第87章 扣留应献之款
§1
第87章 扣留应献之款Withholding Means
§2
某地的人把基督圣工放在心上，上帝的福气要降在他们的身上。我们的弟兄姊妹们向那被钉十字架的救赎主表示信心和爱心，而献上乐意的捐款，就会得回许多福气；因为上帝注意并记得圣徒的每一慷慨行动。在预备建造礼拜堂的事上，必须大大运用信心和依靠上帝。人若经营商业而不敢冒险，所得的成就也必很少；那么，为什么不在上帝的事业上有信心，投资于祂的圣工呢？{1TT 465.1}[1]
§3
The blessing of God will rest upon those in ----- who have the cause of Christ at heart. The freewill offerings of our brethren and sisters, made in faith and love to the crucified Redeemer, will bring back blessings to them; for God marks and remembers every act of liberality on the part of His saints. In preparing a house of worship, there must be a great exercise of faith and trust in God. In business transactions those who venture nothing make but little advancement; why not have faith also in an enterprise for God and invest in His cause??{1TT 465.1}[1]
§4
有些人在贫穷之时，钱虽不多，但却慷慨；及至得到财利，反而变成吝啬的人。他们信心太小的原因，是他们在发达时没有继续前进，也没有本着牺牲捐献给上帝的圣工。{1TT 465.2}[2]
§5
Some, when in poverty, are generous with their little; but as they acquire property, they become penurious. The reason they have so little faith is that they do not keep moving forward as they prosper, and give to the cause of God even at a sacrifice.?{1TT 465.2}[2]
§6
犹太人的制度要人先向上帝表示慷慨捐献。在收获庄稼和葡萄时，田园初熟之物──五谷，酒，油之类──应当作为祭物奉献给主。田角与所遗落的庄稼要留给穷人。我们仁慈的天父没有忽略穷人的需要。初剪的羊毛，初打的麦穗，应当献给主；主也命令他们邀请孤儿，寡妇，穷人，客人到家中坐席。每年之终大家都要为自己已否照着上帝的命令行事而起重誓。{1TT 465.3}[3]
§7
In the Jewish system it was required that beneficence should first be shown to the Lord. At the harvest and the vintage the first fruits of the field—the corn, the wine, and the oil—were to be consecrated as an offering to the Lord. The gleanings and the corners of the fields were reserved for the poor. Our gracious heavenly Father did not neglect the wants of the poor. The first fruits of the wool when the sheep were shorn, of the grain when the wheat was threshed, were to be offered to the Lord; and it was commanded that the poor, the widows, the orphans, and the strangers, be invited to their feasts. At the close of every year all were required to make solemn oath whether or not they had done according to the command of God.?{1TT 465.3}[3]
§8
主如此安排是要人铭记在心，凡事必须以主为首。藉着此种慈善制度，要他们记得，仁慈的耶和华乃是他们田地牛羊真正的业主。天上的上帝在他们撒种和收割之时，出太阳及降雨露，他们所拥有的一切都是祂所创造的。一切都属于主，而祂已使人作祂产业的管家。{1TT 466.1}[4]
§9
This arrangement was made by the Lord to impress upon the people that in every matter He must be first. By this system of benevolence they were to bear in mind that their gracious Master was the true proprietor of their fields, their flocks, and their herds; that the God of heaven sent them sunshine and rain for their seedtime and harvest, and that everything they possessed was of His creation. All was the Lord’s, and He had made them stewards of His goods.?{1TT 466.1}[4]
§10
在制造会幕及建筑圣殿时，犹太人所表现的慷慨捐献精神，真是后代基督徒所比不上的。他们那时刚从埃及长久为奴之地得释放，在旷野过着漂流的生活，方才逃脱在他们匆促旅途上埃及追兵的虎口，主的话便临到摩西，说：“你告诉以色列人，当为我送礼物来，凡甘心乐意的，你们就可以收下归我”（出25:2）。{1TT 466.2}[5]
§11
