第185章 致 A. O. 泰特
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第185章 致 A. O. 泰特
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Chapter 188—To Those in Responsible Positions in Battle Creek
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《信函》1896年第100号T-100-18961896年8月27日写于澳大利亚库兰邦森尼赛德
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“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong, Aug. 27, ’96.
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致美国密歇根州巴特尔克里克A.O.泰特长老
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Eld. A. O. Tait,Battle Creek, Michigan.
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亲爱的弟兄：Dear Brother:—
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我没有多给你写信是因为我知道所要写给你的话只会增加你的负担，加剧你必有的痛苦感受，同时却无望使你能以什么方式缓解这种状况。{1888 1607.1}
§9
I have not written you much because I knew that that which I should write you would only increase your burden and intensify the painful feelings you must have, while there is no hope that you can in any way relieve the situation. {1888 1607.1}
§10
我为奥尔森弟兄感到非常难过。关于现状我给他写了许多信。他给我回了信，谢谢我及时的来信，但他却没有按照所得的亮光行事。这种情况不可思议。他旅行各处的时候，随行之人的精神和影响是不可取的，致使信任他们的人受到误导。虽然有关此事的亮光摆在他面前已有多年，但他还是冒险前行，行事与主一直在赐给他的亮光直接相悖。这一切都扰乱了他的属灵的辨识力，使他在涉及大众利益，和圣工健康成功的推展上，成了一个不忠心的守望者。他所追随的行径，危害了他的属灵辨识力。他正在引导人以扭曲的眼光看问题。他明确表示自己不重视主认为适于赐给祂子民的证言，或给予证言足够的尊重，以影响他的行动。{1888 1607.2}
§11
I feel very sorry for brother Olsen. I have written him much in regard to the situation. He has written back to me, thanking me for the timely letters, but he has not acted upon the light given. The case is a mysterious one. While travelling from place to place he has linked with him as companions men whose spirit and influence should not be sanctioned, and the people who repose confidence in them will be misled. But notwithstanding the light which has been placed before him for years in regard to this matter, he has ventured on, directly contrary to the light which the Lord has been giving him. All this confuses his spiritual discernment, and places him in a relation to the general interest, and wholesome, healthy advancement of the work, as an unfaithful watchman. He is pursuing a course which is detrimental to his spiritual discernment, and he is leading other minds to view matters in a perverted light. He has given unmistakable evidence that he does not regard the testimonies which the Lord has 1608seen fit to give his people as worthy of respect or as of sufficient weight to influence his course of action. {1888 1607.2}
§12
我非常难过，言语无法表述。很明显，奥尔森长老对待那些自从明尼波尼斯会议以来一直在反对圣工的人，就像亚伦所作的那样。他们没有悔改自己拒绝亮光和明证的行径。很久以前我曾写信给A.R.亨利，但他只字未回。最近我写信给哈门.林赛夫妇，但是我想他不会充分理会此事，予以回复。{1888 1608.1}
§13
I am distressed beyond any words my pen can trace. Unmistakably, Elder Olsen has acted as did Aaron, in regard to these men who have been opposed to the work of God ever since the Minneapolis meeting. They have not repented of their course of action in resisting light and evidence. Long ago I wrote to A. R. Henry, but not a word of response has come from him to me. I have recently written to Harmon Lindsay and his wife, but I suppose he will not respect the matter sufficiently to reply. {1888 1608.1}
§14
根据上帝所乐意赐给我的亮光，在国内的园地显示出更加健康的状态之前，奥尔森长老和他所选择的助手A.R.亨利以及哈门.林赛越少作长途旅行，对上帝的圣工就越有利。远方的园地若没有这些来访会更加健康。圣工中枢的疾病毒害了血液，会把疾病传至血液所到之处。然而尽管中心园地存在病态，一些人依然认为自己负有重大的责任，要将全部信徒的团体都置于他们的的呵护之下。但是上帝所设立的机构如果具有属灵的辨识力，就不会接受这些呵护的建议。少数人管理整个园地的重大利益并不符合上帝的旨意。{1888 1608.2}
§15
