许多人等着开工
有许多人若是得到适当的鼓励就会开始在偏远的地方努力寻找拯救失丧的人。主赐福这些自我牺牲的人，他们对灵魂有如此的渴望以致乐于到任何地方去工作。然而在过去弟兄们给了这种工人多少鼓励呢?他们中的许多人已经等了很久，希望有事情去做，却一直没有得到关注。{PH005 44.1}
如果传道人们曾帮助和鼓励这些男人和女人，他们原会在做主指定给他们的工作。一些人已经看见未开工园地属灵的贫穷，渴望做些事以提供帮助。但他们却那么久没有得到鼓励，以致许多人从事其它方面的工作去了。……{PH005 44.2}
到处都传来马其顿的呼声。人们是否愿意到田垅中去看看有没有工可做，抑或到外地去工作，尽量靠着自己的力量和上帝的帮助，谦虚地在还没有传过警告信息的地方开创真理的事业?{PH005 44.3}
上帝已经鼓励那些开始自己负起责任为祂工作的人。他们的心中充满对将亡之人的爱。凡真正认识上帝和祂所差来之耶稣基督的人必获得真正的传道精神。主活着并且统治着。青年人，到主的灵指引你们的地方去。用你们的双手工作，使你们可以自养，一有机会就能传扬警告的信息。(〈信函〉1901年60号){PH005 44.4}
团结就有力量
若是基督徒能一致行动，在同一能力指导之下，为了完成同一之目的而一齐前进，他们就要震撼世界了。(《证言》卷九221页){PH005 44.5}
自我牺牲的服务
许多园地庄稼已经成熟，有待收割，我们之所以还没有进入，是因为缺乏自我牺牲的帮手。这些园地必须进入，许多工人应当期望自负费用进去做工。但我们的一些传道人却没什么意向负起这项工作的担子，没什么意向以满心的仁爱去做工，这种仁爱乃是我们主一生的特色。{PH005 45.1}
上帝既看到祂仆人们缺乏舍己和毅力，就心中忧伤。天使们看到这个光景也感到吃惊。但愿基督的工人们研究祂自我牺牲的生活。祂是我们的榜样。今日的传道人在努力把福音传到各地时，岂可期待蒙召要比早期的基督徒、瓦典西教派的人，以及历代以来的改革家们忍受更少的艰辛吗?{PH005 45.2}
上帝已把向世人传扬祂最后怜悯信息的工作委托给祂的传道人。祂不喜悦那些没有把全部精力投入到这最要紧的工作中的人。锡安城墙上被派为守望者的人不忠心，危及真理的圣工，并使之遭受仇敌的讥笑。现在正是时候，我们的传道人要明白他们使命的责任和神圣性。(《证言》卷七 254页){PH005 45.3}
迅速推展工作
没有时间向基地搬迁了。圣工要从一个城市迅速向另一个城市推展。要把藏在斗底下的灯拿出来放在灯台上，让它照亮所有屋子里的人。……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。……{PH005 45.4}
要迅速把队伍组织起来。两个两个地出来，以基督的精神工作，遵循祂的计划。虽然会有犹大混入工人队伍，但主会照看这项工作。祂的使者会行在前面预备道路。在此之前，每一个大城市都应听见考验性的信息。成千的人应了解到真理的知识。要唤醒众教会，把灯从斗底下拿出来。(《医疗布道论》302、303页){PH005 45.5}
限制工作的危险
现代严肃而重要的工作不可单由少数一直在圣工中负责的蒙拣选之人的努力推进到完成。当那些已蒙上帝呼召要帮助完成某项工作的人，用上帝赐给他们的才能尽力开展工作时，主就不会让工作停留在那个阶段。祂必本着祂的美意呼召别人并使他们配与最初的工人联合，一起推进圣工，将标准提得更高。{PH005 46.1}
但有些人却没有与工作一同长进;他们没有调整自己适应圣工不断增长的需求，反而让它远远超过了自己，因而就发现自己不能领会或应付当代的紧急事件。当上帝正使之配在圣工中负责之人以一种与迄今为止略有不同的方式管理工作时，年长的工人们就该小心自己的行为，不要阻碍这些助手，或者说不要限制圣工。有些人可能没有认识到某些措施的重要性，只是因为他们没有从各方面看到工作的需要，没有自觉上帝已特别放在他人身上的重担。那些不具特别资格去做某项工作的人要当心，不要挡住别人的路，阻止他们实现上帝的旨意。(《教会证言》卷五722页){PH005 46.2}
任何人都无权阻挡
将来，从事普通职业的人们将被主的灵所感动，离开他们平常的工作，四处传扬怜悯的最后信息。他们要尽快地预备作工，好使他们的努力达到成功。他们与天上的生灵同心协力，因为他们愿意尽心竭力为主服务。任何人都无权阻挡这些工人。当他们出发执行伟大的使命时，应得到人的祝福。他们在艰难的地方播撒福音的种子，不应受人嘲笑。{PH005 46.3}
生命中最美好的品质——简朴、诚实、真实、纯洁、没有污点的正直——都是不能买卖的，而是白白赐给没有知识的人和受过教育的人，黑人和白人，卑微的农民和宝座上的国王。凡不依靠自己的力量，始终单纯地信靠上帝的谦卑工人，将分享救主的喜乐。他们恒切的祷告将带人来到十字架跟前。耶稣将配合他们自我牺牲的努力，感动人心，施行神迹使人悔改。将有男男女女被聚集加入教会。教堂和学校将兴建起来。当工人们见到上帝的救恩时，他们的内心必充满喜乐。(《证言》卷七27, 28页){PH005 47.1}
不要随便批评别人的方法
有些工人用尽了上帝所给的一切力量，却还未学到不应单独出力。他们不该孤立自己，而要与同工们协力合作。否则他们就必在错误的时间以错误的方式行事。他们就常常行事与上帝的旨意相反。他们的工作比不做还坏。{PH005 47.2}
从另一方面来讲，在上帝子民中做领袖的人也当谨防，以免误斥那般蒙主指引去做惟有少数人堪任之特别工作的人所采用的方法。身负责任的弟兄不可急于指摘那并非绝对与自己工作方法相同的行动;也不可以为一切计划都必须迎合他们自己的个性。他们须不怕信任别人的方法;因为他们不肯信任那存着谦卑献身的热忱，遵照上帝的指派做特别工作的同工弟兄，就无异是在阻拦圣工前进了。{PH005 47.3}
避免不信任的慎重
上帝能够并且必定使用一班未在人所设立的学校中受过充分教育的人。怀疑祂有能力如此行的，就显出不相信的心;也就限制了那无所不能之主的万能之力。唉，惟愿少生这种无谓的怀疑的慎重!这种态度使教会的许多机能荒废了;并断绝了圣灵用人的通路，使一班极愿在基督战线上效力的人空闲无事;并使许多若有公平的机会就能成为有效的上帝同工者灰心，不参加工作。 (《证言》卷九258, 259页){PH005 47.4}
那些遵行上帝计划之人的福气
谁也不应认为因为同工不遵循他的想法和计划，所以同工就不可能在做正确的事。当一个人这么想的时候，他就发挥一种影响力，这种影响力因阻碍一个上帝藉以作工的人而阻碍上帝。上帝的旨意是世界要通过所讲和所写的道来接受真理。祂的仆人应当在福音事工中使用他们不同的恩赐，他们应当受到印刷品的帮助。这就是主所命定的计划。当这个计划按照主的指示得到执行时，真理就会如明灯发亮。{PH005 48.1}
藉着上帝所指定的媒介，祂的福气要临到世界。那些愿意尊重祂的道并遵循祂的计划的人，必看见祂的救恩。(《文稿》1901年117号){PH005 48.2}
完美的整体
我们固然要制订远大的计划，但必须十分谨慎，务使圣工各部的工作，完全和谐融洽地配合起来，形成完美的整体。(《证言》卷九136页){PH005 48.3}
《Chapter 7—Encourage the Self-supportingWorker》
【Many Waiting to Commence Work】
There are many who with proper encouragement would begin in out-of-the-way places to make efforts to seek and to save that which is lost. The Lord blesses these self-sacrificing ones, who have such a hunger for souls that they are willing to go anywhere to work. But in the past how much encouragement has been given to such workers by their brethren? Many of them have waited long for something to do, but no attention has been given to them.?{PH005 44.1}[160]
