给阿勒根和蒙特利教会的证言
阿勒根和蒙特利亲爱的弟兄们：
我蒙指示看到你们现在并未如上帝期待的那样站在光中。在异象中我蒙指示看到去年春天蒙特利收聚生灵的情况，看到你们的心没有为那项工作做好预备。你们并没有期待或相信你们中间可以成就这样的工作。虽然你们不信，你们中间许多人也没有合作，但这项工作仍得以开展。{PH099 1.1}
既然你们有这样的证据，显明上帝正等着要施恩给祂的百姓，怜悯的声音正在邀请罪人和后退者来就基督的十字架，你们为何不与担负工作重担的我们联合呢?你们为什么不来帮助耶和华呢?你们中间一些人似乎是麻木、茫然、惊愕了，没有预备好全然投身这项工作。许多人虽同意了，却心不在焉。这就是教会处于不冷不热状态的一大证据。{PH099 1.2}
你们属世的心思使你们不肯向耶稣大开心门，你们的心刚硬，耶稣在叩你们的心门，想要进去。这位已用自己的血救赎你们的荣耀之主，正在你们的门前等你们许可祂进去，但你们没有敞开门欢迎祂进去。有些人把门略为开些，让祂临格的荣光照进一点点，却不欢迎这位天庭的“贵宾”进内。没有地方给耶稣。那本应为祂保留的地方，已被别的东西占据了。耶稣恳劝你们：“若有听见我声音就开门的，我要进到他那里去，我与他，他与我，一同坐席”(启3:20)。你们有一种工作要做，就是开门。你们曾有一时觉得想听祂的声音并开门，但后来这念头又过去了，坐失你们原有特权可与这位天庭贵宾交往的良机。虽然这样，却有些人已经开了门，并竭诚欢迎了他们的救主。{PH099 2.1}
耶稣不会强迫人打开心门。这件事必须由你们自己完成，你们必须以敞开心门和真诚的欢迎表明你们渴望祂的同在。如果所有的人都做了彻底的工作，清除世俗的垃圾，并在心里为耶稣预备地方，祂原会进来与你们同住，并通过你们完成拯救别人的伟大工作。但尽管你们没有为这项工作做好预备，它还是在你们中间大力开展了。退后的人被挽回了，罪人回转，风声也传到了四围的地区。整个社区都激动了。如果教会前来帮助耶和华，如果进一步工作的门路能够完全敞开，蒙特利和阿勒根以及周围区域原会成就一番你们从未见过的工作。但弟兄们没有醒悟，他们对这件事相当漠不关心。尽管救灵的工作迫在眉睫，一些始终寻求个人利益的人也想不起在这个时节让自己的心转离自己。{PH099 2.2}
主已将担子放在我们身上。我们一度情愿将自己一切所有的都给你们，惟盼你们能来和我们一起帮助耶和华。但你们在这事上显然是失败了。上帝在你们中间彰显了祂的大能，你们却表现出极大的忘恩负义。你们若照着所应当的以感恩的心接受了上帝怜悯慈爱的记号，并且满怀兴趣地与上帝的灵同工，就不会处于目前的状态了。然而自从在你们中间做了那项宝贵的工作以后，你们一直在走下坡路，在属灵上枯萎了。{PH099 3.1}
你们还不明白迷羊的比喻。你们还没有学到神圣的教师计划你们应该学会的教训。你们已经成了愚昧的学生。请阅读《路加福音》十五章中的比喻：“你们中间，谁有一百只羊失去一只，不把这九十九只撇在旷野，去找那失去的羊，直到找着呢?找着了，就欢欢喜喜地扛在肩上，回到家里，就请朋友邻舍来，对他们说：‘我失去的羊已经找着了，你们和我一同欢喜吧!’”{PH099 4.1}
这里有几个人已经退后、处于黑暗中、流离于主的羊圈之外。乔治·莱弟兄的情况尤其显著。他离开了羊圈。你们没有以智慧付出应有的努力以便阻止他从羊圈走迷。在他走迷之后，你们也没有付出殷勤的努力去把他找回来。加在他身上的更多是闲言碎语，而不是真诚地为他感到忧伤。所有这些事都使他远离主的羊圈，并使他的心与弟兄们越发疏远，使他的得救变的更加困难。这与比喻中牧人找寻迷羊时所采取的做法是何等不同啊!那九十九只羊都被撇在旷野自己照顾自己，易遭受种种危险;但那从羊群中走失的一只处在更大的危险中，为要拯救这只羊，那九十九只便被撇下了。{PH099 4.2}
教会中一些人并不特别渴望让莱弟兄回来。他们的关心不足以使他们放下自己的尊严与骄傲，做出特别的努力去帮助他得到亮光。他们竟傲然退后，说：“我们不会去找他;让他来找我们吧。”鉴于弟兄们对他的情绪，他是不可能这么做的。要是他们重视了基督的教训，他们原会甘心乐意地放下自己的尊严和骄傲，去寻找走迷的弟兄们。他们原会为他们哀哭，为他们祷告，恳劝他们忠于上帝和真理，并和教会在一起。但许多人的情绪却是：如果他要走，就由他走好了。{PH099 5.1}
当主差遣祂的仆人去为这些迷失的人作你们本应该做成的工作时，甚至当你们有确据表明主正向这些可怜的亡羊发出一道怜悯的信息时，你们却没准备放下自己的想法。你们不想撇下那九十九只羊，去寻找那只亡羊，直到把它找着，你们没有这样做。而当那亡羊被找到并被欢喜带回羊圈时，你们欢喜快乐了吗?我们试图把你唤醒。我们试图叫你们与我们一同喜乐，好像比喻中的牧人叫他的邻舍和朋友一样，但你们似乎很不情愿。你们感到那只羊离开羊圈是犯了极大的错误，你非但不为他的归回而感到快乐，反倒切切地想让他觉得他应该为离开羊圈而道歉，并且应该按照你们的想法归回。自他回来后，你们对他还有了一种嫉妒的情绪。你们在警惕地观察，要看是否一切都好。一些人没有感到完全满意，反而心里觉得不愿让事情像现在这样。{PH099 5.2}
你们并不了解自己。有些人是自私的，这大大缩小了他们的影响和努力。天上为一个悔改的罪人欢喜，比为九十九个不需悔改的义人欢喜还要大呢。{PH099 6.1}
如果教会曾预备好欣赏主在他们中间正在施行的工作，他们原会在那次收割之后发展得越来越壮大。他们非但没有全心全意投入工作，感到特别真诚地有兴趣全力去做我们留下的工作，反而行事很像这工作与他们没有什么特别的关系，好像他们只是看客而已，一有机会便要怀疑并挑剔别人的错误。{PH099 6.2}
我蒙指示看到巴克弟兄的情况。他感到不快乐。他对他的弟兄们不满。他有段时间动了脑筋，觉得他有责任去传扬信息。就他的真理知识而言，他是有能力的。他有能力，但缺少修养。他还没有学会自制。对付人心需要极大的智慧。巴克弟兄还没有资格应对这项工作。他明白理论，但并没有在宽容、忍耐、温柔、仁慈和真礼貌上训练自己。但凡有任何不符合他心意的事，他不会停下来想想注意这事是否智慧，还是先放一放，直到应该充分考虑的时候，反而立刻使自己进入战备状态。他苛刻、严厉、非难，一有事情不符合他的心意，他便马上心神不安。{PH099 7.1}
他生性好斗而非喜爱美好的平安与和谐。他没有智慧按时分粮。“有些人你们要从火中抢出来，搭救他们;有些人你们要存惧怕的心怜悯他们，连那被情欲沾染的衣服也当厌恶”(犹23)。巴克弟兄对于如何做出这种区分知之甚少。他的态度粗鲁，在对待他人的事上很轻率。这使他不够资格成为一名智慧、谨慎的好牧人。一位牧人必须具勇气、刚毅、高尚的慷慨、仁爱与温柔相结合。{PH099 7.2}
巴克弟兄会有危险拆的多建的少。他并未使他的全部能力顺服于上帝的旨意。他还没有心意更新而变化。他过于自信，没有完全倚赖上帝的恩典。他的工作不是靠上帝做的。{PH099 8.1}
牧者的工作是一个十分重要负责的岗位。喂养上帝的羊群是一项崇高而又神圣的工作。巴克弟兄，主认为你不适合去作祂羊群的监督。如果你在自己的宗教经验上一直在学习自制，如果你感到有必要通过圣灵的圣化提升你的意念并洁净你的心思，使你的全部能力都顺服于上帝的旨意，寻求谦卑和温柔，你现在就可以处于向别人行善和发挥一种提拔人、拯救人的影响力的位置。{PH099 8.2}
巴克弟兄和姐妹，你们要为自己作一项工作，是别人无法替你们完成的。你们喜欢牢骚抱怨。你们要有所做为，制服自己本性的情感。要为上帝而活，要知道你们不必为别人的错误负责。巴克弟兄，我看到，你若不停止挑剔，你若不在上帝面前寻求那清洁没有玷污的虔诚，撒但就必要胜过你，你的信心也要遭遇完全的毁坏。你需要提拔自己的思想和言谈，你需要彻底回转。{PH099 8.3}
生与死就摆在你的面前。你应当严肃地思考你是在与伟大上帝打交道。要记住，上帝不是小孩子，是轻慢不得的。你不能随意侍奉上帝，而后又任意离开。你内心深处的灵魂需要归正。{PH099 9.1}
我的弟兄，所有像你这样没能在上帝的恩典上长进、也没有奉祂的名达到完全圣洁地步的人，都要在这些危险和试炼的日子遭遇到重大的损失。他们建筑的基础将会证明是流沙，而不是磐石基督耶稣。{PH099 9.2}
你作事冲动。你因自己没有被差出去传讲真理而感到与弟兄们不和。你还不适合这一重托。你一人去传道，就得有一名以上能干的传道人跟在你后头，去包扎你的苛刻行为会造成的创伤。上帝并不喜悦你，我恐怕你会失去永生。{PH099 9.3}
你没有时间可以浪费了，应竭尽全力救自己脱离撒但的网罗。耶稣心里柔和谦卑，你要学祂的样式，就必得享安息。你有何等的工夫要下啊，好使自己敬畏上帝，达到圣洁完全的地步，预备自己将来加入纯洁神圣天使的行列。你需要在上帝面前谦卑己心，寻求温柔和公义，好使你在主烈怒的大日可以躲藏起来。{PH099 10.1}
戴弟兄：主去年春天将祂的福气降在你身上;但你没有看出警醒和祈祷支持人在神圣生活上进步的关系。你忽略了这些责任，其结果就是自己被黑暗笼罩。你处于疑惑不信的状态中，经常选择去与那些处在黑暗中的人交往，那些人是撒但用来从基督分散的。如果是上帝天意的安排如此指示你，你才能在最腐败的环境中而仍能保持自己清白不受玷污。但对那些希望尊荣上帝的人来说，与不敬畏上帝之人来往，想在他们中间找到快乐和款待，则是危险的事。撒但总是围绕着这样的人，且有大黑暗在他们周围;如果自称跟从基督的人擅自闯入这黑暗的阵地，他们就是在勾引魔鬼来试探自己。如果为了行善及荣耀上帝的名，是上帝差遣我们去到最黑暗的恶灵中间，祂就会派祂的使者环绕我们，保守我们不受玷污。但若是我们自己寻求与罪人为伴，并且喜欢他们粗俗的玩笑，接受并以他们的故事、游戏和下流语言粗俗幽默为乐，纯洁圣善的天使就会撤除他们的保护，把我们撇在自己所选择的黑暗中。{PH099 10.2}
戴弟兄：我想给你以警告;我想唤醒你采取行动。我想恳求你趁着上帝邀请你来就祂时寻求祂，好使你得生命。{PH099 11.1}
“警醒，祈祷，作工”乃是基督徒的口号。撒但是警醒作工的，他的恒心是不倦的，他的热心是不减的。他不等着他的猎物来找他，而是去寻找猎物。他定意要从基督手里抢夺生灵;但是人们却在自己的盲目中沉睡——在自己的追求中疯狂。上帝被他们抛在脑后。一个警惕的仇敌正在追寻基督徒的脚踪;但只要他们倚靠上帝，他们就不在危险中。否则他们的力量就会被削弱，他们就会被撒但战胜。{PH099 11.2}
戴弟兄：你屈从疑惑是危险的。你决不应让自己在目前所走的方向再前进半步。你时常处于危险中。撒但正在你所行的路上，向你暗示疑惑，使你不信。要是你完全听从上帝的忠告，你原能对现在喜欢与你交往的那些人发挥一种为善的感化力。{PH099 11.3}
可怜的格雷戈里弟兄感到了上帝圣灵的影响，但他缺乏经验。他没有完全放弃自己的旧习惯和风俗。基督与彼列是毫不相和的。格雷戈里弟兄没能不断以上帝为他的力量，于是他的脚步滑跌了。要是你与上天有应有的联络，你原能帮助格雷戈里弟兄。但你不活动的作风，你交谈的态度，你的影响力，都让他更加退后，并且平息了他里面良心的声音。你的做法对他走下坡路并不是一种责备。要是你在为上帝而活，你原能行善。{PH099 12.1}
你的力量完全是软弱的，你的智慧乃是愚拙，但你对此并无认识。你太过满足于一种理论——一种教条上的正确，但你并没有感到必须要有上帝的能力。你忽略了信仰里头属灵的部分。你整个人都应该渴求上帝的灵——宗教在心灵中的生命和能力，这会引导你钉死自我，坚定地倚赖你的救赎主。{PH099 12.2}
你处在可怕的黑暗中，必须奉上帝的名兴起，打碎撒但的枷锁，坚持维护你的自由，否则你的信仰就会破灭。{PH099 13.1}
上帝是那样不愿离开你，这是祂对你的爱，尽管你的生活并不符合祂的旨意，你的工作和作风一直得罪祂，但天上的至尊还是屈尊降贵来请求有权拜访你并留给你祂的福气。“看哪，我站在门外叩门”(启3:20)。天上荣耀的住宅是祂的，那天上居所的喜乐也是祂的，然而祂却谦卑虚己，站在你的心门之外请求进来，好使祂能用祂的光赐福与你，并使你在祂的荣耀中欢喜快乐。祂的工作就是去寻找和拯救那些迷路和行将灭亡的生灵。祂希望救赎尽可能多的人脱离罪恶和死亡，将他们提升到祂的宝座，且将永生赐给他们。{PH099 13.2}
戴弟兄啊，你要听劝，振作起来，抛掉自己的疑惑。是什么让你心里疑惑呢?是你远离上帝的生活，是你未献身的生活，你的笑话和玩笑。你缺乏谨慎自守，这危及你的永恒利益。基督正在邀请你转离这些愚妄而归向祂。你没有在恩典和真理的知识上长进。你没有使上帝的圣工得荣耀。你没有变得高尚，反而在沦落到低而又低的水准。你没有为天国和永生造就自己的品格。{PH099 13.3}
你在取悦自己，将那本应陪伴家人、教导儿女明白上帝的道路和作为的时间，消磨在轻浮无益的事上。你花在只能给你带来伤害的同伴上的时间，应当用来祈祷和学习上帝的圣言。你应感到自己身上负有一种责任，作为一家之首，要照着主的教训和警戒养育你的儿女。你将如何向主交代那些被你误用的时间呢?你对那些不敬畏上帝的人发挥的是怎样的影响呢?“你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父”(太5:16)。愿上帝膏你的眼睛，使你能看到自己的危险。我对你深感同情。我的心想念你。我渴望见你达到你有权达到的高标准。你能行善。你的影响力，若运用得当，便可大有功效。戴弟兄啊，你正在走下坡路。“你们转回，转回吧!”“何必死亡呢”(结33:11)?{PH099 14.1}
你若在目前所走的路线上走得再久一些，就会不信真理——不信上帝的话。总要警醒祷告。将你自己毫无保留地献给上帝，侍奉上帝就不是一件难事了。你三心二意。这就是你被黑暗而非光明包围的原因。{PH099 14.2}
最后恩典的信息现在正在发出。这代表了上帝长久的忍耐和怜悯。“请来吧”乃是现在发出的邀请。请来吧，因为样样都齐备了。这是怜悯的最后呼召。接下来将是一位被得罪之上帝的报应。{PH099 15.1}
戴弟兄啊，你要鼓励朴素、仁爱、自制，并与弟兄们痛快地联合。你千万不要如此贱卖永生。你若离开真理，便决不会知道真幸福;你就会确实很惨。天国是值得我们付出任何牺牲的。打破撒但的捆锁吧。耶稣现在正邀请你，你愿意听祂的声音吗?你必须采取一种比从前更高的立场。将获得天国和基督的义作为你的头等要务。为上帝和天国而生活，在赛程的终点你必得着永恒的奖赏。{PH099 15.2}
我蒙指示回顾去年五月，当时主眷顾了蒙特利，我蒙指示看到哈维·凯尼恩弟兄的状况。他没有准备好参加那项工作。他的心思意念都在别处。那时他正打算结婚，不能听从耶稣的邀请：“请来吧!样样都齐备了”(路14:17)。他所预期的婚姻占据了他全部的注意力。他没有时间或意愿打开心门欢迎那位施恩的来宾。要是他打开了心门，基督原会给他好美好的忠告，他若听从，原会对他具有无限的价值。祂原会向他显明实况，使他看到自己有危险屈从自己任性的心意，将上帝的荣耀弃置一旁，不顾清醒理智的决定。祂原会吩咐他小心不要重蹈那些已经堕落且被毁灭之人的覆辙。但是他却不考虑上帝对他的要求;不思想他若不请教主，就不应采取任何行动，主已经赎买了他。我们受命无论做什么，都要为荣耀上帝而行。{PH099 15.3}
凯尼恩弟兄：作为基督的门徒和学生，你以谦卑真诚的祷告到祂面前，并将你的道路交给祂了吗?你没能这么做。你没有审查自己所有的动机并且谨慎行事，免得给你的救赎主基督的圣工带来羞辱。你没有考虑这个行动是否会起到一种作用，以致增加你属灵的敏感性，振奋你的热心，加强你在真理上的坚定以及你实行克己的努力。你对自己的心一无所知。在教会里已经看到了上帝的作为，但你对圣灵毫无渴望。天上的事对你而言是索然无味的。你因要与另一个人利益与共的新希望而神魂颠倒。你没有想到婚姻的联合将严重地影响你对生活的兴趣，尽管人生很短暂。{PH099 16.1}
你原应该感觉到，你自己既有邪恶的心要制服，就不能与另一个会使你更难克服自我的势力联合，使你通往天国的道路更加崎岖。你现在已使你的信仰进程比你从前单身时艰难了十倍。确实，你很孤独，因为你已失去了一颗宝贵的珠子。但如果你曾咨询你的弟兄们，并将自己的道路交托给主，祂原会为你开一条路，使你与一位原能作你帮手而不是障碍的人结合。{PH099 17.1}
如果你现在愿意全心谦卑归向主，祂就必怜悯你，帮助你。但你正处在失去力量的地步，并准备牺牲自己的信仰以及对上帝的忠贞，以取悦你的新妻子。上帝怜悯你，因为你若不醒悟，像基督的一个真正的精兵，重新投入追求永生的战斗，毁灭就在你的面前。你唯一的保障在于和弟兄们保持一致，并从他们那里获得你可以获得的所有力量以便留在真理里。{PH099 17.2}
你打算以牺牲真理为代价来换取此时的和平与快乐。你正在低价贱卖自己的灵魂。你现在有责任尽你所能地使你的妻子快乐，可是不能牺牲真理的原则。你应该操练自制、忍耐和真正的礼貌。藉着这样做，你就能表现出真恩典的力量和真理的影响。{PH099 18.1}
我蒙指示看到，贪爱钱财对你来说是一个网罗。金钱若不趁机用来行善、造福有需要的人和推进上帝的圣工，就真的没有什么价值。你所拥有的那点钱财已经成了你的网罗，你若不作忠心有见识的管家侍奉你的主，妥善使用那点钱财，它就只能给你带来不幸。{PH099 18.2}
你是小气吝啬的。你需要培养一种高尚、慷慨的精神。你若不将你的情意从这世界夺回，就必被打败。钱财的迷惑已经大大腐蚀了你的心灵，以致良善将被邪恶所胜。自私和爱财将得胜。{PH099 18.3}
我亲爱的弟兄，如果你能得救，就会确实是一个恩典的奇迹。贪爱世界之心不断在你里面增长。请仔细思考基督的话语：“你要尽心、尽性、尽意，爱主你的上帝。这是诫命中的第一，且是最大的。其次也相仿，就是要爱人如己。这两条诫命是律法和先知一切道理的总纲”(太22:37-40)。{PH099 18.4}
我的弟兄，这两条诫命你都没有遵守。你在使自己得利的事上眼疾手快从不犹豫，尽管你知道这样会大大损害你邻舍的利益。你眼中只看到自己的利益，并且说：“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗”(创4:9)?{PH099 19.1}
你并没有积攒财宝在天上，也没有使自己变得在上帝面前富足。自私自利已经使你心中的真敬虔腐蚀殆尽。你在向这个世界的神屈身下拜。你的心已经和上帝疏远了。一位受上帝默示的作者说：“但义人的路好像黎明的光，越照越明，直到日午”(箴4:18)。{PH099 19.2}
基督徒的脚步有时可能似乎软弱彷徨，但他意识到自己的软弱，便倚靠那位大能者以获取支持。他既得到支持，便朝着完全向前向上做出确实的进步。他每天获得新的胜利，与完全圣洁的标准越来越近。他的眼睛不是向下望着世界，而是向上仰望，始终注视着那位天上的模范。{PH099 19.3}
凯尼恩弟兄啊，这世界必朽坏事物的虚浮光彩已蒙蔽了天国的优美，使你看永生没有什么价值。作为基督的仆人，我恳劝你醒悟，以便看清楚你自己。{PH099 20.1}
你现在正追求获得的利益将成为你永恒的损失。最终你将发现你犯了一个可怕的、永远无法弥补的错误。{PH099 20.2}
你现在可以立时回头，听从仁慈的呼召，并得以存活。要欢喜快乐，因为你的宽容时期还未结束，因为你现在可以藉着忍耐恒心行善，寻求荣耀、尊贵、不能朽坏之福和永生。要欢喜快乐，因为多年来一直是你忠心伴侣的她必要复活——死亡要被生命吞灭。要展望复活之晨，那时与你忧喜与共二十多年的她会从她的牢房出来。你愿意让她徒然寻找你，她的伴侣吗?当她扬声呼喊，“死啊，你得胜的权势在哪里?死啊，你的毒钩在哪里”(林前15:55)时，你要不在场吗?那日会将尊荣带给圣徒!那时没有羞辱，没有责骂，没有痛苦，只有平安、喜乐和不朽的赞美从每一个蒙赎之人口中发出!愿上帝对你的心说话，使你深感永生的价值。我的弟兄啊，愿你受引导，永远具有一种高尚慷慨的精神，好使你忠心地履行你管家的职责，单单注目上帝的荣耀，以便主可以对你说，“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人，……可以进来享受你主人的快乐”(太25:21)。{PH099 20.3}
我蒙指示看到，关于自己，有些人受了欺骗。他们注意那些富有的人，以为只有那些人才会贪爱世界，才有贪婪的特别危险。但事实并非如此。那些有钱的人固然常常处于危险中，并且要为主人交托他们照管的钱财的恩赐作交代。但那些在今世钱财较少的人也经常只顾自己，没有做他们力所能及的事和上帝要求他们去做的事。他们若少些照顾自己，就经常有机会行善;但他们因长期专顾自己，为自己的利益考虑，以致认为此外没什么可做的。{PH099 21.1}
我蒙指示看到伯纳姆弟兄和姐妹有太过以自我为中心的危险。特别是伯纳姆姐妹，在这方面犯错尤巨。她几乎已经以爱自己为至上。伯纳姆姐妹啊，你没有预备好在上帝危险的日子站立得住。你没有效法那位真正的模范耶稣。祂整个人生中没有一件自私自利的行为。你有一番工作要为自己做，是没人能为你做的。要摆脱你的自私，学习上帝的心思和旨意。你当竭力在上帝面前得蒙喜悦(提后2:15)。你冲动任性，生性急躁易怒。行事远过于你力所能及的。这样做并不是美德，因为上帝并没有要求这样。这种做法是由一种自私的性情引起的。你的动机不值得称赞。你逃避责任和操心的事，觉得自己应该被考虑，应该受优待。遗憾的是你自幼一直被娇纵宠爱，你的意志没有被驯服。现在，你到了成年，你有一番本应你在孩童时完成的工作要做。你的丈夫屈从你的心愿，纵容你的心血来潮，这是于你有害的。{PH099 21.2}
自私依照环境和个人特殊的性情有多种表现方式，必须治死。你若有儿女，你的心若被迫转离自己去照顾他们，教导他们，作他们的榜样，就会于你更有益。你已在你家中引起了需要对孩童运用的关注和忍耐。你要这种关注，也会拥有这种关注。但你没有想过你也有责任去关怀照顾别人，为别人谋福利。你任性而且很固执地要实现你自己的计划。你的人生旅途一切顺利时，你还能表现出我们希望看到一个基督徒当结的果子;但当你的道路受阻时，你结出的果子就不是好树上的果子了。你有一段有规律的乖僻任性的时间，像一个被惯坏了的孩子应受惩罚。当两个人组成一个家庭时，就如你的情形一样，还没有孩子来锻炼你的忍耐、自制和真爱时，你们需要不断地警醒，免得你自己成为中心，你要求关注、照顾和关心，而不觉得自己有义务这样待别人。在家中照顾儿女需要把大部分时间都花在家里，使人有必要培养有关家庭生活之一般操劳的心思意念。{PH099 22.1}
你忽略了保守你的心，忽略了用上帝赐给你的钱财行善。要是你曾觉得要对那些需要帮助，需要鼓励和力量的人有所助益，你的感化力就会有益。但因你久已考虑自己的快乐，以致你没有资格使周围的人受益。你需要训练自己。你应花时间自省，好使你所有的能力都顺服于上帝的心意和旨意。你需要对你的情感进行秘密的训练，这是非常重要的，以便连思想也顺服。你封闭于自我。每一个真正的基督徒都有特权对自己所交往的每一个人发挥为善的感化力。{PH099 23.1}
我的姐妹啊，你将要按照你的行为受报。你当仔细省察你的动机，坦率地判定自己是否在善事上富足。我蒙指示看到去年春天，那时主在蒙特利和周围区域动了一项善工。施恩的天使盘旋在上帝子民上空，从前不认识上帝和真理的心深受感动。要是弟兄们一直处在工作状态，上帝原会将祂施恩开展的工作推向前进。你已长期只顾自己的心愿，使所有的事都服从于你的便利，以致你因感到有可能遭受不便而关闭了你原可敞开以推进圣工的那扇门。{PH099 24.1}
