THE KRESS COLLECTION(1985)
(怀爱伦特别证言，D.H.克雷斯医生收集)
1.历史的教训
1903年8月27日，1903-7
当挪亚的后代人数增多的时候，背道不久就导致了分裂。那些想要忘记他们的创造主，摆脱祂律法约束的人，决定与敬拜上帝的人分开。于是他们就旅行到示拿平原，在幼发拉底河两岸。他们决定在这里建一座城，在城中建一座高得顶天的塔，——高到没有洪水能淹没它，大到没有什么能将它扫除。他们就这样希望使自己独立于上帝。{KC 1.1}
然而在巴别人中间还有一些敬畏上帝的人，他们被不虔诚之人的主张欺骗，卷入了他们的计划。这些人不愿加入这种联盟去反对上帝的旨意。他们拒绝被奇妙的陈述和宏大的前景所欺骗。为了这些忠心之人的缘故，主推迟了祂的刑罚，给人们时间去显明他们的真实品质。他们不听从主的忠告，反而实施自己的意图。大多数人在他们胆大包天的事业上完全联合起来了。要是允许他们继续下去而不加抑制，他们就会用种种奇妙的计划败坏世界。{KC 1.2}
这个联盟出自对上帝的反叛。示拿平原的居民建立他们的国度为的是高抬自己，而不是为了荣耀上帝。要是他们成功了，一个强大的势力就会掌权，取消公义并创立一个新的宗教。某些宗教思想与大量错误理论的混和就会导致关闭平安、幸福与安全之门。这些推测、错误的理论得到实行和完善，就会将认识耶和华律法的知识从人们心中驱逐出去，他们就不会认为有必要遵守神圣的律例。这些圣洁、公义、善良的律例就会被忽视。下定决心的人们既受那叛逆魁首的启发，就会受他鞭策，还会不允许任何东西干涉他们的计划或阻止他们的罪恶行径。他们就会用按照他们私心的愿望制定的律法取代上帝的律例，以便遂行他们的目的。{KC 1.3}
但上帝从不许可世界没有为祂作见证的人。在洪水之后第一次大背道时，那些敬畏上帝的人自卑并向祂呼求。他们恳求说：“上帝啊，求祢在祢的圣工和世人的计划和方法之间加以干预。”“耶和华降临，要看看世人所建造的城和塔(那个巨大的偶像建筑物)”(创11:5)。祂挫败了建塔者们的意图，推翻了他们叛乱的纪念物。上帝长久容忍世人的刚愎，给他们充分的机会悔改;但也注意到他们抗拒祂公义圣洁的律法的权威所用的一切策略。作为祂不喜悦他们建这座塔的证据，祂变乱了建造者们的口音，以致谁也不能明白同工的话了。{KC 1.4}
在巴特尔克里克所作出的一些安排并不是主吩咐的。祂已宣布，集中并增殖巴特尔克里克乃是在抢夺其它地区的亮光和利益。藉着一封发送给我们各区会领袖和教会长老们的通函，发出了一个呼吁，要求提供有能力的青年男女的名单，以便与他们通信，邀请他们到巴特尔克里克为布道工作接受培训。{KC 1.5}
藉着在证言中赐下的亮光，主已指明祂不愿学生们在巴特尔克里克受教育。祂指示我们要把大学搬出这个地方。这事已经做了，但各机构仍没能做他们原应做成的事，与别的地区分享仍集中在巴特尔克里克的利益。主藉着烧毁留在那里的两个主要机构表示了祂对这件事的不悦。{KC 2.1}
在烧毁这些机构的大火中，虽有上帝天意的清楚证据，人们在议事会中还是毫不犹豫地站在弟兄们面前，轻视了这个声明，即这些建筑物被烧毁是因为人们一直在使事情倒向主不能赞同的方向。{KC 2.2}
原则已被歪曲。人们一直在离开正义原则，这些机构原是为传播正义原则而设立的。他们没能做上帝命定要做的工作，预备一班人“修造荒废之处”并且要站在破口，就如《以赛亚书》第58章中所描述的。在这章的经文中，我们要做的工作被清楚地定义为医疗布道工作。这项工作要在各地做成。上帝有一个葡萄园;祂切愿这个葡萄园被无私地开垦。任何一个部分都不被忽视。最受忽视的部分需要最机警的布道士去做在《以赛亚书》第五十七章中所描绘的工作。{KC 2.3}
“你因路远疲倦，却不说这是枉然;你以为有复兴之力，所以不觉疲惫。你怕谁?因谁恐惧?竟说谎，不记念我，又不将这事放在心上。我不是许久闭口不言，你仍不怕我吗?我要指明你的公义;至于你所行的都必与你无益。”{KC 2.4}
“你哀求的时候，让你所聚集的拯救你吧!风要把他们刮散，一口气要把他们都吹去。但那投靠我的必得地土，必承受我的圣山为业。耶和华要说：你们修筑修筑，预备道路，将绊脚石从我百姓的路中除掉。因为那至高至上、永远长存(原文作住在永远)、名为圣者的如此说：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。我必不永远相争，也不长久发怒，恐怕我所造的人与灵性都必发昏。因他贪婪的罪孽，我就发怒击打他;我向他掩面发怒，他却仍然随心背道。我看见他所行的道，也要医治他;又要引导他，使他和那一同伤心的人再得安慰。我造就嘴唇的果子;愿平安康泰归与远处的人，也归与近处的人;并且我要医治他。这是耶和华说的。惟独恶人，好像翻腾的海，不得平静;其中的水常涌出污秽和淤泥来”(赛57:10-20)。{KC 2.5}
主说：“我若按照我民的乖僻行为对待他们，他们的心灵就必发昏。他们受不了我的不悦和我的忿怒。我已看到每个罪人的乖张行为。凡悔改并且行义的，我必使之回转并得医治，重得我的眷爱。”{KC 3.1}
我蒙指示要说：主在祂的审判中会记得怜悯。为祂自己圣名的缘故，祂不会允许刚愎执拗和不受约束的人实现他们不圣洁的计划。祂必报应他们乖僻的行为。“我的上帝说：恶人必不得平安”(赛57:21)。{KC 3.2}
论到那些已受欺骗被不献身不圣洁的人带入歧途的人，主说：“他们的行动方针与我的旨意并不一致;然而为了我自己公义的缘故，为了真理的缘故，为了那些保持了对上帝的敬畏与热爱之人的缘故，造就了嘴唇的果子的我要将我的信息放在那些不会被滥用之人的口中。尽管一些人在他们对人们的想法和人们的目的上可能受骗和被蒙蔽，我也要医治每一个尊荣我名的人。以色列痛悔的人都必看见我的救恩。我耶和华确实在掌权，我要使远近的人心中都充满赞美与感恩，就是以色列所有持守我道路的痛悔的人。”{KC 3.3}
当罪孽在列国增多的时候;当种种表现在美国像过去的几年那样显著的时候;当主的钱被那些并不以圣经为指南的人随意流通的时候，当群众受到尊敬，大型的欢宴庆典举行的时候，当人人都有兴趣使人成为一切可能，并且追求自己的快乐的时候(我们看到这一切的事现在都在发生)，我们就可以知道情况与挪亚的日子存在的状况相似，那时耶和华使地上的居民喝了洪水。{KC 3.4}
罗得的经验
世界的现状与罗得的日子相似，当时所多玛的败坏导致天使访问那个邪恶的城市，看看达到上天的呼声是否具有如此一种性质以致美丽的所多玛——一座曾蒙上帝高度恩待的城市——的居民已败坏到他们的作风在耶和华面前没有了得赎的指望。上帝的忿怒显著地彰显，因为所多玛人的败坏已如此之深。天上的访客能亲眼看到所多玛人已经越过了上帝容忍的限度。{KC 3.5}
天使拉着罗得和他妻子女儿的手，催促他们逃离该城，唯恐上帝审判的风暴突然临到他们如此犹豫而不愿离开的地方。他们接到严肃的命令要赶紧离开;因为猛烈的风暴只会推迟一点点时候。然而其中的一个逃亡者却擅自惋惜地回顾那座注定毁灭的城市，她就变成了上帝审判的一个纪念碑，——表明祂如何看待不信和擅敢叛变。{KC 3.6}
上帝的忿怒对罗得妻子的这次报应使得剩下的三个人在离开该城的途中加紧赶路。然而罗得不愿逃到山上，曾恳求耶和华留下一座距所多玛有几英里的较小的城，他可以逃到那里去。他表现了何等大的不信啊。他的信心很软弱。但上帝应罗得的请求，本着祂的怜悯保留了[琐珥]。{KC 3.7}
他们进入[琐珥]的结果被清楚地记载在圣经里。所多玛周围所有的城市都因所多玛的罪恶而败坏了。{KC 4.1}
何时一个国家不法的事增多，就必听见有声音传讲警告与指示，正如所多玛城听到罗得的声音一样。然而罗得若不在那罪恶滔天的败坏城市中安家，就大可保守他的家属避免许多的邪恶了。罗得和他的家属在所多玛城所成就的，即使他们居住离城较远的地带，也照样可以作成。以诺与上帝同行，但他没有像罗得住在所多玛一样，居住在为各样凶暴及罪恶所污染的城市中。{KC 4.2}
我现在没有时间将我希望主会加给我力量将关于这个问题的所有内容都呈现在祂的百姓面前。{KC 4.3}
诱人的影响
在这个时候，犹大的见证对凡想要在圣灵的影响之下的人都很有说服力：{KC 4.4}
“耶稣基督的仆人，雅各的弟兄犹大，写信给那被召、在父上帝里蒙爱、为耶稣基督保守的人。愿怜恤、平安、慈爱多多的加给你们。亲爱的弟兄啊，我想尽心写信给你们，论我们同得救恩的时候，就不得不写信劝你们，要为从前一次交付圣徒的真道竭力的争辩。因为有些人偷着进来，就是自古被定受刑罚的，是不虔诚的，将我们上帝的恩变作放纵情欲的机会，并且不认独一的主宰、我们(或作和我们)主耶稣基督。从前主救了祂的百姓出埃及地，后来就把那些不信的灭绝了。这一切的事，你们虽然都知道，我却仍要提醒你们。又有不守本位、离开自己住处的天使，主用锁链把他们永远拘留在黑暗里，等候大日的审判。又如所多玛、蛾摩拉和周围城邑的人，也照他们一味的行淫，随从逆性的情欲，就受永火的刑罚，作为鉴戒。”{KC 4.5}
