1. In the last lesson we saw that the root of true Sabbath keeping == true conversion. It is a memorial of the Creative power of God in our life. If we have not this experience, we cannot keep the Sabbath properly.

2. Then there are other things involved with Sabbath keeping that spring from this root. Let us take a look at them today.

1. God’s people are Reformers [restorers.] Isaiah 58:12.

a. What is that breach that was made? Isaiah 58:13.

b. Because of the disregard of this command, the people are restless. Jesus calls them to find rest in Him. Matthew 11:28-30.

2. The Sabbath is a sign. Ezekiel 20:20.

a. Sign of what?

b. A mere profession is of no value. Matthew 5:20.

c. Love and do all of it and not just a part of it. James 2:10.

1. Read: "In establishing new churches, ministers should give careful instruction as to the proper observance of the Sabbath. We must be guarded, lest the lax practices that prevail among Sunday keepers shall be followed by those who profess to observe God’s holy rest day. The line of demarcation is to be made clear and distinct between those who bear the mark of God’s kingdom and those who bear the sign of the kingdom of rebellion.

"Far more sacredness is attached to the Sabbath than is given it by many professed Sabbathkeepers. The Lord has been greatly dishonored by those who have not kept the Sabbath according to the commandment, either in the letter or in the spirit. He calls for a reform in the observance of the Sabbath." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 353:1,2

a. This Sabbath truth needs to be proclaimed more fully: "I saw that God has children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully. This enraged the churches and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the Sabbath truth." Early Writings, p. 33:2.

2. Read the Sabbath Commandment: Exodus 20:8-11.

1. 6 days of work. Exodus 20:9.

a. Lazy people cannot keep the Sabbath properly.

2. Sabbath begins in the evening till the next evening. Genesis 1:31 (1:5,8,13,19,23); Nehemiah 13:19.

a. Speaking of the day of Atonement. Leviticus 23:32.

3. Preparation Day. Mark 15:42.

a. All cooking (baking and boiling) Exodus 16:22,23.

b. All that is not finished is to be left till after the Sabbath. Example in Luke 23:54-24:1.

4. Spirit of Prophecy Statements on the Preparation Day:

a. Why Remember? "At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said, ‘Remember.’ He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’ Exodus 20:8." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 353:3.

b. The Sabbath is to be on our minds all through the week. "All through the week we are to have the Sabbath in mind and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment. We are not merely to observe the Sabbath as a legal matter. We are to understand its spiritual bearing upon all the transactions of life. All who regard the Sabbath as a sign between them and God, showing that He is the God who sanctifies them, will represent the principles of His government. They will bring into daily practice the laws of His kingdom. Daily it will be their prayer that the sanctification of the Sabbath may rest upon them. Every day they will have the companionship of Christ and will exemplify the perfection of His character. Every day their light will shine forth to others in good works." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 353-354.

c. Sabbath preparation begins in the home life. "In all that pertains to the success of God’s work, the very first victories are to be won in the home life. Here the preparation for the Sabbath must begin. Throughout the week let parents remember that their home is to be a school in which their children shall be prepared for the courts above. Let their words be right words. No words which their children should not hear are to escape their lips. Let the spirit be kept free from irritation. Parents, during the week live as in the sight of a holy God, who has given you children to train for Him. Train for Him the little church in your home, that on the Sabbath all may be prepared to worship in the Lord’s sanctuary. Each morning and evening present your children to God as His blood-bought heritage. Teach them that it is their highest duty and privilege to love and serve God." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 354;1.

d. To be object lesson for our children. "Parents should be particular to make the worship of God an object lesson for their children. Passages of Scripture should be more often on their lips, especially those passages that prepare the heart for religious service. The precious words might well be often repeated: ‘My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is form Him.’ Psalm 62:5." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 354:2.

e. Temporal things are not to encroach upon the spiritual. "When the Sabbath is thus remembered, the temporal will not be allowed to encroach upon the spiritual. No duty pertaining to the six working days will be left for the Sabbath. During the week our energies will not be so exhausted in temporal labor that on the day when the Lord rested and was refreshed we shall be too weary to engage in His service." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 354:3.

