第15章 善工运动
§1
第15章 善工运动
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Chap. 15 - Harvest Ingathering
§3
【令人困惑的问题】
§4
多年来，我们面临的一个困难是：如何筹集足够的款项来支持上帝已摆在我们前面需开创的许多教会？我们一方面从圣经中明白地读到了这福音的使命，一方面国内外的教会又向我们提出他们的需要。各方面的迹象和一切证明上帝旨意的事实，都在催促我们快去做那等待我们去做的工作。（《证言》卷九第114页）{ChS 167.1}[1]
§5
【The Perplexing Problem】
§6
For years the perplexing question has been before us, How can we raise funds adequate for the support of the missions which the Lord has gone before us to open? We read the plain commands of the gospel; and the missions, in both home and foreign fields, present their necessities. The indications, yea, the positive revelations of Providence unite in urging us to do quickly the work that is waiting to be done.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 114. {ChS 167.1}[1]
§7
【一个成功的计划】
§8
与非信徒接触的新计划之一，就是支援圣工的善工运动。过去几年在许多地方，这项计划取得了成功，给许多人带来福气，也增加了教会库房的财源。当那些与我们不同信仰的人，听到了第三位天使的信息在外邦之地传开之后，他们的同情心油然而生，有些人想要要多地了解这有能力改变人心灵和生活的真理。各阶层的男女已被接触到了；上帝的名得到了荣耀。（1914年6月5日文稿《努力与非信徒接触》）{ChS 167.2}[2]
§9
【A Successful Plan】
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One of the new plans for reaching unbelievers is the Harvest Ingathering campaign for missions. In many places during the past few years, this has proved a success, bringing blessing to many, and increasing the flow of means into the mission treasury. As those not of our faith have been made acquainted with the progress of the third angels message in heathen lands, their sympathies have been aroused, and some have sought to learn more of the truth that has such power to transform hearts and lives. Men and women of all classes have been reached, and the name of God has been glorified.--MS., Consecrated Efforts to Reach Unbelievers, June 5, 1914. {ChS 167.2}[2]
§11
有人也许要问，接受非信徒的捐款是否合适。这些人要问一下自己：“谁是这个世界的真正主人：这些房屋、土地和金银财宝是属于谁的？”上帝在世上有丰富的产业。祂把财产交在所有的人手里，不论他是否顺从。祂随时准备感动世人的心，甚至是拜偶像之人的心，捐出他们的资财来维持祂的圣工。要是祂的子民学会开明地接近这些人，提请他们注意捐献的特权，上帝是会这样做的。如果用合适的方法把上帝圣工的需要告诉这些有钱有势的人，他们会尽很大的力量来推进现代真理圣工的。上帝的子民已丧失了很多的特权。他们如果没有采取持处世独立的立场，本来是可以利用这些特权的。（《南方守望者》1904年3月15日）{ChS 167.3}[3]
§12
Some may question the propriety of receiving gifts from unbelievers. Let such ask themselves: Who is the real owner of our world? To whom belong its houses and lands, and its treasures of gold and silver? God has an abundance in our world, and He has placed His goods in the hands of all, both the obedient and the disobedient. He is ready to move upon the hearts of worldly men, even idolaters, to give of their abundance for the support of His work; and He will do this as soon as His people learn to approach these men wisely and to call their attention to that which it is their privilege to do. If the needs of the Lords work were set forth in a proper light before those who have means and influence, these men might do much to advance the cause of present truth. Gods people have lost many privileges of which they could have taken advantage, had they not chosen to stand independent of the world.--Southern Watchman, March 15, 1904. {ChS 167.3}[3]
§13
上帝依然愿意为了祂子民而感化君王和官长的心。祂感动人捐款推进祂的圣工。为主作工的人应当利用这些帮助。藉着这些人的捐助，能打开门路，使真理之光传到许多黑暗的地区。这些人也许并不赞同上帝的工作，不信基督，不明白祂的道；但他们为此而捐献的金钱，却不应拒绝。（《南方守望者》1904年3月15日）{ChS 168.1}[4]
§14
The Lord still moves upon the hearts of kings and rulers in behalf of His people. Those who are laboring for Him are to avail themselves of the help that He prompts men to give for the advancement of His cause. The agents through whom these gifts come, may open ways by which the light of truth shall be given to many benighted lands. These men may have no sympathy with Gods work, no faith in Christ, no acquaintance with His word; but their gifts are not on this account to be refused.--Southern Watchman, March 15, 1904. {ChS 168.1}[4]
§15
