给巴特尔克里克弟兄们的特别证言
(1898年6月8日写于澳大利亚新南威尔士州库兰邦“森尼赛德”)
亲爱的巴特尔克里克的弟兄们：
有时候必须说出真理，无论人们会听从还是会拒绝。何时那些自称相信真理的人没能彼此和睦，而且诉诸于律师，主就被大大羞辱了。你们愿意研究上帝的道并且听从在这一点上给出的指示吗?不可将上帝圣工的权益交给与上天没有联络的人。{PH156 1.1}
所呈现在我面前的事使我的心充满了剧烈的痛苦。我见到人们与律师手拉手臂挽臂，上帝却不在他们中间。既对圣工有许多想法，他们就转向律师求帮助，以实现他们的计划。我受命要对这样的人说，他们不是在上帝之灵的感动下行事的。{PH156 1.2}
“你们去问以革伦神巴力西卜，岂因以色列中没有上帝吗”(王下1:3)?身居要职的人正在与那些教内教外的人联合，他们的意见是误导人的。主岂不是有必要带着刑杖到你们这里来，指示你们在配与上面的家庭联络前，需要一种更高的经验吗?你们岂要跟那些专门控告人，恶意猜忌并毁谤上帝所嘉许之事的人联合吗?我奉主的名告诉你们，你们需要更清楚的辨识力和属灵的眼光。{PH156 1.3}
上帝已再三赐给你们亮光，说明应该在许多城市建立传道中心，集中在巴特尔克里克的人力和财力应该分散用在许多地方，要是顺从了这亮光，现在的混乱状况和财力的缺乏原本决不会发生。{PH156 2.1}
住在巴特尔克里克的人漠视了主的忠告，因为对他们来说，把工作集中在那里更为便利。上帝已任由这些人自食其人为智慧的结果，结果就是现在的困惑混乱状况。“你们中间谁是敬畏耶和华、听从祂仆人之话的?这人行在暗中，没有亮光。当倚靠耶和华的名，仗赖自己的上帝。凡你们点火，用火把围绕自己的可以行在你们的火焰里，并你们所点的火把中。这是我手所定的;你们必躺在悲惨之中”(赛50:10, 11)。“现在你要对犹大人和耶路撒冷的居民说：‘耶和华如此说：我造出灾祸攻击你们，定意刑罚你们。你们各人当回头离开所行的恶道，改正你们的行动作为。’他们却说：‘这是枉然。我们要照自己的计谋去行。’各人随自己顽梗的恶心做事。所以，耶和华如此说：你们且往各国访问，有谁听见这样的事?以色列处女行了一件极可憎恶的事。黎巴嫩的雪从田野的磐石上岂能断绝呢?从远处流下的凉水岂能干涸呢?我的百姓竟忘记我，向假神烧香，使他们在所行的路上，在古道上绊跌，使他们行没有修筑的斜路”(耶18:11-15)。{PH156 2.2}
主已再三指出了巴特尔克里克教会和美国各地的教会要做的工作。他们在属灵的造诣上要达到一个比现今高得多的标准。他们要从沉睡中醒来，走到营外，为将亡的人作工。医疗布道士在做上帝曾赐给巴特尔克里克教会的久已被忽视了的工作——他们在发出最后的呼召，请人来赴祂已预备好的晚宴。{PH156 3.1}
我的弟兄们哪，你们为什么把这许多的工作限制在巴特尔克里克呢?你们为什么不把文字工作和布道工作带入有大量传道工作要做的其它城市呢?集中在巴特尔克里克的许多权益应该被分散再分散，分到其它各城中。你们自以为聪明的人会说：“那样成本会太高了。我们可以在巴特尔克里克这里以较小的费用作工。”主岂不是知道这一切么?祂岂不是一位对这一切不信的推理了如指掌的上帝吗?这些推理把那么多的权益把持在巴特尔克里克。祂已向你们显明了应该在各城建立中心点。这会叫许多人从巴特尔克里克出来，到其它地区去做工。{PH156 3.2}
为要正确地推进医疗布道工作，需要有才干的人，需要强壮乐意的人手和明智敏锐的管理。但在那些身居要职的人——区会会长和传道人们——挡着路时，这事能成就吗?主对区会会长和其他有影响的弟兄们说：“除掉一直摆在人们面前的绊脚石。”{PH156 3.3}
我们在巴特尔克里克的人没有运用他们的才干，计划如何在还没有传过信息、没有做出坚决努力的地方安插真理的旗帜。主已感动凯洛格医生和他的同事们去做上帝曾交给教会，但教会没有选择接受的工作。有些在巴特尔克里克的人，不但没有开始从事上帝赐给他们的工作，反而因着随从自己自私的道路，弄瞎了自己和别人的属灵的眼光;上帝已把祂宝贵的工作放在了那些愿意承担并推进它的人手中。{PH156 4.1}
