教会证言2(1868-1871)E · 第78章佛蒙特的圣工

第78章佛蒙特的圣工

§1 第78章佛蒙特的圣工

§2 Chap. 78 - The Cause in Vermont

§3 我蒙指示看到，基督的门徒是祂在地上的代表。上帝定意要让他们成为这世界道德黑暗里的光，散布在各地城镇乡村，“成了一台戏，给世人和天使观看”（林前4:9）。如果他们遵从基督的登山宝训，他们就必不断追求基督徒品格的完全，真正成为这世界的光，成为上帝传达祂神圣旨意的通渠，将来自天庭的真理传给那些坐在黑暗里的人和不知道生命之道也不知道救恩的人。【2T.631.2】[1]

§4 I have been shown that the disciples of Christ are His representatives upon the earth; and God designs that they shall be lights in the moral darkness of this world, dotted all over the country, in the towns, villages, and cities, a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. If they obey the teachings of Christ in His Sermon on the Mount, they will be seeking continually for perfection of Christian character, and will be truly the light of the world, channels through which God will communicate His divine will, the truth of heavenly origin, to those who sit in darkness and who have no knowledge of the way of life and salvation. {2T 631.2}[1]

§5 上帝的见证人若不散居全球各地，上帝就无法在这不信的世界上彰显祂旨意的知识和祂恩典的奇妙。祂的计划是，那些通过耶稣基督而与这伟大救恩计划有份的人，应当成为祂的传道士，在全世界各地作灯台，给百姓作证据，成为活的荐信，为众人所知道、所念诵，用他们的信心和行为证明救主将要降临，表明他们没有徒然领受上帝的恩典。人们必须受到警告，为那即将到来的审判作预备。对于那些素来只是在听虚言的人，上帝要给他们机会听到先知更确的预言，如同灯照在暗处，使他们在这预言上留意。祂要使凡愿意留意的都明白真理的确切之言；人人都可将真理与虚言相对照，那些虚言是由自称明白圣经且有资格教导那些在黑暗中之人的人提出来的。【2T.631.3】[2]

§6 God cannot display the knowledge of His will and the wonders of His grace among the unbelieving world unless He has witnesses scattered all over the earth. It is His plan that those who are partakers of this great salvation through Jesus Christ should be His missionaries, bodies of light throughout the world, to be as signs to the people, living epistles, known and read of all men, their faith and works testifying to the near approach of the coming Saviour and showing that they have not received the grace of God in vain. The people must be warned to prepare for the coming judgment. To those who have been listening only to fables, God will give an opportunity to hear the sure word of prophecy, whereunto they do well that they take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place. He will present the sure word of truth to the understanding of all who will take heed; all may contrast truth with the fables presented to them by men who claim to understand the word of God and to be qualified to instruct those in darkness. {2T 631.3}[2]

§7 为要增加波德维勒信徒的人数，弟兄们搬到了那里，使他们原来的地方没有了维持聚会的力量和影响力。这使上帝和真理的仇敌们喜悦。那些弟兄原应当留下来作忠心的见证人，用他们的好行为证明他们信仰的真实，在自己的生活中表现出真理的纯洁与力量。他们的影响力就会使人知罪和悔改，或定人有罪。【2T.632.1】[3]

§8 In order to increase the numbers at Bordoville, brethren have moved there, leaving the places from which they came destitute of strength and influence to sustain meetings. This has pleased the enemies of God and the truth. Those brethren should have remained as faithful witnesses, their good works testifying to the genuineness of their faith by exemplifying in their lives the purity and power of the truth. Their influence would convict and convert, or condemn. {2T 632.1}[3]

§9 每一个随从基督的人都有一项工作要做，就是在家里、邻里、在他们居住的城镇或乡村为基督作传道士。凡献身于上帝的人都是传光的导管。上帝使他们成为义的器具，要把真理的光和祂丰盛的恩典传给别人。不信之人或许要表现出漠不关心和粗心随便的样子；但是上帝仍在感动他们，使他们的心知罪，感到真理里有一种现实。但在上帝说“任凭他们吧”之前，我们的弟兄就离开园地，放弃斗争，任由上帝的圣工衰退，他们就只能成为可能搬到之地任何一个教会的负担。他们撇下的那些人，虽已知罪，却往往止息良心的声音，认为自己终究不必担忧；他们断定安息日复临信徒所作的信仰表白并不真实。撒但胜利地看到上帝所栽植的葡萄树要么被连根拔出要么被撇下凋萎。上帝的旨意并不是让祂的百姓群居一处，将他们的影响力集中在一个特别的地方。【2T.632.2】[4]

§10 Every follower of Jesus has a work to do as a missionary for Christ in the family, in the neighborhood, in the town or city where he lives. All who are consecrated to God are channels of light. God makes them instruments of righteousness to communicate to others the light of truth, the riches of His grace. Unbelievers may appear indifferent and careless; yet God is impressing and convicting their hearts that there is a reality in the truth. But when our brethren leave the field, give up the contest, and allow the cause of God to languish, before God says, Let them alone, they will be only a burden to any church where they may move. Those whom they leave, who were convicted, frequently quiet their consciences with thinking that, after all, they were needlessly anxious; they decide that there is no reality in the profession made by Seventh-day Adventists. Satan triumphs to see the vine of Gods planting either entirely uprooted or left to languish. It is not the purpose of God that His people should cluster together and concentrate their influence in a special locality. {2T 632.2}[4]

§11 D家的弟兄们鼓励弟兄们搬到他们那里的努力是出于美好的信心，但是却不符合上帝的心意。上帝的道路非同我们的道路。祂看人不象人看人。他们的目的是好的，但这么做使上帝救灵的旨意不能实现了。【2T.633.1】[5]

§12 The efforts of the Brethren D to encourage brethren to move to their place were made in good faith, yet not according to the mind of God. Gods ways are not as our ways. He seeth not as man seeth. Their object was good; but, in so doing, the purposes of God in regard to the salvation of souls could not be carried out. {2T 633.1}[5]

§13 上帝计划祂的百姓要成为世上的光，世上的盐。将大量信徒聚集一处组成一个大教会，这种计划缩小了他们的影响力和效用范围，实际上是把他们的灯放在斗底下。上帝的计划是要让人人都听到真理，不把一人留在黑暗里，对真理的原则一无所知；而是要使人人都受真理的试验，决定是支持它还是反对它，以便人人都可受到警告，无可推诿。聚居的计划，或者从只有一点力量或影响力的不同地区搬走，将许多人的影响力集中在一个地方，这种计划乃是在把亮光从上帝愿意让它照在的地方挪走。【2T.633.2】[6]

§14 God designs that His people shall be the light of the world, the salt of the earth. The plan of gathering together in large numbers, to compose a large church, has contracted their influence, and narrowed down their sphere of usefulness, and is literally putting their light under a bushel. It is Gods design that the knowledge of the truth should come to all, that none may remain in darkness, ignorant of its principles; but that all should be tested upon it and decide for or against it, that all may be warned and left without excuse. The plan of colonizing, or moving from different localities where there is but little strength or influence, and concentrating the influence of many in one locality, is removing the light from places where God would have it shine. {2T 633.2}[6]

§15 散居世界各地的基督徒并没有高度的责任感和义务感，要将他们光照在人前。若是只有一或两个人在一个地方，虽然人数很少，他们也可以在世人面前行事有影响，使不信的人感到他们信仰的真诚。跟从基督的人若是满足于处在对祂的话无知的状态，就不符合上帝的心意和旨意。人人都应成为圣经的学生。基督吩咐跟从祂的人说：“你们查考圣经，因你们以为内中有永生，给我作见证的就是这经”（约5:39）。彼得劝勉我们：“只要心里尊主基督为圣。有人问你们心中盼望的缘由，就要常作准备，以温柔、敬畏的心回答各人”（彼前3:15）。【2T.633.3】[7]

§16 The followers of Christ scattered throughout the world do not have a high sense of their responsibility and the obligation resting upon them to let their light shine forth to others. If there are but one or two in a place, they can, although few in number, so conduct themselves before the world as to have an influence which will impress the unbeliever with the sincerity of their faith. The followers of Jesus are not meeting the mind and will of God if they are content to remain in ignorance of His word. All should become Bible students. Christ commanded His followers: Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me. Peter exhorts us: But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. {2T 633.3}[7]

§17 许多自称相信末时真理的人会显出亏欠。他们忽略了那些更重要的事。他们的悔改是肤浅的，不深刻，不恳切，不彻底。他们不知道自己为什么相信真理，只是因为别人信，他们就想当然地认为它是真理。他们对于自己为什么相信给不出合理的缘由。许多人任由自己的心思充满次要的事，而使永恒的利益屈居第二。他们自己的心灵发育不全，在属灵的成长上裹足不前。他们没有用自己的经验或知识去启迪或造就别人，而这种经验或知识本来是他们有特权和义务去获得的。真心相信的人才有力量和稳定性。【2T.634.1】[8]

§18 Many who profess to believe the truth for these last days will be found wanting. They have neglected the weightier matters. Their conversion is superficial, not deep, earnest, and thorough. They do not know why they believe the truth, only because others have believed it, and they take it for granted that it is the truth. They can give no intelligent reason why they believe. Many have allowed their minds to be filled with things of minor importance, and their eternal interest is made secondary. Their own souls are dwarfed and crippled in spiritual growth. Others are not enlightened or edified by their experience or by the knowledge which it was their privilege and duty to obtain. Strength and stability are with truehearted professors. {2T 634.1}[8]

§19 基督和祂钉十字架应当成为我们思想的主题，并且激起我们心中最深的情怀。真正跟从基督的人会对祂为他们施行的伟大救恩心存感激；无论祂把路带到哪里，他们都会跟随。他们会认为背基督放在他们身上的任何担子都是一个特权。唯有藉着十字架，我们才能估计人类灵魂的价值。人的价值乃是这样，基督为他们而死，使天父对祂为人类得救而付上的无限代价感到满意，为了救赎他们，祂被迫放弃了自己的儿子。这里显示的是何等丰盛的智慧、怜悯和爱心啊！惟有走到髑髅地，才能知道人的价值。在基督十字架的奥秘之中，我们才可以估计一下人的价值。【2T.634.2】[9]

§20 Christ and Him crucified should become the theme of our thoughts and stir the deepest emotions of our souls. The true followers of Christ will appreciate the great salvation which He has wrought for them; and wherever He leads the way, they will follow. They will consider it a privilege to bear whatever burdens Christ may lay upon them. It is through the cross alone that we can estimate the worth of the human soul. Such is the value of men for whom Christ died that the Father is satisfied with the infinite price which He pays for the salvation of man in yielding up His own Son to die for their redemption. What wisdom, mercy, and love in its fullness are here manifested! The worth of man is known only by going to Calvary. In the mystery of the cross of Christ we can place an estimate upon man. {2T 634.2}[9]

§21 与世界的救赎主联合拯救人类，这是责任何等重大的职位啊！这个工作要求舍己，牺牲和仁慈，还要求坚忍，勇气和信心。但是那些传道教导人的人，在他们的内心和生活中却没有上帝恩典的果子。这就是他们的工作很少有效果的原因。许多自称是基督传道人的人，在看到他们周围未悔改的人走向灭亡时，竟表现出一种令人惊奇的放弃的精神。鉴于事实上基督的传道人传讲真理无力，人心也没有因之受到激动，他就无权顺服地坐享安逸。他应当诉诸于祈祷，应当作工和不住地祷告。那些甘心处于缺乏属灵福气的状态，不认真较力切求那些福气的人，乃是同意让撒但夸胜。执意得胜的信心是不可少的。上帝的传道人必须取得与基督更亲密的友谊，并且在凡事上、在生活的纯正上，在舍己上，在仁心善举上，在勤奋上，在坚持不懈上效法祂的榜样。他们应该记得，哪怕是稍微疏忽责任，天上都有记录，有一天会作为证据，见证他们的不是。【2T.635.1】[10]

§22 What a responsible position, to unite with the Redeemer of the world in the salvation of men! This work calls for self-denial, sacrifice, and benevolence, for perseverance, courage, and faith. But those who minister in word and doctrine have not the fruit of the grace of God in their hearts and lives; they have not faith. This is why there are so small results from their labor. Many who profess to be ministers of Christ manifest a wonderful submission as they see the unconverted all around them going to perdition. A minister of Christ has no right to be at ease and sit down submissively in view of the fact that his presentation of the truth is powerless and souls are not stirred by it. He should resort to prayer, and should work and pray without ceasing. Those who submit to remain destitute of spiritual blessings, without earnest wrestling for those blessings, consent to have Satan triumph. Persistent, prevailing faith is necessary. Gods ministers must come into closer companionship with Christ and follow His example in all things, in purity of life, in self-denial, in benevolence, in diligence, in perseverance. They should remember that a record will one day appear in evidence against them for the least omission of duty. {2T 635.1}[10]

§23 D弟兄没有看清楚，他这样鼓励弟兄们搬到他那里，乃是在给自己和教会带来负担；他没有看到要花许多时间、付出大量努力才能保持他们处于可以有助益而非有阻碍的状况。他以为只要自己能把一些家庭聚到自己的地方，他们就会帮助组成一个教会，减轻他的挂虑和负担。但事实证明在波德维勒和在巴特尔克里克一样，搬到那里的弟兄越多，落在心里有上帝圣工之工人肩上的担子就越重。心思各异、秉赋不同的男男女女若是愿意看别人比自己强，若是愿意爱邻舍如同自己，就如基督所吩咐他们的，他们就能群居，甜美和谐地生活在一起。【2T.635.2】[11]

§24 Brother D did not discern that in thus encouraging brethren to move to his place he was bringing burdens upon himself and into the church; he did not see that it would require much time and labor to keep them in a condition where they could be a help instead of a hindrance. He thought that if he could collect families at his place they would help compose a church and relieve him of care and burdens. But it has proved at Bordoville as at Battle Creek; the more the brethren moved there, the heavier were the burdens which fell upon the laborers who had the cause of God at heart. Men and women of varied minds and different organizations could cluster together and live in sweet harmony, if they would esteem others better than themselves, if they would love their neighbors as themselves, as Christ enjoined upon them. {2T 635.2}[11]

§25 但是，最难对付的就是不在上帝之灵特别控制之下而遭受撒但控制的人心。自私自利主宰了男男女女的心，连一些自称敬虔的人都怀藏罪孽，以致应该避免大群人聚居在一起；因为这样他们不会很快乐。【2T.636.1】[12]

§26 But it is most difficult to deal with human minds that are not under the special control of the Spirit of God and are exposed to the control of Satan. Selfishness so possesses the hearts of men and women, and iniquity is so cherished, even by some professing godliness, that the clustering together of a large company should be avoided; for they will not thus be the most happy. {2T 636.1}[12]

§27 D弟兄真正想引进到波德维勒的是那些他认为是最好的同伴，能够发挥良好感化力的人。其实全世界到处都需要安置这样的男男女女作忠心的哨兵，好使那些心中没有上帝的人可以信服基督的信仰里有一种能力。具有这种影响的人的确是世上的盐。上帝不喜悦让他们聚集在一处，缩小他们发挥效能的范围。可靠的人非常难得，因为人们的心非常专注于自己的私利，以致不知道别的了。【2T.636.2】[13]

§28 Those whom Brother D really desired to have come to Bordoville were those whom he considered the best of society, capable of exerting a good influence. Just such men and women are wanted to be stationed over the world as faithful sentinels, that those who are without God may be convinced that there is a power in the religion of Christ. Such men of influence are in truth the salt of the earth. God would not be pleased to have them congregate together and narrow down their sphere of usefulness. Reliable men are very scarce for the reason that the hearts of men are so devoted to their own selfish interests that they know no other. {2T 636.2}[13]

§29 如果能有许多精选的人处在巴特尔克里克的重要岗位，上帝就会感到满意；如果他们愿意为受苦的圣工牺牲自己的私利，他们就只是在跟从救赎主的脚踪，祂撇下了自己的荣耀，自己的王权和最高统帅权，为我们的缘故成了贫穷，好使我们因祂的贫穷可以成为富足。基督为人作出了牺牲；但轮到人时，人却不愿甘心乐意高高兴兴地为基督作出牺牲。如果许多负责任的，心地真诚的，挑担子的，可以靠赖作应急的战士，愿意迅速响应所需帮助的男男女女，肯搬到巴特尔克里克，上帝就会得荣耀。上帝希望可以靠赖的人在巴特尔克里克；他们在危险时期总是站在正确的一边；他们会忠心地与仇敌作战，而不是采取立场与那些给以色列的上帝惹麻烦的人在一起，维护那些使上帝的仆人手软的人，掉转枪口攻击上帝吩咐他们要支持的人。每一个教会要想兴旺，都必须有在危险时期可以依靠的人，忠实如钢铁的人，无私的人，心系上帝圣工的利益过于任何关系到自己的意见或属世利益之事的人。【2T.636.3】[14]

§30 If there could be a number of picked men at the important post at Battle Creek, God would be pleased; and if they would make a sacrifice of their own selfish interests for the sake of the suffering cause, they would only be following in the footsteps of their Redeemer, who left His glory, His majesty and high command, and for our sakes became poor, that we, through His poverty, might be made rich. Christ sacrificed for man; but man, in his turn, will not willingly and cheerfully sacrifice for Christ. If a number of responsible, true-hearted, burden-bearing men and women who could be depended upon as minutemen, who would promptly respond to the call for help when help is needed, would move to Battle Creek, God would be glorified. God wants men at Battle Creek who can be depended upon; who will ever be found on the right side in times of danger; who will faithfully war against the enemy, instead of taking their position with those who trouble the Israel of God, and stand in defense of those who weaken the hands of Gods servants, turning their weapons against the very ones whom God enjoins upon them to sustain. In order to prosper, every church must have men upon whom it can rely in times of peril, men who are as true as steel, unselfish men, who have the interest of Gods cause lying nearer their hearts than anything which concerns their own opinions or their worldly interests. {2T 636.3}[14]