The liberality of the Jews in the construction of the tabernacle and the erection of the temple illustrates a spirit of benevolence which has not been equaled by Christians of any later date. They had just been freed from their long bondage in Egypt and were wanderers in the wilderness; yet scarcely were they delivered from the armies of the Egyptians who pursued them in their hasty journey, when the word of the Lord came to Moses, saying: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take My offering.”?Exodus 25:2.?{1TT 466.2}[5]
§12
祂的子民那时所有的财产很少，也没有什么增加财产的可喜前途；但却有一个目标摆在他们的面前，就是为上帝建造会幕。主既说了话，他们就当顺从。他们毫不保留。大家都乐意奉献，并不是从他们的进益中抽出一部分，而是从他们实际所有的财物中拿出大部分来。他们乐意热心奉献，并为此蒙主喜悦。万物岂不都是祂的么？他们所有的一切岂不是祂所给的么？如果祂发出要求，他们岂不是有本分向物主奉还其物么？{1TT 466.3}[6]
§13
His people had small possessions and no flattering prospect of adding to them; but an object was before them—to build a tabernacle for God. The Lord had spoken, and they must obey His voice. They withheld nothing. All gave with a willing hand, not a certain amount of their increase, but a large portion of their actual possessions. They devoted it gladly and heartily to the Lord, and pleased Him by so doing. Was it not all His? Had He not given them all they possessed? If He called for it, was it not their duty to give back to the Lender His own??{1TT 466.3}[6]
§14
那时无需勉强，百姓奉献的甚至超过了需要的，以致告诉他们要终止奉献，因已够用有余了。后来在建筑圣殿之时，募捐的呼声也得到热心的响应。百姓并不是勉强地奉献。他们以建造敬拜上帝之殿的期望为乐，捐献足用有余。大卫在会众之前称颂主说：“我算什么，我的民算什么，竟能如此乐意奉献；因为万物都从祢而来，我们把从祢而得的献给祢”（代上29:14）。他又在祷告之中发出感谢之声，说：“耶和华我们的上帝啊，我们预备这许多材料，要为祢的圣名，建造殿宇，都是从祢而来，都是属祢的”（代上29:16）。{1TT 466.4}[7]
§15
No urging was needed. The people brought even more than was required, and were told to desist, for there was already more than could be appropriated. Again, in building the temple, the call for means met with a hearty response. The people did not give reluctantly. They rejoiced in the prospect of a building being erected for the worship of God,?and donated more than enough for the purpose. David blessed the Lord before all the congregation, and said: “But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.”?1 Chronicles 29:14. Again in his prayer David gave thanks in these words: “O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine holy name cometh of Thine hand, and is all Thine own.”?Verse 16.?{1TT 466.4}[7]
§16
大卫十分明白他的一切恩惠是从谁而来的。今日凡以救主之爱为乐的人，也当明白他们的金银是属于主的，应当为彰显祂的荣耀而用，而不应吝啬地保留，以增加自己的财富，满足自己的心意。祂对所借给人的一切都有无可争辩的权利。人所有的一切都是属于祂的。{1TT 467.1}[8]
§17
David well understood from whom came all his bounties. Would that those of this day who rejoice in a Saviour’s love could realize that their silver and gold are the Lord’s and should be used to promote His glory, not grudgingly retained to enrich and gratify themselves. He has an indisputable right to all that He has lent His creatures. All that they possess is His.?{1TT 467.1}[8]
§18
有高尚而神圣的目标需要用钱；人若这样投资，比为满足个人之乐而花钱，或是为自私贪得而积蓄，必得更高尚而永久的快乐。在上帝要求我们的资财时，不论是多是少，若是甘心响应，就可使那礼物成为圣洁的祭物献给主，并为奉献的人积攒财宝在天上，在那里没有虫咬，没有火烧，也没有贼挖窟窿来偷。这种投资是可靠的。是将钱放在没有漏洞的钱袋里；它是安全的。{1TT 467.2}[9]
§19
There are high and holy objects that require means, and money thus invested will yield to the giver more elevated and permanent enjoyment than if it were expended in personal gratification or selfishly hoarded for greed of gain. When God calls for our treasure, whatever the amount may be, the willing response makes the gift a consecrated offering to Him and lays up for the giver a treasure in heaven that moth cannot corrupt, that fire cannot consume, nor thieves break in and steal. The investment is safe. The money is placed in bags that have no holes; it is secure.?{1TT 467.2}[9]
