《评论与通讯》
THE REVIEW AND HERALD
1861年6月25日
榜样的力量
在保罗的《提多书》2章13,14节中我们读到：“等候所盼望的福，并等候至大的上帝和我们救主耶稣基督的荣耀显现。祂为我们舍了自己，要赎我们脱离一切罪恶，又洁净我们，特作自己的子民，热心为善。”这项大工只为那些愿意被洁净，成为特别的子民，并热心行善的人成就。多少人畏避洁净的过程啊!他们不愿实行真理，不愿在世人眼中显得独特。正是这种与世俗混杂摧毁了我们的灵性、纯正和热心。撒但的能力在不断运行，要麻木上帝子民的感觉，使他们的良心对错误不敏感，以便消除他们与世人之间的差别。{{RH June 25, 1861, par. 1}
我经常收到来信询问关于服装的问题。有些人没有正确理解我所写的。呈现在我面前的这班效法世界时尚的人是受影响很慢，改良最晚的。另一班在服装上缺少品味或不修边幅的人，却利用了我所写的，并走向了相反的极端;以为自己脱离了骄傲，而看那些穿着优美整洁的人是骄傲的。有些人把穿得古怪和随便认作一种特殊的美德。这种人采取的做法摧毁了他们对不信之人的感化力。他们令那些原可从他们受益的人厌恶了。主所赐的异象既责备了骄傲和效法世界的时尚，也责备了那些在服饰上马虎大意不整洁、不讲个人卫生的人。我尤其蒙指示看到，那些自称相信现代真理的人，原应在安息日特别注意出现在上帝面前的样式，要表明我们尊敬将那日分别为圣并赐予特别尊荣的创造主。凡对安息日有所尊敬的人，在身体和服装上都应干净整洁;因为他们是要出现在忌邪的上帝面前，不干净不整洁都是冒犯祂的，祂也注意每一不尊敬的表示。有些人以为除了一顶太阳帽，头上什么都不可戴。这等人是走了极端。戴一顶整洁朴素的草帽或丝帽不可被称为骄傲。我们的信仰若是实行出来，就会使我们在着装上朴素，在善行上热心，我们也会显出特殊。但我们若是在服装的干净整洁上丧失了品味，就在事实上离开了真理，因为真理决不使人降格，而是提拔人的。不信的人看守安息日的人是降格退化的，我们若疏忽着装，态度粗鲁，所生的影响就会加强不信之人得出的这个结论。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 2}
那些自称在这些末后的日子中作基督徒，却不效法那谦卑舍己之模范的人，乃是置身于仇敌的队伍中。他看他们为他的臣民，他们像他的任何一个臣民一样，对他来说都有重要的用途，因为他们按名是活的，其实是死的。其他人把他们当作榜样，并因跟从他们而丧失了天国，这些人若不自称是基督徒，人们原不会以他们为榜样。这些未献身的自称信主的人并不知道自己所发影响的分量。他们使那些愿意做上帝特殊子民的人受到更剧烈的冲突。保罗在《提多书》2章15节中提到那班正在期待基督显现的人。他说：“这些事你要讲明，劝戒人，用各等权柄责备人，不可叫人轻看你。”当我们作见证反对骄傲及随从世界的风尚时，就遭遇种种藉口和自我辩白。有些人力陈别人的榜样。某位姐妹穿了撑裙箍;如果我穿撑裙箍是错的，她穿也是错的。孩子们也强调其他孩子的榜样，他们的父母也是守安息日的。A弟兄是教会的一位执事。他的孩子穿着撑裙箍呢，我穿撑裙箍为什么比她们穿更不好呢?那些藉着自己的榜样，给未献身的自称信主之人提供论据，反对那些愿意成为特殊子民之人的人，乃是在软弱之人的路上放置使人绊跌的缘由;他们必须为自己的榜样向上帝交账。人常常问我：“你对撑裙箍怎么看?”我回答说：我已把所赐给我的亮光传给你了。我蒙指示，撑裙箍是一种可耻的东西，我们丝毫不该支持如此可笑的时尚。我常常惊讶地听到有人说“怀姐妹说穿小的撑裙箍是没有错的。”没有一个人曾听到过我说这种话。既见了关于撑裙箍的指示，就没有什么会引诱我给任何人穿撑裙箍以丝毫的鼓励。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 3}
一位姐妹写道：“我看不出小的撑裙箍和重绳裙之间的区别，它们像撑裙箍一样炫耀，用来取代撑裙箍的两三条厚棉裙也是一样。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 4}
我同意这位姐妹的观点，要是我们丢弃撑裙箍，却穿上厚棉裙使之看起来尽可能与撑裙箍一样，就是错误的。我们知道穿厚棉裙是有害的。我认为厚重的棉料和撑裙箍都是不必要的。那造我们的主从未计划我们因撑裙箍或类似的东西而损毁变形。但上帝的子民久已受世人的发明和时尚所带领，以致他们不愿开始行动，摆脱世界的时尚和风俗。当我研究上帝的道时，我为上帝在这些末后日子的以色列人感到惊慌。他们受劝诫要远避偶像。我害怕上帝的子民在沉睡，并且如此效法世俗，以致我们几乎无法区分侍奉上帝的人和不侍奉上帝的人。基督和祂子民之间的距离在加宽，而祂子民与世界之间的距离却在缩小。自称基督子民之人和世人之间的区分标志几乎消失了。他们像古时的以色列人一样，追随了周围列国可憎的风俗。根据我所蒙的指示，撑裙箍是一种可憎之物，是有伤风化的;上帝的子民若是略微追随或支持一下这种时尚都是错误的。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 5}
自称为上帝特选子民的守安息日的人，应该丢弃撑裙箍，他们的做法应当对那些穿用撑裙箍的人是一种现行的责备。有些人会藉口说是为了方便。我旅行很多，见到了大量穿用撑裙箍带来不方便的情况。那些辩称由于健康的原因必须穿用撑裙箍的人，在冬天穿用它们，比穿加棉的裙子受到更大的伤害。在乘火车和公共马车旅行时，常常使我惊呼：端庄啊，脸红了吧!我曾见到大群的人挤进车厢，为了能够往里走，就得把撑裙箍提起来，抬到不像样的高度，所暴露的形体比不穿用撑裙箍的人多十倍。要不是因为时尚，那些如此不端庄地暴露自己的人会遭人发嘘声反对;但端庄和得体必须被牺牲给时尚之神。愿主救祂的子民脱离这种严重的罪!上帝必不怜悯那些愿作时尚奴隶的人。只因穿用撑裙箍略有方便之处，就证明穿用它们是正当的吗?假使时尚改变了，就不会再有人提到方便了。上帝的每一个儿女都有责任查问：“我在哪里与世界分别了呢?”但愿他们忍受一点儿不便，并且站在安全的一边。上帝的子民要背什么十字架呢?他们与世人混在一起，吸收他们的精神、服装、谈话，行事也像他们。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 6}
请读提前2:9,10：“又愿女人廉耻、自守，以正派衣裳为妆饰，不以编发、黄金、珍珠，和贵价的衣裳为妆饰;只要有善行，这才与自称是敬上帝的女人相宜。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 7}
彼前3:3-5：“你们不要以外面的辫头发，戴金饰，穿美衣为妆饰，只要以里面存着长久温柔、安静的心为妆饰;这在上帝面前是极宝贵的。因为古时仰赖上帝的圣洁妇人正是以此为妆饰，顺服自己的丈夫。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 8}
榜样的力量是强大的。A姐妹冒险穿用了小的撑裙箍。B姐妹说：我用撑裙箍不会比A姐妹更坏，她就用了更大一点儿的。C姐妹仿效了A姐妹和B姐妹的榜样，用了比A和B更大一点儿的撑裙箍，但都主张说自己的撑裙箍是小的。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 9}
父母们若愿教导自己的儿女随从世界时尚的害处，就有一场硬仗要打。他们会遇到反对说：“妈妈，为什么A、B和C姐妹都穿着撑裙箍呢?如果我穿撑裙箍很坏，她们穿很坏。”父母能说什么呢?他们应该在自己的儿女面前树立一个正确的榜样，虽然自称跟从基督之人的榜样使孩子们以为自己的父母对他们的限制太过谨慎严厉了，但上帝必赐福这些尽责父母的努力。父母们若是不采取坚决、坚定的做法，他们的儿女就会被潮流卷走，因为撒但和他的恶使者们正在他们的心上运行，而且未献身的自称信主之人的榜样也使他们儿女得胜的工作远为艰苦。然而凭着对上帝的信心和恳切的祷告，信主的父母应该在责任的崎岖道路上迫进。十字架的路乃是向前向上的路。当我们在这条路上前进，寻求上面的事时，我们必须越来越远离属于尘世的事。当世人和属肉体的自称信主的人急速地向下冲向死亡时，那些登山的人必须要付出努力，否则就会被他们带到向下的宽路去。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 10}
世界之子被称为黑暗之子。他们被这世界的神弄瞎了心眼，并且被黑暗之君的精神带领着。他们不能喜爱天上的事。光明之子将自己的情意固定在天上的事上，把这世界的事丢在背后。他们实现那命令：“从他们中间出来，与他们分别。”那有条件的应许乃是：“我就收纳你们”(林后6:17)。从一开始，基督就拣选了祂的子民脱离世界，并且要他们分别出来，与不结果子的暗昧行为断了关系。他们若爱上帝并守祂的诫命，就远远不会与世俗为友，也不会喜爱世上的宴乐。基督与彼列不能相和。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 11}
