对指责的驳斥
1.特别证言
应当帮助我们的学校
我从一点钟起就睡不着了。我对巴特尔克里克学院的债务感到不安。我现在问《评论与通讯》将采取什么行动来缓解这一局面。{PH068 9.1}
在夜间的异象中，我似乎看到好几个人在看《评论与通讯》的账簿。在这些账簿中记录着借给学校的钱的利息。{PH068 9.2}
利息问题
尽管有上帝所赐的亮光，但还是需要一万美元，并将这一数额翻了一番，用于为学校增建一栋楼房。《评论与通讯》的管理者们与这件事大有关系。这些事必须加以考虑。《评论与通讯》不需要支付学院的债务，因为如果这样做了，其它学校就会要求以同样的方式得到帮助。但这笔债务的利息应该尽可能降低。利息不应收取利息。那些借出钱的人也不应该收取比他们自己支付的更高的利息。一个机构应该对它的姐妹机构有最温柔和最亲切的感情。其中一个所做的工作，和另一个所作的工作一样，都是主的工作。{PH068 9.3}
怀姐妹给学校的礼物
时候已到，主希望祂的子民运用一切的能力来缓解我们学校的状况。为了帮助这项事业，我已提议奉献我那本论比喻的书。我非常渴望总会就这本将要为帮助学校而出版的书采取无私的行动。这是总会应该以比此前更好亮光站在百姓面前的时候。{PH068 10.1}
对我们所有信徒的呼吁
我们要呼吁信徒就在现在尽最大努力提供帮助。我们要呼吁他们在购买这本书方面做一件会令上帝喜悦的事。我们将要求为整个园地提供书报员。我们要呼吁我们的传道人在访问各教会时要鼓励男男女女出去作书报员，在舍己的路上坚定地前进，奉献他们的部分收入用于帮助我们的学校摆脱债务。他们当然可以做这么多来帮助主。{PH068 10.2}
普遍的行动是必要的，但这必须从个人的行动开始。让每个教会的每个家庭的成员都坚定地努力舍己吧。让我们全体同仁全心合作吧。让我们大家都心甘情愿地、明智地向前迈进，尽我们所能来减轻那些在债务压力下苦苦挣扎的学校吧。让每个教会的工作人员找出其中谁被送去上学并得到了学校的帮助吧。那就让教会退还学费吧。让那些在文字布道方面取得成功的人上来帮助耶和华吧。当他们销售这本书时，让他们奉主的名本着信心工作吧。{PH068 10.3}
我建议的行动将导致和解。它将使教会团结起来。如果大家愿意帮助解除我们学校的债务，巴特里克出版社就会得到加强，以发挥其应有的作用。因此，为了巴特尔克里克的学校的利益，它必须在帮助偿还长期捆绑在其中的资金方面发挥全面的作用。{PH068 11.1}
学校必须得到帮助。让所有的人都齐心协力，并尽可能多地提供帮助。大福气会临到那些愿意现在就把握这事的人。我们的传道人不要灰心丧气，好像这不是一件恰当的事情。他们应该把握这项工作。如果他们正确地——愉快地、满怀希望地——从事这项工作，就必在其中得到非常大的福气。主并不强迫任何人作工，但祂必赐给那些愿意坚定地置身在祂一边的人一颗乐意的心。祂必赐福那将祂在里面运行的精神行出来的人。上帝必使这场帮助我们各学校的运动取得成功，只要它是以一种自由的、乐意的精神做的，像是给主做的。只有以这种方式，才能击退我们全国各地学校受到的责难。如果大家都愿意本着自我牺牲的精神为基督的缘故也为真理的缘故把握这项工作，用不了多久，自由的欢歌就会响彻我们的疆域。{PH068 11.2}
我们的传道人要将自己献给上帝。我们非常需要谦卑的人，他们感到尽力而为是一种乐趣。一项光荣的福音工作展现在归正的、忠心的传道人面前。他应当帮助同胞更好的理解主的道。与上帝同工的传道人发挥的影响是重大而且重要的。耶和华非常喜悦谦卑乐意作工的传道人。那些完全奉献给上帝的人会始终寻求来自上头的智慧，使他们能负起沉重的责任。他们会忍耐、宽容、谦恭有礼，知道他们是基督的代表。他们会在祈祷中和对个人及会众的呼吁中显出一种深切的诚挚和热情。{PH068 11.3}
无效宣教
在传道事工中有一些年轻人一直在从区会领工资，他们的工作却毫无成就，他们只是消耗者。我蒙指示无需这样。要是我们的青年传道人是受上帝的灵感动的，就不会这样。{PH068 12.1}
我们的一些传道人最好停下来想一想。要让他们扪心自问，他们从区会领受了多少，他们的工作在使人归主方面蒙了多少福气。你们若不既是消耗者又是生产者，你们工作的价值是什么呢?工人们若不是因真理而成圣的人，上帝的圣工怎么能维持呢?要在今年年初将你们自己献给上帝。不要等待。要全然降服。{PH068 12.2}
我们的传道人难道不应该研究这个问题吗?我们许多青年传道人若已真正归主，就会进入书刊园地，成就很大的善工。他们在那里会获得信仰方面的经验。他们的圣经知识会大大增加，因为当他们把主所赐的亮光传给他人时，他们就会得到更多的光来传播。他们应当进入书报园地，看看能在生产方面做什么。借着与人接触，把我们的书刊介绍给这些人，他们就会获得单靠讲道所无法获得的经验。当他们挨家挨户工作的时候，可以与所遇见的人交谈，带给他们基督生命的香气。{PH068 12.3}
忠心的青年提摩太曾受上帝所指定之人的教导，学习如何研读和向他人解释圣道。他在福音里的父亲保罗受圣灵感动对他说：“我儿啊，你要在基督耶稣的恩典上刚强起来。你在许多见证人面前听见我所教训的，也要交托那忠心能教导别人的人。你要和我同受苦难，好像基督耶稣的精兵”(提后2:1-3)。{PH068 13.1}
书报员
书报员的责任就是要培育上帝赐给他的才能，保持他与上帝的关系，随时随地帮助工作。他时刻需要天使的帮助，因为他有重要的工作要做。这项工作他凭自己的力量是无法完成的。“感谢上帝，常帅领我们在基督里得胜，并藉着我们在各处显扬那因认识基督而有的香气。因为我们在上帝面前，无论在得救的人身上或灭亡的人身上，都有基督馨香之气。在这等人，就作了死的香气叫他死，在那等人就作了活的香气叫他活。这事谁能当得起呢”(林后2:14-16)?{PH068 13.2}
书报员在工作中将会与身体软弱的人接触，与需要健康改良亮光的人，和与那些不满意自己的宗教经验，渴望他们所没有之东西的人接触。他要向这样的人打开真理的道，正确地解释其意义。“我们不像那许多人，为利混乱上帝的道，乃是由于诚实，由于上帝，在上帝面前凭基督讲道”(林后2:17)。{PH068 14.1}
要始终记住有人将人的吩咐当作道理教导人。他们用传统回避上帝的律法，像法利赛人一样，基督曾揭露他们，说：“你们错了;因为不明白圣经，也不晓得上帝的大能”(太22:29)。真理的瑰宝被埋藏在大量谬论之下。上帝圣言简明的意义被宗教教师们的诡辩隐藏了。百姓感到困惑不解。{PH068 14.2}
归正而献身的书报员正在通过自己的工作播撒真理的种子。必须毫不迟疑地做这项工作;因为我们只有一点点工作的时间。要以能赢得人们信任的方式与他们讲话。要为病人祈祷。要求主恢复和医治受苦的人。祂曾宣称：“信的人必有神迹随着他们”(可16:17)。{PH068 14.3}
撒但的个性
男男女女正在错谬的迷雾中徘徊。他们想知道何为真理。要告诉他们，不是用夸张的语言，而是用上帝儿女单纯简明的语言。撒但正在跟踪你们。他是一个狡猾的对手，你们在工作中遇到的恶毒的精神是他授意的。那些受他控制的人随声附和他的话语。若是帘幕能从眼前揭去，那些如此行事的人就会看到撒但不断用诡计使他们远离真理。有些人不相信撒但是有个性的。这些人心里并不反对撒但的作为。他们也不晓得他的诡计。{PH068 14.4}
我们非但不应世俗化，反而应越来越与世界有别。撒但已经而且还将继续与各教会结合，做出精明的努力反对上帝的真理。上帝的子民所做的进军世界的每件事都会引起黑暗势力的坚决反对。仇敌最后的大斗争必是最坚决的一次。那将是黑暗权势与光明权势之间最后的决战。上帝的每一个真儿女都会在基督一边英勇奋战。那些在这场大危机中允许自己更多站在世界一边而非上帝一边的人，最终会完全置身世界一边。那些对主的话模糊，不知道何为敌基督者的人，必使自己站在敌基督者一边。现在我们没有时候与世俗同流。但以理正在起来享受他的福分和地位。要明白但以理和约翰的预言。它们是互相解释的。他们给世人所带来的真理是人人都应该明白的。这些预言要成为世上的见证。在这些末后的日子里，它们要藉着自己的应验来解明自己的意思。{PH068 15.1}
