第04章 共同努力
§1
第04章 共同努力
§2
Chap. 4—Unity of Effort
§3
我们的书刊要向世界大放光明，凡推销管理这些书报的工人，彼此应当十分团结。我们每当在教友面前提倡文字布道工作之时，应将有关健康的书报与宗教的书报合在一起同时提倡，作为联合工作的部分。我蒙指示，见到宗教书报与健康书报的关系，好像是由经纬交织成的一幅美丽的图案，一件完美的作品。{MC44.1}[1]
§4
Perfect unity should exist among the workers who handle the books that are to flood the world with light. Wherever the canvassing work is presented among our people, let the health books and the religious books be presented together as parts of a united work. The relation of the religious and health books is presented to me as illustrated by the union of the warp and the woof to form a beautiful pattern and a perfect piece of work.?{MC 44.1}[1]
§5
在过去我们对于健康书报并未照其重要性而予以应有的注意。虽有不少人已对之加以高度重视，但还有很多人未认为有向世人推销的必要。然而为预备主的降临，并接受为主的降临预备一班人所必须明白的其它真理，有什么方法比唤醒人们看清这时代的邪恶，并激励他们改革自我放纵及不健康的习惯更好呢？这个世界岂不需要被唤醒来注意健康改良问题吗？人们岂不需要我们健康书报中所提出的真理吗？关于迄今为止对健康作品的流行观点，我们在工作园地的许多文字布道士，应怀有不同的意见。{MC44.2}[2]
§6
In the past the health books have not been handled with the interest which their importance demands. Though by a large class they have been highly appreciated, yet many have not thought it essential that they should go to the world. But what can be better preparation for the coming of the Lord, and for the reception of other truths essential to prepare a people for His coming, than to arouse the people to see the evils of this age, and to stir them to reformation from self-indulgent and unhealthful habits? Is not the world in need of being aroused on the subject of health reform? Are not the people in need of the truths presented in the health books? A different sentiment from that which has heretofore prevailed regarding the health works should be entertained by many of our canvassers in the field.?{MC 44.2}[2]
§7
在我们的文字布道士与文字布道部干事之间，不应有不同的意见和派别。大家应当既感兴趣推销论述健康问题的书报，也感兴趣推销专论宗教的书报。不可以划出界线，说只有某类书报是文字布道士所应当注意的。在文字布道的工作上，必须完全团结，使各部分都有均衡匀称的发展。{MC44.3}[3]
§8
Divisions and distinct parties should not be seen among our canvassers and general agents. All should be interested in the sale of the books?treating on the health question as well as in the sale of the distinctly religious works. The line is not to be drawn that certain books only are to occupy the attention of the canvassers. There must be perfect unity,—a well-balanced, symmetrical development of the work in all its parts.?{MC 44.3}[3]
§9
许多人对于健康书报取漠不关心的态度，这是得罪上帝的。祂的旨意不是要把健康的工作与伟大的圣工分开。现代真理包含在健康改良的工作中，正如它包含在其它各方面的福音工作中一样。任何部门，若与其它的部门分开，都不能成为美满完全。{MC45.1}[4]
§10
The indifference with which the health books have been treated by many is an offense to God. To separate the health work from the great body of the work is not in His order. Present truth lies in the work of health reform as verily as in other features of gospel work. No one branch, when separated from others, can be a perfect whole.?{MC 45.1}[4]
§11
健康的福音已有能干的倡导人士，但由于这许多的传道人、牧师、区会会长及其他有权有势的人们，对于健康改良问题没有给予适当的重视，以致使他们的工作非常困难。他们没有看出健康改良的工作与福音信息工作的关系犹如身体的右臂一样。虽然许多教友和一些传道人牧师们，对这部门的工作不甚重视，但主已对这工作表示关心，使其十分兴旺。健康改良的工作，若能善予进行，便是一种插入劈开的楔形物，可为其它的真理打开通达人心的门径。当第三位天使的信息被人完全充分地领受时，健康改良的道理也必在各区会的会议中，在教会的工作上，在家庭中，在餐桌上，在各种家务的安排上，得其所然。然后这右臂才会发挥其为身体服务并保护身体的功能。健康工作虽在第三天使信息的宣传方面占有重要的地位，但提倡的人却不可用各种方法，使之代替信息本身。健康书报应有其适当的地位，但是这些书报的流通，不过是所要完成之大工中的许多部分之一而已。有时文字布道士对于健康书报有生动鲜明的印象，但这些印象却不可使他们排斥别种应向人们推销的重要书报。那些负责文字布道工作的领袖们，应当能看明各部工作与圣工的伟大整体的关系。他们对于健康书报的推销，应有适当的注意，但却不可过于注重这方面，以致使人忽略其它重大关系的事，遂使那些含有当传与世人之特别真理信息的书报被撇在一旁{MC45.2}[5]
§12
