丹尼尔斯长老和弗雷斯诺教会
1890年2月13日写于密歇根州巴特尔克里克
我对弗雷斯诺教会深感关心。我去年冬天给了他们劝导，当时有人来信请求我用我的影响力使E.P.丹尼尔斯长老回来，为弗雷斯诺教会操劳。他们说主正在丰富地赐福他们。病人得了医治，上帝使人归正的能力在他们中间。他们认为只要丹尼尔斯长老能回来，就能成就一番大工!{PH028 1.1}
那天夜里主的使者站在我旁边，与我交谈。祂说，在弗雷斯诺的教会将不得不学习许多东西;许多在那里的人不应该在那里;人人都须更加亲近上帝，在祂里面得到力量，而不是在人里面。他们必须使用他们自己的能力，就是上帝已赐给他们的，并让他们的光在好行为中照耀出来。祂说，他们已将人置于上帝应该在的位置;其实他们应当唯独以上帝为他们所倚赖的，然后祂才会教育他们，引导他们行在安全的道路上。于是他们才会成为世上的擎光者，才不会行在黑暗里。然而现在他们却在倚赖人去为他们做惟独以色列的主上帝才能做的事。主在行事，显明祂是他们的力量和效能;他们若是愿意与祂和谐同工，本着信心和谦卑彼此谈论，细述基督的教训;他们若是愿意在教会中整顿事态，让上帝对人们的心讲话，上帝的灵就会进入他们中间，就会见到不会需要后悔的悔改。但他们若是不以主为他们的倚靠，他们所领受的福气就只会成为他们被定罪的理由。{PH028 1.2}
上帝的旨意不是将丹尼尔斯长老的模式加在弗雷斯诺教会，因为那不会是基督的模式。他不是一个会有长久影响的人。上帝愿意让祂在每一个区会的子民都指望祂，惟独指望祂，而不是倚靠人血肉的膀臂。那“眼目如同火焰”(启1:14)的主的眼目正在鉴察世上的每一个教会。祂的目光正在穿透每一颗心。祂正在衡量圣殿和在殿中礼拜的人，在天上的金天平里衡量他们的一切行为，并将结果记在记录册上。万物在那与我们有关系的主眼前都是赤露敞开的。祂是“连心中的思念和主意都能辨明”的(来4:12)。任何黑暗的行为都不能在祂眼前隐藏。未被人察觉、未被人怀疑的罪也被那伟大的鉴察人心者所注意和记录下来了。{PH028 2.1}
基督“爱教会，为教会舍己”(弗5:25)。教会是祂用血买来的。圣经说上帝的圣子在七灯台中间行走。耶稣亲自将油供给这些点燃的灯。是祂把火焰点着的。“生命在祂里头，这生命就是人的光”(约1:4)。灯台和教会本身不发光。所有的光都来自基督。今日天上的教会，是与地上的教会相辅相成的，只是它更崇高，更宏伟，更完美。这种神圣的光，要继续照耀，永世无穷。主上帝全能者和羔羊就是那里的光。如果教会不反射天上宝座的光，就没有光可言了。{PH028 3.1}
“祸哉!祸哉!祸哉!”(启8:13)是向一个行在自己所点火把中的教会宣布的，他们并不从伟大的中心光——那公义的日头——得到亮光和能力，并将那光和荣耀散布给在黑暗中的人。通过吸收和散布那光，他们才能使自己的灯着得更亮。那领受亮光却不照上帝所要求的散布亮光的人，将会成为黑暗的容器。{PH028 3.2}
在弗雷斯诺的教会由其他各教会零零碎碎的人组成。他们不懂圣经，也不知道上帝的大能;他们若是上帝原希望他们成为的样子，就会成为世上的擎光者。这个教会太大了。许多人应该出去把真理的亮光传给那些在黑暗里的人。他们若是忽略这么做，上帝的灾祸就会临到他们身上。但愿他们不要逗留在那里，而要出去与上帝同工。我们在今生此世不应取悦和荣耀自己，而应成为与上帝同工的人。宽容时期即将结束。现在是作工的时候了，刻不容缓。{PH028 3.3}
现在对于教会来说，是一个严肃可怕的时期。天使正准备等待上帝命令，把忿怒的碗倒在世界。毁灭的天使将从事复仇的工作，因为上帝的灵正渐渐地从世上收回。撒但也在集结邪恶的军队，“出去到普天下众王那里”，把他们招聚在他的旗帜之下，并为“上帝全能者的大日”的战争进行训练。撒但要竭尽全力在最后的大斗争中取胜。基本原则要表现出来并作出相关的决定。怀疑主义盛行各处，不信之风猖獗。教会肢体的信心要一个一个经过考验，好像世上没有别人似的。“祂必照各人的行为报应各人。凡恒心行善、寻求荣耀、尊贵和不能朽坏之福的，就以永生报应他们;惟有结党、不顺从真理、反顺从不义的，就以忿怒、恼恨报应他们。将患难、困苦加给一切作恶的人，先是犹太人，后是希利尼人;却将荣耀、尊贵、平安加给一切行善的人，先是犹太人，后是希利尼人。因为上帝不偏待人”(罗2:6-11)。我们自称有信心，可是，唉，多么软弱啊!“耶和华的右手高举;耶和华的右手施展大能”(诗118:16)。“狂妄的必降卑。在那日，惟独耶和华被尊崇”(赛2:17)。{PH028 4.1}
拔摩岛的基督右手中有七星。这就向我们保证，忠于委托的教会不必担心失败;因为没有一颗受全能者保护的星会从基督手中被夺去。若有一颗星自行与上帝分离，从其本位掉落，另一颗星就必取代它。决不会少于七颗，这个数字是上帝象征完全的数字。{PH028 5.1}
撒但曾在我们国家的每一个教会工作，以抬举人和高举人，这样，人就能遮蔽上帝的荣耀。我有许多来自耶和华万军之上帝的话要说，然而他们现在担当不起。{PH028 5.2}
现在上帝希望在弗雷斯诺的教会不要倚靠任何一个活人。然而当他们变得如此盲目以致选择一个人向他们传讲适合当代的信息——一个像他们所了解的E.P.丹尼尔斯长老这样在品格上有这么大的弱点和这么缺乏道德力量的人——并使他监管羊群时，灯台就必受到可怕地震动并被移出本位。你们若是在丹尼尔斯长老处于目前的黑暗状态时接受他在弗雷斯诺教会工作，就必羞辱上帝。这会降低公义的标准，使人灭亡，使教会受损害。{PH028 5.3}
主对约书亚说过：“你们若不把当灭的物从你们中间除掉，我就不再与你们同在了”(书7:12)。教会若是对任何一个肢体或传道人的品格缺陷不在乎，就要对那些缺陷负责。你们若是将丹尼尔斯长老安置在教会之上作传道人，你们作为一个教会，既接受了他的缺陷，就使那些缺陷成了你们自己的，整个教会就处在上帝的斥责之下，正如古时的以色列人因亚干的罪而在祂的斥责之下。但你们的情况会比他们的更严重，因为你们知道罪恶，却遮眼不看，并且行事与上帝的旨意相反。{PH028 5.4}
丹尼尔斯长老的特殊才能是感动人心;但在许许多多情况下，就像上帝看到的那样，结果弊大于利。他的情况多年来一直是我的特别负担;上帝既已将这个人的弱点和错误摆明在我面前，我就清楚地将之摆在他面前。他接受了证言没有?他遵之而行了没有?没有，他没有用心地逐点研究那些证言，当作是上帝对他说的话;他没有听从警告。他想像怀姐妹做了什么事或说了什么话使上帝之灵的警告无效。请你们问问丹尼尔斯长老他认为怀姐妹在什么地方否认了她自己的教导好吗?请把那些话写在纸上寄给我。我若有罪，我会认罪;若不然，我就要告他作假见证，正如他在我的言语，我的行为，和我所吃的东西上一再所行的。他说他相信证言，但不能理解。我现在提出这些证言作为我对主的一个庄严职责，我是祂的仆人，好看看你们是否眼目如此昏花以致不能明白。内心的盲目是辨别真理的一个可怕障碍。“祂要将受于我的告诉你们”(约16:14)乃是基督的宣告，显明圣灵如何在人心智上运作。罪是灵魂的疾病，因此悟性不能在心灵和记忆上完成其指定的工作。多年来，我或多或少地在我的经验中遇到了这种情况。{PH028 6.1}
当灵魂与光明和真理的伟大作者有了密切关系时，就会深刻认识到自己在上帝面前的真实状况。于是自我就会死，骄傲就会降卑，基督就会将自己的形像更深地绘在人的心中。{PH028 7.1}
我完全相信时候已到，你们在弗雷斯诺的人若是愿意成为拯救E.P.丹尼尔斯长老灵魂的手段，就要采取坚决的立场反对一个像他这样有大光之人身上的邪恶。{PH028 7.2}
在大教师手下受训的人会明白祂所传给他们的证言。那些不愿听也不愿顺从基督话语的人，不会听也不会顺从基督给他们个人的信息。人们会起来反对任何斥责他们不像基督行为的事。上帝之灵的证言岂可被认为毫无价值吗?一个担任教师职位之人的行为岂可这样以致使他成为一个不安全的向导，既因为他没有基督的灵，也因为他在自己的品格上说：“我不认得那个人”(太26:72)，就像他故意说：“我不知道那些证言”吗?你们在弗雷斯诺的人难道要接受一个不能理解这些东西的人作你们的教师吗?你们现在有机会亲自阅读这些东西了。属灵的人才能看透属灵的事;他自己若是无法看出圣灵的见证，他又怎么能看出圣经的见证，怎么能给每一个人按时分粮呢?他可能会向人们介绍清晰明了的东西，可是却不明白应该将之带进他自己的生活中，并和他的品格交织在一起。他把真理留在他内在生活之外，留在外院。{PH028 7.3}
真理铭记在心灵中，才使人成为属上帝的人。演讲术虽然会取悦一定阶层的人，对使用它的人却会成为一个网罗，对教会也是一个网罗。当E.P.丹尼尔斯长老明白什么是罪时，他才会明白责备某些罪恶的证言，他很容易被那些罪恶困扰。然而他并不喜欢省察他自己的心、他的行为和动机，看看它们是否符合完全的公义标准。他不想默想和祷告。谎言的罪常在他嘴边，因为这是一个尚未克服的习惯，虽然他已经认了罪。{PH028 8.1}
人在得救上要尽的本分，是相信耶稣基督为一位完全的救赎主，不是为了别的某个人，而是为了他本人。他要信赖、热爱、敬畏天上的上帝。有一定的工作要完成。人必须得救脱离罪的权势。他必须在各样善行上得以完全。遵行基督的道，是他把房子盖在稳固的根基上的惟一保证。去听、去说、去传道，却不遵行基督的道，就是把房子盖在沙土上。凡遵行基督话语的，必完善基督徒的品格，因为基督的旨意就是他们的意愿。基督就这样在他们里面成了荣耀的盼望。他们仿佛在镜子中观看上帝的荣耀。我们藉着以基督为默想的主题，祂就会成为我们谈话的主题;而藉着观看，我们就会确实变成主的形像，荣上加荣，如同从主的灵变成的。人，堕落的人，可以藉着心意更新而变化，以致能“察验何为上帝的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意”(罗12:2)。他如何察验这事呢?藉着让圣灵来占据他的心思、意念、精神和品格。这种察验进入哪里呢?“我们成了一台戏，给世人和天使观看”(林前4:9)。圣灵在人的品格上成就一番真实的工作，其结果清晰可见;正如好树会结出好果子，照样，确实栽培在主花园里的树也会结出好果子以至永生。缠累人的罪被克服;邪恶的思想不允许在心中存留;坏习惯也从心灵的殿中被清除了。原本偏向错误方向的种种倾向，转到正确方向了。邪恶的性情和感情被根除了。圣洁的性情和圣化的情感现在成了基督徒树上所结的果子。完全的改变发生了。这就是要做成的工作。我们从经验中体会到，凭着自己的力量，我们的决心和意志都没有什么用。那么我们难道必须放弃吗?不!虽然我们的经验证明我们不可能自己做这项工作，但是救助之力已加在那有能者的身上，祂能为我们成就这工。我们获得上帝帮助的唯一途径就是把自己完全交在祂的手中，相信祂为我们行事。当我们凭着信心持住祂的时候，祂就为我们行事。信徒只能信靠。上帝作工时，我们就能作工，信靠祂，遵行祂的旨意。{PH028 8.2}
必须为E.P.丹尼尔斯做成这项工作，之后他才能受托照顾上帝的羊群。只有让他与基督合而为一，然后他才会像基督那样工作。但他不能坐在魔鬼的安乐椅上说：“我有遗传的倾向，也有我无法克服的习惯。你必须忍受我的不完美，没有人是完美的。”如果他这样做，他就是一个沦丧的人。{PH028 9.1}
真诚的基督徒有毫无疑问的虔诚。他们已经披戴主耶稣基督，不为肉体安排，去放纵私欲。他们不断地仰望耶稣，等候祂的吩咐，就像仆人仰望主人，使女仰望主妇一样。上帝的旨意不论引导他们到哪里，他们都乐意前往。他们不把荣耀归给自己，也不把自己所有的学识，才干和财产看作是自己的东西，只是把自己看作是基督百般恩典的管家，为基督的缘故作教会的仆人。他们是上帝的使者，黑暗中的光明。他们的心与基督的心一起跳动。{PH028 10.1}
我现在将E.P.丹尼尔斯的可怜情况呈在他面前。任何一个人，无论地位如何，影响怎样，只要愿意让他在他目前不确定的状态下向各教会讲道，就看不透属灵的事。丹尼尔斯长老说：“我相信证言，但我不明白;我相信健康改良，但我不理解。”这对他自己的灵魂来说是个谎言。他若处在这样的立场，就应悔改，行起初所行的事。有够多的人在将号筒吹出不确定的声音。现在需要像迦勒那样忠心的人，能发出响亮的信息。我们要去的那地是美地，我们足能上去得那地。我们不需要不能辨别真理和谎言的牧人，不需要把真理和谬误混杂在一起的牧人。{PH028 10.2}
我对在弗雷斯诺的教会说：为基督的缘故，要聪明地行动。当教会的利益受到威胁时，不要在这里犯错。我同情丹尼尔斯长老，因为弗雷斯诺教会把他置于上帝应有的位置，伤害了他。他的野心得到了满足;自我放纵和低境界的虔诚给他带来了属灵上的软弱和盲目，他已经不适合当基督福音的执事了。你们若是把他放在那个位置，就羞辱了上帝的圣工;因为他实在已经落在魔鬼的网罗里了。只有一条逃脱之路，——他必须归正;他必须照他告诉别人的去做——悔改、认罪、作出赔偿——否则他决不会看见天国。他必须回到他起初的爱心，并从不信和怀疑的黑暗中走出来。当他再一次有明确的信念时，当圣灵统治他的灵魂时，当爱心、信心和孩子般的单纯成为他生活的准则时，那时他才可以相信基督住在他里面，各地的人也可以相信基督住在他里面;因为他们看见他在基督的门下学了教训。这比上帝要求的多吗?——不，不多!基督要求，为了回报祂所流的血，祂所预备的天国，至少要完全奉献。“主啊，祢要我做什么?”应该是每一个祈祷的主旨。{PH028 11.1}
我们所渴望的，不应该是用潇洒的演讲和雄辩去获得奉承和掌声，而应是让我们的操劳能蒙上帝嘉许。我们强烈的愿望应该是，通过井然有序的生活和敬虔的谈吐，用圣灵的恩膏发表庄严、认真、温柔的演讲。那些以这种精神操劳的人决不会对自己感到满意。{PH028 11.2}
上帝要求祂没有从丹尼尔斯弟兄得到的效忠，——在言语上的效忠，在行为上的效忠。他应该记住，他是要向上帝交账的，祂必“凭着祂的显现和祂的国度审判活人死人”(提后4:1)。如果我们责任的信念得到诚实的满足，信实就成为人生的伟大法则，影响、改进和塑造品格的每一个原则和方面。{PH028 12.1}
上帝要求基督恩典的每一位管家都要忠心，提升和净化他本性中的每一种力量，以便他成为人，成为上帝的孩子。基督为他而死;他有高度的责任感，明白当上帝说话时，他就要成为上帝手中抛光的工具，造福同胞。把他的工作做好，充分利用他宝贵的机会，对他来说将是一项神圣的职责。{PH028 12.2}
往后站，弟兄们，现在不要把责任放在丹尼尔斯长老身上!他没有准备好承担那些责任，也不会准备好，直到他确实知道一些事情。要让他去祷告，省察己心，直到黑暗过去，真光照耀。然后他才会知道上帝希望他成为什么样的人。在弗雷斯诺的弟兄们，难道你们以为或丹尼尔斯长老认为不忠于神圣义务是小罪吗?岂可将一个像丹尼尔斯长老那样滥用自己的能力，不明智地使用自己的影响力的人安置在神圣、圣洁的受信任的岗位吗?千万不可!他已抢夺了上帝，没有充分利用祂的血所买来的所有能力。他误用和滥用上帝借给他为要让他善用到极致的才干，岂会无罪吗?将以公义公平审判世界的上帝必连本带利地要求祂自己的东西。祂怎么能对丹尼尔斯长老说：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人”呢?凡浪费了主的财物的人，都要被定罪。{PH028 12.3}
我希望每一个在弗雷斯诺的在基督名下的男人和女人都要考虑我严肃认真地写给你们的话，并且希望你们不要再奉承丹尼尔斯长老了。不要给他[喝彩]，不要助长他的不信。他可能会藐视上帝的警告;他可能会扮演非基督徒的角色;可是你们却坚持认为没有比丹尼尔斯长老更好的人吗?即使受到上帝的斥责，你们也一定要他，因为他那令人愉快的敏锐能取悦某一类人吗?难道你们认为即使他不属灵，你们也能相处得很好吗?只要他能取悦你们并使你们感兴趣，虔诚、圣洁和基督徒的美德就不必要了吗?在弗雷斯诺的弟兄们，你们知道天上的整个宇宙都在看着你们，要看看你们是会高举基督教的标准，还是会将之降低到尘埃吗?上帝正在看着你们;耶稣在祂圣洁的生活中给你们树立了榜样，祂正注意看你们作为一个教会是否觉得分辨真正的敬虔和罪恶是一件重要的事。{PH028 13.1}
