Ellen G. White’s teachings on keeping the Sabbath emphasize both practical preparation and deep spiritual meaning: 1. **Preparation and Spirit of Sabbath-Keeping:** Throughout the week, believers are encouraged to prepare for the Sabbath, not just as a legal requirement, but with an understanding of its spiritual significance in daily life. Those who see the Sabbath as a sign between themselves and God will reflect His principles in their actions (6T 353.4). 2. **The Fourth Commandment:** The Sabbath commandment is central in the Ten Commandments: “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...” (Exodus 20:8-11; GC88 434.2). 3. **Purpose and Distinction:** The Sabbath sets God’s people apart from others. Its observance marks them as His worshipers. To truly keep the Sabbath holy, individuals must seek holiness through faith in Christ (DA 283.3). 4. **Historical Continuity:** The Sabbath was observed by Adam, the patriarchs, and the Israelites. Even in times of apostasy, some remained faithful in honoring the Sabbath (4SP 285.2; GC 453.1). 5. **Practical Observance:** God gives six days for labor and reserves the seventh as holy. Preparation should be completed before the Sabbath begins, and any unfinished work should wait until after the Sabbath (HS 217.3). 6. **Works of Mercy:** While ordinary work is set aside, acts of mercy and kindness are encouraged on the Sabbath. Helping those in need honors God’s holy day (2SP 193). 7. **The Sabbath as a Sign:** The Sabbath is a sign between God and His people, reminding them that He is the one who sanctifies them (Ezekiel 20:12; PK 181.1). **In summary:** Ellen White teaches that Sabbath-keeping involves both outward observance and inward spiritual preparation. It is a sign of loyalty to God, a memorial of creation, and a time for rest, worship, and acts of mercy. Preparation should be made throughout the week, and the Sabbath should be kept holy in both spirit and practice. **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. (1890). Historical Sketches, p. 217. - White, E. G. (1877). The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 2, p. 193. - White, E. G. (1917). Prophets and Kings, p. 181.

Ellen White explained that the dietary laws given to Israel were not arbitrary but were based on principles of health, spiritual purity, and distinction from other nations. **Health Principles:** She taught that the distinction between clean and unclean animals "was not a merely ceremonial and arbitrary regulation, but was based upon sanitary principles" (PP 562.2). Foods designated as "unclean," particularly pork, were considered unhealthful. She wrote that the use of pork produced "scrofula, leprosy and cancerous humors" (*Spiritual Gifts*, vol. 4, p. 146). God prohibited these foods for the physical well-being of His people. **Spiritual Purity and Distinction:** The dietary laws also served as a means of separating the Israelites from surrounding pagan cultures, thus preserving their moral and spiritual integrity. By adhering to these divine instructions, they were constantly reminded of their holy calling. Ellen White connects the control of appetite with spiritual discernment and sanctification. She states, "The less feverish the diet, the more easily can the passions be controlled" (2T 352.1). In the case of Daniel and his companions, they refused the king's rich food and wine, which included items forbidden by Mosaic law. Their simple diet of "pulse and water" resulted in superior physical and intellectual health, demonstrating the benefits of adhering to God's laws (CTBH 26.2). In summary, Ellen White viewed the dietary laws as a practical demonstration of God's care for His people, designed to promote their physical health, protect them from corrupting influences, and draw them into a closer relationship with Him.