第26章 东部和西部
§1
第26章 东部和西部
§2
Chap.26 - The East and the West
§3
亲爱的弟兄们：主已在异象中指示我有关东部和西部的一些事，我感到有责任告诉你们。我看到上帝已在开路，可在西部传播现代真理。在东部比在西部需要更多的能力才能感动人，而且目前在东部能成就的事很少。当前应在能获得最多益处的地方付出特别的努力。{1T 146.3}[1]
§4
Dear Brethren: The Lord has shown me in vision some things in regard to the East and the West which I feel it my duty to set before you. I saw that God has been opening the way for the spread of present truth in the West. It requires much more power to move the people in the East than in the West, and at present but very little can be accomplished in the East. Special efforts should be made at the present time where most good will result.{1T 146.3}[1]
§5
东部的人已听过基督复临信息的传扬，也已见过上帝能力的许多显示，却退回到了一种漠不关心安全无虞的状态，目前几乎无法感动他们。虽用最好的恩赐在东部付出了非凡的努力，但收效甚微。{1T 147.1}[2]
§6
The people in the East have heard the proclamation of the second coming of Christ, and have seen much of the display of the power of God, and have fallen back into a state of indifference and security where it is almost impossible to reach them at present. After uncommon efforts are made in the East, with the best gifts, but very little is accomplished.{1T 147.1}[2]
§7
我看到西部的人比东部的人容易受感动得多。他们既没有得到过真理的亮光，所以也就没有拒绝过，他们的心更柔软更易受真理和上帝之灵的感动。西部许多人的心已预备妥当，急于接受真理；当上帝的仆人前去救这些宝贵的灵魂时，他们会大大鼓励他们劳心费力的工作。人们既渴望听从真理，许多人既接受真理，就需要调用并加强上帝所赐给祂仆人的恩赐。他们会看到自己的努力获得了成功。{1T 147.2}[3]
§8
I saw that the people in the West could be moved much more easily than those in the East. They have not had the light of the truth, and have not rejected it, and their hearts are more tender and susceptible to the truth and the Spirit of God. The hearts of many in the West are already prepared to eagerly receive the truth; and as the servants of God go out to labor for the salvation of precious souls, they have much to encourage them in their arduous work. As the people are anxious to hear, and many embrace the truth, the gift which God has given His servants is called out and strengthened. They see that their efforts are crowned with success.{1T 147.2}[3]
§9
我看到在付出同样努力的情况下，在西部的成就比在东部多十倍，而且门路已开，还可获得更大的成功。我看到目前在威斯康星州可做大量的工作，在伊利诺斯州可做更多，也必须在明尼苏达州和爱荷华州努力传扬真理。在那里真理会在许多人的心中见效。在异象中，有一片极其辽阔的作工园地在我面前展开，是我们还未进入的；但没有足够多的自我牺牲的帮助来满足半数地区的需要，这些地区的人都已准备好听取真理，许多人会接受真理。{1T 147.3}[4]
§10
I saw that tenfold more has been accomplished in the West than in the East with the same effort, and that the way is opening for still greater success. I have seen that much can be done at present in Wisconsin, and still more in Illinois, and that efforts to spread the truth must be made in Minnesota and Iowa. It will take effect in many hearts there. There was a large, very large, field of labor spread out before me in vision, which has not yet been entered; but there is not self-sacrificing help enough to fill half the places where the people are all ready to hear the truth, and many to receive it.{1T 147.3}[4]
§11
新的园地要开工，必须进入全新的地区；许多人将不得不自备粮饷去打仗，存心自负费用进入这样的园地。我看到这里是上帝管家们的一个好机会，可以尽他们的本分，支持那些把真理带到这些地区的人。对这些管家来说，把属上帝的东西归还上帝应是一个极大的特权。他们可以藉此履行一项圣经的职责，奉献一部分地上的财宝，现在对许多家产丰富的人来说，这是一个责任。这也会增加他们在天上的财宝。{1T 147.4}[5]
§12
New fields of labor, entirely new, must be visited; many will have to go a warfare at their own charges, enter such fields with the expectation of bearing their own expenses. Here, I saw, is a good opportunity for the stewards of the Lord to act their part and support those who carry the truth to these places. It should be a great privilege for these stewards to render to God that which belongs to Him. By so doing they will discharge a Scriptural duty and free themselves of a portion of their earthly treasure, which is now a burden to many who have an abundance. It will also add to their treasure in heaven.{1T 147.4}[5]
