第18章 改革的障碍
§1
第18章 改革的障碍
§2
Chap. 18—Hindrances to Reform
§3
在我们的学校中已实施一定程度的圣经教育。在改革方面，也已做出了一些努力；但最困难的是在长期习惯于普通的方法之后，再采用正确的原则。当初着手改革这些旧习惯时，有严重的考验临到那些要行在上帝所指出之道路上的人。错误已经犯下，造成了很大的损失。有一些障碍会把我们留在平庸世俗的阵线上，阻止我们接受真教育的原则。从那些未悔改的人所处人类自私，不信和冷漠的低下立场来看，正确的原则和方法似乎是错误的。{6T141.1}[1]
§4
To some extent the Bible has been introduced into our schools, and some efforts have been made in the direction of reform; but it is most difficult to adopt right principles after having been so long accustomed to popular methods. The first attempts to change the old customs brought severe trials upon those who would walk in the way which God has pointed out. Mistakes have been made, and great loss has resulted. There have been hindrances which have tended to keep us in common, worldly lines, and to prevent us from grasping true educational principles. To the unconverted, who view matters from the lowlands of human selfishness, unbelief, and indifference, right principles and methods have appeared wrong.?{6T 141.1}[1]
§5
一些没有完全悔改的教师与管理人员，已成了别人的绊脚石。他们同意做一些事情，进行了一半的改革；但当更大的知识临到时，他们却拒绝前进，宁可照自己的观点行事。他们如此行，无异是摘食了那将人置于上帝之上的分别善恶树的果子。“现在你们要敬畏耶和华，诚心实意地事奉祂，将你们列祖在大河那边和在埃及所事奉的神除掉，去事奉耶和华。若是你们以事奉耶和华为不好，今日就可以选择所要事奉的。”“若耶和华是上帝，就当顺从耶和华；若巴力是上帝，就当顺从巴力”(书24:14,15；王上18:21)。当亮光临到我们时，我们若是前进，我们的属灵状况原会远超过现在。{6T141.2}[2]
§6
Some teachers and managers who are only half converted are stumbling blocks to others. They concede some things and make half reforms; but when greater knowledge comes, they refuse to advance, preferring to work according to their own ideas. In doing this they pluck and eat of that tree of knowledge which places the human above the divine. “Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve.” “If the Lord be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.”?Joshua 24:14, 15;?1 Kings 18:21. We should have been far in advance of our present spiritual condition had we moved forward as the light came to us.?{6T 141.2}[2]
§7
在提倡新方法时，人们提出了这么多疑问，召开了这么多的会议，来寻找每一个困难，结果使改革者受到阻碍，有些人就此止步，不再推进改革了。他们似乎抑制不住疑惑和批评的逆流。在雅典，很少有人接受福音，因为人们因自己的聪明和属世的智慧而心存骄傲，视基督的福音为愚拙。然而“上帝的愚拙总比人智慧，上帝的软弱总比人强壮。”“我们却是传钉十字架的基督。在犹太人为绊脚石，在外邦人为愚拙，但在那蒙召的，无论是犹太人，希腊人，基督总为上帝的能力，上帝的智慧”（林前1:25,23,24）。{6T141.3}[3]
§8
When new methods have been advocated, so many doubtful questions have been introduced, so many?councils held that every difficulty might be discerned, that reformers have been handicapped, and some have ceased to urge reforms. They seem unable to stem the current of doubt and criticism. Comparatively few received the gospel in Athens because the people cherished pride of intellect and worldly wisdom, and counted the gospel of Christ foolishness. But “the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” Therefore “we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.”?1 Corinthians 1:25, 23, 24.?{6T 141.3}[3]
§9
现今我们要从头开始。应当尽心，尽性，尽意进行这些改革。谬论虽然年深日久；但岁月并不能将谬论变成真理，也不能使真理变为谬论。我们随从旧的风俗习惯太久了。现今主愿意除掉教师及学生们的每一错误观念。我们不能单单因为风尚如此，便随意教授那迎合世界标准或教会标准的事物。当以基督所授的教训为标准。主有关我们学校的指示，要严格遵从。要不是有些地方的教育与我们一些学校所实行的截然不同，我们就不需要花钱买地建筑校舍了。{6T142.1}[4]
§10
We need now to begin over again. Reforms must be entered into with heart and soul and will. Errors may be hoary with age; but age does not make error truth, nor truth error. Altogether too long have the old customs and habits been followed. The Lord would now have every idea that is false put away from teachers and students. We are not at liberty to teach that which shall meet the world’s standard or the standard of the church, simply because it is the custom to do so. The lessons which Christ taught are to be the standard. That which the Lord has spoken concerning the instruction to be given in our schools is to be strictly regarded; for if there is not in some respects an education of an altogether different character from that which has been carried on in some of our schools, we need not have gone to the expense of purchasing lands and erecting school buildings.?{6T 142.1}[4]
