第39章 钱财的迷惑
§1
第39章 钱财的迷惑
§2
Chap. 39 - Deceitfulness of Riches
§3
亲爱的M姐妹：主把你的情形指示给我，我见到许多年前你初做基督复临信徒之时，曾经仰望并爱慕主的显现。【2T.268.2】[1]
§4
Dear Sister M: When the Lord showed me your case, I was pointed back many years in the past, when you became a believer in the near coming of Christ. You looked for, and loved, His appearing. {2T 268.2}[1]
§5
你的丈夫是位天性情感丰富，思想高尚的人。但是他仗赖自己那软弱的力量。他没有觉得有必要将上帝作为他的力量之源。酒精已使他的大脑迟钝，并完全麻痹了他思想中更高的能力。他那高尚的男子汉气概已经被牺牲在满足喝酒的欲望之上。【2T.268.3】[2]
§6
Your husband was naturally an affectionate, noble-minded man; but he relied upon his own strength, which was weakness. He did not feel the need of making God his strength. Intoxicating drink benumbed his brain and finally paralyzed the higher powers of his mind. His godlike manhood was sacrificed to gratify his thirst for strong drink. {2T 268.3}[2]
§7
你忍受反对和恶待，然而上帝仍是你力量的源头。你信赖上帝，祂就必支持你。在你所有的试炼中，上帝都会赐你力量，使你站立得住。多少次当你意志消沉时，有圣天使加添你的力量。他们使你清晰地想起圣经上的话，将上帝永不断绝的爱呈现在你面前，证明上帝的慈爱永不改变！你的心当仰赖耶和华。你的生命之粮、永生之饮便是遵行你天父的旨意。有时，你坚定信赖上帝的应许；有时，你的信心遭受试炼，达到极点。上帝的处理方式似乎令你感到困惑，但你决大部分时间都有确据使你知道，上帝一直在垂顾着你的苦难，祂不会让你的重担过于你所能担负的。【2T.268.4】[3]
§8
You suffered opposition and abuse, yet God was your source of strength. While you trusted in Him, He sustained you. In all your trials you were not permitted to be overwhelmed. How often have the heavenly angels strengthened you when desponding, by presenting vividly to your mind passages of Scripture expressing the never-failing love of God, and giving evidence that His loving-kindness changeth not! Your soul trusted in God. It was your meat and drink to do the will of your heavenly Father. At times you had a firm trust in the promises of God, and then, again, your faith would be tried to the utmost. Gods dealings seemed mysterious, yet most of the time you had the evidence that He looked upon your affliction and would not cause your burdens to be greater than you could bear. {2T 268.4}[3]
§9
主看到，你需要为进入天国而预备妥当。祂将你放在苦难的熔炉中，不是为了将你烧灭。上帝像炼净银子的人，祂的眼目注视着你，观察着洁净的进程，直到祂看到你身上反照出祂的形像来。尽管你经常感觉痛苦的火焰在自己身上燃起，有时想自己或许要被这火焰烧灭，但上帝在这些时候对你的慈爱和帮助与你心灵自由且在祂里面夸胜时一样大。火炉是用来洁净和精炼的，而非烧化和毁灭。【2T.269.1】[4]
§10
The Master saw that you needed a fitness for His heavenly kingdom. He did not leave you in the furnace for the fire of affliction to consume. As a refiner and purifier of silver, He kept His eye upon you, watching the process of purification until He should discern His image reflected in you. Although you have often felt afflictions flame kindling upon you, and at times have thought it would consume you, yet the loving-kindness of God has been just as great toward you at these times as when you were free in spirit and triumphing in Him. The furnace was to purify and refine, but not to consume and destroy. {2T 269.1}[4]
§11
我见到你与贫穷奋斗，设法维持你和你儿女的生活。许多时候你觉得前途黑暗，渺茫无定，不知道该怎么办。你在穷困之中呼求主，祂就安慰你，帮助了你，用希望之光照耀你的四围。在这种时候，你看上帝是何等的宝贵啊！祂安慰的爱是何等甜美啊！你也觉得自己已经有贵重的财宝积存在天上了。你见到那些受苦遭难的上帝子民所得的赏赐，便觉得自己能称上帝为父，真是一种极大的安慰。【2T.269.2】[5]
§12
I saw you struggling with poverty, seeking to support yourself and your children. Many times you knew not what to do; the future looked dark and uncertain. In your distress you cried unto the Lord, and He comforted and helped you, and hopeful rays of light shone around you. How precious was God to you at such times! how sweet His comforting love! You felt that you had a precious treasure laid up in heaven. As you viewed the reward of the afflicted children of God, what a consolation to feel that you could claim Him as your Father! {2T 269.2}[5]
§13
你的情况实际上比守寡更糟。你的心因为你丈夫的恶行而伤痛。但他的逼迫、他的威胁与暴力没有导致你信赖自己的智慧而遗忘上帝。你远没有落到这种地步；你清楚地感觉到了自己的软弱，你知道自己无法背负重担，便在意识到自己的软弱时将你的重担卸在那位伟大的背负重担者耶稣的脚前，从而得了释放。那时，你是多么珍视从祂的临格所发的每一道光辉啊！你经常感到在祂的力量里你是多么坚强啊！当逼迫的风暴临到你，意想不到的残忍突袭你时，上帝不容你被压倒；你反而在那些试炼的时辰体验到了力量、镇静和平安，这些对你来说都是奇迹。【2T.269.3】[6]
§14
Your case was, in reality, worse than if you had been widowed. Your heart was agonized by the wicked course pursued by your husband. But his persecutions, his threats and violence, did not lead you to trust in your own wisdom, and forget God. Far from this; you sensibly felt your weakness and that you were incapable of carrying your burdens, and in your conscious weakness you were relieved by bringing your heavy burdens to Jesus, the great Burden Bearer. How you cherished every ray of light from His presence! and how strong you often felt in His strength! When a storm of persecution and cruelty unexpectedly burst upon you, the Lord did not suffer you to be overwhelmed; but in those times of trial you realized strength, calmness, and peace, which were a marvel to you. {2T 269.3}[6]
§15
当比枪箭还厉害的责骂控告和嘲弄落在你头上时，上帝圣灵的影响进入你的心，引导你平静从容地说话应答。照你的本性来说，你是作不到这一点的。这是上帝圣灵的果子。在所有希望迟延的心痛中，是上帝的恩典加强了你的信心。上帝使你坚强应对争战和艰难，且使你得胜。恩典教你学会祈祷、爱和信赖，尽管你的环境很不利。你既一次又一次意识到，上帝以一种特别的方式应允了你的祷告，就感到这不是因为你有什么功劳，而是因为你的大需要。你的需要就是上帝的机会。你在那些试炼的日子中是信赖上帝的。上帝在你受试炼最重时显明的特别搭救，就像荒漠中疲乏欲绝的旅行者遇到绿洲甘泉一样。【2T.270.1】[7]
§16
When railing accusations and taunts more cruel than spears and arrows have fallen upon you, the influence of the Spirit of God upon your heart has led you to speak calmly, dispassionately. It was not in nature to do this. It was the fruit of the Spirit of God. It was the grace of God which strengthened your faith amid all the heartsicknesses of hope deferred. Grace fortified you for the warfare and hardships, and brought you through conqueror. Grace taught you to pray, to love and trust, notwithstanding your unfavorable surroundings. As you repeatedly realized that your prayers were answered in a special manner, you did not feel that it was because of any merit in yourself, but because of your great need. Your necessity was Gods opportunity. Your life in those days of trial was to trust in God. And the manifestations of His special deliverance when in most trying places were like the oasis in the desert to the faint and weary traveler. {2T 270.1}[7]
§17
主没有任你灭亡。祂常常在你最意想不到的时候兴起你的朋友去帮助你。上帝的天使在你身旁照料，一步一步引领着你走过崎岖的道路。你曾因贫困而窘迫，但其实这是你所须为之挣扎的最小困难。当N滥施权威恶待伤害你时，你觉得自己不得不喝的杯实在是太苦了。当他自己堕落、追求邪恶的行为时，你在自己的家中受到暴行和侮辱时，他就在自己和你之间掘了一道永远无法逾越的鸿沟。后来，当你处在极度不幸和沮丧之中时，上帝为你兴起了朋友。上帝没有撇下你独自一人；而是将祂的力量赐给了你，你可以说：“耶和华是我的帮助者！”【2T.270.2】[8]
§18
