第02章 不圣洁的能力
§1
第02章 不圣洁的能力
§2
Chap. 2 - Unsanctified Ability
§3
我蒙指示看到B弟兄在品格上有严重的缺陷，这些缺陷使得他不配在上帝的工作中担任重要的职责。他有充足的心智能力，但他的内心与他的情感没有圣化归于上帝；因此，他是不可靠的，不配在巴特尔克里克出版社中担任发表真理的重要职任。在这项工作中的一次犯错或怠职，都大大影响上帝的圣工。B弟兄并未看到自己的失败，所以没有改过自新。{3T 22.1}[1]
§4
I have been shown that Brother B has serious defects in his character, which disqualify him for being closely connected with the work of God where important responsibilities are to be borne. He has sufficient mental ability, but the heart, the affections, have not been sanctified to God; therefore he cannot be relied upon as qualified for so important a work as the publication of the truth in the office at Battle Creek. A mistake or a neglect of duty in this work affects the cause of God at large. Brother B has not seen his failings, therefore he does not reform. {3T 22.1}[1]
§5
使我们的品格形成诚实正直之习惯的乃是一些小事。我的弟兄啊，你低估了每日生活中之小事的重要性。这乃是一个极大的错误。凡是我们必须做的事情其实没有小事。每一个举动都是重要的，或站在正确的一边，或站在错误的一边。只有藉着在日常生活中所办理的小事中运用原则，我们才得以经受考验，形成品格。在人生的各种不同环境中，我们经受考验，借此获得力量，得以在更加严峻、更加重要的考验中站立得住，配充任更加重要的职位。心思必须在每日的考验中受训练，直到养成忠诚尽责的习惯，使正义感与责任感大过个人的嗜好与意愿。这样，心思便不会像风中的芦苇一样在对与错之间犹疑不定，而是一旦事情临到他们，他们便立刻辨明当应用的原则，他们会本能地选择正确的做法，不会长时间思考这事。他们是忠诚的，因为他们已经养成了忠信诚实的习惯。藉着在最小的事上保持忠诚，他们获得了力量，得以在更大的事上很容易忠于原则。{3T 22.2}[2]
§6
It is by small things that our characters are formed to habits of integrity. You, my brother, have been disposed to undervalue the importance of the little incidents of everyday life. This is a great mistake. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. Every action is of some account, either on the side of right or on the side of wrong. It is only by exercising principle in small transactions of ordinary life that we are tested and our characters formed. In the varied circumstances of life we are tested and proved, and thereby we acquire a power to stand the greater and more important tests that we are called to endure, and are qualified to fill still more important positions. The mind must be trained through daily tests to habits of fidelity, to a sense of the claims of right and duty above inclination and pleasure. Minds thus trained do not waver between right and wrong, as the reed trembles in the wind; but as soon as matters come before them, they discern at once that principle is involved, and they instinctively choose the right without long debating the matter. They are loyal because they have trained themselves in habits of faithfulness and truth. By being faithful in that which is least, they acquire strength, and it becomes easy for them to be faithful in greater matters. {3T 22.2}[2]
§7
B弟兄所受的教育未能加强高尚的道德品质，那些品质原能使他唯独靠赖上帝的力量去捍卫真理，即使面对最严峻的反对也稳如磐石坚持原则，忠于道德，不会因为人的赞美，责难或嘉奖而动摇，宁死也不违背自己的良心。出版社正需要这种正直的人，因为这里正在发布考验全世界的严肃、神圣的真理。{3T 22.3}[3]
§8
Brother Bs education has not been such as to strengthen those high moral qualities that would enable him to stand alone in the strength of God in defense of truth, amid the severest opposition, firm as a rock to principle, true to moral character, unmoved by human praise or censure or rewards, preferring death rather than a violated conscience. Such integrity is needed in the office of publication, where solemn, sacred truths are going forth, upon which the world is to be tested. {3T 22.3}[3]
§9
上帝的工作要求具有高尚道德能力的人来推进。如今所需要的乃是内心中充满圣洁热情的人，拥有坚定宗旨不能轻易动摇的人，他们能放下一切私利，为十字架和冠冕舍弃一切。现代真理的圣工亟需忠于正义感和责任感的人，他们很有骨气，道德高尚，他们的活力与上帝所显明的旨意相称。这样的资质比投入到上帝圣工中数不尽的财富更有价值。活力，气节和维护正义的坚定宗旨，是千金难买的品质。具有这些品质的人无论在哪里都会有感化力。他们的生活比卓越的雄辩更有说服力。上帝呼召有心有思想，道德高尚的人，祂能使他们成为真理的保管者，他们会在自己的日常生活中正确的代表上帝真理的神圣原则。{3T 23.1}[4]
§10
