第1269号 每一个拥有天赐才干的人..
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第1269号 每一个拥有天赐才干的人..
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MR No. 1269 - Every Person Has God-Given Talents Which Should Bear Fruit; Church Leaders Not to Exercise Absolute Control Over Others
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（1896年5月11日写于新南威尔士州悉尼，格兰维尔，“致我在巴特尔克里克的弟兄们”）
§4
一切隐秘的行为在那与我们有关系的主眼前都是赤露敞开的。待人好像他们是机器，用方法和条件约束他们的自由，乃是上帝不会容忍的一种犯罪行为。做这种事必定危害人们的灵魂。然而人们却往往设法驾驭人，驱赶他们像驱赶马一样。正确的原则被自私和贪婪败坏了，上帝断言贪婪就是拜偶像。人们很容易以为自己的权柄是无限制的，随从自己精神带领，做出的提议和决定使工作转离上帝计划它应该走的直路，进入弯曲的道路。然而因为人在工作的中心任职，在那里他认为没有人敢对他说：“你为什么这么邪恶地做事呢？”他就不应该追求辖制上帝的产业。{17MR196.1}[1]
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(Written May 11, 1896, from Granville, Sydney, NSW, To My Brethren in Battle Creek.)
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All secret working is open to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. To handle men as if they were machinery, binding their freedom by methods and terms, is an offense which God will not tolerate. This work cannot be done without imperiling souls. But too often men seek to harness men, and drive them as horses are driven. Right principles are perverted by selfishness and covetousness, which is pronounced by God to be idolatry. It is easy for men who suppose their power to be unlimited, to follow the guidance of their own spirit, and make propositions and decisions that turn the work out of the straightforward channels in which God designs it shall travel, into crooked paths. But because a man is in a position at the heart of the work, where he thinks no one would dare to say to him, Why do ye so wickedly? he should not seek to rule as a lord over Gods heritage. {17MR 196.1}[1]
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上帝一直在而且仍在向在那些身居要职高位的人说这些话。许多人已被你们的欺骗性推理败坏了，一些人多些一些人少些。你们以为凡你们的理事会所决定的，都要被当作是上帝的声音；然而这种假定必须不再存在。你们有上帝的道；你们有上帝所赐的信息；但你们却对顺从这道感到厌烦。{17MR196.2}[2]
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These words God has been and is still addressing to those who are standing in high places of trust. Many have been corrupted, some more and some less, by your deceptive reasoning. You have thought that whatever your councils decided, would stand as the voice of God; but this supposition must no longer exist. You have the Word of God; you have the message which God has given; but you have turned away from obeying this Word. {17MR 196.2}[2]
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我的弟兄们，上帝的天使因一些人表现的偏心和伪善而蒙上了脸。与雅各的欺骗相似的欺骗得到了实行，时候已到，应该研究基督给古以色列人的教训了。{17MR196.3}[3]
§10
My brethren, angels of God have veiled their faces at the partiality and hypocrisy which has been shown by some. Deceptions similar to that of Jacob are practiced, and the time has come to investigate the teachings of Christ to ancient Israel. {17MR 196.3}[3]
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上帝绝不会证明任何使人放弃权利的企图是正当的。祂不会原谅人们藉着欺骗性的推理攫取可能攫取的一切，不考虑他们自己的协议，不顾他们的做法在那些遭受失望和亏待的人身上会有的结果。照着你们一直在做的再做得久一点，就会消灭人们对来自巴特尔克里克的任何声音的信任。{17MR197.1}[4]
§12
God will in no case justify any attempt to turn man from his rights. He will not excuse men for grasping all they possibly can, by deceptive reasoning, irrespective of their own agreements or of the result their course will have upon those disappointed and wronged. Do as you have been doing a little longer and the confidence of the people in any voice from Battle Creek will be destroyed. {17MR 197.1}[4]
§13
主给你们的话是：谁造了人呢？难道你们这些待人如机器的人给了人血与肉，神经与肌肉吗？难道你们创造了人的头脑和理智吗？这是人应当用来以我指定的方式事奉我的。谁委托给人才干，叫他可以充分利用并将之交还上帝呢？我，耶和华，创造了人类。我，耶和华，给了他推理的能力。我，耶和华，用我独生子的血救赎了他。因着创造也因着救赎，他是我的。我要求他用我借给他的才干去从事我的服务。{17MR197.2}[5]
