Chapter 15—The Sabbath
Nothing so distinguished the Jews from surrounding nations, and
designated them as true worshipers of the Creator, as the institution
of the Sabbath. Its observance was a continual visible token of their
connection with God, and separation from other people. All ordinary
labor for a livelihood or for worldly profit was forbidden upon the
seventh day. According to the fourth commandment the Sabbath was
dedicated to rest and religious worship. All secular employment was to
be suspended; but works of mercy and benevolence were in accordance
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with the purpose of the Lord. They were not to be limited by time nor
place. To relieve the afflicted, to comfort the sorrowing is a labor of
love that does honor to God’s holy day.
The work of the priests in connection with the sacrificial offerings
was increased upon the Sabbath, yet in their holy work in the service
of God they did not violate the fourth commandment of the decalogue.
As Israel separated from God, the true object of the Sabbath institu-
tion became less distinct in their minds. They grew careless of its
observance, and unmindful of its ordinances. The prophets testified to
them of God’s displeasure in the violation of his Sabbath. Nehemiah
says: “In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine-presses on
the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine,
grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into
Jerusalem on the Sabbath-day, and I testified against them in the day
wherein they sold victuals.”
And Jeremiah commands them: “Take heed to yourselves, and
bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of
Jerusalem; neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the
Sabbath day, neither do ye any work, but hallow ye the Sabbath day,
as I commanded your fathers.”
But they heeded not the admonitions of the inspired prophets, and
departed more and more from the religion of their fathers. At length
calamities, persecution, and bondage came upon them in consequence
of their disregard of God’s requirements.
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