They [the wicked people of the world] declared that they had the TRUTH, that miracles were among them, that angels from heaven talked with them and walked with them, that great power and signs and wonders were performed among them, and that this was the temporal millennium they had been expecting so long. The whole world was converted and in harmony with the SUNDAY LAW, and this LITTLE FEEBLE PEOPLE stood out in defiance of the laws of the land and the LAW OF GOD, and claimed to be the only ones right on the earth. {Lt6-1884}
It will not do for those who labor among the colored people to preach the TRUTH as boldly and openly as they would be free to do in other places. Even CHRIST clothed HIS LESSONS in FIGURES and PARABLES to avoid the opposition of the Pharisees. When the colored people feel that they have the WORD OF GOD in regard to the SABBATH question, and the sanction of those who brought them the TRUTH, some who are impulsive will take the opportunity to defy the SUNDAY LAWS, and by a presumptuous defiance of their oppressors they will bring to themselves much sorrow. Very faithfully the colored people must be instructed to be like CHRIST, to patiently suffer wrongs, that they may help their fellow men to see the LIGHT of TRUTH. {SW 69.3 1882-1889}
The TEST will surely come. Thirty-six years ago I was shown that what is now transpiring would take place, that the observance of an institution of the papacy would be ENFORCED UPON the PEOPLE by a SUNDAY LAW, while the SANCTIFIED REST DAY of JEHOVAH would be TRAMPLED UNDERFOOT. {5T 137.1 1882-1889}
The same masterful mind [spirit] 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 controversy between TRUTH and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Now, as in the days of Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate HIS TRUTH and HIS PEOPLE. {5T 450.2 1882-1889}
There are many, even of those engaged in this movement for SUNDAY ENFORCEMENT, who are blinded to the results which will follow this action. They do not see that they are striking directly against religious liberty. There are many who have never understood the claims of the BIBLE SABBATH and the false foundation upon which the Sunday institution rests. Any movement in favor of religious legislation is really an act of concession to the papacy, which for so many ages has steadily warred against liberty of conscience. Sunday observance owes its existence as a so-called Christian institution to “the mystery of iniquity;” and its enforcement will be a virtual recognition of the principles which are the very cornerstone of Romanism. When our nation shall so abjure the principles of its government as to enact a SUNDAY LAW, PROTESTANTISM WILL in this act JOIN HANDS WITH POPERY; it will be nothing else than giving life to the tyranny which has long been eagerly watching its opportunity to spring again into active despotism. {5T 711.4 1882-1889}
We as a people have not accomplished the work which GOD has committed to us. We are NOT READY for the issue to which the ENFORCEMENT of the SUNDAY LAW will bring us. It is our duty, as we see the signs of approaching peril, to arouse to action. Let none sit in calm expectation of the evil, comforting themselves with the belief that this work must go on because PROPHECY has foretold it, and that the Lord will SHELTER HIS PEOPLE. We are not doing the WILL of GOD if we sit in quietude, doing nothing to preserve liberty of conscience. FERVENT, EFFECTUAL PRAYER should be ascending to heaven that this CALAMITY may be DEFERRED until we can ACCOMPLISH the WORK which has so long been neglected. Let there be MOST EARNEST PRAYER, and then let us WORK in HARMONY with OUR PRAYERS. It may appear that Satan is triumphant and that TRUTH is overborne with falsehood and error; the PEOPLE over whom GOD has spread HIS SHIELD, and the country which has been an asylum for the conscience-oppressed SERVANTS of GOD and defenders of HIS TRUTH, may be placed in jeopardy. But GOD would have us recall HIS DEALINGS with HIS PEOPLE in the past to save them from their enemies. He has always chosen extremities, when there seemed no possible chance for deliverance from Satan’s workings, for the manifestation of HIS POWER. Man’s necessity is GOD’S OPPORTUNITY. It may be that a respite may yet be granted for GOD’S PEOPLE to awake and let their light shine. If the presence of ten righteous persons would have saved the wicked cities of the plain, is it not possible that GOD will yet, in answer to the PRAYERS of HIS PEOPLE, hold in check the workings of those who are making void HIS LAW? Shall we not humble our hearts greatly before GOD, flee to the MERCY SEAT, and plead with Him to reveal HIS MIGHTY POWER? {5T 713.4 1882-1889}
We have been looking many years for a SUNDAY LAW to be enacted in our land; and, now that the movement is right upon us, we ask: Will our people do their duty in the matter? Can we not assist in lifting the standard and in calling to the front those who have a regard for their religious rights and privileges? The time is fast approaching when those who choose to OBEY GOD rather than man will be made to FEEL the HAND of OPPRESSION. Shall we then DISHONOR GOD by KEEPING SILENT while HIS HOLY COMMANDMENTS are TRODDEN UNDERFOOT? {5T 716.1 1882-1889}
