In their book The Christian Sunday , Beckwith and Stott draw from biblical and historical sources and conclude that both the early fathers and the Reformers considered the Decalogue to be binding on Christians and that, they thought of the Lord s Day in very similar terms to the Sabbath, as a whole day, set apart to be a holy festival and a rest day. Indeed, The Book of Homilies , the sermons written by Reformation era bishops for use in the parishes, make observance of the Sabbath a command of God. God s will and commandment was to have a solemn time and standing day in the week, wherein the people should come together, and have in remembrance his wonderful benefits, and to render him thanks for them. They teach us that the observance of the day is also important because of the activities of which that observance consists. Corporate worship is important the reading and exposition of Scripture, public prayer, and the celebration of the Lord s Supper.
Private devotions are important, both for individuals and for families.
Rest and refreshment from the activities of the week are important. Freedom for acts of kindness towards one s family and fellow men is important. They teach us that the whole day has been consecrated by God to these purposes. It is a rest day, set apart for these ends. Christians will not, therefore, be indifferent to the inroads being made upon the Sunday rest in modern society, especially by industry and commerce.