第1580号 对一位任性传道人的规劝
§1
第1580号 对一位任性传道人的规劝
§2
MR No. 1580 - Admonitions for a Wayward Minister
§3
（1886年9月6日写于瑞士巴塞尔，致G.I.巴特勒。该信大部分的措辞好像是直接说给J.H.瓦格纳的，他是这封信的主题）
§4
我为[J.H.]瓦格纳长老感到忧愁。他没有给我回信，我因他的缘故深感痛苦。有时我觉得主正试验我们，看我们能否忠心处理我们中间受尊敬之人的罪恶。时候就要到了，总会将不得不决定是否给他重新颁发传道证书。{21MR 378.1}[1]
§5
(Written September 6, 1886, from Basel, Switzerland, to G. I. Butler. A large portion of the letter is phrased as if it were being addressed directly to J. H Waggoner, the subject of the letter.)
§6
I am troubled in regard to Elder [J. H.] Waggoner. He writes me nothing, and I feel deeply pained on his account. It seems sometimes to me that the Lord is testing us to see whether we will deal faithfully in regard to sin in one of our honored men. The time is close at hand when the General Conference will have to decide the point, whether or not to renew his credentials. {21MR 378.1}[1]
§7
如果总会这样做，实际上就是在说：“我们相信你是上帝认可的使者，蒙祂托付照顾祂牧场羊群之神圣责任的人，会在凡事上忠心的牧者，基督的代表。”但我们能这么做吗？我们岂没有看到一颗未成圣之心的行为吗？{21MR 378.2}[2]
§8
If the Conference does this, they will be saying virtually, We have confidence in you as a man whom God recognizes as His messenger; one to whom He has entrusted the sacred responsibilities of caring for the sheep of the Lords pasture; one who will be in all things a faithful shepherd, a representative of Christ. But can we do this? Have we not seen the workings of an unsanctified heart? {21MR 378.2}[2]
§9
瓦格纳长老坚持接受和声称奇滕登太太是他的——我该怎么说呢——他的亲至爱？这算什么呢？谁能指出这叫什么呢？瓦格纳长老憎恶上帝所赐给他的亮光，宁愿选择奇滕登太太的陪伴和他们俩的亲昵行为，照上帝圣言来看，这一切岂不都是罪恶的吗？瓦格纳长老确实接受信息并照此而行了吗？{21MR 378.3}[3]
§10
The persistency in Elder Waggoner to accept and claim Mrs. Chittenden as his--what shall I call it--his affinity? What is this? Who can name it? Is Elder Waggoner one who has hated the light God has given him, showing that his preferences for Mrs. Chittendens society and his intimacy with her, was sinful as in the light of the Word of God? Or did he accept the message and act upon it? {21MR 378.3}[3]
§11
虽然如此，我还是带着上帝赐我的证言去找瓦格纳长老，然而他仍未改变。他的行为表明：“这件事我高兴怎样就怎样，这事没有罪。”他曾在上帝面前承诺要做的事，但他却违背了向C.H.琼斯弟兄，W.C.怀特和我所作的承诺。他的感情没有明显的变化；他似乎行事像一个受了蛊惑的人，在魔鬼的迷咒之下，毫无力量胜过自己的癖好。虽有所赐的一切亮光，他却显明没有真悔罪或认识到罪；不悔改，也不改革。人们对这种事态感到非常心痛，但他们无力改变他的心或他的意愿。{21MR 378.4}[4]
§12
Notwithstanding, I went to Elder Waggoner with the testimony given me of God, yet he did not reform. His course has said, I will do as I please in the matter; there is no sin in it. He promised before God what he would do, but he broke his promise, made to Brother C. H. Jones, W. C. White, and myself, and his feelings did not decidedly change; but he seemed to act like a man bewitched, under the spell of the devil, who had no power over his own inclinations. Notwithstanding all the light given, he has evidenced no real conviction or sense of sin, no repentance, no reformation. Hearts have ached sorely over this state of things, but they had no power to change his heart or his purposes. {21MR 378.4}[4]
§13
现在，我们应对瓦格纳长老在英国和瑞士的工作表示感谢，但我们能作出什么决定呢？我们必须有证据表明他在上帝面前是清洁的。我们不想轻视罪，对罪人说：“你要事情顺利”（诗128:2）。我们不希望瓦格纳长老参与这里的工作，除非他与上帝有了联络。我们不想因这衣服上沾有污秽之人参加工作而产生障碍。我们对这件事绝不能等闲视之。{21MR 378.5}[5]
§14
Now, we should be very grateful for the help of Elder Waggoner in England and in Switzerland, but what can we decide upon? We must have evidence that he is clear before God. We do not want to make a light matter of sin, and say to the sinner, It shall be well with thee. We do not want to connect Elder Waggoner with the work here unless he has a connection with God. We do not want to have the drawback that would come by connecting a man with the work who has a blot on his garments. We cannot pass lightly over this matter. {21MR 378.5}[5]
§15
罪的灾病临到了瓦格纳长老，凡了解他人生这段经历的人都感到痛心忧愁。基督受了羞辱。一个蒙上帝惠赐优越的亮光和知识，赋有极大的为善能力的人，可以藉着顺从的生活和对上帝的忠贞变得与天使同等，享有可用上帝的生命来衡量的生命，但他竟滥用上帝所赐的能力去服侍私欲，贪恋别人的妻子。上帝发现瓦格纳长老轻视最有价值的经验教训，违背上帝最严肃的警告，以便继续陷在罪中。{21MR 379.1}[6]
§16
The plague of sin is upon Elder Waggoner, and pain and sorrow are upon the souls of all who are aware of this chapter in his experience. Christ is dishonored. A man blessed with superior light and knowledge, endowed with great capacity for good, that he may by a life of obedience and fidelity to God become equal with angels, [and] his life measure with the life of God, has perverted his God-given power to administer to lust, coveting the wife of another. God finds Elder Waggoner setting at naught the most costly lessons of experience, violating the most solemn admonitions of God, that he may continue in sin. {21MR 379.1}[6]
