第80章 未曾献身的传道人
§1
第80章 未曾献身的传道人
§2
Chap.80 - Unconsecrated Ministers
§3
传讲第三道信息的传道人务要做工，因为他们感到上帝已把工作的担子放在他们肩上。我们的传道人若实行节约，就不会缺乏。他们若缺乏，在任何位置上都会缺乏。即使给他们最有利的机会，他们也会把所得到的都花掉。赫尔长老的情况就是这样。这样的人需要几乎用不完的资金才能得到满足。{1T 438.1}[1]
§4
Ministers who preach the third message should labor because they feel that God has laid upon them the burden of the work. Our ministers are placed above want, if they exercise any degree of economy. If they lack, they will be in want in any position in which they may be placed. Give them the most favorable chance and they would spend all they receive. This has been the case with Elder Hull. Such need an almost inexhaustible fund to draw from in order to be satisfied.{1T 438.1}[1]
§5
那些未能智慧地管理属世事物的人，在属灵的事上一般也是贫乏的。他们没能造就教会。他们可能具有一些天才，被称为聪明的演讲人，却缺乏道德价值。他们可能会吸引大批的会众，引起相当大的兴奋；但在找果子时，若能找到，也是很少。这等人往往会越出工作的范围，丧失对福音纯朴的爱。他们没有因所传讲的真理成圣。赫尔长老的情况就是这样。他缺乏了那坚固人、提高人、使人品格高尚的恩典。人心靠恩得坚固才是好的。这才是我们坚定的立场。{1T 438.2}[2]
§6
Those who fail to manage wisely in temporal matters, generally lack in spiritual things. They fail to build up the church. They may possess natural talents and be called smart speakers, and yet lack moral worth. They may draw large congregations and raise considerable excitement; but when the fruit is sought for, there is very little, if any, to be found. Such men frequently get above the work and lose their love for the simplicity of the gospel. They are not sanctified through the truths they preach. This has been the case with Elder Hull. He has lacked that grace which establishes the soul and elevates and ennobles the character of the man. It is a good thing that the heart be established with grace. This is the ground of our steadfastness.{1T 438.2}[2]
§7
在赫尔长老讲过道的地方，人们喜欢他的妙语连珠和他特殊的讲道风格，可是他作工的结果却是很少人接受真理；而且甚至这很少的人中也有相当一部分人不久就放弃了信心。许多人失望了，因为他作工之后可以找到的果子是那么的少。我蒙指示看到了原因。他缺乏谦卑、朴素、纯正和圣洁的生活。他以为自己聪明的工作是无价的，还以为自己若是不做工，圣工几乎就不存在了；他若是能知道圣工中那些已为他受苦，设法帮助他的真正工人的忧虑，就不会如此高估自己的工作了。他的行为一直是圣工的重担，若没有他的影响，圣工原会更兴旺。他的弟兄们急于救他免于跌倒，这已使他们在钱财方面为他花费太多了。他们一直喜悦他讲道的才干，有些人很不慎重，竟然赞美他，表示坚决偏爱他在其他讲道弟兄之上，而那些弟兄的影响力无论在何处都是促进圣工前进的。这种赞美伤害了他。他不够谦卑，也没有足够的上帝的恩典帮助他抵抗弟兄们的奉承。愿上帝帮助这些弟兄们认识到自己的错误，决不再犯用奉承伤害一位年经传道人的罪。{1T 438.3}[3]
§8
In places where Elder Hull has given a course of lectures, the people have been pleased with his witticisms and his peculiar style of preaching, yet but few have embraced the truth as the result of his labors; and even of these quite a proportion soon renounce the faith. Many have been disappointed that there was so little fruit to be found after his labor. I was shown the reason. Humility, simplicity, purity, and holiness of life were lacking. He has thought that his smart labor was invaluable, and that the cause would hardly exist if he should be disconnected from it; but if he could have known the anxiety which the real laborers in the cause, who have tried to help him, have suffered on his account, he would not have had so high an estimate of his own labors. His course has been a continual burden to the cause, and it would have prospered better without his influence. The anxiety of his brethren to save him from falling has led them to do too much for him in point of means. They have been pleased with his preaching talent, and some have been so indiscreet as to extol him and show a decided preference for him above other preaching brethren whose influence would tell for the advancement of the cause anywhere. This has hurt him. He had not sufficient humility or enough of the grace of God to stand against the flattery of his brethren. May God help these brethren to feel over their mistake and never again to be guilty of injuring a young minister by flattery.{1T 438.3}[3]
§9
