第135章 致C.爱尔德里奇船长
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第135章 致C.爱尔德里奇船长
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Chapter 136—To W. Ings
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《信函》1893年第20a号E-20a-1893维多利亚州墨尔本，圣基尔达路，乔治阶地，1893年1月9日
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George’s Terrace, St. Kilda Road,Melbourne, Victoria, Jan. 9, 1893.
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C.爱尔德里奇船长
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Captain C. Eldridge,Battle Creek,Mich.
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密歇根州巴特尔克里克Dear Brother,亲爱的弟兄：
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I received your letter and will endeavor to respond. I am grateful to our heavenly Father for his gracious favors bestowed upon me. I am being healed of my infirmities. The Lord is good, and greatly to be praised. {1888 1096.1}
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我收到了你的来信，会尽力回信。我很感谢我们的天父，因为祂以恩惠慈爱待我。我的疾病正在得到医治。耶和华本为善，当受大赞美。{1888 1096.1}
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During the week of prayer we held meetings in a tent at North Fitzroy. Sabbath afternoon, December 31, I spoke with great freedom from Acts 10, dwelling especially upon the angel’s message to Cornelius, “He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius; and when he looked on him, he was afraid and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” The Lord gave me His Holy Spirit in large measure. The tent was full; some not of our faith were present who were attracted by the tent. We had a most precious meeting. {1888 1096.2}
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祷告周期间我们在北菲茨罗伊的一个帐篷里举行了聚会。12月31日安息日下午，我很自由地从《使徒行传》第10章讲起，特别详细地讲述了天使给哥尼流的信息：“有一天，约在申初，他在异象中明明看见上帝的一个使者进去，到他那里，说：‘哥尼流。’哥尼流定睛看他，惊怕说：‘主啊，什么事呢？’天使说：‘你的祷告和你的周济达到上帝面前，已蒙记念了。’”主大量地赐给了我祂的圣灵。帐篷里满了人；有些与我们信仰不同的人也在场，他们是被帐篷吸引来的。我们举行了一次非常宝贵的聚会。{1888 1096.2}
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Sunday afternoon I spoke to a large congregation from John 14:1-14. Again the Lord blessed me with freedom and the
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星期日下午我对一大批会众讲道，从约14:1-14讲起。主再次惠赐给我自由，人们也很蒙福。北菲茨罗伊距我们所住的圣基尔达的校舍五英里远，乘车之后讲道使我相当疲倦。然而，我更担心的是排水明沟的瘴气不仅气味难闻，而且危害健康和生命。星期一晚上在校舍里我会见了普拉兰的小教会。我与他们一同祷告并且很自由地从这段经文讲起：“凡劳苦担重担的人可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。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。因为我的轭是容易的，我的担子是轻省的”（太11:28-30）。然后我们举行了祷告见证会，在场的人几乎都作了宝贵的见证。星期二晚上我在同一个地方又参加了聚会。威利有来自里德长老的很有趣的事要讲，是关于在太平洋群岛传道工作的。这些聚会很有益处，亮光正照耀在我们身上，但我们需要上帝赐予多而又多的福气。{1888 1096.3}
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people also were blessed. North Fitzroy is five miles from the school building in St. Kilda where we live, and the ride after speaking made me quite weary. I felt more anxiety, however, in regard to the affect of the malaria from the open drains which are not only offensive but dangerous to health and life. Monday evening in the school building I met with the little church of Prahran. I prayed with them and spoke with freedom from the words. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Then we had a prayer and social meeting in which precious testimonies were borne by nearly all present. Tuesday evening I again attended a meeting in the same place. Willie had very interesting matter to present from Elder Reed, in regard to the missionary work in the Pacific Islands. These meetings are profitable; light is shining upon us, but we want more and still more of the blessing of God. {1888 1096.3}
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星期三下午我参加了在北菲茨罗伊《回声》出版社联邦大厅为姐妹们举办的聚会。有85个人出席，我对她们讲了母亲在教育和训练自己的儿女成为上帝的儿女，适合不朽来生方面的职责。我以祷告开始聚会，也以祷告结束了聚会。聚会结束的时候我开始体会到，我在向个人作清楚明白的见证时所写的一切著作和所做的一切工作是在更快地用尽我的体力，过于我所能承担的。但母亲们来找我，并且表示能听到她们非常需要东西真是很感恩。有的人说：“这次聚会永远不会丧失对我的影响。我看到我在训练自己的孩子们方面要作出许多改变。不过，我非常高兴，因为我没有被撇下去临近审判而对自己的职责很无知。”虽然很疲惫，但我并不后悔所作出的努力。{1888 1097.1}
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Wednesday afternoon I attended a meeting for the sisters in Federal Hall at the Echo Office, North Fitzroy. Eighty-five were present, and I spoke to them in regard to the duties of mothers in the education and training of their children to become children of God, fitted for the future, immortal life. I opened the meeting with prayer, and closed it with prayer. At the close I began to feel that with all my writing and the work I had to do in bearing plain testimonies to individuals, 1098I was using up my capital of strength faster than I could afford. But mothers came to me and expressed themselves as so grateful to hear the very things they needed. Some said, “This meeting will never lose its influence upon me. I see that there are many changes for me to make in the training of my children. But O, I am so glad that I was not left to come up in the judgment so ignorant in regard to my duty.” Though very weary, I did not regret the effort I made. {1888 1097.1}
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天气很暖和，可是在乘车回家途中，来自海洋的一阵疾风吹来，我就着了凉。星期四上午我发现自己非常疲惫。然而在夜间我有了与两年前在纽约州的萨拉曼卡曾有过的相似的经历。当我从第一次短睡醒来时，亮光似乎环绕着我，房间似乎充满了天使。上帝的灵在我身上，我的心满得要益出来。何等的爱在我心中燃烧着啊！我大声说道：“主耶稣啊，我爱祢；祢知道我爱祢。我的天父啊，我全心赞美祢。”“因为上帝如此爱了世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生。”“义人的路好像黎明的光，越照越明，直到日午。”“耶稣我的救赎主，天父的代表啊，我倚赖祢。”{1888 1098.1}
