第22章 对于工人的呼吁
§1
第22章 对于工人的呼吁
§2
Chap. 22—Calls for Laborers
§3
世俗及自私的精神使教会丧失了许多福惠。我们无权认为上帝的亮光和能力断然从教会收回造成了教会的作为有限。以往遵行良好指导的努力所取得的成功与这种想法是矛盾的。所取得的成功总是与所付出的努力相称。只因付出的努力和牺牲不够，才限制了教会效用。传道和献身的精神衰弱；信徒中存在着自私和贪财，贪婪和欺诈。{5T202.2}[1]
§4
A spirit of worldliness and selfishness has deprived the church of many a blessing. We have no right to suppose an arbitrary withholding from the church of the divine light and power, to account for its limited usefulness. The measure of success which in the past has followed well-directed effort contradicts such an idea. Success has ever been granted proportionate to the labor performed. It is the limitation of labors and sacrifices alone which has restricted the usefulness of the church. The missionary spirit is feeble; devotion is weak; selfishness and cupidity, covetousness and fraud, exist in its members.?{5T 202.2}[1]
§5
上帝岂不关怀这些事吗？祂岂不了解人心的意图和目的吗？恳切、热诚、痛悔的祷告会使天上的窗户向他们敞开，恩典的甘霖从天而降。对基督的十字架有清楚的、扎实的认识会抵制他们的俗心，并使他们的心灵充满谦卑、悔悟和感激。于是他们就能感到不是自己的人，而是基督的血所买来的。{5T202.3}[2]
§6
Does not God care for these things? Can He not read the intents and purposes of the heart? Earnest, fervent, contrite prayer would open to them the windows of heaven and bring down showers of grace. A clear, steady view of the cross of Christ would counteract their worldliness and fill their souls with humility, penitence, and gratitude. They would then feel that they are not their own, but that they are the purchase of Christ’s blood.?{5T 202.3}[2]
§7
教会患了一种致命的属灵疾病。其成员被撒但击伤了；他们却不愿仰望基督的十字架，象以色列人仰望铜蛇一样，好使他们可以得活。世界对他们有那么多的要求，以致他们没有时间仰望髑髅地的十字架足够久，好看到它的荣耀或感到它的能力。当他们偶尔瞥见真理所要求的舍己和献身时，就觉得厌烦，并转而注意他方，好使他们可以不久便将之忘怀。只要上帝的子民不谨慎遵守祂所规定的条件，主就不能使他们有用有效。{5T202.4}[3]
§8
A deadly spiritual malady is upon the church. Its members are wounded by Satan; but they will not look to the cross of Christ, as the Israelites looked to the brazen serpent, that they may live. The world has so many claims upon them that they have not time to look to the cross of Calvary long enough to see its glory or to feel its power. When they now and then catch a glimpse of the self-denial and self-dedication which the truth demands, it is unwelcome, and they turn their attention?in another direction, that they may the sooner forget it. The Lord cannot make His people useful and efficient while they are not careful to comply with the conditions He has laid down.?{5T 202.4}[3]
§9
各处都极需上帝已赐给祂子民的亮光；但这些要求在极大程度上都成为了枉然。谁感到自己有责任献身于上帝和祂的圣工呢？正在造就自己响应这些呼召的年轻人在哪儿呢？广大的地域在我们面前开放，真理的光还从未照到那里。我们无论从哪方面看，都看到丰盛的庄稼有待收割，但却无人去收割。弟兄们，你们献上使真理得胜的祷告，你们的祷告是什么意思呢？你们想要哪种成功呢？——一种适合你们的懒惰和自私放纵的成功吗？——一种会支持并维持自己不需你们付出任何努力的成功吗？{5T203.1}[4]
§10
Great demands are everywhere made for the light which God has given to His people; but these calls are for the most part in vain. Who feels the burden of consecrating himself to God and to His work? Where are the young men who are qualifying themselves to answer these calls? Vast territories are opened before us where the light of truth has never penetrated. Whichever way we look we see rich harvests ready to be gathered, but there are none to do the reaping. Prayers are offered for the triumph of the truth. What do your prayers mean, brethren? What kind of success do you desire?—a success to suit your indolence, your selfish indulgence?—a success that will sustain and support itself without any effort on your part??{5T 203.1}[4]
§11