The gospel of health has able advocates; but their work has been made very hard because so many ministers, presidents of conferences, and others in positions of influence, have failed to give the question of health reform its proper attention. They have not recognized it in its relation to the work of the message as the right arm of the body. While very little respect has been shown to this department by many of the people, and by some of the ministers, the Lord has shown His regard for it by giving it abundant prosperity. When properly conducted, the health work is an entering wedge, making a way for other truths to reach the heart. When the third angel’s message is received in its fulness, health reform will be given its place in the councils of the conference, in the work of the church, in the home, at the table, and in all the household arrangements. Then the right arm will serve and protect the body.?But while the health work has its place in the promulgation of the third angel’s message, its advocates must not in any way strive to make it take the place of the message. The health books should occupy their proper position; but the circulation of these books is only one of many lines in the great work to be done. The glowing impressions sometimes given to the canvasser in regard to the health books must not result in excluding from the field other important books that should come before the people. Those who have charge of the canvassing work should be men who can discern the relation of each part of the work to the great whole. Let them give due attention to the circulation of the health books, but not make this line so prominent as to draw men away from other lines of vital interest, thus excluding the books that bear the special message of truth to the world.?{MC 45.2}[5]
§13
推销宗教的书报与推销论述健康及节制问题的书报，所需的训练是同样的必要。在推销那含有属灵食粮的书报上所应提倡的，在鼓励及训练人去推销那含有第三天使信息的书报上所用的许多功夫，也当同样提倡及运用在造就工人推销健康书报上。{MC46.1}[6]
§14
Just as much education is necessary for the handling of the religious books as for the handling of those that treat on the question of health and temperance. Just as much should be said in regard to the work of canvassing for books containing spiritual food, just as much effort should be made to encourage and educate workers to circulate books containing the third angel’s message, as is said and done to develop workers for the health books.?{MC 46.1}[6]
§15
这两类的书报，总是相辅而行的，彼此都是必不可少，而应同时推销的。它们相辅相成，但决不能彼此替代。两者都是论到最有价值的题目，在这些末后的日子为上帝预备子民的工作上，都有各自的职责，都坚立为现代真理，开导人，唤醒人，折服人。这两类书报是要协力同工的，圣化并净化那盼望并等待上帝的儿子在权柄大荣耀中降临的各教会。{MC46.2}[7]
§16
The one class of books will always make a place for the other. Both are essential, and both should occupy the field at the same time. Each is the complement of the other, and can in?no-wise take its place. Both treat on subjects of highest value, and both must act their part in the preparation of the people of God for these last days. Both should stand as present truth, to enlighten, to arouse, to convince. Both should blend in the work of sanctifying and purifying the churches that are looking and waiting for the coming of the Son of God in power and great glory.?{MC 46.2}[7]
§17
每一个出版社和代销处都要热心工作，鼓励园地里的工人物色并培训新的工人。每个人都要在不削弱别人工作的前提下尽可能加强并增进这项工作。一切都要本着弟兄之爱，而不是自私的动机来做。{MC47.1}[8]
§18
