You became confused. You knew not where to trust. There were but few Sabbathkeepers in ----- and vicinity who exerted a saving influence. Some who professed the faith were no honor to the cause of present truth. They did not gather with Christ, but scattered abroad. They could talk loud and long; yet their hearts were not in the work. They were not sanctified by the truth they professed. These, not having root in themselves, gave up the faith. Had they done this at an earlier period, it would have been better for the cause of truth. In consequence of these things, Satan took advantage of you and prepared the way for your backsliding. {2T 277.1}

Du blev forvirret. Du vidste ikke hvad du skulle stole på. Der er kun få sabbatsholdere i ___ og omegnen som udøver en frelsende indflydelse. Nogle som bekender sig til troen var ikke ærlige over for den nærværende sandheds sag. De samlede ikke med Kristus, men spredte. De kunne tale højt og længe; alligevel arbejdede deres hjerter ikke. De var ikke helliget ved den sandhed de bekendte sig til. Disse, der ikke havde rod i sig selv, opgav troen. Havde de gjort dette i en tidligere periode, ville det have været bedre for sandhedens sag. Som følge af disse ting, tog Satan fordel af dig og beredte vejen for dit frafald.