第84章 我们的传道人
§1
第84章 我们的传道人
§2
Chap.84 - Our Ministers
§3
1865年12月25日，在纽约州的罗切斯特赐给我的异象中，我蒙指示，一项极其严肃的工作摆在我们面前。其重要性是我们没有认识到的。当我注意到各处显然的漠不关心时，就为传道人和平信徒感到担心。在真理的圣工上似乎有一种瘫痪。上帝的工作似乎停滞了。传道人和平信徒都没有为自己所生活的时期预备好，几乎所有自称相信现代真理的人都没有预备好明白此时的预备工作。在他们有属世野心的现状中，他们缺乏对上帝的献身，他们是献身自我的，他们完全不适于领受晚雨并成就一切，抵抗撒但的忿怒，撒但正千方百计使他们的信心如同船坏了一般，把他们紧紧系在某种悦人的自我欺骗上。他们以为自己一切都好，其实他们完全错了。{1T 466.1}[1]
§4
In the vision given me in Rochester, New York, December 25, 1865, I was shown that a most solemn work is before us. Its importance and magnitude are not realized. As I marked the indifference which was everywhere apparent, I was alarmed for ministers and people. There seemed to be a paralysis upon the cause of present truth. The work of God seemed stayed. Ministers and people are unprepared for the time in which they live, and nearly all who profess to believe present truth are unprepared to understand the work of preparation for this time. In their present state of worldly ambition, with their lack of consecration to God, their devotion to self, they are wholly unfitted to receive the latter rain and, having done all, to stand against the wrath of Satan, who by his inventions would cause them to make shipwreck of faith, fastening upon them some pleasing self-deception. They think they are all right when they are all wrong.{1T 466.1}[1]
§5
传道人和平信徒都必须在改革的工作上作出更大的进步。他们应该毫不迟延地开始纠正自己错误的饮食、着装和工作习惯。我看到相当多的传道人在这个重要问题上没有醒悟。他们并不都在上帝原要他们处在的地步。结果，一些人的工作只能见到很少的果效。传道人应该作上帝群羊的榜样。但他们并非免于撒但的试探。他们正是撒但要努力诱捕的人。他若能成功地哄骗一位传道人陷入属肉体的安全感中，并且藉此使他的心转离工作，或欺骗他使他不知道自己在上帝面前的真实状况，他就颇有成就了。{1T 466.2}[2]
§6
Ministers and people must make greater advancement in the work of reform. They should commence without delay to correct their wrong habits of eating, drinking, dressing, and working. I saw that quite a number of the ministers are not awake upon this important subject. They are not all where God would have them. The result is, some can show but little fruit of their labors. Ministers should be ensamples to the flock of God. But they are not safe from Satans temptations. They are the very ones whom he will seek to ensnare. If he can succeed in lulling one minister to carnal security, and by so doing divert his mind from the work, or deceive him with regard to his own true condition before God, he has accomplished much.{1T 466.2}[2]
§7
我看到上帝的圣工并没有照着它所能够所应该的前进。传道人没能用这工作的重要性所需要的活力，献身和坚决的毅力把握住这工作。他们有一位警醒的仇敌要对付，其勤奋和毅力是不倦的。传道人和平信徒的微薄努力比不上他们的仇敌魔鬼所做的努力。一边是为正义而战并有上帝和圣天使帮助的传道人。他们应该是强壮而英勇的，全然献身于他们所从事的圣工，利益与共。他们应该不将世务缠身，好叫那招他们当兵的人喜悦。{1T 467.1}[3]
§8
I saw that the cause of God was not progressing as it might and as it should. Ministers fail to take hold of the work with that energy, devotion, and decided perseverance which the importance of the work demands. They have a vigilant adversary to contend with whose diligence and perseverance are untiring. The feeble effort of ministers and people can bear no comparison with those of their adversary, the devil. On one side are the ministers who battle for the right and have the help of God and holy angels. They should be strong and valiant, and wholly devoted to the cause in which they are engaged, having no separate interest. They should not be entangled with the things of this life, that they may please Him who hath chosen them to be soldiers.{1T 467.1}[3]
§9
另一方面是撒但和他的使者，连同他在地上的所有爪牙。他们百般努力想方设法要推广谬论与错误，用悦人的装扮掩盖他们的丑恶和残缺。撒但给自私、伪善和各种欺骗披上真理和公义的外衣，并在他的成功中夸胜，甚至用自称晓得他诡计的传道人和平信徒夸胜。他们离自己的伟大领袖基督越远，他们在品格上就越不象祂，他们在生活和品格上越象他们大仇敌的仆人，他们最终也就越确定是属于他的。他们虽自称是基督的仆人，实际却是罪的奴仆。有些传道人的心思太多在所领的工资上。他们为了工资工作，看不见这工作的神圣性和重要性。{1T 467.2}[4]
§10
On the other side are Satan and his angels, with all his agents on earth, who make every effort and use every device to advance error and wrong, and to cover up their hideousness and deformity with a pleasing garb. Selfishness, hypocrisy, and every species of deception, Satan clothes with a garment of apparent truth and righteousness, and triumphs in his success, even with ministers and people who profess to understand his wiles. The greater distance they keep from Christ their great Leader, the less they are like Him in character, the more close is their resemblance in life and character to the servants of their great adversary, and the more sure is he of them at last. While they profess to be servants of Christ, they are servants of sin. Some ministers have their minds too much on the wages they receive. They labor for wages and lose sight of the sacredness and importance of the work.{1T 467.2}[4]
§11
有些人在工作上变得马虎松懈粗心大意了；他们走马观花，付出的努力软弱且不成功。他们的心不在工作上。真理的理论是清楚的。他们中的许多人没有藉着刻苦的研究和恳切的祈祷查考真理，也丝毫不知真理的宝贵与价值，没有努力坚持自己的立场反对真理的仇敌。他们没有看到保持完全献身于工作之精神的必要性。他们在自己和工作上是利益均沾的。{1T 467.3}[5]
§12
Some become slack and negligent in their labor; they pass over the ground, but are weak and unsuccessful in their efforts. Their hearts are not in the work. The theory of truth is clear. Many of them had no part in searching out this truth by hard study and earnest prayer, and they know nothing of its preciousness and value by being compelled to sustain their positions against the opposition of its enemies. They do not see the necessity of preserving a spirit of entire consecration to the work. Their interest is divided between themselves and the work.{1T 467.3}[5]
§13
我看到在上帝的工作能取得决定性的进展之前，传道人必须悔改。何时他们悔改了，他们就会更少计较工资而更多重视他们已从上帝手中接过来要做之重要、神圣、严肃的工作，祂要求他们忠心地把这工作做好，好像那些必须向祂严格交账的人一样。他们一切工作的忠实记录每日都由天使记下来。他们一切的行为，甚至他们内心的意向和目的都如实显明了。在那与我们有关之主的鉴察一切的圣目面前，什么都不能隐藏。那些已将自己的全部精力都投入上帝圣工的人，和已冒险有所投资的人，会觉得上帝的工作乃是他们的一部分，而不会仅仅为工资工作。他们不会是眼前的仆人，寻求取悦自己，而会把自己和自己全部的利益奉献给这严肃的工作。{1T 468.1}[6]
§14
I saw that before the work of God can make any decided progress, the ministers must be converted. When converted they will place less estimate upon wages and far more value upon the important, sacred, solemn work which they have accepted at the hand of God to perform, and which He requires them to do faithfully and well, as those who must render to Him a strict account. A faithful record of all their works is daily made by the recording angels. All their acts, and even the intents and purposes of the heart, stand faithfully revealed. Nothing is hid from the all-seeing eye of Him with whom we have to do. Those who have thrown all their energies into the cause of God, and who have ventured out and invested something, will feel that the work of God is a part of them, and will not labor merely for wages. They will not be eyeservants and seek to please themselves, but will consecrate themselves and all their interests to this solemn work.{1T 468.1}[6]
