第10章 节约的重要性
§1
第10章 节约的重要性
§2
Chap. 10 - Importance of Economy
§3
在机构里实行节约——我们的各机构建立起来，是要作为推进救灵工作的有效手段。凡参加这些机构的人应学习怎样帮助机构，而不是尽可能要拿高工资。如果他们的收入超过应得的份，就会妨碍上帝的事业。这些机构所有的工作人员都应说：“我不愿意为自己定高的工资，因为这就是抢夺了圣库，阻碍恩典信息的传扬。我必须实行节约。在传道园地里的人正在做和我一样重要的工作。我必须尽力帮助他们。我所经手的是上帝的钱。我要按基督的做法去做。我不愿为侈奢而花钱。我要想着传道园地里主的工人。他们比我更需要钱。他们的工作要大量与贫困接触。他们必须使饥饿的人有饭吃，使赤身的人有衣穿。我必须限制我的开支，以便能分担他们爱的服务。——《怀爱伦文稿》1903年19号。{PM 105.1}[1]
§4
Practicing Economy in Institutions.--Our institutions were established to serve as an effectual means of advancing the work of soul saving. Those connected with them are to study how they can help the institution, not how they can take the most out of the treasury. If they grasp more than is their due, they hinder the cause of God. Let everyone connected with these institutions say, I will not set my wages at a high figure, because that would rob the treasury, and the proclamation of the message of mercy will be hindered. I must practice economy. Those who are out in the field are doing a work that is as essential as the work that I am doing. I must do all in my power to help them. It is Gods means that I am handling, and I will do as Christ would do in my place. I will not spend money for luxuries. I will remember the Lords workers in mission fields. They have more need of means than I have. In their work they come in contact with much poverty and distress. They must feed the hungry and clothe the naked. I must limit my expenditures, that I may share in their labor of love.--MS 19, 1903. {PM 105.1}[1]
§5
把零碎收起来——对出版的刊物当予以合适的估价，然后让各出版社的所有人员研究，在每一可行的方法上节约，即使会造成相当不便也当如此。要注意细微的支出，填补所有的漏洞。须知千里之堤，毁于蚁穴；要将零碎收拾起来，免得有糟蹋的。勿把时间耗费于无谓的闲谈中；糟蹋分秒的时间，就会有数小时受损。持久殷勤，凭信工作，必获成功。{PM 105.2}[2]
§6
Gather Up the Fragments.--Let the proper estimate be placed upon the publications, and then let all in our publishing houses study to economize in every possible way even though considerable inconvenience is thus caused. Watch the little outgoes. Stop every leak. It is the little losses that tell heavily in the end. Gather up the fragments; let nothing be lost. Waste not the minutes in talking; wasted minutes mar the hours. Persevering diligence working in faith, will always be crowned with success. {PM 105.2}[2]
§7
有些人认为照顾微小的事物有损他们的尊严，只有器量小和吝啬的人，才会斤斤计较。但许多时候，却因一点点的罅漏，船就沉没了。凡可供使用的东西，都不该浪费。缺乏节约措施，必定会使我们的机构欠债。即使收入甚丰，这些钱财也会在工作的各方面逐渐地失去的。节约并不是吝啬。{PM 106.1}[3]
§8
Some think it beneath their dignity to look after small things. They think it the evidence of a narrow mind and a niggardly spirit. But small leaks have sunk many a ship. Nothing that would serve the purpose of any should be allowed to waste. A lack of economy will surely bring debt upon our institutions. Although much money may be received, it will be lost in the little wastes of every branch of the work. Economy is not stinginess. {PM 106.1}[3]
§9
出版社里的每一个人都应做忠心的哨兵，防备任何的浪费。要防范单凭主观想象的开支要求。一些人每年用400美元要比另一些人用800美元生活得好。［注1］我们的机构也是这样，由一些人来办要比另一些人省钱得多。上帝希望所有的工作人员实行节约，特别要掌握好开支情况。——《教会证言》卷七206,207页（另见《教会证言》卷四571－574页）。{PM 106.2}[4]
§10
Every man or woman employed in the publishing house should be a faithful sentinel, watching that nothing be wasted. All should guard against supposed wants that require an expenditure of means. Some men live better on four hundred dollars a year than others do on eight hundred. [IN 1902, $1.00 TO $2.00 A DAY WAS THE COMMON DAILY WAGE.] Just so it is with our institutions; some persons can manage them with far less capital than others can. God desires all the workers to practice economy, and especially to be faithful accountants.--7T 206, 207. (See also 4T 571-574.) {PM 106.2}[4]
