证言精选-卷一 E

第73章 十分之一与捐献
§1 第73章 十分之一与捐献
§2 Tithes and Offerings
§3 基督教会的使命是拯救将亡的罪人，向人显明上帝的爱，藉着那种爱的功效引人归向基督。现代真理应当传遍地上黑暗的角落。这项工作可以从家里开始。基督徒不应过一种自私的生活，而应被基督的灵充满，与祂协心同工。{1TT 359.1}[1]
§4 The mission of the church of Christ is to save perishing sinners. It is to make known the love of God to men and to win them to Christ by the efficacy of that love. The truth for this time must be carried into the dark corners of the earth, and this work may begin at home. The followers of Christ should not live selfish lives; but, imbued with the Spirit of Christ, they should work in harmony with Him.?{1TT 359.1}[1]
§5 现今的冷淡和疑惑是有许多原因的。爱世界的心和今生的思虑，使人离开上帝。生命之水必须在我们的心中，又要从我们的心中流出，直涌到永生。上帝怎样在我们里面行事，我们也当照样行出来。基督徒若要享受光明的生活，就当增加努力，引领别人认识真理。他的生活特色，应当是舍己为人，尽力行善，这样就不至于埋怨没有快乐了。{1TT 359.2}[2]
§6 There are causes for the present coldness and unbelief. The love of the world and the cares of life separate the soul from God. The water of life must be in us, and flowing out from us, springing up into everlasting life. We must work out what God works in. If the Christian would enjoy the light of life, he must increase his efforts to bring others to the knowledge of the truth. His life must be characterized by exertion and sacrifices to do others good; and then there will be no complaints of lack of enjoyment.?{1TT 359.2}[2]
§7 天使始终参加为别人谋福的工作。这就是他们的乐趣。那在天上王庭中，纯洁无罪的天使，为沉沦的人类，也就是在品质和等级上都比天使低的人类服役，这在自私的人看来，会认为是下贱卑微的工作。基督克己牺牲的爱，是弥漫天庭的精神，也是天庭福乐的实质。{1TT 359.3}[3]
§8 Angels are ever engaged in working for the happiness of others. This is their joy. That which selfish hearts would consider humiliating service, ministering to those who are wretched and in every way inferior in character and rank, is the work of the pure, sinless angels in the royal courts of heaven. The spirit of Christ’s self-sacrificing love is the spirit which pervades heaven and is the very essence of its bliss.?{1TT 359.3}[3]
§9 凡不觉得设法造福他人，为别人工作，甚至于牺牲自己而使人得益，乃是一种特别快乐的人，不能有基督的精神或天上的精神；因为他们没有与天使的工作联合，所以就不能分享那给予他们的高尚喜乐之福。基督曾说：“一个罪人悔改，在天上也要这样为他欢喜，较比为九十九个不用悔改的义人，欢喜更大”（路15:7）。天使既然见到罪人悔改就感到喜乐，那么为基督宝血所救赎的罪人，见到别人因他们的工作而悔改归向基督，岂不也要感到喜乐么?我们若与基督及圣天使合力和谐作工，就可经验一种喜乐，这种喜乐是凡与这工作无份的人所体验不到的。{1TT 359.4}[4]
§10 Those who feel no special pleasure in seeking to be a blessing to others, in working, even at a sacrifice, to do them good, cannot have the spirit of Christ or of heaven; for they have no union with the work of heavenly angels and cannot participate in the bliss that imparts elevated joy to them. Christ has said: “Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that?repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”?Luke 15:7. If the joy of angels is to see sinners repent, will it not be the joy of sinners, saved by the blood of Christ, to see others repent and turn to Christ through their instrumentality? In working in harmony with Christ and the holy angels we shall experience a joy that cannot be realized aside from this work.?{1TT 359.4}[4]
§11 基督十字架的原则，使凡相信的人负有克己的严肃责任，要把光传给别人，奉献他们的资财来推广这光。他们若与天庭相联络，就会从事与天使和谐的工作。{1TT 360.1}[5]
§12 The principle of the cross of Christ brings all who believe under heavy obligations to deny self, to impart light to others, and to give of their means to extend the light. If they are in connection with heaven they will be engaged in the work in harmony with the angels.?{1TT 360.1}[5]
§13 世界的原则，却是竭尽全力获得今生会朽坏的东西。自私贪得之念是主宰他们生活的原则。然而最纯洁的喜乐，却非在富足之中，也不在梦寐以求之贪欲上，而在于以知足之心来支配，以克己牺牲之爱为主导原则。千万的人过着放纵的生活，心中充满怨恨。他们是自私自利的牺牲者，用放纵来满足心思，因徒劳无功而不满。他们郁郁不乐，忧形于色，背后一片荒凉沙漠，因为他们的行为没有在善事上结出果子。{1TT 360.2}[6]
§14 The principle of worldlings is to get all they can of the perishable things of this life. Selfish love of gain is the ruling principle in their lives. But the purest joy is not found in riches nor where covetousness is always craving, but where contentment reigns and where self-sacrificing love is the ruling principle. There are thousands who are passing their lives in indulgence and whose hearts are filled with repining. They are victims of selfishness and discontent in the vain effort to satisfy their minds with indulgence. But unhappiness is stamped upon their very countenances, and behind them is a desert, because their course is not fruitful in good works.?{1TT 360.2}[6]
§15 基督的爱充满我们的心及管理我们的生活，是与我们克制贪婪，自私及喜爱安逸的心成正比例的。我们既称为基督的仆人，就要以实行祂的旨意为我们的喜乐。这样，我们的幸福，就会与基督之爱所激励的无私服务相称。{1TT 360.3}[7]
§16 In proportion as the love of Christ fills our hearts and controls our lives, covetousness, selfishness, and love of ease will be overcome, and it will be our pleasure to do the will of Christ, whose servants we claim to be. Our happiness will then be proportionate to our unselfish works, prompted by the love of Christ.?{1TT 360.3}[7]
§17 上帝凭着祂的智慧，在救恩的计划中，制定了作用与反作用的定律，使各种慈善事业都加倍蒙福。那济助贫乏之人的人，既造福他人，也使自己得蒙更大的福气。上帝原可不假人类之助，达到拯救罪人之目的；但祂却知道，人若在这种可以培养克己和仁德的伟大工作上无份，是不会快乐的。{1TT 360.4}[8]
§18 Divine wisdom has appointed, in the plan of salvation, the law of action and reaction, making the work of beneficence, in all its branches, twice blessed. He that gives to the needy blesses others, and is blessed himself in a still greater degree. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without the aid of man; but He knew that man could not be?happy without acting a part in the great work in which he would be cultivating self-denial and benevolence.?{1TT 360.4}[8]
§19 我们的救赎主，为了使人不至失去行善的幸福后果，就设下了这征召人作祂同工的计划。祂藉着一连串可引人生发慈心的环境，赋人以培养善行的最妙方法，并保持人习于施助穷人，及推进祂的圣工。祂派祂的穷人来作祂的代表。藉着他们穷困待助的情形，这败坏的世界正在激发我们用财力与感化力，去向他们传扬其紧急需要的真理。我们若肯以劳苦行善来听这呼声，就必被那为我们成为贫穷之主的形像所同化。这样，我们在施舍上造福他人，同时也是为自己积蓄真正的财富。{1TT 361.1}[9]
§20 That man might not lose the blessed results of benevolence, our Redeemer formed the plan of enlisting him as His co-worker. By a chain of circumstances which would call forth his charities, He bestows upon man the best means of cultivating benevolence and keeps him habitually giving to help the poor and to advance His cause. He sends His poor as the representatives of Himself. By their necessities a ruined world are drawing forth from us talents of means and of influence to present to them the truth, of which they are in perishing need. And as we heed these calls by labor and by acts of benevolence we are assimilated to the image of Him who for our sakes became poor. In bestowing we bless others, and thus accumulate true riches.?{1TT 361.1}[9]
§21 【属世的利益和属天的财宝】
§22 教会中极缺少基督化的慈善行为。那些本来最能为推展上帝圣工而尽力的人，所成就的却是甚少。上帝施恩引导一班人认识真理，使他们可以赏识真理的无价之宝，远胜于世上的财宝。耶稣对这等人说：“来跟从我。”祂以邀请他们去赴祂所预备的筵席来试验他们。祂留心看他们是要发展何种的品格，是否他们要重视自私的福利过于永恒的富足。这些亲爱的弟兄有许多现今正在行动上构成了下面比喻中所提到的各种推辞：{1TT 361.2}[10]
§23 【Worldly Interests and Heavenly Treasures】
§24 There has been a great lack of Christian benevolence in the church. Those who were the best able to do for the advancement of the cause of God have done but little. God has mercifully brought a class to the knowledge of the truth, that they might appreciate its priceless value in comparison with earthly treasures. Jesus has said to these: “Follow Me.” He is testing them with an invitation to the supper which He has prepared. He is watching to see what characters they will develop, whether their own selfish interests will be considered of greater value than eternal riches. Many of these dear brethren are now by their actions framing the excuses mentioned in the following parable:?{1TT 361.2}[10]
§25 “耶稣对他说，有一人摆设大筵席，请了许多客；到了坐席的时候，打发仆人去对所请的人说，请来吧；样样都齐备了。众人一口同音地推辞。头一个说，我买了一块地，必须去看看；请你准我辞了。又有一个说，我买了五对牛，要去试一试；请你准我辞了。又有一个说，我才娶了妻，所以不能去。那仆人回来，把这事都告诉了主人；家主就动怒，对仆人说，快出去到城里大街小巷，领那贫穷的，残废的，瞎眼的，瘸腿的来”（路14:16-21）。{1TT 361.3}[11]
§26 “Then said He unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at suppertime to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have?me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.”?Luke 14:16-21.?{1TT 361.3}[11]
§27 这个比喻准确地表达了许多自称信奉现代真理之人的情形。主已对他们发出邀请，要他们来参加祂用巨大的代价为他们预备的筵席；然而他们却看地上的利益过于天庭的财宝。主邀请他们分享具有永恒价值的东西；但他们却把自己的田地，牛羊，房屋等利益看地更加重要，过于顺从天庭的邀请，以致拒绝每一次神圣的吸引，以这些世上的财物作为借口，谢绝顺从天上那“请来吧，样样都齐备了”的命令。这些弟兄盲目地效法比喻中所提之人的榜样。他们看到自己地上的财产，便说，主啊，我不能跟从祢，“请祢准我辞了。”T”{1TT 362.1}[12]
§28 This parable correctly represents the condition of many professing to believe the present truth. The Lord has sent them an invitation to come to the supper which He has prepared for them at great cost to Himself; but worldly interests look to them of greater importance than the heavenly treasure. They are invited to take part in things of eternal value; but their farms, their cattle, and their home interests seem of so much greater importance than obedience to the heavenly invitation that they overpower every divine attraction, and these earthly things are made the excuse for their disobedience to the heavenly command, “Come; for all things are now ready.” These brethren are blindly following the example of those represented in the parable. They look at their worldly possessions, and say: No, Lord, I cannot follow Thee; “I pray Thee have me excused.”?{1TT 362.1}[12]
§29 上帝赐给他们这些福气，原是要试验他们，看他们是否“把上帝的物当归给上帝”（太22:21），但他们却以此为藉口，说他们不能顺从真理的要求。他们把地上的财物紧抓在手中，并说：“我必须照应这些东西；我不能忽略今生的这些事物；这些都是我的。”因此这等人的心，就变成踏硬了的道路，无法受感动。天庭的使者说：“请来吧，样样都齐备了，”但他们却向之紧闭心门，而向世界敞开心门，欢迎世俗的重担及事务的思虑进去，以致耶稣徒然叩门，无法进去。{1TT 362.2}[13]
§30 The very blessings which God has given to these men to prove them, to see if they will render “unto God the things that are God’s,” they use as an excuse that they cannot obey the claims of truth. They have grasped their earthly treasure in their arms and say, “I must take care of these things; I must not neglect the things of this life; these things are mine.” Thus the hearts of these men have become as unimpressible as the beaten highway. They close the door of their hearts to the heavenly messenger, who says, “Come; for all things are now ready,” and throw it open, inviting the entrance of the world’s burden and business cares, and Jesus knocks in vain for admittance.?{1TT 362.2}[13]
