呼吁到主收割的园地里服务
要兴起发光
(1907年4月21日写于加州费尔南多)
如果曾经有一段时间我们需要了解我们的属灵状况和我们目前的责任，那就是现在了。当我们环顾四周时，我们看到真理在街上仆倒，公平也无法进入。撒但已带着大能力下来，在将要灭亡的人身上行各样出于不义的诡诈。凡能被震动的都要被震动;叫那些不能被震动的可以长存。{PH019 2.1}
致我们的出版社
我蒙指示告诉我们的出版社，要高举旗帜，宣扬第三位天使的信息，让全世界的人都听到并知道，有一班人是“守上帝诫命为耶稣做见证”的(启12:17)。我们的书刊要担任见证人，向全世界的人宣告上帝的信息。{PH019 2.2}
现在要空前地推进这个信息奇妙的大工。要让世界领受真光。许多人将通过我们书刊的文字布道工作获得真理的知识。我们的期刊应由各行各业的男女散发出去。老年和青年都要参加这项工作。这些书刊要表明万物的结局近了。{PH019 2.3}
我们过去对这事一直不太重视。现在让我们以坚决的努力把信息传扬出去，让世人明白基督在拔摩岛上赐给约翰的信息。{PH019 2.4}
每一位承认基督圣名的人都应参加传扬如下的信息：“万物的结局近了，”“当预备迎见你的上帝”(彼前4:7;摩4:12)。要把我们的书刊传到各地。我们期刊的发行量要大大增加。应当用福音的书刊和教师的口把第三位天使的信息传出去。你们相信现代真理的人应当醒起。我们现在有责任千方百计帮助传扬真理。当你乘坐汽车，拜访别人，与邻居谈话的时候——不论你在哪里，都要把光照出来。要向你接触的人分发报刊和小册子，讲合时的话语，祈求圣灵让种子在一些人心中生长。这项工作将得到上帝的赐福。{PH019 3.1}
要有礼貌
我们这班子民在与人接触时应培育仁慈和有礼的态度。我们应当避免一切粗鲁之举，始终以一种从容的态度表现真理。这真理对于接受的人就是永远的生命。所以要研究如何从容有礼地把暂时的话题转到属灵永恒的话题。救主工作时是最有礼貌的。要设法以最温柔的方式从事你的工作。当你走在路上，或坐在路旁时，可以在人心中撒下真理的种子。{PH019 3.2}
要认真
我们现在应当空前地努力去作工。我们应当寻找每一个机会吸引人归向基督。主很快就要来了，我们也将目击种种的灾祸。撒但的势力虽是看不见的，却正在运行毁灭人的生命。如果我们的生命与基督一同藏在上帝里面，就必得见祂的恩典和拯救。基督要降临在地上建立祂的国度。我们的舌头须成圣，为荣耀祂而用。我们作上帝子民的人当重新归正，我们的生活也当成圣，好宣传那在耶稣里的真理。{PH019 4.1}
我们在从事散发出版物的工作时，可以从热烈而跳动的心中，述说救主的爱。惟独上帝有赦罪之权。如果我们不向一般尚未归主的人传述这个信息，他们就可能因我们的疏忽而遭灭亡。那有福之救人灵性的圣经真理，应当在我们的刊物上发表。主呼召我们各人都去尽力营救将亡之人。{PH019 4.2}
我们没有意识到撒但在多么狡猾地行事，以致倘若可能，连选民也迷惑了。现今正是我们警醒作工的时候。我们应当使众人注意我们的书报，并要毫不迟延地把现代真理的福音传至各城市。我们需要觉悟自己的责任。如果我们以基督的生平和教训作为研究的题材，则每一桩所经历的事件，都可提供你一篇动人教训的素材。救主从前在大街小巷中传讲福音时就是如此的，每逢祂开口讲论，听的人总是由一小队而聚成了一大群。{PH019 4.3}
“无论得时不得时”(提后4:2)，我们都要为呈现真理创造机会。基督徒应当成为与基督同工的人。他们应当从事许多方面的福音传道工作。{PH019 4.4}
耶稣在复活之后对祂的门徒说：“天上地下所有的权柄都赐给我了。所以你们要去，使万民作我的门徒，奉父、子、圣灵的名给他们施洗。凡我所吩咐你们的，都教训他们遵守，我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”(太28:18-20)。{PH019 5.1}
世俗化的危险
有一种危险，就是我们的弟兄们进入商业主义，变得如此专注于世俗的业务，以致没有将这道本其纯正和能力带入生活中。对贸易和利益的热爱正变得越来越普遍。我的弟兄们，要让你们的灵魂真正归主。在灵感之灵中宣布了应该在上帝子民的生活中进行的工作：“看哪，我要差遣我的使者在你前面，预备道路。在旷野有人声喊着说：预备主的道，修直祂的路”(可1:2,3)。{PH019 5.2}
