第02章 为基督而行
§1
第02章 为基督而行
§2
Chap. 2 - Doing for Christ
§3
我蒙指示看到，守安息日的人，随着他们财富的增加，正在变得越来越自私。他们对于基督和祂子民的爱在减少。他们看不到穷人的需要，也感受不到他们的痛苦和忧伤。他们没有意识到：忽视穷人和受苦的人，就是忽视基督；而尽力解除穷苦人的缺乏和痛苦，就是在侍奉耶稣。【2T.24.1】[1]
§4
From what has been shown me, Sabbathkeepers are growing more selfish as they increase in riches. Their love for Christ and His people is decreasing. They do not see the wants of the needy, nor feel their sufferings and sorrows. They do not realize that in neglecting the poor and the suffering they neglect Christ, and that in relieving the wants and sufferings of the poor as far as possible, they minister to Jesus. {2T 24.1}[1]
§5
基督对祂的赎民说：“你们这蒙我父赐福的，可来承受那创世以来为你们所预备的国。因为我饿了，你们给我吃；渴了，你们给我喝；我作客旅，你们留我住；我赤身露体，你们给我穿；我病了，你们看顾我；我在监里，你们来看我”（太25:34-36）。【2T.24.2】[2]
§6
Christ says to His redeemed people: Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. {2T 24.2}[2]
§7
“义人就回答说：‘主啊，我们什么时候见祢饿了，给祢吃，渴了，给祢喝？什么时候见祢作客旅，留祢住，或是赤身露体，给祢穿？又什么时候见祢病了，或是在监里，来看祢呢？’王要回答说：‘我实在告诉你们：这些事你们既作在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是作在我身上了”（太25:37-40）。【2T.24.3】[3]
§8
Then shall the righteous answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, and fed Thee? or thirsty, and gave Thee drink? When saw we Thee a stranger, and took Thee in? or naked, and clothed Thee? Or when saw we Thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. {2T 24.3}[3]
§9
成为一个辛苦工作的人，持续耐心地行善，就是舍己的工人蒙召要行的，这是一件光荣的事，是上天笑颜以待的。忠心的工作，比最大的热诚以及被人认为最神圣的崇拜，更蒙上帝悦纳。与基督同工才是真正的敬拜。祷告、劝诫及讲论，这些都是廉价的果子，人们往往对之很是认真；但那在善行上表现出来的果子，如照应穷乏之人，孤儿，及寡妇等，却是真实的果子，由好树所自然结出的好果子。【2T.24.4】[4]
§10
To become a toiler, to continue patiently in well-doing which calls for self-denying labor, is a glorious work, which Heaven smiles upon. Faithful work is more acceptable to God than the most zealous and thought-to-be holiest worship. It is working together with Christ that is true worship. Prayers, exhortation, and talk are cheap fruits, which are frequently tied on; but fruits that are manifested in good works, in caring for the needy, the fatherless, and widows, are genuine fruits, and grow naturally upon a good tree. {2T 24.4}[4]
§11
“在上帝我们的父面前，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”（雅1:27）。仁慈的话语，慈善的行为，对穷人和受苦缺乏之人的温柔看顾，这些好行为是基督吩咐我们去结的果子。当你的心向失望忧伤心情沉重的人深表同情，当你的手向穷乏之人广行施舍，当你把衣服给赤身的，将作客旅的接到你家中和你心里，天使就来靠近你，天上就有响应之音。每一个公义、怜悯、慈善的举动都使天国奏响美妙的乐章。天父从祂的宝座上垂看着那些行这些仁慈之举的人，将他们算为自己最宝贵的财产。“万军之耶和华说：‘在我所定的日子，他们必属我’”（玛3:17）。每一个作在贫穷受难之人身上的仁慈怜悯的行为，都被视为好像作在耶稣身上。当你援助穷人，同情遭受痛苦压迫的人，并作孤儿的朋友时，你与耶稣的关系就更近了。【2T.25.1】[5]
§12
Pure religion and undefiled before the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Good deeds are the fruit that Christ requires us to bear: kind words, deeds of benevolence, of tender regard for the poor, the needy, the afflicted. When hearts sympathize with hearts burdened with discouragement and grief, when the hand dispenses to the needy, when the naked are clothed, the stranger made welcome to a seat in your parlor and a place in your heart, angels are coming very near, and an answering strain is responded to in heaven. Every act of justice, mercy, and benevolence makes melody in heaven. The Father from His throne beholds those who do these acts of mercy, and numbers them with His most precious treasures. And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels. Every merciful act to the needy, the suffering, is regarded as though done to Jesus. When you succor the poor, sympathize with the afflicted and oppressed, and befriend the orphan, you bring yourselves into a closer relationship to Jesus. {2T 25.1}[5]
§13
“王又要向那左边的说：‘你们这被咒诅的人，离开我，进入那为魔鬼和他的使者所预备的永火里去！因为我饿了，你们不给我吃；渴了，你们不给我喝；我作客旅，你们不留我住；我赤身露体，你们不给我穿；我病了，我在监里，你们不来看顾我。’他们也要回答说：‘主啊，我们什么时候见祢饿了，或渴了，或作客旅，或赤身露体，或病了，或在监里，不伺候祢呢？’王要回答说：‘我实在告诉你们：这些事你们既不作在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是不作在我身上了。’这些人要往永刑里去，那些义人要往永生里去”（太25:41-46）。【2T.25.2】[6]
§14
Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me not in: naked, and ye clothed Me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited Me not. Then shall they also answer Him, saying, Lord, when saw we Thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto Thee? Then shall He answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:41-46. {2T 25.2}[6]