§13
我看到东部的帐篷不该在同一个地方支来支去。如有需要，那些有帐篷的人应该自负费用去打仗；将帐篷支在没有传过真理的地方，而工人们应该很好地支持这样支搭起来的帐篷。{1T 148.1}[6]
§14
I saw that the Eastern tent should not be carried over and over the same ground. If need be, those who accompany the tent should go a warfare at their own charges; they should pitch the tent where the truth has not been presented, and the tent when thus pitched should be well supplied with laborers.{1T 148.1}[6]
§15
我看到年复一年以几乎同样的恩赐在同一个地方开帐篷大会已经失败。如有可能，应该获得最可接受的恩赐。若帐篷聚会更少些，工作力量或团队更强些，以不同的恩赐作工，就会更好，成就更多的善工。应该在人们的兴趣已被唤起的地方多停留一些时候。帐篷拆得太匆忙了。有些人刚开始有了良好的印象，需要付出坚忍的努力，直到他们的心意已决，献身真理。在许多已经支搭起帐篷的地方，传道人一直留到了偏见开始消除，有些人愿意以没有成见的心听道的时候；但是就在那时帐篷却被拆掉，启程去另一个地方了。一轮轮的帐篷聚会结束了，时间和钱财都花费了，上帝的仆人们在这期间却只看到很少的成就。很少有人被带来认识真理，上帝的仆人们既看到只能给他们一点点欢欣鼓舞，只能动用他们一点点恩赐，就丧失了而不是获得了力量，灵性和能力。{1T 148.2}[7]
§16
I saw that there had been a failure in going over the same old ground, year after year, with almost exactly the same gifts. If possible, the most acceptable gifts should be obtained. It would be better, and accomplish more good, if there were fewer tent meetings, and a stronger force, or company, with different gifts to labor. Then there should be a longer tarry in a place where an interest is awakened. There has been too much haste in taking down the tent. Some begin to be favorably impressed, and there is need that persevering efforts be put forth till their minds become settled and they commit themselves on the truth. In many places where the tent has been pitched, the ministers stay till the prejudice begins to wear away, and some would then listen with minds free from prejudice; but just then the tent is taken down and sent on its way to another place. The rounds are gone over, time and means spent, and the servants of God can see but very little accomplished through the tent season. But few are brought to acknowledge the truth, and Gods servants, having seen but very little to cheer and encourage them, and call out the gift within them, lose instead of gaining in strength, spirituality, and power.{1T 148.2}[7]
§17
我看到应该用帐篷聚会在西部付出特别的努力；因为上帝的天使正在预备那里的人心接受真理。这就是为何上帝已感动东部的一些人搬到西部的原因。他们的恩赐在西部能比在东部成就更多。工作的重点是在西部，上帝的仆人应该本着祂敞开的天意而行，这是最重要的。{1T 148.3}[8]
§18
I saw that special efforts should be made in the West with tents; for the angels of God are preparing minds there to receive the truth. This is why God has moved on some in the East to move to the West. Their gifts can accomplish more in the West than in the East. The burden of the work is in the West, and it is of the greatest importance that the servants of God should move in His opening providence.{1T 148.3}[8]
§19
我看到当这信息能力大增时，上帝的天意就会在东部开路并预备道路，以成就比目前多得多的工作。那时上帝会差派祂的一些仆人以能力访问现在很少成就或无可成就的地方，有些现在漠不关心的地区也会被唤醒，持住真理。【本文余下的内容来自1856年12月9日在伊利诺斯州朗德格罗夫赐下的一个异象。】 {1T 149.1}[9]
§20
I saw that when the message shall increase greatly in power, then the providence of God will open and prepare the way in the East for much more to be accomplished than can be at the present time. God will then send some of His servants in power to visit places where little or nothing can now be done, and some who are now indifferent will be aroused and will take hold of the truth. 【THE REMAINDER OF THIS ARTICLE IS FROM A VISION GIVEN AT ROUND GROVE, ILLINOIS, DECEMBER 9, 1856.】{1T 149.1}[9]
§21
我见到上帝已警告了那些从东部搬到西部的人。祂已向他们显明了他们的本分，他们不可以致富为目的，而要向人行善，实行他们的信仰，告诉他们周围的人这世界不是他们的家乡。{1T 149.2}[10]
§22
I saw that God has warned those who have moved from the East to the West. He has shown them their duty, that it must not be their object to get rich, but to do good to souls, to live out their faith, and tell those around them that this world is not their home.{1T 149.2}[10]
