关于文字布道会和我们传道士的特别证言
我在上次的异象中，蒙指示回顾现代真理事业的兴起和进展。我们最初在巴特尔克里克建立出版社时，支持圣工的人很少，我们的人一般都很贫穷。然而在要求帮助时，许多人都高尚地前来，藉着购买出版工作的股票来支持圣工。主很喜悦人们所表现的牺牲精神。{PH083 1.1}
从那时起已有二十六年过去了，本着上帝的天意安排，真理的亮光一直在各处照耀。开端很小，且需早期支持圣工的人做出极大的牺牲。每一步都不得不面对和克服极大的障碍。我们投资于出版社的弟兄们做了主原本希望他们做的工作。祂赐给他们钱财，就是为了用来推进祂的圣工。{PH083 1.2}
时间的流逝已带来了极大的改变。亮光已经增加并且广传。虽然渴求真理的人们一直在呼喊：“守望的啊，夜里如何?”但他们已经得到了聪明的回答：“早晨将到，黑夜也来”(赛21:11,12)。藉着充分研究预言，我们明白了自己在这世界的历史中所处的位置;我们也确定无疑地知道基督复临已近。这些研究的结果必须通过书刊传到世人面前。随着工作的扩展和增多，年年都需要更多的设施。已经取得了稳定的进展。这不受欢迎的真理之工竟如此的兴旺，对世人来说乃是一个惊奇的缘由。然而虽有增加了的亮光和证实了的真理，且在各方面都有推进圣工的更大的优势，但我们的行为却与我们的信仰不相称。{PH083 2.1}
既然弟兄们在我们的工作很小影响面很窄时购买我们出版社的股票是对的，现今在一项大得多的工作正在前进，相应地需要更多钱财的时候，这么做岂不更为重要吗?我们立场的证据正在年年增加。我们一直在领受最新的证据，证明我们拥有上帝的圣言所启示的真理，——我们接受第三位天使的信息并非听从虚言，而是“先知更确的预言”(彼后1:19)。我们现在是生活在圣经真理亮光充足的光辉中。{PH083 2.2}
主呼召祂的子民起来，用他们的行为表现他们的信心。过去我们人数少，那些有力量的人觉得有责任购买我们出版社的股票。他们的祈祷和施舍，他们坚持不懈、克已牺牲的果子如同馨香之气升到上帝面前。凡因我们的书刊而领受宝贵生命之粮的弟兄姐妹，应当比早年爱真理的人更加乐意奉献自己的钱财来支持圣工。{PH083 3.1}
弟兄们，你们若乐意投资在出版社，从而表现你们的关心，上帝就会赐福给你们。还没有买这些机构股票的人有权利把他们的钱财投资在这项善工上。我们需要你们的同情，祈祷和资财。我们需要你们诚心合作。我们希望一切因主感动而甘心乐意的人出来把他们的钱财投资于这些机构。我们难道不是把恩典的最后信息传给世人吗?圣经上是这么说的，万物的结局近了，所以警告要传遍地球的每个角落。{PH083 3.2}
我们的出版社已在世界上成为一种力量。已经发生了很大的变化。由于我们越来越多的设施使清晰的光照在黑暗中的人身上，现在了解和接受真理不像当初那么难了。那些最初领导这项工作的人成了恶人和恶天使联合攻击的目标。撒但以人为工具越来越明显地表现出敌意来。在另一方面，信徒人数虽少，却在热忱地高举受到忽视的上帝的律法，维护祂的尊荣，抵制撒但形形色色的毁灭性的错谬。{PH083 3.3}
撒但从起初就反对这项工作。他决心竭尽全力地制止和清除那些从事宣扬真光和真理的人。他已经取得了一定的成功。中伤和最激烈的反对令宣传宝贵真理的人灰心，从而要达到扑灭宝贵真理的目的。这个大仇敌运用形形色色邪恶的欺骗，千方百计把一些自命为基督徒者拉到他一边。那些内心随从肉体的人，本与大仇敌合拍而不与耶稣基督和谐，经过一段时间暴露本来面目之后，就会回到他们自己的一伙人中去。{PH083 4.1}
撒但控制着不少被视为真理朋友的人，并且藉着他们来反对真理的推进，利用他们在上帝的子民中间播撒稗子。这样，在人们还没有察觉到危险时，大恶已经在我们中间存在了。然而正当撒但在他们身上施行不义和欺骗的事时，忠心宣传真理的人却抵制了反对的浪潮，在异端邪说的洪涛中坚贞地持守真道。虽然有时教会会因各种灰心的事以及他们所遭遇的叛逆势力而削弱，真理却每经一次战斗，就照耀得更加明亮。上帝的子民不会精疲力尽。祂恩典的能力鼓舞、振奋和提高了坚定忠诚的人。{PH083 4.2}
古时的以色列人一再因反叛的爱抱怨的人而受苦。这些人不一定是没有什么影响力的人。在许多情况下，都是有名望的人，在以色列中作官长的人，转而反对上帝天意的带领，猛烈地开始拆毁他们曾经热心建造的。我们已见到这种事多次重现在我们的经验中。任何一个教会若依赖所喜爱的传道人，倚靠血肉的膀臂，都是不安全的。唯独上帝的膀臂才能支持凡倚靠它的人。{PH083 5.1}
在基督带着能力和大荣耀驾着天云显现以前，世人将刚愎自用，从真理转向虚言。教会将遭遇艰难时期，她将穿麻衣传道。但虽然她会遭遇异端和迫害，与不信和背道的人作战，可是靠着上帝的帮助，她正在打伤撒但的头。上帝的子民将如钢铁那样忠贞，像巨石那样坚强。他们要在世上作祂的见证，作祂的工具，在祂准备来的日子里作一番特别光荣的工作。{PH083 5.2}
福音的信息若不先打伤撒但的头，就不能引一个人归向基督，或进入一个人的心。什么时候若有一个俘虏逃出了他的手，摆脱了他的压迫，这个暴君就被打败了。出版社是上帝手中的工具，用来把宝贵的真理之光传给各国各方。这真光要传到异邦之地，不断地对迷信和各种骗人的邪说发动进攻。{PH083 6.1}
曾经十分热心真诚地传扬过真理的传道人，也许会倒向敌人的一边，但这就把上帝的真理变为虚谎了吗?使徒说：“然而上帝坚固的根基立住了”(提后2:19)。人的信念和感情可能会发生变化，可是上帝的真理决不会改变。第三位天使的信息是可靠的，决不会失败。{PH083 6.2}
若不联合起来反对自己、恶人和恶天使，就没有人能侍奉上帝。邪灵将紧逼那些寻求加入基督行列的人，因为撒但要夺回他的掠物。恶人将要信从大诱惑，从而注定了自己的丧亡。这些人将披上貌似真诚和欺骗外衣，若有可能，连选民也迷惑了。{PH083 6.3}
我们所拥有的真理像上帝的生命那样稳固。撒但尽其一切本领和阴间的势力，也不能把上帝的真理变为虚谎。虽然大仇敌要千方百计破坏上帝圣言的效果，可是真理仍然像明灯照耀。{PH083 7.1}
上帝把我们拣选出来接受祂奇妙的恩典。我们岂能爱上大仇敌的学说?我们岂能选择站在撒但和他使者的一边?我们岂能与干犯上帝律法的人同流?我们应当祈求说：“主啊，使我与那蛇为敌。”如果我们不与他黑暗的作为对抗，他的势力就会包围我们，他的毒刺在任何时候都会扎向我们的心。我们应当把他看作一个死敌。我们务要奉耶稣基督的名抵挡他。我们的工作要不断推进。我们必须寸土必争。所有归入基督名下的人都要披上公义的盔甲。{PH083 7.2}
弟兄姐妹们，为了我们的出版社，我呼吁你们购买这些机构的股票。你们没有什么可以担心的。把钱投放在能作出善工的地方，把真理的光线照在世界的黑暗之中，这项工作决不会失败。你们有权利和责任效法那些真理事业还只有少数人支持时就参加的弟兄。要购买出版社的股票，这样你会觉得自己在出版社里有份利益。许多人把钱投在属世的投机买卖上，因而损失了每一元钱。我们要你们通过投资于我们的出版工作而表现出慷慨的精神。这样对你们有好处。你们的钱不会损失掉，而会生利，使你们在天国的资本不断增加。基督为你们舍去了一切，你们拿什么给祂呢?祂要你的心，你就给祂，因这本是祂的。祂要你的智力，你就给祂，因为这是祂的。祂向你要钱，你也要给祂，因为这也是属祂的。“你们不是自己的人;因为你们是重价买来的”(林前6:19,20)。上帝要你和你的东西。让诗人的话来表达你的心情吧：“万物都从祢而来，我们把从祢而得的献给祢”(代上29:14)!{PH083 7.3}
时候已到，我们必须亲自知道信仰的缘由。我们必须支持上帝和真理，反对鲁莽不信的世代。曾经知道生命之路，却又转离自己心中的确信，去听从撒但诡辩的人，会比从未尝过基督之爱的人更加难以接近和受到感动。他会在行恶上聪明。他已把自己和撒但绑在一起，甚至反对亮光和知识了。我要对我的弟兄们说：你们唯一的指望是在上帝里面。我们若要抵挡流行的不敬虔，就必须披戴基督的义。我们必须用我们的行为表明我们的信心。惟愿我们为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，持定那永远的生命。我们必须劳碌工作，不是倚靠自己的力量，而是倚靠我们复活之主的力量。我们要为耶稣和胆敢为耶稣作些什么呢?{PH083 8.1}
我们的出版社是我们全体教会的财产。所有的人都应努力使它们摆脱困境。他们为了推销我们的书刊，把书价订得很低，以至只有一点利润归给出版社以重印这些书。这样做动机是很好的，但却缺乏经验和有远见的判断。{PH083 9.1}
书刊价格太低无法使出版社获得资金开展工作。这个问题人们还未充分认识，进行认真调查。价格太低会使人们低估作品的价值。我们没有充分认识到，一旦把书价订得太低，就很难把它们再提到公正的价格了。{PH083 9.2}
我们的传道人没有得到适当的鼓励。他们需要生活的费用。由于缺乏远见，我们的出版社把书刊价格定得太低，或把大部分利润归文字布道会，使这些事走到了极端，一定会产生严重后果。为了让文字布道会兴旺，出版社也必须兴旺。如果出版社瘫痪了，负上了债务，文字布道会也不会取得成功。{PH083 9.3}
有一种错误的经营方法，不是凭着精心计划，而是凭着一股热情推进传道工作。在分发和广泛销售报刊和小册子的过程中，出版这些书报的机构却遇到了重重困难。做任何善工若走了极端就有危险。负责人员正处在单向思维的危险中。他们把思想全部集中在工作的某一个部门，而疏忽了广大园地的其它部门。{PH083 10.1}
我们这班人需要处处提防。如果我们不天天寻求上帝的智慧，胆敢凭自己的力量行动，我们就没有一点安全。我们周围时常有危险。所以要十分小心，不要特别重视圣工的某一部门而让其它的部门受损。{PH083 10.2}
降低书价以解决某些困难的做法是错误的。要改变这种做法。提出这种做法的人是诚心的。他们以为自己的慷慨会促使传道人和教会工作，大大增加对书刊的需求。{PH083 10.3}
传道人和信徒应高尚大方地对待我们的出版社。他们不应想方设法如何以最低的价格获得期刊、小册子和书藉，而当设法让人们看到书刊的真正价值。从成千上万册书刊上扣留下来的钱会给我们出版社造成成千上万美元的损失，而每一个人多付几分钱对他们来说却是无所谓的。{PH083 10.4}
《评论与通讯》和《时兆》的定价是低廉的。《评论与通讯》是一份有价值的报刊，其中的材料对教会很有益处，应进入每一位信徒的家中。如果有人太穷买不起，教会就应该通过订阅，增加全额购买的数量，帮补穷困的家庭。这个计划要比把穷人交给出版社或文字布道会施舍好多了。{PH083 11.1}
《时兆》也可以这样做。这份刊物自从创刊以来作为一份先驱报刊，除了稍有波动之外，其利润和属灵价值都在不断提高。这两份刊物的利益是一致的。它们是一个大园地里的两个工具，在这个上帝准备的日子里各自做传光的特别工作。大家应当真诚相助，互相帮助。{PH083 11.2}
“耶和华的眼目看顾义人，祂的耳朵听他们的呼求”(诗34:15)。基督会帮助那些投奔祂求智慧和力量的人。如果他们怀着谦卑的心应付责任和试炼，依靠耶稣，祂大能的天使就会围绕他们，他们所信靠的主就会在一切危急情况下作他们充足的帮助。那些担任负责工作的人应当一天比一天更加认识基督的优美、信实和爱心。他们应当满有把握地说：“我知道我所信的是谁”(提后1:12)。他们应当亲如兄弟地工作，丝毫也不要有争竞的观念。每一个人都应尽自己的责任，深知上帝的眼目正在监察人的动机和宗旨，洞悉人内心最秘密的情绪。圣工本是一个。如果领导人不让自己的感情和见解进来主宰和改变主的计划，同一工作的两个部门就会有最完全的和谐。{PH083 11.3}
我们的人应作出更大的努力来扩大《评论与通讯》的销量。只要弟兄姐妹们表显出更大的热情，付出更坚决的努力，这项工作就会取得成功。如果他们肯舍弃自己所爱的奢侈品、茶和咖啡，许多现在没有订阅这份周刊的人就会花钱让光明的使者进入他们的家了。几乎每一个家庭都订阅一份或几份世俗的报纸，里面常常登载爱情故事和邪恶凶杀的刺激性小说，损害一切阅读之人的心灵。那些不订阅《评论与通讯》这一宝贵刊物的人蒙受很大的损失，基督藉着这份刊物向他们传达警告、责备和劝勉，来改变他们的思潮，成为他们的生命之粮。{PH083 12.1}
我们的报刊不应刊登冗长的讨论和教义争端，这只会令读者厌倦，而应登载短小有趣的有关教义和实际的文章。我们报刊的价格不应低得没有什么利润可用。表现在推销《时兆》杂志的同样的兴趣应表现在推销《评论与通讯》上，如果这样做了，就会取得成功。{PH083 13.1}
我们处在易受迷惑的境地。撒但正在不断工作来摇晃我们的百姓，使他们在世俗安全的摇篮里睡觉。有一种漠不关心，缺乏热情的态度使我们的工作瘫痪。耶稣是一位热心的工人，当祂的门徒依靠祂，像祂那样工作时，他们就会看到并取得相应的结果。要作出努力，对我们的书刊予以适当的重视，逐步将之放回到应有的基础之上。我们不可被投机卖买和赚钱的呼声所影响。我们必须坚决前进，不为非难所动摇，不被吹捧所败坏。回到应有的基础之上，这项工作比许多人想象的要难，可是为了使我们的机构摆脱困境，必须这样做。{PH083 13.2}
我们的弟兄应当提防，以免在计划和工作时墨守陈规。他们可以花时间和金钱预备准确的渠道。工作必须以这样的方式来做，否则就做不好。有一种过于专门化的危险。要小心避免在运输书籍和人员方面的过分开支。这会对圣工造成坏的影响。弟兄们，你们应当小心，节约，审慎地行事。有一项大工需要完成。我们的出版社正处在困难中。在巴特尔克里克的出版社有一些人忠心工作却得不到相应的报酬。这些人受到了亏待。他们做其它的工作可以赚到两倍于目前的工资，可是他们却坚守岗位，因为他觉得上帝的圣工需要他们的帮助。{PH083 14.1}
在上帝准备的日子里，有一项大工需要完成，就是制订和执行推进祂圣工的计划。我们的书刊应得到广泛的销行，因为它们正在做一项大工。有许多传道工作要做。可是我蒙指示这些工作有太刻板的危险，过于繁琐复杂以致成效要低于更加简单，直接、清楚、果断的方法。我们既没有时间也没资财让这部机器的全部零件都和谐地运行起来。{PH083 14.2}
负责制订计划、推进这部分工作的弟兄们务要记住，为了聪明地进行工作，一定的教育和训练是必要的，可是却有把这事看得太重的危险。为了在一切细节上得到充分的教育而把重要的原则置于一边，我们就变成干巴巴的形式化工人。因上帝恩典的运行而心甘情愿的人是适合做这项工作的。{PH083 15.1}
上帝要的是内心的工作。祂要接纳无私的宗旨，纯洁高尚的原则，高尚圣洁的动机。祂的恩典和能力将配合这些努力。凡认识到准备一班人迎接祂来临乃是上帝圣工的人，将在他们无私的工作中发现机会可以从事文字布道工作。可是人们把太多的光阴和钱财用在把事情办得面面具到，而疏忽了内心的工作，只剩下枯燥的形式。{PH083 15.2}