The Lord did not leave you to perish. He frequently raised up friends to aid you when you least expected it. Angels of God ministered unto you, as step by step they led you up the rugged pathway. You were pressed by poverty, but this was the least of the difficulties with which you had to contend. When N exercised his power to abuse and harm you, you felt that the cup you had to drink was bitter indeed; and when he degraded himself to pursue a course of iniquity, and you were outraged and insulted in your own house, he made a gulf between himself and you which could never be passed. Then in your sore distress and perplexity the Lord raised you up friends. He did not leave you alone; but His strength was imparted, and you could say: The Lord is my helper. {2T 270.2}[8]
§19
在你所有的试炼中——这些试炼别人很多都不知晓——你有一位永不离弃你的朋友说：“我常与你同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:20）。祂在世时总是被人类的祸患所触动。虽然祂现在已升到天父那里，受着那些敏于听祂吩咐的天使的崇拜，但祂那仁爱、怜悯、同情的心却没有任何改变。祂的心仍是具有不变温柔的心。那同一位耶稣了解你一切的试炼，祂不会撇下你，让你去单独应付试探，与罪恶作战，并最终被重担和忧伤压垮。上帝通过祂的使者对你低语，“不要惧怕，因为我与你同在。我是那存活的。我曾死过，现在又活了，直活到永永远远。我知道你的忧伤；我也曾经历过忧伤。我熟悉你的挣扎，我也曾经挣扎；我了解你的试探，我也曾遭遇试探；我看到了你的眼泪，我也曾哭泣。你属世的希望破灭；但你可以仰望，用信心的眼睛透过那幔子，并将你的盼望牢系在那里。那永远的保证就会是你的：你有一‘朋友’比弟兄更亲密！”【2T.271.1】[9]
§20
Through all your trials, which have never been fully revealed to others, you have had a never-failing Friend, who has said: I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. While upon the earth, He was ever touched with human woe. Although He is now ascended to His Father, and is adored by angels who quickly obey His commands, His heart, which loved, pitied, and sympathized, knows no change. It remains a heart of unchangeable tenderness still. That same Jesus was acquainted with all your trials, and did not leave you alone to struggle with temptations, battle with evil, and be finally crushed with burdens and sorrow. Through His angels He whispered to you: Fear not, for I am with thee. I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore. I know your sorrows; I have endured them. I am acquainted with your struggles; I have experienced them. I know your temptations; I have encountered them. I have seen your tears; I also have wept. Your earthly hopes are crushed; but let the eye of faith be uplifted and penetrate the veil, and there anchor your hopes. The everlasting assurance shall be yours that you have a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. {2T 271.1}[9]
§21
我亲爱的姐妹，如果你能像我一样，看到上帝在你从前经验的困惑和试炼中，就是你被贫穷压迫时所彰显的作为和道路，你就决不能忘记祂，反而会增加你的爱心，也会以不倦的热心地去促进祂的荣耀。【2T.271.2】[10]
§22
O my dear sister, if you could only see, as I have seen, the ways and works of God manifested all through your perplexities and trials in the former part of your experience, when pressed by the hand of poverty, you could never forget Him, but your love would increase, and your zeal to promote His glory be untiring. {2T 271.2}[10]
§23
由于痛苦和特殊的磨难，你的健康遭到了破坏。帮助上帝圣工的人很少，他们中许多人都很贫穷，你从他们那里看不到多少指望。你看着自己的孩子和自己穷苦无望的景况，你的心几乎要昏厥了。那时，通过曾作你的朋友在需要时帮助过你，你所信任却已与震颤派教徒联合的复临信徒的影响，你受劝诱一度加入了那个教派。但上帝的天使没有离开你。他们照料你，在你身边成为一道火墙。这些圣洁的使者尤其保护你脱离了在那些人中盛行的欺骗性影响。震颤派教徒认为你会与他们利益与共，你会对他们的事业有很大的帮助：因为你会成为他们团体中的一个热心成员。他们原想使你在他们中间担任高位。有些震颤派教徒受了灵界的启示，说你被上帝指派要成为他们中间显要的一员；但你是一个不应被催促的人；在强权和压迫无法实现他们希望之处，仁慈会有强大的影响力。【2T.271.3】[11]
§24
In consequence of your afflictions and peculiar trials, your health failed. The friends of the cause of God were but few, and many of them were poor; and you could see but little to hope for on the right hand or on the left. You looked upon your children and your destitute, helpless condition, and your heart well-nigh fainted. At this time, through the influence of Adventists who had united with the Shakers, and in whom you had confidence because they had been your friends in time of need, you were induced to go among that sect for a time. But the angels of God did not leave you. They ministered unto you and were as a wall of fire round about you. Especially did the holy angels protect you from the deceptive influences which prevail among that people. The Shakers believed that you would unite your interest with theirs; and they thought that if they could induce you to become one of them, you would be a great help to their cause; for you would make an ardent member of their society. They would have given you a high position among them. Some of the Shakers had received spiritual manifestations, telling them that you were designed of God to be a prominent member of their society; but that you were one who should not be urged; that kindness would have a powerful influence where force or pressure would cause a failure of their hopes. {2T 271.3}[11]
§25
他们中间以一种有力的方式行使催眠术。通过这种能力，他们自以为会使你像他们一样看事情。你对于他们为达目的而使用的手段和欺骗并不明了。主保守了你。似乎有光从服役的天使发出环绕着你，以致在你身边盛行的黑暗不能遮蔽那道光环。主为你开了道路，使你脱离那个具有欺骗性的团体，而你也毫发无损地离开了，你的信仰原则还象你去他们中间时一样纯正。【2T.272.1】[12]
§26
Magnetism was exercised among them in a powerful manner. Through this power they flattered themselves that you would be brought to view things in the same light in which they viewed them. You were not aware of all the arts and deception used to bring about their purpose. The Lord preserved you. There seemed to be a circle of light round about you, proceeding from the ministering angels, so that the darkness which prevailed about you did not cloud the circle of light. The Lord opened the way for you to leave that deceived community, and you left unharmed, the principles of your faith as pure as when you went among them. {2T 272.1}[12]
§27
你患病的胳膊使你倍受折磨。你到处求医问药。你曾同意让一个自称精通医术的女人给你诊治。但这女子是撒但的一个特别的工具。你经她手之后，几乎丧失了性命。她给你吃的药物足以毒死身体最强健的人。但上帝再次出手干涉，否则你这次必死无疑。【2T.272.2】[13]
§28
Your diseased arm was a great affliction. You had turned to the right and to the left for help. You had consented to have a woman try her boasted skill upon you. This woman was a special agent of Satan. Through her experiments, you nearly lost your life. The poison introduced into your system was sufficient to kill a person of the most robust constitution. Here again God interposed, or your life would have been sacrificed. {2T 272.2}[13]
§29
你为恢复健康而采取的任何手段都失败了。现在不仅是你的胳膊，连你的整体身体系统也都陷于疾病当中。你的肺部受到了感染，你快要丧命。那时你感到只有上帝才能救你。你还能再做一件事，就是遵循使徒在《雅各书》第五章中的教训。你在此与上帝立约，如果祂存留你的性命以致仍能照顾你儿女的需要，你就要站在主一边，单单侍奉祂；你要献身荣耀祂；你要用自己的力量去推动祂的圣工，并在地上行善。天使将你向上帝所许的诺言记录了下来。【2T.273.1】[14]
§30
