第45章 工作中的实用指示
§1
第45章 工作中的实用指示
§2
Chapter 45—Practical Instruction in Labor
§3
[《给传道人和工人的特别证言》系列一，第7号，1897年，第42-52页。]
§4
（澳大利亚，库兰邦，1896年6月14日。）
§5
亲爱的某弟兄和姐妹：上周五晚上我与你们交谈，告诉你们一些关于你们的工作方法的事。天上的守望者站在我旁边。我希望我能写出祂说的每个字；但是我担心我不能。你说：“我想知道我的责任。在某些方面我对我工作的结果并不满意。”于是就听到站在我旁边那一位的声音说：“要对上帝有信心；学基督耶稣的样式。你在宣扬上帝之道的神圣真理时，要始终高举基督。你的大需要乃是要学会基督的教导方式。你在教导人时，要只提出几个要点，并使你的心思集中在这些要点上。你把不重要的想法带进了你的讲道里。这些想法不一定是‘活的香气叫人活’，跟你讲的内容也没真正的联系。你既偏离了真正的路线，并把使人心转离主题的东西带了进来，就削弱了你之前所讲的一切。”{TM 309.1}[1]
§6
[Special Testimonies, Series A 7:42-52 (1897).]
§7
(Cooranbong, Australia,June 14, 1896)
§8
Dear Brother and Sister -----,Last Friday night I was conversing with you, telling you something with reference to your methods of labor. The heavenly Watcher stood beside us, and I wish I could write every word He uttered; but I fear that I cannot. You said: “I wish I knew in regard to my duty. In some way I do not feel satisfied with the result of my labor.” The voice of the One beside us was then heard, saying: “Have faith in God; learn of Christ Jesus. When you handle the sacred truths of God’s word, keep Christ uplifted. Your great need is to learn Christ’s manner of teaching. When you are teaching the people, present only a few vital points, and keep your mind concentrated on these points. You bring unimportant ideas into your discourses. These are not always a ‘savor of life unto life,’ and have no real connection with your text. By wandering from straight lines, and bringing in that which calls the minds off the subject, you weaken all that you have previously said.”?{TM 309.1}[1]
§9
【传讲真理时离题】
§10
当你脱离你的主题，引进不相干的斥责，与严肃神圣的真理相提并论时，上帝不希望你以为你是受祂的灵所感动。你这样做，就迷失了方向，也削弱了那于教训、督责、使人归正、教导人学义都是有益的上帝话语的效果。你已使许多宝贵的道理失效，因为你把心中所想到，却与主题无关的话掺杂在其中。你的讲道中不应有任何离题的内容。{TM 309.2}[2]
§11
【Disconnected Presentation of Truth】
§12
God would not have you think that you are impressed by His Spirit when you fly from your subject, bringing in foreign matters which are designed as a reproof, and which should not be named in connection with the words of solemn and sacred truth. By doing this, you lose your bearings, and weaken the effect of that which is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. You have made of none effect many precious ideas, by mixing them with other thoughts which have come to your mind but?which had no bearing upon the subject. That which is far from the subject under consideration should find no place in your discourses.?{TM 309.2}[2]
§13
在这个世界上，有些人的心正在大声呼求永生的上帝。但是无助的心灵却受到了不佳食物的喂养。在各教会中所讲的道未能使饥饿的人感到满足。在这些讲道中，没有神圣的显现感动人心并使人心里火热；听的人也不能说：“在路上，祂和我们说话，给我们讲解圣经的时候，我们的心岂不是火热的吗”（路24:32）？大量的糠秕被给了人，但这不会唤醒犯罪的人认识到自己的罪。听道的人需要有人清楚明确地讲述真理。那些尝过上帝之道滋味的人，长期处在没有上帝的氛围中。他们渴望上帝的同在。{TM 310.1}[3]
§14