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The word of the Lord to you is, Who has made man? Did you, who treat him as your machine, give him flesh and blood, nerve and muscle? Did you create the mind, the intellect, with which he is to serve Me in My appointed way? Who entrusted man with talents, that he might make the best use of them, and return them to God? I, the Lord, have created man. I, the Lord, gave him reasoning powers. I, the Lord, redeemed him with the blood of My only begotten Son. By creation and by redemption he is Mine. I will demand of him the talents which I loaned him to do My service. {17MR 197.2}[5]
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那些不公正地设法摧毁自己的同胞，控制人的灵魂与身体的人，必要向上帝交账。一些在巴特尔克里克的人设法指引和控制作上帝工具的人。上帝说：他们是我的人，我的人要工作，我的人要给人印象，我的人要充满我的灵，我的人要用来荣耀我的名。我给每一个人机会使用和善用其才能和才干以推进我的工作，在地上宣扬我的义。你们怎么敢支配并设法控制我所选择的工具呢？{17MR197.3}[6]
§16
Those who have sought unjustly to ruin their fellow men, who have taken man, soul and body, under their control, will have an account to render to God. Some in Battle Creek have sought to guide and control Gods human instrumentalities. God says, They are Mine, Mine to work, Mine to impress, Mine to imbue with My Spirit, Mine to use to My names glory. I give to every human being opportunities to use and improve his abilities and talents, to advance My work, to proclaim My righteousness in the earth. How dare you dictate and seek to control My chosen instrumentalities? {17MR 197.3}[6]
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你们在骄傲中盖的楼房并不荣耀我。一个灵魂的得救对我来说比昂贵的大厦、比金子或银子更重要。但你们却以一个原子为世界，以世界为一个原子。这些楼房将会很快毁坏，但他们却没有一个活人。我已用无限代价买来的人——我独生子的恩赐——你们没能赏识。一些人偏待人，另一些人漠不关心，好像他们是机器似的。一些人已被赶逐离开了我，并被诱导以致蔑视我，是因为你们的伪善和不公正的行为。这要向你们讨这些人的灵魂。当与一个灵魂的失丧比较时，整个世界的财富就无足轻重了。可是你们却待那些不愿支持你们人为命令、人为的议的人好像他们不具有能度过永恒岁月的灵魂似的。{17MR197.4}[7]
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The buildings that in your pride you have erected do not glorify Me. The salvation of one soul is more to Me than costly mansions, than gold or silver. But you have made an atom of a world, and a world of an atom. These buildings will soon perish, but they have not a living soul. The souls I have bought at an infinite price--the gift of My only begotten Son--you have failed to appreciate. Some have been treated with partiality and others with indifference, as though they were mere machines. Some have been driven away from Me, and led to despise Me, because of your insincerity and unjust dealing. These souls I will require at your hands. The riches of a world sink into insignificance when compared with the loss of a soul. And yet you have treated those who would not voice your man-made commandments, your human resolutions, as though they did not possess souls capable of living through the eternal ages. {17MR 197.4}[7]
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基督受死是为了藉着福音将生命与不朽的永生显明出来，因此人在上帝眼中是有价值的。人应当尽自己的本分，在自己最适应的地方工作；因为上帝已赐给他才干和能力去使用这些才干。他应当培养自己的能力。他不应成为一部机器，别人的影子，而应当使用他天赐的理智，并以谦卑痛悔的心向上帝求智慧。他不应当仅仅因为另一个人身居高位就接受那人的主张，而应记住，有一个活水的泉源他可以从中取饮，饮了再饮。神圣能力之源是向众人开放的。{17MR198.1}[8]
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Christ died to bring life and immortality to light through the gospel, and therefore man is of value in Gods sight. He is to do his part, working where he finds himself best adapted; for God has given him talents and power to use these talents. He is to cultivate his capabilities. He is not to be a machine, a shadow of another man, but is to use his God-given intellect, and with humble, contrite heart ask God for wisdom. He is not to absorb another mans propositions simply because that man is in a high position of trust, but is to remember that there is a fountain of living water from which he may drink, and drink again. The source of divine power is open to all. {17MR 198.1}[8]
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人只是有限的。他的范围至多也是有限的。他若是那棵活葡萄树上的枝子，就必须与别的枝子一起从树干吸收营养。这使他对上帝来说有价值。人们若不天天从那棵活葡萄树汲取营养，就不能结出葡萄树的果子，便被当作没有价值的枝子被丢掉，被烧灭。{17MR198.2}[9]
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Man is only finite. At best his sphere is limited. If he is a branch of the living Vine, he must, with other branches, draw nourishment from the parent stock. This makes him of value with God. If men do not draw daily sustenance from the living Vine, they cannot bear the fruit of the Vine, and are cast forth as worthless branches, to be consumed. {17MR 198.2}[9]
