1890年11月3日，我在纽约州的萨拉曼卡工作。当我在夜间的异象中与上帝交通时，我被带到各州举行的聚会上，发表了责备和警告的明确证言。在巴特尔克里克，一批传道人和出版社等机构的负责人被召集起来。我听见聚集的人以毫不温柔的精神，提出自己的观点，强调所要采取的措施，使我心中充满忧虑和悲伤。{SpTA02b 107.1}
多年以前，我曾蒙召经历类似的经验，主当时向我启示了许多重要的真理，赐给我要传给危险中人的警告。在11月3日晚上，这些警告被带到了我的心中。我奉命把它们传给那些位高权重的人，不可灰心，也不可丧胆。展示在我面前的有些事是我不能理解的;但主向我保证，祂不会让祂的子民被笼罩在世间怀疑论和不信的迷雾中，跟世人绑在一起。他们如果听从祂的声音，顺从祂的诫命，祂就会带领他们超越怀疑论和不信的迷雾，把他们的脚放在磐石上，使他们可以呼吸安全和胜利的空气。{SpTA02b 107.2}
我在恳切祈祷的时候，对周围的一切失去了知觉。房间充满了亮光，我正在向一班会众，似乎是总会的人传达一道信息。我被上帝的灵感动，要发出最恳切的呼吁;因为我感受到在工作的中心有大危险摆在我们前面。我一直身心交瘁，思虑重重，因为我必须传一道信息给我们在巴特尔克里克的人，警告他们一系列会使出版社与上帝分离的行动。{SpTA02b 108.1}
主以忧伤和不悦的眼神看着祂的百姓说：“然而有一件事我要责备你，就是你把起初的爱心离弃了。所以，应当回想你是从哪里坠落的，并要悔改，行起初所行的事。你若不悔改，我就临到你那里，把你的灯台从原处挪去”(启2:4,5)。主曾为不肯悔悟的以色列人哭泣，注意到他们对上帝和他们的救赎主基督的无知。祂也看着巴特尔克里克的工作中心。百姓周围有大危险，有些人却不知道。不信和不悔改使他们盲目。在出版工作中，他们信任人的智慧，来指导上帝圣工最重要的部门。人们正以人类判断的弱点，把各方面的控制权集中到他们有限的手中，却没有寻求必不可少的上帝的旨意、方法和忠告。顽梗固执的人，不论在不在职，都联合在一起，决心按照他们自己的判断实行某些措施。我对他们说：“你们不能这样做。这些大机构的控制权不能完全交给那些在上帝的事上经验甚少，且没有属灵辨识力的人。我们这班上帝的子民不可因犯错之人的管理不善，动摇对圣工伟大中心这些重要机构的信心。这些机构对我们在美国和外国的教会有决定性的影响。如果你们把手放在出版工作这个上帝伟大的工具上，把你们的模式和名号加在上面，你们就会发现它必危害你们自己的心灵，使上帝的工作损失惨重。在上帝看来，它是一宗大罪，就象乌撒的罪一样。他当时伸手要稳住约柜。有些人插手别人的工作，而上帝对他们的要求只是行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心与上帝同行，本着良心工作，像受人们雇用的人一样去做委托给他们的工作。有些人没能这么做，就如他们的工作所证明的。无论他们是何职位，无论他们负何责任，即使他们拥有像亚哈那么多的权柄，他们也会发现上帝在他们之上，祂的主权才是至高的。”{SpTA02b 108.2}
工人们谁也不要高抬自己，设法贯彻自己的想法而不经上帝的子民认可与合作。他们不会成功，因为上帝不会允许这样。我们中间各机构的基础是本着牺牲奠定的。这些机构属于信徒，一切曾经舍己并按照自己的能力作出或大或小的牺牲使这些机构得以建立的人，都应该对这些机构特别关心。他们不应该失去兴趣，对工作的成功变得失望。末后日子的危险既在我们周围加重，他们就应该更加恳切地祈祷，好使圣工兴旺。那些在工作经历艰难的时候负起担子的人，应该在重要的议会中有分;因为他们曾经有分，比起现在，那时认为聚在一起商议是一件远为严肃而且神圣的事。不该与不信的人结盟，也不该召集一些选定的人，就是那些与你们观点一致，对你们提出的一切都说阿们的人，而你们认为不与你们和谐的人却被排除在外。我蒙指示，这样做有很大的危险。{SpTA02b 110.1}
“耶和华以大能的手，指教我不可行这百姓所行的道，对我这样说，这百姓说同谋背叛，你们不要说同谋背叛。他们所怕的，你们不要怕，也不要畏惧。但要尊万军之耶和华为圣，以祂为你们所当怕的，所当畏惧的。……人当以训诲和法度为标准;他们所说的若不与此相符，必不得见晨光”(赛8:12,13,20)。世界不可作为我们的标准。要让主行事，让主的声音被听到。{SpTA02b 110.2}
那些在改变世界的圣工中任何部门工作的人，不可与不认识真理的人结盟。世人不认识圣父或圣子。他们对我们工作的性质，没有属灵的辨识力，不知道我们该做什么，不该做什么。我们必须顺从来自上面的命令，不可听取不信之人的建议，接受他们所提出的计划。那些不知道上帝当今圣工的人，所提出的建议必削弱上帝机构的能力。接受了这种建议，就会轻视基督的忠告。{SpTA02b 111.1}
总的来说对天上的上帝怀有太少敬畏、爱戴与尊重了。那些参与出版社管理的人，在有关祂圣工的事上，对祂天意的作为太少信心了。为什么这样呢?因为他们没有属灵的智慧。大危险乃在于事实上人们的生活离耶稣很远，以致他们没能认出祂的声音，接受祂的劝勉，持守祂的道路，尊荣祂的名;他们变得自高起来，行在自己所点火把的亮光中。因此他们没能晓得撒但的诡计，便被引诱采纳了看似正确的措施，尽管那些措施是上帝与人类共同的狡敌唆使的，要把人的模子加在工作上，羞辱上帝的名。{SpTA02b 111.2}
早在1882年，关于工作的要点和工人应有的精神，就有关系最深切利益的证言呈现在我们的人面前。因为这些警告遭到了忽视，许多人就一直怀有那些警告所指出的罪恶，阻碍工作的进展，危及许多人的灵魂。撒但完全醒着，趁着人们睡觉的时候，他撒下稗子。在完成反叛之工时，撒但被描绘为一个吼叫的狮子，四处游行，寻找可吞吃的人。那些自足自负的人，既不感到需要不断祷告和警醒，就会被诱捕。藉着活泼的信心和恳切的祷告，上帝的哨兵们必须变得与上帝的性情有分，否则就会被发现他们虽然自称为上帝作工，实际上却在侍奉黑暗之君。因为他们的眼目没有涂上属天的眼药，他们的悟性就会盲目，他们就会不晓得仇敌惊人的似是而非的诡计。他们的视力就会因依靠人的智慧而败坏，人的智慧在上帝看乃是愚拙。{SpTA02b 112.1}
主的眼目在察看所有的工作，所有的计划，和每一个人心中所有的念头;祂看到事物表面底下的实质，洞悉内心的思想和愿望。没有一件暗中的行为，没有一个计划和心中的想法，不在祂面前像一本敞开的书的。每一个行动，每一句话，每一个动机，都被如实地记在伟大的鉴察人心之主的册子上，祂说：“我知道你的行为”(启2:2)。{SpTA02b 113.1}
我蒙指示，以色列人在撒母耳时期的荒唐事会在今日上帝的子民中重演，除非我们有更大的谦卑，更少的自信，更多地信靠人类的统治者、以色列的上帝。只有当神能和人的努力结合时，这项工作才会经得起考验。当人们不再倚靠人或自己的判断，而信赖上帝的时候，就会藉着少说话多祷告，藉着谨慎计划和行动而在各种场合表现出来。这样的人会表明自己是依赖上帝的，有基督的心志。{SpTA02b 113.2}
我再三得到指示，上帝的子民在这末后的日子倚靠人，倚靠血肉的膀臂是不安全的。真理的大刀已经把他们从世上切割出来，如同粗糙的石块，必须经过切磋琢磨，才能用来建造属天的建筑。他们必须被众先知的责备、警告、劝戒和忠告所砍凿，以便按照那神圣的模范被塑造。这是保惠师的特定工作。祂要改变人的内心和品格，好使人能遵守主道。{SpTA02b 113.3}
我现在扬声发出警告;因为你们处在危险中。当危险威胁着人们的时候，就要让他们知道;不要把他们撇在黑暗里。“人子啊，我立你作以色列家守望的人，所以你要听我口中的话，替我警戒他们。我何时指着恶人说：他必要死;你若不警戒他，也不劝戒他，使他离开恶行，拯救他的性命，这恶人必死在罪孽之中;我却要向你讨他丧命的血。倘若你警戒恶人，他仍不转离罪恶，也不离开恶行，他必死在罪孽之中，你却救自己脱离了罪。再者，义人何时离义而犯罪，我将绊脚石放在他面前，他就必死;因你没有警戒他，他必死在罪中，他素来所行的义不被记念;我却要向你讨他丧命的血。倘若你警戒义人，使他不犯罪，他就不犯罪;他因受警戒就必存活，你也救自己脱离了罪”(结3:17-21)。{SpTA02b 114.1}
自从1845年以来，上帝子民的危险时常被呈现在我面前。我蒙指示，在末后的日子，余民周围的危险会更密集。这些危险已显示给我，直到现今。重大的场面不久就要展开在我们面前。主快要带着能力和大荣耀降临。撒但知道他所篡夺的权柄不久就要永远结束了。他要获得世界控制权的最后机会现在就在他面前。他必做出最坚决的努力，来毁灭地上的居民。相信真理的人必须像忠心的哨兵在守望楼上，否则撒但就会向他们提出似是而非的理论。他们就会说出辜负庄严神圣委托的意见。当撒但集中力量进行其最后的叛乱工作时，他对上帝的敌意必要越来越明显;每一个没有完全投诚于上帝，并蒙神能保守的人，都必与撒但结成反对天国的联盟，参加反对宇宙统治者的战争。{SpTA02b 114.2}
在1880年赐下的一个异象中，我问：“在末后这些危险的日子中，上帝子民的保障在哪里呢?”回答是：“耶稣在为祂的子民代求，虽然撒但站在祂右边，与祂作对。”“耶和华向撒但说：‘撒但哪，耶和华责备你!就是拣选耶路撒冷的耶和华责备你!这不是从火中抽出来的一根柴吗?’”作为人类的代求者和辩护者，耶稣必带领凡愿意被带领的人，说：“跟随我步步向上，在那里有公义日头的明光照耀。”{SpTA02b 115.1}
