给纽约州西部弟兄们的证言
致纽约州西部的弟兄们：
我对你们深感关心。我若保持沉默，就会无可推诿。我写给O地不同个人的证言是心中极其痛苦地写下来的。但我不敢以别的方式对待上天赐给我的亮光。在上次的异象中，我蒙指示看见这些证言没有得到接受，没有在那些人的生活中成就上帝原计划它们应该成就的改革工作。{PH104 1.1}
我看见当圣工软弱，贫穷压在我们身上时，我们竭尽全力从早到晚无私地推进上帝的工作，甚至不顾自己的性命。我们献身于圣工。我们向个人作上帝赐给我们的见证。我们遭受忽视和缺乏;但是与在R地和附近地区的弟兄们给我们带来的不必要的磨难相比，这些是很容易忍受的。别人的错误行为使得将出版社搬出R地成为了一件必需的事。我看到施恩的天使正在飞离R地。我蒙指示看见叛乱始于那里。上帝标记了从事这种工作的家庭，他们并没有都作出彻底的认罪并照他们本应当的离弃自己的罪。{PH104 1.2}
有些人充分认识到纠正自己错误的必要性，并认真地努力挽回过去，上帝接受了他们的努力。但是，在一次失败之后，他们若是又陷入同样的错误中，从前的错误和现在的罪在天上的册子中就都记在他们身上。{PH104 2.1}
上帝曾发出可怕的警告、威胁、请求和恳求，但这些都被忽视了。我蒙指示看见，无论他们愿意听还是因心中刚硬而塞耳不听，警告、恳求、督责都不可止息。我想起门徒奉主的命出去传扬天国近了，祂“又对他们说：你们无论到何处，进了人的家，就住在那里，直到离开那地方。何处的人不接待你们，不听你们，你们离开那里的时候，就把脚上的尘土跺下去，对他们作见证。”“凡不接待你们、不听你们话的人，你们离开那家，或是那城的时候，就把脚上的尘土跺下去。我实在告诉你们，当审判的日子，所多玛和蛾摩拉所受的，比那城还容易受呢”(可6:10,11;太10:14,15)。{PH104 2.2}
轻蔑责备警告的罪行，如我们救主所说的，“凡不接待你们、不听你们话的，”确保了祂对这种罪犯所宣判的惩罚，并使他们受到上帝的极大不悦。这罪若不悔改，不承认，而是依然为人所保留和珍爱，就会在审判的日子使他们在上帝眼中处于比所多玛和蛾摩拉还糟糕的地位，因为他们有比那些遭毁灭的城市更大的亮光。{PH104 2.3}
这些人轻视了上天赐给他们的机会，拒绝了若是接受原会使他们得救的信息。他们漠不关心，喜欢吹毛求疵，因为他们以为自己可以歪曲某些表达，且因内心盲目，就设法相信并向别人说明证言不真实，因为他们认为自己的情况没有得到正确的表述。他们行事反对上帝和自己的心灵。因为他们不看自己的品格缺陷，这并不证明证言不真实。{PH104 3.1}
人们多么难以了解自己的错误呀，他们的思想被世界蒙蔽了;但上帝已发给他们亮光，并将他们的真实状况摆在他们面前，以便他们看见并改正自己的错误。他们若是倚赖自己的聪明而不是上帝所赐给他们的亮光，就属于耶稣所描绘的那等不肯来就光，恐怕自己的行为受责备的人了(约3:20)。他们选择黑暗而不是光明。上帝会愤怒地按手在他们身上，那时他们就会觉得自己所忽视了的警告之词是可怕的现实了。那时，那些为自己的错误行径辩解，不愿看到自己的错误的人，就会带着无法用借口和逃避来掩盖的焦虑，从真实无伪的口中哭喊说：“主啊，主啊，我们做了这项善工，我们在圣工中完成了这个!”但却得到了可怕的回答：“我不认识你们”(太25:12;路13:25)。{PH104 3.2}
总有一天，所有的人都会感到无私的焦虑。那时一位无法回避的信使会来到，像曾来到希西家面前一样，传达一个令人震惊的突如其来的信息：“你当留遗命与你的家，因为你必死不能活了”(赛38:1)!那些常常因自己的故意犯罪和玩忽职守而受责备，硬着心肠的人，到那时就会变得极其认真了。那自私、世俗的人，其生活是一种狂热的兴奋，一种对地上财富的追求，那时将急于获得真正的财富，但一切都太晚了!{PH104 4.1}
当永恒的现实展现在他们面前，鳞从他们眼睛上掉下来(徒9:18)的时候，那些热爱自私的享乐、安逸和放纵，忽视了上帝赐予的机会，以及与美好生活有关的崇高事物，为了世俗的肤浅利益而舍弃了美好和可爱的东西的人，那时就会认真了。他们会发出疯狂的喊叫说：“请分点油给我们，因为我们的灯要灭了”(太25:8)!{PH104 4.2}
这种事态会在O地实现。在那个可怕的时刻，极度痛苦的受难者会疯狂地向亲戚和朋友请求祈祷和安慰。但这些人将无力救赎他们曾帮助捆在不信和黑暗的枷锁中的弟兄。{PH104 4.3}
要是A.，O.，和L.弟兄曾正确地认识到把我们赶出R.地的罪，要是充分领受了上帝赐给他们的亮光，并将祂的警告接到了心里，原没有什么能引引诱他们定居在R.地，就是他们藉着忽视、不信和拒绝上帝为他们而赐给我们的信息而把我们赶出来的地方。在软弱和灰心中，我们在困难中艰难地前进。要不是上帝的帮助，我们就会失去希望，走进坟墓。要是这些家庭没有回到R.地，他们就不会像现在这样被拆散，那些使人们心中充满忧伤和无法形容的悲伤的可怕灾难也原本不会发生。{PH104 5.1}
但是尽管存在这些实际发生的情况，有些人还是如此彻底地受了叛逆精神的影响，以致像以色列人一样，不会从他们所遭受的事情中学到什么。他们把自己的痛苦归咎于其它原因，而不是真正的原因。当上帝一次又一次地带领他们到战场上来，就像祂从前带领以色列人一样，来测试和试验他们的时候，他们和从前一样，很自然地陷入同样的疑惑和叛逆中。古以色列人也是如此。他们不把上帝的责备放在心上，在祂面前大大谦卑，下彻底的不需要后悔的工夫。当考验出现，试验临近时，就发现叛乱的种子并没有被消灭，而是只要有好机会就会发芽并再次涌现。{PH104 5.2}
我蒙指示看见在R.地开始的叛乱从未从所有的人心中被根除。毒根、恨恶对罪的责备、藐视忠告、自私自利，仍住在人们心中，尤其是在L弟兄的家人心中。他们并没有全部改革。他们没有存完全悔改的心归向耶和华。当不满和恶毒的酵在一些不圣洁的心里发动的时候，全团都会发起来。只要受到任何煽动，阴燃着的偏见和反叛之火就会重新熊熊燃烧起来。{PH104 6.1}
我蒙指示看见，接下来将是上帝的报应。上帝警告了，但他们不肯听。他们行在自己内心的想象里，选择偏行己路，上帝也必拣选那必临到他们身上的灾祸。L弟兄追求的道路是最乖僻、最不可原谅的，因为他有其他已走上同样道路之人的鉴戒，也知道那些人所经受的惩罚。他比他们更少有借口，因为他有他们的鉴戒摆在面前以资避免。{PH104 6.2}
撒但用质疑、邪恶的猜测和疑惑困扰他，激起不信，他向他的头脑暗示了一些想法，那些想法又被他传给了别人，那些人原本决不会被那些想法搅扰的。撒但利用他作他的工具去从事他的工作。他的妻子在巴特尔克里克的影响不是应有的样子。她那难驯服的舌头做了许多坏事。他们的孩子没有受到他们正确的训练，他们不赞成在学校接受纪律。{PH104 6.3}
这个家庭和G弟兄的家庭由于在约束和教育自己的孩子要有用和顺从方面纪律松懈和玩忽职守，已对巴特尔克里克的社会有了一种道德败坏的影响。那里如今在儿童和青少年中间存在着一种起来藐视权威，打破纪律，藐视责备，鼓励放荡的精神。{PH104 7.1}
对于那些蒙上帝拣选站在工作首位之人的声音和影响力缺乏尊重。这是对上帝之灵的极大侮辱。这是在基督的圣徒身上拒绝基督。岁月不能抹去一个无纪律的家庭的孩子们对教会和学校的影响，这些孩子一直受到忽视，没有受到适当的有用和责任的教育。这样发挥的影响没有被人们意识到，直到邪恶的酵几乎使全团都发起来了。{PH104 7.2}
有更多的灵魂因本性的乖僻而没能完善基督徒的品格，因而失去了天国。没有受训练要服从父母权威的孩子将不能尊重更高的要求。他们不会愿意响应上天的要求。自称相信现代真理的父母们的这种可怕的疏忽，正给他们的思想带来黑暗，并将罪恶与罪行带进他们的家中。这种训练松懈的恶行，其结果是可怕的。L弟兄已经受到过警告、督责、劝勉和鼓励。他是无可推诿的。他一直很孩子气，一直很敏感。他很有主见。他可以指挥和领导，但他不愿被领导。他不愿意同办公室里那些能就工作的性质向他提供指导的人商量，以便他能聪明而成功地工作。{PH104 7.3}
要是我的丈夫指挥，要是他在诸多操心挂虑之下很匆忙，没有照可能的那样谨慎择言，这位弟兄就会生气。他是那种易燃的性格，他需要看到和了解自身这种邪恶的存在，并纠正它，以便与上帝的工作相联系。从加利福尼亚回来后，我们感到很奇怪，好像我们没有家一样。我们参加了西部的帐棚大会后来到巴特尔克里克。我们都很健康。但我们在巴特尔克里克发现的这种局面使我们的心灵不断承受着重担。我们参加一次又一次最感人的聚会。{PH104 8.1}
L弟兄听了我丈夫对与上帝的事业和工作有关的事情所作的解释。L弟兄承认了一些错误，但没有纠正自己的错误行为。他为自己辩解，把最残酷的责难留给了别人。他失去了自我控制，一时精神失常，因为他被带到了必须对他所走的路作出解释的地步。这是他在自己的道路受阻时通常表现出来的精神。他向不同的人撒了谎，这些人对事情和问题都作了陈述，最后他去了O地。{PH104 8.2}
他又回来了，我们还做了其它的努力来帮助他看清、感到和纠正他所走的错误路线，但都取得了类似的结果。他承认他对自己所说的话感到抱歉，但不承认他没有理由产生怀疑和嫉妒。我向某弟兄和姐妹作了我的见证，双方都能看出对方品格上的缺点，但却不愿看到自己的缺点。某姐妹尤其如此。她在这里所追求的道路使我伤心透了。她表达的想法直接打击了我的诚实和正直。她的言行辜负了我的信任，质疑我的动机，表明一颗我以前在任何一个自称相信现代真理之人身上都从未见过的不信的心。她似乎气得发昏，因为她的道路受阻了。她通常都是一意孤行，不管有什么危险，但在这件事上，她的计划对圣工的兴旺发达并不是最好的，而且竟有那些人敢这样告诉她。人性的乖张呀!要是这些人藉着由衷的认罪将绊脚石从巴特尔克里克教会除去，他们原能治愈邪恶，医好创伤。{PH104 9.1}
但是显而易见，那些受到责备的人并没有看到他们的真实状态。如果他们看到了，教会原会得到解脱，他们自己的灵魂也会得到解脱。但他们却没能去做他们本应该做成的工作。他们本应该作最彻底的认罪。B弟兄和那些来到巴特尔克里克要帮助我们挑担子之人的做法是错的。这些弟兄似乎要把我们压碎在他们自己的黑暗的重压之下，而不是把我们从操心挂虑中解救出来。意识到那些应该有更好判断力的人的前后矛盾，几乎要了我的命，给我们带来了十倍的操劳。那些自称是我最好朋友的人背叛了我。{PH104 10.1}
我的姐妹们慷慨地提出帮助我缝纫。在其他人无忧无虑，每天都有时间做针线活，把衣柜整理得整整齐齐时，我通常一年只能缝纫一两次，大约两周。在准备我的衣柜时，我做了长裙和短裙。长裙中有一两条用于旅行，也是在那些思想倾向于支持真理但并不知道我们的信仰和服装改良的人面前穿的。我们不愿意把无关紧要的问题带到这样的听众面前，使他们的心偏离伟大而重要的主题，因为撒但利用一切可能利用的东西来转移和分散他们的注意力。{PH104 10.2}
我已经充分解释了这一切。但尽管如此，我的姐妹们还是很软弱，她们无法理解我的动机，反而很高兴有借口把改良的服装放在一边，以我的榜样为她们的借口。我曾觉得，对我来说，在加利福尼亚工作时，为了拯救灵魂，谨慎是至关重要的。我能和保罗一起说，“向什么样的人，我就作什么样的人。无论如何，总要救些人”(林前9:22)。我没有背地里做什么事。我坦率地说出了我的理由。可是，那些在服装改良的十字架下长期受煎熬和折磨的不圣洁的心，现在却抓住机会大胆地一推，把改良服装脱掉了。她们利用了我的需要曲解我的话语、我的行动和动机。{PH104 11.1}
我对健康和服装改良的立场没有改变。我蒙指示看到上帝将服装改良当作一个福气赐给我们的姐妹，一些人却使它变成了一个咒诅，使服装问题成了谈话的思考的主题，同时她们却忽视了内心的工作，用个人的虔诚来装饰自己的灵魂。有些人认为宗教就是穿着改良服装，然而他们的精神却没有被恩典折服。她们是嫉妒和挑剔的，注意和批评别人的穿着，这样就忽视了她们自己的灵魂，丧失了她们的虔诚。{PH104 11.2}
如果服装改良被这样变成了一个咒诅，上帝就会把它从我们除去。上被曾赐给古以色列人福气，又收回了，因为那些福气被人藐视，成了牢骚抱怨的理由。{PH104 12.1}
有些人把服装改革推向了极端，她们催促我也这样做;她们挤压了这事。我看到这些人在品格上有显著的缺点，是她们所忽视的，同时她们却在极力主张服装改良。我看到她们如此缺乏真实的原则和真正的虔诚，以致我在试图使她们理解我的立场时一直受到挫折。我自己是穿改良服装的，除了上面提到的情况，因为我担心它会对那些刚刚举起安息日的沉重十字架的灵魂产生影响。在我向两三千人演讲的我们的大型帐棚聚会上，我穿着改良服装。{PH104 12.2}
来自O.的一位姐妹说，她希望自己对自己曾经拥有的改良服装有那种信心;并暗示说，这些证言使她对这件事产生了怀疑。这是因为那些把事情做得极端的人曾被告诫不要把着装问题当作基督徒友谊的考验。这些事有何等的影响，要破坏人们对我的证言的信心啊!不是证言有错，而是人性太乖僻了。{PH104 12.3}
我说过：“要是我写过或说过有那种意思的话，请指出来。”她无法提出任何声明，但她已经得到了这种印象，她说不清是怎么回事。我担心这种人在心里鄙视服装改良，并希望有借口放弃改良。{PH104 13.1}
我们的弟兄姐妹给我们带来的麻烦和困惑，阻碍了我们出版大量小册子，就是我们曾计划准备付印并为帐棚大会作准备的材料。三个星期以来，我的心灵承受着沉重的负担，因为那些十七年来一直声称对这些证言深信不疑的人，当他们受到责备，道路受阻的时候，竟随时准备放弃这些证言。{PH104 13.2}
三个星期以来，我晚上只睡了大约两个小时。一天晚上，我根本没有睡，我的脑子似乎失灵了。我既不能读也不能写。我的头一直很痛。谁对这三周的痛苦和无用负责呢?谁对忽视了本应该完成了的工作负责呢?在我们本应该有宝贵的材料以理想的形式分散在前来听道的人中间时，我们却没有小册子也没有出版物在这些大型聚会上分发。{PH104 13.3}
巴特尔克里克事项
去年夏天本来能够在巴特尔克里克完成的工作没有完成，因为撒但决心挫败上帝的旨意，利用不圣洁的人阻挡我们的道路。我们的时间被那些人占用了，他们自称来到巴特尔克里克为要帮助我们和援助圣工，却屈从了撒但的试探，与我们的努力背道而驰。{PH104 14.1}
保健院的繁荣岌岌可危。那里缺乏系统与和谐，这不是一两个人的责任。如果院长、董事和医生忠心耿耿地履行他们的职责，我们在那里发现的事态原不会存在，很多疾病和几起死亡原可以避免。{PH104 14.2}
这种对保健院及其周围环境管理的粗心大意，对它产生了可怕的不利影响，许多人因此丧生。健康改良者们自称相信纯净的空气、纯净的水和严格的清洁是卫生的中介。这些中介是治疗疾病最有效的方法。尽管一再受到警告和责备，医生的职责却被严重忽视了。医生的职责是照顾保健院周围的一切环境。他们在同意成为那里的医生时，就承担起了将病人的健康和生命接到手中的责任。他们有责任对那些受他们照顾的人产生浓厚的兴趣，耐心地向他们提供建议和指导，给他们适当的治疗，保护他们不受任何有害的影响，并将一切有害健康的东西从这个机构或它的周围驱逐出去。{PH104 14.3}
保健院的卫生状况被严重忽视了。医生们知道姑娘们在一个发出致命气味的水槽上工作，但他们却让这种事情继续下去。他们在专业地治疗病人时，却对他们所照管之人的环境问题熟视无睹。医生、主任和院长都知道，排污口不足以除去杂质。他们每一天都会在他们面前，在地面上看到，为了使土壤肥沃而铺开的敷料正在污染空气，使之不适合呼吸。所有来访者都能清楚地看到这一点，探子们也在密切监视着。{PH104 15.1}
医生有责任确保周围的一切都有益于健康。他们很清楚这些不洁物质对大气的影响，这些物质会被吸入肺部并败坏血液。他们应当大受责备。对病人的适当治疗，以及对普通卫生的要求，本应该使他们能够制止这种罪恶。他们本应该热心地开展工作，净化保健院的场所，使其具有吸引力和有益健康，名副其实。{PH104 15.2}
那里的几个人的痛苦和死亡在很大程度上要归咎于医生。他们本应该感到，他们要对他们有权控制的有害影响的结果负责。要是他们努力清除了这些场所的每一种有害物质，每一种冒犯感官的东西，上帝原会赐福他们的努力。但祂并不打算行奇事来保护生命和健康，反对人们粗心疏忽，把工作留给祂去做。{PH104 16.1}
院长没有尽到他的职责，董事们没有尽到他们的职责，医生们也没有尽到他们的职责，因为他们允许一种危及生命和健康的事态存在着。{PH104 16.2}
在我们保健院的医生应该不断地在知识、文雅和品格的卓越上进步。然而他们却一直走在一个狭窄的沟槽里，自私地注视着自己的利益，并可怕地忽视了对那些托付给他们照料之人的生命和健康有直接影响的责任。这种做法不会倾向于扩大和加强机构的影响。那些负责人缩小了自己的工作范围，限制了自己的责任，并因此损害了他们有责任支持的事业。{PH104 16.3}
上帝藉着摩西的口曾特别吩咐希伯来人不要让任何不洁留在营地地附近，免得耶和华经过，看见他们的不洁，就不肯与他们的军队一起上阵与敌军作战。自从那时以来，上帝并没有改变。给古代以色列人的指示，对今日属耶和华的以色列人同样重要。一位纯洁而神圣的上帝如何看待保健院的不洁环境呢?{PH104 17.1}
健康改良是与第三位天使信息相连的一个分支，就如手与身子相连一样。那些从事这一分支工作的人忽视了他们的职责，上帝已经注意到他们的粗心大意和明显的不洁。这一令人厌恶的外观已向观众公开，而健康改良事业，连同我们所提倡的伟大真理，已在他们的心目中与保健院周围环境和场地的外部状况处在同一水平。我们所信奉的真理已经因那里存在的松散局面而名誉扫地了。{PH104 17.2}
在古代，如果上帝的子民允许不洁之物留在营里，上帝就不喜悦，并且拒绝作他们的力量，不肯在战斗中赐给他们胜利。这是真的，我们可以肯定，在这些日子里，类似的后果必随着类似的罪恶而来。上帝不会赐福人们的努力，他们虽然在某些事上热心，却完全不顾上帝话语中所包含的任何特别指示。耶和华本为大，本为圣。祂是轻慢不得的，顺从祂一切的命令乃是对我们的明白要求。{PH104 17.3}
