教会证言5(1882-1889)E

第74章 爱惜犯错的人
§1 第74章 爱惜犯错的人
§2 Chap. 74—Love for the Erring
§3 基督降世是将救恩带到人人能得的范围之内。祂在髑髅地的十字架上,为一个失丧的世界付出了无穷的赎价。祂的克己与自我牺牲,祂无私的服务,祂的含唇忍垢,尤其是献上自己的性命,都证明祂对于堕落人类所具有的爱心是何等的深厚。祂来到地上,就是要寻找及拯救失丧的人。祂的使命就是救罪人,各国各族各等各色的罪人。祂为众人付出代价,赎他们回来与祂联合,与祂同心。祂不放过那些过错最多与罪恶深重的人;祂特别为那些最需要祂所带来之救恩的人服务。他们越需要改革,便越得祂的关心,越蒙祂的同情,并越得祂恳切的服务。那些最绝望无助与最需要祂恩典感化的人,也越能打动祂伟大之爱的心坎深处。{5T603.2}[1]
§4 Christ came to bring salvation within the reach of all. Upon the cross of Calvary He paid the infinite redemption price for a lost world. His self-denial and self-sacrifice, His unselfish labor, His humiliation, above all, the offering up of His life, testifies to the depth of His love for fallen man. It was to seek and to save the lost that He came to earth. His mission was to sinners, sinners of every grade, of every tongue and nation. He paid the price for all, to ransom them and bring them into union and sympathy with Himself. The most erring, the most sinful, were not passed by; His labors were especially for those who most needed the salvation He came to bring. The greater their need of reform, the deeper was His interest, the greater His sympathy, and the more earnest His labors. His great heart of love was stirred to its depths for the ones whose condition was most hopeless and who most needed His transforming grace.?{5T 603.2}[1]
§5 在寻找亡羊的比喻中,彰显了基督对于犯错迷途的人所存奇妙的大爱。祂不选择留在那些接纳祂救恩的人之中,为他们尽瘁,领受他们的感恩与爱戴。忠实的牧人要离开那爱祂的羊群,出到旷野,忍受艰辛,面对危险与死亡,去寻找拯救那若不带回就必灭亡的离群的迷羊。经过勤劳的搜寻,终于找到了亡羊,那牧人虽是饱受饥寒困倦痛苦之累,却没有让那羊软弱地跟随祂,也没有驱赶它,反而是显明何等奇妙的大爱!慈祥地把它抱在怀中,掮在肩头上,带回羊圈中。然后他召集邻里亲友为这失而复得的迷羊,与他同乐庆祝。{5T603.3}[2]
§6 In the parable of the lost sheep is represented the wonderful love of Christ for the erring, wandering ones. He does not choose to remain with those who accept His salvation, bestowing all His efforts upon them and receiving their gratitude?and love. The true shepherd leaves the flock that love him, and goes out into the wilderness, enduring hardship and facing danger and death, to seek and save the sheep that has wandered from the fold and that must perish if not brought back. When after diligent search the lost is found, the shepherd, though suffering from weariness, pain, and hunger, does not leave it in its weakness to follow him, he does not drive it along, but oh, wondrous love! he tenderly gathers it in his arms and, placing it upon his shoulder, bears it back to the fold. Then he calls upon his neighbors to rejoice with him over the lost that is found.?{5T 603.3}[2]
§7 浪子的比喻与失钱的比喻,也含有同样的教训,每个坠入试探而在特别危险中的人,都使基督心痛,叫祂发起最温柔的同情与最恳切的服务。祂为一个罪人悔改欢喜,比为那无需悔改的九十九个人欢喜还大。{5T604.1}[3]
§8 The parable of the prodigal son and that of the lost piece of silver teach the same lesson. Every soul that is especially imperiled by falling into temptation causes pain to the heart of Christ and calls forth His tenderest sympathy and most earnest labor. Over one sinner that repenteth, His joy is greater than over the ninety and nine who need no repentance.?{5T 604.1}[3]
§9 这些教训是为我们的益处而发的。基督曾吩咐祂的门徒与祂合力同工,以便能彼此相爱象祂爱他们一样。祂在十字架上所忍受的痛苦,证明祂对于人类灵魂的重大估价。凡接受这伟大救恩的人,应当许身与主同工。无论何人不可自命得天独厚,而专倾其兴趣与注意于自我身上。凡参加基督之服务的人,应当作工象祂作工一样,并要爱那些无知犯罪的人,正如祂爱他们一样。{5T604.2}[4]
