第299号 阿马登家庭
§1
第299号 阿马登家庭
§2
MR No. 299 - The Amadon Family
§3
阿马登弟兄对我们早期的经历有所了解。他曾是我家的一个成员。我确信他记得很多我们经历过的困境。我高兴地看到阿马登弟兄如今参加了南方的工作。你们可以用最圣洁的信心彼此鼓励。每个人都要忠于职守。（《信函》1903年262号，第4页，致我们在南方各州的传道人和其他工人，1903年11月24日）{5MR164.1}[1]
§4
Brother Amadon knows something of our early experiences. He was a member of my family. I am sure that he remembers many of the strait places through which we passed. I am glad that Brother Amadon is now engaged in the Southern work. You may strengthen one another in the most holy faith. Each one is to stand in his lot and place.--Letter 262, 1903, p. 4. (To our ministers and other workers in the Southern States, November 24, 1903.) {5MR 164.1}[1]
§5
阿马登弟兄从《评论》出版社创建初期就一直参与其中的工作。那些从一开始就从事圣工的人，了解牺牲的意义。他们接受似乎难以维持生活的最低薪水，为了出版社获得成功，甚至奉献了他们所得到的微薄收入。（《文稿》1890年16号，8、9页，〈不断需要上帝的启迪〉，1890年）{5MR164.2}[2]
§6
Brother Amadon has been connected with the Review office from its first establishment. Those who labored in the cause from the first, knew what it was to sacrifice: they accepted the least wages which it seemed possible to subsist upon, and sacrificed of even the little they did receive, in order to make the Office a success.--Ms 16, 1890, pp. 8, 9. (The Constant Need of Divine Enlightenment, 1890.) {5MR 164.2}[2]
§7
【注：1865年8月，怀雅各中风。接下来的两年半时间主要用于他的康复。1867年至1868年间，怀特一家住在密歇根州的格林维尔，于巴特尔克里克以北约90英里处。到了1868年9月在赖特召开帐篷大会的时候，他康复得不错，但怀爱伦背负着他的重担，筋疲力尽。在帐篷大会上，他们被催促回到巴特尔克里克，他们同意了。在十月中旬他们搬到巴特尔克里克，找房安家，接着进行为期11周的东部之行。12月30日返回巴特尔克里克后，他们发现他们的家已经安顿好，摆好了他们从格林维尔带来的家什。他们发现巴特尔克里克的情况非常不妙。他们面临着批评和流言。这就要求对教会下非常令人疲惫的工夫。最后在1869年四月中旬，精疲力尽的怀特夫妇返回了格林维尔，希望隐居并找机会写作。他们抵达几天以后，怀爱伦写了一个信息给“史密斯和阿马登弟兄。”下面这段话引自这封信。】{5MR164.3}[3]
§8
[NOTE: JAMES WHITE SUFFERED A STROKE IN AUGUST, 1865. THE NEXT TWO AND A HALF YEARS WERE GIVEN LARGELY TO HIS RECOVERY, WITH THE WHITES RESIDING IN 1867 AND 1868 AT GREENVILLE, MICHIGAN, SOME 90 MILES NORTH OF BATTLE CREEK. BY THE TIME OF THE CAMP MEETING AT WRIGHT IN SEPTEMBER, 1868, HE WAS QUITE RECOVERED, BUT ELLEN, WHO HAD THE BURDEN OF HIS CARE, WAS BADLY WORN. AT THE CAMP MEETING THEY WERE URGED TO RETURN TO BATTLE CREEK, WHICH THEY AGREED TO DO. IN MID-OCTOBER THEY MOVED TO BATTLE CREEK, ARRANGED FOR THE BUILDING OF A HOME, AND THEN EMBARKED ON A JOURNEY EAST WHICH TOOK 11 WEEKS. RETURNING TO BATTLE CREEK ON DECEMBER 30 THEY FOUND THEIR HOME FINISHED AND PARTLY FURNISHED WITH THEIR GOODS FROM GREENVILLE. THEY FOUND A VERY UNWHOLESOME SITUATION IN BATTLE CREEK. THEY FACED CRITICISM AND GOSSIP. THIS DEMANDED WEARYING LABOR WITH THE CHURCH. FINALLY IN MID-APRIL, 1869, MUCH WORN, JAMES AND ELLEN WHITE RETURNED TO GREENVILLE HOPEFUL OF FINDING SECLUSION AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE. A FEW DAYS AFTER THEIR ARRIVAL, ELLEN WHITE ADDRESSED A MESSAGE TO BRETHREN SMITH AND AMADON. THE STATEMENT WHICH FOLLOWS IS DRAWN FROM THIS COMMUNICATION.] {5MR 164.3}[3]
§9
亲爱的史密斯和阿马登弟兄：我要向你们大致地描述我此刻回顾过去的感受。在赖特的帐篷大会上，主与祂的子民同在。巴特尔克里克的弟兄们作了严肃的保证，说他们会站在我们旁边，不会任由重担压到我们身上。……{5MR165.1}[4]
§10
