给巴特尔克里克教会的证言
证言
1.巴特尔克里克学校
1871年12月10日，我蒙指示看见贝尔弟兄在巴特尔克里克参与上帝事工的情况。贝尔弟兄有资格成为一名成功的教师。如果他在善于教导的同时具有良好的身体素质，使他能始终保持冷静沉着，对教师来说，这是非常宝贵的，那么他的服务将具有不可估量的价值。他热爱他作为一名教师的工作，全身心地投入到这项工作中。他有能力以各种不同的方式，通过令人印象深刻的例证来解释一些原则，否则这些原则在学生的头脑中就会失去很大的力量。{PH123 1.1}
贝尔弟兄喜欢他的工作。他的思想，他的希望，他的祈祷，都在其中，好使他的努力非常成功，并实现永久的利益。他的志向是用一种愉快的、自愿勤奋的学习精神来激励他的学生。这样的兴趣和奉献是罕见的，应该得到他的学生和所有关心子女福利和进步之人的赞赏。贝尔弟兄更看重学生们的进步，而不是他的劳动所得。要是贝尔弟兄把自己局限在他在巴特尔克里克非常适应的这方面工作中，对他来说原会更好，对教会来说也会更好。{PH123 1.2}
巴特尔克里克的教会有一个错误，就是不重视贝尔弟兄的道德价值，以及他卓越的教学方法，这使我有必要叙述我曾蒙指示看见的他作教师的能力。他的教学方法很彻底，不符合在普通学校教育孩子的肤浅方法。他的学生们所受的彻底训练，许多人觉得反感，他严格的纪律和他完整的教学体系对一群孩子来说很不愉快，他们已经养成了把自己局限在书本中得到的指示的习惯，惯于快速翻阅这些书，以为自己远比实际上先进。这些孩子在家里被宠爱骄纵，在学校里又被推着前进，他们对贝尔弟兄没有推行同样的计划非常不满。他们在家里抱怨，父母便同情他们，其实他们本应该完全同情孩子们的忠诚导师。他们本应该感到，有这样一位老师，既能指导他们的孩子学习科学，又能照顾他们的身体、道德和属灵的利益，乃是一种莫大的福气。{PH123 2.1}
教师一般不觉得自己有很大的责任，他们的努力应当在某种程度上与他们的责任相符。他们没有使学生们牢记，他们受教育的目的应该是使他们有资格实际运用上帝赋予他们的能力;并以一种能成就最大量的善的方式来做这事，从而符合他们存在的目的。{PH123 3.1}
由于许多人忽视了赏识贝尔弟兄的辛劳，我就有必要叙述曾呈现在我面前的一些事，论到他作为青年教师的劳动价值。我的丈夫和我都坚定地支持贝尔弟兄，正如我们认为正义要求我们应该做的。我们高度重视他作为一名教师的资格。我丈夫对贝尔弟兄聪明的教学方法有很高的评价，他好几次在教会面前说他的好话，因为他为他们没能重视道德价值而感到忧伤。他们对聪明献身的汉娜·莫尔的忽视，他视为很严重的罪，好像做在基督身上一样。而当他看到贝尔弟兄处在贫困当中，衣着简陋，却在努力发挥他的全部影响力来造福于年轻人，同时许多人却如此冷漠，不来帮助他的时候，他就觉得，在某种程度上，正是同样的缺乏赏识，让他们对汉娜·莫尔关闭了自己的心门和家门。{PH123 3.2}
所说贝尔弟兄具有优秀资历的话，几乎不知不觉地对他产生了高举的影响。我蒙指示，务要非常小心，甚至在必须减轻人压力的重担时，免得他们仰仗自己的智慧，不以上帝为唯一的依靠。说称赞人的话，或高抬基督传道人的才干，乃是危险的事。在上帝的日子，有许多人因高抬身价，而要称在天平里显出亏欠。我要警告弟兄姊妹们，切不可因人的才干而奉承他们;因为这是他们承受不起的。自我很容易被抬高，结果便使人失去了平衡。我再对弟兄姊妹们说，如果你们不愿沾染众人的血污，就切切不可阿谀，切切不可赞扬可怜必死之人的努力;因为这会害了他们。一位弟兄或姊妹的举止无论在外表上如何谦恭，我们用言语和行动去夸奖高抬他们总是危险的事。如果他们确实具有上帝所极重视的温柔谦卑的精神，便当帮助他们保持此种精神。批评非难他们，或是忽略他们，不去适当地赏识他们的真价值，都不能达到这一点。很少有人能经得起称赞而又不受损害。{PH123 4.1}
现在传扬现代真理的一些有才干的传道人喜欢受人的称赞。称赞刺激他们，就像酒刺激酒徒一样。若是把这种传道人调到会众少，引不起特别刺激或坚决反对的地方，他们就会失去兴趣和热忱，在工作上萎靡不振，好像酒徒被禁止饮酒一样。这些人若不学会了无需称赞的刺激而作工，就不能成为真正实际的工人。{PH123 5.1}
当我们在巴特尔克里克的弟兄们开始重视贝尔弟兄作为一名教师的操劳时，一些人自由地表达了他们对他的资格的赞赏，因为他们知道他没有得到应有的尊重。这些事有一种倾向，使贝尔弟兄信赖他自己的能耐，直到他自视甚高。最后，贝尔弟兄几乎受不了有人质疑他的做法，或建议不是他原创的或与他的想法不同的计划。有长期经验的弟兄姐妹们的意见没有得到贝尔弟兄的尊重，反而被搁置一旁，当作是不值得注意的。贝尔弟兄变得苛求了，而且对小事极其敏感;尤其是如果学生们对他的权威有任何不尊重的地方。{PH123 5.2}
有些父母不明智。他们随便谈论儿女所发的抱怨，伤害了贝尔弟兄的影响力，更伤害了他们自己。这些父母在教导子女方面没有足够兴趣去访问学校，从而表现出关心自己孩子的进步和对老师的鼓励。他们宁愿置身事外，冷眼旁观，除非能找到什么可抱怨的东西。他们巧舌如簧，再三讲述学校里发生的与孩子们关于明智纪律的幼稚想法背道而驰的事件。{PH123 6.1}
关于孩子们所说的太严格的纪律，父母们本应该有智慧，不同情没有经验的、娇生惯养的孩子。孩子们在这些事上不像父母们那么该受责备。贝尔弟兄本不该对学生们的错误那么敏感，即使他知道他们的父母确实相信他们复述的一切。他本该考虑到，父母或学生对他的所有评价都不会影响他在上帝眼中的品格。他们所说伤害他的话，反而确实严重地影响了他们在我们天父面前的品格。论断别人的良心，挑剔别人所谓的缺点，更符合他们未成圣之心的感觉。这比仔细检查他们自己的心，用公正、敏锐的眼睛发现自己的错误，并对自己作出宣判，产生的痛苦和自卑感要少得多。{PH123 6.2}
虽然父母们中间在教育儿女方面存在着如此大的缺陷，他们却不准备看到贝尔弟兄施教的彻底方式。确实，他的教学风格与一般教师形成了鲜明的对比。然而正是他这种教学才是所需要的，会使学生的品格具有稳定性。一些父母对贝尔弟兄缺少支持，使他的工作加倍困难了。他们在家疏于管教自己的孩子，这对孩子有了一种影响，使他们断定贝尔弟兄太挑剔了，而且不必要地苛求。在某些情况下，父母们因同情自己的孩子而抵消了贝尔弟兄的认真努力。正受着所需要的管教的孩子们了解到自己的父母质疑贝尔弟兄的做法，而这导致孩子们采取了他们本来不会采取的自由。要是父母与孩子们的教师齐心协力，结果原会很好。父母们的这些错误使贝尔弟兄心情压抑，他的影响也不是如果他知道学生的父母都与他合作原能有的影响。{PH123 7.1}
贝尔弟兄作为普通学校和安息日学校的教师，总体上是成功的。由于他在这些方面的成功，他在其它方面的能力被一些人估计得太高了。贝尔弟兄受到鼓励承担更大的责任，成为教会的领袖、保健院的主任和《青年导报》的编辑。人们对贝尔弟兄的期望超过了对任何一个人的合理期望。他设法在教会和保健院实行他曾在学校采用的管理制度。在这里，他彻底失败了。他看不出在他执教的学校里控制年轻人的思想和管理一间由习惯固定、品格定型的男人和女人构成的教会的区别。把不同性情、受过不同教育的男人和女人纳入精确、系统的工作秩序，像受到良好管理的机器一样，并非易事。{PH123 8.1}
贝尔弟兄有很好的秩序和纪律观念。他认为头脑应当受训练，以便在普通学校和安息日学里像机器一样统一行动。但是，只有通过原则才能获得这种理想的成就，原则应该影响每一个行为和感觉，根据情况的需要调节、刺激或压抑并控制灵魂。如果没有宗教给予年轻人心灵的平衡，他们就会变化。他们一般受冲动控制。他们随从爱好而不是责任。父母和教师有一项很负责任的工作摆在面前，要如此教育青年，以便加强宝贵的心理素质，同时使邪恶的倾向得到抑制、约束和控制。{PH123 9.1}
贝尔弟兄没有意识到，他更多倚靠制度来把上帝的教会提升到正确的位置，并处在工作状态，而不是倚靠上帝之灵在人心上的影响。他太多倚靠自己的能力了。他变得自高起来，没有意识到自己需要有长期经验之人的建议和忠告。{PH123 9.2}
他在接受保健院和教会的责任时，并没有表现出应有的考虑和智慧，更有经验的人是不会冒险承担这些责任的。他试图把保健院的事情带到他想要的精密完善的系统中，但没有成功。他为实现这一目标所作的努力激起了不信主的病人的愤怒。他试图执行他的计划，但没有带来和平与秩序，反而带来了纷争和混乱。他的规则和制度会带来重负，而不是减轻医生和助手的负担。医生和助手不能执行既定的规则，即使贝尔弟兄的全部时间都用来达到这个目标也不行。病人不停地来来去去，助手会变，医生会被叫走，这样就不可能执行明确而精确的规则。保健院的助手们自称相信真理，应该根据原则，从崇高的宗教立场作工，尽他们的本分，好像是在为上帝工作，而不是只为了工资。{PH123 10.1}
