第002册 对区会职员的呼吁和建议
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第002册 对区会职员的呼吁和建议
§2
PH002 - Appeal and Suggestions to Conference Officers
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《传道良助》选段
§4
“我们中间只有很少的传道人。因为上帝的圣工似乎非常需要帮助，有些人就受诱导以为几乎任何一个自称要做传道人的都会蒙悦纳。有些人以为，因为人们会祷告，并且在聚会时能够较为自由地进行劝勉，他们就有资格作为工人前去作工。在他们受到证明之前，或者他们的工作能显出任何良好的果效之前，上帝未曾差遣的人们就受到某些缺乏经验之弟兄的鼓励和奉承。然而工作表明了工人的品质。他们是分散和混乱的，而非收聚和建造的。可能有少数人因他们的工作接受了真理，但这些人通常升不到比那些教导他们真理的人更高的地步，在他们的行为中会见到同样的缺乏。{PH002 13.1}[1]
§5
《Selections from “Gospel Workers》
§6
“There are but few preachers among us. And because the cause of God seemed to need help so much, some have been led to think that almost any one claiming to be a minister would be acceptable. Some have thought that because persons could pray and exhort with a degree of freedom in meeting, they were qualified to go forth as laborers. And before they were proved, or could show any good fruit of their labors, men whom God has not sent have been encouraged and flattered by some brethren lacking experience. But their work shows the character of the workman. They scatter and confuse, but do not gather in and build up. A few may receive the truth as the fruit of their labors; but these generally rise no higher than those from whom they learned the truth. The same lack which marked their own course is seen in their converts.?{PH002 13.1}[1]
§7
“这项事业的成功并不依赖于我们拥有大量的传道人，但极其重要的乃是，那些参与上帝圣工的人应该是真的感到上帝召他们去从事之工的负担和神圣性的人。少数自我牺牲的敬虔的人，对自己的估计虽甚微小，却能成就更多的工作，过于虽有许多传道人，但其中却有一部分人不配做工，却自信而且自夸其才干所能成就的。” （《传道良助》1892年版141页）{PH002 13.2}[2]
§8
“The success of this cause does not depend upon our having a large number of ministers; but it is of the highest importance that those who do labor in connection with the cause of God should be men who really feel the burden and sacredness of the work to which he has called them. A few self-sacrificing, godly men, small in their own estimation, can do a greater amount of good than a much larger number, if a part of these are unqualified for the work, yet self-confident and boastful of their own talents.”—Gospel Workers, 141.?{PH002 13.2}[2]
§9
“一些传道人没能成功是因为他们在非常依赖恒切努力和管理良好的工作时，却没有专心致志于工作。许多人并非工人；他们离开讲台就不干活了。他们逃避挨家挨户和聪明地在家庭范围内作工的责任。他们需要培养那种罕见的基督徒礼貌，这会使他们仁慈亲切，体谅他们所照管的人，用真正的热心和信心为他们作工，教导他们生命之道。”（《传道良助》1892年版72页）{PH002 13.3}[3]
§10
“Some ministers fail of success because they do not give their undivided interest to the work, when very much depends upon persistent, well-directed labor.?Many are not laborers; they do-not pursue their work outside of the pulpit. They shirk the duty of going from house to house, and laboring wisely in the home circle. They need to cultivate that rare Christian courtesy which would render them kind and considerate toward the souls under their care, working for them with true earnestness and faith, teaching them the way of life.”—Gospel Workers, 72.?{PH002 13.3}[3]
§11
“牧者的责任往往可耻地遭到忽略，因为传道人缺乏力量去牺牲他个人想要退隐和学习的爱好。牧者应当挨家挨户探访他的羊群，教导每一个家庭，与他们交谈，一同祈祷，为他们的心灵谋福利。那些表现出愿意熟悉我们信仰原则的人不应受到忽视，而应在真理上受到全面的教导。上帝警醒热心的传道人不应失去任何一个行善的机会。{PH002 14.1}[4]
§12
“The duties of a pastor are often shamefully neglected because the minister lacks strength to sacrifice his personal inclinations for seclusion and study. The pastor should visit from house to house among his flock, teaching, conversing, and praying with each family, and looking out for the welfare of their souls. Those who have manifested a desire to become acquainted with the principles of our faith should not be neglected, but thoroughly instructed in the truth. No opportunity to do good should be lost by the watchful and zealous minister of God.?{PH002 14.1}[4]
§13
“某些传道人受了一些家长的邀请，去探访他们的家庭时，却在人家的空闲的房间中满足自己读书写作的爱好。{PH002 14.2}[5]
§14
“Certain ministers who have been invited to houses by the heads of families, have spent the few hours of their visit in secluding themselves in an unoccupied room to indulge their inclination for reading and writing.?{PH002 14.2}[5]
§15
款待他们的家庭，一点儿得不到访问的益处。传道人受人招待，却不在很需要做的工作中给人以同等的报答。{PH002 14.3}[6]
§16
The family that entertained them derived no benefit from their visit. The ministers accepted the hospitality extended them without giving an equivalent in the labor that was so much needed.?{PH002 14.3}[6]
§17
“藉着社交圈的途径，很容易去接近人。但许多传道人却畏惧探访的任务；他们没有培养社交的才能，也没有获得可以博取人心的和蔼精神。牧者要多与他所牧养的人来往，这是非常要紧的；这样他就能熟悉人性的不同方面，容易明白人心的工作方式，使他的教训适合听众的智力，并且学会那种只有密切研究人类本性及需要的人才能拥有的伟大的爱。{PH002 14.4}[7]
§18
“People are easily reached through the avenues of the social circle. But many ministers dread the task of visiting; they have not cultivated social qualities, have not acquired that genial spirit that wins its way to the hearts of the people. It is highly important that a pastor should mingle much with his people, that he may become acquainted with the different phases of human?nature, readily understand the workings of the mind, adapt his teachings to the intellect of his people, and learn that grand charity, possessed only by those who closely study the nature and needs of man.?{PH002 14.4}[7]