Dear Brethren Smith and Amadon: I will write to you a faint expression of my feelings at this time as I review the past. At the camp meeting at Wright, the Lord was with His people. There solemn pledges were made by the brethren of Battle Creek that they would stand by us, and not permit burdens to come upon us. . . . {5MR 165.1}[4]
§11
我不愿意住在巴特尔克里克。我可以说是逃到格林维尔以求心灵的平静和自由，脱离那些本应站在我们这边的人所带给我们的不必要的烦恼折磨。……{5MR165.2}[5]
§12
I was reluctant to locate in Battle Creek. I had, as it were, fled to Greenville for quietude of mind and freedom from the harassing trials brought upon us unnecessarily by those who should have stood by us. . . . {5MR 165.2}[5]
§13
我恳请我的丈夫不要答应我们的弟兄们要我们住在巴特尔克里克的请求，直到我们得到上帝清晰的亮光，表明祂希望我们离开这里。我的丈夫认为我们在巴特尔克里克的试炼已经结束，我们在上帝手里能成为出版社、机构和教会的福气。……{5MR165.3}[6]
§14
I pled with my husband not to comply with the wishes of our brethren in regard to locating in Battle Creek until we should have clear light from God that it was His will that we should move from this place. My husband urged that our trials in Battle Creek were over, and that we could in the hands of God be a blessing to the Office, Institute and church. . . . {5MR 165.3}[6]
§15
我们的心是炽热的，我们俩都高兴地认为巴特尔克里克的弟兄姊妹是信任我们的。我们最热切地盼望能与他们和谐工作。为了做到这一点，他们必须坚信上帝与我们同在。……{5MR165.4}[7]
§16
Our hearts were all aglow, and we both flattered ourselves that we were established in the hearts of the brethren and sisters at Battle Creek. We most earnestly desired this that we might work in harmony with them. In order to do this, their confidence must be established that God was with us. . . . {5MR 165.4}[7]
§17
我们把在巴特尔克里克的家看作是我们、特别是我丈夫休息的地方。在与巴特尔克里克的弟兄们共享平安与快乐的问题上，我曾看到致使我局促不安的状况。{5MR165.5}[8]
§18
We looked at Battle Creek our home as a place of rest, especially my husband. I had seen the condition of things which led me to feelings of uncertainty, and insecurity in regard to peace and happiness being enjoyed with our brethren in Battle Creek. {5MR 165.5}[8]
§19
我看到史密斯弟兄夫妇不满又不安，看着奥尔德里奇弟兄，与他表同情，担心怀弟兄不对他做正确的事。……{5MR165.6}[9]
§20
I was shown Brother Smith and wife, dissatisfied and unsettled, looking upon Brother Aldrich and sympathizing with him, and fearing that Brother White did not pursue the right course toward him. . . . {5MR 165.6}[9]
§21
阿马登弟兄也不敢站稳立场，指责错误，惟恐在一些事上定了自己的罪。大家似乎都在袖手旁观。撒但掌控了局面。你们都在某种程度上受到他的控制。……{5MR166.1}[10]
§22
Brother Amadon likewise did not dare to take his position and rebuke wrong for fear in some things he should condemn himself. All seemed held. Satan was at the helm, and you were all being, in a measure, controlled by him. . . . {5MR 166.1}[10]
§23
我们辛劳、奋斗、挣扎。我们在家里祈祷痛哭，无法休息或睡觉。帐篷大会里有一件可憎的事使上帝不悦。我以健康为代价写出了一个又一个证言。我担心受怕，希望唤醒巴特尔克里克信徒的良心。我们在聚会时作见证，在会议间歇时与个人会面。但你们却不敢指责错误，或站在我们这一边。……{5MR166.2}[11]
§24
We have labored and toiled and tugged. We have prayed and wept at home. We could not rest or sleep. There was an accursed thing in the camp which brought the frown of God. I wrote testimony after testimony at the expense of health, and I feared of life, hoping to arouse the consciences of the people at Battle Creek. We bore testimonies in meetings, and held private interviews out of meeting. But you did not dare to reprove wrong, or stand with us. . . . {5MR 166.2}[11]
§25
