第74章 帐篷大会
§1
第74章 帐篷大会
§2
Chap. 74 - Our Camp Meetings
§3
没有什么比互访闲聊对帐篷大会和其它宗教聚会产生更坏的影响了。男男女女经常聚到一起，谈论与聚会无关的世俗话题。有些人谈到他们的农场，有些人说起他们的房子，还有些人说他们打算修造新的建筑物。有些人在仔细分析别人的品格，却没有时间、也没有愿望去省察自己的心，发现自己品格中的瑕疵，以便本着敬畏上帝的心纠正自己的错误，得以成圣。如果凡自称跟从基督的人都愿意善用聚会之外的时间谈论真理，细想基督徒的盼望，省察自己的心，在上帝面前恳切祈求，求祂赐福，就会成就比我们看到的大得多的工作。那些诬告相信真理之人的不信者，就会因为他们“在基督里的好品行”（彼前3:16）而信服。我们的言语和行为是我们结出的果子。“所以，凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”（太7:20）。【2T.597.3】[1]
§4
There can be no influence so detrimental to a camp meeting, or any other gathering for religious worship, as much visiting and careless conversation. Frequently men and women assemble in companies, and engage in conversation upon common subjects which do not relate to the meeting. Some have brought their farms with them, others have brought their houses, and are laying their plans for building. Some are dissecting the characters of others and have no time or disposition to search their own hearts, to discover the defects in their own characters, that they may correct their wrongs and perfect holiness in the fear of God. If all who profess to be followers of Christ would improve the time out of meeting in conversing upon the truth, in dwelling upon the Christians hope, in searching their own hearts, and in earnest prayer before God, pleading for His blessing, a much greater work would be accomplished than we have yet seen. Unbelievers, who falsely accuse those who believe the truth, would be convinced because of their good conversation in Christ. Our words and actions are the fruit we bear; wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. {2T 597.3}[1]
§5
上帝指示以色列人要在一定的时间，在祂所选择的地点，聚集在祂面前；并要遵守某些特别的日子，在这期间内不从事任何不必要的工作，而将时间专用为想念祂所赐予他们的诸般福惠。他们在这些特别时期中，要带来礼物，按照祂所赐福与他们的比例，向主奉献乐意捐和感恩捐。男女仆婢，客旅，以及孤儿寡妇，也都受指示要欢喜快乐，因为上帝曾经用祂奇妙的神能，救他们脱离奴役，享受自由。他们得到的吩咐是，不可空手朝见上帝（申16:16）。他们要带来表明他们感激上帝不断怜悯和赐福的礼物。这些礼物因捐献者感觉自己蒙受福惠的不同而各异。因此，人们的品格就藉此清楚地显露出来了。那些重看上帝赐福之人，他们带来的奉献和他们认为自己所蒙受的福气相称。那些因自私和盲目贪爱所得到的恩惠，却不受到激励热爱慷慨施恩之主而道德能力麻木之人，他们带来的奉献就相当吝啬。这样就显明了他们的心地。除了这些欢喜快乐的宗教节期之外，犹太民族还纪念每年一次的逾越节。耶和华曾与他们立约，只要他们忠心遵守祂的命令，祂就会赐福给他们，使他们所有的都增多，并祝福他们手中一切所做的。【2T.598.1】[2]
§6
God gave direction to the Israelites to assemble before Him at set periods in the place which He should choose, and observe special days, wherein no unnecessary work was to be done, but the time was to be devoted to a consideration of the blessings which He had bestowed upon them. At these special seasons the manservant and maidservant, the stranger, the fatherless and widow--all were directed to rejoice that God had by His own wonderful power brought them from servile bondage to the enjoyment of freedom. And they were commanded not to appear before the Lord empty-handed. They were to bring tokens of their gratitude to God for His continual mercies and blessings bestowed upon them; they were to bring gifts, freewill offerings and thank offerings unto the Lord, as He had blessed them. These offerings were varied according to the donors estimate of the blessings which he was privileged to enjoy. Thus the characters of the people were plainly developed. Those who placed a high value upon the blessings which God bestowed upon them brought offerings in accordance with this appreciation of His blessings. Those whose