第28章 在圣工中的忠诚
§1
第28章 在圣工中的忠诚
§2
Chap. 28—Faithfulness in the Work of God
§3
在俄勒冈州和华盛顿州的各教会中，有宝贵的人才，过去若予以良好指导，殷勤培育，而今在这两个区会中就会有能干的工人。一个有生命力的教会总是一个工作的教会。真理是一种能力，那些见到其力量的人必大胆地屹立，无畏地捍卫它。真理必须经理智领会理解，接纳到心里，并将其原则结合到品格中；然后必须有持之以恒的努力，要赢得他人接受真理，因为上帝要人们为使用祂所赐给他们的亮光负责。{5T272.2}[1]
§4
There is precious talent in the churches in Oregon and Washington Territory; and had it been developed by well-directed labor, there might now be efficient workers in these conferences. A live church is always a working church. The truth is a power, and those who see its force will stand boldly and fearlessly in its defense. Truth must be apprehended by the intellect, received into the heart, and its principles incorporated into the character; and then there must be a constant effort to win others to accept it, for God holds men responsible for the use they make of the light He imparts to them.?{5T 272.2}[1]
§5
主号召祂所有的子民善用祂所赐的才能。智力要得到充分开发，并因研究属灵的真理而增强。如果让心思几乎完全用在次要问题和日常琐事上，依照一条不变的心理定律，它就会变得软弱轻浮，缺乏属灵的力量。{5T272.3}[2]
§6
The Lord calls upon all His people to improve the ability He has given them. The mental powers should be developed to the utmost; they should be strengthened and ennobled by dwelling upon spiritual truths. If the mind is allowed to run almost entirely upon trifling things and the common business of everyday life, it will, in accordance with one of its unvarying laws, become weak and frivolous, and deficient in spiritual power.?{5T 272.3}[2]
§7
试炼人心灵的时候正摆在我们面前，凡在信心上软弱的人，必受不住那些危险日子的考验。应当留心研究所启示的伟大真理，因为我们大家都需要一种明智的圣经知识。藉着查考圣经及每日与耶稣相交，我们就会清楚地了解个人的责任，并获得力量能在磨炼及试探之日站立得住。那用看不见的纽带使自己的生命与基督相联的人，就可因信而蒙上帝能力的保守，得着救恩。{5T273.1}[3]
§8
Times that will try men’s souls are just before us, and those who are weak in the faith will not stand the test of those days of peril. The great truths of revelation are to be carefully studied, for we shall all want an intelligent knowledge of the word of God. By Bible study and daily communion with Jesus we shall gain clear, well-defined views of individual responsibility and strength to stand in the day of trial and temptation. He whose life is united to Christ by hidden links will be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.?{5T 273.1}[3]
§9
应当多思想上帝的事，少思想世俗的事。那贪爱世俗而自命为信徒的人，如果能把思想转到这方面去，就会熟悉圣经，犹如他现在熟悉世事一样了。基督说：“你们查考圣经，因你们以为内中有永生，给我作见证的就是这经”（约5:39）。基督徒受命要殷勤查考圣经，将上帝之道的真理反复诵习。在这事上任意愚昧无知，就必危及基督徒的生命及品格，而且使人的悟性盲目，败坏了最高尚的能力，并使我们的生活混乱。本会的人需要明白上帝的圣言；他们需要对已启示之真理的原则具有一种有系统的知识，使他们足以应付那要临到地上的事，并保守他们不至被异教之风摇动飘来飘去。{5T273.2}[4]
§10
More thought should be given to the things of God, and less to temporal matters. The world-loving professor, if he will exercise his mind in that direction, may become as familiar with the word of God as he now is with worldly business. “Search the Scriptures,” said Christ; “for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of Me.” The Christian is required to be diligent in searching the Scriptures, to read over and over again the truths of God’s word. Willful ignorance on this subject endangers the Christian life and character. It blinds the understanding and corrupts the noblest powers. It is this that brings confusion into our lives. Our people need to understand the oracles of God; they need to have a systematic knowledge of the principles of revealed truth, which will fit them for what is coming upon the earth and prevent them from being carried about by every wind of doctrine.?{5T 273.2}[4]
§11
世上即将发生许多大变动，每个人都需要对上帝的事有一种实验的知识。撒但的工作要使上帝的子民灰心，并使他们的信仰摇动。他尽力设法，使人对于上帝委以特别工作，并热心从事这种工作之人所取的立场，信仰，及计划发生疑问。撒但虽然一再地受挫折，但他却再接再厉，利用那些自称谦卑敬畏上帝的人，及在表面上对现代真理有兴趣或相信的人发出攻击。拥护真理的人预期其公开的仇敌会发出凶残的反对，但这种危险若与那些认为有权向上帝仆人正作之工吹毛求疵的人们所发表之隐秘疑惑的危险相比，可说是不及甚远。这些人看来好像是谦卑的人，但他们却是自欺欺人者。他们心中所存的是嫉妒与恶意的猜度。他们摇动人们对其所应当信任之人，就是蒙上帝拣选承担祂工作之人的信心；及至他们因自己的行径受责备时，他们却认为这是对他个人的侮辱。他们虽自称作上帝之工，而实际上却是在帮助仇敌。{5T273.3}[5]
§12
Great changes are soon to take place in the world, and everyone will need an experimental knowledge of the things of God. It is the work of Satan to dishearten the people of God and to unsettle their faith. He tries in every way to insinuate doubts and questionings in regard to the position, the faith, the plans, of the men upon whom God has laid the burden of a special work and who are zealously doing that work. Although he may be baffled again and again, yet he renews his attacks, working through those who profess to be humble and God-fearing, and who are apparently interested in, or believers of, present truth. The advocates of truth?expect fierce and cruel opposition from their open enemies, but this is far less dangerous than the secret doubts expressed by those who feel at liberty to question and find fault with what God’s servants are doing. These may appear to be humble men; but they are self-deceived, and they deceive others. In their hearts are envy and evil surmisings. They unsettle the faith of the people in those in whom they should have confidence, those whom God has chosen to do His work; and when they are reproved for their course they take it as personal abuse. While professing to be doing God’s work they are in reality aiding the enemy.?{5T 273.3}[5]
