第32章 需要忠诚与坚持
§1
第32章 需要忠诚与坚持
§2
Chap. 32—Fidelity and Perseverance Needed
§3
某地教会的状况远非应有的样子，若不发生一场彻底的改变，就必枯萎死亡。那里有许多挑剔的现象；许多人屈服于怀疑和不信。凡谈论信心并培养信心的人就必拥有信心，但凡怀藏并表示怀疑的人就必拥有怀疑。{5T302.1}[1]
§4
The state of the church in ----- is far from what it should be. Unless there is a decided change, it will wither and die. There is much faultfinding; many are giving way to doubt and unbelief. Those who talk faith and cultivate faith will have faith, but those who cherish and express doubts will have doubts.?{5T 302.1}[1]
§5
传道人一方有疏忽。他们没有使听众的心充分认识到忠诚的必要性。他们没有把真理与责任的各项要点教导人，也没有热心作工训练人们有序作工，使他们对上帝圣工的各部门产生兴趣。我蒙指示，要是信徒们受了适当的训练，就会远超过他们现今的状况。传道人的疏忽使人们粗心大意不忠心。他们不觉得自己有个人的责任，却因传道人没能做牧者的工作而为自己开脱。但上帝却认为他们无可推诿。要是他们没有圣经，要是他们没有得到来自天上的警告、督责和恳劝，使他们明白自己的本分，对他们的定罪就会轻得多。但主已赐给他们劝勉和指示；清楚说明了每一个人的本分，以致谁也不必犯错。{5T302.2}[2]
§6
There has been a neglect on the part of the ministers. They have not urged home to the hearts of their hearers the necessity of faithfulness. They have not educated the church on all points of truth and duty nor labored with zeal to bring them into working order and to get them interested in every branch of the cause of God. I have been shown that had the church been properly educated, they would have been far in advance of their present position. The neglect on the part of the ministers has made the people careless and unfaithful. They have not felt their individual responsibility, but have excused themselves on account of the failure of the ministers to do the work of a pastor. But God does not hold them excused. Had they no Bible, had they no warnings, reproofs, and entreaties from heaven to bring duty to their minds, there would be less condemnation. But the Lord has given counsel and instruction;?the duty of each individual has been made so plain that he need make no mistake.?{5T 302.2}[2]
§7
上帝赐下亮光指导那些诚心渴望亮光和真理的人；但祂的目的不是要消除一切质问或怀疑的理由。祂赐下足够的证据，使人可以建立信心，然后要人接受那证据并运用信心。{5T303.1}[3]
§8
God gives light to guide those who honestly desire light and truth; but it is not His purpose to remove all cause for questioning and doubt. He gives sufficient evidence to found faith upon, and then requires men to accept that evidence and exercise faith.?{5T 303.1}[3]
§9
凡愿意以谦卑受教的精神研究圣经的人，必发现它是一个可靠的向导，以无误的准确性指出人生的道路。但是弟兄姐妹们，你们若不实践圣经所教导的真理，学习它有什么用呢？那本圣书中的内容无不重要；它所启示的事无不与我们的实际生活有关。我们对耶稣的爱越深，就会越高度重视那道为上帝直接向我们讲话的声音。{5T303.2}[4]
§10
He who will study the Bible with a humble and teachable spirit will find it a sure guide, pointing out the way of life with unfailing accuracy. But what does your study of the Bible avail, brethren and sisters, unless you practice the truths it teaches? That holy book contains nothing that is nonessential; nothing is revealed that has not a bearing upon our actual lives. The deeper our love for Jesus, the more highly we shall regard that word as the voice of God directly to us.?{5T 303.2}[4]
§11
某地的教会正站在撒但的迷魂阵中，必须进行彻底的悔改。要付出个人的努力。圣经丰富的应许是给那些背起自己的十字架天天舍己之人的。每一个诚心愿望在基督的门下学习的人，都必培养属灵的心志，利用恩典的各种手段。但是在这个教会中，机会和特权都受到了轻视。一个人可能会当众说几句话，在主的葡萄园中做一点点工，但他有传道的责任，专心从事圣工。每一个信徒都应帮助加强并维持教会；但在许多情况下，只有一两个人有古时迦勒那样忠诚的精神，于是就让这些人担担子负责任，其余的人则规避一切操心费力的事。{5T303.3}[5]
§12
