第32章 定期捐款
§1
第32章 定期捐款
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Chap. 32—Systematic Benevolence
§3
定期捐款计划是上帝喜悦的。我蒙指示回顾使徒的时代，看到上帝藉着祂圣灵的下降制定了这个计划，并且藉着预言的恩赐就捐款的方法劝勉了祂的子民。人人都有份参与这项工作，将他们养生的东西分赠给那些在属灵的事上服侍他们的人。他们还受教知道寡妇和孤儿有权要求他们的救济。那清洁没有玷污的虔诚，就是看顾在患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且保守自己不沾染世俗。我看到这不仅仅是同情他们，在他们的患难中用话语安慰他们，而是要帮助他们，若有缺乏，就要用我们的财物帮助他们。已蒙上帝赐予健康的青年男女能藉着帮助在患难中的孤儿寡妇得到极大的福气。我看到上帝要求青年人为别人的益处牺牲更多。祂向他们所要求的多过他们乐于去做的。他们若保守自己不沾染世俗，停止随从世界的时尚，并且把爱宴乐的人花在无用物品上以满足骄傲的钱财积存起来，将之周济配得的受苦的人，并且用来维持圣工，他们就会拥有主的嘉许，祂说：“我知道你的行为。”{2SG 230.1}[1]
§4
The plan of Systematic Benevolence is pleasing to God. I was pointed back to the days of the apostles, and saw that God laid the plan by the descent of his Holy Spirit, and by the gift of prophecy counseled his people in regard to a system of benevolence. All were to share in this work of imparting of their carnal things to those who ministered unto them in spiritual things. They were also taught that the widows and fatherless had a claim upon their charity. Pure and undefiled religion is defined, to visit the widows and fatherless in their affliction, and to keep unspotted from the world. I saw it was not merely to sympathize with them in their affliction by comforting words, but to aid them, if needy, with their?substance. God has given health to young men and women, and they can obtain a great blessing by aiding the widow and fatherless in their affliction. I saw that God required young men to sacrifice more for the good of others. He claims more of them than they are willing to perform. If they keep themselves unspotted from the world, cease to follow its fashions, and lay by that which the lovers of pleasure spend in useless articles to gratify pride, and give it to the worthy afflicted ones, and to sustain the cause, they will have the approval of Him who says, “I know thy works.”?{2SG 230.1}[1]
§5
在天上是有秩序的，上帝很喜悦祂的子民在祂地上的工作中努力有系统有秩序地行事。我看到在上帝的教会中应该有秩序，而且在成功推进传给世人的最后的伟大怜悯信息时，系统性也是必要的。在定期捐款的计划中，上帝正在带领祂的子民，这也是上帝正把祂的子民带到的许多重要地步之一，这会砍断某些人最亲密的东西。对他们来说这就象砍断右臂，剜出右眼一样，而对其他人来说则是极大的救济。对高尚慷慨的人来说，对他们的要求似乎太小了，他们不会满足于做这么少。有些人拥有大量的财产，他们若照进项为慈善的目的将款项留出来备用，对他们来说奉献的数目就似乎太大了。自私的心紧紧依附于少量的奉献，象依附大量的奉献一样，并且使少量的奉献看起来很大。我蒙指示回顾这最后的工作开始的时候。那时有些爱真理的人能一贯地谈到牺牲。他们大量奉献于上帝的圣工，把真理传给别人。他们预先把自己的财宝送到了天上。弟兄们，你们在后来领受了真理，并且拥有大量财产的人，上帝呼召你们进入工作园地，不仅仅使你们可以享受真理，而且使你们可以用自己的财物帮助推进这伟大的工作。你们若对这工作有兴趣，就会冒险出去，并在这工作中有所投入，好使别人藉你们的努力得救，而你们也必与他们一起收获最后的奖赏。为要将真理以清晰的亮光摆在你们面前，已付出了伟大的牺牲，经受了种种缺乏。现在上帝呼召你们，轮到你们付出极大的努力和牺牲，以便将真理摆在那些处在黑暗中的人面前。上帝要求这个。你们既自称相信真理；就要让你们的行为证明这个事实。你们的信心若没有行为，就是死的。唯有活泼的信心才会在那就要出现在你们面前的可怕场面中救你们。{2SG 231.1}[2]
§6
There is order in heaven, and God is well pleased with the efforts of his people in trying to move with the system and order in his work. I saw that there should be order in the church of God, and arrangement in regard to carrying forward successfully the last great message of mercy to the world. God is leading his people in the plan of Systematic Benevolence, and this is one of the very points which will cut the closest with some, to which God is bringing up his people. To them this point cuts off the right arm, and plucks out the right eye, while to others it is a great relief. To noble, generous souls the demands upon them seem very small, and they cannot be content to do so little. Some have large possessions, and if they lay by them in store for charitable purposes as God has prospered them, it seems to them like?a large sum. The selfish heart clings as closely to a little offering as to a larger one, and makes the small offering look very large. I was pointed back to the commencement of this last work. Then some