保健院的成功取决于与之相关的每一个人的彻底和完全忠诚。人们从全国各地来到保健院。他们从报告中了解到，这个机构是由安息日复临信徒经办的，这是一班有着特殊信仰的人，穿着朴素，在许多事情上似乎与世界脱节。他们以批判的眼光看待院长、医生和助手们的行为举止。他们很自然地根据他们所看到的来判断我们，也根据他们早期与我们相识的过程中所显露出来的东西来判断我们。因此，许多人看到这个场所处于如此粗心大意和令人厌恶的状态，就带着坚决的不满而转身离去，宣布它是他们不会光顾的二级或三级机构。{PH104 18.1}
他们也从同样的立场判断我们的信仰同样是令人反感和有缺陷的。上帝原计划保健院应当是我们信仰的一封清楚的推荐信，使人归顺真理的一个有力手段。但是，那些热爱秩序和整洁的人，不能不对保健院感到厌恶，并因此或多或少地对健康改良抱有偏见。{PH104 18.2}
上帝在嘱咐希伯来人清洁的重要性时，并非旨在通过给出那些明确的命令来展示祂专断的权力;然而，既知道祂百姓的身体和属灵的兴盛有赖于他们符合自然律，祂就强迫他们服从这些律法，并通过附加在这些律法上的刑罚来表明祂对这些律法的高度重视。如果人们不服从上帝的要求，他们必然会因此而受苦。那些吸入有害空气的人是冒着健康甚至生命本身的危险。但是，那些不仅自己招致这种危险，而且使他人暴露于不洁净的空气和不健康的环境的有害影响的人，在上帝面前应加倍受到谴责。{PH104 19.1}
在去年一月赐给我的见证中，我蒙指示看见保健院没有处在兴旺的状态。在一些事上，G弟兄也许能胜任主管一职，但他在许多方面都有不足。他没有记性，也不细心和不辞劳苦。他愿意担任负责任的职位，但不愿以信心和耐心承担其职务的必要负担。这样的责任很轻地落在G弟兄身上。他很自豪，很自信，更努力去取悦和赢得别人好感，而不是承担他所从事之工作的真正负担。{PH104 19.2}
在G弟兄的监管下，保健院的属灵状况不太可能得到改善，因为他自己缺乏真正的灵性来引导他密切跟随主的指示。对G弟兄来说，说：做这个，或那个，比说：来吧，让我们做这个或那个，并且亲自衷心地把握住工作，从而鼓励凡在该机构工作的人都尽自己的本分更容易。在某些事情上，他试图弥补别人的失败，并改进他们的榜样，但他没有看到自己的缺陷，并纠正他们。{PH104 20.1}
保健院应该远远高于现在的水平。凡在其中工作的人都应绝对倚赖上帝，谦卑地行在祂面前，遵行祂的旨意，遵守祂的律法。祂给了我们理性的头脑，使我们可以从祂的话、从我们的日常经验和观察中学习如何生活，如何履行每一项职责。一个为病人提供住宿的机构尤其应当照着技巧、辛苦的操劳和明智地使用资金所能做到的完全干净而有益健康。{PH104 20.2}
特別证言
下述证言写于1875年1月，它的真实性得到了林赛弟兄的承认，林赛弟兄说它给了他亮光和希望。{PH104 21.1}
林赛弟兄，你已退后离开上帝。对于上帝的要求，你的见解从来没有很好的定义，也不是很严谨。你因为很多自称基督徒之人的路线错误而变得玩忽职守不警醒是没有理由的。你一直没有献身于上帝。你没有感到依赖祂保守你，所以你被胜过，受疑惑奴役;不信的锁链困住了你的心灵。你没有在自己的生活中荣耀上帝。我们的信仰有时在你看来是很可疑的。之所以这样的原因是在你自己。在世界上，真理与谬论很是混杂，以致不一定能清楚地将它们辨别出来。但是一个自称相信真理的人为何这么没有力量呢?因为他不了解自己的无知和软弱。他若知道这一点，若不信任自己，就会感到需要上帝帮助他脱离仇敌诡计的重要性。我们需要成为积极作工的基督徒，在内心和生活上都无私，单单注目上帝的荣耀。唉，我们到处可见何等的落魄啊!何等沉默的嘴唇和不结果子的生活啊!天使说：“这是因为落在试探之下。能损害心灵平安的，莫过于有罪的不信了。”{PH104 21.2}
你不应在绝望中放弃，以为自己必定在疑惑和不信的奴役中生活和死去。在主里我们才有公义和力量。要倚靠祂;藉着祂的能力你可以灭尽仇敌一切的火箭并且得胜有余。你还可以因真理成圣;否则你若愿意，就可行在不信的黑暗中，失去天国，也失去一切。藉着行在光中和行出上帝的旨意，你可以胜过自私的本性。{PH104 22.1}
你向来乐于奉献钱财，却留下了自己。你没有感到需要作出会涉及操心和甘愿为基督做任何工作的牺牲，无论那工作多么卑微。上帝会再三把你带到这个境地，直到你以谦卑的心和折服了的心意经受住祂所造成的考验，得以完全成圣，从事祂的服务和工作。这样你就会赢得不朽的生命。你可以在基督耶稣里充分地长大成人，否则你就会成为属灵的侏儒，没有取得任何胜利。我的弟兄啊，你要选择哪一个呢?你要过舍己和自我牺牲的生活，高兴喜乐地做自己的工作，完善基督徒的品格，为不朽的奖赏奋力前进呢?还是要为自己生活而失去天国呢?上帝是轻慢不得的;基督不接受分心的侍奉。祂要的是全部。保留任何东西都是不行的。祂已用无限的代价买了你，祂要你把一切都作为乐意的供物交给祂。你若在内心和生活上完全献身于祂，信心就会取代疑惑，信任就会取代不信任和不信。{PH104 22.2}
我的弟兄啊，你因疏忽在自己的生活和家庭中更加严格地实行健康改良而处在确实的危险中。林赛弟兄：你的血液不洁，却仍在藉着满足口味败坏它，使它发炎。不要受蒙骗养成服用兴奋剂的习惯，因为这不但会导致体力的反作用和损失，而且会使智力麻木。在饮食上养成严格节制的习惯，加之坚定地倚靠上帝，会改善你身体、心智和道德的健康状态。你有非常容易兴奋的性情。你没有多少自制，在兴奋之下常常会说出和做出过后会后悔的事。你应当叫坚决的意志帮助你反对你自己的倾向和习性。你必须保持你心灵的通道敞开接受亮光和真理。但是当有某种事情发生要试验和验证你时，偏见往往就会进来，你便立刻反对你认为是限制你自由或侵害你权利的事。{PH104 23.1}
上帝的道清楚地把这个真理摆在我们面前：我们身体的本性会与属灵的争战。使徒告诫我们要禁戒肉体的私欲，这私欲是与灵魂争战的(彼前2:11)。每一种变态食欲都成了一种争战的私欲。食欲得到放纵以致伤害了体力，便引起心灵的疾病。使徒提到的私欲不仅指违背第七条诫命，也指对口味的每一次放纵，这削弱身体的活力，是一种争战的私欲。使徒宣布，凡希望取得特别的胜利，在公义上达到更高造诣的人，必须“诸事都有节制”(林前9:25)。我们若是希望得胜像基督得了胜一样，就必须在我们的餐桌上饮食有节制，也必须在其它每一个方面实行节制。上帝已赐给我们亮光，不是要我们冷淡待之，而是要作我们的指导和帮助。{PH104 23.2}
你需要培养自制。你本应在年少时学会的这个功课你现在必须掌握。要训练你自己向自我死，使你的意愿顺从基督的意愿。我亲爱的弟兄啊，你必须有一番深刻彻底的转变，否则你就会达不到永生。你在上帝圣工中的服务必须更加衷心、充分和彻底。你想要侍奉上帝的时候就侍奉，不想的时候就忽视，这样无法完善基督徒的品格。你的生活中必须发生一番明确的改变，你必须获得一种与你已经获得的任何经验都不同的经验，否则你的侍奉不会蒙上帝悦纳。我们的天父一直对你非常仁厚。祂温和体贴地对待了你。疾病曾临到你身上，那时你还没准备好去世，因为你还没有完善基督徒的品格，在道德上不适合天国。{PH104 24.1}
撒但站在你旁边，要使你受苦和毁灭你，好使你被列在罪犯之中。热切而有功效的祷告曾为你献上，天使们奉差来守候你，警戒保护你脱离撒但的权势，保存你的性命。上帝已本着祂无比的爱给了你另一次考验。不是因为你有什么良善或美德，而是因为祂的怜悯，祂应允了出于信心的祈祷。你的宽容时期得到了延长，使你可以有机会挽回过去，克服你品格中的缺点，在你的生活中表明对上帝的献身，就是祂所要求于你的。你有了感恩之情，但你没有经历本应被祂无与伦比的爱燃起的那种衷心的感谢与合宜的谦卑。{PH104 25.1}
虽然上帝存留了你的性命，你却没有充分感受到自己对祂的责任。你因自己不高兴的原因，再三为自己开脱，不履行我们无论何时何地都负有的宗教责任。灰心的感觉无法在上帝面前为疏忽一项职责开脱。你不是自己的人;而是用基督的血买来的。祂要求你一切行事的能力，你的光阴和力量都不是你自己的。{PH104 25.2}
上帝指出你可以受教在祂的圣工中起作用，但你的心智必须受培养和训练，好与上帝的计划和谐同工。你若愿意就可获得所需的经验;你曾有特权摆在面前，就是拒绝自己的倾向爱好，因为你的救主已经在祂的生活中给你树立了一个榜样。但你却没有置身于学习的立场，去学习你所能学习的一切，和对你来说必须学习的一切，以便在上帝的圣工成为一名正确的工人。在主能有效地使用你作祂的器具之前，你本身有些东西要改革。{PH104 26.1}
林赛弟兄：对你来说，离开你的农场是一个牺牲;你喜爱那里的生活。你来巴特尔克里克并非出于自愿。你对出版社的工作一无所知。但你决心尽力而为，你在许多方面做得也很好。但许多事出现，成了你路上的绊脚石。A弟兄的做法在许多方面都是错误的;但你没有保持自己对上帝的献身;你在精神上与他联合，没有自由站立;你在许多事上令上帝不悦，且使自己与祂隔绝。撒但在你身上得势;你的脚步几乎滑跌;当疾病阻碍你的路线时，你几乎走入不信。上帝本着大怜悯存留了你的性命，给了你新生。但你还没有完全降服于祂;你顽梗的意志一直没有折服软化;你需要新的转变。你很容易焦躁苦恼;奋起反抗任何自以为对你不利的事。只要有触及你骄傲的事，你的情绪就会火冒三丈。我亲爱的弟兄啊，这是完全错误的。这是你必须克服的，否则仇敌就会胜过你。{PH104 26.2}
你心里感到不舒服，因为你不喜欢在巴特尔克里克工作。你回顾某某地，因为你的心在那里，而你的心在哪里，你的身子也应该在那里。上帝一直在试验你，检验你;你是怎样忍受试验的呢?你需要被刨平磨光，消除你品格的粗糙不平之处，使你变得精致，适合天国。对人的本性来说，要拒绝倾向爱好是多么困难啊;对人来说，要离弃讨人喜欢的属世吸引，并且藉着对他们救主和同胞的爱，拒绝自己的乐趣，以便更直接地参加上帝的服务，也是多么困难啊。{PH104 27.1}
林赛弟兄，你没有用心尽性工作。你从未使之成为直接的个人兴趣，圣工对你来说是不合意的，否则你原会训练自己的心智更好地明白这工作;但你却在一定程度上避开了这工作;你没有密切参与圣工，熟悉它的各部门。{PH104 27.2}
你没有像应该的那样爱交际有礼貌，你冷淡不可亲的态度是令上帝不悦的。你容许自己的情绪轻易兴奋起来。没有一个受情绪控制和凭冲动而行的人可以适当地充任上帝圣工中的任何一个职位。你的心必须与上帝有更密切的联络，你必须本着同情和关心更密切地认同那些从事祂工作的人，否则你就对推进巴特尔克里克的圣工毫无用处。你太独立太排外;你需要柔化自己的性情，使之与别人的思想感情相似。你作为商人和基督徒，只要愿意降服自己的意志和道路归于主，就会为上帝的圣工做出非常有价值的服务。你需要因真理成圣，提高你的心智，超越每一个自私的兴趣和个人的考虑。{PH104 28.1}
我向你指出耶稣的生活为一个完美的模范。祂的生活是以无私的仁爱心为特征的。宝贵的救主!祂为我们付出了何等大的牺牲，好使我们不至灭亡，反得永生啊!我们若是放弃每一个自私的利益去得到天国，天国还是会够便宜了。我们难道担得起偏行己路，脱离上帝的手，因为这更合我们本性的心意吗?上帝要求完全的降服和完全的顺从。永生对我们来说值得付出一切。你若努力进窄门，就可与上帝有更密切的关系。{PH104 28.2}
你决不会知道自己的缺陷，除非你被带到这些缺陷会藉着环境显露出来的地方。你自从来到巴特尔克里克以后，一直没有应有的感觉。你没有自由而衷心地参加工作，使之成为你首要的兴趣。你怀存了一种独立的精神，你若认识到自己真实的位置，就不能怀有这种精神，因为你是一名学徒，正在学习如何以最好的方式为兴旺上帝的圣工而工作;你是一个学生，谋求获得你所不熟悉的知识。要是你认真努力侍奉上帝，作一个能干的工人，你原可取得更大的进步。{PH104 29.1}
你一直太过拘谨了。你没有与圣工各部门的人建立密切的关系;你也没有照着所应该的与他们亲密磋商，好聪明地行事。要是你这么做了，你原可成为更能干的助手。你太多照自己的判断行事，实行自己的想法和计划。工人们之间一直缺少和谐的关系。那些原可帮助你的人，一直不愿把他们的知识传给你，因为你缺乏亲密，也因为你太多凭冲动和感觉行事，以致他们不敢接近你。{PH104 29.2}
世界的救主是天使们所崇拜的，祂是天庭的君王;但祂撇下了自己的荣耀，以人性披覆了神性。祂成了柔和谦卑的耶稣。祂把自己的财富和荣耀留在了天上，并且成为了贫穷，好使我们藉着祂的贫穷，可以成为富足。三年之久祂旅行各地，作一个无家的流浪者。然而若是叫自私的人为基督的缘故撇下他们那点儿地上的财宝，或从事拯救祂为之舍了自己宝贵性命之人的工作，他们就会不满抱怨。这是何等的忘恩负义啊!没有一个人能领略救赎的福气，除非他感到自己能高兴地因为爱基督而作出任何牺牲。为基督作出的每一个牺牲都会使给予者更富足，为亲爱的救主忍受的每一痛苦缺乏都会增加得胜者在天国最终的喜乐。{PH104 30.1}
你对实际的牺牲和真正的舍己知之甚少。你也没怎么经历过艰难困苦和殚精竭虑。你的负担向来很轻，而别人却被严重的责任压弯了腰。那个年轻人问耶稣他该做什么才可以承受永生，回答是：“遵守诫命”(太19:17)。他自信而骄傲地回答说：“这一切我从小都遵守了，还缺少什么呢?”耶稣怜悯地看着这个年轻人;祂爱他，且知道祂所说的话会使这个年轻人永远与祂分离。然而耶稣还是触及了他心灵的这个灾病，对他说：“去变卖你所有的，分给穷人，就必有财宝在天上;你还要来跟从我”(太19:21)。这个年经人想要天国，但却没有充分撤回他对地上财宝的情意。他不肯服从上帝的要求以便进入永生。他很忧愁;因为他的产业很多，他认为自己的产业太宝贵了，不可用来交换永生的奖赏。他曾问过必须做什么才能得救，也得到了答案;但他属世界的心不能牺牲他的财富去做基督的门徒。他决定放弃天国，紧紧依靠自己地上的财宝。那个决定确定了这个年轻人的命运，现在有多少人在做同样的决定呢?{PH104 30.2}
我们任何一个人若有机会为基督做件事，就应多么急切地抓住机会，且以最大的热心竭尽所能与祂同工啊!考验我们信心的最严厉的试炼，看似上帝已经离弃了我们，原是要引我们与基督更亲近的，使我们可以把一切的重担都卸在祂脚前，并且经历祂要赐给我们的作为交换的平安。你需要重新归正;你需要因真理成圣，在精神上变得像小孩子，柔和谦卑，完全依赖基督作你的救赎主。你在保留你极为自负的精神时，你就会是困苦、可怜、瞎眼、赤身的。你的骄傲和独立正在关闭你的心门，不接纳上帝之灵蒙福的感化力，使你的心像踏硬的路面不易受感动。{PH104 31.1}
你还要学习信心的大功课。何时你完全降服于上帝，何时你全然跌碎在耶稣上，你就会得到胜利的奖赏，其喜乐是你还从未体验过的。当你以清晰的眼光回顾以往时，你就会看到正是在你看生活好像只是一团乱麻和一个重担时，耶稣自己却离你很近，力求引你进入光明。你的父就在你旁边，以说不出来的爱俯身向你，为你的益处使你受苦，就像精炼者在炼净宝贵的矿石。当你以为自己被离弃了的时候，祂就在你近旁要安慰你支持你。我们很少看到耶稣实际的样子，也从未准备好接受祂实际要给我们的帮助。{PH104 32.1}
当你以一颗感恩的心遵从上帝敞开的天意，决心无论生病还是健康，丰富或缺乏，都过单单注目上帝荣耀的生活时，你就会获得何等大的胜利啊。自我还活着，每次触及都颤抖。必须先将自我钉死，你才能奉耶稣的名得胜，领受忠心之人的奖赏。{PH104 32.2}
PH104 - Testimony To the Brethren in Western New York
【Testimony】
To the Brethren in Western New York:I have a deep interest for you. If I keep silent I shall not be excused. The testimonies which I had for different ones in O. have been written but with great pain of heart. But I did not dare do otherwise with the light given to me from Heaven. In my last vision I was shown that these testimonies have not been received, and wrought that reformation in life that God designed they should.?{PH104 1.1}[1]
I saw that when the cause was weak, and poverty pressed upon us, we strained every nerve laboring unselfishly early and late to press forward the work of God, not even regarding our lives. We were consecrated to the work. We bore to individuals the testimony which God gave us to bear. We suffered neglect and want; but these in comparison with the trials unnecessary brought upon us by our brethren in R. and vicinity, were easily endured. The wrong course of others made the removal of the press from R. a necessity. I saw that the angel of mercy was winging his way from R. I was shown that the rebellion started there. God marked the families engaged in this work, and they did not all make a thorough confession of their sins and put them away as they should have done.?{PH104 1.2}[2]
