We take “the week” so much for granted that we rarely stop to think about it’s origin. Stop for a moment and recollect. As far back as human history goes, there has never been a break in the continuity of the week. All nations have used it. There is no record, anywhere, of any nation using a week of other than seven days. To my knowledge, the only departure from this rule was brought about by the Emperor Napoleon, who tried to institute a decimal week – that of ten days duration. After a brief trial run he had to abandon it. He found that his soldiers were getting ill. Even the horses were affected badly. He had to learn that the seven day cycle was a biological necessity in creation. Let me produce a piece of personal testimony here. In my youth I did a three-month stint in an automobile factory, working on the shop floor on a capstan lathe. The hours were long, and the pay rather poor. I then noticed that they paid double on Sundays, and decided to dispense with the day off. At the end of 13 days without a break I was bushed. It taught me a lesson, and I have never again attempted such folly. [Read more…]
Archives for April 2001
7. Easter
The remembrance of the death and resurrection of our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, must be classed as the central theme, the hub, the foundation stone of all Christian doctrine. Today, Saturday, rests between these two major events, and may be viewed as the quiet between two storms. It is good therefore to sit back, take stock, and ask a few questions. [Read more…]