§10 These lessons are for our benefit. Christ has enjoined upon His disciples that they co-operate with Him in His work, that they love one another as He has loved them. The agony which He endured upon the cross testifies to the estimate He places upon the human soul. All who accept this great salvation pledge themselves to be co-workers with Him. None are to consider themselves special favorites of heaven and center their interest and attention upon self. All who have enlisted in the service of Christ are to work as He worked, and are to love those who are in ignorance and sin, even as He loved them.?{5T 604.2}[4]
§11 可是在我们这等人中,对于受试探犯错的人,缺少深切,诚恳,动人的同情与爱心。许多人曾表现出极端的冷漠与有罪的疏忽,正如基督所形容的“从那边过去”,使自己尽量远离那些最需要帮助的人。那新近悔改的人,常常和已往的积习及特种的试探存有剧烈的冲突,被一些控制他的情欲或倾向所胜,因失检或行错而有罪。这时正需要他弟兄们运用努力,机警,与智慧,来使他可以恢复灵性的健康。在这种情形之下,圣经的教训是合适的:“弟兄们,若有人偶然被过犯所胜,你们属灵的人,就当用温柔的心,把他挽回过来;又当自己小心,恐怕也被引诱”(加6:1)。“我们坚固的人,应当担代不坚固人的软弱,不求自己的喜悦”(罗15:1)。然而自称为基督门徒的人所表现的基督的慈怜,真是何其少啊!在一个人有了错误之时,别的人竟往往随意把这件事渲染得尽可能的坏。殊不知这些人也许在某些方面同样是罪恶深重,但竟对待他们的弟兄非常冷酷无情。那由于无知及无意或软弱而犯的错误,被人夸大成为存心预谋的罪恶。当他们见到人陷入迷途之时,有些竟袖手旁观说:“我告诉过你这种情形了。我早就晓得他们是靠不住的。”他们这样行,是使自己抱撒但的态度,因自己邪恶的猜测得以证实无误,便兴高采烈。{5T604.3}[5]
§12 But there has been among us as a people a lack of deep, earnest, soul-touching sympathy and love for the tempted and the erring. Many have manifested great coldness and sinful neglect, represented by Christ as passing by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from those who most need help. The newly converted soul often has fierce conflicts with established habits or with some special form of?temptation, and, being overcome by some master passion or tendency, he is guilty of indiscretion or actual wrong. It is then that energy, tact, and wisdom are required of his brethren, that he may be restored to spiritual health. In such cases the instructions of God’s word apply: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in a spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” But how little of the pitying tenderness of Christ is manifested by His professed followers! When one errs, others too often feel at liberty to make the case appear as bad as possible. Those who perhaps are guilty of fully as great sins in some other direction, will treat their brother with cruel severity. Errors committed through ignorance, thoughtlessness, or weakness are exaggerated into willful, premeditated sin. As they see souls going astray, some fold their hands and say: “I told you so. I knew there was no dependence to be placed upon them.” Thus they place themselves in the attitude of Satan, exulting in spirit that their evil surmisings have proved to be correct.?{5T 604.3}[5]
§13 对于那些年轻无经验的人,我们应当预料并容忍他们许多重大的不完善之处。基督曾吩咐我们要设法用温柔的精神去挽回他们,我们若采取什么行动使他们趋于灰心,失望,与灭亡之中,祂就要我们负责。除非我们天天培养宝贵的爱苗,就有陷入褊狭,寡情,顽固,苛责的危险。我们自估为义,其实离上帝的嘉许还很远。有些人很没有礼貌,唐突,及粗暴。他们好像栗子的芒刺,你碰到它,就会刺伤你。这等人误表了我们可爱的救主,实在是贻害无穷。{5T605.1}[6]
§14 We must expect to meet and bear with great imperfections in those who are young and inexperienced. Christ has bidden us seek to restore such in the spirit of meekness, and He holds us responsible for pursuing a course which will drive them to discouragement, despair, and ruin. Unless we daily cultivate the precious plant of love we are in danger of becoming narrow, unsympathetic, bigoted, and critical, esteeming ourselves righteous when we are far from being approved of God. Some are uncourteous, abrupt, and harsh. They are like chestnut burs: they prick whenever touched. These do incalculable harm by misrepresenting our loving Saviour.?{5T 605.1}[6]