Some fully realized the necessity of correcting their faults and worked earnestly to redeem the past, and God accepted their efforts. But if, after one failure, they were betrayed again into the same error, that former error with their present sin stood marked against them in the books of Heaven.?{PH104 2.1}[3]
God had given fearful warnings and threatenings, pleadings and entreaties, which alike had been disregarded. I was shown that whether they would hear or close their ears in hardness of heart, the warnings, entreaties, and reproofs must not cease. I was cited to the disciples, commissioned of our Lord to go forth and preach the kingdom of Heaven at hand, “And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not received you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgment, than for that city.”?{PH104 2.2}[4]
The crime of slighting the warnings of reproof as stated in our Saviour’s words “whosoever shall not received you nor hear you,” &c., insures the penalty which he has pronounced against such offenders and makes them subject to the great displeasure of God. This sin, if not repented of, not confessed, but still retained and cherished, will bring them, in the sight of God, into a position worse than?wicked Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgment, because they had greater light than they of the doomed cities.?{PH104 2.3}[5]
These have slighted the opportunities given them of Heaven. They have rejected the messages which, if received, would have been their salvation. They are indifferent and are disposed to quibble because they think they can pervert certain expressions, and in their blindness of heart, seek to believe, and to show to others, that the testimonies are untrue, because they imagine their cases are not correctly represented. They are working against God and their own souls. Because they do not see their own defects of character is no evidence that the testimonies are not true.?{PH104 3.1}[6]
How hard it is for people to understand their own errors, their minds being blinded by the world; but God has sent them light, and set before them their true condition that they might see and correct their faults. If they trust to their own understanding instead of the light God has given them, then are they of that class that Jesus describes, who will not come to the light lest their deeds be reproved. They choose darkness rather than light. God shall lay his hand upon them in anger, they will then feel that the words of warning they have slighted are fearful realities. Then those who justify their wrong course, and are unwilling to see their errors, will with anxiety which they cannot cover with excuses and evasion, cry from unfeigned?lips, “Lord, Lord, We have done this good work, and we have done this in the cause!” but the terrible response comes “I knew you not.”?{PH104 3.2}[7]
There is a time when all will feel disinterested anxiety. It is when a messenger comes, as came to Hezekiah, one who cannot be turned aside, bearing a message of startling abruptness, “Set thine house in order, for thou shalt die and not live!” Those who have been often reproved and have hardened their hearts in their own willful course of sin and neglect of duty, will be terribly in earnest then. The selfish, worldly man, whose life was a fevered excitement, a pursuit of the treasures of earth, will then be anxious to secure the true riches, but all too late!?{PH104 4.1}[8]
Those who loved selfish enjoyment, ease and indulgence, and have neglected God-giving opportunities, and the ennobling things pertaining to the better life, and have bartered away the good and lovely for the superficial interests of the world, will be in earnest then, when the realities of eternity open before them, and the scales fall from their eyes. A frantic cry will be raised, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out!”?{PH104 4.2}[9]
Just this state of things will be realized in O. The anguished sufferers will wildly appeal to relatives and friends for prayer and comfort in that fearful hour. But these will be powerless to redeem the brother whom they helped to fasten in chains of unbelief and darkness.?{PH104 4.3}[10]
If Brn. A., O., and L., had rightly appreciated the sin which drove us from R., had they fully received the light God had given them, and taken his warnings to heart, nothing could have induced them to settle in R., the place from which we were driven by neglect, unbelief, and rejection of the message God had given us for them. In feebleness and discouragement we toiled on under difficulties. But for the help of God we would have lost hope and gone into the grave. Had those families not returned to R., they would not have been broken up as they have been, and the fearful calamities which have filled hearts with grief and inexpressible sadness, would not have occurred.?{PH104 5.1}[11]
But, notwithstanding these circumstances of actual occurrence, there are those so thoroughly leavened with the spirit of rebellion, that, like the children of Israel, they will not learn by the things they suffer. They lay their afflictions to other causes than the true one. When God brings them over the ground again and again, as he did ancient Israel, to test and prove them, they fall as naturally as before into the same questioning and rebellion. So did ancient Israel. They did not take the reprovings of God to heart, and greatly humble themselves before him, and make thorough work that needed not to be repented of. When trials arise and the test comes close, it is revealed that the seeds of rebellion have not been killed but left to?germinate and spring up again whenever a favorable opportunity offers.?{PH104 5.2}[12]
I have been shown that the rebellion that started in R. has never been eradicated from all hearts. The root of bitterness, the hatred of reproval of sin, the despising of counsel, the selfishness, has lived in the hearts especially of the family of Bro. L. They have not all reformed. They have not turned unto the Lord with full repentance of soul. When the leaven of disaffection and malice begins to work in some unsanctified hearts, then will the whole lump be leavened. The smouldering fire of prejudice and rebellion will break forth afresh when there is any motion to fan it to life.?{PH104 6.1}[13]
I have been shown that the next in order will be God’s retribution. God has warned but they have refused to hearken. They have walked in the imagination of their own hearts and chosen their own way, and God will choose the evils which must come upon them. The course which has been pursued by Bro. L. is most perverse and inexcusable, for he has the example of others who have taken the same course, and the penalty resulting has been all wrought out in their experience. There is less excuse for him than for them for he had their example before him to avoid.?{PH104 6.2}[14]
Satan has beset him with questionings, evil surmisings and doubts, to stir up unbelief, and he has suggested thoughts to his mind which have in turn been transmitted?to others, who would never have otherwise been troubled with them. Satan has used him us his instrument to do his work. His wife’s influence in B. C. was not what it should have been. That untamable tongue has done much evil. Their children have not been properly trained by them, and they were not in favor of their receiving discipline at school.?{PH104 6.3}[15]