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The day had been warm, and during the ride home a sharp breeze came in from the sea and I took cold. Thursday morning I found myself greatly exhausted. But during the night I had passed through an experience similar to that which I had at Salamanca, New York, two years ago. When I awoke from my first short sleep, light seemed to be all around me, the room seemed to be full of heavenly angels. The Spirit of God was upon me, and my heart was full to overflowing. O, what love was burning in my heart! I was exclaiming aloud, “Lord Jesus, I love thee; thou knowest that I love thee. My heavenly Father, I praise thee with my whole heart.” “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” “The path of the just is as a shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” “Jesus my Redeemer, the Representative of the Father, I put my trust in thee.” {1888 1098.1}
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我的平安如江河，我似乎被关起来与上帝在一起，在醒着睡着的时辰都与祂甜蜜交谈。在耶稣的爱、祂的生活和祂的守护中，我似乎有何等崇高圣洁的特权啊。这些话多么清晰地呈现在我脑海中啊：“复活在我，生命也在我。信我的人虽然死了，也必复活，凡活着信我的人必永远不死”（约11:25,26）。耶稣活着为我们代求。耶稣活着，而且因祂活着，我们也要活着。{1888 1098.2}
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My peace was like a river, I seemed to be shut in 1099with God, in sweet communion with him through my waking and sleeping hours. What high and holy privileges seemed to be mine in the love of Jesus, his life and his guardianship. How plainly the words were presented to my mind, “I am the resurrection, and the life: He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” Jesus lives to make intercession for us. Jesus lives, and because he lives, we shall live also.” {1888 1098.2}
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唉，基督的教会为何不兴起，穿上她美丽的衣服呢！为何她不发光呢？基督教如此软弱的大原因乃是那些自称相信真理的人对基督的认识那么少，对祂愿意与他们有的关系和他们可以与祂有的关系估计的那么低。我们拥有曾交给凡人的最严肃、最重大的真理。要是我们的言语、我们的思想和行为更加纯洁高尚，更加符合我们所信奉的圣洁信仰，我们就会以非常不同的眼光看待我们的责任。这些责任就会显出多么严肃、多么神圣啊。我们就会有更加深刻的责任感，就会不断地以敬畏上帝得以成圣为目的。属世的、暂时的事就会从属于属天的、永恒的事。{1888 1099.1}
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O, why does not the church of Christ arise, and put on her beautiful garments! Why does she not shine? The great reason of such feeble Christianity is that those who claim to believe the truth have so little knowledge of Christ, and so low an estimate of what He will be to them, and what they may be to him. We have the most solemn, weighty truths ever committed to mortals. Were our words, our thoughts our actions, more pure and elevated, more in accordance with the holy faith we profess, we should view our responsibilities in a far different light. How solemn, how sacred, they would appear. We would have a deeper sense of our obligations, and should make it our constant aim to perfect holiness in the fear of God. Earthly, temporal things would be subordinate to the heavenly and eternal. {1888 1099.1}
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心中和口中的言语就会象诗人所说的：“万军之耶和华啊，祢的居所何等可爱！我羡慕渴想耶和华的院宇；我的心肠，我的肉体向永生上帝呼吁（或作：欢呼）。万军之耶和华我的王，我的上帝啊，在祢祭坛那里，麻雀为自己找着房屋，燕子为自己找着抱雏之窝。如此住在祢殿中的便为有福！他们仍要赞美你。靠祢有力量、心中想往锡安大道的，这人便为有福！他们经过‘流泪谷’，叫这谷变为泉源之地；……他们行走，力上加力，各人到锡安朝见上帝。……上帝啊，祢是我们的盾牌；求祢垂顾观看祢受膏者的面！在祢的院宇住一日，胜似在别处住千日；宁可在我上帝殿中看门（旁注：我宁愿坐在门槛），不愿住在恶人的帐棚里。因为耶和华上帝是日头，是盾牌，要赐下恩惠和荣耀。祂未尝留下一样好处不给那些行动正直的人。万军之耶和华啊，倚靠祢的人便为有福！”（诗84）{1888 1099.2}
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The language of the heart and lips would be, as expressed by the Psalmist: “How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. Yes, the sparrow hath found a house, and the swallow a nest 1100for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thine house: they will be still praising thee. Blessed is the man whose strength is in thee, in whose heart are the ways of them. Who passeth through the valley of Baca make it a well. ... They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God. ... Behold, O God our shield, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God (margin, I would choose rather to sit at the threshold), than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a Sun and a shield, the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will be withheld from them that walk uprightly. O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” {1888 1099.2}
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我很感恩有特权以任何方式与上帝联络。我觉得非常荣幸。我所求的就是主本着祂的大怜悯和大慈爱会赐给我力量好用在祂的服务中，不是照顾我自己的安逸或自私的放纵，而是我可以为基督做救灵的工作。我在等候和相信并领受祂丰富的福气，尽管我不配。{1888 1100.1}
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I am so grateful for the privilege of being connected with God in any way. I feel highly honored. All I ask is that the Lord in his great mercy and loving-kindness will give me strength to use in his service not to minister to my own ease or selfish indulgence, but that I may labor for Christ in the salvation of souls. I am waiting and believing, and receiving his rich blessing, although I am unworthy. {1888 1100.1}
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主的话以清晰的思路临到我，论到在《评论与通讯》出版社工作之人的原则和行为。工人一方需要自省。每一个参与圣工的人都应该以基督化的方式做自己的工作。不可有不择手段的行为，“诡诈的天平为耶和华所憎恶”（箴11:1）。诡诈的天平乃是一切不公平交易，一切欺骗的象征，要在公平公正的外表下隐瞒自私和不公。上帝一点也不会赞成这种行为。祂憎恶一切虚假的作风。祂痛恨一切自私与贪婪。祂不会容忍无情的交易，而会以同样的手段回敬。上帝能使诚实得财的工人兴旺成功。但祂的咒诅却落在靠自私的行为所得的一切上。当一个人沉湎于自私或欺诈的交易时，就表明自己不敬畏主，不尊敬祂的名。凡与上帝联络的人不仅要避免一切不公，而且会向凡与其打交道的人显出仁慈与善良。主必支持不偏待人，却不会赞同那些不恩待穷人、寡妇和孤儿之人的做法。{1888 1100.2}
