第28章 保护弟兄们的利益
§1
第28章 保护弟兄们的利益
§2
Guarding the Interests of Brethren
§3
每一位信徒在领浸的许愿上，已严肃地立约要关心他弟兄们的福利。大家都会受试探，只注意自己心中所藏的计划及观念，在他们看来这些都是合理的；然而他们却当警醒祈祷，并尽其所能地在世上建设耶稣的国度。上帝命定每个基督徒，应尽其最大的能力留意每一项影响，免得有分毫趋势，引弟兄姐妹们离开现代的圣工，或使他们的兴趣与圣工分道扬镳。他不应单单注意自己的灵性福利，也当表现一种为他有关之人的灵性责任心；同时他也应靠着基督而对会中其他教友有一种约束能力。他的言语及品行应具有一种感化力，引导他们在克己，牺牲，及爱他人上，效法基督的榜样。{2TT 186.1}[1]
§4
By his baptismal vows every member of the church has solemnly pledged himself to guard the interests of his brethren. All will be tempted to cling to their own cherished plans and ideas, which appear sound to them; but they should watch and pray, and endeavor, to the utmost of their ability, to build up the kingdom of Jesus in the world. Every Christian is required by God, as far as it is in his power, to ward off from his brethren and sisters every influence which will have the least tendency to divide them or to separate their interests from the work for this present time. He should not only have a regard for his own spiritual interests, but should manifest a burden for the souls of those to whom he stands related; and he should, through Christ, have a constraining power over other members of the church. His words and deportment should have an influence to lead them to follow Christ’s example in self-denial, self-sacrifice, and love for others.?{2TT 186.1}[1]
§5
如果教会中有何人发出一种与耶稣向我们所表现的爱心和无私的慈善精神相反的影响，如果他们与自己的弟兄们分离，忠心的人们便当聪明地处理这些事，为他们的灵性劳力，但仍当小心免得他们的影响传染给别人，也不可因为他们的纷争及虚假的传闻，而使教会误入迷途。有些人充满着自足自负的精神。有少数的人自以为是，而对于别人的每一行为却猜疑并吹毛求疵。我们切不可容这些人危害教会的福利。为要提高教会的道德风气起见，每个人应觉得自己有责任，藉着严守圣经的原理，过一种如在神圣上帝眼前的生活，来增进个人灵性的修养。{2TT 186.2}[2]
§6
If there are any in the church who exert an influence contrary to the love and disinterested benevolence which Jesus manifested for us, if they draw apart from their brethren, faithful men should deal with these cases in wisdom, laboring for their souls, yet being careful that their influence shall not leaven others, and that the church shall not be led astray by their disaffection and false reports. Some are filled with self-sufficiency. There are a few who they think are right, but they question and find fault with every act of others. These persons must not be allowed to imperil the interests of the church. In order to raise the moral tone of the church, each should feel it his duty to seek personal spiritual culture, through the practice of strict Bible principles, as in the sight of a holy God.?{2TT 186.2}[2]
§7
教会的每个成员应当觉得，自己必须与上帝相合，必须藉着真理成圣。然后他才能向别人表现基督徒的品格，并能立下大公无私的榜样。果能人人如此，教会的灵性就必提高，也必多蒙上帝的眷顾。……{2TT 187.1}[3]
§8
Let each church member feel that he himself must be right with God, that he must be sanctified through the truth. Then he can represent Christian character to others and can set an example of unselfishness. If each will do this, the church will increase in spirituality and in favor with God. ...?{2TT 187.1}[3]
§9
我们是临近末时了。外来的苦难将必甚多，所以不可让教会内部再生纷扰。但愿自称是上帝子民者为真理及基督的缘故，克己自制。“因为我们众人必要在基督台前显露出来，叫各人按着本身所行的，或善或恶受报”（林后5:10）。每位真心爱上帝的人，就必有基督的精神，并对弟兄有火热的爱心。人的心越与上帝交通，他的情意便越集中于基督，并越少受今生遭遇的困苦颠沛所惊扰。那些在基督耶稣里长大满有成年身量的男女，就必在品格上越久越象基督，超离那怨叹及不平的性情。他们必不屑于作吹毛求疵者。……{2TT 187.2}[4]