§19
“凡与众隔绝的传道人，是无法帮助别人的。医术湛深的医师必须明了各种疾病的性质，熟悉人体的构造。他必须按时照应病人。他知道迟延是危险的。当他富有经验的手按在病人的脉膊上时，随即细心注意疾病的特征，根据以往的知识断定病症的性质和应用何种治疗法以阻止病症的加重。医师怎样应付人肉体的病痛，牧者对于患罪病的人也怎样。永生怎样比暂时的生存更有价值，牧者的工作也照样比医师的工作更为重要。牧者遇到各种脾性秉性的人；他的本分是要熟悉凡听他教训之家庭中每一分子，以便决定应用何种方法最能感动他们朝正当的方向而行。” （《传道良助》1892年版76页）{PH002 15.1}[8]
§20
“Those who seclude themselves from the people are in no condition to help them. A skillful physician must understand the nature of various diseases, and must have a thorough knowledge of the human structure. He must be prompt in attending to the patients. He knows that delays are dangerous. When his experienced hand is laid upon the pulse of the sufferer, and he carefully notes the peculiar indication of the malady, his previous knowledge enables him to determine concerning the nature of the disease and the treatment necessary to arrest its progress. As the physician deals with physical disease, so does the pastor minister to the sin-sick soul. And his work is as much more important than that of the former, as eternal life is more valuable than temporal existence. The pastor meets with an endless variety of temperaments; and it is his duty to become acquainted with the members of families that listen to his teachings, in order to determine what means will best influence them in the right direction.”Gospel Workers, 76.?{PH002 15.1}[8]
§21
“在救灵工作中取得最大成功的人，不是那些为自己的才干自豪的人，而是那些存着谦卑和信心出去，并有上帝的能力与他们的努力同工，使他们所呼吁的人心知罪悔改的人。耶稣就是这样工作的。祂接近祂想要帮助的人。每逢有几个人围着祂时，祂就开始给出宝贵的教训。路上经过的人，一个一个地停下来听祂，直到有大群人听了上帝藉这位上天差来的教师所说的话而惊讶敬畏不已。基督并没有等到大批人集合。祂的一些最伟大的真理是对个人讲的。那个撒玛利亚妇人在井边听到了奇妙的话语：‘人若喝我所赐的水就永远不渴；我所赐的水，要在他里头成为泉源，直涌到永生’”（约4:14）。（《传道良助》1892年版337页）{PH002 15.2}[9]
§22
“Those who have been most successful in winning souls, were men and women who did not pride themselves in their ability, but who went in humility and faith, and the power of God worked with their efforts in convicting and converting the hearts of those to whom they appealed. Jesus did this very work. He came close to those whom he desired to benefit. How often, with a few gathered about him, he began the precious lessons, and one by one the passers-by paused to listen, until a great multitude heard with wonder and awe the words of God through the heaven-sent Teacher. He?did not wait for congregations to assemble. The grandest truths were spoken to single individuals. The woman at the well in Samaria heard the wonderful words, ‘Whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. ’”—Gospel Workers, 337.?{PH002 15.2}[9]
§23
“在人们对宗教感兴趣的时候，有些人忽视了最重要的那部分工作。他们没能探访和熟悉那些显出了兴趣，夜复一夜来听圣经讲解的人。适时与这些人交谈宗教题目，并与他们一起恳切祷告，会使许多人选择正确的方向。在这方面疏于尽本分的传道人不是羊群的真牧人。正当应该最积极地活动，去探访这些慕道的人，与他们交谈和一起祷告时，有些人却在不必要地给远方的人写长信。唉，我们在为主做什么呀！当宽容时期结束时，多少人会见到自己曾忽略的服务曾为他们舍命的亲爱的主的机会啊。甚至那些被认为最忠信的人，也会看到，要是他们没有因属世的环境分心，原可做成更多的事。”（《传道良助》1892年版38页）{PH002 16.1}[10]
§24
“While in the midst of a religious interest, some neglect the most important part of the work. They fail to visit and become acquainted with those who have shown an interest to present themselves night after night to listen to the explanation of the Scriptures. Conversation upon religious subjects, and earnest prayer with such at the right time, might balance many souls in the right direction. Ministers who neglect their duty in this respect are not true shepherds of the flock. At the very time when they should be the most active in visiting, conversing, and praying with these interested ones, some are employed in writing unnecessarily long letters to persons at a distance. O, what are we doing for the Master! When probation shall end, how many will see the opportunities they have neglected to render service to their dear Lord who died for them. And even those who were accounted most faithful will see much more that they might have done, had not their minds been diverted by worldly surroundings.”—Gospel Workers, 38.?{PH002 16.1}[10]
§25
【单单讲道是不够的——个人之工极其重要】
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“他向人们讲道，但不作任何后续努力去跟进所讲的道。他说他不能去探访家庭，他只是看不起那种工作。”你可以想像羊群没有牧人探访的状况。这个问题已再三呈现在我面前，应当教育那些被任命去传道的人在家庭的个人之工上充分证明他们的职分，与家庭的成员交谈，了解他们的属灵状况，鼓励人，以恒久忍耐和道理责备人，与他们一起祷告，密切关心的他们的内心和灵魂。这就是忠心牧人的工作。{PH002 17.1}[11]
§27
【Preaching not Sufficient—Personal Work of Utmost Importance】
§28
