Against the reason of those which dispute against the obseruation or keeping of the first day of the weeke , commonlye called the Sunday .

Obiection . But against this kéeping also of the first day among the christians some haue disputed , saying that Paule Colos. 2. Gal. 4. Rom. 14. forbiddeth in the Church of Christ difference of dayes , and therefore that the kéeping of the first day or Sunne day is no lesse to be disallowed then the obseruing of the seuenth day .

Answere . Our obseruation of the Lord his daie differeth from the Iewish Sabboth . Vnto these we must answere by the difference of the Iewish and Christian obseruation . The kéeping of the Lorde his day doth differ from the Iewish Sabboth : first , for that the Sabboth of the seuenth day , as a ceremonial part of the worship of God , might not be omitted of the Iewes or chaunged , because of the expresse commandement of God : but the Church of Christ , 1 In respect of worship and necessitie . whether it appoint the first day or anie other day for the ministerie , doth it without the breach of her libertie to do otherwise , if there be iust cause , that is to say , without the opinion of necessitie or worship . Secondly , 2 In respect of the figure . the old Sabboth was a figure or shadow of things in the new testament to be fulfilled by Christ : but in the new testament the signification hath ceased , & regard is onely had of order & comelinesse , without the which there can be either no ministerie of the Church at all , or els not ordered wel , and as it ought to be .

As concerning the words of the commandement , Fiue significations of the word Sabboth . this name Sabboth is first of all peculiarly attributed vnto the seauenth daye , because of God his resting from the creation of the world , & because of the rest of the people of God that day to bee obserued . Secondly , it signifieth also other feasts , in which the people were to rest as well as on the 7. day , as for the first day of Easter , Leui. 23. The next day after the Sabboth the Priest shall offer a Gomer . For the feast of trumpets , in the same place . In the seauenth moneth , on the first daie of the same , you shal haue a Sabboth , a token of sounding with trumpets , an holy conuocation or assembly .

Also for the feast of Tabernacles : The fiftéenth day of the fifth moneth ye shall kéepe a feast vnto the Lorde , seuen dayes : on the first daie shall be a Sabboth , and on the eight daie also shall be a Sabboth . In this sense and signification the name Sabboth agréeth also vnto the daies , in which in the new Testament the Church doth exercise the publike worship of God .

Thirdlie , by a figure called Synechdoche , they also call a weeke of daies a Sabboth , as Leuit. 23. From the daie in which ye offer a Gomer of lifting vp , there shall be seuen full weekes , Math. 28. On the last Sabboth , when as it dawned into the first daie of the Sabboths , that is to saie , of the wéeke . Marke . 16. Verie earlie the first daie of the Sabboths , that is , of the wéeke , they came vnto the Sepulchre . And from hence , by a figure called Cathacresis , it is taken also for a wéeke of yeares . Leuit. 25. Thou shalt number vnto thee seauen Sabboths of yeares , that is to saie , s●uen times seuen yeares , the which daies of seuen Sabbothes of yeares will make 49 yeares .

Fourthlie , it is taken for euerie seuenth yeare , in which the people of the Iewes was commaunded to leaue off the tilling of their ground . Leuit. 25. When as yee shall enter into the land , the which I giue vnto you , then the land shall keepe a Sabboth vnto the Lord . Sixe yeares thou shalt sowe thy ground , &c. but in the seauenth yeare there shall be a Sabboth of rest vnto the land , a Sabboth vnto the Lorde : thou shalt not sowe thy field , nor cut thy vineyard . And Chap. 26. Then the land shall finish her Sabbothes , all the daies in which she hath bene desolate and wast , because she rested not in your Sabboths , whilest ye dwelled in her .

Fifthlie , by this word Sabboth is vnderstoode spirituall rest , that is to say , A Spiritual Sabboth . ceasing from sinne , or the leauing off of our owne workes , and the execution or dooing of the workes of God , that is , of such as are by him commaunded vnto vs , and doo appertaine vnto his worship and glorie . This spirituall Sabboth is begun in this life in them that are conuerted , and is finished in the life euerlasting : and is termed a Sabboth or rest , both because this is indeede a true rest from labours and miseries , and our hallowing and dedicating vnto the worshippe of God , and also because that in times past it was signified by the ceremonial Sabboth . Heb. 4. There is therfore lefte some rest vnto the people of GOD. For hee that is entered into his rest , rested also himself from his works , as God rested from his . Let vs studie therfore to enter into that rest , &c. Ies. 66. And it shall come to passe , that from moneth to moneth , and from Sabboth vnto Sabboth all flesh shall come , & worship before me , sayth the Lord .