末日已经临近我们，撒但正不遗余力地欺骗和毁灭生灵。受到纠正和责备的人对证言所发督责的回答几乎都是：“我相信证言，但我不明白。”主已对他们的错误做法进行纠正，以便拯救他们脱离不幸、欺骗和毁灭，但他们依然我行我素，好像真光和警告从来没有临到他们似的。他们如果与上帝和谐一致，就不会离开祂。正是因为他们与上帝相隔甚远，他们才听不见祂呼唤的声音：“你们要转向我，我就转向你们。”“我要医治你们背道的病”(玛3:7;耶3:22)。{PH028 13.2}
扫罗违背了上帝要他消灭亚玛力人的命令之后遇见撒母耳，就说：“愿耶和华赐福与你，耶和华的命令我已遵守了。”撒母耳说：“我耳中听见有羊叫、牛鸣，是从哪里来的呢?”他的回答与我们在类似情况下所听到的如出一辙，——借口和谎言：“这是百姓从亚玛力人那里带来的;因为他们爱惜上好的牛羊，要献与耶和华你的上帝”(撒上15:13-15)。扫罗没有说“我”或“我们”，而是说“你的”上帝。许多自称侍奉上帝的人与扫罗持同样的立场，——用假仁假义的外衣，遮盖野心的计划和骄傲或炫耀。他们以主的圣工为外衣来掩盖不公正的残缺，但这却使罪的严重性增加了十倍。{PH028 14.1}
撒母耳义愤填膺地看着扫罗，但对这位他真心所爱之人的罪恶行径，表现出深深的怜悯和不加掩饰的悲伤;但这种爱不会使他闭口不言。他说：“你住口吧!等我将耶和华昨夜向我所说的话告诉你”(撒上15:16)。王低下了头，回答说：“请讲。”撒母耳说出了耶和华痛心的话。可是扫罗再次辩护说，——他们留下掠物是为了献给耶和华。“耶和华喜悦燔祭和平安祭，岂如喜悦人听从祂的话呢?听命胜于献祭;顺从胜于公羊的脂油。悖逆的罪与行邪术的罪相等;顽梗的罪与拜虚神和偶像的罪相同。你既厌弃耶和华的命令，耶和华也厌弃你作王”(撒上15:22,23)。扫罗被痛苦和恐惧击倒，喊道：“我有罪了，……现在求你赦免我的罪，同我回去，我好敬拜耶和华”(撒上15:24,25)。扫罗希望判决能被撤回。{PH028 14.2}
能理解撒母耳回拉玛时的悲伤心情的人多么少啊!上帝将扫罗的重担，和将这可怕的信息带给君王的重担，放在他身上。{PH028 15.1}
罪人很少能正确对待责备。他责怪开口发出警告的人，将之视为个人的恩怨。他因盲目而顽固拒绝，看不出他正在抛弃最后提供给他的真光和怜悯。他对耶和华已使之背负重担的那个人多么缺少同情啊!他扮演殉道者的角色，认为自己应该得到极大的同情，因为他受到了责备，受到了与自己的想法和感受相反的劝告。他可能会承认一些事情，但他固执地坚持自己的错误，坚持自己的想法。“悖逆的罪与行邪术的罪相等;顽梗的罪与拜虚神和偶像的罪相同”(撒上15:23)。他在灵里实际上拒绝了上帝的道。我现在得以看见的这种魔力是我以前从未见过的，——恨恶责备，顽梗悖逆，——一个受到责备的人坚持自己的意见，毫不让步。{PH028 15.2}
大卫的品格是多么不同啊!他虽然犯了罪，当上帝严厉地责备他时，他总是在主的责罚下低头。大卫蒙上帝所爱，不是因为他是一个完全人，而是因为他对上帝明示的旨意没有怀存顽梗的抵抗。他的灵没有起来反抗责备。主说：“我住在至高至圣的所在，也与心灵痛悔谦卑的人同居;要使谦卑人的灵苏醒，也使痛悔人的心苏醒”(赛57:15)。大卫犯了大错，但他同样谦卑，他的痛悔就像他的罪恶感一样深刻。没有人比大卫在意识到自己的罪的时候更谦卑。他表现出自己是一个坚强的人，不是表现在始终抵抗试探上，而是表现在心灵的痛悔和真诚的悔罪上。他从来没有失去对上帝的信心，上帝将严厉的斥责放在祂先知的口中。他不恨上帝的先知。他也是蒙爱的，因为他倚赖他所热爱、侍奉和尊荣的上帝的怜悯。那多得赦免的，他的爱也多。大卫并没有与正在得罪上帝的人商量。这却是许多人失败的地方。他们被撇在午夜的黑暗中，因为他们选择与不行在主的旨意中的人商量。他们会在罪人没有悔改的时候原谅罪人的罪孽，在上帝没有赦免罪过时宽恕罪过。大卫倚赖上帝过于倚赖人。上帝的决定被认为是公正和仁慈的。有多少人盲目行走，带领别人走在同一条道路上，在那里他们都必灭亡，因为他们不会理会上帝圣灵的责备!{PH028 16.1}
在弗雷斯诺的弟兄们，丹尼尔斯长老身上有一种人的影响与催眠术能力的结合。正因为如此，他才把会众说成是他可以操纵的身体。为什么这个人不能理解健康改良?——是因为他的食欲和行为都受到了健康改良的谴责。他不能使自己的行为与上帝在祂的话语中和藉着证言就这个问题所赐的亮光相一致。他当然就不可能对健康改良有明智的、实用的知识了。{PH028 17.1}
请丹尼尔斯长老说出怀姐妹在哪些地方与她自己的教导相矛盾好吗?我知道他说我喝茶，并邀请他喝，说这对他有好处。不仅我自己，还有我的家人，都知道这是不真实的。他还说了些什么，我不能确定。然而如果有人确实利用这些东西与健康改良的亮光背道而驰，那么遵循圣经关于节制的教导和证言中所赐的亮光岂不是最好吗?难道你们不记得我们有个人责任吗?我们并不把饮食作为一个考验性问题，但我们确实设法教育有理智的人，唤起他们的道德感去以一种聪明的方式把握健康改良，正如保罗在罗13:8-14;林前9:24-27;提前3:8-12所提出的。难道他所说的执事必备的资格，不也是教会长老必备的吗?执事是教会职员(林后6:4)：“反倒在各样的事上表明自己是上帝的用人，就如在许多的忍耐、患难、穷乏、困苦上。”(提前5:22)：“给人行按手的礼，不可急促;不要在别人的罪上有分，要保守自己清洁。”这里有一个值得考虑的问题。在第二十一节中给出了严肃的嘱咐：“我在上帝和基督耶稣并蒙拣选的天使面前嘱咐你：要遵守这些话，不可存成见，行事也不可有偏心。”这些经文，二十一和二十二节，需要仔细虔诚地考虑。罪应该受到谴责。无论教会的长老因他的信实受到怎样的反对和考验，他都不应该偏离真正的原则。罪不应该因为不圣洁的偏爱和同情而在一个人身上被轻看，在另一个人身上被谴责。这件事非常重要。如果他把责任托付给一个他知道其习惯和做法是错误的人，他就表明他自己的原则是不健全的，他的动机是值得怀疑的。通过这个行为，他就赞许了那个他所推荐并被任命担任照顾上帝羊群之圣职之人的错误和罪恶。他若不被天上的智慧保护，就会置身于这样一种境地：他会觉得有必要支持与他的影响力联合起来的那个人;上帝必让他为他弟兄的不忠于职守和必然给教会造成的伤害负责。他必须通过拒绝与任何不圣洁的影响混在一起来保守自己清洁。{PH028 17.2}
有些人的罪是明显的，早就承认悔改而离弃，他们先到审判案前，这些人的名下就写了“赦免”。但有些人的罪是随后跟了去的，没有藉着悔改、认罪来除掉，这些罪还留在天上的册子中他们的名下。这样，善行也有明显的。基督是生活中应当效法的模范。如果一个人拿出证据表明他在原则上是健全的，如果他在那些最了解他的人中间有好名声，如果他的品格具有基督般的影响力，他就应该毫不犹豫地获得友谊和信任。但那其行为表明他不稳定，说一件事，却做相反之事的人，不留意自己的言语和影响，将潜伏在心里的恶事显露出来，这样的人会亵渎人和上帝。他会说进入他意念中的任何事，无论他知道那是谎言还是真理。在他的品格中有一种好与坏的混合物，他照着他的感觉说话，不考虑他的话必定对那些相信他是一个真正的福音传道人之人的影响。他们听见过他作为基督的使者说话，因此他们就会要么轻看他的罪，要么消灭对他是基督忠仆的信心。基督的传道人应该谨慎，应该了解人性。{PH028 18.1}
弟兄们，关于这些事，我已给你们写得相当充分，以便你们了解情况。我现在清白了。你们无论采取什么做法都不会给我带来影响了。要是丹尼尔斯长老愿意进入我们可以全心全意地给予他最充分信任的位置，我会很高兴并荣耀上帝;然而在他变了一个人之前，我们不能使他在教会中居于有影响的地位。他的行动是疯狂的，决不是那种会推荐他作上帝羊群监督的行动。我现在已本着敬畏上帝的心履行了我的职责，我留给你们去承担责任。我本着敬畏上帝的心警告你们不要将你们知道并不受上帝之灵控制的这个人安置在讲台上去教导百姓。你们需要一个热爱并敬畏上帝的人，一个上帝能用作祂的工具、在任何有利的情况下都不会使自己落入仇敌手中的人。{PH028 19.1}
怀爱伦
*****
密歇根州巴特尔克里克，1890年2月21日
丘奇弟兄和贝尔弟兄以及在弗雷斯诺的所有教会：
我希望你们不会被严重误导，认为E.P.丹尼尔斯是一个合适的人，值得信赖，可以向弗雷斯诺的教会传讲上帝的道，直到他完全归正;我对他会成为这样的人不抱什么希望。你们将有特权阅读过去几年寄给他的证言。他的行动方针表明这些证言对他所有的影响。我不相信这个人是在上帝之灵的指引下。作为一个已蒙主赋予特别负担的人，我觉得有责任将上帝赐给我的警告和忠告公开在众教会面前;要是你们在知道这些证言之后，依然不明智地接受E.P.丹尼尔斯作你们的传道人，就愿主怜悯你们和这个可怜的教会。我不敢保持沉默。在你们的教会中，即使从来没有人讲过一堂道，也比让一个主不能藉着他发言的人讲道要好。{PH028 20.1}
丹尼尔斯长老有足够的知识，他缺少的是内心的工夫。你们在弗雷斯诺扮演了上帝无法认可的角色。你们鼓励、赞美、高举了那个人，其实你们确实知道他的道路不像福音的传道人应该追求的道路。我不能让你们和众教会遮掩一个人的错误路线，让他在讲道坛上向教会传讲上帝的道，而不提出抗议。他能感动人的感情，但一点没有上帝之灵的人也能感动人。他们能让人们随意地笑或哭。一些人会喜悦E.P.丹尼尔斯的机灵聪敏，因为他们自己的眼睛没有涂上真正属灵辨识力的眼药。罪恶被解释成公义;使黑的显得像白的。{PH028 20.2}
我告诉你们，你们最好现在就站在正确的一边，本着基督福音的纯正站立，将你们的门户向仇敌关闭，而不是打开门邀请他进来;因为在E.P.丹尼尔斯的品格改变之前，上帝不会与他同工。如果你们想要一种人的影响力与催眠术的力量混在一起来取代神性，你们可以拥有它。你们在弗雷斯诺的人有一种属灵的骄傲，这肯定会成为你们的网罗，除非将它的最后一点痕迹从你们心中除掉，代之以基督的温柔和纯朴。我不能看着你们在错误的道路上前进，做出错误的举动，而不扬声警告你们。{PH028 21.1}
撒但如今正在作工，使上帝的真理对人心无效。难道你们要鼓励一个人在上帝不能站在他身边的时候站在神圣的讲台上吗?那人亲手作工比站在讲台上要好，好得多; 因为这种宗教上的努力为他所采取的不正当行动披上了圣洁的外衣。你们要小心怎样赞美那个人，我知道你们过去对他采取的做法是要他操劳，好像他是上帝能藉以行事的惟一工具似的，这已对他产生了灾难性的影响，把他安置在了上帝所有的责备、警告和忠告都达不到的地方，不能产生上帝原计划在他的内心和品格上产生的影响。在弗雷斯诺的教会在审判的时候将有事情要交待，因为，你们既为他做了这么多，把他看得这么重，你们就改变了他的想法。每一个人都应当代表他在上帝眼中的样子，——一个有限的人。{PH028 21.2}
M.J.丘奇弟兄，不要因一个满是弱点的人巧舌如簧就把他高举到天上，却打倒另一个人，因为他没有凡事讨你喜悦，或因他的想法与你相左，他不会认可你所做的一切。愿天上的主上帝在这些危险的日子赐给祂的子民智慧。丘奇弟兄，我蒙指示看见你心上必须不断地有基督使人成圣的影响力，否则你就会拒绝上帝的忠告，随从你自己的意见以致永远灭亡。离了祂，你就必定偏行己路，行在自己所点的火把里。你就会赞同上帝并不赞同的，反驳那极好的。你就会祝福上帝并不赐福的，谴责上帝并不谴责的。你需要神圣的启迪。你必须在上帝工作的地方工作，听从祂的声音，就像你的领袖和首长一样。{PH028 22.1}
我说的是我不敢隐瞒的事。我认为现在是我要说一些事的时候了，我在弗雷斯诺与你们在一起的时候就希望通过详述原则来纠正那些事。我还有更多的话要说，但现在不行。愿主怜悯祂在弗雷斯诺的百姓。他们中的许多人在没有上帝的忠告或批准的情况下漂泊到了这个地方。许多人应该在其他地方，高举真理的旗帜，警告世人为就要临到我们的上帝的大日做好准备。{PH028 22.2}
丘奇弟兄，你说到独立，说到一个人的头脑足以控制各机构和各教会;你觉得那个头脑必定是你自己的头脑。但我蒙指示看见，你的头脑常常以错误的眼光看事情。这样你就犯了许多错误。你的钱并没有给你任何你想要的特权。主活着并且统治着。当你在自己眼中看为小时，他才能使用你荣耀祂的名。你存谦卑的心轻柔地行在祂面前的时候，他才会用祂的忠告指导你;然而当自我变得充足，你将自己置于上帝没有安置你的地方时，你就成了黑暗的通道。你有一种性情想要以色列想要的，——想要一个王来统领他们的军队并治理他们，“像列国一样”(撒上8:20)。他们被告知，正如我一直在告诉你们的，如果他们的愿望得到满足，会有什么结果;但他们坚持要偏行己路。他们希望有一个令他们满意的王，而不是满足于让上帝作他们的统治者。上帝曾通过智慧人来统治他们，——那些等候祂的忠告的人。你很熟悉这段历史。上帝以雷轰闪电和冰雹表明了祂的不悦。他们本可以收回他们的决定，但他们太骄傲了，不愿这么做。上帝告诉撒母耳不要反对他们，而要让他们得到他们所要求的，以及一切的后果。 他们不是厌弃撒母耳，乃是厌弃耶和华以色列的上帝。祂才是受了羞辱的那一位。{PH028 23.1}
如果你把丹尼尔斯长老安置在教会里当牧师，你就要对由此产生的一切后果负责，因为上帝被你羞辱了。你拒绝上帝使用的人。他们虽然犯了错误，但却随时准备被纠正和改革，因为他们敬畏上帝，听从祂的声音。{PH028 24.1}
我想要对弗雷斯诺教会说的是，每一个人都要为自己的做法向上帝负责。一个人如果有亮光，就不应放在斗底下或床底下，而应当藉着好行为照耀出来。“你们是世上的光”(太5:14)。他们不应当是E.P.丹尼尔斯的活荐信，而应当是耶稣基督的活荐信。祂会把祂的光赐给他们，他们应当以清晰锐利的光芒将之传给世人。每一个真基督徒都是像基督的;他是遵行上帝之道的人。父亲、母亲、儿女、邻舍、上级或下级，都必须以完全的谦卑，纯洁，温顺，宽容和基督徒的忠诚，照基督所行的去行，否则他们就不是基督徒。基督徒的信心必须坚定，他的热情必须始终如一，他的祈祷必须热烈，他那信实的、不断的告诫必须被听到，以反对所有的错误;因为他有责任拯救别人的灵魂。要在家庭和教会中教导这个：所有的宗教表现，如果不是发自内心的虔诚，必然是完全没有力量的。一种在好行为中发出光来的宗教，散发出一种清晰、确定、安全的光芒。{PH028 24.2}
每一个信徒都应该成为属灵的人，抓住上帝藉着祂爱子的屈辱和死亡而作的准备。应当向世人显明上帝活泼圣言的卓越和能力。上帝要求每一个在基督名下的人都要成为属灵的敬拜者，以便尽自己的本分，使世界得到上帝的光照。那位勇敢的英国上校的呐喊，只要改变一下，就可以成为主军队的警句——基督“期望每个人都尽到自己的责任”。无论高低贵贱、贫富大小，最好的能力都应该付诸行动;不是为了得到人的赞美和尊荣，而是要以一种聪明的、精工细作的方式将所完成的工作呈现给上帝。如果忽视了这一点，在天上的案卷中就会记下“被称在天平里，显出亏欠。”{PH028 24.3}
上帝雇用地上的、人间的工人。你不能把你的责任放在任何一个人身上。上帝已给每一个人分派了工作。各人必须让自己的光在好行为中照在人前。你们作为一个教会，在弗雷斯诺，要是让你们的灯快要灭了，要是忽视自己的责任，你们的灯就会在黑暗中熄灭，生灵就不会得到上帝依赖你们作为祂的跟从者要传给他们的光。你们若是缺乏你们应该拥有的每一个人在基督徒的经验中都有特权拥有的光，你们就是骗子，因为你们不像基督那样代表基督;你们不给教会力量，也不给世界光明，结果，灵魂被误导，灭亡了。{PH028 25.1}
