第33章 批评及其后果
§1
第33章 批评及其后果
§2
Chap. 33—Criticism and Its Effects
§3
基督徒都应谨慎自己的言谈。他们决不应把不利的传闻从一个朋友传给另一个朋友，特别是在他们知道彼此之间缺乏团结时！暗示暗指、含沙射影是很残忍的，好像你知道这位朋友大量的事或者熟悉别人不知道的事一般。这种暗示比毫不夸张地坦率陈明事实影响更深远，会造成更多不良的印象。基督的教会因这些事受了何等大的损害啊！教会成员表里不一、轻率不慎的行为已使教会软弱如水。同一个教会的成员彼此出卖，可是犯罪的人却不是有意行恶的。在选择交谈的话语上缺乏智慧已经造成了许多危害。{CCh 174.1}[1]
§4
Christians should be careful in regard to their words. They should never carry unfavorable reports from one of their friends to another, especially if they are aware that there is a lack of union between them. It is cruel to hint and insinuate, as though you knew a great deal in regard to this friend or that acquaintance of which others are ignorant. Such hints go further, and create more unfavorable impressions, than to frankly relate the facts in an unexaggerated manner. What harm has not the church of Christ suffered from these things! The inconsistent, unguarded course of her members has made her weak as water. Confidence has been betrayed by members of the same church, and yet the guilty did not design to do mischief. Lack of wisdom in the selection of subjects of conversation has done much harm.?{CCh 174.1}[1]
§5
应当交谈属灵和神圣的事；但是人们却在谈别的。如果与基督徒朋友们的交往主要用来改善心思意念，就不会事后后悔了，回顾见面的情景还可感到愉快的满足。但如果宝贵的时间花在轻薄虚浮的闲谈上和分析别人的生活和品格上，这种交往就会显明是一种邪恶之源，你的影响力也会成为死的香气叫人死了。（2T 186, 187）?{CCh 174.2}[2]
§6
The conversation should be upon spiritual and divine things; but it has been otherwise. If the association with Christian friends is chiefly devoted to the improvement of the mind and heart, there will be no after regrets, and they can look back on the interview with a pleasant satisfaction. But if the hours are spent in levity and vain talking, and the precious time is employed in dissecting the lives and character of others, the friendly intercourse will prove a source of evil, and your influence will be a savor of death unto death.{CCh 174.2}[2]
§7
【想到众人的好处】
§8
何时我们去听人指责弟兄，自己也就在指责上有份了。“耶和华啊，谁能寄居祢的帐幕？谁能住在祢的圣山？”诗人回答这个问题说：“就是行为正直，作事公义，心里说实话的人。他不以舌头谗谤人，不恶待邻舍，也不随伙毁谤邻舍”（诗15:1-3）。?{CCh 174.3}[3]
§9
【Think Well of All Men】
§10
When we listen to a reproach against our brother, we take up that reproach. To the question, “Lord, who shall abide in Thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in Thy holy hill?” the psalmist answered, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbor, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbor.”?Psalm 15:1-3.?{CCh 174.3}[3]
§11
如果每人都能记得：那些在你面前说别人的缺点错误的人，也必在别人面前说你的缺点错误，那么将有多少的闲言蜚语就可防止了。我们当尽力想众人的好处，尤其是对于自己的弟兄更应如此，非至迫不得已之时，不可以想别人的坏处。对于一切不良的传言，我们不应贸然予以赞同。因为这些往往是由于嫉妒或误会而起，有时也许是过甚其辞，或是只见到一部分事实的片面之辞。一旦给了忌妒与猜疑寸席之地，它们立时就会自行散播，象蓟花上的柔毛一样。弟兄若行了错路，就正是你表示对他真切关注的时候。应和蔼地去到他面前，同他祷告，并为他祈求，当记念基督为救赎他而付出的无穷代价。如此，你也许可以救一个灵魂不死，并且遮盖许多的罪。{CCh 174.4}[4]
§12
What a world of gossip would be prevented if every man would remember that those who tell him the faults of others will as freely publish his faults at a favorable opportunity. We should endeavor to think well of all men, especially our brethren, until compelled to think otherwise. We should not hastily credit evil reports. These are often the result of envy or misunderstanding, or they may proceed from exaggeration or a partial disclosure of facts. Jealousy and suspicion, once allowed a place, will sow themselves broadcast, like thistledown. Should?a brother go astray, then is the time to show your real interest in him. Go to him kindly, pray with and for him, remembering the infinite price which Christ has paid for his redemption. In this way you may save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.?{CCh 174.4}[4]
