关于版税的特别指示
1899年3月11日于库兰邦，“森尼赛德”
亲爱的弟兄欧文、西斯利、史密斯和琼斯：
我读了上一批邮件中凯洛格医生、穆恩长老和西斯利弟兄的来信。邮件是昨天(安息日中午)到达的，但我们没有去取，直到过了安息日，所以我们直到今天早上才能阅读那些信。我三点半起床，把所有的邮件都看了一遍。我把我的日记交给了抄写员，让他们从中抄写两篇文章。你们可以通过这些看到我在1890和1891年写的东西。这份材料照抄写了一遍，没有作多少修改，就像我写的那样。有更多同样主旨的内容，是我已在巴特尔克里克向我们的人再三讲过的。{PH079 1.1}
很抱歉，在信件必须寄出之前，我们没能收到来自美国的邮件。但是邮船到达悉尼晚了，我的邮件是在我们的邮件到达悉尼后的第二天到达的。发生这样的事我感到很抱歉。{PH079 1.2}
我收到了你们关于书籍版税的说明。我没有亮光指明要按照书籍作者的想法归还版税。我没有蒙指示看见这样的事。写了很多书，如果那些出版书籍的人都提出自己的请求，出版社就会破产。如果付给作者们一大笔稿酬，就会有许多的书出版。小故事书的写作对于作者来说并不是很大的负担，但这类书对于世界来说，也不是特别重要。对于所写的书要区别对待，不能一视同仁。但我不想就此再说什么了。我担心会有什么事来打扰我，所以我先把最重要的事情写了出来。所赐给我的亮光并不含有你们正在接受的思想，——回到原处，为所有已经出版的书支付额外的版税。我的回答是，这不是智慧。{PH079 1.3}
我读了所写的信，其中含有某某发表的久已存在的论据。可能有很多假设，但是当我们坦率地考虑这些论据时，当我们知道是什么产生了这些命题时，它们就被称在天平里，显出亏欠。那些提倡这些说法之人的智慧被发现是愚拙的。在与作家打交道的过程中，有一长串邪恶、自私、不诚实的阴谋诡计和卑鄙的勾当。采取了不诚实的方法。刚硬无情的心制造了不公正，不忠，不信任，说出他们的诺言，然后又食言，所以没有什么可以依赖的了。这造成了叛乱和轻率，使百姓失去了对上帝仆人的尊重和崇敬。如果这是一个人有基督之心的证据，那么我们就必须重新了解什么是真正的基督教。{PH079 2.1}
我们岂可随从多年受上帝斥责之人的判断吗?他们的历史表明，他们的感情应该得到多大的重视。这些——我该怎么称呼他们呢——假先知的行为本质已经显露出来;他们用许多话从错误的角度陈述事情。主已宣布他们的计谋必站立不住。他们的阴谋，他们把他们认为会说出他们的方法的人聚集在一起，在上帝的眼中是一种冒犯。他们自己受了欺骗，而且他们的欺骗一直在加深。他们被自己编造的逻辑欺骗了。我蒙指示，他们离上帝越来越远，很快就会被称在他们自己的天平里，被他们以最大的确信提出和倡导的原则所衡量。上帝会给他们一个机会，让他们遭受他们所创造的规则和情绪的管辖。他们会凭经验知道把他们自己的原则强加给他们是什么感觉。这些人从始至终的经验都给上帝的事业和工作造成了伤害，他们扭曲正义和判断，用自己流浪的脚走弯曲的道路，以致陷入巨大的损失和混乱之中。{PH079 3.1}
我提出这件事，是照着在欧洲时主向我提出的那样，那些参与这个问题的人并没有从上帝那里得到智慧。每一个人都要为利用自己的才干而对上帝负责。我们对那些能背叛上帝的事业和工作、行事与祂的旨意相左之人制定的原则没有信心。他们的不圣洁的性情会违背上帝，他们的原则几乎毁了上帝的圣工，带来了总会正在努力消除的情况。如果那些因自己的做法、因行事与上帝的旨意相左而损害了上帝圣工的人愿意放下他们所谓的明智推理，听从所传给他们的怜悯信息，他们就会得到赦免。但是，如果他们继续像他们所做的那样阻碍上帝的工作，主就会说，他是与他的偶像联合的，任凭他吧。{PH079 3.2}
过去出版社把自己放在上帝的位置上任意支配，控制，管理，辖制上帝的产业。他们在对待作者的事上做了一种欺骗性的工作。我曾被带到私下的会议中，听见他们制订计划。他们设法让作者相信自己的作品一文不值，他们不想出书。作者没有办法。他觉得双手被捆住了。人们谈论和思索整个过程，最后成功地让作者同意他们的条件，接受他们为这本书提供的版税。{PH079 4.1}
对待某某人的事，从各方面来讲都是不诚实，不正直的。他没有得到公正的对待。先是努力压制某某人，然后夺走书籍所有权的做法是最卑劣的表现，把他逼到了另一个极端。人的脑力竟成了买卖的商品。{PH079 4.2}
对待《福音入门》一书的作法是不公正的。另一本书《祂荣耀的显现》挤垮了《福音入门》的销售。对待《福音入门》的作法已录在天上的册子中，那记录是与此事有关的人在审判时将不愿面对的。经手书籍的青年人是不懂交际手段和阴谋诡计的，可是有些人却是故意做这种错事的，从南方园地转走了一本特意为那里预备的书。这本书的利润本应投入南方园地，为那个园地出版的书本应分文不收。本来这可以作为《评论与通讯》出版社给南方园地的小小捐赠。{PH079 4.3}
那些失去智慧之人的阴谋和发明，导致了商人们应该感到羞耻的不正当交易。但我不会再说了。这就是一次又一次以不同方式实行了控制的原则。{PH079 5.1}
上帝吩咐，应该将某些警告和要发生之事件的描述毫不迟延地摆在人们面前。如果能努力销售那本上帝指定的书(《善恶之争》)，像对待《圣经读物》那样把它安置于应有的位分上，人们原会与上帝的天使合作，留下当时必不可少的印象。但是与上帝没有活泼联络的人却看不出现代真理对当时来说是必不可少的。我所有的恳求和敦促都无济于事。他们作了一个又一个虚假陈述。为什么呢?总会会长若是受上帝的灵感动的，原能帮助改变整件事。但我不得不坚持自己的主张，而且本应该更强烈地向他们施压。所赐给我的亮光是，决不要为工作的任何阶段提供大笔捐款，决不要再让自己陷入多年来一直处于的窘迫境地。{PH079 5.2}
我被打断去和马丁兄弟谈话。我给他提供了文件和小册子去从事布道工作。他不是牧师，而是一位相当聪明的农民。他卖水果，这样就和人们熟悉起来了。许多人都因他的热心影响而归主了。我刚才告诉他，他需要《评论与通讯》，他必须接受。他把手伸进口袋，把钱递给我。我要把我能得到的所有名字都寄来;因为每个家庭都应该有我们教会的期刊。请将《评论与通讯》寄给澳大利亚新南威尔士州凯利维尔的F.马丁，并记在我的账上。{PH079 6.1}
出版商拒绝经销我的书以后，我不得不从《评论与通讯》提取生活费。他们使我颜面尽失，告诉我他们不能兑现我的订单，因为我透支了。{PH079 6.2}
