第1027号 关于圣工的管理的勉言
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第1027号 关于圣工的管理的勉言
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MR No. 1027 - Words of Counsel Regarding the Management of the Work of God
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有许多事需要说。愿主帮助我用笔写出确实应该说的话。{13MR 179.1}[1]
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There are many things which need to be said. May the Lord help me to say with my pen the very words that should be said. {13MR 179.1}[1]
§5
上帝的子民应当作为一班独特圣洁的子民站立，与世人有别。但主却大大受了羞辱，因为他们竟然就教会问题请教律师。他们已经丧失了属灵的辨识力，用凡火代替了上帝亲自点燃的圣火。一些人行事好像没有上帝的灵，而是在撒但的控制之下。上帝的子民应当以不同的路线作工。在我们的所有机构中都有认真严肃的工作要做成。这些机构没有得到应有的保护。太少倚靠上帝，总的来说太多倚靠不圣洁的人了。{13MR 179.2}[2]
§6
Gods people should stand as a distinct, holy people, separate from the world. But the Lord has been greatly dishonored because they have consulted lawyers in regard to church matters. They have lost their spiritual discernment, and in the place of using the sacred fire of Gods own kindling, they have used the common fire. Some act like men who are destitute of the Spirit of God, and under the control of Satan. Gods people should be working in different lines. There is earnest, solemn work to be done in all our institutions. These institutions have not been guarded as they should have been. Too little dependence is placed upon God, and altogether too much upon unsanctified men. {13MR 179.2}[2]
§7
我现在要摆在我们的人面前的问题是关于目前上帝圣工一般权益的特别管理。多年来赐给我的亮光是，一个被选出来负责总会的人不应该独自担负所有重担。他应该成为一个有清晰辨识力的人，不会偏离正确的原则，要有坚定忠诚的人作他的顾问，他们不会偏向或被影响到错误的方向，而是坚如磐石忠于原则。不可任由他在选择顾问时随从自己的爱好。这么做已经多年损害了圣工。应当拣选百姓所信任的、他能倚赖的敬畏上帝的人作他的同事。{13MR 179.3}[3]
§8
The subject I wish now to bring before our people is that of the special management of the general interests of the cause of God at the present time. For years light has been given me that the one selected to preside over the General Conference should not be left to bear all the burdens alone. He is to be a man of clear discernment, who will not swerve from right principles, and he is to have as his counselors staunch men who will not sway or be swayed in wrong directions, who are as firm as a rock to principle. He is not to be left to follow his own inclinations in the choice of his counselors. This has been done for years, to the detriment of the work. His associates are to be chosen men who have the confidence of the people; God-fearing men upon whom he can rely. {13MR 179.3}[3]
§9
总会会长不应当拣选他的儿子作顾问或仲裁员，因为如果这样的亲戚与他同工，就有正确的原则得不到实行的危险。儿子既认为自己无权质疑父亲的决定或工作，对于那些已经偏离真理和公义为要偏行己路的人，顾问是亲戚的事实就会成为一个试探之源。总会会长应当拣选“有才能的人，就是敬畏上帝、诚实无妄、恨不义之财的人”（出18:21）作自己的顾问。{13MR 180.1}[4]
§10
The president of the General Conference should not select his son to be a counselor or a judge, for if such a relative is connected with him, there is danger that correct principles will not be carried out. The very fact that the counselor is a relative will be a source of temptation to those who have been swayed from truth and righteousness to carry things in their own way, the son thinking he has no right to question his fathers decisions or work. The president of the Conference should choose as his counselors able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness [Exodus 18:21]. {13MR 180.1}[4]
§11
有时被选为州区会会长的人不是最好最值得信赖的人。有些人不能正确地推理，因为他们已经丧失了属灵的眼力。属灵的人才能看透属灵的事（林前2:14）。在任命州区会会长的事上应当多加细心考虑。应该多多向上帝献上祈祷。应当极其恳切地寻求上帝，以便州区会会长们可以显明自己是在属灵的悟性上有能力的人。上帝要求凡亲近祂的人都要这样。{13MR 180.2}[5]
§12