§11
在工作中避免拖延——我们的机构里应进行重大的改变。拖延一件本应马上办的事，直等到更方便的时候才办，这是不对的，会造成损失的。有时弥补的工作要比及时去做花上两倍的时间。由于拖延了本应马上去做的工作，造成了许多可怕的损失和致命的事故。行动的时间浪费在犹豫之中，想要明天再做。可是明天往往会发现太迟了。我们的机构因为优柔寡断，延误，懒惰，粗心大意，以及一些人明显的不诚实，而天天造成经济上的损失。机构中一些工作人员漠不关心地混日子，好像上帝从来没有赐给他们智力去用在工作之中。这种人不适合担任任何职务，决不可依靠他们。凡在困难面前规避责任的人将一直是软弱无能的。{PM 106.3}[5]
§12
Avoid Procrastination in Labor.--Important changes should take place in our offices. To defer work which needs immediate attention until a more convenient time is a mistake and results in loss. The work of repairing sometimes amounts to double what it would had it received attention in season. Many fearful losses and fatal accidents have occurred by putting off matters which should have received immediate attention. The season for action is spent in hesitancy, thinking that tomorrow will do; but tomorrow is frequently found to be too late. Our offices suffer financially every day on account of indecision, dallying, recklessness, indolence, and, on the part of some, downright dishonesty. There are some employed in these offices who pass along as indifferently as though God had given them no mental powers to be exercised in care-taking. Such are unfitted for any post of duty; they can never be depended upon. Men and women who shun duties in which difficulties are involved will remain weak and inefficient. {PM 106.3}[5]
§13
凡训练自己迅速而节俭地工作的人，会推动工作，而不是让工作来推动他们。他们不会因为工作头绪混乱而匆促。勤劳和诚挚的忠心是成功所不可缺少的。每一小时的工作都在上帝面前受到检查，并登记为忠心或不忠心。浪费的时光和没有善用的机会被记录下来，在审判开始书卷展开时都要追讨。每个人都要按照案卷上的记录受审判。……{PM 107.1}[6]
§14
Those who educate themselves to do their work with dispatch, as well as with economy, will drive their business instead of allowing their business to drive them. They will not be constantly hurried and perplexed because their work is in confusion. Diligence and earnest fidelity are indispensable to success. Every hours work passes in review before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness. The record of wasted moments and unimproved opportunities must be met when the judgment shall sit and the books shall be opened and everyone shall be judged according to the things written in the books. . . . {PM 107.1}[6]
§15
需要工人，而不是懒汉——我们的机构缺乏稳定坚强的人。我蒙指示看见从一个房间到另一个房间，里面的人都漫不经心地工作。每一个工作岗位都造成损失。显然缺乏周密的考虑。一些人身负重任，操心挂虑，另一些人非但不分担责任，反而制造困难和麻烦。那些在青少年时没有学习节约的功课，养成习惯充分利用时间的人，在从事的任何工作中都不会谨慎节约。不去改进我们的才干为荣耀上帝而用乃是一种罪。所有的人都有责任要负，没有一个人可以免除。{PM 107.2}[7]
§16
Workers Needed, Not Drones.--Our offices are suffering for the want of men of stability and firmness. As I was shown from room to room I saw that the work was conducted with indifference. Losses are sustained at every position of trust. The lack of thoroughness is apparent. While some have borne the burdens of care and responsibility, others, instead of sharing these burdens, have pursued a course to increase anxiety and care. Those who have not learned the lesson of economy, and acquired the habit of making the most of their time in childhood and youth will not be prudent and economical in any business in which they engage. It is a sin to neglect to so improve our faculties that they may be used to the glory of God. All have responsibilities to bear; not one can be excused. {PM 107.2}[7]
§17
每一个人的智力是不同的，所有的人或多或少都需要得到培养和训练。与圣工有关的每一时刻都应表现出小心和果断。没有决断性，一个人就象水一样流动无常，决不会取得真正的成功。所有信奉基督的人都应成为工人。在信仰的大家庭中不应有懒汉。家里的每一个成员都有任务分给他，在主葡萄园的一个部分工作。满足上帝要求的唯一方法就是我们不断坚持，努力争取有更大的用途。我们尽力所做的也只有一点点。但每天的努力都会增进我们的能力来有效的工作，结果子归荣耀给上帝。——《教会证言》卷四452－454页。{PM 107.3}[8]
§18
