THE SEVENTH DAY MEN by Leon J. Lyell

Few modern Sabbath-keepers know anything of the first formulation of the Sabbath doctrine in the modern era. Many will be surprised to learn that it has come directly from the seventeenth century— where, a handful of Englishmen and their congregations “discovered” and observed it. These Sabbath-keepers did not consider themselves to be forming a new denomination; indeed, they did not form a unified group. Rather, they saw themselves as only one step ahead of their brethren. Today, it is possible to uncover the main features of this rediscovery. The story is of real people, from diverse backgrounds, many of whom displayed the same human failings as modern Sabbath-keepers do. This history is a heritage that all Sabbath keepers share.

THE SABBATH UNDER THE KING John Traske: The Truth in Trouble

Soon after the publication of the famous King James Version of the Bible in 1611, an itinerant preacher named John Traske arrived in London. Disgusted by the obvious corruption and indulgence of the clergy of his day, Traske emphasized that God would give his Spirit to those who obey him in the way they live their lives. Traske began advocating fasting, and went on to revive the Old Testament prohibition on unclean meats. In a short time, this gifted preacher had built a significant following of men and women, all seeking to obey God’s commandments. Hamlet Jackson was one such scrupulous student. His studies led him to conclude that there was no Biblical command to observe Sunday, and that the SaturdaySabbath observed by the Jews had never been abolished. Stunned by this discovery, Jackson went immediately to Traske—who was also convinced and began observing the Sabbath, as well as vigorously preaching the “Saturday Sabbath.” Most of Traske’s congregation also adopted it….

(This article is an excerpt from the July-August 2000 edition of the Sabbath Sentinel)

To read the rest of this article, which starts on page 13, click this link:

http://biblesabbath.org/tss/484/tss_484.pdf