第28章 同情犯错误的人
§1
第28章 同情犯错误的人
§2
Chap. 28 - Sympathy for the Erring
§3
亲爱的A弟兄：我很早起来给你写信。近来赐给了我另外的亮光，我对此有责任。主已两次在这种状态下向我显现。我在夜间向祂恳求时，在异象中蒙指示看到许多与上帝的圣工有关的事。位于巴特尔克里克的教会、大学、疗养院和出版社的局面，上帝在欧洲和英格兰，在俄勒冈州和得克萨斯州，以及在其它新园地的工作呈现在我面前。在新园地的工作极其需要有正确的开端，带有上帝的印记。这些新园地中有许多人会有虽然接受或同意真理，内心却没有真正悔改的危险。当受到暴风骤雨的考验时，就会发现他们的房子没有建在磐石上，而是建在沙子上。传道人必须具有实际的敬虔，并在其日常的生活和品格中发展实际的敬虔。他的讲道不应是纯理论的。{4T 321.1}[1]
§4
Dear Brother A: I have risen early to write to you. Additional light has been given me of late, for which I am responsible. Twice while in this state has the Lord revealed Himself to me. While pleading with Him in the night season, I was shown in vision many things connected with the cause of God. The state of things in the church, the college, the sanitarium, and the publishing houses located at Battle Creek, and the work of God in Europe and England, in Oregon and Texas, and in other new fields, was presented before me. There is the greatest need of the work in new fields starting right, bearing the impress of the divine. Many in these new fields will be in danger of accepting the truth or assenting to it, who have not a genuine conversion of heart. When tested by storm and tempest, it will be found that their house is not built upon a rock but upon sliding sand. Practical godliness must be possessed by the minister and developed in his daily life and character. His discourses should not be exclusively theoretical. {4T 321.1}[1]
§5
我蒙指示看到一些事不利于真理的事业在得克萨斯州的兴旺。B弟兄和他的家人迄今对上帝在任何一个地方的圣工都没有带来福气和帮助。我蒙指示看到他们的感化力此前并没有发出美好的香气。他们无法增进上帝的圣工，因为他们里面没有能使他们在上帝和真理这边发挥健康影响的成分。你若有上帝的心意，原不会这么缺乏辨识力，特别是在你受到那些你原应信任之人忠心的警告之后。花言巧语欺骗了你。这些弟兄不都是一样的，但都具有品格的缺陷。他们藉着不断当心自己和本着信心恳切地祈求上帝，可以成功地使自我处在其适当的位置。藉着耶稣基督，他们可以在品格上得到改变，得以在道德上适合在主降临时迎见祂，但主不会把任何重要的责任放在他们身上，因为这样会使生灵受到危害。这些人不适合带领上帝的羊群。他们的言语应该少而精，适度而且谦逊时，他们本来的品性却交织在他们一切的言行中，上帝的工作就受损了。{4T 321.2}[2]
§6
I was shown some things not favorable to the prosperity of the cause of truth in Texas. The Brethren B and their families have not heretofore been a blessing or help to the cause of God in any place. Their influence has been shown me before this as not being a sweet-smelling savor. They cannot build up the cause of God because they have not the elements within them which make them capable of exerting a healthful influence on the side of God and the truth. If you had had the mind of God you would not have been so void of discernment, especially after you had been faithfully warned by those in whom you should have had confidence. Smooth words and fair speeches have deceived you. These brothers are not all alike, but all have defective characters. By constant watchfulness over themselves, and by earnest prayer to God in faith, they may make a success of keeping self in its proper position. Through Jesus Christ they may be transformed in character and obtain a moral fitness to meet the Lord when He shall come, but God will not lay any important responsibility upon them, for souls would thus be imperiled. These men are unfitted to lead the flock of God. At the very time when their words should be few and well chosen, modest and unassuming, their natural traits of character are woven into all they do and say, and the work of God is marred. {4T 321.2}[2]
§7
