第18章 迁往巴特尔克里克
§1
第18章 迁往巴特尔克里克
§2
Chap. 18—Moving to Battle Creek
§3
我们的救主把自己比作一个人，要往外国去，把他的家业交给特选的仆人们照管，分派各人当做的工。每一个基督徒在服侍主的事上都有工作要做。我们不当追求自己的安逸或便利，而当以增进基督的国度为头等要事。帮助并造福我们同胞的无私努力，不仅会表明我们对耶稣的爱，也会保守我们在依赖和信心中亲近祂，我们自己的心灵也必在恩典和真理的知识上不断长进。{5T182.1}[1]
§4
Our Saviour represents Himself as a man taking his journey into a far country, who left his house in charge of chosen servants, giving to every man his work. Every Christian has something to do in the service of his Master. We are not to seek our own ease or convenience, but rather to make the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom our first consideration. Unselfish efforts to help and bless our fellow men will not only evince our love for Jesus, but will keep us near Him in dependence and faith, and our own souls will be constantly growing in grace and in a knowledge of the truth.?{5T 182.1}[1]
§5
上帝把祂的儿女分散在各个社会中，使真理的光可以在笼罩世界的道德黑暗中照耀。我们周围的黑暗越深，就越需要我们的光为上帝照出来。我们可能会被放置在有大困难和考验的环境中，但这并不证明我们没有处在上帝的天意安排指定给我们的位置。当保罗的日子，使徒在罗马的基督徒中提到“在凯撒家里的人”（腓4:22）。对基督教最不利的道德气氛，莫过于在残忍而放荡的尼禄皇帝统治下的罗马宫廷了。然而那些在侍奉皇帝时接受了基督的人，在悔改后并不觉得有自由离开自己的岗位。面对诱人的试探、猛烈的反对和骇人的危险，他们忠心地为基督作了见证。{5T182.2}[2]
§6
God has scattered His children in various communities that the light of truth may be kept shining amid the moral darkness that enshrouds the earth. The deeper the darkness around us, the greater the need that our light should shine for God. We may be placed in circumstances of great difficulty and trial, but this does not prove that we are not in the very position assigned us by Providence. Among the Christians at Rome in Paul’s day the apostle mentions them “that are of Caesar’s household.” Nowhere could the moral atmosphere be more unfavorable to Christianity than at that Roman court under the cruel and profligate Nero. Yet those who had, while in the emperor’s service, accepted Christ did not feel at liberty, after their conversion, to leave their post of duty. In the face of seductive temptations, fierce opposition, and appalling dangers they were faithful witnesses for Christ.?{5T 182.2}[2]
§7
无论什么人，只要愿意全然依赖神圣的恩典，都可使自己的人生不断为真理作见证。没有一个人被置于无法成为忠心的真基督徒的境遇。无论障碍多么大，凡决意要顺从上帝的人，都必在前进时发现门路已敞开。{5T182.3}[3]
§8
Whoever will rely wholly upon divine grace may make his life a constant testimony for the truth. No one is so situated?that he cannot be a true and faithful Christian. However great the obstacles, all who are determined to obey God will find the way opening as they go forward.?{5T 182.3}[3]
§9
那些在反对的势力中间坚持忠于上帝的人，乃是在获得一种具有最高价值的经验。每克服一个障碍，每胜过一个试探，他们的力量都会增加。这个事实常被忽视。当一个人领受了真理时，朋友们就错以为不可将他暴露于任何试验或考验之下，于是他们就立即努力为他寻得一个更容易的处境。他去了某个一切都与他和谐的地方。但是他的灵力因而增长了吗？在许多情形下不会增长。他象一株温室的植物一样，很少具有真毅力。他不再警醒了；信心也变得软弱了；他不但自己没有在恩典中长进，也没有帮助别人。{5T183.1}[4]
§10