Let each publisher and general agent work enthusiastically to encourage the agents now in the field, and to hunt up and train new workers. Let each strengthen and build up the work as much as possible without weakening the work of others. Let all be done in brotherly love and without selfishness.?{MC 47.1}[8]
§19
【一直有人主张说最好的策略是在文字布道园地一次只卖一本书】
§20
所有的文字布道士都应该推销同一本书。要是能这么做，就会既不明智又不方便。没有一本书应该专卖而且摆在公众面前，好像它能供应今时一切所需似的。主若有亮光赐给祂的子民，就在不同的书籍中以不同的方式发表出来，有谁要冒险设置障碍，使亮光不能散布全世界吗？主希望我们的弟兄们想方设法，不要把祂所赐的亮光藏在我们的出版社里，而要发出光来，照亮凡愿意领受的人。{MC47.2}[9]
§21
It has been urged as the best policy that only one book at a time should have a place in the canvassing field,—that all the canvassers should work for the same book. Could this be done, it would not be wise nor expedient. No one book should be carried exclusively and kept before the public as if it could supply every demand for this time. If the Lord has light for His people, brought out in different ways in various books, who shall venture to put up barriers so that the light shall not be diffused throughout the world? The Lord desires our brethren to devise plans so that the light He has given shall not be hid in our publishing-houses, but shall shine forth to enlighten all who will receive it.?{MC 47.2}[9]
§22
我们的文字布道士若是受得利的精神所支配，他们推销这本书若是为了能挣最多的钱，以致忽视人们所需要的其它书籍，我就要问，他们的工作从哪种意义上说是传道工作呢？哪里有传道的精神，就是自我牺牲的精神呢？聪明、敬畏上帝的文字布道士的工作与福音传道人的工作相当。因而文字布道士岂该比正式按立的传道人更觉得有自由可按照自私的动机行动吗？他岂该不忠于传道工作的所有原则，只卖最便宜最容易出手的书籍，疏于把发出最多亮光的书籍放在人前，从而为自己挣更多的钱吗？这样如何显出传道的精神呢？文字布道工作岂不是不再是它应有的样子了吗？怎么能没有人扬声纠正这种事态呢？{MC47.3}[10]
§23
If our canvassers are controlled by the spirit?of financial gain, if they circulate the book upon which they can make the most money, to the neglect of others that the people need, I ask, In what sense is theirs a missionary work? Where is the missionary spirit, the spirit of self-sacrifice? The work of the intelligent, God-fearing canvasser has been represented as equal to that of the gospel minister. Then should the canvasser feel at liberty, any more than the minister, to act from selfish motives? Should he be unfaithful to the principles of missionary work, and sell only those books that are cheapest and easiest to handle, neglecting to place before the people books which will give most light, because by so doing he can earn more money for himself? How is the missionary spirit revealed here? Has not the canvassing work ceased to be what it should be? How is it that no voice is raised to correct this state of things??{MC 47.3}[10]
§24
任何文字布道士都不可抬高自己所推销的一本书，过于其它宣扬现代真理的书。若是我们文字布道士集中精力于一本书上，而把其余的书丢在一边，就不是照着上帝的计划推进工作。人的脑筋不都是一样的，有益于一个人的，可能吸引不了另一个人；因此，我们应当推销各种的书，用不同的方法来传扬现代特别的题目。文字布道士须作聪明的选择。凡进行上帝工作的人，不可心思狭窄眼光短浅。主有许多的工具，是祂要藉以完成其工作的。如果抬高一本书过于其他，就有把那最能把真光传给人的作品排挤掉的危险。我们不必把不同的书拿来互相比较，判断哪一本书能成就最大的功效。凡是上帝感动人所说所写的，都必各有其地位。有的人不能明白深奥的著作，而比较浅显的作品，就更容易感动他们。那些工作成效较强的人，应当鼓励比较软弱的。对于为主的大日预备一班人的各种工具，都当表示同样的关心。有些人也许从单张小册得到益处，比从书中所得的更多。凡是宣传圣经教训的刊物，单张，和小册，都当为文字布道士所注意，因为这些都如小楔子，能为较大的工作预备道路。{MC48.1}[11]
§25