§11
有些人会强调，如果把宗教教育列为主要课程，我们的学校就会不受欢迎；那些与我们信仰不同的人就不会来入学的。那好，就让他们到别的学校去吧，他们在那里可以找到合乎他们口味的教育制度。撒但的目的就是要用这些顾虑，来阻碍我们学校建立的宗旨。管理人员受撒但的诡计所阻扰，便考虑效法世人的样式，模仿他们的计划，效法他们的惯例。许多人已显明是缺少从上头来的智慧，与上帝和真理之敌合作，为学生们筹备世俗的娱乐。他们这样做，招致上帝不悦，因为他们误导了青年，为撒但效劳。他们必须为这种工作及其后果，在上帝的审判台前交账。{6T142.2}[5]
§12
Some will urge that if religious teaching is to be made prominent our schools will become unpopular; that those who are not of our faith will not patronize them. Very well; then let them go to other schools, where they will find a system of education that suits their taste. It is Satan’s?purpose by these considerations to prevent the attainment of the object for which our schools were established. Hindered by his devices, the managers reason after the manner of the world and copy its plans and imitate its customs. Many have so far shown their lack of wisdom from above as to join with the enemies of God and the truth in providing worldly entertainments for the students. In doing this they bring upon themselves the frown of God, for they mislead the youth and do a work for Satan. This work, with all its results, they must meet at the bar of God.?{6T 142.2}[5]
§13
采取这种做法的人，表明是靠不住的。在犯下错误之后，他们也许会承认自己的错误；但他们怎么能消除自己所产生的影响呢？对于这些不忠于委托的人，主人岂能说“好”呢？这些不忠实的工匠没有在永恒的磐石上建设，他们的根基将证明是流沙。当主命令我们与世人区别，作特别的子民之时，我们怎么能追求名望，设法模仿世人的风俗习惯呢？“岂不知与世俗为友，就是与上帝为敌么？所以凡想要与世俗为友的，就是与上帝为敌了”（雅4:4）。{6T143.1}[6]
§14
Those who pursue such a course show that they cannot be trusted. After the evil has been done, they may confess their error; but can they undo the influence they have exerted? Will the “well done” be spoken to those who have been false to their trust? These unfaithful workmen have not built upon the eternal Rock, and their foundation will prove to be sliding sand. When the Lord requires us to be distinct and peculiar, how can we crave popularity or seek to imitate the customs and practices of the world? “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”?James 4:4.?{6T 143.1}[6]
§15
降低标准以博取声望，使人数增加，并以此为乐，证明是非常盲目的。如果以人数来作为成功的凭据，撒但是首屈一指的；因为在这世界上，随从他的人占绝大多数。要试验学校成功与否，需看这所学校所弥漫道德气氛的程度。我们的学校，不要以人数，而要以学校人员的美德，知识和敬虔，作为快乐和感恩的理由。因此，我们岂可让我们的学校变得象世界的一样，效法世界的风俗和时尚呢？“所以弟兄们，我以上帝的慈悲劝你们，……不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为上帝的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意”（罗12:1,2）。{6T143.2}[7]
§16
To lower the standard in order to secure popularity and an increase of numbers, and then to make this increase a cause of rejoicing, shows great blindness. If numbers were an evidence of success, Satan might claim the pre-eminence; for in this world his followers are largely in the majority. It is the degree of moral power pervading a school that is a test of its prosperity. It is the virtue, intelligence, and piety of the people composing our schools, not their numbers, that should be a source of joy and thankfulness. Then shall our schools become converted to the world and follow its customs and fashions? “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye?... be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”?Romans 12:1, 2.?{6T 143.2}[7]
§17