§15
耶稣在这里将自己和祂受苦的百姓视作一体。祂说：是我饿了；是我渴了；是我作客旅；是我赤身露体；是我病了；是我在监里。当你在餐桌上享受丰食盛馔时，我正在陋室或离你家不远的街道上忍饥挨饿。当你向我关上门，而你装饰豪华的家中屋宇空闲时，我却没有枕头的地方。当你的衣橱挂满一套套换着穿的衣服，你在这些衣服上不必要地浪费了原可施舍给穷人的钱财时，我却没有舒适的衣服穿。当你享受健康时，我身患疾病。当我因不幸的境遇而身陷囹圄，遭捆绑，受压制，心中沮丧，没有希望，不得自由时，你却在自由地信步闲游。耶稣在这里表示祂和自己受苦的门徒之间存在何等完全的合一啊！祂把他们的事当作自己的事。祂把自己看成和受苦者本人一样。自私的基督徒，请记住：每一次对穷人、孤儿、寡妇的忽视，都是在他们身上忽视主耶稣。【2T.25.3】[7]
§16
Jesus here identifies Himself with His suffering people. It was I who was hungry and thirsty. It was I who was a stranger. It was I who was naked. It was I who was sick. It was I who was in prison. When you were enjoying the food from your bountifully spread tables, I was famishing in the hovel or street not far from you. When you closed your doors against Me, while your well-furnished rooms were unoccupied, I had not where to lay My head. Your wardrobes were filled with an abundant supply of changeable suits of apparel, upon which means had been needlessly squandered, which you might have given to the needy. I was destitute of comfortable apparel. When you were enjoying health, I was sick. Misfortune cast Me into prison and bound Me with fetters, bowing down My spirit, depriving Me of freedom and hope, while you roamed free. What a oneness Jesus here expresses as existing between Himself and His suffering disciples! He makes their case His own. He identifies Himself as being in person the very sufferer. Mark, selfish Christian: every neglect of the needy poor, the orphan, the fatherless, is a neglect of Jesus in their person. {2T 25.3}[7]
§17
我认识一些人，他们高谈阔论，心中却专爱自己，充满了自私之念，不能欣赏我所写的东西。他们想的全是自己的生活，只为自己而活。作出牺牲对别人行善，损己利人，对他们来说是不可能的。他们一点没有想到这是上帝对他们的要求。自我是他们的偶像。年年月月日日，宝贵的时间一去不返，但他们仍未在天上留下仁慈行为的记录，为了别人的益处牺牲自己，给饥饿的人食物，给赤身的人衣服穿，接待客旅。这样冒险接待陌生人并不愉快。如果他们知道凡想分享他们福惠的人都是配得的，或许会促使他们在这方面有所作为。但有所冒险是值得的。我们可能在不知不觉中接待了天使。【2T.26.1】[8]
§18
I am acquainted with persons who make a high profession, whose hearts are so encased in self-love and selfishness that they cannot appreciate what I am writing. They have all their lives thought and lived only for self. To make a sacrifice to do others good, to disadvantage themselves to advantage others, is out of the question with them. They have not the least idea that God requires this of them. Self is their idol. Precious weeks, months, and years pass into eternity, but they have no record in heaven of kindly acts, of sacrificing for others good, of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, or taking in the stranger. This entertaining strangers at a venture is not agreeable. If they knew that all who sought to share their bounty were worthy, then they might be induced to do something in this direction. But there is virtue in venturing something. Perchance we may entertain angels. {2T 26.1}[8]
§19
有孤儿应该照顾，但有些人不愿冒险承担这事，因为这会给他们带来更多工作，过于他们想做的，使他们没有多少时间取悦自己。然而当王来查看时，这些无所事事、吝啬自私的人才认识到，天国是给那些一直作工之人、为基督的缘故克己之人预备的。对于那些总是专爱、专顾自己的人，天国是没有地方给他们的。在这种情况下，王向祂左边的人发出可怕的刑罚，并不是因为他们犯了什么大奸巨恶。他们受刑罚不是因为他们做了的事，而是因为他们没有做的事。因为你没有做天庭分派你去做的事。你既讨自己的喜悦，就只能得取悦自我者的份。【2T.27.1】[9]
§20
There are orphans that should be cared for; but some will not venture to undertake this, for it would bring them more work than they care to do, leaving them but little time to please themselves. But when the King shall make investigation, these do-nothing, illiberal, selfish souls will learn that heaven is for those who have been workers, those who have denied themselves for Christs sake. No provisions have been made for those who have ever taken such special care in loving and looking out for themselves. The terrible punishment which the King threatens those on His left hand, in this case, is not because of their great crimes. They are not condemned for the things which they did do, but for that which they did not do. You did not those things which Heaven assigned you to do. You pleased yourself, and can take your portion with self-pleasers. {2T 27.1}[9]
§21
我要对我的姐妹们说：要作仁慈的女子。人子来，是要寻找拯救失丧的人。你或许想过，如果能找到一个没有瑕疵的孩子，你就会接纳和照顾他；但是为一个经常犯错的孩子费心，除掉他的许多坏习惯，重新教导他，教他自制，就是你不肯承担的工作了。教导无知的人，怜悯改良那些一直学习行恶的人，决不是一项轻松的工作；但上天已把这样的人安排在你的道路上。他们乃是化了装的祝福。【2T.27.2】[10]