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但愿人人都记住，无论他们可能显得多么兴旺，也不是他们托着那棵葡萄树，而是那葡萄树托着他们。结果子的能力不在他们，而在主干。当他们从主干汲取营养时，他们就结出丰富的果子。{17MR198.3}[10]
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Let all remember that however flourishing they may appear to be, they do not bear the Vine; the Vine bears them. The power to produce fruit is not in them, but in the parent stock. As they draw nourishment from the parent stock, they bear abundant fruit. {17MR 198.3}[10]
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每一个枝子都有一项工作要做。基督说：“凡属我不结果子的枝子，祂就剪去；凡结果子的，祂就修理干净，使枝子结果子更多。现在你们因我讲给你们的道，已经干净了。你们要常在我里面，我也常在你们里面。枝子若不常在葡萄树上，自己就不能结果子；你们若不常在我里面，也是这样。我是葡萄树，你们是枝子。常在我里面的，我也常在他里面，这人就多结果子；因为离了我，你们就不能做什么。人若不常在我里面，就像枝子丢在外面枯干，人拾起来，扔在火里烧了。你们若常在我里面，我的话也常在你们里面，凡你们所愿意的，祈求，就给你们成就。你们多结果子，我父就因此得荣耀，你们也就是我的门徒了”（约15:2-8）。{17MR199.1}[11]
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Every branch has a work to do. Christ says: [John 15:2-8, quoted]. {17MR 199.1}[11]
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这个葡萄树和枝子的比喻是一个宝贵的描述，代表活基督徒和死的、不结果子的自称信主的人，他们虽然自称是属基督的，却不行基督所行的。{17MR199.2}[12]
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This figure of the vine and the branches is a precious representation of the living Christian and the dead, fruitless professor who claims to be of Christ and yet does not the works of Christ. {17MR 199.2}[12]
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一个人工作的性质是由他所结的果子决定的。观察一下他的家庭生活。他是在同基督收聚吗？他的精神、他的言语和行为证明他已在基督的门下学过柔和谦卑，负基督完全顺从的轭吗？{17MR199.3}[13]
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The character of a mans work is determined by the fruit he bears. Look into his home life. Is he gathering with Christ? Do his spirit, his words, and his actions testify that he has learned in the school of Christ to be meek and lowly, to wear Christs yoke of perfect obedience? {17MR 199.3}[13]
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基督说过：“我爱你们，正如父爱我一样；你们要常在我的爱里。你们若遵守我的命令，就常在我的爱里，正如我遵守了我父的命令，常在祂的爱里”（约15:9,10）。每一个与上帝有至关重要联络的人都会显出上帝的作为和作风。遵行上帝的旨意是他全神贯注的兴趣。他从基督领受亮光，并将之反照他人。{17MR199.4}[14]
§32
As the Father hath loved Me, said Christ, so have I loved you: continue ye in My love. If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Fathers commandments, and abide in His love [verses 9, 10]. Every soul that has a vital connection with God will reveal the works and ways of God. The doing of the commandments of God is his absorbing interest. He receives light from Christ, and radiates it to others. {17MR 199.4}[14]
§33
当人们被选为顾问时，他们就被视为监护人，保护与他们有关系之人的权利。我要对凡居于这个职位的人说：当任何一个人，无论贵贱贫富，需要同情、建议或帮助时，要用智慧、慈悲、温柔的爱使那人与你心连心。不要有严厉苛刻、贬损人格的事，因为他是基督的产业，为耶稣基督所爱。撒但已将他与罪捆绑在一起；他在罪里发现悲伤、痛苦和不幸。他在寻求耶稣。要高举髑髅地的伟人，因为一个灵魂得救比全世界的财富更有价值。{17MR199.5}[15]
§34
When men are selected as counsellors, they are looked upon as guardians to protect the rights of those with whom they are connected. To all in this position I would say, When any man, high or low, rich or poor, needs sympathy, advice, or help, bind that man to your heart by wise, compassionate, tender love. Let there be no harshness, no demeaning, for he is Christs property, beloved of Jesus Christ. Satan has bound him up with sin; he finds sorrow and pain and misery in sin. He is seeking for Jesus. Lift Him up, the man of Calvary, for one soul saved is worth more than the riches of a world. {17MR 199.5}[15]
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但这种救灵的工作却一直遭到忽视；一直没有做个人之工。居于负责岗位的人既渴望盖大楼“以使圣工露脸并给它增光添色，”就忽视了能给圣工增光添色的惟一手段。他们能给圣工增光添色的惟一办法是要住在那棵葡萄树里面，并用他们的好行为表明自己与活葡萄树有生命的联络。这样他们才能在自己所结的果子上代表基督，并向世人散布亮光。“我所拣选的禁食不是要松开凶恶的绳，解下轭上的索，使被欺压的得自由，折断一切的轭吗”（赛58:6）？“耶和华也必时常引导你，在干旱之地使你心满意足，骨头强壮。你必像浇灌的园子，又像水流不绝的泉源”（11节）。“主耶和华的灵在我身上；因为耶和华用膏膏我，叫我传好信息给谦卑的人（或作：传福音给贫穷的人），差遣我医好伤心的人，报告被掳的得释放，被囚的出监牢；报告耶和华的恩年，和我们上帝报仇的日子；安慰一切悲哀的人，赐华冠与锡安悲哀的人，代替灰尘；喜乐油代替悲哀；赞美衣代替忧伤之灵；使他们称为‘公义树’，是耶和华所栽的，叫祂得荣耀”（赛61:1-3）。{17MR199.6}[16]
