时间和工作
福音的使命
耶稣委托给祂教会信徒的使命是：“你们往普天下去，传福音给万民听”(可16:15)。祂相信他们会完成祂交给他们的任务。因此当门徒问：“世界的末了，有什么预兆呢”(太24:3)时，祂回答说：“这天国的福音，要传遍天下，对万民作见证，然后末期才来到”(太24:14)。{PH120 3.1}
教会的宗旨依然是在努力从事家乡布道的同时，把福音传遍天下。“在上帝子民面前有一项大工，必须不断发扬光大。我们在传道战线上所有的努力必须大大地扩充范围。在我们主耶稣基督第二次显现之前，有一番较诸以往更为确切的工作必须完成。上帝的子民不可停止工作，直到他们的工作普及全球。”(《教会证言》卷六23、24页){PH120 3.2}
天意的预备
在世界的历史上，上帝从来没有像现在那样为国外的福音宣教打开那么多出口。对人员和资金的呼吁也从来没有像现在那么急迫。需求也从来没有像现在那么大。“我们永不可卸下那为‘远方地区’所负的重担，直到全地都因主的荣耀发光。”(《教会证言》卷六29页){PH120 3.3}
我们努力决不可放松。我们为远方的国家必须比过去做得更多，做得多得多。{PH120 4.1}
在国外的园地做这项工作，将是加强国内园地圣工成功的方法。“当人们为国外布道区的发展表现一种更慷慨，更舍己、自我牺牲的精神时，国内的布道工作就必在各方面更有进展;因为在上帝的领导下，国内工作的兴旺多赖于远方布道工作所反映的影响。”(《教会证言》卷六27页){PH120 4.2}
对于人员和资金的更大需求
战争的结果使欧洲的土地饱受贫困之苦。他们在远方的工作也不像以前做得那么多了。为了应付越来越多对美国人员和资金的需求，国内园地的工作必须采用与以前不同的方法。工人要培养出来。需求既这么大，为了迅速完成工作，就不能再完全依靠学校或长期培训来提供对人员的需求。{PH120 4.3}
教会是训练中心
除了我们的学校之外，教会应成为培训中心。要从教会的信徒中培养有能力的工人。为了倡导这些特别的关注，必须加强国内园地的工作。特别是在我们的大城市里，要制订聪明的计划，努力培养工人。我们得到的吩咐是：“各地的教会受到上帝光照后，就应立即到各大城市去作工;可惜许多人尚未为别人的灵性担负起责任。撒但既发现他们易受引诱，就乘机破坏了他们基督徒的经验。上帝吩咐祂的百姓要悔改，要归正，要恢复起初的爱心，就是他们因为没有跟从自我牺牲的救赎主而丧失了的爱心。”(《教会证言》卷九140页){PH120 4.4}
教会的信徒必须工作
“如果我们像过去二十年那样开展培养信徒的工作，那么，我们也会像过去一样，仍不能使教友们成为克己牺牲、背负十架跟从基督的人。许多人吃灵粮已经吃得过量了，同时在世上却有千万人民，因缺乏生命之粮而正在败亡呢!教会的信徒必须工作。他们必须培养自己。”(《教会证言》卷九140页){PH120 5.1}
五旬节的方式
基督早期的门徒承认了自己的罪，纠正了每一错误，即将开始执行福音的使命之时，圣灵降到他们身上，有大能力伴随着这些卑微的人。在上帝的引导下，“有虔诚的人从天下各国来，”聚集在住在耶路撒冷。听到门徒“用乡谈讲说上帝的大作为”(徒2:11)他们感到很惊讶。这些人中有许多后来说：“弟兄们，我们当怎样行?”(徒3:37)他们成了信徒，回去之后，把好消息传给他们的亲朋好友。圣经论到使徒说： “他们就每日在殿里，在家里，不住地教训人，传耶稣是基督”(徒5:42)。 他们用这种挨家挨户的工作方法无疑争取了许多新的信徒。“主将得救的人，天天加给他们”(徒2:46、47)。数以千计的人归主了。在较短的时间里，福音信息传遍了世界。{PH120 5.2}
“门徒并未为他们自己求福;而只着重于救人的责任。要将福音传到地极，所以他们要求赐下基督所应许的能力。于是就有圣灵的浇灌，以致一日之中有几千人悔改归主。现在也可以如此。”(《教会证言》卷八21页){PH120 6.1}
要重现五旬节的经历
多年以来，世界各地的外国人来到我们的国家，直至美国的人口大部分是由外国人所组成。大城市里居住的主要是外国人。这是天意。五旬节的经验将要重演。上帝的旨意是让聚集在这里的天下各国的人把最后的慈怜信息带给他们的朋友邻舍。但为了接触我们城市里的外国人，就必须带着用他们自己语言印刷的书刊，做挨家挨户的工作。他们要听人讲他们自己的语言。 “祂的仆人要挨家挨户宣扬救恩的信息。” (《教会证言》卷八16页){PH120 7.1}
教会的信徒若是放弃一切罪恶，尽本分预备好自己积极参与这项工作，圣灵就会降在他们身上，许多人就会加入教会。其中一些是富人。这样，就能在国外成功地开展工作，因为人员资金都会如此得到供应。藉着国内园地的工作，要培养出国外园地的工人。福音的使命只有在教会的信徒都成为积极的工人之后，才能完成。{PH120 7.2}
救恩的计划行将完成
各方面的证据正在增多，证明救恩的计划快要完成。最后的工作要伴随着大能力。“那时救恩的工作行将结束，地上的患难即将临到，邦国要发怒，但他们要受到抑制，不让他们拦阻第三位天使的工作。那时‘晚雨’，即主面前‘安舒的日子’将要来到，以加强第三位天使的大呼声。(《早期著作》86页){PH120 8.1}
六十年前，怀姐妹在一个特别的证言里谈到最近欧洲的冲突时说：“我看见欧洲正在朝着他们理想的实现前进。似乎有一、二次放慢了速度，因而恶人的心放松和刚硬了。但是工作不会停顿下来。因为君王和官长决心互相倾轧，百姓则意在取得优势”。{PH120 8.2}
《证言》卷一268页中所指的，也许就是这短短的表面上和平的时期。“似乎有了少许和平时期。”在这段表面上和平的时期之后，就是最后的世界大战。怀姐妹提到它时说：“地上的居民再次被呈现在我面前;万事重又陷于极大的混乱中了。冲突、战争和流血，连同饥荒和瘟疫，肆虐各处。……‘人想起那将要临到世界的事，就都吓得魂不附体’(路21:26)。”当欧洲宣告和平的时候，人们依然希望国际联盟能带来和平的时期。但当最后的冲突爆发的时候，所有的希望都破灭了。他们的心陷入恐惧之中。{PH120 8.3}
两次世界大战之间的短短时期，是要让上帝的子民完成任务，把最后慈怜的信息传给人，警告他们迫近的审判和结局的临近。就是在这个时候“‘晚雨’，即主面前‘安舒的日子’将要来到，以加强第三位天使的大呼声。”当上帝的灵临到祂的教会，每一个信徒都成为积极的工作者时，警告世界和引人归向基督的任务很可能就会在很短的时间里完成。{PH120 9.1}
列国的账将会结算
“无穷之主对于列国都仍留有详确无误的账目。在祂还施发恩典，招呼人悔改之时，这账还是保留未结;但达到上帝所定之数时，祂的怒气就开始发作。这账就结束了。神圣的忍耐亦到此为止。……危机正在迅速临近。急速增加的数字显明上帝报应之日已快到了。……凡行在光中的人，必见到这些危险临近的预兆。”(《教会证言》卷五208、209页){PH120 9.2}
上帝的灵将从地上撤回
“种种迅速应验的时兆都证明基督的再来已近在眼前了。我们所处的时代实在是十分严肃，十分重要的。上帝的灵确实已渐渐地从地上收回。……地上的祸患，海里的灾难，社会的动荡，战争的风云，都是预兆，预示将有重大的事件将要发生了。{PH120 10.1}
“罪恶的各种权势，正在纠集力量以巩固阵线，预备应付最后的危机。世界上将要发生重大的变动，而且最后的几幕将是非常迅速。”(《教会证言》卷九11页){PH120 10.2}
预言
二十八年前，当许多人预言这国将不会起来攻击那国，再也不会有战争时，且看怀姐妹为将来所发的以下惊人的预言：“暴乱即将来临，我们必须准备，藉着向上帝悔改并信靠我们的主耶稣基督，以应付其狂暴。耶和华要兴起，使地大大震动。我们将看见到处都有困苦。成千船只将沉入海底。海军将完全覆没，而所牺牲的人动辄以百万计算。火灾要突然发生，且非人力所能扑灭。地上的宫庭要被烈火焚尽。铁路上的祸事要越来越多;各大交通路线上在不能预期之中，要发生混乱、碰撞和瞬间的死亡。末日近了，宽容时期行将结束。”{PH120 10.3}
十六年前她说:“迫近世界历史大危机的时日即将临到，那时人要用深切的关怀和莫可言喻的忧惧，来注视上帝政权的每一行动。同时上帝的报应也必迅速地纷纷临到世间——即是火灾、水灾、地震，夹杂着战争和流血的事。唉，但愿世人知道眷顾他们的时候!”{PH120 11.1}
她还在1904年预言说：“不久各国之间就要发生严重的纠纷——直到耶稣再来不会停息的纠纷。……上帝的刑罚正降在地上。打仗和打仗的风声，火灾与水灾的破坏，都清楚地说明艰难时期——直到末时的艰难时期，已经临近了。我们没有时间可以浪费了。世界被战争的精神所搅动。”{PH120 11.2}
五年以后，也就是1909年，她严肃地要求出席总会的代表们为他们从未见过的、即将在世界各国出现的纷争与压迫的可怕场面预备好自己的心。她说：“不久地上各国就会爆发纷争与压迫，其强烈程度是他们想象不到的。”她预言以后五年，大战爆发。{PH120 12.1}
关于这个时候，她告诉我们：“各地传扬真理的门路，不久也将被左右两侧的种种危险所闭塞。人要用每件事物来阻拦主的信使们的道路，以致他们不能继续作工像现今所能作的一样。”然后告诫我们：“我们必须当面切实看清楚自己的工作，并且要采取攻势尽速前进。……我们而今有警告可传，有工作可做;然而不久将有更大的困难临到，过于我们所能想象的。”(《特别证言系列一》7：64){PH120 12.2}
“教会在太平顺利之时未能作成的工，将要在最沮丧而险恶的环境下，在可怕的危急关头中作成。由于随从世俗之风而停息不传的警告，必须在信仰之敌最猛烈的攻击下传开。……教会的信徒将要个别地受考验及证实。他们要被置于某些环境之中，而被迫要为真理作见证。”(《教会证言》卷五463页){PH120 12.3}
“在年轻人面前有一个考验，是他们未曾预料的。他们要被带入极其痛苦难熬的困惑混乱中。他们信仰的真实性要受考验。”(《教会证言》卷一269页){PH120 13.1}
伟大的改革运动
当地上各国见证这些灾难的时候，另一个场面出现了——就是在上帝的子民中间掀起了伟大的改革运动。她说：“我最近在夜间所见的情景，使我深受感动。许多地方似乎掀起了一场伟大的运动，一种复兴的工作。我们的信徒正在归队，响应上帝的呼召。上帝号召那些甘愿接受圣灵控制的人发动一番彻底的改革。我看见有一个危机摆在我们面前。主呼召祂的工人们整装列队。每一个人都应采取比往年更深刻更真诚地献身于上帝的立场。圣经难道没有呼吁比我们迄今所看见的更大的纯全和圣洁吗?”(《总会公报》1913年5月19日){PH120 13.2}
“我在夜间的异象中，看见上帝的子民中掀起了一场大改革运动。许多人在赞美上帝。患病的人被医好了，还有许多别的奇迹。……千百信主的人都在走访人家，在人前宣示上帝的道。人心既被圣灵的能力所感服，就显出真正悔改的精神。各方面的门户都为宣扬真理敞开了。世界似乎因天上的感化力而发光。凡是上帝真实而谦卑的子民，都得到了极大的福气。”(《教会证言》卷九126页){PH120 14.1}
“在这个时代——就是恶贯满盈的时代，凡在心里有上帝之爱的人，都须具有那从一切生命之源而来的新生命。”(《教会证言》卷九44页){PH120 14.2}
大能力会伴随着最后警告的信息
“在福音大工结束时，上帝能力的显现并不逊于福音开始宣传的时候。……上帝的仆人因献身归主而脸上焕发圣洁的光辉，到处奔波，传扬那从天上来的信息。这警告要藉着成千上万之人的声音传遍全球。信徒要行神迹，医治病人，并有异能奇事随着他们。(《善恶之争》611-612页){PH120 14.3}
许多人会预备好作出聪明的决定
及至危机来到，许多人就会预备好作出正确的决定，即使是面对着可怕的困难，就是因撒但骗人的奇事而带来的种种困难。……将有一大群坚定的信徒，他们会坚如磐石，通过最后的试验。(《评论与通讯》1889年12月24日){PH120 15.1}
上帝施行毁灭报应之时，也正是一般还没有机会认识真理之人的恩典时期。(《教会证言》卷九97页){PH120 15.2}
每一个信徒都要成为工人
“上帝正在考验祂的教会奉献精神，查验他们是否甘愿顺服圣灵的引导。……公义的旗帜必要高举。上帝的灵正在感动罪人的心，凡是响应祂感化的人，必成为世上的光。他们到处传达所接受的亮光，就像五旬节圣灵沛降以后一般。当他们让自己的光照耀出来时，便多而又多地领受圣灵的能力。{PH120 15.3}
任何人都不得懒惰地等待圣灵的洗礼。上帝的灵是为服务而赐下的。当教会的信徒奉主的号令出来的时候，圣灵就会临格，赐予效能和力量。 “每一个真正归主的人必强烈希望把别人带出错谬的黑暗，进入耶稣基督公义的奇妙光明之中。上帝圣灵的沛然大降，全地被祂的荣耀所光照，要等到我们有一班开明的子民，并从经验中认识到与上帝同工的意义的时候，方能出现。当我们全心全意地献身为基督服务时，上帝的灵就会无限量地沛降来承认这个事实。但教会大部分人若没有与上帝同工，这件事就不会发生。”(《评论与通讯》){PH120 16.1}
“当所有的教会都变成活跃和工作的教会，圣灵便会因他们恳切的祷告而赐下。接着，天上的窗户敞开，降下‘晚雨’。”(《评论与通讯》1890年2月25日){PH120 16.2}
“教会何时抹去了怠惰和迟钝的羞辱，主的灵就必仁慈地彰显;神能也要出现。教会必眼见万军之耶和华的神意运行。(《教会证言》卷九46页){PH120 16.3}
大复兴随着个人布道
“现在要进行特别的工作，通过个人的努力接触人。”(特別证言){PH120 17.1}
“但愿一切相信真理的人都下手工作;去做那最贴近你身边的工作。……如果教会中的平信徒都觉悟起来，去从事力所能及的工作，……各人看自己在救人皈依耶稣的事上能完成多少的工作，我们就必看到许多人离开撒但的阵营，来站在基督的旌旗之下。如果我们的信徒都按这些教训上所赐的亮光而行，我们就必定看见上帝的救恩。奇妙的奋兴必随之而来。罪人必回转，许多人必加入教会。何时我们的心一与基督联合，我们的生活一与祂的工作谐和，那在五旬节降在门徒身上的圣灵就必照样降在我们的身上了。”(《教会证言》卷八246页){PH120 17.2}
祈祷的精神要激动每一信徒
“当这种改革开始的时候，祈祷的精神要激动每一信徒，并从教会中排除不睦及纷争的风气。那些向来不在基督徒交契中生活的人，将要彼此密切联络。……信徒与信徒之间的隔阂要被打破，上帝的仆人也要说出同样的话来。”(《教会证言》卷八251页){PH120 17.3}
不论曾否受过教育都能传扬信息
“每一个明白真理的信徒，都应趁着白日努力作工，因为黑夜将到，就没有人能作工了。再过不久，我们就会尝到黑夜的滋味了。……每一位信徒，不论曾否受过教育，都能传扬这个信息。……那与我们日常相处的人，都需要我们的帮助和指导。”{PH120 18.1}
“青年男女们啊，当积储丰富的知识。不要等到一些人为的考核宣布你能胜任时才作工，而要出去到大道和篱笆那里，开始为上帝做工。”(《教会证言》卷七281页){PH120 18.2}
“每个教会都应该选出青年男女来，叫他们担负责任。让他们力求取得资格去帮助尚未明白真理的人。上帝要的是认真、全心全意勤恳做工的工人。……成千上万上帝的仆人必须响应这个号召，去担任各处的工作，做认真救灵的工人，来帮助耶和华，帮助耶和华攻击勇士(见士5:23)。”(《教会证言》卷九139、140页){PH120 18.3}
全家作传道士
“上帝的爱在无私服务上所表现的，足以引许多人全然相信上帝的圣言。……那些因真理成圣的人，将对世界发挥圣洁的感化力。{PH120 19.1}
“有许多人全家都可去做传道士，从事个人之工，以辛勤的双手和活跃的头脑为主劳力，并想出新的方法求得工作的成功。 ”(《教会证言》卷九40页){PH120 19.2}