于是亮光在夜间临到我，主不愿让我大量分发钱财。我捐了一千美元在伊利诺斯州建造教会大楼。四面八方都有人请求我做这样的事，但是主不愿让我依赖我们的任何机构。祂有一个信息要我去传达，这信息要像一把两刃的剑，左右劈刺。祂会让我处于这样的境地，使我摆脱经济上的困窘。我不可倚赖人血肉的膀臂。仇敌会通过本应该支持我的人来施展他的聪明才智，无论我蒙召去哪里，他们都应该支持和维持我，使我能开始从事上帝原会本着祂的智慧完成的工作。那么，如果我的弟兄们没有意识到这种情况，我就应当毫不迟延地把书交在自己手里，主必在我前面预备道路。祂不会让这项工作被耽搁。{PH079 6.3}
我接到要求到各处去，我也做出了认真的努力。魔力终于被打破了，书籍得到了流通。所赐的亮光是：《但以理书和启示录思考》、《善恶之争》、《先祖与先知》要发行出来。这些书含有人们必须得到的信息，含有上帝赐给祂子民特殊的亮光。上帝的使者要为这些书进入人心预备道路。{PH079 7.1}
你们认为有多少钱可以补偿我和许多人因那些以这样一种方式和按这样的原则工作之人的图谋而蒙受的损失吗?这种工作是依照那些不被圣灵支使之人的方式做的。以这种方式、通过这种方法赚来的钱，不会荣耀上帝的名。这会成为工作上的一个污点。人们看不出他们的这些图谋是在向大光关闭门户，本来会发出大光而不是较小的光。所采用的方法都违背了正义和荣誉的原则。{PH079 7.2}
要把这些人的阴谋和同谋的每一个细节都说清楚，就得写一卷书。当人们归正之后，就会进行一番结算，是单靠你们尽心调查所无法完成的。要把过去的每一项业务弄得完全公正是做不到的。你这样做，只能把自己放在无可奈何的位置上。有一些人已得到了他们的著作所应得的全部版税。主并不要求《评论与通讯》出版社给每一个作家付一笔版税补偿金。这么一件复杂的工作，你们这样做，就犯了比过去更加严重的错误。这种做法会在一些人心中引起自私的念头，给他们带来很大的危害。我可以提许多人的名字，但我不提。{PH079 7.3}
现在要清醒过来，不要再犯第二个错误。让我们考虑一下这些问题。写书的人应该得到公正的补偿。可是我告诉你，如果按你们的建议办，所有的作者都会觉得有自由按照自己对自己著作的评价提出要求。将会出现让你们吃惊的自私的表现。弟兄们，你们现在缺乏资金正是这种自私行为的结果。这种本来不应让其存活，而应一开始就置之于死地的自私念头被带进了圣工。上帝讨厌你们所遵循的做法。你们不要敞开一扇门户让撒但进入他可以与人意同工之处。不要给写书的人一个毁了自己的机会。一些极其自私的人不顾目前资金短缺，会认为自己了不起，有权从出版社拿走他们可以得到的最后一分钱，上帝会耻于称他们为弟兄。{PH079 8.1}
我们不要打开一扇门，让撒但轻而易举地进来。我们需要豁达大度、健全可靠的人。心灵的窗户必须始终朝天开。我们必须看到，重新考虑过去的版税，进行补偿，这样做危险是很大的。一些已经得到他们著作全部价值的人将会认为他们的书价值要高得多。他们的窗户是朝地开，而不是朝天开的。要打开朝天的窗户，让基督公义的阳光照进来，朝地开的心灵窗户就会自动关闭。{PH079 9.1}
任何人在经济上的损失都比不上近两年《善恶之争》滞存在出版社给我造成的损失大。在这件事上行得不公。《圣经读物》挤了进来，而当时《善恶之争》已经印好，本来应先交在书报员手中，因为它是先印好的，而且其中含有重要的材料，是人们需要尽早得到的。我似乎受了愚弄，因为我对这本书的写作非常认真，而且要不是这样被搁置起来，因为不圣洁的影响和自私无原则的方法使之不能与人见面，它本可以发挥很大的作用。这是对我做的一件不诚实的事，是对上帝的托付不忠心的表现。{PH079 9.2}
可是我现在不要任何补偿。我曾为我的著作接受最低的版税。他们曾极其严肃地保证要积极推销。可是他们没有遵守诺言，在管理上有欺诈行为。可是我不想要补偿。我不想提高过去所销售任何著作的版税。当压力沉重，资金短缺之际，上帝不许我从推进圣工的资金中拿一分钱。{PH079 9.3}
我觉得有责任在许多事上免除我弟兄们所造成的债务。我有意完全免除出版社自始至终对我所欠的债。我号召所有曾出版著作的弟兄们，不论是多是少，在这个问题上与我站在同样的立场。凡过高估计自己著作的人，不能正确地估计灵魂的价值。这种人不论该不该拿的，他们都要拿。让我们把账上的数字勾消吧。让大家都说阿们吧。让每一个人都把他的那一份奉献出来支持上帝的圣工吧。{PH079 10.1}
我知道史密斯弟兄在这件事上和我的感受一样。我们会站在一起，史密斯弟兄。在所有已出版的书中，上面提到的那些在过去和现在都是最重要的。我知道《但以理和启示录思考》一书已在这个国家成就了一番大工。我还知道在我已发表的书籍中上帝所赐给我的亮光已经成就了一番大工，为此我赞美主。其它的书籍也站在了它们的位分上。{PH079 10.2}
在得到这么多亮光之后，现在已经太晚了，不能在版税这一问题上产生争议。我有理由感谢上帝，祂给了我智慧的力量，使我能把真理写出来，并呈现在人们面前，我也能运用主在祂的天意安排中所允许经过我手中的钱财，在新的地方建立祂的工作，帮助建造教堂和教育学生。我可以用几千英镑来推进这些新田地的工作，这些田地都已经成熟，可以收割了。{PH079 10.3}
我想对作者们说，我看不出他们有任何自由放弃或出售他们所写的书的权利。当你们这样做的时候，一扇诱惑的门就会在出版商面前打开，让他们重复过去的历史。他们将用很少的钱买到一些不是很重要的书。他们会受试探对作者们说：“它没有价值，它没有价值。”他们会做一些小小的改变，然后在他们的通知中把这些书提升到最高位置。他们会欺骗百姓，在这样做的同时，他们会对有价值的书籍漠不关心，就像他们对待史密斯弟兄的工作一样。{PH079 11.1}
出版社应该从所出版的书中得一份利润，用来支付相应的广告评介等费用。可是出版社应小心，不要声称自己在出版书籍投放市场的事上做了最大的一份工作。作者们也应得到合理的报酬，可是他们不要把权利卖给任何机构。这对机构不会有好处。{PH079 11.2}
若不留神，市场就会被低俗的书籍所充斥，百姓则被剥夺了亮光和真理，而这些原是他们预备主的道路所不可少的。过去曾发生这样的事，以后还会发生，除非正确的原则控制着出版工作。那些有脑力写书的人应当记住，他们有权管理他们收到的版税。他们应该在上帝的事业和工作中带头做一些善事。他们不应当让别人的头脑去管理他们的作品，从而允许他们的资金被剥夺。主已给每一个男人和女人分配了工作，使用上帝恩赐的责任落在那已蒙托付钱财的人身上。每一个受托才干的人都有办法利用这些才干。他们应该有敏锐的洞察力，知道哪里需要资金，并且能够提供一些东西来缓解需要。{PH079 11.3}
