A Vindication of the Seventh-Day Sabbath and the Commandments of God by Bates

(9 User reviews)   3879
By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Neval
Bates, Joseph, 1792-1872 Bates, Joseph, 1792-1872
English
Have you ever wondered why most Christians worship on Sunday? Joseph Bates, a 19th-century sea captain turned religious reformer, asked that same question. This book is his personal investigation, and it’s a wild ride. He picks apart centuries of tradition, arguing that the original Sabbath—Saturday—was never changed by God, only by people. It’s part detective story, part theological manifesto, and it’s written with the fiery conviction of someone who truly believes he’s uncovered a world-altering truth. If you're curious about the roots of religious practice and love a good intellectual argument, this one will make you think.
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ability—will be needed. I trust that God’s true children are ready. Fairhaven, Mass. Jan. 1848. J. B. THE SABBATH CONTROVERSY. Once more I feel constrained to speak in vindication of the Sabbath of the Lord our God. I have been privileged to read about all the articles which have appeared in the BIBLE ADVOCATE, both for and against the Seventh-day Sabbath, for about four months past; and occasionally a thrust and a challenge from the Advent Harbinger, declaring that the law of God was abolished more than eighteen hundred years ago, and that we have since that time been under grace. The most that I have feared in this controversy was, that it would not be continued long enough to bring out the whole truth, to the utter confusion and dismay of these professed Second Advent Sabbath breakers. One trait in their characters is now pretty clearly developed, that is—they are Sabbath haters! The law of God is nicknamed by them, the “Jewish Ritual,” the “Jewish Sabbath,” the “Sabbath of the old Jews,” &c. &c., thus virtually showing up their characters in these perilous times, according to Paul, as covenant breakers, boasters, proud, blasphemers, denying the righteous law of God, and yet professing to believe the whole word of God. “As Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses” so do some of these leading men resist the truth. “A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land, the prophets prophecy falsely and the priests bear rule by their means, and my people love to have it so; and what will ye do in the end thereof?” Answer—“The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” I think it is becoming very evident that they are fulfilling Rev. xii: 17, and xvi: 13, first clause. None others so likely to deceive as these, because of their position in the near coming of the Saviour. It amounts to almost an impossibility to get _their_ definition of the _Law and Commandments_. One class will tell you that the old and new testaments are the Word and Commandments of God. A second will tell you that the new testament contains all the commandments and teachings that are now required of us. I was informed of a company of professed advent believers, not thirty miles from this, having become so alarmed or tenacious, that they would not carry the old testament with them to meeting on the first day. There was nothing in it, however, that they feared but the commandment to keep the Seventh-day Sabbath. A third class will tell you that baptism, the Lord’s Supper, washing one another’s feet, holy greeting, and all the commands which are given, are commandments. Joseph Marsh, editor of the Advent Harbinger, says we are not under the law (of Moses) but under the law of grace, the new testament. Now the Apostle James has given us a test which will utterly confound all such unscriptural arguments, viz.: “Whosoever shall keep the whole law but shall fail with respect to one precept hath been guilty of all.”—[_Macknight’s trans._] Now to make it still plainer for us, he says, “For he who commanded do not commit adultery, hath commanded also, do not kill. Now if thou commit not adultery, _but killest_, thou hast become a transgressor of the law.” Now I ask in all candor which of these _five_ are right? You answer, James, the inspired one. Well, does he justify either of the other four? You answer no, for he has directed us to the tables of stone, the ten commandments in the law, recorded in Exodus xx: 1-17. This is...

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This isn't a novel, but the story it tells is compelling. In A Vindication of the Seventh-Day Sabbath, Joseph Bates lays out a clear case. He starts with the Bible, showing where the Sabbath was established and how it was practiced. Then, he turns into a historical detective, tracing how and why the Christian day of worship shifted from Saturday to Sunday. He argues this change wasn't commanded by Jesus or the apostles, but came later from church tradition and political pressure. The book is his evidence-filled plea to return to what he sees as God's original, unchangeable law.

Why You Should Read It

You can feel Bates's passion on every page. This isn't a dry academic paper. It's written by a man who gave up his career and faced ridicule for this belief. Reading it, you get a front-row seat to a pivotal moment in American religious history. It shows how regular people, not just scholars, were wrestling with big questions about faith, authority, and tradition. The arguments are straightforward and repetitive in a way that feels urgent, not boring. It’s like listening to a very determined, well-prepared friend make their case.

Final Verdict

This book is a fascinating time capsule. It’s perfect for history buffs interested in the roots of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, or for anyone who enjoys seeing how religious ideas develop and challenge the status quo. It’s also great if you appreciate primary sources—hearing an argument straight from the person who lived it. Just be ready for a focused, single-minded read. Bates has one point to make, and he makes it with everything he’s got.



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Joshua Wright
1 year ago

I have to admit, it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. Worth every second.

Ashley Rodriguez
9 months ago

I stumbled upon this title and it challenges the reader's perspective in an intellectual way. A valuable addition to my collection.

Sarah Taylor
5 months ago

Having read this twice, the plot twists are genuinely surprising. Absolutely essential reading.

Patricia Harris
1 year ago

Comprehensive and well-researched.

4.5
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