亲爱的弟兄：
你的信已经收到了。你最后一封关于学院的信是在今天早上收到的。我不知道我们学院欠债两万美元。这就必须呼吁捐款。{PC 364.2}
关于将那么多的责任集中在巴特尔克里克的弊端已经不小。危险很大。有一些未归正的人只等环境成熟就会将他们所有的影响放在错误的一边。关于巴特尔克里克或巴特尔克里克学院，我永远感觉不到完全安全。我现在不能说出我所有的理由。促使我写这封信的，是关于业务经理的大需要——非常需要敬虔的、献身的人去把握工作并以敬畏上帝的方式推进工作。{PC 364.3}
无论将学费定的那么低的目的是什么，学院负着如此沉重的债务一直落后的事实，就是改变定价、使学院将来不再有这种表现的充分理由。即使收取较高的学费不会有这么多人光顾，低学费对它也是不利的。那些真想在巴特尔克里克学院获得好处的人会额外努力来获得这些好处，而由于学费低而被引诱来的一大班学生，对其他学生和教会都没有好处。人数越多，就需要更多的机智、技巧和警惕来维持秩序，避免士气低落。{PC 364.4}
应作出一些安排，筹集一笔资金，用于贷款给那些愿意投身于传教工作的配得的贫困学生;在某些情况下，他们应该接受捐赠。然后，应当清楚地向这些青年表明，他们必须尽可能地按自己的方式工作，并部分地支付他们的费用。{PC 365.1}
各地教会应当感觉到自己身上有一个严肃的责任，就是要教育青年，培养人才从事传道工作。当他们看见教会中那些立志作有用工人的人不能上学时，他们应负责把他们送进我们的学院去受教育，得发展，目的是要成为上帝圣工中的工人。有一些人才需要得到建立，他们会在主的葡萄园中从事很好的服务;但他们十分贫穷，无法获得学院教育的好处。各教会应感觉自己有特权承担起责任，支付他们的费用。{PC 365.2}
学费应该提高，如果有人需要帮助，就让他们按照上面所说的得帮助吧。学院刚开办时，在《评论与通讯》出版社设立了一个基金，用于那些希望获得教育但没有经济能力的人。有几个学生使用了这笔资金，直到他们有了一个好的开端，并挣到足够的钱来归还他们所提取的资金，以便其他学生从中受益。那付出代价很少的东西得到的赏识会很少，但那付出的代价接近其真实价值的东西却会受到相应地评价。{PC 365.3}
如果学生更少些，而且他们具有充满希望的品格，就会成为巴特尔克里克的一大福气。如果学院里有很平衡且有很强的道德影响力、知道如何与人心打交道、具有真正的传道精神的人作教师;那么要是学院人满为患，需要再建一所同样大的学院，那就会成为世界上最好的传道园地。这种能力才是学院里非常需要的。{PC 365.4}
要是在巴特尔克里克出版社工作的人有这些优秀品质，前景就会更加令人鼓舞。重大权益有在他们手中被扭曲、出现缺陷的危险。要是一些人更多地感觉到自己的无知，愿意更少倚靠自我，更少自足自负，他们就可能会学习大教师的心里柔和谦卑。{PC 365.5}
关于学院我要说：提高学费，招收更好的学生。然而应该为那些来到学院的人做最好的准备，使他们得到每一个健康的、智力的和道德的优势。我看到还需要再建一所寄宿公寓，也许还需要为学生们建造另一栋大楼。我看不出你在学院负有这笔重债时怎么能比以往更好地筹集资金。不应该有那笔债务，要是曾有正确的计划，那笔债务就不会存在;就是说，要是学院特别聘请的人那些人都是思想广博的有进取心的人，他们就会不断地运用聪明才智，想方没法使学院没有负债。{PC 365.6}
只要我们有献身的、体贴圣灵的工人在我们的重要机构工作，他们倚赖上帝而不是倚赖自己，我们就肯定可以期待比迄今远为兴盛。然而，在显然缺乏谦卑的信赖，对上帝缺乏完全的倚靠的地方，我们什么都没把握。我们现今的大需要是受上帝圣灵的洗。我们需要像以诺一样与上帝同行的人;需要视野不那么狭隘以致会束缚而不是扩大工作的人;需要不会说：“业务是业务，宗教是宗教”的人。我们需要能理解现状的人;有远见卓识的人;能推断因果的人。{PC 366.1}
我要在此摘录写于1880年11月8日的一封信的内容：{PC 366.2}
“每一部分圣工的利益对我来说都像我的生命一样珍贵。工作的每一个分支都很重要。我蒙指示看到有很大的危险，不要使文字布道工作如此吸引人以致它会因大量的计划而变得错综复杂：它会变得令人困惑并占用每一其它分支的资源。我还蒙指示看见，在文字布道工作和安息日学工作中，有太多刻板机械的东西。有了一种形式和安排，但工人们很少感受到或实践基督化的简朴。我们需要更少的机关和呆板的安排，更多用心的工作，更多真实的虔诚和真正的圣洁;尤其是在各处的传道工作上。需要有虔诚、纯正、明智的管理才能，然后才会用较少的花费完成大得多和好得多的工作。{PC 366.3}
有一个广阔的园地要覆盖，并且在超越工作的简朴。现在是作工的时候，要本着上帝明智的忠告作工。你们若是让未献身的人参与传道园地和安息日学的工作，我们的工作就会呈现出一种形式化的模式而没有基督。工人们必须在园地的每一个部分仔细虔诚地研究如何用基督的简朴作工，并以一种经济的方式作工;计划和设计最成功的打动人心的方式。{PC 366.4}
我们有危险开辟更多的地区，开始更多的工作，过于我们可能好好照应的。有危险因过于关注其它部分而忽略了圣工的一些重要部分。计划开发大量的工作，而做得不完善，这种计划是不好的。我们要向前进，但不可远离圣工的简朴性，以致不可能照顾所有事业而不牺牲我们最好的助手，来维持事事按步就班。我们必须重视生命与健康。{PC 367.1}
在我们应该总是准备好跟从上帝天意所打开的门路之时，我们也应该不制定更大的计划，过于我们所拥有的助力和财力所能成功完成的。我们应当维持及增加已开始之事业中的利益。在更大的计划和更广泛的领域正不断向工人们敞开之时，我们必须对努力领人归向真理的工人有更宽宏的想法和见解。我们年轻的传道人必须受到鼓励，充满活力地作工，必须给予这些人教育方面的工作，以及鼓励。他们必须受到培养训练以简朴推进圣工。我惊讶地看到我们年轻的传道人多么不受赏识，对他们的鼓励是多么少。可是他们中有些人仍然坚持工作，并以无私的关怀做一切的事;然而还是会有一些人离开圣工，因为他们没有得到适当的鼓励。{PC 367.2}
必须有更多基督的方法，更少自我。尖锐的批评应该受到压制。每位工人都应培养同情、怜悯和仁爱。除非耶稣来到并占据人心，除非自我被抑制，基督被高举，我们作为一班子民就不会兴盛。我所见证的是我已看见的。弟兄们啊，我劝你们完全在上帝里努力，不要制定太多计划，而要力求健康地、慎重地开展工作，并要细致周到，使工作能持久。{PC 367.3}
还有一个问题，我想向你提一下。就是书籍版税的问题。W.C.怀特从美国回来之后，已收到A.R.亨利关于这一点的性质很坚决的信。W.C.怀特讲了你们在巴特尔克里克的董事会所采取的立场。我很遗憾，他们在判断上没有远见。他们证明自己的观点和理解很狭隘。他们会引起著作家许多不愉快的感觉，也不会完成他们所做的事情。这一举动会造成不和谐。上帝不会认可他们考虑的任何这种手段，因为那些手段是不公正的。这就是倚靠不圣洁的人作决定的危险。{PC 367.4}
自私的方针不是出于天的，而是属地的。其最主要的格言是：“目的证明手段是正当的(为了正当目的可以不择手段)。”在从事已经开始的做法的过程中，它什么也不做，只追求自己的成功。这可以追溯到每个业务部门;它是社会各阶层中、各国的重大议会中、基督的灵不是统治原则的每一个会议中普遍存在的因素。每一个与我们的机构有联系的人都需要培养谨慎和小心、机智和技巧。但是，公平和正义的法律不可被抛在一边，也不可把最普遍的原则抛在一边，不顾其它分支，只使自己的工作分支取得成功。应调查他人的利益，以确保没有一个人的权利受到侵犯。{PC 367.5}
这种方针是一个网罗。虽然理事会可能自豪地以为自己正在做一件非常好的事情，但他们却表现出一种目光短浅的智慧，这将削弱他们自己为成功所做的努力。建筑物必须建立在正确的基础上才能站立。当出版协会的董事会自作主张，要求所有的书籍利润都要交给出版协会时，他们是在寻求控制那些不在他们管辖范围内的事情。他们是在自行承担一项他们无法完成的工作。{PC 368.1}
这些脑力劳动者和组成董事会的人一样对上帝的事业感兴趣，后者竟乐于作他们的良心。这些人中有一些人几乎从工作之初就参与其中。上帝并没有将作别人良心的人工作放在这个董事会上身上。他们不应如此执着地强迫人们接受他们的条件。这种方针不应该被归类为谨慎;尽管它经常被误认为是这样。无论出于什么原因，它都是一种自私，不顾一切地保证成功：但谨慎使用的是判断，其工作方式从不狭隘，并且有广泛的想法，心灵的眼睛能够接受多个对象，并能从各个方面看到问题。然而自私方针的视野却很短，看到手边的每一样东西，却看不到远处的东西。它总是伺机获得并不属于它的好处;会从别人的建筑中拔出地基来建造自己。{PC 368.2}
不要让上帝有必要责备那些身居要职的人，他们应该成为百姓的守护者，特别守护那些已经长期服侍上帝圣工之人的权益;他们的笔墨和声音一直在积极地使工作达到目前的水平。我希望我能将这些事的真相摆在这些人面前。自从出版协会成立以来，已经在混乱的情况下赐下了亮光。主已经常发言，制定所有工人必须实行的原则和准则。落在那些身居要职之人身上的严重的责任已经不断摆在我们面前，我们一天三到五次寻求主，求祂赐给我们天上的智慧，使我们能神圣地保卫圣工的权益和祂所拣选之子民的权益。我已再三蒙指示看见我们必须这么做。我蒙指示看见那些负责这些机构的人应当始终谨记，有一位理事长，就是天上的上帝。在每一个工作部门的业务交易中都应该有严格的诚实。虽然在维护秩序时要有坚定的态度，但也要有同情、仁慈和宽容的精神融入品格中。正义有一个孪生姐妹——爱——她们应该并肩站在一起。{PC 368.3}
已经再三呈现在我面前的是，上帝正在观察那个出版社的每一笔交易。应该始终记住：“看顾人的上帝”(创16:13);每一个在出版社里负有责任的人都应该操练谦恭和基督徒的礼貌。他们应该意识到在世界的惯例中如此常见的侵犯他人权利的行为是得罪上帝的。董事会应该始终像在神目的鉴察之下行事，不断意识到他们是有限的人，容易在判断、决策和计划上犯错误，除非他们密切地与上帝联络，力求消除他们品格上的每一个缺陷。既然他们自己只是软弱犯错的人，他们就应该对其他可能犯错的人感到仁慈和同情。必须达到神圣的标准。你应该带着主和你一起进入你们的每一个议事会。你们若是感觉到上帝在你们的集会上，就会本着良心仔细虔诚地考虑每一笔交易。每一无原则的行为就会受到压制，无论在大事上还是小事上，正直都会成为交易的特征。应该培养对工人的普遍仁慈。首先要寻求上帝的旨意，因为这是你们一同适当地商议所必需的。{PC 369.1}
应该有一种守护看顾，以免忙碌的生活、积累的业务使工人如此全神贯注以致在最需要祷告加添力量的时候忽略了祷告。所有的弊害由此而来，因为他们使自己的心灵丧失了那正等着他们要求的天上的力量和智慧。我们需要惟独上帝才能给予的启发，而且，我们若没有这种智慧，就不适合处理业务。在会议开始的时候，有几句祷告的话，然而内心却没有藉着忧伤痛悔的精神，本着活泼的信心献上恳切迫切的祈求来与上帝同心同德。他们既使自己与智慧和能力的上帝的分离，就不能在与同胞打交道时保持上帝所要求的那种高度的正直。没有神圣的智慧，他们讨厌的品格特征就会交织在他们所做的决策中。这些人若与上帝没有联络，撒但就必成为他们议事会中的一员，在他们作决策时利用他们不献身的状态。会有不公正的行为，因为上帝没有主持他们的会议。基督的灵必须是一种恒久的、控制人心思意念的力量。在世界上，交易之神就是欺诈之神。那些从事上帝圣工的人切不可这样。世俗的原则和标准不应成为那些与圣事有关之人的标准。{PC 369.2}
若干年前开始出版工作的时候，曾制订一些计划，其内容我不能全部记起了。曾作出了这样的决定：任何个人都不能从他自己的著作中获利。有人向我们建议，出版协会应拥有我丈夫著作的利润，我丈夫没有充分考虑就同意了。我当时考虑过这件事，我是这样想的：我希望能让尽可能多的人得到证言，因为证言是上帝赐给祂子民的信息。我不想从这项工作中得到个人的好处。我们就表示了这样的看法。可是不久以后，我蒙指示看到，放弃对自己著作的管理权是不智之举，因为我们比那些经验少得多的人更知道如何使用这些书的收益。书籍将要大量印刷，我们所获得的利润将使我们能领导这一项正在前进的工作，增进圣工的利益，把别人也带进这项工作。要坚持一项原则，就是要维护真正工人的权益。我们不是唯一受这条决定所影响的人。所以必须维持正义：上帝的圣工将不断地扩大，它将以全世界为园地，圣工的需要不能由一个人的意志和一个人模糊的认识所决定。在上帝道德的葡萄园中有一项重要的工作要做。任何人都不能认为他所主持的那一部分工作可以吞并所有其它的权益。{PC 370.1}
我蒙指示看见，脑力工作者有上帝所赐的资本。他们脑力的善用属于上帝，而不属于人。如果工人把工薪时间给了雇主，雇主对他就没有进一步的要求了。然而如果他藉着密切勤奋地节省时间来预备材料出版，那就是他的事了，因为他本着敬畏上帝的心，认为自己能最好地侍奉上帝。如果他除了一点版税把什么都放弃了，就不应该敦促他做更多的事情：他已经为处理这些书的人做了一番善工;然而要是出版商想要一切，却看不到他们在要求中超越了自己的权利，那么，对作者来说，依从他们贪婪的精神就是最糟糕的事，即使辩称是为了上帝的圣工。作者们对使用自己所收到的资金的方式负有责任。会有许多要用钱的地方。我蒙指示看到，会有许多权益要增进，我的丈夫和我自己会蒙召投资建造必须建造的礼拜堂，要是没有人感觉到并且认识到圣工的需要，亲自带头投资，那些礼拜堂就决不会得到建造。{PC 370.2}
我还蒙指示看到会有传道园地应该进入，而这需要资金。那些已蒙上帝托付银子的人应当按照他们的能力拿这些银子去做买卖，因为他们应当尽自己的本分，推进这些权益。我们的收入要是仅够维持生活，我们就不会最好最成功地为上帝圣工的利益效劳，因为我们的经验会使我们能够设置许多方法和机会帮助圣工，是别人不会看出来的。上帝本着祂明智的天意安排，赐下了写作的能力，祂旨在让资金进入我们手中，好明智地使用，作祂的管家，不受妥协的限制。我们没有责任将我们的管家身份转让给任何一个人或一组人，而要在上帝之灵指示的时间和地点将我们的资金投入到祂的圣工中。上帝赐给了我们写作的能力，并且要求我们利用所委托给我们的这个才干推进祂的圣工。{PC 370.3}
呈现在我面前的景况是，有些穷人唯一的谋生手段就是他们的脑力劳动。有些人没有与我们的机构一起成长，没有受益于上帝不时赐下的指示，业务人员不愿将基督的宗教和精神结合到他们的业务管理中。他们会在很大程度上使宗教与他们的业务分离;所以，即使是出版协会也不应该成为一个控制一切的权势。个人的才干和个人的权利必须得到尊重。要是建立规则和作出安排使个人才干的全部成果都投注在出版协会，其它重要的权益就会受损了。人们有时会在出版协会有一种控制权，他们不会有同情心，保护贫困痛苦之人的利益。会有一个铁腕规则约束所有的人，依照世界的方针而不是依照基督的精神。所确立的原则对其他人的意义会大于对我们的意义，因此，我们必须在每一项决定中谨慎行事。{PC 371.1}
若干年前，我蒙指示，我们夫妇不得依赖别人，因为我们机构里有一些人已被教育和培养成世俗的商人，他们一有机会就会将他们的精神付诸行动，要使我们感到我们依赖他们;因为人不都在品格上有上帝所希望的温柔、同情和像基督一样。上帝要我们看护所托付给我们的钱财，用在各部门的圣工中，用我们的榜样激励其他人向各项事业投资。我们不应当主要投资于任何一个机构，因为我们的信息是世界范围的信息，对资金的需求不断出现。主给每一个人都分派了工作，还有钱财和影响力，那些有上帝的圣工在心的人会明白上帝的声音在告诉他们去做什么。他们会有负担在需要推进的地方推进工作，但其他人却只会看到自己那个部门的需要，任由其它部门因缺乏有远见的判断而受苦。{PC 371.2}
主已好几次向我指出，从某弟兄最初在巴特尔克里克工作的时候，人们就向他表现了一种小气吝啬的精神。说起来让我难过，原因是他到这里来的时候很贫困，又是个陌生人。由于这种贫困，他被置于不愉快的境地，并被迫感到贫穷。因为与我们的机构有联系的人认为他们可以让他接受他们的条件，所以他有一段非常不愉快的时光。他的经历中有一些令人不愉快的篇章，如果他的弟兄们是仁慈的，按照基督的方式对待他，这些篇章原本不会被记录下来。天上的记录具有如此的性质，以致有些人不会在最后清算所有账目的日子自豪地面对。主的圣工应该始终丝毫没有小气、不公正或欺压的行为。{PC 371.3}
有一些男人和女人投资在出版协会作为捐赠。后来，由于不幸，他们陷入了实在的贫困和缺乏中。当我的丈夫病倒的时候，他们来找那些代他职任的人，请求将他们本着美好的信心投入的资金归还一些给他们。这事按照权谋的计划得到了处理，就是业务是业务，宗教是宗教。管理者们推断，在任何情况下都不应将捐赠给圣工的任何款项退还给捐助者，他们也没有采取任何措施来缓解那些身陷困境之人的处境。当我的丈夫回到他在出版社的职位时，这些人便将此事摆在他面前。至于寡妇捐赠的钱，在免费提供的时候我丈夫曾提出反对，并在书上写了一份声明，说当捐赠者需要钱的时候应该偿还。尽管如此，他们的案子还是被冷漠地忽视了。世俗的方针可以规定这种管理，但它不符合基督的品格。我们可以藉着始终温柔体贴地考虑受苦之人的需要来最好地服务上帝的圣工。{PC 372.1}
