第04章 上帝的工人
§1
第04章 上帝的工人Laborers for God
§2
在这伟大收获的田地里的同工们，我们可以作工的时候不多了。现今正是千载难逢的良机，我们真应何等谨慎，以求善用每一分的光阴啊。我们的救赎主十分热爱救人的工作，甚至于自己亟欲经过血的洗礼。使徒们也感染了主的热心，而坚决，稳定，热切地前进，要完成他们伟大的工作，与那些执政的，掌权的，以及天空属灵气的恶魔争战。{2TT 27.1}[1]
§3
Fellow laborers in the great harvest field, we have but little time left in which to labor. Now is the most favorable opportunity we shall ever have, and how carefully ought every moment to be employed. So devoted was our Redeemer to the work of saving souls that He even longed for His baptism of blood. The apostles caught the zeal of their Master and firmly, steadily, zealously went forward to the accomplishment of their great work, fighting against principalities and powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places.?{2TT 27.1}[1]
§4
我们所处的时候，需要比较使徒时代更大的热诚，然而许多基督的传道人，却有一种不安定的感觉，想效法现代奋兴家热情奔放的作风，想要作一些大事，想激动人的情感，以便自己会被人认为干练的演讲家，饱享盛誉，出人头地。这等人若遇危险，而可得英雄之荣誉，自必坚决奋力以赴。但那等在生活及工作上，默默无闻，在无名低微之处为耶稣劳苦牺牲，而得不到人特别称赞的工作，却是需要纯正的原则及坚定的宗旨方可，可惜具有这种原则及宗旨的人，却是寥寥无几。如果人能更加尽力与上帝谦卑同行，不注意到人，而只为基督的缘故劳力，那么所成就的就必更大了。{2TT 27.2}[2]
§5
We are living in a time when even greater earnestness is needed than in the apostles’ day. But among many of the ministers of Christ there is a feeling of unrest, a desire to imitate the romantic style of modern revivalists, a desire to do something great, to create a sensation, to be accounted able speakers, and to gain for themselves honor and distinction. If such could encounter perils and receive the honor given to heroes, they would engage in the work with unflagging energy. But to live and labor almost unknown, to toil and sacrifice for Jesus in obscurity, receiving no special praise from men—this requires a soundness of principle and a steadfastness of purpose that but few possess. Were there a greater effort to walk humbly with God, looking away from men and laboring only for Christ’s sake, far more would be accomplished.?{2TT 27.2}[2]
§6
我的传道弟兄们哪，你们应当全然温柔谦卑地寻求耶稣。切不可想引人来注意你们自己。当你们高举耶稣的时候，应使人们不注意到那作为工具的你们。应当谈论耶稣；将自己消没在耶稣里。我们在宗教的活动上太忙乱，就把髑髅地和十字架忘掉了。{2TT 27.3}[3]
§7
My ministering brethren, seek Jesus with all lowliness and meekness. Do not try to draw the attention of the people to yourselves. Let them lose sight of the instrument, while you exalt Jesus. Talk of Jesus; lose self in Jesus. There is too much bustle and stir about our religion, while Calvary and the cross are forgotten.?{2TT 27.3}[3]
§8
在彼此称赞及互相抬举之时，我们乃是处于极大的危险之中。法利赛人最大的负担，就是要得人的称赞；基督曾告诉他们，那就是他们所可得到的一切赏赐了。但愿我们负起所派定给我们的工作，并为基督而作；如果要遭受困苦，也当为祂而受。我们神圣的主就是因所受的苦难得以完全。唉，何时我们才能见到人们象祂那样辛劳呢！{2TT 28.1}[4]
§9
We are in the greatest peril when we receive praise of one another, when we enter into a confederacy to exalt one another. The great burden of the Pharisees was to secure the praise of men; and Christ told them that that was all the reward they would ever receive. Let us take up our appointed work and do it for Christ; if we suffer privation, let it be for His sake. Our divine Lord was made perfect through suffering. Oh, when shall we see men laboring as He labored!?{2TT 28.1}[4]
§10
上帝的话是我们的标准。每一仁爱的行动，每一慈惠的言语，以及为受苦受压迫者所作的每一祷告，都要呈报在永恒宝座之前，并记在天庭不朽的记录中。圣经中的话向理解力最昏暗的人发出亮光，这光也使最有教养的人觉得自己的无能和有罪。{2TT 28.2}[5]
§11
The word of God is our standard. Every act of love, every word of kindness, every prayer in behalf of the suffering and oppressed, is reported before the eternal throne and placed on heaven’s imperishable record. The divine word pours light into the most darkened understanding, and that light makes the most cultivated feel their inefficiency and sinfulness.?{2TT 28.2}[5]
