Impending Conflict
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they restricted the liberties of the people, and therefore ought not to
be obeyed; how long would such men be tolerated in the pulpit? But
is it a graver offense to disregard the laws of states and nations than
to trample upon those divine precepts which are the foundation of all
government?
Shall We Make Void God’s Law?
It would be far more consistent for nations to abolish their statutes,
[30]
and permit the people to do as they please, than for the Ruler of the
universe to annul His law, and leave the world without a standard
to condemn the guilty or justify the obedient. Would we know the
result of making void the law of God? The experiment has been tried.
Terrible were the scenes enacted in France when atheism became the
controlling power. It was then demonstrated to the world that to throw
off the restraints which God has imposed is to accept the rule of the
cruelest of tyrants. When the standard of righteousness is set aside, the
way is open for the prince of evil to establish his power in the earth.
Wherever the divine precepts are rejected, sin ceases to appear
sinful or righteousness desirable. Those who refuse to submit to the
government of God are wholly unfitted to govern themselves. Through
their pernicious teachings the spirit of insubordination is implanted in
the hearts of children and youth, who are naturally impatient of control;
and a lawless, licentious state of society results. While scoffing at the
credulity of those who obey the requirements of God, the multitudes
eagerly accept the delusions of Satan. They give the rein to lust and
practice the sins which have called down judgments upon the heathen.
Reaping the Results of Lawlessness
Those who teach the people to regard lightly the commandments of
God sow disobedience to reap disobedience. Let the restraint imposed
by the divine law be wholly cast aside, and human laws would soon
be disregarded. Because God forbids dishonest practices, coveting,
lying, and defrauding, men are ready to trample upon His statutes as
a hindrance to their worldly prosperity; but the results of banishing
these precepts would be such as they do not anticipate. If the law
were not binding, why should any fear to transgress? Property would