§31 【自私的苦轭】
§32 他们的心田漫生荆棘和今生的思虑，以致天上的事物无法涉足。耶稣邀请劳苦负重的人，应许他们若来到祂面前便可得到安息。祂请他们把使他们成为玛门奴隶的自私贪婪的苦恼重轭，与祂交换祂所说过的容易的轭和轻省的担子。祂说：“我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式，这样，你们心里就必得享安息”（太11:29）。祂要他们放下世俗思虑和烦恼的重轭，改负祂那为别人克己牺牲的轭。这份担子，会证明是轻省的。凡不接受基督所贡献的安息，而继续背负那自私之苦轭，处心积虑，敛聚财富，以求自私之满足的人，是没有背基督的轭，也没有负基督为他们所负的克己及无私慈善的担子，所以也不能体验其中的平安和安息。{1TT 363.1}[14]
§33 【The Galling Yoke of Selfishness】
§34 Their hearts are so overgrown with thorns and with the cares of this life that heavenly things can find no place in them. Jesus invites the weary and heavy-laden with promises of rest if they will come to Him. He invites them to exchange the galling yoke of selfishness and covetousness, which makes them slaves to mammon, for His yoke, which He declares is easy, and His burden, which is light. He says: “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”?Matthew 11:29. He would have them lay aside the heavy burdens of worldly care and perplexity, and take His yoke, which is self-denial and sacrifice for others. This burden will prove to be light. Those who refuse to accept the relief which Christ offers them, and continue to wear the galling yoke of selfishness, tasking their souls to the utmost in plans to accumulate money for selfish gratification, have not experienced the peace and rest found in bearing the yoke of Christ and lifting the burdens of self-denial and disinterested benevolence which Christ has borne in their behalf.?{1TT 363.1}[14]
§35 贪爱世俗之念若占据人心，成为主宰的欲望，敬拜上帝之念就无处容身；因为上等的心智能力，既沦为玛门的奴隶，那思慕上帝及天庭之念就无法存在了。人心既不记念上帝，就会变成偏狭，发育不全，专为积累钱财了。{1TT 363.2}[15]
§36 When the love of the world takes possession of the heart and becomes a ruling passion, there is no room left for adoration to God; for the higher powers of the mind submit to the slavery of mammon, and cannot retain thoughts of God and of heaven. The mind loses its remembrance of God and is narrowed and dwarfed to the accumulation of money.?{1TT 363.2}[15]
§37 于自私和贪爱世俗，这等人越久越感觉不到末日工作的重要性。他们没有培养自己的心思，以服务上帝为念，在那方面毫无经验。他们的财产吸引了他们的情感，掩蚀了救恩计划的伟大。当他们发展自己世俗的计划时，便看不出上帝圣工有推广及扩大的必要。他们投资于今生暂时的事物，而非永恒的事物。他们的心贪求更多的财利。上帝已把祂的律法委托他们，要他们将所优遇的亮光转发给别人。然而他们却增多思虑及忧愁，以致无暇发挥自己的感化力以造福他人，与邻居交谈，与他们同祷告及为他们代祷，并设法引导他们认识真理。1TT363.3}[16]
§38 Because of selfishness and love of the world, these men have been passing on with less and less sense of the magnitude of the work for these last days. They have not educated their minds to make a business of serving God. They have not an experience in that direction. Their property has absorbed their affections and eclipsed the magnitude of the plan of salvation. While they are improving and enlarging their worldly plans, they see no necessity for the enlargement and extension of the work of God. They invest their means in?temporal but not in eternal things. Their hearts are ambitious for more means. God has made them depositaries of His law, that they might let the light so graciously given them shine forth to others. But they have so increased their cares and anxieties that they have no time to bless others with their influence, to converse with their neighbors, to pray with and for them, and to seek to bring them to the knowledge of the truth.?{1TT 363.3}[16]
§39 这些人是有责任行其可行之善事的，但他们却让属世的思虑及担子独占他们的思想，吸引他们的情感，而推辞了这项责任。藉着他们个人的努力及敬虔的榜样，许多基督所为之死的人是可以得到救恩的。上帝已赐人亮光，并要他们返照在别人的路上，可是许多宝贵的生灵，却正因为缺少此光而奄奄待毙。这宝贵的光，被隐藏在斗底下，使家中的人得不到亮光。{1TT 364.1}[17]
§40 These men are responsible for the good they might do, but from which they excuse themselves because of worldly cares and burdens, which engross their minds and absorb their affections. Souls for whom Christ died might be saved by their personal effort and godly example. Precious souls are perishing for the light which God has given to men to be reflected upon the pathway of others. But the precious light is hid under a bushel, and it gives no light to those who are in the house.?{1TT 364.1}[17]
§41 【才干的比喻】
§42 每个人都是上帝的管家。主人将祂的钱财交托给每个人，可是人们却把这钱财宣布为己有。基督说：“你们去作生意，直等我回来”（路19:13）。时候将到，基督要来收祂的本银及利息。祂要对每一位管家说：“把你所经管的交代明白”（路16:2）。那些把主的钱用手巾包好，埋在地下，没有放给兑换银钱者去生利的人，以及那浪费主的钱于不必要之物，而不投资于教会去生利的人，必不得主人的嘉许，而是必被定罪。在这比喻中，那没有赢利的仆人交还上帝那一千银子，并说：“我知道你是忍心的人，没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛；我就害怕，去把你的一千银子埋藏在地里；请看，你的原银子在这里。”他的主人却接着他的话说：“你这又恶又懒的仆人，你既知道我没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛；就当把我的银子放给兑换银钱的人，到我来的时候，可以连本带利收回”（太25:24-27）。{1TT 364.2}[18]
§43 【The Parable of the Talents】
§44 Every man is a steward of God. To each the Master has committed His means, but man claims that means as his own. Christ says: “Occupy till I come.”?Luke 19:13. A time is coming when Christ will require His own with usury. He will say to each of His stewards: “Give an account of thy stewardship.”?Luke 16:2. Those who have hid their Lord’s money in a napkin in the earth, instead of putting it out to the exchangers, and those who have squandered their Lord’s money by expending it for needless things, instead of putting it out to usury by investing it in His cause, will not receive approval from the Master, but decided condemnation. The unprofitable servant in the parable brought back the one talent to God, and said: “I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed: and I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.” His Lord takes up his words: “Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou?knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.”?Matthew 25:24-27.?{1TT 364.2}[18]
§45 这位没有盈利的仆人，并非不知道上帝的计划，乃因他坚决抗阻上帝的旨意，竟认上帝要他善用授托银钱的命令是不公道的。大多数自称为信奉真理的财主，也正在发出这同样的埋怨。他们象那不义的仆人一样，也深怕上帝所借给他们的钱财增益了会被要求捐为推广真理之用；因此，他们将金钱投资于世上的财产而埋藏在地下，慌慌张张，装穷作贱，似乎是一贫如洗，或是两袖空空，对于上帝教会无力投资。他们害怕上帝收回资本或要他们赢利，便将它埋在地下。及至主向他们讨取之时，他们就把原银交上，并用不知感恩的口吻，来开脱自己没有将银子交给兑换银钱之人生利的罪，也就是没有投资推进上帝的圣工。{1TT 365.1}[19]
§46 This unprofitable servant was not ignorant of God’s plans, but he set himself firmly to thwart the purpose of God, charging Him with unfairness in requiring improvement upon the talents entrusted to him. This very complaint and murmuring is made by a large class of wealthy men professing to believe the truth. Like the unfaithful servant they are afraid that the increase of the talent that God has lent them will be called for to advance the spread of truth; therefore they tie it up by investing it in earthly treasures and burying it in the world, thus making it so fast that they have nothing, or next to nothing, to invest in the cause of God. They have buried it, fearing that God would call for some of the principal or increase. When, at the demand of their Lord, they bring the amount given them, they come with ungrateful excuses for not having put the means lent them by God out to the exchangers, by investing it in His cause to carry on His work.?{1TT 365.1}[19]
§47 凡妄用主财物的人，不但要失去上帝所借给他的银子，也要失去永生。主人要对他说：“把这无用的仆人，丢在外面黑暗里”（太25:30）。忠心的仆人投资上帝的教会去救人，运用其资财以荣耀上帝，就必得主人的嘉奖说：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人，……可以进来享受你主人的快乐”（同章21）。我们主的这种快乐是什么呢?祂的快乐就是看见许多的生灵得救，进入荣美的天国。“祂因那摆在前面的喜乐，就轻看羞辱，忍受了十字架的苦难，便坐在上帝宝座的右边”（来12:2）。{1TT 365.2}[20]
§48 He who embezzles his Lord’s goods not only loses the talent lent him of God, but loses eternal life. Of him it is said: “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness.”?Matthew 25:30. The faithful servant, who invests his money in the cause of God to save souls, employs his means to the glory of God and will receive the commendation of the Master: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”?Verse 21. What will be this joy of our Lord? It will be the joy of seeing souls saved in the kingdom of glory. “Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”?Hebrews 12:2.?{1TT 365.2}[20]
§49 上帝的所有儿女都应当明白管理的实际意义。他们如果能正确地理解授银的比喻，就会拒绝上帝所称之为偶像崇拜的贪婪。行善能使千万为了黑暗而怨叹，在名义上信奉真理的人获得属灵的生命，从自私贪婪的玛门崇拜者，变成基督忠实可靠的同工，参加拯救罪人的工作。?{1TT 365.3}[21]
§50 The idea of stewardship should have a practical bearing upon all the people of God. The parable of the talents, rightly?understood, will bar out covetousness, which God calls idolatry. Practical benevolence will give spiritual life to thousands of nominal professors of the truth who now mourn over their darkness. It will transform them from selfish, covetous worshipers of mammon to earnest, faithful co-workers with Christ in the salvation of sinners.?{1TT 365.3}[21]
§51 【克己牺牲】
§52 救恩计划的根基是立于牺牲中的。耶稣离开王庭，成为贫穷，使我们藉着祂的贫穷可以成为富足。凡分享这救恩的人，都是上帝圣子付上无穷的牺牲代价所赎回的，他们要效法真模范的榜样。基督是头块的房角石，我们应在这根基上建造。每一个人都应有克己牺牲的精神。基督在世的生活是无私的；祂的特色就是谦卑及牺牲。那承受耶稣从天上下来赐给他们之伟大救恩的人，岂可不效法他们的主，而在祂的克己牺牲上有分呢？基督说：“我是葡萄树，你们是枝子”（约15:5）。“凡属我不结果子的枝子，祂就剪去；凡结果子的，祂就修理干净，使枝子结果子更多”（同章2节）。其中最重要的原则，就是那流于葡萄树中的汁液，滋养各枝条，使其能茂盛及结果。仆人岂能大于主人呢？如果世人的救赎主为我们实行克己牺牲，那么我们为基督肢体一分子的人，岂可自我放纵呢？作门徒的必要条件之一，就是舍己。.{1TT 366.1}[22]
§53 【Self-Denial and Sacrifice】
§54 The foundation of the plan of salvation was laid in?sacrifice. Jesus left the royal courts and became poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. All who share this salvation, purchased for them at such an infinite sacrifice by the Son of God, will follow the example of the true Pattern. Christ was the chief Cornerstone, and we must build upon this Foundation. Each must have a spirit of self-denial and self-sacrifice. The life of Christ upon earth was unselfish; it was marked with humiliation and sacrifice. And shall men, partakers of the great salvation which Jesus came from heaven to bring them, refuse to follow their Lord and to share in His self-denial and sacrifice? Says Christ: “I am the Vine, ye are the branches.”?John 15:5. “Every branch in Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.”?Verse 2. The very vital principle, the sap which flows through the vine, nourishes the branches, that they may flourish and bear fruit. Is the servant greater than his Lord? Shall the world’s Redeemer practice self-denial and sacrifice on our account, and the members of Christ’s body practice self-indulgence? Self-denial is an essential condition of discipleship.?{1TT 366.1}[22]
