on their motives.

As the Protestant churches reject the clear, scriptural arguments in
defense of God's law, they will long to silence those whose faith they
cannot overthrow by the Bible. Though they blind their own eyes to the
fact, they are now adopting a course which will lead to the persecution of
those who conscientiously refuse to do what the rest of the Christian
world are doing, and acknowledge the claims of the papal sabbath.

The dignitaries of church and state will unite to bribe, persuade, or
compel all classes to honor the Sunday. The lack of divine authority will
be supplied by oppressive enactments. Political corruption is destroying
love of justice and regard for truth; and even in free America, rulers and
legislators, in order to secure public favor, will yield to the popular
demand for a law enforcing Sunday observance. Liberty of conscience, which
has cost so great a sacrifice, will no longer be respected. In the
soon-coming conflict we shall see exemplified the prophet's words, "The
dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of
her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of
Jesus Christ."(1027)

37. THE SCRIPTURES A SAFEGUARD.

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"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this
word, it is because there is no light in them."(1028) The people of God
are directed to the Scriptures as their safeguard against the influence of
false teachers and the delusive power of spirits of darkness. Satan
employs every possible device to prevent men from obtaining a knowledge of
the Bible; for its plain utterances reveal his deceptions. At every
revival of God's work, the prince of evil is aroused to more intense
activity; he is now putting forth his utmost efforts for a final struggle
against Christ and His followers. The last great delusion is soon to open
before us. Antichrist is to perform his marvelous works in our sight. So
closely will the counterfeit resemble the true, that it will be impossible
to distinguish between them except by the Holy Scriptures. By their
testimony every statement and every miracle must be tested.

Those who endeavor to obey all the commandments of God will be opposed and
derided. They can stand only in God. In order to endure the trial before
them, they must understand the will of God as revealed in His word; they
can honor Him only as they hav