但并不是所有人都在随从那亮光。有些人正在离开安全的道路，就是步步谦卑的道路。上帝已经把现代信息交给了祂的仆人;但这个信息并不是每一点都符合所有领导人的想法，于是有些人就批评这信息和使者。他们甚至胆敢拒绝上帝藉着圣灵传给他们的责备的话。{SpTA02b 116.1}
主曾不遗余力地感动那些抛弃祂的警告和责备，认为上帝之灵证言的来源不比人的智慧更高的人。当审判的时候，这样做的人能为拒绝上帝所赐证明祂在工作的证据提出什么藉口呢?“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”(太7:20)。现在我不愿在你们面前重述过去两年里所赐的证据，证明上帝藉着祂所拣选的仆人行事;但是有关祂的作为现在的证据摆在你们面前，你们就有义务相信。你们不能忽视上帝警告的信息，不能拒绝或漠然对待这些信息，而不冒着无限损失的危险。放纵挑剔找岔，嘲笑奚落，误传误说等毛病，其代价只能是降低你心灵的品质。使用这种武器不会为你赢得宝贵的胜利，反而会贬低你的思想，使你的心灵与上帝分离。神圣的事物被降到了凡俗的水平，并造成使黑暗之君欢喜，使上帝的灵忧伤的事态。挑剔和批评使人缺乏恩典的露水，像基利波山缺乏雨水一样。不可信任那些放纵嘲笑奚落和误传误说之人的判断。一点不可看重他们的建议或解决方案。你在作出决定推进上帝的圣工之前，必须拥有神圣的凭证。{SpTA02b 116.2}
控告和批评上帝正在使用的人，就是控告和批评差派他们的主。所有的人都需要培养自己的宗教才能，好使他们对信仰的事有正确的辨识力。有些人没有能力区分精金和闪光之物、实体和影子。{SpTA02b 117.1}
在明尼阿波利斯所流行的偏见和各种意见绝没有消失。那里撒下的种子在一些人的心里正要发芽成长，结出类似的成果。顶部虽然砍下下来，根部却未铲除，仍在结出不圣洁的果子，毒害与他们接触之人对信息和使者的判断，败坏他们的悟性，蒙蔽他们的见解。当你们藉着彻底的认罪，消灭苦毒的根时，你们就必在上帝的光中见光。如果没有这种彻底的工作，你们就决不能清洁你们的心。你们要决心研究上帝的话，不是为了证实你们自己的想法，而是要调整你们的观念，按照它们是否与上帝的话和谐一致，或予以谴责或予以认可。圣经应该成为你们常在的同伴。你们应该研究证言，不是为了挑选几个中意的句子，来支持你们的主张，同时却漠视所赐给你们、纠正你们行动的最清楚的话语。{SpTA02b 117.2}
我们中间有了背离上帝的事。信徒尚未发热心悔改，恢复起初的爱心，达到回归上帝和新生的目的。背信之念侵入了我们的队伍，因为离开基督，接受怀疑论已成时尚。许多人心中的呼声是：“我们不愿意这个人作我们的王”(路19:14)。他们选择的乃是巴力。我们中许多人的信仰与背道的以色列人相似，因为他们喜爱自己的道路，离弃主的道路。真宗教，就是圣经唯一的宗教，教导人只有藉着被钉而复活之救主的功劳才能得蒙赦免，倡导因信上帝的儿子而得称义。这种信仰竟遭到轻视，反对，嘲笑和拒绝，被指责为导致狂热和盲信。但只有耶稣基督的生命在人心中，只有圣灵所赐爱的积极原则，才能使人结出善果。基督的爱是人所传一切上帝信息的力量所在。我们如果没能在信仰上合而为一，那会有什么前途呢?{SpTA02b 118.1}
当我们达到基督所祈求的合一时，撒但的爪牙所挑起的长期争执就结束了。我们就不会见到人按照世人的规矩制定计划，因为他们没有属灵的眼光，不能看透属灵的事。他们现在看人好像树木在行走，他们需要神圣的触摸，好使可以看上帝所看的，行基督所行的。那时，锡安的守望者们就会以更清楚、更响亮的音调一致吹响号角;因为他们会看到刀剑来到，并且认识到上帝的子民所处的危险。{SpTA02b 119.1}
你需要为自己的脚把道路修直了，使瘸子不至差路。我们周围尽是在信心上瘸腿跛行的人，你要帮助他们，不是用你自己也跛行的办法，而是藉着像受过考验和证明的人那样，站在在磐石般稳固的原则上。我知道有一项工作必须为人做成，否则许多人就不会准备好领受那位天使的亮光。他从天上奉差遣而来，要因他的荣耀使全地发光。如果你高抬自己的心到虚妄的地步，说弯曲悖谬的话，秘密怀藏苦毒的根，就不要以为你在晚雨降下的时候会成为尊荣的器皿，领受上帝的荣耀。每一个怀藏并培养纷争之根和非基督化精神的人，都必招致上帝的不悦。{SpTA02b 119.2}
当上帝的灵停留在我身上时，我似乎出席了你们的一次议事会。你们中的一位站了起来，态度十分坚决而诚恳，他拿着一份报刊站在你们面前。我清楚地看到那份报刊的标题，那就是《美国哨兵》。人们对那份报刊和其中文章的性质提出了批评。与会者指着某些段落，说这段必须删去，那段必须修改。在批评办报的方法时，措辞强烈。充满非基督化的精神，语气强横而傲慢。{SpTA02b 120.1}
我的向导给了我一些警告和责备的话，要传达给参加会议的人。他们曾毫不迟疑地提出指控和谴责。主所赐下的责备大意是：主没有主持这次议事会。顾问们中间有一种纷争的精神。这些人的心思意念没有受上帝之灵的控制和感化。让我们信仰的仇敌们提出和实施你们正讨论的计划吧。即使从世人的观点来看，这些计划中的有一些也是不妥当的。已经拥有了天国亮光的人就更不该采用了。上帝已经赐下的亮光应该受到尊重，不仅为了你们自己的安全，也为了上帝教会的安全。上帝的余民不可随从现在由少数人所采取的步骤。你们的做法不能得到主的支持。你们的行动方针表明你们制定计划并没有祂的帮助。祂是大有谋略的;但主必行事。那些批评上帝工作的人，他们的眼睛需要被膏抹，因为他们觉得自己力量强壮;但有一位能捆住壮士的膀臂，并且使明哲人的谋略尽归无有。{SpTA02b 120.2}
我们所必须传扬的信息并不需要卑躬屈膝地去传。我们不可掩盖它，隐藏它的来源和目的。宣传信息的人不应是昼夜闭口不说话的人。我们是已向上帝庄严地宣誓，被任命为基督的使者，担任上帝恩典奥秘的管家的人，所以有责任传讲上帝的全部忠告。那些把我们从世界分别出来，使我们成为特殊子民的特别真理，我们不可秘而不宣，因为它们关系到永恒的权益。有关末日剩下时间里正在发生的事，上帝已经赐给我们亮光。我们要用笔和声音把真理传给世界，不是以一种乏味、无精打采的方式，而是以圣灵和上帝大能的明证。传扬这个信息，会使我们卷入最剧烈的斗争。传播的结果对天地都有重大意义。{SpTA02b 121.1}
善恶两大势力之间的斗争不久就要结束了。但在这场斗争结束之前，会有持续而剧烈的争夺。我们现在应该像但以理和他的同伴们在巴比伦一样，决心忠于原则，无论发生什么事情。那比平常烧热七倍的火炉并没有使上帝的这些忠仆们转而不效忠真理。他们在考验的时期站稳了，并且被扔进了火炉里，但他们没有被上帝丢弃。有第四位在火中显现与他们一同行走。他们出来时衣服上连火燎的气味都没有。{SpTA02b 121.2}
狮子坑没能阻止但以理坚定地忠于职责。他并没有因若忠于上帝就会受到死亡威胁而隐瞒自己的意图或降下自己的旗帜。面对王的禁令，他一日三次在自己的房间寻求主，他房间的窗户开向耶路撒冷。他被丢进狮子坑，但上帝搭救了他。{SpTA02b 122.1}
让我们看看以利亚的情况吧。时候已到，他必须见他的死敌，就是以色列的暴君，背叛了父辈信仰的残忍的亚哈。在回答王的询问：“使以色列遭灾的就是你吗”(王上18:17)的时候，以利亚在王面前软弱了吗?他畏缩和退缩并且说奉承话以便平息王怒了吗?以色列已败坏了自己的信仰，离弃了效忠上帝之路，而今先知要为保命而辜负庄严神圣的托付吗?{SpTA02b 122.2}
他说柔和的话取悦王并寻求王的恩宠了吗?他会回避这个问题吗?他会向王隐瞒上帝的审判正落在以色列全地的真正原因吗?不会!他作为上帝的使者，必须宣扬真理，就是那种时势需要的真理。他因背道的以色列而负着忧伤的重担。他必须把他们的变节高举在他们面前，好叫他们在主面前自卑，祂好从他们身上转离祂的烈怒。以利亚面对暴怒的王，回答道：“使以色列遭灾的不是我，乃是你和你父家;因为你们离弃耶和华的诫命，去随从巴力”(王上18:18)。{SpTA02b 123.1}
现今世上充满了阿谀奉承和伪善的人;但是上帝禁止自称是神圣真理的护卫者的人，藉着众义之敌曲意奉承的提议和策略，出卖上帝圣工的权益。{SpTA02b 123.2}
我们现在没有时间站在违背上帝律法的人一边，用他们的眼睛看，用他们的耳朵听，用他们变态的感官去理解。我们必须团结在一起，努力争取成为一体，在生活上圣洁，在品格上纯洁。愿自称是永生上帝仆人的人不再向人的意见这个偶像下拜，不再作任何一种可耻私欲的奴隶，不再把一份污秽了的供物，一颗被罪玷污了的心灵带给主。{SpTA02b 123.3}
怀爱伦
November 3, 1890, while laboring at Salamanca, N.Y., as I was in communion with God in the night season, I was taken out of and away from myself to assemblies in different States, where I bore a decided testimony of reproof and warning. In Battle Creek a council of ministers and responsible men from the publishing house and other institutions was convened, and I heard those assembled, in no gentle spirit, advance sentiments and urge measures for adoption that filled me with apprehension and distress.{SpTA02b 107.1}[1]