f. What is to be done on the preparation day—Friday? "While preparation for the Sabbath is to be made all through the week, Friday is to be the special preparation day. Through Moses the Lord said to the children of Israel: ‘Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.’ ‘And the people went about, and gathered it [the manna], and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it.’ Exodus 16:23. Numbers 11:8. There was something to be done in preparing the heaven-sent bread for the children of Israel. The Lord told them that this work must be done on Friday, the preparation day. This was a test to them. God desired to see whether or not they would keep the Sabbath holy." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 354-355.

g. "This direction from the lips of Jehovah is for our instruction. The Bible is a perfect guide, and if its pages are prayerfully studied by hearts willing to understand, none need err upon this question." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 355:1.

h. How to appear before God on Sabbath (clothing wise). "Many need instruction as to how they should appear in the assembly for worship on the Sabbath. They are not to enter the presence of God in the common clothing worn during the week. All should have a special Sabbath suit, to be worn when attending service in God’s house. While we should not conform to worldly fashions, we are not to be indifferent in regard to our outward appearance. We are to be neat and trim, though without adornment. The children of God should be pure within and without." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 355:2.

i. Specific things to be done. "On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 355-356.

j. Guard the edges of the Sabbath. "We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every moment is consecrated, holy time. Whenever it is possible, employers should give their workers the hours from Friday noon until the beginning of the Sabbath. Give them time for preparation, that they may welcome the Lord’s day with quietness of mind. By such a course you will suffer no loss even in temporal things." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 356:1.

k. Resolve all differences. "There is another work that should receive attention on the preparation day. On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be expelled from the soul. In a humble spirit ‘confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.’ James 5:16." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 356:2.

l. Time to reckon with our souls. "Before the Sabbath begins, the mind as well as the body should be withdrawn from worldly business. God has set His Sabbath at the end of the six working days, that men may stop and consider what they have gained during the week in preparation for the pure kingdom which admits no transgressor. We should each Sabbath reckon with our souls to see whether the week that has ended has brought spiritual gain or loss." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 356:3.

m. "It means eternal salvation to keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord. God says: ‘Them that honor Me I will honor.’ 1 Samuel 2:30." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 356:4.

n. "Let every family of Seventh-day Adventists honor God by a strict regard for his law. The children should be taught to respect the Sabbath. On the day of preparation, clothing should be put in proper repair, shoes polished, baths taken. Then around the family altar all should wait to welcome God’s holy day, as they would watch for the coming of a dear friend." Signs of the Times, Vol. 1, p. 303 II:7 (May 25, 1882).

1. No cooking etc. Exodus 16:23.

a. Associated with this was no fire kindling. Exodus 35:2,3.

b. And no stick gathering. Numbers 15:32-36.

2. No work at all. Exodus 20:10; 31:14.

a. Even during very important work periods. Exodus 34:21.

b. No business operations whatever. Nehemiah 10:31; 13:15-22.

c. No burden bearing. Jeremiah 17:21, 22.

3. No unnecessary traveling. There was such a thing as a Sabbath day’s journey. Acts 1:12.

a. "If we desire the blessing promised to the obedient, we must observe the Sabbath more strictly. I fear that we often travel on this day when it might be avoided. In harmony with the light which the Lord has given in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, we should be more careful about traveling on the boats or cars on this day. In these matters we should set a right example before our children and youth. In order to reach the churches that need our help, and to give them the message that God desires them to hear, it may be necessary for us to travel on the Sabbath; but so afar as possible we should secure our tickets and make all necessary arrangements on some other day. When starting on a journey we should make every possible effort to plan so as to avoid reaching our destination on the Sabbath.

"When compelled to travel on the Sabbath we should try to avoid the company of those who would draw our attention to worldly things. We should keep our minds stayed upon God and commune with Him. Whenever there is opportunity we should speak to others in regard to the truth. We should always be ready to relieve suffering and to help those in need. In such cases God desires that the knowledge and wisdom He has given us should be put to use. But we should not talk about matters of business or engage in any common, worldly conversation. At all times and in all places God requires us to prove our loyalty to Him by honoring the Sabbath." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 359:4-360:1.

