第99章 远方的工作
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第99章 远方的工作
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Chap. 99 The Regions Beyond
§3
基督的教会是为布道的目的而组织的。基督教的布道工作为教会提供了坚实的根基，上面印着：“主认识谁是祂的人”（提后2:19）。信徒们因此而大发热心，克己牺牲，努力把真理传到远方。这个印记在不信的人身上发挥了良好的感化力。工人们在上帝的监督下作工，让世人看出上帝为侍奉祂的人预备了何等伟大的资源。我们负有最庄严的责任，要在基督布道事业上，表现上帝国度的原则。教会作为有组织的团体，应该积极工作，推广基督十字架的影响。{GW 464.1}[1]
§4
The church of Christ was organized for missionary purposes. Christian missionary work furnishes the church with a sure foundation, a foundation having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are His. [2 Timothy 2:19.] By it the members are inspired with zeal to deny self, to put forth self-sacrificing efforts to send the truth to the regions beyond. It has a salutary influence upon unbelievers; for as the workers labor under divine supervision, worldlings are led to see the greatness of the resources that God has provided for those who serve Him. We are laid under a most solemn obligation to furnish, in Christian missions, an illustration of the principles of the kingdom of God. The church is to work actively, as an organized body, to spread abroad the influence of the cross of Christ. {GW 464.1}[1]
§5
上帝现今正在呼召那些愿意撇下一切去作祂布道士的人。这个号召一定有人响应的。自基督降临以来，在每一时代中，福音的使命曾促使男男女女到天涯地角，对黑暗中的人传扬救恩的福音。有人因受基督之爱的激励，并感到丧亡之人的需要，而离开安乐的家庭和友人的交谊，甚至妻子儿女，去到国外邪教徒和野蛮人当中去宣传上帝怜爱的信息。许多人因而丧失了性命，但另有更多的人兴起来接续他们的工作。这样，基督的事业一步一步地推展了，而那在悲苦中撒出去的种子，结果有了丰盛的收获。认识上帝的知识传遍远方，十字架的旗帜也插在邪教的疆土之上了。{GW 464.2}[2]
§6
God is calling for men who are willing to leave all to become missionaries for Him. And the call will be answered. In every age since the advent of Christ, the gospel commission has impelled men and women to go to the ends of the earth to carry the good news of salvation to those in darkness. Stirred by the love of Christ and the needs of the lost, men have left the comforts of home and the society of friends, even that of wife and children, to go to 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 extended, and the banner of the cross planted in heathen lands. {GW 464.2}[2]
§7
在上帝看来，再没有什么比祂的仆人们更为宝贵的了。这些人常到世界的“旷野”，去播撒真理的种子，指望收割庄稼。唯有基督才能测量他们寻找迷羊时所表现的关怀。祂将祂自己的灵赐给他们。结果，他们的努力使许多人转离罪恶，归向公义。{GW 465.1}[3]
§8
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. {GW 465.1}[3]
§9
为了使一个罪人悔改，上帝的传道人应当付出最大的努力。上帝所创造，基督所救赎的生灵是大有价值的，因为考虑到他们所能达到的程度，又想到上帝所赐给他们的属灵利益，他们受到上帝圣言的唤醒之后所能掌握的力量，以及他们藉福音提供的希望所能承受的永生。况且我们想到基督为何离开那九十九只羊，去寻找拯救一只迷失的。我们所尽的努力怎能比祂还小呢？我们若不像基督一样工作，一样牺牲，岂不是辜负了神圣的委托而侮辱了上帝吗？{GW 465.2}[4]
§10
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 that 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 trust? {GW 465.2}[4]
§11
主将外国的情况显示给我看，使我深感这些国家的需要。世界许多地方不久之前还是闭关拒绝真理信息的，现在上帝的天使都已打开了门户。从印度、非洲、中国和其他许多地方，传出了“请过来帮助我们”的呼声。{GW 465.3}[5]
§12
I feel intensely over the needs of foreign countries, as they have been presented before me. In all parts of the world angels of God are opening doors that a little while ago were closed to the message of truth. From India, from Africa, from China, and from many other places is heard the cry, Come over and help us. {GW 465.3}[5]
§13
为国外布道工作的成功而表现的慷慨和克己的精神，是促进国内圣工的可靠方法；因为国内圣工的兴旺，在上帝领导下，多半有赖于国外远方布道事业的反馈作用。藉着供应别人的需要，我们的心灵与一切力量的源泉相连接。主注意到祂的子民为国外的园地所表显的各种传道热情。祂希望每一个家庭，每一个教会，和每一个工作中心，都显示慷慨的精神，帮助国外的园地，那里的工人正在与逆境作斗争，将真光传给坐在黑暗中的人。{GW 465.4}[6]
§14