Those who maintain their fidelity to God in the midst of opposing influences are gaining an experience of the highest value. Their strength increases with every obstacle surmounted, every temptation overcome. This fact is often overlooked. When a person has received the truth, mistaken friends fear to expose him to any test or trial, and they immediately endeavor to secure for him an easier position. He goes to some place where all are in harmony with him. But is his spiritual strength increased thereby? In many cases not. He comes to have as little real stamina as a hothouse plant. He ceases to watch; his faith becomes weak; he is neither growing in grace himself nor aiding others.?{5T 183.1}[4]
§11
有人在不信和反对的人中退缩，不再坚持真理吗？我请他们回想在尼禄家里的信徒们；想想他们遭遇的腐败堕落的行为和逼迫，并且从他们的榜样得到勇气、坚毅和信心。{5T183.2}[5]
§12
Do any shrink from maintaining the truth in the midst of unbelief and opposition? I ask them to call to mind the believers in Nero’s household; consider the depravity and persecution which they encountered, and gather from their example a lesson of courage, fortitude, and faith.?{5T 183.2}[5]
§13
对于那些在信心上尚显幼稚的人，使他们离开强烈的试探或反对，把他们安置在可以受有经验的基督徒们照顾并劝勉的地方，有时是可取的。但始终应该使他们谨记，基督徒的生活乃是一种不断争战的人生；放纵怠惰和懒散对成功来说将是致命的。{5T183.3}[6]
§14
It may at times be advisable for those who are young in the faith to be withdrawn from great temptations or opposition and to be placed where they can enjoy the care and counsel of experienced Christians. But it should be ever kept before their minds that the Christian life is a constant warfare; that the indulgence of sloth or indolence will be fatal to success.?{5T 183.3}[6]
§15
在接受真理后，我们不该与那些反对真理的人联合，也不该以任何方式置身于将使我们难于实行信仰的地方。但任何一个人在领受真理时处于这种境遇的人，在离开自己的位置前，应该仔细地权衡这事。也许是上帝天意的计划安排他在那里，以使他的影响和榜样会使他人认识真理。{5T183.4}[7]
§16
We should not, after accepting the truth, unite with those who oppose it, nor in any manner place ourselves where it will be difficult for us to live out our faith. But should anyone while thus situated receive the truth, he should weigh the matter carefully before leaving his position. It may be the design of Providence that his influence and example shall bring others to the knowledge of the truth.?{5T 183.4}[7]
§17
许多人都与反对真道的人有家庭关系。这些信徒常常遭受极大的考验，但是靠着神圣的恩典，他们可以藉着顺从真理来荣耀上帝。{5T184.1}[8]
§18
Many are connected in family relations with opposers of the faith. These believers are often subjected to great trials, but by divine grace they may glorify God by obedience to the truth.?{5T 184.1}[8]
§19
作为基督的仆人，我们应该在上帝看为我们可以最有效地提供服务的位置上忠心。如果更有效用的机会呈现在我们面前，我们就应根据主的命令接受之，而祂赞许的微笑必临到我们。但我们应该小心，不要离开指定给我们的工作，除非主清楚地指示我们在另一个园地侍奉祂的责任。{5T184.2}[9]
§20
As servants of Christ we should be faithful in the position where God sees that we can render most efficient service. If opportunities of greater usefulness are presented to us, we should accept them at the Master’s bidding, and His approving smile will be upon us. But we should fear to leave our appointed work unless the Lord clearly indicates our duty to serve Him in another field.?{5T 184.2}[9]
§21
圣工的不同部门需要不同的资质技能。木匠不适合用铁匠的铁钻做工，铁匠也不适合用木匠的刨子做工。商人不适合在病床边医治病人，医生也不适合在会计室作财务工作。那些对上帝所交托他们的工作变得厌倦，并且置身于他们不能或不愿作工的境遇的人，将被算为懒惰的仆人。“分派各人当做的工”（可13:34）。没有一个人可以推诿。{5T184.3}[10]
§22
