If those who profess to believe present truth were indeed representatives of the truth, living up to all the light which shines upon their pathway, they would constantly exert upon others an influence for good, thus leaving a bright track heavenward for all who are brought in contact with them. But a lack of faithfulness and integrity among its professed friends is a serious hindrance to the prosperity of God’s cause. Satan works through men who are under his control. The sanitarium, the church, and other institutions at Battle Creek have less to fear from the infidel and the open blasphemer than from inconsistent professors of Christ. These are the Achans in the camp, who bring shame and defeat. These are the ones who keep back the blessing of God and dishearten the zealous, self-denying workers in the cause of Christ. {4T 563.4}

Hvis dem som bekender at tro den nærværende sandhed i virkeligheden var sandhedens repræsentanter, levede op til det lys som skinner på deres stivej, ville de hele tiden udøve en (564) indflydelse på andre for det gode og efterlade et klart spor mod himmelen for alle som de kommer i kontakt med. Men en manglende trofasthed og renhed blandt dets bekendende venner er en alvorlig hindring for Guds sags fremgang. Satan arbejder gennem mennesker, som er under hans kontrol. Sanatoriet, menigheden og andre institutioner i Battle Creek har mindre at frygte fra hedninger og de åbenlyse spottere, end fra selvmodsigende Kristi bekendere. Dette er Akan'er i lejreren, som bringer skam og nederlag. Det er dem som tilbageholder Guds velsignelse og tager modet fra de nidkære og selvfornægtende medarbejdere i Kristi sag.