§22
To my sisters I would say: Be daughters of benevolence. The Son of man came to seek and to save that which was lost. You may have thought that if you could find a child without fault, you would take it, and care for it; but to perplex your mind with an erring child, to unlearn it many things and teach it anew, to teach it self-control, is a work which you refuse to undertake. To teach the ignorant, to pity and to reform those who have ever been learning evil, is no slight task; but Heaven has placed just such ones in your way. They are blessings in disguise. {2T 27.2}[10]
§23
数年之前我蒙指示看到，上帝的子民会在接待无家可归之人这一点上受试验；许多人将因相信真理的缘故而流离失所。反对和逼迫将使信徒失去自己的家园，而那些尚有安居之所的信徒，他们的本分就是向那些没有家的人敞开自己的家门。最近我得到更多的指示，上帝将要特别在这件事上试验自称祂子民的人。基督为我们的缘故成为贫穷，好让我们因祂的贫穷成为富足。祂作出了牺牲，好给世上正在寻求一个更美家乡就是天上家乡的客旅和寄居的人预备一个家。那些承受祂恩典，期待成为不朽后嗣的人，岂可拒绝甚至感到勉强接待那些无家可归和有需要的人呢？我们这些耶稣的门徒，岂可因不认识、不熟悉而拒绝接待那些作客旅的人呢？【2T.27.3】[11]
§24
Years ago I was shown that Gods people would be tested upon this point of making homes for the homeless; that there would be many without homes in consequence of their believing the truth. Opposition and persecution would deprive believers of their homes, and it was the duty of those who had homes to open a wide door to those who had not. I have been shown more recently that God would specially test His professed people in reference to this matter. Christ for our sakes became poor that we through His poverty might be made rich. He made a sacrifice that He might provide a home for pilgrims and strangers in the world seeking for a better country, even an heavenly. Shall those who are subjects of His grace, who are expecting to be heirs of immortality, refuse, or even feel reluctant, to share their homes with the homeless and needy? Shall we, who are disciples of Jesus, refuse strangers an entrance to our doors because they can claim no acquaintance with the inmates? {2T 27.3}[11]
§25
使徒的命令在现代岂没有效力了吗：“不可忘记用爱心接待客旅，因为曾有接待客旅的，不知不觉就接待了天使”（来13:2）？我因我们信徒中间表现出的自私而天天心痛。我们惊人地缺乏对应得之人的关爱。我们的天父将化了装了的祝福放在我们所行的道上，但有些人不愿接触这些祝福，唯恐有损他们的享乐。天使正在等待，看我们是否抓住力所能及的行善机会，——看我们是否使别人得福，他们反而也使我们得福。主亲自使我们各有不同，有人贫穷，有人富足，有人受苦，为要让人人都有机会发展品格。上帝特意将穷人安排在我们中间，好使我们受试验、被证实，显明我们内心所存的。【2T.28.1】[12]
§26
Has the injunction of the apostle no force in this age: Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares? I am daily pained with exhibitions of selfishness among our people. There is an alarming absence of love and care for those who are entitled to it. Our heavenly Father lays blessings disguised in our pathway, but some will not touch these for fear they will detract from their enjoyment. Angels are waiting to see if we embrace opportunities within our reach of doing good--waiting to see if we will bless others, that they in their turn may bless us. The Lord Himself has made us to differ,--some poor, some rich, some afflicted,--that all may have an opportunity to develop character. The poor are purposely permitted to be thus of God, that we may be tested and proved, and develop what is in our hearts. {2T 28.1}[12]
§27
我听到许多人为不将上帝的圣徒接到自己的家里和心里找藉口。“哎呀，我什么都没预备，没什么吃的；他们得去别的地方。”而到了别的地方，可能又有别的藉口发明出来，不接待那些需要盛情款待的人，使这些来宾深感忧伤，带着对这些自称弟兄姐妹之人很不愉快的待客印象离开了。姐妹啊，你如果没有饼，就要效法圣经中给出的榜样。到你邻居那里去，说：“朋友，请借给我三个饼，因为我有一个朋友行路，来到我这里，我没有什么给他摆上”（路11:5-6）。我们在圣经中可没有看到这种以缺少食物为藉口，拒绝他人请求的例子。以利亚来到撒勒法的寡妇那里时，那寡妇将自己仅有的一点食物与上帝的先知分享，而上帝则行了一个神迹，使她自己因接待祂的仆人且将自己的食物分给他而得到了供养，她的性命和她儿子的性命得以保存。许多人的情况也会这样，只要他们为了上帝的荣耀高高兴兴地这样做。【2T.28.2】[13]
§28
I have heard many excuse themselves from inviting to their homes and hearts the saints of God. Why, I have nothing prepared, I have nothing cooked; they must go to some other place. And at that place there may be some other excuse invented for not receiving those who need hospitality, and the feelings of the visitors are deeply grieved, and they leave with unpleasant impressions in regard to the hospitality of these professed brethren and sisters. If you have no bread, sister, imitate the case brought to view in the Bible. Go to your neighbor and say: Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him. We have not an example of this lack of bread ever being made an excuse to refuse entrance to an applicant. When Elijah came to the widow of Sarepta, she shared her morsel with the prophet of God, and he wrought a miracle, and caused that in that act of making a home for his servant, and sharing her morsel with him, she herself was sustained, and her life and that of her son preserved. Thus will it prove in the case of many, if they do this cheerfully, for the glory of God. {2T 28.2}[13]