§55 “于是耶稣对门徒说，若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，背起他的十字架，来跟从我”（太16:24）。我在舍己的道上引路。我的门徒啊，我对你们没有别的要求。我是你们的主，我在自己的生活中给你们留下一个榜样，我只要你们照此去行。{1TT 366.2}[23]
§56 “Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”?Matthew 16:24. I lead the way in the path of self-denial. I require nothing of you, My followers, but that of which I, your Lord, give you an example in My own life.?{1TT 366.2}[23]
§57 世界的救主在旷野的试探中胜过了撒但。祂得胜是要向人显示怎样才能得胜。祂在拿撒勒的会堂中宣告说：“主的灵在我身上，因为祂用膏膏我，叫我传福音给贫穷的人；差遣我报告被掳的得释放，瞎眼的得看见，叫受压制的得自由，报告上帝悦纳人的禧年”（路4:18-19）。{1TT 367.1}[24]
§58 The Saviour of the world conquered Satan in the wilderness of temptation. He overcame to show man how he may overcome. He announced in the synagogue of Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.”?Luke 4:18, 19.?{1TT 367.1}[24]
§59 耶稣宣布，祂降世从事的伟大工作，已经交托给祂在地上的门徒。我们的元首基督已经在救恩的大工上率先而行。祂要我们随从祂的榜样。祂交给我们一个普世性的信息。这个真理必须传播到各国、各方、各民。撒但的权势必须予以抵制。基督和祂的门徒要胜过他。与黑暗权势所作的大规模战争还要继续。为了这项工作的成功，就需要有钱财。上帝不打算直接把钱从天上送下来，而是把钱财放在祂门徒手中，让他们用来支持这场战斗。{1TT 367.2}[25]
§60 The great work which Jesus announced that He came to do was entrusted to His followers upon the earth. Christ, as our head, leads out in the great work of salvation and bids us follow His example. He has given us a world-wide message. This truth must be extended to all nations, tongues, and people. Satan’s power was to be contested, and he was to be overcome by Christ and also by His followers. An extensive war was to be maintained against the powers of darkness. And in order to do this work successfully, means were required. God does not propose to send means direct from heaven, but He gives into the hands of His followers talents of means to use for the very purpose of sustaining this warfare.?{1TT 367.2}[25]
§61 【什一制】
§62 上帝已经为祂的百姓设立了一个计划，以获得足够的钱财来维持圣工。上帝十分之一制的计划，美在其简单而公平。所有的人都可以凭着信心和勇气来遵守它，因为这个制度来源于上帝，简单又便利，不需要有高深的学问才能实行。人人都可以觉得他们能在推进宝贵的救恩工作中分担一分。男女老少都可以作主的司库，和应付圣库需要的经理人。使徒说：“各人要照着自己的进项抽出来留着”（林前16:2）。.{1TT 367.3}[26]
§63 【The Tithing System】
§64 He has given His people a plan for raising sums sufficient to make the enterprise self-sustaining. God’s plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity and equality. All may take hold of it in faith and courage, for it is divine in its origin. In it are combined simplicity and utility, and it does not require depth of learning to understand and execute it. All may feel that they can act a part in carrying forward the precious work of salvation. Every man, woman, and youth may become a treasurer for the Lord and may be an agent to meet the demands upon the treasury. Says the apostle: “Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.”?1 Corinthians 16:2.?{1TT 367.3}[26]
§65 这个制度要达到伟大的目标。如果人人都接受这个制度，他们都可以成为上帝警醒而忠心的司库。传扬最后警告信息给世人的工作，就不会在经济上缺乏了。如果所有的人都采纳这个制度，库房就会充裕，捐献的人决不会更加贫穷。通过种种投资，他们将与现代真理的事业发生更密切的关系。他们必“为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，叫他们持定那真正的生命”（提前6:19）。{1TT 368.1}[27]
§66 Great objects are accomplished by this system. If one and all would accept it, each would be made a vigilant and faithful treasurer for God, and there would be no want of means with which to carry forward the great work of sounding the last message of warning to the world. The treasury will be full if all adopt this system, and the contributors will not be left the poorer. Through every investment made they will become more wedded to the cause of present truth. They will be “laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”?1 Timothy 6:19.?{1TT 368.1}[27]
§67 当那些坚持不懈，全力以赴的工人看到自己行善的努力培养了对上帝和同胞的爱，他们的个人之工扩大了自己的服务范围时，他们就会认识到与基督同工乃是很大的福气。教会的信徒一般都不接受上帝的要求，没有从自己的进项及产业中提献善款，以维持那抵制泛滥普世的道德黑暗的战斗。基督的信徒如果不成为积极热心的工人，上帝的工作就不可能达到应有的进步。{1TT 368.2}[28]
§68 As the persevering, systematic workers see that the tendency of their benevolent efforts is to nourish love to God and their fellow men, and that their personal efforts are extending their sphere of usefulness, they will realize that it is a great blessing to be co-workers with Christ. The Christian church, as a general thing, are disowning the claims of God upon them to give alms of the things which they possess to support the warfare against the moral darkness which is flooding the world. Never can the work of God advance as it should until the followers of Christ become active, zealous workers.?{1TT 368.2}[28]
§69 教会的每一个成员，都应当认识到自己所承认的真理乃是真实的。每一个人都应作无私的工人。有些财主，见到上帝的工作扩大，需要更多的钱款，便想发怨言。他们说，要钱的呼声没完没了，一个又一个的目标，接踵而来，要求捐助。对于这一等人，我们可以说，但愿上帝的圣工一直在扩大，以致我们有更多的机会，更时常而且更迫切的呼求，奉献物资入库，推进圣工。.{1TT 368.3}[29]
§70 Every individual in the church should feel that the truth which he professes is a reality, and all should be disinterested workers. Some rich men feel like murmuring because the work of God is extending and there is a demand for money. They say that there is no end to the calls for means. One object after another is continually arising, demanding help. To such we would say that we hope the cause of God will so extend that there will be greater occasion, and more frequent and urgent calls, for supplies from the treasury to prosecute the work.?{1TT 368.3}[29]
§71 如果每个人都采纳并充分实行定期捐款计划，上帝的库中必有资源不竭的现象，有如泉涌，充溢善泽了。慈善捐款乃是福音信仰的一部分。鉴于基督为救赎我们而付出无穷的代价，我们岂不是负有严肃的义务，在经济上以及各种才能方面，奉献为主作工么？{1TT 368.4}[30]
§72 If the plan of systematic benevolence?were adopted by every individual and fully carried out, there would be a constant supply in the treasury. The income would flow in like a?steady stream constantly supplied by overflowing springs of benevolence. Almsgiving is a part of gospel religion. Does not the consideration of the infinite price paid for our redemption leave upon us solemn obligations pecuniarily, as well as lay claim upon all our powers to be devoted to the work of the Master??{1TT 368.4}[30]
§73 不久主人要说：“把你所经管的交代明白”（路16:2）。那时我们就要向祂还债了。人若不顾上帝的主权，情愿自私地抓紧上帝所赐的一切，祂在现时虽不说话，还是常常施恩，源源赐福，来继续试验他们，他们仍可得人的称赞，在教会中也无人非难，然而不久将来主却要说：“把你所经管的交代明白”（路16:2）。基督说：“这些事你们既不作在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是不作在我身上了”（太25:45）。“你们是重价买来的，所以要在你们的身子上荣耀上帝”（林前6:20）。你们负有用钱财，身体，及精神来荣耀上帝的义务，这一切原是属祂的。“你们是重价买来的，”“不是凭着能坏的金银等物，乃是凭着基督的宝血”（彼前1:18,19）。祂要求我们献还祂所委托给我们的礼物，赞助救灵的工作。祂已流出宝血；祂也要求我们奉献银钱。我们因祂的贫穷得成为富足，难道我们要拒绝奉还祂自己的礼物吗？{1TT 369.1}[31]
§74 We shall have a debt to settle with the Master by and by, when He shall say: “Give an account of thy stewardship.”?Luke 16:2. If men prefer to set aside the claims of God and to grasp and selfishly retain all that He gives them, He will hold His peace at present and continue frequently to test them by increasing His bounties and letting His blessings flow on, and these men may pass on receiving honor of men and without censure in the church; but by and by He will say: “Give an account of thy stewardship.” Says Christ: “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.”?Matthew 25:45. “Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price,” and are under obligation to glorify God with your means as well as in your body and in your spirit, which are His. “Ye are bought with a?price,” not “with corruptible things, as silver and gold,” “but with the precious blood of Christ.” He asks a return of the gifts that He has entrusted to us, to aid in the salvation of souls. He has given His blood; He asks our silver. It is through His poverty that we are made rich; and will we refuse to give back to Him His own gifts??{1TT 369.1}[31]
§75 【与上帝同工】
§76 上帝并不依靠人来支持祂的圣工。如果祂的美意认为从天直接降钱来充实祂的库房这种办法是与人最有益的，祂尽可以作到这一步。祂也可以设法派天使到世上来公布真理，而不必借助于人。祂也可以在天空用活动的字迹写出真理，向世人宣布祂的要求。上帝不依靠任何人的金银。祂说：“树林中的百兽是我的，千山上的牲畜也是我的。”“我若是饥饿，我不用告诉你；因为世界和其中所充满的，都是我的”（诗50:10,12）。凡在圣工的推进上需要我们办理的事，都是祂为我们的益处而特意安排的。祂使我们与祂同工以尊重我们。祂命定需要人类的合作，使他们可以不住地练习行善。{1TT 369.2}[32]
§77 【Co-workers With God】
§78 God is not dependent upon man for the support of His cause. He could have sent means direct from heaven to supply His treasury, if His providence had seen that this was best for man. He might have devised means whereby angels would have been sent to publish the truth to the world without the agency of men. He might have written the truth upon the heavens, and let that declare to the world His requirements in living characters. God is not dependent upon any man’s?gold or silver. He says: “Every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof.”?Psalm 50:10, 12. Whatever necessity there is for our agency in the advancement of the cause of God, He has purposely arranged for our good. He has honored us by making us co-workers with Him. He has ordained that there should be a necessity for the co-operation of men, that they may keep in exercise their benevolence.?{1TT 369.2}[32]
§79 上帝本着祂智慧的美意，常把穷人放在我们中间。我们目睹人间的各种困苦和贫乏，就受到了测试与考验，被带到发展基督化品格的境地。祂在我们中间安置穷人，就是要我们发扬基督化的同情与仁爱。{1TT 370.1}[33]
§80 God has in His wise providence placed the poor always with us, that while we should witness the various forms of want and suffering in the world, we should be tested and proved, and brought into positions to develop Christian character. He has placed the poor among us to call out from us Christian sympathy and love.?{1TT 370.1}[33]
§81 那些因缺乏知识而行将灭亡的罪人，若非有人传真理之光给他们，就必死于无知及黑暗之中。上帝不会差遣天使到世上来作祂委托给人去作的工作。祂给大家都有一份工作去作，原因是要试验他们，使他们可以显出自己的真品格来。基督安置穷人在我们之中作祂的代表。祂说：“我饿了，你们不给我吃；渴了，你们不给我喝”（太25:42）。在人类的困苦缺乏之中，基督与人类同受苦难。祂把他们的需要看作自己的需要。祂惦念他们的忧患。{1TT 370.2}[34]
§82 Sinners, who are perishing for lack of knowledge, must be left in ignorance and darkness unless men carry to them the light of truth. God will not send angels from heaven to do the work which He has left for man to do. He has given all a work to do, for the very reason that He might prove them and that they might reveal their true character. Christ places the poor among us as His representatives. “I was anhungered,” He says, “and ye gave Me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink.”?Matthew 25:42. Christ identifies Himself with suffering humanity in the persons of the suffering children of men. He makes their necessities His own and takes to His bosom their woes.?{1TT 370.2}[34]
