text presents an introduction directed at followers of the faith, emphasizing the significance of the Sabbath and the commandments in the current time, which the author believes are being challenged by various factions within Christianity. Bates expresses a desire to provide a comprehensive defense of these practices, citing scripture and contrasting them with beliefs held by other religious groups of his time. He sets the stage for further discourse on theological controversies surrounding the observance of the Sabbath, aiming to clarify the true position of those who adhere to the Ten Commandments, particularly focusing on the Sabbath as divinely instituted for all humanity. (This is an automatically generated summary.)