第12章 致富裕的父母
§1
第12章 致富裕的父母
§2
Chap. 12 - To Wealthy Parents
§3
1870年，在佛蒙特的帐篷大会上，针对年迈富有的父母在处理他们财产上的责任，我蒙圣灵催促，就此事作一个明确的见证。我曾蒙指示看到一些精明谨慎，精通业务交易，机敏周到出众的人，在趁自己还活着就恰当处理财产的事上，显得缺乏远见和果断。他们不知道自己的宽容时期何时结束；时间一年一年过去，他们对自己身后之事未作安排，往往还没有善用自己的理智，他们的生命就结束了。要么就是他们突然去世，丝毫没有前兆，他们的财产就以他们原不会赞同的方式处理了。这些人犯了疏忽之罪；他们是不忠心的管家。{3T 116.2}[1]
§4
At the camp meeting in Vermont, in 1870, I felt urged by the Spirit of God to bear a plain testimony relative to the duty of aged and wealthy parents in the disposition of their property. I had been shown that some men who are shrewd, prudent, and sharp in regard to the transaction of business generally, men who are distinguished for promptness and thoroughness, manifest a want of foresight and promptness in regard to a proper disposal of their property while they are living. They know not how soon their probation may close; yet they pass on from year to year with their business unsettled, and frequently their lives finally close without their having the use of their reason. Or they may die suddenly, without a moments warning, and their property be disposed of in a manner that they would not have approved. These are guilty of negligence; they are unfaithful stewards. {3T 116.2}[1]
§5
相信现代真理的基督徒应当表现出智慧和远见。他们不可疏忽对自己财富的处理，却期待一个有利的时机，到自己久病卧床才分配自己的产业。他们应当这样办理，即便他们随时离世，即便他们死前来不及再作嘱托，他们财富的分配也要像他们仍旧在世那样进行。因为原可以在一个小时之内办好的事被疏忽了，许多家庭被诡诈地剥夺了全部财产并陷入贫穷。那些立遗嘱的人应当不怕麻烦，不怕花费，以获得法律上的指导，使所写下的内容经得起考验。{3T 117.1}[2]
§6
Christians who believe the present truth should manifest wisdom and foresight. They should not neglect the disposition of their means, expecting a favorable opportunity to adjust their business during a long illness. They should have their business in such a shape that, were they called at any hour to leave it, and should they have no voice in its arrangement, it might be settled as they would have had it were they alive. Many families have been dishonestly robbed of all their property and have been subjected to poverty because the work that might have been well done in an hour had been neglected. Those who make their wills should not spare pains or expense to obtain legal advice and to have them drawn up in a manner to stand the test. {3T 117.1}[2]
§7
我看到那些自称相信真理的人应当用自己的行为表现出信心。他们应当用不义的钱财结交朋友，好使他们最终被接到永存的帐幕里去。上帝使人作钱财的管家。祂将钱财放在人手中，为要让他们用来推进救人的大工；基督为人离开自己的家，自己的财富和荣耀，成了贫穷，以便藉着自己的谦卑与牺牲，领亚当的许多儿女归向上帝。在主的天意安排中，祂命定自己葡萄园中的工作应由托付到祂管家们手中的钱财来维持。他们若疏忽回应上帝推进圣工的呼召，就表明自己是懒惰又不忠心的仆人。{3T 117.2}[3]
§8
I saw that those who profess to believe the truth should show their faith by their works. They should, with the unrighteous mammon, make friends, that they may finally be received into everlasting habitations. God has made men stewards of means. He has placed in their hands the money with which to carry forward the great work for the salvation of souls for whom Christ left His home, His riches, His glory, and became poor that He might, by His own humiliation and sacrifice, bring many sons and daughters of Adam to God. In His providence the Lord has ordained that the work in His vineyard should be sustained by the means entrusted to the hands of His stewards. A neglect on their part to answer the calls of the cause of God in carrying forward His work shows them to be unfaithful and slothful servants. {3T 117.2}[3]
§9
关于佛蒙特州的圣工，我曾蒙指示看到一些事，尤其是关于波德维勒和其附近地区的事。下面这些内容来自《教会证言》第二十辑：{3T 118.1}[4]
§10
I had been shown some things in reference to the cause in Vermont, but more especially at Bordoville and vicinity. The following is from Testimony for the Church, No. 20: {3T 118.1}[4]
§11
“许多住在波德维勒的人有一番工作需要完成。我看到仇敌正在加紧工作以实现他的计划。有一些上帝托付金钱的人将他们的责任转移到他们的儿女身上，而忽略了上天指定他们作为上帝管家的责任。他们没有将属于上帝的物归给上帝，反倒宣称这一切都是他们的，好像这些财物是他们凭借自己的力量和智慧获得的。”{3T 118.2}[5]
§12
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. {3T 118.2}[5]
§13
“有些人放弃了对于自己财产的控制权，将钱财交到他们儿女手中。他们心中隐秘的动机是，把钱交给儿女，让自己处于一种免责的位置上，使他们可以逃避责任，不用捐献钱财推进真理的传播。这些人的爱只停留在口头上，而没有表现在行动和真理上。他们没有认识到，自己手中的钱财不是自己的，而是主托付他们的。”{3T 118.3}[6]
§14
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. {3T 118.3}[6]
§15
“父母们应当为自己将上帝委托他们的钱财交在儿女手中感到极其害怕，除非他们有最可靠的证据能确定自己的儿女比自己更加爱主，对于上帝的圣工比他们有更大的兴趣，更愿意献身于这项工作，对于推进上帝的工作会更诚恳热切，更愿用自己的钱财促进上帝圣工各方面的发展。因为撒但的怂恿，许多作父母的将自己的产业交给儿女，同时也把自己管家的职责放在儿女身上。他们这样做实际上是将钱财置于仇敌的阵营。撒但运用诡计实现他的计划，将本应用于上帝圣工的钱财夺到自己手中，好增强自己的势力。”{3T 118.4}[7]
§16
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. {3T 118.4}[7]
§17
“许多夸大表白自己信仰之人在好行为上极其缺乏。如果他们能用自己的行为来表现信仰，则他们便能为真理发挥更强大的感化力。但他们没有善用上帝借给他们的钱财。一些人想平息自己良心的声音，藉遗嘱将财产交给儿女，或者不交给上帝的圣工，而是交到不信冒失的儿女手中，任他们去浪费、或聚敛、或当作神明敬拜，这样的父母将来必要在上帝面前为自己的行为交账。对于他们主的钱财来说，他们是不忠心的仆人。撒但控制着他们儿女的思想，而他们竟容许撒但通过这些儿女凌驾在他们之上。撒但通过许多途径来达成自己的目的，而上帝的管家们却似乎蒙昧无知、麻木不仁。他们并没有认识到自己所负的巨大责任，也没有想到很快就要来临的交账时刻。”{3T 118.5}[8]
