第13章 人岂可夺取上帝之物呢？
§1
第13章 人岂可夺取上帝之物呢?
§2
Chap. 13—Will a Man Rob God?
§3
主已使散布亮光和真理给世人的工作，依赖于那些分享天庭恩赐之人的志愿努力及甘心奉献。只有比较少数的人奉召出门，作传道人或远方布道士，而大多数的会众却在金钱上效力，合力推广真理。{5T148.2}[1]
§4
The Lord has made the diffusion of light and truth in the earth dependent on the voluntary efforts and offerings of those who have been partakers of the heavenly gifts. Comparatively few are called to travel as ministers or missionaries, but multitudes are to co-operate in spreading the truth with their means.?{5T 148.2}[1]
§5
主给我们亚拿尼亚及撒非喇的故事，要我们明白在自己的各种礼物和捐献上，欺骗之罪是何等严重。他们曾自愿应许拿出财产的一部分，用以促进基督的圣工；但到了金钱在手之时，他们却不肯履行那义务，而同时又想向众人表明自己已把一切都献上了。他们所受的刑罚是明显的，以便作为历代基督徒的恒久鉴戒。这同样的罪也可怕地流行于今日，但我们没有听到如此显著的刑罚。主一度向人类显明祂是何等憎恨这种干犯祂神圣主权的要求及尊严之罪，然后就让人去依照这神圣制度的一般原理而行。{5T148.3}[2]
§6
The history of Ananias and Sapphira is given us that we may understand the sin of deception in regard to our gifts and offerings. They had voluntarily promised to give a portion of their property for the promotion of the cause of Christ; but?when the means was in their hands they declined to fulfill that obligation, at the same time wishing it to appear to others that they had given all. Their punishment was marked in order that it might serve as a perpetual warning to Christians of all ages. The same sin is fearfully prevalent at the present time, yet we hear of no such signal punishment. The Lord shows men once with what abhorrence He regards such an offense against His sacred claims and dignity, and then they are left to follow the general principles of the divine administration.?{5T 148.3}[2]
§7
福音的收入，乃在乎十分之一与乐意捐。在上帝委托给人的金钱上，祂有应得的一份──就是十分之一；但祂却随人自定这十分之一究竟是多少，或是否愿捐献过于此数。各人要随本心所酌定的奉献。然而到了人心被上帝之灵的感化力所激动，许下了愿，要献一笔款项之后，许愿的人对那已献为圣的一份就不再有权了。他已在人前立了约，他们都作了这事的见证人。同时他自己就已负起一种最神圣的义务，要与主同工，在地上建立祂的国度。向人发这样的应许，尚且应当遵守，那么向上帝许愿，岂不是更神圣更当遵守么？难道在良心的法庭上审讯之时，这能比与人所立的字约更少效力么？{5T149.1}[3]
§8
Voluntary offerings and the tithe constitute the revenue of the gospel. Of the means which is entrusted to man, God claims a certain portion—a tithe; but He leaves all free to say how much the tithe is, and whether or not they will give more than this. They are to give as they purpose in their hearts. But when the heart is stirred by the influence of the Spirit of God, and a vow is made to give a certain amount, the one who vowed has no longer any right to the consecrated portion. He has given his pledge before men, and they are called to witness to the transaction. At the same time he has incurred an obligation of the most sacred character to co-operate with the Lord in building up His kingdom on earth. Promises of this kind made to men would be considered binding. Are they not more sacred and binding when made to God? Are promises tried in the court of conscience less binding than written agreements with men??{5T 149.1}[3]
§9
当神圣的亮光非常清明有力地射进人心时，那惯有的私心便放松其掌握之力，于是人就起了乐助圣工之念。人不要期望所许的愿，毫不遭受撒但方面的抗议就可实现。撒但不喜欢见到救赎主的国度在地上建立。他暗示人认为许的愿太多了，也许会破坏他们立业置产的力量，或是无法满足他们家人的愿望。撒但在人心上所运用的力量是令人惊奇的。他是极其热切地用功，要使得人心只顾自己。{5T149.2}[4]
§10
