第04章 读经和祈祷的重要性
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第04章 读经和祈祷的重要性
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Chap. 4 - Bible Study and Prayer Essential
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要做有效的工人，就必须化大量的时间祈祷。上帝与人之间应当保持畅通的交往，使工人们可以认识他们元帅的声音。要殷勤研究圣经。上帝的真理象金子一样，不是常露在地面的。惟有认真思考和研究，才能得着。这种研究不仅能将最宝贵的知识藏在心里，也能加强和扩大人的智力，使人对永恒的事物有正确的估计。要把上帝的律例带到日常的生活中。要按上帝公义的伟大标准塑造生活，使整个品格得到加强和提高。—GW.76{DG77.1}[1]
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All who would be efficient workers must give much time to prayer. The communication between God and the soul must be kept open, that the workers may recognize the voice of their Captain. The Bible should be diligently studied. The truth of God, like gold, is not always lying right on the surface; it is to be obtained only by earnest thought and study. This study will not only store the mind with most valuable knowledge, but will strengthen and expand the mental powers, and will give a true estimate of eternal things. Let the divine precepts be brought into the daily life; let the life be fashioned after Gods great standard of righteousness, and the whole character will be strengthened and ennobled. --Gospel Workers, p. 76 {DG 77.1}[1]
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【研究圣经】
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伟大课本——圣经是适合我们学校学生的伟大课本，教导人上帝关乎亚当众儿女的全部旨意。圣经是人生的准则，教我们知道必须为不朽的来生塑造的品格。我们的信心、我们的行为，可以使我们成为活的荐信，为众人所知道，所念诵。人们不需要传统和习惯的昏暗亮光来使圣经易于理解，就象日午在天空照耀的太阳不需要火炬之光来增加它的荣耀一样。不需要祭司或传道人的寓言或话语来救学生脱离错误。而要请教上帝的圣言，你就会拥有亮光。圣经中说明了每一项本分，易于了解每一个教训，能使人为永生作好准备。{DG77.2}[2]
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【Study the Word】
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The Great Lesson Book.--The Word is the great lesson book for the students in our schools. The Bible teaches the whole will of God concerning the sons and daughters of Adam. The Bible is the rule of life, teaching us of the character we must form for the future, immortal life. Our faith, our practice, may make us living epistles, known and read of all men. Men need not the dim light of tradition and custom to make the Scriptures comprehensible. It is just as sensible to suppose that the sun, shining in the heavens at noonday, needs the glimmerings of the torchlight of earth to increase its glory. The fablesor the utterances of priests or of ministers are not needed to save the student from error. Consult the divine Oracle, and you have light. In the Bible every duty is made plain, every lesson is comprehensible, able to fit men with a preparation for eternal life.{DG 77.2}[2]
§9
基督的恩赐和圣灵的启发向我们启示圣父和圣子。圣经完全适合使男男女女及青少年有得救的智慧。在圣经中清楚启示了救恩的科学。“圣经都是上帝所默示的，于教训、督责、使人归正、教导人学义都是有益的，叫属上帝的人得以完全，预备行各样的善事”（提后3:16,17）。“应当查考圣经”（约5:39），因为那是上帝的劝勉，是上帝向人心灵说话的声音。-FE390,391(1895).{DG78.1}[3]
§10
The gift of Christ and the illumination of the Holy Spirit reveal to us the Father and the Son. The Word is exactly adapted to make men and women and youth wise unto salvation. In the Word is the science of salvation plainly revealed. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Search the scriptures, for therein is the counsel of God, the voice of God speaking to the soul.--FE 390, 391 (1895).{DG 78.1}[3]
§11
大家都达到优良品格的高标准——圣经应成为研究的课本。真理的珠宝不在表面，是粗心大意的读者所无法找到的。基督知道什么对我们最好，无论我们是什么年龄，祂吩咐说：“你们查考圣经，因你们以为内中有永生；给我作见证的就是这经”（约5:39）。耶稣是人类有史以来最伟大的教师。祂希望男人和女人、儿童和青年都能达到优良品格的最高标准。祂希望他们在灵，智，体方面充分地发展。--RH,1886.11.9{DG78.2}[4]
§12