巴特尔克里克的教会在实行这种精确的制度时是不会兴旺起来的。瓦格纳和安德鲁斯弟兄在巴特尔克里克教会管理工作的某些方面失败了。他们的行动过于依赖自己的精神，没有完全依赖上帝。他们没有照着所应当的引领教会归向上帝。上帝是活水的泉源，可以供应他们的需求并满足他们心灵的饥渴。圣灵更新和成圣的影响，能给不安的良心带来平安和希望，恢复心灵的健康和快乐。但他们没有将圣灵的影响放在最重要的位置。他们所期望的美好目标没有实现。这些弟兄在审查要求加入教会的人时，表现出过分的冷酷批评的精神。这些传道的弟兄心中本该有与哀哭的人同哭、与喜乐的人同乐的精神，但他们却没有。{PH123 11.1}
基督与祂的子民息息相关;他们的需要和痛苦就是祂的需要及痛苦。祂说：“我饿了，你们给我吃;渴了，你们给我喝;我作客旅，你们留我住;我赤身露体，你们给我穿;我病了，你们看顾我;我在监里，你们来看我”(太25:35-36)。上帝的仆人对于凡跟随基督的人，应当存柔情诚爱之心;他们应当表现基督在比喻中所提的牧人对迷羊那样的深切关心;全然亲切、同情、温柔、仁爱，正如基督在祂的生命中给我们树立的榜样，使我们也能像祂对我们所施的那样运用温柔怜悯的爱。{PH123 11.2}
人最大的道德力量就是信、望、爱。一个传道人无论怎样热诚恳切，若是在这三点上消极怠惰，他的劳苦工作就不能蒙上帝的悦纳，也不能为教会生出好处。那向世人传扬上帝严肃信息的基督传道人，应当凡事行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心行在上帝面前。有了基督的精神居心，就必使人运用所有的力量，去养育保护祂草场上的羊，正如那忠心诚实的牧人一样。爱心乃是一条金链，使信徒的心乐意用友谊、温情、笃诚来互相联系，又使人心与上帝相连。现今弟兄之间实在缺少爱心、怜悯及同情的温柔。基督的传道人是太冷淡无情了。他们的心并不都燃有慈怜和真切的爱。人对上帝最纯洁最高尚的热诚，乃是在他最切心最努力救人归主上表现出来。传扬现代真理的传道人，其所以不得更大的成功，乃是因他们极其缺乏信、望、爱。我们人人要遭遇及担当许多的辛劳和斗争、舍己和秘密的心中磨炼。我们要为自己的罪而忧苦流泪;也要因自己的缺欠而不住地奋斗、儆醒，且杂有痛悔及惭愧。{PH123 12.1}
凡作亲爱救主十字架之传道人的，切不可忘记他们在这些事上的经验，而要常记在心：自己不过是人，容易犯错，与弟兄们有同样的性情。他们若要帮助弟兄，就必须心中充满爱怜之念，恒切努力使弟兄得益处。他们应当达到弟兄的心中，在其软弱及最需要扶助之处帮助他们。凡劳苦传道教导人的，如果欲见到弟兄打碎其刚硬、骄傲、不信之心，就先要打碎自己那样的心。因为我们是软弱无助的人，受黑暗、罪恶和绝望的锁链所捆绑，不能为自己作什么，所以基督就为我们行了一切。借着运用信、望、爱，我们才逐渐接近那完全圣洁的标准。我们的弟兄也觉得需要这种慈怜的救助，正如我们所曾感到的一样。我们不应当使他们担负不必要的责难，而应当让基督之爱激励我们，使我们变成温柔慈悲，以致能为那些背弃上帝及犯罪作错的人伤心哀哭。灵魂有无限的价值，只有从那付出的赎价上，我们才能估出灵魂的价值。髑髅地!髑髅地!髑髅地!会阐明灵魂的真价值!{PH123 13.1}
为了完善安息日学和教会的不同利益分支，举行了如此多的会议，这是一个严重的错误。自然受不了对她的资源不断提取。我们出版社的工作竟然次于贝尔弟兄的计划了。好几个人的兴趣被要求纳入贝尔弟兄的计划中，以便扩大他自以为会成功的安排。一些人不得不忽视上帝在出版社里的工作，才能坚持参加召开的许多会议。这种负担过重的结果是体力严重损耗以致生病了。上帝的工作并不要求我们违背健康律，带来疾病和早衰。上帝的要求不是不合理的。祂的方法和作为与祂在我们的生命中所植入的法则是一致的。祂的要求和祂的既定法则，管理着我们的健康和生活，是完全和谐的。{PH123 14.1}
米娜·费尔菲尔德姐妹操劳超过了她的耐受力，加之出版社一些人的自私做法和她妹妹的任性给她带来的考验，给她带来了如此强烈的心理磨难和如此大的焦虑，使她不能超越这些事，结果她就死了。许多人觉得这些会议的负担太损耗体力了，并且表达了他们的担心;但贝尔弟兄一门心思要使教会提升，进入工作状态，以致不顾健康律和生命律了。带着烈士般的精神，他认为，不管疲倦和健康状况如何，把事情推向理想的目的是一种美德。一个方面的持续压力，要求运用某些脑力，是严重损耗智力和体力的;一些人的头脑变得不平衡了。{PH123 15.1}
每一种素质都得到适当使用，这对于心智的健康发展是必不可少的。如果一种官能遭受闲愁之苦，而其它官能过劳，上帝的计划就不能完成了，因为心理的平衡没有得到保持。过劳的器官变得受了刺激，其实，要是所有官能，尤其是那些最弱的官能得到培养，对任何人来说，压力都不会太大。所有的官能就会各尽其职，然后头脑就会得到适当的平衡。{PH123 16.1}
有活力的虔诚是一种应当培养的原则。上帝的大能可以为我们成就世界上所有的制度所无法成就的工作。基督徒品格的完善全赖乎唯独在上帝里得到的恩典和力量。要不是恩典的能力在我们心中，帮助我们所做出的努力，圣化我们的工作，我们就不能救自己的灵魂和别人的灵魂。制度和秩序是很重要的，但是任何人都不要以为，离了上帝的恩典和大能在心思意念中的运行，这些东西依然能起作用。若不是上帝的大能激励和鼓舞人，人的身心将疲于一系列的礼节，并无法履行我们的计划。{PH123 16.2}
贝尔弟兄使巴特尔克里克的安息日学成为一个引人关注的大主题。它吸引了青年的心，其它的宗教义务却受到忽视。往往安息日学结束之后，负责人，许多教师和不少的学员就回家休息了。他们以为自己当天的责任已尽，不再有其它义务了。当公众礼拜的钟声敲响，人们从家里出来前往敬拜的场所时，却遇到一大批安息日学的学员正回家去。无论聚会多么重要，也唤不起大部分安息日学的人对传道人所讲的重要圣经题目感兴趣。许多儿童不参加公众敬拜，一些留下来的孩子也没有从所讲的道中获益，因为他们认为这是令人厌倦的重荷。{PH123 17.1}
我们的安息日学应制定纪律和规则。参加安息日学的儿童应当珍视他们所享有的特权。应当要求他们遵守学校的规章。父母应当重视自己子女的圣经课程，超过对普通学校课程的关注。圣经课应当比普通学校的课程受到更加全面的研究。父母和儿童如果看不出这样做的必要，儿童最好就留在家里，因为安息日学不会成为他们的一种福气。父母和儿童应当与安息日学的负责人和教师配合，藉此表明他们欣赏为他们所付出的努力。父母应当特别关注自己子女的宗教教育，使他们对圣经有更充分的认识。{PH123 17.2}
有许多儿童声称自己没有时间，作为不学习安息日学课的理由。但他们如果对安息日学课感兴趣，就不会抽不出时间来。有些人将时间用在娱乐和游览上;还有一些人将宝贵的时间用在无用的装饰上，炫耀自己的穿戴，培养骄傲虚荣的精神。他们所虚度的宝贵时光乃是属于上帝的。他们必须为此向上帝交账。花费在无用装饰或消遣和毫无意义的交谈上的时间，和每一个行为一样，都要受到审判。{PH123 18.1}
PH123 - Testimony to the Church at Battle Creek
《Testimony》
【The School at Battle Creek】
December 10, 1871, I was shown the case of Bro. Bell in connection with the cause and work of God in Battle Creek. Bro. Bell has qualifications to make a successful teacher. If he had with his adaptation to teaching a sound physical constitution, so that he could at all times preserve calm self-possession, so valuable to a teacher, his services would be of inestimable worth. He loves his work as a teacher, and he gives his whole mind to this work. He has the power to explain, in a variety of ways, by impressive illustrations, principles which would otherwise lose much of their force upon the mind of the pupil.?{PH123 1.1}[1]