Years before, I had been called to pass through a similar experience, and the Lord then revealed to me many things of vital importance, and gave me warnings that must be delivered to those in peril. On the night of November 3, these warnings were brought to my mind, and I was commanded to present them before those in responsible offices of trust, and to fail not, nor be discouraged. There were laid out before me some things which I could not comprehend; but the assurance was given me that the Lord would not allow his people to be enshrouded in the fogs of worldly skepticism and infidelity, bound up in bundles with the world; but if they would only hear and follow his voice, rendering obedience to his commandments, he would lead them above the mists of skepticism and unbelief, and place their feet upon the Rock, where they might breathe the atmosphere of security and triumph.{SpTA02b 107.2}[2]
While engaged in earnest prayer, I was lost to everything around me; the room was filled with light, and I was bearing a message to an assembly that seemed to be the General Conference. I was moved by the Spirit of God to make a most earnest appeal; for I was impressed that great danger was before us at the heart of the work. I had been, and still was, bowed down with distress of mind and body, burdened with the thought that I must bear a message to our people at Battle Creek, to warn them against a line of action that would separate God from the publishing house.{SpTA02b 108.1}[3]
The eyes of the Lord were bent upon the people in sorrow mingled with displeasure, and the words were spoken, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” He who wept over impenitent Israel, noting their ignorance of God, and of Christ their Redeemer, looked upon the heart of the work at Battle Creek. Great peril was about the people, but some knew it not. Unbelief and impenitence blinded their eyes, and they trusted to human wisdom in the guidance of the most important interests of the cause of God relating to the publishing work. In the weakness of human judgment,men were gathering into their finite hands the lines of control, while God’s will, God’s way and counsel, were not sought as indispensable. Men of stubborn, iron-like will, both in and out of the office, were confederating together, determined to drive certain measures through in accordance with their own judgment. I said to them: “You cannot do this. The control of these large interests cannot be vested wholly in those who make it manifest that they have little experience in the things of God, and have not spiritual discernment. The people of God throughout our ranks must not, because of mismanagement on the part of erring men, have their confidence shaken in the important interests at the great heart of the work, which have a decided influence upon our churches in the United States and in foreign lands. If you lay your hand upon the publishing work, this great instrumentality of God, to place your mold and superscription upon it, you will find that it will be dangerous to your own souls, and disastrous to the work of God. It will be as great a sin in the sight of God as was the sin of Uzzah when he put forth his hand to steady the ark. There are those who have entered into other men’s labors, and all that God requires of them is to deal justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with God, to labor conscientiously as men employed by the people to do the work entrusted to their hands. Some have failed to do this, as their works testify. Whatever may be their position, whatever their responsibility, if they?have as much authority even as had Ahab, they will find that God is above them, that his sovereignty is supreme.”{SpTA02b 108.2}[4]
