第03章 给非洲布道士的勉言
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第03章 给非洲布道士的勉言
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Chap. 3—Counsel to Missionaries in Africa
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（1890年3月写于密歇根州巴特尔克里克）
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在非洲园地担任传道士的亲爱弟兄们：你们不都有一样的品格印记，各人都会倾向于认为工作必须按照自己的想法和见解受塑造。你们自己不知不觉就会怀有这种精神，你们会设法介绍自己的方法。工人们应该先获得基督的恩典，这样他们才能使自己沉没不见；然后才会有团结，甚至在性情不同的人之间也能达成一致。在你们任何一个人在去非洲作传道士之前，我蒙指示看到你们的工作会有困难，不一定是因为工人们的性情各不不同，而是因为各人都看自己比别人强。弟兄们在性情和对工作的看法上明显不同，以致各人非但不改变自己强硬的品性，反而有离心离德的危险。这种疏离会在新归正的人中间留下一种影响，阻碍工作，羞辱上帝。{TSA 21.1}[1]
§5
Battle Creek, Michigan March, 1890 Dear brethren now labouring as missionaries in the field of Africa: You have not all the same stamp of character, and each will be inclined to think that the work must be moulded according to his own ideas and views. Unconsciously to yourselves, this spirit will be cherished, and you will seek to introduce methods of your own. The workers should first obtain the grace of Christ, so they will be enabled to sink self out of sight; then there will be unity, even among a diversity of dispositions. Before any of you went to Africa as missionaries, it was shown me that there would be difficulty in your labours, not necessarily because the workers were so differently constituted, but because of each esteeming himself above his brethren. The brethren varied so evidently in organization and in their views of the work, that each, instead of modifying his own strong traits of character, would be in danger of drawing away from the others, and this drawing apart would leave an influence among the new converts that would retard the work and dishonour God.?{TSA 21.1}[1]
§6
你们确实是与上帝同工的，你们愿意认真地追求回应基督的祈祷，使你们能合而为一，像祂与父原为一吗？要消除你们中间的分歧。当各人都想要偏行己路，蔑视别人的方法时，就会给工作带来大混乱。各人都变得灰心了，而这会使其他对分歧敏感的人灰心。于是就立了一个坏的榜样，尤其是在新园地，那里的一切行动都应像纪律严明的机构，一个人的工作与另一个人的工作相匹配，从而显明你们是上帝的器具。你们若充分认识到上帝工作的重要性，就不会行事彼此反对了。{TSA 21.2}[2]
§7
You are indeed labourers together with God, and will you seek most earnestly to answer the prayer of Christ that you may be one as He is one with the Father? Let there be no dissensions among you. When each wants to have his own way, disparaging the methods of others, the tendency is to bring great confusion into the work. Each becomes discouraged, and this leads to the discouragement of others who are quick to discern any variance. This is a bad example to set, especially in a new field, where everything should move like well-regulated machinery, the work of one matching the work of another, thus manifesting that you are?God’s instrument. If you fully realize the importance of God’s work, you will not work in opposition one to another.?{TSA 21.2}[2]
§8
要小心你们如何建造，因为这是为现世也是为永恒而建造。要一起商量；不要独立行动或彼此反对。基督是我们永活的元首，我们是祂身上的肢体，大家全都倚赖头。我们主的计划并不是让祂身上的任何一个肢体因缺乏适当的运用而受苦；因为若有一个肢体受苦，所有肢体就与它一同受苦；若有一个肢体得蒙上帝启迪和尊荣，所有肢体就都欢喜快乐。每一个肢体都从同一个源头得到生命和工作能力，就是“基督，全身都靠祂联络得合式，百节各按各职，照着各体的功用彼此相助，便叫身体渐渐增长，在爱中建立自己”（弗4:16）。“眼不能对手说：‘我用不着你；’头也不能对脚说：‘我用不着你。’不但如此，身上肢体人以为软弱的，更是不可少的”（林前12:21,22）。“因为我们是与上帝同工的；你们是上帝所耕种的田地，所建造的房屋”（林前3:9）。每一个工人都要尽力使用上帝所赐的能力，推进基督在地上的国度。我们各人在态度举止上都有个性，而这原是应当的；但这不应妨碍我们完全和谐地一起工作。{TSA 22.1}[3]
§9
