第59章 品格的形成
§1
第59章 品格的形成
§2
Chapter 59—Character Formation
§3
每一举动都会影响品格——人生的每一个行动，不论多么无足轻重，对于品格的形成都是有影响的。良好的品格比世上的财产更宝贵，而塑造品格的工作，乃是人所能从事的最高尚的工作。--4T657(1881).{2MCP 545.1}[1]
§4
Every Act Influences Character—Every act of life, however unimportant, has its influence in forming the character. A good character is more precious than worldly possessions, and the work of forming it is the noblest in which men can engage.—Testimonies for the Church 4:657 (1881).?{2MCP 545.1}[1]
§5
心思是花园，品格是果实——人身上的每一项才能都是一个工匠，正在为今生和来生而建造。这建筑正在日复一日地建造起来，虽然业主并不知道。这建筑必定矗立，要么因它的残缺丑陋而成为一个警告的灯塔，要么成为一座上帝和天使会因它与那神圣的模范和谐一致而予以赞美的建筑。{2MCP 545.2}[2]
§6
The Mind Is the Garden, Character the Fruit—Every faculty in man is a workman that is building for time and for eternity. Day by day the structure is going up, although the possessor is not aware of it. It is a building which must stand either as a beacon of warning because of its deformity or as a structure which God and angels will admire for its harmony with the Divine Model.?{2MCP 545.2}[2]
§7
上帝赐给我们的心智和道德的能力并不构成品格。它们是才干，我们要予以使用，若是使用得当，就会形成正确的品格。一个人手中可能有宝贵的种子，但那种子并不是果园。种子在成为树之前必须先种下去。心智乃是园子，品格才是果子。上帝已赐给我们才能去培养和发展。我们自己的行为决定我们的品格。我们在训练这些能力以便他们协力形成有价值的品格上，有一项只有我们自己才能做的工作。--4T606(1881).{2MCP 545.3}[3]
§8
The mental and moral powers which God has given us do not constitute character. They are talents which we are to improve and which, if properly improved, will form a right character. A man may have precious seed in his hand, but that seed is not an orchard. The seed must be planted before it can become a tree. The mind is the garden; the character is the fruit. God has given us our faculties to cultivate and develop. Our own course determines our character. In training these powers so that?they shall harmonize and form a valuable character, we have a work which no one but ourselves can do.—Testimonies for the Church 4:606 (1881).?{2MCP 545.3}[3]
§9
高尚的品格是藉着与自己进行不懈斗争而形成的——基督并没有向我们保证说，获得完美的品格是一件容易的事。高尚完美的品格不是与生俱来的。也不是偶然得到的。高尚的品格是靠着基督的功劳与恩典，通过个人的努力而获得的。上帝赐给我们才能和智力，让我们来塑造品格。这种品格必须通过与自己进行不懈而坚决的斗争才能形成。我们必须同遗传的倾向作一次又一次的搏斗，必须严于自我批评，不可让一个不良习惯留着而不予纠正。--COL331(1900).{2MCP 546.1}[4]
§10
A Noble Character Formed by Stern Battles With Self—Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-around character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. God gives the talents, the powers of the mind; we form the character. It is formed by hard, stern battles with self. Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 331 (1900).?{2MCP 546.1}[4]
§11
思考和行动都是必要的——抽象的思考是不够的；忙碌的行为也是不够的；这两者对于形成基督化的品格都是必要的。--5T113(1882).{2MCP 546.2}[5]
§12
Meditation and Action Essential—Abstract meditation is not enough; busy action is not enough—both are essential to the formation of Christian character.—Testimonies for the Church 5:113 (1882).?{2MCP 546.2}[5]
§13
培养良好的思维习惯——我们如果要培养蒙上帝悦纳的品格，就必须在宗教的生活上养成正确的习惯。若要在恩典中成长，每天的祷告是必不可少的，对于属灵生活本身也是如此，就像肉身的健康需要属世的粮食一样。我们应当习惯于在祷告中把思想提到上帝面前。若是心思外移，就设法拉回来。藉着恒切的努力，习惯终必成为自然。我们不能片刻离开基督而安全。我们可以步步有祂同在，只要我们履行祂自己所定的条件。--RH,1881年5月3日.(SL93.){2MCP 546.3}[6]
§14
Develop Good Mental Habits—If we would develop a character which God can accept, we must form correct habits in our religious life. Daily prayer is as essential to growth in grace, and even to spiritual life itself, as is temporal food to physical well-being. We should accustom ourselves to lift the thoughts often to God in prayer. If the mind wanders, we must bring it back; by persevering effort, habit will finally make it easy. We cannot for one moment separate ourselves from Christ with safety. We may have His presence to attend us at every step, but only by observing the conditions which He Himself has laid down.—The Review and Herald, May 3, 1881. (The Sanctified Life, 93.)?{2MCP 546.3}[6]
