小册子汇编 E · 第097册给巴特尔克里克教会的证言

第097册给巴特尔克里克教会的证言

§1 第097册给巴特尔克里克教会的证言

§2 PH097 - Testimony for the Church at Battle Creek

§3 1868年6月12日我在你们中间时，蒙指示看见你们不是上帝想要的样子。教会的不信和属世的兴旺产生了令人悲伤的影响。上帝计划教会的光应当越照越明，直到日午。{PH097 1.1}[1]

§4 【Testimony for the Church at Battle Creek】

§5 When in your midst, June 12, 1868, I was shown that you are not what God would have you to be. Sad effects have been growing out of the unbelief and worldly prosperity of the church. God designed that the light of the church should increase, and grow brighter and brighter, unto the perfect day.?{PH097 1.1}[1]

§6 给上帝子民的宝贵应许是以顺从为条件的。你们若像迦勒和约书亚，全心跟从了耶和华，祂原会在你们中间彰显祂的能力。因着你们的影响力，罪人原会回转，退后的人原可挽回；即便是敌对我们信仰的人，虽然反对和毁谤真理，也不得不承认上帝与你们同在。{PH097 1.2}[2]

§7 Precious promises are made to God’s people, upon condition of obedience. If, like Caleb and Joshua, you had wholly followed the Lord, he would have magnified his power in your midst. Sinners would have been converted, and backsliders reclaimed, by your influence; and even the enemies of our faith, although they might oppose and speak against the truth, could but admit that God was with you.?{PH097 1.2}[2]

§8 许多自称是上帝特选子民的人随从了世界，以致他们的独特性质模糊不清，难以将“侍奉上帝的和不侍奉上帝的”区别出来。上帝的子民若出离世俗并与世界有别，上帝就会为他们行大事。他们若愿顺从祂的带领，祂就必使他们在全地成为可赞美的。那为诚信真实见证的说：“我知道你的行为”（启3:15）。那些为将要承受救恩之人效力的天使熟悉世上每一个人的状况，了解他们每一个人所具有的信心的大小。自称是上帝子民之人心中存有的不信、骄傲、贪婪和爱世界的心，已使无罪的天使忧伤。当他们看到许多自称跟从基督之人心中存着严重的罪和僭越自恃的罪，并且上帝因他们表里不一、弯曲悖逆的行为而受羞辱时，就禁不住哭泣。可是那些犯错最多，给教会带来最大软弱，并使他们神圣的信仰表白染上污点的人，却似乎不受警告，或觉不出自己有罪，反倒感觉自己正在主里面兴盛繁荣。{PH097 1.3}[3]

§9 Many of the professed, peculiar people of God are so conformed to the world that the peculiar character is not discerned, and it is difficult to distinguish “between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” God would do great things for his people if they would “come out from among them and be separate.” He would make them a praise in all the earth, if they would submit to be led by him. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.” Angels of God, who minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation, are acquainted with the condition of all, and understand just the?measure of faith possessed by each individual. The unbelief, pride, covetousness, and love of the world, which have existed in the hearts of God’s professed people, have grieved the sinless angels. The grievous and presumptuous sins, which exist in the hearts of many, have caused angels to weep, as they have seen that God has been dishonored because of the inconsistent, crooked course of professed followers of Christ. And yet those the most at fault, those who cause the greatest feebleness in the church, and bring upon their holy profession a stain, do not seem to be alarmed, or convicted, but seem to feel that they are flourishing in the Lord.?{PH097 1.3}[3]

§10 许多人相信自己站在正确的根基上，相信自己拥有真理。他们因真理的清晰而喜乐，因证明我们立场的正确性的论据有力而自夸。这等人把自己算在上帝特选的子民之内，却没有经历上帝的同在和能力，拯救他们脱离愚昧，使他们不屈服于试探。这些人自称认识上帝，却在行为上否认祂。他们的黑暗是何等的大啊！他们和许多别人一样，因爱世界的心和钱财的迷惑，把道挤住了，不能结实。{PH097 2.1}[4]

§11 Many believe themselves to be on the right foundation, that they have the truth, and rejoice in the clearness of truth, and boast of the powerful arguments in proof of the correctness of our position, and reckon themselves among the chosen, peculiar people of God, yet they experience not the presence and power of God to save them from yielding to temptation and folly. These profess to know God, yet in works deny him. How great is their darkness! The love of the world with many, the deceitfulness of riches with a few, has choked the word, and they have become unfruitful.?{PH097 2.1}[4]

§12 我蒙指示看到巴特尔克里克教会已经沾染了世俗的精神，变得不冷不热到了惊人的地步。当作出努力，整顿教内事务，使会众达到上帝原要他们所处的位置时，就有一班人会受到影响，且会付出最恳切的努力突破黑暗、进入光明。但许多人的努力坚持得不够长久，也就无法实现真理对他们的内心和生活的圣化影响。世俗的思虑吸引了全部心意，以致自我反省和私下的祷告就被忽略了。战士摘盔卸甲，撒但也就可以自由侵入，使他们的感官麻木，觉察不到他的诡计。{PH097 2.2}[5]

§13 I was shown that the church at Battle Creek have partaken of the spirit of the world, and become lukewarm to an alarming extent. When efforts are there made to set things in order, and bring the people up to the position God would have them occupy, a class will be affected by the labor, and will make earnest efforts to press through the darkness to the light. But many do not persevere in their efforts long enough to realize the?sanctifying influence of the truth upon their hearts and lives. The cares of the world engross the mind to that degree that self-examination and secret prayer are neglected. The armor is laid off, and Satan has free access to them, benumbing their sensibilities, and causing them to be unsuspicious of his wiles.{PH097 2.2}[5]

§14 有些人没有表现出要了解自己的真实状况和逃脱撒但网罗的渴望。他们多病垂死。他们偶尔也会因别人的火热受到感动，但很快又因拘泥形式、骄傲自大和世界的影响而冰冷，以至于意识不到自己需要帮助了。{PH097 3.1}[6]

§15 Some do not manifest a desire to know their true state, and escape from Satan’s snares. They are sickly, and dying. They are occasionally warmed by the fire of others, yet are so nearly chilled by formality, pride, and the influence of the world, that they have no sense of their need of help.?{PH097 3.1}[6]

§16 我蒙指示看到那些在工作的领导地位身居负责岗位的人应当感到身上有很大的负担。他们有一种为善或为恶的影响。他们不可能占据中立地位。如果他们的影响不是显然增加灵性，就具有减少灵性的性质。{PH097 3.2}[7]

§17 I was shown that those who occupy responsible positions at the head of the work should feel that a great burden rests upon them. They have an influence which tells for good or evil. It is impossible for them to occupy a neutral position. If their influence is not decidedly such as to increase spirituality, it is of a character to decrease it.?{PH097 3.2}[7]

§18 我蒙指示看见奥尔德里奇弟兄和沃克弟兄的情况。他们身居使他们有影响力的负责职位，可是这些弟兄却不活在上帝圣颜的光中。他们在灵性和基督徒的美德上是有欠缺的。他们看到如今危险的时局以及充斥在我们周围的腐败影响时，就应每天感到有一种庄严的责任感压在自己心头。他们与上帝的性情有分的唯一希望就是逃避世上的败坏。这些弟兄需要在上帝的事上有一种深切彻底的经验，而这只有通过他们自己的努力方能获得。他们所处的地位要求他们具有诚挚不懈的殷勤，好使他们不在自己的岗位上沉睡。撒但和他使者是不睡觉的；而当奥尔德里奇弟兄和沃克弟兄沉睡时，这些对手就获得了特别的优势，这是永远无法完全恢复的。撒但改变了自己，使自己看起来像一个朋友，并与他们并肩工作了相当长的时间，他们才知道那是他。因为仇敌被一个更了解他工作方式的人认出来了，他们才终于意识到痛苦的事实。{PH097 3.3}[8]

§19 I was shown the cases of Brn. Aldrich and Walker. They occupy responsible positions which give them influence; and yet these brethren do not live in the light of God’s countenance. They are deficient in spirituality and the Christian graces. A weight of solemn responsibility should daily rest upon them as they view the perilous times in which we live, and the corrupting influences which are teeming around us. Their only hope of being partakers of the divine nature, is to escape the corruption that is in the world. These brethren lack a deep and thorough experience in the things of God. This experience cannot be obtained without effort on their part. Their?position requires them to possess earnestness and unabated diligence, so as not to be found sleeping at their post. Satan and his angels sleep not; and while Brn. A. and W. sleep, these adversaries gain special advantages, which can never be fully regained. Satan transforms himself so as to appear like a friend, and works side by side with them quite a length of time before they know that it is he. They are finally aroused to the painful fact by the enemy’s being recognized by one who better knows his manner of working.?{PH097 3.3}[8]

§20 这是上帝想要的吗？不是！祂要这些人为仇敌在他们的悟性如此盲目以致不知道那是仇敌的时候所行的一切恶事负责。一直有警告赐给这些弟兄，要他们保持警惕，免得敌人进来行事，对上帝的子民不利，在这些弟兄忽视这些警告的时候，上帝的事业和工作天天都受到危害。亲爱的弟兄们，你们二人都需要重新归正。{PH097 4.1}[9]

§21 Is this as God would have it? Oh, no! He holds these men responsible for all the mischief the enemy wrought while their understanding was so blinded that they knew not that it was he. The cause and work of God are endangered every day while these brethren neglect the warnings which have been given them, to be on their guard lest the foe find entrance and work to the disadvantage of God’s people. Dear brethren, you both need a fresh conversion.?{PH097 4.1}[9]

§22 奥尔德里奇弟兄，你显然是个世俗的商人。跟从基督之人的生活在地上是一场战争，他们的日常业务就是要警醒祷告，免得入了迷惑。上帝使你与祂的工作联合，旨在让你在光明中行，如同祂在光明中。撒但不断地注意那些与上帝的事业和工作特别相关的人。他知道，要是他能对这种人获得最小的优势，他就会取得决定性的胜利。你非常喜爱受到赞许。你对赞许的爱是伟大的。你喜爱出版社，喜爱晋升，喜爱从事大型企业，这使你有相当可观的表现。你喜欢被认为是一个商人，一个经理；你没有保持谦卑，而是超越了工作的简朴。需要用心作工。上帝旨在让你成为属灵的工人。你应该渴望拥有真正的敬虔，成为善行的榜样。你在很多方面都失败了。你回避责备错误并设法纠正这些错误且使之正确的负担。一些人已经得到的印象是，你是一个感情如此细腻、机体如此敏感的人，这样做对你来说会非常痛苦。他们没有正确地估计你，反而称赞你在你所缺乏的那些品质上出类拔萃。如果你真的拥有这些品格特征，你就会对那些需要你同情的人表现出兴趣。你的感情就会被征召到寡妇、孤儿和无父亲的人身上。你的心就会被拉向这个方向。你就会不需要别人呼吁你同情这等人；因为没有人能阻止你以他们的事为你自己的事。{PH097 4.2}[10]

§23 Bro. Aldrich, you are decidedly a worldly, business man. The life of Christ’s followers is a warfare upon earth, and their daily business is to watch and pray always, lest they enter into temptation. God united you to his work, and designed that you should walk in the light as he is in the light. Satan is constantly watching those who are especially connected with the cause and work of God. He knows that he will gain a decided victory if he secures the least advantage over such. Your love of approbation is great. You love office, love promotion, love to be engaged in a large enterprise, which makes considerable show. You love to be considered a man of business, a?manager; and you have not maintained humility, but have got above the simplicity of the work. It is heart work that is needed. God designed you to become a spiritual worker. It should be your anxiety to possess true godliness, to be a pattern of good works. You fail in many respects. You shun the burden of reproving wrong and seeking to have these wrongs corrected and make right. Some have received the impression that you were a man of such fine feelings, possessing so sensitive an organism, that it would be exceedingly painful for you to do this. They do not rightly estimate you, but give you credit for excelling in those qualities in which you are deficient. Did you really possess these traits of character, you would manifest an interest for the very ones who need your sympathy. Your feelings would be enlisted for the widows, the orphans, and fatherless. Your heart would be drawn out in this direction. You would not need your sympathy called out in behalf of this class; for you could not be hindered from making their case your own.?{PH097 4.2}[10]

§24 奥尔德里奇弟兄，你里面若不发生一场改革，你就不适合现在所居的位置。你不遵守基督所定的诫命：“你要尽心、尽性、尽力、尽意爱主你的上帝，”又“要爱人如己。这两条诫命是律法和先知一切道理的总纲”（路10:27；太22:39,40）。你显然没有遵守这些明确的命令。对这些事你别无选择，不能愿意去做才做，方便顺从才顺从。命令是积极的：你要去做；人的全部本分都包含在执行这些积极的命令里了。你很骄傲，在很大程度上是自私的。这使你无法履行你的职责。一个在上帝的工作和事业中居于你的地位的人，应该摆脱一切自私的痕迹，并且应该效法那位无误的模范，祂一生致力于向别人行善，为别人的好处而牺牲自己的安逸、快乐和方便。祂纯洁、献身、无私的生活，是赐给我们要我们去效法的榜样。你若拥有人们认为你有的那种细腻的感情，它原会在这方面发挥作用。你是在寻求为自己谋利益，追求利己。你在哪里表现出你对邻舍的爱，就是你所拥有的对自己的爱呢？你看不到自己。你有一项工作要做，但你做不了，直到你的心意有了变化，直到你身心的能力都顺服上帝，成圣归于祂。你有一种固执、顽强的意志，必须被恩典折服。耶和华看人不像人看人。祂的意念和道路并非盲目自私的凡人所认为的或所希望的那样。耶和华是看内心。主拣选了你在祂的圣工中充任一个指定的位置。祂旨在让你的道路向前向上，让你在恩典和真理的知识上长进。亮光已经照在你身上和你周围；但你却没有行在光明中。上帝的天使用他们纯真的眼睛注视着你。他们跟着你。他们记下你属灵的进步和你的不足。他们记下了你在什么情况下在你和那个出版社的业务上利己，同时却没有看到你公正地对待那些需要帮助的人。上帝记下了你对每一个与那个出版社有关的人每一个偏离严格公正的行为。仅仅在别人的眼里和意见里表现得很好是不够的。我们的行动，我们的作为，都要受主的鉴察，祂眼目太清洁，不看任何罪孽，也不看任何偏离正路的行为。基督是榜样，是标准。如果你不能效法基督，你的影响就会导致其他人也这样做。{PH097 5.1}[11]

§25 Bro. Aldrich, unless there is a reformation in you, you are not the man for the place you now occupy. You do not obey the commandments enforced by Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind,” and “thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” You decidedly fail in obeying these express commands. No choice is left you to do these things if you choose to; to obey if convenient for you to obey. The injunction is positive: Thou shalt do it; and the whole duty of man is?comprised in doing these positive commands. You possess pride, with a large share of selfishness. This shuts you away from doing your duty. A man that occupies your position in connection with the work and cause of God, should rid himself of every vestige of selfishness, and should imitate the unerring Pattern, whose life was devoted to doing others good, sacrificing his own ease, and pleasure, and convenience, for others good. His pure, devoted, unselfish life, is given us as a pattern for us to imitate. Did you possess that fineness of feeling which has been accredited to you, it would be exercised in this direction. You are seeking to benefit yourself, advantage yourself. Wherein do you manifest that love for your neighbors which you possess for yourself? You do not see yourself. You have a work to do, but cannot perform it until there is a transformation of the mind, until all the powers of your body and mind are brought into subjection to God, and sanctified to him. You have a set, stubborn will, that must be subdued by grace. The Lord seeth not as man seeth. His thoughts and ways are not what blind, selfish mortals believe they are, or wish them to be. The Lord looks on the heart. The Lord selected you to fill an appointed place in his cause. He designed that your course should be onward and upward, you growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Light has shone upon you and all around you; but you have not walked in it. Angels of God have their pure eyes bent upon you. They follow you. They mark your spiritual advancement, and your deficiencies. They have marked where in any instance you have favored yourself and yours in?your business with that Office, and at the same time have not seen that justice was done to others who were needy. God has marked every deviation from a strict, impartial dealing with every one connected with that Office. To appear all right in the sight and opinion of others is not enough. Our acts, our works, are to bear the inspection of Him whose eyes are too pure to behold any iniquity, any deviation from a correct course. Christ is the example, the standard. If you fail to imitate Christ, your influence leads others to do the same.?{PH097 5.1}[11]

§26 上帝要求你结出果子来荣耀祂，从世人中间出来，与他们分别。你的银子如果被埋起来，你的果子如果不完全，你就无法达到上帝的标准。不要把敬虔的外貌误认为是敬虔的精神和能力。{PH097 7.1}[12]

§27 God requires you to bear fruit to his glory, to come out from the world and be separate. If your talents are buried, if your fruit is not perfect, you fail to meet the measurement of God. Do not mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof.?{PH097 7.1}[12]

§28 我蒙指示看到你来巴特尔克里克的时候。你打算履行你的职责，但却没有明确的职责概念。当你开始你的工作时，你感到一种真诚的愿望，要成为一个忠实的人，但是当你的心反对健康改良和服装改良时，你是在反对上帝已指示符合祂旨意的事。你被蒙蔽了。你在这件事上没有看出任何神圣性，就采取了与你的地位不相称的做法。你反对改变饮食，反对改良服装；你嘲笑它们，轻视它们。因为是J·M·奥尔德里奇冒险这么做的，其他人就效仿你的做法，过早地在服装改革问题上起了争端。你固执顽梗的意志不愿屈服于你良心的信念。你的骄傲会受伤。你的影响在错误的一边。我希望你能像我蒙指示看到的那样看清这事。{PH097 7.2}[13]

§29 I was pointed to the time when you came to Battle Creek. You designed to do your duty, but had not clear conceptions of duty. You felt an earnest desire as you entered upon your work to be faithful, but when your heart arose against health and dress reforms you were opposing that which God had shown was according to his will. You were blinded. You failed to discern any sacredness in the matter, and took a course unbecoming your position. You opposed the change of diet, and the reform dress; you ridiculed and made light of them. Because it was J. M. Aldrich who ventured to do this, others followed your example, which brought an issue upon the subject of dress reform prematurely. Your set, stubborn will would not yield to the convictions of your conscience. Your pride would be wounded.?Your influence was on the wrong side. I wish you could see it just as it was shown me.?{PH097 7.2}[13]

§30 奥尔德里奇弟兄，你奋起反对亮光，导致别人轻视上天所认可的事。饮食和衣着问题是一个很重要的问题。要是你曾站在上帝的旨意里，原不会被撇下，去反对上帝已指明符合祂旨意的事。你的职位给了你本来不会有的影响力。有些人断定你在这样一个负责任的位置上，不会冒险反对来自上帝的事物。他们认为在这件事上一定有错误，太重视饮食和衣着问题了。如果上帝曾召你充任那个职位，他们岂不是就该信任你的判断吗？这样，你就直接挡在路上，使我的工作非常吃力。上帝藉着祂的仆人们行事，要把祂的百姓带到一个地步，使他们放弃骄傲，以谦卑的精神表明他们与世界的时尚分别，你倒在另一方面行事，要使他们与世界保持联合。对你来说，人们的言论比任何其它考虑都更有分量。上帝设法使祂的百姓在这些问题上联合起来，你的影响却要使他们离题，处于分裂的状态；结果是属灵上的极大软弱。许多人拒绝了所赐的亮光，一些人承认它，但没有道德勇气通过行在光中来表示服从。你轻慢了那光，以为那是愚昧。在你的家里，在出版社里，在年轻人面前，这是你拿来取笑的话题，也是你嘲笑的话题，上帝圣颜的光从你身上挪走，你和他人就被撇下去走自己选择的道路了。于是黑暗随之而来，然而同时一些在黑暗中的人却认为他们的光从未如此清晰过。我们只是隐约地感觉到巴特尔克里克存在的困难的长度和广度——我们的偏见、嫉妒、邪恶的猜测、对异象的漠视；撒但已被邀请进入教会，并对人们的头脑有强大的控制力。他欣喜若狂，因为看到人们走进他的网里了。{PH097 8.1}[14]