4. Not our own words, pleasures, thoughts, etc. Isaiah 58:13.

1. Enjoy to the full—Delight. Isaiah 58:12, 14.

a. Because was made for man’s benefit. Mark 2:27, 28.

b. Man was created before the Sabbath. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:1-3.

c. A person cannot enjoy the Sabbath to the fullest if he spends most of time in bed. "Let not the precious hours of the Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath morning the family should be astir early. If they rise late, there is confusion and bustle in preparing for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and impatience. Thus unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus desecrated, becomes a weariness, and its coming is dreaded rather than loved." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 357:1.

2. One purpose is for gathering together with like believers—an holy convocation. Leviticus 23:3 (Luke 4:16) Acts 15:21; Hebrews 10:24,25.

3. Doing good (that which is necessary) is lawful. Matthew 12:10-13; (Mark 3:1-5; Luke 6:6-10; 13:11-17; 14:16; John 5:1-9.)

a. But Jesus did not have a line up.

b. There is a danger of physicians falling into carelessness on the Sabbath. "There will always be duties which have to be performed on the Sabbath for the relief of suffering humanity. This is right, and in accordance with the law of Him who says, ‘I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.’ But there is danger of falling into carelessness on this point, and of doing that which it is not positively essential to do on the Sabbath." Medical Ministry, p. 50:1.

c. Physicians & nurses are to do no unnecessary work. "Often physicians are called upon on the Sabbath to minister to the sick, and it is impossible for them to take time for rest and devotion. The Saviour has shown us by His example that it is right to relieve suffering on this day; but physicians and nurses should do no unnecessary work. Ordinary treatment, and operations that can wait, should be deferred till the next day. Let the patients know that physicians must have one day for rest. The Lord say, ‘Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.’ Exodus 31:13." Medical Ministry, p. 214:3.

d. What are they to do with the money they receive on the Sabbath? "Physicians need to cultivate a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. It may be necessary to devote even the hours of the holy Sabbath to the relief of suffering humanity. But the fee for such labor should be put into the treasury of the Lord, to be used for the worthy poor, who need medical skill but cannot afford to pay for it." Medical Ministry, p. 216:2.

e. Counsels to physicians. "The duties of the physician are arduous. Few realize the mental and physical strain to which he is subject. Every energy and capability must be enlisted with the most intense anxiety in the battle with disease and death. Often he knows that one unskillful movement of the hand, even but a hairbreadth in the wrong direction, may send a soul unprepared into eternity. How much the faithful physician needs the sympathy and prayers of the people of God. His claims in this direction are not inferior to those of the most devoted minister or missionary worker. Deprived, as he often is, of needed rest and sleep, and even of religious privileges on the Sabbath, he needs a double portion of grace, a fresh supply daily, or he will lose his hold on God and will be in danger of sinking deeper in spiritual darkness than men of other callings. And yet often he is made to bear unmerited reproaches and is left to stand alone, the subject of Satan’s fiercest temptations, feeling himself misunderstood, betrayed by his friends." Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 446:1.

4. Reading of the prophets. Acts 13:27.

5. Communion with God and with nature. Acts 16:13; Exodus 20:8-11.

6. Spirit of Prophecy quotes.

a. "The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children. In many families the younger children are left to themselves to find entertainment as best they can. Left alone, the children soon become restless and begin to play or engage in some kind of mischief. Thus the Sabbath has to them no sacred significance." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 358:1.

b. "In pleasant weather; let parents walk with their children in the fields and groves. Amid the beautiful things of nature tell them the reason for the institution of the Sabbath. Describe to them God’s great work of creation. Tell them that when the earth came from His hand, it was holy and beautiful. Every flower, every shrub, every tree, answered the purpose of its Creator. Everything upon which the eye rested was lovely and filled the mind with thoughts of the love of God. Every sound was music in harmony with the voice of God. Show that it was sin which marred God’s perfect work; that thorns and thistles, sorrow and pain and death, are all the result of disobedience to God. Bid them see how the earth, though marred with the curse of sin, still reveals God’s goodness. The green fields, the lofty trees, the glad sunshine, the clouds, the dew, the solemn stillness of the night, the glory of the starry heavens, and the moon in its beauty all bear witness of the Creator. Not a drop of rain falls, not a ray of light is shed on our unthankful world, but it testifies to the forbearance and love of God." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 358:2.