凡想要离开上帝余民为要随从自己败坏心地的人，都会甘愿自投于撒但的掌握中，也会有特权这样做。在我们中间还有一些人处在危险中。他们对自己的能力有过高的看法，其实他们的影响力在许多方面比赫尔长老好不了多少。他们若不彻底改过，圣工没有他们倒更好。未成圣的传道人伤害圣工并且是弟兄们的一个重累。他们需要有人跟在他们后面纠正他们的错误，改正并加强那些被他们的影响削弱并打倒的人。他们嫉妒那些在工作中负责的人，那些为推进真理的事业若有必要甚至愿意牺牲自己生命的人。他们断定自己的弟兄不会有比自己更高尚的动机。为如此服从撒但试探的传道人做大量的工作既伤害他们又浪费钱财。这使他们有影响力，从而使他们处于能极深地伤害自己的弟兄和上帝圣工的地步。{1T 439.1}[4]
§10
All who desire to draw away from Gods remnant people in order to follow their own corrupt hearts would throw themselves willingly into Satans hands, and should have the privilege. There are others among us who are in danger. They have an exalted opinion of their own ability, while their influence in many respects has been but little better than that of Elder Hull. Unless they thoroughly reform, the cause would be better off without them. Unsanctified ministers injure the cause and are a heavy tax upon their brethren. They need someone to follow after them to correct their mistakes and to straighten up and strengthen those who have been weakened and torn down through their influence. They are jealous of those who have borne burdens in the work, those who would sacrifice even their lives if necessary to advance the cause of truth. They judge their brethren to have no higher motives than they have had. Doing much for ministers who are thus subject to Satans temptations injures them and is a waste of means. It gives them influence, and thus places them where they can wound their brethren and the cause of God most deeply. {1T 439.1}[4]
§11
我蒙指示，看到对于我们立场和圣经灵感的真实性所表现的怀疑，并不是出于许多人所认为的原因。这些难题多半在于他们自己的心，而不在圣经或我们信仰的凭据。对于他们未成圣的本性而言，上帝圣言的要求太严格了。“原来体贴肉体的，就是与上帝为仇；因为不服上帝的律法，也是不能服”（罗8:7）。出于肉心的情感若不受制于因信领受的上帝恩典成圣的感化力，心中的思想就不会是纯洁神圣的。上帝的圣言所展示的得救条件是清楚，合理而明确的。那就是完全顺从上帝的旨意和保持内心与生活的纯正。我们必须将自我连同其邪情私欲一起钉死在十字架上。我们必须洁净自己，脱离身体灵魂一切的污秽，敬畏上帝，得以成圣。{1T 440.1}[5]
§12
I have been shown that the doubts expressed in regard to the truthfulness of our position and the inspiration of the word of God are not caused as many suppose them to be. These difficulties are not so much with the Bible or with the evidences of our faith as with their own hearts. The requirements of Gods word are too close for their unsanctified natures. The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. If the feelings of the natural heart are not restrained and brought into subjection by the sanctifying influence of the grace of God received through the channel of faith, the thoughts of the heart are not pure and holy. The conditions of salvation brought to view in the word of God are reasonable, plain, and positive, being nothing less than perfect conformity to the will of God and purity of heart and life. We must crucify self with the lusts thereof. We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.{1T 440.1}[5]
§13
人对圣经的灵感启示感到怀疑，几乎都是因为他们未成圣的生活受到圣经的谴责。他们不愿接受它的督责和警告，因为它责备了他们错误的行为。他们不喜爱那些要改变他们约束他们的经文。一个人在实行真理的纯洁原则之前，必须先清除那些困惑邪恶心地的难题和疑惑。{1T 440.2}[6]
§14
In almost every case where persons become unsettled in regard to the inspiration of the word of God, it is on account of their unsanctified lives, which that word condemns. They will not receive its reproofs and threatenings because these reflect upon their wrong course of action. They do not love those who would convert and restrain them. Difficulties and doubts which perplex the vicious heart will be cleared away before the one practicing the pure principles of truth.{1T 440.2}[6]
§15
许多人所具有的才干，若是经过洁净用在基督的圣工上，就会成就许多好处。若用来侍奉不信和撒但，就会造成许多害处。满足自我及其各种私欲会败坏那些才干，使之成为咒诅而非祝福。那大骗子撒但拥有奇妙的才干。他曾是一位崇高的天使，仅次于基督。他因自高而堕落了，并在天上发动叛乱，使许多天使与他一同堕落了。于是他就用自己的才干和技能反对上帝的政权，使他所控制的人都藐视天上的权威。那些被他的邪恶王权迷住的人会选择效法这位堕落的将领，同享他最终的命运。{1T 440.3}[7]
§16