§18
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. {3T 118.5}[8]
§19
我蒙指示看到某地方附近一些人的宽容时期马上就要结束了，他们目前最重要的，就是如何让自己的行为得蒙上帝悦纳，以便在最后清算时听到主人对他们发出“好”的判语。此外我还蒙指示，看到那些自称相信真理之人的前后矛盾，他们扣留自己的钱财，不奉献给上帝的圣工，以便将之留给自己的儿女。许多作父母的人虽然家道丰裕，但却过着贫穷的生活。他们在某种程度上削减了个人生活的安适，即便是对于身体健康和乐享天伦必备的生活物资，他们也加以克扣，尽管他们有大量的钱财可以支配。他们仿佛觉得不可为了自己生活的舒适或为了慈善的目的而使用自己的钱财。他们眼前只有一个目的，就是攒钱留给儿女。他们这种想法表现得非常强烈，贯穿于其生活的每一行动，以致他们的儿女学会了期盼将得到这份财产的时刻。他们依赖这份财产，而这种期盼对他们的品格有一种重要却很不利的影响。这些儿女有的变得挥霍无度，有的变得自私贪婪，还有的变成粗心懒惰之人。许多作儿女的并未培养勤俭节约的习惯；他们没有尽力学习自力更生、独立自主。他们没有目标，品格也缺乏稳定。童年和青年时接受的印象贯穿于品格中，成了他们成年生活的行动原则。{3T 119.1}[9]
§20
I was shown that the probation of some in the vicinity of ----- was soon to close, and that it was important that their work be finished to Gods acceptance, that in the final settlement they might hear the Well done from the Master. I was also shown the inconsistency of those who profess to believe the truth withholding their means from the cause of God, that they may leave it for their children. Many fathers and mothers are poor in the midst of abundance. They abridge, in a degree, their own personal comforts and frequently deny themselves of those things that are necessary for the enjoyment of life and health, while they have ample means at their command. They feel forbidden, as it were, to appropriate their means for their own comfort or for charitable purposes. They have one object before them, and that is to save property to leave for their children. This idea is so prominent, so interwoven with all their actions, that their children learn to look forward to the time when this property will be theirs. They depend upon it, and this prospect has an important but not a favorable influence upon their characters. Some become spendthrifts, others become selfish and avaricious, and still others grow indolent and reckless. Many do not cultivate habits of economy; they do not seek to become self-reliant. They are aimless, and have but little stability of character. The impressions received in childhood and youth are wrought in the texture of character and become the principle of action in mature life. {3T 119.1}[9]
§21
那些已经熟悉真理原则的人应当严格遵照上帝的圣言为自己的指南。他们应当把上帝的物归还上帝。我蒙指示看到佛蒙特州的一些人在使用上帝委托他们管理的钱财上犯了大错。他们在自己一切所有的财产上忽略了上帝的要求。他们的眼睛被公义之敌所蒙蔽，他们目前所采取的做法，只会给他们自己和他们亲爱的孩子带来毁灭性的后果。{3T 120.1}[10]
§22
Those who have become acquainted with the principles of the truth should closely follow the word of God as their guide. They should render to God the things that are Gods. I was shown that several in Vermont were making a great mistake in regard to appropriating the means that God had entrusted to their keeping. They were overlooking the claims of God upon all that they have. Their eyes were blinded by the enemy of righteousness, and they were taking a course which would result disastrously for themselves and their dear children. {3T 120.1}[10]
§23
作儿女的正在影响他们的父母，让他们将财产交由他们随意处理。上帝圣言关于管家职责的亮光是极其清楚明白的，并且上帝关于处置财产所赐下的证言中也有相应的警告和责备。儿女若有这些亮光摆在眼前，则无论是直接还是间接地影响他们的父母在世时将财产分给他们，或使父母写下遗嘱在过世后主要将财产交到儿女手中，这些儿女都要负可怕的责任。儿女若有自称相信真理的年迈父母，就当怀着敬畏上帝的心，建议并恳劝他们的父母忠于自己的信仰，就他们的钱财采取可蒙上帝悦纳的措施。作父母的应当用他们的财产来推动上帝圣工的发展，好为自己积攒财宝在天上。他们不应将财产留给生活已经绰绰有余的人，而剥夺自己在天上的产业。因为这样作，他们不仅是剥夺了自己积攒财宝在天上的特权，同时也是抢夺了上帝的库。{3T 120.2}[11]
§24
Children were influencing their parents to leave their property in their hands for them to appropriate according to their judgment. With the light of Gods word, so plain and clear in reference to the money lent to stewards, and with the warnings and reproofs which God has given through the Testimonies in regard to the disposition of means--if, with all this light before them, children either directly or indirectly influence their parents to divide their property while living, or to will it mainly to the children to come into their hands after the death of their parents, they take upon themselves fearful responsibilities. Children of aged parents who profess to believe the truth should, in the fear of God, advise and entreat their parents to be true to their profession of faith, and take a course in regard to their means which God can approve. Parents should lay up for themselves treasures in heaven by appropriating their means themselves to the advancement of the cause of God. They should not rob themselves of heavenly treasure by leaving a surplus of means to those who have enough; for by so doing they not only deprive themselves of the precious privilege of laying up a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, but they rob the treasury of God. {3T 120.2}[11]
