第07章 工作的资格和效能
§1
第07章 工作的资格和效能
§2
Chap. 07 - Work Qualifications and Efficiency
§3
工人要完全胜任——弟兄们，有关参加圣工的人应使自己具备充分的资格一事，我们还没有引起一半的重视。他们的才能未经训练，做出的工作势必不完善。但如果他们经过智慧献身的教师所训练，受上帝的灵所引导，他们就不仅自己能成就善工，而且给一起工作的人树立良好的榜样。他们应当不断地研究怎样更聪明地做正在从事的工作。任何人都不得闲懒散慢。所有的人都应提高自己，免得因他们理解力不足而不能认识到圣工的崇高性质，将它降低以迎合他们自己的标准。——《教会证言》卷五552页。{PM 78.1}[1]
§4
Workers to Be Fully Qualified.--My brethren, not one half the care has been taken that there should have been to impress upon those who could labor in the cause the importance of qualifying themselves for the work. With their powers all undisciplined, they can do but imperfect work; but if they shall be trained by wise and consecrated teachers, and are led by the Spirit of God, they will not only be able to do good work themselves, but will give the right mold to others who may work with them. It should, then, be their constant study to learn how they can become more intelligent in the work in which they are engaged. None should rest in ease and inaction; but all should seek to elevate and ennoble themselves, lest by their deficient understanding they fail to realize the exalted character of the work and lower it to meet their own finite standard.-- 5T 552. {PM 78.1}[1]
§5
上帝希望所有参加祂机构的人表现出机智，判断力和远见。祂希望他们成为智力经过培育的人，在资格上没有一样不及人的。当他们感到自己需要这样并为此而努力时，耶稣就会帮助他们。当他们以加法追求更多地领受圣灵的恩惠时，上帝就会以乘法为他们行事。与上帝连接会使心智扩大，提高，改变，领会到自己的才干，使之更清楚地认识到善用上帝所赐才能的个人责任。——《教会证言》卷四449页。{PM 78.2}[2]
§6
God would have all who are connected with His institutions show aptness, discrimination, and forethought. He would have them become men and women of cultivated intellect, coming behind in no qualification; and as they shall individually feel the necessity of this and shall work to the point, Jesus will aid them in their endeavors. As they work upon the plan of addition in securing the graces of the Spirit, God will work in their behalf upon the plan of multiplication. Connection with God will give the soul expansion, will exalt it, transform it, and make it sensible of its own powers, and will give a clearer sense of the responsibility resting upon each individual to make a wise use of the faculties which God has bestowed.--4T 449. {PM 78.2}[2]
§7
有经验的人充任要职——只让那些已充分证明自己的才干，表现出有能力完成重任的人充任要职，这乃是聪明之举。现在有些应当委任给从早期工作历史中获得经验之人的职务，却给了没有经验的青年人。应把重要的职务交给有经验，敬畏上帝，经过考验，愿意传扬上帝所赐警告信息的人。——《怀爱伦信函》1900年35号。{PM 79.1}[3]
§8
Experienced Men for Positions of Trust.--It is wisdom to place in positions of responsibility and usefulness only those who give full proof of their ability, who show that they are able to fulfill in a proper way their weighty trusts. Positions have been given to young, inexperienced men, which ought to have been given to men who had an experience gained in the early history of the work. Let positions of trust be given to experienced, God-fearing, proven men, men who will bear the message of reproof sent by God.--Lt 35, 1900. {PM 79.1}[3]
§9
尊重老工人——在巴特尔克里克出版社里，人们怀有一种精神得罪了上帝。有一种自私行为是上帝所不能容忍的。有人心地刚硬，缺乏仁爱，温柔，其言行表明他们完全非基督化。主曾责备这种罪恶，向他们指出错处，他们仍不放弃。{PM 79.2}[4]
§10
Respect for Older Workers.--In the office of publications at Battle Creek, a spirit is cherished that is an offense to God; there is selfishness that God cannot tolerate; there is hardness of heart; a lack of love and meekness, and it is manifested in words and deportment that are entirely unchristian. The Lord has reproved the sins; He has set them before the erring, and they still are cherished. {PM 79.2}[4]
§11
一些出版社的人没有经历过创办时的牺牲，没有挑过当时的重担，他们不关心和尊重那些参与早年劳苦和牺牲，现在年老体衰的工人。——《怀爱伦文稿》1890年16号。{PM 79.3}[5]
§12
There are those connected with the office who did not share in the sacrifices required to establish it and have not carried the burdens of its upbuilding, and they show little interest or respect to those who did share in these early labors and sacrifices and who have grown old and gray in the work.--MS 16, 1890. {PM 79.3}[5]
§13
上帝给每一个人一份工作——多年以前我见到我们的人还远没有获得使他们能在圣工中充任要职的知识，每一个教友都应努力使自己能胜任主的工作，上帝按照各人的才干派给每人一份工作。即使是现在，到了酉初（太20:6），我们仍要着手为圣工培养有才干的人，使他们充任要职，以便能通过言传身教影响一切与他们相处的人。{PM 79.4}[6]
§14
