A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 58. What is required in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment requires the keeping holy to God such set times as he has appointed in his word; expressly one whole day in seven, to be a holy sabbath unto himself.

1. Must holy time be kept holy? Yes: for every thing is beautiful in its season, Eccl. 3:11. Can man make time holy? No: for I am the Lord which sanctify you, Lev. 20:8.

2. Has God appointed a sabbath? Yes. It is as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, Deut. 5:12. Had he authority to do so? Yes: For the day is thine, the night also is thine, Ps. 74:16. Did he appoint it for us? Yes: for the sabbath was made for man, Mark 2:27. Did he appoint one day in seven? Yes: For a seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God. One whole day? Yes: for in the evening and the morning were the first day, Gen. 1:5.

3. Must we keep it? Yes: Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep, Exod. 31:13. Must we keep it as a treasure? Yes: we must call the sabbath honourable, Isa. 58:13. And keep it as a talent? Yes: For thou madest known unto them thy holy sabbaths, Neh. 9:14. Must we keep it with care? Yes: we must lay hold on it, to keep the sabbath from polluting it, Isa. 56:2. Must we keep it holy to God? Yes: for he that regardeth the day, regardeth it to the Lord, Rom. 14:6.