第51章 警告与规劝
§1
第51章 警告与规劝
§2
Chap. 51 - Warnings and Admonitions
§3
1879年11月23日，我蒙指示看到一些事，关系我们中间的一些机构和在其中居领导地位之人的责任和危险。我看到这些人被兴起来作上帝的工作，去从事一项特别的工作，要受祂圣灵的带领、指导和支配。他们要响应上帝的要求，决不能认为他们是属于自己的人，可以照自认为对自己最有利的方式使用自己的能力。尽管他们的目的是好的，想要做正确的事，但他们肯定会犯错，除非他们不断在基督的门下学习。他们唯一的保障在于谦卑地与上帝同行。{4T 537.3}[1]
§4
November 23, 1879, some things were shown me in reference to the institutions among us and the duties and dangers of those who occupy a leading position in connection with them. I saw that these men have been raised up to do a special work as Gods instruments, to be led, guided, and controlled by His Spirit. They are to answer the claims of God and never to feel that they are their own property and that they can employ their powers as they shall deem most profitable to themselves. Although it is their purpose to be and to do right, yet they will most surely err unless they are constant learners in the school of Christ. Their only safety is in humbly walking with God. {4T 537.3}[1]
§5
每一条道路旁都潜伏着危险。每一位胜利者在上帝的圣城里都有一首凯歌要唱。有些人个性倔强，需要经常抑制。这些品质如果受上帝圣灵所控制，就会是一种福气，否则就成为祸患了。那些甚孚众望的人，如果不轻率从事，那就是恩典的奇迹了。他们如果依靠自己的智慧，像许多这种处境的人一样，他们的智慧就会显为愚拙。但他们如果能无私地献身上帝的圣工，丝毫不偏离原则，上帝就会用祂永久的膀臂怀抱他们，作他们大能的帮助者。“尊重我的，我必重看他”（撒上2:20）。{4T 538.1}[2]
§6
Dangers beset every path, and he who comes off conqueror will indeed have a triumphant song to sing in the city of God. Some have strong traits of character that will need to be constantly repressed. If kept under the control of the Spirit of God, these traits will be a blessing; but if not, they will prove a curse. If those who are now riding upon the wave of popularity do not become giddy, it will be a miracle of mercy. If they lean to their own wisdom, as so many thus situated have done, their wisdom will prove to be foolishness. But while they shall give themselves unselfishly to the work of God, never swerving in the least from principle, the Lord will throw about them the everlasting arm and will prove to them a mighty helper. Them that honor Me, I will honor. {4T 538.1}[2]
§7
对于有才干为上帝的圣工作出贡献的人而言，这是一个危险的时代，因为撒但要时常试探这样的人，使他充满骄傲与野心，以致在上帝要用他的时候，他却独行不羁，自负甚高，认为单靠自己能站立得稳。弟兄们，这将是你们的危险所在，除非你们度一种不断信靠和祈祷的人生。你们可以对永恒的事和在祂的生活中显明的对人类的爱有一种深刻而持久的意识。与天上保持密切的关系，会使你的忠诚有正确的方向，成为你成功的基础。你的依赖之心会驱使你祈祷，你的责任感会使你努力。祈祷而努力，努力而祈祷，会成为你的职责。你必须祈祷，把一切效能和赞美都归于上帝。你必须工作，好像责任都是你自己的。如果你需要能力，你可以得到它，它正等着你去支取。只有相信上帝，接受祂的话，凭着信心行动，福气才会临到。{4T 538.2}[3]
§8
This is a dangerous age for any man who has talents which can be of value in the work of God; for Satan is constantly plying his temptations upon such a person, ever trying to fill him with pride and ambition; and when God would use him, it is too often the case that he becomes independent and self-sufficient, and feels capable of standing alone. This will be your danger, brethren, unless you live a life of constant faith and prayer. You may have a deep and abiding sense of eternal things and that love for humanity which Christ has shown in His life. A close connection with heaven will give the right tone to your fidelity and will be the ground of your success. Your feeling of dependence will drive you to prayer, and your sense of duty summon you to effort. Prayer and effort, effort and prayer, will be the business of your life. You must pray as though the efficiency and praise were all due to God, and labor as though duty were all your own. If you want power you may have it; it is waiting your draft upon it. Only believe in God, take Him at His word, act by faith, and blessings will come. {4T 538.2}[3]
