1855年11月20日，在祷告之时，主的灵忽然大有能力地临到我，把我提进异象中。我见到主的灵渐渐离开教会了。主的仆人们太信靠辩论的力量，没有按着他们所当行的坚心依赖上帝。我见到单是辩论真理，不能感动人参加余民团体，因为这真理乃是不随俗的。上帝的仆人们，必须在心灵上持有真理。天使说：“他们必须使之因荣耀而热烈，使之进入他们的心坎深处，并本着热烈而恳切的心情向听众倾吐出来。”单凭真理的论据，不能感动许多的人，只有少数顺从良心者，才能看出理论的重要而有所决定。真理必须带着一种能力，成为一个活的见证，才能感动他们。{4bSG 1.1}
我见到仇敌正忙着要毁灭灵魂。我们的行列中已有了骄傲的情形；然而我们理当更加谦卑。在福音使者之中，放肆着太多独立不羁的精神。这种精神是必须丢弃的，上帝仆人们应当彼此团结起来。已有太多的人存着这样的精神，说：“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗”（创4:9）？天使说：“是的，你是你兄弟的看守者。你应当留心照应你的兄弟，关怀他的福利，向他存仁慈友爱的心。应当团结一致，团结一致。”上帝要人宽宏，诚实，无伪，温柔，谦恭，而且纯朴。这就是天国的原理，是上帝所钦定的。然而可怜而脆弱的人，却追求了一些不相同的事──随从己意而行，留心注意自私自利的事。{4bSG 2.2}
我问天使说，为什么教会中没有纯朴的表现，反而有了高傲自大的气氛。我见到我们几乎陷入仇敌手中，正是因为有了这等情形的缘故。天使说：“你注意，就可看出今日教会中所流行的这种思想，我岂是看守我兄弟的吗？”天使又说：“你就是你兄弟的看守者。你的称号，你的信仰，都需要你克己并向上帝牺牲，否则，你就不配得永生；因上帝为你所付的赎价，实在是很重的，甚至使祂的爱子为你受苦，遭难，及流血。” {4bSG 2.1}
我见到在东部及西部各地的人们，正在增置产业，田地相连，房屋栉比，并以上帝的圣工为借口，说这样行是有助于圣工的。他们乃是把自己束缚，以致所能给圣工的贡献便很少了。有些人买了一块地皮之后，必须全力作工赚钱，才能还清地价。他们的光阴既然这样耗尽了，以至只能让出一点点的时间去祷告，事奉上帝，和从祂那里得着力量来战胜缠累自己的罪。他们欠债累累，在教会需要他们捐献之时便爱莫能助，因为他们先要清偿己债。等到债务清偿之后，他们所予教会的帮助，比前尤为困难；因为他们又增购产业，把自己累住了。他们虽自鸣得意地说这样的举动是对的，可以利用这些来帮助圣工，但实际上他们只攒积财宝在地上。他们的爱慕真理，是在言语上，不在行为上。他们爱圣工的心，正如他们的行为所表现的。他们多爱世界，少爱上帝的圣工；世俗的引诱力增强，天国的吸引力减退。他们的心放在自己的财宝上。他们的榜样向四周的人说明，他们的心愿留在地上，这世界乃是他们的家乡。天使说：“你是你兄弟的看守者。”{4bSG 2.2}
我看到在圣工需要钱财之时，在上帝仆人衣履不全及因缺乏经济而工作受损之时，有许多人却将原可为此而用的钱财，浪费于单为满足情感，嗜欲，及眼目的事上。天使说：“他们行事的时间，快要过去了。他们的行为，显明自私乃是他们的偶像，他们的牺牲也是为此。”他们必先满足自我；他们的感想是：“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗？”他们虽然接二连三地得到警告，但竟不听从；只以自我为主要的目标，其他一切都要屈服。{4bSG 3.1}
我看到教会几乎失去了克己牺牲的精神，他们以自我和自身利益为前提，其次才为圣工作那些他们所认为能否作到的事。我看出这种牺牲是有残疾的，是不蒙上帝悦纳的。我们大家应当热切关心，各尽所能地去推进圣工才是。我看到凡没有财产而有气力的人，也当为自己的气力而向上帝负责。他们应当殷勤办事，心中火热；他们不应当让那些有财产的人去包办一切的牺牲。我看到他们是能够牺牲的，这也是他们的本分应当如此行，正如那些有财产的人所行的一样。然而那些没有财产的人，往往不知道自己也在许多方面上可以克己，可以少注意自己的肉体，少满足自己的嗜好与欲望，而留出更多的精力来为圣工之用，以便积蓄财宝在天上。{4bSG 3.2}
我看见的经文是：“从晚上到晚上，要守为安息日”（利23:32）。天使说：“要接受上帝的话，阅读它，理解它，你就不会犯错误。要仔细地读，你就会发现什么是晚上，以及晚上是什么时候。”我问天使关于安息日的开始时间，上帝有没有对祂的子民不悦。我蒙指示回顾了安息日初兴起的时候，并随着上帝的子民直到现在，但没有看到主不悦纳，或不嘉许他们。我问为何这样，以致我们这么晚才必须改变安息日开始的时间。天使说：“你将要明白，但还没有明白。”天使说：“若是亮光来到，而人们不顾或拒绝那亮光，就会被定罪，上帝也会不悦；但在亮光来到之前，是没有罪的，因为他们没有亮光可以拒绝。”我见到有些人心中以为主曾说明安息日从六点开始，然而我只看到是“从晚上”开始的，于是就推断出晚上就是六点。我看到上帝的仆人们必须团结起来，同心合意。 {4bSG 3.3}
我蒙指示见到了威斯康星州斯蒂芬森和霍尔的事。我看到当我们1854年6月在威斯康星州时，他们信服异象是出于上帝的；但他们将这些异象与他们对于将来时代的观点相比较，因为异象与他们的观点不同，他们就为“将来时代”而牺牲了异象。他们去年春天在东部地区旅行时，都犯了错误，耍了心计。他们被“将来时代”绊倒了。他们准备不择手段地损害《评论》；必须唤醒朋友们，并使他们尽己所能地救上帝的儿女免遭欺骗。这二个人正在与一班说谎而且败坏的人联合。他们已显出这方面的证据。当他们自称赞同并与我丈夫联合时，他们（特别是斯蒂芬森）正象一条毒蛇一样在背后咬他。他们虽然对他说柔和的话，同时却在煽动威斯康星州的人反对《评论》及其编写者。斯蒂芬森在这事上尤其活跃。他们的目的是要在《评论》上发表“将来时代”的理论，否则就要破坏其影响。在我丈夫坦诚而信任地设法消除他们的嫉妒，诚实地向他们公开出版社的事务，并设法要帮助他们时，他们却在伺机行恶，并用嫉妒的眼光观察每件事。当我注视他们时，天使说：“你们软弱的人哪，要想想，你们能抑制上帝的工作吗？软弱的人哪，祂的手指一触就会使你们仆倒。祂只会再忍受你们一小会儿了。”{4bSG 4.1}
我蒙指示回顾复临要道兴起的时候，甚至那时之前，看到曾有类似的欺骗，歪曲和谎言由信使会的人或这种心地败坏之人的联盟在宗教的外衣之下行出来。有些心地诚实的人受了他们的影响，认为他们的话应该至少有某种原因，以为他们不能说出这么明显的谎言。我看到这样的人会得到关于这些事的真相的证据。上帝的教会应该向前直进，仿佛世上没有这种人一样。{4bSG 5.1}
我看到应该做出坚决的努力，向那些在生活上不象基督徒的人显明他们的错误。他们若不改过，就应与宝贵而圣洁的人分开，好使上帝拥有一班洁净纯洁的子民，是祂可以喜悦的。不要藉着使洁净的与不洁净的联合而羞辱上帝。{4bSG 5.2}
我蒙指示，见到有些人从东部来到西部。我看到那些离开东部来到西部的人不应以致富为目的，而要以得人归于真理为目的。天使说：“要让你们的工作表明不是为了尊荣，不是为了积攒财宝在地上，你们才搬到西部，而是为了举起并高举真理的旗帜。”我看到那些搬到西部的人应该象等候主的人。天使说：“要在那些西部地区的人中作一个活榜样。要让你们的工作表明你们是上帝特选的子民，而且你们有一项特殊的工作，要把最后怜悯的信息传给世界。要让你们的工作向你们周围的人表明这世界不是你们的家乡。”我看到那些已使自己被缠累的人应该挣脱仇敌的网罗，获得自由。不要积攒财宝在地上，而要藉着你们的生活表明你们正在积攒财宝在天上。上帝若召你去西部，祂就有一项工作，一项高尚的工作要你去做。要让你的信心和经验帮助那些还没有一种活泼经验的人。不要被这个贫穷黑暗的尘世所吸引，而要向上被上帝、荣耀和天国所吸引。不要让这地上农场操心为难的事占满你的心，但你可以安全地专心思想亚伯拉罕的农场。我们是那不朽基业的继承人。断绝你们对世间事物的情意，而专注于天上的事吧。{4bSG 5.3}
我看到有重大的责任落在父母们的身上。他们不可让儿女们领导他们，而当自己领导儿女们。我蒙指示论到亚伯拉罕，他曾在自己的家里尽忠，吩咐他的眷属效法他，并蒙了上帝的记念。我又蒙指示，论到以利的情形。他不管束自己的儿女，以致他们变成了犯罪作恶的人，并且因他们的罪恶而使以色列人趋于迷途。上帝向撒母耳说明他们的罪恶，并说因为以利不管束他们，必有惨重的咒诅随而临到；祂说他们的罪孽虽奉献礼物，也永不能赎去。及至撒母耳把主指示的话对以利说了之后，以利表示顺服，说：“这是出于耶和华，愿祂凭自己的旨意而行”（撒上3:18）。上帝所提的祸患果然不久就临到了。那犯罪作恶的祭司们被杀了，以色列人被杀的也有三万，连上帝的约柜也被敌人掳去。以利一听到上帝的约柜被掳，便向后跌倒，断气了。这一切的灾祸，都是出于以利的忽略管束自己儿子所致。我看到上帝既在古时特别注意此事，在这些末后的日子，祂也是同样地特别注意这些事。 {4bSG 6.1}
父母们必须管治自己的儿女，矫正他们的情欲，并制服之，否则，上帝在发烈怒之日，必要灭绝其儿女，那不管束儿女的父母，也不能逃罪。尤其是上帝的仆人们，更应当管理自己的家庭，使他们有善良的顺服。我看到他们若不能好好治理自己的家，也就不配判断或决定教会中的事务。他们必须先使自己家庭中有秩序，然后他们的见解及影响，才会在教会中发生力量。{4bSG 6.2}
我看到在近来异象稀少的缘故，是因为教会不重视异象。教会已经到了几乎无灵性无信心的地步，责备与警戒也很少生效。许多曾自称相信的人，却未曾听从责备与警戒。{4bSG 7.1}
有些人已采用了不聪明的方针，在向不信的人谈论自己的信仰，而被人索问凭据证明之时，他们只读了一段异象的话，却不知去从圣经中找证据。我看到这种做法是有问题的，会使不信的人固执成见而抗拒真理，因为对于那些从未见过异象及不知其灵意的人，异象是毫不重要的，在这等情形之下，是不应该提到异象的。 {4bSG 7.2}
祈祷与信心