Let none of the workers exalt themselves, and seek to carry through their ideas without the sanction and co-operation of the people of God. They will not succeed, for God will not permit it. The foundations of the institutions among us were laid in sacrifice. They belong to the people, and all who have denied self, and make sacrifices great or small according to their ability, to bring these instrumentalities into existence, should feel that they have a special interest in them. They should not lose their interest, or become despondent in regard to the success of the work. As the perils of the last days thicken about us, they should pray more earnestly that the work may prosper. Those who have lifted burdens when the work went hard, should have a part in important councils; for they acted a part when counseling together was considered a far more solemn and sacred matter than it is now. No confederacy should be formed with unbelievers, neither should you call together a certain chosen number who think as you do, and who will say Amen to all that you propose, while others are excluded, who you think will not be in harmony. I was shown that there was great danger of doing this.{SpTA02b 110.1}[5]
“For the Lord spake thus unto me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy, neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.... To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” The world is not to be our criterion. Let the Lord work, let the Lord’s voice be heard.{SpTA02b 110.2}[6]
Those employed in any department of the work whereby the world may be transformed, must not enter into alliance with those who know not the truth. The world know not the Father or the Son, and they have no spiritual discernment as to the character of our work, as to what we shall do, or shall not do. We must obey the orders that come from above. We are not to hear the counsel or follow the plans suggested by unbelievers. Suggestions made by those who know not the work that God is doing for this time, will be such as to weaken the power of the instrumentalities of God. By accepting such suggestions, the counsel of Christ is set at naught.{SpTA02b 111.1}[7]
There is cherished altogether too little fear, love, and reverence for the God of heaven. There is far too little faith in the workings of his providence, in matters concerning his cause, with those who are connected with the active management of the publishing house. Why is this? Because they are not spiritually wise. The great peril is in the fact that men live so far apart from Jesus that they fail to discern his voice, receive his counsel, keep his way, and honor his name; they become self-exalted, and walk in the sparks of their own kindling. Because of this they fail to understand the devices of Satan, and are led to adopt measures that appear right, although they are instigated by the artful enemy of God and man, to place a human mold upon the work, dishonoring the name of God.{SpTA02b 111.2}[8]
As far back as 1882, testimonies of the deepest interest on points of vital importance, were presented to our people, in regard to the work, and the spirit that should characterize the workers. Because these warnings have been neglected, the same evils that they pointed out have been cherished by many, hindering the progress of the work, and imperiling many souls. Satan is wide awake, and while men sleep, he sows his tares. In completing the work of rebellion, Satan is represented as a roaring lion, going about seeking whom he may devour. Those who are self-sufficient, who do not feel the necessity of constant prayer and watchfulness, will be ensnared. Through living faith and earnest prayer the sentinels of God must become partakers of the divine nature, or they will be found professedly working for God, but in reality giving their service to the prince of darkness. Because their eyes are not anointed with the heavenly eye-salve, their understanding will be blinded, and they will be ignorant of the wonderfully specious devices of the enemy. Their vision will be perverted through their dependence on human wisdom, which is foolishness in the sight of God.{SpTA02b 112.1}[9]
