第72章 论款待
§1
第72章 论款待
§2
Chap. 72 - Hospitality
§3
今日也可能接待天使——《圣经》极其强调实行款待的美德，不仅视款待为一项应尽的义务，且提述若干实践此一美德的优美例证以及借此而获致的福分。在这些实例中自以亚伯拉罕的经历为首。[1]
§4
Angels May Be Entertained Today.--The Bible lays much stress upon the practice of hospitality. Not only does it enjoin hospitality as a duty, but it presents many beautiful pictures of the exercise of this grace and the blessings which it brings. Foremost among these is the experience of Abraham. . . . {AH 445.1}[1]
§5
这一切有礼貌的行为，上帝已认为相当的重要而记录在他的圣言之中；一千多年之后又经一位蒙启示的使徒提述道：“不可忘记用爱心接待客旅；因为曾有接待客旅的，不知不觉就接待了天使。”[2]
§6
These acts of courtesy God thought of sufficient importance to record in His word; and more than a thousand years later they were referred to by an inspired apostle: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. {AH 445.2}[2]
§7
赐给亚伯拉罕和罗得的权利，并非没有赐给我们。借着款待上帝的儿女，连我们也可能将天使接到我们的家里来。即使在我们这个时代，天使也会取了人的形体，到世人的家里来接受他们的款待。而生存于上帝圣颜之荣光中的基督徒，常有看不见的天使伴随着他们，当这些圣洁的生灵离开我们时，便留下了福惠在我们的家中。[3]
§8
The privilege granted Abraham and Lot is not denied to us. By showing hospitality to Gods children we, too, may receive His angels into our dwellings. Even in our day angels in human form enter the homes of men and are entertained by them. And Christians who live in the light of Gods countenance are always accompanied by unseen angels, and these holy beings leave behind them a blessing in our homes. {AH 445.3}[3]
§9
被忽视的机会与权利——“乐意接待远人”乃是《圣经》所提示为配承负教会重任者的资格之一。而给予全体教友的劝勉乃是：“你们要互相款待，不发怨言。各人要照所得的恩赐彼此服侍，作上帝百般恩赐的好管家。”[4]
§10
Neglected Opportunities and Privileges.--A lover of hospitality is among the specifications given by the Holy Spirit as marking one who is to bear responsibility in the church. And to the whole church is given the injunction: Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. {AH 445.4}[4]
§11
这样的规劝竟可惊地被忽视了。就是在自称为基督徒的人中间，也很少真正实行款待客人的。而在我们教会的同道当中，也不曾照着所当行的视接待远人为一项特权与福惠。太少有好客的表示，太少有人乐于多接待两三位宾客与家人共饭而不嫌烦扰，或不事铺张的。[5]
§12
These admonitions have been strangely neglected. Even among those who profess to be Christians true hospitality is little exercised. Among our own people the opportunity of showing hospitality is not regarded as it should be, as a privilege and blessing. There is altogether too little sociability, too little of a disposition to make room for two or three more at the family board without embarrassment or parade. {AH 445.5}[5]
§13
不当的借口——我曾听见许多人为他们不热心邀请上帝的圣徒到他们家里而借词推诿说：“怎么办，我什么都没有准备；什么菜都没有做；请他们上别家去吧！”然而别家或许又捏造出其他的借口，而不接纳这需要款待的客人，于是客人深感悲伤，黯然离开那里，心中对于这班自称为弟兄和姊妹的人这样接待远人的方式十分不悦。姊妹啊，你倘若没有饼，就当去向你的邻居说：“朋友，请借给我三个饼，因为我有一个朋友行路，来到我这里，我没有什么给他摆上。”[6]
§14
Inadequate Excuses.--I have heard many excuse themselves from inviting to their homes and hearts the saints of God: Why, I have nothing prepared; I have nothing cooked; they must go to some other place. And at that place there may be some other excuse invented for not receiving those who need hospitality, and the feelings of the visitors are deeply grieved, and they leave with unpleasant impressions in regard to the hospitality of these professed brethren and sisters. If you have no bread, sister, imitate the case brought to view in the Bible. Go to your neighbor and say: Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him. {AH 446.1}[6]