§25
我在帐篷大会上说，作父母的将财产主要留给儿女，一点也不捐给上帝的圣工，或者所捐数目极少，不值一提，这份遗留给儿女的财产通常会成为他们的咒诅。这些钱财会成为儿女的试探之源，给他们打开了一扇门，使他们有可能落入许多危险有害的私欲之中。{3T 120.3}[12]
§26
I stated at the camp meeting that when property is willed principally to children, while none is appropriated to the cause of God, or, if any, a meager pittance unworthy to be mentioned, this property would frequently prove a curse to the children who inherit it. It would be a source of temptation and would open a door through which they would be in danger of falling into many dangerous and hurtful lusts. {3T 120.3}[12]
§27
父母们应当运用上帝所赐予他们的权利，祂已把才干托付与他们，要他们用来荣耀祂。儿女是不应为父亲的才干负责的。父母们当趁头脑清晰，判断力良好之时，虔诚地思考，并在那些拥有真理经验、认识上帝旨意的好顾问的帮助下，处置自己的产业。他们若有儿女在受苦，或在贫困中挣扎，却能善用金钱，就当为其儿女着想。他们若有儿女不信、在今世富足并在侍奉世界，若仅仅因为他们是自己的儿女，就把钱置于他们手中，便得罪了那位使他们成为管家的主。上帝的要求是不可轻忽的。 {3T 121.1}[13]
§28
Parents should exercise the right that God has given them. He entrusted to them the talents He would have them use to His glory. The children were not to become responsible for the talents of the father. While they have sound minds and good judgment, parents should, with prayerful consideration, and with the help of proper counselors who have experience in the truth and a knowledge of the divine will, make disposition of their property. If they have children who are afflicted or are struggling in poverty, and who will make a judicious use of means, they should be considered. But if they have unbelieving children who have abundance of this world, and who are serving the world, they commit a sin against the Master, who has made them His stewards, by placing means in their hands merely because they are their children. Gods claims are not to be lightly regarded. {3T 121.1}[13]
§29
有一件事应该清楚明白的，就是作父母的虽立下遗嘱，也不足以妨碍他们在有生之日捐助上帝的圣工。这是他们应当做的。他们于有生之年能把盈余的钱财处理妥当，就可在此世得着满足，并在来世得着报赏。他们应尽本分推展上帝的圣工，使用主所借给他们的金钱，维持祂的葡萄园中需要做的工作。{3T 121.2}[14]
§30
And it should be distinctly understood that because parents have made their will, this will not prevent them from giving means to the cause of God while they live. This they should do. They should have the satisfaction here, and the reward hereafter, of disposing of their surplus means while they live. They should do their part to advance the cause of God. They should use the means lent them by the Master to carry on the work which needs to be done in His vineyard. {3T 121.2}[14]
§31
贪财是万恶之根，世上所有的罪案，几乎都因此而起。父亲们自私地把钱财留下给子女，使他们致富却看不见圣工的需求和加以援手，这就犯了可怕的错误。他们以为可用自己的钱财令儿女得福，其实带给他们的竟是咒诅。 {3T 121.3}[15]
§32
The love of money lies at the root of nearly all the crimes committed in the world. Fathers who selfishly retain their means to enrich their children, and who do not see the wants of the cause of God and relieve them, make a terrible mistake. The children whom they think to bless with their means are cursed with it. {3T 121.3}[15]
§33
遗留给儿女的金钱，往往会成为痛苦的根源。他们时常会为所得的产业而争吵；纵然立有遗嘱，也很少全都满意于父亲的分配。所留下的金钱，不但没有激起感谢、尊敬和对他的怀念，反而会造成不满、埋怨，嫉妒和轻蔑。兄弟姊妹本是和睦共处的，却变成不和；家庭的纷争往往因遗产而引起。财富只宜于供应目前之需和造福他人，但继承之钱财，却更易成为拥有者的陷阱，而不是福气。父母们不应把钱财留给儿女，使之不劳而获，以致受到这些试探。 {3T 121.4}[16]
§34
Money left to children frequently becomes a root of bitterness. They often quarrel over the property left them and in case of a will, are seldom all satisfied with the disposition made by the father. And instead of the means left exciting gratitude and reverence for his memory, it creates dissatisfaction, murmuring, envy, and disrespect. Brothers and sisters who were at peace with one another are sometimes made at variance, and family dissensions are often the result of inherited means. Riches are desirable only as a means of supplying present wants and of doing good to others. But inherited riches oftener become a snare to the possessor than a blessing. Parents should not seek to have their children encounter the temptations to which they expose them in leaving them means which they themselves have made no effort to earn. {3T 121.4}[16]
§35
我蒙指示看到一些自称相信真理的儿女，会间接地促使那作父亲的把钱留给他的孩子们，而不在有生之日用在上帝的圣工上。那些曾影响他们的父亲，把管家职责转给他们的人，其实很少会明白到他们所作的是什么。他们正为自己招来双重的负担：使父亲犹豫不决，以致在处理上帝所赐的钱财上，没有成全祂的旨意，把荣耀归给祂；另外的负担，就是促使自己成为别人钱财的管家，而这些钱财，本应由父亲放给“兑换银钱的人”，以致主能连本带利收回。{3T 122.1}[17]
§36
I was shown that some children professing to believe the truth would, in an indirect manner, influence the father to keep his means for his children instead of appropriating it to the cause of God while he lives. Those who have influenced their father to shift his stewardship upon them little know what they are doing. They are gathering upon themselves double responsibility, that of balancing the fathers mind so that he did not fulfill the purpose of God in the disposition of the means lent him of God to be used to His glory, and the additional responsibility of becoming stewards of means that should have been put out to the exchangers by the father, that the Master could have received His own with usury. {3T 122.1}[17]