对世界的惩罚
耶和华将要刑罚世界的罪孽。祂要惩罚宗教团体，因为他们拒绝祂所传给他们的亮光和真理。第一、第二、第三位天使的伟大信息要传给世上的人。这应当是我们工作的主旨。那些真心相信基督的人必然公开遵守耶和华的律法。安息日乃是上帝与祂子民之间的证据。我们遵守安息日就证明我们遵守上帝的律法。它要成为区别上帝选民和世人的记号。{PH068 16.1}
忠于上帝意义重大。这包含健康改良，意味着我们的饮食必须简单，我们必须凡事节制。餐桌上常见的许多种食物是不必要的，而且是非常有害的。身心都应保持在最佳的健康状态。只有那些在认识上帝和敬畏上帝方面受过训练的人才应该蒙拣选承担责任。那些久已相信真理，却不能分辨纯正公义的原则和邪恶的原则，对于公义、怜悯和上帝之爱悟性模糊的人，应该被解除责任。{PH068 16.2}
上帝有重要的功课给祂的子民学习。要是以前学过这些功课，祂的圣工原不会处在今日的地步。有一件事必须完成。不应该因为担心招致传道人或负责人的不悦就向他们隐瞒真理。应当有会以柔和谦卑本着智慧宣扬上帝全部旨意的人在我们的各机构工作。上帝向那些处在属肉体的安全感和世俗的价值观中而对祂的管理显出蔑视的人燃起怒气。他们危害着圣工的兴旺。{PH068 16.3}
每一条错误的道路都是骗人的，若是得到支持，最终就会带来毁灭。主就这样允许那些坚持错误计划的人被毁灭。就在听到赞美和奉承的时候，毁灭突然来到。有些人尽管知道别人受到的责备，由于不忠心，还是转离了警告。这些人罪加一等。他们知道主的旨意却不遵行。他们的刑罚必与他们的罪过相称。他们不愿听从主的话。
(签名)怀爱伦{PH068 17.1}
澳大利亚新南威尔士州库兰邦森尼赛德
*****
(摘自给S.N.赫斯格长老夫妇的信，1899年10月24日写于新南威尔士库兰邦，有怀爱伦夫人的签名)
我同W.C.怀特谈过，并向他提了一个建议，说如果《评论与通讯》和太平洋出版社愿意捐出他们的印刷品，将书印成简朴和便于销售的版式，我就愿捐出我的版税，让所有的收入都用来帮助减轻我们学校的债务。这本书决不会过时。销书收入将投入各地的学校来帮助它们。我想我的这个行动会激发别人克己、仁慈和怜悯，正确把握这件事，让《基督比喻实训》成就此工。我相信在这项工作中主会帮助我们。我只要将书给一些买不起的穷人。W.C.怀特十分满意地开始这项计划。当然，我们没有时间明确地告诉你这一切，像我们有空闲的时候那样。……{PH068 17.2}
又：{PH068 18.1}
“我怎样才能帮助巴特尔克里克的学校，帮助消除巨额债务呢?”我惟一能做的就是使即将发行的书《基督比喻实训》成为一个礼物。我希望这本书用来使我们的各学校受益。……{PH068 18.2}
关于我们世界各地学校的债务，我的心深受激动。这种事态不应该存在。你们愿意与我联合起来创造某件会改变这种局面的事吗?奉主的名，要有所作为，而且现在就做。要唤醒人们对这些学校的债务有所作为。{PH068 18.3}
怀爱伦
PH068 - Rolling Back the Reproach
《Special Testimony》
【Help to be Given to our Schools】
I have not been able to sleep since one o’clock. I am troubled in regard to the debt on the Battle Creek College. I now ask the Review and Herald what it will do to relieve the situation.?{PH068 9.1}[1]
In the night season, I seemed to see several looking over the account books of the Review and Herald. In these books was recorded the interest money loaned to the school.?{PH068 9.2}[2]
【The Matter of Interest】
Notwithstanding the light given by God, ten thousand dollars was called for and double that amount was used in building an addition to the school. The managers of the Review and Herald had much to do in this matter. These things must be considered. The Review and Herald is not required to pay the college debt; for if this were done, calls would be made for other schools to be helped in the same way. But the interest on this debt should be made as low as possible. Interest should not be charged upon interest, neither should those who have loaned money charge a higher rate of interest than they themselves pay. One institution should have the tenderest and most kindly feelings for its sister institution. The work done in one is as much the Lord’s work as the work done in the other.?{PH068 9.3}[3]
【Sister White’s Gift to the Schools】
The time has come when the Lord would have all the powers of his people brought into exercise to relieve the situation of our schools. In order to help in this cause, I have proposed giving my book on the parables. I feel very anxious that the General Conference shall act unselfishly in regard to this book, which is to be published to help the schools. This is a time when the Conference should stand before the people in a better light than it has hitherto done.?{PH068 10.1}[4]
【A Call to All Our People】