If the ministers had given help and encouragement to these men and women, they would have been doing the work appointed them by the Lord. Some have seen the spiritual poverty of unworked fields, and have longed to do something to help. But it has taken so long for encouragement to come to them that many have gone into other lines of work....?{PH005 44.2}[161]
The Macedonian cry is coming from every quarter. Shall men go to the regular lines to see whether they will be permitted to labor, or shall they go out and work as best they can, depending on their own abilities and on the help of the Lord, beginning in a humble way and creating an interest in the truth in places in which nothing has been done to give the warning message.?{PH005 44.3}[162]
The Lord has encouraged those who have started out on their own responsibility to work for him, their hearts filled with love for souls ready to perish. A true missionary spirit will be imparted to those who seek earnestly to know God and Jesus Christ, whom He hath sent. The Lord lives and reigns. Young men, go forth into the places to which you are directed by the Spirit of the Lord. Work with your hands, that you may be self-supporting, and as you have opportunity proclaim the message of warning.—Letter 60, 1901.?{PH005 44.4}[163]
【In Union There is Strength】
If Christians were to act in concert, moving forward as one, under the direction of one Power, for the accomplishment of one purpose, they would move the world.?Testimonies for the Church 9:221.?{PH005 44.5}[164]
【A Self-sacrificing Ministry】
Many fields ripe for the harvest have not yet been entered, because of our lack of self-sacrificing helpers. These fields must be entered, and many laborers should go to them with the expectation of bearing their own expenses. But some of our ministers are little disposed to take upon them the burden of this work, little disposed to labor with the whole-hearted benevolence that characterized the life of our Lord.?{PH005 45.1}[165]
God is grieved as He sees the lack of self-denial and perseverance in His servants. Angels are amazed at the spectacle. Let workers for Christ study His life of self-sacrifice. He is our example. Can the ministers of today expect to be called on to endure less hardship than did the early Christians, the Waldenses, and reformers in every age, in their efforts to carry the gospel to every land??{PH005 45.2}[166]
God has entrusted to His ministers the work of proclaiming His last message of mercy to the world. He is displeased with those who do not throw their whole energies into this all-important work. Unfaithfulness on the part of the appointed watchmen on the walls of Zion endangers the cause of truth, and exposes it to the ridicule of the enemy. It is time for our ministers to understand the responsibility and sacredness of their mission.?Testimonies for the Church 7:254.?{PH005 45.3}[167]
【Carry the Work Quickly】
This is no time to colonize. From city to city, the work is to be carried quickly. The light that has been placed under a bushel is to be taken out and placed on a candlestick, that it may give forth light to all that are in the house.... 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....?{PH005 45.4}[168]