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The word of the Lord has come to me in clear lines in reference to the principles and practices of those connected with the Review office. There has been need of self-examination on the part of the workers. Every man who has to do with sacred things should perform his work in a Christ-like manner. There must be no sharp practice, 1101“A false balance is abomination to the Lord.” A false balance is a symbol of all unfair dealing, all devices to conceal selfishness and injustice under an appearance of fairness and equity. God will not in the slightest degree favor such practices. He hates every false way. He abhors all selfishness and covetousness. Unmerciful dealing he will not tolerate, but will repay in kind. God can give prosperity to the working men whose means are acquired honestly. But his curse rests upon all that is gained by selfish practices. When one indulges in selfishness or sharp dealing, he shows that he does not fear the Lord or reverence his name. Those who are connected with God will not only shun all injustice, but will manifest his mercy and goodness toward all with whom they have to do. The Lord will sanction no respect of person; but he will not approve the course of those who make no difference in favor of the poor, the widow, and the orphan. {1888 1100.2}
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“你们所寻求的主必忽然进入祂的殿；立约的使者，就是你们所仰慕的，快要来到。祂来的日子，谁能当得起呢？祂显现的时候，谁能立得住呢？因为祂如炼金之人的火，如漂布之人的碱。祂必坐下如炼净银子的，必洁净利未人，熬炼他们象金银一样；他们就凭公义献供物给耶和华”（玛3:1-3）。{1888 1101.1}
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“The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in. ... But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap. And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them with gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” {1888 1101.1}
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我们品格中所有不能进入上帝圣城的成分，都要受到指责。如果我们接受上帝的熬炼，就会除去一切杂质。上帝的选民若接受适合现代的亮光，就不会自高自大，也不会自立标准来衡量自己的品格。因为主已经给出一个标准来测试每个人的品格。并没有为穷人立一条标准，而为富人立另一条标准。所有的人都要接受律法的考验，就是嘱咐我们要爱上帝为至上和爱邻舍如同自己的律法。那些获得天上财宝的人，必定是已经积蓄财宝在天上的人。上帝赐给我们亮光和机会去向基督学习，使我们可以在心灵和品格上象基督。但我们决不可遵从任何人的标准。我们应该把上帝的真理接到心中，让它来管制生活和塑造品格。{1888 1101.2}
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Everything in our character that can not enter the city of God will be reproved; if we will submit to the Lord’s 1102refining, all the dross and the tin will be consumed. As the Lord’s chosen ones will receive the light appropriate for this time, they will not be led to exalt themselves. They will not manufacture a standard whereby to measure their own character; for the Lord has given one standard, by which every character is to be tested. There is not one standard for the poor, and another for the rich; for all will be tested by that law which bids us to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. Those who win the treasure of heaven will be those who have laid up their treasure above. God gives us light and opportunities to learn from Christ; that we may be like him in spirit and character; but we are not to conform to any human standard. We are to receive the truth of God into the heart, that it may regulate the life and form the character. {1888 1101.2}
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上帝看顾在不同生活范围之中的人，并在他们所处的不同环境下，考验他们的品格。纯洁、文雅、高尚的真理始终是衡量人的试石。如果真理支配着良心，是心中常存的原则，它就会成为积极的动力，生发仁爱并洁净心灵。但真理的知识如果没有美化心灵，没有按照上帝的形像降服、软化和再造人，它对于接受者就没有什么益处了。它就会像鸣的锣和响的钹一样。当在耶稣里的真理藉着圣灵栽培在心中时，它就总是由内向外作工，在我们对凡与我们联络之人的言语、精神和行为上表现出来。{1888 1102.1}
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The Lord is looking upon men in the different spheres in which they move, and the character is tested under the different circumstances in which they are placed. The truth, pure, refined, elevating, is a continual test, to measure the man. If truth controls the conscience and is an abiding principle in the heart, it becomes an active working agent, it works by love and purifies the soul. But if the knowledge of the truth produces no beauty in the soul, if it does not subdue, soften, and recreate the man after God’s own image, it is of no benefit to the receiver; it is as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. The truth as it is in Jesus, planted in the heart 1103by the Holy Spirit, always works from within outward, it will be revealed in our words and spirit and actions toward everyone with whom we are connected. {1888 1102.1}
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真理的浪潮从无穷智慧的上帝涌向祂脆弱的人间代表是不受人的意志管制的。上帝规定条件，明确提出我们可以领受祂恩赐的每一个条件。一方有无穷的能力、智慧、怜悯和良善，另一方则是软弱、无知、无奈而且有罪的。就连人的各样才智，就是上帝愿意接受来与神合作的，也只是委托给我们的。上帝伟大的屈尊俯就容许有限的人在拯救世人的工作中与祂合作，祂制定的条件是人间的代表要接受来自上帝的忠告，勤勉地顺从上帝口中所出的一切话。我们在宗教生活上的成功将会根据我们完全彻底地满足这些条件而定。{1888 1103.1}
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The wave of truth following from the infinitely wise God to his frail human agents is not subject to the will of man. God prescribes the terms, and specifies every condition upon which we may receive his gifts. With the one party there is infinite power, wisdom, mercy, and goodness; with the other party is weakness, and ignorance, and helplessness and sin. Even the faculties and resources of men, which God will accept in co-operation with the divine, are ours only in trust. In the great condescension of God to admit human finite beings as co-laborers in the saving of the world, he makes it a condition that the human agent shall receive counsel from God, diligently obeying every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. And our success in the religious life will be according to the integrity and thoroughness with which these conditions are fulfilled. {1888 1103.1}