moral powers were stupefied and benumbed by selfishness and idolatrous love of the favors received, rather than inspired by fervent love for their bountiful Benefactor, brought meager offerings. Thus their hearts were revealed. Besides these special religious feast days of gladness and rejoicing, the yearly Passover was to be commemorated by the Jewish nation. The Lord covenanted that, if they were faithful in the observance of His requirements, He would bless them in all their increase, and in all the works of their hands. {2T 598.1}[2]
§7
上帝在这些末后日子要求祂百姓的牺牲和奉献，一点也不比古时祂对犹太人的要求为少。那些蒙上帝祝福有能力的人，即便是孤儿和寡妇，都不应对上帝的赐福无动于衷。特别是那些上帝使其兴旺的人，他们更应当将那原属上帝之物归还于祂。他们应当怀着自我牺牲的精神来到上帝面前，按着他们所承受的福分带来礼物。但许多蒙上帝赐福得以兴旺的人却对祂显出卑鄙的忘恩负义。上帝给他们的福分，赐他们的兴盛，全被他们当作锁链，使他们更加贪爱属世的货财。他们容让属世的业务占据他们的全部身心，忽略奉献和宗教的特权。他们甚至一年连一次都不能放下属世的挂虑，来到上帝面前。他们将上帝的祝福变成了咒诅。他们侍奉自己暂时的利益，而忽略了上帝的要求。【2T.599.1】[3]
§8
God requires no less of His people in these last days, in sacrifices and offerings, than He did of the Jewish nation. Those whom He has blessed with a competency, and even the widow and the fatherless, should not be unmindful of His blessings. Especially should those whom He has prospered render to Him the things that are His. They should appear before Him with a spirit of self-sacrifice and bring their offerings in accordance with the blessings He has bestowed upon them. But many whom God prospers manifest base ingratitude to Him. If His blessings rest upon them, and He increases their substance, they use these bounties as cords to bind them to the love of their possessions; they allow worldly business to take possession of their affections and of their entire being, and neglect devotion and religious privileges. They cannot afford to leave their business cares and come before God even once a year. They turn the blessings of God into a curse by serving their own temporal interests to the neglect of His requirements. {2T 599.1}[3]
§9
那些家资巨富之人年复一年的待在家中，埋头于他们属世的挂虑和利益，感到他们无法作出小小的牺牲，去参加每年的聚集敬拜上帝。上帝祝福他们的家庭和事业，用一切丰裕之物充满他们，而他们竟不肯将上帝要求的一点点东西奉献给他。他们只喜爱侍奉自己。他们的心变得就像毫无生机的沙漠，得不到天上雨水的浇灌和露珠的滋润。上帝将祂恩典的宝贵福分赐给他们，将他们从罪恶的奴役中和错误的束缚中拯救出来，启迪他们昏昧的悟性，使他们得以明白荣耀的现代真理。难道这些上帝慈爱和怜悯的证据就无法唤起他们的感激之心吗？难道那些自称相信万物结局近在眼前的人，对于自己的属灵利益如此盲目，只为今生此世而活吗？难道他们觉得他们永恒的利益会自行来到吗？他们自己若不努力，就不会获得属灵的力量。【2T.599.2】[4]
§10
Men who possess thousands remain at home year after year, engrossed in their worldly cares and interests, and feel that they cannot afford to make the small sacrifice of attending the yearly gatherings to worship God. He has blessed them in basket and in store, and surrounded them with His benefits on the right hand and on the left; yet they withhold from Him the small offerings which He requires of them. They love to serve themselves. Their souls will be like the unrefreshed desert, without the dew or rain of heaven. The Lord has brought to them the precious blessing of His grace; He has delivered them from the slavery of sin and the bondage of error, and has opened to their darkened understandings the glorious light of present truth. And shall these evidences of His love and mercy call forth no gratitude in return? Will those who profess to believe that the end of all things is at hand be blind to their own spiritual interests, and live for this world and this life alone? Do they expect their eternal interest to take care of itself? They cannot obtain spiritual strength without an effort on their part. {2T 599.2}[4]
