1.关于《评论与通讯》出版社和巴特尔克里克工作的特别指示
(1896年5月26日写于新南威尔士州库兰邦，“森尼赛德”)
亲爱的奥尔森弟兄：
我于25日星期一收到了美国的邮件。我给你写了一封信，今天，星期二，某姐妹给我读了一封信，我将那封信的副本寄给你。无论这个特例正确与否，都只是已经呈现在我面前的场景。{PH080 1.1}
关于某弟兄和他的责任，我已写信给他。他以优良的谦卑精神给我回了信;我祈求主加给他力量，好抵挡试探。{PH080 1.2}
现在，我的弟兄，我希望你以调查为第一要务，与其他一些与某某和每一个有相似影响的人以及每一个在那个出版社的人有不同属灵经验的人一起调查，关于他们的工作，你要特别询问受雇在那里工作的年轻人。你要睁大眼睛，好看明需要调整和纠正什么。{PH080 1.3}
少作横穿整个大陆的广泛漫长的旅行，多多密切调查内心真实的内在活动，是必不可少的。需要视察出版社的房间，以便看出和查出你所不知道的事情。必须洁净上帝的殿，使祂的名不至因那些与祂没有联络的人而遭羞辱。我在梦中见到有好些人访问我，向我申诉了出版社里种种腐败的情形，令我心中痛苦。醒来后发现是一个梦，但我知道这是真的。亲爱的弟兄：严厉侍人，对无知无助的人作威作福的精神正呈现在我眼前。出版社理应成为预备青年献身心于主的学校，却因教师和负责人的行为而把他们赶到撒但的阵地去了。这个地方没把主耶稣作为天上的来宾接待。一些监工和他们手下的工作人员很少花时间思考圣洁高尚的事。主没有得到荣耀。{PH080 1.4}
需要改革
我不久以前写到了关于奥克兰出版社的事，然后主我的向导告诉我，同样的精神以更加坚决的方式影响了巴特尔克里克的出版社;藉着严厉苛刻话语的影响，有灵魂沦丧，永远沦丧了。在我们的机构中，将会发生需要立刻调整的事;但是，我们要用一种恢复的精神，而不是毁灭的精神来进行改革。我们在基督的救灵工作中非常落后。我们没有我们自称喜爱并尊重的真理所要求的敏锐的责任观念。我们允许一种冰冷的气氛包围我们的心灵;我们扣留应该根据圣经说出的话。为了履行我们作为上帝的忠心守望者的职责，我们应该以谦卑的心，说出纠正的话语，“又当自己小心，恐怕也被引诱”(加6:1)。不要疏于用鼓励的话语与督责的话语紧密相连。要快乐，但不要轻浮琐碎;要祈求辨识力，祈求健康的、像基督的精神。保罗在他写给腓立比人的书信中，说：“我所祷告的，就是要你们的爱心在知识和各样见识上多而又多，使你们能喜爱那美好的事，作诚实无过的人，直到基督的日子;并靠着耶稣基督结满了仁义的果子，叫荣耀称赞归与上帝”(腓1:9-11)。{PH080 2.1}
真诚的意义比许多人所想像的要多得多。这意味着对你的兄弟忠诚;不要让自己亏待了他，也不要让他在履行职责时不忠心。{PH080 3.1}
那些开始认真地保持房间处于健康状况，以便上帝的天使经过可以嘉许的人，必是真诚的。切不可有随便的行为。在你一切的交易中，都要带着基督的灵。在那几个房间目前的纪律和管理之下，我决不会考虑派我的一个孩子去学习印刷行业。虽然不是所有的人都是以完全相同的令人反感的方式被管理的;但是所有的人都非常需要基督耶稣使人成圣的恩典。那些在上管理别人的人，是青年人的明智顾问吗?他们是真诚的基督徒呢，还是假装的信徒呢?他们像他们所要求于受他们教育的青年们一样完全顺服上帝的权威吗?专横、严厉的言辞对自称信仰宗教的人来说是无益的。一种残酷的、暴虐的精神已经进来，导致了各种大恶。犯罪的诱惑临到每一个青年，每一个房间的监督都需要作彻底归正的人。最珍贵、给受死以救罪人的救主带来最大喜乐的品质是什么呢?乃是有男女与祂合作，去寻找拯救失丧的人。每一个舍己、自我牺牲为要帮助需要帮助的可怜人的人，都必得到自己的赏赐。我们若是上帝的儿女，就应该也必定成为亮光的活通道。{PH080 3.2}
那些还没有接受基督为他们个人救主的人决不应该被安置为青少年的主管。他们若是不能将自己交给上帝控制，就没有资格管理和教导他们的属下秩序与律法。那些自称基督门徒的人，自己若受上帝的管教，就会成为青年人温柔、仁爱、明智的向导和教师;因为基督说：“我自己要向他们显现。”{PH080 4.1}
上帝奇妙的爱
“我们若彼此相爱，上帝就住在我们里面，祂的爱在我们里面得以完全了”(约壹4:12);而且那爱是无法抑制的。“上帝就是爱;住在爱里面的，就是住在上帝里面，上帝也住在他里面”(约壹4:16)。人们只有藉着变得与上帝的性情有分，才能履行上帝的律法。惟有尽心、尽性、尽意、尽力爱上帝，并且爱邻舍如同自己的人，才能在至高处将荣耀归与上帝，在地上将平安喜悦归与人。这原是基督的工作;而当祂的工作为跟从祂的人所为赏识和代表时，在那“摆在祂面前的喜乐”上，在拯救祂为之舍命之人的灵魂上，就会获得伟大的结果。{PH080 4.2}
上帝世世代代一直在努力唤醒人们的灵魂意识到他们神圣的兄弟情谊，从而建立一种秩序与神圣的和谐，与祂为我们每一个愿意接待祂的人所行出的伟大而永远的拯救相称。主号召凡自称相信祂的人都与祂同工，利用所有天赐的能力、机会和特权，在他们的影响范围内带领将亡的人归向耶稣基督。品格改变的惟一指望就在此;这会使信的人平安喜乐，适合在上帝的国中与天使作伴。每一个罪蒙赦免的人都应该多么恳切、恒切、不知疲倦地努力，设法将别人带给耶稣基督，以便他们的邻舍也能与耶稣同作后嗣啊!无论谁是你的邻舍，你都应该去寻找，去为之效力。他无知吗?那就让你的交流、你的交往，使他更为聪明吧。被驱逐的人、年轻的人、在品格上满有缺陷的人，是上帝命令我们要去帮助的人。基督说过：“我来本不是召义人，而是召罪人悔改。”{PH080 5.1}
看看那些黑人、被压迫的人、穷人，是何等的罪人!基督受死为要拯救这些人，通过辛苦明智的管理，他们能成为祂恩典的战利品、上帝的后嗣，与耶稣基督同作后嗣。藉着对耶稣基督的信心，他们得以净化、圣化;因为耶稣基督的宗教信仰决不降低接受者，而是用改变的能力作工，精练人的品味，圣化人的判断，使人适合解开圣言，使人得生命，甚至使愚人通达。那些愿意谦卑到足以去学习的人，世界上最高贵的人会认为能和他们一起上天堂是一种荣耀，上帝的天使也愿意与这样与上帝同工的人合作。我们需要饥渴慕义，以便有基督在我们里面，如同活水的泉源，直涌到永生。{PH080 5.2}
需要更深的虔诚
就在工作的中心这里必须有更深的虔诚，更忠心地留意上帝的道，为灵魂警醒，好像将来交账的人。每一个工人都应该被一个活泼的、持久的、归正的原则所感动。会获得影响并赢得人心的，并不是投资很多以便使之更加方便的大型机构。学校和出版社应该为那些受到强烈诱惑的年轻人提供庇护。他们是上帝的产业。他们有心要赢得，有灵魂要拯救。不要将钱花在自行车、照相、摆在你们的桌子和挂在你们墙壁上的大大小小的偶像上，而要将钱财用于聚集年轻人;教导他们，耐心地为他们警醒，本着智慧与他们的愚妄打交道。要单独与他们一起祷告。要与他们交谈，心中充满怜悯和基督已向你显明的爱。上帝的天使会使每一个真正的工人在从事这项工作时得着丰富的经验。我们要认真地工作，打破一切为阻止基督进入人心的堡垒而建造的屏障。为一个罪人悔改，天上就有更多的喜乐，过于为九十九个自认为不需要悔改的人。要让教师耐心地履行他们的职责，虽然他们可能经常受到考验，但要确保他们必不灰心，也不丧胆。行善不可丧志;天上的生灵会与你的每一个努力同工。一句仁爱鼓励的话，比所有你可堆积在行错者身上的挑剔与严厉的谴责，更有助于折服急躁的脾气和固执的性情。{PH080 6.1}
正是那些身居受托岗位，拥有大光、大机会的人没有形成品格并把会经受住考验的原则带进他们的生活实践中。这些人需要因他们对年轻人的影响而受到严厉的斥责。冲动的脾气必须根除。当被激怒的时候，不要滔滔不绝地说个没完，也不要犯罪;而要跟你的主说说这事。要对你的心灵说：“要休息，要知道我是上帝”(诗46:10)。{PH080 7.1}
要是上帝所赐拯救将亡之人的责任得到了理解，阻塞和阻碍改革行动的旧有的习惯、传统的观点就会从内心和生活被切断，品格上就会发生一种转变。应该耐心地给予建议、督责和劝勉，从中拿掉自我交融的精神的苦毒。语言不应夸大，而应温和谦逊，严厉的、苛刻的精神，羞辱和打击那做错事的人，很少会成就改革。“祢的温和使我为大”(诗18:35)。它将行错之人的罪摆在他面前，帮助他从撒但的网罗中恢复过来。{PH080 7.2}
上帝没有安排任何人坐在审判席上。祂说：“你们不要论断人，免得你们被论断”(太7:1)。谦卑的优雅应该在心中得到珍惜。它将改变和塑造我们口中所出的话语，成为像基督一样的温柔和关怀的表达。主的工作不容忽视;但这必须本着爱心完成，以主的灵宣扬主的信息。{PH080 8.1}
常常需要对付错误;虽然可能会需要坚定果断，但是不应该以专横、霸道、压碎的方式进行。直到我们的心因顺服真理而得到洁净和净化，我们才能成为上帝的同工，并与基督的心同工。{PH080 8.2}
怀爱伦夫人
1896年5月31日写于新南威尔士州库兰邦，“森尼赛德”
亲爱的奥尔森弟兄：
