第20章 真正的布道精神
§1
第20章 真正的布道精神
§2
The True Missionary Spirit
§3
真正的布道精神就是基督的精神。世人的救赎主乃是伟大的模范布道士。祂的许多门徒已经为使人得救而作了诚恳无私的服务；但人的努力是无法与我们榜样的克己，牺牲，仁慈相比的。{2TT 126.1}[1]
§4
The true missionary spirit is the spirit of Christ. The world’s Redeemer was the great model missionary. Many of His followers have labored earnestly and unselfishly in the cause of human salvation; but no man’s labor can bear comparison with the self-denial, the sacrifice, the benevolence, of our Exemplar.?{2TT 126.1}[1]
§5
基督已向我们显示的爱，是无可匹敌的。祂是何等勤恳地操劳！祂往往单独作热诚的祈祷，在山麓或园林幽深之处，迫切地流泪呼求。祂为罪人代求真是何等地恒切！甚至在十字架上，祂因深爱其降世所要拯救的人类，而竟忘了自己的痛苦。若与我们救主所表现的爱与关心相比，我们的爱心是多么地冷淡，我们的关心又是多么地微薄啊！耶稣舍己来救赎人类；但我们却是如何地常常有所借口，而不将自己一切所有的献给耶稣。我们的救主身经劳苦，耻辱，及痛楚。祂在实行其降世使命时，曾受人排斥，戏弄，与嘲笑。.{2TT 126.2}[2]
§6
The love which Christ has evinced for us is without a parallel. How earnestly He labored! How often was He alone in fervent prayer, on the mountainside or in the retirement of the garden, pouring out His supplications with strong crying and tears. How perseveringly He urged His petitions in behalf of sinners! Even on the cross He forgot His own sufferings in His deep love for those whom He came to save. How cold our love, how feeble our interest, when compared with the love and interest manifested by our Saviour! Jesus gave Himself to redeem our race; and yet how ready are we to excuse ourselves from giving all that we have for Jesus. Our Saviour submitted to wearing labor, ignominy, and suffering. He was repulsed, mocked, derided, while engaged in the great work which He came to earth to do.?{2TT 126.2}[2]
§7
我的弟兄姐妹们哪，你们有否问道：我们应当效法谁的榜样？我不向你们指出什么伟人与善人，我乃指出世人的救赎主。我们若愿具有真正的布道精神，就必须充满基督之爱；我们必须仰望为我们信心创始成终之主，研究祂的品格，培养祂温柔谦卑的精神，并跟随祂的脚踪而行。{2TT 126.3}[3]
§8
Do you, my brethren and sisters, inquire: What model shall we copy? I do not point you to great and good men, but to the world’s Redeemer. If we would have the true missionary spirit we must be imbued with the love of Christ; we must look to the Author and Finisher of our faith, study His character, cultivate His spirit of meekness and humility, and walk in His footsteps.?{2TT 126.3}[3]
§9
许多人以为布道的精神，从事布道工作的资格，是出于一种特别的恩赐或是特赋与传道人及少数教友的，而其他一切的人不过是旁观者罢了。这是前所未有的大错误。其实每位真基督徒都必具有布道的精神，因为要作基督徒就是要效法基督。没有一个人为自己活，“人若没有基督的灵，就不是属基督的”（罗8:9）。凡觉悟来世权能的人，不论老幼智愚，都会被那激动基督之灵所激动。重生之心的第一件所需求的，就是去引导别人也归向救主。凡心中没有这种愿望的人，就证明他们已失去了起初的爱心；他们应当照圣经亮光所示，严密省察自己的心，并切求基督之灵的新洗礼；他们应当祈求有更深切的理解，以明白基督在离开荣耀之境，来到堕落世界拯救灭亡之人的事上，向我们所显明的奇妙大爱。?{2TT 126.4}[4]
§10
Many suppose that the missionary spirit, the qualification for missionary work, is a special gift or endowment bestowed?upon the ministers and a few members of the church and that all others are to be mere spectators. Never was there a greater mistake. Every true Christian will possess a missionary spirit, for to be a Christian is to be Christlike. No man liveth to himself, and “if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.”