第33章 老底嘉教会
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第33章 老底嘉教会
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Chap.33 - The Laodicean Church
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亲爱的弟兄姐妹们：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。{1T 185.1}[1]
§4
Dear Brethren and Sisters: The Lord has again visited me in much mercy. I have been greatly afflicted for a few months past. Disease has pressed heavily upon me. For years I have been afflicted with dropsy and disease of the heart, which 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 among Gods people which I expected to see, and my perplexity of mind has been great. Disease seemed to make continual progress upon me, and I thought that I must lie down in the grave. I had no desire to live, therefore I 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. Brethren Andrews and Loughborough were sent for, and earnest petitions were offered to God in my behalf. The depression, the heavy weight, was lifted from my aching heart, and I was taken off in vision, and shown the things which I now present before you.{1T 185.1}[1]
§5
我看到撒但试图把我逼到气馁和绝望，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。{1T 185.2[2]
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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 Gods 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 Gods children would be made sad. I saw that I should often feel anguish of spirit, and 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 I was so fiercely buffeted by the devil.{1T 185.2}[2]
§7
我蒙指示，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。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。{1T 186.1}[3]
§8
I was shown that the testimony to the Laodiceans applies to Gods 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 out Jesus. 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 is designed to arouse the people of God, to discover to them their backslidings, and to lead to zealous repentance, that they may 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. Yet 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.{1T 186.1}[3]
§9
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。{1T 186.2}[4]
§10
God will prove His people. Jesus bears patiently with them, and does not spew 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 them to develop character. Many moved from feeling, not from principle and faith, and this solemn, fearful message stirred them. It wrought upon their feelings, and excited their fears, but did not accomplish the work which 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 then proves them to see if they will obey the counsel of the True Witness.{1T 186.2}[4]
§11
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。{1T 187.1}[5]
§12
God leads His people on, step by step. He brings them up to different points 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 this straight work, it should convince them that they have a work to do to overcome, if they would not be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord. Said the angel: God will bring His work closer and closer to test 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 that 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 any will not be purified through obeying the truth, and overcome their selfishness, their pride, and evil passions, the angels of God have the charge: They are joined to their idols, let them alone, and they pass on to their work, leaving these with their sinful 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 receive the latter rain, and thus be fitted for translation. {1T 187.1}[5]
§13
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。{1T 188.1}[6]
§14
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, persons 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 noblehearted and generous, like his divine Lord. But if evil angels control the heart, it will be seen in various ways. The fruit will be selfishness, covetousness, pride, and evil passions.{1T 188.1}[6]
§15
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。有的人倚靠多年前曾有的老经验；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。何时他们制服了上帝憎恶的那些罪，耶稣就会进来与他们一同坐席，他们也与祂一同坐席。那时他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。{1T 188.2}[7]
§16
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Professors of religion are not willing to closely examine themselves 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 which they had years ago; 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 that a profession of the truth will save them. When they subdue those sins which God hates, Jesus will come in and sup with them and they with Him. They will then draw divine strength from Jesus, and will grow up in Him, and be able with holy triumph to say: Thanks be to God, which 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.{1T 188.2}[7]
§17
我蒙指示，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。{1T 188.3}[8]
§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 the peculiar, holy character which should distinguish them as Gods people. I was pointed back to Gods ancient people, and was led to compare their 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 faces with a veil. 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 Gods professed people had not greatly departed 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 between them and the Israel of God must be more plain, or the curse which falls upon worldlings will fall on Gods professed people.{1T 188.3}[8]
§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。” {1T 189.1}[9]
§20
I was directed to the following scriptures. Said the angel: They are to instruct Gods people. 1 Timothy 2:9, 10: In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided 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.{1T 189.1}[9]
§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。{1T 189.2}[10]
§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 that was given concerning Elis house will be spoken to the angels of God concerning you: 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.{1T 189.2}[10]
§23
定期捐款计划【见附录】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。” {1T 190.1}[11]
§24
The plan of systematic benevolence 【SEE APPENDIX.】 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 that by the gift of prophecy He 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 that this was not merely to sympathize with them by comforting words in their affliction, but to aid them, if needy, with our substance. Young men and women to whom God has given health can obtain a great blessing by aiding the widow and the fatherless in their affliction. I saw that God requires 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.{1T 190.1}[11]
§25
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。{1T 191.1}[12]
§26
There is order in heaven, and God is well pleased with the efforts of His people in trying to move with system and order in His work on earth. I saw that there should be order in the church of God, and that system is needed in 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 to which God is bringing up His people which will cut the closest with some. With them this 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, the offering seems to them like a large sum. The selfish heart clings as closely to a small offering as to a larger one, and makes a small sum look very large.{1T 191.1}[12]
