第07章 维持上帝的圣工
§1
第07章 维持上帝的圣工
§2
Chap. 07 - The Lords Work to Be Maintained
§3
最后的宽容岁月快要永远过去；上帝的大日即将来临。我们的每一分精力都要用来唤醒死在罪孽过犯中的人。……{CS 35.1}[1]
§4
The last years of probation are passing into eternity. The great day of the Lord is right upon us. Every energy we possess should now be used to arouse those dead in trespasses and sins. . . . {CS 35.1}[1]
§5
现在正是我们注意圣经教训的时候。上帝的一切吩咐都是为了我们的好处。祂呼吁站在以马内利大君血染旌旗之下的人，藉着归还一部分祂所托付的钱，证明他们认识到自己是依赖上帝，并向祂负责的。这些钱应该用来推进所应成就的工，完成基督交给门徒的使命。……{CS 35.2}[2]
§6
It is time that we gave heed to the teaching of the word of God. All His injunctions are given to do us good. He calls upon those who stand under the bloodstained banner of Prince Immanuel to give evidence that they realize their dependence on God and their accountability to Him, by returning to Him a certain portion of that which He entrusts to them. This money is to be used in advancing the work that must be done to fulfill the commission given by Christ to His disciples. . . . {CS 35.2}[2]
§7
上帝的子民蒙召从事一项需要金钱和献身的工作。我们身负的责任，要我们尽一切力量为上帝工作。祂要求我们心、灵、思想和体力全然奉献，专一地服务。{CS 35.3}[3]
§8
Gods people are called to a work that requires money and consecration. The obligations resting upon us hold us responsible to work for God to the utmost of our ability. He calls for undivided service, for the entire devotion of heart, soul, mind, and strength. {CS 35.3}[3]
§9
在宇宙中只有两处可以存放我们的财宝──上帝的仓库或撒但的仓库。凡不用于上帝圣工的钱财，就算属乎撒但，用来加强他的事业。上帝将财物交托我们，是要用来建立祂的国度。祂把财物委托给祂的管家，是要他们小心经营，在救灵工作中给祂带来收益。这些生灵转而要成为受托的管家，与基督合作，扩大上帝圣工的效益。{CS 35.4}[4]
§10
There are only two places in the universe where we can place our treasures,--in Gods storehouse or in Satans; and all that is not devoted to Gods service is counted on Satans side, and goes to strengthen his cause. The Lord designs that the means entrusted to us shall be used in building up His kingdom. His goods are entrusted to His stewards that they may be carefully traded upon, and bring back a revenue to Him in the saving of souls. These souls in their turn will become stewards of trust, cooperating with Christ to further the interests of Gods cause. {CS 35.4}[4]
§11
【为分赠而领受】
§12
教会里只要有生命，就会有成长和扩大，还会有不断的交换，有接受，有施舍，从上帝领受，归还给上帝。上帝赐亮光和福气给每一位真实的信徒，而信徒也要在为上帝所做的工作中，把所领受的分给别人。他将所领受的给出去时，他的接受力就增加了。他就有空间来容纳新供应的真理和恩典了。他有了更清晰的亮光和更丰富的知识。教会的生命和成长，依靠这样的领受和分赠。只顾领受而从不分赠的，他的收入很快就会停止。如果真理不能从他那里流向别人，他就会丧失领受的能力。我们必须分赠天国的货物，才能获得新的福分。{CS 36.1}[5]
§13
【Receiving to Impart】
§14
Wherever there is life in a church, there is increase and growth. There is also a constant interchange, taking and giving out, receiving and returning to the Lord His own. To every true believer God imparts light and blessing, and this the believer imparts to others in the work that he does for the Lord. As he gives of that which he receives, his capacity for receiving is increased. Room is made for fresh supplies of grace and truth. Clearer light, increased knowledge, are his. On this giving and receiving depend the life and growth of the church. He who receives, but never gives, soon ceases to receive. If the truth does not flow from him to others, he loses his capacity to receive. We must impart the goods of heaven, if we would receive fresh blessing. {CS 36.1}[5]