我坦率地告诉你，耶稣和祂恩典的能力正在受人忽视。结果，刻板的工作代替了内心和生活的虔诚、谦卑和圣洁。更加属灵、献身和谦卑的工人会发现自己没有立足之地，于是就退后了。年轻和没有经验的人只学到形式、刻板式地做他们的工作，却没有体验真正的爱，并为别人的灵命背负担子。在这严肃可畏，责任重大的日子，要少讲究固定的形式和刻板的工作，而多一点敬虔的力量。{PH083 15.3}
在天上是有秩序的，在地上也应有秩序和制度，使工作的推进不会带有混乱和狂热。我们的弟兄一直为这个目的而工作。可是一方面我们的传道士继续不断的为别人的生命背负重担，没法使人获得属灵的成就，一方面那些没有这种认识，没有背负基督的十字架，从髑髅地的角度体会生命价值的人，却在教导和教育别人从事刻板的工作。他们自己变得形式化，没有能力，没有把救主介绍给人。{PH083 16.1}
撒但在不断地工作，使侍奉上帝流于枯燥的形式，失去救人的能力。那种令一切都制度化的努力使工人们的能力、热忱和效能完全失去。为了保持这些复杂的机器运转，传道人必须进行繁累的工作，花掉这么多的时间，以致疏怱了属灵的工作。因为有这么多的工作要做，这项工作就需要大量资金，以致其它部门因缺乏适当的注意而枯萎死亡。{PH083 16.2}
真理无声的使者应当像秋天的树叶那样撒开。同时，我们的传道人不应使这项工作流于形式，而将献身和真敬虔置于一边。十个真诚悔改，甘心从事无私工作的人在传道园地里所要成就的工作要超过一百个流于形式，刻守陈规，工作时缺乏对人深爱的工人。{PH083 16.3}
决不可疏怱警醒的传道工作。这对救灵工作有很大的作用。上帝圣工的成功大大有赖于此。然而做这项工作的，应是属灵的人，他们的证书上应弥漫耶稣的光与爱，他们应体验到工作的担子。他们应当时刻祈祷，与上帝有密切联系。现在需要的是准备好了的心智、圣洁的意志和明智的判断。他们会向天上的教师学习最有效的救灵方法。他们会在基督的学校里学习功课。他们工作时会以单纯的眼睛仰望上帝的荣耀。{PH083 17.1}
没有经过这种教育，你们从老师那里学来有关规章制度的教训不论多充分，也只能使你在工作时处于初信的水平。你必须向基督学习。你应该为基督舍己。你必须挑祂的担子。你应该将你的颈项放在基督的轭下。你必须认识到你不是属于自己的，而是基督的仆人，作祂吩咐你做的工作，不是为了你所要获得的荣耀和称赞，而是为了祂。要把祂的恩典、慈爱、献身、热情、不息不倦的毅力和不屈不挠的精神，都带到你的工作中去，这会在今生和永恒发挥功效。{PH083 17.2}
文字布道是一项善工，这是上帝的工作，决不可以小看，可是不断存在偏离其真宗旨的危险。需要有书报员在传道园地作工。仪态笨拙粗俗的人不适合做这项工作。机智得体，谈吐文雅，眼光敏锐，有辨识力，且深感生灵价值的男女，才是能够成功地做这项工作的人。{PH083 18.1}
文字布道士的工作是高尚的，他若诚实，恳切，耐心，稳定地从事自己所承担的工作，就会成功。他的心必须在工作上。他必须早早起来，勤奋工作，正确地使用上帝所赐给他的才能。困难必须要对付。他若以不止息的恒心毅然面对重重困难，就能克服它们。通过礼貌可以多得助益。工人可以不断形成一种匀称的品格。伟大的品格是由小小的行动和努力形成的。{PH083 18.2}
有对我们的传道人鼓励不足的危险。我蒙指示看到有些蒙上帝呼召要做传道工作的人，作为文字布道士进入了园地。如果他们的目标是要散布亮光，将圣经真理直接带到人的家中，这便是极好的预备。在谈话之中，他们往往有机会讲论圣经的宗教。这种工作如果行之得当，就可以访问许多的家庭，工人们要带着对生灵的温柔爱心前去，并在言语和行为上带有基督恩典的芳香之气，结果就会成就极大的善工。这对于任何一个有志传道的人都是一种极好的经验。{PH083 18.3}
然而许多人被吸引进入文字布道园地，却推销不表明我们的信仰，也不使顾客得到亮光的书刊和图书。他们之所以这样做，是因为经济前景会比领有传道证书的人更加诱人。这种人不是在获得传福音工作的特殊训练，也不是在得着使他们配做此项工作的经验。他们不是在学习负起救灵的重任，也没有天天研究最有效的救人归向真理的方法。他们是徒耗光阴与机会而已。这些人往往远离圣灵的感动，却接受属世品格的印记，忘了自己欠为他们舍命之主多少债。他们用自己的能力谋取自私的利益，拒绝在主的葡萄园内作工。{PH083 19.1}
我感到惊恐，因为见到撒但在上帝要使用的人周围编织各种网罗，使他们转离传道的工作。若不更多鼓励人们善用自己的才干，志在成为基督的传道人，就肯定会缺乏作工的人。撒但坚持不懈地提出得财的前景和属世的利益，好占用人们的脑力体力，使他们不尽若要在上帝的事上有经验就必须要尽的本分。及至他见到人们要前进，献身于把真理教导给黑暗中之人的工作时，他就竭尽全力把他们在某件事上推到极端，好削弱他们的感化力，使他们丧失若经上帝之灵的平衡原会得到的优势。{PH083 19.2}
我蒙指示看到我们的传道人正因随便使用自己的发声器官而大大伤害自己。已经唤起他们注意这个重要的问题，上帝的灵也已经赐给了他们警告和指示。他们有本分学习最聪明地使用这些器官。声音这种上天的恩赐，是一种强大的为善才能，若是不被滥用，就会荣耀上帝。所必要做的一切就是学习和谨慎地遵从一些简单的规则。然而他们不但没有通过运用一点常识训练自己，照着他们对演讲艺术的最佳认识身体力行来做他们原可以做的，反而聘请了演讲术的专家。{PH083 20.1}
结果，许多觉得上帝在教导别人真理上有一项工作要他们去做的人，却变得对演讲术如痴如狂了。某些人所需要的就是把这种试探摆在他们面前。他们的兴趣为新奇的事物所吸引，年轻人和一些传道人就因这种兴奋忘乎所以了。他们离开了工作的园地——主葡萄园中的一切都被忽略了——付上自己的金钱和宝贵的光阴去演讲术的学校上学。及至他们受了这种训练出来，献身和宗教都离开了他们，对生灵的负担也卸下了，就像一件衣服被撇在一边。他们接受了撒但的建议，而他就把他们带到他所选择的地方去了。{PH083 20.2}
有些人做起演讲术的教师来，其实他们既没有判断力也没有能力，他们使自己令公众讨厌，因为他们没有适当地使用所获得的知识。他们的表演缺乏尊严或良好的判断力;而这些充分发挥自己的人至少就认识他们的人来说是自闭了门户，将来不会有任何感化力可以做把真理的信息传给世界的人了。{PH083 21.1}
这是撒但的诡计。知道如何演讲原是好的;但花时间和金钱在这一个方面，在这事上占用心思，就是冲向极端而且显出极大的软弱了。{PH083 21.2}
自称守安息日的年轻人给自己加上“教授”的头衔，并且用他们所不明白的东西伤害会众。许多人就这样滥用了上帝看为合适赐给他们的亮光。他们的心智不平衡。演讲术已经成了一个笑柄。它已吸引一些人参加他们所不能聪明从事的工作，使他们无法去做他们本来会取得辉煌成果的另一项工作，只要他们以敬畏上帝的心谦卑地寻求去完成它。这些青年人本来可以担任书报员，而在传道园地发挥作用，或担任义工为现在和永远而做传道工作。可是他们却沉湎于当演讲术教师的念头。撒但站在旁边发笑，因为他们已落入他所布置的网罗中。{PH083 21.3}
上帝的仆人应该始终团结一致。他们应当压制和控制强硬的品性，日复一日仔细思考他们正在建造之生命结构的性质。他们在日常的生活中是基督化绅士吗?在他们的生活中能够见到高尚正直的行为吗?这种行为会使他们所建造的品格矗立为上帝美好的殿。正如一块劣质的木材会使一艘船沉没，一个裂纹会使整条链无用，照样，在言语或行为上显出的一个败坏的品性也会留下其向恶的影响，若不予以克服，就会败坏每一种美德。{PH083 22.1}
人身上的每一项才能都是一个工匠，正在为今生和来生而建造。这建筑正在日复一日地建造起来，虽然业主并不知道。这建筑必定矗立，要么因它的残缺丑陋而成为一个警告的灯塔，要么成为一座上帝和天使会因它与那神圣的模范和谐一致而予以赞美的建筑。上帝赐给我们的心智和道德的能力并不构成品格。它们是才干，我们要予以使用，若是使用得当，就会形成正确的品格。一个人手中可能有宝贵的种子，但那种子并不是果园。种子在成为树之前必须先种下去。心智乃是园子，品格才是果子。上帝已赐给我们才能去培养和发展。我们自己的行为决定我们的品格。我们在训练这些能力以便他们协力形成有价值的品格上，有一项只有我们自己才能做的工作。{PH083 22.2}
那些具有尖刻粗野的品格特性的人，若不藉着训练压制和根除本性中一切的苦毒，就在上帝面前有罪。屈服于急躁不耐烦的人，是在侍奉撒但。“你们献上自己作奴仆，顺从谁，就作谁的奴仆”(罗6:16)。好品格在上帝看来比俄斐的纯金更宝贵。上帝希望人们为今生和来生行事。我们遗传了好的东西和坏的东西，可以藉着培养使坏的更坏或好的更好。我们是像犹大那样，让坏的占了优势呢，还是把那恶的清除出我们的心灵并让好的作主呢?{PH083 23.1}
应当永远怀存原则、正义与诚实。若心怀权术，诚实就不在心里了。这两者永不相合;一个是出自巴力，一个是出自上帝。上帝要求祂仆人的动机和行为光明正大。一切贪欲和贪财的心都须克服。凡选择以诚实为伴的人，就必在自己的一切行为上将它具体表现出来。这等人对大多数人来说，是不讨人喜欢的，但在上帝看来，他们却是美好的。{PH083 23.2}
撒但到处在插手工作。他要使最好的朋友分开。有些人不断地闲聊作假见证，撒布不和的种子，挑起争端。上天把这等人看作撒但最有效的仆人。可是受到伤害的人，所处的危险远远比不上他因表面上取得的一点成功而受到夸奖赞扬那么大。表面友善的夸奖比责备更加危险。{PH083 24.1}
每一个称赞自己的人，都抹掉了他最佳努力的光彩。真正高贵的人不会屈尊对仇敌的诬告显示愤怒。每一句诬告的话都不会带来损害，反而只能加强其所无力推翻的那一个。主甚愿祂的子民与祂有亲密的联合;祂是有忍耐和仁爱的上帝。人人都当在自己的生活上表扬基督的爱。但愿无人胆敢轻视他人的名誉或地位;如此行便是自负自大，自我中心，是在说：“我比你好多了，比你能干多了，所以上帝偏爱我。你不怎么重要。”{PH083 24.2}
居于负责地位的传道人，是上帝所接纳的。不论他们是何出身，不拘他们以前有何地位，农夫也好，木匠也好，或是大学里训练出来的也好;只要蒙了上帝的接纳，我们每个人就该谨慎，不可丝毫非难他们。切不可说贬抑任何人的话;因为在主眼中，他也许为大，同时，自觉为大的人，也许因为心中的执拗，而被上帝看轻。我们唯一的安全保障就是俯伏在十字架的脚下，小看自己，信靠上帝，因为唯有祂有能力使我们为大。{PH083 24.3}
我们的传道人有把所做的工作归功于自己的危险。他们以为上帝偏爱他们，变得独立而又自满;于是主就将他们交给撒但去击打。为了把上帝的工作做得可蒙悦纳，我们必须拥有温柔的精神，谦卑的心，各人看别人比自己强。这是很要紧的。如今人人都需要有判断力有才干。每一个人的工作都足够重要，要做得慎重而忠诚。一个人不可能做所有人的工作。各人都有其各自的位置和特殊的工作，各人也当认识到自己从事工作的方式必须经得起审判的考验。{PH083 25.1}
我们面前的工作是重要而广泛的。上帝的日子正在加速来到，在主的伟大园地中工作的所有工人应当力求完全，毫无缺欠，在恩赐上没有一样不及人的，等候人子在天云中显现。不可枉费一刻宝贵的光阴，叫人来迎合我们个人的思想和意见。上帝要教练参加这大工的人彼此合作，以发挥最高的信心，培养和谐的品格。{PH083 25.2}
人各有不同的恩赐，在某方面的工作上，有些人比别人更适合。某人所做不到或办不了的事，他的传道同工也许有能力作成。每一个人在其岗位的工作，都是重要的。一个人的心思，不应控制别人的心思。若是有人突出自己，以为无人可以影响他，又自认有见地，有能力，足以领会各部门的工作，这人就必失去上帝的恩典。{PH083 26.1}
我丈夫的经验和素养若能靠基督的恩典成圣，就是颇有价值的。他若愿意效法那模范，上帝就会使他的工作全蒙悦纳。然而他若不使他的意愿和意念受基督的灵控制，上帝就不能使用他。他的努力和工作就会在自我里行出来，他对圣工那么有价值的经验，就会如此与他自己的方式和他自己的话语混在一起，以致上帝不会悦纳。{PH083 26.2}
上帝愿意让赫斯格长老，巴特勒长老，惠特尼长老和怀特长老靠近祂的身边，看见并发展耶稣基督引人入胜的优美可爱。这些人可能拥有宝贵的品质、悟性和才能，但基督若不充满心灵，并显示在品格中，这一切的素养就不会比该隐的祭物更蒙悦纳。它们就会缺少香气。该隐的祭物本身是好的，但其中没有救主。{PH083 26.3}
PH083 - Special Testimony Relative to Tract and Missionary Societies and Our Preachers
In my last vision I was pointed back to the rise and progress of the cause of present truth. When our publishing house at Battle Creek was first established, the friends of the cause were few, and our people generally were poor. But when calls for help were made, many came nobly forward, and aided the cause by taking stock in the publishing work. The Lord was well pleased with the spirit of sacrifice manifested.?{PH083 1.1}[1]
Twenty-six years have passed since then, and in the providence of God the light of truth has been shining everywhere. The beginning was small, and it was necessary that great sacrifices should be made by the early friends of the cause. At every step, great obstacles had to be met and overcome. Our brethren who invested their means in our house of publication were doing the very work which the Lord would have them do. He had given them means to be used for the very purpose of advancing his cause.?{PH083 1.2}[2]