§11
许多自称期待我们主显现的人正在焦急挂虑中追求着属世的利益。他们对于永恒的利益视而不见。他们为那不能令人满足的东西劳力。他们花钱买那不足为食物的东西。他们力争因为那积攒在地上必朽坏的财宝而感到心满意足。他们忽略了为永恒作预备，而这才应当是他们今生首要且唯一真有价值的工作。【2T.600.1】[5]
§12
Many who profess to be looking for the appearing of our Lord are anxious, burdened seekers for worldly gain. They are blind to their eternal interest. They labor for that which satisfieth not; they spend their money for that which is not bread. They strive to content themselves with the treasures they have laid up upon the earth, which must perish, and they neglect the preparation for eternity, which should be the first and only real work of their lives. {2T 600.1}[5]
§13
愿所有的人都能够尽可能来参加这些每年的聚集。所有的人都应当感到这是上帝对他们的要求。如果他们不利用这些特权，就是上帝所提供、使他们在祂和祂恩典的能力中变得坚强的特权，他们就会变得越来越软弱，越来越不愿意全心奉献给上帝。来吧，弟兄姐妹们，来参加这些神圣的宗教聚会，来寻找耶稣。祂会来赴宴。祂会临格，且会为你成就你最需要的事情。你不应当将自己的农场看得比你灵魂的更高利益更为重要。你所拥有的一切财富，无论它们多么值钱，都不足以为你买来平安和希望，这些才会成为无限的收获，即使它使你付上一切所有和毕生的辛劳痛苦。对于永恒之事拥有清晰稳健的观念，甘心乐意将一切交托给基督，这比你今生一切的财富、享乐和荣耀都更加宝贵。【2T.600.2】[6]
§14
Let all who possibly can, attend these yearly gatherings. All should feel that God requires this of them. If they do not avail themselves of the privileges which He has provided for them to become strong in Him and in the power of His grace, they will grow weaker and weaker, and have less and less desire to consecrate all to Him. Come, brethren and sisters, to these sacred convocation meetings, to find Jesus. He will come up to the feast; He will be present, and will do for you that which you need most to have done. Your farms should not be considered of greater value than the higher interests of the soul. All the treasures you possess, be they ever so valuable, would not be rich enough to buy you peace and hope, which would be infinite gain at the cost of all you have and the toils and sufferings of a lifetime. A strong, clear sense of eternal things, and a heart willing to yield all to Christ, are blessings of more value than all the riches and pleasures and glories of this world. {2T 600.2}[6]
§15
这些帐篷聚会意义重大。它们值得你付出一定的牺牲。上帝的仆人们正在呕心沥血去帮助人，但许多人却表现得似乎不需要帮助。一些人害怕失去一点点今生的利益，便忽略了这些宝贵的特权和机会，好像它们是没什么价值的事情一般。愿所有自称相信真理之人尊重上帝提供给他们的每一个特权，以便更清楚地明白祂的真理，祂的要求，且为祂的降临作好必要的准备。祂所要的，乃是对上帝平静、愉快、顺从的信赖。【2T.601.1】[7]
§16
These camp meetings are of importance. They cost something. The servants of God are wearing out their lives to help the people, while many of them appear as if they did not want help. For fear of losing a little of this worlds gain, some let these precious privileges come and go as though they were of but very little importance. Let all who profess to believe the truth respect every privilege that God offers them to obtain clearer views of His truth and His requirements, and the necessary preparation for His coming. A calm, cheerful, and obedient trust in God is what He requires. {2T 601.1}[7]
§17
你不必要为今生的事情不停地操劳、无谓地挂虑。平日勤勉工作，忠心地做上帝的天意为你安排的工，祂自会照顾你。耶稣会加深加宽你的福气。如果你愿意最终得救，就必须作出努力。来参加这些聚会，预备自己能做主工。放下家庭的挂虑，来寻找耶稣，祂就必被你寻见。要照上帝赐福你的，将你的奉献带到祂面前。要向你的创造主表示感激之情，将你甘心乐意的奉献带来，祂是你一切福惠的赐予者。愿所有的人都不要空手来朝见上帝。“万军之耶和华说：你们要将当纳的十分之一全然送入仓库，使我家有粮，以此试试我，是否为你们敞开天上的窗户，倾福与你们，甚至无处可容。”（玛3:10）。【2T.601.2】[8]
