Questions on the Proper Observance of the Sabbath.
By D. T. Bourdeau
A BROTHER desires me to answer the following questions through the REVIEW:— 1. Is it right to practice salting cattle, sheep, etc., on the Sabbath, as Sunday-keepers often do on Sunday? 2. Is it lawful to take in boarders who require extra cooking to be done on the Sabbath? 3. Is it proper to engage in business that makes it necessary to spend much of the Sabbath in doing chores, as milking a large number of cows, etc.? 4. Is it lawful to harness a horse and carry a teacher to her school on the Sabbath? ANSWER. 1. As the acts of salting cattle, etc., can be performed on the six laboring days, and comes under the head of “thy work,” it is forbidden on the Sabbath by the Sabbath law. It is robbing God of holy time to crowd on the Sabbath works that should be done on other days. 2. We do not see how Sabbath-keepers can be justified in boarding those who require extra cooking to be done on the Sabbath. Though it is lawful to cook for the sick on the Sabbath, yet, under common circumstances, we regard the precept to cook food before the Sabbath as binding now as it was anciently. Ex. 16. In warm weather, food cooked before the Sabbath may be partaken of with relish on the Sabbath without being warmed. But, of course, in cold weather, it would be an act of mercy to warm up cold food on the Sabbath. 3. Sabbath-keepers should make it a matter of conscience to do all that in them lies to so shape their worldly affairs that they will not be obliged to spend much of the Sabbath in doing chores. Farmers who have dairies need not milk more than once on the Sabbath. This can be brought about by milking Friday before sunset, and Saturday after sunset. 4. We regard it as being unlawful to take a teacher to her school on the Sabbath. To say that this practice is justifiable is to virtually approve teaching and attending school on the Sabbath. I believe there are many points in which we can improve in keeping the Sabbath. Let us not be discouraged, but seek for wisdom, grace, and strength, to carry out our profession. D. T. BOURDEAU.