§83 败坏世界的道德黑暗，需要男女基督徒尽个人的努力，奉献钱财，发挥影响，与基督的形像同化；祂本有无穷的富足，却为我们成了贫穷。那些已经得到上帝所赐的真理信息，却仍需被催促，才觉得有责任与基督同工的人，上帝的灵是不能与他们同居的。使徒强调，施舍的本分应出于更高尚的动机立场，而不是仅因感情被触动而发的恻隐之心。他所坚持的原则就是我们应当单单注视上帝的荣耀，作无私的服务。?{1TT 370.3}[35]
§84 The moral darkness of a ruined world pleads to Christian men and women to put forth individual effort, to give of their means and of their influence, that they may be assimilated to the image of Him who, though He possessed infinite riches, yet for our sakes became poor. The Spirit of God cannot abide with those to whom He has sent the message of His truth but who need to be urged before they can have any sense of their duty to be co-workers with Christ. The apostle enforces the?duty of giving from higher grounds than merely human sympathy because the feelings are moved. He enforces the principle that we should labor unselfishly with an eye single to the glory of God.?{1TT 370.3}[35]
§85 圣经上要求基督徒实行一种积极行善的计划，因为这会使人不住地以同胞的得救为念。道德的律法吩咐人遵守安息日；人若不干犯律法而不受犯法的处罚，就不会以此为重担，什一制对于不离此种计划的人，也不是重担。这吩咐古代希伯来人的制度，至今尚未被那创立此制度的主所废或放松。什一制不但未失其效力，反当更加充分执行，更见扩大，正如那独靠基督就得救恩的信仰，要在基督教时代中更见充分彰显一样。{1TT 371.1}[36]
§86 Christians are required by the Scriptures to enter upon a plan of active benevolence which will keep in constant exercise an interest in the salvation of their fellow men. The moral law enjoined the observance of the Sabbath, which was not a burden except when that law was transgressed and they were bound by the penalties involved in breaking it. The tithing system was no burden to those who did not depart from the plan. The system enjoined upon the Hebrews has not been repealed or relaxed by the One who originated it. Instead of being of no force now, it was to be more fully carried out and more extended, as salvation through Christ alone should be more fully brought to light in the Christian age.?{1TT 371.1}[36]
§87 耶稣向那律法师显明，得永生的条件就是他在今生实行律法的特别要求，即尽心，尽性，尽意，尽力爱上帝，也要爱邻舍如同自己。当基督受死，表号的献祭停止之时，那原来刻在石版上的律法丝毫没有改变，仍向各世代的人提出其要求。在基督教时代中，人的本分并没有受到限制，反而更明确地阐明，更简要地表达了。{1TT 371.2}[37]
§88 Jesus made known to the lawyer that the condition of his having eternal life was to carry out in his life the special requirements of the law, which consisted in his loving God with all his heart, and soul, and mind, and strength, and his neighbor as himself. When the typical sacrifices ceased at the death of Christ, the original law, engraved in tables of stone, stood immutable, holding its claims upon man in all ages. And in the Christian age the duty of man was not limited, but more especially defined and simply expressed.?{1TT 371.2}[37]
§89 基督受死之后，福音工作发展扩大，需要更多的物资来维持这场战争，因此这施舍的律法比古时希伯来政府所实行的更感迫切需要。现今上帝所要求的，不是减少，而是要更多的礼物，过于祂在任何世代所要的。基督所定的原则，乃是礼物及供物与人所享受的亮光及福惠相称。祂说：“因为多给谁，就向谁多取；多托谁，就向谁多要”（路12:48）{1TT 371.3}[38]
§90 The gospel, extending and widening, required greater provisions to sustain the warfare after the death of Christ, and this made the law of almsgiving a more urgent necessity than under the Hebrew government. Now God requires, not less, but greater gifts than at any other period of the world. The principle laid down by Christ is that the gifts and offerings should be in proportion to the light and blessings enjoyed. He has said: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.”?Luke 12:48.?{1TT 371.3}[38]
§91 基督教时代的福气，表现在早期门徒的慈心善行上。基督离开门徒升天之后，圣灵沛然大降，使他们为别人的得救克己牺牲。当耶路撒冷的贫穷圣徒处于困境之时，保罗写信给外邦基督徒，提出了慈善工作，说：“你们既然在信心，口才，知识，热心，和待我们的爱心上，都格外显出满足来，就当在这慈惠的事上，也格外显出满足来”（林后8:7）。这里把慈善工作与信心，爱心，及基督徒的热心等同列。人对上帝要他们慷慨的呼求，紧闭自己的耳与心，而竟以为仍能作良好的基督徒，这真是惊人的自欺。有些人虽然在口头上多方承认很爱真理，并且只在言语上表示，对于真理的进展极感兴趣，而实际上对于真理的进展，却没有做什么。这等人的信心没有因着行为得以成全，乃是死的。主决不会犯这样的错误，即让一个人悔改，而又让他受制于贪婪的权势。?{1TT 371.4}[39]
§92 The blessings of the Christian Age were responded to by?the first disciples in works of charity and benevolence. The outpouring of the Spirit of God, after Christ left His disciples and ascended to heaven, led to self-denial and self-sacrifice for the salvation of others. When the poor saints at Jerusalem were in distress, Paul wrote to the Gentile Christians in regard to works of benevolence, and said: “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.”?2 Corinthians 8:7. Here benevolence is placed by the side of faith, love, and Christian diligence. Those who think that they can be good Christians and close their ears and hearts to the calls of God for their liberalities, are in a fearful deception. There are those who abound in professions of great love for the truth, and, so far as words are concerned, have an interest to see the truth advance, but who do nothing for its advancement. The faith of such is dead, not being made perfect by works. The Lord never made such a mistake as to convert a soul and leave it under the power of covetousness.?{1TT 371.4}[39]
§93 【从亚当的日子以来】
§94 什一制之由来，远在摩西时代之前。在明确的制度授于摩西之前，甚至远及亚当的日子，人就已奉命要献礼物给上帝，以作宗教之用途了。他们履行上帝的要求，藉着供物来表明感谢祂施恩赐福之心。此事世世相传，亚伯拉罕也曾奉行。他献十分之一给至高上帝的祭司麦基洗德。这同一原则也存在于约伯的时代。当雅各在伯特利之时，逃亡流浪，赤贫如洗，夜间孤独凄凉，以石为枕，他向主应许说：“凡祢所赐给我的，我必将十分之一献给祢”（创28:22）。上帝不强迫人捐献，人的一切捐献都应出于自愿。祂不希望自己的库房中，充满那不甘心的奉献。s.{1TT 372.1}[40]
§95 【From the Days of Adam】
§96 The tithing system reaches back beyond the days of Moses. Men were required to offer to God gifts for religious purposes before the definite system was given to Moses, even as far back as the days of Adam. In complying with God’s requirements, they were to manifest in offerings their appreciation of His mercies and blessings to them. This was continued through successive generations, and was carried out by Abraham, who gave tithes to Melchizedek, the priest of the most high God. The same principle existed in the days of Job. Jacob, when at Bethel, an exile and penniless wanderer, lay down at night, solitary and alone, with a rock for his pillow, and there promised the Lord: “Of all that Thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee.”?Genesis 28:22. God does not compel men to give. All that they give must be voluntary. He will not have His treasury replenished with unwilling offerings.?{1TT 372.1}[40]
§97 主定意使人与祂有亲密的关系，并对同胞存慈爱同情之心，所以就交给人责任，行那些能抵消自私之念，及加强其爱神爱人之心的事。人生性自私，不愿慷慨行善，所以上帝为人的益处设立了这种定期捐款计划。上帝要人在指定的时候奉献礼物，祂这样安排是要人养成捐献的习惯，把行善当作基督徒的一种本分。人心既被一件礼物打开了，就不致在下一件礼物奉献之前，就变成自私冷淡而关闭。水流应当源源涌出水来，慈善的行为就这样保持渠道的畅通。{1TT 373.1}[41]
§98 The Lord designed to bring man into close relationship with Himself and into sympathy and love with his fellow men by placing upon him responsibilities in deeds that would counteract selfishness and strengthen his love for God and man. The plan of system in benevolence God designed for the good of man, who is inclined to be selfish and to close his heart to generous deeds. The Lord requires gifts to be made at stated times, being so arranged that giving will become habit and benevolence be felt to be a Christian duty. The heart, opened by one gift, is not to have time to become selfishly cold and to close before the next is bestowed. The stream is to be continually flowing, thus keeping open the channel by acts of benevolence.?{1TT 373.1}[41]
§99 【十取其一】
§100 上帝特定所要求的数量为进益的十分之一。这件事全在乎人的良心及善心，人对于这种什一制的取舍，可以自由决定。因为这是随人的良心而定，所以主就立下了这个特别的计划，足以应付每一个人的情形，无须乎加以勉强。{1TT 373.2}[42]
§101 【A Tenth of the Increase】
§102 As to the amount required, God has specified one tenth of the increase. This is left to the conscience and benevolence of men, whose judgment in this tithing system should have free play. And while it is left free to the conscience, a plan has been laid out definite enough for all. No compulsion is required.?{1TT 373.2}[42]
§103 在摩西的时代中，上帝要人奉献一切进益的十分之一。祂把今生各事及才干授托他们，要他们发展善用，并要归还给祂。祂要求十分之一，看这是人应当归还给祂的最低限度。祂说：我给你们十分之九，但我却要十分之一；那是属于我的。人若截留那十分之一，就是夺取上帝之物。除了十分之一以外，上帝也要人献赎罪祭，平安祭，及感恩祭。{1TT 373.3}[43]
§104 God called for men in the Mosaic dispensation to give the tenth of all their increase. He committed to their trust the things of this life, talents to be improved and returned to Him. He has required a tenth, and this He claims as the very least that man should return to Him. He says: I give you nine tenths, while I require one tenth; that is Mine. When men withhold the one tenth, they rob God. Sin offerings, peace offerings, and thank offerings were also required in addition to the tenth of the increase.?{1TT 373.3}[43]
§105 凡截留上帝所要求的十分之一的人，在天上的册簿中要记下他的罪行为盗劫。这种人欺诈了他们的创造主。当这种疏忽的罪摆在他们面前之后，他们改变自己的作法，从此实行正确的原则还是不够的，因为这无法更正天上册簿中关于盗用债主所托而应归还之财物的记录。对上帝不忠心的行为，及忘恩负义的罪，是必须悔改的。{1TT 373.4}[44]
§106 All that is withheld of that which God claims, the tenth of the increase, is recorded in the books of heaven against the withholders, as robbery. Such defraud their Creator; and when this sin of neglect is brought before them, it is not enough for them to change their course and begin to work?from that time upon the right principle. This will not correct the figures made in the heavenly record for embezzling the property committed to them in trust to be returned to the Lender. Repentance for unfaithful dealing with God, and for base ingratitude, is required.?{1TT 373.4}[44]
§107 “人岂可夺取上帝之物呢？你们竟夺取我的供物，你们却说我们在何事上夺取祢的供物呢？就是你们在当纳的十分之一，和当献的供物上。因你们通国的人都夺取我的供物，咒诅就临到你们身上，万军之耶和华说，你们要将当纳的十分之一，全然送入仓库，使我家有粮，以此试试我，是否为你们敞开天上的窗户，倾福与你们，甚至无处可容”（玛3:8-10）。这里的应许是，若将一切十分之一送入仓库，上帝就要倾福给顺从的人。{1TT 374.1}[45]
§108 “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed Me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”?Malachi 3:8-10. A promise is here given that, if all the tithes are brought into the storehouse, a blessing from God will be poured upon the obedient.?{1TT 374.1}[45]
§109 “万军之耶和华说，我必为你们斥责蝗虫，不容他毁坏你们的土产；你们田间的葡萄树在未熟之先，也不掉果子。万军之耶和华说，万国必称你们为有福的，因为你们的地必成为喜乐之地”（同章11-12）。凡自称信奉真理的人，若都能遵行上帝所要求的，献上祂所说是属于祂的十分之一，库房里就要十分充实财物，以推进救灵的大工。{1TT 374.2}[46]