1855年5月5日，在密歇根州的巴特尔克里克，我见到上帝的仆人们极其缺少信心，教会也是那样。他们太容易灰心，太轻易疑惑上帝，太情愿相信自己有艰苦的命分及上帝已丢弃了他们。我看到这种情形真是残忍！上帝既然那么爱他们，甚至使自己的爱子为他们死，天庭全体也都关心他们的得救；但这一切为他们所行的，竟然不能使他们相信及依靠这么仁慈良善的天父。祂曾说过，地上的父母愿将好东西给自己的儿女，祂比他们更情愿将圣灵赐给凡求告祂的人。我看到上帝的仆人及教会，真是太容易灰心丧胆了。当他们向天父祈求他们所认为需要的东西之时，这些东西若没有立刻赐给他们，他们的信心就摇动了，胆量消失了，却代之以埋怨的心。我看到这种情形是上帝不喜悦的。{4bSG 7.3}
每位圣徒诚心来到上帝面前，本着信心献上忠实的请求，他的祈祷是必蒙应允的。如果你不见或不觉自己的祈祷立时蒙允，你信靠上帝应许的心，仍然切不可失去。莫怕信靠上帝。应当仰赖祂坚确的应许：“你们求，就必得着”（约16:24）。以上帝的睿智，必不至于有错误；祂太善良了，必不留下一样好处不给那些行动正直的人。人是会做错的，虽然他所献的祈求是出于诚心，但他所求的事，却未必常是对己有益，或能荣耀上帝的。若能那样，我们聪明良善的父，就会听我们的祈祷，且会应允；有时是立即应允。凡祂所赐给我们的，都是与我们最有益处，并能使祂得荣耀的。 {4bSG 7.4}
上帝的子民如果能看透祂的计划，就会知道祂所赐的，都是对他们最有益处的。虽然他们所领受的，不一定是他们所期望所祈求的，但他们的祈祷定会得到回答。有时他们所求的，非但于己无益，反而有害，因此祂就不照他们所求而改将他们所最需要的福气，赐给他们。{4bSG 8.1}
我看到，如果我们觉得自己的祈祷没有立时蒙应允，我们仍当坚持信心，切莫让疑惑之念进入心中，因为这种心念会使我们离开上帝。若是我们的信心摇动了，就不能从祂得着什么。我们信靠上帝的心应当坚强；及至我们需要最切之时，上帝所赐的福惠，就会象大雨倾盆，降在我们的身上了。{4bSG 8.2}
上帝的仆人们祈求圣灵及福气之时，有时会立刻得到；但有时则不然。在这种情形中，切不可灰心。应当坚持你信靠应许的心，相信其必定来到。你应当全然信靠上帝，这样，那福气就往往在你最需要的时候来到，并且当你向不信的人传扬真理时，就可从上帝得意外的帮助，使你说出的话清晰而有力。{4bSG 8.3}
我蒙指示，得见这种情形好象小孩子们向那爱他们的世上父母讨求福惠一样。他们所求的东西，有些是父母知道对他们有害的，因此父母就不照他们的心愿，而改将对他们有益和有助健康的东西赐给他们。我看到凡是凭着信心而献上的诚心祈祷，都必得蒙上帝的垂听及应允；那献祷的人在最需要的时候，就可得到丰富的福惠，而且往往是超过他所期望的。忠实圣徒凭着信心而献上的诚心祈祷，是无一会落空的。{4bSG 8.4}
1855年6月在纽约州奥斯威戈的时候，我蒙指示，见到上帝的子民一直因重重阻碍而心情沉重；一直有亚干在营中。上帝的工作只是略有进展，祂仆人中有许多人一直很灰心，因为真理在纽约州没能有更多的影响，也没有更多的人加入教会。信使会已经兴起，我们会因他们的谎言和曲解而受到一些损害，但是我们应该耐心地忍受；因为他们现在离开我们造成的损害，不会象他们若属于我们而发挥的影响给上帝的圣工带来的损害那么大。上帝因教会中有人心地败坏而不悦。{4bSG 9.1}
他们想要居于首位，但上帝和弟兄们没有把他们放在这个位置。他们的行为表现出自私和骄傲。现在为所有这样的人开放了一个地方，凡与他们同类的人都可以去得到供给。我们应该赞美上帝，因为祂本着怜悯使教会摆脱了他们。上帝已任由许多这样的人偏行己路，自行其是。现在引导他们的，是一种兴奋和同情心；这会欺骗一些人。但每一个正直的人都会蒙光照得知这班人的真相，而与上帝特殊的子民站在一起，不受那些已放弃上帝而偏行己路，自行其是的人所影响。我看到上帝已赐给这些人悔改的机会，祂已开导他们，使他们看到他们专爱自己的罪和其它的罪；但他们不愿听从。他们既不肯悔改，祂就仁慈地使教会与他们分离。{4bSG 9.2}
我看到必须唤醒上帝的子民穿上军装。基督就要来了。最后怜悯信息的大工对我们来说太重要了，决不可丢下它而下去回答信使会所信奉和散布的谎言，曲解和诽谤。我们必须仔细研究现代真理。我们正在做一项大工，不能下去。撒但在操纵着这一切，要使我们的心转离现代真理和基督的降临。天使说：“耶稣知道这一切。不久以后他们的日子就要到了。所有的人都要按照自身的行为受审判。说谎的舌必要止息。锡安的罪人必要恐惧。假冒为善的人必要战兢。”{4bSG 10.1}
我看到我们不应该耽延主的复临。天使说：“预备，预备，应当为那快要临到世上的事预备。你们的行为应当与你们的信心符合。”我看到必须坚心依赖上帝，我们的影响也当向人传说上帝及其真理。在我们疏忽冷淡时，就不能尊荣主。在我们灰心丧志时，也不能荣耀祂。我们必须恳切寻求自己灵魂的得救，并且设法拯救别人。一切的重心应当聚集在这件事上，其它的各事可列在其次。{4bSG 10.2}
我见过天上的荣美。我听过众天使高唱欢乐的诗歌，将赞美，尊贵，荣耀归于耶稣。到此我才能有些认识上帝圣子的奇妙大爱。祂撇下自己在天上所有的荣耀及一切尊贵，极其关心我们的得救，以至于忍耐温柔地承受世人所能加在祂身上的种种耻辱及轻视。祂挨打，受伤，遭害，被钉在髑髅地的十字架上，忍受最痛苦的死亡，为要拯救我们免死，使我们可得祂的宝血洗净，并能升到天上，与祂同居在祂现在正为我们预备的住处，享受上天的光明及荣耀，倾听天使的歌声，并与他们合唱。{4bSG 10.3}
我见到天庭全体无不关心我们的得救；我们岂可冷淡不顾呢？我们岂可疏懈，而把自己是否得救或沉沦的问题看为小事呢？我们岂可轻视那为我们所作的牺牲呢？然而有些人却已这样行了。他们小看所赐的恩典，因此上帝向他们现出怒容。上帝的灵不能长此忧伤。若再使祂担忧一些时候，祂就要离开了。在上帝既尽其所能的一切方法来拯救人类后，人若仍在生活上现出轻视耶稣所赐给的恩典，他们所应得的分就只有死亡，所付出的代价就会太惨重了。这种死亡，将是极其惨痛可怕的；他们必将感受基督在十字架上为他们所付出的他们所拒绝的救赎代价的痛苦。那时他们就要明白自己丧失了什么——丧失了永恒的生命及永不朽坏的基业。 {4bSG 11.1}
我见到一位天使站着，手里拿着天平，衡量上帝子民──尤其是青年人──的心思及志趣。在天平的一端，放着向天的心思和志趣，另一端放着向地的心思和志趣。在这秤盘上放着一切的小说读物，时髦服装之念，炫耀，虚荣，骄傲等等。这真是何等严肃的时刻啊！上帝的使者拿着天平站着，要衡量一切自命为上帝儿女的人──就是那些口称向世界死而向上帝活之人──的心思意念。在那放着属世意念，虚荣，骄傲的秤盘上，虽有重物一再滚出了秤盘，但这秤盘还是很快地向下坠。当天平的这一端下坠时，那另一端放着向天之意念及志趣的秤盘，却很快地升高起来，它是何等地轻飘啊！在我见到天使拿着天平，衡量上帝子民的意念及志趣之时，我心中所感受的严肃生动之印象，实在是形容不出的；我现在所能述说的，只是所见到的情形而已。天使说：“这等人能进天国么？不行，不行，这是断乎不行的！你告诉他们吧，他们现存的希望乃是徒然的，除非他们赶快悔改，获得救恩，他们是必要灭亡的。”I {4bSG 11.2}
敬虔的外表仪式是不能救人的。人人必须有一种深切而活泼的经验，只有这种经验才能在患难之时救他们。那时他们的工作要经过试炼就显出其本质来；如果是金、银、宝石的、他们就可以藏在上帝行宫的隐密处。但如果他们的工作是草，木，禾秸的，那就无物掩蔽他们躲避耶和华的烈怒了。{4bSG 12.1}
青年人及老年人，将来都要被查问，要给出心中盼望的缘由。上帝的计划原是要人的心思追求更美的事，全然事奉祂，然而人的心思却不想念永恒的福利，反去思念那些愚拙的事。那放任无定的心思，正可用来了解真理，查明圣经中遵守安息日的凭据，及基督徒盼望的真根基，却被人用以考究仪表，态度，装饰等等。那等人既把心思轻移到愚昧虚妄的故事小说上，满足了幻想，就对圣经的华美光彩感到黯然无色，人的心思既被直接引离了上帝，就对祂宝贵的圣言丧失了兴趣。有一部书赐给了我们，领导我们的脚步走过这黑暗世界的险路，到天国去。它告诉我们如何能逃避上帝的忿怒，也告诉我们基督为我们所受的苦难，所作的伟大牺牲，好使我们赖以得救，并永远享受上帝同在之乐。人们若已在这有光之地听到了真理，最后仍有什么缺欠，那就是自己的过失，无可容恕的了。圣经告诉我们怎样作完全的基督徒，避免最后的七大灾难。然而人们却无心去研究它，反将心思转到别的事上，心中藏着偶像，忽略及轻看上帝的圣言。许多自命为基督徒的人已经轻慢了上帝，及至末日当上帝的圣言审判他们之时，他们就要显出亏欠来了。他们因爱看愚昧的小说而忽略不顾的圣经，那时却要查验他们的生活了。这圣经要作为审判的标准；他们的动机、言语、行为、以及怎样利用光阴等，都要拿来与上帝所写的圣经相对照；若是他们显出亏欠来，他们的案件就是永远铸定了。{4bSG 12.2}
我见到许多人彼此互相度量，把自己的生活与别人的生活相比。这真是不应该的。只有基督才是我们的榜样。祂是我们的真模范，各人应当竭力效法祂。我们若不是与基督同工，就是与仇敌同工，若不是与基督同收聚，就是分散的。我们要么是坚决的、全心全意的基督徒，要么根本不是基督徒。基督说：“我巴不得你或冷或热。你既如温水，也不冷也不热，所以我必从我口中把你吐出去”（启3:15-16）。{4bSG 13.1}
我看到有些人简直还不知道什么是克己，什么是牺牲，什么是为真理的缘故受苦。可是我看到无论何人，若不牺牲，决不能进天国。我们应当存克己牺牲的精神。有些人还没有献上自己，将自己的身体献在上帝的坛上。他们放纵急躁无定的脾气，满足自己的嗜欲，只顾自私自利，不顾上帝的圣工。凡是愿为永生而作任何牺牲的人，必可得之；因为这永生是值得受苦，值得把自我钉死，及值得牺牲一切偶像的。{4bSG 13.2}
