e line of distinction will be drawn between those
who serve God and those who serve Him not. While the observance of the
false sabbath in compliance with the law of the state, contrary to the
fourth commandment, will be an avowal of allegiance to a power that is in
opposition to God, the keeping of the true Sabbath, in obedience to God's
law, is an evidence of loyalty to the Creator. While one class, by
accepting the sign of submission to earthly powers, receive the mark of
the beast, the other, choosing the token of allegiance to divine
authority, receive the seal of God.

Heretofore those who presented the truths of the third angel's message
have often been regarded as mere alarmists. Their predictions that
religious intolerance would gain control in the United States, that church
and state would unite to persecute those who keep the commandments of God,
have been pronounced groundless and absurd. It has been confidently
declared that this land could never become other than what it has
been,--the defender of religious freedom. But as the question of enforcing
Sunday observance is widely agitated, the event so long doubted and
disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the third message will produce
an effect which it could not have had before.

In every generation God has sent His servants to rebuke sin, both in the
world and in the church. But the people desire smooth things spoken to
them, and the pure, unvarnished truth is not acceptable. Many reformers,
in entering upon their work, determined to exercise great prudence in
attacking the sins of the church and the nation. They hoped, by the
example of a pure Christian life, to lead the people back to the doctrines
of the Bible. But the Spirit of God came upon them as it came upon Elijah,
moving him to rebuke the sins of a wicked king and an apostate people;
they could not refrain from preaching the plain utterances of the
Bible,--doctrines which they had been reluctant to present. They were
impelled to zealously declare the truth, and the danger which threatened
souls. The words which the Lord gave them they uttered, fearless of
consequences, and the people were compelled to hear the warning.

Thus the message of the third angel will be proclaimed. As the time comes
for it to be given with greatest power, the Lord will work through humble
instruments, leading the minds of those who consecrate themselves to His
service. The laborers will be qualified rather by the u