给我们机构经理和工人的特别证言
按照上帝的美意，我们中间建立起一些机构促进真理的传播，但如果工人们没有完全献身给上帝，这些机构就不会取得成效。主已作了一切准备，使这些机构可以达到崇高的标准，使他们可以获得更大的增长和更广泛的用途，且使他们所雇用的人可以具有基督徒的美德和风度。然而那些在这些机构工作的人却不都是虔诚属灵的。他们并不代表基督的灵和品格。他们不是那些与他们联络之人的榜样，因为他们没有过着与上帝交流的生活，没有藉着信心和热切的祈祷寻求明白祂的旨意以便遵行。{PH088 3.1}
这些机构是传道机构。主希望他们成为向善的力量。如果所有这些机构里的人都献身给主，有谦卑温柔的心，基督就会把祂学校中最宝贵的教训赐给他们。在我们的健康机构、出版社和学校中，所有的人都应和谐地工作，实行上帝的旨意。这些机构中的一切事物都应趋向改革。经理和工人们应怀有真实的传道精神作为他们日常不变的原则，因为他们的工作园地要求进行最崇高的传道工作。我们的机构若经营得当，就能发挥深远的影响。如果经理和工作人员是基督徒，他们就会如明灯照亮。他们必用真理的原则教育那些与他们有联系的人。{PH088 3.2}
凡已领受亮光的人都有责任传播正确原则的知识。每一个自称安息日复临信徒的人都应当认识到这项责任。尤其是我们健康机构的工作人员。大家都要认识到这些机构是上帝救灵大工的一个重要部分。凡与上帝同工提升人性的人都应当以此为目标。大家都要言传身教，意识到自己有责任派遣尽可能受过充分教育的人，在家中、社区里和所前往的教会中发挥直接的救灵影响。这将是我们任何一个机构所能得到的最好的推荐信。{PH088 4.1}
在挑选各部门经理时需要有智慧。一个人在学会控制自己以前，是不可能控制别人的。主管人应当是爱上帝且敬畏祂的人。他应小心维护自己的名声，不让任何人有指责圣工的机会。他不应该心地狭窄，头脑简单。那些变化无常，时而纵容，时而冷若冰霜，难以接近，挑剔苛求，专扬拔扈的人不适合担任这个职位。那些喜爱猜疑，妒忌，固执易怒的人也不适合。这些品质不蒙上帝所悦纳，凡以耶稣为榜样和顾问的人不会表现这些特性。主管人必须显示基督的精神。然而他应坚决制止罪恶。他若疏忽这个责任就不配担任这个职务。上帝需要忠心的管家。经理必需是一个不断进步的人，以应付时常出现的机会和困难。他必须善于发现工作的需要，并采取积极措施及时完成工作。制定了许多规则，通过了许多规章，都因没有得到实施而夭折了。在董事会会议、理事会和业务会议上花费时间，讨论事项，并作出决议;然后，如果这些决议自然消亡，情况就会比未曾采取行动更糟。{PH088 4.2}
如果在机构里担任负责工作的人敬畏上帝并爱祂，就会认识到，因为他们所拥有的权威和他们的地位给他们带来的影响而肩负着一项神圣的责任。他们是在与各种各样的人打交道，应当谨慎行事，因为他们被看作是机构的代表。他们应当仁慈而有礼，始终对一切所接触的信徒或不信者表现基督徒的礼貌。弟兄们，你们应当向天上的王代表家人，应当为灵魂警醒，好像要交账的人。我们决不可以忘记耶稣曾为他们作出无限的牺牲，证明了祂对每一个男人、女人和孩子的爱心，表明了祂赋与每一个灵魂的价值。所有的人都是用祂自己宝血的重价买来的。{PH088 5.1}
要让你们的影响有说服力，将人们系在你们心上，因为你们爱耶稣，而这些人是祂买来的产业。这是一项伟大的工作。你若藉着基督化的言行造成了会使他们心中渴求公义和真理的印象，你就是与基督同工的人。那些在机构中具有主要影响的人应该是献身和虔诚的男男女女，他们在任何问题上都不狭隘不自私，而是本着良心、舍己和自我牺牲的人，总是照着他们希望受到的对待去对待工人，单单注目上帝的荣耀。具有这种品格的人会持守主的道路。工人们应当追求尽量使担负责任重担且有许多操心挂虑和令人困惑的事要关注的人容易些。{PH088 6.1}
人人都需要有正确的原则以明智的方式摆在他们面前。爱研究的心思就会这样领受知识的钥匙，且会拿出思想的瑰宝使他人心中富足——会导致生灵得救的思想。环境会唤起支持正义的言语和决定，许多人就会这样被影响到正确的方向。从充满对上帝的敬爱的心中涌出的言语和行为变成一个广为流传的福气——一个被带到人生的大路和小路上的福气。{PH088 6.2}
有些话说得不像基督，——苦毒、刺耳、邪恶的话。这是不应该的。像以诺那样行在基督之光里的人，即使在试探和挑衅下，也会运用自制。虽然与他们交往之人的任性和固执使他们受到严重的考验，但他们不敢让冲动支配自己。凡行在光中的人都会给出神能与人的努力相结合的证据;会显明他们是受上帝教导和引导的。他们会觉得那位神圣的守望者就在他们身边，了解他们的话语。{PH088 7.1}
我们各机构的领导人肩负着许多重大的责任。他们唯一的安全就是把他们的思想和冲动置于那位大教师的控制之下。他们有做好事的黄金机会;他们可以适时地说出一些话，引导和塑造他们接触到的许多不同的头脑。他们每天都应该采取立场支持上帝，就好像这是他们以这种地位服事的最后一天一样。要向与机构有联系的男男女女说明他们可以变得多么纯洁高尚。让他们知道你对上帝有坚定的信心，祂是你力量的源泉，你完全依靠祂的应许。要迅速履行你的职责，同时要求你的天父帮助你克服品格上的所有弱点。要用信心的手抓住那无穷能力的膀臂，把你的整个生命投入到你的工作中去。{PH088 7.2}
要始终保持风度翩然，斌斌有礼和仁慈的精神。这样，每一个房间都会变成一个伯特利，上帝的天使要配合你的努力。如果我们的出版社，医疗机构，大学和布道机构都按正确的原则办理，就会给前来访问的不信者留下良好的印象，使他们更容易接受真理。{PH088 8.1}
世界的这个时代多么需要忠心的迦勒啊!我们需要有自制力、有道德价值、热爱和敬畏上帝的男人和女人;具有个人虔诚和坚定的宗教原则的男人和女人。上帝因许多自称基督徒的人缺乏道德上的毅力而受了羞辱。他们似乎只归正了一半。{PH088 8.2}
上帝对我们的要求比我们愿意给祂的还要多。谁也不应冒失突兀;我们应该安静地实践我们的信仰，单单注目上帝的荣耀。基督说：“你们要学我的样式，因为我心里柔和谦卑”(太11:29)。这样，我们就如明灯在世上发光，没有聒噪或摩擦。任何人都不必失败，因为与他们同在的主足智多谋，作为奇妙，有能力成全祂的旨意。祂借着看得见和看不见的，天上的和人间的媒介工作。这是一项伟大的工作。如果所有参与的人都能言行一致，就能增进上帝的荣耀。纯洁的思想是感化别人所不可少的。人应该被纯净圣洁的气氛所包围。这种气氛能振奋凡呼吸它之人的属灵生命。{PH088 8.3}
耶稣因自称为祂门徒之人的言行而受到尊荣或羞辱。必须保守内心纯净圣洁，因为一生的果效是由心发出。如果内心因顺从真理而得到洁净，就不会有自私的倾向和败坏的动机，不会有偏见和伪善，相思恋爱的感伤情绪也就不会滋长起来。必须严加提防，不要让这种祸根毒害败坏我们的机构。{PH088 9.1}
当前的社会状况，不仅青年人道德松弛，年长有经验的人也是如此。我们存在着粗心疏忽和特别注意偏爱之人的重大危险，以致引起忌恨、嫉妒和恶意的猜测。很少有人认识到他们自私的意念和情绪、他们愚昧轻浮的谈吐驱使上帝的灵离开。当受到劝诫的时候，他们就说：“哦，我没有恶意。”这些无聊的人是什么意思呢?难道他们忘了种瓜得瓜，种豆得豆吗?这种愚蠢、荒谬的谈话暴露出一种软弱的品格，是冒犯上帝的。如果基督的恩典栽培在他们心中，深深扎根在好土之中，他们就会结出性质完全不同的果子。他们就会获得道德上的毅力——就是那种意志的力量和品格的坚定，这对应该完成的伟大善工来说是必不可少的。别人会感受到他们的影响，且会认出他们是受耶稣带领和教导的。{PH088 9.2}
许多这些琐碎、轻浮的人把宗教当作一种职业，这种空洞的敬虔形式长期以来一直得到容忍，以至遍及我们的机构，延伸到我们的各教会。敬虔的标准已被降低到尘埃。{PH088 10.1}
要十分注意我们机构中每一个工作人员的道德状况和影响。如果工作人员在心灵和生活上有什么不纯洁之处，就会在言行上表现出来，不管他们多么努力去遮盖真相。如果他们没有严格的道德标准，录用他们就有危险，因为他们所处的位置将可能把想要改良的人引入岐途，使之在不圣洁的败坏行为中陷得更深。这样的男女若不悔改，不仅对自己是一种祸害，他们走到哪里，也就成了那里的祸害。只有上帝改变人心的大能，才能在人心中确立纯洁的原则，使那恶者无懈可击。{PH088 10.2}
我们的宽容时期至多也是短暂的。我们没有时间浪费在游移不定的活动上。已婚男人与已婚女人和年轻姑娘的亲密行为在上帝和圣天使眼中是可厌的。年轻姑娘孟浪地置身于青年男子群中，逗留在他们工作的地方，与他们交谈，讲说轻浮无聊的话，就是在贬损女性的尊严。这使她们变得下流，甚至那些行这种事的人自己看也是下流的。需要切实的改革。男人对女人，或女人对男人一切轻浮不当的关注都应受到谴责并立即终止。这些事已经在世界上产生了巨大的邪恶。{PH088 10.3}
第一次出现行为不检点的现象应当引起注意，并应教育年轻人在所有交往中都要坦诚然而谦逊。应该教育他们尊重公正的规则和权威。如果他们拒绝这么做，在对他们付出正确的操劳之后，就要辞退他们，不管他们担任什么职务;因为他们会使别人道德败坏。{PH088 11.1}
凡在我们机构工作的人，要增进他们所照管之人属灵和知识上的利益。他们必须诚恳地祷告研究，以求知道怎样对待人心，完成前面的目标。他们的首要工作就是仔细省察自己的习惯。因为有些人还没有摆脱幼稚的行为。他们需要那改变人心的恩典。否则他们无法满足基督教圣经的标准。这样，当他们不得不与那些低标准的人打交道时，就会知道应对这些人说什么话，不会粗鲁、专横、霸道地对待这些人。他们必须是纯洁的，摆脱一切败坏的污染。这样，他们就能纠正这些罪恶，使这些可怜人达到圣经纯洁的标准。{PH088 11.2}
那些相信不受欢迎的真理的人在每一个地方都有许多偏见要对付，如果那些受雇于我们的各机构的人想要让圣经的真理控制机构，他们就必须在自己的生活中将它示范出来。他们若是希望机构的物质、智力和道德地位达到最高水平，他们自己的举止必须证明这一事实。他们必须不断计划和工作，并以耶稣的力量设法提升机构的品质，使其得到上天的认可。{PH088 11.3}
每一个基督徒家庭都应有家规。父母应该通过彼此之间的言谈和举止，为孩子树立一个宝贵生动的范例，表现他们对于孩子的要求。应始终表现纯洁的言谈和真诚的基督徒礼貌。不要鼓励犯罪。不要作恶意的猜测和言谈。要教导儿童和青少年自尊，忠于上帝，忠于原则;教导他们尊重和遵守上帝的律法。如此，这些原则就会控制他们的生活，并在他们与别人交往时实行出来。他们会爱邻居如同自己。他们会发出纯洁的气氛;产生一种影响，鼓励通往圣洁和天国的路上软弱的心灵。每一个教训都应具有高尚的性质。这样，你在天上册子上所留下的纪录就不会使你在审判时羞于面对。{PH088 12.1}
受过这种教育的儿女不会成为我们机构中的忧虑和负担，而会成为一种力量，支持负责工作的人。他们将准备好担任重要职务，通过言传身教，不断地帮助别人行义。凡道德感官尚未麻木的人，必尊重正确的原则，也必实行之。他们必公正地评价自己的秉赋，充分利用自己的体力、智力与道德力。这样的人不断强化对试探的抵御。他们周围有一道不易攻破的墙垣。所有这样的人都是擎光者，有上帝的福气。他们的影响倾向于教育他人过实际的基督徒生活。{PH088 12.2}
人心可以得到如此的提高以致神圣的思想和默想变得就像呼吸一样自然。心灵所有的能力都要受训练。我们必须聪明地做上帝的工作。我们必须知道真理;而且知道这个就是知道上帝。{PH088 13.1}
时尚社会的罪恶有腐化的倾向，但每一个真正跟从基督的人，每一个“向祂有这指望的，都必洁净自己，像祂洁净一样，”以致在思想、嘴唇、心里、和品格上，都不会发现有一点污迹。必须达到更高、更圣洁的标准。必须决战一场，不仅对付世界上的邪恶，而且对付那些自称相信现代真理之人中间的邪恶。若不抛离这些邪恶，就必导致属灵的死亡。主吩咐我们：“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)。必须有一番觉醒;必须付出专心致志的努力，才会有力地反对一切形式的邪恶。{PH088 13.2}
我们各机构中的领导们应当努力表明他们的工作是在上帝里面做的，他们是无愧的工人，他们的言语和行为没有沾染世俗和肉欲。他们应该感到自己肩负着严肃的责任，要给年轻人树立一个有价值的榜样——一个与他们受信任的岗位和圣洁的信仰表白相称的榜样。他们是在撒播会开花结果的种子。一切的粗劣鄙陋都应抛弃;那是坏树上结的果子。弟兄姐妹们，你们是教育家。你们在言语和行为上给信徒和非信徒的教训，会成为活的香气叫人活，或死的香气叫人死。{PH088 14.1}