工作方法
“你们必须亲自去拜访人，同他们面谈，祈祷，用同情的态度去争取他们，才能得到人心。这就是你们所能做的最高尚的传道工作。……当设法与邻舍接近。与他们讲论真理时，宜用基督那样同情人的言语。……不可表露不耐烦的情绪。不要说一句不友善的话。心里总要有基督的爱，口里总要有仁慈的律法。”(《教会证言》卷九40、41页){PH120 19.3}
“所用的工作方式务要消除偏见而不是创造偏见。”(《教会证言》卷九34页){PH120 19.4}
各条战线的工作
“要把我们的一些小本书刊借给你的邻居。如果他们产生了兴趣，就再给他们一些大本的书。……平信徒可以藉着卖书或借书，分送刊物，以及举办查经班等方法，在邻舍中做成很大的工作。他们既充满爱人的心，就能以非常的力量宣传这信息，而使多人悔改。”(《教会证言》卷九35页){PH120 19.5}
“要去慰问那患病痛苦的人，向他们表示体恤关切之意。倘若可能，要设法使他们更感舒适。藉着这种方法，你们就可感动他们的心，而能为基督发言了。{PH120 20.1}
“这种工作的效能是何等地深远，只有到永恒方能显明。凡情愿在最切近的范围内尽责的人，就必有机会做别样有益的工作。现今所需要的，并不是学问高深的演说家，乃是谦卑而基督化的男女。他们已经从拿撒勒人耶稣那里学得了柔和谦卑，并且信赖祂的能力，愿意出去到路上和篱笆那里，向人发出邀请说：‘请来吧，样样都齐备了’(路14:17)。”(《教会证言》卷九36页){PH120 20.2}
话题
“要使我们所拜访的人知道万物的结局临近了。主耶稣基督必开启他们的心门，使我们的话在他们的心中留下持久的印象。……告诉他们你是怎样找到主耶稣的，又是怎样在为主作工时得到了福气。要让他们知道你坐在耶稣脚下，从祂的话中学习宝贵的教训时，得着了何等的福气。让他们知道基督徒的人生有何等的乐趣。你那热忱的话必能使他们相信你已找到了那颗重价的珍珠。……这才是真正的传道工作。大家若能照此去行，就必使多人觉悟起来，犹如梦中方醒。”(《教会证言》卷九38页){PH120 20.3}
需要基督化的同情和朴素
“信徒们将信息传给周围的人，方法很多。其中最有成效的，就是过一种无私忘我、乐于助人的基督徒生活。有许多在人生的战场上奋斗得精疲力竭的人，我们不必花费什么钱，只要对他们细心地关怀，就能使他们得到安舒和力量。简单地说出仁爱的话语，简单地给予些微的关注，就会消除笼罩在心头试探和疑惑的乌云。真心表示基督化的同情，虽是简单给予，却有力量打开心门，人心需要基督精神单纯微妙的感动。……我们为了福音的好信息，为了福音的应许和保证，应该借着使别人得益的努力，表示我们感谢的心情。”(《教会证言》卷九30、31页){PH120 21.1}
重要的妇女工作
“每一个成圣的心便不得不作为神能的工具，加入服务。”(《教会证言》卷九47页){PH120 21.2}
“妇女们也可以像男子一样地参加工作，将真理藏在那可能发生作用而且会显明出来的地方。在这危急之时，她们也能参加一份工作，并且主也要藉着她们作工。如果她们充满了责任感，并在上帝之灵的影响下努力，她们就会获得足以应付时代需要的镇定自若的精神。救主必将自己面上的荣光照射在这些克己牺牲的妇女身上，这样，就使她们有一种胜似男子的能力了。她们能在人们的家中，做一种男子所不能做的工作──一种达到内在生活的工作。……凡是谨慎谦卑的妇女，都可从事在人们家中讲解真理的优良工作。上帝的道一经这样讲明之后，自会起其发酵的作用，而影响所及，全家的人就都悔改了。”(《教会证言》卷九128页){PH120 22.1}
儿童可以参加圣工
“作父母的人啊!你们的儿女应当成为你们的助手，加增你们的能力及才干，去为主作工。儿童乃是主家庭中的年幼分子。应当引导他们将自己奉献给上帝，因为由于创造及救赎的缘故，他们是属祂的。……应当使他们与你们分担灵性及身体上的重担。这样，他们就可借着帮助别人，而增进自己的幸福及作为了。”(《教会证言》卷七63页){PH120 22.2}
“圣灵也要催促孩子去传天国的信息。顺服圣灵激励的人，圣灵要沛降在他们身上。”(《教会证言》卷九27页){PH120 23.1}
维护真理最有力的理由
“要记得一种基督化的生活是最有力的确据，足以令人信服基督教;而一种低劣的基督徒品格，则在世上较比属世之人的品格为害更甚。……人们所信的，并非传道人的宣讲，乃是教会成员的生活表现。”(《教会证言》卷九21页){PH120 23.2}
“无论男女，若靠着基督的能力，遵照祂的教训，也就能度祂在世上所度的生活。……凡是名为基督徒，而不度基督所度之生活的人，就是冒牌宗教。”(《教会证言》卷九22页){PH120 23.3}
天上的生灵等待合作
“天上的生灵等着要与人合作，好向世人显明人类能达到何等地步，藉着他们的影响，在拯救将亡之人的事上能有何成就。”{PH120 23.4}
一点才能也是需要的
“上帝的大计划是人人都有份的。……即使是才能微小，若是得到忠心的使用，也会成就上帝计划它应该成就的工作。”(《教会证言》卷九37页){PH120 23.5}
“应有千百人作工的地方，现在只有一人，这真令人莫明其妙。天上的宇宙，看见一般自命为上帝儿女的人如此冷漠无情，不胜惊奇。”(《教会证言》卷九42页){PH120 24.1}
要大量使用书刊
“在我们须藉着善用我们的书籍和定期刊物，用坚决的力量去宣传真道，使世人可领会基督在拔摩岛上所给予约翰的信息。……我们的书刊应行销各处，也须以多种文字发行。第三位天使的信息须藉这种媒介和活的教师而传开。”(《教会证言》卷九62页){PH120 24.2}
“那另一位有大权柄的天使，从天降下，使地因他的荣耀而发光，他的工作在很大的程度上要由我们的出版社来完成。”(《教会证言》卷七140页){PH120 24.3}
“在现今交通便利的时代，我们与世上各等男女及多国人士接触的机会和可能，比从前以色列时代大多了。来往交通的大道，比往时增加了千万倍。上帝用神奇的手段，为我们开了传福音的通道。印刷机及其附属设施，都可由我们使用。……住在各大商业和旅游中心的基督徒，有特别好的传道机会。住在这些城市中的信徒，都能在邻里家中为上帝作工。……不论在火车上，在街上，还是在纵横海洋的轮船上;或用手传，或用邮寄，都要明智地散发我们的书刊。”(《教会证言》卷九122、123页){PH120 24.4}
要特别注意大城市
“我国的各大城市不要轻易略过而不加以注意。”“国内布道工作实在是当前的一个重要问题。现今正是去耕种这些田地的最好机会。再过不多时候，情形就必更加困难了。”{PH120 25.1}
要接触这些城市的外国人
“负责工作的人现在必须聪明地制定计划，把第三位天使的信息传给美国成千上万的外侨。上帝希望祂的仆人们充分履行对各城市中未受到警告之人的本分，特别是来到我国这些城市的各国外侨。他们中有许多来到这里是出于上帝天意的安排，好使他们有机会听到现代真理, 作好准备回到自己的故乡，散布直接来自上帝宝座的宝贵亮光。”{PH120 25.2}
“若是为美国的各城市作出了忠诚的努力，很大的好处就会临到远方地区。许多人还会回到他们原来的地方，希望争取他们的亲友接受真理。他们会寻找自己的亲戚和邻舍，向他们传达第三位天使信息的知识。”(1910年1月28日在太平洋联合会上的讲话){PH120 26.1}
“如果不为美国各城做比过去更多的工作，传道人和信徒们就会有一笔重账，在那分派各人工作的主面前结算。……愿上帝饶恕我们可怕的疏忽，没有做我们至今几乎连指尖都没有碰一下的工作。……在你们奉献多少金钱给国外布道之用后，别以为你们已经尽了本分。……在美国的许多城市中，都有差不多说各种语言的人。这些人都需要上帝已赐给祂教会的亮光。”(《教会证言》卷八35-37页){PH120 26.2}
要组织力量
“时间很短促了，我们必须会合力量从事更大的工作。”(《教会证言》卷九27页){PH120 26.3}
“当设计一些最简便易行的工作方式，推行于各处教会中。如果信徒们一致地接纳这些计划，而且持久实行，他们就必获得丰富的报酬。”(《教会证言》卷六433页){PH120 26.4}
“传道人所能给予我们各教会信徒的最大帮助，并不是讲道，而是为他们计划工作。使每个人为别人作一些事。……当教导众人如何作工。尤其是那些初信的人，更应予以教育，使之成为与上帝同工的人。如果开始作工，沮丧的人不久就会忘记他们的沮丧，软弱的人就会变成刚强，愚昧的人就会转为聪明，这样，人人都必准备妥当，可以彰显那在耶稣里的真理了。”(《教会证言》卷九82页){PH120 27.1}
“当利用布道聚会，教导人怎样进行布道的工作。”(《教会证言》卷六431页){PH120 27.2}
“凡监护教会属灵生活的人，都应尽力设法安排每一个信徒在上帝的工作上都有一份工作。”{PH120 27.3}
需要将才和征兵
“精明的将领必要吩咐他的军官，训练部下每个士兵服好现役。他必设法使他每一个部下的效率发挥到淋漓尽致的地步。……他所依靠的应该是全军每个人忠诚不懈地工作，所以胜败的责任，大半压在全军士兵的身上。”{PH120 27.4}
“和平之君以马内利的军队，也未尝不是如此。我们战无不胜的元帅，也要依靠凡来投在祂旗帜下的每一个人甘心乐意的忠诚服务。”(《教会证言》卷九116页){PH120 27.5}
“诸位传道人啊，要讲那能促使信徒为不认识基督的人作个人之工的道理。勉励人尽可能多做个别探访。”(《教会证言》卷九124页){PH120 28.1}
指导各方面的工作
“当然并非人人都能担任同样的职分，但人人均各有其地位和工作。”(《教会证言》卷八16页){PH120 28.2}
“有的可以帮助人学习怎样与人查经和怎样在人家里开会。有的可以担任教导人怎样实行健康和节制的原则，以及简易治疗病人的方法。也有的人可以关心我们的书籍和定期刊物的工作。”(《教会证言》卷九83页){PH120 28.3}
“上帝圣工的领导人，都应作聪明的将领，为全军制订行进方针。在订计划时，他们须特别注意平信徒对各人的亲朋邻舍所能做的工。”(《教会证言》卷九116页){PH120 28.4}
“祂的仆人要挨家挨户传扬救恩的信息。”(《教会证言》卷八16页){PH120 28.5}
“只有我们的男女信徒人人都振作起来，与教会中的传道人和职员等通力合作，上帝在这世上的工作才能得以完成。……他们需要训练和教育。凡到各教会去的工人都应将实际的传道方法，教导各教会的弟兄姐妹们。”(《教会证言》卷九117页){PH120 28.6}
资金会流入库中
“当我们实行这种工作时，就会发觉自有资金流入库中，用以进行更广泛更远大的工作了。富人也必被引领归向真理，并且要拿出他们的钱财来推进上帝的工作。我蒙指示，知道在我们所尚未开工的城市中有许多的财源。上帝在那里也有一班爱慕真理的百姓。快到他们那里去，照着基督教训人那样地去教训他们，将真理传给他们。他们是必定会接受的。诚实的心灵既然悔改，他们自必将财物献归主用，而我们的资源也必日见增加了。”(《教会证言》卷九101页){PH120 29.1}
各教会团结的成果
“倘若安息日复临信徒能够立即醒起，去做所派给他们的工作，真理就必借着圣灵的能力，以清晰明了的方式，传遍我们所忽略的各城市了。……上帝的子民应在各人为祂所作的工作上忠诚勤恳，以致在他们的生活中，毫无自私自利的存在。这样，祂的工人就必意见相合;而主的膀臂，就是那在基督生平中所彰显的能力，也必显露出来了。信任必恢复，我们的各教会之间也必联络一致了。”(《教会证言》卷九32-33页){PH120 29.2}
报赏
“当得赎之民站在上帝面前之时，那些宝贵的生灵将被点名应声而出，站在那些曾为其下过忠心耐心之苦功……的人的身边。如此，那些曾在今生世上与上帝同工的人们，将领取他们的报赏。”(《教会证言》卷八196页){PH120 30.1}
本来会如何
“如果基督的军兵个个尽到自己的责任，如果锡安城上的守望者个个吹出了一定的号声。那么世人就必早已听见这警告的信息了。”(《教会证言》卷九29页){PH120 30.2}
“如果上帝子民的心全都充满了对基督的爱，如果每位信徒彻底浸染了自我牺牲的精神，如果大家都显出充分的热忱，则国内国外各布道区的经费，就不致感到缺乏。同时我们的资源就必增加;有成千的效用之门也必敞开，邀请我们进入。上帝的子民若在将怜悯的信息传与世人的事上，遵行了祂的旨意，则基督早就来到世上，圣徒们也必早被迎接进入上帝的城了。”(《教会证言》卷六450页){PH120 30.3}
“我们的信徒虽已得到了大光，但可惜过去多半的传道力量都费在会众的身上，用来教导那原应充当教师的;照耀那原应作‘世上之光’的;浇灌那原应流出活水江河来的;使那可能成为真理宝矿的致富;向那散居各地本应将上天的信息传给未曾听道之人，重申福音的邀请;又供养那原应到大街小巷去喊着说：‘请来吧，样样都齐备了’的人。”(《教会证言》卷七24页){PH120 31.1}
“主耶稣藉着显示祂的怜悯与丰盛的恩典，正在人心中进行实验。祂所造成的变化是非常惊人的，以致那气充志骄，伙同他的邪恶同盟敌挡上帝和祂政权律法的撒但，也视他们为他的诡辩与欺骗所无法攻克的堡垒。对于撒但而言，他们真是不可思议的奥秘。上帝的使者撒拉弗和基路伯，就是奉命与人合作的天上生灵，怀着惊喜的心情，看着那班曾为可怒之子的堕落人类，通过基督的训练，按照上帝的形像造就品格，而成为上帝的儿女，可以充分享受天国的工作和快乐。”(怀爱伦致1892年总会的信息){PH120 31.2}
“有一位书报员看见一位弟兄买一大捆书就用手按着他的胳膊说：‘弟兄，你要这许多书作什么?’当时我听到我们‘策士’的声音说：‘不要禁止他们，这是一件该作的事。末日近了，已经浪费了许多本可以推销书籍的时间。要到远近各处去广为销售。使之好像秋天的落叶，散发遍地。这种工作要继续下去，不受任何人的阻止。有许多生灵因没有基督而正在沦亡。当警告他们，使之知道基督快要驾着天上的云显现。”(《教会证言》卷九72页){PH120 31.3}
PH120 - The Time and The Work
【The Gospel Commission】
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” is the commission Jesus gave to the members of His church. His confidence that they would accomplish the task assigned them, and not disappoint Him, He expressed when, in answer to the inquiry, “What shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” He said, “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”?{PH120 3.1}[1]