§23
若是人们肯听从，这警告已经很充分了；但许多人没能考虑上帝所已经说明的。他们贸然前行，被世界的精神灌醉了。天使说：“要回顾往昔，权衡上帝关于那些从东部搬到西部的人所说明的一切。”你们顺从上帝所说的了吗？我看到你们行事完全与上帝的教导相反，大量购买，你们的行为没有对你们周围的人说你们在寻求一个更美的家乡，而是明说你们的家乡和财宝就在这里。你们的行为否认了你们的信仰。{1T 149.3}[11]
§24
The warning was sufficient, if it had been heeded; but many failed to consider what God had shown. They rushed on and on, and became drunk with the spirit of the world. Look back, said the angel, and weigh all that God has shown in regard to those moving from the East to the West. Have you obeyed it? I saw that you had gone entirely contrary to Gods teachings, purchased largely, and instead of your works saying to those around you that you are seeking a better country, they have plainly declared that your home and treasure were here. Your works have denied your faith.{1T 149.3}[11]
§25
不仅如此，弟兄们之间应有的爱心也在消逝。“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗？”这种精神已经显出来了；弟兄们心中已有一种自私贪婪的精神。他们不是留心关怀弟兄们的利益，反而在交易上表现了一种为上帝所轻视的吝啬自私的精神。那些自称有如此崇高的信仰，把自己列在上帝特殊子民中的人，自称热心善工的人，应该是高尚慷慨的，总是向弟兄们而不是向自己表现一种恩待的性情，把最好的机会让给自己的弟兄们。慷慨生慷慨。自私生自私。{1T 149.4}[12]
§26
Nor is this all. The love that should exist between brethren has been lacking. Am I my brothers keeper? has been manifest; a selfish, covetous spirit has been in the hearts of the brethren. Instead of looking out for the interests of the brethren and caring for them, there has been manifested in deal a close, selfish spirit that God despises. Those who make so high a profession, and who number themselves among the peculiar people of God, saying by their profession that they are zealous of good works, should be noble and generous, and should ever manifest a disposition to favor their brethren instead of themselves, and should give their brethren the best chance. Generosity begets generosity. Selfishness begets selfishness.{1T 149.4}[12]
§27
我看到去年夏天流行的精神是尽可能多地抓住这世界。人们没有遵守上帝的诫命。我们是用心意遵从上帝的律法的；但许多人的心已在侍奉世界。他们的心既完全被地上的事和侍奉自我占据，就不能遵从上帝的律法了。安息日没有遵守。有些人已把六日的工作持续到了第七日。安息日开始和结束时的一小时甚至更多的时间往往被占用了。{1T 150.1}[13]
§28
I saw that through the past summer the prevailing spirit has been to grasp as much of this world as possible. The commandments of God have not been kept. With the mind we serve the law of God; but the minds of many have been serving the world. And while their minds were all occupied with things of earth and serving themselves, they could not serve the law of God. The Sabbath has not been kept. By some the work of six days has been carried into the seventh. One hour, and even more, has often been taken from the commencement and close of the Sabbath.{1T 150.1}[13]
§29
有些守安息日的人对世界说他们在期待耶稣降临，而且他们相信我们有最后的怜悯信息，却屈服于他们本性的情感，进行交易买卖。他们在交易上的精明在不信的人中传为话柄。因为精明，他们在交易上总是获得最好的结果。这样的人最好损失一点，才能在世上发挥更好的感化力，并在弟兄们中间发挥更快乐的影响，表明这世界不是他们的上帝。{1T 150.2}[14]
§30
Some of the Sabbathkeepers who say to the world that they are looking for Jesus coming, and that they believe we are having the last message of mercy, give way to their natural feelings, and barter, and trade, and are a proverb among unbelievers for their keenness in trade, for being sharp, and always getting the best end of a bargain. Such would better lose a little and exert a better influence in the world, and a happier influence among brethren, and show that this world is not their God.{1T 150.2}[14]
§31
我看到弟兄们应该感到彼此关心。那些有健康之福的人尤其应当仁慈地关怀照顾那些健康状况不好的人。他们应该恩待他们。他们应该记得耶稣所教良善的撒玛利亚人的教训。{1T 150.3}[15]
§32
I saw that brethren should feel interested for one another. Especially should those who are blessed with health have a kind regard and care for those who have not good health. They should favor them. They should remember the lesson taught by Jesus of the good Samaritan.{1T 150.3}[15]
§33
