第45章 青年人担任传道士
§1
第45章 青年人担任传道士
§2
Chap. 45—Young Men as Missionaries
§3
凡希望进入工作园地担任传道士、书报员或宣传员的青年人，应当首先为他们的恩召接受适当的智力训练，和进行特殊的准备。凡没有受过教育训练和培养的人，还不够资格进入那有知识和教育界的强大影响来敌挡真理的园地去工作。他们也不能有效地应付那由各种宗教和哲学谬论联合起来的荒诞邪说。因为要揭露这些谬论，必须掌握圣经的真理和科学的知识。{5T390.1}[1]
§4
Young men who desire to enter the field as ministers, colporteurs, or canvassers should first receive a suitable degree of mental training, as well as a special preparation for their calling. Those who are uneducated, untrained, and unrefined are not prepared to enter a field in which the powerful influences of talent and education combat the truths of God’s word. Neither can they successfully meet the strange forms of error, religious and philosophical combined, to expose which requires a knowledge of scientific as well as Scriptural truth.?{5T 390.1}[1]
§5
那些希望作传道士的人，更应感到按照圣经的方法接受传道训练的重要性。他们应当积极地投入圣工。当他们在学校学习的时候，要向大教师基督学习柔和与谦卑。守约的上帝已经应许要垂听祈祷，将祂的灵浇灌这些在基督学校里学习的人，使他们成为仁义的差役。{5T390.2}[2]
§6
Those especially who have the ministry in view should feel the importance of the Scriptural method of ministerial training. They should enter heartily into the work, and while they study in the schools they should learn of the Great Teacher the meekness and humility of Christ. A covenant-keeping God has promised that in answer to prayer His Spirit shall be poured out upon these learners in the school of Christ, that they may become ministers of righteousness.?{5T 390.2}[2]
§7
要将错误和假道驱出脑海，使圣经的真理和信仰进入人心，这确是一件艰巨的工作。在我们中间所建立的大学，乃是上帝所指定的方法，为要教育男女青年担任各部门的布道工作。上帝的旨意是要这些学校不是培养少数的工人，而是要培养许多的工人。然而撒但决意要破坏这个计划。他常常将上帝所要预备在圣工上有作为的人夺走了。有许多人若受到勉励，就必愿意为主服务，并借此拯救自己的灵魂。教会应当感觉到自己的重大责任。当他们有经济有能力可以造就有才能的人进入福音园地的时候，他们不可将上帝的恩典限制在自己狭小的范围内，闭塞了真理的光。{5T390.3}[3]
§8
There is hard work to be done in dislodging error and false doctrine from the head, that Bible truth and Bible religion may find a place in the heart. It was as a means ordained of God to educate young men and women for the various departments of missionary labor that colleges were established among us. It is God’s will that they send forth not merely a few, but many laborers. But Satan, determined to overthrow this purpose, has often secured the very ones whom God would qualify for places of usefulness in His work. There are many who would work if urged into service, and who would save their souls by thus working. The church should feel her great responsibility in shutting up the light of truth and restraining the grace of God within her own narrow limits when money and influence should be freely employed in bringing competent persons into the missionary field.?{5T 390.3}[3]
§9
我们应当预备成百的青年人在各水边散播真理的种子。我们所需要的乃是愿意推广十字架之胜利的人，是在艰难与反对之中仍然坚立不移的人，是具备那在福音园地中所必须的热诚，果断和信心的人。{5T391.1}[4]
§10
Hundreds of young men should have been preparing to act a part in the work of scattering the seeds of truth beside all waters. We want men who will push the triumphs of the cross; men who will persevere under discouragements and privations; who will have the zeal and resolution and faith that are indispensable in the missionary field.?{5T 391.1}[4]
§11
我们的各教会蒙召要以比从前所表现的更大的恳切来持住这项工作。每个教会都应做出特别的准备，培训自己的传道士，从而帮助完成那伟大的命令：“你们往普天下去，传福音给凡受造的听”（可16:15）。我的弟兄们哪，我们因尝试的太少，已经犯错有罪了。在国外的传道园地应该有更多的工人。我们中间有一些人，不必花时间和精力学习外语，就能成功地到外国宣讲真理。使徒时代教会的许多传道人，在蒙召去传扬基督那测不透的丰富的时候，曾神奇地讲说别国的方言。上帝既然从前如此乐意帮助祂的仆人，那么现今我们若训练那些本来是说外语的人，予以适当的鼓励，使他们将真理传给本国的人，难道我们还能怀疑祂不赐福给这样的事吗？如果那些进入国外福音园地的人善于物色各方面的人材，那么，我们在那里的工人就会比现有的更多了。但有些人的个性是，如果不符合他们的想法和计划，他们就不肯帮助。结果怎样呢？我们的传道士若是因疾病或死亡离开了他们的传道园地，哪里有受过教育的人来接替他们呢？{5T391.2}[5]
