第12章 自省
§1
第十二章 自省
§2
Chapter 12—Examine Yourselves
§3
“你们总要自己省察有信心没有,也要自己试验”(林后13:5)。当仔细评判自己的脾气、秉性、思想、言语、倾向、意图和行为。我们若不先藉圣经验明我们属灵健康的状况,又如何能聪明地祈求自己所需要的东西呢? {1NL 33.1}
§4
“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.” Closely criticize the temper, the disposition, the thoughts, words, inclinations, purposes, and deeds. How can we ask intelligently for the things we need unless we prove by the Scriptures the condition of our spiritual health??{1NL 33.1}
§5
许多人在自己的信仰生活中为自己的脚修弯了道路。他们以散漫随便的态度献上祷告。凡身处负责地位的人应当记得,凭着自己做不了要他去做的工作。他每一天都应记得,自己成了一台戏,给世人和天使观看。?{1NL 33.2}
§6
Many in their religious life are making crooked paths for their feet. Their prayers are offered in a loose, haphazard manner. He who is placed in a position of responsibility should remember that of himself he is not able to do that which is required of him. Every day he should remember that he is a spectacle unto the world, to angels, and to men.?{1NL 33.2}
§7
谁也不必等着被带到工作园地和装备好昂贵的行善设备。凡侍奉主的人必须高兴地开始从事自己的工作,无论那工作多么卑下,也无论他可能被安置在什么地方。我们在凡事上的榜样基督曾成为贫穷,好藉着祂的贫穷使多人成为富足。?{1NL 33.3}
§8
No one is to wait to be borne to fields of labor and provided with costly facilities for doing good. He who serves must cheerfully take up his work, however humble it is, and wherever he may be placed. Christ, our example in all things, was poor, that through His poverty He might make many rich.?{1NL 33.3}
§9
温柔地服务Serving in Meekness
§10
凡心里充满上帝的恩典和对将亡同胞之爱的人,不论置身何处,都必寻得机会,向疲乏之人说合时宜的话语。基督徒当存心柔和谦卑为他们的主效劳,在喧闹繁忙的生活中仍坚持自己的正直。?{1NL 33.4}
§11
He whose heart is filled with the grace of God and love for his perishing fellow men will find opportunity, wherever he may be placed, to speak a word in season to those who are weary. Christians are to work for their Master in meekness and lowliness, holding fast to their integrity amid the noise and bustle of life.?{1NL 33.4}
§12
上帝呼召人在人生每件事物的办理上都侍奉祂。若是不使上帝的律法成为每日生活的律法,交易就会成为一个网罗。凡与主的工作有关系的人,都要保持正直,始终不渝。他一切的业务交易中,与在屈膝祈求来自高天的帮助时一样,要切实使上帝的旨意成为自己的意愿。他要始终把主摆在自己面前,不断研究圣言所讲的那些题目。这样,虔诚和严格正直的人虽生活在会使一个原则松懈的人品质堕落的人中间,也会保持自己的基督教信仰。?{1NL 33.5}
§13
God calls upon men to serve Him in every transaction of life. Business is a snare when the law of God is not made the law of the daily life. He who has anything to do with the Master’s work is to maintain unswerving integrity. In all business transactions, as verily as when on bended knees he seeks help from on high, God’s will is to be his will. He is to keep the Lord ever before him, constantly studying the subjects about which the Holy Word speaks. Thus, though living amid that which would debase a man of lax principles, the man of piety and stern integrity preserves his Christianity.?{1NL 33.5}
§14
当今世界并不比挪亚的日子更有利于基督徒品格的发展。那时邪恶遍满全地,以致上帝说:“我要将所造的人和走兽,并昆虫,以及空中的飞鸟,都从地上除灭,因为我造他们后悔了。惟有挪亚在耶和华眼前蒙恩。……挪亚是个义人,在当时的世代是个完全人。挪亚与上帝同行”(创6:7-9)。是的,在当时那个堕落时代的腐败中,挪亚是他的创造主所喜悦的。{1NL 33.6}
§15
The world is no more favorable today for the development of Christian character than in Noah’s day. Then wickedness was so widespread that God said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth Me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.... Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Yes, amid the corruption of that degenerate age, Noah was a pleasure to his Creator.?{1NL 33.6}
