第179章 致O. A. 奥尔森
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第179章 致O. A. 奥尔森
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Chapter 181—To O. A. Olsen
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《信函》1896年第 83号O-83-18961896年5月22日May 22, 1896O. A.奥尔森长老 密歇根州巴特尔克里克
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Elder O. A. Olsen,Battle Creek,Michigan.
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亲爱的弟兄：Dear Bro.:—
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我们对你的情况深有感触。我们知道你一直被安置在很难受的位置；但我们也知道你在一些事上显然失败了。我的弟兄啊，你就祷告的重要性讲了许多，并且感到希望我们的人会遵守惯常的祷告周；这很好；我们应该有恳切恒切祷告的时光；因为上帝乃是祂子民的力量，是他们的前卫和后盾。然而有可能会使这些祷告季取代整顿事态所必要的果断行动。有一等工作是人有本分奉主以色列的上帝的名去做的。{1888 1520.1}
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We feel deeply in regard to your case. We know that you have been placed in a very trying position; but we know also that you have signally failed in some things. You have, my brother, said much about the importance of prayer, and have felt desirous that our people should observe the customary week of prayer; this is well, we should have seasons of earnest, persevering prayer; for God is the strength of his people, their front guard and their rearward. But it is possible to make these seasons of prayer a substitute for the decided action that is necessary to set things in order. There is a class of work which it is the duty of the human agent to do in the name of the Lord God of Israel. {1888 1520.1}
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以色列人在艾城失败之后，约书亚在约柜前俯伏在地祷告，那时主对他说：“起来！你为何这样俯伏在地呢？以色列人犯了罪，违背了我所吩咐他们的约，取了当灭的物；又偷窃，又行诡诈，又把那当灭的放在他们的家具里。……你们若不把当灭的物从你们中间除掉，我就不再与你们同在了。你起来，叫百姓自洁，对他们说：‘你们要自洁，预备明天，因为耶和华以色列的上帝这样说：以色列啊，你们中间有当灭的物，你们若不除掉，在仇敌面前必站立不住！’”（书7:10-13）。{1888 1520.2}
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After the defeat of the Israelites at Ai, Joshua was lying upon his face before the ark, praying, when the Lord said unto him, “Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have also transgressed my covenant which I commanded them; for they have even taken of the accursed thing, and have stolen, and dissembled, and they have put it even among their own stuff.... neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the accursed from among you. Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves 1521against tomorrow; for thus saith the Lord God of Israel, There is an accursed thing in the midst of thee, O Israel; thou canst not stand before thy enemies, until ye take away the accursed thing from among you.” {1888 1520.2}
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就连祷告也不应置于责任应在之处。上帝不会在祂的子民中间受了羞辱还保守沉默。祂的守望者们要十分清醒。{1888 1521.1}
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Even prayer is not to be placed where duty should be. God will not be dishonored among the people and keep silence. His watchmen are to be wide awake. {1888 1521.1}
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就你而言，当在议事会和委员会会议上考虑问题时，你第一次疏于坚持正义原则便给你眼前带来了迷雾。你因没能行在光中而损害了你的辨识力。而且你的眼睛一定已经看不见，否则你不可能做你所做的那些事。你的言语和行为鼓励了有强烈坚决的目的要管事的人；你竟让他们作计划，还执行他们的计划，象亚伦对以色列的领袖们曾做的一样。你设法使自己相信这是你惟一能做的事。但你没有在所有地方都开始从事上帝所赐给你的工作——坚定坚决地支持正义。亚伦既屈服于他明知是错了的百姓的领导，就大大羞辱了上帝。他本应该以毫不动摇的正直在那无纪律的以色列大军的伟人们面前坚定站立稳如磐石。你本应该知道上帝的智慧对祂的子民有什么要求；但你却受诱导去象那些已经拒绝圣灵、不受上帝带领和教导之人一样看事情。这些人的心灵被恶行损毁了。他们已弄瞎了自己的眼睛，以致分不清义与不义了。他们称恶为善，称善为恶。可是你竟拣选这些人到处陪伴着你。这就是你让之围绕着你心灵的氛围。{1888 1521.2}
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The very first neglect on your part to stand for right principles when matters were considered in council and committee meetings, brought a mist before your eyes. Your discernment was impaired by your failure to walk in the light. And surely your eyes must have been blinded, else you could not possibly have done as you have done. Your words and actions have encouraged men of a strong, determined purpose to carry things; you let them plan, and carried out their devisings, as did Aaron with the leaders of Israel. You have tried to make yourself believe that this was the only thing you could do. But you have not in all places taken up your God-given work, to be firm and decided for the right. Aaron, yielding to the guidance of the people, whom he knew to be in error, greatly