To show a liberal, self-denying spirit for the success of foreign missions is a sure way to advance home missionary work; for the prosperity of the home work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work done in countries afar off. It is in working to supply the necessities of others that we bring our souls into touch with the Source of all power. The Lord has marked every phase of missionary zeal that has been shown by His people in behalf of foreign fields. He designs that in every home, in every church, and at all the centers of the work, a spirit of liberality shall be shown in sending help to foreign fields, where the workers are struggling against great odds to give the light to those who sit in darkness. {GW 465.4}[6]
§15
为一个地方的开工所提供的帮助，会加强其他地方的工作。工人们如果摆脱了经济上的困境，他们的工作就会扩展。随着更多的人接受真理和教会的建立，经济力量也会增强。这些教会既强大了，就不但能推进自己教会的工作，也会帮助其他的园地。{GW 466.1}[7]
§16
That which is given to start the work in one field will result in strengthening the work in other places. As the laborers are freed from financial embarrassment, their efforts can be extended; and as people are brought into the truth and churches are established, there will be increasing financial strength. As these churches grow stronger, they will be able not only to carry on the work in their own borders, but to send help to other fields. {GW 466.1}[7]
§17
【国内的教会提供帮助】
§18
我们国内教会的信徒，应当把远方圣工的责任放在心上。有一位美国商人是热心的基督徒。他曾与一位同工谈到自己怎样每天二十四小时都为基督作工。他说，“我在一切业务来往上，都尽力代表我的主。一有机会，我就设法领人归向祂。我白天为基督作工。夜间睡觉的时候，有一位代替我在中国为主作工。”{GW 466.2}[8]
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【Home Churches to Help】
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The members of our churches in the home field should carry on their hearts the burden for the work in regions beyond. An American business man, who was an earnest Christian, in conversation with a fellow-worker, remarked that he himself worked for Christ twenty-four hours of the day. In all my business relations, he said, I try to represent my Master. As I have opportunity, I try to win others to Him. All day I am working for Christ. And at night, while I sleep, I have a man working for Him in China. {GW 466.2}[8]
§21
我们为什么不能由一个教会，或几个小教会的信徒，共同维持一位国外园地的布道士呢？他们若有克己的精神，就可作到这事。我的弟兄姊妹，你们肯帮助这项大工吗？我请求你们为基督作一点工作，现在就做。藉着你们的钱财所维持的国外教师，就会有人得救，在救赎主的冠冕上发光如星。你们的奉献不论多么微小，也要毫不犹豫地奉献给主。所献上的虽然极其微小，若出于深爱救主的心，也会成为无价的礼物，蒙上帝悦纳和祝福。{GW 466.3}[9]
§22
Why should not the members of a church, or of several small churches, unite to sustain a missionary in foreign fields? If they will deny themselves, they can do this. My brethren and sisters, will you not help in this great work? I beseech you to do something for Christ, and do it now. Through the teacher whom your money shall sustain in a foreign field, souls may be saved to shine as stars in the Redeemers crown. However small your offering, do not hesitate to bring it to the Lord. If given from a heart filled with love to the Saviour, the smallest offering becomes a priceless gift, which God smiles upon and blesses. {GW 466.3}[9]
§23
当耶稣说这寡妇“投入库里的，比众人所投的更多”（路21:3）时，祂的话是真的，不单在捐献的动机上，而也在它的效果上。那“两个小钱，就是一个大钱”（可12:42）带到上帝库里的金钱，其数目比那些犹太财主所献的大多了。那区区捐款的影响正像一条河流，起初很小，但越流越深越广，世世无穷。这穷寡妇所表现的牺牲榜样，已在历代与各处感动万人的心并得到反应，使贫富贵贱各等人的捐献流入上帝的府库中，帮助和维持布道工作，建立医院，供养饥民，传福音给穷人。千百万人因她无私的举动而蒙福。凡出于诚心追求上帝荣耀的愿望而献的每一份捐款，所行的每一件作为都是如此。它是与全能上帝的旨意联结在一起的，它所成就的良好效果，不是世人所能衡量的。{GW 467.1}[10]
§24