上帝在祂的圣所中，也与心灵痛悔谦卑的人同居，要使谦卑人的灵苏醒，也使痛悔的人心苏醒。那些正在做医疗布道工作的人，应得到教会的充分认可与合作。否则他们就会受到阻碍。尽管如此，他们必前进。上帝的计划并非因为在这方面缺乏合作而在巴特尔克里克设两个教会。若谋求一致行动，情况就会好多了。医疗布道士若把这方面的工作带到各地的教会，本着敬畏上帝的心作工，就会发现许多门户在他们面前敞开。天使也必与他们同工。{PH156 4.2}
请阅读宴席的邀请和所发出的最后呼召，学习怎样实行耶稣的命令。我无法理解你们为什么这样漠不关心，袖手旁观，批评论断和扯后腿。福音的网是要散在海里的，它把好的坏的都拉上来。但因为这样，人们就该疏忽，不努力拯救那些愿意相信的人吗?他们愿意一同去接触基督在责备法利赛人时所提到的那等人。祂说：罪人和娼妓“倒比你们先进上帝的国”(太21:31)。你们岂看不出即使在教会里也有与上帝没有联络的人吗?但基督说：“容这两样一齐长，等着收割。当收割的时候，我要对收割的人说，先将稗子薅出来，捆成捆，留着烧;惟有麦子要收在仓里”(太13:30)。{PH156 5.1}
何时主催促各教会，吩咐他们做某项工作，而他们不肯去做那项工作，而有些人却使自己的人力与神力结合，尽力去接触人类祸患与不幸的深处，上帝的福气就会丰富地降在他们身上。即使只有很少的人接受我们主耶稣基督的恩典，他们的工作也不会徒然;因为在上帝看来，一个灵魂也是非常宝贵的。基督愿为那个灵魂死，使他获得永生。{PH156 5.2}
但愿我们学习《马太福音》十八章。这一章会开启我们的眼睛。基督说：“你们要小心，不可轻看这小子里的一个;我告诉你们，他们的使者在天上，常见我天父的面。人子来，为要拯救失丧的人。一个人若有一百只羊，一只走迷了路，你们的意思如何?他岂不撇下这九十九只，往山里去找那只迷路的羊吗?若是找着了，我实在告诉你们，他为这一只羊欢喜，比为那没有迷路的九十九只欢喜还大呢!你们在天上的父也是这样，不愿意这小子里失丧一个”(太18:10-14)。{PH156 5.3}
藉着忠心的工人，许多人正在从撒但手中被拯救和抢夺出来。必须有人负起救灵的责任，寻找失丧的人，使之归向基督。搭救一个曾被撒但所胜的人会使众天使喜乐。有些人已在自己身上摧毁了上帝的道德形像。福音的网必须把这些可怜被弃的人收进来。上帝的天使必与那些从事这项工作的人合作，努力拯救将亡的人，给予他们许多人从未享有的机会。除了基督的方法，没有别的方法可以接触他们。祂一直努力解救受苦的人并教导公义。只有这样才能拯救罪人脱离地狱的深渊。{PH156 6.1}
工人们必须本着爱心作工，——喂养，洁净并加衣给那些需要他们帮助的人。如此，这些被弃的人就会得着预备，晓得有人关怀他们的灵魂。主已向我显明，通过人力的服务，许多这等可怜被弃的人都会与神能合作，设法帮助其他基督已为之付上祂宝血代价的人恢复上帝的道德形像。他们将被称为上帝宝贵的选民，站在上帝的宝座旁。{PH156 6.2}
“那时，人子的兆头要显在天上，地上的万族都要哀哭。他们要看见人子，有能力，有大荣耀，驾着天上的云降临。祂要差遣使者，用号筒的大声，将祂的选民，从四方，从天这边到天那边，都招聚了来。……所以，你们要警醒，因为不知道你们的主是哪一天来到。家主若知道几更天有贼来，就必警醒，不容人挖透房屋;这是你们所知道的。所以，你们也要预备，因为你们想不到的时候，人子就来了。谁是忠心有见识的仆人，为主人所派，管理家里的人，按时分粮给他们呢?主人来到，看见他这样行，那仆人就有福了。我实在告诉你们，主人要派他管理一切所有的。倘若那恶仆心里说：‘我的主人必来得迟’，就动手打他的同伴，又和酒醉的人一同吃喝。在想不到的日子，不知道的时辰，那仆人的主人要来，把他腰斩了，定他和假冒为善的人同罪;在那里必要哀哭切齿了”(太24:30,31,42-51)。{PH156 7.1}
