







 
   
     
       
         The lawfulness of the celebration of Christs birth-day debated, in case it be annnally [sic] known or not known. Discussed by Scripture, and consequence of Scripture; and many objections answered, and refuted by reasons. By George Palmer, wel-willer to a particular and solemn joyous-thankfulness to God, for his several special mercies in Christ; by way of gradation.
         Palmer, George, b. 1596 or 7.
      
       
         This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A90715 of text R204341 in the  English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E476_10). Textual changes  and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more  computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life.  The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with  MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.  This text has not been fully proofread 
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         99863902
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             The lawfulness of the celebration of Christs birth-day debated, in case it be annnally [sic] known or not known. Discussed by Scripture, and consequence of Scripture; and many objections answered, and refuted by reasons. By George Palmer, wel-willer to a particular and solemn joyous-thankfulness to God, for his several special mercies in Christ; by way of gradation.
             Palmer, George, b. 1596 or 7.
          
           [2], 14 p.
           
             [s.n.],
             London :
             Printed in the yeer, 1649. [i.e. 1648]
          
           
             Annotation on Thomason copy: "Dec: 12th".
             Thomason received his copy in December, 1648.
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Jesus Christ -- Nativity -- Early works to 1800.
           Christmas -- Early works to 1800.
           Fasts and feasts -- Church of England -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A90715  R204341  (Thomason E476_10).  civilwar no The lawfulness of the celebration of Christs birth-day debated,:  in case it be annnally [sic] known or not known. Discussed by Scripture, a Palmer, George 1649    6441 6 0 0 0 0 0 9 B  The  rate of 9 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           The
           Lawfulness
           of
           the
           CELEBRATION
           OF
           CHRISTS
           BIRTH-DAY
           Debated
           ,
           In
           case
           it
           be
           Annnally
           known
           or
           not
           known
           .
        
         
           
             Discussed
          
           By
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           Consequence
           of
           Scripture
           ;
           and
           many
           Objections
           answered
           ,
           and
           refuted
           by
           Reasons
           .
        
         
           By
           
             George
             Palmer
             ,
          
           Wel-willer
           to
           a
           particular
           and
           solemn
           joyous-thankfulness
           to
           God
           ,
           for
           his
           several
           special
           mercies
           in
           Christ
           ;
           by
           way
           of
           Gradation
           .
        
         
           Job
           .
           32.
           7
           ,
           8.
           
        
         
           Daies
           should
           speak
           ,
           and
           multitude
           of
           yeers
           should
           teach
           knowledge
           ,
           but
           there
           is
           a
           spirit
           in
           man
           ,
           and
           the
           inspiration
           of
           the
           Almighty
           giveth
           them
           understanding
           .
        
         
           Isa.
           29.
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           &
           1
           Cor.
           1.
           19
           ,
           20.
           
        
         
           For
           as
           much
           as
           this
           people
           draw
           neer
           me
           with
           their
           mouth
           ,
           and
           with
           their
           lips
           do
           honour
           me
           ,
           but
           have
           removed
           their
           heart
           far
           from
           me
           ,
           and
           their
           fear
           toward
           me
           is
           taught
           by
           the
           precept
           of
           men
           :
           Therefore
           ,
           behold
           I
           will
           proceed
           to
           do
           a
           marvellous
           work
           and
           wonder
           ;
           For
           the
           wisdom
           of
           their
           wise
           men
           shall
           perish
           ,
           and
           the
           understanding
           of
           their
           prudent
           men
           shal
           be
           hid
           .
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           in
           the
           Yeer
           ,
           1649.
           
        
      
       
       
         
           To
           the
           READER
           .
        
         
           BEloved
           ,
           It
           may
           seem
           strange
           (
           to
           many
           )
           that
           I
           am
           intermedling
           with
           Controversies
           amongst
           the
           Learned
           in
           Divinity
           .
           And
           therefore
           it
           ▪
           is
           likely
           that
           some
           will
           say
           of
           me
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           somtime
           said
           of
           one
           ,
           
             Thou
             art
             but
             a
             stripling
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             men
             of
             War
             from
             their
             youth
             ▪
             and
             therefore
             not
             to
             be
             encountred
             with
             by
             thee
             .
          
           And
           they
           will
           think
           it
           more
           safer
           for
           me
           to
           be
           employed
           about
           meaner
           matters
           ,
           of
           a
           lower
           Nature
           ,
           rather
           than
           to
           encounter
           with
           gyants
           .
           And
           (
           perhaps
           )
           give
           me
           a
           nipping
           check
           ,
           like
           that
           of
           
             Eliab
          
           to
           
             David
             ;
          
           viz.
           
             Where
             are
             those
             few
             sheep
             left
             in
             the
             Wilderness
             ?
             It
             is
             thy
             pride
             that
             moved
             thee
             to
             come
             and
             see
             the
             battel
             .
          
           But
           my
           answer
           is
           as
           that
           which
           then
           was
           made
           ,
           
             What
             have
             I
             now
             done
             ?
             Is
             there
             not
             a
             cause
             ?
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           There
           were
           Israelites
           on
           the
           one
           side
           that
           stood
           for
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ▪
           and
           the
           lawful
           liberty
           of
           his
           children
           ;
           and
           there
           were
           Philistines
           on
           the
           other
           side
           ,
           that
           did
           defie
           Christ
           and
           his
           redeemed
           Ones
           ,
           and
           they
           had
           one
           great
           
             Goliah
          
           on
           whom
           they
           did
           cast
           their
           confidence
           ,
           and
           he
           did
           approach
           towards
           the
           Israelites
           with
           reproach
           and
           defiance
           ,
           and
           yet
           those
           Israelites
           remained
           in
           a
           kind
           of
           astonishment
           .
        
         
           Our
           condition
           is
           somwhat
           like
           theirs
           (
           if
           well
           examined
           .
           )
           And
           although
           I
           am
           not
           furnished
           with
           such
           complete
           Armour
           as
           some
           other
           (
           spiritual
           )
           Warriours
           are
           ,
           yet
           if
           the
           stone
           of
           Israel
           be
           with
           me
           ,
           I
           shall
           have
           good
           success
           ;
           You
           know
           ,
           a
           jaw-bone
           was
           but
           a
           strange
           peice
           of
           Armour
           ,
           yet
           a
           thousand
           Philistins
           could
           not
           stand
           against
           it
           ,
           for
           God
           was
           with
           it
           :
           And
           his
           riddle
           did
           occasion
           the
           quarrel
           between
           them
           ;
           for
           they
           brake
           the
           Covenant
           of
           Garments
           and
           Sheets
           ,
           as
           some
           have
           done
           in
           a
           Covenant
           with
           me
           here
           .
        
         
           I
           will
           not
           compare
           my self
           with
           any
           of
           those
           Warriours
           :
           yet
           give
           me
           leave
           to
           put
           forth
           a
           Riddle
           ;
        
         
           By
           weakness
           comes
           strength
           ▪
           Yet
           strength
           beareth
           down
           weakness
           .
        
         
           
             
               Canterbury
               ,
            
             
               May
               ,
               1648.
               