When the divine light is shining into the heart with unusual clearness and power, habitual selfishness relaxes its grasp, and there is a disposition to give to the cause of God. None need expect that they will be allowed to fulfill the promises then made without a protest on the part of Satan. He is not pleased to see the Redeemer’s kingdom on earth built up. He suggests that the pledge made was too much, that it may cripple them in their efforts to acquire property or gratify the?desires of their families. The power Satan has over the human mind is wonderful. He labors most earnestly to keep the heart bound up in self.?{5T 149.2}[4]
§11
上帝所定促进祂圣工的唯一方法，就是使人享有财富之福。祂赐下阳光和甘霖；祂使植物茂盛；祂赐予健康和得货财的能力。我们一切的福惠都是由祂博施之手而来的。因此，祂也希望男男女女献纳十分之一及各种捐款，如感恩捐，乐意捐，赎愆捐等，将财物的一部分奉还给祂，藉以表示他们的感恩。{5T150.1}[5]
§12
The only means which God has ordained to advance His cause is to bless men with property. He gives them the sunshine and the rain; He causes vegetation to flourish; He gives health and ability to acquire means. All our blessings come from His bountiful hand. In turn He would have men and women show their gratitude by returning Him a portion in tithes and offerings—in thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass offerings.?{5T 150.1}[5]
§13
人心为自私之念所硬化，象亚拿尼亚及撒非喇一样，他们受引诱，想扣留价款的一部分，同时又伪称是已守十分之一的规则。人岂可夺取上帝之物呢？如果人都确照上帝的计划──按一切入息的十分之一──将钱财源源奉入上帝的库中，就必有丰裕的财力以推进圣工了。{5T150.2}[6]
§14
The hearts of men become hardened through selfishness, and, like Ananias and Sapphira, they are tempted to withhold part of the price while pretending to come up to the rules of tithing. Will a man rob God? Should means flow into the treasury exactly according to God’s plan,—a tenth of all the increase,—there would be abundance to carry forward His work.?{5T 150.2}[6]
§15
或有人说，唉，圣工捐款的要求，接踵而来，我已捐得厌倦了。你是这样么？那么让我问一问，你从上帝赐福的手接受福气，是否也厌倦了呢？在祂停降福气给你之前，你总是有责任将祂所应得的份归还给祂。祂赐福给你，为要使你有力造福他人。何时你倦于接受福气了，然后你也许可说：我对这么多捐钱的要求很厌倦了。在我们一切的收入中，上帝为祂自己保留了一部分。我们把这一份归还祂之后，其余的部分便都蒙福，若是把这一份扣留了，那么早晚之间，全部都要受咒诅的。凡是上帝的要求，当列为第一，其他一切都是次要的。{5T150.3}[7]
§16
Well, says one, the calls keep coming to give to the cause; I am weary of giving. Are you? Then let me ask: Are you weary of receiving from God’s beneficent hand? Not until He ceases to bless you will you cease to be under bonds to return to Him the portion He claims. He blesses you that it may be in your power to bless others. When you are weary of receiving, then you may say: I am weary of so many calls to give. God reserves to Himself a portion of all that we receive. When this is returned to Him, the remaining portion is blessed, but when it is withheld, the whole is sooner or later cursed. God’s claim is first; every other is secondary.?{5T 150.3}[7]
§17
在各地教会之中，应当为穷人准备款项。让每位教友随其方便，每周一次或每月一次，向上帝献上感恩捐。这种感恩捐，要表明我们感谢主赐我们健康，食物，及舒适的衣着。我们可照上帝所赐的这些享受，分出一部分来济助那些贫穷，困苦及遭难的人。我要求本会的弟兄们特别注意这一件事。当记念穷人。应当放弃一些奢侈的享受，甚至于牺牲一些舒适便利，来帮助那些只能得到微薄衣食的人。你们为他们行好事，行在圣徒身上，亦即行在耶稣的身上。祂自认是与受苦的人类相同。不可等待直到你们所想象的一切需要都满足了。你们不可信任自己的感情，在爱给的时候就给，在不爱给的时候就不给。应当有规则地施舍，每周不论是一角，二角，或五角，按你们在上帝审判之日所愿看的天庭记录而定。{5T150.4}[8]
§18
