(Dudley Ross Spears with an article written several years ago, I think, by Norman Midgette. It is an imaginary conversation between Nadab and Abihu. It is still relevant.)

If you had been present around the tabernacle in the wilderness of Sinai many years ago, you might have heard the following conversation between two of the priests one day (be sure to read Leviticus 10.)

NADAB: "Abihu, have you got your censer ready?"

ABIHU: "Just a minute, Nadab; I'll be right out."

(After Abihu arrives and as they are on their way to offer incense before God...)

NADAB: "How do you like this new work of burning incense in the tabernacle now?"

ABIHU: "Well, I hadn't thought about it much in that way but I like it fine and after all we are doing it because God has told us to. What do you think of it?"

NADAB: "Oh, I like it fine, it just seems to me it would be just as well to get the fire from some other place on occasions. We get it from the same altar every time."

ABIHU: "Yes, I know. I've thought about that also. However, that's what Moses told us God has instructed so He must have His reasons."

NADAB: "That may be right, but fire is fire and it gets the job done and that seems to me to be the important thing."

ABIHU: "Now if you are going to reason that way, why couldn't we also change the spices in the incense a little. We could make sure it have a good smell."

NADAB: "I don't know that I would object to that if we didn't change it much. Are you willing to try it?"

ABIHU: "I don't know whether we ought to do that or not, Nadab. I'd have to think about this a little first."

(Next day as they are walking along to get the fire for the incense...)

NADAB: "Here are some coals of fire over here that are more convenient than those on the altar. Let's use them just for today."

ABIHU: "I don't like the idea much, but I guess it'I1 be all right just this once." (While bending down to get the coals from the unauthorized fire...)

NADAB: "It will not make any difference I'm sure. After all, what's wrong

with it?"

In discussing many unscriptural denominational doctrines with your neighbors, you have heard this question raised for years. Whether you were discussing the practice of observing the Lord's Supper only once a month, the observance of Christmas and Easter as a religious holiday, the denominational organizational arrangements in the religious circles or instrumental music in worship, the question usually is raised, "After all, what's wrong with it?"

Today among brethren who are seeking a defense of sponsoring church arrangements and church-support of human institutions, the question is often the same. In discussing the recreational activities and the church support of them you hear it again. "After all, what's wrong with it?"

When brethren learn how to establish authority for any practice and the importance for having authority for our activity in Christ the question will be answered. Every belief and practice is wrong and everything is wrong with it until authority has been established for it. It is automatically wrong unless authorized. Nothing is authorized unless you can give a command, example or necessary inference for it. I do not have to answer the above question, "After all, what is wrong with it?" It is your obligation to prove that it is right by the scriptures. If you cannot do that the question is automatically answered. Nadab and Abihu found the answer but it was too late for them. One day it is certain you will find the answer also to similar questions you may ask.