There are in this world hearts that are crying aloud for the living God. But helpless human nature has been fed with distasteful food; discourses dissatisfying to hungry, starving souls have been given in the churches. In these discourses there is not that divine manifestation that touches the mind and creates a glow in the soul; the hearers cannot say, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?” An abundance of chaff is given to the people, but this will not awaken the transgressor or convict souls of sin. The souls who come to hear need a plain, straightforward presentation of truth. Those who have tasted of the word of God have dwelt long in an atmosphere where there is no God, and they long for the divine presence.?{TM 310.1}[3]
§15
要束上你们思想的腰，用蒙悦纳的方式传讲上帝的真理。要宣扬真理的单纯。讲道要简短扼要。要时刻意识到圣灵的同在；这样就能成就你自己所不能做的工作。如果你心中有任何不愉快的负担，在你来到众人面前之前，要藉着个人的努力或恳切的祷告除掉它。要认真地恳求上帝从你心中除掉那个负担。要坚守几个要点，给人纯净的麦子，扬净所有的糠秕。不要让你的讲道包含那么多内容，以致被人看到软弱，而不是可靠的论据。要呈现耶稣的真理，给听众留下最好的印象。{TM 310.2}[4]
§16
Gird up the loins of your mind, that you may present the truth of God acceptably. Preach the truth in its simplicity, but let your discourses be short. Dwell decidedly on a few important points. Realize every moment that you must have the presence of the Holy Spirit; for it can do a work that you cannot do of yourself. If you have any burden of a disagreeable character on your mind, get rid of it by personal labor or earnest prayer before you come before the people. Plead earnestly with God to remove that burden from your mind. Keep decidedly to a few points. Give the people pure wheat thoroughly winnowed from all chaff. Do not let your discourses embrace so much that weakness shall be seen in the place of solid argument. Present the truth as it is in Jesus, that those who hear may receive the very best impression.?{TM 310.2}[4]
§17
【长篇讲道的害处】
§18
讲话要简短。你的讲道通常比应有的长两倍。以这样一种方式处理一件善事可能会使它失去香气。当一次讲道的时间太长时，所讲的最后一部分内容就会减损之前所讲内容的力量和兴趣。不要离题，要开门见山。要给人天上的真吗哪，圣灵就必与你的心同作见证，证明不是你在讲话，而是圣灵在藉着你讲话。上帝之道的教师必须先与上帝交谈，然后才能站在人们面前，有圣灵在他心中运行。如果他忠心地与基督合作，下面的应许就会实现：“看哪，我常与你们同在”（太28:20）。{TM 311.1}[5]
§19
【Evils of Long Sermons】
§20
Speak short. Your discourses are generally double the length they should be. It is possible to handle a good thing in such a manner that it loses its flavor. When a discourse is too long, the last part of the preaching detracts from the force and interest of that which has preceded it. Do not wander, but come right to the point. Give the people the very manna from heaven, and the Spirit will bear witness with your spirit that it is not you that speaks, but the Holy Spirit speaking through you. The teacher of the word of God must first talk with God, and then he can stand before the people with the Holy Spirit working upon his mind. If he faithfully cooperates with Christ, the promise will be fulfilled, “Lo, I am with you alway.”?{TM 311.1}[5]
§21
要小心，决不要丧失那位神圣的守望者同在的感觉。要记得你不仅是在对一班未经启蒙的会众讲话，而且在对你应该永远承认的主讲话。讲道既是在必须喂养的上帝饥饿的羊群面前，也是在全宇宙面前。{TM 311.2}[6]
§22
Be careful never to lose a sense of the presence of the divine Watcher. Remember that you are speaking not only to an unenlightened assembly, but to One whom you should ever recognize. Speak as though the whole universe of heaven were before you, as well as the hungry, starving company of God’s sheep and lambs, which must be fed.?{TM 311.2}[6]
§23
【传讲圣道】
§24
自称传道的人应该传讲圣道，始终记住自己是与上帝同工的。他们的效能全在于祂。如果给祂机会，祂就会为他们作工。如果他们能谦卑，不依赖自以为拥有的智慧和能力，上帝就会把论据放在他们心里，并藉着他们的口说话。祂也必感动听众的思想，预备他们的心领受所撒的种子。{TM 311.3}[7]
