Quoting John Henderson . . .
 | When the Lord's Day arrives many if not all persons find it very difficult to discard all thought concerning secular affairs. To do this requires a mental discipline of which few possess, and in the experience of most Christians, the day is perhaps half gone before the mind becomes properly composed, to the exclusive consideration of such subjects as are proper to the Lord's Day. Hence the value of previous preparation. Hence the propriety of disposing of all business and business cares at as early an hour on the previous day as possible, so that when the Lord's Day arrives there may be no secular excitement to intrude into its sacred precincts. This view is recognized in Scripture. Neh 13:19: "And it came to pass that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath." The propriety of preparation is particularly evident when we consider the sanctity and value of the day. It is our golden season for withdrawing from the world to worship God, our blessed opportunity for undisturbed consideration of the interests of our souls. [The Lord's Day] is a gift which rightfully improved will shower upon our lives the blessings with which God has crowned it. We need then all of its precious time, nor should we be willing to let aught of secular interest encroach upon it. Blessed season of rest, of spiritual profit and enjoyment, as its sacred hours draw near let us prepare for its coming; let us jealously guard its portals against intrusion; let us approach it as Moses drew near to the burning bush, for it is holy ground. |  |
| From: | 1877 Essay on The Sabbath, from the Encyclopedia Puritanica
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