November 20, 1855, while in prayer, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly and powerfully came upon me, and I was taken off in vision. I saw that the Spirit of the Lord has been dying away from the church. The servants of the Lord have trusted too much to the strength of argument, and have not had that firm reliance upon God that they should have. I saw that the mere argument of the truth will not move souls to take a stand with the remnant, for the truth is unpopular. The servants of God must have the truth in the soul. Said the angel “They must get it warm from glory, carry it in their bosoms, and pour it out in the warmth and earnestness of the soul to those that hear.” A few that are conscientious are ready to decide from the weight of evidence, but it is impossible to move many with a mere theory. There must be a power to attend the truth; a living testimony to move them.?{4bSG 1.1}[1]
I saw that the enemy was busy to destroy souls. Exaltation has come into the ranks, and there must be more humility. There is too much of an independence of spirit indulged in among the messengers. It must be laid aside, and there must be a drawing together of the servants of God. There had been too much a spirit like this, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Said the angel, “Yea,?thou art?thy brother’s keeper. Ye must have a watchful care for thy brother; be interested for his welfare, and cherish a kind, loving spirit toward him. Press together; press together.” God designed man should be open-hearted, and honest, without affectation, humble, meek, with simplicity. This is the principle of Heaven. God ordered it so.?But poor, frail man has sought out something different—to follow his own way, and carefully attend to his own self-interest.?{4bSG 1.2}[2]
I asked the angel why simplicity had been shut out from the church, and pride and exaltation come in. I saw that this is the reason why we have almost been delivered into the hand of the enemy. Said the angel, “Look ye, and ye shall see that this feeling prevails, Am I my brother’s keeper?” Again said the angel, “Thou art thy brother’s keeper.” Thy profession, thy faith, requires thee to deny thyself and sacrifice to God, or thou wilt be unworthy of eternal life, for it was purchased for thee dearly, even by the agony, the sufferings, and blood of the beloved Son of God.”?{4bSG 2.1}[3]
I saw that many in different places, East and West, were adding farm to farm, and land to land, and house to house, and they make the cause of God their excuse, saying they do this that they may help the cause. They shackle themselves so that they can be of but little benefit to the cause; some buy a piece of land and labor with all their might to pay for it. Their time is so occupied that they can spend but little time to pray, and serve God, and gain strength from him to overcome their besetments. They are in debt, and when the cause needs their help they cannot assist, for they must get free from debt first. And as soon as they are free from debt they are farther from helping the cause than before, for they involve themselves again in adding to their property, and flatter themselves that this course is right, that they will use the avails in the cause, when they are actually laying up treasure here. They love the truth in word, but not in work. They love the cause just as much as their works show. They love the world more, and the cause of God less; and their attraction to earth grows stronger, and the attraction to Heaven weaker. Their heart is with their treasure. They set the example to those around them that they are intending to stay here, that this world is their home. Said the angel, “Thou art thy brother’s keeper.”?{4bSG 2.2}[4]
I saw that many have indulged in needless expense merely to gratify the feelings, the taste, and the eye, when the cause has needed the very means, and when some of the servants of God were poorly clothed, and crippled in their labor for lack of means. Said the angel, “Their time to do will soon be past. Their works show that self is their idol, and to it they sacrifice. Self must first be gratified; their feeling is, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Warning after warning many have received, but heeded not. Self is the main object, and to it every thing must bow.?{4bSG 3.1}[5]