§15
上帝并没有计划来到世上留下金银来推进祂的工作。祂将资源供应给人，藉着他们的礼物和奉献使祂的工作不断推进。使用上帝恩赐最主要的目的，是维持收割田地上的工人。如果人成为天国福惠的通渠，使之流给别人，上帝就会供应这个通渠。归还上帝不会使人贫穷。扣留福惠才会使人贫穷。……{CS 36.2}[6]
§16
The Lord does not propose to come to this world, and lay down gold and silver for the advancement of His work. He supplies men with resources, that by their gifts and offerings they may keep His work advancing. The one purpose above all others for which Gods gifts should be used is the sustaining of workers in the harvest field. And if men will become channels through which heavens blessing can flow to others, the Lord will keep the channel supplied. It is not returning to the Lord His own that makes men poor; withholding tends to poverty. . . . {CS 36.2}[6]
§17
【节约和牺牲的时候】
§18
上帝呼召祂的子民认清自己的责任。从祂的话语中有亮光射出。要履行忽略了的职责。在履行了这些职责，把十分之一和其他捐款献给上帝之后，道路就会敞通，使人能听到上帝要他们听的信息。上帝的子民心中若存有祂的爱，每一个信徒如果都感染了克己牺牲的精神，国内和国外布道的基金就不会缺乏，我们的资源就会得到扩充，一千道有效的门户就会敞开，邀请我们进来。如果上帝的旨意得到成全，恩典的信息传遍世界，基督早就回来了，圣徒也早已被接进上帝之城。{CS 36.3}[7]
§19
【A Time for Economy and Sacrifice】
§20
God calls upon His people to awake to their responsibilities. A flood of light is shining from His word, and there must be a meeting of neglected obligations. When these are met, by giving to the Lord His own in tithes and offerings, the way will be opened for the world to hear the message that the Lord designs it to hear. If our people had the love of God in the heart, if every church member were imbued with the spirit of self-sacrifice, there would be no lack of funds for home and foreign missions; our resources would be multiplied; a thousand doors of usefulness would be opened; and we should be invited to enter. Had the purpose of God been carried out in giving the message of mercy to the world, Christ would have come, and the saints would have received their welcome into the city of God. {CS 36.3}[7]
§21
如果有一个时候需要人牺牲的话，那就是现在了。弟兄姊妹们：你们在家里要实行节约。要除掉摆在上帝面前的偶像，放弃自私的享乐。我恳劝你们不要花钱装饰你们的房子，因你们的钱财属于上帝，是要为使用而向祂交账。不要用上帝的金钱来满足孩子们的喜爱，而要教导他们明白，上帝对他们所拥有的一切都有所要求。没有任何事物能取消这个要求。{CS 37.1}[8]
§22
If ever there was a time when sacrifices should be made, it is now. My brethren and sisters, practice economy in your homes. Put away the idols that you have placed before God. Give up your selfish pleasures. Do not, I beg of you, spend means in embellishing your houses; for your money belongs to God, and to Him you must give an account for its use. Do not use the Lords money to gratify the fancies of your children. Teach them that God has a claim on all they possess, and that nothing can ever cancel this claim. {CS 37.1}[8]
§23
金钱是必需的财富，不要浪费在不需要的人身上。有人需要你乐意的礼物。世上有人处在饥饿之中。你也许会说，我不能全数供养他们。但是如果实行基督节约的教训，你必能供养一个。“把剩下的零碎收拾起来，免得有糟蹋的”（约6:12）。这句话是那一位用神迹来供应饥饿群众的主说的。{CS 37.2}[9]
§24
Money is a needed treasure. Do not lavish it upon those who need it not. Someone needs your willing gifts. There are those in the world who are hungry, starving. You may say, I cannot feed them all. But by practicing Christs lessons of economy, you can feed one. Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. These words were spoken by Him whose power wrought a miracle to supply the needs of a hungry multitude. {CS 37.2}[9]