在上帝的圣工中，基督的精神和工作方式应该在每一个细节上得到实行。怜悯和公义必是基督所住之地的统治原则。参与上帝工作的人必须在与彼此的所有交往中都像基督一样，以便有资格担任他们受信任的职位。我们从最初就在我们的出版协会中努力维护了这些原则。我们不得不再三与一些在出版协会工作的人战斗。这是上帝的机构，我们非常珍视它，只要我们能够做什么或说什么予以阻止，就不让一个污点或瑕疵停留在这个机构上。{PC 372.2}
在我们的各机构工作的人不应当采纳、选择或实行世俗商人采用的方针。我想我是在1881年得到关于审判场景的宝贵亮光的。那些记载人们行为的案卷显示了我们机构中那些自称敬虔之人的行为，显明那是依照世界的标准而不是严格符合上帝伟大的公义标准。与对待他人问题密切相关的事情，特别是对待那些参与上帝圣工之人的问题，相当充分地展现在我面前。基督的灵并没有进入和控制弟兄们的事务安排。他们的行为太多依照奸滑精明的方针计划，而不按照上帝公平正义的准则。一些人又多疑又嫉妒，以为其他人是想以牺牲他们的利益为代价来获取优势。他们对彼此的态度并不是基督徒之间应有的态度。{PC 372.3}
我看到，这些兄弟之间不应该有小气奸猾的交易，他们是两个性质不同的重要机构的代表，但也是同一工作的分支机构。他们应该永远保持一种高尚的、慷慨的、基督般的精神;贪婪的精神在他们彼此的交往中不应该有任何地位。上帝的圣工不能由任何违背基督的精神和品格的行为来推进。人们应当显出一种无私的兴趣，追求推进彼此的利益;因为上帝的圣工担得起公平。即使一次尖头的交易也是得罪上帝的;而且所种的，还要再收割。自私的处事方式会激起他人的同样的精神。同样，一位基督徒君子在精神、言语和行为上表现出的慷慨和礼貌也会在别人身上唤醒同样的精神。{PC 373.1}
有一种世俗权谋的精神进入了议事会和董事会会议;这是一种批判的精神，个人情感在这种精神中在或多或少的程度上塑造了正在做出的决定。一种严厉无情的精神正在排除仁慈、同情和仁爱的精神。那些构成我们的议事会的人需要天天坐在基督的脚前，在祂的门下学习心里柔和谦卑。他们若不看到必需与基督同负轭并担祂圣工的担子，就没有准备好行公义，好怜悯，显示标志着基督生活的真正的谦恭礼貌。基督的爱必须融入到出版社的几个部门的工作中，不仅要对工作公正，对工人也是如此。{PC 373.2}
你们在1886年的议事会和董事会会议比在1881更加需要这个指示。要让人们在基督的门下接受一种品格模式;向耶稣学习心里柔和 谦卑，他们就会更少自足自负，更少自信自恃，不会对自己的能力有过高的评价，而会被那些在出版社的人视为基督徒弟兄，存谦卑的心与上帝同行，设法以他们所能做的最大贡献来服务，而不是设法高抬自己。一些人还没有学到这个教训。因此，他们有一种新的品格要形成，有一种新的经验要获得，那会使他们与弟兄们的心接近，使他们适合与那些参与圣工的人打交道。他们将不得不严防自己，否则他们就会专横傲慢，多管闲事，准备发号施令，谈论和监督他们一无所知的事情，从而令出版社的工人厌恶。如果他们以一种谦逊的方式行事，尽可能多地学习，保持学习者而不是主管的地位，他们就会在出版社里交到朋友。每一个在董事会任职的人，都需要最认真地寻求从上头来的智慧。于是基督之灵在他们心上的影响会使他们给工作加上正确的模式。基督改变人心的恩典就会在每一次董事会会议上表现出来，平息吵闹的行为，巧妙地摆脱商业的不圣洁影响，遏制尖锐的批评、世俗的方针，这些东西使人傲慢专横，容易指责别人。那些如今在我们各重要机构工作的人在品格上将不得不有最认真的改革。其中有些人具有颇有价值的才干，但他们必须依照基督的神圣品格来塑造他们的生活。每一个人都必须记住，他们还没有“得着”(腓3:13)——品格建造的工作还没有完成。他们若是愿意善用上帝所赐的每一线亮光，并且行在这光中，就会从基督学习教训。通过将自己的生活与基督的品格相对照，他们就能看出自己在哪里没能达到上帝圣洁律法的要求;且会设法使自己在自己的范围内完全，正如上帝在祂的范围内完全一样。如果今天的人曾意识到自己职位的重要性，他们原会远为先进，远比现在更有资格担任受信任的职位。{PC 373.3}
在这些宽容的时辰，我们应当追求品格完全。我们必须天天学习基督的样式。我们参与上帝的圣工，不是因为我们是完全而且没有过失的，而是尽管有这些缺陷，上帝还是期待那些参与祂圣工的人不断地学习如何效法主我们的模范。{PC 374.1}
耶稣使约翰、彼得和犹大在祂的工作中与祂相联络，使他们与祂同工;但同时他们要不断学习基督的教训。他们要从祂神圣的教导收集指示，纠正他们的错误思想和他们关于何为基督徒品格的错误观点。约翰和彼得并非完全人，但他们善用了每一个机会去学习。彼得没有学会警惕自己、不信赖自己，直到他被魔鬼的试探胜过，否认了他的主。犹大曾有同样的机会学习，与其他门徒一样，但他只是一个听道的人，而不是一个行道的人。结果就是他出卖了他的主。上帝使人与祂的机构有联系，祂希望他们作学习者;他们切不可觉得自足自负，或妄自尊大;反而必须始终认识到他们是站在圣地。上帝的天使随时准备为他们效力，他们必须天天领受亮光和天上的影响，否则他们就不比不信的人更适合从事圣工。转变将发生在那些愿意抑制不良的品格特性、发展像基督一样的性情的人身上;惟有这样才会使他们达到基督徒品格的最高标准。犹大没能受益，因为他没有看到依照基督的榜样塑造自己品格的重要性。{PC 374.2}
主保护每个人的利益。祂始终是穷人的朋友，会让他的利益受到神圣地保护。几乎所有处理神圣事物的人心中都极其惊人地缺少基督的爱。我要呼吁各地培养基督的爱;它应该像沙漠中的溪流一样在基督徒的心灵中涌流，使内心得安舒，将欢快、平安和喜乐带进他们自己的生活和其他人的生活中。没有人是为自己活着的。如果对穷人有一点欺压，或在大大小小的事上对他们有不公正的行为，上帝都必叫行这种事的人负责。我的弟兄们，最先要做的工作，就是在你们自己的心中得到上帝的福气。这就是工作开始的地方。然后要将福气带到你们家中;让愉快和仁慈的气氛盛行;抛弃你们的批评，克服你们严厉苛求的精神。在你们家中环绕你们的氛围也会在出版社中包围你们。耶稣的爱无论在哪里掌权，都对他人有同情、温柔和体贴周到的关怀。我的弟兄们能从事的最宝贵的工作就是形成基督那样的品格，以便进入基督已去为他们预备的地方。我不能在对上帝的任何一个儿女有任何不公正行为的一方。{PC 375.1}
不要试图与史密斯长老、贝尔教授或其他任何一位脑力劳动者达成不完全公正公平的条款。不要催促或强迫他们接受那些不知道怎么著书之人的条件。他们有良心，对上帝负责使用和提高所委托给他们的才干;他们需要这个特权：在上帝的灵指示的时间和地点将他们用辛苦工作得到的钱进行投资。我的弟兄们必须记住，上帝的圣工不仅包括出版社和建在巴特尔克里克的其它机构。没有人比史密斯兄弟更了解出版协会成立的困难，因为他从最早期就参与了出版协会的工作，那时它为贫穷所压迫，我们不得不在实际生活中实行舍己。餐桌上几乎不能提供足以维持我们生活的食物;在服装和所付的工资上都很节约。这是绝对必要的，以便报刊能够存活。那些经过这些经验的人在相似的环境下会准备好再次经历同样的贫困。那些无分于将工作提高到目前兴旺状况的人，去压迫和催促甚至设法强迫早期的工人服从他们看不到任何公正的条件，不是很有美德的表现。史密斯弟兄热爱上帝的圣工。他爱真理，无论他在哪里看到有需要，都愿意投资他的钱财推进真理。然而要把这个负担交给那些已蒙上帝托付才干和钱财的人;他们对祂负责，出版协会或其主要工人不应该僭取他们的管家身份。{PC 375.2}
要是董事会成功地使工人们服从了他们的条件，作者们会感到自己受到了公正对待吗?难道这不会向他们敞开一扇试探之门，并且打碎弟兄之间的同情与和谐一致的行动吗?要是他们实现这个为出版协会攫取所有利润的计划，就会比他们能想象的更糟糕。这种安排会使协会遭受灾难，由此产生一连串的罪恶。它会助长一种不宽容的精神，一种狭隘自负的精神，是上帝不能赞同的，然而撒但却喜爱这种精神，并且渴望这种精神附在那些参与上帝圣工的人身上。圣经的训词必须在每天的生活中得到实行。它们会成为你们脚前的灯，路上的光。所有欺骗中最大的欺骗就是，一个人以为自己能藉着困难而不是在上帝的话语中找到一位更好的向导。让主离开你们的议事会，去信赖人的智慧，这是最糟糕的方针。在你们受信任的岗位上，你们应当在一种特别的意义上成为世上的光，而且为了让你们可以成为洁净的通光管道，你们应该感到一种强烈的愿望，要置身于与光明、智慧和知识之上帝的联络中。关系现代真理的兴旺和进步的重要权益应当得到考虑;你们若不与一切智慧和公义之源联络，又怎么能胜任，做出正确的决定，给出明智的忠告，制定适当的计划呢?你们的议事会总的来说已被认为太低劣了，在这些重要的会议上，凡俗的谈话、对别人行为的评论已经有了一席之地。你们应该谨记，耶和华鉴察一切的眼目在你们一切的议事会中乃是一位见证者;祂衡量你们每一个人的决定，将它们与祂圣洁的律法相对照，祂的律法是伟大的公义道德标准。那些担任顾问职务的人应当是无私的人，有信心的人，祈祷的人，不会胆敢倚靠自己的智慧，而会认真追求亮光，知道何为管理自己业务的最佳方式的人。以色列的元帅约书亚，殷勤地查阅摩西忠实地记载上帝所赐指示的书籍;查考祂的要求、督责和限制，以免做出不明智的举动。约书亚不敢信赖自己的冲动，或自己的智慧。他将来自日间隐藏在云柱中夜间在火柱中的基督的一切都视为具有足够的重要性，值得郑重地珍爱。他日夜默想曾对上帝仆人摩西所说的话。约书亚渴望知道和遵行上帝的旨意，上帝吩咐他要研究并默想一切所指示的事：“如此，你的道路就可以亨通，凡事顺利”(书1:8)。约书亚得胜的秘诀是，即使在他积累的忧虑和责任中，他也不敢信赖自己有限的智慧，而是以上帝为他的顾问和向导。{PC 376.1}
法利赛人、文士和长老们在基督的日子显出一种贪婪的精神，这使他们受撒但的控制，是他们恨基督的主要原因;因为祂的教训和榜样谴责了所有具有这种性质的事。如果这样的精神在我们的机构中以任何借口得到珍爱，上帝就不能住在那里。不应当对弟兄们表现出贪婪的精神，因为这种精神不出于天，而出于地。对上帝儿女的任何一件不公正的行为都被记在天上的案卷上，当作是对基督做的。那种藉着精明奸滑的行为从别人占便宜而取得的成功，最终将证明是一种损失;然而那种因实践基督生活中所表现的原则而看似遭受的损失，却是神圣的成功。{PC 377.1}
那些参与上帝圣工的人还没有在额头上戴上不朽荣耀的冠冕，而是仍在地上从事战斗。他们仍在宽容时期，受上帝伟大的公义标准的测试和考验，而且，正是他们的业务要证明他们自己是真正的人，喜爱公义，恨恶每一邪恶的行为，那些行为使我们今日的世界像洪水前的世界一样。他们必须是乐于有所冒险的人，以便实行上帝的道所定下的宝贵原则。他们应当做出坚决的努力，好依照上帝的模式作代表人物，只在当成功来自服从责任和真理时，才因成功而欢喜快乐。他们需要努力通过承认自己的软弱和无能来展示自己的智慧;因为这使他们投靠基督的力量和祂所有的效能。健康的人不需要医生，有病的才需要。任何一个人所能遭受的最悲惨的缺乏，就是缺乏一种认真的决心去行义，不计自我的任何代价。缺乏谦卑、失去信心和纯正的正直，应该引起强烈的悲伤。要是心灵充满地上的事;要是内心没有保持与上帝的密切交流;就没有天上智慧作工的余地，在所设计的每一个项目中就都有一种世俗了。与上天的交流必须保持开放;要以某种方式清除通道。那将要为上帝圣工的利益出谋划策的人，在胆敢进入室内商议之前，必须注意使自己与上天的联系没有中断，否则撒但就会伴随着他，操纵他的思想和计划，去迎合他邪恶的王权。如果你们想让自己的计划和工作与上天和谐一致，就必须让天上的氛围环绕你们。作代表的人保守自己在上帝的爱中，以便敏于识别并对来自天上的信号作出反应，这是多么重要啊。{PC 377.2}
3月2日。我的头变得很疲倦，以致我不能在昨晚及时写完这封信并付邮。我想要对我的弟兄们说，我已蒙指示看见密歇根已被过于谨慎所约束，决心要为区会节省资金;但是虽然节约和谨慎在我们的工作中是必要的，人心若不宽广到足以理解圣工真实的需要，这些因素就会阻碍它前进的车轮。{PC 378.1}
密歇根州有人才，但它需要得到识别、教育和训练。有些人有经验，他们应该尽一切努力，在将死的各教会和新的地方，挑选合适的年轻人和成年人来协助工作。这样，他们就可以通过个人的努力来获得有用的知识，且使许多的助手得到装备作有为的人，成为查经员、文字布道士和家庭探访员。然而这种工作却受到忽视，因为非常担心使用区会的钱，而且人们不愿负起必要的责任去教育人从事这项工作。{PC 378.2}
我们的弟兄们应该经常两个两个地出去，尽可能多地带人实际从事个人探访，寻找慕道的家庭。然而那些愿意从事这些方面工作的人却没有受到鼓励;当犯了错误时，他们没有受到亲切同情的纠正，反而灰心了。密歇根是世界上最好的传道园地之一，但它需要有远见有判断力的人去推进工作。{PC 378.3}
上帝会让那些身居负责岗位的人在发现、抓住和运用人才方面表现出机智、技巧和明智的管理才干。祂不会行奇迹去推进真理而没有人的合作。祂在男人和女人中有人才，祂希望祂军中的将领们有智慧发现这些人才并予以使用，而不是不断研究如何约束工作，使它不致扩展范围，产生更多的资金需求。要安置人在那些有一定的工作知识且能教育他们的人手下工作。要将工人们推出去，进入收割园地。他们想要的只是鼓励。{PC 379.1}
某长老的心智必须与工作一起成长，否则他就必须被某个会对警告世界所要做成之工有更宽广看法的人所取代。要有所作为，现在就做。要让扯后腿的原则离开，让前进的原则进来。那带着第三道信息的天使飞得很快。{PC 379.2}
怀爱伦(签名)
我已告诉你们真理，因为我不敢隐瞒。我的话并不是要使你们灰心丧气，而是要在你面前表明这样一个事实：虽然你们可能有良好的商业素质和机智，但在你们所从事的工作中，有一些比这更高的东西是必要的。你们可以成为像金子一样宝贵的人，而这就是我写了这些话的原因。你们的品格必须反映基督的品格。{PC 379.3}
怀爱伦(签名)
(W.F.C.抄写1894年11月27日){PC 379.4}
Dear Brother,
Your letters have been received. Your last in reference to the College came this morning. I was not aware that our College was in debt twenty thousand dollars. This must make it a necessity to call for donations.?{PC 364.2}
The evils of centering so many responsibilities in Battle Creek have not been small. The dangers are great. There are unconsecrated elements that only wait for circumstances to put all their influence on the side of wrong. I can never feel exactly safe in regard to B. C. or Battle Creek College. I can not at this time state all my reasons. That which led me to write as I did was the great need of business managers - godly, devoted men to take hold of the work and push it in a God fearing manner.?{PC 364.3}
Whatever may have been the object in placing the tuition of students at so low figures, the fact that the College has been running behind so heavily is sufficient reason for changing the price, that this shall not be the showing in the future. The low price is not in its favor, even if at higher rates the College is not so largely patronized. Those who really want the advantages to be obtained at B. C. will make extra exertions to receive these advantages, and a large class who would be induced to come because of the low tuition would be of no benefit to other students or to the church. The larger the number, the more tact, skill, and vigilance?are required to keep them in order, and from becoming demoralized.?{PC 364.4}
