第170章 致O. A. 奥尔森
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第170章 致O. A. 奥尔森
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Chapter 171—To J. E. White
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《信函》1895年第55号O-55-1895格兰维尔，前景大街，诺福克花园1895年9月19日
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Norfolk Villa, Prospect St., GranvilleSeptember 19, 1895.
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O. A.奥尔森长老 美国密歇根州巴特尔克里克
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Elder O. A. Olsen,Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S.A.
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亲爱的弟兄：Dear Brother:—
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随信寄去其它重要的文稿。你会看到我写了很多，不过日期表明不都是最近才写的。其中一些篇章已经写好三个邮班了，不过没有寄出去。博尔顿姐妹一直不能做这项工作。我一次又一次想不抄录这些文稿、也不封好就把它们寄出去，但我被劝阻了。好吧，我想，到下个邮班会把它们准备好的，却没什么希望把它们准备好。这次的邮件我与芬妮分开了，她在库兰邦，我在这里；不过玛丽安尽量把材料预备好并打出来了。{1888 1425.1}
§9
With this letter I send you other important mss. You will see that I have written largely, but as the dates show, not all has been written recently. For three mails some of these writings have been ready, but were not sent. Sr. Bolton has not been able to do this work. Again and again I thought that I would send the mss without copying, and had had them enveloped, but I was dissuaded from doing this. Well, I thought, next mail they will be ready, but there was no more prospect of having them prepared. This mail I am separated from Fannie; she is at Cooranbong, and I here; but Marian is giving the matter such preparation as is possible under the circumstances, and reading it for the typewriter. {1888 1425.1}
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我心里不安。一幕一幕的景象以表号的形式呈现在我面前。我着手将它写出来，才得安心。我两点醒来，就睡不着觉。我想我们每天至少应该举行一次祷告会，求主纠正局面，因为在工作的中心，各种工作的发展使得其他每一机构都进行效仿。总会本身因错误的观念和原则而败坏了。在制定计划的时候，也表现出长期控制着巴特尔克里克事务的原则。{1888 1425.2}
§11
I do not find rest in spirit. Scene after scene is presented in symbols before me, and I find no rest until I begin to write out the matter. I have not slept since two o’clock. I think we will institute at least once each day a season of prayer for the Lord to set things in order at the center of the work, matters there are being shaped so that every other institution is following in the same course. And the General Conference is itself becoming corrupted with wrong sentiments and principles. In the working up of plans the same principles 1426are manifest that have controlled matters at Battle Creek for quite a length of time. {1888 1425.2}
§12
我蒙指示，犹太民族并不是朝夕之间进入他们那种思想和行为状态的。他们一代一代地按错误的理论行事，违背真理的原则，在他们的宗教中掺杂人的想法和计划，把人的发明奉为至上。上帝所赐的神圣原则被比喻为圣火。但凡火代替了圣火。与真理和公义相反的计划以狡猾的方式被引进来，藉口说必须这么做，必须那么做，“为了推进上帝的圣工。”但人的发明导致压迫、不公和邪恶。上帝的圣工是不许带有一点不公正的。剥夺上帝家里人的个性或权利，丝毫没有好处。上帝厌恶所有这样的行为。祂不赞成你们议事会书籍出版的做法。{1888 1426.1}
§13
I have been shown that the Jewish nation were not brought suddenly into their condition of thought and practice. From generation to generation they were working on false theories, carrying out principles that were opposed to the truth, and combining with their religion thoughts and plans that were the product of human minds; human inventions were made supreme. The holy principles that God has given are represented by the sacred fire; but common fire has been used in place of the sacred. Plans contrary to truth and righteousness, are introduced in a subtle manner on the plea that this must be done, and that must be done because it is for the advancement of the cause of God. But it is the devising of men that leads to oppression, injustice, and wickedness. The cause of God is to be free from every taint of injustice. It can gain no advantage by robbing the members of the family of God of their individuality or of their rights. All such practices are abhorrent to God. He inspires no such practices as have been entered into by your councils in regard to the publication of books. {1888 1426.1}
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弗兰克.贝尔登的情况已被呈现在我面前。出版社待他不公，象对爱德森.怀特不公一样。有些人随时准备极力主张的借口是：“上帝的圣工。”说是为了上帝圣工的益处做的，以此为自己的抢夺和罪孽辩护，乃是得罪上帝的（赛61:8）。主不悦纳任何这样的交易。这种做法不能带来兴旺。天上的主不接受献给祂的凡火。从事主圣工的人竟一直在进行不公正的交易，是时候要叫停了。人与人在打交道时，应遵循十诫的原则，在交易中不要忽视这些原则。错误的主张被当成真理和公义，于是做一切事情都遵循这些主张。但这些主张不符合上帝的旨意，是误表祂品格的。{1888 1426.2}
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The case of Frank Belden has been presented to me. The office of publication has treated him unjustly, as it has also Edson White. The plea which some are so ready to urge, “the cause of God”, working in behalf of the cause of God, to justify themselves in presenting robbery 1427for burnt offering, is an offense to God. He accepts no such transactions; prosperity will not attend these movements. The Lord of heaven does not accept the strange fire offered to him. Men connected with his work have been dealing unjustly, and it is time to call a halt. Let men deal with men upon the principles of the ten commandments, and not ignore these principles in business transactions. False propositions are assumed as truth and righteousness, and then everything is worked in such a way as to carry out these propositions, which are not in accordance with the will of God, but are a misrepresentation of his character. {1888 1426.2}
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伟大、圣洁、慈悲的上帝决不赞同不诚实的做法。祂不会维护丝毫不公正的行为。有人占了他们自以为受他们管辖之人的便宜。他们决意要人接受他们的条件；顺我者昌，逆我者亡。不会有实质性的变化，除非采取果断的行动来改变局面。{1888 1427.1}
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The great and holy and merciful God will never be in league with dishonest practices; not a single touch of injustice will he vindicate. Men have taken unfair advantage of those whom they supposed to be under their jurisdiction. They were determined to bring the individuals to their terms; they would rule or ruin. There will be no material change until a decided movement is made to bring in a different order of things. {1888 1427.1}
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知道人类堕落的历史，了解自从亚当的日子以来狡猾仇敌作为的人们，难道看不见同样的原则怎样仍在起作用，其结局将会如何吗？主创造了人类，给了他们才干和理智。祂设法使这些心智与上帝联合；于是善良、爱同胞的心就会成为他们的天性。无穷的智慧在基督里表明出来，祂替我们受了难，好使人有另一次试验和考验，以证明他们是否会成为祂国度的安全国民。基督已从死里复活并升到高天去为堕落人类代求。这就是祂如今在上帝宝座前的工作。祂希望人们爱上帝为至上，并且公平无私地爱自己的同胞。祂的宗旨是要我们紧紧地依恋上帝，并且温柔体贴地彼此依恋。{1888 1427.2}
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Cannot men who have the history of the fall, the workings of the wily foe since Adam’s day see how the same principles are still at work, and what will be the end thereof? He who has created men, and has given them talent and intellect, seeks to bring these minds into association with the divine; then goodness, love for their fellow-men, will be their natural instinct. Infinite wisdom is revealed in Christ, and he suffered in our stead, that men should have another test and trial, 1428to prove whether they would be safe subjects of his kingdom. Christ has risen from the dead and ascended on high to intercede for the fallen race. This is now his work before the throne of God. He would have men to love God supremely, and their fellow-men impartially. It is his purpose that we should be closely attached to God, and tenderly attached to one another. {1888 1427.2}
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这就是撒但背叛之前天上存在的状况。天河流经上帝的宇宙，没有一点阴影投在其明净的水面上。各处一尘不染的纯净如从镜子里反照。而上帝原在万有之上。然而撒但堕落了。人类受造。亚当夏娃也堕落了。而今主耶稣亲自架桥连接了罪造成的鸿沟，整个救赎计划已经付诸实施，要在人类身上恢复上帝的道德形像。{1888 1428.1}
