文稿汇编卷4(210-259)E

第246号 宣教神学
§1 第246号 宣教神学
§2 MR No. 246—Theology of Missions
§3 有些事我特别要和你们夫妇说。你们二人都需要当心;你们二人有坚强的意志,不缺乏自信。……{4MR388.1}[1]
§4 There are some things I wish to address particularly to yourself and to your wife. You both need to be guarded; you both have strong wills, and are not wanting in self-confidence...?{4MR 388.1}[1]
§5 你们在与他人交往时,都有盛气凌人、严厉苛求的危险。你们在自己的婚姻生活中也有这种危险,除非你们天天在上帝面前谦卑己心,各自感受到非常需要在基督的门下学习内心温顺、柔和、谦卑的功课。{4MR388.2}[2]
§6 In your association with others, there is danger of you both being over-bearing and exacting. You will also be in danger of this in your own married life, unless you daily humble your hearts before God, and individually feel the great need of learning in the school of Christ the lesson of meekness, humility, and lowliness of heart.?{4MR 388.2}[2]
§7 你们的方式在远非正确的时候,你们总是自视正确。上帝希望你们少些自足自负。……你们的想法和计划应该受到严密检查,因为你们有限制圣工、将自己的模式加在其上、利用你们狭隘的思想和廉价计划的危险,那些计划往往最终证明是最昂贵的。你们这么做就贬低了圣工。行节约,固然很好,但上帝的工作,总当处于其高尚而尊贵的地位。{4MR388.3}[3]
§8 Your ways seem to be right in your own eyes, when they may be far from right. God would have you less self-sufficient.... Your ideas and plans should be closely and critically examined, for you are in danger of circumscribing the work, of placing your own mold upon it, and of using your narrow ideas and cheap plans, which generally prove to be the dearest in the end. You belittle the work by so doing. While it is well to exercise economy, let the work of God ever stand in its elevated noble dignity.?{4MR 388.3}[3]
§9 你在新的传道区开始工作时,要注意别将自己的缺点尊崇为美德,从而阻碍上帝的工作。我们带到人前的是考验性真理,这些真理每时每刻都应该得到提升,好本着道德之美屹立在我们的工作对象面前。……切不可贬低上帝的工作。应当让其处于从上帝而来的地位;不可让其带有人的印象,乃当有神圣的印象。自我要在耶稣里消失不见。让你自己的想法和判断、你固定的方式、你特殊的品性成为一种控制性能力,是不安全的。非常需要开阔你们的心胸,以便在你们的一切计划中将圣工安置在高处,与其重要性相称。……{4MR388.4}[4]
§10 As you are to begin work in a new mission, be careful that your defects are not exalted as virtues, and thus retard the work of God. It is testing truths that we are bringing before the people, and in every movement these truths should be elevated to stand in moral beauty before those for whom we labor.... Do not cheapen the work of God. Let it stand forth as from God. Let it bear no human impress, but the impress of the divine. Self is to be lost sight of in Jesus. It is not safe to allow your own ideas and judgment, your set ways, your peculiar traits of character, to be a controlling power.?There is great need of breadth in your calculations in order to place the work high in all your plans, proportionate to its importance....?{4MR 388.4}[4]
§11 由于随从我们好弟兄们的错误想法,使我们有了很大的损失,他们的计划狭隘,他们把这工作降低到了自己特有的方法与观念之下,以致不能接触联络更高阶层的人。工作的外表,给不信之人的心留下的印象是没什么价值——不过是一些旁门枝节的宗教理论,不值得他们的注意。由于缺乏聪明的工作方法,损失很大。应当尽各种努力,使我们的工作有尊严与特色。应当作出特别的努力,去获得处于负责地位之人的好感,不是藉着牺牲真理或公义的任何一项原则,而是藉着牺牲我们在接近人时自己的方法与态度。{4MR389.1}[5]
§12 There has been much lost through following the mistaken ideas of our good brethren whose plans were narrow, and they lowered the work to their peculiar ways and ideas so that the higher classes were not reached. The appearance of the work impressed the minds of unbelievers as being of very little worth—some stray offshoot of religious theory, that was beneath their attention. Much has been lost for want of wise methods of labor. Every effort should be made to give dignity and character to the work. Special efforts should be made to secure the good will of men in responsible positions, without sacrificing one principle of truth or righteousness, but by sacrificing our own ways and manner of approaching the people.?{4MR 389.1}[5]
§13 在传扬真理时,使用更多的机智与谨慎,会有更多的效果。由于疏忽了这一点,许多人对我们的信仰和道理有了误解,要是给他们的第一印象更为有利,他们原不会这样。我们的责任是尽量接近民众。……{4MR389.2}[6]
