The Lord has often spoken to His people in warning and reproof. He has revealed Himself in mercy, love, and kindness. He has not left His backsliding people to the will of the enemy, but has borne long with them, even during obdurate apostasy. But after appeals have been made in vain, He prepares the rod for punishment. What compassionate love has been exercised toward the people of God! The Lord might have cut down in their sins those who were working at cross purposes with Him, but He has not done this. His hand is stretched out still. We have reason to offer thanksgiving to God that He has not taken His Spirit from those who have refused to walk in His way (Letter 94, 1899).{3BC 1132.8}

Herren har ofte talt til Sit folk i advarsler og irettesættelser. Han har åbenbaret sig selv i barmhjertighed, kærlighed og venlighed. Han har ikke efterladt Sit frafaldne til fjendens vilje, men har længe båret over med dem, også i det hårdnakkede frafald. Men efter der var givet forgæves appeller forbereder Han straffens stav. Hvilken medfølende kærlighed har der ikke været udvist mod Guds folk! Herren kunne have skåret igennem deres synder, som arbejder på tværs af Ham, men det har Han ikke gjort. Hans hånd er stadig udragt. Vi har grund til at give Gud tak for at Han ikke har taget Sin Ånd fra dem, som har nægtet at vandre på Hans vej (Brev 94, 1899).