§10
We are nearing the end of time. Trials will be abundant from without, but let them not come from within the church. Let God’s professed people deny self for the truth’s sake, for Christ’s sake. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”?2 Corinthians 5:10. Everyone who truly loves God will have the spirit of Christ and a fervent love for his brethren. The more a person’s heart is in communion with God, and the more his affections are centered in Christ, the less will he be disturbed by the roughness and hardships he meets in this life. Those who are growing up to the full stature of men and women in Christ Jesus, will become more and more like Christ in character, rising above the disposition to murmur and be discontented. They will despise to be faultfinders. ...?{2TT 187.2}[4]
§11
【“警醒祷告”的时候】
§12
我们所处的时代，正是大家应当特别留意救主的劝告之时：“总要警醒祷告，免得入了迷惑”（太26:41）。每个人当切记在心，他必须向上帝诚实忠心，信仰真理，在耶稣基督的恩典和知识上有长进。救主的邀请是：“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）。主愿意帮助我们，使我们刚强，及赐福与我们；但我们必须经过精炼的过程，直到我们品格中的一切污秽全被烧净。教会的每个成员都必经受熬炼，非要烧灭，乃要炼净{2TT 187.3}[5]
§13
【A Time to “Watch and Pray”】
§14
We are living in an age when all should especially give heed to the injunction of the Saviour: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.”?Matthew 26:41. Let everyone bear in mind that he should be true and loyal to God, believing the truth, growing in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The Saviour’s invitation is: “Learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.”?Matthew 11:29. The Lord is willing to help us, to strengthen and bless us; but we must pass through the refining process until all the impurities in our character are burned away. Every member of the church will be subjected to the furnace, not to consume, but to purify.?{2TT 187.3}[5]
§15
主已在你们中间作工，但撒但也自行闯入，带进宗教热狂的道理。还有许多其他的邪恶，也是应当避免的。有些人很是危险，对于上帝的光及爱只是浮光掠影，便自满自足，结果停止前进。他们并没有维持警醒祷告的生活。正当他们高喊着“这些是耶和华的殿，是耶和华的殿”之时（耶7:4）。许多试探临到了，乌云黑雾──世俗，自私，自炫的事──包围了灵性。需要主亲自向人的心灵传达祂自己的观念。这种思想何其深长！──除去我们自己可怜，属世，狭隘的观念及计划，而由主传授我们以祂的观念，祂的想法，是尊贵，广大，深邃，而时刻倾向上天的！{2TT 188.1}[6]
§16
The Lord has wrought among you, but Satan has also intruded himself, to bring in fanaticism. There are other evils also to be avoided. Some are in danger of being satisfied with the glimpses they have had of the light and love of God, and so ceasing to advance. Watchfulness and prayer have not been maintained. At the very time when the acclamation is made, “The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these” (Jeremiah 7:4), temptations come in, and darkness gathers about the soul—earthliness, selfishness, and self-glorification. There is a necessity for the Lord Himself to communicate His own ideas to the soul. What a thought!—that instead of our poor, earthly, contracted ideas and plans the Lord will communicate to us His own ideas, His own thought, noble, broad, far-reaching, always leading heavenward!?{2TT 188.1}[6]
§17
