《大西洋书报员》（Canvasser）文章（1890）
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《大西洋书报员》（Canvasser）文章（1890）
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THE ATLANTIC CANVASSER
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1890年12月1日December 11, 1890最好的工作方法
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The Best Manner of Working
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在传扬真理时，传道士讲道或书报员开展工作如果使用更多的机智与谨慎，就会有更多的效果。由于疏忽了这一点，许多人对我们的信仰和道理有了误解。要是给他们的第一印象更为有利，他们原不会这样。我们的责任是尽量通过个人的努力接近高层人士。这样的工作并不会排斥穷人和下层阶级，但无论地位高低，人都有机会从圣经的真理中得益。如果我们自己的话语和生活显示了上帝的真理提炼人心的影响，熟悉我们的人会看到，圣经的宗教决不会贬低接受的人。他们一旦接受了真理，就会意识到自己有责任和义务作耶稣基督在地上的代表。从心里顺服上帝的真理，会不断地使接受的人得到升华、精炼和提高。不是世俗的智慧，而是上帝所赐的智慧教导我们以能够接触上层人士的方式来呈现真理。他们悔改以后，会发挥对真理有利的影响，用上帝交托他们的才干和钱财来帮助支持真理。我们对同胞所负的责任，使我们有义务根据我们所接受的真理，发挥我们的才能，并把资金交给兑换银钱的人。通过争取人归向耶稣基督——争取那些身居要职的人，他们的影响力会达到上帝赋予更大行善能力的上层人士，我们的才干将会倍增。即使只争取到一个人，我们工作的影响也是深远的；我们的资金交给了兑换银钱的人，正在不断地增加。{Canvasser December 11, 1890, par. 1}
§6
If more tact and discretion were used in the presentation of the truth, by ministers in their discourses and by the canvassers in their work, much more would be accomplished than we now see. Because of a neglect in this direction, many have a misconception of our faith and doctrine which they would never have formed if their first impressions had been more favorable. It is our duty to get as close to the people in high places as we can by personal efforts. Such labor will not exclude the poorer and lower classes, but both high and low will have an opportunity to be benefited by the truths of the Bible. If our own words and lives show the refining influence of the truth of God upon the heart, those who become acquainted with us will see that the religion of the Bible never degrades the receiver, and as they accept the truth they will perceive the duties and responsibilities resting upon them in their turn to be representatives of Jesus Christ upon the earth. The truth of God, obeyed from the heart, is constantly elevating, refining, and ennobling the receiver. It is not worldly wisdom, but God-given wisdom that teaches us to present the truth in such a manner that it will reach the higher classes, who will when converted to the truth exert an influence in its favor, and who will help to sustain it with their intrusted talents of influence and means. The duty we owe to our fellowmen places us under obligations to put out our talents, in the light of truth which we have received, as well as the talents of means to the exchangers. By winning souls to Jesus Christ,—souls who are in responsible positions, and whose influence can be a power to reach men and women of the higher classes whom God has seen fit to intrust with large capacity for doing good,—talents will be doubled. The influence of our work, even though it be through but one soul gained, is far-reaching; our talent is out to the exchanger, and is constantly increasing. {Canvasser December 11, 1890, par. 1}
§7
从事圣工的工人不应该觉得惟一可行的办法是不论在什么地方直截了当地告诉人们安息日复临信徒所持守的一切真理和要道问题，这么做一开始就会使他们塞住耳朵，从而达不到所追求的目标。上帝希望你们像羊羔在狼群中间，灵巧像蛇，驯良像鸽子。他们必须把自己的观念放在一边，随从上帝之灵的引导。他们必须把自己的观念放在一边，随从上帝之灵的引导。他们不应觉得要随时随地对不信的人传上帝所有的真理，而要仔细计划该说什么，不该说什么。这不是欺骗，而是像保罗那样工作。他说：“. 我虽是自由的，无人辖管，然而我甘心作了众人的仆人，为要多得人。 向犹太人，我就作犹太人，为要得犹太人。向律法以下的人，我虽不在律法以下，还是作律法以下的人，为要得律法以下的人。向没有律法的人，我就作没有律法的人，为要得没有律法的人。其实我在上帝面前，不是没有律法，在基督面前，正在律法之下。向软弱的人，我就作软弱的人，为要得软弱的人。向什么样的人，我就作什么样的人。无论如何，总要救些人”（林前9：19-22）。保罗并没有以一种会引起偏见的方式接近犹太人。他并没有冒险使他们成为他的敌人，告诉他们必须信靠拿撒勒人耶稣；反而详细讲述旧约圣经中见证弥赛亚及其使命和工作的预言和应许。他一步一步地引导他们，向他们说明尊荣上帝律法的重要性。他也给了仪文律法应得的尊敬，说明基督原是设立整个献祭崇祀制度的那一位。在详细讲述了这些事之后，他既表明自己对这些事有清楚的认识，就把听众带到基督的第一次降临，说明被钉的耶稣应验了仪文律法的细节。他向他们说明从髑髅地的十字架发出的光辉如何赋予整个犹太制度意义和荣耀。他就这样改变自己的工作方式，总是因地制宜地形成他的信息；然而，虽然在耐心作工之后，他在很大程度上取得了成功，但还是有许多人不愿意信服。无论以什么方法传讲适合现代的特别真理，有些人也不愿意信服。虽然如此，为上帝作工的人应该仔细研究最佳方法，以便不至引起不必要的偏见，激起听众心中好斗的精神。他要向人们证明，他是一个真正的基督徒，光明正大，渴望和平而不是冲突；他爱他们的灵魂。这样他就能赢得人们的信任。 {Canvasser December 11, 1890, par. 2}
§8