§15 我们应当达到一个更高的标准,否则不配称为基督徒。我们应当培养基督为拯救有错之人而服务的精神。基督珍爱他们象我们一样。他们同样地可以成为祂恩典的战利品和承受祂国度的后嗣。只是他们暴露于奸敌的网罗,并危险与败坏之前,若无基督拯救的恩典,自必趋于灭亡。我们若具正当的眼光来看这情形,就当如何激发自己的热心,加增自己热切、自我牺牲的努力,以便能亲近那些亟需我们的援助,祈祷,同情,及爱心的人啊!{5T605.2}[7]
§16 We must come up to a higher standard, or we are unworthy of the Christian name. We should cultivate the spirit with which Christ labored to save the erring. They are as?dear to Him as we are. They are equally capable of being trophies of His grace and heirs of the kingdom. But they are exposed to the snares of a wily foe, exposed to danger and defilement, and without the saving grace of Christ, to certain ruin. Did we view this matter in the right light, how would our zeal be quickened and our earnest, self-sacrificing efforts be multiplied, that we might come close to those who need our help, our prayers, our sympathy, and our love!?{5T 605.2}[7]
§17 但愿那些一直疏忽此项工作的人们,藉那条伟大诫命──“当爱人如己”(太19:19)──的眼光,来考虑一下自己的本分。这个责任是落在众人身上的。大家都奉命应当尽力为同胞消减祸患,增加福惠。我们若是强壮的,能抵挡试探,我们就有更大的责任,去帮助那些软弱而易屈服的人。我们有了知识,就当教导无知的人。上帝已赐我们今生的物资,我们的本分就是当济助穷困的人。我们应当为别人谋福利。但愿我们大家尽力之所及,彼此分享各人所能得的最高恩赐,不可有一人以自飨生命之粮而不分授周围的人为满足。{5T606.1}[8]
§18 Let those who have been remiss in this work consider their duty in the light of the great commandment: “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” This obligation is resting upon all. All are required to labor to diminish the ills and multiply the blessings of their fellow creatures. If we are strong to resist temptation we are under the greater obligation to help those who are weak and yielding. Have we knowledge, we should instruct the ignorant. Has God blessed us with this world’s goods, it is our duty to succor the poor. We must work for others’ good. Let all within the sphere of our influence be partakers of whatever of excellence we may possess. None should be content to feed on the bread of life without sharing it with those around them.?{5T 606.1}[8]
§19 那些只为基督而生活及荣耀祂名的人,才是忠于他们的主,尽力去拯救沉沦的人,真实的敬虔必显出被钉十字架的救主为救那些祂所代死的人所表现的深切渴望与诚恳的努力。我们的心若被基督恩典所软化与降服,并感觉上帝的良善与仁爱而火热起来,就必自然而然地流露出爱心,同情,及体恤别人了。真理表明在人的生命中,必在凡与他接近的人身上发挥其能力,象隐藏的酵母一样。{5T606.2}[9]
§20 Those only live for Christ and honor His name who are true to their Master in seeking to save that which is lost. Genuine piety will surely manifest the deep longing and earnest labor of the crucified Saviour to save those for whom He died. If our hearts are softened and subdued by the grace of Christ, and glowing with a sense of God’s goodness and love, there will be a natural outflow of love, sympathy, and tenderness to others. The truth exemplified in the life will exert its power, like the hidden leaven, upon all with whom it is brought in contact.?{5T 606.2}[9]
§21 上帝预定人若要在基督的恩典与知识上长进,便必须效法祂的榜样并照祂所行的去行。这往往需要勉力控制自己的情绪,并约束自己说话的态度,免使那些正在试探之下挣扎的人们灰心。我们若要维持一种天天祈祷赞美的生活,一种能光照别人道路的生活,那是不能不迫切下一番苦功的。但这种努力必结出宝贵的果效,不但造福受者,也要造福施者。为别人作无私服务的精神,会使人的品格深厚,稳健,及有基督般的优美,且使有此美德的人得到平安与福乐。这种希望是高尚的,不容有懒惰与自私。凡行使基督徒美德的人,必有长进。他们将有属灵的肌腱与筋肉,必坚强有力为上帝作工。他们必有清楚的属灵见解,稳定而日见加增的信心,并在祷告上有优越的力量。那些看守人灵性的,全心致志于帮助有过失的人得到救恩,他们也是实实在在地作成自己得救的功夫。{5T606.3}[10]
