第63章 谴责自私
§1
第63章 谴责自私
§2
Chap. 63 - Selfishness Rebuked
§3
亲爱的A弟兄：自从伊利诺斯州的帐篷聚会以后，我一直为你的事感到心情沉重。我回想起一些我蒙指示看到的有关传道人的事——尤其是你的事情，——便感到极其痛苦。在伊利诺斯州的帐篷聚会上，我曾特别说到福音传道人的资格问题。当我在人前提出传扬末后严肃信息之传道人的资格时，我所说的许多都适用于你，我也曾希望听到你有所表白。在我讲道之前，你的妻子曾与霍尔姐妹谈到你的灰心沮丧。她说你并不知道传道乃是你的职责；你对自己的职责一直不确定，而且灰心泄气，没有象你若确定就会心甘情愿地那样参加工作。霍尔姐妹向我暗示，若是我为你说上一句鼓励的话，你的妻子就会很高兴。我对霍尔姐妹说，我没有鼓励的话要说，如果你不确定自己的职责，就最好等待，直到你亲自知道了自己的职责。于是我讲了基督传道人资格的问题；我若要完全尽到自己的责任，原应在讲台上明确地对你说。有不信的人在场是阻止我没有这样做的唯一原因。【2T.539.1】[1]
§4
Dear Brother A: Since the Illinois camp meeting, your case has pressed with weight upon my mind. As I recall some things shown me in regard to ministers, especially yourself, I am exceedingly distressed. At the meeting in Illinois I spoke especially upon the qualifications of a gospel minister. When I presented before the people the qualifications of a minister bearing the solemn message for these last days, much that I said applied to you, and I expected to hear some acknowledgment from you. Previous to my speaking, your wife talked with Sister Hall in regard to your discouragements. She said you did not know as it was your duty to preach; you had been unsettled in regard to your duty, and were discouraged, and did not enter into the work as you would if you felt settled. Sister Hall intimated to me that if I had a word of encouragement for you, your wife would be glad to have me say it. I told Sister Hall that I had not a word of encouragement to speak, and that if you were unsettled you would better wait until you knew your duty for yourself. I then spoke upon the qualifications of a minister of Christ; and, if I had fully performed my duty, I should have spoken definitely to you while in the stand. The presence of unbelievers was the only reason which deterred me. {2T 539.1}[1]
§5
在明尼苏达州，我再次因我们传道人的行为而感到心情沉重，因我看到B弟兄的情况，并和他谈到他的缺点正挡在他从事救灵工作的道路上。他关心照顾今生之事的做法再次使你的情形非常清晰地显在我面前，要是我和平常一样健康，我原会在离开营地之前就写信给你。我们没有休息的时间，而是直接来到了威斯康星州。我病了，但上帝加添给我力量，使我在祂百姓面前尽了自己的本分。当我站在会众面前时，我认出了一些以前从未见过的面孔。你和其他一些人的情形再次清晰地出现在我面前。你在这附近地区的影响是毁灭性的咒诅而非福气。这也是一个原本连你都能成就许多善工的地方。要是你曾献身于上帝，并且无私地作工，好拯救基督为之舍命的生灵，你的工作原会完全成功。你明白我们立场的论据。若将我们信仰的缘由摆在未蒙启迪的人面前，他们心中若没有充满偏见以致不愿接受所给出的证据，就会留下明确的印象。我看到某地和某地一带有一些人具有最好的素质，可以成为优秀的守安息日的基督徒；但是当有些人因真理优美的链条而着迷，即将就此作出决定时，你却离开了园地，没有完成你曾承担的工作。这比你从未开始工作还糟糕。那种慕道的兴趣决不会再出现了。【2T.539.2】[2]
§6
In Minnesota I was again burdened in regard to the course of our ministers, by seeing Brother B and talking with him in regard to his defects which stood right in the way of his work for the salvation of souls. His course in caring for the things of this life again brought your case so distinctly before me that, had I been as well as usual, I should have written to you before I left the campground. We had no period of rest, but came directly to Wisconsin. I was sick, yet God strengthened me to do my duty before the people. As I stood before the public I recognized countenances that I had no knowledge of ever having seen before. Again your case, in connection with others, came distinctly before me. This was the vicinity where your influence had been a blighting curse rather than a blessing. It was also a place where much good might have been accomplished, even by you. Had you been consecrated to God, and unselfishly working for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died, your labors would have been wholly successful. You understood the arguments of our position. The reasons of our faith, brought before the minds of those who have not been enlightened in regard to them, make a decided impression if minds are not filled with prejudice so that they will not receive the evidences given. I saw some of the very best material to make excellent Sabbathkeeping Christians in the vicinity of ----- and -----; but while some were charmed with the beautiful chain of truth, and were about ready to decide upon it, you left the field without completing the work you had undertaken. This was worse than if you had never entered it. That interest can never be raised again. {2T 539.2}[2]
§7
多年以来一直有这方面的亮光显示与我，表明保持慕道者兴趣的必要，无论如何不要离开自己的岗位，直到他们坚定信心倚靠真理，有自己悔改受洗的经验，加入某个教会，或他们自己组建一个教会。无论什么环境，都不应使传道人放开传讲真理所产生的兴趣。即便是疾病和死亡，其重要性也比不上生灵的得救，因为基督为救赎他们付出了无比的代价。那些意识到真理重要性以及基督替死之生灵宝贵价值的传道人，不会以任何借口离开一个慕道的人。他们将说：任凭死人埋葬他们的死人吧。家庭的利益，房屋和田产，丝毫也不应让传道人离开自己福音的禾场。如果传道人发现这些暂时之事引诱自己偏离自己的工作，那他们应当做的乃是，离开这一切，宁可不要土地和任何暂时之物，也不能让它们引诱自己偏离末世这神圣庄严的工作。一个人的生命比全世界更有价值。那些自称已经献身给神圣救灵工作之人，如何能让这属世界的暂时之事引诱自己的身心，而放弃那他们自称受之于上帝的崇高呼召呢？【2T.540.1】[3]