“看哪，我的仆人，我所扶持、所拣选、心里所喜悦的!我已将我的灵赐给祂;祂必将公理传给外邦。祂不喧嚷，不扬声，也不使街上听见祂的声音。压伤的芦苇，祂不折断;将残的灯火，祂不吹灭。祂凭真实将公理传开。祂不灰心，也不丧胆，直到祂在地上设立公理;海岛都等候祂的训诲”(赛42:1-4)。{PH019 5.3}
现在的机会
现在正当人们认真思考之际，如能聪明地发行有关时兆意义的文字材料，一定会使真理产生明显的效果。此时，可怕的灾难正在摧毁最豪华的建筑，就像从天上来的一场火，许多罪人恐惧战惊地站在上帝面前。现在正是我们向他们宣讲真理的机会。{PH019 6.1}
弟兄姊妹们，你们愿穿上基督的军装吗?你们若把平安的福音当做鞋穿在脚上，就会准备好挨家挨户把真理传给人。有时你们会发现做这样的工作有困难，可是如果你们凭着信心出去，主就会行在你前面，让祂的光照在你的路上。当你进入邻居家中销售分发我们的书刊，并谦虚地把真理教导他们时，就会有天上的光伴随你们，并留在这些人家中。{PH019 6.2}
上帝的刑罚正临到大地上，我们岂可让这些灾难临到世界而不告诉人们这些可怕灾难的意义，以及每一个人如何才能逃避将来的混乱吗?我们岂可让我们的邻居留在黑暗中而不为来生作准备吗?如果我们不认识自己的处境，上帝的日子就会像贼一样临到我们。{PH019 6.3}
光阴是宝贵的。人类灵魂的命运悬而未决。付出无穷代价的得救之路已经提供。基督的伟大牺牲难道要付诸东流吗?世界难道要完全为撒但的爪牙所控制吗?救灵的工作有赖于上帝教会的献身和行动。主呼召所有相信祂的人与祂同工。他们在有生之年决不可认为自己的任务已经完成。在基督宣告说“成了”之前，祂的救灵工作不会减少，而会越来越重要，影响深远。……{PH019 7.1}
上帝的仁慈从祂的恒久忍耐上显示出来。祂在拖延祂的判决，等待警告的信息向所有的人传开。有许多人还没有听到当代考验性的真理，仁慈的最后呼召要更充分地向我们的世界发出。圣经描写了末世将会存在的邪恶和腐败。我们既看见预言的应验，就当增强基督之国最后胜利的信心，并以勇气出去做指定给我们的工作。{PH019 7.2}
主不久就要来了。祂正以火灾、洪水和地震来警告地上的居民：祂很快就要来了。巴不得人们都能知道眷顾他们的时候(路19:44)!我们没有时间可以浪费了。我们必须以更加坚决的努力引导世人明白审判的日子迫在眉睫。要把精心编写的解释时事意义的文字材料销往各地。我们的悟性要被圣灵苏醒。如果我们的人都感到自己有责任把怜悯的最后信息传给世人，那么将会成就何等奇妙的工作啊!如果上帝所有的儿女都能完全献身给祂，正确地运用自己的才能，就会为上帝成就千倍以上的工作。{PH019 7.3}
奉派结果子
基督对跟从祂的人说：“不是你们拣选了我，是我拣选了你们，并且分派你们去结果子，叫你们的果子常存，使你们奉我的名，无论向父求什么，祂就赐给你们”(约15:16)。{PH019 8.1}
大叛道者撒但已经拉拢世人归他自己;但天父既赐下祂的独生子，就提供了神能，对抗黑暗的权势。耶稣说过：“我若从地上被举起来，就要吸引万人来归我”(约12:32)。撒但已将他的座位安置在地上，那里应该是上帝的宝座，人们在邪恶之君面前俯首跪拜，向他表示唯独应该向上帝献上的敬意。但基督的十字架已经竖立在天地之间，生命之君耶稣说：“藉着我的爱，我要吸引人们拜偶像的心归我自己。我要使自己与人性和谐相处，并且要使宇宙中每一圣洁的影响和力量都来列阵对抗邪恶的势力。”{PH019 8.2}
生命和荣耀的主来住在人间。祂没有因人类的罪恶而抽身退步，没有将自己的操劳局限于一些与祂情投意合的人，任由那些不认识祂的人处在他们罪恶心灵的盲目和无知之中，因为他们理应被撇下，祂反而来与犯错的人类走得更近。{PH019 8.3}
在恢复人类上帝形像的计划中，安排了圣灵在人心中的运行，正像有基督亲自同在一样，在人的品格上发挥塑造的功能。人们接受了真理，也就领受了基督的恩典，将他们经过圣化的才能，献给基督所曾经从事的工作，成为上帝的同工了。由于人成为上帝的代表，神圣的真理才得以深入他们的悟性。我们应当问问教会，你们回应这个目的了吗?你们实现上帝散布神圣真理之光、广布真理瑰宝的计划了吗?{PH019 9.1}
