Sabbath Thru Centuries
Sabbath Thru Centuries
Sabbath Thru Centuries
By J. Coltheart
JESUS
And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went
into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. Luke 4:16
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I
may have eternal life? And he said unto him, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the
commandments. Matthew 19:16,17
But pray ye that your flight be not in winter, neither on the Sabbath day. Matthew 24, 20.
Jesus asked his disciples to pray that in the flight from the doomed city of Jerusalem they
would not have to flee on the Sabbath day. This flight took place in 70 A.D. (40 years after
the Cross).
HIS FOLLOWERS
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments and rested the Sabbath day according
to the commandment. Luke 23:56.
PAUL
And Paul, as his manner was went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them
out of the Scriptures Acts 17:2
JOHN
I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. Rev.1:10 (Mark 2:28, Isa.58:13, Ex.20:10, Clearly
show the Sabbath to be the Lord's day).
JOSEPHUS
There is not any city of the Grecians, nor any of the Barbarians, nor any nation whatsoever,
whither our custom of resting on the seventh day hath not come! M'Clatchie, Notes and
Queries on China and Japan (edited by Dennys), Vol 4, Nos 7, 8, p.100.
PHILO
Declares the seventh day to be a festival, not of this or of that city, but of the universe.
M'Clatchie, Notes and Queries, Vol. 4, 99
EARLY CHRISTIANS
The primitive Christians did keep the Sabbath of the Jews;...therefore the Christians, for a
long time together, did keep their conventions upon the Sabbath, in which some portions of
the law were read: and this continued till the time of the Laodicean council. The Whole
Works of Jeremy Taylor, Vol. IX,p. 416 (R. Heber's Edition, Vol XII, p. 416).
EARLY CHURCH
It is certain that the ancient Sabbath did remain and was observed (together with the
celebration of the Lord's day) by the Christians of the East Church, above three hundred years
after our Saviour's death. A Learned Treatise of the Sabbath, p. 77
Note: By the Lord's day here the writer means Sunday and not the true Sabbath, which the
Bible says is the Sabbath. This quotation shows Sunday coming into use in the early centuries
soon after the death of the Apostles. Paul the Apostle foretold a great falling away from the
Truth that would take place soon after his death.
EARLY CHRISTIANS
The seventh-day Sabbath was...solemnised by Christ, the Apostles, and primitive Christians,
till the Laodicean Council did in manner quite abolish the observations of it. Dissertation on
the Lord's Day, pp. 33, 34
Sabbath as a festival...Athanasius likewise tells us that they held religious assembles on the
Sabbath, not because they were infected with Judaism, but to worship Jesus, the Lord of the
Sabbath, Epiphanius says the same. Antiquities of the Christian Church, Vol.II Book XX,
chap. 3, sec.1, 66. 1137,1138.
ABYSSINIA
In the last half of that century St. Ambrose of Milan stated officially that the Abyssinian
bishop, Museus, had 'traveled almost everywhere in the country of the Seres' (China). For
more than seventeen centuries the Abyssinian Church continued to sanctify Saturday as the
holy day of the fourth commandment. Ambrose, DeMoribus, Brachmanorium Opera
Ominia, 1132, found in Migne, Patrologia Latima, Vol.17, pp.1131,1132.
ITALY-MILAN
Ambrose, the celebrated bishop of Milan, said that when he was in Milan he observed
Saturday, but when in Rome observed Sunday. This gave rise to the proverb, 'When you are
in Rome, do as Rome does.' Heylyn, The History of the Sabbath (1612)
SPAIN
It is a point of further interest to note that in north-eastern Spain near the city of Barcelona is a
city called Sabadell, in a district originaly inhabited. By a people called both Valldenses
and Sabbatati.
PERSIA-A.D.335-375
They despise our sun-god. Did not Zorcaster, the sainted founder of our divine beliefs,
institute Sunday one thousand years ago in honour of the sun and supplant the Sabbath of the
Old Testament. Yet these Christians have divine services on Saturday. O'Leary, The Syriac
Church and Fathers, pp.83, 84.
COUNCIL LAODICEA-A.D.365
Canon 16-On Saturday the Gospels and other portions of the Scripture shall be read aloud.
Canon 29-Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday, but shall work on that day;
but the Lord's day they shall especially honor, and as being Christians, shall, if possible, do no
work on that day. Hefele's Councils, Vol. 2, b. 6.