为我们的机构所挑选的负责人，不但要有明晰良好的判断力，而且要有崇高的道德水平，举止谨慎，谈吐清洁，不忘自己崇高的圣召，时常记住有一位守望者和诚实的见证人在观察着他的一举一动，一言一行。如果我们机构中的人表现出下流的思想，如果他们的言语倾向腐败而非超拔，就应立即切断他们和机构的联系，因为他们必定会使别人道德败坏。总要记得，我们的机构都是传道园地。上帝的眼目日夜垂顾着它。谁也不应觉得有自由允许有哪怕是貌似邪恶的东西。人人都应该谨慎，因为主必为你在祂任何一个工具身上发挥的错误影响而审判你。{PH088 14.2}
经理和工作人员们，你们的灵魂有没有连与基督，如同枝子连于活葡萄树呢?如果你们没有经过心意的更新，那么为了你们灵魂的原故，赶紧把你们的生命与基督一同藏在上帝里面。{PH088 15.1}
这是你人生的首要任务。基督若住在你的心里，你就不会轻佻、庸俗、无礼，而是处处谨慎可靠，说出纯净的话语，如纯洁的泉源流出来的水，让一切与你接触的人得到振奋。如果你们决定继续无聊的言谈，轻薄的举止，就到别的地方去。在那里你们的影响和榜样不会这么广泛地污染别人的心灵。你们所有的人所需要的是这样一种基督的纯正和圣洁的感觉，以致会让你们鄙视这种宗教的伪装，它不给任何人祝福，不给良心的安宁，不给信仰的安息。{PH088 15.2}
所有与上帝为拯救灵魂而命定的这些工具相联系的人，都应当寻求上帝的智慧，天上的恩典，使他们能对别人有提升的影响。他们若不常从耶稣得到力量，仰望祂，信赖祂，凭着信心从祂那里得到神圣的恩典，就很容易成为试探的掠物。{PH088 15.3}
现在我们作为基督徒应该达到一个远为崇高的标准。上帝不许祂所设立的任何机构成为诱骗生灵的工具，教人犯罪的场所，所有的人都应在基督的学校里学习心里柔和、纯洁和谦卑。他们应将自己无助的心依靠在耶稣身上，生活在上帝圣言所发的光中。要训练心思意念有纯洁、高尚、神圣的思想。“你们在一切所行的事上也要圣洁”(彼前1:15)。你不论有什么影响力，都要用来高举耶稣而非自我。你若不这样做，就成了虚假的指路牌，把人引离真理、生命和世界的光;你的举止越讨人喜欢越有魅力，对人所造成的危害就越大。{PH088 15.4}
我告诉你们，每一个灵魂都需要真正回转。你所有的才能需要奉献给上帝，以便你不至于助长社会上盛行的罪恶，反而能抵消它们。许多人一直在培养直接导致世俗、肉欲行为的习惯;上帝的大能若不打破这个网罗，结果必是灵魂的沦丧。上帝对你们的要求是你们没有意识到的;因为你们没有将基督带进你们的生活中，现在你们需要做出重大的品格决定来改变这种事态。软弱的努力不会成就这种工作。你们自己是做不到的;你们必须拥有基督的恩典，否则你们决不能得胜。你们的一切计划都必证明是失败的，除非你们被更高的动机所驱使，被比你们自己所能拥有的更大的力量所支持。“你们要先求祂的国和祂的义，这些东西都要加给你们了”(太6:33)。那些仰望耶稣赐力量，依靠祂的公义得救的人不会喜欢无聊的言谈。他们凭着信心接受耶稣为个人的救主，得以与上帝的性情有分，摆脱了世上因情欲而来的败坏。{PH088 16.1}
不要特别关心爱护少数人。不要重这个轻那个。这样做上帝不喜悦。大家都要记住圣经的话：“从上头来的智慧，先是清洁，后是和平、温良、柔顺、满有怜悯、多结善果，没有偏见，没有假冒”(雅3:17)。当你忽视了一个需要你同情和帮助的人，而对其他讨你喜欢的人好时，要记住因这些遭到亏待的子民，耶稣受到了侮辱。祂说：“我饿了，你们不给我吃，渴了，你们不给我喝;我作客旅，你们不留我住;我赤身露体，你们不给我穿;我病了，我在监里，你们不来看顾我。”对于他们惊讶的询问：“主啊，我们什么时候见你这样呢?”给出的回答是：“这些事你们既不做在我这弟兄中一个最小的(饱受痛苦折磨，需要你同情的)身上，就是不做在我身上了”(太25:41-45)。“康健的人用不着医生，有病的人才用得着”(太9:12)。在羊群中有受伤有残疾的羊在我们中间，考验那些自称是上帝儿女之人的品格。主不会为行错的人辩护。祂从不赞同偏爱有钱的人或压迫软弱的人。祂要求严格的、不偏不倚的公正，不仅如此，祂还要求祂的门徒始终同情受苦的人，怜爱犯错的人。{PH088 17.1}
上帝的使者正在观看着品格的发展，他们在权衡道德的价值。如果你关心那些不需要的人，对领受的人并没有好处，而你自己非但不会得到报赏，反而会受到谴责。要记住，你藉着自己的言谈降格到轻佻之人的水平时，你就是在鼓励他们走通向灭亡的道路。你不明智的关心也许会造成他们灵魂的灭亡。你败坏了构成他们基督徒生活和品格的思想，混乱了他们的见解，留下了难以磨灭的印象。他们无法将你的做法与你所居的职位协调起来，他们开始认为就算传道士和教会的职员也比他们好不了多少。那么他们应以谁为榜样呢?这样，对于那些需要加强、精炼和提高的心灵所造成的伤害，往往是一种至于死的罪(约壹5:16)。{PH088 18.1}
上帝呼吁所有自称为基督徒的人提高公义的标准，洁净自己就如同基督洁净一样。“所以，你们若真与基督一同复活，就当求在上面的事;那里有基督坐在上帝的右边。你们要思念上面的事，不要思念地上的事。因为你们已经死了，你们的生命与基督一同藏在上帝里面。基督是我们的生命，祂显现的时候，你们也要与祂一同显现在荣耀里。所以，要治死你们在地上的肢体，就如淫乱、污秽、邪情、恶欲，和贪婪(贪婪就与拜偶像一样)。因这些事，上帝的忿怒必临到那悖逆之子”(西3:1-6)。“所以要约束你们的心(原文作束上你们心中的腰)，谨慎自守，专心盼望耶稣基督显现的时候所带来给你们的恩。你们既作顺命的儿女，就不要效法从前蒙昧无知的时候那放纵私欲的样子”(彼前1:13,14);因为你们应当趁着有光行在光中;“那召你们的既是圣洁，你们在一切所行的事上也要圣洁。因为经上记着说：‘你们要圣洁，因为我是圣洁的。’”(彼前1:15,16)。{PH088 18.2}
问题是，我们要作符合圣经的基督徒吗?我们会不顾在生命之道中赐给我们的最明白的指示，而去竖立一个虚假的标准，藉以衡量我们的品格吗?我们这样做安全吗?{PH088 19.1}
基督给了我们记号，使我们能分辨出真正的基督徒;没有人需要被伪君子的自命不凡的说法所欺骗。“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来。荆棘上岂能摘葡萄呢?蒺藜里岂能摘无花果呢?这样，凡好树都结好果子，惟独坏树结坏果子。好树不能结坏果子;坏树不能结好果子。凡不结好果子的树就砍下来，丢在火里。所以，凭着他们的(信仰表白吗?——不，凭着他们的)果子，就可以认出他们来”(太7:16-20)。{PH088 19.2}
那些自称相信圣经的人应当藉着顺从上帝所有的要求来实践他们的信仰。基督已经邀请你：“我心里柔和谦卑，你们当……学我的样式;这样，你们心里就必得享安息”(太11:29)。{PH088 19.3}
凡自命敬虔的人都应当听从使徒的告诫：“亲爱的啊，你们是客旅，是寄居的。我劝你们要禁戒肉体的私欲;这私欲是与灵魂争战的。你们在外邦人中，应当品行端正，叫那些毁谤你们是作恶的，因看见你们的好行为，便在鉴察(或作：眷顾)的日子归荣耀给上帝”(彼前2:11,12)。{PH088 20.1}
使徒保罗在灵感的影响下对我们说：“你们都是光明之子，都是白昼之子。我们不是属黑夜的，也不是属幽暗的。所以我们不要睡觉像别人一样，总要警醒谨守。因为睡了的人是在夜间睡，醉了的人是在夜间醉。但我们既然属乎白昼，就应当谨守，把信和爱当作护心镜遮胸，把得救的盼望当作头盔戴上”(帖前5:5-8)。“但你所讲的总要合乎那纯正的道理。劝老年人要有节制、端庄、自守，在信心、爱心、忍耐上都要纯全无疵。又劝老年妇人，举止行动要恭敬，不说谗言，不给酒作奴仆，用善道教训人，好指教少年妇人，爱丈夫，爱儿女，谨守，贞洁，料理家务，待人有恩，顺服自己的丈夫，免得上帝的道理被毁谤。又劝少年人要谨守。你自己凡事要显出善行的榜样，在教训上要正直、端庄，言语纯全，无可指责，叫那反对的人，既无处可说我们的不是，便自觉羞愧”(多2:1-8)。{PH088 20.2}
我们机构里的人有时会遇到严峻的考验，但是你若知道你力量的来源，就不必被打败了。上帝不论赐给你什么影响力，祂都要求你用在真理和敬虔的一边。当你向男女老幼指出髑髅地的十字架，从而改善他们的时候，你是在做祂要你去做的工作。真正信仰圣经的基督徒会发挥引导别人意念的影响。你们作为基督徒负有一个重任是别人所无法代替的。基督说过：“多托谁，就向谁多要”(路12:48)。{PH088 21.1}
每天都需要上帝使人归正的能力。我们必须住在基督里面。“枝子若不常在葡萄树上，自己就不能结果子;你们若不常在我里面，也是这样”(约15:4)。我们任何人都不能犯罪，因为这要付出昂贵的代价。罪恶会蒙蔽人的眼睛，使人无法辨别是非，且使他们因不谨慎的行为而成为替撒但传播不义的工具，同基督分散。对基督徒的劝诫是：“用智慧与外人交往”(西4:5); 因为智慧、谨慎的言语和行动将是一种力量，吸引其他人到基督那里，在那里他们将与圣徒相交。当自称是基督徒的人虚荣轻浮，他们的生活与他们的信仰表白大相径庭，以致于外人在他们身上看不到纯洁和天上贵族的证据时，他们岂是在用智慧与外人交往吗?{PH088 21.2}
圣史中记载洪水以前的人类和平原上的城市。他们从轻浮堕落到卑污的罪恶，招致上帝的忿怒，降下最可怕的毁灭，为使地球摆脱他们污染的影响。爱好和情欲支配了理性。自我成了他们的神。由于自私地放纵败坏人的情欲，他们几乎完全丧失了对于至高上帝的认识。{PH088 22.1}
应该始终将基督的话记在心里：“挪亚的日子怎样，人子的日子也要怎样。那时候的人又吃又喝”(路17:26,27)。食欲左右了这时代之人的思想和良心。暴食、贪杯、饮酒、吸烟普遍盛行，但跟从基督的人却要在吃喝上节制。他们不会以健康和属灵的成长为代价去放纵食欲。他们“又娶又嫁，到挪亚进方舟的那日，洪水就来，把他们全都灭了”(路17:27)。我们看到在婚姻的问题上人们有同样的表现。青年人，甚至是成年男女，本应明智而审慎地行事，在这个问题上竟如着了魔一般。撒但的势力似乎要控制他们了。他们结成了最不理智的婚姻。他们没有请教上帝。人的感觉、欲望和激情将眼前的一切全都压倒，直到木已成舟。这种婚姻的结果是说不尽的痛苦。上帝遭到了羞辱。婚约掩盖了各种淫荡的可憎之事。在这个问题上难道不需要作出彻底的改变吗? {PH088 22.2}
“又好像罗得的日子;人又吃又喝，又买又卖，又耕种又盖造。到罗得出所多玛的那日，就有火与硫磺从天上降下来，把他们全都灭了”(路17:28,29)。我们需要吃喝;但是，当人们任由欲望的满足占据他们的思想和时间而忽视他们永恒的利益时，这就是上帝要惩罚他们的罪了;因为他们虐待自己的身体，破坏健康，使头脑不平衡，并加强了兽性倾向。于是，他们就被撒但领着去做那些唤醒正义之剑攻击他们的事情。基督徒应当寻求在上面的事;那里有基督坐在上帝的右边。所有的警告，所有的呼吁，似乎都没有使那些放纵不正当食欲的人感到惊慌。他们继续罪恶的放纵，他们的良心像被烙惯了一般。他们会给自己的罪恶行为加上自己的解释，说：“我没有做任何不道德的事。”我们需要清晰的辨识力——属灵的眼药，这是我们只有藉着变得与上帝的性情有分才能得到的。{PH088 23.1}
那些声称相信证言的人阅读并实践证言的教导吗?在活泼的圣言和证言中所赐的亮光是人人都能阅读和应用的，他们若不听从所赐的指示，这些亮光就会在上帝的日子定他们的罪。{PH088 23.2}
来自基督的新生命必须栽植在内心中。上帝要求敬虔原则的最高发展。公义、平安和圣灵里的喜乐将是嫁接到主干基督上的枝子必结出串串丰硕的果实。只要这果子显现出来，真理就会拥有力量;它的进步和增长将得到扩展。{PH088 23.3}
弟兄们，我们的宽容时期将近结束了。是时候从睡梦中醒来了。你们处在责任重大的岗位。你们需要警醒祷告。要防备养成犯罪的习惯，要看守好自己的舌头，要留意行善造福别人的机会，始终仰望耶稣，在恩典和真理的知识上长进。如果你想要过更高尚的生活，现在就必须过比这世界低级的人生更高尚的生活。我们正在为今生和永生而工作。一个健全的生命是通过随从“增添”的计划，凭着善行、信心、忍耐、节制、仁慈、勇气和自制，恩上加恩而形成的。“你们是上帝所耕种的田地，所建造的房屋”(林前3:9)。要向基督学习，你就不会朝三暮四，前后矛盾，今天清醒虔诚，明天却疏忽轻浮。{PH088 24.1}
基督已经作好一切准备，使你的品格可以靠着赐给你的恩典和谐发展。所以你要和谐地建造。使工程一块石头一块石头地建造起来。要接受耶稣的神圣光照，并让这光照在其他处在黑暗中之人的道路上。上帝的整个宇宙都在以强烈的兴趣看着我们。
怀爱伦{PH088 24.2}
PH088 - Special Testimony to the Managers and Workers in our Institutions
