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给自养工人鼓励的话

怀爱伦夫人于1909年4月26日在田纳西州麦迪逊对纳什维尔农业与师范学院的师生们讲话的报告。

大路和篱笆的学校

我很高兴有机会在一个尚有大量工作要做的园地里向我面前的许多人讲话。在所有这些未开工的园地里,都应当付出特别的努力。在为未受警告的人操劳时,我们应当设法“勉强人进来”(路14:23)。为什么呢?——因为灵魂危在旦夕。有一个信息要传给这些灵魂,那些在大路和篱笆那里的人必须听到生命之道。{PH113 2.1}

几年前访问南方,出去进行长途的旅行,我有时会问途经的一些房屋是什么人居住着,便得知住在南方许多的大房子里的人负有照管大量地产的重要责任。进一步询问之后,我便得知还没有一个人把生命之道带给这些人。还没有人到他们那里去,手中拿着圣经说:“我们有对你来说很宝贵的东西,希望你能听听。”异象多次向我显示,这是一项必须完成的工作。我们要到大路和篱笆那里,把基督已赐给我们的真理信息带给人。我们要勉强许多人进来。{PH113 2.2}

当基督说“你出去到路上和篱笆那里”的时候,祂的意思是很多的。你们切不可忽视大路。你们必须把真理带到那些在大路上的人面前。你们也不可忽视那些在篱笆那里的人。除了在大城市中必须做的工作外,还有一项工作要为那些分散在周围各地区的人去做。我们怎么才能接触到他们呢?——完成这项工作的一个重要手段是在贫困社区建立小型学校。即使在一个地方只有几个人,也应该想出一些办法来接触他们。一旦让宣教的精神把握住了男男女女、老老少少,我们就会看到许多人走到路上和篱笆那里,勉强心地诚实的人进来。{PH113 3.1}

有人可能会问:“你要怎么勉强他们呢?”——让上帝的真理以其纯正和能力向活人的良心施加压力,教导他们晓得这真理的宝贵。让他们认识到真理的道,就是基督自己,来到我们的世界,是因为上帝想要拯救堕落的人类;因为“上帝爱世人,甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们,叫一切信祂的,不至灭亡,反得永生”(约3:16)。{PH113 3.2}

麦迪逊学校为高地学校和家庭传道学校培训教师

近五年前,当我们在纳什维尔附近寻找建立一所训练学校的地点时,我们参观了这个后来买下的种植园;我记得当我们第一次看到这个地方的时候,我们打算坐马车仔细检查它,一些人朝一个方向走,一些人朝另一个方向走,我们仰望上帝给我们留下深刻的印象,看看这是不是祂希望我们为培训中心选择的地方。有一段时间,前景令人望而生畏;尽管如此,还是把种植园买下来了,工作也开始了。通过在山区贫困住区设立小型教会学校,主会让这所学校的影响广泛扩大,在那里,献身的教师们可以向饥饿的灵魂讲解圣经,让生命的光照耀那些在黑暗中的人。{PH113 3.3}

这就是基督所做的工作。祂从一个地方走到另一个地方,为灵魂操劳。祂是谁?——与父同等的那一位。主耶稣为我们树立了榜样。当你们在这些贫困社区从事学校工作时,不要让任何一个人进来劝阻你们,说:“你们为什么要这样消磨时间呢?为什么不在更广阔的园地做更大、更重要的工作呢?”的确,有些人必须计划期待着有一天他们会为响应一般的号召而做一番大工;但是谁愿意照料大路上的人呢?谁愿意到篱笆那里去呢?有些人会受到基督的感动,他们会看到进入葡萄园中受忽视地区的必要性。他们会乐于向那些在黑暗中不了解真理的人讲解圣经。这就是应当做成的工作。我们每一个人都应当站在自己的位分上。既然有些人会受主感动献身从事葡萄园被忽视地区的工作,就不应该有什么人设法使他们转身所指定给他们的工作。要是那些知道真理的人向别人隐藏那已经照进他们自己心里的大光,他们就要为自己的失职负责。{PH113 4.1}

我们对这些学校深感兴趣。在建立家庭传道学校方面,我们前面有一个广阔的园地。要让那些感到对生灵有负担的人出去挨家挨户作工,律上加律,这里一点,那里一点地教导人,逐渐把他们带入圣经真理的全部亮光中。这就是我们在信息的早期曾经做过的。当工人们付出恳切的努力时,主就会让祂的福气停留在他们和那些寻求明白圣经中的真理的人身上。{PH113 5.1}

上帝的道中有宝贵的真理,荣耀的真理,我们有特权把这些真理带到人们面前。在园地的有些部分,许多人无法到离家很远的地方参加聚会,我们可以亲自把真理带给他们,也能本着简朴与他们同工。{PH113 5.2}

南方园地中一个老少皆宜的地方

我们要在大城市中做大量的工作,为我们的主来临作准备。在这些大的中心点,我们要作严肃的见证。然而在我们发展圣工的计划中,除了城市之外,还必须包括许多地方。在偏远地区,有许许多多的家庭也必须被照顾到,以便了解他们是否明白耶稣正在为祂的子民所做的工作。那些在大路上的人,不应被忽视;那些在篱笆边的人,也不应忽视。当我们出门,从一处到另一处,从这家到那家时,我们应当时常问道,“住在这些地方的人,听过信息吗?圣经的真理,他们听过吗?他们是否明白万物的结局近在眼前,上帝的审判已迫近了呢?他们是否认识到每个生灵已用无穷的代价赎回了呢?”每逢我默想这些事时,我的心深切渴望见到真理能以简朴的方式传到住在大路旁,以及远在人口密集地区以外之人的家里。我们不应等着具有最高才能的工人预备道路并向我们说明如何作工;反而,我们不论老少,都有特权明白那在耶稣里的真理,而当我们看到那些没有上帝恩典安慰的人时,我们就有特权拜访他们,使他们熟悉上帝对他们的爱,及上帝为拯救他们所作出的奇妙安排。{PH113 5.3}

在大路和篱笆那里进行这种工作,要遭遇和克服许多严重的困难。工人在寻找生灵的时候,不要害怕,也不要丧胆,因为上帝会帮助他,并要继续帮助他。祂必在自己的仆人们前头开路。{PH113 6.1}

我们很高兴能在麦迪逊这里的工作中看到繁荣的证据。对于在这个学院聚集的每一个人,我要说:查考圣经。你若没有充分认识到你所生活的时代和结局已近,就当查考圣经,寻求对这些事有更充分的认识。在各地都有一项工作要做成。我们必须设法感染这信息的精神。{PH113 7.1}

应该有黑人学校和高地学校

有黑人要得救。昨天我有幸在纳什维尔的黑人小教堂里向他们讲了道。相当多的黑人很专注地听了所讲的道。{PH113 7.2}

这些人与他们的肤色并没有关系。他们并不为自己不是白人的事实负责;依赖每一次呼吸活着的人竟觉得我们应该与黑人没什么关系,这是多么愚昧啊!我们有本分要向他们尽,而且本着敬畏上帝的心,我们正在努力尽这个本分,以每一种可能的方式向他们提供第三位天使的信息,并使他们适合向自己的种族传讲真理。{PH113 7.3}

你知道一个灵魂要得救吗?——基督受死为要拯救那个灵魂,而你的工作就是学习如何达到那个人的心,并向他指出救主。{PH113 7.4}

在《使徒行传》中,我们读到腓利和那个贵族的故事,——当一个埃塞俄比亚人从耶路撒冷回家,并在学习圣经的时候,腓利如何出现在他面前,问他说:“你所念的,你明白吗?”经上的记录告诉我们说他不明白;因此腓利就上车,坐在那个太监旁边,向他讲解圣经,用真理使他喜乐。那个埃塞俄比亚人的心思意念既蒙了启迪,就信了所听到的信息。当他们继续前行的时候,他们来到了一条小溪边;太监说:“看哪,这里有水,我受洗有什么妨碍呢?”腓利回答说:“你若是一心相信,就可以。”那个贵族回答说:“我信耶稣基督是上帝的儿子。”听到这个声明,腓利立刻和太监下到水里去,在那里给他施洗。之后腓力随即离开了,因为他已接到一个信息要到另一个地方去。那个贵族“就欢欢喜喜的走路,”成了一个相信圣经真理的人(徒8:26-39)。{PH113 8.1}