Some provision should be made to have a fund raised to loan to the worthy poor students who desire to give themselves to the missionary work; and in some cases they should receive donations. Then these youth should have it plainly set before them that they must work their way as far as possible and partly defray their expense.?{PC 365.1}
The churches in different localities should feel that a solemn responsibility rests upon them to train youth and educate talent to engage in missionary efforts. When they see any in the church who give promise of making useful workers, but who are not able to educate themselves, they should lift that responsibility and send them to the College to be instructed, and developed, with the object in view of becoming workers in the cause of God. There is material that needs to be worked up, and that would be of good service in the Lord’s vineyard; but they are too poor to obtain the advantages of the College. The churches should feel it a privilege to take the responsibility of defraying their expenses.?{PC 365.2}
The tuition should be placed higher, and if there are some who need help, let them be helped as above stated. When the College was first started there was a fund placed in the Review and Herald office for the benefit of those who wished to obtain an education but had not the means. This was used by several students until they could get a good start, and earn enough to replace what they had drawn, so that others could be benefited by it. That which costs little will be appreciated little, but that which costs something near its real value will be estimated accordingly.?{PC 365.3}
If there were fewer students, and they were of a hopeful character, it would be a blessing to Battle Creek. If there are men as teachers in the College and associated with it, who are well balanced, and have a strong moral influence, who know how to deal with minds, and possess the true missionary spirit; then if the College was crowded so as to necessitate the building of another equally as large, that would be the best missionary field in the world. It is this ability that is greatly needed in the College.?{PC 365.4}
If these superior qualities were found in the men connected with the office at Battle Creek, the outlook would be more encouraging. Great and important interests are in danger of being misshaped, and of coming forth defective from their hands. If some felt their ignorance more, and would depend less on self, be less self-sufficient, they might learn of the Great Teacher meekness and lowliness of heart.?{PC 365.5}
In regard to the College I would say, Raise the price of tuition and have a better class of students. But?provision should be made to do the very best for those who come, to secure for them every healthful, intellectual, and moral advantage. I see the need of still another boarding house, and there may be need of another building for the students. I cannot see how you can do better than you have in calling for means while this debt is against the College. It ought not to be there, and if there had been the right kind of planning it would not exist; that is, if those especially employed in the College were all enterprising men of broader ideas. They would constantly be exercising ingenuity and tact, and devising means whereby the College should not become burdened with debt.?{PC 365.6}
If we only had devoted, spiritually-minded workers connected with our important institutions, who relied upon God more than upon themselves, we might certainly look for far greater prosperity than we have had hitherto. But where there is a decided want of humble trust, and of an entire dependence upon God, we are sure of nothing. Our great need today is men who are baptized with the Holy Spirit of God. Men who walk with God as did Enoch; men who are not so narrow in their outlook that they will bind about the work in place of enlarging it; men who will not say, “Business is business, religion is religion.” We need men who can take in the situation; men who are far seeing; men who can reason from cause to effect.?{PC 366.1}
I will here give some extracts from a letter written November 8, 1880:?{PC 366.2}
“The interest of every part of the cause is as dear to me as my life. Every branch of the work is important. I was shown that there is great danger not of making the tract and missionary work so absorbing that it will become intricate through a multiplicity of plans: that it will become perplexing and absorb every other interest. It was also brought before me that there was too much machinery in the tract and missionary, and in the Sabbath school work. There was a form and arrangement, but little of Christ-like simplicity felt or practised by the workers. We want less machinery and mechanical arrangement, and more heart work, more real piety and true holiness; especially in the missionary work everywhere. There needs to be piety, purity, and wise generalship, and then far greater and much better work would be done with less expenditure of means.?{PC 366.3}
There is a broad field to be covered, and a getting above the simplicity of the work. Now is the time to work, and to work in the wise counsel of God. If you connect unconsecrated persons with mission fields and with the Sabbath schools, our work will take on a formal mold and be without Christ. The workers must study carefully, prayerfully, in every part of the field, how to work with the simplicity of Christ, and in an economical manner; to plan and devise the most successful manner of reaching hearts.?{PC 366.4}
We are in danger of spreading over more territory, and starting more enterprises than we can possibly attend to properly. There is danger of overdoing some branches of the work, and leaving some important parts of it to be neglected. To undertake a large amount of work and do nothing perfectly, would be a bad plan. We are to move forward, but must not get so far above the simplicity of the work that it will be impossible to look after the enterprises entered into without sacrificing our best helpers to keep things in order. Life and health must be regarded.?{PC 367.1}
While we should ever be ready to follow the opening providence of God, we should lay no larger plans, nor occupy more ground than there is help and means to bind off the work well, keep up and increase the interest already started. While there are broader plans and fields constantly opening for the laborers, our ideas and views must broaden in regard to the workers who are to labor to bring souls to the truth. Our young ministers must be encouraged to take hold of the work with energy, and labor in educating, as well as encouragement must be given to these men. They must be trained and disciplined to carry forward the work in simplicity. I am astonished to see how little some of our young ministers are appreciated, and how little encouragement they receive. Yet some of them cling to the work and do anything and everything with unselfish interest; but some will yet be lost to the cause because they are not receiving proper encouragement.?{PC 367.2}