你和C弟兄没有真正的辨识力。你们太信任这些人的能力了。一艘船可能几乎在每一个方面都是健全的；但是如果有一个缺陷，——有一小块木材被虫蛀过，——全船的人就都有生命危险。一个链条几乎每一个链环都是结实的，但是只要有一环有缺陷，就会毁了整条链子的价值。具有优秀品质的人可能有某些显著的品格特性，使他们不适合受托上帝严肃神圣的工作。但这些人几乎在属于基督徒品格的各方面都有缺陷。他们的榜样不值得效法。{4T 322.1}[3]
§8
You and Brother C have not had true discernment. You have had too great confidence in the ability of these men. A ship may be sound in nearly every respect; but if there is one defect,--a bit of timber worm-eaten,--the lives of all on board are imperiled. Nearly all the links of a chain may be sound, but one defective link destroys its worth. Individuals who possess excellent qualities may have some marked traits of character which unfit them to be entrusted with the solemn, sacred work of God. But these men are deficient in nearly everything that pertains to Christian character. Their example is not worthy of imitation. {4T 322.1}[3]
§9
我的弟兄啊，你的工作在能够成为可以而且应该成为的样子之前，你需要为自己做成许多事。你的悟性已经暗昧了。同情那些品格在低劣的模子里铸造成型的人且与他们联合，不会提升你，使你高尚，而会腐蚀你的精神，损害你的效用，而且使你与上帝分离。你有一种冲动的性情。家庭生活和圣工的负担并没有很重的压在你身上，你若不总是处在上帝之灵使人文雅的感化力之下，就有在仪态上变得粗鄙的危险。为了正确地表现基督的品格，你必须成为属灵的人，且在你所参加的大工中与上帝有更密切的联络。你自己的思想必须提高，你的心要圣洁，以便你与耶稣基督同工。“你们扛抬耶和华器皿的人哪，务要自洁”（赛52:11）。{4T 322.2}[4]
§10
You need to have much done for you, my brother, before your labors can be what they might and should be. Your understanding has been darkened. Sympathy and union with those whose characters have been cast in an inferior mold will not elevate and ennoble you, but will rust and corrode your spirit, and will mar your usefulness and disconnect you from God. You are of an impulsive nature. Burdens of domestic life and of the cause do not rest very heavily upon you, and unless you are constantly under the refining influence of the Spirit of God you will be in danger of becoming coarse in your manners. In order to rightly represent the character of Christ, you need to be spiritualized and brought into a closer connection with God in the great work in which you are engaged. Your own thoughts must be elevated, your own heart sanctified, in order for you to be a co-worker with Jesus Christ. Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. {4T 322.2}[4]
§11
如果B弟兄没有参加得克萨斯州的圣工，上帝在那里的工作今天就会处在更高的水平。我可以提到更多为什么会这样的具体原因，但这个时候不会说。我完全可以说，这些人与上帝的关系不正确。他们既觉得自己足以胜任任何工作，就没有努力纠正可厌的品格特性，那些品性虽是遗传给他们的，但藉着教育、文化和训练原可得到克服。他们已在这方面作出一些改进；但若被称在天平上，仍会显出亏欠。{4T 322.3}[5]
§12
The work of God in Texas would stand higher today if the B brothers had no connection with it. I might mention more particular reasons why this is so, but will not at this time. Suffice it to say that these men are not right with God. Feeling self-sufficient and competent for almost any calling, they have not made efforts to correct the objectionable traits of character which were transmitted to them as a birthright, but which by education, culture, and training might have been overcome. They have made some improvements in this direction; but if weighed in the balances, they would still be found wanting. {4T 322.3}[5]
§13
圣经上充满着一般的原则，规划出生活的正确习惯，至于证言，不论其为大众的或个人的，目的都在于引人更加特别注意这些原则；但这一切都没有在他们的心思意念中留下足够的印象，使他们认识到坚决改革的必要性。他们若是对照那完美的模范纠正了自己的观点，就会怀有那种生发仁爱和洁净心灵的信心。除了AB，这些弟兄生性武断、独裁而且过于自信。他们不看别人比自己强。他们若是以为教会中的任何一个信徒受人尊敬过于他们，就会心生嫉妒和猜忌。他们自称有良心，却在与弟兄们打交道时滤过蠓虫吞下骆驼，他们担心那些弟兄会被认为比他们优越。他们抓住小事，谈论细节，给别人的言行加上自己的解释。这些弟兄们有两个人尤其如此。{4T 323.1}[6]