Sometimes the men chosen to preside over the State Conferences are not the best and most trustworthy men. Some cannot reason correctly, because they have lost their spiritual eyesight. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned [1 Corinthians 2:14]. Much careful consideration should be given to the matter of appointing State Conference presidents. Much prayer should be offered to God. He should be sought most earnestly, that the presidents of the State Conferences may show themselves to be men of ability in spiritual understanding. The Lord requires this of all who come near to Him. {13MR 180.2}[5]
§13
在《出埃及记》第十八章中，我们看到要选什么样的人分担上帝圣工的重担和责任。摩西负担很重，必需让别人与他分担。“第二天，摩西坐着审判百姓，百姓从早到晚都站在摩西的左右。摩西的岳父看见他向百姓所做的一切事，就说：‘你向百姓做的是什么事呢？你为什么独自坐着，众百姓从早到晚都站在你的左右呢？’摩西对岳父说：‘这是因百姓到我这里来求问上帝。他们有事的时候就到我这里来，我便在两造之间施行审判；我又叫他们知道上帝的律例和法度。’摩西的岳父说：‘你这做的不好。你和这些百姓必都疲惫；因为这事太重，你独自一人办理不了。现在你要听我的话。我为你出个主意，愿上帝与你同在。你要替百姓到上帝面前，将案件奏告上帝；又要将律例和法度教训他们，指示他们当行的道，当做的事；并要从百姓中拣选有才能的人，就是敬畏上帝、诚实无妄、恨不义之财的人，派他们作千夫长、百夫长、五十夫长、十夫长，管理百姓，叫他们随时审判百姓，大事都要呈到你这里，小事他们自己可以审判。这样，你就轻省些，他们也可以同当此任’”（出18:13-22）。{13MR 180.3}[6]
§14
In the eighteenth chapter of Exodus we are shown what kind of men are to be chosen to share the burdens and responsibilities of the work of God. Moses had a great charge, and it was necessary that others should bear the burdens with him. [Exodus 18:13-22, quoted.] {13MR 180.3}[6]
§15
这就是那种应当蒙拣选推进上帝圣工的人。那些正在担负沉重责任的人应当从上帝的道中学得教训。{13MR 181.1}[7]
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This is the kind of men who should be chosen to carry forward the work of God. Lessons from Gods Word should be learned by those who are carrying heavy responsibilities. {13MR 181.1}[7]
§17
“摩西从以色列人中拣选了有才能的人，立他们为百姓的首领”（出18:25）。后来他对会众说：“当时，我嘱咐你们的审判官说：‘你们听讼，无论是弟兄彼此争讼，是与同居的外人争讼，都要按公义判断’”（申1:16）。{13MR 181.2}[8]
§18
Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people. Speaking to the congregation afterward, he said, I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him [Deuteronomy 1:16]. {13MR 181.2}[8]
§19
上帝的指示没有始终得到听从。被选出来在外国宣教董事会任职的人没有足够的工作经验。他们需要举目注意已经发白可以收割的园地。已经在各方面做出的决定表明所选的这些人中有些人不是具有献身才能的人，不是因与上帝有活泼联络的经验而具有价值的人。他们变得妄自尊大，自以为聪明。{13MR 181.3}[9]
§20
Gods directions have not always been followed. Men have been selected to fill places on the Foreign Mission Board who had not sufficient experience for the work. They needed to lift up their eyes and behold the field white unto the harvest. The decisions which have been made in various lines have shown that some of the men chosen were not men of consecrated ability, men who were of value because of their experience in living connection with God. They became self-important, wise in their own conceit. {13MR 181.3}[9]
§21
一些人承担了判断一本书是否有价值的工作，可是他们并没有足够的智能蒙托付这项工作。他们需要认识到自己的无知，要成为教养的人。他们需要负基督的轭，学祂心里柔和谦卑的样式。他们需要听从这个命令：“所以，你们要守我今日所吩咐的一切诫命，使你们胆壮，能以进去，得你们所要得的那地”（申11:8）。“你们要将我这话存在心内，留在意中，系在手上为记号，戴在额上为经文；也要教训你们的儿女，无论坐在家里，行在路上，躺下，起来，都要谈论”（申11:18,19）。{13MR 181.4}[10]
§22
Men have been given the work of judging whether or not a book was of value, who were not sufficiently intelligent in regard to the matter to be entrusted with this work. They needed to realize their ignorance, to become educated. They needed to wear Christs yoke, and learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart. They needed to heed the injunction, Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments which I command you this day, that ye may be strong, and go in and possess the land, whither ye go to possess it [Deuteronomy 11:8]. Lay up these words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up [verses 18, 19]. {13MR 181.4}[10]
§23
安全的代价是时刻儆醒。比起在以色列人的时代，这些要求在当今一切都在向着上帝的大日成熟的时代甚至更加必要，若是得到听从，就会看到一种不同局面。本应该显出一种最坚决的意志力，免得撒但用他似是而非的诡计行骗。人们本应当参与商议，关心圣工。本应该将问题摆在他们面前，他们本可以知道自己投入的金钱是怎样使用的。{13MR 182.1}[11]