There must be more of Christ’s ways and less of self. Sharp criticisms should be repressed. Sympathy, compassion, and love should be cultivated in every worker. Unless Jesus comes in and takes possession of the heart; unless self is subdued, and Jesus exalted, we shall not prosper as a people. I testify that which I have seen. I beseech of you brethren, to labor wholly in God. Do not have too many plans, but strive to have the work carried on healthfully, circumspectly, and with such thoroughness that it will not ravel out.?{PC 367.3}
There is another subject which I wish to mention to you. It is the matter of royalties on books. W. C. W. has received letters since he returned from America, from A. R. Henry of a very decided character on this point. W. C. W. has stated the positions taken by your board in B. C. I am very sorry that they are not far seeing in judgment. They evidence that they are narrow in their views and comprehension. They will arouse much unpleasantness of feeling in the bookmakers, and will not accomplish that which they have undertaken. This movement will create a want of harmony. God will not sanction any such means as they have in view, because they are not just. Here is the danger of depending on unsanctified men to make decisions.?{PC 367.4}
Selfish policy is not heaven-born, but earthly. The leading maxim is, “The end justifies the means.” And?in pursuing the course entered upon, it stops at nothing, but seeks its own success. This may be traced in every department of business; it is the prevailing element in every class of society; in the grand councils of nations, and in every meeting where the Spirit of Christ is not the ruling principle. Prudence and caution, tact and skill, need to be cultivated by every one who is connected with our institutions. But the laws of justice and righteousness must not be left to one side, nor the all-prevailing principle to be to make their own branch of the work a success regardless of other branches. The interests of others should be investigated to see that no one’s right is invaded.?{PC 367.5}
The policy plan is a snare. While the council may pride themselves in the thought that they are doing a very nice thing, they show a shortsighted wisdom which will cripple their own efforts for success. The structure must be built upon a right foundation in order to stand. When the Board of the Publishing Association takes it upon themselves to urge that all the profits from books shall go to the Publishing Association, they are seeking to control matters which do not come under their jurisdiction. They are taking upon themselves a work which they can not carry out.?{PC 368.1}
These brain-workers have as much interest in the cause of God as those who compose the Board, which is willing to be conscience for them. Some of these have had a connection with the work almost from its infancy. God has not placed upon this Board the work of being conscience for others. They should not seek so persistently to force men to their terms. The policy plan is not to be classed with discretion; although it is too often mistaken for this. It is a species of selfishness in whatever cause it is exercised, and stops at nothing which promises success: but discretion uses judgment, and is never narrow in its workings, and has broad ideas, and the eye of the mind is capable of taking in more than one object, and views questions from all sides. While policy has a short range of vision, seeing every object near at hand, but failing to discover those at a distance. It is ever watching to obtain advantages which do not belong to it; and would build itself up by pulling out the foundation from another’s building.?{PC 368.2}
Let it not be necessary for God to send rebuke to men in responsible positions, who should be guardians of the people, especially of the interests of those who have long served in the cause of God; whose pen and voice have been active in bringing up the work to its present proportions. I wish I could lay these matters before these men in their true light. Ever since the Publishing Association was formed, light has been given in cases of perplexity. The Lord has often spoken, laying down principles and rules which must be carried out by all the workers. The grave responsibilities resting upon those in positions of trust have been continually kept before us, and we have sought the Lord from three to five times a day to give us heavenly wisdom that we might sacredly guard the interests of the cause, and of his chosen people. I have been repeatedly shown that we must do this. It was shown me that?those who preside over these institutions should ever bear in mind that there is a Chief Director, even the God of Heaven. There should be strict honesty in the business transactions in every department of the work. While there should be firmness in preserving order, there should also be compassion, mercy and forbearance incorporated into the character. Justice has a twin sister - love - and they should stand side by side.?{PC 368.3}
It has been repeatedly presented before me that God is observing every transaction in that office. “Thou God seest me,” should be ever in mind; courtesy and Christian politeness should be exercised by every one who bears responsibilities in the office. They should have a sense of the encroachment upon others’ rights which is so common in the world’s practice, but which is an offense to God. The board of directors should ever act as under the divine eye, with a continual sense that they are finite men, and are liable to make mistakes in judgment, decisions, and plans, unless they are closely connected with God, and seeking to have every deficiency removed from their characters. As they are only weak and erring men themselves they should feel kindness and pity for others who may err. The divine standard must be met. You should take the Lord with you into every one of your councils. If you sense that God is in your assemblies every transaction will be conscientiously carefully and prayerfully considered. Every unprincipled act will be repressed, and uprightness will characterize the dealings in small as well as in large matters. There should be cultivation of universal kindness with the workers. First seek counsel of God, for this is necessary for you to properly counsel together.?{PC 369.1}
There should be a watchcare lest the busy activities of life, the accumulating business, should so engross the workers that it would lead them to neglect prayer when the strength it would give them is most needed. Here comes in all the evils, because they deprive their souls of the strength and wisdom of heaven which is waiting their demand upon it. We need that illumination which God alone can give, and we are unfitted to transact business unless we have this wisdom. There are a few words of prayer uttered at the commencement of the meetings, but the heart is not brought into sympathy and harmony with God by earnest, importunate prayer, offered by broken hearts and contrite spirits, in living faith. If they divorce themselves from the God of wisdom and power, they can not preserve that high integrity in dealing with their fellow men which God requires. Without divine wisdom, the objectionable traits of their characters will be woven into the decisions they make. And if these men are not in communication with God, Satan will just as surely be one in their councils, and take advantage of their unconsecrated state in their decisions. There will be acts of injustice because God is not presiding in their councils. The spirit of Christ must be an abiding, controlling power over the hearts and mind. In the world the God of traffic is the God of fraud. It must not be so with those who are dealing with God’s cause. The worldly principle and standard is not to be the standard of those who are connected with?sacred things.?{PC 369.2}