Different qualifications are needed for different departments of the work. The carpenter is not fitted to work at the anvil, nor the blacksmith to use the plane. The merchant would be out of place beside the sickbed, and the doctor in the counting room. Those who become weary with the work which God has committed to them, and place themselves in positions where they cannot or will not work, will be accounted slothful servants. “To every man his work.” Not one is excused.?{5T 184.3}[10]
§23
在上帝所安排我们的位置上作祂的传道士原是我们的本分，但我们这班人已经大大忽视了这个本分。许多人急于转离目前的本分和机会，去某个更宽广的领域；许多人想象在某个别的岗位他们会发现顺从真理不那么难。我们较大的教会被视为享有极大的优势，我们中的许多人都越来越倾向于离开自己特别的岗位，迁到巴特尔克里克或附近的某个大教会去。这种做法不仅威胁我们较小教会的兴旺甚至生命，而且阻止我们做上帝所赐给我们去做的工作，也在摧毁我们这班人的灵性和有用性。{5T184.4}[11]
§24
Our duty to act as missionaries for God in the very position where He has placed us has been greatly overlooked by us as a people. Many are eagerly turning from present duties and opportunities to some wider field; many imagine that in some other position they would find it less difficult to obey the truth. Our larger churches are looked upon as enjoying great advantages, and there is among our people a growing tendency to leave their special post of duty and move to Battle Creek or to the vicinity of some other large church. This practice not only threatens the prosperity and even the life of our smaller churches, but it is preventing us from doing the very work which God has given us to do, and is destroying our spirituality and usefulness as a people.?{5T 184.4}[11]
§25
我们的弟兄姐妹们从密歇根州的所有教会，及其它州的一些教会，蜂拥到了巴特尔克里克。他们中许多人在较小的教会中都是有效的帮助者，他们的迁移大大削弱了那些较小的教会；在某些情况下，教会因而完全解体了。{5T184.5}[12]
§26
From nearly all our churches in Michigan, and, to some extent, from other states, our brethren and sisters have been?crowding into Battle Creek. Many of them were efficient helpers in smaller churches, and their removal has greatly weakened those little companies; in some cases the church has thus been completely disorganized.?{5T 184.5}[12]
§27
那些迁到巴特尔克里克的人对教会有帮助吗？当这事呈现在我面前时，我指望看到为上帝作活泼见证的人，感到对青少年有负担的人，挨家挨户探访的人，与各家一同祷告并为他们的属灵利益作工的人。我看到这项工作已被忽视了。许多人既来到这个大教会，就感到自己没有活动的份了。因此他们就袖手旁观，避开所有的责任和努力。{5T185.1}[13]
§28
Have those who moved to Battle Creek proved a help to the church? As the matter was presented before me, I looked to see who were bearing a living testimony for God, who were feeling a burden for the youth, who were visiting from house to house, praying with families and laboring for their spiritual interests. I saw that this work had been neglected. On coming to this large church, many feel that they have no part to act. Hence they fold their hands and shun all responsibility and effort.?{5T 185.1}[13]
§29
有些人到这儿来只是要获得财利。这等人对教会来说乃是一个重累。他们是白占地土的人，他们不结果子的粗枝大叶使别的树木得不到属天阳光的福泽。{5T185.2}[14]
§30
There are some who come here merely to secure financial benefit. This class are a heavy burden to the church. They are cumberers of the ground, their unproductive boughs shutting from other trees the glory of heaven’s sunlight.?{5T 185.2}[14]
§31
我们这么多的传道人定居在巴特尔克里克是不蒙上帝喜悦的。如果他们的家庭分散在园地的不同地区，就会有用得多。确实，传道人很少有时间在家，然而在许多地方，他们在家的那点时间会对上帝的圣工远为有益。{5T185.3}[15]
§32