In every church there should be established a treasury for the poor. Then let each member present a thank offering to God once a week or once a month, as is most convenient. This offering will express our gratitude for the gifts of health, of food, and of comfortable clothing. And according as God has?blessed us with these comforts will we lay by for the poor, the suffering, and the distressed. I would call the attention of our brethren especially to this point. Remember the poor. Forego some of your luxuries, yea, even comforts, and help those who can obtain only the most meager food and clothing. In doing for them you are doing for Jesus in the person of His saints. He identifies Himself with suffering humanity. Do not wait until your imaginary wants are all satisfied. Do not trust to your feelings and give when you feel like it and withhold when you do not feel like it. Give regularly, either ten, twenty, or fifty cents a week, as you would like to see upon the heavenly record in the day of God.?{5T 150.4}[8]
§19
你们的好心意，我们很是感谢；然而单是好心意，穷人还是得不到什么实惠。他们必须有些实际可见的凭据，象衣食之类，方可证明你们的好心。上帝不愿祂的任何门徒，必须过求乞的生活。祂已赐你们丰盛的福气，使你们可以帮补他们在勤勉节俭之下所不能供给的需要。不可等待他们来请你们去注意他们的需要。应当效法约伯所行的，去查明自己所不知道的事。你们也应当出去查问，明白人们有什么需要，及如何能作最好的帮补。{5T151.1}[9]
§20
Your good wishes we will thank you for, but the poor cannot keep comfortable on good wishes alone. They must have tangible proofs of your kindness in food and clothing. God does not mean that any of His followers should beg for bread. He has given you an abundance that you may supply those of their necessities which by industry and economy they are not able to supply. Do not wait for them to call your attention to their needs. Act as did Job. The thing that he knew not he searched out. Go on an inspecting tour and learn what is needed and how it can be best supplied.?{5T 151.1}[9]
§21
我蒙指示，知道本会许多人在十分之一及捐献上抢夺了主的物，结果主的工作便大受阻碍。那些靠上帝鸿恩厚惠而生活的人，竟关闭心门，对于促进圣工的事一无赞助或是差不多一无赞助，上帝的咒诅是要停留在他们身上的。弟兄姐妹们哪，如果你们抓紧一切，自私自利地声称都是属于你们的，我们施恩赐福的天父怎能继续以你们为祂的管家，授你们钱财，以便为祂使用呢！{5T151.2}[10]
§22
I have been shown that many of our people are robbing the Lord in tithes and in offerings, and as the result His work is greatly hindered. The curse of God will rest upon those who are living upon God’s bounties and yet close their hearts and do nothing or next to nothing to advance His cause. Brethren and sisters, how can the beneficent Father continue to make you His stewards, furnishing you with means to use for Him, when you grasp it all, selfishly claiming that it is yours!?{5T 151.2}[10]
§23
许多人不但不奉还上帝所交在他们手中的钱财，反而拿来投资于更多的地产。这种恶行正在本会弟兄中滋长着。在此以前，他们已经拥有了他们能妥为照顾的一切，然而贪爱钱财之心，或想和邻舍一般富足之念，却使他们将钱财埋藏世界中，并把应归上帝的份扣留了。这样，如果他们不昌盛，如果上帝不赐福给他们的收获，以致他们失望，那又何足为怪呢？如果本会的弟兄们，记得上帝可赐福给二十亩的田地，使所收获的犹如一百亩地所生产的一样，那么他们就不会再继续埋头于地业上，而必让自己的钱财流入上帝的库中了。基督曾说：“你们要谨慎，恐怕因贪食，醉酒，并今生的思虑，累住你们的心，那日子就如同网罗忽然临到你们”（路21:34）。撒但乐于见到你们的田地增多及投资在世界的企业上，因为你们这样行，不但阻止了圣工的前进，同时也因焦心苦思及辛劳过度，而减少了永生的希望。{5T151.3}[11]
§24
Instead of rendering to God the means He has placed in their hands, many invest it in more land. This evil is growing with our brethren. They had before all they could well care for, but the love of money or a desire to be counted as well off?as their neighbors leads them to bury their means in the world and withhold from God His just dues. Can we be surprised if they are not prospered? if God does not bless their crops and they are disappointed? Could our brethren remember that God can bless twenty acres of land and make them as productive as one hundred, they would not continue to bury themselves in lands, but would let their means flow into God’s treasury. “Take heed,” said Christ, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life.” Satan is pleased to have you increase your farms and invest your means in worldly enterprises, for by so doing you not only hinder the cause from advancing, but by anxiety and overwork lessen your prospect for eternal life.?{5T 151.3}[11]