The work of God calls for men of high moral powers to engage in its promulgation. Men are wanted whose hearts are nerved with holy fervor, men of strong purpose who are not easily moved, who can lay down every selfish interest and give all for the cross and the crown. The cause of present truth is suffering for men who are loyal to a sense of right and duty, whose moral integrity is firm, and whose energy is equal to the opening providence of God. Such qualifications as these are of more value than untold wealth invested in the work and cause of God. Energy, moral integrity, and strong purpose for the right are qualities that cannot be supplied with any amount of gold. Men possessing these qualifications will have influence everywhere. Their lives will be more powerful than lofty eloquence. God calls for men of heart, men of mind, men of moral integrity, whom He can make the depositaries of His truth, and who will correctly represent its sacred principles in their daily life. {3T 23.1}[4]
§11
在某些方面，B弟兄具备很少有人具备的能力。倘若他的内心得以成圣，专心圣工，他就能在出版社充任重要的职位，蒙上帝悦纳。他需要悔改，也需要像小孩子一样谦卑，寻求纯洁，内在的宗教，以便他对出版社或者对上帝任何地方的圣工产生应有的影响。由于他素来的影响，所有与出版社有关联的人都受到了伤害，尤其是年轻人。作为领班，他的职位使他颇具影响力。他行事为人并没有本着良心敬畏上帝。他偏袒某些人，却忽视了那些忠心而有能力，应受鼓励的人，反而给那些本应特别关心的人带来了悲伤与困惑。有些人喜爱并关心一两个人，宠爱他们以致损害到别人，这样人不应该在出版社担任任何职位，哪怕一天都不应该。这种对于某一两个人的不圣洁的偏袒乃是冒犯上帝的，因为在偏袒个别人的同时，却忽视了那些尽责的、敬畏上帝且上帝看为更加宝贵的人。上帝所看重的我们也当看重。上帝看温柔与安静之心的装饰比外表的美丽、外在的装饰、财富、或世俗的尊荣更有价值。{3T 23.2}[5]
§12
In some respects Brother B has ability that but few have. If his heart were sanctified to the work he could fill an important position in the office with acceptance to God. He needs to be converted and to humble himself as a little child, and seek pure, heart religion, in order for his influence in the office, or in the cause of God anywhere, to be what it ought to be. As his influence has been, it has injured all connected with the office, but more especially the young. His position as foreman gave him influence. He did not conduct himself conscientiously in the fear of God. He favored particular ones more than others. He neglected those who, for their faithfulness and ability, deserved special encouragement, and he brought distress and perplexity upon those in who he should have had a special interest. Those who link their affections and interest to one or two, and favor them to the disadvantage of others, should not retain their position in the office for a day. This unsanctified partiality for special ones who may please the fancy, to the neglect of others who are conscientious and God-fearing, and in His sight of more value, is offensive to God. That which God values we should value. The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit He regards of higher value than external beauty, outward adornment, riches, or worldly honor. {3T 23.2}[5]
§13
基督的真门徒不会选择与品格存在严重缺点、不能作为可靠榜样的人亲密来往。他们有权利与那些本着良心对待业务和宗教责任的人相交。那些缺乏原则和献身精神的人，通常对他们友伴在心思上的潜移默化的影响会更加强烈，而有些人虽然在表面看来很稳健周到，且有能力约束灵性软弱，缺乏献身精神，在品格上有缺陷的人，但对密友的影响却赶不上他们。{3T 24.1}[6]
§14
The true followers of Christ will not choose intimate friendship with those whose characters have serious defects, and whose example as a whole it would not be safe to follow, while it is their privilege to associate with persons who observe a conscientious regard for duty in business, and in religion. Those who lack principle and devotion generally exert a more positive influence to mold the minds of their intimate friends than is exerted by those who seem well balanced and able to control and influence the defective in character, those lacking spirituality and devotion. {3T 24.1}[6]
§15
倘若B弟兄所发挥的是不圣洁的影响，就必危及那些随从他榜样的人。有些人羡慕他的机敏灵巧，使得那些与他交往之人夸赞他并不具备的资质。在出版社里，他没有善用自己的时间。倘若他影响的只是他自己，那么这便是一件小事。但他作为领袖的地位使他具有很大的影响。他在出版社的同工尤其是学徒面前没有做出慎重尽责的榜样。倘若心灵手巧的B弟兄具有高尚的道德义务感，他在出版社的服务就会不可估量。倘若他的原则是任何事物都不能使他离开尽职的正路，任何诱惑都不能贿买他去赞成错误的行为，他的影响原会塑造他人；但他向往宴乐的欲望引诱他偏离职守。倘若他靠赖上帝的力量站立，不被谴责和谄媚所动摇，坚持原则，忠于他所信赖的真理与正义，那么，他原本会成为一个优秀的人，并在各处发挥强有力的影响。B弟兄缺乏节俭。他缺乏那能使他适应上帝明显的旨意，成为随时应召之人的机智。他喜爱来自人的称赞。他随环境的变换而摇摆不定，屈服于试探，他的正直不可靠。{3T 24.2}[7]