“这些做梦的人也像他们污秽身体，轻慢主治的，毁谤在尊位的。天使长米迦勒为摩西的尸首与魔鬼争辩的时候，尚且不敢用毁谤的话罪责他，只说：‘主责备你吧!’但这些人毁谤他们所不知道的。他们本性所知道的事与那没有灵性的畜类一样，在这事上竟败坏了自己。”{KC 4.6}
“他们有祸了!因为走了该隐的道路，又为利往巴兰的错谬里直奔，并在可拉的背叛中灭亡了。这样的人在你们的爱席上与你们同吃的时候，正是礁石(或作：玷污)。他们作牧人，只知喂养自己，无所惧怕;是没有雨的云彩，被风飘荡;是秋天没有果子的树，死而又死，连根被拔出来;是海里的狂浪，涌出自己可耻的沫子来;是流荡的星，有墨黑的幽暗为他们永远存留。”{KC 4.7}
“亚当的七世孙以诺曾预言这些人说：‘看哪，主带着祂的千万圣者降临，要在众人身上行审判，证实那一切不敬虔的人所妄行一切不敬虔的事，又证实不敬虔之罪人所说顶撞祂的刚愎话。’这些人是私下议论，常发怨言的，随从自己的情欲而行，口中说夸大的话，为得便宜谄媚人。亲爱的弟兄啊，你们要记念我们主耶稣基督之使徒从前所说的话。他们曾对你们说过，末世必有好讥诮的人随从自己不敬虔的私欲而行。这就是那些引人结党、属乎血气、没有圣灵的人。”{KC 4.8}
“亲爱的弟兄啊，你们却要在至圣的真道上造就自己，在圣灵里祷告，保守自己常在上帝的爱中，仰望我们主耶稣基督的怜悯，直到永生。有些人存疑心，你们要怜悯他们;有些人你们要从火中抢出来，搭救他们;有些人你们要存惧怕的心怜悯他们，连那被情欲沾染的衣服也当厌恶。那能保守你们不失脚、叫你们无瑕无疵、欢欢喜喜站在他荣耀之前的我们的救主独一的上帝，愿荣耀、威严、能力、权柄，因我们的主耶稣基督归与祂，从万古以前并现今，直到永永远远。阿们。”{KC 5.1}
犹大传这道信息，为要让信徒提防假教师们的诱人影响，那些人虽有敬虔的外貌，却不是安全的领袖。在这些末后的日子，假教师会起来，大发热心。如今撒但正以大能在宗教家们身上作工，使他们自吹公义，却没能置身于圣灵的引导之下，此时各种理论会出现，要使男男女女的心思转离那能使我们居于安全立场的真理。{KC 5.2}
假道会掺杂到经验的每一阶段，并以撒但的热诚倡导，为要迷惑每一个尚未在充分认识圣经的神圣原则方面有根有基之人的心思。就在我们中间，也会有假教师起来，听从引诱人的邪灵那些出自撒但的教训。这些教师会拉拢门徒跟从他们。他们趁人不注意的时候潜入，会用谄媚的话，以诱人的机智提出巧妙的谬论。{KC 5.3}
给教会肢体们的一个信息
我们各教会惟一的希望就是保持清醒。那些在圣经真理上很有根基的人，那些用“耶和华如此说”检验每一件事的人，是安全的。圣灵会引导那些珍视上帝的智慧过于撒但爪牙之欺人诡辩的人。要多多祈祷，不是按人的意思，而是在耶稣基督里的真理之爱的灵感之下。相信真理的家庭要讲说智慧和聪明的话语，就是那由于查考圣经而临到他们的话语。现在是我们受考验和试炼的时候。现在是每一个信徒家庭的成员都必须闭口不说控告弟兄的话的时候。要让他们说鼓舞人、增强那生发仁爱并洁净心灵的信心的话。{KC 5.4}
基督徒父母们现在蒙召要在家中尽本分。他们必须设法拯救自己的儿女以致永生。但愿他们不要建议儿女与巴特尔克里克的疗养院联络，也不要与将要在巴特尔克里克开办的学校联络。现在我们的青少年去那里比以往任何时期都危险十倍以上。{KC 6.1}
使徒彼得论到古时的教会，说：“从前在百姓中有假先知起来，将来在你们中间也必有假师傅，私自引进陷害人的异端，连买他们的主他们也不承认，自取速速的灭亡。将有许多人随从他们邪淫的行为，便叫真道因他们的缘故被毁谤。他们因有贪心，要用捏造的言语在你们身上取利。他们的刑罚，自古以来并不迟延;他们的灭亡也必速速来到(原文作也不打盹)。就是天使犯了罪，上帝也没有宽容，曾把他们丢在地狱，交在黑暗坑中，等候审判。上帝也没有宽容上古的世代，曾叫洪水临到那不敬虔的世代，却保护了传义道的挪亚一家八口。又判定所多玛、蛾摩拉，将二城倾覆，焚烧成灰，作为后世不敬虔人的鉴戒;只搭救了那常为恶人淫行忧伤的义人罗得。因为那义人住在他们中间，看见听见他们不法的事，他的义心就天天伤痛。主知道搭救敬虔的人脱离试探，把不义的人留在刑罚之下，等候审判的日子”(彼后2:1-9)。{KC 6.2}
主正在防止祂的子民重犯以往的错误和过失。总是有许多的假师傅，他们提倡错误的道理和不圣洁的做法，并且以最似是而非的、隐蔽的、欺诈的方式在错误的原则上作工，倘若可能，连选民也要迷惑了。他们把自己捆绑在自己的谬论上。他们若是没有取得成功，是因为他们的道路被来自上帝的警告挡住了，他们就会多少改变自己的工作特色，和他们所做的表述，再次以一种伪装提出他们的计划。他们拒绝坦白、悔改和相信。或许作了认罪，却没有发生真正的改革，而且错误的理论给没有疑心的人带来毁灭，因为这些人相信和依赖那些提倡这些理论的人。{KC 6.3}
告戒的话
我蒙指示嘱咐父母们要当心，要保守儿女远离巴特尔克里克。要让人人都留心他们怎样听。流传着关于怀姐妹的许多事。一些人这样说，一些人那样说。有些人说怀姐妹并不反对我们在巴特尔克里克有一所大学。在怀姐妹亲自作出这个声明之前，不要相信这种说法。我要对那些知道来自主的信息的人说坚持住：因为一切都将很快实现。要持定圣经。基督说过：“你们查考圣经，因你们以为内中有永生;给我作见证的就是这经”(约5:39)。{KC 6.4}
许多人会变得如此喜欢错误观点以致会忙于宣传这些似是而非的虚伪理论的观点。此外，他们还会慷慨地报答任何一个愿意帮助宣传这些观点的人。{KC 6.5}
要让我们的各教会当心有人做出任何努力为要拉拢我们的青少年离开自己家庭的教会去与一个机构联合以便侍候俗人。我呼吁负责我们各教会的人当心此事。你们是牧人，被安置为要看守基督羊群的大羊小羊。我们的青少年在有限的范围内接受教育要比去巴特尔克里克好得多。然而因为我们的青少年不应该去巴特尔克里克，他们不应当受到约束，以致不能发展。应当天天给他们前进的最高动机。他们应当参加我们的学校，教师们应当与他们一起工作，并与他们一起祷告。他们离开这些学校时应当成为真正的医疗布道士，坚定地与福音事工密切联合。{KC 7.1}
我们的各教会不必犯大错;这些教会深切关心儿童和青少年，以及及培训工人好推进这时候所必需的工作。因为上帝必为正在完善基督徒品格的人开路。祂会有地方给他们去开始从事真正的医疗布道工作。正是为了预备工人从事这项工作，我们才我们建立了学校和疗养院。{KC 7.2}
但愿我们不要犯错误。圣言宣布说：“将来有好些人冒我的名来，说：‘我是基督’”(太24:5)。“假基督、假先知将要起来，显大神迹、大奇事，倘若能行，连选民也就迷惑了”(太24:24)。难道我们要信任这些人吗?不，不要信任。我们只应接受那些拿出最确实的证据表明他们是在从事上帝所指定给他们的工作的人。{KC 7.3}
我们面前的工作
我对我们的信徒说，不要让那些我们必须在真理应当得到表现的地方赖以从事福音布道工作的人被任何借口吸引，离开他们的工作。上帝的圣工需要最好的工人。上帝的工人应当始终对何为纯洁没有玷污的虔诚怀有清晰的观念。在真理应当得到建立的各城中，将会需要实践圣经信仰的工人。上帝的工作应当在南方得到推进，那些因有才干而使巴特尔克里克最想要他们的青少年，应当准备好进入各机构中为他们预备的地方，在那里他们能获得一种训练，可以作工而不至陷入与俗人的伙伴关系中，后者不认识上帝，他们的错误的观点会影响那些与他们接触之人的意念。我们担不起让我们青年人的心智受到这样的影响;因为我们必须依赖这些青年推进将来的工作。{KC 7.4}
在华盛顿的工作将需要最好最认真的宣教士。这个地方是国家的总部，是一个最重要的园地，必须有那些能明智地说明他们信仰缘由的人。将需要有能力的青年男女，他们能作为先锋开始从事工作，并且靠着主的力量推进工作。{KC 7.5}
上帝的子民应当始终在世界的道德黑暗与不信中间将他们的灯剔净点亮。需要文字布道士传播含有当代警告信息的出版物。{KC 7.6}
我号召我们各区会的会长运用上帝赐给他们的影响力去开辟还从未开工的园地。这些园地对我们的人来说乃是耻辱。要明智地组织你们的工作，然后开始行动。要让你们简明的言语和朴素整洁的服装证明你们作宣教士的工作。要提供教育的有利条件，主必行在那些愿意本着自我牺牲的精神开始从事工作的人前面。{KC 8.1}
要研究基督的生活和教训。人们可能出价要你服务，提供高薪福利。要记住基督为你付了祂自己生命的代价，你不是自己的人。你要在属于上帝的身体和精神上荣耀上帝。{KC 8.2}
谦卑和慈善是上帝承认的品格特性。上帝的道教授谦卑，鼓励慈善。藉着基督的恩典，谦卑将人置于有利地位。基督来到这个世界要显明这些宝贵的美德，作为一个例证，说明被接受为王室成员、天上大君儿女的人必须显明的美德。{KC 8.3}
基督对众人说：“凡劳苦担重担的人可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式;这样，你们(在日常的经验中)心里就必得享安息。因为我的轭是容易的，我的担子是轻省的”(太11:28-30)。凡效法基督生活中所赐榜样的人会得到安息。一个人的生活实践若是表明他已经得救地接受了基督的福音，他就能接近许多人的心。无论男女都是如此，青少年尤其如此。{KC 8.4}
