第14章 为富人服务
§1
第14章 为富人服务
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Chap. 14 - Ministry to the Rich
§3
哥尼流是罗马军营的百夫长。他出身高贵，并拥有财富，负有重任。他虽生为异教之人，受过异教的教育和薰陶，但因与犹太人接触，就得以认识和敬拜真神，并怜悯穷人，藉以表示他信仰的真诚。他“多多周济百姓，常常祷告上帝。”（徒10：2）{MH 209.1}
§4
Cornelius, the Roman centurion, was a man of wealth and of noble birth. His position was one of trust and honor. A heathen by birth, training, and education, through contact with the Jews he had gained a knowledge of the true God, and he worshiped Him, showing the sincerity of his faith by compassion to the poor. He gave alms to the people, and prayed to God always. Acts 10:2, A.R.V. {MH 209.1}[1]
§5
哥尼流不知道基督的生和死所显示的福音，上帝就直接从天上给了他一个信息，同时也传一个信息指示彼得去见他并教导他。哥尼流不是犹太教的教徒，所以不免被拉比们视为“外教”和不洁净的人。但上帝了解他内心的虔诚，就从祂的宝座前差遣使者与祂地上的仆人合作，将福音传给这位罗马军官。{MH 209.2}
§6
Cornelius had not a knowledge of the gospel as revealed in the life and death of Christ, and God sent a message direct from heaven to him, and by another message directed the apostle Peter to visit and instruct him. Cornelius was not united with the Jewish church, and he would have been looked upon by the rabbis as a heathen and unclean; but God read the sincerity of his heart, and sent messengers from His throne to unite with His servant on earth in teaching the gospel to this officer of Rome. {MH 209.2}[2]
§7
今日上帝在上流社会中寻找迷羊，正象在卑微的人中一样。有许多象哥尼流那样的人是上帝希望与祂的教会联络的。他们是同情上帝子民的，但那把他们缠在世界上的力量是强大的。他们若要出来承认基督，就需要道德勇气。我们应当特别为这一等人作工，因为他们所负的责任和所有的交际，使他们处于极大的危险之中。{MH 209.3}
§8
So today God is seeking for souls among the high as well as the low. There are many like Cornelius, men whom He desires to connect with His church. Their sympathies are with the Lords people. But the ties that bind them to the world hold them firmly. It requires moral courage for these men to take their position with the lowly ones. Special effort should be made for these souls, who are in so great danger because of their responsibilities and associations. {MH 209.3}[3]
§9
关于我们对受忽略的穷人所当尽的责任，我们已经说得不少了。然而被忽略的富人难道不值得我们去关注吗？许多人认为这等人是没有希望的，所以也就不费什么心机去开他们的眼睛了。这些人因世俗的荣华而神魂颠倒，看不见永恒的利益。数以千计的富人没有听到警告就下到坟墓里去了。但许多富人虽然外表上冷漠，心灵却背负着重担。“贪爱银子的，不因得银子知足；贪爱丰富的，也不因得利益知足”（传5:10）。“对精金说，你是我的倚靠”的人，背弃了“在上的上帝”（伯31:24,28）。他们“一个也无法赎自己的弟兄，也不能替他将赎价给上帝，……因为赎他生命的价值极贵，只可永远罢休”（诗49:7-9）。{MH 210.1}
§10
Much is said concerning our duty to the neglected poor; should not some attention be given to the neglected rich? Many look upon this class as hopeless, and they do little to open the eyes of those, who, blinded and dazed by the glitter of earthly glory, have lost eternity out of their reckoning. Thousands of wealthy men have gone to their graves unwarned. But indifferent as they may appear, many among the rich are soul-burdened. He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase. He that says to fine gold, Thou art my confidence, has denied the God that is above. None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth forever). Ecclesiastes 5:10; Job 31:24, 28; Psalm 49:7, 8. {MH 210.1}[4]
§11
世界的富贵荣华，满足不了人的心灵。许多富人渴望得到上帝的保证和属灵的盼望。他们希望结束自己毫无目的的单调生活。许多在官场中的人，希望得到他们所没有的东西。他们中很少有人上教堂，因为他们觉得没有获得什么益处。他们所听见的道理没有打动他们的心。我们难道不该对他们进行个人的劝导吗? {MH 210.2}
§12
