第50章 对传道人的呼吁
§1
第50章 对传道人的呼吁
§2
Chap. 50 - Appeal to Ministers
§3
1868年10月2日，我蒙指示看到摆在我们面前的严肃大工——把即将来临的审判警告世人。我们的榜样若与我们所表白的真理一致，就会拯救少数人，且定多数人的罪，使他们在所有人的案件都要决定的日子无可推诿。义人要准备好承受永生，而罪人既不愿熟悉上帝的旨意和道路，便注定要灭亡。【2T.334.2】[1]
§4
October 2, 1868, I was shown the great and solemn work before us of warning the world of the coming judgment. Our example, if in accordance with the truth we profess, will save a few, and condemn the many, leaving them without excuse in the day when the cases of all will be decided. The righteous are to be prepared for everlasting life, and sinners, who will not become acquainted with the will and ways of God, are appointed to destruction. {2T 334.2}[1]
§5
向别人传讲真理的人，没有都因真理成圣。有些人对这工作的神圣性质只有模糊的看法。他们没能倚靠上帝，也没能在祂里面行他们一切的事。他们内心深处没有悔改。他们没有在自己的日常生活中经历敬虔的奥秘。他们传讲的是不朽的真理，重如永恒，但他们没有仔细认真地把这些真理交织在他们的心灵里，成为他们自己的一部分，以便这些真理影响他们一切所行的。他们没有与这些真理所教导的原则紧密结合以致不可能使真理的任何一部分与他们分离。【2T.334.3】[2]
§6
Not all who preach the truth to others are sanctified by it. Some have but faint views of the sacred character of the work. They fail to trust in God and to have all their works wrought in Him. Their inmost souls have not been converted. They have not in their daily life experienced the mystery of godliness. They are handling immortal truths, weighty as eternity, but are not careful and earnest to have these truths inwrought in their souls, made a part of themselves, so that they shall influence them in all they do. They are not so wedded to the principles which these truths inculcate that it is impossible to separate any part of the truth from them. {2T 334.3}[2]
§7
上帝只接受人内心和生活的成圣。天使指着那些未行在正路上的传道人说：“有罪的人哪，要洁净你们的手；心怀二意的人哪，要清洁你们的心”（雅4:8）。“你们扛抬耶和华器皿的人哪，务要自洁”（赛52:11）。上帝要求的是心灵的诚实正直；因为在内心的真理藉着圣灵的影响使整个的人心意更新而变化。并非所有的传道人都是献身于圣工的；并非人人都将心思放在圣工上。他们工作冷淡，无精打采，好像自己在世上还有一千年的时间去拯救生灵似的。他们回避责任和义务，操心和贫困。舍己、受苦和疲倦既不舒适也不便利。一些人考虑的是如何逃避令人疲惫的工作。他们考虑自己的方便和如何取悦自己和自己的妻子儿女；几乎忘记了他们已经开始从事的工作。【2T.335.1】[3]
§8
Sanctification of heart and life is alone acceptable with God. Said the angel, as he pointed to the ministers who are not right: Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double-minded. Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. God calls for integrity of soul; for truth in the inward parts, transforming the entire man by the renewing of the mind through the influences of the divine Spirit. Not all the ministers are devoted to the work; not all have put their hearts into it. They move as listlessly as though a temporal millennium were allowed them in which to work for souls. They shun burdens and responsibilities, care and privations. Self-denial, suffering, and weariness are not pleasant nor convenient. It is the study of some to save themselves from wearing labor. They study their own convenience and how to please themselves, their wives, and their children; and the work upon which they have entered is nearly lost sight of. {2T 335.1}[3]
§9
上帝呼召那些没有靠祂而行的传道人谦卑己心，谦卑认罪。我要提到从事属世业务的人。他们知道，自己若想达成目标，就必须忍受疲劳。他们牺牲了家庭的安逸和家人的爱，忍受困苦和艰难；他们坚持不懈，精力充沛，满心热诚。相比于这些追求世俗利益的人来说，我们传道人表现出的热诚连他们的一半也没有。我们的传道人不象那些从事属世追求的人那样宗旨坚定，认真努力；他们缺乏恒心，不愿舍己。【2T.335.2】[4]
§10
God calls for humiliation of soul and humble confessions from the ministers whose works have not been wrought in Him. I was cited to men who engage in worldly enterprises. They know that if they would gain their object they must suffer fatigue. They sacrifice ease and love of home, and endure privations; they are persevering, energetic, and ardent. Our ministers do not all manifest half the zeal shown by those who are securing earthly gain. They are not as intent upon their purpose, nor as earnest in their efforts; they are not as persevering, and are not as willing to deny themselves, as those who engage in worldly pursuits. {2T 335.2}[4]