§13
一眨眼色，一句言语，甚至于一种声调，也许是与说谎一样厉害，落在一些人的心中，就如带有钩刺的箭一般，造成了无可救药的创伤。照样，一点疑忌，一点指责，也可能被投射在上帝要利用其成就一项善工的人身上，而削弱他的感化力，破坏他的效用。有几种动物，若是一个受伤，仆地不起，它立时就要被其同类所撕碎吞食。有些名为基督徒的男女，也放纵着这种残忍的精神。他们显出法利赛人式的热心，要拿石头打那些比他们自己的罪更轻的人。有些人指责别人的错误和失败，借以转移人对于他们自己的过错和失败的注意，或要得人的称赞，说他们是为上帝和教会大发热心。（5T 58, 59）{CCh 175.1}[5]
§14
A glance, a word, even an intonation of the voice, may be vital with falsehood, sinking like a barbed arrow into some heart, inflicting an incurable wound. Thus a doubt, a reproach, may be cast upon one by whom God would accomplish a good work, and his influence is blighted, his usefulness destroyed. Among some species of animals, if one of their number is wounded and falls, he is at once set upon and torn in pieces by his fellows. The same cruel spirit is indulged by men and women who bear the name of Christians. They manifest a pharisaical zeal to stone others less guilty than themselves. There are some who point to others’ faults and failures to divert attention from their own, or to gain credit for great zeal for God and the church.{CCh 175.1}[5]
§15
最好莫如将批评基督仆人之言行与动机所费的时间，用在祈祷上。往往等到真相大白，则凡寻隙挑错的人对于其所挑寻之人的看法，就必全然改观。因此，各人与其去批评别人，责难别人，倒不如对自己说：“我必须作成自己得救的功夫。我若是与那位渴望救我灵性的主合作，就必须时刻警醒。我务必除去个人生活中的各种罪恶，在基督里作一个新造的人。我必须胜过一切过失，然后，我不但不致使那些与罪恶奋斗之人的心怯弱，反倒能用鼓励的话加强他们的力量。”（8T 83, 84）{CCh 175.2}[6]
§16
The time spent in criticizing the motives and works of Christ’s servants might better be spent in prayer. Often if those who find fault knew the truth in regard to those with whom they find fault, they would have an altogether different opinion of them. How much better it would be if, instead of criticizing and condemning others, everyone would say: “I must work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him who desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must cut away every evil from my life. I must become a new creature in Christ. I must overcome every fault. Then, instead of weakening those who are striving against evil, I can strengthen them by encouraging words.”{CCh 175.2}[6]
§17
【妒忌的人看不到别人的优点】
§18
我们不可让自己的困惑及失望侵蚀我们的心灵，使我们暴躁不安。应当除去纷争，邪思和恶言，免得我们得罪上帝。我的弟兄啊，如果你向嫉妒及恶意的猜测敞开心门，圣灵就不能住在你里面。应当寻求那在基督里面的丰盛。当在祂的一边工作。每一思想及言行都要彰显祂。你每天需要受爱心的洗礼。这爱心曾在使徒时代使大家同心合意。这种爱会带来身，心，灵的健康。应当让那能加强属灵生命的气氛包围你的心。应当培养信心，希望，勇气和爱心。要叫上帝的平安在你们的心里作主。（8T 191）{CCh 175.3}[7]
§19
【The Envious Man Sees No Good in Others】
§20
We are not to allow our perplexities and disappointments to eat into our souls and make us fretful and impatient. Let there be no strife, no evil thinking or evil-speaking, lest we offend God. My brother, if you open your heart to envy and evil surmising, the Holy Spirit cannot abide with you. Seek for the fullness that is in Christ. Labor in His lines. Let every thought and word and deed reveal Him. You need a daily baptism of the love that in the days of the apostles made them all of one accord. This love will bring health to body, mind, and soul. Surround your soul with an atmosphere that will strengthen spiritual life. Cultivate faith, hope, courage, and love. Let the peace of God rule in your heart.{CCh 175.3}[7]
