第44章 不能估计的恩赐
§1
第44章 不能估计的恩赐
§2
The Inestimable Gift
§3
“愿颂赞归与我们主耶稣基督的父上帝，祂在基督里曾赐给我们天上各样属灵的福气。就如上帝从创立世界以前，在基督里拣选了我们，使我们在祂面前成为圣洁，无有瑕疵。又因爱我们，就按着自己意旨所喜悦的，预定我们藉着耶稣基督得儿子的名分，使祂荣耀的恩典得着称赞。这恩典是祂在爱子里所赐给我们的。我们藉这爱子的血得蒙救赎，过犯得以赦免，乃是照祂丰富的恩典”（弗1:3-7）。{2TT 326.1}[1]
§4
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: according as He hath chosen us in Him, ... that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love: having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, ... to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.”?Ephesians 1:3-7.?{2TT 326.1}[1]
§5
“然而上帝既有丰富的怜悯，因祂爱我们的大爱，当我们死在过犯中的时候，便叫我们与基督一同活过来。……祂又叫我们与基督耶稣一同复活，一同坐在天上，要将祂极丰富的恩典，就是祂在基督耶稣里向我们所施的恩慈，显明给后来的世代看”（弗2:4-7）。{2TT 326.2}[2]
§6
“God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, ... and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might show the?exceeding riches?of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.”?Ephesians 2:4-7.?{2TT 326.2}[2]
§7
这些话是那“有年纪的保罗，”“又是为基督耶稣被囚的”（门9），在罗马的监房中所写的，想要在他弟兄们之前表明那非言语所能形容之基督的“测不透的丰富”（弗3:8），也就是白白提供给堕落人类的恩典的宝藏。救赎的计划是由一种牺牲和恩赐所奠定的。使徒说：“你们知道我们主耶稣基督的恩典；祂本来富足，却为你们成了贫穷，叫你们因祂的贫穷，可以成为富足”（林后8:9）。“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）。基督曾“为我们舍了自己，要赎我们脱离一切罪恶”（多2:14）。作为救赎计划中一切福惠的顶峰，“上帝的恩赐，在我们的主基督耶稣里，乃是永生”（罗6:23）。{2TT 326.3}[3]
§8
Such are the words in which “Paul the aged,” “a prisoner of Jesus Christ,” writing from his prison house at Rome, endeavored to set before his brethren that which he found language inadequate to express in its fullness—“the unsearchable riches of Christ,” the treasure of grace freely offered to the fallen sons of men. The plan of redemption was laid by a sacrifice, a gift. Says the apostle: “Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.”?2 Corinthians 8:9. “God so loved the world, that He?gave?His only-begotten Son.”?John 3:16. Christ “gave Himself?for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity.”?Titus 2:14. And as the crowning blessing of redemption, “the gift of God?is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”?Romans 6:23.?{2TT 326.3}[3]
§9
“上帝为爱祂的人所预备的，是眼睛未曾看见，耳朵未曾听见，人心也未曾想到的”（林前2:9）。凡看见祂丰富恩典的人，决没有一位不同使徒一齐惊叹道：“感谢上帝，因祂有说不尽的恩赐”（林后9:15）！{2TT 327.1}[4]
§10
“Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”?1 Corinthians 2:9. Surely there are none that, beholding the riches of His grace, can forbear to exclaim with the apostle: “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.”?2 Corinthians 9:15.?{2TT 327.1}[4]
§11
【反映上帝的荣耀】
§12
救赎计划的开始与结束是赖乎恩赐的，照样，它的推展也赖于施与的精神。凡与天庭恩赐有分的人，也当在心中存有那为救赎我们而付出的同样的牺牲精神。使徒彼得说：“各人要照所得的恩赐彼此服事，作上帝百般恩赐的好管家”（彼前4:10）。耶稣在差遣门徒出发之前对他们说：“你们白白地得来，也要白白地舍去”（太10:8）。人若与基督有完全的同情，就不会有什么自私或排斥他人的心。人若喝了生命活水，就要“在他里头成为泉源，直涌到永生”（约4:4）。在他心中的基督之灵，要像沙漠里的甘泉，源源涌出，使人人苏醒，叫凡要渴死的人亟欲饱饮生命之水。在基督心中有仁爱克己的精神，这同一的精神也激动了保罗忍受百般的劳苦。他说道：“无论是希腊人、化外人、聪明人、愚拙人，我都欠他们的债”（罗1:14）。“我本来比众圣徒中最小的还小；然而祂还赐我这恩典，叫我把基督那测不透的丰富，传给外邦人”（弗3:8）。{2TT 327.2}[5]
§13
【Reflecting God’s Glory】
§14