§31 Bro. Aldrich, your bracing up against light led others to lightly esteem that which Heaven sanctioned. The diet and dress question was a matter of importance. Had you stood in the counsel of God you would not have been left to oppose that which God had signified was in accordance with his will. Your position gave you influence which you would not otherwise have had. Some concluded that you were in so responsible a position you would not venture to oppose the things which came from God. They thought there must be some mistake in the matter, that too much importance was attached to the diet and dress question. If God had called you to fill that position should not they have confidence in your judgment? Thus you stood directly in the way, making my work very taxing. God was working through his servants to bring the people up to the point to yield their pride, and with the spirit of humility manifest their separation from the fashions of the world, and you were working on the other hand to keep them united with the world. The speech of people had greater weight with you than any other consideration. God was seeking to unite his people on these subjects, while your influence was to keep them from the point, in a state of disunion; and great spiritual weakness was the result. Many rejected the light given, some acknowledged it but had not moral courage to manifest obedience by walking in the light. You had trifled with that light, and esteemed it as foolishness. In your house, and in the Office, before the young, it was a subject for you to jest over,?and for you to ridicule, the light of God’s countenance was removed from you, and you, with others, were left to take the course of your own choosing. Then followed darkness, yet at the same time some of those in darkness thought their light was never clearer. We have had but a faint sense of the length and breadth of the difficulty existing in B. C.—the prejudice, the jealousy of us, the evil surmisings, the disregard of the visions; Satan had been invited into the church, and had a powerful hold of minds. He was exulting as he saw souls walking right into his net.?{PH097 8.1}[14]

§32 我蒙指示看见一些人的奇妙感想、热心、真诚、热情。一些人认为他们从上帝那里得到的特别的光，来自另一个源头。在这件事上还没有做洁净的工作；凡没有完全出来，谦卑地承认自己的诡诈和错误的，都要暴露在撒但的欺骗性能力之下。上帝必藉着将他们带回同样的境地来试验他们。所有的假冒伪劣垃圾都应该被董事会永远清除。教会在这件事上的经验是健全的或不健全的，要么来自主，要么来自魔鬼。基督与撒但并不合伙作工。所有那些忙碌的谈话，那说怀弟兄和怀姐妹前后矛盾的重磅新闻，传遍了整个教会，并且已经完成了它的工作。一个灵魂死在了魔鬼的这个迷惑之下。她对我们充满了仇恨的精神，就在这种状态下死去了。她灵魂的血沾在教会身上。还有好些人的宽容时期不会大大延长，但他们还没有准备好。他们在锡安很自在，没有努力进窄门。和许多人一样，他们只是在寻求，而不是在努力。要是他们能看到自己的人生记录，他们就会尽最大的努力去发现自己的错误，以便藉谦卑地认罪除掉他们品格上的污点。一点面酵能使全团都发起来。许多在这事上有份的、被撒但如此欺骗的人，都必需下一番彻底的内心工夫。我看到，那些觉得自己毕竟没有那么离谱的人，还得从痛苦的经历中学到他们以前不愿记在心上的东西。一些天生善良、认真、可怜的人所具有的这种无情、冷酷、邪恶的精神，足以唤醒他们所有的理智，意识到他们有了另一个灵。{PH097 9.1}[15]

§33 I was shown the wonderful impressions, the zeal, the earnestness, the fervor, of some. The special light that some thought they received from God, was from another source. There has not been clean work made of this matter; and all who have failed to come out fully, and humbly acknowledge their deception and error, will be yet exposed to the deceptive power of Satan. God will prove them by bringing them over the ground again. All that counterfeit trash should be swept forever by the board. The experience of the church in this matter was sound or unsound, either from the Lord or the Devil. Christ and Satan do not work in copartnership. All that busy talking, that burden of news which was Bro. and Sr. Whites’ supposed inconsistencies, was spread all through the church, and has done its work. One soul died under this delusion of the Devil. She was imbued with the spirit of hatred against us, and died in this condition. The blood of her soul is upon the church. And the probation of a number more will not be greatly lengthened; yet they are not ready. They are at ease in Zion,?and are not agonizing that they may enter into the strait gate. Like many, they are seeking merely, but are not striving. Could they see their life-record, they would make most earnest efforts to discern their wrongs, in order, by humble confession to remove the stains from their characters. The little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. A thorough heart-work is necessary with many who acted their part in this work, who are so deceived by Satan. Those who felt that they were not so much out of the way after all, will yet, I saw, have to learn by bitter experience that which they were unwilling to take to heart before. Such an unfeeling, heartless, satanic spirit as was possessed by some who are naturally tender-hearted, conscientious, and pitiful, was enough to have aroused all their senses, that they had another spirit.?{PH097 9.1}[15]

§34 我蒙指示看见上帝的灵并没有导致对保健院的那种热心。有一种热心，但不是按着真知识。一种夸胜的精神抓住了那些本应谦卑寻求主的人。他们变得极为自负，行在自己所点的火把中。事情的新秩序已经到来了。异象不再可靠了。责备者已经沉默了。现在一切都平安了，平安了。事情进展得很顺利。资金涌进来了，征收者的热心得到了颂扬。重要的责任落在了不适合承担这些责任的人身上。在短时间内，就是在拉夫伯勒弟兄被赋予了权力而且显然兴旺的时期内，他变得高高在上，看不到工作的简朴了，并在很大的程度上在他出名的地方终结了他的效用和影响力。{PH097 10.1}[16]

§35 I was shown that God’s Spirit did not lead to that enthusiasm in reference to the Health Institute. There was a zeal, but not according to knowledge. A triumphant spirit seized the men who should have been in humility seeking the Lord. They became self-sufficient, and walked in the light of the sparks of their own kindling. A new order of things had come. The visions were no longer reliable. The reprover had become silent. Now all was peace, peace. Things were moving prosperously. Means flowed in, and the zeal of the collectors was eulogized. Responsibilities of importance were laid upon men unfitted to bear them. In a short period of time, in which Bro. Loughborough was invested with authority, and apparently prospered, he became exalted, lost sight of the simplicity of the work, and to a great?extent finished his usefulness and influence where he was known.?{PH097 10.1}[16]

§36 奥尔德里奇弟兄信赖他自己的智慧和判断。他看不见工作的简朴，也看不到工作的崇高圣洁性质。他像一棵青翠的月桂树伸展自己，但上帝却使他的枝条枯干，并使他的计划付诸东流。上帝使奥尔德里奇弟兄的智慧成为愚拙。他既不节俭，又不谨慎。他的管理增加了保健院的拮据，而没有减轻它。要是奥尔德里奇弟兄愿意拥有一颗谦卑的心，准备承认自己的过失，忏悔自己的错误，他就能看到更清晰的亮光了。如果他不这么做，黑暗就会包围他，他就会被撇下，去随从他自己不完全的判断。没有任何错误是微不足道，不值得注意或评论的，无论是在奥尔德里奇弟兄、盖奇弟兄、阿马登弟兄、还是在任何一个工作人员身上发现的。最小的入口也不应该让仇敌进来，因为一旦他进入堡垒，他的欺骗和伤害的工作就开始了。{PH097 11.1}[17]

§37 Bro. Aldrich trusted to his own wisdom and judgment. He lost sight of the simplicity of the work as well as its exalted, holy character. He spread himself like a green bay-tree, but God withered his branches, and brought to naught his plans. God made the wisdom of Bro. Aldrich foolishness. He has not managed with economy and prudence. His management has increased the embarrassment of the Institute without relieving it. If Bro. Aldrich would possess a humble heart, ready to admit his errors, and confess his wrongs, he could then see clearer light. If he does not do this, darkness will envelop him, and he will be left to his own imperfect judgment. No error is a trifle, unworthy of notice or comment, be it found to exist in Bro. Aldrich, Bro. Gage, Bro. Amadon, or any of the working hands. The smallest entrance should not be allowed to the foe; for when once he is in the fort, his work of deception and injury commences.?{PH097 11.1}[17]

§38 不幸的是，像奥尔德里奇弟兄和沃克弟兄这样与工作密切相关的人，竟有这样的性情。他们有一种属灵上懒惰的倾向,一种从事世俗商业的爱好。他们不能以正确的方式互相帮助。他们的兴趣并不是通过他们在一起的交往而保持唤醒的，也不是通过彼此的热心和对工作的奉献而得到加强的。出版社上空集结着一片薄雾和乌云。事情不像上帝想要的那样。没有对工作的献身。自我和利己主义太突出了。在管理所有与出版社有关的事务上，没有运用那种应该运用的成圣的判断力。对工人没有很好的辨识力。有些人得到的工资太过优厚，而另一些人同样忠诚，虽然他们更贫困，但工资却少得多。{PH097 11.2}[18]

§39 It is unfortunate that men so closely connected with the work as Brn. Aldrich and Walker, should possess just the turn of mind they do. They have with them a tendency to spiritual sloth, and a love to engage in worldly commerce. They are not helps to one another in the right way. Their interest is not kept awake by their association together, and strengthened by mutual zeal and devotion to the work. A mist and cloud is gathering over the Office. Things are not as God would have them. There is not a consecration to the work. Self and self-interest are too prominent. There is not that sanctified judgment?exercised that should be in the management of all pertaining to the Office. There is not a nice discrimination with regard to the workers. Some have received too liberal wages, while others who have been just as faithful, have had less, though they have been more needy.?{PH097 11.2}[18]

§40 有些人有一种自私的精神，只为工资而工作。除了工资以外，他们对工作没有什么特别的兴趣，也没有什么奉献精神。这些人受到青睐，而那些具有较高道德价值、较健康和较节俭的人却只得到一小笔钱。C.史密斯弟兄和姐妹愚蠢地纵容他们的孩子，努力满足他们的每一个欲望，并消除他们所有不满的原因。在一定程度上这样做是对的，但是史密斯弟兄和姐妹把他们的喜爱带到了极端，伤害了他们的孩子。史密斯弟兄恳求奥尔德里奇弟兄给她的女儿们提高工资是不对的。她们已经得到了她们的工作所配得的一切。奥尔德里奇弟兄在这方面受影响是不对的。这只会伤害她们。同时，一些人正在从事繁重得多的工作，并在与困难作斗争，他们理应增加工资。但这些人却没有得到考虑。奥尔德里奇弟兄和阿马登弟兄有责任熟悉所有与那个出版社有关之人的情况。有些人的情况可能需要作出有利于他们的决定。在那个出版社里谁也不该像该隐一样说：“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗”（创4:9）？你是看守你兄弟的；如果地球上有一个地方高于另一个地方，在那里应该作出正义、平等、同情和爱的榜样，那就是在出版社里了。{PH097 12.1}[19]

§41 Some have had a selfish spirit, and worked merely for wages. They had no special interest in, nor devotion to, the work, further than the wages were concerned. These have been favored, while some who possessed more moral worth, and whose influence was more healthful and saving, received but a small sum. Bro. and Sr. C. Smith have foolishly indulged their children, labored to gratify their every desire, and remove from them all cause of discontent. It is right that this should be done to a degree; but Bro. and Sr. Smith have carried their fondness to extremes, to the injury of their children. Bro. Smith was wrong in pleading with Bro. Aldrich to increase the wages of his daughters. They received all their labor was worth. Bro. Aldrich was wrong in being influenced in this direction. It only hurt them. Some, at the same time, were performing more taxing labor, and were struggling with difficulties, who deserved an increase of wages. But these were not thought of. Brn. Aldrich and Amadon have duties to perform in making themselves acquainted with the situation of all connected with that Office. The circumstances of some may be such as to warrant decisions made in their favor. Let none in that Office say, like Cain, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” You are your brother’s keeper; and if there is one place above another on earth, where examples of justice, equality,?compassion, and love, should be exercised, it is in the Office.?{PH097 12.1}[19]

§42 那些在出版社里发挥重要作用之人的工资应该是这样的，他们节俭地使用资金，就不必拮据。他们的工资应足以使他们在各种慈善事业中树立正确的榜样，使他们能够自由地、愉快地招待那些访问巴特尔克里克的弟兄们，并消除从事世俗商业和投机的必要性。{PH097 13.1}[20]

§43 The wages of those who act an important part in the Office should be such that in an economical use of means they need not be embarrassed. Their wages should be sufficient to enable them to set right examples in the different benevolent enterprises that arise, to entertain freely and cheerfully their share of those brethren who visit Battle Creek, and to remove the necessity of engaging in worldly commerce and speculations.?{PH097 13.1}[20]

§44 我看到了如果奥尔德里奇弟兄和沃克弟兄继续担任他们的职务，他们就应该把全部的兴趣和精力都投入到出版社的工作上。他们中的一个就能在出版社做他们两个现在连同他们的其它事项做着的工作。如果一个人全身心地投入到工作中，而不是像现在这样两个人都把他们的兴趣和时间分散开来，工作就会做得更好。上帝会让那些在出版社工作的人得到很好的供养。但这些弟兄的兴趣和时间既这样分散开来，他们就没有挣到出版社给他们的全部工资。我蒙指示看到，那些弟兄并没有正当的权利要求协会优待他们，像待阿马登弟兄和史密斯弟兄一样，后者十五年来一直从事这工作，他们在工作之初只为最经济的食物和衣服辛苦了好几年。这些人在圣工上投入了时间、操劳和兴趣，只拿很少的工资。几年之内，他们的工资逐渐提高了。圣工是他们生命的一部分。把他们的兴趣和工作分开，就会像与生命分开。要是奥尔德里奇弟兄和沃克弟兄应该受优待，这些弟兄就应该受到更多的优待。{PH097 13.2}[21]

§45 I saw that if Brn. Aldrich and Walker continue occupying the post they do, they should devote their entire interest and energies to the work of the Office. One of them can do the work at the Office which both now do in connection with their other matters. And the work would be better done by one fully devoted to the work, than by both with their interest and time divided as it now is. God would have those who labor in the Office receive a good support. But these brethren, with their interest and time divided as it has been, have not earned all the wages they have received from the Office. I was shown that those brethren have not the just claims on the Association for favors, as Brn. Amadon and Smith, who have been connected with the work for fifteen years, and who, at its commencement, labored several years for only the most economical food and clothing. These have invested time, labor and interest, in the cause, with very small wages. Within a few years, their wages have been gradually raised. The cause is a part of their very being. It would be like parting with life, to separate their interest from the work. If Brn. Aldrich and Walker?should be favored, these should be favored much more.?{PH097 13.2}[21]

§46 凡与这工作有关的人都不应担任任何世俗的职务，除非这是我们人之间进行业务往来所必需的。我们工作的独特而神圣的性质把我们与世界分开。接受世俗职位把人引向世界，是令上帝不悦的。奥尔德里奇弟兄和沃克弟兄进行的世俗业务把许多人带进出版社，和他们商量生意上的事情，这消耗了他们的时间，分散了他们对工作的兴趣，并将世俗的、腐化的影响带进了出版社，使上帝天使们忧伤地离开了那个地方。我在看现场，就是出版社，特别是会计室时，那里更像是一个世俗事务的公共场所，没有那种为了鼓励圣天使的出现，为了正确地执行上帝的工作而必须的隐居和宁静。{PH097 14.1}[22]

§47 No one connected with the work should hold any worldly office, unless it be one necessary to the transaction of business among our people. The peculiar, holy character of our work is such as to separate us from the world. The acceptance of worldly offices leads to the world, which is displeasing to God. The worldly business carried on by Brn. Aldrich and Walker brings into the Office many to consult with them, and talk over business matters, which consumes their time, divides the interest in the work, and brings an influence into the Office which is worldly and corrupting, and which grieves the angels of God away from the place. As I viewed the scene, the Office, especially the counting room, it was more like a public place of worldly business, than that retirement and quiet necessary to encourage the presence of holy angels, and to properly conduct the work of God.?{PH097 14.1}[22]

§48 当谈到这一点，就是弟兄们不愿在这些事上约束自己时，要是他们的心思在某个别的业务上，他们就应该离开出版社，去从事他们的心思意念所在的职业，而让他们的位置由那些全身心投入工作的人来填补。这个地方需要全人投入，上帝必不接受那些在出版社却将自己的兴趣和努力分散在圣工和他们自己的投机和属世利益上之人的服务。时候已经完全到了，要么脱离这些事，要么离开出版社。{PH097 14.2}[23]

§49 When it comes to this, that the brethren will not restrain themselves in these things, if their minds are in some other business, they should be released from the Office, to engage in vocations where their minds and hearts are, and let their places be filled by those whose whole souls shall be devoted to the work. It requires the whole man for the place, and God will not accept the services of those at the Office who divide their interest and efforts between his work and their own speculations and worldly interests. The time has fully come for either a separation from these things, or a separation from the work of the Office.?{PH097 14.2}[23]

§50 对这工作必须有更大的献身和无私的兴趣，才能出版社保持在兴旺的状态，以便上帝的福气伴随着每一个人的操劳。主并不需要那些没有传道精神、对工作不投入、也没有特别兴趣之人的服务。祂已多次表明这一点，并且再次以更明确和积极的方式提出了这一点。上帝旨在让版社所有的工人都成为义的器具、工人和活石，发光照耀，好鼓励天使的同在。上帝要求他们成为真理和公义的精神可以藉以涌流的通渠。不应该有一种把一些人排除在外的混乱精神；有几个人互相依附，彼此交谈，一起散步，一起交往，忽视和轻视别人。我们在基督耶稣里都是一体的。但是在出版社工作的一些人大大沾染了世界的精神和影响，以致他们的行为与世人一样。他们与世人同喜同恶，辨别不出品格的优美。他们的行为并非受着基督教纯洁原则的管理，所以他们只想到自己，自己的享受和快乐，而不顾别人。他们没有因真理而成圣，因此也就认识不到全世界基督徒的合一。上帝最爱的那些人，是最少自信而且以温柔安静的心为装饰的人；他们的生活是纯洁无私的，他们的心因基督之灵的丰盛而倾向于顺从、公义、纯洁和真正的圣洁。{PH097 14.3}[24]

§51 There must be greater devotion to the work,?and an unselfish interest in it, if the Office be kept in a prospering condition, so that the blessing of God may attend the labor of each. The Lord needs not the services of those who have not the missionary spirit, a devotion to, and a special interest in, the work. This he has shown frequently, and again it was presented in a more clear and positive manner. God designs that all the workers in that Office shall be instruments of righteousness,?workmen, living stones, that emit light, that they may encourage the presence of heavenly angels. They are required, as it were, to be channels through which the spirit of truth and righteousness shall flow. There should not be a spirit of messing together to the exclusion of some; a few attached to each other, conversing with one another, walking and associating together, and neglecting and slighting others. We are all one in Christ Jesus. Yet some who have labored in that Office have partaken so largely of the spirit and influence of the world, that they act like the world. They have their likes and dislikes, and discern not excellence of character. Their conduct is not governed by the pure principles of Christianity, therefore they think only of themselves, their pleasure, and enjoyment, to the disregard of others. They are not sanctified through the truth, therefore realize not the oneness of Christ’s followers the world over. Those who are most loved of God are those who possess the least self-confidence, and are adorned with a meek and quiet spirit; whose lives are pure and unselfish, and whose hearts are inclined, through the abundant measure of the spirit of Christ, to obedience, justice, purity and true holiness.?{PH097 14.3}[24]

§52 如果那个出版社中所有的人都把自己献给上帝，宝贵的亮光就会从它发出，对凡与它接触之人产生直接的影响。但人人都有一番工作要为他们作成。有些人远离上帝，像水一样多变无常；我看到一些人从来没有自我牺牲的想法。当他们渴望什么特别的放纵或享乐，或什么衣服时，他们不会坐下来考虑自己可不可以不要这样东西，或否定自己的愿望和享乐，而向上帝作出乐意的奉献。有多少人考虑过上帝要求他们作出某种牺牲呢？你或许无法像财主一样奉献大笔金钱，但实际上真有代价的舍己才是宝贵的牺牲，是献给上帝的供物。这会成为一股馨香之气，从香坛升到上帝面前。{PH097 16.1}[25]

§53 If all were devoted to God in that Office, a precious light would shine forth from it, which would have a direct influence upon all who are brought in contact with it. But all need a work done for them. Some are far from God, variable, changeable, and unstable as water. Some, I saw, have no idea of sacrifice. When they desire any pleasure, or any article of dress, or any special indulgence, they do not sit down and consider whether they can do without the article, or deny themselves of the pleasure, and make a freewill offering to God. How many have considered that they were required to make some sacrifice? Although it may be of less value than that of the wealthy man in possession of his thousands, yet that which really costs self-denial would be a precious sacrifice, and an offering to God. It would be a sweet smelling savor, and come up from his altar like sweet incense.?{PH097 16.1}[25]

