Seventh-day Adventists affirm "sola scriptura testing" AND The 1Cor 12 gift of prophecy

[HIM]

The Spirit of Prophecy is for all. All must keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus which spirit of Prophecy. For it is He that works in us both to will and do His good pleasure. Christ in us we in Him that the world might believe. Not just Ellen White.

It is the Spirit of Prophecy, the testimony of Jesus that enables us to keep the commandments of God. As Jesus testified, "He (God) doeth the work"



Rev 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Rev 19:10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

 

[Leaf473]

On the other thread you were not willing to discuss "do not keep the Sabbath according to SDA standards" as if that was even a thing. I specifically asked you for your view on that and on the Ten.

Is there not a consistent body of teaching within the SDA on how the Sabbath is to be kept? My impression is that there was.

That's what I was referring to as SDA standards

 

[Leaf473]

On the other thread you were not willing to discuss "do not keep the Sabbath according to SDA standards" as if that was even a thing. I specifically asked you for your view on that and on the Ten.

If the claim is that some discussion exists where you explain your view on the ten -- that is not "the ten removed" or the "Ten taken away" - please point to it. That would help me to better know just what you mean.

When I reminded you that almost Bible scholars in almost all denominations on BOTH sides the Sabbath topic (so certainly no all treating the Sabbath as SDAs do) - they agree that all TEN apply to mankind and are written on the heart under the New Covenant - your response was that none of them should be taken into consideration AND that you don't want to discuss your view of the TEN until a vast litany of "every command" in scripture leading up to the time of Christ - be discussed first. Or is there a post there you would like to post to - as clarifying your view?

As I have said before, I believe you misunderstood much of what I wrote. And yes, I do wish to explain more, but it would involve things that you said were off topic for that thread. Anyone interested can ***click here*** and follow the discussion backwards from post #381.

Since this is the denomination specific theology section, what I'm currently asking is what the SDA policy is regarding discussing the rest of the laws.

 

[Leaf473]

@BobRyan

So Bob, my man, did you want to respond to this?

Which people in the last 200 years have been recognized by the SDA as prophets?

 

[tall73]

Is there not a consistent body of teaching within the SDA on how the Sabbath is to be kept? My impression is that there was.

That's what I was referring to as SDA standards

The Scriptures regarding the keeping of the Sabbath are pointed to.

And here is a sampling of some additional comments on the subject by Ellen White:

Parents, above every thing, take care of your children upon the Sabbath. Do not suffer them to violate God's holy day by playing in the house or out of doors. You may just as well break the Sabbath yourselves as to let your children do it, and when you suffer your children to wander about, and suffer them to play upon the Sabbath, God looks upon you as Sabbath-breakers. Your children, that are under your control, should be made to mind you. Your word should be their law. Will not parents wake up to their duty before it shall be too late, and take hold of the work in earnest, redeem the time, and make unsparing efforts to save their children? {RH, September 19, 1854 par. 10}

Many need instruction as to how they should appear in the assembly for worship on the Sabbath. They are not to enter the presence of God in the common clothing worn during the week. All should have a special Sabbath suit, to be worn when attending service in God's house. While we should not conform to worldly fashions, we are not to be indifferent in regard to our outward appearance. We are to be neat and trim, though without adornment. The children of God should be pure within and without. {6T 355.2}

On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. {6T 355.3}

Let not the precious hours of the Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath morning the family should be astir early. If they rise late, there is confusion and bustle in preparing for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and impatience. Thus unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus desecrated, becomes a weariness, and its coming is dreaded rather than loved. {6T 357.1}

We should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply or a greater variety of food than for other days. Instead of this the food should be more simple, and less should be eaten, in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual things. Overeating befogs the brain. The most precious words may be heard and not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many have done more than they think to dishonor God. {6T 357.2}

While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be palatable and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat, something the family do not have every day. {6T 357.3}

The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children. In many families the younger children are left to themselves to find entertainment as best they can. Left alone, the children soon be come restless and begin to play or engage in some kind of mischief. Thus the Sabbath has to them no sacred significance. {6T 358.1}

 

[tall73]

Which people in the last 200 years have been recognized by the SDA as prophets?

