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如何带领少年人

如何带领少年人

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　　弟兄们要我特别对作少年学生工作的弟兄姊妹，有一点交通的话。同时弟兄们也很乐意，所有事奉的弟兄姊妹，都能在这个交通里有分。所以我并不是讲道，乃是提出几点原则，和大家交通一点如何帮助少年人。
　
　　一个人无论作什么事，首要的是要有心情。如果没有心情，人就不愿意作事，就是作也不起劲。对于少年工作，自然也是如此，你要作这分工作，就必须喜欢少年人，关心少年人，愿意过问他们的事。这可以说是作少年人工作最起码的资本。若是你对少年人不感觉兴趣，没有这个心情，只勉强着来作，这是没有什么用的。
　　人的心情有的是因着爱好而来的，你爱好一件事，自然就有心情去作它；还有的心情是因着认识而来的，你对一件事，因着看见了它的重要和价值，自然也就有一种心情油然而生。关于我们中间的少年工作，从我的实际观察中，我看见有的弟兄姊妹是出于他们的爱好而作的。他们的天性就是倾向少年人，就是喜欢和少年人接触，所以来作少年工作。这种情形不能说错。我们大家必须承认，无论我们怎样蒙恩，怎样属灵，仍旧是人，仍旧有人的部分。但是我们在这里要说，用这种心情来作少年工作，分量并不够重。要真作少年工作，要把少年工作作得重，我们必须让神开启我们的眼睛，看见少年人的宝贵，和他们在神手里的重要。我们若看见了这个，里头自然就有了一个心情，看重这一分的工作。
　
　　我们若把全本圣经仔细的读过，我们会发现一个事实，就是很不容易在圣经中找出一个例子，说到神曾为着要作一件新的事，或重大的事，而呼召一个老年人。这话也许会叫老年的弟兄姊妹泄气，但这是没有办法的事。的确我们看不见神曾为着要作一件新事，来呼召一个老年人。摩西好像是八十岁蒙神呼召的，但是我们若仔细读圣经，能读出来，他实在不是一个八十岁的时候才头一次蒙神呼召的，乃是在他年轻的时候，神的呼召就已经在他的身上开始了。你再往下看，无论是旧约里面的约书亚、迦勒、撒母耳、大卫，还是新约里面主耶稣所召的十二个门徒，他们初初被主得着的时候，没有一个是老年人。不仅在圣经上如此，就是在整个召会历史中，你也很难找出一个强的例证，说到神为着要作一件新的、重要的工作，曾呼召过一个老年人。几乎可以说，每一次神所使用来开始一件事，或是神所拣选来转移时代的人，都是少年人。
　　我愿意作一点见证。三十年前，主在中国的工作有一点新的起头。在那一段时期里头，可以说神没有召老年人。所有今天五十岁左右，在主面前站住来事奉祂的人，三十年前都还是二十岁左右的少年人。他们在一个一个的学校里面，被主兴起来，为着那一个新的工作。弟兄姊妹若是能够看见这一点，就会在神面前宝贵少年人。
　　还有一点，凡是神呼召少年人来作的工作，差不多都是转移时代的工作。神召摩西是转移了一个时代，神召约书亚也是转移了一个时代。很明显的，神召撒母耳，也是转移了一个时代。在撒母耳这个少年人的身上，挂着申言者，也挂着祭司，也挂着君王。他实在是一个转移时代的人。大卫也是转移了一个时代。你再去看但以理和他的三个朋友，他们都是被掳百姓中的少年人。神借着他们也是转移了那被掳的时代。到了新约的时候，头一个出来的是施浸者约翰。我们知道，施浸者约翰是一个蒙主呼召的少年人，神使用施浸者约翰出来转移了当时整个的时代。我们再看被神特别使用的使徒保罗，当他蒙主眷顾的时候，圣经明说他是一个少年人（徒七58）。我们都承认，保罗是一个转移时代的人。我不敢说得太多，也不敢说得太大，但我个人是觉得说，主在东方，在我们中间，三十年前所开始的一点工作，也带着相当转移时代的性质和成分。在这些重大的工作上，神都是呼召少年人来作的。
　　就是因着看见了这一个，我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹，几乎已经有二十年的光景，我们相当注意少年工作。这不是说，一个少年人的灵魂，抵得上两个老年灵魂的价值。不是这个意思。我乃是说，若是要人在神的手里有一点用处，在神的工作上有一点前途，他就必须是在少年的时候被主得着。这是很明显的一个事实。
　　不只圣经如此给我们看见，召会历史如此给我们证实，就是在整个社会人群中间，也都是这样的情形。任何一个新的推动，新的行动，你从未见过训练老年人来着手的。从来没有一个学校，是专收老年学生的；也没有一个训练场所，是专为老年人设立的。关于这一点，我要特别请年长的弟兄姊妹原谅。比方说，这里有一位七十多岁的老年弟兄或姊妹，实在是爱主，你要在他身上花一点工夫来带领他。但是你会发现，那个带领是非常为难的。你早晨告诉他一件事，不到中午他就忘了。你上午刚刚给他讲明白一件事，下午他就说，那是怎么一回事啊？他又忘了。心情是满重的，但是头脑不够用了。这是个严酷的事实，我们无法否认。
　　我常常这样说，为着得救，为着蒙恩，为着享受主的救恩，老人是绝对可宝贵的。但是为着在主手里的用途，为着主国度的开展，为着祂工作的推广，这个责任无疑是落在少年人的身上。如果祂来得迟慢的话，等到五年、十年，甚至十五年、二十年以后，主若要有所作为，这个托付必须是托在少年人身上。以我们这些已经五十几岁的人来说，虽然我们都盼望能活着见主，不必经过死亡的约但河；但是另一面，我们也只得承认，看今天庄稼的青嫩，召会的荒凉，得胜者的寥寥，这些情形都说出主还不能就回来。不是主不愿意回来，主是迫切的愿意早来，但是我们的情形不许可祂来。所以看到这种情景，使我们相信，或者还有相当的时日，主在地上要有祂的作为。
　　当然另一面，我们也应该信，可能主明天就来。将近两千年前，主就说，看哪，我必快来。祂看千年如一日，在主那里根本是没有时间的。但是就着我们这一面来说，假使主还迟延，我不大相信，三十年后我们这些已经五十几岁的人，还有多少仍然健在。有的弟兄姊妹比我的年龄还大，已经六十几岁，也有的已经七十几岁了，无论如何，主若迟延祂的再来，恐怕我们都无法久等，都要去了。请问那时候，什么人接下去继续作主的工作？也许你会说非常属灵的话，太属灵的话，说，这些事主自己会负责。这当然是不错的，主一定是负责的，这是没有话说的。但是有一件事是很清楚地，无论是主直接负责也罢，是主要你我替祂作一点什么也罢，这条路总是在少年人的身上。二十年后在主面前有用的人，定规是今天一、二十岁的人。
　　这是举世公认的事实，人是二十五年受教育，二十五年学经历，末了的二十五年才有真实地用处。三个二十五年，共是七十五年。盼望我们的少年弟兄姊妹都能活七十五岁。二十五年受属灵教育，二十五年学属灵经验，末了能给神使用二十五年。也盼望五十几岁的人都要为着主的缘故，好好保养自己的身体。但是弟兄姊妹请想看，若不是有一班少年人被主救来，今天好好的受带领，那时如何能学经验，以致被主用？若是今天没有少年人被主得着，等到我们离开的时候，就没有人接替我们，那时就要青黄不接了。
　　我愿在这里作个见证。三十年前主在中国把我们兴起来，那时我们实在是艰难。我们的事奉无人带领，每件事都要自己苦苦的去摸。当时我们是把整个的基督教都丢在背后，连聚会的方式都得自己一点一点的去摸。到现在，三十多年过去了，当时的少年人都变成了老年人。若是这个时候主不得着一班少年的弟兄姊妹，起来在这个流里头受带领，再过一段时间，我们都过去了，到那时岂不又有一段青黄不接的时间么？这不只迁延主的年日，并且在工作的果效上，也差得很多。若是现在能有少年的弟兄姊妹被兴起来，而我们能蒙保守，一点不给他们错误的限制，完全给他们正面的带领，这样不必等到主把我们接去的时候，就在今天，他们就能在主手中成为有用的人。
　　这一点我们在二十多年前就已经看得非常清楚。所以从那一个时候起，我们就相当注意在各大学、各医院里面得着知识青年。感谢主，从一九三六年开始，这一方面的工作，有相当的开展。无论是在北平的协和医学院，在天津的医院，在济南的齐鲁大学，以及在上海的护士学校，和在南京的各大学，主都得着相当多的青年人。有好些青年的医科学生、实习大夫、护士、甚至大学教授，都变作我们中间的弟兄姊妹。从那个时候起，过了差不多十年的光景，我们中间在全国各地，无论是作工的，或是在召会负责的，几乎全是当时所得着的青年人。所以当抗战胜利复员的时候，主带我们回到上海，在京沪一带再有一点复兴的工作，我们几乎将百分之七八十分的注意力，都集中在少年人身上。在那二、三年之内，在大学生中间的工作，也实在蒙主的祝福，有许多少年人被主得着。我这样说一点，弟兄姊妹们就会看见青年工作的重要。这些会叫我们产生一种心情，重看青年弟兄姊妹。
　　我愿意和弟兄姊妹说，我爱老年人。这一点主能替我作见证。但是也得请老年的弟兄姊妹原谅，我也要说，我实在重看少年人的工作。有的人替我作宣传说，李弟兄是专作少年工作的，他把老年人都赶到马路上去。这个我不承认，我从来没有这个思想。不过为着主工作的前途，我实在要请老年人多为少年人祷告。所有工作的前途，所有将来的用处，毫无疑问都在少年人的身上。从救灵魂这一面来说，老年人和少年人该一视同仁；但是从工作前途的眼光来看，必须在少年人身上着手。无论是召会也罢，工作也罢，若不得着少年人，就如全家都是孤老，老祖父八十五岁，父亲六十岁，还有儿子快四十岁，下面没有少年人，没有哭的，也没有叫的，都是规规矩矩的，这是很不正常的光景。
　　有的时候，有人来对我说，李弟兄，我们的召会好像是乱糟糟的，不太整齐。我说，这才是好现象。你到一个家庭去看，有的哭，有的叫，有的打拳头，有的翻筋斗，还有的在地板上打滚，这是好现象，这一个家一定是兴盛的。若是一个家庭只有八十五岁的老祖父，六十岁的父亲，四十岁的老儿子，当然没有人会打滚，他们要打滚也没有力量。所以一年到头是安安静静的、规规矩矩的，过清清冷冷的日子。弟兄姊妹，这样的一个家，我们能断定，过不了太久，房子不必卖，自然就变作别人的。同样的，你到一个召会里去，若看见都是少年人，成群的少年人，你应该赞美说，这里有前途。你先不要问，这些少年人好不好。正如在一个家庭里，不管儿女如何不好，总比没有好。没有儿女，那是注定没有希望了。不好的儿女，今天不好，明天也许会变好，总有个希望在那里。
　　总而言之，在召会中，在主的工作上，需要得着少年人。所有有眼光为主作工的人都要注意这件事。所谓桃李遍天下，就是这个意思。你若看见这一个，你就会有一个重的心情爱少年人，好的你爱，坏的你也爱。有一个不太好的少年人，总比一个也没有的好。我愿意所有爱主的弟兄姊妹，为着召会的前途，为着主的工作，都爱少年人。
　　至于关乎实行的方面，我们大约提起下面几个点：
　
　　第一，我们已经说过，现在再说，你若要帮助少年人，就必须对少年人发生兴趣。我曾到一个地方，那里有一班四、五十岁的弟兄姊妹，每一个都不对少年人说好话。他们有的对我说，李弟兄，你看我们中间的少年人，像样子么？上下不懂，尊卑不分；他们在路上看见我们，睬也不睬，就是在会所门口看见我们，也只给我们一个白眼。李弟兄，你可要讲一篇道，把这些少年人带领带领，叫他们知道尊卑上下。又有一次一位五十几岁的老弟兄来见我，对我说，李弟兄，你看我们中间的少年人，太不像样了。他们走起路来，脚步像飞一样，眼睛东张西望，实在不像样。过了些日子，我正和一班年长的弟兄们同在一起，又有一位弟兄提起，要求我讲一篇道，教导少年人要顺服。他说，我们中间的少年人，简直太不顺服年长的人了。那天我觉得是个机会，该对他们说一点话，所以我就对他们说，弟兄们，你们曾多次对我说，少年人不对。我愿意问你们，少年人如果对了，还要你们老年人作什么？他们固然不对，你们给了他们什么表率？那天我对他们说了许多话，意思就是要他们帮助少年人，对少年人感觉兴趣。你先不要处处感觉他们错，如果一来就感觉他们错，你就没有法子帮助他们。
　　有的人对于他们看为好的少年人特别有偏心，对于那些他们看为不好的，一看见就撇嘴摇头。这个也是错误的。我告诉你，你所看为好的，常常神会证明给你看，你看得不准确；你所看为不好的，将来可能倒是神所大用的。所以很难定规说，今天看为好的，将来就好；今天看为不好的，将来就不好。千万不要信我们自己的看法。连我们对自己也该这样。我们今天好，不一定保准好到底；今天坏，说不定明天主就叫我们好。照样，我们对少年人也不要管他们好坏，必须一视同仁，喜欢他们，过问他们的事。他们走路像飞一样么？你也跟着他们飞。他们东张西望么？你也跟着他们东张西望。他们在那里打球么？你也陪他们打一场。打完了再同他们谈主耶稣。这才是真有本事。如果这样一打球，主耶稣就被打掉了，你就没有法子和他们谈主耶稣了，那你这个属灵还是假的。
　　再比方，你在路上碰到一个少年弟兄，你问他到那里去，他说，我今天很闷，想去看看电影。你千万不要板起脸来就责备他，为什么去看电影？怎么可以看电影？你若这样作法，就不能带领这个少年人。你最好和他谈谈，问他要去看什么电影？到那一家电影院？你还要陪他走一段路，或者叫一部车子和他同坐。就在去的路上，你可以对他谈一点你要谈的事。你可以问他：弟兄，你这两天读经的光景好么？你们就这样谈起读经来了。你也可以和他谈谈祷告，问问他近来有没有祷告？谈来谈去到了电影院了。这时候你可以对他说，弟兄，到了，你进去吧，车钱我来付，我还要去聚会。等电影散场前十分钟，我在这里等你。你对他没有一点不耐烦，反而很感觉兴趣。如果你身上带着钱，最好问他，你用钱方便不方便？买票够不够？如果没有我给你一点。弟兄姊妹，你若能这样，看看你能不能带领他！就怕你像一个冷冷的律法师，严严的教训他，并且定他的罪。给你这样一定罪，他可能一辈子都脱不开电影，非看电影不可。他所以一辈子去看电影，就是你把他激的。不要以为这是我随便说的，我知道我所说的是什么。
　　你知道主耶稣那天在去以马忤斯的路上，就是这样。主问那两个门徒说，你们谈的是什么事啊？其中有一个回答说，你在耶路撒冷作客，还不知道么？主耶稣的心里当然非常清楚，但还是问说，是什么事呢？他们大讲特讲，主耶稣就耐心听。他们两个走下坡路，主耶稣陪着他们走。但是我们大家都知道，到末了，主开了他们的眼睛，他们就回过来了。我信弟兄姊妹领会我说这些话的意思。你要帮助少年人么？你首先需要对他们感觉兴趣。不要先管他们的错，你一点都不要去定罪。要先给他们一个感觉，你是他们的好朋友，你是同情他们的，并且对他们感觉兴趣，喜欢过问他们的事。这是首要的一点。
　
　　第二，学习尽力和少年人接触。帮助少年弟兄姊妹，并不在于会讲多少道，乃在乎平时和他们常有接触。当你和少年弟兄姊妹接触的时候，不要一坐下来就问，你今天读了几章圣经？你祷告了没有？这些问题需要经过多次接触以后，也许是十次、八次，才可以提起来的。初初和他们接触时，记得不要先谈属灵的事。对外邦人更是如此，初期接触不要先谈主耶稣。你所以不谈，乃是以退为进，保持和他的接触。你要摸他的感觉，摸到有一天，再把福音送到他里头去。这个时候一送就成功。送得早了，常常容易叫人有反感。若是给你弄翻了，他就可能一辈子都不接受主。对少年弟兄姊妹也是这样，不要一下子就对他讲读经，讲祷告，惹他的反感。必须等你和他接触多了，他对你有一个感觉，觉得你喜欢他，他也喜欢你，你摸着他的感觉，得着他的信任，到这时候，再来谈属灵的事，才是对症下药，药到病除，一切的果效定规是可以预期的。
　
　　第三，当你给他们帮助的时候，不要给他们太多的道理，要给他们实用的东西。不只个人接触的时候，不要太重道理，就连对少年人传福音，或者对少年圣徒讲道，都不要太重道理。若是你所讲的都是一些道理，他们不过是来听听，就不会起多少的作用。道理讲得越多，少年人就越死，越冷，越退去。少年人有许多实行的问题，要从这些问题上着手，来摸他们的感觉。所以要花一点工夫，来研究少年人实际生活里头的难处，无论得救以前的，和得救以后的，都要研究一点。根据这些你来对他们传福音，或者对他们讲一点造就的道，这样，你讲的道就都是实行的，都是你从他们身上所摸出来实际的问题。
　
　　第四，对任何少年人，都需要有正面的信心。这话的意思就是说，对于好的少年人，你要信他会更好；对于那些似乎不好的，也要信他们会好。并且你宁肯对那些似乎不好的，多信他会好，对于那些好的，倒要少信一点。
　　我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹，我们都是亚当的子孙，堕落的族类。多少敬虔的人，他们的儿女还是堕落的。我们不能说堕落是对的，但是请记得，所有真认识神救恩的人，都是经过堕落的人。一个人若从出生就蒙保守，一点也没有堕落过，这个人对神救恩的经历，定规不会很深。一个从未堕落过的人，无法经历神的救恩。我不是鼓励人去堕落，更不是鼓励人去放松自己的儿女，这不是我的意思。我的意思是，千万不要以为说这些少年人不好，所以就轻看他们。这是错误的观念。
　　慕勒（George Muller）是前一个世纪里面一个相当属灵的人，我们大家都知道他的故事。他大约是在二十一岁的时候，才清楚得救的。他出生于一个基督教家庭中，父亲是一个相当敬畏主的人。但是他一直到二十一岁之前，还是一个相当堕落的少年人，常常偷他父亲的钱，去各处旅行游玩。有一次他住在一个旅馆里，付不出所积欠的债，甚至被旅馆老板送到监里去。那时候他实在是一个放荡败坏的人。可是有一天主寻着了他，这一个青年人得救了以后，就变成一个十分爱主的人。你若去看二十一岁以前的慕勒，实在不像样，但是谁会想到，二十一岁以后的慕勒，竟然如此爱主，如此属灵呢！所以你不能凭少年人今日的光景，定规他将来的好坏。
　　我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹们，少年人的坏，常常是不可信的，少年人的好，也常常是不可信的。今天你看这个少年人非常坏，有一天他会变得非常好，一反你的眼光。同样，今天你看这个少年人非常好，有一天也许他变得非常坏。所以凡是对于少年工作有一点经验的人，都会说，我们对少年人的光景不信任。但是在正面上，我们完全相信，神有一天会得着他们。这会叫我们蒙拯救，不至于只在那些我们看为好的少年人身上作工，而把我们所看为不好的放在一边。老实说，那些一直好的少年人，好些反而很难有属灵的窍，他们的长进常常是很慢的。反而那些似乎看来很坏的少年人，你在他们身上花工夫，把他们带过来，他们一转就开窍。这些都是叫我们这些作少年工作的人，不要信他们身上的光景。好也不要信，坏也不要信，要信神的工作。再坏的，我还信神的工作能转他。再差的，我还信神的工作能带他。因着有这样正面的信心，我们就能注意所有的少年人。
　
　　第五，所有要作少年工作的人，都要学习去配少年人，去就他们，不要叫他们来就你。你要去就他们到一个地步，如同浆糊一样。浆糊最能就，没有一个地方不能就，平面的地方能涂上去，凹凸不平的地方也能涂上去；转弯的地方能涂上去，有角有棱的地方也能涂上去。无论什么地方，它都能涂上去。我们作少年工作的人，要把我们的性格对付到一个地步，和浆糊一样。人要事奉神，性格不只要刚，也要柔，要刚柔相济，像浆糊一样的就人。
　　比方说，现在少年人升学的竞争很厉害，出国留学的风气也很盛。小学毕业要升中学，中学毕业升大学，大学毕业要留洋，所以大家忙着升学，留洋，好像少年工作很难作，他们太忙了，没法顾到追求主。但是这个看法并不准确。我们作少年工作的人，要像浆糊一样，管你是软的、硬的，我都要涂上去。立体的我要涂，平面的我也涂；凹进去的我涂，凸出来的也涂。我们要一切随着他们，就着他们。他们忙着要升学么？我们就随着在他们要升学的事上，在他们身上作工。他们要去留洋么？我们还能随着他们，就着他们。虽然我这个人不能随着他到外国去，但是我对他的关心和照顾，可以随着他到外国去。我不只要作到一个地步，得着他；并且要借着他，到外国去得着外国人。我要作到一个地步，他到任何一个国外的大学去，非在那里作工不可。结果他在那里传了福音，就带领了那里的外国人。所以，我们非但不可认为留学风盛是一个拦阻，反而该认为留学乃是我们工作的出路。我们要和在国外留学的弟兄姊妹通信，和他们继续来往。他们未出去之先，我们就要把他们一个一个都带领得很正常，使他们出去不只是为自己读书，也是为主作工。你不能，也不该盼望，少年人大家都不升学，也不留学，一个一个的坐在这里让你来作工，好像豆腐摆在盘子里给你吃一样。这个不叫作工。真作工的就是他跑到天空去了，我也要跟着到天空去就他。
　　许多人说，现在的学生太忙了。但是真认识学生情形的人就知道，在少年人身上，忙不是问题，兴趣才是问题。若是他们对一件事感觉兴趣，就是功课再忙，他们还有工夫。他们虽然忙，但是对于有兴趣的事，还会想办法找出时间来。
　　在使徒时代罗马帝国是逼迫基督徒的，罗马的该撒（就是罗马的皇帝）残杀过许多基督徒。但是使徒们厉害得很，他们能作工到一个地步，叫该撒家里有得救的人。你记得在腓立比书的末了，有“该撒家里的人，都问你们安”（四22）这一句话。这证明连该撒的家里，都被使徒作进去了。
　　所以我们要记得，作主的工不能呆板，不能说我只会吃豆腐，石头不能吃。会作工的不只豆腐能吃，石头也能吃，连金刚钻那样硬的也能吃。弟兄姊妹们，请你信我的话，要学习就别人。
　
　　第六，所有关心少年工作的弟兄姊妹，必须注意个人工作。在少年人身上作个人工作，那个力量和果效，比聚会不知大多少倍。大聚会在少年人身上没有多少力量，个人接触最有力量。把他们召聚在一起，常常只能对他们讲道，最多不过是作一点奋兴的工作。真实地少年工作，乃是重在个人接触。你若是问我：李弟兄，你怎样作少年工作？我愿意回答你：我可以一次会也不开，从年首到年终，绝对作个人工作，都是个人接触。这作法好像是很零碎，许多工夫白花了，一个钟点只能接触一个人，也有的时候半天还不见得能接触一个人，好像时间花得太可惜了。这比召开大会，一次对几百个人讲道，果效好像差多了。但是经验告诉我们，开大会反而没有用。你从年首到年终，一直开大会，不一定有多少果效，所得着的不过是一些浮浅的人。但是你若注重个人接触，虽然一个月的工夫还不一定得着一个人，也许两个月的接触才得着一个人；但是请你记得，个人接触所得着的人，一个就是一个，并且他会像你一样的去接触别人。你作了一个，结果会变作两个，两个会变成四个，四个会变成八个，八个会变作十六个，并且个个都是结实的。作到相当的时候，你看见一大堆的人出来了。
　　我盼望所有作青年学生工作的人，无论是要带领他们得救，带领他们属灵，或是带领他们传福音，都必须注重个人接触。一九四六、四七、四八那几年，我们在上海南京一带，实在说来还没有学生聚会，也没有青年聚会，大部分的工作都是个人接触。但是那个果效相当可观。若是弟兄们今天忽略了个人接触，只一直注意青年聚会，我敢断言，聚来聚去，青年工作的结果是浮面的，像散沙一样，没有根，绝对作不出人来。要作出人来，必须有个人接触。你对任何人都不失望，要花工夫和他们有接触。
　　自然，在个人接触的技术上，也有它的讲究。不过只要你好好的去作，渐渐的自然会有经验，会有眼光，知道在这么多的少年人中间，该先接触那一个，先得着那一个。慢慢的等到那一个给主得着了，有一件事是一定的，你是这样搅他的，他也会照样去搅别人。这正如一部机器，许多齿轮都配在一起，一个齿轮一转，所有的齿轮也都转起来了。这样一个一个的影响下去，正如同子孙繁生，永无止息。到这时候你能看见，虽然没有大聚会，但是有很多人得救，很多人起来爱主。到这个时候，你再召集聚会，无论对他们讲什么，他们都听得进去。这个时候聚会的果效就是百分百的，是扎实的，能作到他们深处去。
　　当你要和少年人有个人接触时，你一面要与他们有广泛的接触，要一视同仁，和每一个人都接触；另一面，还要有专一的接触。所谓专一的接触，就是凭你属灵的眼光，随圣灵的带领，在这么多青年学生中间，感觉该先带领那几个归向主，就在那几个人身上先花工夫，带他们接受主的救恩。同样，在这么多的少年弟兄姊妹中间，你也要摸摸看，到底有那几位，若是被带起来，最能起作用，你也就在他们身上先花工夫，带他们起来爱主，追求主。他们一被带起来，就会在少年弟兄姊妹中间，带头起作用。
　　所以作少年工作，一面要有广泛的接触，普遍的和他们有来往；另一面，又要有专一的接触，带领那些能带头，能起作用的人。你这样带一个来，我再说，不必你去教他，他自己就会去带别人。因为你是这样带他的，所以他也会这样去带别人。这样的结果，一个会变作两个，两个会变作四个，就像一块石子投在水中，慢慢的波纹逐渐扩大，最终达到整个湖面。到这时候就可以召集聚会了，这时候的聚会定规能产生果效。若是一开头就召聚大会，最多只有百分之二十的果效，百分之八十是等于零。你若肯从个人接触作起，然后再召集大会，到那时，你所讲的道定规是实际的，那个果效定规是百分之百的。
　　以上不过是我个人在已往一些年间摸少年工作所得的一点经验。任何一件事，都有讲究，都需要经验。尤其是在带领人得救，带领人爱主，带领人事奉这样的事上，实在是太深入的事，也是太精细的事，其讲究更多。不错，是圣灵的工作，但是我们都知道，圣灵需要合式的人来配祂。有的人能配圣灵，有的人不能配圣灵。有的人在圣灵的手里有用，有的人在圣灵的手里没有用。这都需要我们去作的时候，加以注意，有一点研究。
　　我把这六个点交通给大家，不过是抛砖引玉，弟兄姊妹若肯接受，再往前去，定规还会有更多的心得，更多的进步。你能找到更广阔的路，知道如何带领少年人归向主，蒙主的救恩。
　　弟兄们，我再说，主在少年人身上有一个大的需要。这一个时代需要许多少年人起来，厉害的蒙主的救恩，受主的带领，成为主手中有用的器皿。但愿主恩待我们，叫我们在祂的工作中，在召会里，宝贝少年人的灵魂。但愿我们不只不阻碍他们，不破坏他们，并且还能积极的吸引他们，成全他们，带领他们，培植他们，叫他们经历主的救恩，受到主的建造，在主的手里成为有用的人。为着主将来的工作，实在盼望弟兄姊妹为这事在主面前好好的有祷告。
　　弟兄们要我特别对作少年学生工作的弟兄姊妹，有一点交通的话。同时弟兄们也很乐意，所有事奉的弟兄姊妹，都能在这个交通里有分。所以我并不是讲道，乃是提出几点原则，和大家交通一点如何帮助少年人。
　
　　一个人无论作什么事，首要的是要有心情。如果没有心情，人就不愿意作事，就是作也不起劲。对于少年工作，自然也是如此，你要作这分工作，就必须喜欢少年人，关心少年人，愿意过问他们的事。这可以说是作少年人工作最起码的资本。若是你对少年人不感觉兴趣，没有这个心情，只勉强着来作，这是没有什么用的。　　人的心情有的是因着爱好而来的，你爱好一件事，自然就有心情去作它；还有的心情是因着认识而来的，你对一件事，因着看见了它的重要和价值，自然也就有一种心情油然而生。关于我们中间的少年工作，从我的实际观察中，我看见有的弟兄姊妹是出于他们的爱好而作的。他们的天性就是倾向少年人，就是喜欢和少年人接触，所以来作少年工作。这种情形不能说错。我们大家必须承认，无论我们怎样蒙恩，怎样属灵，仍旧是人，仍旧有人的部分。但是我们在这里要说，用这种心情来作少年工作，分量并不够重。要真作少年工作，要把少年工作作得重，我们必须让神开启我们的眼睛，看见少年人的宝贵，和他们在神手里的重要。我们若看见了这个，里头自然就有了一个心情，看重这一分的工作。
　
　　我们若把全本圣经仔细的读过，我们会发现一个事实，就是很不容易在圣经中找出一个例子，说到神曾为着要作一件新的事，或重大的事，而呼召一个老年人。这话也许会叫老年的弟兄姊妹泄气，但这是没有办法的事。的确我们看不见神曾为着要作一件新事，来呼召一个老年人。摩西好像是八十岁蒙神呼召的，但是我们若仔细读圣经，能读出来，他实在不是一个八十岁的时候才头一次蒙神呼召的，乃是在他年轻的时候，神的呼召就已经在他的身上开始了。你再往下看，无论是旧约里面的约书亚、迦勒、撒母耳、大卫，还是新约里面主耶稣所召的十二个门徒，他们初初被主得着的时候，没有一个是老年人。不仅在圣经上如此，就是在整个召会历史中，你也很难找出一个强的例证，说到神为着要作一件新的、重要的工作，曾呼召过一个老年人。几乎可以说，每一次神所使用来开始一件事，或是神所拣选来转移时代的人，都是少年人。　　我愿意作一点见证。三十年前，主在中国的工作有一点新的起头。在那一段时期里头，可以说神没有召老年人。所有今天五十岁左右，在主面前站住来事奉祂的人，三十年前都还是二十岁左右的少年人。他们在一个一个的学校里面，被主兴起来，为着那一个新的工作。弟兄姊妹若是能够看见这一点，就会在神面前宝贵少年人。　　还有一点，凡是神呼召少年人来作的工作，差不多都是转移时代的工作。神召摩西是转移了一个时代，神召约书亚也是转移了一个时代。很明显的，神召撒母耳，也是转移了一个时代。在撒母耳这个少年人的身上，挂着申言者，也挂着祭司，也挂着君王。他实在是一个转移时代的人。大卫也是转移了一个时代。你再去看但以理和他的三个朋友，他们都是被掳百姓中的少年人。神借着他们也是转移了那被掳的时代。到了新约的时候，头一个出来的是施浸者约翰。我们知道，施浸者约翰是一个蒙主呼召的少年人，神使用施浸者约翰出来转移了当时整个的时代。我们再看被神特别使用的使徒保罗，当他蒙主眷顾的时候，圣经明说他是一个少年人（徒七58）。我们都承认，保罗是一个转移时代的人。我不敢说得太多，也不敢说得太大，但我个人是觉得说，主在东方，在我们中间，三十年前所开始的一点工作，也带着相当转移时代的性质和成分。在这些重大的工作上，神都是呼召少年人来作的。
--------本段经节汇集--------
徒7:58  
把他推到城外，用石头打他。作见证的人把自己的衣服，放在一个名叫扫罗的青年人脚前。
使徒行传没有三十章，请检查。
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　　就是因着看见了这一个，我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹，几乎已经有二十年的光景，我们相当注意少年工作。这不是说，一个少年人的灵魂，抵得上两个老年灵魂的价值。不是这个意思。我乃是说，若是要人在神的手里有一点用处，在神的工作上有一点前途，他就必须是在少年的时候被主得着。这是很明显的一个事实。　　不只圣经如此给我们看见，召会历史如此给我们证实，就是在整个社会人群中间，也都是这样的情形。任何一个新的推动，新的行动，你从未见过训练老年人来着手的。从来没有一个学校，是专收老年学生的；也没有一个训练场所，是专为老年人设立的。关于这一点，我要特别请年长的弟兄姊妹原谅。比方说，这里有一位七十多岁的老年弟兄或姊妹，实在是爱主，你要在他身上花一点工夫来带领他。但是你会发现，那个带领是非常为难的。你早晨告诉他一件事，不到中午他就忘了。你上午刚刚给他讲明白一件事，下午他就说，那是怎么一回事啊？他又忘了。心情是满重的，但是头脑不够用了。这是个严酷的事实，我们无法否认。　　我常常这样说，为着得救，为着蒙恩，为着享受主的救恩，老人是绝对可宝贵的。但是为着在主手里的用途，为着主国度的开展，为着祂工作的推广，这个责任无疑是落在少年人的身上。如果祂来得迟慢的话，等到五年、十年，甚至十五年、二十年以后，主若要有所作为，这个托付必须是托在少年人身上。以我们这些已经五十几岁的人来说，虽然我们都盼望能活着见主，不必经过死亡的约但河；但是另一面，我们也只得承认，看今天庄稼的青嫩，召会的荒凉，得胜者的寥寥，这些情形都说出主还不能就回来。不是主不愿意回来，主是迫切的愿意早来，但是我们的情形不许可祂来。所以看到这种情景，使我们相信，或者还有相当的时日，主在地上要有祂的作为。　　当然另一面，我们也应该信，可能主明天就来。将近两千年前，主就说，看哪，我必快来。祂看千年如一日，在主那里根本是没有时间的。但是就着我们这一面来说，假使主还迟延，我不大相信，三十年后我们这些已经五十几岁的人，还有多少仍然健在。有的弟兄姊妹比我的年龄还大，已经六十几岁，也有的已经七十几岁了，无论如何，主若迟延祂的再来，恐怕我们都无法久等，都要去了。请问那时候，什么人接下去继续作主的工作？也许你会说非常属灵的话，太属灵的话，说，这些事主自己会负责。这当然是不错的，主一定是负责的，这是没有话说的。但是有一件事是很清楚地，无论是主直接负责也罢，是主要你我替祂作一点什么也罢，这条路总是在少年人的身上。二十年后在主面前有用的人，定规是今天一、二十岁的人。　　这是举世公认的事实，人是二十五年受教育，二十五年学经历，末了的二十五年才有真实地用处。三个二十五年，共是七十五年。盼望我们的少年弟兄姊妹都能活七十五岁。二十五年受属灵教育，二十五年学属灵经验，末了能给神使用二十五年。也盼望五十几岁的人都要为着主的缘故，好好保养自己的身体。但是弟兄姊妹请想看，若不是有一班少年人被主救来，今天好好的受带领，那时如何能学经验，以致被主用？若是今天没有少年人被主得着，等到我们离开的时候，就没有人接替我们，那时就要青黄不接了。　　我愿在这里作个见证。三十年前主在中国把我们兴起来，那时我们实在是艰难。我们的事奉无人带领，每件事都要自己苦苦的去摸。当时我们是把整个的基督教都丢在背后，连聚会的方式都得自己一点一点的去摸。到现在，三十多年过去了，当时的少年人都变成了老年人。若是这个时候主不得着一班少年的弟兄姊妹，起来在这个流里头受带领，再过一段时间，我们都过去了，到那时岂不又有一段青黄不接的时间么？这不只迁延主的年日，并且在工作的果效上，也差得很多。若是现在能有少年的弟兄姊妹被兴起来，而我们能蒙保守，一点不给他们错误的限制，完全给他们正面的带领，这样不必等到主把我们接去的时候，就在今天，他们就能在主手中成为有用的人。　　这一点我们在二十多年前就已经看得非常清楚。所以从那一个时候起，我们就相当注意在各大学、各医院里面得着知识青年。感谢主，从一九三六年开始，这一方面的工作，有相当的开展。无论是在北平的协和医学院，在天津的医院，在济南的齐鲁大学，以及在上海的护士学校，和在南京的各大学，主都得着相当多的青年人。有好些青年的医科学生、实习大夫、护士、甚至大学教授，都变作我们中间的弟兄姊妹。从那个时候起，过了差不多十年的光景，我们中间在全国各地，无论是作工的，或是在召会负责的，几乎全是当时所得着的青年人。所以当抗战胜利复员的时候，主带我们回到上海，在京沪一带再有一点复兴的工作，我们几乎将百分之七八十分的注意力，都集中在少年人身上。在那二、三年之内，在大学生中间的工作，也实在蒙主的祝福，有许多少年人被主得着。我这样说一点，弟兄姊妹们就会看见青年工作的重要。这些会叫我们产生一种心情，重看青年弟兄姊妹。
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　　我愿意和弟兄姊妹说，我爱老年人。这一点主能替我作见证。但是也得请老年的弟兄姊妹原谅，我也要说，我实在重看少年人的工作。有的人替我作宣传说，李弟兄是专作少年工作的，他把老年人都赶到马路上去。这个我不承认，我从来没有这个思想。不过为着主工作的前途，我实在要请老年人多为少年人祷告。所有工作的前途，所有将来的用处，毫无疑问都在少年人的身上。从救灵魂这一面来说，老年人和少年人该一视同仁；但是从工作前途的眼光来看，必须在少年人身上着手。无论是召会也罢，工作也罢，若不得着少年人，就如全家都是孤老，老祖父八十五岁，父亲六十岁，还有儿子快四十岁，下面没有少年人，没有哭的，也没有叫的，都是规规矩矩的，这是很不正常的光景。　　有的时候，有人来对我说，李弟兄，我们的召会好像是乱糟糟的，不太整齐。我说，这才是好现象。你到一个家庭去看，有的哭，有的叫，有的打拳头，有的翻筋斗，还有的在地板上打滚，这是好现象，这一个家一定是兴盛的。若是一个家庭只有八十五岁的老祖父，六十岁的父亲，四十岁的老儿子，当然没有人会打滚，他们要打滚也没有力量。所以一年到头是安安静静的、规规矩矩的，过清清冷冷的日子。弟兄姊妹，这样的一个家，我们能断定，过不了太久，房子不必卖，自然就变作别人的。同样的，你到一个召会里去，若看见都是少年人，成群的少年人，你应该赞美说，这里有前途。你先不要问，这些少年人好不好。正如在一个家庭里，不管儿女如何不好，总比没有好。没有儿女，那是注定没有希望了。不好的儿女，今天不好，明天也许会变好，总有个希望在那里。　　总而言之，在召会中，在主的工作上，需要得着少年人。所有有眼光为主作工的人都要注意这件事。所谓桃李遍天下，就是这个意思。你若看见这一个，你就会有一个重的心情爱少年人，好的你爱，坏的你也爱。有一个不太好的少年人，总比一个也没有的好。我愿意所有爱主的弟兄姊妹，为着召会的前途，为着主的工作，都爱少年人。　　至于关乎实行的方面，我们大约提起下面几个点：