§15
必须有认真的决心和坚定的正直——品格建造的成功，有赖于精密的工作。要有认真的决心，去执行“工程师”的计划。材料必须坚固，不可接受漫不经心和不可靠的工艺，因为这会损坏建筑，要全力以赴地参加工作。必须聚精会神，决不可把精力浪费在无关重要的事上。……应以不屈不挠的毅力，摆脱属世的习惯，准则和关系，还要有深入的思想，认真的愿望和坚定不移的忠诚。--SpTEd75,76,c1897.(CT62.){2MCP 546.4}[7]
§16
Earnest Purpose and Steadfast Integrity Essential—Thoroughness is necessary to success in the work of character building. There must be an earnest purpose?to carry out the plan of the Master Builder. The timbers must be solid. No careless, unreliable work can be accepted, for this would ruin the building. The powers of the whole being are to be put into the work. It demands the strength and energy of manhood; there is no reserve to be wasted in unimportant matters.... There must be earnest, careful, persevering effort to break away from the customs, maxims, and associations of the world. Deep thought, earnest purpose, steadfast integrity, are essential.—Special Testimonies On Education, 75, 76, c1897. (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 62.)?{2MCP 546.4}[7]
§17
定睛于目标上──彼得说：“有了信心，又要加上德行；有了德行，又要加上知识；有了知识，又要加上节制；有了节制，又要加上忍耐；有了忍耐,又要加上虔敬;有了虔敬，又要加上爱弟兄的心；有了爱弟兄的心，又要加上爱众人的心。你们若充充足足的有这几样，就必使你们在认识我们的主耶稣基督上，不至于闲懒不结果子了”（彼后1:5-8）。……{2MCP 547.1}[8]
§18
Keeping the Eye on the Goal—Peter says, “Add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity” (2 Peter 1:5-7)....?{2MCP 547.1}[8]
§19
你在起步的时候，不必念念不忘这一连串的所有步骤，而当定睛注视耶稣，单单仰望上帝的荣耀。这样，你就能取得进步。满有基督长成的身量，决不是旦夕之功。你如果预先看到所要遭遇和克服的全部困难，就可能灰心丧志。你必须与撒但作斗争。因为他千方百计要引诱你的心离开基督。--YI,1893年1月5日.(MYP45,46.){2MCP 547.2}[9]
§20
All these successive steps are not to be kept before the mind’s eye and counted as you start; but fixing the eye upon Jesus, with an eye single to the glory of God, you will make advancement. You cannot reach the full measure of the stature of Christ in a day, and you would sink in despair could you behold all the difficulties that must be met and overcome. You have Satan to contend with, and he will seek by every possible device to attract your mind from Christ.—The Youth’s Instructor, January 5, 1893. (Messages to Young People, 45, 46.)?{2MCP 547.2}[9]
§21
在小事上忠心（对一位青年人的劝勉）——你的情形在一些方面与乃缦相似。你不认为必须屈尊去在小事上忠心才能完善基督徒的品格。虽然你蒙召去作的事在你眼中可能看为小事，但只要你活着，它们就是你不得不尽的责任。忽略这些小事会给你的品格造成极大的缺陷。我亲爱的孩子，你应该训练自己在小事上忠心。你若不这样作，就无法取悦上帝。你若不甘心情愿遵命而行，就无法获得别人的爱与感情。你若希望身边的人爱你，就必须对他们表现出仁爱和尊重来。--2T310(1869).{2MCP 547.3}[10]
§22
Faithfulness in Little Things (counsel to a young man)—Your case is similar in some respects to Naaman’s. You do not consider that in order to perfect a Christian character you must condescend to be faithful in the littles. Although the things you are called to do may be of small account in your eyes, yet they are duties which you will have to do just as long as you live. A neglect of these things will make a great deficiency in your character. You, my dear boy, should educate yourself to faithfulness in small things. You cannot please God unless you do this. You cannot gain love and affection unless you do just as you are bidden, with willingness and pleasure. If you wish?those with whom you live to love you, you must show love and respect for them.—Testimonies for the Church 2:310 (1869).?{2MCP 547.3}[10]
§23