The aim of the church must continue to be, in all her efforts in the home field, to carry the gospel to all the world.?“God’s people have a mighty work before them, a work that must continually rise to greater prominence. Our efforts in missionary lines must become far more extensive. A more decided work than has been done must be done prior to the second appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s people are not to cease their labors until they shall encircle the world.”—Testimonies for the Church 6:23-24.?{PH120 3.2}[2]
【Providential Openings】
Never in the history of the world have there been so many providential openings for the gospel in foreign lands. Never have the calls been more urgent for men and means, and never has there existed a greater need.?“Our burden for the ‘regions?beyond’ can never be laid down until the whole earth shall be lightened with the glory of the Lord.”—Testimonies for the Church 6:29.?{PH120 3.3}[3]
Neither can our efforts be relaxed. We must do more, much more, for these far-off countries than we have done as yet.?{PH120 4.1}[4]
To do this work in foreign lands will be the most successful way of strengthening the work in the home field.?“The home missionary work will be farther advanced in every way when a more liberal, self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit is manifested for the prosperity of foreign missions; for the prosperity of the home work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work done in countries afar off.”—Testimonies for the Church 6:27.?{PH120 4.2}[5]
【A Greater Demand for Men and Means】
European lands as a result of the war are left poverty stricken. They cannot do as much in regions beyond as formerly. In order to meet the increased demands thus made upon America for men and means, the home field must be worked differently than it has been in the past. Here workers are to be developed. The demand is now so great, that, in order to finish the work speedily, no longer can dependence be placed entirely upon our schools, or a long course of training, to supply the men and women needed.?{PH120 4.3}[6]
【Churches as Training Centers】
In addition to our schools, the church?must become the training center. From among its members capable workers must be developed. To develop these special attention must of necessity be given to the work in the home field. Wise plans must be laid, especially in our large cities, to develop workers by working. We have been told,?“The large cities should have been worked just as soon as the churches received the light, but many have carried no burden for souls, and Satan, finding them susceptible to his temptations, has spoiled their experience. God asks His people to repent, to be converted, and return to their first love, which they have lost by their failure to follow in the footsteps of the self-sacrificing Redeemer.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:140.?{PH120 4.4}[7]
【Church-members Must Work】
“Should all the labor that has been expended on the churches during the past twenty years, be again expended upon them, it would fail, as it has failed in the past, of making the members self-denying, cross-bearing followers of Christ. Many have been overfed with spiritual food, while in the world thousands are perishing for the bread of life. Church-members must?work;?they must educate themselves.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:140.?{PH120 5.1}[8]
【Pentecostal Methods】
After Christ’s early disciples had confessed their sins and righted every wrong,?and they were about to begin to carry out the gospel commission, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and great power was with these lowly men and women. Providentially, God had brought together at Jerusalem “devout men out of every nation under heaven.” hearing them speak “the wonderful works of God” in their own language, they were amazed. Many of these were among the number who later said, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” they became believers, and carried the good news to their friends and relatives on their return home, of the apostles we read, “And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”?Acts 5:42. In this house-to-house labor they undoubtedly enlisted the new converts, “and the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.?Acts 2:46, 47. Thousands were converted, and, in a comparatively short time, the gospel message was carried to all the world.?{PH120 5.2}[9]
“The disciples did not ask for a blessing for themselves. They were weighted with the burden of souls. The gospel was to be carried to the ends of the earth, and they claimed the endowment of power that Christ had promised. Then it was that the Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands were converted in a day. So it may be now.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:21.?{PH120 6.1}[10]
【Pentecost’s Experience To Be Repeated】
For many years foreigners from all lands have been coming to our shores, until America’s population is largely foreign. Her large cities are practically foreign cities. There is a providence in this. Pentecost’s experience is to be repeated. It is God’s purpose that men from every nation under heaven that have gathered here shall hear the last message of mercy and carry it back to their friends and neighbors. But, in order to reach the foreigners in our cities, house-to-house work must be done with the periodicals and books which are printed in their own language. They must hear men speak in their own tongue.?“From door to door His servants are to proclaim the message of salvation.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:16.?{PH120 7.1}[11]
Should this work be entered upon as energetically as it should be by members of the church who have prepared themselves for it by the putting away of all sin, the Holy Spirit would be given them, and many souls would again be added to the church. Some of these would be men of means. In this way, successful work could be done for foreign fields, for both men and means would thus be supplied. By working the home field, workers are to be developed for the foreign field. The gospel commission cannot be fulfilled in any other way than through the members of the church becoming active laborers.?{PH120 7.2}[12]
【Plan of Salvation About to Close】
Evidences are multiplying on every hand that the plan of salvation is about to close. Great power is to attend it in its closing work.?“While the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry, yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel.”—Early Writings, 86.?{PH120 8.1}[13]
