柯纳克湖疗养院的病人
我们很高兴有幸在湖边这片美丽的树林里见到我们的朋友们。我们慈悲的天父又一次使我们安全地从太平洋海岸穿越了平原，作为回报，我们要把我们感恩的心献给祂。{PH069 6.1}
我们的救主常以田野、树林、湖边为祂的殿。人们蜂拥到这些地方，成为大群，要聆听祂圣口中所出的真理之言。祂有特殊的理由选择这些自然的圣所;熟悉的自然界的东西就这样呈现在祂的听众眼前，祂便使用那些东西来简化祂的教导，通过从自然界汲取的教训来阐明祂的意思，使百姓心中牢记真理。{PH069 6.2}
有一次，清早，门徒们在打鱼，发现夫子在岸边行走。他们立刻将船靠岸，在那里他们可以从船上与祂交谈。但耶稣不能长久隐藏，不见不断来寻找祂的群众。祂作为神奇的医病者的名声已广为流传;当祂站在岸边时，百姓就急忙赶到那里，把他们患病的亲友带到祂面前，求祂医治他们。祂那伟大的爱心充满了对那些向祂求助的苦难对象的神圣怜悯。{PH069 6.3}
无论祂转向何方，痛苦和垂死的人都躺在那里，祈求祂的怜悯，恳求平安与健康之福，他们相信祂能给予他们这种福气。一些患者担心，在众多向这位大医师力陈病情的患者中，他们会被忽视。虽然他们无望得到祂个人的关注，但他们还是不愿离开祂所在的地方，相信他们如果能靠近到哪怕能足以摸到祂，那一摸也能给他们带来医治。病人急切地在人群中伸出瘦弱的手，要摸基督的衣裳或身体，凡摸到祂的人，他们受苦的身体都得到了祂对信心的触摸的回应。{PH069 7.1}
那些郁郁寡欢，思想被禁锢在绝望之墓里的人，都被耶稣的临格所吸引。那些因目前的失望而哀伤，因想到没有星光的未来而战兢的人，来到世界的光耶稣这里，作为他们惟一的希望。祂怀着温柔的同情，俯身观看那些受苦受难、垂头丧气和奄奄一息之人的身形。祂口中说出欢快的话语：“小子，放心吧!你的罪赦了”(太9:2)。希望取代了那些蒙耶稣赐福之人心中的忧郁和绝望;健康和喜乐使他们容光焕发;刚才还只说悲伤和怀疑之话的口，现在欢呼赞美上帝了。{PH069 7.2}
疾病在拯救者的触摸之下逃窜，完美的健康和健全取代了痛苦和衰败。每一个请求基督的人都得到了解救;没有一个哀伤的人在痛苦中离去;每一个意志消沉的灵魂都因祂充满希望和饶恕之爱的话语而安静下来。于是大教师便开始指教肃然起敬、惊讶莫名的大众。可众人拥挤祂，都渴望听得祂的声音，最后把祂挤到湖边，连立足的地方都没有了。所以祂就转身招呼彼得，彼得在自己的船上，离岸边不远。门徒把船划过来，救主就上去，请他把船撑开，稍微离岸。{PH069 8.1}
天上的至尊就了位，不是在大卫的宝座上，而是在一个渔夫摇摆的小船上。在教师就在这里将祂的宝贵真理教导众人，把这些神圣的教训与取自人们的职业和他们周围熟悉的自然物体的例证结合起来。这给祂的教导打上了现实的烙印。在那里向聆听的众人提出的例证要在历代得到重述。这样讲解的真理会永垂不朽，且会铭刻在千百万将要生到世上之人的心中。{PH069 9.1}
那是在清晨的明光中，大教师使用的例证虽然简单，却给人以深刻的印象。祂利用了高耸的树木，耕种的田地，光秃的岩石，从岩石裂缝中挤出来的美丽花朵，永远的山岭，谷中的绚烂鲜花，茂盛的枝头欢唱的小鸟，静立于湖心纯洁的百合花。所有这些事物都是听众周围的生动画面，成了传达祂教训的媒介，好在听众心中留下深刻的印象。祂的教训就这样深入众人的内心，适合所有听众的接受力，轻柔地引导他们从思考创造者在自然界的作为，到思考大自然的上帝。{PH069 9.2}
我捧着的这束鲜花，它的蓓蕾，它的花朵，上帝使它带有各种雅致的色彩，美极了。地上的艺术技巧所产生的任何东西都比不上这位伟大的艺术大师所赋予我们的自然美。当我们观赏到高耸的树木，其新鲜的绿叶随风飘曳，地上铺满了如茵的碧草，百花和灌木从地里生长出来时，就当想起基督曾利用自然界的这些美景教导祂伟大真理的教训。我们观看谷浪荡漾的农田，聆听寄寓浓荫中愉快的鸟鸣，远望湖心的船只，就当回忆基督在湖畔，林间，山边所讲的话。祂在那些地方所传达的教训，也当通过我们周围同样的自然界事物而向我们重述。这样的情景应该受到我们神圣地看待，且应使我们的心欢喜快乐。{PH069 10.1}
那欺骗众生的魔鬼不断地在工作，设法使那些在上帝所创造的作品中不认识上帝之人的思想从自然界中的美物转移，对他们的天父所赐包围着他们的百般福气漠不关心。撒但暗示给他们这样的思想：上帝是一个严厉的法官，我们应该以极大的恐惧来看待祂，祂严厉的审判是暴政。上帝的怜爱从他们的意念中被挤了出去，他们的心就无视造他们的主了。祂是他们最好的朋友，却被视为在监视他们的行为，并将之记录在祂的记录册上，把祂的愤怒发泄在他们的头上，以此获得满足。{PH069 10.2}
但保罗在《希伯来书》中说过：“被造的没有一样在祂面前不显然的;原来万物在那与我们有关系的主眼前，都是赤露敞开的。”他提出这个是鼓励我们而不是打击我们：“我们既然有一位已经升入高天尊荣的大祭司，就是上帝的儿子耶稣，便当持定所承认的道。因我们的大祭司并非不能体恤我们的软弱。祂也曾凡事受过试探与我们一样，只是祂没有犯罪。所以，我们只管坦然无惧的来到施恩的宝座前，为要得怜恤，蒙恩惠，作随时的帮助”(来4:13-16)。{PH069 11.1}
全天庭都关心人类的幸福。上帝被描绘为我们随时的帮助。基督将自己与人视为一体;祂了解人的每一个弱点，每一种软弱。在我们的一切患难中，祂都是我们有同情心的朋友，当我们受到猛烈的试探时，祂必作我们的避难所。{PH069 12.1}
基督亲自关怀祂儿女的需要。祂视任何蔑视或疏忽祂弟兄的行为如同蔑视祂自己一样，也把给予他们中最卑微之人的善待视为做在祂自己身上。祂说：“我饿了，你们给我吃;我渴了，你们给我喝;我作客旅，你们留我住。……这些事你们既做在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是做在我身上了”(太25:35-40)。{PH069 12.2}
上帝所赐予丰厚福气的人，若关闭自己的心门，不肯藉周济与慈善的行动表显慷慨之情，就必从主的口中听见以下严肃的话：“我饿了，你们不给我吃，渴了，你们不给我喝;我作客旅，你们不留我住;我赤身露体，你们不给我穿;我病了，我在监里，你们不来看顾我。……我实在告诉你们，这些事你们既不做在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是不做作在我身上了”(太25:42,43,45)。{PH069 12.3}
若没有相应地爱我们的同胞，基督的爱就不可能存在于我们的心中。对上帝和我们邻舍的爱是真基督徒生活的统治原则。基督的救赎之爱应当唤醒人心所有的爱情和自我牺牲的奉献。{PH069 13.1}
上帝需要认真的工人。身体和属灵的健康，都会因不活动而受害。葡萄园里的懒汉，专为自己而活，对自己和别人从不满意;他的面容反映出不满的阴郁与冷淡。但那被吸引舍弃自我，像他的主一样，将自己与受苦的人类视同一体的人，却会因同情他人而变得温柔文雅。礼貌、忍耐与柔和必成为他的特征，并使他的出现成为不间断的喜乐与福惠。他的容颜会焕发真仁慈的光辉。{PH069 13.2}
那些辛劳至极为自己谋福利的人是可悲的。而那些因关怀他人而忘却自我的人，其分给他人的亮光与福惠，却会反照到他们自己心中。为基督工作是我们的责任;我们所拥有的，都是祂赐给我们的。如果不是因为祂先赐给了我们恩典的资本，我们就没什么可利用的。我们的一切都是主所托付的。然而当祂报赏我们，称赞我们说：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人”的时候，功劳好像是属于我们自己的了。博得救主的称赞，不在于我们所从事之工作的伟大，而在于我们工作时所表现的爱与忠诚。我们如何利用自己的才能，决定了我们是祸是福。我们可以有信心能够移山，可以明白各样的奥秘，也可以舍身叫火焚烧，可是若没有爱——那种在好行为中表达出来的爱，就是给饥饿的人食物吃，赤身的人衣服穿，看望受苦的人——我们就“就成了鸣的锣，响的钹一般”(林前13:1)。{PH069 13.3}
应当让这种思想鼓励我们：基督怜悯犯错误的人，愿意安慰沮丧失望的人，鼓励软弱的人。祂对每一个人生活中的特殊考验都了如指掌。祂从未误判我们的动机，也从未对我们的品格作出错误的估计。人可能不公正地对待我们，我们可能遭受诽谤和猜疑，但救主知道我们的内心想法，不会错误地判断我们的行为。我们可以将我们所有的忧伤和困惑都告诉祂，祂决不会辜负我们的信任，也不会对我们的抱怨置若罔闻。{PH069 14.1}
基督在祂一篇最动人的教训中说：“你们看那天空的飞鸟，也不种，也不收，也不积蓄在仓里，你们的天父尚且养活它。你们不比飞鸟贵重得多吗?你们哪一个能用思虑使使身量多加一肘呢”(太6:26,27)?大教师在这里引导我们的心明白上帝对祂儿女慈父般的眷爱。祂指示他们观察小鸟飞跃枝头，或掠过湖心水面，毫无疑惧的烦扰。上帝的圣目垂顾这些小动物。祂为它们预备食物，供应它们简单的需要。耶稣问道：“你们不比飞鸟贵重得多吗?”那么，为什么要沮丧，或者带着悲伤和不祥的预感展望未来呢?{PH069 14.2}
人的思想和焦虑并不能满足他的需要，也不能使他在青年时代成长，增强他的力量;但上帝在默默地为人做着祂的工作，随着人的逐渐成熟增加他的身量，开他的心窍，使他得知识。{PH069 15.1}
祂又说：“两个麻雀不是卖一分银子吗?若是你们的父不许，一个也不能掉在地上;就是你们的头发也都被数过了。所以，不要惧怕，你们比许多麻雀还贵重”(太10:29-31)。{PH069 15.2}
上帝既眷顾和保护小鸟，祂难道不更加爱护眷顾按照祂的形像而造的人类吗?{PH069 15.3}
“何必为衣裳忧虑呢?你想野地里的百合花怎么长起来;它也不劳苦，也不纺线。然而我告诉你们，就是所罗门极荣华的时候，他所穿戴的，还不如这花一朵呢”(太6:28,29)!坐在地上宝座上最伟大的君王所穿的王袍，以其人为的绚丽，无法与上帝的手所造百合花纯洁的美相比。这个事例说明一切美景的创造主对人为之美和天然之美的评价。{PH069 16.1}
上帝赐给我们这些美丽的事物，表达了祂的慈爱，使我们正确地理解祂的品格。我们不要崇拜自然的物体，而要从中发现上帝的爱。大自然是敞开的书本。研究这本书，我们可以获得有关创造主的知识，并因祂如此慷慨地提供为要使我们幸福快乐的美丽实用的事物而被吸引归向祂。{PH069 16.2}