“弟兄们，论到时候、日期，不用写信给你们;因为你们自己明明晓得，主的日子来到，好像夜间的贼一样。人正说‘平安稳妥’的时候，灾祸忽然临到他们，如同产难临到怀胎的妇人一样。他们绝不能逃脱。弟兄们，你们却不在黑暗里，叫那日子临到你们像贼一样。你们都是光明之子，都是白昼之子。我们不是属黑夜的，也不是属幽暗的。所以我们不要睡觉像别人一样，总要警醒谨守”(帖前5:1-6)。{KC 8.5}
正在变得像基督并且全心爱祂的公开信仰的基督徒会认真作工，在许多地方建立真理。这就是那位伟大的医疗布道士已交给我们去做的工作。在实际的敬虔上有坚定的信心和恒心会在每一个真正的基督徒前面开路。而当人藉着这种工人为媒介归主时，他们就会将全部荣耀归于上帝，且有极大的喜乐。怀爱伦{KC 8.6}
1903年8月27日抄写
about
Ellen G. White Special Testimonies -Dr. D. H. Kress Collection
-August 27, 1903-7
Lessons From the Past
As Noah’s descendants increased in number, apostasy soon led to division. Those who desired to forget their Creator, and to cast off the restraint of His law, decided to separate from the worshipers of God. Accordingly they journeyed to the plain of Shinar, on the banks of the river Euphrates. Here they decided to build a city, and in it a tower reaching unto heaven—so high that no flood could rise to the top, so massive that nothing could sweep it away. Thus they hoped to make themselves independent of God.?{KC 1.1}
But among the men of Babel there were living some God-fearing men who had been deceived by the pretensions of the ungodly, and drawn into their wicked schemes. These men would not join this confederacy to thwart the purposes of God. They refused to be deceived by the wonderful representations and the grand outlook. For the sake of these faithful ones, the Lord delayed His judgments, and gave the people time to reveal their true character. They heeded not the counsel of the Lord, but carried out their own purposes. The great majority were fully united in their heaven-daring undertaking. Had they been permitted to go on unchecked, they would have demoralized the world by their wonderful plans.?{KC 1.2}
This confederacy was born of rebellion against God. The dwellers on the plains of Shinar established their kingdom for self-exaltation, and not for the glory of God. Had they succeeded, a mighty power would have borne away, banishing righteousness, and inaugurating a new religion. The mixture of certain religious ideas with a mass of erroneous theories would have resulted in closing the door of peace, happiness, and security. These suppositions, erroneous theories, carried out and perfected, would have banished a knowledge of the law of Jehovah from the minds of men, who would not think it necessary to obey the divine statutes. These statutes, which are holy, just, and good, would have been ignored. Determined men, inspired by the first great rebel, would have urged on by him, and would have permitted nothing to interfere with their plans, or to stop them in their evil course. In the place of the divine precepts they would have substituted laws framed in accordance with the desires of their selfish hearts in order that they might carry out their purposes.?{KC 1.3}
But God never leaves the world without witnesses for Him. Those who loved and feared Him at the time of the first great apostasy after the flood, humbled themselves, and cried unto him. “Oh God,” they pleaded, “interpose thyself between thy cause and the plans and methods of men “and the Lord came down to see the city and the tower (the great idol-building), which the children of men builded.” He defeated the purpose of the tower builders, and over-threw the memorial of their rebellion. God bears long with the perversity of men, giving them ample opportunity for repentance; but He marks all their devices to resist the authority of His just and holy law. As an evidence of His displeasure over the building of the tower, He confounded the language of the builders, so that none could understand the words of his fellow-worker.?-?{KC 1.4}