As the plan of redemption begins and ends with a gift so it is to be carried forward. The same spirit of sacrifice which purchased salvation for us will dwell in the hearts of all who become partakers of the heavenly gift. Says the apostle Peter: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”?1 Peter 4:10. Said Jesus to His disciples as He sent them forth: “Freely ye have received, freely give.”?Matthew 10:8. In him who is fully in sympathy with Christ there can be nothing selfish or exclusive. He who drinks of the living water will find that it is “in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”?John 4:14. The Spirit of Christ within him is like a spring welling up in the desert, flowing to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish, eager to drink of the water of life. It was the same spirit of love and self-sacrifice which dwelt in Christ that impelled the apostle Paul to his manifold labors. “I am debtor,” he says, “both to the Greeks, and to the barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.”?Romans 1:14. “Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.”?Ephesians 3:8.?{2TT 327.2}[5]
§15
我们的主定要祂的教会向世人返照我们从祂里面所得到的丰富充满。我们不断地接受上帝的鸿恩，同时藉着分赠这同样的恩慈，我们便向世人表扬基督的爱与福惠。当天庭全体都动员起来，派遣使者到天涯海角去推进这救赎大工之时，永生上帝的教会也要与基督同工。我们是祂奥秘之身的肢体。祂是头，管理全身各部的肢体。耶稣，本其无穷慈悲亲自在人心中作工，进行属灵的变化，非常神奇，甚至天使都惊异而欣赏。这代表主品格的同样无私之爱，也当在祂真实门徒的生活及品格上表现出来。基督期望人在世上就变得与祂的神性有份，这样不但返照祂的荣耀而赞美上帝，同时也将天庭的光辉照亮这黑暗的世界。这就应验了基督的话说：“你们是世上的光”（太5:14）。?{2TT 327.3}[6]
§16
Our Lord designed that His church should reflect to the world the fullness and sufficiency that we find in Him. We?are constantly receiving of God’s bounty, and by imparting of the same we are to represent to the world the love and beneficence of Christ. While all heaven is astir, dispatching messengers to every part of the earth to carry forward the work of redemption, the church of the living God are also to be colaborers with Christ. We are members of His mystical body. He is the head, controlling all the members of the body. Jesus Himself, in His infinite mercy, is working on human hearts, effecting spiritual transformations so amazing that angels look on with astonishment and joy. The same unselfish love that characterizes the Master is seen in the character and life of His true followers. Christ expects that men will become partakers of His divine nature while in this world, thus not only reflecting His glory to the praise of God, but illumining the darkness of the world with the radiance of heaven. Thus will be fulfilled the words of Christ: “Ye are the light of the world.”?Matthew 5:14.?{2TT 327.3}[6]
§17
“我们是与上帝同工的，”“作上帝百般恩赐的好管家”（林前3:9；彼前4:40）。上帝恩典的知识，圣经的真理，以及今生的各样恩赐，──光阴和金钱、才干和感化力，──都是上帝所委托要用来荣神救人的。在一位不断地施恩给人的上帝看来，人若自私自利地垄断这些恩赐，而毫无报答给施舍的主，那真是再没有比这更冒渎可憎的了。耶稣现今在天上为一切爱祂的人预备居所；不但是居所，而且是一个要属于我们的国度。凡要承受这些福气的人，就当在造福别人这件事上，与基督克己牺牲的精神有份。{2TT 328.1}[7]
§18