§14
The word of God abounds in general principles for the formation of correct habits of living, and the testimonies, general and personal, have been calculated to call their attention more especially to these principles; but all these have not made a sufficient impression upon their hearts and minds to cause them to realize the necessity of decided reform. If they had correct views of themselves in contrast with the perfect Pattern, they would cherish that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. These brothers, A B excepted, are naturally arbitrary, dictatorial, and self-sufficient. They do not consider others better than themselves. They are envious and jealous of any member of the church who, they think, will be esteemed more highly than themselves. They profess conscientiousness; but they strain at a gnat and swallow a camel in their dealings with their brethren, who, they fear, will be considered superior to themselves. They seize upon little things, and talk over particulars, putting their own construction upon words and acts. This is particularly true of two of these brothers. {4T 323.1}[6]
§15
这些人，尤其是AB，是讲话随便的人。他们叙事的圆滑态度看似诚实而且真正关心上帝的圣工，会欺骗和蒙蔽那些听他们讲话的人。我在写下这些时因悲伤而心痛，因为我知道这家人无论在哪儿都会发挥影响。我并没有打算再次说到这些人，但主将这些事严肃的展现在我面前，迫使我再一次写了出来。自称与上帝联络的圣经传道人，如果看不出这种人的影响，就不适合作上帝真理的教师。这些人如果始终处在他们适当的位置，从不企图教导人或带领人，我就会保持沉默；但是当我看到上帝的圣工有受损害的危险时，我就不能再保持沉默了。{4T 323.2}[7]
§16
These men, especially A B, are free, easy speakers. Their smooth manner of relating things has such an appearance of honesty and genuine interest for the cause of God that it has a tendency to deceive and becloud the minds of those who hear them. My heart aches with sadness as I write, because I know the influence of this family wherever it is felt. I did not design to speak in regard to these persons again, but the solemn opening of these matters before me compels me to write once more. If the ministers of the word, who profess to be connected with God, cannot discern the influence of such men, they are unfit to stand as teachers of the truth of God. If these persons would only keep their proper position and never attempt to teach or to lead, I would be silent; but when I see that the cause of God is in danger of suffering I can hold my peace no longer. {4T 323.2}[7]
§17
不应让这些弟兄都住在一个地方，组成教会的领导班子。他们缺少自然的友爱，彼此并不表现同情、仁爱和优雅的情怀，反而沉湎于彼此猜忌、嫉妒、争吵和纷争。他们的心不温柔，没有体验过基督的仁爱、温柔和谦卑。上帝不许这种班子存在于教会中。这些人若不悔改，就不能见天国。他们更喜欢诋毁、挑剔和寻找别人的污点瑕疵，而不是在羔羊的血里洗净他们品格的衣袍脱离罪的污秽，使之雪白。{4T 324.1}[8]
§18
These brothers should not be allowed to all locate in one place and compose the leading element in the church. They are wanting in natural affection. They do not manifest sympathy, love, and refined feeling toward one another, but indulge in envy, jealousy, bickerings, and strife among themselves. Their consciences are not tender. The love, gentleness, and meekness of Christ does not help to compose their experience. God forbid that such an element should exist in the church. Unless these persons are converted, they cannot see the kingdom of heaven. It is much more congenial to their feelings to be tearing down, picking flaws, and seeking spot and stain in others, than to be washing their own robes of character from the defilement of sin and making them white in the blood of the Lamb. {4T 324.1}[8]