§16
我们正生活在世界历史的末叶,处于一个罪恶和腐败的时代,我们也要和挪亚一样生活,成为上帝所喜悦的,宣扬“那召你们出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德”(彼前2:9)。基督在钉十字架之前向祂的父恳求说:“我不求祢叫他们离开世界,只求祢保守他们脱离那恶者”(约17:15)。?{1NL 33.7}
§17
We are living in the last days of this earth’s history, in an age of sin and corruption, and like Noah we are to so live that we shall be a pleasure to God, showing forth the praises of Him “who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” In the prayer which Christ offered to His Father just before His crucifixion, He said, “I pray not that Thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that Thou shouldest keep them from the evil.”?{1NL 33.7}
§18
最崇高的服务The Highest Service
§19
当男男女女养成了上帝能认可的品格,当他们已做出充分的克己和自我牺牲,当他们为最后的考验作好了预备,要被介绍到上帝的家里时,什么服务会受到那位为拯救有罪人类而甘心舍了自己的主的最高评价呢?什么事业对那无穷慈爱的心来说是最宝贵的呢?什么工作会给圣父和圣子带来最大的满足呢?——乃是将亡生灵的得救。基督受死是要把福音的拯救之能带给人。那些与祂合作推进祂慈悲大业,用上帝所赐全部力量劳苦作工以拯救远近之人的人,当得赎的众民站在上帝的宝座周围时,将分享救赎主的喜乐。?{1NL 33.8}
§20
When men and women have formed characters which God can endorse, when their self-denial and self-sacrifice have been fully made, when they are ready for the final test, ready to be introduced into God’s family, what service will stand highest in the estimation of Him who gave Himself a willing offering to save a guilty race? What enterprise will be most dear to the heart of infinite love? What work will bring the greatest satisfaction and joy to the Father and the Son?—The salvation of perishing souls. Christ died to bring to men the saving power of the gospel. Those who co-operate with Him in carrying forward His great enterprise of mercy, laboring with all the strength God has given them to save those nigh and afar off, will share in the joy of the Redeemer when the redeemed host stand around the throne of God.?{1NL 33.8}
§21
上帝已将钱财和能力委托给祂的仆人,为要藉他们成就一番远比祂今天所看到的高尚的工作。?{1NL 33.9}
§22
God has entrusted means and capabilities to His servants for the doing of?a work far higher than that which today He looks upon.?{1NL 33.9}
§23
天上的使者说:“主的机构极其落后于目前正在应验的真理的伟大程度。对于责任的要求有一种可怕的误解。信徒们满足于生活在冷淡的氛围中,阻碍了应做出来以便警告世人和拯救生灵的自我牺牲的运动。?{1NL 34.1}
§24
“O,” said the heavenly messenger, “the Lord’s institutions are terribly behind the greatness of the truths which are being fulfilled at the present time. There is a fearful misconception of the claims of duty. The frosty atmosphere in which believers are content to live retards the self-sacrificing movements which should be made to warn the world and save souls.?{1NL 34.1}
§25
成千上万没有提到名字的人
§26
The Unnamed Multitudes
§27
“黑暗的权势正在紧张努力地作工,年复一年,各族、各国、各方都有成千上万的人没有得到警告也没有准备好就进入了永恒。我们的信仰必须意味着某种更明确,更坚定,更重要的东西。?{1NL 34.2}
§28
“The powers of darkness are working with an intensity of effort, and year by year thousands of people, from all kindreds, nations, and tongues, pass into eternity, unwarned and unready. Our faith must mean something more definite, more decided, more important.?{1NL 34.2}
§29
“问问我的各机构和教会:‘你们相信上帝的话吗?那么你们在传道战线上正做着什么呢?你们在以克己和自我牺牲的精神作工吗?你们相信上帝的话说什么就是什么吗?你们的行为表明你们不相信。你们在上帝的审判台前将怎样面对无数未受警告就进入永恒之人呢?‘会有第二次宽容时期吗?没有,绝对没有!最好立刻放弃这种谬论。眼下的宽容时期就是我们拥有的全部。你们认识到堕落的人类必须在今生确保得救,否则就会永远沦丧了吗?’”?{1NL 34.3}
§30
