第10章 我们的传道责任
§1
第十章 我们的传道责任
§2
Chapter 10—Our Duty to the Missionary Work*
§3
（1886年写自瑞士巴塞尔的一个呼吁）
§4
(an appeal written in 1886 in Basel, Switzerland)
§5
并非教会的每一个信徒都蒙召到外国去服务。但在向世人输送亮光的大工上，大家都是有份的。基督的福音是要进取和普及的。凡只顾一己私利的人，在上帝的大日无一能蒙豁免。人无论劳心劳力，都有工作要做。有不同的工种适应不同的心智和才干。每一位与上帝联络的人，都要向别人发出亮光。若是什么人无光可发，那是因为他们没有与光源联络。{1NL 27.1}
§6
The members of the church are not all called to labor in foreign lands, but all have a part to act in the great work of giving light to the world. The gospel of Christ is aggressive and diffusive. In the day of God not one will be excused for having been shut up to his own selfish interests. There is work for every mind and for every hand. There is a variety of work, adapted to different minds and varied capabilities. Everyone who is connected with God will impart light to others. If there are any who have no light to give, it is because they have no connection with the Source of light.?{1NL 27.1}
§7
传道人不应该做属于教会信徒的工作，从而使自己心力交瘁，并妨碍别人履行职责。他们应当教导信徒们怎样在教会和邻里作工。有一种工作是要人人都在自己的范围去做的，就是要建立教会，使见证聚会有兴致，训练有才干的青年作传道士。人人都应培养灵性和自我牺牲的精神，用自己的钱财和恳切的祈祷帮助那些进入新的困难园地的人。他们应当积极地与传道人的工作合作，使他们周围的那部分地区成为他们的传道园地；较大的教会应当努力增进和鼓励那些软弱的或人数很少的教会。?{1NL 27.2}
§8
Ministers should not do the work which belongs to the church, thus wearying themselves, and preventing others from performing their duty. They should teach the members how to labor in the church and in the community. There is work for all to do in their own borders, to build up the church, to make the social meetings interesting, and to train the youth of ability to become missionaries. All should cultivate spirituality and self-sacrifice, and by their means and their earnest prayers assist those who enter new and difficult fields. They should co-operate actively with the minister in his labors, making the section of country around them their field of missionary effort; and the larger churches should labor to build up and encourage those that are weak or few in numbers.?{1NL 27.2}
§9
这项工作一直受到忽视。既有这么多的人专顾自己，埋头于自己的利益，上帝便没有以祂权能更大的显现眷顾各教会，这有什么希奇的呢？他们的虔诚就这样变得平淡软弱了，他们也渐渐变得顽梗自顾了。他们在为别人作工时才会保持自己的心灵活泼。他们如果愿意成为耶稣的同工，我们就会看到亮光在我们的各教会中越照越明，将其光线射入他们自己范围之外的黑暗中。{1NL 27.3}
§10
This work has been neglected. Is it any marvel that God does not visit the churches with greater manifestations of His power, when so large a number are shut in to themselves, engrossed in their own interests? It is thus that their piety becomes tame and weak, and they grow bigoted and self-caring. It is in working for others that they will keep their own souls alive. If they will become co-laborers with Jesus, we shall see the light in our churches steadily burning brighter and brighter, sending forth its rays to penetrate the darkness beyond their own borders.?{1NL 27.3}
§11
嫉妒会止息
§12
Jealousy Would Cease
§13
在基督的爱与怜悯的使命中与祂密切表同情，会使工人们彼此同情，就不会有人怀存邪恶的倾向了，这种倾向若是得到纵容，就成了各教会的祸根。猜忌、挑剔、嫉妒、怨恨、不和、争大的心就会止息。专心于救灵的工作会激励工人们更加虔诚和纯洁。他们就会有一致的宗旨，且会感到生灵的得救是那么重要，以致一切的小分歧都忽略不计了。……?{1NL 27.4}
§14
A close sympathy with Christ in His mission of love and mercy would bring the workers into sympathy with one another, and there would be no disposition to cherish the evils, which, if indulged, are the curse of the churches. The jealousy and fault finding, the heartburnings, the envy and dissension, the strife for the supremacy, would cease. The attention given to the work of saving souls would stimulate the workers themselves to greater piety and purity. There would be with them a unity of purpose, and the salvation of the soul would be felt to be of so great importance that all little differences would be lost sight of....?{1NL 27.4}
§15