The workers in the cause should not feel that the only way they can work is to make known all points of doctrine as held by Seventh-day Adventists, at once, and in every place. Such a course would close the ears of the people at the outset, and frustrate the end sought. God would have his workers be as lambs among wolves, wise as serpents, but harmless as doves. Their own ideas must be laid aside, and they must follow the direction of the Spirit of God. They should not feel that all the truth of God is to be spoken to unbelievers on any and every occasion, but should plan carefully what to say and what to leave unsaid. This is not practicing deception; it is working as Paul worked. He says, “For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; to them that are without the law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” He did not approach the Jews in a way to stir up their prejudice. He did not run the risk of making them his enemies by telling them the first thing that they must believe on Jesus of Nazareth; but he dwelt on the promises of the Old Testament scriptures, which testified of Christ, of his mission, and of his work. Thus he led them along step by step, showing them the importance of honoring the law of God. He also gave due honor to the ceremonial law, showing that Christ was the one that instituted the whole Jewish economy of sacrificial service. After dwelling upon these things, evincing that he had a clear understanding of them himself, he brought them down to the first advent of Christ, and proved that in the crucified Jesus every specification had been fulfilled. This was the wisdom that Paul exercised. He approached the Gentiles, not by exalting the law at first, but by exalting Christ, and then showing the binding claims of the law. He showed them plainly how the light that was reflected from the cross of Calvary gave significance and glory to the whole Jewish system. Thus he varied his manner of labor, always shaping his message to the circumstances under which he was placed; and, yet, though after patient labor he was successful to a large degree, many would not be convinced. There are some who will not be convinced by any method of presenting the truth. The laborer for God should, nevertheless, study carefully the best method, in order that he may not arouse prejudice or stir up combativeness unnecessarily. Let him give the people evidence that he is a true Christian, conscientious, desiring peace and not strife, and that he has a love for their souls. Thus the confidence of the people will be gained. {Canvasser December 11, 1890, par. 2}
§9
基督对祂的门徒说过：“我还有好些事要告诉你们，但你们现在担当不了”（约16:12）。有许多事祂并没有告诉他们，因为他们的教育和观念会使他们思想混乱，产生难以消除的质疑和不信。{Canvasser December 11, 1890, par. 3}
§10
Christ said to his disciples, “I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.” There were many things he did not say to them because their education and ideas were of such a character that his instruction would have confused their minds, and raised questioning and unbelief that it would have been difficult to remove. {Canvasser December 11, 1890, par. 3}
§11
上帝的工人必须成为多面手，有宽宏的品格，而不是片面、工作方式刻板、一成不变的人，看不见也意识不到他们的言语和宣扬真理的方法必须因人而异、因地制宜。所有的人都应该不断地設法削弱自己突出的特性，並加強点自己的弱項，從而讓思想平衡。他们若要成为有用、成功的工人，这样做是必要的。上帝希望祂的仆人，无论年老的还是年轻的，不断地改进，更好地学习如何与人接触。他们不应该安于现状，认为自己的方法是完美的，其他人必须像他们一样工作。我们所有的方法和计划都应该带着神圣的印记。{Canvasser December 11, 1890, par. 4}
§12
God’s workmen must be many-sided men; that is, they must have breadth of character. They must not be one-sided men, stereotyped in their manner of working, getting into a groove where they are unable to see that their words and manner of labor must vary to suit the class of people they are with, and the circumstances they have to meet. All should be constantly seeking to subdue their own prominent characteristics and educate their weaker powers, so that the mind may be evenly balanced. This is necessary, if they make useful, successful laborers. God would have his servants, old and young, continually improving, learning better how to reach the people. They should not settle down contented, thinking that their ways are perfect, and that others must work just as they work. All our methods and plans should bear the divine mold. {Canvasser December 11, 1890, par. 4}
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(待续)(To be continued.)1890年12月18日December 18, 1890最好的工作方法
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The Best Manner of Working
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(Concluded from last week.)