§31 各教会并非全由纯洁真诚的基督徒组成。凡登记在教会名册上的名字也不都配在那里。有些人的生活和品格与另一些人的相比就如黄金和没有价值的渣滓一样。其实不必这样。那些在生活和影响力上颇有价值的人已感受到紧紧跟随耶稣，使基督的人生成为他们学习的对象和榜样的重要性。这需要他们付出努力、默想和恳切的祷告。需要努力才能胜过自私而使上帝圣工的利益居首。有些人已经做出了努力，实行严格的自制，他们也获得了宝贵的胜利。那些以自己的利益为首的人，是为自己而活的人。他们的品格在上帝看来就象没有价值的渣滓。【2T.637.1】[15]

§32 Churches are not wholly composed of pure, sincere Christians. Not all the names that stand registered upon the church books are worthy to be there. The life and character of some as compared with others is as gold with worthless dross. It need not be so. Those who are valuable in life and influence have felt the importance of following Jesus closely, of making the life of Christ their study and example. This will require effort, meditation, and earnest prayer. It requires exertion to obtain the victory over selfishness and to make the interest of Gods cause primary. Some have made the effort and practiced close discipline of self, and they have gained precious victories. Those who consider their own interest primary, live for self. Their character in the sight of God is as worthless dross. {2T 637.1}[15]

§33 D弟兄已为他本地教会的利益做了超过一个人应该做的工作。他若离开一段时间去为别的教会作工，在他回到家乡时，就会有更重更大的担子准备加给他。他则允许他们把担子放在他肩上，且已在重荷之下呻吟叹息。D家的弟兄们一直有危险太过苛求，提出自己的生活和榜样作为标准。自我没有在基督里消失不见。这些弟兄应该少说些自己，而要高举基督。他们应该隐藏在基督后面，唯独让祂显为完全的模范，是人人都应力求效法的。【2T.637.2】[16]

§34 Brother D has had more than one man should do in working for the interest of the church in his place. If he absented himself for a short time to labor for others, heavier and greater burdens were all ready to be laid upon him when he returned home. He has permitted them to rest upon his shoulders, and has bowed groaning under the load. The Brethren D have been in danger of being too exacting and of presenting their own lives and example as a criterion. Self has not been lost sight of in Christ. These brethren should say little about self, but exalt Christ. They should hide behind Jesus and let Him alone appear as the perfect pattern which all should seek to copy. {2T 637.2}[16]

§35 在试炼和危险的时期，可靠的人在哪里呢？当仇敌试图争取优势时，哪里有敬畏上帝的人集结在旌旗周围呢？有些原本应该在岗的人在圣工最需要他们帮助的时候是不忠心的。他们的行为表明他们并不特别关心上帝事工的推进。有些人以为对他们的期望太多了；他们不高高兴兴地前进去做他们所能做的，反而坐在撒但的安乐椅里，拒绝去做任何事。【2T.638.1】[17]

§36 Where were the men to be depended upon in times of trial and danger? Where were the God-fearing men to rally around the standard when the foe was seeking an advantage? Some who should have been at their post were unfaithful when their help was most needed. Their course showed that they had no special interest in the advancement of the work and cause of God. Some thought that too much was expected of them; and, instead of cheerfully moving forward to do what they could, they sat down in Satans easy chair and refused to do anything. {2T 638.1}[17]

§37 有些人总是心怀猜忌。E弟兄就属于这等人。他有一种特别顽梗的性情，导致他坚持错误的行动，因为他以为如果采取相反的行动，就会使别的弟兄感到满足。有时，他在想做的时候，也会力所能及地欣然去做任何事以推进上帝的圣工。但是，他非常喜欢随心所欲，以致会宁愿让上帝的圣工受损也不放弃自己的意愿和道路。E弟兄不是一个可以依靠的人。他常遭受撒但的试探而且常在他的控制之下。他有一颗自私的、没有征服的心。他常常心血来潮，冲动任性，一会儿恨，一会儿爱。有时他很仁慈，有时又猜疑、嫉妒而且非常自私。他若不抵挡试探，征服自己顽固的意志，并且怀存谦卑的精神，乐于看到和承认自己的错误，就无法完善基督徒的品格。他有时是忠实恳切的。然后一个风波就会把他带到相反的方向，他就会怀有猜疑、嫉妒和不信任的精神。自我和自私的利益既是最重要的，他就充满了挑剔的精神，并且怀疑别人不但不赏识他，反而想要伤害他。E弟兄需要彻底的悔改。人们单单承认真理是不够的。他们可以承认全部真理，可是却一无所知——在他们日常的生活中毫无经验上的认识——不知道真理在他们的内心和生活上使人成圣的感化力，也不知道真敬虔的能力。【2T.638.2】[18]

§38 Some were ever jealous. Brother E was of this class. He has a peculiar stubbornness in his organization that leads him to persist in a wrong course because he thinks it would gratify his brethren for him to change and take an opposite course. At times, when he feels just like it, he is ready to do anything in his power to advance the cause of God. But he loves so well to have his own way that he will let the precious cause of God suffer rather than give up his will and his way. Brother E is not a man who can be depended upon. He is subject to the temptations of Satan and is frequently under his control. He has a selfish, unsubdued heart. He is fitful, impulsive, now hating, then loving. At times he is kind, at other times jealous, envious, and very selfish. He cannot perfect Christian character until he resists temptation, subdues his own stubborn will, and cherishes a spirit of humility, a willingness to see and confess his errors. He has been, at times, true and earnest. Then a wave would carry him in an opposite direction, and he would cherish jealousy, envy, and distrust. Self and selfish interest were paramount, he was full of faultfinding, and suspicious that others did not appreciate him, but wished to injure him. Brother E needs a thorough conversion. It is not enough for men to profess the truth. They may acknowledge the whole truth, and yet know nothing--have no experimental knowledge in their daily life--of the sanctifying influence of the truth upon the heart and life, or of the power of true godliness. {2T 638.2}[18]

§39 真理是圣洁强大的，会使那些因之成圣之人的内心和生活发生彻底的改变。E弟兄是能够发挥一种为善的感化力的。他若征服自我，并且在上帝面前谦卑己心，就能成为一个真正负基督之轭的人。他对自己的家人和别人就能成为一个帮助而非障碍。由于他基督徒品格上的缺陷，他削弱了上帝在波德维勒的圣工。如果E弟兄按照他所领受的亮光生活，就会恐惧战兢作成自己得救的工夫，而且在这么做时，也会让一道明光照在别人的路径上，且会荣耀上帝。E弟兄的情况代表着教会中其他需要在内心作同样改革的工夫以便归义的人。【2T.639.1】[19]

§40 The truth is holy and powerful, and will effect a thorough reformation in the hearts and lives of those who are sanctified by it. Brother E is capable of exerting an influence for good. If he subdues self and humbles his heart before God he can become a true bearer of the yoke of Christ. He can be a help instead of a hindrance to his family and to others. He weakens the cause of God in Bordoville because of the defects in his Christian character. If Brother E lives according to the light he has received, he will work out his salvation with fear and trembling, and, in so doing, will let a bright light shine upon the pathway of others and will glorify God. The case of Brother E represents that of others in the church who need the same work of transformation in their hearts in order to be right. {2T 639.1}[19]

§41 F弟兄可以在他的生活中比现在和过去具有更大的效能。上帝并没有特别呼召他作传道教导人的工作。他没有资格充任这个职位，但他可以为主办事，在聚会时作帮助的工作。他若按照亮光生活，就能将光反照他人。他能够成为别人的福气；他能向灰心的人说安慰和鼓励的话。但是为了这么做，他应该鼓励自己有一种更加充满盼望和愉快的精神，拒绝看黑暗面，也不谈论疑惑和不信。他应该在自己的言语甚至音调中表达出快乐、希望和勇气。【2T.639.2】[20]

§42 Brother F can be more useful in his life than he now is or has ever been. God has not called him especially to minister in word and doctrine. He is not qualified for this position, yet he can do errands for the Lord and be a help in the meetings. If he lives in the light himself he can reflect light to others. He can be a blessing to others; he can speak words of comfort and encouragement to the desponding. But in order to do this, he should encourage a more hopeful, cheerful spirit himself, refusing to look upon the dark side or to talk unbelief. He should express cheerfulness, hope, and courage in his words and even in the tones of his voice. {2T 639.2}[20]

§43 G姐妹有软弱，但她没有充分利用自己的情况。她允许仇敌控制她的思想，且因不顺服的精神而增加了自己的困难。她忍受着身体虚弱的痛苦，应该得到同情，但是烦乱不宁，暴躁易怒，劳骚报怨和无用的悔恨非但无法减轻她的痛苦或使她快乐，反而只会加重她的烦恼。【2T.639.3】[21]

§44 Sister G has infirmities, yet she does not make the best of her case. She permits the enemy to control her mind and increase her difficulties by an unsubmissive spirit. She suffers from bodily infirmities and should have sympathy; but restlessness, peevishness, complaints, murmuring, and useless regrets do not alleviate her sufferings or bring happiness to her, but only aggravate the difficulty. {2T 639.3}[21]

§45 世上充斥着不满的精神，他们忽视力所能及的快乐和福气，不断寻求他们实现不了的幸福和满足。他们经常紧张地期待某种遥远的比他们所拥有的更好的东西，而且总是处于一种失望状态。他们怀有不信和忘恩负义的精神，因为他们忽视了那就在他们路径上的福气。他们讨厌日常生活中常见的福气，就象以色列人讨厌吗哪一样。【2T.640.1】[22]

§46 The world is full of dissatisfied spirits who overlook the happiness and blessings within their reach, and are continually seeking for happiness and satisfaction that they do not realize. They are constantly on the stretch for some expected, far-off good greater than they possess, and are ever in a state of disappointment. They cherish unbelief and ingratitude, in that they overlook the blessings right in their pathway. The common, everyday blessings of life are unwelcome to them, as was the manna to the children of Israel. {2T 640.1}[22]

§47 基督对G姐妹说：“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式，这样，你们心里就必得享安息。因为我的轭是容易的，我的担子是轻省的”（太11:28-30）。G姐妹言语、行为、举止和一般榜样所发出的教训，与我们主所教导的完全不同。她忽视力所能及的当前的福气，并且不安地寻找幸福，就损失了很多。她的努力是没有回报的，她没有结果的寻找使她自己很不快乐，也使凡与她交往的人很不快乐。她不安、焦虑、烦恼的精神表现在她的面容上，投下了阴影。这种阴郁、不信和不满的精神怂恿仇敌试探她。她藉着持续的不信任和自找的麻烦投下了一道阴影而不是一束阳光。【2T.640.2】[23]

§48 Sister G is addressed by Christ: Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. The words, deportment, and general example of Sister G teach a lesson entirely different from that taught by our Lord. She loses much in overlooking the present blessings within her grasp and uneasily searching for happiness. Her efforts are unrewarded, and her fruitless search makes great unhappiness for herself and for all who associate with her. Her unrest, her anxious, troubled spirit, is expressed in her countenance and casts a shadow. This gloom, unbelief, and discontent encourages the temptations of the enemy. By her continual distrust, by borrowing trouble, she casts a shadow instead of shedding a sunbeam. {2T 640.2}[23]

§49 G弟兄应当多加忍耐和宽容，小心保护他的妻子，不让她负起不必要的担子；因为她没有准备好担起那些担子。她则应该警醒提防那入侵的仇敌，毫无怨言地担起她生活的担子，且要愉快地担着，用感恩的心使这些担子都变得甘甜，因为这些担子没有更重。G弟兄容易看事情的黑暗面。他应当随时准备去遵行上帝的旨意，并且最出色地运用上帝赐给他的感化力。他应当高高兴兴地履行今天的责任，不自找明天的烦恼来使自己悲惨可怜。他不必去履行下周的责任，而只需做今日的工作，尽当日的本分。【2T.640.3】[24]

§50 Brother G should be patient and forbearing, and carefully shield her from unnecessary burdens; for she is not prepared to bear them. She, in her turn, should watch against the incoming foe, should take up her life burdens unmurmuringly and bear them with cheerfulness, sweetening them all with gratitude because they are no heavier. Brother G is prone to look upon the dark side. He should hold himself in readiness to do the will of God and use to the very best advantage the influence which God has given him. He should cheerfully perform the duties of today and not borrow tomorrows trouble to make himself miserable over. He has not to perform the duties of next week, but the work and duties which the day brings. {2T 640.3}[24]

§51 G弟兄和G姐妹应当联合一致地说：“一天的难处一天当就够了。”自找下周的烦恼来使本周痛苦，乃是一种不幸。当真正的烦恼来临时，上帝会使每一个柔和谦卑的人能够承受。当祂天意的安排允许麻烦来到时，祂会提供帮助，使人经受得住。烦躁和抱怨会蒙蔽和玷污人的心灵，并且遮住明亮的阳光，使之照不到别人的路上。【2T.641.1】[25]

§52 Brother and Sister G should unite their influence in saying: Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. It is a misfortune to borrow the trouble of next week to embitter the present week. When real trouble comes, God will fit every meek and lowly one to bear it. When His providence permits it to come, He will provide help to endure it. Fretting and murmuring cloud and stain the soul, and shut out the bright sunlight from the pathway of others. {2T 641.1}[25]

§53 G弟兄原可以去采取措施帮助H弟兄，同时也帮助自己；但自私自利使H弟兄没有得利，G弟兄自己也因害怕会使别人得利而受损。G弟兄没有爱邻舍如同自己，他在许多事上极端自私，这已使他丧失了良善，也使他自绝于上帝的福气。最终，自私不会使任何一个人受益；因为上帝把一切自私都记录了下来，要照各人所行的报应各人。“人种的是什么，收的也是什么”（加6:7）。“少种的少收”（林后9:6）。【2T.641.2】[26]

§54 Brother G might have pursued a course to help Brother H and at the same time help himself; but selfishness deprived Brother H of advantages, and Brother G himself was disadvantaged through fear that he would advantage others. Brother G has not loved his neighbor as himself, and his supreme selfishness in many things has deprived him of good and shut away from him the blessing of God. In the end, it does not profit any man to be selfish; for God marks it all and will render to every man according to his works. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly. {2T 641.2}[26]

§55 我以上提到的这些人代表了波德维勒教会中许多人的真实状况，他们的情形很相似。许多人聚集在那个地方，D弟兄为要使他们保持正直而给自己平添了许多负担和挂虑。要是他们谁也没有猜忌的心，并且保守自己在上帝的爱里，他们原能坚固D弟兄的手，安慰他的心，并且打发他出去为救灵而作工，同时他们的祈祷原会随着他出去，好像一把快镰刀在收割的田地里一样。他们对上帝缺乏忠诚和献身，这削弱了他们自己的信心，也使D弟兄的手发软，破坏了他的勇气，使他在福音园地中的工作几近无效。本地教会的试炼削弱了他在家在外的努力，且使他的工作在很大程度上局限在本地。这种主要局限于一个地方的工作对基督传道人的属灵兴趣和热心有一种摧毁性的影响。【2T.641.3】[27]

§56 I have mentioned these persons to represent the true state of many in the church at Bordoville whose cases are similar. The many congregated at that place have brought burdens and cares upon Brother D to keep them straight. Had they been free from jealousy, and kept themselves in the love of God, they would have stayed up his hands, comforted his heart, and sent him forth to labor for the salvation of souls, while their prayers would have followed him as sharp sickles in the harvest field. Their lack of consecration and devotion to God has weakened their own faith, weakened the hands of Brother D, destroyed his courage, and made his labors in the gospel field nearly useless. Church trials at home have crippled his efforts both at home and abroad, and kept his labors confined, in a great measure, to the locality of his place. This confining of the labor mostly to one locality has a withering influence upon the spiritual interest and zeal of a minister of Christ. {2T 641.3}[27]

§57 为要在恩典和真理的知识上长进，工人们必须具有一种多样化的经验。在不同的地点开新工是获得这种经验的最好方法，这样他们会与各阶层的人接触，与各种各样的心思联络，且需做多种工作以满足众多不同心思的需要。这驱使真正的工人转向上帝和圣经求取亮光、力量和知识，以便足有资格满足人们的需要。他应当听从所赐给提摩太的劝勉：“你当竭力在上帝面前得蒙喜悦，作无愧的工人，按着正意分解真理的道”（提后2:15）。“谁是忠心有见识的仆人，为主人所派，管理家里的人，按时分粮给他们呢”（太24:45）？需要智慧好辨明当时最合适的主题。【2T.642.1】[28]

§58 In order to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth, laborers must have a varied experience. This will be best acquired in extended labor in new fields, in different localities, where they will come in contact with all classes of people and all varieties of minds, and where various kinds of labor will be required to meet the wants of many and varied minds. This drives the true laborer to God and the Bible for light, strength, and knowledge, that he may be fully qualified to meet the wants of the people. He should heed the exhortation given to Timothy: Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Wisdom is needed to discern the most appropriate subject for the occasion. {2T 642.1}[28]

§59 D弟兄没有成长为一个成功的工人。他已经变得发育不全了。他的心智已经变窄，他属灵的力量一直在减弱。他现在应该是一个成功的工人，一个周到的工人。他不但没有完全献身于工作，反而一直在管理饭食。保罗劝勉提摩太说：“不可叫人小看你年轻，总要在言语、行为、爱心、信心、清洁上，都作信徒的榜样。你要以宣读、劝勉、教导为念，直等到我来。你不要轻忽所得的恩赐，就是从前藉着预言、在众长老按手的时候赐给你的。这些事你要殷勤去作，并要在此专心，使众人看出你的长进来。你要谨慎自己和自己的教训，要在这些事上恒心。因为这样行，又能救自己，又能救听你的人”（提前4:12-16）。【2T.642.2】[29]