I have been much burdened in regard to movements that are now in progress for the ENFORCEMENT of SUNDAY OBSERVANCE. It has been shown to me that Satan has been working earnestly to carry out his designs to RESTRICT RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. Plans of serious import to the PEOPLE of GOD are advancing in an underhand manner among the clergymen of various denominations, and the object of this secret maneuvering is to win popular favor for the ENFORCEMENT of SUNDAY SACREDNESS. If the PEOPLE can be LED to FAVOR a SUNDAY LAW, then the clergy intend to exert their united influence to OBTAIN a RELIGIOUS AMENDMENT to the CONSTITUTION and COMPEL the NATION to KEEP SUNDAY. {Ms18-1888}
I never saw the time when we needed more the POWER of GOD in our souls. There is a crisis at hand. In place of the LAW of the TEN COMMANDMENTS will be shoved in the SUNDAY LAW. This crisis is coming upon us. This nation that has been blessed so many years with liberty and prosperity; this nation that has enjoyed religious liberty so far beyond that of other nations until it has become an asylum for the oppressed; this nation that GOD has given advantages over every other nation on the face of the earth; this nation that GOD has honored and blessed; what are the people of this nation doing? {Ms20-1888}
… Should our nation abjure the principles of Protestantism, to give countenance and sanction to the SUNDAY LAW, they will in this act JOIN HANDS with POPERY; for it will be nothing else than giving life to the tyranny which has been eagerly waiting and watching its opportunity to spring into active despotism. And now, as this evil is on the point of realization, it is the BUSINESS of ALL BELIEVERS in the BIBLE to AROUSE. {RH, December 11, 1888 par. 4}
… Do you realize that the night will soon come, when NO MAN CAN WORK? Have you that intensity of zeal, that piety and devotion, which will enable you to STAND when OPPOSITION is brought upon you? If GOD has ever spoken by me, the time will come when WE SHALL BE BROUGHT BEFORE COUNCILS, and EVERY POSITION of TRUTH which we hold will be SEVERELY CRITICISED. The time that we are now allowing to go to waste should be devoted to the charge GOD has given us, of preparing for the approaching crisis. MUCH TIME SHOULD BE SPENT IN PRAYER, that our GARMENTS of CHARACTER may be washed and made white in the BLOOD of the LAMB. {RH, December 11, 1888 par. 17}
A time is coming when the LAW OF GOD is, in a special sense, to be MADE VOID in our land. The RULERS of our NATION will, by LEGISLATIVE ENACTMENTS, enforce the SUNDAY LAW, and thus GOD’S PEOPLE be brought into GREAT PERIL. When our nation, in its legislative councils, shall enact laws to bind the consciences of men in regard to their religious privileges, ENFORCING SUNDAY OBSERVANCE, and bringing OPPRESSIVE POWER to bear against those who KEEP the SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH, the LAW OF GOD will, to all intents and purposes, be MADE VOID in our land; and NATIONAL APOSTASY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY NATIONAL RUIN. We see that those who are now KEEPING the COMMANDMENTS of GOD need to BESTIR themselves, that they may obtain the SPECIAL HELP which GOD alone can give them. They should WORK MORE EARNESTLY to DELAY as long as possible the THREATENED CALAMITY. If, in our land of boasted freedom, a Protestant government should sacrifice every principle which enters into its Constitution, and propagate papal falsehood and delusion, well may we plead, “It is time for thee, Lord, to work, for they have made void thy law.” Some may think that because it has been revealed in prophecy that our nation shall restrict the consciences of men, it must surely come; and that if we make an effort to preserve our liberty, we shall be acting the part of unfaithful servants, and thus come under the CONDEMNATION of GOD. {RH, December 18, 1888 par. 6}
If the decision is made that our people shall NOT LABOR on SUNDAY and that our brethren in the Southern States shall appear to harmonize with the SUNDAY LAW, because of oppression, how long before all over the world [our people] shall be in like circumstances as they are in the South? The DECISION is to be a UNIVERSAL ONE. If it comes to the light of day, as it will in degrees, and there will be concessions and servile bowing to an idol god by those who claim to be Sabbathkeepers, there will be a yielding of principles until all is lost to them. {Ms6-1889}
We are NOT READY for this GREAT ISSUE to which the ENFORCEMENT of the SUNDAY LAW will bring us. Let the MEMBERS of our churches BECOME MISSIONARIES for the MASTER; let them not linger in ease and indifference; but let them go forth to WORK for GOD. Their spiritual muscles have been nearly palsied with inaction. Go without the camp, bearing the REPROACH for CHRIST and the TRUTH. Work today in the Lord’s vineyard. Go out into the highways and hedges, and stir up the people to investigate the TRUTH. Woe to all who profess to walk in the light, yet who are at ease in Zion. They absorb the GOD-GIVEN RAYS of RIGHTEOUSNESS, but do not diffuse the light to others. The parable of the faithless servant who hid his Lord’s money, condemns them, and they are classed among those who refuse to be co-laborers with JESUS CHRIST, selfishly caring for their own ease, and leaving those for whom CHRIST has died, to perish without the KNOWLEDGE of the TRUTH which GOD has graciously given to them. Those who have been the receivers of spiritual light, may become the receptacles of darkness, to whom the WORDS of CHRIST are applicable, “If therefore the light which is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” {RH, January 1, 1889 par. 18}