“We are laborers together with God,” “stewards of the manifold grace of God.”?1 Corinthians 3:9;?1 Peter 4:10. The knowledge of God’s grace, the truths of His word, and temporal gifts as well,—time and means, talents and influence,—are all a trust from God to be employed to His glory and the salvation of men. Nothing can be more offensive to God, who is constantly bestowing His gifts upon man, than to see him selfishly grasping these gifts and making no returns to the Giver. Jesus is today in heaven preparing mansions for those who love Him; yes, more than mansions, a kingdom which is to be ours. But all who shall inherit these blessings must be partakers of the self-denial and self-sacrifice of Christ for the good of others.?{2TT 328.1}[7]
§19
【回应马其顿的呼声】
§20
当今是宽容时期快要结束，恩典的最后信息向世人发出之时，在基督的圣工上可说是空前地需要克己牺牲的努力。当马其顿的呼声从四面八方向世人发出，从本国的城市及乡村而来，从大西洋与太平洋的彼岸，以及各海岛上而来，“请你过到……来帮助我们”（徒16:9），我的心中便甚为激动。弟兄姐妹们哪，你们肯答应这呼声么？说：“我们要尽自己之所能，给你们派布道士并送捐款去。我们一定要在居室的装修，个人的穿戴，及饮食的享受上尽力克己节约。我们要将受托的钱财用在上帝的圣工上，也要毫无保留地献身作祂的工作。”圣工的需要摆在我们之前；空虚的库房向我们极哀切地求助。现今一元钱对于工作的价值，要比将来十元钱的更多。{2TT 328.2}[8]
§21
【Answering the Macedonian Cry】
§22
Never was there greater need of earnest, self-sacrificing labor in the cause of Christ than now, when the hours of probation are fast closing and the last message of mercy is to?be given to the world. My soul is stirred within me as the Macedonian cry comes from every direction, from the cities and villages of our own land, from across the Atlantic and the broad Pacific, and from the islands of the sea: “Come over, ... and help us.”?Acts 16:9. Brethren and sisters, will you answer the cry? saying: “We will do our best, both in sending you missionaries and money. We will deny ourselves in the embellishment of our houses, in the adornment of our persons, and in the gratification of appetite. We will give the means entrusted to us into the cause of God, and we will devote ourselves also unreservedly to His work.” The wants of the cause are laid before us; the empty treasuries appeal to us most pathetically for help. One dollar now is of more value to the work than ten dollars will be at some future period.?{2TT 328.2}[8]
§23
作工吧，弟兄们，当你们有机会之时，当白日未过之前，作工吧！作工吧，因为“黑夜将到，就没有人能作工了”（约9:4）。黑夜多久后会来到，你们是无法知道的。现今是你们的机会；应当予以善用。若有人不能亲自参加远方布道的工作，就当过俭朴的生活，把所赚的钱献出来。这样可藉着他们的捐款，送出书报给那些没有真理之光的人；他们也可以代付那些预备作布道工作之学生们的费用。应当将你们所能省下的每一元钱，投资在天国的银行中。{2TT 329.1}[9]
§24
Work, brethren, work while you have the opportunity, while the day lasts. Work, for “the night cometh, when no man can work.” How soon that night may come, it is impossible for you to tell. Now is your opportunity; improve it. If there are some who cannot give personal effort in missionary work, let them live economically and give of their earnings. Thus they can contribute money to send papers and books to those who have not the light of truth; they can help pay the expenses of students who are fitting for missionary work. Let every dollar that you can spare be invested in the bank of heaven.?{2TT 329.1}[9]
§25
“不要为自己积攒财宝在地上，地上有虫子咬，能锈坏，也有贼挖窟窿来偷；只要积攒财宝在天上，天上没有虫子咬，不能锈坏，也没有贼挖窟窿来偷。因为你的财宝在哪里，你的心也在那里”（太6:19-21）。{2TT 329.2}[10]
§26
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”?Matthew 6:19-21.?{2TT 329.2}[10]
§27
这些话是耶稣说的。祂非常爱你们，甚至牺牲自己的生命，以便你们能在祂的国度中与祂同居。不可轻忽祂直接的命令，亵渎你们的主。{2TT 329.3}[11]
§28
