Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1893-03-09
CHRISTIAN ENDEAvoR.
Topic For the Week Beginning March g.
Comment by Rev. s. II. DOYLE.

Topic For the Week Beginning March 8.
Comment by Rev. s. III. Doyle.
) ToPIc.-Ths Lords day. How shall we keep
t9 Neh. xiii, q; Math. xii, s-l3. ''Sanctify the
sabbath day" Neh. xiii, 2.
/. The Sabbath day. The Oldest insti-
ntion of the world is the Sabbath or
lords day. 1t is almost as old as crea-
ION. Born ON the seventh day of time,
.hristened amid the thundcrings of Sinai,
Observed as sacred and holy by Christ
ind His disciples, it has all the marks of
Sivinity upon it. If ~venerableness adds
lnything of interest or worth to the GUS
pms of men, surely it should be accorded
b the Sabbath day. 1t has outlasted the
,atriarchal affairs, witnessed the decay
IL sacred monuments, survived the tab
D~rnacle, temples and gorgeous sacrifices,
md after almost 10 Christian centuries
/ is still honored and revered Of men.
It's future history is $ certain as its
,ast history, because it is divine. Nor
will it end with the end of time, for the
scripture tells us of a rest or Sabbath
hat remains to the people of God be-
fond this life. All honor, then, to that
which always has been, which is and
always will be-namely. the Christian
Sabbath!
2. Why should the Sabbath be kept2
There are many reasons. God observed
it and commanded it to be observed.
Christ observed it and illustrated the
true spirit in which all should observe
t. It is necessary to the best physical,
mental and moral development of man.
God did not institute the Sabbath for
divine benefit. 1.-The Sabbath was made
for man" Man needs it. The individ-
ual needs it. The nation needs it. The
world needs it. The toilers in the field,
Inc factory and workshop need it. Nor
Is it less necessary to the n who labors
with his mind. A Sabbath given to the
Ioul is the best Of all means for refresh
Ing the intellect of man. The soul needs
The Sabbath-both the soul of the saint
and the sinner.
3. How should the Sabbath be kept?
This is a much discussed question today.
Some perhaps are too conservative and
others too liberal. 1t should not be OBJ
served in such a way as to make its only
virtue that it comes but n day in seven.
On the other hand, no such spirit of care
~lessness, of disregard, should characterize
1t as to do away with all the sacred
claims it has upon us. 1t is the Lords
day and should in some way be devoted
TO Him. AS its name signifies, it is
rest day, and as such we should keep it
holy. On hat day we should rest from
the labors and pleasures of the other
six days; rest because we need
rest and this seventh portion Of
time to devote to God. That the
body and mind may have true rest, and
that the soll may receive the highest
benefit from the Lords day. we should
spend the time in public worship of God,
fellowship and communion with the
members of our own families, quiet read
ing and meditation of Gods holy word.
Thus only can we ''sanctify the Sabbath
Bible References-Gen. ii, 1-3; Elk. XIX,
ell; Mum. xviii, 0; Deut. V, IA; Eek.
XVI, 3; Neh. tx, IA; lisa. lviii, 10; Math.
xii, 70; Luke iv, 10, 81; vi. 6; John tx, IA;
Acts xiii, l4s XIV "A; Acts xiii, "a; Heb.
iv, A, 81; l Cor. xvi, 2; Jer. xvii, "a; Mum.
XIV, 1926: Rev. i, 10.