By rising early and economizing their moments, ministers can find time for a close investigation of the Scriptures. They must have perseverance, and not be thwarted in their object, but persistently employ their time in a study of the word, bringing to their aid the truths which other minds, through wearing labor, have brought out for them, and with diligent, persevering effort, prepared to their hand. There are ministers who have been laboring for years, teaching the truth to others, while they themselves are not familiar with the strong points of our position. I beg of such to have done with their idleness. It is a continual curse to them. God requires them to make every moment fruitful of some good to themselves or to others. “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” “He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.” {2T 500.1}

Dem som har kendt til jeres opførsel vil sige at jeres bekendelse, jeres lære og jeres liv ikke stemmer overens. De ser at jeres frugter ikke er gode og vedtager at I ikke tror på de ting som I lærer andre. De konkluderer at alle prædikanter er som jer og at hellige og evige sandheder i sidste ende er et bedrag. Hvem drages til ansvar for sådanne indtryk og så beklagelige resultater? Måtte I se den tunge vægt hvile på jer som følge af jeres egenkærlighed, som er en forbandelse for jer selv og for alle omkring jer.