　
　　第一，我们已经说过，现在再说，你若要帮助少年人，就必须对少年人发生兴趣。我曾到一个地方，那里有一班四、五十岁的弟兄姊妹，每一个都不对少年人说好话。他们有的对我说，李弟兄，你看我们中间的少年人，像样子么？上下不懂，尊卑不分；他们在路上看见我们，睬也不睬，就是在会所门口看见我们，也只给我们一个白眼。李弟兄，你可要讲一篇道，把这些少年人带领带领，叫他们知道尊卑上下。又有一次一位五十几岁的老弟兄来见我，对我说，李弟兄，你看我们中间的少年人，太不像样了。他们走起路来，脚步像飞一样，眼睛东张西望，实在不像样。过了些日子，我正和一班年长的弟兄们同在一起，又有一位弟兄提起，要求我讲一篇道，教导少年人要顺服。他说，我们中间的少年人，简直太不顺服年长的人了。那天我觉得是个机会，该对他们说一点话，所以我就对他们说，弟兄们，你们曾多次对我说，少年人不对。我愿意问你们，少年人如果对了，还要你们老年人作什么？他们固然不对，你们给了他们什么表率？那天我对他们说了许多话，意思就是要他们帮助少年人，对少年人感觉兴趣。你先不要处处感觉他们错，如果一来就感觉他们错，你就没有法子帮助他们。　　有的人对于他们看为好的少年人特别有偏心，对于那些他们看为不好的，一看见就撇嘴摇头。这个也是错误的。我告诉你，你所看为好的，常常神会证明给你看，你看得不准确；你所看为不好的，将来可能倒是神所大用的。所以很难定规说，今天看为好的，将来就好；今天看为不好的，将来就不好。千万不要信我们自己的看法。连我们对自己也该这样。我们今天好，不一定保准好到底；今天坏，说不定明天主就叫我们好。照样，我们对少年人也不要管他们好坏，必须一视同仁，喜欢他们，过问他们的事。他们走路像飞一样么？你也跟着他们飞。他们东张西望么？你也跟着他们东张西望。他们在那里打球么？你也陪他们打一场。打完了再同他们谈主耶稣。这才是真有本事。如果这样一打球，主耶稣就被打掉了，你就没有法子和他们谈主耶稣了，那你这个属灵还是假的。　　再比方，你在路上碰到一个少年弟兄，你问他到那里去，他说，我今天很闷，想去看看电影。你千万不要板起脸来就责备他，为什么去看电影？怎么可以看电影？你若这样作法，就不能带领这个少年人。你最好和他谈谈，问他要去看什么电影？到那一家电影院？你还要陪他走一段路，或者叫一部车子和他同坐。就在去的路上，你可以对他谈一点你要谈的事。你可以问他：弟兄，你这两天读经的光景好么？你们就这样谈起读经来了。你也可以和他谈谈祷告，问问他近来有没有祷告？谈来谈去到了电影院了。这时候你可以对他说，弟兄，到了，你进去吧，车钱我来付，我还要去聚会。等电影散场前十分钟，我在这里等你。你对他没有一点不耐烦，反而很感觉兴趣。如果你身上带着钱，最好问他，你用钱方便不方便？买票够不够？如果没有我给你一点。弟兄姊妹，你若能这样，看看你能不能带领他！就怕你像一个冷冷的律法师，严严的教训他，并且定他的罪。给你这样一定罪，他可能一辈子都脱不开电影，非看电影不可。他所以一辈子去看电影，就是你把他激的。不要以为这是我随便说的，我知道我所说的是什么。　　你知道主耶稣那天在去以马忤斯的路上，就是这样。主问那两个门徒说，你们谈的是什么事啊？其中有一个回答说，你在耶路撒冷作客，还不知道么？主耶稣的心里当然非常清楚，但还是问说，是什么事呢？他们大讲特讲，主耶稣就耐心听。他们两个走下坡路，主耶稣陪着他们走。但是我们大家都知道，到末了，主开了他们的眼睛，他们就回过来了。我信弟兄姊妹领会我说这些话的意思。你要帮助少年人么？你首先需要对他们感觉兴趣。不要先管他们的错，你一点都不要去定罪。要先给他们一个感觉，你是他们的好朋友，你是同情他们的，并且对他们感觉兴趣，喜欢过问他们的事。这是首要的一点。
　
　　第二，学习尽力和少年人接触。帮助少年弟兄姊妹，并不在于会讲多少道，乃在乎平时和他们常有接触。当你和少年弟兄姊妹接触的时候，不要一坐下来就问，你今天读了几章圣经？你祷告了没有？这些问题需要经过多次接触以后，也许是十次、八次，才可以提起来的。初初和他们接触时，记得不要先谈属灵的事。对外邦人更是如此，初期接触不要先谈主耶稣。你所以不谈，乃是以退为进，保持和他的接触。你要摸他的感觉，摸到有一天，再把福音送到他里头去。这个时候一送就成功。送得早了，常常容易叫人有反感。若是给你弄翻了，他就可能一辈子都不接受主。对少年弟兄姊妹也是这样，不要一下子就对他讲读经，讲祷告，惹他的反感。必须等你和他接触多了，他对你有一个感觉，觉得你喜欢他，他也喜欢你，你摸着他的感觉，得着他的信任，到这时候，再来谈属灵的事，才是对症下药，药到病除，一切的果效定规是可以预期的。
　
　　第三，当你给他们帮助的时候，不要给他们太多的道理，要给他们实用的东西。不只个人接触的时候，不要太重道理，就连对少年人传福音，或者对少年圣徒讲道，都不要太重道理。若是你所讲的都是一些道理，他们不过是来听听，就不会起多少的作用。道理讲得越多，少年人就越死，越冷，越退去。少年人有许多实行的问题，要从这些问题上着手，来摸他们的感觉。所以要花一点工夫，来研究少年人实际生活里头的难处，无论得救以前的，和得救以后的，都要研究一点。根据这些你来对他们传福音，或者对他们讲一点造就的道，这样，你讲的道就都是实行的，都是你从他们身上所摸出来实际的问题。
　
　　第四，对任何少年人，都需要有正面的信心。这话的意思就是说，对于好的少年人，你要信他会更好；对于那些似乎不好的，也要信他们会好。并且你宁肯对那些似乎不好的，多信他会好，对于那些好的，倒要少信一点。　　我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹，我们都是亚当的子孙，堕落的族类。多少敬虔的人，他们的儿女还是堕落的。我们不能说堕落是对的，但是请记得，所有真认识神救恩的人，都是经过堕落的人。一个人若从出生就蒙保守，一点也没有堕落过，这个人对神救恩的经历，定规不会很深。一个从未堕落过的人，无法经历神的救恩。我不是鼓励人去堕落，更不是鼓励人去放松自己的儿女，这不是我的意思。我的意思是，千万不要以为说这些少年人不好，所以就轻看他们。这是错误的观念。　　慕勒（George Muller）是前一个世纪里面一个相当属灵的人，我们大家都知道他的故事。他大约是在二十一岁的时候，才清楚得救的。他出生于一个基督教家庭中，父亲是一个相当敬畏主的人。但是他一直到二十一岁之前，还是一个相当堕落的少年人，常常偷他父亲的钱，去各处旅行游玩。有一次他住在一个旅馆里，付不出所积欠的债，甚至被旅馆老板送到监里去。那时候他实在是一个放荡败坏的人。可是有一天主寻着了他，这一个青年人得救了以后，就变成一个十分爱主的人。你若去看二十一岁以前的慕勒，实在不像样，但是谁会想到，二十一岁以后的慕勒，竟然如此爱主，如此属灵呢！所以你不能凭少年人今日的光景，定规他将来的好坏。　　我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹们，少年人的坏，常常是不可信的，少年人的好，也常常是不可信的。今天你看这个少年人非常坏，有一天他会变得非常好，一反你的眼光。同样，今天你看这个少年人非常好，有一天也许他变得非常坏。所以凡是对于少年工作有一点经验的人，都会说，我们对少年人的光景不信任。但是在正面上，我们完全相信，神有一天会得着他们。这会叫我们蒙拯救，不至于只在那些我们看为好的少年人身上作工，而把我们所看为不好的放在一边。老实说，那些一直好的少年人，好些反而很难有属灵的窍，他们的长进常常是很慢的。反而那些似乎看来很坏的少年人，你在他们身上花工夫，把他们带过来，他们一转就开窍。这些都是叫我们这些作少年工作的人，不要信他们身上的光景。好也不要信，坏也不要信，要信神的工作。再坏的，我还信神的工作能转他。再差的，我还信神的工作能带他。因着有这样正面的信心，我们就能注意所有的少年人。
　
　　第五，所有要作少年工作的人，都要学习去配少年人，去就他们，不要叫他们来就你。你要去就他们到一个地步，如同浆糊一样。浆糊最能就，没有一个地方不能就，平面的地方能涂上去，凹凸不平的地方也能涂上去；转弯的地方能涂上去，有角有棱的地方也能涂上去。无论什么地方，它都能涂上去。我们作少年工作的人，要把我们的性格对付到一个地步，和浆糊一样。人要事奉神，性格不只要刚，也要柔，要刚柔相济，像浆糊一样的就人。　　比方说，现在少年人升学的竞争很厉害，出国留学的风气也很盛。小学毕业要升中学，中学毕业升大学，大学毕业要留洋，所以大家忙着升学，留洋，好像少年工作很难作，他们太忙了，没法顾到追求主。但是这个看法并不准确。我们作少年工作的人，要像浆糊一样，管你是软的、硬的，我都要涂上去。立体的我要涂，平面的我也涂；凹进去的我涂，凸出来的也涂。我们要一切随着他们，就着他们。他们忙着要升学么？我们就随着在他们要升学的事上，在他们身上作工。他们要去留洋么？我们还能随着他们，就着他们。虽然我这个人不能随着他到外国去，但是我对他的关心和照顾，可以随着他到外国去。我不只要作到一个地步，得着他；并且要借着他，到外国去得着外国人。我要作到一个地步，他到任何一个国外的大学去，非在那里作工不可。结果他在那里传了福音，就带领了那里的外国人。所以，我们非但不可认为留学风盛是一个拦阻，反而该认为留学乃是我们工作的出路。我们要和在国外留学的弟兄姊妹通信，和他们继续来往。他们未出去之先，我们就要把他们一个一个都带领得很正常，使他们出去不只是为自己读书，也是为主作工。你不能，也不该盼望，少年人大家都不升学，也不留学，一个一个的坐在这里让你来作工，好像豆腐摆在盘子里给你吃一样。这个不叫作工。真作工的就是他跑到天空去了，我也要跟着到天空去就他。
--------本段经节汇集--------
何西阿书一章（略，若需要被汇集，请勾选“不忽略整章”）
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　　许多人说，现在的学生太忙了。但是真认识学生情形的人就知道，在少年人身上，忙不是问题，兴趣才是问题。若是他们对一件事感觉兴趣，就是功课再忙，他们还有工夫。他们虽然忙，但是对于有兴趣的事，还会想办法找出时间来。　　在使徒时代罗马帝国是逼迫基督徒的，罗马的该撒（就是罗马的皇帝）残杀过许多基督徒。但是使徒们厉害得很，他们能作工到一个地步，叫该撒家里有得救的人。你记得在腓立比书的末了，有“该撒家里的人，都问你们安”（四22）这一句话。这证明连该撒的家里，都被使徒作进去了。
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腓4:22  
众圣徒，尤其是该撒家里的人，都问你们安。
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　　所以我们要记得，作主的工不能呆板，不能说我只会吃豆腐，石头不能吃。会作工的不只豆腐能吃，石头也能吃，连金刚钻那样硬的也能吃。弟兄姊妹们，请你信我的话，要学习就别人。
　
　　第六，所有关心少年工作的弟兄姊妹，必须注意个人工作。在少年人身上作个人工作，那个力量和果效，比聚会不知大多少倍。大聚会在少年人身上没有多少力量，个人接触最有力量。把他们召聚在一起，常常只能对他们讲道，最多不过是作一点奋兴的工作。真实地少年工作，乃是重在个人接触。你若是问我：李弟兄，你怎样作少年工作？我愿意回答你：我可以一次会也不开，从年首到年终，绝对作个人工作，都是个人接触。这作法好像是很零碎，许多工夫白花了，一个钟点只能接触一个人，也有的时候半天还不见得能接触一个人，好像时间花得太可惜了。这比召开大会，一次对几百个人讲道，果效好像差多了。但是经验告诉我们，开大会反而没有用。你从年首到年终，一直开大会，不一定有多少果效，所得着的不过是一些浮浅的人。但是你若注重个人接触，虽然一个月的工夫还不一定得着一个人，也许两个月的接触才得着一个人；但是请你记得，个人接触所得着的人，一个就是一个，并且他会像你一样的去接触别人。你作了一个，结果会变作两个，两个会变成四个，四个会变成八个，八个会变作十六个，并且个个都是结实的。作到相当的时候，你看见一大堆的人出来了。　　我盼望所有作青年学生工作的人，无论是要带领他们得救，带领他们属灵，或是带领他们传福音，都必须注重个人接触。一九四六、四七、四八那几年，我们在上海南京一带，实在说来还没有学生聚会，也没有青年聚会，大部分的工作都是个人接触。但是那个果效相当可观。若是弟兄们今天忽略了个人接触，只一直注意青年聚会，我敢断言，聚来聚去，青年工作的结果是浮面的，像散沙一样，没有根，绝对作不出人来。要作出人来，必须有个人接触。你对任何人都不失望，要花工夫和他们有接触。　　自然，在个人接触的技术上，也有它的讲究。不过只要你好好的去作，渐渐的自然会有经验，会有眼光，知道在这么多的少年人中间，该先接触那一个，先得着那一个。慢慢的等到那一个给主得着了，有一件事是一定的，你是这样搅他的，他也会照样去搅别人。这正如一部机器，许多齿轮都配在一起，一个齿轮一转，所有的齿轮也都转起来了。这样一个一个的影响下去，正如同子孙繁生，永无止息。到这时候你能看见，虽然没有大聚会，但是有很多人得救，很多人起来爱主。到这个时候，你再召集聚会，无论对他们讲什么，他们都听得进去。这个时候聚会的果效就是百分百的，是扎实的，能作到他们深处去。　　当你要和少年人有个人接触时，你一面要与他们有广泛的接触，要一视同仁，和每一个人都接触；另一面，还要有专一的接触。所谓专一的接触，就是凭你属灵的眼光，随圣灵的带领，在这么多青年学生中间，感觉该先带领那几个归向主，就在那几个人身上先花工夫，带他们接受主的救恩。同样，在这么多的少年弟兄姊妹中间，你也要摸摸看，到底有那几位，若是被带起来，最能起作用，你也就在他们身上先花工夫，带他们起来爱主，追求主。他们一被带起来，就会在少年弟兄姊妹中间，带头起作用。　　所以作少年工作，一面要有广泛的接触，普遍的和他们有来往；另一面，又要有专一的接触，带领那些能带头，能起作用的人。你这样带一个来，我再说，不必你去教他，他自己就会去带别人。因为你是这样带他的，所以他也会这样去带别人。这样的结果，一个会变作两个，两个会变作四个，就像一块石子投在水中，慢慢的波纹逐渐扩大，最终达到整个湖面。到这时候就可以召集聚会了，这时候的聚会定规能产生果效。若是一开头就召聚大会，最多只有百分之二十的果效，百分之八十是等于零。你若肯从个人接触作起，然后再召集大会，到那时，你所讲的道定规是实际的，那个果效定规是百分之百的。　　以上不过是我个人在已往一些年间摸少年工作所得的一点经验。任何一件事，都有讲究，都需要经验。尤其是在带领人得救，带领人爱主，带领人事奉这样的事上，实在是太深入的事，也是太精细的事，其讲究更多。不错，是圣灵的工作，但是我们都知道，圣灵需要合式的人来配祂。有的人能配圣灵，有的人不能配圣灵。有的人在圣灵的手里有用，有的人在圣灵的手里没有用。这都需要我们去作的时候，加以注意，有一点研究。　　我把这六个点交通给大家，不过是抛砖引玉，弟兄姊妹若肯接受，再往前去，定规还会有更多的心得，更多的进步。你能找到更广阔的路，知道如何带领少年人归向主，蒙主的救恩。　　弟兄们，我再说，主在少年人身上有一个大的需要。这一个时代需要许多少年人起来，厉害的蒙主的救恩，受主的带领，成为主手中有用的器皿。但愿主恩待我们，叫我们在祂的工作中，在召会里，宝贝少年人的灵魂。但愿我们不只不阻碍他们，不破坏他们，并且还能积极的吸引他们，成全他们，带领他们，培植他们，叫他们经历主的救恩，受到主的建造，在主的手里成为有用的人。为着主将来的工作，实在盼望弟兄姊妹为这事在主面前好好的有祷告。
　The brothers asked me to give a word of fellowship tonight particularly to the brothers and sisters who serve in the young people’s or students’ work. The brothers would also like to have the brothers and sisters who serve in various homes participate in this fellowship. Therefore, tonight I am not giving a message; rather, I want to fellowship with you some principles concerning how to help the young people.
　
Seeing the preciousness of the young people
　In whatever a person does, the most important thing is to have a heart. Without a heart, a person will not want to do anything, and even if he does something, he will not be enthusiastic in doing it. Of course, this is also true with the young people’s work. If you want to do this work, you must like the young people, care for them, and be concerned about their affairs. This may be considered the minimum “capital” required for the young people’s work. If you have no interest in the young people and have no heart for them, doing the young people’s work only out of reluctance, then it is useless.
　Sometimes our heart may arise from our preference. When we like something, naturally we will have a heart to do it. Sometimes the heart we have may come from our knowledge. When we see the importance and value of a certain matter, we will spontaneously have a heart for it. According to my observation of the real situation among us concerning the young people’s work, I see that some brothers and sisters are doing it out of their preference. Because they are naturally inclined to the young people and they enjoy contacting the young people, they come to do the young people’s work. We cannot say that this is wrong. We have to admit that no matter how much grace we have received and how great the spirituality we possess, we are still human — we still have the part that is human. But here we have to say that it is not weighty enough to do the young people’s work with such a heart. If we truly want to do the young people’s work and do it in a weighty manner, we must let God open our eyes to see the preciousness of the young people and their importance in God’s hands. If we see this, we will appreciate this work, and spontaneously, we will have a heart within us for it.
　
The future of the Lord’s work depending altogether on the young people
　If we read through the Bible carefully, we will discover a fact: it is not easy to find a case showing that God called an old person to do a new thing or a thing of great consequence. This may discourage the older brothers and sisters, but it is something undeniable. Indeed, we cannot see that God ever called an old person to do a new thing. Seemingly, Moses received God’s call when he was eighty years old, but if we carefully read the Bible, we will see that actually the first time he received God’s call was not when he was eighty years old. Rather, when he was still young, God’s calling had already begun in him. If you read on, whether it was Joshua, Caleb, Samuel, or David in the Old Testament, or whether it was the twelve disciples called by the Lord Jesus in the New Testament, when they were first gained by the Lord, none of them was an old man. Not only is this true in the Bible, but even in all of church history it is hard to find a strong illustration to show that God called an old man when He had a new and important thing to do. We can say that virtually everyone used by God to begin a new thing or chosen by God to turn the age was a young man.
　I would like to give you a testimony. Thirty years ago the Lord’s work in China had a new beginning. In that period of time God did not call any old people. All the ones who are around fifty years old and who are standing firmly to serve the Lord today were still young people who, thirty years ago, were around twenty years old. They were raised up by the Lord in the schools for that new work. Brothers and sisters, if you see this, you will treasure the young people before God.
　Furthermore, nearly every work that the young people were called by God to do was a work that turned the age. God called Moses to turn one age, and He called Joshua to turn another age. Obviously, His calling of Samuel turned another age. The prophethood, priesthood, and kingship all hung on this young man Samuel. He was truly one who turned the age. David was also one who turned the age. Furthermore, we can see that Daniel and his three friends were young ones among the people in captivity. Through them God turned that age of captivity. Then in the New Testament, the first to emerge was John the Baptist. We know that he was a young man called by the Lord. God used him to turn the age at his time. We can go on to look at Paul, who was an apostle especially used by God. The Bible says that he was a young man when he was visited by the Lord (Acts 7:58). We all admit that Paul was a man who turned the age. I dare not overstate the case, but my feeling is that the work that the Lord started among us in the East thirty years ago also considerably bore the nature and element of an age-turning work. For the carrying out of all these works of great consequences, God always called young men.
　I would like to tell you, brothers and sisters, that because we saw this, we have been paying much attention to the young people’s work for nearly twenty years. This is not to say that one young person’s soul is worth two older persons’ souls. This is not what I mean. What I am saying is that a person has to be gained by the Lord at a young age if he will have some usefulness in God’s hands or a future in God’s work. This is an obvious fact.
　Not only is this shown in the Bible and confirmed in church history, but it is even seen in all of human society. You have never seen old people being trained to start any new project or any new move. There is no school that solely accepts elderly students, nor is there any training center established exclusively for old people. Concerning this matter, I have to ask especially the older brothers and sisters to forgive me. There may be a seventy-year-old brother here who truly loves the Lord, and you may want to spend some time to help him. However, you will find out that it is a very difficult thing to do. You may tell him something in the morning, and he forgets it before noon. You may have clearly explained something in the morning, but in the afternoon he asks, “What is that all about?” He has forgotten again. His heart is fully burdened, but his mind is no longer fully competent. This is a cruel fact, but we cannot deny it.
　Quite often I have said that for salvation, for the receiving of grace, and for the enjoyment of the Lord’s salvation the older ones are absolutely precious. However, for usefulness in the Lord’s hand, for the spread of the Lord’s kingdom, and for the propagation of the Lord’s work, the responsibility undoubtedly falls on the shoulders of the young people. If the Lord delays His coming back for five, ten, fifteen, or twenty years and He wants to accomplish something, the commission will have to be entrusted to the young people. Concerning those of us who are already over fifty, we all hope that we may be alive to see the Lord come back and not have to pass through the Jordan River of death. Nevertheless, we have to admit that the conditions today, such as the “greenness of the crops,” the desolation of the church, and the scarcity of overcomers, indicate that the Lord cannot come back so soon. It is not that the Lord does not want to come back. Rather, He desperately wants to come back soon, but our condition does not allow Him. Therefore, seeing such a situation, we believe that there may be still a considerable amount of time in which the Lord wants to accomplish something on the earth.
　Of course, we should also believe that the Lord may come back tomorrow. Nearly two thousand years ago He already said, “Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7). In His estimation a thousand years are like one day; with Him there is no time element. On our side, however, if the Lord delays, I cannot believe that a number of us who are now over fifty will still be alive thirty years later. Some of the brothers and sisters are even older than I am and are in their sixties, and others are in their seventies. In any case, if the Lord delays His coming back, I am afraid we cannot wait that long and will all be gone. May I ask, who then will continue to do the Lord’s work? You may be very spiritual, even too spiritual, and say, “The Lord will be responsible for all these matters.” Of course, this is true; the Lord will be responsible. There is no denying this. But one thing is clear: Whether He takes direct responsibility or He wants you or me to do something for Him, the way is with the young people. Twenty years from now those who will be useful to the Lord are those who are in their twenties or younger today.
