才干的使用
§1
才干的使用The Use of Talents1902年6月12日写于加利福尼亚州佩塔卢马
§2
Petaluma, Cal.,June 12, 1902.
§3
我亲爱的儿子爱德森：My dear Son Edson,
§4
我希望你和爱玛来我们在圣赫勒那附近的家看望我们，自从总会以来，你和帕默弟兄为在纳什维尔建立更稳固的工作而过分努力了。你们尽力使这工作尽可能体面，以便让那些对你们的工作几乎一无所知的人看到你们用那么少的钱已在这么短的时间内成就了什么。你们希望人人都看到你们并没有发出不必要的资金呼吁，也没有白白使用所收到的钱。你们希望在纳什维尔完成的工作能够成为其它城市可做之工的一个样本。{SpM 223.3}
§5
I wish you and Emma to visit us at our home near St. Helena, Since the General Conference you and Brother Palmer have worked excessively to establish more firmly the work in Nashville. You have endeavored to make this work as presentable as possible, in order to show those who knew scarcely anything about your work, what has been accomplished in so short a time, and with so small an outlay of means. You wished all to see that needless calls for means had not been made, and that the money received had not been used in vain. You desired the work done in Nashville to be a sample of what could be done in other cities.?{SpM 223.3}
§6
但你发现你花的钱比你打算花的要多。你在设法去做你想要看到完成的那些事情时，大大耗费了你的体力，以致力竭。当南方工人大会被指定在格雷斯维尔举行时，你认为最好在纳什维尔举行。于是作出了改变，但为弟兄们准备住处的时间有限。你的工作远远超出了你的力量，为了完成你正在建造的大楼，你进行规划和工作，日日焦虑不安，夜不能寐。{SpM 223.4}
§7
But you found that you had expended more than you intended to expend. In trying to do the things that you wanted to see done, you taxed yourself greatly, wearing out your strength. When the general meeting for the Southern workers was appointed to be held in Graysville, you thought it would be best to have it held in Nashville. The change was made, but the time was limited in which to prepare for the accommodation of the brethren. You worked far beyond your strength, spending anxious days and sleepless nights in planning and working to complete the building that you were erecting.?{SpM 223.4}
§8
你还没有从你当时的操劳所承受的压力的影响中恢复过来；但我儿啊，不要以为，如果你在建造这栋加盖的大楼时犯了错误，你就有理由感到气馁。其他人对你为完成这座大楼所做的认真的、几乎超人的努力知之甚少。你的热心使你过了自己的力量，使你伤害了自己。在我给你的信中，我写了许多，论到在纳什维尔将要做的工作；由于过去的工作主要是在你自己的管辖范围内进行的，你就被引导在超出你的能力范围的方面独立行事。但即使你花的钱比你所能支配的多，你也可以通过由此学到谨慎的教训，使这成为对你来说比大量资金流入大得多的福气。{SpM 224.1}
§9
You have not yet recovered from the effects of the strain under which you were laboring at that time; but do not think, my son, that if you have erred in building this addition, you have reason for being discouraged. Others know little of the earnest, almost superhuman efforts you have made to complete this building. Your zeal has led you beyond your strength, causing you to injure yourself. In my letters to you, I have written much in regard to the work to be done in Nashville; and as the work has in the past been largely under your own jurisdiction, you were led to move independently in lines that led you beyond your depth. But even if you have spent more money than is at your command, you may make this, through its lessons of caution, a much greater blessing to you than would be an abundant inflow of means.?{SpM 224.1}
§10
我儿啊，你会发现你无法取悦所有的人。即使你尽了最大的努力，你也会得罪一些人的。但你要十分小心防备，不要叫你的善行被人毁谤。你不知道我有多么渴望让你站在有利的位置上；因为多年来一直有人对南方园地的积极工作吹毛求疵，以便掩盖他们自己疏于在那个园地开始工作。他们非但不藉着尽力在新地方开始工作来表现他们的机智和能力，反而站在一边，批评爱德森·怀特和他的同工们一直在做的事。那些还没有“脱去旧人和旧人的行为”（西3:9）的人在作控告弟兄的人。撒但在天使和世人面前热心地控告那些在新地方开始从事上帝工作的人。仇敌会让那些并不亲自挑起上帝工作负担的人一直很忙碌地控告和挑剔那些决心在布道园地推进工作的人。{SpM 224.2}
§11