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在参加出版社工作的人中，向来有些人不知道也不想从经验中知道他们的前任为建立这工作付出了什么代价。当后来的这些工人接受了其中的一个职任时，他们并没有进入到与上帝合伙的关系中，没有看出在与上帝合作时必须控制人力的原则和条件。“上帝爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不致灭亡，反得永生”（约3:16）。凡不具有这种自我牺牲之爱的人，都没有预备好为上帝做工。许多人一直在犯错，执着于自私的罪担，好像它是一个宝贝似的，殷勤地持守自己的道路。当他们敲天国之门时，说：“主啊，主啊，给我们开门。”许多人就会听到这样的话：“没有人能进到这里，除了那些能领受这个天上祝福的人：‘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’（太25:21）。但你一直忠心地侍奉你自己，为你自己的私利工作，对你自己好。你没有把财宝积攒在天上。”{1888 1103.2}
§38
There have been those connected with the publishing house who know not and do not wish to know by experience what it cost their predecessors to build up the work. When these later workers accepted a part in it, they did not enter into a partnership with God. They do not recognize the principles and conditions that must govern the human agent in co-operation with the divine. “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not 1104perish, but have everlasting life.” No man who is not a partaker of this self-sacrificing love is prepared to labor for God. Many are blundering along, clinging to their burden of selfishness, as if it were a precious treasure, keeping diligently their own way. When they knock at the gate of heaven, saying, “Lord, Lord, open unto us,” many a man will hear the words, “No one enters here but those who can receive the heavenly benediction, “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.” But thou hast faithfully served thyself, worked for thine own selfish interest, been good to thyself. Thou hast not laid up a treasure in heaven.” {1888 1103.2}
§39
在关于我们灵魂得救的事上，我们若片刻怀存漠不关心和粗心大意，都是不安全的。许多人若要得救，就得觉悟并改变自己的行径。末后危险的日子正临到我们。唯有藉着坚强、活泼和有功效的信心与神圣的感化力相联络，才能使我们成为与上帝同工的人。那些逃避克己、自我牺牲之宗教本分的人，决不能分享基督的荣耀。凡要赢得生命冠冕的人，必须常常祈祷虔诚研究，付出坚决的努力。但愿无人因自己在出身、地位或教育上的优势而觉得可以居功自夸。他们怎么得到那些优势的呢？唯有藉着基督。上帝要求凡愿意得永生的人都要效法这位楷模。真理与公义乃是福音的首要原则，也是基督会在人类身上承认的唯一的原则。必须真心实意地将我们的意志顺服上帝；我们必须放弃一切自以为的功劳，并且仰望髑髅地的十字架。对上帝的这种投诚包括人力一方努力与神力合作；枝子必须常在葡萄树上。{1888 1104.1}
§40
We are not safe for one moment in cherishing indifference and carelessness in regard to our soul’s salvation. Many will have to arouse and change their course of action if they are saved. The perils of the last days are upon us. Connection with divine influences through a strong, living, working faith, can alone make us to be laborers together with God. Those who would shun the self-denying, self-sacrificing, part of religion, will never be partakers with Christ in his glory. There must be prayerful study and determined effort on the part of all who shall win the crown of life. Let none feel that they can claim any merits because of their advantage of birth or position or education. How did they obtain those advantages? Only through Christ. God calls upon all who would have everlasting life to copy the pattern. Truth and righteousness are the first principles of the gospel, and the only 1105principles that Christ will recognize in any human agent. There must be heart-felt surrender of our will to God; we must renounce all our own supposed merits, and look to the cross of Calvary. This surrender to God involves effort on the part of the human agent to co-operate with the divine agencies; the branch must abide in the vine. {1888 1104.1}
§41
我的弟兄，在来信中你谈到要离开《评论与通讯》出版社。我很遗憾你要为你所提到的理由离开工作。这些理由说明你需要比现在有深得多的经验。你的信心十分软弱。别人的家庭人口比你家多得多，却毫无怨言地靠只及你工资一半的钱维持生活。我们已谈过这个问题。我知道我所谈论的是事实。显然不论你留在《评论与通讯》出版社还是离开，你都有与你至关重要教训要学习。我认为不能照顾自己的意思劝你留下，因为你若不更深地取饮于活水的泉源，你的服务就不会蒙上帝悦纳。{1888 1105.1}
§42
My brother, in your letter you speak of leaving the Review Office. I am sorry that you can be willing to separate from the work for the reasons you mention. They reveal that you have a much deeper experience to gain than you now have. Your faith is very weak. Other families, much larger than yours, sustain themselves, without one word of complaint, on half the wages you have. We have been over the ground, and I know what I am talking about. It is evident that whether you remain in the Review Office or separate from it you have lessons to learn that will be of the highest interest to you. I do not feel at liberty to urge you to remain; for unless you drink deeper of the Fountain of living waters, your service will not be acceptable to God. {1888 1105.1}
§43
我不知道你若离开后由谁来填补空缺，然而如果主所计划所渴望要做的工作为巴特尔克里克的教会做了，我就确信祂必在任何危机中帮助他们。祂不要勉强的侍奉。祂的话若没有进入人的心中，使整个人顺从基督，人在试探和考验来临时，就会选择顺从自己的倾向而不是上帝的道路，我曾希望自从明尼阿波利斯会议以来，一直以清楚明确的光束照耀的真理会涌进你的心，但从你所写的信中，我知道你并没有行在光中。{1888 1105.2}
§44
I do not know who would occupy the position that would be left vacant if you should leave, but if the work that the Lord designs and longs to do is done for the church in Battle Creek, I am sure he will help them in any crisis. He wants no forced service. Unless his words find entrance to the soul, and bring the entire man into subjection to Christ, the human agent will, when tempted and tried, choose to follow his own 1106inclination rather than the ways of the Lord. I had hoped that the truth which has been shining in clear, distinct beams of light since the Minneapolis meeting, would flood your soul. But from the letters you have written, I know that you are not walking in the light. {1888 1105.2}
§45
当你和我外甥弗兰克.贝尔登从出版社领这么多工资时，你们二人都表明自己并不赏识工作的性质。要是主呼召你们二人中的任何一个在祂的工作中担任与祂合作的尊贵职位，你们也保持了对上帝的献身和与祂的联络，你们就不会同意接受所提供给你们的工资。并不是上帝的灵感动了董事会给你们这么高的工资。一个人无论可能充任出版社的任何职位，都不应付给他过高的工资，因为上帝不以这种方式作工。你缺乏属灵的眼光，需要上天的恩膏，以便看见上帝的工作是建立在牺牲上的，而且惟有藉着牺牲才能推进。{1888 1106.1}
§46