To Each a Work Appointed by God.--Years ago I saw that our people were far behind in obtaining that knowledge which would qualify them for positions of trust in the cause. Every member of the church should put forth efforts to qualify himself to do work for the master. To each has been appointed a work, according to his ability. Even now, at the eleventh hour, we should arouse to educate men of ability for the work, that they may, while occupying positions of trust themselves, be educating by precept and example all who are associated with them. {PM 79.4}[6]
§15
一些人因自私的野心，不肯把自己拥有的知识传授别人。还有的人对教育别人的事满不在乎。然而这是他们能为耶稣做的最好工作。基督说：“你们是世上的光，”所以我们要把自己的光照在人前。{PM 79.5}[7]
§16
Through a selfish ambition some have kept from others the knowledge they could have imparted. Others have not cared to tax themselves by educating anyone else. Yet this would have been the very best kind of work they could have done for Jesus. Says Christ: Ye are the light of the world, and for this reason we are to let our light shine before men. {PM 79.5}[7]
§17
如果我们都注意听从主在这方面的指示，我们的机构今天就会处在更高更圣洁的地位上了。但是人们却满足于一点成就。他们没有全力以赴地追求在德，智，体方面的提高。他们没有认识到上帝在这方面对他们的要求。没有认识到基督受死是为了让他们作这项工作。结果他们在智力和思考谋划能力上远远没有达到应有的水平。他们本可以在美德上加上美德，在知识上加上知识，在主里成为刚强。但他们没有这样做。但愿每个人现在都怀着坚定的决心行动起来，因为圣工目前最需要的不是更多的人员，而是工作中更好的技艺和献身。——《教会证言》卷五554页. {PM 80.1}[8]
§18
If all that the Lord has spoken in reference to these things had been heeded, our institutions would today occupy a higher and holier position than they do. But men have been satisfied with small attainments. They have not sought with all their might to rise in mental, moral, and physical capabilities. They have not felt that God required this of them, they have not realized that Christ died that they might do this very work. As the result they are far behind what they might be in intelligence and in the ability to think and plan. They could have added virtue to virtue, and knowledge to knowledge, and thus have become strong in the Lord. But this they have failed to do. Let each go to work now with a firm determination to rise. The present need of the cause is not so much for more men as for greater skill and consecration in the laborers.--5T 554. {PM 80.1}[8]
§19
自重，谦虚和有效能的人——弟兄们，在做圣工的时候，你们要被放在各种需要实行自制的境遇之中。但这种处境会使你适应环境和各种特殊情况。到那时你就能行动自如。你们不应低估你们参加实际生活各种事业的能力。你若认识到自己的缺欠，就当马上努力去弥补这些缺欠。不要依靠别人来弥补你的不足，自己却行若无事，好像你理应如此。你要认真克服这些缺欠，使你在基督耶稣里完全，一无所缺。{PM 80.2}[9]
§20
Men With Self-respect, Humility, and Efficiency.--My brother, in doing the work of God you will be placed in a variety of circumstances which will require self-possession and self-control, but which will qualify you to adapt yourself to circumstances and the peculiarities of the situation. Then you can act yourself unembarrassed. You should not place too low an estimate upon your ability to act your part in the various callings of practical life. Where you are aware of deficiencies, go to work at once to remedy those defects. Do not trust to others to supply your deficiencies, while you go on indifferently, as though it were a matter of course that your peculiar organization must ever remain so. Apply yourself earnestly to cure these defects, that you may be perfect in Christ Jesus, wanting in nothing. {PM 80.2}[9]
§21
如果你高估自己，你对自己工作的评价就会超过其实际的效果，以致要求接近骄傲自大的个人独立。你若走到另一个极端，你就会觉得低人一等，并产生一种自卑感，而大大限制了你向善的影响力。你应避免这两种极端，不要让情感控制你，环境影响你。你应当对自己有正确的估价，这样就会避免两种极端。——《教会证言》卷三505,506页。{PM 80.3}[10]
§22
If you form too high an opinion of yourself you will think that your labors are of more real consequence than they are and you will plead individual independence which borders on arrogance. If you go to the other extreme and form too low an opinion of yourself you will feel inferior and will leave an impression of inferiority which will greatly limit the influence that you might have for good. You should avoid either extreme. Feeling should not control you; circumstances should not affect you. You may form a correct estimate of yourself, one which will prove a safeguard from both extremes.--3T 505, 506. {PM 80.3}[10]
§23
左右环境的能力——困难会使人坚强起来。让人具有坚强品德的，不是帮助，而是困难，斗争和挫折。贪图安逸，回避责任，使那些本来应拥有道德力量和健壮属灵素质，担负重任的人变得软弱无能。……一些人看来完全不能为自己开辟道路。难道他们必须一直依靠别人替他们出谋划策，思考判断吗？上帝为这种战士感到羞耻。他们参加圣工只充当机械，不会使上帝得到尊荣。{PM 81.1}[11]
§24
