论审判
重要的个人证言
1879年10月23日清晨二时左右，主的灵降在我的身上，使我看见即将临到的审判的情景。在我眼前所经历的各项事物，及其在我心灵上的影响，是言语所无法充分形容的。{PH043 1.1}
似乎是到了上帝执行审判的大日，千千万万的人聚集在大宝座之前，在宝座之上坐着面貌庄严的一位。在祂面前有几册案卷，每册封面上写有金字，仿佛烧着的火焰，标明是“天庭总账簿”。那时其中有一册记录着凡自称相信真理之人名字的案卷展开了。我立即不再看见宝座前数不过来的千万群众，只有那些自称为真理和光明之子的人吸引了我的注意。当这些人一一被点名，并提到他们的好行为时，他们的脸上就焕发出圣洁的喜乐，向四方反射。但这种情形却似乎没有最有力地留在我的脑海中。{PH043 1.2}
另一册案卷展开了，其中所载的，都是那些自称信仰真理之人的罪恶。在自私的总标题之下，列出了其它各栏罪恶。各栏也有标题，在这些标题之下，正对着各人的姓名，记载着各种较小的罪。在贪婪之下，列有虚伪，偷盗，抢劫，欺诈和贪财;在野心之下，列有骄傲和奢侈;在嫉妒之下，列有恶意，猜忌和憎恨;在不节制之下，列有一长列的可怕罪恶，例如好色，奸淫，放纵兽欲等。我看见这些，便充满了难以形容的痛苦，不禁喊叫说：“谁能得救呢?谁能站在上帝面前称义呢?谁的衣服无玷污呢?谁能在纯洁圣善的上帝面前无过呢?”{PH043 2.1}
宝座上的圣者在慢慢地翻动那总账簿的书页时，祂定睛看一下每一个人，祂的眼光就如烈火烧进他们的心灵，立刻在他们的脑海中清楚地显出生平的一言一行，好像火字描述在他们眼前。他们颤抖不已，脸色苍白。他们初来宝座之前时，显出冷淡不在意的样子，但现在却起了何等的改变啊!安全感消失了，被不可名状的恐怖代替了。个个惊骇无措，生怕自己要被发现是列在有亏欠的人之中。众目集中于那坐宝座者的脸上;当祂严肃搜索的目光扫射过群众之时，人心便起了寒战;因为各人已默无一辞，自定己罪了。各个痛苦的心道出自己的罪恶，并且恐惧地看明自己因犯罪而把宝贵的永生福乐抛弃了。{PH043 3.1}
有一等人被登记为白占地土者。当审判者锐利的目光看到这些人时，他们忽略责任之罪便清楚地显现出来。他们用苍白颤抖的嘴唇承认自己曾不忠于所受的圣托。他们得到过警告和特权，但他们却没有留意，也没有予以善用。他们此时看出自己过分倚赖上帝的仁慈了。他们的确没有卑鄙下贱的败坏之徒要认的那种罪;但他们却那无花果树一样受了咒诅，因为他们没有结出果子，没有善用授托给他们的才干。{PH043 4.1}
这一等人以自我为至上，只为自私的利益劳碌。他们在上帝面前不是富足的，没有响应祂对他们的要求。他们虽自称为耶稣基督的仆人，却没有领过人归主。上帝的圣工若是依靠他们的努力，就一定会衰微;因为他们不但扣留了上帝借给他们的钱财，也把自己扣留下来。这些人到了此时，就会看明和意识到自己对上帝的事业和工作的不负责任，使自己站到左边去了。他们曾有过机会，却没有照他们所能够和所应该的去行。{PH043 4.2}
自称信仰真理之人的名字，都被提了出来。有些人因他们的不信而受责备，有些人却因为他们是懒惰的仆人而受责备。他们曾让别人在主的葡萄园中作工，负最重的责任，同时自己却自私地侍奉个人今生暂时的利益。他们以往若曾培养和发展上帝所赐的才能，原可成为担负责任的可靠的人，为主的利益作工。审判者说：“一切人等都要因其信心称义，按其行为受审。”那时，他们的疏忽都栩栩如生地出现，并要看出上帝的安排是何等的智慧，给每一个人都有一份工作，去促进圣工和拯救同胞。每一个人都要在自己的家庭和邻居中，藉着向穷人施慈爱，向痛苦的人表同情，参加布道工作，及用自己的钱财资助上帝的教会，表现出活泼的信仰来。然而因他们所未作的工作，上帝的咒诅就要临到他们，像临到古时的米罗斯人一样。因为他们只爱那能在今生获得最大利益的事，却在那账簿中他们名下应作善事的一栏留下了可悲的空白。{PH043 5.1}
那向这些人所说的话，是极其严肃的：“你们被秤在天平里，显出了亏欠。因你们所受托的地位，你们原需有比人类智慧更大的智慧，比人类有限的判断力更深的判断力。即使是你们工作中机械式的劳动，你们也是需要这种智慧及判断力的;然而你们却因为忙于今生暂时的事务，而忽略了属灵的责任;而当你们所办的事务与上帝及其荣耀断绝了关系时，你们就是离弃祂的福气了。”{PH043 6.1}
随即有问题发出：“你们为什么不在羔羊的血里把你们的品格衣裳洗白净呢?上帝差祂的儿子降世，不是要定世人的罪，乃是要叫世人因祂得救。我对你们所发的爱，比母亲的爱更加舍己。我殉难于十字架上，担负你们罪行的重担与咒诅，正是为要涂抹你们犯罪的黑暗记录，将救恩之杯放在你们嘴边。我忍受死亡的痛苦，坟墓黑暗的恐惧，好战胜那掌握死亡权柄的，打开牢房，为你们敞开生命之门。我承受耻辱和痛苦，是因为我用无穷之爱爱了你们，把我的迷途流浪之羊带回上帝的乐园，到生命树之下。我为你们花了如此的代价，买来了生命的福乐，你们却漠视了。你们的夫子为你们忍受的羞耻、指责和侮辱，你们却回避了。祂的死使你们能够接近的特权，你们也不感恩赏识。你们不肯与祂同受苦难，所以现在也不能与祂分享荣耀。”{PH043 6.2}
那总账簿有一页在“忠诚”的标题下，有我丈夫的名字。他的生活、品格和我们经历的一切事似乎都活现在我脑海中。我会提到给我留下印象的几个细目。我蒙指示看到上帝已使我丈夫有资格担任特别工作，并按照祂的旨意把我们结合在一起推进这项工作。藉着上帝之灵的证言，上帝已赐给他大光。他曾劝告人、警告人、责备人、鼓励人;是由于祂恩典的能力我们才能在这工作一开始的时候就参与了工作。上帝曾不可思议地保存了他的智力，尽管他的体力曾再三用尽。{PH043 7.1}
我丈夫具有正直勇敢，不屈不挠的品质，维护正义，指责错误。这应归荣耀给上帝。这种坚定和果断正是开创工作时所需要的。而且随着工作步步进展，这些品质也同样是需要的。但是，如果他用这种勇气、坚定和不屈不挠的精力，坚持不懈地培养出了温柔、仁慈和博爱，他现在就会有更大的影响力，这些美德是推进任何伟大事业，尤其是上帝的工作，所绝对必要的。他坚持捍卫真理，决不为取悦最好的朋友而放弃一条原则。他秉性热情，说话和行事都勇敢无畏。这往往使他陷入原可避免的麻烦中。他不得不更加坚定地站立，更加坚决，更加恳切勇敢地讲话，因为在工作中与他联络的人脾气秉性各不相同。但即使在这里，他也犯了错误，错误地判断了他弟兄们的动机。{PH043 8.1}
要是史密斯长老在捍卫正义和谴责错误方面表现得更加坚定和大胆，我丈夫原不会被迫采取如此坚定果断的立场。史密斯长老这种忽视错误，留下罪恶不予纠正的性情，迫使我丈夫采取行动，并使他的做法与史密斯长老的做法相比，显得非常严厉和独裁，那些罪恶起初虽小，却会增加，直到最终毁了教会的纯正。要是史密斯长老是耶稣基督的勇敢精兵，要是他对罪恶、欺诈和不诚实直呼其名，要是他公正地谴责了这些罪恶，这种讨厌的工作原会更少地落到我丈夫头上，他的做法原会更少引起试探。{PH043 9.1}
上帝会让事实真实地显现出来。史密斯长老忽略了培养所有从事上帝工作的人都必须具备的那些品格特性。不管对人性来说愉快还是不愉快，都必须操练忠诚、警惕和勇敢，否则罪就会胜过义。没能看到和意识到这时候圣工的需要，也没能责备罪恶，竟被一些人称作柔和;上帝却称之为不忠和属灵的懒惰。祂不信任那些逃避十字架，忽视不愉快的责任，从而危及祂的教会的人。忌恨、嫉妒、不诚实、谎言和邪恶的猜测总是必须要面对的。它们存在于古代以色列的时代，并将总是存在于现代的以色列。总有一些人会遇到这种情况，无论谁遇到这种情况，都会使一些人感到不快;只能是这样子，因为总有人会同情做错事的人。那些逃避需要焦虑、关心、勇敢和坚韧的那部分工作的人，不会因他们的沉默与和平的举止而得到任何奖赏;而会被定罪。{PH043 10.1}
“人子啊，我立你作以色列家守望的人，所以你要听我口中的话，替我警戒他们。我何时指着恶人说：他必要死;你若不警戒他，也不劝戒他，使他离开恶行，拯救他的性命，这恶人必死在罪孽之中;我却要向你讨他丧命的血。倘若你警戒恶人，他仍不转离罪恶，也不离开恶行，他必死在罪孽之中，你却救自己脱离了罪。再者，义人何时离义而犯罪，我将绊脚石放在他面前，他就必死;因你没有警戒他，他必死在罪中，他素来所行的义不被记念;我却要向你讨他丧命的血。倘若你警戒义人，使他不犯罪，他就不犯罪;他因受警戒就必存活，你也救自己脱离了罪”(结3:17-21)。{PH043 11.1}
这恰好描绘了我们这个时代的传道人的情况。这是一个邪恶的时代。撒但不断地工作，在我们中间施加他的试探。他先是提出偏离一点儿正义;在理智习惯了这种稍微偏离上帝所赐亮光之后，他就提出另一个试探，诱导人离开以前的立场和原则。当我们的思想习惯了这一点，他就提出更大程度地背离我们单纯的信仰，直到障碍被打破，各种形式的偶像崇拜就在我们中间了。于是上帝就感动那些不愿避而不宣祂全部旨意的人，并嘱咐他们：“你要大声喊叫，不可止息;扬起声来，好像吹角。向我百姓说明他们的过犯;向雅各家说明他们的罪恶。他们天天寻求我，……好像行义的国民，不离弃他们上帝的典章”(赛58:1,2)。那些应该在上帝面前谦卑己心的人就会开始为自己辩护：{PH043 12.1}
“我们过得多么轻松快乐啊。教会处在令人愉快的状态。我们做得很好。但是，瞧!怀长老和他的妻子，以色列的扰乱者来了。他们每次来都会制造麻烦。要是他们有史密斯长老那种甜美的精神就好了;他从不伤害任何人的感情，从不说尖酸刻薄的话。”但是这些盲目的人没有看到，巴特尔克里克那些没能守住堡垒之人的这种令人愉快的、漫不经心的漠不关心，已经造成了拉响警报和发出严厉谴责的必要性。如果没有直率的、切身的、透彻的证言把他们从昏睡中唤醒，教会将漂向何方呢?{PH043 13.1}
我蒙指示看见上帝过去赐给了我丈夫判断力和辨识力，不是因为这是专门为他准备的，而是因为他愿意使用这些能力。上帝给了他清晰的远见，因为他运用祂给他的东西。上帝已赐给他能力以所需的坚定去制定和执行计划，因为他并不拒绝运用心智的这些素质，也不怕冒险，为了推进上帝的工作。{PH043 13.2}
在工作中有时不免有自我搀杂;但当圣灵控制了他的意念时，他就成了上帝手中最有效的工具，用来建立祂的事业。他很重视主对凡承认祂名之人的要求，就是要看顾孤儿寡妇，善待穷人，帮助需要的人，维护定居在巴特尔克里克之人的利益。他总是热心维护弟兄们的利益，不让他们受亏待。他的舍己和坚定尽责地行公义、好怜悯，以及确保正义得到伸张，不允许欺诈，使他成了那些想以牺牲弟兄为代价服侍自己之人的敌人。他在这些事上的热心有时使他过于严厉，以便伸张正义，谴责错误。{PH043 14.1}
我看见我丈夫呕心沥血建立起的机构也登记在天国的总账簿上。印刷出来的真理像阳光照耀四方。这项工作的开创和推进是在精力和钱财上作出很大的牺牲的。{PH043 15.1}
我丈夫患病时，有其他人挑选出来接替他的工作。他们抱着良好的宗旨开始工作，可是他们从来没有学习克已的教训。要是他们感到需要每天在上帝面前切心痛悔，把自己的心无私地投入工作，不依靠自己，而是依靠上帝的智慧，他们原会表明他们的工作是在上帝里面完成的。要是他们在不体贴圣灵意思的时候，能听从主所赐的劝勉和责备，他们原会得救脱离罪恶。但他们却随从了自己体贴肉体的心，不照上帝的旨意行，上帝案卷中的记录就实在可悲了。不忠、不诚实、欺诈罪都写在他们名下了。{PH043 15.2}
这些有影响力的人犯下的罪过并不是直接盗窃和公然抢劫;而是小小的不诚实、推诿搪塞、不正确的记录和错误的陈述，在多年的时间里，这达到了相当大的数目。大恶存在于内心——灵魂的不诚实。在商业或贸易中，任何偏离完全公平和正直的行为，尽管可能微不足道，却会被他人复制，其规模只会扩大2倍、3倍、4倍、5倍，甚至10倍。“人在最小的事上忠心，在大事上也忠心;在最小的事上不义，在大事上也不义”(路16:10)。{PH043 16.1}
并不是交易的规模使其公平或不公平、诚实或不诚实。由贪婪和自私而生的心中的目的导使人在最小的事上对自己的邻舍巧取豪夺。如果诱惑挡在他的道路上，环境有利，他就会在更大的范围内越轨。当严格的职责被越过，当正直被牺牲时，道路就会被打开，走到更远的地方。就亚当而言，不是他所吃果子的价值使他的罪孽如此严重，而是他背离了上帝的要求，没有经受住考验。当他本应该完全站在耶和华和天国一边时，却被发现站在撒但一边。亚当和夏娃的罪在于他们不服从上帝的明确命令。{PH043 16.2}
一个在上帝面前诚实的人必公正地对待他的同胞，不论这样做是否符合他个人的利益。外表的行为是内在原则的真实反映。许多上帝所召参加祂工作的人已经受到考验和证明，显出了亏欠;还有一些人正在接受考验和证明。祂使那些证明自己不忠于所托的人成为鉴戒;但那些在上帝面前心不正的人，却在那些失败的人身上，在上帝看为不诚实之处看见美德;他们没有直指罪名，也没有重视其严重性。{PH043 17.1}
上帝把我们放在苦难的炉火中考验以后，就把我丈夫拉出来，使他比生病以前有更清晰的眼光和智力来制订和实行计划。当我丈夫感觉到自己的软弱而怀着敬畏上帝的心作事时，主就成了他的力量;但是当他不完全依赖上帝时，他的性格急躁就使他陷入困境。他至诚温暖的心使他愿意为他所爱的那些人作出许多承诺和承担许多责任;为了帮助别人，他有时会使自己负上极重的担子。但这是他性格上的一个道德弱点——他的厌恶和他的感情一样强烈，他并不总是能控制自己的感情，而是太多凭当下的冲动行事。他的整个心都在他所从事的任何事情上;但他有时在强烈感情的影响下行事。出乎意料的变化发生了，他的思想被转向了不同的方向。他在上帝特别的恩典下劳碌的时候，这些因疾病而变得尖锐的本性，是看不出来的。他敏捷地讲道和行动，推进改革工作，这些改革工作本来可能会瘫痪的。他作了非常慷慨的奉献，唯恐钱财成为自己的网罗。通过关于这些事的证言，他受到了告诫。上帝使他成了祂的管家，并委托给他钱财，明智地为推进祂的圣工而使用。如果他立刻奉献了所有钱财，他就不会像一个明智的管家那样回应上帝的旨意;因为不断会有事业出现，直到时间结束，要求资金以推进上帝的工作，有人应该能够带头，树立捐赠的榜样。对任何一个目标的大笔捐款都会限制他帮助其他同样重要的事业的能力。{PH043 18.1}
当我丈夫工作过劳，身体的自然机能承受了无法忍受的重负时，便导致了长期的疾病，于是他就气馁了，因为他痛苦地意识到自己没有能力去计划和工作以推进上帝的圣工。在他看来，保留金钱似乎无关紧要，他把大部分的钱都捐给了与上帝的工作有关的各种事业。当他恢复健康时，他发现自己的财力有限，又担心自己没有谨慎地使用钱财最好地服务上帝的圣工，他声称有权重新考虑这一问题，特别是因为他看到管理不善，将耗费了我们那么多体力和脑力劳动的钱财用于积累。但这么做的原则并不好。即使他奉献到给自己带来了伤害，在有体力和智力时，他也不应该改变。要是他看到自己犯了错误，他将来就应该更加谨慎地行事，每一步都咨询别人，更加认真地寻求从上头来的智慧，使他所有的工作都在上帝里面完成。{PH043 19.1}
指控他不诚实地对待同胞，这是站不住脚的;他一直忠于圣工的利益，像磁针指向磁极一样。但他却使弟兄们有机会错误地判断他，因为他显然想使自己处于优势。当他完全能够操劳的时候，他几乎一直在超负荷地操劳。但是，当他受到猜忌和嫉妒的攻击时，他却使自己成为思想和议论的对象，并引起了别人对自己的注意。他认为是弟兄们的做法迫使他这么做的。{PH043 21.1}
他不时做出的大量捐赠，他在太平洋海岸为建立和时兆出版社和礼拜堂而牺牲的钱财未获赏识;但他应当考虑，他这样做不是为了他的弟兄们，而是为了上帝。他的弟兄们和他自己的孩子们一直乐于从我们这里提取更多的资金，超过我们本应该投资在太平洋海岸或在巴特尔克里克的各机构的。他充满热忱，全心推进工作。有些人认为他这么慷慨解囊，一定是赚钱很快。他不得不面对四面八方的不满和抱怨。这些东西在他的脑海中被大大放大了，他对它们的感觉太强烈了。他已被普遍地铭刻在他弟兄们的心中;但总有几个人准备抱怨，怀有嫉妒和猜忌的精神。{PH043 21.2}
从来没有感受过工作的负担，也从来没有表现出无私的仁慈和关怀照顾的人，向来不是减轻怀疑和阻止诽谤性言论的人。那些一直乐于自己承担责任的人，能够理解我丈夫在负重时的努力，他们始终对他忠实。他忽视了他经验中这个很愉快的特征，反而看了黑暗面，为自己评理，重述自己为圣工所做的。他既引起对自己的关注，就在自己和救赎主之间投下了阴影，遮暗了他的道路。{PH043 22.1}
我们的重要机构既享有我们的人生在无私操劳中的最好的东西，就应该对一切都变得如此艰难时所付出的操劳作出反应。每一个新的事业，每一个前进的运动，都首先遇到了我们的传道人和百姓的反对;这些事业不得不每一步都通过最繁重的努力来完成，使它们得以存在，并使它们随着上帝开放的天意前进。但工作的推进得到了其他人和我丈夫的帮助;他不可觉得自己配得上所有的荣誉。{PH043 23.1}
在上帝的工作中身居负责岗位的人不应该觉得对他们的要求是对待那些其生命与这些机构的兴起和成长交织在一起且在它们的鼎盛时期受了造就的人，要像对待其他没有特别负担也没有在使这些机构存在的过程中起主导作用的人一样。这些机构若不将尊荣归给该得尊荣的人，就不能讨上帝的喜悦。这些机构的监护人不会使上帝感到不快，因为他们会非常温柔地对待上帝的自我牺牲的仆人，他们是祂所选择的工具，用来建立祂的圣工。他们应该温柔地对待他们，像孩子应该温柔地对待父母那样;作为回报，温柔应该永远得到珍惜。这些机构对我们来说和我们的孩子一样珍贵。{PH043 23.2}