In the providence of God we have institutions established among us to advance the promulgation of truth, but they do not reach the efficiency they might if the workers were wholly consecrated to God. The Lord has made every provision that these institutions may reach a high standard, that they may attain to a larger growth and wider usefulness, and that those employed in them may possess Christian virtues and graces. But those connected with these instrumentalities are not all devout and spiritual. They do not represent the Spirit and character of Christ. They are not ensamples to those connected with them, because they do not live in communion with God, earnestly seeking by faith and fervent prayer to know His will that they may do it.?{PH088 3.1}[1]
These instrumentalities are missionary institutions. The Lord designed that they should be a power for good; and if all who are connected with them are consecrated, if they are meek and lowly in heart, Christ will give them most precious lessons in His school. In our health institutions, our publishing houses, our schools, all should work harmoniously to carry out the purpose of God, and everything connected with the institutions should tend toward reform. The managers and helpers should have the true missionary spirit as a daily, abiding principle; for they?are in a field that requires the highest kind of missionary work. Our institutions, properly conducted, will exert a far-reaching influence, and if the managers and workers are Christians, they will be as shining lights. They will educate those connected with them in the principles of truth.?{PH088 3.2}[2]
A responsibility to spread the knowledge of right principles rests upon all who have received the light. This responsibility should be felt by every man and woman who claims to be a Seventh-day Adventist, and much more by those who are connected with our institutions. All should realize that these institutions are an important part of the Lord’s great work for the salvation of souls. Let it be the aim of all to be laborers together with God for the uplifting of humanity. All should be educators by precept and example. They should feel a personal responsibility to send forth men and women as fully instructed as possible, prepared to exert a direct and saving influence in the homes, the communities, and the churches to which they go. This would be the very best recommendation that any of our institutions could have.?{PH088 4.1}[3]
Wisdom is needed in the selection of managers in the various departments. It is impossible for one to control others until he learns to control himself. The superintendent should be a man who loves and fears God. He should sacredly guard his reputation, giving no occasion for any one to reproach the cause of God. He should not be narrow-minded, a man of one idea. One who is changeable, now indulgent, then cold and?unapproachable, or critical, exacting, and domineering, is not fitted for this position, nor is he who will cherish suspicion, jealousy, passion, or stubbornness. These traits are not pleasing to God, and will not be manifested by any who take Jesus for their pattern and counselor. The superintendent must manifest the Spirit of Christ; yet he should be firm to restrain evil. A neglect of this duty shows him to be unfit for his position. God requires of a steward that he be found faithful. A manager must be a growing man in order to meet the difficulties as well as the opportunities that are constantly arising. He should be quick to discern what needs to be done, and take active measures to accomplish the work at the right time. There are many rules made, many regulations passed, that fall dead because they are not carried into effect. Time is spent in Board meetings, councils, and business meetings, matters are discussed, and resolutions made; and then if these resolutions die a natural death, things are left in a worse state than if no action had been taken.?{PH088 4.2}[4]
If those who hold positions of trust are persons who love and fear God, they will realize that a sacred responsibility is theirs, because of the measure of authority and the consequent influence which their position gives them. They are dealing with varied minds and they should move discreetly, for they are representatives of the institution. They should be kind and courteous, manifesting Christian politeness towards all with whom they are brought in contact, both believers and unbelievers. Brethren, you are to represent?the family of the heavenly King. You are to watch for souls as they that must give an account. We should never forget that Jesus, in the infinite sacrifice that He has made, has proved His love for every man, woman and child: He has shown what value He places upon every soul. All have been purchased by the price of His own blood.?{PH088 5.1}[5]
Let your influence be persuasive, binding people to your hearts, because you love Jesus, and these souls are His purchased possession. This is a great work. If, by your Christ-like words and actions, you make impressions that will create in their hearts a hungering and thirsting after righteousness and truth, you are a co-laborer with Christ. Those who have a leading influence in the institutions should be men and women who possess devotion and piety, who are not narrow and selfish in any matter; but conscientious, self-denying, and self-sacrificing, ever dealing with the workers as they would wish to be dealt with, having an eye single to the glory of God. Men of such a character will keep the way of the Lord. The workers should seek to make it as easy as possible for those who bear the burden of responsibility, and have many cares and perplexities to engage their attention.?{PH088 6.1}[6]