§36
But this work of soul saving has been neglected; personal efforts have not been made. Men in responsible positions, craving large buildings to make an appearance and give character to the work, have neglected the only means that can give character to the work. The only way they can do this is to abide in the Vine, and show by their good works that they are vitally connected with it. Thus they can represent Christ in the fruit they bear, and diffuse light to the world. Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [Isaiah 58:6]. And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not [verse 11]. Christ says of His work: [Isaiah 61:1-3, quoted]. {17MR 199.6}[16]
§37
法利赛人与上帝分离得越远，就越急于制造命令限制同胞的自由，将难担的重担加在他们身上。他们违犯了上帝的诫命，掺杂了人的遗传和格言。他们将这些遗传高举在上帝的道之上。基督说过：“他们将人的吩咐当做道理教导人，所以拜我也是枉然”（可7:7）。{17MR200.1}[17]
§38
The further the Pharisees separated from God, the more eager they were to manufacture commandments restricting the freedom of their fellow men. They bound heavy burdens upon them, grievous to be borne. They transgressed the commandments of God, and mingled with them the traditions and maxims of men. These traditions they exalted above the word of God. In vain they do worship Me, said Christ, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. {17MR 200.1}[17]
§39
对于那些做了上帝并没有授权他们去做之工的人，情况确实如此。在《以赛亚书》61:1-3中列明的应该完成的工作，一直被奇怪地忽视了。一些人轻易论断同胞的工作，因为不完全符合他们的想法。然而上帝岂宣布他们是绝无错误的了吗？他们在论断上帝使者们的事上表现的精神显明他们易犯错误而且无知，不明白圣经，也不晓得上帝的大能。这些人是在对抗上帝的作为。他们觉得有权做出决定制定法则，使有才干的人处在他们的管辖之下。他们将自己安置在审判席上，要控制自己的同胞。然而上帝指定他们去做这种工作了吗？论到他们，祂会说：“你们在这里做什么呢？谁差你们作这次旅行了呢？谁给了你们这个差事去做了呢？谁让你们批评论断教义问题了呢？谁指定你们对我的仆人们要使用的词语和表达方式挑挑拣拣了呢？”{17MR200.2}[18]
§40
This is true in regard to those who have done a work which God has not authorized them to do. The very work that should be done, brought to view in Isaiah 61:1-3, has been strangely neglected. Some have been very ready to pronounce judgment upon the work of their fellow men, because it did not exactly represent their ideas. But has God pronounced them infallible? The spirit they have manifested in pronouncing judgment upon Gods messengers shows their fallibility and their ignorance, both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. These men are counterworking the work of God. They have felt at liberty to make decisions and laws which would bring talent under their jurisdiction. They have placed themselves in the judgment seat, to control their fellow men. But has God appointed them to do this work? He would say of them, What doest thou here? Who sent you on this journey? Who gave you this errand to perform? Who made you a critic and judge on matters of doctrine? Who appointed you to pick and to choose the words and expressions which My servants shall use? {17MR 200.2}[18]
§41
上帝是真实的。上帝是可靠的。祂对人们讲话，且在人们心上运行。你们从他们的文章中删除的话，可能正是上帝说过应当写下来的话。上帝一直在大量赐给祂的子民亮光；祂并没有在巴特尔克里克设立一个问题采集所，去决定那些应当带给祂的问题。祂并没有计划让那些已蒙祂赐予圣灵的人受一些人支使，后者需要上帝大量的恩典，之后才能决定何为真理何为谬论。{17MR201.1}[19]
§42
God is true. God is trustworthy. He speaks to men, and moves upon human hearts. The very words you would cut out of their articles are, it may be, the very words God has said should be written. God has been imparting light to His people in large measure; and He has not set up an acquisition at Battle Creek to decide questions which should be taken to Him. He does not design that those to whom He has given His Holy Spirit shall be worked by men who need a much larger measure of the grace of God before they can decide what is truth and what is error. {17MR 201.1}[19]
§43
在巴特尔克里克的一些人一直很不幸，要因一种有缺陷的眼光而受苦。他们像犹太人一样，以他们自己的聪明看每一件事。然而这证明他们是绝无错误的吗？既怀有了这种精神，犹太民族就毁了，上帝不会在任何一个自称祂子民的人身上认可这种精神。人们需要祈求属天的启迪。上帝呼吁众人，无论高低贵贱，都要注目于被举起来的救主，穿上祂的义袍，使他们的心灵得安全。{17MR201.2}[20]
§44