你起到了你的作用，其他有些人想要退后，担心花费并且核计：若要作出努力，就要浪费时间参加聚会。太缺乏基督徒的热心了。一个卧在罪恶之中，遭受上帝震怒的世界摆在我们面前，可怜的生灵被黑暗之君控制着;可是那些应该觉醒和从事拯救将亡生灵这一宇宙中最高尚事业的人，却没有足够的兴趣利用一切可利用的手段去阻断通向灭亡的道路，并引导步履蹒跚之人的脚步转向生命的道路。永生的事业应该吸引每一个基督徒最深的兴趣。我们要在伟大的救恩计划中作基督和天使的同工!有什么工作可以比得上这工作呢?每一个得救之人都有归于上帝的荣耀，既反映在得救的人身上，也反映在那帮助他得救的人身上。有一种喧闹的热心，无目的，无宗旨，不是按着真知识，其行动是盲目的，结果也具有破坏性。这并不是基督化的热心。基督化的热心受原则所支配，而不是间歇无常的。它乃是诚恳，深切，强烈的，运用整个人的身心，并激励人运用道德的敏感性。人的得救与上帝国度的利益，乃是最重要的事情。有什么目标能比救人及上帝的荣耀，更能叫人倾心呢?此中大有道理，不容等闲视之。其分量如同永恒一般，因为永恒的命运，就在此决定了。无论男女均在此项事上决定他们的吉凶祸福。基督化的热心不会在交谈中削弱，反而会因彼此沟通感到生机勃勃，行动更有效率。基督化的热心不是为让人看见而做事，其每一努力的特征及每一工作的表现乃是谦卑。基督化的热心会使人热切祷告及谦卑，并忠于家庭中的责任。在家庭内要表现出文雅，仁爱，慈善，怜恤，这些从来都是基督化热心的效果。{PH099 25.2}
我蒙指示看到你必须取得更大的进步。伯纳姆姐妹，你在天上的财宝并不是很多。你在上帝面前并不富足。愿主打开你的眼睛使你能够看到，使你的心能够感到，使你表现出基督徒的热心。唉，那能感到生灵之价值的人是多么的少啊!那甘心牺牲去引导生灵来认识基督的人，也是太少了!对于将亡的生灵，现在有的是太多的空谈，对将亡生灵太多的口头之爱。空谈毫无价值，所需要的乃是基督化的热心──一种体现在实际行动上、有所作为、参与工作的热心。现今人人都当自己努力，等到他们心中有了耶稣之时，他们就要在别人面前承认祂了。你无法拦阻一个有基督在心中居住的人承认基督，正如你无法阻止尼亚加拉瀑布倒流一样。{PH099 26.1}
我蒙指示看到C.拉塞尔弟兄被埋在这个世界的无价值事物当中。他拿不出时间来侍奉上帝，也不诚恳地研究并祈求明白上帝要他做什么。他的银子被埋在了地里。今生的思虑已将他对永恒事物的考虑吞噬殆尽了。上帝的国和基督的义被排在了次要地位。他喜爱属世的业务。但我看到，他若不改变自己的行为，上帝的手就会与他作对。他可以收聚，但上帝会分散。他本可以行善。{PH099 27.1}
但许多人以为，既然自己过的是工作或买卖的生活，就不能为生灵的得救做什么，无法推进救赎主的圣工。他们说自己无法两头兼顾，于是便推卸自己的宗教责任和活动，埋头于世界。他们将属世的业务放在第一，忘记了上帝，上帝对他们不悦。如果任何人从事的工作使他们无法在神圣的生活上长进并且敬畏上帝，全然成圣，他们就应该换到一个耶稣能和他们时刻同在的行业。拉塞尔弟兄：你没有使你所表白的信仰得尊荣。你的热心是属世界的热心，你的兴趣是属世界的兴趣。{PH099 27.2}
你在属灵上正濒于死亡。你并不清楚自己危险的状况。贪爱世界的心正在吞噬你的信仰。你必须觉醒;你必须寻求上帝，悔改你冷淡退后的罪。你要以痛悔的心接受这些话并且回归上帝。你的宗教责任已经变成徒具形式而已。你没有享受宗教的乐趣;因为享受这种快乐有赖于甘心乐意的顺从。甘心顺从之人要吃这地的美物。你并无明证确定自己会与上帝在祂的国里同住。你偶尔会表面上履行宗教义务，但你心不在焉。你偶尔也会以只言片语警告罪人、拥护真理，但这仅是你出于勉强的侍奉，好像是在应付工头，而不是出于儿女孝心的愉快的侍奉。如果你的心因基督徒的热情而火热，最艰巨的责任也会成为轻松愉快的了。{PH099 28.1}
许多人之所以感到基督徒的生活艰难，其原因就在于不专心。他们心持两意，这使他们在自己所行的一切路上都无定见。他们若真被基督徒的热心所充满，其结果就必是献身给上帝，他们非但不会口中哀叹，“我的缺乏!我的缺乏!”反而会有心声说：“请听主已为我做了什么。”{PH099 28.2}
即便你得救了——这点是很不确定的，在你所采取的行径中，你的善行又是多么的少啊!没有一个生灵是由于你的帮助而得救。你能听到基督对你说，“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人”(太25:21)吗?你为主尽了什么忠心呢?你只在今生的事务和思虑上操劳了。而这能使基督发出恩典的话语吗?——“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人”(太25:21)。{PH099 28.3}
我的弟兄，耶稣爱你，祂邀请你回心转意，并将你的眼目从世上收回，注目标杆，要得那在基督耶稣里召你来得的奖赏。终止轻浮无聊的事吧!你要背负我们所生活之时代的严肃负担，直至战争结束。{PH099 29.1}
你应该去作工;你若献身于上帝，你的影响就必发挥效力。{PH099 29.2}
鲁梅利弟兄家大多数成员正在走下坡路。玛丽亚过着一种漫无目标的生活。她充满了荒唐、空虚和骄傲的事。她的影响力无法提拔人，无法使人趋向良善和敬虔。她不喜欢宗教带来的约束;因此她不愿使自己的心屈服于信仰的神圣影响。她爱自己，爱享乐，且在寻求自己的快乐。她若不彻底回头并寻求真实的敬虔，结果就必非常悲惨。她可以对她的弟兄们发挥一种软化、提拔并使之高贵的感化力。上帝爱这些孩子，但他们都还没有成为基督徒。他们若努力过谦卑的基督徒生活，就会成为光明之子和工人侍奉上帝;他们就能在自己的家里和所交往的人中间作传道士。{PH099 29.3}
青年人如能看出，若以上帝为他们的能力和智慧，将有何等优秀的成就，他们就不会再对上帝轻率冷淡，并受那些未献身之人的影响所左右了。他们不但不觉得自己负有一种个人的责任，去努力行善助人，引人归义成圣，反而自暴自弃，寻欢作乐。他们是一群无用之人，过着没有目标的生活，像浪游的蝴蝶一样。{PH099 30.1}
青年人也许认识真理，相信真理，但在生活中却不实践真理;这种信仰乃是死的。他们的心还漂在外边，没有在上帝面前改变自己的品格和行为，在遵行上帝旨意方面，他们与不信之人也没有什么区别。他们的心与上帝的旨意不符合，他们乃是与上帝为敌的。{PH099 30.2}
那些一心寻求欢乐，喜爱与爱宴乐之徒来往的人，打心眼里讨厌宗教活动。这等自称是信奉主名的青年人，除非他们是良善忠心的，你想主会对他们说，“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人”吗?{PH099 30.3}
青年人正处于极大的危险之中。那些轻浮的读物足以酿成大害。许多本该予以善用的光阴，已经浪费了。有些人因为要读完一些荒诞的爱情故事，竟然剥夺自己睡眠的时间。现今世上充斥着各式各样的小说，有些危险性略小，有些却是无耻，下流，低级的。还有些披上一个比较文雅的名称，而实际上这一切都是有恶劣影响的。啊!唯愿青年人意识到这些刺激的小说故事对他们心思有何影响!{PH099 31.1}
在阅读了这种精神垃圾之后，你还有兴趣打开圣经阅读生命之道吗?你不会觉得上帝的圣言索然无味吗?爱情小说的魔力进入心思，就败坏其健全的情感，使你不能专心致意于那与你永恒福利有关的重大严肃之真理了。你得罪了父母，因为你枉费了那属于他们的光阴，做这些毫无益处之事;同时你也得罪了上帝，因为你浪费了那应当献为主用的光阴。青年人有促使自己严谨的本分。纵情于浮，嘲弄，笑谑，只会使人心灵荒芜，并失去上帝的眷爱。{PH099 31.2}
你们许多人以为自己没有在别人身上发挥不良的影响，而自满自得，但请问你们是否发挥为善的影响呢?你是否在言语及行为上，设法引领别人来就基督呢?是否领那些自称信奉基督的人，与主更亲密地同行呢?{PH099 32.1}
青年人应培养献身敬虔的精神。他们如果没有不住地追求达到满有基督长成的身量，也就是在基督耶稣里的完全，就不能荣耀上帝。但愿在你们里面充充足足地有基督徒的各种美德，把你们最好而最圣洁的情意奉献救主，完全顺服祂的旨意。若在这方面有什么缺欠，祂就不会悦纳。务要坚固，不可因那思念虚荣之辈的讥诮和嘲弄，而从你坚固的地步上移动。不论被人称赞或责骂，总要跟随救主;要以背主基督的十字架为完全的喜乐，和神圣的光荣。耶稣爱你，并为你舍命。你若不全心全意服事祂，就不能敬畏上帝得以完全成圣，最后就不免要听祂那可怕的话说：离开我去吧!{PH099 32.2}
鲁梅利弟兄的情形很可怕。这个世界就是他的神。他崇拜金钱。他没有听从数年之前传给他的警告，也没有全力克服他爱世界的心。他积攒的金钱像许多绳索一样缠住了他的灵魂，并牢牢地将他捆绑在这个世界上。他越有钱，就变得越贪婪。{PH099 32.3}
他将全部的能力都投在挣钱这一个目标上。这已成了他思想的负担，人生的挂虑。他已将自己全部的能力都转到这一个方面，直到他实际上成了一个拜玛门的人。在这个问题上他是非常愚蠢疯狂的。他的榜样致使他的家人以为天国和不朽没有今生的财利重要。他正在为地上的财宝牺牲永恒的利益。他多年以来一直训练自己的心思获取财利。他相信真理，热爱真理的原则，也欢喜看到别人在真理上兴盛;但他却使自己如此彻底地成了玛门的奴隶，以致感到只要自己活着，就注定要侍奉这个主人。他活得越久，就会变得越贪财，除非他痛下决心，远离金钱这个可怕的偶像。尽管这样做好似撕心裂肺，但他如果重视天国，就不得不如此。{PH099 33.1}
他不需要任何一个人的责难，而需要大家的怜悯。他的人生已经成了一个可怕的错误。他虽然钱谷满仓，却饱受想象中的缺钱之苦。撒但已经占有了他的心思，刺激他的占有欲，使他在这个问题上变得非常愚蠢疯狂。他身心所有尊贵高尚的能力已大大屈从于这种小气自私的占有欲倾向。他唯一的希望便是胜过这种习性并打破撒但的捆绑。他曾试图在自己良心觉醒时如此做，但这还远远不够。只做出一次强劲的努力，和他的玛门分开一点点，就总是觉得自己在失魂落魄，这不是真宗教结出的果实。他必须训练自己的心去行善。他必须抖擞精神，反对自己贪得的习性。他必须将善行交织在自己生活的方方面面。他必须培养热爱行善的心，胜过自己已养成的小气吝啬的精神。{PH099 34.1}
在和阿勒根的商人作买卖时，鲁梅利弟兄和姐妹的行为使上帝感到不悦。他们会讨价还价，尽可能便宜地购进货物，常常在几分钱的事上翻来覆去、斤斤计较，说起来好像金钱就是他们的全部，他们的神一样。只要他们能听到自己离开后别人对他们的评价，他们便能更加清楚地意识到自己的吝啬所带来的影响。由于这种小气自私的交易，我们的信仰蒙羞受辱，上帝也被一些人亵渎。天使厌恶地转脸走开。天国所有的事都是高尚、尊贵的。所有的生灵都在寻求他人的幸福和利益。那里没有谁会专顾自己。众圣洁生灵主要的喜乐就是见证他们周围生灵的喜乐和幸福。{PH099 34.2}
这些天使来为那些将要承受救的人效力时，看到自私、贪婪、诈取和和损人利己的表现，便忧伤地走开了。他们看到那些自称要承受不朽产业的人在与那些没有更高抱负，只知积攒财宝在地上的人在交易上如此斤斤计较时，便感到羞耻，转身离去;因为神圣的真理受了羞辱。{PH099 35.1}
再没有什么比不信之人看到真理在生性贪婪吝啬之人生活上成就美善的大工，能够更好地荣耀上帝，尊荣真理了。{PH099 35.2}
如果人们能够看到这种人的信仰有塑造他们品格的影响，把他们从吝啬、自私、诈取、贪爱金钱的人变成了喜爱行善，找机会用自己的钱财祝福那些需要蒙福之人，看顾患难中的孤儿寡妇，保守自己不沾染世俗的人，就会证明他们的宗教是真的。这种人会将他们的光照在人前，使人看见他们的好行为，便将荣耀归给他们在天上的父。这种果实会成为圣洁，他们会成为基督在地上活的代表。罪人会确信真理确有一种他们所不知道的能力。那些自称警醒等待他们的主显现的人，不应在交易时用诈和锱铢必较而羞辱他们的信仰。基督徒的树上是不应结出这种果子的。{PH099 35.3}
鲁梅利弟兄：上帝不愿你灭亡，而宁愿你持住祂的力量，与祂和好，使你的心意与祂神圣的旨意一致。如果你能看到你在获取金钱时的真实画面，你就要体如筛糠、满心惊惧了。你就会厌恶自己的小气、吝啬和贪财。你就会使自己的人生致力于获得上帝改变人心的恩典，这恩典会使你成为一个新人。你从你亲戚那里获得的钱财对你乃是一个咒诅。它只会增强你贪爱钱财的习性，且是一个额外的重担使你和你的神一同灭亡。{PH099 36.1}
“贪财是万恶之根”(提前6:10)。当人运用上帝赐给他们的能力去获得财富，并因积攒他们永远无法用到且会对他们的儿女证明是一种伤害的财宝而感到心满意足时，他们是在滥用上帝赐给他们的能力。他们表明他们的品格已因贪得金钱而变的污秽。他们非但没有实现幸福，反倒落入悲惨的境地中。他们紧闭心门，不顾那些缺衣少食之人，就此表明他们对受苦之人毫无怜悯与同情。{PH099 36.2}
鲁梅利弟兄：你的心对于别人的缺乏和需要并不是麻木无情的。你有慷慨的冲动，也喜爱供给人。你经常打算为一位弟兄或一位邻舍作件好事，但你已使金钱成了你的神，并且有危险把你的金钱看得比天国更有价值。上帝的恩典若不成为你生命的统治性原则，挣钱总是危险的。当基督徒受天国原则支配时，他们会一手挣钱，一手施舍。这也是基督徒得财获利之时所能采取的唯一合理健全的立场。我们要问问鲁梅利弟兄：你要用你的金钱做什么呢?你是上帝的管家。你拥有上帝所赐的钱财，可用来行许多善事。你可以通过在好事上富足，存钱在天国的银行中。你可以用自己的人生使别人蒙福。“不要为自己积攒财宝在地上，地上有虫子咬，能锈坏，也有贼挖窟窿来偷;只要积攒财宝在天上，天上没有虫子咬，不能锈坏，也没有贼挖窟窿来偷。因为你的财宝在哪里，你的心也在那里”(太6:19-21)。{PH099 37.1}
请记得，积存在天的财宝是不会损失的。这是给你们自己的。上天赐你财富，命你作管家，你通过明智的使用，就可确保得到它们。使徒保罗说：“你要嘱咐那些今世富足的人，不要自高，也不要倚靠无定的钱财;只要倚靠那厚赐百物给我们享受的上帝。又要嘱咐他们行善，在好事上富足，甘心施舍，乐意供给人，为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，叫他们持定那真正的生命”(提前6:17-19)。{PH099 38.1}
鲁梅利弟兄：你有丧命的危险。你已将上帝赐你的恩赐交给魔鬼使用，并被他任意掳去。你能忍受这想法吗?你能在短暂的今生选择侍奉自己，贪爱钱财，然后失去一切，没有资格去天国，也没有权利得永生吗?你要下大工夫，需极力挣扎才能割断对这世上财宝的情意。你的财宝在哪里，你的心也在那里。警醒、祈祷、作工，这是基督徒的口号。我恳劝你要醒过来，寻求那些存到永恒的事物。这世界上的事很快就要过去。你准备好交换世界了吗?你为永生预备好品格了吗?如果你最终失丧了，你将发现是贪爱金钱导致了你的灭亡。你将以极大的痛苦哭喊说：“唉，钱财的迷惑!我丧失了我的灵魂。我为金钱把它出卖了。我的灵魂，我的肉体，我都用它们换取财物了。我牺牲了天国，唯恐得到它会牺牲我的金钱。”你将听到主人说：把这无用的仆人捆住手脚，丢在外面的黑暗里。{PH099 38.2}
我们希望这不会是你的命运。我们希望你把你的财宝转移到天上，也转移你的感情，将之牢牢地系在上帝和不朽的财宝上。{PH099 39.1}
我看到你们全家都有危险在某种程度上感染鲁梅利弟兄的精神。鲁梅利姐妹，你已经与这种精神有份了。愿上帝帮助你看清事实，并作完全的改变。你应培养自己热爱行善;寻求在好事上富足。你在许多事上都可以比现在作的更好。你在上帝面前有你个人的责任。你有一项你无法推诿的义务。要保持与上帝紧密同行，不住地祷告。你若想救自己的灵魂，就有一番紧迫的工作要完成。{PH099 39.2}
你应努力抵消家中的不良影响。你应高贵地为上帝站立。你的性情与你丈夫不同，你若不亲自行动，就会被上帝定罪。你应在拯救自己的灵魂和发挥一种影响力以拯救你家人的事上殷勤努力。你要用自己的榜样表明，你的财宝是在天上，你已经将自己的一切投在一个更美的永久家乡和更美的永生上。你要训练自己的思想重看天上的事，你要蒙提拔，热爱上帝，表明自己甘心顺从祂的旨意。{PH099 40.1}
我的姐妹，你可能会受试验，好看清楚你对这世界之事的爱慕是何等强烈，明了你心中一页你现在还不知道的篇章。{PH099 40.2}
上帝了解你的试炼，正如你看到你丈夫和你孩子的情形一样，他们极其缺乏得救的信心。许多事取决于你，远超过你所认识到的。你当穿上盔甲。不要再将自己宝贵的精力耗尽在别人也能做的事上。你要鼓励你的女儿从事有益的劳动，帮助你分担生活的重荷。她需要训练。她的头脑是空虚的。她需要将自己的一切交给上帝，好使她成为一个有用之人，并使她的救赎主喜悦。{PH099 40.3}
鲁梅利姐妹：你的操劳要少一些，要把更多的时间用在祷告和默想上。你当把永恒的利益放在第一位。上帝不容你的孩子被塑造成财迷。{PH099 41.1}
一个自私占据主导地位的家庭中，永远找不到真正的文雅和温柔的举止。真优雅的人总是有头脑的人，有心的人，总是为别人考虑。真正的文雅并不在肉体的妆饰和炫耀中得到满足。真正的文雅和灵魂的高贵只有在祝福别人，对别人有用，设法提升别人的努力中才能看见。{PH099 41.2}
永恒的事物在你儿女的心中分量很轻。愿上帝在为时太晚之前唤醒他们，免得他们在痛苦中喊叫说：“麦秋已过，夏令已完，我们还未得救”(耶8:20)! {PH099 41.3}
乔治·莱弟兄：主将你的情形展现在我面前。你身居负责的位置。上帝将金钱和影响力交托给你。上帝给每一个人都有一项工作要作。不仅是在普通的操作中使用自己的头脑、筋骨和肌肉，其意义远过于此。从属世的观点看你是熟悉这工作的，且在宗教地位上有某种工作经验。但过去数年你一直在浪费时间。而现在，你必须加紧努力，以弥补过去的损失。仅仅拥有才干是远远不够的;你必须运用这些才干，不仅仅利己，也使赐给你这些才干的主获益。你所拥有的一切都是主借给你的，祂还要从你手中连本带利的追讨回来。{PH099 41.4}
基督有权要求你的服务。你因祂的恩典作了祂的仆人。你不是自己的仆人，不应侍奉自己的利益，而应侍奉已经雇佣了你的主的利益。你既已公开表态作基督徒，你与上帝的关系就使你有义务作祂的仆人。你因恩典而成了祂的仆人。交托你手用于投资的财物并不属于你。如果它们属于你，你尽可以按照自己的乐趣随便使用。但这财物是主的，或善用或滥用，你都要负责。这资本有多种投资渠道，最不济也可交给兑换银钱之人，为主赚得一二。若是将它埋在地下，就于你于主都无益处，最后你也要丧失一切交托你的。{PH099 42.1}
我的弟兄，愿上帝帮助你认清自己作为上帝所雇仆人的真实地位。祂已用祂自己的血和苦难付了代价，确保你能有甘心的侍奉和乐意的顺从。{PH099 42.2}
在过去几年的试炼中，你心中痛苦，感到更完全地投身属世之事、获取世界上的财物，是一种解脱。上帝本着祂对你的大爱和怜悯，再次将你召回祂的羊圈之中。新的义务和责任现在被放在你的身上。你对这个世界的爱非常强烈。你一直在为自己积攒财宝在地上。耶稣现在邀请你将你的财宝转移到天上;因为你的财宝在哪里，你的心也在那里。你要在一切与你弟兄和不信之人交往的事上保守自己。你要忠于你的信仰表白，保持心灵的真正高贵，这会给你所宣称的真理争光。{PH099 42.3}
你居于一个众人瞩目的位置上。你的智力高于常人，你是一个有敏锐洞察力的人，感触也很深。你的一些弟兄行事并不智慧。他们在观察你，对你的事有看法，巴望着你在钱财上能更加慷慨大方一些。他们在这件事上自讨无趣，他们本不需要这样。这些人在许多事上都有欠缺，他们若能忠于主所要求他们的卑微侍奉，就会拥有他们所能做的一切。他们担不起在忧虑担心中浪费时间，唯恐他们那受托更大工作的邻舍不能很好地做自己的工作。当他们对别人的事情深感兴趣时，自己的工作就被忽略了，他们也就成了实在懒惰的仆人。他们急于去作他们邻舍的工作而不是那交给他们去做的工作。{PH099 43.1}
他们以为，自己若有五千两银子，就一定比那现在受托五千两银子的人作得更好。但主人比他们自己更了解他们。谁也不用为不能用上帝从未交托自己的才干荣耀祂而悲叹。他们不需要说：“如果我在生活中处在另一个人的位置上，我就会用我的资产做大量的善事。”上帝向他们所要的，不过是善用他们作为祂恩典的管家所拥有的。{PH099 44.1}
那一千两银子，也就是最卑微的侍奉，如若完全奉献，用来促进上帝的荣耀，就会像善用那最多的才干一样，得蒙上帝的悦纳。不同的托付是与我们不同的能力相称的。每一个人都根据自己的能力蒙赐予不同的恩赐。谁也不应忽视自己的工作，认为它太小而不必特别做好。如果他这样作，就是将自己的道德责任视同儿戏，并且藐视这日的事为小(见亚4:10)。每一个人的工作都是上天所派定的，他们应该有志向按照自己的能力把这工作做好。上帝要求从最软弱的到最强壮的人人都要忠心完成派定他们的工作。上帝向人所要的与所交托他的相称。{PH099 44.2}
每一个人都应殷勤而有兴趣地致力于自己的工作，别人或站住，或跌倒，自有他的主人在。在蒙特利有太多好管闲事的人——太多喜欢监视自己弟兄的人，他们正是因此而长久软弱。他们会在聚会时作见证，因为没有耶稣在心中要承认，就会努力将他们弟兄的责任提醒他们。这些可怜的人不知道自己的责任是什么，可是却负起责任去指教别人的责任。如果这些人愿意致力于自己的工作，并在心中获得上帝的恩典，教会中现在就不会缺乏能力了。{PH099 45.1}
莱弟兄，你有能力行善。你具有良好的判断力，并且上帝正在引导你出黑暗入光明。要用你的才干荣耀上帝。将它们交给兑换银钱的人，当主人回来时，祂可以连本带利地收回。要斩断你对这世上无价值之事的眷恋，提高自己的心思专注于上帝。生灵的得救比整个世界还要重要。一个人得救，在永恒的岁月中不停地颂赞上帝和羔羊，比亿万金钱更有价值。财富若与基督为之而死的生灵的价值相比，就微不足道了。你生性谨慎，不会轻举妄动。但你要为真理作出牺牲，变得在上帝面前富足。愿上帝帮助你照着你所应当的尽快行动，正确衡量永恒事物的价值。{PH099 45.2}
你的儿女需要一番更深的工作。他们需要促进谨慎自守和品格的可靠性。他们若将自己献给上帝，便能行善，并发挥一种拯救他们同伴的影响力。{PH099 46.1}
不要让穷人觉得，因为没有他们弟兄那样的财富，便无事可作。他们可以在许多事上作出牺牲。他们可以克己，他们可以过献身的生活，他们可以用自己的言行来尊荣他们的救赎主。尤其是姐妹，如果她们停止闲言碎语，并将她们的时间用于警醒祷告，则她们必能发挥一种强大的感化力。她们能够尊荣上帝。她们能够让自己的光照在人前，叫人看见她们的好行为，便将荣耀归给我们在天上的父。{PH099 46.2}
为了说明你本有特权来帮助上帝的工作，但你却在这事上失败了，我蒙指示提出以下经文：“应当咒诅米罗斯，大大咒诅其中的居民，因为他们不来帮助耶和华，不来帮助耶和华攻击勇士”(士5:23)。米罗斯人作了什么呢?什么也没作。而这正是他们的罪。他们不来帮助耶和华攻击勇士。{PH099 46.3}
PH099 - Testimony for the Churches at Allegan & Monterey
Dear Brethren,I have been shown that you are not in the light, as God would have you. In vision I was pointed back to the ingathering of souls at Monterey last spring, and was shown that your minds were not prepared for that work. You were not expecting or believing for the work which was then accomplished among you. This work was carried on, notwithstanding your unbelief, aside from the participation of many among you.?{PH099 1.1}[1]