I saw that the spirit of sacrifice was almost gone from the church. Self-denial has almost failed; self and self-interest come first, and then if they can as well as not they will do what they think they can for the cause. Such a sacrifice I saw was lame and not accepted of God. All should be interested to do their utmost to advance the cause. I saw that those who have no possessions here, but have strength of body, were accountable to God for their strength. They should be diligent in business and fervent in spirit; they should not leave those that have possessions to do all the sacrificing. I saw that they could sacrifice, and that it was their duty to do so as well as those that have property. But often those individuals that have no possessions do not realize that they can deny themselves in many ways; can lay out less upon their bodies and to gratify their appetite, and find much to spare the cause and lay up in Heaven a treasure.?{4bSG 3.2}[6]
I saw it was even so, “From even unto even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath.” Said the angel, “Take the word of God, read it, understand, and ye cannot err. Read carefully, and ye shall there find?what?even is, and?when?it is.” I asked the angel if the frown of God had been upon his people for commencing the Sabbath as they have. I was directed back to the first rise of the Sabbath. I followed the people of God up to this time, and did not see that God was displeased, or frowned upon them. I inquired why it had been?thus, that at this late day we must change the time of commencing the Sabbath. Said the angel, “Ye shall understand, but not yet, not yet.” Said the angel, “If light comes, and that light is set aside, or rejected, then comes condemnation and the frown of God; but before the light comes there is no sin, for there is no light for them to reject.” I saw that it was in the minds of some that the Lord had shown that the Sabbath commenced at six o’clock, when I had only seen that it commenced at “even,” and it was inferred that even was at six. I saw the servants of God must draw together, press together.?{4bSG 3.3}[7]
I was then shown the case of Stephenson and Hall of Wisconsin; that they were convicted while we were at Wisconsin in June, 1854, that the visions were of God; but they examined them and compared them with the Age to Come, and because the visions did not agree with their views of the Age to Come, they sacrificed the visions for the Age to Come. And while on their journey East, last spring, they were both wrong and designing. They have stumbled over the Age to Come, and they are ready to take any course to injure the Review, and its friends must be awake and do what they can to save the children of God from deception. They are uniting with a lying and corrupt people. They have had evidence of this; and while they were professing sympathy and union with my husband, they (especially Stephenson) were biting like an adder behind his back. And while their words were smooth with him, they were inflaming Wisconsin against the Review and its conductors; especially was Stephenson active in this matter; and their object has been to have the Review publish the Age to Come, or destroy its influence. And while my husband was open-hearted and unsuspecting, seeking ways to remove their jealousy, and frankly opening to them the affairs of the Office, and trying to help and assist them, they were watching for evil, and observing every thing with a jealous eye. Said the angel as I beheld them, “Think ye, feeble man, that ye can stay the work of God??Feeble man, one touch of his finger can lay thee prostrate. He will suffer thee but a little while.”{4bSG 4.1}[8]
I was pointed back to the rise of the Advent doctrine, and even before that time, and saw that there had not been a parallel to the deception, misrepresentation and falsehood that has been practised by the Messenger party, or such an association of corrupt hearts under a cloak of religion. Some honest hearts have been influenced by them, concluding that they had at least some cause for their statements,—thinking them incapable of uttering such glaring falsehoods. I saw that such will have evidence of the truth of these matters. The church of God should move straight along, as though there was not such a people in the world.?{4bSG 5.1}[9]
