第59章 改革的障碍
§1
第59章 改革的障碍
§2
Hindrances to Reform
§3
在我们的学校中，已经在某种程度上实施了圣经的教学，在改革的方面，也有一些努力；但是在如此长久的时间已经习用通俗的方法，而今才采取正确的原则，确是一件最困难的事。在起初下手要改革这些旧习之时，有严重的磨炼临到那些愿意行在上帝所指出之路上的人。往日所作的许多错事，已经招致了很大的损失。有一些障碍倾向于把我们滞留在平庸，属世的路线上，拦阻我们领会真教育的原则。在未悔改的人们立于人类自私，不信，及冷漠的低地上看起来，那些正当的原理及方法，显然是错的。{2TT 419.1}[1]
§4
To some extent the Bible has been introduced into our schools, and some efforts have been made in the direction of reform; but it is most difficult to adopt right principles after having been so long accustomed to popular methods. The first attempts to change the old customs brought severe trials upon those who would walk in the way which God has pointed out. Mistakes have been made, and great loss has resulted. There have been hindrances which have tended to keep us in common, worldly lines, and to prevent us from grasping true educational principles. To the unconverted, who view matters from the lowlands of human selfishness, unbelief, and indifference, right principles and methods have appeared wrong.?{2TT 419.1}[1]
§5
有些没有完全悔改的教师与管理人员们，已成了别人的绊脚石。他们在某些事情上表示同意，作了一半的改革；但当更大的学问临到时，他们却拒绝前进，宁可照自己的观点行事。他们如此行，无异是摘食了那将人置于神之上的分别善恶树的果子。“现在你们要敬畏耶和华，诚心实意地事奉祂，将你们列祖在大河那边和在埃及所事奉的神除掉，去事奉耶和华。若是你们以事奉耶和华为不好，今日就可以选择所要事奉的。”“若耶和华是上帝，就当顺从耶和华；若巴力是上帝，就当顺从巴力”(书24:14,15；王上18:21)。当亮光临到我们时，我们若是前进，我们的属灵状况原会远超过现今所有的。{2TT 419.2}[2]
§6
Some teachers and managers who are only half converted are stumbling blocks to others. They concede some things and make half reforms; but when greater knowledge comes, they refuse to advance, preferring to work according to their own ideas. In doing this they pluck and eat of that tree of knowledge which places the human above the divine. “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the Flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve.” “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.”?Joshua 24:14, 15;?1 Kings 18:21. We should have been far in advance of our present spiritual condition had we moved forward as the light came to us.?{2TT 419.2}[2]
§7
在提倡新方法之时，提出了许多的疑问，开了这么多的讨论会，意欲洞悉每个困难，遂使改革者们受到拦阻，有些人就因此停止，不再推进改革了。他们似乎不能撑住疑惑及批评的逆流。在雅典人中，只有比较少数的人接受了福音真理，多数的人因有聪明才智及属世的智慧而心存骄傲，认基督的福音为愚拙。然而“上帝的愚拙总比人智慧，上帝的软弱总比人强壮。”因此“我们却是传钉十字架的基督。在犹太人为绊脚石，在外邦人为愚拙，但在那蒙召的，无论是犹太人，希利尼人，基督总为上帝的能力，上帝的智慧”（林前1:25,23,24）。{2TT 419.3}[3]
§8
When new methods have been advocated, so many?doubtful questions have been introduced, so many councils held that every difficulty might be discerned, that reformers have been handicapped, and some have ceased to urge reforms. They seem unable to stem the current of doubt and criticism. Comparatively few received the gospel in Athens because the people cherished pride of intellect and worldly wisdom, and counted the gospel of Christ foolishness. But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Therefore “we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”?1 Corinthians 1:25, 23, 24.?{2TT 419.3}[3]
§9
现今我们要从头开始。应当尽心，尽性，尽意来发动这些改革。谬误虽可因岁月而苍老；但岁月却不能将谬误变成真理，也不能使真理变为谬误。我们随从古老的风俗习惯实在太久了。现今主愿意除掉教师及学生们的每一错误观念。我们不能单单因为风尚如此，便随意教授那迎合世界标准或教会标准的事物。当以基督所授的教训为标准。主所指示有关本会学校应施的教育，我们必须严格地予以重视；因为如果不是在教育方面应与我们某些学校所实行的大有分别的话，那么，我们就不需要花钱买地建筑校舍了。{2TT 420.1}[4]
§10
