God's plan is not to send messengers who will please and flatter sinners; He delivers no messages of peace to lull the unsanctified into carnal security. Instead, He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the wrongdoer and pierces his soul with sharp arrows of conviction. Ministering angels present to him the fearful judgments of God, to deepen the sense of need and to prompt the agonizing cry, "What must I do to be saved?" Acts 16;30. But the Hand that humbles to the dust, rebukes sin, and puts pride and ambition to shame, is the Hand that lifts up the penitent, stricken one. With deepest sympathy He who permits the chastisement to fall, inquires, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?"

Gud sender ikke tjenere, som gerne vil behage og smigre syndere. Han taler ikke om fred for at dysse de uomvendte ind i en kødelig tryghed. Han giver tværtimod synderen dårlig samvittighed og gennemtrænger hans sjæl med overbevisningens skarpe pile. Tjenende engle gør ham bekendt med Guds frygtelige straffedomme for at få ham til at indse sit behov og udbryde i vånde: "Hvad skal jeg gøre for at blive frelst?" Apg. 16,30.