§37
许多父母把手上的财物放入儿女的手中，而犯上了重大的错误，其实他们要为自己善用或误用上帝借给他们的银子负责的。父母或儿女们都不会因财产的这样转移而变得更快乐，只要作父母的多活几年，通常就会因所采取的行动而后悔。这样做并没有增加父母对儿女的爱，儿女也不会因父母的慷慨而加增感谢与责任感。此事似乎带有某种咒诅，在儿女方面表露出他们的自私，而在父母方面却因须要依赖儿女而感到忧愁难受。{3T 122.2}[18]
§38
Many parents make a great mistake in placing their property out of their hands into the hands of their children while they are themselves responsible for the use or abuse of the talent lent them of God. Neither parents nor children are made happier by this transfer of property. And the parents, if they live a few years even, generally regret this action on their part. Parental love in their children is not increased by this course. The children do not feel increased gratitude and obligation to their parents for their liberality. A curse seems to lay at the root of the matter, which only crops out in selfishness on the part of the children and unhappiness and miserable feelings of cramped dependence on the part of the parents. {3T 122.2}[18]
§39
父母若能趁着有生之年，教导儿女照顾自己，胜过在死时留下大笔财产给他们。那些主要靠努力而自立的孩子，要比那些依赖父亲家财的孩子，更能适合实际的生活，长大后也会成为更好的人。那些倚靠自己才智的孩子，通常重视自己的能力，善用自己的特权，并培植与使用自己的天赋，以完成人生之目的。他们常会养成勤劳、节俭和具道德价值的品格，这品格是基督化生活的成功基础。那些骄生惯养的孩子，通常感觉不到自己对父母有何责任。某地方便存在我们提到的这些错误。作父母的人已将自己管家的职责移交到他们儿女手中。{3T 122.3}[19]
§40
If parents, while they live, would assist their children to help themselves, it would be better than to leave them a large amount at death. Children who are left to rely principally upon their own exertions make better men and women, and are better fitted for practical life than those children who have depended upon their fathers estate. The children left to depend upon their own resources generally prize their abilities, improve their privileges, and cultivate and direct their faculties to accomplish a purpose in life. They frequently develop characters of industry, frugality, and moral worth, which lie at the foundation of success in the Christian life. Those children for whom parents do the most, frequently feel under the least obligation toward them. The errors of which we have spoken have existed in -----. Parents have shifted their stewardship upon their children. {3T 122.3}[19]
§41
1870年，在某地方的帐篷大会上，我恳劝那些拥有钱财的人作上帝忠心的管家，将他们的钱财用在上帝的圣工上，而不要将这项责任转移到他们儿女身上。这项工作是上帝分派给他们的，当主人要和他们算帐时，他们应当能像那忠心的管家，将主人托付他的银子，连本带利地归还主人。{3T 123.1}[20]
§42
At the camp meeting at -----, 1870, I appealed to those who had means to use that means in the cause of God as His faithful stewards, and not leave this work for their children. It is a work which God has left them to do, and when the Master calls them to account, they can, as faithful stewards, render to Him that which He has lent them, both principal and interest. {3T 123.1}[20]
§43
在异象中，X、Y、Z三位弟兄出现在我面前。他们在使用自己的钱财上犯了错误。他们有些儿女在这件事上对他们施加了影响，将自己担不动的担子加在自己身上。他们打开一扇门，邀请仇敌带着试探进来骚扰并毁灭他们。X弟兄两个年轻的儿子处于极大的危险当中。他们结交的那些人品格恶劣卑下，无法提拔造就他们，反倒会使他们堕落。这些同伴对这两名年轻人产生的影响非常微妙，几乎难以觉察。这些恶伴的言行足以使他们脱离他们姐姐和姐夫们的影响。当我在帐篷大会上提到这些事时，我心中感触很深。我认出了我在异象中见过的那些人。我恳劝他们务必认识到完全将自己献给上帝的必要性。我没有提到他们的名字，因为上帝不许我那样作。我讲论的都是原则上的问题，向人的心灵和良知发出呼吁，使那些自称爱上帝遵守祂诫命之人再有一次发展自己品格的机会。上帝愿意赐给他们警告和劝诫，他们若真的愿意遵行祂的旨意，他们就有一个机会。亮光已经赐下，随后我们就只能等待，看他们是否愿意就近真光。{3T 123.2}[21]
§44
Brethren X, Y, Z were presented before me. These men were making a mistake in regard to the appropriation of their means. Some of their children were influencing them in this work, and were gathering upon their souls responsibilities that they were ill-prepared to bear. They were opening a door and inviting the enemy to come in with his temptations to harass and destroy them. The two younger sons of Brother X were in great danger. They were associating with individuals of a stamp of character which would not elevate, but would debase them. The subtle influence of these associations was gaining an imperceptible influence over these young men. The conversation and deportment of evil companions were of that character to separate them from the influence of their sisters and their sisters husbands. While speaking upon this subject at the camp meeting I felt deeply. I knew the persons were before me whom I had seen in vision. I urged upon those who heard me the necessity of thorough consecration to God. I called no names, for I was not permitted to do this. I was to dwell upon principles, appeal to the hearts and consciences, and give those who professed to love God and keep His commandments an opportunity to develop character. God would send them warnings and admonitions, and if they really desired to do His will they had an opportunity. Light was given, and then we were to wait and see if they would come to the light. {3T 123.2}[21]