Some years ago the matter of publication of books came up, and plans were laid which I cannot now fully call to mind. A decision was made something like this: that no one individual was to be benefited by the publication of his own book. A proposition was then made to us which my husband, without ability to fully consider, assented to, that the Publishing Association should have the benefit of his books. I was considering the matter, and thought like this: I wish the Testimonies to go to as many as possible: they are a message from God to this people, and I wish no personal benefit from this work. Thus we stated the matter. But shortly after I was shown that this was not wisdom, to relinquish our right to control our own writings: for we would know better how to use the profits of these books, than would those who had far less experience; publications were to be multiplied, and the profits we would receive would enable us to lead out in the advancing work, to build up the interests of the cause, and to carry others with us in the work. There was a principle to be maintained to guard the interests of the true workers. We were not the only ones who would be affected by this decision. Justice must be maintained: the cause of God would be continually widening, it would embrace the whole world as its field: the wants of the cause would not be determined by one man’s mind and one man’s obscure vision: there would be important work done in God’s moral vineyard, and no man should feel that that part of the work over which he presides is to swallow all other interests.?{PC 370.1}
I have been shown that brain workers have a God-given capital. The improvement of their brain belongs to God, and not man. If the worker gives the time to his employer for which he receives his pay, the employer has no further claim upon him. But if by close and diligent economy of moments he prepares matter for publication, it is his to do with as he, in the fear of God, thinks he can serve the cause of God the best. If he gives up all except a small royalty, he should not be urged to do more: he has already done a good work for those who handle the books; but if the publishers want it all, and cannot see that they are exceeding their rights in the demand, it would be the worst thing that could be done for the author to accede to their grasping, avaricious spirit, even though the plea be that it is for God’s cause. The authors are responsible for the manner in which they use means received. There will be many calls for it. It was shown me that there would be many interests to build up, and that my husband and myself would be called upon to invest in meeting houses that would have to be erected which would never be built unless some one should feel and know the needs of the cause, and lead out in investments themselves.?{PC 370.2}
I was also shown that there would be mission fields to be entered, and this would require means. Those to whom God has entrusted talents are to trade upon these talents according to their ability, for they are to act their part in carrying forward these interests. And that we would not be working for the best and most successful interests of the cause of God to have our income barely enough to sustain life,?as our experience would enable us to set many ways and opportunities of helping the cause which others would not discern. God, in his wise providence, gives the ability to write, and he designs that means should come into our hands to be used wisely, as his stewards, unrestricted by compromise. It is not our duty to shift our stewardship upon any man or set of men, but to invest our means in his cause when and where the Spirit of God shall indicate. God himself has given us the ability to write, and calls upon us to use this entrusted talent for the advancement of his cause.?{PC 370.3}
It was presented to me that there were poor men whose only means of obtaining a livelihood was their brain work. There are men who have not grown up with our institutions, and been benefited by the instruction which God has given from time to time, business men who will not incorporate in their business management the religion and spirit of Christ. They would separate religion, in a large degree from their business; therefore, even the Publishing Association should not be an all-controlling power. Individual talent and individual right must be respected. Should rules be established and arrangements entered into to invest the benefits of personal talent in the Publishing Association, other important interests would be crippled. Men would at times have a controlling power in connection with the Publishing Association who would not have compassion, and guard the interests of those in poverty and distress. There would be one iron rule, after the policy of the world rather than after the spirit of Christ, to bear upon all. The principles established would mean more to others than to us, therefore, we must be guarded in every decision.?{PC 371.1}
Years ago it was shown me that my husband and myself should not be dependent upon others, because there would be men connected with our institutions who have been educated and trained as business men of the world, and they would work, acting our their spirit to make us feel our dependence if they had the chance; for all men are not, in character, as God would have them, tender, compassionate, and Christlike. He would have us guard the means entrusted to us, and use it in different branches of his work; stimulating others by our example to invest in the different enterprises, We should not invest largely in any one institution, for our message is a worldwide one, and there are necessities continually arising that demand means. To every man he has given his work, and talents of means and influence, and those who have the cause of God at heart will understand the voice of God telling them what to do. They will have a burden to push the work where it needs pushing, but others will only see the needs of their own respective branches, and other branches will be left to suffer for want of far seeing judgment.?{PC 371.2}
