第03章 “先发苗，后长穗”
§1
第03章 “先发苗，后长穗”
§2
Chap. 3—“First the Blade, Then the Ear”
§3
（根据可4:26-29）
§4
撒种的比喻引起了议论纷纷。一些听众从这个比喻推测，基督不是要建立一个属世的国度。许多人感到希奇困惑。基督看到他们的困惑，就举了一些别的例子，依然设法把他们的思想从属世国度的希望转到上帝的恩典在人心中的工作上。{COL 62.1}[1]
§5
This chapter is based on?Mark 4:26-29.
§6
The parable of the sower excited much questioning. Some of the hearers gathered from it that Christ was not to establish an earthly kingdom, and many were curious and perplexed. Seeing their perplexity, Christ used other illustrations, still seeking to turn their thoughts from the hope of a worldly kingdom to the work of God’s grace in the soul.?{COL 62.1}[1]
§7
祂“又说，上帝的国如同人把种撒在地上；黑夜睡觉，白日起来，这种就发芽渐长，那人却不晓得如何这样。地生五谷是出于自然的；先发苗，后长穗，再后穗上结成饱满的籽粒。谷既熟了，就用镰刀去割，因为收成的时候到了。”{COL 62.2}[2]
§8
“And He said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.”?{COL 62.2}[2]
§9
那位“因为收成的时候到了”，“就用镰刀去割”的农夫，不是别人，正是基督。祂在末后的大日要收割地上的庄稼。撒种的人则代表那些为基督作工的人。比喻中说，“这种就发芽渐长，那人却不晓得如何这样。”这句话不适用于上帝的儿子。基督并没有在祂的岗位上睡觉，而是日夜看守。祂不会不知道种子是如何生长的。{COL 62.3}[3]
§10
The husbandman who “putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come,” can be no other than Christ. It is?He who at the last great day will reap the harvest of the earth. But the sower of the seed represents those who labor in Christ’s stead. The seed is said to “spring and grow up, he knoweth not how,” and this is not true of the Son of God. Christ does not sleep over His charge, but watches it day and night. He is not ignorant of how the seed grows.?{COL 62.3}[3]
§11
种子的比喻显明了上帝在自然界中运作。种子本身具有发芽的本能。这本能是上帝亲自赋予的。但是单凭种子自己，是无法生长的。人在促成谷粒生长上有他的一份工作。他必须开垦土地、施肥、播种，还必须耕耘。但是有一点是他是无能为力的。人的任何能力和智慧都无法让种子长成活的植物。人虽然竭尽全力，仍须依靠主用自己的全能将撒种和收割奇妙地联系起来。{COL 63.1}[4]
§12
The parable of the seed reveals that God is at work in nature. The seed has in itself a germinating principle, a principle that God Himself has implanted; yet if left to itself the seed would have no power to spring up. Man has his part to act in promoting the growth of the grain. He must prepare and enrich the soil and cast in the seed. He must till the fields. But there is a point beyond which he can accomplish nothing. No strength or wisdom of man can bring forth from the seed the living plant. Let man put forth his efforts to the utmost limit, he must still depend upon One who has connected the sowing and the reaping by wonderful links of His own omnipotent power.?{COL 63.1}[4]
§13
在种子里有生命，在土壤里有能力。但是如果没有一种无限能力的昼夜运行，种子就不会有什么收成。必须有雨露降下来滋润干旱的田地；必须有阳光供给热量；必须有电力传给埋在地下的种子。创造主所栽培的生命，唯有祂能使之生长。每一颗种子的生长，每一株植物的发育，都是藉着上帝的大能。{COL 63.2}[5]
§14
There is life in the seed, there is power in the soil; but unless an infinite power is exercised day and night, the seed will yield no returns. The showers of rain must be sent to give moisture to the thirsty fields, the sun must impart heat, electricity must be conveyed to the buried seed. The life which the Creator has implanted, He alone can call forth. Every seed grows, every plant develops, by the power of God.?{COL 63.2}[5]
§15
“田地怎样使百谷发芽，园子怎样使所种的发生，主耶和华必照样使公义和赞美在万民中发出”（赛61:11）。自然界的播种怎样，属灵上的播种也是怎样。真理的教师必须设法开垦心灵的土壤，播下种子。但是那产生生命的能力唯有从上帝而来。人的努力超过了一定的限度就无能为力了。我们应当传道，但是却无法给人以唤醒心灵的能力，使公义和赞美发出来。在传道的工作上必须有一种超越任何人力的大能运行。真道唯有藉着上帝的灵，才具有生命和能力，更新人的心，使人得着永生。这正是基督所设法使门徒明白的。祂教导说，他们本身并没有什么能力使工作成功。那使上帝自己的话发生效力的，乃是祂施行神迹的能力。{COL 63.3}[6]
§16
“As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth.”?Isaiah 61:11. As in the natural, so in the spiritual sowing; the teacher of truth must seek to prepare the soil of the heart; he must sow the seed; but the power that alone can produce life is from God. There is a point beyond?which human effort is in vain. While we are to preach the word, we can not impart the power that will quicken the soul, and cause righteousness and praise to spring forth. In the preaching of the word there must be the working of an agency beyond any human power. Only through the divine Spirit will the word be living and powerful to renew the soul unto eternal life. This is what Christ tried to impress upon His disciples. He taught that it was nothing they possessed in themselves which would give success to their labors, but that it is the miracle-working power of God which gives efficiency to His own word.?{COL 63.3}[6]
