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THE MARK IN THE HAND

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 12, 1860

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 15, No. 21.

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THE MARK IN THE HAND.

By Jos. Clarke

Believers in the message of the third angel are not ashamed of their faith; yet I am sorry to say that it is probable that there is here and there a weak brother who is ashamed to work on Sunday. To such I would present the fact, that (according to prophecy) when the decree shall go forth enforcing the mark, he who through modesty, fear, or favor refrains from work on the Papal Sabbath, will receive the mark in the hand, while the devout advocate of that Sabbath, will have the mark in the forehead.
Although this decree is (chiefly) yet future, still if we have not courage enough to face a corrupt public opinion now, and boldly stand for the truth now, while we enjoy a good degree of freedom, what shall we do when public opinion and law are all arrayed against us? when the crushing arm of the law shall settle down upon us?
Now is the time to resist the decree; to gather strength for the day of battle, to manifest our zeal and let our light shine; not to take unusual pains to enrage the enemy but be sure we do not act the part of the fearful; let us show our partiality for God and his law and his Sabbath; and if we are ashamed at all, let it be for those who bow in low obedience to corrupt public opinion. Here is room, plenty of room for shame to exercise herself; and while we avoid all wanton breaches of the public peace, let us be fearless of man in the prosecution of our lawful business, any where, on any working day, ignoring the Sabbath of Mahomet and that of the Pope alike.
What saint is ashamed to honor God and his law? Who has trampled for 1000 years upon our kind Father's law? Who has broken down his Sabbath, the good Sabbath of Eden, of Sinai, the Sabbath of the old and new dispensation? The Pope. Who has also worn out the saints in every possible way, at the same time he has had his foot upon the Sabbath? The Pope. Brethren let us discard wholly this pet Sabbath of error, and honor God by keeping the true Sabbath holy. Jos. CLARKE.