§11
比较一下这两种事业吧。一个是永恒的，确定的，像上帝的生命一样长久；另一个是今生的事，易变的，易朽坏的。人即便在野心勃勃的追求上取得成功，那成功也经常像毒蛇一样危害他们，使他们陷在灭亡中。为什么从事这两等事业——一等是属世的事业，另一等是属天的事业——之人的努力有这么大的差别呢？一等人在为今世必朽坏的财宝工作，且在他们的努力中为那常是大恶之源的东西多受痛苦，另一等人则在努力拯救宝贵的生灵，会得到上天的嘉许和蒙赏赐天上的财富。这里毫无风险，没有损失，必定得到无限的利益。【2T.335.3】[5]
§12
Compare these two enterprises. One is certain, eternal, enduring as the life of God; the other is a thing of this life, changeable, perishable, and if men succeed in their ambitious pursuits, that which they gain frequently stings like an adder, and drowns them in perdition. Oh, why should there be so great a contrast in the efforts of those who are engaged--the one class in a worldly enterprise, the other in a heavenly? the one laboring for a treasure here that is perishable, and in the effort suffering much pain for that which is frequently a source of great evil, the other putting forth efforts for the salvation of precious souls, which will be approved of Heaven and rewarded with heavenly riches. There are no risks to run here, no losses to be sustained, the profits are sure and immense. {2T 335.3}[5]
§13
那些替基督恳劝人与上帝和好的人，应当言传身教地表现出永远关心别人灵魂的得救。他们的恳切、恒切、舍己和牺牲的精神应该远远超过那些追求属世利益之人的殷勤和热心，因为灵魂的价值远大于地上的糟粕，救灵的事业远比属世的事业高尚。世上的一切事业与救灵的工作相比都是无足轻重的。属世的事纵然耗费不菲，也不能长存。而一个得救的生灵却会在天国发光直至永恒的岁月。【2T.336.1】[6]
§14
Those who are in Christs stead beseeching souls to be reconciled to God should by precept and example manifest an undying interest to save souls. Their earnestness, perseverance, self-denial, and spirit of sacrifice should as far exceed the diligence and earnestness of those securing earthly gain as the soul is more valuable than the trash of earth and the subject more elevated than earthly enterprises. All worldly enterprises are of trifling importance compared with the work of saving souls. Earthly things are not enduring, although they cost so much. But one soul saved will shine in the kingdom of heaven throughout eternal ages. {2T 336.1}[6]
§15
有些传道人睡着了，人们也都沉睡不醒，然而撒但完全醒着。人们为上帝或真理付出的牺牲太少了。传道人必须树立榜样。他们应当用劳苦作工表明自己重视永恒之事的无限价值，相比之下属世的事就算不得什么了。许多传讲现代真理的传道人必须悔改。他们的理解力必须活跃起来，他们的心必须净化，他们的情意必须集中于上帝。他们传扬现代真理的方式应该鼓励人的理智领略真理的优美，纯正和圣洁。要达此目的，他们应当总是谨记使人思想高尚的，对人心有洁净、振奋和提拔作用的目标。他们必须让真理洁净人心的火焰在他们内心的祭坛上熊熊燃起，去改变并塑造他们的生活。之后，他们无论何往，尽管周围尽是黑暗阴郁，他们仍能用那住在他们里头且发散在他们周围的光照亮那些处在黑暗中的人。【2T.336.2】[7]
§16
Some of the ministers are asleep, and the people are also asleep; but Satan is wide awake. There is but little sacrificing for God or the truth. Ministers must set the example. In their labors they should show that they esteem eternal things of infinite value and earthly things as nothing in comparison. There are ministers preaching present truth who must be converted. Their understanding must be invigorated, their hearts purified, their affections centered in God. They should present the truth in a manner which will arouse the intellect to appreciate its excellence, purity, and sacredness. In order to do this, they should keep before their minds objects which are elevated and which have a purifying, quickening, and exalting influence upon the mind. They must have the purifying fire of truth burning upon the altar of their hearts, to influence and characterize their lives; then, go where they will, amid darkness and gloom, they will illuminate those in darkness with the light dwelling in them and shining round about them. {2T 336.2}[7]
§17
传道人必须充满他们的主在地上时的那种精神。祂周流四方行善事，用祂的感化力造福他人。祂多受痛苦，常经忧患。传道人应对永恒的事和上帝对他们的要求有清楚的概念。如此，他们才能给别人以深刻的印象，并激励他们喜爱默想属天的事。【2T.337.1】[8]
§18