先知以斯拉和犹太教会的其他忠心仆人曾感到震惊，因为众首领来到他们那里说：“以色列民和祭司并利未人，没有离绝迦南人、赫人、比利洗人、耶布斯人、亚扪人、摩押人、埃及人、亚摩利人，仍效法这些国的民，行可憎的事。”“上帝啊，我们因自己的恶行和大罪，遭遇了这一切的事，并且祢刑罚我们轻于我们罪所当得的，又给我们留下这些人。我们岂可再违背祢的命令，与这行可憎之事的民结亲呢?若这样行，祢岂不向我们发怒，将我们灭绝，以致没有一个剩下逃脱的人吗?耶和华以色列的上帝啊，因祢是公义的，我们这剩下的人才得逃脱，正如今日的光景。看哪，我们在祢面前有罪恶，因此无人在祢面前站立得住”(拉9:1,13-15)。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 12}
《历代志下》36:14-16：“众祭司长和百姓也大大犯罪，效法外邦人一切可憎的事，污秽耶和华在耶路撒冷分别为圣的殿。耶和华他们列祖的上帝因为爱惜自己的民和祂的居所，从早起来差遣使者去警戒他们。他们却嘻笑上帝的使者，藐视祂的言语，讥诮祂的先知，以致耶和华的忿怒向祂的百姓发作，无法可救。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 13}
《利未记》18:26,27：“故此，你们要守我的律例典章。这一切可憎恶的事，无论是本地人，是寄居在你们中间的外人，都不可行，(在你们以先居住那地的人行了这一切可憎恶的事，地就玷污了)。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 14}
《申命记》32:16-22：“他们敬拜别神，触动上帝的愤恨，行可憎恶的事，惹了祂的怒气。所祭祀的鬼魔并非真神，乃是素不认识的神，是近来新兴的，是你列祖所不畏惧的。你轻忽生你的磐石，忘记产你的上帝。耶和华看见祂的儿女惹动祂，就厌恶他们，说：我要向他们掩面，看他们的结局如何。他们本是极乖僻的族类，心中无诚实的儿女。他们以那‘不算为神’的触动我的愤恨，以虚无的神惹了我的怒气。我也要以那‘不成子民’的触动他们的愤恨，以愚昧的国民惹了他们的怒气。因为在我怒中有火烧起，直烧到极深的阴间，把地和地的出产尽都焚烧，山的根基也烧着了。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 15}
我们在这些经文中读到了上帝赐给以古以色列人的警告。祂的美意并不是让他们在旷野漂流那么久;要是他们顺从祂并且喜爱由祂带领，祂原本要立即把他们带入应许之地;但是因为他们在旷野那么经常使祂伤心，以致祂在怒中起誓说，除了两个全然跟从祂的人之外，他们断不可进入祂的安息。上帝要祂的子民唯独信赖祂。祂不愿意他们从那些不侍奉祂的人得帮助。请读《以斯拉记》4:1-5：“犹大和便雅悯的敌人听说被掳归回的人为耶和华以色列的上帝建造殿宇，就去见所罗巴伯和以色列的族长，对他们说：‘请容我们与你们一同建造;因为我们寻求你们的上帝，与你们一样。自从亚述王以撒哈顿带我们上这地以来，我们常祭祀上帝。’但所罗巴伯、耶书亚，和其余以色列的族长对他们说：‘我们建造上帝的殿与你们无干，我们自己为耶和华以色列的上帝协力建造，是照波斯王古列所吩咐的。’那地的民，就在犹大人建造的时候，使他们的手发软，扰乱他们;从波斯王古列年间，直到波斯王大利乌登基的时候，贿买谋士，要败坏他们的谋算。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 16}
《以斯拉记》8:21-23：“那时，我在亚哈瓦河边宣告禁食，为要在我们上帝面前克苦己心，求祂使我们和妇人孩子，并一切所有的，都得平坦的道路。我求王拨步兵马兵帮助我们抵挡路上的仇敌，本以为羞耻;因我曾对王说：‘我们上帝施恩的手必帮助一切寻求祂的;但祂的能力和忿怒必攻击一切离弃祂的。’所以我们禁食祈求我们的上帝，祂就应允了我们。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 17}
先知和这些先祖们并不看那地的人是敬拜真神上帝的人，这些人虽自称友好并且愿意帮助，但他们不敢在有关敬拜上帝的事上与他们有任何的联合。当上到耶路撒冷去建造上帝的殿并且恢复对祂的敬拜时，他们不愿请求帝王的帮助在路上援助他们，而是藉着禁食和祷告寻求耶和华的帮助。他们相信上帝愿意在祂仆人努力侍奉祂时保护并兴旺他们。万有的创造主不需要祂的敌人帮助建立对祂的敬拜。祂不要邪恶的牺牲，也不悦纳除了耶和华以外还有别神之人的奉献。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 18}
我们常听到有话说：“你们太排外了。”作为一班子民，我们愿意为救灵或为把他们引向真理而做出任何牺牲。但我们不敢与他们联合，爱他们所爱的事物，与世俗为友，因为那样我们就会与上帝为敌了。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 19}
藉着阅读下述经文，我们就会了解上帝如何看待古以色列人：{RH June 25, 1861, par. 20}
《诗篇》135:4：“耶和华拣选雅各归自己，拣选以色列特作自己的子民。” {RH June 25, 1861, par. 21}
《申命记》14:2：“因为你归耶和华你上帝为圣洁的民，耶和华从地上的万民中拣选你特作自己的子民。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 22}
《申命记》7:6,7：“因为你归耶和华你上帝为圣洁的民;耶和华你上帝从地上的万民中拣选你，特作自己的子民。耶和华专爱你们，拣选你们，并非因你们的人数多于别民，原来你们的人数在万民中是最少的。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 23}
《出埃及记》33:16：“人在何事上得以知道我和祢的百姓在祢眼前蒙恩呢?岂不是因祢与我们同去、使我和祢的百姓与地上的万民有分别吗?”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 24}
古时的以色列人多么经常地反叛，又多么经常地受到刑罚啊。成千上万的人被杀，因为他们不愿听从曾拣选他们的上帝的命令!{RH June 25, 1861, par. 25}
上帝的以色列人在这些末后的日子总是处在与世人混杂并丧失上帝选民之一切记号的危险中。请再读《提多书》2:13-15。这段经文把我们带到了末后的日子，上帝此时正在洁净一班特殊的子民归祂自己。我们岂可像古时的以色列人一样惹动祂的忿怒吗?我们岂可藉着离开祂并与世人混杂，追求我们周围列国的可憎之物而使祂的忿怒临到我们身上吗?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 26}
耶和华已分别虔诚人归祂自己。《旧约》和《新约》都清楚而断然地吩咐我们要这样献身并与世界分离。主已亲自在这世界的事和祂已从世界拣选出来归祂自己的事之间建立了一道隔断的墙。上帝子民的职业和品格都是特别的，他们的前途也是特别的。这些特性使他们与其它的民族迥然有别。从开始到时间结束，上帝在地上所有的子民都是一体。他们有一个“元首”指导并支配全身。对于古代以色列人的吩咐，也临到上帝现今的子民身上，要他们与世人分别。教会伟大的元首并没有改变。基督徒在这些末后日子的经验必须与古代以色列人所走的道路相似。请阅读《哥林多前书》第10章，特别是第6-15节：{RH June 25, 1861, par. 27}
“这些事都是我们的鉴戒，叫我们不要贪恋恶事，像他们那样贪恋的;也不要拜偶像，像他们有人拜的。如经上所记：‘百姓坐下吃喝，起来玩耍。’……也不要试探基督，像他们有人试探的，就被蛇所灭。你们也不要发怨言，像他们有发怨言的，就被灭命的所灭。他们遭遇这些事，都要作为鉴戒;并且写在经上，正是警戒我们这末世的人。所以，自己以为站得稳的，须要谨慎，免得跌倒。你们所遇见的试探，无非是人所能受的。上帝是信实的，必不叫你们受试探过于所能受的;在受试探的时候，总要给你们开一条出路，叫你们能忍受得住。我所亲爱的弟兄啊，你们要逃避拜偶像的事。我好像对明白人说的，你们要审察我的话。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 28}
《约翰壹书》3:1：“你看父赐给我们是何等的慈爱，使我们得称为上帝的儿女;我们也真是祂的儿女。世人所以不认识我们，是因未曾认识祂。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 29}
《约翰壹书》2:15-17：“不要爱世界和世界上的事。人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了。因为凡世界上的事，就像肉体的情欲，眼目的情欲，并今生的骄傲，都不是从父来的，乃是从世界来的。这世界和其上的情欲都要过去，惟独遵行上帝旨意的，是永远常存。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 30}