上帝会让那些守卫这些机构的人赏识祂所选择的人，并且为了他们的工作而高度尊重他们。他们与这些机构之父之间，完全不适合在商业上进行欺诈、吝啬的交易，后者的认真工作和舍己的努力藉着上帝的赐福，使这些机构成了现在的样子。这样的做法会被上帝的仆人视为不公正的，并会在他身上唤醒同样的精神。{PH043 24.1}
我丈夫最近打算把他的利益从这些机构中分离出来，自己负责出版工作。这是上帝不会同意的。他的利益必须留在这些机构。他忠心耿耿地为这些机构操劳，在过去没有得到他当得的，以便为别人树立一个榜样。他把他的工价放在一个普通工人的水平上，他的操劳是持续不断，累死累活的，几乎使他三次丧命。上帝不会让他觉得他现在必须承担这些机构的责任。他没有体力或脑力来计划和执行这项伟大的工作。他应该觉得自己在很大程度上解脱了这一切。{PH043 25.1}
虽然上帝已赐给我们工作去做，用笔和声音向人们作我们的见证，但是别人也必须来担圣工的担子。我的丈夫应该以冷静、以无私的动机做他所能做的一切，然后欢迎所有的人在计划和执行中尽他们的本分。要是他们的任何一项事业失败，不应因此被视为不胜任工作;因为人非圣贤，孰能无过。他们不应变得灰心泄气，而应尽力藉着每一表面上的失败学习如何使下一次的努力取得成功。他们若与智慧之源联络，就必成功。{PH043 25.2}
我丈夫错在把那些愿意尽其所能减轻负担之人的错误公之于众。他即使说一句话削弱那些正在尽最大努力推进上帝圣工之人的影响力，也不比那些在工作的早期阶段就准备拒绝他的一切努力的人更情有可原。上帝正把担子放在更加没有经验的人肩上。祂正使他们适合作操心、斗胆、冒险的人。错误已经犯了，将来也会犯;然而要是将这些错误公之于众与他的成功形成对比，从而引起人们的怀疑和嫉妒，认为上帝与之一起工作的人是不可信任的，就会使那些竭尽全力促进上帝工作利益的人灰心丧气，且会阻碍上帝正在感动的一些人，否则他们就会支持圣工。不应该说出或写出一句话削弱那些在这些机构与他同工之人的影响力，或责难他们的计划和计划的执行，除非有证据表明彻头彻尾的不诚实正在危及上帝的圣工。{PH043 26.1}
我的丈夫蒙了大恩，因为与上帝通过指出道路和警告危险来引导、劝导和教导的一个人联系在一起。他的成功在很大程度上归功于此。不能指望那些处境不太好的人能像他那样避免犯错误。把他们的路线与他的路线作比较是不公正和不公平的。关于传道人和其他自称信奉真理之人的弱点，已经公开了太多。这伤害了上帝的圣工，给那些非我们信仰的人留下了印象，他们认为我们要么是一班软弱无能的人，要么在我们中间很大程度上存在着不仁慈的行为。后者成了现状。这些事情对我们不利。 我们应该要热心保卫我们传道弟兄的名誉，正如我们希望他们保卫我们的名誉一样。我们应该照我们在类似情况下希望他们待我们的那样待他们。我的丈夫一次又一次违反了这条黄金律。{PH043 27.1}
他觉得没有发表他所有的文章是没有对他表示应有的尊重，其实其中一些文章会给人心留下不良印象，而且违背圣工的利益，因为提出了那些不得不承担责任重担之人的错误和过失。这些在公众面前的攻击不符合上帝的命令，比起他要谴责的错误，这会对圣工造成更大的伤害。{PH043 28.1}
上帝不会让那些与这些机构有联系的人使我的丈夫成为一匹驮马去驮负他们的困难。他过分鼓励人们把事情转交给他，工作就被阻碍了。他并非总是处在适合就这种问题作决定的身体和精神都健康的状态中，要是这种问题被带到他面前，他则把自己的思想、研究和祷告都倾注在要求按照上帝的意念给出答复的问题上，他就会无法承受这种负担。 如果别人把焦虑、仔细思考和恳切祷告的重担加在他身上，他们就会得不到本来在推进工作中可以获得的那种深刻的生活经验。他不应该觉得他对他们的所有计划和执行都负有责任。如果我的丈夫作出仓促的决定，而不把他面前问题的所有方面都考虑进去，他就很容易犯错误，损害上帝的圣工。当人们知道我丈夫有足够的身体和精神健康来提供咨询和建议时，其他人制定的大计划才可以摆在他面前。他的长期经验，以及上帝赐给我的亮光，在应当作出重要的决定时，可能会对上帝的圣工大有帮助。{PH043 28.2}
人性的弱点在最强壮的人身上也是显而易见的。最好的人也不过是犯错的凡人，一个人不应该觉得有自由去评判弟兄们的动机或行为。如此缺乏的博爱，乃是世界的这个时代所非常必要的。上帝愿意让祂的传道人和在这些神圣的机构中与祂的工作有联系的人都对彼此表现出明显的尊重和爱心;恭敬人，要彼此推让。{PH043 30.1}
凡身居要职的人都必须认识到自己必须先有能力与上帝同在，以便有能力与人们同在。那些为我们的各机构制定和执行计划的人，必须与上天联络，才会有智慧、远见、洞察力和敏锐的领悟力。可是人们却往往完全把主抛在脑后，其实一切的事都依赖祂的赐福。上帝垂听努力推进祂圣工的舍己工人的请求。祂甚至屈尊面对面地与软弱必死的人交谈。祂倾听那些确实渴望得到祂帮助之人的苦苦祈求，不仅有耐心，而且表示赞许。{PH043 30.2}
祂的仆人摩西感到自己不足以从事面前的伟大工作，便以一种看起来几乎冒昧的恳切，请求上帝亲自与他同在。但这位恳切的请求者非但没有受到责备，反而得到回答说：“我必亲自和你同去，使你得安息”(出33:14)，——这是一个保证，保证他所有的重担都可以落在上帝身上。但摩西的头脑却承受着如此沉重的责任，以致他更加接近上帝，他的请求也更迫切了。上帝的回答是：“你这所求的我也要行;因为你在我眼前蒙了恩，并且我按你的名认识你”(出33:17)。在成功的鼓舞下，摩西更进一步地冒险，——他所拥有的神圣的勇气，直到它达到一个可怜、有限的人所无法理解的程度。上帝的仆人通过祈求越来越接近上帝，现在更愿提出一个凡人从未胆敢提出的请求：“求祢显出祢的荣耀给我看”(出33:18)。现在上帝会因祂仆人显然的冒昧而将他推开吗?第三次，主回答说：“我要显我一切的恩慈，在你面前经过”(出33:19)。荣耀的主应许要将摩西在目前必死凡人的状态下所能忍受的一切荣耀显给他看。他被告知，他若看到上帝全部未遮掩的荣耀就不能存活。上帝是何等地屈尊俯就啊!那造了世界的手，把那信心的勇士放在磐石穴中，以便将祂的荣耀显给他看，并显祂一切的恩慈，在他面前经过。宇宙之君、荣耀的王，温柔地将祂的手放在这尘埃的虫上，以免祂神圣威严的荣光消灭他。{PH043 31.3}
摩西与上帝的亲密交往，和所赐与他的荣耀显现，曾使他的脸发出天上明亮的光彩，以致以色列人不能看他。他看起来就像从天而来的光明天使。这种认识上帝的个人经验，对他作为一个负有领导责任的人来说，比他从前在埃及学到的一切学问更有价值。最横溢的才华、最认真的学习、最高超的口才，也决不能代替那些在圣工中负责之人心中之上帝的智慧和能力。什么也不能取代基督的恩典和对上帝旨意的认识。{PH043 32.1}
上帝已做好一切的预备，为要使人得到惟有祂才能赐给人的帮助。人若让自己的工作匆忙、驱迫、混乱，以致没有时间用于虔诚的思想或祷告，就必犯错误。耶稣基督若不举起旌旗抵挡撒但，仇敌就必胜过那些参加当今重要工作的人。{PH043 33.1}
在我们教会机构工作的每一个人都有特权以亲密的关系与上帝联络;他们若没能如此行，就表明自己不适合所委托的工作。藉着基督为我们大家所作的预备，乃是一种充分而完全的牺牲，是一种无罪的奉献。祂的血能洁净最肮脏的污点。如果祂只不过是人，我们就可以原谅我们的缺乏信心和顺从以及黑暗软弱的现状了。祂来要拯救失丧的人。我们没有资格做当代的大工，除非我们靠着上帝作工，我们恳切热切的祈祷不断上升到施恩宝座。{PH043 33.2}
在加利福尼亚奥克兰和巴特尔克里克的开支上犯下的大错误造成了使这些机构陷入困境的债务积累。现在已经充分看到了这样做的祸害，也感受到了压力。但这对他们来说就像对银行一样;如果给人的印象是失败迫在眉睫，所有把钱托付给这些机构的人都会争先恐后地把钱要回来。现在需要最大的智慧来管理这些重要机构，以便克服可能会毁了这些机构的困难。通过明智而经济地管理，并尽可能地结束他们在其下操劳的拮据状况，一切都能安全地走出来。我的丈夫不加思考地说了几句不明智的话，就会做一件即使他愿意也无法撤回的工作。他会唤醒那些已经投入资金之人的恐惧，且会导致他们撤回资金，而这必定会毁了疗养院和我们在太平洋海岸的出版社。在这场财务危机中，如果我们现在愿意勇敢地、谨慎地、无私地作工，召集资金，困难就会被克服。{PH043 33.3}
我的丈夫和我自己不应该再承担这方面的负担;但是，我们绝不能有理由感到自己被别人取代了，因为随着工作量的增加，他们不得不来承担责任。一个人在任何情况下都不应该嫉妒或怀疑别人;所有的人都应该和谐地工作;他们是伟大整体的一部分。必须找到有兴趣的工人，他们将通过与上帝的紧密联系，使自己成为我们机构的监护人和董事。上帝的仆人中，凡承受了白天的重担和炎热的人，都应该为他们的工作而受到尊荣和高度尊重。但百姓应该单单倚赖永生的上帝。工人自己应该倚靠上帝。我丈夫的声音不应该绝对地控制，独立于那些作为一个委员会来制定和执行计划的人。{PH043 34.1}
作为对祷告的回应，上帝对祂仆人的关怀一次又一次地表明出来，使他从表面上毫无希望的身心状态中恢复过来。在工作的匆忙和业务的压力中，有许多的劳损，灵性却减少了。已经非常缺乏基督的柔和与仁爱了。匆忙的精神赶走了基督甜美的精神。要是表现了更多的冷静，并对所有正在努力推进圣工的上帝的仆人们表示了真正的仁慈和尊重，原会最终做得更多，且会以一种好得多的方式完成。上帝从不匆忙。虽然工作应该以坚持不懈的精力推进，但与其以匆忙和磨擦、紧张和严厉训斥的精神继续进行，不如放慢速度，因为这种精神会带来混乱和巨大的不幸。{PH043 35.1}
我看到我丈夫凭冲动对弟兄们说了许多尖刻的话，即使是那些本应更加了解他的人，也是根据这些话来评价他的品格的。偶尔的仁慈行为不能代替仁慈的话语和真理的礼貌，柔和的发言和仁慈的话语也不能代替应该为罪而给我们的弟兄、亲戚和俗人的责备。然而在这一点上，我的丈夫很软弱，而且经常在不应该的时候不给责备。{PH043 36.1}
大方的感觉，慷慨高尚的精神，公平公正的判断与温和，是基督教的本质;忽视这一切，就使我们的救赎主受伤，且使上帝的圣工蒙羞。上帝要求我的丈夫培养对弟兄们的爱与柔情;不是依赖感情的爱，而是一种原则的爱;不是一时冲动的仁慈。{PH043 36.2}
上帝愿意我的丈夫从一开始就发挥一种影响力，随着工作的进展，按照神圣的模式塑造工作。比起让自己承担任务，训练和控制自己的精神，总是有基督的精神，和始终忘我，捐款、在累人的操劳中耗费他的力量是一件更容易的工作。自治的教训是人类曾得到的最重要的教训。我丈夫被认为是这项工作的行动首脑。头走到哪里，身体就跟到那里。到目前为止，他觉得有自由向他的传道弟兄们讲的话都使上帝感到不快。他受试探对任何他没有提出或发起的重要举措提出质疑并找出错误。他必须明白这不是上帝所喜悦的，必须改变他的路线，否则他将损害工作。上帝正在准备人们去负责任，去计划和执行，我丈夫不可挡在路上。{PH043 37.1}
他不能把上帝的圣工揽在自己怀里;这工作太宽广了。需要许多人手去计划和工作，不保留自己。因为缺乏经验，一定会犯错误;但是工人们若与上帝联络，祂就会使他们多有智慧。{PH043 37.2}
全国各地之人的注意力都集中在巴特尔克里克这里的工作上。许多人怀着最深切的忧虑，注视着在这里所珍视的、不久就会被带入试验活动的信仰与原则的发展。自从创世以来，没有什么时候像现在这样有如此重大的权益取决于那些相信和正在向世界传扬最后警告信息之人的行为。{PH043 38.1}
我丈夫最后一次生病是因为他承受了上帝警告过他不应该承担的负担。他身体的自然机能在压力之下承受不住了，除非上帝行一个奇迹。我的丈夫太多信赖他自己的力量和智慧了，主便允许疾病临到他身上，以便他认识到自己的软弱。{PH043 38.2}
上帝赐给我们夜晚，作为祂最大的福气之一，给我们过度劳累的身心带来安静和休息。我们不能从事任何操劳而不休息一段时间，无论工作多么有趣和必要，因为人体机器会停止运转。当退休的时候来到时，我们应该屈服于自然甜美的恢复者。如果不顺从自然的要求，如果缩短睡眠时间，结果必是疲惫和缺乏每一种力量。上帝创造人，不是要他们去追求一轮工作或享受。{PH043 38.3}
怀长老和凯洛格医生没有给自己适当的休息。上帝设立了安息日作为休息日来修复自然机能被耗尽了的活力。无论是在耗费脑力的业务中，还是在获取知识的过程中，没有一个人的头脑能不间断地日复一日运转而不受到伤害。天上是没有黑夜的。人体的机器在那里没有磨损和疲劳。在那里，我们永远不会感到疲劳，永远不需要或想要休息。在那里执行上帝的旨意没有疲倦;我们永远不会厌倦对祂发出赞美。我们将永远拥有早晨的清新。但如今我们既在这个世界上，身体疲惫，我们就必须注意上帝的计划，在我们需要的时候休息。{PH043 39.1}
我们二人在人生的暮年。我们最长的工作时间也是有限的，我们没有一天可以浪费在不符合基督精神的行为中为自己辩护。只要我们能留下来而不给自己加重负担，也不让别人轻装上阵，我们的影响力就应该在巴特尔克里克被感受到。如果我们承担工作的责任，就有太多的人乐于让我们承担;而当我们离开时，别人就会不知道在哪儿下手。我们的工作不是去管理饭食。上帝并没有为这种工作而使我的丈夫复活，重获新生。祂要我们作祂赐给我们的见证，不是在自我里，而是在基督的灵里;既有祂恩典软化人心的感化力在我们心上，我们就在工作的大中心对上帝的圣工有一种塑造性影响。这里非常需要上帝之灵的证言。{PH043 40.1}
真正的敬虔包括仁慈和在品格中填满圣灵所有的美德，就像画中的精美铅笔画一样。我们应该不断努力，增进上帝的荣耀并造福和拯救我们的同胞。我们的工作不应像开始的时候那样结束。一定要少些匆忙和疲劳，多些体贴和休息，少些紧张的行动，多些祈祷。上帝的日子将考验那支配了生活的精神。在已经完成的工作中，有太多的自我和太少的耶稣。基督徒的生活必须例证基督的生活。敬虔的伟大奥秘必须在生活和品格上得到发展;然后对教会的影响才会使它达到更加高尚更加纯洁的生活。{PH043 40.2}
如果我们高傲地、自足自负地行走，我们将独自行走，没有耶稣的陪伴。“祂必按公平引领谦卑人，将祂的道教训他们”(诗25:9)。我们应该更少在自我里操劳，更多在耶稣基督的精神里操劳。我丈夫的声音可能是一种力量，以它的悲怅感伤和悦耳的音调打动人心。上帝最好的恩赐之一就是声音。上帝给出的警告没有得到听从。我的丈夫滥用了这个恩赐，但现在他可以做很多事来挽回过去。他没有时间可以浪费。上帝本着仁慈将我们的缺点显露出来，以便我们在为时太晚之前予以补救。我们必须不看自己、不看我们的自以为义、我们的施舍、我们的宗教冲突，而看耶稣。只有祂的功劳才能拯救我们。对耶稣有活泼的信心会带来丰富的福气。{PH043 41.1}
PH043 - The Judgment
【Important Personal Testimony】
On the morning of October 23, 1879, about two o’clock, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I beheld scenes in the coming Judgment. Language fails me in which to give an adequate description of the things which passed before me, and of the effect they had upon my mind.?{PH043 1.1}[1]
The great day of the execution of God’s judgment seemed to have come. Ten thousand times ten thousand were assembled before a large throne, upon which was seated a person of majestic appearance. Several books were before him, and upon the covers of each was written in letters of gold, which seemed like a burning flame of fire, “Ledger of Heaven.” One of these books containing the names of those who claimed to believe the truth was then opened. Immediately I lost sight of the countless millions about the throne, and only those?who were professedly children of the light and of the truth engaged my attention. As these persons were named, one by one, and their good deeds mentioned, their countenances would light up with a holy joy that was reflected in every direction. But this did not seem to rest upon my mind with the greatest force.?{PH043 1.2}[2]
