They are novices in the truth and dwarfs in religious experience. The greatest victories which are gained to the cause are not by labored argument, ample facilities, abundance of influence, and plenty of means; but they are those victories which are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power. When Jacob found himself utterly prostrate and in a helpless condition, he poured out his soul to God in an agony of earnestness. The angel of God pleaded to be released, but Jacob would not let go his hold. The stricken man, suffering bodily pain, presented his earnest supplication with the boldness which living faith imparts. “I will not let Thee go,” he said, “except Thou bless me.” {4T 443.2}

De er begyndere i sandheden og dværge i religiøs erfaring. De største sejre som kan vindes for sagen, er ikke ved velformulerede argumenter, gode anlæg, overflod af indflydelse og masser af midler; men det er de sejre som vindes i enerummet med Gud, når en alvorlig, pinefuld tro tager fat i den mægtige krafts (444) arm. Da Jakob fandt sig selv fuldstændig lammet og hjælpeløs, udgød han sin sjæl for Gud i pine og alvor. Guds engel bad om at blive fri, men Jakob ville ikke slippe sit greb. Det slåede menneske sendte, i legemlig smerte, sin alvorlige bøn, med en frimodighed, som kun levende tro giver. »Jeg slipper dig ikke,« sagde han, »uden du velsigner mig!«