§14 Much more would be effected by using more tact and discretion in the presentation of the truth. Through the neglect of this many have a misconception of our faith and of our doctrine which they would not have if the very first impression made upon their minds had been more favorable. It is our duty to get as close to the people as we can....?{4MR 389.2}[6]
§15 从事这圣工的工人不应该觉得惟一可行的办法是直截了当地到人们那里去,告诉他们安息日复临信徒所持守的一切真理和要道问题,这么做一开始就会使他们塞住耳朵。……{4MR389.3}[7]
§16 The workers in this cause should not feel that the only way they can do is to go at the people pointedly, with all subjects of truth and doctrine as held by Seventh-day Adventists, for this would close their ears at the very onset....?{4MR 389.3}[7]
§17 上帝希望你们像羊羔在狼群中间,灵巧像蛇,驯良像鸽子。你们要想做到这一点就不能随从自己的想法和计划。你们必须修改你们的工作方法。你们不必觉得在每一个场合都要向不信的人讲说全部真理。你们应该仔细计划什么要说,什么要留下不说。这并不是行骗;这是像保罗一样作工。他说:“我是诡诈,用心计牢笼你们”(林后12:16)。……你们必须改变工作方式,不要以为必须在一切时间一切地点遵行一种方式。你们的方法在自己看来可能似乎成功,然而你们若是更多运用机智,更多运用蛇的智慧,原会见到更真实的工作结果。……{4MR389.4}[8]
§18 God would have you be as lambs among wolves, as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. You cannot do this and follow your own ideas and your own plans. You must modify your method of labor. You need not feel that all the truth is to be spoken to unbelievers on any and every occasion. You should?plan carefully what to say and what to leave unsaid. This is not practicing deception; it is to work as Paul worked. He says, “Being crafty, I caught you with guile.”...You must vary your labor, and not have one way which you think must be followed at all times and in all places. Your ways may seem to you a success, but if you used more tact, more of the wisdom of the serpent, you would have seen much more real results of your work....?{4MR 389.4}[8]
§19 一项伟大而严肃的工作在我们面前——要就地接触人。不要觉得你有义不容辞的责任首先要告诉人们说:“我们是安息日复临信徒;我们相信第七日是安息日;我们相信灵魂并非不死,”从而在你们和你们想要接触的人之间竖起非常可怕的障碍。而要在你们有机会时,对他们讲说你们能意见一致的教义要点,详述实际的敬虔。要向他们拿出你是基督徒、渴望和平,而且爱他们的灵魂的证据。要让他们看出你是本着良心作事的。这样你就会获得他们的信任,然后就会有足够的时间谈论教义。要制服铁石心肠,预备土壤,然后谨慎地引导他们前行,本着爱心传讲那在耶稣基督里的真理。{4MR390.1}[9]
§20 A great and solemn work is before us—to reach the people where they are. Do not feel it your bounden duty the first thing to tell the people, “We are Seventh-day Adventists; we believe the seventh day is the Sabbath; we believe in the non-immortality of the soul,” and thus erect most formidable barriers between you and those you wish to reach. But speak to them, as you may have opportunity, upon points of doctrine wherein you can agree, and dwell on practical godliness. Give them evidence that you are a Christian, desiring peace, and that you love their souls. Let them see that you are conscientious. Thus you will gain their confidence, and then there will be time enough for the doctrines. Let the hard iron heart be subdued, the soil prepared, and then lead them along cautiously, presenting in love the truth as it is in Jesus Christ.?{4MR 390.1}[9]
§21 需要大智慧才能争取传道人和上层人士。我们的人确实忽视或掠过了这些人,为什么要这样呢?这些人要向上帝负的责任与委托给他们的人力资本相当。岂不该更多研究,更多谦卑祈祷以求智慧,好争取这些阶层的人吗?向谁多托,就向谁多要。所以我们岂不该有智慧和机智,用来争取这些人归于耶稣基督吗?他们若是回转了,就会成为主手中磨光的工具,去争取他人。我们必须得着主的帮助,以便知道如何高明地从事祂的工作。自我切不可变得突出。{4MR390.2}[10]
§22 It requires great wisdom to reach ministers and noblemen. Why should these be neglected or passed by, as they certainly have been by our people? These classes are responsible to God just in proportion to the capital of talents intrusted to them. Should there not be greater study and much more humble prayer for wisdom to reach these classes? Where much is given, much will be required. Then should there not be wisdom and tact used to gain these souls to Jesus Christ, who will be, if converted, polished instruments?in the hands of the Lord to reach others? The Lord’s help we must have to know how to undertake His work in a skillful manner. Self must not become prominent.?{4MR 390.2}[10]
§23 上帝有一项工作要做成,是工人们还没有充分领会的。他们的信息要传给传道人和世间的智士哲人,因为这些人要经受真理亮光的考验。要本着这信息本有的尊严明智而审慎地将之摆在这世界有学问的人面前。必须极其恳切地寻求上帝,极其彻底地进行研究;因为要将脑力用到极致才能制定符合主命令的计划,将祂的工作置于它应该总是处于的高而又高的平台。人们狭小的思想和计划已经束缚了圣工。……{4MR391.1}[11]