            
          
           Yours
           ,
           for
           Truth
           ,
           
             GEORGE
             PALMER
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           THE
           LAWFVLNESSE
           OF
           THE
           CELEBRATION
           OF
           CHRISTS
           BIRTH-DAY
           Debated
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           IN
           the
           second
           Chapter
           of
           the
           Gospel
           by
           Saint
           
             Luke
             ,
          
           from
           the
           tenth
           verse
           to
           the
           fourteenth
           verse
           ,
           you
           may
           find
           ,
           that
           the
           Angel
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           the
           same
           day
           that
           Christ
           Jesus
           was
           born
           ,
           did
           incite
           the
           Shepherds
           to
           rejoyce
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           good
           tydings
           which
           he
           then
           the
           same
           day
           brought
           them
           ,
           concerning
           the
           Birth
           of
           Christ
           the
           Lord
           :
        
         
         
           And
           for
           their
           Example
           ,
           and
           greater
           Encouragement
           thereunto
           ,
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           had
           then
           the
           same
           day
           ,
           appointed
           a
           multitude
           of
           holy
           Angels
           to
           begin
           the
           songs
           of
           praise
           with
           joy
           ,
           praising
           God
           ,
           and
           saying
           ,
           
             Glory
             to
             God
             in
             the
             Highest
             ,
             and
             on
             earth
             Peace
             ,
             good
             will
             towards
             men
             .
          
           Yea
           ,
           the
           first
           Angel
           did
           render
           them
           an
           exceeding
           strong
           reason
           to
           move
           their
           affections
           and
           wills
           thereunto
           ,
           in
           these
           words
           ;
           
             For
             ,
             unto
             you
             is
             born
             (
             this
             day
             )
             a
             Saviour
             ,
             which
             is
             Christ
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           From
           whence
           I
           will
           note
           one
           thing
           by
           the
           way
           ,
           from
           the
           speedy
           delivery
           of
           this
           message
           to
           the
           Shepherds
           ;
           That
           if
           it
           had
           not
           bin
           the
           Will
           of
           our
           God
           ,
           that
           that
           day
           should
           be
           the
           day
           of
           their
           solemn
           joyous
           praise
           ,
           then
           the
           Angel
           might
           have
           divulged
           the
           Birth-day
           of
           our
           Saviour
           afterwards
           only
           ,
           and
           not
           soo
           speedily
           in
           the
           same
           day
           of
           his
           Birth
           ;
           but
           he
           was
           speedy
           in
           the
           delivery
           of
           his
           message
           ,
           and
           emphatical
           in
           his
           expression
           ,
           
             viz.
             This
             Day
             is
             born
             unto
             you
             a
             Saviour
             ,
             which
             is
             Christ
             the
             Lord
             .
          
        
         
           And
           very
           great
           reason
           there
           was
           that
           men
           should
           then
           so
           rejoyce
           ,
           For
           ,
           if
           the
           Angel
           told
           
             Zechariah
          
           that
           many
           should
           rejoyce
           at
           the
           birth
           of
           
             John
          
           the
           Baptist
           (
           who
           was
           but
           the
           fore-runner
           of
           Christ
           ,
           to
           prepare
           his
           way
           before
           him
           )
           as
           in
           Chap.
           1.
           verse
           14.
           you
           may
           see
           ;
           then
           much
           more
           cause
           had
           the
           children
           of
           God
           had
           ,
           to
           rejoyce
           at
           the
           Birth
           of
           Christ
           their
           Saviour
           .
        
         
           In
           the
           next
           place
           ,
           I
           will
           observe
           what
           our
           Lord
           God
           hath
           caused
           to
           be
           written
           (
           for
           our
           instruction
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           )
           by
           the
           Evangelist
           S.
           
             Matthew
             ,
          
           in
           Chap.
           2.
           and
           some
           of
           the
           former
           verses
           .
           There
           we
           may
           see
           how
           the
           Lord
           God
           would
           cause
           the
           wise
           men
           ,
           of
           the
           East
           to
           honour
           Christ
           (
           being
           new-born
           
             )
          
           with
           precious
           Gifts
           ,
           Gold
           ,
           Franckincense
           ,
           and
           Myrrhe
           ;
           yea
           you
           may
           see
           in
           the
           second
           verse
           ,
           that
           the
           Star
           that
           appeared
           unto
           them
           ,
           did
           denote
           to
           them
           his
           
             Birth
             ;
          
           These
           are
           the
           words
           ,
           
             Where
             is
             he
             that
             is
          
           born
           
             King
             of
             the
             Iews
             ?
             For
             we
             have
             seen
             his
             Star
             in
             the
             East
             ,
             and
             are
             come
             to
             worship
             him
             .
          
        
         
           This
           birth
           of
           Christ
           was
           much
           respected
           by
           the
           Prophet
           
             Isaiah
             ,
          
           
           as
           in
           the
           ninth
           chapter
           of
           his
           Prophesie
           doth
           appear
           ;
           For
           he
           seeing
           it
           (
           by
           faith
           )
           admired
           it
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             Behold
             ,
             unto
             us
             a
             Child
             is
             born
             !
          
           &c.
           Many
           Scriptures
           might
           be
           brought
           in
           to
           prove
           the
           excellent
           esteem
           or
           account
           of
           his
           
             Birth
             .
          
           The
           Apostle
           took
           good
           notice
           of
           the
           excellent
           resemblance
           that
           is
           between
           Christs
           bodily-birth
           ,
           and
           our
           spiritual-birth
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           of
           his
           Circumcision
           ,
           and
           our
           heart-circumcision
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           death
           ,
           and
           our
           dying
           to
           sin
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           resurrection
           ,
           and
           our
           rising
           again
           to
           newness
           of
           life
           .
           And
           farther
           ,
           the
           excellencie
           of
           his
           birth
           was
           typified
           before-hand
           ,
           to
           be
           very
           much
           esteemed
           of
           in
           a
           particular
           respect
           ;
           For
           
             every
             male
             that
             first
             opened
             the
             womb
             ,
             was
             to
             be
             accounted
             holy
             to
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           And
           if
           the
           type
           was
           to
           be
           accounted
           holy
           ,
           then
           much
           more
           was
           the
           thing
           typified
           to
           be
           esteemed
           holy
           .
        
         
           Thus
           I
           have
           noted
           to
           you
           the
           message
           of
           the
           angel
           to
           the
           shepherds
           ,
           inciting
           them
           to
           rejoyce
           ,
           with
           the
           reason
           to
           move
           them
           to
           perform
           that
           their
           duty
           ;
           and
           also
           the
           example
           set
           before
           them
           ,
           to
           encourage
           them
           therein
           ,
           by
           a
           multitude
           of
           Angels
           singing
           out
           his
           praise
           ,
           &
           proclaming
           his
           Glory
           at
           his
           birth
           :
           And
           how
           the
           wise
           men
           did
           honour
           him
           ,
           being
           moved
           by
           a
           Star
           ,
           denoting
           his
           birth
           in
           an
           especial
           manner
           .
           And
           how
           the
           Prophet
           
