第17章 与世人有别
§1
第17章 与世人有别
§2
Chap. 17 - Separation From the World
§3
亲爱的弟兄姐妹：上帝计划教会的光应当越照越明，直到日午。给上帝子民的宝贵应许是以顺从为条件的。你们若像迦勒和约书亚，全心跟从了耶和华，祂原会在你们中间彰显祂的能力。因着你们的影响力，罪人原会悔改，退后的人原可挽回；即便是敌对我们信仰的人，虽然反对和毁谤真理，也不得不承认上帝与你们同在。【2T.124.2】[1]
§4
Dear Brethren and Sisters: God designed that the light of the church should increase and grow brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. Precious promises are made to Gods people upon condition of obedience. If, like Caleb and Joshua, you had wholly followed the Lord, He would have magnified His power in your midst. Sinners would have been converted, and backsliders reclaimed, by your influence; and even the enemies of our faith, although they might oppose and speak against the truth, could but admit that God was with you. {2T 124.2}[1]
§5
许多自称是上帝特别子民的人随从了世界，以致他们的独特性质模糊不清，难以将“侍奉上帝的和不侍奉上帝的”区别出来。上帝的子民若出离世俗并与世界有别，上帝就会为他们行大事。他们若愿顺从祂的带领，祂就必使他们在全地成为可赞美的。那为诚信真实见证的说：“我知道你的行为”（启3:15）。那些为将要承受救恩之人效力的天使熟悉世上每一个人，了解他们每一个人所具有的信心的大小。自称是上帝子民之人心中存有的不信、骄傲、贪婪和爱世界的心，已使无罪的天使忧伤。当他们看到许多自称跟从基督之人心中存着严重的和僭越自恃的罪，并且上帝因他们表里不一、弯曲悖逆的行为受羞辱时，就禁不住哭泣。可是那些犯错最多，给教会带来最大软弱，并使他们神圣的信仰表白染上污点的人，却似乎不受警告，也觉不出自己有罪，反倒感觉自己正在主里面兴盛繁荣。【2T.125.1】[2]
§6
Many of the professed, peculiar people of God are so conformed to the world that their peculiar character is not discerned, and it is difficult to distinguish between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not. God would do great things for His people if they would come out from the world and be separate. If they would submit to be led by Him, He would make them a praise in all the earth. Says the True Witness: I know thy works. Angels of God who minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation are acquainted with the condition of all and understand just the measure of faith possessed by each individual. The unbelief, pride, covetousness, and love of the world, which have existed in the hearts of Gods professed people, have grieved the sinless angels. As they have seen that grievous and presumptuous sins exist in the hearts of many professed followers of Christ, and that God has been dishonored by their inconsistent, crooked course, they have been caused to weep. And yet those most at fault, those who cause the greatest feebleness in the church and bring a stain upon their holy profession, do not seem to be alarmed or convicted, but seem to feel that they are flourishing in the Lord. {2T 125.1}[2]
§7
许多人相信自己站在正确的根基上，相信自己拥有真理。他们因真理的清晰而喜乐，因证明我们信仰的论据有力而自夸。这等人把自己算在上帝特选的子民之内，却没有经历上帝的同在和能力，拯救他们脱离愚昧，使他们不屈服于试探。这些人自称认识上帝，却在行为上否认祂。他们的黑暗是何等的大啊！他们和许多别人一样，因爱世界的心和钱财的迷惑，把道挤住了，不能结实。【2T.125.2】[3]
§8
Many believe that they are on the right foundation, that they have the truth; they rejoice in its clearness and boast of the powerful arguments in proof of the correctness of our position. Such reckon themselves among the chosen, peculiar people of God, yet they experience not His presence and power to save them from yielding to temptation and folly. These profess to know God, yet in works deny Him. How great is their darkness! The love of the world with many, the deceitfulness of riches with others, have choked the word, and they have become unfruitful. {2T 125.2}[3]
§9