§60 Brother D has not been growing up into a successful workman. He has become dwarfed. His mind has been narrowed down, and his spiritual strength has been waning. He should now be a successful laborer, a thorough workman. Instead of giving himself wholly to the work, he has been serving tables. Paul exhorted Timothy: Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. {2T 642.2}[29]

§61 D弟兄为人积极，乐意做事，乐于承担那些与他的呼召无关的重担。他的思想和时间太多被暂时的事占用了。有些传道人保持着某种与基督的生活不一致的尊严，不愿在需要的场合藉着参加体力劳动来作个有用的人，减轻那些招待他们之人的负担，消除他们的挂虑。体力锻炼对他们来说会证明是一个福气而非伤害。在帮助别人时，他们自己也会受益。但是有些人走了另一个极端。当他们的光阴和精力需要全部投入在上帝的事工上时，他们却乐于参加劳动，而且成为众人的仆人，甚至从事属世的事；他们确实抢夺了上帝所要求于他们的侍奉。这样，微不足道的事就占用了本应奉献于上帝圣工利益的宝贵时间。【2T.643.1】[30]

§62 Brother D is active and willing to do, willing to bear burdens that are not connected with his calling; and he has had his mind and time too much engrossed in temporal things. Some ministers maintain a certain dignity not in accordance with the life of Christ, and are unwilling to make themselves useful by engaging in physical labor, as occasion may require, to lighten the burdens of those whose hospitalities they share, and to relieve them of care. Physical exercise would prove a blessing to them, rather than an injury. In helping others they would advantage themselves. But some go to the other extreme. When their time and strength are all required in the work and cause of God, they are willing to engage in labor and become servants of all, even in temporal things; and they really rob God of the service He requires of them. Thus trivial matters take up precious time which should be devoted to the interests of Gods cause. {2T 643.1}[30]

§63 J. N.安德烈弟兄就在这方面犯了错误。他用在写信回答弟兄们的私人信函所提问题上的时间和精力，原应当全部投入到上帝圣工的特别利益上。但很少有人意识到落在少数在圣工中背负重担的传道人身上的各种责任。弟兄们经常要求这些传道人离开工作去照顾他们的小问题，或去解决某个教会的麻烦，其实这些都是他们自己能够也应该照料的。“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。只要凭着信心求，一点不疑惑”（雅1:5-6）。他必须恳切而且恒切的求。他若犹豫不决，不断怀疑主会不会确实照祂所应许的去行，就会一无所得。【2T.643.2】[31]

§64 Brother J. N. Andrews has erred here. The time and strength which he has devoted to correspondence with his brethren, answering their private letters of inquiry, should have been given to the special interests of the work of God at large. But few realize the responsibilities resting upon the few ministers who bear the burdens in this cause. The brethren frequently call these men from the work to attend to their little matters, or to settle some church trial, which they can and should attend to themselves. 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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. He must be earnest and persevering. If he is irresolute, doubting continually whether the Lord will indeed do as He has promised, he will receive nothing. {2T 643.2}[31]

§65 许多人指望他们的传道人把来自上帝的亮光带给他们，似乎以为这是比自己费心去找上帝更容易的办法。这种人损失很大。他们若愿意每天跟随基督，以祂为他们的向导和顾问，就会清楚地知道祂的旨意，从而获得一种有价值的经验。自称相信真理的弟兄们因为缺乏这种经验而行在别人点着的火光中；他们不熟悉上帝的灵，也不知道祂的旨意，所以很容易偏离他们的信仰。他们是不稳定的，因为他们倚靠别人为他们获得一种经验。主已经为亚当的每一个儿女作了充足的准备，要他们个别地获得对上帝旨意的认识，好完善基督徒品格，藉着真理得到洁净。上帝因那等自称跟从基督却对上帝的旨意或敬虔的奥秘没有经验上认识的人而受了羞辱。【2T.644.1】[32]

§66 Many look to their ministers to bring the light from God to them, seeming to think this a cheaper way than to be to the trouble of going to God for it themselves. Such lose much. If they would daily follow Christ and make Him their guide and counselor, they might obtain a clear knowledge of His will, and thus be gaining a valuable experience. For want of this very experience, brethren professing the truth walk in the sparks of others kindling; they are unacquainted with the Spirit of God and have not a knowledge of His will, and are therefore easily moved from their faith. They are unstable, because they trusted in others to obtain an experience for them. Ample provisions have been made for every son and daughter of Adam to obtain individually a knowledge of the divine will, to perfect Christian character, and to be purified through the truth. God is dishonored by that class who profess to be followers of Christ and yet have no experimental knowledge of the divine will or of the mystery of godliness. {2T 644.1}[32]

§67 D弟兄有大量家事缠身。教会中人数的增加并没有减轻他的重担。他自己家里添丁加口已使他和他的家人负了太重的担子，这些事一直阻碍他成为一个成功的工人。他在上帝的工作上已经生了锈，需要磨光。他的见证需要由上帝的圣灵和能力赋予活力。他在波德维勒那些不用专门去作劳苦传道教导人这种工作的弟兄们，应当醒悟，好看到别人在何处需要帮助，而且应该帮助他们。许多人闭眼不看他们有机会为别人去行的善事，且因他们的忽视而丧失了可以获得的福气。D弟兄一直被撇下去背负弟兄们本应认为自己有责任和特权去背负的担子。【2T.644.2】[33]

§68 Brother D has had a multiplicity of home cares. The increase of numbers in the church has not lessened his burdens. The increase of numbers in his family has been too heavy a tax upon himself and his family, and these things have been a hindrance to his becoming a successful laborer. He has become rusty in the work of God and needs burnishing. His testimony needs to be vitalized by the Spirit and power of God. His brethren in Bordoville, who have not a special work to do in laboring in word and doctrine, should be awake to see where others need help, and should help them. Many close their eyes to the good which they have opportunity to do for others, and by their neglect they lose the blessing which they might obtain. Brother D has been left to bear burdens that his brethren should have considered it their duty and privilege to bear. {2T 644.2}[33]

§69 我们在这个世界上的工作就是要为别人的益处而活，要造福他人，要殷勤好客；而我们往往只有遭受某些不便，才能招待那些确实需要我们的照料、和受益于我们的陪伴和我们的家庭的人。有些人回避这些必要的担子。但是必须有人担这些担子；而且因为弟兄们一般不喜欢接待别人，也不平等地分担这些基督徒的义务，少数有愿做的心的人，和高兴地体贴别人需要的帮助如同自己需要的人，便负起了担子。教会应当特别注意要减轻传道人在这方面的额外负担。积极参加上帝圣工的传道人既在为救灵效劳，就在不断作出牺牲。【2T.645.1】[34]

§70 Our work in this world is to live for others good, to bless others, to be hospitable; and frequently it may be only at some inconvenience that we can entertain those who really need our care and the benefit of our society and our homes. Some avoid these necessary burdens. But someone must bear them; and because the brethren in general are not lovers of hospitality, and do not share equally in these Christian duties, a few who have willing hearts, and who cheerfully make the cases of those who need help their own, are burdened. A church should take special care to relieve its ministers of extra burdens in this direction. The ministers who are actively engaged in the cause of God, laboring for the salvation of souls, have continual sacrifices to make. {2T 645.1}[34]

§71 D弟兄的见证需要由上帝的恩典赋予生机。他需要新的恩膏，使他能够领悟工作的重要性，并将全部身心投入到上帝圣工的进展上。上帝有足够的工作使用凡跟从祂的人。人人都能宣扬祂的荣耀，只要他们愿意。但大多数人不肯这么做。他们躲避责任和负担，也必照他们所行的受报。因为有些人不愿挑起他们能挑的担子，做他们能做的工作，这工作对少数愿意参加的人来说就太大了。他们看到那么多事要做，以致过度使用了自己的力量，很快就筋疲力尽，疲惫不堪了。【2T.645.2】[35]

§72 Brother Ds testimony needs to be enlivened by the grace of God. He needs a new anointing, that he may be able to comprehend the magnitude of the work and devote his entire being to the advancement of the cause of God. The Lord has work enough to employ all His followers. All can show forth His glory if they will. But the majority refuse to do this. They profess faith, but have not works. Their faith is dead, being alone. They shun responsibilities and burdens, and will be rewarded as their works have been. Because some will not lift the burdens they could lift, or do the work they might do, the work is too great for the few who will engage in it. They see so much to do that they overtax their strength and are fast wearing out. {2T 645.2}[35]

§73 上帝现在呼召那些完全与祂的工作和事业利益与共的人。参加这工作的传道人受到他们所传讲的真理的能力和精神所激励，然后他们就会有一种感化力。百姓很少会兴起高过他们的传道人。传道人里面若有一种爱世界的精神，就会对他人产生极大的影响。人们会以他的缺陷为藉口，掩饰自己爱世界的精神。他们安抚自己的良心，以为他们可以自由地去喜爱今生的事，且对属灵的事漠不关心，因为他们的传道人就是这样的。他们欺骗自己的心灵，且保持与世俗为友，使徒宣布这就是与上帝为敌。【2T.645.3】[36]

§74 God calls at this time for laborers whose interests are fully identified with His work and His cause. The ministers engaged in this work must be energized by the spirit and power of the truths they preach, and then they will have an influence. The people will seldom rise higher than their minister. A world-loving spirit in him has a tremendous influence upon others. The people make his deficiencies an excuse to cover their world-loving spirit. They quiet their own consciences, thinking that they may be free to love the things of this life and be indifferent to spiritual things because their ministers are so. They deceive their own souls and remain in friendship with the world, which the apostle declares to be enmity with God. {2T 645.3}[36]

§75 传道人应当作群羊的榜样。他们应当对生灵表现出不死的爱和他们希望从百姓身上看到的同样的献身精神。佛蒙特州的传道人已在他们的工作中犯了一个错误。他们常常重蹈覆辙，在自己需要有人为他们做工，把他们带到上帝能赐福他们的工作的地步且使他们多结果子的时候，却再三去帮助别的教会。在佛蒙特州没有一个能干的、彻底的工人，完全有资格维持各部分的工作。【2T.646.1】[37]

§76 Ministers should be examples to the flock. They should manifest an undying love for souls and the same devotion to the cause which they desire to see in the people. The ministers in Vermont have made a mistake in their labor. They have passed over the same ground again and again to help the churches, when frequently they needed labor bestowed upon themselves, to bring them into a position where God could bless their labors and make them fruitful. There has not been one efficient, thorough laborer, fully qualified to keep up all parts of the work, in Vermont. {2T 646.1}[37]

§77 I弟兄和姐妹是病人。上帝不将很重的责任放在他们身上。他们需要严格警醒，免得缩小自己的感化力。他们没有自己的孩子要他们行使父母的关爱，且有危险变得狭隘，自私，在观念和感情上变得不切实际。这一切的事对上帝的圣工有一种不利的影响。他们应当努力保持自己的心思高过自己，而且不应使自己成为别人的标准。那些没有自己的孩子分享他们的思想和劳动，要他们运用自制、忍耐和爱心的人，应该提防自己，免得他们的思想和工作集中在自己身上。他们很没有资格去教导父母们关于训练自己儿女的事，因为他们在这种工作上没有经验。可是在许多情况下，那些没有儿女的人却最乐于去教导那些其实在许多方面可以作他们父母的人。无法使他们转身离开某种做法，他们甚至比孩子们更需要别人的忍耐。划定一条路线，然后走上这条路线以致给别人带来不便，乃是自私。【2T.646.2】[38]

§78 Brother and Sister I are invalids. God does not lay very heavy responsibilities upon them. They need to watch closely, lest they narrow down their influence. They have no children of their own to call into exercise parental love and care, and are in danger of becoming narrow, selfish, and notional in their views and feelings. All these things have a bad influence upon the cause of God. They should labor to keep their minds elevated above themselves and should not make themselves a criterion for others. Those who have no children of their own to share their thoughts and labor, and to call for the exercise of forbearance, patience, and love, should guard themselves lest their thoughts and labor center upon themselves. They are poorly qualified to instruct parents as to the training of their children, for they have not had experience in this work. Yet in very many cases those who have no children are the most ready to instruct those who have, when, at the same time, the former make children of themselves in many respects. They cannot be turned out of a certain course, and they require even more patience exercised toward them than children do. It is selfish to have a certain course marked out and pursue this course to the inconvenience of others. {2T 646.2}[38]

§79 小事考验人的品格。日常快乐、温柔、质朴的克己之举，乃是上帝所喜闻乐见的。我们不应为自己而活，而应为了别人。我们应该藉着忘记自己和体贴别人来成为一个福气。我们应该怀存仁爱、忍耐和坚韧不拔精神。【2T.647.1】[39]

§80 It is little things which test the character. It is the unpretending acts of daily self-denial, with cheerfulness and gentleness, that God smiles upon. We should not live for ourselves, but for others. We should be a blessing by our forgetfulness of self and our thoughtfulness of others. We should cherish love, forbearance, and fortitude. {2T 647.1}[39]

§81 很少有人意识到孩子给家庭带来的照料、责任和经验上的益处。许多人家里人口众多却没有纪律；父母在忽略一个宝贵的托付和神圣的责任，他们若是本着敬畏上帝的心忠于所托，忠心尽责，就不仅能使他们自己，也能使他们的孩子适于进入天国。但是一个没有孩子的家是一个荒凉的地方。居住其中的人，他们的心有危险变得自私，喜爱自己安逸，考虑自己的愿望和便利，要人同情自己，却很少同情别人。对有依赖性的孩子们的关爱会消除我们本性中的粗糙之处，使我们变得温柔和富有同情心，且有一种影响可以发展我们品格中更加高贵的成分。许多人在身体、心智和精神上有病患，因为他们将注意力几乎全部集中在自己身上。年幼活泼心思的健康活力和孩子们充沛的精力，可以使这些病人脱离迟钝停滞的状态。【2T.647.2】[40]

§82 Very few realize the benefits of the care, responsibility, and experience that children bring to the family. Many have large families coming up without discipline; the parents are neglecting a precious trust and sacred duty, which, if faithfully performed in the fear of God, would obtain, not only for their children, but for themselves, a fitness for the kingdom of heaven. But a childless house is a desolate place. The hearts of the inmates are in danger of becoming selfish, of cherishing a love for their own ease, and consulting their own desires and conveniences. They gather sympathy to themselves, but have little to bestow upon others. Care and affection for dependent children removes the roughness from our natures, makes us tender and sympathetic, and has an influence to develop the nobler elements of our character. Many are diseased physically, mentally, and morally, because their attention is turned almost exclusively to themselves. They might be saved from stagnation by the healthy vitality of younger and varying minds, and the restless energy of children. {2T 647.2}[40]

§83 J弟兄上了年纪。现在不应再将沉重的责任放在他身上。他因对自己的孩子滥用爱心已使上帝不悦。他急于在金钱上帮助他们，以免使他们不愉快。他为了取悦他们，反而害了他们。即便从世俗的角度来说，他的孩子们在管理钱财上也是不明智、不忠心的。从宗教的立场来看，他们很是不足。他们对于宗教的事没有谨慎尽责的顾虑。他们没有用自己在世上的地位和影响给社会增光添彩，也没有在侍奉基督上用纯洁的基督徒道德和高洁的行为给上帝的圣工增色。他们一直没有受训养成舍己和自力更生的习惯作为自己在生活中的保障。这里显明了父母身上的大罪。他们没有调教自己的孩子，也没有为上帝充分训练他们。他们没有教导儿女自制，有稳定的品格，必要的决心和受到良好控制的意志。在这个时代，多数孩子都被撇下随便成长。他们没有受教必须为了某种良善的目的发展自己的体力和智力，以便用自己的影响力造福社会，很有资格给基督徒生活增光添彩，并且敬畏上帝，得以成圣。【2T.647.3】[41]

§84 Brother J is aged. No weighty responsibility should now rest upon him. He has displeased God in his misapplied love for his children. He has had too much anxiety to help them pecuniarily that he might not offend them. In order to please, he has injured them. They are not wise and faithful in the management of means, even from the worldlings standpoint. Viewed from a religious standpoint, they are very deficient. They have not conscientious scruples in regard to religious things. They do not adorn society by their position and influence in the world, nor do they adorn the cause of God by pure Christian morals and virtuous acts in the service of Christ. They have not been trained to habits of self-denial and self-reliance as their safeguards in life. Here is the great sin resting upon parents. They do not discipline their children and do not train them up for God. They do not teach them self-government, stability of character, and the necessity of a resolute, well-directed will. Most children, in this age, are left to come up. They are not taught the necessity of developing their physical and mental powers for some good purpose, to bless society with their influence, to be well qualified to adorn the Christian life, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God. {2T 647.3}[41]

§85 J弟兄在把自己的财产委托给儿女的事上犯了错误。这使他们负起了他们没有资格去负的责任。他失去了对自己的钱财的控制，因自己的区区之劳而向弟兄们收钱。他处理自己财产的做法没有使上帝得到荣耀。他给自己儿女的错误行为开脱，他们的行为是不符合我们的信仰或圣经标准的。他事实上是对恶人说：你要事情顺利（诗128:2），其实上帝已明说恶人要有祸了。【2T.648.1】[42]

§86 Brother J has erred in entrusting his property to his children. He has laid upon them responsibilities which they were not qualified to bear. He placed his means out of his control and has gathered up means from his brethren for his feeble labors. God has not been glorified by the course which he has pursued in regard to his property. He has excused a wrong course pursued by his children, which is not in keeping with our faith or the Bible standard. He has virtually said to the wicked, It shall be well with thee; when God has plainly declared it shall be ill with him. {2T 648.1}[42]