This family and the family of Bro. G., by their lax discipline and neglect of duty in restraining and educating their children to usefulness and obedience, has had a demoralizing influence upon the society of B. C. There now exists, among the children and youth, a spirit to rise up and defy authority, break down discipline, despise reproof, and encourage a spirit of dissipation.?{PH104 7.1}[16]
There is a lack of reverence for the voice and influence of those whom God has chosen to stand at the head of the work. This is as great an insult as can be given to the Spirit of God. It is rejecting Christ in the person of his saints. Years cannot efface the influence from the church and school of one undisciplined family of children who have been neglected, and who are not properly educated to usefulness and duty. The influence thus exercised was not realized until the leaven of evil had nearly leavened the lump.?{PH104 7.2}[17]
The greater amount of souls that fail of perfecting Christian character, fail because of the perversity of their natures, and thereby lose Heaven. Children who are not trained to?submit to parental authority will fail to respect higher claims. They will not be inclined to answer the demands of high Heaven. The fearful neglect of parents professing to believe present truth is bringing darkness into their minds and sin and crime into their families. This evil of lax training is terrible in its results. Bro. L. has been warned, reproved, counseled, and encouraged. He is without excuse. He has been childish. He has been very sensitive. He has much independence of mind. He could dictate and lead but he would not be led. It was not agreeable to him to consult with those in the office who could instruct him in regard to the nature of the work that he might labor intelligently and successfully.?{PH104 7.3}[18]
If my husband directed, and if, under a multitude of cares, he was in haste and his words were not as cautiously chosen as might be, this brother took offense. He is of that inflammable character that he needed to see and understand the existence of this evil in himself and correct it, in order to connect with the work of God. After we came back from California we felt strangely as though we had no home. We came to B. C. from attending the large camp-meetings west. We were in perfect health. But we found such a state of things existing in B. C. that our souls were burdened continually. We attend meeting after meeting of the most affecting character.?{PH104 8.1}[19]
Bro. L----- heard the explanation my husband?made of matters and things in connection with the cause and work of God. Bro. L----- made some admissions but he did not right his wrong doing. He justified himself and left the most cruel censure upon others. He lost control of himself and was for the time insane, because he was brought to a point where he must account for the course he had pursued. This was the spirit he usually manifested when his track was crossed. He gave the lie to different ones who made statements of matters and things, and finally left for O-----.?{PH104 8.2}[20]
He returned again and other efforts were made to help him to see, to feel and to correct the wrong course he had taken, but with similar results. He confessed that he was sorry for what he had said but did not acknowledge that he had no reason for the suspicions and jealousies he had entertained. I bore my testimony to Bro. and sister -----, each could discern the other’s defects in character, but were not inclined to see their own. Especially was this the case with sister -----. The course she here pursued grieved me to the heart. She gave expression to thoughts which struck directly at my honesty and integrity. By her words and actions she betrayed my confidence and questioned my motives, showing a heart of unbelief such as I had never before met with in any person professing the present truth. She seemed to be insanely angry because her track was crossed. She had generally ruled and carried her points at?all hazards, but in this matter her plans were not the best for the prosperity of the cause and there were those who dared to tell her so. Oh the perversity of human nature! If these persons had removed the stumbling blocks from the church at B.C. by hearty confessions, they might have cured the evil, healed the wounds.?{PH104 9.1}[21]
But it was evident that those who were reproved did not see their true state. If they had the church would have been relieved and they would have relieved their own souls. But they failed to do the work which they ought to have done. The most thorough confessions should have been made on their parts. The course of Bro. B----- and those who had come to B.C. to help us bear burdens was wrong. These brothers seemed to be crushing us beneath their own weight of darkness in the place of relieving us from our cares. The sense of the inconsistencies of those who ought to have better judgment nearly cost me my life. Ten fold labor was brought upon us. Those who had professed to be my best friends betrayed me.?{PH104 10.1}[22]
My sisters generously offered to assist me in sewing. While others remain free from care and have their time daily to attend to their sewing and keep their wardrobe in order about two weeks sewing once or twice a year is all I can usually command. In preparing my wardrobe, both long and short dresses were made. Of the former, there were one or two for travelling, and to appear in before those?who are ignorant of our faith and of dress reform, whose minds are balancing in favor of the truth. We do not wish to bring before such hearers any question that is not vital, to divert their minds from the great and important subject, for Satan takes advantage of everything that can possibly be used to divert and distract minds.?{PH104 10.2}[23]
I had explained all this fully. But notwithstanding all this, my sisters were so weak they could not appreciate my motives, and were too glad of a pretext to lay aside the reform dress making my example their excuse. I had felt that,?for me, discretion was highly essential while laboring in California, for the salvation of souls. With Paul, I could say I became all things to all if by any means I might save some. I did not do anything secretly. I frankly gave my reasons. But unsanctified hearts which had long galled and chafed under the cross of dress reform, now took occasion to make a bold push and throw off the reform dress. They have taken advantage of my necessity to misinterpret my words, my actions, and motives.?{PH104 11.1}[24]
My position upon health and dress reform is unchanged. I have been shown that God gave the dress reform to our sisters as a blessing, but some have turned it into a curse, making the dress question a subject of talk and of thought, while they neglected the internal work, the adorning of their souls by personal piety. Some have thought religion consisted in wearing the reform dress, while their spirits?were unsubdued by grace. They were jealous and fault finding, watching and criticizing the dress of others, and in this neglected their own souls and lost their piety.?{PH104 11.2}[25]
If the dress reform is thus turned to a curse, God would remove it from us. God bestowed blessings upon ancient Israel and withdrew them again because those blessings were despised and became a cause of murmuring and complaint.?{PH104 12.1}[26]
