第264号 给总会会长的信息
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第264号 给总会会长的信息
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MR No. 264 - A Message to the President of the General Conference
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我看见你跪下祷告，怀着痛苦的心情恳求。你大声祈祷说：“主啊！我观望园地，要整顿局势，需要做那么多的工作，有那么多该做的事情没有做。我的担子和苦恼无法衡量。主啊！谁有能力处理这些事情呢？除了祢，我能投靠谁呢？祢有永生之道。我则完全软弱、无知和无助。你草场的可怜羊需要喂养和看守，可是我没有能力，无法从事这项大工。主啊！接纳它，因为它是祢的工作。我只是祢软弱的工具。我看到按照正确的精神、按照有成效的精神所做的事情是这么少，所以心灰意冷。我不知道该怎么办。”{5MR9.1}[1]
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You are presented before me as bowed upon your knees in prayer, pleading in an agony of soul. You are praying aloud, saying, Lord, I look over the field, and there is so much to do to set things in order, so much left undone that ought to be done, that I am burdened and distressed beyond measure. O Lord, who is sufficient for these things? To whom shall I go but unto Thee? Thou hast the words of eternal life. I am utterly weak, and ignorant, and helpless. Where are the poor sheep of Thy pasture, who need to be fed and watched over; but I am not able, I cannot do this great work. Take it, O Lord, it is Thy work. I am only Thy weak instrument. I see so little done in the right spirit, in the spirit that will produce results, that I am disheartened, I do not know how to work. {5MR 9.1}[1]
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奥尔森长老:我希望你不要因教会里责任的疏忽而让忧虑压在你的心头，使你不能注视耶稣。“看哪！上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”（约1:29）。恳劝教会作出悔改的个人努力，因为他们失去了起初的爱心，这是对的，但千万不可绝望。耶稣比你更爱所有这些人。你有你的工作要做。这是一份负责任的工作。但你不要一叶蔽目，专注于这项工作而看不见耶稣。你痛苦是因为许多人满足于敬虔的外表，却违背了敬虔的实质。他们满意地观看外表仪式的进行，却没有证据表明他们真的与上帝有关系。他们受了骗，不知道自己的状况。这种欺骗很难破除。他们不了解自己本性的腐败有多深，也不知道上帝的无限圣洁。他们没有认识到，他们一切信心和盼望的基础只能我们的中保耶稣的完全。唯一真正救人的信心在于把握基督所赐的义。祂是美德、属灵能力和生命的唯一泉源。每一个人都必须亲自认识上帝，相信祂所差来的耶稣基督。教会的成员一旦有了这种经验，基督徒的美德就会焕发出来。他们会以谦卑为衣。这种信心的果实就是仁爱、喜乐、和平、恒久忍耐、恩慈和良善。他们人生的目标就是天天荣耀上帝。{5MR9.2}[2]
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Elder Olsen, I hope you will not permit anxiety concerning the neglect of duties of the church to so cloud your mind that you will fail to look steadfastly to Jesus. Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world. It is proper to entreat the church to make individual work in repenting because they have left their first love; but never despair. Jesus loves all these souls better than you can love them. You have your work to do. It is a responsible work, but you are not to look at it until it assumes so large proportions, that it hides Jesus from your sight. You are pained because many are satisfied with the form of godliness, while denying the power thereof. They look with satisfaction in the performance of outward ceremonies, and yet there is no evidence that they are virtually connected with God. They are deceived in regard to their condition, and this deception is hard to break up. They know little of the depths of their own natural corruption, or of the infinite holiness of God. They do not realize that the foundation of all their faith and hope should only be the perfection of Jesus our surety. The only genuine saving faith is that which lays hold upon the imputed righteousness of Christ. He is the only source of virtue, of spiritual power and life. Each must have a knowledge of God for himself, must have faith in Jesus Christ whom God hath sent. When the members of the church have this experience Christian virtues will shine forth, and they will be clothed with humility. The fruit of this faith will be love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness and goodness, and the object of their lives will be to glorify God day by day. {5MR 9.2}[2]
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你观察自称为基督徒的人，就会在教会、家庭和个人身上发现许多亏欠。但是你无法使一个人洁净。我们必须仰望那长远活着为我们代求的大祭司。感谢上帝，人类没有被迫穿戴笨重的盔甲。耶稣能为我们承担。主邀请你把一切忧虑都卸给祂。祂会作你的顾问和永远的支持。仇敌正在施展一切不义的欺骗。然而你必须用基督的义束腰，述说自己的经验使别人受益。不要因这样或那样的事、因自命为信徒者的缺乏虔诚、因参与上帝圣工的人没有敬虔地工作而困惑吃惊。你有上帝的话。要接受它、相信它、要立足于其上，你就会发现它坚如磐石。在基督里你可以坚定地站立。{5MR10.1}[3]