主已将祂的财物交在非信徒和信徒手中；大家都可以把属于祂的归还祂，以推进必须为堕落的世界所完成的大工。只要我们生存在世上，只要上帝的灵仍在感动人心，我们总是既要领受又要施给。根据圣经的启示，我们既要向世人传递真理之光，也要从世人领受上帝感动他们为圣工所作的捐献。（《南方守望者》1904年3月15日）{ChS 168.2}[5]
§16
The Lord has placed His goods in the hands of unbelievers as well as believers; all may return to Him His own for the doing of the work that must be done for a fallen world. As long as we are in this world, as long as the Spirit of God strives with the children of men, so long are we to receive favors as well as to impart them. We are to give to the world the light of truth, as revealed in the Scriptures; and we are to receive from the world that which God moves upon them to give in behalf of His cause.--Southern Watchman, March 15, 1904. {ChS 168.2}[5]
§17
虽然这个原来属于上帝的世界及其所有的资财，现今几乎完全掌握在恶人的手中，但是主说：“地和其中所充满的，都属于耶和华。”“万军之耶和华说，银子是我的，金子也是我的。”“树林中的百兽是我的，千山上的牲畜也是我的。山中的飞鸟，我都知道；地的走兽，也都属我。我若是饥饿，我不用告诉你；因为世界和其中所充满的，都是我的”（诗24:1；该2:8；诗50:10-12）。但愿基督徒能越来越充分地明白，他们有特权和责任在坚持正确原则的同时，利用每一个天赐的机会来推进上帝在世上的国度。（《南方守望者》1904年3月15日）{ChS 168.3}[6]
§18
Although now almost wholly in the possession of wicked men, all the world, with its riches and treasures, belongs to God. The earth is the Lords, and the fulness thereof. The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine, saith the Lord of hosts. Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains; and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; for the world is Mine, and the fulness thereof. O that Christians might realize more and still more fully that it is their privilege and their duty, while cherishing right principles, to take advantage of every heaven-sent opportunity for advancing Gods kingdom in this world.--Southern Watchman, March 15, 1904. {ChS 168.3}[6]
§19
【对工人们的劝勉】
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对于凡要利用为善工运动所预备的刊物进行特别布道工作的人，我要说：应当殷勤努力，在圣灵的引导下生活。你们的基督徒经验每天要有长进。但愿具有特别才干的人，要为处于社会上层和下层的非信徒作工。殷勤寻找快要沉沦的生灵。请想一想，基督是多么迫切地希望把迷路的羊找回祂的羊栏啊！要儆醒看守他们必须为之交账的生灵。在你们的教会和邻舍的布道工作中，你们应当发出清晰明亮的光辉，以致无人能在审判之日站起来说：“你们为什么不告诉我这条真理？你们为什么不关心我的灵魂？”因此，我们应当殷勤地分发这些为与我们信仰不同的人精心预备的书刊。让我们充分利用每一机会来唤起非信徒的注意。让我们把书刊交在每一个肯接受之人的手中。让我们献身传扬信息：“预备耶和华的路，在沙漠地修平我们上帝的道”（赛40:3）。（1914年6月5日文稿《努力与非信徒接触》）{ChS 169.1}[7]
§21
【Admonition to Workers】
§22
To all who are about to take up special missionary work with the paper prepared for use in the Harvest Ingathering campaign, I would say: Be diligent in your efforts; live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Add daily to your Christian experience. Let those who have special aptitude, work for unbelievers in the high places as well as in the low places of life. Search diligently for perishing souls. Oh, think of the yearning desire Christ has to bring to His fold again those who have gone astray! Watch for souls as they that must give an account. In your church and neighborhood missionary work, let your light shine forth in such clear, steady rays that no man can stand up in the judgment, and say, Why did you not tell me about this truth? Why did you not care for my soul? Then let us be diligent in the distribution of literature that has been carefully prepared for use among those not of our faith. Let us make the most of every opportunity to arrest the attention of unbelievers. Let us put literature into every hand that will receive it. Let us consecrate ourselves to the proclamation of the message, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. --MS., Consecrated Efforts to Reach Unbelievers, June 5, 1914. {ChS 169.1}[7]
§23
【成功的要素】
§24
在实行任何计划，采取行动向别人传达现代真理的知识，进行与推进圣工有关的重大安排之前，我们自己先要完全献身于我们要高举其圣名的主。我们还要为我们想要访问的人恳切代祷，藉着活泼的信心引导他们一个一个到上帝面前。主知道人的心思意念，并很容易感化我们！祂烈火般的灵能熔化火石般的心！祂能以仁爱慈怜充满人心！祂能赐给我们祂圣灵的美德，使我们适合出入从事救灵工作！（1914年6月5日文稿《努力与非信徒接触》）{ChS 169.2}[8]
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【Essentials to Success】
§26