§25
【Preach the Word】
§26
Those who claim to preach the word should preach the word, ever remembering that they are laborers together with God. He is their efficiency, and if He is given opportunity He will work for them. If they are humble, if they do not rely upon their own supposed wisdom and ability, God will place arguments in their mind and speak through their lips. He will also impress the minds of the hearers, preparing their hearts to receive the seed which is sown.?{TM 311.3}[7]
§27
我的弟兄，一项日常的工作必须靠着上帝的能力为你做成，否则，站在你旁边的就不是圣灵，而是上帝和人类的仇敌。在他的影响之下，软弱会出现在你的工作中。关于人类得救之真理的宝贵要点会在你手中损坏和毁伤。{TM 312.1}[8]
§28
My brother, a daily work must be done for you by the power of God, or else, instead of the Holy Spirit, the enemy of God and man will stand by your side. Under his influence, weakness will appear in your work. The most precious points of faith relative to the salvation of the soul will be marred and mutilated in your hands.?{TM 312.1}[8]
§29
你如果不改变工作的方式，就会给在工作中与你接触的人以错误的教育。要让你的心因渴望永生的上帝而挣扎破碎。不要让任何事把你的心思从上帝的工作转移到不重要的事情上。要用上帝所赐给你的一切力量认真虔诚地作工，呼吁教会与你配合。不要信赖自己，而要依靠大工长上帝的保证。你只不过是祂的仆人；你的任务就是传达祂的话：“我们是与上帝同工的”（林前3:9）。{TM 312.2}[9]
§30
Unless you change your manner of labor, you will give a faulty education to those connected with you in the work. Let your heart struggle and break for the longing it has for God, the living God. Let nothing divert your mind from the work of God to unimportant matters. With all your God-given energies work earnestly and prayerfully, calling upon the church to cooperate with you. Put no trust in yourself, but rest in the assurance that God is the chief Worker. You are only His servant; and your work is to voice His words, “We are laborers together with God.”?{TM 312.2}[9]
§31
无论什么荣耀都不要归给你自己。不要分心作工，既侍奉自我又侍奉上帝。要始终让自我消失。要让你的话引导劳苦担重担的人把他们的担子带给耶稣。要做工，就象看到祂在你右边一样，随时准备将祂的效力和全能在紧急情况下赐给你。{TM 312.3}[10]
§32
【Denying of Self】
§33
Take no glory whatever to yourself. Do not work with a divided mind, trying to serve self and God at the same time. Keep self out of sight. Let your words lead the weary and heavy-laden to carry their burdens to Jesus. Work as seeing Him who is at your right hand, ready to give you His efficiency and omnipotent power in any emergency.?{TM 312.3}[10]
§34
主是你的顾问、你的向导、你救恩的元帅。祂行在你面前，胜了又胜。要把你自己，你的身与心都献给祂，摒弃一切自我放纵。要舍己，背起你的十字架，为主认真作工。不要不必要地藉着作长时间的讲道花费你的力量。这会耗尽你的生命力，使你剩下的力量不足以奉献于圣工最重要的部分——挨家挨户地服务。{TM 312.4}[11]
§35
The Lord is your Counselor, your Guide, the Captain of your salvation. He goes before your face, conquering and to conquer. Dedicate yourself, soul and body, to Him, banishing all self-indulgence. Deny self; take up your cross, and work earnestly for the Master. Do not needlessly expend your strength by giving long?discourses. This uses up the vitality, so that insufficient strength is left to devote to the most important part of the work—house-to-house ministry.?{TM 312.4}[11]
§36
【传道士的工作】
§37
教导圣经，在各家祈祷——这就是传道士的工作。要将这项工作与你的讲道相结合。如果疏忽了这项工作，讲道在很大程度上就会失效。你必须警惕自己。你和你妻子必须通过个人的努力接近人。要教导他们必须让上帝的爱进入家庭生活的内殿。你如果心怀此愿，就会有圣灵的能力住在心中，帮助你工作。{TM 313.1}[12]
