The State of the Heathen and the Sanctification of the Sabbath

In the first and second chapters of this Epistle to the Romans, the deplorable state of the heathen world, without the written law, is pointed out. In the fourteenth chapter, reference is made to certain days that may either be regarded or not, without a violation of the law of God, which it is necessary to show has no connexion with the observance of the weekly Sabbath. Both of these subjects are of such practical importance, that a more enlarged consideration of each of them is here subjoined than could with propriety have been given in the exposition of these chapters. The condition of the nations destitute of divine revelation, while it presents a most impressive view of the value of that gospel by which life and immortality are brought to light, furnishes a powerful argument in favour of Christian missions, and a cogent reason for unfeigned gratitude to the Sovereign Disposer of all events who has cast our lot in an age and country in which the light of the gospel shines. To every Christian, the permanent obligation of sanctifying the Sabbath, is a subject of the deepest interest, and whatever tends to render this duty in the smallest degree doubtful, must be productive of the most pernicious consequences.