上帝的天使注视基督的教会，看到自称跟从基督的人行动多么缓慢地把真理之光传给卧在道德黑暗中的世界，他们会怎么想呢?天上的生灵知道十字架是吸引力的大中心。他们知道，堕落的人类藉着十字架才能得以赎罪，并与上帝联合。天上的议会正看着你们自称接受了基督为个人救主的人，要看你们把上帝的救恩表明给那些坐在黑暗里的人。他们正在观看，要看你们使人知道圣灵工作时期的意义;人们被罪败坏污损的心如何可以变得不再迷恋撒但的谎言邪说，转而归向基督，以祂为他们惟一的指望，他们个人的救主。基督说：“不是你们拣选了我，是我拣选了你们，并且分派你们去结果子，叫你们的果子常存”(约15:16)。身为基督的使者，我愿恳求所有读者留意今日的呼召：“你们今日若听祂的话，就不可硬着心”(来4:7)。要立刻发问：我对基督有何重要?基督对我有何意义?我工作的性质是什么?我所结的果子性质怎样?……{PH019 9.2}
基督徒的任务就是发光。每一个自称基督门徒的人若不为别人服务，就没有满足福音的要求。他决不要忘记必须把光照在人前，叫人们看见他们的好行为，便将荣耀归给他们在天上的父。他的言语始终要优雅，与他所自称的信仰相称。他的行为要向世人表显基督。耶稣基督和祂钉十字架乃是他说不完的题目，常常讲述，从自己的心灵的库房中拿出福音的宝贝来。凡心中充满有福的盼望，充满不朽荣耀的人是决不会沉默无声的。……{PH019 10.1}
凡与基督徒有交往的人，有权利明白所启示给基督徒的一切真理。基督徒应当言传身教宣扬真理。他应传播救恩的好消息，不厌其烦地述说上帝的恩慈。他要不断地亲近基督，也不断地从祂领受，吃人子的肉，喝人子的血，就是耶稣所说祂的话。祂的话就是灵，就是生命。这样，他会不断得到天上吗哪新的供应。每一个基督徒，不论高低贫富，有无学问，都应向处在无知和罪孽中的人述说上帝的国，述说基督和祂钉十字架。你们要对罪人讲话;因为你们虽不知道，上帝却在感动他们的心。决不要忘记你在他们面前所讲的每一句话都有很大的责任。要扪心自问：有多少次我心中充满着基督的爱，谈论上帝的怜悯和基督的义之说不尽的恩赐呢?你曾给你多少的朋友、亲戚和邻舍写过信，向他们表达无私的爱，使他们的灵魂得救呢?基督说过：“我已将祢的名指示他们，还要指示他们”(约17:26)。{PH019 10.2}
我的基督徒弟兄姐妹们啊!你们在做什么呢?你们能说你们已尽力在向不认识主的人传扬和表现基督和祂对堕落人类的爱吗?如果你主要对与你有相同信仰的人作工，那么谁去寻找迷路的人呢?如果惟幕揭开的话，你就会看见众生灵正在罪中灭亡，而教会却闲散、懒惰、没有同情心，专注于自私的利益，而不关心生灵得救还是灭亡，只求他们自己能有安逸，保证有得救的盼望就行了。可是人若不与上帝同工就不能进天国。你若对那以无限代价才提供给你的救恩有任何的赏识，就会觉醒，持住耶稣的能力，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”(赛58:1)。你就会大声喊叫，不可止息。你就会尽你最大的能力去作工，先接触一个，再接触另一个。(《评论与通讯》，1895年2月12、19日){PH019 11.1}
值得重述
天上的上帝希望全体教会千方百计地让贫富贵贱的人听到真理的信息。大能的救主耶稣曾为这些人死。祂能把他们从漠不关心中唤起。祂能唤醒他们的同情，软化他们的心地，向他们的心显示真理的美和能力。{PH019 12.1}
大工程师是上帝，不是有限的人。然而祂呼召人担任媒介，使祂能藉以把光传给黑暗中的人。上帝在众教会中都有宝石。我们不应大肆斥责自称的宗教界，而当凭着谦卑和仁爱的精神向众人宣扬耶稣里的真理。要让人看见虔诚和献身，看见基督化的品格，他们就会被真理所吸引。凡爱上帝为至上，并爱邻舍如同自己的人将成为世上的光。凡拥有真理知识的人应当宣扬真理。他们应当高举世界的救赎主耶稣基督，他们应当宣扬生命之道。{PH019 12.2}
我们负责传扬上帝圣言的人决不可以因懒惰、松懈和灵性麻木而不去完成我们的任务。我们应当向那些我们可能以为毫无希望，好像已死的人传扬生命之道。虽然他们可能似乎不愿听聆或接受真理的光，我们却应毫不动摇，毫不迟疑地做自己分内的工作。(《国内布道工作》第22页){PH019 12.3}