§110 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.”?Verses 11, 12. If all who profess the truth will come up to the claims of God in giving the tenth, which God says is His, the treasury will be abundantly supplied with means to carry forward the great work for the salvation of man.?{1TT 374.2}[46]
§111 上帝赐人十分之九，而只要求十分之一作为神圣的用途，正如祂赐人六日的功夫可以作私事，而把第七日分别出来，特归于祂。进益中的十分之一也象安息日一样，是圣洁的；是上帝保留给自己的。祂要用自己授托给人之财物的进益来推进其在地上的圣工。{1TT 374.3}[47]
§112 God gives man nine tenths, while He claims one tenth for sacred purposes, as He has given man six days for his own work and has reserved and set apart the seventh day to Himself. For, like the Sabbath, a tenth of the increase is sacred; God has reserved it for Himself. He will carry forward His work upon the earth with the increase of the means that He has entrusted to man.?{1TT 374.3}[47]
§113 上帝命令祂古时的子民，每年三次聚集。“你一切的男丁，要在除酵节，七七节，住棚节，一年三次，在耶和华你上帝所选择的地方朝见祂，却不可空手朝见；各人要按自己的力量，照耶和华你上帝所赐的福分，奉献礼物”（申16:16-17）。他们所献为圣洁及宗教之用的供物，不下于他们进款的三分之一。?{1TT 374.4}[48]
§114 God required of His ancient people three yearly gatherings. “Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which He shall choose; in the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and in the Feast of Weeks, and in the?Feast of Tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the Lord empty: every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God which He hath given thee.”?Deuteronomy 16:16, 17. No less than one third of their income was devoted to sacred and religious purposes.?{1TT 374.4}[48]
§115 历代以来，无论何时上帝的子民若甘心乐意地实行祂定期捐献的计划，他们就要看明那长存可靠的应许实现，在他们一切的操劳上兴旺昌盛，正如他们顺从祂命令的程度那样。何时他们承认上帝的主权，履行祂的命令，用财物尊敬祂，他们的仓库就要充满有余。何时他们夺取上帝的十分之一及捐献，上帝就使他们不得不明白，他们不但是夺取祂的，也是夺取自己的；因为祂要限制降给他们的福，正如他们限制给祂捐献的程度一样。{1TT 375.1}[49]
§116 Whenever God’s people, in any period of the world, have cheerfully and willingly carried out His plan in systematic benevolence and in gifts and offerings, they have realized the standing promise that prosperity should attend all their labors just in proportion as they obeyed His requirements. When they acknowledged the claims of God and complied with His requirements, honoring Him with their substance, their barns were filled with plenty. But when they robbed God in tithes and in offerings they were made to realize that they were not only robbing Him but themselves, for He limited His blessings to them just in proportion as they limited their offerings to Him.?{1TT 375.1}[49]
§117 【不是苦恼的担子】
§118 有些人要说这种制度乃是那拘束希伯来人的严厉法规之一。然而在爱上帝之人乐意的心中，这却不是一件重担。只有在人因截留圣物，而使自私性情增强之时，人才失去永生的观念，而视自己属地的财产重过性命了。上帝在末世以色列人身上的需求，比在古代以色列人身上的更为迫切。有一项伟大的工作，要在极短的时期中完成。上帝无意叫祂的子民不理什一的制度；反之，祂却定意要人为这行将结束的圣工而扩大及加深牺牲的精神。{1TT 375.2}[50]
§119 【No Irksome Burden】
§120 Some will pronounce this one of the rigorous laws binding upon the Hebrews. But this was not a burden to the willing heart that loved God. It was only when their selfish natures were strengthened by withholding that men lost sight of eternal considerations and valued their earthly treasures above souls. There are even more urgent necessities upon the Israel of God in these last days than were upon ancient Israel. There is a great and important work to be accomplished in a very short time. God never designed that the law of the tithing system should be of no account among His people; but, instead of this, He designed that the spirit of sacrifice should widen and deepen for the closing work.?{1TT 375.2}[50]
§121 定期捐献，不应成为长期强迫奉献。上帝所悦纳的是乐意的奉献。真实的基督徒善行，是由感恩之爱的原则所涌发。爱基督的心，非有那爱祂降世救赎之人的心相伴，就不能存在。爱基督的心应作为人的主导原则，约束一切情绪，指导一切精力。救赎之爱应当激发人心所能存在的一切柔和的心情及自我牺牲的诚意。在这种情形之下，就不需要动人的请求去打破他们的私心，唤醒他们潜在的同情心，来为真理宝贵的圣工作慈善的奉献了。.?{1TT 375.3}[51]
§122 Systematic benevolence should not be made systematic compulsion. It is freewill offerings that are acceptable to God. True Christian benevolence springs from the principle of grateful love. Love to Christ cannot exist without?corresponding love to those whom He came into the world to redeem. Love to Christ must be the ruling principle of the being, controlling all the emotions and directing all the energies. Redeeming love should awaken all the tender affection and self-sacrificing devotion that can possibly exist in the heart of man. When this is the case, no heart-stirring appeals will be needed to break through their selfishness and awaken their dormant sympathies, to call forth benevolent offerings for the precious cause of truth.?{1TT 375.3}[51]
§123 耶稣用无穷的牺牲购买了我们。我们的一切才能及感化力实在都是我们救主的，都应当献上为祂服务。藉着这样行，我们就可表现自己感谢基督用宝血把我们从罪恶奴仆的地位赎回来的大恩。我们的救主始终是为我们作工的。祂已升上高天，为祂宝血所赎回的人代求。祂在父面前，凭着祂在十字架上所受的苦楚而求。祂举起受伤的双手，为自己的教会请求，使他们不至于坠入试探之中。{1TT 376.1}[52]
§124 Jesus has purchased us at an infinite sacrifice. All our capabilities and our influence are indeed our Saviour’s, and should be dedicated to His service. By doing this we show our gratitude that we have been ransomed from the slavery of sin by the precious blood of Christ. Our Saviour is ever working for us. He has ascended on high and pleads in behalf of the purchase of His blood. He pleads before His Father the agonies of the crucifixion. He raises His wounded hands and intercedes for His church, that they may be kept from falling under temptation.?{1TT 376.1}[52]
§125 如果我们能苏醒觉悟，明白救主为我们的得救所作的奇妙大工，我们的心中就要燃起深切热诚的爱情；我们的铁石无情，以及冷淡不关心的情形，也要使我们惊骇了。那由感激的爱心所引发的完全奉献和慈善之心，会传给那极微小的捐献和甘心乐意的牺牲一种神圣的香气，而使这礼物成为无价之宝。我们向救赎主乐意奉献自己所能献出的一切最宝贵的礼物后，若看到自己对上帝实际所负恩情之重，就要觉得自己所献的一切，是极其绵薄的。然而这些我们视为绵薄的捐献，却要被天使献到宝座之前，象馨香的祭物而蒙悦纳。{1TT 376.2}[53]
§126 If our perceptions could be quickened to take in this wonderful work of our Saviour for our salvation, love, deep and ardent, would burn in our hearts. Our apathy and cold indifference would then alarm us. Entire devotion and benevolence, prompted by grateful love, will impart to the smallest offering, the willing sacrifice, a divine fragrance, making the gift of priceless value. But, after willingly yielding to our Redeemer all that we can bestow, be it ever so valuable to us, if we view our debt of gratitude to God as it really is, all that we may have offered will seem to us very insufficient and meager. But angels take these offerings, which to us seem poor, and present them as a fragrant offering before the throne, and they are accepted.?{1TT 376.2}[53]
§127 我们虽是基督的门徒，却不明白自己的真正地位，对于自己作基督所雇仆人的责任，尚无正确的观念。祂已用自己痛苦的生活及所流的宝血预付工价，约我们作祂乐意的服务。我们所有的一切好东西，都是向救主借来的。祂使我们成为管家。我们最小的捐献，最卑微的服务，若是出于信心及爱心的奉献，就可成为成圣的礼物，救人来奉事主，并宣扬祂的荣耀。基督国度的福利及昌盛，当高过我们一切其他的考虑。至于那些以自己的欢乐及自私利益为其生活主题的人，便不是忠心的管家。{1TT 376.3}[54]
§128 We do not, as followers of Christ, realize our true position. We do not have correct views of our responsibilities as hired servants of Christ. He has advanced us the wages in His?suffering life and spilled blood, to bind us in willing servitude to Himself. All the good things we have are a loan from our Saviour. He has made us stewards. Our smallest offerings, our humblest services, presented in faith and love, may be consecrated gifts to win souls to the service of the Master and to promote His glory. The interest and prosperity of Christ’s kingdom should be paramount to every other consideration. Those who make their pleasure and selfish interest the chief objects of their lives are not faithful stewards.?{1TT 376.3}[54]
§129 凡克己利人，奉献自己及其所有为基督服务的人，将体验自私自利的人所追求不到的快乐。救主曾说：“你们无论什么人，若不撇下一切所有的，就不能作我的门徒”（路14:33）。爱是“不求自己的益处”的。它乃是无私之爱及慈善之心所结的果效，这也是基督生活的特色。上帝的律法在我们心內，会使我们个人的利益服从高尚永恒的考虑。{1TT 377.1}[55]
§130 Those who deny self to do others good, and who devote themselves and all they have to Christ’s service, will realize the happiness which the selfish man seeks for in vain. Said our Saviour: “Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple.”?Luke 14:33. Charity “seeketh not her own.” This is the fruit of that disinterested love and benevolence which characterized the life of Christ. The law of God in our hearts will bring our own interests in subordination to high and eternal considerations.?{1TT 377.1}[55]
§131 【地上的财宝】
§132 基督吩咐我们先求上帝的国和祂的义。这乃是我们最先和最高的本分。我们的主人明白警告祂的仆人，不要积聚财宝在地上；因为那样行，会使他们的心倾向地上的事，过于天上的事。在这件事上，许多可怜之人的信心破灭了。他们直接违背了基督的明确吩咐，让爱财之念成为他们生活的主要愿望。他们贪求无厌，利令智昏，如痴如醉。{1TT 377.2}[56]
§133 【Treasure on Earth】
§134 We are enjoined by Christ to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is our first and highest duty. Our Master expressly warned His servants not to lay up treasures upon the earth; for in so doing their hearts would be upon earthly rather than heavenly things. Here is where many poor souls have made shipwreck of faith. They have gone directly contrary to the express injunction of our Lord, and have allowed the love of money to become the ruling passion of their lives. They are intemperate in their efforts to acquire means. They are as much intoxicated with their insane desire for riches as is the inebriate with his liquor.?{1TT 377.2}[56]
§135 许多基督徒忘记自己是主的仆人，不想到自己和自己的光阴，以及自己的一切，都是属于祂的。有许多人受了试探，被撒但的迷惑引诱，投资于可获大利的事物上，而大半都跌倒了。只有很少数的人想到上帝约束的要求，以应付上帝圣工的需要为他们的第一大事，而以自己的欲望列于最后。只有少数的人按着他们进项的比例，投资于上帝的圣工。许多人将自己的钱财固定在产业上，他们必须先出卖产业，然后才可投资于上帝的圣工上，以供实际的应用。他们以此为借口，对救赎主的圣工贡献得很少。他们实际上是埋藏自己的钱于地下，正如那比喻中的人所行的。他们夺取了上帝的十分之一，就是祂所宣布属于祂的；他们在夺取上帝之物之时，也就夺取了自己在天的财宝?{1TT 377.3}[57]
§136 Christians forget that they are servants of the Master; that they themselves, their time, and all that they have belong to Him. Many are tempted, and the majority are overcome, by the delusive inducements which Satan presents to invest their?money where it will yield them the greatest profit in dollars and cents. There are but few who consider the binding claims that God has upon them to make it their first business to meet the necessities of His cause and let their own desires be served last. There are but few who invest in God’s cause in proportion to their means. Many have fastened their money in property which they must sell before they can invest it in the cause of God and thus put it to a practical use. They make this an excuse for doing but little in their Redeemer’s cause. They have as effectually buried their money in the earth as had the man in the parable. They rob God of the tenth, which He claims as His own, and in robbing Him they rob themselves of the heavenly treasure.?{1TT 377.3}[57]
