第09章 邻里服务
§1
第09章 邻里服务
§2
Chap. 9 - Neighborhood Ministry
§3
我们要认识到对于住在周围的人负有特殊的责任。要研究怎样使对宗教不感兴趣的人得到最大的帮助。在探访朋友和邻舍的时候，要对他们今世和属灵的利益表显出同样的关怀。要告诉他们基督是赦罪的救主，邀请他们到你们家来，与你一同阅读宝贵的圣经和解释真理的书籍。邀请他们与你一起唱赞美诗，一同祷告。在这些小小的聚会中，基督必照着祂的应许亲自出席，用祂的恩典感动人心。--MH.152{DG114.1}[1]
§4
We should feel it our special duty to work for those living in our neighborhood. Study how you can best help those who take no interest in religious things. As you visit your friends and neighbors, show an interest in their spiritual as well as in their temporal welfare. Speak to them of Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. Invite your neighbors to your home, and read with them from the precious Bible and from books that explain its truths. Invite them to unite with you in song and prayer. In these little gatherings, Christ Himself will be present, as He has promised, and hearts will be touched by His grace. --The Ministry of Healing, p. 152 {DG 114.1}[1]
§5
各项事工都需要女性——在上帝各部门的圣工中，有广阔的园地可以让我们的姊妹为主作良好的服务。许多方面的传道工作被人忽略了。在各教会中，有许多的工作往往没有做或做得不完美。若经适当的指导，我们的姊妹是可以提供帮助，很好地完成这些工作的。在各种家庭布道工作中，她们能接近一等我们的传道人所无法接近的人。在拥有道德勇气，接受现代真理的尊贵妇女中，有许多机智，聪明，能干的人，能作成功的工人。我们需要这些女基督徒的服务。-RH,1914.12.10{DG114.2}[2]
§6
Women Needed in Various Branches of the Work.--In the various branches of the work of Gods cause, there is a wide field in which our sisters may do good service for the Master. Many lines of missionary work are neglected. In the different churches, much work which is often left undone or done imperfectly, could be well accomplished by the help that our sisters, if properly instructed, can give. Through various lines of home missionary effort they can reach a class that is not reached by our ministers. Among the noble women who have had the moral courage to decide in favor of the truth for this time are many who have tact, perception, and good ability, and who may make successful workers. The labors of such Christianwomen are needed.--RH, Dec. 10, 1914.{DG 114.2}[2]
§7
与人交友--基督家里如果有一个人落在试探之下，其他成员就要亲切地关照他，设法阻止他踏入歧途，引导他过纯洁圣善的生活。上帝要祂教会的每一个成员都从事这样的工作。……{DG115.1}[3]
§8
Be Friends of the People.--If one member of Christs household falls into temptation, the other members are to look after him with kindly interest, seeking to arrest the feet that are straying into false paths, and win him to a pure, holy life. This service God requires from every member of His church. . . .{DG 115.1}[3]
§9
这就是家中的布道工作，对于做工的人和工作的对象都有益处。我们在家庭范围内所表现的亲切关怀，对弟兄姊妹所说同情的话语，使我们能胜任为主家里的成员服务。我们如果保持对基督的忠诚，就必永远活着。基督说：“你务要至死忠心，我就赐给你那生命的冠冕”（启2:10）。这样看来，主家里的成员应当如何谨慎地保护自己的弟兄姊妹啊！你们要与他们交朋友。如果他们贫穷，缺衣少食，就要既供应他们的属灵需要，也供应他们的属世需要。这样你就成了他们双重的福惠。--Ev353(1898).{DG115.2}[4]
§10
This is home missionary work, and it is as helpful to those who do it as to those for whom it is done. The kindly interest we manifest in the home circle, the words of sympathy we speak to our brothers and sisters, fit us to work for the members of the Lords household, with whom, if we remain loyal to Christ, we shall live through eternal ages. Be thou faithful unto death, Christ says, and I will give thee a crown of life. Then how carefully should the members of the Lords family guard their brethren and sisters! Make yourself their friend. If they are poor and in need of food and clothing, minister to their temporal as well as their spiritual wants. Thus you will be a double blessing to them.--Ev 353 (1898).{DG 115.2}[4]