§22 God has ordained that in order to grow in grace and in a knowledge of Christ, men must follow His example and work as He worked. It will often require a struggle to control our own feelings and to refrain from speaking in a manner to?discourage those who are laboring under temptation. A life of daily prayer and praise, a life which will shed light upon the path of others, cannot be maintained without earnest effort. But such effort will yield precious fruit, blessing not only the receiver, but the giver. The spirit of unselfish labor for others gives depth, stability, and Christlike loveliness to the character and brings peace and happiness to its possessor. The aspirations are elevated. There is no room for sloth or selfishness. Those who exercise the Christian graces will grow. They will have spiritual sinew and muscle, and will be strong to work for God. They will have clear spiritual perceptions, a steady, increasing faith, and prevailing power in prayer. Those who are watching for souls, who devote themselves most fully to the salvation of the erring, are most surely working out their own salvation.?{5T 606.3}[10]
§23 然而这种工作曾如何地被人疏忽了啊!如果你的心思情意完全献给了上帝,你想这些在撒但的试探之下犯罪作错的人,会一直这样被人冷淡无情地斥退么?岂不要尽更大的努力,本着基督的爱与淳朴去拯救这些迷亡者么?基督曾尽其所能,为拯救生灵而付上无穷的牺牲,凡真正献身给上帝的人,也必发出最大的热心参加这种工作。这是一种特别的工作,应当予以珍重及维持,切莫容其稍懈。{5T607.1}[11]
§24 But how has this work been neglected! If the thoughts and affections were wholly given to God, think you that souls in error, under the temptations of Satan, would be dropped as carelessly and unfeelingly as they have been? Would not greater efforts be put forth, in the love and simplicity of Christ, to save these wandering ones? All who are truly consecrated to God will engage with the greatest zeal in the work for which He has done the most, for which He has made an infinite sacrifice—the work for the salvation of souls. This is the special work to be cherished and sustained, and never allowed to flag.?{5T 607.1}[11]
§25 上帝呼吁祂的子民起来,摆脱他们原来所生活的冰冷气氛,消除使他们爱心冷淡,闭锁在自私闲懒之中的印象和观念。祂吩咐他们超越属世的低标准,呼吸天国清明的空气。{5T607.2}[12]
§26 God calls upon His people to arise and come out of the chilling, frosty atmosphere in which they have been living, to shake off the impressions and ideas that have frozen up the impulses of love and held them in selfish inactivity. He bids them come up from their low, earthly level and breathe in the clear, sunny atmosphere of heaven.?{5T 607.2}[12]
§27 我们的崇拜聚会理应是神圣宝贵的时机。祷告会不是弟兄们彼此批评指责的地方,也不是那不仁慈的情感及难堪的讲演之所在。何处若有这种精神表现,基督就被逐离会堂,撒但便进去充当领导。切不可容许非基督徒的气味与不仁爱的精神进入会堂中;因为我们聚集在一堂,岂不是要向主求恩典和饶恕么?救主曾明白地说过:“你们怎样论断人,也必怎样被论断;你们用什么量器量给人,也必用什么量器量给你们”(太7:2)。谁能站在上帝面前辩称有完美的品格,和无瑕疵的生活呢?那么他们又怎敢批评指责他们的弟兄呢?那些自己也指望只靠基督的功劳得救的人,必须藉主宝血之力寻求饶恕的人,负有重大的义务,应向其同胞罪人施发仁爱,怜悯,及饶恕。{5T607.3}[13]
§28 Our meetings for worship should be sacred, precious occasions. The prayer meeting is not a place where brethren are?to censure and condemn one another, where there are to be unkind feelings and hard speeches. Christ will be driven from the assemblies where this spirit is manifested, and Satan will come in to take the lead. Nothing that savors of an unchristian, unloving spirit should be permitted to enter; for do we not assemble to seek mercy and forgiveness from the Lord? and the Saviour has plainly said: “With what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Who can stand before God and plead a faultless character, a blameless life? And how, then, dare any criticize and condemn their brethren? Those who themselves can hope for salvation only through the merits of Christ, who must seek forgiveness by virtue of His blood, are under the strongest obligation to exercise love, pity, and forgiveness toward their fellow sinners.?{5T 607.3}[13]