§137 【为了人的益处】
§138 这种定期捐献的计划，现今尚未深刻在任何人的心上。“论到为圣徒捐钱，我从前怎样吩咐加拉太的众教会，你们也当怎样行。每逢七日的第一日，各人要照自己的进项抽出来留着；免得我来的时候现凑”（林前16:1-2）。这种捐献的权利，穷人也当有分，不应例外。他们也象富人一样，可以参加这项工作。基督所提的寡妇两个小钱的教训，叫我们明白穷人甘心乐意所献的最小捐款，若是出于爱心，就要蒙主悦纳，犹如富人所献的最大捐款一样。{1TT 378.1}[58]
§139 【For Man’s Benefit】
§140 The plan of systematic benevolence does not press heavily upon any one man. “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.”?1 Corinthians 16:1, 2. The poor are not excluded from the privilege of giving. They, as well as the wealthy, may act a part in this work. The lesson that Christ gave in regard to the widow’s two mites shows us that the smallest willing offerings of the poor, if given from a heart of love, are as acceptable as the largest donations of the rich.?{1TT 378.1}[58]
§141 在圣所的天平里，穷人出于爱基督之心所作的捐献，不是按其捐款的数量，乃是按那激发牺牲的爱心而估价的。慷慨的穷人，所能捐的虽小，但却捐得乐意，耶稣赐福的应许就一定要实现在他们的身上，正如富人捐上大量的钱蒙福一样。穷人捐得虽少，却是作了他实在觉得到的牺牲。他真是牺牲了一些他个人安适所必需之物；至于富人却自其富有中捐出，不觉得缺乏，没有牺牲什么他实在的需要之物。因此，在穷人的捐献上，具有一种神圣性，是在富人的礼物上所没有的；因为富人的捐献是出自他们所富有的。上帝本其美意安排这个定期捐献的计划，原是为人的益处。祂的美意，从不归于沉默静息。如果上帝的仆人实行祂这明确的旨意，人人都会成为积极的工人。?{1TT 378.2}[59]
§142 In the balances of the sanctuary the gifts of the poor, made from love to Christ, are not estimated according to the amount given, but according to the love which prompts the sacrifice. The promises of Jesus will as surely be realized by the liberal poor man, who has but little to offer, but who gives that little freely, as by the wealthy man who gives of his abundance. The poor man makes a sacrifice of his little, which he really feels. He really denies himself of some things that he needs for his own comfort, while the wealthy man gives of his?abundance, and feels no want, denies himself nothing that he really needs. Therefore there is a sacredness in the poor man’s offering that is not found in the rich man’s gift, for the rich give of their abundance. God’s providence has arranged the entire plan of systematic benevolence for the benefit of man. His providence never stands still. If God’s servants follow His opening providence, all will be active workers.?{1TT 378.2}[59]
§143 那些截留上帝的财宝，而为儿女积蓄钱财的人，有破坏儿女属灵福利的危险。他们的财产，对于他们乃是绊脚石，现今放在儿女的路上，使他们也要绊跌灭亡。许多人在注意今生的事物上，铸下了大错。上帝借给他们财物，若予以正用，就可利己利人，但他们却多方吝啬，截留，以致变成自私贪婪。他们忽略了属灵的福利，在宗教的生长上发育不全，只是聚敛自己所不能享用的财富。他们遗留财产给儿女，往往十分之九，这种财产对于儿女成为大害，甚至过于害他们自己。儿女仰赖父母的产业，往往一生无成，甚至一般也全然不能获得来生。{1TT 379.1}[60]
§144 Those who withhold from the treasury of God and hoard their means for their children, endanger the spiritual interest of their children. They place their property, which is a stumbling block to themselves, in the pathway of their children, that they may stumble over it to perdition. Many are making a great mistake in regard to the things of this life. They economize, withholding from themselves and others the good they might receive from a right use of the means which God has lent them, and become selfish and avaricious. They neglect their spiritual interests and become dwarfs in religious growth, all for the sake of accumulating wealth which they cannot use. They leave their property to their children, and nine times out of ten it is even a greater curse to their heirs than it has been to themselves. Children, relying upon the property of their parents, often fail to make a success of this life, and generally utterly fail to secure the life to come.?{1TT 379.1}[60]
§145 父母能留给儿女的最好遗产，就是有用劳动的知识和表现无私的善行来以身作则的生活。这种生活才能表明金钱的真正价值，显示其益处，既解自己之困，又济别人之急，并促进上帝的圣工。{1TT 379.2}[61]
§146 The very best legacy which parents can leave their children is a knowledge of useful labor and the example of a life characterized by disinterested benevolence. By such a life they show the true value of money, that it is only to be appreciated for the good that it will accomplish in relieving their own wants and the necessities of others, and in advancing the cause of God.?{1TT 379.2}[61]
§147 【穷人的责任】
§148 有些人愿意按自己所有的奉献，觉得上帝对他们不再有进一步的要求，因为他们没有大量的钱。他们的进款，除应家庭之需要外，别无余存。然而在这等人中，有许多可以自问一下这个问题：我是否照我本来可有的奉献呢？上帝定意要他们善用其身心能力。有些人并未尽量善用上帝所赐的才干。操劳乃是人生之分。因为这是由犯罪而来的，所以就与咒诅连在一起。人身体，心灵和道德方面的福利需要人从事有益的劳动。使徒保罗在圣灵的感动下吩咐人“要殷勤不可懒惰”（罗12:11）。?{1TT 379.3}[62]
§149 【Accountability of the Poor】
§150 Some are willing to give according to what they have, and feel that God has no further claims upon them, because they have not a great amount of means. They have no income that?they can spare from the necessities of their families. But there are many of this class who might ask themselves the question: Am I giving according to what I might have had? God designed that their powers of body and mind should be put to use. Some have not improved to the best account the ability that God has given them. Labor is apportioned to man. It was connected with the curse, because made necessary by sin. The physical, mental, and moral well-being of man makes a life of useful labor necessary. “Be ... not slothful in business,” is the injunction of the inspired apostle Paul.?{1TT 379.3}[62]
§151 无论贫富，都不能以懒惰的生活来荣耀上帝。许多穷人的全部资本就是时间及精力；然而人却往往把这资本消耗于贪图安逸与苟安懒惰上，以致他们在十分之一及其他的捐献上无物可献给主。基督徒若缺少智慧，不知道尽其所能，聪明地利用自己的体力和智力，就当存温柔谦卑的心领受弟兄们的劝告，接受他们更好的见解来弥补自己的缺陷。现今许多穷人，自满自足，既不能为同胞造福，又无助于上帝圣工的推进；但他们若是愿意，原可有许多成就。他们的体力资本，正如富人的金钱资本一样，都要对上帝交账的。{1TT 380.1}[63]
§152 No person, whether rich or poor, can glorify God by a life of indolence. All the capital that many poor men have is time and physical strength, and this is frequently wasted in love of ease and in careless indolence so that they have nothing to bring to their Lord in tithes and in offerings. If Christian men lack wisdom to labor to the best account and to make a judicious appropriation of their physical and mental powers, they should have meekness and lowliness of mind to receive advice and counsel of their brethren, that their better judgment may supply their own deficiencies. Many poor men who are now content to do nothing for the good of their fellow men and for the advancement of the cause of God might do much if they would. They are as accountable to God for their capital of physical strength as is the rich man for his capital of money.?{1TT 380.1}[63]
§153 一些应当把钱财交入上帝库中的人，将来可以从中支取。现今有些穷人，若是好好利用自己的光阴，不坐享其成，不投机取巧，而是勤奋耐劳，就能改善自己的处境。若是那些一生无成的人愿意受教，就可以训练自己养成克己俭约的美德，而以自己能施舍行善为最乐，过于只知领受他人的施舍之惠了。许多人是懒惰的仆人。他们若能尽力而行，就必体验到帮助他人乃是一个最大的福气，而切实感受到“施比受更为有福”了。?{1TT 380.2}[64]
§154 Some who ought to put means into the treasury of God will be receivers from it. There are those who are now poor who might improve their condition by a judicious use of their time, by avoiding patent rights, and by restraining their inclination to engage in speculations in order to obtain means in some easier way than by patient, persevering labor. If those who have not made life a success were willing to be instructed, they could train themselves to habits of self-denial and strict economy, and have the satisfaction of being distributors, rather than receivers, of charity. There are many slothful servants. If they would do what it is in their power to do they would?experience so great a blessing in helping others that they would indeed realize that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.”?{1TT 380.2}[64]
§155 受到正确指导的慈善工作，会激发人的智力和道德力，使之在造福穷人和推进上帝圣工上采取最有利于健康的行动。有钱的人若是明白自己所花的每一块钱应向上帝负责，就会大大减少自己心中的欲望了。人的良心如果尚未泯灭，就会见证人为满足食欲，骄傲，虚荣，及爱宴乐而不必要的开销，并说明人是如何浪费那本应献为圣工之用的主的钱财。那些浪费上帝财物的人，不久就要为此向主人交账。{1TT 381.1}[65]
§156 Rightly directed benevolence draws upon the mental and moral energies of men, and excites them to most healthful action in blessing the needy and in advancing the cause of God. If those who have means should realize that they are accountable to God for every dollar that they expend, their supposed wants would be much less. If conscience were alive, she would testify of needless appropriations to the gratification of appetite, of pride, vanity, and love of amusements, and would report the squandering of the Lord’s money, which should have been devoted to His cause. Those who waste their Lord’s goods will by and by have to give an account of their course to the Master.?{1TT 381.1}[65]
§157 【对于富人的告诫】
§158 如果自命为基督徒的人，肯在装饰身体及美化房屋上少花金钱，并在餐桌上少用那些奢华而损害健康的物品，他们就可交献更大的款项于上帝的库中了。他们也会仿效救赎主的精神，祂曾离弃天庭及其富贵的荣耀，到世上来为我们成为贫穷，使我们可得到永远的富足。我们如果穷得无法忠心缴纳上帝所要求的十分之一和捐献，就必定穷得不能在衣食上铺张浪费了；因为我们这样做，就是用主的金钱来进行有害的放纵，取悦和荣耀自己。我们应当殷勤地自问：在上帝的国中，我们已有了什么财宝呢？我们在上帝面前是否富足了呢？{1TT 381.2}[66]
§159 【A Caution to the Wealthy】
§160 If professed Christians would use less of their wealth in adorning the body and in beautifying their own houses, and would consume less in extravagant, health-destroying luxuries upon their tables, they could place much larger sums in the treasury of God. They would thus imitate their Redeemer, who left heaven, His riches, and His glory, and for our sakes became poor, that we might have eternal riches. If we are too poor to faithfully render to God the tithes and offerings that He requires, we are certainly too poor to dress expensively and to eat luxuriously; for we thus waste our Lord’s money in hurtful indulgences to please and glorify ourselves. We should inquire diligently of ourselves: What treasure have we secured in the kingdom of God? Are we rich toward God??{1TT 381.2}[66]
§161 耶稣曾给门徒一个关于贪心的教训，祂“用比喻对他们说，有一个财主，田产丰盛；自己心里思想说，我的出产没有地方收藏，怎么办呢？又说，我要这么办：要把我的仓房拆了，另盖更大的；在那里好收藏我一切的粮食和财物。然后要对我的灵魂说，灵魂哪，你有许多财物积存，可作多年的费用；只管安安逸逸的吃喝快乐吧！上帝却对他说，无知的人哪，今夜必要你的灵魂；你所预备的，要归谁呢？凡为自己积财，在上帝面前却不富足的，也是这样”（路12:16-21）。?{1TT 381.3}[67]
§162 Jesus gave His disciples a lesson upon covetousness. “And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all?my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”?Luke 12:16-21.?{1TT 381.3}[67]