We need now to begin over again. Reforms must be entered into with heart and soul and will. Errors may be hoary with age; but age does not make error truth, nor truth error. Altogether too long have the old customs and habits been followed. The Lord would now have every idea that is false put away from teachers and students. We are not at liberty to teach that which shall meet the world’s standard or the standard of the church, simply because it is the custom to do so. The lessons which Christ taught are to be the standard. That which the Lord has spoken concerning the instruction to be given in our schools is to be strictly regarded; for if there is not in some respects an education of an altogether different character from that which has been carried on in some of our schools, we need not have gone to the expense of purchasing lands and erecting school buildings.?{2TT 420.1}[4]
§11
【降低标准以博取声望】
§12
有些人要强调，如果把宗教教导列为显要的课程，我们的学校将不受欢迎；因为那些不信本会道理的人们是不会来入学的。好极了；让他们到别的学校去吧，他们在那里可以找到合乎他们口味的教育制度。撒但的目的就是要用这些顾虑，来拦阻我们达到设立我们学校的目标。管理人员受撒但的诡计所阻，便考虑效法世人的样式，摹仿他们的计划，效法他们的惯例。许多人已充分显明是缺少从上头来的智慧，而公然与上帝及真理之敌合作，为学生们筹备世俗的娱乐。他们这样行，使上帝蹙额不悦，因为他们误导青年，为撒但作成了一桩工作。对于这种工作，以及一切的后果，他们都必须在上帝的审判台前交账的。{2TT 420.2}[5]
§13
【Popularity Through Lowered Standards】
§14
Some will urge that if religious teaching is to be made prominent our schools will become unpopular; that those who are not of our faith will not patronize them. Very well; then let them go to other schools, where they will find a system of education that suits their taste. It is Satan’s purpose?by these considerations to prevent the attainment of the object for which our schools were established. Hindered by his devices, the managers reason after the manner of the world and copy its plans and imitate its customs. Many have so far shown their lack of wisdom from above as to join with the enemies of God and the truth in providing worldly entertainments for the students. In doing this they bring upon themselves the frown of God, for they mislead the youth and do a work for Satan. This work, with all its results, they must meet at the bar of God.?{2TT 420.2}[5]
§15
那些采取这种行径的人，显然是不堪受托的。在铸下恶局之后，他们也许会承认自己的错误；但他们岂能勾销自己所发生的影响呢？这些不忠于所托的人，主人岂能对他们说“好”呢？这些不忠实的工匠没有在永恒的磐石上建设，他们的根基要证明是散滑浮沙。当主命令我们与人分别，作特别子民之时，我们怎能渴求声望，设法摹仿世人的风俗习惯呢？“岂不知与世俗为友，就是与上帝为敌么？所以凡想要与世俗为友的，就是与上帝为敌了”（雅4:4）。{2TT 421.1}[6]
§16
Those who pursue such a course show that they cannot be trusted. After the evil has been done, they may confess their error; but can they undo the influence they have exerted? Will the “well done” be spoken to those who have been false to their trust? These unfaithful workmen have not built upon the eternal Rock, and their foundation will prove to be sliding sand. When the Lord requires us to be distinct and peculiar, how can we crave popularity or seek to imitate the customs and practices of the world? “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”?James 4:4.?{2TT 421.1}[6]
§17
降低标准为要博取声望，使人数增加而引以为乐，这可显明是太盲目了。如果以人数来作为成功的凭据，撒但自可首屈一指了；因为在这世界上，随从他的人是占绝大多数的。要试验学校的成功与否，需看那弥漫学校中的道德风气到何程度。本会的学校，不当以人数，乃当以校内人员的美德，才智及敬虔，来作为欢乐与感恩之源。因此，我们岂可使本会学校变质象世界的一样，效法他们的风俗及时尚呢？“所以弟兄们，我以上帝的慈悲劝你们，……不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为上帝的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意”（罗12:1,2）。?{2TT 421.2}[7]