当人的心容易受上帝圣灵的影响时,主就能借着祂的仆人行大事。祂能使他们与需要帮助和鼓励的男女交往。在任何地方,我们都能找到渴望得到我们能给予帮助的灵魂;在安排我们的工作以满足这种需要时,我们切不可忽视葡萄园中被忽视的部分。人们可能会说,让刚强的青年男女出去进入这些山区和偏僻的地方去作工,乃是浪费宝贵的光阴和金钱。有些人可能会争辩说,我们担不起让有才华的年轻人从事这方面的工作。{PH113 8.2}

“担不起!”即使只有一个灵魂可以得救,那个灵魂也比这个世界上所有财富的总和更珍贵。{PH113 9.1}

希尔克莱斯特,一所黑人工人培训学校

让我们感谢上帝吧,黑人在纳什维尔附近有一个学校农场了。前天,我有幸参观了希尔克莱斯特学校,看到了他们为少数学生提供住宿而搭建的小房子。一位姐妹最近给他们寄去足够的钱建造一座简朴的小屋。在这份礼物中,学校的管理者们看到了上帝眷顾之手的证据。主确实在感动祂百姓的心,并引导他们帮助建立黑人青年教育培训中心,让他们在自己的种族中作工。希尔克莱斯特是一处美丽的地产,它为许多人提供了接受服务培训的机会。让我们为此感谢上帝,并鼓起勇气吧。{PH113 9.2}

斯坦斯弟兄和他的同事们在从事一项善工。我相信主引导了他们,且会赐福他们本着良心从事他们所承担的事。我祈愿主感动祂子民的心把握这项工作,并且帮助推进它。我们切不可让批评和一些弟兄不明智的行动使工人们灰心,阻碍工作。主怎样引导了斯坦斯弟兄开始从事这项工作,其他人也必照样蒙引导在不同的地方提供帮助。在园地不同地方的人,作为与上帝同工的人,要寻找有前途的黑人青年,并鼓励他们上这所学校。他们还要帮助提供一个合适的带有教室的建筑。{PH113 9.3}

以往的年月黑人一直受到可怕的忽视。时候将到,那时我们就不容易传给他们信息了。对他们施加的限制会到这种程度,以致几乎不可能接近他们,然而目前还不是这样,我们可以到许多有黑人的地方去,且向他们讲解圣经,引导他们接受上帝圣言的真理。基督必在他们心上留下印象。{PH113 10.1}

有些人看不到农村学校的需要

我们中间有些人已经知道真理多年,却从未看见或意识到需要在大路和篱笆那里作工。所有这种人都应当寻求使内心重新归主,寻求神圣的启迪,以便看出一个将亡世界的需要。基督来寻找拯救失丧的人。祂徒步行走各处。祂并没有乘坐方便的交通工具。在祂那个时代,没有铁路或其它现代旅行手段。众所周知,祂走路,也知道当祂走路的时候,大批的人跟着祂走。祂在旅行时,沿途向跟随祂的人讲解圣经。祂不断地向他们重述生命的话语。群集跟随祂脚步的人群,被祂的演讲中提出的原则迷住了。{PH113 10.2}

当你们出去到路上和篱笆那里的时候,不要让任何一个福音的传道人对你们说:“你们为什么这样做?”我们以基督在世上的事奉为榜样。我们要把自己的灯从遮盖它们的东西下面移开,让它们在道德的黑暗中发光。{PH113 11.1}

“你们是与上帝同工的。”那些希望最终戴上生命冠冕的人,必须在今生作擎光者。{PH113 11.2}

不要说,我们担不起以自养的方式作工

大约五年前,我第一次去麦迪逊参观学校,察看这个学校地产的时候,我告诉那些和我在一起的人,在外观上,这个地方与曾在夜间的异象中呈现在我面前的一个地方很相似——在那个地方,我们的人有机会向那些从未听过最后福音信息的人呈现真理之光。……{PH113 11.3}

我很高兴我们的人在麦迪逊这里得到了建立。我很高兴在这里见到这些愿意到不同地方去工作的工人。上帝的工作要稳步前进;祂的真理要得胜。我们要对每一个工人说:不要让任何人挡道。不要说:“当外面的世界上有广大的园地,我们可以接触到很多人的时候,我们负担不起在人烟稀少的地方主要靠自养的方式工作。”也不要让任何人说:“我们负担不起支持你们在那些偏僻地方作工的费用。”什么!负担不起!你们负担不起不在这些偏僻的地方工作;要是你们忽视这样的园地,时候就必来到,那时你们必希望你们曾负担得起。有一个世界需要拯救。我们一些献身的教师应该出去到路上和篱笆那里,勉强心地诚实的人进来,——不是用武力,不是的!而是用上帝的道中提出的证据的分量。{PH113 11.4}

不要让任何一个活人——男人、女人或儿童——自私地满足于真理的知识。山上有一些心地诚实的男男女女,他们必须得到警告的信息。有些人无法享有聆听常在大型聚会上宣讲的真理的特权;必须通过个人之工接触这些人。{PH113 12.1}

工作中每个人都有一席之地

无论我们的职业是什么,我们每个人都有一项工作要为上帝做。那些在自己农场上的人,不要认为计划出去探访他们的邻舍并在他们面前举起现代真理之光乃是浪费时间;因为即使离开农场工作看起来确实很困难,我们也不会因为花时间帮助别人而在经济上有损失。天上有一位上帝,祂必赐福我们的工作。祂已给每一个男人——也给每一个女人——分派了工作。我们可以与基督合作,向他人说明追求永生如同追求隐藏的财宝是什么意思。上帝已号召我们去做这种工作——去照顾贫穷困苦的人;要意识到那些需要属灵安舒之人的需要;随时准备向饥渴的灵魂讲解圣经。{PH113 12.2}

不要让别人劝阻你参加这项工作

一些人可能会说:“如果我从事这种工作,一些与教会有关的人就会阻止我。”假使他们阻止,会怎么样呢?基督说过:“你的公义必在你前面行;耶和华的荣光必作你的后盾”(赛58:8)。我们没有比这更大的鼓励了;我们要设法拯救那些愿意被拯救的人。我们要把真理带到那些愿意听的人面前。我们自己的灵魂必须充满对真理的爱。当我们忠心地尽自己的本分时,基督就会承认我们的努力,并加添祂明显的祝福。有何等的报赏等待着从事救灵工作的人啊!当那美丽的天城的门在其闪闪发光的枢纽上被打开时,那已经持守真理的族类将要进去,荣耀的冠冕将戴在他们的头上,他们将尊贵、荣耀和权柄都归给上帝。当那时有人会来到你面前说:如果不是你对我所讲说仁慈的话语,如果不是你的眼泪、恳求和热心的努力,我就永远见不到君王的荣美。这是何等的报赏啊![这短暂尘世上的人的赞美,]与不朽来生等候着忠心之人的无限报赏相比,是多么微不足道啊!{PH113 13.1}

农场作为一种支持手段

难道你们没有看见主的荣耀在麦迪逊这里作工吗?你们不要灰心,也不要丧胆。要将被赶出的穷乏人带到你家里来,对他们说安慰的话。我知道你们正在努力做这项工作,我相信上帝会继续赐福你们,也相信祂会赐福这个学校的农场。{PH113 14.1}

我们应当感谢上帝使我们有幸作祂的擎光者。麦迪逊的这个美丽农场是一个支持的手段;而不是要拦阻我们做上帝指定我们去做的事。当你们设法将这所学校的影响力扩展到远方的贫困地区时,你们就是正在做上帝希望你们去做的工作。祂的福气必伴随着每一个设法使真理显大的人。不要让任何一个传道人或平信徒按手在你身上,说:“你不能去这里,你不可去那里;如果你不照我们的吩咐而行,如果你不奉献自己在我们指定给你的某个地方使人进入真理,我们就不会支持你。”当你继续在偏僻的地方寻找失丧的灵魂时,上帝会赐福你。{PH113 14.2}