Let companies now be quickly organized to go out two and two, and labor in the Spirit of Christ, following His plans. Even though some Judas may introduce himself into the ranks of the workers, the Lord will care for the work. His angels will go before and prepare the way. Before this time, every large city should have heard the testing message, and thousands should have been brought to a knowledge of?the truth. Wake up the churches, take the light from under the bushel.Medical Ministry, 302, 303.?{PH005 45.5}[169]
【Danger of Circumscribing the Work】
The solemn and momentous work for this time is not to be carried forward to completion solely by the efforts of a few chosen men who have heretofore borne the responsibilities in the cause. When those whom God has called to aid in the accomplishment of a certain work shall have carried it as far as they can, with the ability he has given them, the Lord will not allow the work to stop at that stage. In His providence He will call and qualify others to unite with the first, that together they may advance still farther, and lift the standard higher.?{PH005 46.1}[170]
But there are some minds that do not grow with the work: instead of adapting themselves to its increasing demands, they allow it to extend far beyond them, and thus they find themselves unable to comprehend or to meet the exigencies of the times. When men whom God is qualifying to bear responsibilities in the cause, take hold of it in a slightly different way from that in which it has hitherto been conducted, the older laborers should be careful that their course be not such as to hinder these helpers or to circumscribe the work. Some may not realize the importance of certain measures, simply because they do not see the necessities of the work in all its bearings, and do not themselves feel the burden which God has specially laid upon other men. Those who are not specially qualified to do a certain work, should beware that they do not stand in the way of others, and prevent them from fulfilling the purpose of God.?Testimonies for the Church 5:722.?{PH005 46.2}[171]
【No One Authorized to Hinder】
In the future, men in the common walks of life will be impressed by the Spirit of the Lord to leave their ordinary employment, and go forth to proclaim the last message of mercy. As rapidly as possible they are to be prepared for labor, that success may crown their efforts. They co-operate with heavenly agencies; for they are willing to spend and be spent in the service of the Master. No one is authorized to hinder these workers. They are to be bidden Godspeed as they go forth to fulfil the great commission. No taunting?word is to be spoken of them as in the rough places of the earth they sow the gospel seed.?{PH005 46.3}[172]
Life’s best things,—simplicity, honesty, truthfulness, purity, unsullied integrity,—can not be bought or sold; they are as free to the ignorant as to the educated, to the black man as to the white man, to the humble peasant as to the king upon his throne. Humble workers, who do not trust in their own strength, but who labor in simplicity, trusting always in God, will share in the joy of the Saviour. Their persevering prayers will bring souls to the cross. In co-operation with their self-sacrificing efforts, Jesus will move upon hearts, working miracles in the conversion of souls. Men and women will be gathered into church fellowship. Meeting-houses will be built, and schools established. The hearts of the workers will be filled with joy as they see the salvation of God.?Testimonies for the Church 7:27, 28.?{PH005 47.1}[173]