§17
我恳切祷告真诚希望瓦格纳长老能够重新让理智掌权，冲破撒但多年来一直在他周围编织的束缚，驱散遮蔽他道路的乌云，让基督进入他的心灵，使之复苏并蒙福。基督愿卸下疲乏之人肩上的重担，使凡愿负祂的轭挑祂的担子的人都获得安息和平安。{21MR 379.2}[7]
§18
I have hoped and prayed that he would restore reason to its right throne and break the fetters that for years Satan has been weaving about him, soul and body, and that the clouds that have shadowed his pathway be removed and Christ come to his soul to revive and bless it. Christ will lift the heavy burden from weary shoulders, and give rest and peace to those who will wear His yoke and lift His burdens. {21MR 379.2}[7]
§19
瓦格纳长老，我要说，你既面对许多警告和责备，而仍继续追随上帝所谴责的路线，你的经验能是什么性质呢？你能以为自己很好吗？只要想想耶稣，为了我们的罪头戴荆棘冠且被钉在十字架上，就应让你的心谦卑破碎。你要注目基督的温柔和慈爱，然后羞愧谦卑地俯伏在尘土中。{21MR 379.3}[8]
§20
I will say, Elder Waggoner, What can be the character of your experience when in the face of many warnings and reproofs you continue to pursue a course condemned of God? Can you think well of yourself? Just think of Jesus, crowned with thorns and nailed to the cross for our sins, and let it humble--yes, let it break--your heart. Look at the meekness of Christ, His loveliness, and then bow in the dust with shame and humiliation. {21MR 379.3}[8]
§21
如果我们的领袖中也有人和你一样，你觉得你会怎样对待他呢？你若没有比你给出的更大证据表明他认识到了自己的罪，你能建议给他传道证书，证明他在上帝面前是一个心意纯洁圣善的人吗？你看不到你在使同工处在尴尬为难的位置吗？他们会冒险为你将来在上帝圣工中的品格和影响负责吗？{21MR 379.4}[9]
§22
Will you please think what you would do in case one of our leading men be found in the position you are in? Could you, without any greater evidence on his part of the sense of his sin than you have given, advise that he have credentials as one of pure and holy purposes before God? Cannot you see you are placing your fellow laborers in a very unpleasant and unenviable position? Will they venture to become responsible for your character and your influence in the future in the work and cause of God? {21MR 379.4}[9]
§23
我蒙指示看到你的情形比康奈尔长老更为恶劣，因你拥有比他更大的亮光、能力和影响。他的事本应成为你的前车之鉴，警告你不要步其后尘。康奈尔长老的传道证书已被吊销；但是他现在已经深切悔改，在尘埃中谦卑了。{21MR 379.5}[10]
§24
Your case has been shown me to be worse than that of Elder Cornell, because you had greater light, capacity, and influence; and his course is a beacon to warn you off from following in his steps. Elder Cornells credentials were taken away from him; he is a deeply repenting man, humbled in the dust. {21MR 379.5}[10]
§25
如果大卫在被拿单谴责之后仍犯旧罪，你想上帝会怜悯他吗？但他痛心悔改了；他宣称他的罪始终在他面前。请听他谦卑的认罪，他绝望的呼求！{21MR 379.6}[11]
§26
Supposing David should, after being reproved by Nathan, have repeated the same offense, would the Lord then have had compassion upon him? But he repented bitterly; he declared his transgression was ever before him. Hear his humiliating confession, and listen to his despairing cries. {21MR 379.6}[11]
§27
我们这班子民必须醒悟，洁净以色列的营地。邪淫放荡、不法的亲密和不圣洁的行为已经广泛进入我们中间；身负圣职的传道人也有这方面的罪。他们贪恋自己邻舍的妻子，违背第七条诫命。我们有危险成为已倾倒了的巴比伦的姐妹，让我们的教会变得败坏，充满各样污秽之灵，成为各样污秽可憎之雀鸟的巢穴；我们若不采取坚决的行动消除现存的罪恶，岂能清白呢？{21MR 380.1}[12]
§28
We must as a people arouse and cleanse the camp of Israel. Licentiousness, unlawful intimacy, and unholy practices are coming in among us in a large degree; and ministers who are handling sacred things are guilty of sin in this respect. They are coveting their neighbors wives, and the seventh commandment is broken. We are in danger of becoming a sister to fallen Babylon, of allowing our churches to become corrupted, and filled with every foul spirit, a cage for every unclean and hateful bird; and will we be clear unless we make decided movements to cure the existing evil? {21MR 380.1}[12]
§29
你愿意让别人效法你的榜样吗？你希望他们重蹈你的覆辙且觉得自己的行为无甚大错吗？你若不悔改归正就必灭亡。{21MR 380.2}[13]
§30
Will you have others follow your example? Will you wish them to pass over the ground you have traveled, and feel that they have done no great wrong? Without repentance and conversion, you are a ruined man. {21MR 380.2}[13]
§31
我听说你（瓦格纳长老）正在疗养院中接受治疗，作院中的牧师，在帐幕礼拜堂讲道。你现在接受这种职位是不适合的，除非你竭尽全力改正过去的邪恶。{21MR 380.3}[14]
§32