“He preaches to the people, but makes no after effort to follow up the sermons given. He said he could not visit families, that he just despised that kind of labor.” You can imagine the condition of a flock unvisited by the shepherd. I have repeatedly had this matter presented before me, that the men who are ordained to preach the word should be educated to make full proof of their ministry in their personal labors in families, talking with the members of the family, understanding their spiritual condition, encouraging, reproving with all long-suffering and doctrine, praying with them, binding up his interest with their hearts and souls. This is the work of a faithful shepherd.?{PH002 17.1}[11]
§29
但是严肃的责任被忽略了，因为接受只会讲道的传道人去传道教导人。他们没有看守生灵好像要交账的人。他们进行说教，然而却没有做需要为羊群和小羊做的工作。全美国都做着这种半心半意的工作，并且把钱给了雇工，其实他们早应当被解雇去找少负责任、少需照料的工作。在派人到外国园地时，应当非常谨慎。那些虽已被接受为讲道的人，却还没有受教育为灵魂警醒好像将来交账的人，不是作为传道士进入新园地的人。如果世界上有哪个地方的教会能通过讲道来建立和保持兴旺的状态，同时却忽视个人之工，我还没有听说过这种地方。讲道蒙悦纳而不牧养的人不应该进入外国。有一个彻底的牧人照着忠心的牧人所应当的照顾羊群，也好过有二十个讲道的人给自己开脱说：“我不擅长探访；我不能探访他们各家的教会。”那么就应当毫不犹豫地告诉他们：“我们不打算接受你并给你证书。你不能作工。你要教育自己从事牧人的工作，照顾羊和小羊，才不会像以法莲是‘没有翻过的饼’（何7:8）。你才会充分证明你的传道职分。”那些只会讲道的人不是传道士，也决不能成为传道士，除非他们学会牧人的技巧、警醒和温柔的同情。上帝的羊群有权利希望他们的牧师来探访，到他们家中进行教导、忠告和劝勉。一个人如果没有做这部分工作，就不能成为遵行上帝指示的传道人。凡如此作工的教会就必混乱、软弱、多病、奄奄一息。这些讲道没有上帝圣灵的活力，因为上帝不会赐福任何一个忽略上帝羊群的人。{PH002 17.2}[12]
§30
But there have been solemn duties neglected in accepting ministers to labor in word and doctrine who can only preach. They do not watch for souls as they that shall give an account. They sermonize; but the work is left undone which the sheep and lambs need to have done for them. And this half-hearted kind of work has been done all through America, and money paid to men employed, when they should have been dismissed to find work less responsible and care taking. In sending men to foreign fields, let there be great caution used. Those who have been accepted as preachers, and have not been educated to watch for souls as they that must give an account, are not the men to enter new fields as missionaries. If there is any corner of the world where churches can be built up and kept in a prosperous condition by sermonizing, while they neglect personal labor, I have yet to learn of this.?Men who are accepted to preach, and not to minister, should not go into foreign countries. Better have one thorough shepherd who will care for the flock as a faithful shepherd should, than to have twenty sermonizers who will excuse themselves, saying, “It is not in my line to visit; I cannot visit the church in their families.” Then let there not be a moment’s hesitation in telling them, “We do not propose to accept you and give you credentials. You cannot labor. But educate yourself to do a shepherd’s work, to care for the sheep and lambs, and you will not be like Ephraim, ‘a cake unturned.’ You will give full proof of your ministry.” Those who can only preach, are not missionaries, and never can be, until they learn the skill, the watchful, tender compassion of a shepherd. The flock of God have a right to expect to be visited by their pastor, to be instructed, advised, counseled, in their own homes. And if a man fails to do this part of the work, he can not be a minister after God’s order. The churches that have such labor are disorganized, weak, and sickly, and ready to die. The sermons are not vitalized by the Spirit of God, because the blessing of God will not rest upon any man who is neglecting the flock of God.?{PH002 17.2}[12]
§31
讲台以外在各家庭中的服务可获得最丰富和最有价值的经验，让传道人学得如何喂养上帝的羊群，按时分粮给每一个人。如果有人退后了，牧人就知道如何以使人心悔改归正的方式介绍真理。他会撇下那九十九只，而去寻找那一只迷失的羊。但是牧人如果不探访他的羊群，就不知道他们的状况，不知道把什么真理摆在他们面前，也不知道什么真理适合他们的情况。不仅如此，讲道的人既对他所照管的灵魂表现出这么少的兴趣，就不能给羊群树立一个榜样，使他们有兴趣、有爱心、看顾灵魂。每件事都没有头绪；他的工作强烈掺杂着自我，没有着落，而是放任自流；由于那些疏忽，你就常会听见：“我没有成功地把灵魂带进教会。”主不能为那些不忠的人行事，他们忽视了他们的明显职责，就是牧人职责中最重要的部分。要是主感动罪人的心，使他们回转了，谁会为他们的灵魂警醒好像将来交账的人呢？谁会探访他们呢？谁会加强有病的人和软弱无力的人呢？如果向我们的同道和外人介绍真理，就应当介绍那在耶稣里的真理。看看祂以何等的爱、温柔的同情和恒心作工。“祂不灰心，也不丧胆”（赛42:4）。这种精神应该伴随着所有的工人。有更少讲道的人，更多认真、谦卑、敬畏上帝的工人要更好，好得多。我们是与上帝同工的。现在非常重要的是人们成为那种正确的工人，因为他们正在塑造教会照讲道的人所行的去行；他们觉得对教会中弟兄姐妹的兴旺没什么兴趣挺正常的，正如他们的传道人在他们的工作方式中给他们树立的榜样一样。他们可以建立教会，但他们将永远是软弱、低效、不可靠的。花这么多钱做这样的工作是不值得的。{PH002 18.1}[13]
§32
It is in the labor out of the pulpit, among families, that the richest and most valuable experience is gained, and that the minister learns how he can feed the flock of God, giving to each his portion of meat in due season. If there is a backslider, the shepherd knows how to present the truth in such a manner that the soul will be convicted. He will leave the ninety and nine, and seek the lost sheep. But if the shepherd does not visit his flock, he knows not their condition, he knows not what truths to set before them, nor what is appropriate to their case. And more than this, as the preacher manifests so little interest in the souls under his?charge, he cannot set an example to the flock to have an interest and love and watch-care for souls. Every thing is at loose ends; his work is strongly mixed with self, and is