Over sixty years ago, in referring to the recent European conflict in a special testimony, Sister White said,?“I saw Europe just as things were moving to accomplish their desire. There would seemingly be a slackening up once or twice, thus the hearts of the wicked would be relieved and hardened, but the work would not settle down, only seem to, for the minds of kings and rulers were intent upon over-throwing each other, and minds of the people to get the ascendency.”?{PH120 8.2}[14]
Probably to this little time of seeming peace, the statement in Volume I, page 268, refers:?“There seemed to be a little time of peace.”?This time of apparent peace is followed by the final world conflict. Sister White, in referring to it, said, “Once more the inhabitants of the earth were presented before me; and again everything was in the utmost confusion.?Strife, war, and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged everywhere.... Then men’s hearts failed them for fear, ‘and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.’”?When peace was declared in Europe men were still hopeful through a League of Nations to bring about the reign of peace, but as the final conflict opens all hope is given up. Their hearts will then fail them for fear.{PH120 8.3}[15]
This short period between the two great world conflicts is providentially granted God’s people to finish the task before them of carrying the last message of mercy to the people, and of warning them of the impending judgments, and of the nearness of the end. It is at this time that?“The ‘latter rain,’ or refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come to give power to the loud voice of the third angel.”?As God’s spirit comes upon His churches and each member becomes an active toiler, in a comparatively short time it is possible for the task of warning the world and leading souls to Christ, to be finished.?{PH120 9.1}[16]
【Accounts with Nations Are Soon To Be Closed】
“With unerring accuracy, the Infinite One still keeps an account with all nations. While his mercy is tendered, with calls to repentance, this account will remain open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry?of wrath commences. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases.... The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has about come.... Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril.”—Testimonies for the Church 5:208, 209.?{PH120 9.2}[17]
【The Spirit of God To Be Withdrawn from the Earth】
“The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth.... The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.?{PH120 10.1}[18]
“The agencies of evil are combining their forces, and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:11.?{PH120 10.2}[19]
【Predictions】
Twenty-eight years ago, when many were predicting that nation should never again lift up sword against nation, neither should there be war any more, looking into the future Sister White made this startling prediction:?‘The tempest is coming,?and we must get ready for its fury, by having repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord will arise to shake terribly the earth. We shall see troubles on all sides. Thousands of ships will be hurled into the depths of the sea. Navies will go down, and human lives will be sacrificed by the millions. Fires will break out unexpectedly, and no human efforts will be able to quench them. The palaces of the earth will be swept away in the fury of the flames. Disasters by rail will become more and more frequent; confusion, collision, and death without a moment’s warning will occur on the great lines of travel. The end is near, and probation is closing.”?{PH120 10.3}[20]
Sixteen years ago, she said:?“The time is nearing when the great crisis in the history of the world will have come, when every movement in the government of God will be watched with intense interest and inexpressible apprehension. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another—fire and flood and earthquake with war and bloodshed. Oh, that the people might know the time of their visitation.”?{PH120 11.1}[21]
Again, in the year 1904, the prediction was made,?“Soon grievous troubles will arise among the nations, troubles that will not cease until Jesus comes.... The judgments of God are in the land. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire?and flood, say clearly that the time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand. We have no time to lose. The world is stirred with the spirit of war.”?{PH120 11.2}[22]
Five years later, or in the year 1909, she solemnly charged the representatives at the General Conference assembly to prepare their hearts for the terrible scenes of strife and oppression beyond anything they had conceived of, soon to be witnessed among the nations of the earth. She said,?“Very soon the strife and oppression of foreign nations will break forth with an intensity that you do not now anticipate.”?Five years after this prediction was made, the great World War was precipitated.?{PH120 12.1}[23]
In referring to this same time, we were told,?“The passage from place to place to spread the truth will soon be hedged with dangers on the right hand and on the left. Everything will be placed to obstruct our way, so we shall not be able to do that which is possible now.”?Then followed the admonition,“We must look our work fairly in the face, and advance as fast as possible in aggressive warfare.... We have warnings now which we may give, a work now which we may do, but soon it will be more difficult than we can imagine.”—Special Testimonies, Series A 7: 64.?{PH120 12.2}[24]
“The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity,?she will have to do in a terrible crisis, under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. The warnings that worldly conformity has silenced or withheld, must be given under the fiercest opposition from enemies of the faith.... The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth.”—“Testimonies for the Church 5:463.?{PH120 12.3}[25]
“A trial is before the young which they have not anticipated. They are to be brought into most distressing perplexity. The genuineness of their faith is to be proved.”—Testimonies for the Church 1:269.?{PH120 13.1}[26]
【A Great Reformatory Movement】
