Untitled article by ALMANDEA WRIGHT

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 12, 1867

DISFELLOWSHIPPED FOR KEEPING THE SABBATH.

By ALMANDEA WRIGHT

The object I have in offering the following lines for publication is that the public may know the real facts in the case; and also to promote, if possible, an interest in the study of the Holy Scriptures, on the part of those who may read them.

Sunday, April 9, 1865, I was voted out of the M. E. church after a membership of nearly 45 years, for the error, as they termed it, of keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. But if I understand it aright, I am keeping the same Sabbath the blessed Jesus kept. We read in Luke iv, 15–22, that he taught in their synagogues, and as his custom was, on the Sabbath stood up to read. There was delivered unto him a book of the Prophet Esaias, from which he read a prophecy concerning himself. Then he closed the book, and spoke in such a manner as made the audience wonder at his gracious words.

This shows his connection with that church, and people. He also performed on the Sabbath many miracles, by healing, &c. And after justifying the conduct of his hungry disciples on the Sabbath, he says plainly, Mark xi, 27, 28: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath;” and that the Son of Man is Lord also of it. I think these facts fully show which is the Lord’s day. And the Son of Man speaks of no change, neither can I find a record of any change in the New Testament. Therefore I think it will best please him to keep the same day he kept. If I am in error, I would like to be converted by Bible facts.

With respect to the vote, it was the privilege of the church to disfellowship if they considered it their duty. I did not like to take the responsibility of withdrawing; for I approve of John Wesley’s judgment and practice who did not leave the established church (Episcopalian), though he was greatly persecuted by some of the clergy for preaching a free salvation, and that by faith, with the witness of the Spirit.

I suffered somewhat in leaving the church; but rejoice that it was for the sake of him who pitied my lost condition, and became my Redeemer and Advocate. And when I think of his humility and patience while suffering the indignities of priests, scribes and Pharisees, my soul is humbled before him. I feel to confess my faults and transgressions, and rely on his merits for pardon and salvation. I also greatly desire to overcome evil, and in some degree to possess his meek and quiet spirit, and bear his lovely image.

I had no objection to the vote, but thought I was not scripturally treated on the occasion. Perhaps it was through ignorance. I think no one ever heard me find fault with the discipline, especially the general rules. I have often read them, regretting that they were not more regarded.

The first day of the week is not called the Sabbath in the Bible; but according to chapters 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18, of the Acts, we find the apostles’ practice was in accordance with that of the Lord Jesus, in keeping the Sabbath, some twenty or thirty years after the resurrection.

ALMANDEA WRIGHT.

Chateaugay, N. Y., Sept. 29, 1867.