你们的危险就是没有“向着标竿直跑，要得上帝在基督耶稣里从上面召我来得的奖赏”（腓3:14）。主可曾给你们亮光没有？你们是应当为那亮光负责的；不仅是当那光线正照在你们身上的时候要负责，也是当为一切在以往时日曾显现给你们的负责。你们当每日将意志顺服上帝；你们要行在光中，并希望得更多的光；因为从亲爱之救主所照射的光，必要更清楚，更明亮地照在道德的黑暗之中，越照越明，直到日午。{2TT 188.2}[7]
§18
Here is your danger, in failing to press forward “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”?Philippians 3:14. Has the Lord given you light? Then you are responsible for that light; not merely while its rays are shining upon you, but for all which it has revealed to you in the past. You are to surrender your will to God daily; you are to walk in the light, and to expect more; for the light from the dear Saviour is to shine forth in clearer, more distinct rays amid the moral darkness, increasing in brightness more and more unto the perfect day.?{2TT 188.2}[7]
§19
你们教会的全体成员，是否每日早晚收聚新鲜的吗哪？你们是否寻求神圣的光照耀？抑或你们是在尽力想诸般方法以图荣耀自己呢？你们是否藉着引人来就“世上的光”而造福周围的人，以表示你们尽心，尽性，尽意，尽力地爱上帝，事奉上帝呢？你们是否以往日的福气为满足呢？抑或是你们行走象基督行走，作工象祂作工，而在自己的言语及行为上向世人表明祂呢？你们是顺命之子，过着清洁神圣的生活么？必须把基督引进你们的生活之中。只有祂能医治你们嫉妒及恶意猜疑弟兄的病；只有祂能除去你们中间有些人所保持的有害自己灵性的自满精神。只有耶稣能使你们觉得自己的软弱，自己的愚昧，自己的腐败本性。只有祂能使你们纯洁，精炼你们，使你们配享受为那蒙福的人所预备的。?{2TT 188.3}[8]
§20
Are all the members of your church seeking to gather fresh manna every morning and evening? Are you seeking divine enlightenment? or are you devising means whereby you can glorify yourselves? Are you, with your whole soul, might, mind, and strength, loving and serving God in blessing others around you by leading them to the Light of the world? Are you satisfied with past blessings? or are you walking as Christ walked, working as He worked, revealing Him to the world in your words and actions? Are you, as obedient children, living a pure and holy life? Christ must be brought into?your life. He alone can cure you of envy, of evil surmising against your brethren; He alone can take away from you the self-sufficient spirit that some of you cherish to your own spiritual detriment. Jesus alone can make you feel your weakness, your ignorance, your corrupt nature. He alone can make you pure, refine you, fit you for the mansions of the blessed.?{2TT 188.3}[8]
§21
“我们倚靠上帝，才得施展大能”（诗60:12）。你们若忠于上帝，忠于你们的弟兄，遏制每一不仁的念头，每一妒忌或自大的感想，你们就能作出何等多的善事啊！但愿你们的生活充满着为别人从事仁爱服务的精神。尚须多久就要奉命卸下盔甲，你们是不知道的。死亡或会突然临到你们，使你们没有时间可准备最后的改变，没有体力或心力去专想上帝的事，并使你们与上帝和好。有些人不久就要体验到人的帮助全是枉然的，他们所引以得意的自尊，及自足的义，是多么的没有价值！{2TT 189.1}[9]
§22
“Through God we shall do valiantly.”?Psalm 60:12. What an amount of good you can do by being loyal to God and to your brethren, by repressing every unkind thought, every feeling of envy or self-importance! Let your life be filled with the ministry of kindness to others. How soon you may be called to lay off the armor, you know not. Death may claim you suddenly, giving you no time to prepare for your last change, no physical strength or mental power to fix your thoughts on God and make your peace with Him. Some, erelong, will know by experience how vain is the help of man, how worthless is the self-important, self-sufficient righteousness which has satisfied them.?{2TT 189.1}[9]
§23
【我们享有特权的日子】
§24
我觉得主的灵迫切要我对你们说，现今正是你们享特权，蒙信任，及得福气的日子。你们肯不肯善为利用呢？你们作工是为上帝的荣耀，还是为自私的利益？你们的心眼是否灼灼于世俗的成功，以便能得自我满足及金钱之利呢？如果这样，你们将要获致最痛苦的失望。但你们若追求一种纯全圣洁的生活，在基督的门下每日学习祂请我们学习的心里柔和谦卑的教训，那么，你们就可得一种平安，是世俗环境所不能改变的。{2TT 189.2}[10]