Another book was opened, wherein were recorded the?sins?of those who professed the truth. Under the general heading of selfishness came every other sin. There were also headings over every column, and underneath these, opposite each name, were recorded in their respective columns the lesser sins. Under covetousness came falsehood, theft, robbery, fraud, and avariciousness; under ambition came pride and extravagance; jealousy stood at the head of malice, envy, hatred; and intemperance headed a long list of fearful crimes, such as lasciviousness, adultery, indulgence of animal passions, etc. As I beheld, I was filled with inexpressible anguish, and exclaimed, Who can be saved? who will stand justified before God? whose robes are?spotless? who are faultless in the sight of a pure and holy God??{PH043 2.1}[3]
As the Holy One upon the throne slowly turned the leaves of the Ledger, and his eyes rested for a moment upon individuals, his glance seemed to burn into their very souls, and at the same moment every word and action of their lives passed before their minds as clearly as if traced before their vision in letters of fire. Trembling seized them, and their faces turned pale. Their first appearance when around the throne was that of careless indifference. But how changed their appearance now! The feeling of security is gone, and in its place is a nameless terror. A dread is upon every soul lest he shall be found among those who are wanting. Every eye is riveted upon the face of the One upon the throne; and as his solemn, searching eye sweeps over that company, there is a quaking of heart, for they are self-condemned without one word being uttered. In anguish of soul each declares his own guilt, and with terrible vividness sees that by sinning he has thrown away the precious boon of eternal life.?{PH043 3.1}[4]
One class were registered as cumberers of the ground. As the piercing eye of the Judge rested upon these, their sins of neglect were distinctly revealed. With pale and quivering lips they acknowledged that they had been traitors to their holy trust. They had had warnings and privileges, but they had not heeded nor improved them. They now see that they presumed too much upon the mercy of God. True, they had not such confessions to make as had the vile and basely corrupt; but like the fig-tree they were cursed because they bore no fruit, because they had not put to use the talents intrusted to them.?{PH043 4.1}[5]
This class had made?themselves?supreme, laboring only for selfish interests. They were not rich toward God, not having responded to his claims upon them. Although professing to be servants of Jesus Christ, they brought no souls to him. Had the cause of God been dependent on their efforts, it would have languished; for they not only withheld the means lent them of God, but they withheld themselves. But these now see?and feel that in occupying an irresponsible position in reference to the work and cause of God, they have placed themselves on the left hand. They had opportunity, but would not do the work that they could and should have done.?{PH043 4.2}[6]
The names of all who professed the truth were mentioned. Some were reproved for their unbelief, others for having been slothful servants. They allowed others to do the work in the Master’s vineyard, and to bear the heaviest responsibilities, while they were selfishly serving their own temporal interests. By cultivating the abilities God had given them, they could have been reliable burden-bearers, working for the interest of the Master. Said the Judge, All will be justified by their faith, and judged by their works. How vivid then appeared their neglect, and how wise the arrangement of God in giving to every man a work to do to promote the cause and save his fellow-men. Each was to demonstrate a living faith, in his family and in his neighborhood, by showing kindness to the poor, sympathizing with the afflicted, engaging in missionary labor,?and by aiding the cause of God with his means. But like Meroz, the curse of God rested upon them for what they did not do. They loved that work which would bring the greatest profit in this life; and opposite their names in the Ledger devoted to good works, there was a mournful blank.?{PH043 5.1}[7]
The words spoken to these were most solemn: You are weighed in the balances, and found wanting. You have neglected spiritual responsibilities because of busy activity in temporal matters, while your very position of trust made it necessary that you should have more than human wisdom and greater than finite judgment. This you needed in order to perform even the mechanical part of your labor; and when you disconnected God and his glory from your business, you turned from his blessing.?{PH043 6.1}[8]
The question was then asked, Why have you not washed your robes of character and made them white in the blood of the Lamb? God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that through him it might be saved. My?love for you has been more self-denying than a mother’s love. It was that I might blot out your dark record of iniquity; and put the cup of salvation to your lips, that I suffered the death of the cross, bearing the weight and curse of your guilt. The pangs of death, and the horrors of the darkness of the tomb, I endured that I might conquer him who had the power of death, unbar the prison-house, and open for you the gates of life. I submitted to shame and agony because I loved you with an infinite love, and would bring back my wayward, wandering sheep to the paradise of God, to the tree of life. That life of bliss which I purchased for you at such a cost, you have disregarded. Shame, reproach, and ignominy, such as your Master bore for you, you have shunned. The privileges he died to bring within your reach have not been appreciated. You would not be partaker of his sufferings, and you cannot now be partaker with him of his glory.?{PH043 6.2}[9]
Upon one page of the Ledger, under the head of “Fidelity,” was the name of my husband. His life, character, and all the?incidents in our experience, seemed to be brought vividly before my mind. A very few items which impressed me, I will mention. I was shown that God had qualified my husband for a specific work, and in his providence had united us to carry forward this work. Through the testimonies of his Spirit he had imparted to him great light. He had cautioned, warned, reproved, and encouraged; and it was due to the power of his grace that we had been enabled to bear a part in the work from its very commencement. God had miraculously preserved his mental faculties, notwithstanding his physical powers had given out again and again.?{PH043 7.1}[10]
