第35章 威廉E（二）
§1
第35章 威廉E（二）
§2
Chap. 35—William E (Part II)
§3
第九编 对教会管理人员的劝勉（35-40）
§4
[1911年8月15日，南方联合会会长C.F.麦克瓦奇长老写信给怀威廉：{TSB 228.1}[1]
§5
Section 9—Counsels to Church Administrators
§6
[On August 15, 1911, Elder C. F. McVagh, president of the Southern Union Conference, wrote W. C. White:?{TSB 228.1}[1]
§7
“亲爱的弟兄：阿拉巴马州的区会领袖对威廉E的事大感困惑，他们请我将怀爱伦就E弟兄作为传道人公开传道所写过的话，和当前的建议，或来自主的指示抄录一份给他们。你很熟悉E弟兄的过去。就这几年所知的情况，他的生活一直是正直的，他出售书报和圣经。然而他感觉自己有传道的负担，他无论走到哪里都立刻有机会讲道。他有极好的才能，不久就有人慕道了。从外表上看，他有深切的献身凭据，人们也因他的努力接受了真理。{TSB 228.2}[2]
§8
“Dear Brother: in Alabama the Conference officers are much perplexed about the case of William E, and I have been asked to write for a copy of what has been written [by Ellen White] bearing upon his public labor as a minister, and also for present advice, or instruction from the Lord. You are acquainted with his past. His life has been straight so far as is known for several years, and he has sold books and Bibles. But he feels a burden to preach and wherever he goes he soon has opportunity to preach. He has wonderful ability and soon there is an interest. He gives outward evidence of deep consecration and people accept the truth under his labors.?{TSB 228.2}[2]
§9
“一年多前，他迁居阿拉巴马州的伯明翰，很快，他便积极参加教会工作。伯明翰教会当时恶化得很厉害。他成了那里的长老，迅即开展了一些工作，好几个家庭慕道。人们的兴趣日渐浓厚，到了冬季，他在当地剧场举办了星期天夜间聚会，参与者众多，且有一些人接受了真理。信徒们自然大受鼓励，很信任他，因此，他既投入大量时间照顾慕道的兴趣（他是一个不知疲倦的工人），区会委员会便投票决定，每周支付八美元，作为对他的补助。当然，这点钱是不够生活的，他觉得照顾慕道的兴趣需要全部时间，他也真心盼望能重新得到传道证书，完全被承认为区会的一名传道人。他现在的经历无人置疑，但过去已给他和他的家庭带上了烙印。{TSB 228.3}[3]
§10
“A little over a year ago he moved to Birmingham, Alabama, and soon was taking an active part in church work. The church at that time was very much run down. He became elder, and soon had some work started and several families interested. The interest grew and during the winter he held Sunday night meetings in a theater with a large attendance, and?some accepted the truth. He had the confidence of the church members who were naturally much encouraged, and so, as he had to devote much of his time to taking care of the interest (he is an indefatigable worker), the Conference Committee voted him $8 a week to assist him. Of course he cannot live on that, and he thinks the interest demands full time, and he is really looking to the restoration of his credentials and complete recognition as a minister of the Conference. His present experience no one doubts, but the past has marked him and his family.?{TSB 228.3}[3]
§11
“他妻子是个神经过敏的人，信心摇摆不定，一方面希望他从事传道工作，但当他获得别人拥护并和会众打成一片时，她就有变得疑窦丛生的危险，无论有没有来由，而且她亲自传出流言蜚语，谈论讲述过去她怀疑他的事。若能有从主而来的明确信息，大家就会非常释怀了。我确信包括E弟兄和他妻子在内的所有人都会接受从主而来的信息。{TSB 229.1}[4]
§12
“His wife is a nervous wreck and her confidence has been so shaken that while she wants him to preach, there is constant danger that as he becomes popular and mingles with the people that she will become jealous, whether [there] is any cause or not, and herself bring on a scandal by talking and telling of the past which she is prone to do when she becomes suspicious of him. All would be greatly relieved if there is any definite counsel from the Lord. I feel sure that all would accept it, including Brother and Sister E.?{TSB 229.1}[4]
§13
“从我个人角度来说，我很同情他们二人，也相信他们正在努力过义的生活，我愿意在所有正确的事上鼓励他们。E弟兄过去的经历非常波折，又广为人知，因此我们不敢建议他去从事传道工作，但现实是他正在做这工作，主也显然祝福他的努力。我们是建议他停止传道，还是区会接受他的努力并付给他薪水？他若做工，就必须付给他薪水，那么他的传道证书又该怎么办呢？{TSB 229.2}[5]
