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Often when you hear "NSL" you think of it as something to "not obey" but we need to remember that we are to obey the initial phase and avoid fanaticism.
For NSL Phase 1 -- which is a "sign to leave the large cities" we have this --
the work there must be done as wisely and carefully as possible, and it must be done in the manner in which Christ would work. The people will soon find out what you believe about Sunday and the Sabbath for they will ask questions. Then you can tell them, but not in such a manner as to attract attention to your work. You need not cut short your work by yourself laboring on Sunday. . . . {LDE 138.4}
Refraining from work on Sunday is not receiving the mark of the beast. . . . In places where the opposition is so strong as to arouse persecution, if work is done on Sunday, let our brethren make that day an occasion to do genuine missionary work.--SW 69, 70 (1895). {LDE 139.1}
If they should come here and say "You must close up your work and your presses on Sunday," I would not say to you, . . . "Keep your presses going," because the conflict does not come between you and your God.--Ms 163, 1898. {LDE 139.2}
We should not feel it enjoined upon us to irritate our neighbors who idolize Sunday by making determined efforts to bring labor on that day before them purposely to exhibit an independence. Our sisters need not select Sunday as the day to exhibit their washing.--3SM 399 (1889). {LDE 139.3}
Engage in Spiritual Activities on Sunday
I will try to answer your question as to what you should do in the case of Sunday laws being enforced. {LDE 139.4}
The light given me by the Lord at a time when we were expecting just such a crisis as you seem to be approaching, was that when people were moved by a power from beneath to enforce Sunday observance, Seventh-day Adventists were to show their wisdom by refraining from their ordinary work on that day, devoting it to missionary effort. {LDE 139.5}
To defy the Sunday laws will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots who are seeking to enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you lawbreakers. . . . One does not receive the mark of the beast because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the peace by refraining from work that gives offense. . . . {LDE 140.1}
Sunday can be used for carrying forward various lines of work that will accomplish much for the Lord. On this day open-air meetings and cottage meetings can be held. House-to-house work can be done. Those who write can devote this day to writing their articles. Whenever it is possible, let religious services be held on Sunday. Make these meetings intensely interesting. Sing genuine revival hymns, and speak with power and assurance of the Saviour's love.--9T 232, 233 (1909). {LDE 140.2}
Take the students out to hold meetings in different places, and to do medical missionary work. They will find the people at home and will have a splendid opportunity to present the truth. This way of spending Sunday is always acceptable to the Lord.--9T 238 (1909). {LDE 140.3}
For NSL Phase 1 -- which is a "sign to leave the large cities" we have this --
the work there must be done as wisely and carefully as possible, and it must be done in the manner in which Christ would work. The people will soon find out what you believe about Sunday and the Sabbath for they will ask questions. Then you can tell them, but not in such a manner as to attract attention to your work. You need not cut short your work by yourself laboring on Sunday. . . . {LDE 138.4}
Refraining from work on Sunday is not receiving the mark of the beast. . . . In places where the opposition is so strong as to arouse persecution, if work is done on Sunday, let our brethren make that day an occasion to do genuine missionary work.--SW 69, 70 (1895). {LDE 139.1}
If they should come here and say "You must close up your work and your presses on Sunday," I would not say to you, . . . "Keep your presses going," because the conflict does not come between you and your God.--Ms 163, 1898. {LDE 139.2}
We should not feel it enjoined upon us to irritate our neighbors who idolize Sunday by making determined efforts to bring labor on that day before them purposely to exhibit an independence. Our sisters need not select Sunday as the day to exhibit their washing.--3SM 399 (1889). {LDE 139.3}
Engage in Spiritual Activities on Sunday
I will try to answer your question as to what you should do in the case of Sunday laws being enforced. {LDE 139.4}
The light given me by the Lord at a time when we were expecting just such a crisis as you seem to be approaching, was that when people were moved by a power from beneath to enforce Sunday observance, Seventh-day Adventists were to show their wisdom by refraining from their ordinary work on that day, devoting it to missionary effort. {LDE 139.5}
To defy the Sunday laws will but strengthen in their persecution the religious zealots who are seeking to enforce them. Give them no occasion to call you lawbreakers. . . . One does not receive the mark of the beast because he shows that he realizes the wisdom of keeping the peace by refraining from work that gives offense. . . . {LDE 140.1}
Sunday can be used for carrying forward various lines of work that will accomplish much for the Lord. On this day open-air meetings and cottage meetings can be held. House-to-house work can be done. Those who write can devote this day to writing their articles. Whenever it is possible, let religious services be held on Sunday. Make these meetings intensely interesting. Sing genuine revival hymns, and speak with power and assurance of the Saviour's love.--9T 232, 233 (1909). {LDE 140.2}
Take the students out to hold meetings in different places, and to do medical missionary work. They will find the people at home and will have a splendid opportunity to present the truth. This way of spending Sunday is always acceptable to the Lord.--9T 238 (1909). {LDE 140.3}