主定意藉着祂指示设立的机构成就一番大工。当没有圣言认可的人为原则占了上风，自私与骄傲的观点充斥前线时，就给了仇敌可乘之机，使上帝受到羞辱。仇敌就这样设法阻碍工作，但上帝呼召祂的子民与祂合作。“耶和华如此说：‘你们当守公平，行公义，因我的救恩临近，我的公义将要显现。谨守安息日而不干犯，禁止己手而不作恶;如此行，如此持守的人便为有福。’与耶和华联合的外邦人不要说：‘耶和华必定将我从祂民中分别出来。’太监也不要说：‘我是枯树。’因为耶和华如此说：‘那些谨守我的安息日，拣选我所喜悦的事，持守我约的太监，我必使他们在我殿中，在我墙内有纪念，有名号，比有儿女的更美。我必赐他们永远的名，不能剪除。’还有那些与耶和华联合的外邦人，要侍奉祂，要爱耶和华的名，要做祂的仆人，就是凡守安息日不干犯，又持守祂约的人。‘我必领他们到我的圣山，使他们在祷告我的殿中喜乐。他们的燔祭和平安祭，在我坛上必蒙悦纳，因我的殿必称为万民祷告的殿。’主耶和华说，就是召聚以色列被赶散的，说：‘在这被召聚的人以外，我还要召聚别人归并他们’”(赛56:1-8)。{PH080 9.1}
我们机构的危险
为了推进主的圣工，我们的机构需要审慎、心思纯净和正直的管理者。但是某些肩负重任的人坚持错误的做法。多年以来，他们容忍并容许作出的决定、提倡的方法和实行的计划并不符合上帝的旨意。仇敌得到机会控制人，干预上帝指示应保持纯洁神圣，以便被凡自称相信真理的人待之以敬重的工作。当被赋予责任的人忽略珍视神圣的事物，却用凡火来侍奉上帝时，上帝就会藐视他们奉献给祂的供物。这种事一再发生。{PH080 10.1}
某种程度的法利赛精神已出现在我们中间多年，使一些人离开了圣经的标准。以这种精神行事的人所怀的先入之见，受到别人的反对时，他们马上就会采取一种争论好斗的态度，就像一个披挂上阵的人一样。他们表现出自高自大和想要统治别人的精神，却很少显出那种会导使人坐在耶稣的脚前向祂学习的精神。人的发明和计划正在遮蔽神圣的事物，排斥上帝的指示。人们正追求统治同胞的权力，从而取代上帝的地位。但他们的统治没有一点上帝的权威，只有上帝的权威才使他们的管理成为有益的因素。别人正在因这种错误的影响而败坏。如果这些人心中有真理的原则做主，人的情欲和情感原会受基督精神的引导和控制。弥漫心间的气氛就不会是有毒有害的，因为自我将藏在耶稣里面。{PH080 10.2}
那些想要辖制同胞的人应当读一读上帝在这方面的指示。祂说：“你们不要论断人，免得你们被论断。因为你们怎样论断人，也必怎样被论断;你们用什么量器量给人，也必用什么量器量给你们。为什么看见你弟兄眼中有刺，却不想自己眼中有梁木呢?你自己眼中有梁木，怎能对你弟兄说：‘容我去掉你眼中的刺’呢?你这假冒为善的人!先去掉自己眼中的梁木，然后才能看得清楚，去掉你弟兄眼中的刺”(太7:1-5)。{PH080 11.1}
“天国好像一个王要和他仆人算账。才算的时候，有人带了一个欠一千万银子的来。因为他没有什么偿还之物，主人吩咐把他和他妻子儿女，并一切所有的都卖了偿还。那仆人就俯伏拜他，说：‘主啊，宽容我，将来我都要还清。’那仆人的主人就动了慈心，把他释放了，并且免了他的债。那仆人出来，遇见他的一个同伴欠他十两银子，便揪着他，掐住他的喉咙，说：‘你把所欠的还我!’他的同伴就俯伏央求他说：‘宽容我吧，将来我必还清。’他不肯，竟去把他下在监里，等他还了所欠的债。众同伴看见他所做的事，就甚忧愁，去把这事都告诉了主人。于是，主人叫了他来，对他说，你这恶奴才!你央求我，我就把你所欠的都免了。你不应当怜恤你的同伴，像我怜恤你吗?主人就大怒，把他交给掌刑的，等他还清了所欠的债。你们各人若不从心里饶恕你的弟兄，我天父也要这样待你们了”(太18:23-35)。{PH080 11.2}
有一次，门徒约翰来对耶稣说：“夫子，我们看见一个人奉祢的名赶鬼，我们就禁止他，因为他不跟从我们。”耶稣说：“不要禁止他，因为没有人奉我的名行异能，反倒轻易毁谤我。不敌挡我们的，就是帮助我们的”(可9:38-40)。{PH080 12.1}
我们机构中某些担负要职的人对别人所表显的精神不符合这段话。他们所表现的错误精神已经对别人产生影响。倘若在纠正我们机构领导人的事上表显出热忱和智慧，这么多人就不致于偏离正路。基督说：“你们要防备法利赛人的酵”(路12:1)。要当心他们所发挥的影响。{PH080 12.2}
基督的榜样
基督屈尊的生活应该给凡想高抬自己在同胞之上的人带来教训。虽然祂品格上没有任何罪污，祂却屈尊把祂的神性和我们堕落的人性联系起来。祂因取了人性而尊重了人性。祂既取了我们堕落的人性，就是要证明我们人性藉着遵循祂为我们所做的充分准备，藉以与上帝的性情有份而能达到的状况。{PH080 13.1}
基督在谦卑中开始祂的大工，拯救堕落的人类脱离犯罪堕落，藉着祂神圣的能力恢复他们，将神能与人性连接起来。祂越过了那壮丽的都市，著名的学府和人所以为的智慧，安家在简陋而默默无闻的拿撒勒村庄。祂一生大部分光阴都在这里度过。人们普遍认为这里不会出什么好东西。基督在地上的时候，走了穷人、受忽视的人、受苦的人和忧伤的人必须走的道路，承担了受苦的人必须忍受的祸患。祂的家是在穷人中间。祂的家庭并非因学识、财富或地位而著名。祂从事木匠行业许多年。{PH080 13.2}
犹太人曾骄傲地夸耀说，基督将作为一位君王到来，征服祂的仇敌，在怒火中践踏异邦。救主所过谦卑顺从的人生，本应使祂在祂子民的心中受到敬奉，使他们信任祂的使命，然而却触怒了犹太人，使他们失望了。我们都知道犹太人是如何对待祂的。若非上帝的天使环绕保护祂，祂来要拯救的人就会杀害了祂。{PH080 14.1}
基督来并不藉着助长人的骄傲来抬高人。祂自己卑微，存心顺服以致于死，且死在十字架上。人心中的骄傲若不降卑制服，顽梗的心若不为基督的灵所软化，祂就不能将与祂相似的神圣形像印刻在我们身上。这位谦卑的拿撒勒人，尽可以藐视世人的骄傲，因为祂本是天庭的元帅，但祂却谦卑地来到我们的世界，为了向人表明天庭所尊敬所看重的并非财富，地位，权柄或显赫的头衔。那些愿意跟从基督的人，可以藉着品格的优美，基督恩典的能力，尊荣他们所担任的任何职位或职责。{PH080 14.2}
任何人都无权高傲自大。“因为那至高至上，永远长存，名为圣者的如此说：我住在至高至圣的所在，也与心灵痛悔、谦卑的人同居;要使谦卑人的灵苏醒，也使痛悔人的心苏醒”(赛57:15)。{PH080 14.3}
议事会议
在明尼阿波利斯会议以后所举行的议事会议上，呈现在我面前的画面乃是基督徒的耻辱。大声争辩，情绪激动，说话尖刻，与其说是基督徒的祷告议事会，倒不如说是政治集会。这些会议既是天国的羞辱，本来就该取消。主没有被与会者尊为贵宾，他们又怎能指望神圣的光照耀他们呢?又怎能感受耶稣的临格来指导和参与制定计划呢?会场没有分别为圣，却被视为一个普通的事务场所。既然如此，聚集的人又如何能得到灵感，以引导他们将真理接在心中，以夫子慈爱温柔的精神说话呢?{PH080 15.1}
在你们的委员会议和议事会议中所作出的决定，所安排和酝酿的计划，一旦付诸实行，就会在整体工作上留下印迹。绝不应出现苛刻精神的痕迹。决不要大叫大嚷，说不耐烦的话。要记住在你们的一切议事会议中都有一位天上的守望者在场。不要说一句自负的话;因为你们是在为上帝制订法规。祂对你们说：“你们要休息，要知道我是上帝”(诗46:10)。{PH080 15.2}
如果你们的委员会议和议事会议不处在上帝圣灵的直接监管下，你们的结论就是从地上来的，和任何属于人的意见一样，不值得多作考虑。基督说：“离了我，你们就不能做什么”(约15:5)。如果在你们的聚会中没有尊祂为首席顾问，你们的计划就不是来自上头，而是来自人的头脑。{PH080 15.3}
奥尔森弟兄，你提到了我回美国一事。我在巴特尔克里克为真理作见证达三年之久。那些拒绝接受上帝藉着我赐给他们之证言的人，也拒绝了伴随这些证言的证据。我回去对他们无益。{PH080 16.1}
我会写信给你，但我若是回到巴特尔克里克，对那些不爱真理的人做见证，不信的心就会脱口而说：“某人告诉她的。”即便现在也有人表达不信的言论：“是谁把这些事写给怀姐妹了?”但我知道没有人了解他们的真相，没有人能写出其不知道发生的事情。有一位告诉了我——祂是绝不会捏造、误判或夸大任何事情的。在明尼阿波利斯祂吩咐我跟着祂从一个房间到另一个房间，使我能听到从卧房里所讲的话。仇敌的计划相当成功。我听不到祷告的声音，只听到人们以一种轻蔑批评的口吻提到我的名字。{PH080 16.2}
我想我不会再蒙召像在明尼阿波利斯那样在圣灵的指导之下站立了。耶稣曾亲自临格与我同在。所有参加聚会的人都有机会通过接受圣灵而站在真理一边。上帝藉着如此丰富之爱与怜悯的洪流差来了圣灵。但是在我们信徒所住的房间里所听到的却是嘲弄，批评，讥讽和嬉笑。圣灵的显示被归诸于狂热。有谁像高贵的庇哩亚人那样查考圣经，要晓得他们所听到的是否正确?有谁祈求上帝的引导呢?这次会议的场面令天上的上帝感到羞于称与会者为弟兄。所有这一切天上的守望者都看见了，并记录在上帝的记念册上。{PH080 16.3}
主会涂抹那些之后以真诚痛悔的心悔改之人的过犯;但每次相同的精神在心中醒来，当时所行之事就得到赞同，行那些事的人就要对上帝负责，必须在祂审判的宝座前为自己的行为作交待。拒绝基督之人的精神在他们心中激起，他们若是生活在基督的时代，就会像邪恶不信的犹太人那样对待祂。{PH080 17.1}