§27
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。{1T 191.2}[13]
§28
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 who 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.{1T 191.2}[13]
§29
我看到时候到了，那些有大量财产的人要开始赶快作工，他们不仅按着现在的进项留出一部分来存着，而且要按着从前的进项留出来。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）。{1T 192.1}[14]
§30
I saw that it is time for those who have large possessions to begin to work fast. It is time that they were not only laying by them in store as God is now prospering them, but as He has prospered them. In the days of the apostles, plans were especially laid 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 abilities. Said the angel: The ax must be laid at the root of the tree. Those who, like Judas, have set their hearts upon earthly treasure will complain as he did. 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 that 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, so professed Christians, whose hearts are covetous, will seek to hide their selfishness under a put-on conscientiousness. Oh, they fear that in adopting systematic benevolence we are becoming like the nominal churches! Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth. They seem to have a conscientious desire to follow exactly the Bible as they understand it in this matter; but they entirely neglect the plain admonition of Christ: Sell that ye have, and give alms. {1T 192.1}[14]
§31
“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。{1T 193.1}[15]
§32
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 this 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 almsgiving at some very public gathering; and before doing this, a public proclamation was made heralding their generosity before the people; and many gave large sums merely to have their name 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.{1T 193.1}[15]
§33
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。{1T 193.2}[16]
§34
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 that the unbeliever has. He thinks that there must be strong motives that actuate the Christian to deny self, and use his possessions in trying to save his fellow men. It is unlike the spirit of the world. Such fruits testify that the possessors are genuine Christians. They seem to be constantly reaching upward to a treasure that is imperishable.{1T 193.2}[16]
§35
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。” {1T 194.1}[17]
§36
With 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 while their brother who is poor, may be suffering close by them, and they do nothing to relieve him. Little acts of kindness performed for their brother in a secret manner would bind their hearts together, and would be noticed in heaven. I saw that in their prices and wages the rich should make a difference in favor of the afflicted and widows and the worthy poor among them. But it is too often the case that the rich take advantage of the poor, reaping every benefit that is to be gained, and exacting the last penny for every favor. It is all written in heaven. I know thy works.{1T 194.1}[17]
§37
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。” {1T 194.2}[18]
§38
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 strength to carry them the word of life, and many have shown by their works that they prize it but lightly. If they can help the servant of God just as well as not, they sometimes do it; but they often let him pass on, and do but little for him. If they employ a day laborer, he must be paid full wages. But not so with the self-sacrificing servant of God. He 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 Gods 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 that they let the servant of God leave them without ministering to him of their temporal things. They have prized his wearing labor just as highly as their acts show. Says the True Witness: I know thy works.{1T 194.2}[18]
§39
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，都要与不忠心的管家算账。{1T 195.1}[19]
§40
I saw that Gods 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 yet some who are benefited by their labors are indifferent to their wants. I saw that it is 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 for the use they have made of their Lords money, but all the depression and heartache which they have brought upon Gods chosen servants, and which have crippled their efforts, will be set to the account of the unfaithful stewards.{1T 195.1}[19]
§41
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。{1T 195.2}[20]
§42
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 person will live out all the faith he has. Falsehearted professor, Jesus knows thy works. He hates your stinted offerings, your lame sacrifices.{1T 195.2}[20]
§43
第190页：定期捐款——信息传播的初期，人们在信念的激励之下出去宣扬新发现的真理。他们靠自己的劳动或信徒的乐意奉献维持生活。但这种方法并不稳定，来源时断时续。到1859年初，人们感到需要更稳定的计划，就对这个问题作了认真的研究。结果就有了定期捐款计划。根据林前16:2，提出在每周的第一日定期捐献，并按照林后8:12-14，平均分配财务责任。该计划要求弟兄每周积蓄5到25美分；姐妹每周积蓄2到10美分；有财产的人每周按资产价值每一百美元奉献1到5美分。{1T 714.4}[21]
§44
【APPENDIX】
§45
PAGE 190, SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE--IN THE EARLY DAYS OF THE MESSAGE, MEN IMPELLED BY THE URGE OF CONVICTION WENT FORTH TO PREACH THE NEW-FOUND TRUTHS. THEY WERE DEPENDENT FOR THEIR SUPPORT UPON THEIR OWN LABORS OR THE FREEWILL OFFERINGS OF THE BELIEVERS. SUCH AN UNCERTAIN METHOD WAS MORE OR LESS SPASMODIC AND FLUCTUATING. EARLY IN 1859 THE NEED FOR A MORE CERTAIN PLAN WAS FELT, AND EARNEST STUDY WAS GIVEN TO THE MATTER. THERE GREW OUT OF THIS STUDY THE PLAN CALLED SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE. IN HARMONY WITH 1 CORINTHIANS 16:2 GIVING REGULARLY ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK WAS RECOMMENDED, AND, AS SUGGESTED BY 2 CORINTHIANS 8:12-14, AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. THE PLAN CALLED FOR BRETHREN TO LAY BY IN STORE WEEKLY FROM FIVE TO TWENTY-FIVE CENTS; THE SISTERS, FROM TWO TO TEN CENTS; AND FOR PROPERTY OWNERS TO GIVE WEEKLY FROM ONE TO FIVE CENTS ON EACH HUNDRED DOLLARS WORTH OF ASSETS.{1T 714.4}[21]
§46
该计划得到了普遍的赞同。预言之灵在这里予以认可，指出教会中最大的罪是贪婪（第194页）。定期捐款并不是作为一个完美的计划提出来的，因为预言之灵还说在这件事上“上帝正在带领祂的子民”，并引导他们进步（第191页）。随着圣工支援计划和传道工作的拓展，慷慨的精神越来越受到鼓励，直到最后圣经的亮光显示了现今教会所熟知的十分之一和乐意捐制度。{1T 714.5}[22]
§47
THE PLAN WAS GENERALLY RECEIVED WITH FAVOR, AND HERE RECEIVED THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY. THE GREATEST SIN IN THE CHURCH WAS POINTED OUT TO BE COVETOUSNESS. (PAGE 194.) SYSTEMATIC BENEVOLENCE WAS NOT PRESENTED AS A PERFECTED PLAN, FOR IT WAS ALSO STATED THAT GOD IS LEADING HIS PEOPLE IN THE MATTER, AND IS BRINGING THEM UP. (PAGE 191.) AS PLANS FOR SUPPORT OF THE WORK AND THE MINISTRY BROADENED, THE SPIRIT OF LIBERALITY WAS ENCOURAGED MORE AND MORE UNTIL AT LENGTH LIGHT FROM THE SCRIPTURES REVEALED THE SYSTEM OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS AS THEY ARE KNOWN IN THE CHURCH TODAY.{1T 714.5}[22]