§21
嫉妒不仅是一种乖戾的脾气，而且是一种疾病，使所有的机能失常。嫉妒起源于撒但。他曾想在天庭居首，但因不能如愿获得一切的权能及荣耀，便反叛上帝的政权。他嫉妒我们的始祖，引诱他们犯罪，致使他们以及全人类都归于灭亡。?{CCh 175.4}[8]
§22
Envy is not merely a perverseness of temper, but a distemper, which disorders all the faculties. It began with Satan. He desired to be first in heaven, and because he could not have all the power and glory he sought, he rebelled against the government of God. He envied our first parents and tempted them to sin and thus ruined them and all the human race.?{CCh 175.4}[8]
§23
嫉妒的人闭起自己的眼睛，不看别人的优良品质及高尚行为。他总是对优秀的人物，随时准备贬低并歪曲。人们常常认罪并弃绝别种的过错，但是嫉妒的人，却很少有希望要他这样作。因为嫉妒一个人，就是承认那人比自己强，骄傲的心便不许他作任何让步。如果你想说服一个嫉妒的人，叫他知罪，他反而会更加怀恨他所忌妒的对象，而且往往他是仍然无可救药的。?{CCh 175.5}[9]
§24
The envious man shuts his eyes to the good qualities and noble deeds of others. He is always ready to disparage and misrepresent that which is excellent. Men often confess and forsake other faults, but there is?little to be hoped for from the envious man. Since to envy a person is to admit that he is a superior, pride will not permit any concession. If an attempt be made to convince the envious person of his sin, he becomes even more bitter against the object of his passion, and too often he remains incurable.?{CCh 175.5}[9]
§25
嫉妒的人无论何往，都要散布毒素，离间朋友，激起仇恨，并反抗上帝及人类。他想要人以他为至好至大，但他却不付出英雄克己牺牲的努力，使自己达到优秀目标，反而是尸位素餐，淹没别人的功绩。?{CCh 176.1}[10]
§26
The envious man diffuses poison wherever he goes, alienating friends and stirring up hatred and rebellion against God and man. He seeks to be thought best and greatest, not by putting forth heroic, self-denying efforts to reach the goal of excellence himself, but by standing where he is and diminishing the merit due to the efforts of others.?{CCh 176.1}[10]
§27
喜欢喋喋不休，搬弄是非的舌头说，告他吧，我们也要告他。这就是使徒雅各所说从地狱里点燃的火。它在到处放火。爱说闲话的人肆无忌惮地诽谤清白的人。他破坏了那些肩负重担之人的希望及勇气，但仍不停止自己的恶行，只是一意放纵喜爱播弄是非的癖性。甚至是自命为基督徒的人，也是闭眼不看一切纯洁，诚实，高尚，可爱的事，反而搜集不妥和不快的事情，将之公诸于世。（5T 56, 57）{CCh 176.2}[11]
§28
The tongue that delights in mischief, the babbling tongue that says, Report, and I will report it, is declared by the apostle James to be set on fire of hell. It scatters firebrands on every side. What cares the vendor of gossip that he defames the innocent? He will not stay his evil work, though he destroy hope and courage in those who are already sinking under their burdens. He cares only to indulge his scandal-loving propensity. Even professed Christians close their eyes to all that is pure, honest, noble, and lovely, and treasure up what ever is objectionable and disagreeable, and publish it to the world.{CCh 176.2}[11]
§29
【嫉妒和挑剔】
§30
说起来很是痛苦，在教会的信徒之中，有许多人的舌头是不受管束的。有些是虚谎的舌头，专爱挑拨是非；有些是诡诈的轻声细语；有些是无谓的话，爱管闲事的话，及圆滑窥探的话。在这些爱说闲话的人中，有些人是出于好奇之心，也有些人是出于猜忌之念，更有许多人是因为痛恨上帝所借以申斥他们的那些人而起的。这一切纷争不睦的分子现今正在工作着。有些人把自己的真心实意隐藏不露，同时另一些人，却急欲公布自己所知道甚至是所猜想的一切他人的错处。?{CCh 176.3}[12]
§31
【Jealousy and Faultfinding】
§32
It pains me to say that there are unruly tongues among church members. There are false tongues that feed on mischief. There are sly, whispering tongues. There is tattling, impertinent meddling, adroit quizzing. Among the lovers of gossip some are actuated by curiosity, others by jealousy, many by hatred against those through whom God has spoken to reprove them. All these discordant elements are at work. Some conceal their real sentiments, while others are eager to publish all they know, or even suspect, of evil against another.?{CCh 176.3}[12]