《彼得后书》2:20：“倘若他们因认识主救主耶稣基督，得以脱离世上的污秽，后来又在其中被缠住、制伏，他们末后的景况就比先前更不好了。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 31}
《雅各书》4:4：“岂不知与世俗为友就是与上帝为敌吗?所以凡想要与世俗为友的，就是与上帝为敌了。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 32}
《雅各书》1:27：“在上帝我们的父面前，那清洁没有玷污的虔诚，就是看顾在患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且保守自己不沾染世俗。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 33}
《提多书》2:12-14：“教训我们除去不敬虔的心和世俗的情欲，在今世自守、公义、敬虔度日，等候所盼望的福，并等候至大的上帝和(或无“和”字)我们救主耶稣基督的荣耀显现。祂为我们舍了自己，要赎我们脱离一切罪恶，又洁净我们，特作自己的子民，热心为善。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 34}
《罗马书》12:2：“不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为上帝的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 35}
《约翰福音》17:14,15,17：“我已将祢的道赐给他们。世界又恨他们;因为他们不属世界，正如我不属世界一样。我不求祢叫他们离开世界，只求祢保守他们脱离那恶者。”“求祢用真理使他们成圣;祢的道就是真理。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 36}
《路加福音》6:22,23：“人为人子恨恶你们，拒绝你们，辱骂你们，弃掉你们的名，以为是恶，你们就有福了!当那日，你们要欢喜跳跃，因为你们在天上的赏赐是大的。他们的祖宗待先知也是这样。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 37}
《约翰福音》15:16-19：“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。我这样吩咐你们，是要叫你们彼此相爱。世人若恨你们，你们知道，恨你们以先已经恨我了。你们若属世界，世界必爱属自己的;只因你们不属世界，乃是我从世界中拣选了你们，所以世界就恨你们。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 38}
《约翰壹书》4:4,5：“小子们哪，你们是属上帝的，并且胜了他们;因为那在你们里面的，比那在世界上的更大。他们是属世界的，所以论世界的事，世人也听从他们。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 39}
《约翰壹书》2:5,6：“凡遵守主道的，爱上帝的心在他里面实在是完全的。从此我们知道我们是在主里面。人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 40}
《彼得前书》2:9：“惟有你们是被拣选的族类，是有君尊的祭司，是圣洁的国度，是属上帝的子民，要叫你们宣扬那召你们出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 41}
我们阅读上帝的话，就会明白祂的子民应当成为特殊的人，与周围不信的世人迥然有别。我们的立场又吸引人又叫人害怕。我们生活在末后的日子，多么需要效法基督的榜样并照祂所行的去行啊。“若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，背起他的十字架来跟从我”(太16:24)。务必不可让人的意见和智慧指导或支配我们，它们总是会使我们离开十字架。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 42}
基督仆人们的家乡和财宝都不在此世。但愿他们都能明白，只是因为主在作王，我们才蒙允许平安稳妥地住在我们的敌人们中间。我们的特权并不是要求世人特别的恩待。我们必须同意在他们中间处贫穷受轻视，直到战争结束，赢得胜利。基督的肢体蒙召要从世界出来，拒绝世界的友谊和精神;他们的力量和能力乃在于成为蒙上帝悦纳的选民。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 43}
上帝的独生子原是万有的继承者，世上诸国的权柄和荣耀都应许要归给祂。可是当祂显在这世界时，却既没有财富也没有光彩。世人不明白祂与父的合一;祂神圣品格的荣耀与优美向他们是隐藏的。所以祂“被藐视，被人厌弃，”而“我们却以为祂受责罚，被上帝击打苦待了”(赛53:3,4)。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 44}
基督在世上如何，跟随祂的人也要如何。他们是上帝的儿女，与基督一同为后嗣;国度与权柄也属于他们。世人不理解他们的品格和圣召;认识不到他们被收养进入了上帝的家庭。他们与圣父圣子的联合与相交对世人来说并不显然，世人既看到他们蒙羞受辱，就看不出是他们是何等人，也看不出他们将要成为何等人。他们是外人。世界不认识他们，也不赏识促使他们行动的动机。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 45}
世界正在走向灭亡。上帝只能再忍受罪人一点点时候了。他们必须喝祂未掺怜悯的忿怒之杯中的渣滓。那些愿意成为上帝的后嗣，与基督同为后嗣，承受不朽产业的人，要成为特别的人。是的，要成为非常特别的人，以致上帝在他们身上印下一个印记，证明他们是全然属于祂的。你们以为上帝会接受、尊荣并承认一班与世人如此混杂以致只是在名义上与他们不同之人吗?请再读《提多书》2:13-15。不久就要知道谁是在主这边，谁不会以耶稣为耻了。那些没有道德勇气面对不信的人凭良心采取自己的立场，离弃世界的时尚，并且效法基督之舍己生活的人，乃是以祂为耻的，不喜爱祂的榜样。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 46}
怀爱伦
1
June 25, 1861
Power of Example
In the epistle of Paul to [Titus 2:13, 14], we read, “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.” This great work is to be performed for those only who are willing to be purified, willing to be peculiar, and who manifest a zeal in good works. How many shrink from the purifying process! They are unwilling to live out the truth, unwilling to appear singular or peculiar in the eyes of the world. It is this mixing up with the world which destroys our spirituality, pureness and zeal. Satan’s power is constantly exercised to stupefy the sensibilities of God’s people, that their consciences may not be sensitive to wrong, and that the sign of distinction between them and the world may be destroyed.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 1}
