第03章 出卖长子权
§1
第03章 出卖长子权
§2
Chap. 3 - Selling the Birthright
§3
亲爱的D兄弟：我早就有意写信给你，但因工作持续繁重，我便没有时间和精力来作这事了。我在上次异象中蒙指示看到了你的情况。你现在处在千钧一发的状态。你知道真理，也明白自己的责任，曾因真理之光欢喜快乐；但因属世追求的搅扰，你正打算以牺牲真理和责任为代价，来换取自己的便利。你既盯着自己当前的金钱利益，便看不到极重无比永远的荣耀了。你正打算为现实利益的诱人前景作出巨大的牺牲。你正要为一碗红豆汤出卖你的长子名分。要是你为得属世利益而转离真理，在你而言就不是无知的罪，而是故意犯罪。【2T.37.3】[1]
§4
Dear Brother D: I have been designing to write to you for some time, but our labors have been so constant and wearing that I have had no time nor strength to do so. In my last vision your case was shown me. You were in a critical condition. You knew the truth, you understood your duty, and you had rejoiced in the light of the truth; but because it interfered with your worldly pursuits, you were about to sacrifice truth and duty to your own convenience. You were looking at your own present pecuniary advantage and losing sight of the eternal weight of glory. You were about to make an immense sacrifice for the flattering prospect of present gain. You were just upon the point of selling your birthright for a mess of pottage. Had you turned from the truth for earthly gain, it would not have been a sin of ignorance on your part, but a willful transgression. {2T 37.3}[1]
§5
以扫贪求特别喜欢的食物，并为满足食欲而出卖了他的长子名分。他满足了自己贪婪的食欲之后，才看出了自己的愚蠢，虽然号哭切求，却得不着门路，使他父亲的心意回转（来12:17）。有非常多的人象以扫。他代表一班可得着特殊宝贵福气的人，可以拥有不朽的基业，象宇宙的创造主上帝的生命那样永久的生命，无法估量的福乐和极重无比永远的荣耀，却因长久放纵食欲、情欲和爱好，以致削弱了自己的辨识力和赏识永恒事物价值的能力。【2T.38.1】[2]
§6
Esau lusted for a favorite dish, and sacrificed his birthright to gratify appetite. After his lustful appetite had been gratified he saw his folly, but found no space for repentance though he sought it carefully and with tears. There are very many who are like Esau. He represents a class who have a special, valuable blessing within their reach,--the immortal inheritance, life that is as enduring as the life of God, the Creator of the universe, happiness immeasurable, and an eternal weight of glory,--but who have so long indulged their appetites, passions, and inclinations, that their power to discern and appreciate the value of eternal things is weakened. {2T 38.1}[2]
§7
以扫对某种食物有一种特殊的、强烈的欲望。他因长久满足自我而感觉不到有必要转离那引诱他、令他垂涎欲滴的食物。他的心全在那食物上，他没有作什么特别的努力去约束自己的食欲，直到食欲的力量压倒了其它所有的考虑并控制了他，他便想象自己若不吃那种食物，就会遭受大麻烦，甚至会死。他越想望那种食物，他的食欲就越发增强，直到他那神圣的长子名分在他眼中失去了其价值和神圣性。他想，要是我现在卖了它，还能轻易地买回来。于是他就用它换了一份最喜欢的食物，自以为把它卖了还能再随意买回来。然而当他想要买回来时，即使他愿意付上极大的代价，也买不回来了。这时，他才为自己的轻率、愚蠢和疯狂痛痛后悔了。他从各方面考虑了这事。然而他虽号哭切求想要反悔，却终归枉然。他既轻视了自己的福分，主就将那福分从他永远挪去了。你也想过要是你现在牺牲真理，继续走公然犯罪和悖逆的路线，你不会冲破一切限制而变得不顾一切，而且要是你属世利益的希望和期望破灭了，你还能重拾对真理的兴趣，并预备承受永远的生命。但是你在这件事上已经欺骗了自己。要是你为属世的利益牺牲了真理，必定是以永生为代价。【2T.38.2】[3]
§8
Esau had a special, strong desire for a particular article of food, and he had so long gratified self that he did not feel the necessity of turning from the tempting, coveted dish. He thought upon it, making no special effort to restrain his appetite, until the power of appetite bore down every other consideration and controlled him, and he imagined that he would suffer great inconvenience, and even death, if he could not have that particular dish. The more he thought upon it, the more his desire strengthened, until his birthright, which was sacred, lost its value and its sacredness. He thought, If I now sell it, I can easily buy it back. He bartered it away for a favorite dish, flattering himself that he could dispose of it at will and buy it back at pleasure. But when he sought to buy it back, even at a great sacrifice on his part, he was not able to do so. He then bitterly repented his rashness, his folly, his madness. He looked the matter over on every side. He sought for repentance carefully and with tears, but it was all in vain. He had despised the blessing, and the Lord removed it from him forever. You have thought that if you should sacrifice the truth now, and go on in a course of open transgression and disobedience, you would not break over all restraint and become reckless, and if you should be disappointed in your hopes and expectations of worldly gain you could again interest yourself in the truth and become a candidate for everlasting life. But you have deceived yourself in this matter. Had you sacrificed the truth for worldly gain, it would have been at the expense of life everlasting. {2T 38.2}[3]