The church in ----- is standing on Satan’s enchanted ground, and there is necessity for a thorough conversion. Individual effort is needed. The rich promises of the Bible are for those who take up their cross and deny self daily. Everyone who has a sincere desire to be a learner in the school of Christ will cultivate spiritual-mindedness and will avail himself of every means of grace, but in this church opportunities and privileges have been slighted. One may be able to say but few words in public and to do but little in the vineyard of the Lord, but he is in duty bound to say something and to be an interested worker. Every member should help to strengthen and sustain the church; but in many cases there are one or two who have the spirit of faithfulness that characterized Caleb of old, and these are permitted to bear the burdens and take the responsibilities, while the rest shirk all care.?{5T 303.3}[5]
§13
迦勒是忠诚坚定的。他不自夸，毫不炫耀自己的功劳和好行为；但他的影响却总是在正义的一边。他的奖赏是什么呢？当主对那些不肯听从祂声音的人宣布判决时，祂说：“惟独我的仆人迦勒，因他另有一个心志，专一跟从我，我就把他领进他所去过的那地；他的后裔也必得那地为业”（民14:24）。当胆怯和发怨言的人倒毙在旷野时，忠心的迦勒却在应许之地迦南有了一个家。主说：“尊重我的，我必重看他”（撒上2:30）。{5T303.4}[6]
§14
Caleb was faithful and steadfast. He was not boastful, he made no parade of his merits and good deeds; but his influence was always on the side of right. And what was his reward? When the Lord denounced judgments against the men who refused to hearken to His voice, He said: “But My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath?followed Me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it.” While the cowards and murmurers perished in the wilderness, faithful Caleb had a home in the promised Canaan. “Them that honor Me I will honor,” saith the Lord.?{5T 303.4}[6]
§15
哈拿祈求主信靠主；她给了以色列的上帝一份极宝贵的礼物，就是她的儿子撒母耳——一个有用的人，有很好的品格，坚持原则，稳如磐石。{5T304.1}[7]
§16
Hannah prayed and trusted; and in her son Samuel she gave to the Israel of God a most precious treasure—a useful man, with a well-formed character, one who was as firm as a rock where principle was concerned.?{5T 304.1}[7]
§17
在约帕有一位多加，她灵巧的手比她的舌头更活跃。她知道谁需要舒适的衣服，谁需要同情，她慷慨地为穷苦和伤心的人服务。当多加去世时，约帕教会感受到自己的损失。无怪他们要哀哭，热泪落在那无生命的遗体之上。她是那么大有价值，以致上帝的能力将她从仇敌的境地带回来，以便她的手艺和活力能再为他人造福。{5T304.2}[8]
§18
In Joppa there was a Dorcas, whose skillful fingers were more active than her tongue. She knew who needed comfortable clothing and who needed sympathy, and she freely ministered to the wants of both classes. And when Dorcas died, the church in Joppa realized their loss. It is no wonder that they mourned and lamented, nor that warm teardrops fell upon the inanimate clay. She was of so great value that by the power of God she was brought back from the land of the enemy, that her skill and energy might still be a blessing to others.?{5T 304.2}[8]
§19
上帝的这些圣徒所具有的这种忍耐、常常祷告和持之以恒的忠诚是罕见的；但教会若无此便不能兴旺。教会、安息日学和社会中都需要这样的忠诚。许多人带着自己未克服的品性进入教会。在遭遇危机中，需要坚强、充满希望的精神时，他们却灰心丧胆，给教会带来负担。可是他们却看不出这是错的。主的圣工不需要这种人，因为他们是不可靠的；但主的圣工总是需要坚定不移、敬畏上帝的工人。他们在遭遇逆境的时候不会灰心。{5T304.3}[9]
§20
Such patient, prayerful, and persevering fidelity as was possessed by these saints of God is rare; yet the church cannot prosper without it. It is needed in the church, in the Sabbath school, and in society. Many come together in church relationship with their natural traits of character unsubdued; and in a crisis, when strong, hopeful spirits are needed, they give up to discouragement and bring burdens on the church; and they do not see that this is wrong. The cause does not need such persons, for they are unreliable; but there is always a call for steadfast, God-fearing workers, who will not faint in the day of adversity.?{5T 304.3}[9]
