第37章 劳动的神圣性
§1
第37章 劳动的神圣性
§2
The Dignity Of Labor
§3
虽然我们已论述了体力劳动的神圣性，一般人还是以它为卑贱的。许多人的想法，已经使本末倒置。人们普遍认为从事体力劳动的人不能列入知识阶层。人们辛辛苦苦地赚钱，既得了财富，就想用他们的钱使他们的儿女成为有知识的人。但是许多人都没有培养使他们的子女象他们那样从事辛勤而有用的劳动。他们的子女在花别人劳动所得来的钱，并没有认识到其价值。他们就是这样荒废了主原要用来成就许多善事的才能。{CT 273.1}[1]
§4
Notwithstanding all that has been said and written regarding the dignity of manual labor, the feeling prevails that it is degrading. Popular opinion has, in many minds, changed the order of things, and men have come to think that it is not fitting for a man who works with his hands to take his place among gentlemen. Men work hard to obtain money; and having gained wealth, they suppose that their money will make their sons gentlemen. But many such fail to train their sons as they themselves were trained, to hard, useful labor. Their sons spend the money earned by the labor of others, without understanding its value. Thus they misuse a talent that the Lord designed should accomplish much good.?{CT 273.1}[1]
§5
上帝的意念不象人的意思，祂不愿使人在闲懒中度日。祂在起初所造的人乃是一个高尚的人。宇宙的主宰虽已向他提供一切财富，但亚当不可懒惰。他从受造之日起就有工作交给他。他要在看管上帝所造的万物中得到工作和快乐。伊甸园出产的果子充分地供给他的需要，作为他劳动的报酬。{CT 273.2}[2]
§6
The Lord’s purposes are not the purposes of men. He did not design that men should live in idleness. In the beginning He created man a gentleman; but though rich in all that the Owner of the universe could supply, Adam was not to be idle. No sooner was he created than his work was given him. He was to find employment and?happiness in tending the things that God had created, and in response to his labor his wants were to be abundantly supplied from the fruits of the Garden of Eden.?{CT 273.2}[2]
§7
当我们的始祖顺从上帝的时候，他们在园中的劳动是愉快的。大地出产丰富，供给他们的需要。但当人不顺命之后，他就注定要与撒但所撒的种子搏斗，汗流满面才得糊口。从此以后，他必须辛辛苦苦地抵挡他曾屈服的权势。{CT 274.1}[3]
§8
While our first parents obeyed God, their labor in the garden was a pleasure, and the earth yielded of its abundance for their wants. But when man departed from obedience, he was doomed to wrestle with the seeds of Satan’s sowing and to earn his bread by the sweat of his brow. Henceforth he must battle in toil and hardship against the power to which he had yielded his will.?{CT 274.1}[3]
§9
上帝的旨意是要藉着劳动减轻那因人的不顺从而侵入世界的祸患。藉着劳动，撒但的试探会失去效力，罪恶的潮流得到阻挡。虽然劳动是烦恼，疲乏和辛苦的，但它仍是幸福和发展的源泉，和抵挡试探的保障。劳动锻炼能限制自我放纵，并增进勤俭，纯洁和毅力。所以它成了上帝把我们从堕落状态中挽救回来的大计划的一部分。{CT 274.2}[4]
§10
It was God’s purpose to alleviate by toil the evil brought into the world by man’s disobedience. By toil the temptations of Satan might be made ineffectual and the tide of evil stayed. And though attended with anxiety, weariness, and pain, labor is still a source of happiness and development, and a safeguard against temptation. Its discipline places a check on self-indulgence and promotes industry, purity, and firmness. Thus it becomes a part of God’s great plan for our recovery from the Fall.?{CT 274.2}[4]
§11
【体力劳动和竞赛】
§12
一般人都认为体力劳动是卑贱的，可是他们热衷于板球、棒球或拳击比赛，而并不认为这些活动是卑贱的。当撒但看见人把体力智力花在那些没有教育意义、没有用处，不能帮助他们造福于需要帮助之人的活动时，他是很高兴的。当青年人正在进行那些对他们对别人都没有实际价值的竞赛时，他却在人生的棋局上争夺他们的灵魂，把上帝所赐的才能从他们身上夺走，而代之以他自己邪恶的品性。他竭力引人忽视上帝。他设法使人专心致志热衷竞赛，以致上帝不能在人思想中占有地位。他不希望人认识他们的创造主。他若有机会安排竞赛和戏剧来扰乱青年人的感官，以致忘记上帝和天国，他是无比欢欣的。{CT 274.3}[5]
§13
【Manual Labor Versus Games】
§14
