NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND “In the seventeenth century there were several Sabbatarian churches in England, while there were hundreds of Sabbath-keepers scattered throughout the country. Through their labors this truth was planted in America at an early date. Less than half a century after the landing of the pilgrims at Plymouth, the Sabbath-keepers of London sent one of their number to raise the standard of Sabbath reform in the new world. This missionary held that the ten commandments as they were delivered from Mount Sinai are moral and immutable, AND THAT IT WAS THE ANTICHRISTIAN POWER WHICH THOUGHT TO CHANGE TIMES AND LAWS, that had changed the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day. IN NEWPORT, R. I., SEVERAL CHURCH-MEMBERS EMBRACED THESE VIEWS, yet continued for some years in the church with which they had previously been connected. Finally there arose difficulty between the Sabbatarians and the Sunday observers, and the former were COMPELLED TO WITHDRAW FROM THE CHURCH, that they might peaceably keep God’s holy day. Soon after, they entered into an organization, thus forming the first Sabbath- keeping church in America. These Sabbath-keepers had flattered themselves that they could obey the fourth commandment and yet remain connected with Sunday observers. It was a blessing to them and to after-generations that such a union could not exist; for had it continued, it would eventually have caused the light of God’s holy Sabbath to go out in darkness.” Spirit of Prophecy, volume 4, 183.
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:30:06 +0000
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