§8
For years light has been given upon this point, showing the necessity of following up an interest that has been raised, and in no case leaving it until all have decided that lean toward the truth and have experienced the conversion necessary for baptism and united with some church or formed one themselves. There are no circumstances of sufficient importance to call a minister from an interest created by the presentation of truth. Even sickness and death are of less consequence than the salvation of souls for whom Christ made so immense a sacrifice. Those who feel the importance of the truth, and the value of souls for whom Christ died, will not leave an interest among the people for any consideration. They will say: Let the dead bury their dead. Home interests, lands and houses, should not have the least power to attract from the field of labor. If ministers allow these temporal things to divert them from the work, the only course for them to pursue is to leave all, possess no lands or temporal interests which will have an influence to draw them from the solemn work of these last days. One soul is of more value than the entire world. How can men who profess to have given themselves to the sacred work of saving souls, allow their small temporal possessions to engross their minds and hearts, and keep them from the high calling they profess to have received from God? {2T 540.1}[3]
§9
A弟兄，我看到你在某地和某地的影响，已经对上帝的圣工造成了极大的伤害。上次你在巴特尔克里克的时候，我就知道那种影响是什么。当我写出有关传道人的重要问题时，你的情形一直呈现在我眼前，我打算在此之前写信给你，但是不可能。我有三个晚上没怎么睡。你的事几乎一直压在我心上。我在醒着睡着的时候都想着给你写信。当我在会众中认出那些曾被你的影响所伤害的人时，要是你当时在场，我原会把这事说出来。关于你的行为，没有任何一个凡人曾向我暗示过一句话。我感到有必要和一两个人说说这件事，告诉他们我想起了蒙指示看到的他们与你有关的一些事。于是，他们很不情愿地对我叙述了一些事实，确认了我曾对他们讲过的一切。我只说了我相信我本着敬畏上帝的心应该说的话，尽我作祂仆人的职责。【2T.541.1】[4]
§10
I saw, Brother A, that your influence in the vicinity of ----- and ----- has done great injury to the cause of God. I knew what that influence was while you were at Battle Creek last. As I have been writing out important matter for ministers, your case has been brought before me, and I intended ere this to have written you; but it was impossible. For three nights I have slept but little. Your case has been upon my mind almost constantly. I was mentally writing to you in my sleep, and also when awake. When I recognized in the congregation the very individuals that had been injured by your influence, I should have brought the matter out, had you been present. Not one word from any mortal was intimated to me in regard to your course. I felt compelled to speak to one or two in reference to the matter, stating to them that I recollected their countenances in connection with some things shown me in regard to you. Then, very reluctantly, facts were related to me confirming all I had stated to them. I have said only what I believed I should say in the fear of God, discharging my duty as His servant. {2T 541.1}[4]
§11
两年前，我看到你和你的妻子都是非常自私贪婪的人。对你们来说，自己的私利比基督为之而死的生灵更宝贵。我蒙指示看到你们在工作上一般不成功。你有能力传讲真理；你有钻研的心；要不是因为你的基督徒品格有许多缺陷，你就能成就善工。但是，因为许多原因，你没有成功地传讲真理。A弟兄，你人生中的一个最大的咒诅，就是你一直极度自私。你一直为自己的利益打算。你们夫妻二人已使自己成为同情和注意的中心。当你们来到一个地方或一个家庭时，你们便把自己所有的重担都丢在他们身上，让他们给你们作饭，伺候你们。你们俩谁也不力求做一些力所能及的事。那接待你们的家庭或许非常辛苦，承担着自己的重担，和你们的重担；然而你们夫妻二人非常自私，以致看不到他们很疲惫，而你们二人身体更好，能做他们为你们做的事。A弟兄，你太懒惰了，不能令上帝喜悦。当需要柴或水时，你并不知道，你让那些已经过度操劳的人去做这些事，而且常常是女性去做，其实这些小差使，这些生活上所受的关照，乃是你为自己健康的益处所需要去做的。你们体态丰满，多血多肉，却不为自己的益处作足够的锻炼。你们所表现的好逸恶劳和惟利是图的性情，已使真理蒙羞，也成了不信之人的绊脚石。【2T.542.1】[5]
§12
Two years ago I saw that you and your wife were both very selfish, grasping persons. Your own selfish interests were dearer to you than souls for whom Christ died. I was shown that you were not generally successful in your labors. You have the ability to present the truth; you have an investigating mind; and if it were not for the many defects in your Christian character, you could accomplish good. But, for many reasons, you have not made the preaching of the truth a success. One of the greatest curses of your life, Brother A, has been your supreme selfishness. You have been figuring for your own advantage. You both have made yourselves the center of sympathy and attention. When you go to a place and enter a family, you throw your whole weight upon them, let them cook for you and wait upon you; and neither