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Such was the condition that existed in heaven before the disaffection of Satan. The heavenly current flowed through the universe of God without one cloud of evil to cast a shadow upon its bright waters. Everywhere spotless purity was reflected as in a mirror. And God was over all. But Satan fell. The human race were created. Adam and Eve fell. And now the Lord Jesus has himself bridged the gulf that sin has made, and the whole scheme of redemption has been put in operation to restore the moral image of God in man. {1888 1428.1}
§22
我们在宽容时期都受着试验，而那些同意接受上帝道德形像的人就在品格上变得象祂。但他们若是拒绝基督的品格，就失去天国。而当我们拥有如此美善的机会，可以通过我们所选择形成的品格成就自己的胜利时，我们为何不决心持定救主，凭信心领受祂的功劳，完善象祂那样的品格呢？撒但正在与每一个人玩生命的游戏；基督则在为每一个人作工。“凡接待祂的，就是信祂名的人，祂就赐他们权柄，作上帝的儿女。这等人不是从血气生的，不是从情欲生的，也不是从人意生的，乃是从上帝生的”（约1:12,13）。{1888 1428.2}
§23
We are all on trial during probationary time, and those who consent to receive the moral image of God become like him in character. But if they refuse the character of Christ, heaven is lost to them. And when we have so gracious an opportunity of working out our own victory through our choice of the character we form, why will we not lay hold of the Saviour, and by faith receive his merits, and perfect a character like his? Satan is playing the game of life for every soul; Christ is at work for every soul. “As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them which believe on 1429his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” {1888 1428.2}
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“道成了肉身，住在我们中间，充充满满的有恩典有真理。我们也见过祂的荣光，正是父独生子的荣光”（约1:14）。这段话是描写基督的。祂在天父面前作我们的代表。凡交给基督的——“万有”为要供应堕落人类的每一需要——都是交给祂这位人类的元首和代表的。谁会接受永生呢？就是凡在诸天宇宙面前被判定已在基督里承受了律法的刑罚，并在祂里面成全律法的义的人。我们是要在品格上与基督合一的。祂说过：“祢所赐给我的荣耀，我已赐给他们，使他们合而为一，象我们合而为一。我在他们里面，祢在我里面，使他们完完全全的合而为一，叫世人知道祢差了我来，也知道祢爱他们如同爱我一样”（约17:22,23）。请记下这段话。{1888 1429.1}
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“And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.” These words are written of Christ. He is our representative before the Father. Whatsoever was given to Christ—the “all things” to supply every need of fallen man—was given to him as the head and representative of humanity. Who will be the receivers of eternal life? All who before the universe of heaven are adjudged to have in Christ endured the penalty of the law, and in him fulfilled its righteousness. We are to be one in character with Christ. He said, “The glory (character) which thou gavest me, I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me.” Mark these words. {1888 1429.1}
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有一个极乐的天国，摆脱了一切纷争，远离一切自私，没有贫穷、疾病、压迫。所以我恳求你们有一个天国要争取、一个地狱要逃避的人，不要放肆。要以最密切的关系与基督相连，离开每一种罪孽。那种表明荣耀的品格，即基督的品格，才会被接纳进入上帝的乐园。更新了的人类将穿白衣与基督同行，因为他们是配得过的（启3:4）。基督品格的样子要在每一个人身上显明出来。有一个新天和一个新地，有义居在其中。我们难道不要在今生依照那神圣的样式形成品格吗？我们难道不要变成上帝的样式吗？基督既受死为要除灭魔鬼的作为（约壹3:8），我们就必需明白这些作为是什么。{1888 1429.2}
§27
There is a heaven of bliss, free from all dissension, free from all selfishness, free from poverty, sickness, oppression. Then I entreat you who have a heaven to gain and a hell to shun, do not be presumptuous. Link up in the closest relationship with Christ, and depart from every species of iniquity. That character which expresses the glory, the character of Christ, will be received into the Paradise of God. A renovated race will walk with Christ in white, for they are worthy. The likeness of Christ’s character is revealed in every soul. There is a new heaven, and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 1430O shall we not here form characters after the divine similitude? Shall we not become transformed into the likeness of God? If Christ died to destroy the work of the devil, it is essential for us to understand what these works are. {1888 1429.2}
§28
上帝的法规要予以维护；要证明祂的法令是不与罪恶同谋的。上帝原没有从路易甫身上撤回祂的感化力。上帝的政权没有一丝缺陷会为天上的背叛提供起因。所以在管理与上帝在地上的圣工有关的事务时，祂要求那些负责的人也不给任何背叛以理由。必须维持那些符合天国秩序的原则。{1888 1430.1}
§29
The divine decrees are to be vindicated; it will be demonstrated that they are not accessory to sin. There was no withdrawal of divine influences from Lucifer. There was not in the slightest particular a deficiency in God’s government that would afford a cause for disaffection in heaven. So in the administration of affairs in connection with God’s work on earth, he requires that those who bear the responsibility of the work give no cause for disaffection. Those principles must be maintained that are according to heaven’s order. {1888 1430.1}
§30
上帝创造人类和人的心智是一件奇妙的事。上帝按照自己的形像创造人类并施行救赎，反映了祂的荣耀。一个人的价值要超过一个世界。上帝创造人类是为了使人的各种才能都反映上帝的心意。主耶稣基督是我们的创造主，也是我们的救赎主。凡要进入上帝国度的人必须培养一种与上帝的品格相称的品格。人若没有上帝的样式，就不能与祂住在圣洁的天国。得救的人要成为得胜的人。他们要变得高尚纯洁，与基督合而为一。{1888 1430.2}
§31
It was a wonderful thing for God to create man, to make mind. The glory of God is to be revealed in the creation of man in God’s image, and in his redemption. One soul is of more value than a world. God created man that every faculty might be the faculty of the divine mind. The Lord Jesus Christ is the author of our being, and he is also the author of our redemption, and everyone who will enter the kingdom of God will develop a character that is the counterpart of the character of God. None can dwell with God in the holy heaven but those who bear his likeness. Those who are to be redeemed are to be overcomers; they are to be elevated, pure, one with Christ. {1888 1430.2}
§32
基督的血是我们的赎金，祂的死带来了生命和不朽。我们在基督里并且藉着基督得以造就每一美德。我们共享祂的宝座。甚愿上帝赐给我们神圣的洞察力，以便领悟基督之爱的长、阔、高、深，并知道这爱是过于人所能测度的，好叫上帝一切所充满的，充满了我们（弗3:18,19）！于是人就会看同胞是上帝自己所买来的产业。{1888 1430.3}
§33
Christ’s blood was our ransom, his death brings life and immortality to light. In and through Christ we are complete in every 1431grace. We share his throne. O that God would give to us the divine perception to comprehend the breadth, and length, the depth and height, and to know the love of Christ that passeth knowledge, that we might be filled with the fulness of God! Then would man look upon his fellow-man as God’s own purchased possession. {1888 1430.3}
§34
基督论到犹太人曾说：“在他们身上，正应了以赛亚的预言，说：你们听是要听见，却不明白；看是要看见，却不晓得；因为这百姓油蒙了心，耳朵发沉，眼睛闭着”（太13:14,15）。如今一些在我们的各机构中处理重大权益的人也是如此。{1888 1431.1}
§35
Christ said of the Jews, “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxen gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed.” Thus it is with some men who are connected with the great and important interests in our institutions. {1888 1431.1}
§36
但愿人人谨记：主的眼睛看着他们一切的行为，祂希望祂的仆人们忠心。当那四个希伯来青年在巴比伦王的宫廷接受教育时，他们并不认为主的赐福可以取代所要求于他们的辛苦努力。他们勤奋学习，因为他们看出，藉着上帝的恩典，他们的命运有赖于他们自己的意志和行为。他们要将自己一切的才能用到工作中；并且藉着仔细严格地使用自己的各项能力，充分利用学习和工作的机会。{1888 1431.2}
§37
Let all bear in mind that the Lord’s eye is upon all their works, and that he expects fidelity from his servants. When the four Hebrew youth were receiving an education for the king’s court in Babylon they did not feel that the blessing of the Lord was a substitute for the taxing effort required of them. They were diligent in study, for they discerned that through the grace of God their destiny depended upon their own will and action. They were to bring all their ability to the work; and by close, severe taxation of their powers, they were to make the most of their opportunities for study and labor. {1888 1431.2}
§38
