Many acts which pass for good works, even deeds of benevolence, will, when closely investigated, be found to be prompted by wrong motives. Many receive applause for virtues which they do not possess. The Searcher of hearts inspects motives, and often the deeds which are highly applauded by men are recorded by Him as springing from selfish motives and base hypocrisy. Every act of our lives, whether excellent and praiseworthy or deserving of censure, is judged by the Searcher of hearts according to the motives which prompted it.—Testimonies for the Church 2:511, 512 (1870). {1MCP 348.5}

Mange handlinger som går for at være gode gerninger, selv godgørenhedsgerninger, vil, når de undersøges nøje, findes (349) at være foranlediget af forkerte motiver. Mange modtager bifald for dyder de ikke har. Hjertets ransagelser inspicerer motiverne og ofte optegnes de handlinger som bifaldes så højt af mennesker af ham som udspringende fra selviske motiver og ussel hykleri. Enhver handling i vort liv, om den er fortræffelig og prisværdig eller fortjener kritik, bedømmes af Hjerteransageren ud fra de motiver den udspringer fra. - vidnesbyrd 2 511, 512 (1870).