　It is a universally accepted fact that a person receives education for twenty-five years, gains experience for another twenty-five years, and then becomes truly useful in the final twenty-five years. Three twenty-five years make a total of seventy-five years. I hope all our young people will live for seventy-five years — twenty-five years to receive spiritual education, another twenty-five years to gain spiritual experience, and the final twenty-five years to be used by God. I also hope that those who are in their fifties now will take good care of their health for the Lord’s sake. However, brothers and sisters, please consider: Unless there is a group of young people who are saved to receive proper spiritual help today, how can they gain the experience and be used by the Lord in the future? If there are no young people gained by the Lord today, after our departure there will be no one to succeed us. Then there will be a gap.
　Let me give you a testimony. Thirty years ago when the Lord raised us up in China, it was truly a hard time for us. Since there was no one who could help us in our service, we had to strenuously grope around in every matter. At that time we had left Christianity behind; therefore, even in the matter of how to meet, we had to feel our way around little by little. Now, after more than thirty years, the young people then have become old people. If the Lord does not have a group of young people today to receive help, after some time, when we pass away, will there not be a gap? This will not only delay the day of the Lord but also diminish the effectiveness of our work. If there are young brothers and sisters raised up by the Lord and if we are preserved to give them an absolutely positive leading instead of erroneous limitations, then there is no need to wait until the Lord takes us away; even today they can become useful in the Lord’s hands.
　We already saw this clearly more than twenty years ago. Therefore, from that time on we paid a great deal of attention to gaining the young intellectuals in the universities and hospitals. Thank the Lord, this work had good progress from 1936. The Lord gained a good number of young people from the Union Medical College in Beijing, from a certain hospital in Tientsin, from the Chi-lu University in Tsinan, from the College of Nursing in Shanghai, and from some universities in Nanking. Many young medical students, resident physicians, nurses, and even professors became our brothers and sisters. About ten years later, among us nearly all the co-workers and responsible ones in the churches all over the country were the young people gained at that time. Therefore, after the War of Resistance against Japan [1937-1945] was won and the country was restored, then the Lord brought us back to Shanghai where there was a small work of revival again in the regions of Nanking and Shanghai. At that time we concentrated nearly seventy to eighty percent of our efforts on the young people. Within those two to three years all the work among the college students received much blessing from the Lord. Many young ones were gained by Him. By saying this much, I hope that the brothers and sisters can see the importance of the young people’s work. This should create a heart in us to appreciate the young brothers and sisters.
　I would say to you, brothers and sisters, that I love the older ones. The Lord can testify for me about this. But I also would ask the older ones to forgive me because I would also say that I really appreciate the young people’s work. Some spread words about me, saying that Brother Lee only cares for the young people’s work and that he has chased all the older ones out to the street. I deny this; I never had that intention. However, for the future of the Lord’s work, I would ask the older ones to pray much for the young people. The future of the work and the usefulness in the future, no doubt, are with the young people. From the view of saving souls, we should treat older ones and younger ones equally. From the view of the future of the work, however, we should put our emphasis on the younger ones. If the church or the work fails to gain young people, it will be like a family that has only some childless old people: an old grandfather who is eighty-five years old, a father who is sixty years old, and a son who is nearly forty years old. There are no younger ones under them; there are no crying ones or shouting ones. Rather, everyone is well behaved. This is abnormal.
　Sometimes when someone says to me, “Brother Lee, it seems that our church is in a mess and is not very orderly,” I would say, “That is actually a good sign.” When you visit a family, if you see some are crying, some are shouting, some are fighting, some are doing somersaults, and some are rolling on the floor, that is a good sign; it indicates that the family is flourishing. If a family has only an eighty-five-year-old grandfather, a sixty-year-old father, and a forty-year-old son, certainly no one will be rolling on the floor. Even if any of them desires to roll on the floor, he would not have the strength to do it. Therefore, all year round they live in quietness, orderliness, and loneliness. Brothers and sisters, we can be sure that such a family does not have to sell its house; the house will become someone else’s house before long. In the same manner, when you visit a church, if you see throngs of young people there, then you should praise the Lord that the church has a future. You do not need to ask whether those young people are good or bad. Just as in a family, it does not matter how naughty the children are; they are still better than none. If there are no children, the family is doomed to hopelessness. Some children who are undesirable today may become desirable tomorrow. There is always hope.
　In summary, we need to gain the young people in the church and in the Lord’s work. Anyone who works for the Lord with insight needs to pay attention to this matter. If you see this, your heart will be burdened to love the young people regardless of whether they are good or bad. Having a young one who is not very desirable is better than having none at all. May the brothers and sisters, as the Lord’s lovers, all love the young people for the future of the church and for the Lord’s work.
　Concerning the practical side, we will mention the following points.
　
Having an interest in the young people
　First of all, I have already said this earlier, but now I want to say it again: if you want to help the young people, you must have an interest in them. I was in a place where there was a group of brothers and sisters who were forty and fifty years of age. None of them had anything good to say about the young people. Some of them told me, “Brother Lee, look at the young people among us. Do they look proper? They don’t know the difference between the elderly and the young, between seniors and juniors. They give us the cold shoulder when they see us on the street. They stare at us when they see us at the entrance of the meeting hall. Brother Lee, you have to give a message to render some help to these young people so that they will know the difference between seniors and juniors, between the elderly and the young.” At another time a brother in his fifties came to see me and said, “Brother Lee, look at the young people among us. They are so improper. When they walk, their steps are flying, and their eyes are wandering. They are really out of order.” Some time later, while I was with a group of elderly brothers, one of them asked me to give a message that would teach the young people to be obedient. He said, “Our young people simply do not obey the elderly ones.” That day I felt it was a good opportunity to say a word to them. Therefore, I said, “Brothers, you have mentioned to me many times how wrong the young people are. I would like to ask you, if the young people are right, then what need is there for you, the older ones? No doubt they are wrong, but what kind of example have you given them?” I spoke at some length to them that day with the intention to incite them to help the young people and to have an interest in them. Do not find their faults at first. If you do, you cannot help them.
　Some have a special liking for the young people whom they consider good, but they purse their mouths and shake their heads when they see those whom they think are not good. This is wrong. Oftentimes God will prove to you that your evaluation of those whom you think are good is inaccurate. Instead, those whom you consider not good may be greatly used by God. Therefore, it is hard to say that those whom we feel are good now will be good in the future, and that those whom we feel are bad today will be bad tomorrow. We should never trust in our own judgment. This applies even to our evaluation of ourselves. We may be good today, but that does not guarantee that we will be good to the end. We may be bad today, but the Lord may turn us to be good tomorrow. Likewise, regardless of whether the young people are good or bad, we need to treat everyone the same, and we need to like them and be concerned for them. Do they walk as if they are flying? Then you should fly with them. Are their eyes wandering? You should also let your eyes wander. Are they playing ball? Play a game with them, and then talk to them about the Lord Jesus when the game is over. This is genuine capability. However, if you cannot talk to them about the Lord Jesus because He is gone after you play ball, then your spirituality is false.
　Let me give you another example. Suppose you run into a young brother on the street. You ask him where he is going, and he says, “I am going to a movie because I am very bored.” Never rebuke him with a long face, saying, “Why are you going to watch a movie? How can you do that?” If you do this, you will not be able to help this young man. It is better for you to have a little conversation with him. Ask him what movie and which theater he is going to. Then walk with him for a short distance or call a taxi and ride with him. While you are on the way to the theater, you can talk to him about some of the things that are on your heart. You may ask him, “Brother, did you enjoy reading the Word in the last couple of days?” In this way you can begin to talk to him about reading the Bible. You can also talk to him about prayer and ask him if he has prayed recently. When you get to the theater, you may tell him, “Brother, here we are. You go in, and I’ll pay for the taxi. I have to go to a meeting. Ten minutes before the end of the movie I will come back and be here waiting for you.” Instead of being impatient with him, you are fully interested in him. If you have some money with you, you may ask him, “Brother, do you have your cash ready? Is it enough to buy the ticket? If not, I can give you some.” Brothers and sisters, if you can do this, see whether or not you can lead him! I am afraid that you may be like a “lawyer” with an expressionless face, teaching him sternly and even condemning him. After being condemned by you, he may not be able to be delivered from movies for the rest of his life — he will not be able to live without watching movies. His going to the movies for the rest of his life will be due to your provoking. Do not think that I am talking nonsense. I know what I am talking about.
　This is what the Lord Jesus did that day on the way to Emmaus. The Lord asked the two disciples, saying, “What are these words which you are exchanging with one another while you are walking?” (Luke 24:17). One of them replied, “Do You alone dwell as a stranger in Jerusalem and not know the things which have taken place in it in these days?” (v. 18). Of course, the Lord Jesus was very clear, but He still asked them, “What things?” (v. 19). They talked a great deal, and the Lord Jesus just listened patiently. They were walking downhill, and the Lord Jesus just walked with them. In the end, however, the Lord opened their eyes, and they turned around. Brothers and sisters, I believe that you all know what I mean by these words. Do you want to help the young people? Then first of all, you need to be interested in them. Do not be concerned first about their mistakes; do not condemn them at all. You should give them a feeling that you are their good friend, that you sympathize with them, and that you are interested in them and in their affairs. This is the chief point.
　
Doing your best to contact the young people
　Second, learn to do your best to contact the young people. Helping the young brothers and sisters depends not on your ability to give them messages but on your regular, frequent contacts with them. When you contact the young brothers and sisters, do not begin by asking, “How many chapters of the Bible have you read today? Have you prayed?” Such questions should not be brought up until you have had many contacts with them, maybe even after eight or ten times. Remember not to talk about spiritual things at the initial contact with them. It is even more so in dealing with an unbeliever. Do not talk about the Lord Jesus when you first contact him. The reason you refrain from mentioning the Lord Jesus is that as you maintain contact with him, seemingly you are retreating, yet actually you are advancing. You need to sense his feeling until one day you can impart the gospel into him. Then you will be successful at once. However, if you do it prematurely, it is easy to cause a negative reaction. If you mess up the whole thing, he may not receive the Lord for his entire lifetime. It is the same in dealing with any young person. Do not stir up his negative feeling by talking to him right away about reading the Bible or praying. You must wait until you have more contact with him, and he feels that he likes you and that you also like him. Once you have touched his feeling and earned his trust, then you can begin to talk about spiritual things. This is like giving the right prescription for an illness. With the right medicine the illness will be cured. Then you can expect to see a result.
　
Emphasizing practicality instead of stressing doctrines
　Third, when you help the young people, do not give them a lot of doctrines; instead, give them something practical. You should not put too much emphasis on doctrines, not only when you have personal contact with them but also when you are preaching the gospel or giving messages to them. If you give them only some doctrines and they come only to listen, there will not be much effect. The more you speak doctrines, the more the young people become dead, cold, and backsliding. Because young people have many practical problems, you need to sense their feelings, beginning with these problems. Therefore, you need to spend some time to study the problems of the young people in their practical living, including problems both before and after their salvation. Based upon your studies, when you preach the gospel or speak a word of edification to them, what you speak is practical and is related to the practical matters that you have touched in their lives.
