In the Hebrew language certain numbers have been so often associated with certain ideas that, in many instances, symbolism has nearly replaced the numerical force of these numbers. This is true of the number seven, which was adopted generally as a sacred number symbolizing the perfection and completeness of God. In the Glossary ofScience and Health (p. 584), Mrs. Eddy defines day as "light, the spiritual idea of Truth and Love." The seventh day, or the sabbath day as it was later called, is, then, a symbolical term, which must be translated spiritually in order to bring out the true idea. The unveiling of this true idea has revealed, to at least one Christian Scientist, a higher degree of spirituality and greater recognition of infinite good.
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." The word sabbath first appears in the book of Exodus in connection with the command to gather and prepare on the sixth day sufficient manna for the seventh as well. The reason given for this precept was that "to morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord." Closely associated with the sabbath has been the seventh day, which is first mentioned in the Bible as signifying God's rest at the completion of His creation. In the references just given, the sabbath is synonymous with the sacred seventh day, which the children of Israel were to commemorate every cyclical seventh day. This commemoration was to consist of rejoicing and of thanksgiving to God for the manifestation of His infinite goodness to them; and, in order that their thoughts might be more receptive to spiritual truths, they were to desist from all material labor, thus prefiguring the restful activity of divine Mind.
Studying the Elohistic account of creation, as found in Genesis 1:1-31 and Genesis 2: 1-3, we find it divided into six evenings and mornings, ending in the seventh day, or day of rest. In figurative and descriptive language the writer of the above verses has revealed to human consciousness the progressive states of spiritual evolution as six periods of unfoldment, the mental distance between the evening and morning of each day marking a degree of enlightenment. This evolutionary process continues throughout the six distinct states, and ends on the seventh day, of which we read in the fourth chapter of Hebrews, "There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God."
