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

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It is to be observed, <strong>the</strong>refore, that <strong>the</strong> first<br />

trace <strong>of</strong> Sunday as a Christian festival is found in<br />

<strong>the</strong> church <strong>of</strong> Rome. Soon after this time, <strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>the</strong>nceforward, we shall find "<strong>the</strong> bishop" <strong>of</strong> that<br />

church making vigorous efforts to suppress <strong>the</strong><br />

<strong>Sabbath</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lord, <strong>and</strong> to elevate in its stead <strong>the</strong><br />

festival <strong>of</strong> Sunday.<br />

It is proper to note <strong>the</strong> fact also that Justin was<br />

a decided opponent <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ancient <strong>Sabbath</strong>. In his<br />

"Dialogue with Trypho <strong>the</strong> Jew" he thus addressed<br />

him:--<br />

"This new law teaches you to observe a<br />

perpetual <strong>Sabbath</strong>; <strong>and</strong> you, when you have spent<br />

one day in idleness, think you have discharged <strong>the</strong><br />

duties <strong>of</strong> religion. ... If anyone is guilty <strong>of</strong> adultery,<br />

let him repent, <strong>the</strong>n he hath kept <strong>the</strong> true <strong>and</strong><br />

delightful <strong>Sabbath</strong> unto God. ... For we really<br />

should observe that circumcision which is in <strong>the</strong><br />

flesh, <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Sabbath</strong>, <strong>and</strong> all <strong>the</strong> feasts, if we had<br />

not known <strong>the</strong> reason why <strong>the</strong>y were imposed upon<br />

you, namely, upon <strong>the</strong> account <strong>of</strong> your iniquities. ...<br />

458

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