When you and my nephew, Frank Belden, accepted such large wages from the Office, you both showed that you did not appreciate the character of the work. If the Lord calls either of you to the exalted position of co-operating with him in this work, and you maintained your consecration to God and your connection with him, you could not have consented to accept the wages offered to you. It was not the Spirit of God that moved the board to offer you such terms. Whatever position a man may fill in connection with the office of publication, he is not to be paid an exorbitant sum, for God does not work in this way. You lacked spiritual eyesight, and you needed the heavenly anointing, that you might see that the work of God was founded in a sacrifice, and only by a sacrifice can it be carried forward. {1888 1106.1}
§47
在信徒中有许许多多的人几乎没有足够的食物果腹，但他们在极穷之间还将自己的十分之一和乐意捐奉献到主的库中。许多人知道何为在艰难和考验的境况中支持上帝的事业，他们拿出钱来投资于出版社。他们甘心忍受艰难和缺乏，并为圣工的成功警醒祈祷。他们的礼物和牺牲表达了热诚的感激之情以及向主由衷发出的赞美，祂已召他们出黑暗进入奇妙光明之中。没有比这更为馨香的影响力可以升达于天了。他们的祈祷和捐献升到上帝面前作为纪念。{1888 1106.2}
§48
Many, O so many among believers have scarcely food enough to eat, yet in their deep poverty they bring their tithes and offerings to the Lord’s treasury. Many who know what it is to sustain the cause of God in hard and trying circumstances have invested means in the publishing house. They have willingly endured hardship and privation, and have watched and prayed for the success of the cause. Their gifts and sacrifices express the fervent gratitude and praise of their hearts to him 1107who has called them out of darkness into his marvelous light. No more fragrant incense can ascend to heaven. Their prayers and their alms come up as a memorial before God. {1888 1106.2}
§49
但上帝的工作在其宽广的范围上乃是一体的，在它的一切部门中，应受相同的原则控制，表现同样的精神，必须带有布道工作的印记。圣工的每个部门都与福音园地的各个地方相联系，控制一个部门的精神会被整个园地感觉到。如果一部分工人领取如此高额的薪水，就会有在圣工不同部门的其他人要求更高的工资，于是，自我牺牲的精神就会在工作的伟大中心泯灭。其它机构会感染相同的精神，主的恩宠会从他们身上挪去，因为祂绝不能认可自私的精神。因此，我们进取性的工作就会终止。只有藉着不断的牺牲才有可能推进这工作。从世界各地都有呼声，要求投入人力和财力推进工作。我们难道要被迫说：“你们必须等着；我们的库中没有钱”吗？{1888 1107.1}
§50
But the work of God in all its wide extent is one, and the same principles should control, the same spirit be revealed, in all its branches. It must bear the stamp of missionary work. Every department of the cause is related to all parts of the gospel field, and the spirit that controls one department, will be felt throughout the entire field. If a portion of the workers receive so large wages, there are others, in different branches of the work, that will call for higher wages, and the spirit of self-sacrifice will become extinct at the great heart of the work. Other institutions will catch the same spirit, and the Lord’s favor will be removed from them, for he can never sanction selfishness. Thus our aggressive work would come to an end. It is possible to carry it forward only by continual sacrifice. From all parts of the world the calls are coming in for men and means to carry forward the work. Shall we be compelled to say, “You must wait; we have no money in the treasury”? {1888 1107.1}
§51
弗兰克.贝尔登知道出版社工作的早期历史；他知道上帝已赐给他和其他人关于克己和牺牲的见证。他并非不知道有许多敞开的园地，在那里需要高举真理的旗帜，需要财力建立圣工。他若有基督的灵，就会表现出基督的心来。{1888 1107.2}
§52
Frank Belden knows the earlier history of the work in the office; he knows the testimonies which God has sent to him and others in regard to self-denial and sacrifice. He is not ignorant of the many opening fields where the standard of truth is to be lifted, and where means are needed to establish the work. If he had the Spirit of Christ, he would reveal the mind of Christ. {1888 1107.2}
§53
贝尔登切断了自己与上帝出版社工作的关系，做了我曾担心他会做的事。如果他克己，坚守自己的岗位，顺从上帝的旨意，而且因为这是上帝的工作，便全心投入到工作中，并象在他之前已负过责任担过担子的人那样担负责任与重担，——若是他这样做了，即使不会象为自己做事那样挣到许多钱，也会表明自己不是趋炎附势、随波逐流的人。但他若高兴离开就离开，若在形势看似对自己有利时就这么做，试问他对出版社有多大的关心呢？基督部队里的士兵岂能这样行事？国家军队的士兵如果这样做，就会被视为逃兵。天上的宇宙会如何看待基督军队里这样的士兵呢？凡从事圣工，明知其神圣性的人，决不可以离开圣工去追求任何属世的利益。{1888 1108.1}
§54
In severing his connection with the work of God in the office, Bro B has done just what I feared he would do. Had he denied self, standing at his post in obedience to the will of God, and because this is the work of God, putting his whole heart into the work and bearing its responsibilities and burdens as others have borne them before him, even though he should not gain as much financially as in business for himself,—had he done this, he would have made it manifest that he was not a time-server. But how great was his interest for the office, if he could step out when he pleased; when it appeared to be for his interest to do so? Ought the soldiers in Christ’s ranks to act in this way? Should soldiers in the army of the nation do this, they would be treated as deserters, and how does the heavenly universe look upon such soldiers in Christ’s army? No one who engages in the work of God with an appreciation of its sacredness, could turn from the work to secure any worldly advantages whatsoever. {1888 1108.1}
§55
爱尔德里奇弟兄，上帝一直待你和贝尔登弟兄极其慈怜。你们二人的生命一直很危险，祂却仁慈地保留了你们的性命。一天天、一月月、一年年已赐给你们，使你们有机会培养品格。上帝使你们参与祂的工作，以便你们可以变得充满基督的灵。每一天，每一时赐给你们的都是宝血买来的特权，以便你们不仅可以做成自己得救的工夫，也能成为媒介使人归向基督，建立祂的国度，彰显上帝的荣耀。上帝要求衷心奉献于工作。那些真正与上帝同工的人，必要负起工作的重担，并象祂要差派的传道人一样，他们会感到：“如果我不能忠心站立并忠于受托的岗位就有祸了。”{1888 1108.2}
§56
Brother Eldridge, God has been very merciful to you and to Brother Belden. Life, that has been so precarious with you both, he has graciously spared. Days, months, and years have been granted, bringing you opportunities to develop character. God has placed you in connection with His work, that you might become imbued with the Spirit of Christ. Every day, every hour, comes to you as a blood-bought privilege, that you may not only work out your own salvation, but may be 1109an agent in bringing souls to Christ, building up his kingdom, and making manifest the glory of God. God calls for heart and devotion to the work. Those who are indeed laborers together with God, will carry the burden of the work, and like the minister whom he shall send, they will feel, “Woe is me if I fail to stand faithful and true to my position of trust.” {1888 1108.2}