§38
【The Work of an Evangelist】
§39
Teaching the Scriptures, praying in families—this is the work of an evangelist, and this work is to be mingled with your preaching. If it is omitted, preaching will be, to a great extent, a failure. You need to be jealous of yourself. You and your wife need to come close to the people by personal effort. Teach them that the love of God must come into the inner sanctuary of the homelife. If you so desire, you may have the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to help in your work.?{TM 313.1}[12]
§40
我们在把最后怜悯的信息传给将亡的世界。上帝呼召我们将饱满的精神和能力带进我们的工作。我们唯有藉着圣灵的帮助才能做这事。要惩治和常常钉死遗传的倾向和错误的习惯。要降卑自己在上帝的手下；因为你们的道路不是上帝的道路。你们两个在基督的学校里要学的东西都很多。{TM 313.2}[13]
§41
We are carrying the last message of mercy to a perishing world, and God calls upon us to bring freshness and power into our work. We can do this only by the aid of the Holy Spirit. Hereditary tendencies and wrong habits must be disciplined and oft crucified. Humble yourself under the hand of God; for your ways are not God’s ways, and you both have much to learn in the school of Christ.?{TM 313.2}[13]
§42
昨天夜里的这些指示是对你说的：“要跟你的弟兄们一同商议。你的计划需要别人的仔细考虑。”关于依赖人、相信人的智慧，已经赐下了警告。试探者的目的是要引人走上歧途，说服他们不再指望耶稣求力量和效能，而倚靠人血肉的膀臂。在许多情况下，他已取得了成功。撒但张开了他的网罗，诱使人们依赖他们有限而易错的同胞，来达到捕获人，争取人站在他一边的目的。{TM 313.3}[14]
§43
Last night these words of instruction were spoken to you: “Counsel with your brethren. Your plans need the careful consideration of other minds.” Warnings have been given in regard to depending upon men and trusting in their wisdom. The tempter aims to lead men astray by persuading them to cease looking to Jesus for strength and efficiency, and to make flesh their arm. This has been done in many cases. Satan has laid his trap to catch men and win them to his side by trying to prevail upon them to depend upon their finite, erring fellowmen.?{TM 313.3}[14]
§44
【关于极端的一种特殊危险】
§45
当发出有关这一点的责备时，仇敌就拿过所赐的勉言，进行歪曲的表达，使那些想随从自己判断的人觉得可以任意制订计划，采取重要的措施，而不与弟兄们商量。另一种错误就这样得到了认可。人们在一个方向走了极端，如果纠正了，就可能在相反的方向走另一个极端。{TM 314.1}[15]
§46
【A Special Danger of Extremes】
§47
But when a reproof is given upon this point, the enemy takes the counsel given, and presents it in such a perverted light that those who desire to follow their own judgment feel at liberty to plan and devise important measures without counseling with their brethren. Thus another error strives for recognition. Men go to an extreme in one direction, and if corrected, go to an extreme in the opposite direction.?{TM 314.1}[15]
§48
你如果按照自以为有的智慧行事，就会有犯错误的危险。你需要忠告。你没有做各类工作的效能。如果有打了基础却不能完工的危险，你就不该在重要的地区开始工作。必须由上帝清楚地赐下亮光，把责任明白无误地摆在进入重要新区的一两个人面前。你需要跟弟兄们商量；因为你有过于急躁地作出计划、想出方法的危险。{TM 314.2}[16]
§49
You will be in danger of making mistakes if you move out in your own supposed wisdom. You need counsel. You have not the efficiency for all classes of labor, and you should not commence work in important places if there is danger that you will lay a foundation which you cannot complete. Light must be expressly given by God, and duty must be clear and unmistakable before one or two men enter new and important fields. You need to counsel with your brethren; for there is danger that you will run too fast in devising plans and methods.?{TM 314.2}[16]