not bound off, but left to ravel out; and because of those neglects, you often hear, “I do not have success in bringing souls into the church.” The Lord cannot work for those who are unfaithful, who neglect their manifest duty, the most important part of a shepherd’s duty. Should the Lord move upon the hearts of the sinners, and they become converted, who will watch for them as one who must give an account? Who will visit them? Who will strengthen the diseased and the feeble ones? The truth, if presented to those of our faith and outsiders, should be as it is in Jesus. See with what love, tender sympathy, and perseverance he labored. “He shall not fail nor be discouraged.” This spirit should be with all the laborers. Better, far better, have fewer preachers and far more earnest, humble, God-fearing workers. We are laborers together with God. Now it is highly essential that men be the right kind of laborers, for they are moulding the churches to do as the preacher does; they feel that it is the right way to have just as little interest in the prosperity of their brethren and sisters in the church as the minister has given them an example in their way of laboring. They may raise up churches; but they will always be weak, and inefficient, and unreliable. Such kind of work at such an expense will not pay.?{PH002 18.1}[13]
§33
这种人被彻底染色后，就很难改造了。一个懒散、没出息、不负责任的牧人失去的羊比他收进来的还要多。与建立新教会相比，需要更认真的操劳，才能消解这种人所组成的教会的模式；因为教友们似乎做任何事情都没有正确和公正的想法，或者在建立一个健康、成长的教会中承担任何责任。如果有善良、明智的人能讲生命之道，然后以个人的教导继续从事他们的工作，他们就是任何地方都需要的人。{PH002 19.1}[14]
§34
After they have become dyed in the wool, it is not easy to transform such men. A slack, shiftless, irresponsible shepherd will lose more sheep than he will gather in. It will require more earnest labor to counteract the mould given such people organized into a church than to raise up new churches; for the members seem to have no right and just ideas of doing anything,?or in bearing any responsibilities in building up a healthful, growing church. If there are good, sensible men who can speak the word of life, and then follow up their labor with personal instruction, they are needed everywhere.?{PH002 19.1}[14]
§35
怀爱伦夫人---1892年3月12日于澳大利亚墨尔本[15]
§36
Mrs. E. G. White---Melbourne, Aus.,March 12, 1892.[15]
§37
【传道工作需要完美和发展】
§38
当有些传道人只担着很少的担子，轻装而行的时候，有些人则受着重压，好像载满禾捆的车子，因为他们意识到工作的责任。当这些人在被损耗的时候，其他人却没有扩张，他们的灵魂没有被上帝的灵扩大，他们根本没有成长。他们只是随波逐流。他们并不缺乏能力，但他们并不训练他们的能力为主从事最高的服务。这样，一些工人操劳到快要累死，而另一些人却道德力量薄弱，经验不足，因为他们没有感觉到在恩典中成长的重要性。{PH002 20.1}[16]
§39
【The Need of Thoroughness and Growth of the Ministry】
§40
While some ministers carry but little burden, and go light-loaded, others are pressed as a cart beneath sheaves, because they realize the responsibility of the work. While these are wearing, there are others who are not expanding, whose souls are not enlarged by the Spirit of God, and who are not growing at all. They are simply drifting. They do not lack capability, but they are not willing to train their ability to do the highest service for the Master. Thus some laborers are worked nearly to death, while others are weak in moral power and feeble in experience, because they do not feel the importance of growing in grace.?{PH002 20.1}[16]
§41
我蒙指示看到，我们各区会的会长没有都在尽自己的本分。他们没有都在变得越来越能干。他们的经验是低劣的，他们既没有藉着努力运用自己的能力，倚靠上帝得效率，他们的工作就在各方面都有缺陷。仅仅具有资格还不够，必须殷勤地利用才能。{PH002 20.2}[17]
§42
I have been shown that the presidents of our Conferences are not doing all their duty. They are not all becoming more and more efficient. Their experience is cheapened, and as they do not exercise their powers by taxing them, trusting in God to give them efficiency, their work is defective in every respect. The mere possession of qualifications is not enough; the ability must be diligently used.?{PH002 20.2}[17]
§43
难道想不出什么办法来激发区会会长的责任感吗？但愿他们看明他们受托的职位只能增加和强化他们的责任。如果每一个会长都认识到需要用功增进他的才干，想方设法激发传道人从事应做的工作，那么每一个区会将会发生多大的变化啊！这些人意识到对每一个人工作的庄严审查不久就要在天上开始了吗？夫子离开时将祂的工作交给各世各代的每一个人。祂对我们所有人说：“你们去做生意，直等我回来”（路19:13）。传道人们有没有想过这些话里面包含了何等广泛的含义啊？确实，他们和死亡之间也许只有一步之遥。上帝所委托需要善加利用的禀赋留下了怎样的记录呢？——误用了的才能,浪费了的光阴,忽视了的机会,未尽的责任,多病的教会,没有因按时分粮而得坚固的上帝的羊群。{PH002 20.3}[18]
§44
Can nothing be devised to arouse presidents of Conferences to a sense of their obligations? Would they could see that their position of trust only increases and?intensifies their responsibility. If each president would feel the necessity of diligent improvement of his talents in devising ways and means for arousing ministers to work as they should, what a change would take place in every Conference. Do these men realize that the solemn scrutiny of every man’s work is soon to begin in heaven? When the Master went away, he gave to every man in every age and in every generation, his work; and he says to us all, “Occupy till I come.” Have ministers thought how much is comprehended in these words? Verily there may be but a step between them and death. How stands the record of sacred trusts committed for wise improvement? Misused talents, wasted hours, neglected opportunities, duties left undone, sickly churches, the flock of God not strengthened by having their portion of meat in due season.?{PH002 20.3}[18]
