Observance of Holy Days
James Dodson
A sign of the times when Christ and the Mass were both held in disrepute. Celebrating ecclesiastical holy days, vulgarly called holidays, is contrary to our covenanted true Reformed religion. By reason of their associations, they are "Nehushtan" and must be destroyed root and branch. There is no such thing as a secular (or family) observance, it is just plain idolatry.
ANTI-OBSERVANCE OF HOLY DAYS OF MAN HOMEPAGE.
“The PRELATE, by his doctrine, practice, example, and neglect of discipline, declareth that he hath no such reverend estimation of the Sabbath. He doteth so upon the observation of Pasche [Easter], and Yule [Christ-mass], and festival days appointed by men, that he preferreth them to the Sabath, and hath turned to nothing our solemn fasts and blessed humiliations.”—David Calderwood, The Pastor and the Prelate. (1628).
WORKS AGAINST HOLY DAYS OF MAN:
Calendar-Reformation. OR, AN HUMBLE ADDRESS To the Right Honorable the LORDS and COMMONS Assembled in PARLIAMENT, Touching Days and Months, that they may be taught to speak such a language as may become the mouth of a Christian.-1648-John Brinsley, the younger (1600-1665).-This pamphlet, by an English non-conformist minister, deprived of office at the Restoration for his non-conformity, petitions the English Parliament to reform the calendar by replacing the pagan-derived names of weekdays and months with language fitting for Christians. The author argues that current names—rooted in Norse, Saxon, and Roman deities—violate the biblical prohibition against making honorable mention of other gods. He anticipates and refutes several objections, including the claims of long custom, mere civil usage, and the insignificance of the issue, citing scriptural commands, Augustine's similar critique, and the precedent of Pope Sylvester I’s earlier reformation. As a remedy, he proposes adopting numbered designations for days and months, following biblical practice, or alternatively using innocuous names derived from natural properties, similar to the Hebrew calendar.
CHAPTER III.-Against Profane Christ-mass Keeping.-1687-Increase Mather (1639-1723).-A chapter devoted to the history and superstition of Christmas keeping showing that it is far from being either an innocent or a Christian observance.
A Seasonable Advertisement, concerning the late publick FAST of the 25th of January, 1712, Publickly Read and affixed to several Church Doors; and now Printed to prevent Misinformation, whereunto are Subjoyned some Reasons of it’s Publication.-1712-United Societies.-This tract, found in a volume of covenant materials which once belonged to Mr. John MacMillan, shows the stance of the Covenanters toward the keeping of holy days was broadly construed to include not merely ecclesiastical but civil days appointed by the magistrate. They see a Romish angle and much harm in observing fast days and, by implication, feast days, appointed by a covenant breaking and covenant refusing magistrate and state.
Presbyterians Do Not Celebrate Holy-days.-1835-Samuel Miller.-In this section of his chapter on Presbyterian worship, from his book “Presbyterianism, the Truly Primitive and Apostolic Constitution of the Christian Church,” Miller asserts and explains why Presbyterians do not celebrate holy-days such as Christmas or Easter.
Man’s Feasts and Fasts in God’s Church. A New-Year’s Gift; Being a Review of “The Rector’s Christmas Offering.”-1842-Cortlandt Van Rensselaer.-In this acerbic response to an Episcopalian, our Presbyterian marshals facts about the history of the observance of holy days and explains why the Presbyterian churches have declined to participate in their celebration.
Christmas.-1851-Anonymous.-An article explaining why Reformed Presbyterians do not celebrate “Christmas” and why you should not either, if you are a Christian.
Christmas Trees.-1874-Anonymous.-An article treating the superstitious use and abuse of trees in the celebrating of “Christmas.”
Faith in Christmas.-1876-Anonymous.-A scathing but brief attack on those who celebrate “Christmas” as a religious observance.
Christmas.-1879-Anonymous.-A popular survey of reasons that Christians should not celebrate the false religious holy day called “Christmas.”
Pasche and Yule.-1879-Anonymous.-This is a short article discussing some of the objections Christians ought to have respecting the keeping of Christmas (Yule) and Easter (Pasche). Appearing in the magazine of the Reformed Presbytery, it represents the position of the Presbytery respecting “holy” days.
Easter Counsels and Cautions.-1882-Henry A. Nelson (1820-1906).-New School Professor and pastor, Henry A. Nelson delivers a scathing rebuke for those who wish to celebrate Easter. He discusses its history and why it is out of step with Christian devotion.
Christmas.-1885-John Wallace Sproull (1839-1919).-A popular article that examines some of the common arguments for keeping of Christmas and explains why Christians ought to have no part in such celebrations.