Or the LORD'S DAY, a solemn festival observed by Christians on the first day of every week in memory of our Saviour's resurrection.
See SABBATH. It has been contended whether Sunday is a name that ought to be used by Christians. The words Sabbath and Lord's Day, say some, are the only names mentioned in Scripture respecting this day. To call it Sunday, is to set our wisdom before the wisdom of God, and to give that glory to a Pagan idol which is due to him alone. The ancient Saxons called it by this name, because upon it they worshipped the Sun; and shall Christians keep up the memory of that which was highly displeasing to God, by calling the Sabbath by that name rather than by either of those he hath appointed? It is, indeed, called Sunday, only because it is customary: but this, say they, will not justify men in doing that which is contrary to the example and command of God in his word. Others observe, that although it was originally called Sunday, by the Heathens, yet it may very properly retain that name among Christians, because it is dedicated to the honour of the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world, of Him who is styled by the prophet "the Sun of Righteousness, " and who on this day arose from the dead. But although it was in the primitive times indifferently called the Lord's Day, or Sunday, yet it was never denominated the Sabbath; a name constantly appropriate to Saturday or the seventh day, both by the sacred and ecclesiastical writers.
See SABBATH.