The eye of the Lord is upon all the work, all the plans, all the imaginings of every mind; he sees beneath the surface of things, discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart. There is not a deed of darkness, not a plan, not an imagination of the heart, not a thought of the mind, but that he reads it as an open book. Every act, every word, every motive, is faithfully chronicled in the records by the great Heart-searcher, who said, “I know thy works.”{SpTA02b 113.1}[10]
I was shown that the follies of Israel in the days of Samuel will be repeated among the people of God today, unless there is greater humility, less confidence in self, and more trust in the Lord God of Israel, the Ruler of the people. It is only as divine power is combined with human effort that the work will abide the test. When men lean no longer on men or on their own judgment, but make God their trust, it will be made manifest in every instance by meekness of spirit, by less talking and much more praying, by the exercise of caution in their plans and movements. Such men will reveal the fact that their dependence is in God, that they have the mind of Christ.{SpTA02b 113.2}[11]
Again and again I have been shown that the people of God in these last days could not be safe in trusting in men, and making flesh their arm. The mighty cleaver of truth has taken them out of the world as rough stones that are to be hewed and squared and polished for the heavenly building. They must be hewed by the prophets with reproof, warning, admonition, and advice, that they may be fashioned after the divine Pattern; this is the specified work of the Comforter, to transform heart and character, that men may keep the way of the Lord.{SpTA02b 113.3}[12]
I now raise my voice in warning; for you are in danger. The people are to know when peril is threatening them; they are not to be left in darkness. “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul. Again when a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sins, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man that the righteous man sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.”{SpTA02b 114.1}[13]
Since 1845 the dangers of the people of God have from time to time been laid open before me, and I have been shown?the perils that would thicken about the remnant in the last days. These perils have been revealed to me down to the present time. Great scenes are soon to open before us. The Lord is coming with power and great glory. And Satan knows that his usurped authority will soon be forever at an end. His last opportunity to gain control of the world is now before him, and he will make most decided efforts to accomplish the destruction of the inhabitants of the earth. Those who believe the truth must be as faithful sentinels on the watchtower, or Satan will suggest specious reasonings to them, and they will give utterance to opinions that will betray sacred, holy trusts. The enmity of Satan against good, will be manifested more and more, as he brings his forces into activity in his last work of rebellion, and every soul that is not fully surrendered to God, and kept by divine power, will form an alliance with Satan against heaven, and join in battle against the Ruler of the Universe.{SpTA02b 114.2}[14]
In a vision given in 1880 I asked, “Where is the security for the people of God in these days of peril.” The answer was: “Jesus maketh intercession for his people, though Satan standeth at his right hand to resist him.” “And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem, rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” As man’s Intercessor and Advocate, Jesus will lead all who are willing to be led, saying, “Follow me upward, step by step,where the clear light of the Son of Righteousness shines.”{SpTA02b 115.1}[15]
But not all are following the light. Some are moving away from the safe path, which at every step is a path of humility. God has committed to his servants a message for this time; but this message does not in every particular coincide with the ideas of all the leading men, and some criticise the message and the messengers. They dare even to reject the words of reproof sent to them from God through his Holy Spirit.{SpTA02b 116.1}[16]