§20
今日的基督徒，自夸有比希伯来人更广阔的亮光，岂能比他们捐得还少呢？生于靠近时间结束的基督徒，其捐献还不及犹太人所献的一半，他们怎可自满呢？犹太人慷慨捐献，当时只是惠及本国；而末日的圣工，却是扩展到全世界。真理的信息要传遍各国，各族，各方，各民，它那印成许多不同语言的出版物，要如秋天的落叶散布各地{1TT 467.3}[10]
§21
Can Christians, who boast of a broader light than had the Hebrews, give less than they? Can Christians living near the close of time be satisfied with their offerings when not half so large as were those of the Jews? Their liberality was to benefit their own nation; the work in these last days extends to the entire world. The message of truth is to go to all nations, tongues, and people; its publications, printed in many different languages, are to be scattered abroad like the leaves of autumn.?{1TT 467.3}[10]
§22
【十字架显明牺牲的原则】
§23
圣经上说：“基督既在肉身受苦，你们也当将这样的心志作为兵器”（彼前4:1）。又说：“人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行”（约壹2:6）。我们要问：如果救主居于我们的境地，祂要作什么呢？祂为救人要尽何等的力量呢？基督的榜样已回答了这一问题。祂离开了王位，撇下荣耀，牺牲富足，并以人性披覆神性，为的是可以达到人所在之处。祂的榜样显明祂为罪人舍弃自己的生命。{1TT 468.1}[11]
§24
【Cross Reveals Principle of Sacrifice】
§25
It is written: “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind.”?1 Peter 4:1. And again: “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.”?1 John 2:6. Let us inquire: What would our Saviour have done in our circumstances? what would have been His efforts for the salvation of souls? This question is answered by the example of Christ. He left His royalty, laid aside His glory, sacrificed His riches, and clothed His divinity with humanity, that He might reach men where they were. His example shows that He laid down His life for sinners.?{1TT 468.1}[11]
§26
撒但对夏娃说，若能满足非法的食欲，就可达到福乐的高境；然而上帝所给人的应许，却是要藉着克己方可达到。基督在耻辱的十字架上为救赎人类而受痛苦之时，人性就被提高了。只有藉着十字架，人类才能被提拔与天庭联络。在我们奔向天国的旅程上，每一举步都要遇到克己和十字架。{1TT 468.2}[12]
§27
Satan told Eve that a high state of felicity could be gained through the gratification of unlicensed appetite, but the promise of God to man is through denial of self. When upon the shameful cross Christ was suffering in agony for man’s redemption, human nature was exalted. Only by the cross can the human family be elevated to connect with heaven. Self-denial and crosses meet us at every step on our heavenward journey.?{1TT 468.2}[12]
§28
慷慨的精神乃是天国的精神；自私的精神乃是撒但的精神。基督自我牺牲的爱在十字架上显明了。祂先舍弃祂所有的一切，然后连自己的性命也献上了，使人类可以得救。基督的十字架，应引动每一个跟随神圣救主之人的慷慨之心。这里所表现的原则就是施舍，施舍。这种实行实际的慈善和在好行为上所表现的，乃是基督徒人生的真果效。世人的原则乃是获得，获得；他们希望如此得到快乐，但他们各方面的结果乃是痛苦和死亡。{1TT 468.3}[13]
§29
The spirit of liberality is the spirit of heaven; the spirit of selfishness is the spirit of Satan. Christ’s self-sacrificing love is revealed upon the cross. He gave all He had, and then gave Himself, that man might be saved. The cross of Christ appeals to the benevolence of every follower of the blessed Saviour. The principle there illustrated is to give, give. This, carried out in actual benevolence and good works, is the true fruit of the Christian life. The principle of worldlings is to get, get, and thus they expect to secure happiness; but, carried out in all its bearings, the fruit is misery and death.?{1TT 468.3}[13]