弟兄们，要小心，要非常小心。正在对医疗布道士们做的工作，与马太福音24章48-51节的描写相符。主正在作工，接触最堕落的人。许多人会认识被吸引归向耶稣基督的意义，但没有道德勇气与食欲和情欲作战。然而工人们不必因此灰心;因为经上记着说：“在后来的时候，必有人离弃真道，听从那引诱人的邪灵和鬼魔的道理”(提前4:1)。岂是只有那些从最深的深渊被搭救上来的人会退后吗?在传道的事工中，也有人拥有亮光和真理的知识，却不愿成为得胜者。他们不约束自己的食欲和情欲，或者说不为基督的缘故舍己。许多可怜被弃的人，甚至是税吏和罪人，会抓住在福音中摆在他们面前的盼望，并在那些虽有伟大的机会和亮光，却行在黑暗中的人以先，进入天国。在那最后的大日，许多人会说：“主啊，主啊，给我们开门”(太25:11)。但门会紧闭，他们敲门是枉然的。{PH156 7.2}
我们应该对这些事深有感触，因为它们是真实的。我们应当重视真理的和灵魂的价值。时候短促，有一项大工要做成。你们若对正在推进的工作不感兴趣，不愿在各教会鼓励医疗布道工作，那么没有你们的同意它也会完成;因为它是上帝的工作，必定做成。弟兄姐妹们哪，要站在主的一边，恳切、积极、勇敢地与基督同工，寻找拯救失丧的人。怀爱伦夫人。{PH156 8.1}
对巴特尔克里克弟兄们的呼吁
弟兄们，为什么你们继续把这么多机构集中在巴特尔克里克?你们为什么不听从有关这个问题的劝戒和警告呢?你们为什么不采取果断的步骤，在许多大城市建立有影响的中心呢?你们为什么不鼓励密歇根州书报社和国际书报社会在各城市建立办事处呢?那里有许多传道工作需要做，书报社的工作人员和其他工人可以亲身从事传道工作，担任重要传道事业的领导人。开始行动，弟兄们，要出去，培养你们的工人为营外的人作工。你们为什么继续留在巴特尔克里克而把你们的光藏起来呢?弟兄们，出去吧，到外面的区域去吧。{PH156 9.1}
有许多工作需要做。我们有经验的工人应当使自己处在能直接接触需要帮助之人的地方。他们在巴特尔克里克能做的事情比较少。你们把灯藏在斗底下或床底下对吗?你们按主所明确指示的去做岂不更好?现在应下决心放弃你们的偏爱，你们的道路，听从祂的声音。要以谦卑热情的祈祷，非常真诚地寻求上帝的智慧，在这件事上取得成功。因而要把灯从斗底下拿出来，远离对你们的财务利益似乎最有利的地方，也要把灯从床底下拿出来，远离对你们来说最舒适便利的地方，好把它放在灯台上，就照亮一家的人。{PH156 9.2}
我们正在经历传道工作的危机。有一项大工要做成，在巴特尔克里克如果认真地做了这项工作，如果在密歇根州的各教会忠心地做了这项工作，如果我们所有久已建立的各教会和影响力的中心有力地从事了这项工作，我们就可以指望它影响所有区会的各地教会了，其中许多教会现在好像瘫痪了一般。{PH156 10.1}
上帝已建为影响中心，为要散发亮光的各机构，没有照上帝的意愿关心工作。这些机构的管理者们应该知道，他们首要的任务乃是要与自己的同工和睦。我们的传道人必须警醒以明白局势。福音乃是我们这个世界上使人成圣的感化力。它对人心的影响会带来和睦。要高举真理的旗帜，并把基督的赎罪作为要考虑的中心大主题提出来。{PH156 10.2}
医疗布道工作对于教会的工作来说，犹如右臂之对于身体一样。第三位天使的信息出发宣传上帝的诫命及耶稣的真道。医疗布道的工作乃是福音的实际表现。各部门的工作都应当和谐一致地发出邀请说：“请来吧，样样都齐备了”(路14:17)。{PH156 10.3}
对于那些在巴特尔克里克的人，已有信息赐给他们，许多人应该搬到可以结合他们现世的业务从事这项工作的地方。要是他们本着信心搬出去，愿意为工作经受劳苦和缺乏，他们原会在上帝的事上获得一种丰富的经验。但他们以为留在巴特尔克里克会发现事情更便利一些，因为那里的工作会比别处少一点辛苦，所以他们就留了下来。许多群集到巴特尔克里克的人在那里并没有得到任何益处，因为他们没有使用所领受的知识。他们在巴特尔克里克没有什么益处，只是增加了需要归正的人数。他们没有牺牲的精神。他们自我很多、基督很少，信心和好行为也很少。他们以为自己有宗教，但那什么都不是。{PH156 11.1}
