第72章 不圣洁的野心
§1
第72章 不圣洁的野心
§2
Chap. 72—Unholy Ambition
§3
亲爱的N弟兄和姐妹：你们虽然没有告诉我有没有收到我的上一封信，我还是感到有必要再给你们写信。我既蒙指示看到你们的危险，就忍不住要使你们铭记存谦卑的心与上帝同行的必要性。只要你们对自己保持谦卑的看法，你们就是安全的。但我知道你们的心灵处在危险之中。你们在为自己的脚谋求更宽的路，要离开谦卑的圣洁之路，就是通向上帝之城的正道。你们有太多自我，太少基督的柔和谦卑了。你们太多自尊自信，太少信靠上帝了。你们本性中不和的成分大为发展，难以驾驭的情欲已具有一种控制性能力。骄傲和虚荣在谋求霸权。我知道仇敌在强烈地诱惑你们。你们唯一的安全在于完全遵从上帝的旨意。你们必须顺服；你们得救的唯一指望就是将自己完全献给基督。你们若存谦卑的心行在主面前，祂就能与你们的努力同工，祂的能力也必在你们的软弱上显得完全。基督是我们的救主。为了你们的益处也为我的益处，祂已说过：“离了我，你们就不能做什么”（约15:5）。你们愿意多一些耶稣，少一些自我吗？{5T586.2}[1]
§4
Dear Brother and Sister N,Although I have received from you no acknowledgment of my last letter, I feel drawn out to write to you again. I have been shown your danger, and cannot forbear to impress upon your minds the necessity of walking humbly with God. You will be safe as long as you have humble views of self. But I know that your souls are in peril. You are seeking for a broader path for your feet than the humble path of holiness, the royal way that leads to the city of God. You have too much of self and too little of the meekness and lowliness of Christ. You have much self-esteem and self-confidence, and little faith in God. The discordant elements in your nature are largely developed. Unruly passions have a controlling power. Pride and vanity seek for the supremacy. I know that the enemy is tempting you sorely. Your only safety is in entire conformity to the will of God. Submission is necessary on your part; a complete consecration of yourselves to Christ is your only hope of salvation. If you walk in humility of mind before the Lord, then He can work with your efforts, and His strength will be made perfect in your weakness. Christ is our Saviour. He has said for your benefit and for mine: “Without Me ye can do nothing.” Oh, will you have more of Jesus, and less of self??{5T 586.2}[1]
§5
N弟兄，你不是生来就献身的，因此需要作出不断的努力以培养信心。对你来说，很容易在你的经验中失去基督。主在过去已赐给你祂的福惠，那福惠对你的心灵来说是多么甜美啊！它给了你何等的安慰，何等的勇气啊！你的立场是要抬高教育，但我实话告诉你，那种教育若不藉宗教原则得到平衡，就必成为一种行恶的能力。{5T586.3}[2]
§6
Brother N, you are not naturally devotional and hence need to make constant efforts to cultivate faith. It is easy for you to drop Christ out of your experience. The Lord has given you His blessing in the past, and how sweet it was to your soul! What?comfort, what courage, it gave you! Your passion is to exalt education, but I speak the truth when I tell you that education, unless balanced by religious principles, will be a power for evil.?{5T 586.3}[2]
§7
我不愿被动地看着你象别人一样走进致命的欺骗中，以为安息日复临信徒在观念上太狭隘了，行走的路太昏暗了；以为他们偏要更加声名狼藉，更加鹤立鸡群；以为我们各学校中的教师应该更多致力于各学科的教育而不要把那么多宗教交织在他们的教育中。当这种种子落在学生们心里时，它就会迅速生长，结出你将不愿收获的果实。{5T587.1}[3]
§8
I am not willing to look on passively and see you go as others have gone in the fatal delusion that Seventh-day Adventists are too narrow in their ideas, are traveling in too obscure a path; that they must needs have greater notoriety and rise to greater eminence; that the teachers in our schools should give their powers more exclusively to the sciences and not weave religion into so much of their education. When this seed is dropped into the hearts of students, it will develop rapidly into a harvest which you will not covet to reap.?{5T 587.1}[3]
§9