§21
某地教会中有些人会引起麻烦，因为他们的意愿从不与基督的旨意和谐一致。E弟兄会成为这个教会的一大阻碍。当他拥有最高地位时，他是感到满意的。但是当他不能站在首位时，他就总是站在错误的一边。他不愿与人协调达成一致，却喜欢质疑并提出相反的观点，因为他的本性喜爱挑剔，且是控告弟兄的。虽然他自称为真理发热心，却在引诱人离开教会；他的道德力并不坚强，在信心上无根无基。真理的圣洁原则没有成为他本性的一部分。他是不可信赖的；上帝对他不悦。{5T304.4}[10]
§22
There are some in the church in ----- who will cause trouble, for their wills have never been brought into harmony with the will of Christ. Brother E will be a great hindrance to this church. When he can have the supremacy he is satisfied, but when he cannot stand first he is always upon the wrong side. He moves from impulse. He will not draw in even cords,?but questions and takes opposite views, because it is his nature to be faultfinding and an accuser of his brethren. While he claims to be very zealous for the truth, he is drawing away from the body; he is not strong in moral power, rooted and grounded in the faith. The holy principles of truth are not made a part of his nature. He cannot be trusted; God is not pleased with him.?{5T 304.4}[10]
§23
E弟兄和姐妹在训练自己的儿女上没有尊重上帝圣言的指示。这些孩子蒙允许在家中掌有很大的权力，随意来往。若不将他们置于完全不同的影响之下，他们就会列身于仇敌的队伍中，反对秩序、纪律和服从。如此得到放任，任意而行的孩子，是不会快乐的；而且何处父母的权威被轻视，上帝的权威也必不受尊重。{5T305.1}[11]
§24
Brother and Sister E have not regarded the directions of God’s word in the training of their children. These children have been allowed to control at home to a very great degree and have come and gone as they pleased. Unless they are placed under entirely different influences they will be found in the enemy’s ranks, warring against order, discipline, and subordination. Children thus left to have their own way are not happy; and where parental authority is lightly regarded, the authority of God will not be respected.?{5T 305.1}[11]
§25
父母的工作是庄严神圣的；但许多人没有认识到这一点，因为他们被众义之敌弄瞎了心眼。他们的孩子娇惯任性地长大，无礼、冒失、自恃、不感恩、不圣洁，然而本着公义和怜悯而行的坚定、坚决、平稳的行为，结合存心忍耐和自制，则会产生奇妙的果效。{5T305.2}[12]
§26
The work of the parent is solemn and sacred; but many do not realize this because their eyes are blinded by the enemy of all righteousness. Their children are allowed to grow up undisciplined, uncourteous, forward, self-confident, unthankful, and unholy, when a firm, decided, even course, in which justice and mercy are blended with patience and self-control, would produce wonderful results.?{5T 305.2}[12]
§27
E弟兄需要获得改变人心的恩典。他保留自己本性的品格缺陷乃是不安全的，他必须不断地与它们争战。他若不过一种时时警醒，常常祷告的生活，便无法保持平衡，且有危险阻碍真理，误表真理，因他的影响给真理带来坏名声。但愿他小心，免得引起不信之人无法消除的偏见。{5T305.3}[13]
§28
Brother E must have transforming grace. There is no safety for him while he retains his natural defects of character, and he must war against them continually. Unless he will live a watchful, prayerful life he will not be well balanced, and there is danger that the truth will be hindered, misrepresented, and brought into disrepute through his influence. Let him be careful lest he awaken in unbelievers prejudices that can never be removed.?{5T 305.3}[13]
§29
在人类的天性里，本有一种趋于极端的倾向，由此一极端而到另一全然相反的极端。许多人是狂热之徒。他们被一种给人所误认是为宗教而生的火热之心所烧化，然而门徒资格的真正考验，却是品格。他们有否基督的温柔？有否基督的谦卑及慈善？在他们的灵宫中，已否清除骄傲，自大，自私，及责人的精神？若是没有，他们就不知道自己的心如何了。他们也不明白真的基督教，乃在乎多结果子，归荣耀于上帝。{5T305.4}[14]
§30
There is in human nature a tendency to run to extremes and from one extreme to another entirely opposite. Many are fanatics. They are consumed by a fiery zeal which is mistaken for religion, but character is the true test of discipleship. Have they the meekness of Christ? have they His humility and?sweet benevolence? Is the soul-temple emptied of pride, arrogance, selfishness, and censoriousness? If not, they know not what manner of spirit they are of. They do not realize that true Christianity consists in bearing much fruit to the glory of God.?{5T 305.4}[14]
