If the character of the men connected with the office at Battle Creek were so transformed that they could have a helpful influence over those under their control, then the outlook would be more encouraging. Whatever the men employed there may think of their ability, I have reason to say that many will need to improve greatly before they are qualified to fill their positions acceptably. They may feel competent to give counsel, but they are themselves in need of counsel from Him who is unerring in wisdom. Great and important interests are in danger of being misshaped and of coming forth defective from their hands. If all felt their ignorance more, and would depend less on self, they might learn of the great Teacher meekness and lowliness of heart. {5T 558.1}

Hvis de menneskers karakter, som er knyttet til kontoret i Battle Creek, blev så forvandlede at de kunne få en hjælpende indflydelse over dem, de har kontrol over, så vil det se mere opmuntrende ud. Uanset hvad menneskerne dér kan tro om deres evner, har jeg grund til at sige at mange er nød til at gøre store fremskridt, før de er kvalificerede til at udfylde deres stillinger acceptabelt. De kan føle sig kompetent til at give råd, men de har selv brug for råd fra ham, som er ufejlbarlig i visdom. Store og vigtige interesser er i fare for at blive misdannet og komme mangelfulde ud af deres hænder. Hvis alle mærkede deres uvidenhed mere og ville bero sig mindre på selvet, kunne de lære hjertets sagtmodighed og ydmyghed af den store Lærer.