§33
我看到那伪证的精神，也就是那使真理变成虚谎，良善变成邪恶，无辜变成有罪的，现今很是活跃。撒但见到自称为上帝子民者的情形，便洋洋得意。许多人一面忽略了自己的灵性，另一面却留心找机会批评别人，定别人的罪。人人在品格上都是有缺欠的，按猜忌的心理，想要找出一点于人有害的事并非困难。这些自封为审判者的人说：“现在好了，我们有了事实在手，我们可以根据这些来控告他们，使他们不能剖白。”他们等待合适的机会，然后解开塞满了谗言的包裹，供人以可口的佳肴。{CCh 176.4}[13]
§34
I saw that the very spirit of perjury, that would turn truth into falsehood, good into evil, and innocence into crime, is now active. Satan exults over the condition of God’s professed people. While many are neglecting their own souls, they eagerly watch for an opportunity to criticize and condemn others. All have defects of character, and it is not hard to find something that jealousy can interpret to their injury. “Now,” say these self-constituted judges, “we have facts. We will fasten upon them an accusation from which they can not clear themselves.” They wait for a fitting opportunity and then produce their bundle of gossip and bring forth their tidbits.?{CCh 176.4}[13]
§35
这些天生有强烈想象力的人，因为尽力注意于某一点上，便处在自欺欺人的危险中。他们收集别人无心所说的话，并不体谅这些话也许是说得太急太快，不能反照说话之人的真实心意。这些未经思虑的话，往往是微不足道的小事，但却被人用撒但的放大镜来透视，加以揣想而辗转重述，终至于把小丘变成了大山。{CCh 176.5}[14]
§36
In their efforts to carry a point, persons who have naturally a strong imagination are in danger of deceiving themselves and deceiving others. They gather up unguarded expressions from another, not considering that words may be uttered hastily and hence may not reflect the real sentiments of the speaker. But those unpremeditated remarks, often so trifling as to be unworthy of notice, are viewed through Satan’s magnifying glass, pondered, and repeated until molehills become mountains.?{CCh 176.5}[14]
§37
人若收集闲言流语，暴露一切足以引起猜疑别人品格的事，用以伤害别人而竟沾沾自喜，这岂是基督徒之爱呢？撒但在能破坏一个基督徒的名誉或使其受伤害之时，是洋洋得意的。他本是“控告我们弟兄的”（启12:10）。难道基督徒也辅助他工作么？{CCh 177.1}[15]
§38
Is it Christian charity to gather up every floating report, to unearth everything that will cast suspicion on the character of another, and then take delight in using it to injure him? Satan exults when he can defame or wound a follower of Christ. He is “the accuser of our brethren.” Shall Christians aid him in his work??{CCh 177.1}[15]
§39
上帝无所不见的慧眼洞察众人的过失，也明白各人主要的癖性；然而祂却容忍我们的错误，可怜我们的软弱。祂吩咐其子民也当存同样的温慈忍耐的精神。真实的基督徒，必不以揭露他人的过失瑕疵为乐。他们必转离那可憎或丑恶的事，只留心那可羡慕可喜爱的事。在基督徒看来，每一吹毛求疵之举，及每一责难攻讦的话，都是令人痛心的。（5T 94-96）?{CCh 177.2}[16]
§40
God’s all-seeing eye notes the defects of all and the ruling passion of each, yet He bears with our mistakes and pities our weakness. He bids His people cherish the same spirit of tenderness and forbearance. True Christians will not exult in exposing the faults and deficiencies of others. They will turn away from vileness and deformity, to fix the mind upon that which is attractive and lovely. To the Christian every act of faultfinding, every word of censure or condemnation, is painful.{CCh 177.2}[16]
§41
【批评教会和机构领袖的后果】
§42
爱说闲话和搬弄是非的精神，乃是撒但的特别工具之一，用以散布不睦纷争的种子，离间朋友，破坏许多在我们立场上忠实之人的信仰。弟兄姊妹们太容易谈论自以为别人身上存在的错误和过失，尤其是那些毅然宣传上帝所赐责备和警告信息之人的过错。?{CCh 177.3}[17]
§43
【The Effects of Criticism of Church and Institutional Leaders】
§44