Ministers must be imbued with the same spirit as was their Master when He was upon earth. He went about doing good, blessing others with His influence. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Ministers should have clear conceptions of eternal things and of Gods claims upon them; then they can impress others and excite in them a love for contemplating heavenly things. {2T 337.1}[8]
§19
传道人应当成为圣经学者。他们所经手的真理岂不是强大的吗？他们应该追求能够纯熟地运用这些真理。他们的思想应当清楚有力，而且要有火热的精神，否则他们就必削弱所提述之真理的说服力。他们若是平淡地提出真理，仅仅复述真理的理论，自己都不受激励，就绝不能使人悔改。就算他们活得象挪亚那样长久，他们的努力也不会有效果。他们必须对生灵有强烈的爱心和热诚。无精打采，没有感情地提出真理决不会唤醒男男女女摆脱他们死一般的沉睡。他们必须用自己的态度、言行、讲道和祈祷表明，他们相信基督就在门口了。男女世人正处在宽容时期的最后时刻，可是粗心、麻木的传道人却没有能力唤醒他们；因为他们自己也睡着了。沉睡的传道人在向一班沉睡的人讲道！【2T.337.2】[9]
§20
Ministers should become Bible students. Are the truths which they handle mighty? Then they should seek to handle them skillfully. Their ideas should be clear and strong, and their spirits fervent, or they will weaken the force of the truth which they handle. By tamely presenting the truth, merely repeating the theory without being stirred by it themselves, they can never convert men. If they should live as long as did Noah, their efforts would be without effect. Their love for souls must be intense and their zeal fervent. A listless, unfeeling manner of presenting the truth will never arouse men and women from their deathlike slumber. They must show by their manners, by their acts and words, and by their preaching and praying, that they believe that Christ is at the door. Men and women are in the last hours of probation, and yet are careless and stupid, and ministers have no power to arouse them; they are asleep themselves. Sleeping preachers preaching to a sleeping people! {2T 337.2}[9]
§21
传道人若想成功地传讲真理，就必须下一番极大的工夫。他们应当彻底研究上帝的圣言。其它所有的读物都要退居次位。仔细查考圣经并不一定非要排除其它具有虔诚性质的书籍，但是如果虔诚地研究上帝的圣言，就会排斥所有会使人心转离圣经的读物。如果我们怀着深切的兴趣研究圣经，祈求主使我们明白圣经，则每一节经文都会显出新的美好。上帝会清楚地显明宝贵的真理，使人心得到真诚的快乐，当圣经安慰人的庄严真理展开时，人心便得到持续的享受。【2T.337.3】[10]
§22
A great work must be accomplished for ministers in order for them to make the preaching of the truth a success. The word of God should be thoroughly studied. All other reading is inferior to this. A careful study of the Bible will not necessarily exclude all other reading of a religious nature; but if the word of God is studied prayerfully, all reading which will have a tendency to divert the mind from it will be excluded. If we study the word of God with an interest, and pray to understand it, new beauties will be seen in every line. God will reveal precious truth so clearly that the mind will derive sincere pleasure and have a continual feast as its comforting and sublime truths are unfolded. {2T 337.3}[10]
§23
挨家挨户拜访同胞是传道人工作的重要组成部分。他应当力求与所拜访家庭的所有成员交谈，无论他们是否自称相信真理。他有责任确定每一个人的属灵状况；而且他的生活应该与上帝很亲近，以致能本着智慧谨慎地劝勉人，警戒人，责备人。他自己心中应当拥有上帝的恩典，而且始终考虑上帝的荣耀。上帝的圣言明确禁止轻浮无聊的言谈。传道人的话语应当是属天的，他的言词应当用恩典调和。一切谄媚奉承都应抛弃，因为阿谀奉承乃是撒但的工作。可怜、软弱、堕落的人类通常都以为自己足能承当，在这方面无需帮助。奉承你们的传道人是不合适的。这使人心变坏而不会使人柔和谦卑；可是男男女女却喜爱受人称赞，传道人也常常喜爱受人称赞。他们的虚荣心因此得到满足，但这已证明是多人的咒诅。责备比奉承更可取。【2T.338.1】[11]
§24
Visiting from house to house forms an important part of the ministers labors. He should aim to converse with all the members of the family, whether they profess the truth or not. It is his duty to ascertain the spiritual condition of all; and he should live so near to God that he can counsel, exhort, and reprove, carefully and in wisdom. He should have the grace of God in his own heart and the glory of God constantly in view. All lightness and trifling is positively forbidden in the word of God. His conversation should be in heaven, his words seasoned with grace. All flattery should be put away, for it is Satans work to flatter. Poor, weak, fallen men generally think enough of themselves and need no help in this direction. Flattering your ministers is out of place. It perverts the mind and does not lead to meekness and humility; yet men and women love to be praised, and it is too frequently the case that ministers love it. Their vanity is gratified by it, but it has proved a curse to many. Reproof is more to be prized than flattery. {2T 338.1}[11]