§24
Eternal vigilance is the price of safety. Had these requirements, which are even more essential at this time when everything is ripening for the great day of God than they were in the time of the children of Israel, been heeded, a different condition would now be seen. The most decided strength of purpose should have been shown lest Satan should beguile through his specious devices. The people should have been taken into the counsels, and interested in the work. Matters should have been laid out before them that they might have known how the means which they had invested were being handled. {13MR 182.1}[11]
§25
总会会长总的来说有太多的重担让一个人去担了。这事多年来一直呈现在我面前。我的丈夫倒在了加给他的重担之下。巴特勒长老蒙主劝告要与能和他一起商量的人分担责任。要给他们一部分担子。但他没有听从这个劝告。巴特勒长老让自己儿子与他同工，儿子只能是父亲手下的工人。这样，主所指出的巴特勒长老应该得到的解脱他就没有得到，因为他没有聪明地管理。{13MR 182.2}[12]
§26
The president of the General Conference has altogether too many burdens for one man to carry. For years this has been presented to me. My husband fell under the heavy draughts made upon him. Elder Butler was counseled by the Lord to share his burdens with men who could counsel with him. They were to be given a portion of the load. But this counsel was unheeded. Elder Butler linked with him his own son, who could only be a worker under his father. Thus the relief which it was pointed out Elder Butler should have, he did not have, because he did not manage wisely. {13MR 182.2}[12]
§27
奥尔森长老受劝要与能帮助他的人分担重担。总会的工作绝不应落在一个人身上。起先一个人能负担，然而随着信徒增多，那个人和圣工都必受损害，需要仔细的思考和最大的坚定才能维持正确的原则。{13MR 182.3}[13]
§28
Elder Olsen was advised to share his burdens with men who could help him. The work of the General Conference should never have rested on one man. At first one man could carry it, but as believers multiplied, the man must suffer as well as the work, which needed careful thought and the utmost firmness, in order that right principles might be maintained. {13MR 182.3}[13]
§29
主并没有让奥尔森长老从事出版业务的工作。建立出版机构为要推进重要的权益。然而不在上帝指导下的人管理了这些机构。在工作的中心错误的原则迫切要求得到承认。本应该将一切问题摆在人们面前。本应当谦卑祷告寻求主。然后圣灵才会作他们的教师。{13MR 183.1}[14]
§30
The Lord did not give Elder Olsen the work of engaging in the publishing business. The publishing institutions were established to carry forward important interests. But men who were not under the divine guidance were given management in them. At the very heart of the work erroneous principles were pressing for recognition. All matters should have been laid before the people. The Lord should have been sought in humble prayer. Then the Holy Spirit would have been their teacher. {13MR 183.1}[14]
§31
然而总会大多不清楚正在做成的事。与奥尔森长老同工的人用他们自己的精神诱导他感染了他。腐败既未受到斥责，就在工作的中心滋长。我们各机构中上帝的圣工正在被败坏。人受到了尊崇，不顾上帝所赐的忠告。贪婪当道。犹大的行为玷污了工人们。没有语言可以形容将不忠心、未归正的人安置在圣所的结果。{13MR 183.2}[15]
§32
But the Conferences at large were not enlightened in regard to what was being done. Men were linked up with Elder Olsen who led him and imbued him with their spirit. Unrebuked, corruption was going on at the heart of the work. The cause of God in our institutions was being perverted. Men were exalted, regardless of the advice God was giving. Covetousness held sway. Judas-practices were contaminating the workers. No language can be framed to describe the result of placing unfaithful, unconverted men in holy places. {13MR 183.2}[15]
§33
一些人一直在努力与亮光作战，然而一些隐密的事还没有显露。许多可怜的人将不能进入窄门，因为那门总的来说太窄了，不许撒但的任何诡计和骗术进入。当圣灵冲破障碍时，律师们就不会再被要求为上帝的子民排解难题。上帝就会接管这事，并且揭露每一件隐密的事。祂必使人们进入他们愿意发言的地方，现在涉及奥秘的事就会显露出来，这些事对于祂圣工的意义也会显明。{13MR 183.3}[16]
§34