dishonored God. He should have stood firm as a rock, with unwavering integrity, before the great men of that vast, undisciplined host of Israel. You should have known what the wisdom of God required of his people; but you were lead to view things as men viewed them who had resisted the Holy Spirit, and who were not led and taught of God. The souls of these men are marred with 1522wrong-doing. They have blinded their eyes, so that they cannot distinguish righteousness from unrighteousness. They call evil good, and good evil. Yet these are the men you have chosen to accompany you from place to place. This is the atmosphere with which you have surrounded your soul. {1888 1521.2}
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你已使之作你的同伴访问各地的人，已趁机将他们自己的观点灌输在人们心里。他们既从事主的圣工，又身居要职，自然就受到信任，从而一直能发挥一种强有力的影响。他们随口建议，既见那建议在人心里生根，就因势利导叫那人说出来，好像在表达他自己的想法似的。下一次他们再访问那地的时候，就使工作更进一步；从而暗地里撒下了不信的种子，有些情况下花了多年的努力才能根除；在有些情况下那些怀疑的种子则茁壮成长，结出了恶果。那些行了这些恶事的人——与上帝没有联络的人——竟被我们的人认为是你的左膀右臂，是你的参谋。你难道看不出他们的品格和他们在做的工作吗？{1888 1522.1}
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These men, whom you have made your companions in your visits to different points, have taken occasion to instill their own sentiments into the minds of the people. Being in connection with the Lord’s work, and in high positions of trust, of course they have been believed, and thus have been able to exert a strong influence. Having dropped a suggestion, and seen it take root in the mind, they have adroitly drawn it from the individual as the expression of his own thought. The next time they make a tour over the ground, they carry the work a little farther; and thus in secret the seeds of unbelief have been sown, that in some cases have taken years of labor to uproot; in other cases they have flourished and brought forth their evil fruit. Those who have done this mischief—men who have had no connection with God—are supposed by our people to be your right-hand men, your staff. Could you not discern their character and the work they were doing? {1888 1522.1}
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你与上帝的天使并不照顾的人一起旅行，对在圣灵监管之下的工作来说，不能成为一种力量。要是这些长途旅行从未发生，原会更好，好得多。在不同地区的工人们没有你们同在原比有这些人陪伴你并到处散布他们有害的影响要好。{1888 1522.2}
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Your journeys in company with these men, whom the angels of God did not attend, could not be a strength to a work that is under the supervision of the Holy Spirit. It would have been better, far better, if many of these long journeys had never been taken, better that the workers at different points should have been deprived of your personal 1523presence rather than to have these men accompany you, and diffuse their malarious influence far and wide. {1888 1522.2}
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主已向我显明，一直有一种明显的对上帝的不信任。难道上帝没有脑力或道德力强健的人住在已建立重大机构的地方吗？难道上帝的钱要用在那些表明自己与祂没有联络之人的旅行上吗？主说：“尊重我的，我必重看他”（撒上2:30）。然而你在取悦和荣耀上帝并不重看的人时，就羞辱了上帝。单枪匹马地去，并且倚赖耶和华的膀臂，倚赖祂所差派的服役的天使，比起让那些已向上帝之灵的告诫和警告关闭心门从而反对圣灵本身的人与你一起去，要好得多。在每一个已建立重要机构的地方，都有爱上帝且有一定才能的人。这些人需要受教如何使用他们的才干。要让他们负起能负的责任。教导他们倚赖上帝，而不要倚赖有限的人，好成为可靠的工人。不要让他们以为必须在每一紧急情况依赖远方的人，而要让他们亲自寻求主。{1888 1523.1}
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The Lord has presented to me that there has been a manifest distrusting of God. Has the Lord no mental or moral power in the men who abide where large interests have been established? Shall God’s money be used in transporting from place to place those who show that they have no connection with him? The Lord says, “Them that honor me I will honor.” But in pleasing and glorifying the men whom God does not honor, you have dishonored God. Far better go single-handed, and trust in the arm of Jehovah, in the ministering angels whom he sends forth, than have those with you who have closed their hearts against the admonitions and warnings of the spirit of God, and thus against the Spirit itself. In every place where important interests have been established, there are men who love God, and have a measure of ability. These men need to be instructed Let them carry the responsibilities that they can bear. Teach them to put their trust in God, and to become workers who can be depended upon. Do not lead them to think that they must in every emergency depend on men at a great distance. Let them seek the Lord for themselves. {1888 1523.1}