§45
我离开帐篷大会时，因为挂虑异象中看到的那些人的危险，心情非常沉重。几个月之后，消息传来，Y弟兄过世了。他的财产都留给了他的儿女。去年十二月份，我们应约在佛蒙特州主持聚会。我丈夫身体不适，无法前往。为了不令那里的弟兄姐妹太失望，我同意和霍尔姐妹一起去佛蒙特州。我对会众说话时感到相当自由，但我们的区会会议却不自由。我知道若不先在上帝面前认罪并献上一颗痛悔破碎的心，上帝的圣灵就不会在这里自由运行。我无法再保持沉默了。主的灵催促我，我简要说了说我曾经写的那些事情。我提到了某些在场之人的名字，他们正挡在上帝圣工前进的路上。{3T 124.1}[22]
§46
I left the camp meeting with a burden of anxiety upon my mind in reference to the persons whose danger I had been shown. In a few months news reached us of Brother Ys death. His property was left to his children. Last December we had an appointment to hold meetings in Vermont. My husband was indisposed and could not go. In order to save too great a disappointment, I consented to go to Vermont in company with Sister Hall. I spoke to the people with some freedom, but our conference meetings were not free. I knew that the Spirit of the Lord could not have a free course until confessions were made and there was a breaking of heart before God. I could not keep silent. The Spirit of the Lord was upon me, and I related briefly the substance of what I have written. I called the names of some present who were standing in the way of the work of God. {3T 124.1}[22]
§47
通过遗嘱将财产留给儿女，或在自己还活着的时候把管家的职责移交给儿女，这些事情的后果已在他们面前证实了。Y弟兄的儿子们受贪心唆使，采取了错误的行动。这在他一个儿子身上表现得尤其明显。我忠心向大家作见证，提到我在异象中看到的这个教会中的事情，特别是关于Y弟兄的儿子们。这些弟兄中的一个，自己也是一位父亲，他的内心和生活非常腐败堕落，对现代真理的宝贵圣工来说是一个羞辱，他那低下的道德水准正在败坏年轻人。{3T 124.2}[23]
§48
The result of leaving property to children by will, and also of parents shifting the responsibility of their stewardship upon their children while the parents were living, had been verified before them. Covetousness had led Brother Ys sons to pursue a wrong course. This was especially true of one of his sons. I labored faithfully, relating the things which I had seen in reference to the church, especially to the sons of Brother Y. One of these brothers, himself a father, was corrupt in heart and life, a reproach to the precious cause of present truth; his low standard of morals was corrupting to the youth. {3T 124.2}[23]
§49
主的灵进入会场，有些人流着眼泪，谦卑地承认了自己的罪。会后，我和X弟兄的年轻儿子们进行了交谈。我恳劝他们，为了自己的灵魂，要马上回头，不再与那些导致他们走向毁灭的邪恶友伴来往，并要努力去作那些使他们得到平安的事情。当我向这些年轻人发出恳劝时，我的心为他们感到焦急挂虑，我渴望看到他们顺从上帝。我为他们祷告，催促他们也为自己祷告。我们在获得胜利；他们的心软化了。每一个人都发出谦卑痛悔的祷告。我感到上帝的平安临到我们身上。天使似乎环绕着我们，当时我进入了上帝荣耀的异象中。上帝再次将某地圣工的状况启示给我。我看到某些人在上帝面前退步。青年人也处在一种退后的状态中。{3T 124.3}[24]
§50
The Spirit of the Lord came into the meetings, and humble confessions were made by some, accompanied by tears. After the meeting I had an interview with the younger sons of Brother X. I pleaded with them, and entreated them for their souls sake to turn square about, break away from the company of those who were leading them on to ruin, and seek for the things which make for their peace. While pleading for these young men, my heart was drawn out after them, and I longed to see them submit to God. I prayed for them, and urged them to pray for themselves. We were gaining the victory; they were yielding. The voice of each was heard in humble, penitential prayer, and I felt that indeed the peace of God rested upon us. Angels seemed to be all around us, and I was shut up in a vision of Gods glory. The state of the cause at ----- was again shown me. I saw that some had backslidden far from God. The youth were in a state of backsliding. {3T 124.3}[24]
§51
我蒙指示看到X弟兄那两个年轻的儿子天生心地善良、谨慎本分，但是撒但却蒙蔽了他们的辨别力。他们的同伴不都是那等能加强并促进他们道德，或增进他们对真理和属天之事的爱慕和理解的人。“一个罪人能败坏许多善事”（传9:18）。这些同伴讥诮和败坏的言谈足以驱散他们心中严肃虔诚的印象。{3T 125.1}[25]
§52
I was shown that the two younger sons of Brother X were naturally goodhearted, conscientious young men, but that Satan had blinded their perception. Their companions were not all of that class which would strengthen and improve their morals or increase their understanding and love for the truth and heavenly things. One sinner destroyeth much good. The ridicule and corrupt conversation of these companions had had its effect to dispel serious and religious impressions. {3T 125.1}[25]
§53
基督徒与那些道德欠佳之人交往是错的。那种亲密而每日浪费时间、丝毫不能增强智力或道德力的交往，实在是相当危险的。假如环绕人们的气氛并不纯洁而神圣，且为腐败所污染，则凡吸收这种气氛的人必发现它会在不知不觉间毒化并败坏智力和心志。与那些思想自甘下流之人交往实在危险。本来心地正直而爱好纯洁的人，必在不知不觉间逐渐与素常交往的人采取同样的水准，沾染并同情他们的愚昧以及道德方面的空虚。{3T 125.2}[26]
§54