9月24日。我们世界的一切事情都处在动荡之中。即将来临的事件把阴影投在前面。时兆确实是不祥之兆。人世间没有任何保障。四位天使仍执掌着四方的风。上帝宽厚地赐给我们暂缓的时间。上帝借给我们的一切力量，包括体力，智力和道德力，都必须庄严地用在指派给我们的工作中，帮助我们行将在无知中灭亡的同胞。警告要传到世界各地，不可耽搁。人们正迅速地列队在自己所选择的旗帜之下，不安地等待并观望着他们领袖们的动态。有一等人正在为我们主的显现警醒、等候、作工。另一等人则匆匆排队，接受第一个大叛徒的领导。他们在人间寻找神。撒但正是他们所寻求的。多数人会因拒绝真理而受迷惑，接受假神，把人拥戴为神。{1888 1431.3}
§39
Sept. 24. Everything in our world is in agitation. “Coming events cast their shadows before.” The signs of the time are ominous 1432indeed. There is assurance in nothing that is human or earthly. The winds are held by the four angels, a moment of respite has been graciously given us of God. Every power lent us of God, whether physical, mental, or moral, is to be sacredly cherished to do the work assigned us for our fellow-men who are perishing in their ignorance. The warning is to go forth to all parts of the world. There must be no delay. Rapidly are men ranging themselves under the banner they have chosen, restlessly waiting and watching the movements of their leaders. There are those who are watching and waiting and working for our Lord’s appearing, while the other party are rapidly falling into line under the generalship of the first great apostate. They look for a God in humanity, and Satan personifies the one they seek. Multitudes will be so deluded through their rejection of truth, that they will accept the counterfeit. Humanity is hailed as God. {1888 1431.3}
§40
有一位已经从天庭而来，要以人的样式表现上帝。上帝的儿子成了人，住在我们中间。“生命在祂里头，这生命就是人的光。光照在黑暗里，黑暗却不接受光。……那光是真光，照亮一切生在世上的人。祂在世界，世界也是藉着祂造的，世界却不认识祂。祂到自己的地方来，自己的人倒不接待祂。凡接待祂的，就是信祂名的人，祂就赐他们权柄，作上帝的儿女”（约1:4,5,9-12）。{1888 1432.1}
§41
One has come from the heavenly courts to represent God in human form. The Son of God was made man, and dwelt among us. “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.... That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” {1888 1432.1}
§42
只存在着两派。撒但用他狡诈欺骗的能力作工，藉着强大的诱惑捕捉那些不坚持真理的人。他们的耳朵厌烦真理，转向了谎言。撒但自己并不遵守真理，他是那不法的隐意。他阴险狡猾地让他毁灭灵魂的谬见披上真理的外衣。那些谬见的欺骗之力就在于此。由于它们冒充真理，招魂术、通灵术等骗局才获得了捕获人心的能力。这是撒但的杰作。他伪装成人类的救主和施主，更迅速地引诱他的牺牲品走向灭亡。{1888 1432.2}
§43
There are but two parties, Satan works with his crooked, deceiving power, and through strong delusions he catches all who do not abide in 1433the truth, who have turned away their ears from the truth, and have turned unto fables. Satan himself abode not in the truth, he is the mystery of iniquity. Through his subtility he gives to his soul-destroying errors the appearance of truth. Herein is their power to deceive. It is because they are a counterfeit of the truth that Spiritualism, Theosophy, and the like deceptions gain such power over the minds of men. Herein is the masterly working of Satan. He pretends to be the Saviour of man, the benefactor of the human race, and thus he more readily lures his victims to destruction. {1888 1432.2}
§44
上帝的话警告我们：只有保持警醒才会有安全。只有在真理和公义的直路上，我们才能摆脱那试探者的权势。但世界已落入陷阱。撒但运用他的技巧设计了数不清的计划和方法，要实现他的目的。虚伪作假已经成了他出色的技术。他假扮成光明的天使行事。唯有上帝的眼目才能看透他毒害世界的阴谋。他使毁灭性的虚假原则呈现出真良善的外貌，以此来毒害世界。他工作的目的就是要限制宗教自由，并把一种奴隶制带进宗教界。各种组织、机构，如果不蒙上帝的能力保守，就会执行撒但的命令，使人受人的控制；而欺骗和诡诈就会表现出为真理和推进上帝的国度发热心的外表。在我们的行为中，无论什么事，只要不象白昼一样公开，都是属于那邪恶之君的方法。甚至在自称拥有现代真理的安息日复临信徒中，也有人实行了他的方法。{1888 1433.1}
§45
We are warned in the word of God that sleepless vigilance is the price of safety. Only in the straight path of truth and righteousness can we escape the tempter’s power. But the world is ensnared. Satan’s skill is exercised in devising plans and methods without number to accomplish his purposes. Dissimulation has become a fine art with him, and he works in the guise of an angel of light. God’s eye alone discerns his schemes to contaminate the world with false and ruinous principles bearing on their face the appearance of genuine goodness. He works to restrict religious liberty, and to bring into the religious world a species of slavery. Organizations, institutions, unless kept by the power of God, will work under Satan’s dictation to bring men under the control of men: and fraud and guile will bear the semblance of zeal for truth, and for the advancement of the kingdom of God. Whatever in our practice is not as open as the day, belongs to the methods of the prince of evil. His methods are practiced even among Seventh Day Adventists, who claim to have advanced truth. {1888 1433.1}
§46
如果人拒绝主传给他们的警告，他们甚至会带头作恶。这种人擅自行使上帝的特权，做上帝自己都不会做的事，设法控制人们的思想。他们引进自己的方法和计划，藉着对上帝的误解，削弱别人对真理的信心。他们采纳错误的原则，象面酵一样感染和败坏我们的机构和教会。任何降低人关于公义，平等和公平审判观念的事，任何使上帝在人间的代表受人意控制的手段或规则，都会削弱人对上帝的信心，使人与上帝隔绝；因为它引人远离严格正直和公义的道路。{1888 1434.1}
§47
If men resist the warnings the Lord sends them, they become even leaders in evil practices; such men assume to exercise the prerogatives of God—they presume to do that which God himself will not do in seeking to control the minds of men. They introduce their own methods and plans, and through their misconceptions of God, they weaken the faith of others in the truth, and bring in false principles that will work like leaven to taint and corrupt our institutions and churches. Anything that lowers man’s conception of righteousness, and equity, and impartial judgment, any devise or precept that brings God’s human agents under the control of human minds, impairs their faith in God; it separates the soul from God, for it leads away from the path of strict integrity and righteousness. {1888 1434.1}
§48
上帝不会认可让人可以借以对同胞有丝毫统治和压迫的做法。堕落人类唯一的希望乃是仰望耶稣，接受祂为个人唯一的救主。人一旦对别人施行强权，按自己的意见驾驭支配别人，他就羞辱了上帝并危害他自己和弟兄的心灵。罪人只有在上帝里面才能找到希望和公义。人若不信靠上帝，与祂保持活泼的联系，就不是义的。田野里的花必须扎根在土壤里，需要空气、雨露、阳光。只有接受了这些有利的条件，才会生长开放。这一切都是从上帝那里来的。人也是这样，我们从上帝那里领受维持属灵生命的要素。上帝警告我们不要信靠人，也不要以血肉作为我们的膀臂。祂向一切这样做的人宣布了咒诅。{1888 1434.2}
§49
God will not vindicate any device whereby man shall in the slightest degree rule or oppress his fellow-man. The only hope for fallen man is to look to Jesus, and receive him as the only Saviour. As soon as man begins to make an iron rule for other men, as soon as he begins to harness up and drive men according to his own mind, he dishonors God, and imperils his own soul, and the souls of his brethren. Sinful man can find hope and righteousness only in God; and no human being is righteous any longer than he has faith in God, and maintains the vital connection with him. A flower of the field must have its root in the soil; it must have air, dew, showers, and sunshine. It will flourish only as it receives these advantages, and all are from God. So with men. We receive from God that which ministers to the life of 1435the soul. We are warned not to trust in man, nor to make flesh our arm. A curse is pronounced upon all who do this. {1888 1434.2}
§50
在我们的任何机构中，都不要采用让人的思想和才干受他人判断所左右的计划或方法，因为这不符合上帝的旨意。上帝赐给人有影响力的种种才干，是唯独属于祂的。让有限的人向人购买上帝所赐的才干，或这种才干的产品，予以绝对的控制，即使为了推进圣工，也是对上帝的最大羞辱。在这种安排下，一个人的思想既被另一个人所控制，人就与上帝分离，易受试探了。撒但的方法就是为了让人来奴役人。发生了这样的事，结果就是混乱，不信任，嫉妒和恶意的猜测。这种行为摧毁了人对上帝和原则的信心，就是那些要制约、要清除诡诈和清除各种自私与伪善的原则。{1888 1435.1}
§51
Let no plans or methods be brought into any of our institution that will bind minds or talents under the control of human judgment, for this is not in God’s order. God has given to men talents of influence which belong to him alone, and no greater dishonor can to be done to God than for one finite agent to purchase from men their God-given talent, or the product of such talent, to be absolutely under his control, even though the benefits of the same be used to the advantage of the cause. In such arrangements one man’s mind is ruled by another man’s mind, and the human agency is separated from God, and exposed to temptation. Satan’s methods tend to one end, to make men the slaves of men. And when this is done, confusion and distrust, jealousies and evil surmisings, are the result. Such a course destroys man’s faith in God, and in the principles which are to control, to purge from guile and from every species of selfishness and hypocrisy. {1888 1435.1}