God should have the glory for the unbending integrity and noble courage to vindicate the right and condemn the wrong which my husband has had. Just such firmness and decision were necessary at the commencement of the work, and they have been needed all along, as it progressed step by step. But if with this courage, firmness, and indomitable energy he had perseveringly cultivated gentleness, kindness, and charity, graces positively essential in carrying forward?any great enterprise, but especially the work of God, he would now have greater influence than he has. He has stood in defense of the truth without yielding a single principle to please the best friend. He has had an ardent temperament, bold and fearless in acting and speaking. This has often led him into difficulties which he might frequently have avoided. He has been obliged to stand more firmly, to be more decided, to speak more earnestly and boldly, because of the very different temperament of the men connected with him in his labor. But even here he has made mistakes, in misjudging the motives of his brethren.?{PH043 8.1}[11]
Had Elder Smith exercised more firmness and boldness in defending the right and condemning the wrong, my husband would not have been forced to take such firm, decided positions. This disposition on the part of Elder Smith to overlook wrong, and leave evils uncorrected, which, though small at first, would increase till they finally destroyed the purity of the church, has forced my husband to act, and caused his course, in contrast with Elder Smith’s, to seem very severe and?dictatorial. Had Elder Smith stood as a bold soldier for Jesus Christ, had he called sin, fraud, and dishonesty by their right names, had he given these evils their just rebuke, less of such disagreeable work would have fallen upon my husband, and less cause would have been given for temptation in regard to his course of action.?{PH043 9.1}[12]
God would have the facts appear as they are. Elder Smith has neglected to cultivate those traits of character which it is so needful that all who are engaged in the work of God should possess. Pleasing or unpleasing to human nature, faithfulness, vigilance, and boldness must be exercised, or sin will triumph over righteousness. A failure to see and sense the wants of the cause for this time, and to reprove sin, is called by some, meekness; God calls it unfaithfulness, and spiritual sloth. He gives no credit to those who shun the cross and neglect the disagreeable duties, thereby imperiling his church. Envy, jealousy, dishonesty, falsehoods, and evil surmisings have ever had to be met. They existed in the time of ancient Israel, and will ever be?found in modern Israel. Some one must meet this element, and whoever does will displease some; it cannot be otherwise, for there will ever be those who will sympathize with wrong-doers. Those who have shunned that part of the work which requires anxiety and care, boldness and fortitude, will receive no reward for their silence and their peaceful demeanor; but condemnation will be written against them.?{PH043 10.1}[13] “
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again, when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him,?he shall die; because thou hast not given him warning he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, it thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.”?{PH043 11.1}[14]
This exactly represents the case of ministers in our day. It is an evil day. Satan is continually at work to press his temptations among us. At first he presents little deviations from right; then after the senses have become accustomed to this slight departure from the light which God has given, he presents another temptation to lead away from former positions and principles. Then as the mind becomes accustomed to that, he presents a still greater departure from the simplicity of our faith, until the barriers are broken down, and idolatry in various forms is at home in our midst. God then moves upon those who will not shun to declare his whole counsel, and charges them, “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression,?and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek me daily, ... as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God.” Those who ought to be humiliating their souls before God will then begin to justify themselves:—?{PH043 12.1}[15]
“What an easy, happy time we were having. The church was in a pleasant condition. We were doing well. But, lo! here come Elder White and his wife, the disturbers of Israel. They always create a trouble whenever they come. If they only had the sweet spirit of Elder Smith; he never hurts any one’s feelings, he never says sharp and cutting things.” But these blind ones do not see that this very pleasing, careless indifference on the part of men at Battle Creek who have failed to keep the fort, has created the necessity for the alarm to be sounded and the cutting rebukes to be given. Where would the church drift, were it not for the plain, close, searching testimonies to arouse them from their slumber??{PH043 13.1}[16]
I was shown that God had given judgment and strength of discrimination to my husband in the past, not because this?was exclusively for him, but because he was willing to use these abilities. God has given him clear foresight, because he put to use what he had given him. God has given him the power to form and execute plans with the needed firmness, because he did not refuse to exercise these qualities of the mind, and to venture in order to advance the work of God.?{PH043 13.2}[17]
Self has at times been mingled with the work; but when the Holy Spirit has controlled his mind, he has been a most successful instrument in the hands of God for the upbuilding of his cause. He has had elevated views of the Lord’s claims upon all who profess his name,—of their duty to stand in defense of the widow and the fatherless, to be kind to the poor, to help the needy, and to guard the interests of those who should settle at Battle Creek. He would jealously guard the interests of his brethren that no unjust advantage should be taken of them. His self-denial, and firm, conscientious purpose to deal justly and love mercy, and see that justice was done and no fraud allowed,?has made him enemies of those who wished to serve themselves at the expense of their brethren. His zeal in these matters has sometimes caused him to exercise too great severity in order to have right rule, and wrong rebuked.{PH043 14.1}[18]
The earnest efforts of my husband to build up the institutions in our midst I also saw registered in the Ledger of Heaven. The truth sent out from the press was like rays of light emanating from the sun in all directions. This work was commenced and carried forward at a great sacrifice of strength and means.?{PH043 15.1}[19]
When affliction came upon my husband, other men were selected to take his place. They commenced with a good purpose, but they had never learned the lesson of self-denial. Had they felt the necessity of earnestly agonizing before God daily, and thrown their souls unselfishly into the work, not depending upon self, but upon the wisdom of God, they would have shown that their works were wrought in God. Had they heeded the reproofs and counsels given, when they did not meet the mind of the Spirit of?God, they would have been saved from sin. But they followed the inclination of their own carnal hearts, instead of walking in the counsel of God, and the record in the books of God was sad indeed. Unfaithfulness, dishonesty, and fraud were written against them.?{PH043 15.2}[20]