　
Having a positive faith in every young person
　Fourth, you need to have a positive faith in every young person. This means that with the good ones you should believe that they will get better, and with the ones who do not seem to be good, you should also believe that they will become good. Moreover, you should have more faith in those who are seemingly not good and believe that they will become good and not have as much faith in those who are good.
　I like to tell you, brothers and sisters, that we are all Adam’s descendants, a fallen race. Even the children of godly people are fallen. We cannot say that to be fallen is right, but please remember that all those who truly know God’s salvation were once fallen people. If a person has been preserved since his birth and has never lived in a fallen way, he cannot have a deep experience of God’s salvation. One who has never lived in a fallen way cannot experience God’s salvation. I am not encouraging people to be fallen. Neither am I encouraging them to be loose with their children. This is not what I mean. What I mean is that you should never think that it is all right to despise certain young ones simply because they are not good. This concept is wrong.
　We know the story of George Müller, a spiritual man in the nineteenth century. He was clear about his salvation probably when he was twenty-one years old. He was born into a Christian family, and his father was a man who feared God. However, he was a very fallen young man before the age of twenty-one. He always stole money from his father to roam about from place to place. Once, he stayed in a hotel, but because he was not able to pay the fee, he was sent to prison by the owner of the hotel. At that time he was truly a dissipated and corrupt person. But one day the Lord found him. As a young man, after he was saved, he became one who greatly loved the Lord. If you look at George Müller before he was twenty-one, he was such an improper person. Who could ever have imagined that after he was twenty-one he would love the Lord so much and be so spiritual? Therefore, you cannot judge a young person’s future based on his situation today.
　Brothers and sisters, I can tell you that whether the condition of the young people is good or bad, usually it is not trustworthy. Today you may consider a certain young man very bad, but one day he may become very good, contrary to your view. In the same way, today you may think that a certain young man is very good, but some day he may become very bad. Therefore, all those who have some experience in the young people’s work will say, “We don’t trust in the young people’s condition. On the positive side, however, we fully believe that God will gain them one day.” This will deliver us so that we will not work only on the young people whom we consider good and put aside those whom we consider bad. Actually, sometimes it is hard for those who are consistently good to have spiritual perception, and often their growth is slow. However, if you spend time on those seemingly bad ones to turn them around, their spiritual understanding will be opened immediately after they have made a turn. This shows that those of us who do the work among the young people should not trust in their present condition. Do not believe either in their good condition or in their bad condition; believe only in God’s work. No matter how bad one may be, we still believe God’s work can turn him. No matter how poor one may be, we still believe God’s work can carry him through. Because we have such a positive faith, we pay attention to every young person.
　
Adapting to young people
　Fifth, all those who have a desire to do the young people’s work need to learn how to match and adapt to the young people. Do not ask them to adapt to you. You need to adapt to them to such an extent that you are like glue. Glue adapts the best; there is not one place it cannot adapt to. It adapts to flat surfaces, rugged places, twisted places, and places with corners. Glue can be applied to any place. We who do the young people’s work need to deal with our character to such an extent that we are just like glue. If anyone wants to serve God, he must have a character that is not only strong but also pliant; he must be one who tempers strength with pliancy in order to adapt to others like glue.
　For example, young people are facing stiff competition for entrance to a university, and there is a prevailing atmosphere to go abroad to study. After elementary school they have to enter high school. Then after high school they have to get into a university. After graduation from a university, they have to go abroad to further their studies. Everyone is busy getting a higher education and going abroad. It seems very hard to do the young people’s work because the young people are too busy to care about pursuing the Lord. But this perception is not accurate. We who do the young people’s work should be like glue so that it does not matter if a young person is soft or hard or if he is three-dimensional, flat, or a surface with bumps and dents; we still need to stick to him. We have to go along with the young people and accommodate ourselves to them. Are they busy with entering a university? Then we work on them by going along with them in their preparation for this matter. Are they going abroad to study? We still go along with them and adapt to them. Although we cannot go with any of them to a foreign country, our care and concern for them will go with them. We should work not only to the extent of gaining them but also to gaining some people through them in that foreign country. We should work on them to such an extent that they will do the Lord’s work in whatever university they attend. Then as a result of their preaching of the gospel, they will gain some people there. Therefore, instead of regarding the prevailing trend of going abroad as a hindrance, we should consider it an outlet for our work. We need to correspond with the brothers and sisters who are studying abroad to continue communication with them. Before they leave, we need to lead each of them to have a normal spiritual life so that after they go out they will not only study for themselves but also work for the Lord. You cannot and must not hope that everyone would give up entering a university or going abroad for further studies but would sit here waiting for you to work on them, just like a piece of tofu placed on a plate for you to eat. This is not called work. If we are doing a real work, then even if a young person flies to the sky, we will follow him there to adapt to him.
　Many say that students today are too busy. However, if you really know the students’ situation, you will know that with the young people, being busy is not a problem. Rather, the real issue is their interest. If they are interested in something, no matter how busy they are, they will have time for it. They will find time for the things they are interested in, even if they are busy.
　At the apostles’ time the Roman Empire persecuted Christians. The Roman Caesar, the emperor, killed many Christians. However, the apostles were very effective. They were able to work to such an extent that even some who were in Caesar’s household were saved. Philippians 4:22 says, “All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar’s household.” This proves that the apostles worked even into Caesar’s home.
　Therefore, we must remember that in doing the Lord’s work we must not be rigid. We should not say that we can eat only tofu and not stones. A competent worker can eat not only tofu but also stones, and he can eat something even as hard as diamonds. Brothers and sisters, please believe me; learn to adapt to others.
　
Paying attention to personal contact
　Sixth, all those who care for the work among the young people must pay attention to doing a personal work. The power and effect of doing a personal work with the young people are many times greater than the meetings. Big meetings do not have much effect on young people; individual contact is most effective. When you gather them together, usually all you can do is give them a message and at most a little work of revival. The emphasis of a genuine work with the young people is individual contact. If you ask me, “Brother Lee, how would you do the young people’s work?” I would answer you by saying, “I can do it without holding any big meetings from the beginning to the end of the year but just absolutely working with them individually by personal contact.” It seems this way is fragmentary and wastes a lot of time. You may be able to contact only one person in an hour, and sometimes you may not be able to contact even one person after half a day. It seems time is pitifully wasted. Seemingly, this way is less effective than holding big meetings where you can speak to hundreds of people at once. Rather, experience tells us that holding big meetings is useless. If you hold big meetings all year round, there may not be much result. All you gain will be some shallow ones. Please remember, however, if you pay attention to individual contact, although you may not gain one person in a month or may gain only one person in two months, each one who is gained through your personal contact counts. Moreover, like you, he will contact others. You have gained one, but eventually, this one will become two, two will become four, four will become eight, and eight will become sixteen, and every one of them will be solid. After some time you will see a great number of people gained.
　I hope that all the ones doing the young people’s work, whether it is bringing them to salvation, helping them to be spiritual, or leading them to preach the gospel, will pay attention to individual contact. From 1946 to 1948, when we were in the regions of Shanghai and Nanking, we did not actually have any students’ meetings or young people’s meetings. Most of our work was carried out by individual contact, yet the result was quite good. If the brothers neglect individual contact and pay attention only to young people’s meetings, I can say with certainty that after having so many meetings, the young people’s work will end up with something that is only on the surface, like loose sand without foundation. It will not be able to produce any solid ones. If you want to produce solid ones, you must have personal contact. You must not be disappointed with anyone; rather, you would spend time to contact everyone individually.
　Of course, in the matter of personal contact, skills are needed. But if you practice this matter seriously, gradually you will gain experience and insight. You will know which one among so many young people should be contacted and gained first. Later, after that one has been gained by the Lord, one thing is sure: Since you stirred him up in this way, he will go to stir others up in the same way. This is just like a machine with so many gears that when one wheel turns, all the other wheels also turn. In this way one by one will be affected, just like the unending multiplication of offspring. Therefore, you can see that even if there are no big meetings, many can still get saved, and many can still be raised up to love the Lord. That is the time when you can begin to hold big meetings, and no matter what you speak, they will receive it. Then the meetings will be one hundred percent effective. You will be able to gain solid young people and do a deep work in them.
　When you have personal contact with young people, on the one hand, you need to have broad contact with them, treating every one of them equally; on the other hand, you need to have specific contact. What I mean by specific contact is that you need to exercise your spiritual insight and follow the Spirit’s leading to sense which ones, among so many young students, you should lead to the Lord first. Then you should spend your effort on them to help them receive the Lord’s salvation. In the same way, among so many young brothers and sisters, you need to feel and see which ones, once they are gained, will have impact on others. Then you should spend your effort on them first and help them to love and pursue the Lord. Once they are raised up, they will influence the other young brothers and sisters.
　Therefore, in doing the work among the young people, on the one hand, you need to have broad contact with them, dealing with them in a general way; on the other hand, you need to have specific contact, helping the ones who can take the lead and influence others. If you gain one, I repeat, he will go and help others without your teaching him. Because you have helped him in this way, he will go to help others in the same way. As a result, one will become two, two will become four, and so on. This is like the ripple effect achieved by throwing a stone in the center of the water. The ripple will eventually spread to cover the entire surface of the lake. Then you can hold big meetings, and they will be effective. If you hold big meetings from the outset, there will be only a twenty percent effect, and the other eighty percent will amount to zero. If you are willing to start from individual contact and then go on to big meetings, the messages you give will be practical, and the work you do will produce a hundred percent result.
　All the points above are some of the experiences I have gained from touching the young people’s work in the past years. Any matter has its own intricacy and requires experience. In particular, matters such as leading people to salvation, helping people to love the Lord, and bringing people to serve the Lord are very deep and very fine, consisting of many intricate points. Yes, it is the Spirit’s work, but we all know that the Spirit needs the proper ones to coordinate with Him. Some can coordinate with the Spirit, but others cannot. Some are useful in the hands of the Spirit, but others are useless. We need to pay attention and study these matters when we start to do this work.
　These six points that I have fellowshipped with you all are just an introduction. If you will take this fellowship and go on, you will learn more and make more progress. You will find better ways to lead the young people to the Lord to receive His salvation.
　Brothers, I say again, the Lord has a great need for the young people. This generation needs many young people to rise up in a strong way to receive the Lord’s salvation and be led by the Lord to become useful vessels in His hands. May the Lord be gracious to us so that in His work and in the church we will treasure the souls of the young people. Not only will we not hinder them or damage them, but we will aggressively attract them, perfect them, lead them, and cultivate them so that they will experience the Lord’s salvation and receive the Lord’s building up to become useful ones in the Lord’s hands. I truly hope that all the brothers and sisters will pray faithfully for this matter before the Lord for the future of the Lord’s work.
 