of you seeks to do as much work as you make. The family may be toiling hard, bearing their own burdens and yours; but you are both so selfish that you cannot see that they are worn and that you are both physically better able than they to perform the labor which they do for you. Brother A, you are too indolent to please God. When wood or water is needed, you do not know it, and you let these be brought by those who are already overworked, and frequently by females, when these little errands, these courtesies of life, are what you need to perform for the benefit of your health. You are full of flesh and blood, and do not exercise half enough for your own good. The indolence you manifest, and the disposition to grasp everything whereby you may be advantaged, has been a reproach to the truth and a stumbling block to unbelievers. {2T 542.1}[5]
§13
你的妻子和你一样贪爱安逸。你们把时间浪费在床上，其实你们可以起来 ，主动在你们所负担的家庭表示一种特别的关心。你们以为，因为你是一位传道人，所以他们应该认为你的同在是一种福分，应该伺候你，讨你的欢心，而你却无所事事，只照顾自己的私利。你们给人的印象一直是很坏的。你们二人一直被认为是传道人及其妻子的代表，在从事向世人传讲安息日和我们的主快要来到的工作。【2T.542.2】[6]
§14
Your wife, as well as you, loves her ease. Your time has been spent in bed when you were able to be up actively showing a special interest in the family you were burdening. You have thought that, because you were a minister, they should consider your presence a favor, and should wait upon you, and favor you, while you had nothing to do but to care for your own selfish interests. The impressions which you have given have been very bad. You both have been considered representatives of ministers and their wives who are engaged in presenting to the world the Sabbath and the soon coming of our Lord. {2T 542.2}[6]
§15
那些熟悉你们行为的人会说，你们的表白、你们的教训与你们的生活不符。他们看出你们结的果子不好，并断定你们并不相信自己所教导别人的事。他们得出结论，所有的传道人都象你们一样，那些神圣和永恒的真理终究都是欺骗。谁要为这种印象和如此悲惨的结果负责呢？但愿你们看到那因你们的自私自利而落在你们身上的沉重负担，你们的自私自利对你们自己和你们周围的人都是一种咒诅。【2T.543.1】[7]
§16
Those who are acquainted with your course will say that your profession, your teachings, and your life do not agree. They see that your fruits are not good, and decide that you do not believe the things you teach to others. They conclude that all ministers are like yourself, and that sacred and eternal truths are, after all, a deception. Who will be responsible for such impressions and such deplorable results? May you see the heavy weight that rests upon you in consequence of your selfishness, which is a curse to yourself and to all around you. {2T 543.1}[7]
§17
此外，A弟兄，你也因自私自利所自然产生的感觉和印象而苦恼。你们想象别人不赏识你们的工作。你们以为自己能完成更大的工作，但却为自己没能去做找借口，因为别人没有按照你们的能力给你们机会和信任。你们妒嫉别人，阻碍了圣工在伊利诺斯州和威斯康星州的进展，你们自己没有做什么，还阻碍那些只要你们不挡在他们的路上就愿意作工的人。你们的敏感和嫉妒已经使那些愿意整顿和培育这些区会之人的手发软。若在这些州看到有什么进步，你们都倾向于认为在很大程度上是自己做出的贡献，其实如果让你们去处理那些事，就会迅速一败涂地。你在讲道时一般太枯燥太形式化了。你并没有将道理与实际相结合。你讲得太长，令人感到厌倦。你不详述所讲题目中你能充分说明的部分，好使人人都能听懂，反而东拉西扯，讲起于你的主题无助，最好忽略的细节来。其实不必要提述这么多事，听众丧失了连贯的论据，连主题都记不住了。传道人若要使听众愿意听，就应逐点讲论，尽量不让这些要点被大量的言语和不重要的细节所累。他应该把自己的要点摆在人前，象里程碑一样清楚明显。用罗列的词藻遮盖要点，扯一些与主题没有多少关系的事，会破坏主题的力量，使人看不清美妙连贯的真理之链。你讲道既缓慢又冗长乏味，你做别的事也是一样。若有人需要被真理之灵赋予活力，那就是你了。你需要基督在你里面成了荣耀的盼望。你需要货真价实的信仰。【2T.543.2】[8]
§18
Again, Brother A, you are troubled with feelings and impressions which are the natural fruit of selfishness. You imagine that others do not appreciate your labors. You think yourself capable of accomplishing a large work, but excuse your failure to do it, because others do not give you room and credit according to your ability. You are jealous of others and have hindered the progress of the cause in Illinois and Wisconsin, doing but little yourself, and hindering those who would work if you were out of their way. Your sensitiveness and jealousy have weakened the hands of those who would set things in order and bring up these conferences. If any improvement is seen in these states, you incline to think that it is attributable in a great measure to yourself, when it is a fact that if things were left to your dictation, they would speedily go into the ground. In your preaching you are generally too dry and formal. You do not weave in the practical with the doctrinal. You talk too long and weary the people. Instead of dwelling only upon that portion of your subject that you can fully make plain to the understanding of all, you go way around and come down to minute particulars that do not help the subject and might as well be passed over. When so much matter not really