§11
与困难中的家庭为友--姊妹们可以做许多事情来感动和软化人心。我的姊妹们哪，你们不论在什么地方，都要保持纯朴的作风。若在一个有孩子的家庭里，你们就应对他们表示关心。让他们看出你们爱他们。若有人病了，就要给他们治疗，帮助那忧心焦急的母亲解除她儿女的痛苦。--RH,1902.11.11{DG115.3}[5]
§12
Be a Friend to the Family in Need.--The sisters can do much to reach the heart and make it tender. Wherever you are, my sisters, work in simplicity. If you are in a home where there are children, show an interest in them. Let them see that you love them. If one is sick, offer to give him treatment; help the careworn, anxious mother to relieve her suffering child.--RH, Nov. 11, 1902.{DG 115.3}[5]
§13
【所有人都要参与上帝的工作】
§14
我们的姐妹能做许多工作--鉴于姐妹们能做许多工作，她们现在所做的是微不足道的。基督正在寻找生命和品格的果子，祂发现了很多挂名的基督徒，象那不结实的无花果树一样，除了叶子外什么都没有。姐妹们可以有效地推销我们的书刊，以这种方式将亮光带给许多人。姐妹和弟兄一样可以散发小册子，做文字布道士和书报员的工作。{DG115.4}[6]
§15
【All to Have a Part in the Work of God】
§16
Our Sisters Can Do Much.--Our sisters are doing comparatively nothing, when they might do very much. Christ is searching the life and character for fruit, and He finds many professed Christians, like the fruitless fig tree, bearing nothing but leaves. The sisters can work efficiently in obtaining subscribers for our periodicals, in this way bringing the light before many minds. The distribution of tracts, and the work of Christian canvassers and colporteurs, can be done as well by our sisters as by our brethren.{DG 115.4}[6]
§17
撒但正忙于这方面的工作，散发那些毒害青年思想、败坏他们品德的书刊。不信的书籍到处泛滥。教会的每一个成员为什么不热心散发那些能提高人思想的书刊，将真理直接带到人面前呢？这些书刊和小册子乃是世上的光，往往成为劝化人心的工具。我们的刊物正在撒播福音的种子，与传道工作一样成为领人归向基督的工具。推广这些书刊的结果，使许多教会建立了起来。{DG115.5}[7]
§18
Satan is busy in this department of his work, scattering literature which is debasing the morals and poisoning the minds of the young. Infidel publications are scattered broadcast throughout the land.Why should not every member of the church be as deeply interested in sending forth publications that will elevate the minds of the people, and bring the truth directly before them? These papers and tracts are for the light of the world, and have often been instrumental in converting souls. Our publications are now sowing the gospel seed, and are instrumental in bringing as many souls to Christ as the preached word. Whole churches have been raised up as the result of their circulation. {DG 115.5}[7]
§19
在这项工作中，每一个基督的门徒都有工作要做。要把传单、小册子和书刊发往各地。你不论到哪里，都要随身携带一包选好的小册子，一有机会就散发出去。或销售、或出借、或赠送、均视情况而定，这样就会有巨大的效果。--RH,1880.6.10{DG116.1}[8]
§20
In this work every disciple of Christ can act a part. Let the leaflets and tracts, the papers and books, go in every direction. Carry with you, wherever you go, a package of select tracts, which you can hand out as you have opportunity. Sell what you can, and lend or give them away as the case may seem to require. Important results will follow.--RH, June 10, 1880.{DG 116.1}[8]
§21
要确知我们是为耶稣作工的--我们的姐妹不能免除参加上帝工作的责任。每一个尝过来世权能的人，都在主的葡萄园中在某个职位有认真的工作要做。我们的姐妹可能设法忙于不断用手指制造优美的小物件来美化她们的家或给朋友们看。她们可能带来大量这种材料，将之摆在基石上，但耶稣会看这一切美丽的手工是当作活祭献给祂的吗？祂会宣布对工人们的称赞说：“我知道你的行为、劳碌、忍耐，”以及你如何“也能忍耐，曾为我的名劳苦，并不乏倦”吗（启2:2,3）？--RH,1887.5.31{DG116.2}[9]
§22