Power to Master Circumstances.--It is obstacles that make men strong. It is not helps, but difficulties, conflicts, rebuffs, that make men of moral sinew. Too much ease and avoiding responsibility have made weaklings and dwarfs of those who ought to be responsible men of moral power and strong spiritual muscle. . . .Some men appear to be utterly unable to hew out a path for themselves. Must they ever rely upon others to do their planning and their studying, and to be mind and judgment for them? God is ashamed of such soldiers. He is not honored by their having any part to act in His work while they are mere machines. {PM 81.1}[11]
§25
现在需要积极努力，能独立工作的人，而不是任人摆布的木偶。那些希望做现成的工作，有固定的工作量和工资，希望刚好胜任，不愿经过培训之麻烦的人，不是上帝所选召参加祂圣工的人。凡不能培养自己的才能，在必要时能充担任何职务的人，不是当代所需要的人。上帝所召参加祂圣工的人不应软弱无力，没有品格上的道德力量。人只有经过坚持不懈的努力，才能培养起来负担一部分圣工。如果遇到不利的环境，他们不要灰心。若非确实证明他们无法再为上帝的尊荣和同胞的利益做很多的工作，他们就不要放弃自己的宗旨，就此罢休。{PM 81.2}[12]
§26
Independent men of earnest endeavor are needed, not men as impressible as putty. Those who want their work made ready to their hand, who desire a fixed amount to do and a fixed salary, and who wish to prove an exact fit without the trouble of adaptation or training, are not the men whom God calls to work in His cause. A man who cannot adapt his abilities to almost any place if necessity requires is not the man for this time. Men whom God will connect with His work are not limp and fiberless, without muscle or moral force of character. It is only by continued and persevering labor that men can be disciplined to bear a part in the work of God. These men should not become discouraged if circumstances and surroundings are the most unfavorable. They should not give up their purpose as a complete failure until they are convinced beyond a doubt that they cannot do much for the honor of God and the good of souls. {PM 81.2}[12]
§27
有些人安慰自己说：只要换一种环境，他们就能成就很大的善工。同时他们却没有在上帝所安排的位置上发挥自己的才干。人可以改造环境，环境却不应该改造人。人应该利用环境作为自己的工具。他应当主宰环境，但决不要让环境主宰他。现在所需要的素质是个人的独立见解和个人的能力。个性不需要牺牲，而应进行调整，纯炼和提高。——《教会证言》卷三495－497页。{PM 81.3}[13]
§28
There are men who flatter themselves that they might do something great and good if they were only circumstanced differently, while they make no use of the faculties they already have by working in the positions where Providence has placed them. Man can make his circumstances, but circumstances should never make the man. Man should seize circumstances as his instruments with which to work. He should master circumstances, but should never allow circumstances to master him. Individual independence and individual power are the qualities now needed. Individual character need not be sacrificed, but it should be modulated, refined, elevated.--3T 495-497. {PM 81.3}[13]
§29
有效，灵活和实际——现在因缺乏有才能的人，缺乏有效，灵活，讲求实际，能监管各部门工作的人而造成很大的损失。现在需要精通印刷，熟悉各部分工作的人。有些人懂点印刷，却完全不适于领导工作。还有一些人尽了自己的努力，却还没有经验，不懂出版工作。他们的想法往往很狭窄，不知怎样应付圣工的需要。结果，他们无法估计扩大工作的利弊。他们也容易做出错误的判断和评估。由于没有正确地估计和利用推进出版工作的机会，造成了一些损失。在这样的机构中，由于不慎之人的估计损失了成千美元。P弟兄在一些方面有审时度势，正确估计出版工作利益的能力，可是他的影响却危害了出版社。——《教会证言》卷五414,415页。{PM 82.1}[14]
§30
Efficient, Apt, and Practical.--Very much is lost for want of a competent person, one who is efficient, apt, and practical, to oversee the different departments of the work. One is needed who is a practical printer and is acquainted with every part of the work. There are some who understand printing, but utterly fail in generalship. Others do the best they can, but they are yet inexperienced and do not understand the publishing work. Their ideas are often narrow. They do not know how to meet the demands of the cause; and, as a consequence, they are unable to estimate the advantages and disadvantages of enlarging their work. They are also liable to misjudge, to make wrong calculations, and to estimate incorrectly. There have been losses in consequence of a failure to make proper estimates and to improve opportunities of pushing the publishing work. In such an institution as this, thousands of dollars may be lost through the calculations of incompetent persons. Brother P had ability in some respects to understand and properly estimate the interests of the publishing work, but his influence was an injury to the office.--5T 414, 415. {PM 82.1}[14]
§31
崇高的原则，而不是自私的策略——世界经营者所用的策略，不应被我们机构中的人所采纳和实施。自私的策略不是天上来的，而是属于世界的。世界最主要的格言是：“目的证明手段是正当的；”各个经营部门也许都遵循了这个格言。它在社会各阶层中，在各国的议会中，在基督的灵没有作为主导原则的地方发挥着左右局势的影响。每一个在我们的出版社，大学，疗养院工作的人都应培养小心谨慎，机智灵活的能力。但不要放弃公义的法则，让单顾自己部门兴旺，而不顾其他部门的原则占了上风。所有部门的利益都应予以密切保护，不让任何部门的权利受到侵犯。在世界上，交易之神往往就是欺诈之神，但从事圣工的人却不可这样，他们不可以世界的标准作为自己的标准。……{PM 82.2}[15]
§32