§30
基督门徒的使命就是向地上的居民传扬真理，救他们脱离罪恶和冷淡的态度。人必须有真理，以便藉真理成圣。我们乃是上帝传光的导管。我们的才干，金钱，知识，不单是为我们自己的益处；也要用来救人，提拔人脱离罪恶的生活，藉着基督把人带到无穷的上帝面前。{1TT 468.4}[14]
§31
To carry the truth to the inhabitants of the earth, to rescue them from their guilt and indifference, is the mission of the followers of Christ. Men must have the truth in order to be?sanctified through it, and we are the channels of God’s light. Our talents, our means, our knowledge, are not merely for our own benefit; they are to be used for the salvation of souls, to elevate man from his life of sin and bring him, through Christ, to the infinite God.?{1TT 468.4}[14]
§32
我们应当在这圣工上作热心的工人，设法领导罪人悔改和相信神圣的救赎主，也感动他们对于上帝爱人之心有高尚的感觉。“上帝爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生”（约3:16）。这是一种何等无与伦比的爱！何等高深的思考题目！上帝对一个不爱祂的世界所表示的惊人大爱！这种思想有感服人心的力量，并使人皈依上帝的旨意。那些为财利疯狂，在追求世界中失望不乐的人，实在需要这种真理知识，来平静他们烦乱不宁的饥渴心灵。{1TT 469.1}[15]
§33
We should be zealous workers in this cause, seeking to lead sinners, repenting and believing, to a divine Redeemer, and to impress them with an exalted sense of God’s love to man. “God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”?John 3:16. What an incomparable love is this! A theme for the most profound meditation! The amazing love of God for a world that did not love Him! The thought has a subduing power upon the soul and brings the mind into captivity to the will of God. Men who are crazy for gain, and are disappointed and unhappy in their pursuit of the world, need the knowledge of this truth to quiet the restless hungering and thirsting of their souls.?{1TT 469.1}[15]
§34
【自私之害】
§35
在各大城市中需要有为上帝作工的布道士，去向那些坐在死荫之地的人传送光明。我们需要有经验的工人，用智慧的温柔和信心的能力，来提拔那些疲倦的人到慈悲救赎主的怀中。唉！自私自利！何等的大害！它拦阻我们参加上帝的服务。它拦阻我们不能看清那所当尽的，应当使我们心热如火的责任。我们应转移一切精力来顺从基督。我们若随从错误的领袖而分心，那就是帮助错的一方，而给我们的仇敌便利了。上帝的真理决不与罪恶妥协，不与奸计联络，也不与犯法的人联合。现今需要的是枕戈待旦，敏于应命的精兵，而非那些在需要之时被发现是助敌为虐的人。{1TT 469.2}[16]
§36
【The Curse of Selfishness】
§37
Missionaries for God are wanted in your large city to carry light to those who sit in the shadow of death. Experienced hands are needed, in the meekness of wisdom and the strength of faith, to lift weary souls to the bosom of a compassionate Redeemer. Oh, selfishness! What a curse! It prevents us from engaging in the service of God. It prevents us from perceiving the claims of duty, which should set our hearts aglow with fervent zeal. All our energies should be turned to the obedience of Christ. To divide our interest with the leaders of error is aiding the wrong side and giving advantage to our foes. The truth of God knows no compromise with sin, no connection with artifice, no union with transgression. Soldiers are wanted who will always answer to the roll call and be ready for immediate action, not those who, when needed, are found aiding the enemy.?{1TT 469.2}[16]
§38
我们的工作是伟大的。然而仍有许多自称信仰神圣真理的人，却中了撒但的诡计而麻木不灵，一事无成，反而耽误上帝的圣工。何时他们才会与那等候主的人同样行动呢？何时他们才表现和其信仰相符的热心呢？许多人自私地保留金钱而自慰其良心说，他们计划在死后要为上帝的圣工作些大事。他们写下遗嘱，捐献大批的钱财给教会及其各种权益，然后就安心坐待，觉得自己已尽了主所要求的一切本分了。请问在这种行为中，哪里有克己呢？相反地，他们却表现出自私自利的本性。他们到了自己不能再用钱的时候，才提出给上帝用。但他们在一息尚存，自己仍能用钱之时，还是保留不放，直到那无法拒绝的使者不能通融之时，他们才被迫撒手而去。{1TT 470.1}[17]