§9
在这件事上，天才、逻辑、口才没有帮助。上帝接纳有谦卑，信靠、痛悔之心的人，听他们的祷告。有了上帝的帮助，一切障碍都会克服。多少有才能，有学问的人放在负责的位置上都失败了，而一些知识较低，环境又不利的人，却取得了奇妙的成功。秘决在于：前者信靠自己，后者与上帝联合。祂会给于奇妙的指导，在实行祂旨意时大有能力。{4T 539.1}[4]
§10
In this matter, genius, logic, and eloquence will not avail. Those who have a humble, trusting, contrite heart, God accepts, and hears their prayer; and when God helps, all obstacles will be overcome. How many men of great natural abilities and high scholarships have failed when placed in positions of responsibility, while those of feebler intellect, with less favorable surroundings, have been wonderfully successful. The secret was: The former trusted to themselves, while the latter united with Him who is wonderful in counsel and mighty in working to accomplish what He will. {4T 539.1}[4]
§11
他们的工作总是很急迫，有些人难以得到时间用于默想和祷告；但这是他们不应该不做的。每日求得上天的福气，作为生命的粮，使他们道德和属灵力量得到增长，就像一棵树栽在溪水旁，按时候结果子，叶子也不枯干。{4T 539.2}[5]
§12
Their work being always urgent, it is difficult for some to secure time for meditation and prayer; but this they should not fail to do. The blessing of heaven, obtained by daily supplication, will be as the bread of life to the soul and will cause them to increase in moral and spiritual strength, like a tree planted by the river of waters, whose leaf will be always green and whose fruit will appear in due time. {4T 539.2}[5]
§13
有些人犯了严重的错误，竟疏于参加公开敬拜上帝。神圣礼拜的特权会使他们和别人一样受益，是十分必要的。他们也许不能象许多别人那样常常享受这些特权。医生常常要在安息日访问病人，可能不得不在这日疲惫不堪地工作。这种解除病人痛苦的工作被我们的救主宣布为一项仁慈的工作，是不干犯安息日的。但那些常把安息日用来写作或工作，不作出特别改变的人，却在伤害自己的心灵，给他人树立一个不值得效法的榜样，也不尊荣上帝。{4T 539.3}[6]
§14
Some have made a serious mistake in neglecting to attend the public worship of God. The privileges of divine service will be as beneficial to them as to others, and are fully as essential. They may be unable to avail themselves of these privileges as often as do many others. Physicians will frequently be called upon the Sabbath to visit the sick and may be obliged to make it a day of exhausting labor. Such labor to relieve the suffering was pronounced by our Saviour a work of mercy and no violation of the Sabbath. But those who regularly devote their Sabbaths to writing or labor, making no special change, harm their own souls, give to others an example that is not worthy of imitation, and do not honor God. {4T 539.3}[6]
§15
有些人没能看到不仅参加宗教聚会，而且为基督和真理作见证的真实价值。这些弟兄若不藉着忠心履行每一个基督徒的责任来获得属灵的力量，从而与他们的救赎主有更加亲密更加神圣的关系，他们的道德力就会变弱。他们在这方面若不改弦更张，就必定在属灵上消亡。{4T 539.4}[7]
§16
Some have failed to see the real importance, not only of attending religious meetings, but also of bearing testimony for Christ and the truth. If these brethren do not obtain spiritual strength by the faithful performance of every Christian duty, thus coming into a closer and more sacred relation to their Redeemer, they will become weak in moral power. They will surely wither spiritually unless they change their course in this respect. {4T 539.4}[7]
§17
负责经管我们各机构的人，居于重要而负责的职位。他们虽然不能轻易脱离自己的职责岗位，但也不该觉得自己是必不可少的。上帝没有他们也能行，他们没有上帝却不行。这些人应该尽力和谐融洽地工作。每一个人若值得尊敬地充任自己的职位，就必须保护所委托他照管之机构的财务权益。但是这些人要极其谨慎，免得只注意本工作部门，只为本部门工作，以致伤害了同等重要的其它部门。{4T 540.1}[8]
§18