necessary is brought in, the hearer loses the chain of the argument and cannot keep the subject in mind. When a minister gets the ears of the people, he should go from point to point, as far as possible leaving these points unincumbered with a mass of words and petty details. He should leave his ideas before the people as distinct as mileposts. To cover over the important, vital points with an array of words, dragging in everything which has some distant relationship to the subject, destroys the force of it and obscures the beautiful, connected chain of truth. You are slow and tedious in your preaching, as well as in everything else you undertake. You need, if ever a man did, to be energized by the Spirit of truth. You need Christ formed within you the hope of glory. You need religion, the genuine article. {2T 543.2}[8]
§19
我蒙指使看到下述灵感之言：“你们中间谁是有智慧、有见识的呢？他就当在智慧的温柔上显出他的善行来”（雅3:13）。“惟独从上头来的智慧，先是清洁，后是和平，温良柔顺，满有怜悯，多结善果，没有偏见，没有假冒。并且使人和平的，是用和平所栽种的义果”（雅3:17-18）。已蒙上帝呼召从事救灵工作的人，会感到对百姓的负担。自私的利益会淹没在他们对基督为之舍命之人的得救深感关心里。他们会感受到彼得的劝勉中的力量：“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.544.1】[9]
§20
I was referred to the following words of inspiration: Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Men whom God has called to the work of saving souls will feel a burden for the people. Selfish interests will be swallowed up in their deep concern for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died. They will feel the force of the exhortation of Peter: 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 544.1}[9]
§21
你生性顽梗。嫉妒和顽梗乃是自私自利的自然结果。你虽已作出一些进步，但我看到你还有许多事要做成，我非常清楚地看到了你自私不献身的生活造成的恶劣影响，以致我担心你决不会明白这些品性在上帝面前多么可憎。我担心你对这事的认识不足以使你抛弃那些可憎的品性，变得象你那舍己的救赎主，纯洁而无私，使你的生活以无私的仁爱为特征。你的影响和榜样使一些热爱上帝的真理和圣工，重视我们信仰的人，丧失自我牺牲的精神和他们对现代真理事业的兴趣。你自私贪婪的行为在他们中间引起了同样的精神；你虽自称是传义道的，但你贪财得利的性情已关闭了许多人的心门，使他们不将自己的钱财用来推进真理的事业。传道人若给百姓树立了一个自私自利的榜样，那个榜样就会对上帝的圣工产生比他们一切的讲道大十倍的影响。【2T.545.1】[10]
§22
You are naturally stubborn. Jealousy and stubbornness are the natural fruits of selfishness. You have made some improvement; but I saw so much yet to be done, I saw so clearly the wretched influence of your selfish, unconsecrated life, that I fear you will never see just how hateful these traits of character are before God. I fear that you will not realize this sufficiently to put them away and become like your self-denying Redeemer, pure and unselfish, your life characterized by disinterested benevolence. Your influence and example are such as to cause some who love the truth and work of God, and who value our faith, to lose their spirit of self-sacrifice and their interest in the cause of present truth. Your selfish, covetous course begets the same spirit in them; and your disposition to grasp and advantage yourself, while professing to be a minister of righteousness, has closed the hearts of very many against giving of their means to advance the cause of truth. If ministers set the people an example of selfishness, that example will tell upon the cause of God with tenfold greater power than all their preaching can. {2T 545.1}[10]
§23
上帝已因你的狭隘而受了羞辱。你的交易有不诚实的气味。你没有在身后留下清白的足迹，除非你的生活中发生一次完全的改变，你住在哪里都会对那里的教会成为一个活的咒诅。你为工资作工，不愿免费为上帝的祭坛点火或关门。何时你给百姓树立一个自我牺牲的榜样并且献身于上帝的圣工，以真理和灵魂的得救为第一要务，那时你的影响才会把别人带到同样自我牺牲和献身的地步，先求天国和基督的义。你觉得自己有权从上帝的圣工得利。弟兄们于出内心的慷慨多方恩待你帮助你，你都照单全收，认为是自己当得的。若有人对你不是很大方，没有恩待你，你就心生妒忌，毫不顾忌地让他们明白你没有受到赏识，他们太自私了。你经常提到别人为你做了这样和那样的事，作为他们应该效法的榜样。这些曾特别恩待你的人已经做过了头，超过了他们的本分。你不配得他们的信任或他们的慷慨。你在这圣工中没有背过重担，你丢给别人的担子比你挑起来的多很多；可是你却一直在得财，也在获得今生的美物，而且认为这都是你的权利。虽然你每周都领薪水，你却从不知足。你虽然得到了报酬，却一直不断设法为自己谋利。上帝的圣工已付给你报酬，无论你的工作表现是多是少。你不配得到你所领取的钱财。【2T.545.2】[11]
§24
God has been dishonored by your littleness. Your deal has savored of dishonesty. You have not made a clean track behind you, and until there is an entire transformation in your life, you will be a living curse to any church where you reside. You work for wages, and would not kindle a fire upon the altar of God, or shut the doors, for nought. When you set the people an example of self-sacrifice and of devotion to the cause of God, making the truth and the salvation of the soul primary, then your influence will bring others into the same position of self-sacrifice and devotion, to make the kingdom of heaven and the righteousness of Christ first. You feel authorized to advantage yourself from the cause. Your brethren, from the