While these calamities were witnessed among the nations of the earth, another scene was presented—A great reformatory movement among God’s people. She said,?“I have been deeply impressed by the scenes that have recently passed before me in the night season. There seemed to be a great movement—a work of revival—going forward in many places. Our people were moving into line, responding to God’s call. God calls upon those who are willing to be controlled by the Holy Spirit to lead out in a work of thorough reformation. I see a crisis before us, and the Lord calls for his laborers to come into line. Every soul should now stand in a position of deeper, truer consecration to?God than during the years that have passed. Do not the Scriptures call for a more pure and holy work than we have yet seen?”—The General Conference Bulletin, May 19, 1913.?{PH120 13.2}[27]
“In visions of the night representations passed before me of a great reformatory movement among God’s people. Many were praising God. The sick were healed, and other miracles were wrought.... Hundreds and thousands were seen visiting families, and opening before them the word of God. Hearts were convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit, and a spirit of genuine conversion was manifest. On every side doors were thrown open to the proclamation of the truth. The world seemed to be lightened with the heavenly influence. Great blessings were received by the true and humble people of God.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:126.?{PH120 14.1}[28]
“At this time—a time of overwhelming iniquity—a new life, coming from the Source of all life, is to take possession of those who have the love of God in their hearts.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:44.?{PH120 14.2}[29]
【Great Power Will Attend the Last Message of Warning】
“The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening.... Servants of God, with their faces lighted up and shining with holy consecration, will?hasten from place to place to proclaim the message from Heaven. By thousands of voices, all over the earth, the warning will be given. Miracles will be wrought, the sick will be healed, and signs and wonders will follow the believers.”—The Great Controversy, 611-612.?{PH120 14.3}[30]
【Many Will Be Prepared to Make Wise Decisions】
“When the crisis comes, many will be prepared to make right decisions even in the face of formidable difficulties that will be brought about through the deceptive miracles of Satan. There will be an army of steadfast believers who will stand firm as a rock through the last test.”—The Review and Herald, December 24, 1889.?{PH120 15.1}[31]
“The time of God’s destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have had no opportunity to learn what is truth.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:97.?{PH120 15.2}[32]
【Every Believer Will Be a Worker】
“God is testing the devotion of His churches and their willingness to render obedience to the Spirit’s guidance.... The standard of righteousness is to be exalted. The Spirit of God is moving upon men’s hearts, and those who respond to its influence will become lights in the world. Everywhere they are seen going forth to communicate to others the light they have received, as they did after the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost.?As they let their light shine, they receive more and more of the Spirit’s power.”?{PH120 15.3}[33]
None should wait in idle expectancy for the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is given for service. As church-members go forth at God’s bidding, the Holy Spirit comes to give efficiency and power.?“Every truly converted soul will be intensely desirous to bring others from the darkness of error into the marvelous light of the righteousness of Christ. The great outpouring of the Spirit of God, which lightens the whole earth with his glory, will not come until we have an enlightened people who know by experience what it means to be laborers together with God. When we have entire whole-hearted consecration to the service of Christ, God will recognize the fact by an outpouring of His Spirit without measure; but this will not be while the largest portion of the church are not laborers together with God.”—“Review and Herald.”?{PH120 16.1}[34]
“When the churches become living, working churches, then the Holy Spirit will be given in answer to their sincere requests. Then the windows of heaven will be open for the showers of the ‘latter rain.’”—The Review and Herald, February 25, 1890.?{PH120 16.2}[35]
“When the reproach of indolence and slothfulness shall have been wiped away from the church, the Spirit of the Lord will be graciously manifested. Divine?power will be revealed. The church will see the providential working of the Lord of hosts.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:46.?{PH120 16.3}[36]
【Great Revivals to Follow This Personal Ministry】
“The special work for this time must be done in reaching the people through personal effort.”—Special Testimonies.?{PH120 17.1}[37]
“Let all who believe the truth begin to work. Do the work that lies nearest you. ...If the lay members of the church will arouse to do the work that they can do,... each seeing how much he can accomplish in winning souls to Jesus, we shall see many leaving the ranks of Satan to stand under the banner of Christ. If our people will act upon the light that is given in these few words of instruction, we shall surely see of the salvation of God. Wonderful revivals will follow. Sinners will be converted, and many souls will be added to the church. When we bring our hearts into unity with Christ, and our lives into harmony with His work, the Spirit that fell on the disciples on the day of Pentecost will fall on us.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:246.?{PH120 17.2}[38]
【The Spirit of Prayer Will Actuate Every Believer】
“When this reformation begins, the spirit of prayer will actuate every believer, and will banish from the church the spirit?of discord and strife. Those who have not been living in Christian fellowship will draw close to one another.... The barriers separating believer from believer will be broken down, and God’s servants will speak the same things.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:251.?{PH120 17.3}[39]
【Educated and Uneducated Can Hear the Message】
“Every church-member who has a knowledge of the truth is expected to work while the day lasts; for the night cometh when no man can work. Ere long we shall understand what that night means.... Every believer, educated or uneducated, can bear the message.... Those with whom we associate day by day need our help, our guidance.”?{PH120 18.1}[40]
“Young men and young women, gather a stock of knowledge. Do not wait until some human examination pronounces you competent to work, but go out into the highways and hedges, and begin to work for God.”—Testimonies for the Church 7:281.?{PH120 18.2}[41]