When you had such evidences that God was waiting to be gracious to his people, that Mercy’s voice was inviting sinners and backsliders to the cross of Christ, why did you not unite with us, who had the burden of the work upon us? Why did you not come up to the help of the Lord? Some of you seemed benumbed and stupefied, and seemed to be amazed, and were unprepared to participate fully in work. You assented to it, but the hearts of many were not in it. It?was a great evidence of the lukewarm condition of the church.?{PH099 1.2}[2]
The worldliness you possess does not incline your hard hearts to throw wide open the door, at the knock you hear from Jesus who is seeking an entrance. The Lord of glory who has redeemed you by his own blood, waited at your doors for admittance, and you did not throw open the door wide and welcome him in. Some opened the door slightly and permitted a little light from his presence to enter, but did not welcome the heavenly Visitor. There was not room for Jesus. The place which should have been reserved for him was occupied with other things. Jesus entreated you: “If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” There was a work for you to do to open the door. For a time you felt inclined to hear, and open the door, but even this inclination departed, and you failed to secure the communion with the heavenly guest which it was your privilege to have. By some, the door was opened, and Jesus heartily welcomed.?{PH099 2.1}[3]
Jesus will not force open the door. The act you have to perform to show your desire for the heavenly Visitor is to open the door wide and give him a sincere welcome. If all had made thorough work in clearing away the world’s rubbish, and preparing a place for Jesus, he would have entered and abode with?you, and would have done a great work through you for the salvation of others. You were unprepared for the work. It commenced, notwithstanding, in mighty power among you. Backsliders were reclaimed, sinners were converted, and the sound went out into the region round about. The community was stirred. Had the church come up to the help of the Lord, and had the way been fully opened for further labor, there would have been in Monterey and Allegan, and the region round about, a work accomplished such as you have never witnessed. But the ideas of the brethren were not raised, and they were indifferent, in a great degree, to the matter. Some who had ever been seeking their own interest, could not think of having their minds drawn away from themselves on this occasion, even though the salvation of souls might be at stake.?{PH099 2.2}[4]
The Lord had laid upon us the burden. We were willing to give you all there was of us for a time, if you would come up with us to the help of the Lord. There was a decided failure. There was great ingratitude shown for the manifestations of the power of God among you. Had you received the tokens of God’s mercy and loving kindness as you should, with thankful hearts, and united your interest to work with the Spirit of God, you would not now be in the condition that you are. But you have been going down,?and withering spiritually since that precious work was done among you.?{PH099 3.1}[5]
The parable of the lost sheep you do not yet understand. You have not learned the lesson the divine Teacher designed you should. You have been dull scholars. Read the parable in Luke xv. “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the?wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends, and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.”?{PH099 4.1}[6]
Here were the cases of several who had backslidden; who had been in darkness; who had strayed away from the fold. But especially, as a prominent one, was the case of Bro. George Lay. He strayed from the fold. All the efforts were not made in wisdom, which should have been made to have prevented his straying from the fold, and then after he had strayed, there were not diligent efforts put forth to bring him back. There was much more gossiping over his case than sincere sorrow for him. All these things kept him from the fold, and caused his heart to be separated farther and farther from his brethren, making his rescue more and still more difficult. How different was this?course from that pursued by the shepherd in the parable, in pursuit of the lost sheep. The whole ninety and nine were left in the wilderness, to care for themselves, exposed to dangers; yet the lone sheep, separated from the flock, was in greater danger, and to secure the one, the ninety and nine were left.?{PH099 4.2}[7]
Some of the church had no special anxiety to have Bro. Lay return. They cared not enough to unbend from their dignity and pride to make special efforts to help him to the light. They stood back on their dignity, and said, “We will not go after him; let him come to us.” It was impossible for him to do this, as he viewed the feelings of his brethren toward him. Had they regarded the lesson taught by Christ, they would have been willing to yield their dignity and pride, and go after the wandering ones. They would have wept over them, prayed for them, implored them to be faithful to God, and the truth, and abide with the church. But the feeling of many was: If he wants to go, let him go.?{PH099 5.1}[8]
When the Lord sent his servants to do the work for these wanderers, which you ought to have done, you were even then unprepared to give up your ideas, when you had evidence that the Lord was giving a message of mercy to these poor stray sheep. You did not feel like leaving the ninety and nine, and searching?after the lost sheep till you found it. You did not do this. And when the sheep was found, and brought back to the fold with rejoicing, did you rejoice? We tried to arouse you. We tried to call you together as the shepherd called his neighbors and friends, to have you rejoice with us. But you seemed unwilling. You felt that the sheep had done a great wrong in leaving the fold, and instead of rejoicing that he had returned, you were anxious to make him feel that he should be very sorry for leaving, and should come back just according to your ideas. And since the return of the lost sheep, you have had a feeling of jealousy in regard to his return. You have kept your eye out, watching to see if all was right. Some have not felt just satisfied, but have felt an unwillingness in their hearts to have things just as they are.?{PH099 5.2}[9]
You are unacquainted with yourselves. Some possess selfishness, which leads to the narrowing up of their influence and efforts. There is more joy in Heaven over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and nine just persons who need no repentance.?{PH099 6.1}[10]
Had the church been prepared to appreciate the work the Lord was doing among them, they would since that ingathering have been growing stronger and stronger. But instead of all throwing their whole soul into the work, and feeling a special, sincere interest?to do all in their power to bring up the work where we left it, they acted very much as if the work did not concern them especially, but as though they were only spectators—ready to distrust, and find fault if there was a chance.?{PH099 6.2}[11]
I was shown the case of Bro. Buck. He feels unhappy. He is dissatisfied with his brethren. His mind has been exercised for some time that it was his duty to carry the message. He is capable, as far as his knowledge of the truth is concerned. He has the ability, but he lacks culture. He has not controlled himself. It requires great wisdom to deal with minds. Bro. Buck is not qualified for this work. He understands the theory, but has not educated himself in forbearance, patience, gentleness, kindness, and true courteousness. If things arise which do not meet his mind, he does not stop and consider whether it is not wisdom to take no notice of it, and let it pass for the present until it shall be fully considered. He braces himself at once for battle. He is harsh, severe, denunciatory. He raises disturbance at once, if things do not meet his mind.?{PH099 7.1}[12]
He possesses in his organization the elements of war rather than of sweet peace and harmony. He has not wisdom to give to all their portion of meat in due season. “And of some have compassion, making a difference; and others save with fear, pulling them out of?the fire, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” This making a difference, Bro. Buck has but little knowledge of. He is rough in his manners, and indiscreet in his dealing with souls. This disqualifies him for making a good, wise, careful shepherd. A shepherd must have courage, fortitude, noble generosity, love, and tenderness, combined.?{PH099 7.2}[13]
He will be in danger of tearing down more than he can build up. He has not had all his powers in subjection to the will of God. He has not been transformed by the renewing of his mind. He is self-sufficient, and does not rely wholly upon the grace of God. His works are not wrought in God.?{PH099 8.1}[14]
To be a shepherd is to occupy a very important, responsible position. It is a high and sacred work to feed the flock of God. Bro. Buck, the Lord does not regard you fit to be an overseer of his flock. Had you been learning the lesson of self-government in your religious experience, and had you felt the necessity of elevating your mind, and purifying your heart by sanctification of the Spirit, and bringing all your powers into subjection to the Spirit of God, seeking humility and meekness, you might now be in a position to do good, and to exert an influence which would be elevating and saving.?{PH099 8.2}[15]
Bro. and Sr. Buck, you have a work to do?for yourselves, which no one can do for you. You are inclined to murmur and complain. You have something to do to subdue your natural feelings. Live for God yourselves, knowing that you have not to answer for the wrongs of others. I saw, Bro. Buck, that you would certainly be overcome by Satan, and make utter shipwreck of faith unless you stop your fault-finding, and seek pure and undefiled religion before God. You need to be elevated in your thoughts and conversation. You need a thorough conversion.?{PH099 8.3}[16]
Life or death is before you. You should solemnly consider that you are dealing with the great God. Remember, God is not a child that can be trifled with. You cannot serve God at will, and let it alone at pleasure. Your inmost soul needs to be converted.?{PH099 9.1}[17]
