The Sabbath
a sermon preached in Holy Trinity Church, Hurdsfield, on Sunday Evening, January 30, 1853, in reference to the proposed opening of the Crystal Palace on the Lord's day
"The Sabbath" by John Martindale Farrar is a sermon delivered in 1853, reflecting the traditional Christian beliefs regarding the Sabbath's observance, particularly in response to societal changes in England. The text stems from a time of significant moral and cultural reflection in the Victorian era, where issues of faith and public life were vigorously debated. The book predominantly addresses the sanctity of the Sabbath and the implications of its potential desecration as public institutions began to open on Sundays, marking a shift away from the established norms. In the sermon, Farrar offers a robust argument for the importance of the Sabbath, rooted in scripture. He traces its origins from biblical accounts, emphasizing that it was established by God as a day of rest and worship, which includes both individual and national adherence. The sermon highlights how neglecting the Sabbath leads to social and moral decay and frames the observance of this holy day as essential for both personal piety and the well-being of society at large. Farrar passionately calls for a return to honoring the Sabbath, invoking the blessings associated with its observance while warning against the dangers of secular encroachments on this sacred time.