As to some who have been recognized by at least some Adventists:

William Ellis Foy (1818–1893)
Foy, William Ellis (1818–1893)

Hazen Foss (Hosted on the White Estate site, but the link is to to Herbert Douglas' book messenger of the Lord).
Messenger of the Lord

 

[BobRyan]

As I have said before, I believe you misunderstood much of what I wrote. And yes, I do wish to explain more, but it would involve things that you said were off topic for that thread. Anyone interested can ***click here*** and follow the discussion backwards from post #381.

Since this is the denomination specific theology section, what I'm currently asking is what the SDA policy is regarding discussing the rest of the laws.

I asked you at that link to show that you either accept or reject Ex 20:7 "Do not take God's name in vain" as either an example of law that still exists or that is abolished. You said you could not do it without discussing a bunch of laws in scripture that are not the Ten Commandments.

BobRyan said: ↑
True - as we can see this thread is about the Ten Commandments and in your case I am offering to make it even simpler - so down to just one commandment "do not take God's name in vain" Ex 20:7

The more simple we make this - the more determined you appear to be not to discuss it.

If that is how you want to leave it - it is fine with me. The choice is yours - you have free will.

As you note - the subject title of that thread is about the Ten Commandments.

 

[BobRyan]

As to some who have been recognized by at least some Adventists:

William Ellis Foy (1818–1893)
Foy, William Ellis (1818–1893)

Hazen Foss (Hosted on the White Estate site, but the link is to to Herbert Douglas' book messenger of the Lord).
Messenger of the Lord

And others were said to have had inspired dreams as in the gift of prophecy such as Loughborough.


In 1T 597-604 when Ellen White publishes the inspired dreams of 2 OTHER prophets in her day without any reservations at all. Not once does she pause and say "hey wait a minute -- I am the only prophet"

 

[BobRyan]

Is there not a consistent body of teaching within the SDA on how the Sabbath is to be kept? My impression is that there was.

Scripture says

1. It is a day of rest - Ex 20:8-11
2. It is a day of "holy convocation" Lev 23:3
3. It is a day for not doing secular activity Is 58:13 - and is "The Holy Day of The Lord"
4. It is a day kept for all eternity after the cross in the New Earth - "from Sabbath to Sabbath shall all mankind come before Me to worship" Is 66:23
5. Acts 18:4 a day for evangelism and assembly - a day for gospel proclamation and bible study.

Other texts apply as well. I think you and I covered this about half a dozen times in our prior threads.

 

[BobRyan]

Thank you Bob,

I used to have couple of books "desire of Ages", great controversy, steps to Christ but I just didn't read it..

The Desire of Ages is the commentary on the Life of Christ and can be read free online.

 

[tall73]

Which people in the last 200 years have been recognized by the SDA as prophets?

Related, here is a scan of a newspaper report of the trial of Israel Dammon. It is quite an interesting read, and gives a contemporary account of Ellen White and others in a meeting in 1845 (prior to the organizing of the Adventist Church, this was a gathering of Millerites). Ellen White's account of the meeting can also be examined, and differs in a number of respects from the witnesses in the court record.

But the PDF itself is rather hard to read with the small print. I include another source that puts it in plain text, but included this for documentation purposes.
https://ia802603.us.archive.org/25/...uisFarmer_piscataquisFarmer_march7_v3_n31.pdf

Plain text version. This is a site that engages in anti-Adventist polemics, but does reproduce the article in a format that is easier to read.
Newspaper Account of the Israel Dammon Trial

They also host an article with background, and a link to Ellen White's differing account of the events.
Incident in Atkinson

Here is a White Estate analysis of the events.
Ellen G. White® Estate: Another Look at Israel Damman's Trial

Here is perhaps the most unusual selection of the testimony:


