第56章 基督徒的影响
§1
第56章 基督徒的影响
§2
Chap. 56 - Christian Influence
§3
跟从基督的人在疗养院中与其他人交往时，应当谋求提高基督教的标准。我说这事有犹豫，是因为一些总是趋于极端的人会推断说：必须与病人讨论教义要点，并在疗养院举行宗教聚会，象在我们自己的礼拜场所弟兄们中间一样讲话。在这些特别为病人举行的小型聚会中，有人作见证时表现得没有智慧，反而凭着自己的热心卤莽地谈论第三位天使的信息，或我们信仰的其它特殊要点。其实这些病人一点儿也不明白他们在讲什么，好像在听天书。{4T 565.1}[1]
§4
In their intercourse with others all at the sanitarium who are followers of Christ should seek to elevate the standard of Christianity. I have hesitated to speak of this because some who are ever ready to go to extremes will conclude that it is necessary to discuss with the patients upon points of doctrine and, in the religious meetings held at the sanitarium, to talk as they would if among their brethren in our own house of worship. Some manifest no wisdom in bearing their testimony in these little meetings intended more especially for the benefit of the patients, but rush on in their zeal and talk of the third angels message, or other peculiar points of our faith, while these sick people understand no more what they are talking about than if they spoke in Greek. {4T 565.1}[1]
§5
在信徒的祷告聚会中介绍这些题目或许是很好的，但不要在目的为了使那些对我们的信仰一无所知的人受益的地方。我们应该使我们的祷告和见证适应场合和在场的人群。做不到这一点的人不必参加这样的聚会。有些题目是基督徒无论在什么时候讲述都是有益的，比如基督徒的经验，基督的爱和单纯的信心；他们自己的心若充满耶稣的爱，就会让它在每一次祷告和劝勉中照耀出来。要让人在生活中，在敬虔的榜样中看到使人成圣的真理的果子，而这会产生一种印象，是任何相反的影响都不能抵消的。{4T 565.2}[2]
§6
It may be well enough to introduce these subjects in a prayer meeting of believers, but not where the object is to benefit those who know nothing of our faith. We should adapt our prayers and testimonies to the occasion and to the company present. Those who cannot do this are not needed in such meetings. There are themes that Christians may at any time dwell upon with profit, such as the Christian experience, the love of Christ, and the simplicity of faith; and if their own hearts are imbued with the love of Jesus, they will let it shine forth in every prayer and exhortation. Let the fruits of the sanctifying truth be seen in the life, in a godly example, and it will make an impression that no opposing influence can counteract. {4T 565.2}[2]
§7
许多自称信奉基督之人的生活那么缺乏稳定性和真实的敬虔，实在有辱基督徒的名号。他们一与世俗的影响接触，就变得三心二意。他们向世界学习而不是向基督学习。若无极大的兴奋激动他们的感情，人们就决不会从他们的行为想到他们热爱真理或是基督徒。{4T 565.3}[3]
§8
It is a shame to the Christian name that so little stability and true godliness are seen in the lives of many who profess Christ. When brought in contact with worldly influences, they become divided in heart. They lean to the world rather than toward Christ. Unless there is a powerful excitement to stir the feelings, one would never think, from their deportment, that they loved the truth or were Christians. {4T 565.3}[3]
§9
有些人会承认我所写的是真实的，却不愿做出任何根本的改变；他们看不出属肉体之心的欺诈作为，因为他们在属灵上是盲目的，便会被败坏和毁灭人心的不良影响引入歧途。试探的魅力会迷住那些看不到也感觉不到自己危险的人。众生之敌会在每一个有利的机会利用他们作代理，且会激发他们不圣洁本性中的所有堕落成分。他们会表现出不断倾向于错误的东西。食欲和情欲会叫嚣着要求放纵。多年的习惯会在撒但强烈的试探之下显露出来。这等人若是离我们在巴特尔克里克的任何一个机构都远远的，上帝的圣工就会远为兴旺。{4T 565.4}[4]
§10
