第33章 组织与发展
§1
第33章 组织与发展
§2
Chapter 33—Organization and Development
§3
自从我们这一班人组织成教会，已将近四十年了。[这话是在1892年说的。]我是最初参加组建教会的人之一。我熟知那时所必须应付的困难，以及教会所要纠正的弊病；我也关注了教会对圣工发展的影响。上帝在圣工的初期就在这一点上给了我们特别的亮光。这个亮光连同经验所带给我们的教训，是应予以认真考虑的。{CET 192.1}[1]
§4
It is nearly forty years since organization was introduced among us as a people. [This statement was made in 1892.] I was one of the number who had an experience in establishing it from the first. I know the difficulties that had to be met, the evils which it was designed to correct, and I have watched its influence in connection with the growth of the cause. At an early stage in the work, God gave us special light upon this point, and this light, together with the lessons that experience has taught us, should be carefully considered.?{CET 192.1}[1]
§5
我们的工作一开始就是积极进取的。我们的人数不多，而且大半都是贫寒的。我们的见解几乎不为人知。我们没有礼拜的场所，没有什么书刊，推展圣工的设施也有限。羊群分散在大街小巷，城市村镇和森林之中。我们的信息是上帝的诫命和耶稣的真道。?{CET 192.2}[2]
§6
From the first our work was aggressive. Our numbers were few, and mostly from the poorer class. Our views were almost unknown to the world. We had no houses of worship, but few publications, and very limited facilities for carrying forward our work. The sheep were scattered in the highways and byways, in cities, in towns, in forests. The commandments of God and the faith of Jesus was our message.?{CET 192.2}[2]
§7
【在信仰和道理上合一】
§8
我丈夫同贝约瑟、司提反·皮尔斯、海勒姆·爱德森等几位长老及其他敏锐、高尚，真诚的人，在一八四四年的时间过去之后，继续探索真理如同寻找埋藏的珍宝一般。{CET 192.3}[3]
§9
【Unity In Faith And Doctrine】
§10
My husband, with Elders Joseph Bates, Stephen Pierce, Hiram Edson, and others who were keen, noble, and true, was among those who, after the passing of the time in 1844, searched for the truth as for hidden treasure.?{CET 192.3}[3]
§11
那时我们时常心情沉重地聚集在一起，祈求在信仰和道理上达到统一；因为我们知道基督不是分开的。我们逐一查考要道，以敬畏的心翻开圣经，时常禁食，以便更好地理解真理。经过恳切的祈祷，如果有哪一点不明白，我们就进行讨论，让各人自由发表意见；然后我们再跪下祷告，向上帝献上诚恳的祈愿，求祂帮助我们有一致的看法，使我们可以合而为一，正如基督和天父合而为一那样。我们流了许多眼泪。{CET 192.4}[4]
§12
We would come together burdened in soul, praying that we might be one in faith and doctrine; for we knew that Christ is not divided. One point at a time was made the subject of investigation. The Scriptures were opened with a sense of awe. Often we fasted, that we might be better fitted to understand the truth. After earnest prayer, if any point was not understood, it was discussed and each one expressed his opinion freely; then we would again bow in prayer, and earnest supplications went up to heaven that God would help us to see eye to eye, that we might be one, as Christ and the Father are one. Many tears were shed.?{CET 192.4}[4]
§13
我们这样用了很多时间。有时用一整夜的工夫严肃地查考圣经，使我们可以明白那有关现代的真理。有时上帝的灵会降在我身上，难解的经文就藉着上帝所指定的方法阐明了，于是就有了完全的和谐。我们都是一心一意的。{CET 193.1}[5]
§14
We spent many hours in this way. Sometimes the entire night was spent in solemn investigation of the Scriptures, that we might understand the truth for our time. On some occasions the Spirit of God would come upon me, and difficult portions were made clear through God’s appointed way, and then there was perfect harmony. We were all of one mind and one spirit.?{CET 193.1}[5]
§15