The men who have been placed in charge of our institutions occupy important and responsible positions. They cannot well be spared from their post of duty, yet they should not feel that they are indispensable. God could do without them, but they cannot do without God. These men should endeavor to work in harmony. If he fills his position honorably, each must guard the financial interests of the institution committed to his care. But these men should be exceedingly cautious that they look not alone on their own branch of the work and labor for their own department to the injury of other branches of equal importance. {4T 540.1}[8]
§19
弟兄们，你们有在业务交易上犯严重错误的危险。上帝警告你们要警惕，免得放纵互相倾轧的精神。当心不要培养骗子的机智，因为这在上帝的日子经受不住考验。机灵和严谨的考虑是必要的，因为你们要和各等各类的人打交道；你们必须保护我们各机构的权益，否则数千美元就会落入不诚实的人手中。但是不要让这些特性成为主导的力量。在适当的管制之下，这些特性是品格中的重要成分。你们若保持敬畏上帝的心，且有祂的爱在你们心里，你们就是安全的。{4T 540.2}[9]
§20
Brethren, you are in danger of making grave mistakes in your business transactions. God warns you to be on your guard lest you indulge a spirit of crowding one another. Be careful not to cultivate the sharpers tact, for this will not stand the test of the day of God. Shrewdness and close calculation are needed, for you have all classes to deal with; you must guard the interests of our institutions, or thousands of dollars will go into the hands of dishonest men. But let not these traits become a ruling power. Under proper control, they are essential elements in the character; and if you keep the fear of God before you, and His love in the heart, you will be safe. {4T 540.2}[9]
§21
放弃一些原可得到的利益，要比培养一种贪婪的精神使之成为本性的定律要好得多。耍小聪明对基督徒来说是不足取的。真理的大刀已把我们与世界分别开了。我们错误的品格特性不一定是我们能见到的，尽管这些特性对别人来说可能显而易见。但时间和环境却一定会检验我们，显明品格的真金，或暴露出贱金属。我们若不经过上帝熔炉的考验，就不能被众人所知道所念诵。每一个卑劣的思想，每一个错误的行动，都显明品格中的某个缺陷。这些粗糙的品性必须在上帝的工场里砍凿敲打，被上帝的恩典磨平抛光，然后我们才能适合在那个光荣的殿中占有一席之地。{4T 540.3}[10]
§22
It is far better to yield some advantages that might be gained than to cultivate an avaricious spirit and thus make it a law of nature. Petty sharpness is unworthy of a Christian. We have been separated from the world by the great cleaver of truth. Our wrong traits of character are not always visible to ourselves, although they may be very apparent to others. But time and circumstances will surely prove us and bring to light the gold of character or discover the baser metal. Not one of us is known or read of all men, till the crucible of God tests us. Every base thought, every wrong action, reveals some defect in the character. These rugged traits must be brought under the chisel and hammer in Gods great workshop, and the grace of God must smooth and polish before we can be fitted for a place in the glorious temple. {4T 540.3}[10]
§23
这些弟兄若是愿意把自己交给上帝施行改造的手，祂就能使他们比精金更宝贵，甚至比俄斐的纯金更宝贵。他们应当下定决心最高尚地使用每一个才能和每一个机会。上帝的道应该成为他们研究的对象和他们的向导，决定各种情况下何为最高的和最好的。应当以最深切的兴趣研究那个没有错误的品格，那在福音中树立在他们面前的完全模范。他们要学习的一个最重要的教训就是，唯有良善才能使人真正伟大。愿上帝救我们脱离属世智者的哲学。他们唯一的希望就是变得愚拙，好确实成为聪明。{4T 541.1}[11]
§24
God can make these brethren more precious than fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir, if they will yield themselves to His transforming hand. They should be determined to make the noblest use of every faculty and every opportunity. The word of God should be their study and their guide in deciding what is the highest and best in all cases. The one faultless character, the perfect Pattern set before them in the gospel, should be studied with deepest interest. The one lesson most essential for them to learn is that goodness alone gives true greatness. May God deliver us from the philosophy of worldly-wise men. Their only hope is in becoming fools, that they may be wise indeed. {4T 541.1}[11]