§45
该怎么办呢？难道要总会会长挑起区会会长和传道人们所忽视了的担子，并在廓子和祭坛中间哭泣，呼求说：“耶和华啊，求祢顾惜祢的百姓，不要使祢的产业受羞辱”吗？（珥2:17）难道他要感到自己为上帝子民的沉睡和瘫痪负有责任吗？如果他像他所做的那样去唤醒那些粗心大意的人，把别人忽略的事情安排好，他就会变得无法操劳，且会过早地走向坟墓。区会会长和民间的传道人是愿意恳切地寻求主，抛弃他们的罪，倒空他们心灵中的偶像呢，还是愿意继续半心半意，忽视庄严的职责，同时撒但却夸胜，低声对他的恶天使和他在人间的邪恶同盟说：“不可救药，无法挽回的破产”呢？不要再浪费时间，不要玩忽职守，不要轻视特权了。要睁开你们的眼睛，看看周围所发生的一切，看出时代的征兆。上帝的警告已经发出，你们为什么不听从呢？不要自暴自弃，而要听基督的话：“你要儆醒，坚固那剩下将要衰微的”（启3:2）。当抹上眼药时，许多人将前所未有地看到他们的生活中没有履行的职责，并将受到良心的谴责。但那位灵感使徒的话语现在就给那些一直落在后面、正在为将来而战兢的人带来希望。他说：“要爱惜光阴，因为现今的世代邪恶”（弗5:16）。要记住，一切都取决于你今后如何利用所托付给你的才干。你若拒绝使用你的能力，你的能力就必变得软弱衰残。上帝已给每一个人分派了工作。{PH002 21.1}[19]
§46
What is to be done? Shall the president of the General Conference carry the burden of the neglects of presidents and ministers, and weep between the porch and the altar, crying, “Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach”? Shall he feel that he is responsible for the deep sleep, the paralysis that is upon the people of God? If he works as he has done to arouse the careless and set in order the things that others have neglected, he will become unable to labor, and will go down to an untimely grave. Will the presidents of Conferences and the ministers of the people seek the Lord earnestly, put away their sins, empty their souls of their idols? or will they continue to go on half-hearted, neglecting solemn duties, while Satan triumphs, whispering to his evil angels, and to his human confederacy in evil, “Hopeless, irredeemable bankruptcy”? Let there be no more wasted hours, neglected duties, despised privileges. Open your eyes to what is taking place around you in the signs of the times. The warnings?of God have been given; why not heed them? Do not abandon yourself to despair, but heed the words of Christ, “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” When the eyesalve is applied, many will see as never before, their life of unfulfilled duties, and will be conscience-stricken. But the words of the inspired apostle present, now, just now, hope to those who have been lagging behind and now are trembling for the future. He says, “Redeeming, the time, because the days are evil.” Remember, all depends on the use you make henceforth of your intrusted talents. If you refuse to use your powers, they will surely become weak, and decay. God has given to every man his work.?{PH002 21.1}[19]
§47
我们长期享有庄严的特权和神圣的信任，现在危机正向我们袭来，——我们经历了焦虑和严肃的时刻。我们这班人只不过用指尖接触了一下传道工作。许多人未受警告，落在撒但的网罗里。我们的一些工作取得了明显的成功，导致许多人退却，自满，而不是把战斗推进到门口。{PH002 22.1}[20]
§48
We have been granted a long time of solemn privilege and sacred trust, and now the crisis is opening upon us,—anxious, solemn moments in our experience. As a people we have only touched the missionary work with the tip ends of our fingers. Many are unwarned, and ensnared in Satan’s devices. Apparent success in some lines of our work has led many to retreat, self-satisfied, instead of pressing the battle to the gate.?{PH002 22.1}[20]
§49
整个教会都需要被唤醒，在上帝面前跪下。骄傲必须被驱逐；因为它已经成了人们珍爱的偶像。自私、野心和自尊使人们在自己的想像中骄傲地行走。{PH002 22.2}[21]
§50
The whole church needs to be aroused and brought to their knees before God. Pride must be expelled; for it has been the cherished idol. Selfishness and ambition and self-esteem have made men to walk proudly in their own imaginings.?{PH002 22.2}[21]
§51
主对那些已经离开祂的人大有怜悯。主说：“以色列年幼的时候，我爱他，就从埃及召出我的儿子来。”“以法莲哪，我怎能舍弃你？以色列啊，我怎能弃绝你？我怎能使你如押玛？怎能使你如洗扁？我回心转意，我的怜爱大大发动”（何11:1,8）。{PH002 22.3}[22]
§52
Great is the mercy of the Lord toward those who have departed from him. He says: “When Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” “How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver thee, Israel? How shall I make thee as Admah? How shall I set thee as the Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me; my repentings are kindled together.”?{PH002 22.3}[22]
§53
怀爱伦夫人1892年写于澳大利亚[23]
§54
Mrs. E. G. White---Australia,1892.[23]
§55
【需要归正了的传道事工】
§56
可以说什么、可以做什么来洁净和净化传道事工呢？真理是全能的，如果得到实践，它就能够也必定对人心起作用；但那十个童女的例证却是我们这个时代的恰当象征。其中五个是聪明的，五个是愚蠢的。圣经中伟大的、赋予生命的真理，如果付诸实践，将使人有得救的智慧；但是人们却没有感到绝对有必要接受圣灵。圣经的教导若是得到遵行，就会使人纯洁并且保持纯洁。“无论做什么，或说话或行事，都要奉主耶稣的名，藉着祂感谢父上帝”（西3:17）。请注意使徒对哥林多人的嘱咐：“所以，你们或吃或喝，无论做什么，都要为荣耀上帝而行”（林前10:31）。{PH002 23.1}[24]
§57
【The Need of a Converted Ministry】
§58