我利用外国书籍的版税为学生的教育设立了一个基金。在过去，我允许在欧洲销售的所有书籍在某个人的管理下在欧洲使用。这个基金现在正被用来把我的书翻译成其它语言。今后，我将把这些版税用于进入新园地的工作中。欧洲的工作比澳大利亚的工作先进得多。但是，当我在墨尔本住了几个月的时候，路易斯·约翰逊弟兄写信给我说，他们在欧洲有一千美元属于我作为版税。我写到，我需要它来投资在澳大利亚这里建立一所学校。他回信请求得到这笔钱的一部分，因为他们希望为传道事工培养有前途的年轻人。我回答说，如果你们这么需要它，我就不会收回它。从那时起，他们一直拥有销售外国书籍的所有版税，直到大约一年前。那时我告诉他们，要用这笔钱把我的书翻译成其它语言，使耶和华所指示应该传到各处的真理可以摆在百姓面前。{PH079 12.1}
如果别人愿意，就让他们论断我吧，可是我在上帝面前证明，我没有他们控告我的事。我下定决心要把从加利福尼亚寄来的钱用在库兰邦非常急需的医院的建设上。但当我得知布里斯班需要一个礼拜堂时，我立即给他们寄去了一百英镑。悉尼的疗养院决定，他们必须有临时的浴室，然后才能进行有益的工作。我把钱交到了联合会手中去掌握，直到我们知道约翰·韦塞尔斯是否要来澳大利亚。如果他不来，我就必须让他们有那笔钱去维持各方面工作的进展。我们不知道我们的医院将如何建造或配置，但上帝知道我们一切的需用。我们的那部分工作是向前推进。外部的利益占用了所有资金，以致我的工人在过去的一年里只得到了他们工资的一部分。他们既了解情况，就耐心地等待着。我们在祈祷、等候、倚赖和相信着。{PH079 13.1}
我们都具有才干，我们不应把托付给我们的能力给别人，而应拿它们去做买卖，以便获得其它的才能，用于推进主的工作。我若放弃我对钱财的管家身份，让别的某个人去使用，我就是不忠心的。在巴特尔克里克，有些人忠心地缴纳十分之一，有些人则不纳。难道有什么人应该出卖自己的能力，让别人替他当管家，从而使自己没有能力缴纳十分之一吗?我们的本分是善用我们的才干。主愿意让每一个人都管理自己的事业，运用自己的才干。祂不希望祂的百姓为了他们个人的私心而放弃他们必须投入到祂圣工上的惟一资金。{PH079 13.2}
有人认为他们的资财只有一部分是上帝的，这是错误的认识。一切都是主的。所有的人都应感到自己要为如何分配资才供给各部分工作的需要而交账。有穷人需要帮助。你把上帝所托付你做这项工作的才能交给别人，你就要为你本来可以做的事负责。你把人当作上帝，而当他可能会听到求助的呼声时，他会觉得自己完全有权按照自己的意愿使用所买来的才能。你交出了自己的才干，无法做你认为要做的事。{PH079 14.1}
我们所有的一切，包括每一块钱都是属于上帝的，应当作聪明的买卖。每一个人都应祈祷，工作，研究，计划，时常追求如何更加正确地工作的知识。这是上帝的计划。有些参加上帝圣工的人在紧急时刻本可以出力相助的，可是他们却把成千的钱交给别人去替他们使用。他们把管理权交给了别人，主是这样计划的吗?不，祂本来要用这些钱在应该开工的地方高举真理旗帜的。{PH079 14.2}
如果我们愿意让主为我们计划，祂就会这么做。那是祂的钱，不是我们的，关于祂怎样利用祂的钱财，祂期望每一个人都向祂求智慧。像欧洲和伦敦这样非常需要工人和设施的地方本身就是一个世界，可是，却在巴特尔克里克投入了成千上万美元修建建筑物。伦敦几乎没有被触及。英格兰需要更多的人力和财力，但所谓的智慧人却以一种显著的方式显明他们的智慧乃是愚拙，然而他们却如此充满自负，以致主不能为他们做什么。他们行事与上帝的旨意相左，在他们的业务管理上采取一种使他们觉得独立的做法，并且为他们所谓的能力而接受金钱，那并不是他们挣来的。主并不希望人们堆积建筑物，像他们在巴特尔克里克所做的一样。有一个广大的园地要作工，应当把有财力、智力和经验的各种各样的人才调到英国去。{PH079 15.1}
上帝注意到祂葡萄园中被忽视的部分，并且在祂许多工人的名下写下了“不忠心的管家”。上帝本来希望把美国一直在不断增多的设施分了再分。祂已赋予人们权柄，但他们行事却与祂的旨意相左。他们漠视了祂的警告，行在自己所点的火把中。这些人将被叫去为他们已经得到却没有听从的警告和亮光负责。{PH079 15.2}
我们现在希望把没有开工的园地摆在你们面前。我们希望你们看到人们是不可信赖的，除非他们与上帝有活泼的联络。南方园地被呈现在我面前，我也将所赐给我的亮光呈现在百姓面前。他们被唤醒了，开始努力为那个园地筹集资金。但是现在那资金在哪儿呢?它变成什么样子了?它被转移了，离开了它应该在的地方。所以有人说，为帮助南方园地这一特殊目的而筹集了资金，然后却用于另一个目的了。这就揭示了负责人的巨大盲目性和自以为是。如果他们曾是南方园地里的工人，他们对这件事的处理原会多么不同啊。但是，对于那些感到失望和生活拮据的人来说，这是完全不同的。当人们这样计划和策划，把一切都转到为他们自己的目的服务的路线上，使他们的管理不善所造成的差距不那么明显时，我感到我的心因正义的愤怒而怒火中烧。正义的原则一直在离开总会。弟兄们，为基督的缘故，要开始在正确的基础上工作!{PH079 15.3}
人应当被估计为人，而不是神。上帝已赐给人们能力去使用和增加他们的才干，他们应当珍视自己的道德责任感。有人可能会问，关于现在的工作，应该做些什么?应该在正确的原则上工作。每一位有写书负担的人，都应该用他们的笔来造福于圣工。要让人们作工，要是他们从自己的工作得了收入，就要让他们利用那收入尽自己的本分在上帝指示的地方高举真理的旗帜。要让他们寻求上帝的忠告，相信基督的应许，祂必派保惠师在凡事上教导他们，叫他们想起一切的事。他们不应让自己陷入什么网罗里。{PH079 16.1}
上帝是我们的顾问。我们已经让人代替了上帝。如果人们在缺乏智慧时去他们的密室祷告，求问那厚赐与众人、也不斥责人的上帝，主就必让祂的光照进心室和灵宫。应许是：“主就必赐给他。只要凭着信心求，一点不疑惑;因为那疑惑的人，就像海中的波浪，被风吹动翻腾”(雅1:5,6)。{PH079 17.1}
那想从基督得到一切的人，必须把一切都献给基督。哪里有人将生命完全降服于上帝，那里就必有《约翰福音》第一章中话语的更深含义。他们说：“凡接待祂的，就是信祂名的人，祂就赐他们权柄，作上帝的儿女”(约1:12)。当这些话被人理解的时候，就会有一种对上帝和祂旨意的认识，对整个人都有控制的能力。当才干被认为是来自上帝的恩赐，因使用而加倍，并且在献身的服务中归还给赐恩的主时，就会对每一个作为工具的人有一种神圣的尊重。专横霸道，不诚实地使用上帝所赐给祂任何一个产业的才干，会在他们所有的残忍行为中显明出来。只有当每一个人都认识到他帮助构成人类之网，必须为上帝尽自己的一份力量时;当他明白自己不仅有特权而且有责任拿他的银子去做买卖，善用他的才能去获得资金和灵魂时，他才会蒙上帝赐福。人们应当把自己的才干看作是一种信任。上帝按照各人的行为报应各人。那么就让人人都站在正确的位置吧。让他们利用每一点能力吧。他们应该获得属灵的和现世的才干，以便为上帝而使用。上帝已将才干委托给人，好叫他们在使用他们的能力上与祂使用。他们所有的金钱，所有的影响力，都应当被看作是主的，祂仁慈地屈尊使用它们来推进祂的工作。{PH079 17.2}