公义的日头已经在教会上面升起。教会的责任是要发光。凡与基督联合的人应当在基督耶稣的恩典和知识上长大成人。每一个人都有权利取得进步。任何人都不要在葡萄园里偷懒。如果所有自称相信真理的人都充分利用自己的机会和才能，学习他们有特权所学习的东西，他们就会在基督里刚强起来。不论他们从事什么职业，是工人，农民，还是教师或牧师，只要他们完全献身给上帝，就会成为有效的工人，为天上的夫子工作。(《国内布道工作》第5页){PH019 13.1}
我们必须将我们的光照耀在道德的黑暗之中。许多人至今还在暗中摸索，他们一旦见到“世上的光”的返照，就必认识到自己也有得救的希望。你的光虽或微小，但仍要记得这是上帝所赐你的，而且祂也要你负责将光返照出去，或者有人会从你的光上点燃他的灯火，而他的光或能再引导别人从黑暗中出来。{PH019 13.2}
在我们的周围敞开着许多服务之门。我们应该与邻舍熟悉起来，设法引导他们归向基督。我们若如此行，就必得蒙主的悦纳与合作。{PH019 13.3}
基督在世时，每到一处作工，城中的居民往往要留祂住下，请祂继续在他们当中作工。但是基督却告诉他们说，祂必须到那些尚未听见祂所应讲之真理的城邑去。祂每将真理传给一地之人以后，就让他们从所已得的真理上去建设，自己却再到别处去工作。今日凡受命继续祂工作的人也必须采取祂的工作方法。我们要一处一处地去传扬这信息。每逢真理在一地传扬过了，我们就当再到别处去警告其他的人。{PH019 14.1}
我们要将护士、传道士、牧师、文字布道士，及传福音的学生等组织成团队，并给予极充分的训练，以造就与那圣者相似的完美品格。我们现在的宗旨就是要预备在天上的学校中受那更高尚的教育。{PH019 14.2}
现代真理的警告信息要从一个城市传到另一个城市，从一个地方传到另一个地方，不是靠外表的炫示，而是靠圣灵的大能和人的信心。在圣经真理的金香炉里，有感服和改变人心的能力。正如救主来到这个世界本着福音的简朴宣扬的真理，这个信息本身会使人感受到它的能力。在这个时代，每一个忠心的工人将会得到来自一切生命之源的新生命。我们对于我们使命的范围，了解得多么少啊!我们需要在主里有坚定不移的信心和毫不动摇的勇气。我们工作的时间十分短暂，应当以不倦的热情工作。(《评论与通讯》1906年11月29日){PH019 14.3}
醒起吧，醒起吧，我的弟兄姐妹们哪，进入美国那些从未工作过的地区去吧!在你们奉献多少金钱给国外布道之用后，别以为你们已经尽了本分。在国外布道地区有工作要作，但在美国也有一项同样重要的工作要作。在美国的许多城市中，都有差不多说各种语言的人。这些人都需要上帝已赐给祂教会的亮光。{PH019 15.1}
主活着并统治着。不久祂将威严地站起，可怖地震动大地。现在有一项特殊的信息要传扬。这项信息将穿透属灵的黑暗，具有感服和改变人心的能力。要向住在罪中的人发出“你们赶快逃命吧”的呼吁。我们现在必须极其恳切，十分真诚。不可花一刻时间在批评指责中。过去曾这样做的人，应当屈膝祈祷，谨防以自己的话语和计划代替上帝的话语和计划。(《教会证言》卷八36页){PH019 15.2}
真理之光要照耀直到地极。那从救赎主面上照射到祂代表身上的荣光，要日益扩大散布在这黑夜已深之世界的暗处。我们既是与祂同工的，就当祈求祂的灵使我们成圣，使我们能越照越明。(《教会证言》卷八40页){PH019 15.3}
在美国许多州都有勤劳致富的农民的居住地。他们从来没有听过现代的真理。要到这些地方工作。我们的平信徒要负起这一工作的责任，通过出借和出售书刊，散发传单，进行查经，我们的平信徒可以在邻居中做许多的工作。他们既充满爱人之心，就能大有能力地传扬现代真理的信息，使许多人回转。我们应当记住，把信息传到从未听过真理的国内园地，和由传道士将它传到国外是同样重要的。{PH019 16.1}
凡已经认识真理的人有许多工作要做。他们要以感服人心的仁慈态度，怀着充满欢乐和基督化的爱心接近人。救主常在你身边，以恩典和能力使你能传扬救恩的福音，救许多的人离开不信的黑暗进入祂奇妙的光明之中。要出来寻找将亡之人，叫他们注意“上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”(约1:29)。{PH019 16.2}
PH019 - A Call to Service in the Masters Harvest Field
【Arise! Shine】
(Fernando, California,April 21, 1907.)
