第37章 福音的传道士
§1
第37章 福音的传道士
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Chap. 37 - Ministers of the Gospel
§3
A弟兄：我蒙指示看到你没有准备成功地在传道事工中工作。你的努力曾经有所成功；这原应激励你更加恳切热心地工作，但结果却相反。你意识到了上帝的良善，这原应使你继续谦卑地工作，不信任自己。但在你得到任命之后，你特别开始感到自己是一个羽翼丰满的传道人，能在大场合介绍真理了；你变得懒惰，不觉得对生灵有负担，从那时起你的工作对上帝的圣工就没有什么价值了。你虽拥有体力，却没有认识到你对体力的运用就象财主对其钱财的运用一样有责任。你不喜爱体力劳动；可是你的体质需要体力剧烈的运用才能保持健康，振作智力。就健康来说，身体的锻炼对我们所有的传道人来说都具有最大的价值；什么时候他们能放下积极的传道服务，就应觉得有责任从事体力劳动以养家。{4T 407.3}[1]
§4
Brother A: I have been shown that you are not prepared to labor successfully in the ministry. At one time a measure of success attended your efforts; but while this should have inspired you with greater earnestness and zeal, the effect was the opposite. A sense of the goodness of God should have led you to continue to labor in humility and to be distrustful of self. But after your ordination, especially, you began to feel that you were a full-grown minister, capable of presenting the truth in large places; and you became indolent, feeling no burden for souls, and your labor since that time has been of but little value to the cause of God. Possessing physical strength, you do not realize that you are as responsible for the use you make of it as the man of means is for the use of his money. You do not love manual labor; yet you have a constitution which requires severe physical taxation for the preservation of health as well as for the quickening of the mental powers. So far as health is concerned, physical exercise would be of the greatest value to all our ministers; and whenever they can be released from active service in the ministry they should feel it a duty to engage in physical labor for the support of their families. {4T 407.3}[1]
§5
A弟兄，你在睡眠中虚度了光阴，这对你的健康来说不但是不必要的，反而有害。你浪费了宝贵的时间，对你和对其他任何人都没有益处，在天上的账簿中有了对你不利的记录。我蒙指示看到你的名字列在“偷懒的仆人”这个标题下。你的工作不会经受住审判的考验。你把那么多宝贵的光阴用来睡大觉，以致你一切的能力似乎都瘫痪了。正确的生活习惯能赢得身体的健康，而健康又会生出其利息与复利。可是这比银行存款更为贵重的资本，可能因饮食无节制，或因不能善自运用身体的各部器官以至腐朽锈烂，完全牺牲了。所喜爱的放纵必须放弃，懒惰必须克服。{4T 408.1}[2]
§6
Brother A, you have idled away time in sleep that instead of being essential to your health has been detrimental to it. The precious hours you have lost, doing no good to yourself or to anyone else, stand against you in the Ledger of Heaven. Your name was shown me under the heading: Slothful Servants. Your work will not bear the test of the judgment. You have spent so much precious time in sleep that all your powers seem paralyzed. Health may be earned by proper habits of life and may be made to yield interest and compound interest. But this capital, more precious than any bank deposit, may be sacrificed by intemperance in eating and drinking, or by leaving the organs to rust from inaction. Pet indulgences must be given up; laziness must be overcome. {4T 408.1}[2]
§7
我们许多传道人诉说生病之苦的原因，是他们没有足够的运动且沉湎于饮食过度。他们没有认识到，这种行径足以伤害最强壮的体质。那些象你自己一样慢性子的人，应当吃得很少，而且不躲避体力劳动。我们的许多传道人正在用牙齿自掘坟墓。身体为处理加于各消化器官的重担而受苦，也使头脑负了严重的差事。人干犯健康律法的每一罪行，必使犯法的人在自己的身体上蒙受惩罚。{4T 408.2}[3]
§8
The reason why many of our ministers complain of sickness is that they fail to take sufficient exercise and indulge in overeating. They do not realize that such a course endangers the strongest constitution. Those who, like yourself, are sluggish in temperament, should eat very sparingly and not shun physical taxation. Many of our ministers are digging their graves with their teeth. The system, in taking care of the burden placed upon the digestive organs, suffers, and a severe draft is made upon the brain. For every offense committed against the laws of health, the transgressor must pay the penalty in his own body. {4T 408.2}[3]