There is a variety of minds, and all need more or less cultivation and training. Every moment in connection with the cause of God should be characterized by caution and decision. Without decision, an individual is fickle and unstable as water, and can never be truly successful. All who profess Christ should be workers. There are no drones in the household of faith. Every member of the family has some task assigned him, some portion of the vineyard of the Lord in which to work. The only way to meet the demand of God is to be constantly persevering in our endeavors for higher usefulness. It is but little we can accomplish at best, but every days effort will increase our ability to labor effectually and to bear fruit to the glory of God.--4T 452-454. {PM 107.3}[8]
§19
在使用材料和机器时周密考虑——使用材料和机器时缺乏周密的考虑也会造成损失。我们没有兼顾所有的大小事务，避免因疏忽造成浪费和损失。……{PM 108.1}[9]
§20
Thoughtful Care in Use of Material and Machinery. --Again, losses occur from lack of thoughtful care in the use of material and machinery. There is a failure to look after all the larger and smaller matters, that nothing be wasted or damaged through neglect. . . . {PM 108.1}[9]
§21
由于缺少个人的关心，许多东西都浪费了。这种浪费本来只要及时花一点时间充分照应一下就可以避免的。“我忘记了”这句话造成了我们机构中许多的损失。有些人对他们本部门以外的工作和事情毫不关心，这完全是错误的。自私的心会暗示这样的念头：“这不是我负责的。”可是忠诚和责任感会使每个人都关心一切看到的事。装订部门负责人的榜样受到下面工作人员的仿效。所有的人都变得漠不关心。他们所浪费的钱相当于他们的工资。一个小心尽职的负责人每年会为那一个部门节省几百美元。{PM 108.2}[10]
§22
By a lack of personal interest many things go to waste which a few moments thoughtful attention at the right time would save. I forgot causes much loss to our offices. And some feel no interest in any work or in anything which does not come under their special branch of the work. This is all wrong. Selfishness would suggest the thought, It does not belong to me to care for that; but faithfulness and duty would prompt everyone to care for all that comes under his observation. The example of the head workers in the bindery is followed by the hands employed; all become careless and reckless; and an amount is wasted equal to their wages. A caretaking person at the head of the work would save hundreds of dollars yearly to the office in that one department. {PM 108.2}[10]
§23
在整个机构中都应实行节约的原则。为了节约钱，一分一角都要珍惜。在事业上取得成功的人总是节约，坚持不懈和积极肯干的。所有参加上帝圣工的人现在都应当充分造就自己成为认真负责的人。即使他们的工作在地上得不到欣赏，只要他们忠心地做好所负责的任何工作，他们就不应该看不起自己。一个人适应某一行业，使之成为一种乐趣，是要花一定时间的。不论现在还是将来，我们的习惯要塑造我们的为人。——《教会证言》卷四451,452页。{PM 108.3}[11]
§24
A principle should exist all through the office to economize. In order to save the dollars, dimes and pennies must be carefully treasured. Men who have been successful in business have always been economical, persevering, and energetic. Let all connected with the work of God begin now to educate themselves thoroughly as caretakers. Even though their work may not be appreciated on earth, they should never degrade themselves in their own eyes by unfaithfulness in anything they undertake. It takes time for a person to become so accustomed to a given course of life as to be happy in pursuing it. We shall be individually, for time and eternity, what our habits make us.--4T 451, 452. {PM 108.3}[11]
§25
处理库存——我们的机构应当小心防止不必要的损失，也要提防临到其中工作人员的试探和试炼。每个工作人员都要帮助弟兄。每一个机构都要帮助其他机构。{PM 108.4}[12]
§26
Disposal of Old Stock.--Our institutions must be carefully guarded against unnecessary losses, and also against temptation and trial coming to the workers connected with them. Each worker is to help his brethren; each institution to help the other institutions. {PM 108.4}[12]
§27
总要依靠主所说的话。祂说：“我必不背弃我的约，也不改变我口中所出的。”“回答柔和，使怒消退”（诗89:34;箴15:1）。{PM 109.1}[13]