Exalt Principle, Not Selfish Policy.--The policy which worldly businessmen adopt is not the policy to be chosen and carried out by the men who are connected with our institutions. Selfish policy is not heaven-born, it is earthly. In this world the leading maxim is, The end justifies the means; and this may be traced in every department of business. It has a controlling influence in every class of society, in the grand councils of nations, and wherever the Spirit of Christ is not the ruling principle. Prudence and caution, tact and skill, should be cultivated by everyone who is connected with the office of publication and by those who serve in our college and sanitarium. But the laws of justice and righteousness must not be set aside, and the principle must not prevail that each one is to make his particular branch of the work a success, regardless of other branches. The interests of all should be closely guarded to see that no ones rights are invaded. In the world the god of traffic is too often the god of fraud, but it must not be thus with those who are dealing with the Lords work. The worldly standard is not to be the standard of those who are connected with sacred things. . . . {PM 82.2}[15]
§33
不要把世俗的策略当作精明善断，尽管人们常这样误认为。这种策略不论在什么工作中实行，都是一种自私的行为。精明善断是在工作中决不目光短浅。精明善断会使人有全面的看法，不局限于一个目标。它从各个角度看问题。可是世俗的策略却目光短浅，只看到眼前的目的，看不到远期的目标。它总是寻找获利的机会。凡追随世俗策略的人，是在藉着拆毁别人建造的根基，而为自己建造。每一个建筑要造得稳固都应有正当的基础。——《教会证言》卷五561－563。{PM 83.1}[16]
§34
Worldly policy is not to be classed with sound discretion, although it is too often mistaken for it. It is a species of selfishness, in whatever cause it is exercised. Discretion and sound judgment are never narrow in their workings. The mind that is guided by them has comprehensive ideas and does not become narrowed down to one object. It looks at things from every point of view. But worldly policy has a short range of vision. It can see the object nearest at hand, but fails to discover those at a distance. It is ever watching for opportunities to gain advantage. Those who follow a course of worldly policy are building themselves up by pulling out the foundation from another mans building. Every structure must be built upon a right foundation, in order to stand.--5T 561-563. {PM 83.1}[16]
§35
主的判断是效能的基础——主希望《评论与通讯》出版社的工作人员学会让自己的见解服从主的判断，再把一切才干献给祂用，把最好的思想和力量交给祂。主有一个葡萄园要耕作。为了耕种葡萄园，每一个信徒都应成为好行为的生产者和消费者。……{PM 83.2}[17]
§36
The Lords Judgment the Basis of Efficiency.--The Lord wants the workers in the Review and Herald office to learn to submit their judgment to His judgment and then to use all their abilities for Him, giving Him their best thoughts and their best efforts. The Lord has a vineyard to be cultivated. The cultivation of this vineyard makes it necessary for every believer to be a producer of good works as well as a consumer. . . . {PM 83.2}[17]
§37
我向出版社的工作人员发出以下信息：……我非常希望他们亲近上帝，使上帝也能亲近他们。所有全心全意寻求祂的人都会体验并欣赏祂的亮光和同在。请向工作人员宣读这些话。告诉他们，当他们与基督合而为一时，就拥有了祂恩典的宝藏。他们追随祂的脚踪行。他们效法祂仁爱同情的榜样，帮助那些需要帮助的人，举起下垂的手，坚固发酸的膝，引导人仰望那一位为世人得生命而舍命的主。——《怀爱伦信函》1902年54号。{PM 83.3}[18]
§38
I send this message to the workers in the publishing house. . . .I am intensely desirous that they shall draw near to God, that He may draw near to them. His light and presence will be recognized and appreciated by all who seek Him with the whole heart. Please read these words to the workers. Tell them that as they become one with Christ, they possess the riches of His grace. They walk in His footsteps. They follow His example of love and sympathy, helping those who needed help, lifting up the hands that hang down, and strengthening the feeble knees, directing the gaze to Him who gave His life for the life of the world.--Lt 54, 1902. {PM 83.3}[18]
§39
尽善尽美——我看到圣工的许多部门会计工作做得很差。会计现在和将来都是一项重要的工作。我们的各机构和传道工作的各部门十分需要熟练的会计。要研究如何准确迅速从容不迫地做好这项工作。可是我们不幸忽略了为这项工作训练合格的人才。以不准确，不完善的方式来做我们这么重要的工作真是一种耻辱。上帝希望把工作做得尽可能的完美。如果不这样做圣工，就是羞辱了神圣的真理及其作者。我看到，我们机构的工作人员若不服从上帝的权威，他们就不会团结一致。如果所有的人都服从上帝的指挥，主就会成为看不见的统帅。然而圣工也需要一位看得见的敬畏上帝的首脑。主决不会接纳漫不经心，秩序混乱的工人团体，也不会起来引导那些自以为是，不肯顺服的人到达崇高的境地，取得一定的胜利，耶稣在人心中作主，心灵就会向上发展。耶稣藉以散布平安，喜乐和仁爱美果的心成为祂的殿和宝座。基督说：“你们若遵行我所吩咐的，就是我的朋友了”（约15:14）。——《教会证言》卷五553页。{PM 84.1}[19]
§40