我蒙指示看到某地的教会已经沾染了世俗的精神，变得不冷不热到了惊人的地步。当作出努力，整顿教内事务，使会众达到上帝原要他们所处的位置时，就有一班人会受到影响，付出最恳切的努力突破黑暗、进入光明。但许多人的努力坚持得不够长久，也就无法实现真理对他们的内心和生活的圣化影响。世俗的思虑吸引了全部心意，以致自我反省和私下的祷告就被忽略了。战士摘盔卸甲，撒但也就可以自由侵入，使他们的感官麻木，觉察不到他的诡计。【2T.126.1】[4]
§10
I was shown that the church at ----- have partaken of the spirit of the world and become lukewarm to an alarming extent. When efforts are made to set things in order in the church and bring the people up to the position God would have them occupy, a class will be affected by the labor, and will make earnest efforts to press through the darkness to the light. But many do not persevere in their efforts long enough to realize the sanctifying influence of the truth upon their hearts and lives. The cares of the world engross the mind to that degree that self-examination and secret prayer are neglected. The armor is laid off and Satan has free access to them, benumbing their sensibilities and causing them to be unsuspicious of his wiles. {2T 126.1}[4]
§11
有些人没有表现出要了解自己的真实状况和逃脱撒但网罗的渴望。他们多病垂死。他们偶尔也会因别人的火热受到感动，但很快又因拘泥形式、骄傲自大和世界的影响而冰冷，以至于意识不到自己需要帮助了。【2T.126.2】[5]
§12
Some do not manifest a desire to know their true state and escape from Satans snares. They are sickly and dying. They are occasionally warmed by the fire of others, yet are so nearly chilled by formality, pride, and the influence of the world that they have no sense of their need of help. {2T 126.2}[5]
§13
许多人在属灵和基督徒的美德上是有欠缺的。他们看到如今危险的时局以及充斥在我们周围的腐败影响时，就应每天感到有一种庄严的责任感压在自己心头。他们与上帝的性情有分的唯一希望就是逃避世上的败坏。这些弟兄需要在上帝的事上有一种深切彻底的经验，而这只有通过他们自己的努力方能获得。他们所处的地位要求他们具有诚挚不懈的殷勤，好使他们不在自己的位置上沉睡。撒但和他使者是不睡觉的。【2T.126.3】[6]
§14
There are many who are deficient in spirituality and the Christian graces. A weight of solemn responsibility should daily rest upon them as they view the perilous times in which we live and the corrupting influences which are teeming around us. Their only hope of being partakers of the divine nature is to escape the corruption that is in the world. These brethren need a deep and thorough experience in the things of God, and this can only be obtained by an effort on their part. Their position requires them to possess earnestness and unabated diligence, so as not to be found sleeping at their post. Satan and his angels sleep not. {2T 126.3}[6]
§15
基督的门徒应当成为义的器具、工人和活石，发光照耀，好鼓励天使的同在。上帝要求他们成为真理和公义的精神可以藉以涌流的通渠。许多人大大沾染了世界的精神和影响，以致他们的行为与世人一样。他们与世人同喜同恶，辨别不出品格的优美。他们的行为并非受着基督教纯洁原则的管理，所以他们只想到自己，自己的享受和快乐，而不顾别人。他们没有因真理而成圣，因此也就认识不到全世界基督徒的合一。上帝最爱的那些人，是最少自信而且以温柔安静的心为装饰的人；他们的生活是纯洁无私的，他们的心因基督之灵的丰盛而倾向于顺从、公义、纯洁和真实的圣洁。【2T.126.4】[7]
§16
Christs followers should be instruments of righteousness, workmen, living stones, emitting light, that they may encourage the presence of heavenly angels. They are required to be channels, as it were, through which the spirit of truth and righteousness shall flow. Many have partaken so largely of the spirit and influence of the world that they act like the world. They have their likes and dislikes, and discern not excellence of character. Their conduct is not governed by the pure principles of Christianity; therefore they think only of themselves, their pleasure and enjoyment, to the disregard of others. They are not sanctified through the truth, therefore realize not the oneness of Christs followers the world over. Those who are most loved of God are those who possess the least self-confidence and are adorned with a meek and quiet spirit; whose lives are pure and unselfish, and whose hearts are inclined, through the abundant measure of the spirit of Christ, to obedience, justice, purity, and true holiness. {2T 126.4}[7]