If ever there was a time when we needed to understand our spiritual condition and our present duty it is now. As we look about us we see that truth is fallen in the streets, and equity can not enter. Satan has come down in great power, to work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Everything that can be shaken will be shaken; that those things which can not be shaken may remain.?{PH019 2.1}[1]
【To Our Publishing Houses】
I am bidden to say to our publishing houses, Lift up the standard; lift it up. Proclaim the third angel’s message, that all the world may hear, and know that there is a people who “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Let our literature give the divine message as a witness to all the world.?{PH019 2.2}[2]
Now, as never before, the great and wonderful work of this message is to be carried on. The world is to receive the light, and many will gain their knowledge of the truth through an evangelizing ministry of the word in our books and papers. Our periodicals are to be distributed by men and women of all stations and walks in life. Young and old are to act a part. These publications are to show that the end of all things is at hand.?{PH019 2.3}[3]
We have, as it were, been asleep regarding this matter. Let us now send forth the word with?determined energy; that the world may understand the messages that Christ gave to John on the Isle of Patmos.?{PH019 2.4}[4]
Let every one professing the name of Christ, act a part in sending forth the message, “The end of all things is at hand,” “prepare to meet thy God.” Our publications should go everywhere. The circulation of our periodicals should be greatly increased. The third angel’s message is to be given through gospel literature, and through the living teacher. You who believe the truth for this time, wake up. It is our duty now to employ every possible means to help in the proclamation of the truth. When you are riding on the cars, visiting, conversing with your neighbors,_-wherever you are, let your light shine forth. Hand out the papers and tracts to those with whom you associate, and speak a word in season, praying that the Holy Ghost will make the seed productive in some hearts. This work will be blessed of God.?{PH019 3.1}[5]
【Be Courteous】
As a people we should cultivate a kindly manner in our association with those whom we meet. Let us avoid any abruptness of manner, and endeavor always to present the truth in an easy, winning manner. This truth means life, eternal life, to the receiver. Pass easily and courteously from subjects of a temporal nature to the spiritual and eternal. In this courteous manner the Saviour taught. And we should work in the most gentle way to introduce our mission. While walking by the way, or seated to rest by the wayside, we may be able to drop into some heart the seeds of truth.?{PH019 3.2}[6]
【Be in Earnest】
We are to work as we have never worked before. We are to seek every opportunity of drawing souls to Christ. The Lord is coming very soon, and we are entering into scenes of calamity. Satanic agencies, though unseen, are working to destroy human life. If our life is hid with Christ in God, we shall see of His grace and salvation. Christ is coming to establish His kingdom in the earth. Let our tongues be sanctified, and used to glorify Him. As a people we need to be reconverted, and our lives sanctified to declare the truth as it is in Jesus.?{PH019 4.1}[7]
As we engage in the work of distributing our publications, we can, from warm and throbbing hearts, speak of a Saviour’s love. God alone has the power to forgive sins. If we do not deliver this message to the unconverted, our neglect may prove their ruin. Blessed, soul-saving, Bible truths are to be published in our papers. The Lord calls upon all of us to seek to save perishing souls.?{PH019 4.2}[8]
We do not realize how cunningly Satan is at work to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Now is our time to work with vigilance. Our books and papers are to be brought before the notice of the people; the gospel of present truth is to be given to our cities without delay. We need to arouse to our duties. If we are making the life and teachings of Christ our study, every passing event will furnish a text for an impressive lesson. It was thus the Saviour preached the gospel in the highways and byways; and, as He preached, the little group that listened to His words would swell into a great company.?{PH019 4.3}[9]
“Be instant in season, out of season.” We are?to make opportunities for presenting the truth. Christians are to be workers together with Christ. They are to engage in many lines of evangelistic work.?{PH019 4.4}[10]
After His resurrection, Jesus spake to His disciples, saying, “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”?{PH019 5.1}[11]
【Danger of Worldliness】
There is a danger of our brethren entering into commercialism, and of becoming so engrossed in worldly business that the word is not carried into the life in its purity and power. The love of trade and gain is becoming more and more prevalent. My brethren, let your souls be truly converted. The work to be carried on in the lives of God’s people is declared in the words of Inspiration, “Behold, I send My messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.”?{PH019 5.2}[12]
“Behold My servant, whom I uphold; Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth; I have put My Spirit upon Him: He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the smoking flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth; and the isles shall wait for His law.”?{PH019 5.3}[13]
【Present Opportunities】