§25
我们现在应当注意救主的训谕：“你们要变卖所有的，周济人；为自己预备永不坏的钱囊，用不尽的财宝在天上”（路12:32）。现今是本会弟兄们应减少财产而非增多之时。我们快要迁居到一个更美的，就是在天上的家乡。因此，我们不要作久居世上的人，乃要压缩行李，愈简便愈好。{5T152.1}[12]
§26
We ought now to be heeding the injunction of our Saviour: “Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not.” It is now that our brethren should be cutting down their possessions instead of increasing them. We are about to move to a better country, even a heavenly. Then let us not be dwellers upon the earth, but be getting things into as compact a compass as possible.?{5T 152.1}[12]
§27
时候将到，届时我们的东西无论以什么价钱也卖不出去了。命令快要发出，除了那有兽印记的人之外，谁也不能作买卖了。不久前在加利福尼亚我们几乎看到这一点的实现；但这只不过是四方的风刮起的预示。至今四方的风仍被四位天使执掌着。我们没有完全准备好。有一项工作仍要去完成，然后天使要受命离开，四方的风便要刮在地上。对上帝的儿女来说，那将是一个决定性的时期，一个从有国以来没有这样的大艰难时期。现在乃是我们做工的时机。{5T152.2}[13]
§28
The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in California a short time since; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet they are held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done, and then the angels will be bidden to let go, that the four winds may blow upon the earth. That will be a decisive time for God’s children, a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. Now is our opportunity to work.?{5T 152.2}[13]
§29
在许多自称相信真理的人中，有一种不安的精神。有些人想去另一国或另一州，置买大块地皮，继续开展广泛的业务；有些人则想进入城市。因而许多小教会就被遗弃在软弱和灰心中消亡，然而，要是这些离弃它们的人满足于较小的工作范围，忠实地对待他们的小教会，他们原可以使自己的家庭舒适，并且自由地保守自己的心在上帝的爱里。许多迁居的人都失望了。他们丧失了自己所拥有的那点儿财产，丧失了健康，最终放弃了真理。{5T152.3}[14]
§30
There is among many professing the truth a spirit of unrest.?Some want to go to another county or state, buy large lands, and carry on an extensive business; others want to go into the city. Thus little churches are left in weakness and discouragement to die, when, had the ones who left them been content to work on a smaller scale, doing their little with fidelity, they might have made their families comfortable and been free to keep their own souls in the love of God. Many who move are disappointed. They lose what little property they had, lose health, and finally give up the truth.?{5T 152.3}[14]
§31
主就要来了。但愿每个人都藉着自己的行为表明自己的信心。对基督复临已近的信心正在各教会消失，自私之心使他们抢夺上帝之物，为他们个人的利益服务。当基督住在我们里面时，我们才会象祂那样舍己。{5T153.1}[15]
§32
The Lord is coming. Let everyone show his faith by his works. Faith in Christ’s near advent is dying out of the churches, and selfishness is causing them to rob God to serve their own personal interests. When Christ is abiding in us, we shall be self-denying like Him.?{5T 153.1}[15]
§33
过去我们的信徒曾有极大的慷慨行为。他们在响应帮助各部门圣工的呼召上没有落后。但是近来情况发生了变化。特别是我们在东部的弟兄们，已经在扣交钱财了，而世俗和爱财的心却在增长。帮助我们不同机构和事业的承诺日益遭到漠视。建教堂的捐献，给学校的捐赠，或对传道工作的援助，都被视为若不方便就不必履行的承诺。这些承诺是在上帝之灵的神圣感动下做出的。所以不可扣留本属于祂的物而抢夺祂。弟兄姐妹们，检查一下你们以往的生活，看看你们是不是忠心地对待了上帝。你有尚未履行的诺言吗？若是有的话，如果它在你的能力范围之内，就要下决心履行。{5T153.2}[16]
§34