liberality of their souls, favor and help you in various ways, and you receive it as a matter of course, as your due. And if any are not perfectly free with you, and do not favor you, you are jealous, and do not scruple to let them understand that you are not appreciated, and that they are selfish. You frequently refer to others who have done thus and so by you, as examples that they should imitate. These who have especially favored you have gone beyond their duty. You have not earned their confidence or their liberalities. You have had no heavy burdens to bear in this cause, and you have cast on others many more burdens than you have lifted; yet you have been gaining in property, and obtaining the good things of this life, and you regard it all as your right. Though you have received your weekly wages, you have not always been satisfied. Notwithstanding the pay you received, you have been managing continually to advantage yourself. The cause of God has paid you, whether you had much or little to show for your labor. You have not earned the means you have received. {2T 545.2}[11]
§25
你的妻子受她的父母和你宠惯，以致现在几乎成了无用的人。你们二人都看到别人操心负重，却没有减轻他们的负担。你的妻子对各家就象一个无用的累赘，大大伤害了她自己和别人，其实，就健康来说，她比一些背负着她的和你的重担的人更能干。但她并不这样想。你们二人都看不出这事的真相，也不同情别人。有些帮助照顾你和你孩子的人在经济上并没有能力作他们所做的；但他们以为自己是在照顾基督的自我牺牲的仆人；因此，他们宁可舍己，忍受麻烦和不便，去为你们负起担子，而那些担子是你们自己更有能力负得起的。【2T.546.1】[12]
§26
Your wife has been petted by her parents and by her husband until she is of but very little use. You have both seen others burdened with care and have not lifted the burdens with them. Your wife has lain as a helpless weight upon families, greatly to her own injury and to theirs, when, in point of health, she was better able to do than some who were bearing her burdens and yours. Yet she did not think of this. Neither of you could see the facts in the case and feel for others. Some from whom you have received help in care for yourselves and your child were not able, financially, to do what they did; but they thought they were ministering to self-sacrificing servants of Christ; therefore they denied themselves and endured inconvenience and trouble, to bear burdens that you were better able to bear for yourselves than they were to bear them for you. {2T 546.1}[12]
§27
你的妻子向来不愿承担起她人生的责任。她好高骛远，忽视当前的本分。你们二人都没有顺从上帝的命令：要爱人如己。自我和自私使你们闭眼不看邻舍的需要。你们那吝啬、惟利是图的精神是会传染给别人的。你们的榜样大大地鼓励别人贪爱世界，在伊利诺斯州和威斯康星州已经出现的，正是一种小气吝啬的精神。要是你们只照顾自己属世的利益，别的什么都没做，上帝在这两个州的圣工原会远比现在处于更好的状况。你所取得的成功比不上你所造成的损害。你们使上帝的圣工衰弱了。你们敏感和嫉妒的精神已经成了别人的一个榜样。我们在伊利诺斯州和威斯康星州遇到了这种精神。某地和邻近地区各教会的状况一直可叹。在这些教会中显然缺乏爱心和团结，显然可见猜疑，嫉妒和顽梗，多是受你们二人的品性影响而造成的。某地的狂热过后，你所居的立场直接挡在了其他看明和纠正自己错误之人的路上，你保持自己的尊严，在小事上争论不休，使狂热分子与上帝曾派去传达一个特别信息的那些人意见分歧。你在那时的做法没能支持正义的一边，发挥向善的影响，去纠正那次爆发性的狂热主义，反而使那个黑暗的狂热主义地区形成了令人气馁的局面。C弟兄和D弟兄，以及某地的整个教会和某地的人没有被带到正确的立场，要是你谦卑受教，与上帝的仆人们团结同工，原能教育他们采取正确的立场。【2T.546.2】[13]
§28
Your wife has been reluctant to take up her life burdens. She wants a higher calling, and neglects the duties of today. Neither of you obeys the commandment of God: Love thy neighbor as thyself. Self and selfishness shut out the needs of your neighbors from you. Your small, mercenary spirit is contagious. Your example has done more to encourage love of the world, and a close, penurious spirit, than anything else which has occurred in Wisconsin and Illinois. Had you done nothing but attend to your temporal interests, the cause of God in these two states would have been in a far better condition than it is in today. The success you have had does not come up to the injury you have done. The cause of God is prostrated. Your sensitiveness and jealousy have been an example for others. We met this spirit in Illinois and in Wisconsin. The state of the churches in ----- and vicinity has been deplorable. The lack of love and union, the surmising, jealousy, and stubbornness, apparent in these churches, have been shaped very much by your traits of character. The position which you occupied after the fanaticism at -----, standing back upon your dignity, splitting hairs, dividing the matter with the fanatical and with those whom God had sent with a special message, stood directly in the way of others seeing and correcting their wrongs. Your course at that time, in failing to take hold and work on the right side to correct that blasting fanaticism, gave shape to the discouraging state of things which has grown out of that dark reign of fanaticism. Brethren C and D, and the entire church at -----, and the people at -----, were not brought out upon correct positions, as they might have been had you been humble and teachable, working in union with the servants of God. {2T 546.2}[13]
