Brother B’s influence, if unsanctified, endangers the souls of those who follow his example. His ready tact and ingenuity are admired, and lead those connected with him to give him credit for qualifications that he does not possess. At the office he was reckless of his time. If this had affected himself only, it would have been a small matter; but his position as foreman gave him influence. His example before those in the office, especially the apprentices, was not circumspect and conscientious. If, with his ingenious talent, Brother B possessed a high sense of moral obligation, his services would be invaluable to the office. If his principles had been such that nothing could have moved him from the straight line of duty, that no inducement which could have been presented would have purchased his consent to a wrong action, his influence would have molded others; but his desires for pleasure allured him from his post of duty. If he had stood in the strength of God, unmoved by censure or flattery, steady to principle, faithful to his convictions of truth and justice, he would have been a superior man and would have won a commanding influence everywhere. Brother B lacks frugality and economy. He lacks the tact which would enable him to adapt himself to the opening providence of God and make him a minuteman. He loves human praise. He is swayed by circumstances, and is subject to temptation, and his integrity cannot be relied upon. {3T 24.2}

Medmindre Bror B’s indflydelse ikke er helliget, bringer den de sjæle i fare som følger hans eksempel. Hans hurtige situationsfornemmelse og sindrighed er beundringsværdig og leder dem som er knyttet til ham til at have tillid til de egenskaber han ikke har. På kontoret var han ligeglad med tiden. Havde dette blot påvirket ham selv, ville det have været et lille problem, men hans position som formand gav ham indflydelse. Hans eksempel for dem på kontoret, især lærlingene, var ikke velovervejet og samvittighedsfuld. Hvis bror B, med sin sindrighed havde en god fornemmelse af pligtfølelse, ville hans gerning på kontoret være uvurderlig. Hvis hans principper havde været sådanne at intet kunne flytte ham fra den lige pligtslinje, at ingen foranledning kunne komme ville have købt hans samtykke til forkert handling, ville hans indflydelse have formet andre; men hans lyst til fornøjelser lokkede ham (25) fra hans pligt. Hvis han havde stået i Guds styrke, ubevægelig for kritik og smiger, vedholdende for principperne, trofast over for hans sandheds- og retfærdighedsoverbevisning, ville han have været et fremragende menneske og ville have båret en befalende indflydelse overalt. Bror B mangler sparsommelighed og økonomisk sans. Han giver efter for omstændighederne og er genstand for fristelse og man kan ikke stole på hans ufuldkommelse.