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奉命在新的传道区开始工作的人要注意别将自己的缺点尊崇为美德，从而阻碍上帝的工作。我们带到人前的是考验性真理。要千方百计让这些真理本着道德之美屹立在我们的工作对象面前。工人不应该把自己的品格和行为带到真理之中。不要把你自己的方式当作上帝的方式编织进祂的圣工中。要把自己放在背后。不要让上帝的工作显得平庸，而要保持其神圣的特性。要让它像是从上帝本身中显现出来。要让它带着上帝的形象，而不是人的形象。自我要在耶稣里消失不见。要有开阔的心胸，在你们的一切计划中将圣工安置在高处，与其重要性相称。{Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 1}
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Those who are appointed to open the work in new fields should be careful that their defects are not exalted into virtues, thus retarding the work of God. It is testing truths that we are bringing before the people, and in every effort these truths should be elevated in all their moral beauty before those for whom we labor. The laborer should not throw about the truth the peculiarities of his own character and manners. Let not your own ways be woven into God’s work as God’s ways. Keep self in the background. Do not let the work of God become common, but preserve its sacred character. Let it stand forth as from God himself. Let it bear no human impress, but the impress of the Divine. Self must be lost sight of in Jesus. Make broad calculations. In your plans, place the work of God as high as its importance demands. {Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 1}
§18
由于随从这些狭隘的计划，使我们的人蒙受了很大的损失，不能接触到高层人士。工作的外表，给不信之人的心留下的印象是没什么价值——不过是一些旁门枝节的宗教理论，不值得他们的注意。由于缺乏聪明的工作方法，损失很大。应当尽各种努力，使我们的工作有尊严与特色。应当作出特别的努力，去获得处于负责地位之人的好感，不是藉着牺牲真理或公义的任何一项原则，而是藉着放弃我们在接近人时自己的方法，采用上帝的方法。{Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 2}
§19
Much has been lost by our people by following such narrow plans that the higher classes were not reached. The appearance of the work has impressed the minds of unbelievers as being of very little worth—some stray offshoot of religious theory, entirely beneath their notice. Much has also been lost through lack of wise methods of labor. Every effort should be made to give dignity and character to the work. Special effort should be made to secure the good will of men in responsible positions; and this can be done, not by sacrificing any principle of truth or righteousness, but by simply giving up our own way of approaching the people, and following God’s way. {Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 2}
§20
需要大智慧才能争取传道人和有影响的人。我们的人确实忽视或掠过了这些人，为什么要这样呢？这些人要向上帝负的责任与委托给他们的人力资本相当。岂不该更多研究，更多谦卑祈祷以求智慧，好争取这些阶层的人吗？向谁多托，就向谁多要。所以我们岂不该有智慧和机智，用来争取这些人归于耶稣基督吗？他们若是回转了，就会成为主手中磨光的工具，去争取他人。我们必须得着主的帮助，以便知道如何高明地从事祂的工作。{Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 3}
§21
It requires much wisdom to reach ministers and men of influence. But why should they be neglected as they have been by our people? These men are responsible to God just in proportion to the capital of talents intrusted to them. Should there not be a deeper study, and much more humble prayer for wisdom, that we may learn how to reach these classes? Where much is given, much will be required. Then should not wisdom and tact be used to gain these souls, who, if truly converted, will, through their educated ability, be polished instruments in the hands of the Lord to reach others? We must have the Lord’s help in order to know how to do this work skillfully. {Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 3}
§22
上帝有一项工作要做成，是工人们还没有充分领会的。他们的信息要传给传道人和世间的智士哲人，因为这些人要经受现代真理亮光的考验。要本着第三位天使信息原有的尊严明智而审慎地将之摆在这世界有学问的人面前。必须极其恳切地寻求上帝，极其彻底地进行研究；因为要将脑力用到极致才能制定符合主命令的计划，将祂的工作置于它应该总是处于的高而又高的平台。人们狭小的思想和计划已经束缚和削弱了圣工。{Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 4}
§23