I saw that decided efforts should be made to show those who are unchristian in their lives, their wrongs, and if they do not correct their lives, they should be separated from the precious and holy, that God may have a clean and pure people that he can delight in. Dishonor him not by linking the clean with the unclean.?{4bSG 5.2}[10]
I was shown some coming from the East to the West. I saw that it should not be the object of those who leave the East for the West, to get rich, but to win souls to the truth. Said the angel, “Let thy works show it is not for honor, or to lay up a treasure on earth, that ye have moved West, but to hold up and exalt the standard of truth.” I saw that those who move West should be like men waiting for their Lord. “Be a living example,” said the angel, “to those in the West.” Let your works show that you are God’s peculiar people, and that you have a peculiar work, the last message of mercy to the world. Let your works show to those around you that this world is not your home.” I saw that those who have entangled themselves should go free, and break the snare of the enemy. Lay not up treasure upon earth, but show by your lives that you are laying up treasure in heaven. If God has called thee West, he has a work for thee to do, an exalted work. Let your faith and experience help those who?have not a living experience. Let not the attraction be to this poor, dark speck of a world, but let it be upward to God, glory, and Heaven. Let not the care and perplexity of farms here engross thy mind, but ye can safely be wrapt up in contemplating Abraham’s farm. We are heirs to that immortal inheritance. Wean thy affections from earth, and dwell upon heavenly things.?{4bSG 5.3}[11]
I saw that great responsibility rests upon parents. They must not be led by their children, but must lead them. I was referred to Abraham. He commanded his household after him, and it was remembered of God. He was faithful in his house. I was then referred to the case of Eli. He restrained not his children, and they were wicked and vile in Israel. They led Israel astray by their wickedness. And when God made known their sins to Samuel, and the heavy curse that was to follow, because Eli restrained them not, God said their sins should not be purged with sacrifice nor offerings forever. When Samuel told Eli what the Lord had shown him, Eli submitted to it and said, “It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.” The curse of God soon followed. Those wicked priests were slain, and thirty thousand of Israel were also slain, and the ark of God was taken by their enemies. And when Eli heard that the ark of God was taken, he fell backward and died. All this evil resulted from Eli’s not restraining his sons. I saw if God was so particular as to notice such things anciently, he is no less particular in these last days.?{4bSG 6.1}[12]
Parents must govern their children, correct their passions, and subdue them, or God, will surely destroy the children in the day of his fierce anger, and the parents who have not governed their children will not be blameless. Especially should the servants of God govern their own families, and have them in good subjection. I saw they were not prepared to judge or decide in matters of the church, unless they could rule well their own house. They must have order at home first, and then their judgment and influence will tell in the church.?{4bSG 6.2}[13]
I saw that the reason why visions have not been more frequent of late, is, they have not been appreciated by the church. The church have nearly lost their spirituality and faith, and the reproofs and warnings have had but little effect upon them. Many of those who have professed faith in them, have not heeded them.?{4bSG 7.1}[14]
Some have taken an injudicious course; they have talked their faith to unbelievers, and when the proof was asked, they have read a vision instead of going to the Bible for proof. I saw this course was inconsistent, and it prejudiced the unbelievers against the truth, for the visions could have no weight with them. They had never seen them, and knew nothing of the spirit of them, and they should not be referred to, in their case.?{4bSG 7.2}[15]
【Prayer and Faith】