“你们这小信的人哪!野地里的草，今天还在，明天就丢在炉里，上帝还给它这样的装饰，何况你们呢?所以不要忧虑，说：吃什么，喝什么，穿什么”(太6:30-31)。{PH069 16.3}
我们对于自己的前途抱有许多不必要的忧虑与困惑，吃什么?喝什么?穿什么?耗费在衣着方面不必要炫耀的辛劳与烦恼，造成了疲惫和不幸，缩短了我们的寿命。我们的救主不但要我们看到祂展示在我们周围美丽花朵上的爱，更希望我们从这些花朵中学习朴素和完全信赖我们天父的教训。{PH069 17.1}
对于那些明天就要割下烧掉的植物，上帝尚且用心赋予如此的美丽，祂会如何更加用心地供应祂顺命儿女的需要呢?他们的生命可能要存到永远。祂会多么乐意地赐给他们以祂的恩典为衣着，智慧为力量，温柔安静的心为妆饰。上帝对人的爱是不可思议的，如世界之广大，如上天之崇高，如永恒之长久。{PH069 17.2}
“诸天述说上帝的荣耀;穹苍传扬祂的手段。这日到那日发出言语;这夜到那夜传出知识。无言无语，也无声音可听”(诗19:1-3)。尽管上帝的爱通过高耸的树木、可爱的花朵、潺潺的小溪、自然界无数的事物、以及使我们的生活快乐生辉的百般福气向我们倾诉，许多人还是转身离开了应该使他们愉快和信任的上帝之爱的这些表示，沉思黑暗的场景，让他们的思想停留在上帝是一个非常严谨的严厉法官的想法。{PH069 17.3}
真相是，我们的天父怜爱祂的儿女。祂热烈欢迎悔过的人来蒙恩。彼得虽然曾因与基督密切联络而大蒙眷爱，还是背离过基督。他曾见亲眼目睹祂变了形像，也经常看到祂的神能透过人性的装扮闪现出来。{PH069 18.1}
耶稣曾警告过他，在他的主受羞辱和审判的时候，他是不会经得起考验的。彼得非常伤心，耶稣竟然怀疑他所热诚断言的他愿意为主坐牢或受死的真实性。然而就在那个晚上，当亲爱的救主最需要门徒们的同情和支持的时候，彼得却赌咒起誓地否认了祂。耶稣那充满同情与饶恕的目光使这个不忠的门徒恢复了理智，一种说不出的悲伤和懊悔伤透了他的心。{PH069 18.2}
他走到外面的黑暗中，漫无目的地走着，一点也不在乎走到哪里去。最后，他发现自己在客西马尼园，俯伏在不久前耶稣在极其痛苦的时辰曾俯伏过的地方，把脸贴在夫子的血汗曾浸润过的草地上。他在那里痛哭，真心悔过，成了一个归正的人。{PH069 19.1}
彼得的改革为基督所接受，祂复活后特别提到了他，送信给他，说他应该在加利利见祂。救主的这个举动是多么体贴入微啊!祂曾被试探，像我们被试探一样，祂了解彼得的羞辱，在祂的信息中首先提到他的名字，向这个悲伤的门徒证明，尽管他令人惊讶地变节，他的夫子仍然记得并承认他。{PH069 19.2}
此后不久，耶稣向彼得显现。祂在加利利海边给他和他的两个弟兄约翰、雅各预备食物，并叫他们离开他们在水上打鱼的职业，说：“我要叫你们得人如得鱼一样。”耶稣没有抛弃彼得;但是由于他三次否认了他的主，祂就三次向他提出这个问题来考验他的忠诚：“约拿的儿子西门，你爱我吗?”彼得三次作答，都不是以原来那种骄傲自夸的态度，而是以出自谦卑的心和颤抖的嘴唇的柔和认真的语气说：“主啊，是的，祢知道我爱你”(约21:15-17)。{PH069 19.3}
耶稣恢复了彼得从前受信任的地位。祂委托给他这个任务：“你喂养我的小羊，并且两次重申了这个命令：“你喂养我的羊。”生性冲动专横的彼得，曾拒绝母亲们带着小孩子来接受基督的祝福，现在他既已归正，便预备好看护主羊圈中的小羊，也照顾更有经验的羊。在这里我们看到彼得的失败变成了胜利。{PH069 20.1}
基督曾对他说：“你回头以后，要坚固你的弟兄”(路22:32)。彼得现在预备好从事我们的主委托给他的重要工作了。他不再自夸自信，对那些他认为比他软弱、不如他有热心的人没有耐心了。持久地意识到自己可耻的跌倒使他对软弱犯错的人有了同情心。他怀着谦卑感激之情回忆和讲述自己跌倒的经历，以及主对他的怜爱，饶恕他的背道，接受他的悔改，重建他的信心，委托给他比以前所赐给他的更负责任的工作。{PH069 20.2}
彼得背道的故事及其结果说明了上帝对待人类的方式。彼得自己留下了他背道的最完整的记录。这是为了警告他人，免得他们陷入同样的罪中。他知道在他以后来的许多人会对自己的力量、自己的善意和决心的诚实性感到放心;可是试探的时辰却会发现他们没有用警醒祷告武装自己，他们会像他那样跌倒，因为他们没有以上帝为他们的力量。{PH069 21.1}
然而尽管他们上帝般的男子气概退化到与无情卑鄙的人同化了，尽管他们可能已经沦为食欲和情欲的掠物，被他们内心深处所鄙视的卑鄙小人所领导;但这个门徒会教导说，如果他们觉悟自己的处境，正视并且离弃自己的坏习惯，呼吁上帝帮助他们抵挡试探，祂就决不会转身离开他们，也不会拒绝他们的请求，而会用祂饶恕的爱安慰和支持他们。“你看父赐给我们是何等的慈爱，使我们得称为上帝的儿女”(约壹3:1)。{PH069 21.2}
上帝在祂的儿子身上，给了人类祂所能赐予的最好的礼物。天上的至尊基督同意离开天庭，撇下祂的王袍，来到一个完全被咒诅玷污损毁了的世界，取了人的本性，达到人类的不幸与祸患的最深处，以便藉着祂自己完美品格的榜样提升堕落的人类，使之高贵。{PH069 22.1}
祂使自己的神能与人的努力联合起来，使地上的受造之物能奉基督的荣耀之名，为自己成为得胜者。祂亲自承担了人的罪，并将祂的义归给凡愿意用信心抓住祂的功劳的人。世界的救赎主用祂有力的人性膀臂怀抱堕落的人类，同时用祂神性的膀臂握住无穷者的宝座。{PH069 22.2}
耶稣将祂的神圣帮助提供给人，帮助人在食欲和情欲上胜过撒但的试探。这样的爱是无法测度的。受苦的、灰心的、疲乏的人，都受邀带着他们一切的忧伤和重担到救主这里来。如果他们愿意信任地把自己的手放在祂的手里，祂就会紧紧地抓住他们，比他们能抓住祂的更紧。祂必安全地引导他们，保守他们不失脚;从来没有人徒然向基督举手祈求帮助。{PH069 22.3}
沉溺于事情的阴暗面，让绝望的阴影使我们向公义的日头关闭心门，乃是向上帝表示极大的忘恩负义。忧愁来来去去，这是人的命运。我们不可试图将忧愁扩大，而当多多思考光明和愉快的事。当严冬将它的冰雪覆盖大地时，我们不要让我们的欢乐连同花卉溪流一同冻结，因阴沉的日子和凛冽的寒风而不断地悲伤。反之，我们要在想象中预期行将来临的夏天，及其温暖、生命与美丽。我们一面等待着自然界再度披上它清新、光华、喜乐的外衣，一面享受所有照在我们身上的阳光。虽有寒冷冰雪，仍可获得不少安慰。{PH069 23.1}
现在有一片乌云在我们眼前挡住太阳明亮的光线，将我们留在阴影之中。难道我们因此烦恼抱怨，忘记我们周围其它一切生动可爱的事物吗?不!我们应当忘记黑云，记住太阳并没有被消灭，只不过一时被遮住面目，并即将以更光辉耀眼的光照射出来，比未被隐蔽之前更加受人珍视和欣赏。{PH069 23.2}
上帝不喜欢我们在绝望和忧郁中度过人生，将我们所遭遇的各种困难予以扩大。我们如此行只能使自己悲惨，并使周围之人的喜乐变为阴沉。我们不要寻索和留恋自己生活经验中的阴影，而当睁开我们的眼睛，激发我们的感官，看见并欣赏我们周围的许多福惠。这些福惠应当使我们不但感恩，而且非常快乐。{PH069 24.1}
上帝的旨意是要我们快乐。祂希望我们向天国的阳光敞开心门。祂希望我们的精神因祂显示在我们的生活和周围自然界事物上的慈爱和良善而柔美。与我们接触的人必受我们言行或善或恶的影响。我们不知不觉将自己品格的芳香散播在我们周围的道德气氛中，或者以对与我们交往之人含有毒害影响的思想、言语和行为败坏那种气氛。{PH069 24.2}
将我们宝贵的光阴浪费在为失望而悲伤上，沉湎于笼罩着家庭的无益愁云，乃是自私的。哪怕只是为了那些多多少少把快乐寄托在我们身上之人的益处，我们也应当快乐。我们应该小心，以免我们无意识的影响使别人失去平衡，使他们转离上帝计划他们应该从事的工作。{PH069 25.1}
我们有责任尽量善用一切事物，培养看到事情光明一面的习惯。要让笼罩着我们的乌云飘走，耐心等待晴朗的蓝天再现，有福的阳光普照。{PH069 25.2}
许多人令人悲伤地喜欢感觉和谈论，好像那些与他们交往之人的主要目的是使他们痛苦似的。这种人的痛苦大多是自己造成的;他们从错误的立场看待一切，所有的事在他们看来都是扭曲的。这是一种可怕的自私。我们大家要尽可能忘记自我，培养快乐的精神，设法照亮他人的生活。这样，我们就少有埋怨自己命运的欲望了;事实上，我们将忘记我们自私的忧虑和忧郁。{PH069 25.3}
那些曾经忍受最大忧伤的人，往往能将最大的安慰带给别人，无论到哪里都带着阳光。这等人因他们所经历的苦难而受了磨炼变为温和可爱了;他们虽倍受患难攻击，却未丧失信赖上帝的心，而是更紧地依靠祂护佑之爱。这等人是上帝亲切照顾的活证据。祂造光明也造黑暗，并为我们的益处管教我们。基督原是世上的光;在祂里面毫无黑暗。这是何等珍贵的光!但愿我们活在这光中!要与忧愁埋怨告别。要靠主常常喜乐;我再说：要喜乐。{PH069 26.1}
受苦的人可以鼓起勇气，失望的人可以获得希望，因为他们有一位同情的良友耶稣。我们可以将自己一切的困难与忧伤倾吐在祂同情的耳中。在我们相处时，不要谈论黑暗与不信，述说我们人生经验中阴郁的篇章。我们当述说已向我们彰显，显示在自然界，显示在穹苍中，也显示在天意的一切智慧安排中的上帝之爱。我们要寻索照亮我们道路的阳光，以感谢的心追忆这一切。我们要谈论基督无比的爱，因为在祂身上有常使我们欢乐的话题。在祂里头毫无黑暗。祂是生命的光，超乎万人之上，全然可爱。{PH069 26.2}
PH069 - The Sanitarium Patients at Goguac Lake
【Mrs. White’s Address】
We are happy to have the privilege of meeting our friends by the lake-side in this beautiful grove. Our merciful Heavenly Father has brought us once more in safety across the plains from the Pacific coast, and in return we would render him the tribute of our grateful hearts.?{PH069 6.1}[1]