§163 生命的长度及幸福，不在于我们地上财产的多少。这位愚蠢的富人，极度自私，为自己广积他所不能用的财利。他只为自己而生活。他在买卖上奸猾欺诈，刻薄成家，毫不实行上帝的慈悲与仁爱。他抢夺孤儿寡妇，掠取同胞，来增加自己世俗财产的积累。他本可把钱放在天上的不能朽坏的袋中；然而他的贪婪使他失去了两个世界。人若虚心善用上帝所托付的钱财来荣耀上帝，不久的将来就要从主的手中承受财宝，并得到祂的祝福：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人，……可以进来享受你主人的快乐”（太25:23）。T.{1TT 382.1}[68]
§164 The length and happiness of life does not consist in the amount of our earthly possessions. This foolish rich man in his supreme selfishness had laid up for himself treasures that he could not use. He had lived only for himself. He had overreached in trade, had made sharp bargains, and had not exercised mercy or the love of God. He had robbed the fatherless and widow, and defrauded his fellow men, to add to his increasing stock of wordly possessions. He might have laid up his treasure in heaven in bags that wax not old; but through his covetousness he lost both worlds. Those who humbly use to the glory of God the means that He has entrusted to them will receive their treasure by and by from the Master’s hand with the benediction: “Well done, good and faithful servant: ... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”?Matthew 25:23.?{1TT 382.1}[68]
§165 我们在思考基督为拯救人类而作的无穷牺牲时会不胜惊讶。当自私之念在人心中喧嚷着要作主，引诱人不在善工上尽当尽的本分时，他们就当默想那位放弃天庭所有无价财宝，而为我们成为贫穷的主，以加强他们的正义原则的力量。祂连枕头的地方都没有。这一切的牺牲都是为我们的缘故，使我们可得永恒的富足。{1TT 382.2}[69]
§166 When we consider the infinite sacrifice made for the salvation of men we are lost in amazement. When selfishness clamors for the victory in the hearts of men, and they are tempted to withhold their due proportion in any good work, they should strengthen their principles of right by the thought that He who was rich in heaven’s priceless treasure turned away from it all and became poor. He had not where to lay His head. And all this sacrifice was in our behalf, that we might have eternal riches.?{1TT 382.2}[69]
§167 基督亲自行在克己牺牲的道路上，祂的一切门徒若要最后与祂同被高举，就必须也行在这条道路上。祂把人类应该受的忧苦，放在自己的心上。属世之人的心思往往是迟钝的。他们只能看到属地上的事物，而看不到天上事物的荣耀与价值。人们梯山航海，四出寻觅地上的财利，不惜经受各种困苦艰难，以求达到目的，可是却忽视天上的吸引，不顾永恒的富足。至于那些比较穷苦的人，倒往往是最尽力支持上帝圣工的。他们的物质虽少，但却大方慷慨。他们不断地慷慨施舍，加强了他们的慷慨热情。当他们的收支相抵之时，就没有余地或机会增强贪图地上财富的欲念了。?{1TT 382.3}[70]
§168 Christ set His own feet in the path of self-denial and sacrifice which all His disciples must travel if they would be exalted with Him at last. He took to His own heart the sorrows which man must suffer. The minds of worldly men frequently become gross. They can see only earthly things, which?eclipse the glory and value of heavenly things. Men will compass land and sea for earthly gain, and endure privation and suffering to obtain their object, yet will turn away from heaven’s attractions and not regard eternal riches. Men who are in comparative poverty are usually the ones who do the most to sustain the cause of God. They are generous with their little. They have strengthened their generous impulses by continual liberalities. When their expenditures pressed close upon the income, their passion for earthly riches had no room or chance to strengthen.?{1TT 382.3}[70]
§169 然而许多人一开始积聚地上财富之时，就盘算自己能在多久之后得到某笔数目。在他们焦心苦思，为己积富之时，就不能在上帝面前富足了。他们的善行赶不上他们的聚敛。他们的爱好财富之欲既加强，他们的感情意念便都绑在财宝上了。财富愈增，就使欲望愈强，直到有些人竟以奉献主的十分之一为一种苛捐苦税了。圣经说：“若财宝加增，不要放在心上”（诗62:10）。许多人说：“我若象某某人那么富，我就要加倍我的捐献，送进上帝的库中。我的钱财决不作为别用，只是专为推进上帝的圣工。”上帝已试验一些这样的人，赐给他们财富；然而与财富俱来的，却是更强烈的试探，而他们的善行，反比他们穷苦时日的善行，大为减少。贪得更多财富的欲念，吸住他们的心思，他们就犯了拜偶像之罪了。{1TT 383.1}[71]
§170 But many, when they begin to gather earthly riches, commence to calculate how long it will be before they can be in possession of a certain sum. In their anxiety to amass wealth for themselves they fail to become rich toward God. Their benevolence does not keep pace with their accumulation. As their passion for riches increases, their affections are bound up with their treasure. The increase of their property strengthens the eager desire for more, until some consider that their giving to the Lord a tenth is a severe and unjust tax. Inspiration has said: “If riches increase, set not your heart upon them.”?Psalm 62:10. Many have said: “If I were as rich as such a one, I would multiply my gifts to the treasury of God. I would do nothing else with my wealth but use it for the advancement of the cause of God.” God has tested some of these by giving them riches; but with the riches came the fiercer temptation, and their benevolence was far less than in the days of their poverty. A grasping desire for greater riches absorbed their minds and hearts, and they committed idolatry.?{1TT 383.1}[71]
§171 【忠心不贰】
§172 人若忠心顺从，上帝就要赏赐他们以无穷的财富，及天国永生之福。上帝不接纳人的分心。我们生存在末世的危难之中，有各样的事使我们分心，引诱我们的情感离开上帝。只有从基督生命所发出的光中来观察，我们的本分才会显明并受赏识。正如太阳从东往西，普照光明于大地那样，基督的真实门徒，也要作世人的光。他要行在世人之前，犹如辉煌四射之光，使在黑暗中的人受他所发之光的照耀及温暖。基督对祂的门徒说：“你们是世上的光；城造在山上是不能隐藏的”（太5:14）。?{1TT 383.2}[72]
§173 【Undivided Allegiance】
§174 He who presents to men infinite riches and an eternal life of blessedness in His kingdom as the reward of faithful obedience, will not accept a divided heart. We are living amid the perils of the last days, where there is everything to divert the mind and allure the affections from God. Our duty will only?be discerned and appreciated when viewed in the light which shines from the life of Christ. As the sun rises in the east and passes toward the west, filling the world with light, so the true follower of Christ will be a light unto the world. He will go out into the world as a bright and shining light, that those who are in darkness may be lightened and warmed by the rays shining forth from him. Christ says of His followers: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”?{1TT 383.2}[72]
§175 我们伟大的模范是舍己的，凡自命跟从祂的人，岂可在行动上与祂的行动大显矛盾呢？救主把一切都舍给这个将亡的世界，没有把自己留下。现今上帝的教会睡着了，他们因怠惰而致衰弱。从世上各处向我们发出呼声：“请过来帮助我们。”却没有响应的行动。只有偶而的微薄努力，及很少的人表明愿意与主人同工，但这样的人往往是孤军奋战。在广大的国外布道区中，我们只有一位布道士。.{1TT 384.1}[73]
§176 Our great Exemplar was self-denying, and shall the course of His professed followers be in such marked contrast to His? The Saviour gave all for a perishing world, not withholding even Himself. The church of God are asleep. They are enfeebled by inaction. Voices come to us from every part of the world, “Come over and help us;” but there is no answering movement. There is a feeble effort now and then; a few show that they would be co-workers with their Master; but such are frequently left to toil almost alone. There is but one missionary?from our people in all the wide field in foreign countries.?{1TT 384.1}[73]
§177 理是强大的，人却没有切实奉行。单把钱财献在祭坛之上还是不够的。上帝召呼志愿者把真理传给各国各方各民。使我们获得显著胜利的，不是我们的人数或财富，而是对工作的献身，道德的勇气，对同胞的挚爱，以及不屈不倦的热心。{1TT 384.2}[74]
§178 The truth is mighty, but it is not carried into practice. It is not sufficient to lay money alone upon the altar. God calls for men, volunteers, to carry the truth to other nations and tongues and people. It is not our numbers nor our wealth that will give us a signal victory; but it is devotion to the work, moral courage, ardent love for souls, and untiring, unflagging zeal.?{1TT 384.2}[74]
§179 【行善之福】
§180 许多人看犹太人是世上可怜的民族，因他们为支持宗教而经常地荷负重担；然而那创造人类及赐人享受百福的主，却明白什么对人最有益处。藉着祂所降的福气，祂使人的十分之九有更大的价值，过于那不蒙祂赐福的全部。若是任何人存心自私，劫夺上帝之物，或是献上不完全的祭物，就必有灾祸和损失临身。上帝鉴察人心中的动机。祂熟悉人的思想，并要在祂认为合适的时候，按人所当得的分赐给人。{1TT 384.3}[75]
§181 【The Blessing of Benevolence】
§182 There are many who have looked upon the Jewish nation as a people to be pitied because they were constantly taxed for the support of their religion; but God, who created man and?provided him with all the blessings he enjoys, knew what was for his best good. And through His blessing He made their nine tenths worth more to them than the entire amount without His blessing. If any, through selfishness, robbed God or brought to Him an offering not perfect, disaster and loss were sure to follow them. God reads the motives of the heart. He is acquainted with the purposes of men and will mete out to them in His own good time as they have merited.?{1TT 384.3}[75]
§183 什一制所根据的原则，与上帝的律法一样，是不变的。什一制曾是犹太人的一个福气，否则上帝就不会赐给他们了。照样，凡实行什一制直到末时的人，什一制也是他们的一个福气。我们的天父设立定期捐款制度，不是为了给自己积累财富，而是要赐给人大福气。祂看出这种捐款制度正是人类所需要的。{1TT 385.1}[76]
§184 The special system of tithing was founded upon a principle which is as enduring as the law of God. This system of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else God would not have given it them. So also will it be a blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time. Our heavenly Father did not originate the plan of systematic benevolence to enrich Himself, but to be a great blessing to man. He saw that this system of beneficence was just what man needed.?{1TT 385.1}[76]
§185 凡支持上帝的圣工，最有计划而最慷慨的教会，在属灵上也是最兴旺的。基督徒真正的慷慨，是与主利益与共。上帝要求犹太人和祂末时的子民定期捐献，与他们的进益相称。救赎的计划是上帝圣子用无穷的牺牲所确立的。基督十字架所发出的福音之光，谴责自私，鼓励慷慨与慈善。施舍的要求增加，不是一件可叹的事。上帝本着祂的美意，要求祂的子民摆脱他们有限的行动范围，去参加更伟大的事业。在这道德黑暗笼罩普世之时，需要作出无限的努力。世俗之念及贪婪之心，正在侵蚀上帝子民的生机。他们应当明白，要他们出更多的钱，乃是上帝的恩典。上帝的使者将善行与祈祷并列。他曾对哥尼流说：“你的祷告和你的周济达到上帝面前，已蒙记念了”（徒10:4）。{1TT 385.2}[77]
§186 Those churches who are the most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually. True liberality in the follower of Christ identifies his interest with that of his Master. In God’s dealing with the Jews and His people to the end of time, He requires systematic benevolence proportionate to their income. The plan of salvation was laid by the infinite sacrifice of the Son of God. The light of the gospel shining from the cross of Christ rebukes selfishness and encourages liberality and benevolence. It is not to be a lamented fact that there are increasing calls to give. God in His providence is calling His people out from their limited sphere of action to enter upon greater enterprises. Unlimited effort is demanded at this time when moral darkness is covering the world. Worldliness and covetousness are eating out the vitals of God’s people. They should understand that it is His mercy which multiplies the demands for their means. The angel of God places benevolent acts close beside prayer. He said to Cornelius: “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.”?Acts 10:4.?{1TT 385.2}[77]