When at Battle Creek, Mich., May 5, 1855, I saw that there was a great lack of faith in the servants of God, as well as the church. They were too easily discouraged; were too ready to doubt God; too willing to believe they had a hard lot, and that God had forsaken them. I saw that this was cruel. God had so loved them as to give his dearly beloved Son to die for them, and all Heaven was interested in their salvation; yet it was hard, after all that has been done for them, to believe and trust so kind and good a Father. He has said he was more willing to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, than earthly parents are to give good gifts to their children. I saw that the servants of God and the church were too easily discouraged. When they asked their Father in Heaven for things they thought they needed, and because it did not immediately come, their faith wavered, their courage fled, and a murmuring feeling took possession of them. This I saw displeased God.?{4bSG 7.3}[16]
Every saint that comes to God with a true heart, in faith, and sends their honest petitions to him, will have their prayers answered. Their faith must not?let go of the promises of God if they do not see or feel the immediate answer of their prayers. Be not afraid to trust God. Rely upon his sure promise, “Ask and ye shall receive.” God is too wise to err, and too good to withhold any good thing from his saints that walk uprightly. Man is erring, and although his petitions are sent up from an honest heart, he does not always ask for the things that are good for himself, or that will glorify God. When this is so, our wise and good Father hears our prayers, and will answer; sometimes immediately, but gives us the things that are for our best good and his own glory.?{4bSG 7.4}[17]
If the children of God could see his plan, they would know that he gives them that which is for their best good. Although they may not receive just the things they expected, or asked for, yet their prayers were answered. Nothing hurtful was given, but the blessing they most needed, in the place of something they had asked for, that would not have been good for them, but to their hurt.?{4bSG 8.1}[18]
I saw if we did not feel immediate answers to our prayers, we should hold fast our faith, let no distrust come in; for that will separate us from God. If our faith wavers, we shall receive nothing from him. Our confidence in God should be strong, and when we need it the most, the blessing will drop upon us like a shower of rain.?{4bSG 8.2}[19]
When the servants of God have prayed for his Spirit and blessing, it sometimes comes immediately, but it is not always then bestowed. At such times faint not. Let thy faith hold fast the promise, that it will come. Let thy trust be fully in God, and often that blessing will come when you need it the most, and unexpectedly you will receive help from God, when you are speaking the truth to unbelievers, and with clearness you can speak the word, and with power.?{4bSG 8.3}[20]
It was represented to me like children asking a blessing of their earthly parents that love them. They ask something that the parent knows will hurt them; the parent gives them the things that will be good and?healthy for them, in the place of that which the child desired. I saw that every prayer that was sent up in faith from an honest heart will be heard of God and answered, and the one that sent up the petition will have the blessing when he needs it the most, and it will often exceed his expectations. Not a prayer of the true saint is lost if sent up from an honest heart in faith.?{4bSG 8.4}[21]
When at Oswego, N. Y., June, 1855, I was shown that God’s people have been weighed down with clogs, that there had been Achans in the camp. The work of God has progressed but little, and many of God’s servants have been discouraged because the truth in N. Y. has taken no more effect, and that there have been no more added to the church. The Messenger party has arisen, and we shall suffer some from their lying tongues, and misrepresentations, yet we should bear it all patiently; for they will not injure God’s cause now they have left us, as much as they would have injured it by their influence had they remained with us. God’s frown has been brought upon the church on account of individuals with corrupt hearts being in it.?{4bSG 9.1}[22]