What can be said, what movements made to cleanse and purify the ministry? The truth is all powerful, and can and will do the work upon the human heart, if practiced, but the illustration of the ten virgins is an appropriate symbol for our time. Five of them were wise, five of them were foolish. The grand, life-giving truth of the Bible, if practiced, would make men wise unto salvation; but the acceptancy of the Holy Spirit is not felt to be a positive necessity. The teaching of the Bible would, if obeyed, make men pure and keep them pure. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” Mark this charge of the apostle to the Corinthians, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”?{PH002 23.1}[24]
§59
圣经的宗教已被那些自称相信真理的人视为诸多其它对人心起作用的影响中的一个影响。惟一正确的立场是将它视为所有其它影响之上的一个影响。我们应当不断地扪心自问：“这是主的道路吗？”“我在我所有的言语和行为上都待我至高的统治者上帝为至上了吗？我确实尽心、尽意、尽性、尽力爱上帝并且爱我的邻舍如同自己了吗？”要是那些将真理教导他人的人将圣经的真理带进了每日的实践中，他们就会在家庭生活中代表基督。就会做成认真的工作，就会有生灵被赐给他们，作为他们传道事工的赏赐。在个人自己缺乏对真理的实际认识的地方，上帝不能治理罪，不能与不遵行祂话语的人合作。{PH002 23.2}[25]
§60
The Bible religion has been regarded by those who profess to believe the truth, as one influence among many others to act a part upon the human agent. The only correct position is to regard it as the one influence over all others. We should constantly ask ourselves, “Is this the way of the Lord?” “Am I in all my words and all my actions treating God, my sovereign Ruler, as supreme? and do I love God with all my heart, with all my mind, and with all my soul, might, and strength, and my neighbor as myself?” If the Bible truth were carried into every-day practice by those who teach the truth to others, they would represent Christ in the home life. There would be earnest work done, and souls would be given them as the reward of their ministry. Where the individual himself is wanting?in practical appreciation of the truth, God cannot administer to sin, he cannot co-operate with the man who is not a doer of his word.?{PH002 23.2}[25]
§61
我们需要归正了的传道事工；然而我的弟兄，你切不可以为你们都走错了路，因为在一些向别人传讲真理的人身上，你几乎看不到与基督的相似之处。如果他们按照愚拙童女的作风年复一年地继续下去，你能采取的惟一做法就是让他们离开传道事工。留下什么也不要留下那些虽有传道机构的一切特权，却不吸收真理，因此不能将真理传给别人的人。麻烦的是，上帝的诫命不在他们心里，也不在他们的生活中。临到我们的人的重大真理已被打价；尽管这些真理被清楚有力地传讲了出来，却受到了冷遇，好像他们只是触摸了一下这些真理，他们可能与这些真理有些联络，至于靠这些真理来得到滋养和加强，则不然。它们被放在一边了。有些人表示赞赏，好像真理是一匹马或一头牛，他们正在检查，以便购买，如果条件合适的话。真理需要被带进他们实际的生活经验中，圣灵要成为生活中持久的力量，天天使人成圣，依照那神圣的模范预备、陶冶、塑造人的品格。对一些人来说，这似乎是不必要的。事实上，有很多人希望穿着他们那老旧的公民衣服去参加羔羊的婚宴，而不是穿上基督的义袍，这义袍是白白赐给众人的，如果人人都能有属灵的辨识力，他们就会看出他们不能以这么显著的方式冒犯主耶稣，竟然穿着对他们来说足够好的旧衣服。当主人的朋友走过来对你说：“朋友，你到这里来怎么不穿礼服呢”（太22:12）的时候，你能提出什么借口呢？虽有以重价提供的婚筵的礼服，却被那个自满的人忽略了，他既自尊自大，便在那群人中就座，没有穿婚筵礼服。{PH002 24.1}[26]
§62
We need a converted ministry; but you, my brother, must not feel that you are all out of the way, because you see so little likeness to Christ in some who preach the truth to others. If they pass on year after year, in the same foolish-virgin way, the only course you can pursue is to let them out of the ministry. Anything, anything but men who have had all the privileges of the ministerial institutes, and yet do not absorb the truth, and therefore cannot give the truth to others. The trouble is, the commandments of God are not in their hearts, and are not practiced in their lives. The grand truths that have come to our people have been haggled over; and although presented in a clear, forcible manner, have been treated indifferently as though they might touch them, they might have some connection with them, but as to being nourished and strengthened by them, they are not. They are put [to] one side. Some speak in commendation, as though it were a horse or a cow they were inspecting with a view to purchasing, if the terms suited them. The truth needs to be brought into their very life experience, the Holy Spirit to be an abiding power in the life, sanctifying the soul day by day, and preparing, moulding, and fashioning the character after the divine model. To some this seems unessential. The fact is, there are many who expect to go into the marriage supper of the Lamb with their old citizen’s garments, in the place of putting on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, a free gift made to all, and if all could have spiritual discernment, they would see that they could not offend the Lord Jesus in so marked a manner as to keep on their old citizen’s garments as good enough for them. And when accosted by the?Master’s friend who said, “Friend, how camest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment?” what excuse can you render? There was the wedding garment, provided at great cost, but passed by, by the self-satisfied one who preferred his own ideas, customs, and practices, and in his self-importance takes his seat among the company without the wedding garment.?{PH002 24.1}[26]
§63