Riches and worldly honor cannot satisfy the soul. Many among the rich are longing for some divine assurance, some spiritual hope. Many long for something that will bring to an end the monotony of their aimless lives. Many in official life feel their need of something which they have not. Few among them go to church; for they feel that they receive little benefit. The teaching they hear does not touch the heart. Shall we make no personal appeal to them? {MH 210.2}[5]
§13
在受害于贫困和罪恶的人中，有些曾经是富人。不同职业和阶层的人，都有被世界的污秽、烈酒和纵欲所战胜、跌倒在试探之下的。这些堕落的人需要怜悯和帮助。但那些尚未如此堕落，踏上歧途的人，难道不需要关照吗？” {MH 210.3}
§14
Among the victims of want and sin are found those who were once in possession of wealth. Men of different vocations and different stations in life have been overcome by the pollutions of the world, by the use of strong drink, by the indulgence of lust, and have fallen under temptation. While these fallen ones demand pity and help, should not some attention be given to those who have not yet descended to these depths, but who are setting their feet in the same path? {MH 210.3}[6]
§15
数以千计位高权重的人在放纵败坏身心的习惯。传道人、政治家、作家、富豪才子，大商家，富豪，商业奇才和大有作为的人，处在极其危险的状态下，因为他们不知道在凡事上约束自己的重要性。需要有人告诉他们节制的原则，不是用狭隘武断的方法，而是依据上帝对于人类的伟大旨意。如果这样把真节制的原则摆在人面前，许多上层人士就会认识到这些原则的价值，并衷心接受。{MH 211.1}
§16
Thousands in positions of trust and honor are indulging habits that mean ruin to soul and body. Ministers of the gospel, statesmen, authors, men of wealth and talent, men of vast business capacity and power for usefulness, are in deadly peril because they do not see the necessity of self-control in all things. They need to have their attention called to the principles of temperance, not in a narrow or arbitrary way, but in the light of Gods great purpose for humanity. Could the principles of true temperance thus be brought before them, there are very many of the higher classes who would recognize their value and give them a hearty acceptance. {MH 211.1}[7]
§17
我们要向这些人指出有害的嗜好削弱人体力、智力和道德力的后果。要帮助他们认识到作为上帝恩赐管家的责任，告诉他们怎样把化在有害物质上的金钱，用来行善。要出示戒酒保证书，劝他们把买烟酒和用于其他嗜好的金钱，用来帮助患病的穷人，训练青少年成为社会上有用的人。对于这样的请求，不会有许多人拒绝的。{MH 211.2}
§18
We should show these persons the result of harmful indulgences in lessening physical, mental, and moral power. Help them to realize their responsibility as stewards of Gods gifts. Show them the good they could do with the money they now spend for that which does them only harm. Present the total abstinence pledge, asking that the money they would otherwise spend for liquor, tobacco, or like indulgences be devoted to the relief of the sick poor or for the training of children and youth for usefulness in the world. To such an appeal not many would refuse to listen. {MH 211.2}[8]
§19
富人还有一种特别的危险，而这也是医疗布道士的工作园地。许多世上的富人并不犯一般的罪，但因为贪爱钱财而走向灭亡。最难举的，不是空的杯子，而是盛得满满的杯子，因为需要保持平衡。苦难和忧患固然使人悲愁失望；但最足以危害属灵生命的，却是属世的兴盛。{MH 211.3}
§20
There is another danger to which the wealthy are especially exposed, and here is also a field for the medical missionary. Multitudes who are prosperous in the world, and who never stoop to the common forms of vice, are yet brought to destruction through the love of riches. The cup most difficult to carry is not the cup that is empty, but the cup that is full to the brim. It is this that needs to be most carefully balanced. Affliction and adversity bring disappointment and sorrow; but it is prosperity that is most dangerous to spiritual life. {MH 211.3}[9]
