第02章 当代的一项重要工作
§1
第02章 当代的一项重要工作
§2
Chapter 2—An Essential Work for This Time
§3
以上帝的眼光为我们的眼光——唉，惟愿我们能象上帝那样看出这些城市的需要！在现今这样的时候，每一个人都要动手作工。主要来了，末日临近了，临近而且甚快！再过不多的时候，我们就不能象现在这样自由地作工了。可怕的景象已在我们面前，凡我们所做的必须快快地做。——《教会证言》卷九101（1909）{MTC 25.1}[1]
§4
God’s Perspective to Become Our Perspective.—Oh, that we might see the needs of these cities as God sees them! At such a time as this every hand is to be employed. The Lord is coming; the end is near, yea, it hasteth greatly! In a little while we shall be unable to work with the freedom that we now enjoy. Terrible scenes are before us, and what we do we must do quickly.—Testimonies For The Church 9:101. (1909)?{MTC 25.1}[1]
§5
许多人没有救灵的负担——各地的教会受到上帝光照后，就应立即到各大城市去作工；可惜许多人尚未为别人的灵性担负起责任。撒但既发现他们易受引诱，就乘机破坏了他们基督徒的经验。上帝吩咐祂的百姓要悔改，要洗心革面，要恢复起初的爱心，就是他们因为没有跟从自我牺牲的救赎主而丧失了的爱心。——《教会证言》卷九140（1909）{MTC 25.2}[2]
§6
Many Carry No Burden for Souls.—The large cities should have been worked just as soon as the churches received the light, but many have carried no burden for souls, and Satan, finding them susceptible to his temptations, has spoiled their experience. God asks His people to repent, be converted, and to return to their first love, which they have lost by their failure to follow in the footsteps of the self-sacrificing Redeemer.—Testimonies For The Church 9:140. (1909)?{MTC 25.2}[2]
§7
太少关注城市——且看这些城市，和他们对于福音的需要！二十多年以来，许多城市对于热心工人的需要，常在我面前，有谁为那些大城市有负担呢？有少数人固然已经觉悟到这种责任，可是和这么大的需要，这么多的机会一比较，则我们对于这项工作，实在是很少加以注意。——《教会证言》卷九97，98（1919））{MTC 25.3}[3]
§8
Too Little Attention Given to Cities.—Behold the cities, and their need of the gospel! The need of earnest laborers among the multitudes of the cities has been kept before me for more than twenty years. Who are carrying a burden for the large cities? A few have felt the burden, but in comparison with the great need and the many opportunities but little attention has been given to this work.—Testimonies For The Church 9:97, 98. (1909)?{MTC 25.3}[3]
§9
城市工作远远落后于上帝的计划——进入大城市作工，仍然是我们的一项重要任务。多年以来，主一直催促我们负起这个责任，然而我们看见在大城市里工作很少有成就。如果我们不毅然决然地负起这项工作，撒但就会制造出种种难以克服的困难来。在这些久被疏忽的城市，我们还远没有成就应做的工作。现在开展工作比几年以前更加困难了。可是如果我们奉主的名负起工作，障碍就会被除去，我们就会取得决定性的胜利。——《信函》1909年第148号（《医疗布道论》301）{MTC 25.4}[4]
§10
Work for Cities Far Behind God’s Plan.—The importance of making our way in the great cities is still kept before me. For?many years the Lord has been urging upon us this duty, and yet we see but comparatively little accomplished in our great centers of population. If we do not take up this work in a determined manner, Satan will multiply difficulties which will not be easy to surmount. We are far behind in doing the work that should have been done in these long-neglected cities. The work will now be more difficult than it would have been a few years ago. But if we take up the work in the name of the Lord, barriers will be broken down, and decided victories will be ours.—Letter 148, 1909?(Medical Ministry, 301, 302).?{MTC 25.4}[4]
§11
需要为城市献上恳切的祷告和努力——我们对未得救的人太少负担了。世界从来没有象现在这样需要我们。我们周围尽是未受警告的城市。生灵正在灭亡，我们在做什么呢？我们需要对这些生灵有负担，有我们许多人还从未体验过的负担。……{MTC 26.1}[5]
§12