上帝在圣经中对你们说：“因为这百姓亲近我，用嘴唇尊敬我，心却远离我;他们敬畏我，不过是领受人的吩咐。所以，我在这百姓中要行奇妙的事，就是奇妙又奇妙的事。他们智慧人的智慧必然消灭，聪明人的聪明必然隐藏。”“那时，聋子必听见这书上的话;瞎子的眼必从迷蒙黑暗中得以看见。谦卑人必因耶和华增添欢喜;人间贫穷的必因以色列的圣者快乐”(赛29:13,14,18,19)。{PH156 11.2}
我的弟兄们哪，主已呼召你们去做一项工作，但你们没有做成;你们所在之地有不和、争论与纷争。但不必这样。上帝从未计划祂的工人要个别分开站立。大家都有一项重大严肃的工作要做，而且要在上帝的监督下去做。{PH156 12.1}
上帝的子民若与祂合作，祂就会为他们行大事。祂会运行在人心，以致他们的生活和工作的影响会符合下述应许：{PH156 12.2}
“旷野和干旱之地必然欢喜;沙漠也必快乐;又像玫瑰开花，必开花繁盛，乐上加乐，而且欢呼。黎巴嫩的荣耀，并迦密与沙仑的华美，必赐给他。人必看见耶和华的荣耀，我们上帝的华美。你们要使软弱的手坚壮，无力的膝稳固。对胆怯的人说：你们要刚强，不要惧怕。看哪，你们的上帝必来报仇，必来施行极大的报应;祂必来拯救你们。那时，瞎子的眼必睁开;聋子的耳必开通。那时，瘸子必跳跃像鹿;哑巴的舌头必能歌唱。在旷野必有水发出;在沙漠必有河涌流。发光的沙要变为水池;干渴之地要变为泉源。在野狗躺卧之处，必有青草、芦苇，和蒲草。在那里必有一条大道，称为圣路。污秽人不得经过，必专为赎民行走;行路的人虽愚昧，也不至失迷。在那里必没有狮子，猛兽也不登这路;在那里都遇不见，只有赎民在那里行走。并且耶和华救赎的民必归回，歌唱来到锡安;永乐必归到他们的头上;他们必得着欢喜快乐，忧愁叹息尽都逃避”(赛35)。{PH156 12.3}
旷野本身既无荣耀也不华美，所发生的变化皆应将尊荣归给主。这大工是出于上帝的。所以不要使在祂权下做这特别工作的人显为大。要荣耀上帝，祂必继续行事。{PH156 13.1}
此时主有一项特别的工作要祂的子民去做。祂说：“你们要使软弱的手坚壮，无力的膝稳固。”这就是使徒保罗告诫各教会去做的工作。他说：“所以，你们要把下垂的手、发酸的腿、挺起来;也要为自己的脚，把道路修直了，使瘸子不至差路，反得痊愈。你们要追求与众人和睦，并要追求圣洁;非圣洁没有人能见主。又要谨慎，恐怕有人失了上帝的恩;恐怕有毒根生出来扰乱你们，因此叫众人沾染污秽”(来12:12-15)。{PH156 13.2}
我祈愿传道人和教会的信徒以空前的努力来帮助耶和华，帮助耶和华对付强大的黑暗权势。要虔心研究《约翰福音》第十七章。不仅要再三阅读这一章;而且要吃透并吸收它的真理。基督祈求说：“我为他们的缘故，自己分别为圣，叫他们也因真理成圣。 ……使他们都合而为一。正如祢父在我里面，我在祢里面，使他们也在我们里面，叫世人可以信祢差了我来。祢所赐给我的荣耀，我已赐给他们，使他们合而为一，像我们合而为一。我在他们里面，祢在我里面，使他们完完全全的合而为一，叫世人知道祢差了我来，也知道祢爱他们如同爱我一样”(约17:19-23)。{PH156 13.3}
对我们来说如此重要的这些话要一直受忽视吗?上帝号召那些自称是祂儿女的人研究这些话，吃透它们，活出它们来。要追求团结与仁爱，否则灯台就必从原处被挪去。怀爱伦夫人。{PH156 14.1}
PH156 - Special Testimony to the Brethren in Battle Creek
(“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N. S. W., Australia,June 8, 1898.)