§12
仇敌现正廉价收买人心。照圣经上的口气说来，“你们是无价被卖的”（赛52:3）。有的人为得世人的称赞而出卖自己的灵魂，有的是为金钱，有的是为满足卑贱的情欲，还有的是为世俗的娱乐。这样的廉价交易天天在进行着。撒但正向基督宝血所赎回的人讲价，他以廉价收买他们，不顾那已为救赎他们而付上的无穷代价。{2TT 28.3}[6]
§13
The enemy is buying souls today very cheap. “Ye have sold yourselves for nought” (Isaiah 52:3), is the language of Scripture. One is selling his soul for the world’s applause, another for money; one to gratify base passions, another for worldly amusement. Such bargains are made daily. Satan is bidding for the purchase of Christ’s blood and buying them cheap, notwithstanding the infinite price which has been paid to ransom them.?{2TT 28.3}[6]
§14
我们的福气及特权是伟大的。我们可得最宝贵的天庭财宝。但愿各位传道人及教友记住，福音真理若不救人，就必使人灭亡。凡拒绝听从这每日所发出的慈悲邀请的人，不久即使是听到最迫切的呼求，也会无动于衷了。{2TT 28.4}[7]
§15
Great blessings and privileges are ours. We may secure the most valuable heavenly treasures. Let ministers and people remember that gospel truth ruins if it does not save. The soul that refuses to listen to the invitations of mercy from day to day can soon listen to the most urgent appeals without an emotion stirring his soul.?{2TT 28.4}[7]
§16
我们既是与上帝同工的，就当更加热切敬虔，少高抬自己。人越高抬自己，就越减少对上帝圣灵之证言的信心。那些与上帝有最密切联络的人，当上帝向他们说话之时，他们就认识祂的声音。属灵的人才能测透属灵的事，这等人必感激主指出他们的错误来；至于那全心信赖自己的人，在祂圣灵所默示的证言中却越来越少看出上帝的旨意。{2TT 28.5}[8]
§17
As laborers with God we need more fervent piety and less self-exaltation. The more self is exalted, the more will faith in the testimonies of the Spirit of God be lessened. Those who are the most closely connected with God are the ones who know His voice when He speaks to them. Those who are spiritual discern spiritual things. Such will feel grateful that the Lord has pointed out their errors, while?those who trust wholly in themselves will see less and less of God in the testimonies of His Spirit.?{2TT 28.5}[8]
§18
我们的工作应当配以深切的谦卑，禁食，及祈祷。我们不应期望凡事都是平安快乐的。忧苦总是难免的；然而如果我们流泪撒种，就必欢呼收割。黑暗与失望有时也会进入克己牺牲之人的心中，然而这并不妨碍他们。这也许是上帝的旨意，要使他们更恳切地寻求祂。{2TT 29.1}[9]
§19
Our work must be accompanied with deep humiliation, fasting, and prayer. We must not expect all peace and joy. There will be sadness; but if we sow in tears we shall reap in joy. Darkness and despondency may at times enter the heart of the self-sacrificing ones; but this is not against them. It may be God’s design to cause them to seek Him more earnestly.?{2TT 29.1}[9]
§20
【需要迦勒那样的人】
§21
我们现今所需要的乃是忠心信实，象迦勒那样的人。今日太多人的生活显出懒惰的现象。正当应该坚毅地运用全力积极工作之时，他们竟扭转肩头，规避那责任的巨轮。基督的传道人哪，“你这睡着的人当醒过来，从死里复活，基督就要光照你了”（弗5:14）。你们的工作带着如此强烈的自私的气味，以致将基督忘记了。你们当中有些人是过于受人纵容及阿谀了。现今犹如挪亚的时候一样，又吃又喝，又耕种又盖造的事太多了。世俗已把基督仆人们的精力盗取了。弟兄们哪，如果你们要不信的人尊重你们的信仰，就当用与信仰相符的行为，自己先尊重它。你们若与上帝有密切的联络，并在面临困难及世人压迫之时，严守圣经的真理，这样你们就可灌注真理的精神在儿女的心中，使他们也可与你们一同有效地作工，犹如上帝手中行善的器皿。{2TT 29.2}[10]
§22
【Men Like Caleb Needed】
§23
What we need now is Calebs, men who are faithful and true. Indolence marks the lives of too many at the present day. They turn their shoulders from the wheel just when they should persevere and bring all their powers into active exercise. Ministers of Christ, “awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”?Ephesians 5:14. Your labors taste so strongly of self that Christ is forgotten. Some of you are pampered and flattered too much. As in the days of Noah, there is too much eating and drinking, planting and building. The world has stolen the energies of the servants of Christ. Brethren, if you would have your religion honored by unbelievers, honor it yourselves by corresponding works. By a close connection with God and a strict adherence to Bible truth in the face of difficulty and worldly pressure, you may infuse the spirit of the truth into the hearts of your children so that they will work effectually with you as instruments in God’s hands for good.?{2TT 29.2}[10]