§17
播种者的工作乃是一种信心的工作。他虽然不明白种子发芽和生长的奥秘，却信靠上帝使植物繁殖的能力。他将种子撒在地上，表面上似乎抛弃了可以养家的宝贵粮食。但他实际上只是放弃了眼前的利益来换取更大的收获。他将种子撒下，期望在收割时得到多倍的丰收。照样，基督的仆人也应当作工，希望从所播撒的种子中获得收成。{COL 64.1}[7]
§18
The work of the sower is a work of faith. The mystery of the germination and growth of the seed he cannot understand. But he has confidence in the agencies by which God causes vegetation to flourish. In casting his seed into the ground, he is apparently throwing away the precious grain that might furnish bread for his family. But?he is only giving up a present good for a larger return. He casts the seed away, expecting to gather it manyfold in an abundant harvest. So Christ’s servants are to labor, expecting a harvest from the seed they sow.?{COL 64.1}[7]
§19
好种可能一时埋没在一颗冷淡自私和属世的心中，看不出它已经扎根了，但后来当上帝的圣灵透入心灵之时，那埋藏的种子就会发芽生长，最后结出果子来荣耀上帝。在我们一生的工作中，我们不知道哪一项会取得丰硕成果。这个问题不须我们去解决。我们只要从事自己的工作，而把后果交给上帝。“早晨要撒你的种，晚上也不要歇你的手”（传11:6）。上帝伟大的应许是：“地还存留的时候，稼墙……就永不停息了”（创8:22）。农民信赖这个应许而耕种。我们在播撒属灵种子的时候，也应当凭着信心工作，信赖祂的保证：“我口所出的话也必如此，决不徒然返回，却要成就我所喜悦的，在我发他去成就的事上必然亨通”（赛55:11）。“那带种流泪出去的，必要欢欢乐乐地带禾捆回来”（诗126:6）！{COL 65.1}[8]
§20
The good seed may for a time lie unnoticed in a cold, selfish, worldly heart, giving no evidence that it has taken root; but afterward, as the Spirit of God breathes on the soul, the hidden seed springs up, and at last bears fruit to the glory of God. In our lifework we know not which shall prosper, this or that. This is not a question for us to settle. We are to do our work, and leave the results with God. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand.”?Ecclesiastes 11:6. God’s great covenant declares that “while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest ... shall not cease.”?Genesis 8:22. In the confidence of this promise the husbandman tills and sows. Not less confidently are we in the spiritual sowing to labor, trusting His assurance, “So shall My word be that goeth forth out of My mouth; it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”?Isaiah 55:11. “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”?Psalm 126:6.?{COL 65.1}[8]
§21
种子的萌芽代表属灵生命的开始。植物的发芽生长，乃是基督徒长进的美好像征。在自然界如何，在恩典中也必如何。没有生长，就没有生命。植物必须生长，否则就会死亡。它的生长是没有生息，不易察觉，而又继续不断的。基督徒生命的长进也是这样。我们生命长进的每一个阶段都可以是完全的。但如果要实现上帝对于我们的旨意，我们就必须不断地长进。成圣乃是终生的工作。我们的机会越多，我们的经验越丰富，我们的知识就越发增长。我们将强壮起来，足能担负责任。我们的成熟程度是要与我们所领受的特权成正比例的。{COL 65.2}[9]
§22
The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and?our knowledge increase. We shall become strong to bear responsibility, and our maturity will be in proportion to our privileges.?{COL 65.2}[9]
§23
植物生长是靠着上帝所赐维持它生命的养料。它在土壤中扎根，吸收阳光和雨露，从空气中接受赐生命的要素。基督徒也当这样靠着与上帝的能力合作而生长。我们既然感到自己无能为力，就当善于利用所赐给我们的一切机会，来获得更丰富的经验。植物怎样在土壤中扎根，我们也当照样在基督身上扎根。植物怎样接受阳光和雨露，我们也当向圣灵敞开自己的心门。“万军之耶和华说：不是依靠势力，不是依靠才能，乃是依靠我的灵，方能成事”（亚4:6）。如果我们一心依赖基督，祂就临到我们“像甘雨，像滋润田地的春雨”（何6:3）。祂必像“公义的日头”升起来照耀我们，“其光线有医治之能”（玛4:2）。我们“必如百合花开放，”“发旺如五谷，开花如葡萄树”（何14:5,7）。我们始终不渝地信赖基督为我们个人的救主，就能万事长进，连于元首基督。{COL 66.1}[10]
§24