§25
传讲真理的人并非个个都认识到，他们的见证和榜样决定着许多生灵的命运。他们如果不忠于自己的使命，在工作上变得粗心大意，结果就会造成生灵灭亡。他们若是自我牺牲，而且忠于主赐给他们的工作，就会成为拯救多人的器皿。有些人允许琐事使他们离开工作。道路难行，阴雨连绵，家中的小问题，都足以成为他们离开救灵工作的借口。而且他们常在工作最要紧的时候这样做。当人们起了慕道的兴趣，人心也激动起来时，慕道人的却被撇下以致再无兴趣了，因为传道人选择了更为愉快舒适的园地。那些采取这种行径的人清楚表明他们身上没有圣工的负担。他们希望受到人们的带动。他们不愿忍受艰难困苦，而这总是真牧人的命分。【2T.338.2】[12]
§26
Not all who are preaching the truth realize that their testimony and example are deciding the destiny of souls. If they are unfaithful in their mission, and become careless in their work, souls will be lost as the result. If they are self-sacrificing and faithful in the work which the Master has given them to do, they will be instrumental in the salvation of many. Some permit trifles to divert them from the work. Bad roads, rainy weather, or little matters at home are sufficient excuses for them to leave the work of laboring for souls. And frequently this is done at the most important time in the work. When an interest has been raised and the minds of the people are agitated, the interest is left to die out because the minister chooses a more pleasant and easy field. Those who pursue this course show plainly that they do not have the burden of the work upon them. They wish to be carried by the people. They are not willing to endure the privations and hardships which are ever the lot of a true shepherd. {2T 338.2}[12]
§27
一些人在做圣工时从未体验过这工作具有生死攸关的重要性。他们做工既没有那种热诚和认真，就无从表明他们做的工作要经受审判的考验。他们太多靠自己的力量作工。他们不倚靠上帝，所以他们一切的努力都显出错误和不完全。他们不给上帝机会为他们作任何事。他们行事不凭着信心，反而凭着眼见。他们行事不会快过或超过他们的眼睛所能看见的。他们似乎不明白，为真理有所冒险应该在他们的宗教经验中有一席之地。【2T.339.1】[13]
§28
Some have no experience in taking hold of the work as though it was of vital importance. They do not enter upon it with that zeal and earnestness which would show that they are doing work which will have to bear the test of the judgment. They work too much in their own strength. They do not make God their trust, and therefore errors and imperfections mark all their efforts. They do not give the Lord an opportunity to do anything for them. They do not walk by faith, but by sight. They will go no faster or further than they can see. They do not seem to understand that venturing something for the truths sake has any part in their religious experience. {2T 339.1}[13]
§29
一些传道人虽然远离家乡，到福音的园地作工，却不行事好像他们所传讲的真理对自己来说是现实的。他们的行为表明他们没有亲自经验真理的拯救之能。他们一离开讲台，就显得对真理没有任何负担了。他们的工作有时显然有益，但更多的时候毫无益处。他们觉得自己很有权利得工资，好像是他们挣来的一样；尽管他们的不献身已使那些对圣工有负担的工人付出了更多的劳苦、忧虑和心中的痛苦，过于他们一切的努力所带来的益处。这种人不是有益的工人。但他们会不得不自己负这种责任。【2T.339.2】[14]
§30
Some go from their homes to labor in the gospel field, but do not act as though the truths which they speak were a reality to them. Their actions show that they have not experienced the saving power of the truth themselves. When out of the desk, they appear to have no burden of the truth. They labor sometimes apparently to profit, but more frequently to no profit. Such feel as much entitled to the wages they receive as though they had earned them; notwithstanding their unconsecration has cost more labor, anxiety, and pain of heart to those laborers who have the burden of the work upon them than all their efforts have done good. Such are not profitable workmen. But they will have to bear this responsibility themselves. {2T 339.2}[14]