上天因锡安城中男男女女安逸的生活而感到愤慨，因为生灵正在无知和罪恶中沉沦。教会的肢体们若是看自己像上帝看他们一样，就会被自责压倒。他们若是当面看到自己的责任和失职就会受不了。?{1NL 27.5}
§16
Heaven is indignant at the ease of men and women in Zion, while souls are going down to ruin in their ignorance and their sins. If the members of the church were to see themselves as God sees them, they would be overwhelmed with self-reproach. They could not endure to look their responsibilities and delinquencies in the face.?{1NL 27.5}
§17
我们的信息是普世性的
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Our Message World Wide
§19
我们若是真正拥有关乎这些末后日子的真理，就当将之传给各国各族各方各民。不久活人和死人都要按着本身所行的受审判，上帝的律法就是他们受试验的标准。因此他们现在就要受警告，上帝的神圣律法必须受维护，如同一面镜子放在他们面前。要完成这项工作是需要钱财的，我知道这是艰难的时期，钱财并不多；但真理必须传开，供传扬真理用的钱必须放进库里备用。……?{1NL 27.6}
§20
If we indeed have the truth for these last days, it must be carried to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Erelong the living and the?dead are to be judged according to the deeds done in the body, and the law of God is the standard by which they are to be tested. Then they must now be warned; God’s holy law must be vindicated, and held up before them as a mirror. To accomplish this work, means is needed. I know that times are hard, money is not plenty; but the truth must be spread, and money to spread it must be placed in the treasury....?{1NL 27.6}
§21
我们的信息虽是普世性的，但有许多人简直什么都没有做，更多的人只做了一点点，却因为他们非常缺少信心而近乎没有做。我们要放弃已在外国开垦的田地吗？还是要停止一部分的本地工作呢？我们遇到几千元的负债就面色苍白了吗？在这地球历史最后的几幕里，我们要胆怯和落伍吗？我的心说：不，不。每当我思想这问题的时候，便不禁心中火热，要让这工作继续前进。我们不愿否认我们的信仰，也不愿否认基督，但是，我们若不趁着上帝的天意为我们开路之时向前迈进，就必否认我们的信仰和基督。?{1NL 28.1}
§22
Our message is world wide; yet many are doing literally nothing, many more so very little, with so great a want of faith, that it is next to nothing. Shall we abandon the fields we have already opened in foreign countries? Shall we drop part of the work in our home missions? Shall we grow pale at a debt of a few thousand dollars? Shall we falter and become laggards now, in the very last scenes of this earth’s history? My heart says, No, no. I cannot contemplate this question without a burning zeal to have the work go. We would not deny our faith, we would not deny Christ, yet we shall do this unless we move forward as the providence of God opens the way.?{1NL 28.1}
§23
安全的投资A Safe Investment
§24
这项工作绝不能因缺乏钱财而停止。必须将更多的钱财投入其中。在美国的弟兄们啊，我奉主的名嘱咐你们要醒起！你们把钱财包在布里埋在地里，建造房子和多买田地的人哪，上帝呼召你们：“要变卖所有的，周济人”（路12:33）。时候要到，守诫命的人将不能买也不能卖。要赶快把你们所埋藏的银子挖出来。若是上帝已把钱财托付你，你就要显明自己忠于所托；要解开包裹银子的布，并把你的银子交给兑换银钱的，以便基督回来之时可以连本带利收回。?{1NL 28.2}
§25
The work must not stop for want of means. More means must be invested in it. Brethren in America, in the name of my Master I bid you wake up! You that are placing your talents of means in a napkin and hiding them in the earth, who are building houses and adding land to land, God calls upon you, “Sell that ye have, and give alms.” There is a time coming when commandment keepers can neither buy nor sell. Make haste to dig out your buried talents. If God has entrusted you with money, show yourselves faithful to your trust; unwrap your napkin, and send your talents to the exchangers, that when Christ shall come, He may receive His own with interest.?{1NL 28.2}
§26
在最后的绝境中，在这工作结束之前，会有数以千计的钱乐意奉献在祭坛上。男男女女会认为与预备生灵在上帝的大日站立得住的工作有份乃是一种有福的特权，他们会像现在一样乐意奉献百倍的金钱。基督的爱若在自称祂子民之人心中燃烧起来，我们今日就会看到同样的精神表现出来。如果他们得知救灵之工将要多么迅速地完结，便会像早期教会的成员一样，慷慨地奉献他们的所有，并且诚恳地为推进上帝的圣工而效力，如同世俗人为获取财富而劳力一样。他们就会运用才智和技巧，付出诚恳和无私的努力去获得金钱，并非贮藏起来，而是投入主的库中。?{1NL 28.3}
§27