All who, like you, my brother, have failed to grow in the grace of God, and perfect holiness in his name, will, in these days of peril and trial, meet with great loss. Their foundation will be in danger of proving sliding sand instead of the Rock, Christ Jesus.?{PH099 9.2}[18]
You move by impulse. You feel unreconciled with your brethren because you are not sent out to preach the truth. You are not fit for this trust. It would take the care of more than one efficient preacher to follow in your wake, to bind up the wounds and bruises your harsh dealing would make. God is not?pleased with you, and I fear that you will fail of everlasting life.?{PH099 9.3}[19]
You have no time to lose in making mighty efforts to rescue yourself from Satan’s snare. You need to learn of Jesus, who is meek and lowly of heart, and then you will obtain rest. Oh! what a work you have to do to perfect holiness in the fear of God, and be prepared for the society of the pure and holy angels. You need to humble your heart before God, and seek meekness and righteousness, that you may be hid in the day of the Lord’s fierce anger.?{PH099 10.1}[20]
Bro. Day: The Lord let his blessing rest upon you last spring; but you did not see the relation which watchfulness and prayer sustain to a progress in the divine life. You have neglected these duties, and the result has been that darkness has enshrouded you. You have been in a state of uncertainty and distrust. You have frequently chosen for your society those who are in darkness, those whom Satan uses to scatter from Christ. You could live among the most corrupt, and remain unstained, unsullied, if God in his providence thus directed you. But it is dangerous for those who wish to honor God to choose for their companions those who fear not God, and be pleased and entertained with their society. Satan is ever surrounding such, and great darkness is around about them; and if those who profess Christ go unbidden?into this darkness, they tempt the Devil to tempt them. If God requires us to go amid infernal spirits, where is the blackest darkness, in order to do good and glorify his name, he will encircle us with his angels and keep us unsullied. But if we seek the company of sinners, and are pleased with their coarse jests, and are entertained and amused with their stories, sports, and ribaldry, the pure and holy angels remove their protection, and leave us to the darkness we have chosen.?{PH099 10.2}[21]
Bro. Day, I wish to alarm you. I wish to arouse you to action. I wish to entreat of you to seek God while he invites you to come to him that you may have life.?{PH099 11.1}[22]
Watch, Pray, Work, are the Christian’s watchwords. Satan is vigilant in his efforts. His perseverance is untiring, his zeal earnest and unabated. He does not wait for his prey to come to him, he seeks for it. To wrench souls from the hand of Christ, is his determined purpose; yet souls are asleep in their blindness—insane in their pursuits. God is not in their thoughts. A vigilant foe is upon the track of the Christian; yet he is in no danger while he makes God his trust. But unless he puts his trust in God, his strength will be weakness, and he will be overcome by Satan.?{PH099 11.2}[23]
Bro. Day, it is dangerous for you to yield to doubts. You must not permit yourself to go any farther in the direction in which you?have been going. You are in constant danger. Satan is on your track, suggesting doubts and causing unbelief. Had you stood clear in the counsel of God, you could have had an influence for good over those who love your society now.?{PH099 11.3}[24]
Poor Bro. Gregory; he felt the influence of the Spirit of God, but was deficient in experience. He did not turn fully from his old habits and customs. There is no concord between Christ and Belial. Bro. Gregory failed to make God his strength continually, and his feet have slipped. You might have helped him if you had had hold from above, as you should have had. But your course of inactivity, your manner of conversation, your influence, has strengthened him in his backsliding, and quieted the voice of conscience within him. Your course has not been a reproof to him in his downward track. You could do good, were you living for God.?{PH099 12.1}[25]
Your strength is utter weakness; your wisdom is foolishness; yet you do not realize this. You have been too well satisfied with a theory—a correct form of doctrine, but have not felt the necessity of the power of God. You have neglected the spiritual part of religion. Your whole being should cry out for the Spirit of God—the life and power of religion in the soul, which would lead to the crucifixion of self, and firm trust in your Redeemer.?{PH099 12.2}[26]
You are in terrible darkness, and unless you arise in the name of God, and break the fetters of Satan asunder, and assert your freedom, you will make shipwreck of the faith.?{PH099 13.1}[27]
Notwithstanding your life has not been in accordance with the will of God, your works and ways have been offensive to him, yet such is his great unwillingness to leave you—such is his love toward you, that the Majesty of Heaven condescends to beg the privilege of making you a visit, and leaving you his blessing. “Behold I stand at the door and knock.” The mansions in glory are his. His the joy of the heavenly abode; yet he humbles himself to seek an entrance at the door of your heart, that he may bless you with his light, and make you to rejoice in his glory. His work is to seek and save that which is lost, and ready to perish. He wishes to redeem from sin, and death, as many as he can, that he may elevate them to his throne and give them everlasting life.?{PH099 13.2}[28]
Bro. Day, be entreated to arise and cast aside your doubts. What makes you inclined to doubts? It is your life of departure from God. Your life of unconsecration, Your jesting and joking. Your lack of sobriety is endangering your eternal interests. Christ is inviting you to turn from these follies to him. You are not growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. You are not an?honor to the cause. You are not becoming elevated, but are sinking lower and lower in the scale. You are not forming a character for Heaven, and everlasting life.?{PH099 13.3}[29]
You are pleasing yourself, passing away time in frivolity which should be spent with your family, teaching your children the ways and works of God. The hours that you spend in company that is doing you only harm, should be devoted to prayer and the study of God’s word. You should feel that a responsibility is upon you, as head of your family, to bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. What account will you render to God for misspent time? What influence are you having over those who have not the fear of God before them? “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.” May God anoint your eyes that you may see your peril. I feel deeply for you. My heart yearns over you. I long to see you coming up to the high standard that it is your privilege to attain. You can do good. Your influence, if exerted on the right side, will tell. Bro. Day, your footsteps are in the downward path. “Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die.”?{PH099 14.1}[30]
Pursue the course you are now traveling, much longer, and you will become infidel in regard to the truth—infidel in regard to the?word of God. Watch, and pray always. Dedicate yourself unreservedly to God, and it will not be difficult then to serve God. You have a divided heart. This is the reason that darkness, instead of light, encircles you.?{PH099 14.2}[31]
The last message of mercy is now going forth. It is a token of the longsuffering and compassion of God. Come, is the invitation now given. Come, for all things are now ready. This is mercy’s last call. Next will come the vengeance of an offended God.?{PH099 15.1}[32]
Bro. Day, encourage simplicity, love, forbearance, and sweet union with your brethren. But do not, oh do not, sell everlasting life so cheaply. You will never know real happiness if you go from the truth. You will be miserable indeed. Heaven is worth making any and every sacrifice for. Break the bands of Satan. Jesus is now inviting you. Will you listen to his voice? You must take a higher stand than you have hitherto done. Make the kingdom of Heaven, and the righteousness of Christ, your first business. Live for God and Heaven, and the eternal reward will be yours at the end of the race.?{PH099 15.2}[33]
I was shown Bro. Harvey Kenyon. I was pointed back to last spring, in May, when the Lord visited Monterey. Bro. Kenyon was not prepared to take stock in that work His mind and heart were elsewhere. He was contemplating marriage. He could not?listen to the invitation of Jesus, “Come for all things are now ready.” His contemplated marriage engrossed his attention. He had no time or inclination to open the door of his heart to the gracious Visitor. Had he done this, Christ would have given him good counsel, which, if heeded, would have been of priceless value to him. He would have presented before him in its true light his danger of yielding to the dictates of a wayward inclination, and setting aside the decisions of sober reason, and the glory of God. He would have charged him to beware how he tread in the footsteps of those who have fallen and been ruined. He did not consider that God had claims upon him; that he should make no move without consulting him who had bought him. We are instructed that whatever we do, we should do all to his glory.?{PH099 15.3}[34]
Did you, Bro. Kenyon, as a disciple, a learner of Christ, go to him in humble, sincere, prayer, and commit your ways to him? You failed to do this. You did not investigate all your motives, and move with carefulness lest you should bring a reproach upon the cause of Christ, your Redeemer. You did not consider whether this move would have the best effect to increase your spiritual sensibility, quicken your zeal, and strengthen your efforts in self-denial and steadfastness in the truth. You were ignorant of your?own heart. The work of God was seen in the church, but you had no longings for the divine Spirit. The things of Heaven were insipid to you. You were infatuated by your new hopes of uniting your interest with another. You did not consider that a marriage alliance was to affect vitally your interest for life, short though that life must be.?{PH099 16.1}[35]