§9
我们的救主用大筵席的比喻说明许多人会选择世界而不是祂自己，结果就必丧失天国。我们救主仁厚的邀请被人轻视了。祂先是劳心费力以无限的牺牲作了伟大的预备。然后祂发出了邀请，但是“众人异口同音地推辞。头一个说：‘我买了一块地，必须去看看。请你准我辞了。’又有一个说：‘我买了五对牛，要去试一试。请你准我辞了。’又有一个说：‘我才娶了妻，所以不能去’”（路14:18-20）。家主因而撇开这些富有而贪爱世界的人，他们非常看重自己的土地、牲畜和妻子，以致超过了会因接受家主所发请他们来赴筵席的仁厚邀请而获得的利益。家主非常气愤，离开这些如此轻视他恩惠的人，转而邀请一班不丰满的人，就是没有土地房屋，贫穷饥饿，残废、瞎眼、瘸腿，且会赏识所提供的恩惠，向主人献上真诚的感激，无伪的爱心和奉献以作报答的人。【2T.39.1】[4]
§10
Under the parable of a great supper, our Saviour shows that many will choose the world above Himself, and will, as the result, lose heaven. The gracious invitation of our Saviour was slighted. He had been to the trouble and expense to make great preparation at an immense sacrifice. Then he sent his invitation; but they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. The lord then turns from the wealthy and world-loving, whose lands and oxen and wives were of so great value in their estimation as to outweigh the advantages they would gain by accepting the gracious invitation he had given them to eat of his supper. The master of the house is angry, and turns from those who have thus insulted his bounty offered them, and he invites a class who are not full, who are not in possession of lands and houses, but who are poor and hungry, who are maimed and halt and blind, and who will appreciate the bounties provided, and in return will render the master sincere gratitude, unfeigned love and devotion. {2T 39.1}[4]
§11
筵席上还有空位，于是有命令发出：“你出去到路上和篱笆那里，勉强人进来，坐满我的屋子。我告诉你们：先前所请的人，没有一个得尝我的筵席”（路14:23-24）。这里形容的是一班被上帝弃绝的人，因为他们轻视了主人的邀请。耶和华对以利说：“尊重我的，我必重看他；藐视我的，他必被轻视”（撒上2:30）。基督说：“若有人服侍我，就当跟从我；我在哪里，服侍我的人也要在那里；若有人服侍我，我父必尊重他”（约12:26）。上帝是轻慢不得的。那些已经得到光的人如果拒绝它，或者轻轻忽忽，不行在光中，那光对于他们就会变为黑暗。【2T.40.1】[5]
§12
Still there is room. The command is then given: Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper. Here is a class rejected of God because they despised the invitation of the Master. The Lord declared to Eli: Them that honor Me I will honor, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed. Says Christ: If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor. God will not be trifled with. If those who have the light reject it, or neglect to follow it out, it will become darkness to them. {2T 40.1}[5]
§13
上帝亲爱的儿子已经作出了巨大牺牲，以便有能力搭救堕落的人类，提拔他在祂自己的右边，使他承受世界并且拥有极重无比永远的荣耀。这不朽产业的价值是言语所无法形容的。上帝儿子所提供的荣耀、丰富和尊荣具有无限的价值，以致人类甚至天使都没有能力准确估计其价值、卓越和辉煌。如果陷入罪恶与堕落的人类拒绝这些属天的福惠，不肯过顺从的人生，践踏上帝仁厚怜悯的邀请，宁愿选择世上不足取的事物，因为这些东西是可见的，而且便于他们为当前的享乐走犯罪的路线，耶稣就会实现大筵席的比喻；这样的人不会得尝祂的荣耀，祂的邀请会发给另一班人。【2T.40.2】[6]
§14
An immense sacrifice was made on the part of Gods dear Son, that He might have power to rescue fallen man and exalt him to His own right hand, make him an heir of the world and a possessor of the eternal weight of glory. Language fails to express the value of the immortal inheritance. The glory, riches, and honor offered by the Son of God are of such infinite value that it is beyond the power of men or even angels to give any just idea of their worth, their excellence, their magnificence. If men, plunged in sin and degradation, refuse these heavenly benefits, refuse a life of obedience, trample upon the gracious invitations of mercy, and choose the paltry things of earth because they are seen, and it is convenient for their present enjoyment to pursue a course of sin, Jesus will carry out the figure in the parable; such shall not taste of His glory, but the invitation will be extended to another class. {2T 40.2}[6]