§9
使徒保罗一放下积极的传道，就从事做帐篷的工作。这是他由于接受了不受欢迎的真理而不得不做的工作。他在信奉基督教之前，曾身居高位，不必依赖劳动谋生。犹太人习惯教儿女某种手艺，无论他们将来有望充任多么高的职位，以便环境不利时，他们不致于无力谋生。保罗依照这种习惯学会了制造帐篷，他把自己的钱财都用来推进基督的圣工和维持自己的生活之后，仍靠手艺谋生。{4T 409.1}[4]
§10
When not actively engaged in preaching, the apostle Paul labored at his trade as a tentmaker. This he was obliged to do on account of having accepted unpopular truth. Before he embraced Christianity he had occupied an elevated position and was not dependent upon his labor for support. Among the Jews it was customary to teach the children some trade, however high the position they were expected to fill, that a reverse of circumstances might not leave them incapable of sustaining themselves. In accordance with this custom Paul was a tentmaker, and when his means had been expended to advance the cause of Christ and for his own support, he resorted to his trade in order to gain a livelihood. {4T 409.1}[4]
§11
在耶稣的门徒中，没有人比保罗更热忱，更积极，更自我牺牲的了。他是世界上最伟大的教师之一。他远渡重洋，到处奔波，直到世界上很多地区的人都从他口中听到了基督十字架的故事。他有火一般的热情，要藉着救主的爱让将亡的人认识真理。他全神贯注于传道工作，退出这工作去为自己身体的需要作苦工虽令他感到痛苦；但他还是坐下来从事辛苦的手艺，使自己不致成为贫穷教会的负担。他虽然建立起许多教会，却拒绝他们的供养，唯恐人们怀疑他是为得利而传福音，因而影响到他福音执事的功能和成效。他要设法去除仇敌令人误解他的藉口，使他所传的信息不致失去力量。{4T 409.2}[5]
§12
No man ever lived who was a more earnest, energetic, and self-sacrificing disciple of Christ than was Paul. He was one of the worlds greatest teachers. He crossed the seas and traveled far and near, until a large portion of the world had learned from his lips the story of the cross of Christ. He possessed a burning desire to bring perishing man to a knowledge of the truth through a Saviours love. His soul was wrapped up in the work of the ministry, and it was with feelings of pain that he withdrew from this work to toil for his own bodily necessities; but he seated himself to the drudgery of the craftsman that he might not be burdensome to the churches that were pressed with poverty. Although he had planted many churches he refused to be supported by them, fearing that his usefulness and success as a minister of the gospel might be interfered with by suspicions of his motives. He would remove all occasion for his enemies to misrepresent him and thus detract from the force of his message. {4T 409.2}[5]
§13
保罗要求他在哥林多的弟兄们明白，作为一个福音工人，他本来可以要求得到供给，而不必自力更生的。但他愿意放弃这个权利，唯恐接受供养他的钱财可能会妨碍他的效用。他虽然身体虚弱，还要白天从事圣工，晚上劳动，时常通宵达旦地工作来供给自己和别人的需要。使徒也希望给弟兄们树立一个榜样，从而尊荣勤奋。我们的传道人感到自己正在基督的圣工中遭受艰难困苦时，要在想像中参观一下使徒保罗的工作场所，记住上帝所拣选的这个人虽然正在制造帐篷，为谋生而工作，但他本应因作耶稣基督使徒的工作得到供养。一有责任呼召，这位伟大的使徒就会把自己的业务放在一边，去应付最凶暴的对手，阻止他们骄傲的自夸，然后再继续他卑微的职业。他的虔诚勤奋对我们一些传道人的懒惰是一种责备。他们在有机会帮助自养时，应该高兴地去做。{4T 409.3}[6]
§14
Paul appeals to his Corinthian brethren to understand that, as a laborer in the gospel, he might claim his support, instead of sustaining himself; but this right he was willing to forego, fearing that the acceptance of means for his support might possibly stand in the way of his usefulness. Although feeble in health, he labored during the day in serving the cause of Christ, and then toiled a large share of the night, and frequently all night, that he might make provision for his own and others necessities. The apostle would also give an example to his brethren, thus dignifying and honoring industry. When our ministers feel that they are suffering hardships and privations in the cause of Christ, let them in imagination visit the workshop of the apostle Paul, bearing in mind that while this chosen man of God is fashioning the canvas, he is working for bread which he has justly earned by his labors as an apostle of Jesus Christ. At the call of duty this great apostle would lay aside his business to meet the most violent opponents and stop their proud boasting, and then he would resume his humble employment. His religious industry is a rebuke to the indolence of some of our ministers. When they have opportunity to labor to help sustain themselves they should do so with gladness. {4T 409.3}[6]
