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Counsels for the Church
spot before God—candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren
and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time,
merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search
the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful
solemnity of the present hour
The Sabbath the Point of Issue
The Sabbath question is to be the issue in the great final conflict
in which all the world will act a part. Men have honored Satan’s
principles above the principles that rule in the heavens. They have
accepted the spurious sabbath, which Satan has exalted as the sign of
his authority. But God has set His seal upon His royal requirement.
Each sabbath institution bears the name of its author, an ineffaceable
mark that shows the authority of each. It is our work to lead the people
to understand this. We are to show them that it is of vital consequence
whether they bear the mark of God’s kingdom or the mark of the
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kingdom of rebellion, for they acknowledge themselves subjects of
the kingdom whose mark they bear. God has called us to uplift the
standard of His downtrodden Sabbath
The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages
past is still seeking to rid the earth of those who fear God and obey His
law. Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who
conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. 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 overthrow their
faith. By false representations and angry appeals they 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 a Sunday law. Those
who fear God cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of
the Decalogue. On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the
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Testimonies for the Church 5:209, 212-216
595
Testimonies for the Church 6:352