             Isaiah
          
           admired
           and
           esteemed
           of
           it
           (
           he
           seeing
           it
           but
           by
           faith
           .
           )
           And
           how
           his
           birth
           was
           esteemed
           in
           the
           Types
           of
           it
           ,
           
             viz.
             The
             first
             born
             male
             was
             to
             be
             esteemed
             holy
             to
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           Therefore
           I
           cannot
           but
           conclude
           ,
           that
           Christs
           Birth
           was
           to
           be
           esteemed
           very
           highly
           by
           them
           then
           living
           ,
           and
           therefore
           that
           they
           were
           to
           rejoyce
           for
           that
           great
           blessing
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           same
           day
           of
           his
           birth
           ,
           so
           many
           as
           could
           take
           notice
           of
           that
           day
           ;
           no
           man
           will
           deny
           this
           to
           be
           a
           truth
           ,
           unless
           such
           as
           are
           of
           a
           diabolical
           spirit
           .
           And
           also
           that
           the
           birth
           of
           Christ
           is
           to
           be
           much
           esteemed
           by
           all
           those
           that
           at
           any
           time
           afterwards
           do
           trust
           for
           salvation
           by
           him
           ;
           as
           it
           was
           by
           them
           that
           lived
           at
           that
           time
           ,
           and
           so
           rejoyced
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           
             But
             a
             question
             is
             made
             ,
          
           Whether
           it
           be
           to
           be
           celebrated
           annually
           ,
           and
           solemnly
           with
           such
           joy
           for
           ever
           after
           ,
           if
           in
           case
           his
           birth-day
           be
           known
           to
           us
           now
           ,
           as
           it
           was
           to
           them
           then
           ;
           or
           whether
           that
           incitation
           given
           by
           the
           Angel
           to
           the
           Shepherds
           ,
           belongs
           to
           us
           Christians
           successively
           and
           annually
           ,
           or
           no
           ?
        
         
         
           First
           ,
           I
           answer
           ,
           that
           it
           concerneth
           us
           now
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           it
           did
           those
           shepherds
           ,
           and
           others
           then
           living
           and
           believing
           in
           him
           :
           For
           the
           chief
           reason
           or
           cause
           of
           their
           joy
           at
           his
           Birth
           ,
           was
           from
           the
           benefit
           which
           by
           and
           from
           him
           they
           were
           to
           receive
           ,
           who
           then
           ,
           and
           at
           that
           time
           was
           newly
           born
           :
           and
           we
           that
           do
           believe
           in
           him
           ,
           do
           obtain
           the
           same
           benefit
           by
           his
           birth
           ,
           as
           they
           did
           that
           then
           rejoyced
           in
           him
           ;
           and
           therefore
           it
           needed
           not
           to
           be
           commanded
           in
           express
           words
           successively
           .
        
         
           
             But
             some
             object
             farther
             ,
          
           That
           when
           the
           Jews
           were
           to
           keep
           any
           day
           successively
           and
           annually
           for
           the
           remembrance
           and
           solemn
           Thanks-giving
           for
           any
           special
           benefit
           received
           ;
           they
           then
           were
           enjoyned
           to
           do
           it
           by
           Gods
           special
           command
           successively
           and
           annually
           .
        
         
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           plainly
           ,
           That
           those
           benefits
           did
           concern
           them
           in
           some
           temporal
           deliverances
           ,
           and
           were
           for
           that
           particular
           people
           only
           ,
           or
           chiefly
           at
           the
           most
           ;
           as
           the
           Israelites
           deliverance
           out
           of
           Aegypt
           ,
           and
           their
           deliverance
           from
           an
           intended
           slaughter
           in
           the
           time
           of
           Queen
           
             Hester
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           But
           this
           Birth
           of
           Christ
           concerneth
           all
           Believers
           in
           all
           places
           ,
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           :
           for
           so
           saith
           the
           Angel
           ,
           
             Behold
             ,
             I
             bring
             you
             good
             tydings
             of
             great
             joy
             ,
             that
             shall
             be
             to
             all
             people
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           And
           therefore
           it
           being
           for
           the
           good
           of
           all
           Believers
           in
           Christ
           ,
           of
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           it
           belongeth
           to
           all
           Believers
           in
           Christ
           to
           rejoyce
           for
           the
           Birth
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           it
           did
           belong
           to
           them
           to
           rejoyce
           that
           were
           then
           living
           ;
           for
           the
           message
           is
           belonging
           to
           us
           ,
           as
           much
           as
           it
           was
           to
           them
           ;
           in
           as
           much
           as
           the
           good
           tydings
           belongeth
           to
           all
           people
           :
           And
           therefore
           it
           being
           for
           the
           good
           of
           all
           Believers
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           the
           Angel
           requireth
           our
           greater
           attention
           and
           admiration
           ,
           by
           this
           word
           ,
           
             Behold
             ,
             Behold
             ,
             I
             bring
             you
             good
             Tydings
             of
             great
             joy
             that
             shall
             be
             to
          
           all
           
             People
             ,
             for
             unto
             you
             is
          
           born
           this
           day
           ,
           &c.
           
             a
             Saviour
             ,
             which
             is
             Christ
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           And
           we
           read
           of
           no
           command
           from
           God
           for
           the
           keeping
           of
           the
           new-Purim
           ,
           but
           it
           is
           noted
           as
           well
           done
           by
           them
           &c.
           
           And
           that
           it
           ought
           annually
           to
           be
           celebrated
           with
           joy
           we
           may
           collect
           farther
           by
           reason
           ,
           that
           it
           ought
           so
           to
           be
           ;
           For
           if
           great
           temporal
           deliverances
           deserved
           annual
           thanks-givings
           on
           some
           special
           daies
           ,
           then
           doth
           an
           everlasting
           deliverance
           from
           damnation
           ,
           deserve
           much
           more
           such
           manner
           of
           thanks
           .
        
         
         
           
             But
             it
             is
             farther
             objected
             ,
          
           That
           all
           Believers
           in
           Christ
           ,
           do
           give
           thanks
           for
           that
           great
           mercy
           of
           God
           (
           as
           they
           do
           for
           all
           other
           his
           benefits
           )
           upon
           the
           Lords
           daies
           in
           special
           ,
           and
           upon
           all
           ordinary
           occasions
           .
        
         
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           thus
           ,
           so
           were
           the
           Jews
           to
           do
           upon
           their
           sabbaths
           ,
           for
           all
           their
           temporal
           deliverances
           ;
           as
           for
           their
           deliverance
           from
           Egyptian
           Bondage
           ,
           and
           
             Hamans
          
           decree
           of
           their
           death
           ;
           and
           yet
           they
           had
           their
           feast
           of
           
             Passeover
          
           and
           
             Purim
             ,
          
           to
           commemorate
           those
           deliverances
           more
           specially
           ;
           and
           we
           have
           special
           daies
           set
           apart
           for
           us
           to
           praise
           the
           Lord
           for
           our
           deliverances
           from
           the
           Spanish
           Invasion
           ,
           and
           the
           Gun-powder
           Treason
           ;
           and
           also
           for
           many
           deliverances
           ,
           from
           divers
           great
           dangers
           in
           these
           our
           times
           of
           War
           .
        
         
           
             But
             it
             is
             objected
             again
             ,
          
           That
           we
           do
           not
           know
           certainly
           what
           day
           in
           our
           yeer
           Christs
           birth-day
           can
           be
           celebrated
           ,
           as
           the
           right
           and
           true
           annual
           day
           ,
           it
           being
           not
           certainly
           known
           ;
           or
           at
           the
           least
           ,
           it
           is
           questioned
           by
           many
           Learned
           Christians
           .
        
