第40章 文字布道士为福音工作者
§1
第40章 文字布道士为福音工作者
§2
Chap. 40—The Canvasser a Gospel Worker
§3
聪明，敬畏上帝，爱慕真理的文字布道士，是应当受人尊敬的；因为他的地位是与福音传道人的相等。我们许多年轻的传道人及那些预备作传道工作的人，若是真正悔改了，藉着参加推销书刊的工作，就必有极好的成就。在会见人并介绍本会书报之时，他们必得一种经验，是单靠讲道所不能得的。在挨家挨户推销书刊之时，他们就有机会和人交谈，传播基督生命的香气。他们这样尽力造福他人，自己也必蒙福；在信心方面可得经验；圣经知识也要大大增加；并要时刻学习如何得人归向基督。{6T321.1}[1]
§4
The intelligent, God-fearing, truth-loving canvasser should be respected; for he occupies a position equal to that of the gospel minister. Many of our young ministers and those who are fitting for the ministry would, if truly converted, do much good by working in the canvassing field. And by meeting the people and presenting to them our publications they would gain an experience which they cannot gain by simply preaching. As they went from house to house they could converse with the people, carrying with them the fragrance of Christ’s life. In thus endeavoring to bless others they would themselves be blessed; they would obtain an experience in faith; their knowledge of the Scriptures would greatly increase; and they would be constantly learning how to win souls for Christ.?{6T 321.1}[1]
§5
我们一切传道人都当自觉要随身多带书刊，随时随地分发。一个传道人无论何往，可在所逗留过的家里留下一本书刊，或卖或送都可以。在我们信息传播的初期，这种工作做得很多。那时的传道人也做文字布道士的工作，把推销书刊所得的钱充作推广工作的经费，帮助有需要的地方。这些人会很聪明地提倡这种工作的方法；因为他们在这方面已有过实际的经验。{6T321.2}[2]
§6
All our ministers should feel free to carry with them books to dispose of wherever they go. Wherever a minister goes, he can leave a book in the family where he stays, either selling it or giving it to them. Much of this work was done in the early history of the message. Ministers acted as colporteurs, using the means obtained from the sale of the books to help in the advancement of the work in places where help was needed. These can speak intelligently in regard to this method of work; for they have had an experience in this line.?{6T 321.2}[2]
§7
不要有人以为传道人参加文字布道之工来向人传扬真理乃是降低身份的事。这不过是效法从前使徒保罗的办法而已。他说：“你们知道，自从我到亚西亚的日子以来，在你们中间始终为人如何，服事主，凡事谦卑，眼中流泪，又因犹太人的谋害，经历试炼。你们也知道，凡与你们有益的，我没有一样避讳不说的。或在众人面前，或在各人家里，我都教导你们。又对犹太人和希腊人证明当向上帝悔改，信靠我主耶稣基督”（徒20:18-21）。上帝曾用奇妙的方法，将自己显示给大有口才的保罗，然而他仍“凡事谦卑，眼中流泪，”饱经试炼，挨家挨户去传道。{6T321.3}[3]
§8
Let none think that it belittles a minister of the gospel to engage in canvassing as a means of carrying truth to the people. In doing this work he is laboring in the same manner as did the apostle Paul, who says: “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and?temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have showed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”?Acts 20:18-21. The eloquent Paul, to whom God manifested Himself in a wonderful manner, went from house to house in all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations.?{6T 321.3}[3]
§9
凡望得机会作真实传道服务的人，若肯无保留地献身给上帝，就必在文字布道工作上得到机会，讲论许多关于不朽来生的大事。如此获得的经验，对于那些训练自己作传道工作的人是有最大的价值。上帝的圣灵与男女工人同在，预备他们成为上帝羊群的牧者。他们在一切苦难的经验和试炼之中，一想起基督是他们的同伴，就会觉得有神圣的敬畏和圣洁的喜乐了。他们在作工时，必学习怎样祈祷。他们在忍耐，慈爱，温和，及有所助益等方面都必将受教。他们必实行真诚的基督徒礼让，心里记着基督是他们的同伴，祂必不赞许人有粗暴，不仁的言语或情感。他们的言语都要变为清洁，并视说话的能力是一种借给他们作高贵圣洁之工的宝贵才干。凡作上帝代表的人，必须学习怎样代表那与他联合的神圣同伴。他对那位看不见的圣者，必须显出尊崇和恭敬来，因为他正在负祂的轭，并学习祂纯洁圣善的作风。那些信靠这神圣同伴的人，必有长进，他们必蒙赐予权柄，使真理的信息披上圣洁的美丽。{6T322.1}[4]
§10
All who desire an opportunity for true ministry, and who will give themselves unreservedly to God, will find in the canvassing work opportunities to speak upon many things pertaining to the future, immortal life. The experience thus gained will be of the greatest value to those who are fitting themselves for the ministry. It is the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that prepares workers, both men and women, to become pastors to the flock of God. As they cherish the thought that Christ is their Companion, a holy awe, a sacred joy, will be felt by them amid all their trying experiences and all their tests. They will learn how to pray as they work. They will be educated in patience, kindness, affability, and helpfulness. They