品格要经过考验——建造品格的不同材料，效果大不一样。期待已久的上帝大日很快必考验各人的工程。“这火要试验各人的工程怎样”（林前3:13）。烈火会证明金银宝石和草木禾秸之间的区别。同样，审判的日子也必考验品格，显明按基督的形像塑造的品格和按自私之心塑造的品格有什么区别。那时一切自私、一切虚假的宗教都要暴露出本来的面貌。无价值的材料都会烧掉。可是精金，就是单纯谦卑的信心必不会失去其价值。它是烧不掉的，因为它是不朽的。一时的犯罪会招致重大的损失。敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端。放纵自我的，必如禾秸烧毁。而不惜代价，坚持原则的精金必永久保留。--RH,1900年12月11日.(6BC1087,1088.){2MCP 548.1}[11]
§24
Character to Be Tested—It makes every difference what material is used in the character building. The long-expected day of God will soon test every man’s work. “The fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” (1 Corinthians 3:13). As fire reveals the difference between gold, silver, and precious stones and wood, hay, and stubble, so the day of judgment will test characters, showing the difference between characters formed after Christ’s likeness and characters formed after the likeness of the selfish heart. All selfishness, all false religion, will then appear as it is. The worthless material will be consumed; but the gold of true, simple, humble faith will never lose its value. It can never be consumed, for it is imperishable. One hour of transgression will be seen to be a great loss, while the fear of the Lord will be seen to be the beginning of wisdom. The pleasure of self-indulgence will perish as stubble, while the gold of steadfast principle, maintained at any cost, will endure forever.—The Review and Herald, December 11, 1900. (The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 6:1087, 1088.)?{2MCP 548.1}[11]
§25
未经训练的品格是不和谐的——环境所形成的品格是易变，不和谐与矛盾的。拥有这等品格的人，人生上没有高尚的目标或志向，不能发挥提高别人品格的感化力。他们既无目的也无能力。--4T657(1881).{2MCP 548.2}[12]
§26
Undisciplined Characters Are Discordant—Characters formed by circumstance are changeable and discordant—a mass of contraries. Their possessors have no high aim or purpose in life. They have no ennobling influence upon the characters of others. They are purposeless and powerless.—Testimonies for the Church 4:657 (1881).?{2MCP 548.2}[12]
§27
最能损害我们品格的是我们自己——可以预料，在我们周围有许多虚假的报告。但如果我们遵循正直的道路，不理睬这些事情，其他的人也就会不在意了。让我们把自己的名誉问题交给上帝…….我们靠着自己的生活方式，而不是愤慨的话语来攻破谣言。唯愿我们的注意力放在对上帝的敬畏上，用我们的行动证明这些传言都是虚假的。{2MCP 548.3}[13]
§28
No One Can Injure Character as Much as We Ourselves—We may expect that false reports will circulate about us; but if we follow a straight course, if we remain indifferent to these things, others will also be indifferent. Let us leave to God the care of our reputation.... Slander can be lived down by our manner of living; it is not lived down by words of indignation. Let our great anxiety be to act in the fear of God and show by our?conduct that these reports are false.?{2MCP 548.3}[13]
§29
最能损害我们品格的是我们自己。软弱的树木和摇晃的房屋需要不断地支撑。当我们表现出十分在意自己的名声，极力抵制外来的攻击时，我们就给人以印象：我们在上帝面前不是无可指责的，所以需要不断地维护。--MS24,1887.(3BC1160,1161.){2MCP 549.1}[14]
§30
No one can injure our character as much as [we] ourselves. It is the weak trees and the tottering houses that need to be constantly propped. When we show ourselves so anxious to protect our reputation against attacks from the outside, we give the impression that it is not blameless before God and that it needs therefore to be continually bolstered up.—Manuscript 24, 1887. (The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 3:1160, 1161.)?{2MCP 549.1}[14]
§31
由意志来控制——你虽然不能随心所欲地控制你的情感和冲动，但你可以控制自己的意志，使你的人生发生完全的改变。你的意志如果皈依基督，你的生命必与基督一同藏在上帝里面，与那超越一切执政掌权者的能力联系在一起。你必从上帝那里获得力量，使你紧紧地把握祂的能力。你将获得一种新的亮光，就是活泼信心的亮光。……在你里面会产生一种能力，热忱和单纯，使你在上帝手中成为精制的器皿。--5T514,515(1889).{2MCP 549.2}[15]
