The Sabbath More Fully
By George B. Thompson
In “Early Writings,” page 27, we read: “And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.” In the same book (Supplement, page 1) an explanation is given by the author regarding the meaning of the term, “the commencement of the time of trouble.”
“The commencement of the time of trouble here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time, while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel.” We are surely in that “short period,” when trouble is “coming on the earth.” Look where we will, and we behold a troubled sea. The nations are angry, and preparing for an irrepressible conflict. War, famine, and flood, disasters, sudden and terrible, by land and by sea, murder and suicide in the squalid abodes of ignorance and misery, and in the gilded palaces of luxury and wealth, make up the news of the day. In expectancy the world awaits the news of the next calamity. “The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when he allows. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere.”—“Great Controversy.” At this time, under the powerful influence of the Holy Spirit, and animated by the inspiration of the hour, we are to go forth and proclaim “the Sabbath more fully.” As we approach the end, and the moving waters indicate that we are nearing the precipice where the world is to take its final plunge into the Niagara of destruction, we are not to keep the Sabbath in the background, and say nothing about it lest prejudice be aroused. Never! It is to be proclaimed “more fully,” as we see “trouble coming on the earth.” This question is to convulse the world, and test every soul. The Sabbath is the seal of the living God. In the life and work of every laborer, in every publishing house, every educational institution, every sanitarium, every mission, in the life of every soul whose humble acts may never be known, except a page or two in the recording angel’s book, the Sabbath is to be brought “more fully” to the front. And why should this not be so? On every hand organized forces are at work stealthily planning to unite church and state, and crush liberty of conscience forever, and blot out the Sabbath of Jehovah. But amid this eternal twilight into which the earth will be plunged, the Sabbath of the Lord will be honored. The ark of Christianity, bearing aloft the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will ride safely amid the shoals and breakers. While the world is seeking to make void the law of God, and to destroy forever the memorial of Jehovah, the Lord will have a loyal people, who, under the refreshing of the “latter rain,” will go forth and fearlessly proclaim the “Sabbath more fully.” In the face of every opposing obstacle they will hear their Commander’s voice exclaiming, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” It is time that with renewed hope and courage we fulfil our divine commission.