We shall call upon the people to help to the utmost of their ability just now. We shall call upon them to do a work which will be pleasing to God in purchasing the book. We shall ask that every available means be used to help to circulate this book. We shall ask that the whole field be supplied with canvassers. We shall call upon our ministers, as they visit the churches, to encourage men and women to go out as canvassers, to make a decided forward movement in the path of self-denial by giving part of their earnings to help our schools to get out of debt. Surely they can do this much to help the Master.?{PH068 10.2}[5]
A general movement is needed, but this must begin with individual movements. Let each member in each family in each church make determined efforts to deny self. Let us have the whole-hearted co-operation of all in our ranks. Let us all move forward willingly and intelligently to do what we can to relieve those of our schools that are struggling under a pressure of debt. Let the officers of each church find out who among the members has been sent to school,?and helped by the school. Then let the church refund the tuition money.?Let those who have had success in canvassing come up to the help of the Lord. As they handle this book, let them in the name of the Lord work in faith.?{PH068 10.3}[6]
The movement I have suggested will result in reconciliation. It will unify the churches. If all will help to lift the debts on our schools, the publishing house in Battle Creek will be strengthened to do its part. Therefore it is for the interest of the school in Battle Creek to act a full part in helping to pay back the money that has been so long bound up in it.?{PH068 11.1}[7]
The schools must be helped. Let all lift harmoniously and help as much as they possibly can. Great blessings will come to those who will take hold of this matter just now. Let no discouragement be offered by our ministers, as though it were not a proper thing to do. They should take hold of this work. If they do it aright, cheerfully, hopefully, they will find it a very great blessing. The Lord does not force any man to work, but to those who will place themselves decidedly on his side, he will give a willing mind. He will bless the one who works out the spirit which He works in. God will make the movement for the help of our schools a success if it is made in a free, willing spirit, as to the Lord. Only in this way can be rolled back the reproach that has come upon our schools all over the land. If all will take hold of this work in the spirit of self-sacrifice, for Christ’s sake, and for the truth’s sake,?it will not be long before the jubilee song of freedom can be sung through our borders.?{PH068 11.2}[8]
Let our ministers consecrate themselves to God. We need so much,—O so much!—humble men, who feel it a pleasure to do their very best. A?glorious gospel work opens before the converted, faithful minister. He is to help his fellow men to a better understanding of the word. The influence exerted by the minister with whom God works is weighty and momentous. The Lord is highly pleased with the minister who works humbly and willingly. Those who are wholly consecrated to God will ever seek wisdom from on high to enable them to bear their heavy responsibilities. They will be patient, forbearing, courteous, knowing that they are Christ’s representatives. They will show a deep earnestness and fervor in prayer, and in their appeals to individuals and congregations.?{PH068 11.3}[9]