“Ask my institutions and churches, ‘Do you believe the Word of God? What then are you doing in missionary lines? Are you working with self-denial and self-sacrifice? Do you believe that the Word of God means what it says? Your actions show that you do not. How will you meet at the bar of God the countless millions who, unwarned, are passing into eternity? Will there be a second probation? No, no. This fallacy might just as well be given up at once. The present probation is all that we shall have. Do you realize that the salvation of fallen human beings must be secured in this present life, or they will be forever lost?’”?{1NL 34.3}
§31
我们的责任
§32
Our Responsibilities
§33
老底嘉的信息适用于现今的教会。你们相信这个信息吗?你们的心有那种感触吗?还是不停地说,我是富足,已经发了财,一样都不缺呢?应当传给世界各国的永恒真理赐给我们这个国家是徒然了吗?上帝已经拣选了一班人,使他们保管关系永恒的重要真理,把必须普照全球的真光赐给他们。上帝做错了吗?我们确实是祂所拣选的器皿吗?我们是要把《启示录》第十四章的信息带给世人,向站在毁灭边缘之人宣扬救恩信息的男男女女吗?我们现在有没有采取应有的行动呢?{1NL 34.4}
§34
The Laodicean message is applicable to the church at this time. Do you believe this message? Have you hearts that feel? Or are you constantly saying, We are rich and increased in goods, and have need of nothing? Is it in vain that the declaration of eternal truth has been given to this nation to be carried to all the nations of the world? God has chosen a people and made them the repositories of truth weighty with eternal results. To them has been given the light that must illuminate the world. Has God made a mistake? Are we indeed His chosen instrumentalities? Are we the men and women who are to bear to the world the messages of Revelation fourteen, to proclaim the message of salvation to those who are standing on the brink of ruin? Do we act as if we were??{1NL 34.4}
§35
我们在做什么?What Are We Doing?
§36
那使者以清晰明确的声音说:“我问你们,你们在做什么?但愿你们能领悟!但愿你们能明白警告的重要性以及它对你们和世人意味着什么!你们若是明白了,若是被为世人的生命舍了自己的那一位的精神所充满,就会与祂合作,做出恳切的、自我牺牲的努力去拯救罪人。”?{1NL 34.5}
§37
In a clear, determined voice the messenger said, “I ask you what you are doing? O that you could comprehend! O that you could understand the importance of the warning and what it means to you and to the world! If you did understand, if you were filled with the spirit of the One who gave His life for the life of the world, you would co-operate with Him, making earnest, self-sacrificing efforts to save sinners.”?{1NL 34.5}
§38
大觉醒A Great Awakening
§39
“人若说‘我认识祂,’却不遵守祂的诫命,便是说谎话的,真理也不在他心里了”(约壹2:4)。教会必须大大觉醒。只要我们知道,只要我们明白,这信息的精神就会多么迅速地从教会传到教会啊。信徒们就会多么甘愿奉献自己的财产支持上帝的工作啊。上帝号召我们要祷告和警醒祈祷。要从你们的家中清除耗费了本应流入上帝库中的金钱的图画相片类偶像。亮光必须向点着的明灯一样照耀出去。那些传信息给世人的人应当恳切地寻求主,好使祂的圣灵可以沛降在他们身上。你们没有时间可以浪费。要祈求上帝的能力,使你们可以成功地为远近的人作工。?{1NL 34.6}
§40
“He that saith, I know Him, and keepeth not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” A great awakening must come to the church. If we only knew, if we only understood, how quickly the spirit of the message would go from church to church. How willingly would the possessions of believers be given to support the work of God. God calls upon us to pray and watch unto prayer. Cleanse your homes of the picture-idols which have consumed the money that ought to have flowed into the Lord’s treasury. The light must go forth as a lamp that burneth. Those who bear the message to the world should seek the Lord earnestly, that His Holy Spirit may be abundantly showered upon them. You have no time to lose. Pray for the power of God, that you may work with success for those nigh and afar off.?{1NL 34.6}