The public feeling is that manual labor is degrading, yet men may exert themselves as much as they choose at cricket, baseball, or in pugilistic contests, without being regarded as degraded. Satan is delighted when he sees human beings using their physical and mental powers in that which does not educate, which is not useful, which does not help them to be a blessing to those who need their help. While the youth are becoming expert in games that are of no real value to themselves or to others,?Satan is playing the game of life for their souls, taking from them the talents that God has given them, and placing in their stead his own evil attributes. It is his effort to lead men to ignore God. He seeks to engross and absorb the mind so completely that God will find no place in the thoughts. He does not wish people to have a knowledge of their Maker, and he is well pleased if he can set in operation games and theatrical performances that will so confuse the senses of the youth that God and heaven will be forgotten.?{CT 274.3}[5]
§15
抵挡罪恶一个最可靠的保障乃是有益的劳动，而懒惰乃是一个最大的咒诅。犯罪、作恶、贫困都必随之而来，那些经常忙碌而愉快地从事日常工作的人乃是社会上最有用的人。他们忠心地履行他们人生道路上的种种职责，为自己和别人造福。勤勉的劳动保守他们脱离了撒但的许多网罗，他总在寻找些坏事让闲懒的手去做。”{CT 275.1}[6]
§16
One of the surest safeguards against evil is useful occupation, while idleness is one of the greatest curses; for vice, crime, and poverty follow in its wake. Those who are always busy, who go cheerfully about their daily tasks, are the useful members of society. In the faithful discharge of the various duties that lie in their pathway, they make their lives a blessing to themselves and to others. Diligent labor keeps them from many of the snares of him who “finds some mischief still for idle hands to do.”?{CT 275.1}[6]
§17
停积的水池不久就会发臭，而流动的河道必要散布健康和快乐于全地。前者象征懒惰，而后者象征勤劳。{CT 275.2}[7]
§18
A stagnant pool soon becomes offensive, but a flowing brook spreads health and gladness over the land. The one is a symbol of the idle, the other of the industrious.?{CT 275.2}[7]
§19
【以色列人的手艺训练】
§20
按着上帝对于以色列人的计划，每个家庭在地上都要有个家园，同时又有足够耕种的土地，这样，就为有用、勤劳和自养的生活预备了条件和手段。人间没有什么计划比这更优越。如今世上之所以生活着贫困可怜的人，大都是因为世人违背了这个计划。{CT 275.3}[8]
§21
【Manual Training Among the Israelites】
§22
In God’s plan for Israel every family had a home on the land with sufficient ground for tilling. Thus were provided both the means and the incentive for a useful, industrious, and self-supporting life. And no devising of men has ever improved upon that plan. To the world’s?departure from it is owing, to a large degree, the poverty and wretchedness that exist today.?{CT 275.3}[8]
§23
手艺的训练在以色列人看来乃是一个义务。每个父亲都有责任让自己的儿子学习某种有用的手艺。以色列人中最伟大的人也受过手工劳动的训练。有关家务工作的知识对于每个妇女来说，也被认为是很重要的。这些工作的技艺即使对于最尊贵的妇女也被视为一种尊荣。{CT 276.1}[9]
§24
By the Israelites, industrial training was regarded as a duty. Every father was required to see that his sons learned some useful trade. The greatest men of Israel were trained to industrial pursuits. A knowledge of the duties pertaining to housewifery was considered essential for every woman; and skill in these duties was regarded as an honor to women of the highest station.?{CT 276.1}[9]
§25
先知学校里教导着不同的手艺，学生中有许多人就是借手艺劳动来维持生活的。{CT 276.2}[10]
§26
Various industries were taught in the schools of the prophets, and many of the students sustained themselves by manual labor.?{CT 276.2}[10]
