第34章 牧者的圣职
§1
第34章 牧者的圣职
§2
Chap. 34 - A Consecrated Ministry
§3
基督在他的生活和教训中，显示了那起源于上帝之无私服务的楷模。上帝并不是为他自己而存在的，他经由创造世界并托住万有，而持久不变地为他人服务。“他叫日头照好人也照歹人，降雨给义人也给不义的人。”（太5:45）天父已经将这服务的理想交托给他的儿子。耶稣原是赐下作人类的元首，而用他的榜样教人明了服务的意义。他的整个人生完全受服务律的支配。他伺候众生，为众生服务。[1]{AA 359.1 }
§4
In His life and lessons Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is constantly ministering to others. He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:45. This ideal of ministry the Father committed to His Son. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, by His example to teach what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. {AA 359.1 }[1]
§5
耶稣曾屡次试图在门徒中间建立这个原则。当雅各和约翰提出最高地位的要求时，他说：“你们中间谁愿为大，就必作你们的用人；谁愿为首，就必作你们的仆人；正如人子来不是要受人的服侍，乃是要服侍人；并且要舍命，作多人的赎价。”（太20:26-28）[2]{AA 359.2 }
§6
Again and again Jesus tried to establish his principle among His disciples. When James and John made their request for pre-eminence, He said, Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26-28. {AA 359.2 }[2]
§7
基督自升天以来，他是借着所拣选的使者推进他在地上的工作，他借着他们向世人说话，并为世人的需要而服务。教会的“元首”借着上帝所命定作他代表的人为媒介，监督着他的圣工。[3]{AA 360.1 }
§8
Since His ascension Christ has carried forward His work on the earth by chosen ambassadors, through whom He speaks to the children of men and ministers to their needs. The great Head of the church superintends His work through the instrumentality of men ordained by God to act as His representatives. {AA 360.1 }[3]
§9
凡蒙上帝呼召去为建立他的教会而“劳苦传道教导人的”人，是负有重大责任的。他们既是“替基督”劝人“与上帝和好”的；因此他们唯有领受那从上头来的智慧和能力，才能完成自己的使命。[4]{AA 360.2 }
§10
The position of those who have been called of God to labor in word and doctrine for the upbuilding of His church, is one of grave responsibility. In Christs stead they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God, and they can fulfill their mission only as they receive wisdom and power from above. {AA 360.2 }[4]
§11
基督的传道人乃是上帝所交付他们照顾之子民的属灵监护人。他们的工作好比守望者的工作。古时候城墙上常设有哨兵，他们从有利的据点可以俯瞰各需要防守的重要关口，发出敌人来袭的警报。城内众人的安全端赖他们的忠于职守。每隔一段时间，他们必须彼此呼唤，以便确定各人都在警醒，无人遭受伤害。他们互相传达鼓舞或警报的叫喊声，此呼彼应，响彻全城。[5]{AA 360.3 }
§12
Christs ministers are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient times sentinels were often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from points of vantage, they could overlook important posts to be guarded, and give warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon their faithfulness depended the safety of all within. At stated intervals they were required to call to one another, to make sure that all were awake and that no harm had befallen any. The cry of good cheer or of warning was borne from one to another, each repeating the call till it echoed round the city. {AA 360.3 }[5]
§13
主向每一个传道人说：“人子啊！我照样立你作以色列家守望的人；所以你要听我口中的话，替我警戒他们。我对恶人说：恶人哪！你必要死；你以西结若不开口警戒恶人，使他离开所行的道，这恶人必死在罪孽之中，我却要向你讨他丧命的罪。倘若你警戒恶人转离所行的道，……你却救自己脱离了罪。”（结33:7-9）[6]{AA 360.4 }
§14
To every minister the Lord declares: O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at My mouth, and warn them from Me. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, . . . thou hast delivered thy soul. Ezekiel 33:7-9. {AA 360.4 }[6]
§15
先知的话宣布了那些奉命作上帝教会的监护人，作“上帝奥秘事的管家”所负的严肃责任。他们要作锡安城墙上的守望者，以便在敌人临近时发出警报。许多人常有落在试探之下的危险，上帝的仆人若不忠于职守，这些人就必灭亡。如果他们属灵的见识因任何原因而麻痹了，看不出危险，以致百姓因他们没有发出警报而灭亡了，上帝就必向他们追讨那些丧亡之人的血债。[7]{AA 361.1 }
§16
