182
Spiritual Gifts, Volume 3
secured, they would be tempted to transgress the Sabbath, and labor
on sacred time. He would have them understand that their blessings
would be increased or diminished according to their integrity of soul,
or unfaithfulness in his service.
God is no less particular now in regard to his Sabbath than when
he made this requirement of the children of Israel. His eyes is upon
all his people, and over all the works of their hands. He will not pass
by unnoticed those who crowd upon his Sabbath, and employ time for
their own use which belongs to him. Some professed Sabbath-keepers
will intrude upon the Sabbath in doing those things which should have
been done previous to the Sabbath. Such may think that they gain a
little time, but instead of being advantaged by robbing God of holy
time, which he has reserved to himself, they will lose. The Lord will
afflict them for their transgression of the fourth commandment, and
that time they thought to gain, by intruding upon the Sabbath, will
prove to them a curse. God’s prospering hand withdrawn will cause a
decrease in all of their possessions, instead of an increase. God will
surely punish the transgressor. Although he may bear with him for a
while, his punishment may come suddenly. Such do not always realize
that judgments are from God. He is a jealous God, and requires heart
service and perfect obedience to all his commandments.
[294]
“And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai
with the two tables of testimony in Moses’ hand, when he came down
from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone
while he talked with him. And when Aaron and all the children of
Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were
afraid to come nigh him. And Moses called unto them, and Aaron and
all the rulers of the congregation returned unto him, and Moses talked
with them. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh, and he
gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him in
mount Sinai. And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a
vail on his face. But when Moses went in before the Lord, to speak
with him, he took the vail off, until he came out. And he came out, and
spake unto the children of Israel that which he was commanded. And
the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’
face shone; and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went
in to speak with him.”