上帝呼吁召我们觉醒。每一个活着的基督徒都应当尽自己的本分，作忠心的管家。上帝的方法是明智而正确的，我们应当拿自己的小钱大钱去做买卖，将我们的乐意捐交给祂，好支持祂的工作，光照黑暗中的世界，使人归于耶稣基督。大笔小笔的资金都应当流进主的库中。我们已经滥用了钱财的人应该怎么办呢?那些处在负责地位的人岂不该归还他们所不正当地得到的一切吗?这是耶和华的钱财，原是交给祂的管家所用的。任何一个人，无论他所处的地位如何，都不能认为自己能够成为任何人的良心。如果那些处在负责岗位的人真正地与上帝打交道，他们就会把上帝应得的东西交给祂。然而当人们成了别人的良心，买下他们的才干并且按照有限的判断使用时，他们就自行承担了主并没有放在他们身上的责任。{PH079 18.1}
上帝的每一个孩子和他的救赎主之间都要有一种谅解。基督呼吁每一个人都要理解和认识独一的真神和祂所差来的耶稣基督。上帝的每一个信主的孩子都要做实际的工作。各人要为自己的个性，为使用主所托付的才能，对上帝负责。{PH079 18.2}
我要对我的同工们说。主愿意让我们通过为主使用我们所拥有的恩赐来获得新的经验，在恩典和认识上帝的知识上长进。我们是倚靠基督获得属灵的食物和活力的。我们只有通过以基督为食才能拥有圣洁和力量，才能认识基督并且成为上帝忠心的同工。不要让任何人成为你的替身。基督才是你的替身。要去找祂，祂已接纳你在祂的掌控之下。“你们不是自己的人;因为你们是重价买来的”(林前6:19,20)。你在心智、身体和属灵上的能力都来自上帝，你应当在各方面向祂献上完全的服务，持定主耶稣基督。这是我们可以用来洁净心灵的力量。这会洁净和净化我们，日复一日，时复一时。{PH079 19.1}
让一位常存的基督住在我们的心里，我们就会显出比我们所行的更大的智慧来。我们将更多地认识上帝和耶稣基督，以及为我们打开前进之门的圣灵。我们需要彰显基督的灵。我们若没有得着本来应当得到的一切，现在岂可说：“你把所欠的还我”(太18:28)吗?那是主的，我们要说：“把上帝自己的还给祂。至于我，我现在不敢接受我本来可以拥有的。”要说：“拿我们本来应该得到的这些钱去帮助外国的布道工作吧。”必需品的大门敞开着。我呼吁每一个人都把你们感到清白的一切用来恢复需要在世上完成的大工。我不愿从拖欠的版税接受额外的一分钱，我请弟兄姐妹们与我站在一起，医治这个创伤，将他们认为本来可以得到的额外的版税转移到上帝的工作最需要的地方。我们应当尽一切努力保持我们的管理原则正确。应当看到耶稣行走在惊涛骇浪上，说：“住了吧，静了吧!”“是我，不要怕”(可4:39;6:50)。{PH079 19.2}
当上帝的圣工清除多年积累的垃圾时，上帝的圣名要在你们中间得着荣耀。当圣灵对人实施管束时，就不会再有以前所实行的暗昧活动了。所表现出来的就会是正直、诚实和愿意让大家都了解工作方法。工人的品格要用纯洁坚固的材料建造。上帝所有守诫的子民都必在交易中显示出率直。网的每一根线都从主而来。每一个工人都要将他的线织进网里，帮助完成图案。图案要从设计完美的伟大织机上编织出来。{PH079 20.1}
三千年以前大卫发问道：“少年人用什么洁净他的行为呢?是要遵行祢的话”(诗119:9)。污秽的心灵需要清洗、洁净而成圣。于是就能作见证说：“那吩咐光从黑暗中照出来的上帝，已经照在我们心里，叫我们得知上帝荣耀的光，显在耶稣基督的面上”(林后4:6)。我们在世上要藉着善行发光。主要求祂从事圣工的子民单独与上帝同在。在每一项业务交易上都反映天国的原则和上帝品德、上帝之爱的光，就像基督反映的那样。我们在仰望耶稣时，整个人生会因这奇妙的光而发光。我们的每一部分都要成为光明;这样，我们无论转向哪里，都会有光从我们反射到别人身上。基督就是道路、真理、生命。在祂里面毫无黑暗;因此，我们若在基督里面，就不会有黑暗在我们里面了。{PH079 20.2}
什么是圣灵的果子呢?是忧闷、悲伤、悲哀和流泪吗?不!不!圣灵所结的果子乃是仁爱、喜乐、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信实、温柔、节制。这些美德必显示在每一块构成上帝圣殿的石头上。所有的石头并非一样的大小或形状，但每一块石头在圣殿里都有其位置。在圣殿里没有一块畸形的石头。每一块都是完美的。石头的形状虽然各不相同，互相却是和谐的，构成了一个完美的整体。有一点是肯定的，每一块石头都是活石，是闪烁发光的石头。现在便是将石头从世界的采石场中凿出来运送到上帝工厂去的时候。在那里要加以切磋琢磨，以致能发出光辉来。{PH079 21.1}
基督徒们啊，基督在我们身上彰显出来了吗?我们必须努力获得健全的身体和强壮的心智，不容易被削弱，能够超越自己，看到所做每一个行动的因果关系。这样我们便踏上通途，作精兵忍受艰难困苦。我们需要有能看到种种困难并能以来自上帝的智慧经历到底的心智，以便能与难题格斗并克服它们。最困难的问题就是钉死自我，在属灵的经验上忍受艰难，用严格的纪律训练心灵。或许这在开始的时候不会带来最令人满意的结果，但后效却必是平安和幸福。{PH079 21.2}
每一个人都会受到试探，去追求一种会使他在属灵上虚弱的做法。那些心中有上帝的事业和工作的人应当说，我不会为了满足个人需求而使出版机构陷入尴尬境地;因为这种榜样会敞开门户增加自私，减少应该用来在外国高举真理旗帜的资金。基督是我们的力量。祂能使我们在试探下保持廉洁、真实、纯洁、神圣。只有靠祂的力量，我们才能作精兵忍受艰难困苦。我们有基督在心里作王，就能达到最高的标准，在天上，我们的名字会以得胜者的身份出现，因为我们在祂里面得以完全。{PH079 22.1}
怀爱伦
PH079 - Special Instruction Regarding Royalties
【Special Instruction Regarding Royalties】
(“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong,March 11, 1899.)