§19
我如今要写到这段往事最另人心痛的部分，是关于D弟兄的。上帝让我看到了你和C弟兄主谋的一次调查。你们二人使上帝忧伤。我看到和听到了使我心痛惋惜的事。原以为B家的弟兄们会在这次调查中采取这种不讲道理、不敬虔的做法；但最令我惊讶和忧伤的是，象C弟兄和你这样的人竟会积极参与这种可耻的、片面的调查。{4T 324.2}[9]
§20
But I now come to the most painful part of this history, that concerning Brother D. The Lord caused me to pass through an investigation in which you and Brother C figured largely. God was grieved with you both. I saw and heard that which caused me pain and regret. Such an unreasonable, godless course as was pursued in this investigation was just what might have been looked for from the Brethren B; but my greatest surprise and grief was that such men as Brother C and yourself should bear an active part in this shameful, one-sided investigation. {4T 324.2}[9]
§21
C弟兄扮演了律师的角色，以最强硬的眼光质疑和提出了细枝末节。我要对他说：我不会为了世上的财富去负责那种工作。你完全被一种不值得同情或尊敬的奇怪精神所欺骗和迷惑了。猜忌、嫉妒、恶意的猜测和质疑的争论充斥着那个场合。{4T 324.3}[10]
§22
To Brother C, who acted the lawyer, to question and bring out the minutiae in the strongest light, I would say: I would not have that work laid to my charge for the riches of the world. You were simply deceived and deluded by a strange spirit that should have had no semblance of quarter, no grain of respect. Envy, jealousy, evil surmisings, and doubtful disputations held a carnival on that occasion. {4T 324.3}[10]
§23
你可能以为我太严厉了，但我不会严厉到这事应得的程度。你们在定无辜的人有罪的时候，难道都认为上帝完全跟你们一样吗？D弟兄后来的状况是你当时所取立场的结果。要是你曾显出公平和同情，他如今就会用一颗温柔安静的心所发挥的能力，以其影响维护真理了。D弟兄不是一个健谈的人，AB以外表冷静坦率的态度说出的花言巧语起了效果。这个可怜的盲人本应得到温柔同情的看待；却反而被人们以最恶劣的眼光看他。上帝看到了，祂必不以你们参加那次不公平调查的人为无罪。A弟兄啊，那时对你来说就不象你坐在审判席上反对一位盲人弟兄那样有趣了。你应该从这个经历学到一个教训；就是，要塞耳不听会使你对上帝原要你支持、同情和勉励的人产生偏见之人的话。{4T 325.1}[11]
§24
You may think me too severe, but I cannot be more severe than the transaction deserves. Did you all think, when you condemned the guiltless, that God was altogether such a one as yourselves? The subsequent condition of Brother D was the result of the position taken by you on that occasion. Had you shown fairness and sympathy, he would stand today where his influence would tell on the side of truth with the power that a meek and quiet spirit exerts. Brother D was not a ready speaker, and the smooth words and fair speeches of A B, uttered with apparent coolness and candor, had effect. The poor, sightless man should have been regarded with pity and tenderness; but, instead of this, he was placed in the worst possible light. God saw and will not hold one of you guiltless who acted a part in that unfair investigation. Brother A, it will not then appear so amusing to you as when you were sitting in judgment against a blind brother. You should learn a lesson from this experience; namely, to close your ears to those who would prejudice you against the very ones whom God would have you sustain, pity, and strengthen. {4T 325.1}[11]
§25
C弟兄和你看不出B家弟兄们的缺点；你们也看不出D弟兄身上相反的品格特性。但他的感化力既因上帝的灵成圣，就会以比B家的弟兄们大十倍的能力见证上帝的圣工。你做了许多伤害D弟兄的事；我劝你象犯这个错误时一样劲头十足地悔改这个错误。我奉夫子的名劝你摆脱人的影响，塞耳不听闲话谣言。不要让任何一个人把见证放在你口中；要让上帝而不是在家在外都不圣洁的人把上帝圣工的担子交给你。{4T 325.2}[12]
§26