Earnest Prayer and Effort Needed for Cities.—We carry too light a burden in behalf of souls unsaved. There never was a time when the world needed us more than it needs us now. All about us are cities unwarned. Souls are perishing, and what are we doing? We need to have a burden for these souls, such as many of us have never experienced. ...?{MTC 26.1}[5]
§13
我们一点也不相信这些真理。我们若是相信，就会见到有更多的祈祷和更加殷勤的努力要把这些真理传给各城的居民。上帝如今正呼召我们在各城中开展强有力的工作。——《文稿》1910年第23号{MTC 26.2}[6]
§14
We do not half believe these truths. If we did, there would be seen more praying and more diligence in trying to carry these truths to the inhabitants of the cities of our land. God is now calling upon us to open up a strong work in the cities.—Manuscript 23, 1910.?{MTC 26.2}[6]
§15
城市工作不可耽搁——我奉命传给当代信徒的信息是：要毫不犹豫地为城市工作，因为时间不多了。主在过去二十年里一直把这项工作摆在我们面前，在少数地方已做了一点工作，然而还有更多的工作需要做。我昼夜身负重担，因为关于上帝将要降在干犯祂律法之人身上的判决，我们是这么少地警告大都市的居民。——《信函》1909年第168号?(《医疗布道论》300).{MTC 26.3}[7]
§16
Cities to Be Worked Without Delay.—The message that I am bidden to bear to our people at this time is, Work the cities without delay, for time is short. The Lord has kept this work before us for the last twenty years or more. A little has been done in a few places, but much more might be done. I am carrying a burden day and night, because so little is being accomplished to warn the inhabitants of our great centers of population of the judgments that will fall upon the transgressors of God’s law.—Letter 168, 1909?(Medical Ministry, 300).?{MTC 26.3}[7]
§17
要迅速传扬信息——主指示我看到有一项工作要在各城中做成，是几乎还没有开始做的。在城市中作工的这个问题要成为我们当前的问题。我们现在不要制定长期的工作计划。要迅速传扬信息。在执行主就城市工作所作的指示上长久耽延，已使接触各阶层之人的工作变得更加困难。必须立刻开始工作，主需要献身的工人，他们会按照祂所赐的亮光付出认真的努力。——《信函》1909年第42号?(《怀爱伦文集》17:37).?{MTC 26.4}[8]
§18
Message to Be Given Quickly.—The Lord has shown me that there is a work to be done in the cities that is scarcely entered?upon. This question of the work in the cities is to become a living question with us. We must not now lay plans for a long, extended work. The message is to be carried quickly. The long delay in carrying out the instruction of the Lord regarding work in the cities has made the work of reaching all classes more difficult. The work must be undertaken at once, and the Lord calls for consecrated laborers who will engage in earnest effort according to the light He has given.—Letter 42, 1909?(Manuscript Releases 17:37).?{MTC 26.4}[8]
§19
到处都需要工人——上帝的子民无论是在拥挤的城市中，在乡村中或在乡间小道上，他们被安置在哪里，那里就是他们的家乡布道园地，主的委托使他们对所在的园地负有责任。在基督徒们相聚敬拜上帝的每一个城市和村落，都有男女和儿童要被收集到主的羊圈。许多人还从未听过一堂圣经课。——《文稿》1907年第87号?(《怀爱伦文集》6:323).{MTC 27.1}[9]
§20
Workers Needed Everywhere.—Wherever the people of God are placed, in the crowded cities, in the villages, or among the country byways, there is a home mission field, for which a responsibility is laid upon them by their Lord’s commission. In every city or settlement where Christians meet to worship God, there are men and women and children to be gathered into the fold. Many have never heard a discourse on God’s Word.—Manuscript 87, 1907?(Manuscript Releases 6:323).?{MTC 27.1}[9]
§21
要向城市居民宣扬救恩——我想到还未开工的各城就深感忧虑。这个重担昼夜压在我身上——必须开展城市工作，不可耽延。必须将现代真理的信息传给那些还没听到的人。……{MTC 27.2}[10]
§22
Salvation to Be Offered City Inhabitants.—I feel the deepest anxiety as I consider the cities that are yet unworked. Day and night the burden is upon me—the cities must be worked without delay. The message of present truth must be carried to those who have not heard it. ...?{MTC 27.2}[10]