CONSTANTINOPLE
The people of Constantinople, and almost everywhere, assemble together on the Sabbath, as
well as on the first day of the week, which custom is never observed at Rome or at
Alexandria. Socrates, Ecclesiastical History, Book 7, chap.19.
FRANCE
Wherefore, except Vespers and Nocturns, there are no public services among them in the day
except on Saturday (Sabbath) and Sunday. John Cassian, A French monk, Institutes, Book 3,
ch. 2.
AFRICA
Augustine deplored the fact that in two neighbouring churches in Africa one observes the
seventh-day Sabbath, another fasted on it. Dr. Peter Heylyn, The History of the Sabbath. p.
416.
EGYPT
There are several cities and villages in Egypt where, contrary to the usage established
elsewhere, the people meet together on Sabbath evenings, and, although they have dined
previously, partake of the mysteries. Sozomen. Ecclesiastical History Book 7, ch. 119
SCOTLAND, IRELAND
We seem to see here an allusion to the custom, observed in the early monastic Church of
Ireland, of keeping the day of rest on Saturday, or the Sabbath. History of the Catholic
Church in Scotland, Vol.1, p. 86, by Catholic historian Bellesheim.
SCOTLAND-COLULMBA
Having continued his labours in Scotland thirty-four years, he clearly and openly foretold his
death, and on Saturday, the month of June, said to his disciple Diermit: This day is calleld
the Sabbath, that is the rest day, and such will it truly be to me; for it will put an end to my
labours.' Butler's Lives of the Saints, Vol.1, A.D. 597, art. St. Columba p. 762
The Celts used a Latin Bible unlike the Vulgate (R.C.) and kept Saturday as a day of rest,
with special religious services on Sunday. Flick, The Rise of Mediaeval Church, p. 237
ROME
Gregory I (A.D. 590-640) wrote against Roman citizens (who) forbid any work being done
on the Sabbath day. Nicene and Post- Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol, XIII, p.13, epist.
1
CHINA-A.D.781
In A.D. 781 the famous China Monument was inscribed in marble to tell of the growth of
Christianity in China at that time. The inscription, consisting of 763 words, was unearthed in
1625 near the city of Changan and now stands in the Forest of Tablets, Changan. The
following extract from the stone shows that the Sabbath was observed:
On the seventh day we offer sacrifices, after having purified our hearts, and received
absolution for our sins. This religion, so perfect and so excellent, is difficult to name, but it
enlightens darkness by its brilliant precepts. Christianity in China, M. I'Abbe Huc, Vol. I,
ch.2, pp. 48, 49
CONSTANTINOPLE
(Photuus, Patriarch of Constantinople {in counter- synod that deposed Nicolas}, thus accused
Papacy). Against the canons, they induced the Bulgarians to fast on the Sabbath. Photius,
vonKard, Hergenrother, 1, 643
Note: The Papacy had always tried to bring the seventh-day Sabbath into disrepute by
insisting that all should fast on that day. In this manner (she sought to turn people towards
Sunday, the first day, the day that Rome had adopted.
ATHINGIANS
Cardinal Hergenrother says that they stood in intimate relation with Emperor Michael II (821829) and testifies that they observed the Sabbath. Kirchengeschichte, 1, 527
INDIA, ABYSSINIA
Widespread and enduring was the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath among the
believers of the Church of the East and the St. Thomas Christians of India. It was also
maintained by the Abyssinians.