§15
我们并无假借缺饼为借口而不照顾请求者的先例。当以利亚逃到撒勒法一个寡妇的家中时，她与上帝的先知一同分享她仅存的一口食物，他便行了一个神迹；因此借着迎接他的仆人到家里来与他分享仅有的食物，她自己便得到了供养，而她和她儿子的性命也赖以保全。许多人也必得到同样的经验，只要他们欣然为上帝的荣耀而如此去做。[7]
§16
We have not an example of this lack of bread ever being made an excuse to refuse entrance to an applicant. When Elijah came to the widow of Sarepta, she shared her morsel with the prophet of God, and he wrought a miracle and caused that in that act of making a home for his servant and sharing her morsel with him, she herself was sustained, and her life and that of her son preserved. Thus will it prove in the case of many, if they do this cheerfully, for the glory of God. {AH 446.2}[7]
§17
有些人以自己健康不佳为借口——如果他们有精神，他们原是乐意去行的。这等人久已将自己禁锢起来，终日只想到自己的感受，只诉说自己的痛苦、试炼和患难，甚至这些竟成了他们的现代真理。他们专顾自己，不问他人如何需要同情和帮助。你们这些因健康不佳而痛苦的人哪，这里有一张妙方。你若见赤身的给他衣服遮体，将飘流的穷人接到你家中，把你的饼分给饥饿的人，“这样，你的光就必发现如早晨的光，你所得的医治要速速发明。”行善是医治疾病的良药。凡参与此种工作的人，都已蒙邀请而尽可呼求上帝，他保证必亲自听允他们。虽在干旱之地，他们必心满意足，而且他们也必像浇灌的园子，又像水流不绝的泉源。[8]
§18
Some plead their poor health--they would love to do if they had strength. Such have so long shut themselves up to themselves and thought so much of their own poor feelings and talked so much of their sufferings, trials, and afflictions that it is their present truth. They can think of no one but self, however much others may be in need of sympathy and assistance. You who are suffering with poor health, there is a remedy for you. If thou clothe the naked and bring the poor that are cast out to thy house and deal thy bread to the hungry, then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily. Doing good is an excellent remedy for disease. Those who engage in the work are invited to call upon God, and He has pledged Himself to answer them. Their soul shall be satisfied in drought, and they shall be like a watered garden, whose waters fail not. {AH 446.3}[8]
§19
因独自享受而丧失了福惠——由于常常显露为“我和我的家属”的自私观念，因而使上帝深为不悦。凡怀存这种精神的家庭，都须本乎基督生平所彰显之纯洁的原则而痛自悔改。凡自己禁锢自己，而不愿参与照顾宾客的人，必丧失很多的福惠。[9]
§20
Blessings Lost by Selfish Exclusiveness.--God is displeased with the selfish interest so often manifested for me and my family. Every family that cherishes this spirit needs to be converted by the pure principles exemplified in the life of Christ. Those who shut themselves up within themselves, who are unwilling to drawn upon to entertain visitors, lose many blessings. {AH 447.1}[9]
§21
天使正等候着要察看我们是否把握已有的机会而尽力行善——正等候着要察看我们是否造福他人，使他们转而加惠于我们。主已亲自使我们各人都有所区别——有的贫穷，有的富裕，有的受苦——这样使人人都可以有机会培养品格。贫穷之人的存在是出乎上帝的美意，为要考验并试炼我们，且培养我们心中所存的一切。[10]
§22
Angels are waiting to see if we embrace opportunities within our reach of doing good--waiting to see if we will bless others, that they in their turn may bless us. The Lord Himself has made us to differ--some poor, some rich, some afflicted--that all may have an opportunity to develop character. The poor are purposely permitted to be thus of God, that we may be tested and proved and develop what is in our hearts. {AH 447.2}[10]
§23
款待远人的精神一时消泯，心灵就必因自私而麻木不仁了。[11]
§24
When the spirit of hospitality dies, the heart becomes palsied with selfishness. {AH 447.3}[11]
§25
