第28章 需要受过训练的工人
§1
第28章 需要受过训练的工人
§2
Chap. 28 - The Need of Trained Workers
§3
我对丹尼尔斯长老叙述的他最近的经验深感兴趣，他在从墨尔本去阿奉代尔的路上，曾逗留在一个叫作尼尔的城镇，探访一些向《回声》办公室订阅我们书刊的年轻人。他发现那里有一个名叫汉森的年轻人，是一个丹麦人，他偶然在一个公共图书馆看到了《回声》，就成了那份报纸的热心读者。专栏中介绍的真理题目在他心中有了地位，他就开始在他所服务的旅馆向一个朋友谈论这些题目。这个人叫威廉斯，也感兴趣了，他们便订阅了其它刊物，成了那份报纸的定期读者。丹尼尔斯长老发现他们渴望更好地认识真理。在威廉斯的桌子上发现了《关于但以理和启示录的思考》和另外几本我们的人所出版的书。他们只见过一个有我们信仰的人。他们从丹尼尔斯长老那里买了三本《拾级就主》，这样他们就可以一人一本，另外一本送给一位传道人。丹尼尔斯长老对他的探访感到很满意，且因与这些探究真理的人交谈而受到了鼓励。{FE 212.1}[1]
§4
I have been deeply interested in the relation of a recent experience of Elder Daniells, who, on his way from Melbourne to Adelaide, stopped at a town called Nhill, to visit some young men who have been sending in orders to the Echo office for our papers and books. He found here a young man by the name of Hansen, a Dane, who chanced upon the Echo at a public library, and became an interested reader of the paper. The subjects of truth presented in its columns found a place in his heart, and he began to talk about them to a friend at the hotel where he was in service. This man, Mr. Williams, also became interested, and they sent in orders for other publications, becoming regular subscribers to the paper. Elder Daniells found them eager for a better knowledge of the truth. Upon the table of Mr. Williams was found Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation, and several other books published by our people. They had seen but one man who was of our faith. They bought from Elder Daniells three copies of Steps to Christ, so that they might have one apiece, and another to give to a minister. Elder Daniells was pleased with his visit, and encouraged by his conversation with these inquirers after truth. {FE 212.1}[1]
§5
这些人已从印刷品和圣经学习了真理，也照他们所能理解的接受了教义的全部要点，没有传道人的帮助。藉着发行我们的书刊，一项大工正在默默地进行着；然而我们来自美国的一些弟兄姐妹若是愿意来到这些侨民聚居区，作果农、农夫或商人，并且本着对上帝的敬爱，愿意设法得人归于真理，就会成就何等大的善工啊。若是这种家庭被分别为圣归于上帝，祂就会使用他们作祂的代理。传道人有他们的位置和工作，但有许多人是传道人接触不到的，却可由能探访他们的一些家庭接触到，使他们铭记关于这些末后日子的真理。他们在家庭关系和业务关系上，可以接触到一班传道人接触不到的人，他们能向这些人敞开真理的宝藏，传授救恩的知识。在这方面的传道工作总的来说做得太少了；因为园地很大，许多工人可以成功地在这方面努力。若是领受了真理知识的人认识到亲自研究圣经的必要性，若是他们感到落在他们身上的责任的分量，作上帝恩典忠心的管家，他们原会把亮光带给许多坐在黑暗里的人，就会有何等多的人被收聚归于主啊。如果每个人都认识到他要为自己的影响而向上帝负责，他就不会无所事事了。他必培养和训练自己的一切才能来为那一位用自己宝血来赎买他的主服务。{FE 212.2}[2]
§6
These men had studied the truth from the printed page and the Bible, and had accepted all points of doctrine as far as they could understand them without the aid of the living preacher. A great work is going silently on through the distribution of our publications; but what a great amount of good might be done if some of our brethren and sisters from America would come to these colonies, as fruit growers, farmers, or merchants, and in the fear and love of God, would seek to win souls to the truth. If such families were consecrated to God, He would use them as His agents. Ministers have their place and their work, but there are scores that the minister cannot reach, who might be reached by families who could visit with the people and impress upon them the truth for these last days. In their domestic or business relations they could come in contact with a class who are inaccessible to the minister, and they could open to them the treasures of the truth, and impart to them a knowledge of salvation. There is altogether too little done in this line of missionary work; for the field is large, and many workers could labor