Bro. Bell delights in his work. His thoughts, his hopes, and his prayers, are in it, that he may make his efforts highly successful, and accomplish permanent good. It is his ambition to inspire his pupils with a spirit of cheerful, voluntary industry in study. Such interest and devotion are rare, and should be appreciated by his pupils, and by all who have an interest in the welfare and progress of their children.?Bro. Bell prizes more highly the improvement of his pupils than he does the wages he receives for his labor. Had Bro. Bell confined himself to this branch of his labor in Battle Creek, for which he was so well adapted, it would have been better for him, and better for the church.?{PH123 1.2}[2]
There was a fault with the church at Battle Creek in not appreciating the moral worth of Bro. Bell, and his superior method of teaching, which made it necessary for me to relate that which had been shown me in reference to his ability as a teacher. His thorough manner of instruction was not in accordance with the superficial method of educating children in the common schools. The thorough drilling to which his pupils were subjected was objectionable to many, and his strict discipline, and his complete system of instruction, were very disagreeable to a class of children who had been in the habit of confining themselves to the very letter of instruction as found in books, and of sliding through these books with rapidity, thinking they were far in advance of what they really were. These children, who had been petted and indulged at home and pushed forward at school, were highly dissatisfied that the same plan was not carried forward by Bro. Bell. They complained at home, and their parents?sympathized with them when their sympathy should have been wholly with the faithful instructor of their children. They should have felt that it was a great blessing to have a teacher who would look after the physical, moral, and spiritual interest of their children, as well as to instruct them in the sciences.?{PH123 2.1}[3]
Teachers generally do not feel that they have great responsibilities resting upon them, and that their efforts should in some measure correspond with their responsibilities. They do not impress upon the minds of their pupils that the object in their education should be to qualify them to bring into practical use the powers with which God has endowed them; and to do this in such a manner as will accomplish the greatest amount of good, and thereby answer the object of their existence.?{PH123 3.1}[4]
In consequence of the neglect of many to appreciate the labors of Bro. Bell, it became necessary for me to relate some things which had been presented before me in regard to the value of his labors as an instructor of youth. My husband and myself spoke decidedly in favor of Bro. Bell, as we thought justice demanded that we should. His qualifications as a teacher, we valued highly. My husband has ever had a high appreciation of Bro. Bell’s intelligent method of teaching, and he?several times spoke before the church in his favor, because he felt grieved that they failed to value moral worth. Their neglect of the intellectual and devoted Hannah Moore, he looked upon as a grievous sin, as though done to the person of Christ. And when he saw Bro. Bell in poverty, humbly clad, yet struggling to exert all the influence in his power to benefit the youth, while many were so indifferent to come up to his help, he felt it was the same lack of appreciation, in a degree, which closed their hearts and homes to Hannah Moore.?{PH123 3.2}[5]
