Reformed Covenanter blog posts on the Sabbath

[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post comes from John Wallis; it focuses on the Sabbath before Sinai and its place in the Decalogue:

I agree also, that the Law of the Sabbath is one of the Decalogue or Ten Commandments delivered to Israel on Mount Sinai. Ex. 20. But I am willing to think it was a Law before. Not only because we find it observed, Exod. 16. (before the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai, Ex. 20.) but especially because of that in Gen. 2. 3. God blessed the Seventh day and Sanctified it, because in it he rested from all his Work. And those who are most averse to the Morality (as it is wont to be called) or the Perpetuity of the Sabbath, or Day of Holy Rest, and are yet very zealous for the Holiness of Places, would be very fond of it if they could find so clear a Testimony, and so ancient, for the holiness of Place, as here is for that of Time.

I agree also that the Law of the Decalogue or Ten Commandments, though then given peculiarly to Israel, is Obligatory to Us also. For though some Clauses therein do peculiarly respect them; as that who brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage, and that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, (which I think is there said with a particular respect to the land of Canaan, which God gave to Israel, not to us; yet the Body of that Law and the preceptive part of it, I take to be Obligatory to others also, and to Us in particular; the Decalogue being Declarative of what was (I think) a Law before (however neglected or forgotten,) and is by Christ and his Apostles frequently cited as such, even to Gentiles as well as Jews.

For the reference, see:

John Wallis on the Sabbath before Sinai and its place in the Decalogue

I agree also, that the Law of the Sabbath is one of the Decalogue or Ten Commandments delivered to Israel on Mount Sinai. Ex. 20. But I am willing to think it was a Law before. Not only because we …

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[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post for the Lord's Day comes from Richard Greenham on Adam's need for a Sabbath:

... Our first father then had a Sabbath to be put in mind of the Creator, and that without distraction he might the better be put in mind of the glorious kingdom to come, that more freely he might give himself to meditation, and that he might the better glorify God in six days. As the heretics then deny the necessity of the word, prayer and Sacraments: so we look for a new heaven, and a new earth, and then we hope and acknowledge, that we shall keep a continual Sabbath. But in the meantime, seeing the Sabbath which we now have, was before sin, we, since sin came into the world, have much more need of it, because that which was needful to continue Adam in innocence, is also as needful to recover us, and to continue us in our recovery. The Lord then having sanctified this day, it is not our day, but the Lord his own day. ...

For more, see:

Richard Greenham on Adam’s need for a Sabbath

So that as God made all things in six days: so we may use them six days, as Adam did in the garden: and as the Lord rested from his works of creation, though not from his work of providence and adm…

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[MyCrows]

But in the meantime, seeing the Sabbath which we now have, was before sin, we, since sin came into the world, have much more need of it, because that which was needful to continue Adam in innocence, is also as needful to recover us, and to continue us in our recovery.

Well said, Mr. Greenham.

We need the Lord's Day. We should not only enjoy it as it comes, but even yearn for it, and long for the relief that we find in it. God has indeed designed it for our benefit.

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the LORD: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. - Psalm 84:2 KJV

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post for the Lord's Day comes from Jonathan Edwards on Sabbath-profanation as a way to hell:

A way of sabbath-breaking and of profaning God’s worship is a sure way to hell. Is not this a common thing amongst us? Are there not many amongst us, especially young people, that have no regard to holy time, but in their talk and actions do trample God’s sabbath underfoot and make no difference between holy time and other time? I think this may be taken for a rule, that those moral evils that were capital according to the law of Moses, that at all times, they are mortal damning sins: for God, by ordering that they should be punished with death, signified that they led to destruction and eternal death. But the profaning the sabbath was so to be capitally punished.

[In] Exodus 31:14, we are told that he that defiles the sabbath shall surely be put to death; that soul shall be cut off from the congregation. They were to be stoned with stones, which sort of death seems to be appointed more especially to represent God’s wrath poured upon the head of the sinner. And how many are there that not only profane the sabbath, but profane God’s public worship on the sabbath by an irreverent, indecent, rude behaviour. All such as make this a practice are going to hell. I need to offer [no] other places to prove it, but the third commandment: “That God will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy” [Exodus 20:7–8].