§14
“Personally, I feel very sorry for them both and have confidence that they are trying to live right, and I wish to encourage them in every way that is right. His past is so checkered and so widely known that we fear to advise him to labor in the ministry, but the fact is he is doing it, and the Lord apparently blesses his efforts. Shall we advise him to quit preaching, or shall the Conference accept his labor and pay him for it? If he labors he must be paid and then what about his credentials??{TSB 229.2}[5]
§15
诚挚地C. F.麦克瓦奇“依照阿拉巴马区会委员会的请求而写。”{TSB 230.1}[6]
§16
Sincerely (Signed) C. F. McVagh “Written at the request of the Alabama Conference Committee.”?{TSB 230.1}[6]
§17
1911年9月14日，怀威廉长老将这封信呈到怀夫人手中，9月15日，怀威廉长老向麦克瓦奇长老转达了怀夫人的意见。下面是怀威廉的信：{TSB 230.2}[7]
§18
On September 14, Elder White placed this letter in Mrs. White’s hands, and on September 15, Elder White conveyed Mrs. White’s counsel in the case to Elder McVagh. W. C. White’s letter is as follows:?{TSB 230.2}[7]
§19
“亲爱的麦克瓦奇弟兄：自从收到你8月15日那封论到阿拉巴马州区会因威廉E的事而生困惑的信，已有两三周的时间了。{TSB 230.3}[8]
§20
“Dear Brother McVagh: It is two or three weeks since I received your letter of August 15, regarding the perplexity which has arisen in the Alabama Conference over the case of William E.?{TSB 230.3}[8]
§21
“我们从加利福尼亚州南部回来后，母亲一直虚弱疲惫，因此直到昨天我才将你的来信呈给她看。她把信从头看到尾，念及E弟兄过去的悲惨经历，就为他和因他过去软弱邪恶的行为而伤心的弟兄感到很难过。{TSB 230.4}[9]
§22
“Since our return from Southern California, Mother has been weak and weary, and I did not place this letter in her hands until yesterday. Then she read it all through, and when she recalled the sad experiences through which Brother E has passed, she felt very sorry for him and for our brethren whose hearts have been made sad through the past years by his weak and wicked course.?{TSB 230.4}[9]
§23
“母亲说，那些处理因威廉E过去许多罪过而生出的混乱的人，应当负责就目前我们对他的责任提出建议。母亲不想在这件事承担太多的责任，但她说对于E长老和对其他处于类似境况的人，他们若彻底悔改了，他们的生活若能使弟兄们相信他们是十分真诚的，那就不要将他们逐出教会，也别禁止他们在谦卑的地位为基督做工，但不要将他们提拔到负责的岗位上来。{TSB 230.5}[10]
§24
“Mother says that those who have dealt with the perplexities arising from his many transgressions in the past should take the responsibility of advising regarding our present duty toward him. Mother does not wish to take large responsibility in this matter, but she says regarding Elder E as she has said regarding other men in a somewhat similar position, if they have thoroughly repented, if they are living such lives as convince their brethren that they are thoroughly in earnest, do not cut them off from fellowship, do not forbid their working for Christ in a humble capacity, but do not elevate them to positions of responsibility.?{TSB 230.5}[10]
§25
“据此我的理解是，重新发给他传道证书并差他到各地信徒中间是不明智的，但他若藉着忠诚的基督徒生活赢得了所住之地教会的信任，就不要阻拦他做当地教会的负责工作。实际上，他的弟兄们或许有责任更进一步，为他忠心的劳动付他工价。事实上，我不明白你们怎么能不为他忠心而明智的工作付给他适当的报酬。但这不会把给他传道证书和派他到区会作旅行传道人那样的试探摆在他面前。{TSB 230.6}[11]
§26
“From this I would understand that it would be?unwise to renew his credentials and send him from place to place among the people, but if he has by a faithful Christian life won the confidence of the church where he lives, do not stand in the way of his doing such work as that church may be responsible for. In fact, it may be the duty of his brethren to go farther and to pay him for faithful labor. In fact, I do not see how you could withhold from him a proper remuneration for faithful and judicious labor. But this would not be placing before him the same temptation as to give him credentials and send him forth in the Conference as a traveling minister.?{TSB 230.6}[11]