上帝号召教会要像聪明的童女，将你们的灯剔净点亮，有恩典的油在你们的器皿里和灯里。你们的榜样应该纯洁、引人向上、使人高贵。基督说过：“我自己分别为圣，叫他们(祂的门徒)也因真理成圣”(约17:19)。每一个基督徒都有责任成圣。教会必须开始负起她个人的责任;不能把它交给任何一个传道人。他们可以帮助你们，但他们决不能从事你们的工作。上帝的教会是真理的大宝库。他们必须有作为家庭传教士的技巧、效率和能力。人人在国内、在家中、在上帝的教会中和世界上都有严肃的本分要尽。在算账的大日，上帝必照你们所领受的才干，向你们追讨;你们本来可以做出却因为不忠于神圣的委托而没有做的改进，都要向你们手中追讨。你们若是仅仅保留本金，没有拿去做买卖，你们若是不善用所得的银子，将它们交给兑换银钱的人，你们就会成为不忠心的仆人。{PH028 25.2}
上帝估量人，不是凭着流利的口才和敏锐的智力。真诚的宗旨，深深的虔诚，对真理的爱和对上帝的敬畏，才是有明显的影响力的。发自内心的见证，满怀信心和谦卑的信赖，从无伪的口中说出来，虽然并不流利，上帝却视为精金。而那些辞藻华丽，谈吐流利，才华出众，却缺乏真诚和坚定的宗旨以及纯洁和无私的精神的人，就如鸣的锣和响的钹一般。他可能妙语连珠，熟知奇闻逸事，善于煽动人的感情，但是其中没有耶稣的精神。这一切可能取悦于未经洁净的心。然而上帝用手中的天平衡量他的言语、精神、诚信和奉献以后，宣布这些东西没有什么价值。{PH028 26.1}
真归正的人是被发自公义日头的光照亮的。那光影响人们的心，照亮道路，驱散黑暗，因为它来自主，祂说：“我就是道路、真理、生命”(约14:6)。现在要让每一个人，无一例外地，都起来，让他的光这样照在人前，叫他们看见他的好行为，就归荣耀给我们在天上的父(见 太5:16)。要做你们所能做的，而且立刻就做，愉快地、由衷地、虔诚地、满怀喜乐地去做，不像是给人做的，而是给上帝做的。你们要心中定意，不在地上高抬自我，造大名声，而要将自我完全淹没在耶稣基督里。要让耶稣被高举。要让与人类的救恩的关的伟大真理成为你昼夜默想的主题。你的工作是藉着言传身教宣扬生命之道，尽全力使人认识真理。{PH028 27.1}
在弗雷斯诺，不要让任何一个人以为自己为别人的得救没什么可做的。上帝所安置在天上的每一颗发光的星，都听从祂的命令，发出其独特的光线，使夜晚的天空变得美丽;每一个归主的人与应当这样发出所交给他的光;而当那光发出来的时候，它就会越来越亮。在弗雷斯诺教会的弟兄们，要发出你们的光来;从天上倾泻出你们的光芒。锡安的女子啊，“兴起，发光!因为你的光已经来到!耶和华的荣耀发现照耀你”(赛60:1)。{PH028 27.2}
自从你住在弗雷斯诺后，你的灯就变暗了吗?如果是这样，就要收拾你们的灯。也许你来到弗雷斯诺是出于不圣洁的动机，你若不到你能举起信仰旗帜的地方去，你就会失去爱真理的心，失去对灵魂的负担。要好好看顾这些事。{PH028 27.3}
PH028 - Elder Daniels and the Fresno Church
(Battle Creek, Mich.,February 13, 1890.)
I have a deep interest in the Fresno church. I gave them counsel last winter, when by letter I was solicited to use my influence to have Elder E. P. Daniels return to labor for the church in Fresno. They said that the Lord was blessing them abundantly. The sick were healed, and the converting power of God was in their midst. They thought that if Elder Daniels could only come back, what a great work might be done!?{PH028 1.1}[1]
That night the angel of the Lord stood by my side, and talked with me. He said that the church at Fresno would have to learn many things; that many were there that ought not to be there; that all must draw nearer to God, and find their strength in him, and not in man. They must use their own powers that God has given them, and let their light shine forth in good works. He said that they had placed man where God should be; but when they?should make God alone their trust, then he would educate them, and lead them in safe paths. Then they would be light-bearers to the world, and would not walk in darkness. But now they were trusting in man to do the work for them which the Lord God of Israel alone could do. The Lord was working, signifying that he was their power and efficiency; and if they would work in harmony with him, talking to one another in faith and humility, dwelling on the lessons of Christ; if they would set things in order in the church, and let God speak to human hearts, then the Spirit of God would come into their midst, and a repentance would be seen that would not need to be repented of. But if they did not make the Lord their trust, the blessing they had received would be only their condemnation.?{PH028 1.2}[2]
It is not the will of God that the mould of Elder Daniels should be upon the church in Fresno, for it would not be mould of Christ. He is not a man whose influence would be permanent. God would have his people in every Conference look to him, and him alone, and not make flesh their arm. He whose eyes are “as a flame of fire” is searching every church in the world. His gaze is piercing every heart. He is measuring the temple and the worshipers thereof, weighing all their actions in the golden scales of heaven, and registering the result in the books of record. All things are open to the eye of Him with whom we have to do. He is a “discerner of the?thoughts?and?intents?and?purposes?of the heart.” No deed of darkness can be screened from his view. Sin, undetected by man, unsuspected by human minds, is noted and registered by the great Heart searcher.?{PH028 2.1}[3]
Christ “loved the church, and gave himself for it.” It is the purchase of his blood. The divine Son of God is seen walking amid the seven golden candlesticks. Jesus himself supplies the oil to these burning lamps; he it is that kindles the flame. “In him was life; and the life was the light of men.” No candlestick, no church, shines of itself. From Christ emanates all its light. The church in heaven today is only the complement of the church on earth; but it is higher, grander,—perfect. The same divine illumination is to continue through eternal ages. The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the light thereof. No church can have light if it fails to diffuse the glory it receives from the throne of God.?{PH028 3.1}[4]
The “woe, woe, woe!” was pronounced upon a church who walked in the sparks of their own kindling, who did not derive their light and power from the great central Light, the Sun of Righteousness, and diffuse that light and glory to those who were in darkness. By absorbing and diffusing the light, they cause their own light to burn brighter. The one who receives light, but does not give it as God requires him to do, will become a receptacle of darkness.?{PH028 3.2}[5]
The church in Fresno is composed of fragments of other churches. They are not ignorant of the Scriptures and the power of God; and if they are what God would have them be, they will be light-bearers to the world. This church is too large. Many ought to be out carrying the light of truth to those who are in darkness. If they neglect this the woe of God will be upon them. Let them not carry there, but go out as workers together with God. We are not here in this world to please and glorify ourselves, but?to be co-laborers with God. Probationary time is about to close. Now is the time to work, and that without delay.?{PH028 3.3}[6]
The present is a solemn, fearful time for the church. The angels are already girded, awaiting the mandate of God to pour their vials of wrath upon the world. Destroying angels are taking up the work of vengeance, for the Spirit of God is gradually withdrawing from the world. Satan is also mustering his forces of evil, going forth “unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world,” to gather them under his banner, to be trained for “the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Satan is to make most powerful efforts for the mastery in the last great conflict. Fundamental principles will be brought out, and decisions made in regard to them. Skepticism is prevailing everywhere. Ungodliness abounds. The faith of individual members of the church will be tested as though there were not another person in the world. “Who will render to every man according to his deeds; to them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; but glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile; for there is no respect of persons with God.” We claim to have faith, but, oh, how feeble! “The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord doeth valiantly.” “The haughtiness of men shall be made low; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in the day.”?{PH028 4.1}[7]
