第六章 各种支援的方法
各种才干的工人的机会
在大城市中与传扬信息有关的，有许多方面的工作应由各种才干的工人们予以做成。有些人要以一种方式工作，有些人要以另一种方式工作。上帝要具有各种才能的人团结起来在城市作工。大家都要听耶稣的指挥，而不可依靠人的智慧，免得误入歧途。他们既是与上帝同工的人，就应当寻求彼此和谐合作。他们应当常常举行会议，恳切而全心地合作。但是大家都要仰望耶稣赐予聪明智慧，不要只靠人的指导。(《教会证言》卷九109页){PH005 35.1}
扩大事业
问题是在这些国家(写于澳大利亚)的人民要怎样受到警告。当我们用来作工的钱财这么少，工人也这么少的时候，能做什么来传扬信息呢?{PH005 35.2}
要是几个能了解形势的家庭愿意搬到这些国家，并在有几个人守安息日的地方做某种生意，并为基督的缘故做传道的工作，我知道藉着个人之工和发挥稳定的影响，他们能成就许多善工。甚愿主激动在美国的许多人献身于这项工作!我已再三尝试将情况摆在我们在巴特尔克里克的人面前，但没有一个人响应。{PH005 35.3}
在美国有些人有勤勉的习惯，能过得很好，并且发挥一种感化力，得人归于真理。我希望趁我还留在这里的时候能给人们心中留下某种印象，好能说服他们为基督的缘故，为基督替死之将亡生灵的缘故来到这里。我们可以一起商议，开始实施不会需要大笔开支却能产生许多善果的计划。这里每一个能作工的人都在作工，但有那么大的领域要作工，那么多的人还没有听人讲过一次警告的信息。……{PH005 35.4}
有时我觉得我绝不可离开这个园地，直到一些家庭从美国来到这里定居，作传道士，不是被任命的传道人，而是不同战线的工人。(《文稿》1892年47号){PH005 36.1}
传道士作勤劳的教育者
布道士们若能教导无经验之人如何作工，用最好的方法，得最好的成绩，就必在当地的人中有更大的感化力。他们这样行，就能显明布道士也可以作为实业教育家，并且这种教导，在那些经济有限的地方，尤其受人重视。维持这样的布道士，所需的款项是很小的，因为他们自读书以来，就已在实际的劳作上，对于体力有最好的使用;他们在这方面所获的一切本事，使他们无论何往都居于优势。(《教会证言》卷六176、177页){PH005 36.2}
需要坚强的属灵毅力
木工使用工具的技巧，铁匠打铁的力气，都是上帝所赐的。我们不论做什么，不论在什么地方，祂都希望管理我们的心志，使我们能做完美的工作。……勤劳地履行人生的本分仍是许多基督徒需要学习的重要课题。作为技工、商人、律师或农民为上帝作工，在日常的业务生活中实行基督教的主义，比作为正式的传教士在公开的园地里作工，需要更多的恩典和更严格的品格上的操练。把信仰带进工厂和业务办公室，圣化日常生活的细节，按圣经的标准处理每件事务，需要坚强的属灵毅力，但这正是上帝所要求的。(《基督教育之研究》277-279页){PH005 36.3}
基督徒农民的工作
基督徒农民能够从事真正的传道工作，那就是帮助穷人找安身之处，教导他们耕作土地，使之出产。要教他们怎样使用农具，怎样种植各种庄稼，怎样栽种和照看果园。{PH005 37.1}
许多种地的人得不到丰富的收成，是因为自己的疏忽。他们的果园没有好好照看，庄稼没有按时下种，耕耘只浮于表面。收成不好，他们就怨土地贫瘠。事实往往并非如此。只要耕作得当，土地就会有丰富的回报。他们潦草的工作，肤浅的计划，和不肯研究最佳的方法，非常需要改革。{PH005 37.2}
要把正确的方法教导所有愿意学习的人。如果有人不愿意听你们高深的见解，那就采取潜移默化的方法。要耕好你们自己的田地，有机会就同邻居说一两句话。让收成替你们正确的方法说话，证明正确耕耘的土地能有什么样的收获。(《服务真诠》 193页){PH005 37.3}
勇敢前进
上帝曾指教伊甸园中的亚当和夏娃怎样照料园子，现在祂也愿意指教人。耕田下种的人能得到智慧。凡信靠并顺从祂的人，祂必为他们开辟前进的道路。他们应当放胆前进，信靠祂会照着祂丰盛的恩慈供应他们的需要。{PH005 37.4}
主既能以五个饼和两条小鱼使众人吃饱，祂也必能在现今的时候使我们得到劳动的果实。祂从前曾对加利利的渔夫说：“你们下网打鱼”(路5:4)。他们听了祂的话，就得了满网的鱼，甚至网几乎破裂，祂也愿意使祂的子民在这件事上看到一个证据，证明现今祂会为他们做什么。{PH005 37.5}
现在活着并治理天地的还是那位曾从天上赐下吗哪给以色列人吃的上帝。祂必引导祂的子民，使他们在蒙召去做的事上有技巧和聪明。祂必将智慧赐给那些本着良心聪明地努力尽责的人。世界之主拥有丰富的资源。祂必赐福每一个设法为别人谋利的人。{PH005 37.6}
我们需要本着信心举目仰望天国，不要因表面上的失败而气馁，也不要因时间的耽搁而灰心。我们应当满怀快乐，希望，感恩的精神去耕种，相信大地怀中蕴藏着丰富的资源，给忠心的工人去收获，其宝藏比金银更富足。大山和丘陵要改变，地正如衣服渐渐旧了;但是上帝的福气，在旷野为其子民摆设筵席，却是永不止息的。(《服务真诠》 200页){PH005 38.1}
许多人不愿意汗流满面才得糊口。他们不肯耕种土地。然而大地的诸般福惠藏在她的深处，等待那些有勇气、意志和毅力的人去搜集她的财宝。父母拥有一块土地和一个舒适的家就成了国王和王后。(《基督教育原理》 327页){PH005 38.2}
建立实业作为传道项目
要注意建立各种实业，使穷苦的家庭能找到工作。不论木匠铁匠，凡懂得某种生产技术的人，都应负起责任，教导和帮助失业和没有知识的人。{PH005 38.3}
不论是男是女，都可以从事帮助穷人的工作。高明的厨师，管家，裁缝，护士——各种帮助都少不了。要教导穷苦家庭的人怎样烹饪，怎样缝补自己的衣服，怎样看护病人，怎样管好家庭。要让男女青年接受有益的职业教育。(《服务真诠》 194页){PH005 38.4}
小型疗养院和诊所
基督在这尘世时怎样传扬了真理，今日也要照样传扬真理。我们被聚集到各大中心的人应当出去，在园地里从事救灵的工作。他们应当到还没有听见过真理的地方祈祷、计划并作工，藉着实际的工作获得一种经验。基督今日在我们的世界上，岂不是和从前一样真实吗?祂现在岂不能像从前那样医治病人吗?应当建立小型疗养院和治疗室，教育人们学会简单的治病方法。那些开始从事这项工作的人必提高能力，因为看不见的天上媒介会在场帮助他们。(《信函》1905年43号){PH005 38.5}
开始医疗布道工作
男男女女应当研究如何才能最好的接触人。然后他们应当作为献身的、属灵的工人出发。他们应当在某城里租一个地方住，立刻开始工作。他们会发现足够多受苦受难的人，他们可以向这些人介绍自己是医疗布道士。在一些地方，医疗布道士若是有证书表明他已被分别出来从事福音工作，就会更为人所接受。(《文稿》1901年33号){PH005 39.1}
挨家逐户的工作
在国内的许多州中，住有勤俭耐劳，家道小康的农人。他们从未得到现代的真理。应该在这种地方作工。我们的平信徒应来担任这一种工作。平信徒可以藉着卖书或借书，分送刊物，以及举办查经班等方法，在邻舍中做成很多的工作。他们既充满爱人的心，就能以非常的力量宣传这信息，而使多人归主。{PH005 39.2}
所能成就之事
这两位查经员坐在一个人的家里，运用那在面前敞开着的圣经，宣讲主耶稣基督为赦罪的救主。又恳切地向上帝祈求，于是人们的心就因圣灵的感动而软化折服了。他们的祈祷是以清新和能力发出的。在他们讲解上帝的道时，我看见有一种柔和而明亮的光照耀着那本圣经，于是我就轻轻地说：“出去到路上和篱笆那里，勉强人进来，坐满我的屋子”(路14:23)。{PH005 39.3}
这宝贵的光就在邻里之间传开。已经拆毁的家庭祭坛现在重新设立了，许多人也都悔改归正了。{PH005 39.4}
我的弟兄姐妹啊，你们要献上自己，去为主服务。不要错过任何机会而未加善用。要去慰问那患病痛苦的人，向他们表示体恤关切之意。倘若可能，要设法使他们更感舒适。藉着这种方法，你们就可感动他们的心，而能为基督发言了。{PH005 40.1}
这种工作的效能是何等地深远，只有到永恒方能显明。凡情愿在最切近的范围内尽责的人，就必有机会做别样有益的工作。现今所需要的，并不是学问高深的演说家，乃是谦卑而基督化的男女。他们已经从拿撒勒人耶稣那里学得了柔和谦卑，并且信赖祂的能力，愿意出去到路上和篱笆那里，向人发出邀请说：“请来吧，样样都齐备了”(路14:17)。{PH005 40.2}
