第200章 致总会职员
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第200章 致总会职员
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Chapter 202—Talk in College Library
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《信函》1900年第139号B-139-1900加利福尼亚州圣赫勒那，1900年10月24日
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St. Helena, California, Oct. 24, 1900.
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致总会的职员们
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To the Officers of the General Conference,
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亲爱的弟兄们：Dear Brethren,—
§8
我收到了克雷斯医生的来信，写自温哥华。他写得很坦率，似乎认为在奥克兰召开总会是一个大错误。在欧文弟兄离开这里之前，我就此向他明说了我的想法。{1888 1714.1}
§9
I have received a letter from Dr. Kress, written from Vancouver. He has written plainly, and seems to think it a very great mistake to hold the General Conference in Oakland. Before Brother Irwin left here, I plainly stated my ideas to him regarding this. {1888 1714.1}
§10
为了上帝圣工的缘故，我有责任要说，某某给你们的传言，说丹尼尔斯长老要作总会会长取代欧文长老，还说W. C.怀特要在外国差会董事会居于显要位置，乃是最令人惊讶的谎言。这种想法从未进入我们心中，我们也从未说过什么话会引起这种谣言流传。我所有的工人和W. C.怀特自己都明白，在离开澳大利亚时，W. C.怀特放弃了一切正式职务，以便帮助我的书籍工作。我聘用他在这项工作上作我的总助理。{1888 1714.2}
§11
For the sake of the cause of God it is my duty to say that the reports made to you by -----, that Eld. Daniells was to be President of the General Conference in the place of Elder Irwin, and that W. C. White was to occupy a prominent position on the Foreign Mission Board, are most surprising falsehoods. Such a thought never entered our minds, and we have never said anything to cause such a report to be circulated. All my workers and W. C. White himself understand that in leaving Australia W. C. W. laid off every official duty that he might help me in my book work. I employ him as my general helper in this work. {1888 1714.2}
§12
在我的住所有一栋老房子正装修成办公室。这里将会有四个房间给我的工人们使用。我们希望不久就能出版一些书，这些书已经预备了一段时间了。{1888 1714.3}
§13
An old cottage on my place is being fitted up as an office. In this there will be four rooms which can be occupied by my workers. We hope soon to get out some books which have been in a state of preparation for some time. {1888 1714.3}
§14
我现在住在普拉特屋，在保健院的山脚下。上帝能力在这事上的显著作为，是我要大大感恩的一个原因。在这里我远避了口舌的纷争。我决定不能在巴特尔克里克、希尔兹堡或奥克兰安家；我们决定等候、警醒、祷告，求主指导我们应该住在哪里。当我们注意到这个地方时，真是很惊奇，我们清楚地看到主的手在指引。我一想到上帝为我选择了这个地方，灵里就软化折服，我不在定居问题上质疑我的职责了。我们承认天意在最令人沮丧的情况下为我们出人意外的介入了。亮光已在不确定之中照耀，我们现在因确定和上帝的平安而感到欢喜。我们毫不怀疑上帝在我们安家的事上是主要的行动者，且愿论到我们象论到门徒们一样说：“归荣耀于上帝”（加1:24）。主已把我们安置在这里，我们要赞美祂。我们很感恩能远离战争的喧嚣与混乱。我们不愿置身于我们会变成撒但诡计的玩物之处。{1888 1715.1}
§15
I am now located in the Pratt house under the hill on which the Retreat stands. The manifest working of the power of God in this matter is a cause of great thankfulness. Here I am retired from the strife of tongues. I decided that I could not make my home in Battle Creek, Healdsburg, or Oakland; and we made up our minds to wait and watch and pray for guidance as to where we should locate. It was a great surprise to us when this place was brought to our notice, and we saw plainly the hand of God in it. I was softened and subdued in spirit at the thought that God had selected this place for me, and I no longer questioned my duty in the matter of location. We acknowledge the unexpected interposition of Providence in our behalf under the most depressing circumstances. Light has shone amid uncertainty, and we now rejoice in certainty and in the peace of God. We do not doubt that God was the primary mover in the matter of our location, and may it be said of us as of the disciples, “They glorified God.” The Lord has placed us here, and we will praise him. We are thankful to be away from the din and confusion of the battle. We would not place ourselves where we would become the sport of Satan’s inventions. {1888 1715.1}
