Some might now have been thorough workmen had they made a good use of their time, feeling that they would have to give an account to God for their misspent moments. They have displeased God because they have not been industrious. Self-gratification, self-love, and selfish love of ease have kept some from good, withheld them from obtaining a knowledge of the Scriptures that they might be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Some do not appreciate the value of time and have idled away in bed the hours that might have been employed in the study of the Bible. There are a few subjects that they have dwelt upon the most, with which they are familiar, and upon these they can speak with acceptance; but they have in a great degree rested the matter here. They have not felt altogether satisfied with themselves, and have at times realized their deficiencies; yet they have not been sufficiently awakened to the crime of neglecting to become acquainted with the word of God, which they profess to teach. On account of their ignorance the people are disappointed; they do not receive the intelligence which they might obtain from them and which they expect to obtain from ministers of Christ. {2T 499.3}

Din hustru, så vel som dig, elsker magelighed. Jeres tid er blevet brugt i sengen skønt du kunne være oppe i aktivitet og vise en særlig interesse for den familie du bærer byrder for. Du troede at, fordi du var prædikant, skulle de andre tage hensyn når du var til stede og vente på dig og støtte dig, selv om du havde intet andet at udrette end at sørge for din (543) egne selviske interesse. De indtryk som du har givet er meget dårlige. I er begge blevet betragtet som repræsentanter for prædikanter og deres hustruer som overbringer verden sabbaten og vor Herres snarlige genkomst.