“In every church young men and young women should be selected to bear responsibilities. Let them make every effort to qualify themselves to help those who know not the truth. God calls for earnest, whole-souled workers.... There are hundreds of God’s servants who must respond to this call, and take the field as earnest, soul-saving workers, coming up to the help of the?Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:139, 140.?{PH120 18.3}[42]
【Whole Families To Be Missionaries】
“The exhibition of the love of God as seen in unselfish ministry to others will be the means of leading many souls to believe the word of God just as it reads.... A holy influence is to go forth to the world from those who are sanctified through the truth.?{PH120 19.1}[43]
“There are whole families who might be missionaries, engaging in personal labor, toiling for the Master with busy hands and active brains, devising new methods for the success of His work.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:40.?{PH120 19.2}[44]
【Methods of Work】
“By visiting the people, talking, praying, sympathizing with them, you will win hearts. This is the highest missionary work that you can do.... Find access to the people in whose neighborhood you live. As you tell them of the truth, use words of Christlike sympathy.... Show no impatience. Utter not one unkind word. Let the love of Christ be in your hearts, the law of kindness on your lips.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:40, 41.?{PH120 19.3}[45]
“Be sure to work in a way that will remove prejudice instead of creating it.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:34.?{PH120 19.4}[46]
【Various Lines of Work】
“Lend your neighbors some of our smaller books. If their interest is awakened, take some of the larger books....By lending or selling books, by distributing papers, and by holding Bible readings, our lay members could do much in their own neighborhoods. Filled with love for souls, they could proclaim the message with such power that many would be converted.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:35.?{PH120 19.5}[47]
“Visit the sick and suffering, and show a kindly interest in them. If possible, do something to make them more comfortable. Through this means you can reach their hearts, and speak a word for Christ.?{PH120 20.1}[48]
“Eternity alone will reveal how far-reaching such a line of labor can be. Other lines of usefulness will open before those who are willing to do the duty nearest them. It is not learned, eloquent speakers that are needed now, but humble, Christlike men and women, who have learned from Jesus of Nazareth to be meek and lowly, and who, trusting in His strength, will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation, ‘Come; for all things are now ready.’”—Testimonies for the Church 9:36.?{PH120 20.2}[49]
【Topics of Conversation】
“Tell those whom you visit that the end of all things is at hand. The Lord Jesus Christ will open the door of their hearts, and will make upon their minds lasting impressions.... Tell them how you found Jesus, and how blessed you have been since you gained an experience in His service. Tell them what blessing comes to you as you sit at the feet of Jesus, and learn?precious lessons from His word. Tell them of the gladness and joy that there is in the Christian life. Your warm, fervent words will convince them that you have found the pearl of great price.... This is genuine missionary work, and as it is done, many will awake as from a dream.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:38.?{PH120 20.3}[50]
【Christlike Sympathy and Simplicity Necessary】
“There are many ways in which church-members may give the message to those around them. One of the most successful is by living helpful, unselfish, Christian lives. Those who are fighting the battle of life at great odds may be refreshed and strengthened by little attentions which cost nothing. Kindly words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptation and doubt that gather over the soul. The true heart-expression of Christlike sympathy, given in simplicity, has power to open the door of hearts that need the simple, delicate touch of the Spirit of Christ.... For the good tidings of the gospel, for its promises and assurances, we are to express our gratitude by seeking to do others good.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:30, 31.?{PH120 21.1}[51]
【The Work of Women Important】
“Every sanctified heart will be pressed into service as an instrument of divine power.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:47.?{PH120 21.2}[52]
“Women as well as men can engage in the work of hiding the truth where it can work out and be made manifest. They can take their place in the work at this crisis, and the Lord will work through them. If they are imbued with a sense of their duty, and labor under the influence of the Spirit of God, they will have just the self-possession required for this time. The Saviour will reflect upon these self-sacrificing women the light of His countenance, and this will give them a power that will exceed that of men. They can do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life.... Discreet and humble women can do a good work in explaining the truth to the people in their homes. The word of God thus explained will do its leavening work, and through its influence whole families will be converted.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:128.?{PH120 22.1}[53]
【Children May Have a Part in the Work】
“Parents, your children should be your helping hand, increasing your power and ability to work for the Master. Children are the younger members of the Lord’s family. They should be led to consecrate themselves to God, whose they are by creation and redemption.... With you the children should share spiritual as well as physical burdens. By helping others they increase their own happiness and usefulness.”—Testimonies for the Church 7:63.?{PH120 22.2}[54]
“Children will be impelled by the Holy Spirit to go forth to declare the message of heaven. The Spirit will be poured out upon those who yield to His promptings.”—Testimonies for the Church 7:27.?{PH120 23.1}[55]
【The Most Powerful Argument in Favor of the Truth】