who loved the truth could consistently talk of sacrificing. They devoted much to the cause of God to send the truth to others. They have sent their treasure beforehand to heaven. Brethren, you who have received the truth at a later period, and have large possessions, God has called you into the field, not merely that you may enjoy the truth, but that you may aid with your substance in carrying forward this great work. And if you have an interest in this work, you will venture out, and invest something in it, that others may be saved by your efforts, and you reap with them the final reward. Great sacrifices have been made, and privations endured to place the truth in a clear light before you. Now God calls upon you, in your turn, to make great efforts, and to sacrifice in order to place the truth before those who are in darkness. God requires this. You profess to believe the truth; let your works testify to the fact. Unless your faith works, it is dead. Nothing but a living faith will save you in the fearful scenes which are just before you.?{2SG 231.1}[2]
§7
我看到时候到了，那些有大量财产的人要开始赶快作工，他们不仅按着现在上帝给他们的进项留出一部分来存着，而且要按着从前上帝给他们的进项留出来。在使徒时代，曾特别制定了计划，不该让一些人安逸而另一些人负重。也曾作出安排，使人人都按照各自的能力平等地分担上帝教会的责任。天使说：“斧子必须放在树根上。”那些象犹大一样，已专心于地上财宝的人，会在分担时抱怨。他的心贪求倒在耶稣身上的昂贵膏油，并且企图假借虔诚、有良心地关心穷人来隐藏他的自私：“这香膏为什么不卖三十两银子周济穷人呢”（约12:5）？他想拥有那香膏；不愿这样浪费地浇在救主身上。他愿意自己用那香膏；把它卖了换钱。他对他的主的估价足以使他用区区一点银钱把祂卖给恶人。犹大怎样提出穷人为藉口，掩盖他的自私，自称为基督徒心却贪婪的人，也会藉着假装尽责隐藏他们的自私。哦，他们担心在采用系统捐款计划时我们会变得象挂名的各教会一样！“不要叫左手知道右手所做的”（太6:3）。他们似乎凭良心渴望在这事上严格照他们的理解遵行圣经；但他们完全忽视了基督明白的告诫：“去变卖你所有的，分给穷人”（可10:21）。 {2SG 232.1}[3]
§8
I saw that it was time that those who have their large possessions begin to work fast. It is time they were not only laying by them in?store as God?is now?prospering them, but as he has prospered them. Plans were especially laid in the days of the apostles that some should not be eased and others burdened. Arrangements were made that all should share equally in the burdens of the church of God according to their several ability. Said the angel, The axe must be laid at the root of the tree. If the heart is wrapt in earthly treasures, like Judas they will complain. His heart coveted the costly ointment poured upon Jesus, and he sought to hide his selfishness under a pious, conscientious regard for the poor. “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor?” He wished he had the ointment in his possession; it would not thus be lavished upon the Saviour. He would apply it to his own use; sell it for money. He prized his Lord just enough to sell him to wicked men for a few pieces of silver. As Judas brought up the poor as an excuse for his selfishness, professed Christians, whose hearts are covetous, will seek to hide their selfishness under a put-on conscientiousness. O, they fear Systematic Benevolence is getting like the nominal churches! Let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth! They seem conscientious to follow exactly the Bible as they understand it in this matter; but they entirely neglect the plain declaration of Christ, “Sell that ye have and give alms.”?{2SG 232.1}[3]
§9
“你们要小心，不可将善事行在人的面前，故意叫他们看见”（太6:1）。有些人以为这节经文教导的是他们必须秘密地行善。而且他们只做一点儿，藉口说因为他们不知道如何施舍。但耶稣是这样向祂的门徒解释这事的：“所以，你施舍的时候，不可在你前面吹号，象那假冒为善的人在会堂里和街道上所行的，故意要得人的荣耀。我实在告诉你们，他们已经得了他们的赏赐”（太6:2）。他们施舍是为了被人们认为是高尚慷慨的。他们得了人的称赞，而且耶稣教导祂的门徒知道，这就是他们会得到的一切赏赐。就许多人来说，左手并不知道右手所做的，因为右手并没有做什么值得左手注意的事。耶稣给祂门徒的这个教训乃是要斥责那些想要得人的荣耀的人。他们在某些极公开的集会上行施舍的事；而且在这样做之前，还当众宣布他们的慷慨；许多人施舍大笔钱财仅仅是为了使他们的名被人高举。而且以这种方式施舍的钱财往往是从敲诈别人，藉着压榨雇工人的工价，及磨折穷人的面得来的。{2SG 234.1}[4]
§10