§21
摩西在旷野所看见的那堆燃烧着却不烧毁的荆棘代表遭遇逆境的人。有天使在荆棘之中。照样，我们在穷困痛苦之中，也有那一位看不见的荣耀之主与我们同在，安慰我们，支持我们。常有人为患病受苦的人祈祷，但最需要我们祷告的，倒是一些有钱有势的人。{MH 212.1}
§22
Those who are suffering reverses are represented by the bush that Moses saw in the desert, which, though burning, was not consumed. The angel of the Lord was in the midst of the bush. So in deprivation and affliction the brightness of the presence of the Unseen is with us to comfort and sustain. Often prayer is solicited for those who are suffering from illness or adversity; but our prayers are most needed by the men entrusted with prosperity and influence. {MH 212.1}[10]
§23
在屈辱的幽谷中，世人必感觉自己的需要并依靠上帝引领他们的每一步路程，那是比较安全的。但那些俨然站在高峰之上，又因他们的地位而被人看为大有智慧的人，──这些人却正处于最大的危险之中。这样的人若不以上帝为他们的依靠，就必跌倒。{MH 212.2}
§24
In the valley of humiliation, where men feel their need and depend on God to guide their steps, there is comparative safety. But the men who stand, as it were, on a lofty pinnacle, and who, because of their position, are supposed to possess great wisdom--these are in greatest peril. Unless such men make God their dependence, they will surely fall. {MH 212.2}[11]
§25
圣经并没有为财富而谴责人，只要他的财富是用诚实的方法得来的。钱财不是万恶之根，贪财才是万恶之根。上帝赐给人获得财富的能力。财富在上帝的管家手里无私地使用，对于拥有财富的人和世界来说，都是一种福气。但许多人专注于世俗的财富，意识不到上帝的要求和和同胞的需要。他们视财富为荣耀个人的手段。有了房屋，还要房屋，买了田地，还要田地，家中堆满奢侈品，而他们周围则尽是受苦犯罪、患病将亡的人。凡这样追求自私享受的人，不是在培养上帝的品格，而是在培养恶者的性情。{MH 212.3}
§26
The Bible condemns no man for being rich, if he has acquired his riches honestly. Not money, but the love of money, is the root of all evil. It is God who gives men power to get wealth; and in the hands of him who acts as Gods steward, using his means unselfishly, wealth is a blessing, both to its possessor and to the world. But many, absorbed in their interest in worldly treasures, become insensible to the claims of God and the needs of their fellow men. They regard their wealth as a means of glorifying themselves. They add house to house, and land to land; they fill their homes with luxuries, while all about them are human beings in misery and crime, in disease and death. Those who thus give their lives to self-serving are developing in themselves, not the attributes of God, but the attributes of the wicked one. {MH 212.3}[12]
§27
这些人需要福音。他们应该把眼光从虚浮的物质转移到宝贵的不朽财富上。他们应该学习体验施舍的乐趣和与上帝同工的福气。{MH 213.1}
§28
These men are in need of the gospel. They need to have their eyes turned from the vanity of material things to behold the preciousness of the enduring riches. They need to learn the joy of giving, the blessedness of being co-workers with God. {MH 213.1}[13]
§29
主对我们说：“你要嘱咐那些今世富足的人，不要自高，也不要倚靠无定的钱财；只要倚靠那厚赐百物给我们享受的上帝。又要嘱咐他们行善，在好事上富足，甘心施舍，乐意供给人，为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，叫他们持定那真正的生命”（提前6:17-19）。{MH 213.2}
§30
The Lord bids us, Charge them that are rich in this world that they trust not in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19. {MH 213.2}[14]
§31