§23
这救恩是给未开工的各城居民的。时光在迅速地永远流逝，而我们还几乎没有接触过这些城市。上帝的灵能赋予真理一种能力。当亮光照入人心时，一种确信就会把握人心，那种信念会强大到无法抗拒。——《信函》1909年第150号.{MTC 27.3}[11]
§24
This salvation is for the inhabitants of the unworked cities. Time is rapidly passing into eternity, and these cities have as yet scarcely been touched. There is a power that the Spirit of God can impart to truth. As light is flashed into the mind, a conviction will take hold of hearts that will be too powerful to resist.—Letter 150, 1909.?{MTC 27.3}[11]
§25
感服人心的信息——在我们的各大城市中，这信息要象点着的明灯传布出去。上帝必为这项工作兴起工人，祂的天使必行在他们前面。但愿谁也不要妨碍上帝所委派的人。不要禁止他们。上帝已经把他们的工作赐给了他们。要以大能传出这信息，好使听到的人可以信服。——《评论与通讯》1902.9.30（《布道论》70）?{MTC 27.4}[12]
§26
Message to Convict Hearers.—In our large cities the message is to go forth as a lamp that burneth. God will raise up laborers for this work, and His angels will go before them. Let no one hinder these men of God’s appointment. Forbid them not. God has given them their work. Let the message be given with so much?power that the hearers shall be convinced.—The Review and Herald, September 30, 1902?(Evangelism, 70).?{MTC 27.4}[12]
§27
撒但很高兴让成千上万的人留在黑暗里——在城市里还有成千上万的人留在黑暗中。撒但很高兴让工作耽搁，因为这种耽搁使他有机会在这些园地里向有影响的人作工，达到他的目的。我们现在能否依靠我们的负责人谦虚而又勇敢地履行自己的责任？守望者们要兴起。任何人都不要对形势不关心。在我们所有的教会中，弟兄姐妹们应当有充分的觉醒。——《文稿》1910年第21号（《医疗布道论》302）{MTC 28.1}[13]
§28
Satan Pleased That Thousands Still in Darkness.—Thousands of people in our cities are left in darkness, and Satan is well pleased with the delay; for this delay gives him opportunity to work in these fields with men of influence to further his plans. Can we now depend upon our men in positions of responsibility to act humbly and nobly their part? Let the watchmen arouse. Let no one continue to be indifferent to the situation. There should be a thorough awakening among the brethren and sisters in all our churches.—Manuscript 21, 1910?(Medical Ministry, 302).?{MTC 28.1}[13]
§29
城市布道会形成一个我们从来没有见过的强大运动——上帝在过去所发的信息并没有改变，城市的工作现在是很重要的。当我们按照上帝的指示为城市工作时，就会形成一个我们从来没有见过的强大的运动。……{MTC 28.2}[14]
§30
City Evangelism’s Mighty Results Not Yet Witnessed.—There is no change in the messages that God has sent in the past. The work in the cities is the essential work for this time. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed. ...?{MTC 28.2}[14]
§31
我们教会一点也没有觉悟自己的需要和自己所处的时代。守望者啊，要醒来。我们首要的工作就是省察自己的心，重新悔改。我们没有时间可以浪费在次要的事上了。——《信函》1910年第46号（《医疗布道论》304）{MTC 28.3}[15]
§32
As a people we are not half awake to a sense of our necessities and to the times in which we live. Wake up the watchmen. Our first work should be to search our hearts and to become reconverted. We have no time to lose upon unimportant issues.—Letter 46, 1910?(Medical Ministry, 304).?{MTC 28.3}[15]
§33
在城市里与基督同工
§34
有幸与基督同工——把所领受的施予出去，这工作会使每个教友成为与上帝同工的人。出于你自己你什么也不能做；但基督是伟大的工人。每个接待基督的人都有特权成为与祂同工的人。——《教会证言》卷六449（1900）{MTC 28.4}[16]
§35
COWORKERS WITH CHRIST IN THE CITIES
§36
Privileged to Be Coworkers With Christ.—The work of imparting that which he has received will constitute every member of the church a laborer together with God. Of yourself you can do nothing; but Christ is the great worker. It is the privilege of every human being who receives Christ to be a worker together with Him.—Testimonies For The Church 6:449. (1900)?{MTC 28.4}[16]