§25
【Our Day of Privilege】
§26
I feel urged by the Spirit of the Lord to tell you that now is your day of privilege, of trust, of blessing. Will you improve it? Are you working for the glory of God, or for selfish interests? Are you keeping before your mind’s eye brilliant prospects of worldly success, whereby you may obtain self-gratification and financial gain? If so, you will be most bitterly disappointed. But if you seek to live a pure and holy life, to learn daily in the school of Christ the lessons that He has invited you to learn, to be meek and lowly in heart, then you have a peace which no worldly circumstances can change.?{2TT 189.2}[10]
§27
在基督里的生活，就是平静安宁的生活。不安，不满，及不安定，都是表明没有救主同在。如果把耶稣引进生活之中，那种生活就要充实着为主而作的善良尊贵的事。你们要忘记服事自己，并要在生活上与亲爱的救主近而又近；你们的品格要变成象基督一样，你们周围的众人都要认明你们是跟过耶稣和学祂样式的。每个人本身都具有一种使自己得福或得祸之根。他若愿意，就可使自己超脱许多人所经验的卑鄙及情绪的感觉之上；然而何时他若自满自负，主就不能为他作什么。撒但要提出许多的雄谋大略，使人的神志昏迷，但我们却当时刻保持这宗旨“向着标竿直跑，要得上帝在基督耶稣里从上面召我来得的奖赏”（腓3:14）。你们当尽一切所能地在今生力行各种善事。因“智慧人必发光，如同天上的光；那使多人归义的，必发光如星，直到永永远远”（但12:3）。?{2TT 189.3}[11]
§28
A life in Christ is a life of restfulness. Uneasiness, dissatisfaction, and restlessness reveal the absence of the Saviour. If Jesus is brought into the life, that life will be filled with good and noble works for the Master. You will forget to be?self-serving, and will live closer and still closer to the dear Saviour; your character will become Christlike, and all around you will take knowledge that you have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Each one possesses in himself the source of his own happiness or wretchedness. If he will, he may rise above the low, sentimental feeling which makes up the experience of many; but so long as he is self-inflated, the Lord can do nothing for him. Satan will present ambitious projects to daze the senses, but we must ever keep before us “the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”?Philippians 3:14. Crowd all the good works you possibly can into this life. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”?Daniel 12:3.?{2TT 189.3}[11]
§29
我们的生活若充满了圣洁的香气，我们若对别人常存好心，并行善以造福他人而荣耀上帝，那么不论我们住在哪里，或茅舍或皇宫，都没有关系。原来环境对于人灵性的经验影响极其微小。只是那存在我们心中的精神，才使我们的一切行动染上色彩。一个与上帝及同胞和好的人，是不致变成不幸的。他的心中没有妒忌；恶意的猜疑不能插足其中；仇恨也不能存在。那与上帝和合的心是超升于今生的烦恼与试炼之上的。{2TT 190.1}[12]
§30
If our lives are filled with holy fragrance, if we honor God by having good thoughts toward others, and doing good deeds to bless others, it matters not whether we live in a cottage or a palace. Circumstances have but little to do with the experiences of the soul. It is the spirit cherished which gives coloring to all our actions. A man at peace with God and his fellow men cannot be made miserable. Envy will not be in his heart; evil surmising will find no room there; hatred cannot exist. The heart in harmony with God is lifted above the annoyances and trials of this life.?{2TT 190.1}[12]
§31
那没有基督的平安在心中的，就不快乐，且充满了不满；他到处看出毛病，并使那最优美的天庭音乐也失去和谐。自私的生活就是邪恶的生活。那些心中充满自私之爱的人，必积藏对于弟兄们的恶念，并要出口反对上帝的工具。撒但所鼓动的狂烈的情欲乃是一个苦毒之泉，长流苦毒之水，毒害他人的生命。…….{2TT 190.2}[13]