所应款待的对象——我们的社交活动不宜受世俗的风气所左右，乃要以基督的灵及圣言的教训为依归。以色列民在他们所举行的一切宴会中，也包括一切贫穷的人，远道的客旅，和利未人——他们是圣所内的祭司的助手，也是宗教的教师和传道士。这几等人都被视为百姓的宾客，在所有社交与宗教的宴会上都被一视同仁地予以款待，而遇有疾病或特殊的需要时，都受到出于慈心的照料。像这样的人我们都当迎接到家里来。如此的款待，对于那些从事医药传道的护士或教员，身负重担而辛勤劳苦的母亲，或年迈力衰的老人——这等人往往是无家可归而经常在贫困穷乏和许多沮丧之事中挣扎的——该是多大的安慰和鼓舞啊！[12]
§26
To Whom Should Hospitality Be Extended?--Our social entertainments should not be governed by the dictates of worldly custom, but by the Spirit of Christ and the teaching of His word. The Israelites, in all their festivities, included the poor, the stranger, and the Levite, who was both the assistant of the priest in the sanctuary and a religious teacher and missionary. These were regarded as the guests of the people, to share their hospitality on all occasions of social and religious rejoicing, and to be tenderly cared for in sickness or in need. It is such as these whom we should make welcome to our homes. How much such a welcome might do to cheer and encourage the missionary nurse or the teacher, the care-burdened, hard-working mother, or the feeble and aged, so often without a home and struggling with poverty and many discouragements. {AH 447.4}[12]
§27
基督说：“你摆设午饭或晚饭，不要请你的朋友、弟兄、亲属和富足的邻舍；恐怕他们也请你，你就得了报答。你摆设筵席，倒要请那贫穷的、残废的、瘸腿的、瞎眼的，你就有福了；因为他们没有什么可报答你；到义人复活的时候，你要得着报答。”[13]
§28
When thou makest a dinner or a supper, Christ says, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. {AH 448.1}[13]
§29
这样的客人不会加给你太大的负担。你无需为他们预备什么珍馐或昂贵的筵席。你也用不着费力来铺张。你亲切的款待中的温暖感，你家中火炉边的座椅，你餐桌旁的席位，以及分享祈祷良辰之福惠的特权，在这班人的眼中，就如瞥见了天国一样。[14]
§30
These are guests whom it will lay on you no great burden to receive. You will not need to provide for them elaborate or expensive entertainment. You will need to make no effort at display. The warmth of a genial welcome, a place at your fireside, a seat at your home table, the privilege of sharing the blessing of the hour of prayer, would to many of these be like a glimpse of heaven. {AH 448.2}[14]
§31
我们的同情心要延伸到自我和家庭的墙垣以外。有许多可贵的机会要赐予凡愿使他们的家成为造福他人之所在的人。社交方面的影响是一种不可思议的力量。只要我们愿意，就可以利用它而作为助人的利器。[15]
§32
Our sympathies are to overflow the boundaries of self and the enclosure of family walls. There are precious opportunities for those who will make their homes a blessing to others. Social influence is a wonderful power. We can use it, if we will, as a means of helping those about us. {AH 448.3}[15]
§33
受试探之青年的避难所——我们的家应该成为受试探之青年的避难所。许多青年人正站在岔路口。各种影响，各种感受，都会决定他们所作的选择，而这种选择乃要左右他们今生与来世的命运。邪恶在招引他们。它的巢窟都显得五光十色，非常悦目，热烈地欢迎每一个来客。在我们的四围有不少无家可归的青年，还有许多的青年，他们的家庭对他们毫无帮助或提拔的力量，以至他们随波逐流地飘向邪恶中去。他们就在我们自己家门的阴影里陷于败亡中了。[16]
§34
A Refuge for Tempted Youth.--Our homes should be a place of refuge for the tempted youth. Many there are who stand at the parting of the ways. Every influence, every impression, is determining the choice that shapes their destiny both here and hereafter. Evil invites them. Its resorts are made bright and attractive. They have a welcome for every comer. All about us are youth who have no home and many whose homes have no helpful, uplifting power, and the youth drift into evil. They are going down to ruin within the very shadow of our own doors. {AH 449.1}[16]
§35
这些青年亟需向他们伸出同情的援手，慈和的言语平易地讲出，细微的关注真诚地给予，就必将那环绕心灵的试探的阴霾一扫而空。由衷地表现自天而生的同情，足能开启那些需要基督化馨香的言语与基督大爱的精神所含单纯而柔和之抚慰的心门。假使我们肯向青年表示关怀，邀请他们到我们家里来，并以愉快而有助益的感化力去环护他们，那么他们当中必有许多人会欣然掉转脚步，朝着向上的道路前进了。[17]
§36