Dear Brethren in Battle Creek,There are times when the truth must be spoken, whether men will hear, or whether they will forbear. The Lord is greatly dishonored when those who claim to believe the truth fail to harmonize among themselves, and make their appeals to lawyers. Will you study the word of God, and heed its instruction on this point? The interests of the cause of God are not to be committed to men who have no connection with heaven.?{PH156 1.1}[1]
Matters have been presented before me that have filled my soul with keen anguish. I saw men linking up arm in arm with lawyers; but God was not in their company. Having many ideas regarding the work, they go to the lawyers for help to carry out their plans. I am commissioned to say to such that you are not moving under the inspiration of the Spirit of God.?{PH156 1.2}[2]
“Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” Men in responsible positions are uniting with those in the church and out of the church, whose counsel is misleading. Is it necessary for the Lord to come to you with a rod to show you that you need a higher experience before you can be fitted for connection with the family above? Will you link up with men who have a faculty for accusing and thinking and speaking evil of the things that God?approves? In the name of the Lord, I tell you that you need clearer discernment and spiritual eyesight.?{PH156 1.3}[3]
If the light which God has given you over and over again, that missionary centers should be established in many cities, and that the labor and the means centered in Battle Creek should be divided, and planted in many places, had been followed, the present state of confusion and dearth of means would never have been.?{PH156 2.1}[4]
Men located in Battle Creek have disregarded the counsels of the Lord, because it was more convenient for them to have the work centered there. God has left these to the results of their human wisdom, and its fruit is seen in the present perplexities. “Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.” “Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your ways and your doings good. And they said, There is no hope: but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart. Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ask ye now among the heathen, who hath heard such things: the virgin of Israel hath done a very horrible thing. Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon which cometh?from the rock of the field? or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be forsaken? Because my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up.”?{PH156 2.2}[5]
Again and again the Lord has pointed out the work which the church in Battle Creek and those all through America are to do. They are to reach a much higher standard in spiritual advancement. They are to awake out of sleep, and go without the camp, working for souls that are ready to perish. The medical missionaries are doing the long-neglected work which God gave to the church in Battle Creek,—they are giving the last call to the supper which he has prepared.?{PH156 3.1}[6]
My brethren, why do you keep so many things bound up in Battle Creek? Why do you not take the tract and missionary work into other cities, where there is much missionary work to be done? The many interests centering in Battle Creek should be divided and subdivided, and placed in other cities. You who think you are wise men may say, “It will cost too much. We can do the work here in Battle Creek at less expense.” Well, does not the Lord know all this? Is not he a God who understands all the unbelieving reasoning that holds so many interests in Battle Creek? He has revealed to you that centers should be made in all the cities. This would call many out of Battle Creek to work in other places.?{PH156 3.2}[7]
In order to be carried forward aright, the medical missionary work needs talent. It requires strong and willing hands, and wise,?discriminating management. But can this be while those in responsible places—presidents of conferences and ministers—bar the way? The Lord says to the presidents of conferences and to influential brethren, Remove the stumbling-blocks that have been placed before the people.?{PH156 3.3}[8]
The people in Battle Creek have not exercised their talents in planning and devising how they may plant the standard of truth in regions where the message has not been proclaimed, and where decided efforts should be made; and the Lord has moved upon Dr. Kellogg and his associates to do the work which belongs to the church, and which was offered to them, but which they did not choose to accept. Some in Battle Creek, instead of taking up the work given them of God, have, by following their own selfish way, blinded their spiritual eyesight and the eyesight of others; and God has placed his precious work in the hands of those who will take it up and carry it forward.?{PH156 4.1}[9]
God is in his holy place, and he dwells also with him who is of a humble and contrite spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Those who are doing medical missionary work should have the full sanction and cooperation of the church. If they do not have this, they are hindered. Nevertheless, they will advance. It is not God’s plan that there be two churches in Battle Creek, because of the want of cooperation in this line. How much better it is to seek for unity of action. If the medical missionary workers will carry this line of effort into the churches everywhere, if they will work in the fear of God, they will find many doors opened before them, and angels will work with them.?{PH156 4.2}[10]