§28
The Word of God can always be relied upon. My covenant will I not break, He says, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. A soft answer turneth away wrath. {PM 109.1}[13]
§29
当几家出版社有某些书的大量库存时，一家出版社就不要未经与有大量旧版书的机构商量，就擅自出新版。要小心采取每一个行动，避免给我们的机构带来损失。我们必须以公正和圣洁的判断来办理一切事情。——《怀爱伦信函》1903年229号。{PM 109.2}[14]
§30
When several parties have on hand large stock of certain books, nothing should be done in bringing out new editions by one office without consulting with those who already have quantities of the old edition on hand. In every action care must be exercised not to take a course that will bring loss upon our institutions. We must deal in all things with equity and with sanctified judgment.--Lt 229, 1903. {PM 109.2}[14]
§31
在指定的工作上忠心——职工们要把耶稣带到每一个工作部门。不论作什么事情都要准确周密，能经得起检查。要用心工作。在人生的普通职责和更大的责任上，忠心都是必要的。一些人可能认为他们的工作不高尚，其实他们恰恰应当使之成为高尚的工作。只有他们能提高或贬低他们的工作性质。我们希望迫使每一个懒汉自己劳动谋生。因为工作是一种福气，而不是咒诅。勤劳的工作会使我们摆脱撒但的许多网罗。他总是“找一些坏事让闲懒的手去做。”{PM 109.3}[15]
§32
Faithfulness in Appointed Tasks.--The workers should take Jesus with them in every department of their labor. Whatever is done should be done with an exactness and thoroughness that will bear inspection. The heart should be in the work. Faithfulness is as essential in lifes common duties as in those involving greater responsibility. Some may receive the idea that their work is not ennobling; but this is just as they choose to make it. They alone are capable of degrading or elevating their employment. We wish that every drone might be compelled to toil for his daily bread; for work is a blessing, not a curse. Diligent labor will keep us from many of the snares of Satan, who finds some mischief still for idle hands to do. {PM 109.3}[15]
§33
我们任何人都不要以工作为耻，不论这工作在表面上看是多么卑微。劳动是高尚的。从事脑力和体力劳动的都是工人。不论是洗衣服，洗盘碗，还是去开会，大家都一样是在尽自己的责任，给自己的信仰带来尊荣。当我们双手在从事最普通的工作时，我们可以用纯洁圣善的念头来提高我们的思想境界。任何工人若不尊重宗教的事，就当让他离开圣工。不要让任何人感到圣工是依靠他们进行的。{PM 109.4}[16]
§34
None of us should be ashamed of work, however small and servile it may appear. Labor is ennobling. All who toil with head or hands are workingmen or workingwomen. And all are doing their duty and honoring their religion as much while working at the washtub or washing the dishes as they are in going to meeting. While the hands are engaged in the most common labor, the mind may be elevated and ennobled by pure and holy thoughts. When any of the workers manifest a lack of respect for religious things, they should be separated from the work. Let none feel that the institution is dependent upon them. {PM 109.4}[16]
§35
在我们机构里就业的人应当成为负责任的工人，在任何岗位上都靠得住，就象指南针指向磁极一样忠于职责。如果他们善用自己的机会，就会有匀称的品格，并在宗教信仰上有深刻而活泼的经验。但是有一些人与上帝分离，把宗教放在一边。他们没有把宗教当作人生的原则，不论走到哪里，投身到什么社会，都加以小心爱护，证明其为灵魂的锚。我希望所有的工作人员都仔细考虑今生和来生的成功在很大的程度上取决于小事上的忠心。凡希望负更高责任的人就当在上帝安排的地方履行职责。——《教会证言》卷四590,591页。{PM 109.5}[17]
§36
Those who have long been employed in our institutions should now be responsible workers, reliable in every place, as faithful to duty as the compass to the pole. Had they rightly improved their opportunities, they might now have symmetrical characters and a deep, living experience in religious things. But some of these workers have separated from God. Religion is laid aside. It is not an inwrought principle, carefully cherished wherever they go, into whatever society they are thrown, proving as an anchor to the soul. I wish all the workers carefully to consider that success in this life and success in gaining the future life depend largely upon faithfulness in little things. Those who long for higher responsibilities should manifest faithfulness in performing the duties just where God has placed them.--4T 590, 591. {PM 109.5}[17]