上帝的仆人们此时没有平淡乏味的见证可作，无论人们愿不愿意听，愿不愿意忍受。拒绝上帝慷慨赐予我们亮光和证据，就是拒绝基督;除祂以外别无救主。{PH080 17.2}
巴特尔克里克的工作
主的灵描绘出《评论与通讯》出版社的状况。上帝藉着先知以赛亚说道：“我必不永远相争，也不长久发怒，恐怕我所造的人与灵性都必发昏。因他贪婪的罪孽，我就发怒击打他，我向他掩面发怒，他却仍然随心背道”(赛57:16-17)。{PH080 17.3}
这段话准确地描述了巴特尔克里克出版社的情形。贪婪已进入出版社几乎所有的业务交易，已在个人身上表现出来，其影响像大麻风一样扩散开来，直到败坏了整个机构。出版社既腐败了，总会协会就插了进来，打算自己办理而不让这个“病孩”负责。然而由总会协会挑起出版工作的担子乃是一个网罗。这不会赋与出版工作以特别的神圣性质，反而会使总会协会挑起一付担子，会把它压垮，降低其效能，使其丧失活动力，除非管理业务的，是具有坚定原则又有爱心的人。{PH080 18.1}
采取这一步骤只是改变了责任，而没有改变错误的原则。过去所做的事情会在总会协会的掩护下继续做。这个协会的神圣性质在迅速消失。还有什么东西会被尊重为纯净圣洁而没有玷污呢?还有什么声音会让上帝的子民看为应当尊重的声音呢?现在肯定没有什么东西拥有上帝的认证。神圣的事物与同上帝无关的尘世业务搀杂在一起了。{PH080 18.2}
总会协会在很大的程度上丧失了它的神圣性，因为它的一些成员在明尼阿波利斯会议之后丝毫没有改变他们的观点。有些居负责地位的人“随心背道”(赛57:17)。有些来自南非和其它地方要接受教育好有资格作工的人感染了这种精神，带回到他们的家乡，以致他们的工作没有结出善果。他们所接受的人的意见仍像大麻风一样紧贴在他们身上;而已经感染了巴特尔克里克属灵麻风的人还能不能区分属天的原则与人的方法和计划，这是一个非常严肃的问题。从巴特尔克里克所接受的影响和观点已经大大妨碍了南非的工作。{PH080 19.1}
由于巴特尔克里克现存的状况，上帝的圣工无法在正确的基础上推进。这种状况要持续多久呢?何时人的悟性能在圣灵的帮助下清晰敏锐起来呢?那里的一些人没有觉察到多年来以一种不光明正大的方式实施计划所造成的有害影响。现在有些管理人员行走在他们所领受的光中，尽全力在作工，但他们的同工却压制他们，使他们的成就甚微。他们的同工对于人心灵的奴役正在加深已经包围他们的黑暗。如今谁有把握认定他们尊重总会协会的声音是安全的呢?我们教会的信徒如果看明那些在自己所点燃的微光中行走的人所实施的管理，还会尊重他们的决定吗?我的回答是，不，丝毫不会。我蒙指示：一般信徒不知道巴特尔克里克工作的核心正处于病态和腐败之中。许多人倦怠，无精打采，漠不关心，赞同他们并不明白的计划。哪里有声音，从何处会有声音传来，叫人们可以听他，知道那是来自真牧人的声音呢?我蒙上帝圣灵的感召将这些事呈现在你们面前。根据过去几年的经验，这符合实际的情况。{PH080 19.2}
“我看见他所行的道，也要医治他，又要引导他，使他和那一同伤心的人再得安慰。我造就嘴唇的果子;愿平安康泰归与远处的人，也归与近处的人;并且我要医治他。这是耶和华说的，唯独恶人，好像翻腾的海，不得平静;其中的水常涌出污秽和淤泥来。我的上帝说：恶人必不得平安”(赛57:18-21)。“雅各家称为以色列的名下、从犹大水源出来的，当听我言。你们指着耶和华的名起誓，提说以色列的上帝，却不凭诚实，不凭公义”(赛48:1)。“你未曾听见，未曾知道，你的耳朵从来未曾开通。我原知道你行事极其诡诈，你自从出胎以来，便称为悖逆的”(赛48:8)。“你们若实在听从我的话，遵守我的约，就要在万民中作属我的子民;因为全地都是我的。你们要归我作祭司的国度，为圣洁的国民”(出19:5-6)。{PH080 20.1}
关于出版工作的兼并
主将一些事显在我面前，使我为巴特尔克里克的机构感到震惊。主既将这些事摆在我面前，我若不尽力抑制巴特尔克里克谋求更多权势的精神，我算是始终如一吗?多年以来这里一直没有称职的人员本着基督化的诚实来进行管理，担负责任。{PH080 21.1}
兼并计划对现代真理的事业是有害的。巴特尔克里克已拥有她应拥有的一切。那里有人提出了自私的计划。若是某个部门的工作取得一定成就，他们并没有表显出“已经够好，不要去管”的精神，而是设法把这些权益附在大整体上。他们竭力把持一切，但仍渴望得到更多。何时他们能表显出他们是在圣灵的引导之下制订这些计划，才可恢复对他们的信任。{PH080 21.2}
二十年前，我对所赐给我有关太平洋出版社的警告和提醒感到吃惊，——就是它始终应独立于其它一切机构，不受其它机构控制，却要在主的带领和保护之下从事祂的圣工。主说：“你们都是弟兄。”巴特尔克里克更强大的出版社不应以嫉妒和猜疑的眼光看待太平洋出版社。它必须保留自己的个性，严格保守自己免于任何腐败。它不可并入其它任何机构。巴特尔克里克的权利和支配之手不可跨越大陆去管理这个机构。{PH080 21.3}
后来，就在我丈夫去世(1881年)前不久，有几个人提议让这些出版社归一个主要机构管理，圣灵又向我启示过去主曾向我说过的话。我告诉我的丈夫，对于这个建议的回答是，主没有计划任何此类行动。那位从起初就知道末后的主比容易犯错的人更了解这些事。{PH080 22.1}
最近奥克兰出版社的情况再次呈现在我面前。我蒙指示：这个机构有一番工作要做。若是工人们一直注目于上帝的尊荣，这番工作就会荣耀上帝;但他们因承揽了一项会使机构败坏的工作而正在犯一个错误。我还蒙指示看到它必须独自站立，只在上帝的掌管之下执行祂的计划。{PH080 22.2}
主指示我，这项工作的分支机构应在各地建立起来，并在太平洋出版社的监督之下继续开展。但工作既取得成功，嫉妒、恶意的猜测和贪婪就会随之而起。会有人做出努力要改变局面，把这工作并入巴特尔克里克的权益中。有人要热衷于改变局面，可是主禁止这种兼并。每一个分支机构都应得到允许存在下去，做它自己的工作。{PH080 22.3}
在各个机构之中都会发生错误，但是经理们若愿意学习一切当学的教训，小心地行事，这些错误就不会重演，上帝就会主持这项工作。我们机构中每一位工作人员都需要以上帝的话作为行动的准则。这样，上帝的福气就会临到他的身上。没有上帝的真理作他的向导和监督，他就不得安全。如果人可以不靠上帝而生存的话，那么他也许可以不以上帝纯净圣洁的话作为指南。在我们做一切工作时都必须由真理来控制我们的良知良能，由圣灵掌管我们的思想言行，指导我们一切属世和属灵的行动。{PH080 23.1}
我们赞美、祈祷、从事宗教侍奉，是很讨上帝喜悦的，但必须将圣经的宗教带进我们所从事的一切工作中，赋予每日生活的每一责任以神圣的性质。主的旨意必须在一切事物上成为人的意志。以色列的圣者已将指导的准则赐予各人，这些准则必须严格遵从，因为它们构成品格的标准。无人能转离这些首要的公义原则而不犯罪。但我们的宗教被不信的人误解和轻视了，因为太多的人自称持守真理却没有对自己的同胞实行宗教的原则。{PH080 23.2}
我要对在巴特尔克里克的弟兄们说，在任何情形下你们都不要去兼并。这无非是将远近各地一切的工作置于巴特尔克里克各机构的管理之下。上帝的圣工不能由那些人成功地推进，他们因拒绝亮光，已将自己置于什么都不会感化他们悔改或改变行径的地方。有些参加巴特尔克里克工作的人，内心并没有成圣并受上帝管理。{PH080 23.3}
从事上帝圣工的人如果不愿意听祂的声音，遵行祂的旨意，就应该完全放下这工作。上帝不需要这种人的影响力。我坦率地说：现在是实事求是的时候了。那些全心爱上帝并敬畏祂的人是上帝唯一能够信任的人。但那班与上帝离心离德的人应该自行离开上帝如此严肃重要的圣工。
怀爱伦夫人{PH080 24.1}
PH080 - Special Instruction Relating to The Review and Herald Office, and The Work in Battle Creek
【Special Instruction Relating to The Review and Herald Office, and The Work in Battle Creek】
(“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N.S.W.,May 26, 1896.)
Dear Brother Olsen,I received the American mail on Monday, the 25th. I have written a letter to you, and today, Tuesday, Sister ----- read me a letter of which I sent you a copy. Whether this particular case is correct or incorrect, just such scenes have been presented before me.?{PH080 1.1}[1]