§37
蒙召与基督和谐同工——“祢怎样差我到世上，我也照样差他们到世上”（约17:18）。自称信主的人不可坐下来过安逸的生活，好像无事可做似的。有一项大工要完成，每一个进入永生的人都要与耶稣基督合作。救主说过：“我不但为这些人祈求，也为那些因他们的话信我的人祈求，使他们都合而为一。正如祢父在我里面，我在祢里面，使他们也在我们里面，叫世人可以信祢差了我来。祢所赐给我的荣耀，我已赐给他们，使他们合而为一，象我们合而为一。我在他们里面，祢在我里面，使他们完完全全的合而为一，叫世人知道祢差了我来，也知道祢爱他们如同爱我一样”（约17:20-23）。{MTC 28.5}[17]
§38
Called to Work in Harmony With Christ.—“As Thou hast?sent Me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.” It is not for the professing believer to sit down and take life easily, as though there were nothing to be done. There is a great work to be accomplished, and everyone who attains unto eternal life is to cooperate with Jesus Christ. “Neither pray I for these alone,” the Saviour said, “but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one: I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that Thou hast sent Me, and hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me.”?{MTC 28.5}[17]
§39
传道人和平信徒都包含在这段话中了。大家都要合而为一，正象基督与父合而为一那样。在分裂中不能有什么完全。那些信靠耶稣基督的人必在对基督之外即将灭亡之人的关心上合而为一。事实上我们已经看不见自己个人的责任，我们需要奉主的名负起这个责任来。当上帝在这个时代的子民回应基督的这个祈祷的时候，当安息日复临信徒中间存在这种团结的时候，他们就会对世人发出巨大的感化力。各项改革就会发生；先在我们中间，然后在我们的工作对象中间，就会看到基督所恳切祈求的品格的改变。……{MTC 29.1}[18]
§40
Ministers and people are included in these words. All are to be one, even as Christ was one with the Father. There can be no perfection in division. Those who believe in Jesus Christ will be one in their interest for the souls who are perishing out of Christ. The fact is that we have lost sight of our individual responsibility, and we need to take it up in the name of the Lord. When this prayer of Christ’s is answered for His people in this age, when this unity exists among Seventh-day Adventists, there will be a tremendous influence going forth from them to the world. Reformations will take place; first in our own ranks, and then in those for whom we labor, will be seen the transformation of character for which Christ so earnestly prayed. ...?{MTC 29.1}[18]
§41
我的弟兄姐妹们，让我们好好考虑以便知道交给我们个人的工作是什么吧。你们有事情要为你们周围的人和远处的人去做。我们没有权利把钱财都花在今生的享乐上。我们没有权利把金钱花在荣耀自己和放纵自我上。上帝要对地球进行的审判肯定不远了，我们应该起来尽自己的本分。当我们思考基督为我们所受的苦难时，我们应该努力达到舍己和自我牺牲的地步，好使我们能帮助拯救有危险永远灭亡的人。我们若是疏忽这项工作，在上帝面前就无可推诿。{MTC 29.2}[19]
§42
My brethren and sisters, let us study to know what is the work devolving upon us individually. You have something to do for those who are around you, and for those afar off. We have no right to devote all our means for the enjoyment of our present life. We have no right to spend dollars to glorify and indulge self. The judgments of God that are coming upon the earth are certainly not far off, and we should be up and doing our part. As we consider what Christ has suffered for us, we should seek to come into a position of self-denial and self-sacrifice, that we may help in the salvation of the souls that are in peril of everlasting destruction. We can have no excuse to offer to God for neglect of this work.?{MTC 29.2}[19]
§43
我们在为审判作准备吗？我们在预备迎见主吗？有一项工作要为远近各处的人做成。我们要进入还未听到这些末后警告信息的各城各镇和乡村。我们没有认识到我们多么接近这世界历史的结束。我们没有认识到基督为之舍了自己宝贵生命之人的价值。我们需要穿上基督的义袍，与祂和谐同工，与祂的传道人和谐同工，与一切真心相信现代真理的人和谐同工。——《文稿》1909年第91号.{MTC 30.1}[20]
§44