人们要千方百计缩小安息日复临信徒与守每周第一日的人之间的差异。我看到一班名为安息日复临信徒的人提议说，那使我们成为特别子民的旗帜或标志，不要这样鲜明地张扬。他们说，这对于我们机构的成功，不是最好的策略。但现在我们不该扯下旗帜，以我们的信仰为耻。这面特殊的旗帜上写着，“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），应当在世上挥舞，直到宽容时期的结束。当我们在各地努力推展圣工的时候，不可隐瞒我们的信仰，以求人的赞助。真理必须传与那些行将灭亡的生灵；如果用什么方法遮盖起来，就是羞辱了上帝，那些人的血也要染在我们的衣服上。{6T144.1}[8]
§18
Men will employ every means to make less prominent the difference between Seventh-day Adventists and observers of the first day of the week. A company was presented before me under the name of Seventh-day Adventists, who were advising that the banner, or sign, which makes us a distinct people should not be held out so strikingly; for they claimed that this was not the best policy in order to secure success to our institutions. But this is not a time to haul down our colors, to be ashamed of our faith. This distinctive banner, described in the words, “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus,” is to be borne through the world to the close of probation. While efforts should be increased to advance in different localities, there must be no cloaking of our faith to secure patronage. Truth must come to souls ready to perish; and if it is in any way hidden, God is dishonored, and the blood of souls will be upon our garments.?{6T 144.1}[8]
§19
只要我们机构的工作人员存谦卑的心与上帝同行，天上的生灵就会与他们合作。但愿大家都记住主上帝所说的话：“尊重我的，我必重看他”（撒上2:30）。任何人都不可片时心存这样的观念，以为他在不信的世人面前掩盖自己的信仰和道理，是对他有益的，因他害怕若是他的原则被人知道了，人就不会那样看重他。基督要求跟从祂的人公开勇敢地承认信仰。每一个人都必须站好自己的立场，实现上帝对他的理想，成为一台戏，给世界，天使和人类观看。全宇宙正以说不出来的兴趣，关注基督与撒但之间大斗争的结局。每一个基督徒都应当作光，不是藏在斗底下或床底下，而是放在灯台上，照亮全屋的人。切不可因为懦弱或世俗的策略，将上帝的真理置之脑后。{6T144.2}[9]
§20
Just as long as those in connection with our institutions walk humbly with God, heavenly intelligences will co-operate with them; but let all bear in mind the fact that God has said: “Them that honor Me I will honor.”?1 Samuel 2:30. Never for one moment should the impression be given to anyone that it would be for his profit to hide his faith and doctrines from the unbelieving people of the world, fearing that he may not be so highly esteemed if his principles are known. Christ requires from all His followers open, manly confession of faith. Each must take his position and be what God designed he should be, a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. The whole?universe is looking with inexpressible interest to see the closing work of the great controversy between Christ and Satan. Every Christian is to be a light, not hid under a bushel or under a bed, but put on a candlestick, that light may be given to all who are in the house. Never, from cowardice or worldly policy, let the truth of God be placed in the background.?{6T 144.2}[9]
§21
我们的学校在虽然许多方面已随从世俗，一步一步向世界靠拢，但仍然是“被囚而有指望的”（亚9：11）。命运并没有将它们的工程牢牢地缠住，使它们必须留在飘摇不定的无助境地。如果它们愿意听上帝的声音，遵行祂的道，祂就必纠正它们，开导它们，把它们带回与世俗不同的正确立场。当我们看清按基督的原则作工的好处，将自我隐藏在基督里时，我们就会取得更大的进步。因为每一个工人都会感觉到自己人性的软弱。他会恳求上帝的智慧和恩典，领受上帝的帮助，作为应付每一次紧急情况的保障。{6T145.1}[10]
§22
Though in many respects our institutions of learning have swung into worldly conformity, though step by step they have advanced toward the world, they are prisoners of hope. Fate has not so woven its meshes about their workings that they need to remain helpless and in uncertainty. If they will listen to His voice and follow in His ways, God will correct and enlighten them, and bring them back to their upright position of distinction from the world. When the advantage of working upon Christian principles is discerned, when self is hid in Christ, much greater progress will be made; for each worker will feel his own human weakness; he will supplicate for the wisdom and grace of God, and will receive the divine help that is pledged for every emergency.?{6T 145.1}[10]
