第81章 致弟兄们
§1
第81章 致弟兄们
§2
Chapter 81—To Brethren
§3
《信函》1890年第1号B-1-18901890年5月14日写于加利福尼亚州圣赫勒那
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Chapter 81—To Brethren
§5
St. Helena, Calif., May 14, 1890
§6
亲爱的弟兄们：Dear Brethren,—
§7
关于我们的书报员们对待卷四《大斗争》的态度，我一直深感难受，因为它在园地之外已经很久。自从新版完成以来，快两年了，却没有做什么工作把它带到人前。{1888 651.1}
§8
I have been deeply burdened in regard to the manner in which Vol. IV, The Great Controversy, has been treated by our canvassers, because it has so long been kept from the field. It is nearly two years since the new edition was completed, and but little has been done to bring it before the people. {1888 651.1}
§9
我受主的灵感动写那本书，在写作之时，觉得有重大的责任压在心上。我知道时日短促，那纷纷快要临到我们的情景，最终会非常突然而且迅速地出现，犹如圣经上的话所形容的：“主的日子来到，好像夜间的贼一样”（帖前5:2）。{1888 651.2}
§10
I was moved by the Spirit of the Lord to write that book, and while working upon it, I felt a great burden upon my soul. I knew that time was short, that the scenes which are soon to crowd upon us would at the last come very suddenly and swiftly, as represented in the words of Scripture; “The day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” {1888 651.2}
§11
主把现代极其重要而且涉及未来的种种大事向我展示。祂用命令的口气对我说：“应当把你所看到所听到的写成一本书，散发给众民，因为时候近了，过去的历史势将重演。”我曾在清晨一点钟，两点钟，三点钟的时候，被一些强烈压迫在心的印象所激醒，似乎有上帝的声音向我说话。我蒙指示看到我们自己的人许多都在罪里沉睡，尽管他们自称基督徒，但他们若不悔改，就必灭亡。{1888 651.3}
§12
The Lord has set before me matters which are of urgent importance for the present time, and which reach into the future. The words have been spoken in a charge to me, “Write in a book the things which thou hast seen and heard, and let it go to all people; for the time is at hand when past history will be repeated.” I have been aroused at one, two, or three o’clock in the morning, with some point forcibly impressed upon my mind, as if spoken by the voice of God. I was shown that many of our own people were asleep in their sins, and although they claimed to be Christians, they would perish unless they were converted. {1888 651.3}
§13
当真理以清晰的线路展示在我面前时，便在我心中留下了严肃的印象，我设法将之带到人前，使人人都可认识到必须亲自拥有宗教经验，亲自认识救主，亲自寻求悔改、信心、爱心、盼望和圣洁。我确信没有时间可以浪费。必须发出呼吁和警告；我们的各教会必须被唤醒，必须受教导，以便他们能向凡与他们接触的人发出警告，宣布刀剑将至，主对一个放荡世界的忿怒不会长久耽延。我蒙指示看到许多人会听从警告。他们的心会预备好看出那警告向他们指出的事。{1888 651.4}
§14
The solemn impressions made upon my mind as the truth was laid out in clear lines before me, I tried to bring before others, that each might feel the necessity of having a religious experience for himself, of having a knowledge of the Saviour for himself 652of seeking repentance, faith, love, hope, and holiness for himself. I was assured that there was no time to lose. The appeals and warnings must be given, our churches must be aroused, must be instructed, that they may give the warning to all whom they can possibly reach, declaring that the sword is coming, that the Lord’s anger upon a profligate world will not long be deferred. I was shown that many would listen to the warning. Their minds would be prepared to discern the very things that it pointed out to them. {1888 651.4}
§15
我蒙指示看到我许多的时间被演讲占用了，其实我应该献身写出卷四的重要内容，使这警告传到活着的使者去不了的地方，唤起许多人注意这世界历史结束情景的重要事件，这才是更重要的。{1888 652.1}
§16
I was shown that much of my time had been occupied in speaking to the people, when it was more essential that I should devote myself to writing out the important matters for Vol. IV; that the warning must go where the living messenger could not go, and that it would call the attention of many to the important events to occur in the closing scenes of this world’s history. {1888 652.1}
§17