BULGARIA
Pope Nicholas I, in the ninth century, sent the ruling prince of Bulgaria a long document
saying in it that one is to cease from work on Sunday, but not on the Sabbath. The head of the
Greek Church, offended at the interference of the Papacy, declared the Pope excommunicated. Truth Triumphant, p. 232
WALDENSES
And because they observed no other day of rest but the Sabbath days, they called them
Insabathas, as much as to say, as they observed no Sabbath. Luther's Fore-Runners (original
spelling), PP. 7, 8
Roman Catholic writers try to evade the apostolic origin of the Waldenses, so as to make it
appear that the Roman is the only apostolic church, and that all others are later novelties. And
for this reason they try to make out that the Waldenses originated with Peter Waldo of the
twelfth century. Dr. Peter Allix says:
Some Protestants, on this occasion, have fallen into the snare that was set for them...It
is absolutely false, that these churches were ever found by Peter Waldo...it is a pure
forgery. Ancient Church of Piedmont, pp.192, Oxford: 1821
It is not true, that Waldo gave this name to the inhabitants of the valleys: they were called
Waldenses, or Vaudes, before his time, from the valleys in which they dwelt. Id., p. 182
On the other hand, he was called Valdus, or Waldo, because he received his religious notions
from the inhabitants of the valleys. History of the Christian Church, William Jones, Vol II,
p.2
(Historian Skene commenting upon the work of Queen Margaret) Her next point was that
they did not duly reverence the Lord's day, but in this latter instance they seemed to have
followed a custom of which we find traces in the early Church of Ireland, by which they held
Saturday to be the Sabbath on which they rested from all their labours. Skene, Celtic
Scotland, Vol.2, p. 349
COUNCIL OF CLERMONT
During the first crusade, Pope Urban II decreed at the council of Clermont (A.D.1095) that
the Sabbath be set aside in honour of the Virgin Mary. History of the Sabbath, p.672
CONSTANTINOPLE
Because you observe the Sabbath with the Jews and the Lord's Day with us, you seem to
imitate with such observance the sect of Nazarenes. Migne, Patrologia Latina Vol. 145,
p.506; also Hergenroether, Photius, Vol. 3, p.746. (The Nazarenes were a Christian
denomination.)
GREEK CHURCH
The observance of Saturday is, as everyone knows, the subject of a bitter dispute between the
Greeks and the Latins. Neale, A History of the Holy Eastern Church, Vol 1, p. 731.
(Referring to the separation of the Greek Church from the Latin in 1054)
WALDENSES
Robinson gives an account of some of the Waldenses of the Alps, who were called Sabbati,
Sabbatati, Insabbatati, but more frequently Inzabbatati. One says they were so named from
the Hebrew word Sabbath, because they kept the Saturday for the Lord's day General
History of the Baptist Denomination, Vol.II, P. 413
them. Whole countries are infested, like Hungary and southern France; they abound in many
other countries, in Germany, in Italy, in the Netherlands and even in England they put forth
their efforts. Dr. Hahn, Gesch. der Ketzer 1, 13, 14
WALDENSES
Among the documents. we have by the same peoples, an explanation of the Ten
Commandments dated by Boyer 1120. Observance of the Sabbath by ceasing from worldly
labours, is enjoined. Blair, History of the Waldenses, Vol.1, p. 220
WALES
There is much evidence that the Sabbath prevailed in Wales university until A.D.1115, when
the first Roman bishop was seated at St. David's. The old Welslh Sabbath-keeping churches
did not even then altogether bow the knee to Rome, but fled to their hiding places. Lewis,
Seventh Day Baptists in Europe and America Vol.1, p.29
FRANCE
For twenty years Peter de Bruys stirred southern France. He especialy emphasised a day of
worship that was recognized at that time amaong the Celtic churches of the British Isles,
among the Paulicians, and in the great Church of the East namely, the the seventh day of the
fourth commandment.
PASAGINI
The papal author, Bonacursus, wrote the following against the Pasagaini: Not a few, but
many know what are the errors of those who are called Pasagini...First, they teach that we
should obey the Sabbath. Furthermore, to increase their error, they condemn and reject all the
church Fathers, and the whole Roman Church. D'Achery, Spicilegium I,f.211-214; Muratory,
Antiq. med. aevi.5, f.152, Hahn, 3, 209
FRANCE (Waldenses)
To destroy completely these heretics Pope Innocent III sent Dominican inquistors into France,
and also crusaders, promising a plenary remission of all sins, to those who took on them the
crusade...against the albigenses. Catholic Encyclopaedia, Vol.XII, art.Raymond VI, p. 670
The inquisitors...[declare] that the sign of a Vaudois, deemed worthy of death, was that he
followed Christ and sought to obey the commandments for God. History of the Inquisition of
the Middle Ages, H.C.Les, vol.1
The heresy of the Vaudois, or poor people of Lyons, is of great antiquity, for some say that it
has been continued down ever since the time of Pope Sylvester; and others, ever since that of
the apostles. The Roman Inquisitor, Reinerus Sacho, writing about 1230
FRANCE
Thousands of God's people were tortured to death by the Inquisition, buried alive, burned to
death, or hacked to pieces by the crusaders. While devastating the city of Biterre the soldiers
asked the Catholic leaders how they should know who were heretics; Slay them all, for the
Lord knows who is His. History of the Inquisition, pp.96
EUROPE
The Paulicians, Petrobusinas, Passaginians, Waldenses, Insabbatati were great Sabbathkeeping bodies of Europe down to 1250 A.D.