§15
那些愿意找藉口、继续犯罪效法世界的人，会被撇弃，任由他们去随从自己的偶像。必有一天他们不会再说请准我辞了，那时也不会有一个人想说请准我辞了。那时基督在祂和祂父的荣耀里降临，有全部天使在祂周围护送，一路高唱凯歌，当最动人的旋律传到人耳中的时候，那时人人都会感兴趣；不会有一个漠不关心的观众了。投机买卖也不会吸引人心了。使守财奴大饱眼福的金堆也不再有吸引力了。世上的骄傲人建立的广厦豪宅，就是那原为他们偶像的，也要被人厌弃憎恶了。再没有人拿土地、牲畜和他刚娶的妻子作为他不分享这突然出现在眼前令他目瞪口呆之荣耀的藉口了。所有的人都想分享这大荣耀，却知道这不是为他们预备的。【2T.41.1】[7]
§16
Those who choose to make excuses and continue in sin and conformity to the world will be left to their idols. There will be a day when they will not beg to be excused, when not one will wish to be excused. When Christ shall come in His glory and the glory of His Father, with all the heavenly angels surrounding Him, escorting Him on His way with voices of triumph, while strains of the most enchanting music fall upon the ear, all will then be interested; there will not be one indifferent spectator. Speculations will not then engross the soul. The misers piles of gold, which have feasted his eyes, are no more attractive. The palaces which the proud men of earth have erected, and which have been their idols, are turned from with loathing and disgust. No one pleads his lands, his oxen, his wife that he has just married, as a reason why he should be excused from sharing the glory that bursts upon his astonished vision. All want a share, but know that it is not for them. {2T 41.1}[7]
§17
他们以最真诚、最惨痛的祈祷，呼求上帝不要越过他们。君王，壮士，贵族，骄傲的，吝啬的，一同在无法形容的祸患、凄凉、痛苦的压力之下屈身俯伏，口中逼出心中痛苦的呼求，可怜可怜我们吧！拯救我们脱离被得罪之上帝的忿怒！一个声音以极清晰、严厉、威严的语气回答他们：“我呼唤，你们不肯听从；我伸手，无人理会。反轻弃我一切的劝戒，不肯受我的责备。你们遭灾难，我就发笑；惊恐临到你们，我必嗤笑”（箴1:24-26）。【2T.41.2】[8]
§18
In earnest, agonizing prayer they call for God to pass them not by. The kings, the mighty men, the lofty, the proud, the mean man, alike bow together under a pressure of woe, desolation, misery inexpressible; heart-anguished prayers are wrung from their lips. Mercy! mercy! Save us from the wrath of an offended God! A voice answers them with terrible distinctness, sternness, and majesty: Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out My hand, and no man regarded; but ye have set at nought all My counsel, and would none of My reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh. {2T 41.2}[8]
§19
君王、贵族、壮士，穷乏人，吝啬人都一样在那里痛痛哭号。他们在自己顺利昌达的日子轻视基督和跟从祂脚踪的谦卑之人。从前不愿在基督面前谦卑敬拜，反倒恨恶祂那遭人藐视的十字架的人，而今却俯伏在尘埃了。他们的伟大突然离开了他们，他们毫不犹豫地在圣徒脚前屈身下拜。那时他们非常痛苦地认识到，自己是在吃自结的果子，充满自设的计谋。他们自以为有智慧，就转离崇高、永恒的赏赐，为得属世利益而拒绝了上天的邀请。他们被世上那些光耀闪烁、华而不实的事物迷住，在自诩的智慧中变为愚拙。他们因属世的兴盛而欢欣鼓舞，好像这些属世的利益很有价值，他们能够以此得到上帝的接受，从而确保得到天堂似的。【2T.41.3】[9]
§20
Then kings and nobles, the mighty man, and the poor man, and the mean man, alike, cry there most bitterly. They who in the days of their prosperity despised Christ and the humble ones who followed in His footsteps, men who would not humble their dignity to bow to Christ, who hated His despised cross, are now prostrate in the mire of the earth. Their greatness has all at once left them, and they do not hesitate to bow to the earth at the feet of the saints. They then realize with terrible bitterness that they are eating the fruit of their own way, and are filled with their own devices. In their supposed wisdom they turned away from the high, eternal reward, rejected the heavenly inducement, for earthly gain. The glitter and tinsel of earth fascinated them, and in their supposed wisdom they became fools. They exulted in their worldly prosperity as though their worldly advantages were so great that they could through them be recommended to God, and thus secure heaven. {2T 41.3}[9]
§21
地上的愚顽人以财富为他们的力量，金钱就是他们的神，但正是富足昌达导致了他们的灭亡。他们在上帝和天使眼中看为愚拙，然而具有属世野心的人却以为他们是智慧人。现在，他们自诩的智慧全都成了愚拙，他们的兴旺成了他们的毁灭。人们口中再次传出满心惧怕、撕心裂肺地喊叫：“向山和岩石说：倒在我们身上吧！把我们藏起来，躲避坐宝座者的面目和羔羊的忿怒，因为他们忿怒的大日到了，谁能站得住呢”（启6:16-17）？他们逃向山洞和岩石穴里作为藏身之处，但仍属徒劳。【2T.42.1】[10]
§22
