第62章 自我改善
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第62章 自我改善
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Chap. 62 Self-Improvement
§3
年长而有经验的传道人应该认识到自己作为上帝仆人的责任，就是要前进，每日进步，在工作中提高效率，不断收集新的材料摆在人们面前。每一次讲解福音都应比过去有所进步。每一年他们都应达到更深的虔诚，更温柔的精神，更高的属灵造诣，对圣经真理有更充分的认识。他们的年纪越大，经验越多，就应该越能接近人心，对人心有更全面的认识。——《教会证言》卷四第270页{GW 277.1}[1]
§4
Ministers of age and experience should feel it their duty, as Gods hired servants, to go forward, progressing every day, continually becoming more efficient in their work, and constantly gathering fresh matter to set before the people. Each effort to expound the gospel should be an improvement upon that which preceded it. Each year they should develop a deeper piety, a more tender spirit, a greater spirituality, and a more thorough knowledge of Bible truth. The greater their age and experience, the nearer should they be able to approach the hearts of the people, having a more perfect knowledge of them.--Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IV, page 270. {GW 277.1}[1]
§5
上帝在祂的圣工上不用懒惰的人；祂所要的是细心、和蔼、慈爱、诚恳热心的工人。我们的传道人若是积极进取就必得益。疏懒乃是腐败的明证。我们心智的每种功能，身体的每根骨骼，肢体的每块肌肉，都显明上帝要我们运用它们，而不是放着不动。……那将白天的时间虚掷在床榻上的人，真是不知寸金寸阴的宝贵价值。……{GW 277.2}[2]
§6
God has no use for lazy men in His cause; He wants thoughtful, kind, affectionate, earnest workers. Active exertion will do our preachers good. Indolence is proof of depravity. Every faculty of the mind, every bone in the body, every muscle of the limbs, shows that God designed our faculties to be used, not to remain inactive. . . . Men who will unnecessarily take the hours of daylight for sleep, have no sense of the value of precious, golden moments. . . . {GW 277.2}[2]
§7
凡没有养成勤劳和爱惜光阴之习惯的人，应当制定规则让自己做事有规律和勤快。乔治·华盛顿之所以能做大量的工作，是因为他凡事有条理有次序。各种文件都记有日期并放在一定的地方，这样就不致于因为放错地方而浪费时间去寻找了。{GW 277.3}[3]
§8
Persons who have not acquired habits of close industry and economy of time, should have set rules to prompt them to regularity and dispatch. George Washington was enabled to perform a great amount of business because he was thorough in preserving order and regularity. Every paper had its date and its place, and no time was lost in looking up what had been mislaid. {GW 277.3}[3]
§9
属上帝的人必须勤于研究，切心寻求知识，决不浪费一时的光阴。藉着恒心努力，他们就可升达几乎任何程度的高境，成为德高望重的基督徒，成为富有能力和感化力的人。但也有许多人无论在讲台上或事业上，永不能达到较高的境界，这是因为他们的意志游移不定，在青年时代养成了懈怠的习惯。他们无论作什么事，都显出粗心散漫的情形。{GW 278.1}[4]
§10
Men of God must be diligent in study, earnest in the acquirement of knowledge, never wasting an hour. Through persevering exertion they may rise to almost any degree of eminence as Christians, as men of power and influence. But many will never attain superior rank in the pulpit or in business, because of their unfixedness of purpose, and the laxness of the habits contracted in their youth. Careless inattention is seen in everything they undertake. {GW 278.1}[4]
§11
偶尔激发起欲求改进的冲动，并不足以使这些贪图安逸的懒人改良；因为这种改良需要恒心行善。办理事业的人必须在起身，祈祷，饮食和退隐方面都有定时，只有这样才能真正成功。既然从事属世的事业都少不了规律和次序，作上帝圣工岂不更要如此吗！{GW 278.2}[5]
§12
A sudden impulse now and then is not sufficient to accomplish a reformation in these ease-loving, indolent ones; this is a work which requires patient continuance in well-doing. Men of business can be truly successful only by having regular hours for rising, for prayer, for meals, and for retiring. If order and regularity are essential in worldly business, how much more so in the work of God! {GW 278.2}[5]
§13
许多人把清晨的时辰虚耗在床上。这些宝贵的时间一去就永不复回了；他们虚耗的光阴是永远的损失了。虽然每天只失去一小时光阴，但一年之中所虚耗的时间是多么可观啊！但愿贪睡懒觉的人想一想，算一算，所失去的许多机会，将来怎样向上帝交账呢。{GW 278.3}[6]
§14
The bright morning hours are wasted by many in bed. These precious hours, once lost, are gone never to return; they are lost for time and for eternity. Only one hour lost each day, and what a waste of time in the course of a year! Let the slumberer think of this, and pause to consider how he will give an account to God for lost opportunities. {GW 278.3}[6]