Brother C and you could not see the defects in the Brethren B; neither could you discern the opposite traits of character in Brother D. But his influence, sanctified by the Spirit of God, would tell upon the cause of God with tenfold greater power than that of the Brethren B. You have done much to injure Brother D; and I advise you to repent of this wrong as heartily as you committed it. In the name of the Master, I entreat you to shake yourself from human influences and close your ears to gossiping reports. Let no person put a testimony in your mouth; but let God, rather than men who are unconsecrated at home and abroad, give you a burden for His cause. {4T 325.2}[12]
§27
C弟兄需要上帝软化人、提炼人的灵住在心里。他需要在家里发挥这种精神。“爱人不可虚假”（罗12:9）。要从他家中除掉武断、独裁、挑剔的精神和一切的恶毒。教会中将会出现这样专横论断的精神。他的情绪若暂时稍为软化，他就会更加仁慈地行事；否则他就会采取相反的做法。他没有运用自制和自律。D弟兄若有一个缺点，审判他的人和那些定他有罪的人就有十个缺点。{4T 325.3}[13]
§28
Brother C needs the softening, refining Spirit of God in his heart. He needs to exercise it in his home. Let love be without dissimulation. Let the arbitrary, dictatorial, censorious spirit be put away from his home, with all malice. The same overbearing, judging spirit will be carried out in the church. If his feelings are somewhat softened for the time being, he will act in a more kindly manner; but if they happen to be the opposite, he will act accordingly. Self-control and self-discipline he has not exercised. Where Brother D has one defect, his judges and those who condemned him have ten. {4T 325.3}[13]
§29
A弟兄啊，你为何不完全支持受压迫的人呢？你为何不折衷处理这事呢？你为何不象你的救主那样扬声说：“你们中间谁是没有罪的，谁就可以先拿石头打她”（约8:7）呢？你犯了一个可怕的错误，可能导致不只一人丧亡，尽管你做这事是出于无知。要是你对D弟兄说了一句温柔和真诚同情的话，原会在天上记在你的账上。但你并不比那些定基督有罪的人更明白自己在为今生和来生做什么；你在救主的圣徒身上审判了你的救主，定祂有罪。“这些事你们既做在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上，就是做在我身上了”（太25:40）。假冒为善一直受到耶稣最严厉的谴责；而十足的罪人只要本着真诚悔改的心来到祂面前，就会得到接纳、饶恕和安慰。{4T 326.1}[14]
§30
Brother A, why did you not fully take the part of the oppressed? Why did you not compromise this matter? Why did you not lift your voice, as did your Saviour, and say: He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone? You have made a fearful mistake, which may result in the loss of more souls than one, notwithstanding you did it ignorantly. Had one word of tender, genuine pity been expressed by you to Brother D, it would have been registered to your account in heaven. But you had no more sense of the work you were doing for time and for eternity than had those who condemned Christ; and you have judged and condemned your Saviour in the person of His saint. Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. Hypocrisy always met the severest rebuke from Jesus; while the veriest sinners who came to Him in sincere repentance were received, pardoned, and comforted. {4T 326.1}[14]
§31
你以为因为弟兄们希望D弟兄以是为非，以非为是，就能使他这样相信吗？他有病而且神经紧张。对他来说事事看上去都模糊不定。他已经不信任你和C弟兄了，他还能指望谁呢？他先是因一件事受指责，然后又因另一件事，直到他变得困惑、心烦意乱而且绝望了。那些把他赶到这个地步的人犯了更大的罪。{4T 326.2}[15]
§32
Did you think Brother D could be made to believe that wrong was right and right was wrong, because his brethren would have him believe it? He was diseased and nervous. Everything looked dark and uncertain to him. His confidence in you and Brother C was gone, and to whom should he look? He was censured for one thing and then for another, until he became confused, distracted, and desperate. Those who drove him to this state have committed the greater sin. {4T 326.2}[15]
§33