It is wrong for Christians to associate with those whose morals are loose. An intimate, daily intercourse which occupies time without contributing in any degree to the strength of the intellect or morals is dangerous. If the moral atmosphere surrounding persons is not pure and sanctified, but is tainted with corruption, those who breathe this atmosphere will find that it operates almost insensibly upon the intellect and heart to poison and to ruin. It is dangerous to be conversant with those whose minds naturally take a low level. Gradually and imperceptibly those who are naturally conscientious and love purity will come to the same level and partake of and sympathize with the imbecility and moral barrenness with which they are so constantly brought in contact. {3T 125.2}[26]
§55
这些年轻人必须改变自己的交往，这一点极其重要。“滥交是败坏善行”（林前15:33）。撒但正在使用他的爪牙毁灭这些年轻人。再没有什么比与那些空虚、随便、思想败坏之人的交往，更能有效地阻止或打消人心中严肃的思想和良好的愿望了。不论这种人的机智、嘲讽、笑谈具有什么样的吸引力，只要他们以轻浮和冷漠的态度对待宗教，这就足以证明不应再和他们继续交往。他们在其它方面越有魅力，他们作为同伴的影响也就越可怕，因为他们没有信仰的生活散发出这么多危险的诱惑力。{3T 125.3}[27]
§56
It was important that the associations of these young men should change. Evil communications corrupt good manners. Satan has worked through agents to ruin these young men. Nothing can more effectually prevent or banish serious impressions and good desires than association with vain, careless, and corrupt-minded persons. Whatever attractions such persons may possess by their wit, sarcasm, and fun, the fact that they treat religion with levity and indifference is sufficient reason why they should not be associated with. The more engaging they are in other respects, the more should their influence be dreaded as companions, because they throw around an irreligious life so many dangerous attractions. {3T 125.3}[27]
§57
这些年轻人应当选择与那些热爱真理的纯洁、道德未受玷污、生活习惯清洁的人交往。他们若愿确实成为上帝的儿子，皇室的成员，天上大君的儿女，就必须顺从上帝圣言中所定的条件。“你们务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别；不要沾不洁净的物，我就收纳你们” （林后6:17）。上帝爱这些年轻人，如果他们愿意跟随祂圣灵的带领，遵行祂的旨意，则祂必要成为他们的力量。{3T 126.1}[28]
§58
These young men should choose for their associates those who love the purity of truth, whose morals are untainted, and whose habits are pure. They must comply with the conditions laid down in the word of God, if they would indeed become sons of God, members of the royal family, children of the heavenly King. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. God loves these young men, and if they will follow the leadings of His Spirit, and walk in His counsel, He will be their strength. {3T 126.1}[28]
§59
上帝赐给A Y弟兄许多优秀的能力，敏锐的辨别力和对祂圣言的良好理解力。如果他的心得以成圣，就会对他的弟兄、邻舍、和所交往的人发挥一种为善的感化力。但是对金钱的贪爱却紧紧地控制了他的心，这种欲望交织在他生活的所有事务上，以致他变得效法世界，没有心意更新而变化。他的能力因为对利益的极度贪爱而扭曲败坏了，这使他变得自私、吝啬、傲慢。他若将才干积极用于为主服务，而不是满足自己的私利，他的目标和目的若是行善并荣耀上帝，则上帝赐他的所有才干都可给他的品格带来力量、谦卑和效能，使他获得别人的尊重，并使他对凡与其交往的人具有影响力。{3T 126.2}[29]
§60
God has given Brother A Y good abilities, quick perceptions, and a good understanding of His word. If his heart were sanctified, he could have an influence for good with his brothers, as well as his neighbors and those with whom he associates. But the love of money has taken so firm a hold of his soul, and has been so interwoven with all the transactions of life, that he has become conformed to the world instead of being transformed by the renewing of the mind. His powers have been perverted and debased by sordid love of gain, which has made him selfish, penurious, and overbearing. Had his qualities been put into active use in his Masters service, rather than used to serve his own selfish interests, had his object and aim been to do good and glorify God, the qualities of mind that God had given him would impart to his character an energy, humility, and efficiency which could not fail to command respect and would give him an influence over all with whom he associated. {3T 126.2}[29]
§61
我蒙指示看到父亲留下的财产，对于他们的儿女来说，确实是个毒根。儿女们的平安与幸福，他们彼此之间的信赖，全都因这些遗产而大受扰乱。A Y弟兄并不需要他父亲的财产。他有足够的才干处理好上帝委托他管理的东西。他若对自己所拥有的东西作出正确的处置，就至少会被算为那在最小的事上忠心的人。至于他所贪图的作自己父亲财产管家的责任，其实是他所挑不起来的重担。{3T 127.1}[30]
§62
I was shown that the property left by the father had indeed been a root of bitterness to his children. Their peace and happiness, and their confidence in one another, had been greatly disturbed by it. Brother A Y did not need his fathers property. He had enough talents to handle that God had entrusted to his management. If he made a right disposition of that which he had, he would at least be among that number who were faithful in that which is least. The addition of the stewardship of his fathers property, which he had covetously desired, was a heavier responsibility than he could well manage. {3T 127.1}[30]
§63