The spirit of gossip and talebearing is one of Satan’s special agencies to sow discord and strife, to separate friends, and to undermine the faith of many in the truthfulness of our positions. Brethren and sisters are too ready to talk of the faults and errors that they think exist in others, and especially in those who have borne unflinchingly the messages of reproof and warning given them of God.?{CCh 177.3}[17]
§45
这些爱抱怨之人的儿女敞着耳朵听见和接受了不满的毒素。父母们就这样盲目地封闭了藉以达到儿女之心的通道。多少家庭天天在用怀疑质问调和着进餐啊。他们剖析朋友的品格，当作精美的点心给儿女吃。在饭桌上把一点诽谤的话当作美味传递，不但大人们批评，小孩子也批评。在这件事上，上帝被羞辱了。耶稣曾说：“这些事你们既作在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是作在我身上了”（太25:40）。因此，那些诽谤主仆人的，也是把基督看轻和侮辱了。{CCh 177.4}[18]
§46
The children of these complainers listen with open ears and receive the poison of disaffection. Parents are thus blindly closing the avenues through which the hearts of the children might be reached. How many families season their daily meals with doubt and questionings. They dissect the characters of their friends, and serve them up as a dainty dessert. A precious bit of slander is passed around the board to be commented upon, not only by adults, but by children. In this God is dishonored. Jesus said: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.”?Matthew 25:40. Therefore Christ is slighted and abused by those who slander His servants.?{CCh 177.4}[18]
§47
上帝所选仆人之名已被人侮慢不敬，有时某些本当拥护他们的人却对之绝对轻视。父母对上帝仆人所发的严肃警告和责备妄加鄙视的评论，孩子们都听到了耳中。他们既明白那不时传入耳中的讥诮轻蔑的话，就势必使他们在心中把那圣洁永恒的福利与世俗普通的事物相提并论。这些父母是在作何等的工作啊！竟在儿女还幼小的时候，就使他们成为无信仰之徒了！这正是教导儿女侮慢和反抗天庭斥责罪恶的方法。?{CCh 177.5}[19]
§48
The names of God’s chosen servants have been handled with disrespect, and in some cases with absolute contempt, by certain persons whose duty it is to uphold them. The children have not failed to hear the disrespectful remarks of their parents in reference to the solemn reproofs and warnings of God’s servants. They have understood the scornful jests and depreciatory speeches that from time to time have met their ears, and the tendency has been to bring sacred and eternal interests, in their minds, on a level with the common affairs of the world. What a work are these parents doing in making infidels of their children even in their childhood! This is the way that children are taught to be irreverent and to rebel against Heaven’s reproof of sin.?{CCh 177.5}[19]
§49
有这种罪恶存在的地方，灵性堕落之风自必流行。这等父母被仇敌蒙蔽，竟奇怪自己的儿女为何这么容易不信和怀疑圣经的真理。他们也诧异，为什么很难用道德和信仰去感化他们。如果他们有属灵的眼光，就会立刻发觉这种悲惨的情形，正是自己家庭影响的结果，自己的嫉妒和怀疑的产物。许多无信仰的人就是这样在那些自称基督徒的家庭中教养出来的。有许多人特别喜欢谈论思想那些在上帝圣工的机构负重责之人的缺点，不论其为真实或虚构。他们忽视这些人所作的善行，及其对圣工精忠苦干的善果，只是定睛注意某个显然的错误，某件已经作成而且已有后果的事，他们以为可用更好的方法做成，得到更好的结果；然而事实上却是，若在当初让他们去作这工，他们若不是因为困难重重而全然不肯进行，就必比那些按上帝明显天意而行的人更为轻率地从事。?{CCh 177.6}[20]
§50
Spiritual declension can but prevail where such evils exist. These very fathers and mothers, blinded by the enemy, marvel why their children are so inclined to unbelief and to doubt the truth of the Bible. They wonder that it is so difficult to reach them by moral and religious influences. Had they spiritual eyesight, they would at once discover that this deplorable condition of things is the result of their own home influence, the offspring of their jealousy and distrust. Thus many infidels are educated in the family circles of professed