THE SABBATH.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2315, 6 February 1892, Page 2

THE SABBATH.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, — As I am, not yet “ ended,” abolished,” I would like to favor “ Truth ” with the Scripture proofs for the side I took on the Sabbath question in a previous letter. I did not say that the Sabbath had been changed, but that the first day had been instihited by the Roman Catholic Church, and quoted well authorised writings to show that this Church at least made claim to that act. I do not believe that the Sabbath was or could be changed by anyone, nor do I believe that “ Truth ” or anyone else can prove to me that there is Scriptural authority for keeping the first day of the week instead of the Sabbath, On the other hand, I claim that many passages in Scripture can be given to prove that the Sabbath did not end with any dispensation, but that Christ kept it, as did the Apostles—and for long after the death and resurrection of our Lord, We are commanded to keep the Sabbath.—(Ex. xx, Dent, iv., 12,113.) Grod set example by resting on the seventh day,—(Gen. i., 1-3. Can “ Truth” change his birthday from the day on which he was born to one on which he was not born 1 No! Neither can he change God’s rest day to a day on which he did not rest. It was given to Adam, the head of the human race.—(Mark ii., 27; Gen. ii., 1-3.) Hence, through him, as our representative, to all nations.—(Acts xvii, 26.) God has promised a special blessing upon all Gentiles who will keep it.—(lsa. Ivi., 6-7.) When Christ came, He kept the seventh day all His life.—(Luke iv., 16; John xv., 10.) The seventh day is the M Lord’s day.—(Rev. i., 10 : Mark ii.,, 28.; * Isa., Iviii., 13.) Instead of abolishing the Sabbath, Christ carefully taught how it should been observed.—(Matt, xii., 1,12, 13. The holy women who had been with Jesus all His life kept the seventh day after His death.—(Luke xxiii., 56.) It is called the Sabbath thirty years after Christ’s resurrection, — xiii., 14.) Paul calls it the Sabbath day in a.d. 45. (Acts xiii., 27.) Did not Paul know? (See also Acts xv., 21; Acts xiii., 42.) Paul kept the law of the Jews. How can Acts xxv., 8, be true if Paul had not kept the Sabbath ? No Christian of the New Testament, either before or after the resurrection, over did any ordinary work upon the seventh day. .Find one case of that kind and I will yield the question. There is no record that God has ever removed his blessing or sanctification from the seventh day. When Jesus began His Work, He expressly declared that He I had not coma to destroy the law.—(Matt. S-J v, 17.) “ Truth ” says “We have intro- ' duced a new dispensation,” and bases authority for this upon “ death and resurrection,” besides Acts 11. But Christ’s death was not on the first day of the week, and as it was by his death we obtained remission of sins (Eph. 1,7) we should keep that day as a memorial ox redemption, if any day should be kept for that purpose. Besides Acts 11., does not prove that the coming of the Holy Spirit was upon the first day of the week. Nor does the day of the resurrection grant us authority for keeping the first day. It needs hurt a word that in. this respect it is far exceeded by the day of crucifixion. It was not remarkable that God should raise His Son from the dead; but the act of the Father in giving His Son to die for sinners was a spectacle of redeeming love on which the universe might gaze and adore the love of God to all eternity. Who can wonder that the sun was veiled in darkness, and that all nature trembled ait the sight!, The crucifixion day, therefore, has far greater claims than the day of resurrection. But God has not enjoined the observance of either. And is it not a feai’ful act to make void the commandments of God by that wisdom which is ) folty in His sight i—(l. Cor. 1., 19, 20.) Again apologising for length of letter, I am, etc.. Candid.