Direct theft and outright robbery are not the sins which these men of influence are guilty of committing; but it is the petty dishonesties, the prevarications, the incorrect entries and false statements, which amount to quite a large sum in the course of years. The great evil exists in the heart,—dishonesty of soul. Any deviation from perfect fairness and integrity in business or in trade, little though it may be, is copied by others, only to be increased in magnitude two, three, four, five, or even ten fold. “He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.”?{PH043 16.1}[21]
It is not the magnitude of the transaction that makes it fair or unfair, honest or dishonest. It is the purpose of the heart begotten by covetousness and?selfishness, which leads a man to overreach his neighbor in the smallest item. If temptation were placed in his way, and circumstances favored, he would overreach on a much larger scale. When the strict line of duty is passed, when rectitude is sacrificed, the way is opened to go to greater lengths. In the case of Adam it was not the value of the fruit of which he partook which made his sin so grievous, but it was the departure from God’s requirements, the failure to stand the test. He was found on Satan’s side when he should have been found wholly on the side of the Lord and of Heaven. The sin of Adam and Eve consisted in their disobedience of the express command of God.?{PH043 16.2}[22]
A man who is honest before God will deal justly with his fellow-men, whether or not it is for his own personal interest to do so. The outward acts are a fair transcript of the principles within. Many whom God called to his work have been tested and proved, and found wanting; and there are others whom he is now testing and proving. He makes examples of those who prove recreant to?their trust; but men whose hearts are not right with God see virtues in those who have failed, where God sees dishonesty; and sin is not called by its right name and regarded in its aggravated character.?{PH043 17.1}[23]
After God had tested and proved us in the furnace of affliction, he raised up my husband and gave him greater clearness of mind and power of intellect to plan and execute than he had before his affliction. When my husband felt his own weakness and moved in the fear of God, then the Lord was his strength; but when he did not fully rely upon God, his impetuosity of character brought him into difficulties. In the deep earnestness of his warm heart he was ready to promise and undertake much in the service of those he loved; and in order to help others he sometimes taxed himself severely. But this was a moral weakness in his character,—his dislikes were as strong as his affections, and he did not always control his feelings, but moved too much by present impulse. His whole heart is in anything he undertakes; but he has acted at times under the power of strong?feelings. Unexpected changes taking place, his mind has been turned in different directions. While he has labored under the special grace of God, these natural traits, which have been sharpened by disease, were not discernible. Prompt in speech and action, he has pushed forward reforms where they would otherwise have languished. He has made very liberal donations, fearing that his means would prove a snare to him. He has been cautioned through the testimonies in regard to these matters. God had made him his steward, and intrusted him with means to use judiciously for the advancement of his cause. Should he at once give all his means, he would not answer the purpose of God as a wise steward; for enterprises will be constantly arising until the close of time calling for means to carry forward the work of God, and some one should be able to lead out and set an example in donating. Large donations to any one object would limit his ability to aid in other enterprises which are equally important.?{PH043 18.1}[24]
When my husband has overworked,?and nature has been burdened beyond endurance, a long period of sickness has resulted, then has come discouragement, as he has had a painful consciousness of his inability to plan and work to advance the cause of God. It has seemed to him of but little consequence to retain money, and he has donated largely to the various enterprises connected with the work of God. When he has recovered his health, he has found himself limited in means, and fearing he has not been as careful in its application as would best serve the cause of God, he has claimed the privilege of reconsidering the matter, especially as he has seen bad management in using the means which has cost us so much hard labor, physically and mentally, to accumulate. But the principle of this is not good. If he has given to his own hurt, when in physical and mental strength he should not change. If he sees that he has made mistakes, he should move more carefully in the future, consulting others at every step, and seeking wisdom from above?more earnestly, that all his work may be wrought in God.?{PH043 19.1}[25]
The charge of dishonest dealing with his fellow-men does not stand against him; he has been as true to the interests of the cause as the compass to the pole. But he gives his brethren opportunity to misjudge him, by his apparent desire to advantage himself. He has labored beyond his strength almost constantly, when he was able to labor at all. But when assailed by envy and jealousy he has made?himself?the subject of thought and of remark, and has called the attention of others to himself. He has thought the course of his brethren compelled him to do this.?{PH043 21.1}[26]
The large donations he has made from time to time, the sacrifice of means he has made upon the Pacific coast to establish the?Signs?Office and build meeting-houses there, have not been appreciated; but he should consider that he did not do this for his brethren, but for God. His brethren and his own children have been willing to draw from us more means than we should have invested on?the Pacific coast, or in the institutions at Battle Creek. His whole soul was ardent and full of zeal to push forward the work. Some have thought that he must be making money fast, in order to give so liberally. He has had to meet disaffection and murmurings on every side. These have been greatly magnified in his mind, and he has felt too keenly over them. He has been enshrined in the hearts of his brethren generally; but a few have always been ready to complain, and to entertain a spirit of jealousy and envy.?{PH043 21.2}[27]
Men who have never felt the burden of the work, and have never exercised disinterested benevolence and care-taking, have not been the ones to allay suspicion and discountenance disparaging remarks. Those who have been willing to bear responsibilities themselves, could understand my husband’s efforts to lift when the load pressed heavy, and they have been true to him from first to last. He has overlooked this very pleasant feature in his experience, and has looked upon the dark side, reasoning for himself?and repeating what he has done for the cause. In calling attention to himself he has cast a shadow between him and his Redeemer, which has darkened his pathway.?{PH043 22.1}[28]