运用各种技艺
凡精于农作以及凡熟谙建筑简易楼房的人，也能帮助。他们能一面作优良的工作，同时在品格上显出我们的人有特权可以达到的高尚标准。但愿农人，理财家，建筑师，以及擅长其它各项技艺的人们，都到那曾经忽略的地方去改良土地，建设实业，为自己预备朴质的住宅，并将现代真理的知识传给邻居。(《教会证言》卷九35、36页){PH005 40.3}
耶稣并没有解除我们个人努力的义务。但祂教训我们要在凡事上以祂为初，为终，为至善。我们不要从事什么业务，追求什么事业，放纵什么娱乐，来妨碍祂的公义在我们品格和生活中成就善工。我们无论做什么，都要出于内心，像是给主做的。(《福山宝训》99页){PH005 40.4}
健康食品的生产
凡是真理传播之处，就当在那里讲述关于预备健康食品的教训。上帝希望各地的人受教，知道如何善用那容易采购得到的出产。练达的教师应当指示人怎样去充分利用本国本地所能种植或购得的出产;这样，无论是贫民或是境遇较佳的人，都能学习过健康的生活了。……我们的任务乃是要使人明白：如何能获得并制备那最有益于健康的食物;如何能在自身恢复上帝善良的形像上与祂合作。……{PH005 40.5}
在建造圣所时，祂曾赐人技能和聪明，使他们能做各种巧工，祂也必赐给祂子民技能和聪明，使他们能配制天然的食品，从而向他们表明如何获得健康的饮食。…….{PH005 41.1}
上帝的计划乃是要在各处都有男女受到鼓励，借着从自己本国本地的天然土产制造出健康食品的事，发展其才能。他们若仰望上帝，在祂圣灵的指导之下运用自己的技能与巧思，就必学得将自然产物制成健康食品的方法。这样，他们才能去教导穷人如何为自己预备那足以代替肉类的食品;而那些如此得到帮助的人，又可以去转教别人。(《教会证言》卷七132、133页){PH005 41.2}
餐馆
医疗布道的工作，无论推展到哪个大城市，就当在那里开办烹饪学校。无论在何处兴起强大的教育布道工作，那里也应相继设立卫生餐馆这一类的企业，以便给人们实际的示范，知道怎样选择食物而加以有益健康的配制。(《教会证言》卷七55页){PH005 41.3}
引起兴趣的方法
当建立餐馆的问题第一次被提出来的时候，就曾清楚地指出，他们的工作的一个目的和目标就是要使人归正，而不是你们要发明许多奇特的菜肴以满足食欲，以致没有时间用在使别人的心对真理感兴趣的工作上。或许做了一些努力要使人对真理感兴趣，然而与本应该做成的相比，那些努力实在太微弱了。(《文稿》1905年150号){PH005 41.4}
经济利益不是最主要的
我们的餐馆使我们与许多的人接触。我们的心若充满经济利益的想法，我们就不会实现上帝的旨意。祂巴不得我们利用一切的机会，传扬拯救世人男女脱离永死的真理。(《文稿》1906年27号){PH005 41.5}
引人发问
当有思想的人发现我们的餐馆在安息日停业时，他们就会开始询问导致我们在安息日关门的原则。在回答他们的问题时，我们就有机会使他们认识真理。我们不妨送给他们一些我们的定期刊物和单张小册，好使他们也得以明了“事奉上帝的和不事奉上帝的，”究竟有何不同。(《文稿》1902年108号){PH005 42.1}
使自己有资格作工
我们每个人都须下定决心，从事适合现时代的工作，做智慧的工人并培养自己的专长，去做与自己最相宜的工作。在商业生活中取得成功的人是敏锐、机敏和迅速的。我们必须用同样的机智和精力来服侍上帝。每一个人不论从事什么行业或职业，都要首先关心上帝的圣工，不仅要运用自己的才干推进主的工作，还要为此目的而培养自己的才能。许多人花几个月或几年的时间来掌握一门技术，以便在世上作成功的工人。他们岂不该作特别的努力来培养使他为上帝作成功工人的才干吗?这一切的培训工作都应该随着为圣灵而认真地寻求主。……{PH005 42.2}
圣经的知识必不可少
我们已经大大忽视了获得那必不可少的圣经知识，使生活在凡事上都符合福音的精神。我们因不像耶稣而损失了很多，——之所以损失了是因为我们没有在自己的行为上呈现基督化生活的美好可爱，没有用基督徒的优美为我们救主的道理增光添色。(《评论与通讯》1914年11月26日){PH005 42.3}
作为基督的仆人
我们不论做什么，都是为基督做的。在世界有许多种工作可以为上帝而作。一个不信的人会为了所得的工资去机械地工作。他不了解与那位工师合作的喜乐。那些为服务自己而工作的人没有属灵的生命。普通的动机、普通的愿望、普通的灵感，渴望被世人看为智者，这些东西统治着他的生活。这样的人可能会得到世人的赞扬，却不会得到上帝的嘉许。那些真正与基督联合的人不是为了工资而工作。他们与上帝同工，不会努力抬高自己。{PH005 43.1}
在最后的大日所要作出的诸多决定会另许多人吃惊。人的判断在将要作的决定中是无分的。基督将要并且能够审判每一桩案件，因为父已将所有的审判权交给了祂。祂要按着世人所看不见的标准来衡量他们的服务。那些最隐密的事情在祂无所不见的眼中是敞开的。祂要审查所有的人，在祂的审判中，许多被世人放在首位的要放在末后，而许多被世人放在最低位的却要从万民中提起升到首位。(《评论与通讯》1900年7月31日){PH005 43.2}
《Chapter 6—Various Means of Suppor》
【Opportunities for Laborers of Varied Gifts】
In connection with the proclamation of the message in large cities, there are many kinds of work to be done by laborers with varied gifts. Some are to labor in one way, some in another. The Lord desired that the cities shall be worked by the united efforts of laborers of different capabilities. All are to look to Jesus for direction, not depending on man for wisdom, lest they be led astray. As laborers together with God, they should seek to be in harmony with one another. There should be frequent councils, and earnest whole-hearted co-operation. Yet all are to look to Jesus for wisdom, not depending upon men alone for direction.?Testimonies for the Church 9:109.?{PH005 35.1}[123]
【Engaging in Business】
How are the people to be warned in these countries, [written from Australia] is the question. What can be done to proclaim the message when we have so little means to work with, and so few workers[?].?{PH005 35.2}[124]