There have been those who have carried the dress reform to extremes, and they have urged me to do the same; they have pressed and crowded this matter. I saw that these very ones had marked defects in their characters which they were overlooking, while they were urging on the dress reform. I saw such a lack of real principal and genuine piety, that I have been discouraged in trying to make my position understood. I have worn the reform dress myself excepting in the cases mentioned, where I feared its effect upon souls just lifting the heavy cross of the Sabbath. At our large camp-meetings where I have spoken to from two to three thousand, I have worn the reform dress.?{PH104 12.2}[27]
A sister from O. remarked that she wished she had that confidence in regard to the reform dress she once had; and intimated that the testimonies had thrown doubt upon her mind in regard to it. This was because the persons who carry matters to extremes, had been cautioned not to make the dress question a test of Christian fellowship. What?influence do these things have to undermine the confidence in my testimonies! It is not the testimony that is at fault, but perverse human nature.?{PH104 12.3}[28]
Said I: “If I have written anything, or said anything to that effect, name it.” She could not produce any statement, but she had received the impression, she could not tell in what way. I fear that such persons, in their hearts, despise the dress reform and wish some excuse to lay it off.?{PH104 13.1}[29]
The troubles and perplexities brought upon us by our brethren and sisters, hindered us from getting out a large number of tracts that we had designed to have prepared for the press, and made ready for the camp-meetings. For three weeks my soul was terribly burdened, because those who had professed unshaken confidence in the testimonies for seventeen years, were so ready to yield them up when the reproofs given were for them and crossed their track.?{PH104 13.2}[30]
For three weeks I slept only about two hours during the night. One night I did not sleep at all, my mind seemed it [to] fail. I could neither read nor write. Pain was constantly in my head. Who is responsible for this three weeks of suffering and uselessness? Who is responsible for the neglect of the work which ought to have been done? We have had no tracts nor publications to distribute at these large gatherings when we should have had precious matter, in a desirable form, to scatter among those who came to hear.?{PH104 13.3}[31]
【Matters in Battle Creek】
The work which might have been done at B----- C-----last summer, was not accomplished because Satan was determined to defeat the purposes of God, by using unconsecrated ones to hedge up our way. Our time was employed with the very persons who professedly came to B----- C-----for the purpose of helping us and aiding the cause, but who had yielded to the temptations of Satan and were working against our efforts.?{PH104 14.1}[32]
The prosperity of the Health Institute was in peril. There was a lack of system and of harmony there existing that could not be charged upon one or two. Had the superintendent, directors, and physicians been faithful in the discharge of their duties, the state of things we found there would not have existed, and much sickness and several deaths might have been avoided.?{PH104 14.2}[33]
This careless inattention to the management of the Health Institute and its surroundings, has told fearfully against it, and a number of lives have been lost. Health reformers profess to believe in the hygienic agencies of pure air, pure water and strict cleanliness. These are the most efficient remedies for disease. The duty devolving upon the physician has been grossly neglected, notwithstanding repeated warnings and reproofs. The physician’s duty is to have a care for all the surroundings of the Institute. In?consenting to become physicians there, they assume the responsibility of taking in their hands the health and lives of the patients. It is their duty to take a deep interest in those who are placed under their care, to patiently advise and instruct them, to give them proper treatment and to guard them against every hurtful influence, and to banish from the institution or its surroundings everything detrimental to health.?{PH104 14.3}[34]
The sanitary condition of the Health Institute was greatly neglected. The physicians knew that girls were working over a sink that sent forth a deathly odor, yet they allowed this thing to go on. While they were professedly treating the sick, they were asleep to the matter of the surroundings of those whom they had in their care. Physicians, directors, and superintendent knew that the drainage was not such as to carry off impurities. Every day they would see before them, upon the surface of the ground, dressing spread out to enrich it, that was poisoning the air and making it unfit to breathe. This was in plain sight of all visitors and the close scrutiny of spies.?{PH104 15.1}[35]
It was the physician’s duty to see that everything in the surroundings was conducive to health. They well understood the influence of these impure substances that were loading the atmosphere, to be taken into the lungs and corrupt the blood. They were greatly to blame. Proper treatment of their patients, as well as the dictates of common?cleanliness, should have enjoined upon them a suppression of such evils. They should have set zealously about the work of purifying the premises of the Health Institute, and making it attractive and healthful, in keeping with its name.?{PH104 15.2}[36]
The sufferings and death of several there are chargeable, in a great degree, to the physicians. They should have felt that they were responsible for the result of injurious influences which they had power to control. Had they been diligent to remove every deleterious substance from these premises, everything that offended the senses, God would have blessed their efforts. But he does not design to work a miracle to preserve life and health against man’s careless neglect of the work left for him to do.?{PH104 16.1}[37]
The superintendent failed in thoroughly doing his duty, the directors failed to do theirs, and the physicians failed to do their duty, when they allowed a state of things to exist which was imperiling life and health.?{PH104 16.2}[38]
PHysicians at our Health Institute should be constantly advancing in knowledge, refinement, and excellence of character. But they have been moving in a narrow groove, selfishly watching their own interests and and fearfully neglecting the responsibilities which have a direct bearing upon the life and health of those entrusted to their care. This course has not tended to widen and strengthen the influence of the institution. Those in charge have narrowed down their own work?and limited their responsibilities, and have thus injured the enterprise it was their duty to uphold.?{PH104 16.3}[39]
The Hebrews were especially commanded by God, through the mouth of Moses to allow no impurity to remain near the encampment, lest the Lord should pass by, and, seeing their uncleanness, refuse to go forth with the armies to battle against their enemies. God has not changed since that time. The directions given to ancient Israel, bear with equal importance upon the Israel of the Lord today. How could a pure and holy God regard the impure surroundings of the Health Institute??{PH104 17.1}[40]