?Romans 8:9. Everyone who has tasted of the powers of the world to come, whether he be young or old, learned or unlearned, will be stirred with the spirit which actuated Christ. The very first impulse of the renewed heart is to bring others also to the Saviour. Those who do not possess this desire give evidence that they have lost their first love; they should closely examine their own hearts in the light of God’s word, and earnestly seek a fresh baptism of the Spirit of Christ; they should pray for a deeper comprehension of that wondrous love which Jesus manifested for us in leaving the realms of glory and coming to a fallen world to save the perishing.?{2TT 126.4}[4]
§11
【活的荐信】
§12
我们在主的葡萄园中，每个人都有一份工作。我们不应求那能给自己最享受及最有利的地位。真正的宗教是不自私的。布道的精神是一种个人牺牲的精神。我们要随时随地竭尽自己的所能推进主的工作。{2TT 127.1}[5]
§13
【Living Epistles】
§14
There is work for every one of us in the vineyard of the Lord. We are not to seek that position which will yield us the most enjoyment or the greatest gain. True religion is free from selfishness. The missionary spirit is a spirit of personal sacrifice. We are to work anywhere and everywhere, to the utmost of our ability, for the cause of our Master.?{2TT 127.1}[5]
§15
一个人一开始真正悔改归向真理，他的心中就立即发出一种迫切的愿望，要去向朋友及邻人传说那从圣经上所照出来的宝贵亮光。在他为救人而作的无私服务上，他是一封活的荐信，被众人所知道所念诵的。他的生活表现出他已悔改归向基督，并变成基督的一位同工者了。{2TT 127.2}[6]
§16
Just as soon as a person is really converted to the truth there springs up in his heart an earnest desire to go and tell some friend or neighbor of the precious light shining forth from the sacred pages. In his unselfish labor to save others he is a living epistle, known and read of all men. His life shows that he has been converted to Christ and has become a colaborer with Him.?{2TT 127.2}[6]
§17
安息日复临信徒，是一班慷慨而热心的人。在传扬现代真理上，我们可以倚重于他们强烈而敏捷的同情心。何时提出了适宜的目标，需要他们的慷慨襄助，向他们的见识及良心有所请求，他们就发出由衷的响应。他们支持圣工的礼物，就证明他们相信这是真理的工作。不错，在我们之中固然也有例外。并非个个自称接受信仰的人，都是热切诚心的信徒。即在基督之日，亦复如此。甚至在使徒之中也有一个犹大；但这却不能证明人人都有同样的品格。?{2TT 127.3}[7]
§18
As a class, Seventh-day Adventists are a generous and warmhearted people. In the proclamation of the truth for this time we can rely upon their strong and ready sympathy. When?a proper object for their liberality is presented, appealing to their judgment and conscience, it calls forth a hearty response. Their gifts in support of the cause testify that they believe it to be the cause of truth. There are, indeed, exceptions among us. Not all who profess to accept the faith are earnest and truehearted believers. But the same was true in the days of Christ. Even among the apostles there was a Judas; but that did not prove all to be of the same character.?{2TT 127.3}[7]
§19
我们既知道有这么多的人献身于真理圣工，并预备作高贵的牺牲以促进这种工作，就没有理由灰心失意了。但在我们之中还是有大缺欠，大需要。那就是太缺少真实的布道精神了。凡从事布道工作的人，应当对于自己同胞的灵性存有深刻的关切，以致能在同情及耶稣之爱上，同心合意。他们应当迫切祈求上帝的帮助，并应当聪明地作工，救人归向基督。冷淡而无精神的工作是不会有所成就的。须有基督之灵降在先知众子的身上，然后他们就能显出这种爱人灵性的心，正如耶稣在祂的生活上所示范的。{2TT 128.1}[8]
§20
