These questions were not without effect. Doubts which otherwise would never have arisen were suggested to John. Satan rejoiced to hear the words of these disciples, and to see how they bruised the soul of the Lord's messenger. Oh, how often those who think themselves the friends of a good man, and who are eager to show their fidelity to him, prove to be his most dangerous enemies! How often, instead of strengthening his faith, their words depress and dishearten!

Disse spørgsmål undlod ikke at påvirke Johannes. Der blev indgivet ham en tvivl, som ellers aldrig ville være blevet vakt. Satan frydede sig over at høre disse disciples ord og over at se, hvor hårdt de ramte Herrens sendebud i hans sjæl. Ak, hvor ofte ser man, at de, som selv anser sig for at være en god mands venner, og som higer efter at vise ham deres troskab, viser sig at være hans farligste fjender! Hvor ofte bringer ikke deres ord nedtrykthed og modløshed i stedet for at styrke troen!