True Sabbath Observance

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1911

True Sabbath Observance

WHEN so much is being said by the great religious journals of the land regarding Sunday enforcement, it is refreshing to find occasionally a paper which takes a right view of the question of Sabbath observance. This is done for the most part by that excellent journal, the Sunday School Times, in its issue of August 12. Speaking of “The Spirit of Sabbath Observance,” the editor says:—

The Sabbath is never going to be observed aright so long as it is made a time of restraint or compulsion. God meant it to be the day of days, marked by the spirit of freedom and exceptional privilege. But to observe it in that way may call for a revolutionary change at the very roots of our being. Questions that keep coming from readers of the Sunday School Times show how far from the right attitude are many in our land today.

The editor then proceeds to dilate upon the spirit of Sabbath observance and the blessings which may be obtained from devoting time to prayer, meditation, and the study of the Word. He feels (of course wrongly) that for the good of the nation, it may be necessary to establish certain compulsions and prohibitions as a part of the Sabbath-keeping of the nation, but recognizes that these, after all, do not constitute true Sabbath observance:—

Real Sabbath observance goes hand in hand with the life of surrendered abiding. It may be necessary to establish certain compulsions and prohibitions as a part of the Sabbath-keeping of the nation, or State, or town, or of the younger members of the family while in training. But such enforced regulations will never bring one into the true spirit of Sabbath observance. Nothing but Christ as the whole life will ever do that. But when one has entered upon the freedom with which the Son sets men free, then the Sabbath becomes the day when one can follow with least resistance the impulses and desires of his own will.