Obedience to Law

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 29, 1906

We are under law. We are constituted to be in harmony with law. He who gave us our being gave us our place in his kingdom of law, in obedience to which there is the completeness of life and the fulness of enjoyment. In that kingdom there is no surplusage of law; there are no unnecessary obligations, for life is its center, and in all its domain every appointment ministers to life and happiness. God enters into all and uses all as means of access to the heart of man and the most perfect ministry to his highest good.

While the universal obligation of law is recognized, strict obedience to it in all lines is often regarded as an evidence of weakness. Transgression is supposed to give a certain flavor to life, and is regarded as evidence of manly independence. The young man is encouraged to disregard parental instruction, the young woman is invited to enter the world in which there are fewer restraints. Of the church it is said that its demands are unreasonable, and disregard for them is applauded.

Careful, conscientious obedience to law is the foundation of character. This is the sphere of conscience, and obedience to the moral dictator within is essential to development into perfect manhood. There is no exemption from law. Even to the hidden, and, we may say, the obscure parts of life, the obligation extends; into the secret chambers of the soul the voice of conscience penetrates. “Do this and live.” So far is such a life from being narrow and unresourceful, that it is in touch with every part of the universe of right, and from every part draws ministrations to happiness. The broadest, best, and happiest man is the one who makes obedience to law—the divine as well as the human—the controlling power of his life, and the best and most prosperous community is the one where all recognize the same obligation to obey the supreme will of God.—United Presbyterian.