c. "Tell them of the way of salvation; how ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting. life.’ John 3:16. Let the sweet story of Bethlehem be repeated. Present before the children Jesus, as a child obedient to His parents, as a youth faithful and industrious, helping to support the family. Thus you can teach them that the Saviour knows the trials, perplexities, and temptations, the hopes and joys, of the young, and that He can give them sympathy and help. From time to time read with them the interesting stories in Bible history. Question as to what they have learned in the Sabbath school, and study with them the next Sabbath’s lesson." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, pp. 358-359.

d. "As the sun goes down, let the voice of prayer and the hymn of praise mark the close of the sacred hours and invite God’s presence through the cares of the week of labor." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 359:1.

e. "Thus parents can make the Sabbath, as it should be, the most joyful day of the week. They can lead their children to regard it as a delight, the day of days, the holy of the Lord, honorable." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 359:2.

f. "In order to keep the Sabbath holy, it is not necessary that we enclose ourselves in walls, shut away from the beautiful scenes of nature and from the free, invigorating air of heaven. We should in no case allow burdens and business transactions to divert our minds upon the Sabbath of the Lord, which He has sanctified. We should not allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character even. But the mind cannot be refreshed, enlivened, and elevated by being confined nearly all the Sabbath hours within walls, listening to long sermons and tedious, formal prayers. The Sabbath of the Lord is put to a wrong use if thus celebrated. The object for which it was instituted is not attained. The Sabbath was made for man, to be a blessing to him by calling his mind from secular labor to contemplate the goodness and glory of God. It is necessary that the people of God assemble to talk of Him, to interchange thoughts and ideas in regard to the truths contained in His word, and to devote a portion of time to appropriate prayer. But these seasons, even upon the Sabbath, should not be made tedious by their length and lack of interest." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, p. 583:1.

g. "During a portion of the day, all should have an opportunity to be out of doors. How can children receive a more correct knowledge of God, and their minds be better impressed, than in spending a portion of their time out of doors, not in play but in company with their parents? Let their young minds be associated with God in the beautiful scenery of nature, let their attention be called to the tokens of His love to man in His created works, and they will be attracted and interested. They will not be in danger of associating the character of God with everything that is stern and severe; but as they view the beautiful things which He has created for the happiness of man, they will be led to regard Him as a tender, loving Father. They will see that His prohibitions and injunctions are not made merely to show His power and authority, but that He has the happiness of His children in view. As the character of God puts on the aspect of love, benevolence, beauty, and attraction, they are drawn to love Him. You can direct their minds to the lovely birds making the air musical with their happy songs, to the spires of grass, and the gloriously tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air. All these proclaim the love and skill of the heavenly Artist, and show forth the glory of God." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, pp. 583-584.

h. "Parents, why not make use of the precious lessons which God has given us in the book of nature, to give our children a correct idea of His character? Those who sacrifice simplicity to fashion, and shut themselves away from the beauties of nature, cannot be spiritually minded. They cannot understand the skill and power of God as revealed in His created works; therefore their hearts do not quicken and throb with new love and interest, and they are not filled with awe and reverence as they see God in nature." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, p. 584:1.

i. "All who love God should do what they can to make the Sabbath a delight, holy and honorable. They can not do this by seeking their own pleasure in sinful, forbidden amusements. Yet they can do much to exalt the Sabbath in their families and make it the most interesting day of the week. We should devote time to interesting our children. A change will have a happy influence upon them. We can walk out with them in the open air; we can sit with them in the groves and in the bright sunshine, and give their restless minds something to feed upon by conversing with them upon the works of God, and can inspire them with love and reverence by calling their attention to the beautiful objects in nature." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, pp. 584-585.

j. "The Sabbath should be made so interesting to our families that its weekly return will be hailed with joy. In no better way can parents exalt and honor the Sabbath than by devising means to impart proper instruction to their families and interesting them in spiritual things, giving them correct views of the character of God and what He requires of us in order to perfect Christian characters and attain to eternal life. Parents, make the Sabbath a delight, that your children may look forward to it and have a welcome in their hearts for it." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, p. 585:1.

1. Let us be reasonable with God. Isaiah 1:18.

2. Let us determine to be the people in Isaiah 58:12.

1. In the last lesson we saw that the root of true Sabbath keeping == true conversion. It is a memorial of the Creative power of God in our life. If we have not this experience, we cannot keep the Sabbath properly.