For the reference, see:

Jonathan Edwards on Sabbath-profanation as a way to hell

A way of sabbath-breaking and of profaning God’s worship is a sure way to hell. Is not this a common thing amongst us? Are there not many amongst us, especially young people, that have no reg…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

John Holmes Agnew provides us with this Sabbath's post, which focuses on the Sabbath's relevance to patriotism:

Let every man who would lay claim to patriotism and be thought a good member of civil society, keep back his foot from polluting the Sabbath. It is manifest, from the preceding remarks, that the Sabbath-breaker strikes at the root of all that is peaceful and orderly, and opens the way for the spread of irreligion, infidelity, and moral death. The man who by his example weakens the pervading sense of obligation to God, and overthrows the authority of a Divine institution, does so much toward the ruin of his country, and is one of its worst enemies. He may not feel himself to be so, but he is so in reality.

We can little regard a man’s boasts of patriotism, his fourth of July orations, his flaming toasts, his shouldering of his musket on public days, when we see him regardless of the laws of God, and by an immoral example sapping the foundations of republican government. He is no patriot at heart. For the real friend of his country will avoid every course which is manifestly ruinous to its interests, and will uphold every institution which is promotive of its welfare. And what more so than the Sabbath? …

I repeat it, it is vanity for that man to lay claim of the tribute of patriotism, who by his example and influence in reference to the Sabbath, is subverting religion and morality, those great pillars of human happiness. He may have much of the milk of human kindness, may possess the sweet charities of life, may be amiable, and admired for his talents and usefulness in other respects, yet if he break the fourth commandment, and teach men so, he shall not only be of no esteem in the kingdom of heaven, but is certainly laying the axe at the root of his country’s brightest hopes.

For the reference, see:

John Holmes Agnew on patriotism and the Sabbath

Let every man who would lay claim to patriotism and be thought a good member of civil society, keep back his foot from polluting the Sabbath. It is manifest, from the preceding remarks, that the Sa…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post is also from Richard Greenham; it addresses the subject of bearing with errors of weakness concerning the Sabbath:

In our days we see that because there hath been much crying out against holy days, some also will not stick to cry out against the Sabbath. Well, if a papist in all other general points of doctrine should be truly converted unto Christ, and for want of instruction doubteth of the Sabbath, we are in love to deal with him, and for a season to support his weakness. How be it we must remember that the weak must not always be born with, as appeareth by the Apostle’s words chap 15:2. Let every man please his neighbour in that, that is good to edification.

So long then as the error is of weakness, and that it is but an infirmity in the man, from which by the knowledge of the truth he would be rid and be delivered, he must be born with. But if it proceed of illusion, obstinacy, and of a prefract [sic] judgment as deceived by the devil, then he must not be borne with, no not even now a days: nay, if we be herein faulty, the error is not so tolerable in us, as it was in them, in that they wanted the old and New Testament, both which are so abundantly opened unto us. But if one truly repenting him of his sins, and faithfully believing in Christ, shall through ignorance be afraid of the Sabbath, as of a servile ceremony, he is so far to be borne with, as he desireth to come to the truth, and if he come once to be obstinate, he is no longer to be borne with.

For the reference, see:

Richard Greenham on bearing with errors of weakness concerning the Sabbath

In our days we see that because there hath been much crying out against holy days, some also will not stick to cry out against the Sabbath. Well, if a papist in all other general points of doctrine…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

Today's post for the Lord's Day is from the Westminster divine, Daniel Cawdrey. It addresses the subject of household Sabbath sanctification:

Lastly, Sanctification of the Sabbath, by the whole family, in all or most of the duties aforesaid, publicly and privately, is the care of the chief householder; as in the fourth Commandment: Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day: Thou Master, and thy son and daughter, manservant and maidservant. What need so particular enumeration, if there were not a great weight in the performance thereof?

But where shall we find the family that doth all this? when the Householders themselves neglect or profane it by their own example; and employ their children and servants in businesses, to keep them from the public Congregation, or leave them to come or go at their own pleasure; or to spend the day in Idleness or Sports & pastimes, that day; How can these men say truly, I and my house, we will serve the Lord? I shall only say more truly, what once was falsely applied to our Saviour; This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day: because he takes no care, that his family with him, do keep the Sabbath day. And thus much of the third Use.