我们竭力避免强解圣经以迎合任何人的见解。我们尽量避免纠缠于一些意见分歧的枝叶问题，尽量减少差距。每一个人心中所想的，就是要在弟兄中形成合一的状态，实现基督使祂的门徒合而为一，正如祂和天父合而为一的祈祷。{CET 193.2}[6]
§16
We sought most earnestly that the Scriptures should not be wrested to suit any man’s opinions. We tried to make our differences as slight as possible by not dwelling on points that were of minor importance, upon which there were varying opinions. But the burden of every soul was to bring about a condition among the brethren which would answer the prayer of Christ that His disciples might be one as He and the Father are one.?{CET 193.2}[6]
§17
有时会有一两位弟兄固执地反对某种提出来的看法，并暴露出心中本性的血气。遇到这种情况，我们就暂时停止查考，宣布休会，使大家有机会个别向上帝祷告，不与其他的人交谈，而单独去研究争执之点，从上天求得亮光。我们在友好的气氛中散会，尽快再开会作进一步的研究。有时上帝的能力以显著的方式降在我们身上。每当清晰的亮光向我们显明真理的要点时，我们便一同流泪欢喜。我们热爱耶稣；并且彼此相爱。{CET 193.3}[7]
§18
Sometimes one or two of the brethren would stubbornly set themselves against the view presented, and would act out the natural feelings of the heart; but when this disposition appeared, we suspended our investigations and adjourned our meeting, that each one might have an opportunity to go to God in prayer, and without conversation with others, study the point of difference, asking light from heaven. With expressions of friendliness we parted, to meet again as soon as possible for further investigation. At times the power of God came upon us in a marked manner, and when clear light revealed the points of truth, we?would weep and rejoice together. We loved Jesus; we loved one another.?{CET 193.3}[7]
§19
【建立教会秩序】
§20
我们的人数逐渐增多了。所撒的种子有上帝浇灌并使之成长。起先我们在私人住宅，在宽敞的厨房，在仓库，在树林和校舍里聚集礼拜，并将真理传给愿意来听的人；然而不久我们就有力量可以建造简陋的礼拜场所了。{CET 195.1}[8]
§21
【The Introduction Of Church Order】
§22
Our numbers gradually increased. The seed that was sown was watered of God, and He gave the increase. At first we assembled for worship, and presented the truth to those who would come to hear, in private houses, in large kitchens, in barns, in groves, and in schoolhouses; but it was not long before we were able to build humble houses of worship.?{CET 195.1}[8]
§23
随着我们人数的增多，显而易见，如果没有某种组织的形式，就会出现很大的混乱，圣工也无法成功地推进。所以为供养传道人员，在新的地区开展工作，防止不相配的人进入教会或传道的队伍，保管教会财产，出版真理书刊，以及其他许多目的，组织是必不可少的。{CET 195.2}[9]
§24
As our numbers increased, it was evident that without some form of organization there would be great confusion, and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable.?{CET 195.2}[9]
§25
但在我们的同道中间，对此却抱有强烈的抵触情绪。守第一日的复临信徒反对成立组织，守第七日的复临信徒多数也抱这样的看法。我们诚恳地祈求主使我们明白祂的旨意，结果祂藉着圣灵赐下了亮光，说明教会必须有秩序和严格的纪律，所以组织是必要的。上帝在全宇宙中的作为都表显出规律和秩序。秩序乃是天国的律法，也应作为祂地上子民的律法。{CET 195.3}[10]
§26
Yet there was strong feeling against it among our people. The First-day Adventists were opposed to organization, and most of the Seventh-day Adventists entertained the same ideas. We sought the Lord with earnest prayer that we might understand His will, and light was given by His Spirit, that there must be order and thorough discipline in the church,—that organization was essential. System and order are manifest in all the works of God throughout the universe. Order is the law of heaven, and it should be the law of God’s people on the earth.?{CET 195.3}[10]
§27
【创办新事业】
§28
