The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Religious Legislation Predicted

Fifty-eight years have passed since those giving the third angel’s message said the time would come, according to the prophecy of Revelation 13, when people would be persecuted, in the United States and elsewhere, for keeping the commandments of God. In a book written by Mrs. White, entitled, Early Writings, we read the following concerning this teaching:— GSAM 450.4

“Said the angel, ‘Look ye!’ My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion was on every side. I saw measures taken against the company who had the light and power of God. Darkness thickened around them; yet they stood firm, approved of God, and trusting in him. I saw them perplexed; next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Day and night their cry ceased not: ‘Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen round about us. They have appointed us unto death; but thine arm can bring salvation.’ ” ² GSAM 450.5

“Then I saw the leading men of the earth consulting together, and Satan and his angels busy around them. I saw a writing, copies of which were scattered in different parts of the land, giving orders that unless the saints should yield their peculiar faith, give up the Sabbath, and observe the first day of the week, the people were at liberty after a certain time, to put them to death.” ³ GSAM 451.1