在这些艰苦的地方工作之人的报赏

对于那些与我们在南方的各类学校事业有联系的人,我想说:不要让任何一个人按手在你们身上说:“你不能做这项工作;你不能这样浪费时间。”时间!这是上帝的时间,我们有权利为贫穷的人和痛苦的人工作,特别是为有色人种工作。如果我们继续本着信心谦卑地操劳,上帝就必显明祂的公义行我们前面,耶和华的荣耀必作我们的后盾。当我们竭力追求认识耶和华时,就必知道祂出现确如晨光。自从你们来到这里以来,你们一直在对此有所了解,不是吗?{PH113 15.1}

在开始的时候,你们没有十分鼓舞人心的白昼的明光显现;但上帝在行事,祂也必继续行事。要保持你们一直在采取的谦卑的做法,预备道路,好让主行事。{PH113 15.2}

上帝希望每一个人都要站在自己的位分上,不觉得工作太艰难。祂随时准备给你力量。在我们向东旅行的时候,祂一路都赐给了我力量。祂给了我力量,使我能够在我们访问一个又一个地方时向人们讲话。在内布拉斯加州的柯立芝维尤,我在安息日对两千人讲了话。耶和华的荣耀临到我们身上。{PH113 15.3}

现在,我亲爱的朋友们,谁愿意与上帝同工呢?谁愿意挑起服务的担子呢?谁会看到那些在远方的人日子艰难,对真理一无所知呢?谁会把他们带进来呢?谁会付出努力使他们成为上帝的儿女呢?当你进入圣城的门,生命的冠冕戴在你额上,也戴在你努力拯救的那些人的额上时,他们会扑在你的颈项上,说:“是你拯救了我的灵魂;要不是你救了我脱离我自己,我早就灭亡了。你不得不花上好长的时间,但你对我很有耐心,使我了解了真理。”{PH113 15.4}

然后,当他们把冠冕放在耶稣的脚前,触摸放在他们手中的金琴,联合起来赞美和荣耀他们的救赎主;并且意识到永生的大福气是他们的了的时候,就确实会有欢喜快乐。想想吧,我们还活在世上时,就可以在上帝手下提供帮助,向男男女女指出得救的道路!{PH113 16.1}

呼吁家庭到南方工作

最后,我要对每一个人说:如果你把你的心献给上帝,如果你谦卑地开始从事指定给你的工作,并保持忠心,你最终会听到这句话:“你们这蒙我父赐福的,可来承受那创世以来为你们所预备的国”(太25:34)。这不是足够的奖励吗?在那个幸福的世界里,不再有诱惑,不再有悲伤。你们在地上的生活中已经与上帝同工;你们已经这样生活以致你的公义在你前面行,耶和华的荣耀也作了你的后盾。{PH113 16.2}

趁我们还有机会,让我们今天就开始工作吧!让我们努力将灵魂带入真理之光,通过向他们讲解圣经,并与他们一起祷告,敦促他们接受耶稣为他们的救主吧。而当你从事这项工作时,耶稣是你的帮助者,就是那在我们面前走过这条路,为我们舍命的耶稣。如果我们在左在右做出牺牲;如果我们追求成为与上帝同工的人,——离了祂,我们就什么也做不好,——我们就会最终拥有那用上帝的永生来衡量的生命——没有堕落的前景,没有撒但的试探和引入歧途,没有死亡。我渴望看到家庭从事得人的工作——设法让他们的光照在世界的道德黑暗中。愿上帝帮助我们,乃是我的祈祷。{PH113 17.1}

关于南方学校的最新指示

这些学校须教授的科目

我们的人中间始终有一种危险,就是那些在我们的学校和疗养院工作的人会怀有他们必须与世界步调一致的想法,考虑世人所考虑的事,熟悉世人所熟悉的事。这是所能犯的一个最大的错误。我们若不特别注意查考圣道,就会犯严重的错误。……{PH113 18.1}

强烈的试探会临到许多把儿女送到我们学校的人,因为他们希望青少年获得世人所认为最必要的教育。若不是从圣经得到的教育,谁知道什么构成最必要的教育呢?圣经乃是一切真知识的基础。那些认为沿着属世的教育路线得到的知识是必不可少的人,在犯一个大错误,这会使他们受出于人的错误的个人意见所左右。对那些认为自己的儿女必须受世人所谓必要教育的人,我要说:把你们的儿女带到上帝之道的纯朴吧,这样他们才会安全。不久以后我们会被大大分散,我们所做的必须迅速做成。{PH113 18.2}

我一直蒙赐予亮光,看到世人能与之亲密联络的每一个安息日复临信徒会承受巨大的压力。那些寻求世上视为高尚的教育的人,正在逐渐被诱导离真理的原则越来越远,直到他们成了有教养的俗人。他们得到这种教育的代价是多么大啊!他们已与上帝的圣灵分离。他们选择接受世人所谓的知识,代替上帝藉着祂的传道人、众先知和众使徒交给人们的真理。有些人既获得了这种属世的教育,便以为可将之介绍到我们的学校里。然而让我告诉你们吧,你们不可接受世人所谓的高等教育并把它带到我们的学校、疗养院和教会。我对你们说得很明确。务必不可做这种事。…… {PH113 19.1}

我们若是愿意仰望主,祂就必帮助我们明白什么是真正的高等教育。你们不应该藉着投身于长时间的持续学习的过程来获得真教育。在这种过程中,你们会得到一些有价值的东西,和许多没有价值的东西。主希望我们成为与祂同工的人。祂是我们的帮助者。祂希望我们亲近祂,存完全谦卑的心学习祂的样式。……不要把理论教育视为最重要的。{PH113 19.2}

(1909年5月给联合学院师生的指示)

现在我们学校的讲座不应该像过去那样,把许多无关紧要的东西当作重要的东西介绍给学生。所赐给我的亮光是,上帝的诫命、主对每一个人的旨意,应该成为每一个愿意升入天上学校更高年级的学生的主要学习对象。(引自1909年1月的个人信函){PH113 20.1}

为真正的高等教育工作

现在正是我们工作的时候。万物的结局近了。……要口诛笔伐地尽力扫除那占据人们思想的有关高等教育的错误观念。(引自1909年6月的个人信函){PH113 20.2}

我不是说语言不要学,语言是应该学的。不久以后,必须有许多人离开家乡,到语言不同的人中去作工。凡懂得这些语言的人必能与那些不认识真理的人交谈。我们中的一些人要学习他们被差往之国家的语言。这是更好的方式。有一位必站在忠心工人的旁边,开启人的悟性,使人有智慧。即使你不懂一句外语,主也能使你的工作多有果效。(1909年5月给联合学院师生的指示){PH113 20.3}

应当开办教会学校,因为这会加速末时来到

应当想尽一切办法在南方的不同地区建立麦迪逊这个等次的学校;那些出资并用自己的影响力帮助这项工作的人,是在帮助上帝的圣工。我蒙指示要对那些有资金可以借贷或奉献的人说:要帮助在麦迪逊的工作。你们没有时间可以浪费。撒但不久会起来造成阻碍。要让工作趁着可以前进的时候前进。但愿我们加强这群教育者继续他们所从事的善工,并且努力鼓励别人去从事相似的工作。于是真理的亮光就会以简单有效的方式得到传播,在短时间就会为主完成一项大工。(为麦迪逊学校发出的呼吁){PH113 21.1}

到路上和篱笆那里

主赐我亮光,指导我们不必特别渴望把太多机构拥挤一个地区,而是应该在偏远之处寻找地方。……真理的种子,应该撒在未开发的各中心。…… {PH113 21.2}

在花这么大的费用来启迪说外国话的人时,我们都应该尽可能地保持清醒,以便接触到在我们自己土地上的外国人和未归主的人。……在许多似乎无望的地方,也有布道的工作要做。我们应受布道精神的支配和鼓励,使我们前去到那本来不想作工的地方,用从未想到的方法,为那从未计划过的一班人作工。(引自1908年10月个人信函){PH113 21.3}

这些贫困地区的工人在哪里?