Money was power among the foolish of earth, and money was their god; but their very prosperity has destroyed them. They became fools in the eyes of God and His heavenly angels, while men of worldly ambition thought them wise. Now their supposed wisdom is all foolishness, and their prosperity their destruction. Again ring forth shrieks of fearful, heart-rending anguish: Rocks and mountains, fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; for the great day of His wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand? To the caves of the earth they flee as a covert, but these fail to be such then. {2T 42.1}[10]
§23
亲爱的弟兄，现在生死都摆在你面前。你知道你的脚步为什么蹒跚吗？你知道自己为什么不能保持勇敢和坚定吗？你违背了自己的良心。你的买卖事业不是一直正直的。你这里要有所作为。你父亲看待商业原则的眼光并不正确。你对这些原则的看法与一般的俗人无异，而不是象上帝那样看待它们。“要爱邻舍如同自己。”你作到这点了吗？“你要尽心、尽性、尽力、尽意爱主你的上帝”（路10:27）。只有遵行第一条诫命，才能预备好内心去遵守第二条，就是和第一条相仿的：“要爱邻舍如同自己。”这两条大诫命是十条诫命的总纲。第一大条包括头四条诫命，表明人对他的创造主的责任；第二大条包括后六条诫命，表明人对同胞的本分。这两条诫命是律法和先知一切道理的总纲，是支撑全部十条诫命，前四条和后六条的两大膀臂，必须严格予以遵守。【2T.42.2】[11]
§24
Dear brother, life or death is before you. Do you know why your steps have faltered? why you did not persevere with courage and firmness? You have a violated conscience. Your business career has not been straightforward. You have something to do here. Your father did not look upon business principles in the correct light. You regard them as do worldlings in general, but not as God regards them. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Have you done this? Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind. If this commandment is obeyed, it prepares the heart to obey the second, which is like unto it: Love thy neighbor as thyself. All the Ten Commandments are embodied in the two specified. The first includes the first four commandments, which show the duty of man to his Creator. The second embraces the last six, which show the duty of man to his fellow man. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. They are two great arms sustaining all ten of the commandments, the first four and the last six. These must be strictly obeyed. {2T 42.2}[11]
§25
“你若要进入永生，就当遵守诫命”（太19:17）。许多自称基督门徒的人会显然顺利地度过今生，也会被认为是正直、敬虔的人，其实他们内心却有灾殃，玷污他们的整个品格并败坏他们的宗教经验。你“要爱邻舍如同自己。”这就禁止我们作损人利己的事。我们不得在任何事上亏待我们的同胞。我们不应从世俗的立场去看待这个问题。我们若愿意人怎样待我们，我们就应怎样待人，这应成为我们实际生活的准则。上帝的律法要不折不扣地严格遵守。在我们所行的一切事上，在我们和同胞一切的交往上，无论他们信与不信，这条准则均都适用：“要爱邻舍如同自己。”【2T.43.1】[12]
§26
If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Very many who profess to be Christs disciples will apparently pass along smoothly in this world, and will be regarded as upright, godly men, when they have a plague spot at the core, which taints their whole character and corrupts their religious experience. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. This forbids us to take advantage of our fellow men in order to advantage ourselves. We are forbidden to wrong our neighbor in anything. We should not view the matter from the worldlings standpoint. To deal with our fellow men in every instance just as we should wish them to deal with us is a rule which we should apply to ourselves practically. Gods laws are to be obeyed to the letter. In all our intercourse and deal with our fellow men, whether believers or unbelievers, this rule is to be applied: Love thy neighbor as thyself. {2T 43.1}[12]
§27
有许多自称是基督徒的人在这一点上会经不起上帝的衡量；当他们被秤在圣所的天平上时，会显出亏欠。亲爱的弟兄，“务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别，不要沾不洁净的物，我就收纳你们。我要作你们的父，你们要作我的儿女。这是全能的主说的”（林后6:17-18）。这是何等伟大的应许啊！但我们不要忘记，这项应许是以顺从命令为前提的。上帝呼召你与世俗分别。你不要随从他们的做法，也不要在自己行为的任何方面效法他们。“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）。【2T.43.2】[13]
§28
Here many who profess to be Christians will not bear the measurement of God; when weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, they will be found wanting. Dear brother, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. What a promise is this! But we are not to lose sight of the fact that it is based upon obedience to the command. God calls you to separate from the world. You are not to follow their practices, nor conform to them in your course of action in any respect. 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. {2T 43.2}[13]