§15
一些在各教会从事公众服务的人，有因缺乏周到彻底而犯错误的危险。为了他们自己和圣工的利益，他们应该严密地省察试验自己的动机，并要确实剥除自己的自私。他们在向别人传讲率直的真理时，应该警醒，免得没能以同样的准则生活，并允许撒但用某种别的东西取代深切的内心工夫。他们应当彻底了解自己和上帝的圣工，免得为工资而作工，看不见这工作的重要性和尊贵性。他们不应让自我掌权而不让耶稣掌权，他们应当谨慎，不要对锡安的罪人说，你会凡事顺利，其实上帝已向他宣布了咒诅。{1T 468.2}[7]
§16
Some in their public labors with the churches are in danger of making mistakes from a lack of thoroughness. It is for their own interest and that of the cause that they should search closely, try their motives, and be certain to divest themselves of selfishness. They should watch lest, while they preach straight truths to others, they fail to live by the same rule, and allow Satan to substitute something else for the deep heartwork. They should be thorough with themselves and with the cause of God lest they work for wages and lose sight of the important and exalted character of the work. They should not let self rule instead of Jesus, and they should be careful not to say to the sinner in Zion, It shall be well with thee, when God has pronounced a curse upon him.{1T 468.2}[7]
§17
传道人必须醒起，并且向那些因为没能与上帝同行而有相当长的时间几乎成了外人的人表现出生命、热心和献身。上帝的圣工在许多地方都没有增进。需要有内心的工作。人们已因贪食、醉酒和今生的思虑被压倒了。他们正越来越深地陷入世俗企业的精神中。他们有野心要得利。有灵性和献身的人是罕见的。流行的精神乃是要工作，要积累，要增加已经拥有的财物。我问题的核心是：“这些事的结局如何呢？” {1T 469.1}[8]
§18
Ministers must arouse and manifest a life, zeal, and devotion to which they have for quite a length of time been almost strangers because they have failed to walk with God. The cause of God in many places is not improving. Soul work is needed. The people are overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness and the cares of this life. They are entering deeper and deeper into a spirit of worldly enterprise. They are ambitious to get gain. Spirituality and devotion are rare. The spirit that prevails is to work, to accumulate, and to add to that which they already possess. What will be the end of these things? was the burden of my inquiry.{1T 469.1}[8]
§19
区会会议没有成就任何持久的益处。那些与会的人带有一种交易的精神。传道人和平信徒经常把自己的商品带到这些大型集会中，而讲台上所讲的真理却没能感动人心。圣灵的剑，上帝的道，没能做其刺入剖开的工作；它平淡柔顺地落在听众们身上。他们使上帝的尊贵工作太过接近凡俗的事了。{1T 469.2}[9]
§20
Conference meetings have accomplished no lasting good. Those who attend the meetings carry a spirit of traffic with them. Ministers and people frequently bring their merchandise to these large gatherings, and the truths spoken from the desk fail to impress the heart. The sword of the Spirit, the word of God, fails to do its office work; it falls tamely upon the hearers. The exalted work of God is made to connect too closely with common things.{1T 469.2}[9]
§21
传道人们在能坚固弟兄们之前，必须先悔改。他们不应传讲自己，而应传讲基督和祂的义。在平信徒中间也需一番改革，但首先应该在传道人中开始其净化的工作。他们乃是锡安城墙上的守望者，要向粗心疏忽无疑虑的人敲响警钟；也要描绘锡安城中假冒为善之人的命运。在我看来，似乎有些传道人已经忘了撒但还活着，象从前一样坚忍、热心、狡猾；他仍在努力引诱人离开义路。{1T 469.3}[10]
§22
The ministers must be converted before they can strengthen their brethren. They should not preach themselves, but Christ and His righteousness. A reformation is needed among the people, but it should first begin its purifying work with the ministers. They are watchmen upon the walls of Zion, to sound the note of warning to the careless, the unsuspecting; also to portray the fate of the hypocrite in Zion. It seemed to me that some of the ministers had forgotten that Satan was yet alive, as persevering, earnest, and artful as ever; that he was still seeking to allure souls from the path of righteousness.{1T 469.3}[10]
§23
传道工作的一个重要部分就是忠实地向人们传讲健康改良，因为它与第三位天使的信息相连，是同一工作的重要部分。他们自己应该实行健康改良，并应力劝所有自称相信真理的人都实行健康改良。{1T 469.4}[11]
§24
One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform as it stands connected with the third angels message as part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth.{1T 469.4}[11]
§25
传道人应该利益与共，且别说领人归向真理的伟大工作，他们的精力都需用在这里。他们不应经商，行商，或从事这一项大工之外的任何业务。给提摩太的严肃告诫以同等的分量落在他们身上，使他们负有极其严肃的义务和十分可怕的责任。“我在上帝面前，并在将来审判活人死人的基督耶稣面前，凭着祂的显现和祂的国度嘱咐你：务要传道，无论得时不得时，总要专心；并用百般的忍耐，各样的教训，责备人、警戒人、劝勉人。”“你却要凡事谨慎，忍受苦难，作传道的工夫，尽你的职分”（提后4:1,2,5）。{1T 470.1}[12]
§26
Ministers should have no separate interest aside from the great work of leading souls to the truth. Their energies are all needed here. They should not engage in merchandise, in peddling, or in any business aside from this one great work. The solemn charge given to Timothy rests with equal weight upon them, laying upon them the most solemn obligations and most fearful responsibilities. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.{1T 470.1}[12]
§27
错误的生活习惯已削弱我们身心的敏感性，我们能从正确的生活得到并使我们处于最佳的健康和生活状况的一切力量，都应毫无保留地奉献于上帝所分派给我们的工作。我们担不起用我们所拥有的少许微薄残缺的精力去管理饮食或把上帝所交给我们的工作跟商品贸易混在一起。身心的每一分能力现在都是需要的。上帝的工作需要这个，在这项大工之外，没有哪项独立的业务不需花费光阴和身体的精力，从而减少我们在上帝圣工中的活力与精力的。如此行的传道人不会始终默想祈祷，也不会将所有清明的心思和心力用于了解那些需要帮助之人的情况，并且“无论得时不得时”都做好预备。在适当的时候说一句适当的话，可能会拯救某个可怜、犯错、怀疑、发昏的人。保罗劝勉提摩太说：“这些事你要殷勤去做，并要在此专心，使众人看出你的长进来”（提前4:15）。{1T 470.2}[13]
§28
Wrong habits of life have lessened our mental and physical sensibilities, and all the strength we can acquire by right living and placing ourselves in the best relation to health and life should be devoted unreservedly to the work which God has assigned us. We cannot afford to use the few enfeebled, crippled energies which we possess to serve tables or to mingle merchandise with the work God has committed to us. Every faculty of mind and body is now needed. The work of God requires this, and no separate business can be engaged in aside from this great work without taking time and strength of mind and body, and thus lessening the vigor and force of our labor in the cause of God. Ministers who do this will not have all that time for meditation and prayer, and all that strength and clearness of mind that they should have to understand the cases of those who need help, and to be prepared to be instant in season, out of season. A word fitly spoken at the right time may save some poor, erring, doubting, fainting soul. Paul exhorted Timothy: Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.{1T 470.2}[13]
§29
