This is not the only case where neglect to follow the light which the Lord has given has been shielded behind the faults of others. It is to the shame of men and women of intelligence that they have no higher standard than that of imperfect human beings. The course of those around them, however imperfect, is considered by some a sufficient excuse for them to follow in the same path. Many will be swayed by the influence of some leading brother. If he departs from the counsel of God his example is at once gladly seized by the unconsecrated, who now feel that they are free from restraint. They now have an excuse; and their unconsecrated hearts glory in the opportunity of indulging their desires and taking a step nearer the fellowship with the spirit of the world, where they can enjoy its pleasures and gratify their appetite. They therefore place upon their tables those things which are not the most healthful, and from which they have been taught to abstain, that they may preserve to themselves a better condition of health. {2T 393.2}

Jeg så med hensyn til din familie, Bror M, at I ikke var lykkelige. Din hustru er skuffet og du har været skuffet. Din hustru forventede at finde en pænere person i dig, kultiveret og dannet. Hun har været meget ulykkelig. Hun er meget stolt. Hendes familierelationer på hendes mors side er ganske samvittighedsfulde, dog stolte og aristokratiske. Hun har stor del i disse karaktertræk. Hun er ikke åben. Det er ikke naturligt for hende at gå frem og vise følelser. Hun ser på følelserne mellem mand og hustru som svag og barnlig. Hun har følt at hvis hun viste følelser, ville (415) det ikke besvares af en fin ophøjet kærlighed, men af lidenskabernes lavere orden; da den vil styrkes og ikke den rene dybe hellige kærlighed.