All to Reach High Standard of Excellence.--The Bible should be a book for study. The precious pearls of truth do not lie upon the surface, to be found by a careless, uninterested reader. Christ knew what was best for us, of whatever age, when He commanded us, Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. Jesus, the greatest teacher the world ever knew, would have men and women and children and youth reach the highest standard of excellence of character. He would have them become fully developed mentally, morally, and physically.--RH, Nov. 9, 1886. {DG 78.2}[4]
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留意听什么，怎样听——我们需要经常在一起探讨我们信仰的理由。我们必须仔细研究圣经的真理，因为我们读到“必有人离弃真道，听从那引诱人的邪灵和鬼魔的道理”(提前4:1)。我们若轻视任何真理，就处在严重的危险中，因为我们已向错谬打开了心门。我们必须留意听什么，怎样听。我们不必设法理解人们支持他们论点的论据，因为显而易见这些学说与圣经不符合。一些自以为有科学知识的人正因为他们的解释歪曲了科学和圣经。要让圣经来回答对人类得救来说至关重要的每一个问题。--MM96(1904).{DG78.3}[5]
§14
Take Heed What and How We Hear.--From time to time we need unitedly to examine the reasons of our faith. It is essential that we study carefully the truths of Gods Word; for we read that some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils [demons]. We are in grave danger when we lightly regard any truth; for then the mind is opened to error. We must take heed how and what we hear. We need not seek to understand the arguments that men offer in support of their theories, when it may be readily discerned that these theories are not in harmony with the Scriptures. Some who think that they have scientific knowledge are by their interpretations giving wrong ideas both of science and of the Bible. Let the Bible decide every question that is essential to mans salvation.--MM 96 (1904).{DG 78.3}[5]
§15
务必请教最好的朋友耶稣——要花时间学习万书之书圣经。基督徒从来没有比现在那样更需要研究圣经。到处都有欺骗的影响。你必须请教你最好的朋友耶稣。行路的人可以借着信心和顺从，借着住在基督公义的阳光中而找到生命之路。但我们若不明白圣经，又怎能理解这些词汇的意义呢？在上帝的话中，责任显为清晰，和宗教生活有关的每件事都以明确的方式提出。整个救赎计划都已详述，给心灵的帮助已经指出。信徒在基督里得以完全的道路已经展开。--YI,1893.5.18{DG78.4}[6]
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Important to Counsel With Best Friend, Jesus.--Take time to study the Bible, the Book of books. There never was a time when it was so important that the followers of Christ should study the Bible as now. Deceptive influences are upon all sides, and it is essential that you counsel with Jesus, your best friend. The wayfaring man may find the way of life through faith and obedience, through abiding in the sunshine of Christs righteousness. But how shall we understand what is meant by these terms, if we do not understand the Bible? In the Word of God duty is made plain, and everything relating to the religious life is presented in a definite way. The whole plan of salvation is delineated, and the helps to the soul are pointed out. The way in which the believer may be complete in Christ is unfolded.--YI, May 18, 1893. {DG 78.4}[6]
§17
培养对圣经的兴趣——智力若不运用就会停止发展。若不培养对圣经的爱好，就不会欣赏上帝话语的真理。学生只能看到他所探究的深度，并无法欣赏到他自己狭窄范围以外的东西。但是他的无知却会使他骄傲、饶舌和自夸。{DG79.1}[7]
§18
Cultivate a Taste for the Bible.--Unless the mind is used, it will cease to expand; unless the taste is cultivated to love the Bible, it will cease to relish the truths of Gods Word. The student can see only to the depth of what he has explored, and he cannot appreciate that which lies beyond the compass of his own narrow boundaries. But his very ignorance will make him conceited, talkative, and boastful.{DG 79.1}[7]
§19
青年男女们：我能对你们说什么来激发你们去努力战胜障碍呢？当你们认真努力去领悟上帝深奥的事时，你们用脑就会更容易，也更令人满意。你们各人当下定决心不作次等的学生，不让别人替你思考。你应说：“别人在各门学科和上帝的话中所获得的，我也要下苦功去获得。”你可以调动心智的最佳才能，并且意识到自己对上帝所负的责任，尽力而为，不断进步，克服困难。{DG79.2}[8]
§20