In the last extremity, before this work shall close, thousands will be cheerfully laid upon the altar. Men and women will feel it a blessed privilege to share in the work of preparing souls to stand in the great day of God, and they will give hundreds as readily as dollars are given now. If the love of Christ were burning in the hearts of His professed people, we would see the same spirit manifested today. Did they but realize how near is the end of all work for the salvation of souls, they would sacrifice their possessions as freely as did the members of the early church. They would work for the advancement of God’s cause as earnestly as worldly men labor to acquire riches. Tact and skill would be exercised, and earnest and unselfish labor put forth to acquire means, not to hoard, but to pour into the treasury of the Lord.?{1NL 28.3}
§28
要是有人因把自己的钱财投在圣工上而变得贫穷了怎么样呢？基督曾为你的缘故成了贫穷；但你却在为自己获得永恒的财富，一种在天上不会朽坏的财宝。你的钱财在那里远比存在银行里或投资在房屋地产上安全。那是存放在永不朽坏的钱囊中，贼不能近，火不能烧的地方。?{1NL 28.4}
§29
What if some become poor in investing their means in the work? Christ for your sakes became poor; but you are securing for yourselves eternal riches, a treasure in heaven that faileth not. Your means is far safer there than if deposited in the bank, or invested in houses and lands. It is laid up in bags that wax not old. No thief can approach it, no fire consume it.?{1NL 28.4}
§30
有些人一生自私地保留自己的钱财，以为藉着在自己的遗嘱中纪念圣工会弥补自己的疏忽；但这样在遗嘱中奉献的钱连一半也不会实现所指定的目的。弟兄姐妹们哪，要亲自投资在天国银行里，不要让别人代理你们的管家身份。?{1NL 28.5}
§31
Some have selfishly retained their means during their lifetime, trusting to make up for their neglect by remembering the cause in their wills; but not one half the means thus bestowed in legacies ever comes to the objects specified. Brethren and sisters, invest in the bank of heaven yourselves, and do not leave your stewardship upon another.?{1NL 28.5}
§32
比用口传道更为有力Louder Than Words
§33
我们顺从救主的吩咐，用榜样传道会比用口传道更为有力。当那些自称相信真理的人用行为来证明他们的信心时，最能见到真理的能力。那些信奉这严肃真理的人，应当具有自我牺牲的精神，这种精神会谴责拜金主义者属世的野心。?{1NL 28.6}
§34
In obeying the Saviour’s injunction, our example will preach louder than words. The highest display of the power of truth is seen when?those who profess to believe it give evidence of their faith by their works. Those who believe this solemn truth should possess such a spirit of self-sacrifice as will rebuke the worldly ambition of the money worshiper.?{1NL 28.6}
§35
我心情沉重，因为看到欧洲园地的缺乏和许多的穷人，以及他们遵守安息日必须面对的许多难题，又想到因缺乏钱财而阻碍了接触人心的道路。主已作好安排，使人人都能接触真理的信息，但祂为此目的而放在祂管家们手中的钱财，却被自私地用来满足自我。?{1NL 29.1}
§36
My soul is burdened as I look over the destitute fields here in Europe, and see the poverty of many, and the difficulties they must meet in keeping the Sabbath, and then think how the way to reach souls is blocked up for want of means. The Lord has made provision that all may be reached by the message of truth, but the means placed in the hands of His stewards for this very purpose has been selfishly devoted to their own gratification.?{1NL 29.1}
§37
我们的青年为了自我放纵和炫耀夸示、为了如果没有也能同样快乐的东西而不经思索地浪费了不知多少钱财。我们所有的每一块钱都是主的，不应用作无谓的花费，而应投资在圣工上，以响应布道工作的呼召。{1NL 29.2}
§38
How much has been thoughtlessly wasted by our youth, spent for self-indulgence and display, for that which they would have been just as happy without. Every dollar which we possess is the Lord’s. Instead of spending means for needless things, we should invest it in answering the calls of missionary work.?{1NL 29.2}
§39
需要实行节约的时候A Time for Economy
§40
开拓新的田地时，钱财的需求也不断地增多。我们若要实行节约，现在就是时候了。所有在圣工上劳力的人，都应了解紧随救主的舍己和节约榜样的重要性。他们应把所经手的钱财视为上帝对他们的委托，并感到有责任要运用技巧和理财的能力来使用主的金钱。每一分钱都当珍视。一分钱虽然微不足道，但一百分钱便凑成一元，若使用合宜，便可拯救一个生灵免死。我们自己的人若是把一切为满足自我而浪费的钱财献给圣工，库中就不会空虚，就能在世界各地建立布道区。?{1NL 29.3}
§41