Some will acknowledge the truthfulness of what I have written, but will make no radical change; they cannot discern the deceitful workings of the carnal heart, and because of their spiritual blindness they will be seduced by influences that corrupt and ruin the soul. The spell of temptation will hold under its charm those who see and feel not their danger. At every favorable opportunity the adversary of souls will use them as his agents and will stir every element of depravity which exists in their unsanctified natures. They will manifest a continual tendency toward that which is wrong. Appetite and passion will clamor for indulgence. The habits of years will be revealed under the strong power of Satans temptations. If this class were many miles from any of our institutions at Battle Creek, the cause of God would be far more prosperous. {4T 565.4}[4]
§11
这种人若是愿意对自己的真实状况和他们所发挥的邪恶影响有所认识，并且愿意做出坚决的努力纠正自己的错误，还是可以改革的。但他们却不照着所应该的默想祷告或读经。他们轻佻易变，无处抛锚。那些愿意忠心和在他人身上发挥救人的感化力的人，发现这等人是他们道路上的绊脚石，使他们的工作艰难十倍。{4T 566.1}[5]
§12
Such persons might reform if they would have any true sense of their condition and the pernicious influence which they exert, and would make decided efforts to correct their errors. But they do not meditate or pray or read the Scriptures as they should. They are frivolous and changeable. They are anchored nowhere. Those who would be faithful and exert a saving influence upon others find this class a stumbling block in their path, and their work is tenfold harder than it otherwise would be. {4T 566.1}[5]
§13
我蒙指示看到医生应该与上帝有更加密切的联络，并且靠祂的力量认真地站立和工作。他们要起到负责任的作用。不单是病人的生命有危险，他们的心灵也有危险。许多在身体上受益的人，可以同时在属灵上大得帮助。身体的健康和心灵的得救在很大程度上依赖于医生们的做法。他们采取正确的立场，不仅有学术上的知识，而且知道上帝旨意和道路，这是极其重要的。他们身上负有重大的责任。{4T 566.2}[6]
§14
I have been shown that the physicians should come into a closer connection with God and stand and work earnestly in His strength. They have a responsible part to act. Not only the lives of the patients, but their souls also, are at stake. Many who are benefited physically may, at the same time, be greatly helped spiritually. Both the health of the body and the salvation of the soul are in a great degree dependent upon the course of the physicians. It is of the utmost consequence that they are right; that they have not only scientific knowledge, but the knowledge of Gods will and ways. Great responsibilities rest upon them. {4T 566.2}[6]
§15
我的弟兄们，你们应当看到和感到自己的责任，并且因此在上帝面前谦卑己心，恳切求祂赐智慧。你们还没有认识到，你们正在设法解除其身体痛苦的人，他们的得救在多大程度上是有赖于你们的言语、行为和举止。你们正在做必须经受审判考验的工作。你们必须保护自己的心灵脱离自私自利、自足自负和自恃的罪。{4T 566.3}[7]
§16
My brethren, you should see and feel your responsibility and, in view of it, humble your souls before God and plead with Him for wisdom. You have not realized how much the salvation of the souls of those whose bodies you are seeking to relieve from suffering, depends upon your words, your actions and deportment. You are doing work which must bear the test of the judgment. You must guard your own souls from the sins of selfishness, self-sufficiency, and self-confidence. {4T 566.3}[7]
§17
你们应该保持真基督徒的尊严，避免一切的矫揉造作。要在内心和生活上严格诚实。要让信心象棕榈树一样，深深扎根于表面之下，并从上帝恩典和怜悯的活泉获得属灵的更新。有一个活水的泉源是直涌到永生的。你们必须从这个隐藏的泉源汲取你们的生命。你们若脱离自私，并且藉着不断与上帝交通来加强自己的心灵，就可促进凡与你们接触之人的幸福。你们就会注意被忽视的人，教导无知的人，鼓励受压迫的人和沮丧的人，并且尽可能地解救受苦的人。你们不仅会指出通向天国的道路，你们自己也会行在其中。{4T 567.1}[8]
§18
You should preserve a true Christian dignity, but avoid all affectation. Be strictly honest in heart and life. Let faith, like the palm tree, strike its penetrating roots beneath the things which do appear, and obtain spiritual refreshment from the living springs of Gods grace and mercy. There is a well of water which springeth up into everlasting life. You must draw your life from this hidden spring. If you divest yourselves of selfishness, and strengthen your souls by constant communion with God, you may promote the happiness of all with whom you come in contact. You will notice the neglected, inform the ignorant, encourage the oppressed and desponding, and, as far as possible, relieve the suffering. And you will not only point the way to heaven, but will walk in that way yourselves. {4T 567.1}[8]