Every means you had resorted to for the recovery of health had failed. Not only your arm, but your entire system, was diseased. Your lungs were affected, and you were fast going down to death. At this time you felt that God alone could deliver. You could do one thing more; you could follow the direction of the apostle in the fifth chapter of James. You there made a covenant with God, that if He would spare your life to minister still to the wants of your children, you would be for the Lord, and Him only would you serve; you would dedicate your life to His glory; you would use your strength to advance His cause and to do good in the earth. Angels recorded the promise there made to God. {2T 273.1}[14]
§31
我们在你处于极大痛苦之时来到你身边，并为你要求上帝的应许。我们不敢只看表面现象，因为这样就会彼得一样，当主吩咐彼得从水面上走到祂那里去的时候，他应该保持自己的眼目向上注视耶稣，但是他却低头看脚下汹涌的波涛，结果他的信心失败了。我们冷静而坚定地单单抓住上帝的应许，不顾表面情形，而是凭着信心要求祝福。我蒙特别的指示看到上帝以一种奇妙的方式行事，你的性命因祂怜悯的神迹而得以保留，成为祂医治之能的活纪念碑，见证祂对人的奇妙作为。【2T.273.2】[15]
§32
We came to you in your great affliction and claimed the promise of God in your behalf. We dared not look to appearances; for in so doing we should be like Peter, whom the Lord bade come to Him on the water. He should have kept his eye lifted upward to Jesus; but he looked down at the troubled waves, and his faith failed. We calmly and firmly grasped the promises of God alone, irrespective of appearances, and by faith claimed the blessing. I was especially shown that God wrought in a wonderful manner, and you were preserved by a miracle of mercy, to be a living monument of His healing power, to testify of His wondrous works to the children of men. {2T 273.2}[15]
§33
当你感到这种明确的变化时，你就从苦境中回转了，疑惑和沮丧尽都逃避，喜乐欢快充满了你的心。你口唱心和地赞美上帝。你心中的情怀是：“啊，耶和华行了何等的事！”主垂听了祂仆人们的祷告，使你起来，仍旧活着且经受试炼，警醒等待祂的显现，并且荣耀祂的名。贫穷和挂虑重重地压在你身上。当你不时被乌云笼罩时，你忍不住询问：“上帝啊，难道你离弃了我吗？”但祂没有离弃你，虽然你看不到前面有任何出路。主愿意让你在幽暗和乌云之中也像在阳光灿烂之时一样信赖祂的慈爱和怜悯。有时乌云会分开，亮光会照进来，使你沮丧的心坚强，并增强你摇摆不定的信心，使你再次能将你那颤抖的信心坚固在天父确实的应许上。你就会情不自禁地喊道：“上帝啊，我愿相信；我愿信赖祢。祢从过去到如今一直是我的帮助者，祢现在不会离弃我。”【2T.273.3】[16]
§34
At the time you felt such a decided change, your captivity was turned, and joy and gladness in the place of doubt and distress filled your heart. The praise of God was in your heart and upon your lips. Oh, what hath the Lord wrought! was the sentiment of your soul. The Lord heard the prayers of His servants, and raised you up to still live and endure trials, to watch and wait for His appearing, and to glorify His name. Poverty and care pressed heavily upon you. As dark clouds at times enshrouded you, you could not forbear inquiring: O God, hast Thou forsaken me? But you were not forsaken, although you could see no way open before you. The Lord would have you trust in His love and mercy amid clouds and darkness, as well as in the sunshine. At times the clouds would part, and beams of light would shine through to strengthen your desponding heart and increase your wavering confidence, and you would again fix your trembling faith upon the sure promises of your heavenly Father. You would involuntarily cry out: O God, I will believe; I will trust in Thee. Thou hast hitherto been my helper, and Thou wilt not leave me now. {2T 273.3}[16]
§35
当你获得胜利，并有明光重新照耀在你身上时，你简直无法用言语来形容你对亲爱天父的感激之情。你以为自己永远不会再怀疑祂的慈爱或祂的关怀了。你没有寻求安逸。如果开了路只是让你可以照顾自己的儿女并保守他们脱离这个世代盛行的败坏，你并不认为辛苦劳动是一个重担。你内心的负担就是想看到他们归向上帝。你在上帝面前痛哭流涕，为你的儿女们代求。你非常希望他们回转归向上帝。有时你的心会沮丧无力，担心你的祈祷不蒙应允。但过后你又重新将自己的儿女献给上帝，你心迫切地将他们重新放在祭坛上。【2T.274.1】[17]
§36
As victory was gained by you, and light again shone upon you, you could not find language to express your sincere gratitude to your gracious heavenly Father; and you thought you never again would doubt His love nor distrust His care. You did not seek for ease. You did not consider hard labor a burden if the way would only open that you might care for your children and shield them from the iniquity prevailing in this age of the world. It was the burden of your heart that you might see them turning to the Lord. You pleaded before God for your children with strong cries and tears. Their conversion you so much desired. Sometimes your heart would despond and faint, and you would fear that your prayers would not be answered; then again you would consecrate your children to God afresh, and your yearning heart would lay them anew upon the altar. {2T 274.1}[17]
§37
当他们参军后，你的祈祷还是一直随着他们。他们奇妙地得蒙保护，免遭伤害。而他们将这称之为好运气，但实际上这与一位母亲的祈祷大有关联。你的心灵背负重担，为儿女深切焦虑，感到他们的危险，担心他们没有指望，没有上帝，在年轻时就被剪除。你祈祷你儿子们的性命能得以保全，好顺从上帝，并为上帝的荣耀献上他们的生命，多少这样的祷告已存记在天了啊！你在为你的孩子担心时祈求上帝使他们再次回到你身边，你会更加恳切地引导他们走在圣洁的道路上。你认为自己会比从前更加忠心地工作。【2T.275.1】[18]
§38
When they went into the army, your prayers followed them. They were wonderfully preserved from harm. They called it good luck; but a mothers prayers from an anxious, burdened soul, as she felt the peril of her children and the danger of their being cut off in their youth without hope in God, had much to do with their preservation. How many prayers were lodged in heaven that these sons might be preserved to obey God, to devote their lives to His glory! In your anxiety for your children you pleaded with God to return them to you again, and you would seek more earnestly to lead them in the path of holiness. You thought you would labor more faithfully than you had ever done. {2T 275.1}[18]
§39
耶和华使你在逆境和痛苦中受锻炼，好使你能够获得一种于人于己都有益处的经验。你在贫穷和试炼的日子热爱上帝，也喜爱宗教的特权。基督快要复临是你的安慰。这对你来说是一个活泼的盼望，因为你不久就会脱离劳苦得享安息，终止所有的试炼；那时，你会发现自己一切的劳碌和痛苦都不太多；因为使徒保罗宣称：“我们这至暂至轻的苦楚，要为我们成就极重无比永远的荣耀”（林后4:17）。【2T.275.2】[19]
§40
The Lord suffered you to be schooled in adversity and affliction, that you might obtain an experience which would be valuable to yourself and others. In the days of your poverty and trial you loved the Lord, and you loved religious privileges. The nearness of Christs coming was your consolation. It was a living hope to you that you would soon find rest from labor, and the end of all your trials; when you would find that you had not labored nor suffered too much; for the apostle Paul declares: Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. {2T 275.2}[19]
§41
与上帝的子民会面在你看来有如访问天国。重重障碍没能阻止你。你可以忍受疲劳和缺食挨饿，但你不能被剥夺属灵的食物。你恳切地寻求上帝的恩典，你的追求也不是徒劳的。与上帝的子民交往是你能够享受到的最丰厚的祝福。【2T.275.3】[20]
§42
To meet with the people of God seemed to you almost like visiting heaven. Obstacles did not deter you. You could suffer weariness and hunger for temporal food, but you could not be deprived of spiritual food. You earnestly sought for the grace of God, and you did not seek in vain. Communion with the people of God was the richest blessing you could enjoy. {2T 275.3}[20]