§18
You need not weary yourselves with busy anxieties and needless cares. Work on for the day, faithfully doing the work which Gods providence assigns you, and He will have a care for you. Jesus will deepen and widen your blessings. You must make efforts if you have salvation at last. Come to these meetings prepared to work. Leave your home cares, and come to find Jesus, and He will be found of you. Come with your offerings as God has blessed you. Show your gratitude to your Creator, the Giver of all your benefits, by a freewill offering. Let none who are able to give come empty-handed. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. {2T 601.2}[8]
§19
帐篷大会的目的是要使大家从业务的挂虑和重担下解脱出来，专门用些日子来寻求主。我们应该花工夫自省，仔细省察内心，痛悔认罪，重新与至高者立约。如果参加这些帐篷大会的人不存有这样的目的，我们就希望这些聚会能使他们的心有正确的目标。【2T.601.3】[9]
§20
The object of a camp meeting is to lead all to separate from business cares and burdens, and devote a few days exclusively to seeking the Lord. We should occupy the time in self-examination, close searching of heart, penitential confession of sins, and renewing our vows to the Most High. If any come to these meetings for less worthy objects, we hope the character of the meetings will be such as to bring their minds to the proper objects. {2T 601.3}[9]
§21
有些人在为帐篷大会作准备时因额外的劳动而受害。他们是慷慨大方的人，希望样样都不小气。有些人预备了大量的食物，以致他们来参加聚会时已经十分疲惫了。他们一从那繁重的工作压力下解脱出来，就感到体力被耗尽被滥用了。他们中有些人可能以前从未参加过帐篷大会，也没有人告诉他们当预备些什么。他们错过了一些本打算参加的宝贵聚会。他们错在大作预备。除了那些用简单的方法烹饪、不加各种香料和油脂、而对健康最有益的食物之外，什么也不应带到帐棚聚会中。【2T.601.4】[10]
§22
Some are sufferers through extra labor in preparing for camp meeting. They are liberal-souled people, and want nothing done with stinginess. Some make large provisions and are thoroughly wearied out when they come to the meeting, and as soon as they are released from the pressure of work, exhausted nature causes them to feel that she has been abused. Some of these persons may never have attended a camp meeting before and are not informed in regard to what preparations they are required to make. They lose some of the precious meetings they had purposed to attend. Now these mistake in making so great preparation. Nothing should be taken to camp meeting except the most healthful articles, cooked in a simple manner, free from all spices and grease. {2T 601.4}[10]
§23
我确信人若在烹饪时遵从健康的律法，谁也不必使自己在为帐棚聚会作预备时生病。他们若不制作蛋糕点心，而采用简单的全麦面包，多吃水果，不论是罐装的，还是晒干的，他们就不必为预备帐棚聚会而生病，也不会在聚会期间生病。在整个聚会期间，大家都能吃到加热的食物。在会场营地中总会有火炉，使大家可以得到温热的食物。【2T.602.1】[11]
§24
I am convinced that none need to make themselves sick preparing for camp meeting, if they observe the laws of health in their cooking. If they make no cake or pies, but cook simple graham bread, and depend on fruit, canned or dried, they need not get sick in preparing for the meeting, and they need not be sick while at the meeting. None should go through the entire meeting without some warm food. There are always cookstoves upon the ground, where this may be obtained. {2T 602.1}[11]
§25
弟兄姐妹们一定不要病倒在营地。在寒冷的早晨和晚间，他们若穿得合适，尤其是要按气温的变化而加减衣服，以便维持良好的血液循环，严格遵守休息和就餐时间，吃简单的食物，不在两餐之间吃零食，他们就不必生病。他们可以在聚会时保持身体健康，头脑清醒，能领略真理，也能带着愉悦的身心踏上归程。那些天天劳苦工作的人，现在放下了操劳，因此他们不该吃平常那么多的食物。否则，他们的胃就会过劳。我们希望参加这些聚会的每个人都有特别充沛的脑力，处于最佳的健康状况，好听从真理、赏识真理、保守真理，以便在回家之后，可以实行真理。如果吃过多的食物，即便样数简单，也会使胃过劳，而脑部的精力便被调动去帮助消化器官。大脑就有了麻木的感觉，几乎不可能睁开眼睛了。那本应该听见、明白和实行的真理，却因身体不适，或因所吃食物过多大脑麻痹，而完全丧失了。【2T.602.2】[12]