If several families who could understand the situation would move to these countries and engage in some business in places where a few keeping the Sabbath, and do missionary work for Christ’s sake, I know that by personal labor and holding a steady influence they could do much good. O that the Lord would stir up the minds of many in America to give themselves to this work! I have tried again and again to place the situation before our people in Battle Creek, but no one responds.?{PH005 35.3}[125]
There are men in America, who with their industrious habits could make a good living and yet exert an influence to win souls to the truth. I wish I could make some impression on hearts while we remain here that we might persuade them to come for Christ’s sake, for the sake of perishing souls for whom Christ has died. We could counsel together, and set in operation plans that would not require a?great outlay of means, and yet effect much good. Every one here who can work is at work, but there is so large a territory to be worked, so many that have not yet heard the first sound of the message of warning....?{PH005 35.4}[126]
Sometimes I feel that I must never leave this field until families are settled here from America as missionaries, not ordained ministers, but workers in different lines.—Manuscript 47, 1892.?{PH005 36.1}[127]
【Missionaries as Industrial Educators】
Missionaries will be much more influential among the people if they are able to teach the inexperienced how to labor according to the best methods and to produce the best results. They will thus be able to demonstrate that missionaries can become industrial educators; and this kind of instruction will be appreciated especially where means are limited. A much smaller fund will be required to sustain such missionaries, because, combined with their studies, they have put to the very best use their physical powers in practical labor; and wherever they may go, all they have gained in this line will give them vantage ground.?Testimonies for the Church 6:176, 177.?{PH005 36.2}[128]
【A Strong Spiritual Nerve Required】
The skill with which the carpenter uses his tools, the strength with which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring come from God. Whatever we do, wherever we are placed, He desires to control our minds, that we do perfect work.... The essential lesson of contented industry in the necessary duties of life is yet to be learned by many of Christ’s followers. It requires more grace, more stern discipline of character, to work for God in the capacity of mechanic, merchant, lawyer, or farmer, carrying the precepts of Christianity into the ordinary business of life, than to labor as an acknowledged missionary in the open field. It requires a strong spiritual nerve to bring religion into the workshop and the business office, sanctifying the details of everyday life, and ordering every transaction according to to the standards of God’s word. But this is what the Lord requires.Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 277-279.?{PH005 36.3}[129]
【A Work for Christian Farmers】
Christian farmers can do real missionary work in helping the poor to find homes on the land, and in teaching them how to till the soil and make it productive. Teach them how to use the implements of agriculture, how to cultivate various crops, how to plant and care for orchards.?{PH005 37.1}[130]
Many who till the soil fail to secure adequate returns because of their neglect. Their orchards are not properly cared for, the crops are not put in at the right time, and a mere surface work is done in cultivating the soil. Their ill success they charge to the unproductiveness of the land. False witness is often borne in condemning land that, if properly worked, would yield rich returns. The narrow plans, the little strength put forth, the little study as to the best methods, call loudly for reform.?{PH005 37.2}[131]