吸引那些拥有财富、贪爱世界、崇拜世界的人归向基督，不是靠偶然随便的接触。这种人往往极难接近。需要富有传道精神的男女，坚持不懈地为他们作个人之工。{MH 213.3}
§32
It is by no casual, accidental touch that wealthy, world-loving, world-worshiping souls can be drawn to Christ. These persons are often the most difficult of access. Personal effort must be put forth for them by men and women imbued with the missionary spirit, those who will not fail or be discouraged. {MH 213.3}[15]
§33
有些人特别适合于为上层人士作工。他们应当寻求上帝的智慧，好知道怎样接近这些人，不单与他们作偶然的相识，而是藉着个人之工及活泼的信心使他们意识到心灵的需要，引导他们明白在耶稣里的真理。{MH 213.4}
§34
Some are especially fitted to work for the higher classes. These should seek wisdom from God to know how to reach these persons, to have not merely a casual acquaintance with them, but by personal effort and living faith to awaken them to the needs of the soul, to lead them to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. {MH 213.4}[16]
§35
许多人以为要接触上层阶级，就必须在生活方式和工作方法上迎合他们考究的品味。阔绰的外表，昂贵的建筑，艳丽的服装，豪华的车辆和装备，随从世俗的习惯，时髦社会的人为装饰，典雅的教养和高超的口才，似乎是必不可少的。但这种想法是不对的。世俗的策略不是上帝接触上层阶级的方法。能有效地感化他们的，乃是无私而坚持不懈地宣扬基督的福音。{MH 213.5}
§36
Many suppose that in order to reach the higher classes, a manner of life and method of work must be adopted that will be suited to their fastidious tastes. An appearance of wealth, costly edifices, expensive dress, equipage, and surroundings, conformity to worldly customs, the artificial polish of fashionable society, classical culture, the graces of oratory, are thought to be essential. This is an error. The way of worldly policy is not Gods way of reaching the higher classes. That which will reach them effectually is a consistent, unselfish presentation of the gospel of Christ. {MH 213.5}[17]
§37
保罗对付雅典哲学家的经验中有给我们的教训。他在亚略巴古传福音时，曾用逻辑应付逻辑，用科学应付科学，用哲学应付哲学。听众中最聪明的人，都惊讶得哑口无言。他的话无法反驳。但效果不好。没有几个人被引导接受福音。此后保罗采用了不同的方法。他不再用复杂的辩辞和理论，只用简单的话向人指出基督为罪人的救主。他写信给哥林多信徒谈到他在他们中间的工作说：{MH 214.1}
§38
The experience of the apostle Paul in meeting the philosophers of Athens has a lesson for us. In presenting the gospel before the court of the Areopagus, Paul met logic with logic, science with science, philosophy with philosophy. The wisest of his hearers were astonished and silenced. His words could not be controverted. But the effort bore little fruit. Few were led to accept the gospel. Henceforth Paul adopted a different manner of labor. He avoided elaborate arguments and discussion of theories, and in simplicity pointed men and women to Christ as the Saviour of sinners. Writing to the Corinthians of his work among them, he said: {MH 214.1}[18]
§39
“弟兄们，从前我到你们那里去，并没有用高言大智对你们宣传上帝的奥秘。因为我曾定了主意，在你们中间不知道别的，只知道耶稣基督并祂钉十字架。……我说的话，讲的道，不是用智慧委婉的言语，乃是用圣灵和大能的明证；叫你们的信不在乎人的智慧，只在乎上帝的大能”（林前2:1-5）。{MH 214.2}
§40
I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. . . . My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. {MH 214.2}[19]
§41
他还写给罗马信徒说：{MH 215.1}
§42
Again, in his letter to the Romans, he says: {MH 215.1}[20]
§43
“我不以福音为耻，这福音本是上帝的大能，要救一切相信的，先是犹太人，后是希利尼人”（罗1:16）。{MH 215.2}
§44
I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16. {MH 215.2}[21]
§45
凡为上层阶级作工的，应当保持真正的尊严，常常记着有天使与他们作伴。他们心思意念的宝库中，应满存着“经上记着说”。在他们记忆的厅堂中，应悬挂基督宝贵的话语。要把它们的价值看作远超金银。{MH 215.3}
§46