§16
Brother Bs influence, if unsanctified, endangers the souls of those who follow his example. His ready tact and ingenuity are admired, and lead those connected with him to give him credit for qualifications that he does not possess. At the office he was reckless of his time. If this had affected himself only, it would have been a small matter; but his position as foreman gave him influence. His example before those in the office, especially the apprentices, was not circumspect and conscientious. If, with his ingenious talent, Brother B possessed a high sense of moral obligation, his services would be invaluable to the office. If his principles had been such that nothing could have moved him from the straight line of duty, that no inducement which could have been presented would have purchased his consent to a wrong action, his influence would have molded others; but his desires for pleasure allured him from his post of duty. If he had stood in the strength of God, unmoved by censure or flattery, steady to principle, faithful to his convictions of truth and justice, he would have been a superior man and would have won a commanding influence everywhere. Brother B lacks frugality and economy. He lacks the tact which would enable him to adapt himself to the opening providence of God and make him a minuteman. He loves human praise. He is swayed by circumstances, and is subject to temptation, and his integrity cannot be relied upon. {3T 24.2}[7]
§17
B弟兄的宗教经验并不健全。他随从自己的冲动行事，而非随从原则。他的心在上帝面前不正，他并不敬畏上帝，也不考虑荣耀上帝。他很象一个从事世俗业务的人，并没有意识到自己所从事之工作的神圣性。他没有实行克己和节俭，因此他在这方面没有任何经验。有些时候他也热切的做工，并且显明对于所做之工有极大的兴趣。随后他就又轻忽自己的光阴，将宝贵的时间浪费在无足轻重的谈话上，同时也妨碍了他人履行自己的职责，为他人树立了轻率与不忠的榜样。上帝的工作是神圣的，祂呼召具有高风亮节的人为祂服务。现今所需要的是有正义感的人，他们甚至在极微小的事上，例如登记工作时间之类，也会一分不差，正正确确——他们明白自己所处理的金钱是属于上帝的，不愿为一己之益，而不合理地乱花分文；他们在工作上，忠实而严格，小心而殷勤，不论有否雇主在场，一样诚实可靠，显明自己并非只是讨人喜欢，眼前事奉的仆人，而是衷心耿耿，做事负责，忠直诚实的工人，行事正直，不是为讨人的称赞，而是因为深感自己对上帝的义务，便喜爱和选择正义。{3T 25.1}[8]
§18
Brother Bs religious experience was not sound. He moved from impulse, not from principle. His heart was not right with God, and he did not have the fear of God and His glory before him. He acted very much like a man engaged in common business; he had but very little sense of the sacredness of the work in which he was engaged. He had not practiced self-denial and economy, therefore he had no experience in this. At times he labored earnestly and manifested a good interest in the work. Then again he would be careless of his time and spend precious moments in unimportant conversation, hindering others from doing their duty and setting them an example of recklessness and unfaithfulness. The work of God is sacred and calls for men of lofty integrity. Men are wanted whose sense of justice, even in the smallest matters, will not allow them to make an entry of their time that is not minute and correct--men who will realize that they are handling means that belongs to God, and who would not unjustly appropriate one cent to their own use; men who will be just as faithful and exact, careful and diligent, in their labor, in the absence of their employer as in his presence, proving by their faithfulness that they are not merely men pleasers, eye-servants, but are conscientious, faithful, true workmen, doing right, not for human praise, but because they love and choose the right from a high sense of their obligation to God. {3T 25.1}[8]
§19
