And here an objector may say, “if the command is to be strictly fulfilled, the _seventh day_ should be observed.” That such an objection should be put forward by any professing Christian is indeed strange. For the change from the seventh to the first day of the week, we have the example of Christ and the Apostles, and the command is in spirit and in truth obeyed by dedicating to the service of God a _seventh portion of time_, that portion in the Christian Church being the first day of the week. In point of fact, it is impossible that identically the same hours can be set apart for Sabbath observance in every part of the world. The sun that sets on Calcutta rises on the towers of Quebec. If two ships leave England, and sail round the globe by different routes, they will have lost a day in their reckoning; the seventh day of the one will be the first of the other. But amidst these variations, arising from the earth’s motion, the Sabbath remains an immutable institute and ordinance of Heaven. It still continues of Divine authority and of perpetual obligation. Under the gospel it is accompanied with fresh claims on our reverence and regard, and it is set apart under the most solemn sanctions for the worship of Jehovah’s name.
Further, it may be pleaded that “it is unjust for those who have leisure and opportunity during the week, to object to the opening of the Crystal Palace on part of the Sabbath, while the masses have no other season for relaxation from daily toil, or for inspecting the wonders of nature and art.” Still we urge the command, “Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy.” The day, the whole day, belongs to God; and he has solemnly said, “I hate robbery for burnt offering.” The Lord of the Sabbath day has declared that “the Sabbath was made for man”—yes, and emphatically for the poor man. It is his, as an immortal and responsible being, and his devout observance of it can alone make it to him a blessing and not a curse. It is thus that the poor of this world are to be made “rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which God hath promised to them that love Him.” _In the estimate of God_, _one day in seven is not too much for either poor or rich to prepare for eternity_.