教会中应当发生一场决定性的改变，搅动常享安逸的人，然后才会有适合其严肃工作的工人，奉差遣进入园地。必须有一场觉醒，一场属灵的革新。基督徒的虔诚必须提高。必须制定计划并执行，将真理传到世上各国。撒但正哄骗自称跟从基督的人安睡，同时他们周围的生灵却正在沦亡。他们如此疏忽，在主面前怎能推诿呢？{5T203.2}[5]
§12
There must be a decided change in the church which will inconvenience those who are reclining on their lees, before laborers who are fitted for their solemn work can be sent into the field. There must be an awakening, a spiritual renovation. The temperature of Christian piety must be raised. Plans must be devised and executed for the spread of truth to all nations of the earth. Satan is lulling Christ’s professed followers to sleep while souls are perishing all around them, and what excuse can they give to the Master for their negligence??{5T 203.2}[5]
§13
基督的话是适用于教会的：“你们为什么整天在这里闲站呢”（太20:6）？你们为什么不在祂葡萄园的某个地方作工呢？祂已再三吩咐你们：“你们也进葡萄园去，所当给的，我必给你们”（4节）。但是这个来自天上的仁厚邀请被大部分人漠视了。你们岂不早该顺从上帝的命令吗？每一位称为基督名下的人，皆有当作的工。天上来的声音正在庄重地呼喊你，要尽你的本分。你要听从这声音，不拘什么地方，不论什么资格，立刻下手工作。你们为什么整天在这里闲站呢？有需要你作的工作，一种要你献上你最好之才能去作的工作。生命的每一分宝贵的时间，都是与你对上帝对你同胞的责任有关系的，可是你却闲站着！{5T203.3}[6]
§14
The words of Christ apply to the church: “Why stand ye here all the day idle?” Why are you not at work in some capacity in His vineyard? Again and again He has bidden you: “Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” But this gracious call from heaven has been disregarded by the large majority. Is it not high time that you obey the commands of God? There is work for every individual who names the name of Christ. A voice from heaven?is solemnly calling you to duty. Heed this voice, and go to work at once in any place, in any capacity. Why stand ye here all the day idle? There is work for you to do, a work that demands your best energies. Every precious moment of life is related to some duty which you owe to God or to your fellow men, and yet you are idle!?{5T 203.3}[6]
§15
一项重大的救灵工作有待完成。每一位荣耀中的天使都加入了这项工作，同时每一个幽暗中的恶魔也在那里抵制。基督已向我们证明了人生命的重大价值，因为祂带着心中所蕴藏的永远之爱，来到世界让人继承祂的一切财富。祂在我们面前显明了天父对有罪人类的爱，证明上帝的义，使人知道祂自己为义，也称信耶稣的人为义。{5T204.1}[7]
§16
A great work of saving souls remains yet to be done. Every angel in glory is engaged in this work, while every demon of darkness is opposing it. Christ has demonstrated to us the great value of souls in that He came to the world with the hoarded love of eternity in His heart, offering to make man heir to all His wealth. He unveils before us the love of the Father for the guilty race and presents Him as just and the justifier of him that believeth.?{5T 204.1}[7]
§17
“基督不求自己的喜悦”（罗15:3）。祂不为自己做任何事；祂的工作是为堕落的人类。自私在祂面前无地自容。祂取了我们的本性，以便祂替我们受苦。这世界的罪——自私，已成了教会盛行的罪。基督为人类的益处牺牲了自己，摧毁了一切自私的根源。祂什么都没有保留，连祂自己的尊荣和天上的荣耀都没有保留。祂期待祂来祝福并拯救的人也能舍己牺牲。每个人都受命尽自己的能力作工。每一属世的考虑都应为上帝的荣耀而放弃。我们为世界利益的唯一考虑应是更好地推进上帝的圣工。{5T204.2}[8]
§18
“Christ pleased not Himself.” He did nothing for Himself; His work was in behalf of fallen man. Selfishness stood abashed in His presence. He assumed our nature that He might suffer in our stead. Selfishness, the sin of the world, has become the prevailing sin of the church. In sacrificing Himself for the good of men, Christ strikes at the root of all selfishness. He withheld nothing, not even His own honor and heavenly glory. He expects corresponding self-denial and sacrifice on the part of those whom He came to bless and save. Everyone is required to work to the extent of his ability. Every worldly consideration should be laid aside for the glory of God. The only desire for worldly advantages should be that we may the better advance the cause of God.?{5T 204.2}[8]