应该吸引教会肢体们出来作工。……我蒙指示要说,上帝的天使必指示你们开辟远近的新园地,……上帝号召信徒们要通过开辟新的领土并聪明地为小路上的人作工,在传道工作上获得一种经验。……主正在为我们这班人开辟道路,使我们那些过分庞大,无法为最大的利益而一起工作的机构划分成较小的机构。(引自1908年10月个人信函) {PH113 22.1}

如何在南方开始工作

在农村地区,房产将以低于实际成本的价格出售,因为业主希望获得城市的优势,而我们希望为我们的学校获得这些农村地区。(引自个人信函) {PH113 22.2}

关于南方工作

摘自怀爱伦夫人1909年5月在华盛顿特区举行的总会会议上发表的讲话

高地学校作为传道机构

我在去华盛顿的途中,曾有一些经验,不仅去了大路,还去了篱笆那里。我看到了纳什维尔附近的传道学校正在做的一些工作。一小群一小群的工人正到山里去,为那些没有听过信息的人作工,到处都在兴起小群的信徒。谁敢把手放在这样的工人身上,说:你不能这样作工,代价太大了。这能与基督为拯救将亡之人所做的牺牲相比吗?我的弟兄姐妹们,我奉拿撒勒人耶稣的名请你们把你们的灯从斗底下拿出来,让它发光,使别人可以受益。(《总会公报》1909年5月17日){PH113 23.1}

给学校自由去执行上帝的计划

我们有学校。它们的管理方式应该能培养传道士前往大路和篱笆那里播撒真理的种子。这是基督对跟从祂之人的委托。…… {PH113 23.2}

不要让任何人进来作独裁的统治者,说:你必须去这里,你不可去那里;你必须做这个,你不可做那个。我们有一项伟大且重要的工作去做,上帝希望我们聪明地把握这项工作。将人安置在各区会中的负责岗位,并不使他们成为神。没有一个人有足够的智慧行事而不需忠告。人们需要与弟兄们商量,一起商议,一起祈祷,一起为工作的进展作计划。工人们要一起屈膝向上帝祈祷,求祂指引他们的路线。我们在这一点上一直有大缺乏。我们太倚靠人的巧计了。我们担不起这么做。危险的时期正在临到我们,我们必须达到知道主活着并且掌权的地步,而且知道祂住在人们心里。我们必须对上帝有信心。……{PH113 24.1}

要在外国和我们自己的国家建立学校。我们必须向上帝学习如何管理这些学校。不要像已有的许多学校那样管理它们。我们的机构要被视为上帝的工具,要促进祂在地上的圣工。我们必须指望从上帝得指导和智慧;我们必须恳求祂教导我们如何稳步推进圣工。我们要承认主是我们的教师和向导,然后以正确的路线开展工作。……. {PH113 24.2}

在我们学校的一切工作中,我们都需要对何为基本教育有正确的理解。人们就高等教育谈论了许多,但谁能给高等教育下定义呢?最高的教育是在永生上帝的道里得到的。教导我们以完全的谦卑使自己的心灵降服于上帝,且使我们能接受上帝的道并且相信它所说的,这样的教育才是最需要的。……{PH113 25.1}

人若不在现代这项伟大严肃的工作中和谐一致地行动,就会发生混乱。人不肯与弟兄合作,宁愿单独行事,这并不是一个好现象。……从另一方面来讲,在上帝子民中做领袖的人也当谨防,以免误斥那般蒙主指引去做惟有少数人堪任之工的人所采用的方法。身负责任的弟兄不可急于指摘那并非绝对与自己工作方法相同的行动;也不可以为一切计划都必须迎合他们自己的个性。他们须不怕信任别人的方法;因为他们不肯信任那存着谦卑献身的热忱,遵照上帝的指派做特别工作的同工弟兄,就无异是在阻拦圣工前进了。……上帝能够并且必定使用一班未在人所设立的学校中受过充分教育的人。怀疑祂有能力如此行的,就显出不信的心。{PH113 25.2}

现在我们有成千成百的人很少在推进福音的事上出力,或竟一点也不出力;其实这些人都是应该到田里去的。(总会公报,1909年5月31日){PH113 25.3}

我们的学校应提供的教育

有许多人认为,为了能够胜任可接受的服务,他们必须在世界上某所学校的有学问的教师的指导下学习很长一段时间。 诚然,如果他们想获得世界所谓的基本知识,就必须这样做。但我们并不对我们的青少年说,你必须学习、学习,始终把你的头脑用在书本上。我们也不对他们说,你必须把所有的时间都花在获得所谓的高等教育上。我们应当问一问,真正的高等教育目标是什么?岂不是为了能使我们与上帝有正确的关系吗?所有教育的试验标准应当是:它在使我们适合使我们的思想专注于标杆,要得上帝在基督耶稣里从上面召我们来得的奖赏吗?(总会公报,1909年5月30日,214页){PH113 26.1}

手工训练是每门课程的必要部分

我们的青少年应该从小就被教导如何相称地锻炼身体和心智。把孩子们送到学校是不明智的,因为在那里他们将受到长时间的禁闭,在那里他们将不会知道健康的生活意味着什么。要把他们置于那些尊重并慎重对待身体之人的教育之下。不要让你的孩子处于不利的境地,在那里他们无法接受那能够让他们经受住测试和考验的训练。……{PH113 26.2}

如果学生们没有学会为了上帝的荣耀而吃喝,没有学会锻炼大脑、骨骼和肌肉,以便为最高可能的服务做准备,他们就不需要谈论他们在所谓的高等教育中的成就。如果我们想保持健康的精神状态,就必须使整个人都得到锻炼;脑力和体力应按比例使用。……{PH113 27.1}

对那些渴望在上帝的圣工中成为有效率的工人的人,我要说:如果你把过多的负担放在大脑上,认为如果你不一直学习,你就会失败,那么你最好改变你的观点和你的行动方针。在这方面若不更加谨慎,许多人就会过早地进入坟墓。这是你负担不起的;因为有一个世界需要拯救。……在每一个地方,真理都应当以其光荣的能力和简明脱颖而出。不要夸口你所知道的,要把你的事交给上帝。对祂说,我遵守条件。(总会公报,1909年5月30日){PH113 27.2}

早期证言的率直语句

“将来,从事普通职业的人们将被主的灵所感动,离开他们平常的工作,四处传扬怜悯的最后信息。他们要尽快地预备作工,好使他们的努力达到成功。”{PH113 28.1}

“在南方有许多工作是教会的平信徒、受教育有限的人可以做的。男女和儿童都需受教育学会阅读。”{PH113 28.2}

“派到南方的布道士人数岂不该加倍吗?我们岂不该听说有许多志愿者乐意进入这个园地吗?”{PH113 28.3}

“整个教会需要充满布道的精神。这样,就会有许多人不计工价、千方百计无私地作工。”{PH113 28.4}

“我们需要自给自足的学校,如果老师和学生乐于助人、勤奋和节俭,我们就能做到这一点。”{PH113 28.5}

“学校要建在远离城市的地方,年轻人可以在那里学习耕种田地并以此来帮助让自己和学校自助。……要集资兴建这种学校。”{PH113 28.6}

“在南方有一项工作要做成,这工作更需要的不是讲道的人,而是作教师的男男女女——谦卑的人,不怕去做农夫的工作,教育南方人如何种地,因为白人和黑人都需要在这方面受教育。”{PH113 29.1}

“从上帝的道中可以学到最重要的教训。这本伟大的书向我们敞开,让我们的青年可以按照先知门徒的方式接受教育。我们这班人应该继续这样对我们的青年进行教育工作,以防止他们过放纵的生活。”{PH113 29.2}

“我蒙指示看见,我们的教育工作不可效法我们过去所建立的学校所实行的方式。在我们中间太拘泥于旧习惯了,因而大大阻碍了第三位天使信息的传播。”{PH113 29.3}

“数年时间过去了,这些年月本应成就大工,却很少结出果子。”{PH113 29.4}

“在学校农场所学的知识乃是那些将出去到外国担任传道士的人最重要的教育。”{PH113 29.5}

“已经有了一次明显的失败,没能在南方的园地满足上帝的要求。我们需要求主赐给我们悟性,使我们能看到自己的缺乏,并且理解南方的现状,以及就在手边的从事布道工作的需要。”{PH113 29.6}