§15
上帝从未计划让人过闲散的生活。亚当在伊甸园中时，主就给他设计了职业。虽然快跑的未必能赢，力战的未必得胜，但手懒的，要受贫穷（传9:11；箴10:4）。虽然勤勉作事的人可能不一定兴盛；但瞌睡懒惰却必定使上帝的灵忧伤，并且摧毁真正的敬虔。死水池会变得讨厌；但流动的纯净小溪却在大地上散布健康和快乐。一个有恒心的勤奋的人，无论在哪里都是一个福气。要充分而适当地发展人的体力和智力，就必须予以运用。{4T 410.1}[7]
§16
God never designed that man should live in idleness. When Adam was in Eden, means were devised for his employment. Though the race is not always to the swift nor the battle to the strong, yet he that dealeth with a slack hand will become poor. Those who are diligent in business may not always be prospered; but drowsiness and indolence are sure to grieve the Spirit of God and destroy true godliness. A stagnant pool becomes offensive; but a pure, flowing brook spreads health and gladness over the land. A man of persevering industry will be a blessing anywhere. The exercise of mans physical and mental powers is necessary to their full and proper development. {4T 410.1}[7]
§17
年轻的传道人应该学习如何使自己无论在哪里都有助益。他们在受邀访问人家时，不应该闲坐着，一点儿不帮助款待他们的人。义务是相互的；传道人若分享了朋友们的款待，就有义务藉着体贴周到地对待他们来对他们的好意作出反应。款待者可能是一个操心挂虑辛苦工作的人。传道人藉着表现出不仅造访而且提供及时帮助的意向，往往就可得到接近人心的门路，使人接受真理。{4T 410.2}[8]
§18
Young ministers should study to make themselves useful wherever they are. When invited to visit persons at their homes, they should not sit idle, making no effort to help the ones whose hospitality they share. Obligations are mutual; if the minister shares the hospitality of his friends, it is his duty to respond to their kindness by being thoughtful and considerate in his conduct toward them. The entertainer may be a man of care and hard labor. By manifesting a disposition not only to wait upon himself but to render timely assistance, the minister may often find access to the heart and open the way for the reception of truth. {4T 410.2}[8]
§19
上帝在祂的圣工上不用懒惰的人；祂所要的是细心，和蔼，慈爱，诚恳热心的工人。我们的传道人若是积极进取就必得益。疏懒乃是腐败的明证。我们心智的每种功能，身体的每根骨骼，肢体的每块肌肉，都显明上帝要我们运用它们，而不是放着不动。A弟兄太懒散了，以致没有把精力投入工作和从事持之以恒的劳动。那将白天的时间虚掷在床榻上的人，真是不知寸金寸阴的宝贵价值。这种人只能是上帝圣工的咒诅。A弟兄是自我膨胀的。他不是认真学习圣经的人。他没有藉着恳切的努力成为应该成为的人和可以成为的人。他偶尔奋起去做某件事；但他的怠惰，他的生性贪爱安逸，使他又退回到懒散的路线。凡没有养成勤劳和爱惜光阴之习惯的人，应当制定规则让自己做事有规律和勤快。{4T 411.1}[9]
§20
God has no use for lazy men in His cause; He wants thoughtful, kind, affectionate, earnest workers. Active exertion will do our preachers good. Indolence is proof of depravity. Every faculty of the mind, every bone in the body, every muscle of the limbs, shows that God designed these faculties to be used, not to remain inactive. Brother A is too indolent to put his energies into the work and engage in persevering labor. Men who will unnecessarily take the precious hours of daylight for sleep have no sense of the value of precious, golden moments. Such men will prove only a curse to the cause of God. Brother A is self-inflated. He is not a close Bible student. He is not what he ought to be, nor what he may become by earnest exertion. He rouses up occasionally to do something; but his laziness, his natural love of ease, leads him to fall back again into the same sluggish channel. Persons who have not acquired habits of close industry and economy of time should have set rules to prompt them to regularity and dispatch. {4T 411.1}[9]
§21