In following any plan that may be set in operation for carrying to others a knowledge of present truth, and of the marvelous providences connected with the advancing cause, let us first consecrate ourselves fully to Him whose name we wish to exalt. Let us also pray earnestly in behalf of those whom we expect to visit, by living faith bringing them, one by one, into the presence of God. The Lord knows the thought and purposes of man, and how easily He can melt us! How His Spirit, like a fire, can subdue the flinty heart! How He can fill the soul with love and tenderness! How He can give us the graces of His Holy Spirit, and fit us to go in and out, in laboring for souls!--MS., Consecrated Efforts to Reach Unbelievers, June 5, 1914. {ChS 169.2}[8]
§27
如果我们接触人时有智慧，让他们了解我们的工作，给他们机会听我们有特权所进行的劝勉，出力帮忙推进圣工，主的工作就会比现在得到更大的赞助了。我们身为上帝的仆人，如果能采取聪明谨慎的行动，祂优美的手就会使我们的工作兴旺。（《南方守望者》1904年3月15日）{ChS 170.1}[9]
§28
The Lords work might receive far greater favors than it is now receiving, if we would approach men in wisdom, acquainting them with the work, and giving them an opportunity of doing that which it is our privilege to induce them to do for its advancement. If we, as Gods servants, would take a wise and prudent course, His good hand would prosper us in our efforts.--Southern Watchman, March 15, 1904. {ChS 170.1}[9]
§29
如果所有参加主圣工的人认识到他们的忠诚和智慧的远见是多么的重要，他们的工作就会兴旺发达得多。我们因疑虑和冷漠，往往得不到本来有权得到的许多能力。何时我们预备好做我们所能作的工，尽我们应该尽的本分，上帝就会为我们作工了。（《南方守望者》1904年3月15日）{ChS 170.2}[10]
§30
If all who are engaged in the Lords work would realize how much depends upon their fidelity and wise forethought, far greater prosperity would attend their efforts. Through diffidence and backwardness we often fail of securing that which is attainable as a right, from the powers that be. God will work for us, when we are ready to do what we can and should do on our part.--Southern Watchman, March 15, 1904. {ChS 170.2}[10]
§31
【国内布道与国外布道】
§32
当人们为国外布道区的发展表现一种更慷慨，更舍己、自我牺牲的精神时，国内的布道工作就必在各方面更有进展；因为在上帝的领导下，国内工作的兴旺多赖于远方布道工作所反映的影响。当我们积极供应上帝圣工的需要时，就使我们自己的心灵接触到一切能力的源头了。（《证言》卷六第27页）{ChS 170.3}[11]
§33
【Home Missions vs. Foreign Missions】
§34
The home missionary work will be farther advanced in every way when a more liberal, self-denying, self-sacrificing spirit is manifested for the prosperity of foreign missions; for the prosperity of the home work depends largely, under God, upon the reflex influence of the evangelical work done in countries afar off. It is in working actively to supply the necessities of the cause of God that we bring our souls in touch with the Source of all power.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 27 {ChS 170.3}[11]
§35
一位美国商人是一个热心的基督徒，他在和一位同工谈话时提到自己一天二十四小时为基督做工。他说：“在我一切的业务关系中，我都尽力代表我的主。只要我有机会，我就努力争取人归向主。整个白天我都在为基督做工。夜里我睡觉的时候，我还有一个人在中国为祂做工。” 他解释说：“我年轻的时候决心去外邦当布道士。但在我父亲去世的时候，我不得不接管他的生意以供养家庭。我自己现在虽然没有去外国，却资助一个布道士。在中国的某省某镇，我的工人在那里工作。所以即使在我睡觉的时候，我仍藉着我的代表在为基督工作。” {ChS 170.4}[12]
§36
An American business man, who was an earnest Christian, in conversation with a fellow worker, remarked that he himself worked for Christ twenty-four hours of the day. In all my business relations, he said, I try to represent my Master. As I have opportunity, I try to win others to Him. All day I am working for Christ. And at night, while I sleep, I have a man working for Him in China. In explanation, He added: In my youth I determined to go as a missionary to the heathen. But on the death of my father I had to take up his business in order to provide for the family. Now, instead of going myself, I support a missionary. In such a town of such a province of China, my worker is stationed. And so, even while I sleep, I am, through my representative, still working for Christ. {ChS 170.4}[12]
§37
现今是否还有别的安息日复临信徒也愿这么作呢？他们不应留住传道人为那些已经知道真理的教会作工，但愿教友们对这些工人说，“你们去为那些在黑暗中将要沉沦的人们作工吧。我们自己会进行这间教会的各种崇拜。我们会继续这些聚会，并且藉着住在基督里，维持我们的灵命。我们要向周围的人们作工。我们也要献上我们的祷告和礼物来支持工人们，在那些有更多需要和缺乏的地区作工。”（《证言》卷六第29，30页）{ChS 171.1}[13]