Be Sure We Are Working for Jesus.--Our sisters are not excused from taking a part in the work of God. Everyone who has tasted of the powers of the world to come has earnest work to do in some capacity in the Lords vineyard. Our sisters may manage to keep busy with their fingers constantly employed in manufacturing little dainty articles to beautify their homes, or to present to their friends. Great quantities of this kind of material may be brought and laid upon the foundation stone; but will Jesus look upon all this variety of dainty work as a living sacrifice to Himself? Will He pronounce the commendation upon the workers, I know thy works,. . . and how thou . . . for my names sake hast laboured?--RH, May 31, 1887.{DG 116.2}[9]
§23
所有的人在家中都有事可干--我们的姐妹们喜欢找理由规避那些需要操心劳神的责任；然而这正是她们完善基督徒经验所需要的训练。她们可以作布道园地的工人，亲自关注散发正确表达我们信仰的书刊。并非人人都能去国外做工，然而人人都可在家中有所作为。……{DG116.3}[10]
§24
All Can Do Something at Home.--Our sisters have been too willing to excuse themselves from bearing responsibilities which require thought and close application of the mind; yet this is the very discipline they need to perfect Christian experience. They may be workers in the missionary field, having a personal interest in the distribution of tracts and papers which correctly represent our faith. All cannot go abroad to labor, but all can do something at home. . . .{DG 116.3}[10]
§25
我们作为基督徒，应当时时意识到自己的时间、精力和能力都是用无限的代价买来的。我们不是属于我们自己的，片刻都不应用于满足我们的爱好和骄傲。我们作为光明之子，应当向他人传播亮光。我们要学习如何最能荣耀上帝，如何拯救并造福基督代死之人。在造福他人的工作上，我们当为自己积攒力量和勇气，得到上帝的认可。我们数以百计的姐妹只要愿意，今天就可以工作。……{DG116.4}[11]
§26
We should, as Christians, have an abiding sense that our time, our strength and ability, have been purchased with an infinite price. We are not our own to use our moments in gratifying our fancy and our pride. As children of the light we should diffuse light to others.It should be our study how we may best glorify God, how we can work to save and bless souls for whom Christ died. In working to bless others we shall be gathering strength and courage to our own souls, and shall receive the approval of God. Hundreds of our sisters might be at work today if they would. . . .{DG 116.4}[11]
§27
现在无所事事的人应该出去工作。但愿凡自称为上帝孩子的姐妹确实感到有责任帮助所有能接触到的人。借着操练克己和为他人的益处而行善，就必获得最高尚的成就。--RH,1878.12.12{DG117.1}[12]
§28
Those who are now doing nothing should go to work. Let each sister who claims to be a child of God feel indeed a responsibility to help all within her reach. The noblest of all attainments may be gained through practical self-denial and benevolence for others good.--RH, Dec. 12, 1878.{DG 117.1}[12]
§29
在各水边撒种——如果我们的姐妹肯用上帝所赐的时间恳切地向祂祈祷并研究祂的话，祂就会赐给她们属天的智慧，她们就会知道如何借上帝所赐的恩典去做工，拯救她们身边的人。我们的姐妹可以从自己的家开始她们的布道工作；然后才会知道如何聪明地为邻里作工。倘若她们对此项工作感兴趣，就可以撒播真理的种子。我们必须在各水边撒种，尽管我们不知道哪里会发旺，或这里或那里。这种工作是值得的，因其结果会持续到永生。这就好比把金、银和各样宝石拿来在根基上建造，这些材料不能磨损和朽坏，而会存到永远。我们各人首先要做的工作就是亲自献身于上帝。--RH,1888.11.6{DG117.2}[13]
§30
Sow Beside All Waters.--If our sisters would spend their God-given time in earnest prayer to God, and the study of His Word, He would impart to them heavenly wisdom, that they might know how to labor through the grace given them of God, to save the souls of those around them. Our sisters might begin with missionary work in their own households; then they would know how to work intelligently for their neighbors. If they would become interested in this kind of work, they might be sowing the seeds of truth. We must sow beside all waters, though we know not which will prosper, this or that. This kind of work pays; for its results are as lasting as eternity. It is represented as bringing to the foundation, gold, silver, and precious stones--materials which are not consumable and perishable, but as enduring as eternity. The first work for us individually is a personal consecration to God.--RH, Nov. 6, 1888.{DG 117.2}[13]