§50
关于你的弟兄们，不该说的话对你说了。别人心里的误解传到你耳中，使你产生一连串不安全或不正确的臆测。要保守自己的心思。严密监视你心中的欲望。已经说出的话使你对你的计划和方法有了不正确的信心。从你口中说出的话，不是上帝所吩咐和批准的。要当心，免得时候来到，在你可以证明自己是一个朋友，并给出朋友的可靠忠告时，却没有准备好。{TM 314.3}[17]
§51
Words which never should have been uttered have been spoken to you with reference to your brethren. The misconceptions existing in other minds have been communicated to you, and your mind has been led in a train of speculative thought that is not safe or correct. Keep watch over your thoughts. Guard closely the impulses of your mind and heart. Words have been spoken that have led you to place more confidence in your own plans and methods than is right. Words slip from your lips, unbidden and unsanctioned by God. Take heed lest, when the time comes that you can prove yourself a friend and fill a friend’s place by giving sound counsel, you are unprepared.?{TM 314.3}[17]
§52
【与弟兄们商量的重要性】
§53
你不可独立行动，不听任何劝告。你有责任与弟兄们商量。这可能抵触你的骄傲。但受圣灵教导的谦卑的心必听从忠告，并摒弃一切自信。当人提出的忠告与你个人的心愿相冲突时，不要以为你自己的智慧足以使你对别人提出忠告，也不要以为你可以担得起忽略所给的忠告。{TM 315.1}[18]
§54
【Importance of Counsel With Brethren】
§55
You must not walk independently of all counsel. It is your duty to counsel with your brethren. This may touch your pride, but the humility of a mind taught by the Holy Spirit will listen to counsel, and will banish all self-confidence. When counsel is given that conflicts with your personal wishes, you are not to think that your own wisdom is sufficient for you to give counsel to others, or that you can afford to neglect the counsel given.?{TM 315.1}[18]
§56
你无论在哪里作工，都需要把自己的努力与其他有效工人的努力相结合。你不代表整体，不可能成功地独自组织一系列的聚会。你可与其他工人一起尽自己的职责。你可能觉得屈辱。但你不该有这种感觉，因为上帝已赐下多种恩赐。祂希望这些恩赐完美和谐地结合在一起。{TM 315.2}[19]
§57
Wherever you may labor, there is need that you blend your efforts with those of other efficient laborers. You are not a complete whole; you cannot successfully complete a series of meetings by yourself, but you can do your part with other laborers. This may be humiliating to you; but it should not be, for God has given a variety of gifts, and He desires that these gifts blend in perfect harmony.?{TM 315.2}[19]
§58
你需要认识到从自己的立场，以你自己的目光或眼力来看问题的危险。你最好坦率地向你的弟兄们说出你的计划，好知道从他们的立场来看，这些计划如何；因为环境可能会在你心中留下深刻的印象，使你不可能作出全面的判断。要让你的计划经过仔细研究。要以恳切的祈祷把你的事交给那知道一切事的主。要一起商议。不要让你自己或别人心中的悄悄话使你对主仆人们的忠告关闭心门。{TM 315.3}[20]
§59
You need to realize the danger of viewing matters from your own standpoint and with your own eyes or discernment. It would be well for you frankly to state your plans to your brethren, that you may know how they appear to them when seen from their standpoint; for circumstances may be so vividly impressed upon your mind, that it is impossible for you to give an all-sided judgment. Let your plans be closely investigated; and with earnest prayer commit your case to Him who knoweth all things. Counsel together. Let not the whisperings of your own mind or of other minds close the door of your heart against the counsel of the Lord’s servants.?{TM 315.3}[20]