多年以来，对金钱的贪爱腐蚀了他爱谦卑爱上帝的心。当他可以处理他父亲的财产时，他便渴望将一切都把持在自己手中。他对他的弟兄们采取了自私的做法，因为他有优势也有能力那么做。他弟兄们的情绪也不对。他们心里对他满怀怨恨。他损人利己，直到上帝的圣工因他的做法蒙受了羞辱。他已经无法控制自己。他最大的目标就是赚取自私的利益。贪爱金钱之心乃是这一切罪恶的根源。我蒙指示看到，他若将自己的能力用来为主的葡萄园作工，原本会成就许多善事，但这些才干若被滥用，就能造成极大的伤害。{3T 127.2}[31]
§64
For several years the love of money has been rooting out the love of humanity and the love of God. And as the means of his father were within his reach, he desired to retain all that was possible in his own hands. He pursued a selfish course toward his brothers because he had the advantage and could do so. His brothers have not had right feelings. They have felt bitter toward him. He has in deal advantaged himself to the disadvantage of others until his course has reproached the cause of God. He has lost command of himself. His greatest object has been gain, selfish gain. The love of money in the heart was the root of all this evil. I was shown that had he turned his powers to labor in the vineyard of the Lord he would have done much good, but these qualifications perverted can do a great deal of harm. {3T 127.2}[31]
§65
B家的弟兄们没有得到应该得到的帮助。AB已经劳累不堪。他把太多的重担背在自己身上，这使他非常疲惫，无法在属灵的力量和勇气上得到应有的长进。那拥有真理亮光的教会，本应在上帝里面刚强，立志行事，若有需要，便为真理的缘故作出牺牲，现在竟然软弱得像个婴孩。他们要求A B弟兄付出时间和精力，来解决那些根本就不应存在的困难。而当这些困难真的因为自私和未圣化的心而出现时，他们若有谦卑和真诚认罪的精神，原可在一个小时之内解决的。{3T 127.3}[32]
§66
The brothers B have not had the help they ought to have had. A B has labored to great disadvantage. He has taken too many burdens upon him, which has crippled his labors so that he has not increased in spiritual strength and courage as he should. The church, who have the light of truth, and should be strong in God to will and do, and to sacrifice, if need be, for the truths sake, have been like weak children. They have required the time and labor of Brother A B to settle difficulties which should never have existed. And when these difficulties have arisen because of selfishness and unsanctified hearts, they could have been put away in an hour, had there been humility and a spirit of confession. {3T 127.3}[32]
§67
B家的弟兄们继续留在某地是不对的，他们应该搬走，一年只来几次就行了。他们在其它地方可以更加自由地为主作见证。这些弟兄在讲述真理和生活经历时，并没有感到自由。他们如果住在别的地方，原可解除更多负担，在他们拜访这个教会时，他们的见证也会发挥十倍的效果。当A B弟兄因为教会中的琐碎试炼而过度忧虑且留在某地时，他原应到外地作工。他一直在管理饭食，直到他的思想蒙上一层阴影，无法理解真理的力量。他还没有意识到上帝圣工的真正需要。他正在丧失灵性和勇气。维持长期捐款的工作被疏忽了。有些弟兄一度曾热心于上帝圣工的发展，现在却变得越来越自私吝啬，不愿更加克己牺牲，更加爱慕真理献身真理。他们越来越少奉献精神，越来越象世人。C老爹就是这样一个人。他需要重新悔改。C弟兄曾蒙主惠赐崇高的特权，若不善用这些特权，临到他的定罪和黑暗就会与他所拥有的亮光相等，因为他没有善用上帝所借给他要他善用的才干。{3T 127.4}[33]
§68
The brothers B make a mistake in remaining at -----. They should change their location and not see this place oftener than a few times in the year. They would have greater freedom in bearing their testimony. These brethren have not felt freedom in speaking out truth and facts as they have existed. If they had lived elsewhere, they would have been more free from burdens, and their testimony would have had tenfold more weight when they did visit this church. While Brother A B has been weighed down with petty church trials and kept at -----, he should have been laboring abroad. He has served tables until his mind has become clouded, and he does not comprehend the force and power of the truth. He has not been awake to the real wants of the cause of God. He has been losing spirituality and courage. The work of keeping up systematic benevolence has been neglected. Some of the brethren, whose whole interest was once in the advancement of the cause of God, have been growing selfish and penurious instead of becoming more self-sacrificing and their love for the truth and devotion to it increasing. They have been growing less devotional and more like the world. Father C is one of this number. He needs a new conversion. Brother C has been favored with superior privileges, and if these are not improved, condemnation and darkness will follow equal to the light he has had, for the nonimprovement of the talents lent of God for him to improve. {3T 127.4}[33]
§69
佛蒙特州的弟兄们爱真理的心和对上帝工作的兴趣减退了，使上帝的灵担忧。{3T 128.1}[34]
§70
The brethren in Vermont have grieved the Spirit of God in allowing their love for the truth and their interest in the work of God to decline. {3T 128.1}[34]
§71
D B弟兄上季度在新区帐篷布道时过于劳累，没有得到适当的帮助。上帝并不要求这位弟兄或祂的任何仆人劳累过度伤害健康。某地的弟兄们本应以自己的行动表现出关心。他们若是醒悟过来，关心上帝的圣工，感觉到生灵的价值，就必早获得帮助了。当D B弟兄深深感到上帝圣工的需要和生灵的价值，需要付出持续不断的努力时，某地的大教会却因一些微不足道的困难叫走了A B弟兄，使他无法帮助D B弟兄。这些弟兄应当重新鼓起勇气，摆脱使他们留在某地并削弱了他们见证的困难与挫折，向那全能者寻求力量。他们应当向X和Y弟兄作明确的见证，阐明真理，尽他们所能地使这两位弟兄对自己的财产作出适当的分配。A B弟兄因为负担了过多的责任，心力和体力都在削弱。{3T 128.2}[35]
§72
