第05章 祈祷的应允
§1
第05章 祈祷的应允
§2
Chap. 5—Answer to Prayer
§3
主再次大有怜悯地眷顾了我。过去几个月我一直极其痛苦。疾病重压在我身上。我已多年忍受了浮肿和心脏病的痛苦。这会使我精神沮丧并摧毁我的信心和勇气。给老底嘉教会的信息还没有导致我期望看到的上帝子民的热心悔改。我心中极其困惑为难。我身上的疾病似乎越来越重，我原以为自己必要躺在坟墓里了。我曾不想活下去，所以我就不能握住信心祈求复原。当晚上停工休息时，我常常意识到自己有在早上之前停止呼吸的危险。在这种状况中，我在午夜昏过去了。安德烈弟兄和拉夫伯勒弟兄被请来，为我向上帝献上了恳切的祈求。抑郁和重担从我疼痛的心上解除了，我被带入了异象中，见到了现在要呈现在你们面前的事。{4bSG32.1}[1]
§4
The Lord has visited me again in great mercy. I have been greatly afflicted for a few months past. Disease has pressed me heavily. For years I have been afflicted with dropsy and disease of the heart. It has had a tendency to depress my spirits, and destroy my faith and courage. The message to the Laodiceans has not accomplished that zealous repentance with God’s people I expected to see, and my perplexity of mind has been great. Disease seemed to make continual progress upon me, and I thought I must lie down in the grave. I had no desire to live, therefore could not take hold of faith and pray for my recovery. Often when I retired to rest at night, I realized that I was in danger of losing my breath before morning. In this state I fainted at midnight. Brn. Andrews and Loughborough were sent for, and earnest petitions were offered to God in my behalf. The depression and heavy weight were lifted from my aching heart, and I was taken off in vision, and saw these things which I present before you.?{4bSG 32.1}[1]
§5
我看到撒但试图把我赶到气馁和绝望，使我想死而不是想活。我蒙指示，上帝的旨意并不是要我现在就停止工作躺在坟墓里；因为那样我们信心的仇敌就要夸胜了，而且会使上帝儿女的心悲伤。我看到我会常常感到精神的痛苦，并会多受痛苦；可是我有应许，就是我周围的那些人会鼓励我帮助我，使我在受魔鬼非常猛烈的打击时不至丧失勇气和力量。{4bSG32.2}[2]
§6
I saw that Satan had been trying to drive me to discouragement and despair, to make me desire death rather than life. I was shown that it was not God’s will that I should now cease from the work, and lie down in the grave; for then the enemies of our faith would triumph, and the hearts of God’s children would be made sad. I saw that I should often suffer anguish of spirit; that I should suffer much; yet I had the promise that those around me would encourage and help me, that my courage and strength might not fail while so fiercely buffeted by the Devil.?{4bSG 32.2}[2]
§7
我看到给老底嘉的证言适用于上帝现在的子民，而它之所以还没有完成一番更大的工作，是因为他们心硬。但上帝给了这信息时间去做它的工作。人心必须得以洁净，脱离久已把耶稣关在门外的罪。这道可怕的信息将成就其使命。当它初次被提出来时，曾导致人严格的省察己心。人们认了罪。各地上帝的子民都深受感动。几乎所有人都相信这信息会结束于第三位天使的大呼声。但是当他们没能看到这有力的工作在短时期内完成时，许多人就丧失了这信息的效应。我看到这信息不会在短短的几个月里完成它的工作。它原是要唤醒上帝的子民，使他们发现自己背道的状况，并引导他们热心悔改，好使他们可以在耶稣面前蒙恩，适应第三位天使的大声喊叫。当这信息影响了人心时，就使人在上帝面前深深自卑。众天使奉差到四面八方预备不信的人心归向真理。上帝的圣工开始兴起，祂的子民熟悉他们的处境。若是那“真实见证者”的劝勉被人充分听从了，上帝原会以更大的能力为祂的子民行事。{4bSG32.3}[3]
§8
I saw that the testimony to the Laodiceans applied to God’s people at the present time, and the reason it has not accomplished a greater work is because of the hardness of their hearts. But God has given the?message time to do its work. The heart must be purified from sins which have so long shut Jesus out. This fearful message will do its work. When it was first presented it led to close examination of heart. Sins were confessed, and the people of God were stirred everywhere. Nearly all believed that this message would end in the loud cry of the third angel. But as they failed to see the powerful work accomplished in a short time, many lost the effect of the message. I saw that this message would not accomplish its work in a few short months. It was designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they might be favored with the presence of Jesus, and be fitted for the loud cry of the third angel. As this message affected the heart, it led to deep humility before God. Angels were sent in every direction to prepare unbelieving hearts for the truth. The cause of God began to rise, and his people were acquainted with their position. If the counsel of the true Witness had been fully heeded, God would have wrought for his people in greater power.?{4bSG 32.3}[3]
§9
然而自从这信息被赐下以来，所做的努力一直蒙上帝赐福，已使许多人脱离了错谬与黑暗，在真理里欢喜快乐。我看到上帝要试验祂的子民。耶稣待他们很是忍耐，并没有立即从口中把他们吐出。天使说：“上帝现今正在衡量祂的子民。”如果这信息真象我们许多人所想象的那么短促，他们就没有时间可以发展自己的品格了。当这道严肃而可怕的信息激动他们之时，许多人只是凭感情行事，而不是凭原则和信心行事。这信息触动了他们的感情，引起了他们的恐惧，却没有完成上帝计划要完成的工作。上帝是鉴察人心的。为要免得祂的子民陷入自欺起见，祂就给他们时间，让兴奋冲动都消磨掉，然后试验他们一下，看他们是否要顺从那“真实见证者”的劝勉。{4bSG33.1}[4]
§10