As Perfect Work as Humans Can Do.--I saw that there was great inefficiency in the bookkeeping in many departments of the cause. Bookkeeping is, and ever will be, an important part of the work; and those who have become expert in it are greatly needed in our institutions and in all branches of the missionary work. It is a work that requires study that it may be done with correctness and dispatch, and without worry or overtaxation; but the training of competent persons for this work has been shamefully neglected. It is a disgrace to allow a work of such magnitude as ours to be done in a defective, inaccurate way. God wants as perfect work as it is possible for human beings to do. It is a dishonor to sacred truth and its Author to do His work in any other way. I saw that unless the workers in our institutions were subject to the authority of God, there would be a lack of harmony and unity of action among them. If all will obey His directions, the Lord will stand as the invisible commander; but there must also be a visible head who fears God. The Lord will never accept a careless, disorderly company of workers; neither will He undertake to lead forward and upward to noble heights and certain victory those who are self-willed and disobedient. The upward progress of the soul indicates that Jesus bears rule in the heart. The heart through which He diffuses His peace and joy, and the blessed fruits of His love, becomes His temple and His throne. Ye are My friends, says Christ, if ye do whatsoever I command you.--5T 553. {PM 84.1}[19]
§41
互相帮助——应当表现出互相帮助的浓厚兴趣。上帝的子民若互相隔阂，祂就不高兴。这是出版社里的一个缺点。……{PM 84.2}[20]
§42
Helping One Another.--A deep and wide interest should be manifested in helping one another. The Lord is not pleased when His people draw apart. This is one defect in the office. . . . {PM 84.2}[20]
§43
如果大家看出这种互相隔阂，擅自做他们不知如何做的事造成了何等的麻烦，他们就会改变自己的做法了。如果基督住在工作人员的心中，他们就会把高度的基督徒献身精神带进他们不论大小的职责中去了。他们若专心工作，象是给主作的，让自己的思想超脱普通营业生活水平，他们就会蒙福。基督徒有责任思考圣洁的事物。{PM 84.3}[21]
§44
If men and women could see what trouble they make themselves by this independence, by trying to do what they do not know how to do without asking, they would alter their course. If Christ were abiding in the hearts of the workers, they would try to bring high Christian consecration into all their duties, whether great or small. And in the act of working heartily as unto the Lord, raising their thoughts above the ordinary level of business life, they would be blessed. It is the Christians duty to think of holy things. {PM 84.3}[21]
§45
回声出版社（澳大利亚墨尔本）的工作人员不大了解成功的工作方法。他们工作时彼此间的宗旨都不一样。回声出版社从头到脚都处于病态之中。工作人员若不遵循基督教的原则就不会有生气和决定性的进步。这些工作人员需要彻底改变，依从真理。献身给上帝，认真虔诚地为主工作，这就会使大家统一起来。每个工作人员都应警觉起来，坚决让出版社各部门协调统一起来。他应认识到自己有责任将自己的全部身心投入圣工，使之取得成功。——《怀爱伦文稿》1899年54号。{PM 85.1}[22]
§46
The workers in the Echo [THE ECHO PUBLISHING HOUSE IN MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA.] office have very little insight into the right methods of obtaining success. They are working at cross purposes with each other. The Echo office is sick, from the crown to the foundation. There will be no vitality, no decided progress, until the workers follow Christian principle. These workers need to be soundly converted to the truth. Devotion to God, conscientious, prayerful work for the Master, will bring unity. Each worker must be on his guard, firmly determined to bind about the edges of every department in the office. He must realize that it is his duty to give brain, bone, and muscle to the work, that it may be made a success.--MS 54, 1899. {PM 85.1}[22]
§47
分担责任——A弟兄：你有力量担负一些责任。上帝已接纳你的积极工作，祝福你的努力。你曾犯过一些错误，但不要因为一些失败，你就错误地估计自己的才能，不相信你可以在上帝身上所获得的力量。你还没有甘心情愿地负起责任。你自然而然地倾向于规避这些责任而挑选轻省的位置，在不特别重要的地方写作用脑。你错在依赖人家告诉你该怎么做。……{PM 85.2}[23]
§48
Bearing and Sharing Responsibility.--You, Brother A, have had strength to bear some responsibilities. God has accepted your energetic labors and blessed your efforts. You have made some mistakes, but because of some failures you should in nowise misjudge your capabilities nor distrust the strength that you may find in God. You have not been willing and ready to assume responsibilities. You are naturally inclined to shun them and to choose an easier position, to write and exercise the mind where no special, vital interests are involved. You make a mistake in relying upon ----- to tell you what to do. . . . {PM 85.2}[23]
§49
你要探索自己当作的事，亲自负起你所不愿意负的担子。这样做上帝必赐福给你。你要按照自己最好的判断，负起圣工的责任。但你要小心，不要让自己的见解受别人的意见所左右。如果你很明显地犯了错误，你有权利防止将来再犯，从而转败为胜。专门靠别人告诉你怎么做，你就会永远得不到任何重要位置所需要的经验。——《教会证言》卷三495页。{PM 85.3}[24]