在成立组织的过程中，我们经历了一场艰苦的斗争。虽然主针对这个问题曾多次赐下证言，但反对的势力还是很强大，所以必须一再应付。但我们知道耶和华以色列的上帝在引领我们，本着祂的美意指导我们。我们进行组织教会的工作，这个进步的举措取得了显著的成功。{CET 195.4}[11]
§29
【Entering Upon New Enterprises】
§30
We had a hard struggle in establishing organization. Notwithstanding that the Lord gave testimony after testimony upon this point, the opposition was?strong, and it had to be met again and again. But we knew that the Lord God of Israel was leading us, and guiding by His providence. We engaged in the work of organization, and marked prosperity attended this advance movement.?{CET 195.4}[11]
§31
当圣工的发展需要我们创办新的事业时，我们也有了相当的准备。主已指示我们关于教育工作的重要性。我们看出需要开办学校，使我们的儿女可以受到不掺杂虚伪哲理谬误的教育，使他们所受的训练符合上帝圣言的原则。我们还看到建立卫生机构的迫切需要，一方面帮助教育我们的同道，一方面造福和启发他人。结果这项事业也展开了。这一切都是最高级的布道工作。{CET 197.1}[12]
§32
As the development of the work called upon us to engage in new enterprises, we were prepared to enter upon them. The Lord directed our minds to the importance of the educational work. We saw the need of schools, that our children might receive instruction free from the errors of false philosophy, that their training might be in harmony with the principles of the word of God. The need of a health institution had been urged upon us, both for the help and instruction of our own people and as a means of blessing and enlightenment to others. This enterprise also was carried forward. All this was missionary work of the highest order.?{CET 197.1}[12]
§33
【通力合作的结果】
§34
我们的工作不是靠巨额的捐献或遗产来维持的；因为我们当中没有几个富人。我们兴旺的秘诀是什么呢？我们的行动向来听从那救我们的“元帅”的命令。上帝已经赐福与我们联合一致的努力。真理发展兴旺了。各种机构也相继建立起来了。那粒芥菜种已经长成一棵大树。组织体系证明是完全成功的。根据圣经的计划，实施了长期慈善捐献。全身都“联络得合式，百节各按各职”（弗4:16）。随着我们的进步，我们的组织体系依然证明是有效的。{CET 197.2}[13]
§35
【The Results Of United Effort】
§36
Our work was not sustained by large gifts or legacies; for we have few wealthy men among us. What is the secret of our prosperity? We have moved under the orders of the Captain of our salvation. God has blessed our united efforts. The truth has spread and flourished. Institutions have multiplied. The mustard seed has grown to a great tree. The system of organization has proved a grand success. Systematic benevolence was entered into according to the Bible plan. The body “has been compacted by that which every joint supplieth.” As we have advanced, our system of organization has still proved effectual.?{CET 197.2}[13]
§37
【避免无秩序的危险】
§38
任何人都不应以为我们可以取消组织。我们经过大量的研究和许多次祈求智慧，知道上帝已经回答，才将这个组织建立起来。这个组织是在上帝指导之下，经过重大牺牲与奋斗才建立起来的。但愿我们的弟兄中没有人受骗试图将它拆毁。因为你若这样做，就必造成一种你所想象不到的局面。我奉主的名向你声明，这个组织是一定要成立、加强、坚定、巩固的。我们遵照上帝的吩咐“往前走，”在困难重重似乎无法前进的时候勇往直前。我们知道在过去执行上帝的计划时曾付出了多大的代价。这些计划使我们达到了现在的地步。所以人人务要非常谨慎，以免使人对于上帝为我们的兴旺和成功推进祂的事业所命定的制度产生动摇。{CET 197.3}[14]
§39
【Avoiding The Perils Of Disorder】
§40
Let none entertain the thought that we can dispense with organization. It has cost us much study?and many prayers for wisdom that we know God has answered, to erect this structure. It has been built up by His direction, through much sacrifice and conflict. Let none of our brethren be so deceived as to attempt to tear it down, for you will thus bring in a condition of things that you do not dream of. In the name of the Lord I declare to you that it is to stand, strengthened, established, and settled. At God’s command, “Go forward,” we advanced when the difficulties to be surmounted made the advance seem impossible. We know how much it has cost to work out God’s plans in the past, which have made us as a people what we are. Then let everyone be exceedingly careful not to unsettle minds in regard to those things that God has ordained for our prosperity and success in advancing His cause.{CET 197.3}[14]
