Religious Liberty
161
proper light before the people. We should bring before them the real
question at issue, thus interposing the most effectual protest against
measures to restrict liberty of conscience.—
Testimonies for the Church
5:452
.
When God has given us light showing the dangers before us, how
can we stand clear in His sight if we neglect to put forth every effort
in our power to bring it before the people? Can we be content to leave
them to meet this momentous issue unwarned?—
Testimonies for the
Church 5:712
.
When the National Reformers began to urge measures to restrict
religious liberty, our leading men should have been alive to the situa-
tion, and should have labored earnestly to counteract these efforts. It
is not in the order of God that light has been kept from our people,—
the very present truth which they needed for this time. Not all our
ministers who are giving the third angel’s message, really understand
what constitutes that message. The National Reform movement has
been regarded by some as of so little importance that they have not
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thought it is necessary to give much attention to it, and have even
felt that in so doing they would be giving time to questions distinct
from the third angel’s message. May the Lord forgive our brethren for
thus interpreting the very message for this time.—
Testimonies for the
Church 5:715
.
We have been looking many years for a Sunday law to be enacted
in our land; and now that the movement is right upon us, we ask, Will
our people do their duty in the matter? Can we not assist in lifting the
standard, and in calling to the front those who have a regard for their
religious rights and privileges? The time is fast approaching when
those who choose to obey God rather than man, will be made to feel
the hand of oppression. Shall we then dishonor God by keeping silent
while His holy commandments are trodden under foot? While the
Protestant world is by her attitude making concessions to Rome, let
us arouse to comprehend the situation, and view the contest before
us in its true bearings. Let the watchmen now lift up their voice, and
give the message which is present truth for this time. Let us show
people where we are in prophetic history, and seek to arouse the spirit
of true Protestantism, awakening the world to a sense of the value of
the privileges of religious liberty so long enjoyed.—
Testimonies for
the Church 5:716
.