§24 God has a work to be done that the workers have not yet fully comprehended. Their message is to go to ministers and to worldly wise men, for these are to be tested with the light of truth. It is to be set forth before the learned ones of this world judiciously and in its native dignity. There must be most earnest seeking of God, most thorough study; for the mental powers will be taxed to the uttermost to lay plans according to the Lord’s order that shall place His work on the higher and more elevated platform where it should ever have stood. Men’s little ideas and narrow plans have bound about the work....?{4MR 391.1}[11]
§25 在作出最诚恳的努力把真理传给那些上帝所托以重大责任的人之后,如果他们拒绝了真理,你也不要灰心。他们的态度与基督时代的人一样。要藉着秩序井然的计划和虔诚的言谈保持圣工的尊严。不要以为你把标准提得太高了。……{4MR391.2}[12]
§26 After the most earnest efforts have been made to bring the truth before those whom God has intrusted with large responsibilities, be not discouraged if they reject it. They did the same in the days of Christ. Be sure to keep up the dignity of the work by well-ordered plans and a goodly conversation. Do not think that you have elevated the standard too high....?{4MR 391.2}[12]
§27 你不认识自己,你需要天天被耶稣的灵充满,否则你就会在与弟兄和不信的人打交道时变得卑鄙、狭隘、吝啬,使人厌弃真理。你若是培养这些品格特性,就会使工作有缺陷。你必须长大,丢弃这种狭隘;你必须心胸开阔;你必须摆脱这种行为,因为它在各方面贬低你。……{4MR391.3}[13]
§28 You do not know yourself, and you need daily to be imbued with the Spirit of Jesus, else you will, in your dealing with your brethren and with unbelievers, become small, narrow, and penurious, and turn souls in disgust from the truth. If you cultivate these peculiar traits of character you will give deformity to the work. You must grow out of this narrowness; you must have breadth; you must get out of this dealing, for it belittles you in every way....?{4MR 391.3}[13]
§29 亲爱的某弟兄和姐妹,当你们进入这个新园地时,我们对你们俩和你们的小孩子感到最亲切的同情。我们对你们离开朋友和熟人,离开你们所爱的弟兄和姐妹深有感触。但我们知道这信息是一个世界性信息,我们是与上帝同工的,而且必须继续与祂同工。我知道主爱你们,希望使你们与祂自己建立更亲密的关系。只要寻求将上帝的模子加在你们身上,你们就会在各方面不断长进,直到你们的工作会完全得到上天的嘉许。然而决不要片刻怀有这种想法:你们无需作出改进,因为你们拥有很多。……你并不是一个不断在学习、提高、研究如何调整自己以适应环境的人。你没有使自己适应事态,却想要采取独立行动,随从你自己的计划,而不是与工人们合作。……{4MR392.1}[14]
§30 We feel, dear Brother and Sister ________, the tenderest sympathy for you both, and for your little ones as you enter this new field. We feel deeply for you in your separation from friends and acquaintances, your brethren and sisters whom you love. But we know this message is a worldwide message, and we are and must continue to be laborers together with God. I know the Lord loves you and wants to bring you into more close relationship with Himself. Only seek for the mold of God to be upon you, and you will constantly improve in every way until your labors will bear the full approval of Heaven. But never for a moment entertain the idea that you have no improvements to make; for you have many.... You are not one who is constantly learning, improving, studying how to adjust yourself to circumstances. You have not adapted yourself to the situation of things, but have been inclined to take an independent course, to follow your own plans, in the place of blending with the workers....?{4MR 392.1}[14]
§31 你若与上帝同在,祂就必与你同在。要当心,不要使人们对你有错误印象。……我们需要云柱不断带领我们。我们有上帝同在的保证;你也有——“我就常与你们同在,直到世界的末了”(太28:20)。(《信函》1887年12号第1-4,6,7,11,12页,致博伊德长老:“必要之工的宽广视野”,1887年6月25日){4MR392.2}[15]
§32 God will be with you if you will be with Him. Take care that you do not leave a wrong impression upon minds in reference to yourself.... We need the cloudy pillar to lead us constantly. We have the assurance of the presence of God; you have it—“Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” [Matthew 28:20.] God bless you.—Letter 12, 1887, pp. 1-4, 6, 7, 11, 12. (To Brother Boyd: “Broader View of the Work Necessary,” June 25, 1887.)?{4MR 392.2}[15]