We have no reason for discouragement while we know that there are so many who are devoted to the cause of truth, and are ready to make noble sacrifices for its advancement. But there is still a great lack, a great need among us. There is too little of the true missionary spirit. All missionary workers should possess that deep interest for the souls of their fellow men that will unite heart to heart in sympathy and in the love of Jesus. They should plead earnestly for divine aid and should work wisely to win souls to Christ. A cold, spiritless effort will accomplish nothing. There is need that the spirit of Christ fall upon the sons of the prophets. Then will they manifest such love for the souls of men as Jesus exemplified in His life.?{2TT 128.1}[8]
§21
教会内之所以缺少更深切的宗教热忱，及彼此间也没有诚挚之爱的，乃是因为布道的精神已经渐渐消逝了。那曾经一度作为思想及谈话主题的基督复临，现在已很少提说了。人们对于有关宗教的谈话，竟表示一种不可理喻的嫌厌，渐至于鄙薄，反倒竞尚那琐屑无谓的闲谈，甚至连自称为基督门徒的人，也是如此。{2TT 128.2}[9]
§22
The reason why there is no deeper religious fervor and no more earnest love for one another in the church is that the missionary spirit has been dying out. Little is now said concerning Christ’s coming, which was once the theme of thought and of conversation. There is an unaccountable reluctance, a growing disrelish for religious conversation; and in its stead, idle, frivolous chitchat is indulged in, even by the professed followers of Christ.?{2TT 128.2}[9]
§23
【出去工作】
§24
我的弟兄姐妹们哪，你们愿意打破这束缚你们的迷梦吗？你们愿意从这种类似死亡麻痹的怠惰中觉醒么？不管你们觉得是否喜欢，出发工作吧。参加作个人之工，引人归向耶稣及认识真理。在这种努力之中，你会发现到兴奋剂及滋补剂；会使你兴奋而有力。你们的属灵力量必因运用而变更活跃，以致你们在作成自己得救的工夫上也有更好的成效。许多承认基督的人已有了死亡昏睡的情形。应当用每一分的力量去唤醒他们。警告，恳求，忠告。祈求上帝融化的爱来温暖及软化他们冰冷的本性。虽然他们也许会不听你们，但你们的劳苦必不徒然。在尽力造福他人上，你们自己的心灵也必蒙福。{2TT 128.3}[10]
§25
【Go to Work】
§26
My brethren and sisters, do you desire to break the spell that holds you? Would you arouse from this sluggishness that resembles the torpor of death? Go to work, whether you feel like it or not. Engage in personal effort to bring?souls to Jesus and the knowledge of the truth. In such labor you will find both a stimulus and a tonic; it will both arouse and strengthen. By exercise your spiritual powers will become more vigorous, so that you can with better success work out your own salvation. The stupor of death is upon many who profess Christ. Make every effort to arouse them. Warn, entreat, expostulate. Pray that the melting love of God may warm and soften their icebound natures. Though they may refuse to hear, your labor will not be lost. In the effort to bless others your own souls will be blessed.?{2TT 128.3}[10]
§27
我们已有了真理的理论，现今却需要极其迫切地追求其使人成圣的能力。在此危险时代中，我不敢缄默不言。这是一个试探沮丧的时代。每个人都会受撒但诡计的攻击，因此我们必须团结一致，抵抗他的势力。我们应当一心一德，都说一样的话，并且异口同声地荣耀上帝。这样我们便能够顺利地扩展我们的计划，并借着警醒不倦的布道工作，善用我们的每一分才干推进各部门的圣工。{2TT 129.1}[11]
§28
We have the theory of the truth, and now we need to seek most earnestly for its sanctifying power. I dare not hold my peace in this time of peril. It is a time of temptation, of despondency. Everyone is beset by the wiles of Satan, and we should press together to resist his power. We should be of one mind, speaking the same things, and with one mouth glorifying God. Then may we successfully enlarge our plans and by vigilant missionary effort take advantage of every talent we can use in the various departments of the work.?{2TT 129.1}[11]