Our important institutions, which have had the very best of our lives in disinterested, unselfish labor, should respond to the labor which was bestowed when everything went so hard. Every new enterprise, every forward movement, met at first with opposition from our ministers and people; and these enterprises had to be carried through by the most taxing efforts at every step, to bring them into existence and keep them advancing with the opening providence of God. But the work has been helped forward by others as well as my husband; and he must not feel that he is deserving of all the credit.?{PH043 23.1}[29]
Men who occupy responsible positions in the work of God should not feel that it is required of them to deal with those whose very lives are interwoven with the rise and growth of these institutions, and who made them what they?were in their prosperity, as with others who have had no special burden and have acted no leading part in bringing them into existence. These institutions will not please God, if they neglect the duty of giving honor to whom honor is due. The guardians of these institutions will not displease God in treating very tenderly the self-sacrificing servants of God whom he has used as his chosen instruments in the upbuilding of his cause. They should exercise the same tenderness toward them which children should exercise toward their parents; while tenderness should be ever cherished in return. These institutions are as dear to us as our children.?{PH043 23.2}[30]
God would have those who guard these institutions appreciate those whom he has chosen, and esteem them highly for their work’s sake. Sharp, close dealing in business is entirely out of place between them and the father of these institutions, whose earnest working and self-denying efforts have, through the blessing of God, made them what they?are. Such a course would be regarded by the servant of God as injustice, and would result in awakening in him the same spirit.?{PH043 24.1}[31]
My husband has been upon the point recently of separating his interest from these institutions, and of taking up the work of publishing on his own responsibility. This, God would not approve. His interest must remain with the institutions. He has labored faithfully for them, not receiving in times past that which was his just due, that he might give an example to others. He has placed his wages for his labor, which has been continuous and wearing, three times nearly costing him his life, upon the level of a common working hand. God would not have him feel that he must now bear the responsibilities of these institutions. He has not physical or mental power to do the planning and executing for this great work. He should feel that he is in a great measure released from this.?{PH043 25.1}[32]
While God has given us our work to do in bearing our testimony to the people?by pen and voice, others must come to bear burdens in connection with the cause. My husband should do all he can do with calmness, with unselfish motives, and then welcome all to act their part in planning and executing. Should they fail in any of their undertakings, they should not therefore be deemed unqualified for the work; for to err is human. They should not become discouraged, but should endeavor to learn by every apparent failure how to make a success of the next effort. And if they connect with the Source of wisdom they will surely succeed.?{PH043 25.2}[33]
My husband has erred in making public the errors of those who were willing to do all they could to lift burdens. One word spoken to weaken the influence of those who are doing their best to advance the cause of God, is no more excusable in him than it was in those who stood ready to repulse his every effort during the earlier stages of the work. God is putting burdens upon more inexperienced shoulders. He is fitting them to be caretaking, to venture, to run risks. Mistakes?have been made and will be made; but should these errors be presented before the public in contrast with his success, thus arousing suspicious and jealousies that the men whom God is working with cannot be trusted, it would discourage those who were doing their very utmost to promote the interests of the work of God, and would hinder some whom God is moving upon, who would otherwise sustain the cause. Not one word should be spoken or written to weaken the influence of his fellow-laborers, those connected with these institutions, or cast reflections upon their plans and the execution of them, unless some evidence is given that downright dishonesty is endangering the cause of God.?{PH043 26.1}[34]
My husband has been highly favored in being connected with one whom God is leading, counseling, and teaching, by pointing out the way and warning against dangers. To this is due, in a great measure, his success. Those less favorably situated cannot be expected to steer as clear of mistakes as he has done. To contrast their course with his is scarcely just and fair. Too much already?has been made public in regard to the weaknesses of ministers and others professing the truth. This has injured the cause of God by giving impressions to those not of our faith, that either we were a weak, inefficient people or that uncharitableness existed to a great degree among us. The latter has been the case. These things have worked against us. We should just as zealously guard the reputation of our ministering brethren as we would have them guard our reputation. We should do unto them exactly as we would have them do unto us under similar circumstances. The golden rule has been violated again and again by my husband.?{PH043 27.1}[35]
He has felt that due respect was not shown him in not publishing all his articles, when some of them would have made unfavorable impressions upon minds, and worked against the interests of the cause, by presenting the mistakes and errors of those who have to bear burdens of responsibility. These thrusts in public are not in the order of God, and would prove a greater injury to the cause than the mistakes he would reprove.?{PH043 28.1}[36]
God would not have those who are connected with these institutions make my husband a pack-horse for their difficulties. He?has encouraged the referring of matters to him too much; and the work has been retarded. He is not always in a condition of physical and spiritual health to make decisions in regard to such matters; and should they be brought before him, and he devote that thought, and study, and prayer to the subject which are required in order to give an answer according to the mind of God, he would be unable to stand under the burden. If others are to throw their burdens of anxiety, close thinking, and earnest prayer upon him, they will fail to gain that deep, living experience which they might otherwise obtain in carrying forward the work. He should not feel that he is responsible for all their planning and executing. And if my husband gives hasty decisions, without taking in all the bearings of the question before him, he is liable to make mistakes, and to mar the cause of God. When my husband is known to have sufficient physical and mental health for counsel and advice, then the large plans devised by others may be laid before him. The long experience he has had, and the light God has given me, may be of great service to the cause of God, when important decisions are to be made.?{PH043 28.2}[37]