From the light God has been pleased to give me, until the home field shows more healthful heart beats, the fewer long journeys Elder Olsen shall make with his selected helpers, A. R. Henry and Harmon Lindsay, the better it will be for the cause of God. The far away fields will be just as well off without these visits. The disease at the heart of the work poisons the blood, and thus the disease is communicated to the bodies they visit. Yet, notwithstanding the sickly diseased state of things at home some have felt a great burden to take the whole of believing bodies under their parental wings. But if the institutions which God has established have spiritual discernment, they will not concede to these paternal propositions. It is not in the order of God that a few men shall manage the great interests throughout the field. {1888 1608.2}
§16
许多在董事会和议事会担任顾问的人应该解职，由其他人来取代他们的位置，因为他们的声音不是上帝的声音。他们的计划和打算不符合上帝的旨意。他们长期担任董事的职务，直到在他们的管理和他们意见的左右下，凡火代替了上帝亲自点燃的圣火。这些人不再被称为以色列人，而是排挤他人者。他们我行我素，不受圣灵引导如此之久，以致不知道自己的行动是受什么精神所驱使。{1888 1608.3}
§17
Many of the men who have acted as counsellors in board 1609and council meetings need to be weeded out. Other men should take their places; for their voice is not the voice of God. Their plans and devisings are not after the order of God. The same men have been kept in office as directors of boards until under their own management and their own opinions, common fire is used in the place of sacred fire of God’s own kindling. These men are no more called Israel, but supplanters. They have worked themselves so long, instead of being worked by the Holy Spirit, that they know not what spirit impels them to action. {1888 1608.3}
§18
巴特尔克里克学院的规模若是只有现在的一半大，另一半迁到远离巴特尔克里克地方去，就会好一些。{1888 1609.1}
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The College at Battle Creek would be better if it had been only one half as large, and if the other half had been located far from Battle Creek. {1888 1609.1}
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人心的属灵盲目似乎在加深。有些办理圣工的人并没有悔改。这等人应当被那些不仅具有真理知识，而且实行真理，对圣经有足够的尊重以致听从“耶和华如此说”的人所取代。许多长期从事出版社和其它重要部门工作的人对自己的决定所产生的影响茫然无知。他们若是意识到这些决定的重要性，及其对工作的影响，在提出意见和对他人的建议进行表决时就会慎重得多了。{1888 1609.2}
§21
The spiritual blindness which rests upon human minds seems to be deepening. There are men handling sacred things who are unconverted. All such should be replaced by men who not only have a knowledge of the truth, but who practice the truth, and have respect enough for the Bible to obey a “Thus saith the Lord.” Many of the men who have long been connected with the Office and with other important lines of work are really ignorant of the influence of the decisions they make. If they had a sense of the importance of these decisions, and comprehended what they mean with reference to the work, they would be far more modest in advancing ideas, and voicing by their vote the propositions others make. {1888 1609.2}
§22
我们需要虔诚。要少一些自信，多一些谦卑。上帝的圣工已被人视为平凡。倘若将董事会和委员会的人进行调整，不留用原来这班人这么多年，直到他们认为自己的决定应当毫无疑问地被采纳，不可以有任何异议，情况原本会好得多。议事会的人不具备他们应有的眼光。他们的理解力是狭隘而利己的。必须作出改变。对于他们所计划的事，即使是执行一半或是四分之一也是不明智的。{1888 1609.3}
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Piety is needed. Less self-confidence and far more humility must be seen. The work of God has come to be looked upon as a common 1610thing. It would have been much better to have changed the men on boards and committees than to have retained the very same men for years, until they supposed that their propositions were to be adopted without a question, and generally no voice has been lifted in an opposite direction. There are men who sit in counsel who have not the discernment that they should have. Their comprehension is narrow and egotistical. A change is needed. It will not be wise to carry out one half or one quarter of the enterprises which have been planned. {1888 1609.3}
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但愿所有参加议事会和委员会的人在心中写下：我正在为今生和永恒而工作。我必须为我行为的一切动机向上帝交账。但愿这句话成为他的座右铭。但愿诗人的祷告能上达于上帝：“耶和华啊，求祢禁止我的口，把守我的嘴，求祢不叫我的心偏向邪恶，以致我和作孽的人同行恶事；也不叫我吃他们的美食”（诗141:3-4）。{1888 1610.1}