§25
你们如果养成了奢侈的习惯，就当立即从生活中革除，否则就会导致永远的损失。俭约，勤劳和节制的习惯，对于你们的儿女来说比丰足的家产更有价值。{CS 37.3}[10]
§26
If you have extravagant habits, cut them away from your life at once. Unless you do this, you will be bankrupt for eternity. Habits of economy, industry, and sobriety, are a better portion for your children than a rich dowry. {CS 37.3}[10]
§27
我们在世上是客旅，是寄居的。我们不要把钱浪费在满足上帝要我们约束的欲望上。我们要限制自己的需求，正确地表达我们的信仰。我们教会的信徒应当兴起如同一人，殷勤作工，如同那些在行在末世真理充足亮光中的人。……{CS 38.1}[11]
§28
We are pilgrims and strangers on the earth. Let us not spend our means in gratifying desires that God would have us repress. Let us fitly represent our faith by restricting our wants. Let our church members arise as one man, and work earnestly, as those who are walking in the full light of truth for these last days. . . . {CS 38.1}[11]
§29
无数的财富若储存在银行，或囤积在豪华的住宅中，那有什么价值呢？如果将这些财富与无穷上帝之爱子基督所代死之生灵的得救进行比较，这算得了什么呢？（《评论与通讯》1903年12月24日）{CS 38.2}[12]
§30
Of what value is untold wealth, if it is hoarded in expensive mansions, or in bank stock? What do these weigh in the scale in comparison with the salvation of the souls for whom Christ, the Son of the infinite God, has died?--R. & H., Dec. 24, 1903. {CS 38.2}[12]
§31
【特权和责任】
§32
上帝把给予世人的最严肃的真理托付给我们向世界传扬。宣扬这些真理是我们的工作。世人需要警告。上帝的子民应当忠于他们所接受的委托。不要做投机生意，也不要与不信之人合伙经营，因为这样会阻碍他们从事托付所他们的工作。{CS 38.3}[13]
§33
【A Privilege and a Responsibility】
§34
The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given to us to proclaim to the world. The proclamation of these truths is our work. The world is to be warned, and Gods people are to be true to the trust committed to them. They are not to engage in speculations, neither are they to enter into business enterprises with unbelievers; for this would hinder them in doing the work given them. {CS 38.3}[13]
§35
基督对祂的子民说：“你们是世上的光”（太5:14）。上帝清楚地向我们阐明祂的旨意、计划和教训。这不是一件小事。从准确的预言中明白上帝的旨意，乃是一个奇妙的特权，这使我们负有一个沉重的责任。上帝希望我们将祂所赐的知识传给别人。祂的旨意是要人与神合作传扬警告的信息。（《评论与通讯》1904年7月28日）{CS 38.4}[14]
§36
Christ says of His people, Ye are the light of the world. It is not a small matter that the counsels and purposes and plans of God have been so clearly opened to us. It is a wonderful privilege to be able to understand the will of God as revealed in the sure word of prophecy. This places on us a heavy responsibility. God expects us to impart to others the knowledge He has given us. It is His purpose that divine and human instrumentalities shall unite in the proclamation of the warning message.--R. & H., July 28, 1904. {CS 38.4}[14]
§37
【支援国外布道】
§38
要在我国的每一个教会中唤起上帝儿女的同情心。要以无私的行动来满足各布道区的需要。信徒要捐献他们的财物，证明他们对上帝圣工的关心。这样的关心如果表现出来，在基督家庭的所有成员之间，基督徒弟兄相爱的纽带就会出现和加强。{CS 38.5}[15]
§39
【Support Foreign Missions】
§40