§41
天使都在和谐地工作。他们的一切行动都表现出完美秩序的特征。我们越严格地效法天军的和谐与秩序，这些天上使者为我们所作的努力就必越有成效。如果我们看不出自己有一致行动的必要，在行动上无秩序、无纪律、无组织；那么，这些组织严明、秩序井然的天使就不能成功地为我们作工了。他们必要悲伤地离开，因为他们没有受命祝福混乱、散漫和破坏组织的行为。凡渴望与天上的使者合作的人，必须与他们一致行动。凡受过上帝恩膏的人，就必竭力倡导秩序、纪律和一致的行动，然后上帝的天使才能与他们合作。但是这些天上的使者永不会赞同无规则、无组织、无秩序。这一切的弊病乃是撒但力图削弱我们的力量，摧毁我们的勇气，并阻止我们成功行动的结果。{CET 199.1}[15]
§42
Angels work harmoniously. Perfect order characterizes all their movements. The more closely we imitate the harmony and order of the angelic host, the more successful will be the efforts of these heavenly agents in our behalf. If we see no necessity for harmonious action, and are disorderly, undisciplined, and disorganized in our course of action, angels, who are thoroughly organized and move in perfect order, cannot work for us successfully. They turn away in grief, for they are not authorized to bless confusion, distraction, and disorganization. All who desire the co-operation of the heavenly messengers, must work in unison with them. Those who have the unction from on high, will in all their efforts encourage order, discipline, and union of action, and then the angels of God can co-operate with them. But never, never will these heavenly messengers place their endorsement upon irregularity, disorganization, and disorder. All these evils are the result of Satan’s efforts to weaken?our forces, to destroy our courage, and prevent successful action.?{CET 199.1}[15]
§43
撒但熟知惟有秩序与和谐的行动方能奏效。他熟知凡与天国有关的事都是秩序井然的。天军的一切行动都以服从和完善的纪律为特征。他处心积虑地引诱一切自命为基督徒的人尽可能偏离上天的安排；因此他要迷惑那些自称为上帝子民的人，使他们相信秩序和纪律乃是属灵的敌人；并且以为他们唯一的安全之策乃是各行其道，特别与那些团结一致，努力建立秩序与和谐的基督徒团体保持差异。一切为建立秩序而作的努力，都被他们认为是有危害的，是限制合法自由的，因此畏避之犹如畏避教皇制度一样。这些热心的人还以为他们夸耀自己独立思想和行动的自由是一种美德呢！他们决不肯接受任何人的话，也不肯顺服任何人。我蒙指示，得悉撒但特殊的工作是要诱使人们觉得上帝的旨意乃是要他们单干，并且选择自己的道路，与弟兄们保持独立。{CET 201.1}[16]
§44
Satan well knows that success can only attend order and harmonious action. He well knows that everything connected with Heaven is in perfect order, that subjection and perfect discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. It is his studied effort to lead professed Christians just as far from Heaven’s arrangement as he can; therefore he deceives even the professed people of God, and makes them believe that order and discipline are enemies to spirituality; that the only safety for them is to let each pursue his own course, and to remain especially distinct from bodies of Christians who are united, and are laboring to establish discipline and harmony of action. All the efforts made to establish order are considered dangerous, a restriction of rightful liberty, and hence are feared as popery. These devoted souls consider it a virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act independently. They will not take any man’s say-so. They are amenable to no man. I was shown that it is Satan’s special work to lead men to feel that it is God’s order for them to strike out for themselves, and choose their own course, independent of their brethren.?{CET 201.1}[16]