§17
如果人人都把自己献给上帝，宝贵的亮光就会从他们身上发出，对凡与他们接触之人产生直接的影响。但人人都有一番工作要为他们作成。有些人远离上帝，像水一样多变无常；他们从来没有自我牺牲的想法。当他们渴望什么特别的放纵或享乐，或什么衣服时，他们不会考虑自己可不可以不要这样东西，或否定自己的愿望和享乐，而向上帝作出乐意的奉献。有多少人考虑过上帝要求他们作出某种牺牲呢？你或许无法像财主一样奉献大笔金钱，但实际上真有代价的舍己才是宝贵的牺牲，是献给上帝的供物。这会成为一股馨香之气，从香坛升到上帝面前。【2T.127.1】[8]
§18
If all were devoted to God, a precious light would shine forth from them, which would have a direct influence upon all who are brought in contact with them. But all need a work done for them. Some are far from God, variable and unstable as water; they have no idea of sacrifice. When they desire any special indulgence or pleasure, or any article of dress, they do not consider whether or not they can do without the article, or deny themselves the pleasure, and make a freewill offering to God. How many have considered that they were required to make some sacrifice? Although it may be of less value than that of the wealthy man who possesses his thousands, yet that which really costs self-denial would be a precious sacrifice, an offering to God. It would be a sweet-smelling savor, and come up from his altar like sweet incense. {2T 127.1}[8]
§19
青年无权任意处置自己的钱财而不顾上帝的要求。他们应当象大卫一样说：“不然，我必要按着价值向你买，我不肯用白得之物作燔祭，献给耶和华我的上帝”（撒下24:24）。有人化许多钱来绘制自己的画像。如果统计一下为此而付给画家的金钱，那就是一笔不菲的数目。这只是浪费钱财的方式之一，单为自我满足，毫无益处。由于这样的开支，他们缺衣少食。孤儿寡妇得不到救济；饥饿的人得不到饱足；赤身的人得不到衣穿。【2T.127.2】[9]
§20
The youth are not authorized to do just as they please with their means, regardless of the requirements of God. With David they should say: Neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing. Quite an amount of means has been expended to multiply copies of their pictures. Could all enumerate the amount given to the artist for this purpose, it would swell to quite a large sum. And this is merely one way in which means is squandered, invested for self-gratification, from which no profit is received. By this outlay, they are not clothed or fed, the widow and the fatherless are not relieved, the hungry are not fed, the naked are not clothed. {2T 127.2}[9]
§21
当人浪费金钱满足自我时，他给上帝的捐献就吝啬并极其勉强了。青年人挣的钱中有多少进入上帝的府库、支持救灵的圣工呢？他们每周往上帝的库中投几个小钱，并且感觉自己已经捐得很多。但他们没有意识到，无论经手的钱财多寡，他们都是上帝产业的管家。人们抢夺上帝之物，用于自我放纵、享乐、满足口腹之欲，而从未想到将来上帝要仔细审查他们如何使用上帝的产业。人们这样毫不犹豫地满足他们假想的需要，缩手不纳当献之物，上帝也不会再从他们手中接纳奉献，正如祂不接纳亚拿尼亚并他妻子撒非喇手中的贡献一样，因为他们在当献的供物上抢夺了祂。【2T.128.1】[10]
§22
While money is spent lavishly in self-gratification, stinted offerings are brought to God almost unwillingly. How much of the wages earned by the young finds its way into the treasury of God to aid in the advancement of the work of saving souls? They give a mite each week and feel that they do much. But they have no sense that they are just as much stewards of God over their little as are the wealthy over their larger possessions. God has been robbed and themselves indulged, their pleasure consulted, their taste gratified, without a thought that He would make close investigation of how they have used His goods. While such unhesitatingly gratify their supposed wants and withhold from God the offering they ought to make, He will no more accept the little pittance they hand into the treasury than He accepted the offering of Ananias and his wife Sapphira, who purposed to rob Him in their offerings. {2T 128.1}[10]
