15th Century Sabbath Observance
BOHEMIA
"Erasmus
testifies that even as late as about 1500 these Bohemians not only
kept the seventh day scrupulously, but also were called Sabbatarians."
Cox, "The Literature of the
Sabbath Question," Vol.2, pp.201, 202 "Truth
Triumphant," p.264
NORWAY
(Church Council held at Bergin, August 22,1435) "The
first matter concerned a keeping holy of Saturday. It had come to
the earth of the archbishop that people in different places of the
kingdom had ventured the keeping holy of Saturday. It is strictly
forbidden-it is stated-in the Church Law, for any one to keep or to
adopt holy-days, outside of those which the pope, archbishop, or
bishops appoint." The History
of the Norwegian Church under Catholicism, R. Keyser, Vol.II, p.
488.Oslo: 1858
NORWAY, 1435
(Catholic Provincial Council at Bergin) "We
are informed that some people in different districts of the kingdom,
have adopted and observed Saturday-keeping. It is severely
forbidden-in holy church canon-one and all to observe days excepting
those which the holy Pope archbishop, or the bishops command.
Saturday-keeping must under no circumstances be permitted hereafter
further than the church canon commands. Therfore, we counsil all the
friends of God throughout all Norway who want to be obedient towards
the holy church to let this evil of Saturday- keeping alone; and the
rest we forbid under penalty of sever church punishment to keep
Saturday holy." Dip. Norveg.,
7, 397
NORWAY, 1436
(Church Conference at Oslo) "It is forbidden under the
same penalty to keep Saturday holy by refraining from labour." History
of the Norwegian Church, p.401
FRANCE - Waldenses
"Louis XII, King of France (1498-1515), being informed
by the enemies of the Waldense inhabiting a part of the province of
Province, that several heinous crimes were laid to their account,
sent the Master of Requests, and a certain doctor of the Sorbonne,
to make inquiry into this matter. On their return they reported that
they had visited all the parishes, but could not discover any traces
of those crimes with which they were charged. On the contrary, they
kept the Sabbath day, observed the ordinance of baptism, according
to the primitive church, instructed their children in the articles
of the Christian faith, and the commandmnets of God. The King having
heard the report of his commisioners, said with an oath that they
were better men than himself or his people." History
of the Christian Church, Vol.II, pp. 71, 72, third edition. London:
1818
INDIA
"Separated from the Western world for a thousand years,
they were naturally ignorant of many novelties introduced by the
councils and decrees of the Lateran. 'We are Christians, and not
idolaters,' was their expressive reply when required to do homage to
the image of the Virgin Mary.'"