Our Saviour often preferred the fields, the groves, and the lake-sides for his temples. People flocked to these places in great crowds to listen to the words of truth which fell from his divine lips. He had special reasons for choosing those natural sanctuaries; the familiar objects of nature were thus presented to the eyes of his hearers, and he used those objects to simplify his teachings, binding his truths firmly upon the minds of the people by the lessons drawn from nature to illustrate his meaning.?{PH069 6.2}[2]
Upon one occasion, early in the morning, the disciples, who were fishing, discerned their Master walking upon the beach. They immediately pulled for the shore where they could converse with him from their boats. But Jesus could not long remain hidden from?the multitude who sought him unceasingly. His fame as the wonderful Healer of disease had spread far and near; and as he stood upon the beach, the people hurried thither, bringing their sick friends to lay before him, and implore him to heal them. His great heart of love was filled with divine pity for the objects of distress appealing to him for help.?{PH069 6.3}[3]
Whatever way he might turn, there lay the suffering and dying, supplicating his mercy, and pleading for the blessing of peace and health which they believed he could give them. Some of the sufferers feared they would be overlooked among the many who were urging their cases before the great Physician. Though they despaired of gaining his personal attention, yet they would not leave his presence, believing that if they could even approach near enough to touch him, that touch would bring healing to them. Eagerly the wasted hands of the sick were stretched out amid the crowd to touch the dress or person of Christ, and as many as reached him received in their suffering bodies an answer to the touch of faith.?{PH069 7.1}[4]
The dreary and disconsolate, whose minds had been imprisoned in the sepulcher of despair, were attracted to the presence of Jesus. Those who were mourning over the?disappointed hopes of the present, and trembling in contemplation of a starless future, came to Christ, the Light of the world, as their only hope. With tender compassion he bent over the forms of the suffering, the despondent, and the dying. His lips pronounced the glad words, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins are forgiven thee.” Hope took the place of gloom and despair in the hearts of those whom Jesus blessed; health and joy animated their countenances; the lips that had but lately uttered only words of grief and doubt, now shouted the praise of God.?{PH069 7.2}[5]
Disease fled from the touch of the Deliverer, and perfect health and soundness took the place of suffering and decay. Every applicant to Christ was relieved; not one mourner was left in pain; every desponding soul was tranquilized by his words of hope and forgiving love. Then the great Teacher commenced his lessons of instruction to the awe-struck, wondering crowd. But he was so jostled by the multitude, who were all eager to get within hearing of his voice, that he was finally crowded down to the brink of the lake, and had no place to set his feet. He therefore turned and beckoned to Peter, who was in his boat near the land. The disciple drew near, and the Saviour stepped into the open?boat, and bade Peter thrust out a little from the shore.?{PH069 8.1}[6]
The Majesty of Heaven took his position, not upon David’s throne, but on the seat of a fisherman’s swaying boat. And here the great Teacher taught his precious truths to the multitude, binding up those sacred lessons with illustrations drawn from the occupations of men, and the familiar objects of nature around them. This gave the stamp of reality to his instruction. The illustrations there presented to the listening multitude were to be repeated through all the ages. The truths thus represented were to be immortalized and imprinted on the hearts of millions who were to come.?{PH069 9.1}[7]