关于那些本该履行自己庄严的承诺、站在我们一边的人所造成的痛苦状态，我不会再说什么。让撒但行动吧。承诺、誓言和声明都将如霜在太阳下融化。你们已经得到了一切证据，使你们可以确信上帝与我们同在。……{5MR166.3}[12]
§26
I will say no more in regard to the painful state of things caused by the failure of those who ought to have stood by us according to their solemn pledges. Let Satan get the start and pledges, vows, and protestations will melt away like frost before the sun. You have had all the evidences you will ever have to establish your confidence that God is with us. . . . {5MR 166.3}[12]
§27
我们竭尽全力在一系列聚会中辛劳，直到我象一辆装满禾捆的大车，被压得几乎牺牲了性命。我差点儿死在自己的岗位上。{5MR166.4}[13]
§28
We labored through that series of meetings tugging at the work with all our might until I was pressed as a cart beneath sheaves, my life almost sacrificed. I nearly died at my post. {5MR 166.4}[13]
§29
早上，阿马登弟兄在他们为我祷告之后来看望我，以坚决的口气说：“我知道你的问题出在哪里。你操劳过度了，这是有罪的。你主持太多的聚会。你在东部的活动过于频繁。这是不对的。主在这个问题上已警告过你。怀弟兄在出版社承担了太多的责任。”{5MR166.5}[14]
§30
Brother Amadon came in the morning after they had prayed for me, and said in a very decided manner, I know what is the matter with you. You have overlabored, and it is sin. You hold too many meetings. [In the] East you went too fast from place to place. It is wrong. The Lord has cautioned you in this matter. Brother White takes too many burdens on himself in the office. {5MR 166.5}[14]
§31
我过于虚弱、无法多说，但我仍说了几句。是谁在过去几周里当我们筋疲力尽回到家里以求稍事休息的时候给我们带来重担的？是这种事态。我痛苦地发觉那些本该支持我们的人竟袖手旁观或漠不关心。正是这种局面导致了上帝的不悦，也像一支箭穿入我们的心。{5MR167.1}[15]
§32
I was too weak to say much, yet I did say a few words. Who had brought the labor upon us the last few weeks when we came home utterly exhausted to seek for a little rest? It was this condition of things. It was so painful to find that those who ought to sustain us stood aloof or indifferent. It was this that brought the displeasure of God and was like an arrow in our hearts. {5MR 167.1}[15]
§33
与乔治的谈话使我思潮起伏。我看到无法指望任何人赏识我们的工作、我们的动机或他们的错误给我们所带来的痛苦。我觉得就算我们因教会的错误而负重至死，他们也不会领情，只会说我们是自杀的，我们这么做是有罪的，而事情就会到此结束。……{5MR167.2}[16]
§34
The conversation of George set my mind at work. I could see that it was no use to expect anyone to appreciate our work, our motives, or our sufferings caused by their wrongs. I felt that if we should burden ourselves to death over the wrongs of the church, they would not appreciate it, but say we killed ourselves; we had sinned in doing so, and there the matter would end. . . . {5MR 167.2}[16]
§35
我们只希望教会和处于重要岗位的弟兄们能如此献身，以致在上帝带领我们反对错误的时候，在我们必须痛苦地指责错误和罪恶的时候，他们能与藉着我们说话的上帝的灵一同发声，说：“阿们。”我们只希望他们站在我们旁边，表明他们认识上帝的灵。{5MR167.3}[17]
§36
All we have wanted was for the church and our brethren in important positions to be so consecrated that they can, when God leads us to stand against wrong, and when the painful necessity is laid upon us to reprove wrong and sin, let their voice be heard in union with the Spirit of God, who speaks through us in saying, Amen. If they would have stood by us and shown that they were acquainted with the Spirit of God, it was all we wanted. {5MR 167.3}[17]
§37
但我们在一班面对上帝所赐直接的亮光还持你们所持立场的人中间安全吗？当你们得到了所有的证据，却仍犹豫不决，不去了解主这边在何处时，我们能在你们中间轻松地休息吗？我们能指望上帝会赐给你们什么更大的证据，超过你们所已经得到的，证明祂在祂的圣工中使用我们吗？{5MR167.4}[18]
§38