§31
【与上帝同工】
§32
为自己的朋友祈祷——如果我们单单完全信靠上帝，祂就会为我们成就更大的事，远超过我们所求所想的。我们要不要相信，要不要本着信心、盼望和勇气前进，紧紧握住全能者呢？……但愿所有自称信奉现代真理的人都能在生活中持守住其纯洁圣善的原则。如果我们的姐妹只肯相信她们可以做许多事，如果她们肯献身给上帝，她们就能成为极大的帮助。如果她们肯以属天的智慧与她们所熟悉的人谈话并为之工作，她们就必能做成善工。{DG117.3}[14]
§33
【Coworkers With God】
§34
Pray for Personal Friends.--God will do for us greater things than we can ask or think, if we will only confide in and trust Him fully. Shall we believe, shall we move forward in faith, in hope, in courage, clinging with firm grasp to the Mighty One? . . . Let all those who profess the present truth carry out its pure and holy principles in their lives. If our sisters would only feel that they can do very much, if they will consecrate themselves to God, they could be a great help. If they would talk and labor in heavenly wisdom among those with whom they are acquainted, they could do a good work.{DG 117.3}[14]
§35
如果她们愿意少谈论那些不重要的事，多恳切祈祷，把她们那些还没有接受真理的私人朋友们的情形带到耶稣面前，祈求祂光照他们的心思，如果她们能凭着信心求，则她们的祷告必会成就许多善事。我们的姐妹们可以成为上帝的同工。她们可以在今生即将结束时能够回顾自己的一生而不致看到仿佛一片荒漠，而会看到蓓蕾、花卉和果实作为她们一生劳苦的果效。--7MR40,41(1874).{DG117.4}[15]
§36
If they would talk less upon unimportant matters and pray moreearnestly, and take the cases of their personal friends, who are not in the truth, to Jesus, pleading with Him to enlighten their minds, their prayers might do much good; they certainly will if offered in faith. Our sisters may be coworkers with God. They may be able, when this life here shall close, to look back upon their lives not as a barren desert, but upon buds, flowers, and fruit as the result of their lifes toil.--7MR 40, 41 (1874).{DG 117.4}[15]
§37
【青年要接受训练为他人服务】
§38
组团服务——青年男女们，难道你们不能组成团队，作基督的精兵，参加工作，把自己的一切才能、技巧及机智，都投入主的服务，救人免遭灭亡吗？但愿每一个教会都组织起团队，从事这项工作。……真正爱耶稣的青年男女肯否把自己组织起来作主的工人，不但为自称遵守安息日的人作工，也为与我们信仰不同的人作工呢？--ST,1893.5.29{DG118.1}[16]
§39
【Let the Youth Be Trained to Serve Others】
§40
Organize for Service.--Young men and young women, cannot you form companies, and, as soldiers of Christ, enlist in the work, putting all your tact and skill and talent into the Masters service, that you may save souls from ruin? Let there be companies organized in every church to do this work. . . . Will the young men and young women who really love Jesus organize themselves as workers, not only for those who profess to be Sabbathkeepers, but for those who are not of our faith?--ST, May 29, 1893.{DG 118.1}[16]
§41
教导布道工作的实际方法——现今在建立教会的事上需要有聪明的工人做细致的工作,在教会中识别和发展才能，进行教育为主服务。那些负责探访各教会的人应在与人查经和布道工作上给予指导。但愿有一班人培训那些若经指教就愿意作工的青年。青年男女应受教如何在家中、在邻里间、在教会里做工。--RH,1888.5.15{DG118.2}[17]
§42
Instruct in Practical Methods of Doing Missionary Work.--That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches is the nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church that can be educated for the Masters service. Those who shall labor in visiting the churches should give them instruction in the Bible reading and missionary work. Let there be a class for the training of the youth who are willing to work if they are taught how. Young men and women should be educated to become workers at home, in their own neighborhoods, and in the church.--RH, May 15, 1888.{DG 118.2}[17]
§43