当教会和世界的状况展开在我面前，而我看到就在我们面前的可怕情景时，便因所见的感到惊惶；夜复一夜，当人们都在房间里沉睡时，我写出了上帝赐给我的事。我蒙指示看到要兴起的各种异端，要流行的各种欺骗，撒但行奇事的能力——将要显现的假基督——会欺骗宗教界的大部分人，倘若可能，连选民也要迷惑了。{1888 652.2}
§18
As the condition of the church and the world was open before me, and I beheld the fearful scenes that lie just before us, I was alarmed at the outlook; and night after night, while all in the house were sleeping, I wrote out the things given me of God. I was shown the heresies which are to arise, the delusions that will prevail, the miracle-working power of Satan—the false Christs that will appear—that will deceive the greater part even of the religious world, and that would, if it were possible, draw away even the elect. {1888 652.2}
§19
这是主的工作吗？我知道它是，我们的人也自称相信它是。这本书的警告和指示乃是凡自称相信现代真理的人所需要的，也要改编这本书发往世界，叫世人注意正在我们前面的严肃场面。{1888 652.3}
§20
Is this work of the Lord? I know that it is, and our people also profess to believe it. The warning and instruction of this book are needed by all who profess to believe the present truth, 653and the book is adapted to go also to the world, calling their attention to the solemn scenes just before us. {1888 652.3}
§21
我的弟兄们，你们有责任留意传播这本书，然而约在新版的《卷四》印出来的时候，新书《圣经读物》却得到了推介。这本书销量很大，竟被允许吞没其它一切利益。书报员们发现它很容易销售，而《卷四》一直没能进入园地。我感到这是不对的；我知道这是不对的，因为这与上帝所赐给我的亮光不符。我与爱尔德里奇船长谈了话，也在弗兰克.贝尔登训练书报员时与他谈了话，但我能得到的惟一回应就是：“我们在这件事上做不了什么，直到《圣经读物》销完了。然后我们会推销《卷四》到园地。”去年秋天我得到承诺说春天会特别努力推销《卷四》。我的回答是：“弟兄们，我不敢等那么久。”我不能明白为何必需耽搁这么久。所给的理由对我来说毫无分量。我感到要是弟兄们明白并赏识主所显在我面前并吩咐我写下来的题材，他们自己也会看他们的理由很不重要。{1888 653.1}
§22
You, my brethren, took the responsibility of seeing that it was put in circulation, but about the time when the new edition of Vol. IV came from the press, the new work Bible Readings was introduced. This book has had a great sale, and has been permitted to swallow up every other interest. Canvassers found it an easy book to handle, and Vol. IV was kept out of the field. I felt that this was not right; I know that it was not right, because it was not in harmony with the light which God had given me. I talked with Capt. Eldridge, and with Frank Belden while he was engaged in training canvassers, but the only response I could get was, “We cannot do anything in this matter until Bible Readings has had its run. Then we will take hold of Vol. IV, and give it the field.” Last fall I was promised that in the spring a special effort should be made to push Vol. IV. My answer was. “Brethren, I dare not wait so long.” I could not understand why such delay was necessary. The reasons given were of no weight to me. I felt that if my brethren understood and appreciated the subject matter which the Lord had presented before me and bidden me to write, their excuses would have appeared very small to their own minds. {1888 653.1}
§23
他们说书报员不愿接受《卷四》，因为他们更乐意销售《圣经读物》，从而得到更好的收入。我回答说：“弟兄们，要是以正确的眼光把这事摆在我们的书报员面前，我就无法明白为什么他们不愿推销这本应该传到世人面前的书。”{1888 653.2}
§24
They said that the canvassers were unwilling to take Vol. IV, because they could sell Bible Readings so much more readily and hence could do better financially. I answered, “Brethren, I cannot understand why, if this matter is set before our canvassers in the right light, they would not work for the book which 654ought to come before the world. {1888 653.2}
§25
我灵里叹息，因为我从与他们的交谈中知道，在出版社身居要职的弟兄们一点没有意识到不久就要突然临到我们身上的真实危险。当许多人在精神和行动上在说：“平安稳妥”的时候，灾祸必忽然临到他们（帖前5:3）。{1888 654.1}
§26
I groaned in spirit, for I knew, from the conversation I had had, that my brethren in positions of trust at the office of publication had no sense of the real perils which are soon to break upon us. While many are, in spirit and action, saying, “Peace and safety,” sudden destruction will come upon them. {1888 654.1}
