第49章 对孤儿的责任
§1
第49章 对孤儿的责任
§2
Chap. 49 - Duty to Orphans
§3
亲爱的D弟兄和姐妹：你们上次的来访以及和我们的交谈引起了许多挂念，我禁不住要写几个在纸上。我很难过E没能始终有恰当的举止；不过你们若想一想，就不会指望他这个年龄的孩子有完美的表现了。孩子有过错，需要大量耐心的教导。【2T.327.2】[1]
§4
Dear Brother and Sister D: Your late visit and conversation with us have suggested many thoughts, of which I cannot forbear placing a few upon paper. I was very sorry that E had not carried himself correctly at all times; yet, when you consider, you cannot expect perfection in youth at his age. Children have faults, and they need a great deal of patient instruction. {2T 327.2}[1]
§5
我们不能指望他这个年龄的男孩子始终有正确的情绪。你们须记得他无父无母，无人听他倾诉他的感受、忧伤和试探。每一个人都觉得必须有某个同情自己的人。这个孩子被抛来抛去，到处碰壁，他可能有许多错误和粗心大意的作风，相当独立不羁，还可能对人缺乏尊敬。但他很有上进心，若是得到正确的指导和仁慈的对待，我满心相信他不会辜负我们的希望，而会充分回报花在他身上的一切辛劳。考虑到他的不利条件，我认为他是一个很不错的孩子。【2T.328.1】[2]
§6
That he should have feelings not always correct is no more than can be expected of a boy of his age. You must remember that he has no father or mother, no one to whom he can confide his feelings, his sorrows, and his temptations. Every person feels that he must have some sympathizer. This boy has been tossed about here and there, from pillar to post, and he may have many errors, many careless ways, with considerable independence, and he may lack reverence. But he is quite enterprising, and with right instruction and kind treatment, I have the fullest confidence that he would not disappoint our hopes, but would fully repay all the labor expended on him. Considering his disadvantages, I think he is a very good boy. {2T 328.1}[2]
§7
我们之所以恳求你们接纳这个孩子，是因为我们完全相信这是你们的责任，而且你们这么做会蒙福。我们不希望你们接纳他只是要受益于从他得到的帮助，而希望你们使他受益，对这个孤儿尽一个本分——每一个真基督徒都应该寻求并热切注意实行的本分；一个牺牲的本分，我们相信你们开始尽这个本分就会受益，只要你们高兴地去做，着眼于作上帝手中的器皿，救一个孩子脱离撒但的网罗，这个孩子的父亲已献上自己宝贵的生命，为要把人引向上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的。【2T.328.2】[3]
§8
When we entreated you to take him we did it because we fully believed it was your duty and that in doing so you would be blessed. We did not expect that you would do this merely to be benefited by the help that you would receive from the boy, but to benefit him, to do a duty to the orphan--a duty which every true Christian should be seeking and anxiously watching to perform; a duty, a sacrificing duty, which we believed it would do you good to take up, if you did it cheerfully, with a view to being the instrument in the hands of God of saving a soul from the snares of Satan, of saving a son whose father devoted his precious life to pointing souls to the Lamb of God who taketh away the sin of the world. {2T 328.2}[3]
§9
从上帝给我的指示来看，守安息日的复临信徒很少意识到世界和自私已在他们心中占据了多么大的位置。如果你渴望行善和荣耀上帝，就有许多方式可以做这事。但你还没有意识到这原是真虔诚的结果。这是每一颗好树会结出的果子。你没有意识到这要求你去关心别人，把他们的操心挂虑当成你自己的，对最需要帮助的人表现出无私的关心。你没有伸手帮助最贫穷的人，最无助的人。要是你有自己的儿女要你照料和关爱，你就不会这样紧闭心门，只顾自己的利益了。那些没有儿女却蒙上帝托以财富的人，若肯敞开心门去照顾那些需关爱和属世财物帮助的孩子们，就会比现在快乐得多了。只要有青年没有父亲慈怜的照顾，也没有母亲温柔的疼爱，而是暴露于末世败坏的影响，就应当有人负起责任充当他们的父亲和母亲。要学习给予他们他们爱护和同情。凡自称有一位天上的父，希望蒙祂的眷顾，最后接他们到祂为他们所预备的家乡去的人，都应该感到自己负有严肃的责任，去作无依无靠之人的朋友，孤儿的父亲，济助寡妇，有益于人，从而在这世上有某种实际的用处。许多人对这些事没有的正确的看法。他们若只为自己而活，就不会拥有比照顾自己更大的力量。【2T.328.3】[4]
§10
