Now the observance of the Sabbath may be regarded both as a National and as an Individual duty. And first, to regard it as a National duty. The Bible lays it down as a general principle, that every nation and kingdom owes its existence and continuance as a nation, to the special power and protection of the Most High. “For the kingdom is the LORD’S; and He is the Governor among the nations.” {11a} “By Me kings reign, and princes decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth.” {11b} In nothing, indeed, is the hand of GOD more strikingly to be seen than in the history of nations; and it will be found to be a truth to which the annals of the past bear ample record, that national prosperity has invariably followed that people who have honoured Him. We might take the case of GOD’S ancient people, and find abundant proof of this in the prosperity which everywhere attended them. We might recall the scenes of “the land of bondage,” the signs and wonders which were shown in Egypt, the overthrow of Pharaoh and his mighty host beneath the waves of the Red Sea. We might recount the victories of Israel over the powerful and warlike nations of Canaan, nations “greater and mightier than” themselves, whom GOD drove out from before their face. We might speak of the fast-increasing glories of that people in the earlier years of their political existence, and of the fearful and rapid decline which followed their idolatrous practices and forsaking of GOD.