Spirit of Prophecy Counsels Relating To Church-State Relationships
The Situation Before Provision Was Made For Noncombatant Draftees
“I was shown that God’s people, who are His peculiar treasure, cannot engage in this perplexing war, for it is opposed to every principle of their faith. In the army they cannot obey the truth and at the same time obey the requirements of their officers. 3 There would be a continual violation of conscience. Worldly men are governed by worldly principles. They can appreciate no other. SPCCSR 190.1
“Worldly policy and public opinion comprise the principle of action that governs them and leads them to practice the form of rightdoing. But God’s people cannot be governed by these motives. The words and commands of God, written in the soul, are spirit and life, and there is power in them to bring into subjection and enforce obedience. The ten precepts of Jehovah are the foundation of all righteous and good laws. SPCCSR 190.2
“Those who love God’s commandments will conform to every good law of the land. But if the requirements of the rulers are such as conflict with the laws of God, the only question to be settled is: Shall we obey God, or man?”—Testimonies for the Church 1:361, 362. SPCCSR 190.3