§13
弟兄们，决不要允许任何一个人的想法扰乱你们对教会中应有秩序与和谐的信心。你们许多人没有看清楚一切事情。有关圣幕崇事秩序的各种指示之所以记录下来，就是为后世的人可以从中汲取教训。支搭和拆卸圣幕各部分的工作，均选有专人负责。若有一人因粗心大意而出错，或插手别人的工作，就得处死。今天我们侍奉的是同一位上帝。但死刑已被废除了。要是没有废除死刑，而今在祂圣工中就不会有那么多粗心疏忽，漫无秩序的工作了。天上的上帝乃是一位有秩序的上帝。祂也要求凡跟从祂的人都有规章制度，并要保持秩序。所有的人都应对上帝的工作有充分的理解。{5T274.1}[6]
§14
Brethren, never allow anyone’s ideas to unsettle your faith in regard to the order and harmony which should exist in the church. Many of you do not see all things clearly. The directions in regard to order in the tabernacle service were recorded that lessons might be drawn from it by all who should live upon the earth. Men were selected to do various parts of the work of setting up and taking down the tabernacle, and if one strayed in carelessly and put his hands to the work assigned to another, he was to be put to death. We serve the same God today. But the death penalty has been abolished; had it not been, there would not now be so much careless, disorderly work in His cause. The God of heaven is a God of order, and He requires all His followers to have rules and regulations, and to preserve order. All should have a perfect understanding of God’s work.?{5T 274.1}[6]
§15
心中即使片刻存有怀疑也是不安全的。法老在拒绝第一次神迹时所撒怀疑的种子既得以生长，就有了丰盛的收获，以致后来所有的神迹都不能使他相信自己的立场是错的了。当他在自己的道路上继续冒险前进，从一种程度的怀疑到另一种程度的怀疑时，他的心就变得越来越刚硬，直至他看到长子死后冰冷的面孔。{5T274.2}[7]
§16
It is unsafe to cherish doubt in the heart even for a moment. The seeds of doubt which Pharaoh sowed when he rejected the first miracle were allowed to grow, and they produced such an abundant harvest that all subsequent miracles could not persuade him that his position was wrong. He continued to venture on in his own course, going from one degree of questioning to another, and his heart became more and more hardened until he was called to look upon the cold, dead faces of the first-born.?{5T 274.2}[7]
§17
上帝在工作。我们预备一班人在人子显现的日子站立得住的工作还没有完成一半。以最低的程度试图阻碍上帝所作之工的人也有祸了。我们必须为他人做工；我们必须设法削弱弟兄们对他们属世财富的依恋；因为许多人会出卖他们永生的长子名分，换取属世的利益。鼓励他们积攒财宝在天上要比说出这些抱怨的话好多了：“钱，钱，这些人总是要钱；他们正在因此致富呢。”象这样的话在公开表示爱世界的人听来是多么美好啊！这会使他们更有胆量扣留属于上帝的那部分，不将十分之一和供物归还祂！主的咒诅会降在那些未能将祂自己之物归还祂的人身上。但愿我们都与上帝和谐同工。祂的仆人们有一道信息要传给贪爱钱财的人；既然主已亲自给他们树立了榜样，为什么他们不该作出相应的见证，将当纳的十分之一全然送入仓库呢？{5T274.3}[8]
§18
God is at work, and we are not doing one half that must be done to prepare a people to stand in the day when the Son?of man shall be revealed. Woe be to the man that shall in the least degree seek to hinder the work which God is doing. We must labor for others; we must try to weaken the hold of our brethren upon their earthly treasures; for many will sell their birthright to eternal life for worldly advantages. How much better to encourage them to lay up their treasure in heaven than complainingly to drop the words: “It is money, money, that these men are continually calling for; and they are getting rich by it.” How sweet are words like these to the world-loving professor! How they strengthen his courage to withhold from God the proportion which belongs to Him and which should be returned to Him in tithes and offerings! The curse of the Lord will rest upon those who fail to render to Him His own. Let us work in harmony with God. His servants have a message to bear to money lovers; why should they not bear a close testimony in regard to bringing all the tithes into the storehouse, when the Lord Himself has set them the example??{5T 274.3}[8]
§19
基督的宗教能制服自私的精神，改变人的思想感情，使人的骄傲降卑，并单单高举上帝。这正是A弟兄所缺少的。他需要对上帝有实际的信心，看到并感受侍奉基督的荣耀，高举原则并提升基督徒的标准，将上帝圣言丰盛的应许、警诫、劝勉和警告存记在心，认识拥有信心和相应行为的重要性，以便在家中、在教会、也在他的业务中表现宗教纯正而高尚的品质。他应该与基督联络，好拥有属灵的能力。他与世界的联络，与敌对真理精神种种影响的联络，对他的控制力比基督的灵更为强大。他的危险就在于此。他最终将丧失信心，除非他改弦更张，坚定地与亮光之源联络。{5T275.1}[9]
§20