It has several times been pointed out to me that there has been a close, ungenerous spirit exercised toward Brother _____, from the very first of his labors in Battle Creek. It makes me sad to state that the reason is that he came?to them in poverty, and a stranger. Because of this poverty he has been placed in unpleasant positions and made to feel his poverty. Because men connected with our institutions have thought they could bring him to their terms, he has had a very unpleasant time. There are unpleasant chapters in his experience which would not have been recorded if his brethren had been kind and dealt with him after the manner of Christ. The record in heaven is of such a character as some will not be proud to meet in the day of final settlement of all accounts. The Lord’s cause should always be free from the slightest act of littleness, injustice, or oppression.?{PC 371.3}
There were some men and women who invested means in the Publishing Association as a donation. Afterwards, through misfortune they were brought to actual distress and want. When my husband was stricken down by disease they came to the ones who occupied his place, and begged that some of the means which they had invested in good faith should be returned to them. The matter was treated on the policy plan, that business is business, religion is religion. The managers reasoned that nothing donated to the cause should be returned to the donors under any circumstances, and they took no measures to relieve the situation of those in distress. When my husband returned to his position in the office, these persons laid the matter before him. In the case of means donated by widows, my husband had objected when it was freely offered, and had entered upon the books the statement that the money should be repaid when donors needed it. Notwithstanding this, their cases were passed by with indifference. Such management may be dictated by worldly policy, but it is not in accordance with the character of Christ. We can best serve the cause of God by ever considering in tenderness the needs of suffering humanity.?{PC 372.1}
In the cause of God, Christ’s Spirit and manner of working are to be carried out in every particular. Mercy and justice will be the ruling principles where Christ abides. In order to be qualified for their positions of trust, men who are connected with the work of God, must be Christ like in all their dealings with each other. These principles we have labored to have maintained from the very first in our Publishing Association. We have had to fight the battle over and over with men connected with the Publishing Association. This is God’s institution, and we prize it too highly to allow one blot or stain to rest upon this instrumentality, if we can do or say anything to prevent it.?{PC 372.2}
The policy which worldly business men adopt is not to be chosen or carried out by men connected with out institutions. I think it was in 1881 that the precious light was given me upon the scenes of the judgment. The books registering the deeds of men revealed the?dealings of those professing godliness in our institutions, showing that it was after the world’s standard, and not in strict accordance with God’s great standard of righteousness. That which bears a close relation to the question of dealing with others, especially with those connected with the work of God, was opened to me quite fully. The Spirit of Christ did not enter into and control the brethren’s business arrangements. Their dealings were too much after the sharp policy plan, and not according to God’s rule of right and justice. Some were suspicious and jealous, imagining that others were trying to gain advantages at their expense. Their attitude toward each other was not such as should exist between Christians.?{PC 372.3}
I saw that there should be no close, sharp dealing between these brethren who were representatives of two important institutions of a different character, but branches of the same work. They should ever maintain a noble, generous, Christlike spirit; the spirit of grasping avarice should have no place in their dealings with each other. God’s cause cannot be advanced by any acts which are contrary to the Spirit and character of Christ. Men should show an unselfish interest, seeking to advance one another’s interest; for the cause of God can afford to be fair. Even a single instance of sharp dealing is an offense to God; and that which is sown will be reaped again. A selfish manner of dealing will provoke the same spirit in others. So with the manifestation of a Christian gentleman in spirit and word and deed; liberality, courtesy awaken the same spirit in others.?{PC 373.1}
There is a spirit of worldly policy coming into the council and board meetings; a critical spirit in which personal feelings mold in a greater of less degree, decisions that are being made. A hard, unsympathetic spirit is ruling out the spirit of kindness, compassion, and love. Those who compose our councils need to sit daily at the feet of Christ, learning in his school to be meek and lowly of heart. They are not prepared to deal justly, to love mercy, and to exhibit that true courtesy which characterized the life of Christ, unless they see the necessity of yoking up with Christ and bearing the burdens of his cause. The love of Christ must be incorporated into the work of the several departments in the office, not only to do justice to the work, but to the workers also.?{PC 373.2}
Your council and board meetings in 1886 need this instruction just as much, and even more, than in 1881. Let men receive a mold of character in the school of Christ; learning meekness and lowliness of heart from Jesus, and they will be less self-sufficient, less self-confident, and will not have too high an opinion of their own ability, but will be regarded by those in the office as Christian brethren, walking humbly with God,?trying to serve in whatever capacity they can do the most good without trying to exalt themselves. This lesson has not been learned by some. Therefore, they have a new character to form, a new experience to gain, which shall fit them to come close to the hearts of their brethren, and to deal with those who have a part to act in the work. They will have to guard themselves closely, or they will be dictatorial and officious, ready to give orders, to speak of, and to take the oversight of, things of which they are ignorant, and will thus disgust the workers in the office. If they take hold in a humble way, trying to learn as much as they can, maintain the position of learner rather than a director, they will make themselves friends in the office. Every one that serves in the board meetings, needs to seek most earnestly the wisdom from above. The influence of the Spirit of Christ upon their hearts will then place a right mold upon the work. The transforming grace of Christ will be manifest in every board meeting, quelling tumultuous actions, and charming away the unhallowed effects of business, and checking the sharp critical, worldly policy which makes men overbearing and ready to accuse. There will have to be most earnest reformation in the characters of those who are now connected with our important institutions. Some of these men possess valuable talents, but they must fashion their lives after the divine character of Christ. Every one must remember that they have not yet “attained” - the work of character building is not yet finished. If they will improve every ray of light God has given, and walk in this light, they will learn lessons from Christ. By comparing their lives with Christ’s character, they will be able to discern where they have failed to meet the requirements of God’s holy law; and will seek to make themselves perfect in their sphere even as God is perfect in his sphere. If men of today had realized the importance of their positions, they would have been far in advance, far better qualified to fill positions of trust than they are.?{PC 373.3}