My son, you will find that you can not please all men. You will offend some even when you do your best. But be very careful and guarded not to give occasion for your good to be evil spoken of. You can not know how anxious I am to have you stand on vantage ground; for there are those who for years have covered their own neglect to take up work in the South, by finding fault with the active labors in that field. Instead of showing their tact and ability by doing their best to start the work in new places, they have stood to one side, criticizing what Edson White and his co-workers have been doing. Those who have not “put off the old man with his deeds.” are standing as accusers of the brethren. Before angels and men Satan is zealously accusing the laborers who take up the work of God in new places. The men who do not take upon themselves the burden of God’s work will be kept very busy by the enemy in accusing and picking flaws with those who are determined to advance the work in missionary fields.?{SpM 224.2}
§12
我认为你没有理由不作为顾问参加南方联合会的委员会；因为你比那些经验较少的人更了解应该如何推进南方的工作。如果委员会认为你的声音和经验很有价值，你就必须小心，不要以为你的意见应当被接受为至高无上的，高于那些与你同工之人的判断。要记住，顾问应当与我们工作的各个部门联系在一起。人人都应祈祷，警醒祷告，珍爱那来自上头的智慧。{SpM 224.3}
§13
I see no reason why you should not be on the committee of the Southern Union Conference as a counsellor; for you know more about how the work in the South should be carried forward than do some who have had less experience. And if your voice and your experience should be regarded by the committee as of much value, you must be careful not to think that your opinions are to be accepted as supreme, above the judgment of those with whom you are associated in labor. Remember that counsellors are to be connected with the various branches of our work. All are to pray and watch unto prayer, cherishing the wisdom that cometh from above.?{SpM 224.3}
§14
已经做了些什么来帮助舍尔曼兄弟，这是很好的。他有犯错误的危险，目前，已经做了可以做的最好的事。即使经过适当的考虑之后，不会发现你最好放下你正在担负的与希尔德布兰学校有关的责任，也要让别人来负责这个事业。{SpM 224.4}
§15
It is well that something has been done to help Brother Shireman. He was in danger of making mistakes, and, for the time being, the best thing was done that could be done. If after due consideration, it should not be found best for you to lay down the responsibilities you are carrying in connection with the Hildebran School, let others take charge of this enterprise.?{SpM 224.4}
§16
舍尔曼弟兄和姐妹已经屈服于仇敌带给他们的大试探。他们认为自己被利用了。这使他们不再与上帝相和，也失去了对弟兄们的信心和信任。{SpM 224.5}
§17
Brother and Sister Shireman have yielded to great temptations that the enemy has brought to bear upon them. They imagine that advantage has been taken of them. This has cost them the loss of peace with God and of faith and confidence in their brethren.?{SpM 224.5}
§18
爱德森，你要置身于舍尔曼兄弟没有理由想象你想要伤害他的地方。要安排好事情，以致他不会怀疑你一直在利用他。我知道你是他真正的、无私的、仁慈的、心地善良的朋友和兄弟。你不会故意利用他，但他并不这么想。我很难过，他的灵魂和他妻子的灵魂都受着折磨。{SpM 225.1}
§19
Edson, place yourself where Brother Shireman can have no cause for imagining that you mean to injure him. Arrange matters so that no suspicion shall rest upon you that you have been taking advantage of him. I know that you have been his true, disinterested, benevolent, tender-hearted friend and brother. Not one advantage would you knowingly take of him; but he imagines otherwise. I am sorry, so sorry that his soul and the soul of his wife are afflicted.?{SpM 225.1}
§20
舍尔曼弟兄和姐妹有他们指定的工作。他们虽然能在开辟新园地和为上帝将要建立的国度预备道路方面做极好的工作，但他们并没有能力从事正规的学校工作。到目前为止，他们有能力，可以做好开办新学校的工作；但其他人必须来帮助他们在比他们能达到的更高的纪律和教育培训水平上推进学校的工作。{SpM 225.2}
§21
