6 And it came to pass also on an- other sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught : and there was A man whose right hand was withered.
7 And the Scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day ; that they might find an accusation against him.
8 But he knew their thoughts, and
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said to the man wMoh had the with- ered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midit. And he arose and stood forth.
9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing : Is it lawiful on the saobath days to ao good, or to do evil ? to saye life, or to destroy itf
10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so : and his hand was restored whole as the other.
11 And they were filled with mad- ness ; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
These verses contain another example of our Lord Jesus Ghrisfs mode of dealing with the Sabbath question. Once more we find Him coming into collision with the vain traditions of the Pharisees, about the observance of the fourth commandment. Once more we find Him clearing the day of Q-od from the rubbish of human traditions, and placing its requirements on the right foundation.
We are taught in these verses, the lawfulness of doing works of mercy on the Sabbath day. We read that before all the Scribes and Pharisees our Lord healed a man with a withered hand on tiie Sabbath. He knew that these enemies of all righteousness were watching to see whether He would do it, in order that they might '' find an accu- sation against him." He boldly asserts the right of doing such works oS. mercy, even on the day when it is said, " thou shalt do no manner of work." He openly chal- lenges them to show that such a work was contrary to the law. '' I will a^ you one thing," He says, ** Is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil P — to save life or to destroy?" To this question His enemies were unable to find an answer.
The principle here laid down, is one of wide applica- tion. The fourth commandment was never meant to be 60 interpreted, as to inflict injury on man's body. It was intended to admit of adaptation ' to that state of things which sin has brought into the world. It was