I have written to Brother ----- in reference to himself and his responsibilities. He has answered me in a good, humble spirit; and I pray the Lord to strengthen him to resist temptation.?{PH080 1.2}[2]
Now, my brother, I want you to make it your first business to investigate, in company with some others of a different spiritual experience than that of -----, and every one of like influence, every man in that Office; and to make it your special business to inquire of the youth who are employed there, in regard to their work. Open your eyes wide to see what needs adjustment and correction.?{PH080 1.3}[3]
Less long, sweeping journeys across the continent, and more close investigation of the true inward working of the heart, is essential. The?rooms in the Office need inspection, that the things you know not, you may discern and search out. The temple of God must be cleansed, that his name shall not be dishonored by men who are not connected with him. My heart is pained as, in my dreams, I am visited, and appealed to by different ones, placing the corruptions in the Office of publication before me. I awaken to find it a dream, but know it to be the truth. My dear brother, the spirit of severity, of lording it over the ignorant and helpless, is being opened before me. In the place of the Office being an educating school to prepare the youth to give their hearts to the Lord, the teachers and overseers, by their course of action, drive them onto Satan’s battleground. It is not a place where the Lord Jesus is entertained as a Heavenly Guest. Some of the overseers, and the workers under their supervision, give little time to thoughts of a high and holy order; the Lord is not glorified.?{PH080 1.4}[4]
【Need of Reformation】
I wrote, some time since, in reference to the Oakland Office, and then my guide revealed to me that the same spirit, in a more decided manner leavened the Office at Battle Creek; and there were souls lost, eternally lost, through the influence of words of severity and of harshness. Things will transpire in our institutions that will need adjustment, and at once; but let the reformation be made with a spirit to restore, not to destroy. We are fearfully behind in the work of Christ for the saving of souls. We have not that sharp conception of duty required by the truth which we profess to love and honor. We allow?a freezing atmosphere to surround our souls; we withhold words that ought to be spoken from the Scriptures. In order to fulfil our duty as God’s faithful watchmen, we should give words of correction in humility of mind, “considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Neglect not to bind up, with your reproof, words of encouragement. Be cheerful, but not light and trifling; pray for discernment, for a wholesome Christlike spirit. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, said, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.”?{PH080 2.1}[5]
Sincerity means much more than many are inclined to suppose. It means being true to your brother; never allowing yourself to do him wrong, or suffer him to be unfaithful in the discharge of his duty.?{PH080 3.1}[6]
Those who are set to keep the rooms in a healthful condition, that the angel of God passing through may approve, must be sincere. There must be no haphazard work; carry the Spirit of Christ in all your dealings. I would not, under any consideration, send a child of mine to learn the printer’s trade under the present discipline and management in the several rooms. All are not managed in exactly the same objectionable manner; but all are much in need of the sanctifying grace of Christ Jesus. Are the men set over others, wise counselors of youth? Are they sincere Christians, or make-believes? Is their submission?to divine authority as perfect as that which they require of the youth who are being educated under them? Overbearing, harsh words are unprofitable in professors of religion. A harsh, tyrannical spirit has come in, resulting in great and various evils. The temptations to sin come to every youth; and the overseers in every room need to be thoroughly converted men. What are the attributes most prized, and which bring greatest joy to the Saviour who died to save sinners?