He need not think that by seeking to compromise with his friends, who are embittered against our faith, he will make it easier for himself. If he stands with the single purpose to obey God at any cost he will have help and strength. God loves and pities Brother J. He knows every perplexity, every discouragement, every bitter speech. He is acquainted with it all. If he will lay aside his unbelief and stand in God unmoved, his faith will be strengthened by exercise. “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” {4T 237.1}

Han skal ikke tro, at ved at søge kompromis med sine venner, som er bitter mod vor tro, gør det lettere for sig selv. Hvis han kun har det eneste formål at adlyde Gud for enhver pris, vil han få hjælp og styrke. Gud elsker og ynkes over bror J. Han kender enhver rådvildhed, enhver modløshed, enhver bitter tale. Han kender til det hele. Hvis han vil lægge sin vantro til side og stå urokkelig hos Gud, vil hans tro, under udøvelse styrkes. »Og min retfærdige skal leve af tro;« men »hvis han unddrager sig, har min sjæl ikke behag i ham.«