§15
【爱惜分阴】
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传道人应当用功夫读书、研究、默想和祈祷。他们脑中应当充实有用的知识，记忆部分的经文，追究预言的应验，并学习基督给门徒的一切教训。在旅行的舟车中，或在车站码头等候之时，都可以手执一卷阅读。利用每一刻空闲作一些事。这样，就能有效地关上门来拒绝千万的试探了。……{GW 278.4}[7]
§17
【Improving Odd Moments】
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Ministers should devote time to reading, to study, to meditation and prayer. They should store the mind with useful knowledge, committing to memory portions of Scripture, tracing out the fulfilment of the prophecies, and learning the lessons which Christ gave His disciples. Take a book with you to read when traveling on the cars or waiting in the railway station. Employ every spare moment in doing something. In this way an effectual door will be closed against a thousand temptations. . . . {GW 278.4}[7]
§19
许多人在本来能够成功的事上却失败了，显著地失败了。他们不觉得工作的重担；办事也慢悠悠地，似乎今生还有一千年可以作救人的工。因为缺乏这种恳切和热心，只有少数人会给人留下他们所说的是当真的印象。上帝的圣工需要传道人，但更需要诚恳恒切为主作工的人。只有上帝能测量人心智的能力。祂的旨意不是要人退居下流，蒙昧无知而自满自足，而是要人获得受过启迪和教养之智力的一切有利条件。{GW 279.1}[8]
§20
Many have failed, signally failed, where they might have made a success. They have not felt the burden of the work; they have taken things as leisurely as if they had a temporal millennium in which to work for the salvation of souls. . . . The cause of God is not so much in need of preachers as of earnest, persevering workers for the Master. God alone can measure the powers of the human mind. It was not His design that man should be content to remain in the lowlands of ignorance, but that he should secure all the advantages of an enlightened, cultivated intellect. {GW 279.1}[8]
§21
每一个人都应该觉得自己有义务达到智力伟大的高峰。虽然人不应当因自己所得的学问矜夸，但因看到自己步步上进，更能尊荣上帝，人人均可有心满意足的特权。他们可以从取之不尽的泉源，就是在一切智慧学问的根源那里，得着知识。每个人都应该觉得自己有义务要达到智力伟大的高峰。虽然人不应当因自己所得的学问矜夸，但因看到自己步步上进，更能尊荣上帝，人人均可有心满意足的特权。他们可以从不能竭尽的泉源，就是在一切智慧学问的根源那里，得着知识。{GW 279.2}[9]
§22
Every one should feel that there rests upon him an obligation to reach the height of intellectual greatness. While none should be puffed up because of the knowledge they have acquired, it is the privilege of all to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that with every advance step they are rendered more capable of honoring and glorifying God. They may draw from an inexhaustible fountain, the Source of all wisdom and knowledge. {GW 279.2}[9]
§23
学生进入基督的门下，是准备寻求学问，好使自己在攀上高峰之际，不至头晕目眩。当他在真理上步步前进，对于科学和自然界中奇妙的定律有更清楚更明白的见地时，便会因上帝对人类之爱的奇妙显示而惊讶狂喜。他运用慧眼就看出上帝的完全、知识和智慧，实在是广大深远，无涯无际。及至他的心思扩大发展，亮光便如清泉倾入他的心中。他越吸饮知识泉源的水，就越纯洁越快乐地思念上帝的无穷无限，同时也越发渴慕充足的智慧，以便了解上帝深奥的事。{GW 279.3}[10]
§24
Having entered the school of Christ, the student is prepared to engage in the pursuit of knowledge without becoming dizzy from the height to which he is climbing. As he goes on from truth to truth, obtaining clearer and brighter views of the wonderful laws of science and of nature, he becomes enraptured with the amazing exhibitions of Gods love to man. He sees with intelligent eyes the perfection, knowledge, and wisdom of God stretching beyond into infinity. As his mind enlarges and expands, pure streams of light pour into his soul. The more he drinks from the fountain of knowledge, the purer and happier his contemplation of Gods infinity, and the greater his longing for wisdom sufficient to comprehend the deep things of God. {GW 279.3}[10]
§25
【需要心智的培养】
§26
为了应付时代的要求，我们这班人需要拥有智力方面的素养。生计艰难，出身微贱，环境不顺，这一切都不应阻止心智的培养。……{GW 280.1}[11]
§27
【Need of Mental Culture】
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Mental culture is what we as a people need, and what we must have in order to meet the demands of the time. Poverty, humble origin, and unfavorable surroundings need not prevent the cultivation of the mind. . . . {GW 280.1}[11]
§29