Some have been trying to struggle to the light, but there are secret things which have not come to light. Many poor souls will not be able to enter in at the strait gate, for it is altogether too narrow to admit any of Satans intrigue and deceptions. When the Holy Spirit breaks away the barriers, the lawyers will no longer be called upon to adjust difficulties for Gods people. God will take the matter in hand and bring to light every hidden thing. He will bring men into places where they will speak, and things which are now involved in mystery will be revealed, and their bearing on His cause will be seen. {13MR 183.3}[16]
§35
【得自以色列人的教训】
§36
犹太民族的历史有极其显著的特征。新约的基督原是旧约的基督。主确实给祂的葡萄园周围圈上篱笆为要保护它。祂用祂的律法保护它。在伊甸园就清楚明确地界规了婚姻的律法和安息日的律法，叫人不至于无知或误解。上帝完成了创造之工时，就在第七日安息了。祂赐福了祂休息的日子，那时晨星一同歌唱，上帝的众子也都欢呼。{13MR 184.1}[17]
§37
【 Lessons From Israel 】
§38
The Jewish nation had a history of a most remarkable character. The Christ of the New Testament was the Christ of the Old. The Lord did indeed hedge His vineyard about to guard it. He guarded it with His law. In Eden the marriage law and the Sabbath law were plainly and distinctly defined, that there might be no ignorance or misunderstanding on the part of the people. When God had finished the work of creation, He rested on the seventh day. He blessed the day of His rest, while the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. {13MR 184.1}[17]
§39
亚伯拉罕还住在一个拜偶像的国家中的时候，主对他说了话。祂将祂国度律法的亮光赐给他，希望使他成为蒙拣选的器皿。然而亚伯拉罕必须先中断与他父家的联系，与他们的影响分离，以便受上帝教导。耶和华要成为他敬拜的对象。{13MR 184.2}[18]
§40
The Lord spoke to Abraham when he was living in a nation of idolaters. He desired to make him a chosen instrument, by giving him the light of the laws of His kingdom. But first Abraham must break his connection with his fathers family, separating from their influence that he might be taught by God. Jehovah was to be the object of his worship. {13MR 184.2}[18]
§41
亚伯拉罕顺从了上帝。他离开了父家，进入异乡。主在那里教育了他。祂对他说：“亚伯兰，你不要惧怕！我是你的盾牌，必大大的赏赐你”（创15:1）。当亚伯拉罕99岁的时候，主再次向他显现，说：“‘我是全能的上帝。你当在我面前作完全人，我就与你立约，使你的后裔极其繁多。’亚伯兰俯伏在地；上帝又对他说：‘我与你立约：你要作多国的父’”（创17:1-4）。{13MR 184.3}[19]
§42
Abraham obeyed God. He left his fathers house, and went into a strange land. There the Lord educated him. He spoke to him, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward [Genesis 15:1]. Again, when Abraham was 99 years old, the Lord appeared to him, and said, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make My covenant between Me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, My covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations [Genesis 17:1-4]. {13MR 184.3}[19]
§43
亚伯拉罕蒙召作忠信之人的父。他与上帝的关系表明他下决心本着敬畏主的心在自己的家庭生活中行事为人。那鉴察人心的主——赐福忠信之人居所的主——说：“我眷顾他，为要叫他吩咐他的众子和他的眷属遵守我的道，秉公行义”（创18:19）。他要遵守在伊甸园设立的律法作为品格的标准。{13MR 184.4}[20]
§44
Abraham was called the father of the faithful. His connection with God showed that he was determined to walk in the fear of the Lord in his home life. I know him, said the Searcher of hearts--He who blessed the habitation of the faithful--that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment [Genesis 18:19]. He will keep the law instituted in Eden as the standard of character. {13MR 184.4}[20]
§45
耶和华使亚伯拉罕成了祂所耕种的田地，所建造的房屋。他是上帝能在其上作工的材料。他本着敬畏主的心培养了家庭的宗教，上帝的爱在他全家流通。他在自己家中有一个教会。他是许多与他联络之人的指导者。他开始推进一项重大的工作。他和他的家人是上帝的国民。他恩威并施，管理自己的家。他在自己家中行事为人完全倚赖和顺从“耶和华如此说。”{13MR 185.1}[21]
§46
The Lord made Abraham his husbandry, His building. He was material upon which God could work. In the fear of the Lord he cultivated home religion, and the love of God circulated through his entire household. He had a church in his home. He was the instructor of the many souls connected with him. He began and carried forward a grand work. He and his family were subjects of Gods kingdom. By the combined influence of authority and love, he ruled his house. He walked in his home in perfect, trusting obedience to a Thus saith the Lord. {13MR 185.1}[21]
