command must come from a right source; it must be
based upon the right authority. _Second_, it must be given in a way
that can be understood. The command must be plain. These two things
being established, it is the duty of every one to hear and obey what
he is commanded to do. Disobeying good commands is as sure to bring
suffering and loss as violating the laws of health is sure to bring
disease into our bodies. Let us notice some of the commands which, in
the course of our lives, it may be our duty to obey. There is no
difference between a law and a command. Every law is a command in
substance, and every command is a law. There are very deep things
involved here, but I will not now enter upon them. Every command is
but the expression of the will of the commander; and the will of the
commander in every case, when expressed, and compliance with it is
demanded, is a law.

Authority has many grades. There is parental authority, teachers'
authority, magisterial authority, legislative authority. All these
grades of authority are necessary for our well-being. But no benefit
can be derived from authority of any kind without obedience to that
authority. The best law can do no good unless it be obeyed. Parental
laws, no matter how wise and good they are in themselves, are of no
account unless the children obey their parents. It is the same with
all laws.

Possibly it may not be clear to the understanding of some how
obedience to God's laws makes man happy. Let us then consider this
matter of obedience on a lower grade. Parents love their children.
Parents have much of life's experiences. They are capable of knowing
better than their children can what is best for the children. Now if
children will heed what their parents say to them in the way of good
counsel, instruction, and government, love, peace and harmony will
prevail in the household. Joy will be a constant guest. Happiness will
crown the board. Habits of good will be formed in the young which will
not forsake them when they are old. In youth the foundation is thus
laid for honorable success in later years. Reverse this picture:
instead of happiness, discontent; instead of joy, distress; instead of
peace, contentions and broils; instead of respectability, disgrace;
instead of honor, shame. What an amazing difference between the
rewards of obedience and the effects of disobedience! The good results
of obedience to good laws are boundless in extent and endless in
duratio