PASAGINIANS
Dr. Hahn says that if the Pasaginians referred to the 4th Commandment to support the
Sabbath, the Roman priests answered, The Sabbath symbolised the eternal rest of the saints.
MONGOLIA
The Mongolian conquest did not injure the Church of the East. (Sabbath-keeping.) On the
contrary, a number of the Mongolian princes and a larger number of Mongolian queens were
members of this church.
INSABBATI
For centuries evangelical bodies, especially the Waldenses, were called Insabbati because of
Sabbath-keeping. Gui, Manueld' Inquisiteur
NORWAY
Then, too, in the Catechism that was used during the fourteenth century, the Sabbath
commandment read thus; Thou shalt not forget to keep the seventh day. This is quoted from
Documents and Studies Concerning the History of the Lutheran Catechism in the Nordish
Churches, p.89. Christiania 1893
Also the priests have caused the people to keep Saturdays as Sundays. Theological
Periodicals for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norway, Vol.1, p.184 Oslo
NORWAY
(Church Council held at Bergin, August 22,1435) The first matter concerned a keeping holy
of Saturday. It had come to the earth of the archbishop that people in different places of the
kingdom had ventured the keeping holy of Saturday. It is strictly forbidden-it is stated-in the
Church Law, for any one to keep or to adopt holy-days, outside of those which the pope,
archbishop, or bishops appoint. The History of the Norwegian Church under Catholicism, R.
Keyser, Vol.II, p. 488.Oslo: 1858
1435 (Catholic Provincial Council at Bergin) We are informed that some people in different
districts of the kingdom, have adopted and observed Saturday-keeping. It is severely
forbidden-in holy church canon-one and all to observe days excepting those which the holy
Pope archbishop, or the bishops command. Saturday-keeping must under no circumstances be
permitted hereafter further than the church canon commands. Therfore, we counsil all the
friends of God throughout all Norway who want to be obedient towards the holy church to let
this evil of Saturday- keeping alone; and the rest we forbid under penalty of sever church
punishment to keep Saturday holy. Dip. Norveg., 7, 397
1436 (Church Conference at Oslo) It is forbidden under the same penalty to keep Saturday
holy by refraining from labour. History of the Norwegian Church, p.401
FRANCE - Waldenses
Louis XII, King of France (1498-1515), being informed by the enemies of the Waldense
inhabiting a part of the province of Province, that several heinous crimes were laid to their
account, sent the Master of Requests, and a certain doctor of the Sorbonne, to make inquiry
into this matter. On their return they reported that they had visited all the parishes, but could
not discover any traces of those crimes with which they were charged. On the contrary, they
kept the Sabbath day, observed the ordinance of baptism, according to the primitive church,
instructed their children in the articles of the Christian faith, and the commandments of God.
The King having heard the report of his commissioners, said with an oath that they were
better men than himself or his people. History of the Christian Church, Vol.II, pp. 71, 72,
third edition. London: 1818
INDIA
Separated from the Western world for a thousand years, they were naturally ignorant of
many novelties introduced by the councils and decrees of the Lateran. 'We are Christians, and
not idolaters,' was their expressive reply when required to do homage to the image of the
Virgin Mary.'
SWEDEN
This zeal for Saturday-keeping continued for a long time: even little things which might
strengthen the practice of keeping Saturday were punished. Bishop Anjou, Svenska Kirkans
Historia after Motetthiers, Upsala
LICHENSTEIN FAMILY
(estates in Austria, Bohemia, Morovia, Hungary. Lichenstein in the Rhine Valley wasn't their
country until the end of the 7th century). The Sabbatarians teach that the outward Sabbath,
i.e. Saturday, still must be observed, They say that Sunday is the Pope's invention. Refutation
of Sabbath, by Wolfgang Capito, published 1599
GERMANY
Dr. Esk (while refuting the Reformers) However, the church has transferred the observance
from Saturday to Sunday by virtue of her own power, without Scripture. Dr. Esk's
Enchiridion, 1533, pp.78,79
INDIA
The famous Jesuit, Francis Xavier, called for the Inquisition, which was set up in Goa, India,
in 1560, to check the 'Jewish wickedness' (Sabbath-keeping). Adeney, The Greek and
Eastern Churches, p.527, 528
NORWAY-1544
Some of you, contrary to the warning, keep Saturday. You ought to be severely punished.
