as this poor Pismire is for the bread which springs out of the earth! Christians are called Doves. The Turtle Dove is called in the Hebrew Tor, of the Original Tur, and thence comes our Latin Turtur, which signi∣fieth to observe or search, for so this Bird obser∣veth her time of going and coming, Jer. 8.7. for she departeth before Winter into some warm climate. The Lords day is the Summer, thine Har∣vest time; Labour now for Christ and grace, or thou art lost for ever. The Farmer that loyters at other times, will work hard and sweat in Harvest. If he do not reap then, he knows he can never pay his rent and feed his Family, but is ruined. Rea∣der, if thou dost not on a Lords day gather in grace, how wilt thou do to lay out grace in the week days? nay how wilt thou do to spend grace upon a dying bed, when thou art to step into the other World! He that gathereth in Summer, is a wise son; but he that sleepeth in Harvest, is a son that causeth shame, Prov. 10.5. The Jews might gather no Manna on the Sabbath, but Gentiles must then especially get the bread of life. The Water-man must observe when Wind and Tide are for his turn, and then bestir himself, or other∣wise he must come short of his Haven. It concerns thee to mind Sabbaths; then the gales of the Spi∣rit

blow fair for thy voyage; then the waters of Ordinances run right for the port to which thou art bound; therefore do not then laze and loyter, but labour for thy God, thy soul, and thine ever∣lasting life; Therefore shall every one that is godly, seek thee in a time when thou mayst be found. Psa. 32.6.

The Musitian must play his lesson whilst the in∣strument is in Tune, because the weather may alter. The good Husband for his soul must buy of Christ gold to inrich him, and raiment to cloath him, while the Fayr lasts, for it will quickly be over. Esau came too late and lost thereby the blessing; many come too late and lose their souls by it. To every thing there is a season, saith God, Eccles. 3.1. The Lords day is thy season when grace and mercy are tendered to thee; how will thou escape if thou neglectest (or carest not for, as the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifieth) so great Salvation. Heb. 2.3. Open unto Christ when he knocketh at the door of thy heart with the finger of his Spirit. Do not bid him come to morrow, lest that mor∣row never come,

Its good (we say) to make Hay while the Sun shines, for the Heavens may be cloudy. Its good to em∣brace a present opportunity, for time is bald be∣hind; thou canst not assure thy self of a second Sabbath. Seasons of grace are not like Tides, that a man may miss one and take another. What Christ said of himself, is true of Sabbaths; The poor ye have always with you, but me ye have not always. Time thou hast always with thee while thou livest,

but the Sabbath thou hast not always. Nay with∣in a shorter time then thou imaginest; God may deprive thee both of time and opportunity, both of Week days and Lords days; and if thou art now sleeping and snoring when thou should be waking and working, what a cut will it be to thy heart to reflect upon the Sabbaths which thou hast had and lost, enjoyed and mispent! Je∣rusalem in the days of her affliction and of her mi∣sery, remembred all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, Lam. 1.9. So Reader if thou shouldst neglect to improve Sabbaths now in the day of thy misery, or rather in the everlasting night of thine affliction in hell, thou wilt remember thy Sabbaths seasons of grace, and all thy pleasant things which thou hadst in the days of old. Good Lord, what a rueful woful remembrance will it be to call to mind the means, the mercies, the helps which were afforded thee to have avoided Hell, and attained Heaven, and yet thou like a fool or rather a mad man, didst dally about them, and delay till the Market was done! Now is the time for thee to accept of grace, because now is the onely time that grace will accept of thee. O that thou wouldst know in this thy day, the things which concern thy peace, before they be hid from thine eyes.

Fourrhly, Esteem the publique Ordinances the chief work of the day, and let thy secret and private duties be so managed, that thy soul may be pre∣pared for them, and profited by them. Duties in thy closet and family are of use, and have their

blessing; but to put God off with these, and neg∣lect the publique Worship, is to rob God of a greater sum, to pay him a lesser: The Sacrifice of the Jews on that day was double; they offer∣ed Sacrifice in the Tabernacle, besides their Lambs for the daily Sacrifice. It is worthy our observa∣tion, that the Sabbath and publique Service are by God himself joyned together, and therefore let no man put them asunder: Ye shall keep my Sab∣baths, and reverence my Sanctuary, I am the Lord, Lev. 19.30. They that despise Gods Sanctuary, cannot observe Gods Sabbath.

Every thing is beautiful in its season: Private duties are beautiful, and in season every day; but publique Ordinances are never so lovely and beautiful, because never so much in their prime and season, as on a Lords Day.

