**The Unrighteous Exercise of Authority.** Authority may be unrighteously exercised from the lack of intelligence or because of wickedness. Should a member of the Church note this, the procedure of correction is to notify the ward teachers, who try to settle the difficulty. If the ward teachers do not succeed in this, the bishop's court takes up the matter, which, if needs be, it passes to the Stake Presidency and high council, and may be appealed to the First Presidency. Justice is meted out to all in-the Church. If the people are dissatisfied with any officer they may refuse to sustain him at the times of the voting, which prevents him from exercising the functions of his office. However, in all things the majority rules; and in many of the judgments of the Church there must be unanimity. **The Church Authoritative.** The Church of Christ possesses real authority, derived from God, and in its work represents God. Such a Church, alone, can appeal to the human understanding. A Church without authority is limp and helpless. Authority is the final test of a true Church. Does it attempt to officiate for God? Does its Priesthood possess authority? From the beginning, the Church of God has been given direct, divine authority so that its work might not be questioned. The angel walked with Adam, God spoke to Abraham, Jesus in person came on earth, the Father and the Son came to Joseph Smith,--in all ages, when the Church has been fully established, the Priesthood has been conferred by authoritative beings. The authority of the Church is real and genuine and possesses power. By its power it shall be known. CHAPTER 21. OBEDIENCE. In the consideration of Priesthood and its authority, much useless discussion is often indulged in as to whether a person should yield obedience to authority. Some believe that to yield obedience is to lay down free agency. **The Restraint of Nature.** Countless forces, surrounding man, are interacting in the universe. By no means can he withdraw himself from them. By experience he has learned that control of natural forces is obtained only when their laws are understood. When a certain thing is done in a certain manner, there is a definite, invariable result. No doubt it has often occurred to an intelligent being that he might wish it otherwise; but that is impossible. The only remedy is to comply with existing conditions, acknowledge the restraint of nature, and gaining further knowledge, put law against law, until the purpose of man has been accomplished. This is the process by which intelligent beings have acquired dominion over nature. Such an acknowledgement of the existence of the law of cause and effect does not weaken man; strength lies in an intelligent subjection to rightful restraint, for it has been the condition of progress from the beginning. The recognition of law and the obedience to law are sure signs that intelligent beings are progressing.