The Christ of Patmos had in his right hand seven stars. This assures us that no church faithful to their trust need fear of coming to naught; for not a star that has the protection of Omnipotence can be plucked from the hand of Christ. If a star separates itself from God, and falls from its setting, another will take its place. There will never be less than seven, this number being God’s symbol of completeness.?{PH028 5.1}[8]
Satan has worked upon every church in our land to lift up and exalt men, and thus the man is able to eclipse the glory of God. I have many things to say unto the churches from the Lord God of hosts, but they cannot bear them now.?{PH028 5.2}[9]
Now God would have the church in Fresno dependent on no living man. But when they become so blind as to choose a man to preach to them the message appropriate for this time,—a man of so great weakness of character and of so little moral power as they know E. P. Daniels to be,—and give him the oversight of the flock, the candlesticks must be terribly shaken and moved out of their place. If you accept the labors of Elder Daniels in the church at Fresno while he is in his present state of darkness, it will be dishonoring God. It will lower the standard of righteousness to the ruin of the man and the detriment of the church.?{PH028 5.3}[10]
The Lord said to Joshua, “Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you.” The defects of character in any member of the church, or in the minister, are charged to the church if the church make light of the defects. If you place Elder Daniels over the church as a minister, you, as a church, assume his?defects, you make them your own, and the whole church stands under the rebuke of God, even as ancient Israel was under his rebuke on account of the sin of Achan. But your case will be more grievous than theirs, because you knew the evil, yet hid your eyes from it and walked contrary to the will of God.?{PH028 5.4}[11]
Elder Daniel’s peculiar talent is to move the feelings of the people; but this, in many, many cases, seen as God sees it, results in far more harm than good. His case has been my special burden for years; and as God has laid open to me the weaknesses and errors of the man, I have laid them distinctly before him. Has he received the testimonies? Has he acted upon them?—No, he has not taken the pains to study them point by point as a word from God to him; he has not heeded the warning. He has imagined something that Sister White has done or said to make of none effect the warnings of the Spirit of God. Will you please to ask Elder Daniels to tell you wherein he thinks Sister White denies her own teachings? Set the words down on paper and send them to me. If I am guilty, I will confess the same; if not, I shall charge him with bearing false witness, as he has done again and again in regard to my words, my actions, and the things which I eat. He says he believes the testimonies but cannot understand them. I present these testimonies now as a solemn duty I owe to the Master, whose servant I am, to see if your eye-sight is so darkened that you cannot understand them. Blindness of the heart is a terrible barrier to the discerning of truth. “He shall take of mine and shall show it unto you,” is the declaration of Christ, revealing how the Holy Spirit operates upon the mind. Sin is the disease of the?soul, in consequence of which the understanding fails to do its appointed work on the heart and memory. For many years I have met this more or less in my experience.?{PH028 6.1}[12]
When the soul is brought into close relationship with the great Author of light and truth, impressions are made upon it revealing its true position before God. Then self will die, pride will be laid low, and Christ will draw his own image in deeper lines upon the soul.?{PH028 7.1}[13]
I fully believe that the time has come for you at Fresno to take a decided stand against evil in one who has had so great light as Elder E. P. Daniels, if you would be the means of saving his soul.?{PH028 7.2}[14]
Men who are under the training of the Great Teacher, will understand the testimonies that he sends them. Those who will not hear and obey the words of Christ, will not hear and obey the message of Christ to them personally. Men will rise up against anything that rebukes their unChristlike course. Shall the testimonies of the Spirit of God be accounted as a thing of naught? Shall a man be put in the position of teacher whose course has been such as to make him an unsafe guide, both because he has not the Spirit of Christ, and because he says in his character, “I know not the man,” just as he willfully says, “I know not the testimonies”? Will you in Fresno accept of a man as your teacher who cannot understand these things, which you all now have an opportunity to read for yourselves? Spiritual things are spiritually discerned; and if he cannot discern the testimony of the spirit of himself, how can he discern the testimony of God’s word, and be able to give to every man his portion of meat in due season? He may present clear and cutting things to the?people, and yet not understand that it is to be brought into his own life, and interwoven with his character. He keeps the truth outside of his inner life, in the outer court.?{PH028 7.3}[15]
It is the truth enshrined in the soul that makes one a man of God. Oratory, though it may please a certain class, will prove a snare to the one who uses it, and a snare to the church. When E. P. Daniels understands what constitutes sin, he will understand the testimonies that reprove certain sins with which he is so easily beset. But the examination of his own heart, his acts and motives, to see whether they are in accordance with the perfect standard of righteousness, is not pleasing to him. He has no desire to meditate and pray. The guilt of untruth is often upon his lips, because it is a habit which has not been overcome, although he has confessed the sin.?{PH028 8.1}[16]