乔治·华盛顿之所以能做大量的工作，是因为他凡事有条理有次序。各种文件都记有日期并放在一定的地方，这样就不致于因为放错地方而浪费时间去寻找了。属上帝的人必须勤于研究，切心寻求知识，决不浪费一时的光阴。藉着恒心努力，他们就可升达几乎任何程度的高境，成为德高望重的基督徒，成为富有能力和感化力的人。但也有许多人无论在讲台上或事业上，永不能达到较高的境界，这是因为他们的意志游移不定，在青年时代养成了懈怠的习惯。他们无论作什么事，都显出粗心散漫的情形。偶尔激发起欲求改进的冲动，并不足以使这些贪图安逸的懒人改良；因为这种改良需要恒心行善。办理事业的人必须在起身，祈祷，饮食和退隐方面都有定时，只有这样才能真正成功。既然从事属世的事业都少不了规律和次序，作上帝圣工岂不更要如此吗！{4T 411.2}[10]
§22
Washington, the nations statesman, was enabled to perform a great amount of business because he was thorough in preserving order and regularity. Every paper had its date and its place, and no time was lost in looking up what had been mislaid. Men of God must be diligent in study, earnest in the acquirement of knowledge, never wasting an hour. Through persevering exertion they may rise to almost any degree of eminence as Christians, as men of power and influence. But many will never attain superior rank in the pulpit or in business because of their unfixedness of purpose and the laxness of habits contracted in their youth. Careless inattention is seen in everything they undertake. A sudden impulse now and then is not sufficient to accomplish a reformation in these ease-loving, indolent ones; this is a work which requires patient continuance in well-doing. Men of business can be truly successful only by having regular hours for rising, for prayer, for meals, and for retirement. If order and regularity are essential in worldly business, how much more so in doing work for God. {4T 411.2}[10]
§23
许多人把清晨的时辰虚耗在床上。这些宝贵的时间一去就永不复回了；他们虚耗的光阴是永远的损失了。虽然每天只失去一小时光阴，但一年之中所虚耗的时间是多么可观啊！但愿贪睡懒觉的人想一想，算一算，所失去的许多机会，将来怎样向上帝交账呢。{4T 412.1}[11]
§24
The bright morning hours are wasted by many in bed. These precious hours, once lost, are gone never to return; they are lost for time and for eternity. Only one hour lost each day, and what a waste of time in the course of a year! Let the slumberer think of this and pause to consider how he will give an account to God for lost opportunities. {4T 412.1}[11]
§25
传道人应当用功夫读书，研究，默想和祈祷。他们脑中应当充实有用的知识，记忆部分的经文，追究预言的应验，并学习基督给门徒的一切教训。在旅行的舟车中，或在车站码头等候之时，都可以手执一卷阅读。利用每一刻空闲作一些事。这样，就能有效地关上门来拒绝千万的试探了。要是大卫王从事了某种有益的工作，原不会犯谋杀乌利亚的罪。撒但总是准备使用不自用的人。不断力求升达最高才智的人，没空思想低劣愚昧的事，思想这些事乃是罪恶行为之母。我们中间有才能很好的人，若予适当培养，会成为杰出有用的人；可是他们不喜欢努力，既看不出疏于将创造主所赋予他们的才能用于最佳的用途乃是犯罪行为，便心安理得地保持心智未开化的状态。合上帝心意的人极少。上帝会问这些懒惰的仆人：“你用我给你的才干做什么了呢？”当那日，会发现许多人象那个领了一千银子的人那样，把它包在手巾里埋在地里了。这些无用的仆人会被丢到外面黑暗里；而那些曾把银子交给兑换银钱且使之加倍的人，却受到了赞扬：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人，你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把许多事派你管理；可以进来享受你主人的快乐”（太25:23）。{4T 412.2}[12]
§26
Ministers should devote time to reading, to study, to meditation and prayer. They should store the mind with useful knowledge, committing to memory portions of Scripture, tracing out the fulfillment of the prophecies, and learning the lessons which Christ gave to His disciples. Take a book with you to read when traveling on the cars or waiting in the depot. Employ every spare moment in doing something. In this way an effectual door will be closed against a thousand temptations. Had King David been engaged in some useful employment, he would not have been guilty of the murder of Uriah. Satan is ever ready to employ him who does not employ himself. The mind which is continually striving to rise to the height of intellectual greatness will find no time for cheap, foolish thoughts, which are the parent of evil actions. There are men of good ability among us, who, by proper cultivation, might become eminently useful; yet they do not love exertion, and, failing to see the crime of neglecting to put to the best use the faculties with which they have