§26
Brethren and sisters must not be sick upon the encampment. If they clothe themselves properly in the chill of morning and night, and are particular to vary their clothing according to the changing weather, so as to preserve proper circulation, and strictly observe regularity in sleeping and in eating of simple food, taking nothing between meals, they need not be sick. They may be well during the meeting, their minds may be clear and able to appreciate the truth, and they may return to their homes refreshed in body and spirit. Those who have been engaged in hard labor from day to day now cease their exercise; therefore they should not eat their average amount of food. If they do, their stomachs will be overtaxed. We wish to have the brain power especially vigorous at these meetings and in the most healthy condition to hear the truth, appreciate it, and retain it, that all may practice it after their return from the meeting. If the stomach is burdened with too much food, even of a simple character, the brain force is called to the aid of the digestive organs. There is a benumbed sensation upon the brain. It is almost impossible to keep the eyes open. The very truths which should be heard, understood, and practiced are entirely lost through indisposition, or because the brain is almost paralyzed in consequence of the amount of food eaten. {2T 602.2}[12]
§27
我要建议大家在每天早晨，至少吃一些温热的食物到胃里，这是很容易作到的一件事。你们可以煮全麦粉粥。如果全麦粉太粗了，可以先筛一筛，在粥很热时，加一些牛奶。这会成为营地最可口而最有益于健康的食物。如果你们的面包是干的，就把它弄碎，拌到粥里就是美餐。我不赞成人们吃很多冷的食物，因为那样身体就需要先耗费活力将它们加温到和胃口相同的温度，然后才能开始消化的工作。另一种非常简单却有益健康的食物就是把豆子煮了或烤了。用水稀释一部分，加上牛奶或奶油，作成粥；可以象在全麦粉粥里一样加上面包屑。【2T.603.1】[13]
§28
I would advise all to take something warm into the stomach every morning at least. You can do this without much labor. You can make graham gruel. If the graham flour is too coarse, sift it, and while the gruel is hot, add milk. This will make a most palatable and healthful dish for the campground. And if your bread is dry, crumb it into the gruel, and it will be enjoyed. I do not approve of eating much cold food, for the reason that the vitality must be drawn from the system to warm the food until it becomes of the same temperature as the stomach before the work of digestion can be carried on. Another very simple yet wholesome dish is beans boiled or baked. Dilute a portion of them with water, add milk or cream, and make a broth; the bread can be used as in graham gruel. {2T 603.1}[13]
§29
我很高兴看到许多人在健康改革上取得了进步，但也遗憾地看到许多人落在后面。如果有谁在帐篷聚会期间病倒了，我们理应研究一下其中的原因，并请大家以后注意。我不想帐篷大会的名誉因为谣传使人生病而受到损害。如果人们在这些重要的聚会期间能够采取正确的行动，他们就能在身体健康和心灵健康双方面受到祝福。【2T.603.2】[14]
§30
I am gratified to see the progress that many have made in the health reform, yet am sorry to see so many behind. If any become sick upon our encampments, inquiry should be made as to the cause, and note should be taken of the case. I am not willing that the reputation of our camp meetings should suffer by their being reported as the cause of making people sick. If a proper course be pursued at these important gatherings, they can be made a blessing to the bodily health as well as to the health of the soul. {2T 603.2}[14]