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I. That rest is NEEDFUL — "May be refreshed."

1. Rest is needful that the exhausted faculties may repose after past work.

2. Rest is needful that those faculties may be invigorated for future service.

3. Rest is needful that work may not become irksome; for if so

(1)  it will be done slovenly; and

(2)  done imperfectly.

4. Rest is needful that work may be free and joyous.

II. That rest is MERCIFULLY PROVIDED.

1. This rest is provided by God, lest man should overlook its necessity.

2. This rest is provided by God lest the servant, the foreigner, or the beast should be defrauded of their right to it.

III. That rest should be DILIGENTLY EARNED. "Six days shalt thou do thy work."

1. Not lounge over it;

2. Not neglect it; but

3. Do it earnestly, conscientiously, and well.

Application:

1. A lesson to employers. God has provided this rest; beware how you steal what God has given to man.

2. A lesson to working-men. This rest is yours by right. Then

(1)  claim it;

(2)  don't abuse it;

(3)  don't curtail that of others;

(4)  work during your own time, rest during God's.

3. A lesson to the world at large. Sabbath-breaking is the direct cause of

(1)  intellectual evils; overtaxed brains, etc.;

(2)  moral evils; neglect of the rights of God and man;

(3)  physical evils. Science has demonstrated the need of one day's rest in seven.

(J. W. Burn.)

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KJV: Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest: that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the son of thy handmaid, and the stranger, may be refreshed.

WEB: "Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the son of your handmaid, and the alien may be refreshed.