with success in this line of effort. If those who have received a knowledge of the truth had realized the necessity of studying the Scriptures for themselves, if they had felt the weight of responsibility that rests upon them, as faithful stewards of the grace of God, they would have brought light to many who sit in darkness, and what a harvest of souls would have been gathered for the Master. If each one realized his accountability to God for his personal influence, he would in no case be an idler, but would cultivate his ability, and train every power that he might serve Him who has purchased him with His own blood. {FE 212.2}[2]
§7
青年尤其应当感觉到必须培养自己的心智，利用每一个求知的机会，使自己能为那替他们舍去宝贵生命的主，作出祂所悦纳的服务。任何人都不要错误地认为自己受过高深的教育，就不需要研究书本或大自然了。人人都应该善用上帝本着祂的美意所赐的机会，尽量吸收在启示或科学方面的知识。我们应当学会正确估计上帝赐给我们的能力。一个青年如果必须从阶梯的最低级开始，他也不要灰心，却当决心一级一级攀登，直到他听见基督的声音说：“孩子，到更高的地方来。好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人；你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把许多事派你管理，可以进来享受你主人的快乐。”{FE 213.1}[3]
§8
The youth especially should feel that they must train their minds, and take every opportunity to become intelligent, that they may render acceptable service to Him who has given His precious life for them. And let no one make the mistake of regarding himself as so well educated as to have no more need of studying books or nature. Let everyone improve every opportunity with which in the providence of God he is favored, to acquire all that is possible in revelation or science. We should learn to place the proper estimate on the powers that God has given us. If a youth has to begin at the lowest round of the ladder, he should not be discouraged, but be determined to climb round after round until he shall hear the voice of Christ saying, Child, come up higher. Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. {FE 213.1}[3]
§9
我们要将我们的品格与上帝律法无误的标准相对照。为了这么做，我们必须查考圣经，用上帝的道衡量我们的成就。靠着基督的恩典，在品格上达到最高的造诣是可能的；因为每一个来到上帝之灵塑造人心的感化力之下的人，都可以在心思和意念上得到改变。为了明白你们的状况，你们必须研究圣经，并且要警醒祷告。使徒说：“你们总要自己省察有信心没有，也要自己试验。岂不知你们若不是可弃绝的，就有耶稣基督在你们心里吗”（林后13:5）？无知的人不要留在无知里。他们若留在无知里，就不会符合上帝的心意。他们要仰望髑髅地的十字架，并照在那里所献上之祭物的价值估计生灵的价值。耶稣对全体信徒说：“你们是我的见证。”“你们是与上帝同工的”（赛43:10；林前3:9）。确实如此，我们各人应当多么认真地力求充分利用每一项能力、善用每一个机会，变得很能干，以便“殷勤不可懒惰。要心里火热，常常服事主”（罗12:11）啊。{FE 214.1}[4]
§10
We are to compare our characters with the infallible standard of Gods law. In order to do this, we must search the Scriptures, measuring our attainments by the word of God. Through the grace of Christ, the highest attainments in character are possible; for every soul who comes under the molding influence of the Spirit of God, may be transformed in mind and heart. In order to understand your condition, it is necessary to study the Bible, and to watch unto prayer. The apostle says, Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Let not those who are ignorant remain in ignorance. They cannot remain in ignorance, and meet the mind of God. They are to look to the cross of Calvary, and estimate the soul by the value of the offering there made. Jesus says to all believers, Ye are My witnesses. Ye are laborers together with God. This being true, how earnestly should each one strive to make use of every power to improve every opportunity for becoming efficient that he may be not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. {FE 214.1}[4]
§11