The words spoken in behalf of Bro. Bell’s excellent qualifications had the influence, almost unconsciously to himself, to exalt him. I have been shown that great caution should be used, even when it is necessary to lift a burden of oppression from men and women, lest they lean to their own wisdom, and fail to make God their only dependence. But it is not safe to speak in praise of men and women, or to exalt the ability of a minister of Christ. Very many in the day of God will be weighed in the balance and found wanting because of exaltation. I would warn my brethren and sisters to never flatter persons because of their ability; for they cannot bear it. Self is easily exalted, and in consequence, persons lose their balance. I say again to my brethren and sisters, If?you would have your souls clean from the blood of all men, never flatter, never praise the efforts of poor mortals; for it may prove their ruin. It is unsafe, by our words and actions, to exalt a brother or sister, however apparently humble may be their deportment. If they really possess the meek and lowly spirit which God so highly estimates, help them to retain it. This will not be done by censuring them, or by your neglect to properly appreciate their true worth. Very few can bear praise without being injured.?{PH123 4.1}[6]
There are some of our ministers of ability, who are preaching present truth, who love approbation. Applause stimulates them, as the glass of wine the inebriate. Place these ministers where they have a small congregation which promises no special excitement, and which provokes no decided opposition, and they will lose their interest and zeal, and appear as languid in the work as the inebriate when he is deprived of his dram. These men will fail to make real, practical laborers until they learn to labor without the excitement of applause.?{PH123 5.1}[7]
When our brethren in Battle Creek began to value the labors of Bro. Bell as a teacher, some gave free expression of their appreciation of his qualifications, because they knew he had not been properly respected.?These things had a tendency to give Bro. Bell confidence in his own ability, until he cherished exalted views of himself. Finally, Bro. Bell could hardly endure to have his course questioned, or suggestions made of plans which he did not originate, or which differed from his ideas. The opinions of brethren and sisters of long experience were not respected by Bro. Bell, but set aside as unworthy of attention. Bro. Bell became exacting, and was extremely sensitive over little things; especially if any disrespect was shown of his authority on the part of his pupils.?{PH123 5.2}[8]
Some parents were not judicious. They injured the influence of Bro. Bell, and themselves more, in talking freely over the complaints made by their children. These parents did not have sufficient interest in the instruction of their children to visit the school, and thus manifest an interest in the progress of their children, and for the encouragement of their teacher. They preferred to hold themselves aloof, and look on coldly and indifferently, unless they could find something of which to complain. Their limber tongues worked easily, repeating incidents which had transpired in school contrary to their children’s childish ideas of wise discipline.?{PH123 6.1}[9]
Parents should have had wisdom not to sympathize with inexperienced, indulged?children, in regard to what they termed too strict discipline. The children in these things were not as much to blame as their parents. And Bro. Bell should not have been so very sensitive over the errors of his pupils, even if he knew their parents did credit all they repeated to them. He should have considered that all that parents or scholars might say of him did not affect his character in the sight of God. But that which they had said to his injury did affect seriously their characters in the sight of our Heavenly Father. It was more in accordance with the feelings of their unsanctified hearts to judge another’s conscience, and to pick flaws at his supposed faults. This produced less pain, less self-humiliation, than to closely examine their own hearts, and with just, discerning eyes see their own faults, and pronounce judgment against themselves.?{PH123 6.2}[10]
