The work has been bound about, false moves have been made, and Satan has been pleased. If self had not been so carefully, tenderly cherished, lest it should not find room enough to preserve its native dignity, the Lord could have used these differently constituted characters to do a good work and much larger; for in their diversity of talent, yet unity in Christ, was the power of their usefulness. If, like the diverse branches of the vine, they were centered in the vine stock, all would bear the rich cluster of precious fruit. There would be perfect harmony in their diversity, for they are partakers of the nourishment and fitness of the vine. {Ev 101.2}

Værket er blevet bundet sammen, der er gjort falske skridt og Satan er tilfreds. Hvis selvet ikke var blevet bevaret så omhyggeligt, så det ikke fandt plads nok til at bevare dets naturlige udfoldelser, kunne Herren have brugt disse forskellige karaktertræk til at gøre et godt og meget større arbejde. Med deres forskellige talenter, dog med Kristi enhed, var de heri til mægtig nytte. Hvis de, ligesom vinens forskellige grene, var centret omkring vintræets stamme, ville alle bære store og rige klaser med dyrebare frugter. Der ville være fuldkommen harmoni i deres forskellighed, for de har del i vinens næring og dygtighed.