Let proper methods be taught to all who are willing to learn. If any do not wish you to speak to them of advanced ideas, let the lessons be given silently. Keep up the culture of your own land. Drop a word to your neighbors when you can, and let the harvest be eloquent in favor of right methods. Demonstrate what can be done with the land when properly worked.The Ministry of Healing, 193.?{PH005 37.3}[132]
【Move Forward Courageously】
He who taught Adam and Eve in Eden how to tend the garden, desires to instruct men today. There is wisdom for him who drives the plow and sows the seed. Before those who trust and obey Him, God will open ways of advance. Let them move forward courageously, trusting to Him to supply their needs according to the riches of His goodness.?{PH005 37.4}[133]
He who fed the multitude with five loaves and two small fishes is able today to give us the fruit of our labor. He who said to the fishers of Galilee, “Let down your nets for a draught,” and who, as they obeyed, filled their nets till they broke, desires His people to see in this an evidence of what He will do for them today.?{PH005 37.5}[134]
The God who in the wilderness gave the children of Israel manna from heaven still lives and reigns. He will guide His people, and give skill and understanding in the work they are called to do. He will give wisdom to those who strive to do their duty conscientiously and intelligently. He?who owns the world is rich in resources, and will bless every one who is seeking to bless others.?{PH005 37.6}[135]
We need to look heavenward in faith. We are not to be discouraged because of apparent failure, nor should we be disheartened by delay. We should work cheerfully, hopefully, gratefully, believing that the earth holds in her bosom rich treasures for the faithful worker to garner, stores richer than gold or silver. The mountains and hills are changing; the earth is waxing old like a garment; but the blessing of God, which spreads for His people a table in the wilderness will never cease.The Ministry of Healing, 200.?{PH005 38.1}[136]
Many are unwilling to earn their bread by the sweat of their brow, and they refuse to till the soil. But the earth has blessings hidden in her depths for those who have courage and will and perseverance to gather her treasures. Fathers and mothers who possess a piece of land and a comfortable home are kings and queens.Fundamentals of Christian Education, 327.?{PH005 38.2}[137]
【Establishment of Industries as a Missionary Project】
Attention should be given to the establishment of various industries so that poor families can find employment. Carpenters, blacksmiths, and indeed every one who understands some line of useful labor, should feel a responsibility to teach and help the ignorant and the unemployed.?{PH005 38.3}[138] In ministry to the poor there is a wide field of service for women as well as for men. The efficient cook, the housekeeper, the seamstress, the nurse,—the help of all is needed. Let the members of poor households be taught how to cook how to make and mend their own clothing, how to nurse the sick, how to properly care for the home. Let boys and girls be thoroughly taught some useful trade or occupation.The Ministry of Healing, 194.?{PH005 38.4}[139]