§24
许多人因为过度饮食及放纵情欲，以致在精神及身体双方面，都没有能力作工。兽性的习性被加强，道德及属灵的本性就被削弱了。当我们环绕在那白色的大宝座前之时，许多人的生活将显出何等的记录啊。那时他们也要看明，如果他们不贬抑上帝所赐的能力，原可作成何等的大事。他们也要认识到，如果自己曾把主所交托的智力体力全部奉献给上帝，就可在智慧能力上，有何等伟大的造就。在懊悔痛苦之余，他们想望自己能再得此生，重新生活才好。{2TT 29.3}[11]
§25
Many are incapacitated for labor both mentally and physically by overeating and the gratification of the lustful passions. The animal propensities are strengthened, while the moral and spiritual nature is enfeebled. When we shall stand around the great white throne, what a record will the lives of many then present. Then will they see what they might have done had they not debased their God-given powers.?Then will they realize what height of intellectual greatness they might have attained had they given to God all the physical and mental strength He had entrusted to them. In their agony of remorse they will long to have their lives to live over again.?{2TT 29.3}[11]
§26
我呼吁那些自称肩负真光──作群羊之榜样──的人们，务要远离一切的罪孽。应当善用这留给你们的一点点余下的光阴。你是否坚强信靠上帝，献身为祂服务，以致在遇见最惨重的逼迫之时，你的信仰仍可使你忠贞不渝呢？惟有上帝深切的爱，才能在那临到我们身上的考验中支持我们的心灵。{2TT 30.1}[12]
§27
I call upon those who profess to be light bearers—ensamples to the flock—to depart from all iniquity. Use well the little remnant of time now left you. Have you that strong hold of God, that consecration to His service, that your religion will not fail you in the face of direst persecution? The deep love of God alone will sustain the soul amid the trials which are just upon us.?{2TT 30.1}[12]
§28
克己及十字架乃是我们的分，我们愿意接纳吗？我们无论何人不应妄想，在最后的大考验临身之时，因为需要的缘故，会当机立现一种自我牺牲的、爱国的精神。这确实是不可能的，这种精神必须混合在我们的日常经验中，并藉教训及榜样，灌注于儿女的心思之内。以色列人中作母亲的，虽然或许不能身为战士，但她们却能养育那些将来身披全副武装，为主英勇作战的战士。{2TT 30.2}[13]
§29
Self-denial and the cross are our portion. Will we accept it? None of us need expect that when the last great trials come upon us a self-sacrificing, patriotic spirit will be developed in a moment because needed. No, indeed, this spirit must be blended with our daily experience, and infused into the minds and hearts of our children, both by precept and example. Mothers in Israel may not be warriors themselves, but they may raise up warriors who shall gird on the whole armor and fight manfully the battles of the Lord.?{2TT 30.2}[13]
§30
【为试炼的日子作准备】
§31
传道人和信徒均需要使人悔改的恩典之能，方可在主的大日站立得住。世界快到恶贯满盈，败坏堕落，以致上帝非来干涉不可的地步了。在那时，凡称为祂门徒的人，应格外显明他们对于祂神圣律法的忠贞不贰之心。他们的祷告要象大卫的一样：“这是耶和华降罚的时候，因人废了祂的律法”（诗119:126）。从他们的行为上，也会说明：“所以我爱祂的命令胜于金子，更胜于精金”（127节）。世人对上帝律法所表现的轻视态度，十足说明为什么守诫的子民应当挺身向前，表明自己推崇及重看祂那被蹂躏了的律法。?{2TT 30.3}[14]
§32
【Prepare for the Day of Test】
§33
Ministers and people need the converting power of grace before they will be able to stand in the day of the Lord. The world is fast approaching that point in iniquity and human depravity when God’s interference will become necessary. And at that time His professed followers should be more marked for their fidelity to His holy law. Their prayer will be as that of David: “It is time for Thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void Thy law.”?Psalm 119:126. And by their conduct they will say: “Therefore I love Thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold.”?Verse 127. The very contempt that is shown to the law of God is sufficient reason why His commandment-keeping people should?come to the front and show their esteem and reverence for His downtrodden law.?{2TT 30.3}[14]