§52
基督向摩西宣布了上帝的良善、怜悯和仁爱。这是上帝的品格。当自称侍奉上帝的人们忽视祂父母般的品格，并在与同胞交往时偏离尊荣和公义时，撒但就欢喜雀跃了，因为他使他们产生了他的属性。他们正在重蹈罗马教的复辙。那些奉命表现主的品格特征的人，离开了圣经的立场，以人的判断设计了种种规则和决议，要强迫别人的意志。强迫人遵守别人规定的种种计划，所造成的局面压制了同情心和温柔的怜悯，使人看不到上帝的仁慈、公义和慈爱。道德的影响和个人的责任都被践踏在脚下了。{1888 1435.2}
§53
The goodness, mercy, and love of God was proclaimed by Christ to Moses. This was God’s character. When men who profess to serve God ignore his parental character, and depart from honor and righteousness in dealing with their fellow-men, Satan exults, for he has inspired them with his attributes. They are following in the track of Romanism. Those who are enjoined to represent the attributes of the Lord’s character, step from the simple platform, and in their own human judgment devise rules and resolutions to force the will of others. The devisings for forcing men to follow the prescriptions of other men are 1436instituting an order of things that overrides sympathy and tender compassion, that blinds the eyes to mercy, justice, and the love of God. Moral influence and personal responsibility are trodden under foot. {1888 1435.2}
§54
一些人忽视了因信而得的基督之义；因为他们的精神和全部人生经验与基督的义是背道而驰的。规则成了他们的行动方针。撒但获得机会表现自己。当自称基督代表的人行事严厉苛刻，令人尴尬作难时，受到压制的人要么挣脱一切束缚，要么误认为上帝是一个严酷的主人。他们既对上帝怀有怨恨的情绪，心灵也就与祂疏远了。这正中撒但的下怀。自称相信真理之人的硬心肠，被撒但指责为真理本身的影响，人们就这样厌弃了真理。因此我们机构的每一个人，都不可以为自己有一颗肉心还是铁石心肠并不重要。人们以为自己在表现上帝的公义。他们并没有表显祂的温柔和祂爱我们的大爱。他们种种人的发明，都是来自撒但似是而非的诡计。在盲目的人看来，好像是很公正的，因为这是他们与生俱来的本性。人若相信和实行谎言，就会把它当作真实的。撒但爪牙的目的就这样实现了。人们凭自己头脑的思维活动，得出了这些结论。但人怎么会落到这种错误之中呢？这是因为从错误的前提开始，随后的一切都会使虚谎变为真实。在某些情况下，开头的原则中确有一点真理搀杂在错谬里，但决不会导致任何公正的行为，这就是人被导入歧途的原因。为了掌权得势，他们运用撒但的方法来为自己的原则辩护。他们高抬自己，认为自己有超人的见解。他们以上帝的代表自居。其实这些人乃是假神。{1888 1436.1}
§55
The righteousness of Christ by faith has been ignored by some for it is contrary to their spirit, and their whole life experience. Rule, rule, has been their course of action. Satan has had an opportunity of representing himself. When one who professes to be a representative of Christ engages in sharp dealing, and pressing men into hard places, those who are thus oppressed will either break every fetter of restraint, or they will be led to regard God as a hard master. They cherish hard feelings against God, and the soul is alienated from him, just as Satan planned it should be. This hard-heartedness on the part of men who claim to believe the truth, Satan charges to the influence of the truth itself, and thus men become disgusted, and turn from the truth. For this reason no man should have a responsible connection with our institutions who thinks it no important matter whether he has a heart of flesh or a heart of steel. Men think they are representing the justice of God, and they do not represent his tenderness and the great love wherewith he has loved us. Their human inventions, originating with the specious devices of Satan, appears fair enough to the blinded eyes of men, because it is inherent in their nature. A lie, believed, practiced, becomes as truth to them. Thus the purpose of the Satanic agencies is accomplished, that men should reach these conclusions through the working of their own inventive minds. But how do men fall 1437into such error? By starting with false premises, and then bringing everything to bear to prove the error true. In some cases the first principles have a measure of truth interwoven with the error, but it does not lead to any just action and this is why men are misled. In order to reign and become a power, they employ Satan’s methods to justify their own principles. They exalt themselves as men of superior judgment, and they have stood as representatives of God. These are false gods. {1888 1436.1}
§56
“耶和华如此说：倚靠人血肉的膀臂，心中离弃耶和华的，那人有祸了！因他必象沙漠的杜松，不见福乐来到，却要住旷野干旱之处，无人居住的碱地。倚靠耶和华、以耶和华为可靠的，那人有福了！他必象树栽于水旁，在河边扎根，炎热来到，并不惧怕，叶子仍必青翠，在干旱之年毫无挂虑，而且结果不止。……耶和华以色列的盼望啊，凡离弃祂的必致蒙羞。耶和华说：离开我的，他们的名字必写在土里，因为他们离弃我这活水的泉源”（耶17:5-8,13）。 {1888 1437.1}
§57
Thus saith the Lord; cursed be the man that trusteth in man and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land, and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.... O Lord, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, and they that depart from thee shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the Lord, the fountain of living water. {1888 1437.1}
§58
奥尔森长老啊，目前的局面已经持续得够久了。你的眼光变得不全面了。你与上帝没有带领的人联合。你接受人的提议，认为很合理，那些人在一些事上使你开始走上错误的道路；因为你认可了这些提议，并使之有权威有力量。我不感到遗憾，因为这些久已在不圣洁的人心中酝酿的事已经变得更加明显了，叫你在别的某个人取代你主持总会工作之前可以更好地看出这些事的真性质。我现在请求你奉主的名起来，祂必帮助你挽回以往的错误，那些错误正在导致严重的结果。{1888 1438.1}
§59
Elder Olsen, the present state of things has continued long enough. Your eyesight has become imperfect. You link up with men whom God is not leading. You accept as sound the prepositions of men, who in some things start you on a wrong track; for you sanction these prepositions, and give them authority and power. I am not sorry that these things, which have been so long brewing in unsanctified minds, have become more pronounced, that you may the better discern their true character before some other agent shall come in to preside over the Conference in your place. I now beg of you to arise in the name of the Lord, and he will help you to retrieve the errors of the past, that are leading to serious results. {1888 1438.1}
§60
领袖们缺乏献身和舍己，他们的假献身已经在攫取高薪和抵制上帝所赐信息上显明出来了。他们不断固执地转离这些警告，可是你却使他们有影响力，你已与他们联合在一起，并把他们派到各地去处理业务，给人造成的印象是他们是你所依赖的可靠的人。既然已经非常显而易见，他们需要重生，之后才能看见上帝的国，你怎么还能这么做呢？他们需要真理在心上作工，好使他们成为善用机会的人。{1888 1438.2}
§61
The lack of consecration and self-denial on the part of leading men, their spurious devotion, has been made manifest in the grasping of the high wages, and in their resistance to the messages that God has sent. They have continually and persistently turned from these warnings, and yet you have given them influence, you have linked up and together, and sent them to different localities to transact business, giving the impression that they were the reliable men upon whom you depended. How could you do this, when it is too apparent that they need to be born again before they can see the kingdom of God. They need the work of the truth upon the heart to make them men of opportunity. {1888 1438.2}
§62
他们虽然一直乐于为自己接受好处，却设法抢夺弟兄们的好处，还主张这是为了圣工。什么是圣工呢？上帝要求一种完全不同的记录。上帝希望祂的工人有温柔的心。上帝的做法是多么慈怜！（见申10:17-20；林后20:5-7,9；彼前1:17）然而人藐视上帝所赐的规则，把凡火献到了主面前。{1888 1438.3}
§63
While they have been very ready to accept benefit for themselves, 1439they seek to wrest every advantage from their brethren, and say, it is for the cause. What is the cause? God demands an altogether different record. He expects his workers to be tender-hearted. How merciful are the ways of God. (See Deuteronomy 10:17-20; 2 Chronicles 20:5-7, 9; 1 Peter 1:17.) The rules that God has given have been disregarded, and strange fire has been offered before the Lord. {1888 1438.3}
§64
我已作了大量的见证，说明了这个事实：写书的能力象其它才干一样，是来自上帝的恩赐，拥有这种恩赐的人要对上帝负责。若有人买卖这种才干，就必招致又大又危险的责任。那些在书籍出版方面努力造成改变，要将书籍完全置于出版社或不了解书籍内容的区会控制之下的人，是盲目的，是在错误的立场做工。自私乃是毒根，玷污了许多人。{1888 1439.1}
§65