§37
灵性低落影响财政管理［注2］——有一张网罗已经张开，……大家还没有认识到，很少有人想到它的存在。现在的局面正在束缚你的手脚，阻碍圣工。危机不久就要来临。情况还没有充分向我显示。我知道的只是：财政的管理在很大的程度上已按错误的原则办事。大家都认为工作很兴旺，其实却有危险。{PM 110.1}[18]
§38
Low Spirituality Affects Financial Managements. [A LETTER ADDRESSED TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE PRESIDENT. IN THE LATER YEARS OF HIS ADMINISTRATION, THIS PRESIDENT CAME UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF SEVERAL PUBLISHING HOUSE LEADERS WHOSE BUSINESS PRINCIPLES WERE CALLED INTO QUESTION BY ELLEN WHITE.] --A net has been spread . . . that the people know not of, and that very few suspect the existence of. The condition of things is binding your hands and hindering the work. The crisis will soon be reached. The state of things is not fully revealed to me, but this much I know: to a great degree the management of finances has been conducted on wrong principles. While all is supposed to be prosperous, there is peril. {PM 110.1}[18]
§39
你同那些与上帝没有活泼关系的人一起工作。你不敢运用自己的判断，唯恐出乱子。因此我感到难过。我写给你的话，要不是有坚决果断的人站在你旁边作你助手支持你，我是不敢写出来的。现在同你密切合作的两个人，按他们目前的属灵状况是不宜参加计划和推进圣工的。如果他们能认识自己如上帝看他们那样，跌在那磐石上而且是跌碎，他们身上就会发生决定性的变化。……圣经的信仰，无论在私下或公众场合，对他们来说都是过去的事情。他们一直宣称反对狂热和盲从。……然而在地上如果有什么东西应以圣洁的热诚鼓舞人的话，那就是耶稣基督里的真理。这是庄严伟大的救赎工作。基督是我们的智慧，公义，圣洁和救赎。——《怀爱伦信函》1895年57号。{PM 110.2}[19]
§40
You have connected with you men who have no living connection with God. You fear to exercise your judgment, lest there shall be an explosion. This is why I feel so sad. I have written out matters that I dared not send to you unless there were persons of a firm, decided character who would stand by your side as true yoke fellows to sustain you. The two men who have been especially associated with you should, in their present spiritual condition, have no part in planning and carrying forward the work of God in any of its various lines. If they were to see themselves as God sees them and fall upon the Rock and be broken, a decided change would appear in them. . . . Bible religion, in private and public, is with them a thing of the past. They have been zealously declaiming against enthusiasm and fanaticism. . . . But if there is anything upon the earth that should inspire men with sanctified zeal, it is the truth as it is in Jesus. It is the grand, great work of redemption. It is Christ, made unto us wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption.--Lt 57, 1895. {PM 110.2}[19]
§41
从出版社清除自私——上帝呼召纯洁和完全献身的人参加《评论与通讯》出版社的工作。祂不用那些在自己的业务交易上把基督出卖在仇敌手中的人。这样的人对祂的圣工是一种羞辱，有损于他们所误表之真理的名誉。他们若不悔改，用基督的方法工作，上帝就不让他们为祂服务，因为他们带进了自私和种种弊端。{PM 111.1}[20]
§42
Cleanse the Office of Selfishness.--God calls for pure, thoroughly consecrated men to manage the work of the Review and Herald office. He has no use for men who in their business transactions betray Christ into the hands of His enemies. Such men are a stigma to His cause, a reproach to the truth that they misrepresent. Unless they repent, and work in a Christlike manner, as Christ has given them an example in His life, God has no place for them in His service, for they bring in selfishness and every evil work. {PM 111.1}[20]
§43
主希望在出版社里有一支志愿的工人。他们有清楚的判断力，能看出悔改的需要。要复兴过去自我牺牲的精神。出版社需要一班人，能看出应当实行新的秩序，洁净出版社，就象过去基督在圣殿院子里清除贪心，自私的商人一样。——《怀爱伦文稿》1902年12号。{PM 111.2}[21]
§44