§29 弟兄们哪,除非你们教育自己尊重那虔诚崇拜的地方,你们就不能从上帝得到福气。你们也许可在形式上敬拜祂,但那里却没有心灵上的崇拜。耶稣说:“因为无论在哪里,有两三个人奉我的名聚会,那里就有我在他们中间”(太18:20)。大家应当觉得自己是在上帝面前,不当思索别人的过失错误,反该殷勤省察己心。你们若已坦白承认自己的罪,就尽你们的本分,至于别人的,让他们自己去行好了。{5T608.1}[14]
§30 Brethren, unless you educate yourselves to respect the place of devotion, you will receive no blessing from God. You may worship Him in form, but there will be no spiritual service. “Where two or three are gathered together in My name,” says Jesus, “there am I in the midst of them.” All should feel that they are in the divine presence, and instead of dwelling upon the faults and errors of others they should be diligently searching their own hearts. If you have confessions to make of your own sins, do your duty and leave others to do theirs.?{5T 608.1}[14]
§31 何时你们表现一种难堪无情的精神,放纵自己粗暴的品性,你们就是拒绝自己所应当争取的人。你们的粗鲁,破坏了他们喜爱聚会的心,结果往往是把他们驱离真理。应当明白,你们自己原是在上帝的责备之下。在你们非难别人之时,主便谴责你们。你们当尽的本分就是要承认自己的非基督徒行为。但愿主运行在教会每位成员的心中,直到祂使人重生变化的恩典在生活及品格上显明出来。那时你们同聚一堂,就不致彼此批评,而是谈论耶稣和祂的爱了。{5T608.2}[15]
§32 When you indulge your own harshness of character by manifesting a hard, unfeeling spirit you are repulsing the very ones whom you should win. Your harshness destroys their love of assembling together and too often results in driving them from the truth. You should realize that you yourselves are under the rebuke of God. While you condemn others, the Lord condemns you. You have a duty to do to confess your own unchristian conduct. May the Lord move upon the hearts of the individual members of the church until His transforming grace shall be revealed in the life and the character. Then?when you assemble together, it will not be to criticize one another, but to talk of Jesus and His love.?{5T 608.2}[15]
§33 我们的聚会应当非常有兴趣,应当洋溢着那天庭的空气。不可单为分占时间起见,而作冗长枯燥的演讲及仪式上的祷告。大家应当事前准备好,可以立时进行自己所担任的职责,及至一切完结,就当散会。这样,兴趣始能保持到底,这才是献给上帝可蒙悦纳的敬拜。祂的崇拜应当是有兴趣而能吸引人的,不容退化到枯燥无味的仪式。我们应当每日,每时,每一分钟为基督而生活;这样,基督就会住在我们里面,当我们相聚一堂的时候,祂的爱要在我们的心中,犹如荒漠中的甘泉,源源涌出清流,苏醒大众,并使那些快要灭亡的人,渴想喝那生命之水。{5T609.1}[16]
§34 Our meetings should be made intensely interesting. They should be pervaded with the very atmosphere of heaven. Let there be no long, dry speeches and formal prayers merely for the sake of occupying the time. All should be ready to act their part with promptness, and when their duty is done, the meeting should be closed. Thus the interest will be kept up to the last. This is offering to God acceptable worship. His service should be made interesting and attractive and not be allowed to degenerate into a dry form. We must live for Christ minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day; then Christ will dwell in us, and when we meet together, His love will be in our hearts, welling up like a spring in the desert, refreshing all, and making those who are ready to perish, eager to drink of the waters of life.?{5T 609.1}[16]
§35 我们不可倚赖两三位教友去作全教会的工作。我们每个人应当有坚强活泼的信仰,推进上帝所交付我们的工作。应当有浓厚而活泼的志趣,向上帝问道:“祢要我作什么?我怎样能为今生与永生而工作?”我们每个人应当竭尽全力去寻求真理,运用我们所能的种种方法来帮助自己勤恳敬虔地查考圣经;然后我们必须藉真理成圣,方能救人。{5T609.2}[17]