From what was shown me, Sabbathkeeping Adventists have but a feeble sense of how large a place the world and selfishness hold in their hearts. If you have a desire to do good and glorify God, there are many ways in which you can do it. But you have not felt that this was the result of true religion. This is the fruit which every good tree will produce. You have not felt that it was required of you to be interested in others, to make their cases your own, and to manifest an unselfish interest for the very ones who stand most in need of help. You have not reached out to help the most needy, the most helpless. Had you children of your own to call into exercise care, affection, and love, you would not be so much shut up to yourselves and to your own interests. If those who have no children, and whom God has made stewards of means, would expand their hearts to care for children who need love, care, and affection, and assistance with this worlds goods, they would be far happier than they are today. So long as youth who have not a fathers pitying care nor a mothers tender love are exposed to the corrupting influences of these last days, it is somebodys duty to supply the place of father and mother to some of them. Learn to give them love, affection, and sympathy. All who profess to have a Father in heaven, who they hope will care for them and finally take them to the home He has prepared for them, ought to feel a solemn obligation resting upon them to be friends to the friendless and fathers to the orphans, to aid the widows, and be of some practical use in this world by benefiting humanity. Many have not viewed these things in a right light. If they live merely for themselves, they will have no greater strength than this calls for. {2T 328.3}[4]
§11
在我们中间长大的青少年没有得到应有的关怀。一些弟兄必须承担起他们现在不愿也没有准备好去看到和去履行的义务。对于许多人来说，害怕麻烦和不方便就是他们最充足的理由。上帝的大日会显明未尽的义务——许多生灵因自私的人不愿尽力去帮助他们而灭亡了。【2T.329.1】[5]
§12
The youth who are growing up among us are not cared for as they should be. Some of the brethren must have duties which they are not willing and ready to see and perform. The fear of inconveniencing themselves is a sufficient excuse for many. The day of God will reveal unfulfilled duties--souls lost because the selfish would not take pains to interest themselves in their behalf. {2T 329.1}[5]
§13
我蒙指示看到，要是自称基督徒的人在关怀别人的事上多培养些仁慈和友爱，他们就会得到四倍的回报。上帝注意着呢。祂知道我们为什么活着，我们的生活是否最好地关怀了可怜堕落的人类，我们的眼目是否被蒙蔽，什么都看不见，只看见自己的利益，谁也看不见，只看见可怜的自我。为了基督，为了你们自己的灵魂，也为了那个孩子，我劝你们不要以这事为小，象许多人以为的那样。这件一件严重、严肃的事，影响你们在基督国里的利益，因为涉及宝贵生灵的得救问题。为使无家可归的人受益而有所牺牲岂不是上帝吩咐你们有能力这样做之人的一个责任吗？尽管那些无家的人可能是无知而且没有修养的。你们岂可考虑只在你们会得到最自私的享乐和利益方面去劳力呢？你们若愿意关怀那些需要你们照料的人，上天就会给你们神圣的眷爱，你们若忽略这种恩惠，从而让上帝在你们门外徒然叩门，对你们来说是不合适的。无家可归的可怜孤儿和受苦的寡妇代表上帝站在门前，他们需要关爱、同情和鼓励。你若不做在这些人中的一个身上，基督若在地上，你就不会做在祂身上。【2T.329.2】[6]
§14
I was shown that should professed Christians cultivate more affection and kind regard in caring for others, they would be repaid fourfold. God marks. He knows for what object we live, and whether our living is put to the very best account for poor, fallen humanity, or whether our eyes are eclipsed to everything but our own interest, and to everyone but our own poor selves. I entreat you, in behalf of Christ, in behalf of your own souls, and in behalf of the youth, not to think so lightly of this matter as many do. It is a grave, a serious thing, and affects your interest in the kingdom of Christ, inasmuch as the salvation of precious souls is involved. Why is it not a duty which God enjoins upon you who are able, to expend something for the benefit of the homeless, even though they may be ignorant and undisciplined? Shall you study to labor only in the direction where you will receive the most selfish pleasure and profit? It is not meet for you to neglect the divine favor that Heaven offers you if you will care for those who need your care, and thus let God knock in vain at your door. He stands there in the person of the poor, the homeless orphans, and the afflicted widows, who need love, sympathy, affection, and encouragement. If you do it not unto one of these, you would not do it unto Christ were He upon the earth. {2T 329.2}[6]
