earth, that things that could not be shaken should re-
main," intended to thus honor the "Sabbath on which
God rested from his works." When the angel of
light rolled back the stone and sat on it, it was the
first act in the great drama of restoration, never
again to be lost to the Church till time should end.
In one sense God never made and never owned
but one day ; as, in one sense, Jesus is the only Son
of God. God always reserved an ownership in the
things of life. The Lamb without blemish was his.
The first-fruits of the fold and field were laid on his
altar. A tenth of the treasure of the world he
claimed. One of the tribes and a part of the temple
were holy imto the Lord. An inclosure marked
what was sacred when the people dwelt in tents.
Man or beast that touched the sacred mountain
died. So one day in seven God called his own.
"It is mine." "Ipiadeit." " Touch it not." "Six
days take your pleasure and do all work." " The
Sabbath is holy to me. "Will a man rob God?"
By his own divine example he hallowed the Sabbath.
He connected it with the noblest blessings that could
fall on a people. The rain and dew should not be
withheld if his people were true to the command-
ment. The fertile field and fruitful fold, peace and
national prosperity, should be their inheritance.