You should have felt that with your own evil heart to subdue, you could not be brought in connection with an influence which would make it more difficult for you to overcome self, and make your path upward to Heaven more rugged. You have now made your religious progress tenfold more difficult than when you stood alone. It is true you were lonely; for you had lost a precious jewel. But if you had counseled with your brethren, and committed your ways to the Lord, he would have opened ways for you, that you could have connected yourself with one who could have helped you instead of being a hindrance.?{PH099 17.1}[36]
If you will now turn to the Lord with humility with all your heart, he will pity and help you. But you are just where you are shorn of your strength, and are prepared to compromise your faith and your allegiance to God, to please your new wife. God pity you; for ruin is before you unless you arouse like a true soldier of Christ, and engage?anew in the warfare for everlasting life. Your only safety is in keeping with your brethren, obtaining all the strength you can from them to stand in the truth.?{PH099 17.2}[37]
You are about to sacrifice the truth for the sake of peace and happiness here. You are selling your soul at a cheap market. It is now your duty to do all you can to make your wife happy, and not sacrifice the principles of truth. You should exercise forbearance, patience, and true courteousness. By thus doing, you can show the power of true grace, and the influence of the truth.?{PH099 18.1}[38]
I was shown that the love of money is a snare to you. Money, independent of the opportunity it furnishes for doing good, blessing the needy, and advancing the cause of God, is really of but little value. The little you possess is a snare to you. Unless you use your talents of means as a wise and faithful steward in the service of your Master it will yield you little else but misery.?{PH099 18.2}[39]
You are a close, penurious man. You need to cultivate a noble and liberal spirit. Unless you separate your affections from the world, you will be overcome. The deceitfulness of riches will so corrupt your soul, that the good will be overborne by evil. Selfishness and love of gain will triumph.?{PH099 18.3}[40]
If you, my dear brother, are saved, it will be indeed a miracle of mercy. Your love of the world is increasing upon you. Carefully?consider the words of Christ: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with?all?thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”?{PH099 18.4}[41]
My brother, you have not obeyed either the first or second commandments. You would reach out and advantage yourself although you knew it would greatly disadvantage your neighbor. You look to your own selfish interest, and would say, Am I my brother’s keeper??{PH099 19.1}[42]
You are not laying up your treasure in Heaven, and becoming rich toward God. Self and selfish interest are eating out true godliness from your soul. You are bowing to the God of this world. Your heart is alienated from God. An inspired writer says, “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.”?{PH099 19.2}[43]
The steps of a Christian may appear at times feeble and faltering, yet in his conscious weakness he leans upon the mighty One for support. He is sustained, and is surely making progress onward and upward towards perfection. He is gaining new victories daily, and coming nearer and nearer to the standard of perfect holiness. His eye?is not downward to the earth, but upward, keeping in view the heavenly pattern.?{PH099 19.3}[44]
Bro. Kenyon, the glitter and tinsel of the corruptible things of the earth, have eclipsed the charms of Heaven, and have made eternal life of but little value to you. I beg and entreat you, as a servant of Christ, to awaken and see yourself as you are.?{PH099 20.1}[45]
The profits you will obtain in the course you are now pursuing, will be eternal loss. You will find you have made a terrible mistake which can never be remedied.?{PH099 20.2}[46]
You can now face right about, heed the call of mercy, and live. Rejoice that your probation has not ended—that you may now, by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. Rejoice that she who has been your faithful companion for years shall rise again—that mortality will be swallowed up of life. Look forward to the morning of the resurrection, when she who shared your joys and sorrows for more than a score of years, will come forth from her prison-house. Will you have her look for you, her companion, in vain? Will you be missing then, as her voice is raised in triumph and victory—“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Oh! that day will bring honor to the saints. No shame, no reproach, no suffering; but peace, joy and immortal praise, upon every redeemed tongue. Oh! that God?would speak to your heart, and impress upon your soul the value of eternal life. And may you be held, my brother, to ever possess a spirit of noble generosity, that you may discharge the duties of your stewardship with faithfulness, having your eye single to the glory of God, that the Master may say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”?{PH099 20.3}[47]
I was shown that some are deceived in regard to themselves. They look to those who have much property, and feel that they are the only ones who are in special danger of covetousness, and who have a love of the world. This is not the case. Those who have means are constantly in danger, and are accountable for all the talents of means which the Master has entrusted to their care. But those who have little of this world are frequently self-caring, and do not do that which is in their power to do, and which God requires them to do. They have opportunities, frequently, of doing good if they were less self-caring; but they have so long cared for self, and studied self-interest, they think there is no other way for them to do.?{PH099 21.1}[48]
I was shown that Bro. and Sr. Burnham are in danger of having their thoughts centered too much upon themselves, especially is Sr. Burnham at fault here. She has almost supreme love for herself. Sr. Burnham, you are poorly prepared to stand amid the perils?of the day of God. You do not imitate the true pattern, Jesus. There was not one selfish act in his whole life. You have a work to do for yourself which no one can do for you. Divest yourself of selfishness, and learn the mind and will of God. Study to show yourself approved unto God. You are impulsive. You are naturally irritable and peevish. You work far beyond your strength. There is no virtue in this. God does not require it. A selfish disposition is at the bottom of this. Your motives are not praise-worthy. You shun responsibility and care-taking, and have felt that you should be considered, you should be favored. It is to be regretted that you have been favored from your childhood. You have been petted, and your will left unsubdued. Now you have the work to do at a more advanced age which should have been done in your childhood. Your husband has yielded to your wishes, and indulged your whims, to your injury.?{PH099 21.2}[49]
Selfishness must die. It manifests itself in a variety of ways, according to circumstances, and the peculiar organization of individuals. If you had children, and your mind was compelled to be called away from yourself to care for them, to instruct them, and be an example to them, it would be more to your advantage. You have called forth in your home the attention and forbearance which is required to be exercised toward?children. To care for others, to seek to advantage them, you have not thought was any part of your duty. But you require it, and will have it. You are wilful, and very set to carry out your own plans. When everything is smooth in your pathway, you manifest the fruits we expect to see in a Christian; but when your path is crossed, you manifest fruits that are not to be found upon a good tree. You have a regular perverse, wilful time, like a spoiled child which deserved chastisement. When two compose a family, as in your case, and there are no children to call into exercise forbearance and patience, and true love, there is necessity for constant watchfulness lest selfishness obtain the supremacy, lest yourselves become a center, and you require attention, care and interest, which you feel under no obligation to bestow. The care of children in a family makes it necessary for the culture of mind and heart in connection with the ordinary cares of domestic life, that a large portion of the time be spent at home.?{PH099 22.1}[50]
You neglect to keep your heart, and neglect to use the means God has given you with which to do good. Your influence could benefit, did you feel that anything was required of you toward those who need help, who need encouragement and strength. You have so long studied your pleasure, that you are disqualified to benefit those around you. You?need to discipline yourself. Take time for self-examination to bring all your powers in subjection to the mind and will of God. You need secret discipline of your affections which is so important in order that even the thoughts may be brought into subjection. You are shut up to self. It is the privilege of every true Christian to exert an influence for good upon the character of every one with whom they associate.?{PH099 23.1}[51]
You, my sister, will be rewarded according as your works have been. Closely investigate your motives, and candidly decide whether you are rich in good works. I was pointed back to last spring, when the Lord was doing a good work in Monterey and vicinity. The angels of mercy were hovering over his people, and hearts which knew not God and the truth were deeply stirred. God would have carried forward the work he so graciously commenced, had the brethren been in working order. You had so long consulted your wishes, and had everything bend to your convenience that the possibility that you might be inconvenienced, led you to close the door which you might have opened to advance the cause.?{PH099 24.1}[52]
