January 11
Sanctification of the Sabbath
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it."—Deuteronomy 5:12.
MOSES in this chapter brings to the recollection of the Israelites what God had commanded them. We may take five views of the Sabbath.
IN ITS DIVINE ORIGIN. It is not an ordinance of man, but immediately appointed of God. Contemplate it under the Jewish Law. The first intimation we have of a Sabbath was, when God rested from his works at the creation. When Israel was organized as a nation, this was a statute; it occupies a place in the moral law. View it under the Christian Dispensation. The first day of the week is kept as the Lord's day, in commemoration of the Resurrection of Christ, he having finished a mightier and more stupendous work than that of creation. Contemplate the Sabbath—
IN ITS HOLY REQUIREMENTS. There must be on our part, if we would keep it to sanctify it, a cessation from all worldly concerns, and an engagement in religious pursuits. It must be a day of remembrance—prayer—religious worship—meditation—holy desires—thanksgiving and joyful anticipation. Look at it
IN ITS IMPORTANT DESIGNS. The Almighty has instituted this day for two grand objects, associated with his glory, and the welfare of his creatures, viz., the conversion of the impenitent, and the establishment of believers. Consider it
IN ITS SACRED DELIGHTS. Sabbath days are golden days to the Christian. "'T is then," says Mr. James, "that the Christian engaged in warfare with the world, like a conflicting vessel at sea, lies by for a season to repair the damages he has received, and prepare again for action, by renewing the faith which giveth him the victory." 'T is on the Sabbath that piety, wearied and weakened by the wiles of her warfare, sits down to rest beneath the shadow of Christ's ordinances, and refreshing herself with the river of life which flows at her feet, rises with renovated strength to pursue her journey to a city of habitation. Finally, regard the Sabbath
IN ITS TYPICAL REPRESENTATION. It is a fragment of heaven dropped upon earth. "There remaineth therefore, a rest, or, as it is in the original, a Sabbath-keeping to the people of God."