2. Then there are other things involved with Sabbath keeping that spring from this root. Let us take a look at them today.

1. God’s people are Reformers [restorers.] Isaiah 58:12.

a. What is that breach that was made? Isaiah 58:13.

b. Because of the disregard of this command, the people are restless. Jesus calls them to find rest in Him. Matthew 11:28-30.

2. The Sabbath is a sign. Ezekiel 20:20.

a. Sign of what?

b. A mere profession is of no value. Matthew 5:20.

c. Love and do all of it and not just a part of it. James 2:10.

1. Read: "In establishing new churches, ministers should give careful instruction as to the proper observance of the Sabbath. We must be guarded, lest the lax practices that prevail among Sunday keepers shall be followed by those who profess to observe God’s holy rest day. The line of demarcation is to be made clear and distinct between those who bear the mark of God’s kingdom and those who bear the sign of the kingdom of rebellion.

"Far more sacredness is attached to the Sabbath than is given it by many professed Sabbathkeepers. The Lord has been greatly dishonored by those who have not kept the Sabbath according to the commandment, either in the letter or in the spirit. He calls for a reform in the observance of the Sabbath." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 353:1,2

a. This Sabbath truth needs to be proclaimed more fully: "I saw that God has children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully. This enraged the churches and nominal Adventists, as they could not refute the Sabbath truth." Early Writings, p. 33:2.

2. Read the Sabbath Commandment: Exodus 20:8-11.

1. 6 days of work. Exodus 20:9.

a. Lazy people cannot keep the Sabbath properly.

2. Sabbath begins in the evening till the next evening. Genesis 1:31 (1:5,8,13,19,23); Nehemiah 13:19.

a. Speaking of the day of Atonement. Leviticus 23:32.

3. Preparation Day. Mark 15:42.

a. All cooking (baking and boiling) Exodus 16:22,23.

b. All that is not finished is to be left till after the Sabbath. Example in Luke 23:54-24:1.

4. Spirit of Prophecy Statements on the Preparation Day:

a. Why Remember? "At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said, ‘Remember.’ He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He said: ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’ Exodus 20:8." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 353:3.

b. The Sabbath is to be on our minds all through the week. "All through the week we are to have the Sabbath in mind and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment. We are not merely to observe the Sabbath as a legal matter. We are to understand its spiritual bearing upon all the transactions of life. All who regard the Sabbath as a sign between them and God, showing that He is the God who sanctifies them, will represent the principles of His government. They will bring into daily practice the laws of His kingdom. Daily it will be their prayer that the sanctification of the Sabbath may rest upon them. Every day they will have the companionship of Christ and will exemplify the perfection of His character. Every day their light will shine forth to others in good works." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 353-354.

c. Sabbath preparation begins in the home life. "In all that pertains to the success of God’s work, the very first victories are to be won in the home life. Here the preparation for the Sabbath must begin. Throughout the week let parents remember that their home is to be a school in which their children shall be prepared for the courts above. Let their words be right words. No words which their children should not hear are to escape their lips. Let the spirit be kept free from irritation. Parents, during the week live as in the sight of a holy God, who has given you children to train for Him. Train for Him the little church in your home, that on the Sabbath all may be prepared to worship in the Lord’s sanctuary. Each morning and evening present your children to God as His blood-bought heritage. Teach them that it is their highest duty and privilege to love and serve God." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 354;1.

d. To be object lesson for our children. "Parents should be particular to make the worship of God an object lesson for their children. Passages of Scripture should be more often on their lips, especially those passages that prepare the heart for religious service. The precious words might well be often repeated: ‘My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is form Him.’ Psalm 62:5." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 354:2.

e. Temporal things are not to encroach upon the spiritual. "When the Sabbath is thus remembered, the temporal will not be allowed to encroach upon the spiritual. No duty pertaining to the six working days will be left for the Sabbath. During the week our energies will not be so exhausted in temporal labor that on the day when the Lord rested and was refreshed we shall be too weary to engage in His service." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 354:3.