With this commandement agreeth the 1.2 . & ● . signification of the worde Sabboth . Out of these significations of the word , the first and the second haue place in this commandement as concerning the wordes , & the fifth by an allegorie : This also doth the manner of the figures shew , in the ordeining of the which God will alwayes haue their signification to bée vnderstoode and obserued . And Esayas , chapter 28. If thou tourne awaie thy foote from the Sabboth , that thou doe not thine owne will on mine holie daie , and call the Sabboth thy delight , that it be holie , honourable vnto the Lord , and shalt honour it , that thou doo not thine owne wayes , that thine own will be not found and that thou finde not a word . And therefore with a vehemencie he saith , as of a thing most straightlie commaunded : Remember that thou keepe holie the Sabboth daie , that is , that with greate care and religion thou hallowe it . And Exod. 31. Hée commaundeth him to be put to death , which shall breake the Sabboth . Also Ezech 20. and 22. When as he complaineth of the corruption of the whole worshippe of God : he sayth that the Sabboth is broken : of which straightnesse in requiring of the kéeping of the Sabboth , there are euidentlie apparant two causes especiallie : The one , for that the neglecting of the ministerie of the Church doeth verie easilie corrupt and blot out the doctrine and worshippe of GOD : The other , for that by the straight requiring of the figuratiue Sabboth , GOD woulde declare the greatnesse and necessitie of the thing signified , to wit , of the spirituall Sabboth . The same may bée vnderstoode by the ende of the ceremoniall and morall commandement touching the Sabboth . For GOD will haue the externall or outwarde Sabboth to serue vnto the beginning and finishing in vs of the spirituall Sabboth . Hée will not therefore haue that obserued and kepte without this . Finallie , héereby this same is manifest , in that he commaundeth the Sabboth to bée hallowed , that is , not to bée spent in lasie idlenes , but to haue sinne to be auoyded , and holy workes to be done therein . What it is to keep holy the Sabboth . For God is sayd to halow the Sabboth , because he appoynteth it vnto the worship of God : men also are commanded to halow it , that is to say , to apply it vnto that ende wherevnto it is ordeined by God , or to doo those things the which God hath commanded in the same to be done . Héerevnto apperteyneth that he saith that it is a Sabboth vnto the Lord , that is , dedicated vnto his worship .

Sixe daies of worke And therefore appointing sixe dayes for other labours , and the seuenth vnto the worship of God , his meaning is not that the other dayes the worship of God , and thinking vppon the workes of God should be omitted or lefte off . For it is said Deut. 6. and 11. Thou shalt rehearse them vnto thy sonnes , and shalt speake of them , when as thou shalt sit in thine house , and when as thou shalt walke by the way , and when as thou shalt lye in thy bed , and when thou shalt arise . And Psalme . 1. His pleasure is in the lawe of the Lord , Two things required . 1 and hee meditateth and studieth thereon daye and night . But he requireth these two things , the first , that on the Sabboth daye , not onelie the priuate , as at other times , 2 On the Sabboth the works of our ordinarie calling ought to cease . but also the publike worship of God be exercised in the Church : the other , that at that time other labours , which on other daies euerie man doth exercise according vnto his vocation & calling , should giue place as well vnto the priuate , as publike worship of God .

Yet Iewish superstition is to bée taken héede off , It is lawful on the Sabboth to doo works the which do not hinder the exercise of the ministerie . the which also Christ in the Gospell doth often confute , namelie , that it was vnlawfull on the Sabboth daye to doe anie workes appertaining vnto the necessitie of their owne lyfe , or the life of others , for it appeareth by the end of the commaundement , that onelie seruile workes , or such as hinder the exercise of the ministerie , are forbidden by God , and not such as doe not hinder the publike worshippe of God , or else doe further , nourish and set forth the same . So Math. 12. Christ defendeth his Disciples plucking the e●res of corne on the Sabboth daie to driue awaie hunger , healeth him that had a withered hand . Luke . 13. Healeth a woman that had béene sicke 18. yeares . And Chapter 14. Healeth one sicke of the dropsie . Iohn . 5. Healeth one that had an infirmitie 38. yeares , and biddeth him carrie awaie his bed . And Mathew . 12. Luke . 14. sayth , That without anie sinne on the Sabboth daie cattell or beastes falling into a ditch , are thence drawen out , and Luke 13. That cattell are loosed and driuen to water . And Iudas Machabeus fought on the Sabboth , that there might be some to kéepe the Sabboth . 2. Machab. 15.

And of this and such like acts two reasons are giuen . 1. Machab. 2. If we so do , as our brethren haue done , that wee fight not against the Gentiles for our life & religion , they will now on a sodaine driue vs out of the land . Therefore they appointed within themselues within with these words : what men so euer shall by battaile set vpon vs on the Sabboth daie , we wil fight with them , least we all die , as our brethren are dead . For the defence of their life and religion , they saie well , that they may sight euen on the Sabboth daie . With the same reasons Christ defendeth himselfe and his Disciples . Math. 12. rehearsing a saying out of the 6. Chapter of Oseas : But if yee had knowen , what this is , I will haue mercie and not sacrifice , yee woulde not haue condemned the innocents and guiltlesse . And Marke . 2. The Sabboth was made for man , and not man for the Sabboth , that is , the ceremoniall workes ought to giue place vnto the morall , that rather the ceremonies bée omitted , then the workes of loue , the which either our owne necessitie , or of our neighbour doth require . And Math. 12. Haue yee not read in the lawe , that on the Sabboth the Priestes in the Temple prophane the Sabboth , and are without faulte ? And I saie vnto you , that one greater then the Temple is heere . Also Iohn . 7. On the Sabboth yee circumcise a man . If a man receiue circumcision on the Sabboth , and yet the lawe of Moses is not broken , are yee offended with mee , that I haue cured an whole man on the Sabboth ? In which wordes hee teacheth that such workes , as hinder not the exercise of the Sabboth , but rather set foorth and confirme the same , such as are ●he workes pertaining vnto the worship ●f God , or vnto holie ceremonies , or vnto ●he loue of our neighbour , in such sorte , that necessitie will not suffer them to bée put off vntill another time , doe not break the Sabboth , but are especiallie required to the right obseruation and kéeping of the same .

