T" ers. 12-15.-The sabbath. •I. WHAT? The essential point in the institution is the sanctification to God of a seventh part of our time, of one day in seven. Which day of the seYen is observed is indifferent, rvit in the sense of being left to individual choice, but in respect of any inherent sanctity in one <lay above another (Rom. xiv. 5). The day is made holy by the Divine appointment, and by the uses we put it to. We sanctify the sabbath : 1. By observin_q it as a day of rest from secular toil. The need of a rest day in the week is universally acknowledged. Every effort should be made to extend the boon as widely as possible, and to avoid infraction of the rights of others in connection with it. Our aim should be to lessen Sunday work, not to increase it. Apply to railways, steamboats, post-office work, museums, etc. 2. By devoting it principally to religious uses. It is only by conserving the sa.bba.th as a day sacred to religion that we can hope to preserve it as a day free frolil; toil. We need, for spiritual purposes, all the opportunities it gives us. II. FoR WHOM? The answer is-for man. This is shown: 1, From #s primeval origin. That the sabbath dates from creation is implied in the na.1Tative in Genesis (ii. 3), in the terms of the command (Exod. xx. 8-11), in Christ's words (Mark ii. 27), in the argument in Hebrews (iv. 3, 4), and in the recently deciphered Chaldean traditions. While it may be argued, that if designed to commemorate .crea- tion, this is a matter which concerns all men equally with the Jew&. 2. From its place in tl;e moral law. It is certainly remarkable, if the sabbath is a purely Jewish institution, that it should be found embodied in the first of those two tables which by their contents, as well as by the manner of their promulgation, a.re shown to be of a distinctly moral nature. 3. From the respect paid to it by the prophets (see Isa. lviii. 18, 14). The language here employed is very different from that which prophets were accustomed to use of purely ceremonial institutions. 4. From Christ's defence of it. It is noticeable, and supports our view, that while frequently charged with breaking the sa.bbath law, the Saviour never once admits the charge. He carefully defends himself against it. He unceremoniously clears away the rubbish which the Pharisees had heaped upon tbe institution; but the sabbath itself he never speaks of as a thing to be abolished.. He sets it in its true light, and shows high respect for it. 5. From its reappearance in the new dispensation in afo1·m adapted to the genius and wants of Cl,ristianity. The name sabbath is not found in the Nevy Testament, applied to the first day of the week, but the thing appears in that weekly festival of the Apostolic Church-the Lord's day. 6. From tl1e proved adaptation of the sabbath tu the consti- tution of =n's nature. The seventh-day rest is found by experience to be essential to man's welfare. It ministers to physical health, mental vigour, moral purity, and religious earnestness. '1.'he sabbath-keeping nations are by far the happiest, most moral, and most prosperous. These reasons combine to show that this institution is one intended and adapted for the whole human family. III. WHY? The institution, as seen above, is grounded in deep necessities of man's natll:re. It is, moreover, a suitable recognition of the Creator's right to our worship and &erv1ce. But further, it is: 1. Comrrwrrwrative (1) of creation, (2) of redemption-in CH, V, 1-33.] nrn BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY. 115
the case of Israel, of redemption from Egypt (vcr, 15); in the case of the Christian, of redemption through Christ. 2. Prefigurative--of the rest of heaven (Heb. iv. 9).-J. 0. Ver. 16.-Honour to parents. We prefer the arrangement which regards the fifth commandment as the last of the first table-honour to parents being viewed as honour to God in his human representatives. J. PARENTS STAND TO THEIR CHILDREN IN THE RELATION OJ.i' REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DIVINE. 'l'hey represent God as the source of their offspring's life; they have a share of God's authority, and ought to exercise it; but much more ought they to represent God to their children in his unwearied beneficence, his tender care, bis exalted rectitude, his forgiving love. With what intelligence or comfort can a child be taught to think of a Father in heaven, if its earthly parent is wanting in dignity, kindness, truthfulness, or integrity? How many fathers are thus spoiling for their children their whole conceptions of God! And with what anxiety and care shonld earthly parents study to leave such an impression on their children's minds as will make the idea of God delightful and consolatory to them, while inspiring them towards him with proper feelings of reverence! If. PARENTS ON THIS ACCOUNT ARE TO BE HONOURED BY THEIR CHILDRE~. '!'hey are to bo regarded with affection, treated with respect and deference, promptly and cheerfully obeyeil, and, where needful, liberally supported (Matt. xv. 4-7; 1 Tim. v. 8). Even the failure of parents to do all their duty to their children does not exonerate the children from the obligation of treating them with respect. Young people need to be reminded that failure in this duty is peculiarly offensive to God. We are told that when 'l'iyo Soga visited this country, a particular thing which astonished him was the deficiency in respect for parents compared with the obedience which prevailed in the wilds of Kaffraria. !II. 'l'HE HONOURING OF PA.RENTS HAS ATTACHED TO IT A PECULL!.P. PROMISE. Length of days and prosperity. The promise is primarily national, but it has fulfil- ments in individuals. · 1. A special blessing rests on the man who shows his parents dne respect. That has often been remarked. 2. There is also a natural connection between the virtue and the promise. Respect for parents is the root at once of reverence for God and of respect for the rights of others. Hence the place of the commandment in the Decalogue. It engenders self-respect, and forms the will to habits of obedience. It is favourable to the stability, good order, and general morals of society. It therefore conduces to health, longevity, and a diffusion of the comforts of life, furnishing alike the outward I\Ild the inward conditions necessary for success.-J. 0.