In times past there has been great liberality on the part of our people. They have not been backward to respond to calls for help in the various branches of the work. But of late a change has come. There has been, especially with our Eastern brethren, a withholding of means, while worldliness and love of possessions have been increasing. There is a growing disregard of promises made to help our various institutions and enterprises. Subscriptions to build a church, to endow a college, or to assist in the missionary work are looked upon as promises which persons are under no obligation to fulfill if it is not convenient. These promises were made under the holy impressions of the Spirit of God. Then do not rob Him by withholding what rightfully belongs to Him. Brethren and sisters, look over your past life and see if you have dealt faithfully with God. Have you any unredeemed pledges? If so, resolve that you will pay them if it is within your power.?{5T 153.2}[16]
§35
且听主的忠告：“你们要将当纳的十分之一全然送入仓库，使我家有粮，以此试试我，是否为你们敞开天上的窗户，倾福与你们，甚至无处可容。……我必为你们斥责吞噬者，不容他毁坏你们的土产。你们田间的葡萄树在未熟之先也不掉果子。”“万国必称你们为有福的，因你们的地必成为喜乐之地”（玛3:10-12）。{5T153.3}[17]
§36
Listen to the counsel of the Lord: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, ... if I will not open you the?windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field.” “And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land.”?{5T 153.3}[17]
§37
你乐意接受主在这些经文中所做的应许，除掉你的自私之心，开始诚恳作工推进祂的圣工吗？不要藉着占你较穷邻舍的便宜、在这个世界上肥己，因为上帝的眼正看着你呢；祂监察你的每一个动机，并在圣所的天平上衡量你。{5T154.1}[18]
§38
Are you not willing to accept the promises which the Lord here makes and to put selfishness from you and begin to work earnestly to advance His cause? Do not strengthen your hold on this world by taking advantage of your poorer neighbor, for God’s eye is upon you; He reads every motive and weighs you in the balances of the sanctuary.?{5T 154.1}[18]
§39
我看到许多人在活着时不将钱财献给圣工，安抚自己的良心说在死时会慷慨施舍；他们在活着时几乎不敢运用信心倚赖上帝赐给他们任何东西。但基督向祂的信徒所要的，并不是这种在临终之时的慷慨施舍；这不能作为活着的时候自私自利的藉口。那些抓住自己的财产直到最后一刻的人，把它交给了死亡而不是圣工。损失正在不断发生。银行破产，财产在以许多方式消失。许多人打算有所奉献，但他们耽搁这事，撒但就设法阻止钱财流入圣工的库中。钱财在归还上帝之前就损失了，撒但因此非常高兴。{5T154.2}[19]
§40
I saw that many withhold from the cause while they live, quieting their consciences that they will be charitable at death; they hardly dare exercise faith and trust in God to give anything while living. But this deathbed charity is not what Christ requires of His followers; it cannot excuse the selfishness of the living. Those who hold fast their property till the last moment, surrender it to death rather than to the cause. Losses are occurring continually. Banks fail, and property is consumed in very many ways. Many purpose to do something, but they delay the matter, and Satan works to prevent the means from coming into the treasury at all. It is lost before it is returned to God, and Satan exults that it is so.?{5T 154.2}[19]
§41
如果你愿意用自己的钱财行善，就要立刻去做，免得撒但将之揽在自己手中，阻碍上帝的工作。许多时候主为弟兄们开路，使之能利用他们的金钱来推展祂的圣工，可是撒但的爪牙却向他们呈献一些事业，使其深信钱财能增加一倍。他们就因而上钩，并投资金钱，但是圣工不单得不着丝毫的助益，反而连他们自己也往往得不着一分钱。{5T154.3}[20]
§42
If you would do good with your means, do it at once lest Satan get it in his hands and thus hinder the work of God. Many times, when the Lord has opened the way for brethren to handle their means to advance His cause, the agents of Satan have presented some enterprise by which they were positive the brethren could double their means. They take the bait; their money is invested, and the cause, and frequently themselves, never receive a dollar.?{5T 154.3}[20]