Families . He will haue our families also and our children to cease from labours , for two causes : first and principallie , that these also by their parents and masters maye bee brought vp and instructed in the worship of God , and to be admitted ● accustomed vnto the exercise of the ministerie of the church : for he wil haue these also reckoned among the members of his Church , and doth exhort them by the example of his rest vnto the 〈◊〉 of the Sabboth Secondlie , because he wil haue loue and bountifulnesse towardes our neighbours , to bée exercised and seene in his Church , bo●h in our whole life , and also especiallie on the Sabboth . Therefore hee reciteth this cause also of the outward rest , or sabboth , albeit it be accidentall and a second came , 〈…〉 rest from labours might be g●aunted vnto seruant and our familie , & by calling to remembraunce the bondage in Aeg●pt , hée exho●teth the Iew●● to vse c●rtesie toward their seruants , the which they in bondage wished to be shewed vnto themselues . Deut. 5. That thy man-seruaunt and thy maide-seruant may rest as well as thou : & remember that thou wast a seruaunt in the land of Aegypt , and that the Lord thy God brought thee thence by a strong hand , and a stretched out arme . Therefore the Lord thy God hath commaunded thee to keepe the Sabboth daie .

Hée commaundeth also straungers to leaue off their labours , Strangers . such as were conuerted vnto true religion , like as Israelites and of the householde of the Church : and such as were still Infidels he also commaundeth to cease from labour , not in regard of themselues , but in respect of the Israelites , and that for two causes : first , least by their example they should giue offence vnto the Church : secondlie , least their libertie might bee an occasion vnto the Iewes by them to doe workes on the Sabboth , which by themselues it was not lawfull for them to doe , and so iniurie should bée done vnto the lawe of GOD , Note this well . the which forbiddeth , not onelie by our selues , but also by others to do such works and businesse on the Sabboth as call men awaie from the worshippe of God , and studying vpon the workes and will of God .

Three questions And héere out appeareth an answere vnto thrée questions or obiections .

Whether other nations also were bound vnto the Iewish ceremonies , if they dwelled amongst the Iewes ?

Whether straungers from the Church , may or ought to bee compelled vnto religion ?

And , whether the Sacraments , amongst the which also the Sabboth was , ought to be common vnto the Infidels with the Church ?

Answere vnto the first and second question . For as concerning binding and constraint , the straungers which dwelled among the Iewes were not constrayned either vnto al ceremonies , or religion , but vnto the outward discipline , the which was necessarie for the auoiding of offences of the Church , in which they liued : for the magistrate ought to be the kéeper of discipline , according vnto both tables of the Decalogue , or ten commandements , amongst his subiects , both to forbid manifest idolatrie and blasphemies : and also concerning forrainers & strangers , so far as he may , to take héed that open offences be not giuen vnto his subiectes . Furthermore , as touching binding ther was an especial consideration of the Sabboth , the which was not at length by Moses , but euen from the beginning of the world , commaunded vnto all men by God , and therfore bound all men vnto the comming of the Messias , albeit that this commandement was so farre growen out of vse among them , that it was reckoned among the chiefe reproches , wherewithall they mocked and taunted the Iewes . 3 Vnto the third . The Sabboth was no Sacrament vnto the Infidells . But this ceremonie was no Sacrament vnto the Infidels , because that neither this promise appertained vnto them , that the Lord would be the sanctifier of them , neither were they constrained to cease from their ordinarie workes for the testifying or professing of this promise , but onelie to auoid offence and occasion of sinning , which by them might bee giuen vnto the people of GOD : for so Nehem. 10. The people promise by oath , that on the Sabboth and holie daies , they woulde not receiue anie thing of the people of the lande , the which brought merchaundise or victuall to sell on the Sabboth daie .

And Chap. 13. Nehemias by shutting the gates and garrison of souldiours , kéepeth the Tyrians dwelling at Ierusalem , and bringing in wares to be solde on the Sabboth , from comming that day into the Citie , least occasion might be giuen vnto the Iewes to breake the Sabboth .

Cattell . These things are better vnderstood by this , that the Cattell also are commanded to rest , whose rest had no signification eyther of the worship of God or any sacrament , but was commanded in regarde of the men , first that occasion of working might be cut off from them , the labour or vse of their cattell being forbidden : and secondly , that sparing their brute beasts , they might learn , how great a regard god would haue of gentlenesse and equitie to be vsed towards men : the which cause also Paule alledgeth of the commandement of not mus●ing the mouth of the Oxe that treadeth out the corne . 1. Cor. 9 Hath the Lord a care of Oxen ? or doth he not altogether say this for vs ? For , for vs is this written , that he which ploweth ought to plow in hope : and he that treadeth out the corne in hope , ought to be partaker of his hope , &c.

