In contrast with your case was presented that of Sister S. She is in feeble health, and has two children to support with her needle at the very low prices which are paid for her work. For years she received scarcely a farthing of help. She suffered with ill health, yet she carried her own burdens. Here was an object of charity indeed. Now look at your case. A man with a small family and a good capital of strength, yet constantly involved in debt and leaning upon others. This is all wrong. You have lessons to learn. With Sister S, economy is the battle of life. Here you are with a man’s strong energies, and yet are not self-sustaining. You have a work to do. You should have uniformity of diet. Live at all times as simply as your brethren live. Live out the health reform. {2T 435.2}

Kristi ord er tydelige: »Kæmp [pines] I for at komme igennem den snævre port; thi mange, siger jeg jer, skal søge at komme ind og ikke formå det.« Ikke alle kristendomsbekendere er kristne af hjertet. Der er nu syndere i Zion, som der var i fortiden. Esajas taler om dem under henvisning til Guds dag: »På Zion skal syndere bæve, niddinger gribes af skælven: »Hvem kan bo ved fortærende ild, hvem kan bo ved evige bål?« Den, der vandrer i retfærd og taler oprigtigt, ringeagter vinding, vundet ved uret, vægrer sig ved at tage mod gave, tilstopper øret over for blodråd og lukker øjnene over for det onde, højt skal en sådan bo, hans værn skal klippeborge være; han får sit brød og vand er ham sikret.«