我们可以说是在永恒世界的边界上，你若在这个学校为建校的初衷工作，就必在很大程度上从圣经施教了。你必不高抬任何研究在圣经的研究之上。我国的其它学校不可作为你的模范。{5T587.2}[4]
§10
We are, as it were, on the very borders of the eternal world, and if you do the work in this school for which it was founded you must educate largely from the Book of all books. You must not exalt any other study above that of the Bible. Other schools in our land are not to be taken as your pattern.?{5T 587.2}[4]
§11
我蒙指示，你被那种几乎完全排斥了宗教要素的教育路线迷住了。在我国有许多这个等次的学校，学生们若是渴望受那种训练，他们可以去那些学校。但这所学校必须具有一种不同的性质；它的每个部门都必须有上帝的模式。{5T587.3}[5]
§12
I have been shown that you are charmed with that line of education from which the religious element is almost entirely excluded. There are numerous schools of this order in our land, where students can go if they desire that kind of training. But this school must be of a different character; it must have the mold of God in every department.?{5T 587.3}[5]
§13
耶稣和祂的爱应该交织在所施的一切教育中，作为学生们可获得的最佳知识。“敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端”（箴9:10）。校长若是在他野心勃勃的计划中飞离一切智慧之源，以为圣经的宗教会夹住他的翅膀，他就必发现自己充其量不过是一个肥皂泡而已。因而为了你心灵的缘故，要把生命之君带入每个计划，每个组织中。在你的学校中有再多的耶稣再多的圣经历史也不过分。{5T587.4}[6]
§14
Jesus and His love should be interwoven with all the education given, as the very best knowledge the students can have. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” If the principal, in his ambitious projects, soars away from the Source of all wisdom and thinks that Bible religion will clip his wings, he will find that he amounts to no more than a soap bubble. Then for your soul’s sake bring the Prince of life into every plan, every organization. You cannot have too much of Jesus or of Scripture history in your school.?{5T 587.4}[6]
§15
我们有真理吗？我们正生活在这世界历史的末期吗？基督在门口吗？这些问题是要我们大家解决的。教育应该总是具有一种高尚、圣洁的等次，而且这种需要现在比以前更为迫切了。信徒被挪移离开这个世界的事不久就要完成了。因而为何不将心与灵的全部精力都奉献给上帝呢？{5T587.5}[7]
§16
Have we the truth? Are we living in the closing period of this earth’s history? Is Christ at the door? These are questions?for us all to settle. Education ought always to be of a high, holy order, and the need is more imperative now than ever before. The removal of the faithful from this world will soon be accomplished. Then why not bring all the energies of mind and soul into entire consecration to God??{5T 587.5}[7]
§17
决不要隐藏你的旗帜，决不要将你的灯藏在斗底下或床底下，而要放在灯台上，好使它的光可以照亮全家的人。你和某地与你在一起的教师们注意机会教导别人了吗？你们求智慧去做你们能做的一切善事了吗？你们设法唤起那些熟人注意圣经真理了吗？你们岂不是因为耻于被认为是上帝特殊的子民而把你们的旗帜拖曳在背后了吗？“凡把我和我的道当做可耻的，人子在祂父的荣耀里，同圣天使……降临的时候，也要把那人当做可耻的”（可8:38）。你若愿意每日只以基督为粮，就会成为真正的教育家了。{5T588.1}[8]
§18
Never hide your colors, never put your light under a bushel or under a bed, but set it on a candlestick, that it may give light to all that are in the house. Did you and the teachers who were with you at ----- watch for opportunities to enlighten others? Did you seek in wisdom to do all the good you possibly could? Did you try to call the attention of those whose acquaintance you formed, to Bible truths? Did you not drag your colors behind you because you were ashamed to be regarded as God’s peculiar people? “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of Me and of My words; ... of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when He cometh in the glory of His Father.” If you would only feed on Christ daily then you could be a true educator.?{5T 588.1}[8]