What can I say to you, young men and young women, to arouse you to vigor in your efforts to overcome obstacles? Mental effort will become easier and more satisfactory as you put yourselves to the task of understanding the deep things of God. You should each decide that you will not be a second-class student, that you will not allow others to think for you. You should say, That which other minds have acquired in the sciences and in the Word of God, I will obtain for myself through painstaking effort. You can rally the minds best powers, and with a sense of your accountability to God, you can do your best, and you will not cease to advance, and to conquer difficulties.{DG 79.2}[8]
§21
不要耽于怠惰安逸之中，不作出特殊的努力去完成你的工作。要在主的大葡萄园中选择某一部分，做一份需要操练机智和才能的工作。要尽可能地置身于那些能察觉到你错误的智慧人中，并使自己免于懒惰，自负及肤浅的工作。自吹自擂的人将被识破，受到应有的报应。--RH,1890.5.20{DG79.3}[9]
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Do not settle down in slothful ease, making no special effort to accomplish your work. Make a choice of some part in the large vineyard of the Master, and do a work that will require the exercise of tact and talent. As much as possible, place yourselves in the society of those who are intellectual, who will be able to detect your mistakes, and to put you on your guard against indolence, pretension, and surface work. A blusterer will be recognized and set down forjust what he is worth and no more.--RH, May 20, 1890.{DG 79.3}[9]
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研究圣经能开发智力——“求祢用真理使他们成圣；祢的道就是真理”（约17:17）。应当使上帝的道成为伟大的教育力量。学生若不认真恒切地仔细研究圣经，怎能知道真理呢？这里有重大的激励，有隐藏的力量，振奋人的心力和体力，指导人的生活进入正确的渠道。在圣经中有智慧、有诗歌、有历史、有传记和最深奥的哲学。圣经的学习能激励人心过健康有力的生活，使人的心智作最高的运用。以谦卑受教的精神学习圣经，就不可能不开发和加强理智。那些最熟悉圣经中所启示之上帝的智慧和旨意的人，成了心智有力的人；他们可以成为能干的工人，与大教师耶稣基督同工。--FE432(1896).{DG80.1}[10]
§24
Study of the Bible Develops the Intellect.--Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. The Word of God should be made the great educating power. How shall students know the truth, except by a close, earnest, persevering study of the Word? Here is the grand stimulus, the hidden force which quickens the mental and physical powers, and directs the life into right channels. Here in the Word is wisdom, poetry, history, biography, and the most profound philosophy. Here is a study that quickens the mind into a vigorous and healthy life, and awakens it to the highest exercise. It is impossible to study the Bible with a humble, teachable spirit, without developing and strengthening the intellect. Those who become best acquainted with the wisdom and purpose of God as revealed in His Word become men and women of mental strength; and they may become efficient workers with the great Educator, Jesus Christ.--FE 432 (1896). {DG 80.1}[10]
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圣经是最伟大的教育者——人人都必需要学习的那一本书乃是圣经。要存虔诚敬畏的心学习，它是最伟大的教育家。在它里面毫无诡辩。它的篇章充满了真理。你愿意获得认识上帝和祂所差到世上来为罪人生为罪人死的基督的知识吗？为了获得这种知识，就必须恳切殷勤地研究圣经。--CH369(1903).{DG80.2}[11]
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Bible Greatest of All Educators.--The one book that is essential for all to study is the Bible. Studied with reverence and godly fear, it is the greatest of all educators. In it there is no sophistry. Its pages are filled with truth. Would you gain a knowledge of God and Christ, whom He sent into the world to live and die for sinners? An earnest, diligent study of the Bible is necessary in order to gain this knowledge.--CH 369 (1903). {DG 80.2}[11]
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妇女要训练心智——自称敬虔的妇女一般没能训练自己的心智。她们心猿意马随意往来。这是一桩大错。许多人看上去根本没有心智的能力。她们没有训练自己的心去思考；而且因为她们没有这样做，就以为自己做不了。要在恩典中长进，默想和祷告是必不可少的。--2T187(1856).{DG80.3}[12]
§28