§23
逆境应造就克服它们的坚定决心。突破了一层难关，会使人获得前进的更大的力量与勇气。朝正确的方向前进吧，作出扎实聪明的改变。这样，环境就会成为你的助手而不是你的障碍了。开始吧。合抱之木，生于毫末。{6T145.2}[11]
§24
Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. One barrier broken down will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press in the right direction, and make a change, solidly, intelligently. Then circumstances will be your helpers and not your hindrances. Make a beginning. The oak is in the acorn.?{6T 145.2}[11]
§25
【致教师和管理人员】
§26
我呼吁我们学校的教职员运用健全的判断力在更高的水平上工作。我们的教育设施必须清除一切垃圾。我们的机构若要克服障碍，就必须按基督化的原则管理。如果按世俗的策略计划进行管理，在工作中就会缺乏稳定性和属灵的远见。基督第一次降世前世界的状况，反映了祂第二次降临前世界的情况。犹太民族毁灭是因为他们拒绝了天上所赐救恩的信息。现代蒙上帝赐予大光和奇妙机会的人，难道要重蹈那些拒绝真光导致毁灭之人的覆辙吗？{6T145.3}[12]
§27
【To Teachers and Managers】
§28
I call upon our school faculties to use sound judgment and to work on a higher plane. Our educational facilities must be purified from all dross. Our institutions must be conducted on Christian principles if they would triumph?over opposing obstacles. If they are conducted on worldly-policy plans, there will be a want of solidity in the work, a want of farseeing spiritual discernment. The condition of the world previous to the first appearing of Christ is a picture of the condition of the world just previous to His second advent. The Jewish people were destroyed because they rejected the message of salvation sent down from heaven. Shall those in this generation to whom God has given great light and wonderful opportunities follow in the trend of those who rejected light to their ruin??{6T 145.3}[12]
§29
现今许多人脸上都蒙着帕子。这些帕子就是赞同属世的风俗习惯，以致看不见主的荣耀。上帝希望我们定睛仰望祂，好叫我们不再看见这个世界的事。{6T146.1}[13]
§30
Many today have veils upon their faces. These veils are sympathy with the customs and practices of the world, which hide from them the glory of the Lord. God desires us to keep our eyes fixed upon Him, that we may lose sight of the things of this world.?{6T 146.1}[13]
§31
当真理被带入实际生活中时，标准就要提得越来越高，以满足圣经的要求。这将与属世的时尚、风俗、习惯和格言背道而驰。世俗的影响，犹如海上的狂澜，冲击跟随基督的人，要将他们席卷而去，远离祂温柔与恩典的真正原则；然而我们却须如同中流砥柱一般忠于原则。要做到这一点，就必须有道德的勇气。那些没有将心灵牢系于万古磐石上的人，必被世俗的潮流所冲走。我们唯有将生命与基督一同藏在上帝里面，才能站立得稳。道德的独立惟有在抵制世俗时才能完全实现。我们藉着完全顺从上帝的旨意，将占据有利的地位，看清必须与属世的风俗习惯坚决分离。{6T146.2}[14]
§32
As the truth is brought into practical life, the standard is to be elevated higher and higher to meet the requirements of the Bible. This will necessitate opposition to the fashions, customs, practices, and maxims of the world. Worldly influences, like the waves of the sea, beat against the followers of Christ to sweep them away from the true principles of His meekness and grace; but we are to stand as firm as a rock to principle. It will require moral courage to do this, and those whose souls are not riveted to the eternal Rock will be swept away by the worldly current. We can stand firm only as our life is hid with Christ in God. Moral independence is wholly in place when opposing the world. By conforming entirely to the will of God, we shall be placed upon vantage ground, and shall see the necessity of decided separation from the customs and practices of the world.?{6T 146.2}[14]
§33
我们不是要将自己的标准提得略高于世俗的标准，而是要表现出与它显然有别。我们对不信的亲友和同事之所以影响这么小，是因为我们的行为与属世的人没有明显的区别。{6T146.3}[15]
§34
We are not to elevate our standard just a little above the world’s standard, but we are to make the distinction decidedly apparent. The reason we have had so little influence upon unbelieving relatives and associates is that there has been so little decided difference between our practices and those of the world.?{6T 146.3}[15]
§35