The Health Reform is a branch of the work connected with the third angel’s message, as the hand is united to the body. Those engaged in this branch of the work have been neglectful of their duty, and God has marked their careless inattention and positive uncleanness. This disgusting appearance has been laid open to spectators, and the cause of Health Reform, as connected with the great truths we advocate, has been placed, in their minds, on a level with the outward condition of the surroundings and grounds of the Institute. The truth that we profess has been brought into disrepute because of the loose state of things that has existed there.?{PH104 17.2}[41]
In ancient times God was displeased if his people allowed impurities to remain within the camp, and refused to be their strength?and give them success in battles. This being true, we may be sure that like consequences will follow like sin, in these days. God will not bless the efforts of men, who, although zealous in some matters, positively disregard any of the special directions contained in the word of God. The Lord is great and holy. He must not be trifled with, obedience of?all?his injunctions is plainly required of us.?{PH104 17.3}[42]
The success of the Health Institute depends upon the thoroughness and entire faithfulness of every one connected with it. People come to the Institute from all parts of the country. They have learned from report that the establishment is conducted by Seventh-day Adventists, a people of peculiar faith, who dress plainly and seem to be out of joint with the world in many matters. They view with critical eye the deportment of superintendent, physicians and helpers. They naturally judge us by what they see revealed, and by that which is developed during the progress of their early acquaintance with us. Many, therefore, seeing the premises in so careless and really disgusting a condition, have turned away with decided dissatisfaction, pronouncing it a second or third grade institution that they would not patronize.?{PH104 18.1}[43]
From the same stand point they have also judged our faith to be equally objectionable and defective. God designed that the Health Institute should be a clear recommendation of our faith, and a powerful means of converting souls to the truth. But those who love?order and neatness cannot but have become disgusted with the Institute and more or less prejudiced against Health Reform in consequence of this.?{PH104 18.2}[44]
In enjoining the importance of cleanliness upon the Hebrews, God did not design to exhibit his arbitrary power, by giving those definite commandments; but, knowing that the physical and spiritual prosperity of his people depended upon their conforming to natural laws, he compelled obedience to them, and showed, by the penalty he attached to those laws, the great importance with which he regarded them. If men do not obey the requirements of God they must expect to suffer in consequence. Those who inhale a deleterious atmosphere do it at the risk of health, and even life itself. But they who not only incur this danger themselves, but cause others to be exposed to the injurious effects of an impure atmosphere and unhealthy surroundings, are doubly reprehensible in the sight of God.?{PH104 19.1}[45]
In the testimony given me one year ago last January, I was shown that the Health Institute was not in a prosperous condition. In some matters, Bro. G_____ might fill the position of superintendent, while he is deficient in many respects. He has not a retentive memory, nor is he careful and painstaking. He is willing to occupy responsible positions, but is unwilling to bear the necessary burdens of his post with faith and patience. Such responsibilities rest lightly upon?Bro. G_____. He has much pride and self-confidence, and makes more effort to please and gain favor, than to bear the real burdens of the work in which he is engaged.?{PH104 19.2}[46]
The spiritual condition of the Health Institute is not likely to improve under the superintendence of Bro. G_____, for he himself lacks the true spirituality that should lead him to follow closely the directions of the Lord. It is easier for Bro. G_____ to say, Do this, or that, than for him to say, Come let?us?do this or that, and take hold of the work heartily himself, thereby encouraging all those connected with the institution to do their duty. In some matters he tries to redeem the failures of others, and improves upon their example, but he fails to see his own defects and correct them.?{PH104 20.1}[47]
The Health Institute should be elevated much above what it now is. All connected with it should trust implicitly in God and walk humbly before him, doing his will and keeping his law. He has given us reasoning minds that we may learn from his word and from our daily experience and observation, how to live and how to act with regard to every duty. Especially should an institution designed for the accommodation of invalids, be as perfectly clean and healthful as skill, pains-taking labor, and means wisely employed can make it.?{PH104 20.2}[48]
【Special Testimony】
The following testimony was written Jan, 1875, and was acknowledged by Bro. Lindsay to be true, and that it gave him light and hope.?{PH104 21.1}[49]
Bro. H----- L-----, you are backslidden from God. Your views of God’s requirements have never been too well defined nor too strict. It is no excuse for you to become lax in your duties and less vigilant because the course of so many professed Christians is wrong. You have not been consecrated to God. You have not felt your dependence upon him to keep you, and therefore you have been overcome and brought into the slavery of doubt; and the bondage of unbelief has chained your soul. You do not glorify God in your life. Our faith sometimes looks to you very questionable. The reason of this is with yourself. In the world truth and falsehood are so mixed that one is not always clearly discerned from the other. But why has one who professes the truth so little strength? Because he understands not his own ignorance and his own weakness. If he knew this, if he was distrustful of himself, he would feel the importance of Divine help to preserve him from the wiles of the enemy. We need to be active, working Christians, unselfish in heart and life, having an eye single to the glory of God, Oh! what wrecks of weakness we meet everywhere! Silent lips, and fruitless lives! This, said the angel, is because of falling under temptation. Nothing?mars the peace of the soul like sinful unbelief.?{PH104 21.2}[50]
You should not give up in despair thinking you must live and die in the bondage of doubt and unbelief. In the Lord we have righteousness and strength. Lean upon him, through his power you may quench all the fiery darts of the adversary, and come off more than conqueror. You may still become sanctified through the truth; or you may, if you choose, walk in the darkness of unbelief, lose Heaven, and lose all. By walking in the light and working out the will of God, you may overcome your selfish nature.?{PH104 22.1}[51]
You have been ready to give of your means, but withheld yourself. You have not felt called upon to make sacrifices which would involve care and a willingness to do any work for Christ, be it ever so humble. God will bring you over the ground again and again until you with humble heart and subdued mind bear the test that he inflicts, and are sanctified wholly to the service and the work of God. Then you may win immortal life. Which will you choose? God will not be trifled with. You may be a fully developed man in Christ Jesus; or you may be a spiritual dwarf, gaining no victories. You may live for yourself and lose Heaven. Will you, my brother, choose a life of self-denial and self-sacrifice, doing your work with cheerfulness and joy, perfecting Christian character, and pressing on for the immortal reward? Christ accepts no divided?service. He asks for all. It will not do to withhold anything. He has purchased you with an infinite price, and he requires that all you have shall be yielded to him a willing offering. If you are fully consecrated to him in heart and life, faith will take the place of doubts, and confidence the place of distrust and unbelief.?{PH104 22.2}[52]