Let those who work for the higher classes bear themselves with true dignity, remembering that angels are their companions. Let them keep the treasure house of mind and heart filled with, It is written. Hang in memorys hall the precious words of Christ. They are to be valued far above gold or silver. {MH 215.3}[22]
§47
基督曾经说过：“骆驼穿过针的眼，比财主进上帝的国还容易呢”（太19:24）！在这项工作中会有许多令人灰心的现象，暴露许多令人痛心的事。但在上帝凡事都能。祂能够而且愿意藉着人为媒介做工，感动那些一心赚钱牟利的富人。{MH 215.4}
§48
Christ has said that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. In the work for this class many discouragements will be presented, many heartsickening revelations will be made. But all things are possible with God. He can and will work through human agencies upon the minds of men whose lives have been devoted to money getting. {MH 215.4}[23]
§49
他们必能施行使罪人真诚悔改的神迹，纵然这些神迹现在不未为人所注意。地上最大的伟人也是上帝神奇的能力所能感化的。如果那些与上帝同工的人能抓紧机会，勇敢而忠心地尽到自己的本分，上帝就能使一些身负重责，有知识有势力的人悔改。由于圣灵的能力，许多人必蒙引领接受神圣的原则。{MH 216.1}
§50
There are miracles to be wrought in genuine conversion, miracles that are not now discerned. The greatest men of the earth are not beyond the power of a wonder-working God. If those who are workers together with Him will do their duty bravely and faithfully, God will convert men who occupy responsible places, men of intellect and influence. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, many will be led to accept the divine principles. {MH 216.1}[24]
§51
及至显明了主期望他们作祂的代表，去救助遭受苦难的人类，许多人就会响应，藉着捐款和同情之心来造福穷人。当他们的心这样被吸引，转离了他们自己自私的利益，许多人就会蒙引导将自己投诚于基督。他们必乐于用其财力与感化力，甘心与上帝所差领他悔改的谦卑的传道人一起，协力合作慈善之工了。藉着正确使用其地上的财宝，他们就会自己积攒“用不尽的财宝在天上，就是贼不能近，虫不能蛀的地方”（路12:33）。{MH 216.2}
§52
When it is made plain that the Lord expects them as His representatives to relieve suffering humanity, many will respond and will give of their means and their sympathies for the benefit of the poor. As their minds are thus drawn away from their own selfish interests, many will surrender themselves to Christ. With their talents of influence and means they will gladly unite in the work of beneficence with the humble missionary who was Gods agent in their conversion. By a right use of their earthly treasures they will lay up for themselves a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. {MH 216.2}[25]
§53
许多人悔改归主以后，就成为上帝手中的工具，为他们阶层的其他人服务。他们必觉得自己有责任将福音传给那些专顾世界的人。他们的光阴和金钱必献给上帝。他们的才能和影响，也必用来救人归向基督。{MH 216.3}
§54
When converted to Christ, many will become agencies in the hand of God to work for others of their own class. They will feel that a dispensation of the gospel is committed to them for those who have made this world their all. Time and money will be consecrated to God, talent and influence will be devoted to the work of winning souls to Christ. {MH 216.3}[26]
§55
只有来世才能显明这种工作的成效——有多少患病疑惑、厌倦世俗和纷扰的生灵被带到了大医师那里。凡到祂面前来的人，祂都能拯救到底。基督是复活的救主。祂有医治之能。{MH 216.4}
§56
Only eternity will reveal what has been accomplished by this kind of ministry—how many souls, sick with doubt and tired of worldliness and unrest, have been brought to the great Restorer, who longs to save to the uttermost all that come unto Him. Christ is a risen Saviour, and there is healing in His wings. {MH 216.4}