§38
Are there not Seventh-day Adventists who will do likewise? Instead of keeping the ministers at work for the churches that already know the truth, let the members of the churches say to these laborers: Go work for souls that are perishing in darkness. We ourselves will carry forward the services of the church. We will keep up the meetings, and, by abiding in Christ, will maintain spiritual life. We will work for souls that are about us, and we will send our prayers and our gifts to sustain the laborers in more needy and destitute fields.--Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 29, 30. {ChS 171.1}[13]
§39
【一个有价值的榜样】
§40
那穷寡妇把两个小钱投入到主的府库中，她几乎不知道自己在做什么。她自我牺牲的榜样，在各地和各时代成千上万人的心中引起了反响。从尊贵和卑贱，穷人和富人那里，都有礼物归到上帝的府库中。这已帮助用来维持布道工作，建立医院，使饥饿的人得食，使赤身的人有衣，并把福音传给贫穷的人。通过她无私的举动，众多的人都蒙了赐福。（《证言》卷六第310页）{ChS 171.2}[14]
§41
【A Worthy Example】
§42
The poor widow who cast her two mites into the Lords treasury, little knew what she was doing. Her example of self-sacrifice has acted and reacted upon thousands of hearts in every land and in every age. It has brought to the treasury of God gifts from the high and the low, the rich and the poor. It has helped to sustain missions, to establish hospitals, to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, heal the sick, and preach the gospel to the poor. Multitudes have been blessed through her unselfish deed.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 310. {ChS 171.2}[14]
§43
【来自尼希米生平的教训】
§44
在过去的年间，我曾主张把我们传道的工作及其进展情况告诉我们的朋友和邻舍，并提到了尼希米的例子。现在我要劝我们的弟兄姊妹们重新研究这位大有信心、时常祈祷、判断正确的人的经验。他曾大胆地请求他的朋友亚达薛西王帮助推进上帝圣工的福利。（1914年6月5日文稿《努力与非信徒接触》）{ChS 171.3}[15]
§45
【Lessons from the Life of Nehemiah】
§46
In years past, I have spoken in favor of the plan of presenting our mission work and its progress before our friends and neighbors, and have referred to the example of Nehemiah. And now I desire to urge our brethren and sisters to study anew the experience of this man of prayer and faith and sound judgment, who made bold to ask his friend, King Artaxerxes, for help with which to advance the interests of Gods cause.--MS., Consecrated Efforts to Reach Unbelievers, June 5, 1914. {ChS 171.3}[15]
§47
向有能力捐助的人们募捐──祈祷的人应当是行动的人。人若准备好而且愿意的话，就必找到许多的工作方法。尼希米并不寄希望于渺茫无定的空想。他缺少资财，就向有能力捐助的人们求助。（《南方守望者》1904年3月15日）{ChS 171.4}[16]
§48
Solicited Means From Those Able to Bestow.--Men of prayer should be men of action. Those who are ready and willing, will find ways and means of working. Nehemiah did not depend upon uncertainties. The means which he lacked he solicited from those who were able to bestow.-- Southern Watchman, March 15, 1904. {ChS 171.4}[16]
§49
执行任务的勇气来自能力──尼希米和亚达薛西面面相对而立──一个是亡国奴，一个是世界大帝国的君王。但是远比社会等级的差异更为重要的，是两人之间道德的距离。尼希米所遵从的是万王之王的吩咐：“让他持住我的能力，使他与我和好，愿他与我和好”（赛27:5）。他向天庭的默默请求，就是他多个星期以来所献的祷告，求上帝使他的奏章获得成功。如今这位敬畏上帝的人想到自己有一位无所不知、无所不能的朋友帮助他，便勇气倍增，向王提出了自己的愿望，请假还乡一段时间，并求王授权他在耶路撒冷的废墟上重建，使之再度成为坚固设防的城市。犹太民族和这座城市的重大命运，系于他的这一请求。尼希米说，“王就允准我，因我上帝施恩的手帮助我”（尼2:8）。（《南方守望者》1904年3月8日）{ChS 172.1}[17]
§50
Courage for the Task Came Through Power.--Nehemiah and Artaxerxes stood face to face,--the one a servant of a downtrodden race, the other the monarch of the worlds great empire. But infinitely greater than the disparity of rank was the moral distance which separated them. Nehemiah had complied with the invitation of the King of kings, Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me. The silent petition that he sent up to heaven was the same that he had offered for many weeks, that God would prosper his request. And now, taking courage at the thought that he had a Friend, omniscient and omnipotent, to work in his behalf, the man of God made known to the king his desire for release for a time from his office at the court, and for authority to build up the waste places of Jerusalem, and make it once more a strong and defensed city. Momentous results to the Jewish city and nation hung upon this request. And, says Nehemiah, the king granted me according to the good hand of my God upon me.--Southern Watchman, March 8, 1904. {ChS 172.1}[17]