§47
希伯来民族下到埃及去，在埃及为奴四百年。约瑟死后，埃及人的崇拜在他们心中造成的印象使他们耳闻目睹的东西都败坏了。他们丧失了认识上帝的真知识。{13MR 185.2}[22]
§48
The Hebrew nation went down to Egypt, and for 400 years they were kept in Egyptian servitude. After Josephs death the worship of the Egyptians made such an impression on their minds that the sight of their eyes and the hearing of their ears were corrupted. They lost the true knowledge of God. {13MR 185.2}[22]
§49
上帝按照祂对亚伯拉罕、以撒、雅各的应许拯救以色列人脱离了奴役，使埃及肥沃的土地荒凉以便搭救祂的百姓。祂以可怕的庄严搭救他们脱离了埃及的追兵。进入红海追赶上帝选民的那些军兵没有一个人生还。{13MR 185.3}[23]
§50
According to His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God delivered the Israelites from slavery, desolating the fertile land of Egypt to rescue His people. In awful grandeur He delivered them from the Egyptian host who pursued them. Not one of those who entered the Red Sea in pursuit of the people the Lord had chosen as His own, was saved. {13MR 185.3}[23]
§51
与上帝同等的那一位，上帝的独生子，在拯救以色列人的事上实现了祂父的心意。上帝曾应许摩西说：“我必亲自和你同去”（出33:14），祂实现了这个应许，赐下基督作祂子民看不见的领袖，摩西则蒙拣选作他们看得见的将领。基督在他们经过旷野的旅行中带领了他们，指示他们应该在哪里安营。祂通过摩西向一百多万人传达祂的旨意和目的。在四十年的旷野漂流中，祂是他们的指导者。{13MR 185.4}[24]
§52
One equal with God, His only begotten Son, carried out His Fathers mind in the deliverance of the Israelites. God had promised Moses, My presence shall go with thee, and He fulfilled this promise by giving Christ to be the invisible Leader of His people, while Moses was chosen to be their visible general. Christ guided them in their travels through the wilderness, indicating where they should encamp. Through Moses He communicated His will and purpose to more than a million people. Through 40 years of wilderness-wandering He was their instructor. {13MR 185.4}[24]
§53
他们到了约旦河，探子们被派去查看迦南地。在狡猾仇敌的作为下，其中十个探子带回了坏消息，百姓听到后就“向摩西、亚伦发怨言；全会众对他们说：‘巴不得我们早死在埃及地，或是死在这旷野。耶和华为什么把我们领到那地，使我们倒在刀下呢？我们的妻子和孩子必被掳掠。我们回埃及去岂不好吗？’众人彼此说：‘我们不如立一个首领回埃及去吧’”（民14:2-4）。因为他们这次的叛乱和刚愎自用，主宣布他们要在旷野漂流四十年。{13MR 186.1}[25]
§54
They had reached the river Jordan, and spies were sent to view the land of Canaan. Under the working of [Satan] the wily foe, ten of these brought back an evil report, and when the people heard it, they murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt [Numbers 14:2-4]. For this rebellion and perversity the Lord declared that for 40 years they were to wander in the wilderness. {13MR 186.1}[25]
§55
上帝计划要在实现祂旨意的过程中彰显祂的荣耀。祂对以色列人的奇妙拯救要由百姓永远重述。藉着祂所做的事，他们要知道祂会完成祂已开始从事的事。人类的一切抵抗只会使胜利更加显著和成功。{13MR 186.2}[26]
§56
God designs that His glory shall appear in the working out of His will. His wonderful deliverance of the children of Israel was ever to be repeated [i.e., recounted] by the people. By what He had done they were to know that He would accomplish what He had undertaken. All mans resistance would only make the victory more signal and triumphant. {13MR 186.2}[26]
§57
以色列营是不容易管理的。不断遭遇牢骚抱怨的人和挑剔找错的人，全营的管理对摩西来说是一个严肃的任务。然而主耐心地照顾着，在祂的葡萄园作工。祂拣选了祂的百姓，不是从世上富足有权势的人中，而是因为他们在众民中是最小的。{13MR 186.3}[27]
§58
The camp of Israel was not easily managed. Murmurers, complainers, and fault-finders were constantly met with, and the management of the camp was a serious undertaking for Moses. But patiently the Lord cared for and worked with His vineyard. He had selected His people, not from the rich and powerful of the world, but because they were the smallest of all people. {13MR 186.3}[27]
§59
