Sabbath-Keeping in the Home by Mrs. Susie D. Pard

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 6, 1911

Sabbath-Keeping in the Home

By Mrs. Susie D. Pard

MRS. SUSIE D. PARD

In the home where there are children the Sabbath can be made a very bright and cheerful day, though it may not be one of unbroken quiet. One way to make the Sabbath both pleasant and profitable for all the members of the family is to make it a decidedly “different” day. To do this, one needs only to obey what God commands. We should have all our work done, and all things pertaining to work put away. In six days God did all his work; it was completed at the end of the sixth day; there was nothing left undone; and as the sun began to sink in the west, his rest began.

When mothers say, “This is the Sabbath,” let the words be spoken in a spirit that will delight the children as much as when they say, “To-day is the day of our family picnic.” Teach them to look forward to the Sabbath with pleasure. It is possible to do this, and to keep it with pleasure rather than from a sense of duty.

To make it a different day does not mean simply to make it a day on which we do not labor. We are to be refreshed with cleanliness of both clothing and person. In most homes the inmates are provided with extra suits for the Sabbath. When this is so, it is well to make a change before the Sabbath, and let the children feel that this day is not a common day.

The very little ones may have some special toys for the Sabbath, and as they advance in years there are many good books for boys and girls to read. Or all the children may be taken for a walk through the woods. On such occasions they may be taught lessons from nature which will cause them to remember the Creator of all things, even the Sabbath.

The proper beginning and ending of the Sabbath are very important. Let the family come together just as the sun is sinking, and take part in singing hymns, reading scripture, and offering prayer. Let the hymns be such as the children can take part in, and teach them to sing as soon as they are able, remembering that they will cling to what they are taught when they are small. The Saviour said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

Work for an ideal Sabbath in your home; for in so doing, you are working in harmony with God. One who strives to be in the right spirit, and to help those who are about him to come into that spirit, may look forward with confidence to good and lasting results.

Schenectady, N. Y.