Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Apr 26, 1906

SPEAKING of Sabbath observance, the Ram's Horn says:—

The Sabbath is meant to promote man's physical, mental, and moral welfare. This involves two things, rest for the body and worship as the solace of the spirit. We are to rest, but not from all activity, for absolute inaction is not rest. On the other hand, the rule, “Thou shalt worship,” must not be so enforced as to involve the sacrifice of rest to the animal nature. All legislation therefore enforcing its observance should guarantee to all the blessings it confers, should forbid any man to rob himself or — still more — others of these benefits.

If legislation could secure to the people the blessings of Sabbath observance, it would be justifiable. But what alone it can secure is simply that “absolute inaction” which “is not rest.” The Sabbath is not a blessing to men apart from religion.