These are the words of Jesus, who loved you so much that He gave His own life, that you might have a home with Him in His kingdom. Do not dishonor your Lord by disregarding His positive command.?{2TT 329.3}[11]
§29
上帝呼召凡有地产房屋的人将产业出卖，来投资供给远方布道区域的大需要。一旦他们从这种行动上得到了真正满足的经验之后，就要保持此路畅通，而主委托他们的钱财也要源源流入库房。使许多人可以悔改。这些悔改的人也要挨次地为基督的缘故实行克己，节约，和简朴，亦可向上帝捐献资财。藉着聪明投资的这些银子，更有许多别的人也可悔改；这样，工作便长此前进，显明了感激上帝百般恩赐的心。于是施舍之主得了承认，也因祂管家的忠心有荣耀归给祂。{2TT 330.1}[12]
§30
God calls upon those who have possessions in lands and houses, to sell and to invest the money where it will be supplying the great want in the missionary field. When once they have experienced the real satisfaction that comes from thus doing they will keep the channel open, and the means the Lord entrusts to them will be constantly flowing into the treasury, that souls may be converted. These souls will, in their turn, practice the same self-denial, economy, and simplicity for Christ’s sake, that they, too, may bring their offerings to God. Through these talents, wisely invested, still other souls may be converted; and thus the work goes on, showing that the gifts of God are appreciated. The Giver is acknowledged, and glory redounds to Him through the faithfulness of His stewards.?{2TT 330.1}[12]
§31
当我们为上帝的圣工提出了恳切的请求，说明我们各地教会的经济需要之时，凡相信真理而衷心正直的人，必然深受感动。像基督所称赞的那个穷寡妇把两个小钱投入库中一样，他们也要奉献，虽在穷困之中，亦必竭其所能。这等人往往刻苦了自己，甚至把生活上明明需要的钱都献出；可是同时却另有一些男女，拥有房屋地产，自私地坚执自己属世的财宝，对于信息及上帝没有足够的信心，不肯将他们的钱财投于主的工作上。对这最后一等的人，基督的话尤其切合：“你们要变卖所有的周济穷人”（路12:33）。{2TT 330.2}[13]
§32
When we make these earnest appeals in behalf of the cause of God and present the financial wants of our missions, conscientious souls who believe the truth are deeply stirred. Like the poor widow, whom Christ commended, who gave her two mites into the treasury, they give, in their poverty, to the utmost of their ability. Such often deprive themselves even of the apparent necessities of life; while there are men and women who, possessing houses and lands, cling to their earthly treasure with selfish tenacity and do not have faith enough in the message and in God to put their means into His work. To these last are especially applicable the words of Christ. “Sell that ye have, and give alms.”?Luke 12:33.?{2TT 330.2}[13]
§33
有些穷苦的人写信向我请教，是否要变卖房屋，捐款给教会。他们说捐款的请求感动了他们的心，他们要为那赏赐百物之主有所贡献。我愿对这等人说：“眼前你们的本分也许还不必把你们的小房屋变卖；你们应当亲自向上帝求教；主必垂听你们迫切的祈祷，赐你们智慧可明白自己的本分。”人若更多向上帝求天上的智慧，而少向人求智慧，天上就会赐下更远大的亮光，上帝也要赐福给谦卑寻求的人。?{2TT 330.3}[14]
§34
There are poor men and women who are writing to me for advice as to whether they shall sell their homes and give the proceeds to the cause. They say the appeals for means stir their souls, and they want to do something for the Master who has done everything for them. I would say to such: “It may not be your duty to sell your little homes just now; but go to God for yourselves; the Lord will certainly hear your earnest prayers for wisdom to understand your duty.” If there was more seeking God for heavenly wisdom and less?seeking wisdom from men, there would be far greater light from heaven, and God would bless the humble seeker.?{2TT 330.3}[14]
§35