§12
Our churches are called upon to take hold of this work with far greater earnestness than has yet been manifested. Every church should make special provision for the training of its missionaries, thus aiding the fulfillment of the great command: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” My brethren, we have erred and sinned in attempting too little. There should be more laborers in the foreign missionary field. There are among us those who, without the toil and delay of learning a foreign language, might qualify themselves to proclaim the truth to other nations. In the primitive church, missionaries were miraculously endowed with a knowledge of the languages in which they were called to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. And if God was willing thus to help His servants then, can we doubt that His blessing will rest upon our efforts to qualify those who naturally possess a knowledge of foreign tongues, and who with proper encouragement would bear to their own countrymen the message of truth? We might have had more laborers in foreign missionary fields had those who entered these fields availed themselves of every talent within their reach. But some have had a disposition to refuse help if it did not come just according to their ideas and plans. And what is the result? If our missionaries were to be removed by sickness or death from their fields of labor, where are the men whom they have educated to fill their places??{5T 391.2}[5]
§13
我们没有一个传道士获得一切可用才干的配合。大量光阴就这样浪费了。我们因在外国完成的善工而欢喜快乐；然而若是采用了不同的工作计划，原本会有十倍、二十倍的成就；救人脱离错谬的捆绑，向耶稣呈上可蒙悦纳的奉献。{5T391.3}[6]
§14
Not one of our missionaries has secured the co-operation of every available talent. Much time has thus been lost. We rejoice in the good work which has been done in foreign lands; but had different plans of labor been adopted, tenfold, yes, twentyfold, more might have been accomplished; an?acceptable offering would have been presented to Jesus in many souls rescued from the bondage of error.?{5T 391.3}[6]
§15
每一个领受真理亮光的人，都应受教将这光传给别人。我们在外国的传道士应该感激地接受所提供给他们的每一帮助，每一便利。他们必须乐于有所冒险。我们拖延行善的机会，指望将来成就更大的事，乃是不蒙上帝喜悦的。每一个人都应跟随上帝天意的带领，而不求问于私利，也不全然信靠自己的判断。有人可能生性要在上帝想要成功之处看到失败；他们可能只看到巨人和坚固城，而一些具有更清晰眼光的人，还能看见上帝和众天使已准备好使祂的真理得胜。{5T392.1}[7]
§16
Everyone who receives the light of truth should be taught to bear the light to others. Our missionaries in foreign lands should gratefully accept every help, every facility, offered them. They must be willing to run some risk, to venture something. It is not pleasing to God that we defer present opportunities for doing good, in hope of accomplishing a greater work in the future. Each should follow the leadings of Providence, not consulting self-interest, and not trusting wholly to his own judgment. Some may be so constituted as to see failure where God intends success; they may see only giants and walled cities, where others, with clearer vision, see also God and angels ready to give victory to His truth.?{5T 392.1}[7]
§17
在某些情况下，青年人学习外语是必要的。他们最有效的学习方法就是与当地的人民交流，同时每天用一部分时间学习外语。但这样做也不过是一个必要的步骤，为要准备教导当地的人，适当地训练他们成为工人。最要紧的就是勉励那些能运用本国方言的人参加圣工。中年人学习外语是一件极不容易的事，他纵然尽心努力，仍不能流畅地讲外语，作一个有效的工人。{5T392.2}[8]