§33 你们不都有一样的品格印记,各人都会倾向于认为工作必须按照自己的见解受塑造。你们自己不知不觉就会怀有这种精神,你们会设法介绍自己的方法。工人们应该先获得基督的恩典,这样他们才能使自己沉没不见;然后才会有团结,甚至在性情不同的人之间也能达成一致。{4MR392.3}[16]
§34 You have not all the same stamp of character, and each will be inclined to think that the work must be molded according to his views. Unconsciously to yourselves, this spirit will be cherished, and you will seek to introduce?your own methods. The workers should first obtain the grace of Christ, so they will be enabled to sink self out of sight; then there will be unity, even among a diversity of dispositions.?{4MR 392.3}[16]
§35 你们任何一个人在去非洲作传道士之前,我蒙指示看到你们的工作会有困难,不一定是因为工人们的性情很不同,而是因为各人都看自己比别人强。弟兄们在组织上和对工作的看法上显然不同,以致各人非但不改造自己强硬的品性,反而有离开别人的危险,而这种疏离会在新归正的人中间留下一种影响,使工作受阻,使上帝蒙羞。{4MR393.1}[17]
§36 Before any of you went to Africa as missionaries, it was shown me that there would be difficulty in your labors, not necessarily because the workers were so differently constituted but because of each esteeming themselves above their brethren. The brethren varied so evidently in organization and in their views of the work, that each instead of modifying his own strong traits of character, would be in danger of drawing away from the others, and this drawing apart would leave an influence among the new converts that would retard the work and dishonor God.?{4MR 393.1}[17]
§37 你们确实是与上帝同工的,你们愿意认真地追求回应基督的祈祷,使你们能合而为一,像祂与父原为一吗?要让你们中间没有分歧。当各人都想要偏行己路,蔑视别人的方法时,就会给工作带来大混乱。各人都变得灰心了,而这使敏于发现分歧的其他人灰心。这就树立了一个坏榜样,尤其是在新园地,那里的一切行动都应像纪律严明的机构,一个人的工作与另一个人的工作相匹配,从而显明你们是上帝的器具。{4MR393.2}[18]
§38 You are indeed laborers together with God, and will you seek most earnestly to answer the prayer of Christ that you may be one as He is one with the Father? Let there be no dissensions among you. When each wants to have his own way, disparaging the methods of others, the tendency is to bring great confusion into the work. Each becomes discouraged, and this leads to the discouragement of others who are quick to discern any variance. This is a bad example to set, especially in a new field, where everything should move like well regulated machinery, the work of one matching the work of another, thus manifesting that you are God’s instruments.?{4MR 393.2}[18]
§39 你们若充分认识到上帝工作的重要性,就不会行事彼此反对了。……{4MR393.3}[19]
§40 If you fully realize the importance of God’s work, you will not work in opposition one to another....?{4MR 393.3}[19]
§41 每一个工人都要尽力使用上帝所赐的能力,推进基督在地上的国度。我们各人在态度举止上都有个性,而这原是应当的;但这不必阻止我们完全和谐地一起工作。……你们可能有不同的性情,然而都是与上帝同工的,大家都和谐无间地作工,而当你们将全部能力都投入工作中时,你们就会成就最佳结果。……主的资源是无限的;我们只是祂手中的工具,藉着祂的名,可以成就大事。……{4MR393.4}[20]
§42 Each worker is to use his God-given ability to the utmost for the uplifting of Christ’s kingdom on earth. We each have an individuality in manner and bearing, and this is as it should be; but this need not prevent?our working together in perfect harmony.... You may have diverse temperaments, and yet be laborers together with God, all working in harmony, and when all your ability is put into the work, you will accomplish the best results.... The Lord’s resources are unlimited; we are only instruments in His hands, and great things can be accomplished through His name....?{4MR 393.4}[20]
§43 你们中若有一个成员决定不能与弟兄们合作,且因意见不同而不想工作,所要采取的方针无疑就是你们要在上帝面前自卑,并要祷告,因为你们无法也不可企图在不和的状态下工作。……{4MR394.1}[21]
§44 If one of your number decides that he cannot cooperate with his brethren, and has no desire to work because of differences of opinion, the course to be pursued is without a question. Humble yourselves before God, and resort to prayer, for you cannot and must not attempt to work at variance....?{4MR 394.1}[21]
§45 上帝在某地有一项大工要完成,若无祂无限智慧的帮助,就一定不要制定任何计划。你们结合着恳切的祈祷详尽地商议了工作计划之后,就要作工,为基督作工。不要被那些威胁着要阻塞你们道路的表面困难吓倒。有一条正路去做工,上帝必指示你们行在其中。你们若是以无私的兴趣和兄弟之爱完全一致地作工,天使就必与你们同在。这是上帝的工作,祂必使崎岖的地方变得平坦,祂必在你们前面预备道路。在外国要做成的工作决不能由没有上帝智慧帮助的凡人做成。……{4MR394.2}[22]
