Second Helvetic Confession and the Lord's Day

[Sam Jer]

How was this section of the II Helvetic understood?
What's the history of the view on the kind of Sabbatarianism that the Synod at Dordt and the Westminster Assembly took?

THE LORD'S DAY. Hence we see that in the ancient churches there were not only certain set hours in the week appointed for meetings, but that also the Lord's Day itself, ever since the apostles' time, was set aside for them and for a holy rest, a practice now rightly preserved by our Churches for the sake of worship and love.

SUPERSTITION. In this connection we do not yield to the Jewish observance and to superstitions. For we do not believe that one day is any holier than another, or think that rest in itself is acceptable to God. Moreover, we celebrate the Lord's Day and not the Sabbath as a free observance.

The Heidelberger seems a little broad too

Question 103. What does God require in the fourth commandment?

Answer: First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained; (a) and that I, especially on the sabbath, that is, on the day of rest, diligently frequent the church of God, (b) to hear his word, (c) to use the sacraments, (d) publicly to call upon the Lord, (e) and contribute to the relief of the poor. (f) Secondly, that all the days of my life I cease from my evil works, and yield myself to the Lord, to work by his Holy Spirit in me: and thus begin in this life the eternal sabbath. (g)​

Edit: Ursinus' commentary seems to suggest his view was similar to the II Helvetic
Edit2: To clarify, I am asking for clarifications on the historical views. I used to hold this view for a short time before accepting the view expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith

 

[Sam Jer]

Moderators may want to consider if this should be in a diffrent forum. I wasnt sure which one to put it in

 

[NaphtaliPress]

Moved to the Lord's Day forum

 

[Charles Johnson]

Could you clarify what points you mean by the "Westminster view"? If you mean the doctrine that Sunday is the Lord's Day, by God's appointment, that view was expressed by Thomas Aquinas in his catechism in the 13th century, so it's older than the Reformation.
Much of Puritan Sabbatarianism was popularized by Nicolas Bownd, in his book The True Doctrine of the Sabbath, which Chris Coldwell has republished.

 

[Jake]

The book, The Market Day of the Soul by James Dennison shows how the Puritan doctrine of the Sabbath was developed and refined from earlier Reformed views. I don't remember off hand if it specifically addresses your question, but I can check when I get home.

 

[Sam Jer]

Could you clarify what points you mean by the "Westminster view"? If you mean the doctrine that Sunday is the Lord's Day, by God's appointment, that view was expressed by Thomas Aquinas in his catechism in the 13th century, so it's older than the Reformation.
Much of Puritan Sabbatarianism was popularized by Nicolas Bownd, in his book The True Doctrine of the Sabbath, which Chris Coldwell has republished.

Yes, that is what I mean.

VII. As it is of the law of nature, that, in general, a due proportion of time be set apart for the worship of God; so, in his Word, by a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment, binding all men in all ages, he hath particularly appointed one day in seven for a Sabbath, to be kept holy unto him: which, from the beginning of the world to the resurrection of Christ, was the last day of the week; and, from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the first day of the week, which in Scripture is called the Lord's Day, and is to be continued to the end of the world as the Christian Sabbath. (Westminster Confession)

IV. With the Sabbath of the Jews having been abrogated, the Lord’s Day is solemnly sanctified by Christians.
V. From the time of the Apostles this day was always observed in the ancient Catholic Church.
VI. This same day is thus consecrated for divine worship, so that in it one might rest from all servile works (with these excepted, which are works of charity and pressing necessity) and from those recreations which impede the worship of God. (Synod of Dort)

 

[Charles Johnson]

Yes, that is what I mean.

The words of Thomas Aquinas on the fourth commandment (3rd in the Roman Catholic numbering) are as follows:
"God, therefore, wished that one day should be set aside in memory of the fact that He created all things in six days, and that on the seventh day. He rested from the creation of new creatures. This is why the Lord placed thisCommandment in the law, saying: "Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day."The Jews kept holy the Sabbath in memory of the first creation; but Christ at His coming brought about a new creation. For by the first creation an earthly man was created, and by the second a heavenly man was formed: "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature."[3] This new creation is through grace, which came by the Resurrection: "That as Christ is risen from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, so shall we also be in the likeness of His resurrection."[4] And thus, because the Resurrection took place on Sunday, we celebrate that day, even as the Jews observed the Sabbath on account of the first creation.[5]"