No canvasser should exalt the book for which he is working above others that set forth the truth for this time. Should our canvassers drop all but one book, and concentrate their energies on that, the work would not be carried on according to God’s plan. Minds are not constituted alike, and what might be food for one might fail to attract another; therefore, books should be in the field treating in a variety of ways the special subjects for this time. It will be necessary for the canvasser to make a wise selection. Let no one who is doing the work of God become narrow and short-sighted. The Lord has many?instrumentalities through which He designs to work. When one book is exalted above another, there is danger that the very work best adapted to give light to the people will be crowded out. There is no need of contrasting different books, and judging as to which will do the most good. God has a place for all the voices and all the pens that He has inspired to utterance for Him. It will be difficult for some minds to fathom our most difficult works, and a simpler way of putting the truth will reach them more readily. Let the leading workers encourage the weaker ones, and show an equal interest in every one of the instrumentalities set in motion to prepare a people for the day of the Lord. Some would receive more benefit from papers and tracts than from books. Papers, tracts, and pamphlets that dwell upon Bible lessons, all need attention in the canvassing work, for they are as little wedges that open the way for larger works.?{MC 48.1}[11]
§26
文字布道士当随身携带单张，小册，和小书，送给那些无力购买的人。这样，真理就可被介绍到许多人的家里去。{MC49.1}[12]
§27
The canvasser should carry with him tracts, pamphlets, and small books to give to those who can not buy. In this way the truth will be introduced into many homes.?{MC 49.1}[12]
§28
【推销期刊】
§29
我们劝人只订阅我们的刊物几个星期，这是错了；其实若作出一定的努力，也许就能叫他们成为比较长期的订户。一个全年的订户要比许多短期订户有价值得多。人若订阅只有几个月，其兴趣也往往随着短短的几期而消逝，很少有人会续订较长的时期，这样便事倍功半了。但我们若能多用一点机智和毅力，原可得到许多的全年订户。{MC49.2}[13]
§30
【Canvassing for Periodicals】
§31
A mistake has been made in soliciting subscriptions for our periodicals for only a few weeks, when by a proper effort much longer subscriptions might have been obtained. One yearly subscription is of more value than many for a short time. When the paper is taken for only a few months, the interest often ends with the short subscription. Few?renew their subscriptions for a longer period, and thus there is a large outlay of time that brings small returns, when, with a little more tact and perseverance, yearly subscriptions might have been obtained.?{MC 49.2}[13]
§32
弟兄们哪，你们的目标太低了，你们的计划也太窄了。你们没有在工作上用出所当用的全盘机智及毅力。{MC50.1}[14]
§33
You strike too low, brethren; you are too narrow in your plans. You do not put into your work all the tact and perseverance that it deserves.?{MC 50.1}[14]
§34
我们既接受短期的订户，有些文字布道士就不作必要的努力去征求长期订户了。文字布道士不应存粗心冷淡的态度去进入园地。他们应当觉得自己是上帝的工人，受爱心的驱使，尽心竭力地向世人开导真理。上帝的引导和恩典，方法与目的，都是密切相联的。祂的工人若竭其所能地去作，上帝就要替他们成就他们自己所不能作的事；但无论何人，决不能靠自己的奋斗，希望独力成功。我们的努力，必须结合坚心倚靠上帝。{MC50.2}[15]
§35
While short subscriptions are accepted, some will not make the necessary effort to obtain them for a longer time. Canvassers should not go over the ground in a careless, unconcerned manner. They should feel that they are God’s workers, and the love of souls should lead them to make every effort to enlighten men and women in regard to the truth. Providence and grace, means and ends, are closely connected. When His laborers do their very best. God does for them that which they can not do for themselves; but no one need expect to succeed independently and by his own exertions. There must be activity united with firm trust in God.?{MC 50.2}[15]
§36
【世俗的书籍】
§37
