HOW TO SPEND THE SABBATH.
In a recent work by the distinguished Professor of Surgery in the university of Edinburgh, we find the following paragraphs on Sabbath occupations. Rest assured that the more the physiologist advances in the exact knowledge of his science, the more will he be convinced that the physiology of the Sabbath, as contained by manifest implication in God's revealed word, is not only true, but imbedded there, and embodied in corresponding enactments, alike in wisdom and in mercy. And the more faithfully man observes the Sabbath according to God's law, the purer pleasure and the higher happiness will be his. Let him walk on the Sabbath; but let it be, Enoch-like, with God—walking to or in the sanctuary, whether that be roofed by mortal hand, or canopied by the spacious firmament. Let him read on the Sabbath; but let it be of God and godliness—not concerning the things of time which are seen, but touching the great things which are not seen, and are eternal. Let him talk on the Sabbath; but let his conversation be as "becometh the gospel of Christ." Let him meditate; but let it be on the law of God, "day and night," that he may observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then he shall make his way prosperous, and then he shall have good success. Let him eat on the Sabbath; but while the sustenance of the body is not neglected, let his soul's feeding be upon the "bread of life." Let him drink on the Sabbath; but let it be of the "water of life," and that freely. Let him sing. Aye, let him sing. For the Sabbath is no day of sadness; the sanctuary is no place of gloom; religion is no creed of melancholy. There are times for saddened thought, and true "affliction of soul on that day; for who has not many sins and shortcomings over which to mourn? But the dark cloud has a very bright and silver lining; the very sorrow of sin brings to mind the great and glorious gospel, the good news of pardon and peace, of which the Sabbath is as it were the perpetual token and pledge. And that day has ever been associated with singing and gladness. It is commemorative of creation, when "the morning-stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy."—Am. Messenger.