【Small Sanitariums and Treatment Rooms】
Today the truth is to be proclaimed as Christ proclaimed it when He was on this earth. Our people who are collected together at large centers should be out in the field working for souls. They should go to places where the truth has not yet been heard, and pray and plan and work and gain an experience by practical work. Is not Christ in our world today as verily as He was then? Can He not heal the sick?as well now as then? Let small sanitariums and treatment rooms be established, and let people be given an education in the simple methods of treating disease. Those who take up this work will increase in capability; for unseen heavenly agencies will be present to help them.—Letter 43, 1905.?{PH005 38.5}[140]
【Beginning Work as Medical Missionaries】
Men and women are to study how they can best reach the people. Then let them go forth as consecrated, spiritual workers. Let them in some city hire a place in which to live, and at once begin their work. They will find enough suffering ones to whom they can present themselves as medical missionaries. In some places the medical missionary will be better received if he has credentials to show that he has been set apart for gospel work.—Manuscript 33, 1901.?{PH005 39.1}[141]
【House-to-house Work】
In many states there are settlements of industrious, well-to-do farmers, who have never had the truth for this time. Such places should be worked. Let our lay members take up this line of service. By lending or selling books, by distributing papers, and by holding Bible readings, our lay members could do much in their own neighborhoods. Filled with love for souls, they could proclaim the message with such power that many would be converted.?{PH005 39.2}[142]
【A Representation of What May Be Done】
Two Bible workers were seated in a family. With the open Bible before them, they presented the Lord Jesus Christ as the sin-pardoning Saviour. Earnest prayer was offered to God, and hearts were softened and subdued by the influence of the Spirit of God. Their prayers were uttered with freshness and power. As the word of God was explained, I saw that a soft, radiant light illumined the Scriptures, and I said, softly, “Go out into, the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.”?Luke 14:23.?{PH005 39.3}[143]
The precious light was communicated from neighbor to neighbor. Family altars which had been broken down were again erected, and many were converted.?{PH005 39.4}[144]
My brethren and sisters, give yourselves to the Lord for service. Allow no opportunity to pass unimproved. Visit the sick and suffering, and show a kindly interest in them. If possible, do something to make them more comfortable. Through this means you can reach their hearts, and speak a word for Christ.?{PH005 40.1}[145]
Eternity alone will reveal how far-reaching such a line of labor can be. Other lines of usefulness will open before those who are willing to do the duty nearest them. It is not learned, eloquent speakers that are needed now, but humble, Christ-like men and women, who have learned from Jesus of Nazareth to be meek and lowly, and who, trusting in His strength, will go forth into the highways and hedges to give the invitation, “Come; for all things are now ready.”?Luke 14:17.?{PH005 40.2}[146]
【Use Varied Industries and Crafts】