【Unprofitable Ministry】
There are in the ministry young men who have been receiving wages from the Conference, yet whose labors bring nothing in, who are only consumers. I have been instructed that this need not be. It would not be if our young ministers were worked by the Spirit of God.?{PH068 12.1}[10]
Some of our ministers might better stop and consider. Let them ask themselves how much they have received from the Conference, and how much their labors have been blessed in the conversion of souls. If you are not?producers?as well as?consumers, what is the value of your work? How can the cause of God sustain as workers those who are not sanctified by the truth? Begin at the beginning of this year to consecrate yourselves to God. Wait not. Make an entire surrender.?{PH068 12.2}[11]
Should not our ministers study this question? Many of our young ministers, if truly converted, would do much by entering the canvassing field.?They would there obtain an experience in faith. Their knowledge of the Scriptures would greatly increase, because as they imparted to others the light given them, they would receive more to impart. Let them enter the canvassing fields, and see what they can do in the way of producing. By meeting people and presenting to them our publications, they will gain an experience which they could not gain by simply preaching. As they go from house to house, they can converse with those whom they meet, carrying with them the fragrance of Christ’s life.?{PH068 12.3}[12]
The faithful youthful Timothy was taught by experienced men of God’s appointment how to read the Word and how to explain it to others. Paul, his father in the gospel, addressed him in the words, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”?{PH068 13.1}[13]
【The Canvasser】
It is the canvasser’s duty to cultivate the talents God has given him, to maintain his connection with God, to help always where he can. He has positive and constant need of the angelic ministration; for he has an important work to do, a work that he can not do in his own strength. “Now thanks be unto God which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved and in them that perish: to the one we are the savor?of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?”?{PH068 13.2}[14]
In his work the canvasser will be brought in contact with those who are in feeble health, who need the light on health reform, and with those who are dissatisfied with their religious experience, who are longing for something which they have not. To these he is to open the Word of Truth, rightly interpreting its meaning. “For we are not as many who corrupt the Word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of Christ in the sight of God speak we in Christ.”?{PH068 14.1}[15]
Ever remember that there are those who teach for doctrine the commandments of men. They make void the law of God by their traditions, like the Pharisees whom Christ exposed, saying, “Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.” The precious gems of truth are buried beneath a mass of error. By the sophistry of religious teachers the meaning of the plain, clear Word of God is hidden. The people are left in perplexity.?{PH068 14.2}[16]