The words of the prophet declare the solemn responsibility of those who are appointed as guardians of the church of God, stewards of the mysteries of God. They are to stand as watchmen on the walls of Zion, to sound the note of alarm at the approach of the enemy. Souls are in danger of falling under temptation, and they will perish unless Gods ministers are faithful to their trust. If for any reason their spiritual senses become so benumbed that they are unable to discern danger, and through their failure to give warning the people perish, God will require at their hands the blood of those who are lost. {AA 361.1 }[7]
§17
那些站在锡安城墙上的守望者获有特权得与上帝亲密交往，并敏于领受他圣灵的感应，以致上帝能借他们将众人所处的险境警告他们，并向他们指明安全之所。他们务要忠心地警告人有关犯罪的必然结果，要忠心地保护教会的利益。他们不可片刻放松警惕的心。他们的工作乃是需要运用每一项才能的。他们必须扬声像号筒吹响一样，而绝不可发出犹豫无定的号声。他们不是为了工价而劳碌，而是因为出于不得已，因为感觉如果自己若不传福音就有祸了。他们是上帝所拣选的，并受了那使人成圣之血的印记，要拯救众人脱离那迫在眉捷的毁灭。[8]{AA 361.2 }
§18
It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so near to God, and to be susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit, that He can work through them to tell men and women of their peril and point them to the place of safety. Faithfully are they to warn them of the sure result of transgression, and faithfully are they to safeguard the interests of the church. At no time may they relax their vigilance. Theirs is a work requiring the exercise of every faculty of the being. In trumpet tones their voices are to be lifted, and never are they to sound one wavering, uncertain note. Not for wages are they to labor, but because they cannot do otherwise, because they realize that there is a woe upon them if they fail to preach the gospel. Chosen of God, sealed with the blood of consecration, they are to rescue men and women from impending destruction. {AA 361.2 }[8]
§19
那与基督同工的传道人就必深深体会到自己工作的神圣性，以及成功地进行这工作所需要的劳苦和牺牲。他并不谋求一己的安逸与便利。他是忘我的人。他在寻找迷羊时并不理会自己已经疲乏、寒冷，或饥饿了。他心目中只有一个目标，那就是拯救失丧的人。[9]{AA 362.1 }
§20
The minister who is a co-worker with Christ will have a deep sense of the sacredness of his work and of the toil and sacrifice required to perform it successfully. He does not study his own ease or convenience. He is forgetful of self. In his search for the lost sheep he does not realize that he himself is weary, cold, and hungry. He has but one object in view--the saving of the lost. {AA 362.1 }[9]
§21
凡在以马内利的血染旌旗之下服役的人，必须尽到英勇的努力和恒久的忍耐。但十字架的精兵却必毫无畏惧地站在战争的最前线。每当敌人向他进攻时，他就转向保障求援，而当他将《圣经》的应许提到主面前时，他就得蒙加给力量来执行当前的任务了。他感觉自己需要从上头来的能力。他所获得的胜利并不促使他自高自大，反面令他愈益郑重地依靠那位大能者。他既信靠那“能力”，就能强有力地传讲救恩信息以致打动别人的心了。[10]{AA 362.2 }
§22
He who serves under the bloodstained banner of Immanuel will have that to do which will call for heroic effort and patient endurance. But the soldier of the cross stands unshrinkingly in the forefront of the battle. As the enemy presses the attack against him, he turns to the stronghold for aid, and as he brings to the Lord the promises of the word, he is strengthened for the duties of the hour. He realizes his need of strength from above. The victories that he gains do not lead to self exaltation, but cause him to lean more and more heavily on the Mighty One. Relying upon that Power, he is enabled to present the message of salvation so forcibly that it vibrates in other minds. {AA 362.2 }[10]
§23
那传授圣道的人必须借着祈祷和查经，时时刻刻地特意与上帝交往；因为这就是他能力的来源。与上帝交往就必赋予传道人的工作以能力，较比他讲道所发挥的更大。这种能力乃是他所不可或缺的。他必须以无法拒绝的迫切精神恳求上帝加强并坚固他去应付职责与考验，并用燃烧着的火炭去沾他的嘴唇。一般作基督使者的人对于永恒的现实掌握的太少了，如果人们能与上帝同行，他就必将他们隐藏在那“磐石”穴中。他们这样的隐藏，就能看见上帝，正像摩西看见他一样。他们借着他所赋予的能力和亮光，就能有更深的领会和更大的成就，远超过他们有限见识所视为可能的。[11]{AA 362.3 }