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Let all who sit in counsel and in committee meetings write in his heart the words, I am working for time and for eternity. I must give an account to God for all the motives which prompt me to action. Let this be his motto. Let the prayer of the psalmist go up to God, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the doors of my lips. Incline not my hand to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men that work iniquity, and let me not eat of their dainties. {1888 1610.1}
§26
我蒙引导看到人们对巴特尔克里克的负责人太信任了。生活在遥远国家的人不肯按自己所认定正确的去行，而是先要征得巴特尔克里克的同意。他们在采取行动之前，一直在等候巴特尔克里克说行还是不行。{1888 1610.2}
§27
I have been led to see that too much confidence is placed in the men in Battle Creek who are in positions of trust. Those living in distant countries will not do that which their judgment tells them is right unless they first send for permission to Battle Creek. Before they will advance, they await yes or no from that place. {1888 1610.2}
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这种情形是人有限的智慧所造成的。上帝并不鼓励人如此依赖少数人有限的大脑。我们要请教上帝。居住在澳大利亚、非洲以及任何遥远地方的人应该以谦卑的祈祷寻求上帝。惟有谁能赐给巴特尔克里克的人心智和判断呢？倘若他们具有任何有价值的判断，那判断也是在上帝里面获得的。难道祂离巴特尔克里克的人比在远方国家为祂圣工劳力的人更近吗？难道主到巴特尔克里克去告诉那里的人在远方国家的工人们应该怎么做吗？{1888 1610.3}
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This condition of things is brought about by the finite wisdom of man. God did not inspire any such dependence upon a few finite minds. God is to be inquired of; God is to be sought in humble prayer by men living in Australia, in Africa, in any distant land. Who alone can give mind and 1611judgment to the men in Battle Creek? If they possess judgment of any value, that judgment is found in God. Is he any nearer to the men in Battle Creek than to the workers who are laboring in his service in far off lands? Has the Lord to go to Battle Creek, and tell men there what the men working in distant countries must do? {1888 1610.3}
§30
那些在远离巴特尔克里克之地工作的人犯了一个错误，就是依赖巴特尔克里克少数人的头脑。这些人并不了解各地事工的现状。但愿在国外当地工作的人们记住：上帝已赐给他们头脑和智力去运用自己的才干。若是他们在当地的工作犯了一些错误，不要责备他们。责备他们的人或许犯过更大的错误。但愿他们信靠上帝，向祂求智慧。祂曾应许将智慧赐给凡向祂祈求的人，也不斥责他们。上帝就在身边，离我们不远。“基督说，凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息，我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式，这样你们就必得享安息”（太11:28-29）。巴特尔克里克的人在受人请教时所感受和表现的，与此是多么不同啊！他们心中没有表现那位大教师和人类救主的柔和与谦卑，而是表显一种自私的优越感，一种专横的精神，如此就表明他们心中没有耶稣居住。感谢主，并非所有的人都表现这种精神；但是在各区会中这种自以为义的优越感正在发酵。{1888 1611.1}
§31
Those working in places far off from Battle Creek have made a mistake by depending on a few minds in that place. These men do not know the situation of the cause and work in different localities. Let those who are on the ground in these countries remember that God has given them brains and intelligence to use their talents. If they err in some things as they work in their own borders, they are not to be blamed. Those who would blame them have perhaps committed greater errors. Let these men put their trust in God, asking wisdom of him who has promised to give to all who ask him, and upbraid not. God is a God at hand, not afar off. “Come unto me; said Christ, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly of heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls” O how differently from this have the men in Battle Creek felt and acted when consulted. They did not show the meekness and lowliness of heart manifested by the great Teacher and Saviour of men, but have shown instead a selfish superiority, an overbearing spirit. By this they showed that Jesus did not abide in their hearts. Thank the Lord, all are not of this spirit; but the conferences are fast being leavened with this self-righteous sense of 1612superiority. {1888 1611.1}
