If the directions of a good and wise father, who took the best and most effectual means to secure his posterity against the evil of intemperance, were to be so strictly obeyed, God’s authority should be held in as much greater reverence as He is holier than man. He is our Creator and commander, infinite in power and terrible in judgment. In mercy He employs a variety of means to bring men to see and repent of their sins. If they will continue to disregard the reproofs He sends them, and act contrary to His declared will, ruin must follow; for God’s people are kept in prosperity only by His mercy, through the care of His heavenly messengers. He will not uphold and guard a people who disregard His counsel and despise His reproofs. {4T 175.3}

Når en god og klog faders anvisninger, en fader som brugte de bedste og mest effektive midler for at sikre efterslægten mod umådeholdenhedens onde, når hans anvisninger blev adlydt så nøje, burde (176) Guds autoritet holdes meget mere i hævd, da han er helligere end mennesker. I barmhjertighed kommer han med en mangfoldighed af midler, for at få mennesker til at se og angre deres synder. Hvis de fortsætter med at ignorere hans irettesættelser og handle imod hans erklærede vilje, vil ruin følge efter, for Guds folk får kun velstand ved barmhjertighed, på grund af hans himmelske budbringeres omsorg. Han vil ikke opretholde og holde vagt over et folk, som lader hånt om hans råd og afviser hans dadel.