在一切的研究上不免要遇见困难，但切不可因灰心而停止。应当查考、研究和祈求；拿出大丈夫气概勇敢地面对每一困难；振作起意志精力和忍耐的美德来辅助你，然后更加认真地发掘，直到真理宝贝出现在你面前，又明显，又美丽，并且因为寻找费力，便更觉其宝贵了。因此，不要老是想着一个问题，把全部精力集中在上面，还经常要求别人注意这个问题，而是应当拿起另一个题目，加以仔细考虑。这样，你就得以逐步理解一个又一个难以理解的事物。{GW 280.2}[12]
§30
Difficulties will be met in all studies; but never cease through discouragement. Search, study, and pray; face every difficulty manfully and vigorously; call the power of will and the grace of patience to your aid, and then dig more earnestly till the gem of truth lies before you, plain and beautiful, all the more precious because of the difficulties involved in finding it. Do not, then, continually dwell upon this one point, concentrating upon it all the energies of the mind, and constantly urging it upon the attention of others: but take another subject, and carefully examine that. Thus mystery after mystery will be unfolded to your comprehension. {GW 280.2}[12]
§31
这样做，有两个有意义的好处。你不仅得到了有用的知识，你的头脑也由于锻炼而增强了能力和强度。解决一个问题的关键，也可能逐步发展成为在此以前尚未发现的其它知识瑰宝。{GW 280.3}[13]
§32
Two valuable victories will be gained by this course. You will not only secure useful knowledge, but the exercise of the mind will increase your mental power. The key found to unlock one mystery, may reveal also other precious gems of knowledge heretofore undiscovered. {GW 280.3}[13]
§33
我们的许多传道人，只能给人讲几段道理。他们学习这几段道理所费的心力和时间，足可用以熟悉其他的道理。每一位传道人都当彻底了解预言和其他各种要道。但有些传道多年的人却只知道几个题目就自满自足了，他们过于懒惰，不肯殷勤和虔诚地查考圣经，以致不能在明白圣经要道和基督的实际教训上成为伟人。{GW 281.1}[14]
§34
Many of our ministers can present to the people only a few doctrinal discourses. The same exertion and application which made them familiar with these points would enable them to gain an understanding of others. The prophecies and other doctrinal subjects should be thoroughly understood by all ministers. But some who have been preaching for years are content to confine themselves to a few subjects, being too indolent to search the Scriptures diligently and prayerfully, that they may become giants in the understanding of Bible doctrines and the practical lessons of Christ. {GW 281.1}[14]
§35
各人的头脑中应当贮藏圣经真理的知识，以便预备妥当，在任何需要之时，可以从仓库中拿出新的和旧的东西来。人的心思因为缺少热心、切心和认真运用，以致变成残废和发育不全。时候到了，上帝说：“往前走，培植我所赐给你们的才干。”{GW 281.2}[15]
§36
The minds of all should be stored with a knowledge of the truths of Gods word, that they may be prepared, at any moment when required, to present from the storehouse things new and old. Minds have been crippled and dwarfed for want of zeal and earnest, severe taxation. The time has come when God says, Go forward, and cultivate the abilities I have given you. {GW 281.2}[15]
§37
世上充斥着异端邪说与荒谬寓言。动情的戏剧式小说时时吸引人心；破坏人道德和灵性进步的荒诞无稽的理论学说，也极其繁多。上帝的圣工需要有智慧，有思想，熟悉圣经，能应付反对狂潮的人。无论什么骄傲自大、心思狭窄及自相矛盾的作风，怎样披上自称敬虔的外衣，伪装正派，我们都不应容许。凡是心中已有真理使人成圣能力的人，必可发挥劝服人的感化力。他们知道提倡异端的人既不能建树真理，也不能破坏真理，便能处之泰然，审慎持重。……{GW 281.3}[16]
§38
The world is teeming with errors and fables. Novelties in the form of sensational dramas are continually arising to engross the mind; and absurd theories abound, which are destructive to moral and spiritual advancement. The cause of God needs men of intellect, men of thought, men well versed in the Scriptures, to meet the inflowing tide of opposition. We should give no sanction to arrogance, narrow-mindedness, and inconsistencies, although the garment of professed piety may be thrown over them. Those who have the sanctifying power of the truth upon their hearts will exert a persuasive influence. Knowing that the advocates of error cannot create or destroy truth, they can afford to be calm and considerate. . . {GW 281.3}[16]
§39
有许多人，甚至我们的传道人也是这样，想不费心力就在世上出人头地。他们雄心勃勃地想做一番伟大有益的事业，却不屑于尽日常细小的责任，而这细小的责任会帮助他们成为有用的人，并使他们成为服从基督命令的传道人。他们期望做别人正在做的工作，却不愿领受必需的纪律约束的训练，以使他们配做这工作。男男女女的这种切心渴慕有所作为的愿望与他们现有的能力相距甚远，只会使他们在开始的时候就一败涂地。他们愤愤不平地拒绝一步步地攀登那阶梯，却希望不费吹灰之力就获得擢升。——《教会证言》卷四第411-417页{GW 282.1}[17]
§40