Just now, when people are thinking seriously, literature on the meaning of the signs of the times, wisely circulated, will have a telling effect in behalf of the truth. At this time, when awful calamities are sweeping away the most costly structures as if by a breath of fire from heaven, many sinners are afraid, and stand trembling before God. Now is our opportunity to make known the truth to them.?{PH019 6.1}[14]
Brethren and sisters, will you put on the Christian armor? “Your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace,” you will be prepared to walk from house to house, carrying the truth to the people. Sometimes you will find it trying to do this kind of work: but if you go forth in faith, the Lord will go before you, and will let His light shine upon your pathway. Entering the homes of your neighbors to sell or to give away our literature, and in humility to teach them the truth, you will be accompanied by the light of heaven, which will abide in these homes.?{PH019 6.2}[15]
God’s judgments are abroad in the land. Shall we allow these things to come upon the world without telling the people the meaning of these terrible calamities, and how every one may escape from the wrath to come? Shall we let our neighbors remain in darkness without a preparation for the future life? Unless we ourselves realize where we stand, the day of God will come upon us as a thief.?{PH019 6.3}[16]
Time is precious. The destiny of souls is in the balance. At infinite cost a way of salvation has been provided. Shall Christ’s great sacrifice be in vain? Shall the earth be entirely controlled by Satanic agencies? The salvation of souls is dependent upon the consecration and activity of God’s church. The Lord calls upon all who believe in Him to be workers together with Him. While their life shall last they are not to feel that their work is done. Until the time comes when Christ shall say, “It is finished,” His work for the saving of souls will not decrease, but will grow in importance, and be far-reaching....?{PH019 7.1}[17]
The mercy of God is shown by His long forbearance. He is holding back His judgments, waiting for the message of warning to be sounded to all. There are many who have not yet heard the testing truths for this time. The last call of mercy is to be given more fully to our world. The word of God portrays the wickedness and corruption that will exist in the world in the last days. As we see the fulfilment of prophecy, our faith in the final triumph of Christ’s kingdom should be increased. We should go forth with courage to do our appointed work.?{PH019 7.2}[18]
The Lord is soon to come. In fire and flood and earthquake He is warning the inhabitants of this earth of His soon approach. O, that the people might know the time of their visitation! We have no time to lose. We must make more determined efforts to lead the people of the world to see that the day of judgment is near at hand.?Carefully prepared literature on the significance of the scenes we are now witnessing, is to be circulated everywhere. Our understanding is to be quickened by?the Holy Spirit. O, if our people would feel as they should the responsibility resting upon them to give the last message of mercy to the world, what a wonderful work would be done! a thousand times more work for God might be accomplished if all His children would fully consecrate themselves to Him, using their talents aright.?{PH019 7.3}[19]
【Ordained to Bring Forth Fruit】
Christ says of His followers, “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He may give it you.”?{PH019 8.1}[20]
Satan, the great apostate, has drawn the world to himself; but if the gift of the only-begotten Son, the Father has provided that divine power shall work in opposition to the powers of darkness. Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me.” Satan has placed his seat on the earth where should be the throne of God, and men prostrate themselves before the prince of evil, rendering to him the homage that belongs alone to God. But the cross of Christ has been erected between earth and heaven, and Jesus, the Prince of Life, says: “Through My love, I will draw the idolatrous hearts of men to Myself. I will place Myself in harmony with human nature, and will engage every holy influence and agency in the universe to array itself against the forces of evil.”?{PH019 8.2}[21]
The Lord of life and glory came and dwelt among men. Instead of withdrawing Himself because of the sinfulness of man, instead of confining His labors to a few congenial spirits, and?leaving those who knew Him not to the blindness and ignorance of their sinful hearts, as they deserved to be left, He came nearer to erring humanity.?{PH019 8.3}[22]
In the plan of restoring in men the divine image, it was provided that the Holy Spirit should move upon human minds, and be as the presence of Christ, a molding agency upon the human character. Receiving the truth, men also become recipients of the grace of Christ, and devote their sanctified human ability to the work in which Christ was engaged,—men become laborers together with God. It is to make men agents for God, that divine truth is brought home to their understanding. Let us inquire of the church, Have you answered this purpose? Have you fulfilled the design of God in diffusing the light of divine truth, in scattering abroad the precious jewels of truth??{PH019 9.1}[23]