I have frequently received letters of inquiry in regard to dress, and some have not rightly understood what I have written. The very class which have been presented before me, who were imitating the fashions of the world, have been very slow, and the last to be affected or reformed. There has been another class who lacked taste and order in dress, who have taken advantage of what I have written, and taken the opposite extreme, and considered that they were free from pride, and have looked upon those who dress orderly and neat as being proud. Oddity and careless dress have been considered by some a special virtue. Such take a course which destroys their influence over unbelievers. They disgust those who might be benefitted. While the visions have reproved pride and imitating the fashions of the world, they have reproved those who were careless of their apparel and lacked cleanliness of person and dress. Especially have I been shown that those who profess present truth should have a special care to appear before God to worship him upon the Sabbath in a manner showing that we respect the Creator who has sanctified and placed special honors upon that day. All who have any regard for the Sabbath should be cleanly in person, neat and orderly in dress, for they are to appear before a jealous God who marks every token of disrespect. God is offended at uncleanness and disorder. Individuals have thought it would be wrong to wear anything upon their heads but a sun-bonnet. Such go to great extremes. It cannot be called pride to wear a neat, plain, straw or silk bonnet. Our faith, if carried out, will lead us to be so plain in dress and zealous of good works that we shall be marked as peculiar. But when we lose taste for order and neatness in dress we virtually leave the truth, for the truth never degrades, but elevates. Unbelievers look upon Sabbath-keepers as degraded, and when individuals are neglectful of their dress, and are coarse and rough, in their manners, their influence strengthens unbelievers in their conclusions.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 2}
Those who profess to be Christians in these last days which are full of peril, and do not imitate the humble, self-denying Pattern, place themselves in the enemy’s ranks. He considers them his subjects, and they serve as important a purpose for Satan as any of his subjects, for they have a name to live and are dead. Others take them for example, and by their following them, lose heaven, when if they had not professed to be Christians, they would have shunned their example. These unconsecrated professors are not aware of the weight of their influence. They make the conflict much more severe for those who would be God’s peculiar people. Paul in?Titus 2:15, refers to God’s people who are looking for the appearing of Christ. He says, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” As we bear testimony against pride and following the fashions of the world, we are met with excuses and self-justification. Some urge the example of others. Such a sister wears hoops, if it is wrong for me to wear them it is wrong for her. Children urge the example of other children whose parents are Sabbath-keepers. Bro. A. is a deacon of the church. His children wear hoops, and why is it any worse for me to wear them than it is for them? Those who by their example furnish unconsecrated professors with arguments against those who would be peculiar, are laying a cause of stumbling in the way of the weak, and to God they must render an account for such example. I am often asked, “What do you think of hoops?” I reply, I have given you the light which has been given me. I was shown that hoops were a shame, and that we should not give the least countenance to a fashion carried to such ridiculous lengths. I am often surprised to hear that “sister White says it is not wrong to wear small hoops.” No one has ever heard me say this. After being shown what I have in regard to hoops, nothing would induce me to give the least encouragement to any one to wear them.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 3}