Dear Brethren Irwin, Sisley, Smith, and Jones.
I have read the letter which came in the last mail from Dr. Kellogg and Elder Moon and Brother Sisley. The mail came yesterday (Sabbath noon), but we do not go for it until after the Sabbath, so we could not read the letters until this morning. I rose at half past three o’clock, and perused all my mail. I had placed my diary in the hands of my copyists, that they might copy from it two articles. You can see by these what I wrote in 1890 and’91. This matter has been copied without much correction, just as I wrote it. There is much more of the same tenor, which I have talked over and over again to our people in Battle Creek.?{PH079 1.1}[1]
I was sorry that we could not get the mail from America before the letters had to be sent. But the mailboat arrived in Sydney late, and my mail came one day after our mail went to Sydney. I felt very sorry about this happening so.?{PH079 1.2}[2]
I received your statement in reference to the royalties on books. I have not had light that there was to be a restitution of royalties according to the ideas of the writers of books. Nothing of the kind has been presented to me. There are many books written, and the publishing house would be bankrupt should those who have?had books published all put in their plea. There is, and ever will be, a flood of books issued if a large remuneration is given to authors. The little story books written are not a great tax on the writers, neither are books of this character of vital consequence to the world. A difference must be made in the books written. They can not be classed together. But I will say nothing more about this. Fearing something will come in to interrupt me, I write out the most important matter first. Light has not been given me embracing that which your minds are taking in,—going back over the ground and paying additional royalties on all the books that have been published. I answer that this is not wisdom.?{PH079 1.3}[3]
I have read the letter written, which contains the arguments that have been in existence for a long time, voiced by—————. There may be plenty of suppositions, but when we consider these arguments in a candid manner, when we know what gave birth to these propositions, they are weighed in the balance and found wanting. The wisdom of those who have advocated these wise sayings has been found to be foolishness. There is a long train of evils, of selfish, dishonest scheming, of underhand work in dealing with authors. Dishonest methods have been practised. Hard hearts have devised injustice, unfaithfulness, untrustfulness, giving their word, and then breaking it, so that nothing could be relied on. This has created sedition and light-mindedness, causing the people to lose respect and reverence for the servants of God. If this is an evidence that men have the mind of Christ, then we shall have to learn anew what constitutes true Christianity.?{PH079 2.1}[4]
Shall we follow the judgment of men who have had the rebuke of God upon them for years. Their history is a declaration as to how much weight should be given to their sentiments. The inwardness of the actions of these—what shall I call them—false prophets, has been shown; with many words they have set things forth in a false light. The Lord has declared that their counsel should not stand. Their intriguing, their gathering together men whom they thought would voice their methods, was an offense in God’s sight. They were themselves deceived, and their deception has been deepening. They were deceived by their own manufactured logic. They have been separating farther and farther from God, and soon, I was instructed, would realize that they were weighed in their own balances, by the very principles they forwarded and advocated with the greatest assurance. The Lord would give them an opportunity to come under the rules and sentiments they acted a part in creating. They would know by experience how it would feel to have their own principles brought to bear upon them. These men, from the first to the last of their experience, have done an injury to the work and cause of God by perverting justice and judgment, and making crooked paths with their own wandering feet, to their great loss and confusion.?{PH079 3.1}[5]
I present this matter just as the Lord presented it to me when in Europe, and those who have taken a part in that question had not wisdom from God. Every man is accountable to God for the use he makes of his talents. We have no confidence in the principles devised by men who can betray the cause of God and work?at cross purposes with him. Their unsanctified dispositions will work contrary to God, and their principles have nearly ruined the cause of God, and have brought in a condition of things that the General Conference is laboring hard to undo. If those men who, by their course of action, by working at cross purposes with God, have done the cause of God an injury, will lay down their supposed wise reasonings and listen to the messages of mercy sent them, they will find pardon. But if they continue to hinder the work of God as they have done, the Lord will say, He is joined to his idols, let him alone.?{PH079 3.2}[6]
In the past, publishers have placed themselves as God, to dictate, to control, to manage as they pleased, and to lord it over God’s heritage. They have done a deceptive work in dealing with authors. I have been taken into private councils, and have heard the plans laid down. Men have managed to make an author believe that his work is naught, and that they do not want to have anything to do with the book. The author has no means. He feels that his hands are tied. Men talk and think over the whole process, and succeed in bringing him to their terms, to take the royalty that they offer on the book.?{PH079 4.1}[7]
The dealing with—————was not true and righteous in all its points. Justice was not done to him. The effort made to grind down—————at first, and to obtain possession of books, has made a most miserable showing, driving him to an opposite extreme. Men’s brains have been bought and sold.?{PH079 4.2}[8]
The dealing in regard to “Gospel Primer” was unjust. Another book, “His Glorious Appearing,”?was crowded in to kill the sale of the Primer. The way in which “The Gospel Primer” was handled has left a record on the books of heaven which those concerned in the matter will not be pleased to meet in the judgment. The young men who were handling the books did not understand the diplomacy and scheming, but some knowingly took part in these wrong practises, diverting from the Southern field a book specially prepared for that field. The profits from this book should have gone into that field. Not a penny should have been charged for the publication of the book for that field. This donation would have been small enough for the Office to make to the Southern field.?{PH079 4.3}[9]
The scheming and inventions of men whose wisdom had departed from them, led to crooked transaction, of which business men should be ashamed. But I will state no more. This is the principle which has controlled again and again in different ways.?{PH079 5.1}[10]
God commanded that certain warnings and the presentation of events to take place should be placed without delay before the people. Had the very book God appointed to stand in its lot and place been handled as earnestly as “Bible Readings,” men would have co-operated with the angels of God to make the very impression essential for that time. But men not standing in living connection with God could not discern the necessity for the present truth for that time. All my entreaty and urging were of none effect. False statement after false statement was made. And why? The President of the Conference might, if he had been moved by the Spirit of God, have helped to change the whole matter.?But I had to press my claims, and should have pressed them still more strongly. The light given me was never to make large donations to any phase of the work, never again to place myself in an embarrassing position, as I had for years.?{PH079 5.2}[11]
I have been broken off to have a talk with Brother Martin. I furnish him with papers and tracts to do missionary work. He is not a minister, but a farmer of considerable intelligence. He sells fruit, and thus becomes acquainted with the people. Many souls have been converted through his zealous influence. I have just told him he needed the?Review and Herald, and that he must take it. He put his hand in the pocket and handed me the money. I am going to send in all the names I can get; for every family ought to have our church paper. Please send the?Review?to F. Martin, Kellyville, New South Wales, Australia, and charge the same to my account.?{PH079 6.1}[12]
After the publishers refused to handle my books, I had to draw from the Review and Herald for means to live on. They humiliated me in the dust by telling me they could not honor my order, for I had overdrawn.?{PH079 6.2}[13]