§29
【到每个人门前】
§30
藉着布道工作，真理的光正照耀在世界上。出版社是一个工具，藉此可以接近许多布道士无法接近的人。原原本本地传扬圣经，可以成就大工。把圣经带到每一个人面前，用其清楚的言辞向人的良心发恳劝，重述救主的命令，“你们查考圣经”（约5:39）。劝他们原原本本地接受圣经，祈求上帝的光照，及至亮光显明时，就欣然接受每一道宝贵的光线，无畏地承担其后果。{2TT 129.2}[12]
§31
【To Every Man’s Door】
§32
The light of truth is shedding its bright beams upon the world through missionary effort. The press is an instrumentality by which many are reached whom it would be impossible to reach by ministerial effort. A great work can be done by presenting to the people the Bible just as it reads. Carry the word of God to every man’s door, urge its plain statements upon every man’s conscience, repeat to all the Saviour’s command: “Search the Scriptures.”?John 5:39. Admonish them to take the Bible as it is, to implore divine enlightment, and then, when the light shines, to gladly accept each precious ray and fearlessly abide the consequences.?{2TT 129.2}[12]
§33
那被人蹂躏的上帝之律法应高举在人前；及至他们存恳切及敬畏之心归回到神圣的圣经时，天上的亮光就会立即向他们显明上帝律法中的奇妙。久被迷信及假道所遮蔽的伟大真理，要从圣经发光的每一页上大放光芒。活泼的圣言要倒出新旧的宝藏，使凡接受的人得到亮光及喜乐。许多人从懒睡中醒起，似乎是从死复活一样，接受那只有基督能赐的光明及生命。那曾被证明远胜哲人智士的真理，在基督里的婴孩竟能一一了解。对于这些人，真理是十分明显了，但这真理却会使最有学问的讲经家属灵的见解模糊呢，因为他们也象古时的撒都该人一样，不明白圣经，也不晓得上帝的大能。?{2TT 129.3}[13]
§34
The downtrodden law of God is to be exalted before the people; as soon as they turn with earnestness and reverence to the Holy Scriptures, light from heaven will reveal to them?wondrous things out of God’s law. Great truths that have long been obscured by superstition and false doctrine will blaze forth from the illuminated pages of the Sacred Word. The living oracles pour forth their treasures new and old, bringing light and joy to all who will receive them. Many are roused from their slumber. They rise as it were from the dead and receive the light and life which Christ alone can give. Truths which have proved an overmatch for giant intellects are understood by babes in Christ. To these is plainly revealed that which has clouded the spiritual perception of the most learned expositors of the word, because, like the Sadducees of old, they were ignorant of the Scriptures and of the power of God.?{2TT 129.3}[13]
§35
凡存着欲求明白及实行上帝旨意之诚恳愿望而研究圣经的人，就必有得救的智慧。安息日学是布道工作的重要部门，不但使老幼学员得到圣经的知识，也可在我们的心中激发一种爱慕其圣洁真理的心，并切望自行研究；尤其是能教导他们用其圣洁的教训来调整他们的生活。{2TT 130.1}[14]
§36
Those who study the Bible with a sincere desire to know and do the will of God will become wise unto salvation. The Sabbath school is an important branch of the missionary work, not only because it gives to young and old a knowledge of God’s word, but because it awakens in them a love for its sacred truths and a desire to study it for themselves; above all, it teaches them to regulate their lives by its holy teachings.?{2TT 130.1}[14]
§37
【与基督同工】
§38
凡接受圣经为其人生指南的人，就会彼此发生密切的关系。圣经是他们团结的联系。但那些不向圣经低头，认其为无误之向导者的人，就不会寻求或思慕这种友谊了。他们要在信心和行为上，各行其道，彼此之间不能和谐，无法接近。我们作基督复临安息日会信徒的人，应当离弃风俗及遗传，而诉诸明白的“耶和华如此说”；并且因此之故，我们并非与那一般将人的吩咐当作道理教训人或去遵守它的人们相合，而且也是不能相合。{2TT 130.2}[15]
§39