“二十年来,一直摆在我们的人面前的是,他们必须在南方各州做一项特别的工作。当主一再向祂的子民发出信息时,是因为祂希望他们跟随祂所赐的亮光。”{PH113 30.1}

“我们不应一次又一次地在同一个地方工作,丢下许多尚未传过最后警告信息的地方。……孟菲斯、新奥尔良和南方其它城市都在呼唤充满圣灵力量的工人。”{PH113 30.2}

“我们这班人还需要知道,在一班不知道现代真理的人中间充任我们作宣教士的职位意味着什么。”{PH113 30.3}

“我收到了对我们在麦迪逊的工人的鼓励的话,他们正在努力让学生受到实用的教育,同时将他们建立在我们信仰的原则上。学生们正在学习如何耕种土地,如何建造简朴的房屋。这些学生被鼓励走出去,建立其它的工业学校,在那里,他们可以转而教育他们的学生如何计划和如何建设。”{PH113 30.4}

PH113 - Words of Encouragement to Self-supporting Workers  

(Report of a talk by Mrs. E. G. White to the teachers and students of the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute at Madison, Tenn., April 26, 1909)

(By Mrs. E. G. White)

【Schools for the Highways and Hedges】

I am very glad to have the opportunity of speaking to as many as I see before me at this time, in a field where a large work is yet to be done. In all these unworked fields, special efforts are to be made. In laboring for the unwarned, we are to seek to “compel them to come in.” Why?—Because souls are at stake. There is a message to be given to these souls, and those in the highways and in the hedges must hear the Word of life.?{PH113 2.1}[1]  

Several years ago, during a former visit to the South, while out on long drives, I sometimes asked who occupied the homes we passed, and I learned that in many of the larger Southern houses were men who bear important responsibilities in the care of great estates. Upon further inquiry, I learned that no one had sought to bring before these men the Word of life. None had gone to them, with Bible in hand, and said, “We have something precious for you, and we want that you should hear it.” Now it has been presented before me repeatedly that this is a line of work that must be done. We are to go out into the highways and into the hedges, and carry to the people the message of truth that?Christ has given us. We are to compel many to come in.{PH113 2.2}[2]  

Christ meant much when he said, Go out into the highways and the hedges. You must not neglect the highways. You must bring the truth before those in the highways. Neither are you to neglect those that are in the hedges. In addition to the work that must be done in the great cities, there is a work to be performed for those that are scattered all through the regions round about. And how can we reach them?—One important means of accomplishing this work, is found in the establishment of small schools in needy communities. Even if there are but a few persons in a place, some means of reaching them should be devised. Once let the missionary spirit take hold of men and women, young and old, and we shall see many going into the highways and the hedges, and compelling the honest in heart to come in.?{PH113 3.1}[3]  

Some one may inquire, “How will you compel them?”—Let the truth of God, in its purity and power, be brought to bear upon the conscience of living agents, and let them be taught the preciousness of this truth. Let them realize that the Word of life, even Christ himself, came to our world because of God’s desire to save fallen humanity; for “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”?{PH113 3.2}[4]  

【The Madison School Trains Teachers for the Highland Schools and Family Mission Schools】

Nearly five years ago, when we were searching for a site on which to locate a?training-school near Nashville, we visited this plantation that was afterwards secured; and I remember that when we first saw the place, we planned to go over it in carriages, some in one direction, and some in another, and we looked to God to impress our minds as to whether this were the place he wished us to choose for a training-center. For a time, the prospect looked forbidding; nevertheless, the plantation was secured, and the work was begun. The Lord would have the influence of this school widely extended by means of the establishment of small mission schools in needy settlements in the hills, where consecrated teachers may open the Scriptures to hungry souls, and let the light of life shine forth to those that are in darkness.?{PH113 3.3}[5]  

This is the very work that Christ did. He traveled from place to place, and labored for souls. And who was he?—The One equal with the Father. The Lord Jesus has set us an example. As you engage in school work in these needy communities, do not let any man come in to discourage you by saying, “Why do you spend your time in this way? Why not do a larger and more important work in a broader field?” Some, it is true, must plan to look forward to the time when they will do a large work in response to general calls; but who will attend to the highways? Who will go into the hedges? There are those that Christ will move upon, and they will see the necessity of entering neglected portions of the vineyard. They will delight to open the Scriptures to those that are in darkness and do not understand the truth. This is the very work that is to be done. Let?every one of us stand in our lot and in our place. And if there are those whom the Lord moves upon to give themselves to the neglected portions of the vineyard, let no man seek to turn them away from their appointed work. If those who know the truth, conceal from others the great light that has shined into their own hearts, they are held accountable for neglecting their duty.?{PH113 4.1}[6]  

We feel an earnest interest in these schools. There is a wide field before us in the establishment of family mission schools. Let those who feel the burden of souls resting upon them, go out and do house-to-house work, and teach the people precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little, gradually leading them into the full light of Bible truth. This is what we had to do in the early days of the message. As earnest efforts are put forth, the Lord will let his blessing rest upon the workers, and rest upon those who are seeking for an understanding of the truth as it is in the Word of God.?{PH113 5.1}[7]  

There are precious truths, glorious truths, in God’s Word, and it is our privilege to bring these truths before the people. In those parts of the field where many cannot attend meetings far away from their homes, we can bring the truth, to them personally, and can work with them in simplicity.?{PH113 5.2}[8]  

【A Place for Old and Young in the Southern Field】

In preparation for the coming of our Lord, we are to do a large work in the great cities. We have a solemn testimony to bear in these great centers. But in our planning for the?extension of the work, far more than the cities alone, must be comprehended. In out-of-the-way places are many, many families that need to be looked after in order to learn whether they understand the work that Jesus is doing for his people. Those in the highways are not to be neglected, neither are those in the hedges; and as we journey about from place to place, and pass by house after house, we should often inquire, “Have the people who are living in these places, heard the message? Has the truth of God’s Word been brought to their ears? Do they understand that the end of all things is at hand, and that the judgments of God are impending? Do they realize that every soul has been bought with an infinite price?” As I meditate upon these things my heart goes out in deep longing to see the truth carried in its simplicity to the homes of these people along the highways and places far removed from the crowded centers of population. We are not to wait for workers of the very highest talent to prepare the way and to show us how to labor; but, whether old or young, we have the privilege of understanding the truth as it is in Jesus, and as we see persons who are not in the possession of the comfort of God’s grace, it is our privilege to visit them, and acquaint them with God’s love for them and with his wonderful provision for the salvation of their souls.?{PH113 5.3}[9]  

In this work in the highways and the hedges, there are serious difficulties to be met and overcome. The worker, as he searches for souls, is not to fear nor be discouraged, for God is his helper, and will continue to be?his helper; and he will open up ways before his servants.?{PH113 6.1}[10]  

We are glad, very glad, for the evidences of prosperity attending the work here at Madison. To every one assembled at this Institute, I would say: Search the Scriptures. If you do not fully realize the times in which you live, and the nearness of the end, seek to gain a fuller realization of these things by searching the Scriptures. There is a work to be done in every place. We must seek to catch the very spirit of the message.?{PH113 7.1}[11]  

【There Should be Schools for the Colored People as Well as Schools in the Highlands】

There are colored people to be saved. Yesterday it was my privilege to speak to the colored people assembled in their little church in Nashville. A goodly company of colored people listened with marked attention to the words presented.?{PH113 7.2}[12]  

These people did not have to do with their color. They are not accountable for the fact that they are not white; and how foolish it is for human beings that are dependent for every breath they draw to feel that we should have nothing to do with the colored people. We have a duty to perform toward them, and in the fear of God we are endeavoring to discharge this duty by providing in every possible way for them to hear the third angel’s message, and to fit themselves for proclaiming the truth to their own race.?{PH113 7.3}[13]  

Do you know of a soul to be saved?—Christ died to save that soul, and your work is to?learn how to reach the heart of that one, and point him to the Saviour.?{PH113 7.4}[14]  