They have wanted to be foremost when God, or their brethren, did not place them there. Selfishness and exaltation has marked their course. A place has opened for all such now, where they can go and find pasture with those of their kind. And we should praise God that in mercy he has rid the church of them. God has given many of them up to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings. An excitement and sympathy now leads them, which will deceive some; but every honest one will be enlightened as to the true state of this company, and they will remain with God’s peculiar people, and not be affected by the influence of those who have been given up by God to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings. I saw that God had given these people opportunity to reform, had enlightened them as to their love of self and other sins; but they would not heed it. They would not be?reformed, and he mercifully relieved the church of them.?{4bSG 9.2}[23]
I saw that the people of God must put on the armor and arouse. Christ is coming, and the great work of the last message of mercy is of too much importance for us to leave it, and come down to answer such falsehoods, and misrepresentations, and slander, as the Messenger party has fed upon, and has scattered abroad. Truth, present truth, we must dwell upon it. We are doing a great work, and cannot come down. Satan is in all this, to divert our minds from the present truth, and the coming of Christ. Said the angel, “Jesus knows it all. In a little from this their day is coming. All will be judged according to the deeds done in the body. The lying tongue will be stopped. The sinners in Zion will be afraid, and fearfulness will surprise the hypocrites.”?{4bSG 10.1}[24]
I saw that we should not put off the coming of the Lord. Said the angel, “Prepare, prepare, for what is coming upon the earth. Let your works correspond with your faith.” I saw that the mind must be staid upon God, and our influence should tell for God and his truth. (We cannot honor God when we are careless and indifferent. We cannot glorify him when we are desponding). We must be in earnest and secure our soul’s salvation, and try to save others. All importance should be attached to this, and everything besides should come in secondarily.?{4bSG 10.2}[25]
I saw the beauty of Heaven. I heard the angels sing their rapturous songs; I heard them sing praise, honor, and glory, to Jesus. I could then realize something of the wondrous love of the Son of God. He left all the glory, all the honor he had in Heaven, and was so interested for our salvation that he patiently and meekly bore every indignity and slight that man could heap upon him. He was wounded, smitten, and bruised; he was stretched on Calvary’s cross and suffered the most agonizing death to save us from death, that his blood might wash us and we be raised up to live with him in the mansions he is preparing for us,?enjoy the light and glory of Heaven, and hear the angels sing, and sing with them.?{4bSG 10.3}[26]
I saw that all Heaven is interested in our salvation, and shall we be indifferent? Shall we be careless, as though it was a small matter whether we are saved or lost? Shall we slight the sacrifice that has been made for us? Some have done this. They have trifled with offered mercy, and the frown of God is upon them. God’s Spirit will not always be grieved. It will depart, if grieved a little longer. After all that has been done to save them that a God could do, if they show by their lives that they slight Jesus’ offered mercy, death will be their portion, and it will be dearly purchased. It will be a dreadful death; for they will have to feel the agony that Christ felt upon the cross to purchase for them redemption, which they have refused. And they will then realize what they have lost, eternal life and the immortal inheritance.?{4bSG 11.1}[27]