—It is to have men and women co-operating with him to seek and to save the lost. Every one who is self-denying, self-sacrificing, for the sake of poor souls that need help, will have his reward. If we are children of God, we should be, and will be living channels of light.?{PH080 3.2}[7]
Those who have not received Christ as their personal Saviour, should never be placed as directors of the youth. If they cannot submit themselves to the control of God, they are not qualified to manage and teach order and law to those brought under them. Those who claim to be Christ’s disciples, if themselves under discipline to God, will make tender, loving, wise guides and instructors of the youth; for Christ says, “I will manifest myself unto them.”?{PH080 4.1}[8]
【God’s Wondrous Love】
“If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us;” and that love cannot be restrained. “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” Only by becoming partakers of the divine nature, can the law of God be fulfilled by men. Only he who loves God with all his heart, soul, mind, and?strength, and his neighbor as himself, can give glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth, good will to men. This was the work of Christ; and when his work is appreciated and represented by his followers, the great result will be achieved in the “joy that was set before him” in the saving of the souls for whom he gave his life.{PH080 4.2}[9]
The Lord has been laboring constantly from age to age to awaken in the souls of men a sense of their divine brotherhood, and thus to establish an order and divine harmony proportionate to the great and eternal deliverance he has wrought out for every one who will receive him. The Lord calls upon all who profess to believe in him to be coworkers with him, to use every God-given ability, opportunity, and privilege to lead perishing souls within the sphere of their influence, to Jesus Christ. Here is the only hope for transformation of character; this will give peace and joy in believing, and fit them for the society of the heavenly angels in the kingdom of God. O how earnest, persevering, and untiring should be the efforts of every sin-pardoned soul to seek to bring other souls to Jesus Christ, that their neighbors shall become joint-heirs with Jesus! Whoever is your neighbor is to be sought for, labored for. Is he ignorant? Let your communication, your association make him more intelligent. The outcast, the youth, full of defects in character, are the very ones God enjoins upon us to help. “I came not to call the righteous,” said Christ, “but sinners to repentance.”?{PH080 5.1}[10]
See what sinners the colored people were, the down-trodden, the poor! These Christ died to save; and they can, through painstaking and?judicious management, become trophies of his grace, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. Through faith in Jesus Christ they become purified, sanctified: for the religion of Jesus Christ never degrades the receiver, but works with transforming power, refining the taste, sanctifying the judgment, fitting the soul for the entrance of the Word that giveth life, that giveth understanding even to the simple. Those who will be humble enough to learn, the very nobility of the world will consider it an honor to go to heaven in their company, and angels of God will co-operate with such as are workers together with God. We need to hunger and thirst after righteousness, that we may have Christ in us as a well of water, springing up into everlasting life.?{PH080 5.2}[11]