§29
上帝要求我们与世俗分别。你愿意听从吗？你愿意从他们中间出来，并且保持与他们分别且截然不同吗？“义和不义有什么相交呢？光明和黑暗有什么相通呢”（林后6:14）？你不能与世俗之人掺杂、沾染他们的精神、随从他们的样子，而同时还作上帝的孩子。宇宙的创造主就像一位慈爱的父亲一样对你说话。你若在自己的感情上与世俗分别，不沾染世俗的污秽，逃避世上从情欲来的败坏，上帝就要作你的父，祂要接纳你为祂家里的人，你也要作祂的后嗣。你若度一种顺从的生活，上帝就要把诸天之下的国度赐给你，代替这个世界。祂必赐你极重无比永远的荣耀和象永恒一样长久的生命。【2T.44.1】[14]
§30
God calls for separation from the world. Will you obey? Will you come out from among them, and remain separate and distinct from them? For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? You cannot mingle with worldlings, and partake of their spirit, and follow their example, and be at the same time a child of God. The Creator of the universe addresses you as an affectionate Father. If you separate from the world in your affections, and remain free from its contamination, escaping the corruption that is in the world through lust, God will be your Father, He will adopt you into His family, and you will be His heir. In place of the world, He will give you, for a life of obedience, the kingdom under the whole heavens. He will give you an eternal weight of glory and a life that is as enduring as eternity. {2T 44.1}[14]
§31
你的天父打算使你成为王室的一员，以便你藉着祂极大且宝贵的应许，可以与上帝的性情有份，脱离世上从情欲而来的败坏。你越与天使和你的救赎主基督纯洁无罪的性情有份，你就越鲜明地带有圣洁的印记，也就越来越不象世人了。世人与基督是不和的，因为世人不愿与基督联合。世人也会与跟从基督的人不和。我们的救主在向祂的父祷告时说：“我已将祢的道赐给他们，世界又恨他们；因为他们不属世界，正如我不属世界一样”（约17:14）。【2T.44.2】[15]
§32
Your heavenly Father proposes to make you a member of the royal family, that through His exceeding great and precious promises you may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. The more you partake of the character of the pure, sinless angels, and of Christ your Redeemer, the more vividly will you bear the impress of the divine, and the more faint will be the resemblance to the world. The world and Christ are at variance, because the world will not be in union with Christ. The world will also be at variance with Christs followers. In the prayer of our Saviour to His Father, He says: I have given them Thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. {2T 44.2}[15]
§33
你所蒙的呼召是崇高的，提拔人的，要你在属上帝的身子和心灵上荣耀祂。你不要用别人来衡量你自己。上帝的圣言已经为你提供了一个毫无过失的模范，一个没有缺点的榜样。你惧怕十字架。它是一个不方便背起的器具，因为它上面覆着责骂和羞耻，你就避开了它。你需要在生活中施行健康改良；要克制自己，或吃、或喝都要为荣耀上帝而行。要禁戒肉体的私欲，这私欲是与灵魂争战的。你需要实行凡事节制。这是你已避开的一个十字架。你要约束自己，采用简单的饮食，这会保持你处于最佳的健康状态，这对你来说是一个任务。要是你实行了上天允许照在你人生路途上的亮光，你家中原可免去许多痛苦。你自己的做法已带来了必然的结果。你在继续这种做法时，上帝就不愿进入你的家庭，特别祝福你，且行一个神迹来拯救你家脱离痛苦。简单的饮食，没有辛香料、肉食和各种油脂，这对你来说会证明是一种福气，也会救你妻子脱离极大的痛苦、忧伤和沮丧。【2T.45.1】[16]
§34
Your calling is a high, an elevated one, to glorify God in your body and spirit, which are His. You are not to measure yourself by others. The word of God has presented you an unerring pattern, a faultless example. You have dreaded the cross. It is an inconvenient instrument to lift, and because it is covered with reproach and shame, you have shunned it. You need to carry out the health reform in your life; to deny yourself, and eat and drink to the glory of God. Abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. You need to practice temperance in all things. Here is a cross which you have shunned. To confine yourself to a simple diet, which will preserve you in the best condition of health, is a task to you. Had you lived up to the light which Heaven has permitted to shine upon your pathway, much suffering might have been saved your family. Your own course of action has brought the sure result. While you continue in this course, God will not come into your family and especially bless you and work a miracle to save your family from suffering. A plain diet, free from spices and flesh meats and grease of all kinds, would prove a blessing to you and would save your wife a great amount of suffering, grief, and despondency. {2T 45.1}[16]