主在西奈山颁布了祂的律法，奇妙地展现了祂的荣耀。祂在那里与凡承诺要遵守祂律法的人立约。遵守安息日要成为祂和祂百姓之间的一个记号。祂说：“使你们知道我耶和华是叫你们成为圣的。……故此，以色列人要世世代代守安息日为永远的约。这是我和以色列人永远的证据；因为六日之内耶和华造天地，第七日便安息舒畅”（出31:13,16,17）。{13MR 187.1}[28]
§60
From Sinai the Lord spoke His law, making a wonderful display of His glory. There He made a covenant with all who promised to be obedient to His law. Obedience to the Sabbath was to be a sign between Him and His people, that ye may know, He said, that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you. . . . Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel for ever [Exodus 31:13, 16, 17]. {13MR 187.1}[28]
§61
犹太教会的奇妙得拯救显明上帝伟大的关爱。祂计划藉着这班百姓为渠道，祂的福气要流向全世界。{13MR 187.2}[29]
§62
The wonderful deliverance of the Jewish church reveals Gods great care and love. He designed that through the channel of this people His blessings should flow to the whole world. {13MR 187.2}[29]
§63
【得自早期基督教会史的教训】
§64
“那时，门徒增多，有说希腊话的犹太人向希伯来人发怨言，因为在天天的供给上忽略了他们的寡妇。十二使徒叫众门徒来，对他们说：‘我们撇下上帝的道去管理饭食，原是不合宜的’”（徒6:1,2）。{13MR 187.3}[30]
§65
【Lessons From the History of the Early Christian Church 】
§66
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables (Acts 6:1, 2). {13MR 187.3}[30]
§67
这事不是由一个人决定的。要是这样的话，许多事就会被忽视。“十二使徒叫众门徒来。”他们并没有叫对教会的兴旺毫无个人兴趣的律师来。他们叫了信众来，对他们说：“我们撇下上帝的道去管理饭食，原是不合宜的。”{13MR 187.4}[31]
§68
This matter was not decided by one man. Had it been, many things would have been neglected. The twelve called the multitude of the disciples together. They did not call a lawyer who had no personal interest in the prosperity of the church. They called the multitude of the believers, and said to them, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. {13MR 187.4}[31]
§69
关于此事还说了一些话，没有记载下来。然而陈明了结论：“所以弟兄们，当从你们中间选出七个有好名声、被圣灵充满、智慧充足的人，我们就派他们管理这事。但我们要专心以祈祷、传道为事。大众都喜悦这话”（徒6:3-5）。他们就拣选了七个人：“叫他们站在使徒面前。使徒祷告了，就按手在他们头上。上帝的道兴旺起来；在耶路撒冷门徒数目加增的甚多，也有许多祭司信从了这道”（6,7节）。{13MR 188.1}[32]
§70
More was said regarding the matter than is given in this record. But the conclusion is stated: Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude [verses 3-5]. They chose seven men, whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith [verses 6, 7]. {13MR 188.1}[32]
§71
上帝在这里给了我们一个小心挑选圣工人员的榜样。在这种情况下，不能由一个人来独担重任。共选了七个人，他们要在工作中紧密团结。{13MR 188.2}[33]
§72
The Lord here gives us an example of the care that should be exercised when choosing men for His service. In this case, one man was not made the only burden bearer of great responsibilities. Seven men were chosen, and they were to be closely united in their work. {13MR 188.2}[33]
§73
那些蒙拣选的人不可像亚拿尼亚，他将一些金额挪为己用，同时却说自己已将全部金额奉献给了上帝的圣工。那时，我们读到：“人人将田产房屋都卖了，把所卖的价银拿来，放在使徒脚前”（徒4:34）。这对自私和贪心的人来说是一个受试探的场合，尽管事实上圣灵正在百姓中间运行。遗传的和养成的品格特性既得到发展，就显明并非人人都洁净自己脱离了邪恶的倾向，而是竟敢说谎和欺诈。他们谁也没有被迫放弃自己的财产。{13MR 188.3}[34]
§74
Those chosen were not to be like Ananias, who had appropriated to his own use certain sums of money, representing at the same time that he had given the whole amount to the cause of God. At that time, we read, that as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles feet [Acts 4:34, 35]. This was an occasion of temptation to the selfish and covetous, notwithstanding the fact that the Holy Spirit was working among the people. Hereditary and cultivated traits of character developed, showing that not all were cleansed from their evil tendencies, but dared to practice lying and fraud. None of them were compelled to give up their possessions. {13MR 188.3}[34]
§75
亚拿尼亚和撒非喇想要被认为全部奉献了，却保留一部分。为了这么做，他们撒谎了。他们二人都同意行骗，但这却要了他们的命。上帝用死亡打击了他们二人。祂就这样审判了那些在祂的恩典亮光和能力正在做工时竟敢犯罪反对圣灵的人。上帝这么做为要警告信徒不要行欺诈、欺骗和各种不诚实。祂知道试探之门会在那些奉献自己的钱财支持圣工的人面前敞开。祂知道那些不在圣灵控制之下的人会受试探行事像他们在被带到福音原则管理之下以前一样。一些人会认为自己的工作没有得到足够的报酬，会挪用金钱或物品以补充这种虚构的不足。这会带来数不清的邪恶。{13MR 188.4}[35]