§34
“只因不法的事增多，许多人的爱心才渐渐冷淡了”（太24:12）。世上的空气也都被罪恶玷污了。上帝的子民不久就要受火炼的试验，现今许多看来很是真实纯正的人，到那时就要显出是劣质的金属了。他们不但不会因为人的反对，威胁，及侮辱，而更加强固及坚定，反而是要畏缩地转到反对者的一边去。主的应许是，“尊重我的，我必重看他”（撒上2:30）{2TT 31.1}[15]
§35
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”?Matthew 24:12. The very atmosphere is polluted with sin. Soon God’s people will be tested by fiery trials, and the great proportion of those who now appear to be genuine and true will prove to be base metal. Instead of being strengthened and confirmed by opposition, threats, and abuse, they will cowardly take the side of the opposers. The promise is: “Them that honor Me I will honor.”?1 Samuel 2:30. Shall we be less firmly attached to God’s law because the world at large have attempted to make it void??{2TT 31.1}[15]
§36
从风暴，洪水，暴风雨、地震，及海洋陆地各方面的危险灾祸看来，上帝的刑罚现已遍临各地了。伟大的“自有永有者”正在向那些废弃祂律法的人说话。当上帝的忿怒向世人倾下之时，谁能站立得住呢？现今正是上帝的子民表现自己忠于原则的时候了。在基督的宗教最受人蔑视，祂的律法最受人看轻之时，我们却当发出最诚挚的热心，及最坚定不移的勇气和决心来。在大多数的人厌弃我们之时，坚立护卫真理及公义，在战士稀少之时，为主奋勇作战——这就是我们的试炼。这时，我们应当因别人的冷淡而热忱，因他们的胆怯而勇敢，并因他们的反叛而忠贞。举国都必站在那大叛徒一边。{2TT 31.2}[16]
§37
Already the judgments of God are abroad in the land, as seen in storms, in floods, in tempests, in earthquakes, in peril by land and by sea. The great I AM is speaking to those who make void His law. When God’s wrath is poured out upon the earth, who will then be able to stand? Now is the time for God’s people to show themselves true to principle. When the religion of Christ is most held in contempt, when His law is most despised, then should our zeal be the warmest and our courage and firmness the most unflinching. To stand in defense of truth and righteousness when the majority forsake us, to fight the battles of the Lord when champions are few—this will be our test. At this time we must gather warmth from the coldness of others, courage from their cowardice, and loyalty from their treason. The nation will be on the side of the great rebel leader.?{2TT 31.2}[16]
§38
试验是一定要临到的。三十六年之前，我就受过指示得悉现时所要出现的事了，星期日的法令要迫使人们遵守教皇的制度，同时耶和华所定为圣的安息日，却要被人践踏于足下。{2TT 31.3}[17]
§39
The test will surely come. Thirty-six years ago?I was shown that what is now transpiring would take place, that the observance of an institution of the papacy would be enforced upon the people by a Sunday law, while the sanctified rest day of Jehovah would be trampled underfoot.?{2TT 31.3}[17]
§40
那救我们的元帅要坚固祂的子民，以应付他们必经的斗争。多少次当撒但倾其全军之力攻击基督的门徒，死亡正面盯着他们之时，他们凭着信心，恳切祈祷，耶和华军队的元帅就亲临战阵，转败为胜，拯救了受压迫的人。{2TT 31.4}[18]
§41
The Captain of our salvation will strengthen His people for the conflict in which they must engage. How often when?Satan has brought all his forces to bear against the followers of Christ, and death stares them in the face, have earnest prayers put up in faith brought the Captain of the Lord’s host upon the field of action and turned the tide of battle and delivered the oppressed.?{2TT 31.4}[18]
§42
现今正是我们应当与上帝密切联络的时候，以便在祂的烈怒向世人倾发之日，我们可得隐藏起来。我们已经逸出古道之外了，现在让我们回头吧。若耶和华是上帝，就当事奉祂；若巴力是上帝，就当事奉巴力。你们到底要站在哪一边呢？（5T132-137.1882年）{2TT 32.1}[19]
§43
Now is the time when we should closely connect with God, that we may be hid when the fierceness of His wrath is poured upon the sons of men. We have wandered away from the old landmarks. Let us return. If the Lord be God, serve Him; if Baal, serve him. Which side will you be on??{2TT 32.1}[19]