§32
Controlled by Will—You cannot control your impulses, your emotions, as you may desire, but you can control the will, and you can make an entire change in your life. By yielding up your will to Christ, your life will be hid with Christ in God and allied to the power which is above all principalities and powers. You will have strength from God that will hold you fast to His strength; and a new light, even the light of living faith, will be possible to you....There will be in you a power, an earnestness, and a simplicity that will make you a polished instrument in the hands of God.—Testimonies for the Church 5:514, 515 (1889).?{2MCP 549.2}[15]
§33
缺点可以克服——任何人也不要说：我无法纠正品格上的缺点。你如果这样想，就一定得不到永生。不能纠正是因为你不愿意纠正。你既不愿意，就不能克服。真正的困难就在于不圣洁之心的败坏和不愿服从上帝的管束。--COL331(1900).{2MCP 549.3}[16]
§34
Defects Can Be Overcome—Let no one say, I cannot remedy my defects of character. If you come to this decision, you will certainly fail of obtaining everlasting life. The impossibility lies in your own will. If you will not, then you can not overcome. The real difficulty arises from the corruption of an unsanctified heart and an unwillingness to submit to the control of God.—Christ’s Object Lessons, 331 (1900).?{2MCP 549.3}[16]
§35
人心如果能得以圣洁，一切也就都能改变了。品格的改变乃是向世人表明有基督住在心内的见证。上帝的灵在人心中产生一种新的生命，使他的思想和愿望都顺服基督的旨意；内在的人就照着上帝的形像而更新了。软弱而易犯错误的男女可向世人显明上帝恩典的救赎之能，足以使有瑕疵的品格发展到匀称和结果累累的地步。--PK233(1917).{2MCP 549.4}[17]
§36
To the heart that has become purified, all is changed. Transformation of character is the testimony to the world of an indwelling Christ. The Spirit of God produces a new life in the soul, bringing the thoughts and desires into obedience to the will of Christ; and the inward man is renewed in the image of God. Weak and erring men?and women show to the world that the redeeming power of grace can cause the faulty character to develop into symmetry and abundant fruitfulness.—Prophets and Kings, 233 (1917).?{2MCP 549.4}[17]
§37
有时是遗传的有缺陷品格——在青少年中，会遇到各种各样的性格。他们的心是易受感应的。许多入学的儿童，在家中并没有受到良好的训练。一些人任其所好；另一些人，则因常受到挑剔而灰心丧志。他们很少看见快乐的事，也很少有人对他们说鼓励的话。他们继承了父母不完全的品格。他们所受的家庭训练，无益于公义品格的建立。--CT192(1913).{2MCP 550.1}[18]
§38
Defective Characters Sometimes Inherited—There are all kinds of characters to deal with in the children and youth, and their minds are impressionable. Many of the children who attend our schools have not had proper training at home. Some have been left to do as they pleased; others have been found fault with and discouraged. Very little pleasantness and cheerfulness have been shown them; few words of approval have been spoken to them. They have inherited the defective characters of their parents, and the discipline of the home has been no help in the formation of right character.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 192 (1913).?{2MCP 550.1}[18]
§39
缺点随年龄而加强——孩子学到了难以忘却的教训。每当他们受到不习惯的约束，或要他们用功学习时，他们就呼吁不明智的父母同情他们、纵容他们。这样，就助长了一种不安不满的精神，使老师的担子更加沉重了。但承受最大损失的是父母管教不善的受害者。藉着正确的训练原可纠正的品格缺陷，却未予以纠正，反而随年增强，损害甚至摧毁拥有这些缺陷之人的效用。--RH,1882年3月21日.(FE65.){2MCP 550.2}[19]
§40
Defects Strengthen With Years—The children learn lessons that are not easily unlearned. Whenever they are subjected to unaccustomed restraint or required to apply themselves to hard study, they appeal to their injudicious parents for sympathy and indulgence. Thus a spirit of unrest and discontent is encouraged, the school as a whole suffers from the demoralizing influence, and the teacher’s burden is rendered much heavier. But the greatest loss is sustained by the victims of parental mismanagement. Defects of character which a right training would have corrected are left to strengthen with years, to mar and perhaps destroy the usefulness of their possessor.—The Review and Herald, March 21, 1882. (Fundamentals of Christian Education, 65.)?{2MCP 550.2}[19]