§35
你没有追求那条会确知是上帝祝福的道路。如果你愿意让上帝的福气随着你，让祂的临格常在你家中，你就必须顺从祂，无论得失或自己高兴与否，都要遵行祂的旨意。你不要跟自己的欲望商量，也不要征询世俗之徒的嘉许，因为他们既不认识上帝，也不努力荣耀祂。如果你行事与上帝相反，祂行事也必与你相反。你若在耶和华面前敬拜别神，你的心就会转离，不侍奉唯一又真又活的上帝，祂要求你全部的心、专一的爱。上帝要的是尽心、尽性、尽力、尽意。任何不及于此的，祂都不会接受。在这个问题上不可分心；任何半心半意的工作都不蒙悦纳。【2T.45.2】[17]
§36
You have not pursued a course which would assure to you the blessing of God. If you would have His blessing attend you, and His presence abide in your family, you must obey Him, doing His will irrespective of losses or gains or your own pleasure. You are not to consult your desires, nor the approbation of worldlings who know not God and seek not to glorify Him. If you walk contrary unto God, He will walk contrary unto you. If you have other gods before the Lord, your heart will be turned away from serving the only true and living God, who requires the whole heart, the undivided affections. All the heart, all the soul, all the mind, and all the strength, does God require. He will accept of nothing short of this. No separation is allowed here; no half-hearted work will be accepted. {2T 45.2}[17]
§37
你若想为上帝献上完全的服务，就必须清楚地了解祂的要求。你应该采用最简单的食物，以最简单的方式制备，好使你大脑纤细的神经不会削弱、麻木或麻痹，令你无法辨别神圣的事物，不能评估基督洁净、赎罪宝血的无限价值。“岂不知在场上赛跑的都跑，但得奖赏的只有一人？你们也当这样跑，好叫你们得着奖赏。凡较力争胜的，诸事都有节制，他们不过是要得能坏的冠冕；我们却是要得不能坏的冠冕。所以，我奔跑，不像无定向的；我斗拳，不像打空气的。我是攻克己身，叫身服我，恐怕我传福音给别人，自己反被弃绝了”（林前9:24-27）。【2T.46.1】[18]
§38
In order to render to God perfect service, you must have clear conceptions of His requirements. You should use the most simple food, prepared in the most simple manner, that the fine nerves of the brain be not weakened, benumbed, or paralyzed, making it impossible for you to discern sacred things, and to value the atonement, the cleansing blood of Christ, as of priceless worth. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. {2T 46.1}[18]
§39
世人为了得到一顶必朽坏的花冠作为他们雄心的奖赏，尚且使自己在凡事上实行节制，那些自称不仅追求一顶不朽荣耀的冠冕，而且追求象耶和华的宝座一样永久的生命和恒久的财富、不朽坏的尊荣，一种极重无比永远荣耀的人，更应多么愿意实行克己自制啊。那摆在基督徒赛程前面的赏赐难道不会使他们实行舍己和凡事节制，以便始终约束自身的兽性倾向，攻克己身，控制食欲和情欲吗？这样，他们才能脱离世上从情欲来的败坏，得与上帝神圣的性情有份。【2T.46.2】[19]
§40
If men, for no higher object than a wreath or perishable crown as a reward of their ambition, subjected themselves to temperance in all things, how much more should those be willing to practice self-denial who profess to be seeking, not only a crown of immortal glory, but a life which is to endure as long as the throne of Jehovah, and riches that are eternal, honors which are imperishable, an eternal weight of glory. Will not the inducements presented before those who are running in the Christian race lead them to practice self-denial and temperance in all things, that they may keep their animal propensities in subjection, keep under the body, and control the appetite and lustful passions? Then can they be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. {2T 46.2}[19]
§41
如果主所应许的极其宝贵光荣的奖赏没有使我们接受更大的艰辛，经受比世人所乐意忍受的更大的舍己，我们就不配得永生。世人正在追求的不过是没有价值的东西，一顶使他们得到少数人尊荣多数人恨恶的桂冠。我们应该付出比从事其它任何事业之人更大的恳切、热心、恒心、勇气、精力、克己和牺牲，因为我们正在追求达到的目标，其价值比他们的更高。我们正在追求的财宝是不灭的，永恒的，不朽的，无比荣耀的；而俗人所追求的财宝不过是暂时的，是会消残、朽烂，飞逝如朝云的。【2T.46.3】[20]
§42
If the exceeding precious and glorious reward promised will not lead us to welcome greater privations and endure greater self-denial than are cheerfully borne by worldly men who are seeking merely a bauble of earth, a perishable laurel which brings honors from a few of the worldly, and hate from more, we are unworthy of everlasting life. In the earnestness and intensity of our zeal, perseverance, courage, energy, self-denial, and sacrifice we should as much excel those who are engaged in any other enterprise as the object we are seeking to attain is of higher value than theirs. The treasure we are seeking is imperishable, eternal, immortal, all overglorious; while that of which the worldling is in pursuit, endures but a day; it is fading, perishable, fleeting as the morning cloud. {2T 46.3}[20]