耶稣说：“你们要彼此相爱，象我爱你们一样”（约15:12）。多少呢？祂的爱无法言表。祂丢下了在创世以前曾与天父共有的荣耀。“祂为我们的过犯受害，为我们的罪孽压伤。因祂受的刑罚，我们得平安；因祂受的鞭伤，我们得医治”（赛53:5）。祂耐心地忍受了每一次的侮辱与轻蔑。请看祂在园中的痛苦，那时祂祈求将那杯除去！请看祂在髑髅地受难！这一切都是为有罪失丧的人受的。耶稣说：“你们要彼此相爱，象我爱你们一样。”多少呢？要爱到为弟兄舍命。然而要是这样的话，自我还可得到满足，上帝的道还会被忽视吗？世界是他们的上帝。他们侍奉世界，爱世界，爱上帝的心已经死了。你们若爱世界，爱父的心就不在你们里面了。{1T 150.4}[16]
§34
Said Jesus: Love one another, as I have loved you. How much? His love cannot be told. He left the glory that He had with the Father before the world was. He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed. He patiently bore every indignity and scorn. Behold His agony in the garden, when He prayed that the cup might pass from Him! Behold His sufferings on Calvary! All this for guilty, lost man. And Jesus says: Love one another, as I have loved you. How much? Well enough to give your life for a brother. But has it come to this, that self must be gratified, and the word of God neglected? The world is their God. They serve it, they love it, and the love of God has departed. If ye love the world, the love of the Father is not in you.{1T 150.4}[16]
§35
上帝的话已被忽视了。其中有向上帝的子民指出他们危险的警告。但他们有那么多操心为难的事，以致几乎不容自己花时间祈祷。他们只有空洞的形式而没有能力。耶稣祷告了，祂的祷告多么恳切啊！可是祂原是上帝的爱子！{1T 151.1}[17]
§36
The word of God has been neglected. In that are the warnings to Gods people which point out their dangers. But they have had so many cares and perplexities that they hardly allow themselves time to pray. There has been a mere empty form without the power. Jesus prayed, and, oh, how earnest were His prayers! And yet He was the beloved Son of God!{1T 151.1}[17]
§37
既然耶稣都表现了这么多的恳切，这么多的精力和痛苦，那些蒙召承受救恩的人就更需竭力依靠上帝了，他们的整个心灵都要起来与上帝较力，并且说：“祢不给我祝福，我就不容祢去”（创32:26）。但我看到人心充斥着今生的挂虑，上帝和祂的道却被忽视了。{1T 151.2}[18]
§38
If Jesus manifested so much earnestness, so much energy and agony, how much more need for those whom He has called to be heirs of salvation, dependent upon God for all their strength, to have their whole souls stirred to wrestle with God and say: I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. But I saw that hearts have been overcharged with the cares of this life, and that God and His word have been neglected.{1T 151.2}[18]
§39
我看到骆驼穿过针的眼，比财主进上帝的国还容易呢。“不要为自己积攒财宝在地上；地上有虫子咬，能锈坏，也有贼挖窟窿来偷。只要积攒财宝在天上；天上没有虫子咬，不能锈坏，也没有贼挖窟窿来偷。因为你的财宝在哪里，你的心也在那里”（太6:19-21）。{1T 151.3}[19]
§40
I saw that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. {1T 151.3}[19]
§41
我看到应该以圣灵和大能传讲真理。把人们带到作决定的地步。向他们说明真理的重要性——它是生或死。要用合宜的热心，把人从火中拉出来。但是，自称等候主却拥有大量诱人地产的人已投下了不良的影响！他们的农场讲话的声音比言语大多了，讲的是这世界是他们的家。不幸的日子被推迟了。平安稳妥作王了。唉，何等败坏不良的影响啊！上帝憎恨这种心思属世的人。天使的话乃是“要斩断，要斩断。” {1T 152.1}[20]
§42
I saw that when the truth is presented, it should be in the power and Spirit. Bring the people to the point to decide. Show them the importance of the truth--it is life or death. With becoming zeal, pull souls out of the fire. But, oh, the blighting influence that has been cast by men professing to be waiting for their Lord, and yet possessing large and attractive lands! The farms have preached louder, yes, much louder, than words can, that this world is their home. The evil day is put off. Peace and safety reign. Oh, the withering, blighting influence! God hates such worldly-mindedness. Cut loose, cut loose, were the words of the angel.{1T 152.1}[20]
§43
我蒙指示，所有的人都应专注上帝的荣耀。那些有财产的人太乐于以妻子儿女为藉口为自己开脱了。但我看到上帝是是轻慢不得的。当祂发言时，必须得到听从。若是妻子或儿女挡在路上，他们就应象耶稣对彼得那样说：“撒但，退我后边去吧”（太16:23）。为什么引诱我不把本属于上帝的还给祂，而毁灭我自己的灵魂呢？要专注于上帝的荣耀。{1T 152.2}[21]
§44