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每一个地方都非常需要有智慧的人；然而依赖那些不爱主，也不向祂寻求智慧、圣洁和公义的人乃是一个错误。上帝并没有把祂的工作交给那些因不想要神圣的证书而没有受祂塑造的人去塑造。你既与他们联络，你自己的想法就歪曲了，需要洁净。你看事情很象这些人了。你看不出主所要求的改变到什么程度，有什么必要。你加强了这些人，使他们更加相信自己是对的，加深了他们的欺骗。这些事主不会长久容忍；因为你已有亮光；你并没有被撇在无知和黑暗里。{1888 1523.2}
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There is great need for men of wisdom in every place; but it is an error to depend upon those who do not love the Lord, and seek unto him for wisdom, sanctification, and righteousness. God has not given his work to be moulded by those upon whom his mould has not been placed because they did not want the divine credentials. Through your connection 1524with them, your own ideas have become perverted, and they need purifying. You view things very much as these men view them. You see little necessity for the change which the Lord calls for. You have strengthened these men in their belief that they are right, and have deepened their deception. These things the Lord will not long tolerate; for you have had light; you have not been left in ignorance and darkness. {1888 1523.2}
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上帝的圣灵在祂子民中间的显现竟被一些人视为入侵者。你本人也没有象在早期经验中那样以圣灵为你的依靠。你要是一直随从圣灵的引导，原会知道你不能与这些人联合，听他们的建议，给他们影响力。这并不是上帝交给你去做的工作。祂已应许你藉着圣灵的能力得效能，你若将起初确实的信心坚持到底，圣灵的能力就必在每一个行动中与你同在。就如你完全有理由知道的，这些人与上帝并没有至关重要的联络，你若少依靠这些人，多依赖圣灵在应允祷告中的同在和帮助，今日的圣工就会处在远为健康的状况。{1888 1524.1}
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The Holy Spirit of God manifested among his people has by some been treated as an intruder. You, yourself have not made the Holy Spirit your dependence as in your earlier experience. Had you been following the Spirit’s guidance, you would have known that you could not unite with these men, listen to their suggestions, and give them influence. This was not the work which God had given you to do. He has promised you efficiency through the power of the Holy Spirit, which will be with you in every act, if you will hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end. If you had depended less on the men who, as you had every reason to know, had not a vital connection with God, and had depended more on the presence and aid of the Holy Spirit in answer to prayer, the cause would today be in a far more healthful condition. {1888 1524.1}
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在巴特尔克里克有如此重要的权益需要关注时，接受这么多关于远方工作的责任是不明智的。需要做许多的努力才能使工作的中心保持纯洁。需要多多呵护才能保持机器靠着上帝的恩典得到润滑，可以运转而没有摩擦。你在一些涉及原则问题上的举动令上帝担忧，那些原则是祂亲自在我们的出版工作中设立的。{1888 1524.2}
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It has not been wise to take so many responsibilities in regard to the work at a distance, when there were such important interests demanding attention at Battle Creek. Very much needed to be done that the heart of the work might be kept pure. Much care was necessary to keep the machinery oiled, so as to run without friction. God 1525is grieved with some of your movements in matters involving principles which he himself established in our publishing work. {1888 1524.2}
§26
已经向我启示的许多事充塞着我的脑海，是我几乎不知道如何表达的。可是我不能保持缄默。主对那些树立自己去统治同胞、并且执行圣灵所谴责之计划的人感到愤慨。你竟然没能看出上帝并没有任命这些人，这使我惊讶得无以言表。新的事态应该令你惊恐，因为这种局面不蒙上天认可。{1888 1525.1}
§27
Much that has been revealed to me crowds upon my mind, which I hardly know how to express. Yet I cannot hold my peace. The Lord is indignant at men who set themselves up to rule their fellow-men, and to carry out plans which the Holy Spirit has condemned. I am more surprised than I can express at your failure to discern that God has not set up these men. The new order of things ought to alarm you, for it had not the sanction of heaven. {1888 1525.1}
§28
不要把属肉体之心的败坏原则带进上帝的圣工。不要掩盖我们信仰的原则。上帝的子民要传扬第三位天使的信息，要扩大为大呼声。上帝有一个指定的时间要结束祂的工作，可是那是什么时候呢？当要为这些最后的日子传扬的真理传出来对各国人民作见证以后，末日就来到了。如果撒但的势力进入上帝的殿随心所欲地行事，准备的时间就会延长。{1888 1525.2}