The same spirit of opposition in regard to the SUNDAY LAW will make as deep a mark here as in America. “GOD’S HAND is not shortened that it cannot save, HIS EAR is not heavy that it cannot hear.” But who is it that has the Lord’s money? All the efforts we can make are useless without money and workers. We must not have our hands tied. It is so essential to get the leaven into the meal, and Satan is making his super-human efforts to keep the leaven out by keeping the door closed. I feel intensely over this subject. Shall the warnings and the good news, the glad tidings of great joy, of what is TRUTH be proclaimed to the people? CHRIST by the virtue of HIS BLOOD that cleanseth from all sin is drawing them to obedience, and no one is at work in these places. {Lt59a-1893}
Our brethren Firth from Kellyville, who were ARRAIGNED for BREAKING the SUNDAY LAW, were today SENTENCED by the COURT either to pay the fine of five shillings, or to be placed in the stocks. They brought an old law made in Charles the Second’s time to bear upon this case of Sunday breaking. Our brethren refused to pay the fine, and therefore will be put in the stocks. But as the people have been [so] well behaved in New South Wales, these instruments of torture have fallen into disuse, and there are no such instruments as stocks at the command of the prosecutors. The stocks will have to be made for the occasion to punish the heinous crime of working on the first day of the week. {Lt79-1894}
We are having interesting times for all in Australia. The PRESSURE of the SUNDAY LAW has come and is coming. It has been ORDERED that ALL STORES shall be CLOSED on SUNDAY, and this is being RIGIDLY ENFORCED. The government is TRYING to have GOD ACKNOWLEDGED in the CONSTITUTION. Our people are making just as vigorous a stand as possible that it shall not be. They have been securing names to a petition to this effect. We can see that that which we have been talking about for the last thirty-five years—this law causing the Sunday to be exalted and making human inventions take the place of GOD’S HOLY DAY—is now being fulfilled. There is much excitement now in regard to these matters. {Lt28-1897}
We have never had a doubt in regard to this being the right place for us to locate our school. I am trying to get our brethren to get out of the cities on a piece of land and be prepared to raise their own produce. This they will have to do. The SUNDAY LAWS have been PASSED, and just as stringent as a people ignorant of the LAWS of GOD can make them. We must be prepared for any emergency. The churches are making history fast. We must be MORE OFT at the FOOTSTOOL of MERCY, PLEADING with GOD. WALK HUMBLY with GOD, but do not manifest a craven spirit but a SPIRIT of DEPENDENCE upon GOD as one who BELIEVES and TRUSTS in GOD. The Lord is our TRUST and the crown of our rejoicing. Walk in the way of the Lord and you will walk securely. I must close, for my head will not work. {Lt177-1897}
There should be every effort to reach the W.C.T.U. [Woman’s Christian Temperance Union]. There are many souls beloved of GOD who can be reached if they are approached as sisters in CHRIST JESUS, doing what they can. There is no need to broach the SABBATH question, for this would close the door to many hearts; but come close to them, unite with them in labor wherever it is wise to do this. This will open points of difference in regard to the SUNDAY LAW. Then explain by reading a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” The eyes of many of them are blinded. They are in HONEST DECEPTION. They NEED LIGHT upon this great question. The subject of reforms will naturally come in, and various opinions arise; but let them understand that Seventh-day Adventists will work in connection with them as far as possible in the good work they are doing, and thus give them an opportunity to become acquainted with the Sabbathkeeping people whom they are, many of them, opposing. {Ms74-1898}
Then there are other things that they may draw the line on, but we are not ready for the line to be drawn here in regard to the SUNDAY LAW. You just go to work, everyone of you, to disappoint the devil and see how much you can do, how many souls you can bring into the TRUTH. {Ms163-1898}
Satan puts his interpretation upon events, and they think, as he would have them, that the calamities which fill the land are a result of Sunday-breaking. Thinking to appease the WRATH of GOD, these influential men make LAWS ENFORCING SUNDAY OBSERVANCE. They think that by exalting this false rest day higher and still higher, compelling obedience to the SUNDAY LAW, the spurious sabbath, they are doing GOD service. Those who HONOR GOD by observing the TRUE SABBATH are looked upon as DISLOYAL to GOD, when it is really those who thus regard them who are themselves disloyal, because they are TRAMPLING under FOOT the SABBATH ORIGINATED in EDEN. {Ms85-1899}