在基督给祂门徒的使命中，祂告诉他们：“凡你们在地上所捆绑的，在天上也要捆绑；凡你们在地上所释放的，在天上也要释放”（太18:18）。如果这就是上帝的传道人要做的负有可怕责任的工作，那么他们全然献身这工作并为灵魂警醒好像将来交账的人一样，乃是多么重要啊。岂可有任何个别或自私的利益插进来使人在这工作上分心吗？有些传道人留恋自己的家，在安息日跑出去，然后又回来，在自己的农事上或在照顾家事上耗尽自己的精力。他们全周为自己工作，然后用疲惫精力的残余部分为上帝作工。但这等微薄的努力并不蒙祂悦纳。他们没有智力或体力可以节省。他们最好的努力也是十足软弱的。他们既在每周的工作日全神贯注地陷于今生的挂虑和困惑混乱中，就完全不适合上帝崇高神圣的重要工作。生灵的命运悬在他们所走的路线和所做的决定上。因而他们在凡事上节制是多么重要啊，不仅在吃喝上，而且在工作上节制，好使他们的力量不衰退并专心于他们的圣召。{1T 471.1}[14]
§30
In Christs commission to His disciples He tells them: Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. If this is the fearfully responsible work of Gods ministers, how important that they give themselves wholly to it and watch for souls as they that must give an account. Should any separate or selfish interest come in here and divide the heart from the work? Some ministers linger about their homes, and run out on the Sabbath, and then return and exhaust their energies in farming or in attending to home matters. They labor for themselves through the week, and then spend the remnant of their exhausted energies in laboring for God. But such feeble efforts are not acceptable to Him. They have no mental or physical strength to spare. At best their efforts are feeble enough. But after they have been engrossed and entangled all through the laboring days of the week with the cares and perplexities of this life, they are wholly unfitted for the high, the sacred, the important work of God. The destiny of souls hangs upon the course they pursue and the decisions they make. How important then that they should be temperate in all things, not only in their eating, but in their labor, that their strength may be unabated and devoted to their sacred calling.{1T 471.1}[14]
§31
一些自称信奉现代真理的人已经犯了一个大错，他们在一系列的聚会期间介绍商品货物，并且藉着他们的交易使人心转离了聚会的目的。而今基督若在地上，祂就会用一条绳子作的鞭子赶出这些小贩和商人，无论他们是传道人还是平信徒，因为当祂进入古时的圣殿时，曾“赶出殿里一切做买卖的人，推倒兑换银钱之人的桌子，和卖鸽子之人的凳子；对他们说：‘经上记着说：我的殿必称为祷告的殿，你们倒使它成为贼窝了’”（太21:12,13）。这些商人可能会辩称他们所卖的商品是为献祭用的。但他们的目的是要获利，得钱，积财。{1T 471.2}[15]
§32
A great mistake has been made by some who profess present truth, by introducing merchandise in the course of a series of meetings and by their traffic diverting minds from the object of the meetings. If Christ were now upon earth, He would drive out these peddlers and traffickers, whether they be ministers or people, with a scourge of small cords, as when He entered the temple anciently and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money-changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. These traffickers might have pleaded as an excuse that the articles they held for sale were for sacrificial offerings. But their object was to get gain, to obtain means, to accumulate.{1T 471.2}[15]
§33
我蒙指示，传道人和平信徒的道德和心智能力若是没有被错误的生活习惯蒙蔽，原会迅速看出将圣的与俗的混在一起的恶果。传道人既先是站在讲台上，讲了一堂极其严肃的道，然后又介绍商品货物，甚至在上帝的家里扮演推销员的角色，他们就使听众的心转离了所领受的印象，摧毁了他们作工的果效。要是他们的感觉没有变得迟钝，他们原会有洞察力，看出自己正在使圣事降到凡俗的水平。销售我们出版物的负担不应落在劳苦传道教导人的传道人身上。他们的光阴和精力应当保持备用，以便他们在一系列聚会中的努力可以周到彻底。他们的光阴和力量不应用在销售我们的书报上，那些没有传道负担的人可以适当地把我们的书报带到公众面前。在进入新的园地时，传道人可能有必要随身带着出版物以供销售给人，在某些别的环境下，还可能有必要为出版社销售书籍办理业务。但只要有别人可以做，传道人就应避免这种工作。{1T 472.1}[16]
§34
I was shown that if the moral and intellectual faculties had not been clouded by wrong habits of living, ministers and people would have been quick to discern the evil results of mixing sacred and common things. Ministers have stood in the desk and preached a most solemn discourse, and then by introducing merchandise, and acting the part of a salesman, even in the house of God, they have diverted the minds of their hearers from the impressions received, and destroyed the fruit of their labor. If the sensibilities had not been blunted, they would have had discernment to know that they were bringing sacred things down upon a level with common. The burden of selling our publications should not rest upon ministers who labor in word and doctrine. Their time and strength should be held in reserve, that their efforts may be thorough in a series of meetings. Their time and strength should not be drawn upon to sell our books when they can be properly brought before the public by those who have not the burden of preaching the word. In entering new fields it may be necessary for the minister to take publications with him to offer for sale to the people, and it may be necessary in some other circumstances also to sell books and transact business for the office of publication. But such work should be avoided whenever it can be done by others.{1T 472.1}[16]
§35
传道人所应该做的一切就是传道，在他们向众人极力陈述了严肃的真理之后，他们应当保持崇高真理之传道人谦卑的尊严，并作为真理的代表显在人前。他们在努力工作之后需要休息。就连销售关于现代真理的书报也是一件操心劳神，使身体疲倦的事。若是有人仍有后备力量，可以操劳而不使自己受损，对他们来说就有一项重要的工作去做，而且当他们向众人讲完真理之时，这工作只不过刚刚开始呢。然后他们就要把自己所讲的道示范出来，警醒注意，谋求向别人行善，与人交谈，挨家挨户围炉探访，理解体会那些听他讲道之人的心态和属灵状况；劝诫这人，责备那人，严斥另一人，安慰遭患难，受痛苦，灰心丧气的人。他们的心智应该尽可能地免于疲倦，以便他们可以作随时应召的义勇军，“这些事你要殷勤去做，并要在此专心”（提前4:15）。{1T 472.2}[17]
§36
Ministers have all that they ought to do to preach the word, and after they have urged solemn truth upon the people they should maintain a humble dignity as the preachers of exalted truth and as representatives of the truth presented to the people. After their labored effort they need rest. Even selling books upon present truth is a care, a tax to the mind, and a weariness to the body. If there are those who still have a reserve force and can be taxed without injury to themselves, there is important work for them to do, and it has but just commenced when they have spoken the truth to the people. Then come the exemplary preaching, the watchful care, the seeking to do good to others, the conversation, and visiting at the fireside from house to house, entering into the condition of mind and the spiritual state of those who listened to the discourse from their lips; exhorting this one, reproving that one, rebuking another, and comforting the afflicted, suffering, and desponding. The mind should be as free from weariness as possible that they may be minutemen, instant in season, out of season. They should obey the injunction given by Paul to Timothy: Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them.{1T 472.2}[17]
§37
一些人没有负起工作的重任。他们觉得在离开讲台后自己的工作就完成了。探访是另一回事，谈话也是另一回事；真心渴望获得为他们预备的一切好处的人，和想听想学以便可以看清一切的人，却没有受益也没有得到满足。传道人给自己找藉口，说因为他们很疲劳，可是他们中有些人却把自己宝贵的精力和光阴耗费在某项别人也能象他们做得一样好的工作上。他们应当保持道德上和身体上的活力，以便作为上帝忠心的工人，完全尽到自己所负的责任。{1T 473.1}[18]
§38