It was in the clear light of morning, and the illustrations employed by the great Teacher were impressive, though simple. He made use of the lofty trees, the cultivated soil, the barren rocks, the flowers of beauty struggling through the clefts, the everlasting hills, the glowing flowers of the valley, the birds, caroling their songs in the leafy branches, the spotless lily, resting in purity upon the bosom of the water. All these objects that made up the living scene around them were made the medium by which lessons were impressed upon the minds of his hearers. They were thus brought home to the hearts of all, meeting?the capacity of all who heard, and leading them gently up from the contemplation of the Creator’s works in nature to nature’s God.?{PH069 9.2}[8]
The buds and blooming flowers of this bouquet which I hold, God has touched with varied delicate tints, most beautiful to the eye. The artistic skill of earth can produce nothing that will compare with the natural beauties given us by the great Master-Artist. As we look upon the lofty trees waving with fresh, green foliage, and the earth covered with its green velvet carpet, and the flowers and shrubs springing from the earth, we should remember that all these beauties of nature have been used by Christ in teaching his grand lessons of truth. As we look upon the fields of waving grain, and listen to the merry songsters in their leafy homes, and view the boats upon the water of the lake, we should remember the words of Christ upon the lake-side, in the groves, and on the mountains, and the lessons there taught by him should be repeated to us by the similar objects of nature which surround us. Such scenes should be sacredly regarded by us, and should bring joy and gladness to our hearts.?{PH069 10.1}[9]
The deceiver of souls is constantly at work seeking to divert the minds of those who have not a knowledge of God in his created works, from the beautiful things in nature, and cause?them to regard with indifference the manifold blessings with which their heavenly Father has surrounded them. Satan suggests to their minds the thought that God is a stern judge, to be regarded with utmost dread, that his severe justice is tyranny. The pitying love of God is thrust from their minds, and their hearts are set in defiance of their Maker. He who is their very best friend is regarded as watching and spying upon their actions, and registering them in his book of records, taking satisfaction in pouring out his wrath upon their offending heads.?{PH069 10.2}[10]
But Paul, in his Epistle to the Hebrews, has said, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight; but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.” This he presents to us as an encouragement rather than a discouragement: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession; for we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come [not with cringing fear, but] boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”?{PH069 11.1}[11]
All Heaven is interested in the happiness of man. God is represented as a present help in our necessities. Christ identified himself with man; he understands his every infirmity and weakness. He is a sympathizing friend in all our afflictions, and will be our refuge when we are assailed by fierce temptation.?{PH069 12.1}[12]
Christ makes the necessities of his children his own personal interest. He regards any slight or neglect of his brethren as a slight to himself, and a benefit conferred upon the humblest of them, as if it were conferred upon himself. He says, “I was a hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in.... Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”?{PH069 12.2}[13]
He whom Providence has blessed with plenty, but who padlocks the door of his heart, to keep back all generous impulses, that would find expression in deeds of charity and kindness, will hear from the lips of the Master the solemn words, “I was a hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in.... Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.”?{PH069 12.3}[14]
Love of Christ cannot exist in the heart without a corresponding love for our fellowmen. Love to God and to our neighbor are the ruling principles of the true Christian’s life. The redeeming love of Christ should awaken all the affection and self-sacrificing devotion of the human heart.?{PH069 13.1}[15]