The efforts made since the message has been given, have been blessed of God, and many souls have been brought from error and darkness to rejoice in the truth I saw that God would prove his people. Patiently Jesus bears with them, and does not spue them out of his mouth in a moment. Said the angel, “God is weighing his people.” If the message had been of as short duration as many of us supposed, there would have been no time for God’s people to develop character. Many moved from feeling, not from principle and faith, and this solemn, fearful message stirred them. It wrought upon their feelings, excited their fears, but did not accomplish the work God designed that it should. God reads the heart. Lest his people should be deceived in regard to themselves, he gives them time for the excitement to wear off, and he proves them to see if they will obey the counsel of the true Witness.?{4bSG 33.1}[4]
§11
【上帝试验祂的子民】
§12
上帝领导祂的子民，一步一步前进。祂领他们到了预先算好的足能表明心迹的不同点上。有些人在这一点上能忍受得住，但在下一点上却跌倒了。在每逢进步一点时，他们的心意都要经过更严格一点的试验和试炼。凡自命为上帝子民的人，如果觉得自己的心意反对这种整直修正的工作，就当说服他们，他们若不愿被主从口中吐出，还得下一番功夫去胜过才好。天使说：“上帝要愈加严格自己的工作，来试验证明祂的每个子民。”有些人愿意接受某一点；但当上帝领他们到另一试验之点时，他们就畏避退缩，因他们觉得这一点是直接打击到自己心中所隐藏的偶像。在这里他们有机会看出自己心中到底藏些什么东西，以至把耶稣关闭在外。他们重视某些事物过于真理，他们的心也没有预备接受耶稣。每一个人都要经过一番长时期的试验及证明，好看出自己肯否牺牲心中的偶像及听从那“真实见证者”的劝勉。任何人若没有藉着顺从真理得以洁净，没有胜过自私，骄傲，及邪情恶欲，上帝的天使就要指责：“他们是和自己的偶像联合的，任凭他们吧。”天使们就要去作自己的工作，而抛弃这些不肯制服罪恶性情的人，让恶天使去管理之。至于那些来到了每一点，经过了每一试验而仍能坚立，并不顾一切代价而得胜的人，已听从了那“真实见证者”的劝勉，就必领受晚雨，而预备好变化升天。{4bSG34.1}[5]
§13
【God Tests His People】
§14
God leads his people on step by step. He brings them up to different points which are calculated to manifest what is in the heart. Some endure at one point, but fall off at the next. At every advanced point the heart is tested, and tried a little closer. If the professed people of God find their hearts opposed to the straight work of God, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, or be spued out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel, “God will bring his work closer and closer to test them, and prove every one of his people.” Some are willing to receive one point, but when God brings them to another testing point, they shrink from it and stand back, because they find it strikes directly at some cherished idol. Here they have opportunity to see what is in their hearts that shuts out Jesus. They prize something higher than the truth, and their hearts are not prepared to receive Jesus. Individuals are tested and proved a length of time to see if they will sacrifice their idols, and heed the counsel of the true Witness. If they will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have their charge,—“They are joined to their idols, let them alone,”—and they pass on to their work, leaving them with their evil traits unsubdued, to the control of evil angels. Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, and overcome, be the price what it may, have heeded the counsel of the true Witness, and they will be fitted for translation by the latter rain.?{4bSG 34.1}[5]
§15
上帝在这个世界上试验祂的子民。这是为到祂的面前作准备的场所。在这个世界上，在末后的日子里，人们要显明究竟是什么能力在影响他们的心，控制他们的行为。如果是上帝真理的能力，就必导致善行。这能力必提拔凡接受的人，使他心意高贵而慷慨，象他神圣的主一样。但若是恶天使控制人心，就会看到不同的状况。其结果必是自私、贪婪、骄傲和邪情恶欲。人心比万物都诡诈，坏到极处。自称敬虔的人不愿严格地省察自己有信心没有；一个可怕的事实是，许多人在倚靠一种虚伪的盼望。有的人倚靠老经验；但当被带到这个省察己心的时候，当周围的人都有一种每日的经验时，他们却没什么可讲述的。他们似乎以为自称信奉真理就会救他们。何时制服了上帝憎恶的那些罪，耶稣就会进来与你们一同坐席，你们也与祂一同坐席。那时你们就会从耶稣得到神圣的力量，也会在祂里面长大成人，并且能以圣洁的夸胜说：“感谢上帝，使我们藉着我们的主耶稣基督得胜”（林前15:57）。若是自称虔诚的不冷不热者从未提过主的圣名，就会更讨主的喜悦。对那些忠心跟从耶稣的人来说，他们乃是持续不断的重累。他们是不信之人的绊脚石，恶天使们因他们而欢喜雀跃，并用他们弯曲的行径奚落上帝的天使。这种人在家乡或海外都是圣工的祸害。他们用嘴唇亲近上帝，心却远离祂。{4bSG34.2}[6]
§16
God proves his people in this world. This is the fitting up place to appear in his presence. Here in this world, in these last days, individuals will show what power affects their hearts, and controls their actions. If it is the power of divine truth, it will lead to good works. It will elevate the receiver, and make him noble-hearted and generous, like his divine Lord. But if the evil angels control the heart, it will be seen in?various ways. The fruit will be selfishness, covetousness, pride, and evil passions. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Professors of religion are not willing to closely examine their own selves to see whether they are in the faith, and it is a fearful fact that many are leaning on a false hope. Some lean upon an old experience; but when brought down to this heart-searching time, when all should have a daily experience, they have nothing to relate. They seem to think a profession of the truth will save them. When those sins which God hates are subdued, Jesus will come in and sup with you, and you with him. You will then draw divine strength from Jesus, and you will grow up in him, and be able with holy triumph to say, Blessed be God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. It would be more pleasing to the Lord if lukewarm professors of religion had never named his name. They are a continual weight to those who would be faithful followers of Jesus. They are a stumbling-block to unbelievers, and evil angels exult over them, and taunt the angels of God with their crooked course. Such are a curse to the cause at home or abroad. They draw nigh to God with their lips, while their heart is far from him.?{4bSG 34.2}[6]
§17
我蒙指示看到上帝的子民不应效法世界的时尚。有些人已这样做了，并且迅速丧失了应该使他们作为上帝的子民与世人迥然有别的独特性和神圣性。我蒙指示回顾上帝古时的子民，并蒙引领将他们的服饰与这些末后日子服装的样式相比较。真是何等的不同啊！有了何等的改变啊！那时的女子不象现在这么大胆。当她们去公共场所时，就用面纱蒙上脸。在这些末后的日子，时尚是可耻下流的。预言中已经警告了这些事。这些时尚最初是由一等完全由撒但控制的人引进来的，他们“良心既然丧尽（毫无上帝之灵的信念），就放纵私欲，贪行种种的污秽”（弗4:19）。若是自称上帝子民的人没有大大的远离祂，而今在他们的服装和世人的服装之间就会有显著的差别。小小的帽子，暴露脸和头，显得缺乏端庄。撑裙箍也是一种可耻的东西。地上的居民正在变得越来越败坏，他们与上帝的以色列人之间的界限必须更清楚，否则落在俗人头上的咒诅就会落在自称上帝子民之人的头上。{4bSG35.1}[7]
§18
I was shown that the people of God should not imitate the fashions of the world. Some have done this, and are fast losing their peculiar, holy character, which should distinguish them as God’s people. I was pointed back to God’s ancient people, and then was led to compare their dress and apparel with the mode of dress in these last days. What a difference! What a change! Then the women were not so bold as now. When they went in public they covered their face with a vail. In these last days fashions are shameful and immodest. They are noticed in prophecy. They were first brought in by a class over whom Satan has entire control, who, “being past feeling (without any conviction of the Spirit of God), have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.” If God’s professed people had not departed?greatly from him, there would now be a marked difference between their dress and that of the world. The small bonnets, exposing the face and head, show a lack of modesty. The hoops are a shame. The inhabitants of earth are growing more and more corrupt, and the line of distinction must be more plain between them and the Israel of God, or the curse which falls upon worldlings will fall on God’s professed people.?{4bSG 35.1}[7]
§19
我蒙指示注意下述经文。天使说：“它们要教导上帝的子民。”提前2:9,10：“又愿女人廉耻、自守，以正派衣裳为妆饰，不以编发、黄金、珍珠，和贵价的衣裳为妆饰；只要有善行，这才与自称是敬上帝的女人相宜”。彼前3:3-5：“你们不要以外面的辫头发，戴金饰，穿美衣为妆饰，只要以里面存着长久温柔，安静的心为妆饰；这在上帝面前是极宝贵的。因为古时仰赖上帝的圣洁妇人正是以此为妆饰。”{4bSG36.1}[8]
§20
I was directed to the following scriptures. Said the angel, “They are to instruct God’s people.”?1 Timothy 2:9, 10. “In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”?1 Peter 3:3-5. “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time, the holy women also who trusted in God, adorned themselves.”?{4bSG 36.1}[8]
§21
青年人和老年人啊，上帝如今正在考验你们。你们也正在决定自己永远的命运。你们的骄傲，你们喜爱随从世界的时尚，你们虚荣空虚的言谈，你们的自私，都被放在了天平里，而且这一切恶事的分量对你们极其不利。你们是贫穷，可怜，瞎眼，赤身的。当罪恶增长并深深扎根时，就会把撒在心中的善种挤死；不久曾赐给以利家的话就会由上帝的天使论到你们说：你们的罪“虽献祭奉礼物，永不能得赎去”（撒上3:14）。我看到许多人在自以为是良好的基督徒，却没有来自耶稣的一丝亮光。他们不知道何为被上帝的恩典更新。他们自己在上帝的事上没有活泼的经验。我看到主正在天上磨快祂的剑，要砍掉他们。哦，但愿每一个不冷不热的自称信主的人，都能认识到上帝即将在自称为祂子民的人中实行的洁净工作！亲爱的朋友们，关于你们的状况，不要自欺。你们无法欺骗上帝。那“真实见证者”说：“我知道你的行为。”第三位天使的信息正在带领一班子民步步上进，高而又高。他们每走一步都要受试验。{4bSG36.2}[9]
§22
Young and old, God is now testing you. You are deciding your own eternal destiny. Your pride, your love to follow the fashions of the world, your vain and empty conversation, your selfishness, are all put in the scale, and the weight of evil is fearfully against you. You are poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked. While evil is increasing and taking deep root, it is choking the good seed which has been sown in the heart, and soon the word will be spoken to the angels of God concerning you, as was given concerning Eli’s house, that your sins shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever. Many, I saw, were flattering themselves that they were good Christians, who have not a single ray of light from Jesus. They know not what it is to be renewed by the grace of God. They have no living experience for themselves in the things of God. And I saw that the Lord was whetting his?sword in heaven to cut them down. Oh! that every lukewarm professor could realize the clean work that God is about to make among his professed people. Dear friends, do not deceive yourselves concerning your condition. You cannot deceive God. Says the true Witness, “I know thy works.” The third angel is leading up a people, step by step, higher and higher. At every step they will be tested.?{4bSG 36.2}[9]