§32
但愿各国的人都凭着信心前行。但愿他们自问：我是在侍奉巴特尔克里克的人，还是在侍奉主？他们应当意识到要单独对上帝负责，而不是对人负责。因为人本身也需要向主求智慧。当主所委派的仆人向祂求智慧时，祂会回应他们的祷告。在远方国家工作的人应当一起商量，一起祷告，一起打开上帝的话语请教。经上说，若有两三个人同心合意奉耶稣的名祈求，就必为他们成就。“你们祈求，就给你们，寻找，就寻见，叩门，就给你们开门”（太7:7）。要在上帝面前屈膝，以敬畏之心就近上帝的施恩座，提说上帝的圣言。这圣言并非模棱两可的。它在基督耶稣里都是“是的”和“阿门”的。{1888 1612.1}
§33
Let those in different countries walk by faith. Let them inquire, Am I serving the men at Battle Creek, or am I serving the Lord? They are to feel their individual accountability to God, not to men who give evidence that they themselves need to seek the Lord for wisdom. As the Lord’s delegated servants seek him for wisdom, he will answer their prayers. Those in distant countries who are on the ground should consult together, pray together, opening the word of God for counsel. Where two or three are agreed together, this word declares, as touching anything they shall ask in the name of Jesus, it shall be done for them. “Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Bow down before God. With reverential awe approach the throne of grace. Present the word of God which is not Yea and Nay, but Yea and Amen in Christ Jesus. {1888 1612.1}
§34
“你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求那厚赐予众人，也不斥责人的上帝，主就必赐给他。只要凭着信心求，一点不疑惑，因为那疑惑的人，就像海中的波浪，被风吹动翻腾，这样的人不要想从主那里得什么，心怀二意的人，在他一切所行的路上都没有定见”（雅1:5）。“我亲爱的弟兄啊，不要看错了，各样美善的恩赐和各样全备的赏赐都是从上头来的，从众光之父那里降下来的；在祂并没有改变，也没有转动的影儿”（雅1:17）。“当叫众人知道你们谦让的心。主已经近了。应当一无挂虑；只要凡事藉着祷告，祈求和感谢，将你们所要的告诉上帝，上帝所赐出人意外的平安，必在基督耶稣里保守你们的心怀意念”（腓4:5-7）。{1888 1612.2}
§35
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.” “Do not err, my beloved brethren, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” “Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in everything, 1613by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your minds and hearts through Christ Jesus. {1888 1612.2}
§36
弟兄们，难道我们要培养自己依靠人，而不是在每一紧要关头相信和依靠上帝吗？在上帝的事业和圣工中无论做什么工作，我们对上帝都负有基督徒的责任。要向祂请教。少数的人，无论地位如何，担任什么职务，都不应该充当世界大葡萄园广泛工作的头脑与决策人。{1888 1613.1}
§37
Brethren, shall we educate ourselves to depend upon men rather than to make God our trust and dependence in every emergency? Whatever work is attempted with reference to the cause and work of God, we are under Christian obligations to God. Let him be consulted. A few men, whatever their position, whatever office they may hold, should not be mind and judgment for the wide-spreading work all over the large vineyard, which is the world. {1888 1613.1}
§38
但愿在各远方国家工作的人本着敬爱上帝之心无私地推进圣工。作为上帝的宣教士，他们如果与夫子联络，就会为祂成就大事。他们应该怀着充足有把握的信心，举起圣洁的双手亲近上帝，无忿怒，无疑惑。上帝就会向他们表明祂的喜悦。但是凡不肯在工作中单单注视上帝的荣耀，不肯依赖信靠祂，却依靠人间智慧的人，必然铸成大错。做上帝的工作才能获得最丰富的经验。这就是你得到智慧并发现上帝的应许已核实之处。{1888 1613.2}
§39
Let those in every far off country work unselfishly in the fear and love of God to advance the work. As missionaries for God, they can do much for if they are connected with him. They should draw nigh to God with full assurance of faith, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting. God will make known unto them his pleasure; but all who do not work with a single eye to the glory of God, making him their dependence and trust, who lean rather upon human wisdom, will make blunders. It is doing the work of God that the richest experience is to be gained. Here is where you get wisdom and find the promises of God verified. {1888 1613.2}
§40
鼓励各区会将一切问题都带到巴特尔克里克头脑有限的人面前，请教行动的指示，这是错误的。人们若是受教去依赖别人的头脑为自己思考和计划，就决不会在管理上显出智慧，无论是管理业务问题还是属灵的事。他们若是犯了错误，这些错误可能是主允许的，他们如果愿意学习在这些事上改进，就会转败为胜。难道人们想要永远留在他人思维的阴影之下吗？上帝的应许是没有例外的：“你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求……上帝”（雅1:5）。{1888 1613.3}
§41