§27
近两年之久，那本含有主特别赐给这时代的警告和指示的书一直在我们的出版社中被束之高阁，竟没有一个人觉得把它带到人前是必需的或重要的。弟兄们，我要等到几时你们才会有负担呢？现在，《卷一》即《先祖与先知》已准备好销售；但即使为了这本书我也不会让《卷四》继续象灯被藏在斗底下。我心里极其痛苦，但我的弟兄们有谁关心此事呢？{1888 654.2}
§28
For nearly two years the book containing warnings and instruction from the Lord, given especially for this time, has been lying in our publishing houses, and no one feels the necessity or importance of bringing it before the people. Brethren, how long am I to wait for you to get the burden? Now Vol. I, or Patriarchs and Prophets, is ready for circulation; but even for this book I will not allow Vol. IV to remain longer as a light under a bushel. I am in sore distress of mind, but who of my brethren cares for this? {1888 654.2}
§29
难道主先在我的心中运行，预备此书要传到各处，然后祂又在弟兄们心中运行，作出计划挡住道路，以致祂所赐给我的亮光要被藏在我们的出版社里，而不是照耀出来，启迪凡愿意领受之人吗？{1888 654.3}
§30
Has the Lord moved upon my mind to prepare this work to be sent everywhere, and is he moving upon my brethren to devise plans which shall bar the way, so that the light which he has given me shall be hid in our publishing houses instead of shining forth to enlighten all who will receive it? {1888 654.3}
§31
如今极力主张的是一次只应在文字布道园地推销一本书，——所有的书报员都推销同一本书。我不认为这么做有什么力量或适当。主若有亮光给祂的子民，谁要冒险设立障碍以致亮光达不到他们呢？一本书出版的成本很低，所以卖得便宜；其它含有此时所必需的现代真理的书出版的成本比较高，难道因此就使人们看不到它吗？《圣经读物》是一本好书，要居于它自己的位置，但是不应该允许它挤掉人们所需要的其它重要的作品。我们各区会的会长有本分要尽，我们的理事会应该就此事发表意见，好使上帝工作的不同部门得到同等的关注。{1888 654.4}
§32
It is now urged that only one book at a time should have a place in the canvassing field, — that all the canvassers should work for the same book. I do not see the force or propriety of this. If the Lord has light for his people, who shall venture to put up barriers so that the light shall not reach them? One book is published at little expense, and is therefore sold cheaply; 655other works that present truths essential at this time, have involved greater expense; shall they therefore be kept from the people? Bible Readings is a good book to occupy its own place, but should not be permitted to crowd out other important works, which the people need. The presidents of our conferences have a duty to do, our board of directors should have something to say in this matter, that the different branches of the work of God may receive equal attention. {1888 654.4}
§33
我们的文字布道士若是受得利的精神所支配，他们推销这本书若是为了能挣最多的钱，以致忽视人们所需要的其它书籍，我就要问，他们的工作从哪种意义上说是传道工作呢？哪里有传道的精神，就是自我牺牲的精神呢？ {1888 655.1}
§34
If our canvassers are controlled by the prospect of financial gain; if they circulate the book on which they can make the most money, to the neglect of others that the people need, I ask, in what sense is theirs a missionary work? Where is the missionary spirit, — the spirit of self sacrifice? {1888 655.1}
§35
聪明、敬畏上帝的文字布道士的工作与福音传道人的工作相当。因而文字布道士岂该比传道人更觉得有自由可按照自私的动机行动吗？他岂该背离传道工作的所有原则，只卖那本最能挣钱的书吗？——我要说，那本书放在他面前乃是一个试探。难道他没有兴趣销售任何书，只愿推销那本能给他带来最大收入的书吗？这样如何显出传道的精神呢？文字布道工作岂不是不再是它应有的样子了吗？怎么没有人扬声纠正这种事态呢？{1888 655.2}
§36
The work of the intelligent, God-fearing canvasser has been represented as equal to that of the gospel minister. Then should the canvasser any more than the minister, feel at liberty to act from selfish motives? Should he turn his back on all the principles of missionary work, and handle the book—placed before him, shall I say, as a temptation?—on which he can make the most money? Shall he have no interest to circulate any book but that which brings him the greatest financial gain? How is the missionary spirit revealed here? Has not the canvassing work ceased to be what it ought to be? How is it that no voice is raised to correct this state of things? {1888 655.2}