The religion of Christ subdues the selfish spirit and transforms the mind and the affections; it lays low the pride of men, that God alone may be exalted. This is what Brother A wants. He needs a practical faith in God. He needs to see and feel the glory of serving Christ; he needs to exalt principle and elevate the Christian standard; he needs to store his mind with the rich promises, the warnings, the counsels and threatenings, of God’s word; he needs to see the importance of having faith and corresponding works, that he may fairly represent, at home, in the church, and in his business, the purity and elevated character of religion. He should place himself in connection with Christ, that he may have spiritual power. His connection with the world, and with influences adverse to the spirit of truth, have greater power over him than the Spirit of Christ. Here is his danger; and he will eventually make shipwreck of faith unless he changes his course of action and firmly connects with the Source of light.?{5T 275.1}[9]
§21
他如果对属灵的事象对世界的事有一样大的兴趣，就会完全献身于上帝，表明自己是基督的真门徒，上帝也会悦纳并使用他而今全部奉献于侍奉世界的才干。现在用来积财的能力同样是上帝的圣工所需要的。祂圣工的每个部门都需要管理人员，以便其可以有活力有系统地发展。一个人如果机智、勤奋、热心，就会在现世的业务上取得成功，而同样的品质若奉献于上帝的圣工，亦会证明甚至有双倍的果效；因为必有神能与人力结合。无论在属世还是属灵的问题上，最好的计划若交给没有经验没有能力的人去执行，都会失败。{5T275.2}[10]
§22
If his interest in spiritual things were as great as it is in the things of the world, his consecration to God would be?entire; he would show himself a true disciple of Christ, and God would accept and use the talents which are now wholly devoted to the service of the world. The very same ability is required in the cause of God that is now given to the accumulation of property. Managers are needed in every branch of His work, that it may be carried on with energy and system. If a man has tact, industry, and enthusiasm, he will make a success in temporal business, and the same qualities, consecrated to the work of God, will prove even doubly efficient; for divine power will be combined with human effort. The best of plans, either in temporal or spiritual matters, will prove a failure if their execution is entrusted to inexperienced, incapable hands.?{5T 275.2}[10]
§23
将自己的才干埋没在世界的人是不蒙上帝喜悦的。他们所有的能力都投在积聚财产上了。这种积财的欲望成了一种癖好。A弟兄是一个活跃的人。他以实现属世的计划为荣。如果同样的兴趣、机智和抱负用来为主作贸易，就会产生伟大、高尚得多的果效！从属世业务获得的教育在来生一点益处都没有，因为在天国不会开展这种业务；然而如果上帝所赐的才能被用来荣耀祂，建立祂的国度，从中所受的教育就会带入天国。{5T276.1}[11]
§24
Those who bury their talents in this world are not pleasing God. All their powers are devoted to the accumulation of property, and the desire to accumulate becomes a passion. Brother A is an active man, and he takes pride in carrying out worldly projects. If the same interest, tact, and ambition were exercised in trading for the Lord, how much grander, nobler results would he realize! The education obtained in worldly business will not be of the least advantage in the future life, for no such business will be carried on in heaven; but if the faculties which God has given are used to His glory, to the upbuilding of His kingdom, an education is received which will be taken into heaven.?{5T 276.1}[11]
§25
我们在世界处于什么位置呢？我们现今正处在等候的时期中。但这段时期是不应耗在抽象的献身上。等候、警醒和积极工作，应结合在一起。我们的生活不应整天匆促忙乱，计划世界的事，忽略了上帝所要求的个人虔诚及服务。我们虽然应该在所经营的事务上殷勤不可懒惰，但也应心里火热，常常服事主（罗12:11）。心灵的灯应予剔亮，在我们的灯和器皿中必须有恩典的油。应千方百计避免属灵的衰弱，免得主的日子像贼一样地忽然临到我们。不可将那日子推迟到遥远；它很近了，谁也不该在心里说，更不该藉着行为说：“我的主人必来得迟”（太24:48），免得因此定他与假冒为善和不信的人同罪。{5T276.2}[12]
§26
What is our position in the world? We are in the waiting time. But this period is not to be spent in abstract devotion. Waiting, watching, and vigilant working are to be combined. Our life should not be all bustle and drive and planning about the things of the world, to the neglect of personal piety and of the service that God requires. While we should not be slothful in business, we should be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. The lamp of the soul must be trimmed, and we must have the oil of grace in our vessels with our lamps. Every precaution must be used to prevent spiritual declension, lest the day of the Lord overtake us as a thief. That day is not to be put far off; it is near, and no man should say, even in?his heart, much less by his works, “My Lord delayeth His coming,” lest for so doing his portion be appointed with hypocrites and unbelievers.?{5T 276.2}[12]
§27
我看到上帝的子民处在大危险中；许多人是地上的居民；他们的兴趣和感情都集中在世上。他们的榜样是错误的。世人因许多自称信奉伟大高尚真理之人所走的道路而受了欺骗。我们的责任是与所赐下的亮光、恩典及恩赐相称的。工人在其才干、钱财、机会和能力上，负有最重的责任。上帝号召A弟兄改变他的行为，使用他的能力来荣耀上帝而不是将它滥用在低级属世的事业上。而今是交托他的日子；不久就是跟他算账的日子了。{5T277.1}[13]
§28
I saw that God’s people are in great peril; many are dwellers upon the earth; their interest and affections are centered in the world. Their example is not right. The world is deceived by the course pursued by many who profess great and noble truths. Our responsibility is in accordance with the light given, the graces and gifts bestowed. On the workers whose talents, whose means, whose opportunities and abilities, are greatest rests the heaviest responsibility. God calls upon Brother A to change his course of action, to use his ability to God’s glory instead of debasing it to sordid worldly interests. Now is his day of trust; soon will come his day of reckoning.?{5T 277.1}[13]