         
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           ,
           first
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           not
           so
           great
           a
           matter
           whether
           we
           know
           (
           strictly
           )
           the
           day
           or
           no
           ;
           so
           as
           we
           do
           solemnize
           one
           day
           thankfully
           ,
           so
           neer
           the
           true
           day
           as
           we
           can
           guess
           ;
           for
           in
           such
           a
           case
           we
           shall
           be
           accepted
           :
           for
           so
           saith
           the
           Apostle
           ,
           
             God
             accepteth
             the
             willing
             mind
             of
             his
             children
             for
             the
             deed
             ,
             (
             which
             endeavoureth
             to
             perform
             according
             to
             their
             knowledge
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           if
           in
           case
           we
           do
           know
           the
           day
           strictly
           ,
           yet
           it
           is
           not
           absolutely
           necessary
           for
           us
           to
           keep
           it
           upon
           that
           day
           alwaies
           〈◊〉
           for
           the
           Jews
           did
           not
           keep
           their
           
             Purim
          
           upon
           the
           same
           day
           of
           the
           Yeer
           wherein
           their
           Deliverance
           was
           given
           them
           ,
           but
           as
           on
           the
           next
           Day
           after
           ;
           as
           you
           may
           see
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           
             Esther
             ,
          
           the
           ninth
           Chapter
           ,
           and
           the
           sixteenth
           verse
           to
           the
           two
           and
           twentienth
           .
           And
           Christ
           Jesus
           himself
           did
           excuse
           
             David
          
           for
           eating
           the
           Shew-Bread
           in
           his
           great
           (
           necessity
           :
           )
           And
           he
           excused
           his
           owne
           Disciples
           for
           plucking
           the
           eares
           of
           Corne
           upon
           the
           Sabbath
           Day
           ,
           &c.
           upon
           their
           necessity
           ;
           and
           therein
           was
           the
           ancient
           Proverb
           verified
           ,
           
             viz.
             Necessity
             hath
             no
             Law
             .
          
           We
           are
           necessitated
           to
           observe
           a
           day
           neer
           the
           day
           of
           Christs
           Birth
           .
        
         
           And
           the
           Passeover
           was
           to
           be
           eaten
           in
           the
           first
           moneth
           ,
           as
           
           you
           may
           see
           in
           
             Exodus
          
           12.
           2
           ,
           3.
           &c.
           Neverthelesse
           if
           you
           look
           in
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           30.
           2
           ,
           3.
           compared
           with
           verses
           the
           13.
           and
           15.
           you
           may
           there
           finde
           that
           
             Hezekiah
          
           and
           his
           People
           kept
           it
           (
           at
           that
           time
           )
           in
           the
           second
           moneth
           ,
           contrary
           to
           the
           institution
           (
           in
           that
           particular
           ,
           )
           and
           the
           reason
           is
           there
           rendred
           ,
           
             viz.
          
           that
           they
           could
           not
           keep
           it
           at
           that
           time
           in
           the
           first
           moneth
           ;
           And
           yet
           they
           were
           accepted
           of
           God
           too
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           20.
           verse
           you
           may
           see
           .
           And
           although
           it
           be
           said
           in
           the
           last
           verse
           now
           quoted
           ,
           that
           
             Hezekiah
             prayed
             for
             the
             people
             ,
          
           and
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             healed
             them
             ;
          
           which
           implyeth
           ,
           that
           God
           was
           offended
           with
           them
           :
           You
           shall
           see
           that
           the
           reason
           thereof
           was
           for
           their
           not
           preparing
           themselves
           better
           when
           they
           did
           come
           ,
           (
           as
           in
           the
           18.
           verse
           you
           may
           see
           )
           for
           they
           came
           unpreparedly
           to
           that
           holy
           Sacrament
           .
        
         
           If
           it
           be
           questioned
           whether
           we
           may
           keep
           it
           Festivally
           or
           not
           ?
           I
           answer
           ,
           We
           may
           and
           ought
           so
           to
           do
           :
           (
           though
           not
           in
           excesse
           thereof
           ,
           )
           but
           first
           we
           are
           to
           be
           exercised
           in
           the
           use
           of
           the
           publike
           Ordinances
           ,
           as
           the
           preaching
           and
           hearing
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           in
           Godly
           prayers
           and
           praises
           ,
           &c.
           and
           after
           that
           in
           plentifull
           feasting
           ,
           and
           giving
           gifts
           to
           the
           poor
           according
           to
           our
           several
           abilities
           :
           for
           though
           Fasting
           be
           for
           mourners
           ,
           yet
           Feasting
           is
           for
           joy
           and
           mirth
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           see
           in
           the
           8.
           chapter
           of
           the
           book
           of
           
             Nehemiah
             ,
          
           the
           former
           part
           of
           that
           chapter
           to
           the
           13
           verse
           ,
           these
           are
           those
           words
           ,
           
             Eat
             the
             fat
             ,
             and
             drink
             the
             sweet
             ,
             and
             send
             portions
             to
             those
             for
             whom
             nothing
             is
             prepared
             ,
          
           &c.
           
             for
             the
             joy
             of
             the
             Lord
             is
             your
             strength
             :
          
           And
           the
           Jewes
           
             Purim
          
           was
           kept
           festivally
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           ninth
           chapter
           doth
           appear
           ,
           in
           verses
           the
           19
           ,
           20.
           22.
           
        
         
           But
           it
           is
           objected
           again
           ,
           that
           the
           name
           that
           is
           given
           to
           the
           day
           ,
           or
           the
           manner
           of
           its
           celebration
           is
           now
           justly
           excepted
           against
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           called
           
             Christ-masse
             day
             ,
          
           which
           causeth
           us
           to
           beleeve
           that
           it
           was
           instituted
           by
           the
           Pope
           ,
           or
           at
           the
           least
           thus
           named
           by
           the
           Pope
           ,
           for
           his
           service
           which
           he
           pretendeth
           to
           Christ
           ,
           is
           called
           
             Masse
             ,
          
           or
           at
           least
           ,
           much
           of
           his
           service
           is
           so
           called
           .
        
         
         
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           briefly
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           taken
           for
           a
           bad
           service
           in
           its
           signification
           ,
           but
           indifferently
           for
           either
           bad
           or
           good
           service
           ,
           (
           as
           some
           affirm
           )
           and
           some
           one
           word
           may
           have
           divers
           significations
           ;
           And
           besides
           it
           is
           by
           some
           Expositors
           taken
           for
           an
           heap
           and
           greatnesse
           in
           quantitie
           ,
           and
           so
           we
           often
           now
           use
           the
           word
           ,
           as
           a
           masse
           of
           money
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           :
           but
           it
           was
           taken
           (
           as
           some
           affirm
           )
           to
           dismisse
           an
           assembly
           with
           a
           blessing
           ,
           called
           
             missa
             .
          
           And
           besides
           if
           the
           name
           were
           given
           to
           a
           bad
           intent
           at
           the
           first
           (
           which
           I
           do
           not
           beleeve
           )
           if
           in
           case
           the
           Pope
           first
           gave
           this
           name
           to
           it
           ,
           (
           for
           the
           first
           Popes
           were
           such
           as
           did
           accompany
           us
           in
           the
           way
           to
           salvation
           ,
           and
           were
           not
           so
           bad
           as
           in
           latter
           times
           they
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           now
           are
           )
           yet
           may
           we
           not
           omit
           so
           great
           a
           duty
           of
           joyous
           praise
           as
           the
           celebration
           of
           so
           great
           a
           mercy
           is
           ,
           because
           some
           have
           cast
           in
           some
           evill
           weed
           into
           it
           ;
           but
           refine
           it
           again
           that
           it
           may
           be
           better
           spirituall
           nutriment
           .
           And
           therefore
           take
           this
           example
           of
           the
           Prophet
           
             Elisha
             ,
          
           who
           did
           not
           cast
           away
           all
           the
           pottage
           which
           had
           some
           gourds
           of
           the
           wilde
           Vine
           in
           it
           ,
           but
           did
           put
           in
           some
           meal
           that
           might
           over-powre
           the
           killing
           strength
           of
           the
           gourds
           of
           that
           wilde
           vine
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           see
           2
           
             King.
          