§27
“我要照母亲所说的再说一次，这个问题应当交给那些不得不处理他过去情况的人去处理。请考虑我所表达的意见只可作参考。”{TSB 231.1}[12]
§28
“Again I would say, as Mother has said, this is a question which should be submitted to those who have had to deal with his case in the past. Please consider the opinions I have expressed only as suggestive.”?{TSB 231.1}[12]
§29
在这封信的末尾，怀爱伦亲自题写了以下表示认可的话：“对于此类事件，这封信的建议是正确的。让他谦卑地行在上帝面前吧。至于给他许多责任，我未见到这方面的亮光。”{TSB 231.2}[13]
§30
At the close of this letter Ellen White personally inscribed the following words of endorsement: “This is correct advice in such cases. Let him walk humbly before God. I see no light in giving him responsibilities.”?{TSB 231.2}[13]
§31
此后就没有听到关于此事的更多消息了，直到1913年1月8日，阿拉巴马区会新任会长A.L.米勒给怀夫人写了一封信。他写道：{TSB 231.3}[14]
§32
No more was heard of the matter until early in 1913, when a letter addressed to Mrs. White, dated January 8, 1913, was received from A. L. Miller, the newly-elected president of the Alabama Conference. He wrote:?{TSB 231.3}[14]
§33
“亲爱的怀姐妹：关于威廉E弟兄过去的历史和生活，写信给您成了令我感到痛苦的责任，其实我不必多说，因为您十分熟悉这事，1911年8月15日C.F.麦克瓦奇长老已给您致信说明了他的情况。我因有必要再次将此事呈给您而感到很抱歉。{TSB 231.4}[15]
§34
“Dear Sister White: It becomes my painful duty to write to you concerning the case of Brother William E. Of his past history and life, it is not necessary to?write, as you are sufficiently acquainted with the facts, since his case was brought before you by a letter from Elder C. F. McVagh, dated August 15, 1911. I am sorry it becomes necessary to bring this case before you again.?{TSB 231.4}[15]
§35
“麦克瓦奇长老写信询问有关E弟兄获得传道证书以及成为区会正式工人的事。{TSB 232.1}[16]
§36
“Elder McVagh’s letter was relative to Brother E receiving credentials and becoming a Conference laborer.?{TSB 232.1}[16]
§37
“当前的棘手问题在于，E弟兄是否要被按立为伯明翰教会的长老。伯明翰教会是目前区会中最大也最有影响力的教会，因为区会总部就设在伯明翰。教会对此意见不一，这已给该城的工作造成恶劣影响，并且或多或少给整个区会带来了有害的影响。大多数人认为，既然E弟兄有能力，他最近在该城的工作也很优秀（麦克瓦奇长老的信中已提到这点，本次将他的信件抄本附上），因此就应被按立为教会长老且担任该教会的牧师或领袖；其他人则因为威廉E过去的历史而不同意按立，并且认为那些处理过他以往事宜的人应当就他是否适合作该教会长老提出忠告和建议。{TSB 232.2}[17]
§38
“The present difficulty is as to whether or not Brother E should be made elder of the Birmingham church, the largest, and now the most influential church in the Conference, as the Conference headquarters are located in Birmingham. The church is disagreed upon the point in question, and it is having a bad influence upon the work in the city and a more or less deleterious effect throughout the Conference. The majority think, because of his capabilities and his late work in the city (as stated in Elder McVagh’s letter, a copy of which is herein enclosed), that he should be made elder of the church and act as its pastor, or leader, while others do not favor it because of his life record, and also think that those who have dealt with him in the past should give counsel, and advise as to his becoming elder of the church.?{TSB 232.2}[17]
§39
“熟悉威廉E的弟兄们提出的忠告和南方联合会委员会作出的决议都是不按立他为教会长老。{TSB 232.3}[18]
§40