§43
在你基督徒的经验中，你的心灵痛恨虚荣、骄傲、和奢侈的炫耀。当你看到那些自称基督徒的人中间为炫耀和助长骄傲而浪费的金钱时，你心里口里都说：“只要我能经手那些在管家的身份上不忠心之人的钱财，我就会感到去帮助非常贫穷的人和推进上帝的圣工是一个最大的特权。”【2T.275.4】[21]
§44
In your Christian experience your soul abhorred vanity, pride, and extravagant show. When you have witnessed the expenditure of means among professed Christians to make a display and to foster pride, your heart and lips have said: Oh, if I only had the means handled by those who are unfaithful in their stewardship, I would feel it one of the greatest privileges to help the needy and to aid in the advancement of the cause of God! {2T 275.4}[21]
§45
当你谦卑地去用末世的真理光照别人时，你经常能够体会到上帝的同在。你曾亲身体验过真理。你知道自己所亲眼看见、亲耳听到、亲身体会到的事并非虚构。你喜欢在私人的交谈中将上帝带领祂子民的奇妙方式讲述给别人。你以极其确定的态度讲述上帝的作为，以致打动了你听众的心，使之信服。你言之凿凿，好像对你所说的事了如指掌一样。当和别人谈到现代真理之时，你渴望得到更多的机会和更广大的影响力，好使更多处在黑暗里的人注意到那照亮你人生路程上的光。你有时会注意你的贫穷，你有限的影响力和你最佳的努力常被自称支持真理事业的人误解，就几乎要灰心了。【2T.276.1】[22]
§46
You often realized the presence of God while you sought in your humble way to enlighten others in regard to the truth for these last days. You had experienced the truth for yourself. That which you had seen, and heard, and experienced, and testified unto, you knew was no fiction. You delighted to present before others, in private conversation, the wonderful way in which God had led His people. You recounted His dealings with such an assurance as to strike conviction to the hearts of those who listened to you. You talked as though you had a knowledge of the things whereof you affirmed. When speaking to others in regard to the present truth, you longed for greater opportunities and a more extended influence, that you might bring to the notice of many in darkness the light which had lightened your pathway. At times you looked at your poverty, your limited influence, and your best endeavors, frequently misinterpreted by the professed friends of the cause of truth, and you were nearly discouraged. {2T 276.1}[22]
§47
有时你会在不安定的状态作出错误的判断，于是有些原本应该具有那种不计算人的恶的爱心的人，却监视你，恶意猜测你，充分利用他们认为在你身上看到的错误。但是耶稣的爱与慈怜却没有收回，仍在你人生的磨难和逼迫中支持着你。天国和基督的义对你来说是首要的。你的人生受损于瑕疵和缺点，因为犯错误是人之常情；但从主所乐意让我见到的情形来看，任何人如果处于你那样贫穷、沮丧、窘迫、充满试炼的环境中，他们犯的错误不会比你少。对于那些没有经历严峻考验的人来说，很容易旁观和置疑，猜测别人的罪恶和吹毛求疵。有些人更喜欢责难别人采取的某种做法，而不是负起责任去告诉别人该怎样做，或者指出更正确的道路。【2T.276.2】[23]
§48
Sometimes in your unsettled state you erred in judgment, and there were those who should have possessed that charity which thinketh no evil, who watched, and surmised evil, and made the most of the errors they thought they saw in you. But the love and tender pity of Jesus were not withdrawn; they were your support amid the trials and persecutions of your life. The kingdom of heaven and the righteousness of Christ were primary with you. Your life was marred with imperfections, because it is human to err; but from what the Lord has been pleased to show me of your discouraging surroundings in the days of your poverty and trial, I know of no one who would have pursued a course more free from mistakes than you did, were they situated as you were, in poverty and embarrassing trials. It is easy for those who are spared the severe trials to which others are subjected, to look on and question, and surmise evil and find fault. Some are more ready to censure others for pursuing a certain course than to take the responsibility of saying what should be done, or of pointing out a more correct way. {2T 276.2}[23]
§49
你变得困惑了。你不知道该倚靠谁。在某地和邻近地区只有少数守安息日的信徒发挥了救人的影响力。有些承认相信现代真理的人并没有给他们的信仰增光。他们不同基督收聚，而是广为分散。他们口若悬河，善于长篇大论，但他们的心却不在圣工上。他们并没有因自己所承认的真理而成圣。这些心里无根的人放弃了信仰。要是他们早点这么做，原会对现代真理的事业更好。因着这些事情，撒但占了你的便宜，并为你的冷淡退后预备好了道路。【2T.277.1】[24]
§50
You became confused. You knew not where to trust. There were but few Sabbathkeepers in ----- and vicinity who exerted a saving influence. Some who professed the faith were no honor to the cause of present truth. They did not gather with Christ, but scattered abroad. They could talk loud and long; yet their hearts were not in the work. They were not sanctified by the truth they professed. These, not having root in themselves, gave up the faith. Had they done this at an earlier period, it would have been better for the cause of truth. In consequence of these things, Satan took advantage of you and prepared the way for your backsliding. {2T 277.1}[24]
§51
我注意到你渴望得钱财的情形。你的心意是这样：“唉，我如果有钱，我决不浪费它！我要给那些吝啬的守财奴作一个榜样。我要向他们显明，得钱而行善，乃是一种大福气。”你的心憎恶贪婪。你见到那些广拥世上财利而对有需要之人的呼声竟毫不动心的人，便说：“上帝要报应他们，祂要照他们的行为报应他们。”你见到富人志得意满，心骄气傲，自私自利之念象铁带束心，你就觉得自己虽然清贫，但他们却比你更贫穷。当你见到这些以富足自傲之辈，以为金钱万能而得意洋洋之时，你却为他们可怜，无论如何也不肯把你的地位与他们交换。虽然这样，但你心中还是渴慕钱财，想要善用钱财来申斥那些贪婪之辈。【2T.277.2】[25]
§52
My attention was called to your desire to possess means. The sentiment of your heart was: Oh, if I only had means, I would not squander it! I would set an example to those who are close and penurious. I would show them the great blessing there is to be received in doing good. Your soul abhorred covetousness. As you have seen those who possessed abundance of this worlds goods shut their hearts to the cry of the needy you have said: God will visit them; He will reward them according to their works. As you have seen the wealthy walking in their pride, their hearts girt about with selfishness, as with iron bands, you have felt that they were poorer than yourself, although you were in want and suffering. When you have seen these purse-proud men bearing themselves loftily because money has power, you have felt pity for them, and in no case would you have been induced to change places with them. Yet you desired means that you might so use it as to be a rebuke to the covetous. {2T 277.2}[25]
§53
主对那先前为你服务的天使说：“我已用贫穷和苦难试验过她，她没有离弃我，也没有反叛我。我今后要用顺利的境遇来试验她。我要向她显明一页她所不熟悉的人心。我要向她指明，金钱乃是她所遇仇敌中最危险的。我要向她显明钱财的迷惑，这是一种网罗，甚至那些感觉已无自私之危险，以及曾表明反对自高、奢侈、骄傲、与爱受人称赞的人，也难免其害。”【2T.278.1】[26]
§54
The Lord said to His angel who had hitherto ministered unto you: I have proved her in poverty and affliction, and she has not separated herself from Me, nor rebelled against Me. I will now prove her with prosperity. I will reveal to her a page of the human heart with which she is unacquainted. I will show her that money is the most dangerous foe she has ever met. I will reveal to her the deceitfulness of riches; that they are a snare, even to those who feel that they are secure from selfishness, and proof against exaltation, extravagance, pride, and love of the praise of men. {2T 278.1}[26]