God calls for earnest workers. The physical and the spiritual health suffer from inaction. The idler in the vineyard, he who lives for self-alone, is ever dissatisfied with himself and with others; the gloom and chill of discontent are mirrored upon his countenance. But he who is drawn out of, and away from, self, who, like his Master, identifies himself with suffering humanity, will be softened and refined by the exercise of sympathy for others. Courtesy, patience, and gentleness will characterize such a one, and will make his presence a continual joy and blessing. His countenance will shine with the luster of true benevolence.?{PH069 13.2}[16]
Those who labor hardest to secure their own happiness are miserable. Those who forget self in their interest for others have reflected back upon their own hearts the light and blessings they dispense to them. It is our duty to work for Christ; all that we possess is given us by him. If it were not for his advance capital of grace, we should?have nothing to improve. All that we have is given us on trust. Yet when he rewards us with his approval, it is as though the merit were our own: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” It is not the greatness of the work which we do, but the love and fidelity with which we do it, that wins the approval of the Saviour. It is the use which we make of our talents which determines our woe or weal. We may have faith to remove mountains, and understand all mysteries, and give our bodies to be burned, yet without charity—that love which finds utterance in good works, that feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, and visits the afflicted—we are “as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.”?{PH069 13.3}[17]
Let the thought encourage us that Christ pities the erring, and desires to comfort the despondent, and encourage the weak. He is fully acquainted with the peculiar trials of every life. He never misjudges our motives, nor places a wrong estimate upon our character. Men may do us injustice, we may suffer by calumny and suspicion, but the Saviour knows our inmost thought, and cannot judge our actions wrongly. We may tell him all our griefs and perplexities, and he will never abuse our confidence, nor turn a deaf ear to our complaints.?{PH069 14.1}[18]
In one of his most impressive lessons?Christ says, “Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit to his stature?” The great Teacher is here leading out minds to understand the parental care and love which God has for his children. He directs them to observe the birds flitting from tree to tree, or skimming upon the bosom of the lake, without a flutter of distrust or fear. God’s eye is upon these little creatures; he provides them food; he answers all their simple wants. Jesus inquires, “Are ye not much better than they?” Then why despond, or look into the future with sadness and foreboding??{PH069 14.2}[19]
It is not the thought and anxiety of man that provides for his wants, and that causes him to grow in youth and to develop strength; but God is silently doing his work for man, adding to his stature as he progresses to maturity, and opening his mind to knowledge.?{PH069 15.1}[20]
Again he says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”?{PH069 15.2}[21]
If God cares for and preserves the little?birds, will he not have far greater love and care for the creatures formed in his image??{PH069 15.3}[22]
“And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin; and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” The courtly robes of the greatest king that ever sat upon an earthly throne, could not compare, in their artificial splendor, with the spotless beauty of the lilies fashioned by the divine hand. This is an example of the estimate which the Creator of all that is beautiful, places upon the artificial in comparison with the natural.?{PH069 16.1}[23]
God has given us these things of beauty as an expression of his love, that we may obtain correct views of his character. We are not to worship the things of nature, but in them we are to read the love of God. Nature is an open book, from the study of which we may gain a knowledge of the Creator, and be attracted to him by the things of use and beauty which he has provided with such a lavish hand to make us happy.?{PH069 16.2}[24]
“Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith! Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat??or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?”?{PH069 16.3}[25]
Much unnecessary care and anxiety is felt in regard to our future, concerning what we shall eat and drink, and wherewithal we shall be clothed. The labor and worry of needless display in apparel causes much fatigue and unhappiness, and shortens our lives. Our Saviour would not only have us discern the love of God displayed in the beautiful flowers about us, but he would have us learn from them lessons of simplicity, and of perfect faith and confidence in our Heavenly Father.?{PH069 17.1}[26]
If God cares to make these inanimate things so beautiful, that will be cut down and perish in a day, how much more careful will he be to supply the needs of his obedient children, whose lives may be as enduring as eternity. How readily will he give them the adornment of his grace, the strength of wisdom, the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. The love of God to man is incomprehensible, broad as the world, high as heaven, and as enduring as eternity.?{PH069 17.2}[27]
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” Notwithstanding that the love of God speaks?to us through the lofty trees, the lovely flowers, the babbling brooks, and all the innumerable objects in nature, and in manifold blessings that brighten our lives, many turn from these expressions of God’s love, which should make them cheerful and trusting, and brood over scenes of darkness, permitting their minds to dwell upon the idea that God is a stern judge of terrible exactitude.?{PH069 17.3}[28]
The truth is that our Heavenly Father pities and loves his children. The repentant erring ones are warmly welcomed to his favor. Peter apostatized from Christ, although he had been greatly favored by being brought in close connection with him. He had witnessed his transfiguration, and had frequently seen his divine power flashing through the disguise of humanity.?{PH069 18.1}[29]
Jesus had warned him that he would not bear the test in the hour of his Lord’s humiliation and trial. Peter was greatly grieved that Jesus should doubt the truth of his ardent assertion that he would go to prison or to death for the sake of his Lord. But that very night, when the dear Saviour most needed the sympathy and support of his disciples, Peter denied him with cursing and swearing. The pitying, forgiving look of Jesus recalled the disloyal disciple to his?senses, and broke his heart with an unspeakable grief and remorse.?{PH069 18.2}[30]
He went out into the darkness, and wandered he cared not whither. At length he found himself in Gethsemane, and falling prostrate upon the spot where Jesus had lately bowed in the hours of his agony, pressed his face upon the sod that had been moistened by the bloody sweat of his Master. There he wept bitterly, sincerely repented, and became a converted man.?{PH069 19.1}[31]
Peter’s reformation was so far accepted by Christ that after his resurrection he made special mention of him, sending him a message that he should see him in Galilee. How thoughtful and considerate this act of the Saviour! He who had been tempted like as we are tempted, understood the humiliation of Peter, and mentioned his name among the first in his message, to evidence to the sorrowing disciple that his Master remembered and acknowledged him, notwithstanding his surprising apostasy.?{PH069 19.2}[32]
Soon after this, Jesus revealed himself to Peter. At the Sea of Galilee he prepared food for him and his two brethren, John and James, and called them from their occupation on the water, saying, “I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus did not cast Peter off; but as he had three times denied his Master,?he tested his loyalty by three times putting to him the question, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” Three times the answer came, not in the old proud and boastful manner, but in subdued and earnest tones from a humble heart, and quivering lips: “Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee.”?{PH069 19.3}[33]