Please read the invitation to the supper, and the last call made. Study to see what is being done to meet the command of Jesus. I can not understand why this indifference is manifested, why you should stand off, and criticize, and draw away. The gospel-net is to be cast into the sea; and it draws both good and bad. But because this is so, shall men and women ignore the efforts made to save those who will believe, and who will unite in the work of reaching that class of which Christ spoke in his rebuke to the Pharisees? Sinners and harlots, he said, go into the kingdom before you. Will you not see that even in the church there are those who have no connection with God? But Christ says, Let the tares and the wheat grow together until the harvest; then I will send my angel to gather out the tares and burn them, but the wheat will I gather into my barn.?{PH156 5.1}[11]
When the Lord moves upon the churches, bidding them to do a certain work, and they refuse to do that work; and when some, with their human efforts united with the divine, endeavor to reach to the very depths of human woe and misery, God’s blessing will rest richly upon them. Even though but few souls accept the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, their work will not be in vain; for one soul is precious, very precious, in the eyes of God. Christ died for that soul, in order that he might live through eternal ages.?{PH156 5.2}[12]
Let us study the eighteenth chapter of Matthew. This chapter should enlighten our eyes. “Take heed,” says Christ, “that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always?behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of Man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.”?{PH156 5.3}[13]
There are many souls being rescued, wrenched from Satan’s hand, by faithful workers. Some one must have a burden of soul to find those who have been lost to Christ; and one soul redeemed over whom Satan has triumphed, causes joy among the heavenly angels. There are those who have destroyed the moral image of God in themselves. The gospel-net must gather in these poor outcasts. Angels of God will cooperate with those who are engaged in this work, who make every effort to save perishing souls, to give them opportunities which many never have had. There is no other way to reach them but in Christ’s way. He ever worked to relieve suffering and to teach righteousness. Only thus can they be taken from the depths of hell.?{PH156 6.1}[14]
The workers must labor in love,—feeding, cleansing, and clothing those who need their help. In this way these outcasts are prepared to know that some one cares for their souls. The Lord has shown me that many of these poor outcasts from society will, through the ministration of human agencies, cooperate with the divine, and seek to restore the moral image of God in?others for whom Christ has paid the price of his own blood. They will be called the elect of God, precious, and will stand next to the throne of God.?{PH156 6.2}[15]
“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.... Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken: the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”?{PH156 7.1}[16]
Brethren, be careful, very careful. There is a work being done to the medical missionaries?which answers to the description given in?Matthew 24:48-51. The Lord is working to reach the most depraved. Many will know what it means to be drawn to Jesus Christ, but will not have moral courage to war against appetite and passion. But the workers must not be discouraged at this; for it is written, “In the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” Is it only those rescued from the lowest depths that backslide? There are those in the ministry who have had light and a knowledge of the truth, who will not be overcomers. They will not restrict their appetite and passions, or deny themselves for Christ’s sake; and many of the poor outcasts, even publicans and sinners, will grasp the hope set before them in the gospel, and will go into the kingdom of heaven before the ones who have had great opportunities and great light, but who have walked in darkness. In the last great day, many will say, Lord, Lord, open unto us. But the door will be shut, and their knock will be in vain.?{PH156 7.2}[17]
We should feel deeply over these things; for they are truth. We should have a high estimate of truth and of the value of souls. Time is short, and there is a great work to be done. If you feel no interest in the work that is going forward, if you will not encourage medical missionary work in the churches, it will be done without your consent; for it is the work of God, and it must be done. Brethren and sisters, take your position on the Lord’s side, and be earnest, active, courageous coworkers with Christ, laboring with him to seek and to save that which is lost.---Mrs. E. G. White?{PH156 8.1}[18]
【An Appeal to our Brethren in Battle Creek】
Why is it, brethren, that you continue to to keep so many things bound up in Battle Creek? Why do you not listen to the counsels and the warnings that have been given to you regarding this matter? Why do you not take decisive steps to establish centers of influence in many of the large cities? Why do you not encourage the Michigan Tract Society and the International Tract Society to establish their offices in cities where there is a great missionary work to be done, and where their secretaries and workers may engage personally in missionary labor, and act as leaders in important missionary enterprises. Move out, brethren, move out, and educate your workers to labor for those outside the camp. Why do you hide your light by continuing to remain in Battle Creek? Go out, brethren, go out into the regions beyond.?{PH156 9.1}[19]