The part man has to act in the salvation of the soul, is to believe on Jesus Christ as a perfect Redeemer, not for some other man, but for his own self. He is to trust, to love, to fear the God of heaven. There is a certain work to be accomplished. Man must be delivered from the power of sin. He must be made perfect in every good work. In doing the words of Christ is his only assurance that his house is built upon the solid foundation. To hear, to say, to preach, and not to do the words of Christ, is building upon the sand. Those who do the words of Christ will perfect a Christian character, because Christ’s will is their will. Thus is Christ formed within, the hope of glory. They are beholding, as in a glass, the glory of God. By making Christ the subject of meditation, he will become the subject of conversation; and by beholding, we will actually be changed into the same image, from glory to?glory, even by the Spirit of the Lord. Man, fallen man, may be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that he can “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” How does he prove this?—By the Holy Spirit taking possession of his mind, spirit, heart, and character. Where does the proving come in?—“We are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men.” A real work is wrought by the Holy Spirit upon the human character, and its fruits are seen; just as a good tree will bear good fruit, so will the tree that is actually planted in the Lord’s garden produce good fruit unto eternal life. Besetting sins are overcome; evil thoughts are not allowed in the mind; evil habits are purged from the soul temple. The tendencies, which have been biased in a wrong direction, are turned in a right direction. Wrong dispositions and feelings are rooted out. Holy tempers and sanctified emotions are now the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. An entire transformation has taken place. This is the work to be wrought. We see by experience that in our own human strength, resolutions and purposes are of no avail. Must we, then, give up?—No; although our experience testifies that we cannot possibly do this work ourselves, help has been laid upon One who is mighty to do it for us. But the only way that we can secure the help of God is to put ourselves wholly in his hands, and trust him to work for us. As we lay hold of him by faith, he does the work. The believer can only trust. As God works, we can work, trusting in him and doing his will.?{PH028 8.2}[17]
This work must be done for E. P. Daniels before he can be intrusted with the care of the flock. Only let him become one with Christ, and then he will work as Christ?worked. But he cannot sit down in the devil’s easy-chair and say: “I have hereditary tendencies and I have habits which I cannot overcome. You must bear with my imperfections; no one is perfect.” If he does this, he is a lost man.?{PH028 9.1}[18]
Sincere Christians have no doubtful piety. They have put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and have made no provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof. They are constantly looking to Jesus for his orders, as a servant looks to his masters, or as a maid looks to her mistress. Wheresoever God’s providence may lead, they stand ready to go. They take no glory to themselves. They do not call anything they have—learning, talents, property—their own, but regard themselves as only stewards of the manifold grace of Christ, and servants to the church for Christ’s sake. These are messengers for the Lord, a light amid the darkness. Their hearts throb in unison with the heart of Christ.?{PH028 10.1}[19]
I now present before E. P. Daniels his pitiable case. Anyone, whatever his position or influence, who will desire him to preach to the churches in his present unestablished condition, cannot discern spiritual things. Elder Daniels says, “I believe the testimonies, but I do not understand them; I believe in health reform, but I do not understand it.” This is a falsehood to his own soul. If he is in this position, let him repent and do his first works. There are enough who are giving the trumpet no certain sound. Men like faithful Caleb are wanted now, who can give a ringing message. It is a goodly land that we are going to, and we are well able to go up and possess it. We want no shepherds who cannot discern between truth and falsehood, who give mixed provender of truth and error.?{PH028 10.2}[20]
I speak to the church in Fresno: For Christ’s sake, move intelligently. Do not blunder here, when the interest of a church is at stake. I pity Elder Daniels, for the church at Fresno have hurt him by placing him where God should be. His ambition has been fed; self-indulgence and a low condition of piety have brought upon him spiritual feebleness and blindness, and he has become unfitted to be a minister of the gospel of Christ. If you place him in that position, you dishonor the cause of God; for he has surely fallen into the snare of the devil. There is only one way of escape,—he must be converted; he must do just as he has told others to do—repent, confess, make restitution—or he will never see the kingdom of heaven. He must return to his first love, and come out from the darkness of unbelief and skepticism. When he shall have clear convictions once more, when the Holy Spirit shall have dominion over his soul, when love, faith, and child-like simplicity shall be the rule of his life, then he may believe that Christ is dwelling in him, and the people everywhere may believe it too; for they see that he has learned the lessons in the school of Christ. Is this more than God requires?—No, no! Christ demands, in return for the blood he has shed, the heaven he has prepared, nothing less than entire consecration. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” should be the burden of every prayer.?{PH028 11.1}[21]
Our anxiety should not be to please the people by smart speeches and oratory, in order to gain flattery and applause, but to have our labor such as can be approved by God. Our intense desire should be to give, by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation, discourses, solemn, earnest, and tender, with the unction of the Holy Spirit. Those?who labor in this spirit are never satisfied with themselves.?{PH028 11.2}[22]
God demands homage which he has not received from Brother Daniels,—homage in words, in actions. Let him remember that he is to give an account to God, who will “judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom.” If our convictions of duty are honestly met, faithfulness becomes the great law of life, impressing, improving, and moulding every principle and phase of character.?{PH028 12.1}[23]