It has been the misfortune of some in Battle Creek to be afflicted with a defective eyesight. Like the Jews, they see everything in the light of their own understanding. But does this prove them to be infallible? This spirit, cherished, ruined the Jewish nation, and God will not sanction it in any of His professed people. Men need to pray for the heavenly enlightenment. God calls upon all, high and low, to fasten their eyes upon an uplifted Saviour, and make their souls secure by being clothed in the garments of His righteousness. {17MR 201.2}[20]
§45
我蒙指示看到，每一个人的能力和才干都是上帝委托给他的，人们绝不应如此受控制以致会表达和表现另一个人的意念。上帝给每一个分派了工作。祂给了一个人五千银子，另一个人二千，又一个人一千。每一个人都受托某种特别的恩赐。每一个男人、女人和孩童都具有不同的才干，可以成圣为主所用，并且他要为此向上帝负责，上帝是才干的提供者。{17MR201.3}[21]
§46
I have been shown that the ability and talents of every man are entrusted to him by God, and that men are never to be so controlled that they will express and act another mans mind. God has given every man his work. To one He gave five talents, to another two, to another one. To each individual is entrusted some peculiar gift. Every man, woman, and child is in possession of varied talents which may be sanctified to the Masters use, and for which he is responsible to God, the donor. {17MR 201.3}[21]
§47
得到才干的人不可认为自己是受到优待的人，有权轻视别人在机智和智慧方面的缺乏。整个人类家庭都蒙上帝赋予了才干；他们是有责任的人，应当拿主的货财去做买卖，学习赚取更多。上帝必赐福凡愿意使用祂所赐才能的人。他们若是忠心而谦卑的，认识到自己对上帝的倚赖，必须为自己身心的秉赋向上帝交账，就会从祂领受智慧，像但以理一样，祂指望从上帝得智慧，然后将上帝所赐给他的每一能力都付诸运用，直到他在巴比伦国中成了一个受信任的人。{17MR202.1}[22]
§48
To be talented is not to be applied to a favored class whose privilege it is to look down upon others as being deficient in tact and intellect. The whole family of God is entrusted with talents; they are responsible agents, and are to trade upon the Lords goods, and learn to acquire more. God will bless all who will use the abilities which He has entrusted to them. If they are faithful and humble, realizing their dependence upon Him to whom they must render an account of their mental and physical endowments, they will receive wisdom from Him, as did Daniel, who looked to God for wisdom and then put into exercise every power that God had given him, until he became a trusted man in the kingdom of Babylon. {17MR 202.1}[22]
§49
从最卑下最无名的人到那些地位最高的人，每一个在上帝的家中都有自己的地位。每一个人都被赋予了恩赐。他应当充分利用自己的银子，将之交给兑换银钱的人。最小的恩赐也不应当受到忽视或轻视。并不是才干的数量使人在上帝眼中有价值，而是他们赏识和使用才干的方式。上帝的恩赐不应被用来荣耀自我，而应被珍视为祂的恩赐，并且庄严地分别为圣，用来荣耀祂。{17MR202.2}[23]
§50
From the lowest and most obscure to those highest in position, each one has his place in the family of God. Each one has been entrusted with gifts. He is to make the most of his talents, putting them out to the exchangers. The smallest gift should not be ignored or despised. It is not the number of talents that makes men valuable in the sight of God, but the way in which they appreciate and employ their talents. Gods gifts are not to be used to glorify self. They must be prized as His gifts, and sacredly consecrated to His glory. {17MR 202.2}[23]
§51
趁着宽容时期还在持续，人们应当做上帝的工，因为“黑夜将到，就没有人能做工了”（约9:4）。上帝要求每一个人都警醒作工，将忠心的等候和警醒结合起来。单单作工是不行的。奔忙和不停的活动并不足以满足上帝的要求。我们必须“默然倚靠耶和华，耐性等候祂”（诗37:7）。我们切不可仓促行事。我们必须作工、警醒、祈祷、等候。{17MR202.3}[24]
§52
While probationary time lasts, men should work the works of God, for the night cometh, when no man can work. God requires of every one vigilant work, combined with faithful waiting and watching. Working alone will not do. Bustle and continual activity are not enough to satisfy the requirements of God. We must rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. We must not move hurriedly. We must work and watch and pray and wait. {17MR 202.3}[24]
§53
上帝的儿女必须培养个人的虔诚。他们必须以谦卑痛悔的心怀有上帝的爱，担心行事为人与祂的旨意和道路相反。他们必须在服务的每一方面都积极主动，“殷勤不可懒惰。要心里火热，常常服事主”（罗12:11）。他们必须以不断的警醒和诚挚认真的祈祷保持自己的灯剔净点亮。每一个呈现出来的侍奉上帝的机会都必须予以善用。我们的恩赐通过使用就会增长。基督化的美德是积极主动的。才干藉着在各方面表现基督被例证出来。这是基督徒的品格，在基督徒的美德中发出光来。这就是圣经的宗教。“你要谨慎自己和自己的教训”（提前4:16）。忽视个人的虔诚会使所谓的最辉煌的才能在上帝眼中毫无价值。若不将灵与魂与身子奉献于祂的服务，所谓最辉煌的服务对祂来说也算不得什么。{17MR202.4}[25]
§54
