第48章 俄亥俄州的圣工
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第48章 俄亥俄州的圣工
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Chap.48 - The Cause in Ohio
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自从我们在1858年春天访问俄亥俄州以来，H已竭尽所能地发挥反对我们的影响力；在他以为自己能对个人施加影响的地方，他藉着散布谣言激起错误的情绪影响了人。我们在1858年春天访问俄亥俄州时，我蒙赐予一道关于他和他家的信息。这个证言是给他的。但很少人知道我有一道信息给他。他起来反对这信息，并象其他一些曾受责备的人一样，采取的立场是认为有人使我的心对他家有了偏见，其实异象所指出的他们的过错与我十年来所屡次见过的一样。他说自己相信异象，但他认为我是受了别人的影响才写信给他的。{1T 234.2}[1]
§4
Since our visit to Ohio in the spring of 1858, H has done what he could to exert an influence against us; and where he thought he could affect individuals, he has done so by circulating reports to stir up wrong feelings. When we visited Ohio in the spring of 1858, a message was given me in regard to him and his family. This testimony was given to him. But very few persons knew that I had a message for him. He rose in rebellion against it, and, like some others who have been reproved, took the position that persons had prejudiced my mind against his family, when the vision pointed out the same faults in them that I had repeatedly seen for ten years. He said that he believed the visions, but that I was influenced by others in writing them.{1T 234.2}[1]
§5
这是多么错误的结论啊！主有一项特别的工作要藉着一个公认的恩赐来做，却容让所赐的信息在抵达祂想要纠正的人之前就被掺假！若是人们以这种眼光看待异象，那么异象还有什么用处呢？他们把自己的解释加给异象，觉得有自由拒绝与他们的看法不一致的那部分。H知道在俄亥俄州赐给他的那个异象的每一句话都是正确的。当他不能再向教会隐瞒这信息时（因为教会要求这信息，并于去年秋天在某区会宣读了），他承认这信息全部是真实的。然而他继续盲目地与他明知是正确的事作对。{1T 235.1}[2]
§6
What a conclusion! The Lord has a special work to perform through one of the acknowledged gifts, but suffers the message given to be adulterated before it reaches the person whom He wishes to correct! Of what use are the visions if persons regard them in this light? They put their own construction upon them, and feel at liberty to reject that portion which does not agree with their feelings. H knows that every word of the vision given for him in Ohio was correct. And when he could keep the message from the church no longer (for it was called for, and read at the _____ Conference last fall), he acknowledged it all true. But he has kept up a blind warfare against that which he knew to be correct.{1T 235.1}[2]
§7
他向来没能好好管理自己的家，近十年来一直因此受责备。上帝对他不悦，因为他没有约束自己的儿女。这些孩子已经败坏了，成了责备的话柄，并在他们生活的地方发挥了败坏的影响。每当他们被呈现在我面前时，都使我回想起以利，并蒙指示看到他不敬虔的儿子们的罪恶和上帝对他们的审判。我蒙指示，看到H的家庭已使不信的人厌恶，并给现代真理的圣工带来了指责。1858年春天为俄亥俄州，尤其为某地赐下的信息，许多人都没有接受。这个信息太扎心了，没有被真理的精神深深感染的心抗拒了它。{1T 235.2}[3]
§8
He has not ruled well his own house, and for the last ten years has been reproved for this. The frown of God has been upon him because he did not restrain his children. These children have been corrupt and a proverb of reproach, and have exerted a corrupting influence where they have lived. Every time they have been presented before me, I have been carried back to Eli, and shown the wickedness of his ungodly sons and the judgment which followed from God. I havebeen shown that the family of H has disgusted unbelievers, and brought a reproach upon the cause of present truth. The message given me in the spring of 1858 for Ohio, especially -----, was not received by many. It cut too close, and the hearts that were not deeply imbued with the spirit of the truth, rebelled against it. {1T 235.2}[3]
§9
在那个州工作的传道人没有发挥正确的影响，对怀弟兄和怀姐妹以及在巴特尔克里克管理圣工的人进行含沙射影的攻击。这些暗示为许多人所接受，特别是轻信和爱挑剔的人。撒但知道如何发动进攻。他对人心作工，激起人对负责工作之人的嫉妒和不满。接下来便使人怀疑属灵的恩赐；于是人们就会认为这些恩赐没什么作用，忽视了藉着异象赐下的指示。{1T 236.1}[4]
