第79章 青年人要担负重任
§1
第79章 青年人要担负重任
§2
The Youth to Be Burden Bearers
§3
“少年人哪，我曾写信给你们，因为你们刚强，上帝的道常存在你们心里；你们也胜了那恶者”（约壹2:14）。{CT 535.1}[1]
§4
“I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”?1 John 2:14.?{CT 535.1}[1]
§5
为了推展各部门的圣工，上帝呼召朝气蓬勃，勇敢热情的青年人。祂已经挑选青年人来帮助推进祂的圣工。为了有条不紊地制订计划并坚决果断地贯彻执行，就需要有活泼健全的精力。上帝邀请男女青年将青春的精力奉献给祂，以便运用自己的才干，进行敏锐的思想和积极的工作，来荣耀上帝拯救同胞。{CT 535.2}[2]
§6
In order that the work may go forward in all its branches, God calls for youthful vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the youth to aid in the advancement of His cause. To plan with clear mind and execute with courageous hand demands fresh, uncrippled energies. Young men and women are invited to give God the strength of their youth, that through the exercise of their powers, through keen thought and vigorous action, they may bring glory to Him and salvation to their fellow men.?{CT 535.2}[2]
§7
而对着如此崇高的恩召，我们中间的青年就不可寻欢作乐，为满足私欲而生活。他们应当以救灵为自己行为的动机。他们应常靠着上帝所赐的力量，摆脱一切束缚他们的恶劣习惯。他们必须谨慎自己所行的道路。切记他们无论走什么道路，别人都会跟上来。我们没有一个人是为自己而活的。我们的一举一动都有或善或恶的影响。因此使徒劝青年人要谨守。他们若真记住自己是基督的同工，并要象祂那样克己牺牲、忍耐、仁爱的活，他们怎能一意孤行呢？{CT 535.3}[3]
§8
In view of their high calling, the youth among us should not seek for amusement, or live for selfish gratification. The salvation of souls is to be the motive that inspires them to action. In their God-given strength they are to rise above every enslaving, debasing habit. They are to ponder well the paths of their feet, remembering that where they lead the way, others will follow. No one lives to himself; all exert an influence for good or for evil. Because of this, the apostle exhorts young men to be sober-minded. How can they be otherwise when they remember that they are to be co-workers with Christ, partakers with Him of His self-denial and sacrifice, His forbearance and gracious benevolence??{CT 535.3}[3]
§9
保罗对提摩太所说的话，也同样是对今日的青年人说的：“你当竭力在上帝面前得蒙喜悦，作无愧的工人，按着正意分解真理的道。”“你要逃避少年的私欲，同那清心祷告主的人追求公义、信德、仁爱、和平。”“总要在言语、行为、爱心、信心、清洁上，都作信徒的榜样”(提后2:15,22；提前4:12)。{CT 535.4}[4]
§10
To the youth of today, as surely as to Timothy, are spoken the words, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.”2 Timothy 2:15, 22. “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”?1 Timothy 4:12.?{CT 536.4}[4]
§11
我们中间担负责任的人渐渐地去世了。那些最初推进本会所创立之改革的人，有许多已经年过半百，体力渐衰。在深切感慨之余，我们不能不发问，谁来接替他们的位置呢？当前辈的真理旗手倒下去时，可以委托谁担负教会的重要职务呢？我们不能不焦急地期望着今日的青年。他们必须负起这担子。这些责任必须落在他们身上。他们应当接续前人所留下的工作。他们的行动将要决定，是道德宗教和实际的敬虔占优势呢，还是不道德的事和不信之风，腐化和败坏一切。{CT 536.1}[5]
§12
The burden bearers among us are falling in death. Many of those who have been foremost in carrying out the reforms instituted by us as a people are now past the meridian of life and are declining in physical and mental strength. With the deepest concern the question may be asked, Who will fill their places? To whom are to be committed the vital interests of the church, when the present standard-bearers fall? We can but look anxiously upon the youth of today as those who must take these burdens, and upon whom responsibilities must fall. These must take up the work where others leave it, and their course will determine whether morality, religion, and vital godliness shall prevail, or whether immorality and infidelity shall corrupt and blight all that is valuable.?{CT 536.1}[5]
§13