§31
另外有些人却在随从世俗上，也趋于极端。在他们与世俗的人之间，毫无清楚明确的界线。在前一种情形之下，世人是被粗鲁，吹毛求疵，和指责人非的精神驱离了真理,但在这一种情形之下，世人却下结论，说自称信仰基督的人没有原则，对心灵和品格的改变一无所知。基督说：“你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父”（太5:16）。{5T306.1}[15]
§32
Others go to an extreme in their conformity to the world. There is no clear, distinct line of separation between them and the worldling. If in one case men are driven away from the truth by a harsh, censorious, condemnatory spirit, in this they are led to conclude that the professed Christian is destitute of principle and knows nothing of a change of heart or character. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven,” are the words of Christ.?{5T 306.1}[15]
§33
许多人对基督徒品格的要素没有正确的认识。他们的生活给真理的圣工带来羞耻。他们若是彻底悔改了，就不会结出荆棘和蒺藜，而要结出圣灵丰盛的果实，就是“仁爱，喜乐，和平，忍耐，恩慈，良善，信实，温柔，节制”（加5:22-23）。疏忽内心的工作是很危险的。许多人觉得对自己很满意；以为在名义上遵守上帝的律法就足够了，然而他们并不了解基督的恩典，祂也没有藉着他们活泼的信心而住在他们心里。{5T306.2}[16]
§34
There are many who have not a correct knowledge of what constitutes a Christian character, and their lives are a reproach to the cause of truth. If they were thoroughly converted they would not bear briers and thorns, but rich clusters of the precious fruits of the Spirit,—“love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” The great danger is in neglecting a heartwork. Many feel well pleased with themselves; they think that a nominal observance of the divine law is sufficient, while they are unacquainted with the grace of Christ, and He is not abiding in the heart by living faith.?{5T 306.2}[16]
§35
基督说：“离了我，你们就不能做什么”（约15:5）；但是祂神圣的恩典藉着我们的人的努力而作工，我们就凡事都能做。祂的忍耐和温柔会浸透品格，散发出宝贵的光辉，照亮通向天国的道路。藉着仰望并效法祂的生活，我们就会照祂的形像得以更新。天国的荣耀会在我们的生活中照耀出来，并反照他人。我们会在施恩的宝座得到所需的帮助，使我们能这样生活。这是真正的成圣，与基督相连象枝子与葡萄树相连一样，人类还能指望什么比这更尊贵的地位呢？{5T306.3}[17]
§36
“Without Me,” says Christ, “ye can do nothing;” but with His divine grace working through our human efforts, we can do all things. His patience and meekness will pervade the character, diffusing a precious radiance which makes bright and clear the pathway to heaven. By beholding and imitating His life we shall become renewed in His image. The glory of heaven will shine in our lives and be reflected upon others. At the throne of grace we are to find the help we need to enable us to live thus. This is genuine sanctification, and what more exalted position can mortals desire than to be connected with Christ as a branch is joined to the vine??{5T 306.3}[17]
§37
我见过一幅图画，上面画着一只牛，站在祭坛和耕犁中间，旁边题着几个字道：“愿供两用，”──愿含辛茹苦劳动服务，或溅血牺牲之坛。这就是上帝儿女所当常抱的立场──愿意去责任所在之处，克苦自己，及为真理圣工而牺牲。基督教会原是奠基于牺牲原理之上。基督说：“若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，天天背起他的十字架来跟从我”（路9:23）。祂所要的是人的整个的心和全部的爱。许多虔诚门徒所向世人表现的热心，恳切，及无私的服务，应当激发我们的热心，引起我们去效法他们的榜样。真实的宗教信仰，会给人一种恳切而坚定的心志，照上帝的形像模铸人的品格，并使我们能将万事当作有损的，而以基督为至宝。这种专一的心志，必证明是一种强大能力的要素。{5T307.1}[18]
§38