Brother and Sister Shireman have their appointed work. While they can do an excellent work in opening new fields and preparing the way for the kingdom of God to be established, they have not the ability to do regular school work. So far they have the ability, they can do good work in opening new schools; but others must come to their help in carry the school work forward on a higher plane of disciplinary and educational training than they could.?{SpM 225.2}
§22
上帝一直喜悦舍尔曼弟兄所做的工作。他唤起人对教育工作的兴趣并在希尔德布兰建起教会和学校建筑。主悦纳他善用才干的努力。他在建造朴实无华的楼房时，天使一直是他的帮助者。正是这种工作才在不信的人心中对我们弟兄的能力留下好印象。救主说：“你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父”（太5:16）。{SpM 225.3}
§23
God has been pleased with the work that Brother Shireman has done in arousing an interest in educational work and in erecting church and school buildings in Hildebran. The Lord has accepted his efforts to trade upon his talents. As he has built his plain, unpretentious buildings, heavenly angels have been his helpers. It is this kind of work that make a good impression on the minds of unbelievers in regard to our brother’s abilities. “Let your light so shine before men,” the Saviour says, “that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”?{SpM 225.3}
§24
舍尔曼弟兄向有影响力的人——传道人和身居高位的人——征集了对他工作的赞扬。他既让自己的思想停留在这些事上，就伤害了自己的灵魂，开始认为他有才干充任他决不能充任的职位。我不希望舍尔曼弟兄和姐妹损害他们为善的感化力，但我担心他们会这样，除非他们学会认识到与学校工作的各种人才联系的必要性。{SpM 225.4}
§25
Brother Shireman has solicited testimonials from men of influence - from ministers and men in high official position - in praise of his work. Allowing his mind to dwell upon these things, he has hurt his soul by coming to think that he has talent for places that he could never fill. I do not want Brother and Sister Shireman to hurt their influence for good; but they will, I fear, unless they learn to recognize the necessity of connecting with the school work persons of varied talents.?{SpM 225.4}
§26
上帝爱舍尔曼弟兄，而且会与他同在，除非他远离自己的力量之源。要让我们的弟兄听从弟兄们的劝告，并像钢铁般忠于原则。仇敌强烈地试探了他，几乎成功地毁了他的记录。他已受试探去做一些上帝不能赞同的奇怪的事。但主耶稣活着并且统治者，祂必搭救祂的仆人脱离试探。{SpM 225.5}
§27
God loves Brother Shireman, and will be with him, unless he draws away from the Source of his strength. Let our brother listen to the counsel of his brethren, and be as true as steel to principle. The enemy has tempted him sorely, and has nearly succeeded in spoiling his record. He has tempted him to do some strange things that God can not approve. But the Lord Jesus lives and reigns, and will deliver His servant from temptation.?{SpM 225.5}
§28
说到有才干的人，我们通常会想到那些有非凡恩赐的人，这些恩赐使他们能够做大事。我们常常认为，只有极少数天之骄子——天才和智力超群的人——才能被称为有才干的人。但在基督的按才受托的比喻中，有才干的人包括所有负责任的人，从这个世界上最卑微最贫穷的人，到那些被赋予钱财和智力的人。即使那些忠心地使用最小才干的人，也会从救主口中听到称赞的话：“做得好，又良善又忠心的仆人。”上帝给予最小才干的价值体现在祂为正确使用它而给予的赏赐——永生上。祂会对每一个忠心的管家说：“进来享受你主人的快乐。”{SpM 225.6}
§29
In speaking of talented men, we usually think of those who have remarkable gifts, which enable them to do large things. Too often we think that only a favored few- men of superior genius and intellectual capabilities - can be called talented. But in Christ’s parable of the talents are included all responsible human agents, from the humblest and poorest in this world’s goods to those who are entrusted with talents of means and of intellect. Even those who faithfully use the least will hear from the Saviour’s lips the words of commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” The value that God places on the least of talents is shown by the reward he gives for its right use?eternal life. To every faithful steward He will say, “enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”?{SpM 225.6}