【Be Slow to Criticize the Methods of Others】
Some workers pull with all the power that God has given them, but they have not yet learned that they should not pull alone. Instead of isolating themselves, let them draw in harmony with their fellow-laborers. Unless they do this, their activity will work at the wrong time and in the wrong way. They will often work counter to that which God would have done, and thus their work is worse than wasted.?{PH005 47.2}[174]
On the other hand, the leaders among God’s people are to guard against the danger of condemning the methods of individual workers who are led by the Lord to do a special work that but few are fitted to do. Let brethren in responsibility be slow to criticize movements that are not in perfect harmony with their methods of labor. Let them never suppose that every plan should reflect their own personality. Let them not fear to trust another’s methods; for by withholding their confidence from a brother laborer who, with humility and consecrated zeal, is doing a special work in God’s appointed way, they are retarding the advancement of the Lord’s cause.?{PH005 47.3}[175]
【Avoid Distrustful Caution】
God can and will use those who have not had a thorough education in the schools of men. A doubt of His power to?do this, is manifest unbelief; it is limiting the omnipotent power of the One with whom nothing is impossible. O, for less of this uncalled-for distrustful caution! It leaves so many forces of the church unused; it closes up the way, so that the Holy Spirit can not use men; it keeps in idleness those who are willing and anxious to labor in Christ’s lines; it discourages from entering the work many who would become efficient laborers together with God, if they were given a fair chance.?Testimonies for the Church 9:258, 259.?{PH005 47.4}[176]
【A Blessing to Those Who Follow God’s Plan】
Let no man think that because a fellow-worker does not follow his ideas and plans, he can not be doing right. When a man thinks this, he exerts an influence which hinders God by hindering the one through whom He is working. It is God’s purpose that the world shall receive the truth through the spoken and written word. His servants are to use their varied gifts in the gospel ministry, and they are to be assisted by the printed page. This is the plan which the Lord has ordained. As it is carried out in accordance with His direction the truth will go forth as a lamp that burneth.?{PH005 48.1}[177]
Through God’s appointed agencies, His blessing is to come to the world. Those who will respect His word and follow His plan will see of His salvation.——Manuscript 117, 1901.?{PH005 48.2}[178]
【A Perfect Whole】
While extensive plans should be laid, great care must be taken that the work in each branch of the cause be harmoniously united with that in every other branch, thus making a perfect whole.?Testimonies for the Church 9:136.?{PH005 48.3}[179]
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