Is it not an express principle in the teaching of our Lord himself and
of his Apostles, that means and instruments and agencies are not to
be worshipped in themselves but to be estimated with reference to the
end they are to promote? Think, for example, what is implied in that
pregnant sentence, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the
Sabbath.” Means and instruments are not dishonored by this principle.
If the end they serve is high and precious, they also will deserve
to be valued. If the spiritual freedom of man is important, then the
ordinance of a Day of Rest, which ministers to it, may well be sacred.
But it is often appointed in the Providence of God that an apparent
dishonor should be cast on means, that the minds of men may be forced
away from resting upon them. And means may be varied, according to
circumstances, whilst the same permanent end is to be sought.