One of the Ten Commandments provides that the Sabbath day shall be remembered and kept holy. In various ways men have been subjected to definite laws regarding the observance of this ordinance. In the time of Jesus, Sabbath rituals and restrictions were prominent, and the true significance of the Sabbath as an opportunity for quiet communion with God was not understood. Harsh and narrow laws condemned even humanitarian acts on that day. The master Metaphysician, reprimanded by the priests for what they regarded as a violation of the commandment relating to the Sabbath day, rebuked the perverted view which gave the letter of the law preponderance over simple loving deeds. While Jesus revered the commandment, he significantly reminded his accusers that "the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath."
But in spite of controversy regarding the observance of the Sabbath, that day has usually represented an occasion for rest and worship.
To students of Christian Science the Sabbath is not primarily a day of the week set aside for religious activities. The Sabbath of true worship is understood to be continuous. The Christian Scientist has learned that he must watch, work, and pray in the endeavor to spiritualize thought and practically demonstrate the omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience of God in his daily living. He has learned that in order to wax "strong in spirit" he must keep out the destructive suggestions of the carnal mind by an alert watch over his thoughts and by constantly striving to understand God better. His is a never-ceasing work of true witnessing, a continuous Sabbath of holy work.