§10
The ministers who have labored in that State have not exerted a right influence. Hints and insinuations have been thrown out against Brother and Sister White, and the managers of the work at Battle Creek, which have found a ready reception in the hearts of many, especially the credulous and faultfinding. Satan knows how to make his attacks. He works upon minds to excite jealousy and dissatisfaction toward those at the head of the work. The gifts are next questioned; then, of course, they have but little weight, and instruction given through vision is disregarded.{1T 236.1}[4]
§11
在俄亥俄作工的传道人在引起不满的事上也有份。H已堕落到行事卑劣，散发不满的精神，急于倾听谣言，收集虚假的报告，实际上是在说：“告他吧，我们也要告他”（耶20:10）。他在背地里行事，散布关于我们的服装及我们在俄亥俄州的影响的谣言，促使人们以为怀弟兄在投机。他向来不与我们合作。他对我们怀恨在心。为什么呢？只是因为我向他讲述了主指示我关于他的家庭和他疏于家教已使上帝对他不悦的事。他对我们在现代真理的圣工中所起的作用怀有妒忌不甘心的情绪。{1T 236.2}[5]
§12
Ministers who have labored in Ohio have done their share of causing dissatisfaction. H has condescended to move in a low sphere, breathing out a spirit of dissatisfaction, eagerly listening to false reports, gathering them up, and virtually saying: Report, . . . and we will report it. He has worked in an underhand manner, carried false reports in regard to our dress, and our influence in Ohio, and has encouraged the idea that Brother White was speculating. He has not had the slightest union with us. He has felt very bitter toward us. And why? Simply because I have related to him what the Lord had shown me in regard to his family and his loose, slack manner of bringing them up, which has brought upon him the frown of God. He has regarded with jealous, unreconciled feelings the part we have acted in the cause of present truth.{1T 236.2}[5]
§13
在俄亥俄州的弟兄们已鼓励人用不信任和猜疑的眼光看待那些在巴特尔克里克负责工作的人，并且准备好起来反对他们所采取的立场。J弟兄已坚决地采取了自己的立场，不考虑教会全体。他以为总部会出现他必须与之相争的罪恶。他在无仗可打的时候使自己列队作战。他固执地要抵抗某种从未出现的事。在俄亥俄州，许多弟兄都怀有同样的情绪，反对某种从未出现的事。他们的战争是不明智的。他们已准备好大声呼喊：巴比伦！直到他们自己完全成了巴比伦。{1T 236.3}[6]
§14
The brethren in Ohio have been encouraged to look with distrust and suspicion at those who are in charge of the work at Battle Creek, and have stood prepared to rise against positions taken by them. Brother J has taken his position firmly, without regard to the body. He has imagined that evils would arise from headquarters that he must contend against. He placed himself in array for battle when there was no fighting to be done. He planted himself firmly to resist something which never arose. Many of the brethren in Ohio cherished the same feeling, placing themselves in opposition to something that never appeared. Their warfare has been unwise. They have been ready to cry out, Babylon, until they are a complete Babylon themselves.{1T 236.3}[6]
§15
俄亥俄州的传道人直接挡在上帝圣工的路上。他们应该站在一边，好让上帝接触祂的子民。他们站在上帝和祂子民之间，转脸不顾祂的旨意。J弟兄在俄亥俄州发挥了一种他必须予以抵消的影响。我看到在俄亥俄州有一些愿意随着正确的指示采取正确立场的人。他们向来乐于支持现代真理的事业，但既见到成效甚微，就灰心丧志了。他们的手软弱了，需要扶持。我看到上帝的圣工不可藉强迫的奉献推进。上帝不悦纳这种奉献。应将这事全然留给上帝的子民。他们不仅仅要每年带礼物来，而且应该每周每月在主面前甘心奉献。这事要留给上帝的子民，因为这对他们来说乃是一个每周每月的活泼试验。我看到，十分之一的制度会发展人的品格，显出人心的真相。在俄亥俄州的弟兄们若将这事的真意呈现在人们面前，并且让他们自作决定，就会在十分之一的制度上看到智慧和秩序。{1T 237.1}[7]
§16