The lapse of time has brought great changes. Light has increased, and has become widespread. While the people who are anxious for truth have been calling, “Watchman, what of the night?” the answer has been given intelligently, “The morning cometh, and also the night.” By a thorough investigation of the prophecies we understand where we are in this world’s history; and we know for a certainty that the second coming of Christ is near. The result of these investigations must be brought before the world through the press. And as the work has enlarged and increased, greater facilities have been demanded from year to year. Improvements have gone steadily forward. It has been a cause of wonder to the world that with this unpopular truth, such prosperity should attend the work. But with increased light and confirmed truth and greater advantages in every way for the advancement of the cause, our works do not comprehend with our faith.?{PH083 2.1}[3]
If it was right for brethren to take stock in our publishing house when our work was small and our influence narrow, is it not of more consequence today, when a much larger work is going forward, and a corresponding increase of means is needed? The evidences of our position have been increasing with every year. We have been receiving fresh assurance that we have the truth as revealed in the word of God,—that in accepting the third angel’s message we have not given heed to fables, but to the “sure word of prophecy.” We are now?living in the full blaze of the light of Bible truth.?{PH083 2.2}[4]
The Lord calls upon his people to arouse, and to show their faith by their works. In times past, when our numbers were few, when those who were able felt it their duty to take stock in our publishing house, their prayers and their alms, the fruit of persevering, self-denying efforts, came before God as a sweet savor. Our brethren and sisters who have received the precious bread of life, brought to them in our publications, should be even more willing to give of their means to support the cause than were those who loved the truth in former years.?{PH083 3.1}[5]
Brethren, God would bless you in showing your interest in our houses of publication by making them your property. Those who own no stock in these institutions have the privilege of investing their means in this good work. We need your sympathy, your prayers, and your means. We need your hearty co-operation. We hope that all whose hearts the Lord shall make willing, will come forward with their means to invest in these institutions. Is it indeed true that we have the last message of mercy to be given to the world? Is it true that our work will soon close? Thus saith the word of God. The end of all things is at hand. Then the warning should be sent to all parts of the earth.?{PH083 3.2}[6]
Our houses of publication have become a power in the world. A great change has taken place. With our increased facilities to?make the clear light shine forth to those who are in darkness, it is not now as hard as it once was to see and accept the truth. Those who first led out in the work were objects of the combined assaults of evil men and evil angels. The enmity of Satan, working through men as his instruments, was strikingly developed. On the other hand, the believers, though few in number, were earnest and zealous to vindicate the honor of God in exalting his law, which had been made void, and to press back the workings of Satan revealed in every form of destructive error.?{PH083 3.3}[7]
From the first, Satan has set himself against this work. He was determined to bring all his power to bear to silence and sweep from the earth those who were laboring for the advancement of light and truth. He has ever had a measure of success. Calumny and the fiercest opposition have been brought to bear to crush out the precious truth by discouraging its advocates. The great adversary has employed his hellish deceptions in various ways, and every effort made has brought to his side one or more of the professed followers of Christ. Those whose hearts are carnal, who are more in harmony with the arch deceiver than with Jesus Christ, have after a time developed their true character, and have gone to their own company.?{PH083 4.1}[8]
Satan holds under his control not a few who pass as friends of the truth, and through them he works against its advancement. He employs them to sow tares among?the people of God. Thus when danger was not suspected, great evils have existed among us. But while Satan was working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, staunch advocates of truth have stemmed the tide of opposition, and held the word uncorrupted amid a deluge of heresies. Although the church has at times been weakened through manifold discouragements and the rebellious element they have had to meet, still the truth has shone brighter with every conflict. The energies of God’s people have not been exhausted. The power of his grace has quickened, revived, and ennobled the steadfast and the true.?{PH083 4.2}[9]
Again and again was ancient Israel afflicted with rebellious murmurers. These were not always persons of feeble influence. In many cases, men of renown, rulers in Israel, turned against the providential leadings of God, and fiercely set to work to tear down that which they had once zealously built up. We have seen something of this repeated many times in our experience. It is unsafe for any church to lean upon some favorite minister, to trust in any arm of flesh. God’s arm alone is able to uphold all who lean upon it.?{PH083 5.1}[10]
Until Christ shall appear in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory, men will become perverse in spirit, and turn from the truth to fables. The church will yet see troublous times. She will prophesy in sackcloth. But although she must meet heresies and persecutions, although she must battle?with the infidel and the apostate, yet by the help of God she is bruising the head of Satan. The Lord will have a people as true as steel, and with faith as firm as the granite rock. They are to be his witnesses in the world, his instrumentalities to do a special, a glorious work in the day of his preparation.?{PH083 5.2}[11]