Brother D B overtaxed his strength last season while laboring in new fields with the tent without suitable help. God does not require this brother, or any of His servants, to injure their health by exposure and taxing labor. The brethren at ----- should have felt an interest that would have been shown by their works. They could have secured help if they had been awake to the interest of the cause of God and felt the worth of souls. While Brother D B felt a deep sense of the work of God and the value of souls, which called for continual effort, a large church at ----- by their petty difficulties held Brother A B from helping his brother. These brothers should come up with renewed courage, shake themselves from the trials and discouragements which have held them at ----- and crippled their testimony, and should claim strength from the Mighty One. They should have borne a plain, free testimony to Brother X and Y, and urged the truth home, and done what they could to have these men make a proper distribution of their property. Brother A B, in taking so many burdens, is lessening his mental and physical strength. {3T 128.2}[35]
§73
如果C弟兄在过去这几年中一直行在光中，他原会感受到生灵的价值。要是他一直在培养爱真理的心，他原可以有资格教导别人真理。他本来可以协助D B弟兄在帐篷大会的工作。他至少可以帮他分担本地教会中的一些担子。他若爱自己的弟兄，并因真理而成圣，原可成为一个使人和睦的人，而不是激起纷争，这场纷争连同其它的困难，在最重要的时刻把A B弟兄从他兄弟身旁叫回，导致 D B弟兄的工作远远超过了他力所能及的。可是，D B弟兄做了他所能做的一切之后，工作还是没有完成，要是某地给予应有的关心，提供极需的帮助，这工作原是可以完成的。由于他们忽略责任，就有可怕的责任落在那里的教会身上。{3T 129.1}[36]
§74
If Brother C had been walking in the light for a few years past, he would have felt the value of souls. Had he been cultivating a love for the truth he might have been qualified to teach the truth to others. He might have helped Brother D B in his work with the tent. He might at least have taken the burdens of the church at home. If he had had love for his brethren, and been sanctified through the truth, he could have been a peacemaker instead of a stirrer-up of strife, which, united with other difficulties, called Brother A B from his brothers side at a most important time and resulted in Brother D Bs laboring far beyond his strength. And yet, after Brother D B had done all that he could, the work was not accomplished that might have been had there been the interest there should have been in ----- to supply help when it was so much needed. A fearful responsibility rests upon that church for their neglect of duty. {3T 129.1}[36]
§75
我蒙指示看到，X弟兄把财产分配给儿女，是将自己的责任转移到他原不应该转移到的人身上。他现在看到了这种做法的后果并没有使儿女更爱他。他的儿女一点也没有感到因父母为他们所做的而对父母有义务。这些孩子还很年轻，没有经验。他们还没有资格承担起那放在他们身上的责任。他们的心没有献给上帝，真正的朋友被他们看作故意与他们为难的敌人，而那些离间真朋友的人却被他们接受了。这些撒但的爪牙持续不断地给这些年轻人的思想灌输错误的想法，弟兄和姐妹、父亲和母亲的心不和了。{3T 129.2}[37]
§76
I was shown that Brother Xs course in dividing his property among his children was shifting the responsibility upon them which he should not have laid off. He now sees that the result of this course has brought to him no increase of affection from his children. They have not felt under obligation to their parents for what they have done for them. These children were young and inexperienced. They were not qualified to bear the responsibility laid upon them. Their hearts were unconsecrated, and true friends were looked upon by them as designing enemies, while those who would separate very friends were accepted. These agents of Satan were continually suggesting false ideas to the minds of these young men, and the hearts of brothers and sisters, father and mother, were at variance. {3T 129.2}[37]
§77
X 老爹犯了一个错误。他女儿的丈夫是个诚恳热爱真理的人，他若更加信赖他，若更愿接受那些有经验之人的建议和帮助，他所犯的那些重大错误原是可以避免的。但是仇敌通常都是采取这种办法来影响人们对财产的分配。{3T 130.1}[38]
§78
Father X made a mistake. Had he confided more in his daughters husbands, who loved the truth in sincerity, and had he been more willing to be helped by the advice of these men of experience, great mistakes might have been prevented. But this is the way the enemy generally succeeds in managing matters in regard to the appropriation of means. {3T 130.1}[38]
§79
上帝计划让所提到的这些事情显露出来，使大家都能看到钱财的迷惑对人心的影响。这些事情的后果大家都看得清楚，对于父母和怀有野心的儿女都是一个警告。上帝的圣言将贪婪定为与拜偶像同罪。人不可能既遵守上帝的律法又贪爱金钱。人心应当情系属天的事。我们当把财宝积攒在天上，因为我们的财宝在哪里，我们的心也在哪里。{3T 130.2}[39]
§80
These cases mentioned were designed of God to be developed that all might see the effect of the deceitfulness of riches upon the heart. The result in these cases, which is apparent to all, should prove a warning to fathers and mothers and to ambitious children. The word of God defines covetousness as idolatry. It is impossible for men and women to keep the law of God and love money. The hearts affections should be placed upon heavenly things. Our treasure should be laid up in heaven, for where our treasure is, there will our heart be also. {3T 130.2}[39]