Whoever shall be found keeping Saturday, must pay a fine of ten marks. History of King
Christian the Third, Niels Krag and S. Stephanius
AUSTRIA
Sabatarians now exist in Austria. Luther, Lectures on Genesis, A.D.1523-27
ABYSSINIA--A.D. 1534
(Abyssinian legate at court of Lisbon) It is not therefore, in imitation of the Jews, but in
obedience to Christ and His holy apostles, that we observe the day. Gedde's Church History
of Ethiopia, pp. 87,8
BAPTISTS
Some have suffered torture because they would not rest when others kept Sunday, for they
declared it to be the holiday and law of Antichrist. Sebastian Frank (A.D. 1536)
FINLAND-Dec. 6,1554
(King Gustavus Vasa I, of Sweden's letter to the people of Finland) Some time ago we heard
that some people in Finland had fallen into a great error and observed the seventh day, called
Saturday. State Library at Helsingfors, Reichsregister, Vom J., 1554, Teil B.B. leaf 1120,
pp.175-180a
SWITZERLAND
The observance of the Sabbath is a part of the moral law. It has been kept holy since the
beginning of the world. Ref. Noted Swiss writer, R Hospinian, 1592
HUNGARY, RUMANIA
But as they rejected Sunday and rested on the Sabbath, Prince Sigmond Bathory ordered
their persecution. Pechi advanced to position of chancellor of state and next in line to throne
of Transylvania. He studied his Bible, and composed a number of hymns, mostly in honour of
the Sabbath. Pechi was arrested and died in 1640.
INDIA (Jacobites)-1625
They kept Saturday holy. They have solemn service on Saturdays. Pilgrimmes, Part 2,
p.1269
AMERICA-1664
Stephen Mumford, the first Sabbath-keeper in America come from London in 1664. History
of the Seventh-day Baptist Gen. Conf. by Jas. Bailey, pp. 237, 238
ENGLAND
Charles I,1647 (when querying the Parliament Commissioners) For it will not be found in
Scripture where Saturday is no longer to be kept, or turned into the Sunday wherefore it must
be the Church's authority that changed the one and instituted the other. Cox, Sabbath Laws,
p.333
It will surely be far safer to observe the seventh day, according to express commandment of
God, than on the authority of mere human conjecture to adopt the first. John Milton Sab. Lit.
2, 46-54
Upon the publication of the 'Book of Sports' in 1618 a violent controversy arose among
English divines on two points: first, whether the Sabbath of the fourth commandment was in
force; and, secondly, on what ground the first day of the week was entitled to be observed as
'the Sabbath.' Haydn's Dictionary of Dates, art. Sabbatarians. p.602
ETHIOPIA-1604
Jesuits tried to induce the Abyssinian church to accept Roman Catholicism. They influenced
King Zadenghel to propose to submit to the Papacy (A.D.1604). Prohibiting all his subjects,
upon severe penalties, to observe Saturday any longer. Gedde's Church History of Ethiopia.
p.311, also Gibbon's Decline and Fall, ch. 47
GERMANY-Tennhardt of Nuremberg
He holds strictly to the doctrine of the Sabbath, because it is one of the ten commandments.
Bengel's Leban und Wirken, Burk, p.579
He himself says: It cannot be shown that Sunday has taken the place of the Sabbath (P.366).
the Lord God has sanctified the last day of the week. Antichrist, on the other hand, has
appointed the first day of the week. Ki Auszug aus Tennhardt's Schriften, P.49 (printed
1712)
MORAVIA-Count Zinzendorf
In 1738 Zinzendorf wrote of his keeping the Sabbath thus: That I have employed the Sabbath
for rest many years already, and our Sunday for the proclamation of the gospel. Budingsche
Sammlung, Sec. 8, p. 224. Leipzig, 1742
AMERICA, 1741
Moravian Brethren (after Zinzendorf arrived from Europe). As a special instance it deserves
to be noticed that he is resolved with the church at Bethlehem to observe the seventh day as
rest day. Id., pp. 5, 1421, 1422
AMERICA
But before Zinzendorf and the Moravians at Bethlehem thus began the observance of the
Sabbath and prospered, there was a small body of German Sabbath-keepers in Pennsylvania.