已交给人去运用的每一项才干都可增加价值，所增加的都须交还上帝。你若在仪态、声音、教育上有缺陷，也不必总是留在这种状态。你必须继续努力，以便在教育和宗教经验上达到更高的水平，成为善事的教师。作为大君的仆人，你们应当个别地认识到：你们有责任藉着观察、学习和与上帝交流来提高自己。上帝的道能使你们聪明，指导你们并使你们在基督里达到完全。可称颂的救主乃是凡跟从祂之人要效法的无误的楷模。上帝的儿女有特权明白属灵的事，能够聪明地管理所托他照管的事。上帝并没有提供一种可供人有藉口漫不经心工作的办法；可是那些在祂圣工中工作的人却对祂做了大量这样的工作，但这是不蒙祂悦纳的。{FE 214.2}[5]
§12
Every talent that has been given to men is to be exercised that it may increase in value, and all the improvement must be rendered back to God. If you are defective in manner, in voice, in education, you need not always remain in this condition. You must continually strive that you may reach a higher standard both in education and in religious experience, that you may become teachers of good things. As servants of the great King, you should individually realize that you are under obligation to improve yourselves by observation, study, and by communion with God. The word of God is able to make you wise, to guide and make you perfect in Christ. The blessed Saviour was a faultless pattern for all His followers to imitate. It is the privilege of the child of God to understand spiritual things, to be able wisely to manage that which may be intrusted to his charge. God does not provide a way whereby any one may have an excuse for doing slipshod work; and yet a great deal of this kind of work has been offered to Him by those who work in His cause, but it is not acceptable unto Him. {FE 214.2}[5]
§13
青年男女们哪，你们各人作为用无限的代价买来的人，竭力在上帝面前得蒙喜悦，作无愧的工人了吗？你们把声音的宝贵才干带给上帝，下苦工努力清晰、明确、迅速地发言了吗？无论你说话的方式多么不完全，你都可以纠正自己的缺点，不容自己有鼻音，也不以一种含混不清的方式说话。你的发音若是清晰明白的，你的效用就会大大增加。那么就不要留下一个有缺陷的讲话习惯不予纠正。要就这事献上祈祷，并与圣灵合作，祂正在运行要使你完全。那在起初造人时使人完全的主，必帮助你培养你的体力和智力，使你适合在上帝的圣工中挑担子负责任。{FE 215.1}[6]
§14
Young men and women, have you, as individuals purchased at infinite cost, sought to study to show yourselves approved unto God, workmen which need not be ashamed? Have you brought to God the precious talent of your voice, and put forth painstaking effort to speak clearly, distinctly, and readily? However imperfect may be your manner of utterance, you may correct your faults, and refuse to allow yourself to have a nasal tone, or to speak in a thick, indistinct way. If your articulation is distinct and intelligible, your usefulness will be greatly increased. Then do not leave one defective habit of speech uncorrected. Pray about the matter, and co-operate with the Holy Spirit that is working for your perfection. The Lord, who made man perfect in the beginning, will help you to cultivate your physical and mental powers, and fit you to bear burdens and responsibilities in the cause of God. {FE 215.1}[6]
§15
今日有成千上万的人不适合作传道工作，不能担任圣职，给圣工造成损失，因为他们没能重视上帝所赐给他们的才干，也没有培养他们身心的能力，以便在主的工作中充任要职。我们每个人在今生都是缓刑犯，主正在试验和检查我们对祂的忠诚。{FE 215.2}[7]
§16
There are thousands today who are unqualified for the work of the ministry, who cannot take a position of sacred trust, and are lost to the cause, because they have failed to value the talents given them of God, and have not cultivated their powers of mind and body, so that they may fill positions of trust in the Masters work. Individually we are here as probationers, and the Lord is testing and proving our fidelity to Him. {FE 215.2}[7]
§17
祂愿意使用我们作媒介，将祂圣言的亮光传给世界。我们若善用上帝所赐的亮光，将之传给他人，就会拥有更多的亮光；因为“凡有的，还要加给他，叫他有余；凡没有的，连他所有的，也要夺去”（太13:12）。我们要怎样对待上帝所赐的亮光，选择权在我们自己。我们可以行在其中，也可拒绝跟随基督的脚步，从而消灭我们的亮光。{FE 215.3}[8]
§18