§37
要是这一切的背后有理由，要是出版社发挥影响以赞同这种局面，因为他们从而得到了更多的收入，就应该查明此事。我只要能够，就一直对此有负担；它在消磨我的生命。{1888 655.3}
§38
If there are reasons back of all this, if the publishing houses exert an influence to favor this state of things because they receive greater financial benefit thereby, this should be searched 656out. I have carried the burden as long as I can; it is wearing away my life. {1888 655.3}
§39
许多人问过我是否在因我那些书籍的销售而变得富有。远非如此。我在新版的《卷四》里投资了约3000美元。我拥有印刷版，他们原本同意每印一本书付我十五美分。后来出版社向我提出他们出版书籍的收入多么少，我最终同意他们付12.5美分，确信他们会兴致勃勃地推销《卷四》，而且那些大部头的销售会使我收回所有投资，并有富余，好帮助支付出版其它在编辑中的书籍的费用。但在我同意接受12.5美分之后不久，《圣经读物》印出来了，他们决定几乎只推销那本书，直到市场得到了供应。这样，经理们非但没有给《卷四》和《圣经读物》平等的机会，反而根本没有给《卷四》容身之地。{1888 656.1}
§40
Many have asked me if I was not getting rich by the sale of my books. Far from it. I invested about 3000 dollars in the new edition of Vol. IV. I own the plates, and it was agreed that I should receive fifteen cents a copy on the books. Then the publishers represented to me how little the publishing houses made in handling the books, and I finally consented to accept twelve and a half cents, being assured that they would throw their interest and energy into circulating the book, and that the large editions sold would bring me back all that I had invested, and much more, to help pay the expense of publishing other works, which were in preparation. But soon after I consented to take twelve and a half cents, Bible Readings came from the press, and it was decided to carry that book almost exclusively, until the market was supplied. Thus instead of giving Vol. IV an equal chance with Bible Readings, the managers allowed it no place at all. {1888 656.1}
§41
我留在欧洲期间，曾慷慨地花自己的钱推进圣工各方面的权益。自从我回到美国以来，我已在工作的不同部分投入了1600美元，指望从我书籍的销售得到必要的财力供应，但我非但没能如愿，反而不得不借钱并付利息。如果我要出版新书，就必须有钱付给我的助手们，他们帮助预备材料付印。于是就有排版费、制版费、插图费，等等，等等。这一切的事都需要钱。现在我要怎么做呢？解雇我的助手们吗？停止出版吗？{1888 656.2}
§42
During my stay in Europe I spent freely my own means to advance the various interests of the cause. Since my return to America I have invested $1600 in various branches of the work, expecting that the sale of my books would supply the necessary means, but instead of this I have been obliged to borrow the money and to pay interest upon it. If I publish new books, I must have money to pay my helpers, who assist in preparing the matter for the press. Then there is the cost of type-setting, making plates, illustrations, etc., etc. All these things require money. Now 657what am I to do? Shall I dismiss my helpers? stop publishing? {1888 656.2}
§43
《评论与通讯》的经理们不会不知道我的经济状况，但他们表现出什么关心要改变这种局面了吗？我感谢他们，因为他们允许我提款好继续工作。但他们在销售我的书籍上所采取的做法使我必需发言。我若保持沉默就不会清白。我既经常拮据，就没有信心把这些与我密切相关的事交给他们去酌情处理。我不如以前那样信任他们的管理了，因为我无法相信他们所采取的做法是有主带领的。{1888 657.1}
§44
The managers of the Review and Herald could not be ignorant of my financial situation, but what interest have they shown to change this order of things? I thank them for permitting me to draw money to carry on the work. But their course in regard to the circulation of my books has made it a necessity for me to speak. I cannot be clear and keep silent. I cannot have confidence to leave these matters, which to me involves so much, to their discretionary power, when I am brought into constant embarrassment. I have less confidence in their management than I have had, for I cannot believe that the Lord leads them to pursue the course they have taken. {1888 657.1}
§45
我收到一些来信，其中有下述问题和言论：{1888 657.2}
§46