The reason which is added , The reson of the commandement , the rest of God . taken from God his resting , apperteineth vnto the circumstance or ceremoniall precept concerning the seuenth day : God rested on that day : that is to say , he ceased to make new parts of the world , as which was alreadie perfected and finished , and such as God would haue it for to be . This daye therefore he dedicated or appoynted vnto the worship of God : first , Why the seauenth day was appoynted vnto the worship of God . that by the example of his rest , as by a most effectuall and strong argument , he might exhort men vnto the following of him , in leauing off of the ordinarie works of the 6. dayes , as God on the seuenth daye rested from the workes of the sixe dayes , that is from the creating of newe partes of the world .

Secondly , that this rest of the seuenth day might be a monument and token of the perfecting and fi● ishing of the creation by God , and of the continuing on that day of the perpetual preseruation and gouerning of his workes , vnto his glorie & benefit of his elect and chosen , and therefore might be a spur vnto the consideration and setting forth of these works and benefites towardes mankinde , for whose sake all other things are made and preserued by God , that out of the same mankinde , made and formed after his owne image , he might gather and preserue a Church vnto himselfe , the which in this life and for euer might praise him .

The resting of men two-fold Now the imitation and following of his rest , vnto the which by his owne example he doth exhort vs , is of two sorts : ceremoniall , and signifying : and morall or spirituall , or signified . For the workes , the which are called the workes of men , are of two sorts : for some are by God commanded vnto euerie particular person , but yet hindering the publike worship of God , if they be continued without intermission or ceasing , namelye the workes of euerie man his proper vocation and calling , the ministerie of the church , and such things as appertaine vnto the exercise and preseruation of the same excepted . Some are forbidden by God , namely sinnes , the which are in such sort the proper workes of the diuell and of men , that in this respect that they are sinnes , they can in no wise be referred vnto God .

Both these kindes of workes of men are forbidden , but in a three-fold difference of forbidding .

The first is , workes are forbidden in a certaine respect , Three differences in workes forbidden . namely so farre foorth as they hinder the ministerie of the church , or giue offence : but sinnes are forbidden simply .

The second , for that workes are onely forbidden on the Sabboth daye : but sinnes are commanded to be lefte at all times .

The thirde , for that the ceasing from workes , is a figure , but the ceasing from sinnes is the thing signified by the figure , and therefore ordeined by the appoynting of this figure , according vnto the exposition of the figure set down Heb. 4. He that is entered into his rest , rested also himselfe from his workes , as God did from his .

The summe therefore of the commanment is , The sum of the 4. commandement . that it establisheth the publike worship of god , or ministery of the church , and the exercise and honour of the same . For this is the halowing , or holy of vse the Sabboth , that is to saye , of the time appoynted vnto the ministerie , when as on that day , holy workes , the which God hath commanded at that time to be done , are exercised . The works of the Sabboth . Now the partes of this halowing , or the workes of the Sabboth , the which on the Sabboth ought to bee done partly by the Ministers and partly by the Church , are these especially .

1 To teach the church . Truly to teach the Church concerning God , and his will . For in this place is spoken of the dutie of the Ministers of the Church , vnto whom it appertaineth not onely in the publike assemblyes of the Church , faithfully to deliuer & teach true doctrine , but as necessitie & occasion shall be offered , to instruct and admonish euen particular persons , and to employ themselues vnto the amendment and saluation of all them that are committed to their charge . Proues for publike doctrine . Concerning doctrine in the meetings of the Church there is spoken Exod. 12. The first and seuenth day of Easter , there shall be vnto you an holy conuocation or assembling together . Leuit. 10. That ye teach the children of Israel all the Statutes which the Lord hath spoken vnto them , by the hand of Moses . Act. 13. They fulfilled the wordes of the Prophets , the which are read euery Sabboth . And chap. 15. For Moses of olde hath them in euerie Citie , which preach him , when as hee is read in the Sinagogues euerie Sabboth . And cap. 17. And Paule , as his custome was , went in vnto them , and three Sabboth daies disputed with them , out of the scripture , &c. proues for priuate instruction & admonition . As touching the office of ministers in priuate instruction and admonition , we read . Act. 17. He reasoned in the Sinagogue with the Iewes , and religious persons , & in the market daily with all that he met . And cap. 20. Take heed therefore vnto your selues , and vnto the whole flocke in the which the holye Ghost hath made you ouerseers to feede the church of God , &c. Againe : Watch therfore , remembring , that I , by the space of three yeares ceased not day and night with teares to admonish euerie one . 2. Tim. 4. Preach the word , bee earnest in season , out of season : rebuke , reprooue , exhort with all mildenesse and doctrine . But watch thou in all thinges , suffer , do the worke of an Euangelist , 2 To minister the sacraments . giue full proofe of thy ministerie .