§36 We are not to depend upon two or three members to do the work for the whole church. We must individually have a strong, active faith, carrying forward the work God has left us to do. There must be an intense, living interest to inquire of God: “‘What wilt Thou have me to do?’ How shall I do my work for time and for eternity?” We must individually bend all our powers to search for the truth, employing every means within our reach that will aid us in a diligent, prayerful investigation of the Scriptures; and then we must be sanctified through the truth, that we may save souls.?{5T 609.2}[17]
§37 在每个教会中应当下一番恳切的功夫,来禁绝口出恶言与批评人的精神,视之为教会中极大的罪恶。应当斥责严酷寡情与吹毛求疵的精神,因其乃撒但的作为。在教友之间应当鼓励并加强彼此相爱及信任之心。但愿大家,本着敬畏上帝及亲爱弟兄之心,掩耳不听流言蜚语和责难。指导那散布谣言者去听圣经的教训,吩咐他顺从圣经,而将他的怨言直接向其所认为有错的人说出。这种团结的行动,将使教会光芒万丈,而将滔滔邪恶摒诸门外了。这样,便可荣耀上帝,并救了许多的人。{5T609.3}[18]
§38 An earnest effort should be made in every church to put away evilspeaking and a censorious spirit as among the sins productive of the greatest evils in the church. Severity and faultfinding must be rebuked as the workings of Satan. Mutual love and confidence must be encouraged and strengthened in the members of the church. Let all, in the fear of God and with love to their brethren, close their ears to gossip and censure. Direct the talebearer to the teachings of God’s word.?Bid him obey the Scriptures and carry his complaints directly to those whom he thinks in error. This united action would bring a flood of light into the church and close the door to a flood of evil. Thus God would be glorified, and many souls would be saved.?{5T 609.3}[18]
§39 那诚信真实见证者向撒狄教会所发的忠告是:“按名你是活的,其实是死的。你要警醒,坚固那剩下将要死的,因我见你的行为,在我上帝面前,没有一样是完全的。所以要回想你是怎样领受,怎样听见的,又要遵守,并要悔改”(启3:1-3)。主特别指出这个教会的罪恶,是他们没有坚固那剩下将要死的。这个警告是否也应用在我们的身上呢?但愿我们按圣经的亮光各自省察己心,并以依靠基督之助来整顿自己的心为当务之急。{5T610.1}[19]
§40 The admonition of the True Witness to the Sardis church is: “Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent.” The sin especially charged against this church is that they have not strengthened the things that remain, that are ready to die. Does this warning apply to us? Let us individually examine our hearts in the light of God’s word, and let our first work be to set our hearts in order by the help of Christ.?{5T 610.1}[19]
§41 在救人的工作上,上帝已尽其所当行的,现在祂招呼教会与祂合作。在一方面有基督的血,真理的道,及圣灵,而在另一方面却有正在灭亡的生灵。每位基督徒都应尽一种本分,去使世人接受天庭所预备的福气。我们应当仔细省察自己有否作成这份工作。让我们审问自己的动机及生活上的每一行动。在记忆的厅堂上是否挂着许多不愉快的图画呢?你们曾时时需要耶稣的饶恕。你们曾不断依靠祂的怜恤与仁爱,但你们有否向别人表现基督向你们所施的精神呢?你们见到某个人冒险趋入禁途,是否觉得负有责任呢?你们有否和蔼地忠告过他?你们有否为他流泪,与他祈祷,及为他祈祷呢?你们有否用慈爱的话语,仁德的行为,来表示你爱他,及切望救他呢?你们既与那些在自己懦弱的性情与错误的习惯重压之下蹒跚踉跄的人相交,当你们或可予以援助之时,你们有否撇下他们,让其自行奋斗呢?对于这些痛受试探的人,世人随时予以同情并引诱其陷入撒但的罗网,你们有否置之不顾,而从路的那边走过去呢?你们有否象该隐那样准备回答说:“我岂是看守我兄弟的吗”(创4:9)?教会的伟大元首对于你们生平的工作,当怎样估计呢?每一个人都是祂所宝贵的,是祂宝血所赎买的,祂见到你们对迷离正道的人漠不关心,将有何看法呢?难道不怕祂将你们撇下,象你们撇下他们一样么?我们应当确实知道,主家中的这位真实守望者,已把每一疏忽之事都记录下来。{5T610.2}[20]
§42 God has done His part of the work for the salvation of men, and now He calls for the co-operation of the church. There are the blood of Christ, the word of truth, the Holy Spirit, on one hand, and there are the perishing souls on the other. Every follower of Christ has a part to act to bring men to accept the blessings heaven has provided. Let us closely examine ourselves and see if we have done this work. Let us question our motives and every action of our lives. Are there not many unpleasant pictures hanging in memory’s halls? Often have you needed the forgiveness of Jesus. You have been constantly dependent upon His compassion and love. Yet have you not failed to manifest toward others the spirit which Christ has exercised toward you? Have you felt a burden