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In looking upon the professed followers of Christ you see great deficiencies in the church, in families, and individuals: but you cannot make one soul clean. We must look to our High Priest, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. Thank God that human agents are not constrained to wear the official breastplate. Jesus is able to bear it. He is able to bear all your burdens. You are invited to cast all your care upon Him. He will be your counselor, your everlasting support. The enemy is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness: but you must gird yourself with Christs righteousness, and tell your experience that others may be benefited. Suffer not this or that event, the want of piety in professors, the lack of godly work in those connected with the cause of God confuse and startle you. You have the word of God, take it, believe it, plant your feet upon it, and you will find it is solid rock. In Christ you may stand firmly. {5MR 10.1}[3]
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我们不可能指望凡事都一帆风顺，因为凡能被震动的都要被震动。上帝正在考验和检查祂的子民。上帝的天使、天上的生灵正在观察品格的发展，权衡自称为基督徒者的道德价值。要抬头仰望，超越每天所发生繁杂的事情，定睛注视那位永不改变的主。这样，你就会受得了看见那位看不见的主。你可以快乐地展望奥秘的结束。{5MR11.1}[4]
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We cannot expect that everything will move along smoothly; for everything is to be shaken that can be shaken. God is testing and proving His people. Angels of God, intelligences of heaven, are watching the development of character, and weighing the moral worth of the professed followers of Christ. Look up, look above the whirl of daily occurrences, and fix your eyes upon Him who never changes and you will endure as seeing Him who is invisible. You may look forward with joy to the finishing of the mystery. {5MR 11.1}[4]
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作为大工长手中的工具，你可以做力所能及的事，但不要忧虑。要尽力而为，保持快乐的心情。虽然谎言之父会千方百计使上帝的选民灰心丧气，但你不要让他战胜你。我知道你身负重担。我们会努力与你分担，虽然我们可能不在现场。然而耶稣会在你身边。你每天可以在祂里面得到平安和安息。你需要更多的休息。你没有不朽之躯，承受不了持续的紧张。撒但想要剥去你神圣的盔甲。但你要象小孩子那样信靠耶稣。要让你的光照耀出来，而不是使它发光。耶稣会成就此事。要让基督的义像衣服那样包裹你。要相信你所有的知识和智慧都会从以色列的圣者那里临到你。祂不灰心，也不丧胆（赛42:4）。{5MR11.2}[5]
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As an instrument in the hand of a Master Workman, you may do what you can, but do not worry. Do the best you can and keep cheerful. Though the father of lies will set every conceivable power at work to discourage and make fainthearted the chosen of God, yet do not permit him to triumph over you. I know that a heavy burden rests upon you, and we will try to bear it with you, though we cannot be upon the ground. But Jesus will be close by your side, and daily you may find rest and peace in Him. You need more rest. You are not immortal, and you cannot bear constant strain. You have a divine armor that Satan wants to strip you of: but trust in Jesus like a little child. You are to let your light shine, not to make it shine. Jesus will do that. Let the righteousness of Christ surround you as a garment. Believe that all your knowledge, all your wisdom, will come to you from the Holy One of Israel, who will not fail, nor be discouraged. {5MR 11.2}[5]
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虽然每一个人都处在宽容的时期，每一天都在决定自己将来的命运，虽然想到这一点就令人害怕，你对此事也有强烈的感触，但你不可让那些不愿意置身于传光通道中的人，站在反映上帝荣耀的位置上。有一件事是肯定的，那就是所有选民的名字都写在我们大祭司的胸牌上。祂说：“我将你铭刻在我掌上”（赛49:16）。哦，祂爱我们！祂爱我们！赞美祂的圣名！祂将我们维系于祂伟大的爱心。“谁能控告上帝所拣选的人呢？”有上帝称他们为义了。谁能定他们的罪呢？有基督耶稣已经死了。但我们并没有与基督一同被留在约瑟的新坟墓里。祂“从死里复活，现今在上帝的右边，也替我们祈求”（罗8:33,34）。{5MR11.3}[6]
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Though every individual is a probationer, and every day men are deciding their own future destiny, though this is an awful thought, and you feel intensely over the matter, yet you cannot make those who will not place themselves in the channel of light, stand where they may reflect the glory of God. One thing is certain, the names of all the chosen are upon the breastplate of our great High Priest. He says, I have graven thee on the palms of My hands. Oh, He loves us! He loves us! Praise His holy name! He has bound us to His great heart of love. Who shall lay anything to the charge of Gods elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died. But we are not left with Christ in Josephs new tomb? Yes, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. {5MR 11.3}[6]
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虽然我们在所遇见的人中，甚至在自称相信和宣扬真理的人中深深感受到不信和缺乏对耶稣的爱，但是我们没有理由灰心。尽管许多人冷淡而形式主义的祷告和心不在焉的见证表明他们丧失了起初爱心的热忱，在属灵上不结果子，但我们岂能把自己包裹在忧郁沮丧里呢？这只会让仇敌高兴。我们要相信主耶稣活着，公义的日头清晰稳定地照耀着。虽然撒但会把他地狱的阴影投在我们的眼前，对我们遮住耶稣面上的荣光，我们却决不要忘记祂的脸朝我们发光。我们务要凭着信心瞻仰那位看不见的主，决不要认为耶稣已把我们撇下，让我们孤军奋战。我们是有仗要打的，但天上的生灵在耶和华的军队中，基督是我们救恩的元帅。{5MR12.1}[7]