God requires every steward of the grace of Christ to be faithful, to elevate and purify every power of his nature, that he may be a man, and a child of God. Christ died for him; and with a high sense of his accountability, understanding when God speaks, he will become a polished instrument in the hands of God to bless his fellow-men. To perform his work well, to make the most of his priceless opportunities, will be to him a sacred duty.?{PH028 12.2}[24]
Stand back, brethren, do not lay responsibilities on Elder Daniels now! He is not ready for them, and will not be until he knows something for certain. Leave him to pray and search his heart until the darkness passeth away and the true light shineth. Then he will know what God would have him to be. Do you think, brethren in Fresno, or does Elder Daniels imagine, that it is a small offense to prove false to sacred obligations? Shall the man who perverts his abilities, and uses his influence as unwisely as Elder Daniels has done, be placed in a position of sacred, holy trust? God forbid! He has robbed God in not putting to the very best use all his blood bought powers. Shall he be guiltless who misuses and misapplies talents?lent him of God to be improved to the utmost? Surely that God who will judge the world in righteousness, and with a righteous impartiality, demands his own with usury. How can he say to Elder Daniels, “Well done, good and faithful servant”? Condemnation will be passed on everyone who has wasted his Lord’s substance.?{PH028 12.3}[25]
I hope that every man and woman who names the name of Christ in Fresno will consider the words I have written you with solemn earnestness, and that you will not flatter Elder Daniels. Give him no [plaudits], to encourage him in his unbelief. He may despise the warnings of God; he may act an unchristian part; and yet do you insist that there is no man like Elder Daniels? That you must have him, even under the rebuke of God, because his entertaining sharpness pleases a certain class of minds? Do you think that you can get along if he is not spiritual? That if he only pleases and interests you, piety, holiness, and the Christian graces are not essential? Do you know, brethren in Fresno, that the whole heavenly universe is looking upon you, to see whether you will exalt the standard of Christianity, or lower it in the very dust? God is looking upon you; Jesus, who has given you an example in his holy life, is watching to see whether you, as a church, feel that it is an important matter that you should discern between true godliness and sin.?{PH028 13.1}[26]
The last days are upon us, and Satan is working with all his hellish arts to deceive and destroy souls. Reproofs by testimony are met almost universally by the ones corrected and reproved, with, “I believe the testimonies, but I do not understand them.” The Lord has corrected their wrong ways in order to save them from unhappiness,?deception, and ruin; but they pass on the same as if light and warnings had never come to them. If they were in harmony with God, they would not be departing from him. It is because they are so far separated from God that they do not hear his voice as he calls to them, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you,” “and heal all thy backslidings.”?{PH028 13.2}[27]
Saul, after he had disobeyed the requirement of God to destroy the Amalekites, met Samuel, and said, “Blessed be thou of the Lord; I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” And Samuel said, “What meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” The answer was the same that we have heard in similar cases,—an excuse, a falsehood: “The people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice unto the Lord thy God.” Saul did not say?my?or?our?but?thy?God. Many who profess to be serving God are in the same position as Saul,—covering over ambitious projects, pride, or display, with a garment of pretended righteousness. The Lord’s cause is made a cloak to hide the deformity of injustice, but it makes the sin of tenfold greater enormity.?{PH028 14.1}[28]
Samuel looked upon Saul with indignation, yet with deep pity and undisguised grief for the sinful course of one he loved sincerely; but this love must not close his lips. He said, “Stay, and I will tell thee what the Lord hath said to me this night.” The kingly head was bent, as he answered, “Say on.” Samuel then spake the cutting words of the Lord. Yet Saul repeated his defense,—they saved the spoil to sacrifice to the Lord. “Hath God as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying?the word of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” Smitten with agony and terror, Saul cried, “I have sinned.... Pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord.” Saul hoped the sentence would be reversed.?{PH028 14.2}[29]
Oh, how few can know the sadness of heart that Samuel bore back to Ramah! God had laid upon him the burden of Saul, and the burden of this terrible message that he must bear to the monarch.?{PH028 15.1}[30]
The sinner seldom feels right in regard to reproof. He blames the one who opens his lips to speak the words of warning, as though it was a personal matter. In his blindness he fails to see that he is flinging from him, in his stubborn resistance, his last offer of light and mercy. How little sympathy he feels for the one who has carried the heavy load the Lord has laid upon him! He assumes the role of a martyr, and thinks he deserves great pity because he is reproved, and counseled contrary to his own ideas and feelings. He may admit some things, but with dogged persistency he holds fast to his errors, his own ideas. “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” The word of God is rejected in spirit, to all intents and purposes. I have been made to see this same bewitching power now as I have never seen it before,—of hatred against reproof, of stubbornness and rebellion,—to one reproved clings to his own opinions, unyielding.?{PH028 15.2}[31]
