The substitution of the precepts of men for the commandments of God has not ceased. Even among Christians are found institutions and usages that have no better foundation than the traditions of the fathers. Such institutions, resting upon mere human authority, have supplanted those of divine appointment. Men cling to their traditions, and revere their customs, and cherish hatred against those who seek to show them their error. In this day, when we are bidden to call attention to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, we see the same enmity as was manifested in the days of Christ. Of the remnant people of God it is written, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17.

Anvendelsen af menneskers forskrifter som erstatning for Guds bud er stadig ikke holdt op. Endog blandt kristne findes der indstiftelser og skikke, som ikke har noget bedre grundlag end fædrenes overleveringer. Den slags indstiftelser, som udelukkende støtter sig til menneskers myndighed, er trådt i stedet for dem af guddommelig oprindelse. Mennesker klamrer sig til deres traditioner og ærer deres skikke og nærer had mod dem, der forsøger at vise dem deres vildfarelse. I vor tid, hvor det er os påbudt at henlede opmærksomheden til Guds bud og Jesu tro, møder vi det samme fjendskab, som åbenbarede sig på Kristi tid. Om den rest af Guds folk, der er tilbage, står der skrevet: "Og dragen vrededes på kvinden og gik bort for at føre krig mod de andre af hendes slægt, dem, der holder Guds bud og bevarer Jesu vidnesbyrd." Åb. 12,17.