但对那些蒙上帝委托以房地财产的人，我却能说：“开始变卖吧，拿来周济人。不可迟延。上帝期望你们多献，过于你们向来所乐意作的。”我们请求你们有钱的人，要切心祈祷查问：上帝对于我和我的财产所要求的范围是什么？现今应当作成的，就是那预备一班人能在耶和华的大日站立得住的工作。钱财应当投资于救人的工作上，那些蒙救的人也必挨次去为别人工作。应当赶快把上帝自己的东西归还祂。现今这样大大缺少上帝的灵，其原因之一就是这么多的人劫夺了上帝之物。{2TT 331.1}[15]
§36
But I can say to those to whom God has entrusted goods, who have lands and houses: “Commence your selling, and giving alms. Make no delay. God expects more of you than you have been willing to do.” We call upon you who have means, to inquire with earnest prayer: What is the extent of the divine claim upon me and my property? There is work to be done now to make ready a people to stand in the day of the Lord. Means must be invested in the work of saving men, who, in turn, shall work for others. Be prompt in rendering to God His own. One reason why there is so great a dearth of the Spirit of God is that so many are robbing God.?{2TT 331.1}[15]
§37
从保罗所形容的马其顿教会的经验上，有一个教训给我们。他说他们“先把自己献给主”（林后8:5）。然后他们便切望把自己的钱财献给基督。“他们在患难中受大试炼的时候，仍有满足的快乐；在极穷之间，还格外显出他们乐捐的厚恩。我可以证明：他们是按着力量，而且也过了力量，自己甘心乐意地捐助，再三地求我们，准他们在这供给圣徒的恩情上有份”（林后8:2-4）。{2TT 331.2}[16]
§38
There is a lesson for us in the experience of the churches of Macedonia, as described by Paul. He says that they “first gave their own selves to the Lord.”?2 Corinthians 8:5. Then they were eager to give their means for Christ. “In a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift.”?2 Corinthians 8:2-4.?{2TT 331.2}[16]
§39
【捐献的规则】
§40
保罗定了向上帝圣工捐献的规则，并说明对于我们自己及上帝都有什么结果。“各人要随本心所酌定的，不要作难，不要勉强；因为捐得乐意的人是上帝所喜爱的。”“少种的少收，多种的多收，这话是真的。”“上帝能将各样的恩惠多多地加给你们，使你们凡事常常充足，能多行各样善事。……那赐种给撒种的，赐粮给人吃的，必多多加给你们种地的种子，又增添你们仁义的果子，叫你们凡事富足，可以多多施舍，就藉着我们使感谢归于上帝”（林后9:6-11）。{2TT 331.3}[17]
§41
【The Rule for Giving】
§42
Paul lays down a rule for giving to God’s cause, and tells us what the result will be both in regard to ourselves and to God. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” “This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye,?always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (... Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the?fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”?2 Corinthians 9:6-11.?{2TT 331.3}[17]
§43
我们不应自觉能做些什么，或献上些什么，就可以使我们配蒙上帝的恩眷。使徒说：“你有什么不是领受的呢？若是领受的，为何自夸，仿佛不是领受的呢”（林前4:7）？当大卫与以色列众百姓搜集了所预备的材料，要建造殿宇之时，王就把财宝交给会众的族长们，满心欢喜感谢上帝，并说出上帝子民所应永铭在心的话：“大卫在会众面前称颂耶和华说：耶和华我们的父，以色列的上帝，是应当称颂，直到永永远远的。耶和华啊，尊大、能力、荣耀、强胜、威严都是祢的；凡天上地下的都是祢的；……在祢手里有大能大力，使人尊大强盛都出于祢。我们的上帝啊，现在我们称谢祢，赞美祢荣耀之名。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！我们在祢面前是客旅、是寄居的，与我们列祖一样。我们在世的日子如影儿，不能长存。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。我的上帝啊，我知道祢察验人心，喜悦正直。我以正直的心乐意献上这一切物，现在我喜欢见祢的民在这里都乐意奉献与祢”（代上29:10-17）。{2TT 332.1}[18]
§44
We are not to feel that we can do or give anything that will entitle us to the favor of God. Says the apostle: “What hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” When David and the people of Israel had gathered together the material they had prepared for the building of the temple, the king, as he committed the treasure to the princes of the congregation, rejoiced and gave thanks to God in words that should ever dwell in the hearts of God’s people. “David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine. ... And in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. 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. For we are strangers before Thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. 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. I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee.”?1 Chronicles 29:10-17.?{2TT 332.1}[18]