§54 青年无权任意处置自己的钱财而不顾上帝的要求。他们应当像大卫一样说：“不然，我必要按着价值向你买，我不肯用白得之物作燔祭，献给耶和华我的上帝”（撒下24:24）。有人花许多钱来绘制自己的画像。如果统计一下为此而付给画家的金钱，那就是一笔不菲的数目。这只是浪费钱财的方式之一。在这方面，投入的许多钱财单为自我满足，毫无益处。由于这样的开支，他们缺衣少食。孤儿寡妇得不到救济；饥饿的人得不到饱足；赤身的人得不到衣穿。你那吝啬的奉献几乎是不情愿地带给上帝的，同时，在自我满足上，你却挥霍无度。有多少挣来的工资流入上帝的府库，以帮助推进祂拯救灵魂的工作？他们每周奉献一点点，还觉得自己做了很多。但他们并没有意识到他们各人都是上帝的管家，掌管那一点儿，就像富人掌管他更大的财产一样。上帝被抢夺了，你们放纵自己，寻欢作乐，满足自己的口味，却没有想到上帝会仔细调查你们是如何使用你们主的货财的。当你毫不犹豫地满足你所想象的需要(实际上并不需要)，并向上帝保留你应该做的奉献时，他就必不接受你捐入库里的那点钱，就像祂没有接受亚拿尼亚和他妻子的奉献一样，他们打算在他们的供物上抢夺上帝之物。{PH097 16.2}[26]

§55 The youth are not authorized to do just as they please with their means, regardless of the requirements of God. With David, they should say, “Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” Quite an amount of means have been expended to multiply copies of their pictures. Could all enumerate the amount given to the artist for this purpose, it would swell to quite a large sum. This is merely one way in which means are squandered. In this direction much means are invested for self-gratification, from which no profit is received. They are not clothed nor fed by this outlay. The widow and the fatherless are not relieved, the hungry are not fed, the naked are not clothed. Your stinted offerings are brought to God almost?unwillingly, while, in self-gratification, means are spent lavishly. How much of the wages earned finds its way into the treasury of God to aid in the advancement of his work in saving souls? They give a mite each week, and feel that they do much. But they have no sense that they are each of them stewards of God over the little, as the wealthy over his larger possession. God has been robbed, and yourselves indulged, your pleasures consulted, your tastes gratified, without a thought that God would make close investigation of how you have used your Lord’s goods. While you unhesitatingly gratify your supposed wants (which are not wants in reality), and withhold from God the offering you ought to make, he will no more accept the little pittance you hand in to the treasury, than he accepted the offering of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, who purposed to rob God in their offerings.?{PH097 16.2}[26]

§56 一般说来，巴特尔克里克的青年被世俗同化了。只有很少的人仍在继续与内部的仇敌争战。只有很少的人真诚急切地想要了解并遵行上帝的旨意。只有很少的人饥渴慕义。只有很少的人对上帝圣灵责备人、安慰人的工作有所了解。传道士在哪里呢？克己牺牲的人在哪里呢？背十字架的人在哪里呢？自我和私利已经吞噬了高尚、尊贵的原则。永恒的事物在人心中不再有特别的分量。上帝要求你们个别地达到完全降服的地步。“你们不能又侍奉上帝，又侍奉玛门。”你们不能又侍奉自我，同时仍作基督的仆人。你们必须向自我死去，向贪爱享乐死去，学会询问：我花钱要买的东西能令上帝喜悦吗？我能因此而荣耀祂吗？我们奉命，或吃或喝，无论做什么，都要为荣耀上帝而行。有多少人是凭良心根据原则行事而不是凭冲动行事，并切实遵行这命令呢？在巴特尔克里克，有多少青年门徒已经以上帝为他们的分和他们的靠山，切求明白和遵行祂的旨意呢？有许多人名义上是基督的仆人，但在顺从上却不是这样。凡受宗教原理管束之处，犯大错的危险就小；因为那总是使人盲目和受欺骗的自私之念，已贬居下位了。有益于他人的诚意占据优势之时，自我便被忘记了。拥有坚定的宗教原则，乃为无价之宝。这也是人类所能具有的最纯洁，最高尚，及最优越的感化力。这种人是有锚的。他们的每一行动都是经过缜密考虑的，以免其影响会危害别人，引人离开基督。他们心中所常存的问题是：主啊，我怎样才能向祢献上最好的服务，在地上荣耀祢的名呢？我要怎样在生活上为人，使祢的名在地上被人称赞，并引别人来爱祢，侍奉祢，及尊荣祢呢？愿我只想望选择祢的旨意，以我救赎主的言语及榜样作我心的亮光和力量。在我跟从及信靠祂之时，祂必不让我灭亡。祂要成为我喜乐的冠冕。{PH097 17.1}[27]

§57 The youth in Battle Creek are, as a general thing, allied to the world. But few maintain a special warfare against the internal foe. But few have an earnest, anxious desire to know and do the will of God. But few hunger and thirst after righteousness. But few know anything of the Spirit of God as a reprover or comforter. Where are the missionaries? Where are the self-denying, self-sacrificing ones? Where are the cross-bearers? Self and self-interest have swallowed up high and noble principles. Things of eternal moment bear with no special weight upon the mind. God requires you individually to come up to the point, to make an entire surrender. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Ye cannot serve self and at the same time be servants of?Christ. You must die to self, die to your love of pleasure, and learn to inquire, Will God be pleased with the objects for which I purpose to spend this means? Shall I glorify him? We are commanded, Whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God. How many have conscientiously moved from principle rather than from impulse, and obeyed this command to the letter? How many of the youthful disciples of Battle Creek have made God their trust and portion, and have earnestly sought to know and do his will? There are many who profess to be servants of Christ in name, but they are not so in obedience. Where religious principle governs, the danger of committing important errors is small; for selfishness, which always blinds and deceives, is subordinate. The sincere desire to do others good so predominates that self is forgotten. To have firm religious principles is an inestimable treasure. It is the purest, highest, and most elevated influence mortals can possess. Such have an anchor. Every act is well considered, lest its effect be injurious to another, and lead away from Christ. The constant inquiry of the mind is, Lord, how shall I best serve and glorify thy name in the earth? how shall I conduct my life to make thy name a praise in the earth, and lead others to love, serve, and honor thee? Let me only desire and choose thy will. Let the words and example of my Redeemer be the light and strength of my heart. While I follow and trust in him, he will not leave me to perish. He shall be my crown of rejoicing.?{PH097 17.1}[27]

§58 奥尔德里奇弟兄，你身居要职。如果你没有达到标准，其他人就会效仿你，尤其是年轻人。你在健康改良和服装改良方面的立场，会使不圣洁的人在你的影响下得到庇护。如果你有那种应该在你身上找到的认真、细腻的感情，你就不会冒险走上你所追求的道路了。对这样的人来说，只要知道上帝屈尊注意到祂子民的饮食和衣着，那就足够了；你的话就会多么谨慎小心，免得你被发现在与上帝争战呀。任何重要到足以让上帝注意到的事情，无论在那些心里骄傲自大的人看来多么微不足道，都至少应该要求恭敬的沉默。你把这些事看得微不足道，并没有使它们变得微不足道。上帝注意到了它们。这对可怜而骄傲的凡人来说本应该足够了。他们的意志和智慧不应违背祂的意志和智慧，祂太聪明，不会犯错，也太善良，不会对我们做错事。我们的心中就有这种高举人的危险。我们若误以人的智慧为上帝的智慧，就要因人的智慧是愚拙的而被引入歧途。在巴特尔克里克的许多人，就有这种大危险。他们没有自身的经验。对于新起的及常常容易发生的问题及论题，他们没有用无成见、不偏执的判别力去自行虔诚考虑的习惯。他们等着要看奥尔德里奇弟兄怎样思考。若是他不同意，那就够了。他们心中的证据就肯定了，认为那所考虑的问题，乃是无关重要的。这等人虽为数众多，但在事实上他们仍然是因长期屈从仇敌而心思软弱、没有经验的人。他们总是虚弱得像婴孩一样，靠赖别人的亮光行走，根据别人的经验而生活，照别人的感觉而感觉，依别人的行动而行动。他们行事为人如同是没有个性一般。他们本身的特性消泯在别人之中；他们不过是自己所认为正确之人的影子而已。这些人若非觉悟自己三心二意的品性，并加以矫正，他们就必不能应付末日的危险，也必丧失永生。他们必没有精力去抗拒魔鬼，因为他们不知道魔鬼何在。他们必须有人站在旁边指教，说明那临近的一位是仇敌或朋友。他们不是属灵的人，所以不能看透属灵的事。他们也不明了那些与上帝国度有关的事物。无论老幼，若是信靠别人，将别人的经验拿来作为自己的经验，都是无可原谅的。天使说：“依靠人血肉膀臂的，那人有祸了。”在基督徒的经验及战事上所需要的，乃是高尚的自力更生。{PH097 18.1}[28]

§59 Bro. Aldrich, you are in an important position. If you fail to come up to the standard, others follow?your example; especially the youth. Your position in regard to health and dress reforms was such as to cause the unsanctified to take shelter under your influence. Had you possessed that conscientious, fine sensibility which ought to be found in you, you would not have ventured upon the course you pursued. It would have been enough for such a mind to know that God had deigned to notice the diet and dress of his people; and how careful and circumspect would have been your words, lest you should be found fighting against God. Any thing that is of sufficient importance for God to notice, however small it may appear to those whose hearts are lifted up in pride, should at least call for respectful silence. Your regarding these things as insignificant did not make them so. God noticed them. This should have been enough for poor, proud mortals. Their will and wisdom should not be maintained against the will and wisdom of Him who is too wise to err, and too good to do us wrong. Here is the danger of exalting man in our hearts. If we get the wisdom of man before us as the wisdom of God, we are led astray by the foolishness of man’s wisdom. Here is the great danger of many in Battle Creek. They have not an experience for themselves. They have not been in the habit of prayerfully considering for themselves, with unprejudiced, unbiased judgment, questions and subjects that are new, which are liable to arise. They wait to see what Bro. Aldrich thinks. If he dissents, that is all that is needed. The evidence in their minds then is positive that it is all of no account whatever. This class is not small; yet for all their numbers are large, it does?not change the fact that they are weak-minded through long yielding to the enemy, inexperienced, and will always be sickly as babes, walking by others’ light, living on others’ experience, feeling as others feel, acting as others act. They act as though they had not an individuality. Their identity is submerged in others. They are merely shadows of others whom they think about right. These will all fail of everlasting life unless they become sensible of their wavering character, and correct it. They will be unable to cope with the perils of the last days. They will possess no stamina to resist the Devil; for they do not know that it is he. Some one must be at their side to inform them whether it is a foe approaching, or a friend. They are not spiritual, therefore spiritual things are not discerned. They are not wise in those things which relate to the kingdom of God. None, young or old, are excusable in trusting to another to have an experience for them. Said the angel, “Cursed is man who trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm.” A noble self-reliance is needed in the Christian experience and warfare.?{PH097 18.1}[28]

§60 男女及青年哪，上帝要你们具有道德的勇气，确定的目标，坚忍、恒心及毅力，在接受或拒绝之先，必自行查究、证明及尝试，不会接受别人的断言，而会研究并权衡凭据，在祈祷之中向主陈明，并且逃到已邀请他们的主那里去。“你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求那厚赐与众人，也不斥责人的上帝，主就必赐给他。”但此中却有一个条件就是：“只要凭着信心求，一点不疑惑；因为那疑惑的人，就像海中的波浪，被风吹动翻腾。这样的人，不要想从主那里得什么”（雅1:5-7）。这种求智慧的祈祷，不应当是一种无意义的，过后即不在意的祷告，乃是发表人心中强烈而恳切的愿望，及因觉悟自己缺少确定上帝旨意的智慧和知识而起的。在祷告之后，若是没有立即觉得蒙主应允，切不可变得摇动不定，倦于等待。不可摇摆。应当坚持那应许：“那召你们的本是信实的，祂必成就这事”（帖前5:24）。要像那再三切求的寡妇一样，迫切陈述你的情形，坚定你的心意。这个目标是否重要及对你很重要呢？一定是的。既然如此，就不应疑惑，因为你的信心也许要经过试验。如果你所渴望的事是有价值的，那就值得下一番坚强认真的努力。你有了这应许，就当警醒祈求。务要坚定，你的祷告就必蒙应允；因为那应许你的，岂不是上帝吗？你若是付了代价才能得到，在得到之时，就必更觉得有价值。你已得到明白的通知，你若是疑惑，就不要想从主那里可得什么。在这里还有一个警戒，那就是不可厌倦，乃要坚心信靠主的应许。你若祈求，祂就要厚赐你，也不斥责你。{PH097 20.1}[29]

§61 Men, women, and youth, God requires you to possess moral courage, steadiness of purpose, fortitude and perseverance, minds which will investigate, and prove, and try, for themselves before receiving or rejecting, minds that cannot take the assertions of another, but will study and weigh evidence, take it to the Lord in prayer, and flee to Him who has invited them to come. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.” Now the condition: “But let him ask in?faith, nothing wavering; for he?that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed; for let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” This petition for wisdom is not to be a meaningless prayer, out of mind as soon as finished. It is a prayer that expresses the strong, earnest desire of the heart, arising from a conscious lack of wisdom and knowledge to determine the will of God. If, after the prayer is made to God, the answer is not immediately realized, do not become unstable and weary of waiting. Waver not. Cling to the promise, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” Like the importunate widow, urge your case, being firm in your purpose. Is the object important and of great consequence to you? It certainly is. Well, waver not; for your faith may be tried. If the thing you desire is valuable, it is worthy of a strong, earnest effort. You have the promise, watch and pray. Be steadfast, and the prayer will be answered; for is it not God who hath promised? If it cost you something to obtain it, the more will you prize it when obtained. You are plainly told that if you waver you need not think that you shall receive any thing of the Lord. A caution is here given not to become weary, but to rest firmly upon the promise. If you ask, he will give you liberally and upbraid not.?{PH097 20.1}[29]

§62 在此事上，许多人犯了错误。他们心意不定，丧失信心，因此就不能从主那里得到什么。上帝是我们的力量之源。无论何人，不必一定要行在黑暗之中，跌跌绊绊像瞎子一样。因为只要人不照自己的方法，但照上帝所指定的方法接受光，主就预备了光。祂要一切的人殷勤履行每日的本分。对于凡参加出版社中庄严而重大之工作的人，无论他们所负的责任是大是小，尤应如此。只有仰望上帝赐力量，以便能忠心实行上天所看为正的事，一切所行的都是大公无私，好像大家都可见到上帝的眼睛鉴临万方，及查察所有的行动一般，这事才可做成。{PH097 21.1}[30]

§63 Here is where many make a mistake. They waver from their purpose, and their faith fails. This is the reason they receive nothing of the Lord. God is our source of strength. None need go in darkness, stumbling along like a blind man. God hath provided light if they will accept it in his appointed way, and not choose their own way. God requires of all a diligent performance of?every-day duties, and especially from those in the Office, who are engaged in a solemn, important work, and upon whom rests the more weighty responsibilities of the work, down to the least hand there employed. This can only done in looking to God for ability to enable them faithfully to perform what is right in the sight of Heaven, doing all things as though governed by unselfish motives, as if the eye of God was visible to all, looking upon all, and investigating the acts of all.?{PH097 21.1}[30]

§64 那被人放肆至极的罪，使我们与上帝分离，及酿成如此多会传染的属灵混乱的罪，就是自私。人若不克己自制，就不能回头归主。靠着自己，我们就不能做什么。只有藉着上帝加强力量，我们才能在世上向别人行善，并用此法避免自私的祸害。我们无需到外邦人之地，去表现我们完全献身上帝的心愿，过一种无私而有贡献的人生。我们应当在家乡之内，在教会之中，及在我们所交游、来往的人中，实现此种人生。我们在日常生活的行动上，应当克制自我，使其顺服。保罗说：“我是天天死。”在人生的小事上，天天让自我死去，才可使我们成为得胜的人。我们应当存利他的心愿，而忘记自己。许多人没有忠心履行自己的本分，反而出于自私的动机，寻求自己的欢乐。他们明显缺少爱人的心。上帝明确吩咐所有信徒都有本分用自己的感化力及钱财去造福他人，并寻求上帝的智慧，以便能尽一切所能，去提高凡受他们影响之人的思想及感情。在为别人服务之中，可以经验到一种愉快的满足，也就是内心的平安，作为充分的报偿。当人们被高尚而尊贵的动机所驱动，去向别人行善之时，他们在忠心执行人生各项的本分之中，就必得到真实的快乐。这必比属世的报偿更多；因为那出于忠心及无私之心而尽的每一本分，都要蒙天使的注意，并在生命册上大放光彩。在天庭，没有一位只知道考虑自己，并仅求本身之乐的居民；反之，大家都是存着纯洁真实的爱，为他们四周的天上众生谋求福乐。我们若要在新天新地中享受与天庭社会交游之乐，就必须在今生此世先受天庭原理的管束。我们生活上的每一行动，对于别人都有或善或恶的影响。我们的影响会使人向上或向下。别人会感受到我们的影响，并要照样而行，以致再生出更多或更少的影响。如果我们的榜样能帮助别人在善良的原则上有长进，我们就是给他们力量去行善了；而他们又要挨次向其他人发挥这同样的德惠感化，这样就有成千上万的人受我们不知不觉地的感化力所影响了。如果我们的行动使我们四围拥有邪恶势力之人变得更加强盛、更有力量，我们就要与他们的罪有份，并要为我们向他们可行而未行的善交账，因为我们没有以上帝为我们的力量，我们的向导和我们的顾问。{PH097 22.1}[31]

§65 The sin which is indulged to the greatest extent, which separates us from God and produces so many spiritual disorders, and which are contagious, is selfishness. There can be no returning to God except by self-denial. Of ourselves we can do nothing. Through God strengthening us, we can live to do good to others, and in this way shun the evil of selfishness. We need not go to heathen lands to manifest our desire to devote all to God in a useful, unselfish life. We should do this in the home circle, in the church, among those with whom we associate, and also those with whom we do business. Right in the common walks of life is where self is to be denied, and kept in subordination. Paul could say, “I die daily.” It is the daily dying to self in the little transactions of life that makes us overcomers. Forget self, in the desire to do good to others. Many, instead of faithfully performing their duty, seek rather their own pleasure, from selfish motives. There is a decided lack of love for others. God positively enjoins upon all his followers a duty to bless others with their influence and means, to seek that wisdom of him which will enable them to do all in their power to elevate the thoughts?and affections of those who come within their influence. In doing for them, a sweet satisfaction will be experienced, an inward peace, which will be a sufficient reward. In a faithful discharge of life’s manifold duties, actuated by high and noble motives to do others good, there is true happiness. This will bring more than an earthly reward; for every faithful, unselfish performance of duty is noticed by the angels, and shines in the life record. In Heaven none will think of self, nor seek their own pleasure; but all, from pure, genuine love, will seek the happiness of the heavenly beings around them. If we wish to enjoy heavenly society in the earth made new, we must be governed by heavenly principles here. Every act of our lives affects others for good or evil. Our influence is tending upward or downward. Our influence is felt, acted upon, and reproduced by others to a greater or less degree. If we aid others by our example in the development of good principles, we give them power from our own acts to do good. In their turn they exert the same beneficial influence upon others, and thus hundreds and thousands are affected by our unconscious influence. If we by acts strengthen or force into activity the evil powers possessed by those around us, we share their sin, and will have to render an account for the good we might have done them and did not do, because we made not God our strength, our guide, and counselor.?{PH097 22.1}[31]