It will be impossible to keep patients from inquiring in regard to our faith. There are those who HUNGER and THIRST for TRUTH, and such ones will find it. That is why we want our institution established at once. We wish it would have been established before the LEGISLATION on SUNDAY LAWS, for we think that if it had, many eyes would have been opened, and many souls would have pursued a right course. {Ms111-1899}
John’s prophetic eye sees a company who have not the mark of the beast. As he beholds them, he exclaims, “Here is the PATIENCE of the SAINTS: here are they that KEEP the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, and the FAITH of JESUS.” Two parties are brought into view: one KEEPING the COMMANDMENTS of GOD, in distinction from the one breaking HIS COMMANDMENTS, enforcing the Sunday sabbath, and COMPELLING the people to CONFORM to the SUNDAY LAW. Through union with opposers of the SABBATH of the FOURTH COMMANDMENT—the SEVENTH DAY SABBATH—men will receive the MARK of the BEAST. And all who have that MARK will perish with the man of sin, who makes VOID the LAW OF GOD. {Lt118-1900}
Many who are working for SUNDAY ENFORCEMENT have never understood the claims of the BIBLE SABBATH, and the false foundation on which the Sunday institution rests. And they are BLINDED to the results of SUNDAY LEGISLATION. They do not see that it would be a blow against religious liberty. But any movement in favor of religious legislation is really an act of concession to the Papacy, which for so many ages has steadily warred against liberty of conscience. Sunday owes its existence as a so-called Christian institution to the “mystery of iniquity;” and its enforcement will be a virtual recognition of the principles which are the very corner-stone of Romanism. When our nation shall so abjure the principles of its government as to ENACT a SUNDAY LAW, PROTESTANTISM will in this act JOIN HANDS with the PAPACY; it will be giving life to the tyranny which has long been eagerly watching its opportunity to spring again into active despotism. {ST, November 28, 1900 par. 2}
I will try to answer your question as to what you should do in the case of SUNDAY LAWS’ being ENFORCED. {Lt132-1902}
The light given me by the Lord at a time when we were expecting just such a crisis as you seem to be approaching was that, when people were moved by a power from beneath to ENFORCE SUNDAY OBSERVANCE, Seventh-day Adventists were to show their wisdom by REFRAINING FROM WORK on that day, devoting it to MISSIONARY EFFORT. {Lt132-1902}
When we DEVOTE SUNDAY to MISSIONARY WORK, the whip will be taken out of the hands of the arbitrary zealots who would be well pleased to humiliate Seventh-day Adventist. When they see that we employ ourselves on Sunday in VISITING the PEOPLE and OPENING the SCRIPTURES to them, they will know that it is useless for them to try to hinder our work by making SUNDAY LAWS. {Lt132-1902}
When the SUNDAY LAWS were being enforced in Australia, our brethren who were connected with the school came to me for counsel. “Sister White,” they inquired, “what shall we do? Shall we work on Sunday just the same as heretofore?” I replied, “Sunday is the best day of the week on which to do MISSIONARY WORK. Let teachers and students devote this day to GOD. Divide the surrounding country into districts, assign a company to every district, and then visit the people every Sunday. Do MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK. Such work will not excite opposition, and no one can prosecute you for doing it on Sunday.” We are not to do anything that will bring upon us the displeasure of men before we have given them the warning message. We have a great work to do, and just as long as possible we should avoid exciting opposition that will hinder us in the accomplishment of this work. Is not this good policy, Judge Arthur? {Ms93-1902}
It is the reign of antichrist. GOD’S LAW is SET ASIDE. The SCRIPTURES are EXCHANGED for the traditions of men. Satan has become the ruler of the world; and in his hands temptation has become a science. He rules over a vast, well-organized empire. Sin has stimulated his followers into fearful activity. Men have combined to perpetuate evil. The sale of intoxicating liquor, destructive alike to soul and body, is legalized by Christian governments. And those who authorize the sale of that which makes men demons make SUNDAY LAWS, which they give to the world under the solemn name of religion. GOD’S PEOPLE are to show their LOYALTY to HIM by KEEPING HOLY the DAY of HIS REST. They are to work earnestly to set in operation influences that will counterwork the efforts that Satan is making. The LIGHT of TRUTH is to be shed abroad in the earth. GOD’S LAW is to be PROCLAIMED. An intense interest in the MESSAGE of PRESENT TRUTH is to be awakened. {Ms166-1902}