Gods children must cultivate personal piety. With humble, contrite hearts they must cherish the love of God, fearing to walk contrary to His will and way. They must be active in every line of service, not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. With unceasing watchfulness and sincere, earnest prayer, they must keep their lamps trimmed and burning. Every opportunity that presents itself to serve God must be improved. By use our gifts will increase. Christlike virtues are active. The talents are exemplified by representing Christ in every line. This is Christian character, shining in Christian virtues. This is Bible religion. Take heed to thyself, and to the doctrine. The neglect of personal piety will make the most so-called splendid endowments of no value in the sight of God. The most splendid service so-called is nothing to Him unless soul, body, and spirit are devoted to His service. {17MR 202.4}[25]
§55
每一个人的责任是由他从上帝领受的恩典来衡量的。人人都应当作上帝的同工。那些确信自己有大能力，蒙托付了伟大工作的人，必须显明那工作的性质。他们可能从事许多方面的工作，可能过着一种很忙碌的生活；但这对上帝来说并没有价值。他们有没有与基督同负轭呢？乃是上帝所问的问题。他们是在按基督的方式作工，还是在显明他们遗传的和养成的倾向呢？{17MR203.1}[26]
§56
The responsibility of each soul is measured by the endowment of grace he has received from God. All are to be laborers together with God. Those who feel sure that they have large ability, that they have been entrusted with a great work, must reveal the character of that work. They may engage in many lines, they may lead a very busy life; but this is of no account with God. Are they yoked up with Christ? is the question God asks. Do they work in Christs lines, or do they reveal their hereditary and cultivated tendencies? {17MR 203.1}[26]
§57
“我们是与上帝同工的；你们是上帝所耕种的田地，所建造的房屋”（林前3:9）。人人都应该像基督那样作工，增长灵性，增长智慧，“上帝和人喜爱他的心，都一齐增长”（路2:52）——增长到多少呢？直到在基督里有成年男女的身量。{17MR203.2}[27]
§58
We are laborers together with God: ye are Gods husbandry; ye are Gods building. All are to labor as Christ labored, increasing in spirituality, and growing in wisdom and knowledge and in favor with God and man. Growing--how? To the full stature of men and women in Christ. {17MR 203.2}[27]
§59
然而当一个身居要职的人在自足自负上增长，并且自高自大偏向虚妄，觉得想要统治上帝家庭的任何一个成员时，就不要再等待，而要解除他的职务；因为上帝并不与他同在。他必伤害灵魂。他在冒险自备粮饷打仗。他觉得没有基督帮助就能做一项大工。他会高抬自己为一个有出众智慧的人，必须受到高度敬重。他认为弟兄必须照他的决定去做。他不给上帝机会行事；因为他会告诉这一个人要用他的才干做什么，那一个人必须居于什么岗位，好像他是上帝似的。他会自行辖制上帝的产业。将这种人保留在涉及永恒利益的工作中是不安全的；因为他会将自私、不公正和不义掺杂在他的服务中。他从正确的原则抽身退步，忘了他旧日的罪已得洁净。{17MR203.3}[28]
§60
But when a man in a position of responsibility grows in self-sufficiency, and lifts up his soul unto vanity, feeling the inclination to act as ruler toward any member of Gods family, wait no longer, relieve him of his trust; for God is not with him. He will hurt souls. He is venturing a warfare at his own charges. He feels capable of doing a great work without Christs help. He will exalt himself as a man of superior wisdom, who must be highly esteemed. He thinks that his brethren must do as he decides. God is given no chance to work; for he will tell what this one shall do with his talents and what place that man must occupy, as if he were God. He will take it upon him to lord it over Gods heritage. It is not safe to keep any such one in the work in which eternal interests are involved; for he will mingle selfishness, injustice, and unrighteousness with his service. He is a backslider from right principles, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from iniquity. {17MR 203.3}[28]
§61
主正在检验每一个人的忠诚。一些人会将灵与魂与身子投诚于主。教会是由大大小小的器皿构成的，主所借出的货财已经已经有了大笔的收益。然而惟有上帝才能判断祂仆人们的能力。惟有祂才有能力看出为祂而使用的光阴和才干。如果那些受托很少才干的人在自己的工作上忠心，他们就会与那受托更多才干的人得到一样多的赏赐。{17MR204.1}[29]
§62
The Lord is now proving every mans fidelity. Some will surrender soul, body, and spirit to the Lord. The church is made up of large and small vessels, and a large revenue is brought to the Lord from the goods He has lent. But God alone can judge the capabilities of His servants. He alone has the power to discern the time and the talents employed for Him. If those entrusted with few talents are faithful in their work, they receive just as large a reward as the one to whom a larger number of talents was entrusted. {17MR 204.1}[29]
§63
当人们以为自己能决定谁成就了最多的善工，并且相应地对待上帝的工人时，就往往犯下严重的错误。那为人谦卑的人，做自己的工作像是为上帝做的，不是为人做的，可能不像充满忙碌和炫耀的人那样做出伟大的表现；但他的工作却更有价值。那做出大炫耀的人往往叫人注意他自己，置身百姓与上帝之间，他的工作证明是致命的失败。{17MR204.2}[30]
