John Owen (1616-83)
LET men in whose hearts are the ways of God, seriously consider the use that hath been made, under the blessing of God, of the conscientious observation of the Lord’s Day, in the past and present ages, unto the promotion of holiness, righteousness, and religion universally, in the power of it. If they are not under invincible prejudices, it will be very difficult for them to judge that it is a plant which our heavenly Father hath not planted.
For my part, I must not only say but plead whilst I live in this world, and leave this testimony to the present and future ages if these papers see the light and do survive, that if I have ever seen anything in the ways and worship of God wherein the power of religion or godliness hath been expressed, anything that hath represented the holiness of the gospel and the Author of it, anything that hath looked like a prelude to the everlasting Sabbath and rest with God, which we aim through grace to come unto, it hath been there and with them where and amongst whom the Lord’s day hath been had in highest esteem, and a strict observation of it attended unto, as an ordinance of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The remembrance of their ministry, their walk and conversation, their faith and love, who in this nation have most zealously pleaded for, and have been, in their persons, families, and churches or parishes, the most strict observers of this day, will be precious with them that fear the Lord whilst the sun and moon endure. Their doctrine also in this matter, with the blessing that attended it, was that which multitudes now at rest do bless God for, and many that are yet alive do greatly rejoice in. Let these things be despised by those who are otherwise minded; to me they are of great weight and importance.
From Vol 19 of the Works of John Owen, 1862.