§41
要发出的警告
§42
Warnings to Be Given
§43
我们必须具有真实的信心。至今我们几乎没有领会真理的现实。我们对上帝的话只相信一半。一个人必定会行出其全部的信心。尽管时兆正在世界各地应验,对主降临的信心却一直在减弱。要清楚、明确地发出警告。我们要冒着性命的危险认识到做成我们得救工夫的指定环境,记住是上帝在我们里面运行,使我们立志行事,为要成就祂的美意。{1NL 34.7}
§44
We must have genuine faith. As yet we scarcely grasp the reality of the truth. We only half believe the Word of God. A man will act out all the faith he has. Notwithstanding that the signs of the times are fulfilling all over the world, faith in the Lord’s coming has been growing feeble. Clear, distinct, certain, the warnings are to be given. At the peril of our souls we are to learn the prescribed conditions under which we are to work out our own salvation, remembering that it is God which worketh in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure.?{1NL 34.7}
§45
我们随波逐流,受传统和自以为是的谬论指导是不行的。我们既被称为与上帝同工的人,就让我们兴起发光吧。没有时间花在论战上了。那些对耶稣里的真理有认识的人,现在必须同心合意。一切歧见都要扫除净尽。教会的成员们必须在伟大元首的领导之下团结一致地作工。?{1NL 35.1}
§46
It will not do for us to float along with the current, guided by tradition and presumptuous fallacies. We are called laborers together with God. Then let us arise and shine. There is no time to spend in controversy. Those who have a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus must now become one in heart and purpose. All differences must be swept away. The members of the church must work unitedly under the great Head of the church.?{1NL 35.1}
§47
兴起发光Arise, Shine
§48
那些拥有真理知识的人要兴起发光。“要大声喊叫,不可止息;扬起声来,好像吹角”(赛58:1)。不要再毁伤真理。要让心灵迫切呼求永生的上帝。你们休要倚靠世人,他鼻孔里不过有气息。你若愿向保惠师敞开心门,祂就会到你这里来。“我们既然有一位已经升入高天尊荣的大祭司,就是上帝的儿子耶稣,便当持定所承认的道。因我们的大祭司并非不能体恤我们的软弱,祂也曾凡事受过试探,与我们一样,只是祂没有犯罪。所以我们只管坦然无惧的来到施恩的宝座前,为要得怜恤,蒙恩惠,作随时的帮助”(来4:14-16)。(《文稿》1901年第51号){1NL 35.2}
§49
Let those who have a knowledge of the truth arise and shine. “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet.” No longer mutilate the truth. Let the soul cry out for the living God. Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils. The Comforter will come to you, if you will open the door to Him. “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need.”—Manuscript 51, 1901.?{1NL 35.2}
§50
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* *天天降服Daily Surrender
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* *天天降服Daily Surrender
§51
我今天凌晨一点钟就起来了。我想睡,却睡不着。……{1NL 35.3}
§52
I arise this morning at one o’clock A.M. I have tried to sleep, but cannot?{1NL 35.3}
§53
我对我们周围应该完成的工作深有感触。我们无论转向何方都发现属灵的和现世的贫穷。有时我心情很沉重,然而尽管我们无论何往我都看到恳求我们关注的大需要,我们也不必感到重担落在我们身上。有一位是我们的担负重担者。我们都担了不别人的罪担。{1NL 35.4}
§54
I am feeling deeply over the work which is to be done all around us. Whichever way we may turn we find temporal and spiritual poverty. Sometimes my spirit is weighed down, but although I see the great need soliciting our attention at every place we go, we need not feel that the burden rests upon us. There is One who is our burden bearer. Neither are we capable of bearing the sins of others.?{1NL 35.4}
§55
我们的信息Our Message
§56