Jesus re-instated Peter in his former position of trust. He gave him the commission, “Feed my lambs,” and the twice-repeated injunction, “Feed my sheep.” The naturally impetuous and overbearing Peter, who once repulsed the mothers that came to Christ bringing their little children to receive his blessing, now that he was converted, was prepared to nurse the lambs of the Master’s fold, as well as to care for the more experienced sheep. Here we see the defeat of Peter turned into a victory.?{PH069 20.1}[34]
Christ had once said to him, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Peter was now prepared for the important work of trust which our Lord gave him. He was no longer boastful and self-confident, having no patience with those whom he thought weaker and less zealous than himself. An abiding sense of his disgraceful fall prepared him to be compassionate toward the weak and erring. With humble gratitude he would recall and relate his experience?concerning his fall, and the pitying love of his Master in forgiving his apostasy, accepting his repentance, establishing him again in his confidence, and trusting him with a more responsible work than had previously been given him.?{PH069 20.2}[35]
This story of Peter’s apostasy and its results illustrates the manner of God’s dealing with men. Peter himself leaves the fullest record of his own apostasy. This was for the warning of others, that they might avoid falling into a like sin. He knew many who should come after him would feel secure in their own strength, and the honesty of their good intentions and resolves; yet the hour of temptation would find them unarmed by watchfulness and prayer, and they would fall as he had done, because they had not made God their strength.?{PH069 21.1}[36]
But notwithstanding the degradation of their Godlike manhood to assimilate with the heartless and debased, notwithstanding they may have fallen a prey to appetite and passion, led by despicable persons whom in their secret hearts they despise; yet the disciple would teach that if they arouse to a sense of their condition, face about and leave their evil habits, calling upon God to help them to resist temptation, he will never turn from them nor reject their petition, but will?comfort and sustain them by his forgiving love. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.”?{PH069 21.2}[37]
God gave, in his Son, the best gift that he could bestow upon man. Christ, the Majesty of Heaven, consented to leave the heavenly courts, and lay aside his robes of royalty, to come to a world all stained and marred by the curse, to take man’s nature, and to reach to the very depths of human misery and woe, that by his own example of perfect character he might elevate and ennoble fallen man.?{PH069 22.1}[38]
He brings his divine power to unite with man’s human efforts, that in Christ’s glorious name the creature of earth may be a victor on his own account. He takes the sins of man upon himself, and imputes his righteousness to all who will lay hold of his merits by faith. The Redeemer of the world encircles the fallen race with his strong human arm, while with his divine arm he grasps the throne of the Infinite.?{PH069 22.2}[39]
Jesus offers man his divine aid, to help him in overcoming the temptations of Satan on the points of appetite and passion. Such love as this cannot be measured. The afflicted, the desponding and weary are invited to come to the Saviour with all their griefs and burdens. If they will place their hands?confidingly in his, he will cling to them more firmly than they can cling to him. He will lead them safely, and preserve them from stumbling; no one ever raised a hand to Christ for help in vain.?{PH069 22.3}[40]
It is manifesting great ingratitude toward God to dwell upon the dark side of affairs, and let the shadows of despair shut from our souls the Sun of Righteousness. Sorrow comes and goes; it is the lot of man; we should not seek to magnify it, but rather dwell upon that which is bright and pleasant. When winter spreads its icy covering over the earth, we do not let our gladness freeze up with the flowers and brooks, and continually mourn because of the dismal days, and the chilling winds. On the other hand, we reach forward in imagination to the coming summer, with its warmth, and life, and beauty. Meanwhile we enjoy all the sunshine that comes to us, and find much comfort, in spite of the cold and snow, while we are waiting for nature to put on her fresh, bright garments of rejoicing.?{PH069 23.1}[41]