In publique Worship, God receiveth the high∣est praises: I will praise thee in the great Congre∣gations, Psal. 29.9. In his Temple doth every one speak of his glory. I had gone with the multitude to the House of God, with the voyce of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy day, Psal. 42.4. The gracious God is pleased to esteem it his glory to have many Beggars thronging at the beautiful gate of his Temple for Spiritual and Corporal alms. What an honor is it to our great Landlord, that multitudes of Tenants flock together to his house, to pay their rent of Thanks and Worship for their All which they hold of him! How loud and lovely is the noise of many golden Trumpets! Good Lord, what an eccho do they make in Hea∣vens

ears! * 1.9 When many skilful Musicians play in consort, with well-tuned and prepared Instru∣ments, the Musick cannot but be ravishing to God himself. Methinks its a notable resemblance of the sweet melody which is made by the Celestial Quire above, Psal. 68.26. Bless ye God in the Con∣gregation, even the Lord, from the fountain of Is∣rael: for he loveth the gates of Zion, above all the dwellings of Jacob, Psal. 87.2.

As in publique God receiveth the highest praises, so there he bestoweth the richest mercies: Blessed is the man whom thou chusest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy Courts: We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy House, even of thy holy Temple, Psal. 65.4. Here is Davids Position, and its proof: His Position is, That the Templer, or Inhabitant in Gods House, is an happy man; Blessed is the man whom thou chusest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy House: The proof of it is from the quality and quantity of the provision, which God makes for them that are of his Houshold: For the quality of it, it is not one∣ly good, but Goodness; which word signifieth, not onely the good will which God beareth to, but all the good things which God bestoweth upon his people; Pardon, Peace, Love, Grace, every good thing; all good things are in the womb of that one word Goodness: Gods provision for his peo∣ple is beyond all their knowledge or apprehen∣sion.

There be four ordinary ways by which men come to the knowledge of good things; either by

hearing them immediately themselves, or by hear∣say from others, or by the sight of the eyes, or by discourse of Reason: But from the beginning of the World, men have not seen, nor heard, nor per∣ceived by the ear, nor hath it entred into the heart of man to conceive, what God hath provided for them that love him, 1 Cor. 2.9. Isa. 64.4. The love dis∣covered there, is an unknown love; the joy be∣stowed there, is unspeakable joy: All the costliest dainties prepared for Heavens Table, the fulness of joy and pleasures for ever at Gods right hand, are expressed by this one word Goodness, Psal. 31.19. So that the quality of the provision is beyond all exception, it is Goodness. For its quantity, it is to satisfaction: We shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy Holy Temple: The Saint shall have enough of this luscious fare to content him: Indeed the Christians full meal is reserved for him, till he comes to eat bread in the Kingdom of Heaven; but here he hath enough to stay his stomach: He is very well satisfied, that his allowance in this World is sufficient. God calls him in the other World to greater work, and so will give him a greater allowance for suitable strength; but God doth not in this World under∣keep him. He feeds proportionable to their em∣ployments, nay to their satisfaction and content∣ment, all that are in his inferior family: His chil∣dren have till they leave.

But Reader, Where is the place of this good, this great provision? is it not in Gods House, in his holy Temple, in the publique Worship? Great Princes

bestow their Largesses, and shew their Bounty, Glory, and Magnifience before much people: If thou wouldst know where Believers have seen their best sights, where they have heard their most ra∣vishing sounds, where they have made their most delightful meals; it was in the House of God: They have seen thy goings, O God, in the Sanctuary, Psal. 68.24. They have heard the joyful sound of thy Word: They have been abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy House.

Do but consider Davids tears and grief for want of, and his fervent prayers for the fruition of pub∣like Ordinances, even then when he had opportu∣nities for private performances; and surely thou wilt esteem the Ministery of the Word no mean mercy: See his sorrow when he was driven from Gods Sanctuary; When I remember these things, my soul is poured out: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the House of God, Psal. 42.3, 4. My soul is poured out; that is, I am overwhelmed with grief, and even ready to dye, when I com∣pare my present condition with my former happi∣ness, in the fruition of Religious Assemblies. There is an Elegancy in the phrase Poured out; the word is applyed to water, or any liquid thing, and in Scripture signifieth abundance, Joel 2.28. My life is ready to be poured out as water upon the ground, which cannot be gathered up again, when I remember my former mercies, and consider my present misery. How bitterly and passionately doth he plead with Saul? If the Lord hath stirred thee up against me, let him accept an Offering; but if they be the children