我们始终有一个明确的信息要传:“看哪,上帝的羔羊,除去世人罪孽的”(约1:29)。撒但会将他地狱的阴影横阻在我们的道路上,我们若是允许自己的眼睛停留在这种阴影上,就会看不出远处的亮光。我们眼前无论出现怎样的挫折,我们都必须始终记住黑暗之外仍有无穷。我们的信心不能也切不可片刻沉沦在那个阴影下面。阴影之外的光正在为我们每一个人发出来。我们的声音、我们的言语都必须证实那光。{1NL 35.5}
§57
We have always a decided message to bear, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” Satan will cast his hellish shadow athwart our pathway, and if we allow our eyes to rest on this shadow, we cannot discern the light which is beyond. Whatever discouragement may appear to our human sight, we must ever remember that there is infinity beyond the darkness. Our faith cannot, must not, for a moment sink in that dark shadow. Light beyond is shining for every soul of us. Our voice, our words, must testify of that light.?{1NL 35.5}
§58
如果我们今生完完全全是为基督而活,我们所度的就是天天顺服的生活。祂要人自愿的服务。每一个生灵都是祂自己的珠宝。我们若能感动我们的姐妹认识到在她们的能力范围内藉着基督所能成就的善工,就会看见一项大工的完成。然而这项工作只有藉着圣灵才能完成。{1NL 35.6}
§59
If the life we live in this world is wholly and entirely for Christ, it is a life of daily surrender. He has the freewill service, and each soul is His own jewel. If we can impress upon the minds of our sisters the good which it is in their power to do through the Lord Jesus Christ, we shall see a large work accomplished. But this work can be done only through the Holy Spirit.?{1NL 35.6}
§60
我们若能激发人的心思意念去与那伟大的工作者合作,就会藉着她们能成就的工作获得重大的胜利。但是自我必须隐藏,必须显明基督才是工作者。基督邀请我们:要住在我里面,我也住在你们里面。难道我们不能使这些人立刻明白每一天都是始终存在的现在吗??{1NL 35.7}
§61
If we can arouse the mind and heart to co-operate with the great Worker, we shall gain through the work they may accomplish great victories. But self must be hidden. Christ must appear as the worker. Christ invites us, Abide in Me, and I in you. Cannot we bring these souls to understand without a moment’s delay that every day is the ever-present?now??{1NL 35.7}
§62
领受和给予
§63
Receiving and Giving
§64
在接纳与施给、领受与归还上始终必须存在交流。这使我们作为同工与上帝连接在一起。在最艰难的考验之下也不应有一句不信的话出自我们口中。当每一个知道真理的人都用言语和行为将真理表达出来时,天与地就近得多了。施给总是表达真理,并且增加接纳的能力。这是基督徒毕生的工作。凡失丧生命的,必得着生命。{1NL 35.8}
§65
There must ever be an interchange of taking in and giving out, receiving and restoring. This links us up as laborers together with God. Not one expression of unbelief is to come from our lips under the hardest trial. Heaven is much nearer to earth when every soul who knows the truth, expresses it in word and action. The giving out ever expresses the truth, and increases the power of taking in. This is the lifework of the Christian. He that will lose his life will find it.?{1NL 35.8}
§66
人从这两棵橄榄树接受圣油,其容量之增加,端视接受者从自己心中将圣油在言行上所供应别人的需要而定。工作,宝贵而使人满意的工作,就是要不断地领受进来,不断地分送出去。领受的能力只有藉着分发才能维持!《以赛亚书》58章解释了这个问题:“你的公义必在你前面行;耶和华的荣光必作你的后盾”(8节)。{1NL 35.9}
§67
The capacity for receiving the holy oil from the two olive trees which empty themselves, is by the receiver emptying that holy oil out of himself in word and in action to supply the necessities of other souls. Work, precious, satisfying work—to be constantly receiving and constantly imparting! The capacity for receiving is only kept up by imparting.?Isaiah 58?explains the matter: “Thy?righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward.”?{1NL 35.9}
§68
我们需要而且必须天天有新鲜的供应。藉着与人们交通,我们天天可以帮助多少的人啊!全天庭都在等候着那能灌注圣油的导管,好给别人带来欢乐与振奋。如果基督与我们同居,我们就能够继续坚定地工作,所作的工也必长存。只要任何人肯与基督合而为一,我就毫不担心他会铸成大错。神圣的丰富必藉着献身的人流向别人。他既与不变的耶稣本人相连,就在品格上将基督表现出来。必须追求、发现我们的救主所不断坚持的真理,并将之传给别人。我们的主和救主坚称我们应该变卖一切所有的以获得宝贝。在这条路上每一步都必须看到自我牺牲。不应有抬举自我的事,不应有一条追逐私利的线;因为这总是使人与基督隔绝。……{1NL 36.1}
