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History of the Sabbath and First Day of the Week - John N. Andrews

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ministry, <strong>the</strong> Messiah solemnly affirmed <strong>the</strong><br />

perpetuity <strong>of</strong> his Fa<strong>the</strong>r's law, enjoining obedience,<br />

even to its least comm<strong>and</strong>ment; (Matt. 5:17-19) at<br />

his death he broke down that middle wall <strong>of</strong><br />

partition (Eph. 2:13-16; Col. 2:14-17) by which <strong>the</strong><br />

Hebrews had so long been preserved a separate<br />

people in <strong>the</strong> earth; <strong>and</strong> when about to ascend into<br />

Heaven comm<strong>and</strong>ed his disciples to go into all <strong>the</strong><br />

world <strong>and</strong> preach <strong>the</strong> gospel to every creature;<br />

teaching <strong>the</strong>m to observe all things which he had<br />

comm<strong>and</strong>ed <strong>the</strong>m. (Dan. 9:24-27; Acts 9; 10; 11;<br />

26:12-17; Rom. 11:13) With <strong>the</strong> expiration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

seventieth week, <strong>the</strong> apostles enter upon <strong>the</strong><br />

execution <strong>of</strong> this great commission to <strong>the</strong> Gentiles.<br />

Several facts <strong>of</strong> deep interest should here be<br />

noticed:--<br />

1. The new covenant or testament dates from<br />

<strong>the</strong> death <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Redeemer. In accordance with <strong>the</strong><br />

prediction <strong>of</strong> Jeremiah, it began with <strong>the</strong> Hebrews<br />

alone, <strong>and</strong> was confined exclusively to <strong>the</strong>m until<br />

<strong>the</strong> expiration <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> seventieth week. Then <strong>the</strong><br />

Gentiles were admitted to a full participation with<br />

<strong>the</strong> Hebrews in its blessings, being no longer aliens<br />

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