I have borne abundant testimony, setting forth the fact that the ability to write a book is like every other talent, a gift from God, for which the possessor is accountable to him. This talent no man can buy or sell without incurring great and dangerous responsibility. Those who labor to bring about changes in the publication of books, to place the books wholly under the control of the publishing house, or the conference know not what they are talking about. Their eyes are blinded, and they work from a wrong standpoint. Selfishness is a root of bitterness whereby many are defiled. {1888 1439.1}
§66
创造世界和人类的天上的主上帝看顾着每一个人的利益。祂把工作赐给每一个人。我们是与上帝同工的。恩赐各有不同。每一个人都应欣赏上帝交托他道德和属灵上的资本。任何人都不得对这些所托付的才干处之淡然。人不必为自己所没有的才干负责。任何人都不要抱怨自己的恩赐少。每一个人都要拿上帝交给他的资本作买卖，尽己所能地工作，为主作出尽可能好的服务。我们若能善用一种才干，就会得到其它才干，用这些才干又会得到更好的才干。钱少的人可以用他这一点钱忠心事奉上帝。在上帝眼中，他和善用钱多的人一样算为忠心的。{1888 1439.2}
§67
The Lord God of heaven, who made our world, and who created man, guards the interest of every soul. To every man he has given his work. We are laborers together with God. There are diversities of gifts, and every man should appreciate the moral and spiritual capital which God has entrusted to him. No one should treat these entrusted talents with indifference. No one is accountable for talents he has never had: none should complain of the smallness of their gifts. Every one is to trade on that which God has entrusted to him, working where he can, doing the best possible service for the Master. One talent 1440well used, will gain other talents, and these still others. The man with a few pence can serve God with his pence; if he does this, he is in God’s sight judged as faithful as the one who has improved five talents. {1888 1439.2}
§68
所有的人都要认识到他们个人有责任，按自己的能力用自己的才能来荣耀上帝。任何人和团体都不要按自己对上帝所赐才干的估计，尽可能少地运用这些才干。任何人都不要用人判断的天平来衡量上帝赐给别人的才干。每一个人都要重视上帝赐给自己的才干，并忠心地运用之。谁也不要把自己的个性揉合在别人的个性之中。恩赐是各有不同的，要运用上帝所托付的财富。在这个世界上有大工要完成，已经作出的努力要使作者们的才干产生的一切利益都转到区会或出版社手中，是不会成功的；因为这种计划是不公正不平等的。{1888 1440.1}
§69
But all are to realize their individual responsibility to employ their talents to the glory of God according to their ability. Let no man or council of men assume the responsibility of making as little of these talents as possible, according to their human estimate of God’s entrusted qualifications. No man is to weigh in the balances of human judgment the talents God has given to other men. Let every man appreciate God’s gifts to himself, and faithfully trade upon them. No man is to merge his individuality in that of any other man. There are diversities of gifts, and a large work to be done in our world in the use of God’s entrusted goods, and the efforts that have been made to turn all the profits from the talents of writers into the hands of the conference or the publishing house will not prove a success; for the plan is not just and equal. {1888 1440.1}
§70
根据上帝赐给我的亮光，那些在工作中心的人在这方面做出的努力，不是上天授意的。这是一种十分狭隘、自负的安排，是人意所设计的，并不带有上帝的印记。主已指定各人的特殊的工作，人是个别地向上帝负责的。当在出版社工作的人做出决定和办理业务时，象他们已经做的和打算在巴特尔克里克做的那样，就证明应该尽快做出改变，因为上帝不在任何这种计划中。{1888 1440.2}
§71
From the light given me of God, the efforts made in this direction by those at the heart of the work, are not heaven-inspired. It is a very narrow, conceited arrangement, devised by human minds, and it does not bear the marks of God. Every man’s special work is appointed him of God, and he is individually responsible to God. When men connected with the publishing business makes decisions and transact 1441business, as they have done and propose to do at Battle Creek, they give evidence that changes should be made as soon as possible, for God is not in any such plan. {1888 1440.2}
§72
要让会表显上帝品格的人参加上帝的圣工。他们在经营管理上也许有许多要学。但如果他们像但以理那样祈祷上帝，以真诚的悔改之心寻求上头的智慧，上帝就会赐给他们理解力。要怀着祈祷的精神仔细看《雅各书》第三章，特别是13-18节。如果人希望看的清楚，这一整章就是一把钥匙。{1888 1441.1}
§73
Let men be connected with God’s work who will represent his character. They may have much to learn in regard to business management, but if they pray to God as did Daniel, if with true contrition of mind they seek that wisdom which comes from above, the Lord will give them an understanding heart. Read carefully and prayerfully the third chapter of James, especially verses 13-18. The whole chapter is an eye-opener, if men wish to open their eyes. {1888 1441.1}
§74
不要让著书的人处在那些对著述毫无经验认识之人的控制之下。这些人高估自己的才能，却显出对已蒙上帝赐予某项工作去做的人很不赏识。他们贬低上帝赐予才干用来荣耀祂的人。祂从未计划任何人应该出卖自己的管家身份，好像他没有能力管理上帝赐给他的才干似的。流行的理念说，为了奉献给上帝的圣工，除了一点点津贴，作者必须将其作品的全部利润置于别人会为他控制或照别人的想法投资之处，这种理念是错的。{1888 1441.2}
§75
Those who write books are not to be left under the control of men who have no experimental knowledge of authorship. These men have a high appreciation of their own ability, but they have shown how little they appreciate the human agent, to whom God has given a certain work to do. They belittle men to whom God has given talents to use to his glory. He never designed that any man should sell his stewardship, as though he was not capable of managing the talents God has given him. The idea which prevails that in order to give to the cause of God, a writer must place all the profits of his work, beyond a mere pittance, where other men shall control it for him, or invest as shall suit their ideas, in an error. {1888 1441.2}
§76
很久以前，当这种理念初次被提出来的时候，本应该受到应得的对待。人们是在把他们不能公平处理或成功管理的责任揽到自己手里。他们过去已经证明了这一点，事实上他们会采取不公平的手段以便榨取上帝所托付才干的人为己所用。然而已蒙上帝托付祂货财的人，有责任拿去作买卖，好发展品格。还需要什么比过去几年的历史更惊人的明证来在这个问题上开人们和议事会的眼睛吗？{1888 1441.3}
§77
Long ago, when such ideas were first advanced, they should have been treated as they deserved. Men were taking into their own hands responsibilities which they were not capable of treating justly or managing successfully. They have given evidence of this in the past 1442in the fact that they would resort to unfair means in order to wring from men God’s entrusted talents for themselves to appropriate. But the very persons whom God has entrusted with his goods, are held responsible to trade upon them, and thus develop character. Can any more striking demonstration be required to open the eyes of men and councils to this matter than the history of the past few years? {1888 1441.3}
§78
每一个靠着基督的恩典成为上帝仆人的人，都有自己特有的工作范围。他不要被贿买或出卖，而要明白“你们得赎，脱去你们祖宗所传流虚妄的行为，不是凭着能坏的金银等物，乃是凭着基督的宝血，如同无瑕疵、无玷污的羔羊之血。基督在创世以前是预先被上帝知道的，却在这末世才为你们显现。你们也因着祂，信那叫祂从死里复活、又给祂荣耀的上帝，叫你们的信心和盼望都在于上帝。你们既因顺从真理，洁净了自己的心，以致爱弟兄没有虚假，就当从清洁的心彼此切实相爱”（彼前1:18-22）。有谁比生活在这世界历史结尾的人更需要遵行这灵感的命令呢？{1888 1442.1}
§79
Every soul who has become the servant of God through the grace of Christ has his own peculiar sphere of labor. He is not to be bought or sold, but to understand that “ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” Who have greater need to be doers of this inspired injunction than have those who are living in the very close of this earth’s history? {1888 1442.1}
§80
那委托给我们要我们去投资的，并不是我们自己的财产。若是我们自己的，我们就可以要求自由决定权；我们就可以把责任转给他人，把我们的管家身份委托给他人，但这是不可能的，因为主正在试验我们个人。我们若是聪明地行事，拿我们主的货财去作买卖，并使银子增多，就要为主投入这种利润，祈求上帝赐智慧，以便摆脱一切的自私，并且极其恳切地作工，在我们的世界推进宝贵的真理。有些人或议事会可能会说，那正是我们希望你去做的。总会委员会将接管你的资金并且将之用于这个目的。但主已使我们个人成为祂的管家。我们各人都负有严肃的责任，要亲自投资。将一部分投入库中去推进圣工的一般权益是对的；但钱财的管家只要有能力这么做，就要照着环境所需使用钱财，否则就必在上帝面前有罪。我们应该随时准备帮助受苦的人，启动计划以各种方式推进真理。解除我们的管家身份并不在总会或任何组织的职权范围之内。你若缺少智慧，就要转向上帝，为自己向祂祈求，然后作工，单单注目于祂的荣耀。{1888 1442.2}
§81