§24
He who teaches the word must himself live in conscious, hourly communion with God through prayer and a study of His word, for here is the source of strength. Communion with God will impart to the ministers efforts a power greater than the influence of his preaching. Of this power he must not allow himself to be deprived. With an earnestness that cannot be denied, he must plead with God to strengthen and fortify him for duty and trial, and to touch his lips with living fire. All too slight is the hold that Christs ambassadors often have upon eternal realities. If men will walk with God, He will hide them in the cleft of the Rock. Thus hidden, they can see God, even as Moses saw Him. By the power and light that He imparts they can comprehend more and accomplish more than their finite judgment had deemed possible. {AA 362.3 }[11]
§25
撒但的技巧在心灵忧郁的人身上最著成效。因此，每当灰心的威胁要将传道人压倒时，他务要将自己的需要在上帝面前陈明。从前保罗最完全信靠上帝乃是在他“头上的天变为铜”的时候。他比较大多数的人更明了苦难的意义，但是且听他在四面受敌而依然奔走天程时所发出胜利的呐喊：“我们这至暂至轻的苦楚，要为我们成就极重无比永远的荣耀；原来我们不是顾念所见的，乃是顾念所不见的。”（林后4:17-18）保罗的眼睛一直注视着那“不见的”永恒事物。他认明自己是与超自然的恶势力争战，所以他信赖上帝；他的力量就在于此。借着看见那位不可见的主，就可获得心灵方面的毅力与活力，那控制心志和品格的属世势力也必溃散了。[12]{AA 363.1 }
§26
Satans craft is most successfully used against those who are depressed. When discouragement threatens to overwhelm the minister, let him spread out before God his necessities. It was when the heavens were as brass over Paul that he trusted most fully in God. More than most men, he knew the meaning of affliction; but listen to his triumphant cry as, beset by temptation and conflict, his feet press heavenward: Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18. Pauls eyes were ever fastened on the unseen and eternal. Realizing that he was fighting against supernatural powers, he placed his dependence on God, and in this lay his strength. It is by seeing Him who is invisible that strength and vigor of soul are gained and the power of earth over mind and character is broken. {AA 363.1 }[12]
§27
一位牧者应当与他所为之操劳的人们自由自在地交接来往，得以和他们熟识，这样他才可以知道如何使自己的教训适应他们的需要。传道人作过一次讲道之后，他的工作才算开始呢。他还有个人之工要作，他必须到各人家里去访问他们，认真而谦卑地同他们谈话祈祷。有许多人家若没有上帝恩典的执事进到他们家里去向他们指明天路，他们就永不会接触到《圣经》的真理。但凡从事这种工作之人的心须与基督的心律动一致。[13]{AA 363.2 }
§28
A pastor should mingle freely with the people for whom he labors, that by becoming acquainted with them he may know how to adapt his teaching to their needs. When a minister has preached a sermon, his work has but just begun. There is personal work for him to do. He should visit the people in their homes, talking and praying with them in earnestness and humility. There are families who will never be reached by the truths of Gods word unless the stewards of His grace enter their homes and point them to the higher way. But the hearts of those who do this work must throb in unison with the heart of Christ. {AA 363.2 }[13]
§29
“你出去到路上和篱笆那里，勉强人进来，坐满我的屋子。”（路4:23）这个命令意义深长。传道人务要到各家去传讲真理，接近他们所为之操劳的人们，他们这样与上帝合作，他就必授予他们属灵的能力。基督必在他们的工作上指导他们，并且赐给他们讲说那能深入听众内心的话语。每一个传道人都有权利能与保罗同说：“上帝的旨意，我并没有一样避讳不传给你们的。”“你们也知道，凡与你们有益的，我没有一样避讳不说的；或在众人面前，或在各人家里，我都教导你们；……证明当向上帝悔改，信靠我主耶稣基督。”（徒20:27,20-21）[14]{AA 364.1 }
§30