Many possess talents which would accomplish much good if sanctified and used in the cause of Christ, or much harm if employed in the service of unbelief and Satan. The gratification of self and its various lusts will pervert the talents and make them a curse instead of a blessing. Satan, the archdeceiver, possesses wonderful talents. He was once an exalted angel, next to Christ. He fell through self-exaltation, and created a rebellion in heaven, and caused many to fall with him. Then his talents and skill were employed against the government of God, to cause all whom he could control to despise the authority of heaven. Those who are charmed with his Satanic majesty may choose to imitate this fallen general and share with him his fate at last.{1T 440.3}[7]
§17
生活的纯正使人优雅，使那些拥有它的人越来越远避粗鲁，不敢放纵罪恶。这样的人不会被带离真理，也不会屈从对圣经灵感的疑惑。相反，他们会以越来越大的兴趣每日研究圣言。灵感和基督教的证据也会印在他们的心志和生活中。那些喜爱罪恶的人会转离圣经，喜爱疑惑，在原则上粗心大意。他们会接受并提倡虚假的理论。这种人会把人的罪归咎于环境，而当人犯了某种大罪时，他们就使他成为怜悯的对象而非看他是一个应该受到惩罚的罪犯。这种做法总是会适合于堕落的心。随着时间的流逝，这会发展为堕落本性的原则。按照常规，人会立即放弃罪恶，以避免不愉快的个人改革和努力。为了摆脱眼下努力的义务，许多人就宣称遵行圣经的神圣原则，在生活中所做的一切工作和努力都是无关紧要的。赫尔长老的理念在败坏的心中有其据点。上帝正在动员人前往收割的园地去做工。他们若谦卑，献身和敬虔，就会获得那些“在真道上是可废弃的”（提后3：8）传道人所丧失的冠冕。{1T 441.1}[8]
§18
Purity of life imparts refinement, which will lead those possessing it to shrink more and more from coarseness and indulgence in sin. Such will not be led away from the truth or be given up to doubt the inspiration of the word of God. On the contrary, they will engage in the daily study of the sacred word with ever-increasing interest, and the evidences of Christianity and inspiration will stamp their impress on the mind and life. Those who love sin will turn away from the Bible, will love to doubt, and will become reckless in principle. They will receive and advocate false theories. Such will ascribe mans sins to his circumstances, and when he commits some great sin they make him a subject of pity instead of looking upon him as a criminal to be punished. This will always suit a depraved heart, which in course of time will develop the principles of fallen nature. By some general process, men abolish sin at once to avoid the unpleasant necessity of individual reformation and exertion. In order to free themselves from the obligation of present effort, many are ready to declare of no account all the labor and effort of their lives while following the sacred principles of Gods word. Elder Hulls philosophical necessity has its stronghold in the corruptions of the heart. God is raising up men to go forth to labor in the harvest field, and if they are humble, devoted, and godly, they will take the crowns which those ministers lose who concerning the faith are reprobate.{1T 441.1}[8]
§19
1862年11月5日，我蒙指示看到一些人误会了自己的恩召。他们以为一个人若不亲手劳力，不具备经商头脑，就可以做传道人。许多人在这一点上犯了大错。一个没有经商头脑的人即便成为传道人，也是缺乏传道人必须具有的资格，以便在教会中聪明行事并建立圣工。但当一个传道人善于讲道，但象赫尔长老那样缺乏管理的才干，就不应该独自出去。应该有人与他同去，好补足他的缺乏，帮他管理。虽然他可能感到不好意思，但他应该听从这个同伴的判断和忠告，就象一个盲人跟从一个看得见的人一样。这样他就会逃脱许多危险。他若独行，那些危险对他来说将是致命的。{1T 441.2}[9]
§20
November 5, 1862, I was shown that some men mistake their calling. They think that if a man cannot labor with his hands, or if he is not a business character, he will make a minister. Many make a great mistake here. A man who has no business tact may make a minister, but he will lack qualifications that every minister must possess in order to deal wisely in the church and build up the cause. But when a minister is good in the pulpit, and, like Elder Hull, fails in management, he should never go out alone. Another should go with him to supply his lack and manage for him. And although it may be humiliating, he should give heed to the judgment and counsel of this companion, as a blind man follows one who has sight. By so doing he will escape many dangers that would prove fatal to him were he left alone.{1T 441.2}[9]
§21
上帝圣工的兴旺多多依赖于在福音园地作工的传道人。那些教导真理的人应该是献身，自我牺牲，敬虔的人，明白自己的本职，并且周流四方行善事，因为他们知道上帝已呼召他们去做工，他们是认识到灵魂价值的人，也是愿意担担子负责任的人。藉着完美的工作，可以认出一个彻底的工人。{1T 442.1}[10]
§22