These youth need a hand stretched out to them in sympathy. Kind words simply spoken, little attentions simply bestowed, will sweep away the clouds of temptations which gather over the soul. The true expression of heaven-born sympathy has power to open the door of hearts that need the fragrance of Christlike words and the simple, delicate touch of the spirit of Christs love. If we would show an interest in the youth, invite them to our homes, and surround them with cheering, helpful influences, there are many who would gladly turn their steps into the upward path. {AH 449.2}[17]
§37
保持家庭的纯朴——当客人来到的时候——这是常有的事，不应容他们将母亲的时间和注意力完全占去；她儿女今世和属灵的福利仍属首要。不要耗时费事地预备腻味的糕、饼，以及那些不利于健康的食物。这一类的食物所费不赀，有些人家负担不起。但最大的害处乃在于所立下的榜样。但愿家庭的纯朴得以保持。不要给人留下一个印象，以为你能维持一种实际上是你经济力量所不及的生活水准。无论在你所预备的食物或持家的方式上，都不要强充阔绰。[18]
§38
Preserve Family Simplicity.--When visitors come, as they frequently will, they should not be allowed to absorb all the time and attention of the mother; her childrens temporal and spiritual welfare should come first. Time should not be used in preparing rich cakes, pies, and unhealthful viands for the table. These are an extra expense, and many cannot afford it. But the greater evil is in the example. Let the simplicity of the family be preserved. Do not try to give the impression that you can sustain a style of living which is really beyond your means. Do not try to appear what you are not, either in your table preparations or in your manners. {AH 449.3}[18]
§39
你虽然应该以和蔼亲挚的态度对待客人，使他们感觉像在自己的家中一样，然而总要随时记住：你是上帝所赐给你的孩子们的导师。他们随时在注意着你，所以你所行的无论是哪一方面，总不要导引他们走上错路。你对待客人，也要像平日对待自己的家人一般——和悦、体贴，并且殷勤有礼。这样，人人都能作教育家，作善行的表率。他们也就能证明确有比时时忧虑着吃什么，喝什么，穿什么更为重要的事了。[19]
§40
While you should treat your visitors kindly and make them feel at home, you should ever remember that you are a teacher to the little ones God has given you. They are watching you, and no course of yours should direct their feet in the wrong way. Be to your visitors just what you are to your family every day--pleasant, considerate, and courteous. In this way all can be educators, an example of good works. They testify that there is something more essential than to keep the mind on what they shall eat and drink and wherewithal they shall be clothed. {AH 450.1}[19]
§41
要维持和平安舒的气氛——假使我们的家庭生活与社交方式都以基督的柔和质朴为原则，那么我们就会比现在更加快乐，更加有为了。我们不要竭力铺张以激起来宾的赞叹或妒羡，乃当借着愉快、同情与亲爱，使我们周围的人皆大欢喜。要使来宾看出我们处处都努力依循基督的旨意而行。要使他们认清：我们处境虽甚低微，仍存着知足与感恩之心。一个真实的基督化家庭的气氛，必是平安而宁静的。这种榜样是决不会没有效果的。[20]
§42
Maintain a Peaceful, Restful Atmosphere.--We would be much happier and more useful if our home life and social intercourse were governed by the meekness and simplicity of Christ. Instead of toiling for display to excite the admiration or the envy of visitors, we should endeavor to make all around us happy by our cheerfulness, sympathy, and love. Let visitors see that we are striving to conform to the will of Christ. Let them see in us, even though our lot is humble, a spirit of content and gratitude. The very atmosphere of a truly Christian home is that of peace and restfulness. Such an example will not be without effect. {AH 450.2}[20]
§43
上帝保存着费用的帐目——基督记下每一项为他的名而支出的款待宾客之费用的帐目。他也供给这项工作所需要的一切。凡为基督的名，而款待弟兄，尽其所能地使宾客与自己同得裨益的人，都被上天记录为配承受特殊福分的。[21]