           4.
           38.
           to
           42.
           
           Therefore
           if
           the
           name
           offend
           you
           ,
           you
           may
           take
           as
           quick
           a
           way
           to
           alter
           that
           fault
           ,
           as
           the
           Anabaptists
           do
           in
           a
           thing
           not
           so
           warrantable
           as
           this
           ;
           for
           they
           can
           provide
           a
           new
           name
           against
           their
           next
           washing
           .
        
         
           But
           it
           is
           further
           objected
           ,
           that
           of
           late
           time
           this
           feasting
           hath
           been
           abused
           ,
           by
           excesse
           therein
           ,
           and
           many
           vicious
           actions
           have
           been
           committed
           in
           that
           day
           we
           lately
           so
           celebrated
           to
           that
           end
           we
           now
           plead
           so
           much
           for
           ;
           and
           therefore
           it
           ought
           to
           be
           no
           more
           observed
           as
           a
           day
           of
           joyous
           feasting
           in
           the
           remembrance
           of
           the
           birth
           of
           Christ
           our
           Saviour
           .
        
         
           To
           this
           I
           answer
           :
           Thus
           the
           best
           things
           have
           been
           abused
           ,
           as
           namely
           ,
           the
           Lords
           day
           it self
           ;
           but
           many
           things
           which
           are
           abused
           may
           not
           be
           taken
           away
           or
           made
           void
           ,
           but
           the
           abuses
           purged
           from
           them
           ,
           as
           I
           said
           before
           concerning
           the
           name
           of
           the
           day
           ;
           for
           ,
           though
           some
           things
           may
           be
           taken
           away
           ,
           or
           suspended
           when
           they
           are
           much
           abused
           ,
           yet
           such
           things
           whose
           losse
           will
           produce
           very
           great
           ill
           consequences
           may
           not
           be
           made
           void
           ;
           for
           in
           so
           doing
           we
           shall
           ,
           lose
           many
           good
           substances
           which
           are
           maintained
           and
           preserved
           by
           some
           means
           that
           are
           of
           lesse
           concernment
           ,
           (
           in
           
           themselves
           considered
           )
           and
           especially
           it
           is
           very
           dangerous
           to
           clip
           off
           the
           speciall
           occasioning
           of
           the
           remembring
           of
           so
           great
           a
           mercy
           ,
           as
           the
           celebration
           of
           the
           birth
           of
           so
           dear
           a
           Saviour
           .
        
         
           And
           if
           we
           clip
           off
           so
           great
           a
           commemoration
           of
           Christs
           birth
           now
           ,
           it
           will
           make
           way
           to
           the
           neglecting
           of
           some
           other
           the
           like
           mercy
           another
           time
           ;
           and
           so
           (
           ere
           long
           be
           )
           we
           shall
           (
           through
           the
           displeasure
           of
           our
           God
           )
           lose
           all
           good
           occasions
           of
           our
           speciall
           thankfulnesse
           to
           our
           God
           for
           his
           sending
           of
           Christ
           in
           the
           flesh
           .
           Selah
           .
        
         
           The
           especiall
           celebration
           of
           Christs
           birth-day
           (
           though
           uncertainly
           known
           )
           doth
           strengthen
           our
           faith
           concerning
           his
           humain
           nature
           ,
           or
           of
           his
           taking
           it
           in
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Virgin
           
             Mary
             ,
          
           contrary
           to
           the
           heresie
           of
           divers
           Hereticks
           ,
           as
           the
           
             Valentinians
             ,
          
           &c.
           and
           very
           likely
           it
           was
           therefore
           so
           specially
           divulged
           by
           the
           Angel
           (
           as
           Gods
           messenger
           )
           to
           be
           noted
           ,
           and
           celebrated
           with
           joy
           by
           those
           shepheards
           ,
           and
           also
           performed
           by
           the
           multitude
           of
           Angels
           ,
           as
           an
           example
           to
           men
           on
           earth
           ,
           to
           preserve
           the
           Saints
           from
           the
           heresies
           of
           those
           Hereticks
           ,
           as
           are
           mentioned
           by
           St.
           
             John
          
           in
           his
           1.
           
           Epistle
           ,
           Chap.
           4.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           and
           his
           2d
           .
           Epistle
           ,
           
             ver.
          
           7.
           
           For
           ,
           that
           men
           may
           be
           assured
           that
           he
           took
           his
           humane
           nature
           in
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Virgin
           
             Mary
             ,
          
           and
           not
           otherwise
           ,
           therefore
           his
           birth
           is
           expressed
           by
           name
           ,
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             Vnto
             you
             is
             born
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           And
           because
           they
           should
           rejoyce
           for
           it
           timely
           ,
           therefore
           the
           time
           is
           made
           known
           to
           them
           also
           ,
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             This
             day
             .
          
           And
           lest
           they
           should
           not
           be
           incited
           or
           moved
           thereunto
           by
           the
           bare
           promulgation
           ,
           therfore
           their
           welfare
           in
           him
           ,
           is
           divulged
           unto
           them
           ,
           in
           this
           word
           
             Saviour
             ;
          
           And
           that
           they
           might
           not
           think
           ,
           that
           it
           should
           be
           to
           them
           onely
           ,
           they
           are
           therefore
           certified
           that
           the
           benefit
           belonged
           to
           all
           sorts
           of
           people
           .
           And
           because
           he
           was
           to
           save
           them
           from
           their
           sins
           ,
           therfore
           it
           was
           
             tydings
             of
             great
             joy
             ,
          
           (
           said
           the
           Angel
           .
           )
           And
           that
           they
           might
           take
           the
           greater
           notice
           of
           this
           so
           great
           a
           mercy
           ,
           therefore
           the
           Angel
           prepareth
           their
           attention
           with
           this
           word
           ,
           
             Behold
             ,
             Behold
             I
             bring
             you
             tydings
             of
             great
             joy
             ,
          
           &c.
           
           Thus
           we
           may
           see
           how
           the
           all-sufficient
           fore-knowing
           God
           hath
           provided
           for
           us
           a
           speciall
           means
           to
           strengthen
           our
           faith
           ,
           concerning
           the
           humane
           nature
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           taking
           it
           in
           ,
           and
           from
           the
           Virgin
           
             Mary
             ,
          
           against
           all
           those
           hereticall
           seducings
           of
           men
           (
           that
           afterwards
           were
           to
           deny
           the
           same
           )
           by
           noting
           his
           birth
           to
           the
           shepherds
           for
           its
           joyfull
           celebration
           .
           