The prosperity of the cause of God depends much upon the ministers who labor in the gospel field. Those who teach the truth should be devotional, self-sacrificing, godly men who understand their business and go about doing good because they know that God has called them to the work, men who feel the worth of souls and will bear burdens and responsibilities. A thorough workman is known by the perfection of his work.{1T 442.1}[10]
§23
我们中间只有很少的传道人。因为上帝的圣工似乎非常需要帮助，有些人就受诱导以为几乎任何一个自称要做传道人的会蒙悦纳。有些人以为，因为人们会祷告，并且在聚会时能够较为自由地进行劝勉，他们就有资格作为工人前去作工。在他们受到证明之前，或者他们的工作能显出任何良好的果效之前，上帝未曾差遣的人们就受到某些缺乏经验之弟兄的鼓励和奉承。然而工作表明了工人的品质。他们是分散和混乱的，而非收聚和建造的。可能有少数人因他们的工作接受了真理，但这些人通常升不到比那些教导他们真理的人更高的地步，在他们的行为中会见到同样的缺乏。{1T 442.2}[11]
§24
There are but few preachers among us. And because the cause of God seemed to need help so much, some have been led to think that almost anyone claiming to be a minister would be acceptable. Some have thought that because persons could pray and exhort with a degree of freedom in meeting, they were qualified to go forth as laborers. And before they were proved, or could show any good fruit of their labors, men whom God has not sent have been encouraged and flattered by some brethren lacking experience. But their work shows the character of the workman. They scatter and confuse, but do not gather in and build up. A few may receive the truth as the fruit of their labors, but these generally rise no higher than those from whom they learned the truth. The same lack which marked their own course is seen in their converts.{1T 442.2}[11]
§25
这项事业的成功并不依赖于我们拥有大量的传道人，但极其重要的乃是，那些参与上帝圣工的人应该是真的感到上帝召他们去从事之工的负担和神圣性的人。少数自我牺牲的敬虔的人，对自己的估计虽甚微小，却能成就更多的工作，过于虽有许多传道人，但其中却有一部分人不配做工，却自信而且自夸其才干所能成就的。在园地中有许多这样的人，他们最好是在家乡做某种别的工作，因为他们会使忠心的传道人不得不几乎始终要跟在他们后面去纠正他们的错误影响。年轻传道人将来的效用有赖于他们开始工作的态度。有上帝的圣工在心的弟兄们那么渴望看到真理的前进，以致他们有危险为未经验证的传道人做得太多，慷慨地支助他们钱财并使他们有影响力。应该让那些进入福音园地的人自己去赢得名声，即使他们必须经历考验和困乏。他们应该先充分尽到自己的职责。{1T 442.3}[12]
§26
The success of this cause does not depend upon our having a large number of ministers, but it is of the highest importance that those who do labor in connection with the cause of God should be men who really feel the burden and sacredness of the work to which He has called them. A few self-sacrificing godly men, small in their own estimation, can do a greater amount of good than a much larger number if a part of these are unqualified for the work, yet self-confident and boastful of their own talents. A number of these in the field, who would better fill some calling at home, would make it necessary that nearly all the time of the faithful ministers be spent in following after them to correct their wrong influence. The future usefulness of young preachers depends much upon the manner in which they enter upon their labors. Brethren who have the cause of God at heart are so anxious to see the truth advance that they are in danger of doing too much for ministers who have not been proved, by helping them liberally to means and giving them influence. Those who enter the gospel field should be left to earn themselves a reputation, even if it must be through trials and privations. They should first give full proof of their ministry.{1T 442.3}[12]
§27
有经验的弟兄应该谨慎，不该期待这些年轻的传道人去帮助并带领他们，而应觉得有责任看管这些年轻的传道人，指导，劝告并带领他们，象父亲般地关怀他们。年轻的传道人应该有秩序，有坚定的宗旨，和作工的心志，好使他们不白吃任何人的饭。他们不该行走各地，介绍适足引起偏见的我们信仰的一些要点，还未将现代真理的证据说出一半就离开了。那些认为自己在上帝的圣工中有本分要尽的年轻人，不该负起教导真理的责任，直到他们获得特权，在有系统经验的传道人影响之下作工；他们应该向他学习，就象学校的学生向老师学习一样。他们不应该到处走，没有明确的目的或成熟的计划进行工作。{1T 443.1}[13]
§28