In the very time in which we live, the Lord has called HIS PEOPLE and has given them a message to bear. He has called them to EXPOSE the WICKEDNESS of the man of sin who has made the SUNDAY LAW a distinctive power, who has thought to change times and laws, and to oppress the PEOPLE of GOD who stand firmly to HONOR HIM by KEEPING the ONLY TRUE SABBATH, the SABBATH of CREATION, as HOLY unto the LORD. He has called them to BEAR the SIGN of GOD, to EXALT the LORD in KEEPING HOLY HIS LAW; for it is a TRANSCRIPT of HIS CHARACTER. No part of the LAW OF GOD and their COVENANT OBLIGATION to KEEP that LAW HOLY is to lose its binding claims upon all the world. Those who have had the light upon KEEPING the LAW of JEHOVAH are to STAND FIRMLY in the FAITH, and to MAKE that LIGHT SHINE FORTH in CLEAR, DISTINCT RAYS. {Ms139-1903}
The Middletown meeting was a profitable one to all who had ears to hear. SABBATH was a precious day. The tent was well filled at the afternoon service. After the meeting, one of our ministers said, “I fear there will not be so many out tomorrow; for Connecticut is the Blue-law State, and the people may think they are breaking the SUNDAY LAWS by attending a camp-meeting service instead of going to their own church.” I said, “Instead of talking unbelief, let us tell the Lord how greatly we desire that the people may hear the TRUTH.” {Lt293-1904}
I have spoken here on SABBATH and Sunday. They have an excellent new tent—very large. The camp is small. This morning two of our brethren came to my room and had a few words of conversation with me, and they expressed their fears that today there would be but few out. The SUNDAY LAWS are after the old blue laws of Connecticut, and the remark was made that they might consider it sin to come to our meeting on Sunday. But all were surprised to see the people crowding in so that seats had to be provided for a large number, and then quite a number stood up around the tent. I saw before me the nice, large new tent filled with intelligent- looking people, first class in appearance. I spoke from (1 John 3); I carried the matter of temperance strongly, yet the interest did not flag. I am so thankful the Lord strengthened me by HIS GREAT POWER. {Lt380-1904}
What shall we do, says one, when the SUNDAY LAW is passed? Why, said I, devote that day to GOD. Take your students and go right into the bush, as they call it, go right into the woods, and from house to house carry your BIBLE, and there teach them the way of life. Kneel down and pray. Ask them to come to JESUS. Teach them the way. Then say to them, just as CHRIST has said, “Come unto Me, all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” “Now,” said I, “you teach them every Sunday; teach them on the SABBATH, of course, but every Sunday donate to GOD, and teach them how they can find the way to heaven. {Ms153-1904}
In Australia the news came that a SUNDAY LAW was going to be ENFORCED, and NOBODY WAS TO WORK. Well, we were very careful to get on the right side of the officers, and when we had our fruit orchard, we would get some of the fruit, and we would take it to those who were in the legislature, and we would distribute these all around. Every time we would get on the cars we would say, “O what a feast we had on what you sent us!” Then our people said, “What are we going to do, if these should come with the SUNDAY LAW and close us our work?” “Well, it is not here yet,” we said, “and while it is not here, for Christ’s sake, go to work, and do everything that you can.” “But these officers, they ride around here every day.” “Yes,” said I, “but they do not see you. We have tried to make friends with them, and they do not see that you are working, they do not make any report. {Ms165-1904}
GOD wants us to WORK HARD while we are favored. I have been so fearful lest some SUNDAY LAW would close up our work so that we could not do all we wanted to do; I have felt so, that I could not sleep. But the BLESSING of GOD came upon me one night when I felt that I was in this terrible condition. It seemed as though my mind had been on a strain. Why? Because I was human. I KNELT DOWN before GOD and said, “Now, here I am, I have gone to the very extent of my mind’s power. I have carried this burden day and night. For weeks I had not slept after twelve o’clock. And for four weeks I had not slept until twelve o’clock. Now, Lord, You know I cannot do any more. I cast my helpless soul on Thee; save for me my brain. I am willing to suffer in any part of the body, but save me my brain. I must write. I must have my mind.” {Ms165-1904}
As we work with all our might, our TRUST must be in GOD. Sooner or later SUNDAY LAWS will be passed. But there is much for GOD’S SERVANTS to do to WARN THE PEOPLE. This work has been greatly retarded by their having to wait and stand against the devisings of Satan, which have been striving to find a place in our work. We are years behind. GOD calls upon HIS WORKERS to HUMBLE themselves before HIM and PUT AWAY EVERY SIN. HE calls upon them to hold fast to the word, “It is written,” and PUT AWAY ALL INFIDELITY. We are to HUMBLE ourselves before the Lord, and at the same time we are to be as FIRM as a ROCK to PRINCIPLE. {Lt21-1905}