§43
十字架！十字架！D弟兄啊，背起它来！你高举十字架时，就会惊奇地发现它高举你，支持你。在逆境、穷乏、忧伤中，它会成为你的力量和支柱。你会发现它上面挂满了仁慈、怜悯、同情，和无可言喻的爱。十字架会向你证明，它会证明是你不朽的保证。愿你能和保罗一起说：“我断不以别的夸口，只夸我们主耶稣基督的十字架。因这十字架，就我而论，世界已经钉在十字架上；就世界而论，我已经钉在十字架上”（加6:14）。【2T.47.1】[21]
§44
The cross, the cross; lift it, Brother D, and in the act of raising it you will be astonished to find that it raises you, it supports you. In adversity, privation, and sorrow it will be a strength and a staff to you. You will find it all hung with mercy, compassion, sympathy, and inexpressible love. It will prove to you a pledge of immortality. May you be able to say with Paul: God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. {2T 47.1}[21]
§45
主的灵与你的妻子相争已有一段时间。你若愿意全然顺服上帝，你妻子原会有力量采取立场，努力实行真理。你若选择背离真理，堕落的就不会只你一人；你不仅会失丧自己的灵魂，也会成为使别人转离正路的手段，你的衣服上就会沾有生灵的血。要是你保持你的纯正，你的母亲，你的弟兄E，和一个即将入土的人，现在就可享有上帝之灵的安慰，在真理上拥有上好的经验。总要记住，我们要为自己所发挥的影响负责。我们的影响不是与基督同收聚的，就是与祂分散的。我们不是帮助人行走在圣洁的窄路上，便是成为阻碍，成为他们的绊脚石，使他们转离正路。我非常尊敬的弟兄啊，你已经没有时间再浪费了。你要认真地爱惜光阴，因为现今的世代邪恶。你的同伴，就是你选择与之交往的人，一直是你的障碍。要从他们中间出来，与他们分别。你要亲近上帝，与祂的子民有更紧密的联合。让你的兴趣和感情集中在基督和跟随祂的人身上。爱那些最好最爱基督的人。斩断将你与那些不爱上帝和真理的人联系在一起的锁链。光明和黑暗有什么相通呢？信主的和不信主的有什么相干呢？【2T.47.2】[22]
§46
The Spirit of the Lord has been striving with your wife for some time. If you would yield all to God, she would have strength to take her position to seek to live out the truth. If you choose to turn from the truth, you will not go down alone; you will not only lose your own soul, but will be the means of turning others out of the way, and the blood of souls will be on your garments. Had you maintained your integrity, your mother, your brother E, and one who now hovers over the brink of the grave, might now be enjoying the consolation of the Spirit of God and have a good experience in the truth. Ever bear in mind that we are accountable for the influence we exert. Our influence gathers with Christ or scatters abroad. We are either helping souls in the narrow path of holiness or we are a hindrance, a stumbling block to them, turning them out of the way. You, my much-esteemed brother, have no time to lose. Be in earnest to redeem the time, because the days are evil. Your associates, those whose company you have chosen, have been a hindrance to you. Come out from among them, and be separate. Draw near to God, and come into closer union with His people. Let your interest and your affections center in Christ and His followers. Love those best who love Christ most. Sever the links which have bound you to those who love not God and the truth. What communion hath light with darkness? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? {2T 47.2}[22]
§47
你现在面临着信心破灭的危险。你需要能从上帝的子民那里获得的全部力量，就是那些拥有希望、勇气和信心的人。不要忽略祷告，私下的祷告。祷告要恒切，鼓励一种真虔诚的精神。你在自己的商业生涯上也有一番工夫要下。具体是什么，我不能告诉你，但有些事情是错误的。你要细细思量检讨。我们正在为永恒工作。我们所有的言行都要被称在圣所的天平上。公正无私的上帝要判定我们一切的情形，我们生活史上的每一件事。“人在最小的事上忠心，在大事上也忠心；在最小的事上不义，在大事上也不义”（路16:10）。【2T.48.1】[23]
§48
You are in imminent danger of making shipwreck of faith. You need all the strength which you can obtain from the people of God, those who possess hope, courage, and faith. But do not neglect prayer, secret prayer. Be instant in prayer; encourage a spirit of true devotion. In your business career you have a work to do. Just what, I am unable to tell you; but something is wrong. Search carefully. We are doing up work for eternity. All our acts, all our words, are to be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary. A just and impartial God is to determine all our cases, every event of our life history. He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. {2T 48.1}[23]
§49