§66 我蒙指示看见盖奇弟兄受到了强烈的试探。他来到评论出版社存心要荣耀上帝，也期望在属灵上受益。他以为这样使自己与出版社联系起来就能获得更完全的经验。这是他所需要的。但教会的状况却是这样，以致在加强这位亲爱的弟兄方面没有多少优势。那些在出版社的人自称敬虔，他却看不到他们过基督的生活。他有理性的头脑，只能把他的期望和他耳闻目睹的东西——那么多虚荣，那么多轻松、廉价的谈话，那么多玩笑和嘲笑——对比一下。那些身居要职的人似乎没有什么工作负担，也不怎么清醒！这些事使他心烦意乱。然后是那些自称是基督徒的人所表现出来的冷漠和疏远的感情！他希望发现一切都不一样。仇敌开始试探他。当盖奇弟兄看到那些与出版社有关的人表现出自私时，他觉得更糟了。在他看来，显然是偏待人的；没有公平和平等，只有偏袒。他不能压抑自己的感情，不作声地前行。他感觉不到奥尔德里奇弟兄是受纯洁无私原则支配的。奥弟兄让自己的儿子拿优厚的薪水，却让盖弟兄的姐夫拿很少的薪水，后者虽然贫穷，却是个好工人，设法供养他的母亲和姐妹们。他姐夫的劳动岗位很重要，他的服务也很有价值，盖奇弟兄和姐妹详细谈论了这事，就受到强烈的试探。盖奇弟兄想，既然我可以要求一笔更大的数目，为什么我有责任作出这么大的牺牲，却只拿这么少的钱去工作呢？他在巴特尔克里克自称基督徒的人身上看到那种会帮到他的更深的虔诚了吗？没有！他们许多人如此与世界联合，以致几乎认不出他们来了。他在出版社和学院的工人们身上看到宣教精神了吗？看到一种舍己牺牲以推进上帝的事业和工作的性情了吗？没有；反而看到了相反的东西。所有的人似乎都在争抢他们所能得到的一切。他痛苦地意识到，如果他不为自己着想，就没有人会担起他的情况，为他着想。他对奥尔德里奇弟兄感到忧伤；因为他在奥弟兄的做法上看不到公正、公平和平等。上帝是不偏待人的；但盖奇弟兄认为自己能看到奥尔德里奇弟兄偏待人。有时他几乎要马上动身去东部了，然后害怕迈出这一步，就又往前走了。盖奇弟兄是个性情冲动的人，他有时受到严重的考验。他坚信上帝在作工，事业是上帝的，祂在掌舵，这一直是他的锚。{PH097 23.1}[32]

§67 I was shown that Bro. Gage has been sorely tempted. He came to the Review Office with the purpose in his heart to glorify God, and he expected to be advantaged spiritually. He thought that in thus connecting himself with the Office he?could obtain a more perfect experience. This was what he needed. But the condition of the church was such that they could be of but little advantage in strengthening this dear brother. He did not see those in the Office, professing godliness, living the life of Christ. He has a reasoning mind, and could but contrast his expectations with what he realized from the sight of his eyes, and the hearing of his ears—so much vanity, so much light, cheap talk, jesting and laughing. And those who stood in responsible positions seemed to have so little burden of the work, and so little sobriety! These things troubled and perplexed his mind. Then the coldness, the distant feelings manifested among professed Christians! He expected to find things all different. The enemy began to tempt him. When Bro. Gage saw that which appeared like selfishness in those in connection with the Office, he felt still worse. It was evident to him that there was respect of persons; that there was not fairness and equality, but partiality. He could not keep his feelings in subordination and pass along in silence. He could not feel that Bro. Aldrich was governed by pure, unselfish principles. Bro. A. allowed his own son liberal wages, while Bro. G.’s brother-in-law, who was poor, yet a good workman, trying to support his mother and sisters, received small wages. His brother’s post of labor was important, and his services valuable, Bro. and Sr. Gage talked the matter over, and were sorely tempted. Bro. Gage thought, Why should it be my duty to make so much of a sacrifice as I am making, and work for so small an amount, when I could command a much larger sum? Did he see a greater depth of piety?in the professed Christians at Battle Creek, which would be a help to him? Oh, no! They were, many of them, so united to the world as to be scarcely discerned from them. Did he see in the laborers in the Office and Institute a missionary spirit? a disposition to sacrifice, and deny self to advance the work and cause of God? No; but the opposite. All seemed to be on a strife to grasp all they could get. He was painfully awakened to the fact that if he did not look out for himself, no one would take the burden of his case, and look out for him. He has felt grieved with Bro. Aldrich; for he could not see justice, fairness, and equality, in his course. God is no respecter of persons; but Bro. Gage thought he could see a respecting of persons with Bro. Aldrich. At times he has been upon the point of starting immediately for the East; then he feared to take this step, and would pass along again. Bro. Gage is of an impulsive turn of mind, and he has had occasion to be sorely tried. His confidence that God was in the work, and that the cause was the Lord’s, and that He stood at the helm, has been his anchor.?{PH097 23.1}[32]

§68 我蒙指示看到奥尔德里奇弟兄并没有那种细腻的感情、那种对需要他同情之人的同情，这是上帝喜悦让他具备的、也是他若身居现有职位就必须培养的情感。他行动非常盲目，缺乏智慧和公正。C.史密斯弟兄唤起了对他女儿们的兴趣，她们的生活主要是侍奉自我。她们有一个很好的家，没有人需要她们供养，可是她们的工资却增加了，没有正当理由这么做。她们的工作并不累人，也不需要特别令人疲倦的操心挂虑。很多因为守安息日而难以找到工作的人，会欣然以少得多的薪水接受她们现在的工作，且会更好地充任这个职位，心怀对上帝的感激，感激上帝赐予他们这份特权。在同一个出版社里，有一位年轻的基督门徒，他举止合宜，专心于自己的业务，充任着很辛苦、很累人的重要职位，以一种很少有人能比得上的精确方式做着他的业务，可是他却只得到与史密斯弟兄女儿们的平均工资等量的工资。这个年轻人正在尽力供养他的母亲和两个姐妹；可是奥尔德里奇弟兄却没有被唤醒，看到这些情况的不同之处。他并不同具有那种美好的洞察力，使他能看出一个人的情况需要，看出需要特别的恩惠来帮助他实现有价值的目标。他没有感到蒙召去以每一种可能的方式鼓励那个需要鼓励的人。他没有设身处地地考虑他的处境，也没有想过在类似的情况下他会有什么感受。他想鼓励自己的儿子，在他的情况没有特别需要的时候给他优厚的工资；因为他有一个美好的家，有一个能完全养活他的父亲，没有什么特别的重担压在他的肩上；没有人靠他供养。{PH097 25.1}[33]

§69 I was shown that Bro. Aldrich did not possess that fineness of feeling, that sympathy for others who need his sympathy, that God would be pleased to have him possess, and that he must cultivate, if he occupies the post he does. He has moved very blindly, and with a great lack of wisdom, and justice. Bro. C. Smith awakened the interest of Bro. Aldrich for his daughters, whose lives had been devoted principally to serving themselves. They had a good home, and none were dependent upon them for support, yet their wages?were increased with no just reason for doing this. Their work was not taxing, and required no special, wearing care. Very many who are in difficult positions to obtain work because of their keeping the Sabbath, would gladly accept the place they have had, with much less wages, and fill the position better, with gratitude to God in their hearts for the privilege. In the same Office is a young disciple of Christ, whose deportment is becoming, who is attentive to his business, fills an important position, which requires much painstaking, and is very wearisome, does his business with a nicety that but few can equal, yet he has received only about the same amount of wages that Bro. Smith’s daughters have averaged. This young man is trying to do his part in the support of his mother and two sisters; yet Bro. Aldrich has not been aroused to see the difference in these cases. He has not possessed that nice perception which would enable him to discern the necessities of the case of one, and the need of especial favor to aid him in his worthy object. He has not felt called out to encourage in every way possible the one who stood in need of encouragement. He has failed to place himself in his situation, and think how he would feel under similar circumstances. He wished to encourage his own boy, and allowed him large wages, when there was no special need of this in his case; for he had a good home, a father abundantly able to support him, and no special burdens were resting upon his shoulders; none were depending upon him for support.?{PH097 25.1}[33]

§70 我再一次看到，在排版部门，有些人处境艰难，肩负着自己的重担，喜爱向他人行善，为上帝的事业牺牲。他们的工作比那些在折叠室的人困难的多；但奥尔德里奇弟兄对些情况却没有特别的兴趣。他没有费心去调查，也没有像父亲一样对待那些需要父亲关怀的人。他被自私束缚着，就像被铁箍束缚着一样。他因感情的细腻而受到赞扬，但他并不拥有这种感情，而是欺骗了自己。他缺乏温柔的同情。他缺乏爱。他缺乏应有的那种细腻的情感，如果他具备了这种情感，他就能区别对待，知道如何以上帝能认可的方式公正、公平地处理问题。我看到上帝对这种管理方式不满意，也不会让这样的行为在那个出版社里被忽视而不受指责。当这样的事存在的时候，上帝不会让自由的灵住在奥尔德里奇弟兄身上。一片乌云笼罩着出版社，不是光明和仁慈的云，而是黑暗和审判的云。{PH097 26.1}[34]

§71 Again I saw that some in the type-setting department were in straitened circumstances, bearing their own weight, and loving to do good to?others; to sacrifice for the cause of God. Their labor was more difficult than that of those in the folding room; but Bro. Aldrich had no special interest in these cases. He did not take the trouble to investigate, and feel as a father toward those who needed a fatherly care. He has been bound about with selfishness as with iron bands. He has received credit for fineness of feeling which he does not possess, and has deceived himself. He lacks tender compassion. He lacks love. He lacks that fine sensibility which he should possess, and which if he did possess, he could discriminate and know how to deal justly, impartially, and in such a manner that God could approbate. I saw that God was not pleased with this management, and will not suffer such acts to pass unnoticed without reproof, in that Office. God will not let his free Spirit abide upon Bro. Aldrich while such things exist. A cloud is shutting down about the Office, not of light and mercy, but of darkness and judgment.?{PH097 26.1}[34]

§72 我蒙指示看见奥尔德里奇弟兄来到巴特尔克里克的时候，那些在出版社工作的人对他犯了一个大错误。因为大家都知道主曾指示他在上帝的事业上有一项工作要做，人们就对他寄予了很大的信任。在我丈夫生病之后，那些在出版社的人很自然就感觉奥尔德里奇弟兄应该接替怀弟兄因生病而空出的位置。上帝看为合适让奥尔德里奇弟兄与祂的工作联络，因此，那些在工作中有长期经验，多年从事出版社工作的人，就退却，将管理和决定事情的责任都交给了他，就像他们曾将之交给怀弟兄一样。他们不应该这样做的。他们本应该分担责任，奥尔德里奇弟兄应该听从他们的判断，而不是他们听从他的判断。他们认为在每一个细节上都必须信任奥尔德里奇弟兄，像他们曾信任怀弟兄一样。情况很不相同。奥尔德里奇弟兄在印刷部门没有经验，也不知道圣工的需要。怀弟兄在这项工作上有多年的经验，而且他的经验从信息最初兴起时就开始了。上帝使他经历了困苦、磨难和危险，使他的经历更加完美，使他有资格胜任他所担任的职务。上帝藉着卑微的工具显明祂的旨意是祂子民的利益所必要的，我丈夫与这工具的关系使他在工作的管理方面有持续的力量和清晰的判断。假定奥尔德里奇弟兄可以被安置在那个岗位，并像怀弟兄那样充任它，是期望太多了。依靠他的判断，遵守他的决定，就像怀弟兄站在出版社里时一样，是太信赖一个没有什么经验的人了。奥尔德里奇弟兄还没有学会上帝的方式和作为。他不明白自己的路。他没有在逆境和苦难、困苦和试炼中接受教育，在上帝在各种环境中所行的有福解救中，认识到上帝明显的奇妙作为，这教他知道什么做法是上帝所赞同的，且通过目睹成百上千犯错之人的情况的痛苦经验，得知什么是上帝所反驳、谴责和鄙视的。{PH097 27.1}[35]

§73 I was shown that when Bro. Aldrich came to Battle Creek, a mistake was made in regard to him by those connected with the Office. Because it was known that it had been shown that he had a work to do in connection with the cause of God, great confidence was placed in him. After my husband’s sickness, it seemed to come natural for those in the Office to feel that Bro. Aldrich should take the place made vacant by Bro. White’s removal because of his sickness. God saw fit to connect Bro. Aldrich with his work, and, because of this, those of long experience in the work, who had been for years connected with the Office, stepped back, and left the responsibility of managing?and deciding matters upon him, as they had left it with Bro. White. They ought not to have done this. They should have shared the responsibility, and Bro. Aldrich should have deferred to their judgment rather than they to his. They thought that in every particular they must give the same confidence to Bro. Aldrich they had given to Bro. White. The cases are very different. Bro. Aldrich had no experience in the printing department, and did not know the wants of the cause. Bro. White had years of experience in this work, and his experience commenced from the first rise of the message. God had brought him through privations, trials, and perils, to perfect that experience, and qualify him for the position he occupied. His connection with the humble instrument through whom God revealed his will as the necessity of the case required for the benefit of his people, gave him continual strength and clearness of judgment in regard to the management of the work. In supposing that Bro. Aldrich could be placed in the position, and fill it, as Bro. White did, was expecting too much. To rely upon his judgment, and abide by his decisions, as was the case when Bro. White stood in the Office, is trusting too much to one man of but little experience. Bro. Aldrich has not learned the ways and works of God. He does not understand his paths. He has not been schooled in adversity and suffering, privation and trial, and realized the manifest wonderful works of God, in the blessed deliverances of God has wrought under various circumstances, which has taught him what course of action God approves, and by bitter experience in witnessing hundreds of cases who have?erred, what he disproves, condemns and despises.?{PH097 27.1}[35]

§74 那些长期在出版社里承担重担的人，那些在一切都很艰难时受过苦的人，是特别值得考虑和优待的人。那些在自私表现了出来的特殊情况下听过警告的人，那些见过上天所认可的管理的人，比没有更多经验的奥尔德里奇弟兄更了解、更正确地判断那个出版社的事情应该如何进行。他们却退后并赋予了奥弟兄太多的权力。他们应该亲自负起更多的责任，奥弟兄应该与他们商量，并使自己的判断顺从他们的判断。奥尔德里奇弟兄非但没有这么做，反而几乎在每一件事上都偏行己路，尽管他的经验如此短少。他已下定决心，不屈不挠地走他认为最好的道路，不管那些他应该尊重之人的判断如何。他的职务并没有赋予他这样的权力。{PH097 29.1}[36]

§75 Those who have long borne the burden in the Office, those who have suffered when everything waded hard, are the ones to be especially considered and favored. Those who have listened to the admonitions in special cases where selfishness was exhibited, those who have seen the management Heaven has approved, have a better knowledge, and more correct judgment, of how things should be conducted in that Office, than Bro. Aldrich can have without greater experience. They have stood back and invested Bro. A. with too much authority. They should take responsibility upon themselves more than they have, and Bro. A. should consult with them, and defer his judgment to theirs. Instead of this, Bro. Aldrich has had his own way in almost everything, although his experience has been so short. He has been set and unyielding to pursue a course which he thought best, irrespective of the judgment of those he should regard. His office invests him with no such authority.?{PH097 29.1}[36]

§76 我蒙指示看见，那些已经多年与出版社联合的人，对于上帝会如何管理事情，得到了正确的想法；出版社不应按照属世的方针管理。那里不应该有自私的表现。凡参加这工作的人都应该特别关怀寡妇和无父的孤儿，并且无私地为他们的利益操劳，哪怕使自己处于不利地位，也要使穷人和受压迫的人受益。怀弟兄树立了榜样，主已指示祂的百姓都应效法，去关怀别人的情况，帮助需要帮助的人，毫不利己，爱人如己。史密斯弟兄和阿马登弟兄看到了他所追求的道路。他们有与他一样的经验和看法。他们听到了上帝对那些追求这种做法之人的称赞，也听到了上帝对那些太沉迷于自己的利益以致没有像关照自己那样关照邻舍之人宣布的咒诅。史密斯弟兄和阿马登弟兄有长期从事出版社工作的经验。主已赐下许多亮光，说明祂的百姓应该采取什么做法才能荣耀祂。他们见证了上帝的特殊作为，接受了祂的教导，显明我们对周围之人的责任。他们已那么久与上帝的圣工联合，以致可以说，它已成了他们的一部分。他们不知道还有什么其它的兴趣爱好，把他们和工作分开，就会像和他们的生活分开一样。这些弟兄们的声音应该被听到。他们的判断比奥尔德里奇弟兄的判断更符合上帝的旨意。他有很多东西要学，之后上帝才能把弟兄们在上述的事上给他的一切责任托付给他。{PH097 29.2}[37]

§77 I was shown that those who have been united with the Office for years, have received correct ideas in regard to how God would have things managed; it should not be according to a worldly policy. There should be no selfishness exhibited there. All engaged in the work should have a special care for the widow and fatherless, and labor unselfishly for their good, even disadvantaging themselves to advantage the needy and oppressed. Bro. White set the example the Lord had shown that all his people should imitate, in being interested in the cases of others, helping those who need help, without any profit to self, to love his?neighbor as himself. Brn. Smith and Amadon have seen the course he has pursued. They have the same experience and views with himself. They have heard the commendation God has given of those who pursued this course, and the curse which God has pronounced upon those who are too much swallowed up in their own interests to have a care for their neighbors as themselves. Brn. Smith and Amadon have had a long experience in connection with the Office. The Lord has given much light in regard to the course his people should pursue in order to glorify him. They have witnessed the special work of God, and have received his teachings, showing our duty to those around us. They have been so long united with the cause of God that it has become, as it were, a part of them. They know no other interest, and to separate them from the work, would be like parting with their life. The voice of these brethren should be heard. Their judgment is nearer in accordance with the will of God than that of Bro. Aldrich. He has much to learn before God can entrust him with all that responsibility that his brethren have given him in the things mentioned.?{PH097 29.2}[37]

§78 奥尔德里奇弟兄是个照顾自我的人。上帝仁慈地给他施加了一些痛苦，使他非常难以忍受，但他却没有看出上帝的怜悯。他妻子的苦难有一种使奥尔德里奇弟兄那有大志的骄傲精神降卑的倾向，可是他却没有以他本应拥有的所有的柔和来接受这一点，以从中受益。我蒙指示看见奥姐妹有良好的机体，敏感、信赖、仁爱、容易相信人的气质，依恋着她的丈夫，将她的喜爱缠绕在他身上，好像葡萄藤的卷须缠绕在它的支撑物上一样。真实的爱并不是一种强烈，火热，急迫的感情冲动；相反，其本质乃是恬静而深刻的。它以质胜华，超乎外表之外。它乃是聪明而善于判别的，它的精诚也是真切而长存的。{PH097 30.1}[38]

§79 Bro. Aldrich is self-caring. God has mercifully laid some affliction upon him, which has been very sore for him to bear, but in which he has not discerned the mercy of God. The affliction of his wife has had a tendency to humble the aspiring, proud spirit of Bro. Aldrich, yet he has not submitted to this with all that meekness he should have possessed to be benefited thereby. I was shown that Sr. A. possessed a fine organism, a sensitive, trusting, loving, confiding/temperament,?and clings to her husband, entwining her affections about him, as the tendrils of a vine about its support. True love is not a strong, fiery, impetuous passion. It is, on the contrary, an element calm and deep. It looks beyond mere externals, and is attracted by qualities alone. It is wise and discriminating, and its devotion is real and abiding.?{PH097 30.1}[38]

§80 上帝用我们生活中的常事来试验和检验我们。那表现我们心迹的，就是这些日常小事。人生的福乐是由生活上无数的小节细行所聚成；反之，人生的悲剧，则由于在日常生活上忽略了慈言，爱语，和鼓励的话，以及细微的礼节而总和成的。到了末日，我们就要看出克己牺牲而为四围的人造福求利，这在天上的生命册上是占着一大份的。同时事实上也要显明：人若单顾自己，不尊重他人的福利，亦必难逃天父的注意。{PH097 31.1}[39]

§81 God tests and proves us by the common occurrences of life. It is the little things which reveal the chapters of the heart. It is the little attentions, the numerous small incidents and simple courtesies of life that make up the sum of life’s happiness; and it is the neglect of kindly, encouraging, affectionate words, and the little courtesies of life, which helps compose the sum of life’s wretchedness. The self-denials for the good and happiness of those around us, will be found to constitute a large share of the life record in Heaven. And the care of self irrespective of others’ good and happiness, will reveal the fact that none of these things are beneath the notice of our Heavenly Father.?{PH097 31.1}[39]