The work has been begun in Washington, D.C., none too soon. It should have been started there twenty-five years ago. At present there is a STRONG AGITATION in favor of a SUNDAY LAW for the District of Columbia, and our workers are laboring with all their might to present the FACTS regarding the BIBLE SABBATH and to prevent the ENFORCEMENT of a SUNDAY LAW. The daily papers are publishing articles on both sides of the question. {Lt29-1905}
And then they asked us, What will you do now when the SUNDAY LAW is carried into execution? Said I, I have got that all mapped out in my mind what I will do, and what I will advise you to do. Make Sunday a MISSIONARY DAY. Go right out from house to house and carry the publications, not the trash of the world, but CARRY THE PUBLICATIONS THAT WILL TEACH THEM HOW TO OBTAIN ETERNAL LIFE. You are giving them in thus doing an opportunity to read and to inform themselves. {Ms193-1905}
When ‘Patriarchs and Prophets’ was first issued, it was neglected for a book easy to sell and more profitable to the publishers. Many of our people have been blind to the importance of the very books that were most needed. Had tact and skill then been shown in the sale of these books, the SUNDAY LAW movement would not be where it is today. {RH, February 16, 1905 par. 11}
Now is our time to press to the front in Washington. As we work with all our might, OUR TRUST MUST BE in GOD. Sooner or later SUNDAY LAWS will be passed. But there is much for GOD’S SERVANTS to do to WARN THE PEOPLE. This work has been greatly retarded by their having to wait and stand against the devisings of Satan, which have been striving to find a place in our work. We are years behind. {PH055 37.1 1905}
I have received from Brother Colcord a letter regarding his work. I do hope that the trumpet will give a certain sound in regard to this SUNDAY LAW movement. I think that it would be best if in our papers the subject of the PERPETUITY of the LAW OF GOD were made a specialty. Should there not be a paper or a pamphlet issued to take the place of the Sentinel? I have not been able to think that it was the wise thing to do to let that paper drop. It was a voice that was constantly speaking in defense of RELIGIOUS LIBERTY. The TRUTH should be PRESENTED in SHORT ARTICLES in CLEAR, DISTINCT LINES, giving SPECIAL POINTS in regard to the LORD’S SABBATH and showing that those who frame laws to compel the observance of the first day of the week are disloyal to the Lord of heaven, who placed HIS SANCTITY upon the SEVENTH DAY. Are we doing all we can to EXALT the LAW of JEHOVAH? {Lt58-1906}
We should now be doing our very best to defeat this SUNDAY LAW. The best way to do this will be to lift up the LAW OF GOD and make it stand forth in all its SACREDNESS. This must be done if the TRUTH triumphs. {Lt58-1906}
Had our churches heeded the WORDS of the LORD’S MESSENGER, given them by pen and voice, had they taken their position as TRUE BELIEVERS, we should have seen a most wonderful ingathering, which would have convinced the world that we have the TRUTH. The LAW OF GOD would have been MAGNIFIED. And the SUNDAY LAW, which leading men are trying to bring in, could have had little influence. But hindrances in the very midst of us have worked counter to the PURPOSES of GOD. My heart is almost broken as I think of what the Lord has opened to me in regard to what might have been, but is not. {Lt58-1906}
The effort that is being made to press through the SUNDAY LAW should be vigorously met; for we are not ready for that issue. The crisis is right upon us, and soon the last issue will have to be met. Every talent held in trust by GOD’S PEOPLE should now be employed to ADVOCATE the TRUTH as it is in JESUS, to cause it to stand before the world in clear lines. {Lt72-1906}
We are nearing the close of this earth’s history. There are some matters that will move very rapidly now. Determined efforts are being made to put the SUNDAY LAW in operation, and we have not a very flattering prospect before us. As a people, we must now be prepared in all our churches for the crisis. {Lt372-1906}
We are now coming to the place where there will be SUNDAY LAWS to be met. The TEST is fast coming upon the people of the world. We have a great work to do. Not all the strength and talent and ability of our workers are to be spent in conducting restaurants or in handling health foods. The LORD JESUS did not give light upon health foods in order that men might claim to be owners of the receipts for these foods. Those who know how to make these foods ought to give the impression that it is the Lord who is the donor of all our good. The health foods should not become a means of speculation for the greedy and the selfish. They should be looked upon as a means of helping the poor, not as a means of enriching a few parties. It is not the Lord’s purpose or HIS PLAN that the health foods should be so expensive that the poor cannot afford to use them. I have much to say upon this subject, but have not time now to write more than a few things. {Lt372-1906}
