Question 61

What sort of Sins are forbidden in the fourth Commandment?

The sins forbidden in the fourth Commandment, they are either sins of omission, or sins of commission.

What sins of omission are forbidden?

The sins of omission forbidden in the fourth Commandment, are 1. The omission of the duties of the Sabbath themselves, such as neglecting works of necessity or mercy, when called to them; but especially neglecting the publick or private Exercises of God’s Worship, and that either in whole, or in part; when we forsake the Assemblies of Gods people, or omit worshipping God in our Families; or praying and seeking God in secret upon this day. 2. The omission of the careful performance of the duties of the Sabbath, when we are hypocritical, dull, dead, full of distractions, weariness, unwatchful, sleepy, and attend upon Ordinances without any heart or life; and the Sabbath day is the most burdensome of all other days in the week unto us, Yee Hypocrites, well did Isaias Prophesie of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me,^a Saying, when will the New Moon be gone, that we may sell Corn, and the Sabbath that we may set forth wheat?^b Yee said also what a weariness is it? and ye have snuffed at it saith the Lord of Hosts; and ye have brought that which is torn, and the Lame and the Sick; thus you brought an offering, should I accept this at your hands?^c

What sins of Commission are forbidden in this fourth Commandment?

The sins of Commission forbidden in this fourth Commandment, are the Profaning the Sabbath day, by 1. Idleness, when we spend the day, either in whole, or in part idly; neither working in our Callings, nor imploying our selves in the duties of Gods Worship, but loiter away that precious time in our Houses or the Fields; either in vain and idle thoughts, or in vain and idle discourse, or the like. 2. By doing that which is in it self more grosly sinful, as if instead of going into the House of God to worship, we should go to the Tavern, or Alehouse on the Sabbath day, and be Drunk; or go to a base house, or in any house be Wanton and Unclean; or if on the Sabbath day, instead of Hallowing and Praising God’s Name, and Praying to him, we should swear by his Name in our ordinary discourse, or take his Name in vain; if instead of worshipping God with his people, we should persecute Gods people for worshipping him, or rail at them, or scoff and deride them, because of the holiness which is in them. 3. By unnecessary thoughts and contrivances about worldly affairs; unnecessary words and discourses about earthly employments, unnecessary works in our particular Callings, or by Carnal pleasures and recreations which are lawful on other days; thus thinking our own thoughts, speaking our own words, doing our own works, and, finding our own pleasures forbidden, Nor doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasures, nor speaking thine own words.^d