§82 关于盖奇弟兄的情况，我蒙指示看见他需要更彻底的经验。他在能够意识到生活责任的重要性之前，就开始过早地承担起了这些责任。如果他再等上几年，等到他的思想变得更加成熟了，他原会远远超过现在的水平。他过去的经历削弱了弟兄们对他的判断的信心。盖奇弟兄很年轻，当他开始自己的生活时，需要父母的照顾和指导。他很容易挣到钱，不知道它的价值，却像挣到钱一样轻易地花掉了。他没有教育自己养成节约的习惯。他把钱花在不必要的事情上。他的性格并没有真正形成。他头脑敏捷，能很好地辨别事物的方位，并立刻得出结论，因此，他有危险，不能体谅那些不能像他那样轻易地看到和理解的人。当他来到巴特尔克利克时，他还没有安顿下来，没有坚定的宗教经验。他的思想太孩子气了；然而，我看到，考虑到巴特尔克里克教会存在的错误和困难，他走了一条值得称赞的道路。要是他没有本着良心克制自己，不和年轻人一起参加各种各样的娱乐活动，他的影响本来可能会对年轻人造成很大的伤害。他本来可以帮着推动许多事情，使那些处于不圣洁状态的年轻人感到高兴，并损害他自己的影响。他没有这么做。他寻求与那些正设法保持与世人不同的独特品格的人站在一起。{PH097 31.2}[40]

§83 In regard to the case of Bro. Gage, I was shown that he was in need of a more thorough experience. He commenced to take the responsibilities of life too early, before he could realize the importance attached to these responsibilities. Had he waited a few years, until his mind had become more matured, he would now be far in advance of what he is. His past experience has lessened the confidence of his brethren in his judgment. Bro. Gage was young, needing parental care and instruction when he commenced life for himself. He earned his money readily, and realized not its worth, but spent it just as readily as he earned it.?He did not educate himself to habits of economy. He spent means for things unnecessary. His character was not really formed. He has a quick mind, can discern readily the bearing of things, and comes to conclusions at once, hence he is in danger of not making allowance for those who cannot see and understand as readily as himself. He was not settled, with a firm religious experience when he came to Battle Creek. His mind was too boyish; yet I saw that he had, considering the errors and difficulties existing in the church in Battle Creek, pursued a praiseworthy course. The young could have been greatly injured by his influence had he not conscientiously restrained himself from engaging with them in their various enterprises for amusement. He could have helped forward many things which would have gratified the youth in their unconsecrated state, and injured his own influence. He did not do this. He sought to stand with those who were seeking to preserve their peculiar character distinct from the world.?{PH097 31.2}[40]

§84 我蒙指示看到盖奇弟兄不像他应该的那样珍惜时间。他花了很多时间在个人身上，与他的工作无关。在周末，要是他能看到和那些没有权利占用他时间的人在不必要的交谈上花掉的数分钟和半小时，他就会对他一点点消磨掉的时间感到震惊，那些时间比浪费掉还糟糕。在这方面树立的榜样对出版社里的其他人是有害的。在年底，盖奇弟兄和出版社里其他的一些工人虚度在不必要的谈话上的时间和许多零碎时间的总额，会令所有的人震惊，他们会担心在不忠心的仆人中居首。小时是由分钟构成的，日子是由小时构成的，周是由日子构成的。分钟应该得到忠实地使用，然后小时就会显明出来，因为它们得到了有效地利用；日子就会满载着它们的重担，充满了忠诚、认真和有兴趣的努力。有一些人全身心地投入到工作中，被迫承受额外的负担，加班加点地工作，提出了由于多次呼吁而被其他人忽视的工作，和还没有被大家都感兴趣的、忠实的努力所填满的时间。不应鼓励保健院的病人在出版社消磨时间，或在频繁的探访中自娱自乐。那不是他们该去的地方。{PH097 32.1}[41]

§85 I was shown that Bro. Gage does not value time as he should. He spends much time with individuals, foreign from his work. If, at the close of the week, he could see the minutes and half hours spent in needless conversation with individuals who have no right to his time, he would be astonished at the time he frittered away, which was worse than lost. The example is injurious in this direction upon others in the Office. At the close of the year sum up the time idled away in needless conversation, and many minutes spent by Bro. Gage and some of the other workmen in the Office, and it would astonish all, and they would feel?fearful of coming under the head of unfaithful servants. The hours are composed of minutes, the days of hours, the weeks of days. The minutes should be faithfully employed, then the hours will tell, for they have been usefully employed; the days will bear their full weight of burden, being well filled with faithful, earnest, interested effort. There are those who apply themselves closely enough to the work, and who are compelled to bear extra burdens, and work beyond their hours, to bring up the work which has been neglected by others in consequence of the numerous calls, and the time which has not been filled with interested, faithful effort on the part of all. Patients at the Institute should not be encouraged to while away their time, or to amuse themselves in frequent visits, at the Office. It is not the place for them.?{PH097 32.1}[41]

§86 此外，允许孩子在出版社跑来跑去，也会造成混乱。在出版社工作之人的孩子，不应该得到允许在他们想去的时候去出版社。尤其不应让孩子们在出版社玩耍，不应让出版社的人都听到小孩子们的声音。这一切的事都降低出版社的尊严，削弱工作的神圣性。教会应该特别注意不允许他们的孩子去出版社，那些在出版社工作之人的孩子也不应该得到允许留在大楼内，以致招来别的孩子。由此造成的混乱都是上帝不喜悦的。在出版社，几乎每件事的秩序都需要完全改变。神圣的和凡俗的事物一直被放在了同等的水平。{PH097 33.1}[42]

§87 Again, confusion is caused by children being allowed to run through the Office. Children belonging to those who are employed in the Office, should not be allowed to visit in the Office when they please. Especially should no plays be entered into, and little children’s voices heard through the Office. All these things lower the dignity of the Office, and lessen the sacredness of the work. The church should have especial care not to permit their children to visit the Office, and the children of those who are engaged in the Office should not be allowed to remain in the building, and by their presence encourage other children. The confusion caused by this is all displeasing to God. There should be an entire change in almost every thing in regard to the order of matters at the Office. Sacred and?common things have been placed upon the same level.?{PH097 33.1}[42]

§88 在巴特尔克里克的教会不应该觉得可以自由参观出版社并从事普通交谈。访问出版社的教会成员随意介绍的事项是无权带进出版社的。他们这样行，就是把工人的时间从上帝的圣工夺去了，把他们的兴趣从工作上转移了，引进了不应该在出版社有任何地位的世俗的精神。教会的成员应该安排他们的访问时间，并在出版社的工人们在家的时候访问他们。我看到上帝对在这些事情上松懈的管理方式感到不悦。{PH097 34.1}[43]

§89 The church in Battle Creek should not feel at liberty to visit the Office and engage in common topics of conversation. Matters are freely introduced by members of the church, who visit the Office, which have no right to be brought into the Office. In doing this they are robbing the cause of God of the time of the workmen, diverting their interest from the work, and bringing in a worldly spirit which should have no place in the Office. Members of the church should time their visits, and call upon those who labor in the Office when they are at their own homes. I saw that God had been displeased with the lax way these things have been managed.?{PH097 34.1}[43]

§90 出版社位于一个大教会的中心，即使教会里只有一部分人像以往那样只要方便就自由地访问出版社，聊他们所选择的话题，也会偷走属于上帝的事业和工作的多多少少的宝贵时间。他们这么做是在抢夺上帝。这还不是全部，他们还在减少出版社工作的神圣性方面尽了自己的一份力量，使他们应该努力保持神圣的东西成为凡俗的东西。{PH097 34.2}[44]

§91 The Office is located in the center of a large church, and if even a portion of the church make free to call at the Office as they have done, when it suits their convenience, and chat upon subjects as they choose, they steal minutes and hours of precious time, which belong to the cause and work of God. In thus doing, they rob God. And this is not all, but they do their part in lessening the sacredness of the work in the Office, and make that which they should seek to preserve as sacred, common.?{PH097 34.2}[44]

§92 一个人会进来打断一个工人几分钟。他们的几分钟常常延长到半个小时。一个人出去了，另一个人进来，花上更长或更短的时间，这样一天之内有五到二十五个人不必要的来访，一点没有使他们自己更好，反而阻碍了工人，使他们的兴趣从工作上转移了，宝贵的时间都用完了，那些时间都需要投入到工作中去。把这些分钟加起来，就会发现许多小时被消耗掉了，没有使任何一个人受益，却给出版社造成了明显的伤害。有许多商务访问是无法避免的。那些没有特殊业务的人，没有权利通过转移奥尔德里奇弟兄、沃克弟兄、阿马登弟兄、盖奇弟兄、巴彻勒弟兄、莱恩弟兄，或任何一个在出版社工作之人的注意力来娱乐自己。请大家记住，出版社不是接待来访者的接待室。这是一个与上帝的工作和事业有关的最重要的业务正在进行的地方。工人的兴趣不应被叫走，因为如果这样，工作就会受损，时间就会被偷走，这都是属于主的。所有的人都应该努力维护出版社的秩序和安静，维护工作的尊严和神圣。出版社正在吃力地工作着。已经进来的世界把主拒之门外，祂使人繁荣昌盛的手也不再像从前那样在出版社里了。必须做些什么来挽回过去。{PH097 34.3}[45]

§93 One will come in and interrupt a workman just a few minutes. Frequently their few minutes lengthen to half an hour. That one passes out, another comes in and spends a longer or shorter period, and thus five to twenty-five calls are heedlessly made in a day, and every one passes out of the Office, nothing bettered themselves, and yet the laborers have been hindered, their interest diverted from the work, and the precious?minutes are used up, which are all needed to be devoted to the work. Sum up these minutes and it will be found hours of time are consumed, to no benefit to any one, but a decided injury to the Office. There are many business calls made which cannot be avoided. Those who have no special business, have no right to amuse themselves by diverting the attention of Brn. Aldrich, Walker, Amadon, Gage, Bacheller, Lane, or any one who is laboring in the Office. Let all remember that the Office is not a reception-room to entertain visitors. It is a place where most important business is being transacted in connection with the work and cause of God. The interest of the workmen should not be called off, for if it is, the work will be marred, and time will be stolen, which belongs to the Lord. All should labor to preserve order and quiet in the Office, and maintain the dignity and sacredness of the work. The Office is wading heavily. The world which has come in has shut the Lord out, and his prospering hand is not with the Office as it once was. Something must be done to redeem the past.?{PH097 34.3}[45]

§94 我看到盖奇弟兄应该避免过去的错误。他应该提防假想的需要。他并不总是愿意接受那些有成熟经验之人的指导。他认为他们不了解他。盖奇弟兄：主正在为你行事，要赐福给你，增强你的力量行在正道之中。你明白真理的理论，就当尽你所能去求得关于上帝旨意及工作的一切知识，以便预备好，在上帝要求之时，若祂认为此举最能荣耀祂的名，你就可以充任担负更大责任的职分。但你还应当得一种经验。你过于冲动，太容易受环境影响。上帝是永无过错的，祂也曾应许你有求必应，如果你愿意恳切虚心地祈求祂的智慧，祂就必乐意使你刚强，坚定，平稳。在向别人传授真理时，你的讲论有语气太强烈的危险，那种态度与你短期的经验是不相配的。你一看见事情就明白，立刻就知道其间的关系如何。然而别的人却不都像你那样，他们做不到此事。对于那些不能像你那样敏于料事的人，你未能忍耐而镇静地等候他们去权衡证据，因此你会陷于促人过甚的危险，叫别人也立刻看明事情并觉出热忱及行动的必要，如同你所觉得的一样。如果你的期望不能实现，你就又有了趋于灰心，浮动，及想要改变一下的危险了。你必须避免责难人及压倒人的意向。应当在各事上不存斥责人的精神。任何有多年经验的上帝仆人若有了这种精神，都会使上帝不悦的。一个赋有谦卑及内在美德的青年，要表现热心与赤诚，原无不宜之处，但是一位仅有数年经验的青年，如果表现一种急躁的热诚及斥责人的精神，那就很不合适，而且肯定令人厌恶，再没有什么能比这更快地破坏他的感化力了。温和，恩慈，宽容，恒久忍耐，不轻易发怒，凡事包容，凡事盼望，凡事忍耐——乃是上天所栽培、宝贵的仁爱之树所结的果子。这棵树若得滋养，就必显出是长青不败的，枝子不会腐朽，叶子也不枯干；它是不朽，永存，而时常受天上甘露所滋润的。{PH097 35.1}[46]

§95 I saw that Bro. Gage should shun the errors of the past. He should guard against imaginary wants. He has not always been willing to receive instruction from those of mature experience. He thought they did not understand him. Bro. Gage, the Lord is working for you, and will bless you, and strengthen you, in the course of right. You understand the theory of truth, and should be obtaining all the knowledge you can of God’s will and work, prepared to fill a more responsible position if God requires it of you, and if he sees you can glorify his name best in so doing. But?you have yet an experience to gain. You are too easily affected by circumstances, are too impulsive. God is willing to strengthen, establish, settle you, if you will earnestly and humbly seek wisdom of him who is unerring, and who has promised you shall not seek in vain. In teaching the truth to others you are in danger of talking too strong, in a manner that your short experience will not sustain you in. You take in things at a glance, and can see the bearings of subjects readily. All are not organized as yourself, and cannot do this. You will not be prepared to patiently, calmly wait for others to weigh evidence who can not see as readily as yourself. You will be in danger of urging others too much, to see at once as you see, and feel all that zeal and necessity of action you feel. If your expectations are not realized you will be in danger of becoming discouraged and restless, and wishing a change. You must shun a disposition to censure, to bear down. Keep clear of every thing that savors of a denunciatory spirit. It is not pleasing to God for this spirit to be found in any of his servants of longer experience; but for a youth to manifest ardor and zeal is all proper if graced with humility and the inward adorning; but when a rash zeal and a denunciatory spirit are manifested by a youth who has but a few years of experience, it is most unbecoming, and positively disgusting. Nothing can destroy his influence as soon as this. Mildness, gentleness, forbearance, long-suffering, being not easily provoked, forbearing all things, hoping all things, enduring all things, is the fruit growing upon the precious plant which is of heavenly birth—Love. This plant, if it is nourished, will prove to be an evergreen. Its branches will?not decay, its leaves will not wither. It is immortal, eternal, watered continually by the dews of Heaven.{PH097 35.1}[46]

§96 爱就是能力，智慧与道德力量都包含在这个原则之内，而不能与之分离。财富的力量有使人趋于败坏及灭亡之势；权威的力量，其强悍亦足以伤人；只有纯洁之爱所含的美德和价值，却有使人行善之效，而且惟善而已。凡出于纯洁之爱所作成的事，不论其在人看来是何等微小或可鄙，但仍是全然有效果的；因为上帝对于人行事时所发的爱心的多少，较比做成的多少更为重视。爱是出于上帝的。未回转的心不能生发或产生这棵天上所栽培的树，因为这树只有在基督统管之下才能存活和茂盛。没有行动，爱就不能生存。每一爱的行动，都会使爱增添、加强和扩大。在辩论和权威无能为力之处，爱却能获得胜利。爱的作为是不求利益、不图报偿；然而上帝已命定每一出于爱心的劳苦，必获得大收获。爱具有扩散的性质；爱的作用是安静的，然而它那战胜大恶的宗旨，却是坚强而有力的。爱的影响，有融化和改变人心的能力，会在其它一切方法无效之时，控制罪人的生活，感化他们的心。无论何处若是运用智慧、权威或势力，而不表现爱之能力，我们所要接触之人的感情和意志，就会采取抵制排斥的态度；他们反抗的力量加强了，因为他们遇到了另一种力量，而不是爱。耶稣是和平之君。祂到世上来，要使抗拒和权威顺服祂自己。祂本可使用智慧与力量，然而祂所用来战胜邪恶的方法，却是爱心的智慧和力量。上帝认为在这个园地适于给你其它的工作之前，不可让任何事情分散你对目前工作的注意力。不要追求幸福，因为幸福是永远无法靠追求得着的。应当尽你的本分。在你一切所行的事上，留下忠心的记号，穿上谦卑的外衣。{PH097 37.1}[47]

§97 Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure love consists in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else but good. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God measures more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. Love is of God. The unconverted heart cannot originate nor produce this plant of heavenly growth, which lives alone, and flourishes only where Christ reigns. Love cannot live without action, and every act increases, strengthens, and extends it. Love will prevail and gain the victory when argument and authority are powerless. Love works not for profit nor reward; yet God has ordained that great gain shall be the certain result of every labor of love. It is diffusive in its nature, and quiet in its operation, yet strong and mighty in its purpose to overcome great evils. It is melting and transforming in its influence, and will take hold of the lives of the sinful and affect their hearts when every other means has proved unsuccessful. Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force, is employed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and will of those whom we seek to reach assume a defensive, repelling position, and increase their strength of resistance as they are met by another power than love. Jesus was the Prince?of Peace. He came into the world to bring resistance and authority into subjection to himself. Wisdom and strength he could command, but the means he employed to overcome evil were the wisdom and strength of love. Suffer nothing to divide your interest from your present work until God shall see fit to give you another piece of work in the same field. Seek not for happiness, for that never is to be found by seeking for it. Go about your duty. Let faithfulness mark all your doings, and be clothed with humility.?{PH097 37.1}[47]

§98 关于保健院，我蒙指示看见，莱医生来到那里完全决心要无私地尽自己的本分。他在保健院开始从事工作时，遇到了许多令人沮丧的事。奥尔德里奇弟兄就饮食和服装改良采取的立场，在许多人心中对短装产生了如此的轻蔑感，以致其影响被莱医生和他正设法使之在保健院受益的病人们严重地感觉到了。莱医生试图让他的病人承受十字架，这对他们的身体改善很重要。奥尔德里奇弟兄对保健院承担了他并没有被授权承担的责任。他采取了一种做法，很像是所有在保健院的人都受雇于他，要听从他的命令似的。他对莱医生很专横。奥尔德里奇弟兄认为莱医生在采取任何行动前都应该先咨询他；而且他对莱医生也没有表现出应有的礼貌。莱医生起先在挫折中挣扎。那时他并没有得到他本应该得到的尊重。这种没有辨别力，没有能力尊重莱医生的立场的行为，使我有必要叙述主为了他的益处而事先指示我看到的事。这事本来最好不让莱医生知道。他是个犯错误的凡人，和其他人一样，关于他所负的责任，他得到的印象是不正确的。他承揽的责任比他所能承受的还要多。他不可能充任他认为他必须充任的职位。他以为有一种精神要挤压他，觉得有必要采取防御。如果当时对他的情况管理得当，原会省去许多麻烦。邪恶因误解而生。莱医生认为，他必须站在自己的阵地，采取自己的立场，并且坚持之，否则还不如干脆放弃他的职位。要是奥尔德里奇弟兄采取了不同的做法，这种事态原本不会存在。他没有应有的礼貌，对待莱医生态度强硬坚定，就像一个冷酷无情的俗人对待另一个人一样。莱医生很敏感，这种对待伤透了他的心。这种待人的方式被奥尔德里奇弟兄实行到了相当大的程度。他不通融，不让步。如果他遵循了这条原则，“无论何事，你们愿意人怎样待你们，你们也要怎样待人”（太7:12），这种做法原会带来远为不同的结果。“你们用什么量器量给人，也必用什么量器量给你们”（太7:2）。这两节经文中含着强有力的动机，应当激励我们存纯洁的心，热切地彼此相爱。基督乃是我们的模范。祂周流四方行善事。祂活着为要造福他人。爱使祂的一切行动呈现出美丽而高贵的色彩。我们并没有受吩咐说，我们愿意人怎样待我们，我们就当怎样待自己；而是我们愿意人在同样环境之下怎样待我们，我们就要怎样待别人。我们量给人的量器，也必总是用来量给我们。纯洁之爱，其作用是很简单的，并与其它任何的行动原理有明显的分别。贪爱势力及欲得别人重视之心，也许会使人过有规矩的生活，往往还有看似无疵的品行；自尊心也许会使我们避免恶事；自私心也许会激励我们作出慷慨的举动，承认现代真理，并在外表上表现出谦卑及爱情；但这一切行为的动机却或许是欺人及不洁的。从这种心涌溢出来的努力和行动，必然缺乏活的香气及真圣洁的果子，也缺乏纯洁之爱的原则。应当培养爱。它需要珍惜，因为它的感化力是神圣的。{PH097 38.1}[48]