就算按人之常情来说，哪里有怜悯呢？俗人一般都不会这么粗心疏忽，这么缺乏仁慈和礼貌；他们原会因一个人的残疾更加怜悯他，考虑到他有权得到最温柔的体贴和友爱。但这里有一个盲人，一位在基督里的弟兄，而他的几个弟兄却象法官一样坐着审判他的案件。{4T 326.3}[16]
§34
Where was compassion, even on the ground of common humanity? Worldlings would not, as a general rule, have been so careless, so devoid of mercy and courtesy; and they would have exercised more compassion toward a man on account of his very infirmity, considering him entitled to the tenderest consideration and neighborly love. But here was a blind man, a brother in Christ, and several of his brethren were sitting as judges upon his case. {4T 326.3}[16]
§35
在审判的过程中，当一位弟兄象兔子一样被穷追不舍时，你不止一次发出大笑。C弟兄坐在那里，生性仁慈同情，谴责弟兄们残忍地猎杀野味维生，可是这里有一位贫穷的盲人，他的价值比鸟类大多了，因为人是照着上帝的形像造的，在祂所关心的无言生物之上。要是在你们的集会中听到从来没有人象祂那样说话的主的声音，你们就必听到祂对你们的判决是“蠓虫你们就滤出来，骆驼你们倒吞下去”（太23:24）。{4T 327.1}[17]
§36
More than once during the progress of the trial, while a brother was being hunted like a rabbit to his death, you would break out into a loud laugh. There sat Brother C, naturally so kind and sympathetic that he censured his brethren for cruelty in killing game to subsist upon, yet here was a poor blind man, of as much more value than birds as man formed in the image of God is above the dumb creatures of His care. Ye strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel would have been the verdict of Him who spake as never man spake, had His voice been heard in your assembly. {4T 327.1}[17]
§37
那对鸟儿有这种温柔同情的人，原可在基督受苦的圣徒身上，对基督运用值得称赞的同情。但你们就象戴着眼罩的人。B弟兄说了一番圆滑精彩的话。D弟兄则不是能言善辩的人。他不能用言语掩盖自己的思想以造势，他也太惊讶了，不能充分利用当时的形势。他尖刻批评的弟兄们成了律师，将这个盲人置于非常不利的地位。上帝看到而且记下了那天办的事。这些人擅长打马虎眼和自圆其说，显然得了胜，而那位盲人弟兄却受到了虐待和辱骂，感到没有立足之地了。他对那些曾认为是基督代表之人的信心可怕地动摇了。他在道德上受到的震动几乎毁了他的心灵和身体。每一个参与这事的人都应感到最深切的自责，并在上帝面前悔改。{4T 327.2}[18]
§38
He who had such tender compassion for the birds might have exercised a praiseworthy compassion and love for Christ in the person of His afflicted saint. But you were as men blindfolded. Brother B presented a smooth, able speech. Brother D was not a ready speaker. His thoughts could not be clothed in language that would make a case, and he was altogether too much surprised to make the best of the situation. His sharp, criticizing brethren turned lawyers and placed the blind man at great disadvantage. God saw and marked the transactions of that day. These men, adepts in casting mist and making out a case, apparently obtained a triumph, while the blind brother, misused and abused, felt that everything was sinking beneath his feet. His confidence in those whom he had believed were the representatives of Christ was terribly shaken. The moral shock he received has nearly proved his ruin, spiritually and physically. Everyone who was engaged in this work should feel the deepest remorse and repentance before God. {4T 327.2}[18]
§39
D弟兄犯的错误是在这种责骂和不该受的批评的重负下沉沦了，这些责备原应落在别人的头上而不是他的头上。他是全心热爱上帝圣工的。上帝向这个盲人表示了关爱，使他兴旺，但是就连这个也被嫉妒他的弟兄们用来对付他。上帝使不信的人心存仁慈和同情对待他，因为他是一个盲人。D弟兄一直是一位基督徒绅士，甚至使他属世的仇敌与他和睦相处了。上帝对他来说一直是一位慈父，修平了他的道路。他原应忠于他对真理的认识，且以单一的心志侍奉上帝，不顾指责、猜忌和虚伪的控告。A弟兄啊，你所采取的立场对D弟兄是最后的一击。但他本不应放开对上帝的把握，虽然传道人和信徒们确实采取了他看不到任何公正的做法。要钉牢在亘古的磐石上，他原应坚持原则，实行自己的信仰和真理，不顾一切风险。D弟兄多么需要紧紧依靠那能施行拯救的大能膀臂啊。{4T 327.3}[19]
§40