What reserve power has the Lord with which to reach those who have cast aside his warnings and reproofs, and have accredited the testimonies of the Spirit of God to no higher source than human wisdom? In the Judgment, what can you who have done this, offer to God as an excuse for turning from the evidences he has given you that God was in the work? “By their fruits ye shall know them.” I would not now rehearse before you the evidences given in the past two years of the dealings of God by his chosen servants; but the present evidence of his working is revealed to you, and you are now under obligation to believe. You cannot neglect God’s messages of warning, you cannot reject them or treat them lightly, but at the peril of infinite loss. Caviling, ridicule, and misrepresentation can be indulged in only at the expense of the debasement of your own souls. The use of such weapons does not gain precious victories for you, but rather cheapens the mind, and separates the soul from God. Sacred things are brought?down to the level of the common, and a condition of things is created that pleases the prince of darkness, and grieves away the Spirit of God. Caviling and criticism leave the soul as devoid of the dew of grace as the hills of Gilboa were destitute of rain. Confidence cannot be placed in the judgment of those who indulge in ridicule and misrepresentation. No weight can be attached to their advice or resolutions. You must bear the divine credentials before you make decided movements to shape the working of God’s cause.{SpTA02b 116.2}[17]
To accuse and criticise those whom God is using, is to accuse and criticise the Lord, who has sent them. All need to cultivate their religious faculties, that they may have a right discernment of religious things. Some have failed to distinguish between pure gold and mere glitter, between the substance and the shadow.{SpTA02b 117.1}[18]
The prejudices and opinions that prevailed at Minneapolis are not dead by any means; the seeds sown there in some hearts are ready to spring into life and bear a like harvest. The tops have been cut down, but the roots have never been eradicated, and they still bear their unholy fruit to poison the judgment, pervert the perceptions, and blind the understanding of those with whom you connect, in regard to the message and the messengers. When by thorough confession, you destroy the root of bitterness, you will see light in God’s light. Without this thorough work you will never clear your souls. You need to study the word of God with a purpose, not to confirm your own ideas, but to bring them to be trimmed, to be condemned or approved, as they are or are not in harmony with the word of God. The Bible should be your constant companion. You should study the Testimonies, not to pick out certain sentences to use as you see fit, to strengthen your assertions, while you disregard the plainest statements given to correct your course of action.{SpTA02b 117.2}[19]
There has been a departure from God among us, and the zealous work of repentance and return to our first love essential to restoration to God and regeneration of heart has not yet been done. Infidelity has been making its inroads into our ranks; for it is the fashion to depart from Christ, and give place to skepticism. With many the cry of the heart has been, “We will not have this man to reign over us.” Baal, Baal, is the choice. The religion of many among us will be the religion of apostate Israel, because they love their own way, and forsake the way of the Lord. The true religion, the only religion of the Bible, that teaches forgiveness only through the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, that advocates righteousness by the faith of the Son of God, has been slighted, spoken against, ridiculed, and rejected. It has been denounced as leading to enthusiasm and fanaticism. But it is the life of Jesus Christ in the soul, it is the active principle of love imparted by the Holy Spirit, that alone will make the soul fruitful unto good works. The Love of Christ is the force and power of every message for God?that ever fell from human lips. What kind of a future is before us, if we shall fail to come into the unity of the faith?{SpTA02b 118.1}[20]