§30
主所赐的才干，与祂儿女各自的能力相称。主给每一个人分派了工作。那些尽其所能尽自己本分，正确使用自己才干的人，是在做一种非常需要的工作，一种其他数百人只要愿意就能做的工作。{SpM 226.1}
§31
The Lord gives talents proportionate to the several capabilities of His children. To every man is given his work. Those who do their duty to the best of their ability, using their talent aright, are doing a much-needed work, a work that hundreds of others could do if they only would.?{SpM 226.1}
§32
藉着忠心地履行自己的职责，拿委托给他的钱做买卖，舍尔曼弟兄得到了上天的认可。像舍尔曼弟兄那样殷勤地正确使用自己的才干从事需要完成之工的人，永远不必觉得为了得到赏识，必须做一种他不太适合的更高的工作。{SpM 226.2}
§33
Through faithful performance of his duty, trading on the farthings entrusted to him, Brother Shireman secured the recognition of heaven. He who diligently uses his talent aright in doing the work that needs to be done, as Brother Shireman has used his, need never feel that in order to be appreciated, he must do a higher work, for which he is not so well fitted.?{SpM 226.2}
§34
上帝的教会是由许多大小器皿组成的。主藉着乐于被使用的人作工。祂必赐福我们的舍尔曼弟兄从事过去已给他带来福气的工作——设法拯救将亡之人的工作。{SpM 226.3}
§35
The church of God is made up of many vessels, both large and small. The Lord works through the men who are willing to be used. He will bless our Brother Shireman in doing the work that has brought blessing to him in the past - the work of seeking to save souls ready to perish.?{SpM 226.3}
§36
在主一切的安排中，最美妙的无过于祂给予男男女女有各种不同恩赐的计划。教会乃是祂的花园，点缀有各色各样的花草树木。祂不希望牛膝草长到香柏树那么大，也不想橄榄树达到庄严的棕榈树的高度。许多人只领受过有限的宗教及智力方面的训练，但若他们肯存心谦卑，信靠祂去作工，上帝也有一项工作要这等人去做。{SpM 226.4}
§37
In all the Lord’s arrangements, there is nothing more beautiful than His plan of giving to men and women a diversity of gifts. The church is His garden, adorned with a variety of trees, plants, and flowers. He does not expect the hyssop to assume the proportions of the cedar, nor the olive to reach the height of the stately palm. Many have received but a limited religious and intellectual training, but God has a work for this class to do, if they will labor in humility, trusting in Him.?{SpM 226.4}
§38
主已仁慈地使舍尔曼弟兄适合从事某项工作。不是所有的人都能做他藉着他的基督徒经验所能做的工作。他能在开辟新园地方面做杰出的工作，以一种谦卑的方式开始，在人们所在的地方会见他们，尽管他们可能粗俗又粗鲁。他既与基督同工，就能使自己适应形势，赢得许多人的心。他能竭力得人并把他们拉进园地。他能在许多地方发现机会向孩子和老人宣读和讲解圣经。他和他妻子能一起作工使人归主。主希望舍尔曼弟兄以实物教训向人们介绍真理的要点，命上加命，令上加令，这里一点，那里一点。他应当记住，主耶稣才是感动人心的那一位。要是他存谦卑的心与上帝同行，主就必继续使用他，赐给他健康和力量去从事指定给他的工作。{SpM 226.5}
§39
The Lord has graciously fitted Brother Shireman to do a certain work. Not all men can do the work that he by his Christian experience is able to do. He can do excellent work in opening new fields, beginning in a humble way, and meeting the people where they are, coarse and rough though they may be. Working with Christ, he can adapt himself to the situation, winning the hearts of many. He is able to reach after souls and to draw them into the field. In many places he can find opportunity to read and comment upon the Bible to children and to older people. He and his wife can labor together for the conversion of souls. The Lord desires Brother Shireman to present the important points of truth to the people, in object lessons, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. He is to remember that the Lord Jesus is the one who moves upon the heart. If he walks humbly with God, the Lord will continue to use him, giving him health and strength to do his appointed work.?{SpM 226.5}