Be careful how you build, for it is for time and for eternity. Counsel together, have your seasons of prayer together; make no move independently or in opposition to one another. Christ is our living head, and we are members of His body, and all dependent upon the head. It is not our Lord’s plan that any member of His body shall suffer for want of proper exercise; for if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; if one is enlightened and honoured of God, all rejoice. Every member derives its life and working power from the same source, “even Christ, from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary.” “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” Each worker is to use his God-given ability to the utmost for the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom on the earth. We each have an individuality in manner and bearing, and this is as it should be; but this need not prevent our working together in perfect harmony.?{TSA 22.1}[3]
§10
主耶稣基督是活葡萄树，上帝的儿女都被嫁接到树干上，从一个根源汲取精华和营养。枝子不是融合为一，而是多种多样，各自分开的，可是他们都靠同一个根活着。在基督的话语里，我们发现一个重要的教训，应该对自称上帝儿女之人的生活、动机和经验有一种更加直接的影响。“你们要常在我里面，我也常在你们里面。枝子若不常在葡萄树上，自己就不能结果子；你们若不常在我里面，也是这样。我是葡萄树，你们是枝子。常在我里面的，我也常在他里面，这人就多结果子；因为离了我，你们就不能做什么”（约15:4,5）。这是多么重要啊，每一个自称上帝儿女的人都应该与基督和谐一致地作工，得到祂圣灵的神圣启发，学习祂的工作方式，像祂那样工作，将自我置之度外，总是突显基督。我们应该使自己的方法与基督的方法和谐一致，表现那位大工师的精神，好让耶稣在我们的工作和品格上显明出来。{TSA 22.2}[4]
§11
The Lord Jesus Christ is the living vine, and all who are children of God are grafted into the parent stock, drawing sap and nourishment from the one root. The branches are not blended into one, but are diverse, separate branches, yet they all live from the same root. In the words of Christ we find an important lesson which should have a more direct bearing upon the life, the motives, and the experience of those who claim to be children of God. “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” How essential it is that every one who claims to be a child of God should work in harmony with Christ, catching the divine illumination of His spirit, studying the manner of His labour, and working as He worked, putting self out?of sight and ever making Christ prominent. We should bring our own ways into harmony with Christ’s ways, manifesting the spirit of the Master worker, that Jesus may appear in our work and in our character.?{TSA 22.2}[4]
§12
不要有纷争，猜忌和争权夺势。工作是圣洁神圣的，上帝禁止你们给工作对象留下冷淡、自私、贪婪的榜样。你们的工作若是凭人的智慧做成的，就会带有你们的模式，在你们手中被污毁。你们的工作具有一种尊贵的性质，绝不应该这样被损毁以致成为无法接受、没有吸引力的。你们讲完道必须过圣洁的生活。必须在讲台上和讲台外都给出彼此相爱、互相信任和彼此尊重的宝贵教训。你们必须过你们所教导的生活。你们作为与上帝同工的人，必须先彼此接近，因为上帝的器具行事不可目的相左。要经常地教育你们自己合一，像基督与父合一，各人都善用受托的才干。{TSA 23.1}[5]
§13
There should be no strife, no envyings, no seeking for supremacy. The work is sacred and holy, and God forbid that you should give to those for whom you labour an example of coldness, selfishness, and avarice. If your work has been done in human wisdom, it will bear your mould, it is marred in your hands. Your work is of an exalted character, and should not be in any way so marred as to make it unacceptable and unattractive. Your discourses must be followed by a holy life. Precious lessons of love, confidence, respect for one another, must be given both in and out of the desk. You must live that which you teach. As labourers together with God, you must first come close to one another, for God’s instruments must not work at cross purposes. Constantly educate yourselves to be one, as Christ was one with the Father, each improving his entrusted talents.?{TSA 23.1}[5]