How different was the character of David! Though he had sinned, when God sent him sharp rebukes, he always bowed under the chastisement of the Lord. David was beloved of God, not because he was a perfect man, but because he did not cherish stubborn resistance to God’s expressed will. His spirit did not rise up in rebellion against reproof. Saith the Lord, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, and to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” David erred greatly, but he was just as greatly humbled, and his contrition was as profound as his guilt. There was never a man more humble than David under a sense of his sin. He showed himself a strong man, not in always resisting temptation, but in the contrition of soul and sincere penitence manifested. He never lost his confidence in God, who put the stern rebuke in the mouth of his prophet. He had no hatred for the prophet of God. He was beloved, also, because he relied upon the mercy of a God whom he had loved and served and honored. To whom much is forgiven, the same loveth much. David did not take counsel of men who were sinning against God. This is where many fail. They are left in midnight darkness because they choose to counsel with men who walk not in the counsel of the Lord. They will excuse sin in the sinner when it is not repented of, and pass over wrongs when God has not forgiven them. David trusted in God more than in man. The decision of God was accepted as just and merciful. Oh, how many are walking in blindness, and leading others in the same path, where both must perish, because they will not heed the reproofs of the Spirit of God!?{PH028 16.1}[32]
Brethren at Fresno, there is with Elder Daniels a human influence combined with a mesmeric power. It is this that has led him to speak of congregations as bodies that he can manipulate. Why is it that the man cannot understand health reform?—It is because his appetites and practices are condemned by it. He cannot harmonize his practices with the light God has given on this subject in his word and through the testimonies. He cannot, then, of course, have an intelligent, practical knowledge of health reform.?{PH028 17.1}[33]
Will Elder Daniels please make his statements, telling wherein Sister White contradicts her own teachings? I know that he stated that I drank tea, and invited him to drink it, saying it was good for him. Not only myself, but the members of my family, know this to be an untruth. What other things he has stated I cannot determine. But what if someone did use these things contrary to the light of health reform, is it not best to follow the Bible teaching upon temperance, and the light given in testimony? Do you not remember that we have an individual accountability? We do not make articles of diet a test question, but we do try to educate the intellect, and to arouse the moral sensibility to take hold of health reform in an intelligent manner, as Paul presents it in?Romans 13:8-14;?1 Corinthians 9:24-27;?1 Timothy 3:8-12. Are not the qualifications which he says are essential in the deacon, equally essential in the elder of the church? The deacons were church officers (2 Corinthians 6:4): “But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses;” (1 Timothy 5:22): “Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be?partaker of other men’s sins; keep thyself pure.” Here is a matter that is worthy of consideration. In the twenty-first verse the solemn charge is given: “I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.” These verses, twenty-one and twenty-two, need to be carefully and prayerfully considered. Sin should be rebuked. Whatever opposition and trial might come to the elder of the church because of his faithfulness, he should not swerve from true principles. Sins should not, because of unsanctified preferences and sympathy, be lightly regarded in one man which would be condemned in another. This matter is one of great importance. If he trusts responsibilities to one whose habits and practices he knows to be wrong, he shows that his own principles are not sound, that his motives are questionable. By this very act he sanctions the errors and sins of the man he has commended and appointed to the sacred office of caring for the flock of God. Unless he is guarded by heavenly wisdom, he will place himself in a position where he will feel it necessary to sustain the man with whom he has united his influence; and God will hold him responsible for his brother’s unfaithfulness in office, and for the harm which will result to the church. He must keep himself pure by refusing to mingle with any unholy influence.?{PH028 17.2}[34]
Some men’s sins are open beforehand, confessed in penitence, and forsaken, and they go beforehand to judgment. Pardon is written over against the names of these men. But other men’s sins follow after, are not put away by repentance and confession, and these sins will stand?registered against them in the books of heaven. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand. Christ is the pattern to be copied in the life. When a man gives evidence that he is sound in principle, when he is of good repute among those where he is best known, when his character is one whose influence will be Christ-like, he should be admitted to fellowship and confidence without hesitancy. But he whose works show him to be unstable, who says one thing and does the very opposite, is careless of his words and influence, bringing out of his heart the evil things lurking there, such a one will profane both men and God. He will say anything that comes into his mind, whether he knows it to be falsehood or truth. There is a mixture of good and bad in his character, and he speaks just as he feels without studying the influence his words must have upon those who believe him to be a true minister of the gospel. They have heard him speak as Christ’s ambassador, and therefore they will either regard his sins lightly or their confidence in him as a devoted servant of Christ will be destroyed. The minister of Christ should be circumspect, he should understand human nature.?{PH028 18.1}[35]
I have written quite fully to you, brethren, in regard to these matters in order that you might understand the case. I am now clear. Whatever course you may pursue cannot reflect on me. I would be pleased, and glorify God, if Elder Daniels would come into a position where we could, with all our hearts, give him the fullest confidence; but until he is a changed man we cannot give him a place of influence in the church. His movements are frantic, and in no way such as to recommend his as an overseer of the flock of God. I have now done my duty in the fear of?God, and I leave you to bear the responsibility. In the fear of God I warn you not to place this man, whom you know is not controlled by the Spirit of God, in the preacher’s desk to teach the people. You want a man who loves and fears God, one whom God can use as his instrument, who will not be playing himself into the hands of the enemy whenever circumstances are favorable.---E. G. White?{PH028 19.1}[36]
(Battle Creek, Mich.,February 21, 1890.)