§87 J弟兄犯的这些错误表明他很缺乏属天的智慧，且在很大程度上使他没有资格去做基督忠心的传道人才能从事的严肃工作。当主人让他把所经管的交代明白时，J弟兄能为自己作何解释呢？他被自己儿女未献身的心思牵着鼻子走，没有感到有必要去寻求站在光中的上帝仆人们的意见和忠告。他一直受一种不正当的同情心所引导，作出了错误的判断。他行事一直象一个盲人。他的做法既伤害了自己也损害了上帝的圣工。【2T.648.2】[43]

§88 These errors upon the part of Brother J show a great lack of heavenly wisdom and have, in a great degree, disqualified him for the solemn work resting upon the faithful minister of Christ. What can Brother J plead before God when the Master shall bid him give an account of his stewardship? He has been led by the unconsecrated minds of his children and has not felt the necessity of seeking counsel and advice from Gods servants who were standing in the light. He has been led by a perverted sympathy and has failed in judgment. He has been moving like a blind man. His course has injured himself and the cause of God. {2T 648.2}[43]

§89 佛蒙特州所需要的，并不仅仅是讲道，偶尔到各教会祷告和劝勉一番。上帝在佛蒙特的子民可以一直扬声呼求工人。需要恳切热心的工人来照顾人们属灵上的需要，坚固那剩下的。上帝在各地的圣工，尤其是在佛蒙特州的圣工，需要负责任挑担子的人。人们再三到同一个地方，即使有收效，也很微小。他们愉快地访问了自己的弟兄们，而这往往就是所成就的一切；可是他们还指望因为花时间做了这事而得到酬劳。【2T.649.1】[44]

§90 It is not preachers merely, to go among the churches and pray and exhort occasionally, that Vermont needs. A cry for laborers could be consistently raised among Gods people in Vermont. Earnest, zealous workmen are needed to strengthen the things that remain by ministering to the spiritual wants of the people. The cause of God everywhere, especially in Vermont, needs burden bearers. Men go over and over the same ground, but accomplish very little, if anything. They have a good visit with their brethren, and this is frequently all that is accomplished; and yet they expect to be remunerated for their time. {2T 649.1}[44]

§91 当我写这个证言时，K弟兄和K姐妹的情形显在我面前。他们不习惯照顾别人。他们没有感到自己有责任作挑担子的人。我蒙指示看到K弟兄在其他感到自己要为主做一番工作的人中间。他确实如此，还有许许多多的人也是这样，只要他们愿意为主作工。在上帝的圣工中有彻底的工人，他们在圣工中有经验，而且奉献自己的光阴和精力侍奉上帝。这些人应该得到慷慨的支持。但是那些只是偶尔动身去访问各教会的人——特别是那些没有家庭要供养而且自己也有能力的人——不应该从上帝的库中支取薪水。【2T.649.2】[45]

§92 The case of Brother and Sister K comes before me as I write. They have not practiced caring for others. They have not felt the responsibility resting upon them to be burden bearers. Brother K was shown me among others who have felt that they had a work to do for the Lord. Indeed he has, and so have very many others, if they will do it. There are thorough workmen in the cause of God, who have an experience in the work and who devote their time and strength to the service of God. These should be liberally sustained. But those who are merely starting out to visit the churches occasionally--especially those who have no families to provide for and who have a competency themselves--should not draw upon the treasury of the Lord. {2T 649.2}[45]

§93 无论是K弟兄还是K姐妹，都没有为真理而牺牲、在好事上富足、积攒财宝在天上的经验。他们既没有依赖人的亲爱的孩子，就一直无从运用自己的同情、关爱和忍耐。他们只是考虑自己自私的便利。他们的心没有成为活水的泉源，涌流出温柔和慈爱。他们若用出于爱心的仁慈言语和怜悯慈善的行为造福他人，就会使自己得福。他们一直以来太过缩小自己的效用范围了。这样的人身心若不改变，且被基督的精神更新，就不会在救赎主的圣工中成为彻底的、能干的工人。基督的生活乃是基督徒的榜样。自我牺牲和无私的善行应当成为他们生活的特色。利己主义太突出了。K弟兄对于什么是为上帝作工，什么是背起基督的十字架和跟从舍己救赎主的脚踪行知道的多么少啊！【2T.649.3】[46]

§94 Neither Brother nor Sister K has an experience in sacrificing for the truth, in being rich in good works, laying up their treasures in heaven. Their sympathy, care, and patience have not been called into exercise by dependent, loving children. They have consulted their own selfish convenience. Their hearts have not been a wellspring sending forth the living streams of tenderness and affection. In blessing others by kindly words of love and acts of mercy and benevolence, they would realize a blessing themselves. They have been too narrow in their sphere of usefulness. Unless such become transformed in mind and being, and are renewed by the spirit of Christ, they cannot become thorough, efficient workmen in the Redeemers cause. His life is the example for Christians. Self-sacrifice and disinterested benevolence should characterize their lives. Self-interest is too prominent. Oh, how little does Brother K know of what it is to labor for God, to lift the cross of Christ and walk in the footsteps of the self-denying Redeemer! {2T 649.3}[46]

§95 基督的传道人，真理的教师，真牧人，在某种意义上乃是众人的仆人，预见那些需要帮助之人的需要，且知道如何在各处作有用的人，从事伟大的救灵工作。一个自称教导真理的人，随意到自己喜欢的地方，按自己喜欢的时候和方式作工，却躲避责任，就不是在效法基督背十字架，也不是在履行福音传道人的使命。很少有人凭经验知道什么是为基督的缘故受苦。他们想要象基督，却希望避免贫穷和钉十字架。他们会很高兴和祂同享荣耀，却不喜欢通过许多舍己和患难来就祂。【2T.650.1】[47]

§96 A minister of Christ, a teacher of the truth, a true shepherd, is in one sense a servant of all, anticipating the wants of those who need help, and knowing how to be useful here and there in the great work of saving souls. A man who professes to teach the truth, and goes just where he pleases, and works when and how he pleases, yet shuns responsibilities, is not bearing the cross after Christ nor fulfilling the commission of a gospel minister. Few know by experience what it is to suffer for Christs sake. They desire to be like Christ, but wish to avoid poverty and crucifixion. They would gladly be with Him in glory, but do not love to come to Him through much self-denial and tribulation. {2T 650.1}[47]

§97 K弟兄不用费很大气力去查明真理，因为上帝所拣选的人已将现成的论据摆在他面前，清楚，明白而且令人信服。现代真理的难点已经被少数献身圣工的人认真努力研究出来了。他们通过禁食和热切地向上帝祈祷，已经感动主向他们的悟性开启了祂真理的宝藏。有时必须面对面对付狡猾的对手和自夸的歌利亚，但更多的时候是要用笔来对付。撒但鼓动人们进行猛烈的反对，要蒙蔽人们的眼，使他们的悟性昏昧。少数关心上帝的真理和圣工的人应激而起捍卫真理。他们不谋求自己的安逸，而是甘愿为真理的缘故冒生命的危险。【2T.650.2】[48]

§98 It has not cost Brother K hard effort to search out the truth; for chosen men of God have prepared arguments to his hand, clear, plain, and convincing. Difficult points of present truth have been reached by the earnest efforts of a few who were devoted to the work. Fasting and fervent prayer to God have moved the Lord to unlock His treasuries of truth to their understanding. Wily opponents and boasting Goliaths have had to be met, sometimes face to face, but more frequently with the pen. Satan has urged men on to fierce opposition, to blind the eyes and darken the understanding of the people. The few who had the interest of the cause and truth of God at heart were aroused to its defense. They did not seek for ease, but were willing to venture even their lives for the truths sake. {2T 650.2}[48]

§99 这些热切寻索真理的人冒着丧失体力和一切的危险，从事捍卫真理和传播亮光的工作。宝贵的真理之链被一环接一环地查考出来了，直到它显出美妙的和谐，连成一个完整的链条。这些用心钻研的人已经提出了论据，且将它们阐述的十分明白，连在校的学生都能懂。现在人们要成为真理的教师多么容易呀，可是他们竟回避自我牺牲和舍己。【2T.651.1】[49]

§100 These zealous searchers after truth risked their capital of strength and their all in the work of defending the truth and spreading the light. Link after link of the precious chain of truth has been searched out, until it stands forth in beautiful harmony, uniting in a perfect chain. These men of investigating minds have brought out arguments and made them so plain that a schoolboy may understand them. How easy now for men to become teachers of the truth, while they shun self-sacrifice and self-denial. {2T 651.1}[49]

§101 这些寻索真理的人为真理受过苦，知道它的代价是什么。他们重视真理，而且极其关心真理的进展。舍己和十字架直接摆在每一个跟从基督之人的路上。十字架乃是把本性的情感和意志钉死的十字架。心若不全然成圣归于上帝，意志和情感和思想若不顺服上帝的旨意，就不能实行真信仰的原则，也不能在生活中示范基督的生活。就不会真的想要牺牲安逸和爱自己的心，也不会钉死属肉体的心好行基督所行的。【2T.651.2】[50]

§102 These searchers for truth have suffered for it and know what it cost. They value it and feel the most intense interest in its advancement. Self-denial and the cross lie directly in the pathway of every follower of Christ. The cross is that which crosses the natural affections and the will. If the heart is not wholly sanctified to God, if the will and affections and thoughts are not brought into subjection to the will of God, there will be a failure to carry out the principles of true religion and to exemplify in the life the life of Christ. There will not be a true desire to sacrifice ease and self-love, and the carnal mind will not be crucified to work the works of Christ. {2T 651.2}[50]

§103 许多住在波德维勒的人有一番工作需要完成。我看到仇敌正在忙着工作以达到他的目的。已蒙上帝托付钱财的人竟将上天所指派他们作上帝管家的责任转移给自己的儿女。他们不但不将上帝的物交给上帝，反而声称他们所拥有的一切都是自己的，好像他们是凭自己的力量能力和智慧获得了自己的财产似的。谁赐给了他们能力和智慧去获得地上财宝的呢？谁用天上的甘露和时雨浇灌了他们的地土呢？谁赐给他们阳光温暖大地，唤发自然界万物的生命，使它们为人类的益处而欣欣向荣呢？蒙上帝厚赐福惠的人竟紧紧将他们属世的财产搂在怀中，因心中充满自私和对祂的不信任而使上帝惠赐给他们的这些福惠变成了一个咒诅。他们接受所借给他们的东西，却声称是他们自己的，忘了主对他们还有什么要求，甚至不肯把祂所要的利息交给祂。财富使自称跟从基督的人有了许多困惑，且用许多愁苦把他们的心刺透了，因为他们忘记了上帝，喜爱和崇拜玛门了。他们让属世的财宝使自己的生活痛苦，阻止他们完善基督徒的品格。而且，似乎这样还不够，他们还把已证明祸害了自己生活的东西传给自己的儿女，去祸害他们。上帝已把钱财委托给他们，要试验他们，看他们是否乐于在祂的恩赐上承认祂，且用这些恩赐来促进祂在地上的荣耀。【2T.651.3】[51]

§104 There is a work to be accomplished for many who live at Bordoville. I saw that the enemy was busily at work to carry his points. Men to whom God has entrusted talents of means have shifted upon their children the responsibility which Heaven has appointed them of being stewards for God. Instead of rendering to God the things that are His, they claim that all they have is their own, as though by their own might and power and wisdom they had obtained their possessions. Who gave them power and wisdom to obtain earthly treasure? Who watered their lands with the dew of heaven and with the showers of rain? Who gave them the sun to warm the earth and awaken into life the things of nature, causing them to flourish for the benefit of man? Men whom God has blessed with His bounties clasp their arms about their earthly treasure and make these bounties and blessings, which God has graciously given them, a curse by filling their hearts with selfishness and distrust of Him. They accept the goods lent them, yet claim them as their own, forgetting that the Master has any claim upon them, and refusing to yield to Him even the interest that He demands. Riches cause the professed followers of Christ many perplexities and pierce them through with many sorrows because they forget God, and love and worship mammon. They allow worldly treasures to embitter their lives and prevent them from perfecting Christian character. And, as though this were not enough, they transmit to their children, to curse them, that which has proved the bane of their own lives. God has entrusted men with means to prove them, to see if they are willing to acknowledge Him in His gifts, and use them to advance His glory upon the earth. {2T 651.3}[51]

§105 世界和其中的一切财宝都是属耶和华的。千山上的牲畜是祂的。一切的金银都属于祂。祂将祂的财物托付给祂的管家，好使他们可以用来推进祂的圣工和荣耀祂的名。祂将这些财富委托给人，不是让他们用来高抬自我，荣耀自己，有能力去欺压那些在今世的财物上贫穷的人。上帝从任何一个人手中收纳供物都不是因为祂需要这些，没有这些祂就无法得丰富和荣耀，而是为了祂仆人们的益处，祂才让人们把上帝的物归还祂。祂必收纳谦卑痛悔之人的乐意捐献，并用最丰厚的福气报答他们。祂收纳这些乐意捐，视之为感恩顺从的牺牲。上帝要求并收纳我们的金银作为一个证据，证明我们和我们一切所有的都属于祂。祂要求并悦纳我们善用我们的光阴和才干，作为祂的爱存在于我们心中的果子。听命胜于献祭。若没有纯洁的爱，最昂贵的供物对上帝来说也不值一文，不值得接纳。【2T.652.1】[52]

§106 The earth is the Lords, and all the treasures it contains. The cattle upon a thousand hills are His. All the gold and silver belongs to Him. He has entrusted His treasures to stewards, that with them they may advance His cause and glorify His name. He did not entrust these treasures to men that they might use them to exalt and glorify themselves, and have power to oppress those who were poor in this worlds treasure. God does not receive the offerings of any because He needs them and cannot have glory and riches without them, but because it is for the interest of His servants to render to God the things which are His. The freewill offerings of the humble, contrite heart He will receive, and will reward the giver with the richest blessings. He receives them as the sacrifice of grateful obedience. He requires and accepts our gold and silver as an evidence that all we have and are belongs to Him. He claims and accepts the improvement of our time and of our talents as the fruit of His love existing in our hearts. To obey is better than sacrifice. Without pure love the most expensive offering is too poor for God to accept. {2T 652.1}[52]

§107 许多人的心专注于他们属世的财物，以致看不出积攒财宝在天上的好处。他们没有认识到，他们献给上帝的乐意捐并不是使上帝富足，而是使他们自己富足。基督劝告我们要积攒财宝在天上。为了谁？为了上帝，好使祂可以富足吗？不是的！全世界的财宝都是祂的，天上难以形容的荣耀和无价的财宝也都是祂的，祂愿意给谁就给谁。“只要积攒财宝在天上。”上帝已立为祂管家的人，被这世界的财富冲昏了头脑，以致看不出他们因自私和贪婪，不仅在十分之一和乐意捐上抢夺了上帝，还使自己丧失了永恒的财富。他们可以藉着做主已留给他们去做的工作和祂已托付他们钱财去完成的工作，每天增加自己在天上的财宝。主本愿意让他们伺机行善，趁他们还在世的时候，亲自用他们的钱财去帮助拯救他们的同胞和推进上帝圣工各部门的工作。他们这样做只不过是在做上帝要求他们做的事；把上帝的物归给上帝。许多人甘愿闭上眼睛，关闭心门，免得看到和感觉到上帝圣工的需要，藉着帮助推进圣工而减少自己的收入，使本金或利息受损。有些人觉得自己为促进上帝圣工发展所作的奉献实在是损失。他们认为损失了许多钱，感到不满意，除非他们能立即把那些钱补回来，好使他们在地上的财宝不至减少。他们跟弟兄们打交道时小气吝啬，甚至精明狡猾，与世人打交道也是一样。他们毫不顾忌地在交易上巧取豪夺，为要利已，得一点蝇头小利。【2T.653.1】[53]

§108 Many have their hearts so fixed upon their earthly treasure that they do not discern the advantage of laying up for themselves treasures in heaven. They do not realize that their freewill offerings to God are not enriching Him, but themselves. Christ counsels us to lay up treasures in heaven. For whom? For God, that He may be enriched? Oh, no! The treasures of the entire world are His, and the indescribable glory and priceless treasures of heaven are all His own, to give to whom He will. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Men whom God has made stewards are so infatuated by the riches of this world that they do not discern that by their selfishness and covetousness they are not only robbing the Lord in tithes and offerings, but robbing themselves of eternal riches. They could be daily adding to their heavenly treasure by doing the very work that the Lord has left them to do, and which He has entrusted them with means to carry out. The Master would have them watch for opportunities to do good and, while they live, apply their means themselves to aid in the salvation of their fellow men and in the advancement of His cause in its various branches. In so doing they only do that which God requires of them; they render to God the things that are His. Many willingly close their eyes and hearts, lest they should see and feel the wants of the Lords cause, and by helping in its advancement should lessen their increase by detracting from the interest or the principal. Some feel that what they give to advance the cause of God is really lost. They consider so many dollars gone and feel dissatisfied unless they can immediately replace them so that their earthly treasure may not decrease. They exercise closeness and even sharpness in dealing with their brethren and also with worldlings. They do not scruple to overreach in deal in order to advantage themselves and gain a few dollars. {2T 653.1}[53]

§109 有一些人因为害怕地上的财宝会受损失，便忽略了祷告和聚集在一起敬拜上帝，以便有更多的时间投入到他们的农场或生意中去。他们用自己的行为表明了他们估计哪个世界最有价值。他们牺牲了对他们的属灵进步来说必不可少的宗教特权，为了得到今生的事而没能得到关于上帝旨意的知识。他们没有达到基督徒品格的完全，也不符合上帝的尺度。他们将属世界的、暂时的利益放在首位，抢夺了本应用于侍奉上帝的时间。上帝给这种人作了记号，他们必领受咒诅而非福气。有些人把自己的钱财放在儿女手中，从而失去了对自己钱财的控制。他们秘密的动机乃是要使自己处于免责的地位，不会觉得有责任奉献自己的财产去传扬真理。这些人的爱只是在口头上，而不在行为和真理上。他们没有认识到，他们正在处理的钱财是主的，不是他们自己的。【2T.654.1】[54]