of men, cursed be they before the Lord; for they have driven me out this day from the Inheritance of the Lord, 1 Sam. 26. & 19. How pathetically doth he bemoan it to his own soul? Wo is me, for I dwell in Meshech, and my habitations are in the Tents of Kedar: The loss of his Father, Mother, Wives, Children, Lands, Liberty, nay of his very Life, would not have gone so near his heart, as the loss of publique Ordinances: As his sorow was great for the want, so was his suit most earnest for the enjoyment of them; How many a prayer doth he put up for the liberty of the Tabernacle? Psal. 43.3, 4. & 27.4. It is the one thing, the principal special request which he begs of God: One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life; and verse 8. how hard doth he pray for this priviledge: Thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face Lord will I seek: To seek the face of God in a general sense, is taken for the substance of Religion, or to seek God, Psal. 24.6. but by the face of God in a strict sense, is meant the Ark of God, and place of his residence: Now David at this time being deprived of this inestimable benefit, in the ardency of his zeal presseth God, with all the arguments he could devise, to restore him to that happiness; among the rest, he urged God with his own words, Thou hast commanded me to worship thee in thy Ta∣bernacle, to appear before thee, that is my de∣sire and delight, my heart would seek and see thy face there: Thus he presseth God for per∣formance

on his side, that he might be enabled to obey Gods precept.

Where God denyeth publique Ordinances, there he himself will be a little Sanctuary to his chosen, Ezek. 11.16. But where he affords them, he ex∣pects that they should be attended: Christ him∣self went often into the Synagogues.

Peter and John went up into the Temple at the hour of prayer, Acts 3.1. On the Sabbath we went out of the City by a rivers side, where prayer was wont to be made, Acts 13.23. and Paul reasoned in the Sy∣nagogue every Sabbath, Acts 18.4. Those that by their practices contemn publique Worship, have neither Christ nor his Apostles for their pattern.

One of the Jewish Rabbies hath a saying, He that dwells in a City where there is a Synagogue, and cometh not to Prayers, Merito dicitur vicinus ma∣lus, is deservedly stiled a bad neighbour. Beader, if thou forsakest the Assemblies of the Saints, how useful soever thou mayest be to others bo∣dies, yet thou art a bad neigbour in neglecting soul-service.

The Lord Jesus Christ as he was faithful as a Son in his own house, took special care to provide and prepare such publique servants, as might give every one their meat in due season. The Ministers of the word are his publique Officers appointed by himself to have the oversight of his Saints. They are both Fathers to beget, and Tutours to bring up his Sons and Daugh∣ters. They are his Stewarts to dispense publique∣ly the mysteries of the Gospel of peace. But little

do they think, who set light by publique Ordi∣nances, what a price Christ paid, that he might enable and qualifie them for his Churches profit. The gifts he bestoweth on Pastors are not the least sign of his good will to his people. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he gave gifts to men. And he gave some Apostles; and some Pro∣fits; and some Evangelists; and some Pastours; and some Teachers. For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature, of the fulness of Christ, Ephes. 4.8, 11.12, 13. As Kings on the day of their Coronation, usually appear in all their Majesty and magnificence, and do some famous act (as of a general pardon or the like) which may speak their love and respect to their Subjects. So Jesus Christ when he rode Trium∣phantly in the Chariot of his ascension into Hea∣vens glorious City, to sit and reign there at the right hand of the Majesty on High, gave abilities to Ministers, endowed them with answerable gifts and graces, that they might dispense the Or∣dinances of God powerfully, and profitably, as a special fruit of his passion for, and a singular testi∣mony of his affection to his Church.

I would wish thee therefore to be present at, and to continue to the end of publique Ordinan∣ces. David would be a Door-keeper in the House of God. Because a Door-keeper is first in, and last out. Friend, if thou wert feasting some Noble

person thou wouldst not rise from Table, unless necessity forced thee, before all were taken away, and thanks returned. I must tell thee that when thou art feeding with the blessed Potentate, it is much below good manners, to turn thy back upon him, without his leave and blessing.

Fifthly, If thou wouldst make Religion thy bu∣siness on a Lords day, Tune thine heart to spiritual joy and delight therein. Holy alacrity and joy is not onely a crown and credit to, but also a speci∣al part of Christianity. The Kingdom of God consist∣eth not in meats and drink, but in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy Ghost, Rom. 14.17. Gods ways are not so bad, but that the Travellers in them may be chearful; His work is good wages, and therefore its no wonder that his Servants are so joyful.

Because beleivers have ever cause of comfort, therefore they are commanded always to rejoyce, Phil. 3. Whether their sins or sufferings come into their hearts, they must not sorrow as they that have no hope; In their saddest conditions, they have the spirit of consolation. There is seed of joy sown within them, when it is buried under the clods, and appears not above ground. But there are special times when God calls for this grain to spring up; They have some red letters, some holy days in the Calendar of their lives, wherein this joy as Wine at a Wedding, is most seasonable, but among all those days it never relisheth so well, it never tasteth so pleasantly as on a Lords day, joy sutes no person so much as a Saint, and it becomes

