I am deeply solicitous that our people should preserve the living testimony among them, and that the church should be kept pure from the unbelieving element. Can we conceive of a closer, more intimate relation to Christ than is set forth in the words: “I am the Vine, ye are the branches”? The fibers of the branch are almost identical with those of the vine. The communication of life, strength, and fruitfulness from the trunk to the branches is unobstructed and constant. The root sends its nourishment through the branch. Such is the true believer’s relation to Christ. He abides in Christ and draws his nourishment from Him. {5T 229.1}

Det ligger mig stærkt på sinde, at vort folk må kunne bevare det levende vidnesbyrd iblandt sig og at menigheden må blive bevaret ren og fri for vantroens indflydelse. Kan vi tænke os et nøjere, mere inderligt forhold til Kristus, end det, der fremholdes i disse ord; »Jeg er vintræet, I er grenene?« Dette er en sand troendes forhold til Kristus. Han bliver i Kristus og drager sin næring fra ham.