§16
我现在不会讲主会在将来的危机中作工的方式，因为还没有预备好道路让我这么做。主将使男人、女人，是的，甚至孩童适合祂的工作，祂对撒母耳一样，使他们成为神圣真理的资源库。从不打盹也不睡觉的主注视着每一个人，选择他们在祂广大的传道园地中工作的范围。怜悯的最后信息要藉着福音真理的传扬赐给世人。全天庭都在注视上帝的仆人们在显然令人沮丧的情况下积极推进的战争，取得了战胜世上反对力量、偶像崇拜和异教的胜利。当主的工人们集结在救赎主的旗帜之下，举起真理的旗帜时，就在赢得新的尊荣。宝贵的恩赐正在分赐给向上帝学习的忠心的人，好使他们成为与上帝同工的人，将地上的教会与天上的教会连接起来。天使都在为地上谦卑的信徒效力；而当地上的赎民大军唱起赞美诗歌时，天上的诗班就感恩地加入他们，将赞美归于上帝和上帝的儿子耶稣。{1888 1715.2}
§17
I shall not now relate the way in which the Lord will work in the future crisis, because the way is not prepared for me to do this. The Lord will fit men, women, and, yes, and even children, as he did Samuel, for his work, making them the repositories of sacred truth. He who never slumbers or sleeps watches 1716over each one, selecting their spheres of labor in his broad missionary field. The last message of mercy is to be given to the world by the proclamation of gospel truth. All heaven is watching the aggressive warfare which God’s servants are carrying forward under apparently discouraging circumstances. New conquests over the opposing elements of the world, over idolatry and heathenism, are being achieved. New honors are being won as the Lord’s workers rally round the banner of the Redeemer, and raise the standard of truth. To the faithful ones, who learn of God, precious gifts are being imparted, that they may become laborers together with God, connecting the church here below with the church in heaven. All the angelic messengers are at the service of the humble, believing ones on earth; and as the redeemed army here below sing their songs of praise, the choir above join with them in their thanksgiving, ascribing praise to God and to Jesus the Son of God. {1888 1715.2}
§18
让我告诉你们吧，我不要重蹈覆辙，再经历明尼阿波利斯的事了。我不要处在争论和纷争的场景中了。我会非常乐意向成千上万的人作我的见证，但是有些人不会明白上帝赐给我要传达的信息。他们还没有深饮于生命泉，他们既不明白我的著作，也不明白我的话。他们有一番预备自己的工夫要下。当他们预备好的时候，信息会临到他们。{1888 1716.1}
§19
Let me tell you that I am not to pass again over the ground which I passed over at Minneapolis. I am not to be in the midst of scenes of contention and strife. I would most gladly bear my testimony to many thousands of people, but there are those who would not understand the message God has given me to bear. They have not been drinking deeply at the fountain of life, and they would not understand my words any more clearly than they have understood my writings. They have a work to do 1717in preparing themselves for the messages which may come to them when they are ready. {1888 1716.1}
§20
我不会拒绝去巴特尔克里克，只要主指示我有责任去。但是总会若在巴特尔克里克召开，或即使在奥克兰召开，我可能不会出席。我面前有重大且极其严肃的工作，要预备出版直到现在还只是私人证言、积蓄在抽屉里、无人注意其指示的著作。要是我现在参加巴特尔克里克或其它什么地方的大会，并作我必须做的清晰明确的见证，就会有人苛责所赐的指示，就像一直有人对书面证言那样。就会有心眼的极大盲目和误用真理的倾向。未献身的可怜人就会陷入比现在更加危险的境地。{1888 1717.1}
§21
I do not refuse to go to Battle Creek if the Lord indicates that it is my duty to go. But I may not be present at the General Conference if it is held at Battle Creek, or even if it is held in Oakland. I have a great and most solemn work before me in preparing for publication the writings which till now have been merely private testimonies, to be laid away in a drawer, with no heed paid to their instructions. Should I now attend a Conference at Battle Creek or in any other place, and bear the clear cut testimony I would have to bear, there would be cavilling over the instruction given, as there has been over the written testimonies. There would be great blindness of heart, and a disposition to misapply truth. Poor unconsecrated souls would be brought into even greater danger and peril than they are in now. {1888 1717.1}
§22
那些没有因上帝用祂的灵感动我所写的书籍受益的人，会不再想藉着口说的证言受益。{1888 1717.2}
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Those who have not profited by the books, written as God has impressed me by his Spirit to write, would not be any more inclined to profit by the spoken testimony. {1888 1717.2}
