Another book was opened, wherein were recorded the sins of those who profess the truth. Under the general heading of “Selfishness” came every other sin. There were also headings over every column, and underneath these, opposite each name, were recorded, in their respective columns, the lesser sins. Under “Covetousness” came falsehood, theft, robbery, fraud, and avarice; under “Ambition” came pride and extravagance; “Jealousy” stood at the head of malice, envy, and hatred; and “Intemperance” headed a long list of fearful crimes, such as lasciviousness, adultery, indulgence of animal passions, etc. As I beheld, I was filled with inexpressible anguish, and exclaimed: “Who can be saved? Who will stand justified before God? Whose robes are spotless? Who are faultless in the sight of a pure and holy God?” {LS 241.4}

En anden bog blev opladt, hvori deres synder, som bekender sig til sandheden, var nedskrevet. Under “selviskhedens" hovedoverskrift kom alle andre synder. Der var også overskrifter over hver rubrik og under disse, over for hvert navn, var de mindre synder nedtegnet, hver i sin bestemte rubrik, de mindre synder. Under begærlighed kom usandfærdighed, tyveri, udplyndring, svig og havesyge; under ærgerrighed kom stolthed og (242) ødselhed; avind stod oven over ondskab, misundelse og had; og uafholdenhed stod foran en lang fortegnelse over frygtelige forbrydelser, såsom uterlighed, hor, forfaldenhed til dyriske lidenskaber og lignende. Synet af dette fyldte mig med en usigelig angst og jeg udbrød: Hvem kan blive frelst? Hvem vil kunne stå retfærdiggjort for Gud? Hvem har klæder uden plet? Hvem er ulastelig i en ren og hellig Guds øjne?