by Nicholas Bownd
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Nicholas Bownd's "The Doctrine of the Sabbath: Plainly laid Forth, and Soundly Proved" is a profound treatise on the importance and continuity of the Sabbath for Christians. Originally published in 1595, this work has been foundational in shaping the Puritan understanding of the Sabbath as a day set apart for rest and worship, grounded in both the Old and New Testaments.
Bownd emphasizes that the Sabbath is not merely a Jewish institution but a creation ordinance, established by God at the beginning of time for the benefit of all humanity. He argues that the sanctification of one day in seven is a moral and perpetual commandment that continues to be binding on Christians today. Through careful exegesis and extensive references to Scripture, Bownd demonstrates that the Sabbath is a divine gift meant to foster spiritual renewal, allowing believers to rest from their labors and focus on worshiping God.
One of the book's compelling aspects is Bownd's practical application of the Sabbath commandment. He not only expounds on the theological foundations of the Sabbath but also provides guidance on how it should be observed. Bownd addresses common objections and misunderstandings, offering a robust defense of the Sabbath's relevance in the Christian life. He insists that the proper observance of the Sabbath is crucial for spiritual growth and communal worship, serving as a sign of God's covenant with His people.
Bownd's work is particularly relevant for modern readers who seek to understand the biblical basis for Sabbath observance and its importance in the life of the Church. His writing is characterized by a deep reverence for Scripture and a pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of believers. For those interested in Puritan theology and the historical development of Sabbath doctrine, "The Doctrine of the Sabbath" is an essential read. It challenges contemporary Christians to reconsider the significance of the Sabbath in their own lives and to embrace it as a day of delight and communion with God.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREF. I. Editors Preface.
PREF. II. To the Right Honorable.
PREF. III. To the Godly and Christian Readers.
BOOK I.
1. SECT. I – VI.
2. SECT. VII – XII.
3. SECT. XIII – XVIII.
4. SECT. IXX – XXIV.
5. SECT. XXV – XXX.
6. SECT. XXXI – XXXVII.
7. APPENDIX I. – BOOK I. Scripture References.
BOOK II.
8. SECT. I – VI.
9. SECT. VII – XII.
10. SECT. XIII – XVIII.
11. SECT. IXX – XXIV.
12. SECT. XXV – XXX.
13. SECT. XXXI – XXXVI.
14. SECT. XXXVII – XLIV.
15. APPENDIX II. – BOOK II. Scripture References.