To minister the Sacramentes according vnto the ordinance of God . And as doctrine , so also the administration of the Sacraments is not tied vnto those daies , in which the méetings of the Church are made , but it is sufficient concerning the publike ministration , if it be done by the ministers of the church , as those which do represent a publike person , and roome of God in the ministerie speaking vnto men , and that those things be done in the assemblyes of the Church , the which God hath tied vnto the ministers . So circumcision was ministred at anye daye which was the eight day after the birth of the childe : so baptisme may be ministred on any day . Act 8. & . 10. Yet the ministring of the Sacrament ought especially to bee vsed on the Sabboth daye . And therefore Numb 28. and. 29. besides the daily sacrifices , there are also set forth certaine sacrifices which ought to be vsed on the Sabboth , and other holy dayes And Christ in such sort ordained his supper , as the which among other endes , ought also to be the sinowe of the Congregation of the church , that it might be ministred either in a small or great assembly of the Church .

Matth. 26. Drinke ye all of this . 1. Cor. 10. The bread which wee breake , is it not the communion of the bodie of Christ ? Because we being manie are one bread , one bodie . For all wee are partakers of one bread . And chap. 11. Therefore when yee come together into one place , this is not to eate the Lords supper . For euery one eateth his own supper before . In the same place , Therfore ( my bretheren ) when ye come together to eate , tarrie one for another .

And vnto the lawfull administration of the Sacraments appertaineth also the shutting out of those , Shutting out of the vnworthie . whome God hath commanded to be shut out from them .

Like as it was not lawfull for strangers from the nation and religion of the Iewes , nor for the vncircumcised to eate the Paschall Lambe . Exod. 12. so the Church of God ought not to admit or receiue vnto the Supper of the Lorde , such as are not baptized , or such as being baptized , yet in doctrine or manners are strangers from Christianitie .

To learne the doctrine of the Church , 3 To learn the doctrine of the Church . that is , to come often vnto the assemblies of the Church , to heare and learne the heauenly doctrine , and diligentlye to meditate and examine the doctrine being heard , and especiallye to bestowe the dayes appoynted for the ministerie , in reading , studying , and handling of diuine matters : for inasmuch as God will haue ministers of the Church to be , he will also that there bée hearers of the doctrine , and the same also diligent . And the desire to learne is not without priuate meditation . Therfore they of Bercea are praised , Acts. 17. for that they receiued the worde with all ioyfulnesse , dailie searching the Scriptures , whether the thinges were so or no : and especiall to such as serue alreadie , or meane in time to come to serue the Church a diligent studie to know the doctrine is inioyned . 1. Tim. 4. Take heede vnto reading , exhortation , doctrine : foreslow not the gifte which is in thee , the which was giuen th●e to prophesie , with the laying on of the hands of the oldership . Exercise these things : in these be thou , that thy profiting m●y be manifest vnto all . Take heed vnto thy selfe , and vnto doctrine : in these continue . For if thou doe this , thou shalt saue thy s●lfe , and those that ●eare thee . And 1. Tim. ● . and 2. Tim. 2. P●ule will haue a min●ster of the Church to bee fit to teach , and to confute and ouerthrow t●● aduersaries 〈…〉 .

To vse the Sacraments according vnto the ordinance of God . To vse the sacraments So God commanded the Passeouer to be kept in the assembly of the people , and appoynted certaine sacrifices vnto other feast dayes and Sabboths . Also Act. 20. The first day of the weeke , when as the Disciples were come together to breake bread , Paul preached , &c. For as God will haue true doctrine to be heard , so he will also haue the lawfull vse of the sacraments to be séene in the publike assemblyes of the Church : because that he will haue both these to be a note , whereby the Church may be knowen and discerned from other nations & sectes . The sacraments also , like as the word , are an instrument , or exercise to stirre vp and maintaine faith and godlynesse in vs . They are also a publike profession of our faith and thankfulnesse vnto God , and a part of the publike worship of God in the church . And therfore the vse of them is most especialy agreeable vnto the Sabboth .

Publike calling vpon God , wherby we do ioyne our confession , thanks-giuing , 5 Publike calling on God . and prayers with the church . For God wil be called vpon not onely priuately of euerye man , but also publikely by the Church , for his glorie , and our comfort , to wit , that we should not doubt , that we are heard of God , when as he hath promised hearing not onely vnto vs , but also vnto others , and vnto the whole church , praying for vs together with vs . For to this ende he hath added a peculiar promise vnto common praiers , Matth. 18. Againe I say vnto you , if two of you shal agree together vpon earth , whatsoeuer they shall aske , it shall be graunted vnto them of my father which is in heauen . For where two or three are gathered together in my name , there am I in the middest of them . And thankes-giuing and the praysing of God , is promised vnto God as an especiall worship . Psal. 22. In the middest of the Congregation I will praise thee . Of thee shall bee my praise in a Congregation of much people , I will pay my vowes before them that feare him . And it is commanded 1. Cor 14. Forasmuch as if thou blesse in spirit , he which occupieth the roome of an vnlearned person , how shall he say Amen vnto thy thankes-giuing ? For he knoweth not what thou saiest . And. 1. Tim. 2. I exhort therefore before all things , that there be made supplications , prayers , requests , & thankes-giuing , for all men , for Kings , and for al that are set in authoritie , that we may lead a quiet & a peaceable life in all godlinesse and chastitie , &c.