           And
           surely
           (
           as
           it
           is
           reported
           )
           the
           
             Polonians
          
           do
           kneel
           at
           the
           receiving
           of
           the
           Sacrament
           of
           the
           body
           and
           blood
           of
           Christ
           ,
           because
           many
           
             Arrians
          
           deny
           him
           to
           be
           God
           .
           So
           we
           may
           upon
           the
           like
           reason
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           better
           warrant
           ,
           solemnize
           the
           commemoration
           of
           Christs
           birth
           ,
           because
           many
           now
           begin
           to
           question
           his
           humanitie
           ;
           I
           say
           upon
           better
           warrant
           :
           
             viz
             :
          
           from
           the
           Angel
           his
           inciting
           the
           Shepherds
           to
           rejoyce
           at
           his
           birth
           ,
           and
           the
           multitude
           of
           the
           heavenly
           host
           promulgating
           of
           their
           exemplary
           praises
           ,
           for
           that
           transcendent
           gift
           ,
           given
           for
           the
           everlasting
           joy
           of
           all
           (
           sorts
           of
           )
           people
           .
           And
           also
           ,
           from
           the
           Shepherds
           exemplary
           gloryfying
           ,
           and
           praising
           God
           ,
           as
           they
           returned
           from
           that
           joyfull
           sight
           of
           Christ
           then
           new
           born
           ,
           as
           appears
           
             ver.
          
           20.
           
        
         
           And
           surely
           the
           chief
           question
           is
           (
           by
           our
           Christians
           that
           oppose
           the
           celebration
           of
           a
           day
           in
           commemoration
           of
           his
           birth
           )
           whether
           we
           may
           set
           apart
           some
           speciall
           day
           for
           a
           joyous
           and
           festivall
           celebration
           of
           his
           birth
           ,
           or
           whether
           we
           ought
           to
           do
           it
           onely
           in
           the
           generall
           ;
           And
           me thinks
           it
           is
           a
           very
           weak
           question
           for
           wise
           and
           knowing
           men
           to
           make
           ,
           the
           premises
           wel
           considered
           .
        
         
           And
           you
           may
           take
           notice
           that
           the
           children
           of
           Israel
           (
           being
           enjoyned
           to
           offer
           divers
           offerings
           )
           might
           offer
           some
           offerings
           over
           and
           above
           to
           the
           Lord
           of
           their
           own
           voluntary
           will
           and
           affections
           ,
           as
           thank-offerings
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           see
           in
           
             Levit.
          
           22.
           29.
           and
           Chap.
           6.
           16.
           
           And
           they
           might
           make
           some
           vows
           to
           do
           ,
           or
           not
           to
           do
           some
           things
           ,
           and
           therefore
           
             David
          
           inciteth
           us
           to
           it
           in
           
             Psal
          
           50.
           14.
           in
           these
           words
           ,
           
             Offer
             unto
             God
             thanksgiving
             ,
             and
             pay
             thy
             vows
             to
             the
             most
             high
             .
          
           And
           in
           
             Colos.
             27.
             
             Paul
          
           will
           have
           us
           to
           abound
           in
           thanksgiving
           .
           And
           likewise
           they
           might
           offer
           some
           burnt-offerings
           of
           their
           voluntary
           free
           will
           without
           any
           strict
           injunction
           in
           that
           particular
           ,
           as
           in
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           22.
           31.
           you
           may
           see
           .
           And
           in
           the
           New
           Testament
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           
             Paul
          
           had
           a
           vow
           ;
           and
           in
           
             Acts
          
           21.
           23
           it
           is
           said
           ,
           that
           there
           were
           
             foure
             men
             that
             had
             a
             vow
             on
             them
             ;
          
           for
           ,
           we
           have
           liberty
           to
           vow
           to
           humble
           and
           afflict
           our
           souls
           (
           as
           they
           of
           the
           Jews
           had
           )
           when
           we
           please
           ,
           (
           upon
           divers
           occasions
           )
           as
           in
           
             Numb.
          
           30.
           13.
           and
           
             Act.
          
           21.
           23.
           &c.
           And
           so
           likewise
           have
           we
           libertie
           to
           give
           thanks
           with
           joy
           to
           God
           particularly
           ,
           and
           specially
           ,
           upon
           divers
           occasions
           concurring
           ,
           and
           solemnly
           too
           ;
           For
           ,
           although
           all
           kinds
           of
           sacrifices
           might
           not
           be
           offered
           at
           mans
           choice
           of
           times
           ,
           yet
           some
           kinds
           of
           sacrifices
           might
           be
           offered
           at
           
           mans
           choice
           ,
           and
           choice
           of
           times
           (
           for
           the
           more
           part
           )
           and
           voluntarily
           of
           their
           free
           will
           onely
           ,
           as
           in
           
             Deut.
          
           23.
           23.
           
           What
           think
           you
           of
           that
           which
           the
           Israelites
           did
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           Reign
           of
           King
           
             Hezekiah
             ,
          
           as
           in
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           30.
           23.
           you
           may
           read
           ;
           for
           they
           kept
           other
           seven
           dayes
           festivally
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           after
           they
           had
           kept
           the
           feast
           of
           the
           Passeover
           ;
           And
           that
           7.
           dayes
           feast
           ;
           was
           of
           their
           own
           free
           will
           and
           affections
           ,
           by
           their
           own
           counsell
           ,
           saith
           the
           text
           there
           .
           And
           you
           may
           there
           perceive
           that
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           noteth
           it
           to
           their
           commendation
           .
           And
           truly
           if
           this
           solemne
           joyous
           thankfulnesse
           in
           a
           festivall
           way
           ,
           was
           so
           acceptable
           to
           God
           without
           any
           speciall
           command
           ,
           then
           much
           more
           will
           the
           joyous
           ,
           and
           thankfull
           celebration
           of
           Christs
           birth-day
           in
           a
           festivall
           way
           be
           acceptable
           upon
           a
           more
           warrantable
           ground
           ,
           namely
           ,
           the
           proclamation
           from
           God
           by
           his
           holy
           Angel
           to
           the
           shepherds
           (
           at
           first
           )
           to
           rejoyce
           for
           a
           great
           good
           ,
           given
           for
           the
           good
           of
           (
           all
           )
           people
           ;
           for
           we
           must
           abound
           in
           thanksgiving
           ,
           and
           rejoyce
           evermore
           ;
           these
           being
           our
           spirituall
           sacrifices
           ,
           as
           those
           corporall
           sacrifices
           were
           for
           them
           then
           .
           Besides
           all
           this
           alreadie
           premised
           ,
           let
           us
           take
           notice
           of
           the
           great
           inconveniences
           that
           cometh
           to
           the
           Civill
           State
           of
           the
           whole
           Kingdom
           ,
           by
           the
           endeavouring
           to
           overthrow
           the
           joyous
           observation
           of
           this
           birth-day
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ;
           and
           especially
           in
           these
           times
           wherein
           the
           State
           standeth
           so
           fickle
           ,
           wicked
           men
           being
           apt
           to
           make
           an
           insurrection
           upon
           the
           least
           occasion
           :
           and
           much
           more
           upon
           such
           an
           occasion
           as
           this
           ,
           wherein
           ungodly
           men
           may
           procure
           so
           great
           a
           partie
           of
           better
           men
           to
           joyne
           with
           them
           ,
           though
           not
           to
           so
           bad
           an
           end
           ,
           but
           ,
           in
           an
           holy
           indignation
           ;
           for
           many
           of
           those
           that
           love
           Christ
           ,
           with
           a
           well-informed
           judgement
           in
           this
           particular
           ,
           upon
           the
           consideration
           of
           the
           great
           love
           that
           Christ
           hath
           shewed
           to
           them
           ,
           in
           coming
           to
           be
           their
           Saviour
           ,
           taking
           flesh
           in
           and
           of
           the
           Virgin
           :
           will
           be
           apt
           to
           be
           jealous
           of
           the
           losse
           of
           the
           occasion
           of
           the
           especiall
           remembring
           of
           his
           coming
           in
           the
           flesh
           .
           And
           besides
           ,
           wicked
           men
           will
           be
           forward
           to
           take
           this
           occasion
           as
           a
           cloak
           to
           put
           on
           to
           make
           a
           par●ie
           for
           a
           worse
           end
           ,
           when
           they
           see
           the
           observation
           thereof
           so
           much
           opposed
           .
        