LOTON LAMBERT, sworn. They were singing when I arrived--after singing they sat down on the floor--Dammon said a sister had a vision to relate-a woman on the floor then related her vision. Dammon said all other denominations were wicked--they were liars, whoremasters, murderers, &c.--he also run upon all such as were not believers with him. He ordered us off--we did not go. The woman that lay on the floor relating visions, was called by Elder Dammon and others, Imitation of Christ. Dammon called us hogs and devils, and said if he was the owner of the house he would drive us off--the one that they called Imitation of Christ, told Mrs. Woodbury and others, that they must forsake all their friends or go to hell. Imitation of Christ, as they called her, would lay on the floor a while, then rise up and call upon some one and say she had a vision to relate to them, which she would relate; there was one girl that they said must be baptized that night or she must go to hell; she wept bitterly and wanted to see her mother first; they told her she must leave her mother or go to hell--one voice said, let her go to hell. She finally concluded to be baptized. Imitation of Christ told her vision to a cousin of mine, that she must be baptized that night or go to hell-she objected, because she had once been baptized. Imitation of Christ was said to be a woman from Portland. A woman that they called Miss Baker, said the devil was here, and she wanted to see him--she selected me and said, you are the devil, and will go to hell. I told her she want [was not] my judge. Mr. [James] Ayer [Jr., owner of the house] then clinched me and tried to put me out door. I told him we had not come to disturb the meeting. The vision woman called [to] Joel Doore, said he had doubted, and would not be baptized again--she said Br. Doore don't go to hell. Doore kneeled to her feet and prayed. Miss Baker and a man went into the bedroom--subsequently heard a voice in the room hallo Oh! The door was opened--I saw into the room-she was on the bed-he was hold of her; they came out of the bedroom hugging each other, she jumping up and would throw her legs between his. Miss Baker went to Mr. Doore and said, you have refused me before, he said he had--they then kissed each other--she said "that feels good"--just before they went to the water to baptize, Miss Baker went into the bedroom with a man they called Elder White--saw him help her on to the bed--the light was brought out and door closed. I did not see either of them afterwards. Once I was in the other room talking with my cousin. Dammon and others came into the room and stopped our discourse, and called her sister and me the devil. Imitation of Christ lay on the floor during the time they went down to the water to baptize, and she continued on the floor until I left, which was between the hours of 12 and 1 o'clock at night.

Cross-examined. Answer. The visionist lay down on the floor I should think about 7 o'clock--she lay there from that time until I left. Dammon and others called her Imitation of Christ. Part of the time Dammon was down on the floor on his back--can't say certainly who first said she was Imitation of Christ, but can say Dammon repeatedly said so--Dammon said Christ revealed to her and she to others. I am not acquainted with Elder White. They called him Eld. White. They said if the Almighty had anything to say he revealed it to her, and she acted as mediator.


Dammon's closing remarks summarized:

ELDER DAMMON again rose for further defense. Court indulged him to speak. He read 126th Psalm, and the 50th Psalm. He argued that the day of grace had gone by, that the believers were reduced; but that there was too many yet, and that the end of the world would come within a week. The Court after consultation sentenced the prisoner to the House of Correction for the space of Ten Days,

 

[BobRyan]

Which people in the last 200 years have been recognized by the SDA as prophets?

Related, here is a scan of a newspaper report of the trial of Israel Dammon. It is quite an interesting read, and gives a contemporary account of Ellen White and others in a meeting in 1845 (prior to the organizing of the Adventist Church, this was a gathering of Millerites).

How does a meeting in 1845 when Ellen Harmon (later to be Ellen White) was a teenager and before the SDA denomination came into existence - address the question above? As far as I can tell Ellen White never published anything about Israel Dammon, not sure if the SDA denomination did so at one time though.

But I did find this "After I came out of vision, Elders Dammon and Reed enquired if I saw them upon that high and holy path. I told them I recollected their countenances with many others, [and] at the same time gave them a warning not to become exalted, lest they lose the crowns it was their privilege to gain through humility and faithfulness."

One might guess that at least at one time Dammon was saved.

In any case - in published statements there were Hazen Foss, William Foy, J.N. Loughborough, Matteson...

 

[tall73]

How does a meeting in 1845 when Ellen Harmon (later to be Ellen White) was a teenager and before the SDA denomination came into existence - address the question above? As far as I can tell Ellen White never published anything about "Israel Dammon".

But I did find this "After I came out of vision, Elders Dammon and Reed enquired if I saw them upon that high and holy path. I told them I recollected their countenances with many others, [and] at the same time gave them a warning not to become exalted, lest they lose the crowns it was their privilege to gain through humility and faithfulness."

One might guess that at least at one time Dammon was saved.

Because it relates Baker pointing out the devil, and Dammon predicting the end of the world within the week.