When we are united in the unity for which Christ prayed, this long controversy that has been kept up through Satanic agency will end, and we shall not see men framing plans after the order of the world because they have not spiritual eye-sight to discern spiritual things. They now see men as trees walking, and they need the divine touch, that they may see as God sees, and work as Christ worked. Then will Zion’s watchmen unitedly sound the trumpet in clearer, louder notes; for they will see the sword coming, and realize the danger in which the people of God are placed.{SpTA02b 119.1}[21]
You will need to make straight paths for your feet, lest the lame be turned out of the way. We are surrounded by the lame and halting in the faith, and you are to help them, not by halting yourselves, but by standing, like men who have been tried and proven, in principle firm as a rock. I know that a work must be done for the people, or many will not be prepared to receive the light of the angel sent down from heaven to lighten the whole earth with his glory. Do not think that you will be found as vessels unto honor in the time of the latter rain, to receive the glory of God, if you are lifting up your souls unto vanity, speaking perverse things, in secret cherishing roots of bitterness. The frown of God will certainly be upon every soul who cherishes and nurtures these roots of dissension, and possesses a spirit so unlike the Spirit of Christ.{SpTA02b 119.2}[22]
As the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, I seemed to be present in one of your councils. One of your number rose; his manner was very decided and earnest as he held up a paper before you. I could read plainly the heading of the paper; it was theAmerican Sentinel. Criticisms were then passed upon the paper and the character of the articles therein published. Those in council pointed to certain passages, declaring that this must be cut out, and that must be changed. Strong words were uttered in criticism of the methods of the paper, and a strong unchristlike spirit prevailed. Voices were decided and defiant.{SpTA02b 120.1}[23]
My guide gave me words of warning and reproof to speak to those who took part in this proceeding, who were not slow to utter their accusations and condemnation. In substance this was the reproof given: The Lord has not presided at this council, and there is a spirit of strife among the counselors. The minds and hearts of these men are not under the controlling influence of the Spirit of God. Let the adversaries of our faith be the ones to suggest and develop such plans as you are now discussing. From the world’s point of view some of these plans are not objectionable; but they are not to be adopted by those who have had the light of heaven. The light which God has given should be respected, not only for your own safety, but also for the safety of the church of God. The steps now being taken by the few cannot be followed by the remnant people of God. Your course cannot be sustained by the Lord. It is made evident by your course of action that you have laid your plans without the aid of Him who is mighty in counsel; but the Lord will work. Those who have criticised the work of God need to have their eyes anointed, for they have felt mighty in their own strength; but there is One who can bind the arm of the mighty, and bring to naught the counsels of the prudent.{SpTA02b 120.2}[24]
