Based on the writings of Ellen White, keeping the Sabbath involves careful preparation, a joyful spirit, and a focus on spiritual matters rather than worldly affairs. It is a special sign of the relationship between God and His people. Here are key principles for observing the Sabbath: ### 1. Preparation During the Week Sabbath observance begins before the Sabbath arrives. It requires planning throughout the week to ensure that worldly tasks are completed beforehand. * "All through the week we are to have the Sabbath in mind and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment. We are not merely to observe the Sabbath as a legal matter. We are to understand its spiritual bearing upon all the transactions of life." (6T 353.4) ### 2. Ceasing from Worldly Labor and Thoughts The Sabbath is a day of rest from secular work. This includes not only physical labor but also mental engagement in business or worldly plans. * "All ordinary labor for a livelihood or for worldly profit was forbidden upon the seventh day." (2SP 193) * "To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character." (HS 218.1) ### 3. A Day of Joy and Worship The Sabbath is not meant to be a day of gloom, but one of joyful communion with God. * "Great blessings are enfolded in the observance of the Sabbath, and God desires that the Sabbath day shall be to us a day of joy." (6T 349) * It is a day for "rest and religious worship." (2SP 193) ### 4. Engaging in Works of Mercy While secular work is to be set aside, acts of compassion and care for others are appropriate for the Sabbath. * "Works of mercy and benevolence were in accordance with the purpose of the Lord. They were not to be limited by time nor place. To relieve the afflicted, to comfort the sorrowing is a labor of love that does honor to God's holy day." (2SP 193) * "The sick and suffering require care and attention upon the Sabbath, as well as upon the other six days of the week... In such instances, it is no violation of the fourth commandment to make them as comfortable as possible." (1SP 226.1) ### 5. Simplicity in Diet To keep the mind clear for spiritual thoughts, the diet on the Sabbath should be simple. * "The diet upon that day should be more simple, and partaken of in less quantities, than upon the six laboring days, because we do not have that exercise upon the Sabbath that we have upon the other days of the week." (1SP 226.1) ### The Spiritual Foundation Ultimately, true Sabbath keeping comes from a heart that is consecrated to God. * "In order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ." (DA 283.3)