I referred them to ancient Israel. God gave them His law; but they would not obey it. He then gave them ceremonies and ordinances, that in the performance of these God might be kept in remembrance. They were so prone to forget Him and His claims upon them, that it was necessary to keep their minds stirred up to realize their obligations to obey and honor their Creator. Had they been obedient, and loved to keep God’s commandments, the multitude of ceremonies and ordinances would not have been required. {LS 200.2}

Jeg blev vist tilbage til det gamle Israel. Gud gav dem sin lov, men de ville ikke adlyde den. Han gav dem da ceremonier og forordninger, så Gud kunne erindres når de udførte disse. De var så tilbøjelige til at glemme ham og hans krav på dem at de var nød til at være ved ilden for at erkende deres forpligtelse i at adlyde og ære deres Skaber. Havde de været lydige og elsket at holde Guds bud, ville mængden af ceremonier og forordninger ikke være påkrævet.