The Lord has not ordered some of the arrangements that have been made in Battle Creek. He has declared that other places have been robbed of the light?and advantages that have been centered and multiplied in Battle Creek. Through a circular letter sent out to the leading men and the church elders of our conferences, a call has been made for the names of young men and young women of capability, in order that they may be corresponded with and invited to come to Battle Creek to receive a training for missionary work.?{KC 1.5}
Through the light given in the Testimonies, the Lord has indicated that He does not desire students to be educated in Battle Creek. He instructed us to remove the College from this place. This was done, but the institutions that remained failed of doing what they should have done in sharing with other places the advantage still centered in Battle Creek. The Lord signified His displeasure over this matter by destroying two of the principal institutions remaining there.?{KC 2.1}
Notwithstanding the plain evidences of the Lord’s providence in these destructive fires, men in council meetings have not hesitated to stand before their brethren and make light of the statement that these buildings were burned because men had been swaying things in directions the Lord could not approve.?{KC 2.2}
Principles have been perverted. Men have been departing from right principles, for the promulgation of which these institutions were established. They have failed in doing the very work that God ordained should be done to prepare a people to “build the old waste places” and to stand in the breach, as is represented in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. In this scripture the work we are to do is clearly defined as being medical missionary work. This work is to be done in all places. God has a vineyard; and He desires that this vineyard shall be worked unselfishly. No parts are to be neglected. The most neglected portion needs the most wide awake missionaries to do the work portrayed in the fifty-seventh chapter of Isaiah.?{KC 2.3}
“Thou are wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not. There is no hope; thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved. And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? Have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not? I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.”?{KC 2.4}
“When thou criest, let they companies deliver thee; but the wind shall carry them all away; vanity shall take them, and shall inherit my holy mountain: and shall say, Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people for thus saith the high and lofty one that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend forever neither will I be always wroth; for the spirit should fail before me, and the souls which I have made. For the iniquity of his covetousness was I wroth, and smote him, I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on frowardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him; I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips; peace to him that is far off and to him that is near, saith the Lord; and I will heal him. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.”?{KC 2.5}
For their spirit should fail before me, saith the Lord, if I were to deal with my people in accordance with their perversity they could not endure my displeasure and my wrath. I have seen the perverse ways of every sinner. He who repents and does the works of righteousness I will convert and heal, and restore unto him my favour.?{KC 3.1}
I am instructed to say that in his judgments the Lord will remember mercy. For His own name’s sake He will not permit the froward and independent to carry out their unsanctified plans. He will visit them for their perversity of action. “There is no peace, saith my God to the wicked.”?{KC 3.2}