§18
It may in some cases be necessary that young men learn foreign languages. This they can do with most success by associating with the people, at the same time devoting a portion of each day to studying the language. This should be done, however, only as a necessary step preparatory to educating such as are found in the missionary field themselves, and who with proper training can become workers. It is essential that those be urged into the service who can speak in their mother tongue to the people of different nations. It is a great undertaking for a man of middle age to learn a foreign language, and with all his efforts it will be next to impossible for him to speak it so readily and correctly as to render him an efficient laborer.?{5T 392.2}[8]
§19
我们不值得把国内的中年和老年传道人的精力转到远方，差他们去参加那他们不够资格参加的，而且即或经过很多训练也难以适应的工作。这些人被派出后所留下的空缺，又是没有经验的人所不能补充的。{5T392.3}[9]
§20
We cannot afford to deprive our home missions of the influence of middle-aged and aged ministers to send them into distant fields, to engage in a work for which they are not qualified, and to which no amount of training will enable them to adapt themselves. The men thus sent out leave vacancies which inexperienced laborers cannot supply.?{5T 392.3}[9]
§21
教会可能要问：在国外设立和管理教会的重任，能不能交给青年人呢？我要回答说，上帝计划要他们在我们的学校里并在与有经验的人同工时受训，预备他们在圣工中担负有用的职务。我们必须信任我们的青年人，他们必须在一切需要付出劳苦和牺牲的工作中作先锋，而那些已经负担过责任的基督仆人要留作顾问，让他们勉励并祝福那些为上帝在最前线战斗的人。上帝曾经使这些老成练达的长辈，在早年体力和智力还没有充分发育的时候，就担负起艰巨而负责任的职务。这些重大的委托曾唤起他们的才能，积极的工作曾促进了他们体力和智力的发展。{5T392.4}[10]
§22
But the church may inquire whether young men can be trusted with the grave responsibilities involved in establishing and superintending a foreign mission. I answer: God?designed that they should be so trained in our colleges and by association in labor with men of experience that they would be prepared for departments of usefulness in this cause. We must manifest confidence in our young men. They should be pioneers in every enterprise involving toil and sacrifice, while the overtaxed servants of Christ should be cherished as counselors, to encourage and bless those who strike the heaviest blows for God. Providence thrust these experienced fathers into trying, responsible positions at an early age, when neither physical nor intellectual powers were fully developed. The magnitude of the trust committed to them aroused their energies, and their active labor in the work aided both mental and physical development.?{5T 392.4}[10]
§23
我们需要青年人。上帝呼召他们进入传道的园地。他们的负担和牵挂既然较轻，就比那些需要维持大家庭生计和教育的人更适于这项工作。况且青年人更容易适应新的气候和环境，更容易忍受艰难困苦。他们能机智耐心地接近当地的人民。{5T393.1}[11]
§24
Young men are wanted. God calls them to missionary fields. Being comparatively free from care and responsibilities, they are more favorably situated to engage in the work than are those who must provide for the training and support of a large family. Furthermore, young men can more readily adapt themselves to new climates and new society, and can better endure inconveniences and hardships. By tact and perseverance they can reach the people where they are.?{5T 393.1}[11]
§25
力量来自运用。凡运用上帝所赐之才干的人必增加才干为祂服务。凡在上帝的圣工上无所事事的人，必不能在恩典和真理的知识上长进。一个人若四肢不勤，他不久就会失去运用四肢的能力。同样，基督徒若不运用上帝所赐的能力，它就不但不可能在基督里成长，而且会失去他原有的能力，成为一个属灵的瘫子。凡本着爱上帝爱同胞的心努力帮助别人的人，必能在真理上得以稳固站立。真正的基督徒为上帝作工，不是出于一时冲动，而是按着原则，不是一日或一月，而是劳苦终生。{5T393.2}[12]
