This little book does exactly what it says on the cover! Steering a balanced course between legalism on one side and casual indifference on the other, the author sets out the case for keeping the Lord’s day special.
Its three chapters cover the three topics of the sub-title. We are shown biblical principles drawn from creation, law, and New Testament example; pointed to its purpose in relation to the glory and enjoyment of God and the blessing it brings to man; and led helpfully through the thorny issue of how to keep the day without veering off into rigid rules or crass carelessness.
The book is easy to read, with the text divided into useful sections. It avoids being too technical or convoluted, and a pleasing use of or allusion to the language of Scripture will establish a quick connection with most Christians.
It will help the young believer think his way through things like the change of day, and what kind of ‘work’ is legitimate on the Lord’s day. A pastor will want a copy or two available for those inevitable times when the issue arises. The sensitive reader will find his heart warmed, and a new passion for the Lord’s day kindled. It is a timely book to guard the faithful from the inroads of either careless indifference or studied antagonism towards the fourth commandment.
Sadly the issue has become contentious in some circles, and it is unlikely that those who have convinced themselves in this matter will be altered by this little book – it does not set out to be polemical. But those who have a tender heart and a thirst for God will find plenty here to help them think rightly about, and practice faithfully, the keeping of the Lord’s day.
In the words of Ignatius (died c. AD 108) quoted near the end of the book, ‘Let every friend of Christ keep the Lord’s day as a festival, the queen and chief of all the days.’
Who knows? If enough of God’s people were renewed in their passion for Christ and his day, a breath of new life could sweep through the churches.
Conrad Pomeroy
Dudley