The message we have to bear is not a message that men need cringe to declare. They are not to seek to cover it, to conceal its origin and purpose. Its advocates must be men who will not hold their peace day nor night. As those who have made solemn vows to God, and who have been commissioned as the messengers of Christ, as stewards of the mysteries of the grace of God, we are under obligation to declare faithfully the whole counsel of God. We are not to make less prominent the special truths that have separated us from the world, and made us what we are; for they are fraught with eternal interests. God has given us light in regard to the things that are now taking place in the last remnant of time, and with pen and voice we are to proclaim the truth to the world, not in a tame, spiritless way, but in demonstration of the Spirit and power of God. The mightiest conflicts are involved in the furtherance of the message, and the results of its promulgation are of moment to both heaven and earth.{SpTA02b 121.1}[25]
The controversy between the two great powers of good and evil is soon to be ended;but to the time of its close, there will be continual and sharp contests. We should now purpose, as did Daniel and his fellows in Babylon, that we will be true to principle, come what may. The flaming fiery furnace heated seven times hotter than it was wont to be heated, did not cause these faithful servants of God to turn aside from allegiance to the truth. They stood firm in the time of trial, and were cast into the furnace; and they were not forsaken of God. The form of the Fourth was seen walking with them in the flames, and they came forth not having even the smell of fire upon their garments.{SpTA02b 121.2}[26]
The den of lions did not deter Daniel from a steady adherence to duty. He did not hide his purpose or lower his colors because death threatened him if he stood faithful to his God. Three times a day, in the face of the king’s decree, he sought his Lord in his chamber, with his window open toward Jerusalem. He was cast into the den of lions, but God delivered him.{SpTA02b 122.1}[27]
Let us look at the case of Elijah. The time has come when he must meet his mortal enemy, the cruel Ahab, the despot of Israel, the apostate from the religion of his fathers. In anger the king inquires, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” Does Elijah weaken before the king? Does he cringe and cower, and resort to flattery in order to mollify the feelings of the enraged ruler? Israel has perverted her way, and forsaken the path of allegiance to God, and now shall the prophet, to preserve his life, betray sacred, holy trusts?{SpTA02b 122.2}[28]
Does he prophecy smooth things to please the king, and to obtain his favor? Will he evade the issue? Will he conceal from the king the true reason why the judgments of God are falling upon the land of Israel? No; as the messenger of God he must proclaim the truth, just such truth as the occasion demands. He carries a great weight of sorrow on account of the apostasy of Israel. He must hold up before them their defection, that they may humble themselves in the sight of the Lord, that his fierce anger may be turned away from them. Elijah faces the enraged king, and answers, “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim.”{SpTA02b 123.1}[29]
Today the world is full of flatterers and dissemblers; but God forbid that those who claim to be guardians of sacred trusts, shall betray the interests of God’s cause through the insinuating suggestions and devices of the enemy of all righteousness.{SpTA02b 123.2}[30]
There is no time now to range ourselves on the side of the transgressors of God’s law, to see with their eyes, to hear with their ears, and to understand with their perverted senses. We must press together. We must labor to become a unit, to be holy in life and pure in character. Let those who profess to be servants of the living God no longer bow down to the idol of men’s opinions, no longer be slaves to any shameful lust, no longer bring a polluted offering to the Lord, a sinstained soul.---Ellen G. White---{SpTA02b 123.3}[31]
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