And if you are not familiar with her mentioning Dammon, other than the reference you gave, you might check the links. But this will get you started. Ellen White refers to the Spirit of the Lord resting on him in a very unusual way, though not to prophecy. But it does place both of them at the meeting.

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2

From Exeter we went to Atkinson. One night I was shown something that I did not understand. It was to this effect, that we were to have a trial of our faith. The next day, which was the first day of the week, while I was speaking, two men looked into the window. We were satisfied of their object. They entered and rushed past me to Eld. Damman. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon him, and his strength was taken away, and he fell to the floor helpless. The officer cried out, “In the name of the State of Maine, lay hold of this man.” Two seized his arms, and two his feet, and attempted to drag him from the room. They would move him a few inches only, and then rush out of the house. The power of God was in that room, and the servants of God with their countenances lighted up with his glory, made no resistance. The efforts to take Eld. D. were often repeated with the same effect. The men could not endure the power of God, and it was a relief to them to rush out of the house. Their number increased to twelve, still Eld. D. was held by the power of God about forty minutes, and not all the strength of those men could move him from the floor where he lay helpless. At the same moment we all felt that Eld. D. must go; that God had manifested his power for his glory, and that the name of the Lord would be further glorified in suffering him to be taken from our midst. And those men took him up as easily as they would take up a child, and carried him out.

After Eld. D. was taken from our midst he was kept in a hotel, and guarded by a man who did not like his office. He said that Eld. D. was singing, and praying, and praising the Lord all night, so that he could not sleep, and he would not watch over such a man. No one wished the office of guarding him, and he was left to go about the village as he pleased, after promising that he would appear for trial. Kind friends invited him to share their hospitalities. At the hour of trial Eld. D. was present. A lawyer offered his services. The charge brought against Eld. D. was, that he was a disturber of the peace. Many witnesses were brought to sustain the charge, but they were at once broken down by the testimony of Eld. D.’ s acquaintances present, who were called to the stand. There was much curiosity to know what Eld. D. and his friends believed, and he was asked to give them a synopsis of his faith. He then told them in a clear manner his belief from the Scriptures. It was also suggested that they sung curious hymns, and he was asked to sing one. There were quite a number of strong brethren present who had stood by him in the trial, and they joined with him in singing,

“When I was down in Egypt's land, I heard my Saviour was at hand,” &c.

Eld. D. was asked if he had a spiritual wife. He told them he had a lawful wife, and he could thank God that she had been a very spiritual woman ever since his acquaintance with her. The cost of court, I think, was thrown upon him, and he was released.

Distracting influences have separated Eld. D. from his friends who believe the third message; but we hope the time is not far distant when he and many others in Maine will joyfully receive the message. Spiritual Gifts Volume 2

Both Ellen White's account, and the court's account are interesting, though with some differences. If you prefer you can read the White Estate analysis first.

 

[BobRyan]

Because it relates Baker pointing out the devil, and Dammon predicting the end of the world within the week.

Is there any reference to the SDA denomination claiming Dammon was actually a prophet?

Ellen White refers to the Spirit of the Lord resting on him in a very unusual way, though not to prophecy. But it does place both of them at the meeting.

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2

From Exeter we went to Atkinson. One night I was shown something that I did not understand. It was to this effect, that we were to have a trial of our faith. The next day, which was the first day of the week, while I was speaking, two men looked into the window. We were satisfied of their object. They entered and rushed past me to Eld. Damman. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon him, and his strength was taken away, and he fell to the floor helpless. The officer cried out, “In the name of the State of Maine, lay hold of this man.” Two seized his arms, and two his feet, and attempted to drag him from the room. They would move him a few inches only, and then rush out of the house. The power of God was in that room, and the servants of God with their countenances lighted up with his glory, made no resistance. The efforts to take Eld. D. were often repeated with the same effect. The men could not endure the power of God, and it was a relief to them to rush out of the house. Their number increased to twelve, still Eld. D. was held by the power of God about forty minutes, and not all the strength of those men could move him from the floor where he lay helpless. At the same moment we all felt that Eld. D. must go; that God had manifested his power for his glory, and that the name of the Lord would be further glorified in suffering him to be taken from our midst. And those men took him up as easily as they would take up a child, and carried him out.

