Dear Sovereign Redeemer and other friends,

The NCFIC has published a great copy of the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689, and in the preface of Chapter 22, “Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day,” this phenomenal quote from J.C. Ryle is included:

“But the Sabbath is God’s merciful appointment for the common benefit of all mankind. It was ‘made for man’ (Mark 2:27). It was given for the good of all classes, for the laity quite as much as for the clergy. It is not a yoke, but a blessing. It is not a burden, but a mercy. It is not an ordinance which man is bid to use in faith, without knowing why he uses it. It is one which carries with it its own reward. It is good for man’s body and mind. It is good for nations. Above all, it is good for souls.” (pg 131).

Not a yoke but a blessing… Not a burden but a mercy… It carries with it its own reward…

I think our struggles with observing the Lord’s Day – and I feel them acutely, as follower of the Lord, a husband, a father, and a pastor – are not the fault of the day!

Your brother,

Jason