You acted your part, and some others felt a drawback, fearing the expense and calculating that they would lose time in attending meetings if the effort should be made. Christian zeal was lacking. A world was before us lying in wickedness, exposed to the wrath of God, and poor souls were held by the prince of darkness, and yet those who ought to be awake and engaged in the most noble object in the universe, the salvation of perishing souls, had not interest enough to call into action every means they could employ, to hedge up the path to destruction, and to turn their footsteps into the path of life. The enterprise of eternal life should engage the deepest interest of every Christian. To be a co-worker with Christ and the heavenly angels in the great plan of salvation! What work can bear any comparison with this? From every soul saved, there comes to God a revenue of glory, to be reflected back upon the one saved, and also upon the one instrumental in his salvation. There is a noisy zeal without aim or purpose, which is not according to knowledge, which is blind in its operations and destructive in its results. This is not Christian zeal. Christian zeal which is controlled by principle is not spasmodic. It is earnest, deep, and strong, engaging the whole soul, awakening to exercise the moral sensibilities. The salvation of souls and the interests of the kingdom of God are matters of the highest importance. What earthly object is there that would make it more reasonable to be in earnest than the salvation of souls and the glory of God? There are considerations here which cannot?be lightly regarded. They are as weighty as eternity. Eternal destinies are at stake. Men and women are deciding for weal or woe. Christian zeal will not exhaust itself in talk, but will feel and act with vigor and efficiency. Yet Christian zeal will not act for the sake of being seen. Humility will characterize every effort, and humbleness will be seen in every work. Christian zeal will lead to earnest prayer and humiliation, and to faithfulness in home duties. In the family circle will be seen the gentleness and love, benevolence and compassion, which are ever the fruits of Christian zeal.?{PH099 25.2}[53]
I was shown that you must make an advance move. Your treasure in Heaven, Sr. Burnham, is not large. You are not rich toward God. May the Lord open your eyes to see, and make your heart feel, and you manifest, Christian zeal. Oh, how few feel the worth of souls! How few would sacrifice, to bring souls to the knowledge of Christ! There is much talking, much professed love for perishing souls. Talk is cheap stuff. It is earnest Christian zeal to act that is wanted. It is zeal to be manifested by doing something, by engaging in the work. Every one must now work for him and herself, and when they have Jesus in their hearts, they will confess him to others. You could no more hinder a soul from confessing Christ, who had him to confess, than you could stop the?waters of Niagara from flowing over the falls.?{PH099 26.1}[54]
I was shown that Bro. C. Russell is buried up in the rubbish of the world. He cannot afford time to serve God. He cannot afford time to earnestly study and pray to know what the Lord would have him do. His talent is buried in the earth. The cares of this life have swallowed up eternal considerations with him. The kingdom of God and the righteousness of Christ are secondary with him. He loves business, but I saw, that unless he changed his course, the hand of God would be against him. He may gather, but God will scatter. He could do good.?{PH099 27.1}[55]
But many have the idea that if their life is a working, business life, that they can do nothing for the salvation of souls, and to advance the cause of their Redeemer. They say they cannot do things by halves, and therefore turn from religious duties, and religious exercises, and bury up in the world. They make their business primary, and forget God. And God is displeased with them. Any who are engaged in business where they cannot advance in the divine life, and perfect holiness in the fear of God, should change to a business in which they can have Jesus with them every hour. Bro. Russel, you are not honoring your profession. Your zeal is a worldly zeal, and your interest is a worldly interest.?{PH099 27.2}[56]
You are dying spiritually. You understand not your perilous condition. The love of the world is swallowing up your religion. You must awake. You must seek God. You must repent of your backslidings. In contrition take words and return to the Lord. Your religious duties have become merely a form. You have not religious enjoyment; for this enjoyment is dependent upon willing obedience. The willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land. You do not possess a bright evidence that you will dwell with God in his kingdom. You occasionally engage in the outward performance of religious duties, but your heart does not engage in the exercise. You occasionally drop a word of warning to sinners, and in favor of the truth; but it is a reluctant service, as though rendered to a task-master, instead of the cheerful service of filial affection. If your heart is aglow with Christian zeal, the most arduous duties will be pleasant and easy.?{PH099 28.1}[57]
Why the Christian life is so difficult to many is because they have a divided heart. They are double-minded, which makes them unstable in all their ways. Were they richly imbued with Christian zeal, which is ever the result of consecration to God, instead of the mournful cry, “My leanness! my leanness!” the language of the soul would be, “Hear what the Lord has done for me.”?{PH099 28.2}[58]
In the course you have been pursuing,?how limited will be the good you have accomplished, even if you are saved, which is very doubtful. Not a soul will be saved by your instrumentality. Will the Master say to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? What have you been doing faithfully? Hard work in the business and cares of this life. Will this bring from the lips of Christ, the gracious words, “Well done, good and faithful servant”??{PH099 28.3}[59]
My brother, Jesus loves you, and invites you to face right about, and take your eyes from the earth, and fix them upon the mark of the prize of your high calling, which is Christ Jesus. Cease lightness and trifling. Let a solemn weight of the time in which we live be borne by you till the war is over.?{PH099 29.1}[60]
You should go to work. Your influence, if consecrated to God, will tell.?{PH099 29.2}[61]
The family of Bro. Rumery are, most of them, in the downward road. Maria lives an aimless life. She is full of folly, vanity, and pride. Her influence does not tend to ennoble, does not lead to goodness and holiness. She does not like the restraint religion imposes; therefore she will not yield her heart to its sacred sway. She loves self, she loves pleasure, and is seeking for her own enjoyment. Sad, sad indeed will be the result unless she now turns square about, and seeks for true genuine godliness. She might exert an influence over her brothers?which would be softening, ennobling and elevating in its tendency. God loves these children; but they are not Christians. They can become children of the light, and be missionaries in their own family, and among their associates. They could be workers for God, if they would try to live humble Christians.?{PH099 29.3}[62]
If the youth could only see how much good it is their power to accomplish, if they would make God their strength and wisdom, they would no longer pursue a course of careless indifference toward God; they would be no longer swayed by the influence of those who are unconsecrated. Instead of feeling that an individual responsibility rests upon them, to put forth efforts to do others good, and lead them to righteousness and holiness, they give themselves up to their own amusement. They are useless members of society, and their lives are aimless as the butterfly’s.?{PH099 30.1}[63]
The youth may have knowledge of the truth, and believe it, but not live it. They possess a dead faith. Their hearts are not reached so as to affect the conduct and character in the sight of God, and they are no nearer to doing his will than the unbeliever. Their hearts do not conform to the will of God. They are at enmity with God.?{PH099 30.2}[64]
Those who are devoted to amusements; who love the society of those who love pleasure, have an aversion to religious exercises.?Will the Master say to these youth who profess his name, “Well done good and faithful servant,” unless they are good and faithful??{PH099 30.3}[65]
The young are in great danger. Much evil results from their light and trifling reading. Much time is lost which should be spent in useful employment. Some would even deprive themselves of sleep that they might finish some ridiculous love story. The world is flooded with novels of every description. Some are not of as dangerous a character as others. Some are immoral, low, and vulgar; others are clothed with more refinement; but all are pernicious in their influence. Oh! that the young would reflect upon the influence the exciting story-reading has upon the mind.?{PH099 31.1}[66]
Can you, after such reading, open the word of God and read the words of life with interest? Do you not find the book of God uninteresting? The charm of that love story is upon the mind, destroying its healthy tone, and making it impossible for you to fix your mind upon the important, solemn truths which concern your eternal interest. You have sinned against your parents in devoting to such a poor purpose the time which belonged to them. You sin against God in using the time thus, which should be spent in devotion to him. It is the duty of the youth to encourage sobriety. Lightness, jesting,?and joking, can only be indulged at the expense of barrenness of soul, and the loss of the favor of God.?{PH099 31.2}[67]