§31
常见的情况是，传道人喜欢在各教会之间拜访，把时间和精力投在他们的工作不会有任何益处的地方。各教会常常超过在他们中间作工的传道人，要是那些传道人不挡在他们的路上，而是给他们机会去作工，各教会就会处在更为兴旺的状态。这种传道人想要建立各教会的努力只会拆毁各教会。他们虽然再三提述了真理的理论，却没有伴随着上帝赐人生命的能力。他们表现出一种倦怠的漠不关心；这种精神是具有传染性的，使各教会都失去了拯救别人的兴趣和负担。这样，传道人就藉着言传身教在属肉体的安全感中把人们哄着了。他们若离开众教会，出去到新的园地，并且作工建立各教会，就会明白自己的能力和带人接受真理立场的代价了。他们就会认识到自己应当多么谨慎，以免自己的榜样和影响使那些需要多多努力，虔诚作工才能使之悔改归向真理的人灰心或变得软弱。“各人应当察验自己的行为。这样，他所夸的就专在自己，不在别人了”（加6:4）。【2T.340.1】[15]
§32
It is often the case that ministers are inclined to visit almost entirely among the churches, devoting their time and strength where their labor will do no good. Frequently the churches are in advance of the ministers who labor among them, and would be in a more prosperous condition if those ministers would keep out of their way and give them an opportunity to work. The effort of such ministers to build up the churches only tears them down. The theory of the truth is presented over and over again, but it is not accompanied by the vitalizing power of God. They manifest a listless indifference; the spirit is contagious, and the churches lose their interest and burden for the salvation of others. Thus by their preaching and example the ministers lull the people to carnal security. If they would leave the churches, go out into new fields, and labor to raise up churches, they would understand their ability and what it costs to bring souls out to take their position upon the truth. And they would then realize how careful they should be that their example and influence might never discourage or weaken those whom it had required so much hard, prayerful labor to convert to the truth. Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. {2T 340.1}[15]
§33
众教会出钱维持传道人的工作。他们拿什么来鼓励教会慷奉献呢？有些传道人月月工作，却成效甚微，以致使各教会灰心；他们看不到传道人做了什么使人归向真理和使信徒们更属灵或更热爱上帝和真理的事。那些处理圣事的人应该完全献身于这工作。他们应该对圣工有无私的兴趣，对将亡的生灵有热切的爱心。他们若没有这两样，就是弄错了自己的使命，应该停止教导别人的工作，因为他们的工作害多益少。有些传道人炫耀自己，却不喂养亟需按时分粮的群羊。【2T.340.2】[16]
§34
The churches give of their means to sustain the ministers in their labors. What have they to encourage them in their liberality? Some ministers labor from month to month and accomplish so little that the churches become disheartened; they cannot see that anything is being done to convert souls to the truth nor to make those who are church members more spiritual or fervent in their love to God and His truth. Those who are handling sacred things should be wholly consecrated to the work. They should possess an unselfish interest in it and a fervent love for perishing souls. If they do not have this they have mistaken their mission and should cease their labor of teaching others, for they do more harm than they can possibly do good. Some ministers display themselves, but do not feed the flock that are perishing for meat in due season. {2T 340.2}[16]
§35
有些人倾向于遇到反对就退缩。他们害怕进入新的地区，因为预料会遭遇到黑暗和冲突。这是怯懦。必须实地与人接触。他们需要激动人心的呼吁，既需要教义的讲道也需要实用的讲道。言传有身教支持便会发挥有力的影响。【2T.341.1】[17]
§36
There is a disposition with some to shrink from opposition. They fear to go into new places because of the darkness and the conflicts they expect to meet. This is cowardice. The people must be met where they are. They need stirring appeals and practical, as well as doctrinal, discourses. Precept backed up by example will have a powerful influence. {2T 341.1}[17]
§37
忠心的牧人不会考虑自己的安逸和便利，而会为群羊的利益辛劳。他会在这项伟大的工作中忘记自己；他在寻找迷羊的过程中不会感到自己的疲乏、寒冷和饥饿。他心中只有一个念头：无论自己付出多大的代价，也要拯救流浪的迷羊。他的工资不会影响他的努力，也不会使他转离自己的职责。他已从天庭之君那里领受自己的使命，盼望在完成自己受托的工作时得到奖赏。【2T.341.2】[18]
§38