For the reference, see:

Daniel Cawdrey on the household sanctification of the Sabbath

Lastly, Sanctification of the Sabbath, by the whole family, in all or most of the duties aforesaid, publicly and privately, is the care of the chief householder; as in the fourth Commandment: Remem…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post for the Lord's Day comes from Professor John Murray on Christ's Lordship over the Sabbath:

... Finally, the reason assigned for this Lordship over the Sabbath is the fact that the Sabbath was made for man. It was for the sake of man that Jesus came into the world, it was for man’s sake that He died and rose again, it is for man’s sake that He is exalted as the Messiah to supreme mediatorial sovereignty. But it was also for man’s sake that the Sabbath was made. If, then, it was for man’s sake that Jesus came, and suffered, and died, and rose again to ascend up where He was before, is it possible that that which was made for man – the Sabbath – should be annulled and abrogated by that which He became and did for man’s sake? ...

For more, see:

John Murray on Christ’s Lordship over the Sabbath

But Jesus in this passage also asserts His own Lordship over the Sabbath. “The Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” The title Son of man is distinctly Messianic and points to the do…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

Apologies that this week's post is running later than normal; it comes from the Puritan, Dudley Fenner:

... First because of the covenant of the law, which biddeth us doe and so live thereby, driving us unto Christ, Rom. 10. 5. There are ten parts, called ten words or sentences, of which if we take away this, there will be but nine, Exod. 34. 18.

Secondly, if Adam being in his soundness, because his mind not being infinite, could not do his work, and praise God, pray to him, meditate in his creatures of his wisdom, mercy, &c. had need for that purpose, wholly to give himself over more fully then he did by times in other days once in seven days: how much more having in us so much ignorance, hardness of heart, &c. that we might help our weakness, and grow forward? Gene. 2. 3. 15.

Thirdly, when this was a piece of the image of God in him, that he did not only those daily duties after mentioned together with tilling and keeping the garden, Gene. 2. 15. every day, but was further able one whole day in soul and body to give over himself to the former Sabbath, exercise of praying, praising, &c. either we must not know, and not be born again to this piece of excellency, or else we must have this peculiar commandment to humble us, and in this point to drive us unto Christ, afterward also be a rule and square unto us of the same. ...

For more, see:

Dudley Fenner on the perpetual obligation of Sabbath-observance

But before we come to the proper and peculiar exercises, we will set down reasons that prove it perpetual for the Church in this world, to have one such day in seven to be dedicated unto the Lord, …

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[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post comes from Archibald Alexander on the fourth commandment and the perpetuity of the Sabbath:

The decisive argument for the perpetual obligation of the sabbath is the fourth commandment. The ten commandments, as being of a moral nature, and therefore always binding, were promulgated in a very different manner from the other institutions of Moses. They were first uttered in a voice of thunder, from the midst of the fire on Sinai, and were then inscribed by the finger of God on two tables of hewn stone.

Now, it is admitted, that all the other precepts of the Decalogue are moral; and would it not be an unaccountable thing that a ceremonial, temporary commandment should be inserted in the midst of these moral precepts? This is the law which Christ says he came not to destroy, but to fulfil. None of these commandments have been abrogated; and therefore the fourth, as well as the others remains in fall force. And it is remarkable that the prophets, in denouncing the sins of the people, always mention the violation of the sabbath in the same catalogue with the transgression of moral precepts.

For the reference, see:

Archibald Alexander on the fourth commandment and the perpetuity of the Sabbath

The decisive argument for the perpetual obligation of the sabbath is the fourth commandment. The ten commandments, as being of a moral nature, and therefore always binding, were promulgated in a ve…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post is from John Collinges on the earthly Sabbath reflecting the heavenly Sabbath:

Our rest on Earth should bear some proportion to our rest in Heaven. Our rest in Heaven shall not only be a cessation from labour, but from all sensual vain pleasure, from all worldly discourse, a continual pleasure in beholding and enjoying God. If we would keep a Sabbath perfectly, certainly, (abating what is necessary for ourselves or others, for the sustentation of our bodies, and the preservation both of ourselves and other creatures) we should allow ourselves no more labour than we shall have in Heaven, no other pleasure than the Angels and Saints of God have there, all whose pleasure is in the contemplation and enjoyment of God. Oh that we could thus sanctify Sabbaths!