§40
我们的弟兄应当在新园地里为其他人去工作预备道路。他的弟兄们不要指望他像他所做的那样，努力为机构获得资金，然后协助建立这些机构。这工作对一个人来说太难了。但是应该给他一切可能的鼓励，让他继续前进，并以谦卑的方式表明他对原则的忠诚和对上帝的正直。要让他在简单的祷告和谈话中说出真理。以他朴实无华的方式，他可以达到传道人们通常无法触及的阶层。{SpM 226.6}
§41
Our brother is to prepare the way in new fields for others to work. His brethren are not to expect him to do as he has done, working to obtain means for institutions, and afterward assisting to build them up. This is too hard a work for one man to do. But he should be given every possible encouragement to go forward and in his?humble way reveal his loyalty to principle and his integrity to God. Let the truth fall from his lips in simple prayers and talks. In his unpretentious way he can reach a class that ministers generally can not touch.?{SpM 226.6}
§42
舍尔曼弟兄和姐妹的危险是以为他们的才干足以使他们能够在我们的一所学校里去做所有必须完成的工作。他们不应当以为他们能做教育青少年的重要工作。这项工作必须由那些其才干和训练使他们适合成为教育者、能够给予学生完整教育的人来完成。他们不应当同意负起主并没有使他们适合担负的责任，而应当出去到别的地方，唤起一种兴趣，开始一项工作，与他们曾在希尔德布兰开始的工作相似。带着一些年轻的帮手和他们合作，他们就能使用开垦的犁，在新园地里准备土壤和播种。上帝必使之生长。{SpM 227.1}
§43
Brother and Sister Shireman’s danger is in supposing that their talents are sufficient to enable them to do all that must be done in one of our schools. They should not suppose that they can do the work that is essential in educating the youth. This work must be done by those whose talents and training fit them to be educators, enabling them to give the students a complete education. Instead of consenting to carry responsibilities that the Lord has not fitted them to carry, they should go out to other places to arouse an interest and to begin a work similar to the work begun at Hildebran. Taking with them some young helpers to cooperate with them, they could use the breaking-up plow, preparing the soil in new fields and sowing the seed. God will give the increase.?{SpM 227.1}
§44
持续一致的个人努力会带来成功的回报。那些想要在世上成就大量善工的人，必须乐于以上帝的方式，藉着做小事来成就大量善工。凡想藉着做某件伟大奇妙的事来达到最高成就的人，必定失败，一事无成。{SpM 227.2}
§45
Individual, constant, united efforts will bring the reward of success. Those who desire to do a great deal of good in our world must be willing to do it in God’s way by doing little things. He who wishes to reach the loftiest heights of achievement by doing something great and wonderful, will fail of doing anything.?{SpM 227.2}
§46
在一项善工上稳步前进，反复从事一项忠心的服务，在上帝看来，比做一项大工更有价值。它会为上帝的儿女赢得好名声，并使他们的努力获得成效。那些忠于上帝指定给他们的职责的人，不会是摇摆不定的。他们会有坚定的宗旨，不管美名恶名，都努力前进，无论得时不得时，都是随时待命。{SpM 227.3}
§47
Steady progress in a good work, the frequent repetition of one kind of faithful service, is of more value in God’s sight than the doing of one great work and wins for his children a good report, giving character to their efforts. Those who are true and faithful to their divinely-appointed duties, are not fitful, but steadfast in purpose, pressing their way through evil, as well as good, reports. They are instant in season and out of season.?{SpM 227.3}
§48
舍尔曼弟兄不应该以为自己有能力做最困难的工作，最伟大的服务。要让他做一件小工作，看着它在他的手下成长。在过去，主在他从事上帝赐给他的工作时赐福了他，要是他继续从事同样的工作，祂还会赐福他。要让他坚持从事他已因忠诚而获得成功的工作。{SpM 227.4}
§49
Brother Shireman is not to think that he has ability to do the most difficult work, the greatest service. Let him do a small work, and see it grow under his hand. In the past, the Lord has blessed him in doing his God-given work, and He will still bless him, if he continues to work in the same line. Let him keep at the work by which, through faithfulness, he has attained success.?{SpM 227.4}