§27
【基督的榜样】
§28
地上的居民命定要走的劳苦道路纵然是很艰苦而难行的，可是它却因救赎主曾行在其上而成为尊荣。凡行在这条神圣道路上的人是安全的。基督曾用祂的教训和榜样使有益的劳动成为光荣。祂从很小的时候起就度着劳动的生活。祂在地上生活的相当一部分是在拿撒勒木匠铺的辛勤劳动中度过的。生命的主穿着普通劳动者的服装，行走在祂所住之小镇的街道上，往返于祂卑微的劳动场所。当祂既不受人注意，也不受人尊重地与农民和工人一同行走时，服役的天使却在侍候着祂。{CT 276.3}[11]
§29
【Christ’s Example】
§30
The path of toil appointed to the dwellers on earth may be hard and wearisome; but it is honored by the footprints of the Redeemer, and he is safe who follows in this sacred way. By precept and example, Christ has dignified useful labor. From His earliest years He lived a life of toil. The greater part of His earthly life was spent in patient work in the carpenter’s shop at Nazareth. In the garb of a common laborer the Lord of life trod the streets of the little town in which He lived, going to and returning from His humble toil; and ministering angels attended Him as He walked side by side with peasants and laborers, unrecognized and unhonored.?{CT 276.3}[11]
§31
当祂藉着每日的辛劳帮助维持家庭的时候，祂具有与祂在加利利海边用五个饼两条鱼给五千饥饿的人吃饱的同样能力。但祂没有用自己的神能来减轻自己的辛劳和重担。祂既取了人的样式，就要经历人生的一切艰难。但是祂没有因生活中最严峻的考验而畏缩。祂生活在农民的家庭，穿着粗布衣裳，与卑微的人交往，每日用勤劳的双手劳动。祂的榜样告诉我们，劳动是人的本分，劳动是光荣的。{CT 276.4}[12]
§32
When He went forth to contribute to the support of the family by His daily toil He possessed the same power as when on the shores of Galilee He fed five thousand hungry souls with five loaves and two fishes. But He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or?lighten His toil. He had taken upon Himself the form of humanity, with all its attendant ills, and He did not flinch from its severest trials. He lived in a peasant’s home; He was clothed with coarse garments; He mingled with the lowly; He toiled daily with patient hands. His example shows us that it is man’s duty to be industrious and that labor is honorable.?{CT 276.4}[12]
§33
【基督教与人努力的关系】
§34
地上的事物比许多人所理解的更加紧密地与天国的事物相联系，更加直接地处在基督的监督之下。一切正当的发明和改革都能在那教训奇妙作为佳美的主身上找到根源。医生手上熟练的动作，他治病的技术，他对于人体奇妙结构的认识，都出于上帝的大能所赐的智慧，是为受苦的人服务的。木工使用工具的技巧，铁匠打铁的力气，都是上帝所赐的。我们不论做什么，不论在什么地方，祂都希望管理我们的心志，使我们能做完美的工作。{CT 277.1}[13]
§35
【The Relation Between Christianity and Human Effort】
§36
The things of earth are more closely connected with heaven and are more directly under the supervision of Christ than many realize. All right inventions and improvements have their source in Him who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in working. The skillful touch of the physician’s hand, his power and nerve and muscle, his knowledge of the delicate mechanism of the body, is the wisdom of divine power, to be used in behalf of the suffering. The skill with which the carpenter uses his tools, the strength with which the blacksmith makes the anvil ring, come from God. Whatever we do, wherever we are placed, He desires to control our minds, that we may do perfect work.?{CT 277.1}[13]
§37
基督教和工作，按正当的理解，并不是两件分开的事，而是一件事。圣经的宗教应当贯彻到我们的一切事和所说的每句话中。人能和神能应当在今生的事务上相结合，象在属灵的事务上一样。他们应当在人间一切的行业中，在工业和农业劳动上，在科学事业中结合起来。{CT 277.2}[14]
§38
Christianity and business, rightly understood, are not two separate things; they are one. Bible religion is to be brought into all that we do and say. Human and divine agencies are to combine in temporal as well as spiritual achievements. They are to be united in all human pursuits, in mechanical and agricultural labors, in mercantile and scientific enterprises.?{CT 277.2}[14]