§24
上帝已大大受了羞辱，因为那种精神使人们以虚假的眼光看问题。他们已有堆积如山的证据，且有会临到他们的关于上帝所赐给我的工作的全部亮光。在他们的悟性成圣之前，上帝不会因我将祂所赐给我的宝贵神圣的事而得荣耀。所以我没有感到任何呼召要在巴特尔克里克与你们会面，在那里仇敌一直蒙允许占据人们的心思意念，带领他们去自欺欺人。当我蒙引导明白为百姓而赐给我的亮光受到的待遇时，心灵就深感羞辱。我会访问各教会，但我没有蒙召置身我会遭受不圣洁言论的地方。对于许多人，所能做或能说的一切会比浪费掉还糟糕。我会利用一切机会为那些处在错谬的黑暗中、从未听过真理的人作工。我会参加我能与从未有亮光可拒绝的人交谈的聚会。{1888 1717.3}
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God has been greatly dishonored by the spirit which has led men to present matters in a false light. They have received evidence piled upon evidence, and have had all the light that will come to them in regard to the work given me of God. Until their understanding is sanctified, God will not be glorified by my placing before them the precious, sacred things he has given 1718me. I therefore feel no call to meet with you at Battle Creek, where the enemy has been permitted to take possession of minds and hearts, leading them to deceive themselves and others. I have felt deep humiliation of soul as I have been led to understand the treatment of the light given me for the people. I will visit the churches, but I am not called upon to place myself where I will be subject to unsanctified speeches. To many souls all that I might do or say would be worse than lost. I will embrace every opportunity to work for those who are in the darkness of error, who have never heard the truth. I will attend meetings where I can talk with those who have never had the light to reject. {1888 1717.3}
§26
那些拥有亮光却不行在光中的人似乎不可能理解我。我在私人交谈中说的话会被传出去，结果其意思与心灵业已成圣的听者所理解的完全相反。我甚至害怕跟我的朋友们讲话；因为后来我听到，怀姐妹说了这个，或怀姐妹说了那个。我的话遭到严重歪曲误解，以致我几乎得出结论：主希望我置身大批会众之外，也拒绝私下的面谈。我所说的竟被传得那么不正确，以致对我来说成了又新又奇的事，掺杂了人们所说用来支持他们自己的理论的话。我蒙警告要当心那些虽然自称有信仰，心里却不柔和谦卑的人。他们看不到自己的真相。他们不与耶稣同工，表显祂的柔和谦卑。{1888 1718.1}
§27
It seems impossible for me to be understood by those who have had the light but have not walked in it. What I might say in private conversations would be so repeated as to make it mean exactly opposite to what it would have meant had the hearers been sanctified in mind and spirit. I am afraid to speak even to my friends; for afterwards I hear, Sister White said this, or, Sister White said that. My words are so wrested and misinterpreted that I am coming to the conclusion that the Lord desires me to keep out of large assemblies and refuse private interviews. What I say is reported in such a perverted light that it is new and strange to me. It is mixed with words spoken by men to sustain their own theories. I am warned to beware of those who although they have a profession of faith, are not meek and lowly in heart. They do not see themselves as they are. They do not work with Jesus, revealing 1719his meekness and lowliness. {1888 1718.1}
§28
我担心我在总会上向耳朵没有成圣内心没有悔改的人、向知道真理却不顺从的人讲话会一事无成。当我向那些还没听过真理的人讲话时，却得到扶持并大蒙赐福。当我在不信的人中间做传道工作时，我总是在从上帝领受恩典和能力好归还给祂。{1888 1719.1}
§29
I fear that I cannot accomplish anything in the General Conference by speaking words to ears unsanctified and hearts unconverted, to men who know the truth, but do not obey it. I am sustained and greatly blessed when speaking to those who have not heard the truth. When doing missionary work among unbelievers, I am always receiving grace and power from God to give back to him. {1888 1719.1}
§30
基督委任祂的门徒说：“你们往普天下去，传福音给凡受造的听。”然后怎么样呢？“信而受洗的，必然得救；不信的，必被定罪。信的人必有神迹随着他们，就是奉我的名赶鬼；说新方言；手能拿蛇；若喝了什么毒物，也必不受害；手按病人，病人就必好了”（可16:15-18）。{1888 1719.2}
§31
Christ commissioned his disciples, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” What then? “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe: In my name they shall cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues: they shall take up serpents: and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them: they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” {1888 1719.2}
