The Sabbath
July 30, 1836
Writing to the New England Spectator, Garrison complains that he has been misrepresented as being “against the Sabbath”. He explains his position. “The Christian Sabbath is not one of time; it is not dependent upon the recurrence of one day in seven; it sanctifies every moment, and, being wholly spiritual, comes not by observation. Is it not our daily prayer — ‘Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven?’ If that kingdom be within us, if that will be truly obeyed by us, we enjoy, as to times and seasons, a liberty in Christ Jesus, unknown to those under the first covenant. It may no longer be imposed upon us …..Am I opposed to the religious observance and bodily rest of one day in seven? No –But provided it be voluntary. But when men attempt to make this strict outward observance a test of Christian character, and to decide for me how far I may walk or ride on that day, and to brand innocent and useful acts as damning crimes, I must resist the attempt as pernicious and unauthorized by the gospel of Christ…” 1