§39
Ours is a great work. Yet there are many who profess to believe these sacred truths, who are paralyzed by the sophistry of Satan, and are doing nothing for, but rather hinder, God’s cause. When will they act like those who wait for the Lord? When will they show a zeal in accordance with their faith? Many people selfishly retain their means, and soothe their conscience with a plan for doing some great thing for the cause of God after their death. They make a will donating a large sum to the church and its various interests, and then settle down with a feeling that they have done all that is required of them. Wherein have they denied self by this act? They have, on the contrary, exhibited the true essence of selfishness. When they have no longer any use for their money they propose to give it to God. But they will retain it as long as they can, till they are compelled to relinquish it by a messenger that cannot be turned aside.?{1TT 470.1}[17]
§40
这样的遗嘱往往是真正贪心的凭据。上帝使我们都作祂的管家。在任何情形中祂都没有授权我们去忽视自己的责任，或是把它留给别人去作。那为促进圣工而募捐的呼声，再不会比今日的更为迫切了。我们的钱财所能作的最大善行，莫过于现在了。每日延误合理的处置钱财，正是限制了这些钱财行善救人的时限。我们若把上帝所分派我们的工作留给别人去作，我们就是亏负自己，又亏负了那赐我们百物的上帝。别人怎能比我们自己更配作我们的善工呢？上帝愿意每个人在其一生中亲自执行关于这事的遗嘱。因为逆境，意外事故，或是阴谋，常会永远截断人所想要作的善行，那时，广积财利的人就不再能守着他的财产了。有许多人忽略当前行善的黄金机会，他们竟坐待被取消其管家的身份之后，才将上帝借给他们作为荣耀祂而用的钱财交还祂，这真是一件悲惨的事。{1TT 470.2}[18]
§41
Such a will is often an evidence of real covetousness. God has made us all His stewards, and in no case has He authorized us to neglect our duty or leave it for others to do. The call for means to advance the cause of truth will never be more urgent than now. Our money will never do a greater amount of good than at the present time. Every day of delay in rightly appropriating it, is limiting the period in which it will do good in saving souls. If we leave others to accomplish that which God has left for us to do, we wrong ourselves and Him who gave us all we have. How can others do?our?work of benevolence any better than we can do it ourselves? God would have every man, during his lifetime, the executor of his own will in this matter. Adversity, accident, or intrigue may forever cut off meditated acts of benevolence, when he who has accumulated a fortune is no longer by to guard it. It is sad that so many neglect the present golden opportunity to do good, and wait to be cast out of their stewardship before giving back to the Lord the means which He has lent them to be used for His glory.?{1TT 470.2}[18]
§42
【“免去一切贪心”】
§43
在基督的教训中，有一个显著的特点，就是祂常常恳切痛责贪心之罪，并指出贪爱世俗财利的危险。在富人的大厦，在圣殿和通衢大道上，祂警告那些询问得救之道的人说：“你们要谨慎自守，免去一切的贪心”（路12:15）。“你们不能又侍奉上帝，又侍奉玛门”（太6:24；路16:13）。{1TT 471.1}[19]
§44
【“Beware of Covetousness”】
§45
One marked feature in the teachings of Christ is the frequency and earnestness with which He rebuked the sin of covetousness and pointed out the danger of worldly acquisitions and inordinate love of gain. In the mansions of the rich, in the temple and in the streets, He warned those who inquired after salvation: “Take heed, and beware of covetousness.”?Luke 12:15. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”?Matthew 6:24;?Luke 16:13.?{1TT 471.1}[19]