Brethren of experience should be guarded; and instead of expecting these young preachers to help and lead them, should feel a responsibility upon them to take charge of these young preachers, to instruct, advise, and lead them, to have a fatherly care for them. Young ministers should have system, a firm purpose, and a mind to work, that they may eat no mans bread for nought. They should not go from place to place, and introduce some points of our faith calculated to stir up prejudice, and leave before the evidences of present truth are half presented. Young men who think that they have a duty to do in connection with the work should not take the responsibility of teaching the truth until they have availed themselves of the privilege of being under the influence of some experienced preacher who is systematic in his work; they should learn of him as a pupil at school would learn of his teacher. They should not go hither and thither, with no definite object or matured plans to carry out in their labor.{1T 443.1}[13]
§29
一些人没有什么经验，也没有资格教导真理，却又不愿意向有经验的弟兄请教。他们自以为是传道人，与那些久经考验、经验丰富的人平起平坐，还不感到满足，非要自己当领导不可，以为自己既是传道人，就知道一切该知道的事。这样的传道人确实没有自知之明。他们缺乏谦逊的态度，把自己的能力估计得过高。有经验的传道人既认识到这项工作的神圣性，又感到身上担子的分量，就分外谨慎。他们认为与弟兄商量乃是一个特权。弟兄们若是在工作计划或讲话中提出改进的意见，他们也决不会生气。{1T 444.1}[14]
§30
Some who have but little experience, and are least qualified to teach the truth, are the last to ask advice and counsel of their experienced brethren. They put on the minister, and place themselves on a level with those of long and tried experience, and are not satisfied unless they can lead, thinking that because they are ministers, they know all that is worth knowing. Such preachers certainly lack a true knowledge of themselves. They do not possess becoming modesty and have altogether too high an opinion of their own abilities. Ministers of experience, who realize the sacredness of the work, and feel the weight of the cause upon them, are jealous of themselves. They consider it a privilege to advise with their brethren and are not offended if improvements are suggested in their plans of labor or in their manner of speaking.{1T 444.1}[14]
§31
那些从各教派出来接受第三位天使信息的传道人，在他们应该学习的时候，却往往想要教导人。有些人在充分了解现代真理的原则之前，有大量从前的教训需要放弃。在这些传道人身上，有大工需要成就，以做好准备为不信的人做工。他们若贸然出为他人做工，就会给上帝的圣工带来损害。他们既缺乏做工的资格，就需要两三个忠心的传道人跟在他们后面，纠正他们的错误影响。对上帝的圣工来说，把这样的传道人养在家中，不给园地造成损害，倒是更划算一些。{1T 444.2}[15]
§32
Those ministers who have come out from the different denominations to embrace the third angels message often wish to teach when they should be learners. Some have a great share of their former teaching to unlearn before they can fully learn the principles of present truth. Ministers will injure the cause of God by going forth to labor for others when there is as great a work to be done for them to fit them for their labors as they may wish to do for unbelievers. If they are unqualified for the work, it will require the labor of two or three faithful ministers to follow after and correct their wrong influence. In the end it would be cheaper for the cause of God to give such ministers a good support to remain at home and do no injury in the field.{1T 444.2}[15]
§33
有些人一贯认为传道人是特别有灵感的，是主藉以讲话的唯一媒介。若是年长而有长期经验的人在传道人身上看到过失，并建议他改进他的态度，声调或姿势，他有时就觉得受了伤害，并且辩护说上帝召他时就是这样的，能力是上帝的而不是他自己的，上帝必须为他做这事，他并没有按照人的智慧讲道等等。以为一个人若不达到一定的兴奋程度就不能讲道，这乃是一个错误。如此依赖感觉的人，当他们觉得要劝勉人时可能有用；但他们决不会成为良善负责的工人。当工作进展艰难，每件事都呈现出令人气馁的外观时，易兴奋的人和那些依赖感觉的人就没有预备好担他们分所应担的担子了。在灰心和黑暗的时候，有能冷静思考的人是多么重要啊，他们不依赖环境，而是信赖上帝，并且在黑暗中作工，象在光明中作得一样好。根据原则侍奉上帝的人，虽然他们的信心可能会受严厉的考验，但会见到他们安然依靠耶和华从未失败的膀臂。{1T 444.3}[16]
§34
Preachers have been regarded by some as especially inspired, as being only mediums for the Lord to speak through. If the aged and those of long experience see failings in a minister and suggest improvements in his manners, in the tone of his voice, or in his gestures, he has sometimes felt hurt, and has reasoned that God called him just as he was, that the power was of God and not of himself, and that God must do the work for him, that he did not preach according to mans wisdom, etc. It is a mistake to think that a man cannot preach unless he becomes wrought up to a high degree of excitement. Men who are thus dependent upon