The Lord desires to have in the office of publication a volunteer company of workers of clear discernment who will see the need of repentance. The old-time spirit of self-sacrifice must be revived. The office needs men who will see that a new order of things must be brought in, men who will cleanse the office, as Christ cleansed the Temple courts of greedy, selfish buyers and sellers.--MS 12, 1902. {PM 111.2}[21]
§45
奉献十分之一，节制个人的需要——许多工作人员克已牺牲的精神大大减弱了，因为他们失去了起初的爱心。许多人要求更高的工资。但如果他们是上帝的同工，他们的需要就会节制得多了；因为他们花钱买不必要的东西。如果他们的心因真理成圣，他们就不会要这些东西了。要注意基督的生活给你们做出的榜样。在出版社里有人向圣库扣留十分之一，宣称他们在圣经里看不到有这个要求。但是为什么他们看不见呢？这是因为自私牢牢扎根在他们心中。他们没有舍己献身于上帝。他们多年来抢夺上帝之物；但上帝难道不会记录他们的行为？圣经十分明确地指出，每个人都要按照所行的受报应。按照他们在机构中或善或恶的行为受审判。上帝决不会放过盗用祂资财的罪。祂正在考验人，看谁配做祂天国的公民；因为他们若藐视祂在地上的要求，就会藐视祂在天国的要求。假如所有自称跟从基督的人都扣留主所交托他的资财，把祂所赐的才能给自己用，以求自己的荣耀，上帝在世上的圣工又怎么能够推进呢？其他国家的人又怎么会得到真理的信息呢？上帝并不让钱从天上掉下来。但祂把自己的财富交托给人，从而尊重人，且告诉人当怎么做。要以祈祷的精神仔细阅读上帝在玛拉基3:8-12中给你的指示。——《怀爱伦信函》1891年31号（《太平洋出版社工作与工人的特别证言》39，40页）。{PM 111.3}[22]
§46
Pay Tithe and Simplify Personal Wants.--With many of the workers the spirit of self-sacrifice has greatly diminished because they have lost their first love. Many are grasping for higher wages; but if they were laborers together with God, their wants would be more simple; for they spend money needlessly for things which they would not desire if their hearts were sanctified by the truth. Look at the example given you in the life of Christ. There are those in the office who have withheld their tithe from the treasury, claiming that they could not see the requirement in the Word of God. But why could they not see it? It was because selfishness was firmly rooted in the heart. They did not deny self, and make their offering to God. For years they have practiced robbery toward God; but does not the Lord keep a record of all their doings? Most assuredly, for it is written that every man shall be rewarded according as his works have been, judged according to the deeds done in the body, whether they are good or whether they are evil. The Lord will not pass over the embezzlement of His goods. He is testing men to see who will be fit subjects for His kingdom above; for if they disregard His claims here, they will disregard them in the kingdom of heaven. Suppose that all who profess to be followers of Christ should withhold from the Lord His entrusted goods, and appropriate His talents to their own use and for the advancement of their own glory, how would the work of God move forward in the world? How would those in other nations ever receive the message of truth? The Lord does not rain down money from heaven, but He honors man by entrusting to him His treasures, and He tells him what he must do. Read carefully and prayerfully the instruction the Lord has given to you in Malachi 3:8-12.--Lt 31, 1891. (SpTWWPP 39, 40.) {PM 111.3}[22]
§47
在经济危机中的信心——你希望凭眼见行路。上帝希望你凭信心行走。你常常会受试探，看外表。但这样不行。你必须凭信心行走。“信是所望之事的实底，是未见之事的确据”（来11:1）。但当你看到自己空虚的仓库时，阴影就包围了你，你的信心就失去了。这时正是谈论信心和勇气，起而应付危机的时候。工作是属于主的，……不是我们的，我们可以放心把它放在主的手里。但以理被带到试炼之地时就寻求上帝。我们在困难之中也当恳求上帝。你在一切事上并没有采取智慧的行动。你需要学习克已牺牲。你必须在困难时甘心接受较低的工资。上帝会因此得荣耀。——《怀爱伦信函》1896年27号。{PM 112.1}[23]
§48
Faith in Times of Economic Crisis.--You have a desire to walk by sight. God would have you learn to walk by faith. You will be often tempted to look at appearance, but this will not do. You must walk by faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. But when you looked at your depleted treasury, the dark shadows encircled you, and your faith failed. Then was the time to talk faith and courage, to rise to the emergency. The work is the Lords, . . . not ours, and we can safely leave it in His hands. Daniel sought the Lord when brought into trying places, and when in trouble, we must pray earnestly to God. You have not moved wisely in all things. You need to learn the lesson of self-denial and self-sacrifice. You must be willing to receive less money in an emergency. God will be glorified in this.--Lt 27, 1896. {PM 112.1}[23]