no season so well as a Sabbath. Joy in God on other days is like the Birds Chirping in winter, which is pleasing, but joy on a Lords day is like their warbling Tunes, and pretty notes in Spring, when all other things look with a sutable delightful as∣pect. This is the day which the Lord hath made (he that made all days, so especially of this day, but what follows) we will rejoyce and be glad therein, Psa. 118.24. In which words we have the Churches solace or joy, and the season or day of it. Her solace was great. We will rejoyce and be glad. Those expressions are not needless repetitions, but shew the exeuberancy or high degree of their joy. The season of it. This is the day the Lord hath made, Compare this place with Mat. 21.22.23. and Act. 4.11. and you will find that the precedent verses are a prophetical prediction of Christs Resurrecti∣on, * 1.10 and so this verse foretels the Churches joy upon that memorable and glorious day. And indeed if a feast be made for laughter, Eccles. 10.19. Then that day wherein Christ feasteth his Saints with the choicest mercies, may well command his greatest spiritual mirth, A thanksgiving day hath a double precedency of a fast day; On a Fast-day we eye Gods anger; On a Thanksgiving-day we look to God favour. In the former we specially mind our own corruptions. In the latter Gods compassions, therefore a Fast-day calls for sorrow, a Thanks∣giving day for joy. But the Lords day is the highest thanksgiving day, and deserveth much more then the Jewish Purim, to be a day of feasting and glad∣ness, and a good day.

On this day we enjoy the Communion of Saints and shall we not delight in those excellent ones, Psa. 16.3. On this day we have fellowship with the blessed Saviour, and shall we not fit under his shadow, with great delight? Cant. 1. On this day we are partakers of the Ordinances of God and shall we not be joyful in the House of prayer? Isa. 56.7. On this day we have special converse with the God of Ordinances, and who would not draw water with joy out of the Well of Salvation? Isa. 12.3. Surely whilst we are in the midst of so much Musk, we must needs be perfumed. Who can walk where the Sun shines so hot, and not be warmed?

It is Gods precept (as well as thy priviledge) to make Gods day thy delight, If thou call the Sab∣bath a delight, the holy of the Lord, Isa. 58.13. Delights, Tremel reads it. Thy delicate things accor∣ding to the Septuag. Whether thou art meditating on Gods works, or attending on Gods Word, which are the two principal duties of the day, they both call for delight and joy.

If on this day of rest thou considerest the work of creation, and Gods rest, it behoveth thee to follow Davids pattern, Thou Lord hast made me glad through thy works, I will triumph in the works of thy hands, Psa. 92.4.

If thou considerest the work of Redemption, and Christs rest, surely out of the carcass of the Lion of the tribe of Judah, thou mayst get some Honey as may delight thy soul, and force thee to sing, My soul doth magnifie the Lord, my spirit

rejoyceth in God my Saviour, Luk. 1.46, 47. The babe in the womb leapt for joy of him before he was born. The heavenly host sung at his birth, and wilt not thou at his second birth, his resurrecti∣on from the dead. O let the Primitive Christians salutations be thy consolation, The Lord is risen.

If thou meditatest on glorification, and thine own rest canst thou do less then rejoyce in hope of glory, what Prisoner shackled with Satans tempta∣tions, and fettered with his own corruptions, in the dark Gaol of this World, can think of the time when his Irons shall be knockt off, and he enjoy the pleasant light and glorious liberty of the Sons of God, and not be transported with joy? What heir in his minority, banisht from his kindred and country, can think without comfort of his full age, when he shall have the full fruition both of his estate and friends; doubtless friend, the Sab∣baths of the holy, are the Suburbs of heaven. In heaven there is no buying, no selling, no plough∣ing, no sowing, nothing but worshiping God, communion with him, fruition of him, and de∣light in him; There remains a rest for the people of God. There they rest from their labours; If thou on a Lords day turnest thy back upon the World, and goest up into the mount, conversing with, and rejoycing in the blessed God, what dost thou less then begin thine eternal Sabbath here. Such a Lords day can be no less then Heaven in a looking glass, representing truly, though darkly, thy future eter∣nal happiness; There is no perfume so sweet to a Pilgrim, as his own smoak.

When thou art attending on the word, truely that Aquavitae, that hot water may well revive thy spirit. Thy testimonies are my delight, saith David, I have rejoyced more in thy testimonies, then in all manner of riches, Psa. 119.24, 77. The Word of God is sometimes called a treasure, and what beg∣gar would not rejoyce in a treasure; sometimes fire, and truly Reader thine heart is frozen, to purpose if this fire do not heat it; Salomon tell us, As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far Country, Prov. 25.25. The Word of God contains the best news that ever ears heard. Peace on earth, good will towards men; and the glad tidings of the Gospel come from Heaven a far Country. What canst thou say then? why they should not be as welcome and refreshing to thee as cold water to a thirsty soul.

