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Selected Messages Book 2
the continual ingratitude and rebellion and heaven-daring sins of those
who trample upon God’s law and defy His authority. They do not stop
here, but exult in subverting His people, and influencing them by their
wiles to transgress and show open contempt for the wise requirements
of Jehovah.
Some can see only the destruction of God’s enemies, which looks
to them unmerciful and severe. They do not look upon the other side.
But let everlasting thanks be given, that impulsive, changeable man,
with all his boasted benevolence, is not the disposer and controller
of events. “The tender mercies of the wicked are cruel” (
Proverbs
12:10
).—
Spiritual Gifts 4a:49-52
.
Light Given Concerning the Draft
You inquire in regard to the course which should be pursued to
secure the rights of our people to worship according to the dictates of
our own conscience. This has been a burden of my soul for some time,
[335]
whether it would be a denial of our faith and an evidence that our trust
was not fully in God. But I call to mind many things God has shown
me in the past in regard to things of a similar character, as the draft
and other things. I can speak in the fear of God, it is right we should
use every power we can to avert the pressure that is being brought to
bear upon our people.—
Letter 55, 1886
.
Required Drill
We have just said farewell to three of our responsible men in the
office who were summoned by the government to serve for three weeks
of drill. It was a very important stage of our work in the publishing
house, but the government calls do not accommodate themselves to our
convenience. They demand that young men whom they have accepted
as soldiers shall not neglect the exercise and drill essential for soldier
service. We were glad to see that these men with their regimentals had
tokens of honor for faithfulness in their work. They were trustworthy
young men.
These did not go from choice, but because the laws of their nation
required this. We gave them a word of encouragement to be found
true soldiers of the cross of Christ. Our prayers will follow these