NOTE.—God designed that the Sabbath should direct the minds of men to His created works, and through these to Him, the Creator. Nature itself speaks to our senses, telling us that there is a God, the Creator and Supreme Ruler of the universe. The Sabbath, ever pointing to God through nature, was designed to keep the Creator constantly in mind. The proper keeping of it, therefore, must naturally tend to prevent idolatry, atheism, agnosticism, infidelity, irreligion, and irreverence; and, being promotive of the knowledge and fear of God, must of necessity be a deterrent to sin. In this may its value and importance be seen. 16. Was the Sabbath designed to be a day for public worship? “Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, _an holy convocation_.” Lev. 23:3. NOTE.—The word convocation means “a calling together,” and is always used in the Bible with reference to meetings of a religious character. [Illustration.] Gathering The Manna. "On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread." "But on the seventh day ... there shall be none." Ex. 16:22, 26. 17. What example did Christ set in Sabbath observance? “And as His custom was, _He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read_.” Luke 4:16. 18. What else did Jesus do on the Sabbath? “And it was the Sabbath day when Jesus _made the clay, and opened his eyes_.” John 9:14. NOTE.—A large share of Christ’s ministry consisted of miracles and acts of mercy performed for the relief of suffering humanity; and not a few of these were done on the Sabbath. On this day, as on other days, He “went about doing good.” See next reading. 19. With what words did He justify acts of mercy on the Sabbath day? “Wherefore it is _lawful_ to do well on the Sabbath days.” Matt. 12:12. NOTE.—Not a little of Christ’s earthly ministry was devoted to up-lifting the Sabbath, and showing the beneficent character of the Sabbath institution. It was not meant to be a day of sorrow, austerity, or gloom. Disinterested works of love and mercy toward man or beast are always in place on the Sabbath. _Lawful_ means “according to law.” 20. What day is especially indicated as the day to prepare for the Sabbath? “And that day [the sixth day] was _the preparation_, and the Sabbath drew on.” Luke 23:54. See also Ex. 16:22, 23. NOTE.—In order to keep the Sabbath day holy, it must be remembered all through the week; and on the sixth day, or the day just before the Sabbath, special preparation should be made _to be ready_ to welcome and observe the day when it comes. 21. How did the Israelites in the wilderness on the sixth day prepare for the Sabbath? “And it came to pass, that _on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread_, two omers for one man.” Ex. 16:22.