许多教师的思想过于狭隘和鄙陋。他们没有始终关注上帝的计划，却注目于世俗的榜样。要抬头仰望，“那里有基督坐在上帝的右边”（西3:1），然后帮助你的学生也效法祂完美的品格。要向青少年指出彼得的八步天梯，不要把他们的脚放在最高的一档，而要放在最低的一档，并藉着恳切的祈求，督促他们攀登到最高处。{6T147.1}[16]
§36
Many teachers permit their minds to take too narrow and low a range. They do not keep the divine plan ever in view, but are fixing their eyes upon worldly models. Look up, “where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God,” and then labor that your pupils may be conformed to His perfect character. Point the youth to Peter’s ladder of eight rounds, and place their feet, not on the highest round, but on the lowest, and with earnest solicitation urge them to climb to the very top.?{6T 147.1}[16]
§37
基督就是那梯子，把天与地连接了起来。祂以祂的人性将梯子的底部牢牢地插在地上，用祂的神性将梯子最高的一档连于上帝的宝座。基督的人性拥抱堕落的人类；祂的神性持住上帝的宝座。我们得救是藉着一级一级地攀登梯子，仰望基督，依靠基督，一步一步达到基督的身量，使祂成为我们的智慧、公义、圣洁、救赎。信心、德行、知识、节制、忍耐、虔敬、爱弟兄的心和爱众人的心乃是这梯子的各级横档。所有这些美德都当在基督化的品格上表现出来；“你们若行这几样，就永不失脚。这样，必叫你们丰丰富富的得以进入我们主救主耶稣基督永远的国”（彼后1:10,11）。{6T147.2}[17]
§38
Christ, who connects earth with heaven, is the ladder. The base is planted firmly on the earth in His humanity; the topmost round reaches to the throne of God in His divinity. The humanity of Christ embraces fallen humanity, while His divinity lays hold upon the throne of God. We are saved by climbing round after round of the ladder, looking to Christ, clinging to Christ, mounting step by step to the height of Christ, so that He is made unto us wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity are the rounds of this ladder. All these graces are to be manifested in the Christian character; and “if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”?2 Peter 1:10, 11.?{6T 147.2}[17]
§39
要获得永生的无价之宝决非易事。随波逐流绝不能成就这一点。他必须从世人中间出来，与他们分别，不要沾不洁之物。没有人可以效法世俗而不致被世俗的潮流冲走，也没有人不坚持努力就能有所的上进。想要得胜的人必须紧紧握住基督。他不可往后看，而要一直举目向上看，恩上加恩。安全的代价乃是个人的警觉。撒但正在玩生命的游戏，要攫取你的灵魂。你丝毫不可转向他那一边，免得他占你的便宜。{6T147.3}[18]
§40
It is no easy matter to gain the priceless treasure of eternal life. No one can do this and drift with the current of the world. He must come out from the world and be separate and touch not the unclean. No one can act like a worldling without being carried down by the current of the world. No one will make any upward progress?without persevering effort. He who would overcome must hold fast to Christ. He must not look back, but keep the eye ever upward, gaining one grace after another. Individual vigilance is the price of safety. Satan is playing the game of life for your soul. Swerve not to his side a single inch, lest he gain advantage over you.?{6T 147.3}[18]
§41
如果我们能到达天国，那必是藉着我们的心灵与基督结合，倚靠祂，摆脱世俗及其种种愚行与诱惑。我们必须在属灵上与天上的生灵合作。我们必须相信、做工、祈祷、警醒、等候。我们是上帝的儿子所救赎的，是祂的产业。每一个人都应当在基督的学校里接受教育。教师和学生都要为永生而殷勤作工。“万物的结局近了”（彼前4:7）。现今需要装备精良的人为上帝作战。{6T148.1}[19]
§42
If we ever reach heaven, it will be by linking our souls to Christ, leaning upon Him, and cutting loose from the world, its follies and enchantments. There must be on our part a spiritual co-operation with the heavenly intelligences. We must believe and work and pray and watch and wait. As the purchase of the Son of God, we are His property, and everyone should have an education in the school of Christ. Both teachers and pupils are to make diligent work for eternity. The end of all things is at hand. There is need now of men armed and equipped to battle for God.?{6T 148.1}[19]
§43
我们不可高举人，而要高举唯一永活的真神上帝。在我们的机构中担任负责工作的人，其无私的生活，慷慨自我牺牲的精神，同情心和爱心，应具有净化人、提高人的影响，成为雄辩的向善力量。他们劝勉的话不是出于自我满足，自我高抬的精神；但他们不招摇的美德所具有的价值胜过黄金。人若持住上帝的性情，按照加法的计划，恩上加恩，完善基督化的品格，上帝就会实施乘法的计。祂在祂的圣言中说：“愿恩惠平安，因你们认识上帝和我们主耶稣，多多地加给你们”（彼后1:2）。{6T148.2}[20]
§44