§26
Strength comes by exercise. All who put to use the ability which God has given them will have increased ability to devote to His service. Those who do nothing in the cause of God will fail to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. A man who would lie down and refuse to exercise his limbs would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God-given powers not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the strength which he already has; he becomes a spiritual paralytic. It is those who, with love for God and their fellow men, are striving to help others that become established, strengthened, settled, in the truth. The true Christian works for God, not from impulse, but from principle; not for a day or a month, but during the entire period of life.?{5T 393.2}[12]
§27
不藉着始终一贯的基督徒人生，我们的光又怎能照耀世界呢？我们若为基督无所事事，世人又怎能知道我们是属祂的呢？我们的救主说：“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”（太7:16）。主又说：“不与我相合的，就是敌我的”（路11:23）。在竭尽所有才能为基督效劳的人和凡为众生之敌效劳的人中间，没有什么中立地带。凡在主的葡萄园里闲站着的人，非但自己无所事事，更是阻拦那班试图工作的人们。撒但总是为凡不诚恳为自己和他人的得救而努力的人安排工作。{5T393.3}[13]
§28
How is our light to shine forth to the world unless it be?by our consistent Christian life? How is the world to know that we belong to Christ, if we do nothing for Him? Said our Saviour: “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” And again: “He that is not with Me is against Me.” There is no neutral ground between those who work to the utmost of their ability for Christ and those who work for the adversary of souls. Everyone who stands as an idler in the vineyard of the Lord is not merely doing nothing himself, but he is a hindrance to those who are trying to work. Satan finds employment for all who are not earnestly striving to secure their own salvation and the salvation of others.?{5T 393.3}[13]
§29
基督的教会很可以比作一支军队，每一士兵的生活都是劳苦，艰难而危险的。处处皆有机警的仇敌，为黑暗权势的大君所率领。他永不睡觉也从不离弃他的岗位。何时基督徒稍不谨防，这大有权势的仇敌就会突然发动猛攻。教会的信徒若不机敏警醒，就会被他的诡计所胜。{5T394.1}[14]
§30
The church of Christ may be fitly compared to an army. The life of every soldier is one of toil, hardship, and danger. On every hand are vigilant foes, led on by the prince of the powers of darkness, who never slumbers and never deserts his post. Whenever a Christian is off his guard, this powerful adversary makes a sudden and violent attack. Unless the members of the church are active and vigilant, they will be overcome by his devices.?{5T 394.1}[14]
§31
倘若一支军队半数的士兵当奉命值勤时都在懈怠或睡觉；结果必致败北，被俘，或阵亡。若有幸而逃脱敌手的，试问他们是否被视为配得奖赏呢？不；他们必迅速地被判处死刑。基督的教会若疏忽不忠，就牵连着更重大的后果。一支沉睡着的基督徒军兵──有什么比这更可怕啊！对于这在黑暗之君控制之下的世界，他们怎能抗拒制胜呢？那些在决战之日冷漠退后，对于斗争的终局表示漠不关心及不负责任的人们，倒不如马上改行或退伍。{5T394.2}[15]
§32
What if half the soldiers in an army were idling or asleep when ordered to be on duty; the result would be defeat, captivity, or death. Should any escape from the hands of the enemy, would they be thought worthy of a reward? No; they would speedily receive the sentence of death. And is the church of Christ careless or unfaithful, far more important consequences are involved. A sleeping army of Christian soldiers—what could be more terrible! What advance could be made against the world, who are under the control of the prince of darkness? Those who stand back indifferently in the day of battle, as though they had no interest and felt no responsibility as to the issue of the contest, might better change their course or leave the ranks at once.?{5T 394.2}[15]