§14
弟兄们，要让众人看出你们在实践基督的教训。若有哪一位工人认为自己的道路是完全的，而弟兄们并不赏识他的智慧和经验，这就是一个确凿的证据，证明他不是在基督的门下学习心里柔和谦卑。基督改变人心的恩典总是导致柔和谦卑。主并不倚靠我们去做祂的工作；祂是将与祂合作的伟大特权赐给了我们。你们可能有不同的性情，然而都是与上帝同工的，大家都和谐无间地作工，而当你们将全部能力都投入工作中时，你们就会成就最佳结果。我们在做主的工作时不可随从自己的判断和特有的观念。我们必须单单注目基督的荣耀来作工。不要谈论做不了的事，而要谈论靠着上帝赐给你的力量能完成的事。“万军之耶和华说：银子是我的，金子也是我的。”“千山上的牲畜也是我的”（该2:8；诗50:10）。{TSA 23.2}[6]
§15
Brethren, let all see that you are living out the lessons of Christ. If any one of the workers thinks that his way is perfect, and that the brethren do not appreciate his wisdom and experience, it is a positive evidence that he is not learning meekness and lowliness of heart in the school of Christ. The transforming grace of Christ always leads to meekness and humility. The Lord is not dependent upon us to do His work; He has given us the great privilege of co-operating with Him. You may have diverse temperaments, and yet be labourers together with God, all working in harmony, and when all your ability is put into the work, you will accomplish the best results. In doing the Lord’s work we cannot follow our own judgment and peculiar notions. We must work with an eye single to the glory of Christ. Do not talk about that which cannot be done, but of that which can be done through the strength given you of God. “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts,” and “the cattle upon a thousand hills.”?{TSA 23.2}[6]
§16
主的资源是无限的；我们只是祂手中的工具，藉着祂的名，可以成就大事。“你们若常在我里面，我的话也常在你们里面，凡你们所愿意的，祈求，就给你们成就。你们多结果子，我父就因此得荣耀，你们也就是我的门徒了”（约15:7,8）。我们如此熟悉自己的品格特性以致常常自视过高，变得自满，不照着所应当的追求改进。藉着真理成圣要求天天在仪表、谈吐、态度和精神上有改善。我们若是真葡萄树上的枝子，就要开出芳香的花朵，结出令人满意的果子。我们既是微弱又无知的，就不能倚赖自己；我们切不可以为自己没有什么要改善的，因为我们应当天天在基督的门下学习，不是学习如何达到最高地位，而是学习变得心里柔和谦卑、纯洁无玷污、超凡脱俗。我们与外面的世界有交往，我们必须彰显我们已从天国得到的一切亮光。我们的思想切不可跑进低下狭隘的渠道。我们必须做学习者，不断领受更加清晰的见解、更加高尚圣洁的志向。你们在作出决定和制定计划前必须一起祷告和磋商，然后在基督的灵里齐心协力地推进工作。你们中若有一个成员决定不能与弟兄们合作，且因意见不同而不想工作，所要采取的方针无疑就是你们要在上帝面前自卑，并要祷告，因为你们无法也不可企图在不和的状态下工作。?{TSA 23.3}[7]
§17
The Lord’s resources are unlimited; we are only instruments in His hands, and great things can be accomplished through His name. “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my?Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit.” We are so familiar with our own peculiar traits of character that we often think too highly of self, we become satisfied, and do not seek to improve as we should. Sanctification through the truth requires a daily improvement in manner, address, attitude, and spirit. If we are branches of the true vine, we shall bear fragrant blossoms and desirable fruit. In our feebleness and ignorance we cannot depend upon ourselves; we must not think that there are no improvements to be made, for we are to learn daily in the school of Christ, not how to reach the highest place, but to become meek and lowly of heart, pure and undefiled, rising above cheapness and the commonplace. We have intercourse with the eternal world, and we must reveal all the light which we have received from heaven. Our thoughts must