1914年9月1日
献身努力接触不信的人
那些声称在期待救主回来的人，应该将身心一切的能力都投入到积极的服务中。地上的教会要作世上的光。上帝计划藉着祂教会的单个肢体将赐生命的亮光照进地上黑暗的地方，也照进每一个蒙昧无知的心灵里。这样全地就要因祂的荣耀发光。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 1}
在人生的一切关系中，无论是在亲密的家庭范围里，还是在商务和社交的世界里，安息日复临信徒都有许多方式可以承认他们的主，得人归于祂的国度。我们正生活在这世界历史将近结束的岁月，特别重要的是，我们要赶紧使别人熟悉宝贵的真理，这真理会预备他们在审判的日子无可责备地站在上帝面前。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 2}
在上帝的眷佑之下，那些担负祂圣工的人，努力给老的工作方法注入新的生命，同时制订新的计划，发明新的方法，以引起教会信徒的关注，采取联合行动接触世人。接触非信徒的新计划之一，就是传道收割运动。在过去几年里，这种方法在许多地方获得了成功。它不单将福气带给许多人，又增加了教会库房的收入。那些与我们信仰不同的人，既听到第三位天使的信息在异教之地的进展，就起了同情之心。一些人追求更多地学习那具有改变人心和生活之能力的真理。信息传给了各阶层的男女。上帝的圣名得到了荣耀。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 3}
在过去的年间，我曾表示赞成一项计划，就是把我们教会的工作和进展，告诉我们的朋友和邻舍。我举了尼赫迈亚的例子。现在我要恳劝弟兄姊妹重新研究这位有信心、常常祷告、判断精明之人的经验。他曾大胆地要求他的朋友亚达薛西王帮助推进上帝的圣工。我们应该明白，信徒们在我们的工作需要告诉别人的时候，惟有象古时的尼赫迈亚那样与上帝亲近，常与众光的赐予者保持密切的联络，才能把光反射给别人。我们如果想争取别人摆脱错谬接受真理，我们自己的心灵就必须扎根在真理的知识之上。现今我们需要殷勤查考圣经。这样，当我们与非信徒交往时，就能向他们高举那位受膏、被钉十架和复活的救主。祂是众先知和信徒所见证的。我们靠着祂的名罪得赦免。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 4}
当我们对别人高举髑髅地十字架时，我们会发现这也提升了我们。每个信徒现在都要信守自己的本分和立场，获得基督在世从事救灵工作的灵感。我们需要基督化的热情，忍耐到底，始终仰望那位看不见的主。我们务必重燃信心。无论我们在何处，无论我们有何机遇，无论是受限还是自由，我们都应发挥积极向善的影响。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 5}
为了执行上帝的旨意，与祂同工，没必要让所有的信徒都按一种方法或沿着相同的路线工作。不应设置精确的路线。要让圣灵指引每位工人，要让每个人都乐意听从那些被拣选领导教会各种活动之人的建议。这样真理就会永远处于有利地位。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 6}
有些人能用最好的方法倡导真理，不用争论或说教的方式，而是通过实行真理的原则，过谦卑和朴素的生活，始终不渝地做温柔谦卑的基督门徒。特别是对于那些不能为自己的信仰给出明智的理由，那些虽有热心却不是按着真知识的人来说确实如此。这种信徒要少为我们的信仰辩护，多学习圣经，用他们的行为来雄辩地见证真理给乐意的心和生活所带来的为善的力量。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 7}
“只要心里尊主基督为圣。有人问你们心中盼望的缘由，就要常作准备，以温柔、敬畏的心回答各人”(彼前3:15)。这里说到的敬畏不是指不信任或犹豫不决，而是应有的谨慎，当心每一点，免得说出一句不明智的话，或让情绪的兴奋得势，从而给人留下不良的印象，使他们偏向错误的方向。神圣的敬畏、谦卑和温柔是人人都非常需要的，以便正确地代表现代真理。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 8}
上帝希望每一个信徒都作得人的人;祂也必赐福凡本着信任指望从祂得智慧和指导的人。当他们谨慎地行事，行在智慧的道路上，并且保持对耶和华以色列之上帝的忠心，在实际的生活中彰显出基督的纯正与简朴时，就会证明他们拥有真正的虔诚。他们一切所说所行的，就都会荣耀他们所侍奉之主的名。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 9}
那充满真正宣教精神的信徒，是一封活的荐信，为众人所知道，所念诵。真理从他口中以无伪的话阐述出来。他的虔诚、热心和神圣的判断与日俱增，不信的世界就看出他与上帝有活泼的交流，在学习祂的样式。归正的口所说的话伴随着一种能力，感动不信之人冰冷的心;因为就连那些不认识上帝的人也能区分人的和神的。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 10}
我亲爱的弟兄姐妹们，你们在自己的内心、生活和品格上感觉到神圣真理使人成圣的能力了吗?你们有那种上帝已为祂爱子的缘故赦免了你们的罪的确信吗?你们在努力过一种有意识地避免得罪上帝得罪人的生活吗?你们常常为自己的朋友和邻舍向上帝恳求吗?你们若是已经与上帝和好，并将一切放在了祭坛上，就可以有利地从事得人的服务。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 11}
我们在实施向别人介绍现代真理的知识，和上帝推进圣工奇妙引导的计划时，首先要将自己完全奉献给祂。我们要高举祂的圣名，还要为我们准备拜访的人恳切祈祷，藉着活泼的信心，把他们一个一个带到上帝面前。上帝知道人的心思意念。祂很容易感化我们!祂的圣灵真象火一般能制服刚硬的心!祂能使心灵充满爱和温慈!祂能赐给我们圣灵的美德，使我们能出入参与救灵工作。在今日的整个教会中，应当感受到恩典得胜的能力。我们只要注意到基督给祂信徒的劝勉，就可以感受得到这种能力。我们在学习如何装饰救主基督的圣道时，必然得见上帝的救恩。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 12}
我要对那些手持为善工运动预备的书刊，准备进行特别布道工作的人说：要殷勤努力，在圣灵的引导下生活，每天增进基督徒的经验。要让有特别才华的人去为贫福贵贱的人作工，殷勤地寻找将亡的生灵。基督是多么渴望把迷路的羊带回祂的羊栏啊! {Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 13}
要关注人的灵魂，就象那要交账的人。在你的教会和邻里的布道工作中，你的光要发出清晰而稳定的光线，以致在审判的日子，没有人会站起来说：“为什么你没有把这个真理告诉我?你为什么不关心我的灵魂呢?”{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 14}
我们没有时间可以浪费了。因此我们要殷勤散发这些为与我们信仰不同的人精心准备的书刊。我们要充分利用每一个机会吸引非信徒的注意力。我们要把书刊放入每一个愿意接受之人的手中。我们要献身传扬这个信息，“在旷野预备耶和华的路，在沙漠地修平我们上帝的道”(赛40:3)。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 15}
神人要合作成就这个伟大的目标。现在正是我们尽责的日子。“圣灵和新妇都说：来!听见的人也该说：来!口渴的人也当来，愿意的，都可以白白取生命的水喝”(启22:17)。{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 16}
怀爱伦1914年6月5日写于榆园
THE CHURCH OFFICERS’ GAZETTE
1-Sep-14
Consecrated Efforts to Reach Unbelievers
Those who claim to be looking for the return of the Saviour should bring into active service all the powers of their being. The church on earth is to be the light of the world. God designs that through the individual members of his church, life-giving beams shall shine forth into the dark places of earth, and into the heart of every benighted soul. Thus the whole earth is to be lighted with his glory.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 1}
In all the relationships of life, whether in the intimacy of the home circle or in the business and social world, there are many ways in which Seventh-day Adventists may acknowledge their Lord, and win souls for his kingdom. We are living in the closing years of this earth’s history, and it is especially important that we lose no time in acquainting others with the precious truth that will prepare them to stand blameless before God in the day of judgment.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 2}