The plant grows by receiving that which God has provided to sustain its life. It sends down its roots into the earth. It drinks in the sunshine, the dew, and the rain. It receives the life-giving properties from the air. So the?Christian is to grow by co-operating with the divine agencies. Feeling our helplessness, we are to improve all the opportunities granted us to gain a fuller experience. As the plant takes root in the soil, so we are to take deep root in Christ. As the plant receives the sunshine, the dew, and the rain, we are to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit. The work is to be done “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”?Zechariah 4:6. If we keep our minds stayed upon Christ, He will come unto us “as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.”?Hosea 6:3. As the Sun of Righteousness, He will arise upon us “with healing in His wings.”?Malachi 4:2. We shall “grow as the lily.” We shall “revive as the corn, and grow as the vine.”?Hosea 14:5, 7. By constantly relying upon Christ as our personal Saviour, we shall grow up into Him in all things who is our head.?{COL 66.1}[10]
§25
麦子生长是“先发苗，后长穗，再后穗上结成饱满的籽粒。”农民撒种并且培育正在生长的庄稼，是为了结出籽粒来。他希望获得充饥的粮食和以后庄稼的种子。那位神圣的农夫也是这样指望得到收成，作为祂劳苦牺牲的报酬。基督正设法在人心中再现。祂是通过信祂的人来进行这项工作的。基督徒人生的目的乃是结出果子，就是在信徒身上再现基督的品格，并使这品格重现于其他的人身上。{COL 67.1}[11]
§26
The wheat develops “first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.” The object of the husbandman in the sowing of the seed and the culture of the growing plant is the production of grain. He desires bread for the hungry, and seed for future harvests. So the divine Husbandman looks for a harvest as the reward of His labor and sacrifice. Christ is seeking to reproduce Himself in the hearts of men; and He does this through those who believe in Him. The object of the Christian life is fruit bearing—the reproduction of Christ’s character in the believer, that it may be reproduced in others.?{COL 67.1}[11]
§27
植物不是为自己而发芽、生长和结实的，而是为了“使撒种的有种，使要吃的有粮”（赛55:10）。同样，人不应该为自己而活。基督徒在世上是基督的代表，要为拯救别人而效劳。{COL 67.2}[12]
§28
The plant does not germinate, grow, or bring forth fruit for itself, but to “give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater.”?Isaiah 55:10. So no man is to live unto himself. The Christian is in the world as a representative of Christ, for the salvation of other souls.?{COL 67.2}[12]
§29
以自我为中心的人生决不可能生长结实。你如果接受基督为个人的救主，就必须忘掉自己，努力帮助别人。要谈论基督的爱，述说祂的良善。要忠心尽职，负起救灵的责任，千方百计拯救失丧的人。当你接受了基督的灵，就是无私之爱和为别人服务的精神时，你就必生长结实。圣灵的美德就会在你的品格中成熟；你的信心就会增加，认识就会加深，爱心就会完全了。你就会在一切纯洁、高尚和优雅的事上越来越反映基督的形像。{COL 67.3}[13]
§30
There can be no growth or fruitfulness in the life that is centered in self. If you have accepted Christ as a personal?Saviour, you are to forget yourself, and try to help others. Talk of the love of Christ, tell of His goodness. Do every duty that presents itself. Carry the burden of souls upon your heart, and by every means in your power seek to save the lost. As you receive the Spirit of Christ—the Spirit of unselfish love and labor for others—you will grow and bring forth fruit. The graces of the Spirit will ripen in your character. Your faith will increase, your convictions deepen, your love be made perfect. More and more you will reflect the likeness of Christ in all that is pure, noble, and lovely.?{COL 67.3}[13]
§31
“圣灵所结的果子，就是仁爱，喜乐，和平，忍耐，恩慈，良善，信实，温柔，节制”（加5:22,23）。这些果实绝不会朽坏，却要各从其类，结出永生的果实。{COL 68.1}[14]
§32
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,?gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.”?Galatians 5:22, 23. This fruit can never perish, but will produce after its kind a harvest unto eternal life.?{COL 68.1}[14]
§33
“谷既熟了，就用镰刀去割，因为收成的时候到了。”基督正热切地等候着要在教会中显示祂自己。当基督的品格完全地再现在祂的子民身上时，祂就要来接属于祂自己的人。{COL 69.1}[15]
§34
“When the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.” Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own.?{COL 69.1}[15]
§35
每一个基督徒都有权利不仅等候，而且催促主耶稣基督的来临。如果所有承认祂名的人都结出果子来荣耀祂，则福音的种子就要何等迅速地撒遍全世界啊！那最后的大庄稼必能迅速地成熟，基督必要来收集宝贵的谷粒了。{COL 69.2}[16]
§36
It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Peter 3:12, margin). Were all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain.?{COL 69.2}[16]