While there is, so great a deficiency among parents in the education of their children, they are not prepared to see the necessity of the thorough manner of Bro. Bell’s teaching. It is true his style of teaching is in marked contrast with the generality of teachers. But it is this kind of teaching that is needed, that will give stability to the character. The lack on the part of some of the parents to sustain Bro. Bell made his work doubly hard.?Their neglect to govern their children at home had an influence upon them to lead them to decide that Bro. Bell was too particular, and unnecessarily exacting. In some instances the parents counteracted the earnest efforts of Bro. Bell by their sympathizing with their children. The children, who were having the very discipline they needed, understood that their parents questioned the course of Bro. Bell, and this led the children to take liberties that they otherwise would not. Had their parents united their efforts fully with the teacher of their children, great good would have been the result. These mistakes on the part of the parents depressed Bro. Bell’s spirits, and his influence was not what it might have been if he had known that he had the co-operation of all the parents in his labors.?{PH123 7.1}[11]
Bro. Bell was successful generally as a teacher of the common schools and the Sabbath-schools. Because of his success in these, his abilities in every other respect were, by some, too highly estimated. Bro. Bell was encouraged to take still greater responsibilities, and to become leader of the church, and director of the Health Institute, and editor of the Instructor. More was expected of Bro. Bell than can reasonably be of any one man. He sought to carry out the system of management in?the church and Health Institute that he had adopted in the schools. Here he made a decided failure. He could not discern the difference between controlling youthful minds in a school wherein he was master, and a church composed of men and women with their habits fixed and their characters formed. It is not an easy matter to bring men and women of different temperaments, and that have been differently educated, into precise, systematic working order, like well-regulated machinery.?{PH123 8.1}[12]
Bro. Bell has nice ideas of order and discipline. He thinks that minds should be disciplined, that they may unitedly, in common schools as well as Sabbath-schools, move like machinery. But this desirable attainment can alone be gained through principle, which should influence every act and feeling, regulating, exciting, or repressing, as the case demands, and controlling the soul. Without the balance which religion gives the minds of youth, they are varying. They are generally controlled by impulse. They follow inclination rather than duty. Parents and teachers have a very responsible work before them to so educate the youth that the valuable qualities of the mind may be strengthened while the evil tendencies should be repressed, restrained, and controlled.?{PH123 9.1}[13]
Bro. Bell did not realize that he was?depending more upon system to bring up the church of God to the right position, and in working order, than to the influence of the Spirit of God upon the heart. He trusted too much to his own ability. He became exalted, and did not realize that he needed the advice and counsel of men of long experience.?{PH123 9.2}[14]