§29
我蒙指示，见到A弟兄代表一等处于同样处境的人。他们向来连最小的属世利益也都关心。藉着勤勉的商业机智和成功的投资，藉着贸易，不是大笔的，而是小笔的，他们已经积聚了财产。但在这样做的过程中，他们培养出了与基督徒品格发展不一致的才能。他们的生活决不能代表基督；因为他们爱世界及其利益过于爱上帝及真理。“人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了”（约壹2:15）。{5T277.2}[14]
§30
Brother A was presented before me to represent a class who are in a similar position. They have never been indifferent to the smallest worldly advantage. By diligent business tact and successful investments, by trading, not on pounds, but on pence and farthings, they have accumulated property. But in doing this they have educated faculties inconsistent with the development of Christian character. Their lives in no way represent Christ; for they love the world and its gain better than they love God or the truth. “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”?{5T 277.2}[14]
§31
人所拥有的一切能力都属于上帝。效法世界和爱慕世界在祂的道中是断然禁止的。当人心感受上帝恩典的改变之能时，这种能力就会把一个迄今都属世的人送到每一条慈善的路上。那些决心要在世上积攒财富的人，必“陷在迷惑、落在网罗和许多无知有害的私欲里，叫人沉在败坏和灭亡中。贪财是万恶之根[一切贪心与俗心的基础]。有人贪恋钱财，就被引诱离了真道，用许多愁苦把自己刺透了”（提前6:9-10）。{5T277.3}[15]
§32
All the abilities which men possess belong to God. Worldly conformity and attachments are emphatically forbidden in His word. When the power of the transforming grace of God is felt upon the heart, it will send a man, hitherto worldly, into every pathway of beneficence. He who has in his heart a determination to lay up treasure in the world, will “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil [the foundation of all avarice and worldliness]: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”?{5T 277.3}[15]
§33
教会的每一成员都当感到自己有神圣的义务，要严格地维护上帝圣工的利益。信徒个人应为教会混乱沮丧的状况负责。托付给人类的最神圣的真理因此受了羞辱。人们对于这种事态是无可推诿的。耶稣已经为各人开辟了门路，藉以获得智慧、恩典和能力。祂在凡事上都是我们的模范。任何事物都不应把我们的心思从人生的主要目的转移，就是有基督住在心灵之中，使心地融化而驯服。一有这样的情形，教会的每一成员，每一个自称相信真理的人，就必在品格、言语和行为上与基督相似了。{5T278.1}[16]
§34
Each member of the church should feel under sacred obligations to guard strictly the interests of the cause of God. The individual members of the church are responsible for its distracted, discouraged state, by which the most sacred truths ever committed to man are dishonored. There is no excuse for this condition of things. Jesus has opened to everyone a way by which wisdom, grace, and power may be obtained. He is our example in all things, and nothing should divert the mind from the main object in life, which is to have Christ in the soul, melting and subduing the heart. When this is the case, every member of the church, every professor of the truth, will be Christlike in character, in words, in actions.?{5T 278.1}[16]
§35
有些已经成为传光管道，因真理的宝贵亮光而高兴的人，却因被世界同化而否认了真理。他们因而丧失了自我牺牲的精神和真理的能力，依赖地上不牢靠的事物得幸福。他们乃是在极大的危险中。他们既然曾因亮光而欢喜快乐，若不赶紧收集起仍照在他们身上的光线，并以悔改和认罪的态度回到主身边，就必被遗弃在完全的黑暗里。我们生活在危险的日子，错谬和骗局正在欺哄人。那些拥有真理亮光的人若不因之成圣，并将他们的光照耀出来，使别人看见他们的好行为而归荣耀于上帝，谁会警告世界呢？谁会向他们显明更好的路呢？我希望使所有的人都深感他们处在丧失天国的危险中。加入教会是一回事，与基督联络完全是另一回事。并非所有登记在教会名册上的名字都登记在羔羊的生命册上。许多人虽然表面上是真诚的信徒，却没有与基督保持活泼的联络。他们加入教会了，他们的名字登记在册了；但内心却没有恩典的运行。结果他们并不快乐，并使侍奉上帝成为难事。{5T278.2}[17]
§36
Some who have been channels of light, whose hearts have been made glad by the precious light of truth, have denied that truth by assimilating to the world. They have thus lost the spirit of self-sacrifice and the power of the truth, and have depended for happiness upon unstable things of earth. They are in great peril. Having once rejoiced in the light, they will be left in total darkness unless they speedily gather up the rays that are still shining upon them and return to the Lord with repentance and confession. We are in a day of peril, when error and deception are captivating the people. Who will warn the world, who will show them the better way, unless those who have had the light of truth are sanctified through it and shall let their light so shine that others may see their good works and glorify God? I wish I could impress upon all the danger they are in of losing heaven. Joining the church is one thing, and connecting with Christ is quite another. Not all the names registered in the church books are registered in the Lamb’s book of life. Many, though apparently sincere believers, do not keep up a living connection with Christ. They have enlisted, they have entered their names on the register; but the inner work of grace is not wrought in the heart. As the result they are not happy, and they make hard work of serving God.?{5T 278.2}[17]