He would employ us as agents to communicate the light of His word to the world. If we improved the light given us of God by diffusing it to others, we shall have increased light; for to him that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. It is at our own option as to what we shall do with the light God has given. We may walk in it, or refuse to follow in the steps of Christ, and thus extinguish our light. {FE 215.3}[8]
§19
上帝已经赐下亮光，可是奇怪的是，没有多少青年要求说：“主啊！祢要我作什么？”有人以为，一个青年若没有立志献身传道，就不需要作什么特别的努力，培养自己为上帝作工，这是一个危险的错误。不论你蒙召从事什么工作，都必须勤奋学习，增进自己的才能。我们应当鼓励青年男女善于利用天赐良机的福分，使自己训练有素，知识丰富。他们应当利用学校的教育。学校的设立就是为了传授最佳的知识。在受教育的事上疏忽懒惰是有罪的。时候不多了。上帝很快就要来结束地球的历史，所以更需善用当前的机会和特权。{FE 216.1}[9]
§20
Considering the light that God has given, it is marvelous that there are not scores of young men and women inquiring, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? It is a perilous mistake to imagine that unless a young man has decided to give himself to the ministry, no special effort is required to fit him for the work of God. Whatever may be your calling, it is essential that you improve your abilities by diligent study. Young men and women should be urged to appreciate the heaven-sent blessings of opportunities to become well disciplined and intelligent. They should take advantage of the schools that have been established for the purpose of imparting the best of knowledge. It is sinful to be indolent and negligent in regard to obtaining an education. Time is short, and therefore because the Lord is soon to come to close the scenes of earths history, there is all the greater necessity of improving present opportunities and privileges. {FE 216.1}[9]
§21
男女青年应当进入我们的学校，接受知识和训练。他们应将自己的才能奉献给上帝，殷勤研究圣经，以便抵制谬道，不被恶人的错谬诱惑。因为只有殷勤查考圣经，我们才知道什么是真理；只有实行我们已知的真理，才会有更多的亮光从圣经照到我们身上。当我们将自己的愿意降服于上帝的旨意时，当我们在祂面前谦卑己心时，我们就会切愿成为祂的同工，前去拯救将亡的人。真正献身给上帝的人，绝不带着世人从事世务的动机，单为生计而参加圣工。他们决不让世俗的考虑左右他们，因为他们认识到上帝的工作是神圣的。{FE 216.2}[10]
§22
Young men and young women should place themselves in our schools, in the channel where knowledge and discipline may be obtained. They should consecrate their ability to God, become diligent Bible students, that they may be fortified against erroneous doctrine, and not be led away by the error of the wicked; for it is by diligent searching of the Bible that we obtain a knowledge of what is truth. But the practice of the truth we already know, increased light will shine upon us from the holy Scriptures. As we surrender our will to the will of God, as we humble our hearts before Him, we shall earnestly desire to become colaborers with Him, going forth to save those who perish. Those who are truly consecrated to God will not enter the work prompted by the same motive which leads men to engage in worldly business, merely for the sake of a livelihood, but they will enter the work allowing no worldly consideration to control them, realizing that the cause of God is sacred. {FE 216.2}[10]
§23
应当警告世人，决不要满足于肤浅的真理知识。你们不知道自己将蒙召担负什么工作，到什么地方去为真理作见证。许多人将被迫站在法庭上；还有人要站在君王和世上有学问的人面前，为自己的信仰辩护。对真理一知半解的人，不可能把圣经解释清楚，为自己的信仰提出明确的理由。他们将狼狈不堪，无法作无愧的工人。任何人都不要以为自己既不打算在讲台上传道，就不需要学习。你不知道上帝可能对你有什么要求。可惜的是，圣工的推进竟因缺乏训练有素，能胜任职责的工人而受到阻碍。上帝愿意接纳成千的人到祂的大田园里工作。可是许多人没有为这项工作作好准备。每一个拥护基督圣工，愿意在主的军队里服役的人，都应当来到可以接受忠实训练的地方。一般自称跟从基督的人，太不重视自己的宗教信仰了。上帝的旨意并不是要人在可以获得智慧与知识的时候，仍留在无知之中。{FE 217.1}[11]
§24