After Eld. D. was taken from our midst he was kept in a hotel, and guarded by a man who did not like his office. He said that Eld. D. was singing, and praying, and praising the Lord all night, so that he could not sleep, and he would not watch over such a man. No one wished the office of guarding him, and he was left to go about the village as he pleased, after promising that he would appear for trial. Kind friends invited him to share their hospitalities. At the hour of trial Eld. D. was present. A lawyer offered his services. The charge brought against Eld. D. was, that he was a disturber of the peace. Many witnesses were brought to sustain the charge, but they were at once broken down by the testimony of Eld. D.’ s acquaintances present, who were called to the stand. There was much curiosity to know what Eld. D. and his friends believed, and he was asked to give them a synopsis of his faith. He then told them in a clear manner his belief from the Scriptures. It was also suggested that they sung curious hymns, and he was asked to sing one. There were quite a number of strong brethren present who had stood by him in the trial, and they joined with him in singing,

“When I was down in Egypt's land, I heard my Saviour was at hand,” &c.

Eld. D. was asked if he had a spiritual wife. He told them he had a lawful wife, and he could thank God that she had been a very spiritual woman ever since his acquaintance with her. The cost of court, I think, was thrown upon him, and he was released.

Interesting - but I agree with you - there is no claim there to his being a prophet

Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2
Distracting influences have separated Eld. D. from his friends who believe the third message; but we hope the time is not far distant when he and many others in Maine will joyfully receive the message. Spiritual Gifts Volume 2

Ok so I guess there was some hope there that he might one day be SDA.

 

[tall73]

Also, there were witnesses who were participants in the meeting who indicated Baker also had visions.

JOEL DOOR, affirmed. Reside in Atkinson--Elder Dammon said there was bad characters in the churches; I did no understand him to say all. He preaches louder than most people; no more noisy than common preachers of this faith. The vision woman would lay looking up when she came out of her trance-she would point to someone, and tell them their cases, which she said was from the Lord. She told a number of visions that evening. Brother Gallison's daughter wanted to see her mother before she was baptized, but finally concluded to be baptized without seeing her. Sister Baker got up off the floor, and went to Lambert to talk with him. I saw no more of her, until I heard a noise in the bedroom--they went and got her out, as the other witnesses have stated. After she came out, she said she had a message to me. She said I had thought hard of her, (I acknowledged I had) but I became satisfied of my error, and fellowshipped her. We kissed each other with the holy kiss--I think Elder White was not in the bedroom that evening; but I don't know how many, nor who were there. The girls that was baptized were seventeen years old, one of them had been baptized before. We have Scripture enough for every thing that was done. There was not one tenth part of the noise Saturday evening, that there generally is at the meetings I attend. As far as I am acquainted with Elder Dammon, I consider him a moral good man.

Cross-examined. When she kissed me, she said there was light ahead. We believe her (Miss Baker's) visions genuine. We believe Miss Harmon's genuine--t'was our understanding that their visions were from God.

And there were some who indicted that Ellen Harmon's visions about individuals were accurate. You should read all the material. As I mentioned, if you prefer you can start with the White Estate article.

 

[tall73]

Ok so I guess there was some hope there that he might one day be SDA.

Yes, but I think somewhere in there he was rebuked for fanaticism, and his writings were used by first day Adventists to accuse Ellen White of holding to the shut door after her first vision. And no, I don't think he was considered a prophet since his message was false.

However, Ellen White still speaks of the Spirit coming upon him in the account.

I think Dorinda Baker, also referenced, is a more likely candidate for someone people considered to have had visions. Though some other accounts seem to portray her also as fanatical.

The Ellen G. White Letters and Manuscripts: Volume 1

In later reminiscences Marion Stowell strongly suggested that her parents, along with some other Paris Sabbatarians, were for a while caught up in some of the fanaticism and theological confusion that followed the disappointment of October 1844. She recalled that short-term visionaries such as Dorinda Baker and Mary Hamlin stayed in their house for two or three months, probably in 1845. By 1849 Lewis Stowell was again involved in theological entanglements. Ellen White was shown in vision that “Brother Stowell of Paris was wavering upon the shut door,” causing her and James to visit Stowell and other Paris members for a week of meetings. As a result “Brother Stowell was established in the shut door and all the present truth he had doubted.” It is the only major mention of Lewis Stowell in Ellen White's writings. Both Lewis and Laura Stowell went on to become lifelong members of the church.