§64
When men think that they can decide who has accomplished the most good, and treat Gods workers accordingly, they often make serious mistakes. The man who is humble, and does his work as unto God and not to man, may not make as great a show as the man who is full of bustle and show; but his work counts for more. Often the one who makes a great parade calls attention to himself, interposing himself between the people and God, and his work proves a dead failure. {17MR 204.2}[30]
§65
那些蒙上帝赐予很高恩赐的人负有很重的责任，是他们在审判时必须面对的。他们要为善用或滥用自己的才干负责任。管家如果是不忠心的，就会因败坏自己的能力和羞辱上帝而受到挑战和谴责。我们是在拿着上帝的财产作买卖。我们在品格上表现基督了吗？当我们追求彰显基督的品格，接受圣灵的恩赐时，上帝就必与我们同工。我们就会像基督。我们口中就不会说出断然拒绝、严厉苛刻、刺人、非难的话。我们就不会锁上心门不让圣灵进来。当上帝行事时，我们就不会说：“那是狂热。”我们口中就会没有诡诈。我们就会在一切的交往方式上圣洁，存单一的目的事奉上帝。于是我们就为快乐的算账之日预备好了。{17MR204.3}[31]
§66
Those whom God has highly gifted carry a weight of responsibility which they must meet in the judgment. They are responsible for the improvement or the abuse of their talents. If the steward is not faithful, he will be challenged and condemned for corrupting his power and dishonoring his God. We are trading upon Gods property. Are we presenting Christ in character? When we seek to reveal the character of Christ, accepting the gift of the Holy Spirit, God will work with us. We will be Christlike. No rebuffs, no harsh, stinging, condemnatory words will come from our lips. We will not lock the door of our hearts against the Holy Spirits entrance. When God works, we will not say, It is fanaticism. No guile will be found on our lips. We will be holy in all manner of conversation, serving God with singleness of purpose. Then we shall be prepared for a pleasant day of reckoning. {17MR 204.3}[31]
§67
当上帝来收集祂的珍宝的日子，每一个人的作为都会清楚明了地显出来，而不是像一堆乱麻一样。那赋予人恩赐的主会仔细检查从每一个才干得到的回报。祂知道人们做了什么，会相应地报应他们。那些听到主说称赞之辞的人有福了：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人，你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把许多事派你管理；可以进来享受你主人的快乐”（太25:23）。{17MR205.1}[32]
§68
In the day when God comes to make up His jewels, the works of every soul will stand out clearly and distinctly, not heaped together in an indiscriminate mass. He who bestowed the gift will scrutinize the returns received from every talent. He knows just what men have done, and will reward them accordingly. Happy will be those to whom the words of commendation are spoken, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. {17MR 205.1}[32]
§69
那些在巴特尔克里克之人的麻烦在于他们忘了上帝并不依靠他们的娴熟技能或业务能力。他们的心若是谦卑痛悔，上帝就能为他们做更多的事；因为祂能使用这种工人，但祂不能使用极为自负的人。上帝会为祂的工作挑选祂愿意使用的人。主耶稣在地上的时候拣选了渔夫，祂知道他们会乐于受塑造。祂并不用他们的语法知识或他们的业务能力来衡量他们的效能，却向祂的父祈祷说：“认识祢独一的真神，并且认识祢所差来的耶稣基督，这就是永生”（约17:3）。{17MR205.2}[33]
§70
The trouble with those in Battle Creek is that they have forgotten that God is not dependent on their fluency or on their business ability. God could do more for them were their hearts humble and contrite; for He can use such workers, while the self-sufficient He cannot use. God will select whom He will for His work. The Lord Jesus when on earth selected fishermen, whom He knew would be willing to be molded. He did not measure their efficiency by their knowledge of grammar or by their business ability, but He prayed to His Father, This is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. {17MR 205.2}[33]
§71
有多种多样的恩赐。那些领受了许多才干的人若是觉得需要相称地保持与救主的亲近，保持与基督同负轭，若是明白他们必须靠从上帝口中所出的每一句话活着，他们就会善用自己的禀赋以致成为同胞的丰富福气。然而人们已在巴特尔克里克受到了检验，显明他们并没有都“殷勤不可懒惰。要心里火热，常常服事主”（罗12:11）。他们一直乐于告诉这个人必须做什么，那个人不可做什么，就这样指使着人。他们给同胞制定了规章制度和协议，只是为了改变和制服他们，只承诺不执行。然而尽管他们没能实行明确定义了的基督徒原则，他们却一直渴望更多权力，渴望承担更多责任。{17MR205.3}[34]
§72
