RESPECT FOR THE HOLY SABBATH.
By A. S. Hutchins
Says Christ, “The Sabbath was made for man.” The Creator of the heavens and the earth, is its Author. He rested upon the Sabbath, and was refreshed. He blessed and sanctified it. To Adam it was made known prior to his fall. And to him it could have been an institution of no important signification, if its object, and the use he should make of it, was not fully revealed. Some six thousand years have rolled away since that period, and we have the holy Sabbath, God’s sacred rest-day, yet. It is a fit memorial of his creative power and works, and he has not suffered it to be lost, though kingdoms have arisen and come to their height, in pride, and gigantic power, and with mighty nations of earth, have passed away like the broad swellings of the ocean. Infuriated agents of Satan, inspired by evil angels, have sought the destruction of God’s people and of his blessed word; but praise his holy name, a remnant yet lives to obey and honor him by keeping his commandments. And to-day, we can say, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts.” 2 Pet. i, 19. The Sabbath of the Lord is designed to be a great blessing to those who use it aright. “Holy day, that most we prize,
Day of solemn praise and prayer;
Day to make the simple wise,
Oh, how great thy blessings are!” “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” is still the requisition of the Most High. Dear brethren and sisters, do we keep the Sabbath according to the commandment? Do we delight in it, and spend its sacred hours as they swiftly pass, as we should? I do not speak reprovingly, but in love, when I express a fear that some suffer the labors of the week to crowd upon the hours of the Sabbath as they should not. You say, This is necessary work, necessary chores, &c. True, it may be necessary that all this should be attended to; but should it not be done on sixth-day, or remain over till first-day? Could it not often be so? Think of it. Some are not as punctual in attending worship as they should be on this day. And sometimes children are suffered to remain at home when they might be benefited by attending religious meetings. Now you want your dear children saved; but Satan works hard for their destruction. Oh! gather them with you to the house of worship, and seek here, and at home, on the Sabbath, and each day of the week, to lead them to God and to secure their final salvation in his kingdom with all the blood-washed throng. Oh! how blessed for parents and children there to meet to part no more. Says the apostle, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. x, 25. If we heed the exhortation of Paul, here, we shall have something to do when we come together. Exhorting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. That day hasteth greatly. And as we stir the mind of each other up on this point we shall naturally feel the importance of a preparation of heart to meet the Lord. And what constitutes this preparation? Says the same apostle, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. v, 23. We need then to be wholly sanctified in order to be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord. In this great work God will help us. His Son will aid. Holy angels will watch over and strengthen the persevering. The truth, if received into the heart and reduced to practice, will purify and prepare us for Heaven, our home. And the Holy Spirit will help our infirmities. Paul further says, for our comfort, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” Oh! that you and I, dear reader, may be of that company. Oh! that we may be prepared to meet the Lord when he cometh. Oh! that we may receive the crown of life that fadeth not away. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.” James i, 12.