Brethren, we are far behind. Many of the things which the church should do in order to be a living church are not done. Through the indulgence of perverted appetite many place themselves in such a condition of health that there is a constant warring against the soul’s highest interests. The truth, though presented in clear lines, is not accepted. I wish to set this matter before every member of our churches. Our habits must be brought into conformity to the will of God. We are assured, “It is God which worketh in you,” but man must do his part in controlling appetite and passion. The religious life requires the action of mind and heart in harmony with the divine forces. No man can of himself work out his own salvation, and God cannot do this work for him without his co-operation. But when man works earnestly, God works with him, giving him power to become a son of God. {6T 371.2}

Brødre vi er langt bagud. Mange af de ting som menigheden burde gøre, for at være en levende menighed, er ikke blevet gjort. På grund af en forvansket appetit, bringer mange sig selv i den sundhedstilstand hvor sjælens højeste interesser bekriges ustandseligt. Selvom sandheden overbringes i klare linjer, antages den ikke. Jeg ville ønske jeg kunne gøre dette klart for alle medlemmerne i vore menigheder. Vore vaner må bringes i overensstemmelse med Guds vilje. Vi har forvisningen: »Gud er den, som virker i jer,« men mennesket må gøre sin del for at styre appetitten og lidenskaben. Det religiøse liv kræver tanke- og hjertevirksomheden i overensstemmelse de guddommelige (372) kræfter. Intet menneske kan selv arbejde til sin frelse og Gud kan ikke gøre dette for mennesket, uden dets medvirken. Men når mennesket arbejder alvorligt, arbejder Gud sammen med ham og giver ham styrke til at blive en Guds søn.