A sister writes, “I cannot see the difference between small hoops and heavy rope skirts, which show off as much as hoops, or two or three heavy quilted skirts, which are worn to take the place of hoops.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 4}
I agree with the sister, if we discard hoops, it is wrong to put on heavy quilts to make it appear as near like hoops as possible. We know that it is injurious to wear heavy quilts. I contend that heavy quilts and hoops are alike unnecessary. He that framed us never designed that we should be deformed with hoops, or anything to look like them. It is the inventions and fashions of the world that have led God’s people, and they are unwilling to move out independent of the fashions and customs of the world. While I study God’s word, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in these last days. They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that God’s people are asleep and so conformed to the world that we can hardly know them, or discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. The distance is widening between Christ and his people, and lessening between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ’s professed people and the world, have almost disappeared. They follow after the abominations of the nations around them, as did ancient Israel. From what has been shown me, hoops are an abomination. They are indecent, and God’s people err, if they follow in the least degree, or give countenance to this fashion.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 5}
Sabbath-keepers who profess to be God’s chosen, peculiar people, should discard hoops, and their practice and example should be a living rebuke to those who wear them. Some may plead convenience. I have traveled much, and have seen a great deal of inconvenience attending the wearing of hoops; and those who plead the necessity on account of health, wear them in the winter, which is a greater injury than quilted skirts. While traveling in the cars and stages, I have often been led to exclaim, Oh, modesty, where is thy blush! I have seen large companies crowding into the cars, and in order to make any headway, the hoops had to be raised and placed into a shape which was indecent. And the exposure of the form was ten-fold more with those who wore hoops, than with those who did not; and were it not for fashion, those who immodestly expose themselves would be hissed at; but modesty and decency must be sacrificed to the god of fashion. May the Lord deliver his people from this grievous sin. God will not pity those who will be slaves to fashion. But supposing there is some little convenience in wearing hoops, does this prove that it is right to wear them? Let the fashion change and convenience would no longer be mentioned. It is the duty of every child of God to inquire, Wherein am I separate from the world? Let them suffer a little inconvenience and be on the safe side. What crosses do God’s people bear? They mingle with the world, partake of their spirit, dress, talk and act like them.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 6}
Please read?1 Timothy 2:9, 10. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh godliness) with good works.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 7}
1 Peter 3:3-5: “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 8}
The power of example is great. Sister A. ventures to wear small hoops; sister B. says it is no worse for me to wear hoops than sister A., and she wears hoops a little larger. Sister C. imitates the example of sister A. and B., and wears her hoops a little larger than A. and B., but all contend that their hoops are small.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 9}