§44
An Expense Account Is Kept in Heaven.--Christ keeps an account of every expense incurred in entertaining for His sake. He supplies all that is necessary for this work. Those who for Christs sake entertain their brethren, doing their best to make the visit profitable both to their guests and to themselves, are recorded in heaven as worthy of special blessings. . . . {AH 450.3}[21]
§45
基督借着他自己的生活，留下了款待宾客的教训。当他在海边为饥饿的听众环绕之时，他并没有打发他们忍饥挨饿地回家去。他向他的门徒说：“你们给他们吃吧。”于是借着他创造的神能，他便供给了足够的食物，满足了他们的需要。然而所预备的食物却是何等的简单啊！没有什么珍馐美味。他原是掌握着全天庭之资源的主，足能为百姓摆上丰盛的筵席。但他所赐予的，仅够满足他们的需要，与沿海一般渔夫日用的饮食并无二致。[22]
§46
Christ has given in His own life a lesson of hospitality. When surrounded by the hungry multitude beside the sea, He did not send them unrefreshed to their homes. He said to His disciples: Give ye them to eat. Matthew 14:16. And by an act of creative power He supplied food sufficient to satisfy their need. Yet how simple was the food provided! There were no luxuries. He who had all the resources of heaven at His command could have spread for the people a rich repast. But He supplied only that which would suffice for their need, that which was the daily food of the fisherfolk about the sea. {AH 451.1}[22]
§47
假使今日世人的生活习惯能予以简化，依自然之律度日，那样就必有足够的粮食供应全人类的需要了。如此，那些想象中的需求必更为减少，而依照上帝的方式行事的机会就必增多了。[23]
§48
If men were today simple in their habits, living in harmony with natures laws, there would be an abundant supply for all the needs of the human family. There would be fewer imaginary wants and more opportunity to work in Gods ways. . . . {AH 451.2}[23]
§49
贫穷未必能限制我们不表现好客的美德。我们当与人共享自己所有的。有些人为生活而奋力挣扎，凭他们的收入应付自己的需要也十分困难；但是他们爱那些代表耶稣的圣徒，随时都准备招待信徒与非信徒，盼望能使凡来到他们家中的人都得些益处。无论在家中的餐桌旁和祭坛前，宾客都备受欢迎。祷告的时辰在那些受到款待之人的心中也会留下印象，甚至只是一次的访问，也许就能拯救一个生灵免于灭亡。主为这样的工作都留下了记录，且说：“我必偿还。”[24]
§50
Poverty need not shut us out from showing hospitality. We are to impart what we have. There are those who struggle for a livelihood and who have great difficulty in making their income meet their necessities; but they love Jesus in the person of His saints and are ready to show hospitality to believers and unbelievers, trying to make their visits profitable. At the family board and the family altar the guests are made welcome. The season of prayer makes its impression on those who receive entertainment, and even one visit may mean the saving of a soul from death. For this work the Lord makes a reckoning, saying: I will repay. {AH 451.3}[24]
§51
警醒掌握机会——弟兄姊妹啊，警醒吧！不要怕行善。“我们行善不可丧志；若不灰心，到了时候就要收成。”不要等别人来指示你的本分。要放眼看看你四周的人；要使自己熟识那班无助的、受苦的、穷乏的人。不要藏匿起来使他们找不着你，也不要闭目不问他们的困乏。谁能证明自己具有雅各所提及的那种清洁而毫无玷污毫无私心的虔诚呢？谁愿尽其所能地协力完全这伟大的救赎计划呢？[25]
§52
Awake to Opportunities.--Wake up, brethren and sisters. Do not be afraid of good works. Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Do not wait to be told your duty. Open your eyes and see who are around you; make yourselves acquainted with the helpless, afflicted, and needy. Hide not yourselves from them, and seek not to shut out their needs. Who gives the proofs mentioned in James, of possessing pure religion, untainted with selfishness or corruption? Who are anxious to do all in their power to aid in the great plan of salvation? {AH 451.4}[25]