Neither doth Christ in the 6. of Matth. condemne and forbid publike prayers , Matth. 6. Not publike praiers , but hypocrisie is forbidden . but boasting & hypocrisie , saying : When thou prayest , enter into thy chamber , and shutting thy doore pray vnto thy Father which is in secret , and thy father which seeth thee in secret , shal reward thee openly . The wordes going before do witnesse this : When thou prayest , be not as the hypocrites . For they loue to pray standing in their assemblies and corners of the streetes , that they maye be seene of men . Verely I say vnto you , they haue their reward . And hypocrisie is a counterfaiting & boasting and vaine shewing of godlynesse Taring therefore this , Hypocrisie . he speaketh not of the desire to please god , and of praysing him as well publikely as priuately , but he will haue those also which praye publikely , to haue regarde not vnto the iudgement and eyes of men but of God concerning vs , and not to looke vnto our glorie , but vnto the glorie of God .

6 The honour of the ministery conteining The honour of the ministerie of the Church , which containeth many things : first , reuerence , that is an acknowledging of the order and wil of God in the appointing and preseruation of the ministerie , and the gathering together of the church by the same , 1 Reuerence . and the declaration & shewing forth of this our iudgement of the ministerie both in wordes and déedes .

1. Cor. 4. Let a man so esteeme of vs as of the Ministers of Christ , and disposers of the secrets of God . 2. Cor. 5. Therefore we are Embassadours in the name of Christ , as if God intre●ted you by vs : wee praye you in the name of Christ , that ye be reconciled vnto God .

2 Loue . Secondly , Loue , by the which we willingly both resort vnto the assemblies of the church , and do heare and learne the doctrine of the church , and do wish well vnto the faithful ministers of the church , not onely in respect of the dutie of loue , but also in regard of the ministerie which they execute . Psal. 84. How amiable are thy Tabernacles O Lord of hostes . My soule longeth , yea , and fainteth for the Courtes of the Lord , my heart & my flesh reioyce in the liuing God .

Psal. 122. I reioyced with them that sayd vnto me , we will goe into the house of the Lord . Also , For my bretheren sake I will now speake peace of thee , because of the house of the Lord our God , I will seek thy good .

Thirdly , obedience in those thinges , 3 Obedience which appertaine vnto the ministerie . Hebr. 4. Obey your Rulers . Hethertoo appertaine the workes of loue towardes God , and towards our neighbor , that is , the whole life of a Christian , which is the spirituall Sabboth For it is nothing els to kéepe a spirituall Sabboth , To keepe a spiritual Sabboth . then in the ordering of our life to obey the voyce of God sounding by the ministerie of the Church . For God will haue the doctrine learned to this ende , that it may be obeyed . Iam. 1. Performe ye the word in deed , and be not hearers onely , deceiuing your selues : because if a man be a hearer of the word and not a doer , he shall be compared vnto a man beholding the countenance of his birth in a glasse , for hee hath behelde himselfe , and went his waye , and by and by forgetteth what manner one he was .

And , for as much as he will haue this Sabboth to be kepte all our life time , hée will haue the examples and testimonies of the same especially to be shewed forth on the outward or ceremoniall Sabboth day , that is , at those times which are appoynted for the teaching and learning of the word of God . He that hath no care to serue the Lord on the Sabboth day , will not serue him at other times . For if a man al the time doo not shewe foorth a desire to obey God , when as the doctrine ringeth in his eares , and when as other cares being laid aside , God will haue vs to thinke vpon godlynesse and repentance , he sufficiently declareth that he will not doo it at another time .

There it hath alwayes bene the manner in the Church , on the Sabboth day to giue almes , & to exercise the workes of loue towardes the néedie . Nehem. 8. Send parts vnto him for whom nothing is prepared , because it is an holy daye vnto our Lord . God himselfe also doth witnesse Deut. 5. that he will haue the Sabboth kept , that rest maye be giuen to seruaunts and to our familie : least that with the continuaunce of laboures they should be too much brought downe . And 1. Corinth 16. Furthermore as concerning the gathering for the Saintes , as I haue appoynted vnto the Churches of Galatia , so doo yee also . Euerie first daye of the weeke , let euerie one of you laye a side with himselfe , laying vp that , which thorough the gentlenesse of GOD he maye . And Actes 2. all these works of the Sabboth are ioyntly expressed together : The Disciples were abiding in the doctrine of the Apostles , and in fellowshippe , and breaking of bread , and prayers .

Fourthlye , 4 Thankfulnesse . honour comprehendeth also Thankfulnesse , that is , duties concerning the preseruation of the Ministerie and Ministers . For if GOD will haue a Ministerie to be in the Church , hée will also that euerye one , according to their abilitie , doo further the maintenaunce of the same , that is , that they bestowe theyr money and trauayle vpon the nourishing and defending of godly Ministers and teachers .