§29
若有一个自称教师和领袖的人，胆敢像你那样顽梗行事，就必因他所绊倒以致灭亡的生灵而有重责要负。一个传道人再怎么注意自己的影响也不过分。他的个性中不应有顽梗、嫉妒和自私的成分；因为这些东西一经放纵，他所毁灭的人就会比他拯救的人还多。他若不克服自己品格中这些危险的成分，就最好不要参与上帝的圣工。放纵这些品性对他来说可能显得不是很坏，却会使生灵处于他和别人都打动不了的地步。这种传道人若是愿意完全撒手不管，易受圣灵感动的生灵就可能被那些能给他们一个可资效法的榜样、与其所教导的真理相一致的人所打动。藉着始终如一的生活，传道人会保持寻求真理之人的信任，直到他能帮助他们握紧那万古磐石；然后，他们若受到试探，那种影响就能使他成功地去警告、劝诫、督责和劝勉他们。【2T.547.1】[14]
§30
When a man who professes to be a teacher, a leader, ventures in the course which you have pursued because of your stubbornness, he will have a heavy weight of responsibility to bear for the souls who have stumbled over him to perdition. A minister cannot be too careful of his influence. Stubbornness, jealousy, and selfishness should have no part in his being; for if they are indulged, he will ruin more souls than he can save. If he does not overcome these dangerous elements in his character, it would be better for him to have nothing to do with the cause of God. The indulgence of these traits, which may not appear very bad to him, will place souls beyond his reach and beyond the reach of others. If such ministers would let things entirely alone, the souls susceptible to the influence of the Spirit of God might be reached by those who can give them an example worthy of imitation, in accordance with the truth they teach. By a consistent life the minister will retain the confidence of the seekers after truth, until he can help them to fasten their grasp firmly upon the Rock of Ages; and afterward, if they are tempted, that influence will enable him to warn, exhort, reprove, and counsel them with success. {2T 547.1}[14]
§31
传扬末后严肃真理的传道人，比任何人都应该脱离自私。他们应当自然地常存仁爱心。他们应当羞于向自己的弟兄们表现出带有自私记号的行为。他们应当是敬虔的典范，成为活的荐信，为众人所知道、所念诵。他们应当结出圣洁的果实来。他们所拥有的精神应当与世人表现的精神相反。他们通过接受神圣的真理而成为上帝的仆人，不再是黑暗之子，也不再是世界的奴仆。基督已拣选他们出离世界。世人不明白敬虔的奥秘，因此他们也不熟悉那激励上帝仆人们的动机。但是那在他们里面，表现在他们属天的言谈，他们的舍己，自我牺牲，无可责备的生活上的精神和生命，却有一种令人信服的力量，会带领不信的人进入一切的真理，带领他们顺从基督。他们是活榜样，因为他们像基督。他们是世上的光，世上的盐，对别人发挥出拯救的影响力。他们是基督在地上的代表。他们的目的和愿望不受地上的事激励，他们作工也不是为得利和因之享受一种自私的爱。永恒的考虑足以压倒每一属世的吸引。一个真基督徒会只为讨上帝喜悦而作工，专注于祂的荣耀，享受遵行祂旨意所得的赏赐。【2T.548.1】[15]
§32
Above all other men, ministers of Christ, bearing the solemn truth for these last days, should be free from selfishness. Benevolence should dwell naturally with them. They should be ashamed of acts toward their brethren which bear the marks of selfishness. They should be patterns of piety, living epistles, known and read of all men. Their fruits should be unto holiness. The spirit which they possess should be the opposite of that manifested by worldlings. By accepting divine truth they become servants of God, and are no more children of darkness and servants of the world. Christ has chosen them out of the world. The worldling understands not the mystery of godliness, therefore he is unacquainted with the motives which actuate them. Yet the spirit and life which is in them, which is manifested in their heavenly conversation, their self-denying, self-sacrificing, blameless life, has a convincing power that will lead unbelievers into all truth, lead them to obedience to Christ. They are living examples because they are like Christ. They are the light of the world, the salt of the earth, and their influence upon others is saving. They are Christs representatives upon the earth. Their objects and desires are not inspired by earthly things, neither can they labor for gain nor enjoy a selfish love for it. Eternal considerations are sufficient to overbalance every earthly attraction. A genuine Christian will labor only to please God, having an eye single to His glory and enjoying the reward of doing His will. {2T 548.1}[15]
§33
传道人尤其应当了解基督的工作和品格，好使他们能够效法祂。因为一个真基督徒的工作和品格必然会像基督。基督放弃了祂的荣耀，祂的主权，祂的财富，来寻找那些即将在罪中灭亡的人。祂降卑自己来满足我们的需要，以便把我们提拔到天上。祂的一生是以牺牲、克己、无私的仁爱为特征的。祂是我们的模范。A弟兄，你效法那模范了吗？我的回答是：你没有。祂是一个完全而圣洁的榜样，赐给我们要我们去效法的。我们无法与那模范同等；但我们若不效法祂，若不按照上帝已赐给我们的能力模仿祂，就不会得到上帝的嘉许。对基督为之舍命的生灵的爱，会导致舍己和甘愿作出任何牺牲，为要与基督在救灵上同工。【2T.549.1】[16]
§34