When Jesus said of the widow, She hath cast in more than they all, [Luke 21:3] His words were true, not only of the motives of the giver, but of the results of the gift. The two mites, which make a farthing, [Mark 12:42.] have brought to Gods treasury an amount of money far greater than the contributions of the rich Jews. Like a stream small at its beginning, but widening and deepening as it flows toward the ocean, the influence of that little gift has widened and deepened as it has flowed through the ages. The example of self-sacrifice shown by the poor widow has acted and reacted upon thousands of hearts in every land and in every age. It has brought to the treasury of God gifts from the high and the low, the rich and the poor. It has helped to sustain missions, to establish hospitals, to feed the hungry, and to preach the gospel to the poor. Multitudes have been blessed through her unselfish deed. And in like manner every gift bestowed, every act performed, with a sincere desire for Gods glory, is linked with the purposes of Omnipotence. Its results for good no man can measure. {GW 467.1}[10]
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【国外园地的工作方法】
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一旦进入新的园地，就要开始教育工作，教导人时要律上加律，令上加令，这里一点，那里一点。讲道并不是最重要的，最重要的是挨家挨户地作工，查考圣经，讲解圣经。只有采用基督所用方法的工人，才能得人，作为工价。同样的真理要再三重述。工人必须全心依靠上帝。在教导处于黑暗之中的人时，教师得到了何等丰富的经验啊！他自己也是学生。当他向别人解释圣经时，圣灵在他的心灵中作工，赐给他生命之粮，救济饥饿的心灵。{GW 468.1}[11]
§27
【Methods of Labor in Foreign Fields】
§28
As soon as a new field is entered, educational work should begin, and instruction should be given line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. It is not preaching that is the most important; it is house-to-house work, reasoning from the Word, explaining the Word. It is those workers who follow the methods that Christ followed who will win souls for their hire. Over and over again the same truths must be repeated, and the worker must place his entire dependence on God. And what rich experiences the teacher obtains when instructing those in darkness! He too is a learner, and as he explains the Scriptures to others, the Holy Spirit is working in his mind and heart, giving him the bread of life for hungry souls. {GW 468.1}[11]
§29
国外的工人要与各阶层和各种心思意念的人接触。他将发现需要用不同的工作方法来满足人的需要。他自觉无能，于是就亲近上帝和圣经，以求亮光、力量和知识。{GW 468.2}[12]
§30
The worker in foreign fields will come in contact with all classes of people and all varieties of minds, and he will find that different methods of labor are required to meet the needs of the people. A sense of his own inefficiency will drive him to God and to the Bible for light and strength and knowledge. {GW 468.2}[12]
§31
我们为达到某些目的而采用的方法与手段并不是一样的。布道士必须运用理智和判断。经验会告诉人在当地环境下最聪明的方法。有时一个国家的风俗和气候在另一个国家里就无法容忍。必须进行改善，但最好不要操之过急。{GW 468.3}[13]
§32
The methods and means by which we reach certain ends are not always the same. The missionary must use reason and judgment. Experience will indicate the wisest course to follow under existing circumstances. It is often the case that the customs and climate of a country make a condition of things that would not be tolerated in another country. Changes for the better must be made, but it is best not to be too abrupt. {GW 468.3}[13]
§33
不要为区区小事而争论。只要人愿意把心灵的窗户朝天敞开、向地关闭，基督的恩典与慈爱就会使人心心相连。靠着真理的能力，许多难题迎刃而解，多年的夙怨因采用了更好的方法而烟消云散。当基督的信徒真正与上帝同工时，“在地上平安归与祂所喜悦的人”的伟大原则，就会得到更好的贯彻。{GW 468.4}[14]
§34
Let not controversy arise over trifles. The spirit of love and the grace of Christ will bind heart to heart, if men will open the windows of the soul heavenward and close them earthward. By the power of the truth many difficulties might be adjusted, and controversies hoary with age find quietude in the admission of better ways. The great, grand principle, Peace on earth, good will toward men, will be far better practiced when those who believe in Christ are indeed laborers together with God. {GW 468.4}[14]