§19
基督与跟从祂的人应该休戚与共，利益一致；但世人会认为他们是分开的，是截然不同的，因为自称属基督的人与不信的人一样急于追求自己目标，自私地浪费他们的财物。把属世的兴旺放在首位；其他的事都置于次要的地位。基督的圣工必须等到他们为自己积累了一部分财富之后再考虑。他们不顾一切地增加自己的财富。生灵因不认识真理而灭亡。比起他们的收入，商品，房屋和地产，基督所为之死的人算得了什么呢？别人要等到他们预备好有所作为的时候再说。上帝称这些侍奉玛门的人是懒惰不忠心的仆人，但玛门却夸他们是他最殷勤最献身的仆人。他们牺牲主的财物去贪享安逸和娱乐。自我乃是他们的偶像。{5T204.3}[9]
§20
Christ’s interests and those of His followers should be one; but the world would judge that they are separate and distinct, for those who claim to be Christ’s pursue their own ends as eagerly, and waste their substance as selfishly, as nonprofessors. Worldly prosperity comes first; nothing is made equal to this. The cause of Christ must wait till they gather a certain portion for themselves. They must increase their gains at all?hazards. Souls must perish without a knowledge of the truth. Of what value is a soul for whom Christ died in comparison with their gains, their merchandise, their houses and lands? Souls must wait till they get prepared to do something. God calls these servers of Mammon slothful and unfaithful servants, but Mammon boasts of them as among his most diligent and devoted servants. They sacrifice their Lord’s goods to ease and enjoyment. Self is their idol.?{5T 204.3}[9]
§21
他们一点不做引人归向耶稣的事。耶稣却为了拯救我们而牺牲了一切！自私正在把善行和对基督的爱逐出教会。主的钱被数以百万计地浪费在满足属世的私欲上，而祂的库中却空空如也。我不知道如何把这个问题呈现在你们面前，象它被呈现在我面前一样。每年有成千上万的金钱花在满足服装的骄傲上。每一点财力都当用在我们的传道工作中。我蒙指示，许多家庭的餐桌上几乎摆满了珍馐美味，几乎每一个对精美服装的欲望都得到了满足。他们在从事兴旺的买卖，或在挣得颇为丰厚的薪资，但是几乎每块钱都花在自己或家人身上了。这是效法基督吗？这些人感到有何负担要仔细地节省并舍弃自己的爱好，以便可以为推进上帝在地上的圣工多出一点儿力呢？要是安德烈长老能得到一些如此浪费了钱财，就能获得极大的福气，使他得以延长寿命。如果有更多的财力用来实现更大的计划，传道工作就可百倍扩展。但上帝计划用在这个目的上的钱财，却被花费在据认为是舒适和幸福所必须的物品上。要是传播真理不是这么极需钱财，他们拥有那些物品可能就没有罪了。我的弟兄们，你们有多少人在求自己的事，并不求耶稣基督的事啊！{5T205.1}[10]
§22
Doing nothing to bring souls to Jesus, who sacrificed everything to bring salvation within our reach! Selfishness is driving benevolence and the love of Christ from the church. Millions of the Lord’s money are squandered in the gratification of worldly lust, while His treasury is left empty. I know not how to present this matter before you as it was presented to me. Thousands of dollars are spent every year in gratifying pride of dress. That very means should be used in our missions. I was shown families who load their tables with almost every luxury and gratify almost every desire for fine clothes. They are engaged in a prosperous business, or are earning good wages, but nearly every dollar is expended upon themselves or their families. Is this imitating Christ? What burden do these feel to carefully economize and deny inclination that they may do more to advance the work of God on earth? Should Elder Andrews have the advantage of some of the means thus needlessly expended, it would be a great blessing to him and give him advantages which would prolong his life. The missionary work might be enlarged a hundredfold if there were more means to employ in carrying out larger plans. But the means which God designed should be used for this very purpose is expended for articles which are thought necessary to comfort and happiness, and which there might be no sin in possessing were not means so greatly needed in extending the truth. How many of you, my brethren, are seeking your own and not the things which are Jesus Christ’s!?{5T 205.1}[10]
§23
假使基督住在每个人心里，各种形式的自私都从教会被驱除，结果会怎么样呢？就会见到和谐、团结和弟兄之爱，象在基督起初建立的教会里一样。各处都会有基督徒在积极活动。整个教会都会为上帝的荣耀燃起牺牲的火焰。每一个基督徒都会结出舍己的果子，在祭坛上牺牲自己。会有更多的活动，设计出有用的新方法，研究如何接近可怜的罪人，救他们脱离永远的灭亡。{5T206.1}[11]