年长的人应当履行社会和他们的创造主所托付给他们的责任，以教训和榜样教育青年人。这些青年人必须担负重大的责任。他们能不能管理自己，并本着上帝所赐的纯洁人格，憎恨一切邪情恶俗呢？从来没有象今日这样大的利害关系，有待正在登上舞台的一代新人来决定。{CT 536.2}[6]
§14
Those who are older must educate the youth, by precept and example, to discharge the claims that society and their Maker have upon them. Upon these youth must be laid grave responsibilities. The question is, Are they capable of governing themselves, and standing forth in the purity of their God-given manhood, abhorring everything that savors of wickedness??{CT 536.2}[6]
§15
我们现在所处的时候，就是空前紧要的。今日担负责任之人使命的成果，也是空前重大的。青年人决不可以为他们无须具备优良的品格，就能充当任何重要的职分。这种想法正好比要从荆棘枝头摘葡萄，在蒺藜丛中采无花果一样。{CT 536.3}[7]
§16
Never before was there so much at stake; never were there results so mighty depending upon a generation as upon these now coming upon the stage of action. Not for one moment should the youth think that they can acceptably fill any position of trust without possessing a good character. Just as well might they expect to gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles.?{CT 536.3}[7]
§17
良好的品格是一砖一砖砌成的。那些使青年人在上帝圣工中取得成功的特质，必须通过殷勤地运用自己的才干，利用上头所赐的每一机会，与一切智慧的源头保持联络，才能获得。他们不可满足于低标准。约瑟与但以理的品格乃是他们所当效法的好榜样。救主的生活更是他们完美的模范。{CT 537.1}[8]
§18
A good character must be built up brick by brick. Those characteristics which will enable the youth to labor successfully in God’s cause must be obtained by the diligent exercise of their faculties, by improving every advantage Providence gives them, and by connecting with the Source of all wisdom. They must be satisfied with no low standard. The characters of Joseph and Daniel are good models for them to follow; and in the life of the Saviour they have a perfect pattern.?{CT 537.1}[8]
§19
人人都有机会培育品格。在上帝的大计划中，每一个人都有一定的地位。撒母耳自幼就蒙主悦纳，因为他的心灵是纯洁的。他被献给上帝作为圣洁的礼物，主就使他成为传授真光的媒介。今日的青年若能象撒母耳一样献身成圣，上帝也必悦纳他们，在祂的工作中使用他们。他们也能象诗人一样论到自己的一生说：“上帝啊，自我年幼时祢就教训我；直到如今，我传扬祢奇妙的作为”(诗71:17)。{CT 537.2}[9]
§20
All are given an opportunity to develop character. All may fill their appointed places in God’s great plan. The Lord accepted Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure. He was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him a channel of light. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work. Of their life they may be able to say with the psalmist, “O God, Thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Thy wondrous works.”?Psalm 71:17.?{CT 537.2}[9]
§21
青年人不久就要担负老年工人现在所担负的责任。我们已经浪费了光阴，忽略给青年人以踏实而有用的教育。上帝的圣工在不停地前进，我们必须服从命令，往前走！现今正需要一班男女青年，坚决不为环境所动，与上帝同行，时时祷告，并竭尽全力收集一切真光的人。{CT 537.3}[10]
§22
The youth must soon bear the burdens that older workers are now carrying. We have lost time in neglecting to give young men a solid, practical education. The cause of God is constantly progressing, and we must obey the command, Go forward. There is need of young men and women who will not be swayed by circumstances, who walk with God, who pray much, and who put forth earnest efforts to gather all the light they can.?{CT 537.3}[10]
§23
上帝的工人应当充分利用来自天性，教育，上帝恩典所赋于他的高尚心智和道德的力量。然而他的成功却是取决于他在工作中献身与牺牲的程度，而不是取决于他的天赋和教育。人固然需要借着诚恳和不断的努力造就自己成为合用的器皿，但若没有上帝与人合作，人就不能有好成就。没有上帝的恩典，人的一切努力都是徒然的。上帝的恩典乃是救人能力的最大要素。{CT 537.4}[11]
§24