§15
想想你们从前悲惨的处境，你们属灵上的盲目，和笼罩着你们的黑暗，就是温柔仁爱的救主来就地帮助你们之前的景况吧。你们本是以色列国以民外的人，但慈悲的救主奇妙而令人惊异地爱了你们，你们若忽略这些好时机，不拿出确实的证据证明你们对救主之爱的感激之情，就有理由害怕更大的黑暗和不幸临到你们身上。现在正是你们撒种的时候。你们种的是什么，收的也是什么。你在有机会行善时，要尽力善用自己的权利。这些特权一经使用，必像甘霖降下，浇灌滋润，使你们复兴。你们要在自己力所能及的范围内抓紧一切机会行善。手懒的收获必少。因为年长的人活着不就是要关怀年幼的和帮助无助的吗？上帝已把他们交托给我们这些年长而有经验的人，如果我们忽略这方面的责任，祂就必叫我们交账。我们的工作若不受赏识有什么关系呢！若是多次失败而只有一次成功有什么关系呢！这一次的成功就超过以往所有的失败了。【2T.330.1】[7]
§16
Call to mind your former wretchedness, your spiritual blindness, and the darkness which enshrouded you before Christ, a tender, loving Saviour, came to your aid and reached you where you were. If you let these seasons pass without giving tangible proofs of your gratitude for this wonderful and amazing love which a compassionate Saviour exercised toward you, who were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, there is reason to fear that still greater darkness and misery will come upon you. Now is your sowing time. You will reap that which you sow. Avail yourselves while you may of every privilege of doing good. These privileges improved are as a passing shower, which will water and revive you. Lay hold of every opportunity within your reach of doing good. Idle hands will reap a small harvest. For what do older persons live but to care for the young and help the helpless? God has committed them to us who are older and have experience, and He will call us to account if our duties in this direction are neglected. What though our labor may not be appreciated! what though it prove a failure many times, and a success but once! This once will outweigh all the discouragements previously borne. {2T 330.1}[7]
§17
但只有极少数人对于基督徒这个词的含义有正确的认识。它意味着要象基督一样，要向他人行善，要除去一切的自私，要以无私的善行作为我们生活的标志。我们的救赎主将可怜的生灵放在教会的怀抱中，要我们无私地照料他们，为天国训练他们，如此我们就是在与基督同工了。但教会经常把他们推到魔鬼的阵地上。一个信徒会说：“这不是我的责任，”然后提出某个无足重轻的借口。另一个说：“这也不是我的责任，”最后，谁都没责任，而生灵却被撇下无人照顾以致灭亡了。每一个基督徒都有责任从事这项舍己、自我牺牲的事业。上帝岂不能报答他们，使粮满垛、谷满仓，牛羊遍山坡以致他们非但无损而且增添吗？“有施散的，却更增添，有吝惜过度的，反致穷乏”（箴11:24）。【2T.331.1】[8]
§18
But few have a true sense of what is comprised in the word Christian. It is to be Christlike, to do others good, to be divested of all selfishness, and to have our lives marked with acts of disinterested benevolence. Our Redeemer throws souls into the arms of the church, for them to care for unselfishly and train for heaven, and thus be co-workers with Him. But the church too often thrusts them away, upon the devils battlefield. One member will say, It is not my duty, and then bring up some trifling excuse. Well, says another, neither is it my duty; and finally it is nobodys duty, and the soul is left uncared for to perish. It is the duty of every Christian to engage in this self-denying, self-sacrificing enterprise. Cannot God return into their granaries and increase their flocks, so that instead of loss there shall be increase? There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. {2T 331.1}[8]
§19