§46 God has a great work to be accomplished in _________, and no plans must be laid without the aid of His infinite wisdom. After your plans of labor have been talked over together, mingled with earnest prayer, work, work for Christ. Be not intimidated by apparent difficulties which threaten to obstruct your pathway. There is a right way to work, and God will direct you therein. If you labor in perfect unity, with unselfish interest, and brotherly love, angels of God will be with you. This is God’s work, and He will make the rough places smooth, He will prepare the way before you. The work which is to be done in foreign countries can never be done by mortal man unaided by divine Wisdom....?{4MR 394.2}[22]
§47 关于应该在新园地推进工作的方式,主已向我显示了许多事,且已指示我看到,若是采取某一种做法,就会缩小圣工,使之受损。惟有藉着基督丰盛的恩典,才能存在完全和谐。(《信函》1890年4号第1,2,4,5,7,9页,致现在作为传道士在非洲园地工作的弟兄们,1890年3月){4MR394.3}[23]
§48 The Lord has revealed many things to me concerning the manner in which the work should be carried forward in new fields, and has shown me that if a certain course were pursued, it would narrow the work and cause it to be marred. Perfect harmony can exist only through the abundant grace of?Christ.—Letter 4, 1890, pp. 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9. (To “Dear Brethren Now Laboring as Missionaries in the Field of Africa, March, 1890.)?{4MR 394.3}[23]
§49 我对南非的传道工作深有感触。我确实希望你不要指望人,不要倚赖人,而要指望上帝,倚赖上帝。我们若对上帝的应许有信心,就可以期待大事,就是上帝之灵的深刻感动。我们最大的罪就是不信上帝。藉着赐给我们耶稣,祂岂没有向我们显明我们在祂眼中多么宝贵,祂视我们的灵魂多么有价值吗?我们奉命要与耶稣基督心连心,以便拥有非同寻常的经验。(《信函》1896年92号第2页,致亲爱的A.T.罗宾逊弟兄,1896年9月2日){4MR395.1}[24]
§50 I feel deeply in regard to the missionary work in South Africa. I do hope you will not look to man, nor trust in men, but look to God and trust in God. We may expect large things, even the deep movings of the Spirit of God, if we have faith in His promises. Our greatest sin is unbelief in God. Has He not shown us how precious we are in His sight, and with what value He regards our souls, by giving us Jesus? We are required to unite our souls with Jesus Christ that we may have no tame, commonplace experience.—Letter 92, 1896, p. 2. (To “Dear Brother A. T. Robinson,” September 2, 1896.)?{4MR 395.1}[24]
§51 开普敦的那些额外的楼房若建在其它地方会好得多。在巴特尔克里克楼上加楼是不符合上帝命令的。本应该在这些地方以外的地方建立工厂。在巴特尔克里克犯的错误在非洲也犯了。我们请求你们要让眼睛睁着,看看是不是没有办法争取非我们信仰的人。要在这方面有所作为。(《信函》1899年79号第3页,致亲爱的W.S.海特弟兄,1899年5月3日){4MR395.2}[25]
§52 Those extra buildings in Cape Town might far better have been plants in other localities. The erection of building after building in Battle Creek has not been after the order of God. Plants should have been made in regions beyond. The same mistake has been made in Africa as in Battle Creek. We ask you to keep your eyes open, and see if there are no ways to reach the souls who are not of our faith. Do something in this line.—Letter 79, 1899, p. 3. (To “Dear Brother W. S. Hyatt,” May 3, 1899.)?{4MR 395.2}[25]
§53 我要对在南非的弟兄们说,在处理韦塞尔斯一家的事上没有运用本应该有的智慧和敏锐的洞察力。……确实,他们未免有错误有过失,可是其他人虽有许多更大的亮光,也显出有错误。你们是鼓励了这些弟兄,给他们明智的帮助了呢,还是关闭了他们能藉以得帮助、好与上帝同工的每条途径了呢?……你们竟任他们随意漂泊了吗?……你们岂没有排挤他们的影响,使他们与你们无分无关吗?比起已经做的,本来能做更多,将他们与工作结合在一起。……要是叫韦塞尔斯家的年轻人参加了上帝的圣工,原能开展多方面的工作。他们也就不会漂到世界去。……{4MR395.3}[26]
§54 I will say to my brethren in South Africa, There has not been that wisdom and keen foresight used in dealing with the Wessels family that there should have been.... True, they have not been free from mistakes and errors, but others, who have had much greater light, have revealed that they also erred. Have you given these brethren encouragement and wise, judicious?help, or have you closed every avenue whereby they might be helped to be laborers together with God? Have you left them to drift whichever way they would? ... Have you not crowded out their influence, that they might have no part or lot with you? Much more might have been done than has been done to bind them up with the work.... Lines of work could have been entered into that would have called the young men of the Wessels family to act a part in God’s cause. Then they would not have drifted away into the world....?{4MR 395.3}[26]