§19
不要满足于肤浅的知识。不要因奉承而得意，也不要因挑剔而沮丧。撒但会引诱你们采取让你们受到赞美和奉承的做法，但你们要避开他的诡计。你们是永生上帝的仆人。{4T 567.2}[9]
§20
Be not satisfied with superficial knowledge. Be not elated by flattery nor depressed by faultfinding. Satan will tempt you to pursue such a course that you may be admired and flattered, but you should turn away from his devices. You are servants of the living God. {4T 567.2}[9]
§21
你们和病人交往是一个令人精疲力竭的过程，若不作出改变，得到恢复的机会和上帝天使的保护，你们就会逐渐耗尽生命的泉源。你们若能看到这些天使每天带领你们平安地经过的许多危险，感激之情就会油然而生，并且由你们的口中表露出来。你们若以上帝为你们的能力，即使在最沮丧的环境下，你们也能达到你们很难想象可以达到的基督化完美的高度与宽度。你们的思想可以变得高尚，你们可以有崇高的志向，对真理的清晰认识，和提拔你们远远超越所有卑鄙动机的行为宗旨。{4T 567.3}[10]
§22
Your intercourse with the sick is an exhausting process and would gradually dry up the very springs of life if there were no change, no opportunity for recreation, and if angels of God did not guard and protect you. If you could see the many perils through which you are conducted safely every day by these messengers of heaven, gratitude would spring up in your hearts and find expression from your lips. If you make God your strength, you may, under the most discouraging circumstances, attain a height and breadth of Christian perfection which you hardly think it possible to reach. Your thoughts may be elevated, you may have noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, and purposes of action which shall raise you above all sordid motives. {4T 567.3}[10]
§23
你们若要达到品格的完全，思想和行动都是不可少的。你们在与世人接触时，应当谨防自己过分热心地寻求世人的称赞和照着他们的意见生活。你们若想走得安全，就要小心谨慎；要培养谦卑的美德，将你们无助的心灵寄托于基督。你们可以在每一种意义上成为属上帝的人。在属世群众的迷惑与试探之中，你们仍能以全然甜美的精神保守心灵的独立自主。{4T 568.1}[11]
§24
Both thought and action will be necessary if you would attain to perfection of character. While brought in contact with the world, you should be on your guard that you do not seek too ardently for the applause of men and live for their opinion. Walk carefully if you would walk safely; cultivate the grace of humility, and hang your helpless souls upon Christ. You may be, in every sense, men of God. In the midst of confusion and temptation in the worldly crowd you may, with perfect sweetness, keep the independence of the soul. {4T 568.1}[11]
§25
你们若每日与上帝交往，就会学习以祂的标准去衡量他人，这样，你们所承当造福苦难人类的职责就必赢得甘心情愿的响应。你们不是自己的人，你们的主对于你们至上的爱情和人生的至高服务，都有神圣的要求。祂有权使用你们身体与心灵全部的才能来增添祂自己的尊贵与荣耀。无论要你们背怎样的十字架，无论祂的手把怎样的工作或苦难加给你们，你们都要毫无怨言地去承当。{4T 568.2}[12]
§26
If you are in daily communion with God you will learn to place His estimate upon men, and the obligations resting upon you to bless suffering humanity will meet with a willing response. You are not your own; your Lord has sacred claims upon your supreme affections and the very highest services of your life. He has a right to use you, in your body and in your spirit, to the fullest extent of your capabilities, for His own honor and glory. Whatever crosses you may be required to bear, whatever labors or sufferings are imposed upon you by His hand, you are to accept without a murmur. {4T 568.2}[12]
§27