父母们对于子女的教育不够认真全面。他们没有看出用纪律塑造子女心思的必要。他们只给儿女肤浅的教育，表明自己更关心子女的穿戴，过于给儿女可靠的教育，以便发展指导他们的官能，使其产生心志的活力，并藉着运用而扩大并增强心智的能力。心智的才能需要培养，以便用来增进上帝的荣耀。要认真关注智力的培养，藉着运用使心智的多个器官获得同等的力量，各尽其职。倘若父母们允许他们的子女随从个人心思的倾向，爱好与乐趣，忽视责任，那么他们的品格便要照此模式塑造，他们将无法胜任生活中任何需要承担责任的职位。年轻人的欲望和倾向应当受到抑制，他们品格上的弱点需要加强，他们过于旺盛的倾向需要受到抑制。{3T 25.2}[9]
§20
Parents are not thorough in the education of their children. They do not see the necessity of molding their minds by discipline. They give them a superficial education, manifesting greater care for the ornamental than for that solid education which would so develop and direct the faculties as to bring out the energies of the soul, and cause the powers of mind to expand and strengthen by exercise. The faculties of the mind need cultivation, that they may be exercised to the glory of God. Careful attention should be given to the culture of the intellect, that the various organs of the mind may have equal strength by being brought into exercise, each in its distinctive office. If parents allow their children to follow the bent of their own minds, their own inclination and pleasure, to the neglect of duty, their characters will be formed after this pattern, and they will not be competent for any responsible position in life. The desires and inclinations of the young should be restrained, their weak points of character strengthened, and their overstrong tendencies repressed. {3T 25.2}[9]
§21
倘若有一个官能处于休眠状态，或者出离了其正轨，那么上帝的旨意便不能实施了。所有的官能都当予以良好的发展。要关注每一个官能，因为每一个官能都与其它官能有关系，所有的官能都须运用，以便达到心智的平衡。倘若儿女喜爱在某一方面花心思而忽视在其它方面运用心智的能力，所以只是不断培养和使用一个或两个器官，他们便会带着不平衡的心思和不和谐的品格步入成熟。他们在某一方面可以适应，而且非常坚强，但是在另一些同等重要的方面却极为不足。他们不会成为能干的男女。他们的缺陷必显出来，损害整个品格。{3T 26.1}[10]
§22
If one faculty is suffered to remain dormant, or is turned out of its proper course, the purpose of God is not carried out. All the faculties should be well developed. Care should be given to each, for each has a bearing upon the others, and all must be exercised in order that the mind be properly balanced. If one or two organs are cultivated and kept in continual use because it is the choice of your children to put the strength of the mind in one direction to the neglect of other mental powers, they will come to maturity with unbalanced minds and inharmonious characters. They will be apt and strong in one direction, but greatly deficient in other directions just as important. They will not be competent men and women. Their deficiencies will be marked, and will mar the entire character. {3T 26.1}[10]
§23
B弟兄养成了一种几乎不可管制的癖好，他喜欢观光和快乐的旅游。他将时间和金钱浪费在满足自己享乐的旅行上。这种爱宴乐的自私的心导致他忽视了神圣的职责。B弟兄喜欢讲道，然而他却从未真正担负起这项工作，也从未感觉到自己若不传福音就有祸了。他常常在需要他的时候丢下出版社的工作，去满足其他教会之弟兄的呼求。倘若他能感觉到此时上帝工作的严肃性，靠赖上帝前进，实行克己，高举基督的十字架，他原会成就一番善工。然而，他常常意识不到这工作的神圣性，却愿抓住去其他教会造访的机会，以便使这样的走访成为满足他享乐的旅行。他的行为与使徒们的作法是何等的悬殊啊！使徒们肩负着传扬生命之道的重担出去，以圣灵的明证传讲被钉十字架的基督！他们藉着舍己与背十字架指出了生路。他们与自己的救主同尝艰苦，他们最大的愿望就是能认识基督耶稣并祂钉十字架。他们不求自己的便利，也不以自己的性命为宝贵。他们活着并非为了享乐，而是要行善事，并拯救基督为之而死的生灵。{3T 26.2}[11]
§24
Brother B has cultivated an almost ungovernable propensity for sight-seeing and trips of pleasure. Time and means are wasted to gratify his desire for pleasure excursions. His selfish love of pleasure leads to the neglect of sacred duties. Brother B loves to preach, but he has never taken up this work feeling the woe upon him if he preach not the gospel. He has frequently left work in the office which demanded his care, to comply with calls from some of his brethren in other churches. If he had felt the solemnity of the work of God for this time, and gone forth making God his trust, practicing self-denial, and lifting the cross of Christ, he would have accomplished good. But he frequently had so little realization of the holiness of the work, that he would improve the opportunity of visiting