not run in a low, narrow channel, but we must be learners, constantly receiving clearer views, and higher and holier aspirations. Be sure to pray and counsel together before coming to decisions and laying your plans, and then, in the spirit of Christ, push the work unitedly. If one of your number decides that he cannot co-operate with his brethren, and has no desire to work because of differences of opinion, the course to be pursued is without a question. Humble yourselves before God, and resort to prayer, for you cannot and must not attempt to work at variance.?{TSA 23.3}[7]
§18
任何一个人若是坚持顽梗任性，上帝就会从他收回祂的灵，另一个人就会戴上原来给他的冠冕。上帝只接受那些愿意学习基督样式的人，那些研究祂的话，学习内心柔和谦卑的功课，顺从的功课，乐于以上帝的方式而不是以自己有限的方式作工的人。在上帝里面做成的工作会具有天国的凭证，且会有明显成效。在上帝的工作中，个人的观点应该始终居于次要地位；你必须在凡事上都将基督放在首要位置。介绍在耶稣里的真理乃是一项永垂不朽的工作。不同的工人各尽其职，从他们手中呈现出完全完整的工作，会得到我们救恩元帅的称赞。你有一项工作要做，总是想到困难和不可能的事并不最好。要不断地说：“靠着加给我们力量的耶稣基督，我们能做这项工作。”{TSA 24.1}[8]
§19
From any one who persists in stubbornness and self-will, God will remove His spirit, and another will wear the crown that was for him. God accepts only those who will learn of Christ, those who study His Word, learning lessons of meekness and lowliness of heart, lessons of obedience, willingness to do his work in God’s way, not their finite way. The work that is wrought in God will bear the credentials of heaven, and will show marked results. Personal views should be kept subordinate in the work of God; you must in all things put Christ foremost. To present the truth as it is in Jesus, is a work as enduring as eternity. The work coming forth as a perfect whole from the hands of various workmen, each acting his part, will bring the commendation of the Captain of our salvation. You have a work to do, and it is not best to keep ever before the mind the difficulties and the impossibilities. Say continually, “Through Jesus Christ who strengtheneth us, we can do this work.”?{TSA 24.1}[8]
§20
耶和华军队的元帅推倒了耶利哥的城墙，天使们时刻准备为卑微的、柔和谦逊的人效力，消除障碍并拯救灵魂。你能用真正的勇气为主作一番大有能力的工作，一番当被称在圣所的天平里时，会被宣布为做得又好又忠心的工作。不要将草、木、禾秸带来放在基石上，而要带来不会被消灭的金、银、宝石等最贵重的材料。任何一个工人心中都不可怀存会对别人的判断表显出不尊重的独立的判断；谁也不应觉得自己是评判的标准；谁也不应沉湎于自尊自大，因为上帝已在祂的道中告诉我们，我们应当看别人比自己强。{TSA 25.1}[9]
§21
The Captain of the Lord’s host cast down the walls of Jericho, and heavenly angels are ever ready to minister to the humble, the meek and lowly ones, to remove obstacles and to save souls. With true courage you can do a mighty work for the Master, a work that, when weighed in the scales of heaven, will be pronounced well and faithfully done. Do not bring hay, wood and stubble to lay upon the foundation stone, but bring the most precious of materials, gold, silver, and precious stones which cannot be consumed. An independent judgment that will show no respect for the judgment of others, must not be cherished in the hearts of any of God’s workers; no one should feel that he is a criterion; no one should indulge in self-esteem, for God has told us in His Word that we should esteem others better than ourselves.?{TSA 25.1}[9]
§22
宗教界所存在最大试炼与不和的根基，素来就是爱自己的心和骄傲自满。天使一再地对我说：“应当团结在一起，应当团结在一起，要心志相同，意见相同。”基督乃是领袖，你们都是弟兄；要跟从祂。要行在光中，像祂在光明中一样。那些行在基督足迹中的人不会行在黑暗里，但那些在不圣洁的独立中拉拢人离开的人，无法在工作中享有上帝的同在和福气。手洁心清和正确的精神乃是上帝的恩赐；要十分殷勤地追求。基督说：“离了我，你们就不能做什么”（约15:5）。?{TSA 25.2}[10]