§55 一个可悲的事实是,并非所有来自美国的工人都……带来帮助和福气。他们与上帝没有活泼的联络。……有些人在做人的思想工作时没有运用智慧,他们太漠不关心了,没有伸出因同情而温暖的手,也没有热切聪明的爱心去帮助那些撒但已设法叫他们为他服务的人。每一个人无论职位如何,都有环境作为实际的试验;而这种试验的实际结果是供世人检查的。……{4MR396.1}[27]
§56 It is a sad fact that not all the men who have come from America as workers have been a help and blessing.... They were not living in connection with God.... There are those who have not exercised wisdom in dealing with human minds, who have been too indifferent to reach out a hand warm with sympathy and earnest, intelligent love to help the ones Satan has tried to secure for His service. Circumstances consign every man, whatever his position, to a practical test; and the actual results of this test are offered to the world for inspection....?{4MR 396.1}[27]
§57 想到要是所有进入那个传道园地的人都是谦卑、忠诚、献身的工人,原能成就的事,就令我忧心。{4MR396.2}[28]
§58 It grieves my heart to think of what might have been if the ones who enter the missionary field had been humble, devoted, consecrated workers.?{4MR 396.2}[28]
§59 进入主大葡萄园任何一个部分作工的人都应该明白,他们自以为获得的才能不会使他们在工作中取得成功。太重视自我会使一个人处于这种地步:他必独自一人,可怕的独自一人,没有弟兄们的合作,也没有天上媒介的合作。{4MR396.3}[29]
§60 Those who enter any portion of the Lord’s vast vineyard should understand that their supposed acquired abilities will not give them success in their work. A too great recognition of self will place one where he will be alone, terribly alone, without cooperation of his brethren, and without the cooperation of heavenly agencies.?{4MR 396.3}[29]
§61 一些工人已经成了障碍而不是帮助。上帝的日子必显明他们作工的结果。他们造成混乱,因为他们没有归正。自我在作工,没有纯洁的真代表的能力。要是这些工人是圣洁的、纯净的、脱离了一切的自私和自我优越感,要是他们在上帝的事上有真正的经验,要是他们的榜样和影响是正确的,非洲就不会是现在的样子。真理宏大广传的影响力就会涵盖许多其它地区。……{4MR396.4}[30]
§62 Some of the workers ... have been hindrances and not helps. The day of God will reveal the results of their work. They made confusion because?they were not converted. Self was working without the power of the pure, true agency. Had these workers been sanctified, purified, and cleansed from all selfishness and self-superiority, had they had a genuine experience in the things of God, had their example and influence been right, Africa would not be what it is today. The grand, far-reaching influence of the truth would have embraced many other territories....?{4MR 396.4}[30]
§63 要是在非洲有献身的工人推进到未开垦的园地,有负责之人的全力合作,这项工作的影响原会给主的国增加大批人数。然而在巴特尔克里克犯的错误在非洲也犯了,——以大笔开支使一个地方成了中心,而主葡萄园本应开垦的其它地方却被忽略了。上帝将在祂的工作中使用谦卑的人,他们并不认为自己很有用以致倚赖自己的判断和效能。{4MR397.1}[31]
§64 If, in Africa, there had been consecrated workers to push their way into unworked fields, with the full cooperation of the men who are bearing responsibilities, the influence of this work would have added large numbers to the Lord’s kingdom. But the same error has been committed in Africa that was committed in Battle Creek—a center was made in one place at a large outlay of means, while other portions of the Lord’s vineyard which should have been worked were neglected. God will use in His work humble men who do not think themselves so useful that they trust to their own judgment and efficiency.?{4MR 397.1}[31]
§65 在非洲有那些因为自己的谦卑而被人认为做不了多少工作的人。基督与这些人同工。上帝给了他们智慧。但被人认为聪明的人却束缚了工作,没有鼓励工作的进展。……要是做了需要做成的工作,有才干的人原会得到真理的知识,他们原能将我们的书籍翻译成不同的语言。花在美国用来楼上加楼的每一块钱都是原能进入却没进入的园地所需要的,因为派到南非的许多工人……不能理解形势。他们不愿舍己,背十字架,走耶稣所带领的道路。(《信函》1899年183号,3,5,10-12页,致亲爱的海特弟兄,1899年11月9日){4MR397.2}[32]