Ministers especially should know the character and works of Christ, that they may imitate Him; for the character and works of a true Christian are like His. He laid aside His glory, His dominion, His riches, and sought after those who were perishing in sin. He humbled Himself to our necessities, that He might exalt us to heaven. Sacrifice, self-denial, and disinterested benevolence characterized His life. He is our pattern. Have you, Brother A, imitated the Pattern? I answer: No. He is a perfect and holy example, given for us to imitate. We cannot equal the pattern; but we shall not be approved of God if we do not copy it and, according to the ability which God has given, resemble it. Love for souls for whom Christ died will lead to a denial of self and a willingness to make any sacrifice in order to be co-workers with Christ in the salvation of souls. {2T 549.1}[16]
§35
上帝所拣选之仆人的工作若是靠祂而行，就会多结果子。他们的言语和行为乃是真理和圣洁的纯净原则藉以传达给世人的渠道。他们可资效法的生活使他们成为世上的光和世上的盐。上帝的仆人应该用信心的手持住那大能的膀臂并且收集来自上头的神圣光线，同时，用爱心的手力求接触将亡的生灵。做这种工作必须殷勤。懒惰会让可以得救的生灵漂流到接触不到的地方。上帝希望侍奉祂的传道人醒觉，充满活力和毅力，作锡安城墙上的守望者，聆听来自那神圣教师的话语，并且忠心地将祂的话语传给人。【2T.549.2】[17]
§36
The work of Gods chosen servants will be fruitful if wrought in Him. Their words and works are the channels through which the pure principles of truth and holiness are conveyed to the world. Their exemplary lives make them the light of the world and the salt of the earth. The servants of God should, with the hand of faith, lay hold of the mighty arm and gather the divine rays of light from above, while, with the hand of love, they reach after perishing souls. Diligence is necessary for this work. Indolence will permit souls who might be saved, to drift beyond reach. God wants in His service ministers who are awake, who are energetic and persevering, who are faithful watchmen upon Zions walls, listening to hear the words from the divine Teacher and faithfully proclaiming the same to the people. {2T 549.2}[17]
§37
你很像米罗斯人。当你自己可以得利时，你是非常殷勤的；但是你的特别殷勤没有别的动机，只是为了使自己受益。你显然是一个懒惰的人。你可以定时定量地吃喝，但你不特别喜爱体力劳动。任何一个人若不在业务上勤勉刻苦，并且忠心地履行人生的各种社会的和公共的责任，就不能充任传道人的职位。上帝已拣选我们作祂的仆人，去做祂的工作，这工作需要不屈不挠的精神。我们不是要作宠儿，躲避辛劳、艰难和斗争。【2T.550.1】[18]
§38
You are very much like Meroz. You are quite diligent when that which you do will bring some advantage to yourself, but there is no motive for special diligence unless you are to be benefited. You are decidedly a lazy man. You can eat your rations regularly, but you have no special love for physical labor. No man can fill his position as a minister unless he is industrious, diligent in business, and faithful in the performance of all the social and public duties of life. God has chosen us, as His servants, to His work, which requires persevering energy. We are not to become pets and shun toil, hardship, and conflicts. {2T 550.1}[18]
§39
我蒙指示看到下述灵感之言：“我们原不是传自己，乃是传基督耶稣为主，并且自己因耶稣作你们的仆人。那吩咐光从黑暗里照出来的上帝，已经照在我们心里，叫我们得知上帝荣耀的光显在耶稣基督的面上。我们有这宝贝放在瓦器里，要显明这莫大的能力，是出于上帝，不是出于我们。我们四面受敌，却不被困住；心里作难，却不至失望；遭逼迫，却不被丢弃；打倒了，却不至死亡。身上常带着耶稣的死，使耶稣的生也显明在我们身上”（林后4:5-10）。使徒能够担当并不是靠自己，而是靠圣灵的同在和能力，圣灵恩慈的影响充满了他的心灵，使一切的思想都降服和顺从基督。他的传道工作是富有成效的。【2T.550.2】[19]
§40
I was referred to the following words of inspiration: For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. The sufficiency of the apostle was not in himself, but in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, whose gracious influences filled his soul, bringing every thought into subjection and obedience to Christ. His ministry was fruitful. {2T 550.2}[19]
§41
诫命中的第一，且是最大的，乃是：“你要尽心……爱主你的上帝，”“其次也相仿，就是要爱人如己”（太22:37-39）。这两条诫命是人类全部责任和义务的总纲。那些向别人尽自己的本分，就象他们希望别人向他们尽本分的人，会给带到上帝能向他们显示自己的地步。他们会受到祂的嘉许。他们在爱里得以完全，他们的劳苦和祈祷也不会徒然。他们一面不断从那“源头”领受恩典和真理，一面将他们所领受的神圣亮光和救恩白白地传给别人。在他们身上实现了下述经文：“你们……就有成圣的果子，那结局就是永生”（罗6:22）。【2T.550.3】[20]
§42
The first great commandment is: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments the whole interest and duty of moral beings hang. Those who do their duty to others as they would that others should do to them are brought into a position where God can reveal Himself to them. They will be approved of Him. They are made perfect in love, and their labors and prayers will not be in vain. They are continually receiving grace and truth from the Fountainhead, and as freely transmitting to others the divine light and salvation they receive. In them is fulfilled the language of the Scripture: Ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. {2T 550.3}[20]
§43
