Patience of the Saints.
By E. G. Rust
WHILE the image to the beast, Rev. 13: 14, is in process of erection, all Christendom in this country will have their hearts set on having the Constitution so amended as to place the so-called “Christian Sabbath” and other Christian usages upon an “undeniable legal basis in the fundamental law of the land.” And those who persist in keeping and teaching the commandments of God, and exposing the foundation of the “Christian Sabbath” during this time of their earnest efforts for its establishment by law, will make themselves a prey. They will be accused of being enemies to their country; of rejecting Christ, and trusting to their own works for salvation; of stirring up the people to sedition; and of undermining Christian institutions. They will be declared a dangerous class of persons, whom all good people, lovers of law and order, should shun and avoid. They will undoubtedly be brought before the authorities, and commanded to teach no more in this way; and will even be accounted worthy of imprisonment and death. This is a time that will require faith and the patience of the saints, and right here, John has informed us, is the very place to look for it. “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14: 12. Some who have placed themselves under this banner, may even go back at this time, and yield obedience to the authority of the image of the beast, feeling that the accusations are unjust, and the odium too great for them to bear. This will be a trying time for the people of God, who are placed in a false position, and classed among the law-breakers and wicked of all classes. But those who have faith and the patience of the saints will persevere unto the end; and John evidently saw this time of great trouble and perplexity when he penned those remarkable words of comfort and assurance.