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The Sunday Law is Invoked, June 27
Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.
Matthew 24:9
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As the movement for Sunday enforcement becomes more bold and
decided, the law will be invoked against commandment keepers. They
will be threatened with fines and imprisonment, and some will be offered
positions of influence, and other rewards and advantages, as inducements to
renounce their faith. But their steadfast answer is: “Show us from the word
of God our error.” ... Those who are arraigned before the courts make a
strong vindication of the truth, and some who hear them are led to take their
stand to keep all the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought
before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths.
Conscientious obedience to the word of God will be treated as rebellion.
Blinded by Satan, the parent will exercise harshness and severity toward
the believing child; the master or mistress will oppress the commandment-
keeping servant. Affection will be alienated; children will be disinherited
and driven from home. The words of Paul will be literally fulfilled: “All
that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”
2 Timothy 3:12
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As the defenders of truth refuse to honor the Sunday-sabbath, some of
them will be thrust into prison, some will be exiled, some will be treated as
slaves....
In this time of persecution the faith of the Lord’s servants will be
tried. They have faithfully given the warning, looking to God and to His
word alone. God’s Spirit, moving upon their hearts, has constrained them
to speak.... Yet when the storm of opposition and reproach bursts upon
them, some, overwhelmed with consternation, will be ready to exclaim:
“Had we foreseen the consequences of our words, we would have held our
peace.” They are hedged in with difficulties. Satan assails them with fierce
temptations. The work which they have undertaken seems far beyond their
ability to accomplish. They are threatened with destruction. The enthusiasm
which animated them is gone; yet they cannot turn back. Then, feeling their
utter helplessness, they flee to the Mighty One for strength.
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