§45
【个人的责任和基督徒的团结】
§46
上帝正在引领一班人从世界中出来，使他们站在永恒真理，就是上帝诫命和耶稣真道的崇高立场上。祂必训炼并装备祂自己的子民。他们决不至意见不合，一个人相信一件事，而另一个人却持有完全相反的信仰和观点；各人采取独立于团体的行动。藉着祂所赐给教会的百般恩赐和职分，他们要在信仰上团结一致。如果一个人坚持自己对圣经真理的看法而不顾弟兄们的意见，自以为是，主张自己有权固守自己的特殊见解，并强迫别人接受，他怎么能实现基督的祈祷呢？如果再有多人一个一个起来坚持自己有权相信并宣讲自己所喜悦的，而不顾及整个团体的信仰，试问哪里会有存在于基督与天父之间，又是基督所祈求能存在于祂的弟兄们之间的和谐呢？{CET 201.2}[17]
§47
【Individual Responsibility And Christian Unity】
§48
God is leading a people out from the world upon the exalted platform of eternal truth, the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. He will discipline and fit up His people. They will not be at variance, one believing one thing, and another having faith and views entirely opposite; each moving independently of the body. Through the diversity of the gifts and governments that He has placed in the church, they will?all come to the unity of the faith. If one man takes his views of Bible truth without regard to the opinion of his brethren, and justifies his course, alleging that he has a right to his own peculiar views, and then presses them upon others, how can he be fulfilling the prayer of Christ? And if another and still another arises, each asserting his right to believe and talk what he pleases, without reference to the faith of the body, where will be that harmony which existed between Christ and His Father, and which Christ prayed might exist among His brethren??{CET 201.2}[17]
§49
虽然我们各人在上帝面前都有自己的工作和责任，但我们不可单随自己的独立判断，而不顾弟兄们的意见与感情；因为这样行，势必在教会中引起混乱。传道人有责任尊重弟兄们的意见；但他们所教导的道理，以及他们彼此间的关系，却应受训诲和法度的试验。这样，只要大家都有受教的心，我们当中就不会有分裂了。有一些人是倾向无秩序的，并且正在偏离信仰的伟大路标；但上帝却在感动祂的传道人在道理与精神上合而为一。{CET 203.1}[18]
§50
Though we have an individual work and an individual responsibility before God, we are not to follow our own independent judgment, regardless of the opinions and feelings of our brethren; for this course would lead to disorder in the church. It is the duty of ministers to respect the judgment of their brethren; but their relations to one another, as well as the doctrines they teach, should be brought to the test of the law and the testimony; then, if hearts are teachable, there will be no divisions among us. Some are inclined to be disorderly, and are drifting away from the great landmarks of the faith; but God is moving upon His ministers to be one in doctrine and in spirit.?{CET 203.1}[18]
§51
我们今日的团结必须经得起考验。……我们有许多教训需要学习，也有许多错误需要放弃。惟有上帝和天国是一贯正确的。那些以为自己决不需要放弃某一种喜欢的观点，决不需要改变自己主张的人一定会失望。我们如果顽固地坚持自己的观念和意见，就不能实现基督所祈求的合而为一。{CET 203.2}[19]
§52
It is necessary that our unity today be of a character that will bear the test of trial.... We have many lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and Heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot have the unity for which Christ prayed.?{CET 203.2}[19]
§53
当一个弟兄领受了有关圣经的新亮光时，他就应该坦率地说明自己的立场，其他的传道人也当本乎公正的精神查考圣经，好确定所提出的观点有没有圣经的根据。“主的仆人不可争竞；只要温温和和地待众人，善于教导，存心忍耐，用温柔劝戒那抵挡的人，或者上帝给他们悔改的心，可以明白真道”（提后2:24,25）。{CET 203.3}[20]