Those who are wise in agricultural lines, in tilling the soil, those who can construct simple, plain buildings, may help. They can do good work, and at the same time show in their characters the high standard to which it is the privilege of this people to attain. Let farmers, financiers, builders, and those who are skilled in various other crafts, go to neglected fields, to improve the land, to establish industries, to prepare humble homes for themselves, and to give their neighbors a knowledge of the truth for this time.?Testimonies for the Church 9:35, 36.?{PH005 40.3}[147]
Jesus does not release us from the necessity of effort, but He teaches that we are to make Him first and last and best in everything. We are to engage in no business, follow no pursuit, seek no pleasure, that would hinder the outworking of His righteousness in our character and life. Whatever we do is to be done heartily, as unto the Lord.?Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 111.?{PH005 40.4}[148]
【Manufacture of Health Foods】
Wherever the truth is proclaimed, instruction should be given in the preparation of healthful foods. God desires that in every place the people shall be taught to use wisely the products that can be easily obtained. Skilful teachers should show the people how to utilize to the very best advantage the products that they can raise or secure in their section of the country. Thus, the poor, as well as those in better circumstances, can learn to live healthfully.... Our work is?to show the people how they can obtain and prepare the most wholesome food, how they can co-operate with God in restoring His moral image in themselves....?{PH005 40.5}[149]
He who in the building of the tabernacle gave skill and understanding in all manner of cunning work, will give skill and understanding to His people in the combining of natural-food products, thus showing them how to secure a healthful diet....?{PH005 41.1}[150]
It is the Lord’s design that in every place men and women shall be encouraged to develop their talents by preparing healthful foods from the natural products of their own section of the country. If they look to God, exercising their skill and ingenuity under the guidance of His Spirit, they will learn how to prepare natural products into healthful foods. Thus they will be able to teach the poor how to provide themselves with foods that will take the place of flesh meat. Those thus helped can in turn instruct others.?Testimonies for the Church 7:132, 133.?{PH005 41.2}[151]
【Restaurants】
Wherever medical missionary work is carried on in our large cities, cooking-schools should be held; and wherever a strong educational missionary work is in progress, a hygienic restaurant of some sort should be established, which shall give a practical illustration of the proper selection and the healthful preparation of foods.?Testimonies for the Church 7:55.?{PH005 41.3}[152]
【A Means of Creating Interest】
When the question of establishing restaurants was first introduced, it was clearly pointed out that the one aim and object of their work was to be the conversion of souls. It was not that you might invent the many fancy dishes to gratify the appetite, and have no time left to devote to the work of creating in the minds of others an interest in the truth. Some attempts may have been made to interest souls in the truth, but they have been but feeble in comparison with what should have been done.—Manuscript 150, 1905.?{PH005 41.4}[153]
【Financial Aspect not to Be All-absorbing】