feeling may be of use in exhortation when they feel just like it; but they will never make good, burden-bearing laborers. When the work moves hard and everything assumes a discouraging aspect, the excitable and those dependent upon feeling are not prepared to bear their share of the burdens. In times of discouragement and darkness how important to have calm-thinking men, who are not dependent on circumstances, but who trust God and labor on in the darkness as well as in the light. Men who serve God from principle, although their faith may be severely tried, will be seen leaning securely upon the never-failing arm of Jehovah.{1T 444.3}[16]
§35
年轻的传道人，和曾经是传道人的人，若在态度上一直是粗鲁无礼的，在言谈表情上不是完全谦虚纯洁的，就不适于从事这工作，除非他们给出完全悔改的证据。说一句欠考虑的话所造成的伤害可能比他们所举办的一系列聚会带来的益处还多。他们离开了应该总是高举的真理的标准，在社会面前将之降到了尘埃。他们所带领悔改的人通常达不到比传道人为他们举起的标准更高的标准。站在活人和死人中间的人应当是完全公义的人。传道人不应片刻丢掉戒备。他是在作工提高别人，把他们带上真理的立场。他要向别人说明真理已为他有所成就。他应该看到这些粗心、粗暴、庸俗表情的害处，应该抛弃并轻视凡具有这种性质的事。他若不这样做，他所带领悔改的人就会效法他。当忠心的传道人跟在他们后面对这些悔改的人作工，要纠正他们的错误时，他们就会指着传道人为自己开脱。你们若谴责他的做法，他们就会转而问你们：他们自己既是罪人，你们为什么支持他们，使他们有影响力，派他们出来向罪人传道呢？{1T 445.1}[17]
§36
Young preachers, and men who have once been ministers, who have been coarse and rough in their manners, making expressions in their conversation which were not perfectly modest and chaste, are not fit to engage in this work until they give evidence of an entire reform. One word spoken unadvisedly may do more harm than a series of meetings held by them will do good. They leave the standard of truth, which should be ever exalted, lowered to the dust before the community. Their converts generally come up no higher than the standard raised for them by the ministers. Men who are standing between the living and the dead should be just right. The minister should not be off his guard for a single moment. He is laboring to elevate others by bringing them up upon the platform of truth. Let him show to others that the truth has done something for him. He should see the evil of these careless, rough, vulgar expressions, and should put away and despise everything of this character. Unless he does this, his converts will pattern after him. And when faithful ministers shall follow after and labor with these converts to correct their wrongs, they will excuse themselves by referring to the minister. If you condemn his course, they will turn to you and ask: Why do you uphold and give influence to men by sending them out to preach to sinners while they are sinners themselves?{1T 445.1}[17]
§37
我们所从事的工作乃是一项责任重大而且尊贵的工作。那些劳苦传道教导人的人自己应该是善行的模范。他们应该在圣洁、清洁和秩序上作榜样。上帝仆人的外表，无论在讲台上还是在讲台外，都应当是那种活泼传道人的样式。藉着他的敬虔榜样所成就的，可以比他仅仅在台上讲道而台下的影响却不值得效法要多得多。那些在这项圣工中操劳的人，乃是在向世人传讲曾交给凡人的最高尚的真理。{1T 446.1}[18]
§38
The work in which we are engaged is a responsible and exalted work. Those who minister in word and doctrine should themselves be patterns of good works. They should be examples in holiness, cleanliness, and order. The appearance of the servant of God, out of the pulpit and in, should be that of a living preacher. He can accomplish far more by his godly example than by merely preaching in the desk, while his influence out of the desk is not worthy of imitation. Those who labor in this cause are bearing to the world the most elevated truth that was ever committed to mortals.{1T 446.1}[18]
§39
上帝所拣选在这圣工中工作的人，必给出他们所蒙崇高恩召的证据，并会认为他们的最高本分就是成长进步，直到成为能干的工人。然后，当他们表现出热心，善用上帝所托付给他们的才干时，他们就应得到明智的帮助。但所给予他们的鼓励不可带有奉承的气味，因为撒但自己会做足够多的那种勾当。那些认为自己有责任讲道的人不应使自己和自己的家庭立刻受弟兄们的供养支持。他们没有权利这样做，直到他们能显出他们作工的良好果效。而今有藉着奉承，藉着减轻他们生活的担子，伤害年轻的传道人和那些经验很少之人的危险。当不讲道时，他们应该做他们所能做的以自养。这是最好的方式，可以试验他们蒙召传道的性质。若是他们愿意传道只是因为他们可以作为传道人受到供养，教会就应采取明智的做法，不久就应解除他们传道的担子，让他们去做更为有利可图的事。保罗虽是一位极有口才的传道人，奇迹般地悔改归主去做一项特别的工作，他也没有脱离劳动。他说：“直到如今，我们还是又饥又渴，又赤身露体，又挨打，又没有一定的住处，并且劳苦，亲手作工。被人咒骂，我们就祝福；被人逼迫，我们就忍受”（林前4:11,12）。“我们也未尝白吃人的饭，倒是辛苦劳碌，昼夜做工，免得叫你们一人受累”（帖后3:8）。{1T 446.2}[19]