§23
Love of self, pride, and self-sufficiency lie at the foundation of the greatest trials and discords that have ever existed in the religious world. Again and again the angel has said to me, “Press together, press together, be of one mind, of one judgment.” Christ is the leader, and you are brethren; follow Him. Walk in the light as He is in the light. Those who walk in the footsteps of Christ shall not walk in darkness, but those who draw apart in unsanctified independence cannot have God’s presence and blessing in the work. Clean hands, a pure heart, and a right spirit are the gifts of God; seek for them with all diligence. Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.”?{TSA 25.2}[10]
§24
上帝在非洲有一项大工要完成，若无祂无限智慧的帮助，就一定不要制定任何计划。你们结合着恳切的祈祷详尽地商议了工作计划之后，就要作工，为基督作工。不要被那些威胁着要阻塞你们道路的表面困难吓倒。有一条正路去做工，上帝必指示你们行在其中。你们若是以无私的兴趣和兄弟之爱完全一致地作工，天使就必与你们同在。这是上帝的工作，祂必使崎岖的地方变得平坦，祂必在你们前面预备道路。在外国要做成的工作决不能由没有上帝智慧帮助的凡人做成。你必须指望从元帅得命令，然后毫无疑问地服从。当你靠着以色列的上帝的力量本着单纯和信心前进时，那些将被撒但夸大成大山的困难就会变成小丘。工人们很容易置身于上帝的爱与能力及智慧无法企及之处，他们在那里得不到忠告，遭遇重重困难和考验却得不到帮助，因为他们不愿明白和正确地使用天国丰富的宝藏。他们愿意荣耀自己，以为自己的道路是完全的，在自以为义上坚定起来了。人的智慧被算为愚拙。当自我被完全抛弃时，你才能获得丰富的新经验，当你俯伏在十字架下时，才会看出你自己的不完全，而当你看到基督的完全时，自我才会陷入无意义。{TSA 25.3}[11]
§25
God has a great work to be accomplished in Africa, and no plans must be laid without the aid of His infinite wisdom. After your plans of labour have been talked over together, mingled with earnest prayer, work, work for Christ. Be not intimidated by apparent difficulties which threaten to obstruct your pathway. There is a right way to work, and God will direct you therein. If you labour in perfect unity, with unselfish interest, and brotherly love, angels of God will be with you. This is God’s work, and He will make the rough places smooth, He will prepare the way before you. The work which is to be done in foreign countries can never be done by mortal man unaided by divine wisdom. You must look to the Captain for orders, and then obey without questioning. As you go forward in the strength of Israel’s God, in simplicity and faith, the difficulties which Satan will magnify into mountains will become as mole hills. Workers can easily place?themselves where divine love, power, and wisdom cannot reach them, where they cannot have help in counsel, in difficulties and trials, because they would not understand and rightly appropriate heaven’s rich treasure. They would glorify themselves, and think their own ways perfect, and become established in self-righteousness. Man’s wisdom is counted foolishness. When self is put entirely away, then you can obtain a new and rich experience, you will discern your own imperfections as you lie low at the foot of the cross, and as you view the perfections of Christ, self will sink into insignificance.?{TSA 25.3}[11]
§26
基督会向有识别力的人显为完全优美可爱；于是祂的铸模就会加在心思意念上，且会显明在品格上。上帝心志的印记应该印在心上，表现在生活中。要在你的需要中来到基督面前，以活泼的信心祷告，紧握神能之手，要相信，只要信，你就必看见上帝的救恩。你若愿意受教，上帝就必教导你；你若愿意受引导，祂就必引导你到活水的泉源。救主邀请你：“我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式；这样，你们心里就必得享安息”（太11:29）。你们的一些工作对象会想要让工作以他们自己的方式做成，以为他们的方式是最好的；然而你们若有基督柔和谦卑的精神，若是表现互相尊重和彼此相爱，上帝就能使你们以一种会令祂喜悦的方式完成工作。要表明你们自己是乐于受教的。{TSA 26.1}[12]
§27
