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The Great Controversy 1888
and therefore that religion was sufficient for salvation. Such reasoning
would prove an effectual barrier to all advancement in religious faith
or practice.
Many urged that Sunday-keeping had been an established doctrine
and a widespread custom of the church for many centuries. Against
this argument it was shown that the Sabbath and its observance were
more ancient and widespread, even as old as the world itself, and
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bearing the sanction both of angels and of God. When the foundations
of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together, and
all the sons of God shouted for joy, then was laid the foundation of
the Sabbath. [
Job 38:6, 7
;
Genesis 2:1-3
.] Well may this institution
demand our reverence: it was ordained by no human authority, and
rests upon no human traditions; it was established by the Ancient of
days, and commanded by his eternal word.
As the attention of the people was called to the subject of Sab-
bath reform, popular ministers perverted the Word of God, placing
such interpretations upon its testimony as would best quiet inquiring
minds. And those who did not search the Scriptures for themselves
were content to accept conclusions that were in accordance with their
desires. By argument, sophistry, the traditions of the Fathers, and
the authority of the church, many endeavored to overthrow the truth.
Its advocates were driven to their Bibles to defend the validity of the
fourth commandment. Humble men, armed with the Word of truth
alone, withstood the attacks of men of learning, who, with surprise
and anger, found their eloquent sophistry powerless against the simple,
straightforward reasoning of men who were versed in the Scriptures
rather than in the subtleties of the schools.
In the absence of Bible testimony in their favor, many with un-
wearying persistence urged,—forgetting how the same reasoning had
been employed against Christ and his apostles,—“Why do not our
great men understand this Sabbath question? But few believe as you
do. It cannot be that you are right, and that all the men of learning in
the world are wrong.”
To refute such arguments it was needful only to cite the teachings of
the Scriptures and the history of the Lord’s dealings with his people in
all ages. God works through those who hear and obey his voice, those
who will, if need be, speak unpalatable truths, those who do not fear
to reprove popular sins. The reason why he does not oftener choose
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