§55
随后我蒙指示见到，在你面前开了一条路，你的生活情形得以改善，你终于得到了不少金钱，就是你以前所想要善用并荣耀上帝的。那为你服务的天使非常关注这新的试炼，看你如何应付这新试验。及至钱财流进你手中之后，我看到你渐渐地、几乎不知不觉地远离了上帝。你把那交托给你的钱财作为求自身便利之用，自己屈服于今生的美物之下。我见到那观察你的天使，为你忧愁叹息，他们半转过脸去，舍不得离开你。他们虽在你身旁，你却不知道，你的一切行动，也没有考虑到你守护天使的感受。【2T.278.2】[27]
§56
I was then shown that a way was opened for you to improve your condition in life and at length to obtain the means which you had thought you would use with wisdom and to the glory of God. How anxiously did your ministering angel watch the new trial to see how you would stand the test. As means came into your hands, I saw you gradually and almost imperceptibly separating from God. The means entrusted to you were expended for your own convenience, to surround yourself with the good things of this life. I saw the angels looking upon you with yearning sadness, their faces half averted, loath to leave you. Yet their presence was not perceived by you, and your course was pursued without reference to your angel guard. {2T 278.2}[27]
§57
你的新地位的业务和挂虑要求你花时间关注，你就不考虑自己对上帝的义务了。耶稣曾用自己的宝血赎买了你。你并不是自己的人。你的时间，你的精力，你所掌握的资财，这一切都是属于你的救赎主的。当你其他所有的朋友都证明是压伤的芦苇时，耶稣是你永远的朋友，你的力量和支柱。你用忘恩负义和健忘报答了上帝对你的慈爱和厚恩。【2T.278.3】[28]
§58
The business and cares of your new position claimed your time and attention, and your duty to God was not considered. Jesus had purchased you by His own blood. You were not your own. Your time, your strength, and the means you handled all belonged to your Redeemer. He had been your constant Friend, your strength and support when every other friend had proved a broken reed. You have repaid the love and bounty of God with ingratitude and forgetfulness. {2T 278.3}[28]
§59
你惟一的保障在于绝对信赖你的救主基督。你离开十字架，便毫无平安可言。在这种情况下，人的力量似乎多么软弱啊！那些信赖上帝的人自己实无力量，而是上帝给他们力量，这是多么明显啊！本着信心向上帝献上的一个恳求比很多人的智慧更有能力。【2T.279.1】[29]
§60
Your only safety was in implicit trust in Christ, your Saviour. There was no safety for you away from the cross. How weak human strength seemed in this instance! Oh, how evident that there is no real strength but that which God imparts to those who trust in Him! One petition offered up to God in faith has more power than a wealth of human intellect. {2T 279.1}[29]
§61
你在顺境之中，没有实行你在逆境之中所立的志愿。钱财的迷惑使你转离了你的目的。你的思虑增多，你的影响扩大。那些穷苦的人既得到了救济，便荣耀你，这样你就学会了爱受穷人的称赞。你觉得你有必要住在繁荣的城市，认为这对你业务的成功，保持你的声望日隆，并使你的环境与业务有些许相称很重要。然而你却作得太过分了，你过于容易受别人的意见和判断所左右。你花了许多冤枉钱，只求满足眼目的情欲和今生的骄傲。你忘记了你所经手的是主的钱财。你花钱的时候，增长的只是自己的虚荣之心，你毫不想到那掌簿的天使正在留下一页你所愧于再见的记录。那天使指着你说：“你荣耀了自己，却没有尊上帝为大。”你甚至因自己有能力购买这些东西，而洋洋得意。【2T.279.2】[30]
§62
In your prosperity you did not carry out the resolves you had made in adversity. The deceitfulness of riches turned you from your purposes. Cares increased upon you. Your influence became extended. As the afflicted realized relief from suffering, they glorified you, and you learned to love praise from the lips of poor mortals. You were in a popular city, and thought it necessary for the success of your business, as well as to retain your influence, for your surroundings to be somewhat in accordance with your business. But you carried things too far. You were swayed too much by the opinions and judgment of others. You expended means needlessly, only to gratify the lust of the eye and the pride of life. You forgot that you were handling your Lords money. When means were expended by you which would only encourage vanity, you did not consider that the recording angel was making a record which you would blush to meet again. Said the angel, pointing to you: You glorified yourself, but did not magnify God. You even gloried in the fact that it was in your power to purchase these things. {2T 279.2}[30]
§63
你将大笔金钱花在不必要的东西上，而这只能满足你的炫耀、助长你的骄傲与虚荣，给你徒增懊悔和羞耻。如果你牢记上天对你的要求，正确处置上帝交给你照管的财富，使用它们去救助穷人并推进现代真理的圣工，你原会积攒财宝在天上，并在上帝面前富足。仔细想一想，你将多少金钱投在了没有一个人确实受益的地方，没有一个人得到食物或衣服，也没有一个人得到帮助看出自己的错误以便转向基督而得存活。【2T.279.3】[31]
§64
A large sum has been expended in needless things which could only answer for show and encourage vanity and pride that will cause you remorse and shame. If you had borne in mind the claims Heaven has upon you and had made a right disposition of the means entrusted to your care, by helping the needy and advancing the cause of present truth, you would have been laying up treasure in heaven and would have been rich toward God. Consider how much means you have invested where no one has been really benefited, no one fed or clothed, and no one helped to see the error of his ways that he might turn to Christ and live. {2T 279.3}[31]
§65
你在那些靠不住的事业上投入了大笔金钱。撒但蒙蔽了你的双眼，使你看不出这些事业不能给你带来任何回报。获取永生的事业没有唤醒你的兴趣。你本可以将金钱用在这项事业上，它无风险，也不会使你遭受失望，最终还能使你获得无限无量的益处。你本可以投资于永不破产的天国银行。你本可以将你的财富放在那贼不能近、也不会锈坏的地方。这项事业是永恒的，天怎样高过地，这项事业也怎样高过属世的事业。【2T.280.1】[32]
§66
You have made large investments in uncertain enterprises. Satan blinded your eyes so that you could not see that these enterprises would yield you no returns. The enterprise of securing eternal life did not awaken your interest. Here you could have expended means, and run no risks, met no disappointments, and in the end would have received immense profits. Here you could have invested in the never-failing bank of heaven. Here you could have bestowed your treasures where no thief approacheth nor rust corrupteth. This enterprise is eternal and is as much nobler than any earthly enterprise as the heavens are higher than the earth. {2T 280.1}[32]
§67
你的孩子们不是基督的门徒。他们是与世俗为友的，他们的本心想和世人一样。眼目的情欲和今生的骄傲控制了他们，并在一定程度上也影响到了你。你努力使你的儿女喜悦、满足他们的要求，过于讨上帝的喜悦并寻求祂的荣耀。你忘记了上帝对你的要求和祂圣工的需要。自私之心引诱你将金钱花在装饰上，为了满足你和你的儿女。你不想这钱本不属你；这钱只是借给你，好试验你，证实你，看你是否能避免你曾经在别人身上注意到的恶行。上帝使你作祂的管家，当祂来和祂仆人算账时，你该如何就你的管家职责作交代呢？【2T.280.2】[33]
§68
Your children were not disciples of Christ. They were in friendship with the world, and their natural hearts desired to be like worldlings. The lust of the eye and the pride of life controlled them and have influenced you to a certain extent. You have sought more earnestly to please and gratify your children than to please and glorify God. You have forgotten the claims of God upon you, and the wants of His cause. Selfishness has led you to expend money in ornaments for the gratification of yourself and your children. You did not think that this money was not yours; that it was only lent you to test and prove you, to see if you would shun the evils you had marked in others. God made you His steward, and when He cometh and reckoneth with His servants, what account can you give of your stewardship? {2T 280.2}[33]