Christ will appear to the discerning eye the perfection of attractive loveliness; then His mould will be upon mind and heart, and will be revealed in the character. The impress of the divine mind should be made upon the heart, and manifested in the life. Come to Jesus in your need, pray in living faith, hold fast to the hand of divine power, believe, only believe, and you will see the salvation of God. If you will be taught, God will teach you; if you will be led, He will lead you to fountains of living waters. The Saviour invites you, “Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Some for whom you labour will wish to have the work done in their own way, thinking their way is best; but if you have the spirit, the meekness of Christ, if you show respect and love for one another, God will enable you to perfect the work in a manner that will please Him. Show that you yourselves are willing to be taught.?{TSA 26.1}[12]
§28
你们能给你们所教育之人最感人的教训，必是出于基督化品格的教训。要有完全的和睦；这是最大的证据，证明你们能呈现真理在人心上的能力。要为你们自己的灵魂作工，直到自我被制服，直到基督在你们里面认出祂的形像。这是主葡萄园中每一个工人的责任。现在正推进上帝真理的人，列身于基督一边，在心思意念和声音上团结一致，说一样的话，捍卫真理。主衡量我们的行为和动机，祂必赐能力给那些属祂的人。基督不是分开的；一个工人里面的基督会承认在一位弟兄工人里面的基督。那些苛求的人，挑剔的人，想着他人过错的人，是在推进仇敌的工作，拆毁上帝本来要造就的。这一切不和谐的因素都代表黑暗的权势，表明心里没有基督，荣耀的盼望。?{TSA 26.2}[13]
§29
The most impressive lesson you can give to those whom you educate, will be that of a Christlike character. Let there be perfect harmony; this is the greatest evidence that you can present of the power of the truth upon the heart. Work for your own souls until self is subdued, until Christ recognizes His image in you. This is the duty of every worker in the Lord’s vineyard. Those who are now advancing the truth of God, are ranging themselves on the side of Christ, united in heart, mind and voice, speaking the same things in defence of the truth. The Lord weighs our actions and our motives, and He will give great power to those who are His own. Christ is not divided; Christ in one worker will acknowledge Christ in a brother worker. Those who are exacting, who are faultfinding, who think evil of others, are advancing the work of the enemy, tearing down that which God would have built up. All?these discordant elements represent the powers of darkness, and show that Christ, the hope of glory, is not found within.?{TSA 26.2}[13]
§30
凡在基督里的人都会做基督的工作，始终向祂学习。我的弟兄们，你们是传道士，愿你们得到改变，不让你们强硬的品格特性损害上帝的圣工。关于应该在新园地推进工作的方式，主已向我显示了许多事，且已指示我看到，若是采取某一种做法，就会收缩圣工，使之受损。惟有藉着基督丰盛的恩典，才能有完全的和谐。自足自负乃是工作的障碍。要作将接受真理之人的榜样。我祈愿主赐给你们亮光、智慧和祂的义。（《信函》1890年第4号）?{TSA 27.1}[14]
§31
All who are in Christ will do the work of Christ, ever learning of Him. My brethren, you are missionaries, and may you be so transformed that your strong traits of character shall do no harm to the cause of God. The Lord has revealed many things to me concerning the manner in which the work should be carried forward in new fields, and has shown me that if a certain course were pursued, it would narrow the work and cause it to be marred. Perfect harmony can exist only through the abundant grace of Christ. Self-sufficiency is a hindrance to the work. Be an example to those who shall accept the truth. May the Lord give you light and wisdom and His righteousness, is my prayer.—Letter 4, 1890.?{TSA 27.1}[14]