In the providence of God, those who are bearing the burden of his work have been endeavoring to put new life into old methods of labor, and also to invent new plans and new methods of awakening the interest of church members in a united effort to reach the world. One of the new plans for reaching unbelievers is the Harvest Ingathering campaign for missions. In many places, during the past few years, this has proved a success, bringing blessing to many, and increasing the flow of means into the mission treasury. As those not of our faith have been made acquainted with the progress of the third angel’s message in heathen lands, their sympathies have been aroused, and some have sought to learn more of the truth that has such power to transform hearts and lives. Men and women of all classes have been reached, and the name of God has been glorified.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 3}
In years past, I have spoken in favor of the plan of presenting our mission work and its progress before our friends and neighbors, and have referred to the example of Nehemiah. And now I desire to urge our brethren and sisters to study anew the experience of this man of prayer and faith and sound judgment, who made bold to ask his friend, King Artaxerxes, for help with which to advance the interests of God’s cause. Let all understand that in presenting the needs of our work, believers can reflect light to others only as they, like Nehemiah of old, draw nigh to God, and live in close connection with the Giver of all light. Our own souls must be firmly grounded in a knowledge of the truth, if we would win others from error to truth. We need now to search the Scriptures diligently, that, as we become acquainted with unbelievers, we may hold up before them Christ as the anointed, the crucified, the risen Saviour, witnessed to by prophets, testified of by believers, and through whose name we receive the forgiveness of our sins.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 4}
As we exalt the cross of Calvary before others, we shall find that it exalts us. Let every believer now stand in his lot and place, catching the inspiration of the work that Christ did for souls while in this world. We need the ardor of the Christian hero who endures to the end, ever beholding him who is invisible. Our faith must have a resurrection. Wherever we are, and whatever our opportunities, whether limited or extended, we are to exert a positive influence for good.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 5}
In order to fulfill the purpose of God as laborers together with him, it is not necessary that all believers work in the same manner or along similar lines. No precise lines are to be laid down. Let the Holy Spirit direct each worker: and let each be willing to listen to the counsel of those who have been chosen to lead out in the various activities of the church. Thus the truth will ever stand on vantage ground.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 6}
Some can best recommend the truth, not by argument or talk, but by living the principles of truth, by leading a modest, humble life as consistent disciples of the meek and lowly Christ. Especially is this true of those who are unable to give an intelligent reason for their faith, and of those who have a zeal not according to knowledge. Such believers should talk less in vindication of our faith, and study their Bible more, letting their deportment bear eloquent testimony to the power for good which the truth exercises in heart and life.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 7}
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” The fear here spoken of does not mean distrust or indecision, but with due caution, guarding every point, lest an unwise word be spoken, or excitement of feeling get the advantage, and thus leave unfavorable impressions upon minds, and balance them in the wrong direction. Godly fear, humility, and meekness are greatly needed by all, in order to represent correctly the truth for this time.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 8}