§18
To lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase of numbers, and then to make this increase a cause of rejoicing, shows great blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success, Satan might claim the pre-eminence; for in this world his followers are largely in the majority. It is the degree of moral power pervading a school that is a test of its prosperity. It is the virtue, intelligence, and piety of the people composing our schools, not their numbers, that should be a source of joy and thankfulness. Then shall our schools become converted to the world and follow its customs and fashions? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye ... be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,?that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”?Romans 12:1, 2.?{2TT 421.2}[7]
§19
人们要用各种的方法，尽力减少安息日复临信徒与守每周的第一日的人之间的显著区别。主在异象中显现给我看到一班名为安息日复临信徒的人；他们提议说，那使我们成为特别子民的旗号或印记，不可那样彰明地揭出；据他们说，这对于我们机构的成功，不是最好的方策。然而现今不是我们扯下旗帜，以我们的信仰为耻的时候。这特殊的旗帜上面写着说，“圣徒的忍耐就在此，他们是守上帝诫命和耶稣真道的”（启14:12），这是应当向世人高扬，直到救恩时期结束之日的。当我们在各处多做努力促进圣工之时，切不可掩饰本会的信仰，以求人的赞助。真理必须传与那些行将灭亡的生灵；如果用什么方法遮盖起来，就是羞辱了上帝，那些人的血也要染在我们的衣服上。{2TT 422.1}[8]
§20
Men will employ every means to make less prominent the difference between Seventh-day Adventists and observers of the first day of the week. A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner, or sign, which makes us a distinct people should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed that this was not the best policy in order to secure success to our institutions. But this is not a time to haul down our colors, to be ashamed of our faith. This distinctive banner, described in the words, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. While efforts should be increased to advance in different localities, there must be no cloaking of our faith to secure patronage. Truth must come to souls ready to perish; and if it is in any way hidden, God is dishonored, and the blood of souls will be upon our garments.?{2TT 422.1}[8]
§21
那些参加我们机构工作的人，存心谦卑与上帝同行到何时，天上的生灵也要与他们同工到何时。但愿大家把上帝所说的话铭记在心：“尊重我的，我必重看他”（撒上2:30）。任何人切不可须臾存有这种观念，以为他在不信的世人面前掩盖自己的信仰及道理，这是对他有益的，因他害怕若是他的原则被人知道了，人就不会那样看重他。基督要求凡跟从祂的人公开果敢地承认信仰。每个人必须采取自己的立场，并且成为上帝所计划他该成为的，成为一台戏，给世界，天使，和人们观看。全宇宙正在用难以形容的关心，观看这在基督与撒但之间的大斗争的结束。每个基督徒应当作光，不是藏在斗底下或床底下，乃是放在灯台上，便光照亮全屋子的人。切切不可因为懦弱胆怯或随从世俗的方针，而把上帝的真理置诸背后。……{2TT 422.2}[9]
§22
Just as long as those in connection with our institutions walk humbly with God, heavenly intelligences will co-operate with them; but let all bear in mind the fact that God has said: “Them that honor Me I will honor.”?1 Samuel 2:30. Never for one moment should the impression be given to anyone that it would be for his profit to hide his faith and doctrines from the unbelieving people of the world, fearing that he may not be so highly esteemed if his principles are known. Christ requires from all His followers open, manly confession of faith. Each must take his position and be what God designed he should be, a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The whole universe is looking with inexpressible interest to see the closing work of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Every Christian is to be a light, not hid under a bushel or under a bed, but put on a candlestick, that light may be given to all who are in the?house. Never, from cowardice or worldly policy, let the truth of God be placed in the background. ...?{2TT 422.2}[9]