§39
对于懒惰有一个救治之方，就是撇弃一切迟钝恶习，视之为使人灭亡的大罪；从事劳动，以饱满的决心和精神运用上帝所赐的能力。无所事事之人生的唯一良方乃是坚持不懈的努力。上帝赐生命给我们并不是要我们消磨在闲懒和娱乐之中。我们是大有可为的。上帝赐给人体力是要人劳动。它比任何财富更加宝贵，应当受到高度重视。由于它能使人度有用而快乐的人生，所以它能获得成倍的利益。它是用金、银、土地、房屋所不能买到的福气。上帝要求我们聪明地运用它。任何人都不可荒废这个才能，所有的人都要为体力的“资本”交账，如同为其他资本一样。{CT 277.3}[15]
§40
There is a remedy for indolence, and that is to throw?off sluggishness as a sin that leads to perdition, and go to work, using with determination and vigor the physical ability that God has given. The only cure for a useless, inefficient life is determined, persevering effort. Life is not given us to be spent in idleness or self-pleasing; before us are placed great possibilities. In the capital of strength a precious talent has been entrusted to men for labor. This is of more value than any bank deposit and should be more highly prized, for through the possibilities that it affords for enabling men to lead a useful, happy life it may be made to yield interest and compound interest. It is a blessing that cannot be purchased with gold or silver, houses or lands; and God requires it to be used wisely. No man has a right to sacrifice this talent to the corroding influence of inaction. All are as accountable for the capital of physical strength as for their capital of means.?{CT 277.3}[15]
§41
跑快的人不一定在赛跑中跑赢，力大的人不一定打胜仗，那些勤劳作工的人也许不一定会昌盛发达，但是“手勤的，却要富足”，而懒惰和贪睡必使圣灵担忧，丧失真正的敬虔。此等人势必贫困和缺乏，“手懒的，要受贫穷”（箴10:4）。{CT 278.1}[16]
§42
The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong; and those who are diligent in business may not always be prospered. But it is “the hand of the diligent” that “maketh rich.” And while indolence and drowsiness grieve the Holy Spirit and destroy true godliness, they also tend to poverty and want. “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand.”?Proverbs 10:4.?{CT 278.1}[16]
§43
适当的劳动乃是人类健康的良药，它使软弱的强壮，使贫穷的富足，使烦恼的快乐。撒但正埋伏着要毁灭那些因闲懒而使他有机会以诱人的伪装接近他们的人。当他在人们空闲时试探他们时也所取得的成功是最大的了。{CT 278.2}[17]
§44
Judicious labor is a healthful tonic for the human race. It makes the feeble strong, the poor rich, the wretched happy. Satan lies in ambush, ready to destroy those whose leisure gives him opportunity to approach them under some attractive disguise. He is never more successful than when he comes to men in their idle hours.?{CT 278.2}[17]
§45
【勤劳的教训】
§46
财富所带来的恶果中，最大的就是鄙视劳动的时髦看法。先知以西结说：“看哪，你妹妹所多玛的罪孽是这样，她和她的众女都心骄气傲，粮食饱足，大享安逸，并没有扶助困苦和贫乏人的手”（结16:49）。这里向我们显示了懒惰的可怕后果。它使心智削弱，心灵堕落，理智败坏，使福分变为咒诅。只有劳动的人才会看出人生的伟大和美好，并乐意凭信心和盼望肩负其职责。{CT 279.1}[18]
§47
【The Lessons of Contented Industry】
§48
Among the evils resulting from wealth, one of the greatest is the fashionable idea that work is degrading. The prophet Ezekiel declares: “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.”?Ezekiel 16:49. Here are presented before us the terrible results of idleness, which enfeebles the mind, debases the soul, and perverts the understanding, making a curse of that which was given as a blessing. It is the working man or woman who sees something great and good in life, and who is willing to bear its responsibilities with faith and hope.?{CT 279.1}[18]
