The European Union in Prophecy The EU in Prophecy I | Page 363

The European Union in Prophecy
even as old as the world itself, and bearing the sanction both of angels and of God.
When the foundations of the earth were laid, when the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy, then was laid the foundation of the Sabbath.
Job 38:6, 7; Genesis 2:1-3. Well may this institution demand our reverence; it was
ordained by no human authority and rests upon no human traditions; it was
established by the Ancient of Days and commanded by His eternal word.
As the attention of the people was called to the subject of Sabbath reform,
popular ministers perverted the word of God, placing such interpretations upon its
testimony as would best quiet inquiring minds. And those who did not search the
Scriptures for themselves were content to accept conclusions that were in accordance
with their desires. By argument, sophistry, the traditions of the Fathers, and the
authority of the church, many endeavoured to overthrow the truth. Its advocates were
driven to their Bibles to defend the validity of the fourth commandment. Humble men,
armed with the word of truth alone, withstood the attacks of men of learning, who,
with surprise and anger, found their eloquent sophistry powerless against the simple,
straightforward reasoning of men who were versed in the Scriptures rather than in
the subtleties of the schools.
In the absence of Bible testimony in their favor, many with unwearying
persistence urged-forgetting how the same reasoning had been employed against
Christ and His apostles: "Why do not our great men understand this Sabbath question?
But few believe as you do. It cannot be that you are right and that all the men of
learning in the world are wrong." To refute such arguments it was needful only to
cite the teachings of the Scriptures and the history of the Lord's dealings with His
people in all ages. God works through those who hear and obey His voice, those who
will, if need be, speak unpalatable truths, those who do not fear to reprove popular
sins.
The reason why He does not oftener choose men of learning and high position to
lead out in reform movements is that they trust to their creeds, theories, and
theological systems, and feel no need to be taught of God. Only those who have a
personal connection with the Source of wisdom are able to understand or explain the
Scriptures. Men who have little of the learning of the schools are sometimes called to
declare the truth, not because they are unlearned, but because they are not too self-
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