Then light came to me in the night season that the Lord would not have me passing out means in large sums. I had donated one thousand dollars to erect the mission building in Illinois. I would be solicited to do this from every quarter, but the Lord would not have me dependent upon any of our institutions. He had a message for me to bear which would cut like a two-edged sword, right and left. He would have me so situated that I would be free from financial embarrassment. I must not trust in man, nor make flesh?my arm. The enemy would exercise his ingenuity through the men who should uphold and sustain me wherever I was called to go, that I might lead out in the work that God in his wisdom would have done. Then, if my brethren did not awake to the situation, I was to make no delay in taking the books into my own hands, and the Lord would prepare the way before me. He would not have the work delayed.?{PH079 6.3}[14]
Calls were made for me to go here and there, and I made earnest efforts. At last the spell was broken, and the books were circulated. The light given was that “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” “Great Controversy,” and “Patriarchs and Prophets,” would make their way. They contained the very message the people must have, the special light God had given his people. The angels of God would prepare the way for these books in the hearts of the people.?{PH079 7.1}[15]
Do you think any amount of money could recompense me for the loss I and many have sustained through the devising of men who worked in such a way and on such principles? This work has been done after the manner of men who were not worked by the Holy Spirit. Money taken in such ways, brought in through such methods, would not be to the glory of God’s name. It would be a blot upon the work. Men could not see that in these devisings they were closing the door to great light, which would have shone in the place of lesser light. The methods followed were all contrary to the principles of justice and honor.?{PH079 7.2}[16]
To define every particular of the scheming and conniving of these men would fill a volume. When men are converted, there will be a clearing?up that can never be done by any mere investigation you may endeavor to make. It would be useless now to try to arrive at exact justice in all past transactions. By doing this, you would place yourself in a hopeless puzzle. Some have received all the royalty they should on their books. The Lord does not require the Review and Herald Office to do the intricate work of apportioning to each author a sum on back royalties. By doing this, you would make a worse error than has been made. This proceeding would awaken in some a selfishness that would prove a great injury to them. I might name many persons, but I forbear.?{PH079 7.3}[17]
Come now to your senses, and do not create a second error. Let us consider these matters. Those who handle the books should have a fair remuneration for their work. But let me tell you that should such a move be made as you propose, all authors would feel themselves at liberty to put in claims in accordance with the estimate they place upon their books. There would be a representation of selfishness that would astonish you. Now brethren, your dearth of means at the present time is the result of just such selfishness. It has been introduced into the work when it should not have obtained a breath of life, but been strangled to death at the beginning. God abhors the practices that have been followed. Do not now open a door to let Satan in where he can work with human minds. Do not give those who have made books an opportunity to destroy themselves. The most selfish, irrespective of the present dearth of means, will consider themselves of such consequence that they will draw away from the?publishing house the last penny that they can obtain, and God would be ashamed to call them his brethren.?{PH079 8.1}[18]
Let us not open a door whereby Satan shall find easy access. We want large, sound souls. The windows of the soul must always open heavenward. We must see that the danger is great in the work of reconsidering past royalties and making restitution. Some who have received all the real value of their books will think them of much greater value than they are. Their windows are opened earthward and not heavenward. Throw open the windows heavenward, and let the sunshine of Christ’s righteousness in, and the windows of the soul now opened earthward will close of themselves.?{PH079 9.1}[19]
No one can have been hurt financially more than I was hurt when “The Great Controversy” lay for nearly two years dead in the Office. Just work was not done in this matter. The book “Bible Readings” was crowded in before “Great Controversy,” which was already printed, and which should have been placed in the canvasser’s hands first, because it was first, and contained important matter which the people needed to have as soon as possible. It seemed that I was mocked because of my intense earnestness in regard to that book, and what it might have done had it not been dropped as it was, and through unsanctified influences and selfish, unprincipled methods shut away from the people. This was a dishonest transaction toward me, and it was unfaithful stewardship toward God.?{PH079 9.2}[20]
But I would not now take any restitution money. I accepted the lowest royalty on my books, under a most solemn promise that they?would be pushed forward vigorously. This promise was not kept. There was fraud in the management. But I want no restitution; I want no increase of royalty for any books of mine sold in the past. God forbid, when the pressure is strong and means limited, that I should draw one penny from the resources for the carrying forward of the work.?{PH079 9.3}[21]
I have felt it my duty in a number of cases to forgive debts that have been incurred by my brethren, and I have now a heart to forgive all the debts that have been incurred against me by the publishing institution from first to last. I call upon my brethren, all who have had books, small or large, published, to stand with me in this matter. Those who put too large an estimate on their own productions can not rightly estimate souls. These are the very ones who will draw, whether or not they are entitled to anything. Let the sponge be passed over the board containing the figures, and let all say, Amen. Let each appropriate his share as an offering to sustain the work of God.?{PH079 10.1}[22]
I know that Brother Smith feels as I do in this matter. We will stand together, Brother Smith. Of all the books that have come forth from the press, those mentioned are of the greatest consequence in the past and at the present time. I know that “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation” has done a great work in this country. I know also that the light given me by God in the books I have published has done a good work, and I praise the Lord for this. Other books have stood in their lot and place.?{PH079 10.2}[23]
It is too late in the day, after so much light has been given, to have controversy over this subject?of royalties. I have reason to thank God that he has given me strength of intellect to write out the truth and get it before the people, and that I can use the means the Lord in his providence has permitted to pass into my hands in establishing his work in new places, aiding in the building of churches and the educating of students. I could use thousands of pounds in advancing the work in these new fields, which are all ripe for the harvest.?{PH079 10.3}[24]
I wish to say to authors, that I can not see that they have any liberty to either give away or sell their right to books they have written. When you do this, a door of temptation is opened before the publishers to repeat the history of the past. They will obtain for a small sum books that are not of vital importance. They will be tempted to say to the authors, “It is naught, it is naught.” They will make some little changes, and then exalt these books to the highest in their notices. They will deceive the people, and while doing this will treat valuable books indifferently, as they have done Brother Smith’s work.?{PH079 11.1}[25] The publishing house should receive their share of the profits from the books published. This should be proportionate to the work they do in getting out notices, etc. But let the publishers be careful not to claim that they are the ones who do the greatest amount of work in preparing these books for the market. Let the authors take a reasonable sum for their work, but they are not to sell their right to any institution. This will not be a blessing to the institution.?{PH079 11.2}[26]