在这个时代里，琐屑微末的事被人歌颂显扬。凡能哄动一时及有销路的任何东西，就为社会所欢迎。那些毫无价值的书报，现今泛滥各地。这些都是为了赚钱而写的；同时真正有价值的书报反而无人购买，无人阅读。凡因贪得更高的待遇而去经营这种煽惑性的书报的人，正是损失通过与上帝合作而在行善上获得训练和聪明的宝贵机会。我们必须认真努力去争取世人男女的注意力，使其对于以圣经为根据的真正有价值的书报发生兴趣；同时还要下一番更大的功夫，去找那些本着良心、敬畏上帝的工人，来推销这些以散布亮光和正确认识上帝为宗旨的最有价值的书报。{MC50.3}[16]
§38
【Secular Books】
§39
In this age the trivial is praised and magnified. There is a call for anything that will create a sensation. The country is flooded with worthless publications, which were written for the sake of making money, while really valuable books are unsold and unread. Those who handle this sensational literature, because by so doing they can make higher wages, are missing precious opportunities of obtaining discipline and?intelligence in doing good through cooperation with God. It will require earnest effort to arrest the attention of men and women, and interest them in really valuable books that have the Bible for their foundation. And it will be a still greater task to find conscientious, God-fearing workers who will canvass for these books of highest value for the purpose of diffusing light and a correct knowledge of God.?{MC 50.3}[16]
§40
当我看到那些自称仰望救主复临的人，用光阴和才干来推销不含现代特别真理的书籍，就是故事传记，以及记载人的理论和推测的书籍，就很痛心。世上充斥这种书籍，到处可见。然而在各地都迫切需要上帝的真理之际，基督的门徒岂能从事这种庸俗的工作？我们的使命不是推销这一类书籍。有成千上万其他的人可以做这种事，因为他们对更好的事物还没有足够的认识。我们却负有明确的使命，不可分心从事次要的工作。我们不该浪费人力财力把不含现代真理的书籍介绍给人。{MC51.1}[17]
§41
My heart aches as I see those who profess to be looking for the Saviour devoting their time and talents to circulating books that contain nothing concerning the special truths for this time,—books of narrative, books of biography, books of men’s theories and speculations. The world is full of such books, they can be had anywhere; but how can the followers of Christ engage in so common a work, when there is crying need for God’s truth on every hand. It is not our mission to circulate such works. There are thousands of others to do this, who as yet have not sufficient knowledge of anything better. We have a definite mission, and we should not turn from it to side-issues. Men and means are not to be employed in bringing before the people books that have no bearing upon the present truth.?{MC 51.1}[17]
§42
世界上所泛滥的书籍，销毁了倒比发行出去好。论述印第安战争和类似题材、专为赚钱而出版发行的书籍，最好永远不要让人阅读。这些书有诱人的魅力。对罪恶和暴行的令人作呕的描写，对许多青年有迷惑的能力，刺激他们做最邪恶的事来引人注目。许多纯历史作品中的影响也好不了多少，其中所描述残忍、邪恶和淫荡的事情，已在许多人心中产生影响，使他们也犯了同样的罪行。描写人邪恶的书，无异在传播罪恶。这些可怕的情节，没有必要予以重述。一个相信现代真理的人，不应参加保存这种记录的工作。{MC51.2}[18]
§43
The world is deluged with books that might better be consumed rather than circulated. Books upon Indian warfare and similar topics, published?and circulated as a money-making scheme, might better never be read. There is a Satanic fascination in these books. The heart-sickening relation of crimes and atrocities has a bewitching power upon many youth, exciting in them the desire to bring themselves into notice, even by the most wicked deeds. There are many works more strictly historical whose influence is little better. The enormities, the cruelties, the licentious practises, portrayed in these writings, have acted as leaven in many minds, leading to the commission of similar acts. Books that delineate the Satanic deeds of human beings are giving publicity to evil works. The horrible details of crime and misery need not be lived over, and none who believe the truth for this time should act a part in perpetuating their memory.?{MC 51.2}[18]
§44