The worker for God should put forth the highest mental and moral energies with which nature, cultivation, and the grace of God have endowed him; but his?success will be proportionate to the degree of consecration and self-sacrifice in which his work is done, rather than to either natural or acquired endowments. Earnest, continuous endeavor to acquire qualifications for usefulness is necessary; but unless God works with humanity, nothing good can be accomplished. Divine grace is the great element of saving power; without it all human effort is unavailing.?{CT 537.4}[11]
§25
无论何时主若要作成一项工作，祂不仅呼召发号施令的，而也呼召一切的工人。今日祂正呼召身强力壮，精力旺盛的男女青年。祂希望他们以全付精力，与那些“执政的、掌权的、以及空中属灵气的恶魔争战”。但他们必须先有必要的准备。有些青年人坚决要参加工作，但事实上又不适于作工。他们不明白自己必须先受教，然后才能去教别人。他们或者要指着那些没有受多大准备而在工作中有成就的人为证。殊不知这些人所有的成就都是因为他们全心全意工作的结果。他们若事先受过合宜的训练，他们的工作就会取得更大的成效！{CT 538.1}[12]
§26
Whenever the Lord has a work to be done, He calls not only for the commanding officers, but for all the workers. Today He is calling for young men and women who are strong and active in mind and body. He desires them to bring into the conflict against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places their fresh, healthy powers of brain, bone, and muscle. But they must have the needed preparation. Some young men are urging their way into the work who have no real fitness for it. They do not understand that they need to be taught before they can teach. They point to men who with little preparation have labored with a measure of success. But if these men were successful, it was because they put heart and soul into the work. And how much more effective their labors might have been if at the first they had received suitable training!?{CT 538.1}[12]
§27
上帝的圣工需要有效能的工人。教育与训练既然被认为是从事一般职业所必要的预备，那么向在人传扬最后慈怜信息的工作，更需要何等充分的准备啊！这种训练不是单从听道而来的。我们的青年人要在我们的学校中为上帝挑起重担来。他们要在有经验的教师之下受充分的训练。他们应当充分利用学习时间，并实践他们所得到的知识。一个人若想在上帝圣工的任何部门中作一个成功的传道人或有效的工人，就必须努力学习，努力工作。我们必须善于运用上帝所赋与我们的恩赐，不断增进其效能。{CT 538.2}[13]
§28
The cause of God needs efficient men. Education and training are rightly regarded as an essential preparation for business life; and how much more essential is thorough preparation for the work of presenting the last message of mercy to the world! This training cannot be gained by merely listening to preaching. In our schools our youth are to bear burdens for God. They are to?receive a thorough training under experienced teachers. They should make the best possible use of their time in study, and put into practice the knowledge acquired. Hard study and hard work are required to make a successful minister or a successful worker in any branch of God’s cause. Nothing less than constant cultivation will develop the value of the gifts that God has bestowed for wise improvement.?{CT 538.2}[13]
§29
我们的青年往往在没有充分明白圣经，并不懂应如何清楚地传扬我们信仰的时候，就开始传道，以致造成损害。一些人进入工作园地时，对于圣经还不熟悉，他们在别的事上也不懂行，无效能。他们诵读圣经时，还免不了期期艾艾，含糊其词，杂乱无章，糟蹋上帝的圣言。凡不能正确朗读圣经的人，应当学习如何朗读，善于教训，然后才可以站在公众面前。{CT 539.1}[14]
§30
A great injury is often done our young men by permitting them to begin to preach when they have not sufficient knowledge of the Scriptures to present our faith in an intelligent manner. Some who enter the field are novices in the Scriptures. In other things also they are incompetent and inefficient. They cannot read the Scriptures without hesitating, mispronouncing words, and jumbling them together in such a manner that the word of God is abused. Those who cannot read correctly should learn to do so, and should become apt to teach, before they attempt to stand before the public.?{CT 539.1}[14]