“The counsel given by brethren acquainted with him, and by a recent action of the Southern Union Conference Committee, is that he be not made elder of the church.?{TSB 232.3}[18]
§41
“12月28日，S.E.怀特长老[南方联合会新任会长]与教会一起开会，大家相当坦率地讨论了这个问题。怀特长老极其小心谨慎地处理这件事，他提到E弟兄许多优点和资质，但同时也让教会明白，因着那些熟悉威廉E的弟兄所给出的建议，无论是他还是我都觉得不能随意任命他。{TSB 232.4}[19]
§42
“On December 28, Elder S. E. Wight [new president of the Southern Union Conference] held a meeting with the church, at which the question was quite freely discussed. Elder Wight dealt very carefully and cautiously with the case and spoke of Brother E’s?good traits and qualifications, but let the church know that neither he nor I could feel free to ordain him because of the advice given by those who know him.?{TSB 232.4}[19]
§43
“大家都能达成共识的一点是，将此事呈到主的仆人那里，无论主说什么，我们都必遵从。{TSB 233.1}[20]
§44
“The only point upon which we all could agree was to place his case before the servant of the Lord, and whatever the Lord says, we have all agreed to stand by.?{TSB 233.1}[20]
§45
“就个人而言，我们都不能说E弟兄的任何不是，只是把他当作教会里的一位弟兄爱他和与他相交，且如此看待他。教会和会长怀特长老要我将此事呈到您面前，看主对我们有何指示。{TSB 233.2}[21]
§46
“Personally, none of us have aught to say against Brother E, but love and fellowship him as a brother in the church and so regard him. The church, with Elder Wight as chairman, asked that I place this matter before you and see what instruction the Lord has for us.?{TSB 233.2}[21]
§47
“祈盼迅复您在基督里诚挚的弟兄，A.L.米勒，阿拉巴马州伯明翰北七街1700号{TSB 233.3}[22]
§48
“Awaiting an early reply, I am?{TSB 233.3}[22]
§49
“另呈，此信已在教会宣读，获得认可。{TSB 233.4}[23]
§50
sincerely your brother in Christ, (Signed) A. L. Miller 1700 North Seventh Avenue Birmingham, Alabama “P. S. This letter was read to the church, and accepted.”?{TSB 233.4}[23]
§51
E弟兄觉得若能亲自见到怀姐妹，可能会对他的事造成有利的考虑。于是他在一月的第二个星期去了圣赫勒那，怀姐妹却觉得不能随意与他会面。于是他给怀姐妹写了封信，介绍自己的情况，寄信的日期是1913年1月13日，米勒长老的信是1月8日，这两封信都在1月14日摆在了怀姐妹的案头。她在看了那两封信后写了以下的话：]{TSB 233.5}[24]
§52
Feeling that his personal appearance before Mrs. White might gain favorable consideration of his case, Brother E went to St. Helena during the second week in January, but Sister White did not feel free to have an interview with him. He then placed in writing the circumstances of his case, which were addressed to Sister White under date of January 13, 1913. On January 14, Elder Miller’s letter of January 8, as well as Brother E’s letter of January 13, were placed before Sister White. She made the following statements in connection with their reading:]?{TSB 233.5}[24]
§53
我认为这类问题不应送到我这里来。我认为我的工作不是处理这种事，除非主将这事清楚地展现在我面前。教会中该有智慧充足能够果断处理此事的弟兄。我无法理解这种事。我不相信上帝想让我背上这类重担。他们若藉祷告和禁食还无法解决这类事情，那就继续禁食祷告，直到他们能够解决为止。{TSB 234.1}[25]
§54
I do not think any such questions as that ought to be placed before me. I do not think it is my work to deal with any such things unless the case has been plainly opened before me. There should be brethren in the church who have wisdom who can speak decidedly regarding this case. I cannot understand such things. I do not believe that God wants me to take any such burden upon me. If they cannot settle such things among themselves by prayer and fasting, then let them continue [in] fasting and prayer till they can.?{TSB 234.1}[25]
§55
这种事会出现，会临到，就是说，他们会有这些难题，而他们必须学习如何处理。他们必须获得一种经验。他们必须把这些事带到主面前，相信主会垂听他们的祈祷，并在这一切事上赐给他们可靠的经验，但他们不应把这些事送到我面前来。{TSB 234.2}[26]
§56
