Westminster Shorter Catechism- Question 61
Profaning the Sabbath
Amos 8:4-10, Isaiah 58:13-14, Matthew 12:1-14
Halifax: 7 August 2016

Last week we looked at what we are to do on the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. It is a day joyful feasting and of a holy convocation (assembly for worship). It would be wonderful if we were so busy with these things that there was no need to speak about what is prohibited. But God had to speak about prohibitions because we don’t keep the day holy. So this week we are going to speak about what is prohibited on the Sabbath.

Q.61 What is forbidden in the fourth commandment?
A. The fourth commandment forbiddeth the omission or careless performance of the duties required, and the profaning the day by idleness, or doing that which is in itself sinful, or by unnecessary thoughts, words, or works, about our worldly employments or recreations.