§29
有些人以自己身体差为借口——说他们若是有力量就会喜爱行善。这等人长久专注自己，总是考虑自己可怜的情绪，谈论太多自己的痛苦、试炼和患难，以致这就是他们的现代真理。他们除了自己谁也想不到，无论他人可能多么需要同情和帮助。你们正因身体差而受苦的人啊，有一个良方是给你们的。你若给赤身的人衣服穿，将被赶逐在外的穷人接到你家中，将你的饼分给饥饿的人，“这样，你的光就必发现如早晨的光，你所得的医治要速速发明”（赛58:8）。行善是医病的良方。上帝邀请那些从事这工作的人呼求祂，祂保证自己必应允他们。他们的心必在干旱之地得以满足，他们必像浇灌的园子，又像水流不绝的泉源。【2T.29.1】[14]
§30
Some plead their poor health--they would love to do if they had strength. Such have so long shut themselves up to themselves, and thought so much of their own poor feelings, and talked so much of their sufferings, trials, and afflictions, that it is their present truth. They can think of no one but self, however much others may be in need of sympathy and assistance. You who are suffering with poor health, there is a remedy for you. If thou clothe the naked, and bring the poor that are cast out to thy house, and deal thy bread to the hungry, then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily. Doing good is an excellent remedy for disease. Those who engage in the work are invited to call upon God, and He has pledged Himself to answer them. Their soul shall be satisfied in drought, and they shall be like a watered garden, whose waters fail not. {2T 29.1}[14]
§31
醒来吧，弟兄姐妹们。不要害怕行善。“我们行善，不可丧志，若不灰心，到了时候就要收成”（加6:9）。不要等人去告诉你的责任所在。要睁开眼睛，看看身边的人；去熟悉无助的，受痛苦的和极贫困的人。不要隐藏自己不见他们，也不要无视他们的需要。“在上帝我们的父面前，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”（雅1:27）。谁给出了《雅各书》所提到的凭据，拥有那清洁没有玷污的虔诚，不沾染自私或腐败呢？谁急于竭尽全力去援助伟大的救赎计划呢？【2T.29.2】[15]
§32
Wake up, brethren and sisters. Do not be afraid of good works. Let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Do not wait to be told your duty. Open your eyes and see who are around you; make yourselves acquainted with the helpless, afflicted, and needy. Hide not yourselves from them, and seek not to shut out their needs. Who gives the proofs mentioned in James, of possessing pure religion, untainted with selfishness or corruption? Who are anxious to do all in their power to aid in the great plan of salvation? {2T 29.2}[15]
§33
我认识一个寡妇，她有两个小孩要养活，完全靠针线活贴补家用。她脸色苍白，忧心忡忡。整个寒冷的冬季她都在努力奋斗，挣钱养活自己和孩子。她得到过一点点帮助，但在这种情况下，若多给她一点关心，谁会感到有什么损失呢？她的两个儿子，一个约九岁，一个十一岁，他们都需要家。谁愿为基督的缘故让他们有温暖的家呢？应该使这位母亲解脱照料孩子的重担，专心做针线活。这两个男孩住在一个村子里，他们唯一的监护人就是他们辛苦操劳的母亲。他们需要受教如何在他们那个年纪工作。他们需要受到耐心、仁慈、亲切地教导。有人会说：“啊，可以，我可以接他们来，教他们如何干活。”但他们除了受教如何做工之外，其他的事也不应忽略。他们需要受教如何发展良好的基督徒品格。他们需要爱和亲情，需要得着预备，成为今世有用的人，并最终预备好承受天国。要除去你身上的自私，看看身边是否有许多你能用自己的家庭、同情和爱心去帮助和祝福的人，向他们指出上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的。你愿意作任何牺牲以拯救生灵吗？亲爱的救主耶稣正在为你预备家园；而你为什么不愿为那些需要之人预备一个家，以此来效法你夫子的榜样呢？如果你不愿意这样做，当你感到你在天国需要一个居所时，你也将一无所得。因为基督宣称：“这些事你们既不作在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是不作在我身上了”（太25:45）。你们自私的人啊，只知考虑自己安逸和自己一生的利益，你们的宽容时期正在迅速临近结束。你们在做些什么来挽救自己脱离自私无用的人生呢？醒来吧！醒来吧！【2T.30.1】[16]
§34
I am acquainted with a widow who has two small children to support, wholly by the use of her needle. She looks pale and careworn. All through the hard winter she has struggled to sustain herself and her children. She has received a little help, but who would feel any lack if a still greater interest were manifested in this case? Here are her two boys, aged about nine and eleven years, who need homes. Who are willing to give them homes for Christs sake? The mother should be released from this care and close confinement to her needle. These boys are in a village, their only guardian their hard-working mother. They need to be taught how to work as their age will admit. They need to be patiently, kindly, lovingly instructed. Some may say: Oh, yes, I would take them and teach them how to work. But they should not lose sight of other things which these children need besides being taught to work. They need to be instructed how they shall develop good Christian character. They want love and affection, they need