§31
我们学校的教师必须勤奋学习，预备好教导别人。这些教师若不是经过严格的考试，他们的教学才干若非经过合格考查，就不应录用。对于传道人的考试也当这样。凡即将参加圣工向世人教导圣经真理的人，必须受忠心而有经验之人的细心考问。{CT 539.2}[15]
§32
The teachers in our schools are obliged to apply themselves closely to study, that they may be prepared to instruct others. These teachers are not accepted until they have passed a critical examination, and their capabilities to teach have been tested by competent judges. No less caution should be used in the examination of ministers; those who are about to enter upon the sacred work of teaching Bible truth to the world should be carefully examined by faithful, experienced men.?{CT 539.2}[15]
§33
我们学校的教学，不可以与其他大学或神学院一样。它不可是低标准的。那为预备一班人在上帝大日站立得住的必要知识，应当作为最主要的学科，要使学生不但在今生，而且在来生为上帝服务。上帝要我们的学校预备学生进入所要承受的国度，如此，他们就得以预备加入得赎之民圣洁喜乐的和谐队伍之中。{CT 539.3}[16]
§34
The teaching in our schools is not to be the same as in other colleges and seminaries. It is not to be of an inferior order; the knowledge essential to prepare a people to?stand in the great day of God is to be made the all-important theme. The students are to be fitted to serve God, not only in this life, but in the future life. The Lord requires that our schools shall fit students for the kingdom to which they are bound. Thus they will be prepared to blend in the holy, happy harmony of the redeemed.?{CT 539.3}[16]
§35
许多教师有使自己的训练机械化刻板化的危险。以仪文服务来代替真心的工作乃是危险的。这样宗教就只成为一种形式。我们学校中的学生，教会中的信徒，需要比这更深入的东西。偏重知识性的宗教不能满足心灵。知识训练是不可忽视的，可是这是不够的。必须教导学生，他们在这个世界上是要为上帝工作的。必须教导他们使自己的意志服从上帝的旨意。{CT 540.1}[17]
§36
Many teachers are in danger of making their training mechanical. There is danger that a ceremonial service will take the place of genuine heart work. Thus religion will become little more than a form. The students in our schools, the members of our churches, need something deeper than this. An intellectual religion will not satisfy the soul. Intellectual training must not be neglected, but it is not sufficient. Students must be taught that they are in this world to do service for God. They must be taught to place the will on the side of God’s will.?{CT 540.1}[17]
§37
那些受过服务工作训练的人，现在应当迅速参加上帝的圣工。现今需要挨家挨户作工的人。上帝呼召人到那些尚不知道圣经真理的人那里去认真作工。需要在人们家庭中唱诗，祈祷，查经。现今正是顺从救主指示的时候：“凡我所吩咐你们的，都教训他们遵守。”(太28：20)凡从事这项工作的人，必须熟悉圣经。“经上记着说”这一句话，应当作为他们防御的武器。上帝已光照了祂的圣言，使我们可以把这光转照他人。基督所讲的真理定能刺透人心。无论何处，人若忠心工作，“耶和华如此说，”这一句话就必有力地达到人的耳中，并要结出果子来。1882年。{CT 540.2}[18]
§38
Let those who have been trained for service now take their places quickly in the Lord’s work. House-to-house laborers are needed. The Lord calls for decided efforts to be put forth in places where the people know nothing of Bible truth. Singing and prayer and Bible readings are needed in the homes of the people. Now, just now, is the time to obey the commission, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”?Matthew 28:20. Those who do this work must have a ready knowledge of the Scriptures. “It is written” is to be their weapon of defense. God has given us light on His word, that we may give this light to our fellow men. The truth spoken by Christ will reach hearts. A “Thus saith the Lord” will fall upon the ear with power, and fruit will appear wherever honest service is done.1882.?{CT 540.2}[18]