It is not our own property that is entrusted to us for investment. If it had been, we might claim discretionary power; we might shift the responsibility upon others, and leave our stewardship with 1443others, but this cannot be, because the Lord is testing us individually. If we act wisely in trading upon our Lord’s goods and multiplying the talents, we shall invest this gain for the master, praying for wisdom from God that we may be divested of all selfishness, and laboring most earnestly to advance the precious truth in our world. Some men or councils may say, that is just what we wish you to do. The Conference Committee will take your capital and will appropriate it for this very object. But the Lord has made us individually his stewards. We each hold a solemn responsibility to invest this means ourselves. A portion it is right to place in the treasury to advance the general interests of the work; but the steward of means will not be guiltless before God, unless, so far as he is able to do this, he shall use that means as circumstances shall reveal the necessity. We should be ready to help the suffering, and to set in operation plans to advance the truth in various ways. It is not in the province of the Conference or any other organization to relieve us of this stewardship. If you lack wisdom, go to God, ask him for yourself, and then work with an eye single to his glory. {1888 1442.2}
§82
藉着运用你自己的判断，将钱财奉献到你看到工作的任何方面有需要的地方，你就是在把自己的钱交给兑换银钱的人。你若看到任何地方真理正在获得立足之地，那里又没有敬拜的场所，就要做点什么以满足需要。要用你自己的行动鼓励他人行动，为敬拜上帝建造一个简朴的礼拜堂。要关心园地各部分的工作。{1888 1443.1}
§83
By exercising your own judgment, giving where you see there is need in any line of the work, you are putting out your money to the exchangers. If you see in any locality that the truth is gaining a foothold, and there is no place of worship, then do something to meet the necessity. By your own action encourage others to act, in 1444building a humble house for the worship of God. Have an interest in the work in all parts of the field. {1888 1443.1}
§84
虽然你所处理的并非你的财产，但是你却有责任聪明地予以投资，善用或滥用你都要负责。上帝并没有给你加负担，要你去问问区会或任何议事会你是否要照着你看来合适的使用上帝委托给你的钱财，去推进上帝在贫困城镇和贫穷地区的工作。若是遵循了正确的计划，原不会有那么多的钱财用在某些地方而那么少的钱财用在还未举起真理旗帜的其它地方。我们不要将自己的个性泯灭在世上的任何一个机构里面。专横的权势已经滋长，好像职位使人成了神，令我害怕，应该引起担心。无论何人在何处行使这种权柄，都是祸害。这样辖制主的产业，会使人厌恶他人的管束，导致违抗。结果甚至会对忠心之人的管理失去信任。人们正意识到不可信任位高权重的人来塑造别人的思想和品格。但主必兴起这样的工人：他们认识到若没有上帝的特别帮助，自己就一无所能。{1888 1444.1}
§85
While it is not your property that you are handling, yet you are made responsible for its wise investment, for its use or abuse. God does not lay upon you the burden of asking the conference or any council if you shall use means entrusted to you by God as you shall see fit, to advance the work of God in destitute towns and cities, and impoverished localities. If the right plan had been followed, there would not have been so much means used in some localities and so little in other places where the banner of truth has not been raised. We are not to merge our individuality in any institution in our world. The high-handed power that has been developed, as though positions had made men gods, makes me afraid, and ought to cause fear. It is a curse wherever, and by whomsoever it is exercised. This lording it over God’s heritage will create such a disgust of man’s jurisdiction that a state of insubordination will result. The people are learning that men in high positions of responsibility cannot be trusted to mould and fashion other men’s minds and characters. The result will be a loss of confidence even in the management of faithful men. But the Lord will raise up laborers who realize their own nothingness without special help from God. {1888 1444.1}
§86
耶稣一代一代向教会提供祂的商品。基督第一次降世时，犹太公会的议员曾行使权柄按照他们的意愿控制人。基督舍命要拯救脱离撒但奴役的人，就这样以另一种形式受撒但的奴役了。{1888 1444.2}
§87
Age after age Jesus has been delivering his goods to his church. At the time of the first advent of Christ to our world the men who composed the Sanhedrim exercise their authority in controlling 1445men according to their will. Thus the souls whom Christ had given his life to free from the bondage of Satan, were brought under bondage to him in another form. {1888 1444.2}
§88
我们个人认识到自己的真实身份吗？我们是上帝所雇请的仆人，不可出卖自己的管家职务。在天上的宇宙面前，我们有一份个人的责任，要管理上帝委托给我们的财产。我们的心要激动起来。我们的手要分发上帝所托付给我们的收益。我们中最卑微的人也可以成为上帝的代表，为祂名的荣耀使用我们的恩赐。凡充分利用自己才干的人，能把他的供物献给上帝，作为分别为圣的礼物，在祂面前如芬芳的馨香。每一个人都有责任确保自己的才干转为有利，既尽力善用，就将之视为必须归还的礼物。{1888 1445.1}
§89
Do we individually realize our true position, that as God’s hired servants we are not to bargain away our stewardship? We have an individual accountability before the heavenly universe to administer the trust committed us of God. Our own hearts are to be stirred, our hands are to have something to impart of the income that God entrusts to us. The humblest of us may be an agent for God, using our gifts for his name’s glory. He who improves his talent is to the best of his ability may present to God his offering as a consecrated gift, that shall be as fragrant incense before him. It is the duty of every one to see that his talents are turned to advantage as a gift that he must return, having done his best to improve it. {1888 1445.1}
§90
控制的精神正向我们的区会会长们蔓延。如果一个人对自己的能力很自信，并设法对弟兄行使控制权，觉得有权让自己的意志成为控制的力量，那么最好的、也是唯一安全的办法就是解除他的职务，免得造成大害，既丧失他自己的灵命也危害别人的灵命。“你们都是弟兄”（太23:8）。这种辖制上帝产业的性情必产生反作用，除非这些人改变他们的做法。当权的人应当表现基督的精神。他们应该象祂那样处理每一件需要注意的事。他们应该被圣灵所充满。一个人的职位并不能使他在上帝眼中变得伟大一点。唯有品格才是上帝所重视的。{1888 1445.2}
§91
The spirit of domination is extending to the presidents of our conferences. If a man is sanguine of his own powers and seeks to exercise dominion over his brethren, feeling that he is invested with authority to make his will the ruling power, the best and only safe course is to remove him, lest great harm be done, and he lose his own soul, and imperil the souls of others. All ye are brethren. This disposition to lord it over God’s heritage, will cause a reaction unless these men change their course. Those in authority should manifest the spirit of Christ. They should deal as he would deal with every case that requires attention. They should go weighted with 1446the Holy Spirit. A man’s position does not make him one jot or tittle greater in the sight of God; it is character alone that God values. {1888 1445.2}
§92
尼哥底母设法在晚上去见耶稣，说：“拉比，我们知道你是由上帝那里来作师傅的；因为你所行的神迹，若没有上帝同在，无人能行”（约3:2）。这句话说得不错。但耶稣怎么说呢？祂“回答说：‘我实实在在的告诉你，人若不重生，就不能见上帝的国’”（约3:3）。尼哥底母是一个位高权重的人，被视为精通犹太的学问，充满智慧。他确有超人的才干。他不愿白天到耶稣那里去，因为怕受人议论。作为一个犹太人的官长，承认自己同情这个被人藐视的拿撒勒人实在太丢脸了。尼哥底母想，我要亲自探知这位教师的使命和主张。祂是否确实是外邦人的光和以色列民的荣耀。耶稣实际上是对尼哥底母说：辩论对你并没有帮助，论证也不会给心灵带来亮光。你必须有一颗新心，否则你就不能看见天国。使你转到正确立场的，并不是更大的证据，而是新的宗旨，新的动机。你必须重生。在这种改变发生、一切都变成新的之前，最强力的证据也无济于事。亏欠是在你自己的心里。一切都必须改变，否则你就不能见上帝的国。{1888 1446.1}
§93
Nicodemus sought an interview with Jesus at night saying, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.” All this was true, as far as it went, but what said Jesus? He “answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Here was a man in high position of trust, a man who was looked up to as one educated in Jewish customs, one whose mind was stored with wisdom. He was indeed in possession of talents of no ordinary character. He would not go to Jesus by day, for this would make him the subject of remark: It would be too humiliating for a ruler of the Jews to acknowledge himself in sympathy with the despised Nazarene. Nicodemus thinks, I will ascertain for myself the mission and claims of this teacher, whether he is in deed the light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel. Jesus virtually says to Nicodemus, it is not controversy that will help your case, it is not arguments that will bring light to the soul. You must have a new heart, or you cannot discern the kingdom of heaven. It is not greater evidence that will bring you into a right position, but new purposes, new springs of action; you must be born again. Until this change takes place, making all things new, the strongest evidences that could be presented would be useless. The want is in your own heart; everything must be changed, or you cannot see the kingdom of God. {1888 1446.1}
