Sabbath Labor for Unbelievers by Dudley Marvin Canright

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 6, 1887

Sabbath Labor for Unbelievers

By Dudley Marvin Canright

A. G. C.—In the matter of what things are and what things are not allowable on the Sabbath, each one must be conscience for himself, taking the precepts in the Bible as a guide. Caring for domestic animals, feeding horses, milking cows, etc., is, of course, a necessary act, as it is an act of mercy. If a man is employed by a non-professor, we should suppose, under ordinary circumstances, that it would be proper for him to do such necessary chores on the Sabbath, especially if he lived at the home of his employer, and had the regular care of the animals. But these remarks would not apply to a case where there was no work but that of caring for stock. We cannot see how a Sabbath-keeper could consistently engage to work for an unbeliever on a dairy or a stock ranch, and perform his regular daily work on the Sabbath. We do not think that Eph. 6:5, Col. 3:22, and 1 Tim. 6:1 apply to such a case as this. But we cannot tell people what their duty is in particular cases, even if we knew all the circumstances. Each one must make the application of principles for himself, being careful not to make too liberal an application when dealing with himself, however lenient he may be with others.