Question 61

Do we profane the Sabbath if we neglect the the Sabbath Work?

Yes. I came seeking Fruit, and find none,^a

Or if we perform it carelesly?

Yes. Ye brought that which was Torn, and the Lame, and the Sick,^b

Or if we be weary of it?

Yes. They say, When will the Sabbath be gone?^c

Or if we Idle away Sabbath time?

Yes. Why stand ye here all the Day idle?^d

And much more if we do that which is in it self sinful?

Yes. They have defiled my sanctuary in the same Day, and have profaned my Sabbaths,^e

Do we profane the Sabbath by violating the Sabbath Rest?

Yes. What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the Sabbath Day?^f

May we not Buy and Sell on that Day?

No. Make not my Father’s House a House of Merchandise,^g

May we not work Harvest-work on that Day?

No. In Earing Time, and in Harvest, thou shalt Rest,^h

May we not however think and speak at our Pleasure on that Day?

No. Not doing thine own Ways, nor speaking thine own Words,ⁱ

Was he punished that gather’d Sticks on the Sabbath Day?

Yes. They Ston’d him with Stones that he died,^j

Are Nations sometimes punish’d for Sabbath Profanation?

Yes. If ye will not hallow the Sabbath Day I will kindle a Fire in the Gates of Jerusalem,^k

Is the contempt of the Sabbath a contempt of God?

Yes. This Man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath Day,^l