　　弟兄们要我特别对作少年学生工作的弟兄姊妹，有一点交通的话。同时弟兄们也很乐意，所有事奉的弟兄姊妹，都能在这个交通里有分。所以我并不是讲道，乃是提出几点原则，和大家交通一点如何帮助少年人。
 
　The brothers asked me to give a word of fellowship tonight particularly to the brothers and sisters who serve in the young people’s or students’ work. The brothers would also like to have the brothers and sisters who serve in various homes participate in this fellowship. Therefore, tonight I am not giving a message; rather, I want to fellowship with you some principles concerning how to help the young people.
　　一个人无论作什么事，首要的是要有心情。如果没有心情，人就不愿意作事，就是作也不起劲。对于少年工作，自然也是如此，你要作这分工作，就必须喜欢少年人，关心少年人，愿意过问他们的事。这可以说是作少年人工作最起码的资本。若是你对少年人不感觉兴趣，没有这个心情，只勉强着来作，这是没有什么用的。

　　人的心情有的是因着爱好而来的，你爱好一件事，自然就有心情去作它；还有的心情是因着认识而来的，你对一件事，因着看见了它的重要和价值，自然也就有一种心情油然而生。关于我们中间的少年工作，从我的实际观察中，我看见有的弟兄姊妹是出于他们的爱好而作的。他们的天性就是倾向少年人，就是喜欢和少年人接触，所以来作少年工作。这种情形不能说错。我们大家必须承认，无论我们怎样蒙恩，怎样属灵，仍旧是人，仍旧有人的部分。但是我们在这里要说，用这种心情来作少年工作，分量并不够重。要真作少年工作，要把少年工作作得重，我们必须让神开启我们的眼睛，看见少年人的宝贵，和他们在神手里的重要。我们若看见了这个，里头自然就有了一个心情，看重这一分的工作。
 
　In whatever a person does, the most important thing is to have a heart. Without a heart, a person will not want to do anything, and even if he does something, he will not be enthusiastic in doing it. Of course, this is also true with the young people’s work. If you want to do this work, you must like the young people, care for them, and be concerned about their affairs. This may be considered the minimum “capital” required for the young people’s work. If you have no interest in the young people and have no heart for them, doing the young people’s work only out of reluctance, then it is useless.

