CLOSING EVENTS Study 5. (New ed. 2001 - pp.53-98)
THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW, Present Day Agitation For and Progress Toward.....
by Elder Gordon Collier
Introduction
Bible References concerning the Sunday Law
Spirit of Prophecy References concerning the Sunday Law
The Sabbath will be the Great Test of the Ages
Rising Tempo of Agitation for Sunday Laws
Thirteen Organizations Promoting Sunday Laws
Protestants
Jewish
Business Organizations
Labor Unions
The Roman Catholic Church
Temperance Interests
Lawmakers (Politicians)
The Press
Civic Organizations (Chamber of Commerce)
Patriotic and Historical Organizations
The Lord’s Day Alliance in the U.S.
Satan
Progress Toward A National Sunday Law in the U.S.
Progress in Sunday Legislation in Foreign lands
Miscellaneous Quotes on Sunday Laws
Conclusion
C.E. Study 5. The National Sunday Law – Agitation For and Progress Toward. . .
by Elder Gordon Collier [ Excerpts ]
Introduction
The BIBLE, the Spirit of Prophecy, and current history present some very sober facts concerning the National Sunday Law in the United States which all would do well to ponder seriously.
1 The BIBLE
The Bible foretells that the Devil would be exceedingly furious against the church in the Last Days.
It foretells which church he would be most angry with and against which he would wage war. It would be against the church which honors God’s Law.
It foretells why Satan is angry with and fights against this church. It is because it “keeps the commandments of God,” especially the Sabbath. This plainly reveals the fact that the last great struggle will be over the Law of God, and especially the part of the Law which is controverted – The seventh-day Sabbath. Rev. 12:17
The Bible foretells the following six facts:
1 The time will come in the Last Days when a likeness of the institution of Roman Catholicism will be set up in the United States.
It is a well-known fact by nearly all that Roman Catholicism, through the ages, has been an institution which was a union of Church and State, with the Church dominating the state and using the state to force her religious observances upon all and which was an extremely intolerant, persecuting power.
This image or likeness of Roman Catholicism which will be set up in the United States will be an intolerant, persecuting power as was its model.
The likeness of the Papacy will force all by civil law, to honor the mark of Roman Catholicism which is Sunday observance.
Those who refuse to obey this law will be economically boycotted. They will be forbidden by law, to buy or sell.
It will be finally decreed that the offenders will be punished by death.
[ A world union of Church and State ]
This plainly calls for a national Sunday Law, in the United States, with the death penalty for offending.
2 The Spirit of Prophecy
The Spirit of Prophecy gives the following 25 sobering facts concerning the [coming] National Sunday Law in the United States:
The United States is the power symbolized by the Lamb-like beast of Rev. 13. This prophecy will be fulfilled in and by the United States.
Church leaders in the United States will unite to bribe, persuade, and to compel all to honor Sunday.
Church leaders will resort to civil law and oppressive enactments to compensate for the lack of divine authority in this matter.
Protestants, not Roman Catholics, will be most aggressive in the movement. [Or perhaps more likely a combination of Roman Catholic and Protestant organisations and churches. ]
Political corruption will be widespread in government in America, and its officials and legislators, in order to secure public favour and votes, will yield to the demand of the people for a law enforcing Sunday observance.
The same spirit which actuated Roman Catholic leaders and persecutors in the Dark Ages will lead Protestants to persecute those who maintain their loyalty to God.
Protestant leaders will work in disguise to bring about Sunday legislation.
Our country will repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican form of government.
Throughout America, the Papacy is building great massive institutions, as the secret dungeons of which her former persecutions and torture will be repeated.
The Sunday movement will make its way in darkness, concealment, and secrecy.
Sunday movement leaders will conceal and disguise the true issue.
Many of these leaders will not discern where their ambitions and purposes will ultimately lead them – that they will lead to religious legislation, intolerance, hatred, persecution, torture, and death for many. They do not now see that they are going contrary to God’s will, and are actually fighting against God and His cause.
Their professions will apparently be mild, innocent, lamb-like, and virtuous.
But when this movement is fully matured, it will speak with the same wrath and cruelty of the dragon [Satan] which it is imitating.