For the reference, see:

John Collinges on the Sabbath on earth reflecting the eternal Sabbath in heaven

Our rest on Earth should bear some proportion to our rest in Heaven. Our rest in Heaven shall not only be a cessation from labour, but from all sensual vain pleasure, from all worldly discourse, a …

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[Reformed Covenanter]

In this week's post, Robert S. Candlish addresses the subject of Christ's silence regarding the Sabbath's abrogation:

... For my part, I am altogether at a loss to imagine how Christ, – I say not as a divine teacher, but simply as a fair teacher, could so often discuss points of debate about the manner of keeping the Sabbath, without uttering so much as a single word to indicate that, in his kingdom, the very bone of contention itself the institution to which the controversy related-was to be materially modified at least, if not to be taken bodily out of the way. If a change of that sort had really been in contemplation, I cannot conceive how He who is “the faithful witness,” could say so much about the Sabbath and the way of keeping it, without the shadow of a warning that, under his reign, the Sabbath is to cease, or its character is to be changed.

It would be impossible here to consider collateral arguments. Old Testament prophecy (Ps. cxviii. 22-24) seems to predict, and New Testament phraseology, speaking of “the Lord’s day,” seems to imply, the change which has taken place from the seventh day of the week to the first; and good reasons can be given for that change not being more abruptly and formally enjoined. The analogy of the Scriptures as a whole may be powerfully urged, in favour of the continued obligation of a weekly day of rest. ...

For more, see:

https://reformedcovenanter.wordpres...ist-concerning-the-abrogation-of-the-sabbath/

 

[Reformed Covenanter]

Today's post for the Sabbath is from the New England Congregationalist, Benjamin Colman on the apostolic observance of the first day of the week:

... And this we do expressly read, that they did come together on the first day of the week to break bread, and that Paul preached to them. Act. 20.7. They were wont to come together to hear and to receive the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, on that day. It is spoken of as their usual practice, and they were “under the infallible Direction of the Holy Ghost in Actions of this nature and importance. So that their Example and practice herein must amount to a Law and Institution to the Christian Church; interpreting to us the mind and giving us the will of Christ in this matter. And to borrow the words of a late Writer,

As Moses was faithful in settling the matters of the Jewish worship and of the Tabernacle, being authorised by God and guided by him in the doing it; so the Apostles were to settle the Orders of the Gospel Church, and were faithful to Him who appointed them — Moreover you know, how that the Apostle Paul directed the Church of Corinth, and the Churches of Galatia, to have their Collections for the Saints on the first day of the week; So (says he) I have given order, and so do ye: Upon the first day of the week let every one lay by him in store, as God has prospered him. 1 Cor. 16.1, 2. — Some have observed, and the remark is of great weight,

That the first day of the week is the only day spoken of thro’ the New Testament, as a day religiously observed; but that this day is several times over so spoken of. A day sacred in the Apostles' times for Holy fellowship and communion, for breaking of bread and for prayers, and for works of piety and charity; for the public testimony of their faith in Christ and love to all his Saints. ...

For more, see:

Benjamin Colman on the apostolic observance of the first day of the week

Thus did our Lord Jesus honour and hallow the first day of the week by giving the Sanctifier and the Comforter thereon. So did he shed Him forth in his miraculous Gifts and in his saving Graces, ab…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post is from John Hales on the Synod of Dort and Sabbath observance in the countryside:

Thirdly the difficulty of reclaiming the Country people on the Sundays either from the Sports or from their Work. The Synod beginning to consider of means to cut off these abuses, Festus Hommius amongst other things complained, that through the negligence of the Remonstrants it came that Catechizing was so much decayed; which words of his, it is thought, will be an occasion of some choler, though for the present they passed uncontrolled. Many delivered their opinions how the forementioned hindrances of Afternoon Sermons and Catechizing might be removed.

First, by imploring the help of the States General, that it would please them by their authority to prohibit that ordinary profanation of the Sabbath by working or playing; secondly, by requiring the like help of the particular magistrate in every town and village; thirdly, by taking away those combinations; fourthly, by providing of sufficient school-masters in every village who should not only teach grammar, but instruct youths in the principles of religion; fifthly, that the pastors should not omit afternoon sermons by reason of the negligence of their auditors, but should perform them, though they brought to the church none but their own family, that the pastors and deacons and seniors [elders] should deal with their friends and acquaintance and bring them to church with them; ...