All need to have right principles placed before them in a judicious manner. Men of investigating minds will thus receive the key of knowledge, and will bring out treasures of thought for the enriching of other minds—thought that will result in the saving of souls. Circumstances will call forth words and decisions in favor of the right, and many?will thus be swayed in the right direction. Words and works flowing from the heart imbued with the love and fear of God become a widespread blessing—a blessing that is carried into the highways and byways of life.?{PH088 6.2}[7]
There are words spoken that are not Christlike,—bitter, harsh, wicked words. This should not be. Men who like Enoch are walking in the light of Christ, will exercise self-control, even under temptation and provocation. Although sorely tried by the perversity and obstinacy of others who are associated with them, they dare not let impulse bear sway. All who are walking in the light will give evidence of divine power combined with human effort; they will make it manifest that they are taught and led of God. They will feel that the Holy Watcher is by their side, taking knowledge of their words.?{PH088 7.1}[8]
Leaders in our institutions have many and weighty responsibilities. Their only safety is in keeping their thoughts and impulses under the control of the great Teacher. They have golden opportunities for doing good; they can speak words in season that will guide and mould the many and varied minds with which they are brought in contact. Daily they should take their stand for God as though it were the last day they should serve in this capacity. Show men and women connected with the institution how pure and noble they may become. Let them see that you have firm confidence in God, and that He is your source of strength, that you are resting wholly upon His promises. Fulfil your duty with promptness, while claiming your?heavenly Father’s help in overcoming all weakness of character. With the hand of faith grasp the arm of Infinite Power, put your whole being into your work.?{PH088 7.2}[9]
Ever keep a winning, courteous, kind spirit, and every room may be transformed into a Bethel. Angels of God will work with your efforts. If our publishing houses, our health institutions, our colleges and missions are conducted on right principles, the unbelievers who visit them will be favorably impressed, and will be more inclined to accept the truth.?{PH088 8.1}[10]
O, for faithful Calebs in this age of the world! We want men and women who have self-control, who have moral worth, who love and fear God; men and women who possess personal piety and firm religious principle. God is dishonored by the lack of moral stamina in many who profess to be Christians. They seem to be only half converted.?{PH088 8.2}[11]
God demands more of us than we are willing to give Him. None are to be forward or obtrusive, but we are quietly to live out our religion, with an eye single to the glory of God. “Learn of Me,” says Christ; “for I am meek and lowly in heart.” Then we shall shine as lights in the world, without noise or friction. None need fail; for One is with them who is wise in counsel, excellent in working, and mighty to accomplish His designs. He works through His agents, seen and unseen, human and divine. This work is a grand work, and will be carried forward to the glory of God if all who are connected with it will make their works correspond to their profession of faith. Purity of thought must?be cherished as indispensable to the work of influencing others. The soul must be surrounded by a pure, holy atmosphere—an atmosphere that will tend to quicken the spiritual life of all who inhale it.?{PH088 8.3}[12]
Jesus is honored or dishonored by the words and deportment of His professed followers. The heart must be kept pure and holy, for out of it are the issues of life. If the heart is purified through obedience to the truth, there will be no selfish preferences, no corrupt motives. There will be no partiality, no hypocrisy; love-sick sentimentalism will not be developed. Strict guard must be kept that this curse shall not poison or corrupt our institutions.?{PH088 9.1}[13]
In the present state of society, with the lax morals of not only youth but those of age and experience, there is great danger of becoming careless, and giving especial attention to favorites, and thus creating envy, jealousy, and evil surmising. But few realize that they drive away the Spirit of God with their selfish thoughts and feelings, their foolish, trifling talk. When admonished, they say, “I meant no harm.” What do these frivolous ones mean? Do they forget that that which they sow they shall also reap? This silly, nonsensical conversation reveals a weak character and is an offense to God. If the grace of Christ were planted in their hearts, and striking its roots down deep into good soil, they would bear fruit of an altogether different character. They would be acquiring moral stamina, that strength of purpose and solidity of character which are essential for the great and good?work that ought to be done. Others would feel their influence, and would take knowledge of them that they were led and taught by Jesus.?{PH088 9.2}[14]