自私在上帝和圣天使眼中是可憎的。许多人因为这种罪而没能获得他们能够具有的良善。他们以自私的眼光看待自己的事，不喜爱也不为别人谋利益，象他们对待自己的利益那样。他们颠倒了上帝的次序，不但不为别人做他们希望别人为他们做的事，反倒为自己做他们希望别人为他们做的事，而且对别人做他们最不愿意别人对他们做的事。这是你需要学习的地方。爱是出于上帝的。你没有那种住在基督胸怀里的爱。未献上的心无法萌发或产生这种源出于天的植物，为要使它茁壮成长，必须不断浇灌天上的甘露。它只能在有基督作王的心里生长茂盛。这种爱若没有行动就不能存活和兴旺；而若没有不断增长的热情和将它的性情扩展传播给别人，它就不能行动。你非常缺乏这种原则，因而原本会因它的同在而完全光明的地方，却全是黑暗。【2T.551.1】[21]
§44
Selfishness is abomination in the sight of God and holy angels. Because of this sin many fail to attain the good which they are capable of enjoying. They look with selfish eyes on their own things, and do not love and seek the interest of others as they do their own. They reverse Gods order. Instead of doing for others what they wish others to do for them, they do for themselves what they desire others to do for them, and do to others what they are most unwilling to have returned to them. Here is where you need to learn. Love is of God. You have not the love which dwelt in the bosom of Christ. The unconsecrated heart cannot originate, or produce, this plant of heavenly origin, which, in order to flourish, must be watered constantly with the dew of heaven. It can flourish only in the heart where Christ reigns. This love cannot live and flourish without action; and it cannot act without increasing in fervency, and extending and diffusing its nature to others. This principle you have greatly lacked, and thus all has been dark where its presence would have made all light. {2T 551.1}[21]
§45
我的弟兄啊，你需要全然的改变，彻底的悔改。否则你就只是一个眼瞎领路的。你的影响没有增进那些与你同在之人的爱与团结。你不但没有建造，反而有一种分散的影响。你已经因自己的缺陷使西部受了咒诅。你既在上帝的恩典上如此缺乏，又如此沉溺于自私自利，就无法把教会带到上帝要他们居于的位置。“我照上帝为你们所赐我的职分作了教会的执事，要把上帝的道理传得全备，这道理就是历世历代所隐藏的奥秘，但如今向祂的圣徒显明了。上帝愿意叫他们知道，这奥秘在外邦人中有何等丰盛的荣耀，就是基督在你们心里成了有荣耀的盼望。我们传扬祂，是用诸般的智慧，劝戒各人、教导各人，要把各人在基督里完完全全的引到上帝面前。我也为此劳苦，照着祂在我里面运用的大能尽心竭力”（西1:25-29）。【2T.551.2】[22]
§46
My brother, you need an entire transformation, a thorough conversion. Without this you are only a blind leader. Your influence does not increase the love and union of those with whom you are. Instead of building up, you have a scattering influence. You have cursed the West with your deficiencies. While you are so deficient in the grace of God, and so given to selfishness, you cannot bring up the church to the position which God requires them to occupy. Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor, striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily. {2T 551.2}[22]
§47
上帝的传道人必须有真理存在心中，好成功地将这真理传给别人。他们必须因自己所传讲的真理成圣，否则他们只能成为罪人的绊脚石。那些蒙上帝呼召在圣事上服侍的人，必须心地纯洁，生活圣洁。“你们扛抬耶和华器皿的人哪，务要自洁”（赛52:11）。如果上帝要向那些蒙召传讲真理却拒绝听命的人宣布灾祸，就必有更大的灾祸降在那些虽从事这神圣的工作、却手不洁心不清的人身上。那些传讲真理，内心和生活却不圣洁的人有祸了。那些接受和支持不圣洁的人充任无法充任之职位的人也有祸了。如果上帝的灵没有圣化和洁净那些担任圣职之人的手和心，他们就会按照自己不完全的、有缺陷的经验讲话，而他们的意见会把那些指望他们和倚靠他们判断和经验的人带入歧途，离开上帝。愿上帝帮助传道人们听从保罗对哥林多人的劝勉：“你们总要自己省察有信心没有，也要自己试验。岂不知你们若不是可弃绝的，就有耶稣基督在你们心里吗”（林后13:5）？我的弟兄，如果你想获得永生，就有一项工作要做。愿上帝帮助你把这工作做得彻底，使你可以成全完备，一无所缺。[23]
§48
Gods ministers must have the truth in their hearts in order to successfully present it to others. They must be sanctified by the truths they preach or they will be only stumbling blocks to sinners. Those who are called of God to minister in holy things are called to be pure in heart and holy in life. Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. If God pronounces a woe upon those who are called to preach the truth and refuse to obey, a heavier woe rests upon those who take upon them this sacred work without clean hands and pure hearts. As there are woes for those who preach the truth while they are unsanctified in heart and life, so there are woes for those who receive and maintain the unsanctified in the position which they cannot fill. If the Spirit of God has not sanctified and made pure and clean the hands and heart of those who minister in sacred things, they will speak according to their own imperfect, deficient experience, and their counsels will lead astray from God those who look to them and trust in their judgment and experience. May God help ministers to heed the exhortation of Paul to the Corinthians: Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? There is a work for you to do, my brother, if you gain eternal life. May God help you to do this work thoroughly, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.[23]
§49
1870年7月6日写于伊利诺斯州芝加哥市马萨所伊特家中。【2T.552.1】[24]
§50
Chicago, Illinois, Massasoit House, July 6, 1870. {2T 552.1}[24]