§25
基督最软弱的信徒与无穷的能力结盟了。在许多情况下，上帝对有学识的人做不了什么，因为他们觉得不需要依靠祂，祂是一切智慧之源；所以，经过一次考验之后，祂就撇下他们，去拣选才干不如他们的人，因为后者学会了倚靠祂，他们的心灵因良善、真理和坚定的忠诚而加强，他们也不愿屈尊去做任何会给良心留下污点的事。{4T 541.2}[12]
§26
The weakest follower of Christ has entered into alliance with infinite power. In many cases God can do little with men of learning because they feel no need of leaning upon Him who is the Source of all wisdom; therefore, after a trial, He sets them aside for men of inferior talent who have learned to rely upon Him, whose souls are fortified by goodness, truth, and unwavering fidelity, and who will not stoop to anything that will leave a stain upon the conscience. {4T 541.2}[12]
§27
弟兄们，你们若用活泼的信心使自己的心与上帝联络，祂就会使你们成为有能力的人。你们若倚靠自己的力量和智慧，就必失败。你们对宗教礼拜这么不关心令上帝不悦。你们是作代表的人，因此你们比处于次要岗位的人发挥着更广大的影响力。你们应该总是先求上帝的国和祂的义。你们应该在教会中做积极关心的工人，培养自己的宗教才能，并且保守自己的心灵在上帝的爱里。主在这事上对你们有要求，是你们不可轻忽的；你们必须在恩典上长进，否则在属灵的事上就成为矮子和瘸子。随时随地为基督作见证，不仅是你们的特权，也是你们的义务。藉着如此运用你们的心智，你们就会培养喜爱神圣事物的心。{4T 541.3}[13]
§28
Brethren, if you connect your souls with God by living faith, He will make you men of power. If you trust to your own strength and wisdom, you will surely fail. It is not pleasing to God that you take so little interest in religious service. You are representative men, and as such, you exert a wider influence than persons in less prominent positions. You should ever seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. You should be active, interested workers in the church, cultivating your religious faculties, and keeping your own souls in the love of God. The Lord has claims upon you in this matter that you cannot lightly disregard; you must either grow in grace or be dwarfed and crippled in spiritual things. It is not only your privilege but your duty to bear testimony for Christ when and where you can; and by exercising the mind in this way, you will cultivate a love for sacred things. {4T 541.3}[13]
§29
我们有视基督的传道人只是人，而没有认出他们是祂代表的危险。一切个人的考虑都应弃置一旁；我们必须从上帝的使者领受上帝的道。基督始终在向那些听从祂声音的人发送信息。我们的救主在客西马尼园中痛苦的那一夜，睡着的门徒们没有听到耶稣的声音；他们曾隐约感到天使的临格，却因睡意恍惚错过了权能和荣耀的景象，因而没能得到原会在面临的可怕场景中加强他们心灵的证据。就这样，最需要上帝指示的人往往没能得到指示，因为他们没有置身于与上天的交通。撒但总是谋求影响和控制人心。我们每一个人若不时刻与上帝联络，就不安全。我们必须不停地领受上天的供应，而我们若愿蒙上帝的能力保守，就必须顺从祂一切的要求。{4T 542.1}[14]
§30
We are in danger of regarding Christs ministers simply as men, not recognizing them as representatives of Him. All personal considerations should be laid aside; we must listen for the word of God through His ambassadors. Christ is ever sending messages to those who listen for His voice. On the night of our Saviours agony in the Garden of Gethsemane the sleeping disciples heard not the voice of Jesus; they had a dim sense of the angels presence, but lost the power and glory of the scene by drowsiness and stupor, and thus failed to receive the evidence which would have strengthened their souls for the terrible scenes before them. Thus the very men who most need divine instruction often fail to receive it because they do not place themselves in communication with heaven. Satan is ever seeking to impress and control the mind, and none of us are safe except as we have a constant connection with God. We must momentarily receive supplies from heaven, and if we would be kept by the power of God we must be obedient to all His requirements. {4T 542.1}[14]