But are we safe to be among a people who occupy the position you have occupied in the face of the direct light God has given? Can we feel free to rest among you when after all the evidence you have had you hesitate to take your position and to know where the Lords side is? Can we expect God will give you any greater proofs than you have already received that He was using us in His work? {5MR 167.4}[18]
§39
我们不期待你们会得到更多的亮光或得到与已有的一样多的亮光。我们不能信任你们。我们只能预料如果发生什么可疑的情况，如果你们所信任所爱的人，比如奥尔德里奇弟兄，因错误而受到指责，你们会被发现每一次都站在错误的一边，或者持所谓的“中立立场。”……{5MR168.1}[19]
§40
We do not expect you will have any more light nor as much as you have had. We cannot trust you. We can but expect, if any doubtful circumstance should arise, that if one you had confidence in or loved, as you have Brother Aldrich, should be reproved for wrong, you would be found on the wrong side every time, or occupying your neutral position. . . . {5MR 168.1}[19]
§41
我们不会收回对巴特尔克里克的关注，但不能将我们的生命和幸福交托与你们手中。上帝没有要求我们这样。祂呼召了我们，委任我们从事一项重要的工作。这项工作必须在会受到重视而且我们的时间不会白费的地方完成。必须有所成就。愿上帝帮助我们谦卑地工作，信靠祂使之增长。爱你们的怀爱伦。（《信函》1869年第3号，1-8页，致乌利亚.史密斯和乔治.阿马登弟兄，1869年4月23日）{5MR168.2}[20]
§42
We shall not withdraw our interest from Battle Creek, but cannot trust our life and happiness in your hands. God does not require it of us. He has called us and commissioned us to do an important work. This work must be done where it will be appreciated and our time not thrown away. It must tell. May God help us to work in humility, trusting in Him to give the increase. In love, Ellen G. White.--Letter 3, 1869, pp. 1-8. (To Brethren Uriah Smith and George Amadon, April 23, 1869.) {5MR 168.2}[20]
§43
我收到阿马登弟兄的来信，并以最深的兴趣阅读了。我真心谢谢你就我们的老手写得这么充分。你什么时候能写信我都感谢你；我会很高兴听到你的消息。我为凯蒂感到难过，很难过。但愿上帝感动弗雷德的心，他终究会需要一位救主。告诉凯蒂继续将她的手交在耶稣手中。祂必扶持她，使她的脚不至滑倒。……{5MR168.3}[21]
§44
I received and read with deep interest Brother Amadons letter. I sincerely thank you for writing so fully in regard to our old hands. I thank you any time that you can write; I shall be glad to hear from you. I am sorry, so sorry for Katy. Oh that God may touch the heart of Fred, for he will need a Saviour by and by. Tell Kate to keep her hand in the hand of Jesus and He will hold her that her feet shall not slide. . . . {5MR 168.3}[21]
§45
我多么感谢耶稣在巴特尔克里克向你显现啊！我盼望并祈祷巴特尔克里克的教会能继续认识主，直到他们知道祂出现确如晨光（何6:3）。光，宝贵的光，要照耀上帝热爱诫命的子民。撒但在策划毁灭他们，但耶稣恩眷他们。所以不要发出沮丧的声音，因为教会是祂特别关心和爱护的对象。要谈论信心、始终谈论希望、谈论勇气。（《信函》1893年103号1、2页，致阿马登弟兄夫妇，1893年6月15日）{5MR168.4}[22]
§46
Oh, how thankful I am that Jesus has revealed Himself unto you in Battle Creek! I hope and pray that the church in Battle Creek may follow on to know the Lord until they shall know His goings forth are prepared as the morning. Light, precious light, is to shine upon Gods commandment-loving people. Satan meditates their destruction, but Jesus has thoughts of mercy upon them. Then let there not be one doleful note sounded, for the church is the special object of His care and of His love. Talk faith; always talk hope; talk courage.--Letter 103, 1893, pp. 1, 2. (To Brother and Sister Amadon, June 15, 1893.) {5MR 168.4}[22]
§47
今天早上我读了昨晚来自阿马登弟兄的信。我真诚希望每一个人都在上帝面前做认罪和降卑自己心灵的工作。让我们最真诚地寻求主吧。{5MR169.1}[23]