§49
从事圣工的人所需要实行的个人节约——［注3］我的弟兄，在来信中你谈到要离开《评论与通讯》出版社。我很遗憾你要为你所提到的理由离开工作。这些理由说明你需要比现在有深得多的经验。你的信心十分软弱。别人的家庭人口比你家多得多，却毫无怨言地靠只及你工资一半的钱维持生活。我们已谈过这个问题。我知道我所谈论的是事实。显然不论你留在《评论与通讯》出版社还是离开，你都有与你至关重要教训要学习。我认为不能照顾自己的意思劝你留下，因为你若不更深地取饮于活水的泉源，你的服务就不会蒙上帝所悦纳。{PM 112.2}[24]
§50
Personal Economy Essential to Workers in Gods Cause. [ON NOVEMBER 3, 1892, A PUBLISHING HOUSE MANAGER WROTE TO MRS. E. G. WHITE TO INFORM HER THAT HE HAD DECIDED TO LEAVE THE INSTITUTION FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE THE DENOMINATIONAL WORK BECAUSE OF PERSONAL FINANCIAL EMBARRASSMENT. HE HAD NOT MANAGED TO LIVE WITHIN HIS INCOME, HAD BECOME INDEBTED TO THE INSTITUTION TO THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $1,244 DURING A PERIOD OF EIGHT YEARS. IN THE MEANTIME HE HAD ACCUMULATED IN LIKE MANNER A DEBT AT THE SANITARIUM. BOTH INSTITUTIONS WERE KINDLY REQUESTING HIM TO SETTLE THESE ACCOUNTS. HE FELT THAT UNDER THE CIRCUMSTANCES HE WOULD BE JUSTIFIED IN LEAVING DENOMINATIONAL WORK FOR OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT PAYING HIGHER WAGES, WITH THE HOPE OF PAYING HIS DEBTS AND WITH THE PROSPECT OF NEVER RETURNING TO LABOR IN THE CAUSE OF GOD. THIS LETTER IS MRS. WHITES REPLY.]--My brother, in your letter you speak of leaving the Review office. I am sorry that you can be willing to separate from the work for the reasons you mention. They reveal that you have a much deeper experience to gain than you now have. Your faith is very weak. Other families, much larger than yours, sustain themselves without one word of complaint on half the wages you have. We have been over the ground, and I know what I am talking about. It is evident that whether you remain in the Review office or separate from it you have lessons to learn that will be of the highest interest to you. I do not feel at liberty to urge you to remain; for unless you drink deeper of the Fountain of living waters, your service will not be acceptable to God. {PM 112.2}[24]
§51
我不知道在你离开后由谁来填补空缺。如果主所计划要做的工作，需要为巴特尔克里克的教会成就，我相信祂会在危机中帮助他们。祂不要勉强的侍奉。祂的话若没有进入人的心中，使整个人顺从基督，人在试探和考验来临时，就会选择顺从自己的倾向而不是上帝的道路。……从你所写的信中，我知道你并没有行在光中。……{PM 113.1}[25]
§52
I do not know who would occupy the position that would be left vacant if you would leave, but if the work that the Lord designs and longs to do is done for the church in Battle Creek, I am sure He will help them in any crisis. He wants no forced service. Unless His words find entrance to the soul, and bring the entire man into subjection to Christ, the human agent will, when tempted and tried, choose to follow his own inclination rather than the ways of the Lord. . . . From the letters you have written, I know that you are not walking in the light. . . . {PM 113.1}[25]
§53
基督军中的士兵岂该这样行事吗？国家军队里的士兵如果这样做，就会作为逃兵受到惩处，天上的世界会如何看待基督军队中这样的士兵呢？凡从事圣工，明知其神圣性的人，决不可以离开圣工去追求任何属世的利益。——《信息选粹》卷二210－214页。{PM 113.2}[26]
§54
Ought the soldiers in Christs ranks to act in this way? Should soldiers in the army of the nation do this, they would be treated as deserters, and how does the heavenly universe look upon such soldiers in Christs army? No one who engages in the work of God with an appreciation of its sacredness, could turn from the work to secure any worldly advantages whatsoever.--2SM 210-214. {PM 113.2}[26]