§57
我的弟兄，你若藉如此轻易放弃的事实表明你不再衷心关心圣工，我就没什么可说的了，不会再请求你留在岗位上，也不会要求贝尔登弟兄返回来。你们二人都表现出你们不是可以信赖的人。提供给你们额外的物质刺激使你们留下来，这样的榜样不会蒙上帝喜悦。{1888 1109.1}
§58
My Brother, if you have no more heart-interest in the work than is indicated by the fact that you can drop it so easily, I have nothing to say, no plea to make for you to remain in the office, or for Brother B to return to it. You both reveal that you are not men that can be depended upon. And the example that would be given in offering you additional inducements to remain would not be pleasing to God. {1888 1109.1}
§59
我片刻也不会向你们或其他任何人提供美元和美分作为贿赂，使你们留下来工作，无论一时间因你们离开会遭受何等的不便。基督在掌舵。如果祂的灵不能使你们乐意为真理成为任何人和做任何事，你们就只有通过试练才能学到那个功课。上帝要考验每个人的信心。基督已付上无限的代价赎买了我们。祂本来富足，却为我们成了贫穷，叫我们因祂的贫穷，可以拥有永恒的财富。我们所拥有的一切能力和才智只不过是主借给我们的，托付我们要为祂而使用。我们若乐意，就有特权在基督的牺牲上有份。{1888 1109.2}
§60
I would not for one moment present to you or any other man a bribe of dollars and cents to hold you in connection with the work, whatever inconvenience it might suffer for a time because of your withdrawal from it. Christ stands at the helm. If His Spirit does not make you willing to be anything and do anything for the truth’s sake, then you can learn that lesson only by passing through trial. God will test the faith of every soul. Christ has purchased us at an infinite sacrifice. Although he was rich, yet for our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might come in possession of eternal riches. All that we possess of ability and intellect is only that which the Lord has lent us in trust to use for him. It is our privilege to be partakers with Christ in his sacrifice if we will. {1888 1109.2}
§61
一些富有经验而敬虔的人曾领导这项工作，他们为了工作的成功，曾毫不犹疑地克已牺牲，现在已经安睡在坟墓里了。他们是上帝所指定的导管，藉以向教会传达属灵生活的原则。他们的经验极有价值。他们不能被收买也不能被贿卖。他们的纯洁，献身和自我牺牲，他们与上帝活泼的联络，曾给这项工作的创立带来福惠。我们的机构原是以自我牺牲的精神为特征的。{1888 1110.1}
§62
The men of experience and piety who led out in this work, who denied self and did not hesitate to sacrifice anything for its success, are now sleeping in the grave. They were God’s appointed channels through which the principles of spiritual life were communicated to the church. They had an experience of the highest value. They could not be bought or sold. Their purity, and devotion and self-sacrifice, their living connection with God, were blessed to the upbuilding of the work. Our institutions were characterized by the spirit of self-sacrifice. {1888 1110.1}
§63
但在有些方面工作已经变质。尽管工作的范围和设施已经增长，敬虔却衰退了。在我们与贫困作斗争的那段日子里，那些看到上帝如何为圣工施行奇事的人，深感他们最大的荣誉，莫过于藉着与上帝相连的神圣纽带，把他们与圣工的利益联系在一起。他们会不会放下担子，与主讨价还价呢？不会。即使每一个随波逐流的人都离开了自己的岗位，他们也不会放弃圣工的。他们会说：“主若把我放在这里，就希望我成为一个忠心的管家，每天向祂学习如何做蒙悦纳的工作。我会守住我的岗位直到上帝让我离开。我会知道成为一个务实、全心全意的基督徒意味着什么。不久我就可以得到我的奖赏。”{1888 1110.2}
§64
But in some respects the work has deteriorated. While it has grown in extent and facilities, it has waned in piety. In the days when we were struggling with poverty, those who saw how wondrously God wrought for the upbuilding of the cause, felt that no greater honor could be bestowed upon them than to be bound up with the interests of the work by sacred links which connected them with God. Would they lay down the burden and make terms with the Lord from a money standpoint? No, no. Should every time-server forsake his post of duty, they would never desert the work. They would say, “If the Lord placed me here, he desires me to be a faithful steward, learning of him day by day how to perform the work acceptably. I will stand at my post until God shall release me. I will know what it means to be a practical, whole-hearted Christian. I expect my reward by and by.” {1888 1110.2}
§65
早年那些为了创立圣工而作出牺牲的信徒，也充满这样的精神。他们感到上帝要求所有投身到祂事业的人，为了工作的成功，必须毫无保留地献出灵，智，体和一切才能精力。证言临到他们，要他们为上帝奉献全部精力与神力合作，并要他们把藉着运用每一才能所增长的能力献给上帝。{1888 1110.3}
§66
The believers who in the early history of the cause sacrificed for the upbuilding of the work were imbued with the same spirit. They felt that God demanded of all connected 1111with his cause an unreserved consecration of soul, body and spirit, of all their energies and capabilities, to make the work a success. The testimonies came to them, claiming for God all their services in co-operation with the divine agencies, and all the increased ability gained through the exercise of every faculty. {1888 1110.3}
§67
那些为了某种属世的诱因就与主的工作断绝关系的人，或许认为自己对上帝的圣工有一定程度的关心；但在人心中潜藏的自私和贪婪乃是极其强大的情欲，这种冲突的后果并非仅仅是臆测。除非心灵每日都以基督的肉为生并喝祂的血，敬虔的成分就会被邪恶的成分所战胜。自私和贪婪就会取胜。一个有自恃、独立精神人决不会进入到上帝的国度中。唯有那些在基督的克己和牺牲上与祂有份的人才会与祂的荣耀有份。{1888 1111.1}
§68
Those who can sever their connection with the Lord’s work for some worldly inducement may think they have a degree of interest in the cause of God; but the selfishness and covetousness lurking in the human heart are most powerful passions, and the outcome of the conflict is not a mere conjecture. Unless the soul is daily living upon Christ’s flesh and drinking his blood, the godly element will be overcome by the Satanic. Selfishness and covetousness will bear away the victory. A self-confident, independent spirit will never enter into the kingdom of God. It is only those who are partakers with Christ in his self-denial and sacrifice that will be partakers with him in his glory. {1888 1111.1}
§69