【Deeper Piety Needed】
Right at the head of the work there must be deeper piety, more faithful taking heed to the word of God, a watching for souls as they that must give an account. Each worker should be moved by a living, abiding, converting principle. It is not large establishments where much money is invested to make them more convenient, that will obtain influence and win hearts. The school and the Office should be an asylum for the sorely tempted youth. They are God’s property. They have hearts to be won; they have souls to save. Instead of spending money in bicycles, in picture-making, in little and great idols to place upon your tables and on your walls, let the means be used to gather in the youth; teach them, and patiently watch over them, in wisdom dealing with their follies. Pray with them alone. Converse with?them, with hearts filled with pity and that love which Christ has shown for you. Angels of God will give every true worker a rich experience in doing this work. We are to labor in earnest to break down every barrier that has been built up to keep Christ from entering the citadel of the heart. There is more joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth than over ninety and nine persons that think they need no repentance. Let instructors do their duty patiently, and although they may be often tried, be assured they will not fail nor be discouraged. Be not weary in well-doing; the heavenly intelligences will work with your every effort. A word of love and encouragement will do more to subdue the hasty temper and wilful disposition than all the fault-finding and severe censure that you can heap upon the erring ones.?{PH080 6.1}[12]
It is those who are in positions of trust, those who have great light, large opportunities, who are not forming characters and carrying into their life-practise, principles that will stand the test of trial. These need to be rebuked sharply for their influence over the young. The impetuous temper must be eradicated. When provoked, do not pour out a torrent of words and commit sin; but talk with your Lord about it. He says to your soul, “Be still, and know that I am God.”?{PH080 7.1}[13]
If the God-given responsibilities of saving souls ready to perish, were understood, old habits, traditionary sentiments that clog and hinder reformatory action, would be cut away from the heart and life, and a transformation would take place in character. Advice, reproof, and counsel should be given patiently, taking out the bitterness of?the self-mingling spirit. The language should not be exaggerated, but should be gentle and humble. The stern, harsh spirit that humiliates and crushes the wrong-doer, will seldom work a reformation. “Thy gentleness hath made me great.” It sets before the wrong-doer his sins, and helps him to recover himself from the snares of Satan.?{PH080 7.2}[14]
God has not set any man on the judgment-seat. “Judge not,” he said, “that ye be not judged.” The grace of humility should be cherished in the heart. It will modify and mold the words that fall from our lips, into expressions of Christlike tenderness and care. The Master’s work is not to be neglected: but it must be done in love, declaring the Master’s message in the Master’s spirit.?{PH080 8.1}[15]
Wrongs are often in need of being met; and though firmness and decision may be required, we should not meet them in an arbitrary, overbearing, crushing manner. Not until the heart is cleansed and purified through obedience to the truth, can we be laborers together with God, and work with the mind of Christ.Mrs. E. G. White?{PH080 8.2}[16]
(“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, N. S. W.,May 31, 1896.)