你们所为之操劳的人是你们的弟兄。他们因身体的失调和属灵上罪恶的大麻风而悲伤痛苦。你们若有什么比他们好的地方，都应归功于基督的十字架。许多人活在世上既没有上帝，也没有指望。他们有罪、败坏、堕落，受着撒但诡计的奴役，然而这些人还是基督从天而来所要救赎的。他们乃是最深切怜悯，同情和不倦努力的对象；因为他们已濒于灭亡了。他们苦于不得满足的愿望，错乱的情欲，以及自己良心的谴责；他们真是痛苦万状，因为他们对今生已失去了把握，对来生也全无指望。{4T 568.3}[13]
§28
Those for whom you labor are your brethren in distress, suffering from physical disorders and the spiritual leprosy of sin. If you are any better than they, it is to be credited to the cross of Christ. Many are without God and without hope in the world. They are guilty, corrupt, and degraded, enslaved by Satans devices. Yet these are the ones whom Christ came from heaven to redeem. They are subjects for tenderest pity, sympathy, and tireless effort; for they are on the verge of ruin. They suffer from ungratified desires, disordered passions, and the condemnation of their own consciences; they are miserable in every sense of the word, for they are losing their hold on this life and have no prospect for the life to come. {4T 568.3}[13]
§29
你们既有重要的工作园地，就应当活泼警醒，愉快而全然顺从地响应主的呼召。始终记得应该以坚定的仁慈付出你们要改革别人的努力。远远避开你们希望帮助的人会永远一无所得。你们应当始终把这个事实摆在病人们面前，就是你们建议他们改革自己的习惯和风俗，是在把要拯救他们而不是毁灭他们的东西摆在他们面前；他们放弃至今所重视所喜爱的东西，乃是在一个更加稳固的基础上建造。虽然要毅然决然地提倡改革，但也要谨慎避免一切顽固的表现或专横的精神。基督已赐给我们关于忍耐、宽容和仁爱的宝贵教训。粗暴并非能力；飞扬跋扈也不是英雄的品质。上帝的儿子是善于说服人的。祂显现出来是要吸引众人归向祂。跟从祂的人必须更加认真地研究祂的生活，并且行在祂榜样的光中，无论要怎样牺牲自我。必须将改革、不断的改革摆在人们面前；而你们的榜样应该加强你们的教训。{4T 568.4}[14]
§30
You have an important field of labor, and you should be active and vigilant, rendering cheerful and unqualified obedience to the Masters calls. Ever bear in mind that your efforts to reform others should be made in the spirit of unwavering kindness. Nothing is ever gained by holding yourselves aloof from those whom you would help. You should keep before the minds of patients the fact that in suggesting reforms of their habits and customs you are presenting before them that which is not to ruin but to save them; that, while yielding up what they have hitherto esteemed and loved, they are to build on a more secure foundation. While reform must be advocated with firmness and resolution, all appearance of bigotry or an overbearing spirit should be carefully shunned. Christ has given us precious lessons of patience, forbearance, and love. Rudeness is not energy; nor is domineering, heroism. The Son of God was persuasive. He was manifested to draw all men unto Him. His followers must study His life more closely and walk in the light of His example, at whatever sacrifice to self. Reform, continual reform, must be kept before the people; and your example should enforce your teachings. {4T 568.4}[14]
§31
但以理的情况呈现在我面前。他虽是与我们同样性情的人，灵感之笔却表现他为一个无懈可击的人。他的生活给了我们一个光辉的榜样，说明人若愿意以上帝为自己的力量，聪明地善用身边的机会和特权，甚至在今生就可以成为怎样的人。但以理在智力上是一个伟人，可是他继续寻求更伟大的知识，更高尚的造诣。其他年轻人也有同样的有利条件，却没有象他那样竭力寻求智慧，就是在上帝的圣言和作为中所显示关于上帝的知识。但以理虽是世上的一个伟人，却既不骄傲也不自足自负。他感到需要用祷告更新自己的心灵，便每天都在上帝面前恳切祈求。甚至在狮子坑向他敞开，他若继续祷告就会被丢进去的时候，他也不愿被剥夺这个特权。{4T 569.1}[15]
§32