It is a mistake to encourage the separate Conferences to place everything before the finite minds of those at Battle Creek, asking them what they shall do. Men will never develop wisdom in management, either in business matters or in spiritual things, if they are educated to depend upon other men’s brains to think and plan for them. If 1614they make mistakes, these very mistakes may be permitted by the Lord, to be turned into victory if they will learn to improve in these things. Do men want always to remain shadows of other men’s minds? God has made no exception in his promise. “If any one lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” {1888 1613.3}
§42
唉，人们，就是区会会长们，对于上帝赐给恳切谦卑寻求祂之人的能力和助力了解得多么少啊，这样的人倚赖祂，而不是以人为顾问，将人置于惟独上帝应该居于的位置。有千千万万的天使在为那些将要承受救恩的人效力。上帝正等着要帮助凡仰望祂的人。天使们等候遵行上帝的旨意和命令，好来帮助祂在各地的圣工，当他们看到那些应该向上帝仰起的脸面，应该以感谢向上帝献上恳求的声音，却转离了上帝，竟向巴特尔克里克献上请求，向容易犯错的人请教时，他们会有怎样的看法呢？难道我们在这些事上不要作出改变吗？实在必须作出明确的改变。上帝的仆人们要听从祂。谁也不要作他们的良心。主需要这样的人：他们知道如何做上帝的工作，如何在祂的葡萄中操劳。{1888 1614.1}
§43
O how little men, even presidents of conferences, know of the power and helpful strength that God gives to the earnest, humble seeker who puts his trust in God and does not place men as counsellors, in that place where God alone should be. There are thousands upon thousands and ten thousand times ten thousand angels that minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation. God is waiting to help all who look unto him. But what opinion can the angels, who wait to do the will and command of God, to come to the help of his work in every place, have when they see that the faces that should be uplifted to God, and the voices that should be heard in supplication with thanksgiving to God, are turned away from God, and send their petitions to Battle Creek, asking counsel of human, erring men. Shall we not have a change in these things? Verily, there must be a decided change. God’s servants are amenable to him. No man is to be conscience for them. The Lord wants men who know how to do the work of God to labor in his vineyard. {1888 1614.1}
§44
当总会会长负担过重时，就让一些年轻或年长且有经验的人接近这个疲乏的人，担起担子，用鼓励的话扶持他，站在他的位置，做他原会做成的工作，即使他所承担的，是他无法胜任的工作。{1888 1614.2}
§45
When the President of the General Conference is standing overloaded with work, let some young men, or some men of age and experience come close to the weary man, and lift the burdens, sustaining him with encouraging words, standing in his place, and doing the work 1615he would have done, even though he fell under the burden which was disproportionate to his strength. {1888 1614.2}
§46
在有压力的时候，应当总是动员属灵的力量来分担重担。不仅如此，园地也应当分区由愿意分担的人负责。应当有许多力量可以依靠，而不是年复一年地由相同的人担任同一职位。园地很大，不能这样做。我们已经习惯于把每一个小问题都带到巴特尔克里克，直至这项崇高的工作掺入许多人为的因素而败坏。不圣洁人性败坏的影响渗入了，以致没有什么东西是可靠、圣洁和神圣的了。向那些担任高职位之人请示起不了什么作用，最终还会使他们圣俗不分。{1888 1615.1}
§47
In time of pressure there are spiritual forces to be called in which should always share the burdens; but more than this, the field should be apportioned off in sections to men who will stand as burden-bearers. There must be a number of forces which may be relied upon, but must not be held in one position of responsibility year after year. The field is too large for this. We have learned to send every petty request to Battle Creek, until the elevated sacred work has passed through so many human elements that it has become contaminated. The tainted influence of unsanctified human nature has been brought in, so that nothing is sure, sacred, and holy. But it is little use to make appeals to the men who have held their superior position until in their mind the sacred is blended with the common. {1888 1615.1}
§48
我只是谈了三个重要的问题。详情后述。
§49
I have just touched upon three important matters. More yet to come. {1888 1615.2}
§50
怀爱伦Ellen G. White.
§51
(M. H. 1888年8月30日) {1888 1615.2}
§52
(M. H. Aug. 30, ’98.)