A faithful shepherd will not study his own ease and convenience, but will labor for the interest of the sheep. In this great work he will forget self; in his search for the lost sheep he will not realize that he himself is weary, cold, and hungry. He has but one object in view: to save the lost and wandering sheep at whatever expense it may be to himself. His wages will not influence him in his labor nor turn him from his duty. He has received his commission from the Majesty of heaven, and he expects his reward when the work entrusted to him is done. {2T 341.2}[18]
§39
那些参加授课行业的人要为这种工作作准备。他们藉着上学和有志于研究来装备自己。他们不蒙许可去教导儿童和青少年各学科的知识，直到他们有能力施教。他们在申请教师职位时，必须通过考试才能成为胜任的人。对付年轻的心智，正确地教导他们各学科，乃是一项重要的工作。但传道工作更是何等重要啊！可是许多从事这个重要行业，使男男女女有志参加基督的学校，在那里学习如何为天国塑造品格的人，自己还需要作学生。有些参加传道工作的人没有感到身上有工作的负担。关于传道人的资格，他们已接受了不正确的观念。他们以为只要稍微严格地学一点各科的知识或圣经就可以作一个传道人了。有些教导现代真理的人并不熟悉圣经。他们的圣经知识非常不足，难以凭记忆正确地引用一段经文。他们笨拙不得体地犯下大错，得罪了上帝。他们糟蹋圣经，错解经文，编造出经上没有的东西。【2T.341.3】[19]
§40
Those who engage in the business of schoolteaching prepare for the work. They qualify themselves by attending school and interesting their minds in study. They are not allowed to teach children and youth in the sciences unless they are capable of instructing them. Upon applying for a situation as teacher, they have to pass an examination before competent persons. It is an important work to deal with young minds and instruct them correctly in the sciences. But of how much greater importance is the work of the ministry! Yet many engage in the important business of interesting men and women to enter the school of Christ, where they are to learn how they may form characters for heaven, who need to become students themselves. Some who enter the ministry do not feel the burden of the work upon them. They have received incorrect ideas of the qualifications of a minister. They have thought that it required but little close study in the sciences or in the word of God to make a minister. Some who are teaching present truth are not acquainted with their Bibles. They are so deficient in Bible knowledge that it is difficult for them to quote a text of Scripture correctly from memory. By blundering along in the awkward manner they do, they sin against God. They mangle the scripture, and make the Bible say things that are not written therein. {2T 341.3}[19]
§41
一些让自己的生活完全跟着感觉走的人认为，只要有圣灵，接受教育或者彻底了解圣经就是无足轻重的。但上帝从未差遣祂的灵去认可无知。对于那些没有知识，而且他们的境遇使他们不可能获得知识的人，上帝或许也确实怜悯和祝福他们，有时甚至屈尊使祂的能力在他们的软弱上显得完全。但祂使这等人有义务去研究祂的话。缺乏各学科的知识不是忽略研究圣经的藉口；因为灵感之言很是清楚明白，没有学问的人也可以懂。【2T.342.1】[20]
§42
Some who have all their lives been led by feeling have thought that an education or a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures was of no consequence if they only had the Spirit. But God never sends His Spirit to sanction ignorance. Those who have not knowledge, and who are so situated that it is impossible for them to obtain it, the Lord may, and does, pity and bless, and sometimes condescends to make His strength perfect in their weakness. But He makes it the duty of such to study His word. A lack of knowledge in the sciences is no excuse for a neglect of Bible study; for the words of inspiration are so plain that the unlearned may understand them. {2T 342.1}[20]
§43
对于所有生在地上的人来说，那些处理有关这些危险时代的严肃真理的人应当明白圣经，熟悉我们信仰的证据。他们若不具有关于生命之道的知识，就没有权利去教导别人生命的道。传道人应当殷勤，“有了信心，又要加上德行；有了德行，又要加上知识；有了知识，又要加上节制；有了节制，又要加上忍耐；有了忍耐，又要加上虔敬；有了虔敬，又要加上爱弟兄的心；有了爱弟兄的心，又要加上爱众人的心”（彼后1:5-7）。我们的一些传道人几乎还没有学到基督道理的基本原理就毕业了。那些作基督使者的人，替基督劝人与上帝和好的人，应当得到装备，能够聪明地提出我们的信仰，且能以温柔敬畏的心给出心中盼望的缘由。基督说：“你们[应当]查考圣经，因你们以为内中有永生，给我作见证的就是这经”（约5:29）。【2T.342.2】[21]
§44