Christians.?There are many who find special enjoyment in discoursing and dwelling upon the defects, whether real or imaginary, of those who bear heavy responsibilities in connection with the institutions of God’s cause. They overlook the good that has been accomplished, the benefits that have resulted from arduous labor and unflinching devotion to the cause, and fasten their attention upon some apparent mistake, some matter that, after it has been done and the consequences have followed, they fancy could have been done in a better manner with fairer results, when the truth is, had they been left to do the work, they would either have refused to move at all under the attending discouragements of the case, or would have managed more indiscreetly than those who did do the work, following the opening of God’s providence.?{CCh 177.6}[20]
§51
这等不守规矩爱空谈的人必要专注工作更不如意的方面，犹如藓苔紧附在磐石的粗糙面上。他们不断地留意别人的失败和过错，自己的灵性就发育不全了。他们在道德上不能明察善良高贵的行动，无私的努力，真正的勇敢精神和自我牺牲。他们在生活和希望上，没有变得更尊贵更高尚；在理想和计划上，也没有变得更宽宏广泛。他们不是在培养那应作为基督徒生活特色的爱心。他们日渐退化，在成见和眼光上越发狭隘。他们的素质渺小，他们周围的风气对于平安与福乐有害。（4T 195, 196）?{CCh 178.1}[21]
§52
But these unruly talkers will fasten upon the more disagreeable features of the work, even as the lichen clings to the roughness of the rock. These persons are spiritually dwarfed by continually dwelling upon the failings and faults of others. They are morally incapable of discerning good and noble actions, unselfish endeavors, true heroism, and self-sacrifice. They are not becoming nobler and loftier in their lives and hopes, more generous and broad in their ideas and plans. They are not cultivating that charity that should characterize the Christian’s life. They are degenerating every day and are becoming narrower in their prejudices and views. Littleness is their element, and the atmosphere that surrounds them is poisonous to peace and happiness.{CCh 178.1}[21]
§53
每一个机构都有困难需要克服。试炼原是上帝所许可，为了考验祂的子民。当主的一个机构处于逆境中时，就会表显出我们对上帝和祂圣工究竟有多少真实的信心。在这种时候，任何人都不要从最坏处想，表现出怀疑和不信。不要批评那些身负重任的人。家庭中的谈话也不要被批评上帝的工人所毒害。放纵这种批评精神的父母，不是在把得救的智慧指教给儿女。他们的话不仅会动摇儿童的信心和信任感，也会动摇成年人的信心和信任感。（7T 183）?{CCh 178.2}[22]
§54
Every institution will have to battle with difficulty. Trials are permitted in order to test the hearts of God’s people. When adversity befalls one of the Lord’s instrumentalities, it will be shown how much real faith we have in God and in His work. At such a time let none view matters in the worst light and give expression to doubt and unbelief. Do not criticize those who carry the burdens of responsibility. Let not the conversation in your homes be poisoned with criticism of the Lord’s workers. Parents who indulge this criticizing spirit are not bringing before their children that which will make them wise unto salvation. Their words tend to unsettle the faith and confidence not only of the children, but of those older in years.{CCh 178.2}[22]
§55
我们机构的经理们有一项极其艰巨的任务，就是要聪明地维持手下青年人的秩序和纪律。教友们可以做许多事情帮助他们。当青年人不愿意服从机构的纪律，或与上级意见不同而决定自行其见时，父母不要盲目地支持同情自己的子女。?{CCh 178.3}[23]
§56
The managers of our institutions have a most difficult task to maintain order and to discipline wisely the youth under their care. The members of the church can do much to stay up their hands. When the youth are unwilling to submit to the discipline of the institution, or in any matter of difference with their superiors are determined to have their own way, let not parents blindly sustain and sympathize with their children.?{CCh 178.3}[23]