§51
获得官方批准──尼希米的奏章获得批准以后，他便壮胆请求执行他的计划所需要的帮助。为了使他的使命显得声势壮大，威严有力，以及为沿途的安全起见，他请求国王派军队护送。他得到了国王所下达的前往犹太必经之境的幼发拉底河以西各省省长的诏书。还有一份诏书给黎巴嫩山间皇家森林的管理人，命令他提供所需要的木料，以便修建耶路撒冷的城墙和尼希米提出要造的房屋。为避免有人说他越权行事，他谨慎地要求得到明确界定的权威和特权。（《南方守望者》1904年3月15日）{ChS 172.2}[18]
§52
Secured Official Indorsement.--As his [Nehemiahs] request to the king had been so favorably received, he was encouraged to ask for such assistance as was needed for the carrying out of his plans. To give dignity and authority to his mission, as well as to provide for protection on the journey, he secured a military escort. He obtained royal letters to the governors of the provinces beyond the Euphrates, the territory through which he must pass on his way to Judea; and he obtained, also, a letter to the keeper of the kings forest in the mountains of Lebanon, directing him to furnish such timber as would be needed for the wall of Jerusalem and the buildings that Nehemiah proposed to erect. In order that there might be no occasion for complaint that he had exceeded his commission, Nehemiah was careful to have the authority and privileges accorded him, clearly defined.--Southern Watchman, March 15, 1904. {ChS 172.2}[18]
§53
致沿途各省省长的诏书，使尼希米得到隆重的招待和立时的援助。由于波斯国王军力的保护，以及各省长的特别礼遇，没有什么敌人敢骚扰这位官员。尼希米的旅程既安全而又顺利。（《南方守望者》1904年3月22日）{ChS 172.3}[19]
§54
The royal letters to the governors of the provinces along his route, secured to Nehemiah an honorable reception and prompt assistance. And no enemy dared molest the official who was guarded by the power of the Persian king and treated with marked consideration by the provincial rulers. Nehemiahs journey was safe and prosperous.--Southern Watchman, March 22, 1904. {ChS 172.3}[19]
§55
遭遇阻碍──但当他在军队的护送下来到耶路撒冷，亮明自己身负重大的使命时，竟激起了以色列敌人的嫉妒和仇恨。定居于耶路撒冷一带的外邦部落，素来对犹太人抱有敌意，曾肆无忌惮地将各种侮辱及伤害加在犹太人身上。干这些坏事的魁首是一些族长，有和伦人参巴拉，亚们人多比雅，和阿拉伯人基善。从此时起，这些领袖们眼冒妒火，虎视耽耽地监视尼希米的一举一动，千方百计破坏他的计划，拦阻他工作。（《南方守望者》1904年3月22日）{ChS 173.1}[20]
§56
Encountering Obstacles.--His arrival at Jerusalem, however, with the attendance of a military guard, showing that he had come on some important mission, excited the jealousy and hatred of the enemies of Israel. The heathen tribes settled near Jerusalem had previously indulged their enmity against the Jews by heaping upon them every insult and injury which they dared inflict. Foremost in this evil work were certain chiefs of these tribes, Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian; and from this time these leaders watched with jealous eye the movements of Nehemiah, and endeavored by every means in their power to thwart his plans and hinder his work.--Southern Watchman, March 22, 1904. {ChS 173.1}[20]
§57
他们设法在工人中挑拨离间，提出种种疑虑，使工人们对成功丧失信心。他们嘲笑建造者的努力，说这项工程是无法完成的，并预言它必遭可耻的失败。……城墙的建造者不久就遭遇更加明显的反对。他们被迫时刻防备他们不眠之敌的诡计。敌方的使者散布谣言，竭力摧毁他们的勇气。有形形色色的阴谋出笼，要引诱尼希米上当，一些心术不正的犹太人也参与了敌人的奸计。……仇敌的使者伪装友善，混入建造者中间，建议修改计划，用各种方法来分散工人的注意力，为要引起混乱与困惑，激发怀疑和猜忌。（《南方守望者》1904年4月12日）{ChS 173.2}[21]
§58
They attempted to cause division among the workmen by suggesting doubts and arousing unbelief as to their success. They also ridiculed the efforts of the builders, declared the enterprise an impossibility, and predicted a disgraceful failure. . . . The builders on the wall were soon beset by more active opposition. They were compelled to guard continually against the plots of their sleepless adversaries. The emissaries of the enemy endeavored to destroy their courage by the circulation of false reports; conspiracies were formed on various pretexts to draw Nehemiah into their toils; and false-hearted Jews were found ready to aid the treacherous undertaking. . . . Emissaries of the enemy, professing friendliness, mingled with the builders, suggesting changes in the plan, seeking in various ways to divert the attention of the workers, to cause confusion and perplexity, and to arouse distrust and suspicion.--Southern Watchman, April 12, 1904. {ChS 173.2}[21]