Letters have come to me with such questions and statements as the following:- {1888 657.2}
§47
怀姐妹，为何每一个文字布道士都在销售《圣经读物》呢？我本来在销售《卷四》，但我们区会的会长建议我销售《圣经读物》。我因推销《卷四》而得到了丰盛的福气。我曾取得成功，曾想全力以赴投入把那本书带到人们面前的工作。每一个买了《卷四》的人都很喜欢它，有些人还买了第二本要送给朋友。但我却被告知所有的文字布道士都在销售《圣经读物》，因为这似乎是办事的秩序，我就进了那本书。要是我再开始推销《卷四》难道会令主不悦吗？{1888 657.3}
§48
Sr. White; why is every canvasser working for Bible Readings? I was canvassing for Vol. IV. but the president of our conference advised me to take Bible Readings. I received a rich blessing in canvassing for Vol. IV. I had success, and thought I would throw my whole energy into the work of bringing that book before the people. Every one who bought it was pleased with it, and some purchased a second copy to give to their friends. But I was told that all the canvassers were working for Bible Readings, and as this seemed to be the order of things, I took that book. Would it not be pleasing to the Lord for me again to take up Vol. IV? {1888 657.3}
§49
我确实误解了我们的文字布道士，以为他们即使有正确的指示——已将问题的真实意义摆在他们面前——，他们还是愿意只向园地推销《圣经读物》而忽略《卷四》。要是证实他们不愿接受忠告，要是他们不愿去做当代如此重要的工作，——把世人应该拥有的那些书摆在他们面前，——那么我就只有一种做法，就是，为这种特别的工作培育和训练一群文字布道士，——他们是不仅仅为取悦自己，不仅仅为得利而工作的人，而是要作上帝的工作，把上帝给人们的警告带到他们面前。我打算这么做有段时间了，但受劝要等一会儿。文字布道工作中的一些领袖认为我单独组织一群文字布道士是不对的，会使事情陷入混乱。然后我就得到承诺说去年春天会推销《卷四》，象推销《圣经读物》一样。我相信弟兄们会说到做到；但他们为什么没有做呢？我等了，但什么都没有做。现在，要是作领袖的弟兄们把销售《卷四》作为一个没有希望的任务，我就不会再等待他们扭转局势。我仍相信，当把情形公平公正地摆在那些正在文字布道园地工作的人面前时，他们会看到自己的责任。{1888 657.4}
§50
I certainly mistake our canvassers, if with proper instruction—having the matter set before them in its true bearings— 658they would choose to give the field entirely to Bible Readings, to the neglect of Vol. IV. If it should prove that they will not receive counsel, if they are unwilling to do the work so essential at this time,—to bring before the people the very books that the world should have,—then there is only [one] course left for me; that is, to raise and train a company of canvassers for this special work,—men and women who shall work not merely to please themselves, not merely for gain, but to do the work of God, to bring before the people the warnings of God to them. This I proposed to do some time since, but was urged to wait a little. Some of the leaders in the canvassing work felt that it would not be the right thing for me to have a separate canvassing company organized, that it would throw things into confusion. Then the promise was given that last spring the canvass for Vol. IV should be pushed as that for Bible Readings had been. I believe that our brethren meant to do just as they said; but why did they not do it? I waited, but nothing has been done. Now if the leading brethren give it as a hopeless task, I will wait no longer for them to turn the tide. I still believe that those who are working in the canvassing field will see their duty when the situation is fairly placed before them. {1888 657.4}
§51
我要对你们从事文字布道工作的人说，你们有没有读过《卷四》？你们知道其中的内容吗？你们是否欣赏其中的题材呢？难道你们看不出人们需要这书中所发的亮光吗？如果你们还没有做到，我恳劝你们要仔细阅读这些严肃的警告和呼吁。我确定主希望把这本书送到大路和小路上，警告人即将来临的危险。{1888 658.1}
§52
I speak to you who are engaged in the canvassing work. Have you read Vol. IV? Do you know what it contains? Have you any appreciation of the subject matter? Do you not see that the people need the light therein given? If you have not already done so, I entreat you to read carefully these solemn warnings and 659appeals. I am sure that the Lord would have this work carried into all the high-ways and by-ways, where are souls to be warned of the danger so soon to come. {1888 658.1}
§53