§37
“你们怎样论断人，也必怎样被论断”（太7:2）。要记得你的弟兄象你一样是容易犯错的受造者，并要以你愿意他们待你的同样仁慈怜悯和忍耐看待他们的错误和过失。你们不该监视他们，将他们的过失展示于世人之前，使那些人幸灾乐祸。凡胆敢这样做的人已经攀上了审判席，使自己成了法官。然而他们却疏忽守护自己的心，允许毒草繁茂滋长。{5T278.3}[18]
§38
“With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.” Remember that your brethren are fallible creatures like yourself,?and regard their mistakes and errors with the same mercy and forbearance that you wish them to exercise toward you. They should not be watched and their defects paraded to the front for the world to exult over. Those who dare to do this have climbed upon the judgment seat and made themselves judges, while they have neglected the garden of their own hearts and have allowed poisonous weeds to obtain a rank growth.?{5T 278.3}[18]
§39
我们每一个人在天庭都有待决的案件。我们的品格正在圣所的天平受衡量。大家都当真诚希望谦卑谨慎而行，唯恐因疏忽将自己的光照在人前而辜负上帝的恩典，丧失一切有价值的事。一切的纷争、歧见和挑剔，连同一切诽谤和苦毒，都应放弃；而应彼此怀有仁慈、爱心及同情，以便基督祈求祂的门徒与祂合一，象祂与父合一一样的祷告可以得到应允。教会的和谐团结乃是他们呈现给世人的凭证，证明耶稣是上帝的儿子。真悔改总是会导致真爱耶稣和一切祂为之而死的人。{5T279.1}[19]
§40
We individually have a case pending in the court of heaven. Character is being weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and it should be the earnest desire of all to walk humbly and carefully, lest, neglecting to let their light shine forth to the world, they fail of the grace of God and lose everything that is valuable. All dissension, all differences and faultfinding, should be put away, with all evil speaking and bitterness; kindness, love, and compassion for one another should be cherished, that the prayer of Christ that His disciples might be one as He is one with the Father may be answered. The harmony and unity of the church are the credentials that they present to the world that Jesus is the Son of God. Genuine conversion will ever lead to genuine love for Jesus and for all those for whom He died.?{5T 279.1}[19]
§41
每一个为上帝做力所能及之事，真诚热心为周围的人行善的人，都必领受上帝对他所做努力的祝福。一个人虽不是基督身体的头或心，也可为上帝献上有效的服务。在圣经中被形容为手和脚的服务，虽然低下，却是重要的。那决定工作之价值的，并非工作的巨大，而是做工时的爱心，行动的动机。有工作要为我们的邻舍和与我们交往的人做成。只要还有人在安全的方舟之外，我们就无权停止为生灵忍耐祷告地劳苦作工。这场战争无人能免。我们是基督的精兵，有义务保持警醒，免得仇敌占便宜，获得我们可以赢得归于基督之人的侍奉。{5T279.2}[20]
§42
Everyone who does what he can for God, who is true and earnest to do good to those around him, will receive the blessing of God upon his efforts. A man may render effective service for God although he is not the head or the heart of the body of Christ. The service represented in the word of God by that of the hand or the foot, though lowly, is nevertheless important. It is not the greatness of the work, but the love with which it is done, the motive underlying the action, that determines its worth. There is work to be done for our neighbors and for those with whom we associate. We have no liberty to cease our patient, prayerful labors for souls as long as any are out of the ark of safety. There is no release in this war. We are soldiers of Christ, and are under obligation to watch lest the enemy gain the advantage and secure to his service souls that we might win to Christ.?{5T 279.2}[20]
§43
现在是交托我们负责的日子；我们有一项工作要为上帝做。在某地的教会渐渐变得冷淡不信了。有大量的工作要为其信徒个人做成。大光已照在他们的道路上。因此他们是要负责的。基督说：“你们是世上的光；”“你们是世上的盐”（太5:14,13）。他们需要有恩典更深地运行在心中。在上帝能祝福他们之前，必须进行一番改革。有许多徒有其表的信徒。自私得利的精神蒙蔽了天上的产业。人们如果先追求天国，就会有高尚诚实照耀在生活和品格中。如果A弟兄愿意发挥一种为善的影响力，这正是他所需要的。他喜爱经管钱财，要看它经一次次地投资而积聚。他的思想和感情都专注在属世的企划上。他醉心于今生的挂虑；也就是说，他被自己的业务吞没了，无法聪明合理地思考上帝的事。他财迷心窍了。真理应当深入到他的心中并在他私人和公开的生活中结出果子来。{5T280.1}[21]
§44
The day of trust and responsibility is ours; we have a work to do for God. The church in ----- has been gradually growing cold and irreligious. There is much to be done for its individual members. Great light has shone upon their pathway. For this they will be held accountable. Said Christ: “Ye are the light of the world;” “ye are the salt of the earth.” They need a deeper work of grace in their hearts. There must be a reformation before God can bless them. There are plenty of formal professors. A selfish grasping for gain eclipses the heavenly inheritance. If the kingdom of heaven is made first, noble integrity will shine forth in the life and character. This is what Brother A needs if he would exert an influence for good. He loves to handle money, and to see it accumulate by turning it one way and another. His mind and affections are absorbed in worldly enterprises. He is drunken with the cares of this life; that is, he is so swallowed up in his business that he cannot think rationally and intelligently of the things of God; his vision is obscured by love of money. The truth should reach down deep into his heart and develop fruit in his private and public life.?{5T 280.1}[21]
