The Answer to Deism—Many teach that matter possesses vital power—that certain properties are imparted to matter, and it is then left to act through its own inherent energy; and that the operations of nature are conducted in harmony with fixed laws, with which God Himself cannot interfere. This is false science and is not sustained by the Word of God. Nature is the servant of her Creator. God does not annul His laws or work contrary to them, but He is continually using them as His instruments. Nature testifies of an intelligence, a presence, an active energy, that works in and through her laws. There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the Son. Christ says, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work” (John 5:17).—Patriarchs and Prophets, 114 (1890). {2MCP 570.3}

Svaret på gudstro — Mange hævder, at stoffet har livskraft i sig selv, at det har fået visse egenskaber, og at det så overlades til at virke ved hjælp af sin egen iboende energi. De hævder endvidere, at naturens foreteelser finder sted i overensstemmelse med bestemte love, som selv Gud ikke kan gribe ind i. Dette er falsk videnskab, og den støttes ikke af Guds ord. Naturen er sin Skabers tjener. Gud ophæver ikke Sine love eller handler imod dem, men Han bruger dem stadig som sine redskaber. Naturen vidner om en intelligens, en tilstedeværende aktiv energi, der virker i og gennem dens love. Faderens og Sønnens virke kan til stadighed ses i naturen. Kristus siger: "Min Fader arbejder indtil nu; også jeg arbejder." (Joh. 5,17). — Patriarker og profeter, 114 (1890).