It is not men whom we are to exalt, but God, the only true and living God. The unselfish life, the generous, self-sacrificing spirit, the sympathy and love of those who hold positions of trust in our institutions, should have a purifying, ennobling influence which would be eloquent for good. Their words in counsel would not then come from a self-sufficient, self-exalted spirit; but their unobtrusive virtues would be of more value than gold. If man lays hold of the divine nature, working upon the plan of addition, adding grace to grace in perfecting a Christian character, God will work upon the plan of multiplication. He says in His word: “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.”?2 Peter 1:2.?{6T 148.2}[20]
§45
“耶和华如此说：‘智慧人不要因他的智慧夸口，勇士不要因他的勇力夸口，财主不要因他的财物夸口。夸口的却因他有聪明，认识我是耶和华，又知道我喜悦在世上施行慈爱公平和公义，以此夸口。’这是耶和华说的”（耶9:23,24）。“世人哪，耶和华已指示你何为善，祂向你所要的是什么呢？只要你行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心，与你的上帝同行。”“上帝啊，有何神像祢，赦免罪孽，饶恕祢产业之余民的罪过，不永远怀怒，喜爱施恩”（弥6:8；7:18）？“你们要洗濯、自洁，从我眼前除掉你们的恶行；要止住作恶，学习行善”（赛1:16,17）。{6T148.3}[21]
§46
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might,?let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.”?Jeremiah 9:23, 24. “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” “Who is a God like unto Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He retaineth not His anger forever, because He delighteth in mercy.”?Micah 6:8;?7:18. “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do well.”?Isaiah 1:16, 17.?{6T 148.3}[21]
§47
这是上帝对我们所说的话。往事都包含在那记载万事的卷册里。我们虽然无法抹煞记录；但是如果我们选择学习历史，往事便会使我们学到它的教训。我们既将往事作为我们的良师，也可将它作为我们的益友。当我们念及以往一切不如意的事时，就让它教导我们不要重蹈覆辙。在未来的时日中，不要有任何使我们在不久以后便感后悔事被记载下来。{6T149.1}[22]
§48
These are the words of God to us. The past is contained in the book where all things are written. We cannot blot out the record; but if we choose to learn them, the past will teach us its lessons. As we make it our monitor, we may also make it our friend. As we call to mind that in the past which is disagreeable, let it teach us not to repeat the same error. In the future let nothing be recorded which will cause regret in the by and by.?{6T 149.1}[22]
§49
我们现在可以避免不良的表现。我们每生存一日便是在制造自己的历史。昨天是我们既无法修正，也无从控制的；唯有今天是属于我们的。既然如此，我们今天就不要使上帝的圣灵担忧，因为明天我们绝不能将今天所做的事召回；那时，今天对于我们已成昨天。{6T149.2}[23]
§50
We may now avoid a bad showing. Every day we are making our history. Yesterday is beyond our amendment or control; today only is ours. Then let us not grieve the Spirit of God today, for tomorrow we shall not be able to recall what we have done. Today will then be yesterday.?{6T 149.2}[23]
§51
让我们寻求在凡事上听从上帝的忠告吧，因祂有无限的智慧。尽管过去我们在本可为我们的儿女和青少年们做的事上有亏欠，但是让我们现在就悔改并爱惜光阴吧。主说：“你们的罪虽像朱红，必变成雪白；虽红如丹颜，必白如羊毛。你们若甘心听从，必吃地上的美物，若不听从，反倒悖逆，必被刀剑吞灭”（赛1:18-20）。我们仍需要听到并重复“往前走”（出14:15）的信息。我们的世界上会发生的各种不同的情况，需要我们做能应付这些特殊进展的工作。主需要属灵上敏锐而目光清晰，确实从天上领受新鲜吗哪的人。圣灵在这样的人心中做工，而且上帝话语的亮光照进他们心里，向他们显示比以前更多的真智慧。{6T149.3}[24]
§52
Let us seek to follow the counsel of God in all things, for He is infinite in wisdom. Though in the past we have come short of doing what we might have done for our children and youth, let us now repent and redeem the time. The Lord says: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like?crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.”?Isaiah 1:18-20. The message, “Go forward,” is still to be heard and repeated. The varying circumstances taking place in our world call for labor that will meet these peculiar developments. The Lord has need of men who are spiritually sharp and clear-sighted, men who are certainly receiving manna fresh from heaven. The Holy Spirit works upon the hearts of such men, and God’s word flashes light into the mind, revealing to them more than ever before the true wisdom.?{6T 149.3}[24]