other churches in making the occasion a scene of self-gratification, in short, a pleasure trip. What a contrast between his course and that pursued by the apostles, who went forth burdened with the word of life, and in the demonstration of the Spirit preached Christ crucified! They pointed out the living way through self-denial and the cross. They had fellowship with their Saviour in His sufferings, and their greatest desire was to know Christ Jesus, and Him crucified. They considered not their own convenience, nor counted their lives dear unto themselves. They lived not to enjoy, but to do good, and to save souls for whom Christ died. {3T 26.2}[11]
§25
B弟兄可以就教义的观点提出证据，然而他却从未亲身经历成圣，舍己，和十字架的实际教训。他能讲给人听，然而，他内心中却感受不到这些真理使人成圣的影响，也没有在自己的生活中实践这些真理。他没能深入领会真理，使良心深感真理的重要性和由审判而来的严肃性，那时每一个案件都要判定。B弟兄没有训练自己的心思，他聚会之外的举止也没有做出好的榜样。他仿佛没有承担工作的重担，他一直在虚度光阴并且孩子气，他的榜样降低了宗教的标准，将圣务与俗务置于了同等的水平。{3T 27.1}[12]
§26
Brother B can present arguments upon doctrinal points, but the practical lessons of sanctification, self-denial, and the cross, he has not experienced in himself. He can speak to the ear, but not having felt the sanctifying influence of these truths upon his heart, nor practiced them in his life, he fails to urge the truth home upon the conscience with a deep sense of its importance and solemnity in view of the judgment, when every case must be decided. Brother B has not trained his mind, and his deportment out of meeting has not been exemplary. The burden of the work has not seemed to rest upon him, but he has been trifling and boyish, and by his example has lowered the standard of religion. Sacred and common things have been placed on a level. {3T 27.1}[12]
§27
B弟兄向来不愿意忍受十字架的痛苦，他不愿意跟从耶稣，从马槽直到审判厅和髑髅地。他所遭遇的痛苦乃是因为追求自己的享乐而招致的。他还需要认识到自己的力量乃是软弱，自己的智慧乃是愚拙。倘若他感到自己在从事上帝的工作，感受到他欠那位赐予他时间和才干者的债，明白这位上帝要求他善用自己的光阴和才干来增进祂的荣耀，倘若他忠于职守，他原不会遭遇这场缠绵的疾病。由于他为满足自己的享乐而去旅行，使他遭受了几个月的痛苦，若不是那些感觉到他还没有预备好离世的信徒一直本着信心热切，有效地为他代祷，这场疾病原会致他于死地。要是他在那时死了，他的情况原会比那些未蒙光照的罪人远为悲惨。但上帝本着怜悯垂听了祂子民的祈祷，赐给他新的寿数，以便他有机会悔改自己的不忠，并挽回过去的时光。他的榜样误导了巴特尔克里克的很多人。 {3T 27.2}[13]
§28
Brother B has not been willing to endure the cross; he has not been willing to follow Christ from the manger to the judgment hall and Calvary. He has brought upon himself sore affliction by seeking his own pleasure. He has yet to learn that his own strength is weakness and his wisdom is folly. If he had felt that he was engaged in the work of God, and that he was indebted to One who had given him time and talents, and who required that they be improved to His glory,--had he stood faithfully at his post,--he would not have suffered that long, tedious sickness. His exposure upon that pleasure trip caused him months of suffering and would have caused his death had it not been for the earnest, effectual prayer of faith put up in his behalf by those who felt that he was not prepared to die. Had he died at that time his case would have been far worse than that of the unenlightened sinner. But God mercifully heard the prayers of His people and gave him a new lease of life, that he might have opportunity to repent of his unfaithfulness and to redeem the time. His example had influenced many in Battle Creek in the wrong direction. {3T 27.2}[13]
§29
B弟兄虽从疾病中恢复了健康，他和家人却没有在上帝的手下感到自卑。上帝圣灵的工作，以及从祂而来的智慧显现出来，不是要使我们对自己的状况感到乐观和满足，而是让我们的心灵在知识与真实的圣洁中得以更新。倘若这位弟兄所遭遇的痛苦能激励他诚恳的省察内心，发现自己品格中的缺点，以致他能抛弃自己瑕疵，存谦卑的精神接受熔炉的锻造，如纯净的金子反照基督的形像，原会好得多了。 {3T 28.1}[14]
§30