By his work, the converted, consecrated canvasser is sowing the seeds of truth. This work must be done without delay; for we have but a short time in which to work. Speak to them in a way that will win their confidence. Pray for the sick. Ask the Lord to restore and heal suffering humanity. He has declared, “These signs shall follow them that believe.”?{PH068 14.3}[17]
【Personality of Satan】
Men and women are wandering in the mist and fog of error. They want to know what is truth. Tell them; not in high-flown language, but with the simplicity of children of God. Satan is on?your track. He is an artful opponent, and the malignant spirit which you meet in your work is inspired by him. Those whom he controls echo his words. If the veil could be rent away from their eyes, those thus worked would see Satan plying all his arts to win them from the truth. There are those who do not believe in the personality of Satan. These do not oppose his work in their hearts. They are ignorant of his devices.?{PH068 14.4}[18]
Instead of becoming like the world, we are to become more and more distinct from the world. Satan has combined and will continue to combine with the churches in making a masterly effort against the truth of God. Everything that is done by God’s people to make inroads upon the world will call forth determined opposition from the powers of darkness. The enemy’s last great conflict will be a most determined one. It will be the last battle between the powers of darkness and the powers of light. Every true child of God will fight bravely on the side of Christ. Those who in this great crisis allow themselves to be more on the side of the world than of God, will eventually place themselves wholly on the side of the world. Those who become confused in their understanding of the Word, who fail to see the meaning of antichrist, will surely place themselves on the side of antichrist. There is no time for us to assimilate with the world. Daniel is standing in his lot and in his place. The prophecies of Daniel and of John are to be understood; they interpret each other. They give to the world truths which everyone should understand. These prophecies are to be witnesses in the world. By their fulfillment in these last days, they will explain themselves.?{PH068 15.1}[19]
【Punishment of the World】
The Lord is about to punish the world for its iniquity. He is about to punish religious bodies for their rejection of the light and truth which has been given them. The great message, combining the first, second, and third angels’ messages, is to be given to the world. This is to be the burden of our work. Those who truly believe in Christ will openly conform to the law of Jehovah. The Sabbath is the sign between God and his people; and we are to make visible our conformity to the law of God by observing the Sabbath. It is to be the mark of distinction between God’s chosen people and the world.?{PH068 16.1}[20]
It means much to be true to God. This embraces health reform. It means that our diet must be simple, that we must be temperate in all things. The many varieties of food so often seen on tables is not necessary, but highly injurious. Mind and body are to be preserved in the best condition of health. Only those who have been trained in the knowledge and fear of God should be chosen to take responsibilities. Those who have been long in the truth, yet who can not distinguish between the pure principles of righteousness and the principles of evil, whose understanding in regard to justice, mercy, and the love of God is beclouded, should be relieved of responsibilities.?{PH068 16.2}[21]