The responsibility of the work rests very lightly upon some. They feel that after they leave the desk their work is done. It is a burden to visit, a burden to talk; and the people who are really desirous of getting all the good there is for them, and who wish to hear and learn that they may see all things clearly, are not benefited and satisfied. Ministers excuse themselves because they are weary, and yet some exhaust their precious strength and spend their time in work which another could do just as well as they. They should preserve moral and physical vigor that as faithful workmen of God they may give full proof of their ministry.{1T 473.1}[18]
§39
在每一个重要的地方都应有一个书库。一些真正热爱真理的人，应当表现出有兴趣把这些书交在一切希望阅读的人手中。庄稼多，但做工的人少，而今少数有经验的工人在园地里有他们应当做的一切工，要劳苦传道教导人。会有人起来声称上帝给了他们教导别人真理的责任。所有这等人都应被验证受考验。他们不应解除一切操心的事，也不应立即被提升到负责的岗位；而应受到鼓励，若是他们配得鼓励的话，就鼓励他们充分尽到自己的责任。这样的人参与别人的劳动并不是最好的做法。要让他们先与一个有经验有智慧的人联络，他不久就能看出他们是否能够发挥救人感化力。年轻的传道人若从未做过令人疲惫的工作，也没有消耗过自己的智力和体力，就不应受到鼓励希望不靠自己的体力劳动受到供养，因为这只会伤害他们，也会成为一个诱饵，引诱毫不了解这工作的担子和上帝所拣选之传道人所负责任的人参加这工作。这样的人会觉得自己有能力教导别人，其实他们自己几乎连基本原理都没学会。{1T 473.2}[19]
§40
In every important place there should be a depository for publications. And someone who really appreciates the truth should manifest an interest to get these books into the hands of all who will read. The harvest is great, but the laborers are few, and the few experienced laborers now in the field have all they should do to labor in word and doctrine. Men will arise who claim that God has laid upon them the burden of teaching the truth to others. All such should be proved and tried. They should not be relieved from all care, neither should they be lifted into responsible positions at once; but they should be encouraged if they deserve encouragement, to give full proof of their ministry. It would not be the best course for such ones to pursue, to enter into other mens labors. Let them first labor in connection with one of experience and wisdom, and he can soon see whether they are capable of exerting an influence that will be saving. Young preachers who have never had wearing labor, nor felt the draft upon their mental and physical strength, should not be encouraged to hope for a support independent of their own physical labor, for this will only injure them and will be a bait to entice men to engage in the work who realize nothing of the burden of it or the responsibility resting upon Gods chosen ministers. Such will feel competent to teach others when they have scarcely learned the first principles themselves.{1T 473.2}[19]
§41
许多自称相信真理的人并没有因真理而成圣，也没有得到智慧；他们不是受上帝带领和教导的。上帝的子民普遍怀有属世的心，营求名利，离开了福音的简朴。因此他们对传道人采取的做法极其缺乏属灵的辨识力。若是一个传道人能轻松自如地讲道，有些人就会当面赞美他。他们不细想他所讲的真理，并善用，从而表明自己不是听了就忘的人，而是行道的人，反而高举传道人，提说他所做的。他们细说那可怜的器皿的美德，却忘记使用了那器皿的基督。自从撒但堕落以来，一直有传道人因被高举而堕落。撒但曾是一位有荣耀的尊贵天使。缺乏智慧的守安息日者藉着称赞自己的传道人已大大取悦了魔鬼。他们知道自己是在协助撒但的工作吗？要是他们认识到自己在做什么，就会惊慌。他们是盲目的，没有遵从上帝的忠告。我扬声警告，反对赞美或奉承传道人。我已看到了这事的邪恶，可怕的邪恶。决不要当面对传道人说赞美的话。要赞扬上帝。总要尊敬一位忠心的传道人，认识到他的负担，若是你能就减轻他的负担；但不要奉承他，因为撒但正站在他的守望楼上，随时准备亲自做那种事。{1T 474.1}[20]
§42
Many who profess the truth are not sanctified by it and are not endowed with wisdom; they are not led and taught of God. Gods people, as a general thing, are worldly-minded and have departed from the simplicity of the gospel. This is the cause of the great lack of spiritual discernment in the course they have pursued toward ministers. If a minister preaches with freedom, some will praise him to his face. Instead of dwelling upon the truths he uttered, and improving upon them, thus showing themselves to be not forgetful hearers, but doers of the work, they exalt him by referring to what he has done. They dwell upon the virtues of the poor instrument, but forget Christ who employed the instrument. Ever since the fall of Satan, who was once an exalted angel in glory, ministers have fallen through exaltation. Unwise Sabbathkeepers have pleased the devil well by praising their ministers. Were they aware that they were aiding Satan in his work? They would have been alarmed had they realized what they were doing. They were blinded, they were not standing in the counsel of God. I lift my voice of warning against praising or flattering the ministers. I have seen the evil, the dreadful evil, of this. Never, never speak a word in praise of ministers to their faces. Exalt God. Ever respect a faithful minister, realize his burdens and lighten them if you can; but do not flatter him, for Satan stands ready at his watchtower to do that kind of work himself.{1T 474.1}[20]
§43
传道人不该恭维人或偏待人。过去和将来都存在一种极危险的错误，就是对富人的偏心，即或不藉着言语，也是藉着特别的关注奉承他们。存在为了利得而“谄媚人”（犹16）的危险，然而在这样做时，就危及了他们永恒的利益。传道人可能会特别喜爱某个富人，后者可能对他很慷慨；这使传道人感到满足，就对他捐赠人的善行大加赞美。富人的名字可能被高举，出现在印刷品中，可是那点慷慨的捐赠可能完全不配所给予他的荣誉。他的慷慨并非出自深刻活泼的原则，要用自己的钱财行善，因重视上帝的圣工而推进之，而是出自某种自私的动机，想要被人认为是慷慨大方的。他的奉献可能出于冲动，他的慷慨没有原则的深度。他所听到的真理原会迫使他暂时解开自己的钱袋；但他的慷慨毕竟没有更深的动机。他的奉献出自冲动；他的钱包怎样心血来潮地打开，也怎样心安理得地关上。他不配受称赞，因为他实在是一个吝啬小气的人，若不彻底悔改，全部奉献，就必听到那令人恐惧的谴责：“嗐！你们这些富足人哪，应当哭泣、号啕，因为将有苦难临到你们身上。你们的财物坏了，衣服也被虫子咬了”（雅5:1,2）。这样的人最终会从可怕的自欺醒来。那些赞美他们的偶发性慷慨的人，帮助撒但欺骗了他们，使他们以为自己是非常慷慨的，非常牺牲的，其实他们还不知道慷慨或自我牺牲的基本原理。{1T 475.1}[21]
§44
Ministers should not use flattery or be respecters of persons. There ever has been, and still is, great danger of erring here, of making a little difference with the wealthy, or flattering them by special attention, if not by words. There is danger of having mens persons in admiration for the sake of gain, but in doing this their eternal interests are endangered. The minister may be the special favorite of some wealthy man, and he may be very liberal with him; this gratifies the minister, and he in turn lavishes praise upon the benevolence of his donor. His name may be exalted by appearing in print, and yet that liberal donor may be entirely unworthy of the credit given him. His liberality did not arise from a deep, living principle to do good with his means, to advance the cause of God because he appreciated it, but from some selfish motive, a desire to be thought liberal. He may have given from impulse and his liberality have no depth of principle. He may have been moved upon by listening to stirring truth which for the time being loosed his purse strings; yet, after all, his liberality has no deeper motive. He gives by spasms; his purse opens spasmodically and closes just as securely spasmodically. He deserves no commendation, for he is in every sense of the word a stingy man, and unless thoroughly converted, purse and all, will hear the withering denunciation: Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Such will awake at last from a horrible self-deception. Those who praised their spasmodic liberalities helped Satan to deceive them and make them think that they were very liberal, very sacrificing, when they knew not the first principles of liberality or self-sacrifice.{1T 475.1}[21]