In Acts we read the story of Philip and the nobleman—how, as an Ethiopian was journeying homeward from Jerusalem, and studying the Scriptures, Philip appeared before him, and inquired, “Understandest thou what thou readest?” The record informs us that he did not; and so Philip ascended into the chariot, and sat down by the side of the eunuch, and opened the Scriptures to his understanding, and delighted him with the truth. With enlightened heart and mind, the Ethiopian believed the message that he heard. As they journeyed on, they came to a stream of water; “and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” Philip replied, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” The nobleman answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Upon hearing this declaration, Philip immediately went down with the eunuch into the water, and there baptized him. Philip immediately afterward departed, as he had received a message to go to another place. The nobleman “went on his way rejoicing,” a believer in the truths of God’s Word.?{PH113 8.1}[15]  

When human hearts are susceptible to the influences of the Holy Spirit of God the Lord can do a mighty work through his servants. He can bring them into association with men and women who need help and encouragement. Everywhere we can find souls longing for the help that we might give them; and in arranging our work so as to meet this need, we must not lose sight of the neglected parts of the vineyard. Men may say that it is a waste of valuable time and money for strong?young men and young women to go out into these hills and out-of-the-way places to labor. Some may contend that we cannot afford to allow young persons of talent to engage in this line of work.?{PH113 8.2}[16]  

“Can not afford it!” If there is but one soul to be saved, that soul is more precious than all the combined wealth of this world.?{PH113 9.1}[17]  

【Hillcrest, a Training-School for Colored Workers】

Let us thank God that the colored people have a school farm near Nashville. Day before yesterday I had the privilege of visiting the Hillcrest School, and of seeing the little houses that they have been putting up for the accommodation of a few students. A sister has recently sent them money sufficient to build a modest little cottage. In this gift the managers of the school see an evidence of God’s favoring hand. The Lord is indeed moving upon the hearts of his people, and leading them to aid in the establishment of training-centers for the education of colored youth to labor among their own race. Hillcrest is a beautiful property, and gives opportunity to provide for many to receive a training for service. Let us thank God for this, and take courage.?{PH113 9.2}[18]  

Brother Staines and his associates are engaged in a good work. I believe that the Lord has led them, and will bless them in doing conscientiously that which they have undertaken. It is my prayer that the Lord will move upon the minds of his people to take hold of this work and help it forward.?We must not let the criticism and unwise movements of some of the brethren dishearten the workers, and hinder the work. As the Lord has led Brother Staines to take up this work, so others will be led in various places to help. Men in different parts of the field as laborers together with God, will search out promising colored youth, and encourage them to attend this school. And they will help in the providing of a suitable building with class-rooms.?{PH113 9.3}[19]  

In past years the colored people have been terribly neglected. The time is coming when we cannot easily give them the message. Restrictions will be placed about them to such an extent that it will be next to impossible to reach them; but at the present time this is not the case, and we can go to many places where there are colored people, and can open the Scriptures to their understanding, and lead them to accept the truths of God’s Word. Christ will make the impression upon their hearts.?{PH113 10.1}[20]  

【Some do not See the Need of Rural Schools】

There are those among us who have been in the truth for years, who have never seen nor sensed the need there is for working the highways and the hedges. All such should seek for reconversion of heart, for divine enlightenment, that they may discern the needs of a dying world. Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. He went about on foot. He did not ride in easy conveyances. There were no railways or other modern means of travel in his day. It is known that?he walked, and that multitudes joined him as he walked. Along the wayside, as he journeyed, he opened the Scriptures to the understanding of his followers. Constantly he was repeating to them the words of life. The multitudes that thronged his footsteps, were charmed with the principles brought out in his discourses.?{PH113 10.2}[21]  

As you go out into the highways and the hedges, let no minister of the gospel say to you, “Why do ye so?” We have for our example the ministry of Christ on this earth. We are to remove our lights from under the coverings that hide them from others, and let them shine forth amid the moral darkness.?{PH113 11.1}[22]  

“Ye are laborers together with God.” Those who expect to wear at last a crown of life, must in this life be light-bearers.?{PH113 11.2}[23]  

【Do Not Say, We Cannot Afford to Work in a Self-supporting Way】

When I first visited Madison, about five years ago, and looked over this school property, I told those who were with me, that in appearance it was similar to one of the places that had been presented before me in vision during the night season—a place where our people would have opportunity of presenting the light of truth to those who had never heard the last gospel message....?{PH113 11.3}[24]  

I am glad that our people are established here at Madison. I am glad to meet these workers here, who are offering themselves to go to different places. God’s work is to advance steadily; his truth is to triumph. To every believer we would say: Let no one stand?in the way. Say not, “We cannot afford to work in a sparsely-settled field, and largely in a self-supporting way, when out in the world are great fields where we might reach multitudes.” And let none say, “We cannot afford to sustain you in an effort to work in those out-of-the-way places.” What! Cannot afford it! You cannot afford not to work in these isolated places; and if you neglect such fields, the time will come when you will wish that you had afforded it. There is a world to be saved. Let some of our consecrated teachers go out into the highways and the hedges, and compel the honest in heart to come in,—not by physical force; oh, no! but with the weight of evidence as presented in God’s Word.?{PH113 11.4}[25]  

Let no living soul—man, woman, or child—selfishly rest satisfied with a knowledge of the truth. There are honest-hearted men and women out in the hills that must be given the message of warning. There are those who cannot have the privilege of listening to the truth as it is often presented in large assemblies; these must be reached by personal effort.?{PH113 12.1}[26]  

【There is a Place for Everybody in the Work】

We each have a work to do for God, whatever may be our occupation. Those who are on their farms, are not to think that it would be a waste of time for them to plan to go out and visit their neighbors, and hold up before them the light of the truth for this time; for even if it does seem difficult to leave the farm work, yet we shall not lose financially because of spending time in helping others.?There is a God in heaven that will bless our labors. To every man—and to every woman—he has given his work. We may co-operate with Christ, by showing to others what it means to seek for eternal life as for hidden treasure. God has called upon us to do this kind of work—to look after the poor, the needy, the suffering; to be awake to the necessities of those in need of spiritual refreshment; to be ever ready to open the Scriptures to hungering souls.?{PH113 12.2}[27]  

【Do Not Let Others Discourage You From Taking Part in This Work】

Some may say, “If I were to engage in this sort of work, some connected with the church would discountenance me.” What if they should? Christ has said, “Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward.” We have no greater encouragement than this; we are to seek to save those who are willing to be saved. We are to bring the truth before those who will hear it. Our own souls must be filled with a love for the truth. And as we do our part faithfully, Christ will acknowledge our efforts, and add his signal blessing. And oh, what a reward awaits the winner of souls! When the gates of that beautiful city on high are swung back on their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in, crowns of glory will be placed on their heads, and they will ascribe honor and glory and majesty to God. And at that time some will come to you, and will say, If it had not been for the words you spoke to me in kindness,?if it had not been for your tears and supplications and earnest efforts, I should never have seen the King in his beauty. What a reward is this! How insignificant [is the praise of human beings in this earthly, transient life,] in comparison with the infinite rewards that await the faithful in the future, immortal life!?{PH113 13.1}[28]  

【The Farm as a Means of Support】

Do you not see that the glory of the Lord is at work here at Madison? You are not to fail, not be discouraged. Bring to your house the poor that are cast out; speak to them words of comfort. I know that you are trying to do this work, and I believe that God will continue to bless you, and that he will bless this school farm.?{PH113 14.1}[29]  

Let us thank God for the privilege of being his light-bearers. This beautiful farm at Madison is a means of support; and it is not to hinder us from doing the very work that God has appointed us to do. And as you try to extend the influence of this school into the needy places beyond, you are doing the very work that God wants you to do. His blessing will be with every one who seeks to magnify the truth. Let not any living hand, of minister or layman, be laid upon you with the statement, “You cannot go here, you must not go there; we shall not support you if you do not go at our bidding; or if you do not give yourself to the work of bringing souls into the truth in some certain place designated by us.” God will bless you as you continue to search for lost souls in out-of-the-way places.?{PH113 14.2}[30]  

【The Reward of Those Who Work in These Hard Places】

To those who are connected with our various school enterprises in the South, I would say: Let not a single hand be laid upon you to say, “You cannot do this work; you must not spend your time in this way.” Time! It is God’s time, and we have a right to work for the needy and the distressed, and especially for the colored people. If we continue to labor in faith and humility, God will reveal that his righteousness goes before us, and the glory of the Lord will be our rearward. As we try to follow on to know the Lord, we shall learn that his going forth is prepared as the morning. You have been gaining an understanding of this, have you not, since you have been here??{PH113 15.1}[31]  