“Let us remember that a Christlike life is the most powerful argument that can be advanced in favor of Christianity, and that a cheap Christian character works more harm in the world than the character of a worldling.... Men will believe, not what the minister preaches, but what the church lives.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:21.?{PH120 23.2}[56]
“The life that Christ lived in this world, men and women can live, through His power and under His instruction.... The lives of professing Christians who do not live the Christ-life are a mockery to religion.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:22.?{PH120 23.3}[57]
【Divine Agencies Waiting to Cooperate】
“Heavenly intelligences are waiting to cooperate with human instrumentalities, that they may reveal to the world what human beings may become, and what, through their influence, they may accomplish for the saving of souls that are ready to perish.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:30.?{PH120 23.4}[58]
【The One Talent Is Welcomed】
“The Lord has a place for every one in His great plan.... That one talent, if faithfully used, will do the very work God designs that it should do.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:37.?{PH120 23.5}[59]
“It is a mystery that there are not hundreds at work where now there is but one. The heavenly universe is astonished at the apathy, the coldness, the listlessness of those who profess to be sons and daughters of God.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:42.?{PH120 24.1}[60]
【Publications Should Be Extensively Used】
“Let us now, by the wise use of periodicals and books, preach the Word with determined energy, that the world may understand the message that Christ gave to John on the Isle of Patmos.... Our publications should go everywhere. Let them be issued in many languages. The third angel’s message is to be given through this medium and through the living teacher.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:62.?{PH120 24.2}[61]
“In a large degree through our publishing houses is to be accomplished the work of that other angel who comes down from heaven with great power, and who lightens the earth with his glory.”—Testimonies for the Church 7:140.?{PH120 24.3}[62]
“In these days of travel, the opportunities for coming in contact with men and women of all classes, and of many nationalities, are much greater than in the days of Israel. The thoroughfares of travel have multiplied a thousandfold. God has wonderfully prepared the way. The agency of the printing-press, with its manifold facilities, is at our command.... Christians who are living in the great centers of commerce and travel have special?opportunities. Believers in these cities can work for God in the neighborhood of their homes.... Let literature be distributed judiciously, on the trains, in the street, on the great ships that ply the sea, and through the mails.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:122, 123.?{PH120 24.4}[63]
【The Large Cities Must Be Given Special Attention】
“Let not the great cities of our land be lightly passed over and neglected.” “The work in the home field is a vital problem just now. The present time is the most favorable opportunity that we shall have to work these fields. In a little while the situation will be much more difficult.”?{PH120 25.1}[64]
【Foreigners in These Cities Must Be Reached】
“Those in responsibility must now plan wisely to proclaim the third angel’s message to the hundreds and thousands of foreigners in the cities of America. God desires his servants to do their full duty toward the unwarned inhabitants of the cities, and especially toward those who have come to these cities from various nations of the earth. Many of these foreigners are here in the providence of God, that they may have opportunity to hear the truth for this time, and receive a preparation that will fit them to return to their own lands as bearers of precious lights shining direct from the throne of God.”?{PH120 25.2}[65]
“Great benefits would come to the regions beyond, if faithful efforts were put forth in behalf of the cities in America. Many would return to the places from which they came that they might win their friends to the truth. They would search out their kinsfolk and neighbors, and communicate to them a knowledge of the third angel’s message.”—Address given at Pacific Union Conference, January 28, 1910.?{PH120 26.1}[66]
“Unless more is done than has been done for the cities of America, ministers and people will have a heavy account to settle with the One who has appointed to every man his work.... May God forgive our terrible neglect in not doing the work that as yet we have scarcely touched with the tips of our fingers.... After you have given something for foreign fields, do not think your duty done.... In the cities of America there are people of almost every language. These need the light that God has given to His church.”—“Testimonies for the Church 8:35-37.?{PH120 26.2}[67]
【Forces Must Be Organized】
“Time is short, and our forces must be organized to do a larger work.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:27.?{PH120 26.3}[68]
“The very simplest modes of work should be devised and set in operation among the churches. If the members will unitedly accept such plans, and perseveringly?carry them out, they will reap a rich reward.”—Testimonies for the Church 6:433.?{PH120 26.4}[69]
“The best help that ministers can give the members of our churches is not sermonizing, but planning work for them. Give each one something to do for others.... And let all be taught how to work. Especially should those who are newly come to the faith be educated to become laborers together with God. If set to work, the despondent will soon forget their despondency; the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all will be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:82.?{PH120 27.1}[70]
“Let the missionary meeting be turned to account in teaching the people how to do missionary labor.”—Testimonies for the Church 6:431.?{PH120 27.2}[71]
“Those who have spiritual oversight of the church should devise ways and means by which an opportunity may be given to every member of the church to act some part in God’s work.”?{PH120 27.3}[72]
【Generalship Is Needed and Enlistments Called For】
“A wise general instructs his officers to train every soldier for active service. He seeks to develop the highest efficiency on the part of all.... He counts on loyal and untiring service from every man in his army. The responsibility rests largely upon the men in the ranks.?{PH120 27.4}[73]