§32
有少许人感到了信息的重要性，严肃地开始从事指定给他们的工作，开辟新园地而不是花那么多时间在各教会发表新理论。{1888 1719.3}
§33
There are a few who have felt the importance of the message, and who have solemnly taken up their appointed work, opening new fields instead of spending so much time in ventilating new theories in the churches. {1888 1719.3}
§34
当自称跟从上帝的人对真理有了实际认识的时候，他们才会设法实现基督的话。救主对祂的门徒说过：“这就是我从前与你们同在之时所告诉你们的话说：摩西的律法、先知的书，和诗篇上所记的，凡指着我的话都必须应验。于是耶稣开他们的心窍，使他们能明白圣经”（路24:44,45）。{1888 1719.4}
§35
When God’s professed followers have an experimental knowledge of the truth, they will seek to fulfil the words of Christ. To his disciples the Saviour said, “These are the words that I spake unto you while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which are written in the law, and in the 1720prophets, and in the psalms concerning me. Then opened he their understanding that they might understand the Scriptures.” {1888 1719.4}
§36
这就是主希望每一个安息日复临信徒都获得的经验。祂希望他们彻底地明白圣经，以致会有整个的知识宝库可以提取。于是他们就能用祂的圣言喂养上帝的羊群。他们就不会以为自己必须有什么原创的理论以便使自己的传道工作成功。他们就不会以为自己必须搜寻新奇的试验。这些是味道浓烈的诡辩，是虚言，没有能力圣化、净化并洁净心灵脱离罪恶给它带来的污秽。{1888 1720.1}
§37
This is the experience the Lord desires every Seventh-day Adventist to gain. He desires them to understand the Scriptures so thoroughly that they will have a whole treasure house of knowledge from which to draw. Then they will be able to feed the flock of God with his Word. They will not think that they must bring forward some original theory in order to make their ministry successful. They will not think that they must hunt up tests new and odd and strange. These are sophistries which taste strongly of the dish, fables which have no power to sanctify, purify, and cleanse the soul from the uncleanness which sin brings in its train. {1888 1720.1}
§38
教导圣经的人需要屈膝寻求理解圣经。主葡萄园中的工人需要不断地从圣经提取，而不是从他们想象力的房间提取，在麦子中间撒播糠秕，还使糠秕显得比麦子更重要，以便他们自己得荣耀。时候到了，手中有圣经的人不可罢休，直到圣灵使他们明白这道，并在他们心中实行改革。然后行动的人才会在为一个堕落的世界传扬最后怜悯信息时显明他们是受圣灵控制的。{1888 1720.2}
§39
The teachers of the Word need on bended knees to seek for an understanding of the Scriptures. The workers in the Lord’s vineyard need to draw continually from the Scriptures, not from the chambers of their imagination, sowing chaff among the wheat and making the chaff of more importance than the wheat, that they may secure glory for themselves. It is time that the men and women who have the Word of God in their hands rested not until the Holy Spirit gives them an understanding of the Word and works a reformation in their hearts. Then the movers in the proclamation of the last message of mercy for a fallen world will show that they are controlled by the Holy Spirit. {1888 1720.2}
§40
信徒所需要的是真理，就是圣经的真理。他们一点不需要下等的试验，就是人为的试验，附在真理上作为真理的一部分。这些试验使相信的人软弱。我们有一项工作要做，不是下等的工作。我们要屈膝申请上帝圣言的应许，求主使我们领受纯洁无掺杂的真理，并使我们能看见实行这真理和靠上帝口中所出的一切话活着的重要性。于是男男女女就会悔改归向真理。上帝的手会在新教会的建立、许多人受使徒精神的洗礼，愿意出发到人们还不知道真理的地方做传道工作的事上被认出来。这些人需要受教获得一种经验，摆脱人的诡辩。{1888 1721.1}
§41
Truth, Bible truth, this is what the people need. They need none of the inferior tests which have been manufactured by men and attached to the truth as a part of it. These tests weaken those who believe them. We have a work to do of no inferior order. On our knees we are to claim the promises of God’s word, asking that we may receive pure, unadulterated truth, and that we may see the necessity of practicing this truth and living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Then men and women will be converted to the truth. The hand of God will be recognized in the raising up of new churches, baptizing with the apostolic spirit many who will go forth to do missionary work in places where the people know not the truth. These will need to be taught to gain an experience free from human sophistry. {1888 1721.1}