凡认识救赎之功对于他们和他们的同胞有什么意义的人，纵然认识的非常有限，也会凭信心行事，并且会多少明白人类的巨大需要。当他们看到我们世上普遍的缺乏时，便受感生出恻隐之心——多人因缺衣少食而受苦，千万人在道德上穷困缺乏，置身于可怕厄运的阴影之下，肉体的痛苦与之比较就算不得什么了。耶稣基督的宗教奇妙地战胜了人类的自私。基督的克己和自我牺牲总在那些与祂同工之人的眼前，于是，人的意志便融入到上帝的旨意中。{1888 1111.2}
§70
Those who realize, even in a limited degree, what redemption means to them and to their fellowmen, will walk by faith, and they will comprehend in some measure the vast needs of humanity. Their hearts are moved to compassion as they behold the wide-spread destitution in our world,—multitudes suffering for food and clothing, and the moral destitution of thousands upon thousands who are under the shadow of a terrible doom, in comparison with which physical suffering 1112fades into nothingness. The religion of Jesus Christ has gained wonderful victories over human selfishness. The self-denial, the self-sacrifice of Christ is ever before those who are co-workers with him, and the will of man becomes submerged in the will of God. {1888 1111.2}
§71
我们若要进入极乐之门，就必须师从基督，学习柔和谦卑。祂的一生，从马槽到髑髅地，要作我们舍己牺牲的榜样。祂来为世人舍命，并没有不屑于在节约上给门徒一个教训。祂在用行奇事的能力叫众人吃饱之后，对门徒说：“把剩下的零碎收拾起来，免得有糟蹋的”（约6:12）。虽然全天庭的资源都归祂支配，祂也不让一片饼屑浪费掉。我们若是学会“把剩下的零碎收拾起来，免得有糟蹋的，”就会有更多的东西奉献给上帝的圣工。{1888 1112.1}
§72
We must learn meekness and humility from Jesus if we ever enter the portals of bliss. His whole life, from the manger to Calvary, is to be our example in self-denial and sacrifice. He who came to lay down his life for the world, did not disdain to give his disciples a lesson in economy. After he had fed the multitudes by a miracle of his power, he said to the disciples,” Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” Though he had all the resources of heaven at his command, he would not suffer even a morsel of bread to be wasted. We might have much more to give to the cause of God, if we would learn to “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” {1888 1112.1}
§73
还必须小心防止一切不必要的支出。在为上帝的工作建造大楼和提供设施时，我们应该小心，不要使我们的预备工作太复杂，以致不必要地耗费钱财；因为这意味着每一次都没有能力为其它园地，尤其是外国园地的工作扩展提供应该提供的便利。凡参与圣工的人都必须顺从涉及人与上帝合作的律法。{1888 1112.2}
§74
There must be care also to guard against all needless outlay. In erecting buildings and providing facilities for the work of God, we should be careful not to make our preparation so elaborate as to consume money unnecessarily; for this means in every case inability to provide advantages that ought to be provided for the extension of the work in other fields, especially in foreign lands. The laws that relate to the co-partnership of man and God must be obeyed by all who have a part in his service. {1888 1112.2}
§75
上帝的计划是，凡与祂同工的人都应在祂的爱和祂救赎的能力上有丰富的经验。我们决不应该说；“我没有任何经验，”因为曾赐给保罗经验的那位上帝，也会向每一个愿意恳切寻求祂的人显示祂自己。上帝论到亚伯拉罕说什么呢？“我认识他，”鉴察人心的上帝说：“为要叫他吩咐他的众子和他的眷属遵守我的道，秉公行义”（创18:19）。亚伯拉罕愿意培养家庭的宗教，对主的敬畏会导致生活的正直。那位祝福义人居所的上帝说：“我认识他，为要叫他吩咐。”没有任何背弃神圣委托的行为，没有任何在错与对之间的徘徊不定。那圣者已赐下规则引导所有的人——就是品格的标准，任何人都不能偏离这标准而无罪。应当本着良心殷勤地研究上帝的旨意，且应使之成为人生一切事务中最重要的事。那每一个人都要遵守的律法，乃是源自无限之爱的心。{1888 1113.1}
§76
God designs that all who are laborers together with him should have a rich experience in his love and his power to save. Never should we say, “I have no experience;” for that God who gave Paul an experience will reveal himself to every soul who will earnestly seek him. What said God of Abraham? “I know him,” said the heart-searching God, “that he will command his children and his household after him; and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment.” Abraham would cultivate home religion, and the fear of the Lord would lead to integrity of life. He who blesses the habitation of the righteous says, “I know him that he will command.” There is no betraying of sacred trusts, no hesitating between right and wrong. The Holy One has given rules for the guidance of all,—the standard of character from which none can swerve and be guiltless. God’s will is to be diligently and conscientiously studied, and it must be made paramount in all the affairs of life. The laws which every human agent is to obey flow from the heart of infinite love. {1888 1113.1}
§77
那位说自己认识亚伯拉罕的神圣守望者，也认识哥尼流，差遣祂的使者传信息给接受和利用上帝所赐一切亮光的人。天使说：“你的祷告和你的周济达到上帝面前已蒙纪念了，现在你当打发人往约帕去，请那称呼彼得的西门来。”然后又详细指示他说：“他往在海边一个硝皮匠西门的家里，房子在海边上，他必告诉你所当作的事。”主的使者就这样让哥尼流与他人接触，以便领受更大的亮光。要仔细研究本章经文，了解整个事件的单纯性，想想上帝知道我们每一个人的名字，住在什么地方，我们所怀的精神，以及我们生活的一举一动。服役的天使正在各教会巡视，看看我们各人是否忠心尽职。{1888 1113.2}
§78
That same holy Watcher who says, “I know Abraham, knew Cornelius also, and sent his angel with a message to the man who had received and improved all the light God had given him. The angel said, “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter.” Then the specific directions are given, “He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou 1114oughtest to do.” Thus the angel of the Lord works to bring Cornelius in connection with the human agent through whom he might receive greater light. Study the whole chapter carefully and see the simplicity of the whole transaction. Then consider that the Lord knows every one of us by name, and just where we live, and the spirit we possess, and every act of our life. The ministering angels are passing through the churches, noting our faithfulness in our individual line of duty. {1888 1113.2}
§79
他们也注意到我们对职责的疏忽。请注意亚拿尼雅和撒非拉的案例。他们既假装把自己全部的财产都奉献给了上帝，就欺哄了圣灵，他们欺骗的结果是不仅丧失了今生的性命，也丧失了来生。任何一个处理圣事的人，若仍把自己的癖性带进服务中，使上帝服侍他们的罪恶，乃是可悲的。上帝希望他们在受托的岗位上表现基督的心，他们却将令人厌恶的品格特性交织在他们一切的工作中，上帝神圣的事业就因他们的自私而受了损伤。主知道那些负责的人是不是忠心的管家，在每一交易中保持严格的正直，并把这个印记印在他们工作的每个阶段。{1888 1114.1}
§80