The sympathies of Gods people should be aroused in every church throughout our land, and there should be unselfish action to meet the necessities of different mission fields. Men should testify to their interest in the cause of God by giving of their substance. If such an interest were manifested, the bond of Christian brotherhood would exist and increase in strength between all the members of Christs family. {CS 38.5}[15]
§41
忠心地缴纳十分之一，会使上帝的家有粮，以供养国内外的工人。虽然有现代真理的书刊把知识的宝藏倾倒出来，但仍需在不同的地点设立传道的岗哨。要有传道人宣讲生命和救恩之道。有许多敞开的园地等待着我们进去。庄稼已经成熟。世界各地传来了需要工人的马其顿呼声。（《评论与通讯》1889年2月19日）{CS 39.1}[16]
§42
This work of faithfully bringing in all the tithes, that there may be meat in the house of God, would supply laborers for both home and foreign fields. Although books and publications upon present truth are pouring out their treasures of knowledge to all parts of the world, yet missionary posts must be established at different points. The living preacher must proclaim the words of life and salvation. There are open fields inviting workers to enter. The harvest is ripe, and the earnest Macedonian cry for laborers is heard from every part of the world.--R. & H., Feb. 19, 1889. {CS 39.1}[16]
§43
【工作不能停止】
§44
（这是怀爱伦在1886年发出的呼吁，写于欧洲。）我们若是真正拥有关乎这些末后日子的真理，就当将之传给各国各族各方各民。不久活人和死人都要按着本身所行的受审判，上帝的律法就是他们受试验的标准。因此他们现在就要受警告，上帝的神圣律法必须受维护，如同一面镜子放在他们面前。要完成这项工作是需要钱财的，我知道这是艰难的时期，钱财并不多；但真理必须传开，供传扬真理用的钱必须放进库里备用。……{CS 39.2}[17]
§45
【The Work Must Not Stop】
§46
[AN APPEAL MADE BY MRS. WHITE IN 1886. WRITTEN FROM EUROPE.] If we indeed have the truth for these last days, it must be carried to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Erelong the living and the dead are to be judged according to the deeds done in the body, and the law of God is the standard by which they are to be tested. Then they must now be warned; Gods holy law must be vindicated, and held up before them as a mirror. To accomplish this work, means is needed. I know that times are hard, money is not plenty; but the truth must be spread, and money to spread it must be placed in the treasury. . . . {CS 39.2}[17]
§47
【我们要放弃工作吗？】
§48
我们的信息虽是普世性的，但有许多人简直什么都没有做，更多的人只做了一点点，却因为他们非常缺少信心而近乎没有做。我们要放弃已在外国开垦的田地吗？还是要停止一部分的本地工作呢？我们遇到几千元的负债就面色苍白了吗？在这地球历史最后的几幕里，我们要胆怯和落伍吗？我的心说：不，不。每当我思想这问题的时候，便不禁心中火热，要让这工作继续前进。我们不会否认我们的信仰，也不会否认基督，但是，我们若不趁着上帝的天意为我们开路之时向前迈进，就是否认我们的信仰和基督。{CS 39.3}[18]
§49
【Shall We Abandon the Work?】
§50
Our message is world wide; yet many are doing literally nothing, many more so very little, with so great a want of faith, that it is next to nothing. Shall we abandon the fields we have already opened in foreign countries? Shall we drop part of the work in our home missions? Shall we grow pale at a debt of a few thousand dollars? Shall we falter and become laggards now, in the very last scenes of this earths history? My heart says, No, no. I cannot contemplate this question without a burning zeal to have the work go. We would not deny our faith, we would not deny Christ, yet we shall do this unless we move forward as the providence of God opens the way. {CS 39.3}[18]
§51
这项工作绝不能因缺乏钱财而停止。必须将更多的钱财投入其中。在美国的弟兄们啊，我奉主的名嘱咐你们要醒起！你们把钱财包在布里埋在地里，建造房子和多买田地的人哪，上帝呼召你们：“要变卖所有的，周济人”（路12:33）。时候要到，守诫命的人将不能买也不能卖。要赶快把你们所埋藏的银子挖出来。若是上帝已把钱财托付你，你就要显明自己忠于所托；要解开包裹银子的布，并把你的银子交给兑换银钱的，以便基督回来之时可以连本带利收回。{CS 40.1}[19]