The powers of Earth will unite to war against Sabbath keepers.
The powers of Earth (separately and / or collectively – perhaps through some organizations like the United Nations) will pass a law that all shall conform to the customs of the apostate Church, and honor and observe the false, counterfeit Sabbath.
Severe civil penalties will be visited upon the dissenters. The nations of earth will finally decree that they are deserving of death.
The whole world will establish the false Sabbath by law.
This [national Sunday law] will soon be upon us. We are now entering upon it.
This will bring great persecution and suffering to the people of God. The fires of persecution will be rekindled. We will come to the most severe test, and will need to pray most earnestly every conscious moment to keep from yielding to public opinion, suffering, persecution, torture and threatened death.
The true issue, the battle upon which we are now entering is none other than the age-long controversy concerning man’s true authority – A controversy between the authority of man and the authority of God, The law of man and the law of God, the religion of the Bible and the religion of human fable and tradition. On this battle field will come Earth’s last great conflict of the age-long controversy between truth and error.
The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty which will distinguish the true followers of God from the false.
The entire Christian world will be divided into just two great classes: those who receive the mark of the beast, and those who receive the seal of God.
Those who yield and those who will honor the counterfeit Sabbath will receive the mark of the beast and will be lost.
Those who persevere and remain loyal to the Creator and His true Sabbath, will receive the seal of God and will be saved.
3 Current History
Current history confirms, verifies and corroborates Bible Prophecy and the Spirit of Prophecy.
There is increasing evidence on every side in all parts of the world that Satan is exceedingly furious with Seventh-day Adventists because they honor God’s Law and the Sabbath and disdain his [Satan’s] counterfeit law and pseudo-sabbath.
There is a tremendous movement afoot by all segments of American life to bring about the observance of Satan’s counterfeit Sabbath by law.
U.S. Protestants are leading out in this and are seeking strict enforcement of existing Sunday laws and additional and stricter Sunday laws.
They are already talking about economically boycotting those who do not fall into line.
The Sunday Law is making its way in darkness. Its leaders are disguising their true motives and are concealing the true issues, calling their Sunday laws health and welfare, social and economic measures, rather than religious [measures].
The professions of these Sunday law champions are apparently mild, innocent, harmless, and virtuous.
The Supreme Court of the United States, guardian of the Constitution, has already officially ruled that state Sunday laws are constitutional.
The powers of the earth are drawing closer together and are consolidating their forces in their common objective – to rule the world their way. The heads of nearly 50 nations of the western world are Roman Catholic. The rest will easily be brought into line.
Many countries of the world have national Sunday laws.
The evidence concerning a national Sunday Law in the United States from these three sources: the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and current history is overwhelming.
As events are rapidly shaping up with Sunday laws in the various foreign countries and in the United States [e.g. How will the recent (2017) abolition of the Johnson Amendment by President Trump promote or support the lobbying power of religious groups and organizations to push a Religio-political agenda?], it must be clear to every alert Seventh-day Adventist that the test will certainly be over the true Sabbath. And so we are backed into a corner and there is only one way to escape. It is up!
p. 59
Bible References Concerning The National Sunday Law
And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. – [Rev. 12:17]
Revelation 13:11-17 (KJV)
And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,
And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.
And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:
And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
The following is an interesting comment by Billy Graham on Rev. 13:16-18:
San Diego Union, Sept. 9, 1961
BILLY GRAHAM’S ANSWERS – BOYCOTT FORECAST IN REV.
“Question: Can you explain to me what is meant in Rev 13:16-18? This concerns me because it appears to be something that will affect all of us. L.C.
Answer: These verses of Scripture describe a certain mark of identification that is going to e required of people, but the Bible does not tell us what kind of a mark it is. It states that the mark will be on the right hand and forehead, but we are not sure what it will appear to be to the beholder. Nor is it likely it will be the changing of the Sabbath from Saturday to Sunday as you suggested in your letter.
“One thing appears to be true from this portion of Scripture. A time is coming when some kind of a boycott is going to be used to pressure people to recognize the authority of this one mentioned as the beast of Revelation.