My brother, you are in positive danger through neglecting to carry out health reform more strictly in your own life and in your family. Bro. L-----, your blood is impure and you are farther corrupting and inflaming it by the gratification of taste. Never be betrayed into indulging in stimulants, for this will be followed not only by reaction and loss of physical strength, but with benumbed intellect. Strictly temperate habits in eating and drinking, with firm trust in God, will improve your physical, mental, and moral health. You are of a highly excitable temperament. You have but little self-control and frequently say and do things under excitement, which you afterwards regret. You should call a determined will to your aid in the warfare against your own inclinations and propensities. You need to keep the avenues of your soul open for the reception of light and truth. But when something occurs to test and prove you, prejudice frequently comes in, and you arise at once against what you deem a restriction of your liberty or an infringement upon your rights.?{PH104 23.1}[53]
The word of God plainly presents this?truth before us; that our physical nature will be brought into warfare with the spiritual. The apostle charges us to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. Every perverted appetite becomes a warring lust. Appetite indulged to the injury of physical strength causes disease of the soul. The lust which the apostle mentions is not confined to the violation of the seventh commandment, but every indulgence of the taste which lessens physical vigor is a warring lust. The apostle declares that he who would gain special victories and make higher attainments in righteousness, must be “temperate in all things.” Temperance in eating and drinking at our tables as well as the exercise of temperance in every other respect is essential if we would overcome as Christ overcame. God has given us light not to be treated indifferently, but to be our guide and help.?{PH104 23.2}[54]
You need to cultivate self-control. The lesson you should have learned in your youth should be mastered now. Discipline yourself to die to self, to bring your will in subjection to the will of Christ. A deep and thorough conversion is essential, or you my dear brother will fail of eternal life. Your service in the cause of God must be more hearty, full and thorough. You cannot perfect Christian character by serving God when you feel inclined to do so, and neglecting it when you please. A decided change must take place in your life, and you must obtain a different experience from what you have yet had or your?service will not be accepted of God. Our Heavenly Father has been very gracious to you. He has dealt tenderly with you. Sickness and disease came upon you when you were unprepared to die, for you had not perfected Christian character and had not a moral fitness for Heaven.?{PH104 24.1}[55]
Satan stood by your side to afflict and destroy, that you might be numbered with the transgressors. Fervent and effectual prayer prevailed in your behalf. Angels were sent to wait and watch about you to guard and protect you from Satan’s power and preserve your life. God has, in his matchless love, granted you another trial. Not because of any goodness or virtue in you, but because of his mercy he has answered the prayers of faith. Your probation was lengthened that you might have an opportunity to redeem the past, overcome the defects in your character, and show in your life that devotion to God which he claims from you. You have had emotions of gratitude, but you have not experienced that heart-felt thankfulness and becoming humility that should have been kindled by his unsurpassed love.?{PH104 25.1}[56]
You have not sufficiently felt your obligations to God for sparing your life. You have, for pettish reasons of your own, excused yourself time and again from religious duties which devolve upon us at all times and under all circumstances. Feelings of discouragement are no apology before God for the neglect of a single duty. You are not your own,?you have been purchased by the blood of Christ. He claims all that you are capable of doing, your time and strength are not your own.?{PH104 25.2}[57]
God indicated that you could be educated to act a part in his cause; but it was necessary that your mind should be trained and disciplined to work in harmony with the plan of God. You could gain the required experience if you would; you had the privilege presented before you of denying your inclination, as your Saviour had given you an example in his life. But you have not placed yourself in a position to learn all that you could and all that it was important for you to learn in order to make a correct worker in the cause of God. There were some things to reform in yourself before the Lord could use you effectually as his instrument.?{PH104 26.1}[58]
Bro. L-----, it was a sacrifice for you to leave your farm, you enjoyed your life there. You did not come to Battle Creek from choice. You had no knowledge of the work in connection with the publishing interest. But you was determined to do the best you could, and you have in many respects done well. But many things have arisen as stumbling-blocks in your way. The course of Bro. A----- was wrong in many respects, but you also did not preserve your consecration to God, you united with Bro. A----- in spirit, and did not stand free; you displeased God in many things and separated your soul from him. Satan was obtaining great power over?you, your steps had well nigh slipped, you were almost gone in unbelief when sickness arrested your course. It was in great mercy that God spared you and gave you a new lease of life. But you have not made an entire surrender to him, your stubborn will has not been subdued and softened, you need a new conversion. You have been easily fretted and annoyed, you have braced yourself to resist every thing that you thought reflected upon you, your feelings have arisen like a flash when anything has touched your pride. Now my dear Bro. this is all wrong. This you must overcome or the enemy will gain the victory over you.?{PH104 26.2}[59]
You have felt sick at heart because you did not love the work in B----- C-----. You have looked back towards O----- and your heart is there, and your body should be where your heart is, God has been testing and proving you; how have you borne the test? You needed to be planed and polished, to have the rough and jagged points of your character removed that you might become refined for the Kingdom of Heaven. How hard it is for human nature to deny inclination, to leave flattering worldly inducements and, through love of their Saviour and their fellow men, to deny their own pleasure in order to engage more directly in the service of God.?{PH104 27.1}[60]
