Question 62

How many Reasons are there annexed unto the Fourth Commandment?

There are four Reasons annexed unto the fourth Commandment, the more effectually to induce and perswade us unto the strict observation of the Sabbath day.

What is the first reason?

The first Reason annexed unto the fourth Commandment, is Gods allowing us six days for our own employment, when he might have taken more time for himself, he hath taken but one day in seven, and alloweth us the other six, which is sufficient for the works of our particular Callings, and any kind of needful Recreations. Six days shall thou labour and do all which thou hast to do.

What is the second Reason?

The second Reason, annexed unto the fourth Commandment, is God challenging a special property in the seventh day; the Seventh day or Sabbath, being the Lords which he hath sanctified and set apart from common use, to be imployed in his Worship, it is Theft and Sacriledge to alienate this day in whole or in part to our own use from any further than he doth give us allowance. But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.

What is the third Reason?

The third Reason annexed to the fourth Commandment is Gods own Example, in resting himself from his Works of Creation on the seventh day, and therefore he would have us also to rest from the works of our particular Calling, and sanctifie a Sabbath in imitation of him. For in six days the Lord made Heaven and Earth, the Sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day.

What is the fourth Reason?

The fourth Reason annexed to the fourth Commandment, is God’s blessing of the Sabbath day, by vertue whereof, we may hope for his Presence with us in the duties of the day, and to receive blessings from him upon our selves. Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hollowed it.