Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

is drawn between him and the world. The Sabbath is a test, not a human
requirement, but God's test. It is that which will distinguish between those
who serve God and those who serve him not; and upon this point will come
the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error.
Some of our people have sent their children to school on the Sabbath.
They were not compelled to do this, but the school authorities objected to
receiving the children unless they should attend six days. In some of these
schools, pupils are not only instructed in the usual branches of study, but are
taught to do various kinds of work; and here the children of professed
commandment-keepers have been sent upon the Sabbath. Some parents have
tried to justify their course by quoting the words of Christ, that it is lawful to
do good on the Sabbath day. But the same reasoning would prove that men
may labor on the Sabbath because they must earn bread for their children;
and there is no limit, no boundary line, to show what should and what should
not be done.
Our brethren cannot expect the approval of God while they place their
children where it is impossible for them to obey the fourth commandment.
They should endeavor to make some arrangement with the authorities
whereby the children shall be excused from attendance at school upon the
seventh day. If this fails, then their duty is plain, to obey God's requirements
at whatever cost.
Some will urge that the Lord is not so particular in his requirements; that
it is not their duty to keep the Sabbath strictly at so great loss, or to place
themselves where they will be brought in conflict with the laws of the land.
But here is just where the test is coming, whether we will honor the law of
God above the requirements of men. This is what will distinguish between
those who honor God and those who dishonor him. Here is where we are to
prove our loyalty. The history of God's dealings with his people in all ages
shows that he demands exact obedience.
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