§45
有些人以为自己并不很重视这世界的事物，而是重视真理及其推进过于任何属世的利益。许多人最终会醒悟，发现自己一直受了欺骗。他们可能曾经赏识真理，觉得世间的财宝与真理相比也是没有价值的；但过了一段时间，当他们属世的财宝增加时，他们就变得不那么虔诚献身了。虽然他们足以过舒适的生活，可是他们的行为表明他们毫不满足。他们的工作证明他们热心于自己在地上的财宝。得利，得利，乃是他们的口号。他们家中的每个成员都为这个目的参加工作。他们使自己几乎没有时间灵修祷告。他们起早贪晚地作工。患病的妇人和虚弱的孩子都鞭策自己衰退的野心，耗尽自己所有的活力和气力，为要达到一个目标，要再得到一点，再多赚一点钱。他们自鸣得意地以为自己这么做为的是可以帮助上帝的圣工。这是多么可怕的欺骗啊！撒但看着他们就欢笑，因为他知道他们正在因贪得的私欲出卖灵魂和身体。他们不断地找站不住脚的藉口，推诿自己这样为得利而出卖自己。他们被这世界的神弄瞎了心眼。基督已用自己的血买了他们；但他们抢夺基督，抢夺上帝，把自己撕碎，在社会上几乎成了无用的人。{1T 476.1}[22]
§46
Some men and women make themselves believe that they do not consider the things of this world of much value, but prize the truth and its advancement higher than any worldly gain. Many will awake at last to find that they have been deceived. They may have once appreciated the truth, and earthly treasures in comparison with truth may have appeared to them valueless; but after a time, as their worldly treasure increased, they became less devotional. Although they have enough for a comfortable sustenance, yet all their acts show that they are in nowise satisfied. Their works testify that their hearts are bound up in their earthly treasure. Gain, gain, is their watchword. To this end every member of the family participates in their labor. They give themselves scarcely any time for devotion or for prayer. They work early and late. Sickly, diseased women and feeble children whip up their flagging ambition and use up the vitality and strength they have to reach an object, to gain a little, make a little more money. They flatter themselves that they are doing this that they may help the cause of God. Terrible deception! Satan looks on and laughs for he knows that they are selling soul and body through their lust for gain. They are continually making flimsy excuses for thus selling themselves for gain. They are blinded by the god of this world. Christ has bought them by His own blood; but they rob Christ, rob God, tear themselves to pieces, and are almost useless in society.{1T 476.1}[22]
§47
他们只用一点时间提高心智，只用一点时间享受社交或天伦之乐。他们对任何一个人都没有多少益处。他们的生活是一个可怕的错误。那些如此虐待自己的人觉得他们不懈劳力的做法是值得称颂的。他们在藉着自以为是的工作毁灭自己。他们在藉着过度操劳不断违背生命律来损坏上帝的殿，可是他们却以此为德行。当上帝叫他们交账时，当祂连本带利向他们讨祂所借给他们的才干时，他们能说什么呢？他们能找什么藉口呢？要是他们是不认识永生上帝的异教徒，在他们盲目崇拜偶像的热心中投身在世界之神的战车之下，他们的情形也会比这样更可容忍。但他们是有亮光的，他们有重重警告要保护自己的身体，就是上帝称为祂的殿的，他们要尽可能地使之处于健康状态，以便他们在自己属祂的身子和精神上荣耀祂。他们漠视了基督的教训：“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）。他们让世上的挂虑缠住了他们。“但那些想要发财的人，就陷在迷惑、落在网罗和许多无知有害的私欲里，叫人沉在败坏和灭亡中”（提前6:9）。他们崇拜自己在地上的财宝，象无知的异教徒崇拜他的偶像一样。{1T 476.2}[23]
§48
They devote but little time to the improvement of the mind, and but little time to social or domestic enjoyment. They are of but little benefit to anyone. Their lives are a terrible mistake. Those who thus abuse themselves feel that their course of unremitting labor is praiseworthy. They are destroying themselves by their presumptuous labor. They are marring the temple of God by continually violating the laws of their being through excessive labor, and yet they think it a virtue. When God calls them to account, when He requires of them the talents He has lent them, with usury, what can they say? What excuse can they make? Were they heathen who know nothing of the living God, and in their blind idolatrous zeal throw themselves under the car of Juggernaut, their cases would be more tolerable. But they had the light, they had warning upon warning to preserve their bodies, which God calls His temple, in as healthy a condition as possible that they might glorify Him in their bodies and spirits, which are His. The teachings of Christ they disregarded: 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. They let worldly cares entangle them. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. They worship their earthly treasure, as the ignorant heathen does his idols.{1T 476.2}[23]
§49
许多人自以为他们渴望得利是因为他们可以帮助上帝的圣工。有些人承诺说当他们挣到多少钱时，他们就会用它行善，推进现代真理的事业。但是当他们实现了自己的期望时，他们就不再比从前更乐于帮助圣工了。他们再次保证自己说，在他们买了那栋合意的房子或那块地并付清款项之后，他们就会大量奉献自己的钱财以推进上帝的工作。但当他们心中的愿望实现之后，他们就比贫穷的时候更少意向帮助推进上帝的工作了。“撒在荆棘里的，就是人听了道，后来有世上的思虑、钱财的迷惑把道挤住了，不能结实”（太13:22）。钱财的迷惑一步一步地带领着他们，直到他们完全丧失了爱真理的心，可是他们还自以为相信真理呢。他们爱世界和世界上的事，但爱上帝和真理的心却不在他们里面。{1T 477.1}[24]
§50
Many flatter themselves that their desire for gain is that they may help the cause of God. Some promise that when they have gained such an amount, then they will do good with it and advance the cause of present truth. But when they have realized their expectations, they are no more ready to help the cause than before. They again pledge themselves that after they purchase that desirable house or piece of land, and pay for it, then they will do a great deal with their means to advance the work of God. But as the desire of their heart is attained, they have far less disposition than in the days of their poverty to aid in the advancement of the work of God. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. The deceitfulness of riches leads them on, step by step, until they lose all love for the truth, and yet they flatter themselves that they believe it. They love the world and the things of the world, but the love of God or of the truth is not in them.{1T 477.1}[24]
§51
为了多赚一点钱，许多人故意安排自己的业务事项，使那些在户外操劳的人和他们的家人都有大量的辛苦工作必需要做。他们的骨骼、肌肉和大脑都极度操劳；大量的工作摆在他们面前要完成，理由是，他们必须完成他们可能完成的一切，否则就会有损失，有浪费。每件事都必须节省，不管结果如何。这样的人得到了什么呢？他们或许能顺利地保持并增加本金。但另一方面，他们损失了什么呢？他们健康的资本，就是对穷人和富人来说都无价的资本，一直在不断减少。母亲和孩子都不得不屡次支取健康和体力，以为这样过分地支出决不会耗尽他们的资本，直到他们终于惊奇地发现自己的生命活力被耗尽了。在紧急情况中，他们没剩下什么可以支取的了。生活的甜美与幸福因难以忍受的痛苦和不眠的夜晚而成了痛苦辛酸。身体和心智的活力都用光了。为夫为父的为了得利的缘故，不明智地安排自己的业务，这虽然可能是经为妻为母的完全认可的，但结果却是埋葬了母亲和一个或更多个儿女。健康和生命都因贪爱钱财的心被牺牲掉了。“贪财是万恶之根。有人贪恋钱财，就被引诱离了真道，用许多愁苦把自己刺透了”（提前6:10）。{1T 478.1}[25]
§52