§76
Ananias and Sapphira wished to be regarded as giving all, and yet keep part. In order to do this, they falsified. Both of them agreed to practice deception, but they did it at the cost of their lives. God struck them both with death. Thus He passed judgment on those who, while His grace and light and power were working, dared to commit sin against the Holy Spirit. This God did to warn the believers against fraud and deception and every species of dishonesty. He knew that doors of temptation would open before those who were bringing in of their means to sustain His cause. He knew that those not under the control of His Spirit would be tempted to work as they had done before they were brought under gospel principles. Some would think that they were not paid sufficient for their work, and would appropriate money or goods to supply this fancied deficiency. This would bring in untold evil. {13MR 188.4}[35]
§77
为此主指示彼得要那样对付这第一次背离诚实的行为。必须在第一次不诚实的情况发出严厉的警告。这样就显明上帝知道且会查明一切不公正的自私行为。每一个隐藏的邪恶，无论多么隐密，都会受到惩罚。上帝必在那些侍奉祂的人身上得荣耀。{13MR 189.1}[36]
§78
For this reason the Lord directed Peter to deal as he did with the first departure from truthful dealing. A severe warning must be given at the very first instance of dishonesty. Thus it was shown that all unjust, selfish actions are known to God, and will be searched out. Every hidden evil, however secret, will be punished. God will be glorified in those who serve Him. {13MR 189.1}[36]
§79
亚拿尼亚和撒非喇怎样，犹大也怎样。他的贪心使他偷窃主的金库。他带着钱囊，里面有跟从基督之人为支持圣工而献的礼物，他挪用的金额是他从不允许出现在账上的。他推理说他的工作没有得到足够的重视，因此他有权按照自己的想法付给自己工资。这个原则既被付诸行动，就扭曲了他的良心。要是他让自己受圣灵控制，原会保留公义保持正直。他就不会控告马利亚用贵重的香膏膏基督是浪费了。然而从他第一个不诚实的举动，他的品格就开始恶化了。{13MR 189.2}[37]
§80
As with Ananias and Sapphira, so it was with Judas. His covetousness led him to steal from the Lords treasury. He carried the bag containing the gifts made by Christs followers to sustain the work, and he appropriated sums of money which he never allowed to appear on the account. He reasoned that his labors were not sufficiently appreciated, and therefore that it was right for him to pay himself in accordance with his own ideas. This principle, acted upon, perverted his conscience. Had he allowed himself to be controlled by the Holy Spirit, he would have retained righteousness and preserved integrity. He would not have accused Mary of extravagance in anointing Christ with precious ointment. But from the very first act of dishonesty, his character began to deteriorate. {13MR 189.2}[37]
§81
这段历史被记载下来，以便阻止那些将自己卖给撒但去实现他的建议的人将腐败带进教会。这种人不但自己脱离上帝的保护，丧失了平安和幸福，还会将上帝的圣工出卖到罪人手里。他们一切的作为都反对上帝。他们的效用才干被用来推进那大骗子的工作。他们会丧失永生。他们误用主的财物，抢夺祂的库房，可能始终不叫人知道，却必丧失他们的灵魂。{13MR 190.1}[38]
§82
This history is given that corruption may not be brought into the church by men who sell themselves to Satan to carry out his suggestions. Such men not only take themselves from under Gods protection, and lose peace and happiness, but they will betray the cause of God into the hands of sinners. All their work is against God. Their talents of usefulness are used to forward the work of the great deceiver. They will lose eternal life. Their misappropriation of the Lords goods, their robbery of His treasury, may ever be kept secret, but it is at the loss of their souls. {13MR 190.1}[38]
§83
这就是为何巴伦杰弟兄提议的计划（在南方建立一个定居点）不会是一个可靠计划的原因。有些被认为很优秀的人，品格上却有一些瑕疵，在特别的试探之下，会成为膏油中的死苍蝇。一个未承认的罪会败坏整个品格。{13MR 190.2}[39]
§84