He did not move with all that consideration and wisdom he should in accepting the responsibilities at the Health Institute and the church, which men of greater experience would not venture to take. In seeking to bring things at the Health Institute to the precise and perfect system he desired, he was unsuccessful. His efforts to bring about the object stirred up wrath with unbelieving patients. In attempting to carry out his plans, instead of bringing about peace and order, he brought dissension and confusion. Instead of lightening the burdens of the physicians and helpers, his rules and system would impose a great tax. The physicians and helpers could not carry out set rules, even if the whole time of Bro. Bell was devoted to this object. The patients were continually coming and going, helpers would be changing, physicians would be called away, making it impossible to carry out definite and precise rules. The helpers at the Health Institute, who profess to believe?the truth, should work from principle, from a high religious standpoint, doing their duty as though they were working for God, and not merely for wages.?{PH123 10.1}[15]
The church in Battle Creek could not flourish in carrying out this precise system. Brn. Waggoner and Andrews failed in some respects in their management in church matters at Battle Creek. They moved too much in their own spirit, and did not make God their whole dependence. They did not, as they should, lead the church to God, the fountain of living waters, at which they could supply their want, and satisfy their soul-hunger. The renewing, sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, to give peace and hope to the troubled conscience, and restore health and happiness to the soul, was not made of the highest importance. The good object they had in view was not attained. These brethren had too much of a spirit of cold criticism in the examination of individuals who presented themselves to be received into the church. The spirit of weeping with those who weep, and rejoicing with those who rejoice, was not in the hearts of these ministering brethren as it should have been.?{PH123 11.1}[16]
Christ identified himself with the necessities of his people. Their needs and their sufferings were his. He says, “I was an?hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was sick, and ye visited me; a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” God’s servants should have hearts of tender affection and sincere love for the followers of Christ. They should manifest that deep interest that Christ brings to view in the care of the shepherd for the lost sheep; all tenderness, and compassion, and gentleness, and love, as Christ has in his life given us an example, that we should exercise the same tender, pitying love he has exercised toward us.?{PH123 11.2}[17]
The great moral powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love. If these are inactive, the labor of ministers, be they ever so earnest and zealous, will not be accepted of God, and cannot be productive of good to the church. Ministers of Christ who bear the solemn message from God to the people should ever deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God. The spirit of Christ in the heart will incline every power of the soul to nourish and protect the sheep of his pasture, like a faithful, true shepherd. Love is the golden chain which binds believing hearts to one another in willing bonds of friendship, tenderness, and faithful constancy; and binds the soul to God. There is a decided lack?of love, compassion, and pitying tenderness among brethren. The ministers of Christ are too cold and heartless. They have not their hearts all aglow with tender compassion and earnest love. The purest and most elevated devotion to God is that which is manifested in the most earnest desire and efforts to win souls to Christ. The reason ministers who preach present truth are not more successful is, they are deficient, greatly deficient, in faith, hope, and love. There are toils and conflicts, self-denials and secret heart-trials, for us all to meet and bear. There will be tears and sorrow for our sins. There will be constant struggles and watchings, mingled with remorse and shame, because of our deficiencies.?{PH123 12.1}[18]
