The sin of one man discomfited the entire army of Israel. A wrong course pursued by one toward his brother will turn the light of God from His people until the wrong is searched out and the cause of the oppressed is vindicated. God requires His people to be tender in their feelings and discriminations, while their hearts should be enlarged, their feelings should be broad and deep, not narrow, selfish, and penurious. Noble sympathy, largeness of soul, and disinterested benevolence are needed. Then can the church triumph in God. But just as long as the church suffer selfishness to dry up kindly sympathy and tender, thoughtful love and interest for their brethren, every virtue will be corroded. Isaiah’s fast should be studied and close self-examination made with a spirit to discern whether there is in them the principles which God’s people are required to possess in order that they may receive the rich blessings promised. {3T 519.1}

Et menneskes synd bragte hele Israels hær ud af sin fatning. Handlede en person ikke rigtigt imod sin bror, vil Guds lys vendes fra hans folk indtil den fejlende person er fundet og den undertryktes sag er afklaret. Gud forlanger af sit folk at det skal have ømme følelser og et skarpt blik, medens deres hjerter bør forstørres, deres følelser bør blive bredere og dybere, ikke snævre, selviske og pengekære. Der er brug for en ædel sympati, sjælens storsindethed og uegennyttig godgørenhed. Da kan menigheden sejre i Gud. Men lige så længe som menigheden lader selviskhed opsluge venlig forståelse og øm, betænksom kærlighed og interesse for sine brødre, vil enhver dyd blive fortæret. Esajas' faste burde studeres og nøje selvransagelse gøres med en erkendelse, om der er principper i den, som Guds folk er pålagt at have for at de kan få de rige forjættede velsignelser.