§49
勤劳地履行人生的本分仍是许多基督徒需要学习的重要课题，作为技工、商人、农民、为上帝作工，在日常生活中实行基督教的主义，比作为正式的传教士在公开的园地里作工，需要更多的恩典和更严格的品格上的操练。把信仰带进工厂、机关、按圣经的标准履行日常生活中的种种本分，处理每件事务，需要更坚强的属灵毅力，但这正是上帝所要求的。{CT 279.2}[19]
§50
The essential lesson of contented industry in the necessary duties of life is yet to be learned by many of Christ’s followers. It requires more grace, more stern discipline of character, to work for God in the capacity of mechanic, merchant, lawyer, or farmer, carrying the precepts of Christianity into the ordinary business of life, than to labor as an acknowledged missionary in the open field. It requires a strong spiritual nerve to bring religion into the workshop and the business office, sanctifying the details of everyday life, and ordering every transaction according to the standard of God’s word. But this is what the Lord requires.?{CT 279.2}[19]
§51
使徒保罗认为懒惰乃是一种罪恶。他曾学会制造帐棚的手艺。在他传道的时候，他经常使用这种手艺来维持自己和别人的生活。他并不认为制造帐棚乃是浪费光阴。当他从事这职业时，他就能接触到一班用其他方法所接触不到的人。他告诉他的同伴：普通手艺的技能乃是上帝的恩赐。他教训他们，即使是日常的劳作上，他们也应当荣耀上帝。他那因辛苦劳作而结了硬茧的双手，并没有使这个作为基督执事的保罗所发出动人的恳劝失去一点力量。{CT 279.3}[20]
§52
The apostle Paul regarded idleness as a sin. He learned the trade of tentmaking in its higher and lower branches, and during his ministry he often worked at this trade to support himself and others. Paul did not?regard as lost the time thus spent. As he worked, the apostle had access to a class of people whom he could not otherwise have reached. He showed his associates that skill in the common arts is a gift from God. He taught that even in everyday toil God is to be honored. His toil-hardened hands detracted nothing from the force of his pathetic appeals as a Christian minister.?{CT 279.3}[20]
§53
上帝原来计划所有的人都成为作工的人。负重而劳苦的牲畜要比懒惰的人更能符合上帝造它的宗旨。上帝在不断地工作着。天使也是工作者。他们是上帝的使者，为人类服务。凡指望在天国闲居的人必要失望，因为天国没有供人怠惰之地，但对劳苦担重担的人却有安息的应许。忠心的仆人必受到欢迎，从地上的劳苦，进入主的喜乐。他必欢然卸下自己的军装。必有荣耀的安息为那些靠着基督十字架得胜的人预备。他们在这安息里必忘记战争的喧扰。{CT 280.1}[21]
§54
God designs that all shall be workers. The toiling beast of burden answers the purpose of its creation better than does the indolent man. God is a constant worker. The angels are workers; they are ministers of God to the children of men. Those who look forward to a heaven of inactivity will be disappointed, for the economy of heaven provides no place for the gratification of indolence. But to the weary and heavy-laden rest is promised. It is the faithful servant who will be welcomed from his labors to the joy of his Lord. He will lay off his armor with rejoicing, and will forget the noise of battle in the glorious rest prepared for those who conquer through the cross of Calvary.?{CT 280.1}[21]
§55
处处都有父母忽略教导和训练儿女从事有用的劳动。他们让青年人盲目成长，对起码的本分一无所知。凡如此被疏忽了的人应当警醒，负起这方面的责任来，他们若希望成功，就当振作起来，有效地运用上帝所赐的能力。{CT 280.2}[22]
§56
On every hand parents are neglecting to instruct and train their children for useful labor. The youth are allowed to grow up in ignorance of the simple and necessary duties. Those who have been thus unfortunate must awake and take the burden of the matter upon themselves; if they ever expect to succeed in life they must find incentives to the useful employment of their God-given powers.?{CT 280.2}[22]