§48
This morning I read the letter that came last night from Brother Amadon. I earnestly desire that every soul shall do his own work of confessing his sins and humbling his soul before God. Let us seek the Lord most earnestly. {5MR 169.1}[23]
§49
我为巴特尔克里克教会怀有祈祷的精神。我对我们可以视之为迷羊的人怀着深厚的感情。他们曾与我们在一起，但又离开了我们，且处在争论之中。要拜访这些人。为他们做特别的努力，使感服人心的圣灵可以降在这些人身上。（《信函》1906年70号第1页，致阿马登弟兄夫妇，1906年1月30日）{5MR169.2}[24]
§50
I have a spirit of prayer for the church in Battle Creek. I feel intensely for those whom we might look upon as the lost sheep, those who have been with us, but have gone out from us, and those who have been in contention. Let these souls be visited. Let special efforts be made, that the convicting Spirit of God may come upon the people.--Letter 70, 1906, p. 1. (To Brother and Sister Amadon, January 30, 1906.) {5MR 169.2}[24]
§51
我们已听说你在巴特尔克里克帐篷大会期间大帐篷倒塌时所遭受的不幸。我们对这个消息并不感到惊讶，因为空中掌权者的首领（弗2:2）会做出异常的事来阻碍上帝的子民，比起他过去所做的，将来他做的会多得多。……{5MR169.3}[25]
§52
We have heard of the calamity that overtook you during the Battle Creek camp meeting, in the wrecking of the large tent. This news does not surprise us; for the prince of the power of the air will do strange things in his efforts to hinder Gods people; and much more in the future than he has in the past. . . . {5MR 169.3}[25]
§53
当路锡甫看到我们似乎打算在各城市努力传扬最后的信息时，他就会被激怒，千方百计阻止这项工作。……{5MR169.4}[26]
§54
As Lucifer sees that we are making efforts to work the cities as if we meant to give the last message, his wrath will be aroused, and he will employ every device in his power to hinder the work. . . . {5MR 169.4}[26]
§55
我一再受命要告诉我们各地的教会应做的工作，不仅在我们已经建立教会的地方，也在从未完全确立真理的新园地。在我们的城市里，像在遥远的国家一样，有各民族的人。他们的灵魂是宝贵的，必须听见信息。要开辟道路前往这些尚未开展工作的地区。要坚决地完成工作。要打开缺口。（《信函》1910年74号，1、3页，致乔治.阿马登弟兄，1910年9月12日）{5MR169.5}[27]
§56
Again and again I am instructed to present to our churches in every place the work that should be done, not only where we have churches already established, but in new fields, where the truth has never been fully established. In our cities, as verily as in far-off lands, there are people of all nationalities, whose souls are precious, and who must hear the message. The way must be opened to reach these unworked fields. Decided work must be done. Openings must be made.--Letter 74, 1910, pp. 1, 3. (To Brother George Amadon, September 12, 1910.) {5MR 169.5}[27]
§57
我们收到了你的来信，在回信里我只能写鼓励的话。你陷入疑虑和困惑，我深表同情，因为撒但有时也试图把我的心带进同样的困惑。我不得不提高警惕，不让试探者有可乘之机。我的弟兄，当你感到疑惑的时候，要牢记主耶稣是你的朋友和保守者。祂没有离弃你。你切不可失望，切不可因为对亲爱的救主怀有疑惑和不信任而令祂伤心。{5MR170.1}[28]
§58
We received your letter, and I have only encouraging words to write you in reply. I can sympathize with you in your feelings of doubt and perplexity; for there are times when Satan seeks to bring to me the same trouble of mind; and I have to guard myself, that the tempter may not gain the advantage. When these times of doubt come to you, my brother, remember that the Lord Jesus is your friend and keeper. He has not forsaken you. You must not despond; you must not grieve the dear Saviour by cherishing unbelief or distrust of Him. {5MR 170.1}[28]
§59