There are many, even among our preachers, who want to rise in the world without effort. They are ambitious to do some great work of usefulness, while they disregard the little, every-day duties which would render them helpful and make them ministers after Christs order. They wish to do the work that others are doing, but have no relish for the discipline necessary to fit them for it. This yearning desire by both men and women to do something far in advance of their present capabilities, is causing them to make decided failures at the outset. They indignantly refuse to climb the ladder, wishing to be elevated by a less laborious process.--Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IV, pages 411-417. {GW 282.1}[17]
§41
我很惊讶，我们既有许多例子摆在面前，叫我们晓得我们能成为什么样的人，能够做什么事，为什么我们仍然没有得到激励，更加尽力效法义人们的善行呢？虽然不是人人都能身居要职，但都能充任有用的，值得信任的工作。他们若保持忠诚，就能做超过他们想象的善事。——同上第399页{GW 282.2}[18]
§42
I am astonished that with the examples before us of what man may be and what he may do, we are not stimulated to greater exertion to emulate the good works of the righteous. Not all may occupy positions of prominence; yet all may fill positions of usefulness and trust, and may, by their persevering fidelity, do far more good than they have any idea that they can do.--Id., page 399. {GW 282.2}[18]
§43
人的价值不是凭他们所从事的工作来定的，乃是由那位为每一个人付了赎价的主来定的。凡有基督在心里成了荣耀盼望的人，都应本着仁慈，纯朴和真诚与上帝同工。他们是上帝所耕种的田地，所建造的房屋。{GW 282.3}[19]
§44
The value of men and women is not to be estimated by the class of labor they perform. It is fixed by Him who paid the price for every soul. In charity, in simplicity, in integrity, all who have Christ formed within, the hope of glory, are to be workers together with God. They are Gods husbandry, Gods building. {GW 282.3}[19]
§45
凡有基督的爱住在心中的人，会显得越来越优雅，因为生命的泉源是对上帝和人的爱。基督就是基督教，是在至高之处荣耀归于上帝，在地上平安归于祂所喜悦的人，是上帝旨意的实现。{GW 282.4}[20]
§46
The heart in which the love of Christ abides will constantly manifest more and more refinement; for the spring of life is love to God and man. Christ is Christianity. This is glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. This is the carrying out of Gods purpose. {GW 282.4}[20]
§47
真正的基督徒会在基督里长大成人。在基督门下受教而获得的真教养和思想行为上的真优雅，比内心不服上帝圣灵的管教，苦心孤诣遵守仪式规则所得的，要好得多了。{GW 283.1}[21]
§48
True Christian growth tends upward to the full stature of men and women in Christ. True culture, real refinement of thought and manners, is better obtained by learning lessons in the school of Christ, than by the most labored, painstaking effort to observe forms and set rules, when the heart is not under the discipline of the Spirit of God. {GW 283.1}[21]
§49
跟从基督的人应当不断改进自己的态度、习惯、精神和工作。这不是靠只注重外貌或表面上的成就，而在于仰望耶稣。他们的思想、精神和品格发生了变化。基督徒是在基督的门下受教，在柔和谦卑方面领受祂圣灵的美德，预备自己加入天使的队伍。{GW 283.2}[22]
§50
The follower of Jesus should be constantly improving in manners, in habits, in spirit, in labor. This is done by keeping the eye, not on mere outward, superficial attainments, but on Jesus. A transformation takes place in mind, in spirit, in character. The Christian is educated in the school of Christ to cherish the graces of His Spirit in all meekness and lowliness. He is fitting for the society of heavenly angels. {GW 283.2}[22]
§51
凡内心已蒙上帝之道光照的人，一定会感觉到自己必须比地上一切的人都更当勤奋地研究圣经，研究科学，因为他的盼望和恩召比其他任何人都要大。人与一切智慧和知识的泉源靠得越近，就越能获得知识上的帮助，象属灵上的帮助一样。认识上帝的知识乃是重要的教育，每一位真工人都必不断地研究并领受这种知识。——《基督教育之研究》第510页{GW 283.3}[23]
§52
Above all other people on the earth, the man whose mind is enlightened by the word of God will feel that he must give himself to greater diligence in the perusal of the Bible, and to a diligent study of the sciences; for his hope and his calling are greater than any other. The more closely man is connected with the Source of all knowledge and wisdom, the more he can be helped intellectually as well as spiritually. The knowledge of God is the essential education, and this knowledge every true worker will make it his constant study to obtain.--Counsels to Teachers, page 510. {GW 283.3}[23]