§69
当金钱流入你手中之后，你的信仰以及纯朴信靠上帝的心就开始枯竭了。你虽然没有立刻离弃上帝，却渐渐退后了。你停止了早晚的灵修，因为不总是方便的。你的儿媳给你带来特别苦恼的试炼，在相当大的程度上叫你心灰意冷，不再坚持家庭聚会。你的家成了一个不祈祷的家。你把属世业务列为首要，而把主和祂的真理放在次要的地位上。你且回想一下早年的经验，那时这些试炼会叫你丢弃了家庭祷告吗？【2T.280.3】[34]
§70
Your faith and simple trust in God began to wane as soon as means flowed in upon you. You did not depart from God all at once. Your backsliding was gradual. You ceased the morning and evening devotions because it was not always convenient. Your sons wife caused you trials of a peculiar, aggravating character, which had considerable to do in discouraging you from continuing family devotions. Your house became a prayerless house. Your business was made primary, and the Lord and His truth were made secondary. Look back to the days of your earlier experience; would these trials then have driven you from family prayer? {2T 280.3}[34]
§71
因为忽略了出声祷告，你在家中就失去了原本可以保持的感化力。你的本分乃是，无论结果如何，都要在家中承认上帝。你当早晚向上帝发出祈求。你本应作家庭的祭司，承认自己和儿女的罪。你若是忠心，那曾指教你的上帝，就不会把你撇在自己的智慧之中。【2T.281.1】[35]
§72
Here, in the neglect of vocal prayer, you lost an influence in your house which you could have retained. It was your duty to acknowledge God in your family, irrespective of consequences. Your petitions should have been offered to God morning and evening. You should have been as priest of the household, confessing your sins and the sins of your children. Had you been faithful, God, who had been your guide, would not have left you to your own wisdom. {2T 281.1}[35]
§73
你为铺张炫耀而浪费金钱，而你过去曾为这种罪恶深感忧伤。你这样浪费钱财，乃是抢夺上帝之物。因此主说：“我要分散这些钱财。我要让她经过一个时期，自行她所选择的道路。我要使她的判断力盲目，并拿去智慧。我要向她显明，她的力量就是软弱，她的智慧乃是愚拙。我要使她降卑，叫她看明自己离我已有多远。今后她若不全心回转归向我，在她一切所行的事上都认定我，我就要下手分散，使母亲和儿女的骄傲降卑，使他们再处于贫穷的命运中。我的名要被高举。骄傲的要低头，夸耀的要降卑。”【2T.281.2】[36]
§74
Means were expended needlessly for show. Over this sin in others you had felt deeply grieved. And while thus using means, you were robbing God. Then the Lord said: I will scatter. I will permit her for a time to walk in the way of her own choosing. I will blind judgment, and remove wisdom. I will show her that her strength is weakness, and her wisdom foolishness. I will humble her, and open her eyes to see how far she has departed from Me. If she will not then turn unto Me with her whole heart, and in all her ways acknowledge Me, My hand shall scatter, and the pride of the mother and of the children shall be brought down, and poverty shall again be their lot. My name shall be exalted. The loftiness of man shall be brought down, and the pride of man shall be laid low. {2T 281.2}[36]
§75
以上这些情形都是主让我在1865年12月25日于纽约州罗彻斯特看到的。去年六月，我蒙指示，看到主如何用祂的爱待你，祂现在邀请你转向祂，使你可以存活。我蒙指示看到，多年以来，你一直感到自己处于一种退后的状态中。如果你将自己献给上帝，你原可成就一番伟大的善工，让你的光照亮别人。每一位工人都有一番工作要为主作。祂的每一个仆人都受托特别的恩赐，或才干：“按着各人的才干，给他们银子，一个给了五千，一个给了二千，一个给了一千”（ 太25:15）。每一个仆人都受托要为一定的事负责。不同的托付是根据我们不同的能力而定的。上帝在分配祂的恩赐时并无不公。祂是根据祂仆人们已知的能力而分配才干，并且希望得到相应的回报。【2T.281.3】[37]
§76
The above view was given December 25, 1865, in the city of Rochester, New York. Last June I was shown that the Lord was dealing with you in love, that He now invited you to turn to Him that you might live. I was shown that for years you have felt that you were in a backslidden state. If you had been consecrated to God you might have done a good and great work in letting your light shine to others. To everyone there is given a work to do for the Master. To each of His servants are committed special gifts, or talents. Unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability. Every servant has some trust for which he is responsible; and the varied trusts are proportioned to our varied capabilities. In dispensing His gifts, God has not dealt with partiality. He has distributed the talents according to the known powers of His servants, and He expects corresponding returns. {2T 281.3}[37]
§77
在你过去的经历中，主给你的是感化力，而不是钱财。因此，主也没有期望你在贫苦中，要拿出你所拿不出的。你曾像那穷寡妇一样力所能及地奉献。那时你如果想到自己的情况，也许会觉得拿不出那么多钱也是情有可原。当你患病时，上帝并没有要你拿出已被疾病消磨了的活跃精力。你的影响和金钱有限，但上帝并不是照你所没有的，而是照你所有的，来悦纳你的善行和推进圣工的努力。那出于诚心乐意的捐献，即使是最微小的，主也不轻看。【2T.282.1】[38]
§78
In your earlier experience the Lord imparted to you talents of influence, but did not give you talents of means, and therefore did not expect you in your poverty to bestow that which you had not to give. Like the widow, you did give what you could, although, had you considered your own circumstances, you would have felt excused from doing even as much as you did. In your sickness, God did not require from you that active energy of which disease had deprived you. Though you were restricted in your influence and in your means, yet God accepted your efforts to do good and to advance His cause according to what you had, not according to what you had not. The Lord does not despise the humblest offering bestowed with readiness and sincerity. {2T 282.1}[38]
§79
你的性情是热心的。热衷于善事，这乃是可嘉可许的。在以往困苦试炼之时，你曾得着一种有益他人的经验。那时你热心事奉上帝，你乐于向那些不信现代真理的人，提出我们立场的根据。你说话时很有把握，因为这些事对你是很切实的。真理成了你的一部分，凡听你恳切请求的人，毫不疑惑你的诚心，而都信服这些事确是如此。【2T.282.2】[39]
§80
You possess an ardent temperament. Earnestness in a good cause is praiseworthy. In your former trials and perplexity, you were obtaining an experience which was to be of advantage to others. You were zealous in the service of God. You loved to present the evidences of our position to those who did not believe present truth. You could speak with assurance, for these things were a reality to you. The truth was a part of your being; and those who listened to your earnest appeals had not a doubt of your honesty, but were convinced that these things were so. {2T 282.2}[39]
§81
在上帝的安排之下，你的感化力日见扩大；此外，上帝看你配受新的试验，便赐给你钱财，从此你就负有双重的责任了。当你的生活开始改善之时，你说：“我一旦有了一所房子，以后就要捐钱给上帝的工作。”但及至你有了一所房子之后，你又发现为使自己舒适便利，在家中还有许多改善之处，以致忘了上帝和祂对你的要求，并且少愿帮助上帝的教会，反不如你在贫穷困苦之日那样了。【2T.283.1】[40]
§82
In the providence of God your influence has been extended; in addition to this, God has seen fit to prove you by giving you talents of means. You are thereby laid under double responsibility. When your condition in life began to improve, you said: As soon as I can get me a home, I will then donate to the cause of God. But when you had a home you saw so many improvements to make to have everything about you convenient and pleasant that you forgot the Lord and His claims upon you, and were less inclined to help the cause of God than in the days of your poverty and affliction. {2T 283.1}[40]