“Take heed that ye do not your alms before men to be seen of them.” Some think this text teaches that they must be secret in their works of charity. And they do but very little, excusing themselves, because they do not know just how to give. But Jesus explained it to his disciples as follows: “Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee as the hypocrites do, in the synagogues, and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward.” They gave to be regarded noble and generous by men. They received praise of men, and Jesus taught his disciples that it was all the reward they would have. With many, the left hand does not know what the right hand does, for the right hand does nothing worthy of the notice of the left hand. This lesson of Jesus to his disciples was to rebuke those who wished to receive glory of men. They performed their alms-giving upon some very public gathering; and before doing this, a public proclamation was made of their generosity before the people, and many gave large sums merely to have their names exalted by men. And the means given in this manner was often extorted from others by oppressing the hireling in his wages, and grinding the face of the poor.?{2SG 234.1}[4]
§11
我蒙指示，看到这节经文并不适用于那些有上帝的圣工在心，并且谦卑地使用他们的钱财推进圣工的人。我蒙指示注意这些经文：“你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父。”“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”（太5:16;7:20）。我蒙指示，圣经的证言若是被正确理解了，就是和谐一致的。上帝儿女的好行为乃是不信之人所拥有的最有效的讲道。不信的人以为必有强烈的动机促使基督徒舍己，并用他的财产努力拯救同胞。这并不象世界的精神。这样的果子证明拥有这种果子的人是真正的基督徒。他们似乎不断上进以获得不朽的财宝。{2SG 234.2}[5]
§12
Then I was shown that this scripture does not apply to those who have the cause of God?at heart, and use their means humbly to advance it. I was directed to these texts: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” “By their fruits ye shall know them.” I was shown that scripture testimony will harmonize, when it is rightly understood. The good works of the children of God are the most effectual preaching the unbeliever has. He thinks there must be strong motives that actuate the christian to deny self, and with his possessions, try to save his fellow man. It is unlike the spirit of the world. Such fruits testify that they are genuine Christians. They seem to be constantly reaching upward to a treasure that is imperishable.?{2SG 234.2}[5]
§13
在奉献每一份礼物和供物时，都应有一个合适的目标，不是要支持任何一个人闲懒度日，不是要故意叫人看见或得到伟大的名声，而是要藉着推进上帝的圣工来荣耀祂。有些人向上帝的圣工捐献大笔钱财，而他们身边的弟兄又穷又苦，他们却一点儿不帮补他们。暗中向弟兄行的一点点善行都会使他们的心连在一起，也会被天庭注意到。我看到富人在价格和工价上应该作出不同的安排，恩待他们中间受苦的人、寡妇和可敬的穷人。但情况往往是富人占穷人的便宜，获得每一分利益，苛求每一个小钱。这一切都被记在天上。“我知道你的行为。” {2SG 235.1}[6]
§14
In every gift and offering there should be a suitable object before the giver—not to uphold any in idleness—not to be seen of men or to get a great name—but to glorify God by advancing his cause. Some make large donations to the cause of God, but their brother who is poor may be suffering close by them, and they do nothing to relieve him. Little acts of kindness imparted to their brother in a secret manner would bind their hearts together, and would be noticed in heaven. I saw that the rich should make a difference in their prices and their wages to the afflicted and widows, and the worthy poor among them. But I saw it was too often the case that the poor were taken advantage?of, and the rich reap the advantage, if there is any to be gained, and the last penny is exacted for every favor. It is all written in heaven. “I know thy works.”?{2SG 235.1}[6]
§15
而今在教会中存在的最大的罪就是贪婪。上帝因自称为祂子民之人的自私而不悦。祂的仆人已牺牲了自己的光阴和力量，好把永生之道带给他们，而许多人却藉自己的行为表明自己轻视这道。要是他们帮不帮上帝的仆人都行，他们有时就帮一下；但他们往往不管上帝的仆人，为他做的很少。他们若是雇用一个作零工的人，就必须付给他全额的工资。但对自我牺牲的上帝仆人却是不是这样。他劳苦传道教导他们；心中负有圣工的重担；耐心地根据上帝的话说明伤害人心的种种危险的错误；他强调必需立即除掉会挤死所撒下的好种的野草；他从上帝圣言的库中取出新旧的东西来喂养上帝的羊群。所有的人都承认自己受益了；但有害的毒草，贪婪，扎根那么深，以致他们让上帝的仆人离开，而不用他们现世的财物照顾他。他们对他劳苦作工的估价正如他们的行为所表明的。那“真实见证者”说：“我知道你的行为。” {2SG 236.1}[7]