§59
今日的领袖遇到同样的障碍——尼希米的经验在当今上帝子民的历史中重演。那些参加真理事业的人，会发现他们不可能不激怒圣工的敌人。虽然他们蒙上帝的宣召从事这项工作，他们的行动也得到祂的认可，却免不了遭受责备和嘲笑。他们的敌人会指责他们空想，不可靠，工于心计和伪善等。他们歪曲最神圣的事物，让不敬虔的人嘲笑。讽刺，低级趣味，加上妒忌，猜忌，不虔诚和憎恨，就足以让那些不洁的嘲笑者兴奋了。这些冒昧的嘲笑者会互比高低，更加大胆地进行亵渎的工作。藐视和嘲笑确实是难受的。但是一切忠于上帝的人必须忍受。因为撒但这样做的目的，就是要人放弃上帝所交托给他们的工作。（《南方守望者》1904年4月12日）{ChS 173.3}[22]
§60
Same Obstacles Confront Leaders Today.--The experience of Nehemiah is repeated in the history of Gods people in this time. Those who labor in the cause of truth will find that they cannot do this without exciting the anger of its enemies. Though they have been called of God to the work in which they are engaged, and their course is approved of Him, they cannot escape reproach and derision. They will be denounced as visionary, unreliable, scheming, hypocritical,--anything, in short, that will suit the purpose of their enemies. The most sacred things will be represented in a ridiculous light to amuse the ungodly. A very small amount of sarcasm and low wit, united with envy, jealousy, impiety, and hatred, is sufficient to excite the mirth of the profane scoffer. And these presumptuous jesters sharpen one anothers ingenuity, and embolden each other in their blasphemous work. Contempt and derision are indeed painful to human nature; but they must be endured by all who are true to God. It is the policy of Satan thus to turn souls from doing the work which the Lord has laid upon them.--Southern Watchman, April 12, 1904. {ChS 173.3}[22]
§61
振作沮丧的队伍──尼希米悄无声息地完成了巡视城墙的工作。他说，“我往哪里去，我作什么工事，官长都不知道；我还没有告诉犹大平民、祭司、贵胄、官长，和其余作工的人”（尼2:16）。在这场艰难的巡视中，他不愿引起朋友或敌人的注意，免得引起骚动，产生谣言，挫败或至少阻碍他的工作。尼希米用当夜其余的时间祷告。到了早晨，他必须认真努力鼓舞和凝聚起他沮丧涣散的同胞。（《南方守望者》1904年3月22日）{ChS 174.1}[23]
§62
Rallying the Dispirited Forces.--In secrecy and silence, Nehemiah completed his circuit of the walls. He declares, The rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. In this painful survey he did not wish to attract the attention of either friends or foes, lest an excitement should be created, and reports be put in circulation that might defeat, or at least hinder, his work. Nehemiah devoted the remainder of the night to prayer; in the morning there must be earnest effort to arouse and unite his dispirited and divided countrymen.--Southern Watchman, March 22, 1904. {ChS 174.1}[23]
§63
尼希米虽拥有国王的诏书，可以要求居民配合重建耶路撒冷的城墙，但他选择了不倚赖单单行使权威。他宁愿争取百姓的信任和认同，深知自己所进行大工的成功，有赖于百姓的同心合力。{ChS 174.2}[24]
§64
Although Nehemiah bore a royal commission requiring the inhabitants to co-operate with him in rebuilding the walls of the city, he chose not to depend upon the mere exercise of authority. He sought rather to gain the confidence and sympathy of the people, well knowing that a union of hearts as well as hands was essential to success in the great work which he had undertaken. {ChS 174.2}[24]
§65
次日早上他召集民众，说明理由，激发他们沉睡的力量，凝聚他们涣散的精神。……他摆明全部事实，指出自己拥有波斯国王和以色列上帝一致的权威。尼希米直截了当地问百姓是否愿意利用这个优越的机会，挺身与他合作，修建城墙。这个呼吁打动了他们的心。上天恩眷他们的表现使他们惊喜而感惭愧。他们振作起新的勇气，同声高呼：“我们起来建造吧”（尼2:18）！（《南方守望者》1904年3月29日）{ChS 174.3}[25]
§66
When he called the people together on the morrow, he presented such arguments as were calculated to arouse their dormant energies and to unite their scattered numbers. . . . And having laid the matter fully before them, showing that he was sustained by the combined authority of the Persian king and the God of Israel, Nehemiah put to the people directly the question whether they would take advantage of this favorable occasion, and arise with him and build the wall. This appeal went straight to their hearts; the manifestation of the favor of Heaven toward them put their fears to shame. With new courage they cried out with one voice, Let us rise up and build.--Southern Watchman, March 29, 1904. {ChS 174.3}[25]