to be fitted to become useful here, and finally to be prepared for heaven. Disrobe yourselves of selfishness, and see if there are not many whom you can help and bless with your homes, your sympathy, your love, and in pointing them to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world. Do you wish to make any sacrifice to save souls? Jesus, the dear Saviour, is preparing a home for you; and why will not you in your turn prepare a home for those who need it, and in thus doing imitate the example of your Master? If you are not willing to do this, when you shall feel that you need a habitation in the heavens, none will be awarded you. For Christ declares: Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. You that have been selfish, studying your own ease and advantage all your life, your hours of probation are fast closing. What are you doing to redeem your life of selfishness and uselessness? Wake up! wake up! {2T 30.1}[16]
§35
你若关心自己永恒的利益，就要自己醒悟，开始播撒好种子。你种的是什么，你收的也必是什么。收割的时候快要到了，就是那伟大的收割时期，那时我们都要收获自己所种的结果。庄稼一定要成熟，收割的事是确定的。现在就是撒种的时候。现在就要努力，在好事上富足，“甘心施舍，乐意供给人，”为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，好使你“持定那真正的生命”（提前6:18-19）。我恳劝各地的弟兄除去你们如冰的冷淡。鼓励自己有好客之爱，就是帮助需要帮助之人的爱。【2T.31.1】[17]
§36
As you regard your eternal interest, arouse yourselves, and begin to sow good seed. That which you sow, you shall also reap. The harvest is coming--the great reaping time, when we shall reap what we have sown. There will be no failure in the crop; the harvest is sure. Now is the sowing time. Now make efforts to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for yourselves a good foundation against the time to come, that ye may lay hold on eternal life. I implore you, my brethren in every place, rid yourselves of your icy coldness. Encourage in yourselves a love of hospitality, a love to help those who need help. {2T 31.1}[17]
§37
你或许会说，你曾受骗，把钱财给了不配得你施舍的人，因此已在设法帮助贫乏之人的事上变得灰心了。我把耶稣摆在你面前。祂来要拯救堕落的人类，将救恩带给祂自己的民族；但他们却不愿接受祂。他们以侮辱和轻蔑对待祂的怜悯，并最终将那来赐他们生命的一位致于死地。我们的主因此转脸不顾堕落的人类了吗？尽管你行善的努力失败了九十九次，你所得到的只有侮辱、责备和仇恨，但一百次里若有一次是成功的，一个灵魂得到拯救，就获得了何等的胜利啊！有一个灵魂挣脱了撒但的魔掌，一个灵魂受益，一个灵魂受到鼓励。这就会千倍报偿你一切的努力。耶稣会对你说：“这些事你们既作在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是作在我身上了”（太25:40）。我们难道不应欢喜快乐地竭尽所能去效法我们神圣恩主的生活吗？许多人在舍己助人的念头前退缩了。他们不愿为帮助别人而受苦。他们自以为主没有要求他们损己利人。对这样的人，我们说：耶稣是我们的榜样。【2T.31.2】[18]
§38
You may say you have been taken in and have bestowed your means upon those unworthy of your charity, and therefore have become discouraged in trying to help the needy. I present Jesus before you. He came to save fallen man, to bring salvation to His own nation; but they would not accept Him. They treated His mercy with insult and contempt, and at length they put to death Him who came for the purpose of giving them life. Did our Lord turn from the fallen race because of this? Though your efforts for good have been unsuccessful ninety-nine times, and you received only insult, reproach, and hate, yet if the one-hundredth time proves a success, and one soul is saved, oh, what a victory is achieved! One soul wrenched from Satans grasp, one soul benefited, one soul encouraged. This will a thousand times repay you for all your efforts. To you will Jesus say: Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. Should we not gladly do all we can to imitate the life of our divine Lord? Many shrink at the idea of making any sacrifice for others good. They are not willing to suffer for the sake of helping others. They flatter themselves that it is not required of them to disadvantage themselves for the benefit of others. To such we say: Jesus is our example. {2T 31.2}[18]
§39
当西庇太的两个儿子求在耶稣的国里，一个坐在祂右边，一个坐在祂左边时，耶稣回答说：“‘你们不知道所求的是什么。我将要喝的杯，你们能喝吗？’他们说：‘我们能。’耶稣说：‘我所喝的杯，你们必要喝；只是坐在我的左右，不是我可以赐的，乃是我父为谁预备的，就赐给谁’”（太20:22-23）。有多少人能回答说：祢所喝的杯，我们也能喝；祢所受的洗，我们也能受；而且使人明白他们的回答呢？有多少人效法那伟大的榜样呢？凡自称跟从基督的人，在迈出这一步时，都保证自己行事为人要正如祂一样。但许多高谈阔论真理之人的行为表明，他们并没有做多少使自己的生活效法那伟大榜样的事。他们使自己的行为迎合他们自己不完全的标准。他们并不效学基督的克己和祂为别人的益处而牺牲的生活。【2T.32.1】[19]
§40
