第1206号 在库兰邦选择学校用地
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第1206号 在库兰邦选择学校用地
§2
MR No. 1206 - Selection of the School Land at Cooranbong
§3
我们很感激我们的上帝，因为校址的那块地已经清理耕种，产出了极好的水果和蔬菜。我们的心因所作的假见证而悲伤。这并没有帮助我们与不得不对付的挫折作战。当每一个声音和笔墨都应该鼓励我们，扶持我们的手时，却有人将虚假的报告寄给我们在美国的朋友们，使他们以错误的眼光看待那些正在努力清理和翻整那块地预备种树之人的努力。{16MR 152.1}[1]
§4
We are very grateful to our God that the land that has been cleared and cultivated in the school ground has produced such excellent fruit and vegetables. Our hearts have been made sad by the false witness which has been borne. This has not helped us to battle with the discouragements which we were compelled to wrestle with. When every voice and pen should have been engaged in encouraging us and lifting up our hands, reports that were false were sent to our friends in Africa, placing in a wrong light the efforts made by those who were struggling to clear and break the land preparatory to setting in the trees. {16MR 152.1}[1]
§5
这项工作花了钱，而且非常强烈地感受到了缺乏资金推进上帝的圣工；然而那些什么也没花费的人处在考验中，他们得了自己的工价，却到处传播不利的报告，说到管理不善、错误计算和不明智的投资。这是一项大事业。我们来到这块地之前，一个来自美国的人曾受邀过来作这项工作的财务经理；但出于某种原因他没有来，我们便不得不尽力而为。{16MR 152.2}[2]
§6
This work has cost money, and the lack of means to advance the cause of God has been sorely felt; but it was those who invested nothing in the trial, but who were paid for all the labor which they did, who carried unfavorable reports wherever they went, of mismanagement, miscalculation, and unwise investment of means. This is a great enterprise. Before we came upon the land a man from America was requested to come and act as manager of the financial part of the work; but for some reason he did not come, and we had to do the best we could. {16MR 152.2}[2]
§7
比起无私地把握工作并且将我们的才干能力投入在工作上，批评挑剔和说应该做什么要容易得多。一个有钱财而且在万事艰难的时候本来能帮助我们的人，却因我们付不起他所要的工资而拒绝工作。从事车身制造行业且有大家庭要供养的人们，为了每天不到一美元的工资工作。而我们以为来作传道士的那个弟兄却无所事事。他有三个月之久坐在仇敌的懒惰之凳上，因为他得不到想要的工资，仇敌则使他忙着监视和批评，谈论他的大学问和他工作的价值，然而其他人却竭尽所能地遵循上帝所赐的亮光，奉献他们的时间和钱财推进工作并使之成功。{16MR 152.3}[3]
§8
How much easier it is to criticize and pick flaws and tell what should be done, than to unselfishly lay hold of the work and devote to it our capabilities and talents. One who had means, and who could have helped us when everything went hard, refused to work because we could not afford to pay him the wages he asked. Men who were coach-builders by trade, and who had large families to support, worked for less than one dollar per day. while the brother who had come, as we supposed, as a missionary, did nothing. For three months he sat on the enemys stool of indolence because he could not have the wages he desired, and the enemy kept him busy watching and criticizing, talking of his great knowledge and of the value of his work, while others did everything in their power to follow the light God had given, giving of their time and means to push the work and make it a success. {16MR 152.3}[3]
§9
在我访问库兰邦之前，主给了我一个异梦。在梦中我被带到库兰邦出售的那块地。我们有几位曾应邀参观那块地，我梦见我正在那块地上行走，来到了一块很齐整的犁过的地，那块地已经犁了四分之一码深，两码长。两位很熟悉爱荷华州的肥沃土壤的弟兄站在这个犁沟前，说：“这块地不好；土壤不令人满意。”然而经常在决策中发言的那一位也在场，祂说：“人们已经对这块地作了假见证。”然后祂描绘了不同地层的性能，解释了土壤的科学，说这块地适合种水果和蔬菜，而且，如果得到很好的耕种，它就会出产宝物使人受益。我向斯塔尔夫妇和我的家人叙述了这个梦。{16MR 153.1}[4]
§10
Before I visited Cooranbong, the Lord gave me a dream. In my dream I was taken to the land that was for sale in Cooranbong. Several of our brethren had been solicited to visit the land, and I dreamed that I was walking upon the ground. I came to a neat-cut furrow that had been plowed one quarter of a yard deep and two yards in length. Two of the brethren who had been acquainted with the rich soil of Iowa were standing before this furrow and saying, This is not good land; the soil is not favorable. But One who has often spoken in counsel was present also, and He said, False witness has been borne of this land. Then He described the properties of the different layers of earth. He explained the science of the soil, and said that this land was adapted to the growth of fruit and vegetables, and that if well worked it would produce its treasures for the benefit of man. This dream I related to Brother and Sister Starr and my family. {16MR 153.1}[4]