§66 In Africa there were those who because of their humility were supposed to be unable to do much. Christ worked with these men. God gave them wisdom. But supposedly wiser men bound about the work, and gave little encouragement for it to advance.... Had the work been done that needed to be done, men of talent would have come to a knowledge of the truth, men who could have translated our books into different languages. Every dollar expended in America in adding building to building was needed in the fields that might have been entered but were not because many of the workers sent to Africa were ... unable to take in the situation. They were not willing to deny self, lift the cross, and follow where Jesus led the way.—Letter?183, 1899, pp. 3, 5, 10-12. (To “Dear Brother W. S. Hyatt,” November 9, 1899.)?{4MR 397.2}[32]
§67 那些挑选传道士的人要做出严密调查,看看他们是不是已将身、心、灵献给上帝,为要做成的工作保持他们的能力。没有坚定宗旨、没有献身圣工的男男女女不应该以巨大代价被派到其它园地作工。(《文稿》1899年152号第1页,〈上帝的殿必须圣洁〉,1899年10月31日打字){4MR398.1}[33]
§68 Let those who select the missionaries make close investigation and see if they have consecrated themselves body, soul and spirit to God, to preserve their powers for the work that is suffering to be done. Men and women who have not settled purpose, who are not consecrated to the work, should not be sent at great expense to labor in other fields.—Manuscript 152, 1899, 1. (“The Temple of God Must Be Holy,” typed October 31, 1899.)?{4MR 398.1}[33]
§69 选择传道士去外国是一件严肃认真的事。上帝所悦纳从事这项工作的人必须是象钢铁般忠于原则的人。他们必须是倒空自我的人,有证据表明他们在负基督的轭,表现祂内心的柔和谦卑。{4MR398.2}[34]
§70 It is a solemn, serious matter to select missionaries for foreign countries. The men whom God will accept for this work must be as true as steel to principle. They must be men who are emptied of self, men who give evidence that they are wearing Christ’s yoke and manifesting His meekness and lowliness of heart.?{4MR 398.2}[34]
§71 像非洲和澳大利亚这样的园地需要最佳才干。我们必须在基督里并藉着基督作工,在一些地方要有腐败的各教会同意才能作工,尽管我们无法尊重他们的主张:无论哪里的教会都要受国家管理。{4MR398.3}[35]
§72 The very best talent is required in such fields as Africa and Australia. We have to work in and through Christ, and in some places with the consent of the corrupt churches, although we cannot respect their claims, wherever the church is managed by the state.?{4MR 398.3}[35]
§73 我们阐述真理必须运用智慧;我们的言语必须调和,否则我们就会自行断绝接近那些需要帮助之人的机会。必须有天使的智慧分赐给人,否则门户就会向人们所需要的信息关闭。“你们要灵巧像蛇,驯良像鸽子”(太10:16)。……{4MR398.4}[36]
§74 We have to use wisdom in representing the truth; our speech must be tempered, else we cut ourselves off from gaining access to those who need help. The wisdom of angelic agencies must be imparted to human instrumentalities, else the door will be closed to the message the people need. “Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”...?{4MR 398.4}[36]
§75 既要传讲上帝的道,也要实践上帝的道,要使其进入基督徒在这世界上做成之工的每一阶段。上帝所指定从事祂工作之人必须倒空自我。要让耶稣进来。向天上的贵宾敞开心门。不要像仰望上帝那样仰望任何人。当那些在服务中亲近上帝的人是献身、洁净、纯净的人,离上帝的仁慈近而又近的时候,他们就能表达上帝的委托,并且受到尊重。……{4MR399.1}[37]
§76 The Word of God is to be lived as well as preached. It is to be brought into every phase of the Christian work done in this world. The men God has appointed to do His work must be emptied of self. Let Jesus in. Open the door of the heart to the heavenly Guest. Let no man be looked up to as God. When those who come nigh [to] God in service are consecrated, cleansed, and purified, approaching nearer and still nearer the divine benevolence, they can voice the commission of God, and be respected....?{4MR 399.1}[37]
§77 上帝旨在人们要被上头强劲的道德吸引力不断吸引向上。要是在非洲的工人们记住了这一点,他们原会以敬畏上帝的无私态度做成一项大工。那些在非洲的人原会受到鼓舞,为上帝使用他们的体力和智力。工作原会在荷兰人和其他语种的人中间进展。含有真理的出版物原会流通各处。传道人和统治者们原会归顺真理。……那些在南非园地工作的人必须了解形势。他们与非洲弟兄们的关系是互惠的。(应该注意,虽然此处提出的原则适用于海外工人、本国工人和信徒之间,但怀爱伦在这段话中说的是早期从美国差派的传道士与住在南非的荷兰和英国人之间的关系。)非洲有才子,来自美国的工人若是知道如何……认出他们非洲弟兄的能力和才干,就会成就更多的善工。爱上帝并且顺从祂话语的人要密切联合起来。他们要一起工作,以各种方式使用他们的才干。……{4MR399.2}[38]