Variety of things that are excellent is not a lit∣tle ground of complacency in them. Variety of choice voices please the ear, variety of curious colours delight the eyes; variety of dainties are acceptable to the taste. Nero promises rewards to them that invented new pleasures. God hath for that purpose disht out his worship into several and various duties, that it might be more pleasant to us. Sometimes we speak to God, sometimes we hear from God, sometimes we are praying for supply of our necessities, sometimes we are pray∣sing him for his infinite excellencies, sometimes our mouthes are open to sing, sometimes our ears are open to hear the Sermon, sometimes our eyes are open to see the Sacrament. The same meat is

drest several ways to make it the more welcome, and so the more strengthning to us. Hippocrates observes that that food which nature receives with delight, though not so good in it self, affords bet∣ter nourishment then that which is more whole∣some, against which nature hath a reluctancy. Reader, thy delight and pleasure in the sacred Or∣dinances of the Lords day will help to make them more profitable to thee. Some colours which do delight, do also strengthen the sight.

Sixthly, if thou wouldst make godliness thy business on a Lords day, Let no duty satisfie with∣out communion with God in it. Ordinances are the Galleries and Gardens (and for that end appointed) wherein God and thy soul may walk together. For this cause they are called a glass, because therein the Christian beholds the glory of the Lord, 2 Cor. 3.18. As Zacheus climbed up to the Syca∣more Tree to see Jesus, and when he once had a sight of him, he came down joyfully; so go thou up into the Trees of duties for this purpose, that thou mayst see God in Christ; and unless this be granted thee, come down sorrowfully. When men go to meet a friend at a certain place, and they miss him, how discontentedly do they go away?

Alas, what are the Ordinances without God, but as a Table without meat, from which a living soul must needs depart thirsty and hungry? David loved the habitation of Gods house, but it was because it was the place where Gods honour dwelt, Psa. 27. David longed for the courts of God, more

then for his Crown relations or possessions, or any outward comforts, but it was because God afforded there his gracious presence; Gods glorious pre∣sence is in his Church Triumphant, but he is graci∣ously present in his Church Militant. My soul long∣eth, yea even fainteth for the Courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh eryeth out for the living God, Psa. 84.2. His desire was as eager and earnest as of a longing woman with child, who is ready to faint away and dye if she be not satisfied: Some∣times he compares his desire to thirst, of which creatures are more impatient then hunger. Psa. 63.1. Sometimes to the thirst of an Hart after the water-brooks, which creature being naturally hot and dry, in a very great degree, is exceeding thirsty; but the object of his desire, of his thirst, was God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God, O when shall I come and appear before him! Psa. 42.1, 2. To see thy beauty and glory, as I have seen thee in the Sanctuary. It was communion with God in his life and love, in his graces and comforts, which the Psalmist so much longed for. The sweet smiles of Gods face, the honey dews of his Spirit, were Davids Paradise of pleasure, his heaven upon earth.

They that come to duty meerly for duty, know not what it meanes to meet with God, and there∣fore though they neither see his face nor hear his voice, yet are contented, like those that were born in some dark Dungeon, and never yet saw the Sun, they are well enough satisfied without it; but those who have seen it, and know that that light is

pleasant, if they look up to the heaven of Ordinan∣ces, & see not the Sun of righteousness, its no longer day with them; The true Disciples met together the first day of the week, and enjoying Jesus among them, rejoyced indeed; but they are onely glad in duties, when they had seen the Lord, John 20.20. They were glad when they had seen the Lord.

Reader, when thou goest to the Ordinances of God, go to meet God in the Ordinances. As Mo∣ses, go up into the Mount of duties to converse with thy Maker. Go to view the beauty of his face when thou enquirest into his holy Temple. When thou goest to prayer, let it be in hope to get thy heart nearer to heaven.

When thou goest to hear, mind communion with him that speaks from heaven, and then onely rejoyce in the word, when as the star to the wise men, leads thee to the place where Christ is. It is God in the Word which causeth efficacy, it is God in prayer who causeth prevalency, it is God in the Sacrament who causeth alacrity, it is God in a Sabbath who causeth complacency.

When thou goest to the waters of the Sanctuary, say as Elisha at the waters of Jordan, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? Where is the God and Father of my Lord Jesus Christ? Why is thy Chariot, O Son of righteousness so long a comming! Why tarry? what clogs the wheels of thy Chariot? O when wilt thou come unto me, Psa. 101.2. When thou comest from the Ordinances, and hast not met God in them, though thou hast shewed never so great parts or gifts, or outward devotion, say as Abso∣lom,

All this avails me nothing, so long as I may not see the Kings face. * 1.11 Saul himself was sad and sorrow∣ful, when he enquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him not; and canst thou O Saint be joyful when thy beloved hath withdrawn himself!