Women to Train the Mind.--Women professing godliness generally fail to train the mind. They leave it uncontrolled, to go where it will. This is a great mistake. Many seem to have no mental power. They have not educated the mind to think; and because they have not done this, they suppose they cannot. Meditation and prayer are necessary to a growth in grace.--2T 187 (1856). {DG 80.3}[12]
§29
使心灵成为贮藏真理的仓库--我的姐妹们哪，我们有什么借口，不奉献全部可能的光阴去查考圣经，使此心成为贮藏宝物的仓库，以便向那些对真理不感兴趣的人们传扬这些宝物呢？我们的姐妹们愿意起来应付危机吗？她们愿意为主作工吗？--6T118(1900).{DG80.4}[13]
§30
Make the Mind a Storehouse of Truth.--Oh, what is our excuse, my sisters, that we do not devote all the time possible to searching the Scriptures, making the mind a storehouse of precious things, that we may present them to those who are not interested in the truth? Will our sisters arise to the emergency? Will they work for the Master?--6T 118 (1900). {DG 80.4}[13]
§31
组织一个阅读研究圣经的团体——如果青年和成年男女组成一个团体，以阅读与研究圣经为宗旨，查考预言，研究基督的教训，团体就会有力量。没有任何书籍比阅读圣经更能提升，坚固和扩展人的心智；也没有任何事物能如此赋予我们所有的官能以活力，使它们与圣经的伟大真理相联合，使人理解和思考那些真理。--2MR244(1900).{DG80.5}[14]
§32
Organize a Bible Society for Reading and Study.--If youth, andmen and women of mature age, should organize a society where Bible reading and Bible study should be made the prominent theme, dwelling upon and searching out the prophecies, and studying the lessons of Christ, there would be strength in the society. There is no book from the perusal of which the mind is so much elevated and strengthened and expanded as the Bible. And there is nothing that will so endow with new vigor all our faculties as bringing them in contact with stupendous truths of the Word of God, and setting the mind to grasp and measure those truths.--2MR 244 (1900). {DG 80.5}[14]
§33
有规律的研究会开启新的真理——真理的教师应当在知识上增长，在恩典及基督徒经验中长进，培养会荣耀上帝和祂圣言的习惯与行为。他应当指教他人如何实践上帝的话。在圣洁的能力和各门学科上前进的每一步都会帮助我们理解上帝的话；研究圣经有助于我们学习教育的其他重要学科。{DG81.1}[15]
§34
Regular Study Opens New Truths.--The teacher of the truth should advance in knowledge, growing in grace and in Christian experience, cultivating habits and practices which will do honor to God and to His Word. He should show others how to make a practical application of the Word. Every advance we make in sanctified ability, in varied studies, will help us to understand the Word of God; and the study of the Scriptures helps us in the study of the other branches essential in education.{DG 81.1}[15]
§35
初识圣经之后，恳切寻求之人的兴趣就会迅速增长。有规律地研究上帝的话能使他看到以前从未看明的真理中的新颖和美妙。圣经学生在谈话时会很自然并容易地引用经文。--RH,1897.4.20{DG81.2}[16]
§36
After the first acquaintance with the Bible, the interest of the earnest seeker grows rapidly. The discipline gained by a regular study of the Word of God enables him to see a freshness and beauty in truth that he never before discerned. Reference to texts, when speaking, becomes natural and easy to a Bible student.--RH, Apr. 20, 1897.{DG 81.2}[16]
§37
每日祈祷对于成长的重要性--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，每天是祷告是必不可少的，对于属灵生活本身也是如此，就象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,1881.5.3{DG81.3}[17]
§38
【Prayer】
§39
Daily Prayer Essential to Growth.--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 often lift the thoughts 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 has Himself laid down.--RH, May 3, 1881.{DG 81.3}[17]
§40
借着祈祷战胜自己——主需要那些能将敬虔榜样之光带进日常生活中的男女，其言语行为能显明基督住在其心中，教训，引领并指导他们。祂需要祈祷的男女，借着单独与上帝较力而战胜自己，并能出去将他们从能力之源所获得的东西给别人分享。上帝悦纳那些钉死自我的人，并使他们成为尊贵的器皿。他们在上帝的手中如同泥在窑匠的手中，祂借着他们行使祂的旨意。这样的男女接受属灵的力量。基督住在他们里面，祂灵的能力伴随着他们的努力。他们意识到他们在此世要过耶稣所过的生活——一种完全脱离自私的人生；祂会使他们成为祂的见证并吸引人归向髑髅地的十字架。--ST,1902.4.9{DG81.4}[18]