Unless care is taken, the market will be flooded with books of a cheap order, and the people will be deprived of the light and truth which it is?essential they should have to prepare the way of the Lord. This has been done and will be done again, unless right principles control in the publishing work. Let those who have brain power to write books remember that they have power to manage the royalty they receive. They should lead out in some lines of benevolence in the cause and work of God. They are not to allow the means to be taken from them by making other minds of stewards of their productions. To every man and woman the Lord has given his work, and the responsibility of the use of God’s gifts rests with the one who has been entrusted with means. There are ways in which each one entrusted with talents can use these talents. They should have keen perception to know where means are needed, and be able to give something to relieve the need.?{PH079 11.3}[27]
I have used the royalty on the foreign books to create a fund for the education of students. In the past I have allowed all the books sold in Europe to be used in Europe under the management of some one. This fund is now being used for the translation of my books into other languages. In the future I shall use these royalties in the work of entering new fields. The work in Europe was much farther advanced than the work in Australia. But when I had been in Melbourne a few months, Brother Lewis Johnson wrote me that they had in Europe a thousand dollars belonging to me as royalty. I wrote that I needed it to invest in the establishment of a school here in Australia. He wrote back pleading for a portion of this money: for they wished to educate promising young men for the ministry. I answered, If you need it so much, I will not?withdraw it. Since then they have had all the royalties on the sale of foreign books, until about one year ago. Then I told them to use this money in translating my books into other languages, that the truth which the Lord has signified should go to every place, might be placed before the people.?{PH079 12.1}[28]
Let others judge me if they will, and yet I testify before God that I am free from the charges that they make against me. I had set my heart on using the money sent from California in the building of the hospital so very much needed in Cooranbong. But when I learned of the need of a meeting-house in Brisbane, I immediately sent them one hundred pounds. It was decided at the sanitarium in Sydney that they must have temporary bath-rooms before they could work to advantage. I put means in the hands of the Union Conference, to be held until we know whether John Wessels is coming to Australia. If he is not, I must let them have that money to keep the work moving in different lines. We know not how our hospital will be built or furnished, but the Lord knows all about our necessities. Our part of the work is to go forward. Outside interests have taken all the means, so that my workers have been paid only a part of their wages for the past year. Patiently they have waited, understanding the situation. We are praying, waiting, trusting, and believing.?{PH079 13.1}[29]
We are all in possession of talents, and we are not to give to another person our entrusted capabilities. We are to trade upon them, that we may gain other talents to use in the advancement of the Lord’s work. For me to give up my stewardship of means for some one else to use?would be unfaithfulness on my part. There are some persons in Battle Creek who pay a faithful tithe, and there are others who do not. Should any one put it out of their power to do this by selling their capabilities, and letting another become steward for him? It is our duty to improve our talents. The Lord would have every person manage his own business and handle his own talents. He does not desire his people to give away the only means they have to invest in his cause for their individual selves.?{PH079 13.2}[30]
Some think that only a portion of their means is the Lord’s, but this is a mistake. All is the Lord’s. All should feel their accountability to appropriate the means as the different necessities of the work shall demand. There are poor to be helped. If you put out of your power the talents lent you of God to do this work, you are held responsible for the work you should have done. You place man as God, and he feels fully authorized to use the purchased talents just as he pleases, when he might listen to the calls for help. You put it out of your power to do the work you fell impressed to do.?{PH079 14.1}[31]
All that we have, every dollar, belongs to God. Wise trading is to be done, and every man and woman is to pray and work and study and plan, all the time acquiring a more correct knowledge of how to work. This is the plan of God. There are men acting a part in the work of God who would help in an emergency, but they have placed thousands in the hands of other men to use for them. They have given over their stewardship to another. Did the Lord plan it thus?—No. He would have used them to lift up the standard of truth in places that should open.?{PH079 14.2}[32]
The Lord will plan for us if we will let him do this. It is his money, not ours, and he expects that every one will ask wisdom from him in regard to the use he makes of his means. Places that have so great need of workers and facilities as Europe and London are a world in themselves, and yet, while thousands upon thousands of dollars have been invested in buildings in Battle Creek. London has scarcely been touched. England has needed many more men and much more means, but the supposed wise men have managed in a remarkable manner to reveal that their wisdom was foolishness, while they were so filled with conceit that the Lord could do nothing for them. They were working at cross purposes with God, pursuing a course in the management of their business transactions that made them feel independent, and they have taken money for their supposed capabilities, which they did not earn. The Lord does not want men to pile up buildings as they have done in Battle Creek. There is a large field to be worked, and a variety of talents in money and intelligence and experience are to be transferred to England.?{PH079 15.1}[33]
God marks the neglect of portions of his vineyard, and he writes against the names of many of his workers, Unfaithful stewards. God would have had the facilities that have been continually increasing in America divided and subdivided. He has invested men with power, but they have worked at cross purposes with him. They have disregarded his warnings, and walked in the sparks of their own kindling. These will be called to account for the warnings and light which they have received, but have not heeded.?{PH079 15.2}[34]
We wish to lay out before you now the fields?that are unworked. We wish you to see that men can not be trusted unless they have a living connection with God. The Southern field was presented to me, and I presented the light given me to the people. They were aroused. They set to work to raise means for that field. But where is that means now? What has become of it? It has been diverted from its rightful place. Money was raised for the special purpose, so it was stated, of helping the Southern field, and was then used for a different purpose. This reveals the great blindness and presumption on the part of responsible men. Had they been workers in the Southern field, how different would have been their treatment of this matter. But it made every difference who were the ones to be disappointed and cramped for means. I feel my heart burn with righteous indignation when men thus plan and maneuver to divert everything into lines which serve their own purposes, to make less conspicuous the gap their mismanagement has made. The principles of righteousness have been departing from the Conference. Brethren, for Christ’s sake, begin to work on a right basis!?{PH079 15.3}[35]
Let men be estimated as men, and not as gods. God has given men the ability to use and increase their talents, and they are to cherish a sense of their moral responsibilities. It may be asked, What shall be done in reference to the work now? Work on correct principles. Let men and women who have a burden to produce books, work to bless the cause of God by the use of their pens. Let them work, and if they have an income from their work, let them make use of that income to do their part in uplifting the standard of truth where God shall direct. Let them seek counsel?from God. Let them believe the promise of Christ that he will send the Comforter to teach them all things and bring all things to their remembrance. Let them not allow themselves to be drawn into any snare.?{PH079 16.1}[36]
God is our counselor. We have let men take the place of God. The Lord will let his light shine into the chambers of the mind and into the soul-temple, if men when they lack wisdom will go to their closets in prayer, and ask God, who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not. The promise is, “It shall be given him, but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed.”?{PH079 17.1}[37]
