Editorial November 17, 1917 Issue

Sabbath Observance

Annie M. Knott

The question of Sabbath observance is not only of deep interest to older students of Christian Science, but it is important that the pupils in our Sunday schools should have clear views on this question as on all others which relate themselves to human progress. A tendency of the present age is too often indicated by a sudden change from one extreme to another, and so we find many who at one time had been accustomed to think of Sabbath observance in a somewhat superstitious way, ready to dispense with it altogether,—except possibly to attend once in the day some place of worship. The Christian Scientist who desires to be led aright with respect to this question, or indeed any other which would promote growth in spirituality, will find much help in pondering deeply our Leader's words on page 206 of "Miscellaneous Writings," where she speaks of the passage "from flux to permanence, from foul to pure, from torpid to serene, from extremes to intermediate."

It is now very generally admitted that the Hebrews had adopted from the Babylonians a good deal which pertains to the institution of the Sabbath, and yet there can be no question that the children of Israel sought as no others had done to make it an occasion for spiritual advancement which could only come from a better knowledge of God and His law. We are all familiar with the fourth commandment, but it is startling to find a statute that the one who profaned the Sabbath should suffer the death penalty. It is very interesting to note that while Isaiah points away from mere ritualism and outward ceremonial and bids the people turn away from "new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies," yet it is he who pleads for the true observance of the Sabbath, which must be based upon judgment and justice and thus bring salvation near to all the people.

Although it was contrary to the law for anyone to travel on the Sabbath or to do any work thereon, we read of Jesus taking a journey with his disciples on that day and plucking the ears of corn to satisfy their hunger. We at the same time read that the great Teacher justified them in so doing and said, "The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath." We also read that on two occasions when a wonderful demonstration of Truth's power was made in the synagogue, an attempt was made to convict him on the technical ground of violating the law relating to the Sabbath. In the case of the man who had the withered hand, perfect healing was realized in spite of the bitter criticism of mortal mind, and even before Jesus pronounced the man whole he said, "It is lawful to do well on the sabbath days."

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