Many of these trifling, frivolous ones make a profession of religion, and this hollow form of godliness has been so long tolerated that it has pervaded our institutions, and extends to our churches. The standard of piety is lowered into the dust.?{PH088 10.1}[15]
Careful attention should be given to the moral standing and influence of every one employed in our institutions. If the workers are in any way impure in heart or life, it will be revealed in their words and actions, notwithstanding their efforts to conceal the truth. If they are not strictly moral, there is danger in employing them, for they will be in a position where they can mislead those who desire to reform, and can confirm them in unholy, defiling practises. Such men and women, unless converted, will be not only a curse to themselves, but a curse wherever they go. The converting power of God is alone sufficient to establish pure principles in the heart, so that the wicked one may find nothing to assail.?{PH088 10.2}[16]
Our probation is short at best; we have no time to spend in erratic movements. The familiarity of married men with married women and with young girls, is disgusting in the sight of God and holy angels. The forwardness of young girls in placing themselves in the company of young men, hanging around where they are at work, entering into conversation with them, talking common, idle talk, is belittling to womanhood. It lowers?them, even in the estimation of those who indulge in such things. There is a positive necessity for reform. All frivolity, all undue attention of men to women, or women to men, must be condemned and discontinued. These things have produced great evil in the world.?{PH088 10.3}[17]
The first appearance of irregularity in conduct should receive attention; the young should be taught to be frank yet modest in all their associations. They should be taught to respect just rules and authority. If they refuse to do this, after the right kind of labor has been bestowed upon them, let them be dismissed, whatever position they occupy; for they will demoralize others.?{PH088 11.1}[18]
Those who labor in our institutions are there for the purpose of promoting the intellectual and spiritual welfare of those under their care. They must make their work a matter of earnest prayer and study, that they may know how to deal with human minds and accomplish the object before them. Their first work is to carefully scrutinize their own habits, for there are those who have not put away childish things. They are in need of transforming grace, or they will not meet the Bible standard of Christianity. Then when they are compelled to deal with those who are meeting a low standard, they will know that words to speak to them, and will not be harsh, domineering, or arbitrary toward them. They must be chaste, and so free from the taint of defilement that they can correct these evils, and bring these poor souls up to the Bible standard of purity.?{PH088 11.2}[19]
Those who believe unpopular truth have?much prejudice to meet everywhere in the world, and if Bible truth is to control our institutions, those employed in them must exemplify it in their own life. If they wish that the physical, intellectual, and moral standing of the institution shall be of the highest order, their own deportment must give evidence of this fact. They must plan and work constantly, and in the strength of Jesus seek so to elevate the character of the institution that it may receive the approval of Heaven.?{PH088 11.3}[20]
Every Christian home should have rules; and parents should, in their words and in their deportment toward each other, give to the children a precious, living example of what they desire them to be. Purity in speech, and true Christian courtesy, should be constantly practised. Let there be no encouragement of sin; no evil surmising or evil speaking. Teach the children and youth to respect themselves, to be true to God, true to principle; teach them to respect and to obey the law of God. Then these principles will control their lives, and will be carried out in their association with others. They will love their neighbors as themselves. They will create a pure atmosphere, one that will have an influence to encourage weak souls in the path that leads to holiness and heaven. Let every lesson be of an elevating, ennobling character, and the record made in the books of heaven will be such as you will not be ashamed to meet in the judgment.?{PH088 12.1}[21]
Children who receive this kind of instruction will not be a burden, a cause of anxiety,?in our institutions; but they will be a strength, a support, to those who bear responsibility. They will be prepared to fill places of trust, and by precept and example, will be constantly aiding others to do right. Those whose moral sensibilities have not been blunted will appreciate right principles, and will practise them. They will put a right estimate upon their endowments, and will make the best use of their physical, mental, and moral powers. Such souls are constantly fortified against temptations; they are surrounded by a wall not easily broken down. All such characters are, with the blessing of God, light-bearers; their influence tends to educate others for a practical Christian life.?{PH088 12.2}[22]