§94
尼哥底母听了这一句话，感到很屈辱。他恼怒接过基督的话题说：“人已经老了，如何能重生呢”（约3:4）？他没有属灵的心，不能理解基督话语的意思。但救主并不用辩论对付辩论。祂严肃，从容，庄重地举起手，以更大的力度阐明了真理：“我实实在在的告诉你，人若不是从水和圣灵生的，就不能进上帝的国。从肉身生的就是肉身；从灵生的就是灵。我说：‘你们必须重生’，你不要以为希奇。风随着意思吹，你听见风的响声，却不晓得从哪里来，往哪里去；凡从圣灵生的，也是如此”（约3:5-8）。尼哥底母对祂说：“怎能有这事呢”（约3:9）？{1888 1446.2}
§95
This was a very humiliating statement to Nicodemus, and with 1447a feeling of irritation he takes up the words of Christ saying, “How can a man be born when he is old?” He was not spiritual minded enough to discern the meaning of the words of Christ. But the Saviour did not meet argument with argument. Raising his hand in solemn, quiet dignity, he presses home the truth with greater assurance, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said unto him, “How can these things be.” {1888 1446.2}
§96
一些真理的光线正在透入这位官长的心。基督的话使他充满了敬畏。于是他问道：“怎能有这事呢？”耶稣极其恳切地回答说：“你是以色列人的先生，还不明白这事吗”（约3:10）？祂的话传达给尼哥底母的教训是，他不该为真理明确的话语而生气，说出讽刺的反语，而该因自己属灵上的无知而对自己有一种远为谦卑的看法。然而基督的话说得那么严肃庄重，在表情和语调上都表达了对他恳切的爱。所以当他意识到自己耻辱的境况时，他并没有生气。一个对他人的宗教权益负有责任的人，的确不该不明白对他们来说如此重要的真理。明白这条真理乃是进入天国的条件。耶稣继续说：“我实实在在的告诉你，我们所说的是我们知道的；我们所见证的是我们见过的；你们却不领受我们的见证。我对你们说地上的事，你们尚且不信，若说天上的事，如何能信呢”（约3:11,12）？{1888 1447.1}
§97
Some gleams of the truth were penetrating the ruler’s mind. Christ’s words filled him with awe, and led to the iniquity, “How can these things be?” With deep earnestness Jesus answered, “Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?” His words convey to Nicodemus the lesson that instead of feeling irritated over the plain words of truth, and indulging in irony, he should have a far more humble opinion of himself, because of his spiritual ignorance. Yet the words of Christ were spoken with such solemn dignity, and both look and tone expressed such earnest love to him, that he was not offended as he realized his humiliating position. Surely one entrusted with the religious interests of the people should not be ignorant of truth so important for them to understand as the condition of entrance into the 1448kingdom of heaven. “Verily, verily, I say unto thee,” continued Jesus, “We speak that we do know, and testify that we have been; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you heavenly things?” {1888 1447.1}
§98
给尼哥底母的这个教训非常适用于现今象以色列官长那样身负重职的人。在会议室中经常听到他们的声音，证明他们有与尼哥底母一样的精神。给那位官长的教训会给他们的内心和生活上带来同样的影响吗？这次会见的结果是尼哥底母的悔改。基督的话实在也是对区会会长们、教会长老们、以及在我们机构中正式任职的人说的：“我实实在在的告诉你，人若不重生，就不能见上帝的国”（约3:3）。“我也要赐给你们一个新心”（结36:26）。{1888 1448.1}
§99
This lesson to Nicodemus I present as highly applicable to those who are today in responsible positions as rulers in Israel, and whose voices are often heard in council giving evidence of the same spirit that Nicodemus possessed. Will the lesson given to the chief ruler have the same influence upon their heart and life? Nicodemus was converted as the result of this interview. The words of Christ are spoken just as verily to presidents of conferences, elders of churches, and those occupying official positions in our institutions, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” “A new heart also will I give you.” {1888 1448.1}
§100
你如果让圣灵每天陶冶你的心灵，就会有神圣的洞察力，认识上帝之国的性质。尼哥底母领受了基督的教训，成为一位真信徒。他在犹太公会中发言，反对他们处死基督的阴谋。他说：“不先听本人的口供，难道我们的律法还定他的罪吗”（约7:51）？他们轻蔑地回答说：“你也是出于加利利吗？你且去查考，就可知道加利利没有出过先知”（约7:52）。{1888 1448.2}
§101
If you have the holy spirit moulding and fashioning your heart daily, then you will have divine insight to perceive the character of the kingdom of God. Nicodemus received the lesson of Christ and became a true believer. His voice was heard in the Sanhedrim council in opposition to their measures for compassing the death of Christ. “Doth our law judge any man before it hear him?” he said. The scornful answer was returned, “Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look; for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet.” {1888 1448.2}
§102
尼哥底母成了耶稣的门徒。在那天晚上与耶稣的会谈中，这个悔改的人站在救主面前，接受真理软化驯服的感化。真理正照进他心灵的密室，在他内心留下了深刻的印象。耶稣说：“我对你们说地上的事，你们尚且不信，若说天上的事，如何能信呢？除了从天降下、仍旧在天的人子，没有人升过天”（约3:12,13）。耶稣不仅告诉尼哥底母，他必须有一颗新心，才能以看见天国，而且告诉他如何获得新心。祂洞悉一颗真正寻求真理之人的心，向他提出了祂自己的表号：“摩西在旷野怎样举蛇，人子也必照样被举起来，叫一切信祂的都得永生”（约3:14,15）。好消息！好消息！要传遍全世界！“上帝爱世人，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 ”（约3:16）。这个教训对世上每一个人来说都是最重要的教训，因为其中清楚地展示了得救的条件。一个人即使没有其他的经文，这一节就足以作为他心灵的向导。{1888 1448.3}
§103
Jesus had a disciple in Nicodemus. In that night conference with Jesus the convicted man stood before the Saviour under the softening, 1449subduing influences of truth which was shining into the chambers of his mind, and impressing his heart. Jesus said, If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven Jesus not only tells Nicodemus that he must have a new heart in order to see the kingdom of heaven, but tells him how to obtain a new heart. He reads the inquiring mind of a true seeker after truth, and presents before him the representation of himself: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Good news, good news, ring throughout the world: “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.” This lesson is of the greatest importance to every soul that lives, for the terms of salvation are here laid out in distinct lines; if one had no other text in the Bible, this alone would be a guide for the soul. {1888 1448.3}
§104
特别是对每一个承担顾问职责，与人的心灵打交道的人，这个重大美好的真理应成为明亮的光。一个自称拥有上帝的道，却说“我没有经验；我不了解这些事”的人乃是靠不住的。他只有把自己看得卑微，才会变得更聪明。他必须象小孩子一样学习他的功课，把明白上帝使人重生的工作作为他的第一要务。在每一个人接受职位，担任上帝圣工的领袖之前，必须有这种改变。如果一个人与上帝没有生命的联络，他自己的精神和观点就必占优势。于是他就用凡火来代替圣火献上。人已在上帝的圣工中交织了自己品格的缺陷，属人属地的种种发明，以及种种欺骗，使他自己和所有接受的人落入圈套。{1888 1449.1}
§105
Especially to every man who accepts responsibilities as a counsellor, every one who is dealing with human souls, is this grand, beautiful truth to be a bright and shining light. It is no credit to one who has the word of God in his possession to say, I have no experience. I do not understand these things. He will never be wiser until he becomes of much less consequence in his own estimation. 1450He must learn his lesson as a little child. He must make it his first duty to understand the work of God in the regeneration of the soul. This change should take place in every man before he accepts a position as leader or ruler in connection with the sacred work of God. If one has not a vital connection with God, his own spirit and sentiments will prevail. These may well be represented as the strange fire offered in place of the sacred. Man has woven into the work of God his own defects of character, devices that are human and earthly, delusions ensnaring to himself and to all who accept them. {1888 1449.1}
§106
请考虑基督在尼哥底母面前提出的被举起来的铜蛇那件事。主耶稣曾保护以色列人在旷野飘流时不受毒蛇的侵犯，但他们不知道这一段历史。有天使从天上来陪伴他们。基督借着白天的云柱和夜间的火柱一路保护他们。但他们变得自私自利，心怀不满。主为了不让他们忘记祂对他们的伟大眷顾，就给了他们一个痛苦的教训。祂准许他们被火蛇所咬。然而出于祂的大怜悯，祂没有任他们灭亡。摩西奉命将铜蛇挂在杆子上，宣布凡仰望它的人必得存活。于是一切仰望的人都活了下来，立刻痊愈了。你想这个赐生命的信息，这个仰望基督表征的邀请，是用小声说出来的吗？你想人们会开会讨论那个铜蛇的象征能有什么功效吗？有些人犹豫了，想要知道这个表征的科学解释，却没有亮光赐下。他们必须接受基督赐给摩西的话。这话伴随着角声并藉着全营各支派首领的声音宣布了。这话得到听从，就会带来生命和医治。{1888 1450.1}
§107