Dear Brother Olsen,The Lord intends that a great work shall be done by the institutions which have been established by his direction; and he is dishonored when human principles which find no sanction in the word of God, are allowed to rule, when self and pride of opinion press to the front, giving the enemy room to intrude. Thus the enemy tries to hinder the work, but God calls upon his people to co-operate with him. “Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree. For thus saith the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant; even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him; and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful?in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.”?{PH080 9.1}[17]
【Dangers in Our Institutions】
In order that the work of the Lord may go forward, our institutions need discreet, pure-minded, righteous managers. But some in positions of trust have been confirmed in a wrong course of action by being tolerated for years, by being allowed to make decisions, to advocate methods, to carry out plans, which are not of the Lord’s devising. The enemy has been given an opportunity to control men, and to manage the work which God has shown should be kept pure and sacred, that it may be looked upon with reverence by all who claim to believe the truth. When men entrusted with responsibilities, neglect to cherish that which is sacred, and use common fire in God’s service, God will despise their offering to him. This has been, and is still being done.?{PH080 10.1}[18]
For years a degree of pharisaism has been springing up among us, which has separated some from the Bible standard. If the preconceived ideas of those actuated by this spirit are crossed, they immediately assume a controversial, combative attitude, as a man puts on armor when preparing for battle. Much pride and loftiness, and a spirit which desires to rule, has been manifested; but very little of the spirit which leads men to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn of him, has been shown. Human inventions and?human plans are eclipsing sacred things, and excluding divine instruction. Men are taking the place of God by seeking to assume authority over their fellow men. But they rule without a vestige of the authority of God, which alone can make their ruling a healthful element; and others are becoming leavened by this wrong influence. If the principles of truth had been enthroned in the hearts of these men, human passions and human affections would have been guided and controlled by the Spirit of Christ. The atmosphere surrounding the soul would not be deleterious and poisonous; for self would be hid in Jesus.?{PH080 10.2}[19]
Let those who desire to rule their fellow men, read God’s declaration on this subject. He says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.”?{PH080 11.1}[20]
“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell?down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormenters, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my Heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”?{PH080 11.2}[21]
On one occasion the disciple John came to Jesus, saying, “Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part.”?{PH080 12.1}[22]
The spirit that has been shown to others by some in positions of trust in our institutions, does not?harmonize with these words. The wrong spirit they have manifested has been caught by others, and if zeal and wisdom were shown in setting the heads of our institutions right, so many would not be turned out of the way. “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees,” said Christ; guard against the influence which they exert.?{PH080 12.2}[23]
【Example of Christ】
Christ’s life of humiliation should be a lesson to all who desire to exalt themselves above their fellow men. Though he had no taint of sin upon his character, yet he condescended to connect our fallen human nature with his divinity. By thus taking humanity, he honored humanity. Having taken our fallen nature, he showed what it might become, by accepting the ample provision he has made for it, and by becoming partaker of the divine nature.?{PH080 13.1}[24]
In humility Christ began his mighty work of lifting the fallen race from the degradation of sin, recovering them by his divine power, which he had linked with humanity. Passing by the grand cities, and the renowned places of learning and supposed wisdom, he made his home in the humble and obscure village of Nazareth. The greater part of his life was passed in this place, from which it was commonly believed that no good thing could come. In the path which the poor, the neglected, the suffering, and the sorrowing must tread, he walked while on earth, taking upon him all the woes which the afflicted must bear. His home was among the poor. His family was not distinguished by learning, riches, or position. For many years he worked at his trade as a carpenter.?{PH080 13.2}[25]
The Jews had proudly boasted that Christ was to come as a king, to conquer his enemies, and tread down the heathen in his wrath. But the humble, submissive life our Saviour led, which should have enshrined him in the hearts of his people, and given them confidence in his mission, offended and disappointed the Jews, and we all know of the treatment he received from them. If the angels of God had not been round about him to protect him, the people he came to save would have killed him.?{PH080 14.1}[26]
Christ did not exalt man by ministering to his pride. He humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross; and unless human pride is humbled and subdued, unless the stubborn heart is made tender by the Spirit of Christ, it is not possible for him to impress his divine similitude upon us. He, the humble Nazarene, might have poured contempt upon the world’s pride, for he was commander in the heavenly courts; but he came to our world in humility, in order to show that it is not riches or position or authority or honorable titles, that the universe of heaven respects and honors, but those who will follow Christ, making any position or duty honorable by the virtue of their character, through the power of his grace.?{PH080 14.2}[27]
No human being is warranted to lift himself up in pride. “For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”?{PH080 14.3}[28]
【Council Meetings】
Scenes that were a shame to Christians, have been presented to me, as taking place in the council meetings held after the Minneapolis meeting. The loud voice of dispute, the hot spirit, the harsh words, resembled a political meeting more than a place where Christians were met for prayer and counsel. These meetings should have been dismissed as an insult to heaven. The Lord was not revered as an honored guest by those assembled in council, and how could they expect divine light to shine upon them; how could they feel that the presence of Jesus was molding and fashioning their plans? The place of meeting was not held as sacred, but was looked upon as a common business place. Then how could those assembled receive an inspiration which would lead them to enthrone truth in their hearts, to speak words in the tender, loving spirit of the Master??{PH080 15.1}[29]
In your council meetings and committee meetings, decisions are made, plans devised and matured which, when put into practise, leave an impression on the work at large; and no vestige of a spirit of harshness should appear. Loud, impatient words should never be heard. Remember that in all your council meetings there is a heavenly Watcher. Do not allow one word of vanity to be spoken; for you are legislating for God, and he says to you, “Be still, and know that I am God.”?{PH080 15.2}[30]
If your committee meetings and council meetings are not under the direct supervision of the Spirit of God, your conclusions will be earth-born, and worthy of no more consideration than are any?man’s expressions. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” If he is not honored in your assemblies as chief Counselor, your planning comes from no higher source than the human mind.?{PH080 15.3}[31]
Brother Olsen, you speak of my return to America. For three years I stood in Battle Creek as a witness for the truth. Those who then refused to receive the testimony given me by God for them, and rejected the evidences attending these testimonies, would not be benefited should I return.?{PH080 16.1}[32]
I shall write to you; but should I return to Battle Creek, and bear my testimony to those who love not the truth, the ever-ready words would rise from unbelieving hearts, “Somebody has told her.” Even now unbelief is expressed by the words, “Who has written these things to Sister White?” But I know of no one who knows them as they are, and no one who could write that which he does not suppose has an existence. Some one has told me,—He who does not falsify, misjudge, or exaggerate any case. While in Minneapolis He bade me follow him from room to room, that I might hear what was spoken in the bedchamber. The enemy had things very much his own way. I heard no word of prayer, but I heard my name mentioned in a slurring, criticizing way.?{PH080 16.2}[33]
I shall never, I think, be called to stand under the direction of the Holy Spirit as I stood at Minneapolis. The presence of Jesus was with me. All assembled in that meeting had an opportunity to place themselves on the side of truth by receiving the Holy Spirit, which was sent by God in such a rich current of love and mercy. But in?the rooms occupied by some of our people, were heard ridicule, criticism, jeering, laughter. The manifestations of the Holy Spirit were attributed to fanaticism. Who searched the Holy Scriptures, as did the noble Bereans, to see if the things they heard were so? Who prayed for divine guidance? The scenes which took place at this meeting made the God of heaven ashamed to call those who took part in them, his brethren. All this the Heavenly Watcher noticed, and it is written in the book of God’s remembrance.?{PH080 16.3}[34]
The Lord will blot out the transgression of those who, since that time, have repented with a sincere repentance; but every time the same spirit wakens in the soul, the deeds done on that occasion are endorsed, and the doers of them are made responsible to God, and must answer for them at his judgment throne. The same spirit that actuated the rejecters of Christ, rankles in their hearts, and had they lived in the days of Christ, they would have acted toward him in a manner similar to that of the godless and unbelieving Jews.?{PH080 17.1}[35]