§45
A弟兄给自己没有学习圣经找藉口说，他是一个商人。但是对一个承受商业压力的人来说，圣经会成为一个力量和安全之源。这种人较比不处于这种危险的人更需要来自上帝圣言的亮光，劝勉及警告。A弟兄如果愿意把他用在俗事上的远见和交易机智用在上帝的事上，就会结出幸福的果实。他如果以为上帝满意他将自己的才干和精力几乎全部用在侍奉玛门上，就是遭到可怕的欺骗了。基督说：“一个人不能事奉两个主；不是恶这个，爱那个，就是重这个，轻那个。你们不能又事奉上帝，又事奉玛门”（太6:24）。如果A弟兄继续使永恒的事隶属于他属世的利益，他积财的性情就必不断发展，直至成为支配性原则，那时他就会被这世界的神弄瞎了心眼，不能辨别圣俗了。{5T280.2}[22]
§46
Brother A has excused himself for not making the Scriptures his study because he was a businessman. But to one pressed with business cares the Scriptures will be a source of strength and safety. Such a man has greater need of light from the word of God, of its counsels and warnings, than if he were not placed in such a dangerous position. If Brother A would exercise the same forethought and business tact in the things of God that he has given to worldly matters, he would realize blessed results. If he thinks that God is satisfied with him while giving his talent and energy almost entirely to the service of mammon, he is fearfully deceived. Said Christ: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” If Brother A continues to make eternal things subordinate to his worldly interests, his passion for accumulating will steadily increase until it will overrule principle, and he will?be so blinded by the god of this world that he will be unable to discern between the sacred and the common.?{5T 280.2}[22]
§47
A弟兄对他弟兄们的思想有着强烈的影响；他们大都是以他的观点看问题的。他需要在属灵上稳定下来，并在属上帝的事上变得聪明。他应该开始对天上的事表现出兴趣和热爱，并培养自己的能力，用于服务上帝的圣工。他需要公义的军装，抵挡仇敌的箭。除非他的人生目标和追求有决定性的改变，不断在属灵的事上操练自己，他就不可能得救。{5T281.1}[23]
§48
Brother A has a strong influence upon the minds of his brethren; they view things largely from his standpoint. He needs to improve in spiritual soundness and be wise in the things of God. He should begin to show an interest in and devotion to heavenly things and to so educate his powers that they may be of service in the cause of God. He needs the armor of righteousness with which to ward off the darts of the enemy. It is impossible for him to obtain salvation unless there is a decided change in the objects and pursuits of his life, unless he exercises himself continually in spiritual things.?{5T 281.1}[23]
§49
上帝呼吁这两个区会的每一个信徒要醒悟并悔改。弟兄们，你们的世俗，不信和抱怨，使你们处于任何人都极难在你们中间作工的地步。虽然你们的会长疏忽了自己的工作，没能尽责，但你们的态度一点儿也不能给他鼓励。负责的人本应表明自己是属上帝的人，根据要求进行督责、劝诫和鼓励，无论你们愿意接受还是拒绝他的见证。但他很容易就灰心了，丢下你们，没有给你们一个基督忠心的传道人原应给予的帮助。他没能跟上上帝敞开的天意，没能向你们说明你们的本分，也没能训练你们合乎时代的要求；但传道人的疏忽不该使你们灰心，为自己疏忽职守找藉口。你们这方面更需要活力和忠诚。{5T281.2}[24]
§50
God calls upon the individual members of the churches in these two conferences to arouse and be converted. Brethren, your worldliness, your distrust, your murmuring, have placed you in such a position that it will be exceedingly difficult for anyone to labor among you. While your president neglected his work and failed in his duty, your attitude was not such as to give him any encouragement. The one in authority should have acquitted himself as a man of God, reproving, exhorting, encouraging, as the case demanded, whether you would receive or reject his testimony. But he was easily discouraged, and left you without the help that a faithful minister of Christ should have given. He failed in not keeping up with the opening providence of God, and in not showing you your duty and educating you up to the demands of the time; but the minister’s neglect should not dishearten you and lead you to excuse yourselves for neglecting duty. There is the more need of energy and fidelity on your part.?{5T 281.2}[24]
§51
【许愿不还】
§52
在你们当中有一些人，常被自己的誓约所绊跌。上帝的圣灵既应允了祈祷，并临格于某地的聚会中，当你们的心受影响而软化时，就立下誓约。当救恩的洪流注入你们的内心时，就感到必须效法主的榜样，祂周流四方行善事，并乐于献上己命，来救赎人脱离罪恶与堕落。你们在属天灵感的影响下，就看出自私和世俗不符合基督徒的品格，且知道你不能为自己生活而又能象基督。但是当祂丰盛之爱怜的影响力，在你心中稍不显著之时，你就扣留奉献，而上帝也从你那里收回祂的赐福。{5T281.3}[25]
§53
【Vowing and Not Paying】
§54
Some of you have been stumbling over your pledges. The Spirit of the Lord came into the ----- meeting in answer to prayer, and while your hearts were softened under its influence, you pledged. While the streams of salvation were pouring upon your hearts, you felt that you must follow the?example of Him who went about doing good and who cheerfully gave His life to ransom man from sin and degradation. Under the heavenly, inspiring influence you saw that selfishness and worldliness were not consistent with Christian character and that you could not live for yourselves and be Christlike. But when the influence of His abundant love and mercy was not felt in so marked a manner in your hearts, you withdrew your offerings, and God withdrew His blessing from you.?{5T 281.3}[25]