The case of Daniel was presented before me. Although he was a man of like passions with ourselves, the pen of inspiration presents him as a faultless character. His life is given us as a bright example of what man may become, even in this life, if he will make God his strength and wisely improve the opportunities and privileges within his reach. Daniel was an intellectual giant; yet he was continually seeking for greater knowledge, for higher attainments. Other young men had the same advantages; but they did not, like him, bend all their energies to seek wisdom--the knowledge of God as revealed in His word and in His works. Although Daniel was one of the worlds great men, he was not proud nor self-sufficient. He felt the need of refreshing his soul with prayer, and each day found him in earnest supplication before God. He would not be deprived of this privilege even when a den of lions was opened to receive him if he continued to pray. {4T 569.1}[15]
§33
但以理爱上帝，敬畏上帝，顺从上帝。但他没有为躲避世界腐败的影响而逃离世界。根据上帝天意的安排，他身在世界但不属于世界。虽有宫廷生活的种种试探和魅力包围着他，但他忠贞不屈，稳如磐石地坚持原则。他以上帝为他的力量，在最需要的时候，祂必不离弃他。{4T 569.2}[16]
§34
Daniel loved, feared, and obeyed God. Yet he did not flee away from the world to avoid its corrupting influence. In the providence of God he was to be in the world yet not of the world. With all the temptations and fascinations of court life surrounding him, he stood in the integrity of his soul, firm as a rock in his adherence to principle. He made God his strength and was not forsaken of Him in his time of greatest need. {4T 569.2}[16]
§35
但以理是忠诚、高尚而慷慨的。他虽渴望与众人和睦，却不容许任何势力使他转离本分的道路。他乐于顺从那些管理他的人，只要这么做符合真理和公义；但无论是君王还是政令，都不能使他偏离对万王之王的效忠。但以理被带到异教宫廷去为巴比伦王服务时，才十八岁。因为他那么年轻，他勇敢地抵制错误和坚定地忠于正义就更令人钦佩了。他的高尚榜样应当给现今受考验受试探的人带来力量。{4T 570.1}[17]
§36
Daniel was true, noble, and generous. While he was anxious to be at peace with all men, he would not permit any power to turn him aside from the path of duty. He was willing to obey those who had rule over him, as far as he could do so consistently with truth and righteousness; but kings and decrees could not make him swerve from his allegiance to the King of kings. Daniel was but eighteen years old when brought into a heathen court in service to the king of Babylon, and because of his youth his noble resistance of wrong and his steadfast adherence to the right are the more admirable. His noble example should bring strength to the tried and tempted, even at the present day. {4T 570.1}[17]
§37
严格依从上帝的要求会带来福气，不仅对心灵如此，对身体亦然。圣灵的果子不仅是仁爱，喜乐，和平，还有节制。我们奉命不可污秽我们的身体，因为它们是圣灵的殿。但以理的故事告诉我们，藉着宗教的原则，青年人可以战胜肉体的私欲，保持对上帝要求的忠诚，尽管要作出重大的牺牲。他若是与那些异教官员妥协，屈服于那个场合的压力，按照巴比伦人的习惯吃喝会怎么样呢？那错误的一步很可能会误导他人，直至他与上天的联络被切断，他就为试探所左右了。但他坚定不移地信靠上帝，预言之灵的能力就临到他身上。他在受人指教学习宫廷生活的责任时，也受上帝指教，解读将来时代的奥秘。{4T 570.2}[18]
§38
A strict compliance with the Bible requirements will be a blessing, not only to the soul, but to the body. The fruit of the Spirit is not only love, joy, and peace, but temperance also. We are enjoined not to defile our bodies, for they are the temples of the Holy Ghost. The case of Daniel shows us, that, through religious principle, young men may triumph over the lust of the flesh and remain true to Gods requirements, even though it cost them a great sacrifice. What if he had made a compromise with those heathen officers, and had yielded to the pressure of the occasion by eating and drinking as was customary with the Babylonians? That one wrong step would probably have led to others, until, his connection with heaven being severed, he would have been borne away by temptation. But while he clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While he was instructed of man in the duties of court life, he was taught of God to read the mysteries of future ages. {4T 570.2}[18]