§42
这种传道工作会使各教会有一个稳固可靠的根基，一个有这个印记的根基：主认识谁是祂的人（提后2:19）。上帝必在祂的子民中得荣耀。基督徒的使命必建立在耶稣基督上。在上帝的监管之下，工作必前进，无数的证据会赐下，证明工作的真切性。工人们必不追求荣耀自己或任何人，而会赞美上帝为每一项圣洁高尚工作的设计者和组织者。他们不仅自称信徒，而且是信徒。他们是因真理成圣的；因为既传讲又实践真理对品格有一种净化的影响。{1888 1721.2}
§43
Such missionary work will furnish the churches with a sure, solid foundation, a foundation having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. God will be glorified in his people. Christian missions will be built upon Jesus Christ. Under the supervision of God the work will go forward, and innumerable evidences will be given of the genuineness of the work. The workers will not seek to glorify themselves or any human being, but will praise God as the Designer and Organizer of every holy, ennobling work. They not only profess to be believers, but are believers. They are sanctified by the truth; for truth acted as well as preached has a purifying influence upon the character. {1888 1721.2}
§44
真正为上帝传道的人，在家里在教会都是真理的活注释。他吃上帝儿子的肉，喝祂的血，他的生命按照那神圣的样式塑造。他明白并吸收这道，说：“现在活着的不再是我，乃是基督在我里面活着”（加2:20）。真正的传道工作使那些从事的人因过去和现在上帝能力的显现而怀着真诚的感激自卑地在上帝面前屈膝。他们将自我隐藏在基督里，赞美荣耀祂为完全可爱的那一位。{1888 1722.1}
§45
In the home and in the church the true missionary for God is a living exposition of truth. He eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God, and his life is moulded according to the divine similitude. He understands and assimilates the Word, saying, “I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” True missionary work leads those connected with it to bow before God in self-humiliation and in unfeigned gratitude to God for the past and present manifestation of his power. They hide self in Christ, praising and glorifying him as the One altogether lovely. {1888 1722.1}
§46
基督徒的传道工作对国内的各教会具有重要价值。知道和相信真理的信徒们因此受圣洁的热心激励以致舍己，背基督的十字架，并以自我牺牲的热心作工，将真理传到远近各地。基督徒的传道工作对各教会有一种反照的影响，一种令人振奋使人圣洁的影响，证明基督在《约翰福音》第六章中的教导的重要性。基督徒的传道工作对非信徒有一种有益的影响；因为当工人们在上帝的监管之下作工时，世俗的人就蒙引导看见上帝为那些侍奉祂的人提供的资源多么巨大。上帝的真理既由人心中运行的恩典证明了，就增加基督徒工人的有效性，且给世人留下明确的印象。{1888 1722.2}
§47
Christian missionary work is of great value to the home churches. By it the members, who know and believe the truth, are inspired with holy, sanctified zeal to deny self, to lift the cross of Christ, and labor with self-sacrificing zeal to send the truth to places nigh and afar off. Christian missionary work has a reflex influence upon the churches, an influence uplifting and sanctifying, demonstrating the importance of Christ’s teaching in the sixth chapter of John. Christian missionary work has a salutary influence upon unbelievers; for as the workers labor under divine superintendence, worldlings are led to see the greatness of the resources God has provided for those who serve him. God’s truth, demonstrated by the working of grace in the heart, multiplies the agencies of Christian usefulness and makes a decided impression upon the world. {1888 1722.2}
§48
上帝希望祂的仆人们成为真理净化人心的影响的活榜样。祂希望他们在生活和品格上显明真理使人高尚、鼓舞人心的倾向。他们要例证真理的优美，高举基督徒礼貌、基督徒温柔与爱心的旗帜。他们要以热情的努力去寻找拯救正在罪里灭亡的人。要让内心甚至渴望冲过那些不知道真理的人。信徒们的心思不可集中在自己身上，审查每一个不一样的感觉并写给别人求解释。要让他们去作工，在喜爱帮助将亡之人的愿望中忘记自我。要让他们为那些不认识上帝的人考虑、计划和行动。不仅有学识有才干的人要为他人作工，凡自称信耶稣的人都应该为他人作工。这就是基督徒的作用。我们都需要表明一种对我们天父的一种圣洁的依赖。虔心依靠上帝、心灵的成圣、服务的真诚，将侍奉上帝的和不侍奉上帝的人区别开来。我们信的人要在我们的生活中例证基督生活的优美。教会肢体们要兴起，在世界的道德黑暗中发光。我们若与“世上的光”（约9:5）联合，就会将亮光反照他人。我们若与救主丰富的恩典有分，就会成为全世界的福气。{1888 1722.3}
§49