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The natural heart is not to bring its own tainted, corrupting principles into the work of God. There must be no concealing of the principles of our faith. The third angel’s message is to be sounded by God’s people. It is to swell to the loud cry. The Lord has a time appointed when he will bind off the work; but when is that time? When the truth to be proclaimed for these last days shall go forth as a witness to all nations, then shall the end come. If the power of Satan can come into the very temple of God, and manipulate things as he pleases, the time of preparation will be prolonged. {1888 1525.2}
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那些反对上帝所差来传有福信息给祂子民之人的活动秘密就在此。这些人被人恨恶。他们和上帝的信息都被藐视，正如基督自己在第一次降临时受到恨恶和藐视一样真实。居于负责岗位的人显出了撒但所显明的属性。他们设法统治人心，使人们的理智和才干都处在人的管辖之下。仇敌一直煞费苦心，要使上帝的仆人受那些没有上帝的智慧和知识，没有经历圣灵引导之人的控制。那些本应永远见不得日光的原则已经产生。这种违法的产物本应即生即灭。有限的人一直与上帝、与真理和主所拣选的使者斗争，用尽一切敢用的办法反对他们的工作。请想一下，在那些轻视上帝信息之人的智慧和计划之中，究竟有什么美德呢？他们像文士和法利塞人，藐视上帝用来传播祂子民所需要之亮光和真理的人。{1888 1525.3}
§31
Here is the secret of the movements made to oppose the men whom God sent with a message of blessing for his people. These men hated message was despised, as verily as Christ Himself was despised at his first advent. Men in responsible positions have manifested the very attributes that Satan has revealed. They have sought to rule minds, to bring their reason and their talents under human 1526jurisdiction. There has been an effort to bring God’s servants under the control of men who have not the knowledge and wisdom of God, or an experience under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Principles have been born that should never have seen the light of day. The illegitimate child should have been stifled as soon as it breathed the first breath of life. Finite men have been warring against God and the truth and the Lord’s chosen messengers, counterworking them by every means they dared to use. Please consider what virtue there came in the wisdom and plans of those who have slighted God’s messages, and, like the scribes and Pharisees, have despised the very men whom God has used to present light and truth which his people needed. {1888 1525.3}
§32
圣工竟然被人限制，这是得罪上帝的。永生上帝的道既呼吁成圣的理智，就决不会使工作有如今所显明的印记。已有欺骗、谎言、诡计、自私存在。已经着手实现抢夺上帝和抢夺人的计划，以便补足工作因自私的策略而提走的东西。你与这些人一起在编造计划以减轻财物拮据时所采取的立场，已使你在某些方面成了软弱的人，扭曲了你的判断。你已被诱导去颠覆公平，在与弟兄们的业务处理上远离了诚实。比起亏待你们中间最强壮的人，一次亏待上帝羊群中最软弱的或最有错的人，都更加得罪上帝。人的灵魂是主买来的产业，耶稣说过，做在“我这弟兄中一个最小的身上”的每一个不公正的行为，都是“做在我身上了”（太25:40）。主必不让不公正或压迫的手段不受谴责。{1888 1526.1}
§33
It is an offense to God that his work should be restricted by human beings. The word of the living God, appealing to sanctified reason, will never give to the work such an impress as is now revealed. There has been deceit, falsehood, artifice, selfishness. Schemes have been set on foot to rob God and to rob man, in order to make up to the work for what selfish devices have The very position you have taken with these men in concocting plans to relieve the financial embarrassment, has made you in some respects a weak man. It has warped your judgment. You have been led to subvert justice, to depart from honesty in business dealing with your brethren. A wrong against the weakest or most erring of his flock is even more offensive to God than if it were against the strongest one among you. Souls are the Lords 1527purchased possession, and every injustice done “unto the least of these my brethren” said Jesus, is done “unto me.” The Lord will not suffer injustice or oppression to go unreproved. {1888 1526.1}
§34
由基督福音的原则所控制的每一个系统都是纯洁、公开、明如白昼的，其一切的运营也是合理的健康的。凡为增进人的骄傲或不圣洁的野心而进来的一切东西都应予以清理，否则主的机构就不能坚立于万古的磐石之上。我们不需要狡猾的计谋来维持圣工，也不需要不正当的手段。愿主将天上原则的精神灌输给祂的工作，它就必活了。人的任何发明都无法代替上帝的圣灵。人的智慧所能发明的任何东西都无法为违背真理、无视人权的行为作辩论。真理非常纯洁，她优雅的双脚不能离开爱上帝爱同胞的高台。{1888 1527.1}
§35
Every system controlled by the principles of the gospel of Christ is pure, open, clear as the day, and is sound and healthful in all its operations. Everything entered into for the sake of ministering to pride or unsanctified ambition is to be cleared away, before the Lord’s institutions shall stand securely upon the eternal rock. We need no crafty inventions to sustain the cause of God. We need no unjust dealing. Let the Lord breathe upon his work the spirit of heavenly principles, and it will live. Nothing that man can manufacture can take the place of God’s Holy Spirit! Nothing that man’s wisdom can invent will justify the violation of truth, or a disregard of the rights of humanity. Truth is too pure to set her delicate feet off from the elevated-platform of love to God and love to our fellow-man. {1888 1527.1}