It is not pleasing to God that so many of our ministers should settle at Battle Creek. If their families were scattered in different parts of the field, they might be far more useful. It is true that the minister spends but a short time at home, yet there are many places where that time would be of far greater benefit to the cause of God.?{5T 185.3}[15]
§33
主对许多在巴特尔克里克的人说：你们在这里做什么呢？你们离开指定给你们的工作，对教会成了一个障碍而非帮助，怎么交账呢？{5T185.4}[16]
§34
The Lord says to many at Battle Creek: What doest thou here? What account can you render for leaving your appointed work and becoming a hindrance rather than a help to the church??{5T 185.4}[16]
§35
弟兄们，我劝你们将自己现在的灵性状况跟你们积极参与基督圣工时的状况比较一下。在帮助并鼓励教会时，你们获得一种有用的经验，也保守了你们自己的心灵在上帝的爱里。当你们停止为别人作工时，你们自己的爱心岂不是就渐渐冷淡了，热心也衰退了吗？你们的儿女如何呢？他们比来这个大教会前在真理上更坚定稳固，更热爱上帝了吗？{5T185.5}[17]
§36
Brethren, I entreat you to compare your own spiritual state as it now is with what it was when you were actively engaged in the cause of Christ. While helping and encouraging the church you were gaining a useful experience and keeping your own souls in the love of God. As you have ceased to work for others, has not your own love grown cold and your zeal languid? And how is it with your children? Are they more?firmly established in the truth and more devoted to God than before coming to this large church??{5T 185.5}[17]
§37
有些久与上帝的工作有关的人，所发挥的影响力对灵性和献身来说都是致命的。这些已对福音心硬的青少年，置身于被世俗、不敬、背信不贞所包围的气氛。你敢冒险尝试使自己的儿女与这种人结交的后果吗？他们即使从不受教育也比以牺牲原则和上帝的祝福而获得一种教育要好。{5T186.1}[18]
§38
The influence exerted by some who have long been connected with the work of God is fatal to spirituality and devotion. These gospel-hardened youth have surrounded themselves with an atmosphere of worldliness, irreverence, and infidelity. Dare you risk the effect of such associations upon your children? It would be better for them never to obtain an education than to acquire it at the sacrifice of principle and the blessing of God.?{5T 186.1}[18]
§39
在来到巴特尔克里克的青少年中，有些在试探中保持了他们对上帝的忠贞，但为数极少。许多本着对真理、对圣经和对宗教的信心来到这里的人，已经因与不虔诚的人交往而被带入歧途了，他们回家后，便怀疑我们这班人所持有所心爱的每一项真理。{5T186.2}[19]
§40
Among the youth who come to Battle Creek there are some who maintain their fidelity to God in the midst of temptation, but the number is small. Many who come here with confidence in the truth, in the Bible, and in religion have been led astray by irreligious associates and have returned to their homes doubting every truth which we as a people hold dear.?{5T 186.2}[19]
§41
但愿我们所有计划迁到巴特尔克里克的弟兄们，或打算把他们的儿女送到这里的弟兄们，在迈出这一步前都慎重考虑这事。除非在这个大中心的各种力量在看守堡垒，除非这个教会的信心和献身与她的特权和机会相称，这就是你们可以选择的最危险的地方。我已经看到这个教会的状况，象天使们看它一样。在平信徒和守望者们身上都有一种属灵的欺骗。他们维持着宗教的形式，但缺乏长存的正义原则。在这个教会中若没有一场决定性的改变，一种明显的变化，这里的学校就该迁到某个别的地方去。{5T186.3}[20]
§42
Let all our brethren who contemplate removing to Battle Creek, or sending their children here, consider the matter well before taking this step. Unless the forces at this great center are keeping the fort, unless the faith and devotion of the church are proportioned to her privileges and opportunities, this is the most dangerous position which you can choose. I have seen the condition of this church as angels look upon it. There is a spiritual deception upon both the people and the watchmen. They maintain the forms of religion, but lack the abiding principles of righteousness. Unless there is a decided change, a marked transformation in this church, the school here should be removed to some other locality.?{5T 186.3}[20]