The world is to be warned, and no soul should rest satisfied with a superficial knowledge of truth. You know not to what responsibility you may be called. You know not where you may be called upon to give your witness of truth. Many will have to stand in the legislative courts; some will have to stand before kings and before the learned of the earth, to answer for their faith. Those who have only a superficial understanding of truth will not be able clearly to expound the Scriptures, and give definite reasons for their faith. They will become confused, and will not be workmen that need not to be ashamed. Let no one imagine that he has no need to study, because he is not to preach in the sacred desk. You know not what God may require of you. It is a lamentable fact that the advancement of the cause is hindered by the dearth of educated laborers who have fitted themselves for positions of trust. The Lord will accept of thousands to labor in His great harvest field, but many have failed to fit themselves for the work. But every one who has espoused the cause of Christ, who has offered himself as a soldier in the Lords army, should place himself where he may have faithful drill. Religion has meant altogether too little to the professed followers of Christ; for it is not the will of God that any one should remain ignorant when wisdom and knowledge have been placed within reach. {FE 217.1}[11]
§25
使自己在救灵的科学上有资格的人是多么少啊！明白应该做成工作，建立教会和将亮光传给坐在黑暗中的人是多么少啊！可是上帝已给每一个人分派了工作。我们要恐惧战兢做成自己得救的工夫；因为是上帝在我们里面运行，要我们立志行事，为要成就祂的美意。在救恩的工作中，有人力与神力的合作。关于人力的无能已经说了很多，可是若无人的合作，主就不为救灵做什么。上帝的道在这一点上是清晰明确的，可是在这么有赖于我们与天上的力量合作时，人们行事却好像能够担得起不顾上帝的要求，而让永恒重要的事等到他们方便的时候再考虑。他们行事好像能使属灵的事适合他们自己，且将永恒的利益放在俗世暂时的事物之下。但这样处理最重要、最容易失去的事是多么放肆啊。{FE 217.2}[12]
§26
How few have qualified themselves in the science of saving souls! How few understand the work that should be done in building up the church, in communicating light to those who sit in darkness! Yet God has given to every man his work. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God that worketh in us, both to will and to do of His good pleasure. In the work of salvation there is a co-operation of human and divine agencies. There is much said concerning the inefficiency of human effort, and yet the Lord does nothing for the salvation of the soul without the co-operation of man. The word of God is clear and distinct on this point, and yet when so much depends upon our co-operation with the heavenly agencies, men conduct themselves as though they could afford to set aside the claims of God, and let the things of eternal importance wait their convenience. They act as though they could manage spiritual things to suit themselves, and they place eternal interests in subordination to earthly and temporal matters. But how presumptuous is this to deal thus with that which is most essential, and most easily lost. {FE 217.2}[12]
§27
愿意聪明地与上帝同工的人在哪里呢？使徒说：“你们是上帝所耕种的田地，所建造的房屋”（林前3:9）。但是当人忽略为这工作训练自己时，岂可信任他们能在环境的压力下踏入某个重要的岗位吗？他们既已忽视利用放在他们手边获得作工资格的机会，还会想象自己可作上帝手中光亮的器皿去拯救基督替死之人吗？“我们并不是与属血气的争战，乃是与那些执政的、掌权的、管辖这幽暗世界的，以及天空属灵气的恶魔争战。所以，要拿起上帝所赐的全副军装，好在磨难的日子抵挡仇敌，并且成就了一切，还能站立得住”（弗6:12,13）。每一个人都需要善用天赐的才能和机会，以便我们个人可以成为上帝的同工。{FE 218.1}[13]
§28