§23
【敬拜的场所】
§24
我见到许多受上帝托管金钱的人，随意花钱，修建美好家园，以求自己的享受便利；及至要为那住在永远的伟大上帝建造一敬拜之所时，他们反不能让祂动用祂借给他们的钱财。每个人并没有争先恐后地尽一切力量，预备一个合适的敬拜之所，借以表示感谢上帝赏赐真理的大恩。有些人竟尽力奉献得越少越好，他们以为花钱预备一个与至高者相会之所，是等于损失了一样。象这样的奉献，乃是残疾及不蒙上帝悦纳的。我见到上帝的子民如果在为主预备一敬拜之所上，运用心思智慧，象为自己预备居所时所运用的一样，就必更蒙上帝喜悦了。{4bSG37.1}[10]
§25
【Houses of Worship】
§26
I saw that many feel at liberty to use the means freely that is lent them of God, for their own convenience in fitting up pleasant homes here; but when they build a house in which to worship the great God, who inhabiteth eternity, they cannot afford to let the Lord have the use of the means he has lent them. Each is not striving to excel the other in showing his gratitude to God for the truth, by doing all he can to prepare a suitable place of worship; but some are trying to do just as little as possible; and they feel that their means is as good as lost which they spend in preparing a place for the Most High to visit them. Such an offering is lame, and not acceptable to God. I saw that it would be much more pleasing to God if his people would show as much wisdom in preparing a house for him, as they do in their own dwellings.?{4bSG 37.1}[10]
§27
古时以色列人奉命要献的祭牲及供物，乃是无残疾无瑕疵的，是羊群中最好的；并且全体会众每人都应在这项工作上有一份。今日上帝的工作，日见扩大。你若为上帝建一居所，就不应该献上残疾的供物，去干犯祂及限制祂。在为上帝建造居所时，应当献上最好的供物。要把你最好的献出，表示你关心圣所的舒适及便利。有些人以为末日这么迫近，那样讲究是无用的。若果这样，你就应当在你自己的居所及你一切世俗的安排上，也要实行你那种的意见才是。{4bSG37.2}[11]
§28
The sacrifices and offerings of the children of Israel were commanded to be without blemish or spot, the best of the flock, and every one of the children of Israel shared in that work. The work before us will be extensive. If you build a house for God, do not offend and limit him in casting in your lame offerings. Put the very best offering into a house built for God. Let it be the very best you have, and show an interest to have it convenient and comfortable. Some think time is so short it is no matter. Then carry out the same in your dwellings, and in all your worldly arrangements.?{4bSG 37.2}[11]
§29
我见到上帝可以进行自己的工作，不需人的任何资助；然而祂的计划却非如此。眼前的世界乃是用为试验人类的场面。人类应当在今生养成一种足以与之垂诸永世的品格。现今善恶摆在人面前，来生如何在乎人自择。基督降世是要改变人类思想及感情的潮流。人心应当离开属世的财宝，而放在属天的财宝上。藉着人的克己，上帝就可得荣耀。上帝已为人作了重大的牺牲，现在人也被试验，来证明自己是否效法耶稣的榜样而为同胞牺牲。撒但及其使者合作攻击上帝的子民；但耶稣却设法使他们洁净，归于自己。祂要他们推进祂的圣工。上帝在今生祂子民的身上所存放的款项，足够推进圣工而无困难，并且这是祂的计划，把钱财交托他们去明智地运用。“你们要变卖所有的，周济人”（路12:33），乃是上帝圣言的一部分。上帝的仆人应当兴起，大声喊叫，不可止息，“向我百姓说明他们的过犯，向雅各家说明他们的罪恶”（赛58:1）。上帝的工作将日益扩大，祂的子民若肯顺从祂的劝勉，就不多留财产给末日的大火焚烧。大家都将积蓄财宝在那没有虫蛀和不能锈坏的地方；而且他们的心也不至与这世界拴在一起了。{4bSG37.3}[12]
§30
I saw that God could carry on his work without any of man’s help; but this is not his plan. The present?world is designed as a scene of probation for man. He is here to form a character which will pass with him into the eternal world. Good and evil are placed before him, and his future state depends upon the choice he makes. Christ came to change the current of his thoughts and affections. His heart must be cut off from his earthly treasure, and placed upon the heavenly. By his self-denial, God can be glorified. The great sacrifice has been made for man, and now man will be tested and proved to see if he will follow the example of Jesus, and make a sacrifice for his fellowman. Satan and his angels are combined against the people of God; but Jesus is seeking to purify them unto himself. He requires them to advance his work. God has deposited enough in this world among his people to carry forward his work, without embarrassment, and it is his plan that the means which he has entrusted to his people be used judiciously. Sell that ye have and give alms, is a part of God’s sacred word. The servants of God must arise, cry aloud, and spare not, “Show my people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their sins.” The work of God is to be more extensive, and if his people follow his counsel, there will not be much means in their possession to be consumed in the final conflagration. All will have laid up their treasure where moth and rust cannot corrupt, and the heart will not have a cord to bind it to earth.?{4bSG 37.3}[12]
