Religious Persecution by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 9, 1882

Religious Persecution.

By S. N. Haskell

BY ELD S. N. HASKELL.

THE cause of God has ever had to contend with difficulties, and these have been in proportion to the purity of the work. As it has become popular, and men of worldly interests have connected themselves with it, Christian simplicity has disappeared, and persecution ceased. But the true Christian has always found that

“This world is not a friend to grace To help us on to God.”

It is not strange, therefore, if in the work in which we are engaged, we not only meet with difficulties, but persecutions. The doctrine of the soon coming of Christ and the Sabbath reform are the two principal features of our work. Satan is our common foe, and we shall find that as we near the end, perils will increase, and those who occupy prominent positions in the work of God will be a mark at which Satan will hurl his fiery darts.

Last year many thousands of people flocked to this country from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and other European nations, some of them to escape the Sunday Law in those countries, where it is almost impossible to observe the Sabbath. Still under these circumstances, the truth prospers, and adherents are gained to it. Men are arrested and imprisoned, still they preach the word with success.

A letter just received from Bro. Rosqvist, who is laboring in Sweden, speaks of an encouraging interest in several localities. At one place, Lungbanshyttan, he was permitted to preach in the meeting-house of the Separatists (persons who have dissented from the State church), where three commenced to observe the Sabbath. He also speaks of other places where persons had taken their stand on the truth, and of holding communion services at Grythyttahed, in which fifty-two persons participated. He continues: “While in Grythyttahed we experienced the Spirit of God among us, and toward the last the interest was great. In the latter part of November my trial was brought to a close with the decision that I should pay fifty kroners, because I had been bold enough to preach that we have eternal life through Christ alone, after having been forbidden to do so. But I was not informed of this decision until between Christmas and New Years, at which time a policeman came to inquire when I could pay my fine, (buy me a clean conscience or perhaps satisfy the priests). When I informed him that I could not from conscientious scruples pay the fine, he answered: ‘Well, then Mr. Rosqvist will have to go to the lock-up, at Oerebro.’ The next day I was instructed to make preparation for the journey; also the same day I was again summoned to appear in court at the next winter and spring session, to stand trial for having preached the truth last October.

“The second of January I started for Oerebro and arrived there the next day, when I was conducted to the reception room of the jail. The next day I was placed in a cell to remain there eight days and live on bread and water. I was not permitted to wear my own clothing, and those that were given me were insufficient to protect me from the cold air of the cell, so that I suffered very much from the cold. I begged the privilege of retaining my Bible, some writing paper, and a lead pencil, but this was denied me. In my cell, however, I found a New Testament with the Psalms, a Swedish hymn book, and another book containing sermons and prayers for prisoners. Never shall I forget the moments I spent in this small, cold cell, nor the joy I experienced in my solitude. I often felt like following the example of Paul and Silas in the prison at Ppilirpi, but a strict prohibition—‘prisoners must not sing’—kept me silent until I was released.”

It will be no marvel if in this country we meet with the same. Men and women will be imprisoned for keeping the Sabbath. Persecution of this kind is what we have looked for for more than twenty-five years. As we approach the time of trouble perils will increase, troubles will thicken. Those only will be safe who work while the day lasts, and prepare to meet God by using all their talents of means and usefulness in his service The present movement in this land of liberty to enforce a Sunday Law is only the same dragon's voice which is heard across the ocean. And it is a sure precursor of the great day of deliverance. The prophetic lamp shows where we are and what is coming, and happy are those who discern the signs of this time and prepare for the final conflict.