§40
Men who are chosen of God to labor in this cause will give proof of their high calling and will consider it their highest duty to grow and improve until they shall become able workmen. Then, as they manifest an earnestness to improve upon the talent which God has entrusted to them, they should be helped judiciously. But the encouragement given them should not savor of flattery, for Satan himself will do enough of that kind of work. Men who think that they have a duty to preach should not be sustained in throwing themselves and their families at once upon the brethren for support. They are not entitled to this until they can show good fruits of their labor. There is now danger of injuring young preachers, and those who have but little experience, by flattery, and by relieving them of burdens in life. When not preaching they should be doing what they can for their own support. This is the best way to test the nature of their call to preach. If they desire to preach only that they may be supported as ministers, and the church pursue a judicious course, they will soon lose the burden and leave preaching for more profitable business. Paul, a most eloquent preacher, miraculously converted of God to do a special work, was not above labor. He says: Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it. 1 Corinthians 4:11, 12. Neither did we eat any mans bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:8.{1T 446.2}[19]
§41
我蒙指示，许多人并没有正确地估计他们中间的才干。有些弟兄不明白怎样的讲道才干才最适于推进真理的圣工，而只想满足他们当前的感情。他们想也不想就对一位讲者表示偏爱，因为他在讲道时表现了相当大的热情，讲了虽然悦耳且能片刻鼓舞人心却不会留下持久印象的奇闻轶事。同时，他们会低估一位常常祈祷虔诚研究的传道人，因为他可能以一种平静的态度和连贯的形式把我们立场的证据陈列于人前。他的工作不受赏识，他也往往受到冷遇。{1T 447.1}[20]
§42
I have been shown that many do not rightly estimate the talents which are among them. Some brethren do not understand what preaching talent would be the best for the advancement of the cause of truth, but think only of the present gratification of their feelings. Without reflection they will show preference for a speaker who manifests considerable zeal in his preaching and relates anecdotes which please the ear and animate the mind for a moment, but leave no lasting impression. At the same time they will put a low estimate upon a preacher who has prayerfully studied that he may present before the people the arguments of our position in a calm manner and in a connected form. His labor is not appreciated, and he is often treated with indifference.{1T 447.1}[20]
§43
一个人可能用热烈悦耳的方式讲道，却不能把任何新思想或真聪明传达给人心。通过这种讲道得到印象只能持续到讲道结束。当调查这种讲道的结果时，几乎找不到果子。这些浮华的恩赐并不是有益的，不适于推进真理的圣工，不是在艰难地区可以信赖的恩赐。在教导真理的工作中，有必要用圣经的证据很好地加强我们立场的要点。坚决的主张可以止息不信者的声音，但不会使他信服。被差到园地中的工人不只是要使信徒们受益。拯救生灵才是伟大的目标。{1T 447.2}[21]
§44
A man may preach in a spirited manner and please the ear, but convey no new idea or real intelligence to the mind. The impressions received through such preaching last no longer than while the speakers voice is heard. When search is made for the fruit of such labor, there is little to be found. These flashy gifts are not as beneficial, and well calculated to advance the cause of truth, as a gift that can be trusted in hard, difficult places. In the work of teaching the truth it is necessary that the important points of our position be well fortified with Scripture evidences. Assertions may silence the unbeliever, but will not convince him. Believers are not the only ones for whose benefit laborers are sent into the field. The salvation of souls is the great object.{1T 447.2}[21]
§45
有些弟兄在这方面犯了错误。他们以为C弟兄是在佛蒙特州作工的适当人选，他能比别的传道人在那个州成就更多的工作。这样的人并没有从正确的立场看问题。C弟兄能以一种使会众感兴趣的方式讲话，如果这就是使人成为一个成功的传道人的全部要素的话，按他们对他的估计，就有一班弟兄姐妹都是合适的人选了。但他并不是一个彻底的工人；他是不可靠的。在教会的考验中，他是没有价值的。当受考验时，他没有经验，没有见识，也没有使教会受益的辨识力。他在世事上向来不是一个细致周到的人，虽然他家的人不多，他还是或多或少需要帮助。他在属灵的事上也表现出了与在属世的事务上一样的缺乏。在让他开始讲道的事上若采取了正确的做法，他现在就可在这项圣工中有些用处。弟兄们伤害了他，因为对他估计过高，又使他只负很少的人生重担，直到他以为自己的工作是最重要的。他向来愿意让佛蒙特州的弟兄们担他的担子，而他则摆脱操心劳神的事。他也没有适当的运动量，使他的肌肉强健有力并有益于他的健康。{1T 448.1}[22]