“Whatever else it may be, one thing is for sure, it is going to be religious in its character. Therefore it is a Scripture that suggests to us some ultimate religious control that is going to influence the whole of man’s life. But it will only be temporary, because Paul wrote to the Philippian church:
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” - Philippians 2:10-11
SPIRIT OF PROPHECY REFERENCES ON THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW
The dignitaries of Church and State will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. – GC 592
It has been shown that the United States is the power represented by the beast with lamb-like horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this homage to the Papacy the United States will not be alone. The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. “I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” (verse 3). The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the Papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, “his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.” Paul states plainly that the “man of sin” will continue until the second advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the Revelator declares, also referring to the Papacy: “All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life.” [Revelation 13:8]. In both the Old and the New World, the Papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church.
Since the middle of the nineteenth century, students of prophecy in the United States have presented this testimony to the world. In the events now taking place is seen a rapid advance toward the fulfilment of the prediction. With Protestant teachers there is the same claim of divine authority for Sunday-keeping, and the same lack of Scriptural evidence, as with the Papal leaders who fabricated miracles to supply the place of a command from God. The assertion that God's judgments are visited upon men for their violation of the – GC 579
“And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” In the near future we shall see these words fulfilled as the Protestant churches unite with the world and with the Papal power against commandment keepers. The same spirit which actuated Papists in ages past will lead Protestants to pursue a similar course toward those who will maintain their loyalty to God.
Church and state are now making preparations for the future conflict. Protestants are working in disguise to bring Sunday to the front, as did the Romanists. Throughout the land the Papacy is piling up her lofty and massive structures, in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions are to be repeated.
[Chapter 51—The Coming Crisis - 5T 449-450
“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” In the near future we shall see these words fulfilled as the Protestant churches unite with the world and with the Papal power against commandment keepers. The same spirit which actuated Papists in ages past will lead Protestants to pursue a similar course toward those who will maintain their loyalty to God. 5T 449.2
Church and State are now making preparations for the future conflict. Protestants are working in disguise to bring Sunday to the front, as did the Romanists. Throughout the land the Papacy is piling up her lofty and massive structures, in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions are to be repeated. And the way is preparing for the manifestation, on a grand scale, of those lying wonders by which, if it were possible, Satan would deceive even the elect. - 5T 449.3
The decree which is to go forth against the people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews in the time of Esther. The Persian edict sprang from the malice of Haman toward Mordecai. Not that Mordecai had done him harm, but he had refused to show him reverence which belongs only to God. The king's decision against the Jews was secured under false pretences through misrepresentation of that peculiar people. Satan instigated the scheme in order to rid the earth of those who preserved the knowledge of the true God. But his plots were defeated by a counter-power that reigns among the children of men. Angels that excel in strength were commissioned to protect the people of God, and the plots of their adversaries returned upon their own heads. 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.
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, - 5T 450. ]
The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the undercurrent is tending. Its professions are mild and apparently Christian, but when it shall speak it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. It is our duty to do all in our power to avert the threatened danger. 5T 452
It has been shown that the United States is the power represented by the beast with the lamb-like horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgement of her supremacy. – GC 579.
Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond” (Revelation 13:16), shall conform to the customs of the Church by the observance of the false sabbath. All who refuse compliance will be visited with civil penalties, and it will finally be declared that they are deserving of death. On the other hand, the law of God enjoining the Creator's rest day demands obedience and threatens wrath against all who transgress its precepts. - GC 604.2
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 a 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. – 2SM, 375
p. 61
The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God. - GC 605.2
The last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God. Upon this battle we are now entering—a battle between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah, between the religion of the Bible and the religion of fable and tradition. - GC 582.2
The dignitaries of Church and State will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. In the soon-coming conflict we shall see exemplified the prophet's words: “The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” [Revelation 12:17]. - GC 592.3
Sunday Law – On this battle field comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. – 5T 451.
A great crisis awaits the people of God. A crisis awaits the world. The most momentous struggle of all the ages is just before us. – 5T 711.