Much is comprehended in the command, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that My house may be filled. Luke 14:23. Let ministers teach the truth in families, drawing close to those for whom they labor, and as they thus co-operate with God, He will clothe them with spiritual power. Christ will guide them in their work, giving them words to speak that will sink deep into the hearts of the listeners. It is the privilege of every minister to be able to say with Paul, I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, . . . repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:27, 20, 21. {AA 364.1 }[14]
§31
救主自己也曾挨家访问，医治病人，安慰伤心的人，抚恤受苦的人，并向愁闷的人说平安的话。他将小孩子抱在怀里为他们祝福，并向疲劳的母亲讲说希望和安慰的话。他以一贯的温柔和蔼应付人间各种的忧患与痛苦。他并不是为自己，而是为别人效劳。他乃是众人的仆人。他将希望和能力带给凡他所接触的人，这就是他的“食物”。当众人从他口里听到那与拉比们所讲的遗传和教条迥然不同的真理时，他们心中就生出希望来。他的教训中含有一种热诚，使他的话得以说服的能力深入人心。[15]{AA 364.2 }
§32
The Saviour went from house to house, healing the sick, comforting the mourners, soothing the afflicted, speaking peace to the disconsolate. He took the little children in His arms and blessed them, and spoke words of hope and comfort to the weary mothers. With unfailing tenderness and gentleness He met every form of human woe and affliction. Not for Himself but for others did He labor. He was the servant of all. It was His meat and drink to bring hope and strength to all with whom He came in contact. And as men and women listened to the truths that fell from His lips, so different from the traditions and dogmas taught by the rabbis, hope sprang up in their hearts. In His teaching there was an earnestness that sent His words home with convicting power. {AA 364.2 }[15]
§33
上帝的传道人要学习基督的工作方法，以便从他圣言的宝库中取出那足以供应他们所为之效劳的人的属灵需要。唯有如此，他们才能完成自己所受的委托。基督在教导人时所经常领受而住在他心中的同一圣灵，也必须作为他们知识的来源和能力的秘诀，得以继承救主在世上的工作。[16]{AA 365.1 }
§34
Gods ministers are to learn Christs method of laboring, that they may bring from the storehouse of His word that which will supply the spiritual needs of those for whom they labor. Thus only can they fulfill their trust. The same Spirit that dwelt in Christ as He imparted the instruction He was constantly receiving, is to be the source of their knowledge and the secret of their power in carrying on the Saviours work in the world. {AA 365.1 }[16]
§35
有一些参加传道工作的人没有获致成功，乃是因为他们未曾以全心全意从事主的工作。传道人除了引人归向救主的伟大工作之外，不应另有足以占据心力的事业。基督所呼召的渔夫立即应召撇下他们的渔网跟从他。传道人决不能一面负担繁重的私营事业，而同时还可作上帝所悦纳的工作。这样的分心会使他们属灵的理解力模糊。他们的思想和心意既已被属世的事物占据，服侍基督的事就要落到次要的地位了。他们要设法使自己为上帝所从事的工作适应环境，而不改造环境以迎合上帝的要求。[17]{AA 365.2 }
§36
Some who have labored in the ministry have failed of attaining success because they have not given their undivided interest to the Lords work. Ministers should have no engrossing interests aside from the great work of leading souls to the Saviour. The fishermen whom Christ called, straightway left their nets and followed Him. Ministers cannot do acceptable work for God and at the same time carry the burden of large personal business enterprises. Such a division of interest dims their spiritual perception. The mind and heart are occupied with earthly things, and the service of Christ takes a second place. They seek to shape their work for God by their circumstances, instead of shaping circumstances to meet the demands of God. {AA 365.2 }[17]
§37
传道人的精力应当全部用在他所受崇高的恩召上。他上好的能力原属于上帝。他不应从事投机事业，或作任何足以使他偏离他重大任务的经营。保罗说：“凡在军中当兵的，不将世务缠身，好叫那招他当兵的人喜悦。”（提后2:4）使徒就是这样强调传道人需要毫无保留地献身为主服务。一个完全献身与上帝的传道人必不肯从事那足以拦阻他、不容他完全献身于圣召的事业。他不追求属世的尊荣或财富；他的唯一宗旨乃是将那位牺牲自己而以永生财富带给世人的救主转告他人。他的最高愿望并不是在此世积攒财富，而是导使一般不关心不效忠的人注意到永恒的现实。或许有人要请他从事一些可望大得世上财富的事业，但对于这一类的试探，他却回答说：“人就是赚得全世界，赔上自己的生命，有什么益处呢？”（可8:36）[18]{AA 365.3 }