§50
You should search out what is to be done and lift the disagreeable burdens yourself. God will bless you in so doing. You must bear burdens in connection with the work of God according to your best judgment. But you must be guarded, lest your judgment shall be influenced by the opinions of others. If it is apparent that you have made mistakes, it is your privilege to turn these failures into victories by avoiding the same in the future. By being told what to do you will never gain the experience necessary for any important position.--3T 495. {PM 85.3}[24]
§51
坚决行动，不要迟疑——A弟兄，你的动作太慢了。你应当培养与之相反的品质。上帝的圣工需要能抓住时机迅速有效地采取行动的人。如果你慢吞吞地权衡面临的每一个困难，你就会成效甚微。你将处处会遇到困难和障碍。你必须以坚强的决心坚决克服这些困难，否则他们会来制胜你。{PM 86.1}[25]
§52
Decisive Action, not Hesitation.--Brother A, you are too slow. You should cultivate opposite qualities. The cause of God demands men who can see quickly and act instantaneously at the right time and with power. If you wait to measure every difficulty and balance every perplexity you meet you will do but little. You will have obstacles and difficulties to encounter at every turn, and you must with firm purpose decide to conquer them, or they will conquer you. {PM 86.1}[25]
§53
有时，在我们心中有各种各样办理上帝圣工的方法，途径和宗旨在考虑权衡。在这个时侯需要最好的判断力。为了达到目的而要做什么事的话，就要在最佳时刻去做。要辩明天平上一点点的差异，并立即作出决定。长期的耽搁连天使都感到厌倦了。有时做出一个错误的决定，要比左顾右盼，犹疑不决，优柔寡断更可原谅一些。这种犹疑会比有时的匆匆行动产生更大的困难和灾难。{PM 86.2}[26]
§54
Sometimes various ways and purposes, different modes of operation in connection with the work of God, are about evenly balanced in the mind; but it is at this very point that the nicest discrimination is necessary. And if anything is accomplished to the purpose it must be done at the golden moment. The slightest inclination of the weight in the balance should be seen and should determine the matter at once. Long delays tire the angels. It is even more excusable to make a wrong decision sometimes than to be continually in a wavering position, to be hesitating, sometimes inclined in one direction, then in another. More perplexity and wretchedness result from thus hesitating and doubting than from sometimes moving too hastily. {PM 86.2}[26]
§55
我蒙指示，最显著的胜利和最惨重的失败都是在短时间内决定的。上帝要求迅速行动。优柔寡断，犹疑不决给仇敌以可乘之机。弟兄阿，你需要改良。时机的选择很可以说明这件事。胜利的机会往往因耽延而坐失。在圣工中将会发生危机。审时度势，果断行动就会取得光荣的胜利，而耽搁和疏忽会造成惨败，给上帝带来羞辱。在危急时刻冲上前去，会使敌人解除武装，丧胆败北，因为他失去了制订计划，耍弄手段的时间。{PM 86.3}[27]
§56
I have been shown that the most signal victories and the most fearful defeats have been on the turn of minutes. God requires promptness of action. Delays, doubtings, hesitation, and indecision frequently give the enemy every advantage. My brother, you need to reform. The timing of things may tell much in favor of truth. Victories are frequently lost through delays. There will be crises in this cause. Prompt and decisive action at the right time will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and neglect will result in great failures and positive dishonor to God. Rapid movements at the critical moment often disarm the enemy, and he is disappointed and vanquished, for he had expected time to lay plans and work by artifice. {PM 86.3}[27]
§57
上帝希望在巴特尔克里克从事祂圣工的人有果断的判断力，在必要时思想要象闪电那样敏捷。在危险的时刻神速是绝对需要的。为了取得一定的效果，必须精心制定每一个计划，短短的耽搁可能造成一个完全不同的局面。本来可以达到的伟大目标，却因缺乏神速的远见和敏捷的行动而没有实现。在培养心智克服懒惰方面，有许多事可以做。有时，小心谨慎是必要的，急躁是不智之举。但即使在这方面，也因太犹疑而造成很大的损失。从一定程度上讲，谨慎是需要的，但在特殊情况下犹疑和小心要比因急躁造成的失败产生更大的灾难。{PM 87.1}[28]
§58
God wants men connected with His work in Battle Creek whose judgment is at hand, whose minds, when it is necessary, will act like the lightnings. The greatest promptness is positively necessary in the hour of peril and danger. Every plan may be well laid to accomplish certain results, and yet a delay of a very short time may leave things to assume an entirely different shape, and the great objects which might have been gained are lost through lack of quick foresight and prompt dispatch. Much may be done in training the mind to overcome indolence. There are times when caution and great deliberation are necessary; rashness would be folly. But even here, much has been lost by too great hesitancy. Caution, up to a certain point is required; but hesitancy and policy on particular occasions have been more disastrous than would have been a failure through rashness. {PM 87.1}[28]
