KEEPING THE SABBATH HOLY.
THE institution of the Sabbath is one in which the wisdom and goodness of God shine forth gloriously. The influence of the Sabbath is very happy upon those who faithfully keep it. In keeping the fourth commandment, as well as the others, there is great reward. God blessed the seventh day; that is, he designed to make it a blessing to mankind, or in other words, he designed that its observance should make mankind better, and therefore happier. The main design of the Sabbath was not to rest our wearied bodies (though it is properly called a rest), but to promote our moral improvement, and by this means our highest happiness. This sacred day affords us more time to meditate on God, and to study his word, and to engage in devotional exercises, than do the other days of the week. Such seasons well improved, are well adapted to promote communion with God, prepare us for usefulness here, and fit us to be partakers of the saints' inheritance. These seasons are sweet to the spiritual mind. These being some of the blessed results of keeping God's rest-day, it appears important that we keep it just as God has directed us. The commandment commences, "Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." It should be remembered all through the week. Business should be arranged with reference to it. Especially should the sixth day be a time of preparing for God's day. Travelers should make calculations and give diligence to get to their destined places some time before the sacred hour arrives, so that if unexpectedly hindered somewhat, they may still get to their stopping places in time to be ready for the return of the Sabbath. All chores that possibly can be, should be done up beforehand. When the time comes, all our secular business must stop. It requires much decision to keep the Sabbath holy. Sometimes business seems pressing; sometimes we have calls for various purposes; but we must be firm and unyielding, and say, No, to all who would wish to make the least bargain, or do the least business, or strive to draw us into secular conversation. We should say to all tempters, "I will keep the commandment of my God." Females should conscientiously inquire, how much, if any part, of sacred time may innocently be employed in cooking, washing dishes, &c.? Worldly business should be got out of the mind at the commencement of the Sabbath. "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." We are forbidden to speak our own words on God's holy day. And if we call the Sabbath a delight, we will strive earnestly to lay all these cares and thoughts away, till the sacred season is past. Alas! how many professed Sabbath-keepers let their thoughts and words rove to the ends of the earth, almost. Yet in this they displease God, and fail to secure to themselves the rich blessings God wishes to bestow. The same principle of duty that would, on this day, prevent us from secular talk, would also keep us from reading scientific or other secular books or newspapers. The day should be given up to religious reading, meditation and devotion. We should so arrange matters as far as possible as not to become over-fatigued with the labors of the week, and thus be unprepared for the enjoyment of the Sabbath. And we should so control our appetites, as also the temperature of our rooms, that drowsiness and lethargy of mind may be prevented which so often unfit people for that profitable meditation which is so much needed. And those having the care of children should study so to restrain them, and interest them in divine truth, and the praises of God as shall please him, and lead them to love God and call the Sabbath a delight. And when we attend religious meetings on this day, we should seek to wait on the Lord, and take care that we do not grieve the Lord by our talk before meeting, nor yet talk away all the good we get in meeting, after its close. May we so keep God's commandments that we may have right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city.