THE LORD'S HOLY DAY by R. F. C.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1856

THE LORD'S HOLY DAY.

By R. F. C.

THERE is one class of people who meet on the seventh day of the week, and in their addresses to the Maker of all things, they thank him for the privilege of meeting together, as they express it, "on this thy holy day." Another, and much larger class, may be found assembled together on the following day, that is, on the first day of the week, who, in like manner, speak to God, saying, We have assembled "on this thy holy day."

From this it appears that God has two holy days in every week, or that one, at least, of these two classes mock God and insult him to his face. Many may be ignorantly, and therefore innocently, following the tradition of their fathers in this matter; but, as both classes profess to follow the teachings of the Bible, when once their theory and practice are called in question, they are no longer excusable in pursuing the same course, unless they find a warrant for it in that book.

If God has two holy days for men to observe, we shall find them both clearly pointed out in the Bible. He did, in the beginning, sanctify, that is, set apart to a holy use, the seventh day, and more than 3000 years since that time he called it his holy day. If he has put away the day which he claimed as his for thousands of years, it should be noted in the Scriptures. If he has chosen another day as his holy day, it must be clearly revealed, or no one is under obligation to keep it holy. "For where no law is, there is no transgression." But, in all the Scriptures, there is no copy of the bill by which God put away the seventh day; nor any information respecting his choosing the first. Therefore the day which he chose in the beginning is still his holy day.

But there are many who, though they are aware that there is "no scriptural direction for the change," seem still to take pleasure in approaching to God and telling him that Sunday is his holy day; as if, in the absence of Bible proof, they could make it holy by calling it so. To such I would say in the language of an apostle, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked." Though you succeed in deceiving yourselves, and others who look up to you for instruction; yet you cannot deceive Him and make Him believe that that day which he has never sanctified is his holy day. Your effort to make Sunday holy by calling it so, is like that of some in ancient time, who, in order to exalt their goddess, cried out, about the space of two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. This they did for want of better argument.

I would affectionately exhort you never again to come before God and tell him that the first day of the week is his holy day, till you can prove from the Book that he has given you, that he has made it holy. Perhaps you are a leader of the people. Be careful that you do not procure their curses by leading them into the ditch. Upon the authority of the word of God, I warn you that, in a little while from this, there will be an awful howling among the shepherds. "And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape. A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and an howling of the principal of the flock, shall be heard; for the Lord hath spoiled their pasture." See Jer. xxv, 32-38.

Be entreated, dear reader, to make the word of God your guide. Abide by its teachings; keep its precepts. Do not mock God by offering him that which he has never required. But seek your own salvation, and the salvation of those you may influence.

R. F. C.