As new fields are opened, the calls for means are constantly increasing. If ever we needed to exercise economy it is now. All who labor in the cause should realize the importance of closely following the Saviour’s example of self-denial and economy. They should see in the means they handle a trust which God has committed to them, and they should feel under obligation to exercise tact and financial ability in the use of their Lord’s money. Every penny should be carefully treasured. A cent seems like a trifle, but a hundred cents make a dollar, and rightly spent may be the means of saving a soul from death. If all the means which has been wasted by our own people in self-gratification had been devoted to the cause of God, there would be no empty treasuries, and missions could be established in all parts of the world.?{1NL 29.3}
§42
但愿教会的成员们现在就放弃他们的骄傲，除掉他们的装饰。每个人都应当在手边预备一个布道奉献箱，并把受引诱要浪费在自我放纵上的每一分钱放进去。但还要做比仅仅省掉多余之物更多的事。必须实行舍己。必须牺牲一些使我们感到舒适合意的东西。传道人必须使他们的信息更敏锐，不要仅仅攻击自我放纵和在服装上的骄傲，而要呈现耶稣，讲明祂舍己和牺牲的生活。心中怀有仁爱、虔诚和信心，就会在生活中结出宝贵的果子。?{1NL 29.4}
§43
Let the members of the church now put away their pride and lay off their ornaments. Each should keep a missionary box at hand, and drop into it every penny he is tempted to waste in self-indulgence. But something more must be done than merely to dispense with superfluities. Self-denial must be practiced. Some of our comfortable and desirable things must be sacrificed. The preachers must sharpen up their message, not merely assailing self-indulgence, and pride in dress, but presenting Jesus, His life of self-denial and sacrifice. Let love, piety, faith be cherished in the heart, and the precious fruits will appear in the life.?{1NL 29.4}
§44
关心慈善Care in Benevolence
§45
由于错误的慈善观，应该用在传道工作上的金钱在许多情况下竟转到了其它渠道。我们在周济穷人上可能会犯错误，对他们不是福气，反而使他们觉得不需要努力作工和实行节约，因为别人不会让他们受苦。我们不应鼓励懒惰，也不应拿钱供人放纵从而助长自我满足。虽然不应忽视配得的穷人，但应尽可能地教导人人自助。救灵才是我们工作的主旨。为此基督才做出了伟大的牺牲，也正是因为救灵才特别要求我们慈善。{1NL 29.5}
§46
In many cases means which should be devoted to the missionary work is diverted into other channels, from mistaken ideas of benevolence. We may err in making gifts to the poor which are not a blessing to them, leading them to feel that they need not exert themselves and practice economy, for others will not permit them to suffer. We should not give countenance to indolence, or encourage habits of self-gratification by affording means for indulgence. While the worthy poor are not to be neglected, all should be taught, so far as possible, to help themselves. The salvation of souls is the burden of our work. It was for this that Christ made the great sacrifice, and it is this that specially demands our beneficence.?{1NL 29.5}
§47
我们在工作中会陷入困境。考验会临到。上帝会试验我们信心的力量；祂会检验我们，看看我们是否会在困难之下倚靠祂。金子银子都是主的，祂的管家完全尽了自己的本分，无力再做什么时，不要安心地坐下来、让事情自然发展、让传道工作陷入停顿。那时正是他们应该呼求上帝帮助的时候。那些有信心的人要恳切地寻求上帝，记住“天国是努力进入的，努力的人就得着了”（太11:12）。?{1NL 29.6}
§48
We shall be brought into strait places in our work. Trials will come. God will test the strength of our faith; He will prove us to see if we will trust Him under difficulties. The silver and gold are the Lord’s, and when His stewards have done their duty fully, and can do no more, they are not to sit down at ease, let things take their course,?and let the missionary work come to a standstill. It is then that they should cry to God for help. Let those who have faith seek the Lord earnestly, remembering that “the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent taketh it by force.”?{1NL 29.6}
§49
教会中有些人迄今一直敞开手和心自愿作工，他们现在也不会落后。我们对他们的纯正有信心。但教会的奉献在许多情况下比教会的祈祷多。传道的活动远远超过传道的精神。恳切的祷告没有像快镰刀一样跟随工人进入收割的园地。人们固然有兴趣看到传道的努力成功地将真理的旗帜招展在外国的土地上，但对工人却一直缺乏衷心的同情，心中也没真正的负担使投入的钱财发生效力。{1NL 30.1}
§50