§38
The energies of the minister are all needed for his high calling. His best powers belong to God. He should not engage in speculation or in any other business that would turn him aside from his great work. No man that warreth, Paul declared, entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 2 Timothy 2:4. Thus the apostle emphasized the ministers need of unreserved consecration to the Masters service. The minister who is wholly consecrated to God refuses to engage in business that would hinder him from giving himself fully to his sacred calling. He is not striving for earthly honor or riches; his one purpose is to tell others of the Saviour, who gave Himself to bring to human beings the riches of eternal life. His highest desire is not to lay up treasure in this world, but to bring to the attention of the indifferent and the disloyal the realities of eternity. He may be asked to engage in enterprises which promise large worldly gain, but to such temptations he returns the answer, What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Mark 8:36. {AA 365.3 }[18]
§39
撒但曾向基督提出这种引诱，明知他若接受，这世界就永难救赎了。现今他在各种不同的伪装下向上帝的传道人提出这同样的试探，深知凡受其迷惑的人必定辜负他们所受的委托。[19]{AA 366.1 }
§40
Satan presented this inducement to Christ, knowing that if He accepted it, the world would never be ransomed. And under different guises he presents the same temptation to Gods ministers today, knowing that those who are beguiled by it will be false to their trust. {AA 366.1 }[19]
§41
传道人追求发财致富，决不是上帝的旨意。关于这一点，保罗写信给提摩太说：“贪财是万恶之根；有人贪恋钱财，就被引诱离了真道，用许多愁苦把自己刺透了。但你这属上帝的人，要逃避这些事，追求公义、敬虔、信心、爱心、忍耐、温柔。”基督的使者要借着自己的榜样教训，“嘱咐那些今世富足的人，不要自高，不要倚靠无定的钱财，只要倚靠那厚赐百物给我们享受的上帝；又要嘱咐他们行善，在好事上富足，甘心施舍，乐意供给人，为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，叫他们持定那真正的生命。”（提前6:10-11,17-19）[20]{AA 366.2 }
§42
It is not Gods will that His ministers should seek to be rich. Regarding this, Paul wrote to Timothy: The love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. By example as well as by precept, the ambassador for Christ is to charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:10, 11, 17-19. {AA 366.2 }[20]
§43
使徒保罗的经验以及他那论及传道人工作神圣性的教训，乃是参加福音圣工之人的帮助和鼓励的根源。保罗对于罪人具有火热的爱心，所以他将全部精力都投入救灵的工作。没有一个人较比他更为克己更为坚忍。凡他所领受的恩赐，他都珍视为足资造福别人的方法。他从不放弃每一讲述救主或帮助在困难中之人的机会。他去到各处传讲基督的福音，并且设立教会。无论在什么地方他能找到听众，他就尽力抵制邪恶、并使人们掉转脚步走上公义的道路。[21]{AA 367.1 }
§44
The experiences of the apostle Paul and his instruction regarding the sacredness of the ministers work are a source of help and inspiration to those engaged in the gospel ministry. Pauls heart burned with a love for sinners, and he put all his energies into the work of soul winning. There never lived a more self-denying, persevering worker. The blessings he received he prized as so many advantages to be used in blessing others. He lost no opportunity of speaking of the Saviour or of helping those in trouble. From place to place he went, preaching the gospel of Christ and establishing churches. Wherever he could find a hearing, he sought to counteract wrong, and to turn the feet of men and women into the path of righteousness. {AA 367.1 }[21]
§45
保罗没有忘记他所设立的众教会。在完成一次布道行程之后，他和巴拿巴又循原路回去，访问他们所兴建的教会，并从其中拣选一些可以受训和他们一同宣传福音的人。[22]{AA 367.2 }
§46