The mind may be so elevated that divine thoughts and contemplations come to be as natural as the breath. All the faculties of the soul are to be trained. We must do God’s work intelligently. We must know the truth; and to know this is to know God.?{PH088 13.1}[23]
The evils of fashionable society have a tendency to corrupt, but every true follower of Christ, every one who has “this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as He is pure,” so that not a taint of defilement will be found in his thoughts, or upon his lips, in his heart, or in his character. There must be a coming up to a higher, holier standard. A decided warfare should be waged against the evils, not only in the world, but also among those who claim to believe the truth for this time. These evils, if not put away, will result in spiritual death. The Lord bids us, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good?works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” There must be a waking up; concentrated effort must be put forth, that will tell powerfully against every form of evil.?{PH088 13.2}[24]
Let the leaders in our institutions labor to show that their work is wrought in God; that they are workmen who need not to be ashamed; that their words and works are untainted with earthliness and sensualism. They should feel their solemn responsibility to give the youth a worthy example, one corresponding to their position of trust and their holy profession of faith. They are sowing seed which will blossom and bear fruit. All coarseness and trifling should be put away; it is the fruit borne upon a corrupt tree. Brethren and sisters, you are educators. The lessons you give to believers and unbelievers by your words and example, will be a savor of life unto life, or of death unto death.?{PH088 14.1}[25]
Men should be chosen to stand at the head of our institutions who have not only good, sound judgment, but a high moral tone, who will be circumspect in their deportment, pure in speech, remembering their high and holy calling, and that there is a Watcher, a true Witness to every word and act. Those who give evidence that their thoughts run in a low channel, whose conversation tends to corrupt rather than to elevate, should be removed at once from any connection with the institution; for they will surely demoralize others. Ever bear in mind that our institutions are missionary fields. God’s eye is upon them day and night. No one should feel at liberty to allow even the appearance of evil. Let all be?circumspect, for the Lord will certainly judge you for any wrong influence exerted in any one of His instrumentalities.?{PH088 14.2}[26]
Managers and workers, are your souls united to Christ as the branch is united to the living vine? If you have not been renewed in the spirit of your mind, for your soul’s sake make no delay to have your life hid with Christ in God.?{PH088 15.1}[27]
This is the first business of your life. When Christ is abiding in the heart, you will not be light, trifling, and immodest, but circumspect and reliable in every place, sending forth pure words, like streams from a pure fountain, refreshing all with whom you come in contact. If you decide to continue your idle talk and frivolous conduct, go to some other place, where your influence and example will not be so widely felt in contaminating other souls. What you all need is such a sense of the purity and holiness of Christ as will lead you to despise this pretense of religion, which blesses no one, gives no peace of conscience, no repose of faith.?{PH088 15.2}[28]
Let all connected with these instrumentalities that God has ordained for the saving of souls, seek divine wisdom, heavenly grace, that they may have an elevating influence upon others. Unless they are constantly receiving strength from Jesus, looking to Him, trusting in Him, by faith drawing from Him divine grace, they will become an easy prey to temptation.?{PH088 15.3}[29]
It is time that we as Christians reach a much higher standard. God forbid that any institution that He has planted shall become?a means of decoying souls, a place where iniquity is taught. Let all learn in the school of Christ, meekness, purity, and lowliness of heart. Let them hang their helpless souls on Jesus. Live in the light shining from the oracles of God. Educate mind and heart to pure, elevated, holy thoughts. “Be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” Whatever influence you have, direct it to exalting Jesus, and not self. Unless you do this, you are a false guide, leading souls away from the Truth, the Life, the Light of the world; and the more pleasing and attractive your manners, the greater the harm you do.?{PH088 15.4}[30]
I tell you every soul needs a genuine conversion. All your faculties need to be consecrated to God, that you may not encourage the evils prevailing in society, but may counteract them. Many have been cultivating habits that lead directly to earthly and sensual actions; and unless the power of God shall break the snare, souls will be lost in consequence. God has claims upon you that you do not realize; for you have not brought Christ into your lives. Great decision of character will now be necessary on your part, to change this order of things. No weak efforts will accomplish the work. You can not do it for yourselves; you must have the grace of Christ, or you can never overcome. All your plans will prove a failure unless you are actuated by higher motives, and upheld by greater strength, than you can have in and of yourselves. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” There will?be no relish for trifling conversation on the part of those who are looking to Jesus for strength, depending upon His righteousness for salvation. By faith they accept Christ as their personal Saviour, and become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.?{PH088 16.1}[31]