been endowed by the Creator, they settle down at their ease, to remain uncultivated in mind. But very few are meeting the mind of God. Of these slothful servants God will inquire: What hast thou done with the talents I gave thee? Many will be found in that day who, having had one talent, bound it in a napkin and hid it in the earth. These unprofitable servants will be cast into outer darkness; while those who had put out their talents to the exchangers and doubled them will receive the plaudit: Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. {4T 412.2}[12]
§27
在把责任委托给一个人时，不问他是否有口才或钱财，而是看他是否诚实，守信，勤勉；因为无论他可能有什么成就，若是没有这些素质，就完全不适合任何一个受托的职位。许多已经开始过有美好前景生活的人，却没能成功，因为他们缺乏勤奋。习惯于成群结伙混迹店铺或街头，总是夸夸其谈或讲闲话的人，决不会成长到与有悟性的人同等的程度。持续的勤奋会为人成就别的方法所不能成就的事。那些若不感觉到每天都在长进就决不满足的人，会确实取得人生的成功。{4T 413.1}[13]
§28
When responsibilities are to be entrusted to an individual, the question is not asked whether he is eloquent or wealthy, but whether he is honest, faithful, and industrious; for whatever may be his accomplishments, without these qualifications he is utterly unfit for any position of trust. Many who have begun life with fair prospects fail of success because they lack industry. Young men who habitually mingle in the little groups gathered in stores or on the street, ever engaging in discussion or gossip, will never grow to the proportions of men of understanding. Continual application will accomplish for man what nothing else can. Those who are never content without the consciousness that they are growing every day will truly make a success of life. {4T 413.1}[13]
§29
许多人在本来能够成功的事上却失败了，显著地失败了。他们不觉得工作的重担；办事也慢悠悠地，似乎今生还有一千年可以作救人的工。因为缺乏这种恳切和热心，只有少数人会给人留下他们所说的是当真的印象。上帝的圣工需要传道人，但更需要诚恳恒切为主作工的人。只有上帝能测量人心智的能力。祂的旨意不是要人退居下流，蒙昧无知而自满自足，而是要人获得受过启迪和教养之智力的一切有利条件。每一个男女都应该觉得自己有义务达到智力伟大的高峰。虽然人不应当因自己所得的学问矜夸，但因看到自己步步上进，更能尊荣上帝，人人均可有心满意足的特权。他们可以从取之不尽的泉源，就是在一切智慧学问的根源那里，得着知识。{4T 413.2}[14]
§30
Many have failed, signally failed, where they might have made a success. They have not felt the burden of the work; they have taken things as leisurely as though they had a temporal millennium in which to work for the salvation of souls. Because of this lack of earnestness and zeal, but few would receive the impression that they really meant what they said. The cause of God is not so much in need of preachers as of earnest, persevering workers for the Master. God alone can measure the powers of the human mind. It was not His design that man should be content to remain in the lowlands of ignorance, but that he should secure all the advantages of an enlightened, cultivated intellect. Every man and every woman should feel that obligations are resting upon them to reach the very height of intellectual greatness. While none should be puffed up because of the knowledge they have acquired, it is the privilege of all to enjoy the satisfaction of knowing that with every advance step they are rendered more capable of honoring and glorifying God. They may draw from an inexhaustible fountain, the Source of all wisdom and knowledge. {4T 413.2}[14]
§31
学生进入基督的门下，是准备寻求学问，好使自己在爬上高峰之际，不至头晕目眩。当他在真理上步步前进，对于科学和自然界中奇妙的定律有更清楚更明白的见地，便会因上帝对人类之爱的奇妙显示而惊讶狂喜。他运用慧眼就看出上帝的完全，知识和智慧，实在是广大深远，无涯无际。及至他的心思扩大发展，亮光便如清泉倾入他的心中。他越吸饮知识泉源的水，就越纯洁越快乐地思念上帝的无穷无限，同时也越发渴慕充足的智慧，以便了解上帝深奥的事。{4T 413.3}[15]
§32