§110 Some, fearing they will suffer loss of earthly treasure, neglect prayer and the assembling of themselves together for the worship of God, that they may have more time to devote to their farms or their business. They show by their works which world they place the highest estimate upon. They sacrifice religious privileges, which are essential to their spiritual advancement, for the things of this life and fail to obtain a knowledge of the divine will. They come short of perfecting Christian character and do not meet the measurement of God. They make their temporal, worldly interests first, and rob God of the time which they should devote to His service. Such persons God marks, and they will receive a curse rather than a blessing. Some place their means beyond their control by putting it into the hands of their children. Their secret motive is to place themselves in a position where they will not feel responsible to give of their property to spread the truth. These love in word, but not in deed and in truth. They do not realize that it is the Lords money they are handling, not their own. {2T 654.1}[54]

§111 如果能使生灵悔改而自己不必作出任何牺牲，许多人就会喜爱看到生灵悔改；但是如果涉及他们的财产，他们就退后了，因为对他们来说，财产比基督为之而死的男男女女的灵魂更有价值。那些已蒙上帝托付钱财的人若是明白自己作为祂管家的责任，他们就会把上帝所借给他们的保留在自己手中，以便可以忠心地履行自己的职责，尽自己的本分帮助推进上帝的圣工。如果人人都能领会救恩的计划，和基督的宝血所买来的哪怕一个灵魂的价值，他们也会将其它的利益放在次要位置了。【2T.654.2】[55]

§112 Many would love to see souls converted if it could be done without any sacrifice on their part; but if their property is touched, they draw back, for it is of more value to them than the souls of men and women for whom Christ died. If those to whom God has entrusted means understood their responsibilities as His stewards, they would retain in their own hands that which God has lent them, that they might faithfully perform the duty devolving upon them to do their part in helping carry forward the work of God. If all could comprehend the plan of salvation, and the worth of even one soul purchased by the blood of Christ, they would make every other interest of minor consequence. {2T 654.2}[55]

§113 父母们应当为自己将上帝放在他们手中的钱财委托给儿女感到极其害怕，除非他们有最可靠的证据，能确定自己的儿女比自己更关心、更热爱、更献身于上帝的圣工，而且这些儿女会更恳切热心地推进上帝的工作，更乐善好施，捐助上帝圣工需要资金的各项事业。因为撒但的怂恿，许多人把自己的钱财放在儿女手中，从而把自己的管家职责放在儿女身上。他们这样做实际上是将钱财置于仇敌的阵营。撒但使这事迎合他自己的企图，使上帝的圣工得不到丰富供应所需的钱财。为把真理传到人前而做出的努力在深度和广度上还不到应有的一半。藉着散发印刷品和使凡能受感来听真理的人都听到真理而做的传播真理的工作，现在正在做的还不及可以做成的五十分之一。【2T.655.1】 3T118[56]

§114 Parents should have great fear in entrusting children with the talents of means that God has placed in their hands, unless they have the surest evidence that their children have greater interest in, love for, and devotion to, the cause of God than they themselves possess, and that these children will be more earnest and zealous in forwarding the work of God, and more benevolent in carrying forward the various enterprises connected with it which call for means. But many place their means in the hands of their children, thus throwing upon them the responsibility of their own stewardship, because Satan prompts them to do it. In so doing they effectually place that means in the enemys ranks. Satan works the matter to suit his own purpose and keeps from the cause of God the means which it needs, that it may be abundantly sustained. The efforts made to get the truth before the people are not half as thorough and extensive as they should be. Not a fiftieth part is now being done to extend the truth that might be done by scattering publications and bringing within the sound of the truth all that can be induced to come. {2T 655.1}[56]

§115 许多人的宽容时期正在结束。撒但正在天天收聚他的生灵。有些人正在作出反对真理的最后决定，许多人垂垂待毙却还不知道真理。他们的心思没有受到光照，他们的罪还没有悔改，可是自命敬虔的人却在积攒地上的财宝，而且力求得到更多。他们对于自己影响范围之内且正在因缺乏知识而灭亡的男男女女的状况毫无感觉。本着爱心和谦卑做有良好管理的工作，会大有作为，可以开导他们的同胞，使他们悔改；但许多可以成就极大善工的人，其榜样却实际上在说：你们的灵魂对我来说不如我属世的利益有价值。【2T.655.2】[57]

§116 The probation of many is closing. Satan is daily gathering his harvest of souls. Some are making final decisions against the truth, and many are dying without a knowledge of it. Their minds are unenlightened, and their sins unrepented of; and yet men professing godliness are hoarding up their earthly treasures and directing their efforts to gaining more. They are insensible to the condition of men and women who come within the sphere of their influence and who are perishing for want of knowledge. Well-directed labor, bestowed in love and humility, would do much to enlighten and convert their fellow men; but the example of many who might do great good is virtually saying: Your souls are of less value to me than my worldly interests. {2T 655.2}[57]

§117 许多人爱真理一点点，爱世界却很多。“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”（太7:16）。他们为属世的事而牺牲属灵的事。这等人没有结出圣洁的果子，他们的榜样也不会使罪人知罪悔改，离开偏行己路的错误，归向真理。他们任由生灵走向灭亡，其实他们可以施行拯救，只要他们愿意为他人的利益作出恳切的努力，象他们为获取今生的财宝而付出的努力一样。为了获得更多他们实际上并不需要的，只会增加他们罪责的今生的事物，许多人按照高压的计划作工，置健康和属灵的快乐及自己家庭的平安、舒适和幸福于危险中。他们任由身边的人走向灭亡，因为他们担心若是去救他们就会需要花费他们的一点光阴或钱财。金钱是他们的神。他们断定牺牲自己的钱财去救灵是不划算的。【2T.656.1】[58]

§118 Many love the truth a little, but they love this world more. By their fruits ye shall know them. Spiritual things are sacrificed for temporal. The fruit that such bear is not unto holiness, and their example will not be such as to convict sinners and convert them from the error of their ways to the truth. They allow souls to go to perdition, when they might save them if they would make as earnest efforts in their behalf as they have made to secure the treasures of this life. To obtain more of the things of the world, which they do not really need and which only increase their responsibility and condemnation, many labor on the high-pressure plan, and peril health and spiritual enjoyment, and the peace, comfort, and happiness of their families. They let souls go to perdition around them because they fear that it will require a little of their time and means to save them. Money is their god. They decide that it will not pay to sacrifice their means to save souls. {2T 656.1}[58]

§119 那受托一千银子的人，不必为五千、两千银子负责，而是为这一千有责任。许多人疏忽了用上帝所借给他们的钱财行善，从而为自己积攒财宝在天上。他们不信任上帝，对将来有一千种担心。他们象以色列人一样有不信的恶心。上帝照这班人所需的给他们作了丰富的预备；但他们为将来自寻烦恼。他们在旅途中劳骚报怨，说摩西领他们出来是要饿死他们和他们的儿女。想象上的需要关闭了他们的眼睛和心门，使他们看不到旅途中上帝的良善与恩慈，对祂一切的厚恩忘恩负义。在这个不信而且堕落的时代，自称上帝子民的人也是这样充满不信任。他们担心自己可能会陷入缺乏，他们的儿女可能会变得非常贫穷，他们的孙辈会一无所有。他们不敢倚靠上帝。他们虽蒙祂委以今生的福惠和才干用来推进祂的圣工，增进祂的荣耀，却对祂没有真实的信心。【2T.656.2】[59]

§120 The one to whom is entrusted one talent is not responsible for five, or for two, but for the one. Many neglect to lay up for themselves a treasure in heaven by doing good with the means that God has lent them. They distrust God and have a thousand fears in regard to the future. Like the children of Israel they have evil hearts of unbelief. God provided this people with abundance, as their needs required; but they borrowed trouble for the future. They complained and murmured in their travels that Moses had led them out to kill them and their children with hunger. Imaginary want closed their eyes and hearts from seeing the goodness and mercies of God in their journeyings, and they were ungrateful for all His bounties. So also are the distrustful, professed people of God in this age of unbelief and degeneracy. They fear that they may come to want, or that their children may become needy, or that their grandchildren will be destitute. They dare not trust God. They have no genuine faith in Him who has entrusted them with the blessings and bounties of life, and who has given them talents to use to His glory in advancing His cause. {2T 656.2}[59]

§121 许多人不断照顾自己，以致不给上帝机会照顾他们。他们若是有时稍有缺乏，陷入困境，对他们的信心来说倒是最好的事。他们若是愿意冷静地信靠上帝，等候祂为他们行事，则他们的需要就是上帝的机会；祂在他们急难时的祝福就会增加他们对祂的爱，使他们前所未有地在一种更高的意义上重视现世的福气。他们就会更有信心，更有盼望，就会高兴快活而非阴郁、怀疑和报怨。许多人的信心因为缺乏运用而没有增长。【2T.657.1】[60]

§122 Many have such a constant care for themselves that they give God no opportunity to care for them. If they should be a little short at times, and be brought into strait places, it would be the best thing for their faith. If they would calmly trust in God, and wait for Him to work for them, their necessity would be Gods opportunity; and His blessing in their emergency would increase their love for Him and lead them to prize their temporal blessings in a higher sense than they have ever done before. Their faith would increase, their hope would brighten, and cheerfulness would take the place of gloom and doubts and murmuring. The faith of very many does not grow for want of exercise. {2T 657.1}[60]

§123 正在侵蚀上帝子民命脉的，是贪爱钱财和与世俗为友。上帝子民的特权是在世上发光照耀，增加认识上帝的知识，对祂的旨意有清楚的理解。但是今生的挂虑和钱财的迷惑挤住了撒在他们心中的种子，他们就没有结出果子来荣耀上帝。他们自称有信心，却不是活泼的信心，因为他们的信心没有行为支持。单有信心而没有行为就是死的。那些自称大有信心却没有行为的人，不会因他们的信心得救。撒但也相信真理而且战兢，但这种信心不具有任何功效。许多人作出了高尚的信仰表白，却缺乏好行为。他们若是用自己的行为表明他们的信心，就能在真理这边发挥一种强大的感化力。但是他们没有善用上帝所借给他们的钱财。那些想要藉着遗嘱把自己的财产给儿女，或者扣留向上帝圣工的奉献，而将自己的钱财交到不信的人手中，从而平息自己良心的人，将不得不向上帝交账；他们是上帝钱财不忠心的管家。他们竟允许撒但藉着这些儿女凌驾在他们之上，这些儿女的心意是在撒但控制之下的。撒但正在许多方面实现自己的目的，而上帝的管家似乎麻木瘫痪了；他们没有认识到自己的大责任和必要速速来到的交账时刻。【2T.657.2】[61]

§124 That which is eating out the vitals of Gods people is the love of money and friendship with the world. It is the privilege of Gods people to be bright and shining lights in the world, to increase in the knowledge of God, and to have a clear understanding of His will. But the cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches choke the seed sown in their hearts, and they bear no fruit to His glory. They profess faith, but it is not a living faith because it is not sustained by works. Faith without works is dead, being alone. Those who profess great faith, yet have not works, will not be saved by their faith. Satan believes the truth and trembles, yet this kind of faith possesses no virtue. Many who have made a high profession of faith are deficient in good works. If they should show their faith by their works they could exert a powerful influence on the side of truth. But they do not improve upon the talents of means lent them of God. Those who think to ease their consciences by willing their property to their children, or by withholding from Gods cause and suffering it to pass into the hands of unbelieving, reckless children for them to squander or hoard up and worship, will have to render an account to God; they are unfaithful stewards of their Lords money. They allow Satan to outgeneral them through these children, whose minds are under his control. Satans purposes are accomplished in many ways, while the stewards of God seem stupefied and paralyzed; they do not realize their great responsibility and the reckoning which must shortly come. {2T 657.2}[61]

§125 那些拥有财产且被这世界的神弄瞎了心眼的人，在处理财产时似乎是受撒但控制着。他们若既有忠实信主的儿女，也有全部情意都系在今生事物上的儿女，他们在把钱财转移给自己的儿女时，通常就会把大部分给那些不爱上帝且在服侍众义之敌的儿女，而不是给那些正在侍奉上帝的儿女。【2T.658.1】[62]

§126 Those who have property and whose minds are darkened by the god of this world seem to be controlled by Satan in the disposal of it. If they have true, believing children, and also children whose affections are wholly upon the things of the world, in making a transfer of their means to their children, they generally give a larger amount to those children who do not love God, and who are serving the enemy of all righteousness, than to those who are serving God. {2T 658.1}[62]

§127 他们将钱财放在不忠心的儿女手中，会证明对儿女是一个陷阱，会成为路障，阻挡他们降服于上帝。他们将大部分财产给不信的儿女，却给那些与他们具有同样信仰的人很少的一部分。这种行为应当令已经采取这种行为的有钱财的人感到震惊。他们应当看到钱财的迷惑已经颠倒了他们的判断。他们若能看到自己的心思受了什么影响，就会明白撒但已使这些事符合他的目的和计划。不是上帝在控制着他们的心意，圣化他们的判断，而是相反的能力在控制他们。他们有时甚至忽略了一直与他们有同样信仰的人，在待这些人的一切事上常常非常小气苛刻；同时却慷慨地对待不信的、爱世界的儿女，他们明知这些儿女不会用父母放在他们手中的钱财去推进上帝的圣工。上帝要求那些已蒙祂托付钱财的人正确地使用这些钱财，着重推进祂的圣工。每一个其它的考虑事项都应居于其次。【2T.658.2】[63]

§128 They place in the hands of the unfaithful children the very things that will prove a snare to them and that will be obstacles in the way of their making a surrender to God. While they make large presents to the unbelieving children they make very stinted gifts to those who are of the same faith with themselves. This very fact should startle the men of means who have pursued this course. They should see that the deceitfulness of riches has perverted their judgment. If they could see the influence operating upon their minds they would understand that Satan had these matters very much according to his own purposes and plans. Instead of Gods controlling the mind and sanctifying the judgment, it is controlled by exactly the opposite power. The ones who have been with them in the faith they sometimes even neglect, and are frequently very close and exacting in all their deal with them; while they have an open hand to the unbelieving, world-loving children, who they know will not use the means they have placed in their hands, to advance the cause of God. The Lord requires that those to whom He has lent talents of means make a right use of them, having the advancement of His cause prominent. Every other consideration should be inferior to this. {2T 658.2}[63]

§129 钱财的恩赐，无论是五千、两千、还是一千，都应予以善用。那些有大量钱财的人，要为大量钱财负责。但是那些比较贫穷的人也没有免除责任。那些在今生财物很少的人是由那有一千两银子的人代表的。但是他们同样很有危险太爱那点儿钱财，自私地保留那些儿钱财，不奉献给上帝的圣工，与有更多钱财的人一样。他们没有意识到自己的危险。他们只将上帝的话中对爱这世界之人惊心动魄的责备用在富人身上，其实他们自己甚至比更富有的人有更大的危险。他们拥有的钱财无论是多是少，都要交给兑换银钱的人，以便主来的时候可以连本带利收回本属祂自己的东西。他们还要保持献身于上帝，无私地关心祂的事工。他们要先求上帝的国和祂的义，相信祂要将一切都加给他们的应许。与每一个其它考虑事项相比，拯救他们的同胞应当是首要的考虑，然而情况一般都不是这样。若是什么地方有忽略，必是让上帝的圣工受损。上帝把才干借给人，不是要培育他们的骄傲，也不是要激起他们的嫉妒，而是要用来荣耀祂。祂已使这些人成为媒介，用以分散钱财，藉以推进救人的工作。基督已在自己的生活中给他们树立了一个榜样。祂撇下了祂在天上一切的财富和光彩，为我们的缘故成了贫穷，好使我们藉着祂的贫穷，可以成为富足。上帝的计划并不是从天上沛降钱财用来维持祂的圣工。祂已将充足的钱财委托给人，或者说存放在人手中，以便祂圣工的任何一个部门都没有缺乏。祂试验那些自称爱祂的人，将钱财放在他们手中，然后考验他们，要看他们是不是爱恩赐过于爱赐恩的主。上帝会最终显明人心的真实情绪。【2T.659.1】[64]

§130 The talents of means, be they five, two, or one, are to be improved. Those who have a large amount of means are responsible for a large number of talents. But the comparatively poor men are not released from responsibility. Those who have but little of this world are represented as having one talent. Yet they are in just as great danger of having too great love for that little, and of selfishly retaining it from the cause of God, as are the more wealthy. They do not sense their danger. They apply the stirring reproofs addressed in the word of God to the lovers of this world, to the rich alone, while they themselves may be in even greater danger than the more wealthy. Whether they have much or little, all are required to put their talents out to the exchangers, that when the Master comes He may receive His own with usury. They are also required to maintain a consecration to God and an unselfish interest in His cause and work. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, they are to believe His promise that all things shall be added. In comparison with every other consideration the salvation of the souls of their fellow men should be primary, but this is not generally the case. If there is a neglect anywhere, it is the cause of God that must suffer. God has lent men talents, not to foster their pride, or to excite in them envy, but to be used by them to His glory. He has made these men agents to disperse the means with which to carry forward the work of the salvation of men. Christ has given them an example in His life. He left all His heavenly riches and splendor, and for our sakes became poor, that we, through His poverty, might be made rich. It is not the plan of God to rain down means from heaven in order that His cause may be sustained. He has entrusted, or deposited, ample means with men, that there shall be no lack in any department of His work. He proves those who profess to love Him by placing means in their hands, and then tries them to see if they love the gift better than the Giver. God will reveal, in time, the true feelings of the heart. {2T 659.1}[64]