§187 基督曾教导人说：“倘若你们在不义的钱财上不忠心，谁还把那真实的钱财托付你们呢”（路16:11）？教会属灵的健康与兴旺，在很大的程度上有赖于她的定期捐款。正如生命的血液必须流通全身，给身体各部分带来生机，这种捐献也会增加我们爱同胞的心；因为藉着克己牺牲，我们与那曾为我们成为贫穷的基督有了更密切的关系。我们越多投资上帝的圣工，帮助救灵，我们的心也就越接近祂。要是我们的信徒只有现存的一半，而这一半的信徒都是热忱的工人，我们就有一种足以震撼全球的能力。基督对积极的工人说过：“我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:20）。{1TT 386.1}[78]
§188 In the teachings of Christ He said: “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?”?Luke 16:11. The spiritual health and prosperity of the church is dependent in a great degree upon her systematic benevolence. It is like the lifeblood which must flow through the whole being, vitalizing every member of the body. It increases love for the souls of our fellow men; for by self-denial and self-sacrifice we are brought into a closer relation to Christ, who for our sakes became poor. The more we invest in the cause of God to aid in the salvation of souls, the closer to our hearts will they be brought. Were our numbers half as large, and all of these devoted workers, we should have a power that would make the world tremble. To the active workers Christ has addressed these words: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”?Matthew 28:20.?{1TT 386.1}[78]
§189 【到普天下去】
§190 我们将要遇到源于自私的动机，固执与偏见的反对；然而我们当用坚强的勇气和活泼的信心，在各水边撒种。撒但的爪牙是可怕的，我们将要遇到他们，并且必须抵挡他们。我们的工作不应局限于本国。田地就是世界；庄稼已经熟透了。基督在升天之前给门徒的命令是：“你们往普天下去，传福音给万民听”（可16:15）。{1TT 386.2}[79]
§191 【Into All the World】
§192 We shall meet opposition arising from selfish motives and from bigotry and prejudice; yet, with undaunted courage and living faith, we should sow beside all waters. The agents of Satan are formidable; we shall meet them and must combat them. Our labors are not to be confined to our own country. The field is the world; the harvest is ripe. The command given by Christ to the disciples just before He ascended was: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”?Mark 16:15.?{1TT 386.2}[79]
§193 我们见到有些传道人留连于教会中间，似乎略尽绵薄之力，却又几乎全无成绩以表现其辛劳，我们心里就非常难过。田地就是这世界。应当让他们出发，到不信的世界中，劳苦作工，引人悔改归向真理。我们向弟兄姊妹们提出亚伯拉罕的模范，他按上帝的命令，到摩利亚山去献其独生子为祭。这就是顺从与牺牲。摩西在宫庭里长大，有继承王位的前景，但他却撇弃那试探的诱惑，“不肯称为法老女儿之子；他宁可和上帝的百姓同受苦害，也不愿暂时享受罪中之乐；他看为基督受的凌辱，比埃及的财物更宝贵”（来11:24-26）。?{1TT 386.3}[80]
§194 We feel pained beyond measure to see some of our ministers hovering about the churches, apparently putting forth some little effort, but having next to nothing to show for their labors. The field is the world. Let them go out into the unbelieving world and labor to convert souls to the truth. We refer our brethren and sisters to the example of Abraham going up to Mount Moriah to offer his only son at the command of God. Here was obedience and sacrifice. Moses was in kingly courts,?and a prospective crown was before him. But he turned away from the tempting bribe, and “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt.”?Hebrews 11:24-26.?{1TT 386.3}[80]
§195 使徒们不以自己的生命为宝贵，而因能为基督的名受辱而喜乐。保罗与西拉损失了一切，遭受鞭打，在极其痛苦的情况下，被粗暴地投入土牢冰冷的地上。他们的脚被抬起，套上木狗；但传入狱卒耳中的，是他们的埋怨和悲叹吗？不是！从牢狱深处所传出来打破午夜寂静的，乃是他们欢乐的歌声和对上帝的颂赞。这些门徒对他们所为之受苦的救赎主的圣工深深热爱，所以受到了激励。{1TT 387.1}[81]
§196 The apostles counted not their lives dear unto themselves, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. Paul and Silas suffered the loss of all things. They suffered scourging, and were in no gentle manner thrown upon the cold floor of a dungeon in a most painful position, their feet elevated and fastened in the stocks. Did repinings and complaints then reach the ear of the jailer? Oh, no! From the inner prison, voices broke the silence of midnight with songs of joy and praise to God. These disciples were cheered by a deep and earnest love for the cause of their Redeemer, for which they suffered.?{1TT 387.1}[81]
§197 当上帝的真理充满我们的心，吸引我们的情感，管理我们的生活之时，我们也会因为真理受苦而快乐。牢狱的高墙，殉道者的火刑柱，都不能挫阻我们推进大工。请注意上帝儿子谦卑的生活。祂是一个“多受痛苦，常经忧患”的人（赛53:3）。要看祂所受的侮辱，及在客西马尼园中的痛苦，学习什么是克己。我们遭受穷苦么？这位天庭之君基督是遭受过的。然而祂的穷苦，却是为我们的缘故。我们是否列于富人之中呢？祂原来也是富足的，但却情愿为我们的缘故而成为贫穷，叫我们因祂的贫穷可以成为富足。基督是我们克己的楷模。祂的牺牲不单是在于离开天庭，被恶人当作罪犯的审问，定罪和处死，也是在于祂负担世人沉重的罪担。基督的生活斥责我们的冷淡和漠不关心。我们是处于末时。撒但知道自己的时候不多，就气忿忿地下来。他在那将亡的人中，行各样出于不义的诡诈。我们的伟大领袖已把这场战争交在我们的手中，要我们奋勇向前。我们现在所作的工，还不及我们若有觉悟时可以作的二十分之一。救主在祂的生活中给我们留下的榜样，但我们却缺乏祂克己的精神，贪图安逸，致使工作停滞。?{1TT 387.2}[82]
§198 As the truth of God fills our hearts, absorbs our affections, and controls our lives, we also will count it joy to suffer for the truth’s sake. No prison walls, no martyr’, O my soul, to Calvary.Mark the humble life of the Son of God. He was “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”?Isaiah 53:3. Behold His ignominy, His agony in Gethsemane, and learn what self-denial is. Are we suffering want? so was Christ, the Majesty of heaven. But His poverty was for our sakes. Are we ranked among the rich? so was He. But He consented for our sakes to become poor, that we through His poverty might be made rich. In Christ we have self-denial exemplified. His sacrifice consisted not merely in leaving the royal courts of heaven, in being tried by wicked men as a criminal and pronounced guilty, and in being delivered up to die as a malefactor, but in bearing the weight of the sins of the world. The life of?Christ rebukes our indifference and coldness. We are near the close of time, when Satan has come down, having great wrath, knowing that his time is short. He is working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. The warfare has been left in our hands by our great Leader for us to carry forward with vigor. We are not doing a twentieth part of what we might do if we were awake. The work is retarded by love of ease and a lack of the self-denying spirit of which our Saviour has given us an example in His life.?{1TT 387.2}[82]
§199 现今需要与基督同工，并觉得需要作出特别努力的人。我们的文字工作，不应减少，反应加倍。应当在各处设立学校，教育我们的青年，预备他们参加推进真理的工作。{1TT 388.1}[83]
§200 Co-workers with Christ, men who feel the need of extended effort, are wanted. The work of our presses should not be lessened, but doubled. Schools should be established in different places to educate our youth preparatory to their laboring to advance the truth.?{1TT 388.1}[83]
§201 许多光阴浪费了；天使将我们疏忽的记录带到天上。上帝已赐下一些有能力帮助我们应付目前需要的人才，但我们昏睡和不献身的状况，错失了这些宝贵的机会。在这个要把圣工扩展至国外的时候，我们多么需要汉娜.莫尔的帮助啊！她在国外布道的丰富经验，足使我们接近那我们现今所不能接近的操别种语言的人。上帝给我们这一恩赐，来应付我们眼前的需要；然而我们却不重视这份恩赐，所以祂就从我们收回去了。她现在歇下了自己的劳苦，但她克己的行为却要随着她。现今我们的传道工作耽搁了，因为缺乏如何接近这个大田地中各国各地的知识，这实在很可惜。.{1TT 388.2}[84]
§202 Already a great deal of time has been wasted, and angels bear to heaven the record of our neglects. Our sleepy and unconsecrated condition has lost to us precious opportunities which God has sent us in the persons of those who were qualified to help us in our present need. Oh, how much we need our Hannah More?to aid us at this time in reaching other nations! Her extensive knowledge of missionary fields would give us access to those of other tongues whom we cannot now approach. God brought this gift among us to meet our present emergency; but we prized not the gift, and He took her from us. She is at rest from her labors, but her self-denying works follow her. It is to be deplored that our missionary work should be retarded for the want of knowledge how to gain access to the different nations and localities in the great harvest field.?{1TT 388.2}[84]
§203 我们很觉得难过，因为失了一些恩赐，如果我们以往有清醒的头脑，是可以保住这些恩赐的。现今庄稼成熟了，但工人却不能去收割。上帝的子民应当在主面前虚心，深切谦卑地祈求主赦免我们所放纵的冷淡自私，并把玩忽职守放弃特权的可耻记录涂抹掉。真正的基督徒若是默想髑髅地的十字架，就会放弃限制捐献至分毫不与的想法，并听到号角之声:“到我葡萄园中劳力；不久就可获得安息。?{1TT 388.3}[85]
§204 We feel anguish of spirit because some gifts are lost to us?that we might now have if we had only been awake. Laborers have been kept back from the whitening harvest. It becomes the people of God to humble their hearts before Him, and in the deepest humiliation to pray the Lord to pardon our apathy and selfish indulgence, and to blot out the shameful record of duties neglected and privileges unimproved. In contemplation of the cross of Calvary the true Christian will abandon the thought of restricting his offerings to that which costs him nothing and will hear in trumpet tones:Go, labor in My vineyard;?There’s resting by and by.?{1TT 388.3}[85]
§205 耶稣快要升天之前指着庄稼地对门徒说：“你们往普天下去，传福音给万民听。”“你们白白地得来，也要白白地舍去”（太10:8）。请问我们是否愿意克己，以便那些即将糟蹋的庄稼可以收割呢？{1TT 389.1}[86]
§206 When Jesus was about to ascend on high, He pointed to the harvest fields and said to His followers: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel.” “Freely ye have received, freely give.”?Matthew 10:8. Shall we deny self that the wasting harvest may be gathered??{1TT 389.1}[86]
§207 上帝要人奉献钱财，发挥感化力。我们会拒绝顺从吗？我们的天父厚赐鸿福，而只要人交还一小部分；祂这样行，是要试验我们是否配领受永生的恩赐。（3T.381-408.1875年）{1TT 389.2}[87]
§208 God calls for talents of influence and of means. Shall we refuse to obey? Our heavenly Father bestows gifts and solicits a portion back, that He may test us whether we are worthy to have the gift of everlasting life.?{1TT 389.2}[87]
§209 儿童的捐献也可蒙上帝悦纳及使祂喜爱的。捐献的价值是按那激动捐献的精神而定。穷苦的人，按使徒的规定，每周捐出小额的款项，帮助充实库房，他们的礼物就要全蒙上帝的悦纳；因为他们所作的牺牲，是与富人所作的一样大，甚至于比之更大。定期捐献的制度，将成为每一家庭的保障，抗拒试探，以免枉费金钱于不必要的事物上。此种制度，对于富人尤为福气，因其可使他们免得流入狂奢极欲的生活中。（3T412.1875年）{1TT 389.3}[88]
§210 The offerings of little children may be acceptable and pleasing to God. In accordance with the spirit that prompts the gifts will be the value of the offering. The poor, by following the rule of the apostle and laying by a small sum every week, help to swell the treasury, and their gifts are wholly acceptable to God; for they make just as great, and even greater, sacrifices than their more wealthy brethren. The plan of systematic benevolence will prove a safeguard to every family against temptations to spend means for needless things, and especially will it prove a blessing to the rich by guarding them from indulging in extravagances.—1875,?Testimonies for the Church 3:412.?{1TT 389.3}[88]
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