Look upon performances as boats to ferry thy soul over, and give it a passage to God, and take heed of going contentedly from God without God; * 1.12 let thy prayer be, O send out thy light, and thy truth; let them lead me, let them bring me to thy holy hill, to thy Tabernacle; then will I go unto the Altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy.

Seventhly, Sanctifie the whole day to Gods ser∣vice; Be early up in the morning, and as late as thy body will permit at night. The Israelites when they were to batter down the strong holds of Jeri∣cho, rose up early in the morning, Judg. 6.15. Upon the Lords day thy work must be to batter down the strong holds of sin; rise early, lose no time. Do not lose the least moment (if it be possi∣ble) of this sacred day. The very filings of Gold are of worth; The smallest part of this holy day is of great price; The word Shamur to keep (the Sabbath) Lev. 19.30. signifieth to keep with care and diligence as a great treasure, of which a man would lose none. When men beat Ginger, they will (if good Husbands) be careful that little fly out of the Mortar; but if they beat pearl, they are extraordinary watchful, that not the least of that be lost, because a little of that is of great value. Reader, if thou art a good Husband for thy soul, I doubt not but thou esteemest thy time

in the week days at so high a rate that thou darest not sqander it away in doing nothing, or in that which is worse then nothing; but O what worth, what price wilt thou set upon an opportunity upon a Lords day? How diligent wilt thou be to improve the least peice of that day? God giveth thee six whole days for thine own works; do not deny to him one whole day in seven. Let thy conscience be Judge; Is it not unrighteousness to buy by one mea∣sure which is greater, and sell by another measure which is lesser? when the day is consecrated to God, as the goods of Ananias, it is dangerous to keep back any part of it for our own use.

Do thou all the day long live and walk as it were in the other World; Make it a Sabbath, a day of rest. 1. From sin and wickedness, this is thy duty every day, but especially on this day; Every sin on a Sabbath is double, the season is a great aggra∣vation of the sin. The wicked indeed are like the raging Sea, which cannot rest, but every day bub∣ble up mire and dirt, Isa. 57.20. 2. From the World and the works of thy calling; Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore, for it is holy unto you. Every one that defileth it, shall surely be put to death; for who∣soever doth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people, Exod. 31.14. The Jews were to rest from works of least importance, as gathering sticks (he that fetched in sticks, was sent out of the World with stones) and of greatest concernment, as building the Tabernacle; and though the Christian now hath more liberty, yet he hath no leave at all to pollute the day by wickedness, or

to prophane the day by any earthly work which might have been done before the day, or may be done as well after it.

May I not say to thee of this day, as Elisha to Gee∣hezi? Is this a time to receive money and garments, and sheep, and oxen, and men-servants, and maid-ser∣vants? 2 Kings 5.26. Is the Sabbath a time for civil affairs? The Sabbath day is therefore called a day of restraint, Deut. 16.8. because then men are forbidden all work, saith Junius. As none were ever losers by laying afide their own works to at∣tend Gods Worship; he took care of Israels safety whilst they were in his service, that none of their Neighbours though bitter enemies, should so much as desire their Cities, Exod 34.24. so none I am confident were ever gainers by inching in some part of their callings unnecessarily at the end of Gods day, and by setting God aside to serve themselves; the very time will be a Canker to consume their estates; And as they that take Crocus into their stomachs, bring up not onely ill humours, but that also which would prove good nourishment; So some have had experience that their prophana∣tion of Gods day to increase their estates, hath forced them to vomit up the whole, God hath given thee days enough for thy calling, space enough to mind it in, thou needst not trespass upon his holy day, upon his holy ground. It was no small aggravation of Adams sin, that though he had choice of fruits, he would eat of the forbidden fruit; so it will much increase thy sin, if when thou hast choice of time for thy trade, thou shouldst meddle with it on a Sabbath.

Reader, * 1.13 as thy duty is to rest the whole day from wickedness and worldly work, so also to imploy the whole day in Gods Worship, be either praying, or reading, or hearing, or singing, or meditating, or dis∣coursing with others about the Works or Word of God: Be always taken up, either with publique, * 1.14 private or secret duties. In the 92. Psalm, that Psalm for the Sabbath, v. 1, and 3. we are exhor∣ted to shew forth Gods loving kindness in the morning, and his faithfulness at evening. Now we know that in Scripture sense the morning and the evening are the whole day; The whole day is Gods by ordination, and why should not it be his by ob∣servation; God hath dedicated this day wholly to hsi own Worship, now every devoted thing is most holy to the Lord. Lev. 27.28.

The Pope and Church of Rome have half holy days, as St. Blacies day, which is holy in the fore∣noon onely; but God and the Church of Christ have no half holy days. Observe how exact God is in expressing a whole natural day. From evening to evening you shall keep the Sabbath, Lev. 23.32. Their days were reckoned from evening to even∣ing, from the creation; but ours (because Christ rose in the morning) from morning to mor∣ning.