We are living in the most solemn period of this world's history. The destiny of earth's teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose. Events of vital importance are taking place around us; we are on Satan's enchanted ground. Sleep not, sentinels of God; the foe is lurking near, ready at any moment, should you become lax and drowsy, to spring upon you and make you his prey. - GC 601.1
In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes—those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. Although Church and State will unite their power to compel “all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond” (Revelation 13:16), to receive “the mark of the beast,” yet the people of God will not receive it. – GC 450.
The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty; for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false Sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment will be an avowal of allegiance to a power in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God’s Law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God. – GC 605.
The last great conflict between truth and error is but the final struggle of the long-standing controversy concerning the law of God. Upon this battle we are now entering – a battle between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah, between the religion of the Bible and the religion of fable and tradition. – GC 582.
The dignitaries of Church and State will unite to bribe, persuade or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth. And even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favour, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance.
p. 61
p. 62
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
By the decree enforcing the institution of the Papacy in violation of the law of God, our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism [Spiritism], when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make provision for the propagation of Papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. 5T 451.1
As the approach of the Roman armies was a sign to the disciples of the impending destruction of Jerusalem, so may this apostasy be a sign to us that the limit of God's forbearance is reached, that the measure of our nation's iniquity is full, and that the angel of mercy is about to take her flight, never to return. The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress which prophets have described as the time of Jacob's trouble. The cries of the faithful, persecuted ones ascend to heaven. And as the blood of Abel cried from the ground, there are voices also crying to God from martyrs’ graves, from the sepulchers of the sea, from mountain caverns, from convent vaults: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?” - 5T 451.2
The Lord is doing His work. All heaven is astir. The Judge of all the earth is soon to arise and vindicate His insulted authority. The mark of deliverance will be set upon the men who keep God's commandments, who revere His - 5T 451.3
The evils that have been gradually creeping in among us have imperceptibly led individuals and churches away from reverence for God, and have shut away the power which He desires to give them. - 5T 711.1
My brethren, let the word of God stand just as it is. Let not human wisdom presume to lessen the force of one statement of the Scriptures. The solemn denunciation in the Revelation should warn us against taking such ground. In the name of my Master I bid you: “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.” - 5T 711.2
5T 711
Chapter 85—The Impending Conflict
A great crisis awaits the people of God. A crisis awaits the world. The most momentous struggle of all the ages is just before us. Events which for more than forty years we have upon the authority of the prophetic word declared to be impending are now taking place before our eyes. Already the question of an amendment to the Constitution restricting liberty of conscience has been urged upon the legislators of the nation. The question of enforcing Sunday observance has become one of national interest and importance. We well know what the result of this movement will be. But are we ready for the issue? Have we faithfully discharged the duty which God has committed to us of giving the people warning of the danger before them? - 5T 711.3
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 - 5T 711.4
We are living in the most solemn period of this world's history. The destiny of earth's teeming multitudes is about to be decided. Our own future well-being and also the salvation of other souls depend upon the course which we now pursue. We need to be guided by the Spirit of truth. Every follower of Christ should earnestly inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” We need to humble ourselves before the Lord, with fasting and prayer, and to meditate much upon His word, especially upon the scenes of the judgment. We should now seek a deep and living experience in the things of God. We have not a moment to lose. Events of vital importance are taking place around us; we are on Satan's enchanted ground. Sleep not, sentinels of God; the foe is lurking near, ready at any moment, should you become lax and drowsy, to spring upon you and make you his prey. – GC 601
In the issue of the contest all Christendom will be divided into two great classes—those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark. – GC 450.
The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty, for it is the point of truth especially controverted. When the final test shall be brought to bear upon men, then the line of distinction will be drawn between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God's law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of the beast, the other choosing the token of allegiance to divine authority, receive the seal of God. – GC 605.
p. 62
p. 63
THE RISING TEMPO OF AGITATION FOR SUNDAY LAWS
America is experiencing the greatest wave of Sunday Laws that she has ever had. It seems that all segments of America are clamouring for new Sunday Laws and for strict enforcement of existing Sunday Laws.