§55
灾祸临到一些人，使他们的收成不好，因而无法履行誓约，另一些人则为穷窘所迫，当然不能期待他们偿还了。可是，他们若没有埋怨也不存心收回所许的愿，上帝便会为他们作工，为他们开路，使每一个人都能偿付他所应许的。他们并没有凭信心等待，相信上帝会开路，以实现他们的誓约。一些人有可支配的钱财时，若有在许愿时的乐意态度，并诚实地在十分之一和奉献上，把上帝为此而借给他们之物归还，便会大蒙赐福。撒但却进行试探，使一些人怀疑那驱使上帝仆人呼召奉献钱财的动机和精神，于是，有人便感到被欺骗与诈取，心中便否认他们的誓约，此后无论做什么，只是出于勉强，因此就得不着福气。{5T282.1}[26]
§56
Adversity came upon some. There was a failure in their crops, so that they could not redeem their pledges; and some were even brought into straitened circumstances. Then, of course, they could not be expected to pay. But had they not murmured and withdrawn their hearts from their pledges, God would have worked for them and would have opened ways whereby every one could have paid what he had promised. They did not wait in faith, trusting God to open the way so that they could redeem their pledges. Some had means at their command; and had they possessed the same willing mind as when they pledged, and had they heartily rendered to God in tithes and offerings that which He had lent them for this purpose, they would have been greatly blessed. But Satan came in with his temptations and led some to question the motives and the spirit which actuated the servant of God in presenting the call for means. Some felt that they had been deceived and defrauded. In spirit they repudiated their vows, and whatever they did afterward was with reluctance, and therefore they received no blessing.?{5T 282.1}[26]
§57
在才干的比喻中，受托一千银子的那个人表现出一种勉强的精神，并把他的银子藏了起来，使他的主人不能由之受益。当主人要他为所托付的钱财交账时，他埋怨主人为自己的疏忽寻找藉口。“我知道你（他自称了解他的主人）是忍心的人，没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛，我就害怕（我一切的收益不会归我，你都会要去的），去把你的一千银子埋藏在地里。请看，你的原银子在这里。主人回答说：‘你这又恶又懒的仆人，你既知道我没有种的地方要收割，没有散的地方要聚敛，就当把我的银子放给兑换银钱的人，到我来的时候，可以连本带利收回。夺过他这一千来，给那有一万的。因为凡有的（正确使用了我的财物的），还要加给他，叫他有余（因为我能信任他，知道他会善用所借给他的）；没有的（不敢信任我的），连他所有的也要夺过来。（我要剥夺他自称是他的东西；他要丧失一切受托的权利；我要拿走他的银子，给那会善用的人。）把这无用的仆人丢在外面黑暗里；在那里必要哀哭切齿了’”（太25:30）。{5T282.2}[27]
§58
In the parable of the talents the man to whom was entrusted one talent manifested a grudging spirit and hid his money so that his Lord could not be benefited by it. When his master required him to give an account of his stewardship, he excused his neglect by laying blame upon his lord. “I knew thee [he professes to be acquainted with his lord] that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strewed: and I was afraid [that all my improvements would not be mine, but that you would claim them], and went and hid thy talent in the earth:?lo, there thou hast that is thine. His Lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strewed: thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. For unto everyone that hath [made a right use of my goods] shall be given, and he shall have abundance [for I can trust him, knowing that he will make right improvement of what is lent him]: but from him that hath not [who has been fearful to trust me] shall be taken away even that which he hath. [I shall deprive him of what he claims as his; he shall forfeit all right of trust; I will take away his talents and give them to one who will improve them.] And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”?{5T 282.2}[27]
§59
弟兄们在许愿上表现的精神是非常得罪上帝的。要是他们看到使他们的田产丰盛的原因，他们就会有不同的感受了。他们并没有受到欺骗，他们所作欺骗的指控是反对上帝的灵，而非反对祂所差来的仆人。要是A弟兄在这事上有正确的立场，要是他怀有曾影响他使他许了愿的那种精神，他就不会感到这么不愿意投资于上帝的圣工了。但他想的却是如果把钱投在属世的企业上会赚多少。贪婪和俗念和贪心都是品格的缺陷，与基督徒美德的功效是背道而驰的。使徒说：“你们存心（你们的行为举止和生活习惯）不可贪爱钱财，要以自己所有的为足；因为主曾说：‘我总不撇下你，也不丢弃你’”（来13:5）。{5T283.1}[28]
§60
The spirit manifested by the brethren in regard to their pledges has been very offensive to God. Had they seen the cause prospering in the fields already entered they would have felt differently. There was no deception practiced upon them, and the charge of deception which they made was against the Spirit of God and not against the servant He sent. Had Brother A occupied the right position in this matter, had he cherished the spirit which influenced him to make the pledge, he would not have felt such an unwillingness to invest in the cause of God. But he thought how much he could do with his means by investing it in worldly enterprises. Avarice, worldliness, and covetousness are defects in character which are opposed to the exercise of the Christian graces. Said the apostle: “Let your conversation [your very deportment and habits of life] be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”?{5T 283.1}[28]
§61
很多许了愿的人显然没有信心，以为自己受了亏待。他们这样谈论和琢磨，直到信以为真。他们觉得自己不该帮助总会，极力主张应把钱用在自己的园地里。主按照他们有限的信心为他们作工。撒但使他们的心陷于欺骗，以为自己把钱交给总会，是做了一件慷慨的事。然而经调查后的事实表明他们仍有相当多的钱财没有交还给总会，因为总会付出了钱财，给他们差派了工人，帮助他们在各方面开展及推进工作。可是这些人却伤心、不满、不快乐、退后离开上帝了，因为他们自以为在做大事。这只不过表明当人不处在上帝之灵的特别控制之下时，何等可怕的欺骗会临到他们的心。他们对总会的怀疑、猜疑和偏见，都是撒但鼓动的。上帝的圣工乃是普世范围的。工作的每一部门都以基督为中心。园地的任何一个部分都不是独立于其余部分的。{5T283.2}[29]