In order to gain a little money, many deliberately arrange their business matters so that it necessarily brings a great amount of hard work upon those laboring out of doors, and upon their families in the house. The bone, muscle, and brain of all are taxed to the utmost; a great amount of work is before them to be done, and the excuse is, they must accomplish just all that they possibly can or there will be a loss, something will be wasted. Everything must be saved, let the result be what it may. What have such gained? Perhaps they have been able to keep the principal good and add to it. But, on the other hand, what have they lost? Their capital of health, which is invaluable to the poor as well as the rich, has been steadily diminishing. The mother and the children have made repeated drafts upon their fund of health and strength, thinking that such an extravagant expenditure would never exhaust their capital, until they are surprised at last to find their vigor of life exhausted. They have nothing left to draw upon in case of emergency. The sweetness and happiness of life is embittered by racking pains and sleepless nights. Both physical and mental vigor are gone. The husband and father, who, for the sake of gain, made the unwise arrangement of his business, it may be with the full sanction of the wife and mother, may, as the result, bury the mother and one or more of the children. Health and life were sacrificed for the love of money. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.{1T 478.1}[25]
§53
有一项伟大的工作要守安息日的人去完成。他们的眼睛必须张开，好看到自己的真实状况，并且要发热心要悔改，否则他们就必丧失永生。世界的精神已占据了他们，他们被黑暗的权势掳去了。他们没有听从使徒保罗的劝诫：“不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为上帝的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意”（罗12:2）。就许多人来说，都被一种属世的精神和贪心自私统治着。那些具有这种精神的人正留心自己特殊的利益。自私的富人对邻舍的事并不关心，除非是要研究如何能使自己占他们的便宜。人心中高贵象上帝的成分为了自私的利益被出卖被牺牲掉了。贪爱钱财的心乃是万恶之根。它使人盲目，使人看不出自己对上帝和邻舍的义务。{1T 478.2}[26]
§54
There is a great work to be accomplished for Sabbathkeepers. Their eyes must be opened and they see their true condition, and be zealous and repent, or they will fail of everlasting life. The spirit of the world has taken possession of them, and they are brought into captivity by the powers of darkness. They do not heed the exhortation of the apostle Paul: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. With many, a worldly spirit, with covetousness and selfishness, predominates. Those who possess it are looking out for their own special interest. The selfish rich man does not interest himself in the things of his neighbors, unless it be to study how he can advantage himself at their disadvantage. The noble and godlike in man is parted with, sacrificed for selfish interests. The love of money is the root of all evil. It blinds the vision and prevents people from discerning their obligations to God or to their neighbors.{1T 478.2}[26]
§55
有些人自以为是慷慨的，因为他们有时向传道人和为真理的推进大方地捐赠。可是这些所谓慷慨的人在交易中却是吝啬的，而且总想以奸诈取胜。他们在世上的财物很多，而这使他们作为上帝的管家负有极大的责任。可是，当与贫穷的、作苦工的弟兄打交道时，他们却苛求最后一分钱。穷人是在出卖自己的遗产。精明苛刻的富人不但不恩待自己贫穷的弟兄，反而占尽便宜，藉着对方的不幸增加自己已经积累的财富。他因自己的机灵而自豪，却在用自己的财富给自己积聚严重的咒诅，并在自己弟兄的路上放下绊脚跌人之物。藉着自己的卑鄙吝啬和精明算计，他正在断绝自己使贫穷的弟兄因自己的虔诚感化力受益的能力。这一切都留在那位贫穷弟兄的记忆中，从他这位富人弟兄口中发出的最恳切的祈祷和显然热心的见证也只能有一种令人忧伤厌恶的影响。他看他是一个假冒为善的人；一个毒根就生出来，许多人就因而被污秽了。那个穷人无法忘记富人占了他的便宜；也无法忘记自己因为乐于担担子而被挤入了困境，而那位富有的弟兄却总有某种藉口不担担子。然而那位穷人也可能很是充满基督的精神，以致饶恕了他那位富人弟兄对他的虐待。{1T 479.1}[27]
§56
Some flatter themselves that they are liberal because they at times donate freely to ministers and for the advancement of the truth. Yet these so-called liberal men are close in their deal and ready to overreach. They have abundance of this world, and this binds upon them great responsibilities as Gods stewards. Yet, when dealing with a poor, hard-laboring brother, they are exacting to the last farthing. The poor side to a bargain is the poor mans legacy. Instead of favoring his poor brother, the sharp, exacting rich man takes all the advantage and adds to his already accumulated wealth by the misfortune of the other. He prides himself because of his shrewdness, but with his wealth he is heaping up to himself a heavy curse and laying a stumbling block in the way of his brother. By his meanness and close calculation he is cutting off his ability to benefit him with his religious influence. All this lives in the memory of that poor brother, and the most earnest prayers and apparently zealous testimonies from his rich brothers lips will only have an influence to grieve and disgust. He looks upon him as a hypocrite; a root of bitterness springs up whereby many are defiled. The poor man cannot forget the advantages taken of him; neither can he forget how he has been crowded into difficult places because he was willing to bear burdens, while the wealthy brother ever had some excuse ready for not putting his shoulder under the load. Yet the poor man may be so imbued with the spirit of Christ as to forgive the abuses of his rich brother.{1T 479.1}[27]
§57
在富人中太少见到真实、高尚、无私的善行了。他们在求富的野心中忽视了博爱的要求。他们看不到也感觉不到贫穷弟兄捉襟见肘的难受处境，后者多半是象他们一样努力工作的。他们象该隐一样说：“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗”（创4:9）？“我所拥有的是我辛苦挣来的；我不能放手。”他们不但不祈祷说：“请帮助我感到我弟兄的患难，”反而不断研究忘记他有什么患难，对他们的同情或慷慨有什么要求。{1T 480.1}[28]
§58
True, noble, disinterested benevolence is too rarely found among the wealthy. In their ambition for wealth they overlook the claims of humanity. They cannot see and feel the cramped, disagreeable position of their brethren in poverty, who perhaps have labored as hard as themselves. Like Cain they say: Am I my brothers keeper? I have worked hard for what I have; I must hold on to it. Instead of praying, Help me to feel my brothers woe, their constant study is to forget that he has any woes, any claims upon their sympathy or liberalities.{1T 480.1}[28]
§59
许多守安息日的富人都有搓磨贫穷人之脸的罪过（赛3：15）。这等人以为上帝不注意他们小小的吝啬行为吗？他们的眼睛若是能被打开，就会看见一位天使无论何往都跟随着他们，如实地记录他们在家中和生意场所的一切行为。那“真实见证者”在他们的路上宣布：“我知道你的行为。”当我看到甚至在某些自称守安息日的人中也有这种欺骗、诈取、卑鄙吝啬的精神时，便感到心中剧痛，呼喊出来。在这些末后的日子中，上帝的一些以色列人被这种大恶，这种可怕的咒诅四面包围着，甚至使有高尚精神的不信的人憎恶他们。这就是那班自称在等候主降临的人。{1T 480.2}[29]
§60
Many Sabbathkeepers who are wealthy are guilty of grinding the face of the poor. Do such think that God takes no notice of their little acts of meanness? If their eyes could be opened they would see an angel following them wherever they go, making a faithful record of all their acts in their families and at their places of business. The True Witness is on their track, declaring: I know thy works. As I saw this spirit of defrauding, of overreaching, of meanness, even among some professed Sabbathkeepers, I cried out in anguish of spirit. This great evil, this terrible curse, is folding around some of the Israel of God in these last days, making them a detestation to even noble-spirited unbelievers. This is the people professedly waiting for the coming of the Lord.{1T 480.2}[29]