“And so it is in the army of Prince Emmanuel. Our general, who has never?lost a battle, expects willing, faithful service from every one who has enlisted under His banner.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:116.?{PH120 27.5}[74]
“Ministers, preach the truths that will lead to personal labor for those who are out of Christ. Encourage personal effort in every possible way.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:124.?{PH120 28.1}[75]
【Various Lines of Work To Be Taught】
“Not all can fill the same place, but for all there is a place and a work.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:16.?{PH120 28.2}[76]
“Let some help the people to learn how to give Bible readings and to conduct cottage meetings. Let others bear the burden of teaching the people how to practise the principles of health and temperance, and how to give treatments to the sick. Still others may labor in the interests of our periodical and book work.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:83.?{PH120 28.3}[77]
“The leaders in God’s cause, as wise generals, are to lay plans for advance moves all along the line. In their planning they are to give special study to the work that can be done by the laity for their friends and neighbors.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:116.?{PH120 28.4}[78]
“From door to door His servants are to proclaim the message of salvation.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:16.?{PH120 28.5}[79]
“The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church-membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers....?It is training, education, that is needed. Those who labor in visiting the churches should give the brethren and sisters instruction in practical methods of doing missionary work.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:117.?{PH120 28.6}[80]
【Means Will Flow into the Treasuries】
“As we do this work, we shall find that means will flow into our treasuries, and we shall have funds with which to carry on a still broader and more far-reaching work. Souls who have wealth will be brought into the truth, and will give of their means to advance the work of God. I have been instructed that there is much means in the cities that are unworked. God has interested people there. Go to them; teach them as Christ taught; give them the truth. They will accept it. And as surely as honest souls will be converted, their means will be consecrated to the Lord’s service, and we shall see an increase of resources.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:101.?{PH120 29.1}[81]
【Unity in All the Churches as a Result】
“If Seventh-day Adventists will now arouse, and do the work assigned them, the truth will be presented to our neglected cities in clear, distinct lines, and in the power of the Spirit.... God’s people are to be so earnest and faithful in their work for Him that all selfishness will be separated from their lives. His workers will then see eye to eye, and the arm of the Lord, the power of which was seen in the life of Christ, will be revealed. Confidence?will be restored, and there will be unity in the churches throughout our ranks.”—Testimonies for the Church 9:32-33.?{PH120 29.2}[82]
【The Reward】
“When the redeemed stand before God, precious souls will respond to their names who are there because of faithful, patient efforts put forth in their behalf. Thus those who in this world have been laborers together with God will receive their reward.”—Testimonies for the Church 8:196.?{PH120 30.1}[83]
【What Might Have Been】
“If every soldier of Christ had done his duty, if every watchman on the walls of Zion had given the trumpet a certain sound, the world might ere this have heard the message of warning.”—“Testimonies for the Church 9:29.?{PH120 30.2}[84]
“If the hearts of God’s people were filled with love for Christ; if every church-member were thoroughly imbued with the spirit of self-sacrifice; if all manifested thorough earnestness, there would be no lack of funds for home or foreign missions. Our resources would be multiplied; a thousand doors of usefulness would be opened, and we should be invited to enter. Had the purpose of God been carried out by His people in giving to the world the message of mercy, Christ would, ere this, have come to the earth, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God.”—Testimonies for the Church 6:450.?{PH120 30.3}[85]
“Our people have received great light, yet much of the ministerial force has been spent on the churches, teaching those who should be teachers; enlightening those who should be ‘the light of the world;’ watering those from whom should flow rivers of living water; enriching those who might be mines of precious truth; repeating the gospel invitation to those who, scattered to the uttermost parts of the earth, should be giving the message of heaven to those who have not heard; feeding those who should be in the highways and byways giving the call, ‘Come; for all things are now ready.’”—Testimonies for the Church 7:24.?{PH120 31.1}[86]
“The Lord Jesus is making experiments on human hearts through the exhibition of His mercy and abundant grace. He is effecting transformations so amazing that Satan, with all his triumphant boasting, with all his confederacy of evil united against God and the laws of His government, stands viewing them as a fortress impregnable to his sophistries and delusions. They are to him an incomprehensible mystery. The angels of God, seraphim and cherubim, the powers commissioned to cooperate with human agencies, look on with astonishment and joy, that fallen men, once children of wrath, are through the training of Christ developing characters after the divine similitude, to be sons and daughters of God, to act an important part in the occupations and pleasures of heaven.”—From a Message to the General Conference in 1892 by Mrs. E. G. White.?{PH120 31.2}[87]
“As one brother was carrying away an armful of books, a canvasser laid his hand upon his arm and said, ‘My brother, what are you doing with so many books?’ Then I heard the voice of our Counselor saying, ‘Forbid them not. This is a work that should be done. The end is near. Already much time has been lost, when these books should have been in circulation. Sell them far and near. Scatter them Like the Leaves of Autumn. This work is to continue without the forbiddings of any one. Souls are perishing out of Christ. Let them be warned of His soon appearing in the clouds of heaven.’”Testimonies for the Church 9:72.?{PH120 31.3}[88]
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