Concerning those who have been deceived and led astray by unconsecrated men, the Lord says: “Their course of action has not been in accordance with my will; yet for the righteousness of my own cause, for the truth’s sake, for the sake of those who have preserved their fear and love of God, I, who create the fruit of the lips, will put my message in the lips of those who will not be perverted. Although some may be deceived and blinded in their ideas of men and the purposes of men, I will heal every one who honors my name. All the penitent of Israel shall see my salvation. I, the Lord do rule, and I will fill with praise and thanksgiving the hearts of all who are nigh and afar off even all the penitent of Israel who have kept my way.”?{KC 3.3}
When iniquity abounds among the nations; when presentations are as marked as they have been during the past few years in America; when the Lord’s money is freely circulated by those who do not take the Word of God as their guide, when multitudes are honored, and great festivities are held, when all are interested in making everything possible of men, and are seeking their own pleasure (and we see all these things taking place now), then we may know that the condition of things is similar to the condition that existed in the days of Noah, when the Lord caused the inhabitants of the earth to drink the waters of the flood.?{KC 3.4}
Lot’s Experience
The state of the world now is similar to that which existed in the days of Lot, when Sodom’s corruption called for the angels visit to that wicked city, to see whether the cries coming up before heaven were of such a character that the inhabitants of beautiful Sodom—a city that had been so highly favored of God—had so corrupted their ways before the Lord that there was no hope of redemption. God’s wrath was revealed so signally because the corruption of the Sodomites was extended so deep. The heavenly visitants could see for themselves that the Sodomites had passed the limits of divine forbearance.?{KC 3.5}
The angels took Lot and his wife and daughters by the hand, to hasten their flight from the city, lest the storm of divine judgment should break upon the place they hesitated so much to leave. They were solemnly commanded to hasten; for the fiery storm would be delayed but little longer. But one of the fugitives presumptuously ventured to cast a regretful look backward to the doomed city, and she became a monument of God’s judgment,—showing how He regards unbelief and presumptuous rebellion.?{KC 3.6}
This visitation of God’s wrath upon Lot’s wife hurried the remaining three on their way from the city. But Lot, not desiring to flee to the mountains, had pleaded with the Lord to spare a smaller city a few miles from Sodom where he could flee. What unbelief he manifested. His faith was very weak. But God in His mercy spared [Zoar], in answer to Lot’s petitions.?{KC 3.7}
The result of their going into [Zoar] is plainly recorded in the Scriptures. All the cities surrounding Sodom were corrupted with the sins of the Sodomites.?{KC 4.1}
When iniquity abounds in a nation, there is always to be heard some voice giving warning and instruction, as the voice of Lot was heard in Sodom. Yet Lot could have preserved his family from many evils had he not made his home in this wicked, polluted city. All that Lot and his family did in Sodom could have been done by them, even if they had lived in a place some distance from the city. Enoch walked with God, and yet he did not live in the midst of any city, polluted with every kind of violence and wickedness, as did Lot in Sodom.?{KC 4.2}
I have not time now to present all that I hope the Lord will strengthen me to present to his people in regard to this matter.?{KC 4.3}
Seductive Influence