§35
【从天而来的帮助】
§36
国外园地的工人心中应当存着天国的平安与仁爱，因为这是他唯一的保障。在困惑，磨炼，挫折和苦难之中，他具有殉道者的热忱和英雄的气概，紧握那永不放松的手臂，说：“我不灰心，也不丧胆。”他必须殷勤查考圣经，常常祈祷。他在与别人谈话之前，若先寻求上头来的帮助，就确知有天使与他同在。虽然他有时也希望得到人的同情，但他在孤苦伶仃之中，能藉着与上帝的交往而获得安慰和鼓励。他应该因就主的话而快乐：“我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:20）。他可以从这位神圣的伴侣那里得到救灵科学的指导。{GW 469.1}[15]
§37
【Help from Heaven】
§38
The worker in a foreign field must carry in his heart the peace and love of heaven; for this is his only safety. Amid perplexity and trial, discouragement and suffering, with the devotion of a martyr and the courage of a hero, he is to hold fast to the hand that never lets go, saying, I will not fail nor be discouraged. He must be a close Bible student, and should be often in prayer. If, before talking with others, he will seek help from above, he may be assured that angels of heaven will be with him. At times he may yearn for human sympathy, but in his loneliness he may find comfort and encouragement through communion with God. Let him be cheered by the words of the Saviour, Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. [Matthew 28:20.] From this divine Companion he will receive instruction in the science of soul-saving. {GW 469.1}[15]
§39
传道的园地需要付出精力和自我牺牲。上帝呼召那些能推进十字架胜利，在患难逆境中百折不回，具有传道园地所需热忱、坚决和信心的人。藉着不懈的努力和坚定地信靠以色列的上帝，那些有决心、有勇气、有信心的人会创造出奇迹来。由敏锐的判断所指导、恒切的精神所支持的努力，将会取得无可限量的成就。{GW 469.2}[16]
§40
Energy and self-sacrifice are needed in the missionary field. God calls for men who will push the triumphs of the cross; men who will persevere under discouragements and privations; men who have the zeal and resolution and faith that are indispensable in the missionary field. By persevering toil and a firm trust in the God of Israel, resolute, courageous men will accomplish wonders. There is scarcely a limit to what may be achieved if the efforts made are governed by enlightened judgment and backed by earnest endeavor. {GW 469.2}[16]
§41
我们应当欢乐，因为上帝所悦纳的工作已经在国外开展。让我们为国外工作的成果扬声赞美感谢。我们万无一失的统帅仍然在对我们说：“前进，进入新的区域，在各地举起旗帜，兴起发光，因为你的光已经来到，耶和华的荣耀发现照耀你”（赛60:1）。{GW 470.1}[17]
§42
Let us rejoice that work which God can approve has been done in foreign fields. Let us lift our voices in praise and thanksgiving for the results of the work abroad. And still our General, who never makes a mistake, says to us, Advance; enter new territory; lift the standard in every land. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. [Isaiah 60:1.] {GW 470.1}[17]
§43
时候已到。藉着上帝的使者，书卷要向全世界展开。包含在第一，第二，第三位天使信息里的真理，将传到各国各族各方各民，要照在每一块大陆的黑暗之中，照到海岛之上。这项工作不可以耽搁！{GW 470.2}[18]
§44
The time has come when through Gods messengers the scroll is being unrolled to the world. The truth contained in the first, second, and third angels messages must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; it must lighten the darkness of every continent, and extend to the islands of the sea. There must be no delay in this work. {GW 470.2}[18]
§45
我们的口号是：前进，不断前进！天使要走在前面为我们预备道路。我们决不可卸下为远方所负的重担，直到全地都充满主的荣光。{GW 470.3}[19]
§46
Our watchword is to be, Onward, ever onward! Angels of heaven will go before us to prepare the way. Our burden for the regions beyond can never be laid down till the whole earth is lightened with the glory of the Lord. {GW 470.3}[19]