When the request was made for the two sons of Zebedee to sit the one on His right hand and the other on His left in His kingdom, Jesus answered: Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto Him, We are able. And He saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father. How many can answer: We can drink of the cup; we can be baptized with the baptism; and make the answer understandingly? How many imitate the great Exemplar? All who have professed to be followers of Christ have, in taking this step, pledged themselves to walk even as He walked. Yet the course of many who make high professions of the truth shows that they make but little reference to the Pattern in conforming their lives thereto. They shape their course to meet their own imperfect standard. They do not imitate the self-denial of Christ or His life of sacrifice for others good. {2T 32.1}[19]
§41
我们中间有贫穷的，无家可归人的和寡妇。我听过一个富有的农夫形容他们中间一名穷寡妇的状况。他悲叹她窘迫的境况，之后说道：“我真不知道她怎样挨过这个严冬，她现在的情况很艰难。”说这样话的人忘记了主的榜样，他们是在用自己的行动说：“不行，主啊，我们不能喝祢所喝的克己、谦卑、牺牲的杯，也不能受祢所受的痛苦的洗。我们活着不能向别人行善。我们的本分是照顾好自己。”谁应该知道那穷寡妇如何度过寒冬呢，不是那些粮谷满仓的人吗？帮助她度过难关，在这些人简直是举手之劳。上帝拣选作祂管家，蒙祂托付钱财的人，岂敢缩手不救助基督的贫穷门徒呢？他们若这样做，就是不帮助耶稣。你还想着主会从天上降粮食去供应贫穷之人吗？祂岂没有将之放在你的手中，通过你去祝福别人吗？祂岂没有让你在这善工上成为祂的器皿考验你，并赐你特权积攒财宝在天上吗？【2T.32.2】[20]
§42
The poor, the homeless, and the widows are among us. I heard a wealthy farmer describe the situation of a poor widow among them. He lamented her straitened circumstances, and then said: I dont know how she is going to get along this cold winter. She has close times now. Such have forgotten the pattern, and by their acts say: Nay, Lord, we cannot drink of the cup of self-denial, humiliation, and sacrifice which You drank of, nor be baptized with the suffering which You were baptized with. We cannot live to do others good. It is our business to take care of ourselves. Who should know how the widow should get along unless it be those who have well-filled granaries? The means for her to get along are at hand. And dare those whom God has made His stewards, to whom He has entrusted means, withhold from the needy disciples of Christ? If so, they withhold from Jesus. Do you expect the Lord to rain down grain from heaven to supply the needy? Has He not rather placed it in your hands, to help and bless them through you? Has He not made you His instrument in this good work to prove you, and to give you the privilege of laying up a treasure in heaven? {2T 32.2}[20]
§43
无父无母的孤儿被放在教会的怀抱中，基督对跟从祂的人说：接纳这些无依无靠的孩子，为我把他们养育成人，你们就必得到你们的工价。在这些事上，我已看到许多自私的表现。若无某些特殊的证据表明他们收养那些需要家庭温暖的孩子会给他们自己带来好处，有些人就不肯接纳他们，回答说：不。他们似乎不知道或者不在意这些孩子是得救还是灭亡，认为那不是他们的事。他们像该隐一样说：“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗”（创4:9）？他们不愿沾上麻烦，或为这些孤儿作出任何牺牲，他们无情地将这样的人推向世界的怀抱，而世界上不信的人有时倒比这些自称是基督徒的人更愿接纳这些孤儿。在上帝的日子，那些蒙上天赐予机会拯救别人的人必要受到质问。但他们却想为自己找借口，除非有利可图，就不愿行善。我蒙指示看到，那些拒绝这些行善机会的人会听到耶稣说：“这些事你们既不作在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是不作在我身上了”（太25:45）。请阅读《以赛亚书》第五十八章。【2T.33.1】[21]
§44
Fatherless and motherless children are thrown into the arms of the church, and Christ says to His followers: Take these destitute children, bring them up for Me, and ye shall receive your wages. I have seen much selfishness exhibited in these things. Unless there is some special evidence that they themselves are to be benefited by adopting into their family those who need homes, some turn away and answer: No. They do not seem to know or care whether such are saved or lost. That, they think, is not their business. With Cain they say: Am I my brothers keeper? They are not willing to be put to inconvenience or to make any sacrifice for the orphans, and they indifferently thrust such ones into the arms of the world, who are sometimes more willing to receive them than are these professed Christians. In the day of God, inquiry will be made for those whom Heaven gave them the opportunity of saving. But they wished to be excused, and would not engage in the good work unless they could make it a matter of profit to them. I have been shown that those who refuse these opportunities for doing good will hear from Jesus: As ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me. Please read Isaiah 58: {2T 33.1}[21]
§45