In the beginning, you did not have the bright light of day appear in all the encouraging lines; but God is working, and he will continue to work. Persevere in the humble course that you have been taking, to prepare the way for the Lord to work.?{PH113 15.2}[32]  

God desires that every man shall stand in his lot and in his place, and not feel as if the work was too hard. Why, he is ready to give you strength. He has granted me strength all along the way as we have journeyed eastward. He gave me strength to speak to the people as we visited place after place. At College View, Neb., I spoke on the Sabbath to two thousand people. The glory of the Lord rested upon us.?{PH113 15.3}[33]  

Now, my dear friends, who will be laborers together with God? Who will take up the burden of service? Who will see those that?are afar off, having a hard time, and knowing nothing of the truth? Who will bring them in? Who will use their efforts to make them sons and daughters of God? When you enter within the gates into the city, and the crown of life is placed upon your brow, and on the brows of the very ones you have worked to save, they will cast themselves upon your neck, and say, “It was you that saved my soul; I should have perished if you had not saved me from myself. You had to take a good while; but you were patient with me, and won me to a knowledge of the truth.”?{PH113 15.4}[34]  

And then, as they lay their crowns at the feet of Jesus, and touch the golden harps that have been placed in their hands, and unite in praising and glorifying their Redeemer; and they realize that theirs is the great blessing of life, everlasting life, there will be rejoicing indeed. And oh, the thought that we may be instrumental, under God, in helping to show men and women the way of salvation, while living on this earth!?{PH113 16.1}[35]  

【A Plea for Families to Work in the South】

In conclusion, I would say to every one: If you give your heart to God, if in humility you take up your appointed work, and remain faithful, at last you will hear the words, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, enter ye into the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Is not this sufficient reward? In that happy world there will be no more temptation, no more sorrows. In your earthly life you have labored together with God; you have so lived that your righteousness?has gone before you, and the glory of the Lord has been your rearward.?{PH113 16.2}[36]  

Oh, let us work today, while we still have opportunity! Let us strive to bring souls into the light of truth, by opening to them the Scriptures, and by praying with them, and urging them to accept Jesus as their Saviour. And as you engage in this work, Jesus is your Helper, even the same Jesus that has passed over the road before us, and has given his life in our behalf. If we make sacrifices on the right hand and on the left; if we seek to be laborers together with God,—without whom we can do nothing aright,—we shall at last have the life that measures with the everlasting life of God—no prospect of falling, no Satan to tempt and lead astray, no death. I long to see families engaged in soul-winning—seeking to let their light shine amid the moral darkness of the world. May God help us, is my prayer.?{PH113 17.1}[37]  《

Recent Instruction Concerning Schools in the South》

【Subjects to be Taught in These Schools】

There is constant danger among our people that those who engage in labor in our schools and sanitariums will entertain the idea that they must get in line with the world, study the things which the world studies, and become familiar with the things that the world becomes familiar with. This is one of the greatest mistakes that could be made. We shall make grave mistakes unless we give special attention to the searching of the Word....?{PH113 18.1}[38]  

Strong temptations will come to many who place their children in our schools because they desire the youth to secure what the world regards as the most essential education. Who knows what the most essential education is unless it is the education to be attained from that Book which is the foundation of all true knowledge. Those who regard as essential the knowledge to be gained along the line of worldly education, are making a great mistake,—one which will cause them to be swayed by individual opinions that are human and erring. To those who feel that their children must have what the world calls the essential education, I would say, Bring your children to the simplicity of the Word of God, and they will be safe. We are going to be greatly?scattered before long and what we do must be done quickly.?{PH113 18.2}[39]  

The light has been given me that tremendous pressure will be brought upon every Seventh-day Adventist with whom the world can get into close connection. We need to understand these things. Those who seek the education that the world esteems so highly, are gradually drifting farther and farther from the principles of truth until they become educated worldlings. At what price have, they gained their education! They have parted with the Holy Spirit of God. They have chosen to accept what the world calls knowledge in the place of the truths which God has committed to men through his ministers and prophets and apostles. And there are some who, having secured this worldly education, think that they can introduce it into our schools. But let me tell you that you must not take what the world calls the higher education and bring it into our schools and sanitariums and churches. I speak to you definitely. This must not be done....?{PH113 19.1}[40]  

If we will look to him, the Lord will help us to understand what constitutes true higher education. It is not to be gained by putting yourself through a long course of continual study. In such a course you will get some things that are valuable, and many things that are not. The Lord would have us become laborers together with him. He is our helper. He would have us come close to him and learn of him with all humility of mind.... Do not regard as most essential the theoretical education.?{PH113 19.2}[41] 

 —Instruction to Students and Teachers of Union College, May, 1909.[42]  

The presentation in our schools should not now be as it has been in the past in introducing many things as essential that are only of minor importance. The light given me is that the commandments of God, the will of the Lord regarding each individual, should be made the chief study of every student who would be fitted for the higher grades of the school above—Private Letter, January, 1909.?{PH113 20.1}[43]  

【Work for True Higher Education】

Now is our time to work. The end of all things is at hand.... By pen and voice labor to sweep back the false ideas that have taken possession of men’s minds regarding the higher education.—Personal Letter, June, 1909.?{PH113 20.2}[44]  

I do not say that there should be no study of the languages. The languages should be studied. Before long there will be a positive necessity for many to leave their homes and work among those of other languages; and those who have some knowledge of foreign languages will thereby be able to communicate with those who know not the truth. Some of our people will learn the languages in the countries to which they are sent. This is the better way. And there is One, who will stand right by the side of a faithful worker to open the understanding and to give wisdom. If you did not know a word of the foreign languages, the Lord could make your work fruitful.—Instruction to Students and Teachers of Union College, May, 1909.?{PH113 20.3}[45]  

【Mission Schools Should be Started for They Will Hasten the End】

Every possible means should be devised to establish schools of the Madison order in various parts of the South; and those who lend their means and their influence to help this work, are aiding the cause of God. I am instructed to say to those who have means to spare: Help the work at Madison. You have no time to lose. Satan will soon rise up to create hindrances; let the work go forward while it may. Let us strengthen this company of educators to continue the good work in which they are engaged, and labor to engage others to do a similar work. Then the light of truth will be carried in a simple and effective way, and a great work will be accomplished for the Master in a short time.—An Appeal for the Madison School.?{PH113 21.1}[46]  

【Enter the Highways and Byways】

The light is given that we must not have special anxiety to crowd too many interests into one locality, but should look for places in out-of-the-way districts.... The seeds of truth are to be sown in uncultivated centers....?{PH113 21.2}[47]  

While such great expense is incurred to enlighten the people of foreign tongues we are all to be just as wide awake to reach, if possible, the foreigners and the unconverted in our own land.... There is missionary work to be done in many unpromising places. The missionary spirit needs to take hold of our souls, inspiring us to reach classes for whom we had not planned to labor, and ways and places that we had no idea of working.—Personal Letter, October, 1908.?{PH113 21.3}[48]  

【Where are the Workers for These Needy Places】

The church-members should be drawn out to labor.... I am instructed to say that the angels of God will direct in the opening of fields nigh as well as afar off.... God calls upon believers to obtain an experience in missionary work by branching out into new territory, and working intelligently for the people in the byways.... The Lord is certainly opening the way for us as a people to divide and subdivide the companies that have been growing too large to work together to the greatest advantage.—Personal Letter, October, 1908.?{PH113 22.1}[49]  

【How to Start Work in the South】

Properties will be offered for sale in the rural districts at a price below the real cost, because the owners desire city advantages, and it is these rural locations that we desire to obtain for our schools.—Personal Letter.?{PH113 22.2}[50]  

《Concerning the Southern Work》

(Extracts from Talks Given by Mrs. E. G.