There should be no giving of special favors, or attentions to a few, no preferring of one above another. This is displeasing to God. Let all bear in mind the words of inspiration: “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” When you pass by one who is in need of your sympathy and kindly acts, and bestow your favors upon others simply because they are more pleasing to you, remember that Jesus is insulted in the person of His afflicted ones. He says, “I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in; naked, and ye clothed Me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me not.” To the surprised inquiry, “Lord, when saw we Thee thus?” the answer is given, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these (who were afflicted and needed your sympathy), ye did it not to Me.” “They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.” The bruised and wounded, the lame of the flock, are among us, and these test the character of those who claim to be children of God. The Lord will not excuse the wrongdoer. He will never?sanction partiality to the wealthy or oppression to the weak. He requires exact and impartial justice; more than this, He requires that His followers shall always have compassion for the suffering, pity and love for the erring.?{PH088 17.1}[32]
Angels of God are watching the development of character, and are weighing moral worth. If you bestow your attention upon those who have no need, you are doing harm to the recipients, and you will yourself receive condemnation rather than reward. Remember that when, by your trifling conversation, you descend to the level of frivolous characters, you are encouraging them in the path that leads to perdition. Your unwise attentions may prove the ruin of their souls. You degrade their conceptions of what constitutes Christian life and character; you confuse their ideas, and make impressions that may never be effaced. They can not harmonize your course with the position you occupy, and they come to look upon even the officers of the church, and the ministers, as no better than themselves. Then where is their example? The harm thus done to souls that need to be strengthened, refined, and ennobled, is often a sin unto death.?{PH088 18.1}[33]
God calls upon all who claim to be Christians, to elevate the standard of righteousness, and to purify themselves even as Christ is pure. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is?our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry; for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience.” “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance;” for you are to walk in the light while you have the light; “but as He which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”?{PH088 18.2}[34]
The question is, Shall we be Bible Christians? Will we disregard the plainest instruction given us in the Word of life, and erect a false standard whereby to measure our characters? Is this a safe thing for us to do??{PH088 19.1}[35]
Christ has given us the signs by which we may distinguish the genuine Christian; no one need to be deceived by the pretentious claims of the hypocrite. “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree can not bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their (profession?—No, by their) fruits ye shall know them.”?{PH088 19.2}[36]
Let those who claim to be Bible believers?act out their faith by obedience to all the requirements of God. Christ has invited you, “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”?{PH088 19.3}[37]
Let all who profess godliness heed the apostle’s admonition: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; having your conversation honest among the Gentiles; that, whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”?{PH088 20.1}[38]
The apostle Paul, under the influence of inspiration, has spoken to us: “Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.” “But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine: that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the Word of God be not blasphemed. Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things?showing thyself a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that can not be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”?{PH088 20.2}[39]
There will be seasons of severe trial for those connected with our institutions; but if you know the Source of your strength, you need not be overcome. Whatever influence God has given you, He requires you to throw on the side of truth, of godliness. In making men, women, and children better by pointing them to the cross of Calvary, you are doing the work He has given you to do. True Bible Christians will have an influence that will lead other minds. You, as Christians, have a weight of responsibility which no one can take from you. Said Christ, “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”?{PH088 21.1}[40]