Of all men upon the face of the earth, those who are handling solemn truths for these perilous times should understand their Bibles and become acquainted with the evidences of our faith. Unless they possess a knowledge of the word of life they have no right to undertake to instruct others in the way to life. Ministers should give all diligence to add to their faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. Some of our ministers graduate when they have scarcely learned the first principles of the doctrine of Christ. Those who are ambassadors for Christ, who stand in His stead, beseeching souls to be reconciled to God, should be qualified to present our faith intelligently and be able to give the reasons of their hope with meekness and fear. Said Christ: Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. {2T 342.2}[21]
§45
教导不受欢迎的真理的传道人，会被那些受撒但鼓动的人围攻，他们要象他们的夫子一样，能够迅速地引用经文；上帝的仆人在运用灵感之言时岂可比不上撒但的仆役呢？他们应该象基督一样以经文应对经文。但愿那些照顾圣事的人醒来，象贤明的庇哩亚人一样，天天查考圣经！传道的弟兄们啊，我恳劝你们谦卑祈求主赐给你们一颗聪明的心去研究圣经，好使你们可以更加完全地教导生命之道。你们的劝勉、祷告和榜样必须成为活的香气叫人活，否则你们就不配向别人指出生命之道。【2T.343.1】[22]
§46
Ministers who teach unpopular truth will be beset by men who are urged on by Satan and who, like their master, can quote Scripture readily; and shall the servants of God be unequal to the servants of Satan in handling the words of Inspiration? They should, like Christ, meet scripture with scripture. Oh, that those who minister in holy things would awake, and, like the noble Bereans, search the Scriptures daily! Brethren in the ministry, I entreat of you to study the Scriptures with humble prayer for an understanding heart, that you may teach the way of life more perfectly. Your counsel, prayers, and example must be a savor of life unto life, or you are unqualified to point out the way of life to others. {2T 343.1}[22]
§47
我们的主要求祂所有的仆人都善用祂已交托他们的才干。但祂对那些自称明白生命之道，并且负责将这道指导别人的人，要求更是多么多啊。使徒保罗劝勉提摩太说：“我儿啊，你要在基督耶稣的恩典上刚强起来。你在许多见证人面前听见我所教训的，也要交托那忠心能教导别人的人”（提后2:1-2）。【2T.343.2】[23]
§48
The Master requires all His servants to improve upon the talents He has committed to them. But how much more will He require of those who profess to understand the way to life, and who take upon themselves the responsibility of guiding others therein. The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy: Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. {2T 343.2}[23]
§49
基督所拣选之门徒的传道工作，伴随着荣耀结果，就是他们身上常常带着主耶稣的死。一些为基督作见证的人是没有学问的和无知的小民，但是有上帝的恩典和真理在他们心中作王，激励并净化他们的生活，支配他们的行为。他们是基督的心意和精神的活代表。他们是活的荐信，为众人所知道，所念诵。凡不愿意接受他们所传真理的人，和藐视基督十字架的人，都仇恨并逼迫他们。【2T.343.3】[24]
§50
The glorious results that attended the ministry of the chosen disciples of Christ were the effects of bearing about in their bodies the dying of the Lord Jesus. Some of those who testified of Christ were unlearned and ignorant men; but grace and truth reigned in their hearts, inspiring and purifying their lives, and controlling their actions. They were living representatives of the mind and spirit of Christ. They were living epistles, known and read of all men. They were hated and persecuted by all who would not receive the truth they preached, and who despised the cross of Christ. {2T 343.3}[24]
§51
邪恶的人不会反对图具形式的敬虔，也不会拒绝一种受欢迎的传道工作，因为那种工作没有什么十字架给他们背。一种宗教若不使违背律法的人战兢，或不使人的内心和良知感到将要来到之审判的可怕现实，便不会引起属肉体之心的反对。正是上帝的圣灵和大能的明证才引起反对，致使属肉体之心叛逆。拯救心灵的真理不一定只来自上帝；而是祂的灵必须参与，将真理传达给他人，否则它就会在反对的势力面前无力地败落。但愿从上帝的仆人们口中发出的真理有能力直达人心！【2T.344.1】[25]
§52