§59
弟兄啊，你需要培养利索的品格，去掉拖拖拉拉的作风。你办事慢吞，没有抓住工作来完成它。你必须摆脱这种目光短浅的工作方式，因为它是错误的。——《教会证言》卷三497,498页。{PM 87.2}[29]
§60
My brother, you need to cultivate promptness. Away with your hesitating manner. You are slow and neglect to seize the work and accomplish it. You must get out of this narrow manner of labor, for it is of the wrong order.--3T 497, 498. {PM 87.2}[29]
§61
怎样使工作场所变成伯特利——要始终保持风度翩然，斌斌有礼和仁慈的精神。这样，每一个房间都会变成一个伯特利，上帝的天使要配合你的努力。如果我们的出版社，医疗机构，大学和布道机构都按正确的原则办理，就会给前来访问的不信者留下良好的印象，更容易接受真理。……如果内心因顺从真理而得到洁净，就不会有自私的倾向和败坏的动机，不会有偏见和伪善，相思恋爱的感伤情绪也就不会滋长起来。要严加提防，不要让这种祸根毒害败坏我们的机构。——《怀爱伦信函》1896年74号（《机构主管与工人的特别证言》8，9页）。{PM 87.3}[30]
§62
How to Make the Workroom a Bethel.--Ever keep a winning, courteous, kind spirit, and every room may be transformed into a Bethel. Angels of God will work with your efforts. If our publishing houses, our health institutions, our colleges and missions, are conducted on right principles, the unbelievers who visit them will be favorably impressed, and will be more inclined to accept the truth. . . . If the heart is purified through obedience to the truth, there will be no selfish preferences, no corrupt motives. There will be no partiality, no hypocrisy; love-sick sentimentalism will not be developed. Strict guard must be kept, that this curse shall not poison or corrupt our institutions. --Lt 74, 1896. (SpTMWI 8, 9.) {PM 87.3}[30]
§63
规章制度的必要性——我们的青年若要完善自己的基督徒品格，就要在出版社实行更高的标准。他们应出现在祷告时辰，出席祷告会，乐意热心事奉上帝。他们需要明白上帝对他们的崇高要求。所需要的不是大学问，天才和口才，而是渴求公义的纯洁谦卑的心。如果这些男女青年对提炼心灵，提高品格的兴趣，有他们取悦和满足自我的十分之一，他们就会努力为上帝作出美善的大工。他们没有祈求，没有警醒祷告，不认识耶稣。他们有许多东西要学习，却没有时间去学。他们没有时间可以花在轻浮和自我满足上。如果他们愿意看到需要彻底改变，如果他们愿意祈求，警醒祷告，上帝就会使他们完全属祂，他们就可以为祂的事业做出许多事情。但是出版社里许多青年的思想和行为使上帝受羞辱。那些抱着良好动机来到出版社的人被那里一些工作人员不敬虔的影响所败坏。这种影响不应继续存在下去。在这些地方应有纯洁的言谈和举止。——《太平洋出版社工作与工人的特别证言》16,17页。{PM 87.4}[31]
§64
Necessity of Rules and Discipline.--Our youth must take a more elevated standard in the office if they would perfect Christian character. They should be present at the hour of prayer, at the prayer meeting, ready and zealous to do service for God. They want to understand the high claims of God upon them. Great learning is not required, genius or eloquence, but a pure, humble heart, longing for righteousness. If these young men and young women were one tenth as interested in refining the life and in elevating and ennobling the character, that they may do better and holier service for God, as in pleasing and gratifying self, a great and good work would be done by their noble efforts. These youth must habituate themselves to think of something more noble and elevating than themselves. They do not pray, do not watch unto prayer; they are unacquainted with Jesus. They have much to learn and but little time to learn it in; no time to spend in frivolity and gratification of self. If they will see the need of thorough conversion, if they will pray, and watch unto prayer, God will make them wholly His, and they may do much for His cause. But God is dishonored by the thoughts and behavior of many of the young in the office. Those who come to the office with good purposes are spoiled by the unconsecrated influence of some employed there. This must not longer exist. Plain talk and plain action must be taken in these cases.--SpTWWPP 16, 17. {PM 87.4}[31]
§65
家庭影响机构——每一个基督徒家庭都应有家规。父母应该通过彼此之间的言谈和举止，为孩子树立一个宝贵生动的范例，表现他们对于孩子的要求。应始终表现纯洁的言谈和真诚的基督徒礼貌。不要鼓励犯罪。不要作恶意的猜测和言谈。要教导青少年自尊，忠于上帝，忠于原则。教导他们尊重和遵守上帝的律法。如此，这些原则就会控制他们的生活，并在他们与别人交往时实行出来。他们会爱邻居如同自己。他们会发出纯洁的气氛；产生一种影响鼓励通往圣洁和天国的路上软弱的心灵。每一个教训都应具有高尚的性质。这样，你在天上册子上所留下的纪录就不会使你羞于面对审判。{PM 88.1}[32]
§66
Home Influences Affect Institutions.--Every Christian home should have rules; and parents should, in their words and in their deportment toward each other, give to the children a precious, living example of what they desire them to be. Purity in speech, and true Christian courtesy, should be constantly practiced. Let there be no encouragement of sin; no evil surmising or evil speaking. Teach the children and youth to respect themselves, to be true to God, true to principle; teach them to respect and to obey the law of God. Then these principles will control their lives, and will be carried out in their association with others. They will love their neighbors as themselves. They will create a pure atmosphere, one that will have an influence to encourage weak souls in the path that leads to holiness and heaven. Let every lesson be of an elevating, ennobling character, and the record made in the books of heaven will be such as you will not be ashamed to meet in the judgment. {PM 88.1}[32]
