第56章 为儿童祝福
§1
第56章 为儿童祝福
§2
Chap. 56 - Blessing the Children
§3
（本章根据：太19:13-15；可10:13-16；路18:15-17）
§4
耶稣一向是喜爱小孩的。他悦纳他们天真烂漫的同情和真诚淳朴的爱心。从小孩子纯洁的口中发出的感恩和赞美之声，在他听来犹如音乐一般；每当他与奸诈虚伪的人接触而感到压抑时，这些话常使他清新愉快。救主慈祥的面容与温和仁爱的态度，无论在哪里，都能得到孩子们的敬爱和信任。[1]{DA 511.1}
§5
Jesus was ever a lover of children. He accepted their childish sympathy and their open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from their pure lips was music in His ears, and refreshed His spirit when oppressed by contact with crafty and hypocritical men. Wherever the Saviour went, the benignity of His countenance, and His gentle, kindly manner won the love and confidence of children. {DA 511.1}[1]
§6
犹太人有个惯例，就是将小孩带到拉比面前，请拉比为他们按手祝福。但救主的门徒认为，他们夫子的工作太重要，不能受这种打搅。所以每当母亲们带小孩子来见耶稣时，他们就不高兴。他们觉得这些孩子太小,即使见了耶稣也没什么益处，因此，就以为耶稣也不会高兴看到他们的。殊不知，耶稣所不喜欢的，正是这样想当然的门徒自己。那些想要按着上帝的道教养儿女的母亲，她们的挂虑和负担，救主是深深知道的。他已听见了她们的祈祷，是耶稣自己把她们吸引到跟前来的。[2]{DA 511.2}
§7
Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi, that he might lay his hands upon them in blessing; but the Saviours disciples thought His work too important to be interrupted in this way. When the mothers came to Him with their little ones, the disciples looked on them with disfavor. They thought these children too young to be benefited by a visit to Jesus, and concluded that He would be displeased at their presence. But it was the disciples with whom He was displeased. The Saviour understood the care and burden of the mothers who were seeking to train their children according to the word of God. He had heard their prayers. He Himself had drawn them into His presence. {DA 511.2}[2]
§8
有个母亲领着孩子从家里出来找耶稣。她在路上将这事告诉一个邻居，那邻居也想请耶稣为她的孩子祝福。于是便有好些作母亲的，都带着自己的小孩来了。其中有几个孩子已经过了孩提,进到童年和少年的时期。母亲们讲述着她们的愿望，显得畏畏缩缩、眼里含着泪光，耶稣很同情地听着。但他想先看看门徒会怎样对待她们。当他见他们要打发这些母亲走开，以为这样做是在体贴他的时候，耶稣便指出他们的错误，他说：“让小孩子到我这里来，不要禁止他们，因为在天国的，正是这样的人。”于是他将孩子们抱在怀中，按手在他们头上，并赐给他们所求的福气。[3]{DA 511.3}
§9
One mother with her child had left her home to find Jesus. On the way she told a neighbor her errand, and the neighbor wanted to have Jesus bless her children. Thus several mothers came together, with their little ones. Some of the children had passed beyond the years of 5infancy to childhood and youth. When the mothers made known their desire, Jesus heard with sympathy the timid, tearful request. But He waited to see how the disciples would treat them. When He saw them send the mothers away, thinking to do Him a favor, He showed them their error, saying, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. He took the children in His arms, He laid His hands upon them, and gave them the blessing for which they came. {DA 511.3}[3]
§10
这些母亲们大得安慰，她们回到家里，从基督的话中得了力量和福气。基督的话，激励着她们怀着新的喜悦，担负起生活的担子，满怀信心地为儿女操劳。今天作母亲的，也当抱着这同样的信心来领受耶稣的话。今天基督仍与从前在世为人时一样，是个人的救主。他今天对作母亲的，仍是一位真正的帮助者，与当时在犹太地聚集小孩子在怀中时一样。今天我们这里的孩子，正如古时的孩子一样，都是他用宝血买来的。[4]{DA 512.1}
§11
The mothers were comforted. They returned to their homes strengthened and blessed by the words of Christ. They were encouraged to take up their burden with new cheerfulness, and to work hopefully for their children. The mothers of today are to receive His words with the same faith. Christ is as verily a personal Saviour today as when He lived a man among men. He is as verily the helper of mothers today as when He gathered the little ones to His arms in Judea. The children of our hearths are as much the purchase of His blood as were the children of long ago. {DA 512.1}[4]
§12
耶稣知道每一位母亲心中的重担。他自己有一个在贫寒和穷乏之中挣扎的母亲，所以他能同情每一位劳苦的母亲。他曾为解除一个迦南妇人心中的忧虑，而长途跋涉，如今也必同样帮助所有作母亲的人。他使拿因寡妇的独生儿子从死里复活，回到她的身边。而且在十字架上身受惨痛时，仍惦念着自己的母亲。所以,今日他也必同情作母亲的忧伤。在每一次忧伤时，他都能给予安慰，在每项需要中，他都能给你帮助。[5]{DA 512.2}
