Brethren, I entreat you to compare your own spiritual state as it now is with what it was when you were actively engaged in the cause of Christ. While helping and encouraging the church you were gaining a useful experience and keeping your own souls in the love of God. As you have ceased to work for others, has not your own love grown cold and your zeal languid? And how is it with your children? Are they more firmly established in the truth and more devoted to God than before coming to this large church? {5T 185.5}

Brødre, jeg bønfalder jer at sammenligne jeres egen åndelige tilstand, som den er nu med hvad den var, da I var aktivt engagerede i Kristi sag. Da I hjalp og opmuntrede menigheden, fik I en nyttig erfaring og holdt jeres egne sjæle i Guds kærlighed. Nu hvor I har stoppet med at arbejde for andre, er jeres egen kærlighed så ikke blevet kold og jeres iver afmattet? Og hvordan er det med jeres børn? Er de fastere (186) etablerede i sandheden og mere helligede til Gud end før de kom til denne store menighed?