“这样禁食，岂是我所拣选，使人刻苦己心的日子吗？岂是叫人垂头像苇子，用麻布和炉灰铺在他以下吗？你这可称为禁食为耶和华所悦纳的日子吗？我所拣选的禁食，不是要松开凶恶的绳，解下轭上的索，使被欺压的得自由，折断一切的轭吗？不是要把你的饼分给饥饿的人，将飘流的穷人接到你家中，见赤身的给他衣服遮体，顾恤自己的骨肉而不掩藏吗？这样，你的光就必发现如早晨的光，你所得的医治要速速发明。你的公义必在你前面行；耶和华的荣光必作你的后盾。那时你求告，耶和华必应允；你呼求，祂必说：我在这里。你若从你中间除掉重轭和指摘人的指头，并发恶言的事，你心若向饥饿的人发怜悯，使困苦的人得满足，你的光就必在黑暗中发现，你的幽暗必变如正午。耶和华也必时常引导你，在干旱之地，使你心满意足，骨头强壮。你必像浇灌的园子，又像水流不绝的泉源”（赛58:5-11）。【2T.33.2】[22]
§46
Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; and if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. {2T 33.2}[22]
§47
这是摆在我们面前的特殊工作。我们如果不坚决着手从事这项工作，我们所有的祈祷和节制都将一无用处。我们身上负有神圣的责任。这段经文清楚地说明了我们的责任。主已藉着祂的先知向我们讲话。主的意念和道路决非盲目自私的凡人所想象或希望的那样。主是看人的内心。人心中若存有自私，主是一目了然的。我们或许试图向我们的弟兄姐妹隐藏自己的真实品格，但上帝是鉴察人心肺腑的。在祂面前没有什么是隐藏不露的。【2T.34.1】[23]
§48
This is the special work now before us. All our praying and abstinence from food will avail nothing unless we resolutely lay hold of this work. Sacred obligations are resting upon us. Our duty is plainly stated. The Lord has spoken to us by His prophet. The thoughts of the Lord and His ways are not what blind, selfish mortals believe they are or wish them to be. The Lord looks on the heart. If selfishness dwells there, He knows it. We may seek to conceal our true character from our brethren and sisters, but God knows. Nothing can be hid from Him. {2T 34.1}[23]
§49
这段经文说明了上帝悦纳怎样的禁食。是要把你的饼分给饥饿的人，将飘流的穷人接到你家中。不要等着他们来找你。上帝没有将担子放在他们身上，让他们来找你，求你给他们一个安身之所。你要去寻找他们，将他们带回你的家中。你要用心去寻找他们。你有一个帮助者，你可以凭着信心，用一只手握住带来救恩的大能膀臂，用另一只慈爱的手去寻找受欺压的人，并援救他们。你不可能一只手握住上帝的膀臂，而另一只手却用来满足自己的欢乐。【2T.34.2】[24]
§50
The fast which God can accept is described. It is to deal thy bread to the hungry and to bring the poor which are cast out to thy house. Wait not for them to come to you. The labor rests not on them to hunt you up and entreat of you a home for themselves. You are to search for them and bring them to your house. You are to draw out your soul after them. You are with one hand to reach up and by faith take hold of the mighty arm which brings salvation, while with the other hand of love you reach the oppressed and relieve them. It is impossible for you to fasten upon the arm of God with one hand while the other is employed in ministering to your own pleasure. {2T 34.2}[24]
§51
你若从事这项怜悯仁爱的工作，会证明这工作对你来说太难了吗？你会失败或被重担压垮吗？你的家庭会丧失你的帮助和影响吗？不，不会的！以你的顺从为条件，上帝已向你保证谨慎地消除关于这个问题的一切疑虑。这个应许涵盖了最苛求、最犹豫之人所能渴望的一切。“这样，你的光就必发现如早晨的光，你所得的医治要速速发明”（赛58:8）。只要相信发出应许的上帝是信实的。上帝能更新你的体力。此外，祂说祂必定会这样做。然而，应许还不仅限于此。“你的公义必在你前面行；耶和华的荣光必作你的后盾”（赛58:8）。上帝必建造堡垒环卫你。应许还在继续：“那时你求告，耶和华必应允；你呼求，祂必说：我在这里”（赛58:9）。你若从你中间除掉欺压和虚妄，你的心若向饥饿的人发怜悯，“你的光就必在黑暗中发现，你的幽暗必变如正午。耶和华也必时常引导你，在干旱之地，使你心满意足，骨头强壮。你必像浇灌的园子，又像水流不绝的泉源”（赛58:9-11）。【2T.35.1】[25]
§52
If you engage in this work of mercy and love, will the work prove too hard for you? Will you fail and be crushed under the burden, and your family be deprived of your assistance and influence? Oh, no; God has carefully removed all doubts upon this question, by a pledge to you on condition of your obedience. This promise covers all that the most exacting, the most hesitating, could crave. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily. Only believe that He is faithful that hath promised. God can renew the physical strength. And more, He says He will do it. And the promise does not end here. Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. God will build a fortification around thee. The promise does not stop even here. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and He shall say, Here I am. If ye put down oppression and remove the speaking of vanity, if ye draw out your soul to the hungry, then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought [famine], and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. {2T 35.1}[25]
§53
你们自称为光明之子的人，请阅读《以赛亚书》第58章。特别是那些很不情愿牺牲自己的便利去恩待贫穷人的人，更要反复阅读这一章。你们内心和家宅过于狭小而不能让无家可归者居住的人，请阅读这一章；你们忍心看孤儿寡妇受贫穷的铁腕欺负且被无情的俗人压制的人，请阅读这一章。你们害怕一种影响进入你家、导致你更加操心费力的人，请阅读这一章。你的惧怕也许是没有根据的，有一个福分会来到，日日为你所知道所体会。但如果不是这样，如果需要你格外劳苦，你也可以从那上帝那里汲取力量。祂应许说：“这样，你的光就必发现如早晨的光，你所得的医治要速速发明”（赛58:8）。我蒙指示看到，上帝的子民之所以属灵境界不高、没有更多信心，原因就在于他们被自私所限制。先知的话不是对罪人和不信之人说的，乃是对守安息日之人，对那些自命极其敬虔之人说的。上帝悦纳的不是你们大量的聚会和无数的祷告，而是义行，是在正确的时间作正确的事，是更少自顾和更多的爱心。我们的心灵必须得到拓展。这样，上帝才能使我们成为浇灌的园子和水流不绝的泉源。【2T.35.2】[26]
§54