§43
弟兄们，要记念圣工；若手上有钱，就当为自己奠定美好的根基，预备将来，使你可以持定永生。耶稣为你的缘故成了贫穷，使你因祂的贫穷，能在天上的财宝中富足。你要把什么献与为你献出一切的耶稣呢？{5T154.4}[21]
§44
Brethren, remember the cause; and when you have means at your command lay up for yourselves a good foundation?against the time to come, that you may lay hold on eternal life. Jesus for your sakes became poor, that you through His poverty might be made rich in heavenly treasure. What will you give for Jesus, who has given all for you??{5T 154.4}[21]
§45
你靠赖死时将遗产慷慨捐赠是不行的。你一点不能保证圣工会由此受益。撒但圆滑老练地作工，鼓动亲属们提出各种错误的建议，要把你庄严奉献给上帝圣工的遗产转到世界。圣工所得到的遗产总是远远少于遗嘱中所奉献的总数。撒但甚至会使世人的心反对他们亲属想要捐赠财产的心愿。他们似乎把奉献给主的任何东西都看作是抢夺死者的亲属。如果你想要奉献金钱给圣工，就要把它拨出来，否则在你活着时，你所做的一切不会真的支持圣工。一些弟兄在做这事，并因能做自己的遗嘱执行人而感到愉快。人心的贪婪是否必须让他们的生命被剥夺，才能使上帝借给他们的财产不至永无用处？但愿你们无人自招那将主的银子藏在地里的无用仆人的厄运。{5T155.1}[22]
§46
It will not do for you to depend on making your charity gifts in testamentary bequests at death. You cannot calculate with the least degree of surety that the cause will ever be benefited by them. Satan works with acute skill to stir up the relatives, and every false position is taken to gain to the world that which was solemnly dedicated to the cause of God. Much less than the sum willed is always received. Satan even puts it into the hearts of men and women to protest against their relatives’ doing what they wish in the bestowment of their property. They seem to regard everything given to the Lord as robbing the relatives of the deceased. If you want your means to go to the cause, appropriate it, or all that you do not really need for a support, while you live. A few of the brethren are doing this and enjoying the pleasure of being their own executors. Will the covetousness of men make it necessary that they shall be deprived of life in order that the property which God has lent them shall not be useless forever? Let none of you draw upon yourselves the doom of the unprofitable servant who hid his Lord’s money in the earth.?{5T 155.1}[22]
§47
用临死的奉献代替活着时的行善是靠不住的。许多人会把自己的遗产留给亲友，只余下很少一点，留给他们至高的朋友。祂曾为他们的缘故成了贫穷，遭受了凌辱、嘲笑和死亡，好使他们可以成为上帝的儿女。可是他们还指望在死了的义人出来得不朽的生命时，这位朋友会把他们接到祂永生的居所去。{5T155.2}[23]
§48
Dying charity is a poor substitute for living benevolence. Many will to their friends and relatives all except a very small pittance of their property. This they leave for their supreme Friend, who became poor for their sakes, who suffered insult, mockery, and death, that they might become sons and daughters of God. And yet they expect when the righteous dead shall come forth to immortal life that this Friend will take them into His everlasting habitations.?{5T 155.2}[23]
§49
基督的圣工遭到了抢夺。这不是一念之差，也不是心血来潮，而是蓄意的抢夺。你通过立遗嘱把自己的财产交给不信的人支配了。你在生前一直抢夺上帝，死后还继续抢夺祂，而且你这样做是你完全同意的，记录在被称为你的遗嘱的文件里。你这样挪用你主人的财物，你想祂会怎么看你呢？当你要为自己的管家身份交账时，你会说什么呢？{5T155.3}[24]
§50
The cause of Christ is robbed, not by a mere passing thought, not by an unpremeditated act. No. By your own deliberate act you made your will, placing your property at the?disposal of unbelievers. After having robbed God during your lifetime, you continue to rob Him after your death, and you do this with the full consent of all your powers of mind, in a document called your will. What do you think will be your Master’s will toward you for thus appropriating His goods? What will you say when an account is demanded of your stewardship??{5T 155.3}[24]
