It is impossible to have clear conceptions of eternal things unless the mind is trained to dwell upon elevated themes. All the passions must be brought under perfect subjection to the moral powers. When men and women profess strong faith and earnest spirituality, I know that their profession is false if they have not brought all their passions under control. God requires this. The reason why such spiritual darkness prevails is that the mind is content to take a low level and is not directed upward in a pure, holy, and heavenly channel. {2T 414.2}

Du ledte efter lykke, men fandt den ikke. Du tilsidesatte din moders råd og hendes bønner om ikke at overtræde Guds bud. Til tider har denne forsømmelse forvoldt dig bitterhed. Men jeg kan ikke gå ind i enhver enkelthed, for jeg er ikke stærk. Jeg vil dvæle ved de væsentlige ting der er vist mig.