§32
But a heart where the peace of Christ is not, is unhappy, full of discontent; the person sees defects in everything, and he would bring discord into the most heavenly music. A life of selfishness is a life of evil. Those whose hearts are filled with love of self will store away evil thoughts of their brethren and will talk against God’s instrumentalities. Passions kept warm and fierce by Satan’s promptings are a bitter fountain, ever sending forth bitter streams to poison the life of others. ...?{2TT 190.2}[13]
§33
但愿每个自称跟从基督的人，少重视自己，多尊重别人。要团结，团结！因为联合即是力量与胜利；纷争不睦就有软弱及失败。这些话是上天对我说的。我以上帝钦差的身份，向你们述说。?{2TT 190.3}[14]
§34
Let each one who claims to follow Christ esteem himself less and others more. Press together, press together! In union?there is strength and victory; in discord and division there is weakness and defeat. These words have been spoken to me from heaven. As God’s ambassador I speak them to you.?{2TT 190.3}[14]
§35
但愿每个人都尽力应验基督的祈祷：“使他们都合而为一；正如祢父在我里面，我在祢里面。”这真是何等的联合啊！基督又说：“你们若有彼此相爱的心，众人因此就认出你们是我的门徒了”（约17:21；13:35）。{2TT 191.1}[15]
§36
Let everyone seek to answer the prayer of Christ: “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee.” Oh, what unity is this! and says Christ: “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.”?John 17:21;?13:35.?{2TT 191.1}[15]
§37
一旦在我们之中有一个人死了，我们可回想到他曾受过什么样的看待吗？在记忆之墙上所挂的图画，是否美丽可喜的反照呢？它们是否纪念那些仁爱的言语，及在适当之时所表现的同情呢？他的弟兄们有否转身不顾那些随便播弄是非者的恶意猜忌呢？他们有否辨明他的事？他们有否忠于圣经的教训：“勉励灰心的人，扶助软弱的人”呢（帖前5:14）？“你素来教导许多人，又坚固软弱的手”（伯4:3）。“你们要使软弱的手坚壮，无力的膝稳固。对胆怯的人说，你们要刚强，不要惧怕”（赛35:3,4）。{2TT 191.2}[16]
§38
When death claims one of our number, what are our memories of the treatment he has received? Are the pictures upon memory’s walls pleasant to reflect upon? Are they memories of kind words spoken, of sympathy given at the right time? Have his brethren turned away the evil surmisings of indiscreet meddlers? Have they vindicated his cause? Have they been faithful to the inspired injunction: “Comfort the feebleminded, support the weak”??1 Thessalonians 5:14. “Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.”?Job 4:3. “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not.”?Isaiah 35:3, 4.?{2TT 191.2}[16]
§39
如果这位我们在教会中所交游的人死亡了，如果我们知道他的案件在天上的簿册中已注定了，他必须在审判之日应付这些记录，他的弟兄们对于自己向他所采的行动，究竟有何种反应呢？他们在他身上有何影响呢？这时，心中要多么清楚地回想起每一句暴躁的话语，每一件卤莽的行动啊！如果他能有另外一场审判机会的话，他们自己的行为将要如何的不同啊！{2TT 191.3}[17]
§40
When he with whom we have associated in the church is dead, when we know that his account in the books of heaven is fixed, and that he must meet that record in the judgment, what are the reflections of his brethren as to the course they have pursued toward him? What has been their influence upon him? How clearly now every harsh word, every unadvised act, is called to mind! How differently they would conduct themselves if they had another trial!?{2TT 191.3}[17]
§41
使徒保罗感谢上帝在忧患中所赐的安慰，说：“愿颂赞归与……赐各样安慰的上帝。我们在一切患难中，祂就安慰我们，叫我们能用上帝所赐的安慰去安慰那遭各样患难的人”（林后1:3,4）。保罗觉得上帝之爱的安慰与温暖深入其心灵中，他也照样反映这些福气在别人身上。但愿我们能这样好好管理自己的行为，以便在记忆之墙所挂的图画，不至于有我们不忍目睹的性质反照在上。{2TT 191.4}[18]