Brother B came up from his sickness, but how little did he or his family feel humbled under the hand of God. The work of the Spirit of God, and wisdom from Him, are not manifested that we may be happy and satisfied with ourselves, but that our souls may be renewed in knowledge and true holiness. How much better would it have been for this brother if his affliction had prompted to faithful searching of heart, to discover the imperfections in his character, that he might put them away, and with humble spirit come forth from the furnace as gold purified, reflecting the image of Christ. {3T 28.1}[14]
§31
他自招的疾病教会帮助他承担了。教会为他提供了看护员，而且他大部分的医疗费用也由教会承担了，然而，他和他的家人却没有感激教会的慷慨与关怀。他们觉得这一切都是自己配得的。B弟兄病好之后对我丈夫颇为不满，因为我丈夫不赞成他的做法，他的做法很是可责。他与别人联合起来损害我丈夫的影响，自从他离开出版社以来，他一直感觉不对劲儿。他几乎无法通过上帝的检验。 {3T 28.2}[15]
§32
The sickness that he had brought upon himself, the church helped him bear. His watchers were provided, and his expenses were in a great measure borne by the church; yet neither he nor his family appreciated this generosity and tenderness on the part of the church. They felt that they deserved all that was done for them. As Brother B came up from his sickness, he felt wrong toward my husband because he disapproved his course, which was so censurable. He united with others to injure my husbands influence, and since he has left the office he has not felt right. He would poorly stand the test of being proved by God. {3T 28.2}[15]
§33
B弟兄还未学得若要最终得救就必须学习的教训——舍己并抗拒享乐的欲望。他必将再次临到同样的境遇，并且接受更严格的考验，因为他没能忍受过去的试验。他在证明自己有理的事上触怒了上帝，他几乎不知道何为与基督同受苦难。他喜欢炫耀，不喜欢节俭钱财，这一切主都知道。上帝会衡量人内在的感受和心中的意图。祂了解人。祂考验我们的忠诚。祂也要求我们尽心，尽性，尽力爱祂并侍奉祂。爱宴乐的人或许会装出敬虔的外貌，甚至会表现出某些舍己的行为，他们或许会牺牲时间和金钱，然而，自我却并未降服，意志也不服从上帝的旨意。 {3T 28.3}[16]
§34
Brother B has not yet learned the lesson that he will have to learn if he is saved at last--to deny self, and resist his desire for pleasure. He will have to be brought over the ground again and tried still more closely, because he failed to endure the trials of the past. He has displeased God in justifying self. He has but little experience in the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ. He loves display and does not economize his means. The Lord knows. He weighs the inward feelings and intentions of the heart. He understands man. He tests our fidelity. He requires that we should love and serve Him with the whole mind, and heart, and strength. The lovers of pleasure may put on a form of godliness that involves some self-denial even, and they may sacrifice time and money, and yet self not be subdued, and the will not be brought into subjection to the will of God. {3T 28.3}[16]
§35
巴特尔克里克的几个女孩子影响很坏。她们未曾接受过训练。她们的母亲忽视了自己神圣的职责，没有约束她的孩子们。她没有本着敬畏的心照着主的警戒养育她们。她们一直被纵容娇惯，不负责任，直到她们根本没有兴趣履行生活中平凡简朴的家务。这位母亲教育女儿们多多关注服装，而不注重内在的装饰，这些年轻的女子是虚荣而高傲的。她们的心思是不纯洁的，她们的言谈下流，可是在巴特尔克里克有一班人愿意与她们来往，这些与她们交往之人也会堕落到与这些女子同样的地步。这些女孩子没有受到本该受到的严肃对待。她们喜欢与青年男子来往，这些青年男子就是她们默想与谈话的主题。他们的举止败坏，刚愎，自恃。{3T 29.1}[17]
§36
The influence of the D girls was very bad in Battle Creek. They had not been trained. Their mother had neglected her sacred duty and had not restrained her children. She had not brought them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord. They had been indulged and shielded from bearing responsibilities until they had no relish for the plain, homely duties of life. The mother had educated the daughters to think much of dress, but the inward adorning was not exalted before them. These young girls were vain and proud. Their minds were impure; their conversation was corrupting; and yet there was a class in Battle Creek who would associate with this stamp of minds, and they could not associate with them without coming down to their level. These girls were not dealt as severely with as the case demanded. They love the society of young men, and the young men are the theme of their meditation and of their conversation. They have corrupted manners, and are headstrong and self-confident. {3T 29.1}[17]