This is one reason why Brother Ballengers proposed enterprise [of establishing a settlement in the South] would not be a safe one. There are those who are supposed to be excellent men, but they have some flaw in their character which, under special temptation, becomes as a dead fly in the ointment. The whole character will be perverted by one unconfessed sin. {13MR 190.2}[39]
§85
那么就抛弃所有要在南方园地建立一个社区的计划吧。不要让一个人或两个人设计的工作方法预先承诺成功，事后却会显明是一个错误，使上帝的工作陷入困境。{13MR 190.3}[40]
§86
Then let all plans to establish a community in the Southern field be abandoned. Let not one or two men devise methods of work which according to foresight promise to be a success, but which aftersight will reveal to be a mistake, involving the work of God in difficulty. {13MR 190.3}[40]
§87
从事上帝圣工的工人需要灵巧像蛇，驯良像鸽子。在南方的工作尤其需要这种才干。有些人若是愿意就能使那些在任何一部分园地把握工作的人很艰难，因为他们没有与那位大工长心连心。他们需要受上帝的灵控制，否则他们就必犯大错误，会危害他们自己的心灵和同胞的心灵。{13MR 190.4}[41]
§88
The workers in Gods service need to be as wise as serpents and as harmless as doves. This kind of talent is especially needed in the work in the South. There are men who if they choose can make it very hard for those who take hold of the work in any part of the field, because their hearts are not linked with the heart of the great Worker. They need to be controlled by the Spirit of God, else they will make great blunders, which will imperil their own souls and the souls of their fellow-men. {13MR 190.4}[41]
§89
上帝要求作活泼直率的见证。已经做了一些见证，然而必须给工作一种新的推动力。耶稣基督是耶和华军队的元帅。祂必须被承认为领导者。凡听从这话——“跟从我”的人，都要显明顺从的果子。我们在侍奉上帝时要团结一致站立的立场乃是以圣经为真正的向导，而非随从人们无聊的诡辩。圣经是我们的顾问，应当予以顺从。因信称义是我们在上帝眼中真实立场的信条。藉着圣灵成圣将人的意愿和目的与上帝的旨意和目的结合起来。我们的经验中若是没有这些特征，教会就会软弱多病。上帝子民的保障在于来到祂活泼的圣言面前。当不将人间的任何权威放在这道之前时，人们才会在福音的和睦上团结起来，因为遵行这道使人心连心，使工人们在基督耶稣里融合如一人。活泼的圣言是新鲜美好的。学习它们就是吃上帝儿子的肉，喝祂的血。{13MR 191.1}[42]
§90
God calls for a living, straightforward testimony to be borne. Testimonies have been borne, but a new impulse must be given to the work. Jesus Christ is the Captain of the Lords host. He must be recognized as the leader. All who heed the words, Follow Me, will reveal the fruit of obedience. The ground upon which we are to stand unitedly in doing Gods service is that the Bible is the true guide, and not the idle sophistry of men. The Bible is our Counselor, and is to be obeyed. Justification by faith is the article of our true standing in the sight of God. Sanctification through the Holy Spirit binds up mans will and purpose with the will and purpose of God. If we have not these features in our experience, the church will be sickly and feeble. The safety of Gods people is in coming to His living Word. When no human authority is put before this Word, then will men unite in gospel harmony, for the doing of the Word binds heart to heart, causing the workers to blend as one in Christ Jesus. The living oracles are fresh and beautiful. To study them is to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of God. {13MR 191.1}[42]
§91
应当非常小心在工作中心的各机构中流传的精神。人人都应带有上帝的签名。所有的工人都应当在主面前谦卑己心，承认祂的主权。大家都要存谦卑的心作工，作基督的仆人，与祂同负轭。大家都要过舍己和自我牺牲的生活。他们要学习基督的柔和谦卑。于是才不会看到一点傲慢的精神。（《文稿》1899年91号）怀爱伦著作托管委员会发布于1983年12月{13MR 191.2}[43]
§92
Greater care should be taken in regard to the spirit circulating through the institutions at the heart of the work. All should bear the signature of God. All the workers are to humble their hearts before the Lord, acknowledging His sovereignty. All are to work in humility of mind, as servants of Christ, yoked up with Him. All are to live lives of self-denial and self-sacrifice. They are to learn Christs meekness and lowliness. No vestige of an overbearing spirit will then be seen.--Ms. 91, 1899. White Estate December, 1983 {13MR 191.2}[43]