In these hours of probation we are to seek for perfection of character. We must learn daily of Christ. We are connected with the cause of Christ, not because we are perfect and unerring, but notwithstanding these defects, and God expects those connected with his work to be constantly studying how to copy the pattern.?{PC 374.1}
Jesus connected John, Peter, and Judas with him in his work, making them colaborers with him, and at the same time they were to be constantly learning lessons of Christ gathering from the divine Teacher instructions that would correct their wrong ideas and incorrect views of what constituted a Christian character. John and Peter were not perfect, but they improved every opportunity to learn. Peter did not learn to be jealous and distrustful of himself, until he was overcome by the devil?and denied the Lord. Judas had the same opportunities to learn as did the other disciples, but he was a hearer only, and not a doer. The result was manifested in the betrayal of His Lord. God has connected men with his instrumentalities, and he wants them to be learners; they must not feel self-sufficient, or self-important, but must ever realize that they are treading on holy ground. Angels of God are ready to minister unto them, and they must receive light and heavenly influences daily, or they are no more fit for the work than are unbelievers. Transformation will be wrought in those who will repress unfavorable traits of character, and develop Christlike dispositions; this alone will bring them up to the highest standard of Christian character. Judas failed to be benefited because he did not see the importance of having his character molded after the example of Christ.?{PC 374.2}
The Lord guards every man’s interest. He was always the poor man’s friend, and would have his interests sacredly guarded. There is a most wonderful dearth of the love of Christ in the hearts of nearly all of those who are handling sacred things. I would echo from one part of the earth to the other, that the love of Christ should be cultivated; it should well up in the soul of the Christian like streams in the desert, refreshing the heart, bringing gladness, peace, and joy into their own as well as into other lives. No man liveth unto himself. If there is the least of depression practised toward the poor, or unjust dealing with them either in large or small things, God will hold the actor accountable. The very first work, my brethren, is to secure the blessing of God in your own hearts. This is where the work begins. Then take the blessing into your homes; let the atmosphere of cheerfulness and kindness prevail; put away your criticisms, overcome your exacting spirit. The atmosphere that surrounds you in your homes will also envelop you in the office. Wherever the love of Jesus reigns, there is pity, tenderness, and thoughtful care for others. The most precious work that my brethren can engage in is that of forming a Christlike character that they may enter into the mansions which Christ has gone to prepare for them. I cannot be a party to any unjust dealing with any of God’s children.?{PC 375.1}
Do not seek to make with Elder Smith, Professor Bell, or any other brain-worker terms that are not perfectly just and fair. Do not urge nor compel them to accept terms dictated by those who do not know what it is to make books. They have a conscience and are accountable to God for the use and improvement of their entrusted talents; and they want the privilege of investing the means which they acquire by hard labor, when and where the Spirit of God shall indicate. My brethren must remember that the cause of God includes more than the publishing house, and other institutions established?at Battle Creek. No one understands better than Brother Smith the difficulties through which the Publishing Association was brought into existence, for he has been connected with it from its earliest years when it was oppressed by poverty, and self-denial had to be carried into our practical life. The table was hardly supplied with sufficient food to sustain our lives; there was economy in dressing and in wages paid. This was positively necessary in order that the paper might live. Those who passed through these experiences would be ready, under similar circumstances, to undergo the same privations again. It does not show very good grace for those who have had no part in raising the work up to its present prosperous condition, to press and urge, and even try to force the early workers to submit to terms which they can see no justice in. Brother Smith loves the cause of God. He loves the truth, and will invest his means to advance it wherever he sees that it is necessary. But leave this burden upon those with whom God has entrusted talents and means; they are responsible to him, and the Publishing Association or its chief workers, are not to assume their stewardship.?{PC 375.2}
If the Board should succeed in bringing the workers to their terms, would the writers feel that they had been dealt with justly, would it not rather open a door of temptation to them, and break up sympathy and harmonious action between the brethren? If they should carry out this plan to grasp all the profits for the Publishing Association, it would be worse than they can imagine. A train of evils would grow out of such an arrangement that would be disastrous to the Association. And it would encourage a spirit of intolerance, a narrow conceited spirit, which God cannot approve but which Satan enjoys, and longs to have take possession of those who are connected with God’s sacred work. The Bible precepts must be carried out in every day life. They will be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. The greatest of all deceptions is for a man to think that he can find a better guide through difficulties than is found in the word of God. It is the worst kind of policy to leave the Lord out of your councils and put your confidence in the wisdom of men. In your positions of trust you are, in a special sense, to be the light of the world, and in order that you may be clean channels of light you should feel an intense desire to place yourselves in connection with the God of light, of wisdom and knowledge. Important interests that relate to the prosperity and advancement of present truth are to be considered; and how can you be competent to arrive at right decisions, to give wise counsels, and to make proper plans unless you are connected with the source of all wisdom and righteousness? Your councils have been regarded in altogether too cheap a light, and common talk, and comments upon others’ doings have found a place in these important meetings. You should bear in mind that the all seeing?eye of Jehovah is a witness in all your councils; he measures