§46
Some brethren have erred in this respect. They have thought that Brother C was the right man to labor in Vermont and that he could accomplish more than any other minister in that state. Such do not view matters from a right standpoint. Brother C can speak in a manner to interest a congregation, and if this were all that is necessary to make a successful preacher, then a class of brethren and sisters would be right in their estimation of him. But he is not a thorough workman; he is not reliable. In church trials he is of no account. He has not experience, judgment, and discernment to be of any benefit to the church when in trial. He has not been a thoroughgoing man in temporal matters, and although he has but a small family, he has needed assistance more or less. The same lack is manifested in spiritual things as in temporal affairs. Had the right course been pursued toward him in the commencement of his preaching, he might now be of some use in this cause. His brethren injured him by making too much of him and by leaving him to bear but few of the burdens of life, until he has thought that his labors were of the greatest consequence. He has been willing that brethren in Vermont should bear his burdens while he was relieved from care. He has not had a suitable amount of exercise to give tone and strength to his muscles, and for the good of his health.{1T 448.1}[22]
§47
他没有能力建立教会。当他觉得若不传福音就有祸了的时候，象过去自我牺牲的传道人们所感到的那样，那时他才会象他们一样甘愿花一部分时间亲手作工，挣钱供养自己的家庭，使他们不至成为教会的重累，然后他就会前去，不仅仅要讲道，而且要救灵。以这种精神付出的努力才会有所成就。他向来对自己估计过高，以为自己等同于在佛蒙特州的任何一位工人，觉得自己应该与他们同列，应该在教会事务上受人请教，其实他还没有享有声誉，也没有证明自己是配得的。他为教会表现了什么自我牺牲或献身呢？他经历了什么危险或艰难，使弟兄们可以信任他为一位可以信赖的工人，他的影响力无论何往都会有益呢？在他具有一种完全不同的精神并根据无私的原则行事之前，他最好还是放弃讲道的想法。{1T 448.2}[23]
§48
He is not capable of building up churches. When he feels the woe upon him if he preach not the gospel, as self-sacrificing preachers have felt it in the past, then like them he will be willing to labor with his hands a part of the time to earn means to support his family that they may not be burdensome to the church, and then he will go forth, not merely to preach, but to save souls. Efforts made with such a spirit will accomplish something. He has been exalted in his own estimation, has thought himself equal to any of the laborers in Vermont, and has felt that he should be ranked with them and should be consulted in business matters of the church, when he has not earned a reputation nor proved himself worthy. What self-sacrifice or devotion has he manifested for the church? What perils or hardships has he endured, that the brethren can have their confidence established in him as a laborer whom they can trust, whose influence will be good wherever he goes? Until he possesses an entirely different spirit and acts from unselfish principles, he would better give up the idea of preaching.{1T 448.2}[23]
§49
佛蒙特州的弟兄忽视了象布尔多，皮尔斯和斯通弟兄这样的人的道德价值。他们有深刻的经验，他们的影响也能获得团体的信任。他们勤勉而一贯的生活使他们成为每日活泼传道的人，他们的工作已消除了所积聚的大量偏见。可是弟兄们没有赏识这些人的工作，却喜欢一些经不起考验，工作少有成效的人。{1T 449.1}[24]
§50
Brethren in Vermont have overlooked the moral worth of men like the Brethren Bourdeau, Pierce, and Stone, who have a depth of experience and whose influence has been such as to gain the confidence of the community. Their industrious and consistent lives have made them daily, living preachers, and their labors have removed a great amount of prejudice and have gathered and built up. Yet brethren have not appreciated the labor of these men, while they have been pleased with that of some who will not bear to be tested and proved, and who can show but little fruit of their labor. {1T 449.1}[24]