The gospel message does not win a single soul to Christ, or make its way to a single heart, without wounding the head of Satan. Whenever a captive has been wrenched from his grasp, delivered from his oppression, the tyrant is defeated. The publishing houses, the presses, are instrumentalities in God’s hand to send out to every tongue and nation the precious light of truth. This light is reaching even to heathen lands, and is constantly making inroads upon superstition and every conceivable error.?{PH083 6.1}[12]
Ministers who have preached the truth with all zeal and earnestness may apostatize, and join the ranks of our enemies; but does this turn the truth of God into a lie? “Nevertheless,” says the apostle, “the foundation of God standeth sure.” The faith and feelings of men may change; but the truth of God, never. The third angel’s message is sounding; it is infallible.?{PH083 6.2}[13]
No man can serve God without uniting against himself, evil men and evil angels. Evil spirits will be put upon the track of every soul that seeks to join the ranks of Christ; for Satan wishes to recover the prey taken from his grasp. Evil men will give themselves over?to believe strong delusions, that they may be damned. These men will put on the garments of sincerity, and deceive, if possible, the very elect.?{PH083 6.3}[14]
It is as certain that we have the truth, as that God lives; and Satan, with all his arts and hellish power, cannot change the truth of God into a lie. While the great adversary will try his utmost to make of none effect the word of God, truth must go forth as a lamp that burneth.?{PH083 7.1}[15]
The Lord has singled us out, and made us subjects of his marvelous mercy. Shall we be charmed with the pratings of the apostate? Shall we choose to take our stand with Satan and his host? Shall we join with the transgressors of God’s law? Rather let it be our prayer, Lord, put enmity between me and the serpent. If we are not at enmity with his works of darkness, his powerful folds encircle us, and his sting is ready at any moment to be driven to our hearts. We should count him a deadly foe. We should oppose him in the name of Jesus Christ. Our work is still onward. We must battle every inch of ground. Let all who name the name of Christ clothe themselves with the armor of righteousness.?{PH083 7.2}[16]
Brethren and sisters, in behalf of our houses of publications we call upon you to take stock in these institutions. You have nothing to fear; invest your means where it will be doing good, scatter rays of light to the darkest parts of the world. There is no such thing?as failure in this work. It is your privilege and duty to do now as your brethren have done when there were but few friends of the cause of truth. Take stock in our houses of publications, that you may feel that you have an interest in them. Many invest their money in worldly speculations, and in doing this, are robbed of every dollar. We ask you to show your liberality in making investments in our publishing work. It will do you good. Your money will not be lost, but will be placed at interest, to increase your capital stock in Heaven. Christ has given all for you; what will you give for him? He asks your heart; give it to him; it is his own. He asks your intellect; give it to him; it is his own. He asks your money; give it to him; it is his own. “Ye are not your own; ye are bought with a price.” God wants you and yours. Let the words of the royal psalmist express the sentiment of your hearts: “All things come of Thee, and of thine own have we given thee.”?{PH083 7.3}[17]
The time has come when we must know for ourselves why we believe as we do. We must stand for God and for the truth, against a reckless, unbelieving generation. The man who has once known the way of life, and has turned from the convictions of his own heart to the sophistry of Satan, will be more inaccessible and more unimpressible than he who has never tasted the love of Christ. He will be wise to do evil. He has bound himself to Satan, even against light and knowledge. I say to my brethren, Your only hope is in God.?We must be clothed with Christ’s righteousness, if we would withstand the prevailing impiety. We must show our faith by our works. Let us lay up for ourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that we may lay hold on eternal life. We must labor, not in our own strength, but in the strength of our risen Lord. What will we do and dare for Jesus??{PH083 8.1}[18]
Our houses of publication are the property of all our people, and all should work to the point of raising them above embarrassment. In order to circulate our publications, they have been offered at so low a figure that but little profit could come to the Office to reproduce the same works. This has been done with the best of motives, but not with experienced and far-seeing judgment.?{PH083 9.1}[19]
At the low prices of publications, the Office could not preserve a capital upon which to work. This was not fully seen and critically investigated. These low prices led people to undervalue the works, and it was not fully discerned that when once these publications were placed at a low figure it would be very difficult to bring them up to their proper value.?{PH083 9.2}[20]
Our ministers have not had suitable encouragement. They must have means, in order to live. There has been a sad lack of foresight in making the low prices upon our publications, and still another in turning the profits largely into the tract and missionary societies. These matters have been carried to extremes, and there will be a reaction. In order for the tract and missionary societies to flourish, the instrumentalities?to make and print books must flourish. Cripple these instrumentalities, burden the publishing houses with embarrassment and debt, and the tract and missionary societies will not prove a success.?{PH083 9.3}[21]
There has been wrong management, not designedly, but in zeal and ardor to carry forward the missionary work. In the distribution and wide circulation of papers, tracts, and pamphlets, the instrumentalities to produce these publications have been crippled and embarrassed. There is ever danger of carrying any good work to extremes. Responsible men are in danger of becoming one-idea men, of concentrating their thoughts upon one branch of the work, to the neglect of other parts of the great field.?{PH083 10.1}[22]