         
           Therefore
           it
           is
           fitting
           that
           we
           i
           〈◊〉
           itate
           the
           Apostle
           in
           the
           cutting
           off
           occasion
           from
           them
           that
           seek
           occasion
           (
           to
           do
           wickednes
           and
           mischief
           )
           and
           especially
           in
           a
           matter
           that
           is
           so
           clearly
           lawfull
           ,
           and
           convenient
           too
           ,
           as
           the
           speciall
           giving
           of
           thanks
           with
           
           joy
           is
           ,
           or
           as
           the
           joyous
           celebration
           of
           Christs
           birth-day
           is
           to
           the
           Spouse
           of
           Christ
           .
           For
           ,
           although
           the
           Leviticall-ceremoniall
           daies
           ,
           times
           ,
           months
           ,
           and
           yeers
           ,
           are
           abolished
           ,
           being
           but
           types
           of
           those
           things
           that
           are
           fulfilled
           by
           Christ
           :
           as
           is
           mentioned
           in
           
             Gal.
          
           4.
           10.
           see
           
             v.
          
           3.
           yet
           the
           same
           Apostle
           affirmeth
           confidently
           ,
           that
           he
           that
           thinketh
           he
           may
           not
           set
           apart
           some
           dayes
           now
           under
           the
           Gospel
           to
           celebrate
           Evangelicall
           duties
           ,
           as
           hearing
           the
           Word
           ,
           and
           receiving
           the
           Sacraments
           ,
           and
           offering
           the
           sacrifice
           of
           speciall
           thanksgivings
           for
           some
           speciall
           mercies
           of
           God
           ,
           is
           as
           weak
           as
           he
           that
           thinketh
           that
           he
           may
           eat
           but
           hearbs
           ,
           as
           you
           may
           see
           in
           
             Rom.
          
           14.
           1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6.
           
        
         
           And
           therefore
           I
           entreat
           all
           well
           affected
           people
           to
           use
           their
           endeavour
           to
           get
           vitious
           men
           to
           be
           restrained
           from
           their
           abusing
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           the
           time
           ,
           to
           the
           dishonour
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           the
           wounding
           of
           their
           own
           souls
           to
           everlasting
           death
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           scandalizing
           of
           good
           men
           ,
           and
           the
           perverting
           of
           others
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           may
           be
           done
           sometimes
           by
           gentle
           means
           ,
           and
           sometimes
           by
           chastisements
           ,
           and
           punishments
           ,
           provided
           that
           the
           fault
           be
           a
           notorious
           sin
           ,
           or
           at
           the
           least
           more
           then
           an
           ordinary
           blemish
           ;
           for
           I
           know
           that
           some
           make
           mountains
           of
           mole-hils
           (
           comparing
           one
           sin
           to
           another
           )
           against
           some
           men
           .
        
         
           And
           truly
           I
           beleeve
           that
           some
           do
           rejoyce
           to
           see
           some
           men
           transgresse
           against
           God
           in
           that
           day
           ,
           because
           they
           would
           thereby
           take
           an
           occasion
           to
           make
           the
           observation
           of
           it
           to
           be
           odious
           to
           some
           that
           may
           be
           a
           mean
           to
           take
           it
           quite
           away
           ;
           out
           of
           a
           malignant
           spirit
           towards
           the
           observers
           of
           it
           .
           I
           hope
           better
           of
           many
           .
           I
           entreat
           you
           to
           consider
           ,
           that
           when
           men
           are
           restrained
           from
           the
           libertie
           of
           timely
           recreation
           ,
           they
           then
           (
           for
           a
           time
           )
           will
           be
           the
           more
           unruly
           when
           first
           they
           come
           to
           obtain
           it
           again
           ;
           and
           especially
           from
           youths
           ,
           and
           young
           raw-manner'd
           men
           ;
           as
           it
           is
           with
           horses
           and
           cows
           that
           have
           been
           stalled
           up
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           If
           we
           under
           the
           Gospel
           be
           not
           afforded
           daies
           of
           refreshing
           ,
           yea
           ,
           and
           somewhat
           often
           too
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           in
           greater
           bondage
           (
           in
           this
           kinde
           )
           then
           the
           Jews
           in
           or
           under
           the
           Old
           Testament
           ;
           for
           they
           had
           many
           festivals
           ,
           and
           they
           were
           much
           refreshed
           by
           them
           ;
           shall
           we
           be
           in
           greater
           bondage
           to
           labour
           then
           they
           were
           ?
           And
           shall
           not
           we
           have
           liberty
           from
           sparing
           dye●
           ,
           for
           feasting
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           they
           ?
           They
           feasted
           divers
           dayes
           together
           ,
           sometimes
           ,
           and
           thereby
           
           love
           and
           good
           will
           was
           the
           better
           occasioned
           in
           many
           that
           were
           godly
           ;
           and
           we
           may
           do
           so
           too
           ;
           though
           not
           with
           all
           the
           same
           ceremonies
           as
           they
           did
           ,
           because
           not
           altogether
           to
           the
           same
           end
           as
           they
           did
           ;
           And
           at
           such
           times
           the
           poore
           may
           be
           the
           more
           easily
           relieved
           ,
           and
           give
           thanks
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           pray
           for
           us
           .
           And
           by
           this
           means
           men
           will
           not
           be
           so
           forward
           to
           borrow
           so
           much
           of
           the
           Sabbath
           ,
           or
           Lords
           day
           to
           prophane
           it
           as
           (
           perhaps
           )
           now
           they
           do
           ,
           when
           they
           shall
           have
           other
           convenient
           time
           ,
           for
           their
           necessarie
           recreation
           .
        