我们切不可让自己的信心减弱，而要不断增强。要一再对自己说：“主是我的保守者。”要信任祂，回想祂对你彰显的爱，对你的关心和你在过去所获得祂已接纳你祝福你的保证。祂不仅是你信心的创始者，也是成终者。我一次又一次的看到你的情况：天上的生灵在照顾和守护你抵抗仇敌的权势。{5MR170.2}[29]
§60
We must not allow our faith to decrease; it must continually increase. Repeat to yourself the words, The Lord is my keeper. Put your trust in Him. Call to mind the love He has shown you, the care He has had for you, the assurance you have had in the past that He has accepted you and blessed you. He is not only the author, but the finisher of your faith. Again and again your case has been presented to me as of one who is cared for and guarded against the power of the enemy by heavenly intelligences. {5MR 170.2}[29]
§61
阿马登弟兄，要依靠上帝的应许。当你的心因身体软弱而蒙上阴影时，不要试着去思想。你知道耶稣爱你。祂了解你的软弱。你只要投靠于祂的膀臂，就可以遵行祂的旨意。{5MR170.3}[30]
§62
Brother Amadon, rest in the promises of God. When your mind is clouded because of physical weakness, do not try to think. You know that Jesus loves you. He understands your weakness. You may do His will by simply resting in His arms. {5MR 170.3}[30]
§63
祂给自己披上人性，知道如何同情人类的痛苦。祂的手怜悯温柔地伸向祂每一个受苦的儿女。那些受苦最深的人得到祂最多同情和怜悯。祂体恤你的软弱。{5MR171.1}[31]
§64
He who took humanity upon Himself knows how to sympathize with the sufferings of humanity. His hand is outstretched in pitying tenderness to every suffering child of His. And those who suffer most have most of His sympathy and pity. He is touched with the feelings of your infirmities. {5MR 171.1}[31]
§65
祂希望你把你的困惑和烦恼放到祂脚下并将它们留在这里。当试探袭击你时，当黑暗似乎包围你的心灵时，要朝你上次见到亮光的地方看去。要安息在基督的爱里，并在祂的保护关照之下。{5MR171.2}[32]
§66
He desires you to lay your perplexities and troubles at His feet, and to leave them there. When temptations assail you, when darkness seems to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest in Christs love, and under His protecting care. {5MR 171.2}[32]
§67
你要经常思考上帝的良善，思考祂对你的大爱。祂如果不爱你，就不会赐下耶稣为你舍命了。祂永久的膀臂在你以下（申33:27）。在你一切苦难中，祂也同受苦难（赛63:9）。那么就举目仰望祂吧。当疑惑漫过你的心时，要继续仰望耶稣，将你无助的心灵投靠祂。祂长远活着为你代求。你在祂眼中看为宝贵。{5MR171.3}[33]
§68
Let your mind dwell on the goodness of God, on the great love wherewith He has loved you. If he did not love you, He would not have given Jesus to die for you. His everlasting arms are underneath you. In all your afflictions He is afflicted. Then lift your eyes to Him. When doubt would sweep over your soul, continue to look to Jesus, casting your helpless soul on Him. He ever liveth to make intercession for you. You are precious in His sight. {5MR 171.3}[33]
§69
我不会给你写很长的信，但我写这些给你，是希望能给你的心带来勇气和信心。基督是满有怜悯的。祂是你的救赎主。祂没有忘记你。如果你和你妻子愿意学会靠着羔羊的血和你们所见证的道得胜的功课，你们就能赢得生命的冠冕。愿你们在主里有勇气。（《信函》1912年44号，1、2页，致致W.G.阿马登，1912年12月15日）1972年5月17日发布。{5MR171.4}[34]
§70
I will not write you a long letter, but I send these words to you in the hope that they may bring courage and faith to your heart. Christ is all-merciful; and He is your Redeemer. He has not forgotten you. You and your wife may win the crown of life if you will learn the lesson of overcoming by the blood of the Lamb and the word of your testimony. Be of good courage in the Lord.--Letter 44, 1912, pp. 1, 2. (To G. W. Amadon, December 15, 1912.) Released May 17, 1972. {5MR 171.4}[34]