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God’s Sabbath Rest

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 14, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 37.

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God’s Sabbath Rest

By Mrs. E. M. Peebles

MRS. E. M. PEEBLES
ONCE did Jehovah God, That mighty Architect of ages past, (With all eternity behind, before,— Eternity!—all space for workshop, and All power to execute and do the work He planned) hold counsel with his Son, Immanuel.
As sculptor sees within the marble block The form that springs beneath the chisel’s touch, So this fair earth stood forth complete and good, Filled with his handiwork, a dwelling-place For righteousness alone,— stood in the Mind of God.
He spake, and there was light. He spake again, And now the shining orbs spring forth at his Command, to wheel through space, prepared at his Behest to rule the day,— night likewise, — and The seasons come and go at their command. He willed it so.
He brought the mountains forth. Obedient to His will the hills are clothed. Sweet flowers, and trees, And grass appear, and herbs for service of The creatures he has made. Bright songsters flit In leafy bowers proclaiming God is good. Praise to his name!
Mountain and hills he cleaves with rivers for The finny tribes, and flowing streams are sought For pure, life-giving waters, free from taint Of death. No fever there, no curse to make Men dread to go.
Sweet fruits and golden grains are spread in rich Abundance; then the crowning work appears. Man, made in image of his God, shall take Possession of this Eden home. Adam (And Eve, meet consort for him), who was made A son of God.
And thus this pair wedded in Eden, came To celebrate their birth and the birthday Of earth, first Sabbath sweet, God’s rest, and his Best gift to man; for rest was sweet when spent In contemplation of his finished work; And not alone. One wrought with God—the Word. The Word was God; All things were made by him. That Word in flesh Dwelt with us, resting on his own rest day, Example in all things to those who are A new creation in and through his blood,— Immanuel.
And has he changed? “Once have I sworn, I will Not alter what my lips have spoken.” “That Which I have said should be my law, shall last Till time shall be no more.” Then is God’s rest, Memorial fitting of a work so vast, Emblem of spiritual rest.