Human weakness is apparent in the strongest of men. The best are but erring mortals, and one should not feel at liberty to sit in judgment upon the motives or actions of his brethren. Charity, which is so much lacking, is yet very essential in this age of the world. God would have his ministers, and every soul connected with his work in these sacred institutions, show marked respect and love for one another; in honor, preferring one another.?{PH043 30.1}[38]
All who have responsible positions must realize that they must first have power with God, in order that they may have power with the people. Those who devise and execute plans for our institutions must connect with Heaven, if they would have wisdom, foresight, discernment, and keen perception. The Lord is left out of the question altogether too much, when everything depends upon his blessing. God listens to the appeals of his self-denying workers who labor to advance his cause. He has even condescended to talk with feeble mortals, face to face. He listens to the importunate prayers of those who really long for his help, not only with patience, but with approval.?{PH043 30.2}[39]
His servant Moses felt his insufficiency?for the great work before him, and pleaded, with an earnestness that seemed almost presumption, for the presence of God to be with him. But instead of receiving a reproof, the earnest pleader receives the reply, “My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest,”—an assurance that all his burdens may be rested upon God. But the mind of Moses is so burdened with the tremendous weight of the responsibilities resting upon him that he approaches still nearer to God, and his request is pressed still further. The answer from God is, “I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken; for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.” Encouraged by his success, Moses ventures still further,—a holy boldness he possesses, until it reaches a point which is incomprehensible to poor, finite man. The servant of God has been, through prayer, approaching nearer and nearer to God, and now prefers a request such as no mortal man had ever dared to make,—“I beseech thee, show me thy glory.” Will God thrust aside his servant now for his apparent presumption? The third time, the answer comes, “I will make all my goodness to pass before thee.” The Lord of glory promises to show Moses all he can bear of?his glory, in his present, mortal state. He was told that he could not see the full, unveiled glory of God, and live. Oh, what condescension on the part of God! That Hand that made the worlds takes the mighty man of faith and puts him in a cleft of the rock, that he may show him his glory, and make all his goodness to pass before him. Tenderly that Monarch of the universe, the King of Glory, puts his hand over this worm of the dust, that the splendor of his divine majesty may not consume him.?{PH043 31.3}[40]
The close intercourse which Moses had with God, and the glorious manifestation vouchsafed to him, caused his face to shine so brightly with heavenly luster that the people of Israel could not look upon him. He appeared like a bright angel from Heaven. This personal experience of the knowledge of God was of more value to him as a man bearing responsibilities as a leader than all his former education in the learning of the Egyptians. The most brilliant intellect, the most earnest study, the highest eloquence, can never be substituted for the wisdom and power of God in those who are bearing the responsibilities connected with his cause. Nothing can be substituted for the grace of Christ and the knowledge of God’s will.?{PH043 32.1}[41]
God has made every provision for man to have help which he alone can give him. If he allows his work to hurry, drive, and confuse, so that he will have no time for devotional thought, or for prayer, he will make mistakes. If a standard is not lifted up by Jesus Christ against Satan, he will overcome those who are engaged in the important work for this time.?{PH043 33.1}[42]
It is the privilege of every one connected with these institutions to be connected in close relationship with God, and if they fail to do this they show themselves unfitted for their work of trust. The provision made for us all through Christ was a full and perfect sacrifice,—a sinless offering. His blood can cleanse the foulest stain. Had he been but a man, we would be excusable for our lack of faith and obedience, and present state of darkness and feebleness. He came to save that which was lost. We are not qualified for the great work for this time, except when we labor in God; when our prayers, earnest and fervent, are continually ascending to the throne of grace.?{PH043 33.2}[43]
A great mistake has been made in the outlay of means in Oakland, Cal., and in Battle Creek, causing an accumulation of debts?which have involved these institutions in embarrassment. Now the evil of this is fully seen, and the pressure is felt. But it is with them as with a bank; if the impression goes out that failure is imminent, all who have intrusted their money in them will rush to call it out. The greatest wisdom is now required to manage these important institutions in such a manner that the difficulties which threaten to ruin them may be overcome. All may come out in safety by managing judiciously and economically, and keeping the embarrassment under which they are laboring as close as possible. A few injudicious words spoken without thought by my husband will do a work he can never undo if he would. He will awaken the fears of those who have invested means, and will lead them to withdraw it, which must ruin the Sanitarium and our publishing house on the Pacific coast. If we will labor with courage now, in this financial crisis, prudently, disinterestedly, calling in means, the difficulty will be overcome.?{PH043 33.3}[44]
My husband and myself should no longer bear the burdens in this cause; but we should never have cause to feel that we are supplanted by others, who, as the work increases,?have to come in to bear responsibilities. One should not in any case feel envious or suspicious of another; but all should work in harmony; they are a part of the great whole. Interested workers must be found, who will qualify themselves, by close connection with God, to be guardians and directors of our institutions. Those of God’s servants who have borne the burden and heat of the day should be honored and highly esteemed for their work’s sake. But the people should trust alone in the living God. The workers individually should rely upon God. My husband’s voice should not absolutely control, independent of those placed as a committee to form the plans and execute them.?{PH043 34.1}[45]
In answer to prayer, God’s care for his servant has been evinced again and again in raising him up from an apparently hopeless condition, physically and mentally. In the hurry of labor and the pressure of business, there has been much wear and work, but less spirituality. The meekness and love of Christ have been greatly lacking. A spirit of hurry has driven away the sweet spirit of Christ. More would have been done in the end, and in a much better manner, had more calmness been manifested,?and true kindness and respect shown for all the servants of God who are laboring to advance the cause. God is never in a hurry. While the work should be pushed forward with persevering energy, it might better move more slowly than to be carried on in a spirit of hurry and friction, nervousness, and severe reprimands, which bring confusion and great unhappiness.?{PH043 35.1}[46]