§13
Jesus knows the burden of every mothers heart. He who had a mother that struggled with poverty and privation sympathizes with every mother in her labors. He who made a long journey in order to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman will do as much for the mothers of today. He who gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and who in His agony upon the cross remembered His own mother, is touched today by the mothers sorrow. In every grief and every need He will give comfort and help. {DA 512.2}[5]
§14
作母亲的尽可以带她们的难处，到耶稣面前来。她们必能得恩典，来帮助她们教养儿女。凡愿把自己的重担，卸在救主脚前的母亲，恩典的门总是为她们敞开的。救主说过：“让小孩子到我这里来，不要禁止他们。”现在，他仍欢迎母亲们领着儿女，到他面前来，让他为他们祝福。即使是母亲怀里的婴儿，也能因时常祈祷的母亲的信心,而住在全能者的恩佑之下。施洗约翰从出生时就被圣灵充满。我们若在生活中常与上帝相交，也可指望圣灵很早就塑造我们的孩子。[6]{DA 512.3}
§15
Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Saviours feet. He who said, Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not, still invites the mothers to lead up their little ones to be blessed by Him. Even the babe in its mothers arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments. {DA 512.3}[6]
§16
耶稣在那些被领到他跟前的儿童身上，看到一群将来要承受他的恩典，作他国中子民的儿女；而且，其中有一些将要为他慷慨就义，以身殉道。他知道这些儿童，比那些成年人更容易听从他的教训，接受他为他们的救赎主；因为那些成年人之中，有许多是老于世故而心地刚硬的。耶稣在他的教训中，常把自己降到小孩子的地位。这位天上的主宰，并没有轻看小孩子的问题而不答复他们。他将自己重要的教训加以简化，以适应他们幼稚的理解力。他将真理的种子撒在他们的心田，这些种子日后必发芽生长，结出永生的果子。[7]{DA 512.4}
§17
In the children who were brought in contact with Him, Jesus saw the men and women who should be heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs for His sake. 5He knew that these children would listen to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than would grown-up people, many of whom were the worldly-wise and hardhearted. In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their questions, and simplify His important lessons to meet their childish understanding. He planted in their minds the seeds of truth, which in after years would spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life. {DA 512.4}[7]
§18
儿童对福音的教训最为敏感，古今莫不如此。他们的心易受神圣的感化，能牢记所领受的教训。儿童也能作基督徒，并享有与其年龄相称的宗教经验。他们在属灵的事上,需受教育，所以作父母的，应当给他们各样的机会，使他们能照基督品德的模范，造就自己的品格。[8]{DA 515.1}
§19
It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received. The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years. They need to be educated in spiritual things, and parents should give them every advantage, that they may form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ. {DA 515.1}[8]
§20
作父母的应看自己的儿女为上帝家中的幼小成员，是上帝委托他们教养的。我们当把自己从基督身上学来的教训，按着儿女的幼稚理解力所能领受的程度，传给他们，并将天国道理的优美，逐渐向他们讲明。这样，基督徒的家庭，便会成为一所学校，在那里有父母担任助教，而基督自己是主任教师。[9]{DA 515.2}
§21
Fathers and mothers should look upon their children as younger members of the Lords family, committed to them to educate for heaven. The lessons that we ourselves learn from Christ we should give to our children, as the young minds can receive them, little by little opening to them the beauty of the principles of heaven. Thus the Christian home becomes a school, where the parents serve as underteachers, while Christ Himself is the chief instructor. {DA 515.2}[9]
§22
当我们使子女悔改时，不可以为他们必须有激动的情绪，才算是觉悟到自己的罪,也没有必要知道他们悔改的准确时间。要教导他们，把自己的罪带到耶稣面前，求他赦免。相信他能赦免并悦纳他们，正如他在世时悦纳那些小孩子一样。[10]{DA 515.3}
§23
In working for the conversion of our children, we should not look for violent emotion as the essential evidence of conviction of sin. Nor is it necessary to know the exact time when they are converted. We should teach them to bring their sins to Jesus, asking His forgiveness, and believing that He pardons and receives them as He received the children when He was personally on earth. {DA 515.3}[10]