I have seen an angel standing with scales in his hands, weighing the thoughts and interest of the people of God, especially the young. In one scale were the thoughts and interest tending Heaven-ward; in the other scale were the thoughts and interest tending to earth. And in this scale were thrown all the reading of story books, thoughts of dress and show, vanity, pride, &c. Oh, what a solemn moment! The angels of God standing with scales, weighing the thoughts of the professed children of God—those who profess to be dead to the world and alive to God. The scale filled with thoughts of earth, vanity, and pride, quickly went down, notwithstanding weight after weight rolled from the scale. The scale with the thoughts and attractions to Heaven went quickly up as the other went down, and oh! how light was the scale. I can relate this as I saw it, but never can I give the solemnity and vivid impression stamped upon my mind, as I saw the angel with the scales weighing the thoughts and interest of the people of God. Said the angel, “Can such enter Heaven? No, no, never. Tell them the hope they now possess is vain, and?unless they speedily repent, and get salvation, they must perish.”?{4bSG 11.2}[28]
A form of godliness will not save them. They must have a deep and living experience; this alone will save them in the time of trouble. Then their work will be tried of what sort it is, and if it is gold, silver, and precious stones, they will be hid as in the secret of the Lord’s pavilion. But if their work is hay, wood, and stubble, nothing can shield them from the fierceness of Jehovah’s wrath.?{4bSG 12.1}[29]
The young, as well as the older, will have to give a reason of their hope. But the mind designed by God for better things, formed to serve him perfectly, has dwelt upon foolish things instead of eternal interests. And that mind that is left to wander here and there, is just as capable of understanding the truth, the evidence of keeping the Sabbath from the word of God, and the true foundation of the Christian’s hope, as it is to study the appearance, the manners, dress, &c. Those who suffer their minds to be diverted with foolish stories and idle tales, feed their imagination, but to such the brilliancy of God’s word is eclipsed. The mind is led directly from God; the interest in his precious word is gone. Here is a book given us to guide our feet through the perils of this dark world to Heaven. It tells us how we can escape the wrath of God, and also tells of the sufferings of Christ for us, the great sacrifice that has been made for us that we might be saved and enjoy the presence of God for ever. And if any come short at last that have heard the truth, as they have in this land of light, it will be their own fault. They will be without excuse. The word of God tells us how we may be perfect Christians, and escape the seven last plagues; but they took no interest to find this out. Other things diverted the mind, idols were cherished by them, and God’s holy word has been neglected and slighted. God has been trifled with by professed Christians, and when that holy word shall judge them in the last day, they will be found wanting. That word that they have neglected for?foolish story books, tries their lives. It is the standard, and their motives, words, works, and the manner they use their time, are all compared with the written word of God, and if they come short, then their cases are decided for ever.?{4bSG 12.2}[30]
I saw that there was a measuring yourselves among yourselves, and comparing your lives with the lives of others. This I saw should not be. No one is given us as an example but Christ; he is our true pattern, and each should strive to excel in imitating him. We are co-workers with Christ, or co-workers with the enemy. We either gather with Christ, or scatter abroad. We are decided, whole-hearted Christians, or none at all. Says Christ, “I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”?{4bSG 13.1}[31]
I saw that some hardly know yet what self-denial or sacrifice is, and what it is to suffer for the truth’s sake. But I saw that none will enter Heaven without making a sacrifice. They should cherish a spirit of sacrifice and self-denial. Some have not sacrificed themselves, their own bodies, on the altar of God. They indulge in hasty, fitful temper, and gratify their appetites, and attend to their own self-interest, regardless of the cause of God. Those who are willing to make any sacrifice for eternal life, will have it. And it will be worth suffering for, worth crucifying self for, and sacrificing every idol for.?{4bSG 13.2}[32]
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