At this time, Jude’s testimony is of great force to all who desire to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit:?{KC 4.4}
“Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, the brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ and called; mercy unto you and peace, and love be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it is needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt afterwards destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”?{KC 4.5}
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves.”?{KC 4.6}
“Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeling themselves without fear; clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots, raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.”?{KC 4.7}
“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment?upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaking great swelling words, having man’s persons in admiration because of advantage. But beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how that they told you there would be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”?{KC 4.8}
“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.”?-?{KC 5.1}
Jude bears this message to guard believers against the seductive influence of false teachers, men who have a form of godliness but who are not safe leaders. In these last days, false teachers will arise and become actively zealous. All kinds of theories will be presented to divert the minds of men and women from the very truth that defines the position we can occupy with safety in this time when Satan is working with power upon religionists, leading them to make a pretense of being righteous, but to fail of placing themselves under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.?{KC 5.2}
False theories will be mingled with every phase of experience, and advocated with satanic earnestness in order to captivate the mind of every soul who is not rooted and grounded in a full knowledge of the sacred principles of the Word. In the very midst of us will arise false teachers, giving heed to seducing spirits whose doctrines are of satanic origin. These teachers will draw away disciples after themselves. Creeping in unawares, they will use flattering words, and make skillful misrepresentations with seductive tact.?{KC 5.3}A Message to Church Members
The only hope of our churches is to keep wide awake. Those who are well grounded in the truth of the Word, those who test everything by a “Thus saith the Lord” are safe. The Holy Spirit will guide those who prize the wisdom of God above the deceptive sophistries of satanic agencies. Let there be much praying, not in human lines but under the inspiration of love of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ. The families who believe the truth are to speak words of wisdom and intelligence,—words that will come to them as the result of searching the scriptures. Now is our time of test and trial. Now is the time when the members of every believing family must close their lips against speaking words of accusation concerning their brethren. Let them speak words that impart courage, and strengthen the faith which works by love and purifies the soul.?{KC 5.4}
Christian fathers and mothers are now called upon to fulfill their duties in the home. They must try to save their children unto eternal life. Let them not advise their children to connect with the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, or with the schools that shall be set in operation at Battle Creek. There is tenfold more danger now in our youth going there, than there has been in any period in the past.?{KC 6.1}