 

[tall73]

Interesting - but I agree with you - there is no claim there to his being a prophet

You might also check out this article by SDADefend, who, as usual, take a harder line than the White Estate folks. But their description acknowledges the people at that meeting, some who testified, etc. seemed to respect Dorinda Baker.

Israel Dammon


When you read all of the testimony the more salacious parts by the opposition seem to be called into question, but even the proponents of the meeting indicate they think Baker has visions.

 

[BobRyan]

Because it relates Baker pointing out the devil, and Dammon predicting the end of the world within the week.

Which is an "event" but a lot of events were reported that were not necessarily endorsements of the claims people made in those incidents.

Yes, but I think somewhere in there he was rebuked for fanaticism, and his writings were used by first day Adventists to accuse Ellen White of holding to the shut door after her first vision. And no, I don't think he was considered a prophet since his message was false.

However, Ellen White still speaks of the Spirit coming upon him in the account.

Of course that also happened in the OT on people that were not prophets or apparently even saved - when the Spirit wanted to make a point about something.

As you note - he was not accepted as having the gift of prophecy

So when asked "what other prophets to SDA's acknowledge" I give a list like this that pertains to people approved as having actual revelation from God.

In any case - in published statements there were Hazen Foss, William Foy, J.N. Loughborough, Matteson...

 

[Leaf473]

The Scriptures regarding the keeping of the Sabbath are pointed to.

And here is a sampling of some additional comments on the subject by Ellen White:

Parents, above every thing, take care of your children upon the Sabbath. Do not suffer them to violate God's holy day by playing in the house or out of doors. You may just as well break the Sabbath yourselves as to let your children do it, and when you suffer your children to wander about, and suffer them to play upon the Sabbath, God looks upon you as Sabbath-breakers. Your children, that are under your control, should be made to mind you. Your word should be their law. Will not parents wake up to their duty before it shall be too late, and take hold of the work in earnest, redeem the time, and make unsparing efforts to save their children? {RH, September 19, 1854 par. 10}

Many need instruction as to how they should appear in the assembly for worship on the Sabbath. They are not to enter the presence of God in the common clothing worn during the week. All should have a special Sabbath suit, to be worn when attending service in God's house. While we should not conform to worldly fashions, we are not to be indifferent in regard to our outward appearance. We are to be neat and trim, though without adornment. The children of God should be pure within and without. {6T 355.2}

On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment. {6T 355.3}

Let not the precious hours of the Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath morning the family should be astir early. If they rise late, there is confusion and bustle in preparing for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and impatience. Thus unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus desecrated, becomes a weariness, and its coming is dreaded rather than loved. {6T 357.1}

We should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply or a greater variety of food than for other days. Instead of this the food should be more simple, and less should be eaten, in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual things. Overeating befogs the brain. The most precious words may be heard and not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many have done more than they think to dishonor God. {6T 357.2}

While cooking upon the Sabbath should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the food prepared the day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be palatable and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat, something the family do not have every day. {6T 357.3}

The Sabbath school and the meeting for worship occupy only a part of the Sabbath. The portion remaining to the family may be made the most sacred and precious season of all the Sabbath hours. Much of this time parents should spend with their children. In many families the younger children are left to themselves to find entertainment as best they can. Left alone, the children soon be come restless and begin to play or engage in some kind of mischief. Thus the Sabbath has to them no sacred significance. {6T 358.1}

Yes, I agree that SDAs point to the scriptures. I think they tend to use a particular interpretation of the scriptures, as do pretty much all groups.

For example, SDAs see Leviticus 23:3 as binding on Christians today, meaning attend a holy assembly on the seventh day.

Ellen said no playing and special clothes for the Sabbath assembly? Is that still adhered to by most SDAs today?

 

[BobRyan]

For example, SDAs see Leviticus 23:3 as binding on Christians today, meaning attend a holy assembly on the seventh day.

The "Baptist Confession of Faith" and the "Westminster Confession of Faith" make similar claims for how the Sabbath was observed in the OT and for how they view the "Christian Sabbath" to be kept in the NT. The same is true of a great many Sunday groups and almost all the 7th day Sabbath keeping groups.

This part is not at all specific to just SDAs.