God’s servants have no tame testimony to bear at this time, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. He who rejects the light and evidence God has been liberally bestowing upon us, rejects Christ; and for him there is no other Saviour.?{PH080 17.2}[36]
【The Work at Battle Creek】
The Spirit of the Lord, has outlined the condition of things at the Review and Herald Office. Speaking through Isaiah, God says, “I will not contend forever, neither will be always wroth:?for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him: I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart.”?{PH080 17.3}[37]
This is precisely what has been done in the Office of publication at Battle Creek. Covetousness has been woven into nearly all the business transactions of the institution, and has been practised by individuals. This influence has spread like the leprosy, until it has tainted and corrupted the whole. As the publishing house has become corrupted, the General Conference Association has stepped in, and proposed to take the diseased child off its hands, and care for it. But it is a snare for the General Conference Association to take the publishing work on its shoulders. This puts no special sanctity upon the work, but upon the General Conference Association a burden which will weigh it down, cripple it, and weaken its efficiency, unless men who have firm principle, mingled with love, shall conduct the business lines.?{PH080 18.1}[38]
In this step there has been a change of responsibility, but the wrong principles remain unchanged. The same work that has been done in the past, will be carried forward under the guise of the General Conference Association. The sacred character of this Association is fast disappearing. What will then be respected as pure, holy, and undefiled? Will there be any voice that God’s people can regard as a voice they can respect? There certainly is nothing now that bears the divine credentials. Sacred things are mixed and mingled with earthly business that has no connection with God.?{PH080 18.2}[39]
To a large degree the General Conference Association has lost its sacred character, because some connected with it have not changed their sentiments in any particular since the Conference held at Minneapolis. Some in responsible positions go on “frowardly” in the way of their own hearts. Some who came from South Africa and from other places to receive an education which would qualify them for the work, have imbibed this spirit, carried it with them to their homes, and their work has not borne the right kind of fruit. The opinions of men, which were received by them, still cleave to them like the leprosy; and it is a very solemn question whether the souls who became imbued with the spiritual leprosy in Battle Creek, will ever be able to distinguish the principles of heaven from the methods and plans of men. The influences and impressions received in Battle Creek have done much to retard the work in South Africa.?{PH080 19.1}[40]
As things now exist in Battle Creek, the work of God cannot be carried forward on a correct basis. How long will these things be? When will the perceptions of men be made clear and sharp by the ministration of the Holy Spirit? Some there do not detect the injurious effects of the plans which for years have been working in an underhand manner. Some of the managers at the present time are walking in the light that they have received, and are doing the best they can, but their fellow workers are making things so oppressive for them that they can do but little. The enslaving of the souls of men by their fellow men in deepening the darkness which already envelops them. Who can now feel sure that they?are safe in respecting the voice of the General Conference Association? If the people in our churches understood the management of the men who walk in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, would they respect their decisions? I answer, No, not for a moment. I have been shown that the people at large do not know that the heart of the work is being diseased and corrupted at Battle Creek. Many of the people are in a lethargic, listless, apathetic condition, and assent to plans which they do not understand. Where is the voice, from whence will it come, to whom the people may listen, knowing that it comes from the True Shepherd? I am called upon by the Spirit of God to present these things before you, and they are correct to the life, according to the practice of the past few years.?{PH080 19.2}[41]
“I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” “Hear ye this, O house of Jacob, which are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah, which swear by the name of the Lord, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness.” “Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb.” “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed,?and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”?{PH080 20.1}[42]
【Consolidation Of The Publishing Work】
The Lord has presented matters before me that cause me to tremble for the institutions at Battle Creek. He has laid these things before me, and I shall not be consistent if I do not seek to repress the spirit in Battle Creek, which reaches out for more power, when for years there have not been sufficient men who were qualified to preside, with Christian faithfulness, over the charge they already have.?{PH080 21.1}[43]
The scheme for consolidation is detrimental to the cause of present truth. Battle Creek has all the power she should have. Some in that place have advanced selfish plans, and if any branch of the work promised a measure of success, they have not exercised the spirit which lets well enough alone, but have made an effort to attach these interests to the great whole. They have striven to embrace altogether too much, and yet they are eager to get more. When they can show that they have made these plans under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then confidence in them may be restored.?{PH080 21.2}[44]
Twenty years ago, I was surprised at the cautions and warnings given me in reference to the publishing house on the Pacific Coast; that it was ever to remain independent of all other institutions; that it was to be controlled by no other institution,but was to do the Lord’s work under his guidance and protection. The Lord says, “All ye are brethren;” and the Pacific Press is not to be envied and looked upon with jealousy and suspicion by the stronger publishing house at Battle Creek,. It must maintain its own individuality, and be strictly guarded from any corruption. It must not be merged into any other institution. The hand of power and control at Battle Creek must not reach across the continent to manage it.?{PH080 21.3}[45]
At a later date, just prior to my husband’s death, the minds of some were agitated in regard to placing these institutions under one presiding power. Again the Holy Spirit brought to my mind what had been stated to me by the Lord. I told my husband to say, in answer to this proposition, that the Lord had not planned any such action. He who knows the end from the beginning, understands these matters better than erring man.?{PH080 22.1}[46]
At a still later date the situation of the publishing house at Oakland was again presented to me. I was shown that a work was to be done by this institution which would be to the glory of God if the workers would keep his honor ever in view; but that an error was being committed by taking in a class of work which had a tendency to corrupt the institution. I was also shown that it must stand in its own independence, working out God’s plan, under the control of none other but God.?{PH080 22.2}[47]
The Lord presented before me that branches of this work would be planted in other places, and carried on under the supervision of the Pacific Press; but that if this proved a success, jealousy, evil surmisings, and covetousness would arise. Efforts would be made to change the order of?things, and embrace the work among other interests at Battle Creek. Men are very zealous to change the order of things, but the Lord forbids such a consolidation. Every branch should be allowed to live, and do its own work.?{PH080 22.3}[48]
Mistakes will occur in every institution, but if the managers will learn the lesson all must learn,—to move guardedly,—these errors will not be repeated, and God will preside over the work. Every workers in our institutions needs to make the word of God his rule of action. Then the blessing of God will rest on him. He cannot with safety dispense with the truth of God as his guide and monitor. If man can take one breath without being dependent upon God, then he may lay aside God’s pure, holy word as guide book. The truth must take control of the conscience and the understanding in all the work that is done. The Holy Spirit must preside over thought and word and deed. It is to direct in all temporal and spiritual actions.?{PH080 23.1}[49]
It is well pleasing to God that we have praise and prayer and religious services, but Bible religion must be brought into all we do, and give sanctity to each daily duty. The Lord’s will must become man’s will in everything. The Holy One of Israel has given rules of guidance to all, and these rules of guidance are to be strictly followed; for they form the standard of character. No one can swerve from the first principles of righteousness without sinning. But our religion is misinterpreted and despised by unbelievers, because so many who profess to hold the truth, do not practice its principles in dealing with their fellow men.?{PH080 23.2}[50]
To my brethren at Battle Creek, I would say,?You are not in any condition to consolidate. This means nothing less than placing upon the institutions at Battle Creek, the management of all the work, far and near. God’s work cannot be carried forward successfully by men, who, by their resistance to light, have placed themselves where nothing will influence them to repent or change their course of action. There are men connected with the work in Battle Creek whose hearts are not sanctified and controlled by God.?{PH080 23.3}[51]
If those connected with the work of God will not hear his voice and do his will, they should be separated entirely from the work. God does not need the influence of such men. I speak plainly; for it is time that things were called by their right name. Those who love and fear God with all their hearts are the only men that God can trust. But those who have separated their souls from God, should themselves be separated from the work of God, which is so solemn and so important.---Mrs. E. G. White.?{PH080 24.1}[52]
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