If thou hast any sincere delight in God, and esteem of the true riches, I cannot but think that thou wilt be covetous of the smallest part of Gods day, and wish as R. Jose, * 1.15 that thy portion may be to begin the Sabbath with those of Tiberias, because they began it sooner then others, and to end it with

those of Tsepphore, because they continued it longer then others. If thy soul ever met God on a Sabbath, thou wilt surely be ready to say with Joshua, Thou Sun stand still in Gibeon, * 1.16 and thou Moon in the val∣lies of Ajalon; O that the day were longer, that I might have more time to fight the Lords battels against my spiritual enemies!

Eightly, If thou wouldst make Religion thy business on a Lords day, Meditate therein on the word and works of God. Consider his works; This is part of the work of the day. David in that Psalm for the Sabbath, gives thee a pattern, O Lord how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep, Psa. 92.5. Is a dishonour to a workman, to make excellent peices, and to manifest abundance of Skill and Art, and ingenuity, and then not to have them taken notice of. God hath done his mighty works to be remembred, and wondred at. Its said of Py∣thagoras, that he lived sequestred from men in a cave for a whole year together, that he might meditate on the abstruse points of Philosophy. I wish thee to an easier and pleasanter task, to sequester thy self some time every Lords day, to ponder the in∣finite perfections which appear in the operations of his hand. God will be both admired and magnified by his people on earth as well as in Heaven, which none can do but those that seriously consider his works; Men have been much wondred at for some peculiar rare works, though in them a Christian should look farther, even to God the Author of their skill and wisdom. The very Greeks acknow∣ledged somewhat like this, that all Arts come from

God, in making Minerva the Daughter of Jupiter, and to have had her generation in his Divine brain; but alas the choicest peices of men to the smallest Works of God, are but as childrens houses of dirt to the stateliest Courts of Christendom. Archites was much extolled for causing a Dove of Wood to hang in the Air, being equally poised with its own weight; but what is this to the work of God in hanging the earth upon nothing? Job 26.7. The earth is the heaviest and lowest Element. A little peice of earth held up and let fall, will never cease moving till it come to rest upon some solid body; and yet behold the great mass of earth with innume∣rable bodies upon it, hangs fast in the midst of the open Air, having no visible Pillar nor foundation to rest upon. Well might God reckon it to Job among his wondrous works, Job 38.4, 5, 6. Ʋpon what be the Sockets of it fastened? Aristotle himself could not but admire it. Archimedes was famous for contriving the motions of the Sun, Moon and Stars in his Horology; but alass what is this to the glorious heavens themselves, which God stretcht out like a Curtain, and to the Noble Host of great and glittering bodies, keeping their Rank and File, and being not onely incredibly swift, but also regularly and orderly in their motions! The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the Firma∣ment sheweth his handy work. There is so much of God appearing in the Heavens, that many have taken them for God, and given them divine wor∣ship. Naturalists tell us that the head of Nilus can∣not be found, but many sweet springs issuing from

it are discovered. Though thy finite capacity can never reach fully the fountain and head, Gods infinite Being and Excellencies; yet thou mayst finde many refreshing streams which flow from it. A little River will lead thee to the Ocean Ohow much of the goodness, power and wisdom of God appear∣eth in the work of creation! The Rabbies say that in every Apex of the Law there is a Mountain of sense; sure I am that in the smallest Creatures there is abundance of the Creatour; How doth the Wis∣dom of God shine forth in the exquisite workman∣ship, variety, order, subordination, and service∣ableness of the Creatures one to another, that David might well cry out, O Lord, how marvellous are thy works, in wisdom hast thou made them all.

Pontanus, * 1.17 Chancellour of Saxony, propoundeth to be viewed and weighed the most beautiful Arch∣work of Heaven, resting upon no post but Gods power, and yet standing fast for ever. The clouds as thin as the liquor contained in them; behold, saith he, how they hang and move though weighty in their burden, thy salute us onely, or threaten us rather, and pass we know not whither; How doth his goodness appear in furnishing the World so richly for the supply of his Creatures! the earth is full of thy goodness. Luther in his Colloquia Me••s. tells us that God is at more charge every day to maintain Sparrows, then all the yearly Revenues of the King of France are worth; but especially towards man, in making him so excellent a Crea∣ture, and in making so many excellent creatures for him.

His power is also evident both in creating such great and noble creatures of nothing (he used not the least tool or instrument in making the Heavens and earth) and in having them all at his beck and bidding, at his call and command; the greatest do him homage, and the smallest do him service. The Sun as strong and swift as he is (moving as some write every hour 16000 Miles) yet he flies back like a Coward if God speak but the word, Josh. 10.12. Job 9.5, to 10. He armeth Flies and Lice; and what Execution did they do upon the Egypti∣ans?