我在总会面前讲了这件事。我在文字布道班面前也讲了，但是因为没有人开始从事并且推进这件事，还是什么都没有做成。我在巴特尔克里克总部的弟兄们会认为最好等到几时才有所作为，我说不出。但我呼吁我们在各地的弟兄们要广传上帝已赐给祂子民的亮光。{1888 659.1}
§54
I spoke before our Gen. Conf. in regard to this matter. I spoke before the canvassing class, but as there was no one to take up the matter and carry it forward, nothing has been done. How long my brethren at head quarters at Battle Creek will deem it best to wait before doing anything I cannot tell. But I appeal to our brethren everywhere to spread abroad the light which God has given to his people. {1888 659.1}
§55
我想到结局已经很近，而上帝赐给我的亮光竟不被允许来到人前时，我的心中就非常痛苦。我夜间无论在几点醒来，心中都充满了这种忧伤，以致无法合眼入眠。一种焦虑、懊悔的情绪压迫着我，好像在推销《卷四》上的这种耽搁是由于我的什么疏忽似的。随着时间的流逝，我的负担一点没有减轻，还是没有做什么。{1888 659.2}
§56
When I think of the end so near, and think that the light given me of God is not permitted to come before the people, I am in great distress of mind. When I awake at any hour of the night my heart is filled with such grief that I cannot close my eyes to sleep. A feeling of anxiety, of remorse, has pressed upon me, as though this delay in the circulation of Vol. IV. was due to some neglect on my part. And my burden does not decrease in the least as time passes and nothing is done. {1888 659.2}
§57
我似乎被规则或习惯或我无法定义的某种东西束缚住了，以致我无力去做什么；而那些居于负责岗位的人却对此事没有什么负担。{1888 659.3}
§58
I seem to be bound about by rules or customs or something which I cannot define, so that I am powerless to do anything; and those who are in responsible positions are themselves taking no burden of the matter. {1888 659.3}
§59
弟兄们，你们敦促我来参加你们的帐篷聚会。我必须明白地告诉你们，你们自从明尼阿波利斯总会会议以来对我和我的工作所采取的做法——你们对上帝藉着我赐下的亮光和警告的抵制——已使我的工作困难了五十倍。我发现我的话对我们的人心中产生的影响远不如对不信的人，后者的心还没有因拒绝亮光而变得刚硬。我没有来自主的话为你们在帐篷聚会上效劳，一点一点地向你们重述我已花费极大的代价和努力为你们的利益而发表的东西。你们既没有感到任何负担要得到和销售那些书，我就觉得我的口头证言不会留下持久的印象。我没有勇气与你们在帐篷聚会上见面。在我看来，你们似乎已经抛弃主的道，对它不屑一顾。{1888 659.4}
§60
Brethren, you are urging me to come to your campmeetings. I must tell you plainly that the course pursued toward me and my work since the Gen. Conf. at Minneapolis—your resistance of the light and warnings that God has given through me—has made my labor fifty times harder than it would otherwise have been. I 660find that my words have far less influence upon the minds of our people than upon unbelievers whose hearts have not been hardened by rejecting the light. I have no word from the Lord to labor for you in the camp meetings, to repeat to you, little by little, that which, at great cost and labor I have published for your benefit. As you feel no burden to obtain and circulate the books, I feel that my oral testimony would make no lasting impression. I have no courage to meet you in campmeeting. It seems to me that you have cast aside the word of the Lord as unworthy of your notice. {1888 659.4}
§61
对《卷四》采取的做法证实了主所赐给我的话，就是身居负责岗位的人没有与上帝同工，他们对上帝之灵的证言没有特别神圣的感觉，除非它支持他们的想法和行动。凡与他们的想法不符的东西，他们都不接受。要是他们认识到了上帝所赐给我的亮光的重要性，难道他们还会让呼吁和警告的信息被埋没在出版社，而他们只表示遗憾，却不做什么事来改变局面吗？弟兄们，你们或许认为你们在这件事上的做法并不证明我说得这么明白是合理的，但是已经到了我讲话的时候，我拒绝再保持沉默。我只能觉得仇敌已扭曲了你们的良心，蒙蔽了你们的心智。你们还站在现在的立场时，我口头的证言不会对你们有任何益处。{1888 660.1}
§62
The course pursued toward Vol. IV. has confirmed the word of the Lord which has been given me, that men were occupying responsible positions who were not working where God was working; that the testimony of the spirit of God had no special sacredness to them unless it sanctioned their ideas and actions. Anything not in harmony with their ideas, they did not receive. Had they realized the importance of the light given me of God, would they have let the message of appeal and warning lie buried in the office of publication while they only expressed regret, and did nothing to change the order of things? Brethren, you may think that your course in this matter does not justify me in speaking plainly as I do, but the time has come for me to speak, and I refuse to keep silent longer. I cannot but feel that the enemy has warped your conscience and beclouded your minds. My oral testimony will do you no good while you stand where you now are. {1888 660.1}