§57
唆使你的子女轻视那些以忠于真理、同胞和上帝为基础的原则，倒不如让他们遭灾遇难，进入坟墓为佳。?（7T 185, 186）{CCh 178.4}[24]
§58
Better, far better might your children suffer, better lie in their graves, than be taught to treat lightly the principles that lie at the very foundation of loyalty to truth, to their fellow beings, and to God.{CCh 178.4}[24]
§59
【惟独自我批评才有实际价值】
§60
如果一切自称为基督徒的人，都愿意运用辨识之力去省察，看自己有什么恶行需要矫正，而不谈论别人的错处，那么今日教会的情形就必更加健全了。有些人在无须付代价之时，是很诚实；及至要以权谋为利己之时，就把诚实忘记了。在一个人的心思中，诚实与权谋是冰炭不相容的。到了时候，若非弃绝权谋，而以真理和诚实为主宰；就必存容权谋，而将诚实忘记了。二者是迥不相侔，决无共通之点的。一个是巴力的先知，另一个却是上帝的真先知。当主选用宝石之时，必乐于以真实，坦白，诚实为上选。天使正在为这等人制造冠冕，从这些宝星灿烂的冠冕上，要辉煌地反射出从上帝宝座所发的光芒。{CCh 179.1}[25]
§61
【Criticism of Self Alone is of Practical Value】
§62
Would all professed Christians use their investigative powers to see what evils needed to be corrected in themselves, instead of talking of others’ wrongs, there would be a more healthy condition in the church today. Some will be honest when it costs nothing; but when policy will pay best, honesty is forgotten. Honesty and policy will not work together in the same mind. In time, either policy will be expelled, and truth and honesty reign supreme, or, if policy is cherished, honesty will be forgotten. They are never in agreement; they have nothing in common. One is the prophet of Baal, the other is the true prophet of God. When the Lord makes up His jewels, the true, the frank, the honest, will be looked upon with pleasure. Angels are employed in making crowns for such ones, and upon these star-gemmed crowns will be reflected, with splendor, the light which radiates from the throne of God.{CCh 179.1}[25]
§63
主正在试炼及测验祂的百姓。你尽可随心所欲，对自己的品格瑕疵下无情的批评；但对于别人，却应存仁爱，慈怜，及礼貌。应当每天自问说：我的内心是否纯正，抑或是心术虚伪？应当祈求主救你脱离这一切的迷惑。这是与永恒福利攸关的。当此多人纷纷争名夺利之日，我亲爱的弟兄们，你们是否切心寻求上帝之爱的保证，并喊叫说：谁能指示我，使我所蒙的恩召和拣选坚定不移呢？?{CCh 179.2}[26]
§64
The Lord is testing and proving His people. You may be just as severe and critical with your own defective character as you please; but be kind, pitiful, and courteous toward others. Inquire every day: Am I sound to the core, or am I false-hearted? Entreat the Lord to save you from all deception on this point. Eternal interests are involved. While so many are panting after honor and greedy of gain, do you, my beloved brethren, be eagerly seeking the assurance of the love of God and crying: Who will show me how to make my calling and election sure??{CCh 179.2}[26]
§65
撒但留意研究人生来所倾向的罪，然后下手诱惑并使人陷入罗网。我们是处于试探的重重包围之中，但我们若是英勇为主作战，就必获得胜利。人人都处在危险之中。若果你们行事为人谦卑而且时常祈祷，就必度过这试炼的历程，比精金甚至俄斐的纯金更宝贵。反之，如果你们粗心大意，不作祈祷，就要变成鸣的锣和响的钹一般了。（5T 96-98）{CCh 179.3}[27]
§66
Satan carefully studies the constitutional sins of men, and then he begins his work of alluring and ensnaring them. We are in the thickest of temptations, but there is victory for us if we fight manfully the battles of the Lord. All are in danger. But if you walk humbly and prayerfully you will come forth from the proving process more precious than fine gold, even than the golden wedge of Ophir. If careless and prayerless, you will be as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal.{CCh 179.3}[27]