The converting power of God is needed every day. We must abide in Christ. “As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me.” None of us can afford to sin; it is expensive business. Sin so blinds the eyes that men do not discern evil, and by their indiscreet practises they become instruments of unrighteousness, to scatter from Christ. The exhortation to Christians is, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without;” for wise, discreet words and actions will be a power to draw others to Christ, where they will have fellowship with the saints. Are professed Christians walking in wisdom when they are vain and frivolous, and live so at variance with their profession of faith that those?without can not see in them the evidences of purity, of heavenly nobility??{PH088 21.2}[41]
We have the history of the antediluvians, and of the cities of the plain, whose course of conduct degenerated from lightness and frivolity to debasing sins that called down the wrath of God in a most dreadful destruction, in order to rid the earth of the curse of their contaminating influence. Inclination and passion bore sway over reason. Self was their god, and the knowledge of the Most High was nearly obliterated through the selfish indulgence of corrupt passions.?{PH088 22.1}[42]
The words of Christ should ever be borne in mind: “As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank.” Appetite bears sway over mind and conscience in this age. Gluttony, winebibbing, liquor drinking, tobacco using prevail; but Christ’s followers will be temperate in eating and drinking. They will not indulge appetite at the expense of health and spiritual growth. “They married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.” We see the same manifestation now in regard to marriage. Youth, and even men and women who ought to be wise and discerning, act as if bewitched upon this question. A Satanic power seems to take possession of them. The most indiscreet marriages are formed. God is not consulted. Human feelings, desires, and passions bear down everything before them, until the die is cast. Untold misery is the result of this state of things; and God is dishonored. The marriage?vow covers every kind of lustful abomination. Shall there not be a decided change in reference to this matter??{PH088 22.2}[43]
“Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot: they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.” There is need that we eat and drink; but when men allow the gratification of appetite to occupy their thoughts and time to the neglect of their eternal interests, it is a sin for which God will punish them; for they abuse their bodies, destroy health, unbalance the mind, and strengthen the animal propensities. Then they are led by Satan to do the very things that awaken the sword of justice against them. Christians are to seek those things that are above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. All the warnings given, all the appeals made, do not seem to alarm those who indulge perverted appetite. They go on in sinful indulgence, and their conscience is seared as with a hot iron. They will put their own interpretation on their sinful course, saying, “I have done no moral wrong.” Clear discernment is needed—the spiritual eyesalve, which we can obtain only by becoming partakers of the divine nature.?{PH088 23.1}[44]
Do those who claim to believe the Testimonies read and practise their teachings? All the light given in the living oracles and in the Testimonies, which all may read and apply, can condemn them in the day of God if they do not heed the instruction given.?{PH088 23.2}[45]
The new life from Christ must be implanted?in the heart. God calls for the highest development of the principles of godliness. Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, will be the rich clusters of fruit borne by the branches that are grafted into Christ, the parent stem. Wherever this fruit is manifest, the truth will possess power; its progress and growth will be extended.?{PH088 23.3}[46]
Brethren, the days of our probation are nearly ended. It is time to awake out of sleep. You are in a position of great responsibility. You need to watch unto prayer. Watch against habits of sin. Keep a watch over the tongue. Watch for opportunities to do good and bless others, ever looking to Jesus, growing in grace and a knowledge of the truth. If you want the higher life, you must live the higher life in the lower life of this world. We are working for time and for eternity. A well-built life is formed by living upon the plan of addition, laying up one grace after another, in good works, in faith, patience, temperance, benevolence, courage, self-denial. “Ye are God’s husbandry. Ye are God’s building.” Learning of Christ you will not be a jumble of opposites and inconsistencies, today sober and devout, tomorrow careless and frivolous.?{PH088 24.1}[47]
Christ has made every provision that your character may be harmonious through the grace given you. Then build it harmoniously. Let the structure rise stone on stone. Catch the rays of divine light from Jesus, and let them shine upon the pathway of others who are in darkness. All the universe of God is looking upon us with intense interest.?{PH088 24.2}[48]
---Ellen G. White[49]
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