§19
我的弟兄啊，你有危险试图一次讲太多。没人要求你做冗长的演讲，或讲论一般人不会理解不会赏识的题目。你有危险详述梯顶的题目，而那些正受你教导的人却需要受教知道如何成功地登上梯子最初的几档。你谈论的事是那些不熟悉我们信仰的人无法听懂的；因此你的演讲不是有趣的，不是适合听你演讲的那些人的食物。{5T588.2}[9]
§20
My brother, there is danger of your trying to communicate too much at one time. You are not required to make lengthy speeches or to talk upon subjects that will not be understood or appreciated by common people. There is danger of your dwelling upon themes at the very top of the ladder, when those whom you are instructing need to be taught how to climb successfully its first rounds. You talk of things which those unacquainted with our faith cannot comprehend; hence your speeches are not interesting. They are not food for those whom you address.?{5T 588.2}[9]
§21
耶稣是世上曾知道的最伟大的教育家。与祂的学问相比较，人间最高的学问也是愚昧。但祂的教导是那么简单，以致所有人都能听懂，无论是有学识的还是没有学识的。祂从不努力炫耀祂深奥的知识，因为这是他们不能理解的。你似乎以为你的长篇演讲有一种特别的影响，会照你所希望的塑造你的听众，但你在这事上必定失败。你若愿意少讲论多祈祷，就会有好得多的影响；上帝乃是你的力量之源。{5T588.3}[10]
§22
Jesus was the greatest educator the world ever knew. In comparison with His knowledge the highest human knowledge is foolishness. But His instructions were so simple that all understood Him, both learned and unlearned. He made no effort to show His deep knowledge, for this they could not have understood. You seem to think your long talks have a?special influence to mold and fashion your hearers just as you wish, but you will certainly fail in this. You would have a much better influence if you would talk less and pray more; God is your source of strength.?{5T 588.3}[10]
§23
你在各学科中关于教育的长篇演讲对上帝的天使们来说是痛苦的，他们在不断地热心积极地设法使人们的思想感情注意天上的事。灵魂正在沦亡，而你却疏忽了照基督已赐你的榜样用受托的才干作工。你自己的灵命在基督的知识上是矮小残废的。你正大受损失，因为你被一种不能救灵之教育的精神和习尚弄瞎了眼睛。{5T589.1}[11]
§24
Your long speeches on education in the sciences are painful to the angels of God, who are constantly and intensely active in seeking to call the thoughts and affections to heavenly things. Souls are perishing while you neglect to work with your entrusted talents as Christ has given you an example. Souls will be lost under your long, Christless speeches. Your own soul is dwarfed and crippled in the knowledge of Christ. You are losing very much because you are blinded by the spirit and customs of an education which will not save the soul.?{5T 589.1}[11]
§25
年轻人需要你的工作。你若是一个悔改归正的人，每日在基督的门下学习功课，你的工作就会成为活的香气叫人活。你就能存忍耐和仁爱的心，本着上帝的能力为心灵易受试探的年轻人作工。要把你消耗在长篇演讲上的部分时间，用来为需要你帮助的年轻人作个人之工。要教导他们知道上帝对他们的要求；与他们一同祈祷。有许多人被坚如铁镣的恶习捆绑着。可怜的受害者们被撒但的种种诱惑物的魅力迷住了，不能挣脱，本着天赐的自由站立。他们已失丧多年；这刚刚开始的一年他们还要失丧吗？该校的校长会醒悟自己的责任，奉献自己的心思意念以拯救学生们吗？不然的话，就让另一个人取代他吧。开支不断，同时在建校的初衷上却几乎无所作为是不应该的。{5T589.2}[12]
§26
The youth need your labor. If you were a converted man, daily learning lessons in the school of Christ, then your labors would be a savor of life unto life. Then you could work with patience and love, and in the power of God, for the souls of youth who are exposed to temptation. Devote a portion of the time you consume in long addresses, to personal labor for the youth who need your help. Teach them the claims of God are upon them; pray with them. There are many who are bound in evil habits with fetters as firm as steel. The poor victims are fascinated with the charms of Satan’s allurements and are unable to break away and stand in God-given freedom. They have lost years; shall they lose the year just entered upon? Will the principal of the school awaken to a sense of his responsibilities and give his mind and heart to the salvation of the students? If not, then let another take his place. Expenses should not run on and on, while nothing, or next to nothing, is done in the very line for which the school was brought into existence.?{5T 589.2}[12]