Just now a cloud has shut from our sight the bright rays of the sun, and we are left in the shadow. Should we fret and repine because of this, and forget everything else that is bright and lovely around us? No; we should forget the?cloud, and remember that?the sun is not blotted out, but has only veiled its face for a moment, to shine forth again in greater apparent brightness, and to be prized and enjoyed more highly than if it had never been hidden.?{PH069 23.2}[42]
God is not pleased to have us pass our lives in despondency and gloom, magnifying every trouble that visits us. By so doing we not only make ourselves miserable, but cloud the happiness of those around us. We should not search out, and linger over, the dark shadows in our life experience, but rather open our eyes, and arouse our senses to see and appreciate the many blessings surrounding us, which should make us not only grateful but very happy.?{PH069 24.1}[43]
It is God’s will that we should be cheerful. He would have us open our hearts to the sunbeams of heaven; he would have our spirits mellowed by his love and goodness, apparent in our own lives, and in the things of nature surrounding us. Those who are brought in contact with us are affected for good or evil by our words and actions. We are unconsciously diffusing the fragrance of our character upon the moral atmosphere surrounding us, or we are poisoning that atmosphere by thoughts, words, and deeds which have a deleterious influence upon those?with whom we associate. “No man liveth to himself.”?{PH069 24.2}[44]
It is selfish to devote our precious time to mourning over disappointed hopes, indulging a useless grief that clouds the family circle. We should be cheerful, if only for the benefit of those who depend more or less upon us for happiness. We should be careful lest our unconscious influence unbalance others, and turn them from the work which God designed that they should do.?{PH069 25.1}[45]
It is our duty to make the best of everything, and to cultivate a habit of looking at the bright side of things. Let the cloud that shadows us pass over, while we wait patiently till the clear blue sky again appears, and the blessed sunshine is revealed.?{PH069 25.2}[46]
Many persons take a melancholy pleasure in feeling and talking as if the chief object of those with whom they are associated is to make them miserable. The sufferings of most such persons are self-created; they view everything from a false standpoint, and all things are perverted to their eyes. This is a terrible form of selfishness. Let us all forget self as much as possible, cultivate cheerfulness, seek to brighten the lives of others, and we shall then have less desire to complain of our own lot; we shall in fact lose sight of our selfish cares and gloom.?{PH069 25.3}[47]
Those who have borne the greatest sorrows are frequently the ones who carry the greatest comfort to others, bringing sunshine wherever they go. Such ones have been chastened and sweetened by their afflictions; they did not lose confidence in God when trouble assailed them, but clung closer to his protecting love. Such ones are a living proof of the tender care of God, who makes the darkness as well as the light, and chastens us for our good. Christ is the light of the world; in him is no darkness. Precious light! Let us live in that light! Bid adieu to sadness and repining. Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, Rejoice.?{PH069 26.1}[48]
The afflicted may take courage, the desponding may hope, for they have a sympathizing friend in Jesus. All our troubles and griefs we may pour into his sympathizing ears. When we associate together let it not be to talk darkness and unbelief, to recount the gloomy chapters in our life experience. Let us talk of the love of God that has been manifested to us, that is seen in nature, in the firmament of the heavens, in all the wise arrangements of Providence. Let us search out the rays of sunshine that have brightened our pathway, and linger over their memory with grateful hearts. Let us dwell upon the matchless?love of Christ; for in him we have a constant theme of rejoicing. In him is no darkness. He is the Light of life, the chief among ten thousand, and the one altogether lovely.?{PH069 26.2}[49]
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