每一个人的工作都要受到试验并接受审判，各人也要按着所行的受报。“你要以财物和一切初熟的土产尊荣耶和华。这样，你的仓房必充满有余”（诗3:9-10）。“我所拣选的禁食，不是要松开凶恶的绳，解下轭上的索，使被欺压的得自由，折断一切的轭吗？不是要把你的饼分给饥饿的人，将飘流的穷人接到你家中，见赤身的给他衣服遮体，顾恤自己的骨肉而不掩藏吗”（赛58:6-7）？请阅读下节经文，注意对那些如此行之人的丰厚报偿。“这样，你的光就必发现如早晨的光，你所得的医治要速速发明。”对于所有关怀那些需要帮助之人的人，这节经文是一个极其丰富宝贵的应许。上帝怎能进来祝福和兴旺那些除了自己对任何一个人都不特别关怀的人，和不用祂所托付他们的东西在地上荣耀祂圣名的人呢？【2T.331.2】[9]
§20
But every mans work is to be tested, and brought into judgment, and he be rewarded as his works have been. Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase: so shall thy barns be filled with plenty. Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Read the next verse, and notice the rich reward promised to those who do this. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily. Here is an abundantly precious promise for all who will interest themselves in the cases of those who need help. How can God come in and bless and prosper those who have no special care for anyone except themselves, and who do not use that which He has entrusted to them, to glorify His name on the earth? {2T 331.2}[9]
§21
汉娜·莫尔姐妹死了，且死于一班自称寻求荣耀、尊贵、不朽和永生之人的自私自利。这个自我牺牲的传道士遭到信徒的冷落，在去年那个寒冷冬天里死了，因为没有一颗心宽大到足以接待她。我不责备任何人，我也不审判人。但当全地的审判者查查案卷时，有人就要受责备了。我们都太狭隘，自私自利。愿上帝扯掉这可憎的遮盖，赐给我们怜悯的心肠，赐给我们肉心，赐给我们温柔和同情，乃是我痛苦压抑的心献上的祈祷。我确信必有一番工作要为我们完成，否则我们将在上帝的大日显出亏欠。【2T.332.1】[10]
§22
Sister Hannah More is dead, and died a martyr to the selfishness of a people who profess to be seeking for glory, honor, immortality, and eternal life. Exiled from believers during the past cold winter, this self-sacrificing missionary died because no heart was bountiful enough to receive her. I blame no one. I am not judge. But when the Judge of all the earth shall make investigation, somebody will be found to blame. We are all narrowed up and consumed in our own selfishness. May God tear away this cursed covering and give us bowels of mercy, hearts of flesh, tenderness and compassion, is my prayer, offered from an oppressed, anguished soul. I am sure that a work must be done for us or we shall be found wanting in the day of God. {2T 332.1}[10]
§23
关于E，我劝你们别忘了他是个孩子，只有孩子的经验。他是一个可怜、软弱、无力的孩子，你们不要用自己的标准来衡量他指望他。我完全相信你们有能力带好这个孤儿。你们可以对他循循善诱，使他觉得自己的任务不是毫无乐趣，得不到鼓舞的。我的弟兄姐妹，你们二人可以享受彼此之间的的信任，你们可以互相表同情，彼此关心彼此逗笑，彼此倾诉考验和负担。你们有使你们愉快振奋的事，他却很孤单。他是一个有思想的孩子，却无人可以信任或在他遭受失望和严峻考验时给他说一句鼓舞的话，我知道他的试炼和失望不比成年人少。【2T.332.2】[11]
§24
In regard to E, do not, I entreat of you, forget that he is a child, with only a childs experience. Do not measure him, a poor, weak, feeble boy, with yourselves and expect of him accordingly. I fully believe that it is in your power to do the right thing by this orphan. You can present inducements to him so that he will not feel that his task is cheerless, unrelieved by a ray of encouragement. You, my brother and sister, can enjoy yourselves in each others confidence, you can sympathize with each other, interest and amuse each other, and tell your trials and burdens to each other. You have something to cheer you, while he is alone. He is a thinking boy, but has no one to confide in or to give him a cheering word amid his discouragements and severe trials, which I know he has as well as those more advanced in years. {2T 332.2}[11]
§25
如果你们只关注彼此，就是自私的爱，不带有上天的福气。我强烈盼望你们愿意为基督的缘故爱这个孤儿，意识到你们的财产若不用在行善上就没有价值。要行善；要在好事上富足，甘心施舍，乐意供给人，为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，持定永生。只有克己牺牲的人才能收获永生的报赏。孤儿的父母临终将他们的宝贝儿女留给教会照顾，希望他们能受教明白上帝的事，并为天国作好预备。当这些父母将来四处寻找他们亲爱的孩子，发现有一个因我们的疏忽而失丧了的时候，教会将何言以对呢？教会对这些孤儿的得救负有很大的责任。【2T.333.1】[12]