青年人可以主持聚会——我向埃文代尔学校的学生提出这些事（在澳大利亚主持聚会）之前，只有几个学生殷勤地从事布道工作，探访家庭，散发读物，到一至五英里之外的地方与人查经；但这里大多数的学生与其他大部分学校一样，认为最明智的做法是在学校学会所当学的，等学期结束后再参加积极的布道工作。……{DG118.3}[18]
§44
Youth Can Hold Meetings.--Before I presented these matters [holding meetings in Australia] to the students of the Avondale school, a few had been diligently engaged in missionary effort, visiting families, distributing reading matter, and holding Bible readings in places from one to five miles away; but many of the students here, as in most other schools, were acting upon the theory that it was wisest to learn all they could while in school, and wait till after school closed before undertaking any active missionary effort. . . .{DG 118.3}[18]
§45
当我们研究如何做对新南威尔士各教会和为主做工有经验的在校生最为有利时，我们认为最好是鼓励有一些经验的学生离开学校，花一周的时间探访教会，帮助主持聚会，并与当地教会的工人一起为需要帮助的人热心做工。除了赫斯格长老以外已有七名来自库兰邦的学生被差派出去，在斯坦摩尔教会度过一周的时间。赫斯格长老曾在那里作出极为有效的爱心的服侍。{DG118.4}[19]
§46
As we studied what would be for the best interests of the New South Wales churches, and for those students in the school who hadhad an experience in working for Christ, it was thought best to encourage persons of some experience to leave the school, and spend the week in visiting in the churches, in helping to conduct the meetings, and uniting with the workers in these churches in earnest work for those needing help. Seven were thus sent out from Cooranbong, besides Elder Haskell, who spent the week with the Stanmore church, upon which he has bestowed so much efficient and loving labor. {DG 118.4}[19]
§47
起初考虑此事时，有些人认为损失学期中一周的时间似乎是一件严重的事。能来上学已经付出很大的代价，而且很明显地这是最后的上学机会了。每门课都很宝贵。但深思熟虑之后，这项服务被欣然接受了；十字架被高举了，而且当它被高举时，它也高举了背十字架的人。没有一个工人安闲度日，而是迅速地从一个地方到另一个地方。他们受到了热情地接待。他们发现孤独之人渴慕属灵的鼓励；当他们浇灌别人时，自己的心灵也被浇灌了。当这些工人返校时，都充满了喜乐和勇气。他们的信心因做工而得到发展，而且他们已准备好去激励和帮助他们的同学。{DG119.1}[20]
§48
When this matter was first considered, by some it seemed a serious thing to lose one week out of the school term. It had cost much to reach the school, and apparently this was the last opportunity for attendance, and each lesson was very precious. But after consideration, the service was accepted cheerfully; the cross was lifted, and as it was lifted, it lifted the bearer. None of the workers settled down to have an easy time, but they moved rapidly from place to place. They met a hearty reception. They found lonely souls hungry for spiritual encouragement; as they watered others, their own souls were watered. When these workers returned to the school, they were full of joy and courage. Their faith had developed with labor, and they were ready to cheer and help their fellows. {DG 119.1}[20]
§49
那时整个聚居区发生了很严重的流感。首先在城市出现，随之扩散到整个国家。不出所料，学校是最后被感染的地方之一。我们四围有很多病人。护理实践班的学生可在有需要时出去照顾病人。所以他们两个两个地被差派出去进行治疗，照顾那些极为虚弱的人。{DG119.2}[21]
§50
Just then there was throughout the colony a visitation of the influenza, in a severe form. It appeared first in the cities, and then worked its way through the country. As might be expected, the school was one of the last places visited. There were many sick all around us; and the students who are in the class of practical nursing freely offered to go, when needed, and care for the sick. So they were sent out, two and two, to give treatments, and to nurse those who were very feeble. {DG 119.2}[21]
§51
这些经验预备他们的心赏识并接受有关布道工作价值的教导，作为他们教育的一部分。当这个主题于祷告周期间在学校和教会里提出时，师生们都愿意按这些建议去做，而且到处都可以找到工作的机会。安息日和星期日下午，有十六到二十名学生在六至十个不同的地方参与主持祷告聚会、查经、青年聚会和讲道。我们已经看到这项工作的一个结果，就是工人们都大蒙赐福。将来我们还会看到其他成果。--RH1898.10.4{DG119.3}[22]