§16
The greatest sin which now exists in the church is covetousness. God frowns upon his professed people for their selfishness. His servants have sacrificed their time and their strength to carry them the word of life, and many have prized it just as highly, and no more, as their works have shown. If they can help the servant of God just as well as not, they sometimes do it; but he is often left to pass on, and but little done for him. But if they employ a day laborer, he must be paid full wages. But the self-sacrificing servant of God labors for them in word and doctrine; he carries the heavy burden of the work on his soul; he patiently shows from the word of God the dangerous errors which are hurtful to the soul; he enforces the necessity of immediately tearing up the weeds which choke the good seed sown; he brings out of the storehouse of God’s word things new and old to feed the flock of God. All acknowledge that they have been benefited; but the poisonous weed, covetousness, is so deeply rooted they let the servant of God leave them without administering of their temporal things. They have prized his wearing labor just as highly as they act. Says the True Witness, “I know thy works.”?{2SG 236.1}[7]
§17
我看到上帝的仆人并没有被置于超越撒但试探之处。他们往往受到仇敌可怕的围攻，且有一场硬仗要打。他们若能得免所托，就会高兴地亲手作工。他们的弟兄们要求他们作工；但当他们看到自己的工作如此受轻视时，就沮丧了。确实，他们指望得到最终的奖赏，而且这支持着他们；但他们的家人必须有衣有食。他们的光阴属于上帝的教会；并不是由他们自己支配的。他们牺牲了自己家人的陪伴以使别人受益；可是有些因他们的工作受益的人却对他们的需要漠不关心。我看到这样的人继续这样自欺乃是行不义。他们以为自己是蒙上帝悦纳的，其实祂藐视他们的自私。这些自私的人不仅要奉命为使用主的钱财向上帝交账，而且他们给上帝所拣选的仆人带来的削弱他们工作的所有沮丧和心痛的感觉，都要算在他们的账上。{2SG 237.1}[8]
§18
I saw that God’s servants are not placed beyond the temptations of Satan. They are often fearfully beset by the enemy, and have a hard battle to fight. If they could be released from their commission, they would gladly labor with their hands. Their labor is called for by their brethren; but when they see it so lightly prized, they are depressed. True, they look to the final settlement for their reward, and this bears them up, but their families must have food and clothing. Their time belongs to the church of God. It is not at their own disposal. They sacrifice the society of their families to benefit others, and there are those who are benefited by their labors who are indifferent to their wants. I saw that it was doing injustice to such, to let them pass on and deceive themselves. They think they are approved of God, when he despises their selfishness. Not only will these selfish ones be called to render an account to God how they have used their Lord’s money; but all the depression, and heart-aching feelings they have brought upon God’s chosen servants, which have crippled their efforts, will be set to their account.?{2SG 237.1}[8]
§19
那“真实见证者”宣布：“我知道你的行为。”自私、贪婪的心必要受试验。有些人不愿向上帝奉献他们地上财宝之进项的很小的一部分。你若说到资本，他们就会惊退。他们为上帝牺牲了什么呢？什么都没牺牲。他们自称相信耶稣快来了；但他们的行为否认他们的信仰。每一个人都会实践他所拥有的全部信心。虚情假意地自称信主的人哪，耶稣知道你的行为。祂憎恶你吝啬的奉献，你有残缺的祭物。{2SG 237.2}[9]
§20
The True Witness declares, “I know thy works.” The selfish, covetous heart will be tested. Some are not willing to devote to God a very small portion of the increase of their earthly treasure. They would start back with horror if you should speak of the principal.?What have they sacrificed for God? Nothing. They profess to believe that Jesus is coming; but their works deny their faith. Every individual will live out all the faith he has. False-hearted professor, Jesus knows thy works. He hates your stinted offerings and lame sacrifices.?{2SG 237.2}[9]