13. For these preparatory duties themselves, I should refer them to three heads, if the reader will take along with him these adyer- tisements:—
(1.) That I am not binding burdens on men or their consciences, nor tying them up unto strict observances, under the consideration of sin if not precisely attended unto. Only I desire to give direc- tion, such as may be helpful unto the faith and obedience of those who in all things desire to please God. But if they apply them- selves to those ways in other instances which they find more to their own edification, all is done that I aim at.
(2.) That I propose not these duties as those which fall under an especial command with reference unto this season, but only as such which, being commanded in themselves, may with good spiritual advantage be applied unto this season. Whence it follows,—
(3.) That if we are, by necessary occasions, at any time diverted from attending unto them, we may conclude that we have lost an opportunity or advantage, not that we have contracted the guilt of sin, unless it be from the occasion itself or some of its circumstances,
14. These things premised, I shall recommend to the godly reader a threefold preparatory duty, to the right observation of a day
SECT. 13-15.] OF THE LORD’S DAY. 455
of holy rest unto the Lord :—(1.) Of meditation ; (2.) Of supplication ; (8.) Of instruction, unto such as have others depending on them.
(1.) Of meditation. And this answers particularly the reasons we have given for thé necessity of these preparatory duties; for herein are the minds of believers to exercise themselves unto such thoughts of the majesty, holiness, and greatness of God, as may prepare them to serve him “with reverence and godly fear.” The nature of the duty requires that this meditation should first respect God himself, and then the day and its services in its causes and ends, God him- self, I say, not absolutely, but as the cause and author of our sab- batical rest. God is to be meditated on with respect unto his ma- jesty, greatness, and holiness, in all our addresses unto him in his ordinances; but a peculiar consideration is to be had of him as the especial author of that ordinance which we address ourselves to the celebration of, and so to make our access unto him therein. His rest, therefore, in Jesus Christ, his satisfaction and complacency in the way and covenant of rest for us through him, are the subjects of a suitable meditation in our preparation for the observance of this day of rest. But especially the person of the Son, whose works and rest thereon are the foundation of our evangelical rest on this holy day, is to be considered. It were easy to supply the reader with proper meditations on these blessed subjects, for him to exercise him- self in as he finds occasion; but I intend only directions in general, leaving others to make application of them according to their ability. Again, the day itself and its sacred services are to be thought upon. The privileges that we are made partakers of thereby, the advantages that are in the duties of it, and the duties themselves required of us, should be well digested in our minds. And where we have a habitual apprehension of them, yet it will need to be called over and excited. To this end those who think meet to make use of these directions may do well to acquaint themselves with the true nature of a sabbatical rest, from what hath been before dis- coursed. It will afford them other work for faith and thankfulness than is usually taken notice of by them who have no other notion of it than merely a portion of time set apart unto the solemn worship of God. There are other mysteries of God and his love, other direc- tions for our obedience unto God in it, than are commonly taken notice of. By these means the ends of preparatory duties above mentioned will be effected; the mind will be filled with due reve- rential apprehensions of God on the one hand, and disentangled on the other from those cares of the world and other cumbersome thoughts wherewith the occasions of life may have possessed it.
15. (2.) Supplication; that is, prayer with especial respect unto the duties of the day. This is the life of all preparation for every
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duty. It is the principal means whereby we express our universal dependence on God in Christ, as also work our own hearts to a sense of our indigent estate in this world, with all our especial wants, and the means whereby we obtain that supply of grace, mercy, and spi- ritual strength, which we stand in need of, with respect unto the glory of God, and the increase of holiness and peace in our own souls. Special directions need not be given about the performance of this known duty. Only I say, some season for it, by way of pre- paration, will be an eminent means to further us in the due sancti- fication of the name of God on this day. And it must be founded on thanksgiving for the day itself, with the ends of it, as an advan- tage for our converse with God in this world. His goodness and grace in this condescension and care are to be acknowledged and celebrated. And in the petitory part of preparatory prayer, two things are principally to be regarded:—[1.] A supply of grace from God, the God and Fountain of it. And herein respect must be had, —Ist. Unto that grace or those graces which in their own nature are most immediately serviceable unto the sanctification of the name of God in this ordinance. Such are reverence of his authority and delight in his worship. 2dly. Such graces, in particular, as we have found advantage by in the exercise of holy duties; as, it may be, con- triteness of spirit, love, joy, peace. 3dly. Such as we have expe- rienced the want of, or a defect in ourselves as to the exercise of them on such occasions; as, it may be, diligence, steadfastness, and evenness of mind. [2.] A removal of evils, or that God would “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”” And herein a regard is to be had,—lst. Unto the temptations of Satan. He will be casting his fiery darts in such a season. He is seldom busier than upon our engagement into solemn duties. 2dly. To the incon- stancy, wavering, and distraction of our own minds. These are, in- deed, a matter of unspeakable abasement, when we consider aright the majesty of God with whom we have to do. 38dly. To undue and unjust offences against persons and things, that we may lift up “holy hands” to God, “without wrath and doubting.” Sundry things of the like nature might be instanced in, but that I leave all to the great direction, Rom. viii. 26, 27.