There are those in the church who have with open hand and heart come forward to the work hitherto, and they will not be behind now. We have confidence in their integrity. But the offerings of the church have been in many instances more numerous than her prayers. The missionary?movement?is far in advance of the missionary?spirit. Earnest prayers have not, like sharp sickles, followed the workers into the harvest field. It is true there is an interest to see success attend the efforts to unfurl the banner of truth in foreign lands, but there has been a lack of heartfelt sympathy with the laborers, and real burden of soul that the means invested may do its work.?{1NL 30.1}
§51
呼吁属灵的觉醒
§52
Spiritual Awakening Called For
§53
这就是我们种种困难的根基；这就是缺乏财力的原因。必须号召人们反省。必须有属灵的觉醒。他们必须有个人的兴趣、心灵的负担，为工作的成功警醒祷告。但愿每一个奉献钱财的人，也天天献上自己的祷告，好使所奉献的钱财能把人带到十字架的脚下。在每一个教会都应该为这项工作的进展有规定的联合祷告的时辰。但愿大家联合起来，对自己的信心和恳求有一个明确的目标。弟兄们，要用你们的祷告感动高天，求上帝与祂仆人们的努力同工。?{1NL 30.2}
§54
This is the ground of our difficulties; this is the reason for the pressure for means. The people must be called to reflection. There must be a spiritual awakening. They must have a personal interest, a burden of soul, to watch and pray for the success of the work. Let every one who gives of his means also send up his prayers daily that it may bring souls to the foot of the cross. In every church there should be stated seasons for united prayer for the advancement of this work. Let all be united, having a specific object for their faith and entreaties. Brethren, move high heaven with your prayers for God to work with the efforts of His servants.?{1NL 30.2}
§55
我们需要像雅各那样呼求上帝，求更充分地受圣灵的洗。作工的时间短促。必须多多祈祷。要让心灵渴想上帝。要常去私祷之地。要持住以色列大能者的力量。传道人要谦卑地行在主面前，要在廊子和祭坛中间哭泣，说：“耶和华啊，求祢顾惜祢的百姓，不要使祢的产业受羞辱”（珥2:17）。{1NL 30.3}
§56
We need to cry to God as did Jacob for a fuller baptism of the Holy Spirit. The time for labor is short. Let there be much praying. Let the soul yearn after God. Let the secret places of prayer be often visited. Let there be a taking hold of the strength of the Mighty One of Israel. Let the ministers walk humbly before the Lord, weeping between the porch and the altar, and crying, “Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach.”?{1NL 30.3}
§57
谁也不要纵容这种想法，以为我们尝试的太多了。不，没有；我们尝试的太少了。我们现在所做的工作应该在多年前就做成了。我们的计划必须扩大，我们的动作必须扩展。现在所需要的是一个其成员个人觉醒并积极去做他们所可能成就的一切事的教会。?{1NL 30.4}
§58
Let none indulge the thought that we have attempted too much. No, no; we have attempted too little. The work which we are now doing ought to have been done years ago. Our plans must enlarge, our operations must be extended. What is needed now is a church whose individual members shall be awake and active to do all that is possible for them to accomplish.?{1NL 30.4}
§59
与上帝同工Laborers with God
§60
我们没有被撇下独自做这项工作。我们是与上帝同工的，是与神圣的资源合伙的。上帝有各种媒介，祂会用来回应出于信心的迫切祈求。祂会实现祂的话：“我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:20）。我们救恩的元帅在真理与谬论作战的每一个战场。我们所信奉的真理提供最高的鼓励，使人力能够付出最虔诚的舍己和最恒切的努力。我们应当具有英雄的勇气和烈士的信心。（《基督复临安息日会国外布道史略》290-294页）?{1NL 30.5}
§61
We are not left alone in this work. We are laborers together with God, in partnership with divine resources. The Lord has agencies that He will put in operation in answer to the importunate prayer of faith. He will fulfill His word, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” The Captain of our salvation is on every field of battle where truth is waging war against error. The truth which we profess offers the highest encouragement to the most devoted self-denial and persevering effort that mortal energies can bestow. We should have the courage of heroes and the faith of martyrs.—Historical Sketches of S.D.A. Foreign Missions, pp. 290-294.?{1NL 30.5}