The Sacredness of the Sabbath.
By D. A. Robinson
THE first word of the Sabbath commandment appeals to our memory. "Remember," says the Lord, "the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." The great Creator knew that man would be liable to forget his "rest-day," so he says, "Remember." We should sacredly regard this great memorial of creation's King. This calm and peaceful visitor makes his weekly calls on the dwellers of this globe. He is not received alike by all. In many dwellings he is not permitted to enter. He calls but is unnoticed by thousands; they see him not. At other doors he seeks admittance, but alas! he is met with a strong rebuff even by some who know of his approach. He only has blessings to leave, and yet he is repulsed. Then does he not find a hearty reception anywhere? Ah yes, indeed. Go to the homes of those who are anticipating a visit from this resident of paradise. They know the time of his approach(at even, which is at the going down of the sun). The daily toils are ended, the earthly cares are laid aside, and all are ready to give him a sweet welcome to their homes. They can truthfully sing, "Another six days' work is done;
Another Sabbath is begun." Peace and quiet reign supreme in such a dwelling, and the inmates can say, "Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love." What a contrast is this to that home where the entrance of the Sabbath finds everything in confusion. He has called on them too soon. They tried to get ready to receive him, but the trouble was they did not begin soon enough, and when he came they were not prepared to greet him with song and praise. My brother, my sister, did you ever seek to prepare to meet an expected friend and fail in your endeavors? Doubtless you have. And at such times how you have been vexed, disappointed, and chagrined to think you did not get ready. Do you feel as badly when the holy Sabbath enters your dwelling and you are not ready for it? If not, there is occasion for coming a little nearer and drinking in more of the spirit of this sacred institution. "And hallow my Sabbaths," saith the Lord, "and they shall be a sign between me and you that ye may know that I am the Lord your God." To hallow the Sabbath on our part is to sacredly set that day apart to its proper use. Not nine-tenths of it simply, but the day itself. Let us be careful to sacredly guard the day that belongs to God. He has placed it in our hands, not for us to use for our own personal pleasure or profit, but to keep it as a sacred memento, and not to desecrate a moment of its holy hours by secular acts that should have been performed before its commencement, or perhaps might remain till the Sabbath has passed. The busy season of the year is upon us, and here we are all especially in danger of encroaching upon God's holy Sabbath-day. The Lord understood how this would be, and gave this instruction in speaking of the Sabbath: "In earing time [seed time] and in harvest thou shalt rest." Ex. 34: 21. Thus at all times we are to revere this blessed rest-day. Many of us can improve in this respect. Who of us does not enjoy being in a home when the Sabbath comes where all are ready for it? We all do. And angels of God are attracted to such places. Let us, as far as in our power, be prepared to meet them. D. A. ROBINSON.