Ellen G. White teaches that keeping the Sabbath is much more than simply refraining from work on the seventh day. It involves thoughtful preparation throughout the week, a spiritual focus, and a recognition of the Sabbath as a sign of our relationship with God. Here are the key points from her writings: 1. **Preparation and Spiritual Significance:** We should prepare for the Sabbath all week, not just observe it as a legal duty. The Sabbath is a sign that God sanctifies His people, and its observance should reflect the principles of His government (6T 353.4). 2. **The Commandment:** The fourth commandment is central: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy... the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God; in it thou shalt not do any work...” (GC88 434.2; Exodus 20:8-11). 3. **Holiness and Distinction:** The Sabbath sets God’s people apart. To keep it holy, we must also seek holiness through faith in Christ (DA 283.3). 4. **Historical Practice:** The Sabbath was observed by Adam, the patriarchs, and the Israelites. God gave special instructions for its observance, including preparing the day before (4SP 285.2; HS 217.3). 5. **Works of Necessity and Mercy:** Caring for the sick and suffering is permitted on the Sabbath as a work of necessity and mercy, but unnecessary work should be avoided. Acts of love and compassion honor the Sabbath (HS 217.3; 2SP 193). 6. **Perpetual Sign and Covenant:** The Sabbath is a perpetual sign and covenant between God and His people, reminding them of their accountability to Him as Creator and Redeemer (PK 179.3, PK 181.1). 7. **Jesus and the Sabbath:** Jesus kept the Sabbath and taught His disciples to do the same, knowing how it should be kept because He made it holy (SJ 67). 8. **Enduring Obligation:** The Sabbath commandment remains binding, serving as a continual testimony to the enduring nature of God’s law and the sacredness of the creation Sabbath (GC88 453.2). **In summary:** Ellen White emphasizes that Sabbath-keeping is a spiritual practice involving preparation, worship, acts of mercy, and a recognition of the Sabbath as a sign of sanctification and a perpetual covenant with God. It is to be kept holy, not just as a rule, but as a reflection of our relationship with Him. **References:** - White, E. G. (1900). Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 353. - White, E. G. (1888). The Great Controversy, p. 434, 453. - White, E. G. (1898). The Desire of Ages, p. 283. - White, E. G. (1884). The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, p. 285. - White, E. G. (1891). Historical Sketches, p. 217. - White, E. G. (1877). The Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 2, p. 193. - White, E. G. (1917). Prophets and Kings, p. 179, 181. - White, E. G. (1896). The Story of Jesus, p. 67. - The Holy Bible, Exodus 20:8-11. If you’d like more practical details or have specific questions about Sabbath-keeping, feel free to ask!