§24
当母亲教导子女因爱她而顺从她时，这就给儿女上了基督徒生活的第一课。母亲的爱对儿女所代表的，就是基督的爱；小孩子信赖、顺从母亲，就是在学习信赖救主,顺从主的功课。[11]{DA 515.4}
§25
As the mother teaches her children to obey her because they love her, she is teaching them the first lessons in the Christian life. The mothers love represents to the child the love of Christ, and the little ones who trust and obey their mother are learning to trust and obey the Saviour. {DA 515.4}[11]
§26
耶稣是儿童的模范，也是父亲们的榜样。他说话像有权柄的人，他的话带有能力；可是在他与粗鲁凶暴之人的交际中，却从来没说过一句无情或无礼的话。基督的恩典在人心里，会给人一种由天而来的尊严,和仪态大方的感觉。它必软化严厉的人，驯服一切卑劣无情的人。它必引导父母们看自己的儿女为聪明理智的人，父母们愿意别人怎样待自己，就该怎样对待自己的儿女。[12]{DA 515.5}
§27
Jesus was the pattern for children, and He was also the fathers example. He spoke as one having authority, and His word was with power; yet in all His intercourse with rude and violent men He did not use one unkind or discourteous expression. The grace of Christ in the heart will impart a heaven-born dignity and sense of propriety. It will soften whatever is harsh, and subdue all that is coarse and unkind. It will lead fathers and mothers to treat their children as intelligent beings, as they themselves would like to be treated. {DA 515.5}[12]
§28
作父母的啊！你们在教养儿女的事上，要研究上帝在自然界中所赐的教训。如果你栽培一棵石竹、一株玫瑰或一盆百合，试问，你会怎么做呢？你会去请教园丁，问他用什么方法使枝叶茂盛、美观、匀称、惹人喜爱的。他会告诉你，这不是毛手毛脚、碰碰撞撞的操作所能办到的，因为这样只会弄伤那些柔嫩的枝条。他总是悉心料理，从来不会疏忽。他用水滋润泥土，保护那正在生长的枝干，免受暴风的吹打或烈日的曝晒，然后上帝才使它们生长茂盛，开出可爱的花朵。你们对待儿女，要效法园丁的方法。要用柔和的动作、慈爱的抚育、照着基督品德的样式来陶冶他们的品格。[13]{DA 516.1}
§29
Parents, in the training of your children, study the lessons that God has given in nature. If you would train a pink, or rose, or lily, how would you do it? Ask the gardener by what process he makes every branch and leaf to flourish so beautifully, and to develop in symmetry and loveliness. He will tell you that it was by no rude touch, no violent effort; for this would only break the delicate stems. It was by little attentions, often repeated. He moistened the soil, and protected the growing plants from the fierce blasts and from the scorching sun, and God caused them to flourish and to blossom into loveliness. In dealing with your children, follow the method of the gardener. By gentle touches, by loving ministrations, seek to fashion their characters after the pattern of the character of Christ. {DA 516.1}[13]
§30
你们要鼓励儿女表现出爱上帝和彼此相爱的心。世间之所以有这么多心肠刚硬的人，就是因为真爱已被人视为懦弱，并加以抑制和约束了。这些人所有优秀的本质，从小就受抑制，若没有上帝慈爱的光融化他们冷酷无情的私心，他们的幸福就必永远遭受摧残。如果我们希望自己的儿女具有耶稣的慈爱精神和天使向我们所表示的同情，我们就必须鼓励儿女们慷慨和仁爱的动机。[14]{DA 516.2}
§31
Encourage the expression of love toward God and toward one another. The reason why there are so many hardhearted men and women in the world is that true affection has been regarded as weakness, and has been discouraged and repressed. The better nature of these persons was stifled in childhood; and unless the light of divine love shall melt away their cold selfishness, their happiness will be forever ruined. If we wish our children to possess the tender spirit of Jesus, and the sympathy that angels manifest for us, we must encourage the generous, loving impulses of childhood. {DA 516.2}[14]
§32
要教导儿童从自然界里认识基督。带他们到郊外的野地里去，在魁梧的大树下和鸟语花香的园囿里，教导他们在上帝创造的一切奇妙作为中，看出他所表露的慈爱。教导他们明白，上帝制定的管理一切生物的定律；教导他们上帝也为我们定了律法，而且这些律法，都是为我们的快乐和幸福而定的。不要用长的祈祷和烦絮的训话使他们感到疲倦，乃要用自然界的实例来教导他们顺从上帝的律法。[15]{DA 516.3}
§33
Teach the children to see Christ in nature. Take them out into the open air, under the noble trees, into the garden; and in all the wonderful works of creation teach them to see an expression of His love. Teach them that He made the laws which govern all living things, that He has made laws for us, and that these laws are for our happiness and joy. Do 5not weary them with long prayers and tedious exhortations, but through natures object lessons teach them obedience to the law of God. {DA 516.3}[15]