§53
青年人所受的教育塑造整个社会结构。在世界各处，社会都处在混乱中，需要彻底改革。许多人以为只要有更好的教育设施，更精湛的技能、更先进的方法，就会使局面恢复正常。他们自称相信并接受活泼的圣言，可是在教育的大体制中，他们将上帝的圣言列为次要的地位。那本应居首位的，却屈居于人的发明之下了。{6T150.1}[25]
§54
The education given to the young molds the whole social fabric. Throughout the world society is in disorder, and a thorough transformation is needed. Many suppose that better educational facilities, greater skill, and more recent methods will set things right. They profess to believe and receive the living oracles, and yet they give the word of God an inferior position in the great framework of education. That which should stand first is made subordinate to human inventions.?{6T 150.1}[25]
§55
我们很容易接受世俗的计划，方法和习惯，不考虑我们所生活的时代，所要完成的伟大工作，象挪亚时代的人一样。我们的教育者时常有危险重蹈犹太人的覆辙，遵守上帝没有规定的风俗，习惯和传统。有些人顽强坚决地抱住旧的习惯，喜欢各种不必要的学科，仿佛他们的得救依赖于这些东西似的。他们既这样做，就背离了上帝的特别工作，并提供学生一种有缺陷的、错误的教育。人们的心思从关系永恒利益的明确的“耶和华如此说”，被引向人的理论和教训。永恒无限的真理，上帝的启示，竟用人意来进行解释。然而只有圣灵的能力才能解释属灵的事。人的智慧是愚拙的；因为它无法参透上帝着眼于永恒的全部旨意。{6T150.2}[26]
§56
It is so easy to drift into worldly plans, methods, and customs and have no more thought of the time in which we live, or of the great work to be accomplished, than had the people in Noah’s day. There is constant danger that our educators will travel over the same ground as did the Jews, conforming to customs, practices, and traditions which God has not given. With tenacity and firmness some cling to old habits and a love of various studies which are not essential, as if their salvation depended upon these things. In doing this they turn away from the special work of God and give to the students a deficient,?a wrong education. Minds are directed from a plain “Thus saith the Lord,” which involves eternal interests, to human theories and teachings. Infinite, eternal truth, the revelation of God, is explained in the light of human interpretations, when only the Holy Spirit’s power can unfold spiritual things. Human wisdom is foolishness; for it misses the whole of God’s providences, which look into eternity.?{6T 150.2}[26]
§57
改革者决不是毁灭者。他们决不会试图消灭那些与他们的计划不一致和不与他们同化的人。改革者必须前进，不可后退。他们必须是坚决，稳健，果断，勇敢；但坚定不可蜕变为刚愎自用。上帝希望一切服侍祂的人在原则问题上坚如磐石，但要像基督那样心里柔和谦卑。他们既住在基督里面，就能做基督若处在他们的位置上所要做的工。粗鲁非难的精神在当今的改革中，并不是英雄气概所必不可少的。在服侍上帝时，一切自私的方法在祂眼中都是可憎的。{6T151.1}[27]
§58
Reformers are not destroyers. They will never seek to ruin those who do not harmonize with their plans and assimilate to them. Reformers must advance, not retreat. They must be decided, firm, resolute, unflinching; but firmness must not degenerate into a domineering spirit. God desires to have all who serve Him firm as a rock where principle is concerned, but meek and lowly of heart, as was Christ. Then, abiding in Christ, they can do the work He would do were He in their place. A rude, condemnatory spirit is not essential to heroism in the reforms for this time. All selfish methods in the service of God are an abomination in His sight.?{6T 151.1}[27]
§59
撒但在作工，希望使基督的祷告失效。他不断地努力制造敌意与不和；因为哪里有团结，哪里就有力量。合一是一切阴间的权势所破坏不了的。凡把软弱、忧伤和灰心带给任何上帝子民的人，都是在帮助上帝的仇敌，藉着他们任性的作风和脾气，做与基督的祷告相反的事。{6T151.2}[28]
§60
Satan works to make the prayer of Christ of none effect. He makes continual efforts to create bitterness and discord; for where there is unity there is strength, a oneness which all the powers of hell cannot break. All who shall aid the enemies of God by bringing weakness and sorrow and discouragement upon any of God’s people, through their own perverse ways and tempers, are working directly against the prayer of Christ.?{6T 151.2}[28]