God has important lessons for his people to learn. Had these lessons been learned before, his cause would not be where it is today. One thing must be done. The truth is not to be withheld from ministers or men in positions of responsibility for fear of incurring their displeasure. There are to be connected with our?institutions men who with meekness and wisdom will declare the whole counsel of God. God’s wrath is kindled against those who in carnal security and pride have shown contempt for his management. They are endangering the prosperity of the cause.?{PH068 16.3}[22]
Every false way is a deception, and if sustained will in the end bring destruction. Thus the Lord permits those who maintain false plans to be destroyed. At the very time when praise and adulation is heard, sudden destruction comes. There are those who, notwithstanding they know of the reproof received by others, because of unfaithfulness, turn away from admonition. These are doubly guilty. They knew the Lord’s will, and did it not. Their punishment will be proportionate to their guilt. They would not take heed to the word of the Lord. (Signed.)---Ellen G. White?{PH068 17.1}[23]
(Sunnyside, Cooranbong, N. S. W., Australia.)
(Extract from letter to Elder and Mrs. S. N. Haskell, written from “Cooranbong, N. S. W., October 24, 1899,” and signed by Mrs. E. G. White.)
I have had conversation with W. C. White, and made a proposition to him, that I would give the royalty on my coming book, “The Parables,” if the Review and Herald and the Pacific Press would donate their press work, and making of the books in neat, saleable style, and let all the avails be used to help relieve the debts upon our schools. This book will never grow old, and the avails shall go to the schools everywhere to help them.?I thought this movement on my part would provoke others to self-denial and to benevolence and mercy, to take right hold of this matter and get out?“The Parables” to do this work. Well, the Lord is, I believe, willing to help us in this work. I shall only draw upon the books to give some to the poor that can not buy. W. C. White enters into this plan with great satisfaction. Of course we have not time to get this all before you in definiteness as we will when we have time....{PH068 17.2}[24]
Later:?{PH068 18.1}[25]
“How can I help the school in Battle Creek, and help to wipe out that large debt?” It came to me that the only way I could do was to make a gift of the book soon to be issued, “The Parables.” I wish this book to be used in the interests of all our schools....?{PH068 18.2}[26]
My heart is deeply stirred in regard to the debt upon our schools all over the world. This state of things should not exist. Will you unite with me in creating something that will change this order of things? In the name of the Lord, do something, and do it now.?Arouse the people to do something in regard to these school debts.---E. G. White?{PH068 18.3}[27]
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