§99 I was shown in regard to the Institute that Dr. Lay came there fully determined to act his part unselfishly. In the commencement of his engaging in the work at the Institute, there were many things of a discouraging nature to Dr. Lay. The position taken by Bro. Aldrich in regard to diet and dress reform, created such feelings of contempt in the minds of many for the short dress that its influence was seriously felt by Dr. Lay, and the patients whom he was trying to benefit at the Institute. Dr. Lay was seeking to bring his patients to bear the cross, which was important for their physical improvement. Bro. Aldrich took responsibilities upon him in regard to the Institute that he was not warranted to take. He pursued a course very much as though all at the Institute were in his employ, to obey his dictation. He was domineering over Dr. Lay. Bro. Aldrich thought Dr. Lay should consult him before making any move; and he did not exercise that courtesy which was due Dr. Lay. Dr. Lay struggled through discouragements at first. He did not at that time receive the respect that he should have received. This inability to discriminate, and to?respect the position of Dr. Lay, made it necessary for me to relate what had been previously shown me in his favor. This had better not have been told Dr. Lay. He is an erring mortal, like others, and he received impressions in regard to the responsibility resting upon him that were incorrect. He took upon himself more than he was capable of carrying. He could not possibly fill the positions he thought he must. He thought there was a spirit to crowd him, and felt the necessity of placing himself upon the defensive. If there had been right management in his case, much trouble might have been saved. Evils grow out of misunderstandings. Dr. Lay thought that he must stand his ground, take his position, and maintain it, or he might as well give up his office altogether. This state of things would not have been had Bro. Aldrich pursued a different course. He was not courteous as he should have been, and dealt with Dr. Lay with a hard, firm spirit, about in the same manner one cold-hearted worldling would deal with another. Dr. Lay was sensitive, and such treatment cut him to the heart. This same manner of dealing is practiced by Bro. Aldrich to quite an extent. He is unaccommodating, unyielding. If he had worked upon this principle, “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them,” far different results would appear as the fruit of such a course. “With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Here are strong motives which should operate on minds to constrain them to love one another with a pure heart, fervently. Christ is our example. He went about doing good. He lived to bless others. Love beautified and?ennobled all his actions. We are not commanded to do to?ourselves?what we wish others to do unto us, we are to?do unto others?what we wish them to do to us under like circumstances. The measure we mete is always measured to us again. Pure love is simple in its operations, and is distinct from any other principle of action. The love of influence, and the desire for the esteem of others, may produce a well-ordered life, and, frequently, a blameless conversation. Self-respect may lead us to avoid the appearance of vice. A selfish heart may perform generous actions, acknowledge the present truth, and express humility and affection in the outward manner, yet the motives be deceptive and impure; and the efforts and actions that flow from them may be destitute of the savor of life, and the fruits of true holiness, being destitute of the principles of pure love. Love, love, should be cultivated. It needs cherishing, for its influence is divine.?{PH097 38.1}[48]

§100 关于娱乐和锻炼，莱医生从丹斯维尔带来了很多不正确的东西。他听到这个娱乐问题受到如此多的重视，以致他实际上认为一个健康机构若没有这些娱乐就无法运作。他听到许多反对运动的声音，以至于他在这个方面不健全。当娱乐活动被引入保健院时，巴特尔克里克的一些人就表现出了肤浅的品格。他们沾沾自喜，心满意足；这些娱乐活动正符合他们轻浮的思想。他们认为推荐给病人的东西对他们自己是有益处的，莱医生并不为他给病人建议的全部结果负责。各地教会那些未献身的人趁机为寻欢作乐和狂欢放荡找藉口。一听说保健院的医生推荐这些娱乐和游戏，是为了让病人们把思想从自己身上转移到更加愉快的思路，这个消息就如火燎原。巴特尔克里克的青年和其他教会认为他们正需要这种东西，于是许多人便卸下了公义的盔甲。他们既不再受嚼环和辔头约束，就以极大的热情和毅力投入到这些娱乐和游戏之中，好像他们的永生有赖于他们在这方面的热诚似的。这时便有机会看清谁是忠心谨慎跟从基督的人，谁是欺骗自己的人。有些人心里并没有上帝的圣工。他们的心灵中没有真正圣洁的工作在运行。他们没有使上帝成为自己所倚靠的。他们是不稳定的，只需一个浪头就会把他们打倒，使他们颠来倒去。这等人表明他们很少具有稳定性和道德上的独立性。他们自己并没有经验，因此便行走在别人点亮的火光里。他们心里没有基督，也就不能向世人承认基督。他们自称是祂的门徒，但世俗和暂时的事支配着他们轻浮自私的心。{PH097 40.1}[49]

§101 Dr. Lay brought many things from Dansville which were incorrect, in regard to amusements and exercise. He heard this amusement question made so much of that he actually thought a health institution could not be conducted without these amusements. He heard so much against exercising that he was not sound in this direction. When the amusements were introduced into the Institute, some in Battle Creek manifested their superficial character. They were pleased and gratified. It just suited their frivolous turn of mind. The things which were recommended for invalids they thought were good for them; and Dr. Lay is not accountable for all the results accruing from the counsel given to his patients.?Those in different churches abroad, who were unconsecrated, seized upon the first semblance of an excuse to engage in pleasure, hilarity, and folly. As soon as it was known that at the Institute established for invalids the physicians had recommended the patients to get their minds off from themselves into a more cheerful train of thought, and had arranged plays and amusements to have this effect, it went like fire in the stubble; and the young in Battle Creek and other churches thought that they had need of just such things, and the armor of righteousness was laid off by many. As they were no longer held in by bit and bridle, they engaged in these things with as much earnestness and perseverance as though everlasting life depended upon their zeal in this direction. Here was an opportunity to discern the conscientious followers of Christ from those who were self deceived. Some had not the cause of God at heart. They had not the work of true holiness wrought in the soul. They had not made God their trust, and were unstable, and only needed a wave to raise them from their feet and toss them to and fro. Such showed that they possessed but little stability and moral independence. They had not experience for themselves, and therefore walked in the sparks of others’ kindling. They had not Christ in their heart, to confess to the world. They professed to be his followers, but things earthly and temporal held in subjection their frivolous, selfish hearts.?{PH097 40.1}[49]

§102 还有一些人似乎对于消遣娱乐的问题并不担心。他们觉得对上帝有那种信任，觉得祂会处理好一切，不用自己操心。他们认为给病人使用的方法与自己无关，因此他们不愿在这上面多费心思。他们认为教会里或世界上的其他人做什么统统与他们无关；因为，他们说，除了基督我们还跟从谁呢？祂给我们留下命令，让我们行祂所行的。我们必须活得像看见那看不见的主一样，并且衷心办事，像是给主做的，不是给人做的。{PH097 41.1}[50]

§103 There were others who did not seem to possess anxiety in regard to the amusement question. They felt that confidence in God, that he would make all right. Their peace of mind was not?disturbed. They decided that a prescription for invalids did not mean them, therefore would not be troubled. They decided that whatever others might do, or whatever was being done in the world, it was nothing to them; for, said they, whom have we to follow but Christ. He has left us a command to walk even as he walked. We must live as seeing him who is invisible, and do what we do heartily unto the Lord, and not unto men.?{PH097 41.1}[50]

§104 当这样的事发生时，各人的品格就显明出来。道德的价值便能得到真正的确立。我们不难确定那些自称敬虔、却喜欢世俗欢乐和幸福的人站在什么地方。他们的感情不在天上的事，而在地上的事，就是撒但掌权之处。他们行在黑暗中，无法喜爱和享受天上的事和神圣的事，因为他们无法辨别或认识这些事。他们的悟性既被蒙蔽，就与基督的生活疏远了。属圣灵的事在他们看来实在是愚拙。他们所追求的事情是与世俗的行为相符的，他们的兴趣和期望都与世人及属世的事一致。如果这等人能够一直这样生活下去，挂着基督徒的名号，却又侍奉上帝又侍奉玛门，他们就会满意了。但会有事情发生，要显明这些人的心，他们只不过是教会的累赘、重担和祸根。{PH097 42.1}[51]

§105 When such things arise, character is developed. Moral worth can then be truly established. It would be no difficult thing to ascertain where those are to be found who profess godliness, yet have their pleasure and happiness in this world. Their affections are not upon things above, but upon things on the earth, where Satan reigns. They walk in darkness, and cannot love and enjoy heavenly and divine things, because they cannot discern or know them. They are alienated from the life of Christ, having their understandings darkened. The things of the Spirit are foolishness unto them. Their pursuits are according to the course of their world, and their interests and prospects are joined with the world, and with earthly things. If such can pass along with the name of Christians, yet serve both God and mammon, they are satisfied. Things will occur to reveal the hearts of these souls, who are only a weight, a burden, and curse, to the church.?{PH097 42.1}[51]

§106 我蒙指示看到莱医生的行动并不明智。教会中存在的精神对他没有帮助，反而有阻碍，是引诱人偏离上帝和圣洁道路的。教会中许多人将他们属灵上的瞎眼状态归咎于保健院中所教导之原则横生滋长的影响。这种看法不完全正确。如果教会坚定地听从了上帝的忠告，保健院原能受到控制。教会的光原能散布到那个工作部门，那里原可不存在这些错误。莱医生并不是唯一犯错的人，他不应该独自承受责难。正是教会的道德黑暗造成了最大的影响，引起了保健院中的道德黑暗和属灵上的死亡。要是教会处在健康状况，她原能给基督身体的这个膀臂注入一股充满活力和健康的电流。但教会是多病的，既无上帝的恩眷又无祂圣颜的光照。于是，一种病态的、致命的影响便流布在教会的全身，直到各处的弊病显现出来。莱医生被尊崇了。他认为，他必须在保健院担任与杰克逊医生在丹斯维尔所担任的类似的职位。上帝并没有把他和那当这样看待的工作联系起来。他自己挑了一些本不该挑的重担，这些重担对他来说是不必要的。他害怕让步，放弃对事务的监督，以免失去自己的影响力。导致莱医生犯这个错误的主要原因，是他第一次为保健院努力工作时有人对他采取的做法。他知道对他存在着嫉妒和偏见。这使他以妒忌和怀疑作为回报。他持续的恐惧是有害的影响，损害了他在保健院的地位。这在很大程度上是一种病态想象的结果。他经常与只存在于他想象中的敌人搏斗。{PH097 42.2}[52]

§107 I was shown that Dr. Lay did not move with wisdom. The spirit existing in the church was such as to be no help to him, but a hindrance, and led away from God and the path of holiness. Many of the church have ascribed their state of spiritual blindness to the influence growing out of?the principles taught at the Institute. This is not?all?correct. Had the church stood in the counsel of God, the Institute would have been controlled. The light of the church would have been diffused to that branch of the work, and the errors would not have existed there that did. Dr. Lay was not alone in error, and the censure should not be suffered to rest alone upon him. It was the moral darkness of the church that had the greatest influence to create the moral darkness and spiritual death in the Institute. Had the church been in a healthy condition, she could have sent a vitalizing, healthful current to this arm of the body. But the church was sickly, had not the favor of God, and enjoyed not the light of his countenance. A sickly, deathly influence was circulated all through the living body, until the disease was apparent everywhere. Dr. Lay became exalted. He thought that he must occupy a position in the Institute similar to that occupied by Dr. Jackson at Dansville. God did not connect him with the work to be thus regarded. He took burdens upon himself that he ought not to have taken, and that were unnecessary for him to bear. He feared to yield and give up the oversight of matters lest he should lose his influence. The chief cause which led to this error on the part of Dr. Lay, was the course pursued toward him when he first engaged in his efforts for the Institute. He knew there was jealousy and prejudice existing toward him. This made him jealous and suspecting in return. His continual fear was of prejudicial influences working to injure his standing in the Institute. This was, much of it, the fruit of a diseased imagination. He was constantly?wrestling with enemies which existed only in his imagination.?{PH097 42.2}[52]

§108 他没有正确地判断白因顿医生。白弟兄设法为保健院的利益竭尽所能，但却对自己表现出了过多的兴趣。莱医生没有赞扬他承受重担。他以为白弟兄在反对他。他从不同的来源收集信息，这些信息在他的脑海中被放大了，使他非常不开心，引起了对白弟兄的怀疑和嫉妒。如果有正确的理解，并努力以最有利的角度看待所发生的一切，原本不会出现这种情况。他的情绪和偏见变得强烈起来。上帝的灵与这些情绪和想象中的邪恶毫无关系。{PH097 44.1}[53]

§109 He did not judge Dr. Byington aright. Bro. B. sought to do the best he could for the interest of the Health Institution, yet manifested too much interest for himself. Dr. Lay failed to give him credit for the burdens he did bear. He thought Bro. B. was working against him. He gathered information from different sources which became magnified in his mind, and made him very unhappy, and caused suspicion and jealousy of Bro. B. This would not have been if there had been the correct understanding, and an effort to look at everything occurring in the most favorable light. His feelings and prejudice became strong. The Spirit of God had nothing to do with these feelings, and imaginary evils.?{PH097 44.1}[53]

§110 对于一个具有他那种热情活跃性情的人来说，白因顿弟兄并没有处在最佳位置。他不具备对周围那些神经紧张、容易激动的病人来说非常重要的安静和温柔。{PH097 44.2}[54]

§111 Bro. Byington was not in the best position for one of his ardent, active temperament. He did not possess quiet and gentleness, so important for one that is around nervous, easily-excited invalids.?{PH097 44.2}[54]

§112 对白弟兄采取的做法既不正确也不公正。莱医生具有一种高抬自我精神，要让人人都认为他就是那个人，他还有一种担心，唯恐别人对白弟兄估计太高了。一股暗流在起作用，会伤害白弟兄，这是上帝所不喜悦的。{PH097 44.3}[55]

§113 The course pursued toward Bro. B. was not correct nor just. There was a spirit possessed by Dr. Lay to exalt himself to have all think he was the man, and a fear lest others should estimate Bro. B. too highly. There was an undercurrent at work which would injure Bro. B., which was not pleasing to God.?{PH097 44.3}[55]

§114 至于罗杰斯弟兄，有人认为他没有尽他所能；认为他更愿意去检查和监督，而不是抓住机会去做，去挣他所得到的钱。这太过分了。罗杰斯弟兄在很大程度上享有自由自在的精神，从关心和责任中解脱出来，几乎所有的人都享有这种精神，然而却对罗杰斯弟兄采取了不公正的做法。他从一开始就受到嫉妒和不信任的监视。这种精神在那个机构里成长得很快。没有爱与和谐。许多人忘记了他们用什么量器量给人，也必用什么量器量给他们。罗杰斯弟兄在业务中没有表现出应有的兴趣和勤奋。他并不孤单。还有别人受雇作工却没有特别的负担，也感觉不到特殊的兴趣。关心和责任只是很轻地落在格雷厄姆弟兄身上。由于缺乏适当的监督，曾造成巨大的损失。在小事上忠心是凡人最重要的行为之一。救主说，那在最小的事上忠心的，在大事上也忠心。酵已在整个保健院起作用。室内和户外的帮工们都在抢工资。一种最令人吃惊的自私精神抓住了他们。相互猜疑和嫉妒导致了分裂。彼此之间非常缺乏高尚的坦率。人手被解雇，给出的是错误的理由而不是正确的理由。许多人都很清楚原因，除了那个本应该知道的人。可疑的窃窃私语从一个人传到另一个人，然而他们的谈论的对象却对不满的真正原因一无所知。所有这一切都是残酷的，不符合基督教精神的，并且使上帝的不悦临到所有参与这墙边秘密耳语的人，这是欺骗性的暗流行为。哪里有团结，那里就有力量。在这种缺乏团结、存在着不信任和嫉妒的情况下，无论是医生还是帮手，都不能团结一致地愉快工作。保健院处在这种事态，上帝的福气就不能停留在它身上。莱医生一直没有处在将他的重担和挂虑都带给重担者的背负者耶稣的状态。他一直害怕失去自己的影响力，以致于过于努力地维护自己的尊严。如果他对这些事情能够在很大程度上漠不关心，追求谦卑的基督徒道路，摆脱了自私，上帝原会做更多的事来使他在他的病人、帮手和教会的心中站稳，过于他用毕生的精力操劳所能成就的。所有这些恐惧、烦恼和焦虑，唯恐他不能保住自己的地位，得不到别人的赏识，已经有了一种倾向，导致他想用自己的力量设法阻止的结果。{PH097 44.4}[56]

§115 In the case of Bro. Rogers, there were thoughts that he did not do all that he might; that he was more willing to inspect and have an oversight than to take hold and do, and earn the means he received. This was too much the case. Bro. Rogers had partaken much of the spirit of ease and freedom from care and responsibility which?prevailed with nearly all, yet an unjust course was pursued toward Bro. Rogers. He was watched from the first with jealousy and distrust. This spirit was fast growing in that Institution. There was not love and harmony. Many forgot that with what measure they should mete, it should be measured to them again. Bro. Rogers did not manifest that interest and diligence in business which he should. He was not alone. There were others employed to labor who did not take special burdens, and feel a special interest. Care and responsibility sat very lightly upon Bro. Graham. For want of proper oversight there had been a great loss. To be faithful in the littles is one of the most important works for mortals. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much, says the Saviour. The leaven has run through the Institute. Helpers indoors and out were grasping for wages. A most astonishing spirit of selfishness seized them. Suspicion and jealousy of one another caused disunion. There was a great lack of noble frankness with one another. Hands were discharged, and false reasons given instead of the correct one. Many knew well the reason, except the very one who ought to have known. Suspicious whisperings went from one to another, and yet the subjects of them were kept in ignorance of the true reason of dissatisfaction. All this was cruel and unchristian, and brought the displeasure of God upon all who participated in this secret whispering by the wall, this deceptive, undercurrent work. Where there is union there is strength. With this lack of union, this distrust and jealousy existing, neither physicians nor helpers could work unitedly and?happily. God’s blessing could not rest upon that Institute with such a state of things. Dr. Lay has not been in a condition to bring his burdens and cares to Jesus, the burdenbearer. He has been so fearful of losing his influence, that he has tried too hard to maintain his dignity. If he could have been in a great measure indifferent to these things, pursued a humble, Christian course, divested of selfishness, God would have done more to establish him in the hearts of his patients, helpers, and the church, than he could do by laboring with all his energies his lifetime. All this fear, and trouble, and anxiety, lest he should not maintain his position, and be appreciated, has had a tendency to bring about the very result he was in his own strength seeking to hinder.?{PH097 44.4}[56]

§116 莱医生很紧张，过于匆忙，容易激动。他必须鼓励冷静、慢条斯理、从容不迫的讲话和平静的动作。所有这一切对于他成为一名成功的医生来说都是非常重要的。他应该把自己的事交在上帝手中，谨防过于敏感。莱医生的忧虑折磨着他，他对那些他不应该担心的事情的忧虑，比他所做的一切更使他疲惫不堪。上帝活着。他应该把他的事完全交在祂手中。他在如此努力地要在别人的估计中拯救自己时，每一次都使自己沉沦了。他感到嫉妒，唯恐他的病人的思想会转向除他自己以外的其他人。这种感觉是完全没有必要的。它越得到纵容，就越肯定会发生非常令人生畏的结果。他应该尽可能对这件事漠不关心。{PH097 46.1}[57]

§117 Dr. Lay is nervous, too hurried and excitable. He must encourage calmness, slow, unhurried speech, and calm movements. All this is very important, for him to be successful as a physician. He should trust his case in the hands of God, and guard against being over-sensitive. The worriment of mind Dr. Lay has suffered to come upon him, and his care in regard to things where he should have no care, have worn him more than all the labor he has done. God lives. He should trust his case wholly in his hands. In seeking so hard to save himself in the estimation of others, he has sunk himself every time. He has felt jealous lest the minds of his patients should be turned to some other one besides himself. This feeling is all needless. The more it is indulged, the more sure will the much-to-be-feared result take place. He should be indifferent to the matter just as much as possible.?{PH097 46.1}[57]

§118 莱姐妹由于自己的恐惧和嫉妒而增强了这种感觉。她使自己不快乐，因为她没有把使别人快乐作为她的动机。她渴望别人给她幸福，而且一直在苛求，却一直不愿给别人幸福。你留在保健院伤害了你全家，也伤害了保健院。{PH097 47.1}[58]

§119 Sister Lay has increased this feeling by her own fears and jealousies. She has made herself unhappy because she has not made it her motive to make others happy. She has looked for others to administer unto her happiness, and been exacting, while she has not been willing to administer unto others. You remained in the Institute to the injury of your entire family, as well as of the Institute.?{PH097 47.1}[58]