　Sometimes our heart may arise from our preference. When we like something, naturally we will have a heart to do it. Sometimes the heart we have may come from our knowledge. When we see the importance and value of a certain matter, we will spontaneously have a heart for it. According to my observation of the real situation among us concerning the young people’s work, I see that some brothers and sisters are doing it out of their preference. Because they are naturally inclined to the young people and they enjoy contacting the young people, they come to do the young people’s work. We cannot say that this is wrong. We have to admit that no matter how much grace we have received and how great the spirituality we possess, we are still human — we still have the part that is human. But here we have to say that it is not weighty enough to do the young people’s work with such a heart. If we truly want to do the young people’s work and do it in a weighty manner, we must let God open our eyes to see the preciousness of the young people and their importance in God’s hands. If we see this, we will appreciate this work, and spontaneously, we will have a heart within us for it.
　　我们若把全本圣经仔细的读过，我们会发现一个事实，就是很不容易在圣经中找出一个例子，说到神曾为着要作一件新的事，或重大的事，而呼召一个老年人。这话也许会叫老年的弟兄姊妹泄气，但这是没有办法的事。的确我们看不见神曾为着要作一件新事，来呼召一个老年人。摩西好像是八十岁蒙神呼召的，但是我们若仔细读圣经，能读出来，他实在不是一个八十岁的时候才头一次蒙神呼召的，乃是在他年轻的时候，神的呼召就已经在他的身上开始了。你再往下看，无论是旧约里面的约书亚、迦勒、撒母耳、大卫，还是新约里面主耶稣所召的十二个门徒，他们初初被主得着的时候，没有一个是老年人。不仅在圣经上如此，就是在整个召会历史中，你也很难找出一个强的例证，说到神为着要作一件新的、重要的工作，曾呼召过一个老年人。几乎可以说，每一次神所使用来开始一件事，或是神所拣选来转移时代的人，都是少年人。

　　我愿意作一点见证。三十年前，主在中国的工作有一点新的起头。在那一段时期里头，可以说神没有召老年人。所有今天五十岁左右，在主面前站住来事奉祂的人，三十年前都还是二十岁左右的少年人。他们在一个一个的学校里面，被主兴起来，为着那一个新的工作。弟兄姊妹若是能够看见这一点，就会在神面前宝贵少年人。

　　还有一点，凡是神呼召少年人来作的工作，差不多都是转移时代的工作。神召摩西是转移了一个时代，神召约书亚也是转移了一个时代。很明显的，神召撒母耳，也是转移了一个时代。在撒母耳这个少年人的身上，挂着申言者，也挂着祭司，也挂着君王。他实在是一个转移时代的人。大卫也是转移了一个时代。你再去看但以理和他的三个朋友，他们都是被掳百姓中的少年人。神借着他们也是转移了那被掳的时代。到了新约的时候，头一个出来的是施浸者约翰。我们知道，施浸者约翰是一个蒙主呼召的少年人，神使用施浸者约翰出来转移了当时整个的时代。我们再看被神特别使用的使徒保罗，当他蒙主眷顾的时候，圣经明说他是一个少年人（徒七58）。我们都承认，保罗是一个转移时代的人。我不敢说得太多，也不敢说得太大，但我个人是觉得说，主在东方，在我们中间，三十年前所开始的一点工作，也带着相当转移时代的性质和成分。在这些重大的工作上，神都是呼召少年人来作的。

　　就是因着看见了这一个，我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹，几乎已经有二十年的光景，我们相当注意少年工作。这不是说，一个少年人的灵魂，抵得上两个老年灵魂的价值。不是这个意思。我乃是说，若是要人在神的手里有一点用处，在神的工作上有一点前途，他就必须是在少年的时候被主得着。这是很明显的一个事实。

　　不只圣经如此给我们看见，召会历史如此给我们证实，就是在整个社会人群中间，也都是这样的情形。任何一个新的推动，新的行动，你从未见过训练老年人来着手的。从来没有一个学校，是专收老年学生的；也没有一个训练场所，是专为老年人设立的。关于这一点，我要特别请年长的弟兄姊妹原谅。比方说，这里有一位七十多岁的老年弟兄或姊妹，实在是爱主，你要在他身上花一点工夫来带领他。但是你会发现，那个带领是非常为难的。你早晨告诉他一件事，不到中午他就忘了。你上午刚刚给他讲明白一件事，下午他就说，那是怎么一回事啊？他又忘了。心情是满重的，但是头脑不够用了。这是个严酷的事实，我们无法否认。

　　我常常这样说，为着得救，为着蒙恩，为着享受主的救恩，老人是绝对可宝贵的。但是为着在主手里的用途，为着主国度的开展，为着祂工作的推广，这个责任无疑是落在少年人的身上。如果祂来得迟慢的话，等到五年、十年，甚至十五年、二十年以后，主若要有所作为，这个托付必须是托在少年人身上。以我们这些已经五十几岁的人来说，虽然我们都盼望能活着见主，不必经过死亡的约但河；但是另一面，我们也只得承认，看今天庄稼的青嫩，召会的荒凉，得胜者的寥寥，这些情形都说出主还不能就回来。不是主不愿意回来，主是迫切的愿意早来，但是我们的情形不许可祂来。所以看到这种情景，使我们相信，或者还有相当的时日，主在地上要有祂的作为。

　　当然另一面，我们也应该信，可能主明天就来。将近两千年前，主就说，看哪，我必快来。祂看千年如一日，在主那里根本是没有时间的。但是就着我们这一面来说，假使主还迟延，我不大相信，三十年后我们这些已经五十几岁的人，还有多少仍然健在。有的弟兄姊妹比我的年龄还大，已经六十几岁，也有的已经七十几岁了，无论如何，主若迟延祂的再来，恐怕我们都无法久等，都要去了。请问那时候，什么人接下去继续作主的工作？也许你会说非常属灵的话，太属灵的话，说，这些事主自己会负责。这当然是不错的，主一定是负责的，这是没有话说的。但是有一件事是很清楚地，无论是主直接负责也罢，是主要你我替祂作一点什么也罢，这条路总是在少年人的身上。二十年后在主面前有用的人，定规是今天一、二十岁的人。

　　这是举世公认的事实，人是二十五年受教育，二十五年学经历，末了的二十五年才有真实地用处。三个二十五年，共是七十五年。盼望我们的少年弟兄姊妹都能活七十五岁。二十五年受属灵教育，二十五年学属灵经验，末了能给神使用二十五年。也盼望五十几岁的人都要为着主的缘故，好好保养自己的身体。但是弟兄姊妹请想看，若不是有一班少年人被主救来，今天好好的受带领，那时如何能学经验，以致被主用？若是今天没有少年人被主得着，等到我们离开的时候，就没有人接替我们，那时就要青黄不接了。

　　我愿在这里作个见证。三十年前主在中国把我们兴起来，那时我们实在是艰难。我们的事奉无人带领，每件事都要自己苦苦的去摸。当时我们是把整个的基督教都丢在背后，连聚会的方式都得自己一点一点的去摸。到现在，三十多年过去了，当时的少年人都变成了老年人。若是这个时候主不得着一班少年的弟兄姊妹，起来在这个流里头受带领，再过一段时间，我们都过去了，到那时岂不又有一段青黄不接的时间么？这不只迁延主的年日，并且在工作的果效上，也差得很多。若是现在能有少年的弟兄姊妹被兴起来，而我们能蒙保守，一点不给他们错误的限制，完全给他们正面的带领，这样不必等到主把我们接去的时候，就在今天，他们就能在主手中成为有用的人。

　　这一点我们在二十多年前就已经看得非常清楚。所以从那一个时候起，我们就相当注意在各大学、各医院里面得着知识青年。感谢主，从一九三六年开始，这一方面的工作，有相当的开展。无论是在北平的协和医学院，在天津的医院，在济南的齐鲁大学，以及在上海的护士学校，和在南京的各大学，主都得着相当多的青年人。有好些青年的医科学生、实习大夫、护士、甚至大学教授，都变作我们中间的弟兄姊妹。从那个时候起，过了差不多十年的光景，我们中间在全国各地，无论是作工的，或是在召会负责的，几乎全是当时所得着的青年人。所以当抗战胜利复员的时候，主带我们回到上海，在京沪一带再有一点复兴的工作，我们几乎将百分之七八十分的注意力，都集中在少年人身上。在那二、三年之内，在大学生中间的工作，也实在蒙主的祝福，有许多少年人被主得着。我这样说一点，弟兄姊妹们就会看见青年工作的重要。这些会叫我们产生一种心情，重看青年弟兄姊妹。

　　我愿意和弟兄姊妹说，我爱老年人。这一点主能替我作见证。但是也得请老年的弟兄姊妹原谅，我也要说，我实在重看少年人的工作。有的人替我作宣传说，李弟兄是专作少年工作的，他把老年人都赶到马路上去。这个我不承认，我从来没有这个思想。不过为着主工作的前途，我实在要请老年人多为少年人祷告。所有工作的前途，所有将来的用处，毫无疑问都在少年人的身上。从救灵魂这一面来说，老年人和少年人该一视同仁；但是从工作前途的眼光来看，必须在少年人身上着手。无论是召会也罢，工作也罢，若不得着少年人，就如全家都是孤老，老祖父八十五岁，父亲六十岁，还有儿子快四十岁，下面没有少年人，没有哭的，也没有叫的，都是规规矩矩的，这是很不正常的光景。

　　有的时候，有人来对我说，李弟兄，我们的召会好像是乱糟糟的，不太整齐。我说，这才是好现象。你到一个家庭去看，有的哭，有的叫，有的打拳头，有的翻筋斗，还有的在地板上打滚，这是好现象，这一个家一定是兴盛的。若是一个家庭只有八十五岁的老祖父，六十岁的父亲，四十岁的老儿子，当然没有人会打滚，他们要打滚也没有力量。所以一年到头是安安静静的、规规矩矩的，过清清冷冷的日子。弟兄姊妹，这样的一个家，我们能断定，过不了太久，房子不必卖，自然就变作别人的。同样的，你到一个召会里去，若看见都是少年人，成群的少年人，你应该赞美说，这里有前途。你先不要问，这些少年人好不好。正如在一个家庭里，不管儿女如何不好，总比没有好。没有儿女，那是注定没有希望了。不好的儿女，今天不好，明天也许会变好，总有个希望在那里。

　　总而言之，在召会中，在主的工作上，需要得着少年人。所有有眼光为主作工的人都要注意这件事。所谓桃李遍天下，就是这个意思。你若看见这一个，你就会有一个重的心情爱少年人，好的你爱，坏的你也爱。有一个不太好的少年人，总比一个也没有的好。我愿意所有爱主的弟兄姊妹，为着召会的前途，为着主的工作，都爱少年人。

　　至于关乎实行的方面，我们大约提起下面几个点：
 
　If we read through the Bible carefully, we will discover a fact: it is not easy to find a case showing that God called an old person to do a new thing or a thing of great consequence. This may discourage the older brothers and sisters, but it is something undeniable. Indeed, we cannot see that God ever called an old person to do a new thing. Seemingly, Moses received God’s call when he was eighty years old, but if we carefully read the Bible, we will see that actually the first time he received God’s call was not when he was eighty years old. Rather, when he was still young, God’s calling had already begun in him. If you read on, whether it was Joshua, Caleb, Samuel, or David in the Old Testament, or whether it was the twelve disciples called by the Lord Jesus in the New Testament, when they were first gained by the Lord, none of them was an old man. Not only is this true in the Bible, but even in all of church history it is hard to find a strong illustration to show that God called an old man when He had a new and important thing to do. We can say that virtually everyone used by God to begin a new thing or chosen by God to turn the age was a young man.

　I would like to give you a testimony. Thirty years ago the Lord’s work in China had a new beginning. In that period of time God did not call any old people. All the ones who are around fifty years old and who are standing firmly to serve the Lord today were still young people who, thirty years ago, were around twenty years old. They were raised up by the Lord in the schools for that new work. Brothers and sisters, if you see this, you will treasure the young people before God.

　Furthermore, nearly every work that the young people were called by God to do was a work that turned the age. God called Moses to turn one age, and He called Joshua to turn another age. Obviously, His calling of Samuel turned another age. The prophethood, priesthood, and kingship all hung on this young man Samuel. He was truly one who turned the age. David was also one who turned the age. Furthermore, we can see that Daniel and his three friends were young ones among the people in captivity. Through them God turned that age of captivity. Then in the New Testament, the first to emerge was John the Baptist. We know that he was a young man called by the Lord. God used him to turn the age at his time. We can go on to look at Paul, who was an apostle especially used by God. The Bible says that he was a young man when he was visited by the Lord (Acts 7:58). We all admit that Paul was a man who turned the age. I dare not overstate the case, but my feeling is that the work that the Lord started among us in the East thirty years ago also considerably bore the nature and element of an age-turning work. For the carrying out of all these works of great consequences, God always called young men.

　I would like to tell you, brothers and sisters, that because we saw this, we have been paying much attention to the young people’s work for nearly twenty years. This is not to say that one young person’s soul is worth two older persons’ souls. This is not what I mean. What I am saying is that a person has to be gained by the Lord at a young age if he will have some usefulness in God’s hands or a future in God’s work. This is an obvious fact.

　Not only is this shown in the Bible and confirmed in church history, but it is even seen in all of human society. You have never seen old people being trained to start any new project or any new move. There is no school that solely accepts elderly students, nor is there any training center established exclusively for old people. Concerning this matter, I have to ask especially the older brothers and sisters to forgive me. There may be a seventy-year-old brother here who truly loves the Lord, and you may want to spend some time to help him. However, you will find out that it is a very difficult thing to do. You may tell him something in the morning, and he forgets it before noon. You may have clearly explained something in the morning, but in the afternoon he asks, “What is that all about?” He has forgotten again. His heart is fully burdened, but his mind is no longer fully competent. This is a cruel fact, but we cannot deny it.

　Quite often I have said that for salvation, for the receiving of grace, and for the enjoyment of the Lord’s salvation the older ones are absolutely precious. However, for usefulness in the Lord’s hand, for the spread of the Lord’s kingdom, and for the propagation of the Lord’s work, the responsibility undoubtedly falls on the shoulders of the young people. If the Lord delays His coming back for five, ten, fifteen, or twenty years and He wants to accomplish something, the commission will have to be entrusted to the young people. Concerning those of us who are already over fifty, we all hope that we may be alive to see the Lord come back and not have to pass through the Jordan River of death. Nevertheless, we have to admit that the conditions today, such as the “greenness of the crops,” the desolation of the church, and the scarcity of overcomers, indicate that the Lord cannot come back so soon. It is not that the Lord does not want to come back. Rather, He desperately wants to come back soon, but our condition does not allow Him. Therefore, seeing such a situation, we believe that there may be still a considerable amount of time in which the Lord wants to accomplish something on the earth.

　Of course, we should also believe that the Lord may come back tomorrow. Nearly two thousand years ago He already said, “Behold, I come quickly” (Rev. 22:7). In His estimation a thousand years are like one day; with Him there is no time element. On our side, however, if the Lord delays, I cannot believe that a number of us who are now over fifty will still be alive thirty years later. Some of the brothers and sisters are even older than I am and are in their sixties, and others are in their seventies. In any case, if the Lord delays His coming back, I am afraid we cannot wait that long and will all be gone. May I ask, who then will continue to do the Lord’s work? You may be very spiritual, even too spiritual, and say, “The Lord will be responsible for all these matters.” Of course, this is true; the Lord will be responsible. There is no denying this. But one thing is clear: Whether He takes direct responsibility or He wants you or me to do something for Him, the way is with the young people. Twenty years from now those who will be useful to the Lord are those who are in their twenties or younger today.

　It is a universally accepted fact that a person receives education for twenty-five years, gains experience for another twenty-five years, and then becomes truly useful in the final twenty-five years. Three twenty-five years make a total of seventy-five years. I hope all our young people will live for seventy-five years — twenty-five years to receive spiritual education, another twenty-five years to gain spiritual experience, and the final twenty-five years to be used by God. I also hope that those who are in their fifties now will take good care of their health for the Lord’s sake. However, brothers and sisters, please consider: Unless there is a group of young people who are saved to receive proper spiritual help today, how can they gain the experience and be used by the Lord in the future? If there are no young people gained by the Lord today, after our departure there will be no one to succeed us. Then there will be a gap.

　Let me give you a testimony. Thirty years ago when the Lord raised us up in China, it was truly a hard time for us. Since there was no one who could help us in our service, we had to strenuously grope around in every matter. At that time we had left Christianity behind; therefore, even in the matter of how to meet, we had to feel our way around little by little. Now, after more than thirty years, the young people then have become old people. If the Lord does not have a group of young people today to receive help, after some time, when we pass away, will there not be a gap? This will not only delay the day of the Lord but also diminish the effectiveness of our work. If there are young brothers and sisters raised up by the Lord and if we are preserved to give them an absolutely positive leading instead of erroneous limitations, then there is no need to wait until the Lord takes us away; even today they can become useful in the Lord’s hands.

　We already saw this clearly more than twenty years ago. Therefore, from that time on we paid a great deal of attention to gaining the young intellectuals in the universities and hospitals. Thank the Lord, this work had good progress from 1936. The Lord gained a good number of young people from the Union Medical College in Beijing, from a certain hospital in Tientsin, from the Chi-lu University in Tsinan, from the College of Nursing in Shanghai, and from some universities in Nanking. Many young medical students, resident physicians, nurses, and even professors became our brothers and sisters. About ten years later, among us nearly all the co-workers and responsible ones in the churches all over the country were the young people gained at that time. Therefore, after the War of Resistance against Japan [1937-1945] was won and the country was restored, then the Lord brought us back to Shanghai where there was a small work of revival again in the regions of Nanking and Shanghai. At that time we concentrated nearly seventy to eighty percent of our efforts on the young people. Within those two to three years all the work among the college students received much blessing from the Lord. Many young ones were gained by Him. By saying this much, I hope that the brothers and sisters can see the importance of the young people’s work. This should create a heart in us to appreciate the young brothers and sisters.

　I would say to you, brothers and sisters, that I love the older ones. The Lord can testify for me about this. But I also would ask the older ones to forgive me because I would also say that I really appreciate the young people’s work. Some spread words about me, saying that Brother Lee only cares for the young people’s work and that he has chased all the older ones out to the street. I deny this; I never had that intention. However, for the future of the Lord’s work, I would ask the older ones to pray much for the young people. The future of the work and the usefulness in the future, no doubt, are with the young people. From the view of saving souls, we should treat older ones and younger ones equally. From the view of the future of the work, however, we should put our emphasis on the younger ones. If the church or the work fails to gain young people, it will be like a family that has only some childless old people: an old grandfather who is eighty-five years old, a father who is sixty years old, and a son who is nearly forty years old. There are no younger ones under them; there are no crying ones or shouting ones. Rather, everyone is well behaved. This is abnormal.