“There were false prophets also among the people,” says the apostle Peter concerning the church anciently, “even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them ensamples unto those that after should live ungodly; and delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked; (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds): the Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptation, and to remove the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.”?{KC 6.2}
The Lord is guarding His people against a repetition of the errors and mistakes of the past. There have always abounded false teachers, who, advocating erroneous doctrines and unholy practices, and working upon false principles in a most specious, covert, deceptive manner, having endeavored to deceive, if possible, the very elect. They bind themselves up in their own fallacies. If they do not succeed, because their way becomes hedged by warnings from God, they will change somewhat the features of their work, and the representations they have made, and bring out their plans again under a false showing. They refuse to confess, repent, and believe. Confession may be made, but no real reformation takes place, and erroneous theories bring ruin upon unsuspecting souls, because these souls believe and rely upon the men advocating these theories.?{KC 6.3}
Word of Caution
I am instructed to charge parents to take heed, to keep their children guarded and away from Battle Creek. And let all take heed how they hear. Many things are reported in regard to Sister White. Some say one thing, and some say another. There are those who say that Sister White does not object to our having a college in Battle Creek. Until Sister White herself makes this statement, do not believe it. To those who know the messages from the Lord, I would say Hold fast: for soon all will be fulfilled. Hold fast to the Bible. “Search the Scriptures,” Christ said, “for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”?{KC 6.4}
Many will become so pleased with erroneous sentiments that they will engage in the promulgation of these sentiments and of specious, deceptive?theories. And more than this, they will liberally pay anyone who will assist in promulgating these sentiments.?{KC 6.5}
Let our churches beware of any effort made to draw our youth from their home churches to unite with an institution in order to wait upon worldlings. I call upon those in charge of our churches to beware. You are shepherds, set to watch over the sheep and lambs of Christ’s flock. Our youth better far receive their education in a limited sphere than to go to Battle Creek. But because our youth should not go to Battle Creek, they are not to be bound about, so that they cannot develop. They should daily be given the highest motives to advance. They should attend our schools, and the teacher should work with them, and pray with them. They should leave these schools true medical missionaries firmly bound up with the gospel ministry.?{KC 7.1}
Our churches who have a deep interest in the children and youth and in the work of training workers to carry forward the work essential for this time, need not blunder; for God will open ways before all who are perfecting Christian characters. He will have places already for them in which to begin to do true missionary work. It was to prepare workers for this work, that our schools and sanitariums were established.?{KC 7.2}
Let us make no mistakes. The word declared, “Many shall come in my name saying, I am Christ.” There shall arise false prophets and false Christs and shall show great signs and wonders: insomuch that if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Shall we receive these into our confidence, No no. We are to receive only those who give the surest evidence that they are doing the work appointed them by God.?{KC 7.3}
The Work Before Us