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Although we may feel deeply over the unbelief and the absence of love for Jesus in those we meet, and even find this lack among those who claim to believe the truth and proclaim it, yet there is no reason why we should despond. Although many have lost the ardor of their first love and are spiritually barren, giving evidence of this fact in their cold formal prayers and heartless testimonies, yet shall we wrap the mantle of gloom about us? No, this would please the enemy. We are to believe that the Lord Jesus lives, that the Sun of Righteousness shines in clear and steady rays, and although Satan may cast his hellish shadow before our eyes, to dim the brightness of the face of Christ to us, yet we are never to forget that His face shines upon us. By faith we are to see Him who is invisible, and never imagine that Jesus has left us to fight the battle alone. Battles we shall have to fight, but heavenly intelligences are in the army of the Lord, and Christ is the captain of our salvation. {5MR 12.1}[7]
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有一件事我们不可以忘记，就是“凡栽种的物，若不是我天父栽种的，必要拔出来”（太15:13）。耶稣说：“我的羊听我的声音，我也认识他们，他们也跟着我。我又赐给他们永生。他们永不灭亡，谁也不能从我手里把他们夺去。我父把羊赐给我，祂比万有都大。谁也不能从我父手里把他们夺去”（约10:27-29）。“凡父所赐给我的人，必到我这里来。到我这里来的，我总不丢弃他”（约6:37）。{5MR12.2}[8]
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There is one thing we should not forget, and that is that every plant that My heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. Jesus says, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me; and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand. My Father which gave them Me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Fathers hand. All that My Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out. {5MR 12.2}[8]
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我们不需要发出悲伤的叹息说：“耶和华离弃了我，主忘记了我”（赛49:14）。因为耶稣决不会忘记每一个向往祂的人。人因着自己的罪孽过犯与祂分离；但是耶稣却吸引人的心灵，叫人能看见祂、爱上祂。在基督里没有改变，也没有转动的影儿。耶稣决不会让我们背负超过我们力量的胆子。我们不要把这么多担子揽在自己身上，把自己压垮。我们要把重担放在那一位能够承担的主身上。{5MR13.1}[9]
§20
We need not utter the mournful lamentation, The Lord has forsaken me, and my God hath forgotten me. For Jesus never forsakes a soul that desires Him. Men separate themselves from Him by their sins and transgressions; but Jesus draws the souls of men that they may behold Him and fall in love with Him. In Christ is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Jesus never asks us to bear more burdens than we have strength to bear. Let us not gather so many burdens upon ourselves that we shall be crushed under them. Let us lay the heavy burdens on One who can carry them. {5MR 13.1}[9]
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耶稣是我们的辩护者，是我们在天庭的朋友。让我们依靠祂大能的膀臂，欢然行路，从内心对祂发出歌咏。耶稣成了我们的智慧、公义、圣洁和救赎。在祂里面居住着上帝本性的一切丰盛。你有一位完备的救主在你身边。与祂在一起并靠着祂，你凡事都能做。你不必寻求更有效的帮助了。你所从事的事业和工作是属于主的。祂能带出一班经过考验、清净洁白的子民。以色列的上帝满有智慧、恩典和能力。大有谋略的主会主持每一次会议。{5MR13.2}[10]
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Jesus is our advocate, He is our friend at court. Let us lean on His almighty arm, and go on our way rejoicing, making melody in our hearts unto the Lord. Jesus is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption. In Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. You have a complete Saviour, who is close by your side, and with and through Him you can do all things. You need not seek for more efficient aid. The cause and work in which you are engaged is the Lords, and He is able to bring forth a people, tried, purified, and made white. There is a God in Israel, who is full of wisdom, grace and power. He who is mighty in counsel will preside at every meeting. {5MR 13.2}[10]
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我的弟兄：你可能会哭泣，但你总要透过眼泪看见阳光和应许之虹。我劝你听从基督对门徒所说的话：“你们来，歇一歇”（可6:31）。你总是在战争的喧嚣中是无法保存体力的。你可以有休息期。我奉耶稣的名劝你休息。你不会损失什么，因为你休息以后，会增添活力，思想更加清晰，理智也更有力量，更好地准备从事所交给你的重要工作。（《信函》1892年23号1-5页，致O.A.奥尔森长老，1892年9月20日）1971年5月11日发布。{5MR13.3}[11]
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You may weep, my brother, but ever behold through your tears the sunshine and the rainbow of promise. I caution you to heed the words of Christ to His disciples--Come ye apart, and rest awhile. You cannot always be in the din of battle and preserve your strength; you may have periods of rest. In the name of Jesus, I beseech you to rest. You will lose nothing; for you will come forth from your rest invigorated with more clearness of thought, more strength of intellect, and better prepared to do the important work committed to your charge.--Letter 23, 1892, pp. 1-5. (To Elder O. A. Olsen, September 20, 1892.) Released May 11, 1971. {5MR 13.3}[11]