He who would have all from Christ must give all to Christ. Where there is a complete surrender of the being to God, there will be a far deeper meaning in the words of John, chapter one. They speak, “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” When these words are understood, there will be a knowledge of God and his will that will have a controlling power over the whole man. When the talent is considered as a gift from God, to be doubled by use, and returned to the Giver in consecrated service, there will be a sacred regard for every human instrumentality. Masterly overbearing and a dishonest use of the talents God has given to any of his heritage will be seen in all their cruelty. Only when every human agent realizes that he helps to compose the web of humanity, and must act his part for God; when he understands that it is not only his privilege, but his duty to trade with his talents, to improve his capabilities, to acquire means and souls, will he be?blessed by God. Men are to regard their talents as a trust. God rewards every man according to his work. Then let all stand in a right position. Let them use every jot of ability. Let them acquire spiritual and temporal talents, that they may invest them for God. God has entrusted talents to human beings, that they may co-operate with him in the use of their powers. All their money, all their influence, is to be regarded as the Lord’s, who graciously condescends to use them in carrying forward his work.?{PH079 17.2}[38]
God calls upon us to awake. Every living Christian is to act his part as a faithful steward. The methods of God are sensible and right, and we are to trade on our pence and our pounds, returning our freewill offerings to him to sustain his work, to enlighten the world in darkness, to bring souls to Jesus Christ. Large and small sums should flow into the treasury of the Lord. What shall we do who have misapplied our means? Shall not those in responsible places restore all they have received unjustly? This means was the Lord’s, and should have been used by the stewards upon whom it was bestowed. No man, whatever his position of trust, is to consider himself capable of being conscience for any man. If those in responsible positions deal truly with God, they will render to God his due. But when men become conscience for others, by buying their talents and appropriating them according to finite judgment, they take upon themselves a responsibility which the Lord has not placed upon them.?{PH079 18.1}[39]
There is to be an understanding between every child of God and his Redeemer. Christ calls upon every human being to understand and?know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom he has sent. Practical work is to be done by every believing child of God. Each is to answer to God for his own individuality, for the use he makes of the Lord’s entrusted talents.{PH079 18.2}[40]
I would say to my fellow laborers. The Lord would have us obtain new experiences, a growth in grace and in the knowledge of God, by using for the Master the gifts we have. We are dependent upon Christ for spiritual food and vitality. It is only by feeding upon Christ that we can have sanctification and power, that we can know Christ and be a faithful co-worker with God. Let no man become your substitute. Christ is your substitute. Go to Him who has taken you under his charge. “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price.” All you have in mental, physical, and spiritual capacities comes from God, and you are to render to him perfect service in every line, holding fast the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our availing power for the purity of the soul. This will cleanse and purify us, day by day and hour by hour.?{PH079 19.1}[41]
Let an abiding Christ live in the soul, and we shall show far greater wisdom than we have done. We shall know more of God and of Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit which opens the door for us to advance. We need to manifest the Spirit of Christ. If we have not received all we should have had, shall we now say, “Pay me that thou owest?” It is the Lord’s, and we will say, “Return to God his own. As for me, I dare not now receive that which I might have had.” Say, “Take these means, which we ought to have received, and let them be used in helping in?foreign missionary work.” The great doors of necessity stand wide open. I call upon each and all to appropriate all that you feel clear to restore to the great work which is in need of being done in our world. I would not receive an additional penny on any back royalties, and I ask my brethren and sisters to stand with me, and heal this wound by transferring the extra royalties they think they might have had to work in God in the place where the need is greatest. We are to make every effort to keep our principles of management correct. Let Jesus be seen, walking on the tempestuous billows, and saying, “Peace, be still.” “It is I, be not afraid.”?{PH079 19.2}[42]
When the sacred work of God shall be purified from all the rubbish which has been accumulating for years, the name of God will be glorified in your midst. When the Holy Spirit controls human agents, there will be none of the underhand business which has been practised. Honesty, truthfulness, and a willingness that all should understand the methods of working, will be seen. The characters of the workers will be built up with pure, solid timbers. Straightforwardness in deal will be seen in all God’s commandment-keeping people. Every thread of the web will be originated by the Lord, and each worker will draw his thread into the web to help compose the pattern. The pattern will come from the great loom perfect in its design.?{PH079 20.1}[43]
Three thousand years ago, David asked the question, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word.” Souls already impure need to be cleansed, purified, and sanctified. Then the testimony can be borne, “God who commanded?the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” In this world we are to shine in good works. The Lord requires his people who handle sacred things to be alone with God, to reflect the principles of heaven in every business transaction, to reflect the light of God’s character, God’s love, as Christ reflected it. Looking unto Jesus, all our lives will be aglow with that wondrous light. Every part of us is to be light; then whichever way we turn, light will be reflected from us to others. Christ is the way, the truth, the life. In him is no darkness at all; therefore, if we are in Christ, there will be no darkness in us.?{PH079 20.2}[44]
The fruit of the Spirit-what is it? Gloom and sadness, and mourning, and tears? No, no; the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. These graces will be seen in every stone that helps to compose the temple of God. All the stones are not of the same dimension or shape, but every stone has its place in the temple. In the temple there is not one misshapen stone. Each is perfect, and in the diversity there is unity, making a complete whole. One thing is sure, every stone is a living stone, a stone that emits light. Now is the time for the stones taken from the quarry of the world to be brought into the workshop of God, and hewed, squared, and polished, that they may shine.?{PH079 21.1}[45]
Christians, is Christ revealed in us? We must labor to have sound bodies and strong minds, that are not easily enfeebled, minds that look beyond self to the cause and result of every movement made. Then we are in a fair way to endure?hardness as good soldiers. We need minds that can see difficulties and go through with them with the wisdom that comes from God; that can wrestle with hard problems and conquer them. The hardest problem is to crucify self, to endure hardness in spiritual experience, training the soul by severe discipline. This will not, perhaps, bring the very best satisfaction at the first, but the after-effect will be peace and happiness.?{PH079 21.2}[46]
Temptations will come to every soul to pursue a course which will make him a spiritual weakling. Let those who have the cause and work of God at heart say, I will do nothing to place the publishing institution in embarrassment in order to satisfy personal demands; for such an example will open the door to increased selfishness, and lessen the means which should be used in the lifting the standard in foreign countries. Christ is our strength. He can enable us to stand uncorrupted, true, pure, holy, under temptation. In his strength alone we can endure hardness as good soldiers. With Christ enthroned in our hearts we are enabled to reach the highest standard, and in heaven our names appear as overcomers, because we are complete in him.?{PH079 22.1}[47]
---E. G. White[48]
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