Paul did not forget the churches that he had established. After making a missionary tour, he and Barnabas retraced their steps and visited the churches they had raised up, choosing from them men whom they could train to unite in proclaiming the gospel. {AA 367.2 }[22]
§47
保罗工作的这一特点对于现代传道人颇具有重要的教训。使徒将训练青年担任传道的职务当作自己工作的一部分。他带领他们出外布道，他们就这样获得经验使他们后来可以担任负责的职务。他与他们分手之后，仍然常与他们的工作取得联系，他写给提摩太和提多的书信就足以说明他是何等地渴望他们成功。[23]{AA 367.3 }
§48
This feature of Pauls work contains an important lesson for ministers today. The apostle made it a part of his work to educate young men for the office of the ministry. He took them with him on his missionary journeys, and thus they gained an experience that later enabled them to fill positions of responsibility. When separated from them, he still kept in touch with their work, and his letters to Timothy and to Titus are evidences of how deep was his desire for their success. {AA 367.3 }[23]
§49
今日富有经验的工人若不试图将一切责任都揽到自己身上，而是训练青年职工，将担子放在他们的肩上，那就是从事高尚的工作了。[24]{AA 368.1 }
§50
Experienced workers today do a noble work when, instead of trying to carry all the burdens themselves, they train younger workers and place burdens on their shoulders. {AA 368.1 }[24]
§51
保罗从未忘记自己作基督仆人所负的责任；也未忘记如果有人因他的不忠心而致灭亡，上帝是一定要他负责的。他论到福音的工作说：“我照上帝为你们所赐我的职分，作了教会的执事，要把上帝的道理传得全备，这道理就是历世历代所隐藏的奥秘；但如今向他的圣徒显明了。上帝愿意叫他们知道，这奥秘在对外邦人中有何等丰盛的荣耀，就是基督在你们心里成了有荣耀的盼望。我们传扬他，是用诸般的智慧劝诫各人，教导各人，要把各人在基督里完完全全的引到上帝面前。我也为此劳苦，照着他在我里面运用的大能尽心竭力。”（西1:25-29）[25]{AA 368.2 }
§52
Paul never forgot the responsibility resting on him as a minister of Christ, or that if souls were lost through unfaithfulness on his part, God would hold him accountable. Whereof I am made a minister, he declared of the gospel, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily. Colossians 1:25-29. {AA 368.2 }[25]
§53
这些话虽向为基督而工作的人提供了一个崇高的目标，然而凡将自己置于那位大教师管理之下，天天在基督门下学习的人，都可以达到这个目标。上帝所掌握的能力乃是无限制的，一个感到自己有大需要的传道人若进入密室中与主亲近，他就可确信自己必定得到那对于听众成为叫他们活的“活的香气”。[26]{AA 368.3 }
§54
These words present before the worker for Christ a high attainment, yet this attainment all can reach who, putting themselves under the control of the Great Teacher, learn daily in the school of Christ. The power at Gods command is limitless, and the minister who in his great need shuts himself in with the Lord may be assured that he will receive that which will be to his hearers a savor of life unto life. {AA 368.3 }[26]
§55
保罗的书信说明一个传福音的人应当为自己所教导的真理作榜样，“凡事都不叫人有妨碍，免得这职分被人毁谤。”（林后6:3）他在致哥林多信徒的书信中，论到他自己的工作，曾作了如下的描述：“在各样的事上、表明自己是上帝的用人，就如在许多的忍耐、患难、穷乏、困苦、鞭打、监禁、扰乱、勤劳、警醒、不食、廉洁、知识、恒忍、恩慈、圣灵的感化、无伪的爱心、真实的道理、上帝的大能；仁义的兵器在左在右；荣耀羞辱，恶名美名，似乎是诱惑人的，却是诚实的；似乎不为人所知，却是人所共知的；似乎要死，却是活着的；似乎受责罚，却是不致丧命的；似乎忧愁，却是常常快乐的；似乎贫穷，却是叫许多人富足的。”（林后6:4-10）[27]{AA 369.1 }
§56
Pauls writings show that the gospel minister should be an example of the truths that he teaches, giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed. Of his own work he has left us a picture in his letter to the Corinthian believers: In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich. 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4-10. {AA 369.1 }[27]
§57
他写信给提多说：“又劝少年人要谨守。你自己凡事要显出善行的榜样；在教训上要正直、端庄、言语纯全、无可指责；叫那反对的人既无处可说我们的不是，便自觉羞愧。”（多2:6-8）[28]{AA 369.2 }
§58
To Titus he wrote: Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded. In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus 2:6-8. {AA 369.2 }[28]
§59
在上帝看来，再没有什么比他的仆人们更为宝贵，他们进入地上荒废之处去播撒真理的种子，指望收割庄稼。除了基督以外，无人能衡量他仆人们寻找迷羊时所表现的关怀。他将他的灵分赐给他们，由于他们的努力，许多人都被引领离罪归义了。[29]{AA 369.3 }