§61
有一班贫穷的弟兄并非是免于试探的。他们是卑劣的管家，没有明智的判断，他们想不经过恒心操劳的过程就得到钱财。这等人中有些人急于改善自己的状况，便参加不同的企业，而不请教有良好判断和经验的人。他们所期望的很少能实现；他们不但没能得利，反而受损，于是试探就来了，他们便有意嫉妒富人。他们确实想靠弟兄们的财富受益，并因没有如此受益而觉得受了考验。但他们不配领受特别的帮助。他们已证明自己的努力向来是分散的。他们在交易中向来是易变的，并且充满没有什么回报的忧愁挂虑。这种人应当听从那些有经验之人的忠告。但他们往往是最后一个寻求忠告的人。他们以为自己有高人一等的判断力，不愿受教。{1T 480.3}[30]
§62
There is a class of poor brethren who are not free from temptation. They are poor managers, they have not wise judgment, they wish to obtain means without waiting the slow process of persevering toil. Some are in such haste to better their condition that they engage in various enterprises without consulting men of good judgment and experience. Their expectations are seldom realized; instead of gaining, they lose, and then come temptation and a disposition to envy the rich. They really want to be benefited by the wealth of their brethren, and feel tried because they are not. But they are not worthy of receiving special help. They have evidence that their efforts have been scattered. They have been changeable in business, and full of anxiety and cares which bring but small returns. Such persons should listen to the counsel of those of experience. But frequently they are the last ones to seek advice. They think they have superior judgment and will not be taught.{1T 480.3}[30]
§63
这些人往往被那些依赖骗术获得成功的精明狡猾的专利权贩子所骗。这些人应该学会无论如何也不能信任这种小贩。但弟兄们在应该怀疑并躲避的事上却轻信了。他们没有把保罗对提摩太的指示记在心里：“然而，敬虔加上知足的心便是大利了。”“只要有衣有食，就当知足”（提前6:6,8）。但愿穷人不要以为只有富人才是贪婪的人。虽然富人贪婪地把持着自己所拥有的一切，并且谋求获得更多，但穷人也有大危险，垂涎富人的财富。在我们这个富足的国家，极少有确实贫穷到需要帮助的人。他们若是采取正确的做法，就能在几乎每种情况下摆脱缺乏。我对富人的呼吁乃是，要慷慨地对待你们贫穷的弟兄，并用你们的钱财推进上帝的圣工。由于不幸和疾病而变得贫穷的可敬的穷人值得你们特别的关心和帮助。“总而言之，你们都要同心，彼此体恤，相爱如弟兄，存慈怜谦卑的心”（彼前3:8）。{1T 481.1}[31]
§64
These are often the very ones who are deceived by those sharp, shrewd peddlers of patent rights whose success depends upon the art of deception. These should learn that no confidence whatever can be put in such peddlers. But the brethren are credulous in regard to the very things they should suspect and shun. They do not take home the instruction of Paul to Timothy: But godliness with contentment is great gain. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. Let not the poor think that the rich are the only covetous ones. While the rich hold what they have with a covetous grasp, and seek to obtain still more, the poor are in great danger of coveting the rich mans wealth. There are very few in our land of plenty who are really so poor as to need help. If they would pursue a right course, they could in almost every case be above want. My appeal to the rich is, Deal liberally with your poor brethren, and use your means to advance the cause of God. The worthy poor, those who are made poor by misfortune and sickness, deserve your special care and help. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. {1T 481.1}[31]
§65
自称敬虔并且期待不尝死味而变化升天的人们哪，我警告你们，要少些贪得，少些自顾。要藉着无私仁爱的高尚行为，爱惜你们象上帝般的丈夫气概，高贵的女性气质。衷心地蔑视你们从前贪婪的精神，重新获得真正高贵的心灵。根据上帝所指示我的，你们若不悔改，基督就必把你们从祂口中吐出去。守安息日的复临信徒自称是跟从基督的，但他们中许多人的行为却与他们自称的信仰不符。“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来。”“凡称呼我‘主啊，主啊’的人不能都进天国；惟独遵行我天父旨意的人才能进去”（太7:20，21）。{1T 482.1}[32]
§66
Men and women professing godliness and expecting translation to heaven without seeing death, I warn you to be less greedy of gain, less self-caring. Redeem your godlike manhood, your noble womanhood, by noble acts of disinterested benevolence. Heartily despise your former avaricious spirit and regain true nobility of soul. From what God has shown me, unless you zealously repent, Christ will spew you out of His mouth. Sabbathkeeping Adventists profess to be followers of Christ, but the works of many of them belie their profession. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven.{1T 482.1}[32]
§67
我呼吁凡自称相信真理的人，要思想上帝儿子的生活和品格。祂是我们的榜样。祂的生活是以无私的仁爱为标志的。祂总是体恤人类的祸患。祂周流四方行善事。在祂的一生中没有一个自私的举动。祂对堕落人类的爱，祂要拯救他们的愿望是那么大，以致祂亲自担当了祂父的忿怒，同意忍受那使有罪的人类陷入退化中的过犯所应受的刑罚。祂亲身担当了人的罪。“上帝使那不知罪的，替我们成为罪，好叫我们在祂里面成为上帝的义”（林后5:21）。{1T 482.2}[33]
§68
I appeal to all who profess to believe the truth, to consider the character and life of the Son of God. He is our example. His life was marked with disinterested benevolence. He was ever touched with human woe. He went about doing good. There was not one selfish act in all His life. His love for the fallen race, His desire to save them, was so great that He took upon Himself the wrath of His Father, and consented to suffer the penalty of that transgression which plunged guilty man in degradation. He bore the sins of man in His own body. He hath made Him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.{1T 482.2}[33]
§69
真慷慨往往被兴旺和财富消灭掉。男男女女在逆境或卑微贫穷的处境中会时常对真理表现出极大的爱心，特别关心上帝圣工的兴旺和自己同胞的得救，而且只要有钱就会表明他们所愿做的。上帝常常证明这些事；祂使他们兴盛，赐福他们现用的和储存的，远过于他们所期望的。但他们的心是欺诈的。他们的好心愿和承诺就象流沙一样。他们拥有的越多，想要的也就越多。他们越兴盛就越急于多得。在这些人中，有些在贫穷时曾是慈善的人，现在却变得吝啬而苛求了。金钱成了他们的神。他们喜欢金钱给他们的能力，喜爱因财富而有的尊荣。天使说：“你要注意他们如何经受试验。注意他们在财富影响之下的品格发展。”有些人在欺压非常贫穷的人，要以最低的工价得到他们的服务。他们是傲慢专横的；金钱对他们来说就是权势。我看到上帝的眼看着他们。他们是受骗了。“看哪，我必快来！赏罚在我，要照各人所行的报应他”（启22:12）。{1T 482.3}[34]
§70
True generosity is too frequently destroyed by prosperity and riches. Men and women in adversity or in humble poverty will sometimes express very great love for the truth and special interest for the prosperity of the cause of God and for the salvation of their fellow men, and will tell what they would do if they only had the means. God frequently proves these; He prospers them, blesses them in basket and in store, far beyond their expectations. But their hearts are deceitful. Their good intentions and promises are like the rolling sand. The more they have the more they desire. The more they are prospered the more eager are they for gain. Some of these, who in their poverty were once even benevolent, become penurious and exacting. Money becomes their god. They delight in the power which money gives them, in the honor they receive because of it. Said the angel: Mark ye how they stand the test. Watch the development of character under the influence of riches. Some were oppressing the needy poor and would obtain their services for the lowest figure. They were overbearing; money was power to them. Gods eye, I saw, was upon them. They were deceived. And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.{1T 482.3}[34]