§41
纵容导致品格不稳定——在有些家庭中，儿童的意愿就是法律。他要什么就有什么。凡他所不喜欢的，就鼓励他不喜欢。一般人以为这种纵容会使儿童快乐，其实这只能使他不安、不快，对什么也不满意。纵容败坏了他对有益健康之清淡饮食的口味，以及对他光阴健康单纯的使用。对他的纵容导致他今生来世的品格不稳定。--MS126,1897.(CG272.){2MCP 550.3}[20]
§42
Indulgence Unsettles Character—In some families the wishes of the child are law. Everything he desires is given him. Everything he dislikes he is encouraged to dislike. These indulgences are supposed to make the child happy, but it is these very things that make him restless, discontented, and satisfied with nothing. Indulgence has spoiled his appetite for plain, healthful?food, for the plain, healthful use of his time; gratification has done the work of unsettling that character for time and for eternity.—Manuscript 126, 1897. (Child Guidance, 272.)?{2MCP 550.3}[20]
§43
心思和意念必须受管教——那些得以为所欲为的孩子是不快乐的。那不驯服的心，里面本没有宁静知足的成分。心思和意念必须受管教，服在适当的约束之下，品格方能与那管理我们生命的明智律法协和。不安与不满乃是放纵与自私所结的果子。心田的土壤类似花园的土壤，若不种下宝贵的花种，得不到照顾和耕作，就会生出杂草和荆棘。看得见的自然界怎样，人的心灵也是怎样。--4T202,203(1876).{2MCP 551.1}[21]
§44
Mind and Heart to Be Disciplined—Children who are allowed to have their own way are not happy. The unsubdued heart has not within itself the elements of rest and contentment. The mind and heart must be disciplined and brought under proper restraint in order for the character to harmonize with the wise laws that govern our being. Restlessness and discontent are the fruits of indulgence and selfishness. The soil of the heart, like that of a garden, will produce weeds and brambles unless the seeds of precious flowers are planted there and receive care and cultivation. As in visible nature, so is it with the human soul.—Testimonies for the Church 4:202, 203 (1876).?{2MCP 551.1}[21]
§45
幼年养成的习惯影响终身──幼年所怀的思想感情，决定每一个青年人的终生历史。早年所养成正直、善良、大丈夫的气概，必成为品格的一部分，常常表现在人一生的行动中。青年人可以凭自己的选择成为君子或小人。他们可以因诚实高尚的行为而美名四扬，也可以因严重的罪行而臭名昭彰。--ST,1910年10月11日.(CG196){2MCP 551.2}[22]
§46
Habits Formed in Youth Mark the Life Course—By the thoughts and feelings cherished in early years, every youth is determining his own life history. Correct, virtuous, manly habits formed in youth will become a part of the character and will usually mark the course of the individual through life. The youth may become vicious or virtuous, as they choose. They may as well be distinguished for true and noble deeds as for great crime and wickedness.—The Signs of the Times, October 11, 1910. (Child Guidance, 196.)?{2MCP 551.2}[22]
§47
每天的经验——有没有很好地利用各种机会和便利，决定了智力不断在接受的塑造。我们每天都在塑造品格，要么使学生成为训练有素的士兵，站在以马内利大君的旗帜之下，要么使他们成为叛逆者，站在黑暗之君的旗帜之下。我们到底怎么样呢？--GH,1880年1月.(CG199,200.){2MCP 551.3}[23]
§48
A Day-by-Day Experience—The intellect is continually receiving its mold from opportunities and advantages, ill or well improved. Day by day we form characters which place the students as well-disciplined soldiers under the banner of Prince Emmanuel, or rebels under the banner of the prince of darkness. Which shall it be?—Manuscript 69, 1897. (Child Guidance, 200.)?{2MCP 551.3}[23]
§49
品格如何形成——对待人心是一项非常微妙的工作。对一个人所必需的惩戒可能对另一个人就是伤害。所以父母要研究儿女的品格，决不可唐突卤莽，意气用事。{2MCP 551.4}[24]
§50