§60
1896年8月9日。我写这封信给你是因为这是一个严重的问题，涉及严重的结果，会影响其它地区将来的工作。某弟兄不需要你任何奉承的话语；因为他对自己的能力估计过高，并藉着贬低别人而表现出来。他没有意识到自己正在追求首位。他没有预备好担负起传道人的责任；因为他需要一颗谦卑痛悔的心。他必须继续读经。当弟兄们看他适于成为一名传道人时，那就会表现出来。你必须谨慎。{TM 315.4}[21]
§61
August 9, 1896. I have written this to you because it is a serious matter, involving serious consequences,?which will affect future work in other localities. Brother ----- needs no flattering words from you; for he has a full estimation of his own abilities and makes them appear by demeriting others. He does not realize that he is seeking to be first. He is not prepared to take upon himself the responsibilities of a minister of the gospel; for he needs a humble and a contrite spirit. He needs to continue to give Bible readings, and when his brethren see that he is fitted to become a preacher of the gospel, this will be made manifest. You need caution.?{TM 315.4}[21]
§62
【文字布道士的工作】
§63
我看不出为什么文字布道工作没有为主取得又好又成功的效果。文字布道士可以与人相识，与他们一同祷告，了解他们的真正需要。根据上帝赐给我的亮光，有许多责任落在文字布道士身上。他们应该出去工作，准备向人解释圣经，不该说什么或做什么来捆住他们的手。他们在到处旅行时，如果信赖主，上帝的众天使就必在他们周围，赐给他们当说的话，把亮光，希望和勇气带给许多人。要不是文字布道士的工作，许多人永远听不到真理。{TM 316.1}[22]
§64
【The Canvassing Work】
§65
I cannot see why the canvassing work is not as good and successful a work as can be done for the Lord. Canvassers can become acquainted with the people, they can pray with them, and can understand their true necessities. From the light which God has given me, there is much responsibility resting upon the canvassers. They should go to their work prepared to explain the Scriptures, and nothing should be said or done to bind their hands. If they put their trust in the Lord as they travel from place to place, the angels of God will be round about them, giving them words to speak which will bring light and hope and courage to many souls. Were it not for the work of the canvasser, many would never hear the truth.?{TM 316.1}[22]
§66
文字布道士应该随身携带书籍，小册和传单，分发给那些不能向他购买的人。这样，真理就会被介绍到许多家庭。{TM 316.2}[23]
§67
The canvasser should carry with him books and pamphlets and tracts to give away to those who cannot buy books from him. In this way the truth can be introduced into many homes.?{TM 316.2}[23]
§68
在上帝给人的一切恩赐中，说话的恩赐若蒙圣灵洁净，就没有其他恩赐比它更高尚或更使人蒙福的了。我们用话语说服他人；我们用话语向上帝献上祷告和赞美；我们也用话语传达救赎主丰富的爱。藉着这种工作，书报员可以把真理的种子播撒出去，使上帝话语的亮光照进许多人的心里。{TM 316.3}[24]
§69
Of all the gifts which God has given to man, none is more noble or a greater blessing than the gift of speech, if it is sanctified by the Holy Spirit. It is with the tongue we convince and persuade; with it we offer prayer and?praise to God; and with it we convey rich thoughts of the Redeemer’s love. By this work, the canvasser can scatter the seeds of truth, causing the light from the word of God to shine into many minds.?{TM 316.3}[24]
§70
【不要小看传道人】
§71
我真诚地希望任何人都不要小看传道人派售书报的工作。请听听使徒保罗的见证：“你们知道，自从我到亚细亚的日子以来，在你们中间，始终为人如何，服事主，凡事谦卑，眼中流泪，又因犹太人的谋害，经历试炼。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；又对犹太人和希腊人，证明当向上帝悔改，信靠我主耶稣基督”（徒20:18-21）。上帝曾以神奇的方式向保罗显示自己，富有口才的保罗，曾以谦卑的心，挨家挨户工作，凡事谦卑，眼中流泪，经历试炼。{TM 317.1}[25]