I hear you [Elder Waggoner] are taking treatment at the sanitarium, acting as chaplain, speaking in the Tabernacle. Now, this does not look right for you to take such positions, until you have done all in your power to correct past evils. {21MR 380.3}[14]
§33
为了你的缘故，我没有向奇滕登太太的丈夫公开她的不贞行为。但我担心我疏忽了我的责任。如果我们像对待一名平信徒那样处理你这件事，我相信上帝原会赐给你那没有后悔的懊悔。{21MR 380.4}[15]
§34
I have felt, for your sake, restrained from opening the matter of Mrs. Chittendens infidelity to her husband, but I fear I have neglected my duty. If we had dealt with this matter as if it had been the case of a lay member of the church, I believe God would have then sent you repentance that needed not to be repented of. {21MR 380.4}[15]
§35
我们为救你免遭耻辱所发的怜悯和关爱伤害了你。有时我的心为你非常悲伤痛苦，我只能哭泣。我说：“他一定要沦丧吗？他为真理的缘故忍受痛苦，为维护真理勇敢站立，直到如今年迈发白，却要像所罗门那样变成一个敬拜偶像的人吗？难道他要为了一个女人的爱而践踏上帝的律法，并环顾左右说：我没有犯罪；我完全正确吗？”{21MR 380.5}[16]
§36
Our pity, our love, to save you from reproach, has hurt you. My heart is so sad and agonized at times for you, I can only weep. I say, Must he be lost? Must he after suffering for the truths sake, after standing in its defense until he is old and gray-headed, become an idolater, as did Solomon? Will he, for the love of a woman, trample down the law of God and look about him as much as to say, I do no sin; I am all right? {21MR 380.5}[16]
§37
如果你没有悔罪和改变的确据，我们就遮掩这种事并隐藏罪恶，那么我们岂能清白呢？你虽然离开了加利福尼亚州，但你的心仍未改变。你只是在不能看见你那“值得崇拜的可爱人儿”的迷人影响的地方而已，但这并不改变你的情感和内心的欲望。海姆斯长老要不是因为肉欲的行为，原可喜乐地走完自己的路程，但他被自己的私欲牵引诱惑了。原可成为他人生最佳年月的光阴成了最糟糕的。{21MR 380.6}[17]
§38
Will we be clear to let such things be concealed and sins hidden, with no real evidence of repentance or reform? Your leaving California does not give you a new heart. You are out of sight of the infatuating influence of your adorable charmer, but this does not change the affections or impulses of the heart. Elder Himes might have finished his course with joy had it not been for sensual practices, but he was led away of his own lusts and enticed. The days and years which might have been his very best were his worst. {21MR 380.6}[17]
§39
我们在所罗门的人生中既看到卓越的智力，也看到道德的堕落。他本可力上加力，不断前进，但他却后退，越来越软弱了。他的人生本来大有希望，却成了堕落的历史。{21MR 380.7}[18]
§40
We see in the character of Solomon intellectual greatness combined with moral degradation. He might have gone forward from strength to strength, but instead of this he went backward from weakness to weakness. After a life of promise, his history was one of deterioration. {21MR 380.7}[18]
§41
我的弟兄，因着基督的缘故，我的心很想念你。你一直像其他传道人一样，受试探要使光明与黑暗、基督与彼列、洁净与污秽、良善与邪恶相和。你若不能醒悟，看清自己正站在悬崖边上，结果就必在道德上败亡。这种情况有很多，我不得不写出来。{21MR 381.1}[19]
§42
My Brother, my heart yearns toward you for Christs sake. You have been attempting what other ministers have attempted--to harmonize light with darkness, Christ with Belial, purity with impurity, good with evil. The result will be moral ruin unless you can be aroused to see that you are standing upon the very brink of the precipice. There are many such cases that I have to write about. {21MR 381.1}[19]
§43
我看到淫荡之罪进入我们中间，这令我大为警觉。上次总会开会，我写信给巴特勒长老论到这个问题时就已感到这种趋势，并恳劝他竭尽全力阻挡那大举入侵的邪恶风潮。我们必须提高标准，为心灵建起屏障，不让任何事损害它的简朴和纯正，玷污其宗教品质。上帝已赐给人理智，并让每一个人都小心，不要滥用这个伟大的恩赐，以致灵魂永远灭亡。{21MR 381.2}[20]
§44
It alarms me to see how the sin of licentiousness is coming in upon us. I felt this when I wrote to Elder Butler upon this point at the last General Conference, begging him to do all that he could to fence against what was coming in upon us. We must elevate the standard and build up barriers about the soul so that nothing shall mar its simplicity and purity, and thus defile the religious character. God has given men intellect, and let every soul beware how this great gift is prostituted to the souls eternal ruin. {21MR 381.2}[20]
§45
你若不在上帝面前大大谦卑己心、悔改归正，你得救的希望就一点也不比普通罪人大。你要在得生命的道路上迈出开头的几步——悔改，相信和受洗。你破坏了保护你平安的神圣保障。你若拒听责备的声音，选择偏行己路，不愿让基督的恩典改变你，那么你承受的亮光、发挥的影响比普通罪人大多少，你的罪也比他们大多少。{21MR 381.3}[21]
§46
There is no more hope of you than of any common sinner, nor as much, unless you greatly humble your soul before God, repent, and are converted. Take the first steps in the way to life--repentance, faith, and baptism. You have tampered with the divine safeguards of your peace. If you refuse to listen to the voice of reproof, if you choose your own course, if you will not allow the grace of Christ to transform you, your guilt will be as much greater than that of the common sinner as your advantages of light and influence have been greater. {21MR 381.3}[21]