§52
The work must not stop for want of means. More means must be invested in it. Brethren in America, in the name of my Master I bid you wake up! You that are placing your talents of means in a napkin, and hiding them in the earth, who are building houses and adding land to land, God calls upon you, Sell that ye have, and give alms. There is a time coming when commandment keepers can neither buy nor sell. Make haste to dig out your buried talents. If God has entrusted you with money, show yourselves faithful to your trust; unwrap your napkin, and send your talents to the exchangers, that when Christ shall come, He may receive His own with interest. {CS 40.1}[19]
§53
【在最后工作中乐意行善】
§54
在最后的绝境中，在这工作结束之前，会有数以千计的钱乐意奉献在祭坛上。男男女女会认为与预备生灵在上帝的大日站立得住的工作有份乃是一种有福的特权，他们会象现在一样乐意奉献百倍的金钱。{CS 40.2}[20]
§55
【Cheerful Liberality in the Closing Work】
§56
In the last extremity, before this work shall close, thousands will be cheerfully laid upon the altar. Men and women will feel it a blessed privilege to share in the work of preparing souls to stand in the great day of God, and they will give hundreds as readily as dollars are given now. {CS 40.2}[20]
§57
基督的爱若在自称祂子民之人心中燃烧起来，我们今日就会看到同样的精神表现出来。如果他们得知救灵之工将要多么迅速地完结，便会象早期教会的成员一样，慷慨地奉献他们的所有，并且诚恳地为推进上帝的圣工而效力，如同世俗人为获取财富而劳力一样。他们就会运用才智和技巧，付出诚恳和无私的努力去获得金钱，并非贮藏起来，而是投入主的库中。{CS 40.3}[21]
§58
If the love of Christ were burning in the hearts of His professed people, we would see the same spirit manifested today. Did they but realize how near is the end of all work for the salvation of souls, they would sacrifice their possessions as freely as did the members of the early church. They would work for the advancement of Gods cause as earnestly as worldly men labor to acquire riches. Tact and skill would be exercised, and earnest and unselfish labor put forth to acquire means, not to hoard, but to pour into the treasury of the Lord. {CS 40.3}[21]
§59
要是有人因把自己的钱财投在圣工上而变得贫穷了怎么样呢？基督曾为你的缘故成了贫穷；但你却在为自己获得永恒的财富，一种在天上不会朽坏的财宝。你的钱财在那里远比存在银行里或投资在房屋地产上安全。那是存放在永不朽坏的钱囊中，贼不能近，火不能烧的地方。……{CS 41.1}[22]
§60
What if some become poor in investing their means in the work? Christ for your sakes became poor; but you are securing for yourselves eternal riches, a treasure in heaven that faileth not. Your means is far safer there than if deposited in the bank, or invested in houses and lands. It is laid up in bags that wax not old. No thief can approach it, no fire consume it. . . . {CS 41.1}[22]
§61
我们顺从救主的吩咐，用榜样传道会比用口头传道更为有力。当那些自称相信真理的人用行为来证明他们的信心时，最能见到真理的能力。那些信奉这严肃真理的人，应当具有自我牺牲的精神，这种精神会谴责拜金主义者属世的野心。（《基督复临安息日会国外布道史略》291至293页）{CS 41.2}[23]
§62
In obeying the Saviours injunction, our example will preach louder than words. The highest display of the power of truth is seen when those who profess to believe it give evidence of their faith by their works. Those who believe this solemn truth should possess such a spirit of self-sacrifice as will rebuke the worldly ambition of the money worshiper.--Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, pp. 291-293. {CS 41.2}[23]