I saw that many sharp words had been spoken from impulse by my husband to his brethren, and his character is estimated according to the words spoken, even by those who ought to know him better. Deeds of kindness now and then cannot take the place of kind words and true courtesy, neither can soft speeches and kind words take the place of reproof which ought to be given for sin to our brethren, relatives, and worldlings. But on this point my husband is weak, and often fails in giving reproofs when he should not.?{PH043 36.1}[47]
Liberality of feeling, generosity and nobleness of spirit, fairness and candid judgment and mildness, are the essence of Christianity; and the neglect of this, wounds our Redeemer, and brings a reproach upon the cause of God. The Lord requires my husband to cultivate love and tender affection for his?brethren; not love which is dependent upon feeling, but love which is a principle; kindliness which is not spasmodic.?{PH043 36.2}[48]
God would have had my husband exert a power of influence from the first, in molding the work as it progressed, after the divine pattern. The donation of means, the taxing of his strength in wearing labor, have been an easier work than to bring himself to task, and discipline and control his own spirit, ever having the spirit of Christ, and keeping self out of sight. The lesson of self-government is the most important lesson that man ever learned. My husband has been acknowledged as the acting head in this work. Wherever the head moves, the body follows. The speeches he has felt free to make to his brother ministers up to the present time have displeased God. He has been tempted to question and find fault with any move of importance that he did not suggest or originate. He must see that this is not pleasing to God, and must change his course, or else he will mar the work. God is fitting up men to bear burdens, to plan and execute, and my husband must not stand in the way.?{PH043 37.1}[49]
He cannot encircle the cause of God in his arms; it is too broad; many heads and many?hands are needed to plan and labor, not saving themselves. For want of experience, mistakes will be made; but if the workers connect with God, he will give them an increase of wisdom.?{PH043 37.2}[50]
The attention of men all over the land is fixed intently upon the work here at Battle Creek. With the deepest anxiety, many are watching for the development of the faith and principles which are here cherished, and which will ere long be brought into testing activity. Never since the creation of the world were such important interests at stake as now depend upon the action of men who believe and are giving the last message of warning to the world.?{PH043 38.1}[51]
My husband’s last sickness came upon him in consequence of bearing burdens which God had warned him he ought not to bear. Nature could not bear up under the pressure, unless God should work a miracle. My husband trusted too much to his own strength and wisdom, and the Lord permitted sickness to come upon him, that he might realize his own weakness.?{PH043 38.2}[52]
God has given us night as one of his greatest blessings, bringing quiet and repose to overworked bodies and minds. We cannot?prosecute any labor, however interesting and essential, without periods of rest, when the human machinery shall stand still. When the hour of retirement comes, we should yield to nature’s sweet restorer. If her claims are not obeyed, if the hours of sleep are abridged, the result will be weariness and want of every power. God has not constituted men to pursue one round of either labor or enjoyment.?{PH043 38.3}[53]
Eld. White and Dr. Kellogg have not given themselves proper rest. God instituted the Sabbath as a day of rest to repair nature’s exhausted energies. No mind can continue day after day without cessation, either in business which taxes the mental powers, or in the acquirement of knowledge, without injury. There is no night in Heaven. There is no wear and weariness of the human machinery. There we shall never be sensible of fatigue; never need or want repose. There is no tire in performing God’s will; we shall never be wearied in sounding his praise. We shall always have the freshness of the morning. But as we are now in this world, with bodies which weary, we must pay heed to God’s plans, and take repose when we need it.?{PH043 39.1}[54]
We are both in the decline of life. Our time to work is limited at the longest, and we have not a day to waste in justifying ourselves in acts which are not in harmony with the spirit of Christ. Our influence should be felt in Battle Creek so long as we can remain without gathering burdens upon us and leaving others to go lightly loaded. If we would take the responsibilities of the work, there are too many who would be willing that we should bear them; and when we leave them, others would not know where to take hold. It is not our work to serve tables. God did not raise up my husband and give him a new lease of life for any such work. He would have us bear the testimony he gives us, not in self, but in the spirit of Christ; and with the softening influence of his grace upon our hearts we have a molding influence upon the cause of God at the great heart of the work. The testimonies of the Spirit of God are greatly needed here.?{PH043 40.1}[55]
True godliness includes kindness and the filling in of all the graces of the Spirit in the character like the fine pencilings in a picture. We should labor continually to advance the glory of God, and to bless and save our fellow-men. Our work should not wind up as?it began. There must be less hurry and fatigue, and more thoughtfulness and repose, less nervous action, and more prayer. The day of God will test the spirit that has governed the life. There has been too much self and too little Jesus in the labor that has been performed. The Christian life must exemplify the life of Christ. The great mystery of godliness must be developed in the life and character; then the influence upon the church will be to bring it up to a higher and purer life.?{PH043 40.2}[56]
If we walk loftily and in self-sufficiency, we shall walk alone, without the companionship of Jesus. “The meek will he guide in judgment, and the meek will he teach his way.” We should labor less in self, and more in the spirit of Jesus Christ. My husband’s voice might have been a power in its pathos and melody to reach hearts. One of God’s best gifts is the voice. God has given cautions which have not been heeded. My husband has perverted this gift, but now he may do much to redeem the past. He has no time to lose. God in mercy brings our defects to light, that we may remedy them before it is too late. We must look from ourselves, our self-righteousness, our alms giving, our religious conflicts, to Jesus. His merits alone will save us. Living faith in Jesus will bring rich blessings.?{PH043 41.1}[57]
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