Ministers have stood directly in the way of the work of God in Ohio. They should stand out of the way, that God may reach His people. They step in between God and His people, and turn aside His purposes. Brother J has exerted an influence in Ohio which he must labor to counteract. I saw that there were those in Ohio who would take the right position with right instructions. They have been willing to sustain the cause of present truth, but have seen so little accomplished that they have become discouraged. Their hands are feeble, and need staying up. I saw that the cause of God is not to be carried forward by pressed offerings. God does not accept such offerings. This matter is to be left wholly to the people. They are not to bring a yearly gift merely, but should also freely present a weekly and monthly offering before the Lord. This work is left to the people, for it is to be to them a weekly, monthly, living test. This tithing system, I saw, would develop character, and manifest the true state of the heart. If the brethren in Ohio have this matter presented before them in its true bearing, and are left to decide for themselves, they will see wisdom and order in the tithing system.{1T 237.1}[7]
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传道人不该严厉，也不该向任何人强索，逼他奉献钱财。若是他没有奉献得象另一个人以为他应该奉献的那么多，他们也不可公开指责他，抛弃他，而应象天使们一样忍耐宽容，应当与耶稣联合同工。基督和天使正在注意品格的发展，权衡道德价值。主长久忍耐着祂犯错的子民。真理会越来越接近人心，砍掉一个接一个的偶像，直到上帝在祂分别为圣的子民心中成为至尊。我见到上帝的子民必须把乐意捐带给祂；而且这责任应该完全留给个人，无论他乐意奉献多少，都会被如实地记录下来。要使上帝的子民有时间发展品格。{1T 237.2}[8]
§18
Ministers should not be severe, and draw upon any one man, and press means from him. If he does not give just as much as another thinks he should, they are not to denounce him, and throw him overboard. They should be as patient and forbearing as the angels are. They should work in union with Jesus. Christ and angels are watching the development of character, and weighing moral worth. The Lord bears long with His erring people. The truth will be brought to bear closer and closer, and will cut off one idol after another, until God reigns supreme in the hearts of His consecrated people. I saw that Gods people must bring to Him a freewill offering; and the responsibility should be left wholly upon the individual, whether he will give much or little.It will be faithfully recorded. Give the people of God time to develop character.{1T 237.2}[8]
§19
上帝的传道人应该做率直的见证，应该使圣经的活泼真理深入人心。而当俄亥俄州的人有一个值得的目标摆在面前时，那些心中同情圣工的人就会以甘心乐意地奉献钱财推进上帝的圣工。主正在试验并证明祂的子民。若有人无心于这工作，没能把自己的供物带给上帝，祂就会报应他们；他们若是继续坚持自己的贪婪，祂就会使他们与祂的子民分离。我看到必须有一个会调动所有人的制度。有健康有体力的青年男女对圣工感到的负担很少。他们要为自己的体力向上帝交账，应该把乐意捐带给主。他们若不这样做，祂使人兴旺的手就要离开他们了。{1T 238.1}[9]
§20
Ministers of God should bear the pointed testimony. The living truths of His word should be brought to bear upon the heart. And when the people in Ohio have a worthy object placed before them, those whose hearts are in sympathy with the work will freely impart of their means to advance the cause of God. The Lord is testing and proving His people. If any have no heart in the work, and fail to bring their offerings to God, He will visit them; and if they continue to cling to their covetousness, He will separate them from His people. I saw that there must be a system which will draw upon all. Young men and young women who have health and strength, have felt but little burden of the work. They are accountable to God for their strength, and should bring a freewill offering to the Lord. And if they will not do this, His prospering hand will be removed from them.{1T 238.1}[9]
§21
我看到上帝特别的手并没有与俄亥俄州的工作同在，兴旺那里的圣工。那里有缺乏；传道人和百姓应该严密地自省，切实地省察己心，找出如此缺乏上帝之灵的原因。他们的牺牲和供物几乎已经枯竭了。上帝之道的真理为何没有使人心火热以至舍己牺牲呢？传道人要省察并看明他们所发挥的是何种影响。J弟兄一直有一种独立的精神，是上帝所不嘉许的。他的影响既不利于上帝子民的合一也不利于圣工的进步。{1T 238.2}[10]