§67
尼希米的圣洁活力和崇高盼望感染了百姓。他们有了这样的精神，一时奋起，达到了他们领袖的道德水准。人人在自己的范围内表现得象尼希米那样；弟兄们在工作中相互支持和鼓励。（《南方守望者》1904年3月29日）{ChS 175.1}[26]
§68
The holy energy and high hope of Nehemiah were communicated to the people. As they caught the spirit, they rose for a time to the moral level of their leader. Each, in his own sphere, was a sort of Nehemiah; and each strengthened and upheld his brother in the work.--Southern Watchman, March 29, 1904. {ChS 175.1}[26]
§69
以色列的祭司列在最先响应的人中──在最先感染尼希米热心诚恳精神的人中，有以色列的祭司。他们身居有影响的位置，有可能严重阻碍工作的进展。他们在一开始就乐意合作，为工作的成功作出很大的贡献。每一项神圣的事业都当如此。那些在教会中担任要职的人，必须站在上帝圣工的最前列。如果他们不采取主动，别人就不会效法。因为“他们的热心激动了许多人”（林后9:2）。他们的灯如果点亮了，就会点燃成千根火把。（《南方守望者》1904年4月5日）{ChS 175.2}[27]
§70
The Priests of Israel Among the First to Respond.-- Among the first to catch Nehemiahs spirit of zeal and earnestness were the priests of Israel. From the position of influence which they occupied, these men could do much to hinder or advance the work. Their ready co-operation at the very outset contributed not a little to its success. Thus should it be in every holy enterprise. Those who occupy positions of influence and responsibility in the church, should be foremost in the work of God. If they move reluctantly, others will not move at all. But their zeal will provoke very many. When their light burns brightly, a thousand torches will be kindled at the flame.--Southern Watchman, April 5, 1904. {ChS 175.2}[27]
§71
尼希米是一位组织家──一般百姓激发起一心一意的爱国精神，乐意采取行动。有才干有影响力的人把各个阶层的公民组织成团队。每一位领袖也挺身负起修建某一段城墙的责任。上帝和天使看见这些忙碌的团队同心合意修建耶路撒冷被毁的城墙，十分高兴。从清晨“直到星宿出现的时候，”工具的声音成了欢乐悦耳的声音。（《南方守望者》1904年4月5日）{ChS 175.3}[28]
§72
Nehemiah as an Organizer.--The people in general were animated with one heart and one soul of patriotism and cheerful activity. Men of ability and influence organized the various classes of citizens into companies, each leader making himself responsible for the erection of a certain portion of the wall. It was a sight well pleasing to God and angels to see the busy companies working harmoniously upon the broken-down walls of Jerusalem, and it was a joyous sound to hear the noise of instruments of labor from the earliest dawn till the stars appeared.--Southern Watchman, April 5, 1904. {ChS 175.3}[28]
§73
真领袖精神的表现──工作真正开始了，尼希米的热心和精力并未减退。他没有袖手旁观，觉得自己可以松一口气。他一直儆醒不倦，监督工程，指挥工人，注意到每一缺陷，应付每一紧急情况。他的影响力感染了长达三英里的城墙。他及时地鼓励胆怯的人，表扬勤劳的人，使落后的人打点起精神。同时他密切注意敌人的动态。这些敌人时时在远处集合，商量讨论，似乎在筹划阴谋奸计；然后接近工人，企图分散他们的注意力，妨碍工作。{ChS 175.4}[29]
§74
The Demonstration of True Leadership.--Nehemiahs zeal and energy did not abate, now that the work was actually begun. He did not fold his hands, feeling that he might let fall the burden. With tireless vigilance he constantly superintended the work, directing the workmen, noting every hindrance, and providing for every emergency. His influence was constantly felt along the whole extent of those three miles of wall. With timely words he encouraged the fearful, approved the diligent, or aroused the laggard. And again he watched with eagle eye the movements of their enemies, who at times collected at a distance and engaged in earnest conversation, as if plotting mischief, and then drawing near the workmen, attempted to divert their attention and hinder the work. {ChS 175.4}[29]
§75
每一个工人的眼睛都常常关注着尼希米，准备接受他最微细的示意。而尼希米的眼睛和心灵都朝着上帝。祂是整个工程的大监工。祂感动祂的仆人修建城墙。尼希米增强了信心和勇气之后宣布说：“天上的上帝必使我们亨通”（尼2:20）！这句话一再转述，激励着全线的工人。（《南方守望者》1904年4月5日）{ChS 176.1}[30]
§76