Consider the incident that Christ presents before Nicodemus in referring to the uplifted serpent. The Lord Jesus had protected the children of Israel from the venomous serpents in the wilderness, but this part of their history they did not know. Angels from heaven had accompanied them, and in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night Christ had been their protection through all their journeyings. But they became selfish and discontented, and in order that they might not forget his great care over them, the Lord gave them a bitter lesson. He permitted them to be bitten by the fiery serpents, yet in his great mercy he did not leave them to perish. Moses was bidden to lift the brazen serpent on the pole, and make the proclamation that whosoever should look upon it should live. And all who looked, did live. They recovered health at once. Suppose ye that this life-giving message, the invitation to look upon the representation 1451of Christ, was given in whispered tones? Suppose ye there were meetings for discussion as to how that symbol of the brazen serpent could have any efficacy? Some hesitated, desiring a scientific explanation of the representation, but no light was given. They must accept the word given to Moses. It was proclaimed with the trumpet, and by the voices of the leading men of every tribe throughout the encampment. The word obeyed, would bring life and healing. {1888 1450.1}
§108
尼哥底母理解了基督话语的意思。他领受了祂的教训，并且带走了这个教训。他以新的方式查考了圣经；他能说：看哪，旧事已过，都成新的了。他确实开始看见天国了，因为他使自己服从了圣灵的引导。{1888 1451.1}
§109
Nicodemus caught the meaning of Christ’s words. He received his lesson, and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way; he could say, Old things have passed away, and behold, all things have become new. He did begin to see the kingdom of heaven, because he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit. {1888 1451.1}
§110
用咬他们的蛇的形像作为基督的象征实在是奇妙。铜蛇被挂在杆子上，只要仰望，就可以痊愈。耶稣也这样成为罪身的形状，来担当我们的罪。以被举起来的铜蛇作为象征，祂被呈现在那蒙托付神圣真理的广大会众之前。上帝的旨意是当基督在人身出现的时候，人们能看出祂的使命，并与祂合作，拯救人类。基督要在十字架上被举起来，而这十字架是要叫万民注意的。在犹太人每年聚集的一个节期，祂被钉十字架，那时来自各国的代表都在耶路撒冷。对耶稣所行的残忍行为要传到世上有人居住的最遥远的地区。仰望而得活的信息以最明确的方式得到了传扬，它意味着希望、勇气、信心、赦免和生命。{1888 1451.2}
§111
What a strange symbol of Christ was that likeness of the serpents which stung them. This symbol was lifted on a pole, and they were to look to it and be healed. So Jesus was made in the likeness of sinful flesh. He came as the sin-bearer. Under the symbol of the uplifted serpent he was presented before the vast congregation of those who were entrusted with sacred truth. It was God’s purpose that when Christ should appear in person men might recognize his mission, and co-operate with him in the saving of humanity. Christ was to be lifted on the cross, and this cross is to call the attention of all people. He was crucified, at one of the yearly gatherings of the Jews, when representatives from all nations were present at Jerusalem. The knowledge of the cruel work done to Jesus was to go to the remotest regions of the inhabited world. The message, Look and live, had been 1452given in a most decided manner, and it meant hope, courage, faith, pardon, and life. {1888 1451.2}
§112
如今这同一个赐生命的医治信息正在传来。它指出在屈辱的十字架上举起来的救主。凡被古蛇魔鬼所咬的人，都奉命仰望而存活。{1888 1452.1}
§113
The same healing, life-giving message is now sounding. It points to the uplifted Saviour upon the shameful tree. Those who have been bitten by that old serpent, the devil, are bidden to look and live. {1888 1452.1}
§114
藉着救主的教训，尼哥底母得以看出，无知和不信是不能藉着辩论和讨论得到启迪的。他们必须仰望而得活。尼哥底母希望他本国的民会让基督向他们讲话，就像祂曾对他讲话那样；于是他们就不会再留在不信中了。甚愿今日人们会听耶稣的声音：“人若不重生，就不能见上帝的国”（约3:3）。救恩计划的说明今日也可能呈现在担任统治者和顾问的人面前，可是，他们有眼却不看，有耳却不听；他们对于相信基督为个人的救主是什么意思没有经验上的认识。尼哥底母悔改了。这些人会知道有一个新心是什么意思吗？会知道停止犯罪是什么意思吗？会知道有基督的义，具有上帝的样子是什么意思吗？{1888 1452.2}
§115
Through the Saviour’s lesson, Nicodemus was brought to see that the ignorant and unbelieving are not to be enlightened by controversy and discussion. They must look and live. Nicodemus hoped that his people would let Christ speak to them as he had spoken to him; then they would no longer remain in unbelief. O that today men would hear the voice of Jesus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The explanation of the plan of salvation may today be presented to men who act as rulers and counsellors, and yet, having eyes, they see not, and having ears they hear not; they have no experimental knowledge of what it means to believe in Christ as their personal Saviour. Nicodemus was converted. Will these men learn what it means to have a new heart? What it means to cease from sin? What it means to have the righteousness of Christ, to bear the divine similitude? {1888 1452.2}
§116
惟独要仰望耶稣为你的公义和你的牺牲。你既因信称义，那蛇所咬的致命伤就痊愈了。于是就会不再有自我，你就会藉着我们的主耶稣基督与上帝和好。要敞开你们的心门，让耶稣进来。你们有一些人已经变得心地刚硬了；你们已经抗拒了证据，藐视了警告的信息，亮光与真理的信息，就是主藉着圣灵传给你们的，因为祂爱你们，不愿放弃你们。一看铜蛇就怎样给将死的人带来生命，凭信仰望上帝的羔羊也照样会给死在罪恶过犯中的心灵带来生命。居于负责地位的人天天需要上帝使人心悔改的能力。他们若是愿意与上帝合作，时刻仰望基督，信靠祂因为他们有权这么做，他们的眼睛就会打开，他们的心就会更新。{1888 1452.3}
§117
Look alone to Jesus as your righteousness and your sacrifice. As you are justified by faith, the deadly sting of the serpent will be healed. Then there will be no more of self, you will have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Open the door of your hearts, and 1453let Jesus in. Some of you have become hard-hearted; you have resisted evidence, and have despised the messages of warning, of light and truth, which the Lord has sent to you by the Holy Spirit because he loves you and is loth to give you up. As a look to the brazen serpent brought life to the dying, so the look of faith to the Lamb of God will bring life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The men in responsible places need the converting power of God daily. If they would co-operate with God, looking to Christ every moment, believing in him as it is their privilege to do, their eyes would be opened, and their hearts would be made new. {1888 1452.3}
§118
“上帝爱世人，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”（约3:16）。谁能量度象这样的爱呢？上帝爱了我们并不是因为基督为我们死了，而是我们还作罪人、反抗祂律法的时候，祂就交给耶稣来担当我们的罪，好使凡信靠祂的人能得到赦免。世人惟一的指望乃在于那不知道罪的一位，那与上帝同等的一位，来到我们的地上，活出了律法，证明在祂的人性中，祂能遵守律法，并且罪人可以变得与上帝的性情有分，从而成为上帝孝顺的儿女。这就是上帝为堕落人类做成的伟大工作。祂不愿一人灭亡，而愿凡愿意的，都藉着基督来到祂面前得生命。{1888 1453.1}
§119
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” O, who can measure such love as this? It is not that God loved us because Christ died for us, but while we were yet sinners, rebels against his law, he gave up Jesus to bear our sins, that pardon may come to all who believe on him. The only hope of the world was for One who knew no sin, One equal with God, to come to our earth, and live the law, testifying that in his humanity he could keep the law, and that sinners might become partakers of the divine nature, and thus be obedient children of God. This is the great work that God has done for the fallen race. He was not willing that any should perish, but that whosoever will, should come to him through Christ, and live. {1888 1453.1}
§120
我们不要忘记我们在今生是要受上帝的手所塑造的，适合担任祂要我们去做的工作。那工作是属于我们的，我们要对此负责，不能把它转给别人。人不应该插手，从上帝的手中把别人的工作拿到自己有限的手中。{1888 1453.2}
§121
Let us never forget that we are here to be fashioned by the hand of God, fitted to do the work he has given us to do. That work is our own, the accountability is our own, and cannot be transferred 1454to another. Let not human agents interpose to take another’s work out of the hands of God into their own finite hands. {1888 1453.2}