Having entered the school of Christ, the student is prepared to engage in the pursuit of knowledge without becoming dizzy from the height to which he is climbing. As he goes on from truth to truth, obtaining clearer and brighter views of the wonderful laws of science and of nature, he becomes enraptured with the amazing exhibitions of Gods love to man. He sees with intelligent eyes the perfection, knowledge, and wisdom of God stretching beyond into infinity. As his mind enlarges and expands, pure streams of light pour into his soul. The more he drinks from the fountain of knowledge, the purer and happier his contemplation of Gods infinity, and the greater his longing for wisdom sufficient to comprehend the deep things of God. {4T 413.3}[15]
§33
为了应付时代的要求，我们这班人需要拥有智力方面的素养。生计艰难，出身微贱，环境不顺，这一切都不应阻止心智的培养。智力必须置于在意志的支配之下，不容许思想同时游移或分散于多个不同的题目，而没有一个题目完成的。在一切的研究上不免要遇见困难，但切不可因灰心而停止。应当查考，研究和祈求；拿出大丈夫气概勇敢地面对每一困难；振作起意志精力和忍耐的美德来辅助你，然后更加认真地发掘，直到真理宝贝出现在你面前，又明显，又美丽，并且因为寻找费力，便更觉其宝贵了。因此，不要老是想着一个问题，把全部精力集中在上面，还经常要求别人注意这个问题，而是应当拿起另一个题目，加以仔细考虑。这样，你就得以逐步理解一个又一个难以理解的事物。这样做，有两个有意义的好处。你不仅得到了有用的知识，你的头脑也由于锻炼而增强了能力和强度。解决一个问题的关键，也可能逐步发展成为在此以前尚未发现的其它知识瑰宝。{4T 414.1}[16]
§34
Mental culture is what we as a people need, and what we must have in order to meet the demands of the time. Poverty, humble origin, and unfavorable surroundings need not prevent the cultivation of the mind. The mental faculties must be kept under the control of the will and the mind not allowed to wander or become distracted with a variety of subjects at a time, being thorough in none. Difficulties will be met in all studies; but never cease through discouragement. Search, study, and pray; face every difficulty manfully and vigorously; call the power of will and the grace of patience to your aid, and then dig more earnestly till the gem of truth lies before you, plain and beautiful, all the more precious because of the difficulties involved in finding it. Do not, then, continually dwell upon this one point, concentrating all the energies of the mind upon it, constantly urging it upon the attention of others, but take another subject, and carefully examine that. Thus mystery after mystery will be unfolded to your comprehension. Two valuable victories will be gained by this course. You have not only secured useful knowledge, but the exercise of the mind has increased mental strength and power. The key found to unlock one mystery may develop also other precious gems of knowledge heretofore undiscovered. {4T 414.1}[16]
§35
我们的许多传道人，只能给人讲几段道理。他们学习这几段道理所费的心力和时间，足可用以熟悉其他的道理。每一位传道人都当彻底了解预言和其他各种要道。但有些传道多年的人却只知道几个题目就自满自足了，他们过于懒惰，不肯殷勤和虔诚地查考圣经，以致不能在明白圣经要道和基督的实际教训上成为伟人。各人的头脑中应当贮藏圣经真理的知识，以便预备妥当，在任何需要之时，可以从仓库中拿出新的和旧的东西来。人的心思因为缺少热心，切心和认真运用，以致变成残废和发育不全。时候到了，上帝说：“往前走，培植我所赐给你们的才干。”{4T 414.2}[17]
§36
Many of our ministers can present to the people only a few doctrinal discourses. The same exertion and application which made them familiar with these points will enable them to gain an understanding of others. The prophecies and other doctrinal subjects should be thoroughly understood by them all. But some who have been engaged in preaching for years are content to confine themselves to a few subjects, being too indolent to search the Scriptures diligently and prayerfully that they may become giants in the understanding of Bible doctrines and the practical lessons of Christ. The minds of all should be stored with a knowledge of the truths of Gods word, that they may be prepared, at any moment when required, to present from the storehouse things new and old. Minds have been crippled and dwarfed for want of zeal and of earnest, severe taxation. The time has come when God says: Go forward, and cultivate the abilities I have given you. {4T 414.2}[17]
§37