§47
建立友谊和彼此交往过程中应当多加注意，免得心灵受到危害，免得有邪恶的样子，在别人眼中降低宗教原则的标准，侵蚀宗教信仰的基础。{21MR 381.4}[22]
§48
Great care should be exercised in companionship and friendship lest the soul be imperiled, lest there be even an appearance of evil which in the eyes of others would lower the standard of religious principle and sap the foundation of religious belief. {21MR 381.4}[22]
§49
甚至在守安息日的人中，都有多少人在建立不圣洁的关系啊。有妇之夫和有夫之妇正在对其他异性表示爱情和过分关注。我们当中有多少很有前途的人对上帝不再有纯洁的信心和圣洁的信赖了啊，因为他们辜负了神圣的委托。高尚的抱负消失了。他们的脚步在倒退，因为他们贪恋别人的妻子，或与已婚妇人有不正当的亲密行为。他们轻佻的行为导致他们违背第七条诫命。{21MR 381.5}[23]
§50
How many, even in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers, are forming unsanctified connections. Men who have wives and women who have husbands are showing affection and giving undue attention to each other [persons of the opposite sex]. How many men of promise there are in our ranks who no longer have pure faith and holy trust in God because they have betrayed sacred trusts. Noble aspirations are quenched. Their steps are retrograding because they covet another mans wife or are unduly familiar with unmarried women. Their frivolous conduct leads them to break the seventh commandment. {21MR 381.5}[23]
§51
圣经论到所罗门说：“他的妃嫔诱惑他的心去随从别神，……不顺服耶和华他的上帝”（王上11:4）。{21MR 381.6}[24]
§52
Of Solomon the inspired record says, His wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God [1 Kings 11:4]. {21MR 381.6}[24]
§53
这是一个很严肃的问题。爱耶稣的人，不可追求违法的感情。一切需要都可以从基督里得到满足。这种肤浅的感情就像撒但向夏娃所承诺的高尚享受一样，是贪图上帝所禁止的东西。{21MR 381.7}[25]
§54
This is no theme to be treated with a smile. The heart that loves Jesus will not desire the unlawful affections of another. Every want is supplied in Christ. This superficial affection is of the same character as that exalted and enjoyment which Satan promised Eve. It is coveting that which God has forbidden. {21MR 381.7}[25]
§55
许多人到了能警告别人不要冒险踏上悬崖峭壁时，已经为时太晚。知识，地位和财富，决不可用来代替道德品质。心清手洁，高尚热诚地献身于上帝和真理，在上帝看来，要比俄斐的精金更加宝贵。邪恶的影响，有着顽强的活力。但愿我能按照所得到的指示，把这一点告诉遵守上帝诫命的人。唯愿所罗门对于背道的痛苦回忆，能警告每一个人避开同样的危险。他的软弱和罪孽代代相传。{21MR 382.1}[26]
§56
When it is too late, hundreds can warn others not to venture upon the precipice. Intellect, position, wealth can never, never take the place of moral qualities. The Lord esteems clean hands, a pure heart, and noble, earnest devotion to God and the truth above the golden wedge of Ophir. An evil influence has a perpetuating power. I wish I could set this matter before Gods commandment-keeping people just as it has been shown me. Let the sad memory of Solomons apostasy warn every soul to shun the same precipice. His weakness and sin are handed down from generation to generation. {21MR 382.1}[26]
§57
蒙上帝所爱的最伟大的国王，由于错用了感情而受到了污染，不幸离开了他的上帝。这位世界上最强大的统治者，竟没能控制自己的情欲。所罗门自己可能如“从火中”抽出来而得到拯救，可是他的悔改却无法废除邱坛，摧毁见证他犯罪的石堆。他不尊重上帝，宁可受情欲支配，也不愿与上帝的性情有分。{21MR 382.2}[27]
§58
The greatest king that ever wielded a scepter, of whom it had been said that he was the beloved of God, through misplaced affection became contaminated and was miserably forsaken of his God. The mightiest ruler of the earth had failed to rule his own passions. Solomon may have been saved as by fire, yet his repentance could not efface those high places, nor demolish those stones, which remained as evidence of his crimes. He dishonored God, choosing rather to be controlled by lust than to be a partaker of the divine nature. {21MR 382.2}[27]
§59
所罗门的一生，给那些愿意用他的榜样遮盖自己卑污行为的人，留下了多坏的榜样啊！我们的遗产不是有益的就是有害的。我们的生活和榜样是福气还是咒诅呢？人们看着我们的坟墓会说，是他毁了我，还是他救了我呢？{21MR 382.3}[28]
§60
What a legacy Solomons life has committed to those who would use his example to cover their own base actions! We must either transmit a heritage of good or evil. Shall our lives and our example be a blessing or a curse? Shall people look at our graves and say, He ruined me, or, He saved me? {21MR 382.3}[28]
§61
我们需要给青少年明确的、多次重复的警告，叫他们早早地将自己的恩赐带给上帝，作为奉献的供物。要是所罗门保留了属天的智慧的恩赐——上帝特别的赋予他的恩赐——要是他热情的气质受到正确的指导，他的人生原会辉煌到底。然而在过了伟大有能力的生活之后，他因不受控制的情欲而跌倒了。要是他在他的信心和他丰富的禀赋上不断加上德行，他原会挺立为黎巴嫩一棵高大高贵的香柏树。但他却向情欲投降了；“私欲既怀了胎，就生出罪来；罪既长成，就生出死来”（雅1:15）。{21MR 382.4}[29]