As a people we need to be guarded on every point. There is not the least safety for any, unless we seek wisdom of God daily, and dare not move in our own strength. Danger is always surrounding us, and great caution should be used that no one branch of the work be made a specialty, while other interests are left to suffer.?{PH083 10.2}[23]
Mistakes have been made in putting down prices of publications to meet certain difficulties. These efforts must change. Those who made this move were sincere. They thought their liberality would provoke ministers and people to labor to greatly increase the demand for the publications.?{PH083 10.3}[24]
Ministers and people should act nobly and liberally in dealing with our publishing houses. Instead of studying and contriving?how they can obtain periodicals, tracts, and books at the lowest figure, they should seek to bring the minds of the people to see the true value of the publications. All these pennies taken from thousands of publications have caused a loss of thousands of dollars to the Office, when to each individual a few pennies more would scarcely have been felt.?{PH083 10.4}[25]
The?Review and Herald?and the?Signs of the Times?are cheap papers, at the full price. The?Review?is a valuable paper; it contains matters of great interest to the church, and should be placed in every family of believers. If any are too poor to take it, the church should, by subscription, raise the amount of the full price of the paper, and supply the destitute families. How much better would be this plan than throwing the poor upon the mercies of the publishing house or the tract and missionary society.?{PH083 11.1}[26]
The same course should be pursued toward the?Signs. With slight variations, this paper has been increasing in interest and in moral worth as a pioneer sheet since its first establishment. These periodicals are one in interest. They are two instrumentalities in the great field to do their specific work in disseminating light in this day of God’s preparation. All should engage just as earnestly to build up the one as the other.?{PH083 11.2}[27]
“The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.” Christ will succor those who flee to him for wisdom and strength. If they meet duty?and trial with humility of soul, depending upon Jesus, his mighty angel will be round about them, and He whom they have trusted will prove an all-sufficient helper to them in every emergency. Those who occupy responsible positions should daily become more intimately acquainted with the excellency, the faithfulness, and the love of Christ. They should be able to exclaim with assurance, “I know whom I have believed.” These men should work as brethren, without one feeling of strife. Each should do his duty, knowing that the eye of God is searching motives and purposes, and reading the inmost feelings of the soul. The work is one. And if leading men do not let their own mind and their own feelings and ideas come in to rule and change the Lord’s design, there will be the most perfect harmony between these two branches of the same work.?{PH083 11.3}[28]
Our people should make greater efforts to extend the circulation of the?Review. If our brethren and sisters would only manifest greater earnestness and put forth more persevering efforts to accomplish this, it would be done. Every family should have this paper. And if they would deny themselves their darling luxuries, tea and coffee, many who do not now have its weekly visits might take the money spent for these hurtful stimulants and pay for the messenger of light to come into their household. Almost every family takes one or more secular papers, and these frequently contain love stories and exciting tales?of villainy and murder which injure the mind of all who read them. Those who consent to do without this precious weekly visitor, lose much. Through its pages, Christ may speak to them in warnings, in reproofs and counsel, which would change the current of their thoughts, and be to them as the bread of life.?{PH083 12.1}[29]
Our papers should not be filled with long discussions or long doctrinal arguments, which would weary the reader; but they should contain short and interesting doctrinal and practical articles. The price of our papers should not be made so low that no margin is left to work upon. The same interest which has been manifested to circulate the?Signs of the Times?should be shown in extending the circulation of the?Review. If this is done, success will attend the effort.?{PH083 13.1}[30]
We are upon the enchanted ground, and Satan is continually at work to rock our people to sleep in the cradle of carnal security. There is an indifference, a lack of zeal, that paralyzes all our efforts. Jesus was a zealous worker, and when his followers shall lean on him, and work as he worked, they will see and realize corresponding results. An effort must be made to place a proper value on our publications, and bring them back gradually to a proper basis. We should not be affected by the cry of speculation, money-making! We should press steadily forward, unmoved by censure, uncorrupted by applause. It will be a greater task to work back upon a proper basis than many?suppose; but it must be done, in order to save our institutions from embarrassment.?{PH083 13.2}[31]
Our brethren should be guarded, lest they become stereotyped in their plans and labors. They may spend time and money in preparing an exact channel, that the work must be done in just such a way or it is not done right. There is danger of being too particular. There should be greater care to avoid expenses in transporting books and persons. The influence is bad upon the cause of God. Brethren, you should move cautiously, economically, and judiciously. A great work is to be done, and our Offices are embarrassed. There are men who work faithfully in the Office at Battle Creek, who do not receive an equivalent for their labor. Justice is not done these men. In other work they could earn double the amount received here; but they conscientiously keep to their business, because they feel that God’s cause needs their help.?{PH083 14.1}[32]