Liberty News, Aug. 1961
DRIVE AGAINST SUNDAY SALES LAUNCHED IN OKLAHOMA
A campaign against stores which stay open on Sunday was launched in Oklahoma City by the Oklahoma Attorney’s Office. Immediate targets of the crackdown were wholesale houses and furniture outlets. “We have been deluged by complaints,’ reported Mr Thompson, Assistant County Attorney, ‘and we cannot allow this to continue.’ – RNS
Operation of automatic coin laundries in Canada on Sundays is illegal, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled. – RNS
Liberty News, Nov. 1960.
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST BOWS TO SUNDAY CLOSING LAW.
Little Rock, Arkansas
p. 65
Religious Liberty Magazine, July-Aug. 1960, p. 12
A QUOTATION FROM STANLEY MOSK, CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL
“Unfortunately, there is an increasing number of people who seem determined to achieve conformity in religious observances. As one example, they insist upon Sunday closing of places of business and other facilities, and they seek to use the instrumentality of the state as a means of achieving what is primarily a religious goal. It is impossible to estimate the number of people who are engaged in this type of activity today but the number is significant. I am hopeful, however, that these efforts will not achieve success, and that the traditional American constitutional policy of giving free expression to religious beliefs of all people in our society will prevail.
p. 85
SPIRIT OF PROPHECY STATEMENTS CONCERNING LABOR UNIONS
Satanic agencies are becoming more determined in their rebellion against God. The trade unions will be the cause of the most terrible violence that has ever been among human beings. – Letter 28, Dec. 10, 1902
In the world gigantic monopolies will be formed. Men will bind themselves together in unions that will wrap them in the folds of the enemy. A few men will combine to grasp all the means to be obtained in certain lines of business. Trade unions will be formed and those who refuse to join these unions will be marked men. – E G White, Series B.
Unionism (political lobbying by Labor unions) has revealed what it is, by the spirit it has manifested, It is controlled by the cruel power of Satan. Those who refuse to join the unions seem innocent, but men have to pledge themselves to serve the interests of these unions, or else they may have to pay the penalty of refusal with their lives. – EGW Letter 26, Dec. 19, 1903.
Trade unions will be one of the agencies that will bring upon the earth such a time of trouble as has not been since the world began. – GC Bulletin, 1903, p.200, CL10.
The forming of the unions is one of Satan’s last efforts. God calls upon His people to get out of the cities, isolating themselves from the world. The time will come when they will have to do this. God will care for those who love Him and keep his commandments. – EGW, Series B.
For years I have been given special light that we are not to center our work in the cities. The turmoil and confusion that fill these cities, the conditions brought about by the labor unions and the strikes, would prove a great hindrance to our work. Men are seeking to bring those engaged in the different trades under bondage to certain unions. This is not God’s planning, but the planning of a power that we should in no wise acknowledge. God’s word is fulfilling; the wicked are binding themselves up in bundles ready to be burned. {7T 84.2}
We are now to use all our entrusted capabilities in giving the last warning message to the world. In this work we are to preserve our individuality. We are not to unite with secret societies or with trade-unions. – 7T 84
p. 85
HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM [ Trade Unions and other organizations ]
The trade unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them and away from them, Brethren. Have nothing f to do with them. Because of these unions it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities. Build no sanitariums in the cities. – Pamphlet Series B, p. 34.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
In previous years the Catholic Church and labor unions had opposed various movements for Sunday laws, but today, both Catholicism and the labor unions are aggressively agitating for Sunday laws. – Elder Johns.
Previously Roman Catholic priests refused to cooperate with Protestant ministers in any way. Today, Catholic priests are universally working with Protestant ministers in promoting Sunday observance, legislation, and enforcement of existing laws. – Elder Johns.
TEMPERANCE INTERESTS
The temperance movement has nearly always advocated Sunday laws. We are told in the Great controversy that many who advocate temperance also ‘put forth the claim that the fast-spreading corruption is largely attributable to the destruction of the so-called Christian Sabbath, and that the enforcement of Sunday observance would greatly improve the morals of society..’ (page 587). Pressure from this source has not appreciably increased during the past few decades. – RH, June 22, 1961.