世上充斥着异端邪说与荒谬寓言。动情的戏剧式小说时时吸引人心；破坏人道德和灵性进步的荒诞无稽的理论学说，也极其繁多。上帝的圣工需要有智慧，有思想，熟悉圣经，能应付反对狂潮的人。无论什么骄傲自大，心思狭窄，及自相矛盾的作风，怎样披上自称敬虔的外衣，伪装正派，我们都不应容许。凡是心中已有真理使人成圣能力的人，必可发挥劝服人的感化力。他们知道提倡异端的人既不能建树真理，也不能破坏真理，便能处之泰然，审慎持重。{4T 415.1}[18]
§38
The world is teeming with errors and fables. Novelties in the form of sensational dramas are continually arising to engross the mind, and absurd theories abound which are destructive to moral and spiritual advancement. The cause of God needs men of intellect, men of thought, men well versed in the Scriptures, to meet the inflowing tide of opposition. We should give no sanction to arrogance, narrow-mindedness, and inconsistencies, although the garment of professed piety may be thrown over them. Those who have the sanctifying power of the truth upon their hearts will exert a persuasive influence. Knowing that the advocates of error cannot create or destroy truth, they can afford to be calm and considerate. {4T 415.1}[18]
§39
我们的传道人对真理只有肤浅的认识是不够的。由那些滥用天赐才能诋毁真理之人传讲的题目在不断冒出来，要予以调查。必须撇弃偏狭的态度。撒但对时代的欺骗，必须用圣灵的剑，就是上帝的圣言，去明确而理智地对付。那引导行星在轨道上运转的手，藉着祂的大能支撑诸世界，也安排人类具有祂的形像，使人仅仅比天使微小一点，以执行在地上应负的职责。上帝把从未有过的最庄严的真理交托给人，然而上帝的旨意，尚未得到人的响应。祂计划我们应当向那完全的境界，提高再提高，一步一步地看见和实现上帝的权力及荣耀。人并不了解自己。我们的职责和我们所得到的亮光、机会及特权是绝对成正比的。我们要为我们原本可以行，却因太懒惰而没有善用我们力所能及的方法去行的善事负责。{4T 415.2}[19]
§40
It is not enough for our ministers to have a superficial knowledge of the truth. Subjects which are handled by men who have perverted their God-given powers to tear down the truth are constantly coming up for investigation. Bigotry must be laid aside. The satanic delusions of the age must be met clearly and intelligently with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The same unseen Hand that guides the planets in their courses, and upholds the worlds by His power, has made provision for man formed in His image, that he may be little less than the angels of God while in the performance of his duties on earth. Gods purposes have not been answered by men who have been entrusted with the most solemn truth ever given to man. He designs that we should rise higher and higher toward a state of perfection, seeing and realizing at every step the power and glory of God. Man does not know himself. Our responsibilities are exactly proportioned to our light, opportunities, and privileges. We are responsible for the good we might have done, but failed to do because we were too indolent to use the means for improvement which were placed within our reach. {4T 415.2}[19]
§41
圣经这部宝书包含各行各业各色人等的生活准则，且有人人都最好去学习和效法的榜样。“人子来，不是要受人的服事，乃是要服事人”（太20:28）。基督仆人的真正荣誉和荣耀，不是讲过多少次道，不是写过多少篇文章，而是做过多少真诚服事人需要的工作。他若忽视这部分工作，就无权拥有传道人的名号。{4T 416.1}[20]
§42
The precious book of God contains rules of life for men of every class and every vocation. Examples are here found which it would be well for all to study and imitate. The Son of God came not to be ministered unto, but to minister. The true honor and glory of the servant of Christ consists, not in the number of sermons preached, nor in the amount of writing accomplished, but in the work of faithfully ministering to the wants of the people. If he neglects this part of his work he has no right to the name of minister. {4T 416.1}[20]
§43
现今所需要的，就是能明白人的缺乏，并能照顾他们需要的人。基督的忠心传道人要在每一个前哨上了望，好警告，责备，劝勉，恳求和鼓励他的同胞，与那大力运行在他心中的上帝之灵同工，好将各人在基督里完完全全的引到上帝面前。这种人是天庭所认可的传道人，也是追随那伟大模范之脚踪的。{4T 416.2}[21]
§44
Men are needed for this time who can understand the wants of the people and minister to their necessities. The faithful minister of Christ watches at every outpost to warn, to reprove, to counsel, to entreat, and to encourage his fellow men, laboring with the Spirit of God which worketh in him mightily, that he may present every man perfect in Christ. Such a man is acknowledged in heaven as a minister, treading in the footsteps of his great Exemplar. {4T 416.2}[21]