Wicked men will not oppose a form of godliness nor reject a popular ministry which presents no cross for them to bear. The natural heart will raise no serious objection to a religion in which there is nothing to make the transgressor of the law tremble or bring to bear upon the heart and conscience the terrible realities of a judgment to come. It is the demonstration of the Spirit and the power of God which raises opposition and leads the natural heart to rebel. The truth that saves the soul must not only come from God; but His Spirit must attend its communication to others, else it falls powerless before opposing influences. Oh, that the truth would fall from the lips of Gods servants with such power as to burn its way to the hearts of the people! {2T 344.1}[25]
§53
传道人必须蒙赋予从上头来的能力。当耶稣里的真理本着其简明和力量被提出来反对世界的精神，谴责世界之刺激人的享乐和败坏人的魅力时，人们就会清楚地看到基督和彼列之间没有什么相和的。属肉体的心无法看透上帝圣灵的事。一个未献身的传道人无动于衷地传讲真理，他自己的心灵既未受他所传给别人的真理感动，就只会造成伤害。他所做的全部努力只会降低标准。【2T.344.2】[26]
§54
Ministers must be endued with power from on high. When the truth in its simplicity and strength, as it is in Jesus, is brought to bear against the spirit of the world, condemning its exciting pleasures and corrupting charms, it will then be plainly seen that there is no concord between Christ and Belial. The natural heart cannot discern the things of the Spirit of God. An unconsecrated minister, presenting the truth in an unimpassioned manner, his own soul unmoved by the truths he speaks to others, will do only harm. Every effort he makes only lowers the standard. {2T 344.2}[26]
§55
自私的利益必须被救灵的深切渴望所吞灭。有些传道人作了工，不是因为他们不敢做别的，也不是因为觉得不传福音就有祸，而是看中了要领到的工资。天使说：“甚愿你们中间有一人关上殿门，免得你们徒然在我坛上烧火。万军之耶和华说：‘我不喜悦你们，也不从你们手中收纳供物’”（玛1:10）。【2T.344.3】[27]
§56
Selfish interest must be swallowed up in deep anxiety for the salvation of souls. Some ministers have labored, not because they dared not do otherwise, not because the woe was upon them, but having in view the wages they were to receive. Said the angel: Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on Mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand. {2T 344.3}[27]
§57
上帝的每一件工作都花钱雇人去做，那是完全错误的。主的府库一直因那些只给圣工带来伤害的人而枯竭。传道人若完全献身于上帝的工作，奉献自己的精力来增进祂的圣工，他们就会一无所缺。就物质生活而言，他们比他们的主和主所拣选和差遣去拯救将亡之人的门徒们好得多了。我们伟大的模范是祂父荣耀所发的光辉，却被人藐视和弃绝。责骂和谎言追随着祂。祂所拣选的门徒乃是他们夫子的生活和精神的活榜样。他们因鞭打和囚禁而得荣耀，最后他们的份就是用自己的血印证他们的传道工作。【2T.345.1】[28]
§58
It is entirely wrong to buy every errand that is done for the Lord. The treasury of the Lord has been drained by those who have been only an injury to the cause. If ministers give themselves wholly to the work of God, and devote all their energies to building up His cause, they will have no lack. As regards temporal things, they have a better portion than their Lord and better than His chosen disciples whom He sent forth to save perishing man. Our great Exemplar, who was in the brightness of His Fathers glory, was despised and rejected of men. Reproach and falsehood followed Him. His chosen disciples were living examples of the life and spirit of their Master. They were honored with stripes and imprisonment; and it was finally their portion to seal their ministry with their blood. {2T 345.1}[28]
§59
当传道人对圣工深感兴趣，以致喜爱它成为自己的生命的一部分时，他们就能说：“谁能使我们与基督的爱隔绝呢？难道是患难吗？是困苦吗？是逼迫吗？是饥饿吗？是赤身露体吗？是危险吗？是刀剑吗？如经上所记：‘我们为你的缘故终日被杀，人看我们如将宰的羊。’然而，靠着爱我们的主，在这一切的事上已经得胜有余了。因为我深信无论是死，是生，是天使，是掌权的，是有能的，是现在的事，是将来的事，是高处的，是低处的，是别的受造之物，都不能叫我们与上帝的爱隔绝；这爱是在我们的主基督耶稣里的”（罗8:35-39）。【2T.345.2】[29]
§60
When ministers are so interested in the work that they love it as a part of their existence, then they can say: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For Thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. {2T 345.2}[29]
§61
“我这作长老、作基督受苦的见证、同享后来所要显现之荣耀的，劝你们中间与我同作长老的人，务要牧养在你们中间上帝的群羊，按着上帝旨意照管他们。不是出于勉强，乃是出于甘心；也不是因为贪财，乃是出于乐意；也不是辖制所托付你们的，乃是作群羊的榜样。到了牧长显现的时候，你们必得那永不衰残的荣耀冠冕”（彼前5:1-4）。【2T.345.3】[30]
§62
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over Gods heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. {2T 345.3}[30]