Read Isaiah 58, ye who claim to be children of the light. Especially do you read it again and again who have felt so reluctant to inconvenience yourselves by favoring the needy. You whose hearts and houses are too narrow to make a home for the homeless, read it; you who can see orphans and widows oppressed by the iron hand of poverty and bowed down by hardhearted worldlings, read it. Are you afraid that an influence will be introduced into your family that will cost you more labor, read it. Your fears may be groundless, and a blessing may come, known and realized by you every day. But if otherwise, if extra labor is called for, you can draw upon One who has promised: Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily. The reason why Gods people are not more spiritually minded and have not more faith, I have been shown, is because they are narrowed up with selfishness. The prophet is addressing Sabbathkeepers, not sinners, not unbelievers, but those who make great pretensions to godliness. It is not the abundance of your meetings that God accepts. It is not the numerous prayers, but the rightdoing, doing the right thing and at the right time. It is to be less self-caring and more benevolent. Our souls must expand. Then God will make them like a watered garden, whose waters fail not. {2T 35.2}[26]
§55
请阅读《以赛亚书》第1章：“你们举手祷告，我必遮眼不看；就是你们多多地祈祷，我也不听。你们的手都满了杀人的血。你们要洗濯、自洁，从我眼前除掉你们的恶行，要止住作恶，学习行善，寻求公平，解救受欺压的，给孤儿伸冤，为寡妇辨屈。耶和华说，你们来，我们彼此辩论。你们的罪虽像朱红，必变成雪白；虽红如丹颜，必白如羊毛。你们若甘心听从，必吃地上的美物，若不听从，反倒悖逆，必被刀剑吞灭。这是耶和华亲口说的”（赛1:15-20）。【2T.36.1】[27]
§56
Read Isaiah 1: And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide Mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before Mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. {2T 36.1}[27]
§57
我蒙指示看到，那真实见证者基督所说人人都须拥有的金子，乃是信心和爱心的结合，并且爱心优先于信心。撒但不断工作，要从上帝的子民心中消除这些宝贵的恩赐。人人都在参加人生的竞赛。撒但很清楚，只要他能消除爱心和信心，代之以自私和不信，其余所有宝贵的特性不久便可被他用欺诈的手段巧妙地消除，人生的竞赛就会失败。【2T.36.2】[28]
§58
The gold mentioned by Christ, the True Witness, which all must have, has been shown me to be faith and love combined, and love takes the precedence of faith. Satan is constantly at work to remove these precious gifts from the hearts of Gods people. All are engaged in playing the game of life. Satan is well aware that if he can remove love and faith, and supply their place with selfishness and unbelief, all the remaining precious traits will soon be skillfully removed by his deceitful hand, and the game will be lost. {2T 36.2}[28]
§59
我亲爱的弟兄们啊，你们难道愿意让撒但遂行他的目的吗？你们难道愿意输掉这场你们希望赢得永生的人生竞赛吗？上帝既然一直愿意藉着我说话，你们就要确实知道，你们若不全然改变，就必被撒但所胜，而不是成为得胜者，这事正如上帝的宝座确定。你们必须夺回爱心和信心。你们愿意重新投身这场争战，夺回你们几乎丧尽的宝贵恩赐吗？你们必须付出比从前更加真诚、更加持久、更加不知疲倦的努力。你所需要的不仅是祈祷或禁食，而是顺从，才能除掉你们的自私，保持上帝所拣选会悦纳的那种禁食。许多人可能会因我坦率直言而感到忧伤；但如果上帝将这担子放在我身上，我就要继续这么做。【2T.37.1】[29]
§60
My dear brethren, will you allow Satan to accomplish his purpose? Will you submit to lose the game in which you desire to win everlasting life? If God has ever spoken by me, you will just as surely be overcome by Satan, instead of being overcomers, as the throne of God stands sure, unless you are entirely transformed. Love and faith must be won back. Will you engage in this conflict anew and win back the precious gifts of which you are nearly destitute? You will have to make efforts more earnest, more persevering and untiring, than you have ever yet made. It is not merely to pray or fast, but it is to be obedient, to divest yourselves of selfishness, and keep the fast which God has chosen, which He will accept. Many may feel grieved because I have spoken plainly; but this I shall continue to do, if God lays the burden upon me. {2T 37.1}[29]
§61
上帝要求那些身居负责地位的人献身于这工作；因为他们若行非作错，百姓就会随意跟从他们的脚踪。如果百姓犯错，而领袖不扬声反对那错误，他们就是认可错误，与百姓一同有罪。那些身居要职的人应该是敬虔的人，不断感到身上的工作责任。【2T.37.2】[30]
§62
God requires that those who occupy responsible positions should be consecrated to the work; for if they move wrong, the people feel at liberty to follow in their footsteps. If the people are wrong, and the leaders lift not their voice against the wrong, they sanction the same, and the sin is charged upon them as well as the offenders. Those who occupy responsible positions should be men of piety, who continually feel the burden of the work resting upon them.{2T 37.2}[30]