LAWMAKERS – LEGISLATORS
SPIRIT OF PROPHECY REFERENCES
To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law. – 5T 451.
The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. – GC 592.
When legislators shall abjure the principles of Protestantism, so as to give countenance and the right hand of fellowship to Romanism, then God will interpose in a special manner in behalf of His own honor and the salvation of His people. – 5T 525.
THE PRESS
“URGE EISENHOWER TO ENCOURAGE LORD’S DAY OBSERVANCE”
President Eisenhower was urged by the Evangelical Press Association, at its fifth annual convention in Chicago, to ‘encourage in every possible way a more faithful observance of the Lord’s Day’ in the nation. In other resolutions the 90 Christian publishers, editors and writers commended the President for his avowed intention to end corruption in government, and called on him to refrain from appointing an ambassador to the Vatican. ‘Such an appointment,’ the group said, ‘would increase the tension between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism.’ – Review and Herald, March 5, 1953.
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THE LORD’S DAY ALLIANCE OF THE UNITED STATES.
The Lord’s Day Alliance of the U.S. is a very well organized, powerful and effective organization which is promoting Sunday observance, enforcement of existing Sunday laws, and new Sunday legislation where it does not yet exist.
SATAN
“Finally, Satan will come as an angel of light, professing to be Christ. He will claim Sunday as his day and will order all to keep Sunday, obey Sunday laws, and attack the observers of another day. Read the Great Controversy pages 624 and 425. This will mark the great final delusion. By this time the national Sunday law will have become a fact, and it will be enforced. – ibid., pp. 591, 592, 607, 608.
“These are the forces working for Sunday laws. And as inspiration has foretold, their work is increasingly effective.
“In the wake the interest aroused by the recent Supreme Court decision approving Sunday laws, we can expect these forces to bestir themselves and to launch new drives for the stricter enforcement of existing Sunday laws, for the passage of new Sunday laws in communities that do not as yet have such laws on their statute books.” – Review and Herald, June 22, 1961.
As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour's advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. [Revelation 1:13-15]. The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: “Christ has come! Christ has come!” The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying: This is “the great power of God.” [Acts 8:10] – GC 624-625.
PROGRESS TOWARD A NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW IN THE U.S.
p. 90
Nearly every state in the Union has a Sunday law of some kind on its books.
On May 29, 1962 the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Sunday Laws of three states are Constitutional. It declared that they were not religious, but health, welfare, social and economic.
Ten Areas or Spheres in our national life are clamouring for Sunday Legislation. They are:
Health and Temperance – Welfare – Social, Recreational, pleasure – Economic, Commercial, business – Labor – Civic – The Press – Religious – Political – Historical and Patriotic organisations.
We would do well to keep our eyes on these ten segments of our national life and watch them accelerate their agitation from state and national Sunday Laws.
PROGRESS IN SUNDAY LEGISLATION IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES
Not only across the United States but around the world, efforts are being made to curtail individual liberties. In a dozen countries Sunday-closing laws have recently been advocated.
- RH January 4, 1962.
Germany
German Hierarchy Again Urges Protection of Sabbath
The German Roman Catholic Hierarchy, for the second time in a month, called for the protection of the sanctity of the Sabbath by banning all unnecessary work on that day. An appeal drafted by the hierarchy’s Commission on Economic and Social Affairs urged Federal and state governments to see to it that the sacred character of the Sabbath is not violated simply for the ‘the sake of greater profits.’ Earlier, leaders of the Catholic Bureau, the German Bishops’ Liaison Office with the West German Parliament, had asked legislators to protect the traditional reverence for the Sabbath which it said had been a ‘yardstick for the nation’s religious standards.’ - Liberty News, Nov. 1960.
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Canada
CANADIAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS DENOUNCE SUNDAY COMMERCIALIZATION.
MISCELLANEOUS QUOTES ON SUNDAY LAWS
It is anomaly that law enforcement officers of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the cradle of freedom, should be compelled to enforce archaic religious laws. It matters little whether they are labelled health, welfare, or social (and I might add: economic) legislation. Basically, they are religious laws. – Religious Liberty Magazine, Jan.-Feb. 1960.