§42
The apostle Paul thanked God for the comfort given him in sorrow, saying: “Blessed be ... the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”?2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. As Paul felt the comfort and warmth of God’s love breaking into his soul, he reflected the blessing upon?others. Let us so order our conduct that the pictures hung upon the walls of our memory may not be of such a character that we cannot endure to reflect upon them.?{2TT 191.4}[18]
§43
在那些我们所交游的人们死了之后，永远不再有机会可收回自己曾向他们所说的什么话，也不能从记忆中抹去什么痛苦的印象了。因此我们应当留心自己的行动，使我们的口舌不冒犯上帝。应当把一切冷淡及纷争除掉。每逢想起上帝用慈悲对待我们，便应当在祂之前，使心化为温柔怜悯。但愿上帝的灵象圣洁的火焰，烧化那堆在心门之前的垃圾，让耶稣进来；然后在我们仁慈的言语，思想，及行为上，祂的爱就会从而惠及别人。这样，如果死亡使我们与我们的朋友分离，直到上帝的审判台前才能相会，我们的言语记录呈上之时，我们也不至于抱愧。.{2TT 192.1}[19]
§44
After those with whom we associate are dead, there will never be an opportunity to recall any word spoken to them, or to wipe from the memory any painful impression. Then let us take heed to our ways, that we do not offend God with our lips. Let all coldness and variance be put away. Let the heart melt into tenderness before God, as we recall His merciful dealings with us. Let the Spirit of God, like a holy flame, burn away the rubbish that is piled up at the door of the heart, and let Jesus in; then His love will flow out to others through us, in tender words and thoughts and acts. Then if death parts us from our friends, to meet no more till we stand at the bar of God, we shall not be ashamed to have the record of our words appear.?{2TT 192.1}[19]
§45
当死亡使人闭上了眼睛，双手合在安静的胸上，此时，那些纷争不和的感情，要起多么快的变化啊！没有恼恨，没有苦毒；嫌怨与过失，尽都消释忘怀了。为死者说了多少的好话！回忆起死者多少的善行！歌功颂德，此时侃侃道出；但他已耳不闻，心不动了。如果这些话语曾在他憔悴的心灵最需要之时，在他的耳能听而心能动之时说出，那么，在记忆之中所要留下的，必是何等美丽可喜的图画啊！多少的人，当他们严肃地站在死人之前，回想起以前的言语行为，曾使这个从此永远静息的心忧伤，便不禁羞悔交集！但愿我们从今以后常常把一切的美，爱，及仁慈，表现在我们的生活中。在我们与别人彼此相交之时，我们应当存体谅，感激，忍耐，及容让的心，并把那些站在垂死及已死之人面前所要发表的心意及感情，在生活上活用在我们日常所交游的弟兄姐妹们的身上。（5T.480-490.1889年《教会里的团结和爱心》）{2TT 192.2}[20]
§46
When death closes the eyes, when the hands are folded upon the silent breast, how quickly feelings of variance change! There is no grudging, no bitterness; slights and wrongs are forgiven, forgotten. How many loving words are spoken of the dead! How many good things in their life are brought to mind! Praise and commendation are now freely expressed; but they fall upon ears that hear not, hearts that feel not. Had these words been spoken when the weary spirit needed them so much, when the ear could hear and the heart could feel, what a pleasant picture would have been left in the memory! How many, as they stand awed and silent beside the dead, recall with shame and sorrow the words and acts that brought sadness to the heart now forever still! Let us now bring all the beauty, love, and kindness we can into our life. Let us be thoughtful, grateful, patient, and forbearing in our intercourse with one another. Let the thoughts and feelings which find expression around the dying and the dead be brought into the daily association with our brethren and sisters in life.?{2TT 192.2}[20]