§27
心与灵的能力岂可被误用吗？岂可失去机会吗？岂可日复一日履行形式和常规而毫无所得吗？唉，要醒来，醒来！师生们哪，要在为时太晚之前醒来。要在你们听到那苍白痛苦的嘴唇发出可怕的哀号之前醒来：“麦秋已过，夏令已完，我们还未得救”（耶8:20）。{5T589.3}[13]
§28
Shall the powers of mind and soul be misapplied? Shall opportunities be lost? Shall a form and routine be gone through day after day, with nothing gained? Oh, awake, awake! teachers?and pupils, before it is too late. Awake before you hear from pale and agonized lips the terrible wail: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”?{5T 589.3}[13]
§29
每位教师的恩赐和才干都被善用于使学生们得到最佳益处了吗？谁在注意有利的时机讲说仁慈与爱的话语呢？谁喜爱讲祂的故事呢？祂如此爱了世人，甚至舍了自己的性命来救赎失丧沦亡的罪人。要训练青年人，要塑造品格，要为将来不朽的生命教育、教育、再教育。要常常祷告。祈求上帝赐给你一种恳求的精神。不要觉得你们已经做了教师的工作，除非你们能使学生们信靠耶稣并爱祂。要让基督的爱充满在你自己的心中，然后你就会不知不觉地将之教导他人了。你们作教师的若毫无保留地把自己交给耶稣，让祂来带领、来指导、来支配，你们就不会失败。教导你们的学生作基督徒乃是摆在你们面前的最伟大的工作。要转向上帝；祂既听祷告也应允祷告。要摆脱你们的质问，疑惑和不信。你们的教导不要带一点苛刻严厉的成分。不要太过苛求，而要培养温柔的同情和仁爱。要使人感到愉快振奋。不要责骂，不要太严厉地责难；要坚定，要宽广，要象基督一样，满有怜悯，谦恭礼貌。“人种的是什么，收的也是什么”（加6:7）。{5T590.1}[14]
§30
Are the gifts and talents of every educator improved for the very best good of the pupils? Who is watching for a favorable moment to speak words of kindness and love? Who loves to tell the story of Him who so loved the world that He gave His life to redeem lost and perishing sinners? Train the youth, mold the character, educate, educate, educate, for the future, immortal life. Pray often. Plead with God to give you a spirit of supplication. Do not feel that your work as teachers is done unless you can lead your scholars to faith in Jesus and love for Him. Let the love of Christ pervade your own souls, and then you will unconsciously teach it to others. When you as instructors commit yourselves unreservedly to Jesus, for Him to lead, to guide, to control, you will not fail. Teaching your students to be Christians is the greatest work before you. Go to God; He hears and answers prayer. Put from you questionings, doubts, and unbelief. Let no harshness come into your teaching. Be not too exacting, but cultivate tender sympathy and love. Be cheerful. Do not scold, do not censure too severely; be firm, be broad, be Christlike, pitiful, courteous. “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”?{5T 590.1}[14]
§31
我无法向你们表达我心里的强烈愿望，就是你们都该趁主可以寻见的时候极其恳切地寻求祂。我们正在上帝的预备日。不要让任何事被认为是足以值得吸引你们的心离开为审判大日作准备的事。要准备好。不要让冰冷的不信控制你们的心，使你们远离上帝，而要让祂的爱燃烧在你们内心的祭坛上。{5T590.2}[15]
§32
I cannot express to you the intense desire of my soul that you should all seek the Lord most earnestly while He may be found. We are in the day of God’s preparation. Let nothing be regarded as of sufficient worth to draw your minds from the work of preparing for the great day of judgment. Get ready. Let not cold unbelief hold your souls away from God, but let His love burn on the altar of your hearts.?{5T 590.2}[15]