§78 God designs that men shall be drawn constantly upward by the strong moral attraction of that which is above. Had the workers in Africa remembered this, they would have done a great work by their God-fearing, unselfish attitude. Those in Africa would have been inspired to use their physical and mental capabilities for God. The work would have gone forward among the Dutch and other languages. Publications containing the truth would have been circulated everywhere. Ministers and rulers would have been converted to the truth.... Those who work in the South African field must understand the bearing of the situation. Their connection with their African brethren is a reciprocal one. [It should be noted that while principles here enunciated would apply in all relationships between overseas workers and national workers and believers, Ellen White in this instance is speaking of the inter-relationships between the early missionaries sent from America and the Dutch and English peoples residing in South Africa.] There are men of talent in Africa, and if the workers from America knew how to ... recognize the ability and talent possessed by their African brethren, much more good would be done. Those who love God and obey His word are to be closely united. They are to work together, using their talents in various ways....?{4MR 399.2}[38]
§79 在非洲那些有能力的人本应该与他们的美国弟兄们联合。来自美国的弟兄姐妹们要是与非洲的信徒联合了,喜乐的歌原会在天使中间听到,认识到人际关系是与上帝联合的。要是帘幕能够拉开,我们原会看见天使都准备好与人合作,推进圣工。(《信函》1899年187号第3-6页,致亲爱的S.N.赫斯格弟兄,1899年11月16日){4MR400.1}[39]
§80 Those in Africa who possessed capabilities should have been united with their American brethren. If the brethren and sisters from America had united with the African believers, songs of joy would have been heard among the heavenly angels, recognizing the human relationship as a union with God. Could the curtain have been rolled back, we would have seen heavenly angels all prepared to cooperate with human intelligence for the advancement of the work.—Letter 187, 1899, pp. 3-6. (To “Dear Brother S. N. Haskell,” November 16, 1899.)?{4MR 400.1}[39]
§81 主有一项大工要做成。改变不断在发生。我们在与不同国籍、教育和经验的人交往时,将发现推进完全纯正的福音乃是一场生死斗争。……保罗写给他在福音里的儿子提摩太说:“上帝赐给我们,不是胆怯的心,乃是刚强、仁爱、谨守的心。你不要以给我们的主作见证为耻,也不要以我这为主被囚的为耻;总要按上帝的能力,与我为福音同受苦难。上帝救了我们,以圣召召我们,不是按我们的行为,乃是按祂的旨意和恩典;这恩典是万古之先,在基督耶稣里赐给我们的”(提后1:7-9)。(《文稿》1900年31号第2,5页,日记,1900年6月18日打字){4MR400.2}[40]
§82 The Lord has a great work to be done. Changes are continually taking place. In our association with those of different nationality, education, and experience we shall find that it is a life and death struggle to bear forward the gospel in all its purity.... Paul wrote to Timothy, his son in the gospel, “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God, who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not according to our own works, but according to His purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began.”—Manuscript 31, 1900, 2, 5. (Diary, typed June 18, 1900.)?{4MR 400.2}[40]
§83 在国内教育学生比把他们送到美国受教育要更安全;因为在美国他们会看到听到许多对他们无益的事,要是他们留在自己的国家就不会耳闻目睹那些事。太多的方法、习惯和时尚从美国传到了某地,结果很不利。应该从美国差派最好的老师去外国教育年轻人。(《信函》1899年188号第5页,致S.N.赫斯格弟兄和姐妹,1899年11月13日)1970年5月14日发布。{4MR400.3}[41]
§84 It is safer to educate students at home than to send them to America to receive an education; for in America they see and hear much that does them no good, which they would not see and hear were they to remain in their own country. Too many of the methods and habits and fashions have been?transported from America to _____, and the result is not favorable. The very best teachers should be sent from America to foreign countries to educate the young.—Letter 188, 1899, p. 5. (To “Dear Brother and Sister S. N. Haskell,” November 13, 1899.)Released May 14, 1970.?{4MR 400.3}[41]
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