§41
Obtain Victory Over Self Through Prayer.--The Lord needs men and women who carry with them into the daily life the light of a godlyexample, men and women whose words and actions show that Christ is abiding in the heart, teaching, leading, and guiding. He needs men and women of prayer, who, by wrestling alone with God, obtain the victory over self, and then go forth to impart to others that which they have received from the Source of power. God accepts those who crucify self, and makes them vessels unto honor. They are in His hands as clay in the hands of the potter, and He works His will through them. Such men and women receive spiritual power. Christ lives in them, and the power of His Spirit attends their efforts. They realize that they are to live in this world the life that Jesus lived--a life free from all selfishness; and He enables them to bear witness for Him that draws souls to the cross of Calvary.--ST, Apr. 9, 1902.{DG 81.4}[18]
§42
祈祷使心灵振作--圣经为我们提供了丰富的应许。救赎的计划非常宏大。对我们的供应并非狭窄有限。我们不必信赖一个月或一年以前的凭据，而是在今日就可以得到耶稣活着为我们代求的保证。我们自己属灵的生命枯竭时，就无法向周围的人行善。我们的传道人没有象我们之前许多敬虔的传道人那样，借祈祷整夜与上帝较力。他们伏案写作，或预备供上千人阅读的文章；他们将论据整理成章，使人信服要道。所有这些事都是必要的；但上帝能为我们做多少事，以分赐亮光和折服人心的能力来答应我们信心的祈祷啊！我们祷告聚会中的空座位证明基督徒没有意识到上帝对他们的要求；他们没有意识到他们的责任乃是要使这些聚会有趣并成功。他们单调、乏味地轮了一圈，回家时则未被更新，未蒙祝福。--RH,1884.4.22{DG82.1}[19]
§43
Prayer Refreshes the Soul.--There are rich promises for us in the Word of God. The plan of salvation is ample. It is no narrow, limited provision that has been made for us. We are not obliged to trust in the evidence that we had a year or a month ago, but we may have the assurance today that Jesus lives, and is making intercession for us. We cannot do good to those around us while our own souls are destitute of spiritual life. Our ministers do not wrestle all night in prayer, as many godly ministers before us have done. They sit up bent over tables, writing lessons, or preparing articles to be read by thousands; they arrange facts in shape to convince the mind in regard to doctrine. All these things are essential; but how much God can do for us in sending light and convicting power to hearts in answer to the prayer of faith! The empty seats in our prayer meetings testify that Christians do not realize the claims of God upon them; they do not realize their duty to make these meetings interesting and successful. They go over a monotonous, wearisome round, and return to their home unrefreshed, unblessed.--RH, Apr. 22, 1884.{DG 82.1}[19]
§44
需要与上帝交通--我们出版社的所有人手都应置身于最有利的环境中，养成美好正确的习惯。当每天数次将宝贵的黄金时刻献于祈祷和研读圣经，即使只是牢记一节经文，属灵的生命也会存在于心灵中。圣工的各种权益为我们提供了深思的材料和祷告的灵感。与上帝交通对于属灵的健康是非常必要的，只有这样才能得到履行每日责任所需要的智慧和正确的判断。--4T459(1880).{DG82.2}[20]
§45
Communion With God Necessary.--Several times each day precious, golden moments should be consecrated to prayer and the study of the Scriptures, if it is only to commit a text to memory, that spiritual life may exist in the soul. The varied interests of the cause furnish us with food for reflection and inspiration for our prayers. Communion with God is highly essential for spiritual health, and here only may be obtained that wisdom and correct judgment sonecessary in the performance of every duty.--4T 459 (1880).{DG 82.2}[20]
§46
不要忽略祈祷——有一些人因为害怕地上的财宝会受损失，便忽略了祷告和聚集在一起敬拜上帝，以便有更多的时间投入到他们的农场或生意中去。他们用自己的行为表明了他们估计哪个世界最有价值。他们牺牲了对他们的属灵进步来说必不可少的宗教特权，为了得到今生的事而没能得到关于上帝旨意的知识。他们没有达到基督徒品格的完全，也不符合上帝的尺度。他们将属世界的、暂时的利益放在首位，抢夺了本应用于侍奉上帝的时间。上帝给这种人作了记号，他们必领受咒诅而非福气。--2T654(1871).{DG83.1}[21]
§47