§31
你们结果子的条件是要常在那活葡萄树上。“你们要常在我里面，我也常在你们里面。枝子若不常在葡萄树上，自己就不能结果子；你们若不常在我里面，也是这样。我是葡萄树，你们是枝子。常在我里面的，我也常在他里面，这人就多结果子；因为离了我，你们就不能做什么。人若不常在我里面，就象枝子丢在外面枯干，人拾起来，扔在火里烧了”（约15:4-6）。{4T 542.2}[15]
§32
The condition of your bearing fruit is that you abide in the living Vine. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in Me. I am the Vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without Me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. {4T 542.2}[15]
§33
你们一切良好的目的和意图都不能帮助你们承受试探的考验。你们必须成为祷告的人。你们的请求不可软弱无力、时断时续，而要恳切、恒切、始终如一。不一定要独自一人，或双膝跪下来祷告；而是在你工作的时候，你的心灵可以常常向上帝升华，持住祂的能力；这样你就会成为具有高尚圣洁宗旨的人，高贵纯正的人，不会出于任何考虑去偏离真理、公义和公平。{4T 542.3}[16]
§34
All your good purposes and good intentions will not enable you to withstand the test of temptation. You must be men of prayer. Your petitions must be not faint, occasional, and fitful, but earnest, persevering, and constant. It is not necessary to be alone, or to bow upon your knees, to pray; but in the midst of your labor your souls may be often uplifted to God, taking hold upon His strength; then you will be men of high and holy purpose, of noble integrity, who will not for any consideration be swayed from truth, right, and justice. {4T 542.3}[16]
§35
你们为诸般急迫的忧虑、重负和责任所迫，然而压力越大，负担越重，就越需要上帝的援助。耶稣必作你们的帮助者。你们不断需要生命的光照亮你们的道路，然后其神圣的光芒就必反射在别人的身上了。上帝的工作是一个完美的整体，因为它的各部分都是完全的。在世人所称的小事上忠心尽职，会使人生异常美丽，大获成功。小小的善行，几句爱心的话语，小小的克己之举，小小机会的善用，小小才干的悉心培养，都能造就上帝眼中的伟人。若是那些小事得到了忠心的照顾，若是你们身上有这些美德，并且加多，就会使你们成全各样善工。{4T 543.1}[17]
§36
You are pressed with urgent cares, burdens, and duties; but the greater the pressure upon you, and the heavier the burdens you have to bear, the greater your need of divine aid. Jesus will be your helper You need constantly the light of life to lighten your own pathway, and then its divine rays will reflect upon others. The work of God is a perfect whole, because perfect in all its parts. It is the conscientious attention to what the world calls little things that makes the great beauty and success of life. Little deeds of charity, little words of kindness, little acts of self-denial, a wise improvement of little opportunities, a diligent cultivation of little talents, make great men in Gods sight. If those little things be faithfully attended to, if these graces be in you, and abound, they will make you perfect in every good work. {4T 543.1}[17]
§37
你们乐于慷慨地向上帝的圣工奉献钱财是不够的。祂要求你们毫不保留地献上你们一切的能力。保留自己一直是你们人生的错误。你们可能以为在自己的职位上很难与上帝保持密切的联络，但是你们若不能这样做，你们的工作就会艰难十倍。撒但会用他的试探困扰你们的道路，你们只有靠着基督才能获得胜利。使人在智力追求上获得成功的那种不屈不挠的意志，在基督徒的赛程上也是必要的。你们必须成为耶稣基督的代表。你们在完善基督化品格上的精力和毅力应该大过在其它任何追求上所表现的，因为永恒的事比现世的事重要多了。{4T 543.2}[18]
§38
It is not enough to be willing to give liberally of your means to the cause of God. He calls for an unreserved consecration of all your powers. Withholding yourselves has been the mistake of your life. You may think it very difficult in your position to maintain a close connection with God, but your work will be tenfold harder if you fail to do this. Satan will beset your path with his temptations, and it is only through Christ that you can gain the victory. The same indomitable will that gives success in intellectual pursuits is essential in the Christian course. You must be representatives of Jesus Christ. Your energy and perseverance in perfecting a Christian character should be as much greater than that displayed in any other pursuit as the things of eternity are of more importance than temporal affairs. {4T 543.2}[18]