§43
要是在这里住了多年的青少年善用了他们的特权，而今已是怀疑论者的几个人原本会献身于传道的工作。但他们已认为怀疑真理乃是智力优越的证据，并以自己独立自主地怀有不信之念为荣。他们已亵慢了施恩的圣灵，践踏了基督的血。{5T186.4}[21]
§44
Had the youth who have lived here for years improved their privileges, several who are now skeptics would have devoted themselves to the work of the ministry. But they have considered it an evidence of intellectual superiority to doubt the truth and have been proud of their independence in cherishing?infidelity. They have done despite to the Spirit of grace and have trampled upon the blood of Christ.?{5T 186.4}[21]
§45
应该在工作的中心兴起来的传道士们在哪儿呢？每年应该从巴特尔克里克派出二十到五十个人，把真理带给那些坐在黑暗中的人。但是虔诚已经衰退得如此低落，献身的精神已如此软弱无力，世俗和自私如此盛行，以致产生了扼杀传道热诚的道德昏睡的气氛。{5T187.1}[22]
§46
Where are the missionaries who should be raised up at the heart of the work? From twenty to fifty should be sent out from Battle Creek every year to carry the truth to those who sit in darkness. But piety is at so low an ebb, the spirit of devotion is so weak, worldliness and selfishness so prevalent, that the moral atmosphere begets a lethargy fatal to missionary zeal.?{5T 187.1}[22]
§47
我们不必到外国去成为上帝传道士。在我们周围田地的“庄稼已经成熟，可以收割了”，凡愿意的，都可以“积蓄五谷到永生”（约4:35,36）。上帝号召许多在巴特尔克里克将死于属灵怠惰的人，到祂圣工中需要他们作工的地方去。要迁出巴特尔克里克，即使需要付出金钱上的牺牲。到某个可以为别人造福的地方去。到你们可以坚固某个软弱的教会的地方去。使用上帝所赐给你们的各种能力。{5T187.2}[23]
§48
We need not go to foreign lands to become missionaries for God. All around us are fields “white already to harvest,” and whoever will may gather “fruit unto life eternal.” God calls upon many in Battle Creek who are dying of spiritual sloth to go where their labor is needed in His cause. Move out of Battle Creek, even if it requires a pecuniary sacrifice. Go somewhere to be a blessing to others. Go where you can strengthen some weak church. Put to use the powers which God has given you.?{5T 187.2}[23]
§49
要摆脱你们灵性上的昏睡。尽力作工拯救你们自己和他人的灵魂。而今不是喊“平安稳妥”（帖前5:3）的时候。传扬这信息的人，无需是口若悬河的演说家。我们必须传扬那切要而严肃的全部真理。现今所需要的是有行动的人——就是那愿以恳切不息的精力作工来洁净教会及警告世人的人。{5T187.3}[24]
§50
Shake off your spiritual lethargy. Work with all your might to save your own souls and the souls of others. It is no time now to cry, “Peace and safety.” It is not silver-tongued orators that are needed to give this message. The truth in all its pointed severity must be spoken. Men of action are needed—men who will labor with earnest, ceaseless energy for the purifying of the church and the warning of the world.?{5T 187.3}[24]
§51
一项伟大的工作急待完成，应当定下更广大的计划；应当扬声唤醒列国。那些信心软弱及摇动的人，不能在这重大危机时推进此工作。我们需要英雄的勇气和烈士的信心。{5T187.4}[25]
§52
A great work is to be accomplished; broader plans must be laid; a voice must go forth to arouse the nations. Men whose faith is weak and wavering are not the ones to carry forward the work at this important crisis. We need the courage of heroes and the faith of martyrs.?{5T 187.4}[25]