§11
第二天我们就在火车上，在去会见其他正在调查这块地的人的途中，后来当我在这块地上走到树木被移走的那个地方时，看哪，有一个犁沟正如我所描绘的，还有曾批评这块地的外观的人。他们所说的话正如我在梦中所听见的。{16MR 153.2}[5]
§12
The next day we were on the cars, on our way to meet others who were investigating the land; and as I was afterward walking on the ground where the trees had been removed, lo, there was a furrow just as I had described it, and the men also who had criticized the appearance of the land. The words were spoken just as I had dreamed. {16MR 153.2}[5]
§13
我们回到一位弟兄为我们调查这块地期间居住而租的平房之后，举行了议事会，并且作了决定要买下那块地。麦卡拉长老也在其中。他带来了他的弹簧床，亲自留下一段时间，看看气候会对他怎么样。他患有严重的喉部和胃部炎症，不敢使用发音器官。{16MR 154.1}[6]
§14
After we had returned to the cottage rented by one of the brethren for the time we should spend in investigating the land, a council was held, and the decision made to take the land. Elder McCullagh was among the number. He had brought his spring cot with him, purposing to remain for a time and see what the climate would do for him. He was suffering from severe inflammation of the throat and stomach, and did not dare to use the vocal organs. {16MR 154.1}[6]
§15
早上我们祷告了一会儿。主给了我为麦卡拉弟兄祷告的负担，主的福气也进入我们中间。房间里似乎充满了上帝的荣耀，我们的弟兄便得了医治。他说疼痛完全消失了，立刻去了他在帕拉马塔市的家，并且继续工作数月而没有任何麻烦。这似乎是上帝加在所作决定上的印记。{16MR 154.2}[7]
§16
In the morning we had a season of prayer. The Lord gave me the burden of prayer for Brother McCullagh, and the blessing of the Lord came into our midst. The room seemed to be flooded with the glory of God, and our brother was healed. He said that the soreness was all gone, and he repaired at once to his home in Parramatta, and continued his labor for months without any difficulty. It seemed as if this was the seal of God upon the decision made. {16MR 154.2}[7]
§17
然而此后弟兄们的意见有了改变。他们反对那块地，继续寻找更好的地点；然而在每处地方都有引起反对之处，他们便不能作出决定。我很确信主在带领我们定位在这些土地上，便告诉我的儿子威利和弟兄们我愿意自己支付地价；然后，如果他们不想要它，我会将我们一些挤进城市里的贫穷弟兄安置在那块地上。我会为那些自己不能安家的在这里安家。然而这个提议没有得到接受，有一年之久工作因那些本应该有信心之人的不信而大受阻碍。{16MR 154.3}[8]
§18
But after this there was a change in the minds of the brethren. They objected to the land, and kept searching for a better location; but in every place there was something objectionable, and they could not come to a decision. I was so sure that the Lord was leading us to locate on these grounds that I told my son Willie and my brethren that I would pay the price for the land myself; then, if they did not want it, I would settle upon it some of our poor brethren who were crowded into the cities. I would make homes here for those who could not make homes for themselves. But this proposition was not acceptable, and for a year the work was greatly hindered by the unbelief of those who should have had faith. {16MR 154.3}[8]
§19
那块地得到了接受。我们目前在那块地上有一个家了，而且所成就的事不言自明。那块地不言而喻。去年九月种下的树不到两年就结了果子。我曾见过最好看也最好吃的桃子，其中有许多重达半磅每个，已经在那块地上出产了。结的第一批桃子有许多都被摘掉了，因为我们担心让桃树这么早结桃会伤害它们。最近这个一季我们的桃树结果累累，以致我们不得不将枝子支撑起来。我们有自己想吃的所有蔬菜，还供应了W.C.怀特一家和我们农场的经理雅各弟兄。学校的果园结果累累，果子滋味很好。{16MR 154.4}[9]
§20
The land was accepted. We now have a home upon the land, and what has been done speaks for itself. The land speaks for itself. The trees that were planted the last of September bore fruit in less than two years. The most beautiful peaches I have ever looked upon and most delicious to the taste, many of them weighing one half-pound each, have been produced on the land. From the first crop many of the peaches were picked off, for we feared that it would hurt the trees to let them bear so early. This last season our peach trees were so loaded with fruit that we had to prop up the branches. We have had all the vegetables we wanted for our own use, and have supplied the family of W.C.W. and Brother James, our farm manager. The orchard at the school bore well, and the fruit was of a good flavor. {16MR 154.4}[9]
§21
我们栽下第一批树时，许多月没有下雨，然而经过细心照顾，它们几乎都活了。在上个季度，虽然我们周围的乡村地区一直没有雨，我们却拥有一切所需要的。我们二月底访问了墨尔本，经过靠近悉尼的几站地之后，全地呈现出焦黑烧掉的外观。它们没有雨，各处的牛群都缺少水和食物。在墨尔本牛群很可怜，牧场几乎没有绿色的东西。整个维多利亚州都感受到这场干旱；然而这个地区在需要的时候却有阵雨；草是绿的，万物都悦人的眼目。我们感谢主，因为我们就在所在之处，而且蒙祂赐福。{16MR 155.1}[10]
§22