Brother D has made a mistake in sinking under this load of reproach and undeserved criticism, which should have fallen on other heads than his. He has loved the cause of God with his whole soul. God has shown His care for the blind in giving him prosperity, but even this has been turned against him by his envious brethren. God has put it into the hearts of unbelievers to be kind and sympathetic to him because he is a blind man. Brother D has been a Christian gentleman, and has made even his worldly enemies to be at peace with him. God has been to him a tender father and has smoothed his pathway. He should have been true to his knowledge of truth, and served God with singleness of heart, irrespective of censure, envy, and false accusations. It was the position you took, Brother A, that was the finishing stroke to Brother D. But he should not have let go his hold on God, though ministers and people did take a course in which he could see no justice. Riveted to the eternal Rock, he should have stood firm to principle and carried out his faith and the truth at all hazards. Oh, what necessity for Brother D to cling more closely to the Arm that is mighty to save. {4T 327.3}[19]
§41
今生一切的价值与伟大都来自它与上天和不朽来生的关系。上帝永恒的膀臂环绕着转向祂求帮助的人，无论那人多么软弱。山岭的宝物会灭亡；但那为上帝而活的人，不为指责所动，不为称赞所曲，要永远与祂同住。上帝之城会敞开金门接纳已在地上学会倚靠上帝得指导和智慧，在损失和痛苦中从祂得安慰和盼望的人。众天使的歌声会在那里欢迎他，生命树也会为他结果子。{4T 328.1}[20]
§42
All the worth and greatness of this life is derived from its connection with heaven and the future, immortal life. Gods everlasting arm encircles the soul that turns to Him for aid, however feeble that soul may be. The precious things of the hills shall perish; but the soul that lives for God, unmoved by censure, unperverted by applause, shall abide forever with Him. The city of God will open its golden gates to receive him who learned while on earth to lean on God for guidance and wisdom, for comfort and hope amid loss and affliction. The songs of angels will welcome him there, and for him the tree of life will yield its fruits. {4T 328.1}[20]
§43
D弟兄在原应得胜的地方失败了。但上帝怜悯的眼睛正看着他。虽然人不同情他，但上帝的慈爱和同情仍在，并且伸出了祂援助的手。只要他谦卑驯服自己的心，祂就会使他振作起来，且使他的脚稳稳站在万古磐石上。“大山可以挪开，小山可以迁移；但我的慈爱必不离开你；我平安的约也不迁移。这是怜恤你的耶和华说的”（赛54:10）。{4T 328.2}[21]
§44
Brother D has failed where he should have been victorious. But the pitying eye of God is upon him. Although the compassion of man may fail, still God loves and pities, and reaches out His helping hand. If he will only be humble, meek, and lowly of heart, He will yet lift up his head and plant his feet firmly upon the Rock of Ages. The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee. {4T 328.2}[21]
§45
我们任何一个人，在任何形式的考验下，若是放松对上帝的把握，都是不可原谅的。祂是我们的力量之源，我们在每一考验中的堡垒。当我们呼求祂帮助时，祂必伸出手来大能地施行拯救。D弟兄原应该感到，既有上帝为他的父，他就能有盼望和欢喜快乐，尽管人间的每一个朋友都要离弃他。我恳劝他不要因脆弱的人误断了他而不侍奉上帝，却要急速献身于上帝，竭尽全力侍奉祂。上帝爱他，他也爱上帝；他的行为必须与他的信心相称，无论人们可能对他采取什么做法。他的敌人们会指着他现在的立场作为证据，说明他们对他的判断是对的。D弟兄的做法草率而没有适当的考虑。他心里厌烦，以为受伤太深无法复原了。那些如此无情地追逼他的人，在生活和品格上远非无可指摘的。如果上帝照他们对待D弟兄那样对待他们扭曲的作风和不完全的品格，他们原会早就灭亡了。但满有慈怜的上帝容忍了他们，没有按他们的罪恶对待他们。{4T 328.3}[22]
§46