§63
我蒙指示看见居于负责岗位的人应该是不受冲动控制的人，良心因习惯与基督交通而活跃的人，恭敬地向神圣的公义标准俯首的人。清洁没有玷污的虔诚应该管理他们的行为；他们应该尊重上帝所赐的亮光，实行摆在他们面前的那些原则，回避一切不公不义的事，从而尊荣上帝。这样的人不会忽视他们所监护的重要权益，而他们的成败取决于他们的管理。他们不会为了直接的经济利益而不让人们得到天赐的亮光。他们会因上帝的真理而准备接受责任，无论来自何方的影响，无论恳求还是宠爱，都不能引诱他们转离他们知道是公正不二的工作。{1888 660.2}
§64
I have been shown that men in responsible positions should be men who are not controlled by impulse, men whose conscience is 661quickened by habitual communion with Christ, men who bow in reverence to the divine standard of righteousness. Pure and undefiled religion should preside over their practice; they should honor God by honoring the light he sends them, by practicing the principles laid before them, and shunning everything unfair and unjust. Such men will not neglect important interests which are under their guardianship, and whose success or failure depends on their management. They will not, for the sake of immediate financial advantage, let the light given of heaven be excluded from the people. They will be braced for duty by the truth of God, and no influence from any source, no entreaties or favor, can induce them to turn from the work which they know to be just and consistent. {1888 660.2}
§65
我本着敬畏上帝的心告诉你们，在我敢保持沉默的时候，我就闭口不言。如果你们继续以你们已经显出的这种漠不关心对待那些对我来说意味非常的重要权益，我就不会再把它们放在你们手里。{1888 661.1}
§66
I tell you in the fear of God, I have held my peace as long as I dare to do so. I shall no longer trust in your hands important interests which means so much to me, if you continue to treat them with such indifference as you have manifested. {1888 661.1}
§67
你们若是不打算努力把《卷四》摆在人们面前，为什么不在一开始的时候就说：“怀姐妹啊，我们并不认为你写的书很重要。我们要销售会给出版社带来更多金钱的书，并且允许你以你能用的最好方式把你的书带到人们面前。我们看不出特别需要急着把它们摆在世人面前。”你们要是这么做了，原会对我更加尊重。你们知道我需要销售我的书会得到的钱。你们承诺了要为我管理销书的事，所以即使我受到了公正的对待，我还要这么做。{1888 661.2}
§68
If you did not intend to work to get Vol. IV. before the people, why did you not say at the outset, “Sr, White, we do not regard the books you have written as of any great importance. We will handle books that bring more money to the publishing house, and will allow you to bring your books before the people the best way you can. We do not see any special need of hurry in getting them before the world.” If you had done this, you would have dealt more honorably with me. You know I needed the money which the sale of my books would bring. You undertook to manage the sale for me, and if I have been justly dealt with I have yet to do this. {1888 661.2}
§69
我现在有几部作品不久就要准备好销售，但我有什么理由希望你们会比你们对《卷四》所表现的更有负担去推销它们呢？{1888 662.1}
§70
I have now several works which will soon be ready for sale, but what reason have I to hope that you will feel any more burden to circulate them than you have manifested for Vol. IV. {1888 662.1}
§71
我知道上帝已感动我去写，而今要是留给我负起担子使这些书引起人们的注意，我能这么做，尽管我知道这项工作的担子应该落在别人身上。现在我问弟兄们，难道事情要象过去的两年那样继续下去吗？我希望现在就知道，因为我觉得有责任立刻开始接管你们显得毫无兴趣的那本书。我若是从一开始就知道你们会把机会给《圣经读物》，原会把我的作品交在我自己的手里，从而免了这么久的耽搁。我的孩子们曾劝我再等久一点才说出来，但我不敢那么做。我已寻找并等待有人将《卷四》安置在它应有的位置，直到我的心完全绝望了。{1888 662.2}
§72