See Rupp's History of Religious Denominations in the United States, pp.109- 123
CHINA
At this time Hung prohibited the use of opium, and even tobacco, and all intoxicating drinks,
and the Sabbath was religiously observed. The Ti-Ping Revolution, by Llin-Le, and officer
among them, Vol. 1, pp.36-48, 84
The seventh day is most religiously and strictly observed. The Taiping Sabbath is kept upon
our Saturday. P. 319
The Taipings when asked why they observed the seventh day Sabbath, replied that it was,
first, because the Bible taught it, and, second, because their ancestors observed it as a day of
worship. A Critical History of the Sabbath and the Sunday.
DENMARK
This agitation was not without its effect. Pastor M.A. Sommer began observing the seventh
day, and wrote in his church paper. Indovet Kristendom No.5,1875 an impressive article about
the true Sabbath. In a letter to Elder John G.Matteson, he says:
Among the Baptists here in Denmark there is a great agitation regarding the Sabbath
commandment..However, I am probably the only preacher in Denmark who stands so near to
the Adventists and who for many years has proclaimed Christ's second coming. Advent
Tidente, May, 1875
SWEDEN (Baptists)
We will now endeavour to show that the sanctification of the Sabbath has its foundation and
its origin in a law which God at creation itself established for the whole world, and as a
consequence thereof is binding on all men in all ages. Evangelisten (The Evangelist).
Stockholm, May 30 to August 15,1863 (organ of the Swedish Baptist Church)
AMERICA, 1845
Thus we see Dan. 7, 25, fulfilled, the little horn changing 'times and laws. 'Therefore it
appears to me that all who keep the first day for the Sabbath are Pope's Sunday-keepers and
God's Sabbath- breakers. Elder T.M. Preble, Feb.13, 1845
Anglican:
Nowhere commanded to keep the first day And where are we told in the Scriptures that we
are to keep the first day at all? We are commanded to keep the seventh; but we are nowhere
commanded to keep the first day. The reason why we keep the first of the week holy instead
of the seventh is for the same reason that we observe many other things, - not because the
Bible, but because the church, has enjoined [commanded] it. Isaac Williams, Plain Sermons
on the Catechism, Vol. 1, pp 334, 336.
Anglican/Episcopal:
The Catholics changed it We have made the change from the seventh day to the first day,
from Saturday to Sunday, on the authority of the one holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church of
Christ. Episcopalian Bishop Symour, Why we keep Sunday.
Baptist:
Sunday Sabbath not in the scriptures There was and is a commandment to keep holy the
Sabbath day, but that Sabbath day was not on Sunday. It will be said, however, and with some
show of triumph, that the Sabbath was transferred from the Seventh to the First day of the
week, with all its duties, privileges and sanctions. Earnestly desiring information on this
subject, which I have studied for many years, I ask, where can the record of such a transaction
be found? Not in the New Testament - absolutely not. There is no scriptural evidence of the
change of the Sabbath institution from the Seventh to the First day of the week...
I wish to say that this Sabbath question, in this aspect of it, is the gravest and most perlexing
question connected with Christian institutions which at present claims attention from
Christian people; and the only reason that it is not a more disturbing element in Christian
thought and in religious discussion is because the Christian world has settled down content on
the conviction that some how a transference has taken place at the beginning of Christian
history.
To me it seems unaccountable that Jesus, during three years' discussion with His disciples,
often conversing with them upon the Sabbath question, discussing it in some of its various
aspects, freeing it from its false glosses [of Jewish traditions], never alluded to any
transference of the day; also, that during forty days of His resurrection life, no such thing was
intimated. Nor, so far as we know, did the Spirit, which was given to bring to their
remembrance all things whatsoever that He had said unto them, deal with this question. Nor
yet did the inspired apostles, in preaching the gospel, founding churches, counseling and
instruction those founded, discuss or approach the subject.
Of course, I quite well know that Sunday did come into use in early Christian history as a
religious day, as we learn from the Christian Fathers and other sources. But what a pity that it
comes branded with the mark of paganism, and christened with the name of a sun god, when
adopted and sanctioned by the papal apostasy, and bequeathed as a sacred legacy to
protestantism! Dr. Edward Hiscox, author of The Baptist Manual. From a photostatic copy of
a notarized statement by Dr. Hiscox.
