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History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week - John N. Andrews

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Who knows that a day should be set apart for its<br />

commemoration? The Bible says nothing on <strong>the</strong><br />

point. But granting that a day should be set apart<br />

for this purpose, what day should have <strong>the</strong><br />

preference? Is it said, That day on which<br />

redemption was finished? It is not true that<br />

redemption is finished; <strong>the</strong> resurrection <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

saints <strong>and</strong> redemption <strong>of</strong> our earth from <strong>the</strong> curse<br />

are included in that work. (Luke 21:28; Rom. 8:23;<br />

Eph. 1:13, 14; 4:30) But granting that redemption<br />

should be commemorated before it is finished, by<br />

setting apart a day in its honor, <strong>the</strong> question again<br />

arises, What day shall it be? The Bible is silent in<br />

reply. If <strong>the</strong> most memorable day in <strong>the</strong> history <strong>of</strong><br />

redemption should be selected, undoubtedly <strong>the</strong><br />

day <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> crucifixion, on which <strong>the</strong> price <strong>of</strong> human<br />

redemption was paid, must have <strong>the</strong> preference.<br />

Which is <strong>the</strong> more memorable day, that on which<br />

<strong>the</strong> infinite Law-giver gave up his only <strong>and</strong> wellbeloved<br />

Son to die <strong>and</strong> ignominious death for a<br />

race <strong>of</strong> rebels who had broken his law, or that day<br />

on which he restored that beloved Son to life? The<br />

latter event, though <strong>of</strong> thrilling interest, is <strong>the</strong> most<br />

natural thing in <strong>the</strong> world; <strong>the</strong> crucifixion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

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