§23
我们中的青年一般被世俗同化了。但其中还有少数人仍在继续与内心的仇敌争战，他们真诚急切地想要了解并遵行上帝的旨意。青年人中只有少数人饥渴慕义，了解上帝圣灵责备人、安慰人的工作。甘心为上帝传道的人在哪里呢？克己牺牲的人在哪里呢？甘心背负十字架的人在哪里呢？自我和私利已经吞噬了高尚、尊贵的原则。永恒的事物在人心中不再有特别的分量。上帝要求他们个别地达到完全降服的地步。“你们不能又侍奉上帝，又侍奉玛门。”你们不能又侍奉自我，同时仍作基督的仆人。你们必须向自我死去，向贪爱享乐死去，学会询问：我花钱要买的东西能令上帝喜悦吗？我能因此而荣耀祂吗？【2T.128.2】[11]
§24
As a general thing, the young among us are allied to the world. But few maintain a special warfare against the internal foe, few have an earnest, anxious desire to know and do the will of God. But few hunger and thirst after righteousness, and few know anything of the Spirit of God as a reprover or comforter. Where are the missionaries? Where are the self-denying, self-sacrificing ones? Where are the cross bearers? Self and self-interest have swallowed up high and noble principles. Things of eternal moment bear with no special weight upon the mind. God requires them individually to come up to the point to make an entire surrender. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. You cannot serve self and at the same time be servants of Christ. You must die to self, die to your love of pleasure, and learn to inquire: Will God be pleased with the objects for which I purpose to spend this means? Shall I glorify Him? {2T 128.2}[11]
§25
我们奉命，或吃或喝，无论作什么，都要为荣耀上帝而行。有多少人是凭良心根据原则行事而不是凭冲动行事，并切实遵行这命令呢？在某地，有多少青年门徒已经以上帝为他们的分和他们的靠山，切求明白和实行祂的旨意呢？有许多人名义上是基督的仆人，但在行为上却不是这样。凡受宗教原理管束之处，犯大错的危险就小；因为那总是使人盲目和受欺骗的自私之念，已贬居下位了。有益于他人的诚意占据优势之时，自我便被忘记了。宗教原则若予坚持，乃为无价之宝。这也是人类所能得的最纯洁，最高尚，及最优越的感化力。这种人有所根据，他们的每一行动都是经过缜密考虑的，以免其影响会危害别人，引人离开基督。他们心中所常存的问题是：主啊，我怎样才能向祢献上最好的服务，而在地上荣耀祢的名呢？我要怎样在生活上为人，使祢的名在地上被人称赞，并引别人来爱祢，侍奉祢，及尊敬祢呢？愿我只想望选择祢的旨意，以我救赎主的言语及榜样作我心的亮光和力量。在我跟从及信靠祂之时，祂必不让我灭亡。祂要成为我喜乐的冠冕。【2T.129.1】[12]
§26
We are commanded, whether we eat, or drink, or whatsoever we do, to do all to the glory of God. How many have conscientiously moved from principle rather than from impulse, and obeyed this command to the letter? How many of the youthful disciples in ----- have made God their trust and portion, and have earnestly sought to know and do His will? There are many who are servants of Christ in name, but who are not so in deed. Where religious principle governs, the danger of committing great errors is small; for selfishness, which always blinds and deceives, is subordinate. The sincere desire to do others good so predominates that self is forgotten. To have firm religious principles is an inestimable treasure. It is the purest, highest, and most elevated influence mortals can possess. Such have an anchor. Every act is well considered, lest its effect be injurious to another and lead away from Christ. The constant inquiry of the mind is: Lord, how shall I best serve Thee, and glorify Thy name in the earth? How shall I conduct my life to make Thy name a praise in the earth, and lead others to love, serve, and honor Thee? Let me only desire and choose Thy will. Let the words and example of my Redeemer be the light and strength of my heart. While I follow and trust in Him, He will not leave me to perish. He will be my crown of rejoicing. {2T 129.1}[12]