Do Not Neglect Prayer.--Some, fearing they will suffer loss of earthly treasure, neglect prayer and the assembling of themselves together for the worship of God, that they may have more time to devote to their farms or their business. They show by their works which world they place the highest estimate upon. They sacrifice religious privileges, which are essential to their spiritual advancement, for the things of this life and fail to obtain a knowledge of the divine will. They come short of perfecting Christian character and do not meet the measurement of God. They make their temporal, worldly interests first, and rob God of the time which they should devote to His service. Such persons God marks, and they will receive a curse rather than a blessing.--2T 654 (1871).{DG 83.1}[21]
§48
凡寻求耶稣的人必寻见祂——没有时间祈祷吗？没有时间告诉主说：“祢务必以祢自己的能力来保守我”吗？既然把主忘了，就不但不会减轻忧虑，反而会使之增加。基督徒的精神在忙碌的业务工作中十分重要，正如在常去祈祷的地方要有上帝的灵一样。我们大家都需要寻求主。基督徒的美德将会显明。寻求耶稣的人会发现祂是急难中随时的帮助。--21MR358(1898).{DG83.2}[22]
§49
All Who Seek Jesus Find Him.--Is there no time to pray? No time to tell the Lord, Thou must keep me by Thine own power? Leaving the Lord out of sight will not lessen the cares but multiply them. A Christian spirit is as essential in active business lines as is having the Spirit of God in the place where prayer is wont to be made. All any of us need is to seek the Lord, and the grace of the Christian will be evidenced. All who seek Him find Jesus a very present help in every time of need.--21MR 358 (1898).{DG 83.2}[22]
§50
靠基督成为胜利者——不要把你的忧愁和困难带到人面前。要来到那能“充充足足地成就一切”(弗3:20）的主面前。祂知道如何帮助你。切勿转离慈爱同情的救赎主而转向人间的朋友，尽管他们也许会把他们最好的东西给你，却有可能使你误入歧途。{DG83.3}[23]
§51
Be a Conqueror Through Jesus.--Do not take your sorrows and difficulties to man. Present yourself to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly. He knows just how to help you. Do not turn from the loving, compassionate Redeemer to human friends, who, though they may give you the best they have, may lead you into wrong paths. Take all your troubles to Jesus. {DG 83.3}[23]
§52
要把你所有的困难带到耶稣面前！祂会接纳、坚固并安慰你。祂是所有疾病的大医师。祂伟大无穷的爱心牵挂着你。祂带给你信息说，你可以挣脱仇敌的网罗。你可以重获自尊。你可以屹然而立，不是作为失败者，而是靠着上帝之灵的提拔能力作为一个得胜者。--ST,1906.2.14{DG83.4}[24]
§53
He will receive and strengthen and comfort you. He is the great Healer of all maladies. His great heart of infinite love yearns over you. He sends you the message that you may recover yourself from the snare of the enemy. You may regain your self-respect. You may stand where you regard yourself, not as a failure, but as a conqueror, in and through the uplifting influence of the Spirit of God.--ST, Feb. 14, 1906. {DG 83.4}[24]
§54
祈祷是心灵的生命——我们象但以理那样一天祈祷三次是方便而重要的。祈祷是我们心灵的生命，是属灵成长的基础。在你的家中，在亲友与同事面前，你当见证此真理。你有机会遇见教会的弟兄时，就当告诉他们在上帝和人心灵之间需要保持交流的畅通。告诉他们如果能用心灵和声音去祈祷，上帝就会回应其祈祷。告诉他们不要忽视自己的宗教责任。要劝弟兄们祈祷。如果我们想寻见，就必须寻找；想得到，就必须祈求；想有人给我们开门，就必须敲门。--ST,1890.2.10{DG83.5}[25]
§55
Prayer Is the Life of the Soul.--It is just as convenient, just as essential, for us to pray three times a day as it was for Daniel. Prayer is the life of the soul, the foundation of spiritual growth. In yourhome, before your family, and before your workmen, you should testify to this truth. And when you are privileged to meet with your brethren in the church, tell them of the necessity of keeping open the channel of communication between God and the soul. Tell them that if they will find heart and voice to pray, God will find answers to their prayers. Tell them not to neglect their religious duties. Exhort the brethren to pray. We must seek if we would find, we must ask if we would receive, we must knock if we would have the door opened unto us.--ST, Feb. 10, 1890.{DG 83.5}[25]