§69
We need and must have fresh supplies every day. And how many souls we may help by communicating to them. All heaven is waiting for channels through whom can be poured the holy oil to be a joy and refreshing to others. We may work continuously and solidly, so that our work may abide, if Christ is abiding with us. I have no fears of any person making blundering work, if he will only become one with Christ. The divine fullness will flow through the consecrated human agent, to be given forth to others. Linked with the unchanging Jesus Himself, there is a representation of Christ in character. Truth, our Saviour continually insisted upon, must be sought after, found, and given to others. He, our Lord and Saviour, insisted that we should sell all to secure the treasure. Self-sacrifice must be seen in this path at every step. There is to be no lifting up of self, not a thread of self-seeking; for this always separates from Christ....?{1NL 36.1}
§70
当我们感受到压迫,就如我们经常会感到的那样,我发现我最好的补救办法是谈论上帝的光与爱。我的心灵便得到加强和赐福;因为我亲近上帝,祂就亲近我,并且为我举起一面旌旗抵挡仇敌。(《信函》1898年119号){1NL 36.2}
§71
When we feel oppressed, as we often will, I find it is my best remedy to talk of the light and love of God. My soul is strengthened and blessed; for I draw nigh unto God, and He draws nigh to me, and lifts up for me a standard against the enemy.—Letter 119, 1898.?{1NL 36.2}
§72
在艰苦的地方In Hard Places
§73
上帝的精兵往往在无意中被带进了艰难困苦的境地,他们不知道原因。然而难道他们因为出现了重重困难就放松自己的把握吗?难道他们因为黑暗而看不到自己的道路就信心变小了吗?千万不可。他们应当长久怀有上帝的能力在他们的工作中支持着他们的意识。他们若是愿意听从祂的指导,努力维护祂的律法,就不会灭亡,也不会迷失方向。(《文稿》1896年69号)?{1NL 36.3}
§74
Often God’s soldiers find themselves brought into hard and difficult places, they know not why. But are they to relax their hold because difficulties arise? Is their faith to diminish because they cannot see their way through the darkness? God forbid. They are to cherish an abiding sense of God’s power to uphold them in their work. They cannot perish, neither can they lose their way if they will follow His guidance, and strive to uphold His law.—Manuscript 69, 1896.?{1NL 36.3}
§75
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§76
我蒙指示看到,上帝的子民生活在黑云之下太多了。他们在不信之中度日,这决非出于上帝的旨意。耶稣就是光,在祂里面毫无黑暗。祂的子民也是光明之子。他们在祂的形像里得蒙更新,蒙召出离黑暗,进入祂奇妙光明之中。祂是世上的光,凡跟从祂的人也照样成为世上的光。他们不应在黑暗里走,乃应得着生命的光。上帝的子民越是细心尽力效法基督,仇敌也就更尽心竭力追索他们;然而他们因为亲近基督,就更坚固有力,抵抗那吸引他们离开基督的奸敌。(《证言》卷一405、406页)?{1NL 36.4}
§77
I was shown that God’s people dwell too much under a cloud. It is not His will that they should live in unbelief. Jesus is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. His children are the children of light. They are renewed in His image, and called out of darkness into His marvelous light. He is the light of the world, and so also are they that follow Him. They shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The more closely the people of God strive to imitate Christ, the more perseveringly will they be pursued by the enemy; but their nearness to Christ strengthens them to resist the efforts of our wily foe to draw them from Christ.—Testimonies for the Church 1:405, 406.?{1NL 36.4}