§83
你追求世俗的友谊，同上帝的距离越来越远。你忘记了基督的劝告：“你们要谨慎，恐怕因贪食醉酒并今生的思虑，累住你们的心，那日子就如同网罗忽然临到你们”（路21:34）。“所以自己以为站得稳的，须要谨慎，免得跌倒”（林前10:12）。【2T.283.2】[41]
§84
You were seeking friendship with the world, and separating further and further from God. You forgot the exhortation of Christ: Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. {2T 283.2}[41]
§85
在基督徒的人生上，如果我们不愿被撒但偷袭的话，有三句警语是我们应当留心的，那就是：警醒，祷告，做工。祷告和警醒乃是属灵生活长进所必需的。现今的时辰是最重要的，是你历史上从未有过的。你唯一的保障就在于过象守望者那样的生活。总是警醒祷告。这是对于坠入试探、陷入世俗网罗之最有效的预防！在过去几年中，你的感化力扩展时，你本当何等恳切地做工啊！【2T.283.3】[42]
§86
There are three watchwords in the Christian life, which must be heeded if we would not have Satan steal a march upon us; namely, Watch, pray, work. Prayer and watching thereunto are necessary for advancement in the divine life. Never was there a time in your history more important than the present. Your only safety is to live like a watchman. Watch and pray always. Oh, what a preventive against yielding to temptation and falling into the snares of the world! How earnestly should you have been at work the past few years, when your influence was extensive. {2T 283.3}[42]
§87
亲爱的姐妹啊，人们的称赞和世俗的奉承对你所有的极大影响，是过于你所警觉的。你还没有善用所交托给你的——把钱放给兑换银钱的人。你天生具有同情和慷慨的性情。你对于这些美德已经颇有发挥，但还是没有达到上帝所要求的地步。单单赋有这些优美的恩赐是不够的，上帝要人不住地运用这些才能，借此造福给那些亟待帮助的人，并推进祂的救人大工。【2T.283.4】[43]
§88
Dear sister, the praise of men and the flattery current in the world have had greater influence upon you than you have been aware of. You have not been improving your talents--putting them out to the exchangers. You are naturally affectionate and generous. These traits of character have been exercised to a degree, but not as much as God requires. Merely possessing these excellent gifts is not enough; God requires them to be kept in constant exercise; for through them He blesses those who need to be helped, and carries forward His work for the salvation of man. {2T 283.4}[43]
§89
主并不倚靠那些吝啬之人去照顾穷人或维持祂的圣工。这些人心胸狭窄，他们不愿意出一分钱去救济不幸的穷人。他们还想限制上帝的圣工，以符合他们有限的思想。他们最主要的想法就是积蓄金钱。金钱对于他们，比基督为之受死的宝贵生灵有价值得多。就上帝和天庭而言，这等人的生活比没有还坏。上帝不会将祂重要的工作交托他们。【2T.284.1】[44]
§90
The Lord will not depend upon niggardly souls to take care of the worthy poor nor to sustain His cause. Such are too narrow-minded; they would grudge the smallest pittance to the needy in their distress. They would also want the cause narrowed down to meet their limited ideas. To save means would be the prominent idea with them. Their money would be more valuable to them than precious souls for whom Christ died. The lives of such, so far as God and heaven are concerned, are worse than a blank. God will not trust His important work with them. {2T 284.1}[44]
§91
“应当咒诅米罗斯，大大咒诅其中的居民，因为他们不来帮助耶和华，不来帮助耶和华攻击勇士”（士5:23）。米罗斯的居民做了什么呢？他们什么也没有做！这就是他们的罪了。上帝的咒诅正是因为他们什么也没有做才临到他们头上。自私自利、心胸狭窄的人要为自己的吝啬负责，但是那些有仁慈的情怀、慷慨大方、并对生灵有仁爱之心的人负有重责；因为他们若不使用或者浪费这些才干，便要被划为不忠心的仆人。仅仅拥有这些才干是不够的。那些拥有这些才干的人应该意识到自己的义务和责任都增加了。【2T.284.2】[45]
§92
Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty. What had Meroz done? Nothing. This was their sin. The curse of God came upon them for what they had not done. The man with a selfish, narrow mind is responsible for his niggardliness, but those who have kindly affections, generous impulses, and a love for souls are laid under weighty responsibilities; for if they allow these talents to remain unemployed and to waste they are classed with unfaithful servants. The mere possession of these gifts is not enough. Those who have them should realize that their obligations and responsibilities are increased. {2T 284.2}[45]
§93
主人会要求祂的每一个管家对其职责作一交代，说明用所托付他的恩赐赚得了什么。那些作事殷勤有收获的仆人必不归功于自己，而将荣耀都归给上帝。他们将所交托他们的称为“你的银子，”而没有算作是自己的。当他们说起自己的收获时，他们小心地陈明这些收获是从何而来。作买卖的资本是主人给的。他们成功地用它做了买卖，最后连本带利地还给主人。主人便奖赏他们的努力，好像功劳属于他们一样，其实他们将一切都归功于主人的恩典、慈悲和慷慨。他们耳中听到了他们不配得的祂那嘉许的话：“好，你这又良善又忠心的仆人，你在不多的事上有忠心，我要把许多事派你管理，可以进来享受你主人的快乐”（太25:21）。【2T.284.3】[46]
§94
The Master will require each of His stewards to give an account of his stewardship, to show what he has gained with the talents entrusted to him. Those to whom rewards are given will impute no merit to themselves for their diligent trading; they will give all the glory to God. They speak of that which was delivered to them, as Thy pound, not their own. When they speak of their gain, they are careful to state whence it came. The capital was advanced by the Master. They have traded upon it successfully, and return the principal and interest to the Giver. He rewards their efforts as if the merit belonged to them, when they owe all to the grace and mercy of the bountiful Giver. His words of unqualified approval fall upon their ears: Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. {2T 284.3}[46]
§95
我的姐妹啊，主将感化力和钱财交托给你，你的责任重大。你应当敬畏上帝，谨慎一切的行动。你的智慧很弱，但从上头来的智慧，却是坚强的。主想要照亮你的黑暗，使你再度瞥见天上的财宝，可以略知两个世界的比较价值，让你自决取舍今世或永生的产业。我看到你还有机会回到羊圈。耶稣用自己的血救赎了你，祂要你运用自己的才干为祂服务。你的心还没有刚硬到圣灵不能感化的地步，当上帝的真理向你提出之时，在你心上还可得到反应。【2T.285.1】[47]
§96
To you, my sister, are committed talents of influence and talents of money; and your responsibility is great. You should move cautiously and in the fear of God. Your wisdom is weakness, but the wisdom from above is strong. The Lord designs to enlighten your darkness and again give you a glimpse of the heavenly treasure, that you may have some sense of the comparative value of both worlds, and then leave you to choose between this world and the eternal inheritance. I saw that there was yet opportunity to return to the fold. Jesus has redeemed you by His own blood, and He requires you to employ your talents in His service. You have not become hardened to the influence of the Holy Spirit. When the truth of God is presented, it meets a response in your heart. {2T 285.1}[47]
§97
我看到你应当认真思量你的每一行动。你做任何事都不应轻率。你应让上帝作你的顾问。祂爱你的儿女，你爱他们固然没错，但你把应该给主的感情给了他们是不对的。他们有仁爱的冲动和慷慨的心意。他们的品格中有许多高贵的特性。他们若能认识到自己需要救主，并肯俯伏在十字架脚前，就能发挥一种为善的感化力。但是他们现在爱享乐不爱上帝。他们现在站在仇敌的阵营，列身于撒但的黑旗之下。耶稣邀请他们来就祂，离开仇敌的阵地，来站在基督十字架血染的旌旗之下。【2T.285.2】[48]
§98
