Change of the Sabbath

“It is a fact beyond dispute that the fourth commandment, some ages since, was changed from the rest-day of the Lord to the pagan festival of Sunday. This change was made in express contradiction of the Holy Scriptures, which everywhere recognize the seventh day as the only weekly Sabbath of the Lord. It was accomplished by the great apostate, who Daniel predicted should ‘think to change times and laws.’ This power is essentially the same as the beast which was to be worshiped by all the world. And it is a fact of deep interest that this commandment which has been so long trodden down, is now being vindicated, and the people of God are beginning to keep it with the other nine. Thanks be to God that he is preparing the remnant for their final conflict with the dragon and for admittance through the gates into the holy city. Revelation 12:17; 22:14. The vindication of the fourth commandment in opposition to the Sabbath of the apostasy, and the preaching of all the commandments of God is a striking testimony that the present is the period of the saints’ patience, and of the warning of the third angel.” ^{3The Three Angels of Revelation 14:6-12. pages 131, 132.}GSAM 248.2

Attention has been called in previous chapters to the first and second of these messages, as fulfilled in the great second advent proclamation down to Oct. 22, 1844. The scripture at the opening of this chapter reads, “The third angel followed them,” that is, followed the first and second angels. It will perhaps be of interest, in this connection, to call attention to the rise of the third message.GSAM 249.1