I say to our people, Let not those on whom we must depend to do gospel missionary work in places where the truth should be represented, be drawn away by any pretense from their work. The cause of God needs the very best workers. God’s workers are ever to cherish a clear idea of what constitutes pure and undefiled religion. In the cities where the truth is to be established there will be needed workers of Bible faith and practice. The work of God is to be carried forward in the South, and the youths whose talents makes them most desired in Battle Creek are to be ready to step into the places prepared for them in institutions where they can obtain a training for work without being thrown into companionship of worldly people, who know not God, and whose wrong sentiments will leaven the mind of those with whom they are brought in contact. We cannot afford to allow the minds of our youth to be thus leavened; for it is on these youth that we must depend to carry forward the work in the future.?{KC 7.4}
The work at Washington will demand the best and most earnest missionaries. This place, the headquarters of the nation, is a most important field, and there must be those there who are able to state wisely the reasons of their faith. There will be needed young men and young women of capability, who can take up the work as pioneers, and carry it forward in the strength of the Lord.?{KC 7.5}
God’s people are to keep their lamps trimmed and burning amid the moral darkness and the unbelief of the world. Canvasser—evangelists are needed to circulate the publications containing the messages of warning for this time.?{KC 7.6}
I call upon the Presidents of our Conferences to exert their God-given influence to open the fields that have never yet been worked. These fields stand as a reproach to our people. Organize your work intelligently, and then proceed to action. Let your simplicity of speech and your simplicity and neatness of dress, speak of your work as missionaries. Educational advantages will be provided and the Lord will go before those who will take up the work in the spirit of self-sacrifice.?{KC 8.1}
Study the life and teachings of Christ. Men may bid for your services, offering large inducements. Remember that Christ paid for you the price of His own life, and that you are not your own. You are to glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are His.?{KC 8.2}
Humility and benevolence are traits of character that God acknowledges. The Word of God inculcates humility, and encourages benevolence. Humility places man on vantage ground, through the grace of Christ. Christ came to this world to reveal these precious graces as an illustration of the graces that those must reveal who are received as members of the royal family, children of the heavenly king.?{KC 8.3}
To all Christ says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest (in the daily experience) unto your souls.” Rest will come to all who follow the example given them in the life of Christ. The one whose life practise shows that he has savingly embraced the gospel of Christ will gain access to many souls. This is true of both men and women, and especially of the youth.?{KC 8.4}
“Of the times and seasons brethren, we have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”?{KC 8.5}
Professed Christians who are being transformed into the likeness of Christ, and who love him with all the heart, will earnestly labor to establish the truth in many places. This is the very work the great Medical Missionary has given us to do. Steadfast faith and perseverance in practical godliness will open the way before every true Christian. And when souls are converted through the instrumentality of such workers, they will give all the glory to God, and will rejoice with exceeding great joy.?{KC 8.6}
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