There is a great work to be done in the day of God’s preparation, in planning and executing for the advancement of the cause of God. Our publications should have a wide circulation; for they are doing a great work. There is much missionary work to be done. But I have been shown that there is danger of having this work too mechanical, so intricate and complicated that less will be accomplished than if it were more simple, direct, plain, and decided. We have neither time nor means to keep all parts of this machinery in harmonious action.?{PH083 14.2}[33]
Our brethren who bear responsibilities in devising plans for carrying forward this part of the work, must keep in mind that while a certain amount of education and training is essential in order to work intelligently, there is danger of making this too great a matter. By obtaining a most thorough education in all the minutiae, and leaving vital principles out of the question, we become dry and formal workers. The hearts that God has made willing by the operations of his grace, are fitted for the work.?{PH083 15.1}[34]
God wants heart-work. The unselfish purpose, the pure, elevated principle, the high and holy motive, God will accept. His grace and power will work with these efforts. All who realize that it is the work of God to prepare a people for his coming, will find in their disinterested efforts opportunities where they can do tract and missionary labor. But there may be too much means expended and too much time occupied in making matters so fine and so minute that the heart-work is neglected, and a dry form preserved.?{PH083 15.2}[35]
I tell you frankly that Jesus and the power of his grace are being left out of the question. Results will show that the mechanical working has taken the place of piety, humility, and holiness of heart and life. The more spiritual, devoted, and humble workers find no place where they can take hold, and therefore they stand back. The young and inexperienced learn the form, and do their work mechanically; but true love and the burden for souls is not felt. Less dwelling upon set forms, less?of the mechanical, and more of the power of godliness, is essential in this solemn, fearful day of responsibilities.?{PH083 15.3}[36]
There is order in Heaven; and there should be system and order upon the earth, that the work may move forward without confusion and fanaticism. Our brethren have been working to this end; but while some of our ministers continually bear the burden of souls, and ever seek to bring the people up in spiritual attainments, those who are not so conscientious, and who have not carried the cross of Christ nor felt the value of souls as reflected from Calvary, will, in teaching and educating others in the mechanical working, become formal and powerless themselves, and bring no Saviour to the people.?{PH083 16.1}[37]
Satan is ever working to have the service of God degenerate into dry form, and become powerless in saving souls. While the energy, earnestness, and efficiency to the workers become deadened by the efforts of have everything so systematic, the taxing labor that must be done by our ministers to keep this complicated machinery in motion, engrosses so much time that the spiritual work is neglected. With so many things to run, this work takes much time, and requires so large an amount of means that other branches of the work will wither and die for want of due attention.?{PH083 16.2}[38]
While the silent messengers of truth should be scattered like the leaves of autumn, our ministers should not make this work a form, and leave devotion and true piety out of the question.?Ten truly converted, willing-minded, unselfish workers can do more in the missionary field than one hundred who confine their efforts to set forms, and preserve mechanical rules, working without deep love for souls.?{PH083 16.3}[39]
Vigilant missionary work must in no case be neglected. It has done much for the salvation of souls. The success of God’s work depends very much upon this; but those who do this work are to be those who are spiritual, whose letters will breathe the light and love of Jesus, and who feel the burden of the work. They should be men and women who can pray, who have a close connection with God. The ready mind, the sanctified will and sound judgment, are needed. These will have learned of the heavenly Teacher the most successful manner of appealing to souls. These will have learned their lessons in the school of Christ. They will do their work with an eye single to the glory of God.?{PH083 17.1}[40]
Without this education, all the teachings received from your instructors in regard to forms and rules, however thorough the lessons may be, will leave you still novices in the work. You must learn of Christ. You should deny self for Christ. You must carry the burden of Christ. You should put your neck under the yoke of Christ. You must feel that you are not your own, but servants of Christ, doing a work that he has enjoined upon you, not for any praise or honor or glory that you shall receive, but for his own sake. Into all your work you should weave his grace, his love, his?devotion, his zeal, his untiring perseverance, his indomitable energy, that will tell for time and for eternity.?{PH083 17.2}[41]
The tract and missionary work is a good work. It is God’s work. It should be in no way belittled; but there is continual danger of perverting it from its true object. Canvassers are wanted to labor in the missionary field. Persons of uncouth manners, would not be fitted for this work. Men and women who possess tact, good address, keen foresight, discriminating minds, and who feel the value of souls, are the ones who can be successful.?{PH083 18.1}[42]
The work of the colporter is elevated, and will prove a success, if he is honest, earnest, and patient, steadily pursuing the work he has undertaken. His heart must be in the work. He must rise early, and work industriously, putting to proper use the faculties God has given him. Difficulties must be met. If confronted with unceasing perseverance, they will be overcome. Much is gained by courtesy. The worker may continually be forming a symmetrical character. Great characters are made by little acts and efforts.?{PH083 18.2}[43]