§36
若有可能，仇敌就会阻碍前进的车轮，阻止福音的真理传到各地。他既有这个目的，就诱导人感到自己有权按照自己不正当的想法控制同胞的良心。他们使圣灵离开他们的议事会，然后，在总会的权柄和名义之下，发明规章制度，用来强迫人受他们自己想法的支配而不是圣灵的管理。{1888 1527.2}
§37
If it were possible, the enemy would clog the wheels of progress, and prevent the truths of the gospel from being circulated everywhere. With this object he leads men to feel that it is their privilege to control the consciences of their fellow-men according to their own perverted ideas. They dismiss the Holy Spirit from their counsels, and then, under the power and name of the General Conference, they invent regulations through which they compel men to be ruled by their own ideas and not by the Holy Spirit. {1888 1527.2}
§38
要控制人的心智和能力的计划就像凡火，是得罪上帝的。谁是竟敢从事这种工作的人呢？就是那些已经显明没有控制自我的人，他们没有摆脱自私。这些人自己若不转向主，就必死在自己的罪中。他们里面几乎没有留下一点真正的真理了。那些管不了自己之人做出的要管理别人的努力，乃是所能存在的最大的谬误之一。但愿那些喜爱统治的人，开始从事多年前早该从事的工作；但愿他们统治自己，显明他们是服从上帝统治的，内心已经悔改。然后他们才会至少不使同胞在他们限制性政策之难堪的轭下叹息。然后才会更少有因他们自私的压迫而内心极其痛苦的祷告升达天庭。{1888 1528.1}
§39
The plans to obtain control of human minds and ability are as strange fire, which is an offense to God. And who are those who dare engage in this work? Men who have revealed that they do not have self-control, that they are not divested of selfishness. Unless these men shall themselves turn unto the Lord, they will die in their sins. There is scarcely a vestige of genuine truth remaining in them. The effort to manage others, which is made by those who cannot manage themselves, is one of the greatest fallacies that could exist. Let those who love to rule, begin the work where it should have begun years ago; let them rule themselves, and show that they are in subordination to God’s rule, that they have been converted at heart. Then they will at least not make their fellow-men groan under the galling yoke of their restrictive policy. Then there will be fewer prayers sent up to heaven in anguish of heart because of their selfish oppression. {1888 1528.1}
§40
辖制上帝产业的当权的人需要接受有关他们权利和义务的教育。当一个不知道该用哪种精神接触人心的人，处在重要位置上的时候，他需要学习有关他对自己同胞之权威的最基本的原则。他的心必须接受正确的原则，并将之结合到品格之中。{1888 1528.2}
§41
There is need of an education in regard to the rights and duties of men in authority who have lorded it over God’s heritage. When a man is placed in a position of trust, who knows not what kind of spirit he should exercise in dealing with human minds, he needs to learn the very first principles as to his authority over his fellow-men. Right principles must be brought into the heart, and wrought into the warp and woof of character. {1888 1528.2}
§42
我们缺乏那种感到自己需要来自上头的智慧的人，内心悔改归主的人，他们明白自己不过是有罪必死的人，必须在基督的门下学习功课，之后才会预备好去陶冶他人的心思。何时人们学会了依赖上帝，何时他们有了那种生发仁爱的信心，并且洁净了自己的心灵，他们才不会把难担的担子放在别人的肩膀上。主一直因那些高抬自己并受人宠爱的人而大受羞辱，他们是不配得的，因为他们并不小心谨慎地秉公待众人，没有偏见，没有假冒。{1888 1528.3}
§43
Men are wanted who feel their need of wisdom from above, men who are converted at heart, who understand that they are but sinful mortals, 1529and must learn their lessons in the school of Christ before they are prepared to mould other minds. When men have learned to depend on God, when they have faith that works by love, and purifies their own souls, then they will not lay on other men’s shoulders burdens that are grievous to be borne. The Lord has been greatly dishonored by those who have exalted themselves and have favored men who were not worthy, not being careful to treat all justly, without partiality and without hypocrisy. {1888 1528.3}
§44
在考验的日子来临之前，人们多么少知道自己的软弱啊。他们自以为聪明，就成了愚拙。人凭自己没什么可骄傲的。甚至那些身负最重要责任的人都确实陷入罪中，尽管他们显然被最好的宗教特权围绕着。基哈西的情况就是我们可以好好思考大得益处的一个事例。此人住在圣洁的先知以利沙家中，看见了他敬虔的生活，听到了他热切的祈祷，和他谆谆教诲的正确原则。可是基哈西并没有变得更好些。他欺骗了乃缦为要得报赏。他的刑罚便从主而来。乃缦的大麻风粘在他身上了。{1888 1529.1}
§45
Until the day of trial comes, how little men know of their own weakness. They think themselves wise, and make themselves fools. There is nothing that men may pride themselves in. Even those in most responsible positions do fall into sin, while apparently surrounded by the best religious privileges. Gehazi’s case is one that we may consider with profit. This man dwelt in the household of the holy prophet Elisha, saw his godly life, heard his fervent prayers, and his inculcation of correct principles. Yet he was not made better. He deceived Naaman in order to receive a reward. His punishment came from the Lord. The leprosy of Naaman clave unto him. {1888 1529.1}