Are we getting ready for the judgment? Are we preparing to meet the Lord? There is a work to be done for those who are afar off and for those who are nigh. We are to enter cities and towns and villages that have been left without the message of warning for these last days. We do not realize how near we are to the end of this earth’s history. We do not realize the value of the souls for whom Christ gave His precious life. We need to put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness and work in harmony with Him, in harmony with His ministers, in harmony with all who truly believe the truth for this time.—Manuscript 91, 1909.?{MTC 30.1}[20]
§45
在救灵工作中与上帝合作——正是上帝的恩典领我们顺从上帝的律法，即祂品格的副本。认识耶稣基督的知识才是我们要竭力增进的，以便遵行祂的道。……我们愿意让耶稣高兴吗？我们愿意让上帝的天使欢喜快乐吗？我们藉着与上帝合作寻找拯救失丧的人就可以做到这些。……我们难道不要在拯救堕落人类的工作中与天使合作吗？——《安息日学工人》1896年1月。{MTC 30.2}[21]
§46
Partners With God in Saving Humanity.—It is the grace of God which leads us to obey the law of God, the transcript of the divine character. It is a knowledge of Christ Jesus which we should cultivate to the uttermost of our power in order that we may be doers of His word. ... Will we make Jesus glad? Will we cause rejoicing among the angels of God? We can do so by cooperating with God in seeking and saving that which was lost. ... Shall we not cooperate with heavenly angels in the work of saving fallen humanity?—Sabbath School Worker, January 1896.?{MTC 30.2}[21]
§47
工人要得到鼓励
§48
城市的工人需要鼓励——那些在城市中从事艰难工作的人应得到一切可能的鼓励。不要让他们受到弟兄苛刻的批评。我们应当关心那些向处在错谬黑暗中的人传播真光的工人。在我们面前有一个崇高的标准。——《信函》1909年第168号（《医疗布道论》309，310）{MTC 30.3}[22]
§49
WORKERS TO BE ENCOURAGED
§50
City Workers Need Encouragement.—Those who are engaged in the difficult and trying work in the cities should receive every encouragement possible. Let them not be subjected to unkind criticism from their brethren. We must have a care for the Lord’s workers who are opening the light of truth to those who are in the darkness of error. We have a high standard presented before us.—Letter 168, 1909?(Medical Ministry, 309, 310).?{MTC 30.3}[22]
§51
不要灰心——住在各大都市中的上帝使者不可因他们在宣传救恩福音时所遇见的邪恶，欺压和腐败影响而灰心。上帝一定要用祂在邪恶的哥林多所给予保罗的信息，安慰每一个落到此等处境的工人，说：“不要怕，只管讲，不要闭口；有我与你同在，必没有人下手害你；因为在这城里我有许多的百姓”（徒18:9-10）。凡参加救灵工作的人务都记住：虽然有许多人不肯听从上帝在圣经中所赐的教训，但全世界的人决不会都转离真光和真理，而不接受一位忍耐而有恩慈之救主的邀请。在每一个城市中，尽管它充满强暴与罪恶，总有很多人可以在正确的指导之下学习跟从耶稣。如此，我们可以用救恩的真理引领成千上万的人接受基督为他们个人的救主。——《先知与君王》277（1917）{MTC 30.4}[23]
§52
Not to Become Discouraged.—God’s messengers in the great cities are not to become discouraged over the wickedness, the injustice, the depravity, which they are called upon to face while endeavoring to proclaim the glad tidings of salvation. The Lord would?cheer every such worker with the same message that He gave to the apostle Paul in wicked Corinth: “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city” (Acts 18:9, 10). Let those engaged in soul-saving ministry remember that while there are many who will not heed the counsel of God in His word, the whole world will not turn from light and truth, from the invitations of a patient, forbearing Saviour. In every city, filled though it may be with violence and crime, there are many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of Jesus. Thousands may thus be reached with saving truth and be led to receive Christ as a personal Saviour.—Prophets and Kings, 277. (1917)?{MTC 30.4}[23]
