Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1881-03-10

continued by the apostles after The
ascension of Christ. Panl command
ed collection to be tsken on the first
day of the week. as we learn from lst
Corinthians, xvi. 2, which would in
dictate that they were accustomed to
meet on that day for worship. We
have not room for full statement of
the arguments of the doctor here. 1t
makes no difference, said the preach
er, in this argument for the pei Ipetuity
of the Sabbath, that the day in which
the Sabbath is observed is changed
from the seventh to the first. The
Christian Sabbath is only continua-
ton, with additional and more power
iul sanctions of the ancient institu-
tion.
Without reference to those who
would make holiday of the Sabbath,
we shall content ourselves with giving
what we regard the teaching of the
Bible on the sanctificatinn Of the
Sabbath. The Bible is the standard
by which We are to be governed in all
our relations in life. This work not
only teaches us our duty to God and
each other, but also our duty in ref
erence to the Sabbath. We are not
to be governed in this matter by the
sayings Of infdels and skeptics and
those who have no theology, but by
the law of God. Well, what sayeth
the law? Remember the Sabbath
day to keep it holy" What then is a
proper observance of the Sabbath? !?
We contend, said the speaker, for an
observance of the Sabbath which will
include two points: cessation from all
secular labor and toll, and the devo-
ton Of the entire day to The worship
Of God, and our moral and religious
improvement. This proposition di-
vides itself into two parts. FIRST,
cessation from all secular labor and
Toll. we co.'cnd for this on three
fold ground: the fact sua,.,l in refer.
ence to the institution of the Sabpalu,
God rested on the seventh day from
all work. We ground it on its in
PRODUCTION into the moral code, as
given on Mount Sinai: Remember
the Sabbath day-in it thou shalt not
do any work" Again, eve ground ii
on the dictates of reason: 1t is need
ful for man and beast to rest one day
III seven. To dispute this is to call in
question the wisdom of God. Rest
is essential to the health both of body
and mind But my business require.
me to labor on the Sabbath, says
some one. Then you have to right
to engage in such a business. But
must not provide for my family
Yes; but not by violating the com
mands of God. God nowhere in His
word requires us to steal or violate
any of his commandments in order
that we may provide for our families
Works of ''necesSity' and ''mercy,'
and these alone, are allowable on the
Sabbath. Second, the entire day
should. if understand the Scriptures
Alright. be devoted to the worship o
God, and moral and religious i'm
provement. keep it holy? say:
tho law; God blessed the seventh
day and sanctified it," He devoted
it TO holy exercise. The minds ant
moral natures of men require i'm
provement. 1. is awfully crimina
TO neglect them. The week days arr
the days are the days for pleasure
steamboat and railroad excursions
and secular service The Sabbath
should be devoted to moral service
worship, reading. meditation, benev
olence and charity. ''Seeking ou
own pleasure" as my text expreese
it, was violation of the day with th'
Jews, and why not now?
In conclusion, the pastor said Ii
would call the attention of all pres
ent, especially professors of religion
to the Importance of making a stan'
against Sabbath desecration. You
principles demand it; your comfor
demands it; the good of the city de
mands it. Sabbath desecration i
one OF the crying evils Of the day
God will requite it. How often di
he show his anger against those VIII
profaned the day under the torme
dispensation. He is just as jealou
OF the day now a. then. o, if W
have reason as men, if we have an
fear of God before our eyes; if W
have any regard for our city an
community, let us "Remember th
Sabbath day to keep it holy"