Cambden tels us the Armes of the Shagburies in Warwick-shire, being Stars, * 1.18 are found engraven in the very stones within their Manor of Shagbu∣ry; Whether that be true or no, I know not; but sure I am that the Armes of the Infinite God, his eternal power, manifold wisdom, and matchless goodness, are so plainly written on his works in the World, in that first volume of Creation, that he that runs may read them. Solomon tels us, God hath set the World in mens hearts; namely, that the skilfulness of the Workman may be admired in the exactness of his works, Eccles. 3.11.

I might draw thee farther, and shew thee (but that I would not be so large) how these glorious perfections of God are Printed in a larger letter, in a fairer character, in the second volume, the work of Redemption. This is the object of An∣gels admiration, and ought to be of thy medi∣tation.

Truly thy duty is to read God in the first book,

the book of the creatures; and more especially in the second, in Jesus Christ upon his own day.

Thy meditation of Gods works, as it will give honour to God, so it will not a little further thy spiritual good; When David considered the work of creation, * 1.19 he falls presently upon exalting God, and debasing himself. When I consider the Hea∣vens, the work of thy hands, the Moon and the Stars which thou hast made, O Lord our Lord, how excel∣lent is thy name in all the earth, and thy glory above the Heavens; there he sets God up high; but then be casts himself downlow, What is man that thou art mindful of him, and the son of man, that thou dost thus visit him!

When thine heart is like Wax hardened, bring it by meditation to the warm beams of this Sun, and they will soften it.

So when David considered the work of Redempti∣on, how doth he magnifie God, and vilifie him∣self. What am I! and what is my Fathers House, that thou hast brought me up hitherto! and yet this was a small thing in thine eyes O God; for thou hast also spoken of thy servants house for a great while to come, 1 Chron. 16.16, 17. O Friend, as rubbing the Limbs with hot Oyls is a great means to recover them when they are benumb'd; so when thy heart is dull and dead, on a Lords day, if thou wouldst but ply it with the meditation of the infinite love and good∣ness of God in sending his Son to dye for thy soul, it would be a Soveraign means to quicken and re∣vive it.

Consider also the Word of God which thou hast heard on that day; Do thou like Mary, ponder it in thine heart. Meditation to the word, is what fire is to water; though water be naturally so cold, yet put fire under it, and it will make it hot and boyling; so though thine heart be cold in regard of affection to the word, put but this fire under it, and it will boyl with love to it; O how love I thy law! there is his heat of affection (the expression is both by way of interrogation and acclamation, shewing the fervency and intension of his love) but what was the fire which caused it? it is my medi∣tation all the day, Psa. 119.

The reason why some men profit so little by the word, is, want of meditation. If a man eat his food, and as soon as it is in his stomach vomit it up again, it is no wonder if he get little strength by it, or if he pine and consume away. Truly, if Sermons enter in at one ear and out at the other, making no stay with thee, I shall not marvail if they work no change in thee.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Time of wor∣ship is juris naturalis, one of seven is juris positivi.
• * 1.2

  Est caput Reli∣gionis & totum Dei cultum continet. Willet in Exod. 35.1.
• * 1.3

  Omni tempore Sabbato debere cessare, Aug. in Exod. quaest. 160.
• * 1.4

  Willet in loc.
• * 1.5

  Ne putes te in domo Dei male posse conversari, & occultari. Oleaster.
• * 1.6

  Inritibus Pagan
• * 1.7

  Buxto••••. Syna gog Iud. c. 10. extalm••d.
• * 1.8

  Accedentiad divina mysteria dei{que} contempla∣tionem deponen∣da sunt calcea∣menta, i.e. passi∣ones, affectiones simul & ratio∣nes humanae & terrenae. Cor. a Lapid. in Exod 3.
• * 1.9

  Deus pluris fa∣cit preces in Ecclesia quam domi factas, non ob locum sed ob considerationem multitudinis fidelium Deum communi consensu invo. cantium. Riv. in Cath. Orth.
• * 1.10

  Sic. Arnob.
• * 1.11

  1 Sam. 28 15.
• * 1.12

  Psa. 43.3, 4.
• * 1.13

  Debet totus dies festivus à Chri∣stiano expendi in operibus bonis Grostead in pre∣cept.
• * 1.14

  Hoc sensu lo∣quitur propheta, Sià primo mane incipimuslauda. re d••um, conti∣nuandas esse ejus laudesad ultimam noctis partem. Calvin in loc.
• * 1.15

  Iewish Antiq. l. 3. c. 3. Ex Buxtorf. Com∣ment mas.
• * 1.16

  Iosh. 10 12.
• * 1.17

  Scultet. Annal.
• * 1.18

  Camb. Britain.
• * 1.19

  ••a. 8.1. to 4