But, as far as the work has gone here in Battle Creek, there has been no fanaticism. We have felt the need of guarding it on every hand with the greatest care; for if the enemy can push individuals to extremes, he is well pleased. He can thus do greater harm than if there had been no religious awakening. We know that there has never yet been a religious effort made in which Satan has not tried his best to intrude himself, and in these last days he will do this as never before. He sees that his time is short, and he will work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness to mingle errors and incorrect views with the work of God and push men into false positions. {5T 644.4}

Da David syndede mod Urias og hans hustru, bad han til Gud om tilgivelse. Han erklærer: »Mod dig har jeg syndet, mod dig alene og gjort, hvad i dine øjne er ondt.« Alt ondt der udøves mod andre, når tilbage fra den skadede hen til Gud. Derfor søger David om tilgivelse, ikke fra en præst, men fra menneskets Skaber. Han beder: »Gud, vær mig nådig efter din miskundhed, udslet mine overtrædelser efter din store barmhjertighed.«