§45
是上帝为百姓预备了地上的财富，而且祂的灵已感动了他们乐意为殿宇献上宝物。这一切都是属于主的；如果祂神圣的能力没有感动人心，王的努力必归于徒然，殿宇也永无建立之日了。?{2TT 332.2}[19]
§46
It was God who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of the Lord; if His?divine power had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the king’s efforts would have been in vain, and the temple would never have been erected.?{2TT 332.2}[19]
§47
人所领受一切上帝的福惠，仍旧是属于上帝的。祂把地上宝贵华美之物交在我们的手中，是要试验我们，探测我们爱祂及感激祂鸿恩之心有多么深。无论这宝物是财富或智力，都当献在耶稣足前作为乐意的奉献。{2TT 333.1}[20]
§48
All that men receive of God’s bounty still belongs to God. Whatever He has bestowed in the valuable and beautiful things of earth is placed in our hands to test us, to sound the depths of our love for Him and our appreciation of His favors. Whether it be the treasures of wealth or of intellect, they are to be laid, a willing offering, at the feet of Jesus.?{2TT 333.1}[20]
§49
我们没有人能够离得了上帝的赐福，但上帝如果愿意那样，祂却能不必假助于人而作成祂的工。然而祂已把自己的工作交给每一个人，将宝贵的财富及智力委托给人，委托人作祂的管家。我们靠着祂的慈悲及慷慨，向上帝无论献上什么，都要记在我们的账上，看我们是忠心的管家。但我们应当永远认清，这种工作不是出于人的功劳。人的才智无论多么高，他的禀赋无一不由上帝所赐；如果这些表明祂眷爱的宝贵恩物，不受人的感激及善用，祂也能予以收回的。上帝的天使，他们的见识没有受过罪的蒙蔽，承认上天赏赐各种才能之目的，就是要善用它以增加伟大施舍之主的荣耀。上帝的统治权，是与人类的幸福攸关。一切受造之物的欢乐与福气，就是上帝的荣耀。何时我们设法增进祂的荣耀，我们正是为自己谋我们所可能领受的最高的福利。在基督里的弟兄姐妹们哪，上帝要求我们将所受于祂的每一才能，每一恩赐，奉献为祂服务。祂要你们与大卫说同样的话：：“万物都从祢而来，我们把从祢而得的献给祢”（代上29:14）。（5T729-736.1889年）{2TT 333.2}[21]
§50
None of us can do without the blessing of God, but God can do His work without the aid of man if He so choose. But he has given to every man his work, and He trusts men with treasures of wealth or of intellect, as His stewards. Whatever we render to God is, through His mercy and generosity, placed to our account as faithful stewards. But we should ever realize that this is not a work of merit on man’s part. However great the ability of man, he possesses nothing which God did not give him, and which He cannot withdraw if these precious tokens of His favor are not appreciated and rightly applied. Angels of God, whose perceptions are unclouded by sin, recognize the endowments of heaven as bestowed with the intention that they be returned in such a way as to add to the glory of the great Giver. With the sovereignty of God is bound up the well-being of man. The glory of God is the joy and the blessing of all created beings. When we seek to promote His glory we are seeking for ourselves the highest good which it is possible for us to receive. Brethren and sisters in Christ, God calls for the consecration to His service of every faculty, of every gift, you have received from Him. He wants you to say, with David: “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.”?{2TT 333.2}[21]