§72
【Does Not Belittle the Gospel Minister】
§73
I sincerely hope that no mind will receive the impression that it belittles a minister of the gospel to canvass. Hear the apostle Paul’s testimony: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.” The eloquent Paul, to whom God manifested Himself in a wonderful manner, went from house to house, with all humility of mind and with many tears and temptations.?{TM 317.1}[25]
§74
【一项最宝贵的传道事工】
§75
我蒙指示，藉着文字布道和传道士，可以成就最宝贵的传道事工。从这项工作中，他们必获得各种经验，并做使徒保罗做过的工作。我抄录一段对弟兄的呼吁，是关于派发我们期刊和书籍的：“文字布道工作是圣工的一个重要方面：聪明，敬畏上帝，热爱真理的文字布道士充任的职位与传道人相当。因而文字布道士岂该比正式按立的传道人更觉得有自由可按照自私的动机行动吗？他岂该不忠于传道工作的所有原则，只卖最便宜最容易出手的书籍，疏于把发出最多亮光的书籍放在人前，从而为自己挣更多的钱吗？文字布道工作乃是一项传道的工作，必须从传道的角度从事这个领域的工作。自私的原则，喜爱尊重和地位的念头，在我们中间提都不可以提。争为首的思想决不可进入我们的心。”{TM 317.2}[26]
§76
【A Most Precious Ministry】
§77
I have been shown that the most precious ministry can be done by canvassing, and that by ministers. By doing this work, they will obtain a varied experience and will be doing the very work that the apostle Paul did. I copy an extract from an appeal made to our brethren in regard to canvassing for our periodicals and books: “The canvassing work is an important field for labor: and the intelligent, God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser occupies a position equal to that of the gospel minister. Then should the canvasser feel at liberty, any more than the ordained minister, to act from selfish?motives? Should he be unfaithful to all the principles of missionary work, and sell only those books that are cheapest and easiest to handle, neglecting to place before the people the books which will give most light, because by so doing he can earn more money for himself? The canvassing work is a missionary work, and the field must be worked from a missionary standpoint. Selfish principles, love of dignity and position, should not be once named among us. The thought of seeking to become the greatest should never come into our minds.”{TM 317.2}[26]
§78
传道的目的也不是为了逗乐。有些传道人采用了不具最佳影响的传道风格。他们养成了一种习惯，把轶事奇闻结合在他们的讲道中。这样给听众留下的印象不是活的香气叫人活。传道人不可把逗乐的故事带进他们的讲道里。人们需要纯正的食物，彻底扬净了糠秕。“务要传道”（提后4:2），乃是保罗给提摩太的告诫，也是对我们的嘱咐。传道人把讲故事掺杂在讲道中是在使用凡火。当上帝的代表降格使用庸俗无聊的语言时，就是得罪上帝，使真理的事业蒙羞。——《评论与通讯》，1904年12月22日。{TM 318.1}[27]
§79
Neither is it the object of preaching to amuse. Some ministers have adopted a style of preaching that has not the best influence. It has become a habit with them to weave anecdotes into their discourses. The impression thus made upon the hearers is not a savor of life unto life. Ministers should not bring amusing stories into their preaching. The people need pure provender, thoroughly winnowed from the chaff. “Preach the word,” was the charge that Paul gave to Timothy, and this is our commission also. The minister who mixes story-telling with his discourses is using strange fire. God is offended, and the cause of truth is dishonored, when His representatives descend to the use of cheap, trifling words.—The Review and Herald, December 22, 1904.?{TM 318.1}[27]