f. What is to be done on the preparation day—Friday? "While preparation for the Sabbath is to be made all through the week, Friday is to be the special preparation day. Through Moses the Lord said to the children of Israel: ‘Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.’ ‘And the people went about, and gathered it [the manna], and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it.’ Exodus 16:23. Numbers 11:8. There was something to be done in preparing the heaven-sent bread for the children of Israel. The Lord told them that this work must be done on Friday, the preparation day. This was a test to them. God desired to see whether or not they would keep the Sabbath holy." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 354-355.

g. "This direction from the lips of Jehovah is for our instruction. The Bible is a perfect guide, and if its pages are prayerfully studied by hearts willing to understand, none need err upon this question." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 355:1.

h. How to appear before God on Sabbath (clothing wise). "Many need instruction as to how they should appear in the assembly for worship on the Sabbath. They are not to enter the presence of God in the common clothing worn during the week. All should have a special Sabbath suit, to be worn when attending service in God’s house. While we should not conform to worldly fashions, we are not to be indifferent in regard to our outward appearance. We are to be neat and trim, though without adornment. The children of God should be pure within and without." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 355:2.

i. Specific things to be done. "On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, pp. 355-356.

j. Guard the edges of the Sabbath. "We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every moment is consecrated, holy time. Whenever it is possible, employers should give their workers the hours from Friday noon until the beginning of the Sabbath. Give them time for preparation, that they may welcome the Lord’s day with quietness of mind. By such a course you will suffer no loss even in temporal things." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 356:1.

k. Resolve all differences. "There is another work that should receive attention on the preparation day. On this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be expelled from the soul. In a humble spirit ‘confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.’ James 5:16." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 356:2.

l. Time to reckon with our souls. "Before the Sabbath begins, the mind as well as the body should be withdrawn from worldly business. God has set His Sabbath at the end of the six working days, that men may stop and consider what they have gained during the week in preparation for the pure kingdom which admits no transgressor. We should each Sabbath reckon with our souls to see whether the week that has ended has brought spiritual gain or loss." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 356:3.

m. "It means eternal salvation to keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord. God says: ‘Them that honor Me I will honor.’ 1 Samuel 2:30." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 356:4.

n. "Let every family of Seventh-day Adventists honor God by a strict regard for his law. The children should be taught to respect the Sabbath. On the day of preparation, clothing should be put in proper repair, shoes polished, baths taken. Then around the family altar all should wait to welcome God’s holy day, as they would watch for the coming of a dear friend." Signs of the Times, Vol. 1, p. 303 II:7 (May 25, 1882).

1. No cooking etc. Exodus 16:23.

a. Associated with this was no fire kindling. Exodus 35:2,3.

b. And no stick gathering. Numbers 15:32-36.

2. No work at all. Exodus 20:10; 31:14.

a. Even during very important work periods. Exodus 34:21.

b. No business operations whatever. Nehemiah 10:31; 13:15-22.

c. No burden bearing. Jeremiah 17:21, 22.

3. No unnecessary traveling. There was such a thing as a Sabbath day’s journey. Acts 1:12.

a. "If we desire the blessing promised to the obedient, we must observe the Sabbath more strictly. I fear that we often travel on this day when it might be avoided. In harmony with the light which the Lord has given in regard to the observance of the Sabbath, we should be more careful about traveling on the boats or cars on this day. In these matters we should set a right example before our children and youth. In order to reach the churches that need our help, and to give them the message that God desires them to hear, it may be necessary for us to travel on the Sabbath; but so afar as possible we should secure our tickets and make all necessary arrangements on some other day. When starting on a journey we should make every possible effort to plan so as to avoid reaching our destination on the Sabbath.

"When compelled to travel on the Sabbath we should try to avoid the company of those who would draw our attention to worldly things. We should keep our minds stayed upon God and commune with Him. Whenever there is opportunity we should speak to others in regard to the truth. We should always be ready to relieve suffering and to help those in need. In such cases God desires that the knowledge and wisdom He has given us should be put to use. But we should not talk about matters of business or engage in any common, worldly conversation. At all times and in all places God requires us to prove our loyalty to Him by honoring the Sabbath." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 359:4-360:1.