爱情故事和轻浮刺激的小说是另一类给每一个读者带来祸害的书。作者虽然可能附上良好的道德教训，其作品可能贯穿着宗教观点，但大多数的情况，只不过是撒但披着天使的外衣，更有效地欺骗人引诱人。心智在很大的程度上是受它所吃的食物影响的。阅读轻浮刺激小说的人，变得不适合履行摆在他们面前的责任。他们生活在一个不真实的世界，不想做有用的工作，也不想查考圣经，以天上的吗哪为粮。心智被削弱了，不能思考责任与命运的大问题。{MC52.1}[19]
§45
Love stories and frivolous and exciting tales constitute another class of books that is a curse to every reader. The author may attach a good moral, and all through his work may weave religious sentiments; yet in most cases Satan is but clothed in angel robes, the more effectually to deceive and allure. The mind is affected in a great degree by that upon which it feeds. The readers of frivolous, exciting tales become unfitted for the duties lying before them. They lead an unreal life, and have no desire for useful employment, and no desire to search the Scriptures, to feed upon the heavenly manna. The mind is enfeebled, and loses its power to contemplate the great problems of duty and destiny.?{MC 52.1}[19]
§46
我蒙指示，知道青年暴露于来自不良读物的极大危险。撒但经常引诱青年和成人，使之迷恋毫无价值的小说。若能将大部分出版的书籍销毁，就会止住那削弱人心智败坏人心思的可怕瘟疫。没有人能坚持正义原理而绝无遭受试探的危险；因此理应毅然弃绝这一切垃圾似的读物。{MC52.2}[20]
§47
I have been instructed that the youth are?exposed to the greatest peril from improper reading. Satan is constantly leading both the youth and those of mature age to be charmed with worthless stories. Could a large share of the books published be consumed, a plague would be stayed that is doing a fearful work in weakening the mind and corrupting the heart. None are so confirmed in right principles as to be secure from temptation. All this trashy reading should be resolutely discarded.?{MC 52.2}[20]
§48
主不允许我们承印或销售这类的印刷品；因为这些书是毁灭许多生灵的工具。我知道我在写什么，因为这些事实摆在我面前。凡相信现代真理的人不能从事这种工作，唯利是图。因为主必挫击这样得来的钱财；祂要使之散多聚少，得不偿失。{MC53.1}[21]
§49
We have no permission from the Lord to engage in either the printing or the sale of such literature, for it is the means of destroying many souls. I know of what I am writing; for this matter has been opened before me. Let not those who believe the truth engage in this work, thinking to make money. The Lord will put a blight upon the means thus obtained; He will scatter more than is gathered.?{MC 53.1}[21]
§50
【我们书刊发行和价格】
§51
我们的出版社还没有对一些十分重要的事给予应有的重视。负责工作的人应当制定计划使我们的书发行出去，而不是躺在书架上，无法刊行。我们的信徒落在时代后面，无法随从上帝所启示的旨意。{MC53.2}[22]
§52
【Circulation and Prices of Our Publications】
§53
Some things of grave importance have not been receiving due attention at our offices of publication. Men in responsible positions should have worked up plans whereby our books could be circulated, and not lie on the shelves, falling dead from the press. Our people are behind the times, and are not following the opening providence of God.?{MC 53.2}[22]
§54
我们许多印刷品投放市场的价格太低，其利润不足以维持出版社和提供继续工作的资金。那些不特别负责各部门工作的人，不了解圣工的需要和维持营业所要的资金。他们不知道亏损的可能性和这些机构每天的开销。他们好像觉得任何事情都是一帆风顺，分文不花的，所以一味要求最低书价，以致没有什么利润。书价虽已降到几乎等于书的成本，他们对推销要求低价出售的书，却没有表现出真正的关心。目的达到了，他们的担子减轻了。他们应当对书刊的销售表现出真正的兴趣和关心，如此播撒真理的种子，给出版社带来收入，以投资出版其它书籍。{MC53.3}[23]
§55
Many of our publications have been thrown into the market at so low a figure that the profits have not been sufficient to sustain the office and keep good a fund for continual use. And those?of our people who have no special burden for the various branches of the work, do not become informed in regard to the wants of the cause, and the capital required to keep the business moving. They do not understand the liability to losses, and the expense every day occurring to such institutions. They seem to think that everything