§24
Suppose Christ should abide in every heart and selfishness in all its forms should be banished from the church, what would be the result? Harmony, unity, and brotherly love would be seen as verily as in the church which Christ first established. Christian activity would be seen everywhere. The whole church would be kindled into a sacrificial flame for the glory of God. Every Christian would cast in the fruit of his self-denial to be consumed upon the altar. There would be far greater activity in devising fresh methods of usefulness and in studying how to come close to poor sinners to save them from eternal ruin.?{5T 206.1}[11]
§25
我们的服装，若是朴素端庄；我们的餐桌上，若时常是简单而有助于健康的食物，避免一切奢侈浪费的珍馐美味；我们的房屋，若是建筑简朴及布置合适，就必显出真理使人成圣之力，及向非信徒有一种劝化的影响。反之，我们若在这类事上效法世俗，在有些方面且显出是与世人出奇争胜，那么，传扬真理的能力就很微小，甚或是完全无效了。若自称相信现代真理的人，以行为否认了他们的信仰，有谁还相信这庄严的真理呢？这并不是上帝向我们关闭了天上的窗户，乃是我们自己效法了世界的风习。{5T206.2}[12]
§26
Should we dress in plain, modest apparel, without reference to the fashions; should our tables at all times be set with simple, healthful food, avoiding all luxuries, all extravagance; should our houses be built with becoming plainness and furnished in the same manner, it would show the sanctifying power of the truth and would have a telling influence upon unbelievers. But while we conform to the world in these matters, in some cases apparently seeking to excel worldlings in fanciful arrangement, the preaching of the truth will have but little or no effect. Who will believe the solemn truth for this time when those who already profess to believe it contradict their faith by their works? It is not God who has closed the windows of heaven to us, but it is our own conformity to the customs and practices of the world.?{5T 206.2}[12]
§27
《启示录》第14章描述天使飞过空中，喊着说：“圣徒的忍耐就在此，他们是守上帝诫命和耶稣真道的”（启14:12）。在这里显明了上帝的子民工作的性质。他们有一道非常伟大的信息，所以圣经说是飞着将它传给世人。他们手中拿着即将饿死的世界所需的生命的粮。基督的爱激励着他们。这是最后的信息。在这信息完成其工作之后，就再没有信息，再没有怜悯的邀请发出了。这是多么严肃的使命啊！凡传达这个恩慈邀请之人身上负有多么神圣的责任啊：“圣灵和新妇都说：来！听见的人也该说：来！口渴的人也当来；愿意的，都可以白白取生命的水喝”（启22:17）。{5T206.3}[13]
§28
The third angel of?Revelation 14?is represented as flying swiftly through the midst of heaven crying: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Here is shown the nature of the work of the people of God. They have a message of so great importance that they are represented as flying in the presentation of it to the world. They are holding in their hands the bread of life for a famishing world. The love of Christ constraineth them. This is the?last message. There are no more to follow, no more invitations of mercy to be given after this message shall have done its work. What a trust! What a responsibility is resting upon all to carry the words of gracious invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”?{5T 206.3}[13]
§29
每一个听见的人都当说：来。不仅是传道人，也包括平信徒。所有的人都当加入这个邀请，不仅是藉他们的表白，也藉他们的品格和服装，都当拥有一种得人的感化力。他们为世人成了受托者，执行那赐人神圣真理之主的旨意。但愿大家都能感受到上帝使命的尊严与光荣。{5T207.1}[14]
§30
Everyone who heareth is to say: Come. Not only ministers, but the people. All are to join in the invitation. Not only by their profession, but by their character and dress, all are to have a winning influence. They are made trustees for the world, executors of the will of One who has bequeathed sacred truth to men. Would that all could feel the dignity and glory of their God-given trust.?{5T 207.1}[14]