Hethertoo appertaine the lawes of Moses , concerning the first borne , first fruits , tenthes , and very many offerings , the which were appointed vnto the Priestes & Leuites in steade of a stipend , wherewithall to maintaine the life of them and theirs , that they might attend vppon the ministerie . Albeit the circumstaunces of these lawes be abolished & taken awaie , yet the generall remaineth for euer , because God will haue the ministerie preserued euen vntill the end of the worlde . Deu. 12. Take heed vnto thy selfe that thou forsake not the Leuite all thy daies vppon thy land . 1. Cor. 9. Who goeth on warfare at anie time vpon his owne charges ? Who planteth a vineyard , and eateth not of the fruit thereof ? Or who feedeth a flocke , and eateth not of the milke of the flocke ? Doth not the lawe also saie these things ? For it is written in the lawe of Moses , Thou shalt not musle the mouth of the Oxe , that treadeth out the corne . Also , If we haue sowen vnto you spirituall things , is it a great matter , if we reap your fleshlie things ? Again , Are ye ignorant , that they which serue about holie thinges , doe eate of the thinges which are of the altar ? And they that serue at the altar , doe take parte of the altar ? So the Lord hath ordeined , that they which preach the Gospell , should liue of the Gospell . 1. Tim. 5. The elders which doe rule well , let them be counted worthie of double honour , especiallie those that do labour in the word and in doctrine . For the Scripture saith , Thou shalt not musle vp the mouth of the Oxe , that treadeth out the corne . And the worke-man is worthie of his hire . Math. 10. He that receiueth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet , shall receiue the reward of a Prophet . Héerevnto also pertaineth the examples of the widowe of Sarepta , nourishing the Prophet Elias . 1. King . 17. Of Obadiah sauing the Prophets , whome Iezabel did persecute . 1. King . 18. Of the Church of Damascus , letting downe Paule by the wall Acts. 9.

In this part of the honour towardes the ministerie is also conteined the maintenaunce of schooles : Schooles . inasmuch as without the studies of learning and arts men are neither fit to teach , neither can the puritie of doctrine be preserued and defended against Heretikes . Therefore Christ Math. 11. promiseth a reward vnto those , the which for the furtherance and imparting of doctrine do well vnto those which doe either alreadie teach , or which are in time to come to teach , or whose trauaile doth serue , or shall héereafter serue for the preseruation of doctrine .

5 Gentlenesse towardes the infirmities of ministers Fiftlie and lastlie , vnto this honour of the ministerie is also required vprightnes or gentlenesse in bearing with the infirmities of the ministers , the which doe not notoriouslie or manifestlie corrupt or forslow their office , & hurt the Church with offence . 1. Tim. 5. Receiue not an accusation against an Elder , but vnder two or three witnesses .

Contraries & repugnant vnto the workes of the Sabboth . Forasmuch then as this is the sanctifiing or hallowing of the Sabboth , it followeth that the thinges wherewith the Sabboth is prophaned or broken , are contrarie vnto these workes .

Against the teaching of doctrine is set the leauing or forslowing of the duetie of teaching , 1 Vnto doctrine . either priuatelie or publiklie . Esa. 56. All her watch-men are dumbe dogges , which are not able to barke , sleeping , taking their ease , verie diligent to sleepe . And they are rauenous dogges , which knowe not when they are full , and the Shepheardes themselues vnderstande nothing , they haue all gone aside after their owne waie , euerie one vnto his couetousnesse in his place . Ezech. 34. Woe vnto the Shepheardes that haue fedde themselues : Doe not shepheardes feede their flocke ? Yee haue eaten the fat , and doo cloath your selues with the wooll : ye haue killed the fat , but haue not fed the sheepe : the weake haue ye not comforted , and the sicke haue yee not healed , and the broken haue ye not bound vp , that that was cast downe yee haue not brought againe , & that which was lost ye haue not sought , but ye haue reigned ouer them cruellie and tyrannouslie .

Also corrupting and mangling of doctrine , or bowing of the same vnto the opinions , affections , desires , or profite of the ministers , or magistrates , or others . 2. Corinth . 2. For wee doe not , as manie , make merchaundise of the woorde of GOD , but wee speake of Christ , as of sinceritie , as of GOD , in the sight of God .

Against the administration of the Sacramentes is either the leauing or foreslowing of the exhortation of the Church to vse the Sacramentes , 2 Vnto the administration of the Sacraments or an vnlawfull admistration , when as some thing is either taken from the ceremonies ordeined by God , or when some thing is changed in them , or when as such are shut out from the Sacraments , as ought to be receiued , or such receiued which by the ordinance of God ought to be kept from them , or when as the people are not instructed concerning the right vse of them . 3 Against the desire to learne doctrine .