Where are those who would be wise laborers together with God? The apostle says, Ye are Gods husbandry, ye are Gods building. But will men trust that they may be able under pressure of circumstances to step into some important position, when they have neglected to train and discipline themselves for the work? Will they imagine that they may be polished instruments in the hands of God for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died, when they have neglected to use the opportunities placed at their command for obtaining a fitness for the work? We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Every one needs to improve his God-given faculties and opportunities, that individually we may be laborers together with God. {FE 218.1}[13]
§29
上帝在不断地为我们作工，好使我们在恩赐上没有一样不及人的。祂已赐给我们身体、心智和道德的能力，我们若是照着所应该的予以善用，就能对付超自然的黑暗权势并且胜过它们。耶稣已经指出了生命之路，祂已显明了真理的亮光，祂已赐下圣灵，并已厚赐我们一切使我们得以完全所必要的东西。但这些好处却没有得到承认，我们忽视了自己的特权和机会，没能与天上的生灵合作，因而没能变成为上帝作工的高贵聪明的人。那些视自己的道路比主的道路更有吸引力的人，无法用来为祂服务，因为他们会误表基督的品格，使人远离可蒙上帝悦纳的服务。{FE 218.2}[14]
§30
God is continually working for us that we may come behind in no gift. He has given us our physical, mental, and moral powers, and if we improve as we should, we shall be able to meet the supernatural powers of darkness and conquer them. Jesus has pointed out the way of life, He has made manifest the light of truth, He has given the Holy Spirit, and endowed us richly with everything essential to our perfection. But these advantages are not acknowledged, and we overlook our privileges and opportunities, and fail to co-operate with the heavenly intelligences, and thus fail to become noble, intelligent workers for God. Those to whom their own way looks more attractive than does the way of the Lord, cannot be used in His service, for they would misrepresent the character of Christ, and lead souls away from acceptable service to God. {FE 218.2}[14]
§31
那些为主作工的人必须受到良好的训练，以便作为忠心的哨兵。他们必须是愿意执行上帝的计划、聪明地提高他们所影响之人心智的人。他们必须与一切正在设法实现上帝的旨意、拯救失丧世界的人团结一致。基督舍了祂自己，义的为不义的舍命，祂死在了髑髅地的十字架上，祂已把完成救赎大爱的工作交托给人；因为人要与上帝合作努力拯救将亡的人。在教会所疏忽的责任中，我们看到了上帝旨意的实现受了阻碍。但人们若是没能完成自己的工作，那么他们从未生在世上倒好。极大的罪恶会随着疏忽与上帝合作而来；因为会丧失永生。我们作天国候选人的成功有赖于我们认真履行得到永生所基于的条件。我们必须领受和顺从上帝的道，我们不能作游手好闲的人，随波逐流。我们必须殷勤学习上帝的道。我们必须训练和教育我们自己作基督的精兵。我们必须推进圣工，成为上帝的同工。——《评论与通讯》1893年2月14日。{FE 219.1}[15]
§32
Those who work for the Master must be well-disciplined, that they may stand as faithful sentinels. They must be men and women who will carry out the plans of God for the wise improvement of the minds of those who come under their influence. They must unite with all the agencies who are seeking to fulfill the will of God in saving a lost world. Christ has given Himself, the just for the unjust, He has died on Calvarys cross, and He has intrusted to human agencies the work of completing the great measure of redeeming love; for man co-operates with God in His effort to save the perishing. In the neglected duties of the church we read the retarding of the fulfillment of the purpose of God; but if men fail to accomplish their work, it would be better had they never been born. Great evil will follow the neglect of co-operating with God; for eternal life will be lost. Our success as candidates for heaven will depend on our earnestness in fulfilling the conditions upon which eternal life is granted. We must receive and obey the word of God, we cannot be idlers, and float with the current. We must be diligent students of the word of God. We must train and educate ourselves as good soldiers of Christ. We must advance the work, becoming laborers together with God.-- Review and Herald, February 14, 1893. {FE 219.1}[15]