(1.) That, this may serve to confute those who think that the observation of days, in general, or, that the keeping the first day of the week as a Sabbath, is a setting up the ceremonial law, without distinguishing a right between a ceremonial and a moral precept. For, how much soever the observation of the seventh day, might have a ceremonial signification annexed to it, as it was given to Israel, from mount Sinai, it is possible for the typical reference thereof, to cease; and yet the moral reason of the Commandment remain in force to us, as it is a day appointed by God, in which he is to be worshipped, so that we may have ground to expect his presence, and blessing, while attending on him in his holy institutions.
(2.) Others are to blame, who think that every day is to be kept as a Sabbath, pretending that this is most agreeable to a state of perfection. But this is contrary to God’s allowing us six days for our own employment; and, indeed, none, who make use of this argument, do, in reality, keep any day as a Sabbath, at least, in such a way as they ought.
(3.) Others are guilty of a great error, who think that the Sabbath is, indeed, to be observed; but there is no need of that strictness which has been inculcated; or, that it should be kept holy, from the beginning to the end thereof. Some suppose, that the only design of God in instituting it was, that public worship should be maintained in the world; and therefore, that it is sufficient if they attend on it, without endeavouring to converse with him in secret.
(4.) What has been said, is directly contrary to their opinion, who think that the Lord’s day was a mere human institution; without considering, as has been hinted, that what the apostles prescribed, relating thereunto, was by divine direction; which opinion, if it should prevail, would open a door to great carelessness and formality in holy duties, and would be an inducement to us to profane the day in various instances.
Quest. CXXII.
Quest. CXXII. What is the sum of the six Commandments, which contain our duty to man?
Answ. The sum of the six Commandments, which contain our duty to man, is to love our neighbour as ourselves, and to do to others what we would have them do to us.
As the first table of the ten Commandments respects our duty to God, the other contains our duty to our neighbor; which is comprized in the general idea of love. This is therefore styled the sum of the following six Commandments; and it is included in our Saviour’s words; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, Matt. xxii. 39. and elsewhere, Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, chap. vii. 12. Here it may be observed,
I. That we are commanded to love our neighbour as ourselves. This implies in it,
1. A caution against a selfish temper; as though we were born only for, or were obliged to do good to none but ourselves. This is what the apostle reproves, when he says, Men shall be lovers of their ownselves, 2 Tim. iii. 2. that is, they shall study and consult the happiness, ease, and comfort of none but themselves.