Let not the ministers of the cross of our dear Saviour forget their experience in these things, but ever bear in mind they are but men liable to err, of like passions with their brethren; and if they help their brethren, they must be persevering in their efforts to do them good, having their hearts filled with pity and love. They must come to the hearts of their brethren, and help them where they are weak and need help the most. Those who labor in word and doctrine should break their own hard, proud, unbelieving hearts, if they would witness the same in their brethren. Christ?has done all for us because we were helpless, bound in chains of darkness, sin, and despair, and because we could do nothing for ourselves. It is through the exercise of faith, hope, and love, that we come nearer and nearer to the standard of perfect holiness. Our brethren feel the same pitying need of help that we have felt. We should not burden them with unnecessary censure, but let the love of Christ constrain us to be very compassionate and tender, that we can weep over the erring and those who have backslidden from God. The soul is of infinite value. The worth of the soul can be estimated only by the price paid to ransom it. Calvary! Calvary! Calvary! will explain the true value of the soul.?{PH123 13.1}[19]
There was a serious error in holding so many meetings with the view to perfect the different branches of interest in the Sabbath-school and in the church. Nature could not stand the constant draft upon her resources. The work at our Office of publication was made secondary to the plans of Bro. Bell. The interest of several was required to be absorbed in the plans of Bro. Bell, in order to extend his arrangements that he flattered himself would be successful. The work of God in the Office had to be neglected by some, in order for them to sustain the many meetings called. The physical strength was so?severely taxed that sickness was the result of this over-taxation. The work of God does not require us to violate the laws of health, and bring on disease and premature decay. God’s requirements are not unreasonable. His ways and works are in harmony with the laws he has implanted in our being. His requirements and his established laws, governing our health and life, are in perfect harmony.?{PH123 14.1}[20]
Sister Mina Fairfield labored beyond her power of endurance, which, in connection with the selfish course of some in the Office, and the trials brought upon her by the wayward course of her sister, brought upon her such keen trials of mind, and so great a burden of anxiety, that she could not rise above these things, and death was the result. Many felt that the burden of these meetings was too wearing to the physical strength, and expressed their fears; but Bro. Bell’s mind was so concentrated upon the object of bringing up the church into working order that he did not regard the laws of health and life. With a martyr-like spirit, he considered it a virtue, irrespective of weariness and failing health, to press the matter to the desired end. The strain in one direction, calling into exercise certain powers of the mind, was severely wearing to mental and physical strength; and some minds were becoming unbalanced.?{PH123 15.1}[21]