Many of you think you do not exert a bad influence upon others, and thus feel in a measure satisfied; but do you exert an influence for good? Do you seek in your conversation and acts to lead others to Christ? or, if they profess Christ, lead them to a closer walk with him??{PH099 32.1}[68]
The young should cultivate a spirit of devotion, and piety. They cannot glorify God unless they aim constantly to the fullness of the stature of Christ—a perfect person in Christ Jesus. Let the Christian graces be and abound in you. Give to your Saviour the best and holiest affection. Render entire obedience to his will. He will accept of nothing short of this. Be not moved from your steadfastness by the jeers and scoffs of those whose minds are given to vanity. Follow your Saviour through good report and evil report. And count it all joy, and a sacred honor, to bear the cross of Christ. Jesus loves you. He died for you. Unless you seek to serve him with your undivided affections, you will fail to perfect holiness in his fear, and you will be compelled to hear at last the fearful word,?Depart.?{PH099 32.2}[69]
The case of Bro. Rumery is fearful. This world is his god. He worships money. He has not heeded the warning given him?years ago, and overcome his love of the world while in the exercise of all his faculties. The dollars he has accumulated since, have been like so many cords entangling his soul, and binding him to the world. As he has gained in property, the more greedy he has been for gain.?{PH099 32.3}[70]
All the powers of his being are devoted to the one object, securing money. This has been the burden of his thoughts, the anxiety of his life. He has turned all the powers of his being in this one direction until he is a worshiper of mammon to all intents and purposes. Upon this subject he is insane. His example before his family is leading them to think the possession of property is to be valued before Heaven and immortality. He is sacrificing his eternal interest for treasures upon the earth. He has for years been educating his mind to acquire property. He believes the truth—he loves the principles of truth, and loves to see others prospering in the truth, but he has made himself so thoroughly a slave to mammon, that he feels bound to serve this master as long as he shall live. The longer he lives, the more devoted will he become to his love of getting gain, unless he tears his soul away from this terrible God, money. It will be like tearing out his vitals, but it must be done if he values Heaven.?{PH099 33.1}[71]
He needs the censure of none, but the pity of all. His life has been a terrible mistake. He has suffered imaginary pecuniary want, while surrounded with plenty. Satan has taken possession of his mind, and excited his organ of acquisitiveness, and made him insane upon this subject. The higher, noble powers of his being have been brought very much into subjection to the close, selfish propensity of acquisitiveness. His only hope is in overcoming this propensity, and breaking the bands of Satan. He has tried to do this, by doing something after his conscience had been wrought upon; but this is not sufficient. This merely making a mighty effort and parting with a little of his mammon, and feeling all the time that he is parting with his soul, is not the fruit of true religion. He must train his mind to good works. He must brace against his propensity to acquire. He must weave into all his life good works. He must cultivate a love of doing good, and get above the little, penurious spirit which he has fostered.?{PH099 34.1}[72]
In trading with the merchants at Allegan, Bro. and St. Rumery do not take a course which is pleasing to God. They will dicker to get things as cheap as they possibly can, and linger over a few pennies difference, and talk in regard to it as though money was their?all—their God. If they could only be brought back, unobserved, to hear the remarks that are made after they leave, they?would get a clearer idea of the influence of penuriousness. Our faith is brought into disrepute, and God is blasphemed, by some, on account of this close, selfish dealing. Angels turn from this close, penny deal, in disgust. Everything in Heaven is noble and elevated. All are seeking the interest and happiness of others. No mind is devoted to looking out and caring for self. It is the chief joy of all holy beings to witness the joy and happiness of those around them.?{PH099 34.2}[73]
When these angels come to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation and witness, the exhibition of selfishness, of covetousness, of overreaching, and benefiting self at others disadvantage, they turn away in grief. When they see those who claim to be heirs to an immortal inheritance so penurious in dealing with those who do not profess any higher ambition than to be laying up treasures on earth, they turn away in shame, for holy truth is reproached.?{PH099 35.1}[74]
There could be no way in which the Lord would be better glorified, and the truth honored, than for unbelievers to see that truth had wrought a great and good work upon the lives of naturally covetous and penurious men.?{PH099 35.2}[75]
If they could see that the faith was having an influence to mould their characters, changing them from close, selfish, overreaching, money-loving men, to men who love to do good, who are seeking opportunities to bless those who need to be blessed with their means,?they would have evidence that their religion was genuine by visiting the widow and fatherless in their affliction, and by keeping themselves unspotted from the world. Such would let their light so shine that others seeing their?good works?would be led to glorify our Father which is in Heaven. This fruit would be unto holiness, and they would be living representatives of Christ upon the earth. Sinners would be convicted that there is a power in the truth to which they are strangers. Those who profess to be waiting and watching for the appearing of their Lord should not disgrace this profession by battering in deal, and standing for the last penny. Such fruit does not grow upon the Christian tree.?{PH099 35.3}[76]
Bro. Rumery, the Lord is not willing you should perish, but rather that you should take hold of his strength, and make peace with him by a conformity of your will to the will of the Divine. If a faithful picture of your course in money-getting could be presented before you, you would be terrified. You would be disgusted with your closeness, your penuriousness, your love of money. You would make it the effort of your life to obtain the transforming grace of God which would make you a new man. The means which came to you from relatives was a curse to you. It only increased your money-loving propensity, and was an additional weight to sink you to perdition with your god.?{PH099 36.1}[77]
“The love of money is the root of all evil.” When men employ the powers that God has given them to obtain riches, and can be?content with the pleasures of adding to wealth which they can never use, and which will prove a damage to their children, they abuse the powers which God has given them. They show that their character has been made sordid by the absorbing pursuit of gain. Instead of realizing happiness, they are miserable. They have shut up their souls to the wants of the needy, and have given evidence that they had no bowels of mercy and compassion for the suffering.?{PH099 36.2}[78]
Bro. Rumery, your heart is not callous to the wants and necessities of others. You have generous impulses, and you love to accommodate. You will frequently do a kind act for a brother or a neighbor readily, but you make money your god, and are in danger of valuing Heaven less than you value your money. In money-getting there is always danger, unless the grace of God is the ruling principle of the soul. When Christians are controlled by the principles of Heaven, they will dispense with one hand, while the other gains. This is the only rational and healthy position a Christian can occupy while having, and still making, money. We would ask Bro. Rumery, What are you going to do with your money? You are God’s steward. You possess talents of means, and can with them do much good. You can deposit in the bank of Heaven by being rich in good works. Bless others with your life.?“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through, nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”?{PH099 37.1}[79]
In laying up treasures in Heaven, remember it is not lost. It is for yourselves. It is securing these treasures to yourselves by a judicious use of the means of which Heaven has made you a steward. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.?{PH099 38.1}[80]
There is danger, Bro. Rumery, of your life being lost, your gifts, bestowed by God, being surrendered to the Devil and you led captive by him at his will. Can you bear the thought? Can you for this short life choose to serve self, and love your money, and then part with it all, and have no title to Heaven, no right to the life which is eternal? You have a great work, a mighty struggle before you, to separate your affections from this?earth’s treasure. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Watch, pray, and work, are the Christian’s watchwords. Arouse yourself, I implore you. Seek for those things which are enduring. The things of this earth must soon pass away. Are you ready to exchange worlds? Are you forming a character for everlasting life? If lost at last, you will know what proved your ruin,—the love of money. You will cry in bitter anguish: Oh! the deceitfulness of riches! I have lost my soul. I sold it for money. My soul and body I bartered for gain. I sacrificed Heaven, fearing that I should have to sacrifice my money to obtain it. From the Master will be heard, Take ye the unprofitable servant, bind him hand and foot, and cast him into outer darkness.?{PH099 38.2}[81]
We hope this will not be your fate. We hope you will transfer your affections, and remove your treasure to Heaven and fasten your affections upon God and the immortal treasure.?{PH099 39.1}[82]