§52
These experiences prepared their hearts to appreciate and receive instruction regarding the value of missionary effort as a part of their education. As this subject was presented in the school and in the church, during the week of prayer, students and teachers sought to act upon the suggestions, and opportunities for labor were found in all directions. Sabbath and Sunday afternoons, from sixteen to twenty students are engaged in holding prayer meetings, Bible readings, young peoples meetings, and preaching services, in from six to ten different places. One result of this work we already see--the workers are greatly blessed. Other results may be seen in the future.--RH Oct. 4, 1898.{DG 119.3}[22]
§53
【给玛丽亚.蔡斯的一封传道信函】
§54
（玛丽亚.蔡斯是怀雅各的外甥女，即他姐姐玛丽的女儿。）[23]
§55
A Missionary Letter to Maria Chase MARIA CHASE WAS JAMES WHITES NIECE, THE DAUGHTER OF HIS SISTER MARY. {DG 120.1}[23]
§56
亲爱的外甥女玛丽亚：我想写几行字给你。尽管你的情形令我非常灰心，但我并未失去对你的关怀。你成为一名基督徒的希望似乎减少了，因此我很担心你的将来和前途。{DG120.2}[24]
§57
Dear Niece Maria: I have a desire to write you a few lines. I have not lost my interest for you although I have become very much discouraged in regard to your case. As the prospect of your becoming a Christian has seemed to lessen, I have felt a painful anxiety in regard to your future course and prospects. {DG 120.2}[24]
§58
我不知道当我充分了解你现在的思想状况时，是否还能象过去那样准备好去帮助你。如果我知道你真诚地渴望成为谦卑的基督徒，我就知道该如何对你说话了。我想你或许希望如此，但是由于最近你在试图成为基督徒的事上失败了，就变得很灰心。你可能认为别人对你的信心动摇了，不会相信你将要付出的努力。{DG120.3}[25]
§59
I do not know as I fully understand your present state of mind and I may not be as prepared to help you as though I did. I should know better how to address you if I knew that you sincerely desired to become a humble Christian. I have thought that perhaps you desired this but that on account of your late failure to carry out your purposes to become a Christian you have become discouraged. [You may have] thought that the confidence of others in you was so much shaken that they could not have faith in efforts you might make in the future.{DG 120.3}[25]
§60
但是玛丽亚，如果基督徒生活对你还有吸引力，你看到了罪恶的可憎以及你离开基督的沦丧状况，我劝你认真地重新开始。要谦卑地寻求主。你或许很不自信，因为你有理由这样。但是上帝是信实的，我劝你为你自己灵魂的缘故再试一试，恳切地寻求成为基督的门徒。没有人能替你做这事。这是在上帝与你自己的灵魂之间严肃的工作，你必须经受住全能者的考验。{DG120.4}[26]
§61
But, Maria, if the Christian life has charms in it for you, and you see the sinfulness of sin and your lost condition out of Christ, I advise you to commence again in earnest. In meekness seek the Lord. You may be very distrustful of yourself, for you have reason to be. But God is true, and I advise you for your souls sake to try again and earnestly seek to become a follower of Christ. This work no other can do for you. It is a solemn work between God and your own soul, which must bear the test of the Almighty.{DG 120.4}[26]
§62
我要恳劝你寻求那些能给你带来平安的事。你曾焦虑烦恼地寻求地上的快乐和属世的享乐，以满足你心中的渴望。但是在所有地上与属世的快乐中都会发现荆棘。对于你来说这是一再的失望与生活的失败。你没有完成在此世上帝对你的希望。你让你的心去思想轻浮、时髦与炫耀的事。你把清醒的思想牺牲在了讲求外表的坛上。崇高的追求和永恒的利益要比属世的追求更高尚、更有价值，就象天高过地一样。{DG120.5}[27]
§63