§120 张伯伦姐妹的影响力在那里是需要的，然而她来的时候，却没有人赏识她。如果莱医生像他应该的那样看待她，对她表现出应有的尊重，原本不会有麻烦。但是他却嫉妒她会比他所希望的更有权威。这种错误的感觉足以使莱医生感到痛苦，使张伯伦姐妹处于不值得羡慕的地位。当决定从莱医生身上卸下单独管理保健院事务的重担，把重担放在别人身上，让他解脱时，他对这事既不感到高兴，也不甘心。他听到了一些对张伯伦姐妹不敬的言论，他本可以把这些话扼杀在萌芽状态，但他却表现出了一种坚忍的冷漠，感觉是这样的：他们已经从我这里接管了责任，这与我无关。这是莱医生的错。他知道这些事确实与他有关。他所知道的若是允许继续下去就会损毁该机构的团结的任何事，都确实与他有关，他也知道这一点；但是，一种错误的、嫉妒的精神却使他保持沉默。这种精神在整个机构中或多或少地占了上风。像张伯伦姐妹这样的女人正是那里所需要的，而且她应该迈出前进的步骤，直到她能在任何一位医生旁边就位；因为她完全有资格担任这个岗位。她有经验，她有正确的组织，她有至关重要的能力，使她成为一名优秀的医生。{PH097 47.2}[59]

§121 Sister Chamberlain’s influence was needed there, but when she came she was not appreciated. Had Dr. Lay regarded her as he should, and showed her that respect which was her due, there would have been no trouble. But he felt jealous that she would assume more authority than he was willing she should. This erroneous feeling was enough to make Dr. Lay miserable, and place Sr. Chamberlain in an unenviable position. When it was decided to remove the care and burden of having the sole management of matters at the Institute from Dr. Lay, and place the burden on others, to release him, he did not feel pleased nor reconciled to the matter. He heard disrespectful speeches in regard to Sr. Chamberlain, which he could have nipped in the bud, but he assumed a stoical indifference, feeling like this: They have taken the responsibility from me; and it does not concern me. Here Dr. Lay was at fault. He knew that the matters did concern him. Any thing which he knew would, if permitted to go on, mar the unity of the Institution, did concern him, and he knew it; but it was a wrong, jealous spirit which led him to hold his peace. This spirit has prevailed to a greater or less degree all through the Institution. Just such a woman as?Sr. Chamberlain is needed there, and she should make advance steps until she can take her place by the side of any of the physicians; for she is eminently qualified for the station. She has the experience, she has the right organization, she has the vital powers, to make her an excellent physician.?{PH097 47.2}[59]

§122 莱医生，你没有谨慎行事。我蒙指示看见在那个机构里有一种精神去获得他们所能得到的一切钱财。白因顿医生、莱医生和帮手们都表现出贪婪的精神；一种自私的精神给具有这种精神的人招致了上帝的皱眉和咒诅。就是工资，工资。没有对工作的无私奉献，也没有以无私的兴趣操劳。那里所有的人都没有为保健院的繁荣和利益而工作的负担和关心。虽然有花费时间，但却没有什么成效。对与保健院有关的所有事情都缺乏彻底的监督。帮手和所有的人似乎都有一种漠不关心的精神，还有许多开支，如果有一个精力充沛、有抱负、有先见之明的人来照料，这些开支原是不必要的。巨额分红的前景，以及随之而来的丰厚收入，导致了一种挥霍无度的精神，而这种精神很快就会把保健院搞得一败涂地。上帝希望工作的这个分支可以活下去并繁荣昌盛，所有参与其中的人都有一种舍己的精神，一种与迄今为止所表现的完全不同的精神，过去的一精神一直是从保健院得到所有可能得到的东西，并使自己受益。{PH097 48.1}[60]

§123 Dr. Lay, you have not conducted with prudence. I was shown that there was a spirit in that Institution to get all the means they could. An avaricious spirit was manifested by Dr. Byington, also by Dr. Lay and the helpers; a selfish spirit, that brought the frown and curse of God upon those who possessed it. It was wages, wages. There was not an unselfish devotion to the work, and laboring with an unselfish interest. There was not a burden and care taken by all there engaged to labor for the prosperity and benefit of the Institute. There was a spending of time, and but little accomplished. There was a great lack of a thorough oversight of all things pertaining to the Institute. Helpers and all seemed to have a spirit of indifference, and there were many expenses out, which need not have been had there been one to take the care who possessed energy, ambition, and forethought. The prospect of large dividends, and abundance of means coming in, led to a spirit of prodigality, which would soon have run the Institute into the ground. God wants this branch of the work to live and flourish, and all who act a part in it to possess a spirit of self-denial, a spirit entirely different from that heretofore exhibited, which has been to get just all that it was possible to get, and to advantage self, out of the Institute?{PH097 48.1}[60]

§124 莱医生和他的妻子离开保健院时，表现出一种自私的精神，这损害了他们在那个保健院的影响力。在许多人看来，他们太清楚地表明，他们是在谋求自己的利益，而没有考虑到保健院的利益。你们所有的人，无论是父亲、母亲还是孩子，都表现出了一种自私的精神，使上帝不悦。这一切都对你们无益，反而有害。你为了追求自己的利益而进行的所有投资，最终都会导致损失。如果你是一个观察者，看到另一个人采取和你一样的做法，你会大声反对的。这种事应该遭受上帝的不悦。在保健里既然存在着这样一种自私的精神，难道上帝没有特别赐福那里的努力还有什么可惊讶的吗？祂岂会认可错误吗？不，决不会的！自私在出版社里，自私在保健院里，可是还期待上帝同在的记号，好像所有的事都为祂准备好了似的。莱医生疑心太重，把他的事拿在自己的手中，而不是平静地等待和倚赖上帝把他建立在与他交往之人的心中。他不断地设法建立自己。他把这事交在自己手里，使主没有机会为他行事，就是他焦急地想为自己做的事。主对莱医生的所有要求就是住在祂里面，从祂那里寻求智慧，停止他的预测和未雨绸缪，可以说是，停止对与他无关之事的预测和未雨绸缪，那使他不能享受现在。上帝要求他像孩子一样倚靠祂的温柔关怀，住在祂的爱里面。他不定不安的心理状态使他丧失了当医生的资格，比他所有的操劳更使他精疲力竭。亲爱的莱弟兄并不了解自己的心。自私自利之念已在那里寻得落脚之地，而和平、健康、宁静已经离开了。你完全缺乏的就是爱的要素——爱上帝，爱你的邻舍。你现在所度的生活并不是因信而在上帝儿子里的生活。你对上帝缺乏坚定的信靠，你不敢将一切交托在上帝手中，好像祂不能保守你所交托祂的事情似的。你害怕某种恶谋会伤害你，除非你采取防卫措施，并着手为自己的利益争战。上帝儿女的智慧和能力是根据他们对上帝的智慧和能力的依赖而定的。他们的强壮和幸福是根据他们与人的智慧和帮助隔绝的程度而定的。但以理和他的同伴被掳到异地，但是上帝并没有让仇敌的嫉妒、仇恨胜过他们。义人始终能获得来自上帝的帮助。上帝的仇敌经常联合他们的力量和智慧，要破坏少数信靠上帝的单纯之人的品格和影响。但是因为主是支持他们的，便没有什么能胜过他们。只要基督的门徒联合一致，他们便可得胜。愿他们撇弃自己的偶像，与世人分别，如此，他们就不会因世界而与上帝分离了。基督是我们现在全备的救主。在祂里面居住着所有的丰盛。基督徒有特权知道基督的确在他们里面居住。“使我们胜了世界的，就是我们的信心”（约壹5:4）。在信的人，凡事都能；凡我们所愿意的，若是祈求，只要信是得着的，就必得着。这种信心将穿透黑暗的乌云，并给灰心失望的生灵带来光明与希望。人若没有这种信心和倚靠，便会陷入混乱、痛苦的恐惧和恶意的猜测中。当上帝的子民全心信靠祂时，祂就要为他们行大事。“敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了”（提前6:6）。要在生活中表现出纯洁没有玷污的虔诚来。基督要显明为永不衰竭的力量之源，在患难中随时的帮助。{PH097 48.2}[61]

§125 When Dr. Lay and his wife left the Institute,?a spirit of selfishness was manifested, which injured their influence in that Institute. They showed, to many minds too plainly, that they were seeking to advantage themselves, without considering the interest of the Institute. You all, father, mother, and children, exhibited a spirit of selfishness displeasing to God. All this has not worked for your good, but for your injury. All that you invest in thus seeking your own interest, will result in loss in the end. Had you been an observer and seen another pursue the same course you pursued, you would have exclaimed against it loudly. Such things merit the displeasure of God. With such a selfish spirit as has existed in those who were in the Institute, is it surprising that God has not especially blessed the efforts there made? Will he sanction error? No, never! Selfishness in the Office, selfishness in the Institute, and yet expecting the token of God’s presence, as though all things were prepared for him. Dr. Lay was distrustful, and took his case in his own hands instead of calmly waiting for, and trusting in, God to establish him in the hearts of those with whom he associated. He was constantly seeking to establish himself. He took the case in his own hands, and left the Lord no chance to do a work for him, which he was anxiously seeking to do for himself. All the Lord required of Dr. Lay was to abide in him, seek wisdom of him, to cease his forecasting and foresettling, as it were, matters with which he had nothing to do, which left him no enjoyment of the present. God required of him a child-like leaning upon his tender care, and abiding in his love. His unsettled, uneasy state of mind disqualified him to act as a?physician, and was exhausting his vitality more than all his labor. Dear Bro. Lay has not understood his own heart. Selfishness has found a lodgment there, and peace, healthful, calm peace has departed. What you all lack is the element love—love to God, and love to your neighbor. The life that you now live, you do not live by faith on the Son of God. There is a lack of firm trust, a withholding, a fearfulness to resign all into the hands of God, as though he could not keep that which is committed to his trust. You are afraid some evil is designed, which will do you harm unless you assume the defensive, and commence a warfare in your own favor. The children of God are wise and powerful according to their reliance upon his wisdom and power. They are strong and happy according to their separation from the wisdom and help of man. Daniel and his companions were captives in a strange land, but God suffered not the envy and hatred of their enemies to prevail against them. The righteous have ever obtained help from God. How often have the enemies of God united their strength and wisdom to destroy the character and influence of a few simple persons who trusted in God. Because the Lord was for them none could prevail against them. Only let the followers of Christ be united in one and they will prevail. Let them be disjoined from their idols, and be separate from the world, and the world shall not separate them from God. Christ is our present, all-sufficient Saviour. In him all fullness dwells. It is the privilege of Christians to know indeed that Christ is in them of a truth. This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. All things are?possible to him that believeth; and whatsoever things we desire when we pray, if we believe that we receive them we shall have them. This faith will penetrate the darkest cloud and bring rays of light and hope to the drooping, desponding soul. It is the absence of this faith and trust which brings perplexity, distressing fears, and surmisings of evil. God will do great things for his people when they put their entire trust in him. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Pure and undefiled religion will be exemplified in the life. Christ will prove a never-failing source of strength, a present help in every time of trouble.?{PH097 48.2}[61]

§126 在汉娜·莫尔姐妹的事上，我蒙指示看到，对她的忽略，就是在她身上忽略了耶稣。要是上帝的儿子以谦卑质朴的方式来到祂在地上时曾旅行过的各地，祂也不会得到更好的接待。我们现在极其需要髑髅地那位谦卑的人心中怀有之爱的深刻原则。要是教会活在光中，他们原会赏识这位谦卑的传道士，她是全然火热侍奉她的主的。她极其恳切的兴趣被人误解了。她的外表不会得到讲究品味与时尚之人的赞同，因为久经严格的节约和贫穷已在她的衣服上留下了印记。她辛苦挣来的钱财已经耗尽，因为她一有钱就赶紧去使他人受益，为要将光带给那些她希望引至十字架真理之前的人。即便是自称属基督的教会，虽有崇高的特权和信仰表白，却也没有在上帝的这个舍己的孩子身上认出基督的形像来，因为他们自己已经远离基督，没有反照祂的形像。他们是凭外貌判断人，并没有花特别的心思去辨别人内在的妆饰。汉娜·莫尔这位姐妹，她的聪明才智和在敬虔的奥秘上的真经验，超过住在巴特尔克里克的任何一个人，她对青年和儿童讲话的态度是愉快、启发和有教益的。她毫不苛刻严厉，而是恰当且富有同情心的，原会证明是园地中一位最有效用的工人，作青年人的教师和母亲们智慧有益的同伴和顾问。她已奉献一生侍奉自己的救赎主，她能通过热诚照实地讲述自己虔诚生活中的事件打动别人的心。要是教会出离黑暗和欺骗，进入清晰的光中，他们的心原会被吸引效法这位孤独的客旅。她的祷告，她的眼泪，她的痛苦忧伤，因为见不到效力的门路向她打开，这些都已升达上天。上帝已经听到了。主为祂的子民提供有才能的帮助；但他们却自以为富足，已经发了财，一样都不缺。他们转离并拒绝了一个最宝贵的祝福，他们还会感到需要这个福气的。如果拉夫伯勒长老站在上帝清晰的光中，被祂的灵充满，当注意到耶稣的这位仆人汉娜·莫尔孤独、无家可归、渴望得到一份工作服侍她主时，原会同声相感，同气相求，就如镜子中面面相应一样；他的心原会被基督的这位门徒吸引追随，原会理解她。教会也是如此。但他们却处在这样一种属灵的盲目当中，以致听不到真牧人的声音，反倒去听从那正在引他们离开基督羊圈的生人的声音。{PH097 51.1}[62]

§127 I was shown in the case of sister Hannah More that the neglect of her was the neglect of Jesus in her person. Had the Son of God come in the humble, unpretending manner in which he journeyed from place to place when he was upon earth, he would have met with no better reception. It is the deep principle of love that dwelt in the bosom of the humble man of Calvary, that is needed. Had the church lived in the light, they would have appreciated this humble missionary whose whole being was aglow to be engaged in her Master’s service. Her very earnest interest was misconstrued. Her externals were not just such as would meet the approval of the eye of taste and fashion; for familiarity with strict economy and poverty had left its impress upon her apparel. But the hard-earned means had been exhausted as fast as earned to benefit others; to get light to those whom she hoped to lead to the cross of truth. Even the professed church of Christ, with their exalted privileges and high professions, discerned not the image of Christ in this self-denying child?of God, because they were so far removed from Christ themselves that they reflected not his image. They judged by the external appearance, and took not special pains to discern the inward adorning. Here was a woman whose resources of knowledge and genuine experience in the mysteries of godliness exceeded those of any one residing at Battle Creek, and whose manner of address to the youth and children was pleasing, instructive, and salutary. She was not harsh, but correct and sympathetic, and would have proved one of the most useful laborers in the field, to fill positions as an instructor of the youth, and an intelligent useful companion and counselor to mothers. She could reach hearts by her earnest matter-of-fact presentation of incidents in her religious life which she had devoted to the service of her Redeemer. Had the church emerged from darkness and deception into the clear light, their hearts would have been drawn out after the lonely stranger. Her prayers, her tears, her distress to see no way of usefulness open to her, have gone up to Heaven. God has heard. Talents and help the Lord offered to his people, but they were rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing. They turned from, and rejected a most precious blessing of which they will yet feel the need. Had Elder Loughborough stood in the clear light of God, imbued with his Spirit, when this servant of Jesus, lonely, homeless, and thirsting for a work to do for her Master, was brought to his notice, spirit would have answered to spirit, as face answereth to face in a mirror, and his heart would have been drawn out after this disciple of Christ, and he would have understood her. Thus also with the?church. They had been in such spiritual blindness they had lost the sound of the voice of the true Shepherd, and were following the voice of a stranger, who was leading them from the fold of Christ.?{PH097 51.1}[62]

§128 许多人看到要为上帝的子民完成的伟大工作，便祈祷上帝在大收割中帮助他们，但如果帮助没有像他们期待的那样到来，他们就不愿接受，而是转离那帮助，像当年犹太民族转离基督一样，因为祂显现的方式令他们失望。基督的第一次降临显然太贫穷太谦卑了，于是犹太人在骄傲中拒绝了这位来赐他们生命的主。上帝这样做原是要让教会谦卑己心，看到他们极其需要在祂面前改正自己的作风，免得祂在审判中报应他们。许多自称敬虔的人看自豪的着装和外表的妆饰远远重于内心的妆饰。要是教会都在上帝面前自卑，充分完全地纠正他们以往的错误，以致符合上帝的心意，他们在估计人的道德品质上就不会如此不足了。汉娜·莫尔姐妹的光已经熄灭了，其实她的光现在可以明亮地照耀许多人的路途，他们正行在错误和叛乱的黑暗道途上。上帝呼召教会从昏睡中醒过来，并以深切的真诚，详细探究为什么这些名字记录在教会名册上的人陷于自欺之中。撒但正在得救的重大问题上诱惑和欺骗他们。再没有什么比罪的欺骗更为险恶的了。正是这世界的神在欺骗人、蒙蔽人，引人灭亡。撒但并不一开始就全盘端出他的试探。他用美好的外表伪装这些试探；将些许进步和荒唐娱乐混在一起，受欺骗的人便迫切要求参加这些活动，理由是他们可以从中大大受益。这只是欺骗性的部分。撒但那邪恶的诡计是伪装了的。被诱骗的人走出第一步，就准备好踏出第二步。对于他们来说，随从自己内心的倾向，要比坚定防御和抵挡狡猾仇敌的第一个暗示，从而关闭他的进路要容易的多了。撒但是多么警醒地注意观看他的诱饵非常容易地钩上猎物，看到生灵行在他所预备的道路上啊！他并不希望他们放弃祷告，不再维持宗教义务的形式，因为他可以在他们这么做时使他们更有效地为他服务。他将他诡辩和欺骗的网罗跟他们的经历和信仰表白搀杂起来，从而惊人地促进他的事业。那假冒为善的法利赛人又祷告又禁食，遵守了敬虔的仪式，同时他们的内心却是败坏的。撒但站在一旁侮辱嘲笑基督和祂的使者说：“我拥有他们！我拥有他们！我已经为他们预备了我的欺骗。祢的血在他们身上是没有价值的。祢的代求、能力和奇妙的工作最好还是停止吧；我拥有他们！他们是属于我的！虽然他们自称是基督的国民，虽然他们曾经享受祂同在的光照，我却要当着他们所谈论的天国的面把他们收归我自己。这种国民正是我可以用来毁灭他人的人。”所罗门说：“心中自是的，便是愚昧人”（箴28:26）。在自称敬虔的人中，有许许多多这样的人。使徒保罗说：“我们并非不晓得它的诡计”（林后2:11）。唉，他在运用什么样的技巧、手腕和诡诈，使自称跟从基督的人去与世界联合，在可以获得某种益处的欺骗之下，竟在世上的娱乐中寻求幸福啊！他们就此走进网罗当中，自以为这条路是无害的。这等人的感情和同情心受到了误导，而这打下一个卑劣的基础，他们据以相信自己是上帝的儿女。他们将自己和别人比较，便满意地安下心来，觉得自己甚至比许多真基督徒更好。但是他们的生活中哪有基督深切的爱照耀出来，其明亮的光线造福他人呢？他们的圣经在哪里呢？对于圣经，他们又学习了多少呢？他们的思想停留在何处呢？是在天国和属天的事上吗？他们的心思不会自然走向那个方向的。他们没有兴趣去研究上帝的圣言。圣经没有使他们的思想兴奋狂热的东西，而生来未更新的心更喜欢上帝的圣言之外的书。他们所关心的全是自我。他们对于上帝圣灵在人心思意念上的影响并无深切真诚的渴望。上帝并不在他们的一切思想中。一想到当今时代多数的青年将达不到永生的要求，我心里非常难受。惟愿那些乐器的声音终止，他们不再将那么多宝贵的时间消磨在满足自己的空想上。但愿他们少用时间穿着打扮和作无益的闲谈，而向上帝发出恳切痛苦的祷告，向祂求取健全的经验。如今有极大的需要，就是根据上帝的圣言仔细地省察自己；但愿每一个人都扪心自问：“我是健全的，还是内心败坏的呢？我是在基督里得到更新了，还是仍然具有属肉体的心，只是外表披上了新衣呢？”要力求自制，以便站在上帝伟大的法庭之上，在上帝的光中检点自己，看看你有没有珍藏什么隐秘的罪，有没有什么罪孽，有没有尚未放弃的偶像。要祈祷，是的，要祈祷，就像你之前从未祷告过一样，好使你不被撒但的诡计所欺骗，陷于散漫、大意、空虚的精神中，试图用履行宗教的义务去平息你的良心。这个世界任何年龄的基督徒都不适宜成为爱宴乐的人，但在如今世界历史即将结束的时候，爱宴乐的人是多么多啊。你永生盼望的根基打得多么牢固都不会过分。你心灵的福利和永远的幸福取决于你的根基是否建造在基督上。在别人渴求属世享乐的时候，你应当渴求上帝之爱毫无错误的保证，诚恳热切地呼求说：谁能向我说明如何使我所蒙的恩召和拣选坚定不移呢？末日的兆头之一便是自称是基督徒的人爱宴乐不爱上帝。你要诚实地对待自己的心灵，仔细省察。经过诚实自察之后，还能仰脸望天并说：“我并不列在这些人中，我并非爱宴乐不爱上帝！”的人是何其少啊！很少有人能说：“我向世界是死了，我现在活着，是因信上帝的儿子而活！我的生命与基督一同藏在上帝里面。基督是我的生命，祂显现的时候，我也要与祂一同显现在荣耀里。”上帝的爱和恩典多么伟大！这是多么宝贵的恩典，比精金更加宝贵。它比其它任何原则都更能提拔人，使人精神高尚，将他们的情意维系在天上。在我们周围的人或许陷入空虚，忙于寻欢作乐和愚昧的事情时，我们却是天上的国民，等候救主从天上降临；心灵在渴求上帝，为得赦免和平安、公义和真实的圣洁。与上帝交谈和默想天上的事，可将心灵变得与基督相似。{PH097 53.1}[63]