There is danger of not giving sufficient encouragement to our ministers. I was shown some men whom God was calling to the work of the ministry, entering the field as canvassers. This is an excellent preparation, if their object is to disseminate light, to bring the truth revealed in God’s word directly to the home circle. In conversation, the way will frequently be opened to speak of the religion of the?Bible. If the work is taken hold of as it should be, families will be visited, the workers will carry with them tender hearts and love for souls, and will bear, in words and deportment, the sweet fragrance of the grace of Christ, and great good will be the result. This would be an excellent experience for any who have the ministry in view.?{PH083 18.3}[44]
Many are attracted into the canvassing field to sell pictures and books that do not express our faith, and do not give light to the purchaser. They are induced to do this because the financial prospects are more flattering than can be offered them as licentiates. These persons are obtaining no special fitness for the gospel ministry. They are not gaining that experience which would fit them for the work. They are losing time and opportunity by this kind of labor. They are not learning to bear the burden of souls, and daily obtaining a knowledge of the most successful way of winning people to the truth. These men are frequently turned aside from the convictions of the Spirit of God, and receive a worldly stamp of character, forgetting how much they owe to the Lord, who gave his life for them. They use their powers for their own selfish interests, and refuse to labor in the vineyard of the Lord.?{PH083 19.1}[45]
I was alarmed as I saw the various nets of Satan woven about men whom God would use, diverting them from the work of the ministry. There will surely be a dearth of laborers, unless there is more encouragement given men to improve their ability with the purpose of?becoming ministers of Christ. Satan is constantly and perseveringly presenting financial gain and worldly advantages to engage the minds and powers of men, and keep them from doing the duties essential to give them an experience in the things of God. And when he sees that men will move forward, giving themselves to the work of teaching the truth to those who are in darkness, he will do his utmost to push them to extremes in something that will weaken their influence and cause them to lose the advantage they would gain, were they balanced by the Spirit of God.?{PH083 19.2}[46]
I was shown that our ministers were doing themselves great injury by carelessness in the use of their vocal organs. Their attention was called to this important matter, and cautions and instructions were given them, by the Spirit of God. It was their duty to learn the wisest manner of using these organs. The voice, this gift of Heaven, is a powerful faculty for good, and if not perverted, would glorify God. All that was essential was to study and conscientiously follow a few simple rules. But instead of educating themselves under the discipline of self-control, and doing what they might have done by exercising a little common sense and practicing according to their best knowledge of the art of speaking, they employed a professor of elocution.?{PH083 20.1}[47]
As a result, many who were feeling that God had a work for them to do in teaching the truth to others, have become infatuated and crazed with elocutions. All that certain ones?needed was this temptation opened before them. Their interest was attracted by the novelty, and young men and some ministers were carried away with this excitement. They left their fields of labor—everything in the vineyard of the Lord was neglected—and paid their money and gave their precious time to attend a school of elocution. When they came from this drill, devotion and religion had parted company with them, and the burden of souls was laid off, as they would lay aside a garment. They had accepted Satan’s suggestion, and he had led them where he chose.?{PH083 20.2}[48]
Some set themselves up as teachers of elocution, who had neither discretion nor ability, and made themselves disgusting to the public, for they did not properly use what knowledge they had gained. Their performances were void of dignity or good sense; and these exploits on their part closed the door, as far as they are known, to any influence they may have in future as men to carry the message of truth to the world.?{PH083 21.1}[49]
This was Satan’s device. It was well to have knowledge of how to speak, but to give time and money to this one branch, and absorb the mind with it, was rushing into extremes and showing great weakness.?{PH083 21.2}[50]
Young men professing to be Sabbath-keepers attach professors to their name, and abuse the community with that which they do not understand. Many men will thus abuse the light God has seen fit to give them. They have not well-balanced minds. Elocution has become a?by-word. It has caught up men to engage in a work that they cannot do wisely, and spoiled them for doing a work which, if they had been humbly and modestly seeking to accomplish in the fear of God, they would have made a glorious success. These youth might have been fitting for usefulness in the missionary field as canvassers and colporteurs, or as licentiates proving themselves for ministerial labor, doing work for time and for eternity. But they have been crazed with the thought of becoming teachers of elocution, and Satan stands and laughs that he has caught them in the net which he had laid for them.?{PH083 21.3}[51]
God’s servants should ever be united. They should repress and control strong traits of character, and day by day they should carefully reflect upon the nature of the life structure they are building. Are they Christian gentlemen in their daily lives? Are there seen in their lives noble, upright deeds, which will make their building of character stand forth as a fair temple of God? As one poor timber will sink a ship, and one flaw make a chain worthless, so one demoralizing trait of character revealed in words or actions will leave its influence for evil; and if not overcome, will subvert every virtue.?{PH083 22.1}[52]