§23
年轻人所受的教育塑造着整个社会结构。在世界各处，社会都在混乱中，需要彻底的改革。许多人以为，如果用更好的教育设施、更伟大的技能、更先进的方法，就会使事物处于正常状态。他们声称相信并接受活泼的圣言，可是在教育的大体制中，却将上帝的圣言列于次要的地位。那本应居首位的，却屈居于人的发明之下了。{2TT 423.1}[10]
§24
The education given to the young molds the whole social fabric. Throughout the world society is in disorder, and a thorough transformation is needed. Many suppose that better educational facilities, greater skill, and more recent methods will set things right. They profess to believe and receive the living oracles, and yet they give the word of God an inferior position in the great framework of education. That which should stand first is made subordinate to human inventions.?{2TT 423.1}[10]
§25
我们很容易流于世俗的方式方法和习惯，象挪亚时代的人们一样，不考虑我们所生活的时代，所要完成的伟大工作。有一种常在的危险，就是本会的教育者们会重蹈犹太人的覆辙，遵守上帝没规定的风俗，惯例和传统。有些人顽强坚决地抱住旧的习惯，并且热爱研究各种不必要的东西，仿佛他们的得救依赖于这些东西似的。他们既这样做，就背离了上帝的特别工作，并提供给学生一种有缺陷的错误教育。人们的心思被指向了人的理论和教导，离开了关乎永恒利益的清楚明白的“耶和华如此说”。无限的、永恒的真理，上帝的启示，竟被按照人的见解来解说，然而只有圣灵的能力才能解明属灵的事。人的智慧是愚妄的；因其不能觉察上帝着眼于永恒的全部旨意。{2TT 423.2}[11]
§26
It is so easy to drift into worldly plans, methods, and customs and have no more thought of the time in which we live, or of the great work to be accomplished, than had the people in Noah’s day. There is constant danger that our educators will travel over the same ground as did the Jews, conforming to customs, practices, and traditions which God has not given. With tenacity and firmness some cling to old habits and a love of various studies which are not essential, as if their salvation depended upon these things. In doing this they turn away from the special work of God and give to the students a deficient, a wrong education. Minds are directed from a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” which involves eternal interests, to human theories and teachings. Infinite, eternal truth, the revelation of God, is explained in the light of human interpretations, when only the Holy Spirit’s power can unfold spiritual things. Human wisdom is foolishness; for it misses the whole of God’s providences, which look into eternity.?{2TT 423.2}[11]
§27
改革者并非毁灭者。他们决不会试图毁灭那些与他们的计划不一致和不被他们同化的人。改革者必须前进，不可后退。他们必须是坚决，稳健，果断，大无畏的；但这种坚决的精神不可退化为盛气凌人飞扬跋扈的精神。上帝渴望一切服侍祂的人，在涉及原则问题时都坚如磐石，但要像基督那样心里柔和谦卑。于是，他们既住在基督里面，就能做基督若处在他们的位置上所要做的工。一种粗鲁无礼的、定罪的精神在当代改革中，并不是英雄气概所必不可少的精神。在服侍上帝时，一切自私的方法在祂眼中都是可憎的。（6T141-151.1900年）{2TT 423.3}[12]
§28
Reformers are not destroyers. They will never seek to ruin those who do not harmonize with their plans and?assimilate to them. Reformers must advance, not retreat. They must be decided, firm, resolute, unflinching; but firmness must not degenerate into a domineering spirit. God desires to have all who serve Him firm as a rock where principle is concerned, but meek and lowly of heart, as was Christ. Then, abiding in Christ, they can do the work He would do were He in their place. A rude, condemnatory spirit is not essential to heroism in the reforms for this time. All selfish methods in the service of God are an abomination in His sight.?{2TT 423.3}[12]