§67
受过这种教育的儿女不会成为我们机构中的忧虑和负担，而会成为一种力量，支持负责工作的人。他们将准备好担任重要职务，通过言传身教，不断地帮助别人行义。——《怀爱伦信函》1896年74号（《机构主管与工人的特别证言》12，13页）。{PM 89.1}[33]
§68
Children who receive this kind of instruction will not be a burden, a cause of anxiety, in our institutions; but they will be a strength, a support to those who bear responsibility. They will be prepared to fill places of trust, and by precept and example, will be constantly aiding others to do right.--Lt 74, 1896. (SpTMWI 12, 13.) {PM 89.1}[33]
§69
对于尽到努力之人的应许——基督正在视察你各方面的工作。祂希望你摆脱撒但的势力，使每个人都能看出你工作的纯洁性。上帝只称赞值得称赞的东西。对那些努力实行他旨意的人，祂将以无比美妙的声音对他说：“愿恩惠平安，从上帝我们的父，和主耶稣基督，归与你们。愿颂赞归与我们主耶稣基督的父上帝，祂在基督里曾赐给我们天上各样属灵的福气。”{PM 89.2}[34]
§70
Promise to Those Who Do Their Best.--Christ is reviewing your work in every line. He desires you to stand free from the power of Satan, that everyone may recognize the purity of your work. The Lord can commend only that which is worthy of commendation. To those who are striving to do His will, He says with a voice of heavenly sweetness, Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. {PM 89.2}[34]
§71
凡为荣耀上帝而做的一切工作都带着上帝的印记。基督将嘉纳尽一切努力所做的工作。当他们继续尽自己的努力时，他们将增长知识。他们工作的性质也必得到改进。……{PM 89.3}[35]
§72
The work that is done to the honor and glory of God will bear the seal of God. Christ will endorse the work of those who will do their best. And as they continue to do their best, they will increase in knowledge, and the character of their work will be improved. . . . {PM 89.3}[35]
§73
那些效法神圣的榜样，愿意学习基督心里柔和谦卑的人，他们的前景是多么光荣！只要你肯相信，谦卑地行在祂面前，主耶稣就会做你的帮助，你的力量和拯救。——《怀爱伦信函》1903年153号。{PM 89.4}[36]
§74
How glorious the prospect before those who will be learners of Christ, meek and lowly in heart, after the divine Pattern! The Lord Jesus will be your Helper, your Strength, your Deliverance, if you will only believe, and walk humbly before Him.--Lt 153, 1903. {PM 89.4}[36]
§75
将上帝的事业放在一切利益之上［注］——不要让地上的亲情，属世的考虑在天平上显得重于对上帝圣工的责任。耶稣曾舍弃一切来拯救丧亡的世界。祂要求我们完全的献身，要为上帝圣工的利益作出牺牲。感情的牺牲是所求于我们的最严重的牺牲。然而这只不过是小小的牺牲。你有许多的朋友，只要感情被圣化，你就不需要感到自己在作出什么重大的牺牲。你不用把妻子留在异邦人中。你并没有奉命踏上酷热的非洲荒漠，面临监狱，步步遭遇试炼。要注意你是怎样迎合自己的同情心，把人的感情和个人的考虑掺杂在为圣工所作的努力之中。祂要求的是无私而甘心的服务。你是可以作出这种服务，而同时又能尽你对家庭的一切本分的。不过要把对家庭的本份看作是第二位的。——《教会证言》卷三500页。{PM 89.5} [37]
§76
［注］一份研究怀雅各和怀爱伦夫妇在教会早年的生活和工作的报告，令人信服地提供了一个他们毫无保留献身给上帝的例子。他们剩下的两个儿子爱德生和威廉，也是他们关怀的对象，虽然有时不得不让别人来照顾。这两个孩子后来都成为牧师。当怀氏夫妇因圣工的需要而分开时，他们总是以这样的思想安慰自己，即到了旅程的终点他们还会在一起。
§77
Put Gods Cause Above All Interests. [A STUDY OF THE LIFE AND WORK OF JAMES AND ELLEN WHITE IN THE PIONEER DAYS OF THE CHURCH PROVIDES A CONVINCING EXAMPLE OF UNRESERVED DEVOTION TO GODS SERVICE. THEIR TWO SURVIVING SONS, EDSON AND WILLIAM, WERE ALSO THE OBJECTS OF THEIR ATTENTION AND CARE, THOUGH THE WHITES WERE REQUIRED TO LEAVE THEM AT TIMES IN THE CARE OF OTHERS. BOTH BOYS BECAME MINISTERS OF THE GOSPEL. WHEN JAMES AND ELLEN WERE SEPARATED BECAUSE OF THE DEMANDS OF THE CAUSE, THEY COMFORTED THEMSELVES WITH THOUGHTS OF FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER AGAIN AT THE JOURNEYS END.]--No earthly ties, no earthly considerations, should weigh one moment in the scale against duty to the cause and work of God. Jesus severed His connection from everything to save a lost world, and He requires of us a full and entire consecration. There are sacrifices to be made for the interests of Gods cause. The sacrifice of feeling is the most keen that is required of us; yet after all it is a small sacrifice. You have plenty of friends, and if the feelings are only sanctified, you need not feel that you are making a very great sacrifice. You do not leave your wife among heathen. You are not called to tread the burning African desert or to face prisons and encounter trial at every step. Be careful how you appeal to your sympathies and let human feelings and personal considerations mingle with your efforts and labors for the cause of God. He demands unselfish and willing service. You can render this and yet do all your duties to your family; but hold this as a secondary matter.--3T 500. {PM 89.5}