The Laws of Nature by R. F. C.

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 15, 1877

The Laws of Nature.

By R. F. C.

WHEN we speak of the laws of nature, we mean those laws which God the Creator of all things—of universal nature, has established for the maintenance and guidance of all things. We do not deify nature, esteeming it like the god of him who thinks all things came into existence by chance. We worship no such blind god. But God is the Author of nature; therefore nature’s laws are the laws established by God.

These laws have no variations. They know no exceptions. Their violation by animated beings have certain consequences, which we call penalties. And these penalties are sure to follow the violations of nature’s laws. Nature grants no indulgences to sin, yet she is kind. Though the violations of her laws must bring death, yet warnings are given the offender to leave the ways of sin, and thus be saved from death. Pain and sickness are kind admonitions, warning of the consequences which must follow. If these are heeded, life may be prolonged by a return to the obedience of the laws that have been violated. But if sin is persisted in, it will be found, as in the case of violated moral law, that “sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

Indeed, it is very clear that the Author of physical law is the Author of moral law. And he is kind. He does not delight in the death of him who dies, but rather that he would turn and live.

Let the sick take courage, then, for though much has been lost by disobedience, yet there is a law of our being by which injuries are, measurably, at least, repaired. This law of recuperation or healing is within ourselves. It is not imported from foreign countries or brought from afar. If we cease to abuse our physical nature, and live agreeably to the laws of health, nature will do all that can be done, without a miracle, for our restoration.

“Cease to do evil, and learn to do well.” Turn from sin and do that which is “lawful and right.” This is the law of nature, as well as the law of grace. Here is the only hope of the transgressor. No amount of drugging and doctoring can take the place of obedience. Nothing can supersede this necessity. Therefore the doctor that promises you a cure, without a change of diet and habits, is as false as the priest that promises you pardon with an indulgence still to go on in sin.

Oh, how much we all have lost by disobedience! But, thank God! much may be hoped for by a return to obedience to violated law.

R. F. C.