When our trees were first planted, we had no rain for many months, but with careful attention they nearly all lived. During the past season, while the countries [country areas] around us have been without rain, we have had all we needed. We visited Melbourne the last of February, and after we had passed a few stations near Sydney, the whole country presented a charred and burned appearance. They had had no rain, and everywhere the cattle were suffering for water and food. In Melbourne the cattle were poor and the paddocks almost without a green thing in them. All through Victoria was this drought felt; but this country has had showers when needed; the grass is green, and everything is pleasant to the eye. We thank the Lord that we are located just where we are, and that we have been blessed by Him. {16MR 155.1}[10]
§23
三栋学校楼房已经竣工，礼拜堂也建起来了。我们本着信心前进，主便尊荣了我们的信心。来自主的话曾临到我说：“起来，为主建一个家，而且立刻就建。”在祂的天意安排中，那时正是木匠们没有从业的时候，我们便聘请了他们。大家都慷慨地奉献了自己的时间，作了工，减少了工资。礼拜堂在八周之内就建起来了。我们知道主的天使与工人们同在。当阻拦似乎出现时，赫斯格长老会鼓励工人们。他会提议祈祷一会儿，大家都就离开自己的工作。而当他们求告主名时，上帝的圣灵就软化折服了工人们的心。{16MR 155.2}[11]
§24
Three school buildings are already completed, and the meetinghouse is erected. We went forward in faith, and the Lord honored our faith. The word came to me from the Lord, Arise, and build a house for the Lord, and build without delay. In His providence there was just at that time carpenters who were not engaged at their business, and these were employed. All donated liberally of their time, and worked at reduced wages. In eight weeks the meetinghouse was built. We know that the angels of the Lord were with the workers. When hindrances seemed to arise, Elder Haskell would encourage the workers. He would propose a season of prayer, and all would leave their work. And as they called upon the name of the Lord the Holy Spirit of God softened and subdued the hearts of the workers. {16MR 155.2}[11]
§25
就在第一个学期结束之前，这栋礼拜堂被奉献给上帝，此后就没有那么有利的建堂时期了。我们现在很高兴，因为看到礼拜堂满了学生，他们有一个良好、舒适、方便的敬拜之所了。{16MR 156.1}[12]
§26
Just before the first term of school closed, this house was dedicated to God, and there has not been as favorable a time since to erect a building. We rejoice now that we see the chapel full of students who are accommodated with a good, pleasant, convenient place of worship. {16MR 156.1}[12]
§27
我们感到遗憾，非常遗憾，因为有谣言传到不能亲眼看到此事真相的遥远国家。我们尤其感到遗憾的是谣言还传到了非洲，在那些最关心这个地方的人心中造成了不利的报告。我们希望他们明白，所投入的资金并没有损失也没有轻率地使用。就地点来说，我们是在能选到的最佳地点。{16MR 156.2}[13]
§28
We are sorry, very sorry, because of the reports that have gone out to distant countries who cannot see for themselves the truth of this matter. Especially were we sorry for the reports that were carried to Africa, and the unfavorable reports that were made upon the minds of those who had the greatest interest in this place. We wish them to understand that the means invested is not lost nor used unadvisedly. As far as location is concerned, we are in the best place we could have selected. {16MR 156.2}[13]
§29
主是善良、仁慈、宽容忍耐的。创造之工显明祂的品格。“诸天述说上帝的荣耀；穹苍传扬祂的手段”（诗19:1）。但按照上帝的形像造的人却没有尊万军之耶和华为大，默想上帝的爱和祂律法的完全。我们现在可以看到违背上帝的律法已经给世界招致了上帝的不悦。人若愿意，就可在自然界阅读自然的见证，证明人类违背耶和华律法的结果。{16MR 156.3}[14]
§30
The Lord is good, merciful, and forbearing. The works of creation reveal His character. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handywork. It is man, formed in the image of God, who does not magnify the Lord of Hosts in contemplating the love of God and the perfection of His law. We may now see that the transgression of the law of God has been bringing upon the world Gods displeasure. If he will, man may read in the natural world natures testimony to the result of mans transgression of the law of Jehovah. {16MR 156.3}[14]
§31
我们位于远离城市的地方，且就这些看到上帝的天意安排。凡来到埃文代尔学校的人都对这个地点感到满意，我们希望学生们寄给父母的信会鼓励他们的心。我们都希望为荣耀上帝而团结一致地工作。（《文稿》1898年62号）怀爱伦著作托管委员会1986年8月7日全文发表于美国首都华盛顿。[15]
§32
We are located far from the city, and in this we see the providence of God. All who come to Avondale School are pleased with the location, and we hope that all the letters sent by the students to their parents will be of a character to encourage the hearts of the parents. We all want to work unitedly for the glory of God.--Ms 62, 1898. Ellen. G. White Estate, Washington, D. C. August 7, 1986. Entire Manuscript. {16MR 156.4}[15]