will practice true Christian courtesy, bearing in mind that Christ, their Companion, cannot approve of harsh, unkind words or feelings. Their words will be purified. The power of speech will be regarded as a precious talent, lent them to do a high and holy work. The human agent will learn how to represent the divine Companion with whom he is associated. To that unseen Holy One he will show respect and reverence because he is wearing His yoke and is learning His pure, holy ways. Those who have faith in this divine Attendant will develop. They will be gifted with power to clothe the message of truth with a sacred beauty.?{6T 322.1}[4]
§11
有些人很适合于文字布道士的工作，并能在这方面比讲道有更大的成功。若有基督的灵住在他们的心里，他们就可找到机会向别人传主的道，并引人注意现代的特别真理。有些配作这工的人负起了这种工作，可是一些不智的传道人却奉承他们，说他们的恩赐应当用于讲台之前，而不应用于文字布道的工作上。因此他们就受人的影响去追求讲道的文凭；这些本当受训为优等的布道士，到人家庭里去拜望人，与人谈话，也同人作祷告的人，竟转离了很适合他们的工作，被提去充当劣等的传道人，以致那需要多人作工的田地，以及本可为教会完成极多善工的地区，都被疏忽了。{6T323.1}[5]
§12
There are some who are adapted to the work of the colporteur and who can accomplish more in this line than by preaching. If the Spirit of Christ dwells in their hearts, they will find opportunity to present His word to others and to direct minds to the special truths for this time. Men suited to this work undertake it; but some injudicious minister flatters them that their gifts should be employed in preaching instead of in the work of the colporteur. Thus they are influenced to get a license to preach, and the very ones who might have been trained to make good missionaries to visit families at their homes, to talk and pray with them, are turned away from a work for which they are fitted, to make poor ministers, and the field where so much labor is needed and where so much good might be accomplished is neglected.?{6T 323.1}[5]
§13
传道的工作是主所定的方法，要将其警告的信息传给世人。在圣经中，忠心的教师被描绘为上帝羊群的牧人，是当受尊敬的，他的工作也当受人重视。真正的医药布道工作，是与传道的工作密切相关的，而文字布道工作也应该是医疗布道工作与传道工作的一部分。我愿对那些参加这份工作的人说，当你们去拜望人的时候，要告诉他们说你们是传福音的工人，是敬爱上帝的。不要寄居在旅馆里，反当设法住在私人的家庭里，与那一家的人相识。基督随时随地撒播真理的种子，你们作祂的门徒，也能为主作见证，在人的家庭中作一种最宝贵的工作。在这样与人亲近之时，往往会遇见那些患病及灰心的人。只要你们常常靠近基督的身旁，负祂的轭，就必每天学习祂如何把和平及安慰的信息，传给伤心失望，愁苦断肠的人。你们能向灰心的人指明上帝的道，并在祈祷中把患病的人领到主面前。你们祈祷之时，要象对一位亲信爱友的态度，向基督说话。作为上帝的儿女，应当保持一种甜美，坦白，令人愉快的尊严。这都是会被人看得出的。{6T323.2}[6]
§14
The preaching of the word is a means by which the Lord has ordained that His warning message shall be given to the world. In the Scriptures the faithful teacher is represented as a shepherd of the flock of God. He is to be respected and his work appreciated. Genuine medical missionary work is bound up with the ministry, and the canvassing work is to be a part both of the medical missionary work and of the ministry. To those who are engaged in this work I would say: As you visit the people, tell them that you are a gospel worker and that you love the Lord. Do not seek a home in a hotel, but stay at a private house and become acquainted with the family. Christ was sowing the seeds of truth wherever He was, and as His followers you can witness for the Master, doing a most precious work in fireside labor. In thus coming close to the people you will often find those who are sick and discouraged. If you are pressing close to the side of Christ, wearing His yoke, you will daily learn of Him how to carry messages of peace and comfort?to the sorrowing and disappointed, the sad and broken-hearted. You can point the discouraged ones to the word of God and take the sick to the Lord in prayer. As you pray, speak to Christ as you would to a trusted, much-loved friend. Maintain a sweet, free, pleasant dignity, as a child of God. This will be recognized.?{6T 323.2}[6]
§15
关于对病人的治疗，文字布道士应当能予以指导。他们应当学习卫生治疗的简单方法，从而可以象医药布道士一样，为病苦之人的身心服务。这种工作现今应当向世界各处进行，使众人可因上帝仆人的祈祷与指导而得福。{6T324.1}[7]
§16