There was never any formal or authoritative change from the Jewish seventh day Sabbath to
the Christian first day observance William Owen Carver, The Lord's Day in One Day p.49
Church of England:
No warrant from scripture for the change of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday Neither
did he(Jesus), or his disciples, ordain another Sabbath in the place of this, as if they had
intended only to shift the day; and to transfer this honor to some other time. Their doctrine
and their practise are directly contrary, to so new a fancy. It is true, that in some tract of time,
the Church in honor of his resurrection, did set apart that day on the which he rose, to holy
exercises: but this upon their own authority, and without warrant from above, that we can hear
of; more then the generall warrant which God gave his Church, that all things in it be done
decently, and in comely order. Dr. Peter Heylyn of the Church of England, quoted in History
of the Sabbath, Pt 2, Ch.2, p7
Congregationalist:
The Christian Sabbath' [Sunday] is not in the Scripture The Christian Sabbath' [Sunday] is
not in the Scripture, and was not by the primitive [early Christian] church called the Sabbath.
Timothy Dwight, Theology, sermon 107, 1818 ed., Vol. IV, p49 [Dwight (1752-1817) was
president of Yale University from 1795-1817].
Disciples of Christ:
It is all old wives' fables to talk of the 'change of the sabbath' If it [the Ten Commandments]
yet exist, let us observe it... And if it does not exist, let us abandon a mock observance of
another day for it. 'But,' say some, 'it was changed from the seventh to the first day.' Where?
when? and by whom? - No, it never was changed, nor could it be, unless creation was to be
gone through again: for the reason assigned [in Genesis 2:1-3] must be changed before the
observance or respect to the reason, can be changed. It is all old wives' fables to talk of the
'change of the sabbath' from the seventh to the first day. If it be changed, it was that august
personage changed it who changes times and laws ex officio, - I think his name is Doctor
Antichrist.' Alexander Campbell, The Christian Baptist, February 2, 1824, vol 1, no. 7
Episcopal:
Bible commandment says the seventh day The Bible commandment says on the seventh-day
thou shalt rest. That is Saturday. Nowhere in the Bible is it laid down that worship should be
done on Sunday. Phillip Carrington, quoted in Toronto Daily Star, Oct 26, 1949 [Carrington
(1892-), Anglican archbishop of Quebec, spoke the above in a message on this subject
delivered to a packed assembly of clergymen. It was widely reported at the time in the news
media].
Lutheran:
They err in teaching Sunday Sabbath But they err in teaching that Sunday has taken the place
of the Old Testament Sabbath and therefore must be kept as the seventh day had to be kept by
the children of Israel.....These churches err in their teaching, for scripture has in no way
ordained the first day of the week in place of the Sabbath. There is simply no law in the New
Testament to that effect John Theodore Mueller, Sabbath or Sunday, pp.15, 16
We have seen how gradually the impression of the Jewish Sabbath faded from the mind of
the Christian church, and how completely the newer thought underlying the observance of the
first day took possession of the church. We have seen that the Christian of the first three
centuries never confused one with the other, but for a time celebrated both. The Sunday
Problem, a study book by the Lutheran Church (1923) p.36
They [Roman Catholics] allege the change of the Sabbath into the Lord's day, as it seemeth,
to the Decalogue [the ten commandments]; and they have no example more in their mouths
than they change of the Sabbath. They will needs have the Church's power to be very great,
because it hath dispensed with the precept of the Decalogue. The Augsburg Confession,
1530 A.D. (Lutheran), part 2, art 7, in Philip Schaff, the Creeds of Christiandom, 4th Edition,
vol 3, p64 [this important statement was made by the Lutherans and written by Melanchthon,
only thirteen years after Luther nailed his theses to the door and began the Reformation].