For more, see:

John Hales on the Synod of Dort and Sabbath observance in the countryside

Thirdly the difficulty of reclaiming the Country people on the Sundays either from the Sports or from their Work. The Synod beginning to consider of means to cut off these abuses, Festus Hommius am…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

I do not usually quote modern authors, but I have made an exception with this extract from Vern Poythress as this week's post for the Lord's Day:

The fourth commandment corresponds to the transition from heaven to earth. That is, it enjoins sabbath observance as first of all a responsibility to God, and in this sense involves heavenly responsibility. But it also involves responsibilities downward to other human beings, sons, daughters, servants, aliens and even animals (Exodus 20:10). Because it involves observance of a periodic seven-day pattern, and because the pattern of day and night is controlled by the heavenly bodies (Genesis 1:14), it also reminds us of Israel’s relation to the visible heavens as the good creation of God. Thus it corresponds in some ways to the Holy Place, where the seven lamps correspond to the light of seven days of the week. It forms a transition between the invisible heavens of the Most Holy Place and the earthly space of the tabernacle courtyard.

For the reference, see:

Vern S. Poythress on the fourth commandment’s relevance to heaven and earth

The fourth commandment corresponds to the transition from heaven to earth. That is, it enjoins sabbath observance as first of all a responsibility to God, and in this sense involves heavenly respon…

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[Reformed Covenanter]

This week's post is an observation by the Presbytery of Ohio on the effects of mass immigration from Continental Europe on American Sabbatarianism:

The foreign emigration to which we are constantly exposed, is an additional reason for alarm. The spirit of Europe generally is unfriendly to our religious as well as to our civil institutions, in the form which has been peculiar to them from the beginning. It is hostile for the most part altogether, to the Sabbath as honoured and observed by our fathers. And yet this spirit, under its worst character, is invading our shores at every point, and labouring to incorporate itself with the native mind of the country from one end of the land to the other. ...

Every year finds us as a people more disposed to new impressions from abroad, and furnishes at the same time a heavier tide of emigration to take advantage of our condition. It is hard to say, how quickly the very genius of the country may not be literally overwhelmed and lost beneath this moral deluge. Instead of thousands we may soon have millions flowing in upon us, till we shall hardly be able to recognize our distinctive nationality at all, amid the new forms of life and the new modes of thought that shall be found prevailing on every side, rife with the foul spirit of Europe.

Every reflecting person must see, that the Sabbath is in great danger from this quarter. Unless a very vigorous effort be made on the part of the church, to withstand the lax views and loose practice which are thus gathering strength from day to day, the next generation may behold the day converted into a mere festival for popular recreation. Such is the tendency of the feelings we are importing from abroad; such is the result, which both the infidelity and popery of the old world may be expected to aid the secularism of the new, in struggling as quickly as possible to realize. ...

For more, see:

The Presbytery of Ohio on the impact of mass European immigration on American Sabbatarianism

The foreign emigration to which we are constantly exposed, is an additional reason for alarm. The spirit of Europe generally is unfriendly to our religious as well as to our civil institutions, in …

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[Reformed Covenanter]

Apologies for the lateness of this week's post, which is from John Holmes Agnew on the primary reason for Sabbath observance:

The great reason assigned by God for blessing and sanctifying the Sabbath, both in the second chapter of Genesis, and in the fourth commandment, is the fact that he rested from the work of creation. It ought to be noted that there is implied in the word rested, completion, perfection, intimating that God’s rest was not an actual idleness, a vacuity of mind or employment, but the completion of a work which in its every part was such as he designed, and would display to intelligent beings the glory of his character. At the close of this work, executed in infinite wisdom, and contemplated by Deity himself as very good, God sanctified a seventh portion of man’s time, and left him his own example to imitate. And the example of Jehovah, when set before us, as far as it is imitable, becomes authoritative law to the whole universe.

It would be singular indeed, if God’s ceasing from a work which was intended to exhibit his glorious perfections to the admiration of all intellectual beings, were a reason to be employed in securing the observance of the Sabbath among the Jewish people only. It is manifestly alike applicable to all, and strongly intimates, that the institution with which it is connected, was appointed to be equally extensive in its obligation. God rested from his work which he had created and made, blessed and hallowed the day, and commanded, not only Jews, but all people, to remember it and keep it holy. ...

For more, see:

John Holmes Agnew on the primary reason for Sabbath observance

The great reason assigned by God for blessing and sanctifying the Sabbath, both in the second chapter of Genesis, and in the fourth commandment, is the fact that he rested from the work of creation…

reformedcovenanter.wordpress.com