Our restaurants bring us in contact with many people, but if we allow our minds to be engrossed with the thought of financial profit, we shall fail to fulfil the purpose of God. He?would have us to take advantage of every opportunity to present the truth that is to save men and women from eternal death.—MS-27-1906.?{PH005 41.5}[154]
【To Awaken Inquiry】
When thinking men find that our restaurants are closed on the Sabbath, they will begin to make inquiries in regard to the principles that lead us to close our doors on Saturday. In answering their questions, we shall have opportunity to acquaint them with the truth. We can give them copies of our periodicals and tracts, so that they may be able to understand the difference between God’s people and the so-called Christian world.—Manuscript 108, 1902.?{PH005 42.1}[155]
【Qualifying for the Work】
Let all set their hearts and minds to become intelligent in regard to the work for this time, qualifying themselves to do that for which they are best adapted. Men who make a success in business life are keen, apt, and prompt. We must exercise equal tact and energy in the service of God. Let every man of whatever trade or profession, make the cause of God his first interest, not only exercising his talents to advance the Lord’s work, but cultivating his ability to this end. Many a man devotes months and years to the acquirement of a trade or profession, that he may become a successful worker in the world. Should he not make as great an effort to cultivate those talents which would make him a successful worker for God? All this work of training should be accompanied with earnest seeking of the Lord for His Holy Spirit....?{PH005 42.2}[156]
【Scriptural Knowledge Essential】
There is a great neglect to obtain that scriptural knowledge which is essential, that the life in all points may be conformed to the spirit of the gospel. Very much has been lost by our unlikeness to Jesus,—lost because we do not in our own conduct present the loveliness of a Christ-like life, and adorn by the Christian graces the doctrine of our Saviour.The Review and Herald, November 26, 1914.?{PH005 42.3}[157]
【As the Servants of Christ】
Whatever work we do, we are to do it for Christ. There are many kinds of temporal work to be done for God. An unbeliever would do this work mechanically, for the wages he receives. He does not know the joy of co-operation with the Master Worker. There is no spirituality in the work of him who serves self. Common motives, common aspirations, common inspirations, a desire to be thought clever by men, rule in his life. Such a one may receive praise from men, but not from God. Those who are truly united with Christ do not work for the wages they receive. Laborers together with God, they do not strive to exalt self.?{PH005 43.1}[158]
In the last great day decisions will be made that will be a surprise to many. Human judgment will have no place in the decisions then made. Christ can and will judge every case; for all judgment has been committed to Him by the Father. He will estimate service by that which is invisible to men. The most secret things lie open to His all-seeing eye. When the Judge of all men shall make His investigation, many of those whom human estimation has placed first will be placed last, and those who have been put in the lowest place by men will be taken out of the ranks and made first.The Review and Herald, July 31, 1900.?{PH005 43.2}[159]
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