I was shown that all should have an eye single to the glory of God. Those who have possessions have been too willing to excuse themselves on account of wife and children. But I saw that God would not be trifled with. When He speaks, He must be obeyed. If wife or children stand in the way and hold back, they should say as Jesus said to Peter: Get thee behind Me, Satan. Why tempt ye me to withhold from God what justly belongs to Him, and ruin my own soul? Have an eye single to the glory of God.{1T 152.2}[21]
§45
我看到许多人将不得不学习什么是成为一名基督徒——那不是在名义上的；而是有基督的心，凡事顺服上帝的旨意。尤其是从未经受困苦穷乏，有顽固的意志，不肯将那意志屈服于上帝的荣耀的年轻人，更有一番苦功要下。他们一直平稳顺利直到他们的意志成了乖戾的，他们就毫无自制力了。他们没有把上帝的旨意摆在前面。他们也没有学习如何能最好地荣耀上帝，推进祂的圣工，向别人行善。而是研究怎样才能满足自我。这种宗教不值一根稻草。那些拥有这种宗教的人会被称在天平里，显出亏欠。{1T 152.3}[22]
§46
I saw that many would have to learn what it is to be a Christian--that it is not in name; but it is having the mind of Christ, submitting to the will of God in all things. Especially will the young who have never known what privations or hardships are, who have a set will, and do not bend that will to the glory of God, have a great work to do. They go along very smoothly until their will is crossed, and then they have no control over themselves. They have not the will of God before them. They do not study how they can best glorify God, or advance His cause, or do good to others. But it is self, self, how can it be gratified? Such religion is not worth a straw. Those who possess it will be weighed in the balance and found wanting.{1T 152.3}[22]
§47
真基督徒会喜爱警醒等候上帝的教导和圣灵的带领。但就许多人来说，宗教仅仅是一种形式，缺乏至关重要的敬虔。许多人敢说，我要做这个，或那个，我不愿做这个；很少想到担心得罪上帝。我看到这样的人不能进入天国。他们可能自以为会得救，但上帝一点不喜悦他们。他们的生活不讨祂喜欢。他们的祈祷也是得罪祂的。{1T 152.4}[23]
§48
The true Christian will love to wait and watch for the teachings of God and the leadings of His Spirit. But with many, religion is merely a form. Vital godliness is lacking. Many dare to say, I will do this, or that, or I will not do this; and the fear of offending God is scarcely thought of. Those thus described, I saw, could not enter heaven as they are. They may flatter themselves that they will be saved, but God has no pleasure in them. Their lives do not please Him. Their prayers are an offense to Him.{1T 152.4}[23]
§49
基督现在呼召他们：“要发热心，也要悔改。”祂仁慈而信实地劝诫他们要买金子、白衣和眼药。他们可以选择，要么发热心，并大量地享有救恩，要么被当作可厌的主从口中被吐出去，与祂远离。上帝必不永远忍耐。祂有温柔的怜悯，但祂的灵最终会忧伤的离去。怜悯的甜美声音将不再被听到。最后的宝贵警告会消失，上述那些人会被丢下偏行己路，充满他们自己的作为。{1T 153.1}[24]
§50
Christ now calls them: Be zealous and repent. He kindly and faithfully admonishes them to buy gold, white raiment, and eyesalve. They can choose either to be zealous, and partake largely of salvation, or be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord as disgusting, and be thrust from Him. God will not bear always. He is of tender pity, yet His Spirit will be grieved away for the last time. Mercys sweet voice will be no more heard. Its last precious notes will have died away, and those described will be left to their own ways, to be filled with their own doings.{1T 153.1}[24]
§51
我看到那些自称期待主降临的人不该有一种小气吝啬的精神。有些蒙召讲述真理，并要为灵魂警醒好像将来交账的人，已为了节省一点钱财而浪费了大量宝贵的光阴，其实他们的光阴远比他们省下的那点儿钱财宝贵。这是不蒙上帝喜悦的。实行节约是对的，但有些人过分节约到吝啬的程度，以致除了增加他们的财富之外，没有别的目的了，他们若不象忠心的管家一样正确地处置主的财物，不久那钱财就要吃他们的肉，如同火烧（雅5:3）。{1T 153.2}[25]
§52
I saw that those who profess to be looking for the coming of the Lord should not have a close, penurious spirit. Some of those who have been called to talk the truth, and to watch for souls as they that must give an account, have wasted much precious time for the sake of saving a little, when their time was worth a great deal more than that which they gained. This displeases God. It is right that economy should be used, but it has by some been stretched into meanness with no other object than to add to their treasures, which will shortly eat their flesh like fire, unless they as faithful stewards make a right disposal of their Lords goods.{1T 153.2}[25]