Parents who would teach their children the evil of following the fashions of the world, have a hard battle. They are met with, “Why, mother, sisters A., B. and C. wear hoops; if it is wicked for me, it is for them.” What can the parents say? They should set a right example before their children, and although the example of professed followers of Christ causes the children to think that their parents are too careful and severe in their restrictions, yet God will bless the efforts of these conscientious parents. If the parents do not take a decided, firm course, their children will be borne down with the current, for Satan and his evil angels are working upon their minds, and the example of unconsecrated professors is against their efforts which makes the work of overcoming far more laborious for their children. Yet with faith in God and earnest prayer, believing parents may press on in this rugged path of duty. The way of the cross is an onward, upward way. And as we advance therein, seeking the things that are above, we must leave farther and farther in the distance the things which belong to the earth. While the world and carnal professors are rushing downward to death, those who climb the hill will have to put forth efforts or they will be carried down in the broad road.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 10}
The children of the world are called the children of darkness. They are blinded by the god of this world, and are led by the spirit of the prince of darkness. They cannot enjoy heavenly things. The children of light have their affections set on things above. They leave behind them the things of this world. They fulfill the command, “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” Here is the conditional promise, “I will receive you.” Christ from the beginning has chosen his people out of the world, and required them to be separate, having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. If they love God and keep his commandments, they will be far from having the friendship, and loving the pleasures, of the world. There is no concord between Christ and Belial.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 11}
The prophet Ezra, and faithful servants of the Jewish church, were astonished when the princes came to them saying, “The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this, should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? Wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold we are before thee in our trespasses, for we cannot stand before thee because of this.”?Ezra 9:1, 13-15.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 12}
2 Chronicles 36:14-16: “Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes and sending; because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling-place. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against this people, till there was no remedy.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 13}
Leviticus 18:26, 27: “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you; (for all these abominations have the men of the land done which were before you, and the land is defiled.)”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 14}
Deuteronomy 32:16-22: “They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods, that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities, and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 15}
We here read the warnings which God gave to ancient Israel. It was not his good pleasure that they should wander so long in the wilderness, and he would have brought them immediately to the promised land, if they had submitted, and loved to be led by him; and because they so often grieved him in the desert, he sware in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest, save two, who wholly followed him. God required his people to trust in him alone. He did not wish them to receive help of those who did not serve him. Please read?Ezra 4:1-5: “Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel, then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon, king of Assur, which brought us up hither. But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 16}