everyone of your decisions, and compares them with his holy law, the great moral standard of righteousness. Those holding the positions of counselors should be unselfish men, men of faith, men of prayer, men that will not dare to rely upon their own human wisdom, but will seek earnestly for light and intelligence as to what is the best manner of conducting their business. Joshua, the commander of Israel, searched the books diligently in which Moses had faithfully chronicled the directions given by God; his requirements, reproofs, and restrictions, lest he should move unadvisedly. Joshua was afraid to trust his own impulses, or his own wisdom. He regarded everything that came from Christ, who was enshrouded with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, as of sufficient importance to be sacredly cherished. He meditated day and night upon the words which had been spoken to Moses, the servant of God. Joshua desired to know and to do, God’s will, and he was commanded by God to study and meditate upon all the directions which had been given: “For then, shalt thou make thy way prosperous, and thou shalt have success.” The secret of Joshua’s victories was that, even amid his accumulated cares and responsibilities, he dared not trust to his own finite wisdom, but made God his counselor and guide.?{PC 376.1}
The Pharisee, scribes, and elders, in Christ’s days manifested an avaricious spirit which brought them under the control of Satan, and was the main cause of their hatred toward Christ; for his teaching and example rebuked everything of this character. If such a spirit should be cherished in our institutions under any pretense, God cannot abide there. There should not be a grasping spirit manifested toward brethren, for it is not born of heaven, but from beneath. Any injustice done to God’s children is registered in the books of heaven as done unto Christ. That success which is attained through taking advantage of another by sharp dealing, will prove to be a loss in the end; but that which appears to be loss through the practise of principles that represent the life of Christ, is divine success.?{PC 377.1}
Those connected with the work of God have not yet the crown of immortal glory upon their brows, but are still engaged in earthly battles. They are still on probation, being tried and tested by God’s great standard of righteousness and it is their business to prove themselves true men, lovers of righteousness and haters of every evil practise, which makes our world today like the world before the flood. They must be men willing to venture something in order to carry out the precious principles laid down by the word of God. They should make determined efforts to be representative men after God’s pattern, rejoicing in success only when it arises from obedience to duty and truth. They need to strive?to show their wisdom by the confession of weakness and inefficiency; for this throws them on the strength and all sufficiency of Christ. They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. The most deplorable lack any can suffer is that of an earnest determination to do right at whatever cost to self. The lack of humility, the loss of faith and sterling integrity, should cause intense sorrow. If the soul is filled with earthly things; if the heart has not maintained close communion with God; there is no room for heavenly intelligence to work, and there is an earthliness in every project that is devised. The communication with heaven must be kept open; clear the channel in some way. He that is to plan and devise in the interests of God’s cause must see that his connection with heaven is not cut off, before he should dare to come into the room for counsel, otherwise Satan will accompany him and manipulate his thoughts and plans to suit his satanic majesty. The atmosphere of heaven must surround you if you would have your plans and works in harmony with heaven. O, how important it is that the representative men keep themselves in the love of God, so that they may be quick to discern, and respond to the signals from heaven.?{PC 377.2}
March 2. My head became so weary I could not complete this in time to mail it last night. I wish to say to my brethren that Michigan has been shown to me as being bound about with too extreme caution, a determination to save means for the Conference; but while economy and caution are essential in our work, unless the mind is broad enough to take in its real needs, these elements will be a block before the wheel of its progress.?{PC 378.1}
There is talent in Michigan, but it needs to be discerned and educated and disciplined. There are some who have experience, who should put forth every effort, in the dying churches as well as in new places, to select suitable young men, and men of mature age, to assist in the work. Thus they will obtain useful knowledge by interesting themselves in personal efforts, and scores of helpers may be fitted up for usefulness as Bible workers canvassers, and family visitors. But his kind of work is being neglected because there is such great fear of using the Conference money, and men reluctant to bear essential responsibilities to educate men to do the work.?{PC 378.2}
Our brethren should always go out two and two, taking as many as they can really to engage in personal visiting, seeking to interest families. But those who would work in these lines are not encouraged; when mistakes are made, they are not corrected in tender compassion, but are disheartened. Michigan is one of the best mission fields in the world, but it needs men with far-seeing judgment to push the work.?{PC 378.3}
God would have those in responsible positions show tact, skill, and wise generalship in detecting, seizing upon, and putting talent to use. He will not work miracles to advance the truth, without human agents cooperating. He has material in men and women, and he wants the generals in his army to have intelligence to bring it out and act their part to put it to use, not be constantly studying how to bind about the work, so that it shall not branch out and create a demand for more means. Set men to work under those who have some knowledge of the work, and who can educate them. Thrust the workers out into the harvest field. All that they want is encouragement.?{PC 379.1}
Elder _____’s mind must grow with the work, or he must be replaced by some one who will take a more extensive view of what needs to be done to warn the world. Do something, do it now. Let the pull-back principle go, and the go-forward principle come in. The angel with the third message flies swiftly.?{PC 379.2}
(Signed) E. G. White
I have spoken to you the truth because I dare not withhold it. My words are not designed to discourage, but to open before you the fact that although you may have good business qualities and tact, yet something higher than this is necessary in the work in which you are engaged. You may become men as valuable as gold, and this is why I have written as I have. Your character must reflect the character of Christ.?{PC 379.3}
(Signed) Ellen G. White
(Copied, W.F.C., November 27, 1894) -?{PC 379.4}
(Recopied February 7, 1895)
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