Let me entreat of you to seek for those things which make for your peace. You have all your life been anxiously, worriedly seeking for earthly pleasure and worldly enjoyments to satisfy the longing mind; but a thorn has been found in every earthly, worldly pleasure. With you it has been disappointment upon disappointment, and life has been a failure. You have not filled the purpose on earth which God designed you should. Your mind has been allowed to dwell upon frivolity, fashion, and show. Appearance has been the altar whereon you have sacrificed soberness of thought--high and elevated considerations and eternal interests which are as much higher and more valuable than earthly considerations as the heavens are higher than the earth.{DG 120.5}[27]
§64
撒但在宽阔的下坡路上散满了试探的花朵，但是那些被引诱到死亡之路上的人通过经验了解到，那些讨人喜欢的花一经采摘立即就会枯萎。它们不能产生香味，只能留下令人讨厌的恶心气味。{DG120.6}[28]
§65
Satan has strewed the broad and downward road with tempting flowers, but those who are allured to death in this road learn by experiencethat these pleasing flowers wither as soon as grasped. They yield no rich perfume, but a disagreeable, sickening odor.{DG 120.6}[28]
§66
玛丽亚，你愿意将上帝所赐的短暂的时间献给祂，使你获得现在的幸福与将来的救恩吗？我劝你认真对待此事。不要再敬拜你的外表，它一点也不能使你取悦于上帝。上帝珍视道德的价值。彼得说：“你们不要以外面的辫头发，戴金饰，穿美衣为妆饰，只要以里面存着长久温柔，安静的心为妆饰；这在上帝面前是极宝贵的”（彼前3:3，4）。{DG121.1}[29]
§67
Maria, do you intend to devote to God the little time that is allowed you and secure your happiness here and salvation hereafter? I beg of you to take hold of the work in earnest. No longer worship your personal appearance, which cannot bring you into favor with God in the least. God prizes moral worth. Says Peter, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. 1 Peter 3:3, 4.{DG 121.1}[29]
§68
要追求这种温柔安静的精神。要除掉那在很大程度上控制着你的精神。克服赶时髦的欲望，追求温柔，追求公义。我相信如果你全心转向上帝，并以学习基督为你首要的事，上帝依然会怜悯你。要学习怎样侍奉祂。要研究圣经，恳求主光照你的心、明白那长久被你忽略与轻视的神圣教训。要把你的注意力转向生命之道。要“查考圣经”（约5:39）。{DG121.2}[30]
§69
Seek for this meek and quiet spirit. Get rid of this spirit which controls [you] to a great extent. Overcome this desire for change, and seek meekness, seek righteousness. I believe that God will yet be gracious unto you, if you turn to Him with your whole heart, and make it your first and primary business to learn of Christ. Learn how to serve Him. Study the Bible, beseeching God to enlighten your mind to understand its sacred teachings, which you have so long neglected and despised. Turn your attention to the words of life. Search the scriptures.{DG 121.2}[30]
§70
终其一生你的心常背叛上帝。你无视祂赐你的怜悯，选择这世上的美物和为撒但的服务，而非为基督的服务。但耶稣仍以无穷的怜悯邀请你选择祂为你个人的救主并成为上帝的孩子，荣耀的后嗣。你若愿意就可以选择生命与救恩，要不然就可以选择崇拜自己，把你宝贵的宽容时间用于取悦于世人和好色之徒的眼睛，从撒谎的口中获得谄媚，并最终收获所种的，就是败坏。你视为偶像的可怜必死之身体，必如草被割下，必如青草枯干。哦，玛丽亚，当我看到你把全部心思都用在你个人，你的服装和外表上时，我的心是何等地伤痛啊！你的心思似乎始终滥用在改进你的外表上。{DG121.3}[31]
§71
All your life long your heart has been in rebellion against God. You have trampled upon His offered mercy, choosing the pleasing things of the world and the service of Satan rather than the service of Christ. Yet Jesus in unbounded mercy still invites you to choose Him as your Saviour and become a child of God, an heir of glory. You can choose life and salvation if you will, or you can choose to worship self and devote your precious hours of probation to making your person attractive to please the eye of the worldling and the sensualist, to receive flattery from lying lips, and at last reap that harvest which you have been sowing--corruption. The poor mortal body which has been your idol, your god, will be cut down like the grass and wither as the green herb. Oh, Maria, how heartsick it has made me to see your mind almost wholly taken up with your own person, your dress, your appearance. Your mind seemed to be on a constant stretch to improve your appearance.{DG 121.3}[31]
