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from enemies of the faith. And at that time the superficial, conservative
class, whose influence has steadily retarded the progress of the work,
will renounce the faith, and take their stand with its avowed enemies,
toward whom their sympathies have long been tending. These apos-
tates will then manifest the most bitter enmity, doing all in their power
to oppress and malign their former brethren, and to excite indigna-
tion against them. This day is just before us. The members of the
church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed
in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the
truth. Many will be called to speak before councils and in courts of
justice, perhaps separately and alone. The experience which would
have helped them in this emergency they have neglected to obtain, and
their souls are burdened with remorse for wasted opportunities and
neglected privileges.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:463
.
The Protestant world today see in the little company keeping the
Sabbath a Mordecai in the gate. His character and conduct, expressing
reverence for the law of God, are a constant rebuke to those who have
cast off the fear of the Lord, and are trampling upon His Sabbath; the
unwelcome intruder must by some means be put out of the way.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:450
.
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
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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.... On
this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between
truth and error.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:450, 451
.