They [Roman Catholics] refer to the Sabbath Day, as having been changed into the Lord's
Day, contrary to the Decalogue, as it seems. Neither is there any example whereof they make
more than concerning the changing of the Sabbath Day. Great, say they, is the power of the
Church, since it has dispensed with one of the Ten commandments! Augsburg Confession of
Faith,art. 28; written by Melanchthon and approved by Martin Luther, 1530; as published in
The Book of Concord of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Henry Jacobs, editor (1911), p.63
Methodist:
Jesus did not abolish the moral law - no command to keep holy the first day The moral law
contained in the Ten Commandments, and enforced by the prophets, He Jesus did not take
away. It was not the design of His coming to revoke any part of this. This is a law which can
never be broken...Every part of this law must remain in force upon all mankind and in all
ages; as not depending either on time or place, or any other circumstances liable to change,
but on the nature of man, and their unchangeable relation to each other. John Wesley,
Sermons on Several Occasions, Vol.1, No. 25
It is true that there is no positive command for infant baptism. Nor is there any for keeping
holy the first day of the week. Many believe that Christ changed the Sabbath. But, from His
own words, we see that He came for no such purpose. Those who believe that Jesus changed
the Sabbath base it only on a supposition. Amos Binney, Theological Compendium, 1902
edition, pp 180-181, 171 [Binney (1802-1878), Methodist minister and presiding elder, whose
Compendium was published for forty years in many languages, also wrote a Methodist New
Testament Commentary].
Take the matter of Sunday. There are indications in the new testament as to how the church
came to keep the first day of the week as its day of worship, but there is no passage telling
Christians to keep that day or to transfer the Jewish Sabbath to that day. Harris Franklin Rall,
Christian Advocate July 2, 1942 pg. 26
Presbyterian:
Sunday kept the Gentiles happy Sunday being the first day of which the Gentiles solemnly
adored that planet and called it Sunday, partly from its influence on that day especially, and
partly in respect to its divine body (as they conceived it) the Christians thought fit to keep the
same day and the same name of it, that they might not appear carelessly peevish, and by that
means hinder the conversion of the Gentiles, and bring a greater prejudice that might be
otherwise taken against the gospel T.M. Morer, Dialogues on the Lord's Day
Roman Catholic:
No such law in the Bible Nowhere in the bible do we find that Jesus or the apostles ordered
that the Sabbath be changed from Satuday to Sunday. We have the commandment of God
given to Moses to keep holy the Sabbath day, that is, the seventh day of the week, Saturday.
Today, most Christians keep Sunday because it has been revealed to us by the [Roman]
church outside the bible. Catholic Virginian, Oct. 3, 1947
You may read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, and you will not find a single line
authorizing the sanctification of Sunday. The Scriptures enforce the religious observance of
Saturday, a day which we never sanctified. James Cardinal Gibbons, The Faith of Our
Fathers (1917 ed.), pp.72,73
If protestants would follow the Bible, they should worship God on the Sabbath Day. In
keeping the Sunday they are following a law of the Catholic Church. Albert Smith,
chancellor of the Archdiocese of Baltimore, replying for the cardinal in a letter of Feb. 10,
1920.
Question: Have you not any other way of proving that the Church has power to institute
festivals of precept?
Answer: Had she not such power, she could not have done that in which all modern
religionists agree with her - she could not have substituted the observance of Sunday, the first
day of the week, for the observance of Saturday, the seventh day, a change for which there is
no Scriptural authority Stephen Keenan, A Doctrinal Catechism 3rd ed. p. 174
Question: How prove you that the Church hath power to command feasts and holydays?
Answer: By the very act of changing the Sabbath into Sunday, which Protestants allow of;
and therefore they fondly contradict themselves, by keeping Sunday strictly, and breaking
most other feasts commanded by the same Church. Henry Tuberville, An Abridgment of the
Christian Doctrine (1833 approbation), p.58 (Same statement in Manual of Christian
Doctrine, ed. by Daniel Ferris [1916 ed.], p.67)
The Catholic Church,... by virtue of her divine mission, changed the day from Saturday to
Sunday. The Catholic Mirror, official organ of Cardinal Gibbons, Sept. 23, 1893.
1. Is Saturday the 7th day according to the Bible and the 10 Commandments? I answer yes
2. Is Sunday the first day of the week and did the Church change the 7th day, Saturday, for
Sunday, the 1st day? I answer yes
3. Did Christ change the day? I answer no!
Faithfully yours,
J. Cardinal Gibbons
Gibbons' autograph letter.
Some theologians have held that God likewise directly determined the Sunday as the day of
worship in the NEW LAW, that he himself has explicitly substituted sunday for the Sabbath.
But this theory is entirely abandoned. It is now commonly held that God simply gave His
church the power to set aside whatever day or days she would deem suitable as holy days. The
church chose sunday, the first day of the week, and in the course of time added other days as
holy days. John Laux A Course in Religion for Catholic High Schools and Academies 1936,
vol.1 p.51