§31
然后我蒙指示看到，人们对于按才授银的比喻还没有完全明白。主给门徒的这个重要教训，乃是为末日基督徒的益处。这些银子并非单指着主给人宣传及教授圣经的才干，同时也是指着上帝所托给祂子民的今生钱财而言。那些得五千及二千银子的人，去作生意，得到了加倍的利益。上帝要求那些拥有今生财产的人，为主把钱放给兑换银钱的人，也就是要放在圣工中去散布真理。人若接受真理在心，也必出其财力帮助传真理给别人；藉着他的努力，他的影响，以及他的钱财，别的人就可接受真理，并也开始为上帝作工。我见到有些自命为上帝子民的人，正象那掘地埋银的人。他们保持自己的财产，不肯给教会作善工。他们声称这些是属于他们的，他们有权可随己意处理之。他们不肯明智地运用主所交给他们的钱财，以至许多人灭亡了。每一个人的作为，天使都留下忠实的记录，及至上帝的家受审判之时，每个人所得的判决都记在自己的名下；天使也奉命不要顾惜这些不忠实的仆人，而要在杀戮的日子把他们除灭，那所交给他们的财物也要被夺去。那时他们地上的财宝都要一扫而空，他们要损失一切。他们若是忠心本可得到的冠冕，现在却因为不忠心就被戴在那时刻将钱财为上帝而用的忠心仆人所救之人头上了。他们每救了一个人，在他们的荣耀冠冕上就要加上明星，并要增加他们的永远赏赐。{4bSG38.1}[13]
§32
【Parables】
§33
I was then shown that the parable of the talents has not been fully understood. This lesson of importance was given to the disciples for the benefit of Christians living in the last days. And these talents do not represent merely the ability to preach and instruct from the word of God. The parable applies to the temporal means which God has entrusted to his people. Those to whom the five and two talents were given, traded and doubled that which was committed to their trust. God requires of those who have their possessions here?to put their money out to usury for him, to put it into the cause to spread the truth. And if the truth lives in the heart of the receiver, he also will aid with his substance in sending the truth to others, and through his efforts, his influence, and his means, other souls embrace the truth, and begin also to work for God. I saw that some of God’s professed people are like the man who hid his talent in the earth. They keep their possessions and means from doing good to God’s cause. They claim that it is their own, and that they have a right to do what they please with their own; and souls are not saved by any judicious effort they make with their Lord’s money. As judgment passes upon the house of God, the angels keep a faithful record of every man’s work, their sentence is recorded by their name, and the angel is commissioned to spare them not, but to cut them down at the time of slaughter. And that which was committed to their trust is taken from them. Their earthly treasure is then swept away, and they have lost all. And the crowns they might have worn, had they been faithful, are put upon the heads of those saved by the faithful servants whose means were constantly in use for God. And every one they have been the means of saving, adds stars to their crowns in glory, and increases their eternal reward.?{4bSG 38.1}[13]
§34
我还蒙指示看到，那不义管家的比喻是要给我们一个教训。“要藉着那不义的钱财，结交朋友；到了钱财无用的时候，他们可以接你们到永存的帐幕里去”（路16:9）。我们若在今生用我们的钱财荣耀上帝，就是积蓄财宝在天上。在地上财物全然过去之时，忠心的管家就有耶稣及天使为朋友，接待他到永存的帐幕里去。{4bSG39.1}[14]
§35
I was also shown that the parable of the unjust steward was to teach us a lesson. “Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that when ye fail they may receive you into the everlasting habitations.” If we use our means to God’s glory here, we lay up in Heaven a treasure, and when earthly possessions are all gone here, the faithful steward has Jesus and angels for his friends, to receive him home to everlasting habitations.?{4bSG 39.1}[14]
§36
“人在最小的事上忠心，在大事上也忠心”（路16:10）。人若忠心其在地上的财产，亦即最小的事上，明智地运用上帝所借给他的今生钱财，他就是忠心于自己的信仰。“人在最小的事上不义，在大事上也不义。”人若扣留住上帝所借给他的，他也要在各方面上不忠心于上帝的事。“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）？如果我们对于上帝借给我们的今生钱财表明不忠心处理，祂就永不会给我们那不朽的基业了。“倘若你们在别人的东西上不忠心，谁还把你们自己的东西给你们呢”（路16:12）？耶稣已为我们付了赎价。那基业乃是我们的了；然而我们却得在今生被试验，显明我们是否配承受永生。上帝把地上的财产交托我们，是要试验我们。如果我们忠心，慷慨使用祂所借给我们的去推进其圣工，上帝就能把那不朽的基业交托给我们了。“你们不能又事奉上帝，又事奉玛门”（路16:13;太6:24）。“人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了”（约壹2:15）。{4bSG39.2}[15]
§37
“He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much.” He that is faithful in his earthly possessions, which is least, to make a judicious use of what God has lent him here, will be true to his profession. “He that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much.” He that will withhold from God that?which he has lent him, will be unfaithful in the things of God in every respect. “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?” If we prove unfaithful in the management of what God lends us here, he will never give us the immortal inheritance. “And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” Jesus has purchased for us redemption. It is ours; but we are placed here on probation to see if we will prove worthy of eternal life. God proves us by entrusting us with earthly possessions. If we are faithful to freely impart of what he has lent us, to advance his cause, God can entrust to us the immortal inheritance. “Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” “If ye love the world, the love of the Father is not in you.”?{4bSG 39.2}[15]
