I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. War, bloodshed, privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad in the land. As these things surrounded God’s people, they began to press together, and to cast aside their little difficulties. Self-dignity no longer controlled them; deep humility took its place. Suffering, perplexity, and privation caused reason to resume its throne, and the passionate and unreasonable man became sane, and acted with discretion and wisdom. {1T 268.1}

[Jeg så at jordens beboere er i den yderste forvirring. Krig, blodsudgydelse, afsavn, armod, hungersnød og pest var der mange steder. Medens alt dette foregik, begyndte Guds folk at slutte sig sammen og lægge deres små vanskeligheder til side. Egen værdighed beherskede dem ikke længere, - dyb ydmyghed var trådt i stedet. Lidelser, rådvildhed og afsavn satte fornuften i højsædet og den impulsive og uforstandige mand blev fornuftig og handlede besindigt og klogt.