The prophet John impressed upon the people the necessity of their profession being accompanied with good works. Their words and actions would be their fruit, and would determine the character of the tree. If their works were evil, the truth of God would testify against them. God would in no wise excuse sin in a people who had been enlightened, even if he had, in their days of faithfulness and purity, loved them, and given them especial promises. These promises and blessings were always upon condition of obedience upon their part. {2SP 54.1}

Det er ikke sikkert at tale rosværdigt om dødelige mennesker; for de kan ikke bære det. Satan har et særligt arbejde at gøre med at smigre stakkels sjæle, og han behøver ikke hjælp fra Herrens tjenere i denne sag. Hvor få indrømmer ikke menneskenaturens svaghed (54) og Satans spidsfindighed. Mange i disse sidste dage forbereder sig selv for pinsler og sorg, eller til den fuldstændige adskillelse fra Guds gunst, på grund af deres stolthed og selvretfærdighed. De vil falde for selvophøjelse.