§34
你若能使儿女信任你为基督徒，就不难向他们述说基督爱我们的大爱了。当你向儿童讲解救恩的真理，并向他们指出基督是他们个人的救主时，就必有天使来帮助你。主必赐恩典给这样作父母的人，使他们能将伯利恒圣婴的故事，生动地讲给小孩子们听。这圣婴的确是全世界的希望。[16]{DA 517.1}
§35
As you win their confidence in you as followers of Christ, it will be easy to teach them of the great love wherewith He has loved us. As you try to make plain the truths of salvation, and point the children to Christ as a personal Saviour, angels will be by your side. The Lord will give to fathers and mothers grace to interest their little ones in the precious story of the Babe of Bethlehem, who is indeed the hope of the world. {DA 517.1}[16]
§36
耶稣吩咐门徒不要禁止小孩子到他这里来，这话是对各世代的信徒——教会的职员、牧师、执事和一切基督徒讲的。耶稣正在吸引孩子们归向他，吩咐我们说：让他们来。这好似在说，你们若不拦阻，他们是会来的。[17]{DA 517.2}
§37
When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him, He was speaking to His followers in all ages,--to officers of the church, to ministers, helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing the children, and He bids us, Suffer them to come; as if He would say, They will come if you do not hinder them. {DA 517.2}[17]
§38
不要让你那非基督化的性格误表耶稣。不要因你那种冷酷的面孔、铁石的心肠，阻止小孩子到耶稣面前来。切不可使孩子们感觉，天国里若有你在，那对他们就不是个幸福的地方。不要把宗教说成是小孩子所不能明白的事，或者在行动上使他们觉得你不希望他们在幼年时接受基督。不要给他们一个错误的印象，以为基督的宗教是个消极的宗教，以为到救主面前来就必须放弃一切使人生充满乐趣的事。[18]{DA 517.3}
§39
Let not your un-Christlike character misrepresent Jesus. Do not keep the little ones away from Him by your coldness and harshness. Never give them cause to feel that heaven will not be a pleasant place to them if you are there. Do not speak of religion as something that children cannot understand, or act as if they were not expected to accept Christ in their childhood. Do not give them the false impression that the religion of Christ is a religion of gloom, and that in coming to the Saviour they must give up all that makes life joyful. {DA 517.3}[18]
§40
当圣灵在小孩子心中运行时，你务要与圣灵合作。孩子们知道主在呼召他们，而且主最喜欢人在青春时期就献身给他。[19]{DA 517.4}
§41
As the Holy Spirit moves upon the hearts of the children, co-operate with His work. Teach them that the Saviour is calling them, that nothing can give Him greater joy than for them to give themselves to Him in the bloom and freshness of their years. {DA 517.4}[19]
§42
救主对他用自己宝血买来的人，有无限的慈爱。他们是他爱心的领地。他以说不出道不尽的热望看顾他们。他不但爱那些安分的孩子，而且也爱那些生性不听话的孩子。许多作父母的，不明白他们对这些倔强的孩子应负多大责任。他们自己曾使孩子养成那种性情，却没有用爱心和智慧来改正他们的过失。但耶稣却怜爱这些孩子，因为他明白他们发展到这一步的原因。[20]{DA 517.5}
§43
The Saviour regards with infinite tenderness the souls whom He has purchased with His own blood. They are the claim of His love. He looks upon them with unutterable longing. His heart is drawn out, not only to the best-behaved children, but to those who have by inheritance objectionable traits of character. Many parents do not understand how much they are responsible for these traits in their children. They have not the tenderness and wisdom to deal with the erring ones whom they have made what they are. But Jesus looks upon these children with pity. He traces from cause to effect. {DA 517.5}[20]
§44
基督的工人要作他的代表，来吸引这些孩子归向救主。他们要用智慧和机智来赢得儿童的心，使他们心中生出勇气和希望来；并靠基督的恩典，使他们在品格上发生变化，好让耶稣能指着他们说：“在天国的，正是这样的人。”[21]{DA 517.6}
§45
The Christian worker may be Christs agent in drawing these children to the Saviour. By wisdom and tact he may bind them to his heart, he may give them courage and hope, and through the grace of Christ may see them transformed in character, so that of them it may be said, Of such is the kingdom of God. {DA 517.6}[21]