§131 为要推进上帝的圣工，钱财是必不可少的。上帝已为这种需要作了准备，将丰富的财物放在祂的代理手中，要用在救灵工作可能需要用到这些财物的任何一个部门。每一个生灵的得救都是挣得的一份银子。一个人若是真的悔改了，他既认识了真理，便会把上帝所赐给他的感化力和钱财的恩赐用在拯救他同胞的工作上。每一个蒙拯救的人都受托一份才干。他们若真实悔改，明白上帝神圣旨意的知识，便会运用上帝所赐的钱财和影响拯救自己的同胞。他会热心从事伟大的工作——光照那些在黑暗和错谬中的人。他会成为救灵的工具。这样，感化力和钱财的恩赐便不断得到兑换，持续增加。主人来时，忠心的仆人已准备好，把本金和利息都归还给祂。他能用自己所结的果子表明自己所增加的好归还给主的才干。忠心的仆人那时就会完成自己的工作，而那要按各人所行的报应各人的主，则会将本金和利息都还给那忠心的仆人。【2T.660.1】[65]

§132 In order to advance the cause of God, means are necessary. God has provided for this necessity by placing an abundance in the hands of His agents to use in any department of the work where it may be required in the labor of saving souls. Every soul saved is a talent gained. If truly converted, the one brought to a knowledge of the truth will, in his turn, use the talents of influence and of means which God has given him, in working for the salvation of his fellow men. He will engage with earnestness in the great work of enlightening those who are in darkness and error. He will be instrumental in saving souls. Thus the talents of influence and means are continually exchanging and constantly increasing. When the Master comes, the faithful servant is prepared to return Him both principal and interest. By his fruits he can show the increase of talents that he has gained to return to the Master. The faithful servant will then have done his work, and the Master, whose reward is with Him to give every man according as his work shall be, will return to that faithful servant both principal and interest. {2T 660.1}[65]

§133 主已在祂的圣言中清楚地启示了祂对那些富人的旨意。但是因为祂直接的命令已被轻视，祂便仁慈地藉着证言把他们的危险摆在他们面前。祂没有赐下新的亮光，而是唤起他们注意那已在祂圣言中启示了的亮光。那些自称热爱真理人若是把持自己的财富，没能顺从上帝的道，也不寻找机会用上帝托付他们的财富行善，祂就要临近他们，且会分散他们的钱财。祂会带着审判临近他们。祂会以多种方式打散他们的偶像。他们会遭受许多损失。自私的心灵必受咒诅。但“好施舍的，必致丰裕”（箴11:25）。那些尊荣上帝的，上帝必尊荣他们。【2T.660.2】[66]

§134 In His word the Lord has plainly revealed His will to those who have riches. But because His direct commands have been slighted, He mercifully presents their dangers before them through the Testimonies. He does not give new light, but calls their attention to the light that has already been revealed in His word. If those who profess to love the truth are holding on to their riches and, failing to obey the word of God, do not seek opportunities to do good with that which He has entrusted to them, He will come closer and will scatter their means. He will come near to them with judgments. He will in various ways scatter their idols. Many losses will be sustained. The souls of the selfish shall be unblest. But the liberal soul shall be made fat. Those who honor God, He will honor. {2T 660.2}[66]

§135 耶和华曾与以色列人立约。他们若谨守祂的诫命，祂就给他们降下时雨，叫地生出土产，田野的树木也结果子。祂应许说，他们打粮食要打到摘葡萄的时候，摘葡萄要摘到撒种的时候，并且要吃得饱足，在他们的地上安然居住。祂就使他们的仇敌灭亡。祂就不会憎恶他们，而会与他们同行，作他们的上帝，他们要做祂的子民。但他们若是漠视祂的要求，祂就会对他们做与这一切完全相反的事。祂的咒诅就会降在他们身上，代替祝福。祂就会打破他们因势力而有的骄傲，又要使覆他们的天如铁，载他们的地如铜。“你们要白白地劳力，因为你们的地不出土产，其上的树木也不结果子。你们行事若与我反对，”“我就要行事与你们反对”（利26:20-24）。【2T.661.1】[67]

§136 The Lord made a covenant with Israel that, if they would obey His commandments, He would give them rain in due season, the land should yield her increase, and the trees of the field should yield their fruit. He promised that their threshing should reach unto the vintage and the vintage unto the sowingtime, and that they should eat their bread to the full and dwell in their land safely. He would make their enemies to perish. He would not abhor them, but would walk with them and would be their God, and they should be His people. But if they disregarded His requirements, He would deal with them entirely contrary to all this. His curse should rest upon them in place of His blessing. He would break their pride of power and would make the heavens over them as iron and the earth as brass. Your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits. And if ye walk contrary unto Me, then will I also walk contrary unto you. {2T 661.1}[67]

§137 如果上帝下手分散，那些自私扣留自己钱财的人不必感到惊讶。那原本应当奉献于推进上帝事工却被扣留了的钱财，可能会被委托给一个粗心草率的儿子，而他可能把它浪费掉。或许会发现出于虚荣之心的骄傲而购买的一匹良马，死在了马厩里。有时候可能是死了一头牛。果木或庄稼的损失也许接踵而来。如果上帝的管家拒绝使用祂所借给他们的钱财荣耀祂，上帝就可以下手分散。我看到，有些人可能没有遇到这些损失来提醒他们所怠慢了的责任，但他们的情形可能更加无望。【2T.661.2】[68]

§138 Those who are selfishly withholding their means need not be surprised if Gods hand scatters. That which should have been devoted to the advancement of the work and cause of God, but which has been withheld, may be entrusted to a reckless son, and he may squander it. A fine horse, the pride of a vain heart, may be found dead in the stable. Occasionally a cow may die. Losses of fruit or other crops may come. God can scatter the means He has lent to His stewards, if they refuse to use it to His glory. Some, I saw, may have none of these losses to remind them of their remissness in duty, but their cases may be the more hopeless. {2T 661.2}[68]

§139 耶稣警告百姓：“你们要谨慎自守，免去一切的贪心；因为人的生命不在乎家道丰富。就用比喻对他们说：有一个财主，田产丰盛，自己心里思想说：我的出产没有地方收藏，怎么办呢？又说：我要这么办：要把我的仓房拆了，另盖更大的，在那里好收藏我一切的粮食和财物，然后要对我的灵魂说：灵魂哪，你有许多财物积存，可作多年的费用，只管安安逸逸的吃喝快乐吧！上帝却对他说：无知的人哪，今夜必要你的灵魂，你所预备的要归谁呢？凡为自己积财，在上帝面前却不富足的，也是这样”（路12:15-21）。随后，祂对自己的门徒说：“所以我告诉你们：不要为生命忧虑吃什么，为身体忧虑穿什么；因为生命胜于饮食，身体胜于衣裳”（路12:22-23）。【2T.662.1】[69]

§140 Jesus warned the people: Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a mans life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And He spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. He then addressed His disciples: Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. {2T 662.1}[69]

§141 主赐下这些警告是为了众人的益处。他们愿意善用这些警告吗？他们愿意受益吗？他们愿意重视我们救主的这些惊人的说明，避免那个愚昧财主的榜样吗？他很丰富充裕，许多自称相信的人也是这样，他们却在扮演那个可怜的无知财主的角色。但愿他们有智慧，感到落在自己身上的责任，去用上帝所赐给他们的福气造福别人，而不是把这些福气变成咒诅。上帝会对所有这种人象对那无知的财主一样说：“无知的人哪！”【2T.662.2】[70]

§142 These warnings are given for the benefit of all. Will they improve the warnings given? Will they be benefited? Will they regard these striking illustrations of our Saviour and shun the example of the foolish rich man? He had an abundance; so have many who profess to believe the truth, and they are acting over the case of the poor, foolish rich man. Oh, that they would be wise and feel the obligations resting upon them to use the blessings that God has given them in blessing others, instead of turning them into a curse. God will say to all such, as to the foolish rich man: Thou fool. {2T 662.2}[70]

§143 人们的行为好像已经失去了理智。他们埋头于今生的挂虑之中。他们没有时间奉献给上帝，没有时间侍奉祂。工作，工作，工作，就是他们白天的情况。关于他们的一切都要按高压的计划工作，去照顾他们的大农场。他们的野心就是拆了仓房另盖更大的，好用来存放他们的财物。但是这些被自己的财物压弯了腰的人竟被认为是跟从基督的人。他们号称相信基督就要来了，万物的结局近了，却一点儿没有牺牲的精神。他们在世界里越陷越深。他们让自己只有很少的时间学习生命之道，也很少默想和祷告。他们也不给自己家里的人或那些服侍他们的人这种特权。可是这些人却自称相信这世界不是他们的家乡，他们在地上只是寄居的，是客旅，预备搬到一个更美的家乡。所有这种人的榜样和影响对上帝的圣工都是一个咒诅。他们自称的基督徒生活表现出空洞伪善的特色。他们爱上帝和真理的心就只有他们的行为显出的那么多，再没有什么了。一个人必将他全部的信心付诸行动。“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”（太7:16）。他们的财宝在哪里，他们的心也在那里。他们的财宝是在地上，他们的心思和兴趣也在地上。【2T.662.3】[71]

§144 Men act as though they were bereft of their reason. They are buried up in the cares of this life. They have no time to devote to God, no time to serve Him. Work, work, work, is the order of the day. All about them are required to labor upon the high-pressure plan, to take care of large farms. To tear down and build greater is their ambition, that they may have wherewith to bestow their goods. Yet these very men who are weighed down with their riches pass for Christs followers. They have the name of believing that Christ is soon to come, that the end of all things is at hand; yet they have no spirit of sacrifice. They are plunging deeper and deeper into the world. They allow themselves but little time to study the word of life and to meditate and pray. Neither do they give others in their family, or those who serve them, this privilege. Yet these men profess to believe that this world is not their home, that they are merely pilgrims and strangers upon the earth, preparing to move to a better country. The example and influence of all such is a curse to the cause of God. Hollow hypocrisy characterizes their professed Christian lives. They love God and the truth just as much as their works show, and no more. A man will act out all the faith he has. By their fruits ye shall know them. The heart is where the treasure is. Their treasure is upon this earth, and their hearts and interests are also here. {2T 662.3}[71]

§145 “我的弟兄们，若有人说自己有信心，却没有行为，有什么益处呢？这信心能救他吗”（雅2:14）？“这样，信心若没有行为就是死的”（雅2:17）。当那些自称相信真道之人的生活与他们的信仰相符时，我们就会看到有一种能力伴随着真理的传讲，这种能力会使罪人知罪，吸引人亲近基督。【2T.663.1】[72]

§146 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. When those who profess the faith show their lives to be consistent with their faith, then we shall see a power attending the presentation of the truth, a power that will convict the sinner and draw souls nigh to Christ. {2T 663.1}[72]

§147 具有始终如一的信心的富人很少见。有行为支持的真信心也很少见。但是凡具有这种信心的人必不会缺乏感化力。他们会效法基督；他们会拥有祂曾拥有的那种无私的仁爱心，那种对救灵工作的关心。跟从基督的人应该象祂那样重视生灵。他们应当同情支持亲爱救赎主的工作，应当努力拯救祂宝血所买来的人，不计任何牺牲。金钱、房屋和田产与一个人的灵魂相比算得了什么呢？【2T.663.2】[73]

§148 A consistent faith is rare among rich men. Genuine faith, sustained by works, is seldom found. But all who possess this faith will be men who will not lack influence. They will copy after Christ; they will possess that disinterested benevolence, that interest in the work of saving souls, that He had. The followers of Christ should value souls as He valued them. Their sympathies should be with the work of their dear Redeemer, and they should labor to save the purchase of His blood, at any sacrifice. What are money, houses, and lands in comparison with even one soul? {2T 663.2}[73]

§149 基督已做了充分而完全的牺牲，足以拯救亚当的每一个儿女，他们应该向上帝悔改，因为他们违背了祂的律法，且应对我们的主耶稣基督表现出信心。然而尽管所做的牺牲是充足的，却只有很少的人同意过顺从的生活，以便拥有这伟大的救恩。很少有人甘愿效法祂令人惊异的穷困，经受祂的痛苦和逼迫，分担祂令人疲惫不堪的工作，使别人来就光。但是很少有人愿意效法祂的榜样，恳切热切地向上帝祈求力量忍受今生的考验，尽每日的本分。基督是我们救恩的元帅，祂已用自己的苦难和牺牲给凡跟从祂的人树立了一个榜样，他们若愿正确地表现祂胸怀中常存的对堕落人类的爱，就必需警醒祈祷，并且付出恒切的努力。【2T.664.1】[74]

§150 Christ made a full and complete sacrifice, a sacrifice sufficient to save every son and daughter of Adam who should show repentance toward God for having transgressed His law, and manifest faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Yet notwithstanding the sacrifice was ample, but few consent to a life of obedience that they may have this great salvation. Few are willing to imitate His amazing privations, to endure His sufferings and persecutions, and to share His exhausting labor to bring others to the light. But few will follow His example in earnest, frequent prayer to God for strength to endure the trials of this life and perform its daily duties. Christ is the Captain of our salvation, and by His own sufferings and sacrifice He has given an example to all His followers that watchfulness and prayer, and persevering effort, were necessary on their part if they would rightly represent the love which dwelt in His bosom for the fallen race. {2T 664.1}[74]

§151 有财产的人在属灵上濒临死亡，因为他们忽略使用上帝放在他们手中的钱财去帮助拯救自己的同胞。有些人有时会醒悟，决心用不义的钱财结交朋友，好使他们可以最终被接到永存的帐幕里去。但是他们在这方面的努力并不彻底。他们虽然开了头，但是没有衷心彻底地认真做这工作，所以就失败了。他们在好事上并不富足。当他们留恋于喜爱和把握地上的财宝时，撒但便乘机胜过了他们。【2T.664.2】[75]

§152 Men of property are dying spiritually because of their neglect to use the means God has placed in their hands to aid in saving their fellow men. Some become aroused at times and resolve that they will make to themselves friends with the unrighteous mammon, that they may finally be received into everlasting habitations. But their efforts in this direction are not thorough. They commence, but, not being heartily and thoroughly in earnest in the work, they make a failure. They are not rich in good works. While lingeringly retaining their love and grasp of their earthly treasures, Satan outgenerals them. {2T 664.2}[75]

§153 投资于专利产品或其它某种据认为很光彩的事业或许会呈现出讨人喜欢的前景，撒但将他迷人的魅力投在这些计划周围。快速而且轻易获取更多金钱的前景引诱着他们。他们想，虽然自己曾决心把这些钱投入到上帝的库中，但还是先用在这事上吧，等它大大增值以后，再向圣工奉献一笔更大的数目。他们看不到有失败的可能性。他们的钱财出手之后，他们不久就悔恨地认识到自己犯了错误。光彩的前景消失了。他们的种种期望没有实现。他们受骗了。撒但用战术胜过了他们。他比他们更精明，没法使他们的钱财流入他的阵营，从而使上帝的圣工失去了原应用来维持它以传播真理和拯救基督代死之生灵的钱财。他们损失了所投资的一切，并且抢夺了他们原应归还给上帝的东西。【2T.665.1】[76]

§154 A flattering prospect may be presented to invest in patent rights or some other supposed brilliant enterprise around which Satan throws a bewitching enchantment. The prospect of getting more money, fast and easily, allures them. They reason that, although they had resolved to put this money into the treasury of God, they will use it in this instance, and will greatly increase it, and will then give a larger sum to the cause. They can see no possibility of a failure. Away goes the means out of their hands, and they soon learn, to their regret, that they have made a mistake. The brilliant prospects have faded. Their expectations are not realized. They were deceived. Satan outgeneraled them. He was more shrewd than they, and he managed to get their means into his ranks and thus deprive the cause of God of that which should have been used to sustain it in extending the truth and saving souls for whom Christ died. They lost all they had invested, and robbed God of that which they should have rendered to Him. {2T 665.1}[76]

§155 有些受托一千银子的人因自己不如那些受托许多银子的人银数多而为自己开脱。他们象那不忠心的仆人一样把那一千银子藏在地里。他们害怕把上帝所委托给他们的交给上帝。他们从事属世的事业，对上帝的圣工即使有投资，也是很少。他们期望那些银子多的人去负起工作的责任，却觉得自己对圣工的推进和成功没有责任。【2T.665.2】[77]

§156 Some who have been entrusted with only one talent excuse themselves because they have not as large a number of talents as those to whom are entrusted many talents. Like the unfaithful steward they hide the one talent in the earth. They are afraid to render to God that which He has entrusted to them. They engage in worldly enterprises, but invest little, if anything, in the cause of God. They expect that those who have large talents will bear the burden of the work, while they feel that they are not responsible for its advancement and success. {2T 665.2}[77]

§157 当主人来和仆人们算账时，愚昧的仆人们便要慌张地承认：“我知道你是忍心的人，没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛。我就害怕[害怕什么呢？害怕主人要求所委托给他们的钱财的一部分]，去把你的一千银子埋藏在地里。请看，你的原银子在这里。”他的主人要回答说：“你这又恶又懒的仆人，你既知道我没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛，就当把我的银子放给兑换银钱的人，到我来的时候，可以连本带利收回。夺过他这一千来，给那有一万的。因为凡有的，还要加给他，叫他有余；没有的，连他所有的也要夺过来。把这无用的仆人丢在外面黑暗里，在那里必要哀哭切齿了”（太25:25-30）。【2T.665.3】[78]

§158 When the master comes to reckon with his servants, the unwise servants will acknowledge with confusion: I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed; and I was afraid [Afraid of what? That the lord would claim some portion of the small talent entrusted to them], and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord will answer: Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed; thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming, I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto everyone that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. {2T 665.3}[78]

