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Men’s Decrees Versus God’s, August 27
Esther 3
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.
Revelation 12:17
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Through Esther the queen the Lord accomplished a mighty deliverance for
His people. At a time when it seemed that no power could save them, Esther and
the women associated with her, by fasting and prayer and prompt action, met
the issue, and brought salvation to their people
The trying experiences that came to God’s people in the days of Esther were
not peculiar to that age alone.... The same spirit that in ages past led men to
persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar
course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God.... The decree that will
finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that
issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church
see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the
gate. The reverence of God’s people for His law is a constant rebuke to those
who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath....
Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take
counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to
cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members
will conspire against them.
With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to over-
throw their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, men will stir up the
passions of the people. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against
the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to
supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the
demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God, cannot accept an institution
that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield will be fought the
last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left
in doubt as to the issue. Today, as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord
will vindicate His truth and His people
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42
The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1140
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43
Prophets and Kings, 605, 606
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