Ezra 8:21, 23: “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way; because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this, and he was entreated of us.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 17}
The prophet and these fathers did not consider them the worshipers of the true God, and though they professed friendship and wished to help them, they dare not unite with them in anything relating to his worship. When going up to Jerusalem, to build the temple of God and to restore his worship, they would not ask help of the king to assist them in the way, but by fasting and prayer sought the Lord for help. They believed God would defend and prosper his servants in their efforts to serve him. The Creator of all things needeth not the help of his enemies to establish his worship. He asks not the sacrifice of wickedness, nor accepts the offerings of those who have other gods before the Lord.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 18}
We often hear the remark, You are too exclusive. As a people we would make any sacrifice to save souls, or lead them to the truth. But to unite with them, to love the things that they love, and have friendship with the world, we dare not, for we should then be at enmity with God.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 19}
By reading the following scriptures we shall see how God regarded his ancient Israel:?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 20}
Psalm 135:4: “For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 21}
Deuteronomy 14:2: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 22}
Deuteronomy 7:6, 7: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 23}
Exodus 33:16: “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 24}
How frequently ancient Israel rebelled, and how often were they visited with judgments, and thousands slain because they would not heed the commands of God who had chosen them.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 25}
The Israel of God in these last days are in constant danger of mixing with the world and losing all signs of their being the chosen people of God. Read again?Titus 2:13-15. We are brought down to the last days, when God is purifying unto himself a peculiar people. Shall we provoke God as did ancient Israel? Shall we bring his wrath upon us by departing from him and mingling with the world, and following the abominations of the nations around us??{RH June 25, 1861, par. 26}
The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself, and this consecration to God and separation from the world is plainly declared and positively enjoined in both the Old and New Testaments. There is a wall of separation which the Lord himself has established between the things of the world and the things he has chosen out of the world and sanctified unto himself. The calling and character of God’s people are peculiar. Their prospects are peculiar, and these peculiarities distinguish them from all people. All of God’s people upon the earth are one body, from the beginning to the end of time. They have one head that directs and governs the body. The same injunctions rest upon God’s people now, to be separate from the world, as rested upon ancient Israel. The great Head of the church has not changed. The experience of Christians in these days are much like the travels of ancient Israel. Please read?1 Corinthians 10, especially from the?6th to the 15th?verse.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 27}
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.... Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 28}
1 John 3:1: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 29}
1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 30}
2 Peter 2:2: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 31}