§38
我看到上帝不喜悦许多自命为祂子民的人，在处理他们今生的业务上马虎疏懈。他们似乎完全丧失了对这个事实的意识：他们所用的财物是属于上帝的，并要向祂交付自己当管家的账目。有些人对于自己今生的业务，十分混乱。撒但很留意这一切事，一有顺利的机会，他就利用攻击，并设法使许多钱财从守安息日者的手中流入他自己之人的手中。有些老年人不愿事先处理自己今生的业务，及至突遭不测，患病逝世，他们那些不关心真理的儿女，就承受了那遗产。撒但已安排此事而遂其心愿了。“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？倘若你们在别人的东西上不忠心，谁还把你们自己的东西给你们呢”（路6:11-12）我蒙指示见到了可怕的事实，在那些自称为上帝子民者的财产上，撒但及其使者竟有更多的处理权，过于主所有的。这些末日的管家是不聪明的。他们让撒但控制其业务，把那属于上帝及应当存于圣工中的钱财流入撒但之人的手中。不忠心的管家们哪，上帝是注意你，并要你交账的。我见到上帝的管家是可以忠心明智地处理自己今生的业务，办得公平，准确，正直。尤其是那些年老体弱的人，以及没有儿女的人，可能突然逝世，因此有一个特权及本分，应把自己的钱财安放在上帝的圣工可用之处。我见到撒但及其使者因在这件事上很是成功而非常高兴。有许多本当聪明承受救恩的人，几乎情愿让主的钱财从自己的手里流入仇敌之辈的手中，他们这样正是坚固了撒但的国度，而自己还似乎很觉自在呢！{4bSG40.1}[16]
§39
I saw that God was displeased with the slack, loose manner in which many of his professed people conduct their worldly business. They seem to lose all sense of the fact that the property they are using belongs to God, and they must render to him an account of their stewardship. Some leave their worldly business in perfect confusion. Satan has his eye on it all, and he strikes at a favorable opportunity, and by his management takes much means out of the ranks of Sabbathkeepers. And this means goes into his ranks. Some who are aged are unwilling to make any settlement of their worldly business, and in an unexpected moment they sicken and die. Their children who have no interest in the truth, take the property. Satan has managed it as it has suited him. “If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? If ye have not been faithful in that which is another man’s, who shall give you that which is your own?” I saw the awful fact that Satan and his evil angels have had more to do with the management of the property of God’s professed people, than the Lord has. Stewards of the last days are unwise. They suffer Satan to control their business matters, and get into his ranks what?belongs to, and should be in, the cause of God. God takes notice of you, unfaithful stewards; he will call you to account. I saw that the stewards of God can by faithful, judicious management, keep their business in this world square, exact, and straight. And if they should be suddenly taken away, it is their privilege and duty, especially for the aged, feeble, and those who have no children, to have their means where it can be used in the cause of God. But I saw that Satan and his angels exult over their success in this matter. And those who should be wise heirs of salvation almost willingly let their Lord’s money slip out of their hands into the enemy’s ranks. In this way they strengthen Satan’s kingdom, and seem to feel very easy about it!?{4bSG 40.1}[16]
§40
【担保，起誓等】
§41
我见到上帝的子民为非信徒担保，是上帝所不悦的。我蒙指示看到这些圣经章节：“不要与人击掌，不要为欠债的作保”（箴22:26）。“为外人作保的，必受亏损；恨恶击掌的，却得安稳”（箴11:15）。不忠心的管家们哪！他们把那属于别人的，──属于他们天父的，──拿来许愿，同时撒但也是随时起来帮助他的子民将之从他们的手中抢去。{4bSG41.1}[17]
§42
【Surety, Oath-Taking, etc】
§43
I saw that God was displeased with his people for being surety for unbelievers. I was directed to these texts.?Proverbs 22:26. “Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are surety for debts.”?Proverbs 11:15. “He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it; and he that hateth suretyship is sure.” Unfaithful stewards! They pledge that which belongs to another—their heavenly Father—and Satan stands ready to aid his children to wrench it out of their hands.?{4bSG 41.1}[17]
§44
我看到守安息日的信徒不应当与非信徒合伙。上帝的子民过于信赖外人的话语，向他们请教领示，这原是不应当的。仇敌使他们作他的工具，利用他们去扰乱和劫取上帝的子民。{4bSG41.2}[18]
§45
I saw that Sabbath-keepers should not be in partnership with unbelievers. God’s people trust too much to the words of strangers, ask their advice and counsel, when they should not. The enemy makes them his agents, and works through them to perplex and take from God’s people.?{4bSG 41.2}[18]
§46