Every faculty in man is a workman, that is building for time and for eternity. Day by day the structure is going up, although the possessor is not aware of it. It is a building which must stand either as a beacon of warning because of its deformity, or as a structure?which God and angels will admire for its harmony with the divine Model. The mental and moral powers which God has given us do not consider character. They are talents, which we are to improve, and which if properly improved will form a right character. A man may have precious seed in his hand, but that seed is not an orchard. The seed must be planted, before it can become a tree. The mind is the garden; the character is the fruit. God has given us our faculties to cultivate and develop. Our own course determines our character. In training these powers so that they shall harmonize and form a valuable character, we have a work which no one but ourselves can do.?{PH083 22.2}[53]
Those who have sharp, rough traits of character are guilty before God if they do not, by training, repress and root out all the bitterness of their nature. The man who yields to impatience is serving Satan. “To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey.” A good character is more precious in God’s sight than the gold of Ophir. The Lord would have men act for time and for eternity. We have received good and bad as a legacy, and by cultivation we may make the bad worse, or the good better. Shall the bad gain the ascendancy, as with Judas, or shall the evils be purged from our souls, and the good predominate??{PH083 23.1}[54]
Principle, right, honesty, should ever be cherished. Honesty will not tarry where policy is harbored. They will never agree; one is of Baal, the other of God. The Master requires?his servants to be honorable in motive and action. All greed, all avarice, must be overcome. Those who choose honesty as their companion will embody it in all their acts. To a large class, these men are not pleasing, but to God they are beautiful.?{PH083 23.2}[55]
Satan is working to crowd himself in everywhere. He would put asunder very friends. There are men who are ever talking and gossiping and bearing false witness, who sow the seeds of discord, and engender strife. Heaven looks upon this class as Satan’s most efficient servants. But the man who is injured is in a far less dangerous position than when fawned upon and extolled for a few of his efforts which appear successful. The commendation of apparent friends is more dangerous than reproach.?{PH083 24.1}[56]
Every man who praises himself, brushes the lustre from his best efforts. A truly noble character will not stop to resent the false accusations of enemies; every word spoken falls harmless; for it strengthens that which it cannot overthrow. The Lord would have his people closely united with himself, the God of patience and love. All should manifest in their lives the love of Christ. Let none venture to belittle the reputation or the position of another; this is egotism. It is saying, “I am so much better and more capable than you, that God gives me the preference. You are not of much account.”?{PH083 24.2}[57]
Our ministers in responsible places are men whom God has accepted. No matter what their origin, no matter what their format position,?whether they followed the plow, worked at the carpenter’s trade, or enjoyed the discipline of a college; if God has accepted them, let every man beware of casting the slightest reflection upon them. Never speak disparagingly of any man; for he may be great in the sight of the Lord; while those who feel great may be lightly esteemed of God because of the perversity of their hearts. Our only safety is to lie low at the foot of the cross, be little in our own eyes, and trust in God; for he alone has power to make us great.?{PH083 24.3}[58]
Our ministers are in danger of taking credit to themselves in the work which they do. They think God is favoring them, and they become independent and self-sufficient; then the Lord gives them up to the buffetings of Satan. In order to do God’s work with acceptance, we must have the spirit of meekness, of lowliness of mind, each esteeming other better than himself. There is much at stake. The judgment and ability of all are needed now. Every man’s work is of sufficient importance to demand that it be performed with care and fidelity. One man cannot do the work of all. Each has his respective place and his special work, and each should realize that the manner in which his work is done must stand the test of the Judgment.?{PH083 25.1}[59]
The work before us is important and extensive. The day of God is hastening on, and all the workers in the Lord’s great field should be men who are striving to become perfect, wanting in nothing, coming behind in no gift, waiting for the appearing of the Son of man in?the clouds of heaven. Not one moment of our precious time should be devoted to bringing others to conform to our personal ideas and opinions. God would educate men engaged as co-laborers in this great work to the highest exercise of faith, and the development of a harmonious character.?{PH083 25.2}[60]
Men have varied gifts, and some are better adapted to one branch of the work than another. What one man would fail to do, his brother minister may be strong to accomplish. The work of each in his position is important. One man’s mind is not to control another. If one man stands up, feeling that no one shall influence him, that he has judgment and ability to comprehend every branch of the work, that man will fail of the grace of God.?{PH083 26.1}[61]
My husband has experience and qualities that are valuable, if these can be sanctified by the grace of Christ. God will make his labors wholly acceptable if he will imitate the Pattern. But if he does not bring his will and his mind under the control of the spirit of Christ, God cannot use him. His efforts and work will be wrought in self, and his experience, so valuable to the cause, will be so mingled with his own ways, and his own words, that God will not accept it.?{PH083 26.2}[62]
God would have Elders Haskell, Butler, Whitney, and White come close to his side, and see and develop the attractive loveliness of Jesus Christ. These men may have precious qualities, understanding, and aptness; but unless Christ is pervading the?soul, and revealed in the character, all these advantages will be no more acceptable than the offering of Cain. They will lack the savor. Cain’s offering was good in itself, but there was no Saviour in it.?{PH083 26.3}[63]
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