【Co-workers with Christ】
§40
All who take the word of God as their rule of life are brought into close relationship with one another. The Bible is their bond of union. But their companionship will not be sought or desired by those who do not bow to the Sacred Word as the one unerring guide. They will be at variance, both in faith and practice. There can be no harmony between them; they are unreconcilable. As Seventh-day Adventists we appeal from custom and tradition to the plain “Thus saith the Lord;” and for this reason we are not, and cannot be, in harmony with the multitudes who teach and follow the doctrines and commandments of men.?{2TT 130.2}[15]
§41
凡是从上帝而生的人，都要成为基督的同工。这等人是世上的盐。“盐若失了味，怎能叫它再咸呢？”如果我们自称相信的宗教不能革新我们的心，圣化我们的生活，又怎能在不信的人身上发挥救人的力量呢？“以后无用，不过丢在外面，被人践踏了”（太5:13）。那不能在世人身上发挥重生再造之力的宗教乃是无价值的。{2TT 130.3}[16]
§42
All who are born of God will become co-workers with Christ. Such are the salt of the earth. “But if the salt have?lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?” If the religion we profess fails to renew our hearts and sanctify our lives, how shall it exert a saving power upon unbelievers? “It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden underfoot of men.” That religion which will not exert a regenerating power upon the world is of no value.?{2TT 130.3}[16]
§43
我们不能信靠它来救自己。我们越快丢弃它越好，因为它既无能为力又是虚假的。我们是在伟大的领导者之下服务，团结抵抗一切反对的势力，是与上帝同工的。那指派给我们的工作就是在各水边播撒福音的种子。这种工作人人有份。所分赐给我们的基督丰盛的恩赐，使我们作有才干的管家，我们必须把这些才干放给兑换银钱的人生利，以便主人回来算账时可连本带利收回。（5T385-389.1885年）{2TT 131.1}[17]
§44
We cannot trust it for our own salvation. The sooner we cast it away the better, for it is powerless and spurious. We are to serve under our great Leader, to press against every opposing influence, to be laborers together with God. The work appointed us is to sow the gospel seed beside all waters. In this work everyone must act a part. The manifold grace of Christ imparted to us constitutes us stewards of talents which we must increase by putting them out to the exchangers, that when the Master calls for them, He may receive His own with usury.?{2TT 131.1}[17]
§45
上帝吩咐你用一只信心的手握住祂大能的膀臂，用另一只仁爱的手去接触行将沦亡的生灵。基督就是道路、真理、生命。要跟从祂。不要随从肉体，而要随从圣灵，走基督所走的道路。上帝的旨意就是要你们成为圣洁。上帝为祂自己的荣耀维持你们的生命，你们的工作就是要遵行祂的旨意。你们若为自己工作，你们的工作就毫无益处。为别人的益处工作，少想自己，多多恳切地将一切奉献给上帝，就会蒙祂悦纳，也必蒙祂报以祂丰盛的恩惠。（2T.170。1868年）{2TT 131.2}[18]
§46
God bids you with one hand, faith, take hold of His mighty arm, and with the other hand, love, reach perishing souls. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Follow Him. Walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Walk even as He walked. This is the will of God, even your sanctification. The work you have to perform is to do the will of Him who sustains your life for His glory. If you labor for yourselves, it can profit you nothing. To labor for others’ good, to be less self-caring and more in earnest to devote all to God, will be acceptable to Him, and be returned by His rich grace.—1868,?Testimonies for the Church 2:170.?{2TT 131.2}[18]