What general would undertake the command of an army while the officers, under him refused to obey until they had satisfied themselves that his command was a reasonable one? Such a course would mean loss to the entire army. It would weaken the hands of the soldiers. The question would arise in their minds, Is there not a better way? But even though there be a better way, the orders must be obeyed, or defeat and disaster would result. A moment’s delay, and the advantage that would have been gained is lost. {Ev 647.4}

Hvilken general vil tage befalingsretten over en hær, når officererne, under ham nægter at adlyde før de har overbevist sig selv om at hans befaling er rimelig? En sådan kurs vil betyde tab for hele hæren. Det vil svække soldaternes (648) hænder. Spørgsmålene vil rejse sig i deres sind: Er der ikke en bedre måde? Men selv om der er en bedre måde, må ordrerne adlydes, ellers vil nederlag og ulykke være resultatet. Et øjebliks tøven, og fordelene vil være tabt.