How Character Is Formed—It is very delicate work to deal with human minds. The discipline necessary for?one would crush another; therefore let parents study the characters of their children. Never be abrupt and act from impulse.?{2MCP 551.4}[24]
§51
我见过一位母亲从孩子手中夺走了他特别喜欢的东西。孩子不明白为什么不让他玩，急得大哭起来，因为他觉得受了亏待和伤害。母亲为了制止孩子哭泣，就把他狠狠地打了一顿。从外表上看，这场冲突平静了。但在儿童柔弱的思想上所留的印象，却是不易消除的。我对那位母亲说：“你实在对不起自己的孩子。你伤了他的心，使他丧失了对你的信任。我不知道该如何弥补。”{2MCP 552.1}[25]
§52
I have seen a mother snatch something from the hand of her child which was giving it special pleasure, and the child would not understand what to make of the deprivation. The little one burst forth into a cry, for it felt abused and injured. Then the parent, to stop its crying, gave it a sharp chastisement, and as far as outward appearances were concerned, the battle was over. But that battle left its impression on the tender mind of the child, and it could not be easily effaced. I said to the mother, “You have deeply wronged your child. You have hurt its soul and lost its confidence in you. How this will be restored I know not.”?{2MCP 552.1}[25]
§53
这位母亲很不聪明。她意气用事，没有小心谨慎，也没有考虑前因后果。她粗暴浅薄的手段，激起了孩子心中最坏的情感。在管理家庭时意气用事是最坏的策略。父母若满足于这样管教的孩子，结果就是一场不公正的冲突。身强力壮的成年人对付一个软弱无助的无知儿童，这是多么不公平啊！父母每一次发脾气，都在儿童心中加强了叛逆的精神。{2MCP 552.2}[26]
§54
This mother was very unwise; she followed her feelings and did not move cautiously, reasoning from cause to effect. Her harsh, injudicious management stirred up the worst passions in the heart of her child. To act from impulse in governing a family is the very worst of policy. When parents contend with their children in such a way, it is a most unequal struggle that ensues. How unjust it is to put years and maturity of strength against a helpless, ignorant little child! Every exhibition of anger on the part of the parents confirms rebellion in the heart of the child.?{2MCP 552.2}[26]
§55
一次行动不足以形成品格，只有重复的行动才会形成习惯与品格。要有基督化的品格，就必须有基督化的行动。基督徒将表现圣洁的性情；他们的行动和意愿是受圣灵策动的。--ST,1912年8月6日.{2MCP 552.3}[27]
§56
It is not through one act that the character is formed, but by a repetition of acts that habits are established and character confirmed. To have a Christlike character it is necessary to act in a Christlike way. Christians will exhibit a holy temper, and their actions and impulses will be prompted by the Holy Spirit.—The Signs of the Times, August 6, 1912.?{2MCP 552.3}[27]
§57
坚持的重要性——为了完善基督徒的品格，必须坚持行义。我要向我们的青年人强调在建造品格的工作中恒心和毅力的重要性。青年人自幼就当在品格中培养严格正直的原则，使自己达到做人的最高标准。他们应当时刻牢记自己是用重价买来的，要在身体和心灵上荣耀上帝，因为这一切都是属于祂的。--YI,1893年1月5日.(MYP45.){2MCP 552.4}[28]
§58
Importance of Perseverance—In perfecting a Christian character, it is essential to persevere in right doing. I would impress upon our youth the importance of perseverance and energy in the work of character building. From the earliest years, it is necessary to weave into the?character principles of stern integrity, that the youth may reach the highest standard of manhood and womanhood. They should ever keep the fact before their eyes that they have been bought with a price and should glorify God in their bodies and spirits, which are His.—The Youth’s Instructor, January 5, 1893. (Messages to Young People, 45.)?{2MCP 552.4}[28]
§59
用途取决于个人的决定──虽然父母不但要为儿女的教育和训练，也要为他们品格的印记负责，但是我们在世界的地位和用途在很大的程度上仍取决于我们自己的行动。但以理和他的朋友们享受着早年正确教育和训练的好处，但单凭这些优势，并不足以使他们成为日后那样的人。到了一定的时候，他们必须自己采取行动，那时他们的前途取决于他们自己的行动。于是他们决定忠于早年所受的教训。敬畏上帝是智慧的开端，也是他们伟大的基础。祂的灵加强每一个真诚的意愿和每一高尚的决定。--CTBH28,1890.(CD29.){2MCP 553.1}[29]
§60