God desires his servants to be living examples of the purifying influence of the truth. He desires them in life and 1723character to show its ennobling, elevating tendencies. They are to illustrate the excellence of the truth, raising the standard of Christian courtesy, Christian tenderness and love. With an intensity of effort they are to seek and save those who are perishing in sin. Let the heart yearn even to breaking over those who know not the truth. The minds of believers must not be centered upon themselves, investigating every different feeling and writing to others for an explanation. Let them go to work and forget self in the loving desire to help perishing souls. Let them think and plan and act for those who know not God. It is not only the learned, the talented, who are to work for others. All who claim to believe in Jesus should work for others. This is Christian usefulness. We all need to show a holy dependence on our heavenly Father. Devout dependence upon God, sanctification of spirit, earnestness in service, this distinguishes between those who serve God and those who serve him not. We who believe are to illustrate in our lives the excellence of the life of Christ. Church members are to arise and shine amid the moral darkness of the world. If we are united to the Light of the world, we shall reflect light to others. If we partake of the Saviour’s rich grace, we shall be a universal blessing. {1888 1722.3}
§50
我们蒙召要表现一种神圣的爱国心，在家中和教会中显明基督的品性。但愿人人都追求表现基督的仁慈。祂舍了自己的生命拯救堕落的世界，而基督徒，那些自称为祂地上代表的人，岂可总是软弱无能呢？愿上帝帮助我们兴起，在大范围仁爱工作的中心采取一种极其坚决的立场。这样我们就能荣耀和尊大主的名，祂就是真理。我们负有最严肃的责任，要在基督徒使命中提供一个上帝国度之原则的重大例证。教会作为一个有组织的团体，要积极作工，传播基督十字架的影响，为远近各处的人作工。在上帝的庇护下，凡愿意吃上帝的儿子的肉喝祂的血的人，都要在天庭被登记为：“与上帝同工的：你们是上帝所耕种的田地，所建造的房屋”（林前3:9）。他们既受那伟大的设计师控制，就显明当人负基督的轭，学习祂的柔和谦卑时，能成为怎样的人。{1888 1723.1}
§51
We are called upon to show a hallowed patriotism, to reveal the attributes of Christ in the home and in the church. Let all seek to manifest the benevolence of Christ. He gave his 1724life to save a fallen world, and shall Christians, those who claim to be his representatives on earth, ever remain weak and inefficient? God help us to arise and take a most decided stand in the center of a large circle of benevolent work. Thus we may glorify and magnify the name of Him who is truth. We are laid under the most solemn obligations, to furnish in Christians missions a grand illustration of the principles of the kingdom of God. The church is to be active in its working as an organized body to diffuse the influence of the cross of Christ, working for those nigh and afar off. Under God all who will eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God will be registered in the courts above, “Laborers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry: ye are God’s building.” Controlled by the great Designer, they reveal what human beings can be when they wear the yoke of Christ, learning his meekness and lowliness. {1888 1723.1}
§52
因为那么多自称跟从上帝的人追求作首先的，他们就不可靠了。他们若是谦卑的人，乐于受上帝指示和教导，就会成为一股力量，向世人显明真理对人品格的影响。那些以基督的方式作工，决不追求高抬自我的人，必在传道事业上显出稳定的进步和恒常的活跃。若不增加一个又一个的教会，他们就不会满意。教会肢体们不要集中在某些地区，忘了主的葡萄园是要作工的。他们应该参加积极的战斗，将真理的旗帜安插在新的地区。上帝希望那些侍奉祂的人为从前一次交付圣徒的真道竭力争辩。{1888 1724.1}
§53
It is because so many of God’s professed followers seek to be first that they cannot be trusted. Were they humble men, willing to be instructed and taught by God, they would be a power in showing the world the influence of truth upon the human character. Those who work in Christ’s lines, never seeking to exalt self, will reveal steady progress and constant activity in missionary enterprises. They will not be satisfied unless church is added to church. Church members are not to center themselves in certain localities, forgetting that the Lord’s vineyard is to be worked. They are to make aggressive warfare, planting the standard of truth in new places. God expects those in his service to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. {1888 1724.1}