for the one whom you saw venturing into forbidden paths? Have you kindly admonished him? Have you wept for him and prayed with him and for him? Have you shown by words of tenderness and kindly acts that you love him and desire to save him? As you have associated with those who were faltering and?staggering under the load of their own infirmities of disposition and faulty habits, have you left them to fight the battles alone when you might have given them help? Have you not passed these sorely tempted ones by on the other side while the world has stood ready to give them sympathy and to allure them into Satan’s nets? Have you not, like Cain, been ready to say: “Am I my brother’s keeper?” How must the great Head of the church regard the work of your life? How does He to whom every soul is precious, as the purchase of His blood, look upon your indifference to those who stray from the right path? Are you not afraid that He will leave you just as you leave them? Be sure that He who is the true Watchman of the Lord’s house has marked every neglect.?{5T 610.2}[20]
§43 你们有否把基督及其大爱拒在你们的人生之外,以致机械式的仪文已取心灵的服务而代之?当初一提耶稣圣名,你们就觉得灵性发起热火来,这种热忱现今又在哪里呢?在你们献身归主之始,你们爱人的心是多么热烈!多么恳切地设法向人表扬救主的爱!因为失了那种爱,以致你们变成冷淡,苛刻,及吹毛求疵的。应当设法找回这爱来,然后才用功去引人归向基督。你们若不如此行,那些亮光少,经验薄,机会寡的别人就要起来,取你们而代之,行你们所疏忽的事!因为这种拯救被试探,受考验及沦亡之人的工作,是必须作成的。基督向祂的教会提请服务;今日有谁要接受呢?{5T611.1}[21]
§44 Have not Christ and His love been shut out from your life until a mechanical form has taken the place of heart service? Where is the kindling of soul you once felt at the mention of the name of Jesus? In the freshness of your early dedication, how fervent was your love for souls! how earnestly you sought to represent to them the Saviour’s love! The absence of that love has made you cold, critical, exacting. Seek to win it back, and then labor to bring souls to Christ. If you refuse to do this, others who have had less light and experience and fewer opportunities will come up and take your place and do that which you have neglected; for the work must be done to save the tempted, the tried, the perishing. Christ offers the service to His church; who will accept it??{5T 611.1}[21]
§45 教会以往的善行及克己的表现,上帝并没有忽略,一切都在上面留有记录。但是这些还不够。何时教会停止奉行其使命,这些都不能救她。教会若非停止以前所表现的无情疏忽及冷淡态度,就不会力上加力,反而要继续退化,成为软弱与虚套。我们就让教会这样么?这种迟钝的麻木,在爱心及灵性热诚上的可悲败坏,从此长存下去么?这是基督要从其教会见到的状况么?{5T611.2}[22]
§46 God has not been unmindful of the good deeds, the self-denying acts, of the church in the past. All are registered on high. But these are not enough. These will not save the church when she ceases to fulfill her mission. Unless the cruel neglect and indifference manifested in the past shall cease, the church, instead of going from strength to strength, will continue to degenerate into weakness and formality. Shall we let this be? Is the dull torpor, the mournful deterioration in love and?spiritual zeal, to be perpetuated? Is this the condition in which Christ is to find His church??{5T 611.2}[22]
§47 弟兄们哪,你们若不坚决努力去改良,你们自己的灯光就必闪动,暗淡,而终于在黑暗之中熄灭。“所以应当回想你是从哪里坠落的,并要悔改,行起初所行的事。”现今所呈现的时机也许是短促的。若错过这个恩典悔改的时辰,主的警告是:“我就临到你那里,把你的灯台从原处挪去”(启2:5)。这些话是从那恒久忍耐之主的口中说出的,是对众教会及每个人的一项严肃警告,那从不打盹的守望者正在测量他们的行径。他们未被当作白占地土的树而予以砍断的唯一原因,就是由于祂的奇妙忍耐。但是祂的灵必不永远相争,祂的忍耐也只肯再等片时而已。{5T612.1}[23]