§37
他们全家都喜爱炫耀。这位母亲不是一个节俭端庄的人。她不能胜任抚养子女的工作。对这位母亲来说，打扮她的子女好在外表炫耀比内在的装饰更为重要。她没有训练自己。她的意志并没有与上帝的旨意一致。她的心在上帝面前不正。她对于上帝圣灵在人心中的工作——将愿望与情感都顺服基督，与基督一致——十分陌生。她的心思并不具备使人高尚的品质，也不能分辨神圣的事物。她允许自己的子女们为所欲为。她与两个年长的子女那场可怕的经历并没有给她留下环境所需的深刻印象。她教育自己的子女热爱穿着、虚荣、和愚昧的事。她没有训练她的两个小女儿。在适当的影响之下，A D会成为一名杰出的青年; 然而，他还有很多需要学习。他随从倾向而非本分。他喜爱随从自己的意愿和喜好，对于基督徒的义务没有正确的认识。他喜欢把自满和他自己的爱好说成是责任。他没有克服自满。他有一番工夫要下，好擦亮属灵的眼睛，以便明白何为归上帝为圣，并认识到上帝对于他的崇高要求。他教育中的严重缺陷影响了他的生活。{3T 29.2}[18]
§38
The entire family love display. The mother is not a prudent, dignified woman. She is not qualified to bring up children. To dress her children to make a show is of greater consequence to her than the inward adorning. She has not disciplined herself. Her will has not been brought into conformity to the will of God. Her heart is not right with God. She is a stranger to the operation of His Spirit upon the heart, bringing the desires and affections into conformity to the obedience of Christ. She does not possess ennobling qualities of mind and does not discern sacred things. She has let her children do as they pleased. The fearful experience that she has had with two of her elder children has not made the deep impression on her mind that the circumstances demanded. She has educated her children to love dress, vanity, and folly. She has not disciplined her two younger girls. A D, under a proper influence, would be a worthy young man; but he has much to learn. He follows inclination rather than duty. He loves to follow his own will and pleasure, and has not a correct knowledge of the duties devolving upon a Christian. Self-gratification, and his own inclination, he would gladly interpret to be duty. Self-gratification he has not overcome. He has a work to do to clear his spiritual vision, that he may understand what it is to be sanctified to God, and learn the high claims of God upon him. The serious defects in his education have affected his life. {3T 29.2}[18]
§39
B弟兄颇具天资，倘若他能均衡发展并成为出版社忠心的领班，他的工作会对出版社具有极大的价值，他也可以赚得双倍的薪水。然而，在过去的岁月里，考虑到他的缺点，以及他那不圣洁的影响，出版社没有他会更好。B弟兄和他的太太都没有学习俭约的教训。满足口味，炫耀和宴乐的欲望对他们有不可抗拒的影响。低工资对他们来说比高工资更有利，因为不管工资多高，他们都会随手用去。他们喜欢享受当前的快乐，而一旦忧患临头，他们却全无准备。对于他们来讲，每周花掉二十块钱就像花十二块钱是一样的。要是B弟兄和他的太太能以俭朴持家，励行克己，那么他们早已有了自己的住宅，而且储有余款以应付艰难了。但他们不肯象别的人，就是他们有时必须仰赖的人那样节俭。倘若他们疏忽学习这些教训，就必在上帝的大日发现自己的品格不完全。{3T 30.1}[19]
§40
If, with his good qualifications, Brother B were well balanced and a faithful foreman of the office, his labor would be of great value to the office, and he could earn double wages. But for the past years, considering his deficiency, with his unconsecrated influence, the office could better afford to do without him, even if his services could be had for nothing. Brother and Sister B have not learned the lesson of economy. The gratification of the taste, and the desire for pleasure and display, have had an overpowering influence upon them. Small wages would be of more advantage to them than large, for they would use all as they pass along, were it ever so much. They would enjoy as they go, and then when affliction draws upon them, would be wholly unprepared. Twenty dollars a week would be laid out about the same as twelve. Had Brother and Sister B been economical managers, denying themselves, they could ere this have had a home of their own, and besides this have had means to draw upon in case of adversity. But they will not economize as others have done, upon whom they have sometimes been dependent. If they neglect to learn these lessons, their characters will not be found perfect in the day of God. {3T 30.1}[19]
§41
B弟兄一直是基督大爱与恩赐的对象，然而他却从未感受到自己可以效学这位伟大的楷模。他一生都在追求今生有比我们的主所得到的更好的命运。他从未感受到自己极大的无知和罪恶，而基督一直试图提拔他脱离这样的状况，使他与基督的神性联合。{3T 31.1}[20]