§46
犹大曾被算在十二使徒之中。他听了基督口中所出的宝贵教训。他有完美的榜样在面前，可是他的心却不正。他因贪婪的罪而灭亡了。“那些想要发财的人，就陷在迷惑、落在网罗和许多无知有害的私欲里，叫人沉在败坏和灭亡中”（提前6:9）。{1888 1529.2}
§47
Judas was numbered among the twelve apostles. He heard the precious lessons that fall from the lips of Christ. He had a perfect example ever before him, and yet his heart was not right. He was ruined by the sin of covetousness. “They that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” {1888 1529.2}
§48
以利沙是忠于原则，忠于上帝的。他的工作带有上帝的证书。在困难和考验中，上帝向他显明自己是随在的帮助。当先知的门徒扩建自己的住处时，一个神迹救了他们中的一个人免于不幸。当叙利亚王预备伏击以色列时，他的计划被先知揭露了。王既得知是以利沙挫败了他的军队，就派武装的大军去逮捕他，但上帝搭救了祂的仆人。这一切的教训都是为劝诫我们的，世界的末了要临到我们。{1888 1530.1}
§49
Elisha was true to principle, true to his God. His work bore the divine credentials. And in difficulty and trial God revealed himself to him as an ever-present helper. When the sons of the prophet were enlarging their abode, a miracle was wrought to save one of them from distress. When the king of Syria was preparing an ambush against Israel, his design was revealed by the prophet. The king, learning that it was Elisha that had defeated his armies, sent an armed host to apprehend him, but God delivered his servant. All these lessons are for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. {1888 1530.1}
§50
奥尔森弟兄啊，我对你怀有最温柔的感情；但我必须把你丧失属灵眼光的危险明明地摆在你面前。我果断发言是因为我必须告诉你真理。我不敢忍着不说，因为耽延不再安全。我对你的书籍委员会没有信心。我以前给你写过信，论到他们对待书籍作者的方式。他们应该公平、坦诚地对待作者，象弟兄待弟兄那样；但他们却没有这么做。在这个部门处理业务的动机和原则不是上帝能认可的那种。他们不符合严格的正直。你的榜样影响了C. H.琼斯弟兄对待作者们的方式。两家出版社都采取了不公平不高尚的做法。你和他若想要主对你们的处理写下“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人”，这种工作就应该尽快得到纠正。你将会耻于面对你现在在那将要展开的案卷上的记录，那时审判要就位，各人都要照着自己的行为受审判，无论那些行为是善是恶。用爱和公正调和着做成工作要好得多。{1888 1530.2}
§51
Bro. Olsen, I have the tenderest feelings toward you; but I must lay before you plainly the danger of losing your spiritual eyesight. I speak decidedly because I must tell you the truth. I dare not forbear, for there is no longer safety in delay. I have not confidence in your book committee. I have written to you before in regard to their manner of dealing with the authors of books. They should treat them impartially, candidly, as a brother would treat a brother; but they have not done this. The principles and motives of the business dealing in this department are not such as God can sanction. They are not in accordance with strict integrity. Your example has influenced Bro. C. H. Jones in his dealing with authors. In both houses a course has been pursued that is not fair and noble. Such work should be corrected as soon as possible, if you and he desire the Lord to write in regard to your transactions, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” You will be ashamed to meet your present record in the books that shall be opened when the judgment shall sit, and every man shall be judged 1531according to his works, whether they be good or whether they be evil. Better, far better that the work be done with love and justice blended. {1888 1530.2}
§52
上帝了解我所说的那种行为潜在的动机。这些动机主已显给我看，我便深感悲伤，无法形容。我不能维护那些动机或方法，因为它们是得罪上帝的。我必须充分采取我的立场。然而还需要我说什么呢？我已经写了一次又一次，但人们在证言上下了什么工夫呢？他们做了什么改革呢？做了什么赔偿呢？心里没有上帝的爱的人必证明只是容易犯错的凡人。基督说：“离了我，你们就不能做什么”（约15:5）。每一个参与圣工的人都需要天天悔改。{1888 1531.1}
§53
God reads the motives that underlies the work of which I have spoken. These motives have been revealed to me, and I feel a depth of sorrow that is beyond expansion. I cannot vindicate motives or methods, because they are an offense to God. I must take my stand fully. But what need for me to say more? I have written over and over again, but what has been the effort of the testimonies? What reformations have they wrought? What restitutions have been made? Men who have not the love of God in their hearts will prove to be only fallible erring mortals. “Without me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing.” Every soul connected with the work needs to be daily converted. {1888 1531.1}
§54