光荣的、使人成圣的圣经真理已被留在外院。应该统治和管理人生的永恒利益的真理被许多人认为对普通生活来说太崇高了。然而至关重要的是，伟大而极重要的真理，——圣灵的传授，应当与小事接触并且浸透之，并为圣洁提供强有力的动机，以清晰的思路摆出广泛的原则来规范每一天的品格和行为，向世界彰显基督。藉着上帝儿子的赎罪牺牲洁净罪人，其意义远超过许多人有限的头脑似乎可以领会的。这是因为言语、精神、思想和心灵都与世俗和淫欲紧紧相连，淫欲是卧室里的一种控制力量，在那里应该有对上帝的纯洁和神圣的渴望。圣灵不会通过与不洁净相联系来玷污祂的洁净，基督说：“离了我，你们就不能做什么”（约15:5）。圣灵若不与工人同在，工人的努力就会徒劳无功。哎呀！难道我们没有最高尚、最鼓舞人心的真理吗？我们还能拥有比我们拥有的更多的东西吗？它们以最简单的形式被介绍给我们，以致连无知和没有学识的人都能掌握它们。{PH002 25.1}[27]
§64
The glorious, sanctifying truths of the Bible have been left in the outer court. The truths of eternal interest that should govern and control the life, are considered by many altogether too sublime for common life. But it is essential that the great and grand truth,—the imparting of the Holy Spirit, should be brought into contact with, and impregnate little things, and supply the powerful motive to holiness, and lay out in clear lines, broad principles for the regulation of the character and conduct of every day, revealing Christ to the world. The purification of the sinner through the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God, means much more than the finite minds of many can seem to grasp. This is because the words, the spirit, the mind, and heart are all bound down to earthliness and to sensuality, which is a controlling power in the bed-chamber, where there should be pure and holy aspirations after God. The Holy Spirit will not contaminate its purity by associating with impurity, and Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Unless the Holy Spirit is with the worker, his efforts are without avail. Why! Have we not had the most ennobling, elevating truths? What more can we have than that we have had? And they are presented to us in the simplest form, that the ignorant and unlearned may grasp them.?{PH002 25.1}[27]
§65
罪恶、罪孽和过犯的赦免，在一个特殊的意义上属于这个时代。我们处在赎罪日所预表的时期，每一个灵魂现在都应该在上帝面前自卑，寻求自己的过犯和罪恶得蒙赦免，并且接受基督称义的恩典，被基督的圣灵的运行所圣化；这样，属肉体的本性就依照基督公义和真圣洁的形像得以改造、更新。真理珍贵的、黄金般的链环不是单独的、分离的、不连贯的教义；而是环环相扣，形成一串金色的真理，构成一个完整的整体，以基督为它的生命中心。救恩来自于实际的敬虔和对耶稣基督的信心。信心是藉着行为得以完全，并在品格上证明出来。对那些正在教导真理，内心却不纯洁，还没有归正的人，基督说：“你怎敢传说我的律例呢？你们扛抬耶和华器皿的人哪，务要自洁”（诗50:16；赛52:11）。我们拥有何等的真理啊——充满力量，是不可能驳斥这些圣经教义的。无论是在天上还是在地上，都没有真理能影响一些人物，尽管以所有的能力和无与伦比的纯洁可爱提出真理，也无济于事，因为那些人的心并不喜爱实践这些圣洁的观点。过去几年摆在我们面前的真理，其重要性是巨大的，深入天堂，包罗永生。撒但和他的邪恶同盟尽一切努力去掩盖真理、迷惑人心，使圣经宝贵光荣的真理无效。我们生活在异常庄严的时代，就在上帝的子民应当完全清醒的时候，这许多人却在属灵上睡着或死了。非常需要做大量的工作。教会的每一个肢体都应该指望从元首得命令。{PH002 25.2}[28]
§66
The forgiveness of sins and iniquities and transgressions, belongs in a special sense to this time. We are in the anti-typical day of atonement, and every soul?should now be humbling himself before God, seeking pardon for his transgressions and sins, and accepting the justifying grace of Christ, the sanctifying of the soul by the operations of the Holy Spirit of Christ; thus the carnal nature is transformed, renewed in holiness after the image of Christ’s righteousness and true holiness. The precious, golden links of truth are not separate, detached, disconnected doctrines; but link after link, form one string of golden truth, and constitute a complete whole, with Christ as its living center. Salvation comes through practical godliness and faith in Jesus Christ. Faith is made perfect through works, and is evidenced in the character. To those who are teaching the truth, whose hearts are impure, and who have not been converted, Christ says, “What hast thou to do to declare my statutes? Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.” Oh, what truths we have—full of power, and it is not possible to controvert these Bible doctrines. There is no truth in heaven or in earth that would affect some characters, although it might be presented in all power and matchless purity and loveliness, because the heart does not love the practice of these holy sentiments. The truth we have set before us for the past few years, is immense in its importance, reaching into heaven and compassing eternity. Satan and his confederacy of evil have made every effort to cover up, to confuse minds, to make of none effect the precious, glorious truths of God’s word. We are living in strangely solemn times, and at the very time when the people of God should be wide awake, and many are asleep or dead spiritually. There is great need of much work being done. Every individual member of the church should look to the Captain for orders.?{PH002 25.2}[28]
§67
我们现在就在天国迦南的边界上。你知道古代以色列是怎样的。撒但藉着他的爪牙用他的试探行了事，?淫荡便以一种非常大胆的挑衅态度进入了营地。只有最严厉的惩罚才能阻止不洁和犯罪活动的大胆发展。好吧，我们现在天国迦南的边界上，那些现在虽有一切的有利条件、一切的亮光和证据表明真理正照在我们这班人身上，却不藉着实践这些有利条件来净化自己的灵魂的人，乃是像所多玛和远古世界的居民，行在他们自己内心的想像中。那些做出这种选择的人有多么有罪啊!远古时代和所多玛人的邪恶是如此之大，以致上帝无法使他们任性、独立、邪恶的生活永存下去。祂本着仁慈证明了自己是一位复仇的上帝。祂能如此丰富地赐福，如此充满同情，随时准备饶恕人，出去迎接回头的浪子，步步降卑自己以迎见处在堕落状况的人，准备医治伤痕累累的人，祂必表明自己大有能力，要惩罚那些顽固独立地藐视祂恩典的人。{PH002 26.1}[29]
§68