　Sometimes when someone says to me, “Brother Lee, it seems that our church is in a mess and is not very orderly,” I would say, “That is actually a good sign.” When you visit a family, if you see some are crying, some are shouting, some are fighting, some are doing somersaults, and some are rolling on the floor, that is a good sign; it indicates that the family is flourishing. If a family has only an eighty-five-year-old grandfather, a sixty-year-old father, and a forty-year-old son, certainly no one will be rolling on the floor. Even if any of them desires to roll on the floor, he would not have the strength to do it. Therefore, all year round they live in quietness, orderliness, and loneliness. Brothers and sisters, we can be sure that such a family does not have to sell its house; the house will become someone else’s house before long. In the same manner, when you visit a church, if you see throngs of young people there, then you should praise the Lord that the church has a future. You do not need to ask whether those young people are good or bad. Just as in a family, it does not matter how naughty the children are; they are still better than none. If there are no children, the family is doomed to hopelessness. Some children who are undesirable today may become desirable tomorrow. There is always hope.

　In summary, we need to gain the young people in the church and in the Lord’s work. Anyone who works for the Lord with insight needs to pay attention to this matter. If you see this, your heart will be burdened to love the young people regardless of whether they are good or bad. Having a young one who is not very desirable is better than having none at all. May the brothers and sisters, as the Lord’s lovers, all love the young people for the future of the church and for the Lord’s work.

　Concerning the practical side, we will mention the following points.
　　第一，我们已经说过，现在再说，你若要帮助少年人，就必须对少年人发生兴趣。我曾到一个地方，那里有一班四、五十岁的弟兄姊妹，每一个都不对少年人说好话。他们有的对我说，李弟兄，你看我们中间的少年人，像样子么？上下不懂，尊卑不分；他们在路上看见我们，睬也不睬，就是在会所门口看见我们，也只给我们一个白眼。李弟兄，你可要讲一篇道，把这些少年人带领带领，叫他们知道尊卑上下。又有一次一位五十几岁的老弟兄来见我，对我说，李弟兄，你看我们中间的少年人，太不像样了。他们走起路来，脚步像飞一样，眼睛东张西望，实在不像样。过了些日子，我正和一班年长的弟兄们同在一起，又有一位弟兄提起，要求我讲一篇道，教导少年人要顺服。他说，我们中间的少年人，简直太不顺服年长的人了。那天我觉得是个机会，该对他们说一点话，所以我就对他们说，弟兄们，你们曾多次对我说，少年人不对。我愿意问你们，少年人如果对了，还要你们老年人作什么？他们固然不对，你们给了他们什么表率？那天我对他们说了许多话，意思就是要他们帮助少年人，对少年人感觉兴趣。你先不要处处感觉他们错，如果一来就感觉他们错，你就没有法子帮助他们。

　　有的人对于他们看为好的少年人特别有偏心，对于那些他们看为不好的，一看见就撇嘴摇头。这个也是错误的。我告诉你，你所看为好的，常常神会证明给你看，你看得不准确；你所看为不好的，将来可能倒是神所大用的。所以很难定规说，今天看为好的，将来就好；今天看为不好的，将来就不好。千万不要信我们自己的看法。连我们对自己也该这样。我们今天好，不一定保准好到底；今天坏，说不定明天主就叫我们好。照样，我们对少年人也不要管他们好坏，必须一视同仁，喜欢他们，过问他们的事。他们走路像飞一样么？你也跟着他们飞。他们东张西望么？你也跟着他们东张西望。他们在那里打球么？你也陪他们打一场。打完了再同他们谈主耶稣。这才是真有本事。如果这样一打球，主耶稣就被打掉了，你就没有法子和他们谈主耶稣了，那你这个属灵还是假的。

　　再比方，你在路上碰到一个少年弟兄，你问他到那里去，他说，我今天很闷，想去看看电影。你千万不要板起脸来就责备他，为什么去看电影？怎么可以看电影？你若这样作法，就不能带领这个少年人。你最好和他谈谈，问他要去看什么电影？到那一家电影院？你还要陪他走一段路，或者叫一部车子和他同坐。就在去的路上，你可以对他谈一点你要谈的事。你可以问他：弟兄，你这两天读经的光景好么？你们就这样谈起读经来了。你也可以和他谈谈祷告，问问他近来有没有祷告？谈来谈去到了电影院了。这时候你可以对他说，弟兄，到了，你进去吧，车钱我来付，我还要去聚会。等电影散场前十分钟，我在这里等你。你对他没有一点不耐烦，反而很感觉兴趣。如果你身上带着钱，最好问他，你用钱方便不方便？买票够不够？如果没有我给你一点。弟兄姊妹，你若能这样，看看你能不能带领他！就怕你像一个冷冷的律法师，严严的教训他，并且定他的罪。给你这样一定罪，他可能一辈子都脱不开电影，非看电影不可。他所以一辈子去看电影，就是你把他激的。不要以为这是我随便说的，我知道我所说的是什么。

　　你知道主耶稣那天在去以马忤斯的路上，就是这样。主问那两个门徒说，你们谈的是什么事啊？其中有一个回答说，你在耶路撒冷作客，还不知道么？主耶稣的心里当然非常清楚，但还是问说，是什么事呢？他们大讲特讲，主耶稣就耐心听。他们两个走下坡路，主耶稣陪着他们走。但是我们大家都知道，到末了，主开了他们的眼睛，他们就回过来了。我信弟兄姊妹领会我说这些话的意思。你要帮助少年人么？你首先需要对他们感觉兴趣。不要先管他们的错，你一点都不要去定罪。要先给他们一个感觉，你是他们的好朋友，你是同情他们的，并且对他们感觉兴趣，喜欢过问他们的事。这是首要的一点。
 
　First of all, I have already said this earlier, but now I want to say it again: if you want to help the young people, you must have an interest in them. I was in a place where there was a group of brothers and sisters who were forty and fifty years of age. None of them had anything good to say about the young people. Some of them told me, “Brother Lee, look at the young people among us. Do they look proper? They don’t know the difference between the elderly and the young, between seniors and juniors. They give us the cold shoulder when they see us on the street. They stare at us when they see us at the entrance of the meeting hall. Brother Lee, you have to give a message to render some help to these young people so that they will know the difference between seniors and juniors, between the elderly and the young.” At another time a brother in his fifties came to see me and said, “Brother Lee, look at the young people among us. They are so improper. When they walk, their steps are flying, and their eyes are wandering. They are really out of order.” Some time later, while I was with a group of elderly brothers, one of them asked me to give a message that would teach the young people to be obedient. He said, “Our young people simply do not obey the elderly ones.” That day I felt it was a good opportunity to say a word to them. Therefore, I said, “Brothers, you have mentioned to me many times how wrong the young people are. I would like to ask you, if the young people are right, then what need is there for you, the older ones? No doubt they are wrong, but what kind of example have you given them?” I spoke at some length to them that day with the intention to incite them to help the young people and to have an interest in them. Do not find their faults at first. If you do, you cannot help them.

　Some have a special liking for the young people whom they consider good, but they purse their mouths and shake their heads when they see those whom they think are not good. This is wrong. Oftentimes God will prove to you that your evaluation of those whom you think are good is inaccurate. Instead, those whom you consider not good may be greatly used by God. Therefore, it is hard to say that those whom we feel are good now will be good in the future, and that those whom we feel are bad today will be bad tomorrow. We should never trust in our own judgment. This applies even to our evaluation of ourselves. We may be good today, but that does not guarantee that we will be good to the end. We may be bad today, but the Lord may turn us to be good tomorrow. Likewise, regardless of whether the young people are good or bad, we need to treat everyone the same, and we need to like them and be concerned for them. Do they walk as if they are flying? Then you should fly with them. Are their eyes wandering? You should also let your eyes wander. Are they playing ball? Play a game with them, and then talk to them about the Lord Jesus when the game is over. This is genuine capability. However, if you cannot talk to them about the Lord Jesus because He is gone after you play ball, then your spirituality is false.

　Let me give you another example. Suppose you run into a young brother on the street. You ask him where he is going, and he says, “I am going to a movie because I am very bored.” Never rebuke him with a long face, saying, “Why are you going to watch a movie? How can you do that?” If you do this, you will not be able to help this young man. It is better for you to have a little conversation with him. Ask him what movie and which theater he is going to. Then walk with him for a short distance or call a taxi and ride with him. While you are on the way to the theater, you can talk to him about some of the things that are on your heart. You may ask him, “Brother, did you enjoy reading the Word in the last couple of days?” In this way you can begin to talk to him about reading the Bible. You can also talk to him about prayer and ask him if he has prayed recently. When you get to the theater, you may tell him, “Brother, here we are. You go in, and I’ll pay for the taxi. I have to go to a meeting. Ten minutes before the end of the movie I will come back and be here waiting for you.” Instead of being impatient with him, you are fully interested in him. If you have some money with you, you may ask him, “Brother, do you have your cash ready? Is it enough to buy the ticket? If not, I can give you some.” Brothers and sisters, if you can do this, see whether or not you can lead him! I am afraid that you may be like a “lawyer” with an expressionless face, teaching him sternly and even condemning him. After being condemned by you, he may not be able to be delivered from movies for the rest of his life — he will not be able to live without watching movies. His going to the movies for the rest of his life will be due to your provoking. Do not think that I am talking nonsense. I know what I am talking about.

　This is what the Lord Jesus did that day on the way to Emmaus. The Lord asked the two disciples, saying, “What are these words which you are exchanging with one another while you are walking?” (Luke 24:17). One of them replied, “Do You alone dwell as a stranger in Jerusalem and not know the things which have taken place in it in these days?” (v. 18). Of course, the Lord Jesus was very clear, but He still asked them, “What things?” (v. 19). They talked a great deal, and the Lord Jesus just listened patiently. They were walking downhill, and the Lord Jesus just walked with them. In the end, however, the Lord opened their eyes, and they turned around. Brothers and sisters, I believe that you all know what I mean by these words. Do you want to help the young people? Then first of all, you need to be interested in them. Do not be concerned first about their mistakes; do not condemn them at all. You should give them a feeling that you are their good friend, that you sympathize with them, and that you are interested in them and in their affairs. This is the chief point.
　　第二，学习尽力和少年人接触。帮助少年弟兄姊妹，并不在于会讲多少道，乃在乎平时和他们常有接触。当你和少年弟兄姊妹接触的时候，不要一坐下来就问，你今天读了几章圣经？你祷告了没有？这些问题需要经过多次接触以后，也许是十次、八次，才可以提起来的。初初和他们接触时，记得不要先谈属灵的事。对外邦人更是如此，初期接触不要先谈主耶稣。你所以不谈，乃是以退为进，保持和他的接触。你要摸他的感觉，摸到有一天，再把福音送到他里头去。这个时候一送就成功。送得早了，常常容易叫人有反感。若是给你弄翻了，他就可能一辈子都不接受主。对少年弟兄姊妹也是这样，不要一下子就对他讲读经，讲祷告，惹他的反感。必须等你和他接触多了，他对你有一个感觉，觉得你喜欢他，他也喜欢你，你摸着他的感觉，得着他的信任，到这时候，再来谈属灵的事，才是对症下药，药到病除，一切的果效定规是可以预期的。
 
　Second, learn to do your best to contact the young people. Helping the young brothers and sisters depends not on your ability to give them messages but on your regular, frequent contacts with them. When you contact the young brothers and sisters, do not begin by asking, “How many chapters of the Bible have you read today? Have you prayed?” Such questions should not be brought up until you have had many contacts with them, maybe even after eight or ten times. Remember not to talk about spiritual things at the initial contact with them. It is even more so in dealing with an unbeliever. Do not talk about the Lord Jesus when you first contact him. The reason you refrain from mentioning the Lord Jesus is that as you maintain contact with him, seemingly you are retreating, yet actually you are advancing. You need to sense his feeling until one day you can impart the gospel into him. Then you will be successful at once. However, if you do it prematurely, it is easy to cause a negative reaction. If you mess up the whole thing, he may not receive the Lord for his entire lifetime. It is the same in dealing with any young person. Do not stir up his negative feeling by talking to him right away about reading the Bible or praying. You must wait until you have more contact with him, and he feels that he likes you and that you also like him. Once you have touched his feeling and earned his trust, then you can begin to talk about spiritual things. This is like giving the right prescription for an illness. With the right medicine the illness will be cured. Then you can expect to see a result.
　　第三，当你给他们帮助的时候，不要给他们太多的道理，要给他们实用的东西。不只个人接触的时候，不要太重道理，就连对少年人传福音，或者对少年圣徒讲道，都不要太重道理。若是你所讲的都是一些道理，他们不过是来听听，就不会起多少的作用。道理讲得越多，少年人就越死，越冷，越退去。少年人有许多实行的问题，要从这些问题上着手，来摸他们的感觉。所以要花一点工夫，来研究少年人实际生活里头的难处，无论得救以前的，和得救以后的，都要研究一点。根据这些你来对他们传福音，或者对他们讲一点造就的道，这样，你讲的道就都是实行的，都是你从他们身上所摸出来实际的问题。
 
　Third, when you help the young people, do not give them a lot of doctrines; instead, give them something practical. You should not put too much emphasis on doctrines, not only when you have personal contact with them but also when you are preaching the gospel or giving messages to them. If you give them only some doctrines and they come only to listen, there will not be much effect. The more you speak doctrines, the more the young people become dead, cold, and backsliding. Because young people have many practical problems, you need to sense their feelings, beginning with these problems. Therefore, you need to spend some time to study the problems of the young people in their practical living, including problems both before and after their salvation. Based upon your studies, when you preach the gospel or speak a word of edification to them, what you speak is practical and is related to the practical matters that you have touched in their lives.
　　第四，对任何少年人，都需要有正面的信心。这话的意思就是说，对于好的少年人，你要信他会更好；对于那些似乎不好的，也要信他们会好。并且你宁肯对那些似乎不好的，多信他会好，对于那些好的，倒要少信一点。

　　我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹，我们都是亚当的子孙，堕落的族类。多少敬虔的人，他们的儿女还是堕落的。我们不能说堕落是对的，但是请记得，所有真认识神救恩的人，都是经过堕落的人。一个人若从出生就蒙保守，一点也没有堕落过，这个人对神救恩的经历，定规不会很深。一个从未堕落过的人，无法经历神的救恩。我不是鼓励人去堕落，更不是鼓励人去放松自己的儿女，这不是我的意思。我的意思是，千万不要以为说这些少年人不好，所以就轻看他们。这是错误的观念。

　　慕勒（George Muller）是前一个世纪里面一个相当属灵的人，我们大家都知道他的故事。他大约是在二十一岁的时候，才清楚得救的。他出生于一个基督教家庭中，父亲是一个相当敬畏主的人。但是他一直到二十一岁之前，还是一个相当堕落的少年人，常常偷他父亲的钱，去各处旅行游玩。有一次他住在一个旅馆里，付不出所积欠的债，甚至被旅馆老板送到监里去。那时候他实在是一个放荡败坏的人。可是有一天主寻着了他，这一个青年人得救了以后，就变成一个十分爱主的人。你若去看二十一岁以前的慕勒，实在不像样，但是谁会想到，二十一岁以后的慕勒，竟然如此爱主，如此属灵呢！所以你不能凭少年人今日的光景，定规他将来的好坏。

　　我愿意告诉弟兄姊妹们，少年人的坏，常常是不可信的，少年人的好，也常常是不可信的。今天你看这个少年人非常坏，有一天他会变得非常好，一反你的眼光。同样，今天你看这个少年人非常好，有一天也许他变得非常坏。所以凡是对于少年工作有一点经验的人，都会说，我们对少年人的光景不信任。但是在正面上，我们完全相信，神有一天会得着他们。这会叫我们蒙拯救，不至于只在那些我们看为好的少年人身上作工，而把我们所看为不好的放在一边。老实说，那些一直好的少年人，好些反而很难有属灵的窍，他们的长进常常是很慢的。反而那些似乎看来很坏的少年人，你在他们身上花工夫，把他们带过来，他们一转就开窍。这些都是叫我们这些作少年工作的人，不要信他们身上的光景。好也不要信，坏也不要信，要信神的工作。再坏的，我还信神的工作能转他。再差的，我还信神的工作能带他。因着有这样正面的信心，我们就能注意所有的少年人。
 
　Fourth, you need to have a positive faith in every young person. This means that with the good ones you should believe that they will get better, and with the ones who do not seem to be good, you should also believe that they will become good. Moreover, you should have more faith in those who are seemingly not good and believe that they will become good and not have as much faith in those who are good.

　I like to tell you, brothers and sisters, that we are all Adam’s descendants, a fallen race. Even the children of godly people are fallen. We cannot say that to be fallen is right, but please remember that all those who truly know God’s salvation were once fallen people. If a person has been preserved since his birth and has never lived in a fallen way, he cannot have a deep experience of God’s salvation. One who has never lived in a fallen way cannot experience God’s salvation. I am not encouraging people to be fallen. Neither am I encouraging them to be loose with their children. This is not what I mean. What I mean is that you should never think that it is all right to despise certain young ones simply because they are not good. This concept is wrong.