Dr. A. L. Bietz’s Sermon on “SUNDAY LAWS” pp. 9, 11.
Chief Justice Earl Warren, who announced the judgement of the Court, admitted that the laws grew out of religious soil, but added that they are now intended to promote national comfort more than national church. Said he: ‘People of all religions and people with no religion regard Sunday as a time for family activity, for late sleeping, for passive and active entertainments, for dining out and the like.’
Justice Frankfurter and Harland held that since 49 out of our 50 states have some form of Sunday legislation, and since it can be shown that there are other considerations than religion – we need not hold that this decision is in violation of the First Amendment. -
SUNDAY LAW HEARING IN BATTLE CREEK.
The Michigan State Legislature hopes to consider a Sunday closing law during the next session of the legislature. To this end the speaker of the house recently appointed five members to serve as a committee to prepare such a law. This committee, with Chester Wozniak as chairman, is now holding hearings in various Michigan cities.
A hearing was held in Battle Creek on December 5, with a large attendance. The Chamber of Commerce reported that a poll of 1,000 members showed that businessmen of the city were evenly divided on the subject. The majority of those who testified were opposed to Sunday laws.
Some of those favouring Sunday laws made statements that should alert every student of Bible prophecy to the serious crisis now facing every Sabbath-keeper. One clergyman said that opposition to Sunday laws was the result of ‘foggy thinking and sentimental nonsense.’
He also was quoted in the newspaper several days before the hearing as saying that the opponents of Sunday laws were causing Americans to ‘become more closely aligned as a nation to the philosophy of atheistic Communism, which sees Sunday only as another routine day of work or a holiday.’ – Review and Herald
The next step will be that of calling Seventh-day Adventists ‘Communists’ because we refuse to honor Sunday.
FAITH FOR TODAY
One Sunday in 1961, Faith For Today, a Seventh-day Adventist religious Television Telecast and Bible Correspondence school was issued a summons to appear in court for violating the New York Sunday law. Faith For Today was charged with breaking the ‘Sabbath!’
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CONCLUSION
A. We have learned that the Bible teaches:
An image or likeness of Catholicism (a union of Church and State) will be set up in America.
U.S. Protestants will initiate and carry forward this movement.
The national Sunday Law is that which constitutes or effects the image to the beast.
It will be decreed by the Government that those who refuse to honor the false Sabbath will be economically boycotted – they will be forbidden to buy or sell.
This will bring everyone to the test and will force him to definitely and irrevocably take his stand on one side or the other.
It will finally be decreed that the lawbreakers shall be put to death.
Then, when the true issues are clearly revealed to all, those who knowingly honor Sunday above the Sabbath will receive the mark of the beast.
B. The Spirit of Prophecy teaches that:
The Sabbath will be the great test of the last days.
There will be a national Sunday Law in the United States.
Protestants will lead out in this Sunday Law movement.
The true issue will be concealed – camouflaged.
The National Sunday Law will bring severe persecution to Seventh-day Adventists in America.
Other nations will follow the lead of the United States in making national Sunday Laws.
This test will come to God’s people in all parts of the world.
These national Sunday Laws will test and shake and sift God’s people and will purify the church. Many will be shaken out and many others will come into the church, thus filling the ranks.
These national Sunday laws of the nations will bring Seventh-day Adventists and their message to the attention of the whole world, and the true issues will be clarified.
This great test will enlighten the world concerning Seventh-day Adventists and their glorious message of righteousness by faith, the character of God will be manifested to the whole world in his people. – God will be completely vindicated, and the whole world will be brought to definite final decision. Probation will close and the [7 last] plagues begin to fall. [Revelation 16]
We are seeing these Bible and Ellen G White prophecies fulfilling before our eyes today. We should rejoice and rededicate ourselves to God and the finishing of the work.
When the world intelligently, deliberately, finally, and irrevocably separates itself into these two classes, there is no need for further delay. Every human being has been enlightened and has made a final decision. Probation will close. The holy Spirit will be withdrawn. The four angels holding the four winds of strife will let them go, abandoning the wicked to the full control of Satan, and the seven last plagues will begin.