§42
Brother B has been the object of the great love and condescension of Christ, and yet he has never felt that he could imitate the great Exemplar. He claims, and all his life has sought after, a better portion in this life than was given our Lord. He has never felt the depths of ignorance and sin from which Christ has proposed to lift him and to link him to His divine nature. {3T 31.1}[20]
§43
心与手不洁之人从事神圣的工作是非常可怕的。作基督的同工包含着严重的责任；作基督的代表绝非小事。可怕的审判将要检验每一个人的工作。使徒保罗说：“我们原不是传自己，乃是传基督耶稣为主；”“那吩咐光从黑暗里照出来的上帝，已经照在我们心里，叫我们得知上帝荣耀的光显在耶稣基督的面上”(林后4:5,6)。使徒的满足不在自己，而在于基督之灵的高尚影响力，这种影响力充满了他的心，并使每一个思想都顺服于基督。传道时带有的真理的力量要么成为活得香气叫人活，要么成为死的香气叫人死。上帝要求牧者成为基督精神的活见证，活荐信，为众人所知道所念诵。当我想到某些未被自己所传扬的真理所圣化的牧者时，即使是基督复临安息日会的牧者，我便战兢。那能使他们获得成功的，莫过于有上帝活泼而有功效圣灵在祂使者的心中运行，赐下上帝荣耀的知识了。{3T 31.2}[21]
§44
It is a fearful thing to minister in sacred things when the heart and hands are not holy. To be a co-worker with Christ involves fearful responsibilities; to stand as His representative is no small matter. The fearful realities of the judgment will test every mans work. The apostle said, We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; for God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. The sufficiency of the apostle was not in himself, but in the gracious influence of the Spirit of Christ, which filled his soul and brought every thought into subjection to the obedience of Christ. The power of truth attending the word preached will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Ministers are required to be living examples of the mind and spirit of Christ, living epistles, known and read of all men. I tremble when I consider that there are some ministers, even among Seventh-day Adventists, who are not sanctified by the truths which they preach. Nothing less than the quick and powerful Spirit of God working in the hearts of His messengers to give the knowledge of the glory of God, can gain for them the victory. {3T 31.2}[21]
§45
B弟兄的证道并没有圣灵认可的印记。他纵然可以流利地宣讲并且提出清晰的论点，但他的讲论缺乏灵性。他的呼吁不能以一种新的慈怜触动人心。他讲了很多很多，但他听众的心并未被救主的爱所激励，所折服。罪人并没有认识到自己的罪恶，也没有因感到“拿撒勒人耶稣今日过路”而被吸引归向基督。罪人们应当能清晰地感受到基督就在身旁，愿意赐给他们救恩。应当将一位救主介绍给听众，而讲道人自己的心要降服并被圣灵充满。讲道人的声调、表情、以及言辞都应当具有一种不可抗拒的力量，以便感动并控制人心。牧者的心里应当有耶稣居住。如果讲道人的话语和声调中带有耶稣，如果他们带有耶稣慈怜的爱，就会成为一种福气，比地上一切的财富、享乐和荣耀更有价值；因为这些福气总能成就一番善工。人们的悔悟会加深，心中会受感，他们也会提出以下的问题：“我当怎样行才可以得救”（徒16:30）？ {3T 31.3}[22]
§46
Brother Bs preaching has not been marked by the sanction of Gods Spirit. He can talk fluently and make a point plain, but his preaching has lacked spirituality. His appeals have not touched the heart with a new tenderness. There has been an array of words, but the hearts of his hearers have not been quickened and melted with a sense of a Saviours love. Sinners have not been convicted and drawn to Christ by a sense that Jesus of Nazareth passeth by. Sinners should have a clear impression given them of the nearness and willingness of Christ to give them present salvation. A Saviour should be presented before the people, while the heart of the speaker should be subdued and imbued with His Spirit. The very tones of the voice, the look, the words, should possess an irresistible power to move hearts and control minds. Jesus should be found in the heart of the minister. If Jesus is in the words and in the tones of the voice, if they are mellow with His tender love, it will prove a blessing of more value than all the riches, pleasures, and glories of the earth; for such blessings will not come and go without accomplishing a work. Convictions will be deepened, impressions will be made, and the question will be raised: What shall I do to be saved? - {3T 31.3}[22]