Bro. L-----, you do not enter heart and soul into the work. You have never made it a direct personal interest, and it is not agreeable to you. If you had been so?disposed you could have trained your mind to better understand the work, but you have, in a manner, held aloof from it, you have not connected yourself closely with it, and tried to become familiar with its various branches.?{PH104 27.2}[61]
You are not as social and courteous as you should be, and your cold, unapproachable manner is not pleasing to God. You allow your feelings to be easily excited. No man can properly fill a position in connection with the work of God who is controlled by feeling and moves from impulse. Your mind must come in closer connection with God, and your sympathies and interest be more identified with those who are engaged in his work, or you can be of no use in advancing the cause in B----- C-----. You are too independent and exclusive, you need to soften and assimilate your disposition to the mind and feelings of others. You can, as a business man and as a Christian, do much valuable service for the cause of God if you only surrender your will and your way to the Lord. You need to be sanctified by the truth, your mind elevated above every personal consideration and every selfish interest.?{PH104 28.1}[62]
I point you to the life of Jesus as a perfect pattern. His life was characterized by disinterested benevolence. Precious Saviour! What sacrifices has he made for us that we should not perish but have everlasting life. Heaven will be cheap enough if we resign every selfish interest to obtain it. Can we afford to have our own way and take?ourselves out of the hands of God because it is more pleasing to our nature? God requires perfect submission and perfect obedience. Eternal life is worth everything to us. You may come in close connection with God if you will agonize to enter into the straight gate.{PH104 28.2}[63]
You could never be aware of your deficiencies unless, you were brought where these deficiencies were developed by circumstances. You have not felt as you should since you have come to B----- C-----. You have not entered freely and heartily into the work and made it your chief interest. You have cherished an independence that could not be maintained if you realized your true position; that you are an apprentice, learning how to work in the very best manner for the prosperity of God’s cause, that you are a scholar seeking to obtain knowledge concerning that with which you are unacquainted. You could have made much greater progress had you earnestly tried to serve God as an efficient worker.?{PH104 29.1}[64]
You have been too reserved, you have not come into close relation with men engaged in the different departments of the work, you have not been familiar enough to consult with them as you should and move understandingly. You might have been a more efficient helper had you done this. You have moved too much according to your own judgment and carried out your own ideas and plans. There has been a lack of harmonious connection between the workers. Those who might?have helped you, have been reluctant to impart their knowledge to you on account of this lack of familiarity on your part, and also because you move so much from impulse and feeling that they dreaded to approach you.?{PH104 29.2}[65]
The Saviour of the world was the adored of the angels, he was a prince in the royal courts of Heaven. But he lay aside his glory and clothed his divinity with humanity. He became the meek and lowly Jesus. His riches and glory he left in Heaven, and he became poor that we, through his poverty might be made rich. Three years he was going from place to place, a homeless wanderer. But selfish men will repine and murmur if called to leave their little earthly treasure for Christ’s sake, or to labor in the work of saving souls for whom Christ gave his precious life. Oh what ingratitude! No one can appreciate the blessings of redemption unless he feels that he can joyfully afford to make any and every sacrifice for the love of Christ. Every sacrifice made for Christ enriches the giver and every suffering and privation endured for his dear sake increases the overcomer’s final joy in Heaven.?{PH104 30.1}[66]
You know but little of real sacrifice and genuine denial of self. You have had but little experience in hardships and taxation of your energies. Your burden has been light, while others have been loaded down with serious responsibilities. The young man who asked Jesus what he should do that he might have eternal life, was answered “Keep the?commandments.” He confidently and proudly replied, “All these have I kept from my youth up. What lack I yet?” Jesus looked pityingly upon the young man, he loved him and he knew the words which he spoke would separate him from himself forever. Nevertheless Jesus touches the plague-spot of his soul. He says to the young man, “Go sell that thou hast and give to the poor, take up thy cross and follow me and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.” The young man wanted Heaven but not enough to withdraw his affection from his earthly treasure. He refused to yield to the conditions required by God in order to enter into life. He was very sorrowful, for he had great possessions which he thought were too valuable to exchange for eternal rewards. He had asked what he must do to be saved and the answer had been given. But his worldly heart could not make the sacrifice of his wealth to become Christ’s disciple. His decision was to give up heaven and to cling to his earthly treasure. How many are now making the very same decision which fixed the destiny of this young man.?{PH104 30.2}[67]
Have we any of us an opportunity of doing something for Christ, how eagerly should we seize it and with greatest earnestness do all we can to be the co-workers with him. The very trials that task our faith most severely, and make it seem that God has forsaken us, is to lead us more closely to Christ, that we may lay all our burdens at his feet and experience the peace he will give us in exchange. You need a new conversion, to be sanctified?through the truth, to become in spirit like a little child, meek and humble, relying wholly upon Christ as your Redeemer. While you retain your self-sufficient spirit, you will be miserable, poor, blind and naked. Your pride and independence is closing your heart to the blessed influences of the Spirit of God and rendering your heart as unimpressible as the hard-beaten highway.?{PH104 31.1}[68]
You have yet to learn the great lesson of faith. When you surrender yourself entirely to God, when you fall all broken upon Jesus, you will then be rewarded by a victory, the joy of which you have never yet experienced. As you review the past with a clear vision, you will see that at every time when life seemed to you only a perplexity and a burden, Jesus himself was near you, seeking to lead you into the light. Your Father was by your side, bending over you with unutterable love, afflicting you for your good, as the refiner purifies the precious ore. When you have thought yourself forsaken, he was near you to comfort and sustain. We seldom view Jesus as he is, and are never so ready to receive his help as he is to help us.?{PH104 32.1}[69]
What a victory you will gain when you learn to follow the opening providences of God with grateful heart and a determination to live with an eye single to his glory, in sickness or health, in abundance or want. Self is alive and quivering at every touch. Yet self must be crucified before you can overcome in the name of Jesus and receive the reward of the faithful.?{PH104 32.2}[70]
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