§46
人愈来愈想要发财，及追寻钱财所造成的自私自利，就导致教会的灵性趋于灭亡，令上帝不再喜悦她。当我们的头脑和手不断地设法收聚更多的财富时，会忘掉上帝和人类的要求。上帝既惠赐我们大笔的财富，我们就不应把时间和注意力，集中于这些暂借给我们的东西，而转离上帝。施主总大于他所施予之物。我们不是自己的人，而是重价买来的。我们是否忘记上帝为救赎我们所付出无限的代价呢？我们感恩的心是否死掉了？难道过着自私安逸和放纵的生活，站在基督的十字架前也不觉得羞耻吗？{1TT 471.2}[20]
§47
It is this increasing devotion to money getting, the selfishness which the desire for gain begets, that removes the favor of God from the church and deadens its spirituality. When the head and hands are constantly occupied with planning and toiling for the accumulation of riches, the claims of God and humanity are forgotten. If God has blessed us with prosperity, it is not that our time and attention should be diverted from Him and given to that which He has lent us. The giver is greater than the gift. We are not our own; we have been bought with a price. Have we forgotten that infinite price paid for our redemption? Is gratitude dead in the heart? Does not the cross of Christ put to shame a life of selfish ease and indulgence??{1TT 471.2}[20]
§48
基督在各方面被人忘恩侮辱，如果祂因此厌倦而放弃祂的工作，将会怎么样呢！如果祂未曾达到那说“成了”的阶段，将会怎么样呢！如果祂因所受的待遇而灰心，中途退回天庭去，将会怎么样呢！如果祂未曾经过客西马尼园中心灵忧伤，使祂流出大滴血汗的惨途，又将会怎么样呢！{1TT 471.3}[21]
§49
What if Christ, becoming weary of the ingratitude and abuse that met Him on every side, had left His work! What if He had never reached that period when He said: “It is finished.” What if He had returned to heaven, discouraged by His reception! What if He had never passed through that soul agony in the garden of Gethsemane that forced from His pores great drops of blood!?{1TT 471.3}[21]
§50
基督的心充满无比之爱和奉行天父旨意的热忱。祂为救赎人类而操劳。祂为人类的益处而含辛茹苦，直到忍辱受难的时辰。祂为堕落的罪人而过穷苦克己的生活。在这个原属于祂的世界上，疲倦的祂连枕头的地方都没有。我们正在收获这无限自我牺牲的果实。然而在此工作尚待完成，需要奉献我们的金钱来支持救赎主拯救生灵的工作时，我们竟退避责任，并请求准我们辞了吧。无耻的懒惰，粗心的冷淡，及罪恶的私心，封闭了我们对上帝要求的感觉。?{1TT 471.4}[22]
§51
Christ was influenced in His labor for the redemption of the race by a love that is without parallel, and a devotion to the Father’s will. He toiled for the good of man up to the very hour of His humiliation. He spent His life in poverty and self-denial for the degraded sinner. In a world that was?His own He had no place to lay His weary head. We are reaping the fruits of this infinite self-sacrifice; and yet when labor is to be done, when our money is wanted to aid the work of the Redeemer in the salvation of souls, we shrink from duty and pray to be excused. Ignoble sloth, careless indifference, and wicked selfishness seal our senses to the claims of God.?{1TT 471.4}[22]
§52
唉！难道基督，这位天庭之君，荣耀之王，必须背负沉重的十字架，戴上刑棘的冠冕，和喝那苦杯，而我们却留恋安逸，荣耀自己，忘却祂受死而用其宝血所赎回来的生灵吗？断乎不可！让我们趁着有能力时就奉献；有力量时就作工吧。我们应当趁着白日作工。把我们的光阴和金钱，用来为上帝服务，使我们可以蒙祂嘉许，得祂奖赏。（4T.76-83.1876年）{1TT 472.1}[23]
§53
Oh, must Christ, the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, bear the heavy cross, wear the thorny crown, and drink the bitter cup, while we recline at ease, glorifying ourselves and forgetting the souls He died to redeem by His precious blood? No; let us give while we have the power. Let us do while we have the strength. Let us work while it is day. Let us devote our time and means to the service of God, that we may have His approbation and receive His reward.?{1TT 472.1}[23]