I have seen a device representing a bullock standing between a plow and an altar, with the inscription, “Ready for either”—willing to swelter in the weary furrow or to bleed on the altar of sacrifice. This is the position the child of God should ever be in—willing to go where duty calls, to deny self, and to sacrifice for the cause of truth. The Christian church was founded upon the principle of sacrifice. “If any man will come after Me,” says Christ, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” He requires the whole heart, the entire affections. The exhibitions of zeal, earnestness, and unselfish labor which His devoted followers have given to the world should kindle our ardor and lead us to emulate their example. Genuine religion gives an earnestness and fixedness of purpose which molds the character to the divine image and enables us to count all things but loss for the excellency of Christ. This singleness of purpose will prove an element of tremendous power.?{5T 307.1}[18]
§39
我们拥有比之前交托给人类的更伟大更严肃的真理，我们要为对待那真理的态度负责。我们每一个人都应抱定决心从事救灵工作。我们应该表明真理在我们的内心和品格上的能力，同时竭尽所能赢得他人热爱真理。把一个罪人带到基督面前，就是要使他整个的品格得以提升，成为尊贵、高尚，并使他在家中，在社会上，也在教会中成为一个福气。这岂不是一项值得我们付出最高尚能力的工作吗？{5T307.2}[19]
§40
We have a greater and more solemn truth than was ever before committed to mortals, and we are responsible for the way we treat that truth. Every one of us should be intent on saving souls. We should show the power of the truth upon our own hearts and characters, while doing all we can to win others to love it. To bring a sinner to Christ is to elevate, dignify, and ennoble his whole character, and make him a blessing in the home, in society, and in the church. Is not this a work that is worthy of our noblest powers??{5T 307.2}[19]
§41
才干小的人，如果忠心保守自己的心在上帝的爱中，就可为基督争取许多的生灵。哈伦·佩奇是一个教育有限，能力平凡的贫穷技工；但他却以推进上帝的圣工为首要之务。他的努力有了可观的成就。他用私人的谈话和恳切的祷告为同胞的得救效劳。他成立了许多的祷告会，组织了许多的主日学，分发许多单张小册和其他宗教读物。在他临终之前，永恒的阴影罩着他的脸容之际，他说：“我知道一切都是出于上帝的恩典，而非我所行的什么功劳；但我想我有凭据可说，有一百多人，由于我个人的工作已悔改归向上帝了。”{5T307.3}[20]
§42
Persons of little talent, if faithful in keeping their hearts in the love of God, may win many souls to Christ. Harlan Page was a poor mechanic of ordinary ability and limited education; but he made it his chief business to seek to advance the cause of God, and his efforts were crowned with marked success. He labored for the salvation of his fellow men in private conversation and in earnest prayer. He established prayer meetings, organized Sunday schools, and distributed tracts and other religious reading. And on his deathbed, with the shadow of eternity resting upon his countenance, he was able to say: “I?know that it is all of God’s grace, and not through any merit of anything that I have done, but I think I have evidence that more than one hundred souls have been converted to God through my personal instrumentality.”?{5T 307.3}[20]
§43
教会的每个成员都应受教有规则有系统地作工。所有人都要为主作工。他们可以引起人读经的兴趣；可以与他们交谈并与他们一同祷告。从事教育和训练工作，并带领一支有效工人军队的传道人，必在今生获得光荣的胜利，并有一份丰厚的奖赏在等他领取。在那白色的大宝座周围，他将遇见那些因他的影响而得救的人。[21]
§44
Every member of the church should be instructed in a regular system of labor. All are required to do something for the Lord. They may interest persons to read; they may converse and pray with them. The minister who shall educate, discipline, and lead an army of efficient workers will have glorious conquests here, and a rich reward awaits him when, around the great white throne, he shall meet those saved through his influence.?{5T 308.1}[21]
§45
“要有所作为，立刻就做，尽力而为；[22]
§46
Do something, do it soon, with all thy might;[22]
§47
如果静止太久，天使的翅膀都会下垂；[23]
§48
An angel’s wing would droop if long at rest;[23]
§49
上帝自己若无所作为，也就不再值得称颂。”{5T308.1}[24]
§50