　We know the story of George Müller, a spiritual man in the nineteenth century. He was clear about his salvation probably when he was twenty-one years old. He was born into a Christian family, and his father was a man who feared God. However, he was a very fallen young man before the age of twenty-one. He always stole money from his father to roam about from place to place. Once, he stayed in a hotel, but because he was not able to pay the fee, he was sent to prison by the owner of the hotel. At that time he was truly a dissipated and corrupt person. But one day the Lord found him. As a young man, after he was saved, he became one who greatly loved the Lord. If you look at George Müller before he was twenty-one, he was such an improper person. Who could ever have imagined that after he was twenty-one he would love the Lord so much and be so spiritual? Therefore, you cannot judge a young person’s future based on his situation today.

　Brothers and sisters, I can tell you that whether the condition of the young people is good or bad, usually it is not trustworthy. Today you may consider a certain young man very bad, but one day he may become very good, contrary to your view. In the same way, today you may think that a certain young man is very good, but some day he may become very bad. Therefore, all those who have some experience in the young people’s work will say, “We don’t trust in the young people’s condition. On the positive side, however, we fully believe that God will gain them one day.” This will deliver us so that we will not work only on the young people whom we consider good and put aside those whom we consider bad. Actually, sometimes it is hard for those who are consistently good to have spiritual perception, and often their growth is slow. However, if you spend time on those seemingly bad ones to turn them around, their spiritual understanding will be opened immediately after they have made a turn. This shows that those of us who do the work among the young people should not trust in their present condition. Do not believe either in their good condition or in their bad condition; believe only in God’s work. No matter how bad one may be, we still believe God’s work can turn him. No matter how poor one may be, we still believe God’s work can carry him through. Because we have such a positive faith, we pay attention to every young person.
　　第五，所有要作少年工作的人，都要学习去配少年人，去就他们，不要叫他们来就你。你要去就他们到一个地步，如同浆糊一样。浆糊最能就，没有一个地方不能就，平面的地方能涂上去，凹凸不平的地方也能涂上去；转弯的地方能涂上去，有角有棱的地方也能涂上去。无论什么地方，它都能涂上去。我们作少年工作的人，要把我们的性格对付到一个地步，和浆糊一样。人要事奉神，性格不只要刚，也要柔，要刚柔相济，像浆糊一样的就人。

　　比方说，现在少年人升学的竞争很厉害，出国留学的风气也很盛。小学毕业要升中学，中学毕业升大学，大学毕业要留洋，所以大家忙着升学，留洋，好像少年工作很难作，他们太忙了，没法顾到追求主。但是这个看法并不准确。我们作少年工作的人，要像浆糊一样，管你是软的、硬的，我都要涂上去。立体的我要涂，平面的我也涂；凹进去的我涂，凸出来的也涂。我们要一切随着他们，就着他们。他们忙着要升学么？我们就随着在他们要升学的事上，在他们身上作工。他们要去留洋么？我们还能随着他们，就着他们。虽然我这个人不能随着他到外国去，但是我对他的关心和照顾，可以随着他到外国去。我不只要作到一个地步，得着他；并且要借着他，到外国去得着外国人。我要作到一个地步，他到任何一个国外的大学去，非在那里作工不可。结果他在那里传了福音，就带领了那里的外国人。所以，我们非但不可认为留学风盛是一个拦阻，反而该认为留学乃是我们工作的出路。我们要和在国外留学的弟兄姊妹通信，和他们继续来往。他们未出去之先，我们就要把他们一个一个都带领得很正常，使他们出去不只是为自己读书，也是为主作工。你不能，也不该盼望，少年人大家都不升学，也不留学，一个一个的坐在这里让你来作工，好像豆腐摆在盘子里给你吃一样。这个不叫作工。真作工的就是他跑到天空去了，我也要跟着到天空去就他。

　　许多人说，现在的学生太忙了。但是真认识学生情形的人就知道，在少年人身上，忙不是问题，兴趣才是问题。若是他们对一件事感觉兴趣，就是功课再忙，他们还有工夫。他们虽然忙，但是对于有兴趣的事，还会想办法找出时间来。

　　在使徒时代罗马帝国是逼迫基督徒的，罗马的该撒（就是罗马的皇帝）残杀过许多基督徒。但是使徒们厉害得很，他们能作工到一个地步，叫该撒家里有得救的人。你记得在腓立比书的末了，有“该撒家里的人，都问你们安”（四22）这一句话。这证明连该撒的家里，都被使徒作进去了。

　　所以我们要记得，作主的工不能呆板，不能说我只会吃豆腐，石头不能吃。会作工的不只豆腐能吃，石头也能吃，连金刚钻那样硬的也能吃。弟兄姊妹们，请你信我的话，要学习就别人。
 
　Fifth, all those who have a desire to do the young people’s work need to learn how to match and adapt to the young people. Do not ask them to adapt to you. You need to adapt to them to such an extent that you are like glue. Glue adapts the best; there is not one place it cannot adapt to. It adapts to flat surfaces, rugged places, twisted places, and places with corners. Glue can be applied to any place. We who do the young people’s work need to deal with our character to such an extent that we are just like glue. If anyone wants to serve God, he must have a character that is not only strong but also pliant; he must be one who tempers strength with pliancy in order to adapt to others like glue.

　For example, young people are facing stiff competition for entrance to a university, and there is a prevailing atmosphere to go abroad to study. After elementary school they have to enter high school. Then after high school they have to get into a university. After graduation from a university, they have to go abroad to further their studies. Everyone is busy getting a higher education and going abroad. It seems very hard to do the young people’s work because the young people are too busy to care about pursuing the Lord. But this perception is not accurate. We who do the young people’s work should be like glue so that it does not matter if a young person is soft or hard or if he is three-dimensional, flat, or a surface with bumps and dents; we still need to stick to him. We have to go along with the young people and accommodate ourselves to them. Are they busy with entering a university? Then we work on them by going along with them in their preparation for this matter. Are they going abroad to study? We still go along with them and adapt to them. Although we cannot go with any of them to a foreign country, our care and concern for them will go with them. We should work not only to the extent of gaining them but also to gaining some people through them in that foreign country. We should work on them to such an extent that they will do the Lord’s work in whatever university they attend. Then as a result of their preaching of the gospel, they will gain some people there. Therefore, instead of regarding the prevailing trend of going abroad as a hindrance, we should consider it an outlet for our work. We need to correspond with the brothers and sisters who are studying abroad to continue communication with them. Before they leave, we need to lead each of them to have a normal spiritual life so that after they go out they will not only study for themselves but also work for the Lord. You cannot and must not hope that everyone would give up entering a university or going abroad for further studies but would sit here waiting for you to work on them, just like a piece of tofu placed on a plate for you to eat. This is not called work. If we are doing a real work, then even if a young person flies to the sky, we will follow him there to adapt to him.

　Many say that students today are too busy. However, if you really know the students’ situation, you will know that with the young people, being busy is not a problem. Rather, the real issue is their interest. If they are interested in something, no matter how busy they are, they will have time for it. They will find time for the things they are interested in, even if they are busy.

　At the apostles’ time the Roman Empire persecuted Christians. The Roman Caesar, the emperor, killed many Christians. However, the apostles were very effective. They were able to work to such an extent that even some who were in Caesar’s household were saved. Philippians 4:22 says, “All the saints greet you, and especially those of Caesar’s household.” This proves that the apostles worked even into Caesar’s home.

　Therefore, we must remember that in doing the Lord’s work we must not be rigid. We should not say that we can eat only tofu and not stones. A competent worker can eat not only tofu but also stones, and he can eat something even as hard as diamonds. Brothers and sisters, please believe me; learn to adapt to others.
　　第六，所有关心少年工作的弟兄姊妹，必须注意个人工作。在少年人身上作个人工作，那个力量和果效，比聚会不知大多少倍。大聚会在少年人身上没有多少力量，个人接触最有力量。把他们召聚在一起，常常只能对他们讲道，最多不过是作一点奋兴的工作。真实地少年工作，乃是重在个人接触。你若是问我：李弟兄，你怎样作少年工作？我愿意回答你：我可以一次会也不开，从年首到年终，绝对作个人工作，都是个人接触。这作法好像是很零碎，许多工夫白花了，一个钟点只能接触一个人，也有的时候半天还不见得能接触一个人，好像时间花得太可惜了。这比召开大会，一次对几百个人讲道，果效好像差多了。但是经验告诉我们，开大会反而没有用。你从年首到年终，一直开大会，不一定有多少果效，所得着的不过是一些浮浅的人。但是你若注重个人接触，虽然一个月的工夫还不一定得着一个人，也许两个月的接触才得着一个人；但是请你记得，个人接触所得着的人，一个就是一个，并且他会像你一样的去接触别人。你作了一个，结果会变作两个，两个会变成四个，四个会变成八个，八个会变作十六个，并且个个都是结实的。作到相当的时候，你看见一大堆的人出来了。

　　我盼望所有作青年学生工作的人，无论是要带领他们得救，带领他们属灵，或是带领他们传福音，都必须注重个人接触。一九四六、四七、四八那几年，我们在上海南京一带，实在说来还没有学生聚会，也没有青年聚会，大部分的工作都是个人接触。但是那个果效相当可观。若是弟兄们今天忽略了个人接触，只一直注意青年聚会，我敢断言，聚来聚去，青年工作的结果是浮面的，像散沙一样，没有根，绝对作不出人来。要作出人来，必须有个人接触。你对任何人都不失望，要花工夫和他们有接触。

　　自然，在个人接触的技术上，也有它的讲究。不过只要你好好的去作，渐渐的自然会有经验，会有眼光，知道在这么多的少年人中间，该先接触那一个，先得着那一个。慢慢的等到那一个给主得着了，有一件事是一定的，你是这样搅他的，他也会照样去搅别人。这正如一部机器，许多齿轮都配在一起，一个齿轮一转，所有的齿轮也都转起来了。这样一个一个的影响下去，正如同子孙繁生，永无止息。到这时候你能看见，虽然没有大聚会，但是有很多人得救，很多人起来爱主。到这个时候，你再召集聚会，无论对他们讲什么，他们都听得进去。这个时候聚会的果效就是百分百的，是扎实的，能作到他们深处去。

　　当你要和少年人有个人接触时，你一面要与他们有广泛的接触，要一视同仁，和每一个人都接触；另一面，还要有专一的接触。所谓专一的接触，就是凭你属灵的眼光，随圣灵的带领，在这么多青年学生中间，感觉该先带领那几个归向主，就在那几个人身上先花工夫，带他们接受主的救恩。同样，在这么多的少年弟兄姊妹中间，你也要摸摸看，到底有那几位，若是被带起来，最能起作用，你也就在他们身上先花工夫，带他们起来爱主，追求主。他们一被带起来，就会在少年弟兄姊妹中间，带头起作用。

　　所以作少年工作，一面要有广泛的接触，普遍的和他们有来往；另一面，又要有专一的接触，带领那些能带头，能起作用的人。你这样带一个来，我再说，不必你去教他，他自己就会去带别人。因为你是这样带他的，所以他也会这样去带别人。这样的结果，一个会变作两个，两个会变作四个，就像一块石子投在水中，慢慢的波纹逐渐扩大，最终达到整个湖面。到这时候就可以召集聚会了，这时候的聚会定规能产生果效。若是一开头就召聚大会，最多只有百分之二十的果效，百分之八十是等于零。你若肯从个人接触作起，然后再召集大会，到那时，你所讲的道定规是实际的，那个果效定规是百分之百的。

　　以上不过是我个人在已往一些年间摸少年工作所得的一点经验。任何一件事，都有讲究，都需要经验。尤其是在带领人得救，带领人爱主，带领人事奉这样的事上，实在是太深入的事，也是太精细的事，其讲究更多。不错，是圣灵的工作，但是我们都知道，圣灵需要合式的人来配祂。有的人能配圣灵，有的人不能配圣灵。有的人在圣灵的手里有用，有的人在圣灵的手里没有用。这都需要我们去作的时候，加以注意，有一点研究。

　　我把这六个点交通给大家，不过是抛砖引玉，弟兄姊妹若肯接受，再往前去，定规还会有更多的心得，更多的进步。你能找到更广阔的路，知道如何带领少年人归向主，蒙主的救恩。

　　弟兄们，我再说，主在少年人身上有一个大的需要。这一个时代需要许多少年人起来，厉害的蒙主的救恩，受主的带领，成为主手中有用的器皿。但愿主恩待我们，叫我们在祂的工作中，在召会里，宝贝少年人的灵魂。但愿我们不只不阻碍他们，不破坏他们，并且还能积极的吸引他们，成全他们，带领他们，培植他们，叫他们经历主的救恩，受到主的建造，在主的手里成为有用的人。为着主将来的工作，实在盼望弟兄姊妹为这事在主面前好好的有祷告。
 
　Sixth, all those who care for the work among the young people must pay attention to doing a personal work. The power and effect of doing a personal work with the young people are many times greater than the meetings. Big meetings do not have much effect on young people; individual contact is most effective. When you gather them together, usually all you can do is give them a message and at most a little work of revival. The emphasis of a genuine work with the young people is individual contact. If you ask me, “Brother Lee, how would you do the young people’s work?” I would answer you by saying, “I can do it without holding any big meetings from the beginning to the end of the year but just absolutely working with them individually by personal contact.” It seems this way is fragmentary and wastes a lot of time. You may be able to contact only one person in an hour, and sometimes you may not be able to contact even one person after half a day. It seems time is pitifully wasted. Seemingly, this way is less effective than holding big meetings where you can speak to hundreds of people at once. Rather, experience tells us that holding big meetings is useless. If you hold big meetings all year round, there may not be much result. All you gain will be some shallow ones. Please remember, however, if you pay attention to individual contact, although you may not gain one person in a month or may gain only one person in two months, each one who is gained through your personal contact counts. Moreover, like you, he will contact others. You have gained one, but eventually, this one will become two, two will become four, four will become eight, and eight will become sixteen, and every one of them will be solid. After some time you will see a great number of people gained.

　I hope that all the ones doing the young people’s work, whether it is bringing them to salvation, helping them to be spiritual, or leading them to preach the gospel, will pay attention to individual contact. From 1946 to 1948, when we were in the regions of Shanghai and Nanking, we did not actually have any students’ meetings or young people’s meetings. Most of our work was carried out by individual contact, yet the result was quite good. If the brothers neglect individual contact and pay attention only to young people’s meetings, I can say with certainty that after having so many meetings, the young people’s work will end up with something that is only on the surface, like loose sand without foundation. It will not be able to produce any solid ones. If you want to produce solid ones, you must have personal contact. You must not be disappointed with anyone; rather, you would spend time to contact everyone individually.

　Of course, in the matter of personal contact, skills are needed. But if you practice this matter seriously, gradually you will gain experience and insight. You will know which one among so many young people should be contacted and gained first. Later, after that one has been gained by the Lord, one thing is sure: Since you stirred him up in this way, he will go to stir others up in the same way. This is just like a machine with so many gears that when one wheel turns, all the other wheels also turn. In this way one by one will be affected, just like the unending multiplication of offspring. Therefore, you can see that even if there are no big meetings, many can still get saved, and many can still be raised up to love the Lord. That is the time when you can begin to hold big meetings, and no matter what you speak, they will receive it. Then the meetings will be one hundred percent effective. You will be able to gain solid young people and do a deep work in them.

　When you have personal contact with young people, on the one hand, you need to have broad contact with them, treating every one of them equally; on the other hand, you need to have specific contact. What I mean by specific contact is that you need to exercise your spiritual insight and follow the Spirit’s leading to sense which ones, among so many young students, you should lead to the Lord first. Then you should spend your effort on them to help them receive the Lord’s salvation. In the same way, among so many young brothers and sisters, you need to feel and see which ones, once they are gained, will have impact on others. Then you should spend your effort on them first and help them to love and pursue the Lord. Once they are raised up, they will influence the other young brothers and sisters.

　Therefore, in doing the work among the young people, on the one hand, you need to have broad contact with them, dealing with them in a general way; on the other hand, you need to have specific contact, helping the ones who can take the lead and influence others. If you gain one, I repeat, he will go and help others without your teaching him. Because you have helped him in this way, he will go to help others in the same way. As a result, one will become two, two will become four, and so on. This is like the ripple effect achieved by throwing a stone in the center of the water. The ripple will eventually spread to cover the entire surface of the lake. Then you can hold big meetings, and they will be effective. If you hold big meetings from the outset, there will be only a twenty percent effect, and the other eighty percent will amount to zero. If you are willing to start from individual contact and then go on to big meetings, the messages you give will be practical, and the work you do will produce a hundred percent result.

　All the points above are some of the experiences I have gained from touching the young people’s work in the past years. Any matter has its own intricacy and requires experience. In particular, matters such as leading people to salvation, helping people to love the Lord, and bringing people to serve the Lord are very deep and very fine, consisting of many intricate points. Yes, it is the Spirit’s work, but we all know that the Spirit needs the proper ones to coordinate with Him. Some can coordinate with the Spirit, but others cannot. Some are useful in the hands of the Spirit, but others are useless. We need to pay attention and study these matters when we start to do this work.

　These six points that I have fellowshipped with you all are just an introduction. If you will take this fellowship and go on, you will learn more and make more progress. You will find better ways to lead the young people to the Lord to receive His salvation.

　Brothers, I say again, the Lord has a great need for the young people. This generation needs many young people to rise up in a strong way to receive the Lord’s salvation and be led by the Lord to become useful vessels in His hands. May the Lord be gracious to us so that in His work and in the church we will treasure the souls of the young people. Not only will we not hinder them or damage them, but we will aggressively attract them, perfect them, lead them, and cultivate them so that they will experience the Lord’s salvation and receive the Lord’s building up to become useful ones in the Lord’s hands. I truly hope that all the brothers and sisters will pray faithfully for this matter before the Lord for the future of the Lord’s work.

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