The Coming Conflict by Ellet Joseph Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 13, 1883

The Coming Conflict.

By Ellet Joseph Waggoner

FOR more than thirty years Seventh-day Adventists have held that the people of the United States would make a law for the enforcement of Sunday observance upon all classes of persons, regardless of their nationality or religious belief. Although for many years there was no indication of such a movement, and the idea that such a thing could ever be done in this country was ridiculed, this denomination did not cease nor change their preaching, knowing that time would prove its truth. Their confidence did not arise from any fanaticism, but was based on a fair interpretation of the sure word of prophecy.

It was this belief that led them to be so zealous in presenting the claims of God's law, especially of the fourth commandment. Knowing that the Bible recognizes no Sabbath but the seventh day, and that the only authority for Sunday observance is that of the Catholic Church, which regards the change it has made in God's law as the badge of its power, they justly concluded that the enforcement of Sunday observance would be causing all to receive the "mark of the beast." But those who receive this are threatened with a most terrible punishment, and it is plainly declared that those who are prepared for the Lord's coming will be the ones who have kept "the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus," and "have the father's name in their foreheads." With this knowledge, they could do no otherwise than to earnestly proclaim the truth, not with any hope of hindering or preventing that which they saw must take place, but in order that all who wished to obey God rather than men, might know what his will is.

Time has made the study of the above-mentioned prophecy almost unnecessary, except for the purpose of showing the exact fulfillment of God's word. The thing which was predicted is now upon us. There is a thoroughly organized party now in existence, whose sole object is to "maintain existing Christian features in the American Government, and to secure such an amendment to the Constitution of the United States as will indicate that this is a Christian nation, and to place all the Christian laws, institutions, and usages of our Government on an undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the land." This may not seem so bad to the casual reader, but when he learns that some of the "existing Christian features" are in direct opposition to the Bible, he cannot fail, if he be indeed a Christian, to regard it as a serious matter. It has been claimed, and is still by some, that it is not the design of this party to do violence to anybody's religious convictions, but we have seen too much to be deceived. In California and some parts of the East, the spirit of the movement has been clearly manifested. The zeal of very many arises, not so much from love to the Sunday, which is the only "Christian usage" that is made much of in this contest, as from hatred to the Sabbath of the Lord.

We do not believe that even Seventh-day Adventists, as a general thing, realize the gigantic proportions to which this movement has grown, or the long and rapid strides with which it is now going forward. In the East, conventions are constantly being held; many men spend their entire time in advocating the measure. One Synod of the Covenanter Church, in Pennsylvania, pledged $10,000 for the support of the "National Reform Party" during the coming year. Their missionary efforts are very similar to those of our people; and when we remember what an amount of men and means the party has at its disposal, and that its views are by no means so unpopular as those we advocate, we can imagine the progress which is being made. One convention of two or three days' continuance, is usually all that is needed to settle the movement in a place. The local clergymen then take it up, and keep it before their people. They also take advantage of the temperance sentiment of the people, making them believe that this movement is the only hope for prohibition. The publishers of the Christian Statesman, the organ of the party, are urging their subscribers to send them names of those who are not receiving the paper, and then to follow up the sample copies which will be sent, by letters or visits, urging the parties to subscribe.

In view of these things the General Conference, at its recent session, passed the following resolution:—

WHEREAS, We, as students of prophecy, have for years anticipated the present Sunday movement, and understand that there is a conflict before us, the magnitude of which can scarcely be appreciated; and, WHEREAS, Thousands of earnest Christians are laboring sincerely for the enforcement of the Sunday Law, who would not do so if the claims of the true Sabbath were placed before them; therefore, Resolved, That we remind our people of their duty to place the great light which God has given them upon the Sabbath question before others; and we urge that this be done before the leaders of this Sunday movement have opportunity to represent the issues of this question in a false light.

If this resolution is complied with, we have not much time to spare. Next year will be a great year in politics, being the time of the national campaign, and the "Reform Party" will not be silent. Our people will be brought face to face with this question, and how are they prepared for it? There are many who might do a great deal of good in their own neighborhood, by holding Bible-readings, if they only were qualified; but they do not feel that they are able to bring out the truth as it should be. Many believe the truth, but yet could not give a satisfactory reason for their belief. Such cannot hope to be able to benefit others, or even to hold their present position very long against the sophisms of the opposition. None should rest satisfied until they are intelligently sound in the faith. We quote from an article by Mrs. E. G. White, in the last Review: "Our people, who are expecting such great and important events soon to transpire, should know the reasons of their faith, that they may be able to give an answer to every man that shall ask them a reason for the hope that is in them, with meekness and fear. In his word God has revealed truths that will benefit his church. As a people, we should be earnest students of prophecy; we should not rest until we become intelligent in regard to the subject of the sanctuary, which is brought out in the visions of Daniel and John."

These prophecies, and the sanctuary question, have been the subject of especial study in the Bible-class at Healdsburg College. Next term, beginning January 2, it is the design to connect with these the subject of the Sabbath, in all its bearings,—considering the Bible evidence for the seventh-day Sabbath, the claims and objections of the opposition, the Sabbath in prophecy, the change, and the restoration,—in short, all that pertains to this vital question. This will be done with special reference to the struggle into which, as upholders of Bible truth, we may expect to be forced very soon. The investigation will be very thorough, and all will have an opportunity to be sure that they understand what they believe. Shall we not anticipate the coming conflict, and fortify ourselves in our position? Those who hold these truths are but a little company, and there is a place in the work for every one. Even should our service be to "only stand and wait," let us wait as minute-men, ready for instant action wherever the Master may call us. And do not delay in your preparation, for the demand for laborers is urgent, and "the King's business requires haste." Now is the time.