我蒙指示看到有些人在属世的事物上不会机警地作聪明的处理。他们缺少那必要的资格，撒但便占了他们的优势。人若有了这种情形，就不应该依旧不知自己的缺乏。在实行计划之先，他们应当谦卑地去向自己可信任其判断的弟兄们请教。我蒙指示看到这节圣经说：“你们各人的重担要互相担当”（加6:2）。有些人不够谦卑，不肯请那些会为他们筹算的人指教，以至于凭着自己的计划行事，把自己陷于困难中。到此时他们才看出需要弟兄们的指教及判断；然而这时的担子比起当初的时候，已是不知加重多少了。弟兄们对于力可避免的事，就不应诉之法律，因为那样行，是会给仇敌占大优势，要缠累扰乱他们的。最好还是让步，作些牺牲，把事情解决了。{4bSG41.3}[19]
§47
I was shown that some have no tact at wise management of worldly matters. They lack the qualifications, and Satan takes advantage of them. When this is the case, such should not remain in ignorance of their lack. They should be humble enough to counsel with their brethren, whose judgment they can have confidence in, before they carry out plans. I was directed to this?text, “Bear ye one another’s burdens.” Some are not humble enough to let those who have judgment, calculate for them, until they have followed their own plans, and they involved themselves in difficulties. Then they see the necessity of having the counsel and judgments of their brethren; but how much heavier the burden then, than at the first. Brethren should not go to law, if it can be possibly avoided; for they give the enemy great advantage to entangle and perplex them. It would be better to make a settlement at some loss.?{4bSG 41.3}[19]
§48
我见到有些上帝的子民在起誓的事上犯了错误，以至撒但利用这事来压迫他们，把主的钱财从他们手中拿去。我见到圣经上主所说的，“什么誓都不可起，”这句话并非指法庭上的起誓说的。“你们的话，是，就说是；不是，就说不是；若再多说，就是出于那恶者”（太5:34,37）。这是关于普通的谈话而说的。有些人说话，喜爱夸大其辞。有些人以自己的生命起誓，还有些人以自己的头起誓，──他们拿自己的命和头作担保，证实自己所说的话。有些人叫天地来见证自己说的话是对的。还有些人却说，如果自己所说的是虚话，愿上帝罚他们死等等的话。耶稣警告门徒不要起誓的话，就是指着这种普通的赌咒誓语而发的。{4bSG42.1}[20]
§49
I saw that some of God’s children have made a mistake in regard to oath-taking, and Satan has taken advantage of this to oppress them, and take from them their Lord’s money. I saw that the words of our Lord, “Swear not at all,” do not touch the judicial oath. “Let your communication be yea, yea; and nay, nay; for whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil.” This refers to common conversation. Some exaggerate in their language. Some swear by their own life. Others swear by their head. As sure as they live—as sure as they have a head—some take Heaven and earth to witness that such things are so. Some hope that God will strike them out of existence if what they are saying is not true. It is this kind of common swearing that Jesus warns his disciples against.?{4bSG 42.1}[20]
§50
我蒙指示看到，现今在我们之上，有官长管我们，有法律治人民。如果没有这些法律，这世界就要比现在的情形更坏。这些法律有些是好的，有些是不好的。不好的法律现虽与日俱增，但我们还没有到了完全为难受窘的地步。上帝必支持祂的子民坚守并实践圣经上的原理。当人为的法律与上帝的律法及道理有冲突之时，我们便应不顾一切结果而顺从后者。譬如，当地的法律要我们将奴隶交给他的主人，我们就不应顺从这法律，而宁可受犯法的处分。因为奴隶并不是什么人的财产，只有上帝是他合法的主人，人无权把上帝的作品拿来放在自己的手中，说是属于他自己的。{4bSG42.2}[21]
§51
I was shown that we have men placed over us for rulers, and laws to govern the people. Were it not for these laws, the world would be in a worse condition than it is now. Some of these laws are good, and some bad. The bad have been increasing, and we are yet to be brought into straight places. But God will sustain his people in being firm, and living up to the principles of his word. Where the laws of men conflict with God’s word and law, we are to obey the word and law of God, whatever the consequences may be. The laws of our land requiring us to deliver a slave to his master, we are not to obey, and we must abide the consequences of the violation of this law. This slave is not the property of any man. God is his rightful?Master, and man has no right to take God’s workmanship into his hands, and claim his as his own.?{4bSG 42.2}[21]
§52
我见到主对于地上的法律，现今还有些作为。当耶稣仍在圣所内之时，上帝的约束之灵还能感动世上的官长及人民。然而撒但对于地上的民众也有极大的控制力量，若没有那些政府的法律，我们就要受更多的苦难了。我蒙指示看到，如果在实际需要之下，人奉命照法定的条例要起誓作证，这并不违背圣经上的教训，上帝的子民是可以庄重地请上帝来证明他们所说的乃是实话，一点没有虚谎。{4bSG43.1}[22]
§53
I saw that the Lord yet has something to do with the laws of the land. While Jesus is in the sanctuary, God’s restraining spirit is felt by rulers and people. But Satan controls to a great extent the great mass in the world, and were it not for the laws of the land, we should experience great suffering. It was shown me that it was no violation of God’s word, when it is actually necessary, for his children, when called upon to testify in a lawful manner, to solemnly take God to witness that what they say is the truth, and nothing but the truth.?{4bSG 43.1}[22]
§54
人心已败坏至极，以致法律要把责任推在人自己的头上。有些人不怕对同胞人类说谎话；但他们却领过教，同时上帝的约束之灵也感动他们，叫他们晓得向上帝说谎乃是一件可怕的事。亚拿尼亚和他的妻子撒非拉的情形，就是一个例子。既然把那事件从人手中提到上帝面前了，这样若他说假见证的话，就不是对人，而是对那伟大的上帝了，祂是鉴察人心，知道一切真相实情的。我们的法律对于起假誓，列为重罪。上帝往往报应那起假誓的人，甚至当他口中还在发誓的时候，那灭命的天使就把他除灭了。这对于行恶的人，真是一个可怕的证明。{4bSG43.2}[23]