§22
I saw that the special hand of God has not been with the work in Ohio to prosper the cause there. There is a lack; there should be among preachers and people a close examination, a faithful searching of heart, to find the cause of so great a lack of the Spirit of God. Their sacrifices and offerings have nearly dried up. Why do not the truths of Gods word warm the heart and lead to self-denial and sacrifice? Let the ministers search and see what kind of an influence they have exerted. There has been with Brother J an independent spirit that God does not approve. His influence has not told for the union of Gods people or the advancement of the cause.{1T 238.2}[10]
§23
我看到那些在现代真理的事业中只有几年经验的人，不可以领导这项工作。这样的人应当谨慎，不要贸然反对那些目睹现代真理事业兴起，在生活中已与这项圣工的发展交织在一起之人的判断和意见。上帝不会拣选在这工作中只有很少经验的人带头。祂不会拣选那些没有经历苦难、考验、反对、穷困以使这工作逐渐达到现在所站之地的人。比起从前，现在容易传扬第三位天使的信息了。那些现在从事这工作，将真理教导别人的人，在坐享其成。他们不会体验以前从事现代真理工作的人所经受的穷困。真理已为他们发表，论据也准备好了。这样的人应该小心，不要自高，免得被推翻。他们应该非常小心，不要抱怨那些在工作开始时饱经磨难的人。{1T 238.3}[11]
§24
I have seen that those who have had but a few years experience in the cause of present truth, are not the ones to lead out in the work. Such should manifest a delicacy in taking positions which will conflict with the judgment and opinion of those who witnessed the rise of the cause of present truth, and whose lives are interwoven with its progress. God will not select men of but little experience to lead out in this work. He will not choose those who have had no experience in the sufferings, trials, opposition, and privation endured to bring this work up to the platform on which it now rests. It is now easy, compared with what it once was, to preach the third angels message. Those who now engage in this work, and teach the truth to others, have things made ready at their hand. They cannot experience such privations as laborers in present truth have endured before them. The truth is brought out for them. Arguments are all prepared. Such should be careful how they become exalted, lest they be overthrown. They should be very careful how they murmur against those who endured so much in the very commencement of the work.{1T 238.3}[11]
§25
那些有经验的工人，曾在重担之下辛劳，帮手很少。这些人乃是上帝重视的。不要贸然责备他们，向他们发怨言；因为这必定会记在你们的账上，上帝使人兴旺的手也不会与你们同在。有些弟兄经验最少，觉不到什么负担，为推进现代真理的圣工少有作为或无所作为，一点儿不知道在巴特尔克里克的事，却首先对那里的管理工作吹毛求疵。那些在他们属世的挂虑上并不遵守秩序，也不吩咐自己的眷属效法他们的人，正是反对制度的人，制度必定会使上帝的教会有秩序。他们在属世的事上没有表现任何良好的品味，也在教会中反对任何有品味的事。这种人在教会的事上不该有发言权。不该让他们影响别人。{1T 239.1}[12]
§26
Those experienced laborers who toiled under the burden when it was heavy and there were few to help bear it, God regards. Be careful how you reproach them, or murmur against them; for it will surely stand to your account, and the prospering hand of God will not be with you. Some brethren who have the least experience, who have felt no burden, and have done little or nothing to advance the cause of present truth, and who have no knowledge of matters at Battle Creek, are the first to find fault with the management of the work there. And those who do not observe order in their temporal concerns, and command their households after them, are the ones who oppose system, which will ensure order in the church of God. They exhibit no nice taste in worldly matters, and are opposed to anything of the kind in the church. Such persons should have no voice in matters of the church. Their influence should not have the least weight upon others.{1T 239.1}[12]