It is necessary for the healthful development of mind that each quality be properly employed. If one faculty is suffered to remain idle while others are over-worked, the design of God is not accomplished, because the balance of the mind is not preserved. The over-taxed organs become irritated, when, if all the faculties, especially those that are the weakest, should be cultivated, the pressure would not be extreme upon any one. All would bear their part of the labor, and minds would then be properly balanced.?{PH123 16.1}[22]
Vital godliness is a principle to be cultivated. The power of God can accomplish for us that which all the systems in the world cannot effect. The perfection of Christian character depends wholly upon the grace and strength found alone in God. Without the power of grace upon the heart, assisting our efforts, and sanctifying our labors, we shall fail of saving our own souls, and in saving the souls of others. System and order are highly essential, but none should receive the impression that these will do the work without the grace and power of God operating upon the mind and heart. Heart and flesh would fail in the round of ceremonies, and in the carrying out of our plans, without the power of God to inspire and give courage to perform.?{PH123 16.2}[23]
The Sabbath-school at Battle Creek was made the one great theme of interest with Bro. Bell. It absorbed the minds of youth, while other religious duties were neglected. Frequently, after the Sabbath-school was closed, the superintendent, a number of the teachers, and quite a number of scholars, would return home to rest. They felt that their burden for the day was ended, and they had no further duty. When the bell sounded forth the hour for public service, as the people left their homes for the house of worship, they would meet a large portion of the school passing to their homes. And however important the meeting, the interest of a large share of the Sabbath-school could not be awakened to take any pleasure in the instruction given by the minister upon important Bible subjects. While many of the children did not attend public service, some that remained were not advantaged by the word spoken; for they felt that it was a wearisome tax.?{PH123 17.1}[24]
There should be discipline and order in our Sabbath-schools. Children who attend these schools should prize the privileges they enjoy. They should be required to observe the regulations of the Sabbath-school. And even greater care should be taken by the parents, that their children should have their Scripture lessons learned more perfectly than their lessons in the?common schools. If parents and children see no necessity for this interest, then the children might better remain at home; for the Sabbath-school will fail to prove a blessing to them. Parents and children should work in harmony with teachers and superintendent, thus giving evidence that they appreciate the labor put forth for them. Parents should have an especial interest in the religious education of their children, that they may have a more thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.?{PH123 17.2}[25]
There are many children who plead a lack of time as a reason why their Sabbath-school lessons are not learned. There are but few who cannot find time to learn their lessons if they have an interest in them. Some devote time to amusement and sight-seeing, while others devote time to the needless trimming of their dress for display, thus cultivating pride, and vanity. The precious hours thus prodigally spent is God’s time, for which they must render an account to him. The hours spent in needless ornamentation, or in amusements and idle conversation, will with every work be brought into judgment.?{PH123 18.1}[26]
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