4. Not our own words, pleasures, thoughts, etc. Isaiah 58:13.

1. Enjoy to the full—Delight. Isaiah 58:12, 14.

a. Because was made for man’s benefit. Mark 2:27, 28.

b. Man was created before the Sabbath. Genesis 1:26-28; 2:1-3.

c. A person cannot enjoy the Sabbath to the fullest if he spends most of time in bed. "Let not the precious hours of the Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath morning the family should be astir early. If they rise late, there is confusion and bustle in preparing for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and impatience. Thus unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus desecrated, becomes a weariness, and its coming is dreaded rather than loved." Vol. 6, Testimonies for the Church, p. 357:1.

2. One purpose is for gathering together with like believers—an holy convocation. Leviticus 23:3 (Luke 4:16) Acts 15:21; Hebrews 10:24,25.

3. Doing good (that which is necessary) is lawful. Matthew 12:10-13; (Mark 3:1-5; Luke 6:6-10; 13:11-17; 14:16; John 5:1-9.)

a. But Jesus did not have a line up.

b. There is a danger of physicians falling into carelessness on the Sabbath. "There will always be duties which have to be performed on the Sabbath for the relief of suffering humanity. This is right, and in accordance with the law of Him who says, ‘I will have mercy, and not sacrifice.’ But there is danger of falling into carelessness on this point, and of doing that which it is not positively essential to do on the Sabbath." Medical Ministry, p. 50:1.

c. Physicians & nurses are to do no unnecessary work. "Often physicians are called upon on the Sabbath to minister to the sick, and it is impossible for them to take time for rest and devotion. The Saviour has shown us by His example that it is right to relieve suffering on this day; but physicians and nurses should do no unnecessary work. Ordinary treatment, and operations that can wait, should be deferred till the next day. Let the patients know that physicians must have one day for rest. The Lord say, ‘Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations.’ Exodus 31:13." Medical Ministry, p. 214:3.

d. What are they to do with the money they receive on the Sabbath? "Physicians need to cultivate a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. It may be necessary to devote even the hours of the holy Sabbath to the relief of suffering humanity. But the fee for such labor should be put into the treasury of the Lord, to be used for the worthy poor, who need medical skill but cannot afford to pay for it." Medical Ministry, p. 216:2.

e. Counsels to physicians. "The duties of the physician are arduous. Few realize the mental and physical strain to which he is subject. Every energy and capability must be enlisted with the most intense anxiety in the battle with disease and death. Often he knows that one unskillful movement of the hand, even but a hairbreadth in the wrong direction, may send a soul unprepared into eternity. How much the faithful physician needs the sympathy and prayers of the people of God. His claims in this direction are not inferior to those of the most devoted minister or missionary worker. Deprived, as he often is, of needed rest and sleep, and even of religious privileges on the Sabbath, he needs a double portion of grace, a fresh supply daily, or he will lose his hold on God and will be in danger of sinking deeper in spiritual darkness than men of other callings. And yet often he is made to bear unmerited reproaches and is left to stand alone, the subject of Satan’s fiercest temptations, feeling himself misunderstood, betrayed by his friends." Vol. 5, Testimonies for the Church, p. 446:1.

4. Reading of the prophets. Acts 13:27.

5. Communion with God and with nature. Acts 16:13; Exodus 20:8-11.

6. Spirit of Prophecy quotes.

a. "The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children. In many families the younger children are left to themselves to find entertainment as best they can. Left alone, the children soon become restless and begin to play or engage in some kind of mischief. Thus the Sabbath has to them no sacred significance." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 358:1.

b. "In pleasant weather; let parents walk with their children in the fields and groves. Amid the beautiful things of nature tell them the reason for the institution of the Sabbath. Describe to them God’s great work of creation. Tell them that when the earth came from His hand, it was holy and beautiful. Every flower, every shrub, every tree, answered the purpose of its Creator. Everything upon which the eye rested was lovely and filled the mind with thoughts of the love of God. Every sound was music in harmony with the voice of God. Show that it was sin which marred God’s perfect work; that thorns and thistles, sorrow and pain and death, are all the result of disobedience to God. Bid them see how the earth, though marred with the curse of sin, still reveals God’s goodness. The green fields, the lofty trees, the glad sunshine, the clouds, the dew, the solemn stillness of the night, the glory of the starry heavens, and the moon in its beauty all bear witness of the Creator. Not a drop of rain falls, not a ray of light is shed on our unthankful world, but it testifies to the forbearance and love of God." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 358:2.