§71
有些富人没有向传道人扣留钱财。他们精确地保持了定期捐献，并且自豪于自己的准时和慷慨，以为自己的责任到此为止了。这事本身是好的，但他们的责任并非到此为止了。上帝对他们的要求他们还没有实现。社会对他们有要求；他们的同胞对他们也有要求。他们家中的每个成员对他们也有要求。这一切的要求都应注重；一个也不可忽略或忽视。有些人把钱财奉献给传道人并且放入了库中，就很满意地以为这会使他们有资格进天国。有些人以为自己不能做什么帮助上帝圣工的事，除非他们不断有大量的进项。他们觉得自己决不能运用本金。要是我们的救主对他们说祂曾对那个官长说的话：“去变卖你所有的，分给穷人，就必有财宝在天上；你还要来跟从我”（可10:21），他们就会忧忧愁愁地走开了，象他一样选择冒险保留他们的偶像——财富，而不愿卖掉他们的财产以获得天上的财宝。这个官长声称他从小就遵守了上帝的全部诫命，并且对自己的忠诚和公义有信心，以为自己是完全的，他问道：“我还缺少什么呢”（太19:21）？耶稣立刻扯掉了他的安全感，提到了他的偶像，他的财产。他除了上帝以外，还有别的神，那对他来说比永生更有价值。所缺少的乃是对上帝至高的爱。有些自称相信真理的人正是这样。他们以为自己是完全的，以为一无所缺，其实他们远非完全并且怀有会把他们关在天国之外的偶像。{1T 483.1}[35]
§72
Some who are wealthy do not withhold from ministers. They keep up their systematic benevolence exactly and pride themselves upon their punctuality and generosity, and think their duty ends here. This is well as far as it goes, but their duty does not cease here. God has claims upon them that they do not realize. Society has claims upon them; their fellow men have claims upon them. Every member of their family has claims upon them. All these claims should be regarded; not one should be overlooked or neglected. Some men give to ministers and put into the treasury with as much satisfaction as though it would entitle them to heaven. Some think that they can do nothing to aid the cause of God unless they constantly have a large increase. They feel that they can in nowise touch the principal. Should our Saviour speak the same words to them that He did to the certain ruler, Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me, they would go away sorrowful, choosing like him to run the risk of retaining their idols, riches, rather than to part with them to secure treasure in heaven. This ruler claimed that he had kept all the commandments of God from his youth up, and confident in his fidelity and righteousness, and thinking that he was perfect, he asks: What lack I yet? Jesus immediately tears off his sense of security by referring to his idols, his possessions. He had other gods before the Lord, which were of greater value to him than eternal life. Supreme love to God was lacking. Thus it is with some who profess to believe the truth. They think they are perfect, think that there is no lack, when they are far from perfection and are cherishing idols which will shut them out of heaven.{1T 483.1}[35]
§73
许多人同情南方的奴隶，因为他们被迫作苦工，然而在他们自己的家中就存在着奴隶制。母亲和儿女都得到允许从早到晚辛劳苦干，没有休养生息的时候。没完没了的工作在他们前面，堆在他们身上。他们自称是跟从基督的人；但他们哪有时间默想祈祷，获得心智的粮食，使我们用以侍奉上帝的脑筋免于发育不良呢？上帝号召每一个人使用祂所交给他们的才干荣耀祂，并且藉着如此善用那些才干来赢得他人。上帝已赐给我们使他人受益的责任。我们在此世使他人受益的工作没有完成，直到基督在天上说：“都成了。”“不义的，叫他仍旧不义；污秽的，叫他仍旧污秽；为义的，叫他仍旧为义；圣洁的，叫他仍旧圣洁”（启21:6;22:11）。{1T 484.1}[36]
§74
Many pity the Southern slaves because they are bound down to labor, while slavery exists in their own families. Mothers and children are allowed to toil from morning till night; they have no recreation. A ceaseless round of labor is before them and crowded upon them. They profess to be Christs followers; but where is the time for them to meditate and pray, and obtain food for the intellect, that the mind, with which we serve God, may not be dwarfed in its growth? God calls upon every individual to use the talents He has committed to them to His glory, and by thus improving them to gain others also. God has laid obligations upon us to benefit others. Our work in this world for the good of others is not done until Christ shall say in heaven: It is done. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.{1T 484.1}[36]
§75
许多人似乎没有真的意识到他们在上帝面前的责任。他们要努力进窄门，因为将来许多人想要进去，却是不能。天国要求他们设法劝导别人也努力进窄门。一项工作摆在老少面前，要恳切地作工，不仅要救他们自己的灵魂，也要救别人的灵魂。凡有推理能力的人，都有一定的影响力。他们若是漠不关心，就是用自己的影响力阻碍人努力进窄门，否则就要用恳切、恒切、不倦的努力向人们极力陈述殷勤努力进窄门的必要性。没有人居中间立场，既不做什么鼓励别人的事也不做什么阻碍别人的事。基督说：不同我收聚的，就是分散的。老老少少啊，要当心；你们要么在做基督的工作，要救灵；要么在做撒但的工作，要使他们灭亡。“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”（太5:16）。{1T 484.2}[37]
§76
Many seem to have no true sense of their responsibility before God. They are required to strive to enter in at the strait gate, because many shall seek to enter in and shall not be able. Heaven requires them to try to induce others also to strive to enter in at the strait gate. A work is before young and old to labor earnestly to save not only their own souls, but the souls of others. There are none who have reasoning faculties who have not some influence. By their indifference they use that influence to hinder souls from striving to enter in at the strait gate, or by their earnest, persevering, untiring efforts they urge upon them the necessity of striving diligently to enter there. No one occupies a neutral position, doing nothing to encourage others and doing nothing to hinder them. Says Christ: They that gather not with Me scatter abroad. Take heed, old and young; you are either doing the work of Christ, to save souls, or the work of Satan, to lead them to perdition. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.{1T 484.2}[37]
§77
年轻人若是放弃自己的骄傲和自私，并把自己献给上帝，就能发挥一种强大的影响力；但一般来说，他们不愿为别人担担子。他们自己还需被提携。时候已经到了，上帝要求在这方面有一番改变。祂号召老老少少要发热心并要悔改。他们若是继续处在不冷不热的状况中，祂就必从口中把他们吐出去。那“真实见证者”说：“我知道你的行为。”青年男子，青年女子啊，你们的行为是众所周知的，无论是善是恶。你们在好行为上富足吗？耶稣作为一位顾问来到你身边：“我劝你向我买火炼的金子，叫你富足；又买白衣穿上，叫你赤身的羞耻不露出来；又买眼药擦你的眼睛，使你能看见”（启3:18）。{1T 485.1}[38]
§78
The young can exert a powerful influence if they will give up their pride and selfishness, and devote themselves to God; but as a general thing they will not bear burdens for others. They have to be carried themselves. The time has come when God requires a change in this respect. He calls upon young and old to be zealous and repent. If they continue in their state of lukewarmness, He will spew them out of His mouth. Says the True Witness: I know thy works. Young man, young woman, your works are known, whether they be good or whether they be evil. Are you rich in good works? Jesus comes to you as a counselor: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. {1T 485.1}[38]