§62
To the youth we need to give definite, oft-repeated warnings to bring their gifts early to God as consecrated offerings. Had Solomon retained the heavenly gift of wisdom--Gods special endowment--had he with his ardent temperament been guided aright, his life would have been illustrious to its very close. But after a life of greatness and power, he fell because of uncontrolled passion. Had he continued to add virtue to his faith and his rich endowments, he would have stood forth a grand, noble cedar of Lebanon. But he surrendered to passion; And when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death [James 1:15]. {21MR 382.4}[29]
§63
所罗门人生的教训，对于那些不再登山，而是下山并面对夕阳的老年人的生活，有着特别的意义。我们从不受耶稣基督里的信心和爱心所支配的的青年身上，会看到品格的缺陷。我们会看到青年摇摆于是非之间，动荡于坚定的原则和几乎难以抗拒的罪恶潮流之间。这股潮流要使他们跌倒败亡。但是我们在成年人身上看到较好的情况。希望他们的品格得以建造，原则得以扎根，能脱离污染的危险。但是所罗门的历史，是警告我们的灯塔。当你这位年迈的久经沙场的天路客旅，自以为站立得稳的时候，要谨防跌倒。{21MR 382.5}[30]
§64
The lesson to be learned from the life of Solomon has a special moral bearing upon the life of the aged, of those who are no longer climbing the mountain but are descending and facing the western sun. We expect to see defects in the character of youth who are not controlled by love and faith in Jesus Christ. We see youth wavering between right and wrong, vacillating between fixed principle and the almost overpowering current of evil that is bearing them off their feet to ruin. But of those of mature age, we expect better things. We look for the character to be established, for principles to be rooted, and they to be beyond the danger of pollution. But the case of Solomon is before us as a beacon of warning. When thou, aged pilgrim, who hast fought the battles of life, thinkest that thou standest, take heed lest thou fall. {21MR 382.5}[30]
§65
所罗门生性勇敢坚定，可是在试探的权势下，竟像风中的芦苇一样摇动，这说明他的品格是多么软弱和摇摆不定！苍劲古老的黎巴嫩香柏树和巴珊结实的橡树，在试探的风暴前何竟屈服！这是何等的教训啊！——所以凡要救自己灵魂的人，要时时警醒，常常祷告！这是何等的警告啊！——要把基督的恩典时常存在心中，与内在的腐败和外面的试探作斗争！{21MR 383.1}[31]
§66
How, in Solomons case, was weak, vacillating character--naturally bold, firm, and determined--shaken like a reed in the wind under the tempters power! How has an old, gnarled cedar of Lebanon, a sturdy oak of Bashan, bent before the blast of temptation! What a lesson for all who desire to save their souls to watch unto prayer continually. What a warning to keep the grace of Christ ever in their heart, to battle with inward corruptions and outward temptations. {21MR 383.1}[31]
§67
弟兄们，我们必须有真正的信心，那是在火中试验过的金子。我们必须怀有那生发仁爱并洁净心灵的信心。我们的信心若是没有一种净化的影响，就毫无价值。这种信心将人引向上帝，并且扩展理智，同时还净化人，使人高尚、成圣。要让那些年轻的、成年的、老年的人考虑他们的情况不久就要在上帝面前受检阅。他们将要面对怎样的记录呢？{21MR 383.2}[32]
§68
Brethren, we must have genuine faith which is the gold tried in the fire. We must cherish that faith which works by love and purifies the soul. Unless our faith has a purifying influence, it is worthless. Such a faith leads the soul to God and expands the intellect while it purifies, ennobles, and sanctifies. Let those in youth, those in mature age, and the aged, consider that their cases are soon to pass in review before God. What will be the record that they shall meet? {21MR 383.2}[32]
§69
有一次在巴特尔克里克，审判的场景呈现在我面前。案卷展开了，众人，无论老少，凡自称遵守上帝诫命的人都被聚集在宝座周围。在案卷上记载着那些人的行为，他们虽然领受了许多亮光，享有许多机会，可是他们的名字却不清白，他们的生活记录是被玷污而被弄脏的。大批的人被称在天平里，显出亏欠，他们知道自己为什么被定罪，是因为缺乏高尚贞洁的品格。{21MR 383.3}[33]
§70
At one time in Battle Creek, the scenes of the judgment were presented before me. The books were opened, and all, both old and young who claimed to be keeping the commandments of God were gathered about the throne. In the books were written the thoughts, the words, the actions of those who had received much light and enjoyed many opportunities, and yet their names were not clear, their life record was blotted and blurred. Great numbers were weighed in the balances and found wanting who knew for just what sins they were condemned. It was because of the lack of a virtuous character. {21MR 383.3}[33]
§71
卑鄙低劣的兽性情欲控制了他们。放荡和淫欲被小心遮盖不被人的眼看见，但主看见了，他们的名字从生命册上就被涂抹了。这些人中的许多人自称是真理的教师，但他们的工作不带有圣洁努力的印记。他们对上帝没有信心和胆量。他们不能无忿怒、无疑惑，举起圣洁的手。有话向这些被罪污秽的灵魂宣布：“你们这些作恶的人，离开我去吧”（太7:23）。现在是获得品格的白衣的时候。现在是承认和离弃罪并以痛悔的心来到上帝面前的时候，使你的罪可以被涂抹，你的名字可以留在羔羊的生命册上。{21MR 383.4}[34]