§45
我们的传道人在饮食习惯上还不够特别。他们吃进太多的食物，而且每餐的食品种类太多。有些人是有名无实的健康改良者。他们没有规则来管制自己的饮食，在两餐之间大吃特吃水果或硬壳果，以致消化器官负担太重。有些人每天吃两餐足够供给身体和精神的健康，却吃三餐。人若干犯了上帝所定管理身体的律法，就必有惩罚随之而来。{4T 416.3}[22]
§46
Our preachers are not particular enough in regard to their habits of eating. They partake of too large quantities of food and of too great a variety at one meal. Some are reformers only in name. They have no rules by which to regulate their diet, but indulge in eating fruit or nuts between their meals, and thus impose too heavy burdens upon the digestive organs. Some eat three meals a day, when two would be more conducive to physical and spiritual health. If the laws which God has made to govern the physical system are violated, the penalty must surely follow. {4T 416.3}[22]
§47
由于饮食不谨慎，有些人的感觉似乎麻木了一半，以致他们变成迟钝而昏昏欲睡。这些面色苍白的传道人，身受自私地放纵食欲之恶果的痛苦，不配倡导健康改良工作。人若有了工作过劳之苦，最好偶尔停止一餐饮食，以给自然机能一个康复的机会。我们的同工们，可用本身的榜样来推进健康改良的工作，比单是口头的宣讲更有成效。在好心亲友们的盛情招待之下，他们受到强烈的试探，要置健康的原则于脑后；然而，他们若是婉言拒绝那些佳肴盛馔、丰腻的调味品、茶和咖啡，便可证明自己是身体力行的健康改良者了。有些人现今身受干犯生命律的恶果之苦，以致使健康改良的事业贻羞受辱。{4T 417.1}[23]
§48
Because of imprudence in eating, the senses of some seem to be half paralyzed, and they are sluggish and sleepy. These pale-faced ministers who are suffering in consequence of selfish indulgence of the appetite are no recommendation of health reform. When suffering from overwork, it would be much better to drop out a meal occasionally and thus give nature a chance to rally. Our laborers could do more by their example to advance health reform than by preaching it. When elaborate preparations are made for them by well-meaning friends, they are strongly tempted to disregard principle; but by refusing the dainty dishes, the rich condiments, the tea and coffee, they may prove themselves to be practical health reformers. Some are now suffering in consequence of transgressing the laws of life, thus causing a stigma to rest on the cause of health reform. {4T 417.1}[23]
§49
人在饮食，睡眠和观赏方面的放纵无度，乃是罪恶。身心全部机能和谐健康的运作会带来快乐；这些能力越高尚越优雅，快乐也就越纯粹越清洁。没有目的的人生是活受罪。心智的能力应该用在关系我们永恒利益的题目上。这会有益于身心的健康。有许多人，甚至我们的传道人也是这样，想不费心力就在世上出人头地。他们雄心勃勃地想做一番伟大有益的事业，却不屑于尽日常细小的责任，而这细小的责任会帮助他们成为有用的人，并使他们成为服从基督命令的传道人。他们期望做别人正在做的工作，却不愿领受必需的纪律约束的训练，以使他们配做这工作。男男女女的这种切心渴慕有所作为的愿望与他们现有的能力相距甚远，只会使他们在开始的时候就一败涂地。他们愤愤不平地拒绝一步步地攀登那阶梯，却希望不费吹灰之力就获得擢升。{4T 417.2}[24]
§50
Excessive indulgence in eating, drinking, sleeping, or seeing, is sin. The harmonious healthy action of all the powers of body and mind results in happiness; and the more elevated and refined the powers, the more pure and unalloyed the happiness. An aimless life is a living death. The powers of the mind should be exercised upon themes relating to our eternal interests. This will be conducive to health of body and mind. There are many, even among our preachers, who want to rise in the world without effort. They are ambitious to do some great work of usefulness, while they disregard the little everyday duties which would render them helpful and make them ministers after Christs order. They wish to do the work others are doing, but have no relish for the discipline necessary to fit them for it. This yearning desire by both men and women to do something far in advance of their present capabilities is simply causing them to make decided failures in the outset. They indignantly refuse to climb the ladder, wishing to be elevated by a less laborious process. {4T 417.2}[24]