They take note also of our neglect of duty. Mark the case of Ananias and Sapphira. In pretending that they had consecrated their entire possession to God, they lied to the Holy Spirit, and as the result of their deception they lost not only the life that now is, but that which is to come. It is sad for any one to handle sacred things, and yet bring into the service their own peculiar traits of character, making God to serve with their sins. God desires them, in their position of trust, to exemplify the mind of Christ; but the objectionable traits of character are interwoven with all their work, and the sacred cause of God is marred by their selfishness. The Lord knows whether those who carry the burden of responsibility are faithful stewards, maintaining strict integrity in every transaction, and placing this impress upon every phase of the work. {1888 1114.1}
§81
在上帝的教导下，在祂圣灵的引导下，要在《评论与通讯》出版社做成一项会将它安置在一个不同基础上的工作。我对于在用F.S.罗素先生代替弗兰克.贝尔登的事上显出的盲目感到震惊。这是不符合上帝旨意的。不要将从未降服自己去受上帝之灵控制的人安置在神圣委托的岗位。那些把这种人安置在那些岗位的人显明他们自己需要上帝的启迪。主耶稣基督在拉比学校中找不到人去做祂的工作；他们总的来说太自以为聪明了，感觉不到需要受上帝教导。他们心中没有地方让主解开祂的言语；救主便将祂的真理委托给虚己的谦卑人了。{1888 1114.2}
§82
Under the teaching of God, under the guiding of His Holy Spirit, a work will be done in the Review Office that 1115will place it upon a different basis. I was astonished at the blindness manifested in putting Mr. F.S. Russel in the place of Frank Belden. This is not according to the order of God. Men who have never surrendered themselves to the control of the Spirit of God are not to be placed in positions of holy trust. Those who place them there show that they themselves are in need of divine enlightenment. The Lord Jesus could not find men in the schools of the Rabbis to do his work; they were altogether too wise in their own conceit, and they felt no need of being taught of God. There was no room in their hearts for the entrance of the words of the Lord; and the Saviour entrusted his truth to humble men who were emptied of self. {1888 1114.2}
§83
爱尔德里奇弟兄，我久已渴望见到你处在会赏识与上帝有活泼联络的地步。我久已渴望见到我亲姐姐的儿子也在那个地步。我心中怀着说不出的渴望为你们二人作了祷告。然而在这样为你们祈祷的时候，我听到这些话，好像是有声音在对我说：“他们看不到你所看见的。他们没有按照永恒之事的丰富价值估计那些事。属灵的人才能看透属灵的事。你已向他们也向别人传达了这些事。你介绍上帝所显示给你的真理的那些文章已被放在了人们手中去决定其性质和价值。这是不应该的。他们的心思意念必须得到精炼，他们的知觉必须属灵而且高尚，之后才能赏识真理的瑰宝，赏识上帝所赐给你的工作。你的心是悲哀忧愁的，但不要再欺骗自己了，或者不要指望男男女女在向耶稣敞开心扉之前，会重视上帝出于祂自己的圣洁而赐给他们的亮光。‘要依靠我，’祂说：‘相信我：我永远不会让你失望；我必成为你每次需要时随时的帮助。’”{1888 1115.1}
§84
Brother Eldridge, I have so longed to see you in a position where you would appreciate a living connection with God. I have longed to see my dear sister’s son there also. I have prayed for you both with unutterable longings of soul in your behalf. But while thus praying for you, I heard the words, as if a voice were speaking to me, “They can not see what you see. They do not estimate eternal things according to their rich value. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. You have communicated these things to them and to others. The articles in which you presented the truth that God had revealed to you have been placed in the hands of human agents to decide upon their character and value. This should not be done. Their minds and hearts must be refined, their perceptions spiritualized and ennobled, before they can appreciate the precious jewels of truth, or appreciate the work God has 1116given you. Your heart is sad and grieved, but no longer deceive yourself, or expect that men or women will value the light that God has given them from his own holiness, until they shall open their hearts to Jesus. “Lean on me”, He says, “trust in me; I will never fail you, I will be to you a present help in every time of need.” {1888 1115.1}
§85
我蒙指示看到：而今凡在《评论与通讯》出版社中居重要职位的人都将受到考验。他们若以基督为榜样，祂就必赐予他们智慧和知识及悟性；他们必在基督的道路上在恩典和才能上长进；他们的品格也必按祂的样式得以塑造。他们若是没能遵守主的道，另一个灵就会控制心智和判断力，他们就会制定计划而不寻求主，走自己的道路，离开他们所担任的职位。亮光已经赐给他们；他们若是偏离，谁也不要用贿赂劝诱他们留下来。他们将成为障碍和网罗。时候已到，凡能被震动的都要受震动，使那不能被震动的长存。每一件要来的事都在上帝面前受审查，因为祂正在量上帝的殿和在其中敬拜的人。“那右手拿着七星、在七个金灯台中间行走的，说：我知道你的行为…… 然而有一件事我要责备你，就是你把起初的爱心离弃了。所以，应当回想你是从哪里坠落的，并要悔改，行起初所行的事。你若不悔改，我就临到你那里，把你的灯台从原处挪去。”“所以，你当悔改；若不悔改，我就快临到你那里，用我口中的剑攻击他们。圣灵向众教会所说的话，凡有耳的，就应当听！得胜的，我必将那隐藏的吗哪赐给他，并赐他一块白石，石上写着新名；除了那领受的以外，没有人能认识”（启2:1-5; 16,17）。 {1888 1116.1}
§86
I have been shown that all who now occupy important positions in the Review Office will be tested. If they will make Christ their pattern, he will give them wisdom and knowledge and understanding; they will grow in grace and aptitude in Christ’s way; their characters will be molded after his similitude. If they fail to keep the way of the Lord, another spirit will control the mind and judgment, and they will devise plans without the Lord, and will take their own course, and leave the positions they have occupied. The light has been given them; if they depart from it, and follow their own course, let no man present a bribe to induce them to remain. They will be a hindrance and a snare. The time has come when everything is to be shaken that can be shaken, that those things that can not be shaken may remain. Every case is coming in review before God; for he is measuring the temple of God, and the worshipers therein. “These things, saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works.... I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast lost thy first love; remember therefore from whence thou art 1117fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove the candlestick out of his place.” “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against thee with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches: To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving him that receiveth it.” {1888 1116.1}