§72
Base animal passions had controlled them. Licentiousness and lust had been carefully cloaked from human eyes, but the Lord saw it, and their names were blotted out of the Book of Life. Many of these men claimed to be teachers of the truth, but their labor was not marked with holy endeavor. They had not confidence and boldness toward God. They could not lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting. And the words were pronounced to these sin-polluted souls, Depart from Me, ye workers of iniquity. Now is the time to obtain the white robe of character. Now is the time to confess and forsake sin and come to God with contrition of soul, that your sins may be blotted out and your names retained in the Lambs Book of Life. {21MR 383.4}[34]
§73
我们必须做些什么以阻止这种可怕的道德不洁的潮流。手淫是最可耻的罪，玷污人的整个品格。那些实行这种恶习的人若不断绝他们的罪并在上帝面前悔改，在上帝的圣城中就会没有他们的地方。凡污秽的或说谎的都不得进那城。有这种品格的人在不断过着欺骗人的生活。我们正生活在一个罪孽增多的时代，上帝所派仆人们的特别工作必定是抑制这种罪孽并引进公义。然而那些自称是主所委派的传道人，却在祂面前败坏了自己的行为的人，是犯有大罪的。{21MR 384.1}[35]
§74
We must do something to stop this terrible tide of moral impurity. Self-abuse stands as the most degrading sin, polluting the whole character of the man. Unless those who are practicing this vice break off their sin and repent before God, they will find no place in the city of God. There entereth into that city nothing that defileth or maketh a lie. Such characters are living a lie continually. We are living in an age when iniquity abounds, and the special work of Gods delegated servants must be to suppress this iniquity and to bring in righteousness. But those who claim to be the Lords delegated ministers, and yet corrupt their own ways before Him, are guilty of great crime. {21MR 384.1}[35]
§75
“他又指给我看：大祭司约书亚站在耶和华的使者面前；撒但也站在约书亚的右边，与他作对。耶和华向撒但说：‘撒但哪，耶和华责备你！就是拣选耶路撒冷的耶和华责备你！这不是从火中抽出来的一根柴吗？’约书亚穿着污秽的衣服站在使者面前”（亚3:1-3）。约书亚在这里代表上帝的子民；撒但指着他们污秽的衣服，声称他们是他的财产，他有权对他们运用他残忍的能力。但这些人已善用宽容时期以痛悔的心承认和离弃了自己的罪，耶稣也在他们的名下写下了赦免。{21MR 384.2}[36]
§76
And He shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee O Satan; even the Lord that hast chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a branch plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel [Zechariah 3:1-3]. Joshua here represents the people of God; and Satan pointing to their filthy garments claims them as his property over which he has a right to exercise his cruel power. But these very ones have improved the hours of probation to confess their sins with contrition of soul and put them away, and Jesus has written pardon against their names. {21MR 384.2}[36]
§77
那些没有停止犯罪的人和没有悔改并寻求赦罪的人不是这群人所代表的；因为这群人的心因周围的败坏和罪孽增多而心灵伤痛，上帝会认出那些因地上所行可憎之事叹息哀哭的人。他们没有参与这些可憎之事。他们没有在上帝面前败坏自己的行为，而是洗了自己品格的衣袍，并将之在羔羊的血里洗白净了。撒但指着他们尚未得到涂抹的罪，就是他曾引诱他们去犯的罪，然后辱骂他们是穿着污秽衣服的罪人。但耶稣却改变他们的外观。{21MR 384.3}[37]
§78
Those who have not ceased to sin and who have not repented and sought pardon for their transgressions are not represented in this company; for this company vex their souls over the corruptions and iniquity abounding around them, and God will recognize those who are sighing and crying because of the abominations done in the land. They were not mixed up in these abominations. They had not corrupted their ways before God, but had washed their robes of character and had made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Satan pointed to their sins which had not yet been blotted out, and which he had tempted them to commit, and then reviled them as being sinners clad with filthy garments. But Jesus changes their appearance. {21MR 384.3}[37]
§79
祂说：“脱去他污秽的衣服。”“我使你脱离罪孽，要给你穿上华美的衣服。我说：要将洁净的冠冕戴在他头上。他们就把洁净的冠冕戴在他头上，给他穿上华美的衣服，耶和华的使者在旁边站立。耶和华的使者告诫约书亚说：“万军之耶和华如此说：你若遵行我的道，谨守我的命令，你就可以管理我的家，看守我的院宇；我也要使你在这些站立的人中间来往”（亚3:4-7）。{21MR 384.4}[38]
§80
He says, Take away the filthy garments from him. Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by. And the angel of the Lord protested unto Joshua saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shall also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by [Zechariah 3:4-7]. {21MR 384.4}[38]
§81
污秽的衣服被脱去之后，主题改变了，这表明它的应用还在将来。要是上帝的子民愿意遵行主的道，谨守祂的命令，应许就是他们要管理祂的家，主也要使他们在天使中间来往。{21MR 385.1}[39]
§82