§48 Brethren, your own lamps will surely flicker and grow dim until they go out in darkness unless you make decided efforts to reform. “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.” The opportunity now presented may be short. If this season of grace and repentance passes unimproved, the warning is given: “I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” These words are uttered by the lips of the long-suffering, forbearing One. They are a solemn warning to churches and individuals that the Watcher who never slumbers is measuring their course of action. It is only by reason of His marvelous patience that they are not cut down as cumberers of the ground. But His Spirit will not always strive. His patience will wait but little longer.?{5T 612.1}[23]
§49 你们的信心应当比一向所有的更多,否则你们要被称在天平里,显出你们的亏欠。到了末日,审判全地之主的最后决定,有赖乎我们关心那贫苦,受压迫,被试探之人,及为他们所作的实际服务而定。你们不能总是抛弃这些人,从路那边越过,而自己寻到上帝圣城的入口,以蒙赎罪人的身份进去。基督说:“这些事你们既不作在我这弟兄中一个最小的身上,就是不作在我身上了”(太25:4,5)。{5T612.2}[24]
§50 Your faith must be something more than it has been, or you will be weighed in the balances and found wanting. At the last day the final decision by the Judge of all the earth will turn upon our interest in, and practical labor for, the needy, the oppressed, the tempted. You cannot always pass these by on the other side and yourselves find entrance as redeemed sinners into the city of God. “Inasmuch,” says Christ, “as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to Me.”?{5T 612.2}[24]
§51 现今要赎回以往的疏忽,为时尚非太晚。当有一番奋兴,恢复起初的爱心,及起初的热心来。寻找你们所驱散的人们,用认罪来包好你们所造成的伤害。当接近那怜悯之爱的伟大“善心”,让神圣慈悲的洪流注入你们的心,再由你们的心转注别人的心。但愿耶稣在其宝贵生平所表现的慈悲仁爱,作为我们的榜样,我们当照样对待自己同胞,尤其是在基督里的弟兄们。在人生的重大奋斗中,许多人已胆怯及灰心了,若给他们一句同情鼓励的话,就可使他们刚强起来得胜。切切不可变成个铁石心肠,冷淡无情,肆意批评的人。切莫失掉机会说一句鼓励人,及使人有希望的话。我们仁慈的言语,和减轻人重担之基督化的努力,其效力所届之境,是我们所不明白的。只有用谦卑,温柔,慈爱的精神,才能挽回有错的人,此外别无他法。{5T612.3}[25]
§52 It is not yet too late to redeem the neglects of the past. Let there be a revival of the first love, the first ardor. Search out the ones you have driven away, bind up by confession the wounds you have made. Come close to the great Heart of pitying love, and let the current of that divine compassion flow into your heart and from you to the hearts of others. Let the tenderness and mercy that Jesus has revealed in His own precious life be an example to us of the manner in which we should treat our fellow beings, especially those who are our brethren in Christ. Many have fainted and become discouraged in the?great struggle of life, whom one word of kindly cheer and courage would have strengthened to overcome. Never, never become heartless, cold, unsympathetic, and censorious. Never lose an opportunity to say a word to encourage and inspire hope. We cannot tell how far-reaching may be our tender words of kindness, our Christlike efforts to lighten some burden. The erring can be restored in no other way than in the spirit of meekness, gentleness, and tender love.?{5T 612.3}[25]
§53 你愿否救赎一个犯错的人,带领一个失丧的人归回上帝?你愿否在一个久踏罪路的人面前似是一个护卫天使?要仁慈地走向他,握住他的手,由衷讲说柔和的话语,并作为一个兄弟站在他旁边,直到你把罪魔废黜。莫嘲笑犯罪的人,而要以最仁慈、最温柔的心情向他恳求,你可将失丧的人领回归于上帝,仁慈又良善。你自己不过是人,而且软弱,可能跌倒象他一样;你向跌倒的人表现的怜悯,主也会向你表现。{5T613.1}[26]
§54 Wouldst thou an erring soul redeem,?And lead a lost one back to God??Wouldst thou a guardian angel seem?To one who long in guilt has trod??Go kindly to him, take his hand,?With gentle words, within thine own,?And by his side a brother stand,?Till thou the demon sin dethrone.?{5T 613.1}[26]
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