我的弟兄啊，你要穿戴上帝所赐的全副军装。主耶稣在被钉之前，向祂的父祈祷说：“圣父啊，求祢因祢所赐给我的名保守他们，叫他们合而为一，象我们一样”（约17:11）。基督为祂的门徒献上了这个祷告，然而当祂祈求使我们可蒙保守时，祂并不是说我们在远离恶行上不要与上帝合作。我们每一个人必须听从基督的话：“警醒祷告。”“总要警醒祷告，免得入了迷惑”（太26:41）。{1888 1531.2}
§55
You, my brother, are to put on the whole armor of God. The Lord Jesus, just before his crucifixion, prayed to his Father, “Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are.” Christ offered this prayer in behalf of his disciples, but when he asks that we may be kept, he does not mean that we are not to co-operate with God in keeping ourselves from evil practices. We must every one of us heed the words of Christ, “Watch unto prayer;” “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” {1888 1531.2}
§56
不要进入歧途，不要在错误的路线上迈出第一步。但愿主成为我们的力量和帮助者。世上有什么东西能改变有基督住在其中的心呢？大地可能震动，世界的柱子可能在我们下面摇晃；但我们若是倚赖上帝，就必不害怕。什么能改变但以理和他的同伴在巴比伦的信心呢？谁能败坏他们的原则呢？谁能使他们与上帝断绝情义呢？请你们扪心自问：我们有聪慧的信心吗？{1888 1531.3}
§57
Enter not, take not the first step in a wrong course. Let the Lord be our strength and helper. What is there in the world that can change the heart in which Christ abides? The earth may shake, the pillars of the world may tremble under us; but if we put our trust 1532in God, we shall not be afraid. What could change the faith of Daniel and his fellow-captives in Babylon? Who could corrupt their principles? or separate their affections from God? Ask yourselves the question, Have we an intelligent faith? {1888 1531.3}
§58
“谁能使我们与基督的爱隔绝呢？难道是患难吗？是困苦吗？是逼迫吗？是饥饿吗？是赤身露体吗？是危险吗？是刀剑吗？……我深信无论是死，是生，是天使，是掌权的，是有能的，是现在的事，是将来的事，是高处的，是低处的，是别的受造之物，都不能叫我们与上帝的爱隔绝；这爱是在我们的主基督耶稣里的”（罗8:35-39）。{1888 1532.1}
§59
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ...I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” {1888 1532.1}
§60
不断在作出计划，要将越来越多的责任集中到巴特尔克里克。我请你认真考虑那里的情况。在巴特尔克里克有一所先知学校吗？那里有主可以藉着作工且已作工，担负要负的沉重责任的人吗？那里有重生的人，其心已献给上帝的人吗？真理的利刃已使他们脱离世上的败坏，他们的信心和献身显明圣灵正在依照上帝的样式形成他们的经验。圣经，惟有圣经，才是信心和实践的准则。因信基督而称义会表现在品格的改变上。这就是我们所信奉的真理给世界的记号。我们实行圣道，就天天证明我们是一个充满生机的教会。我们始终不渝地表现基督徒的品格，就是向世界作出活的见证。{1888 1532.2}
§61
Plans are constantly made to gather more and more responsibilities into Battle Creek. I ask you seriously to consider the situation there. Is there a school of the prophets in Battle Creek? Are there men through whom the Lord can work and has worked to carry the weighty responsibilities that are to be borne? Are there regenerated men, whose whole hearts are given to God, men whom the mighty cleaver of truth has separated from the corruptions of the world, and whose faith and devotion reveal that the Holy Spirit is fashioning their experience after the divine similitude? The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the rule of faith and practice. Justification by faith in Christ will be made manifest in transformation of character. This is the sign to the world of the truth of the doctrines we profess. The daily evidence that we are a living church is seen in the fact that we are practicing the word. A living testimony goes forth to the world in consistent 1533Christian action. {1888 1532.2}
§62
它向背道的世界宣示：有一班人相信我们的保障在于坚守圣经的教训。这个见证与那大背道的教会迥然不同，那个教会接受人的智慧和权威，以代替上帝的智慧和权威。{1888 1533.1}
§63
It declares to a world apostatized that there is a people who believe that our safety is in clinging to the Bible. This testimony is in unmistakable distinction from that of the great apostate church, which adopts human wisdom and authority in place of the wisdom and authority of God. {1888 1533.1}
§64
主吩咐我们：“务要牧养在你们中间上帝的群羊，按着上帝旨意照管他们；不是出于勉强，乃是出于甘心；也不是因为贪财，乃是出于乐意；也不是辖制所托付你们的，乃是作群羊的榜样。到了牧长显现的时候，你们必得那永不衰残的荣耀冠冕”（彼前5:2-4）。“你们年幼的，也要顺服年长的。就是你们众人也都要以谦卑束腰，彼此顺服；因为上帝阻挡骄傲的人，赐恩给谦卑的人。所以，你们要自卑，服在上帝大能的手下，到了时候祂必叫你们升高。你们要将一切的忧虑卸给上帝，因为祂顾念你们。务要谨守，警醒。因为你们的仇敌魔鬼，如同吼叫的狮子，遍地游行，寻找可吞吃的人”（彼前5:5-8）。{1888 1533.2}
§65
The Lord commands us, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we shall receive a crown of glory which fadeth not away.” “Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder; yes all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant,; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” {1888 1533.2}
§66
在新旧约圣经的指示之间有完美的和谐。主耶稣亲自给了摩西要赐给以色列人的原则。仁慈、良善、慷慨和严格诚实的教训是由基督在旧约圣经中赐下的，并由祂在道成肉身到我们世上来的时候重申了。我们难道不要恳切虔诚地学习这些教训，实行我们主所赐的原则吗？我们难道不要待同胞如已经受圣灵指示、受上帝的智慧教导、受默示圣经的同样的影响所感动的人吗？{1888 1533.3}
§67