c. "Tell them of the way of salvation; how ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting. life.’ John 3:16. Let the sweet story of Bethlehem be repeated. Present before the children Jesus, as a child obedient to His parents, as a youth faithful and industrious, helping to support the family. Thus you can teach them that the Saviour knows the trials, perplexities, and temptations, the hopes and joys, of the young, and that He can give them sympathy and help. From time to time read with them the interesting stories in Bible history. Question as to what they have learned in the Sabbath school, and study with them the next Sabbath’s lesson." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, pp. 358-359.

d. "As the sun goes down, let the voice of prayer and the hymn of praise mark the close of the sacred hours and invite God’s presence through the cares of the week of labor." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 359:1.

e. "Thus parents can make the Sabbath, as it should be, the most joyful day of the week. They can lead their children to regard it as a delight, the day of days, the holy of the Lord, honorable." Vol. 6 Testimonies for the Church, p. 359:2.

f. "In order to keep the Sabbath holy, it is not necessary that we enclose ourselves in walls, shut away from the beautiful scenes of nature and from the free, invigorating air of heaven. We should in no case allow burdens and business transactions to divert our minds upon the Sabbath of the Lord, which He has sanctified. We should not allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character even. But the mind cannot be refreshed, enlivened, and elevated by being confined nearly all the Sabbath hours within walls, listening to long sermons and tedious, formal prayers. The Sabbath of the Lord is put to a wrong use if thus celebrated. The object for which it was instituted is not attained. The Sabbath was made for man, to be a blessing to him by calling his mind from secular labor to contemplate the goodness and glory of God. It is necessary that the people of God assemble to talk of Him, to interchange thoughts and ideas in regard to the truths contained in His word, and to devote a portion of time to appropriate prayer. But these seasons, even upon the Sabbath, should not be made tedious by their length and lack of interest." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, p. 583:1.

g. "During a portion of the day, all should have an opportunity to be out of doors. How can children receive a more correct knowledge of God, and their minds be better impressed, than in spending a portion of their time out of doors, not in play but in company with their parents? Let their young minds be associated with God in the beautiful scenery of nature, let their attention be called to the tokens of His love to man in His created works, and they will be attracted and interested. They will not be in danger of associating the character of God with everything that is stern and severe; but as they view the beautiful things which He has created for the happiness of man, they will be led to regard Him as a tender, loving Father. They will see that His prohibitions and injunctions are not made merely to show His power and authority, but that He has the happiness of His children in view. As the character of God puts on the aspect of love, benevolence, beauty, and attraction, they are drawn to love Him. You can direct their minds to the lovely birds making the air musical with their happy songs, to the spires of grass, and the gloriously tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air. All these proclaim the love and skill of the heavenly Artist, and show forth the glory of God." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, pp. 583-584.

h. "Parents, why not make use of the precious lessons which God has given us in the book of nature, to give our children a correct idea of His character? Those who sacrifice simplicity to fashion, and shut themselves away from the beauties of nature, cannot be spiritually minded. They cannot understand the skill and power of God as revealed in His created works; therefore their hearts do not quicken and throb with new love and interest, and they are not filled with awe and reverence as they see God in nature." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, p. 584:1.

i. "All who love God should do what they can to make the Sabbath a delight, holy and honorable. They can not do this by seeking their own pleasure in sinful, forbidden amusements. Yet they can do much to exalt the Sabbath in their families and make it the most interesting day of the week. We should devote time to interesting our children. A change will have a happy influence upon them. We can walk out with them in the open air; we can sit with them in the groves and in the bright sunshine, and give their restless minds something to feed upon by conversing with them upon the works of God, and can inspire them with love and reverence by calling their attention to the beautiful objects in nature." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, pp. 584-585.

j. "The Sabbath should be made so interesting to our families that its weekly return will be hailed with joy. In no better way can parents exalt and honor the Sabbath than by devising means to impart proper instruction to their families and interesting them in spiritual things, giving them correct views of the character of God and what He requires of us in order to perfect Christian characters and attain to eternal life. Parents, make the Sabbath a delight, that your children may look forward to it and have a welcome in their hearts for it." Vol. 2 Testimonies for the Church, p. 585:1.

1. Let us be reasonable with God. Isaiah 1:18.

2. Let us determine to be the people in Isaiah 58:12.