§72
上帝的话劝诫我们要“竭力在上帝面前得蒙喜悦”（提后2:15）。在这项重要的功课上我们尽了多少力呢？你渴望得到那些爱宴乐和与上帝为敌之人的赞许，却没有高尚的愿望，下定决心在万事之上，寻求使你自己得蒙上帝的嘉许。你的生命和所享受的各样美物都是上帝所赐的。{DG121.4}[32]
§73
The Word of God exhorts us to study to show ourselvesapproved unto God. How much has this important lesson been studied? You have coveted the approval and the praise of those who are lovers of pleasure and the enemies of God while you have had no elevated desires and determination of purpose to seek, above everything else, to show yourself approved unto God. [It is] He who grants you life and every good thing which you have enjoyed.{DG 121.4}[32]
§74
我匆匆写下这几行字给你，祈愿对你有益。我再次恳劝你以寻求上帝为要务。要多多祷告，流泪祈求，在上帝面前谦卑自己，单单依靠被钉十字架而复活之救主的功劳。祂为与你一样被罪恶玷污的人代求。如果别人没有给予你认为他们应给予的帮助，不要灰心。这是有关你生死的事。上帝的天使乐意查看你是愿被撒但所胜，还是愿成为一位得胜者，并且借着基督宝血的功劳把撒但踏在脚下。你愿选择基督做你永远的产业吗？{DG122.1}[33]
§75
I leave these hastily written lines with you, praying that they may do you good. Again I beseech you to make a business of seeking the Lord. Pray much. Weep and pray. Humble yourself before God, relying alone upon the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour, One who maketh intercessions for just such sin-polluted souls as yours. If others do not help you as you think they ought to, do not be discouraged. With you it is a case of life or death. Angels of God are watching with interest to see whether you will be overcome by Satan, or [whether you] yourself [will] be an overcomer and through the efficacy of the blood of Christ bruise Satan under your feet. Will you choose Christ as your portion forever?{DG 122.1}[33]
§76
要祷告，玛丽亚，要恳求上帝愿意向你显明你的罪恶和你自己内心的败坏。要让这个愿望永远与你同在，因为看自己为罪人是一件很重要的事，这样你才能感到需要基督之血的赦免。但愿你的下一个祷告是：“主啊，向我显出祢自己和祢的怜悯，祢宝血的价值。”要持定永生。你曾证明世上事物的无用，却仍对成为基督徒显出极微的兴趣，这令我非常吃惊。但我现在明白了。你自己的外表就是你的偶像。在自我处于最高统治之处，上帝是无法住在你的心里或思想里的。撒但要借你美丽的外表毁灭你。如果他成功了，对你来说那必是最大的祸害。{DG122.2}[34]
§77
Pray, Maria, earnestly, that God will reveal to you yourself the sin and corruption of your own heart. Let this desire be ever with you, for it is important for you to see yourself as a sinner in order for you to feel the necessity of pardon through the blood of Christ. Let your second prayer be, Lord, reveal to me Thyself, Thy mercy, and the value of Thy blood. Lay hold on everlasting life. You have proved the worthlessness of earthly things, and it has been perfectly astonishing to me that you yet seemed to manifest so little interest in becoming a Christian. But I can understand it now. Your personal appearance is your idol. God cannot dwell in your heart or thoughts where self rules supreme. Your good appearance Satan means to use to your own destruction and, if he succeeds, it will prove to be the greatest curse that ever came upon you.{DG 122.2}[34]
§78
单单追求炫耀和外貌干什么呢？若没有道德价值或真实善良的内心及高尚的心灵，单单漂亮的外貌能算得了什么呢？它们只不过是外表的假象，单会取悦于在上帝大日被毁灭、只留下罪恶败坏之残体的人。要追求天国，寻求真实的谦卑，上帝就必指引你的路。-Letter2,1865.{DG122.3}[35]
§79
What is show and appearance merely? What are good looks alone without moral worth or true goodness of heart and nobleness of mind? They are a mere outside gloss, which pleases a certain class of minds, but which will perish in the day of God, leaving only sinful, corrupt deformity. Seek heaven, seek true humility, and God will then direct your path.--Letter 2, 1865. {DG 122.3}[35]