§39
你们若要在基督徒的生活上取得成功，就必须下定决心做合上帝心意的人。主希望你们在教会中和世界上发挥的影响力能提升基督教的标准。真正基督徒品格的特点应当是坚定的宗旨，一种无法为世界所塑造或为地狱所征服的不屈不挠的决心。凡没有做到无视属世尊荣的吸引，漠视威胁，不为诱惑所动的人，会完全出乎自己预料地被撒但的诡计倾覆。{4T 543.3}[19]
§40
If you ever achieve success in the Christian life you must resolve that you will be men after Gods own heart. The Lord wants your influence to be exerted in the church and in the world to elevate the standard of Christianity. True Christian character should be marked by firmness of purpose, an indomitable determination, which cannot be molded or subdued by earth or hell. He who is not blind to the attraction of worldly honors, indifferent to threats, and unmoved by allurements will be, all unexpectedly to himself, overthrown by Satans devices. {4T 543.3}[19]
§41
上帝所要的是完全的献身。祂不接纳不完全的献身。你的处境越困难，就越需要耶稣，敬爱上帝的心曾使约瑟在君王的朝廷保持纯洁无瑕。他得享财富和尊位，仅次于国王。他的提拔和升高都是突然而来的，又是极大的。身居高位是不可能没有危险的。暴风雨不伤害山谷中谦虚的花朵，却摧折山顶参天的大树。有许多人上帝本可在贫困的压迫中用来取得奇妙的成功──祂本可以在今生使用他们，并在将来使他们得到荣耀──可是成功毁了他们，他们被拖入泥坑之中，因为他们忘记了谦卑，忘记了上帝是他们的力量，变得自恃自满了。{4T 544.1}[20]
§42
God calls for complete and entire consecration, and anything short of this He will not accept. The more difficult your position the more you need Jesus. The love and fear of God kept Joseph pure and untarnished in the kings court. He was exalted to great wealth, to the high honor of being next to the king; and this elevation was as sudden as it was great. It is impossible to stand upon a lofty height without danger. The tempest leaves unharmed the modest flower of the valley, while it wrestles with the lofty tree upon the mountaintop. There are many men whom God could have used with wonderful success when pressed with poverty,-- He could have made them useful here, and crowned them with glory hereafter,-- but prosperity ruined them; they were dragged down to the pit because they forgot to be humble, forgot that God was their strength, and became independent and self-sufficient. {4T 544.1}[20]
§43
约瑟在逆境中经受了品格的考验，精金没有因成功而失色。当他站在宝座前面时，他表显出与在监狱里一样的对上帝旨意的尊崇。约瑟到处实行他的宗教，这就是他坚贞不移的秘密。你们作为代表，也应拥有真敬虔的渗透一切的能力。我凭着敬畏上帝的心告诉你们，你们的道路上潜伏着你们所没有看见也没有感觉到的危险。你们必须隐藏在耶稣里面。你们若不拉着基督的手就不安全。你们必须防备自以为是之类的毛病，并且要抱着宁可受苦也不愿犯罪的精神。你们所取得的任何胜利，其价值都比不上战胜自我的一半。{4T 544.2}[21]
§44
Joseph bore the test of character in adversity, and the gold was undimmed by prosperity. He showed the same sacred regard for Gods will when he stood next the throne as when in a prisoners cell. Joseph carried his religion everywhere, and this was the secret of his unwavering fidelity. As representative men you must have the all-pervading power of true godliness. I tell you, in the fear of God, your path is beset by dangers which you do not see and do not realize. You must hide in Jesus. You are unsafe unless you hold the hand of Christ. You must guard against everything like presumption and cherish that spirit that would suffer rather than sin. No victory you can gain will be so precious as that gained over self. {4T 544.2}[21]