James 4:4: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 32}
James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 33}
Titus 2:12-14: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 34}
Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 35}
John 17:14, 15, 17: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 36}
Luke 6:22, 23: “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 37}
John 15:16-19: “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 of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 38}
1 John 4:4, 5: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 39}
1 John 2:5, 6: “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 40}
1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 41}
As we read the word of God, how plain that God’s people are peculiar and distinct from the unbelieving world around them. Our position is interesting and fearful; living in the last days, how important that we imitate the example of Christ, and walk even as he walked. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” The opinions and wisdom of men must not guide or govern us. They always lead away from the cross.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 42}
The servants of Christ have not their home or their treasure here. Would that all of them could understand that it is only because the Lord reigns that we are even permitted to dwell in peace and safety among our enemies. It is not our privilege to claim special favors of the world. We must consent to be poor and despised among men until the warfare is finished and the victory won. The members of Christ are called to come out and be separate from the friendship and spirit of the world, and their strength and power consists in their being chosen and accepted of God.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 43}
The Son of God was the heir of all things, and the dominion and glory of the kingdoms of this world were promised to him. Yet when he appeared in this world it was without riches or splendor. The world understood not his union with the Father; and the excellency and glory of his divine character were hid from them. He was therefore “despised and rejected of men,” and “we did esteem him smitten of God and afflicted.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 44}
Even so the members of Christ are as he was in this world. They are the sons of God and joint heirs with Christ; and the kingdom and dominion belong to them. The world understand not their character and holy calling. They perceive not their adoption into the family of God. Their union and fellowship with the Father and the Son are not manifest to the world, and while they behold their humiliation and reproach, it does not appear what they are, or what they shall be. They are strangers. The world knows them not, and appreciate not the motives which actuate them.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 45}
The world is ripening for its destruction. God can bear with sinners but a little longer. They must drink the dregs of the cup of his wrath unmixed with mercy. Those who will be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to the immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them as his, wholly his. Think ye that God will receive, honor and acknowledge a people so mixed up with the world that they differ from them only in name? Read again?Titus 2:13-15. It is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, who will not be ashamed of Jesus. Those who have not moral courage to take their position conscientiously in the face of unbelievers, and leave the fashions of the world and imitate the self-denying life of Christ, are ashamed of him, and do not love his example.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 46}
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