After the filthy garments have been removed, the subject changes, showing that this has its application in the future. If the people of God will walk in the ways of the Lord and keep His charge, which is the ten commandments, then the promise is that they shall judge His house and have places to walk among the angels. {21MR 385.1}[39]
§83
现在问题是，那些自称相信真理的人愿意遵守条件吗？那些自称相信真理之人的品格会与真理的神圣性相符吗？撒但现在特别努力地攻击那些拥有大光的人。他会引诱他们贪恋世俗，沉迷肉欲。有些在圣职上侍奉的人的内心被不洁的思想和欲望所玷污。已娶妻生子的人还不感到满足，竟置身于招惹试探的地步，僭取应该只限于自己合法妻子的自由权。因此他们受到上帝的谴责，天上案卷中他们的名下写着“通奸”二字。{21MR 385.2}[40]
§84
Now the question is, Will those who profess the truth comply with the conditions? Will the characters of those who profess to believe the truth correspond with its sacredness? Satans special efforts are now directed toward the people who have great light. He would lead them to become earthly and sensual. There are men who minister in sacred things whose hearts are defiled with impure thoughts and unholy desires. Married men who have children are not satisfied. They place themselves where they invite temptation. They take liberties which should only be taken with their lawful wives. Thus they fall under the rebuke of God, and in the books of heaven Adultery is written opposite their names. {21MR 385.2}[40]
§85
他们应当远离危险。如果他们心思正直，专注于上帝，默想真理和上帝的宝贵应许以及忠心之人将得到的天上的赏赐，他们就会受到保护，脱离撒但的试探。但是许多人的心几乎一刻不停地萦绕着邪恶的思想。他们就是在进入上帝的殿中，甚至站在讲台上时也是如此。{21MR 385.3}[41]
§86
There should be no approach to danger. If the thoughts were where they should be, if they were stayed upon God, and the meditations of the soul were upon the truth and the precious promises of God and the heavenly reward that awaits the faithful, they would be guarded against Satans temptations. But, by many, vile thoughts are entertained almost constantly. They are carried into the house of God and even into the sacred desk. {21MR 385.3}[41]
§87
巴特勒长老，我告诉你实情，许多自称相信真理和传讲真理的人，心灵的殿若没有洁净，上帝的审判虽长久迟延，却必临到。这些下贱的罪恶一直没有受到果断的处理。心灵中有腐败，若不被基督的宝血洁净，我们中间就会有令你震惊的背道。{21MR 385.4}[42]
§88
I tell you the truth, Elder Butler, that unless there is a cleansing of the soul temple on the part of many who claim to believe and to preach the truth, Gods judgments, long deferred, will come. These debasing sins have not been handled with firmness and decision. There is corruption in the soul, and, unless it is cleansed by the blood of Christ, there will be apostasies among us that will startle you. {21MR 385.4}[42]
§89
我自问：“给别人讲解圣经，拥有极大亮光，具有美好才能，在永恒世界的边境，面对审判而生活的人，怎能任由自己的身心放纵不圣洁的行为呢？”我们有必要重复强调使徒的话语：“有罪的人哪，要洁净你们的手；心怀二意的人哪，要清洁你们的心。你们要愁苦、悲哀、哭泣，将喜笑变作悲哀，欢乐变作愁闷。务要在主面前自卑，主就必叫你们升高”（雅4:8-10）。“忍受试探的人是有福的，因为他经过试验以后，必得生命的冠冕，这是主应许给那些爱祂之人的。人被试探，不可说：‘我是被上帝试探’；因为上帝不能被恶试探，祂也不试探人。但各人被试探，乃是被自己的私欲牵引诱惑的。私欲既怀了胎，就生出罪来；罪既长成，就生出死来”（雅1:12-15）。{21MR 385.5}[43]
§90
I ask myself the question, How is it possible for men who are opening the Scriptures to others--men who have abundance of light, men who have good ability, men who are living as in the face of the judgment, upon the very borders of the eternal world--to give their thoughts and bodies to unholy practices? Well may the words of the apostle be repeated with emphasis: Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up [James 4:8-10]. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: [Some have argued thus, and thought that for certain reasons they have of their own, God would have them take the course they did.] for God cannot be tempted of evil, neither tempteth He any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death [James 1:12-15]. {21MR 385.5}[43]
§91
得胜的工作必须在今生此世完成。藉着真诚悔改和离弃每一罪恶，你的名下就会写下赦免。内心如果纯洁，思想就会纯洁。源泉若是败坏的，流出来的水也必是败坏的。难道熟悉圣经的人们和站着维护第四条诫命的人要在天上的案卷中被控告为违犯第七条诫命的人吗？难道要给撒但机会用自称基督徒之人污秽的品格嘲笑上帝的天使吗？难道他们要使耶稣耻于称他们为弟兄吗？{21MR 386.1}[44]
§92
The work of overcoming must be done here in this life. By sincere repentance and forsaking of every sin, pardon will be written against your names. The thoughts will be pure if the heart is pure. If the fountain is corrupt, the stream will be corrupt. Shall men who are conversant with the Scriptures and who are standing in vindication of the fourth commandment be charged in the books of heaven with transgressing the seventh? Shall Satan be given occasion to taunt the angels of God with the filthy characters of those who claim to be Christians? Will they make Jesus ashamed to call them brethren? {21MR 386.1}[44]