I have seen that the entire family were in danger of partaking, in a degree, of the father’s spirit. Sr. Rumery, you have already partaken of this spirit. God help you to see it, and make an entire change. Cultivate a love of doing good. Seek to be rich in good works. You can do, in many things, more than you do. You have an individual responsibility before God. You have a duty to do, from?which you cannot be excused. Maintain a close walk with God. Pray without ceasing. You will have close work if you save your soul.?{PH099 39.2}[83]
Seek to have a counteracting influence in your family. Take your stand nobly for God. Your organization is unlike your husband’s, and you will be condemned of God unless you act for yourself. Make diligent work in saving your own soul, and in exerting an influence to save your family. Let your example show that your treasure is in Heaven—that you have invested all in a better home and a better life, which are eternal. Train your mind to value heavenly things, to be elevated, to love God, and to manifest a willing obedience to his will.?{PH099 40.1}[84]
You may be tested; you may be proved to see how deep and strong is your affection for the things of this world. You may be made to understand, my sister, a page of your heart with which you are now unacquainted.?{PH099 40.2}[85]
God knows your trials, as you view the state of your husband and children, who so greatly lack saving faith. Much more depends upon you than you realize. You should put the armor on. Spend not your precious strength in exhausting labor which another can do. Encourage your daughter to engage in useful employment, and to aid you in bearing the burdens of life. She needs discipline. Her mind is vain. She needs to render all to?to God, then she can be useful and please her Redeemer.?{PH099 40.3}[86]
Sr. Rummery, work less, and pray and meditate more. Eternal interests should be primary with you. God forbid that your children should be moulded into money-lovers.?{PH099 41.1}[87]
True refinement, and gentleness of manners, can never be found in a home where selfishness reigns. The truly refined always have brains and hearts, always have consideration for others. True refinement does not find satisfaction in the adornment and display of the body. True refinement and nobility of soul, will be seen in efforts to bless others, being useful to others, seeking to elevate others.?{PH099 41.2}[88]
The weight of eternal things rests very lightly upon your children. May God arouse them before it shall be too late, and they exclaim in anguish, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”?{PH099 41.3}[89]
Bro. George Lay: I was shown your case. You occupy a responsible position. You are entrusted with talents of money, and talents of influence. To every man there is given a work. Something to?do, not merely to engage his brain, bone and muscle in common labor; it means more than this. You are acquainted with this work from a worldly point of view, and have some experience in the work in a religious capacity. But for a few years past you have been losing time,?and now you will have to work fast to redeem the past. To possess talents is not enough; you must turn these talents to advantage; not merely for yourself, but for Him who bestowed them. All that you have is a loan from your Lord. He will require it again at your hand with interest.{PH099 41.4}[90]
Christ has a right to your services. You are not your own servant, to serve your own interest, but the interest of him who has employed you. As a professed Christian, your relation to God brings you under obligations as his servant. You have become his servant by grace. It is not your own property entrusted to you for investment. Had it been so, you might have consulted your own pleasure in regard to its use. The capital is the Lord’s, and you are responsible for its use or abuse. There are ways and means in which this capital can be invested—put out to the exchangers, where it shall be earning the Lord something. If it is allowed to be buried in the earth, the Lord is not benefited, and you will not be benefited; but will lose all that you had entrusted to you.?{PH099 42.1}[91]
May God help you, my brother, to realize your true position as God’s hired servant. He has paid the wages of his own blood and suffering to secure your willing servitude and engage your ready obedience.?{PH099 42.2}[92]
During the trials of the few past years, you have suffered in mind, and have felt it a?relief to turn your attention more fully to the things of the world, to the work of acquiring. God, in his great love and mercy to you, has gathered you again to his fold. Now, new duties and responsibilities are laid upon you. You have a strong love for this world. You have been laying up treasures upon the earth. Now, Jesus invites you to transfer your treasure to Heaven; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. In all your deal with your brethren, and with unbelievers, guard yourself. Be true to your profession, and maintain true nobleness of soul, which shall be a credit to the truth which you profess.?{PH099 42.3}[93]
You occupy a position where others are looking to you. You possess more than ordinary intellect. Your perception is quick, and you are a man that feels deeply. Some of your brethren have not moved in wisdom. They have watched you, and have felt over your case, and have wished to see you more liberal with your means. They have made themselves unhappy over your case. This is all needless in them. These very ones lack in many things. And if they are faithful in the humble service the Master has required of them, they will have all that they can do. They cannot afford to waste their time in anxiously fearing their neighbor, who has a larger work entrusted to him, will not do his work well. While so interested in the?case of another, their own work is neglected, and they are really slothful servants. They were anxious to do their neighbor’s work, instead of that committed to themselves to do.{PH099 43.1}[94]
They think that if they only had the five talents to handle, they could do so much better than the one to whom these talents were entrusted. But the Master knew better than they. None need mourn that they cannot glorify God by talents he never gave them, and for which they are not responsible. They need not say, If I were in another’s position in life, I would have done a great amount of good with my capital. God requires no more of them than to improve upon what they have, as stewards of his grace.?{PH099 44.1}[95]
The one talent, the humblest service, if wholly consecrated, and exercised to promote the glory of God, will be as acceptable as the improvements of the weightiest talents. The varied trusts are proportioned to our varied capabilities. To every man is given according to his ability. None should overlook their work, considering it as so small that they need not be particular to do it well. If they do this, they trifle with their moral responsibilities, and despise the day of small things. Heaven apportioned them their work, and it should be their ambition to do this work well, according to their capabilities. God requires that all, the lowliest, as well as?the strongest, fulfill their appointed work. The interest expected will be in proportion to the amount entrusted.{PH099 44.2}[96]
Each should diligently and interestedly attend to his own work, and leave others to their own Master, to stand or fall. There are too many busybodies in Monterey—too many interested in watching their brethren, and for this reason they are constantly weak. They will bear testimony in meeting, and because they have not Jesus in their hearts to confess, they will try to impress upon their brethren their duty. These poor souls do not know their own duty, and yet they take the responsibility to enlighten others in regard to their duty. If such would attend to their own work, and obtain the grace of God in their hearts, there would be a power in the church which is now lacking.?{PH099 45.1}[97]
Bro. Lay, you can do good. You possess good judgment, and God is leading you out of darkness into the light. Use your talents to the glory of God. Put them out to the exchangers, that when the Master cometh he may receive his own with usury. Break your tendrils from the valueless things of earth, and elevate them to entwine about God. The salvation of souls is of greater consideration than the whole world. One soul saved, to live through the endless ages of eternity, to praise God and the Lamb, is of more value than millions of money. Wealth?sinks into insignificance when compared with the worth of souls for whom Christ died. You are a cautious man, and will not move rashly. Sacrifice for the truth of God, and become rich toward God. God help you to move as fast as you should, and place the right estimate upon eternal things.?{PH099 45.2}[98]
Your children need a deeper work. They need to encourage sobriety and solidity of character. They can, if they are consecrated to God, do good, and exert an influence which will be saving upon their companions.?{PH099 46.1}[99]
And let not the poor feel that there is nothing that they can do, because they have not the wealth of their brethren. They can sacrifice in many ways. They can deny self. They can live devotedly. And in their words and acts they can honor their Redeemer. The sisters, especially, can exert a strong influence, if they will cease their gossiping, and devote their time to watchfulness and prayer. They can honor God. They can let their light so shine, that others by seeing their good works will be led to glorify our Father which is in Heaven.?{PH099 46.2}[100]
As an illustration of the failure on your part to come up to the work of God, as was your privilege, I was referred to these words: “Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” What had Meroz done? Nothing. And this was their sin. They came not up to the help of the Lord against the mighty.?{PH099 46.3}[101]
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