Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1870-04-29
Miaeellaneons.
sABBATH-KEEPING ILLUSTRATED
IN ENGLAND.
A NARRATIVE FOUNDED on FACTS, BY sIRs.
STOWE.
PUBLISHED BY Request.

tHA'A94AA@S hl AAAN1 h-
On lonely, calm, sixth day, evening, in
the seventh month, robust, healthy-look-
ing man, having the appearance Of farm
er, might have been seen vending his way
to neat farm house, situate in one of the
rich and beautiful vallies Of Gloucestersbire.
For moment he hesitated at the doorstep,
as the sound Of voices engaged in singing
struck his ear; he paused, while with clear
and joyful notes was sung the soul reviving
hymn;
Sweet to the soul the parting ray,
That ushers placid evening in,
When With the still expiring day,
The Sabbath's peaceful hours begin;
How grateful to the anxious breast,
The sacred hours OF holy rest -
Our friend waited few moments: and
then, finding all silent, ventured to rap at
the door. 1t was opened by man in the
prime of life, who extended his hand, and
shaking his visitors with hearty good
will, invited him to be seated. The family
into which we are now introduced, consists
Of William Davis, bis wife, and three chill
dren. Everything in the house wore an
appearance of comfort and cleanliness. The
day S work is finished the sturdy farmer is
sitting at d well polished walnut table, on
which lie a large family Bible aud hymn
book, and all seem happy and contented,
We must now inquire on what errand our
friend has come, who is welcomed so hearth
ly into this cheerful family. He had re-
Gently taken farm about half mile from
farmer Davis; and having received visit
from him, he came, after the business of
the day, to return the call.
Our friend, whom We shall name Samuel
Smith, having made himself acquainted
with each member of the family, inquired
Of farmer Davis if he had any objection to
show him the hymn which had been so
sweetly sung. Davis complied. remarkinr.
Friend Smith, perhaps you are not aware
that, now that the sun has gone down, the
Sabbath has commenced. We always be-
gin with singing hymn suitable to the
holy time; and after reading portion Of
Gods word, We commend ourselves in pray
er to our Almighty Father, beseeching His
aid and blessing during the sacred season. -
SMITH. My friend, you surprise me,
Sunday is the Sabbath, l never heard Of
any other among christians.
DAvIs.-But Gods Word says, The
serea6, day is The Sabbath" How then
can you call the first day, Or Sunday ''the
Sabbath 2''
SMITH. because Christ changed the Sab
bath from the seventh day to the first
AvIs.-Pardon me, my friend, where do
you find that?
SMITH, We'll, it does say so, in as many
words, in the Bible; but the Apostles kept
Sunday, and commanded the Christians to
observe it too
DAvIs.-You come to too hastg a conclu-
sion upon the matter do not know one
passage in the Bible that teaches any such
thing; and am quite willing to hear any
arguments you may bring forth in favor OF
/ it.
SMITH Il must confess, my good friend,
am not able to dispute this subject with
you l do not know much about it. Our
clergy say, that Christ changed the Sabbath;
and it does not signify to me which day I
keep. One day in seven is all that is re-
quired; indeed, never before heard the
sanctity of Sunday questioned by any body.
/ DAVIS My friend, do not like to hear
goud man talk thus; for, if God has CON-
manded we must obey lie does not say,
one day is serep; but, The Seventh day is
the Sabbath, of tsle Lord thy God y
This command you respect every Sun.
day, asking God to incline your heart
to keep this law. IF you will allow
me. shink l can convince you that Christ
did not change the day but that both He
and His disciples kept "the Sabbath day ae
cording to the commandment. " luke %
So Hear then few of my reasons.
There is no mention of such change
in the Gospel There is only presump
ton that, becauso Christ appeared to tht