§26
If you shut yourselves up to each other, it is selfish love, unattended with Heavens blessing. I have strong hope that you will love the orphan for Christs sake, that you will feel that your possessions are but worthless unless employed in doing good. Do good; be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for yourselves a good foundation against the time to come that you may lay hold on eternal life. None will reap the reward of everlasting life but the self-sacrificing. A dying father and mother left their jewels to the care of the church to be instructed in the things of God and fitted for heaven. When these parents shall look about for their dear ones, and one is found missing because of neglect, what will the church answer? It is in a great degree responsible for the salvation of these orphan children. {2T 333.1}[12]
§27
你们无法赢得孩子的信赖和情感，可能是因为你们没有藉着提供一些鼓励，拿出更加确实的证据表明你们的爱，对他表现出更多的关怀和慈爱。你们若不能花钱，至少可以用某种方式鼓励他，让他知道你们对他的事并非漠不关心。将爱与情意全部倾注在一个方面是错误的。你们训练自己表现出了多少关爱呢？你们过于关注自我，没有意识到你们周围的环境需要发自真实高贵心灵的温柔亲切的氛围。F弟兄和姐妹把他们的孩子留给教会照顾。他们那些富裕的亲属想要这些孩子，但他们是不信的人，如果让孩子们受他们照管，或让他们作孩子的监护人，就会使孩子的心远离真理，陷入错误，危及他们的得救。因为这些亲属未蒙允许收养孩子，他们心中非常不满，没有为孩子们做什么。教会应当考虑孤儿父母对教会的信赖，不要因为自私而将之忘怀。【2T.333.2】[13]
§28
In all probability you have failed to gain the boys confidence and affection by not giving him more tangible proofs of your love by holding out some inducements. If you could not expend money you could at least in some way encourage him by letting him know you were not indifferent to his case. That the love and affection is to be all on one side is a mistake. How much affection have you educated yourselves to manifest? You are too much shut up to yourselves, and do not feel the necessity of surrounding yourselves with an atmosphere of tenderness and gentleness, which comes from true nobility of soul. Brother and Sister F left their children to the care of the church. They had plenty of wealthy relatives who wanted the children; but they were unbelievers, and if allowed to have the care, or become the guardians, of the children, would lead their hearts away from the truth into error, and endanger their salvation. Because these relatives were not allowed to take the children, they were dissatisfied, and have done nothing for them. The confidence of the parents in the church should be considered, and not be forgotten because of selfishness. {2T 333.2}[13]
§29
我们深切关心这些孩子。其中一人已经养成了优美的基督徒品格并与另一位传道人喜结连理。而今为了回报教会对她的关怀与挂虑，她在教会里成了一名真正负责任的人。那些经验欠缺之人前来寻求她的忠告和劝勉，而且没有徒然寻求。她具有真基督徒的谦卑和尊严，博得了凡认识她之人的尊敬和信任。这些孤儿与我很亲近，如同我自己的儿女。我不会忽略他们，也不会停止我对他们的关怀。我真诚地、温柔地、深情地爱着他们。【2T.334.1】[14]
§30
We have the deepest interest for these children. One has already developed a beautiful Christian character and married a minister of the gospel. And now, in return for the care and burdens borne for her, she is a true burden bearer in the church. She is sought unto for advice and counsel by the less experienced, and they seek not in vain. She possesses true Christian humility, with becoming dignity, which can but inspire respect and confidence in all who know her. These children are as near to me as my own. I shall not lose sight of them, nor cease my care for them. I love them sincerely, tenderly, affectionately. {2T 334.1}[14]