§27
我们若误以人的智慧为上帝的智慧，就要受人的智慧愚弄，而被引入歧途。在某地的许多人，就有这种大危险。他们没有自身的经验。对于新起的及常常容易发生的问题及论题，他们没有用无成见、不偏执的判别力去自行虔诚考虑的习惯。他们等着要看别人要怎样思考。若是别人不同意，他们就全心信服，认为那所考虑的问题，乃是无关重要的。这等人虽属多数，但在事实上他们仍然是没有经验，心思软弱，长期屈从仇敌的人。他们总是虚弱得像婴孩一样，靠赖别人的亮光行走，根据别人的经验而生活，照别人的感觉而感觉，依别人的行动而行动。他们行事为人如同是没有个性一般。他们本身的特性消泯在别人之中；他们不过是自己所认为正确之人的影子而已。这些人若非觉悟自己三心二意的品性，并加以矫正，他们就必不能应付末日的危险，也必丧失永生。他们必没有精力去抗拒魔鬼，因为他们不知道魔鬼何在。他们必须有人站在旁边指教，说明那临近的一位是仇敌或朋友。他们不是属灵的人，所以不能看透属灵的事。他们也不明了那些与上帝国度有关的事物。无论老幼，若是信靠别人，将别人的经验拿来作为自己的经验，都是无可原谅的。天使说：“依靠人血肉膀臂的，那人有祸了。”在基督徒的经验及战事上所需要的，乃是高尚自立的精神。【2T.129.2】[13]
§28
If we mistake the wisdom of man for the wisdom of God we are led astray by the foolishness of mans wisdom. Here is the great danger of many in -----. They have not an experience for themselves. They have not been in the habit of prayerfully considering for themselves, with unprejudiced, unbiased judgment, questions and subjects that are new and that are ever liable to arise. They wait to see what others will think. If these dissent, that is all that is needed to convince them that the subject under consideration is of no account whatever. Although this class is large, it does not change the fact that they are inexperienced and weak-minded through long yielding to the enemy, and will always be as sickly as babes, walking by others light, living on others experience, feeling as others feel, and acting as others act. They act as though they had not an individuality. Their identity is submerged in others; they are merely shadows of those whom they think about right. Unless these become sensible of their wavering character and correct it, they will all fail of everlasting life; they will be unable to cope with the perils of the last days. They will possess no stamina to resist the devil, for they do not know that it is he. Someone must be at their side to inform them whether a foe or a friend is approaching. They are not spiritual, therefore spiritual things are not discerned. They are not wise in those things which relate to the kingdom of God. Neither young nor old are excusable in trusting to another to have an experience for them. Said the angel: Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm. A noble self-reliance is needed in the Christian experience and warfare. {2T 129.2}[13]
§29
男女及青年哪，上帝要你们具有道德的勇气，确定的目标，坚忍、恒心及毅力，不要随波逐流，附和别人，对于各事在接受或拒绝之先，必自行查究，研讨及权衡其凭据，并在祈祷之中向主陈明。“你们中间若有缺少智慧的，应当求那厚赐与众人，也不斥责人的上帝，主就必赐给他。”但此中却有一个条件就是：“只要凭着信心求，一点不疑惑；因为那疑惑的人，就象海中的波浪，被风吹动翻腾。这样的人，不要想从主那里得什么”（雅1:5-7）。这种求智慧的祈祷，不应当是一种无意义的，过后即不在意的祷告，乃是发表人心中强烈而恳切的愿望，及因觉悟自己缺少确定上帝旨意的智慧而起的。【2T.130.1】[14]
§30
Men, women, and youth, God requires you to possess moral courage, steadiness of purpose, fortitude and perseverance, minds that cannot take the assertions of another, but which will investigate for themselves before receiving or rejecting, that will study and weigh evidence, and take it to the Lord in prayer. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Now the condition: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. This petition for wisdom is not to be a meaningless prayer, out of mind as soon as finished. It is a prayer that expresses the strong, earnest desire of the heart, arising from a conscious lack of wisdom to determine the will of God. {2T 130.1}[14]