§60
There is nothing more precious in the sight of God than His ministers, who go forth into the waste places of the earth to sow the seeds of truth, looking forward to the harvest. None but Christ can measure the solicitude of His servants as they seek for the lost. He imparts His Spirit to them, and by their efforts souls are led to turn from sin to righteousness. {AA 369.3 }[29]
§61
上帝现今正在号召那些乐意离弃自己的田园、事业，必要时还离开自己家庭的人去为他作布道士，而且这个号召必定得到响应的。过去曾经有人因受基督之爱与丧亡者之需要的激励，而离开安乐的家庭和友人的交谊，甚至撇下妻子儿女，到外国去在拜偶像的人和野蛮人中宣传慈怜的信息。许多人在作这种赏试时丧失了他们的生命，但另有其它的人兴起继续工作。这样，基督的事业一步一步地得以推展，而那在悲苦中撒出去的种子也有了丰盛的收获。认识上帝的知识广泛地传开了，十字架的旗帜也得以树立在那异教的疆土之上了。[30]{AA 370.1 }
§62
God is calling for men who are willing to leave their farms, their business, if need be their families, to become missionaries for Him. And the call will be answered. In the past there have been men who, stirred by the love of Christ and the needs of the lost, have left the comforts of home and the society of friends, even that of wife and children, to go into foreign lands, among idolaters and savages, to proclaim the message of mercy. Many in the attempt have lost their lives, but others have been raised up to carry on the work. Thus step by step the cause of Christ has progressed, and the seed sown in sorrow has yielded a bountiful harvest. The knowledge of God has been widely extended and the banner of the cross planted in heathen lands. {AA 370.1 }[30]
§63
为了使一个罪人悔改，传道人应当竭尽他所有的才智能力。上帝所创造以及基督所救赎的生灵，由于他们当前的可能性，他们所蒙受的属灵利益，他们受上帝圣言赋予活力后所可能具有的才能，以及他们借福音所提供的希望所可能承受的永生，因此乃是大有价值的。况且基督若撇下那九十九只羊去寻找拯救一只迷失的羊，我们的努力怎能更小呢？人若不像基督一样地工作，不像他一样地牺牲，岂不是辜负了神圣的委托而侮辱了上帝吗？[31]{AA 370.2 }
§64
For the conversion of one sinner the minister should tax his resources to the utmost. The soul that God has created and Christ has redeemed is of great value because of the possibilities before it, the spiritual advantages that have been granted it, the capabilities that it may possess if vitalized by the word of God, and the immortality it may gain through the hope presented in the gospel. And if Christ left the ninety and nine that He might seek and save one lost sheep, can we be justified in doing less? Is not a neglect to work as Christ worked, to sacrifice as He sacrificed, a betrayal of sacred trusts, an insult to God? {AA 370.2 }[31]
§65
一个真实传道人的心一定是充满着拯救生灵之热望的。他一定不惜时间与精力，不辞任何劳苦；因为别人必须听到那给他自己心灵带来那么多的喜悦、平安、与快乐的真理。基督的灵要降在他的身上。他为众人的灵魂时刻警醒，好像那将来要交帐的人。他既定睛注视髑髅地的十字架，仰望那被举起来的救主倚赖他的恩典，笃信基督必作他的盾牌，他的力量，他的效能，并与他同在，直到世界的末了，这样他就一直为上帝作工。他要提出邀请和劝告，混合着上帝慈爱的保证，竭力领人归向耶稣，因此在天上他要被列在那些“蒙召被选有忠心的”人之中。（启17:14）[32]{AA 371.1 }
§66
The heart of the true minister is filled with an intense longing to save souls. Time and strength are spent, toilsome effort is not shunned; for others must hear the truths that brought to his own soul such gladness and peace and joy. The Spirit of Christ rests upon him. He watches for souls as one that must give an account. With his eyes fixed on the cross of Calvary, beholding the uplifted Saviour, relying on His grace, believing that He will be with him until the end, as his shield, his strength, his efficiency, he works for God. With invitations and pleadings, mingled with the assurances of Gods love, he seeks to win souls to Jesus, and in heaven he is numbered among those who are called, and chosen, and faithful. Revelation 17:14. {AA 371.1 }[32]