Against the desire to learne doctrine , is the contempt & neglecting of doctrine , that is , either not to be present at holie Sermons , when there is no lawfull cause to let vs , and on the Sabboth to doe workes that might be put off vntill another time , or to giue no eares vnto holie Sermons , or not to meditate and search the doctrine of the Church , but especiallie negligence to knowe the doctrine in the ministers , or in those , which by God are called vnto the studie of doctrine , and either ought one daie to serue vnto the setting forth of doctrine , or haue greater occasion and opportunitie to learne the same , then others . Numb . 16. He that gathereth stickes . Death appointed for the Sabboth breakers . He that gathered sticks on the Sabboth daie , is stoned to death . And Exod. 31. Paine of death is set down against them that on the Sabboth doe works hindering the ministerie . Nehem , 13. They that doe such workes on the Sabboth are verie sharplie chidden . Math. 13. As often as a man heareth the word of that kingdome , and vnderstandeth it not , then commeth that wicked one , and taketh awaie that which was sowen in his heart . This is he which receiueth the séede by the way side , &c. Math. 15. Let them alone , they are blinde , guides of the blinde : if the blinde leade the blinde , they both fall into the ditch . Luke 12. Vnto whome so euer much hath bene giuen , much shall be required of him againe , and with whom they haue laid downe much , the more they will aske againe at his hands .

Also curiositie , the which is a desire to know or to heare things not reuealed by God , not necessarie , or new things Pro. 25 As to eate much honie , is not good : so the se●rching out of the glorie of the diuine things is no glorie . Sonne of Sirach . 3. Search not vnconsideratlie after thinges that are more hard then thou art able to attaine vnto : and concerning things that are aboue thy power , foolishlie seeke not after them . The thinges that are commaunded thee of God , the same studie thou holilie vpon . For it is not needfull for thee , to beholde with thine eyes the thinges that are secret : the things that are not necessarie , but superfluous vnto thy talke , meddle not curiouslie with them . For mo thinges are opened vnto thee , then the wit of man is able to comprehend . 1. Tim. 4. Giue no eare vnto fables , and endlesse genealogies , the which doe rather breed questions , then edifying of God , which is by faith . And Chapter 4. Prophane and olde wiues fables reiect . 2. Tim. 2. Reiect or cast awaie foolish and vnlearned questions , knowing that they doe breede strifes . Tit. 3. Refrain foolish questions and genealogies , and contention● , and strifes about the lawe : for they are vnprofitable and vaine . 2. Tim. 3. There will be a time when as they shal not abide sound doctrine , but itching in their eares , they according vnto their owne lustes , shall heape vp vnto themselues teachers , and shall turne awaie their eares from the truth , and bee turned vnto fables .

4 〈…〉 . Vnto the lawfull vse and receiuing of the Sacraments is repugnant the leauing off and contempt of the same . Also the prophaning of them , when as they are vsed and receiued , not after that sorte which God hath commaunded , or not of those , for whome they were ordained . Also superstitious receiuing , when as saluation and the grace of GOD are tied vnto the obseruation of the ceremonies , or else are vsed vnto other endes wherevnto they are not ordained by GOD. Gen. 17. Hee that is vncircumcised shall be rooted out from among his people . Exod. 4. GOD threatneth death vnto Moses because of his sonne which was not circumcised . Malach. 1. The Lord of hoasts sayth vnto you . O Priests , which contemne my name , and haue sayd , Wherein haue wee contemned thy name ? Which doe offer vppon mine altar , polluted bread , and yee haue sayd , wherein haue wee polluted the same ? &c. Es●●e . 66. Hee that sacrificeth an Oxe , dooth sinne as much as hee that slayeth a man , &c. 1. Corinth . 11. Hee that eateth and drinketh vnworthilie , eateth and drinketh vnto himselfe damnation .

Vnto the publike praiers , 5 Vnto publike prayers . the neglecting of them , and the hypocriticall béeing present at them without eare-giuing or affection . Also the rehearsing of them not seruing vnto the edifying of the Church . 1. Cor. 14. If thou blesse in spirite , he , which occupieth the roome of an ignorant person , how shall hee say Amen vnto thy giuing of thankes ? For he knoweth not what thou saist . For thou giuest thankes well , but another is not edified .

In like manner also is against the vse and exercise of the whole ministerie , not onely the particular leauing of duetie in euerie priuate person , but by his example , or any manner of hinderance , by his commaundement or perswasion , the calling away of his children , familie , or others , from the vse and exercise of the same .

6 Vnto the honor of the ministerie . Vnto the honour of the Ministerie , the contempt and despising of the same is contrarie , whereby either the ministerie of of the Church is abolished and taken away , or is committed vnto vnworthye persons , or is denied to be the instrument the which God will vse for the gathering together of his Church : or when as the ministers are reproched . 1. Tim. 5. Laye not thy handes quickly vnto any man , neither be thou partaker of other mens sinnes . Luke . 10. Hee that despiseth you , despiseth mee . Or when as they are hated , Matth. 10. and 24. Ye shall be hated of all men for my names sake . Or when as doctrine is not obeyed in the leading of our life : but especially when as on the Sabboth daye , the workes of loue & godlinesse are neglected , and the time imployed vnto vaine and wicked things , or spent in lewdnesse : or when as necessarie maintenance is not giuen vnto the Ministers , defence and other dueties of thankefulnesse and courtesie are not performed vnto them : that I saye nothing , when as the Ministers are wronged and hurte : when as the maintenance of schooles and learning is not cared for : or els when as the infirmities and wants in the ministers that may be borne withall , are bitterly taunted , or when as because of them the ministerie is despised or neglected .