We are now on the very borders of the heavenly Canaan. You know how it was with ancient Israel.?Satan, through his agents, worked with his temptations, and licentiousness came into the camp in a very bold defiant attitude. The very harshest punishments alone could stop the bold advance of impurity and crime. Well, we are now on the borders of the heavenly Canaan, and those who are not now with all the advantages, all the light and evidences of truth shining upon us as a people, purifying their souls by living up to these advantages, are like the inhabitants of Sodom and the antediluvian world, walking in the imaginations of their own hearts. What guilt rests upon those who make this choice! The wickedness of the antediluvians and Sodomites was such that God could not perpetuate their headstrong, independent, wicked lives. In mercy he proved himself a God of vengeance. He who could so abundantly bless, who was so full of compassion, ready to pardon, going forth to meet the returning prodigal, humbling himself at every step to meet man in his fallen condition, ready to heal the bruised and smitten, will show himself strong to punish the persistent, independent despisers of his grace.?{PH002 26.1}[29]
§69
耗尽我们慈悲上帝的怜悯和忍耐是一件可怕的事，因为上帝喜爱施恩。看到传道人们虽蒙主惠赐清楚、纯洁、不掺假的真理的一切属灵的利益，却走了他们所走的道路，实在令人心痛。我们有仁慈与爱的信息摆在面前，——一个敞开的永恒真理的泉源，不断涌流着仁慈怜悯，——伴随这些信息的是永生的恩赐。可是他们却转身离开了，对上帝的灵说：“你暂且去吧，等我得便再叫你来”（徒24:25）。但还有另一个声音使自己被听到；就是那大骗子的声音；他们听从了他，继续自称信奉真理，继续反叛上帝。他们越来越少自觉有罪，越来越没有能力挣脱他们身上的魔力，越来越不想抵挡试探，像该隐一样，罪就伏在他们门前。上帝乐于向他们作慈爱的上帝，平安的上帝，和好的上帝。主上帝藉着耶稣基督终日召唤犯罪堕落的人。祂愿意全部接纳他们，欢迎他们。赦免罪魁是上帝的荣耀。勇士手中的掳物，祂要抢回；被囚的，祂要搭救。祂要把柴从火中抽出来。祂要系下自己慈悲的金链，降到人类苦难和罪疚最卑微的地步，将那些被罪玷污的堕落灵魂拯救出来。然而人必须愿意前来，亲自利用上帝所赐给他的良机，在拯救自己灵魂的工作上与祂合作。主不勉强任何人。基督无玷污的婚礼义袍已经准备好，要披在罪人身上，但人若拒绝，就必灭亡。信念救不了他；将来某个时间打算下的决心永远不会实现。{PH002 27.1}[30]
§70
It is a terrible thing to exhaust the mercy and patience of our compassionate God, for God delighteth in mercy. O, it is so painful to the heart to see ministers, favored with every spiritual advantage of clear, pure, unadulterated truth take the course which they do. We have messages of mercy and love presented before us,—an open fountain of eternal truth, continually flowing with mercy,—and attending them, the gift of eternal life. Yet they turn away, saying to the Spirit of God, “Go thy way for this time; when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee.” But there is another voice that makes itself heard; it is the voice of the arch-deceiver; and to him they give heed, and continue to profess the truth and protract their rebellion against God. They have?less and less conviction of sin, less and less power to break the spell that is upon them, less and less inclination to resist temptation, and, like Cain, sin lieth at their own door. God is willing to be to them a God of love, of peace, a reconciled God. The Lord God through Christ holds out his hand all the day long in invitations to the needy. He will receive all. He welcomes all. He rejects none. It is his glory to pardon the chief of sinners. He will take the prey from the mighty, he will deliver the captive, he will pluck the brand from the burning. He will lower the golden chain of his mercy to the greatest depths of human wretchedness and guilt, and lift up the debased soul contaminated with sin. But the human agent must come, and co-operate in the work of saving his soul, by availing himself of the opportunities given him of God. The Lord forces no one. The spotless, wedding garment of Christ’s righteousness is prepared to clothe the sinner, but if he refuses it, perish he must. Convictions will not save him; resolutions anticipated for some future time are never realized.?{PH002 27.1}[30]
§71
撒但有他的贿赂，他的诱饵，和一个又一个吸引人的东西呈现出来。你若愿意拜我，这一切我都要赐给你。他们为什么要拖延？为什么不现在就抓住，一刻也不耽搁呢？为什么他们没有被一种可怕的恐惧抓住，担心对他们来说会为时太晚了，——太晚了，他们的器皿里和灯里没有油了！我的灵魂有时处于极度痛苦之中，于是我仰望耶稣，在上帝里面使自己安静。如果他们不听祂亲爱的声音，不喝生命之水，还有什么别的声音会有用吗？末日快到了。我们处在永恒世界的边缘，我们的行动却多么缓慢、多么拖拉去获得恩典的油以补充那将要熄灭的灯啊！愿上帝帮助锡安的罪人。{PH002 28.1}[31]
§72
Satan has his bribes, his baits in advance, and one attraction after another is presented. All this will I give thee if thou wilt worship me. O, why do they delay? Why not lay hold now, without one moment’s delay? Why are they not seized by a terrific fear that it will be too late for them,—too late, no oil in their vessels with their lamps! My soul is in agony at times, and then I look to Jesus and quiet myself in God. If they will not hear his dear voice and drink of the water of life, what will any other voice avail? The end is near. We are on the very borders of the eternal world, and O, how tardy, how dilatory to secure the oil of grace to replenish the lamps that are going out! God help the sinners in Zion.?{PH002 28.1}[31]
§73
怀爱伦---南澳大利亚州阿德莱德，维多利亚公园，汉诺威路，1892年11月23日[32]
§74
Ellen G. White---Hanover Road, Victoria Park, Adelaide, S. A.,November 23, 1892.[32]