And God Himself, inactive, were no longer blest.?{5T 308.2}[24]
§51
某地的教会在认识真理后，要是能表现出相应的认真态度、热心和爱心，原本可以在善事上结果子，为正义一方发挥影响力。但他们一直漠不关心，变得冷淡衰亡了。有些参加见证聚会的人，带来的是属地的气氛而不是属天的气氛。教会没有准备好回应已为他们付出的努力。以他们现在的状况，他们看不到也认识不到在自己这方有合作的需要；他们缺乏热心与献身，使传道人灰心。他们不该这样粗心疏忽，而应有一种个人的责任感。信徒们在自己的内心开始改革的工作之前，这个教会是决不会兴旺的。许多自称信奉真道的人很容易感到满足；他们若做了几点舍己和改革，就看不到进深的必要了。为什么这样在避风处安歇呢？在到达天国之前，我们没有可停步之处。我们谁也不该满足于我们现在的属灵成就。人如果没有表现出不断的进步，就是辜负了自己的机会。他必须向上攀登，再攀登。每一个基督徒都有权利不断长进，直到在基督耶稣里长大成人。{5T308.2}[25]
§52
After the church in ----- came to the knowledge of the truth, they would have been fruitful in good works, and would have had an influence that would make them a power on the side of right, had they manifested becoming earnestness, zeal, and love. But they have been indifferent, and have been growing cold and dead. Some have attended social meetings when they have carried with them the atmosphere of earth rather than that of heaven. The church has not been ready to respond to the efforts that have been made for them. In their present state they cannot see or realize the need of co-operation on their part; and their lack of earnestness and consecration has discouraged the ministers. Instead of this carelessness, there should have been a feeling of individual responsibility. This church will never prosper until the members commence the work of reform in their own hearts. Many who profess the faith are easily satisfied; if they come up to a few points of self-denial and reform they do not see the necessity of going further. Why is there such a resting on the lees? There is no halting place for us this side of heaven. None of us should be content with our present spiritual attainments. No one is living up to his opportunities unless he can show continual?progress. He must be climbing, still climbing. It is the privilege of every Christian to grow up until he shall reach the full stature of a man in Christ Jesus.?{5T 308.3}[25]
§53
在某地亲爱的人们多么需要在个人的敬虔上受教啊；他们多么需要牧养的工作啊。但他们的行动跟不上他们的认识。弟兄们，上帝会试验你们，有些人会证明是糠秕，有些人则是宝贵的麦子。不要屈服于试探者的权势。他必象一个壮士披挂整齐前来，但不要让他占任何便宜。你们自己要鼓起勇气承担责任，寸土必争。不要退却，反要前进；不要软弱无力，而要奋起作战。上帝号召你们竭尽全力与各种罪恶作斗争。要穿戴上帝的全副军装，始终注目于你们救恩的元帅；因为前面有危险。不要随从任何虚假的旗帜，而要注意我们神圣信仰的旌旗，它在哪里飘扬，你们也要在哪里，即使它是在战斗最激烈的地方。不久战事就要完毕，胜利在望，你如果忠心，就必靠着那爱你的主得胜有余。那光荣的奖赏，极重无比永远的荣耀，就是你的了。{5T309.1}[26]
§54
How much the dear people in ----- need instruction in personal godliness; how much they need pastoral labor. But they do not do as well as they know. God will test you, brethren, and some will prove to be chaff and some precious grains of wheat. Yield not to the power of the tempter. He will come as a strong man armed, but give him no advantage. Nerve yourselves for duty, and dispute every inch of ground. Instead of retreating, advance; instead of becoming weak and nerveless, brace yourselves for the conflict. God calls on you to engage with all your powers against sin in every form. Put on the whole armor of God, and keep your eye steadily fixed on the Captain of your salvation; for there is danger ahead. Follow no false colors, but watch the banner of our holy faith, and be found where that waves, even though it be in the thickest of the fight. Soon the warfare will be over and the victory won, and if you are faithful you will come off more than conquerors through Him that has loved you. The glorious prize, the eternal weight of glory, will then be yours.?{5T 309.1}[26]