I expect to see sharp work in the future. Close and trying tests are coming. I am making an urgent appeal to the LORD’S PEOPLE to bring HIS GOODS into the treasury that our work may broaden and increase, attaining a high degree of sanctification. I am calling for liberal contributions to be made in all countries, that the TRUTH may be placed before the people. If, years ago, we had been more zealous, we should have forestalled the enemy in reference to the SUNDAY LAWS. In every country a work should be done similar to the work that elder Simpson is doing, but this work will require means. We MUST PRAY, brethren and sisters. We must WORK UNTIRINGLY against the enemy. We must MAKE PLAIN the WORDS of TRUTH. The BIBLE explains the BIBLE, and fewer of men’s words and more of the WORDS of SCRIPTURE will have tenfold greater influence. We need now, as a people, the SANCTIFICATION of the HOLY SPIRIT. We must WALK HUMBLY with GOD. {Lt372-1906}
The TESTING TRUTH that must come to the people in these last days is to be set forth in CLEAR, STRAIGHT LINES. The men who are urging a SUNDAY LAW do not respect the WORD of JEHOVAH. He says, “Verily MY SABBATHS ye shall KEEP; for it is a SIGN between ME and YOU throughout your generations.” {Lt72-1907}
When W. C. White left me on the following Friday, to attend meetings in Mexico and Nashville, I feared that I was on the eve of a breakdown. Yet I felt that before leaving Loma Linda I must present to the students the light that had been given me regarding our duty as a people to PREACH the WORD of the LIVING GOD. In the night season I seemed to hear the VOICE of GOD, saying, Enter into no controversy with those who are determined to enact SUNDAY LAWS, but read to them the WORD of the LORD: {Lt408-1907}
It has come to my ears that in several important places in this part of the state, and elsewhere, there are some who are stirred up over the matter of doing all they can to enact and enforce SUNDAY LAWS. I wish to bring before you a few things that GOD has said in HIS WORD regarding the SACREDNESS and BINDING CLAIMS of the SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH, as INSTITUTED in EDEN. {Ms131-1907}
These are principles that we should keep before the people in this our day. If we WALK HUMBLY with GOD, we shall have success with the people; but we must not dally too long, lest the enemy come in like a flood against us. Already the forces of evil are at work in an effort to have enacted a SUNDAY LAW, which would bring MUCH HARDSHIP on SOME GOD-FEARING PEOPLE. {Ms131-1907}
We are to meet this issue, by PREACHING the WORD of the LIVING GOD. The WORD is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword. As we present the SABBATH TRUTH direct from the WORD of GOD, tracing it through from CREATION to the NEW EARTH, the TESTIMONY of the LIVING GOD, as recorded in HIS WORD, will have a powerful effect on those who hear. Our strength in meeting the Sunday-law issue is to be found in bringing to the attention of the people a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” {Ms131-1907}
Then they came and said, The officers have been around. Here is the SUNDAY LAW and the officers have been around watching to see what they could see. Said I, Tell them not to be afraid. I am well acquainted with these officers. I know them, and they are sensible men, and they never will bring you before the courts. But if they do, said I, you have got a remedy; what is that? Take your BIBLE and go into the bush, as they call the woods, where the settlements are, and then you just instruct them. And they went; most every idle day that they had, they would go into the woods, and they would get a company, and they would teach them in the evening, and they worked. And we had quite a number that came out into the TRUTH from that very teaching. {Ms185-1907}
To defy the SUNDAY LAWS will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots who are seeking to enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you law-breakers. If they are left to rein up men who fear neither GOD nor man, the reining up will soon lose its novelty for them, and they will see that it is not consistent nor convenient for them to be strict in regard to the observance of Sunday. Keep right on with your work, with your BIBLES in your hands, and the enemy will see that he has worsted his own cause. One does not receive the MARK of the BEAST because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the peace by refraining from work that gives offense, doing at the same time a work of the highest importance. {RP, December 3, 1907 par. 4}
The work that is to be done for the South must be done quickly. Soon the enemy will work more openly for the passing of SUNDAY LAWS, and then OUR WORK WILL HAVE TO BE DONE UNDER GREAT DIFFICULTIES. Let workers be sent to the southern field. This is an important part of the Lord’s vineyard. In some of the large cities, representatives of all nationalities are to be found. When these are CONVERTED to the TRUTH, they will labor for their own people, and thus the work will continually broaden. {Lt170-1908}
Here the WORD OF GOD plainly specifies the day that should be KEPT HOLY, the SEVENTH DAY; and yet we see a work being carried on by ministers, physicians, lawyers, and rulers that will result in the enforcing of a SUNDAY LAW. Will not GOD punish for this rebellion? He will surely punish, as is represented in the words that I have copied. {Lt254-1908}