There is perfect harmony between the instruction of the Old Testament and that of the New. The Lord Jesus himself gave to Moses the principles that were to be given to Israel. Lessons of mercy, goodness, generosity, and strict honesty, were given by Christ in the Old Testament, and were repeated by him when he came in human flesh to 1534our world. Shall we not earnestly and prayerfully study these lessons and practice the principles which our Lord has given. Shall we not deal with our fellow-men as becomes those who have been instructed by the Holy Spirit, taught by the wisdom of God, moved by the same influence that inspired the Scriptures? {1888 1533.3}
§68
当我们的弟兄们这么做的时候，他们的议事会才会因基督的同在而受尊荣。他们的传道精神才不会只限于几个地方，而会延伸出去，到处散布亮光。有一个世界要受警告。我们反对异教或罗马天主教原则和惯例的最大保障，就是成为圣经信仰的活荐信。我们难道不要在凡事上表现基督吗？{1888 1534.1}
§69
When our brethren do this, their councils will be honored by the presence of Christ. Their missionary spirit will not be confined to a few places, but will reach out to diffuse the light everywhere. There is a world to be warned. Our great defence against the principles and practices of paganism or the papacy is to be living epistles of Bible religion. Shall we not represent Christ in all things? {1888 1534.1}
§70
我的奥尔森弟兄啊，你还能如此盲目以致与那些从事统管人心之人有丝毫的联合，象在巴特尔克里克所做的那样吗？你岂要同意让那些在上帝所赐给祂子民的信息中认不出祂声音的人作你的同工吗？他们会如此管理工作：要么完全控制它，要么压碎它。已经以极其显然的方式这么做了。要是实行了这种人的心思所发明的计划，福音的宗教、圣经的基督教就其影响来说，就会绝迹。{1888 1534.2}
§71
My brother Olsen, can you still be so blinded as to unite in the least degree with those who undertake to rule other minds as has been done in Battle Creek? Will you consent to have as your co-laborers those who know not the voice of God in the messages he has sent to his people, men who would manage the work so as either to gain full control of it or to crush it? This has been done in a most decided manner. Should the plans originated by such minds be carried into effect, evangelical religion, the Christianity of the Bible, would, so far as their influence goes, become extinct. {1888 1534.2}
§72
实在需要主耶稣来洁净在巴特尔克里克的机构，就像祂在地上的时候需要祂洁净圣殿一样。甚愿我们的各机构能得以洁净，没有做买卖的人，没有商品，也没有所引进来的使人放弃自己权利的那些原则。{1888 1534.3}
§73
The Lord Jesus is needed to cleanse the institution at Battle Creek as verily as he was needed to cleanse the temple when he was on earth. Oh that our institutions might be purified from the buyers and the sellers, and the merchandise, and the principles brought in to turn 1535men from their rights. {1888 1534.3}
§74
一直有圣灵陪伴的人已经来到巴特尔克里克；然而他们若不一次次寸土必争，设法维护正确的方法，终究不堪重负。就在我们工作的中心地，他们见到了腐败，一些人已经离开，对弟兄们和他们的改正教原则更少信心了，他们心灵中的神圣亮光很可能要熄灭了。上帝不会再让祂的殿成为贼窝和兑换银钱之人的巢穴。祂希望祂的仆人们成为虔诚和圣洁努力的人。{1888 1535.1}
§75
Men have come to Battle Creek who have been accompanied by the Holy Spirit; but unless they fought every inch of ground over and over again, in seeking to maintain correct methods, they were at last over borne. Right at the point where our work centres, they have seen corruption, and some have gone away with less confidence in their brethren and in their Protestant principles, and with the divine light in their souls well nigh extinguished. God would have his temple no longer a den of thieves and moneychangers. He desires his servants to be men of piety and holy endeavour. {1888 1535.1}
§76
在我们的出版社机构中，基督教是病态的，需要医生。谁要医治她呢？必须有一番改革。一直在得势和加强的那些观点和做法必须永远抛弃。宗教原则必须复兴。圣灵已再三在你们中间行事，但许多人却当祂是一位不受欢迎的客人，不予理会。基督的洁净工作要从内心开始，为要改善人的整个品格。在道德的黑暗中，必须有再生的、改良的影响在作工，以便使神圣的事物保持神圣。主是轻慢不得的。祂必测试和考验祂的子民；祂必扬净祂的场，也必将麦子收进祂的仓里。{1888 1535.2}
§77
In our Publishing Institutions Christianity is sick, and needs a physician. Who shall heal her? There must be a reformation. Sentiments and practice that have been gaining a hold and strengthening must be put away forever. Righteous principles must be revived. Again and again the Holy Spirit has wrought among you, but by many it was dismissed as an unwelcome guest. Christ’s work of purification is to begin at the heart, for the improvement of the whole character of the human agent. Amid the moral darkness, there must be a regenerative, reformative influence at work, in order that sacred things may be kept sacred. The Lord will not be trifled with. He will test and try his people; he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather his wheat into his garner. {1888 1535.2}
§78
怀爱伦Ellen G. White.