Such things will arise. It will come—that is, they will have these difficult questions, and they have got to learn how to treat them. They have got to have an experience. They must bring these things to the Lord, and believe the Lord will hear their prayer, and give them a sound experience in all these things, but they are not to bring them to me.?{TSB 234.2}[26]
§57
[怀威廉长老将麦克瓦奇长老1911年8月15日的来信给怀姐妹读了一部分，接下来怀爱伦姐妹进一步说道：]{TSB 234.3}[27]
§58
[Elder W. C. White read portions of Elder McVagh’s letter of August 15, 1911, after which Sister White said further:]?{TSB 234.3}[27]
§59
关于威廉E的事，我没有得到特别的亮光，因此我不敢断然回答。{TSB 234.4}[28]
§60
I have had no particular light in regard to his case, therefore I dare not speak positively in regard to it.?{TSB 234.4}[28]
§61
他必须显出上帝悦纳他的证据，且要拿出那个证据以便我们的弟兄有某种切实的东西可以指望。他们可以说：我们会给你一个机会。我们要看上帝是否悦纳你的工作。{TSB 234.5}[29]
§62
He has to show the evidence that God accepts him and to give that evidence so that our brethren can have something tangible to build upon. Let them say, We will give you a chance. We will see whether God accepts your labors or not.?{TSB 234.5}[29]
§63
但我若负起这事的责任，就是不智之举。此事我不能负起丝毫的责任。那些天天眼见他行为的人应当知道他是否证明了自己，上帝是否悦纳他。{TSB 234.6}[30]
§64
But it is not wise for me to take the responsibility of this case. I cannot take the least responsibility. Those who see his actions day by day should know whether he has proved himself, whether God accepts him.?{TSB 234.6}[30]
§65
[读了威廉E写于1913年1月13日的信之后，怀爱伦说道：]{TSB 234.7}[31]
§66
[After reading the letter of William E, written January 13, 1913, Ellen White said:]?{TSB 234.7}[31]
§67
我不能在这种问题上负起责任。这样做的担子太大了，可能会要了我的性命。让上帝所指定的那些人负起责任，按照基督的原则去处理这事吧。——《怀爱伦文稿》1913年第2号{TSB 235.1}[32]
§68
I cannot take responsibility in such matters. The burden of doing so is too great. It might cost me my life. Let those appointed of God to bear the responsibility deal with it in accordance with Christian principles.—Manuscript 2, 1913.?{TSB 235.1}[32]
§69
[关于那些过去有可悲经历之人承担教会要职之事，怀威廉长老就自己在1911年9月15日所写信中表达的观点，在1913年初这样写道：{TSB 235.2}[33]
§70
[In connection with the question as to what was involved in his statement of September 15, 1911, relative to the holding of responsible positions by those who have passed through such sad experiences, Elder W. C. White, early in 1913, wrote as follows:?{TSB 235.2}[33]
§71
“有些弟兄现在对于‘不要将他们逐出教会，也别禁止他们在谦卑的地位为基督做工，但不要将他们提拔到负责的岗位上来’这句话的意思似乎心生疑问。{TSB 235.3}[34]
§72
“It now appears that there is a question in the minds of the brethren as to what was meant by the words, ‘Do not cut them off from fellowship; do not forbid their working for Christ in a humble capacity, but do not elevate them to positions of responsibility.’?{TSB 235.3}[34]
§73
“无论是过去写下‘不要将他们提拔到负责的岗位上来’这句话的时候还是现在，我对它的理解是，弟兄们要求重新得到传道证书和被完全承认为区会传道人时心中所想的这种责任和提升。我并没有想到这会牵涉到当地教会的领导。当时并没有考虑当地教会的领导问题。]{TSB 235.4}[35]
§74
“My understanding of this at the time it was written and my understanding of it today is that the words, ‘Do not elevate them to positions of responsibility’ referred to such responsibility and elevation as was in the minds of the brethren when they asked for a restoration of credentials and complete recognition as a minister of the Conference. It did not occur to me that this could apply to the leadership of the church. The question of the leadership was not then under consideration.”]?{TSB 235.4}[35]