I saw that you should study every move. You should do nothing rashly. Let God be your counselor. He loves your children, and it is right that you should love them; but it is not right to give them the place in your affections that the Lord claims. They have kind impulses and generous purposes. They possess noble traits of character. If they would only see their need of a Saviour, and bow at the foot of the cross, they might exert an influence for good. They are now lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. They now stand in the enemys ranks, under the black banner of Satan. Jesus invites them to come to Him, to leave the ranks of the enemy, and to stand under the bloodstained banner of the cross of Christ. {2T 285.2}[48]
§99
这在他们看来象是一件无法做到的事，因为它需要太多的克己。他们并没有这方面的实际经验的知识。在这场争取永生的大战中，那些参加过南北战争，遭受艰难困苦和军旅生活之种种危险的人，决不应犹豫并表现出胆怯。他们这次是要为永生的冠冕和不朽的产业而战。他们的报偿是确定的，当战斗结束之时，他们将获得永远的生命，纯粹的幸福和极重无比永远的荣耀。【2T.286.1】[49]
§100
This will look to them like a work they cannot perform, for it will require too much self-denial. They have no experimental knowledge of the way. Those who have engaged in their countrys warfare, and been subjected to the hardships, toils, and perils of a soldiers life, should be the last to hesitate and manifest cowardice in this great warfare for everlasting life. In this case they will be fighting for a crown of life and an immortal inheritance. Their wages will be sure, and when the war is over their gain will be everlasting life, happiness unalloyed, and an eternal weight of glory. {2T 286.1}[49]
§101
撒但必反对他们作出的每一项努力。他会把世界最绚丽动人的一面展现在他们面前，正如他在旷野四十天试探救主时所作的一样。基督胜过了撒但所有的试探，你的儿女也能照样胜过。他们正在侍奉一个难伺候的主人。罪的工价就是死。他们担不起犯罪。他们会发现这桩买卖过于昂贵了。他们最终将遭遇永远的损失。他们将失去耶稣去为那些爱祂之人预备的地方，他们将失去以上帝的生命衡量的生命。这还不是全部。他们要遭受一位被得罪之上帝的愤怒，因为他们不侍奉祂，而全力侍奉祂最恶劣的仇敌。你的儿女还没有清晰的亮光，而拒绝亮光的结果只能是被定罪。【2T.286.2】[50]
§102
Satan will oppose every effort they may make. He will present the world before them in its most attractive light, as he did to the Saviour of the world when he tempted Him forty days in the wilderness. Christ overcame all the temptations of Satan, and so may your children. They are serving a hard master. The wages of sin is death. They cannot afford to sin. They will find it expensive business. They will meet with eternal loss in the end. They will lose the mansions Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him, and will lose that life which measures with the life of God. And this is not all. They must suffer the wrath of an offended God for having withheld from Him their service and given all their efforts to His worst enemy. Your children have not yet had the clear light, and condemnation only follows the rejection of light. {2T 286.2}[50]
§103
如果所有自称跟从基督之人都能以最真诚的努力去促进上帝的荣耀，就会在仇敌的阵营中引起多么大的震动啊！撒但在他的工作上是勤恳认真的。他不希望生灵得救。他不希望自己在他们身上的权势被打破。撒但并不是仅会伪装。他还是当真的。他看到基督邀请生灵到祂面前来，好使他们得生命，便认真而热心地努力阻止他们接受救恩的邀请。他必用尽手段阻止他们离开他的阵营而站到基督的队列中。自称跟从基督的人为何不能像基督的仇敌那样奋力作工呢？他们为何不尽自己的全力呢？撒但可是用尽浑身解数来阻碍生灵归向基督的。撒但曾是天庭一位大受尊荣的天使，现在尽管他已不再圣洁，但他的能力却丝毫未减。他所施行的能力常有可怕的后果。他并不等待他的猎物来到他那里，而是去寻索他们。他如同吼叫的狮子，遍地游行，寻找可吞吃的人。他并不总是带着狮子的凶残面目，只要能有更好的作工效果，他就会装成一位光明的天使。他可以轻而易举地将狮子的吼叫变成极具说服力的论据或者娓娓动听的低语。他有恶天使的军团帮助他的工作。他经常隐藏他的圈套，用动人的欺骗来引诱人陷在其中。他奉承人的虚荣心，借此引诱迷惑多人。他通过他的爪牙，将这世界的享乐以一种最诱人的方式呈现在人面前，他用迷人的鲜花装扮通往地狱的道路，因此生灵便着迷被毁了。在下坡路上踏出一步，撒但就有某种特别的诱惑来引导他们在错误的路上走得更远。【2T.286.3】[51]
§104
If professed Christians were all sincere and earnest in their efforts to promote the glory of God, what a stir would be made in the enemys ranks. Satan is earnest and sincere in his work. He does not want souls saved. He does not want his power upon them broken. Satan does not merely pretend. He is in earnest. He beholds Christ inviting souls to come to Him that they may have life, and he is earnest and zealous in his efforts to prevent them from accepting the invitation. He will leave no means untried to prevent them from leaving his ranks and standing in the ranks of Christ. Why cannot the professed followers of Jesus do as much for Him as His enemies do against Him? Why not do all they can? Satan does all he can to keep souls from Christ. He was once an honored angel in heaven, and although he has lost his holiness, he has not lost his power. He exerts his power with terrible effect. He does not wait for his prey to come to him. He hunts for it. He goes to and fro in the earth like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He does not always wear the ferocious look of the lion, but when he can work to better effect he transforms himself into an angel of light. He can readily exchange the roar of the lion for the most persuasive arguments or for the softest whisper. He has legions of angels to aid him in his work. He often conceals his snares, and allures by pleasing deception. He charms and deludes many by flattering their vanity. Through his agents he presents the pleasures of the world in an attractive light, and strews the path to hell with tempting flowers, and thus souls are charmed and ruined. After every advance step in the downward road, Satan has some special temptation to lead them still further on the wrong track. {2T 286.3}[51]
§105
如果你的儿女们是受宗教原则管辖的，他们就会在这堕落的世代中抵挡周围邪恶腐败的影响。如果他们信赖上帝，上帝就会成为他们力量的高台。“让他持住我的能力，使他与我和好，愿他与我和好”（赛27:5）。如果他们相信并信赖上帝，主就必作他们年轻时的向导。【2T.287.1】[52]
§106
If your children were controlled by religious principles, they would be fortified against the vice and corruption surrounding them in this degenerate age. God will be to them a tower of strength, if they will put their trust in Him. Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me. The Lord will be the guide of their youth if they will believe and trust in Him. {2T 287.1}[52]
§107
我亲爱的姐妹啊，主一直很爱怜你和你的家庭。你有责任在世荣耀并颂扬天父的圣名。为要长居在祂的爱中，你应当不住地为存心谦卑，和那在上帝面前是极宝贵的温柔安静的心努力。你将一切奉献给上帝，你在祂里面的能力就必增加，这样便可以有把握地说：“谁能使我们与基督的爱隔绝呢？难道是患难么？是困苦么？是逼迫么？是饥饿么？是赤身露体么？是危险么？是刀剑么？”“因为我深信无论是死，是生，是天使，是掌权的，是有能的，是现在的事，是将来的事，是高处的，是低处的，是别的受造之物，都不能叫我们与上帝的爱隔绝；这爱是在我们的主基督耶稣里的”（罗8:35,38-39）。【2T.288.1】[53]
§108
My dear sister, the Lord has been very merciful to you and your family. You are laid under obligation to your heavenly Father to praise and glorify His holy name upon the earth. In order to continue in His love, you should labor constantly for humbleness of mind and that meek and quiet spirit which is in the sight of God of great price. Your strength in God will increase while you consecrate all to Him; so that you can say with confidence: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. {2T 288.1}[53]