Scott Bushey
Puritanboard Commissioner
In a recent discussion on the sabbath day and the 4th commandment, I mentioned acts of mercy and necessity and how this doctrine is abused in the church to a degree. None of us would argue against the need for mercy and it's place on the sabbath day; as well, the professions that are necessary. However, I would like to discuss the difference between the two as many times, they are combined, i.e. a nurse working with invalid patients is both necessary and merciful.
Also, are these works of mercy, truly merciful if one's heart towards the day is to get paid; the same can be said of necessity. As a nurse, I have never had to work on the Lord's day, else by choice; there was always someone to work-even when I was a floor nurse. Whenever I switched jobs, I made it clear that I could not work the Lord's day, routinely, however, if an emergency arose and they were in a bind, I would be more than happy to work, my heart always being fixed on the sabbath day.
In the other thread, I made the comment that if one is truly being merciful on the sabbath day, one would as well, not look for payment on the work done and the funds should be used to amplify the work of mercy, give it to the church for a needy family, buy a blanket for someone, etc. and I was told that it was a bizarre idea.
Here is an excerpt from Nicholas Bownd on the doctrine:
http://www.semperreformanda.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Bownd249-254forSB.pdf
the OldCourse wrote:
I disagree and this is at the crux of the matter. 'The validity' does not give a open pass on the day. For example, my being a nurse does not exempt me from the sabbath day given the validity. There must be some limitations and attitude that accompany the doctrine.
Also, are these works of mercy, truly merciful if one's heart towards the day is to get paid; the same can be said of necessity. As a nurse, I have never had to work on the Lord's day, else by choice; there was always someone to work-even when I was a floor nurse. Whenever I switched jobs, I made it clear that I could not work the Lord's day, routinely, however, if an emergency arose and they were in a bind, I would be more than happy to work, my heart always being fixed on the sabbath day.
In the other thread, I made the comment that if one is truly being merciful on the sabbath day, one would as well, not look for payment on the work done and the funds should be used to amplify the work of mercy, give it to the church for a needy family, buy a blanket for someone, etc. and I was told that it was a bizarre idea.
Here is an excerpt from Nicholas Bownd on the doctrine:
http://www.semperreformanda.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Bownd249-254forSB.pdf
the OldCourse wrote:
And that someone will abuse an exception is irrelevant to the validity of the exception itself.
I disagree and this is at the crux of the matter. 'The validity' does not give a open pass on the day. For example, my being a nurse does not exempt me from the sabbath day given the validity. There must be some limitations and attitude that accompany the doctrine.
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