Canvassers should be able to give instruction in regard to the treatment of the sick. They should learn the simple methods of hygienic treatment. Thus they may work as medical missionaries, ministering to the souls and the bodies of the suffering. This work should now be going forward in all parts of the world. Thus multitudes might be blessed by the prayers and instruction of God’s servants.?{6T 324.1}[7]
§17
我们应当认识到文字布道工作的重要性，视之为一种寻找那些正在危险中的人并引其归向基督的大方法。切不可禁止文字布道士讲论基督之爱，及述说其为主服务的经验。他们应当随时与那些被唤醒的人谈话或祷告。基督爱人的简短故事，必为他们开路，甚至可达不信之人的家。{6T324.2}[8]
§18
We need to realize the importance of the canvassing work as one great means of finding out those who are in peril and bringing them to Christ. Canvassers should never be prohibited from speaking of the love of Christ, from telling their experience in their service for the Master. They should be free to speak or to pray with those who are awakened. The simple story of Christ’s love for man will open doors for them, even to the homes of unbelievers.?{6T 324.2}[8]
§19
当文字布道士去人家拜访之时，往往有机会可以向他们宣读圣经或其它教导真理的书籍。若是发现有寻求真理的人，就可与他们查经谈道。这种查经的工作正是人们所需要的。凡能如此对将亡之灵表示深切关怀的人，上帝必在祂的服务中使用他们。祂要藉着他们分赐亮光给那些预备接受指示的人。{6T324.3}[9]
§20
As the canvasser visits the people at their homes, he will often have opportunity to read to them from the Bible or from books that teach the truth. When he discovers those who are searching for truth he can hold Bible readings with them. These Bible readings are just what the people need. God will use in His service those who thus show a deep interest in perishing souls. Through them He will impart light to those who are ready to receive instruction.?{6T 324.3}[9]
§21
有些参加文字布道工作的人，有一种不按着真知识所生的热心。他们因缺少智慧，以及一直很是倾向于扮演传道人和神学家，以致我们几乎有约束他们的必要。当主的声音呼召说：“我可以差遣谁呢？谁肯为我们去呢？”圣灵就感动人心使之起响应说：“我在这里，请差遣我”（赛6:8）。但须记得，你们的嘴唇须先经坛上取下的火炭沾过，然后你们所说出的才是聪明圣洁的话，并且有智慧知道什么话该说，什么话要留下不说。你们不会设法自显聪明，作神学辩论家，而会小心避免引起争论的道理，唤起人好斗的精神，或激动人的成见。你们会找出许多不至引人反对的话来谈，打开人心，使其渴望更深一层的圣经知识。{6T324.4}[10]
§22
Some who labor in the canvassing field have a zeal that is not according to knowledge. Because of their lack?of wisdom, because they have been so much inclined to act the minister and theologian, it has been almost a necessity to place restrictions upon our canvassers. When the Lord’s voice calls, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” the Divine Spirit puts it into hearts to respond: “Here am I; send me.”?Isaiah 6:8. But bear in mind that the live coal from the altar must first touch your lips. Then the words you speak will be wise and holy words. Then you will have wisdom to know what to say and what to leave unsaid. You will not try to reveal your smartness as theologians. You will be careful not to arouse a combative spirit or excite prejudice by introducing controverted points of doctrine. You will find enough to talk about that will not excite opposition, but that will open the heart to desire a deeper knowledge of God’s word.?{6T 324.4}[10]
§23
主愿望你们作得人的人；因此，你们虽然不当强迫人接受道理，但若是“有人问你们心中盼望的缘由，就要常作准备，以温柔、敬畏的心回答各人”（彼前3:15）。要担心什么呢？担心你们的话中会有自尊自大的口气，担心你们会说未经考虑的话，担心你们的言语举止会与基督不相像。应当与基督坚固联络，把在祂里面的真理切实表扬出来。赎罪的故事必能感动人心。你们若学基督的柔和谦卑，就会知道应当对人说什么话；因为圣灵必告诉你们当说的话。那些认识到使心服从圣灵管理之必要性的人，必能撒出那会结出永生的种子。这就是文字布道士的工作。{6T325.1}[11]
§24
The Lord desires you to be soul winners; therefore, while you should not force doctrinal points upon the people, you should “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”?1 Peter 3:15. Why fear? Fear lest your words should savor of self-importance, lest unadvised words be spoken, lest the words and manner should not be after Christ’s likeness. Connect firmly with Christ, and present the truth as it is in Him. Hearts cannot fail to be touched by the story of the atonement. As you learn the meekness and lowliness of Christ, you will know what you should say to the people; for the Holy Spirit will tell you what words to speak. Those who realize the necessity of keeping the heart under the control of the Holy Spirit will be enabled to sow seed that will spring up unto eternal life. This is the work of the evangelistic canvasser.?{6T 325.1}[11]