§159 那领一千银子的仆人象征这世界上许多钱财很少的人。他们害怕倚靠上帝，害怕祂会要某种他们声称是属于自己的东西。他们把自己的银子藏在地里，不敢作任何投资，免得蒙召把收益交还上帝。他们不但不照上帝所要求的，将银子交给兑换银钱的人，反而把它埋在或藏在上帝和人都不能从中受益的地方。许多自称热爱真理的人正在做这种事。他们在欺骗自己的心灵，因为撒但已弄瞎了他们的眼目。他们在抢夺上帝时，自己丧失了更多。他们因为贪婪和不信的恶心，使自己丧失了天国的财宝。他们因为只有一千银子，便不敢把它托付给上帝，所以就把它藏在了地里。他们觉得自己解除了责任。他们喜爱看到真理进展，但并不认为自己蒙召要实行舍己，并且藉着自己个人的努力和自己的钱财帮助这工作，尽管他们的钱财不多。【2T.666.1】[79]

§160 Many who have but little of this world are represented by the man with one talent. They are afraid to trust God. They are afraid that He will require something which they claim to be their own. They hide their talent in the earth, fearing to invest it anywhere, lest they will be called to give back the improvements to God. Instead of putting the talent out to the exchangers, as God required, they bury it, or hide it, where neither God nor man can be benefited by it. Many who profess to love the truth are doing this very work. They are deceiving their own souls, for Satan has blinded their eyes. In robbing God, they have robbed themselves more. Because of covetousness and an evil heart of unbelief, they have deprived themselves of the heavenly treasure. Because they have but one talent, they are afraid to trust it with God, and so hide it in the earth. They feel relieved of responsibility. They love to see the truth progress, but do not think that they are called upon to practice self-denial and aid the work by their own individual effort and by their means, although they have not a large amount. {2T 666.1}[79]

§161 人人都当有所作为。经上记载那个投了两个小钱的穷寡妇的事，是为了别人的益处。基督因她所做的牺牲而称赞她，并且叫门徒注意她的行为：“我实在告诉你们：这穷寡妇投入库里的，比众人所投的更多。因为他们都是自己有余，拿出来投在里头；但这寡妇是自己不足，把她一切养生的都投上了”（可12:43-44）。基督看她的奉献比很富足之人的大笔捐献更有价值。他们是自己有余，拿来捐上。他们不会因自己的捐献感到任何缺乏。但那寡妇甚至剥夺了自己生活的必需品才做出那点捐献。她看不到自己将来的缺乏如何得到供应。她没有丈夫在贫困中支持她。她倚靠上帝过明天的生活。奉献的价值并不是照奉献的数量估计的，而是按比例和促使人奉献的动机。基督降临的时候，祂的赏赐在祂面前，祂要照各人的行为报应各人。【2T.666.2】[80]

§162 All should do something. The case of the widow who cast in her two mites is placed upon record for the benefit of others. Christ commended her for the sacrifice she made and called the attention of His disciples to the act: Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury: for all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living. Christ esteemed her gift more valuable than the large offerings of the most wealthy. They gave of their abundance. They would not feel the least privation because of their offerings. But the widow had deprived herself of even the necessaries of life to make her little offering. She could not see how her future wants were to be supplied. She had no husband to support her in want. She trusted God for the morrow. The value of the gift is not estimated so much by the amount that is given as by the proportion and by the motive which prompts the gift. When Christ shall come, whose reward is with Him, He will give every man according as his work shall be. {2T 666.2}[80]

§163 不论贵贱贫富，人人都蒙主托付一定的才干；根据他们各自的能力，有的多，有的少。上帝的福气会降在恳切、仁爱、殷勤的工人身上。他们的投资会成功，会得人进入上帝的国，且为自己获得一份不朽的财宝。人人都是有道德能力的人，人人都受托天上的财物。得才的比例是按照各人具有的能力而定的。【2T.667.1】[81]

§164 All, both high and low, rich and poor, have been entrusted by the Master with talents; some more, some less, according to their several ability. The blessing of God will rest upon the earnest, loving, diligent workers. Their investment will be successful and will secure souls to the kingdom of God and an immortal treasure to themselves. All are moral agents, and all are entrusted with the goods of heaven. The talents are proportioned according to the capabilities possessed by each. {2T 667.1}[81]

§165 上帝给每一个人分配了工作，祂希望按照不同的托付得到回报。祂不向受托一千银子的人要求受托一万银子之人的收益。祂也不希望贫穷的人象富人那样施舍。祂不希望软弱受苦的人有健康之人的活动和力量。那一千银子，若予最佳使用，上帝也必悦纳：“乃是照他所有的，并不是照他所无的”（林后8:12）。【2T.667.2】[82]

§166 God gives to every man his work, and He expects returns according to the various trusts bestowed. He does not require the increase of ten talents from the man to whom He has given only one talent. He does not expect the man of poverty to give alms as the man who has riches. He does not expect of the feeble and suffering the activity and strength which the healthy man has. The one talent, used to the best account, God will accept, according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. {2T 667.2}[82]

§167 上帝称我们为仆人，暗示我们受雇于祂从事一定的工作，并承担某些责任。祂藉给我们资本是要我们去投资。那不是我们自己的财产，我们若囤积主的财物或随我们的意思耗费它们，就会令上帝不悦。我们要为善用或滥用于上帝如此借给我们的东西负责。我们若将主放在我们手中的这种资本搁置不用，或把它埋在地里，即使只有一千银子，我们也要蒙召向主人交账。祂要连本带利收回的，不是我们自己的，而是祂自己的东西。【2T.668.1】[83]

§168 God calls us servants, which implies that we are employed by Him to do a certain work and bear certain responsibilities. He has lent us capital for investment. It is not our property, and we displease God if we hoard up our Lords goods or spend them as we please. We are responsible for the use or abuse of that which God has thus lent us. If this capital which the Lord has placed in our hands lies dormant, or we bury it in the earth, even if it is only one talent, we shall be called to an account by the Master. He requires, not ours, but His own with usury. {2T 668.1}[83]

§169 交还给主的每一千银子都要受到详细审查。上帝仆人的作为和信靠不会被认为是一件无足轻重的事。每一个人都要亲自受到处理，要为所托付他的银子交账，无论他是善用了还是滥用了。所给予的赏赐将与对银子的善用相称。所给予的刑罚也会按照对银子的滥用而定。【2T.668.2】[84]

§170 Every talent which returns to the Master will be scrutinized. The doings and trusts of Gods servants will not be considered an unimportant matter. Every individual will be dealt with personally and will be required to give an account of the talents entrusted to him, whether he has improved or abused them. The reward bestowed will be proportionate to the improvement of the talents. The punishment awarded will be according as the talents have been abused. {2T 668.2}[84]

§171 每一个人都当询问：我有什么东西是属于我主的，我要如何用它来荣耀祂呢？基督说：“你们去作生意，直等我回来。”天上的主正在回来的路上。现在就是我们蒙恩的机会。银子是在我们手中。我们要用它们荣耀上帝呢，还是要滥用它们呢？我们今天可以用它们去做生意，但明天我们的宽容时期可能结束，我们的账目就永远确定了。【2T.668.3】[85]

§172 The inquiry of each one should be: What have I of my Lords, and how shall I use it to His glory? Occupy, says Christ, till I come. The heavenly Master is on His journey. Our gracious opportunity is now. The talents are in our hands. Shall we use them to Gods glory, or shall we abuse them? We may trade with them today, but tomorrow our probation may end and our account be forever fixed. {2T 668.3}[85]

§173 我们的才干若用在拯救我们的同胞上，上帝就会得到荣耀。骄傲和地位成了奢侈、虚荣的炫耀、野心和放荡自私的借口。主的银子作为一种宝贵的福气借给了人，若是被滥用了，就会使人招致可怕的咒诅。我们可以用财富来推进上帝的圣工，救济寡妇和孤儿的需要。我们在这样做时，就是在为自己聚敛丰富的福气。我们不仅会得到受惠者的感激之词，正是为了这个目的才将钱财放在我们手中的主也会使我们的心灵象浇灌的园子，又像水流不绝的泉源。当收割时节到来时，我们中间谁会拥有那难以言表的喜乐——看到我们所收集的禾捆，作为我们忠心而无私地使用主所放在我们手中用来荣耀祂的才干的报赏呢？【2T.668.4】[86]

§174 If our talents are invested for the salvation of our fellow men, God will be glorified. Pride and position are made apologies for extravagance, vain show, ambition, and profligate selfishness. The Lords talents, lent to man as a precious blessing, will, if abused, reflect upon him a terrible curse. Riches may be used by us to advance the cause of God and to relieve the wants of the widow and the fatherless. In so doing, we gather to ourselves rich blessings. Not only shall we receive expressions of gratitude from the recipients of our bounties, but the Lord Himself, who has placed the means in our hands for this very purpose, will make our souls like a watered garden whose waters fail not. When the reaping time shall come, who of us will have the inexpressible joy of seeing the sheaves we have gathered, as a recompense of our fidelity and our unselfish use of the talents the Lord has placed in our hands to use for His glory? {2T 668.4}[86]

§175 佛蒙特州许多人明显没有达到上帝的要求。有些人在属灵上陷入冷淡和没有生命的状况，因为他们是不忠心的仆人。他们充满了爱世界的心，以致对天上的事失去了兴趣，在属灵的造诣上成了侏儒。这个州一直没有得以正确地开展工作。波德维勒已成了吸引力的中心。所有大型的聚集全都在一个地方举行，这就好比将灯放在斗底下。它的光线没有使全州的人受益。许多现在可以因认识真理而欢喜快乐的人，依然处在黑暗里。各样才干和特别的努力都被集中在一个地方。这不是主希望的状况。祂的计划是应当将警告和试验人的信息传给世人，祂的子民既是世上的光，就应散居各地，在世界的道德黑暗中作见证；他们的生活、他们的见证和他们的榜样可以成为活的香气叫人活，或者死的香气叫人死。【2T.669.1】[87]

§176 With many in Vermont there has been a decided failure to come up to the requirements of God. Some have fallen into a cold and lifeless condition spiritually because they are unfaithful servants. The love of the world has so filled their hearts that they have lost their relish for heavenly things and have become dwarfs in spiritual attainments. The state has been deprived of the right kind of labor. Bordoville has been the center of attraction. All the large gatherings have been held in one locality, which has been like putting light under a bushel; its rays have not benefited the people of the state at large. Many are still in darkness who might now be rejoicing in the knowledge of the truth. The talents and special efforts have been drawn to one locality. This is not as the Lord would have it. He designs that the warning, testing message should be given to the world, and that His people, who are the light of the world, should be scattered as witnesses amid the moral darkness of the world; that their lives, their testimony, and their example may be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. {2T 669.1}[87]

§177 D家的弟兄们需要谨慎，免得用他们自己的计划阻碍上帝的旨意。他们有缩小上帝深入广泛的工作的危险。【2T.669.2】[88]

§178 The Brethren D will need to be guarded, that they do not thwart the purposes of God by plans of their own. They are in danger of narrowing down the work of God, which is deep and extended. {2T 669.2}[88]

§179 D弟兄会有用狭窄的视角去看待圣工的危险。上帝已赐给他一种经验，若予以善用，就会很有价值。但他却喜欢用自己的个性改变那经验，并使别人的思想也受到影响。D弟兄若是不那么爱钻牛角尖，他作为工人的效用就会远为不同。他专心考虑一些事件和他自己的想法，并且详细地复述之，其实这些东西对别人来说并不重要。【2T.669.3】[89]

§180 Brother D will be in danger of taking too narrow views of the work. God has given him an experience which will be of value if he makes the right use of it. But there is danger that his peculiarities will shape that experience and that other minds will become affected. Brother Ds usefulness as a laborer is not what it otherwise would be if he were not so prone to concentrate the strength of his mind upon one idea. He dwells upon incidents and upon thoughts that he has had, and repeats them at length, when they are unimportant to others. {2T 669.3}[89]

§181 他开始考虑自己的健康，一心关注这个问题。他和他的症状成为谈话的主题。他刻意沿着自己既定的思路走到底；他在寻求自己方便时，却没有考虑他使别人多么不方便。他的心思在很大程度上局限于他自己的情况。这是他思想的主旨和谈话的主题。在健康问题上，他的这种过于仔细和周到没能使他获得原可获得的益处，他若是更多忘记自己，而且一天一天地参加体育锻炼，使他的心思转离自己，原可受益。【2T.670.1】[90]

§182 His mind was aroused in reference to the subject of his health. He concentrated the strength of his mind on this point. He and his symptoms were the principal subjects of conversation. He was particular to go through with the course he had established in his mind; and, when seeking his own accommodation, he failed to consider how inconvenient he made it for others. His mind has been, to a great extent, shut up to his own case. This was the burden of his thoughts and the theme of his conversation. In this precise, systematic course he has failed to receive the benefit, in point of health, that he might have realized if he had been more forgetful of himself and, from day to day, engaged in physical exercise, which would have diverted his mind from himself. {2T 670.1}[90]

§183 他在福音园地的工作中也明显有这些缺陷。他在向众人讲道时，会说许多道歉的话，重复说许多开场白，以致会众在他切入正题之前就变得厌倦了。传道人应尽量避免致歉和开场白。【2T.670.2】[91]

§184 The same deficiencies have marked his labor in the gospel field. In speaking to the people, he has many apologies to make and many preliminaries to repeat, and the congregation become wearied before he reaches his real subject. As far as possible, ministers should avoid apologies and preliminaries. {2T 670.2}[91]

§185 D弟兄太注重细节了。他仔细研究琐事，花时间解释实在不重要的和理所当然不用证明的要点，因为它们是不证自明的。但是确实至关重要的要点却应当尽量用语言和证据使它们有说服力，应当使它们象里程碑一样显著。他应当避免用许多话说明小细节，那会使听众在听到重要内容之前就厌倦了。【2T.670.3】[92]

§186 Brother D is too specific. He dwells upon minutiae. He takes time to explain points which are really unimportant and would be taken for granted without producing proof, for they are self-evident. But the real, vital points should be made as forcible as language and proof can make them. They should stand forth as prominent as mileposts. He should avoid many words over little particulars, which will weary the hearer before the important points are reached. {2T 670.3}[92]

§187 D弟兄很专心。当他思想某一方面时，很难让他思想别的方面；他长时间令人厌烦地思想某一点。在交谈时，他有令听的人感到厌倦的危险。他的作品也缺乏自由流畅的风格。一门心思想一件事，排斥其它事的习惯，是一种不幸。他应该明白这一点，且应努力约束和控制心智的这种能力，这种能力太过活跃了。心智的一个器官若是很活跃，这个器官就会加强，其它器官则被削弱。D弟兄若想在福音园地作一名成功的工人，就应当训练自己的思想。这个器官大大发育会削弱他的健康和效用。他心智的机能缺乏和谐，结果使身体受苦。【2T.670.4】[93]

§188 Brother D has large concentrativeness. When he gets his mind in a certain direction, it is difficult for him to place it anywhere else; he lingers tediously upon one point. In conversation he is in danger of wearying the listener. His writings lack a free, easy style. The habit of concentrating the mind upon one thing, to the exclusion of other things, is a misfortune. This should be understood by him, and he should labor to restrain and control this power of the mind, which is too active. Too great activity of one organ of the mind strengthens that organ to the enfeebling of other organs. If Brother D would make a successful laborer in the gospel field, he should educate his mind. The large development of this organ impairs his health and his usefulness. There is a lack of harmony in the organization of his mind, and his body suffers in consequence. {2T 670.4}[93]

§189 D弟兄在写作时若培养简约流畅的风格，就会大得益处。他需要避免详述任何不是至关重要的问题；即便是最基本、最明显的真理，本身就清楚明白的真理，也可能被言辞遮盖以致晦涩不明。【2T.671.1】[94]

§190 It would be greatly for the interest of Brother D to cultivate simplicity and ease in his writings. He needs to avoid dwelling at length upon any point that is not of vital importance; and even the most essential, manifest truths, those which are of themselves clear and plain, may be so covered up with words as to be made cloudy and indistinct. {2T 671.1}[94]

§191 D弟兄可能在现代真理的全部要点上都是可靠的，却没有资格在写作上向法国人民全面说明我们信仰的缘由。他可以帮助这项工作。但这事应由一个以上或两个以上的人来预备，免得它带上任何一个人的特性的印记。由几个人得到或预备的真理，和经恳切的寻索按上帝的时间一环接一环研究出来的连贯的真理之链，应该传给众人，且要使之适合于满足多人的需要。应当研究使之简短以便使读者感兴趣。冗长多言的文章对作者力求介绍的真理是一种伤害。【2T.671.2】[95]

§192 Brother D may be sound upon all points of present truth and yet not be qualified in every respect to give the reasons of our hope to the French people in writing. He can aid in this work. But the matter should be prepared by more than one or two minds, that it may not bear the stamp of any ones peculiarities. The truth which was reached and prepared by several minds, and which in Gods time was brought out link after link in a connected chain by the earnest searchers after truth, should be given to the people, and it will be adapted to meet the wants of many. Brevity should be studied in order to interest the reader. Long, wordy articles are an injury to the truth which the writer aims to present. {2T 671.2}[95]

§193 D弟兄应当少想自己，少谈论自己。他应当总是使自己处于看不见的地方，且在交谈中避免提到自己，不使自己的生活特性成为别人效法的样本。他应当鼓励真实的谦卑。他有以为自己的生活和经验比别人优越的危险。【2T.671.3】[96]

§194 Brother D should have his mind less occupied with himself and talk less of himself. He should keep himself out of sight and, in conversation, avoid making reference to himself and making his peculiarities of life a pattern for others to imitate. He should encourage genuine humility. He is in danger of thinking his life and experience superior to that of others. {2T 671.3}[96]