While the eye of every worker is often directed to Nehemiah, ready to heed the slightest signal, his eye and heart are uplifted to God, the great Overseer of the whole work, the one who put it into the heart of His servant to build. And as faith and courage strengthen in his own heart, Nehemiah exclaims, and his words, repeated and re-echoed, thrill the hearts of the workers all along the line, The God of heaven, He will prosper us!--Southern Watchman, April 5, 1904. {ChS 176.1}[30]
§77
尼希米和他同伴们不畏艰险，不找借口规避辛苦的劳动。不分日夜，甚至在短暂睡眠的时间里，他们也衣不解甲，或把武器放在一旁，“这样，我和弟兄仆人，并跟从我的护兵，都不脱衣服，出去打水也带兵器”（尼4:23）。（《南方守望者》1904年4月26日）{ChS 176.2}[31]
§78
Nehemiah and his companions did not shrink from hardships, or excuse themselves from trying service. Neither by night nor by day, not even during the brief time given to slumber, did they put off their clothing, or even lay aside their armor. So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.--Southern Watchman, April 26, 1904. {ChS 176.2}[31]
§79
在每次宗教运动中都有敌对势力──以色列大多数贵胄和官长都英勇尽职；但也有少数人，如贵胄多比雅之流，“不用肩担他们主的工作”（你3:5）。在上帝的书中，忠心的建筑工人留下了光荣的记录，而懒惰的仆人也留下了可耻的罪名，成为以后世代的鉴戒。{ChS 176.3}[32]
§80
Counteracting Influence in Every Religious Movement.-- A majority of the nobles and rulers of Israel also came nobly up to their duty; but there were a few, the Tekoite nobles, who put not their necks to the work of their Lord. While the faithful builders have honorable mention in the book of God, the memory of these slothful servants is branded with shame, and handed down as a warning to all future generations. {ChS 176.3}[32]
§81
在每一次的宗教运动中，都有一些人一方面承认这是上帝的工作，一方面却漠不关心，不肯出力推进圣工。但是在增进其自私利益的事业中，他们却往往是最活跃最积极的工人。我们最好要记住，那保存在天上的记录，也就是上帝的书中，记录了我们的一切动机和行为，绝无遗漏或错误。我们要据此接受审判。每一次忽略为上帝服务的机会，都忠实地记录下来，而每一个出于信心和爱心的举动，不论多么卑微，都将流芳百世。（《南方守望者》1904年4月5日）{ChS 176.4}[33]
§82
In every religious movement there are some who, while they cannot deny that it is the work of God, will keep themselves aloof, refusing to make any effort to advance it. But in enterprises to promote their selfish interests, these men are often the most active and energetic workers. It were well to remember that record kept on high, the book of God, in which all our motives and our works are written,--that book in which there are no omissions, no mistakes, and out of which we are to be judged. There every neglected opportunity to do service for God will be faithfully reported, and every deed of faith and love, however humble, will be held in everlasting remembrance.--Southern Watchman, April 5, 1904. {ChS 176.4}[33]
§83
【上帝呼召现代的尼希米】
§84
今日的教会需要尼希米那样的人。他们不仅能祷告和讲道，而且带着坚定热忱的宗旨。这位希伯来的爱国者在完成他的计划时所采取的方针应为传道人和领袖们所效法。当他们在制定计划的时候，应当征得教会的同意和支持。要让人们了解和参与这些计划，关心其成功。尼希米工作的成功表明祈祷、信心、智慧和活力的功效。活泼的信心能促进有力的行动。领袖所表显的精神，在很大的程度上会反映在百姓身上。如果领袖们自称是相信那考验当今世代的严肃而重要的真理，却并不热心去预备人们在上帝的大日能站立得住，那么教会必然是漫不经心，闲懒和贪爱宴乐的。（《南方守望者》1904年3月29日）{ChS 177.1}[34]
§85
【The Call for Modern Nehemiahs】
§86
There is need of Nehemiahs in the church today,--not men who can pray and preach only, but men whose prayers and sermons are braced with firm and eager purpose. The course pursued by this Hebrew patriot in the accomplishment of his plans is one that should still be adopted by ministers and leading men. When they have laid their plans, they should present them to the church in such a manner as to win their interest and co-operation. Let the people understand the plans and share in the work, and they will have a personal interest in its prosperity. The success attending Nehemiahs efforts shows what prayer, faith, and wise, energetic action will accomplish. Living faith will prompt to energetic action. The spirit manifested by the leader will be, to a great extent, reflected by the people. If the leaders professing to believe the solemn, important truths that are to test the world at this time, manifest no ardent zeal to prepare a people to stand in the day of God, we must expect the church to be careless, indolent, and pleasure-loving.-- Southern Watchman, March 29, 1904. {ChS 177.1}[34]