不要让任何事成为你追求永生的障碍。你永远的利益危如累卵。你必须在心里作一番彻底的工作。你必须完全转变，否则你将失去天国。但耶稣邀请你将祂作为你的力量和支持。祂愿作你随时的帮助。祂对你愿象大磐石的影子在疲乏之地。不要再苦心思虑在今生属世的事业上获得成功，你心灵的负担应该是：我如何才能确保获得那更佳美的世界？我必须做什么才能得救呢？你在救自己灵魂的同时，也在救别人。你在振奋自己的同时，也振奋别人。你在紧握真理和上帝宝座的同时，也帮助别人将他们颤抖的信心固定在上帝的应许和祂永恒的宝座上。你所必须进入的位置，是重视救恩过于一切属世的利益，将万事当作有损的，为要得着基督。你必须完全献身。上帝只承认毫无保留、全心全意的牺牲；你心中不能怀藏任何偶像。你必须向自我和世界死去，每天重新献身于上帝。永生值得我们毕生不息不倦的恒切努力。【2T.48.2】[24]
§50
Let nothing obstruct your progress in the way to everlasting life. Your eternal interest is at stake. There must be a thorough work wrought in you. You must be fully converted, or you will fail of heaven. But Jesus invites you to make Him your strength, your support. He will be to you a present help in every time of need. He will be to you as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Let it not be your great anxiety to succeed in this world, but let the burden of your soul be: How shall I secure the better world? what have I to do to be saved? In saving your own soul, you save others. In lifting yourself, you lift others. In fastening your grasp upon the truth and upon the throne of God, you aid others to fix their trembling faith upon His promises and His eternal throne. The position you must come into is to value salvation dearer than earthly gain, to count everything but loss that you may win Christ. The consecration on your part must be entire. God will admit of no reserve, of no divided sacrifice; you can cherish no idol. You must die to self and to the world. Renew your consecration to God daily. Everlasting life is worth a lifelong, persevering, untiring effort. {2T 48.2}[24]
§51
我蒙指示看到，你的兄弟有段时间曾信服真理，但各种势力阻止了他。他妻子曾阻碍他顺从自己的确信。但她在自己的痛苦中寻求上帝，上帝也让她寻见了。于是她急切地感到，自己的丈夫应该接受真理。她因曾经反对他而懊悔，因为她骄傲和贪爱世界的心曾长久地拦阻他接受真理。她像一个苦苦寻求安息却无法寻得的孩子，最终顺从了恩典的邀请：“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息”（太11:28）。她疲乏负重的心灵寻见了她的主，她以痛悔、谦卑和恳切的祈祷，将自己的重担卸给了那伟大的担负重担者，并在祂里面寻得了安息。她得到了凭据，她的谦卑和诚心悔必已蒙上帝悦纳，祂已因基督的缘故赦免了她的罪。【2T.49.1】[25]
§52
I was shown that your brother had been convinced of the truth for some time, but influences had held him back. His wife had hindered him from obeying his convictions. But in her affliction she sought the Lord, and He was found of her. Then she felt an anxiety that her husband should embrace the truth; she repented that she had opposed him, that her pride and love of the world had so long kept him from receiving the truth. Like a weary child in search of rest but unable to obtain it, she at length complied with the gracious invitation: Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Her weary, burdened soul sought her Lord, and with repentance, humiliation, and earnest prayer she cast her burden upon the great Burden Bearer, and in Him found rest; she received the evidence that her humiliation and earnest repentance were accepted of God, and that for Christs sake He had forgiven her sins. {2T 49.1}[25]
§53
D弟兄，我蒙指示看到，你只有很短的时间可以工作。你要彻底作成自己的工，爱惜光阴。在你的商业事务中，不要让一个污点玷污你的基督徒品格。不要让你的衣服沾染世俗的污秽。你要警醒祷告，免得进入试探。你身边也许尽都是试探，但谁也不会强迫你进入试探。你可以从基督获得力量，在这个败坏世代的污秽中一尘不染地站立。“因此，祂已将又宝贵、又极大的应许赐给我们，叫我们既脱离世上从情欲来的败坏，就得与上帝的性情有份”（彼后1:4）。你要保守自己的眼目坚定地注视基督，注视那神圣的形像。效法祂无瑕无疵的生活，你就会与祂的荣耀有份，并与祂一同继承那从创世以来就为你预备的国。【2T.49.2】[26]
§54
I was shown, Brother D, that you have but a short time to work. Do up your work thoroughly, redeem the time. In your business transactions let not a blot tarnish your Christian character. Keep your garments unspotted from the world. Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. Temptations may be all around you, but you are not compelled to enter into them. You may obtain strength from Christ to stand unsullied amid the pollutions of this corrupt age. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Keep the eye steadily fixed upon Christ, upon the divine image. Imitate His spotless life, and you will be a partaker of His glory, and with Him inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.{2T 49.2}[26]