moves off without much care or outlay of means, and therefore they urge the necessity of the lowest figures on our publications, thus leaving scarcely any margin. And after the prices have been reduced to almost ruinous figures, they manifest but a feeble interest in increasing the sales of the very books on which they have asked such low prices. The object gained, their burden ceases, when they ought to have an earnest interest and a real care to press the sale of the publications, thereby sowing the seeds of truth, and bringing means into the offices to invest in other publications.?{MC 53.3}[23]
§56
传道人有一种很大的疏怱，就是没有让他们工作地区的教会关心这件事。书籍降价以后，就很难再提到能赢利的价格，因为心地狭窄的人会喊叫：你们在做投机买卖。他们并没有想到提价并没有使任何个人获利，而上帝的机构又不必因缺乏资金而瘫痪。本来应广泛销行的书籍，却因没有人对其发行给予足够的重视，而无可奈何地躺在我们的出版社里。印刷机是一种力量，可是它的产品却因缺乏人愿意广泛销行而束之高阁，其力量也就失去了。我们的弟兄们虽然慷慨地投资添设备以增加书刊印刷，却没有计划收回投资，以便出版其它书刊。他们手中有印刷机及其一切便利。他们可以很好地利用它，也可以半睡半醒，懒惰拖拉而失去他们可能得到的优势。他们可以通过聪明的发行推销书刊小册子而把真光传开，让现在坐在错误黑暗中的千家万户得到这些书藉。{MC54.1}[24]
§57
There has been a very great neglect of duty on the part of ministers in not interesting the churches in the localities where they labor, in regard to this matter. When once the prices of books are reduced, it is very difficult to get them again upon a paying basis, as men of narrow minds will cry, Speculation, not discerning that no one man is benefited, and that God’s instrumentalities must not be crippled for want of capital. Books that ought to be widely circulated are lying useless in our offices of publication, because there is not interest enough manifested to get them circulated.?The press is a power; but if its products fall dead for want of men to circulate them widely, its power is lost. While our brethren have freely expended means in facilities to multiply books and tracts, they have not planned to bring back the means invested, so as to produce other publications. The power of the press, with all its advantages, is in their hands; and they can use it to the very best account, or they can be half asleep, and through inaction miss the advantages that might be gained. By judicious calculation they can extend the light in the sale of books and pamphlets. They can send them into thousands of families that now sit in the darkness of error.?{MC 54.1}[24]
§58
上帝呼召祂的子民积极行动起来，不要懒惰和漠不关心。我们必须把刊物送到人手边，劝他们接受，告诉他们这些书刊的价值远远超过其定价。要宣扬你所提供之书的价值，这些书怎么估价都不会过高。{MC55.1}[25]
§59
God calls upon His people to act like living men, and not be indolent, sluggish, and indifferent. We must carry the publications to the people, and urge them to accept, showing them that they will receive much more than their money’s worth. Exalt the value of the books you offer. You can not regard them too highly.?{MC 55.1}[25]
§60
当我看见我们这些具有如此崇高信仰表白的人却表现出漠不关心的态度时，我心里就十分痛苦。许多贪图安逸的人，不负责救灵责任的人，衣服上溅着周围缺乏亮光和知识而不断灭亡之人的血。他们虽与这些人接触，却从来没有警告他们，与他们一起祷告或为他们祷告，也没有作出认真的努力把真理传给他们。在这方面人们十分疏忽。{MC55.2}[26]
§61
My soul was agonized as I saw the indifference of our people who make so high a profession. The blood of souls will be on the garments of very many who now feel at ease and irresponsible for souls that are perishing around them for want of light and knowledge. They have come in contact with them, but have never warned them, never prayed with or for them, and never made earnest efforts to present the truth to them. There has been a wonderful negligence on this point.?{MC 55.2}[26]