156 Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists
the way of the Lord.” And this was why such great blessings were
pronounced upon him and his posterity.
Our brethren cannot expect the approval of God while they place
their children where it is impossible for them to obey the fourth com-
mandment. They should endeavor to make some arrangement with the
authorities whereby the children shall be excused from attendance at
school upon the seventh day. If this fails, then their duty is plain, to
obey God’s requirements at whatever cost. In some places in Central
Europe, persons have been fined and imprisoned for not sending their
children to school on the Sabbath. In one place, after a brother had
plainly stated his faith, an officer of justice came to his door, and
compelled the children to go to school. The parents gave them a
Bible instead of their usual text-books, and their time was spent in
studying it. But wherever it can be done, our people should establish
schools of their own. Where they cannot do this, they should as soon
as possible remove to some place where they can be free to keep the
commandments of God.
Some will urge that the Lord is not so particular in his requirements;
that it is not their duty to keep the Sabbath strictly at so great loss, or
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to place themselves where they will be brought in conflict with the
laws of the land. But here is just where the test is coming, whether
we will honor the law of God above the requirements of men. This is
what will distinguish between those who honor God and those who
dishonor him. Here is where we are to prove our loyalty. The history
of God’s dealings with his people in all ages shows that he demands
exact obedience.
When the destroying angel was about to pass through the land of
Egypt, and smite the first-born of both man and beast, the Israelites
were directed to bring their children into the house with them, and to
strike the door-post with blood, and none were to go out of the house;
for all that were found among the Egyptians would be destroyed with
them. Suppose an Israelite had neglected to place the sign of blood
upon his door, saying that the angel of God would be able to distinguish
between the Hebrews and the Egyptians; would the heavenly sentinels
have stood to guard that dwelling? We should take this lesson to
ourselves. Again the destroying angel is to pass through the land.
There is to be a mark placed upon God’s people, and that mark is the
keeping of his holy Sabbath. We are not to follow our own will and