What must be the thoughts of the angels of God as they look upon the church of Christ, and see how slow is the action of those who profess to be the followers of Christ, to impart the light of truth to the world which lies in moral darkness? Heavenly intelligences know that the cross is the great center of attraction. They know that it is through the cross that fallen man is to receive the atonement, and to be brought into unity with God. The councils of heaven are looking upon you who claim to have accepted Christ as your personal Saviour, to see you make known the salvation of God to those who sit in darkness. They are looking to see you making known the significance of the compensation of the Holy Spirit; how that through the working of this divine agency?the minds of men, corrupted and defiled by sin, may become disenchanted with the lies and presentations of Satan, and turn to Christ as their only hope, their personal Savior. Christ says: “I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go forth and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.” As Christ’s ambassador, I would entreat of all who read these lines to take heed while it is called today. “If ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart.” Without waiting a moment, inquire, What am I to Christ? and what is Christ to me? What is the character of my work? What is the character of the fruit I bear....?{PH019 9.2}[24]
It is the Christian’s business to shine. The professed follower of Christ is not fulfilling the requirements of the gospel unless he is ministering to others. He is never to forget that he is to let his light so shine before men that they, seeing his good works, may glorify their Father which is in heaven. His speech is to be always with grace, and in harmony with his profession of faith. His work is to reveal Christ to the world. Jesus Christ and Him crucified is his inexhaustible theme, of which he is freely to speak, bringing out of the good treasure of his heart the precious things of the gospel. The heart that is filled with the blessed hope, that is big with immortality and full of glory, can not be dumb....?{PH019 10.1}[25]
Those with whom the Christian comes in contact have a right to know what has been revealed to the follower of Christ, and he is to make it known both by precept and example.?The Christian is to publish the good news of salvation, and he is never to be weary of the recital of God’s goodness.?He is continually to draw with Christ, and continually to draw from Christ, eating the flesh and drinking the blood of the Son of Man, which Jesus declares are His words. They are spirit, and they are life. Thus he will always have a fresh supply of heavenly manna.?Every Christian, high or low, rich or poor, learned or ignorant,?is to talk of the kingdom of God, to speak of Christ and Him crucified, to those who are in ignorance and sin. You are to speak to sinners; for you know not but God is moving upon their hearts. Never forget that great responsibility attaches to every word you utter in their presence. Ask yourself the question, How many have I spoken to with my heart filled with the love of Christ, concerning the unspeakable gift of God’s mercy and Christ’s righteousness? To how many of your friends, relatives, and neighbors, have you written, reaching out in unselfish love, that their souls may be saved? Christ said, “I have declared unto them Thy name, and will declare it.”?{PH019 10.2}[26]
What are you doing, my Christian brothers and sisters? Can you say that as far as it was in your power, you have declared, or represented, Christ and His love for fallen humanity to those who know Him not? If you have confined your efforts merely to those who are of the same faith as yourself, what about seeking to save those who are lost??If the curtain should be rolled back, you would see souls perishing in their sins, and the church idle, indolent, unsympathetic, absorbed in selfish interests, and caring not whether souls are saved or lost, so long as they themselves can have an easy time, and be secure in the hope of salvation. But no one will ever enter heaven who?is not a laborer together with God. If you had any appreciation of the salvation brought to you at infinite cost, you would arouse, you would lay hold upon the strength of Jesus, you would lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show “My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” You would cry loud, and spare not. You would work to the utmost of your capacity, reaching first one and then another.—The Review and Herald, February 12, 19, 1895.?{PH019 11.1}[27]
【Worth Repeating】
The Lord God of heaven would have the entire church devising ways and means whereby high and low, rich and poor, may hear the message of truth. The Lord Jesus, the mighty Saviour, has died for these souls. He can arouse them from their indifference, He can awaken their sympathies, He can soften their hearts, He can reveal to their souls the beauty and power of the truth.?{PH019 12.1}[28]
The Master-worker is God, and not finite man; and yet He calls upon men to be the agents through whom He can impart light to those in darkness. God has jewels in all the churches, and it is not for us to make sweeping denunciation of the professed religious world, but in humility and love to present to all the truth as it is in Jesus. Let men see piety and devotion, let them behold Christlikeness of character, and they will be drawn to the truth. He who loves God supremely, and his neighbor as himself, will be a light in the world. Those who have a knowledge of the truth, are to communicate the same. They are to lift up Jesus, the world’s Redeemer; they are to hold forth the word of life.?{PH019 12.2}[29]
We are in nowise to be deterred from fulfilling?our commission by the listlessness, the dulness the lack of spiritual perception in those upon whom the word of God is brought to bear.?We are to preach the word of light to those whom we may judge to be as hopeless subjects as though they were in their graves. Though they may seem to be unwilling to bear or to receive the light of truth, without questioning or wavering we are to do our part.—An Appeal to Our Churches in Behalf of Home Missionary Work, 22.?{PH019 12.3}[30]