§33
主正在呼召人参加福音工作，有谁愿意响应呢？参军的人不能个个都作将军，校官，士官，甚至上等兵。不是每个人都担负领袖的责任。此外还有别的艰苦工作要做。有的必须掘壕筑垒，有的必须站岗放哨，有的必须传递信息。军中的官长虽然只有几位，却需要许多士兵，才能组成队伍，然而全军的胜利，则有赖于每个士兵的忠心。一个人的胆怯或不忠，往往能造成全军的不幸。{5T394.3}[16]
§34
The Master calls for gospel workers. Who will respond? All who enter the army are not to be generals, captains, sergeants, or even corporals. All have not the care and responsibility of leaders. There is hard work of other kinds to be done. Some must dig trenches and build fortifications; some?are to stand as sentinels, some to carry messages. While there are but few officers, it requires many soldiers to form the rank and file of the army; yet its success depends upon the fidelity of every soldier. One man’s cowardice or treachery may bring disaster upon the entire army.?{5T 394.3}[16]
§35
我们若要打那美好信心的仗，每一个人都有一番认真的工作要做。永恒的福利正危如累卵。我们务须穿戴全副公义的军装，我们务须抵挡魔鬼。我们也有确切的应许，说明他必致战败逃跑。教会应当发动进攻，为基督去打胜仗，拯救生灵脱离仇敌的权势。上帝与圣天使也都参与这场战争。但愿我们得蒙那位召我们当兵之主的喜悦。{5T395.1}[17]
§36
There is earnest work to be done by us individually if we would fight the good fight of faith. Eternal interests are at stake. We must put on the whole armor of righteousness, we must resist the devil, and we have the sure promise that he will be put to flight. The church is to conduct an aggressive warfare, to make conquests for Christ, to rescue souls from the power of the enemy. God and holy angels are engaged in this warfare. Let us please Him who has called us to be soldiers.?{5T 395.1}[17]
§37
在这项工作上大家都能有所作为。他们若不恳切无私地为拯救生灵而工作，在上帝面前就不能算为无罪。教会应藉着言传身教使青少年成为基督的工人。有许多人抱怨自己的疑惑，悲叹自己与上帝的关系没有保证。这往往可归因于他们在上帝的圣工中无所事事。但愿他们恳切努力地帮助并造福他人，他们的疑惑和失望就会消失了。{5T395.2}[18]
§38
All can do something in the work. None will be pronounced guiltless before God unless they have worked earnestly and unselfishly for the salvation of souls. The church should teach the youth, both by precept and example, to be workers for Christ. There are many who complain of their doubts, who lament that they have no assurance of their connection with God. This is often attributable to the fact that they are doing nothing in God’s cause. Let them seek earnestly to help and bless others, and their doubts and despondency will disappear.?{5T 395.2}[18]
§39
许多自称跟从基督的人，说话行事好像他们的名对上帝的圣工来说是极大荣誉似的，可是他们却不负任何责任，也没争取一个人归向真理。这种人活得好像上帝对他们没有任何要求一样。他们若是继续这种行径，最终就必发现他们对上帝也没什么可要求的。{5T395.3}[19]
§40
Many who profess to be followers of Christ speak and act as though their names were a great honor to the cause of God, while they bear no burdens and win no souls to the truth. Such persons live as though God had no claims upon them. If they continue in this course they will find at last that they have no claims upon God.?{5T 395.3}[19]
§41
上帝已按着各人的才干，“分派各人当作的工”（可13:34）。祂决不会叫忠心尽职的人得不着奖赏。每一件忠诚和信实的行为，必得到上帝特别的恩赐和嘉许。祂应许每一个工人说：“那带种流泪出去的，必要欢欢乐乐地带禾捆回来”（诗126:6）。{5T395.4}[20]
§42
He who has appointed “to every man his work,” according to his ability, will never let the faithful performance of duty go unrewarded. Every act of loyalty and faith will be crowned with special tokens of God’s favor and approbation. To every worker is given the promise: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”?{5T 395.4}[20]