White at the General Conference Meeting,Washington, D.C., May 1909.)[51]  

【Highland Schools as Evangelizing Agencies】

On my journey to Washington I had some experience in going not only to the highways, but also to the hedges. I saw something of the work that is being done in the mission schools near Nashville. Little companies of workers are going out into the mountains and laboring for those who have not heard the message, and here and there little companies of believers are being raised up. Who would dare to put their hand on such workers and say, You must not labor thus; it costs too much. Can it compare with the sacrifice that Christ made in order to save perishing souls? My brethren and sisters, I ask you in the name of Jesus of Nazareth to take your light from under the bushel, and let it shine forth that others may be profited.—The General Conference Bulletin, May 17, 1909.?{PH113 23.1}[52]  

【Give the Schools Liberty to Carry Out God’s Plans】

There are our schools. They are to be conducted in such a way that they will develop missionaries who will go out to the highways and hedges to sow seeds of truth. This was?the commission of Christ to his followers....?{PH113 23.2}[53]  

Do not allow any man to come in as an arbitrary ruler, and say, You must not go here, and you must not go there; you must do this and you must not do that. We have a great and important work to do, and God would have us take hold of that work intelligently. The placing of men in positions of responsibility in various conferences, does not make them gods. No one has sufficient wisdom to act without counsel. Men need to consult with their brethren, to counsel together, to pray together, and to plan together for the advancement of the work. Let laborers kneel down together and pray to God, asking him to direct their course. There has been a great lack with us on this point. We have trusted too much to men’s devisings. We cannot afford to do this. Perilous times are upon us, and we must come to the place where we know that the Lord lives and rules, and that he dwells in the hearts of the children of men. We must have confidence in God....?{PH113 24.1}[54]  

There are schools to be established in foreign countries and in our own country. We must learn from God how to manage these schools. They are not to be conducted as many of them have been conducted. Our institutions are to be regarded as God’s instrumentalities for the furtherance of his work in the earth. We must look to God for guidance and wisdom; we must plead with him to teach us how to carry the work solidly. Let us recognize the Lord as our teacher?and guide, and then we shall carry the work in correct lines....?{PH113 24.2}[55]  

In all our schools we need to have a correct understanding of what the essential education is. Men talk much of higher education, but who can define what the higher education is? The highest education is found in the Word of the living God. That education which teaches us to submit our souls to God in all humility, and which enables us to take the Word of God and believe just what it says, is the education that is most needed....?{PH113 25.1}[56]  

If men will not move in concert in the great and grand work for this time, there will be confusion. It is not a good sign when men refuse to unite with their brethren, and prefer to act alone.... On the other hand, the leaders among God’s people are to guard against the danger of condemning the methods of individual workers who are led by the Lord to do a special work that but few are fitted to do. Let brethren in responsibility be slow to criticize the movements that are not in perfect harmony with their methods of labor. Let them never suppose that every plan should reflect their own personality. Let them not fear to trust another’s methods; for by withholding their confidence from a fellow brother laborer who, with humility and consecrated zeal, is doing a special work in God’s appointed way, they are retarding the advancement of the Lord’s cause.... God can and will use those who have not a thorough education in the schools of men. A doubt of his power to do this is manifest unbelief.?{PH113 25.2}[57]  

There are hundreds of our people who ought?to be out in the field who are doing little or nothing for the advancement of the message.—The General Conference Bulletin, May 31, 1909.?{PH113 25.3}[58]  

【The Education to be Offered In Our Schools】

There are many who believe that in order to be fitted for acceptable service, they must go through a long course of study under learned teachers in some school of the world. This they must do, it is true, if they desire to secure what the world calls essential knowledge. But we do not say to our youth, You must study, study, keeping your mind all the time on books. Nor do we say to them, You must spend all the time in acquiring the so-called higher education. Let us ask, What is the object of true higher education? Is it not that we may stand in right relation to God? The test of all education should be, Is it fitting us to keep our minds fixed upon the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?—The General Conference Bulletin, May 30, 1909, 214.?{PH113 26.1}[59]  

【Manual Training a Necessary Part of Every Curriculum】

Our youth should be taught from their very childhood how to exercise the body and the mind proportionately. It is not wise to send the children to schools where they are subject to long hours of confinement, and where they will gain no knowledge of what healthful living means. Place them under the tuition of those who respect the body and treat it with consideration. Do not place your children in an unfavorable position, where they cannot receive the training that will enable them to bear test and trial....?{PH113 26.2}[60]  

Students need not talk of their attainments in the so-called higher education if they have not learned to eat and drink to the glory of God, and to exercise brain, bone, and muscle in such a way as to prepare for the highest possible service. The whole being must be brought into exercise if we would secure a healthy condition of mind; the mental and the physical powers should be used proportionately....?{PH113 27.1}[61]  

To those who are desirous of being efficient laborers in God’s cause, I would say, if you are putting an undue weight of labor on the brain, thinking you will lose ground unless you study all the time, you had better change your views and your course of action. Unless greater care is exercised in this respect, there are many who will go down to the grave prematurely. This you cannot afford to do; for there is a world to be saved.... Everywhere, everywhere the truth is to stand forth in its glorious power and in its simplicity. Do not boast of what you know, but take your case to God. Say to him, I comply with the conditions.—The General Conference Bulletin, May 30, 1909, 214.?{PH113 27.2}[62]  

《Pointed Sentences From Older Testimonies》

“In the future, men in the common walks of life will be impressed by the Spirit of the Lord to leave their ordinary employment, and go forth to proclaim the last message of mercy. As rapidly as possible they are to be prepared for labor, that success may crown their efforts.”?{PH113 28.1}[63]  

“In the South there is much that could be done by lay-members of the church, persons of limited education. There are men, women and children who need to be taught to read.”?{PH113 28.2}[64]  

“Shall not the number of missionaries to the South be multiplied? Shall we not hear of many volunteers who are ready to enter this field?”?{PH113 28.3}[65]  

“The whole church needs to be imbued with the missionary spirit; then there will be many to work unselfishly in various ways as they can, without being salaried.”?{PH113 28.4}[66]  

“We need schools that will be self-supporting, and this can be if teachers will be helpful, industrious, and economical.”?{PH113 28.5}[67]  

“Schools are to be established away from the cities, where the youth can learn to cultivate the soil, and thus help to make themselves and the school self-supporting....?Let means be gathered for the establishment of such schools.”?{PH113 28.6}[68]  

“There is to be a work done in the South, and it needs men and women who will not need to be preachers so much as teachers,—humble men who are not afraid to work as farmers to educate the Southerners how to till the soil, for whites and blacks need to be educated in this line.”?{PH113 29.1}[69]  

“There are lessons of the highest importance to be learned from the Word of God. This great Book is open to us that our youth may be educated after the manner of the sons of the prophets. We, as a people, should carry on the work of the education of our youth in such a way that they will be guarded against living self-indulgent lives.”?{PH113 29.2}[70]  

“I have been shown that in our educational work we are not to follow the methods that have been adopted in our older established schools. There is among us too much clinging to old customs, and because of this we are far behind where we should be in the development of the third angel’s message.”?{PH113 29.3}[71]  

“Years have passed into eternity with small results that might have shown the accomplishment of a great work.”?{PH113 29.4}[72]  

“The usefulness learned on the school farm is the very education that is most essential for those who go out as missionaries to many foreign fields.”?{PH113 29.5}[73]  

“There has been a decided failure to meet the requirements of God in the Southern field. We need to ask the Lord to give us understanding that we may see our lack, and take?in the situation in the South, and the need of doing the missionary work that lies right at hand.”?{PH113 29.6}[74]  

“For twenty years it has been before our people that they must do a special work in the Southern States. When the Lord repeatedly sends messages to his people, it is because he desires them to follow the light he gives.”?{PH113 30.1}[75]  

“We are not to work in the same place over and over again, leaving many places where the last message of warning has not yet been proclaimed.... Memphis, New Orleans, and other cities of the South are calling for workers filled with the power of the Spirit.”?{PH113 30.2}[76]  

“As a people we need yet to learn what it means to fill our places as missionaries among a people who know not the truth for this time.”?{PH113 30.3}[77]  

“I have received words of encouragement for our workers at Madison, who are trying to give their students a practical education while establishing them in the principles of our faith. The students are learning how to till the soil, and how to build plain, simple houses. And these students are encouraged to go out and establish other industrial schools where they, in turn, can educate their students how to plan and how to build.”?{PH113 30.4}[78]

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