§129 Many look upon the great work to be accomplished for God’s people, and their prayers go up to God for help in the great harvest. But like the Jewish nation, if help does not come in just the manner they have arranged, they will not receive it, but turn from that help as the Jewish nation turned from Christ, because disappointed in the manner of his appearing. Too much poverty and humility marked his advent, and in their pride they refused him who came to give them life. In this God would have the church humble their hearts, and see the great need of correcting their ways before him, lest he visit them with judgment. Pride of dress and the external adorning is made of far more importance with many who profess godliness, than the inward adorning. Had the church all humbled themselves before God, and corrected their past errors so fully as to meet the mind of God, they would not be so deficient in estimating moral excellence of character. The light of Sr. Hannah More has gone out, which now might be burning brightly to illuminate the pathway of many who are walking in the dark paths of error and rebellion. God calls upon the church to arouse from their slumber, and with deep earnestness inquire into the grounds and causes of this self-deception among professors whose names are on the church book. Satan is deluding and cheating them in the great concern of salvation. Nothing is more treacherous than?the deceitfulness of sin. It is the god of this world that deludes, and blinds, and leads to destruction. Satan does not enter with his array of temptations at once. He disguises these temptations with a semblance of good. He will mingle with amusements and folly, some little improvements, and deceived souls make it an excuse that great good is to be derived by engaging in them. This is only the deceptive part. It is Satan’s hellish arts masked. Beguiled souls take one step, then are prepared for the next. It is so much more pleasant to follow the inclinations of their own hearts than to stand as on the defensive, and resist the first insinuation of the wily foe, and thus shut out his in-comings. Oh! how Satan watches to see his bait taken so readily, and to see souls walking in the very path he has prepared. He does not want them to give up praying, and maintaining a form of religious duties, for he can thus make them more useful in his service. He unites his sophistry and deceptive snares with their experiences and professions, and thus advances his cause wonderfully. The hypocritical Pharisees prayed and fasted, observed the forms of godliness, while corrupt at heart. Satan stands by, taunting Christ and his angels with insults, “I have them! I have them! I have prepared my deception for them. Your blood is worthless here. Your intercessions and power and wonderful works may as well cease; I have them! They are mine! for all their high profession as subjects of Christ, for all they once enjoyed the illuminations of his presence, I will secure them to myself in the very face of Heaven, which they are talking about. It is such subjects as?those that I can use to decoy others.” Solomon saith, “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool;” and there are hundreds such to be found among professors of godliness. Says the apostle, “We are not ignorant of his devices.” Oh! what art, what skill, what cunning, to lead to a union with the world, to seek for happiness in the amusements of the world, under the delusive idea that some good is to be gained. And thus they walk right into the net, flattering themselves that there is no evil in the way. The affections and sympathies of such are wrought upon, which lays a foundation for their illy-built confidence that they are the children of God. They compare themselves with others, and settle down satisfied that they are even better than many true Christians. But where is the deep love of Christ shining forth in their lives, its bright rays blessing others? where is their Bible? and how much is it studied? And where are their thoughts? upon Heaven and heavenly things? It is not natural for their minds to go forth in that direction. The study of God’s word is uninteresting to them. It does not possess that which excites and fevers the mind, and the natural, unrenewed heart will prefer some other book, to the study of God’s word. His attention is engrossed in self. They have no deep, earnest longings for the influence of the Spirit of God upon the mind and heart. God is not in all their thoughts. How can I have it that most of the youth in this age will come short of everlasting life? Oh! that their sound of instrumental music may cease, and they no more while away so much precious time in pleasing their own fancy. Oh! that they would devote less time to?dress and vain conversation, and send forth their earnest, agonizing prayers to God, for a sound experience. There is a necessity for close self-examination, and to closely investigate in the light of God’s word, Am I sound, or am I rotten at heart? Am I renewed in Christ, or am I still carnal at heart, with an outside, new dress put on? Reign yourself up to the tribunal of God, and see as in the light of God, if there be any secret sin, any iniquity, any idol you have not sacrificed. Pray, yes, pray as you have never prayed before, that you may not be deluded by Satan’s devices, that you may not be given up to a heedless, careless, and vain spirit, and attend religious duties to quiet your own conscience. It is inappropriate for Christians in every age of the world to be lovers of pleasure, but how much more so now, when the scenes of this earth’s history are so soon to close. Surely the foundation of your hopes of everlasting life cannot be laid too sure. The welfare of your soul, and your eternal happiness, depend upon whether your foundation is built upon Christ. While others are panting after earthly enjoyments, be ye panting after the unmistakable assurance of the love of God, earnestly, fervently crying, Who will show me how to make my calling and election sure? One of the sins that constitute one of the signs of the last days, is, that professed Christians are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Deal truly with your own souls. Search carefully. How few, after a faithful examination, can look up to Heaven and say, I am not one of those thus described. I am not a lover of pleasure more than a lover of God. How few can say, “I am dead to the world; the life I now live, is by faith on?the Son of God. My life is hid with Christ in God, and when He who is my life shall appear, then shall I appear with him in glory.” The love and grace of God! Oh! precious grace! more valuable than fine gold. It elevates and ennobles the spirit beyond all other principles. It sets the heart and affections upon Heaven. While those around us may be engaged in worldly vanity, pleasure-seeking, and folly, the conversation is in Heaven, from whence we look for the Savior; the soul is reaching out after God for pardon and peace, for righteousness and true holiness. His converse with God, and contemplation of things above, transforms the soul into the likeness of Christ.?{PH097 53.1}[63]

§130 关于戴维斯姐妹的病情，有一番大工应当作成。为那些同心为她祷告的人，也有一番工作要作。如果上帝应允了他们的祷告，反而会害了他们。这一类的病痛乃是由于撒但控制了心思而来，因此作祷告之前，应当先下一番缜密的自省工作，察看是否还有罪恶需要悔改、承认和丢弃。应当在上帝面前深切谦卑，坚决而虚心地单单信靠基督宝血的功劳。在因错误的行动方针而使心思远离上帝之时，禁食祈祷也是无用的。“我所拣选的禁食，不是要松开凶恶的绳，解下轭上的索，使被欺压的得自由，折断一切的轭么？不是要把你的饼分给饥饿的人；将飘流的穷人接到你家中；见赤身的给他衣服遮体；顾恤自己的骨肉而不掩藏么？”“那时你求告，耶和华必应允；你呼求，祂必说，我在这里。你若从你中间除掉重轭，和指摘人的指头，并发恶言的事；你心若向饥饿的人发怜悯，使困苦的人得满足；你的光就必在黑暗中发现，你的幽暗必变如正午；耶和华也必时常引导你，在干旱之地，使你心满意足，骨头强壮；你必像浇灌的园子，又像水流不绝的泉源”（赛58:6-7；9-11）。PH097 57.1}[64]

§131 In the case of Sr. Davis, there needed to be a great work accomplished. Those who united in praying for her, needed a work done for them. Had God answered their prayers, it would have proved their ruin. In these cases of affliction, where Satan has control of the mind, before engaging in prayer there should be the most close self-examination to discover if there are not sins which need to be repented of, confessed, and forsaken. Deep humility of soul before God is necessary, and firm, humble reliance upon the merits of the blood of Christ alone. Fasting and prayer will accomplish nothing, while the heart is estranged from God by a wrong course of action. “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out, to thy house? when thou seest the?naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger and speaking vanity, and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters fail not.”?{PH097 57.1}[64]

§132 上帝所要的乃是内心的工作，好行为来自爱所充满的心。大家都当留心而虔诚地思想上面的经文，并省察自己的动机和行为。上帝给我们的应许原是以顺从及符合祂的一切要求为条件。先知以赛亚说：“你要大声喊叫，不可止息，扬起声来好像吹角，向我百姓说明他们的过犯，向雅各家说明他们的罪恶。他们天天寻求我，乐意明白我的道；好像行义的国民，不离弃他们上帝的典章，向我求问公义的判语，喜悦亲近上帝。他们说，我们禁食，你为何不看见呢？我们刻苦己心，你为何不理会呢”（赛58:1-3）？{PH097 58.1}[65]

§133 It is heart work God requires, good works springing from a heart filled with love. Carefully and prayerfully should the above scriptures be considered, and the motives and actions investigated. The promise of God to us, is on condition of obedience; compliance with all his requirements. “Cry aloud[saith the prophet Isaiah,]?spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? Wherefore have we afflicted our souls, and thou takest no knowledge?”?{PH097 58.1}[65]

§134 这里所提到的一等人，他们在信仰上自以为高，他们有祈祷的习惯，并乐意行各样宗教的礼节；但他们还有一种缺欠。他们知道自己的祈祷不蒙应允，他们的热忱及切心努力，也未得上天的注意，因此他们便迫切求问说，为什么上帝不理会他们。其实这并不是因为在上帝方面有什么忽略之处，症结还是在于自称敬虔人的身上。他们没有结出果子来荣耀上帝；他们的行为不是他们所应有的。他们的生活忽略了积极的本分。除非他们履行这些本分，上帝就不能照着自己的荣耀而应允他们的祈祷。关于为戴维斯姐妹献上祷告的事，意见有很大的分歧。有些人是热狂的，凭冲动行事。他们虽有热心，却不是按着真知识。有些人希望在这场病上有大事成就，并在尚未得到胜利之前，便开始夸耀。他们所表现的很像耶户的精神，“你和我同去，看我为耶和华怎样热心”（王下10:16）。其实他们应当丢弃这种自信的心，而存谦卑和不靠自己的精神，并要伤心痛悔，把这事呈到上帝的面前。{PH097 58.2}[66]

§135 A people are here addressed who make high professions, and who are in the habit of praying, and delight in religious exercises; yet there is a lack. They realize that their prayers are not answered, and their zealous, earnest efforts are not?observed in Heaven, and they earnestly inquire why God makes them no returns? It is not because there is any neglect on the part of God. The difficulty is with the people professing godliness. They do not bear fruit to the glory of God. Their works are not what they should be. They are living in neglect of positive duties. Unless these are performed, God cannot answer their prayers according to his glory. In the case of offering prayers for Sr. Davis, there was a confusion of sentiment. Some were fanatical, and moved from impulse. They possessed a zeal, but not according to knowledge. Some looked at the great thing to be accomplished in this case, and began to triumph before the victory was gained. There was much of the Jehu spirit manifested: Come and see my zeal for the Lord. In the place of this self-confident assurance there should have been a spirit of humbleness, distrustful of self, and with a broken heart and contrite spirit, presenting the case to God.?{PH097 58.2}[66]

§136 我蒙指示看到，若是有人害病，在我们为病人祈祷并无阻碍的时候，不应起骚动的兴奋，而应以平静的信心把病情交给主。只有祂熟悉人过去的生活，并晓得他将来怎样。这位熟悉万人之心的主知道那人病好之后，是会荣耀祂的名，还是会离道叛教而羞辱祂。我们所需要作的只是求问上帝，如果合乎祂的旨意，就使那人病好，并相信祂垂听我们所提出的理由，及所作的热切祈祷。如果主看这样最能荣耀祂，祂就要应允我们的祈祷。但我们若不顺服祂的旨意，只是力求使病人痊愈，就是不对的。{PH097 59.1}[67]

§137 I was shown that in case of sickness, where the way is clear for the offering up of prayer for the sick, the case should be committed to God in calm faith; not with a storm of excitement. He alone is acquainted with the past life of the person, and what his future will be. He who is acquainted with the hearts of all men, knows whether the person, if raised up, would glorify his name, or dishonor him by backsliding and apostasy. All that we are required to do is to ask God to raise them up if in accordance with his will, believing that God hears our reasons which we present, and the earnest, fervent prayers offered. If the Lord sees it will best honor him, he will answer the?prayer. But to urge recovery, without submission to the will of God, is not right.{PH097 59.1}[67]

§138 上帝所应许的，祂随时都能作成，祂所给祂子民去作的工，也是祂能藉他们作成的。如果他们照着祂所说的每句话而生活，祂所说的每句良言及应许，就要在他们的身上实现。但他们若是达不到完全的顺从，伟大而宝贵的应许就要离他们远去，以至无法实现。{PH097 60.1}[68]

§139 What God promises he is able at any time to perform, and the work he gives his people to do, he is able to accomplish by them. If this people will live according to every word he has spoken, in so much every good word and promise is fulfilled toward them. If they come short of perfect obedience, the great and precious promises are afar off, and they cannot reach the fulfillment.?{PH097 60.1}[68]

§140 在为病人祈祷的事上，我们所能作的，只是迫切地为他们恳求上帝，并要全心信赖地将这事交托在祂的手中。我们的心中若注重罪孽，主必不听我们。祂能藉着属于祂的人去作成祂所愿意的事。祂要在那全然跟从祂的人里面运行，并藉他们做工，而使自己得荣耀，以致叫人知道祂是主，他们所行的是靠上帝而行。基督说：“若有人服事我，我父必尊重他”（约12:26）。当我们来到祂面前时，我们应当祈求使自己可以参与和成全祂的旨意，以致可以因上帝的心愿及兴趣，而忘却我们自己的心愿及兴趣。我们应承认我们接纳祂的旨意，而不是祈求祂向我们的心意让步。上帝没有常照我们所求的如时如愿应允，这乃是对我们更有益处。祂要为我们所行的，必定比实现我们一切的心愿更多而且更好；因为我们的智慧乃是愚昧。?我们曾同心合意地在男女及儿童的病榻之前恳切祈祷，并且觉到他们能起死回生，正是主应允了我们恳切的祷告。在这些祈祷中，我们认为自己必须是积极的，并为运用信心起见，我们必须只求生命。我们不敢说：“如果能使上帝得荣耀，就……”因为害怕那样说，就是等于承认自己有疑惑不信之念了。我们曾切心观察这些可以说是起死回生的人。我们已见到其中有些人，尤其是青年人，在康复之后，便忘记了上帝，生活放荡，使父母及亲友伤心难过。他们并不为荣耀上帝而生活，反倒以罪恶的人生咒骂祂，并使自己成为那些害怕祈祷之人的耻辱。如果病人的一生能荣耀主，我们便求主使他们可以存活，然而不要照我们的意思，只要照祂的意思。我们不再自己划定方法，也不设法使主来顺从我们的心愿。我们将心愿交托给全智的上帝，不急躁焦虑，而只全心信靠，完全依赖祂，我们的信仰就会坚固而且更加可靠了。我们有了应许，也晓得如果照着祂的旨意求，祂就必听我们。我们的祈求绝不可是命令式的，而应是代求式的，求上帝成就我们所愿望祂的事。教会若是联合同心，就会有能力及力量；但若有一部分人与世界联合，许多人喜欢上帝所憎恶的贪心，祂就不能为他们作成很多的事。不信及罪恶使他们与上帝隔绝了。我们是这样的软弱，以致在属灵的前程上不能有多大的成功，免得我们荣耀自己，将良善与公义归功于本身，认为这是我们获得上帝显著赐福的原因；其实这一切是因为我们慈悲天父的伟大怜悯和慈爱，而不是因为在我们里面有什么善行。{PH097 60.2}[69]

§141 All that can be done in praying for the sick is to earnestly importune God in their behalf, and rest their case in his hands, in perfect confidence. If we regard iniquity in our hearts the Lord will not hear us. The Lord can do what he will with his own. He will glorify himself in working in them and by them that wholly follow him, so that it shall be known that it is the Lord, and that their works are wrought in God. “If any man serve me, him will my Father honor.” When we come to him we should pray that we might enter into, and accomplish, his purpose, and that?our?desires and interests might be lost in his. We should acknowledge our acceptance of his will, not praying him to concede to ours. It is better for us that God does not always answer our prayers just when we desire, and in just the manner we wish. He will do more and better for us than to accomplish all our wishes; for our wisdom is folly. We have united in earnest prayer around the sick bed of men, women and children, and have felt in regard to our earnest prayers, they were given us back from the dead. In these prayers we thought we must be positive, and if we exercised faith, we must ask for nothing?less than life. We dared not say, If it would glorify God, fearing it would admit a semblance of doubt. We have interestedly and anxiously watched these cases which have been given back, as it were, from the dead. We have seen some of these, especially youth, raised to health, and forget God, become dissolute in life, causing sorrow and anguish to parents and friends. They lived not to honor and glorify God, but to curse him with their life of vice, and a shame to those who feared to pray. If their life can glorify Thee, let them live, nevertheless not as we will, but as thou wilt. We no longer mark out a way, nor seek to bring the Lord to our wishes. Our faith can be just as firm, and more reliable, by committing the desire to the all-wise God, and trusting, with unfeverish anxiety, all in perfect confidence with him. We have the promise. We know that he hears us if we ask according to his will. Our petitions must not take the form of a command, but of intercession for God to do the things we desire of him. When the church are united they will have strength and power, but when part of them are united to the world, and many are given to covetousness, which God abhors, he cannot do much for them. Unbelief and sin shut them away from God. We are so weak that we cannot bear much spiritual prosperity, lest we should take the glory, and accredit goodness and righteousness to ourselves as the reason of the signal blessing of God, when it was all because of the great mercy and loving kindness of our compassionate Heavenly Father, and not because any good was found in us.?{PH097 60.2}[69]

§142 我们应始终在周围之人身上发挥一种令其成圣的感化力。这种令人得救、使人高贵的影响在巴特尔克里克一直非常薄弱。许多人与世界搀杂，并与其精神和影响有份，他们与世俗为友，就是自绝于上帝。耶稣已超过他们一天的路程。他们不再能听到祂劝勉和警告的声音，他们随从自己的智慧和判断。许多人所走的道路在自己眼中看为正，但至终却显为愚昧。上帝不允许祂的工作搀杂进属世的策略。上帝选来领导最庄严、最神圣工作的，不是世上那些精明算计之人。他们必须要么归正，要么从事与他们贪爱世界之心相称的工作。这种工作不会带来永恒的果效。上帝决不与世俗之人合作。基督将以下选择摆在每一个人面前：你是选择我，还是选择世界？你是作基督徒、忍受责备和羞辱、作特别的子民、热心为善、甚至被世界所憎恨，还是选择这个世界所能给予的尊荣、欢呼和利益，而与我无份呢？“你们不能又侍奉上帝，又侍奉玛门”（太6:24）。{PH097 61.1}[70]

§143 There should be an influence which will be?sanctifying on those around us. This saving, ennobling influence has been very feeble at Battle Creek. Friendship for the world has separated many from God, while some have mingled with, and partaken of the spirit and influence of, the world. Jesus has passed a day’s journey in advance of them. They can no longer hear his voice counsel, advise, and warn them, and they follow their own wisdom and judgment. Many follow a course which appears right in their own eyes, but afterward proves to be folly. God will not allow his work to be mixed with worldly policy. Shrewd, calculating men of the world are not the men to bear leading positions in this most solemn, sacred, holy work. They must either be converted, or engage in that calling appropriate to their world-loving inclinations, which does not involve such eternal consequences. God will never enter co-partnership with worldlings. Christ gives every one his choice: Will ye have me or the world? Will you suffer reproach and shame, be peculiar, and zealous of good works, even if hated of the world, and take my name, or will you choose the esteem, the honor, the applause and profits the world has to give, and have no part in me? “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”?{PH097 61.1}[70]