There is a diversity of gifts. If those who have received many talents feel the need of keeping proportionately near the Saviour, of keeping closely yoked up with Christ, if they understand that they must live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, their endowments will be used in such a manner that they will be a rich blessing to their fellow men. But men have been proved in Battle Creek, and it has been made manifest that they have not all been diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. They have been ready to tell this man what he must do, and that man what he must not do, and so the ordering and directing has gone on. They have made rules and resolutions and agreements with their fellow men, only to change and break them, to promise and not perform. Yet notwithstanding their failure to practice well-defined, Christian principles, they have been anxious for more power, anxious to take more responsibilities. {17MR 205.3}[34]
§73
上帝已在天上的案卷中写下：“被称在天平里，显出你的亏欠”（但5:27）。许多人已显出大量自私的证据。他们自行作法官，审判自己的同胞。可是他们的残忍和不公还没有被充分地看出来，使那些与他们联系的人能看出我们正经历怎样的隘口。上帝不悦。那些充当假神的人激起了祂的怒气。他们像犹太人一样，一直在积蓄报复的乌云，最终必定爆发到他们身上。他们现在若不明白人们的灵魂并没有交在他们手里，他们不能以为了上帝的圣工为借口行出他们的自私和贪婪，他们就会无药可救了。{17MR206.1}[35]
§74
God has written in the books of heaven, Weighed in the balances, and found wanting. Many have given abundant evidence of their selfishness. They have placed themselves as judges, to judge their fellow men. Yet their cruelty and injustice have not been sufficiently discerned to enable those connected with them to see to what a pass we are coming. God is displeased. His anger is kindled against the men who have acted as gods. Like the Jews, they have been loading the cloud of vengeance, which must at last break upon them. Unless they shall now understand that the souls of men are not given into their hand, that they cannot act out their selfish, avaricious covetousness under the plea that it is for the cause of God, there will be no remedy for them. {17MR 206.1}[35]
§75
要醒来，弟兄们，要醒来，在为时太晚之前改变你们的品格。“当趁耶和华可寻找的时候寻找祂，相近的时候求告祂。恶人当离弃自己的道路；不义的人当除掉自己的意念。归向耶和华，耶和华就必怜恤他；当归向我们的上帝，因为上帝必广行赦免”（赛55:6,7）。（《信函》1896年7号）怀爱伦著作托管委员会1987年7月9日全文发表于美国首都华盛顿。{17MR206.2}[36]
§76
Wake up, brethren, wake up, before it is too late for your characters to be changed. Seek ye the Lord while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon [Isaiah 55:6, 7].--Letter 7, 1896. Ellen G. White Estate Washington, D. C. July 9, 1987. Entire Letter. {17MR 206.2}[36]
§77
[这份文件中的意见是怀爱伦在一次只有一小群人参加的总会上发表的。总会于1901年重组以提供广泛的代表性之后，怀夫人采取了一种不同的观点。在1909年的总会上，她鼓励人们有力地支持总会。她在那次会议上说过：“过去曾有几次，少数受委托综理圣工的人，利用全球总会的名义，企图行使不智的计划以限制上帝的工作，那时我曾说，我不再将这几个人所代表的总会的主张视为上帝的声音。然而这并不是说，经各地正式选派代表出席的总会大会所作的决断，是不必尊重的。上帝已命定从各地教会派遣出席总会大会的代表具有权柄。……但愿我们要将那易于交给一个人或少数人的权威，交给教会的最高组织。”——《证言》卷九第260,261页。详见《榆园早期岁月》，A.L.怀特著，第75-94,108-110页。]{17MR207.1}[37]
§78
【EXPLANATORY NOTE】
§79
[THE OPINIONS IN THIS DOCUMENT WERE EXPRESSED BY ELLEN WHITE AT A TIME WHEN ONLY A SMALL GROUP REPRESENTED THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. AFTER THE GENERAL CONFERENCE WAS REORGANIZED IN 1901 TO PROVIDE BROAD REPRESENTATION, MRS. WHITE TOOK A DIFFERENT VIEW. AT THE 1909 GENERAL CONFERENCE SHE ENCOURAGED STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE GENERAL CONFERENCE. AT THAT SESSION SHE SAID: AT TIMES, WHEN A SMALL GROUP OF MEN ENTRUSTED WITH THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF THE WORK HAVE, IN THE NAME OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, SOUGHT TO CARRY OUT UNWISE PLANS AND TO RESTRICT GODS WORK, I HAVE SAID THAT I COULD NO LONGER REGARD THE VOICE OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE, REPRESENTED BY THESE FEW MEN, AS THE VOICE OF GOD. BUT THIS IS NOT SAYING THAT THE DECISIONS OF A GENERAL CONFERENCE COMPOSED OF AN ASSEMBLY OF DULY APPOINTED, REPRESENTATIVE MEN FROM ALL PARTS OF THE FIELD SHOULD NOT BE RESPECTED. GOD HAS ORDAINED THAT THE REPRESENTATIVES OF HIS CHURCH FROM ALL PARTS OF THE EARTH, WHEN ASSEMBLED IN A GENERAL CONFERENCE, SHALL HAVE AUTHORITY. . . . LET US GIVE TO THE HIGHEST ORGANIZED AUTHORITY IN THE CHURCH THAT WHICH WE ARE PRONE TO GIVE TO ONE MAN OR TO A SMALL GROUP OF MEN.--TESTIMONIES, VOL. 9, PP. 260, 261. SEE FURTHER THE EARLY ELMSHAVEN YEARS, BY A. L. WHITE, PP. 75-94, 108-110.] {17MR 207.1}[37]