§93
我要对你们这些会看到这封信、身为领袖、可以称为民间首长的人说：“你们扛抬耶和华器皿的人哪，务要自洁”（赛52:11）。要在上帝面前降卑自己的心。耶稣正在圣所里面。我们正处在赎罪的大日。虽然活人的查案审判还没有开始，但很快就会启动了。那真实的见证者所说的话，适合于多少人啊：“我知道你的行为，按名你是活的，其实是死的。你要儆醒，坚固那剩下将要死的。因我见你的行为，在我上帝面前，没有一样是完全的。所以要回想你是怎样领受，怎样听见的。又要遵守，并要悔改。若不儆醒，我必临到你那里如同贼一样。我几时临到，你也决不能知道”（启3:1-3）。{21MR 386.2}[45]
§94
I address you who shall have this epistle brought before you, who are leaders, who may be termed princes among the people, Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord [Isaiah 52:11]. Humble your souls before God. Jesus is in the sanctuary. We are in the great day of atonement, and if the investigative judgment has not already commenced for the living, it will soon begin, and to how many are the words of the true witness applicable: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I shall come upon thee [Revelation 3:1-3.] {21MR 386.2}[45]
§95
在审判的时候，所有人的案子都会呈上。若是他们的罪没有承认，他们的名字就会从生命册上涂抹。他们的命运就会与淫乱、苟合、欺骗、喜爱撒谎的人一样了。“然而在撒狄你还有几名是未曾污秽自己衣服的。他们要穿白衣与我同行。因为他们是配得过的。凡得胜的，必这样穿白衣。我也必不从生命册上涂抹他的名。且要在我父面前，和我父众使者面前认他的名”（启3:4,5）。{21MR 386.3}[46]
§96
The cases of all will be brought up in the judgment, and if their sins are not confessed their names will then be blotted from the book of life, and their lot will be with the adulterers and the fornicators, and deceivers, and those who love and make a lie. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels [Revelation 3:4, 5]. {21MR 386.3}[46]
§97
我很担心我们正在因继续一种罪恶的行径而使自己的良心刚硬的传道人。我怕他们会继续倒在试探之下，直到命令发出：“圣洁的，叫他仍旧圣洁；污秽的，叫他仍旧污秽”（启22:11）。我告诉你，我们中间必须有一番彻底的复兴。必须有归正的传道事工。必须有认罪、悔改和归正。{21MR 386.4}[47]
§98
I am alarmed for our ministers who are hardening their consciences by continuing a course of sin. I fear that they will continue to fall under temptation until the word shall go forth: He that is holy let him be holy still, and he that is filthy let him be filthy still. I tell you that there must be a thorough revival among us. There must be a converted ministry. There must be confessions, repentance, and conversions. {21MR 386.4}[47]
§99
许多正在传讲圣言的人需要基督的恩典改变他们的心。他们应该不让任何东西妨碍自己在为时永远太晚之前成就一番彻底的工作。基督快要来了。祂的审判在地上到处都是。而且上帝是永远在场的，祂是一位沉默的见证者，见证了伯沙撒不敬虔的、渎神的宴会，那曾在王宫的粉墙的写字的手，就在你认为没有人的眼睛会看见的地方。{21MR 387.1}[48]
§100
Many who are preaching the Word need the transforming grace of Christ in their hearts. They should let nothing stand in the way of their making thorough work before it shall be forever too late. Christ is coming. His judgments are abroad in the earth. And that God who is ever present, who was a silent witness to the godless, sacrilegious feast of Belshazzar, whose hand traced the characters upon the wall, is present where you think no eye seeth. {21MR 387.1}[48]
§101
要是你，瓦格纳长老，教会的一位长老，向上仰望，原会看到你自己成了一台戏，给上帝和纯洁的天使观看，他们掩面并且转身离开你污秽的心灵和身体。我想到我们自称相信的奇妙真理和从上帝的道中照在我们身上的伟大亮光时，我的话在我写下来时就似乎平淡乏味了。全地的审判者正站在门前，每一案件都必须在祂面前经过严肃的检阅。我询问，既有这亮光照在他们身上，还怎么能有什么人胆敢在思想或言语上否认主上帝呢？祂已经买了他们。我的弟兄，要赶紧洁净你的手。耶稣仍在作你的代求者为你恳求。要立刻开始离弃你的罪。不要罢休，直到你得到赦免，因为在品格上有一个污点或瑕疵的人都不能进入上帝的乐园。要为来生下彻底的工夫。（《信函》1886年51号）怀爱伦著作托管委员会1991年4月18日全文发表于马里兰州银泉市。{21MR 387.2}[49]
§102
Had you, Elder Waggoner, an elder of the church, looked up, you would have seen yourself a spectacle to God and to the pure angels who veil their faces and turn away from your pollution of soul and body. My words seem tame as I pen them when I think of the wonderful truths we profess and the great light that shines upon us from the Word of God. The Judge of all the earth is standing before the door, and every case must pass in solemn review before Him. I inquire, How can anyone with this light shining upon them dare in thought or word to deny the Lord God who hath bought them? Make haste, my brother, to cleanse your hands. Jesus is still pleading as your Intercessor. Commence the work of forsaking your sins without delay. Do not rest till you find pardon, for no soul can enter the paradise of God who has a single spot or stain in his character. Make thorough work for eternity.--Letter 51, 1886. Ellen G. White Estate Silver Spring, Maryland April 18, 1991. Entire Letter. {21MR 387.2}[49]