§195 D弟兄的工作若有一种和谐性，就能对上帝的圣工很有价值。他若能看到和纠正自己特殊秉性的不完全之处，即那些会损害他效用的特性，上帝就能用他做可蒙悦纳的工作。他应当避免冗长的讲道和祷告。这对他和别人都没有益处。长时间剧烈使用发音器官已经刺激了他的喉咙和肺脏，且损害了他全身的健康，远过于他严格饮食和规律起居所带来的益处。一次过度使用发音器官可能不会很快得到恢复，还可能要了说话者的性命。沉着冷静，从容不迫然而真诚恳切的讲话方式会对会众有更好的影响，过于让情绪变得激昂而需控制声音和态度的演讲方式。讲者应当尽可能地保持自然的声调。那感动人心的，乃是所提出的真理。讲者若使这些真理成为一个现实，他就会在上帝之灵的帮助下，有能力用他很真诚的事实感动听众，而不必使精细的喉咙和肺脏过劳。【2T.672.1】[97]

§196 Brother D can be of value to the cause of God if there is a harmony in the character of his labors. If he can see and correct the imperfections of his peculiar organization, which have a tendency to injure his usefulness, God can use him to acceptance. He should avoid lengthy preaching and long prayers. These are no benefit to himself or to others. Long and violent exercise of the vocal organs has irritated his throat and lungs, and injured his general health, more than his precise round of rules for eating and resting have benefited him. One overexertion or strain of the vocal organs may not soon be recovered from, and may cost the life of the speaker. A calm, unhurried, yet earnest, manner of speaking will have a better influence upon a congregation than to let the feelings become excited and control the voice and manners. As far as possible the speaker should preserve the natural tones of the voice. It is the truth presented that affects the heart. If the speaker makes these truths a reality, he will, with the aid of the Spirit of God, be able to impress the hearers with the fact that he is in earnest, without straining the fine organs of the throat or the lungs. {2T 672.1}[97]

§197 D弟兄深切关心自己的家庭生活；但他的谈话有一种危险，就是养成专讲他所特别关心、却与别人无关也无益之事的习惯。他设法维持一种本身正确的体制；但我们还会看出，那些本身有益的事可能因说得太多和不分场合的推广而令人厌倦难堪。他有忽略更重要事情的危险。【2T.672.2】[98]

§198 Brother D is deeply interested in his domestic life; yet there is danger, in conversation, of his cultivating the habit of concentrating his whole mind upon the things which especially interest him, but which cannot interest or profit others. He tries to maintain a system which, in itself, is correct; but here again it will be seen that those things which are useful of themselves may become wearisome and burdensome by dwelling too much upon them, and by seeking to carry them out under all circumstances. There is danger of neglecting the weightier matters. {2T 672.2}[98]

§199 D家的弟兄们应当避免工作单调。他们在世人中的影响一直很好。D弟兄天生善于处理世事。他在这方面的教导和榜样已帮助了那些谦卑听劝的人。但教会中存在的嫉妒、不信任、反叛、劳骚和报怨一直令人灰心。这些弟兄应该谨防过于苛求。【2T.673.1】[99]

§200 The Brethren D should avoid being tedious in their labor. Their influence has been good in the main. Brother D is naturally a good manager in temporal things. His instruction and example in this direction have helped those who were humble enough to be advised. But the jealousy, distrust, rebellion, complaining, and murmuring which have existed in the church have been disheartening. These brethren should guard against being too exacting. {2T 673.1}[99]

§201 为要完善基督徒的品格，我们不应该只鼓励一种安静祈祷、脱离实际的生活，和一种外在热心忙碌兴奋的生活，而忽略了个人的虔诚。但现今需要我们等候主的降临和为拯救我们的同胞而警醒作工。“殷勤不可懒惰。要心里火热，常常服侍主”（罗12:11）。上帝不会悦纳最尊贵的侍奉，除非这些侍奉先因心灵降服于祂和祂的爱而分别为圣。就某一等人来说，他们有危险把上帝的灵和基督宗教的活力教条化，而只保留一轮令人厌倦的义务和严格的仪式。【2T.673.2】[100]

§202 In order to perfect Christian character, we should not cultivate merely a life of quiet, prayerful abstraction, nor a life of all outward zeal and busy excitement, while personal piety is neglected. But the present time requires us to be waiting for the coming of the Lord and vigilantly working for the salvation of our fellow men. Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. God will not accept the most exalted services unless they are first consecrated by the surrender of the soul to Him and His love. With a certain class of minds there is danger of systematizing away the Spirit of God and the vitality of the religion of Christ, and preserving an exact round of wearisome duties and ceremonies. {2T 673.2}[100]

§203 我们生活在一个弯曲悖逆的世代中，我们美好精确的计划不一定总能得到实现以使众人得益。我们若退后保持自己的尊严，就帮不了那些最需要帮助的人。基督的仆人应当使自己适应人们的各种不同状况。他们若要满足众人的状况，就无法实行严格的规则。必须要做各种不同的工作去到人们所在之处接触人。“有些人存疑心，你们要怜悯他们；有些人你们要从火中抢出来，搭救他们；有些人你们要存惧怕的心怜悯他们，连那被情欲沾染的衣服也当厌恶”（犹大书22，23节）。【2T.673.3】[101]

§204 We are living in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, and our nice and exact plans cannot always be carried out to the advantage of all. If we stand back upon our dignity we shall fail to help those who need help the most. The servants of Christ should accommodate themselves to the varied conditions of the people. They cannot carry out exact rules if they meet the cases of all. Labor will have to be varied to meet the people where they are. Of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. {2T 673.3}[101]

§205 使徒劝告他哥林多的弟兄们说：“所以，你们或吃或喝，无论作什么，都要为荣耀上帝而行。不拘是犹太人，是希腊人，是上帝的教会，你们都不要使他跌倒；就好像我凡事都叫众人喜欢，不求自己的益处，只求众人的益处，叫他们得救。”（林前10:31-33）。“我虽是自由的，无人辖管，然而我甘心作了众人的仆人，为要多得人。”（林前9:19）“向软弱的人，我就作软弱的人，为要得软弱的人。向什么样的人，我就作什么样的人。无论如何总要救些人”（林前9:22）。“我们坚固的人应该担代不坚固人的软弱，不求自己的喜悦。我们各人务要叫邻舍喜悦，使他得益处，建立德行。因为基督也不求自己的喜悦。如经上所记：‘辱骂你人的辱骂都落在我身上’”（罗15:1-3）。【2T.673.4】[102]

§206 The apostle counsels his Corinthian brethren: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offense, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 1 Corinthians 9:19. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak. I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Verse 22. We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me. Romans 15:1-3. {2T 673.4}[102]

§207 加拿大的L弟兄和姐妹一直在逐渐丧失他们对上帝的把握和他们爱属天属灵事物的心，因为他们一直在越来越紧地抓住属世的财宝。他们一直在放松对上天的把握，反而更紧地握住这世界。几年前他们还喜爱关心推进真理和上帝的工作。最近他们爱财的心增长了，对尽自己的本分去拯救同胞不感兴趣了。他们的生活不再表现出为基督的缘故舍己和行善的特色。他们为上帝的圣工做得很少。他们一直在用自己的银子做什么呢？他们一直把银子埋在地里，投资在地皮上。他们一直没有把银子交给兑换银钱的人，以便主人来的时候，可以连本带利收回祂自己的东西。【2T.674.1】[103]

§208 Brother and Sister L of Canada have been gradually losing their hold on God and their love for heavenly and divine things as they have been more earnestly grasping for worldly treasures. They have been relaxing their hold on heaven and fastening it more firmly on this world. A few years ago they loved to have an interest in the advancement of the truth and work of God. More recently their love for gain has increased, and they have not felt interested to do their part to save their fellow men. Self-denial and benevolence for Christs sake have not characterized their lives. They have done but little for the cause of God. What have they been doing with their talents? They have been burying them in the earth, investing them in lands. They have not been putting them out to the exchangers, that when the Master comes, He may receive His own with usury. {2T 674.1}[103]

§209 他们要下一番工夫整顿自己的心和自己的家，“积攒财宝在天上”（太6:20）。他们的心一直在今生的事上，永恒的考虑已在其次。他们应当恳切作工，除掉自己爱世界的心，且应将他们的情意寄托于上面的事，而不是寄托于地上的事。上帝的仆人若是谨记他们的工作是要尽全力去做的，要用他们的感化力和钱财去拯救基督替死的生灵，他们就会做出更无私的努力，不信的人就会受到激动；他们就会确信在如此藉榜样提出和支持的真理中有一种现实。【2T.674.2】[104]

§210 They have a work to do to set their hearts and house in order, Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Their hearts have been upon the things of this life, and eternal considerations have been made secondary. They should work earnestly to get the love of the world out of their hearts and should place their affections upon things above, not upon things on the earth. If Gods servants would bear in mind that their work is to do all in their power, with their influence and their means, to save souls for whom Christ died, there would be more unselfish effort, and unbelievers would be stirred; they would be convinced that there is a reality in the truth thus presented and thus backed up by example. {2T 674.2}[104]

§211 L弟兄和姐妹应当对末世的工作怀有信心，并使他们基督徒的品格达到完全，好使他们在耶稣降临时获得永生的赏赐。L弟兄身体和心智的活力都在减弱。他正变得不能负许多责任。他应该跟慎重而忠心的弟兄们商量。【2T.675.1】[105]

§212 Brother and Sister L should have confidence in the work for these last days and should be perfecting Christian character, that they may receive the eternal reward when Jesus comes. Brother L is failing in physical and mental vigor. He is becoming incapable of bearing much responsibility. He should counsel with his brethren who are discreet and faithful. {2T 675.1}[105]

§213 L弟兄是上帝的管家。上帝将钱财托付给他，他应当觉悟自己的责任，并将属于上帝之物归还给祂。他不应该不明白上帝对他的要求。他应当趁着自己还在世，还有推理的能力，抓住机会善用上帝所委托他的财产，而不是在他生命结束之后留给别人去使用。【2T.675.2】[106]

§214 Brother L is a steward of God. He has been entrusted with means and should be awake to his duty and render to God the things that are Gods. He should not fail to understand the claims that God has upon him. While he lives, and has his reasoning powers, he should improve the opportunity of appropriating the property that God has entrusted to him, instead of leaving it for others to use and appropriate after the close of his life. {2T 675.2}[106]

§215 撒但始终准备利用人的软弱来遂行他的计划。他是个狡猾的仇敌，胜过了许多本意很好，要用他们的钱财使上帝的圣工受益的人。有些人已忽略了上帝交给他们去做的拨出自己钱财的工作。而当他们忽视使上帝的圣工得到上帝所借给他们的钱财时，撒但就进来，把那些钱财转到他的阵营去了。【2T.675.3】[107]

§216 Satan is ever ready to take advantage of the weaknesses and infirmities of men to suit his own purposes. He is a wily adversary, and has outgeneraled many whose purposes were good to benefit the cause of God with their means. Some have neglected the work that God has given them to do in appropriating their means. And while they are negligent in securing to the cause of God the means that He has lent them, Satan comes in and turns that means into his own ranks. {2T 675.3}[107]

§217 L弟兄行事应当更加慎重。与我们信仰不同的人用各种借口从他那里得到了钱财。他信赖他们，相信他们是诚实人。他撒手流进仇敌阵营中的钱财不可能再要回来了。他本可进行安全的投资，用他的钱财帮助上帝的圣工，从而为自己积攒财宝在天上。他常常在愿意帮助时却无力帮助，因为他被削弱了，无法支配钱财去施助。当上帝需要他的钱财时，他的钱财往往在那些借他钱的人手中，其中有些人从未想过把钱还给他，其他人则一点儿也不急着还钱。撒但会藉着不诚实的借钱人，象以其它任何方式一样彻底实现他的目的。真理和公义之敌所做的一切，都是要阻止我们救赎主国度的推进。他藉着代理作工，要实现他的目的。他若能阻止钱财流进上帝的库中，他工作的一个方面就成功了。那原应用来帮助伟大的救灵计划的钱财，竟被他把持在他的阵营中，用来帮助他的工作了。【2T.675.4】[108]

§218 Brother L should move more cautiously. Men who are not of our faith obtain means of him upon various pretenses. He trusts them, believing them to be honest. It will be impossible for him to get back all the means he has let slip out of his hands into the enemys ranks. He could make a safe investment of his means by aiding the cause of God and thus laying up for himself treasures in heaven. Frequently he is unable to help when he would because he is crippled and cannot command the means to do so. When the Lord calls for his means, it is frequently in the hands of those to whom he has lent it, some of whom never design to pay, and others feel no anxiety in the matter. Satan will accomplish his purpose as thoroughly through dishonest borrowers as in any other way. All that the adversary of truth and righteousness is working for is to prevent the advancement of our Redeemers kingdom. He works through agents to carry out his purposes. If he can prevent means from going into the treasury of God he is successful in one branch of his work. That means which should have been used to aid in the great plan of saving souls he has retained in his ranks to aid him in his work. {2T 675.4}[108]

§219 L弟兄应当管好自己的业务，不让它陷入混乱无章的状态中。他有权在好事上富足，为自己积成美好的根基，预备将来，使他可以持定永生。他随从自己有缺陷的判断是不安全的。他应当跟有经验的弟兄们商量，寻求上帝的智慧，以便做好他的工作。他现在应当认真地作好准备，为自己预备“永不坏的钱囊，用不尽的财宝在天上”（路12:33）。【2T.676.1】[109]

§220 Brother L should have his business all straight and not left at loose ends. It is his privilege to be rich in good works, and to lay up for himself a good foundation against the time to come, that he may lay hold on eternal life. It is not safe for him to follow his failing judgment. He should counsel with experienced brethren, and seek wisdom of God, that he may do up his work well. He should now be really in earnest, providing himself bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not. {2T 676.1}[109]

§221 M弟兄在他的家事上犯了一个错误。他没有在言语上表达对他妻子的爱意，而这本是他的责任。他没有培养基督徒真实的谦恭和礼貌。他没有尽他的本分，总是仁慈体贴他妻子的心愿和安舒。她与他信仰不一致已给他们二人带来了许多不幸。M弟兄对他妻子的判断和建议没有应有的尊重。在许多方面，她的判断力和洞察力都比他的好。他若与她商量，她就能用自己更清晰的理解力和更敏锐的洞察力，在他的业务问题上和他与邻舍打交道上对他有根本的帮助。他不应退后保持自己的尊严，觉得自己明白一切。他若愿意听从妻子的建议，并且藉着仁慈的行为表示对她的尊重，希望使她喜悦，就不过是在尽自己的本分。如果她的建议与他对上帝的本分和上帝对他的要求相抵触，那么他就可以做不同的选择，且以最安静的态度给出他不能牺牲自己的信仰或原则的理由。M弟兄在属世问题上听从自己妻子的判断和建议是有益的。【2T.676.2】[110]

§222 Brother M has made a mistake in his domestic life. He has not, in words, expressed that affection for his wife that it was his duty to express. He has failed to cultivate true Christian courtesy and politeness. He has failed to be at all times as kind and considerate of her wishes and comfort as was his duty. Her not uniting in faith with him has led to much unhappiness for both. Brother M has not respected his wifes judgment and counsel as he should. In many respects her judgment and discernment are better than his. If consulted, she could, by her clearer perception and keener discernment, help him essentially in his business matters, in dealing with his neighbors. He should not stand back upon his dignity, feeling that he understands it all himself. If he would be advised by his wife, and by his kindly actions would show a regard for her, and a desire to please her, he would be doing nothing less than his duty. If her advice conflicts with his duty to God and His claims upon him, then he can choose to differ, and in the most quiet manner possible give as his reason that he cannot sacrifice his faith or his principles. It would be for Brother Ms interest in temporal matters to have his wifes judgment and counsel. {2T 676.2}[110]

§223 他若苛刻、粗暴、不随和，就没有一点儿影响力可以争取她妻子归向真理。他应该改革。他需要变得柔和，温柔，文雅，亲爱。他应当让喜乐的阳光和幸福的满足进入自己的心，然后再将这光洒满自己的家庭。他带到家里的那些人，其影响对他的妻子会是一个咒诅而非福气。他这么做，已加给她原可避免的担子。他应该跟她商量，并且尊重她的心愿，尽可能不妥协他的信仰。【2T.677.1】[111]

§224 While he is harsh, rough, and unaccommodating, he can have no influence to win his wife to the truth. He should reform. He needs to become softened, to be tender, gentle, and loving. He should let the sunshine of cheerfulness and happy contentment into his heart, and then let its beams shine into his family. He has brought into his family those whose influence would prove a curse to his wife rather than a blessing. In so doing, he has brought burdens upon her that might have been avoided. She should be consulted, and her wishes regarded, as far as possible without compromising his faith. {2T 677.1}[111]

§225 M弟兄已选择偏行己路，意志坚决，有点儿顽固，往往不肯让步。这是不应该的。他自称相信一种具有使人成圣、柔和、文雅之感化力的真理；他妻子却不相信。他应当表明真理正对他堕落的本性施加一种能力，使他忍耐、仁慈、宽容、温柔、亲爱、饶恕人。M弟兄若想在家中成为有生命力的布道士，最好的办法就是在自己的生活中示范出我们亲爱救赎主的生活。【2T.677.2】[112]

§226 Brother M has chosen his own way, and has had a set will, savoring of stubbornness. He has frequently been unyielding. This should not be. He professes to believe a truth which has a sanctifying, softening, refining influence; his wife does not. He should show that the truth is exerting a power over his perverse nature, that it makes him patient, kind, forbearing, tender, affectionate, forgiving. The best way for Brother M to be a living missionary in his family is for him to exemplify in his life the life of our dear Redeemer. {2T 677.2}[112]