§54
When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should frankly explain his position, and?every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor to see if the points presented can be substantiated by the inspired word. “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.”?2 Timothy 2:24, 25.?{CET 203.3}[20]
§55
【上帝行了何等的大事！】
§56
回顾过去的历史，想到我们走到今天的每一步路程，我只能说：赞美上帝！我看到上帝的作为，感到无比的惊讶。我完全信任基督的引导。对于将来，我们没有什么可恐惧的，除非我们忘记了主带领我们所走过的路和祂在我们以往历史中的教训。{CET 204.1}[21]
§57
【What Hath God Wrought!】
§58
In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.?{CET 204.1}[21]
§59
如果我们愿意依靠主，我们现在就是一班强大的子民，因为我们所传扬的，乃是上帝圣言的伟大真理。我们应当凡事存心感恩。我们既行在上帝活泼圣言所照耀的光中，就负有重大的责任，要与上帝赐给我们的大光相称。我们有许多当尽的本分，因为上帝的真理已经委托给我们，要我们将这真理的一切荣美传给世人。我们都欠了上帝的债，须善用祂所赐给我们的每一个机会，藉圣洁的品格来美化真理，将这警告、安慰、希望和慈爱的信息，传给那些处在谬误与罪恶黑暗中的人。{CET 204.2}[22]
§60
We are now a strong people, if we will put our trust in the Lord; for we are handling the mighty truths of the word of God. We have everything to be thankful for. If we walk in the light as it shines upon us from the living oracles of God, we shall have large responsibilities, corresponding to the great light given us of God. We have many duties to perform, because we have been made the depositaries of sacred truth to be given to the world in all its beauty and glory. We are debtors to God to use every advantage He has entrusted to us to beautify the truth by holiness of character, and to send the messages of warning, and of comfort, of hope and love, to those who are in the darkness of error and sin.?{CET 204.2}[22]
§61
感谢上帝为我们青年备妥了宗教与智力教育的设施。许多人已经受了教育，参加了美国和国外各部门的圣工。出版社发行了书刊，将真理的知识广传远方。我们理应为这一切有如仁泽满溢之溪流的恩赐而感谢上帝。{CET 204.3}[23]
§62
Thank God for what has already been done in providing for our youth facilities for religious and intellectual training. Many have been educated to act a part in the various branches of the work, not only?in America, but in foreign fields. The press has furnished literature that has spread far and wide the knowledge of truth. Let all the gifts that like rivulets have swelled the stream of benevolence, be recognized as a cause of thanksgiving to God.{CET 204.3}[23]
§63
我们今日有一支青年的队伍，如果得到适当的指导和勉励，就能大有作为。我们希望我们的儿女能相信真理，蒙上帝赐福，参加帮助其他青年的周密计划。大家都必须如此接受训练，以便能正确地表达真理，向人说明自己盼望的缘由，并在他们所胜任的工作部门中荣耀上帝。……{CET 205.1}[24]
§64
We have an army of youth today who can do much if they are properly directed and encouraged. We want our children to believe the truth. We want them to be blessed of God. We want them to act a part in well-organized plans for helping other youth. Let all be so trained that they may rightly represent the truth, giving the reason of the hope that is within them, and honoring God in any branch of the work where they are qualified to labor....?{CET 205.1}[24]
§65
我们既为基督的门徒，就有责任将我们所明知而世人却没有的亮光散布出去。但愿上帝的子民“在好事上富足，甘心施舍，乐意供给人，为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，叫他们持定那永远的生命”（提前6:18,19）。{CET 205.2}[25]
§66
As the disciples of Christ, it is our duty to diffuse light which we know the world has not. Let the people of God “be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”?1 Timothy 6:18, 19.?{CET 205.2}[25]