§31
在祷告之后，若是没有立即觉得蒙主应允，切不可倦于等待，及变成摇动不定。不可疑惑，应当坚持那应许：“那召你们的本是信实的，祂必成就这事”（帖前5:24）。要象那再三切求的寡妇一样，迫切陈述你的情形，坚定你的心意。这个目标是否重要及与你大有关系呢？一定是的。既然如此，就不应疑惑，因为你的信心也许要经过试验。如果你所渴望的事是有价值的，那就值得下一番坚强认真的努力。你有了这应许，就当警醒祈求。务要坚定，你的祷告就必蒙应允；因为那应许你的，岂不是上帝吗？你若是付了代价才能得到，在得到之时，就必更觉得有价值。你已得到明白的通知，你若是疑惑，就不要想从主那里可得什么。在这里还有一个警戒，那就是不可厌倦，乃要坚心信靠主的应许。你若祈求，祂就要厚赐你，也不斥责你。【2T.131.1】[15]
§32
After the prayer is made, if the answer is not realized immediately, do not weary of waiting and become unstable. Waver not. Cling to the promise, Faithful is He that calleth you, who also will do it. Like the importunate widow, urge your case, being firm in your purpose. Is the object important and of great consequence to you? It certainly is. Then waver not, for your faith may be tried. If the thing you desire is valuable, it is worthy of a strong, earnest effort. You have the promise; watch and pray. Be steadfast and the prayer will be answered; for is it not God who has promised? If it costs you something to obtain it you will prize it the more when obtained. You are plainly told that if you waver you need not think that you shall receive anything of the Lord. A caution is here given not to become weary, but to rest firmly upon the promise. If you ask, He will give you liberally and upbraid not. {2T 131.1}[15]
§33
在此事上，许多人犯了错误。他们心意不定，丧失信心，因此就不能从我们力量之根源的主那里得到什么。无论何人，不必一定要行在黑暗之中，跌跌绊绊像瞎子一样。因为只要人不照自己的方法，但照上帝所指定的方法接受光，主就预备了光。祂要一切的人殷勤履行每日的本分。对于凡参加出版机关中庄严而重大之工作的人，无论他们所负的责任是大是小，尤应如此。只有仰望上帝赐力量，以便能忠心实行上天所看为正的事，一切所行的都是大公无私，好像大家都可见到上帝的眼睛鉴临万方，及查察所有的行动一般，这事才可做成。【2T.131.2】[16]
§34
Here is where many make a mistake. They waver from their purpose, and their faith fails. This is the reason they receive nothing of the Lord, who is our Source of strength. None need go in darkness, stumbling along like a blind man; for the Lord has provided light if they will accept it in His appointed way, and not choose their own way. He requires of all a diligent performance of everyday duties. Especially is this required of all who are engaged in the solemn, important work in the office of publication, both of those upon whom rest the more weighty responsibilities of the work, and of those who bear the least responsibilities. This can be done only by looking to God for ability to enable them faithfully to perform what is right in the sight of Heaven, doing all things as though governed by unselfish motives, as if the eye of God were visible to all, looking upon all, and investigating the acts of all. {2T 131.2}[16]
§35
那被人放肆至极的罪，使我们与上帝分离，及酿成最多属灵传染病的罪，就是自私。人若不克己自制，就不能回头归主。靠着自己，我们就不能做什么。只有藉着上帝加强力量，我们才能在世上向别人行善，并用此法驱退自私的祸害。我们无需到外邦人之地，去表现我们完全献身上帝的心愿，过一种无私而有贡献的人生。我们应当在家乡之内，在教会之中，及在我们所交游、来往的人中，实现此种人生。我们在日常生活的行动上，应当克制自我，使其顺服，以至像保罗那样能说：“我是天天死。”在人生的小事上，天天让自我死去，才可使我们成为得胜的人。我们应当存利他的心愿，而忘记自己。许多人切实缺少爱人的心。他们没有忠心履行自己的本分，反而宁愿寻求自己的欢乐。【2T.132.1】[17]
§36