§55
Man is so corrupt that laws are made to throw the responsibility upon his own head. Some men do not fear to lie to their fellow-man; but they have been taught, and the restraining Spirit of God has impressed them, that it is a fearful thing to lie to God. The case of Ananias and Sapphira his wife, is given for an example. The matter is carried from man to God, so that if he bears false witness, it is not to man, but to the great God. He reads the heart and knows the exact truth in every case. Our laws make it a high crime to take a false oath. God has often visited the one who has taken the false oath, and even while the oath was on his lips, the destroying angel has cut him down. This was to prove a terror to evil-doers.?{4bSG 43.2}[23]
§56
我见到世上若有人能守誓不背约的，那就是基督徒了。他在上帝圣颜的光中生活，在祂的力量中刚强。若有重大的事件需要依法解决之时，也只有基督徒善于向上帝申诉了。天使吩咐我注意上帝指着自己起誓（创22:16;来6:13,17）。祂曾对亚伯拉罕起誓（创26:3），对以撒起誓（诗105:9;耶11:5）和对大卫起誓（诗132:11;徒2:30）。上帝也叫以色列人在彼此之间起誓。出埃及22章10,11节。耶稣在受审之时也奉命起誓。大祭司对祂说：“我指着永生上帝，叫祢起誓告诉我们，祢是上帝的儿子基督不是？”耶稣对他说：“你说的是“（太26:63,64）。如果耶稣先前对门徒所发的教训，是关于法律上的起誓，那么，此时祂就要指责那大祭司，并加强其教训而使今日的门徒有所依据了。{4bSG43.3}[24]
§57
And I saw if there was any one on earth who could consistently testify under oath, it is the Christian. He lives in the light of God’s countenance. He grows strong in his strength. And when matters of importance must be decided by law, there is no one who can so well appeal to God as the Christian. I was bid by the angel to notice that God sware by himself.?Genesis 22:16;?Hebrews 6:13, 17. He sware to Abraham,?Genesis 26:3, to Isaac,?Psalm 105:9;?Jeremiah 11:5, and to David,?Psalm 132:11;?Acts 2:30. God required of the children of Israel an oath between man and man.?Exodus 22:10, 11. Jesus submitted to the oath in the hour of his trial. The high priest said unto him, “I adjure?thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus said unto him, Thou hast said.” If Jesus meant the judicial oath in his teachings to his disciples, he would have reproved the high priest, and there enforced his teachings for the good of his followers present.?{4bSG 43.3}[24]
§58
有些人对于起誓的看法有错，撒但很是高兴，因为这就给他一个机会好压迫他们，并从他们拿去主的钱。上帝的管家应当更聪明，作各样的安排，预备自己抵挡撒但的诡计；因为他要空前努力工作。{4bSG44.1}[25]
§59
Satan has been pleased to have some view oath-taking in a wrong light, for it has given him opportunities to oppress them, and take from them their Lord’s money. The stewards of God must be more wise, lay their plans, and prepare themselves to withstand Satan’s devices; for he is to make greater efforts than he has ever made.?{4bSG 44.1}[25]
§60
我见到有些人有反对官长及法律的成见；然而若没有法律，这世界就要陷入一种可怕的情形之中了。上帝约束我们的官长；一切人的心都在祂的手中。祂定有界限，他们不能越过。有许多官长是受撒但的控制；但我见到在官长之中，还是有上帝的工具。他们有些人虽未悔改归向真理，但他们现在正是执行上帝所要他们行的。当撒但利用他的工具作各种建议，若是实行了这些建议，就要妨碍上帝的工作并酿成大祸之时，那良善的天使就要感动上帝的工具，提出坚强的理由反对那些建议，使撒但的工具抵挡不住。上帝的少数工具必有力压倒邪恶的大众。这样，圣工仍得前进，直到第三位天使作完他的工作，并且在第三位天使大声呼喊的时候，这些工具都有接受真理的机会，其中有些人要悔改归主，而在大艰难的时期与圣徒同受患难。当耶稣离开至圣所时，祂约束的灵就要从官长及民众身上撤回。他们要被留给恶使者去控制。从此许多出于撒但指导计划的法律就要定下了，若非减少那日子，凡有血气的总没有一个能得救了。{4bSG44.2}[26]
§61
Some, I saw, have a prejudice against our rulers and laws; but if it was not for law, this world would be in an awful condition. God restrains our rulers, for the hearts of all are in his hands. Bounds are set, beyond which they cannot go. Many of our rulers are those whom Satan controls; but I saw that God has his agents, even among the rulers; and some of them will yet be converted to the truth. They are now acting the part that God would have them. When Satan works through his agents, propositions are made that, if carried out, would impede the work of God, and would produce great evil. The good angels move upon these agents of God to oppose the propositions, with strong reasons, which Satan’s agents cannot resist. A few of God’s agents will have power to bear down a great mass of evil. Thus the work will go on until the third message has done its work, and at the loud cry of the third angel, these agents will have an opportunity to receive the truth, and some of them will be converted, and endure with the saints through the time of trouble. When Jesus leaves the most holy, his restraining Spirit is withdrawn from rulers and people. They are left to the control of evil angels. Then such laws will be made by the counsel and direction of Satan, that unless time should be very short, no flesh could be saved.?{4bSG 44.2}[26]