God has a work to be done which the workers have not yet fully comprehended. Ministers and worldly-wise men are to be tested by the light of present truth. The third angel’s message is to be set forth before the learned ones of this world, judiciously, in its native dignity. There must be most earnest seeking of God, most thorough study; for the mental powers will be taxed to the utmost in laying plans which will place the work of God on a more elevated platform. That is where it should always have stood, but men’s little ideas and narrow plans have limited and lowered it. {Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 4}
§24
在作出最诚恳的努力把真理传给那些上帝所托以重大责任的人之后，如果他们拒绝了真理，你也不要灰心。在基督的日子，真理也是遭人拒绝的。T要藉着秩序井然的计划和虔诚的言谈保持圣工的尊严。不要担心你把标准提得太高了。从事传道工作的家庭应该接近人心。耶稣的精神应充满工人的心中；愉快同情的话语，热爱他人灵魂的无私表现，会打破骄傲和自私的屏障，向不信的人表明我们有基督的爱；然后真理就必找到进入人心的路径。这就是我们的工作，也是上帝计划的实现。要抛弃一切粗鄙和不雅，保持谦让，文雅和基督化的礼貌。要谨防变成唐突鲁莽的人。不可视这些癖性为美德；因为上帝不这样看。要尽力避免不必要地得罪与我们信仰不同的人。非到必要的时候，决不要强调我们信仰中不受人欢迎的特色。那样做只会给圣工带来损害。{Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 5}
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And after most earnest efforts have been made to bring the truth before those whom God has intrusted with large responsibilities, be not discouraged if they reject it. Truth was rejected in the days of Christ. Be sure to maintain the dignity of the work by well-ordered plans and a godly conversation. Never be afraid of elevating the standard too high. The families who engage in this missionary work should come close to hearts. The spirit of Jesus should pervade the souls of the workers; for it is the pleasant, sympathetic words, the manifestation of disinterested love for souls, that will break down the barriers of pride and selfishness, and show to unbelievers that we have the love of Christ, and then the truth will find its way to their hearts. This is our work and the fulfilling of God’s plans. All coarseness and roughness must be purged from us. Courtesy, refinement, and Christian politeness must be cherished. Guard against being abrupt and blunt. Do not regard such peculiarities as virtues, for God does not so regard them. But seek in all things not to offend those who are not of our faith. Never make the most objectionable features of our faith stand out prominently, when there is no call for it. Such a course is only an injury to the cause. {Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 5}
§26
人人都当追求上帝之灵软化人、折服人的感化力，基督化的温柔和对生灵的爱。那些奉派出去一起作工的人，应该撇弃自我，把自己的癖性放在一边，追求同心合意地执行上帝的旨意。为要使工作取得进步，他们必须和谐同工。我们需要更多的、多而又多的基督的精神，更少的、少而又少的自我和使我们与同胞远离的品格特性。我们通过在自己的生活中彰显基督的恩典，可以在很大程度上拆毁这些障碍。耶稣已把祂的货财一个时代又一个时代地托付给教会。一个世代又一个世代一直在积累起这份世袭的委托，不断增加的责任一直传到我们这个时代的人。我们意识到自己的责任了吗?我们认识到自己是上帝恩典的管家吗?我们是否相信，最卑微、最谦恭的事奉，只要不是按照我们自己的意愿，而是按照我们主的意愿，就能增进祂的荣耀?我们务必不可穿着自己的衣服，而要穿着基督公义的全副军装。{Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 6}
§27
All should seek to have the softening, subduing influence of the Spirit of God in the heart,—Christ-like tenderness and love for souls. Those who are sent out to labor together should put away their peculiar notions and set ideas, and seek to labor together, heart and soul, to carry out God’s will. They must plan to work in harmony in order to work to advantage. We want more, much more, of the Spirit of Christ, and less, much less, of self and the peculiarities of character which build up a wall to keep us apart from our fellow-men. We can do much to break down these barriers by revealing the graces of Christ in our lives. Jesus has been trusting his goods to the church, age after age. One generation after another for over eighteen hundred years have been gathering up their hereditary trust until the increasing responsibilities have descended to our time. Do we realize our responsibilities? Do we feel that we are stewards of God’s grace? Do we believe that the lowliest, humblest service may be consecrated, if it is only exercised in doing, not our own will, but our Master’s will, to promote his glory? We want to be clothed, not in our own garments, but in the whole armor of Christ’s righteousness. {Canvasser December 18, 1890, par. 6}