§50
任何人都不要轻视最卑微的工作。天上的至尊基督，取了人类的本性，曾多年在木匠行业与约瑟一起工作。我想舍尔曼弟兄在希尔德布兰从事建筑工作的时候，常常意识到他是在与大工师同工，并且设法以他所知道的最佳方式从事作的工作，知道这就是基督所要求的。主耶稣是一位教育家，祂必不断地帮助我们的舍尔曼弟兄和姐妹变得越来越适合从事他们的工作。{SpM 227.5}
§51
Let no man despise the humblest of employments. Christ, the Majesty of heaven, assumed the nature of humanity, and for many years worked at the carpenter’s trade with Joseph. I presume that while working on the buildings at Hildebran, Brother Shireman has often realized that he was cooperating with the great Master Builder, and has tried to do his work in the best way that he knew how to do it, knowing that this is all that Christ requires. The Lord Jesus is an Educator, and He will constantly help our Brother and Sister Shireman to become better and still better fitted for their work.?{SpM 227.5}
§52
要告诉舍尔曼弟兄惟独倚靠上帝，祂必使他胜了又胜。要是他愿意从事指定给他的工作，使用所赐给他的才干，上帝的天使就会行在他前面。他应当鼓励别人与他联合起来从事开拓的工作，与他们一起计划成功地开辟新园地，建造简朴的教堂和学校建筑。他在教导别人去做他所做的事情时，就会从事一种最高性质的教育工作。{SpM 227.6}
§53
Tell Brother Shireman to put his trust in God alone, who will give him victory after victory. Angels of God will go before him, if he will do his appointed work, using the talent given him. Let?him encourage others to unite with him in pioneer work, planning with them to open new fields successfully and to erect humble church and school buildings. In teaching others to do what he has done, he will be engaged in an educational work of the highest character.{SpM 227.6}
§54
每一个与南方出版社有联系的人都需要涂上天国的眼药，这样他才能看得清楚。那些在上帝的服务中必须面对新园地的工作中总是会遇到的困难时，应当亲近上帝，上帝就必亲近他们。祂是我们的的天父：“在祂并没有改变，也没有转动的影儿”（雅1:17）。{SpM 228.1}
§55
Every one connected with the Southern Publishing House needs to have his eyes anointed with the heavenly eyesalve, in order that he may see things clearly. Let those in God’s service who must meet the difficulties that are always connected with the working of new fields, draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to them. He is our Heavenly Father, “with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” -?{SpM 228.1}
§56
每一个人的主要负担应当是灵与魂与身子的得救。每一个基督徒都努力积累真正的财富；因为在这里面有安全和安慰。他每年都将财宝积攒在他的家——天国银行里，而不是大肆投资于不确定的企业。他始终将委托给他的每一才干都用在上帝在地上的工作中，藉着利用它们来增加他的恩赐。他知道，无论他的才干是多是少，只将之用在上帝警告他的任何事上都不会使他变得富足。他并不将他的恩赐埋在属世的企业和不确定的项目上。他把主的钱投在圣工上，利用它来帮助救主获得祂所买来的产业。他认识到他受托钱财是要藉着拯救救主为之而死的人来推进和荣耀基督的国。{SpM 228.2}
§57
The chief burden of every human being is to be the salvation of body, soul and spirit. Every Christian strives to accumulate true riches; for in this there is safety and consolation. In the place of lavishly investing means in uncertain enterprises, he yearly lays up treasure in the Bank of Heaven, his home. He keeps in circulation in the work of God upon the earth every talent entrusted to him, increasing his gifts by trading upon them. He knows that he can not become rich in heavenly treasure by binding up his talents, be they few or many, in anything against which God has warned him. He does not hide his gifts in worldly enterprises and uncertain projects. He invests his Lord’s money in the cause, trading upon it to help the Saviour to secure his purchased possession. He realizes that he is entrusted with means to use for the advancement and glory of Christ’s kingdom by saving the souls for whom the Saviour died.?{SpM 228.2}
§58
怀爱伦（签名）Ellen G. White.