§53
不要破坏上帝叫别人去做的工作——我们应当训练自己遵从上帝的秩序，以便不至拆毁而要增进人类的权益。工人们不可拉帮结派。他们将不得不对付外来的挫折，凡自称要修补上帝律法的破口，修造久已荒废之处，建立拆毁累代的根基的人，都不应破坏上帝已安排工人在祂各方面圣工中要完成的工作。——《时兆》1893.7.3{MTC 31.1}[24]
§54
Not to Undo Work God Calls Others to Do.—We should educate ourselves after the divine order, that we may not tear down but build up the interests of humanity. The workers must not draw apart. They will have to meet discouragements from without, and not one who claims to be making up the breach in the law of God, of building up the old waste places, restoring the foundations of many generations, should be found undoing the work that God has set His workmen to accomplish in different branches of His cause.—Signs of the Times, July 3, 1893.?{MTC 31.1}[24]
§55
当心那些设法阻挡城市布道工作的人——我们不冷不热的有罪状况已经出现多年了。我们远远没有跟上主就进入城市为现代真理事业立起见证所赐的指示。许多年以来，主已再三指示我们要在各城做的工作；可是许多传道人和信徒却昏睡得象死人一样。虽有少许人一直在尽全力作工，但我们的人心中却一直没有负起这工作的担子；他们没有受到敦促要合作，要整顿那剩下将要死的。……{MTC 31.2}[25]
§56
Beware of Those Who Try to Discourage City Evangelism.—Our sinful condition of lukewarmness has been coming on for years. We are far behind in following the instructions given to enter the cities, and erect memorials for the cause of present truth. For many years the instruction has been repeated to us regarding the work to be done in the cities; yet there seems to be a deathlike slumber upon many ministers and people. There are a few who have been doing all in their power, but the burden of this work has not been borne upon the hearts of our people; they are not urged to cooperate, and to set in order the things that remain, that are ready to die. ...?{MTC 31.2}[25]
§57
有些人没有接受上帝所赐的信息，这些人撒下了不信的种子，以致稗子生长增多。……那些在过去十五年来直接挡在上帝圣工道路上的人，不应得到支持，也不要使他们有影响力。——《评论与通讯》1908.7.23?{MTC 31.3}[26]
§58
There are some who have not accepted the messages God has?sent, and these have sown the seeds of unbelief until tares have sprung up and multiplied. ... Those who have stood directly in the way of the work of God for the past fifteen years are not to be sustained or given influence.—The Review and Herald, July 23, 1908.?{MTC 31.3}[26]
§59
不鼓励不支持会使上帝不悦—让我们感谢主吧，因为有少数人正尽可能地在我们所忽略的城市中为上帝建立标志。但愿我们记住，我们的本分乃是对这些工人给予鼓励。对我们在大城市中作工的忠实工人不赏识不支持，会使上帝不悦。——《文稿》1902年第154号（《布道论》42）{MTC 32.1}[27]
§60
Lack of Encouragement and Support Displeases God.—Let us thank the Lord that there are a few laborers doing everything possible to raise up some memorials for God in our neglected cities. Let us remember that it is our duty to give these workers encouragement. God is displeased with the lack of appreciation and support shown our faithful workers in our large cities.—Manuscript 154, 1902?(Evangelism, 42).?{MTC 32.1}[27]
§61
撒但设法使在城市作工的人灰心——当你观看各城，见到它们充满了罪孽时，撒但就会告诉你，不可能向他们行什么善事。各城被可悲地忽略了。你们若不恳切寻找，就决不会知道那贵价珠子的价值。——《文稿》1895年第13号?(《怀爱伦文集》10:227).{MTC 32.2}[28]
§62
Satan Tries to Discourage City Workers.—As you look upon the cities, so full of iniquity, Satan will tell you that it is impossible to do them any good. The cities are sadly neglected. You will never know the value of the pearl until you seek earnestly to find it.—Manuscript 13, 1895?(Manuscript Releases 10:227).?{MTC 32.2}[28]