God desires every believer to be a soul winner; and he will bless all who look to him in confidence for wisdom and guidance. As they move guardedly, walking in wisdom’s way and remaining true to the Lord God of Israel, the purity and simplicity of Christ, revealed in the life practice, will witness to the possession of genuine piety. In all that they say and do, they will glorify the name of him whom they serve.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 9}
The believer who is imbued with a true missionary spirit, is a living epistle, known and read of all men. The truth goes forth from his lips in no feigned words. His piety and zeal and consecrated judgment grow with the passing days, and the unbelieving world sees that he is in living communion with God, and is learning of him. The words spoken by converted lips are accompanied by a power that touches the cold hearts of unbelievers; for even those who know not God are enabled to distinguish between the human and the divine.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 10}
My brethren and sisters, do you feel the sanctifying power of sacred truth in heart and life and character? Have you the assurance that God, for the sake of his dear Son, has forgiven your sins? Are you striving to live with a conscience void of offense toward God and man? Do you often plead with God in behalf of your friends and neighbors? If you have made your peace with God, and have placed all upon the altar, you may engage with profit in soul-winning service.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 11}
In following any plan that may be set in operation for carrying to others a knowledge of present truth, and of the marvelous providences connected with the advancing cause, let us first consecrate ourselves fully to him whose name we wish to exalt. Let us also pray earnestly in behalf of those whom we expect to visit, by living faith bringing them, one by one, into the presence of God. The Lord knows the thoughts and purposes of man, and how easily can he melt us! How his Spirit, like a fire, can subdue the flinty heart! How he can fill the soul with love and tenderness! How he can give us the graces of his Spirit, and fit us to go in and out, in laboring for souls! The power of overcoming grace should be felt throughout the church today; and it may be felt, if we take heed to the counsels of Christ to his followers. As we learn to adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour, we shall surely see of the salvation of God.?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 12}
To all who are about to take up special missionary work with the paper prepared for use in the Harvest Ingathering campaign, I would say: Be diligent in your efforts; live under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Add daily to your Christian experience. Let those who have special aptitude, work for unbelievers in the high places as well as in the low places of life. Search diligently for perishing souls. O, think of the yearning desire Christ has to bring to his fold again those who have gone astray!?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 13}
Watch for souls as they that must give an account. In your church and neighborhood missionary work, let your light shine forth in such clear, steady rays that no man can stand up in the judgment, and say, “Why did you not tell me about this truth? Why did not you care for my soul?”?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 14}
We have no time to lose. Then let us be diligent in the distribution of literature that has been carefully prepared for use among those not of our faith. Let us make the most of every opportunity to arrest the attention of unbelievers. Let us put literature into every hand that will receive it. Let us consecrate ourselves to the proclamation of the message, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.”?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 15}
Divine and human instrumentalities are to unite for the accomplishment of one great object. Now is the day of our responsibility. “The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”?{Gazette September 1, 1914, par. 16}
Ellen G. White.Elmshaven,June 5, 1914.
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