Brethren Church and Bell, and All the Church in Fresno:I hope you will not be so greatly misled as to consider E. P. Daniels a suitable man to be trusted to preach the word of God to the church in Fresno, until he is a thoroughly converted man; and I have some little hope that he will be. You will have the privilege of reading the testimonies that have been sent to him during past years. His course of action shows what influence these testimonies have had upon him. I have no confidence that the man is under the direction of the Spirit of God. I have felt it duty, as one upon whom the Lord has laid special burdens, to lay open before the churches the warnings and counsels given me of God; and if, after knowing them, you are so unwise as to accept E. P. Daniels as your minister, may the Lord pity you and the poor church. I dare not hold my peace. Better never have a sermon preached in your church than to have it from the lips of a man through whom the Lord cannot speak.?{PH028 20.1}[37]
Elder Daniels has knowledge enough; it is heart work that he lacks. You in Fresno have acted a part that God cannot approve. You have encouraged, praised, and?exalted the man, when, to your certain knowledge, his course was unlike that which a minister of the gospel should pursue. I cannot allow you and the churches to cloak over a man’s wrong course and set him in the pulpit to preach the word of God to the church, without remonstrating. He can move the feelings but so can men who have not a particle of the Spirit of God. They can make the people laugh or cry at will. Some will be pleased with the smartness of E. P. Daniels, because they have not had their own eyes anointed with the eye-salve of true spiritual discernment. Sin is interpreted to be righteousness; black is made to appear white.?{PH028 20.2}[38]
I tell you, you would better stand on the right side now, in the integrity of the gospel of Christ, with your doors closed to the enemy, than to open the door and invite him in; for God will not work with E. P. Daniels until he is transformed in character. If you want a human influence mingled with mesmeric power in place of the divine, you can have it. You in Fresno have a spiritual pride which will surely be a snare to you unless the last vestige of it is taken out of your hearts, and the meekness and simplicity of Christ put in its place. I cannot see you go forward in a wrong course, making false moves, without lifting my voice of warning.?{PH028 21.1}[39]
Satan is at work now to make of none effect the truth of God upon human hearts. Will you encourage a man to stand in the sacred desk when God cannot stand by his side? Better, far better, for the man to be working with his hands than standing in the desk; for this religious labor throws a covering of sanctity over the crooked course of action he has taken. Be careful how you extol the man.?I know that the course you have taken toward him in the past, soliciting his labors as though he was the only instrument through whom God could work, has had a disastrous influence upon him and placed him where all the reproofs and warnings and counsels of God cannot reach him or have the effect God designed they should have upon his heart and character. The church in Fresno will have something to answer for in the judgment, because, in doing so much for him and making so much of him, you have turned the man’s head. Let every man stand for what he is in the sight of God,—a finite man.?{PH028 21.2}[40]
Brother M. J. Church, do not exalt to the heavens one who is full of weakness, because he is ready of tongue, and cast down another because he does not please you in all things, or because his ideas cross yours, and he will not sanction all you do. May the Lord God of heaven give his people wisdom in these days of peril. I have been shown, Brother Church, that you must have the sanctifying influence of Christ upon your heart continually, or you will reject the counsel of God, and follow your own counsel to your eternal ruin. Without him you will most assuredly walk in your own ways, in the sparks of your own kindling. You will approve that which God does not approve, and disprove that which is excellent. You will bless that which God does not bless, and condemn that which God does not condemn. You need divine enlightenment. You must work where God works, and listen to his voice, as to your leader and captain.?{PH028 22.1}[41]
I speak things I dare not withhold. I consider that now is my time to say some things which I hoped to correct by dwelling on principles when I was with you in Fresno. I?have more to say, but not now. May the Lord have compassion on his people at Fresno. Many of them have drifted into the place without the Lord’s counsel or approval. Many should be elsewhere, lifting up the banner of truth, warning the world to get ready for the great day of God, which is just upon us.?{PH028 22.2}[42]
Brother Church, you talk of independence, of one man’s mind being all-sufficient to control institutions and churches; and you feel that that mind must be your own. But your mind, I have been shown, often comes to view things in a wrong light. Thus you make many mistakes. Your money does not give you any such prerogative as you have been inclined to claim. The Lord lives and reigns. When you are little in your own sight, he can use you to his own glory. When you walk softly before him, and in humility, he will guide you with his counsel; but when self becomes sufficient, and you put yourself where God has not placed you, then you are a channel of darkness. You have a disposition to want just what Israel wanted,—a king to lead their armies and to judge them, that they might be “like other nations.” They were told, as I have been telling you, what would be the result if their desire was granted; but they were persistent to have their own way. They would have a king who pleased them, instead of being satisfied to have God for their ruler. God had ruled them through wise men,—men who had waited upon him for counsel. You are well acquainted with this history. God manifested his displeasure by thunder and lightning and hail. They could have retracted their decision, but were too proud to do it. God told Samuel not to oppose them, but to let them have just what they called for,?and all its consequences. They had not rejected Samuel, but the Lord God of Israel. He was the one who had been dishonored.?{PH028 23.1}[43]
If you place Elder Daniels in the church to be its minister, you will be responsible for all the consequences resulting therefrom; for God is dishonored by you. You refuse men whom God has used. They have made mistakes, but are ever ready to be corrected and to reform, because they fear God and obey his voice.?{PH028 24.1}[44]
What I wished to say to the church in Fresno is, Everyone is accountable to God for his own course of action. If one has light, it is not to be placed under a bushel or a bed, but it is to shine forth through good works. “Ye are the light of the world.” They are not to be living epistles of E. P. Daniel’s, but of Jesus Christ. He will give them his light, which they are to give to the world in clear, sharp rays. Every true Christian is Christ-like; he is a doer of the word of God. Fathers, mothers, children, neighbors, superior or inferior, must walk as Christ walked, in all humility, all purity, all meekness and forbearance and Christian fidelity, or else they are not Christians. The Christian’s faith must be strong, his zeal consistent, his prayers fervent, and his faithful, incessant admonitions must be heard against all wrong; for he is responsible for the salvation of other souls. Teach it in the home and in the church, that all religious manifestations which do not proceed from heart-felt piety, must necessarily be utterly powerless for good. A religion which shines out in good works, emits a clear, sure, safe light.?{PH028 24.2}[45]
Every believer should become spiritual, by laying hold of the provision God has made through the humiliation and?death of his beloved Son. The excellency and power of the living oracles of God are to be manifested to the world. God requires every soul who names the name of Christ to be a spiritual worshiper, in order that he may do his part toward the divine illumination of the world. The war-cry of the brave English captain, with a single change, might well serve as watch-word for the armies of the Lord,—Christ “expects every man to do his duty.” The very best capabilities of high or low, rich or poor, great or small, are to be put into action; not for the sake of getting praise and honor of men, but of presenting to God work done in an intelligent, workman-like manner. If this is neglected, “weighed in the balances and found wanting” will stand registered in the books of heaven.?{PH028 24.3}[46]
God employs earthly, human workmen. You cannot lay your responsibilities upon any one man. God has given to every man his work. Each must let his light shine out before the world in good works. If you, as a church, in Fresno, let your light burn low, if you sleep over your responsibilities, your light will go out in darkness, and souls will not have that light which God depended upon you, as his followers, to give them. If you lack the light you ought to have, which it is the privilege of everyone to have in Christian experience, you are deceivers, because you do not represent Christ as he is; you give no strength to the church, and no light to the world; in consequence, souls are misled, and perish.?{PH028 25.1}[47]
God calls upon the church to be like the wise virgins, to trim your lamps, to have the oil of grace in your vessels with your lamps. Your example should be pure, elevating, ennobling. “I sanctify myself.” said Christ,?“that they also [his disciples] might be sanctified.” It is the duty of every Christian to be sanctified. The church must take up her individual responsibility; it cannot be vested in any minister. They may help you, but they can never do your work. The church of God is the great depository of truth. They must have skill, efficiency, and ability as home missionaries. All have a solemn part to act at home, in the family, in the church of God, and in the world. In the great day of reckoning God will require of you according to the talents you have received; and all the improvement you might have made, but did not, because you were not true to your sacred trust, will be required at your hands. You will be unfaithful servants if you merely retain the capital, and do not trade upon it, if you do not improve the talents by putting them out to the exchangers.?{PH028 25.2}[48]
It is not the ready speaker, the sharp intellect, that counts with God. It is the earnest purpose, the deep piety, the love of truth, the fear of God, that has a telling influence. A testimony from the heart, coming from lips in which is no guile, full of faith and humble trust, though given by a stammering tongue, is accounted of God as precious as gold; while the smart speech and eloquent oratory of the one to whom is intrusted large talents, but who is wanting in truthfulness, in steadfast purpose, in purity, in unselfishness, are as sounding brass and a tinkling symbol. He may say witty things, he may relate amusing anecdotes, he may play upon the feelings; but the Spirit of Jesus is not in it. All these things may please unsanctified hearts, but God holds in his hands the balances that weigh the words, the spirit, the sincerity, the?devotion, and he pronounces it altogether lighter than vanity.?{PH028 26.1}[49]
The truly converted soul is illuminated by the light shining from the Sun of Righteousness. That light tells upon hearts, lightens the pathway, dispels the darkness, because it comes from Him who says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Let everyone, to a man, now rise, and let his “light so shine before men that they may see his good works, and glorify our Father which is in heaven.” Do what you can, and do it at once, cheerfully, heartily, prayerfully, joyfully, not as unto men, but unto God. Settle it in your hearts that you are not on the earth to exalt self, to make a great name, but to sink self wholly out of sight in Jesus Christ. Let Jesus be lifted up. Let the great truths connected with the salvation of man be the theme of your meditation day and night. Your work, both by precept and example, is to hold forth the word of life, to seek with all your power to bring souls to the knowledge of the truth.?{PH028 27.1}[50]
Let not a soul in Fresno entertain the thought that he has nothing to do for the salvation of others. Every shining star which God has placed in the heavens, obeys his mandate, and gives its distinctive measure of light to make beautiful the heavens at night; so let every converted soul show the measure of light committed to him; and as it shines forth, the light will increase and grow brighter. Give out your light, brethren in the Fresno church; pour forth your beams mirrored from heaven. O daughter of Zion, “arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”?{PH028 27.2}[51]
Has your lamp burned dim since you located in Fresno??If so, trim your lamps. It may be you have moved from unsanctified motives in coming to Fresno, and will lose your love for the truth, your burden for souls, unless you go forth where you can lift the standard of your faith. Look well to these things.---Ellen G. White?{PH028 27.3}[52]
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