The sin which is indulged to the greatest extent, and which separates us from God and produces so many contagious spiritual disorders, is selfishness. There can be no returning to the Lord except by self-denial. Of ourselves we can do nothing; but, through God strengthening us, we can live to do good to others, and in this way shun the evil of selfishness. We need not go to heathen lands to manifest our desire to devote all to God in a useful, unselfish life. We should do this in the home circle, in the church, among those with whom we associate and with whom we do business. Right in the common walks of life is where self is to be denied and kept in subordination. Paul could say: I die daily. It is the daily dying to self in the little transactions of life that makes us overcomers. We should forget self in the desire to do good to others. With many there is a decided lack of love for others. Instead of faithfully performing their duty, they seek rather their own pleasure. {2T 132.1}[17]
§37
信徒当用自己的感化力及金钱去造福他人，并寻求上帝的智慧，以便能尽其一切所能，去提高凡受其影响之人的思想及感情，这就是上帝确切命令其子民要实行的一种本分。在为别人服务之中，可以经验到一种愉快的满足，也就是内心的平安，作为充分的报偿。当人们被高尚而尊贵的心愿所激动，去向别人行善之时，他们在忠心执行人生各项的本分之中，就必得到真实的快乐。这必比属世的报偿更多；因为那出于忠心及无私之心而尽的每一本分，都要蒙天使的注意，并在生命册上大放光彩。在天庭，没有一位只知道考虑自己，并仅求本身之乐的居民；反之，大家都是存着纯洁真实的爱，为他们四周的天上众生谋求福乐。我们若要在新天新地中享受与天庭社会交游之乐，就必须在今生此世先受天庭原理的管束。【2T.132.2】[18]
§38
God positively enjoins upon all His followers a duty to bless others with their influence and means, and to seek that wisdom of Him which will enable them to do all in their power to elevate the thoughts and affections of those who come within their influence. In doing for others, a sweet satisfaction will be experienced, an inward peace which will be a sufficient reward. When actuated by a high and noble desire to do others good, they will find true happiness in a faithful discharge of lifes manifold duties. This will bring more than an earthly reward; for every faithful, unselfish performance of duty is noticed by the angels and shines in the life record. In heaven none will think of self, nor seek their own pleasure; but all, from pure, genuine love, will seek the happiness of the heavenly beings around them. If we wish to enjoy heavenly society in the earth made new, we must be governed by heavenly principles here. {2T 132.2}[18]
§39
我们生活上的每一行动，对于别人都有或好或坏的影响。我们的影响会使人向上或向下。别人会感受到我们的影响，并要照样而行，以致再生出更多或更少的影响。如果我们的榜样能帮助别人在善良的原则上有长进，我们就是给他们力量去行善了；而他们又要挨次向其他人发挥这同样的德惠感化，这样就有成百上千的人受我们不知不觉地的感化力所影响了。如果我们的行动使我们四围拥有邪恶势力之人变得更加强盛、更有力量，我们就要与他们的罪有份，并要为我们向他们可行而未行的善交账，因为我们没有以上帝为我们的力量，我们的向导和我们的顾问。【2T.133.1】[19]
§40
Every act of our lives affects others for good or evil. Our influence is tending upward or downward; it is felt, acted upon, and to a greater or less degree reproduced by others. If by our example we aid others in the development of good principles, we give them power to do good. In their turn they exert the same beneficial influence upon others, and thus hundreds and thousands are affected by our unconscious influence. If we by acts strengthen or force into activity the evil powers possessed by those around us, we share their sin, and will have to render an account for the good we might have done them and did not do, because we made not God our strength, our guide, our counselor. {2T 133.1}[19]