William Gouge on 'Sweet Sleep'

[VirginiaHuguenot]

On the night of 'fall back' (for those who observe daylight savings time), here is some counsel from William Gouge, The Sabbath's Sanctification, p. 11, on the importance of a good night's rest before the Lord's Day:

Question 26. What are those particulars which our weak bodies do most need?

Ans. (1.) Sleep, Eccl. 5:12. (2.) Food, Luke 14:1. (3.) Apparel, 2 Sam. 12:20. (4.) All other occasional helps, Mark 2:3, 4.

Question 27. Why is sleep requisite?

Ans. If we have not seasonable sleep the night immediately before the Sabbath (the latter part thereof, namely from midnight to the time we rise, is part of the Sabbath), the duties of the day will be so drowsily performed (if at all they be performed) as they cannot be acceptable to God, nor advantageable to our spiritual edification. Sleep doth much refresh our drowsy bodies and cheer our dull spirits, and so make us much better perform the duties of the Sabbath. Therefore, sleep is said to be sweet, Eccl. 5:12.