Not one of us is excusable, under any form of trial, for letting our hold upon God become loosened. He is our source of strength, our stronghold in every trial. When we cry unto Him for help, his hand will be stretched forth mightily to save. Brother D should have felt that, having God for his father, he could hope and rejoice, though every human friend should forsake him. I entreat him not to rob God of his service because frail man has misjudged him, but make haste and consecrate himself to God and serve Him with all the powers of his being. God loves him, and he loves God; and his works must be in accordance with his faith, whatever course men may pursue toward him. His enemies may point to his present position as an evidence that they were right in their judgment of him. Brother Ds course has been hasty and without due thought. His soul has been disgusted, and he thinks it has been too thoroughly wounded for recovery. Those who have pursued him so relentlessly have been in life and character far from blameless. If God had dealt with their crooked ways and imperfect characters as they have dealt with Brother D, they would have perished long ago. But a compassionate God has borne with them and not dealt with them according to their sins. {4T 328.3}[22]
§47
上帝一直忠诚地对待D弟兄，他应当回应祂仁慈的作为，尽管人没怎么表现出温柔和恻隐之心。D弟兄有特权隐藏在基督里，免受口舌的争闹（诗31:20），并且感到那取之不尽的感激、满意和平安之源是向他敞开的，每时每刻都可取用。要是他有无限的属世财富，他就不会象现在这样富足，有特权站在公义这边，并且充分就饮于救恩之河了。{4T 329.1}[23]
§48
God has been true to Brother D, and he should respond to His merciful dealings, notwithstanding man has shown so little of tenderness and the feelings of common humanity. It is Brother Ds privilege to hide in Christ from the strife of tongues, and to feel that exhaustless sources of gratitude, contentment, and peace are open to him and accessible every moment. Had he earthly treasures without limit, he would not be as rich as he may now be in the privilege of being on the side of right and of drinking to the full of the streams of salvation. {4T 329.1}[23]
§49
上帝在舍了祂儿子为D弟兄而死的事上还有什么没有做的呢？祂岂不愿把万物和祂一同白白的赐给他吗（罗8:32）？他为什么要因为人对他不忠不信而不忠于上帝呢？那将母亲的心与自己受苦的孩子紧紧绑在一起的爱比死亡坚强多了；可是上帝却宣布，即或母亲会忘记自己的婴孩，“我却不忘记你”（赛49:15）。是的；祂不会忘记任何一个倚靠祂的人。上帝以最温柔的关怀想着祂的儿女，且有纪念册在祂面前，好永不忘记祂所关心的儿女。“人间亲情或遭毁损，朋友可能背信弃义，母亲不再爱惜所生，天地万物终必废弃；惟独耶和华的慈爱永不变更”（托玛斯.凯利）。{4T 329.2}[24]
§50
What has not God done for Brother D in giving His Son to die for him? and will He not with Him freely give him all things? Why should he be unfaithful to God because man has proved unfaithful to him? How much stronger than death is the love that binds the mothers heart to her afflicted child; yet God declares that even a mother may forget her child, yet will I not forget thee. No; not a single soul who puts his trust in Him will be forgotten. God thinks of His children with the tenderest solicitude and keeps a book of remembrance before Him, that He may never forget the children of His care. Every human tie may perish, Friend to friend unfaithful prove, Mothers cease their own to cherish, Heaven and earth at last remove; But no changes Can attend Jehovahs love. {4T 329.2}[24]
§51
要是教会接受了D弟兄和姐妹的工作，他们原会给教会带来宝贵的帮助，使教会有更好的悟性。但猜忌、恶意的猜测和嫉妒把他们赶出了教会。要是早一点让他们离开烦恼的环境，对他们原会更好。——1878年7月8日写于俄勒冈州塞勒姆。{4T 330.1}[25]
§52
Brother and Sister D might have been a precious help to the church in bringing them up to a position of better understanding had the church accepted their efforts. But envy, evil surmisings, and jealousy have driven them away from the church. Had they left the scenes of their trial sooner than they did, it would have been better for them. --Salem, Oregon, July 8, 1878. {4T 330.1}[25]