§51
弟兄们，从你们自私的生活中醒悟吧，做始终不渝的基督徒。主要求你们节约自己的钱财，让非你们安舒所需的每一块钱都流入主的库中。姐妹们，要把你们打算花在糖果、褶边或丝带上的一角、二角、一元钱收集起来，投在上帝的圣工上。我们的许多姐妹挣的工资不菲，但几乎都花在满足她们着装的虚荣上了。{5T156.1}[25]
§52
Brethren, awake from your life of selfishness, and act like consistent Christians. The Lord requires you to economize your means and let every dollar not needed for your comfort flow into the treasury. Sisters, take that ten cents, that twenty cents, that dollar which you were about to spend for candies, for ruffles, or for ribbons, and donate it to God’s cause. Many of our sisters earn good wages, but it is nearly all spent in gratifying their pride of dress.?{5T 156.1}[25]
§53
当我们接近末日的时候，圣工的需要会不断增加。需要钱财使年轻人在我们的学校中受短期的培训，预备他们在传道事工和圣工的各部门作有效的工作。在这事上我们与我们的特权不符。我们中间所有的学校不久会被关闭。要是人们在基督徒的善行上听从了基督的要求，所成就的原可以多得多！如果所有基督徒都甘心乐意奉献，会对世人有何等的影响啊！这会成为一个最具说服力的论据，支持我们所信奉的真理——世人既不能误解也不能否认的一个论据。主原本甚至会在世人眼前显著的祝福我们。{5T156.2}[26]
§54
The wants of the cause will continually increase as we near the close of time. Means is needed to give young men a short course of study in our schools, to prepare them for efficient work in the ministry and in different branches of the cause. We are not coming up to our privilege in this matter. All schools among us will soon be closed up. How much more might have been done had men obeyed the requirements of Christ in Christian beneficence! What an influence would this readiness to give all for Christ have had upon the world! It would have been one of the most convincing arguments in favor of the truth we profess to believe—an argument which the world could not misunderstand nor gainsay. The Lord would have distinguished us with His blessing even before the eyes of the world.?{5T 156.2}[26]
§55
最初的基督教会并没有我们所拥有的特权和机会。他们是一班贫穷的人，但他们却感受到真理的能力。他们面前的目标足以使他们投入一切。他们感到世人的得救或沦丧有赖于他们所起的作用。他们投入了自己的一切，并甘心乐意随时准备听主的吩咐或来或去。{5T156.3}[27]
§56
The first Christian church had not the privileges and opportunities we have. They were a poor people, but they felt the power of the truth. The object before them was sufficient to lead them to invest all. They felt that the salvation or the loss of a world depended upon their instrumentality. They cast in?their all and held themselves in readiness to go or come at the Lord’s bidding.?{5T 156.3}[27]
§57
我们自称是受同样的原则支配的，受同样的精神影响的。但是许多人不但没有为基督献上一切，反而取了金条和美好的示拿衣服并把它们藏在营中（书7:21）。如果一个亚干的存在就足以削弱以色列全营，当每一个教会和几乎每一个家庭都有亚干时，我们的努力没有什么成功又何足为奇呢？但愿我们每一个都前去作工，用我们无私捐助的榜样激励他人。要是大家都尽力用钱财供应主的府库，圣工原本会以远为强大的能力前进。{5T157.1}[28]
§58
We profess to be governed by the same principles, to be influenced by the same spirit. But instead of giving all for Christ many have taken the golden wedge and a goodly Babylonish garment and hid them in the camp. If the presence of one Achan was sufficient to weaken the whole camp of Israel, can we be surprised at the little success which attends our efforts when every church and almost every family has its Achan? Let us individually go to work to stimulate others by our example of disinterested benevolence. The work might have gone forward with far greater power had all done what they could to supply the treasury with means.?{5T 157.1}[28]