I know that God has moved upon me to write, and now if it is left for me to take up the burden of bringing these books to the attention of the people, I can do this, though I know that the work ought to rest upon others. Now I ask my brethren, are matters to continue as they have been for the last two years? I wish to know now, because I shall feel it my duty at once to take up the book you manifest no interest in. If I had only understood, at the outset, the turn that was to be given to Bible Readings, I could have taken my work into my own hands, and thus have saved this long delay. My children have counseled me to wait a while longer before speaking out, but I dare not do so. I have looked and waited for some one to place Vol. IV in the position it should be, until hope has died out of my heart. {1888 662.2}
§73
我在负责写书和将之付印之后，曾确信能将它放在弟兄们手中了，——相信他们会明白和赏识它的重要性，且会开始做他们分内的工作，不用我催促。但是如果只有我一直感到为这个危险的时候散布亮光的神圣严肃的重要性，就愿主为这工作加给我力量。我不会再耽延，而会注意我救恩的元帅并且立即顺从。{1888 662.3}
§74
After carrying the burden of writing the book, and getting it through the press, I trusted that I could then lay it in the hands of my brethren,—that they would understand and appreciate its importance, and would take up their part of the work without any urging from me. But if I alone have been made to feel the sacred, solemn importance of scattering the rays of light for this time of peril, may the Lord strengthen me for the work. I will delay no longer, but will look to the Captain of my salvation and promptly obey. {1888 662.3}
§75
我问了几个区会的会长是否有兴趣纠正在我们的文字布道工作中显出的错误倾向。向文字布道士们说明他们不应该走极端；不应该放下人们急需的那些书，去推销一本只能满足有限范围的新书，从而使人们得不到上帝已为此时传给他们的特别警告。{1888 662.4}
§76
I ask the presidents of the several conferences if they will 663have some interest to correct the wrong tendencies manifest in our canvassing work. Show the canvassers that they should not carry things to extremes; that they should not drop the very books that the people are in suffering need of, and push a new work, which can fill only a limited sphere, thus shutting away from the people the special warnings which God has sent to them for this time. {1888 662.4}
§77
我有证据表明主感动了那些阅读《卷四》中所写那些惊心动魄场面之人的心，他们看到了正在发生的事和将要发生的事。要是那些自称相信第三位天使信息的人愿意仔细地、虔诚地阅读《卷四》中关系此时的重要严肃的真理，并且愿意听从之，他们就会蒙引导更加认真虔诚地查考圣经，且会更加明白上帝的道以及就在我们前面的考验人的场面。
§78
I have evidence that the Lord impresses the hearts of those who read what is written in Vol. IV concerning those scenes of thrilling interest,—the things that are, and that shall be. And if those who claim to believe the third angel’s message would carefully and prayerfully read the important, solemn truths that relate to this time, as presented in Vol. IV and would give heed to them, they would be led to search the Scriptures more earnestly and prayerfully, and would better comprehend the word of God, and the trying scenes just before us. {1888 663.1}
§79
(签名) 怀爱伦 {1888 663.1}Ellen G. White.
§80
我既见到过去两年所采取的做法，就等候着，祈祷着，并且对我的心灵说：主会整顿这事的。但我知道弟兄们没有尽自己的本分。我有什么勇气参加帐篷聚会呢？我有什么理由指望我的证言现在会比《卷四》更加得到接受和尊敬呢？我的经验自从明尼阿波利斯会议以来一直不是很确信。我已天天向主求智慧，使我不致彻底灰心，极其伤心地下到坟墓里，象我的丈夫一样。
§81
As I have seen the course that has been taken for the last two years, I have waited and prayed, and said to my soul. The Lord will set this matter right. But I know that our brethren are not doing their duty. What courage have I to attend camp meetings? What reason have I to hope that my testimony will now be received and respected any more than Vol. IV has been? My experience since the conference at Minneapolis has not been very assuring. I have asked the Lord for wisdom daily, and that I may not be utterly disheartened, and go down to the grave broken-hearted, as did my husband. {1888 664.1}
§82
(签名) 怀爱伦 {1888 664.1}Ellen G. White.