The Sun of Righteousness has risen upon the church, and it is the duty of the church to shine. Those who are connected with Christ will grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, to the full stature of men and women. It is the privilege of every soul to make advancement. No one is to be an idler in the vineyard. If all who claim to believe the truth had made the most of their opportunities and ability to learn all that they were privileged to learn, they would have become strong in Christ.?No matter what may have been their occupation, if farmers, mechanics, teachers, or pastors, if they had wholly consecrated themselves to God, they would have been efficient agents to work for the heavenly Master.—An Appeal to Our Churches in Behalf of Home Missionary Work, 5.?{PH019 13.1}[31]
We must let our light shine amid the moral darkness. Many who are now in darkness, as they see a reflection of the Light of the world, will realize that they have a hope of salvation. Your light may be small, but remember that it is what God has given you, and that He holds you responsible to let it shine forth. Some one may light his taper from yours, and his light may be the means of leading others out from the darkness.?{PH019 13.2}[32]
All around us are doors open for service. We?should become acquainted with our neighbors, and seek to draw them to Christ. As we do this, He will approve and cooperate with us.{PH019 13.3}[33]
Often the inhabitants of a city where Christ labored wished Him to stay with them and continue to work among them. But He would tell them that He must go to the cities that had not heard the truths that He had to present. After He had given the truth to those in one place, He left them to build upon what He had given them, while He went to another place. His methods of labor are to be followed today by those to whom He has left His work. We are to go from place to place, carrying the message. As soon as the truth has been proclaimed in one place, we are to go to warn others.?{PH019 14.1}[34]
There should be companies organized, and educated most thoroughly to work, as nurses, as evangelists, as ministers, as canvassers, as gospel students, to perfect a character after the divine similitude. To prepare to receive the higher education in the school above is now to be our purpose.?{PH019 14.2}[35]
From town to town, from city to city, from country to country, the warning message of present truth is to be proclaimed; not with outward display, but in the power of the Spirit, by men of faith. In the golden censer of truth, as presented in the Scriptures, there is that which will convict and convert souls. As the truth that our Saviour came to this world to proclaim, is presented in the simplicity of the gospel, the power of the message will make itself felt. In this age, a new life coming from the Source of all life is to take possession of every faithful laborer. O, how little do we comprehend the breadth of our mission!?We need to have earnest, determined faith, and unshaken courage in the Lord. Our time to work is short, and we are to labor with unflagging zeal.—The Review and Herald, November 29, 1906.?{PH019 14.3}[36]
Wake up, wake up, my brethren and sisters, and enter the fields in America that have never been worked. After you have given something for foreign fields do not think your duty done. There is a work to be done in foreign fields, but there is a work to be done in America that is just as important. In the cities of America there are people of almost every language. These need the light that God has given to His church.?{PH019 15.1}[37]
The Lord lives and reigns. Soon He will arise in majesty to shake terribly the earth. A special message is now to be borne, a message that will pierce the spiritual darkness, and convict and convert souls. “Haste thee, flee for thy life,” is the call to be given to those dwelling in sin. We must now be terribly in earnest. We have not a moment to lose in criticism and accusation. Let those who have done this in the past fall on their knees in prayer, and let them beware how they put their words and their plans in the place of God’s words and God’s plans.—Testimonies for the Church 8:36.?{PH019 15.2}[38]
The light of truth is to shine to the ends of the earth. Greater and still greater light is beaming with celestial brightness from the Redeemer’s face upon His representatives, to be diffused through the darkness of a benighted world. As laborers together with Him, let us pray for the sanctification of His Spirit, that we may shine more and more brightly.—Testimonies for the Church 8:40.?{PH019 15.3}[39]
In many states there are settlements of industrious, well-to-do farmers, who have never heard of the truth for this time. Such places should be worked. Let our lay-members take up this line of service. By lending or selling books, by distributing papers, and by holding Bible-readings, our lay-members could do much in their own neighborhoods. Filled with love for souls, they could present the message of present truth with such power that many would be converted. Let us remember that it is as important to carry the message to those in the home field who have not heard the truth, as it is to go as missionaries to foreign countries.?{PH019 16.1}[40]
There is abundant work for all who know the truth. Approach the people in a persuasive, kindly manner, with hearts filled with cheerfulness and Christlike love. The Saviour is ever near, with grace and power to enable you to present the gospel of salvation, which will bring many souls out of the darkness of unbelief into His marvelous light. Reach out after those who are ready to perish. Call their attention to the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”?{PH019 16.2}[41]
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