Usefulness Depends Upon Personal Decision—While parents are responsible for the stamp of character as well as for the education and training of their sons and daughters, it is still true that our position and usefulness in the world depend to a great degree upon our own course of action. Daniel and his companions enjoyed the benefits of correct training and education in early life, but these advantages alone would not have made them what they were. The time came when they must act for themselves—when their future depended upon their own course. Then they decided to be true to the lessons given them in childhood. The fear of God, which is the beginning of wisdom, was the foundation of their greatness. His spirit strengthened every true purpose, every noble resolution.—Christian Temperance and Bible Hygiene, 28, (1890). (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 29.)?{2MCP 553.1}[29]
§61
虚假危险的哲学——招魂术主张人类是未曾堕落的半神，说“各人要审判自己”，“真知识使人超越一切律法”，“所犯的一切罪都是无辜的”，因为“凡是存在的，都是正确的”，和“上帝不定人的罪”，说最卑鄙的人也已升入天堂。这就无异乎向众人说：“你不论做什么都没有关系；你可以任意妄为。天堂就是你的家。”许多人就这样受骗上当，相信欲望就是最高的法律，放纵便是自由，人只须对自己负责。--Ed227,228(1903).{2MCP 553.2}[30]
§62
A Perilous, False Philosophy—Spiritualism asserts that men are unfallen demigods; that “each mind will judge itself”; that “true knowledge places men above all law”; that “all sins committed are innocent”; for “whatever is, is right” and “God doth not condemn.” The basest of human beings it represents as in heaven, and highly exalted there. Thus it declares to all men, “It matters not what you do; live as you please, heaven is your home.” Multitudes are thus led to believe that desire is the highest law, that license is liberty, and that man is accountable only to himself.—Education, 227, 228 (1903).?{2MCP 553.2}[30]
§63
怎样成为得胜者——但我们必须对付路上的一切困难，逐一予以克服。我们战胜了第一个困难，就能有力地去对付下一个。每一次努力都能使我们更有力量前进。我们仰望耶稣，就能得胜。我们如果只盯着困难，不敢为正义而英勇奋战，就会变得软弱而丧失信心。--YI,1893年1月5日.(MYP46.){2MCP 553.3}[31]
§64
How to Be Overcomers—We must meet all obstacles placed in our way and overcome them one at a time.?If we overcome the first difficulty, we shall be stronger to meet the next, and at every effort will become better able to make advancement. By looking to Jesus we may be overcomers. It is by fastening our eyes on the difficulties and shrinking from earnest battle for the right that we become weak and faithless.—The Youth’s Instructor, January 5, 1893. (Messages to Young People, 46.)?{2MCP 553.3}[31]
§65
善用每一天——我们一步一步地前进，就能攀上高峰，登上山顶。不要被你一生所需要做的大量事情所吓倒，因为这些事情并不要求你立时就完成。你要努力做好每一天的工作，善用每一个宝贵的机会，珍惜上帝所赐给你的各种帮助，顺着阶梯步步攀登。要记住你只能一天一天生活下去。上帝赐给你一天的光阴，天上就会记录你有没有珍惜这一天的特权与机会。但愿你能善用上帝所赐的每一天，以致最后能听到主对你说：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人。--YI,1893年1月5日.(MYP46.){2MCP 554.1}[32]
§66
Giving All Every Day—By taking one step after another, the highest ascent may be climbed and the summit of the mount may be reached at last. Do not become overwhelmed with the great amount of work you must do in your lifetime, for you are not required to do it all at once. Let every power of your being go to each day’s work, improve each precious opportunity, appreciate the helps that God gives you, and make advancement up the ladder of progress step by step. Remember that you are to live but one day at a time, that God has given you one day, and heavenly records will show how you have valued its privileges and opportunities. May you so improve every day given you of God that at last you may hear the Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).—YI, Jan 5, 1893. (Messages to Young People, 46.)?{2MCP 554.1}[32]