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ONLY TWO CHURCHES
A Popular Roman Catholic Newspaper published in San Salvador, Mexico – August 15, 1922
“Protestantism does not have a base to lay a foundation on. For one thing they do not keep the Sabbath of the Bible and the time is fast approaching when they will have to unite with Seventh-day Adventists or with the Church [R.C.] that had the power to change the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday.
ONLY TWO SIDES
The San Francisco Chronicle, Sept. 1950
The world is fast dividing itself into two opposing camps. For Christianity and against it. When the sides are fully drawn, then Armageddon will be fought.
The article goes on to say that it will be fought between the followers of Christ and the followers of Antichrist.
ONLY TWO WAYS
The Catholic Mirror, Dec. 23, 1893, quoted in Rome’s Challenge – Why do Protestants keep Sunday?
“We feel that we cannot interest our readers more than to produce the “Appendix” which the International Religious Liberty Association, an ultra-Protestant organization, has added to the fact that our Argument is unanswerable, and that the only recourse left [to] the Protestants is either to retire from Catholic territory where they have been squatting for three centuries and a half, and accepting their own teacher, the Bible, in good faith, as so clearly suggested by the writer of the “Appendix,” commence forthwith to keep the Saturday [Sabbath], the day enjoined by the Bible from Genesis to Revelation; or, abandoning the bible as their sole teacher, cease to be squatters, and living contradiction of their own principles, and taking out letters of adoption as citizens of the kingdom of Christ on Earth – His Church – be no longer victims of self-delusive and necessary self-condradiction.
“The arguments contained in this pamphlet are firmly grounded on the Word of God; and having been closely studied with the Bible in hand, leave no escape for the conscientious Protestant except the abandonment of Sunday worship and the return to Saturday, commanded by their teacher, the bible, or, to abandon the tradition of the Catholic Church, which enjoins the keeping of Sunday, and which they have accepted in direct opposition to their teacher, the Bible, consistently accept her in all her teachings. Reason and common sense demand Protestantism and the keeping holy of Saturday, or Catholicity and the keeping of Sunday. Compromise is impossible.”
ULTIMATELY
ONLY TWO CHURCHES
The Seventh-day Adventist Church OR
The Roman Catholic Church
ONLY TWO SIDES
The side of Christ OR
The side of Anti-Christ
ONLY TWO WAYS
Follow the bible and keep the seventh-day Sabbath OR
Follow the Roman Catholic Church and keep the counterfeit Sunday.
ONLY TWO DESTINIES
Heaven OR
Destruction in the lake of fire.
ONLY TWO WAYS
1 There are two ways for trav'lers, only two ways:
One's a hill pathway of battle and praise;
The other leads downward; tho flow'ry it seem
Its joy is a phantom, its love is a dream
Its love is a dream, 'tis only a dream.
2 There are two guides for trav'lers, only two guides:
One's the Good Shepherd, e'en thro' the death tides;
The other, the serpent, beguiling with sin
Whose beauty external hides poison within,
Hides poison within, death poison within.
3 There are two homes for trav'lers, only two homes:
One's the fair city where evil ne'er comes;
The other, sin's wages, eternal and dread,
The fate of the lost ones, the doom of the dead.
The doom of the dead, the sorrowful dead.
4 Quickly enter the strait way, leading to life;
Shun the wide gateway of folly and strife.
The Spirit invites you this moment to come;
The Saviour is waiting to welcome you home;
To welcome you home, to welcome you home.
THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW – Agitation For and Progress Toward . . .
by Elder Gordon Collier
p. 98
[ Note: the Natonal Sunday Law and other Religious [ Roman Catholic ] decrees / dogmas enforced by the civil power of the State will be symptomatic of policies implemented under a future World Union of Church and State. We are still living in the time of liberal Democracies and Religious Freedom, but even now (2017) we see our democratic freedoms potentially under threat from government laws, international treaties, and other sources. ]
[Excerpts from new 2001 ed. pp. 53-98]
Closing Events Study 5. THE NATIONAL SUNDAY LAW,
Agitation for and Progress Toward . . .
(Excerpts from 2001 ed.)
by Elder Gordon Collier