         
           I
           do
           confesse
           that
           some
           things
           that
           are
           lawfull
           to
           be
           observed
           and
           celebrated
           ,
           may
           (
           for
           a
           time
           )
           be
           suspended
           ,
           and
           not
           celebrated
           ;
           provided
           that
           it
           be
           not
           forborn
           as
           a
           thing
           unlawfull
           ,
           but
           as
           a
           thing
           inconvenient
           ;
           as
           to
           prevent
           a
           farther
           mischief
           for
           the
           present
           time
           ;
           but
           if
           that
           which
           in
           it self
           is
           lawfull
           ,
           be
           forborn
           as
           a
           thing
           unlawfull
           ,
           then
           will
           honest
           knowing
           men
           be
           offended
           ,
           and
           so
           it
           will
           breed
           a
           great
           disturbance
           in
           the
           State
           ;
           evill
           men
           taking
           that
           occasion
           as
           a
           fair
           cloak
           to
           put
           on
           ,
           for
           to
           begin
           a
           quarrell
           ;
           and
           so
           incite
           some
           better
           men
           to
           take
           part
           with
           them
           (
           though
           not
           ayming
           at
           the
           same
           end
           )
           ;
           therefore
           it
           is
           fitting
           that
           men
           be
           taught
           how
           to
           distinguish
           between
           things
           lawfull
           ,
           and
           things
           unlawfull
           ;
           and
           between
           those
           things
           that
           are
           so
           lawfull
           as
           that
           they
           may
           not
           be
           dispensed
           with
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           neglect
           the
           celebration
           thereof
           at
           the
           instant
           time
           ;
           and
           those
           things
           that
           may
           be
           dispensed
           with
           for
           a
           time
           to
           prevent
           some
           great
           mischief
           .
        
         
           And
           now
           I
           will
           note
           (
           to
           those
           that
           shall
           either
           read
           or
           hear
           the
           premises
           in
           this
           little
           Tract
           )
           some
           of
           the
           particulars
           contained
           in
           the
           same
           ,
           for
           their
           better
           remembring
           what
           I
           have
           been
           hitherto
           spelling
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           that
           the
           celebration
           of
           Christs
           birth
           with
           joy
           was
           promulgated
           to
           the
           Shepherds
           ,
           because
           he
           was
           born
           to
           them
           a
           Saviour
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           that
           they
           had
           an
           example
           set
           before
           them
           to
           lead
           them
           on
           to
           the
           performance
           of
           that
           their
           duty
           ,
           by
           a
           multitude
           of
           Angels
           singing
           out
           his
           glory
           at
           his
           birth
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           that
           his
           birth
           was
           much
           respected
           by
           the
           Prophet
           
             Isaiah
             ,
          
           he
           seeing
           it
           but
           by
           faith
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           that
           the
           Wisemen
           of
           the
           East
           were
           sent
           by
           the
           speciall
           providence
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           a
           speciall
           Star
           ,
           to
           honour
           Christ
           being
           new
           born
           .
        
         
         
           Fifthly
           ,
           that
           because
           the
           Angel
           told
           
             Zachariah
          
           that
           many
           should
           rejoyce
           at
           the
           birth
           of
           
             John
          
           the
           Baptist
           ,
           (
           who
           was
           but
           the
           fore-runner
           of
           Christ
           )
           therefore
           ,
           they
           were
           to
           rejoyce
           at
           the
           birth
           of
           Christ
           their
           Saviour
           much
           more
           .
        
         
           Sixthly
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           our
           dutie
           to
           rejoyce
           for
           the
           birth
           of
           Christ
           as
           much
           as
           it
           was
           their
           duty
           so
           to
           do
           ,
           because
           the
           benefit
           of
           his
           birth
           belongeth
           to
           us
           as
           much
           as
           it
           did
           unto
           them
           then
           ;
           for
           the
           tydings
           of
           joy
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           birth
           of
           our
           Saviour
           Christ
           ,
           belong
           to
           all
           those
           that
           at
           any
           time
           did
           ,
           do
           ,
           or
           shall
           beleeve
           in
           him
           ,
           as
           said
           the
           Angel
           .
        
         
           Seventhly
           ,
           divers
           questions
           are
           answered
           ,
           as
           ,
           first
           whether
           we
           are
           ,
           or
           ought
           ,
           to
           keep
           it
           annually
           and
           successively
           ,
           in
           case
           the
           day
           of
           his
           birth
           be
           known
           to
           us
           annually
           in
           the
           strict
           time
           .
        
         
           Eightly
           ,
           whether
           we
           ought
           ,
           or
           may
           ,
           keep
           the
           celebration
           of
           Christs
           birth
           as
           neer
           the
           annuall
           day
           ,
           as
           may
           be
           ,
           if
           in
           case
           the
           strict
           time
           be
           not
           known
           to
           us
           as
           it
           was
           to
           those
           Shepherds
           then
           living
           at
           his
           birth
           ,
           &c.
           and
           many
           the
           like
           questions
           .
        
         
           Ninthly
           ,
           that
           if
           in
           case
           there
           had
           been
           no
           command
           given
           for
           the
           joyous
           celebration
           of
           his
           birth
           ,
           yet
           we
           may
           do
           it
           at
           our
           freedome
           of
           choice
           which
           is
           left
           us
           by
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ;
           for
           I
           have
           proved
           ,
           that
           as
           the
           Jews
           might
           afflict
           their
           souls
           voluntarily
           (
           as
           they
           had
           occasions
           )
           so
           they
           might
           rejoyce
           ,
           and
           offer
           thanksgivings
           at
           their
           own
           free
           will
           solemnly
           without
           any
           speciall
           command
           ,
           (
           at
           some
           convenient
           time
           )
           at
           their
           own
           choice
           .
        
         
           Tenthly
           ,
           I
           have
           proved
           ,
           that
           the
           Jews
           in
           the
           dayes
           of
           King
           
             Hezekiah
          
           did
           keep
           seven
           dayes
           with
           joyous
           feasting
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           by
           their
           own
           counsell
           ,
           after
           they
           had
           kept
           the
           Passeover
           ,
           without
           any
           command
           from
           God
           so
           to
           do
           ;
           And
           yet
           the
           holy
           Ghost
           noteth
           it
           as
           acceptable
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           an
           example
           for
           us
           to
           do
           the
           like
           .
           And
           if
           we
           kept
           more
           dayes
           evangelically
           holy
           ,
           we
           should
           not
           sin
           in
           so
           doing
           .
        
         
           Eleventhly
           ,
           I
           have
           noted
           divers
           reasons
           for
           the
           keeping
           of
           the
           celebration
           of
           his
           birth-day
           ,
           as
           to
           prevent
           us
           from
           being
           seduced
           to
           the
           heresie
           of
           those
           that
           did
           (
           and
           perhaps
           now
           do
           )
           deny
           that
           Christ
           came
           in
           the
           flesh
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           did
           not
           take
           it
           in
           and
           of
           the
           Virgin
           
             Mary
             ,
          
           &c.
           
        
         
           And
           lastly
           ,
           I
           have
           noted
           divers
           other
           inconveniences
           that
           
           may
           hap
           to
           the
           Civill
           State
           by
           our
           not
           observing
           it
           in
           times
           of
           divisions
           (
           in
           some
           cases
           ,
           )
           and
           therefore
           the
           premises
           well
           considered
           ,
           (
           especially
           with
           the
           leave
           of
           Authority
           )
           I
           will
           conclude
           with
           the
           words
           of
           St.
           
             Paul
          
           in
           1
           
             Corinth
             .
          
           5.
           8.
           though
           he
           spake
           it
           in
           a
           spirituall
           way
           ,
           
             Let
             us
             keep
             the
             Feast
             ,
             not
             with
             old
             leaven
             ,
             neither
             with
             the
             leaven
             of
             malice
             and
             wickednesse
             :
             but
             with
             the
             unleavened
             bread
             of
             sinceritie
             and
             truth
             .
          
           Thus
           let
           strength
           bear
           down
           weaknesse
           .
        
         
           
             
               Octob.
               17.
               1648.
               
            
          
           
             
               Imprimatur
            
             John
             Downame
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
    