§62
It was evident that many who vowed had no faith and believed themselves wronged. They talked of it and dwelt upon it until it seemed a reality to them. They felt that they ought not to have aided the General Conference, and urged that?they ought to have had the means to use in their own field. The Lord worked for them according to their limited faith. Satan, who had been holding their minds in deception, caused them to think that they had done a liberal thing in sending means to the General Conference, when, upon investigation, the facts showed that they still lacked a considerable of returning to the conference the amount that had been paid out in sending them laborers and in helping them in various ways to start the work and carry it forward. Yet these persons have been grieved, dissatisfied, unhappy, and have backslidden from God, because they thought they were doing such great things. This only shows what a terrible deception can come upon minds when they are not under the special control of the Spirit of God. Their doubting, their suspicions, their prejudice in regard to the General Conference, were all prompted by Satan. The cause of God is one the world over. Every branch of the work centers in Christ. No one portion of the field is independent of the rest.?{5T 283.2}[29]
§63
亲爱的弟兄们，你们让撒但进了你们的心，在你们悔改自己邪恶的怀疑和许愿不还的恶行之前，他是决不会被完全打败的。主的使者受到了藐视，并且被控给人带来了不适当的压力。上帝对B弟兄是不悦的，因为他并没有做坚决的见证，反对每一件那类的事，并向你们说明你们罪恶的真相。{5T284.1}[30]
§64
Dear brethren, you have let Satan into your hearts, and he will never be fully vanquished until you repent of your wicked doubts and the withdrawal of your pledges. The Lord’s messenger was despised and charged with bringing an undue pressure upon the people. God was displeased with Brother B because he did not bear a decided testimony against everything of that sort and show you your sin as it really was.?{5T 284.1}[30]
§65
“你向上帝许愿，偿还不可迟延，因祂不喜悦愚昧人，所以你许的愿应当偿还。你许愿不还，不如不许。不可任你的口使肉体犯罪，也不可在使者面前说是错许了。为何使上帝因你的声音发怒，败坏你手所做的呢”（传5:4-6）？{5T284.2}[31]
§66
“When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for He hath no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error; wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?”?{5T 284.2}[31]
§67
这段经文中说明了这件事的本质。你的工作是在上帝的天使面前做的。你的话不仅被人听到了，也被上帝的天使听到了。上帝对你生气，你会感到奇怪吗？你还会奇怪祂没有祝福你并使你能还愿吗？当你们牢骚报怨，许愿不还，感到上帝的仆人欺骗了你们，敲诈你们不该许的愿时，仇敌就欣喜若狂了。你们如果能看到自己行为的本相，就决不会为它找一点儿藉口了。{5T284.3}[32]
§68
Here the matter is presented in its true light. Your work was done before the angel of God. Your words were not only heard by men, but the angel of God listened to them, and can you be surprised that God was angry with you? Can you wonder that He has not blessed you and made you able?to pay your pledges? When you have grumbled and murmured and withdrawn your pledges and felt that God’s servants had deceived you and extorted from you pledges that were not just, the enemy has exulted. Could you see your course as it is you would never make one semblance of an excuse for it.?{5T 284.3}[32]
§69
你们要谨慎如何说话，不要说一句减低上帝使者感化力的话。有时可能催钱催得太紧了。但是当耶稣之爱的亮光照亮祂信徒的心时，就不会有督促或乞求他们奉献钱财或服务的需要了。何时他们变得与耶稣合一了，并且认识到他们不是自己的人，乃是用重价买来的，因此是主的产业，而且他们所拥有的一切都只是委托给他们的，他们是祂的管家，他们就会以愉快的心和坚定的忠诚归还上帝那属祂的东西了。主必不悦纳任何不情愿的、勉强的奉献。以你们目前的情绪，你们许更多愿也会毫无价值。当你们脱离仇敌的这个网罗时，当你们补好你们所造成的裂口，并且认识到上帝的圣工不断有需要，就象祂不断赐恩给人一样时，你们的行为就会与你们的信心相称了，你们也就会从主领受丰盛的祝福了。{5T285.1}[33]
§70
Be careful how you speak one word to lessen the influence of God’s messengers. There may sometimes have been too much urging for means. But when the light and love of Jesus illuminates the hearts of His followers, there will be no occasion for urging or begging their money or their service. When they become one with Jesus, and realize that they are not their own, that they are bought with a price and are therefore the Lord’s property, and that all they have is simply entrusted to them as His stewards, they will with cheerful heart and unswerving fidelity render to God the things that are His. The Lord will not accept an offering that is made unwillingly, grudgingly. With your present feelings there would be no virtue in making more pledges. When you recover from this snare of the enemy, when you heal the breach that you have made, and realize that the wants of God’s cause are as continual as are His gifts to the children of men, your works will correspond with your faith, and you will receive a rich blessing from the Lord.?{5T 285.1}[33]