Satan, Lucifer, will work out his determined efforts to bring in and exalt a SUNDAY LAW, which he will in every way possible seek to establish. It is not enough that we avoid glaring dangers and perilous, inconsistent movements. WE ARE TO BE WIDE-AWAKE. Lucifer, who has entered largely into commercialism, will work on that line, for he lost his position in the heavenly courts and was expelled to our world. Unless every church will receive the warning and be on guard, we shall imperil our souls by departing from the SIMPLICITY of TRUE GODLINESS. Unnumbered deceptions will be clothed with the garments of truth; unless our ministers and our physicians and our teachers in every line arouse themselves, they will be overcome. Some who are not watching will be taken in the snare of Satan’s devising. In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples were warned, “Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.” Now is our time to watch unto prayer, lest we be found sleeping when we should be wide-awake. {Ms133-1908}
There is work for all to do in order that the SIMPLE TRUTHS of the WORD OF GOD may be made known. The WORDS of SCRIPTURE should be printed and published just as they read. It would be well if the NINETEENTH and the GREATER PORTION OF THE TWENTIETH CHAPTERS OF EXODUS, with VERSES TWELVE TO EIGHTEEN OF THE THIRTY-FIRST CHAPTER, were printed just as they stand. Crowd these TRUTHS into SMALL BOOKS and PAMPHLETS, and let the WORD OF GOD speak to the people. When a discourse concerning the law is preached that is right to the point, if you have any means of doing so, get it into a printed leaflet. Then when those who plead for SUNDAY LAWS meet you, place these leaflets in their hands. Tell them that you have no discussion over the Sunday question; for you have a plain “Thus saith the Lord” for the KEEPING of the SEVENTH DAY. {RH, March 26, 1908 par. 9}
I am instructed to say to our people throughout the cities of the South: Let everything be done under the direction of the Lord. The work is nearing its close. We are nearer the end than when we first believed. Satan is doing his best to block the way to the progress of the message. He is putting forth efforts to bring about the ENACTMENT of a SUNDAY LAW, which will result in slavery in the southern field and will close the door to the observance of the TRUE SABBATH which GOD has given to men to KEEP HOLY. The LAW which HE came down from heaven to Mt. Sinai to proclaim is to be OBSERVED BY ALL who would identify themselves with the PEOPLE of GOD. Please read and re-read the fourth chapter of Deuteronomy. The whole chapter should be given careful study by those who would be numbered with GOD’S COVENANT-KEEPING PEOPLE. {Lt6-1909}
You should feel a decided responsibility for the working of New York City. The men in the business houses of New York and other large cities, as verily as the heathen in foreign lands, must be reached with the message. The enemy would be rejoiced to see the grand, saving TRUTH for this time confined to a few places. He is not inactive. He is instilling into the minds of men his deceptive theories to blind their eyes and confuse their understanding, that the saving TRUTH may not be brought to their knowledge. Soon the SUNDAY LAWS will be ENFORCED, and men in positions of trust will be EMBITTERED against the LITTLE HANDFUL of GOD’S COMMANDMENT-KEEPING PEOPLE. Satan seems to have been permitted to gain many points of advantage. But the Lord will bring men of understanding from the various churches to combat the enforcement of a law that the first day of the week shall be honored as a day when NO BUSINESS shall be TRANSACTED. {Lt143-1909} & {Lt168-1909}
During the past night I seemed to be enumerating in my mind the evidences we have to substantiate the faith we hold. We see that seducers are waxing worse and worse. We see the world working to the point of establishing by law a false sabbath and making it a test for all. This question will soon be before us. GOD’S SABBATH will be TRAMPLED under FOOT and a false sabbath will be exalted. In this SUNDAY LAW there is POSSIBILITY FOR GREAT SUFFERING to those who OBSERVE the SEVENTH DAY. The working out of Satan’s plans will bring PERSECUTION to the PEOPLE of GOD. But the FAITHFUL SERVANTS of GOD need not fear the outcome of the conflict. If they will FOLLOW THE PATTERN set for them in the LIFE of CHRIST, if they will be TRUE to the REQUIREMENTS of GOD, their reward will be ETERNAL LIFE, a LIFE that measures with the LIFE of GOD. {Ms11-1909}
Sunday can be used for carrying forward various lines of work that will accomplish much for the Lord. On this day OPEN-AIR MEETINGS and COTTAGE MEETINGS can be held. HOUSE-TO-HOUSE WORK can be done. Those who write can devote this day to WRITING THEIR ARTICLES. Whenever it is possible, let RELIGIOUS SERVICES be HELD on Sunday. Make these meetings intensely interesting. SING GENUINE REVIVAL HYMNS, and SPEAK with POWER and ASSURANCE of the SAVIOUR’S LOVE. SPEAK on TEMPERANCE and on TRUE RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE. You will thus learn much about how to work, and will reach many souls. {9T 233.1 1909}