There is much work to be done, and our experienced workers should strive to place themselves where they may come in direct contact with those needing help. It is comparatively little that they can do in Battle Creek. Is it right, brethren, for you to keep your light hid under a bed or under a bushel? Is it not better that you should do that which the Lord has plainly indicated that you ought to do? Resolve now that you will give up your preference, your way, and that you will obey his voice. Seek the Lord most earnestly, with humble, fervent prayer for wisdom and for success in this endeavor. Then take your light from under the?bushel, the place which seems most favorable for your financial interests, and from under the bed, the place most convenient for your comfort, and put it on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house.?{PH156 9.2}[20]
A crisis in missionary effort is upon us. There is a great work to be done, and if this work is earnestly done in Battle Creek, if it is faithfully done throughout the churches in Michigan, if it is vigorously prosecuted in all our older churches and strongholds of influence, we may hope that its influence will leaven the churches throughout all the conferences, many of whom are now standing as though paralyzed.?{PH156 10.1}[21]
The institutions which God has established as centers of influence and for the dissemination of light are not blending their interests, and working together as God would have them. The managers of these institutions should know that their very first work is to harmonize with their fellow workers. Our ministers must awake to understand the situation. The gospel is the sanctifying influence in our world. Its influence upon hearts will bring harmony. The standard of truth is to be uplifted, and the atonement of Christ presented as the grand, central theme for consideration.?{PH156 10.2}[22]
The medical missionary work is to the work of the church as the right arm to the body. The third angel’s message goes forth proclaiming the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The medical missionary work is the gospel in practise. All the lines of work are to be harmoniously blended in giving the invitation, “Come, for all things are now ready.”?{PH156 10.3}[23]
The message has been given to those in Battle Creek, that many should move into places where they may engage in this very work, in connection with their temporal business. Had they moved out by faith, willing to endure wearing labor and privation for the work’s sake, they would have obtained rich experiences in the things of God. But they thought that they would find things a little more comfortable in Battle Creek, that the work there would be less taxing than elsewhere, and thus they remain. Many who crowd into Battle Creek get no good there, because they do not make use of the knowledge they receive. They do no good in Battle Creek, but are swelling the number who need conversion. They have not the spirit of sacrifice. They have much of self, and a little of Christ, a little faith, and a few good works. They think that they have religion, but it all amounts to nothing.?{PH156 11.1}[24]
God speaks to you in his word: “Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.... And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness. The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”?{PH156 11.2}[25]
My brethren, the Lord has called upon you to do a certain work, but you have not done it; and now in the place where you are, there is discord and contention and strife. But this need not be. God does not design that his workmen shall stand apart as independent atoms. All have a great and solemn work to do, and it is to be done under God’s supervision.?{PH156 12.1}[26]
God will do great things for his people if they will cooperate with him. He will work upon the minds of men so that their lives and the influence of their work will correspond with the following promises:—?{PH156 12.2}[27]
“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel, and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart. Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it;?but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there: and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”?{PH156 12.3}[28]
The wilderness itself has neither glory nor excellence, and to the Lord is to be ascribed all the honor for the transformation wrought. This great work is of God. Therefore magnify not the men who are under the special working of his power. Glorify God, and he will continue to work.?{PH156 13.1}[29]
The Lord has a special work for his people to do at this time. He says,“Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.” This is the very work that the Apostle Paul charges the churches to do. “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.”?{PH156 13.2}[30]
I pray that you may now, as never before, both ministers and church-members, come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness. Study prayerfully the?John 17:1. This chapter is not only to be read again and again. But its truths are to be eaten and digested. “For?their sakes,” Christ prayed, “I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.... That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”?{PH156 13.3}[31]
Are these words, of such import to us, to be always neglected? God calls upon those who claim to be his children to study these words, to eat them, to live them. Seek for unity and love, else the candlestick will be removed out of its place.?{PH156 14.1}[32]
---Mrs. E. G. White[33]
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