第79章 错误的认罪观
§1
第79章 错误的认罪观
§2
Chap. 79—Erroneous Ideas of Confession
§3
某地亲爱的弟兄姐妹们：我已听到了你们中间一直在进行的善工，这使我的心欢喜快乐。自从来到巴特尔克里克，我多在为这里的教会操心。在祷告周期间，主为我们行了事，我们的各机构中都保持了一种稳定均衡的进展。{5T642.1}[1]
§4
Dear Brethren and Sisters in -----,I have heard of the good work that has been going on among you, and it rejoices my heart. Since coming to Battle Creek my mind has been much exercised in regard to the church here. During the week of prayer the Lord wrought for us, and in all our institutions there has continued to be a steady, well-balanced interest.?{5T 642.1}[1]
§5
大学里一直在举行的聚会取得了显著的成功。有一些来自世界的学生悔改归主了。这些人的悔改更为显著，是因为他们在入学前毫无宗教经验，他们中有些人曾决心不藉着参加聚会置身于亮光的管道中。但他们确实参加了，被主的灵感服，非常好地悔改了。他们说在自己的一生中从未象现在这样快乐过。一些人已经回家度假了。他们的父母并不是有宗教信仰的人，他们的信心必受严厉的试验。但好消息传了回来，说他们在负起自己的新责任，并在设法向朋友们说明自己所接受的新信仰并没使他们成为狂热盲信者或极端分子，而是成了思想稳健的基督徒，在各方面都比悔改归主以前更好了；他们拥有纯正信仰的原则和对上帝对邻舍的爱，并藉着井然有序的生活和虔诚的行为将之表现了出来。大学里的这项善工对我们大家来说已成了一个大喜乐的来源。{5T642.2}[2]
§6
Meetings have been held in the college with marked success. There have been several conversions among the students from the world. These conversions were the more striking because the individuals had had no religious experience before coming to the college, and some of them were determined not to put themselves in the channel of light by attending the meetings. But they did attend, were convicted by the Spirit of the Lord, and were soundly converted. They say they were never so happy in their lives as now. Several have gone home to spend the holidays. Their parents are not professors of religion, and their faith will be severely tested. But good letters come back, stating that they are taking up their new responsibilities and trying to show to their friends that the new faith they have received has not made them fanatics or extremists, but well-balanced Christians, better in every way than before their conversion; that they possess the principles of pure faith and love to God and their neighbor, and manifest them by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. This good work in the college has been a source of great rejoicing to us all.?{5T 642.2}[2]
§7
我们每天早上五点半为疗养院的工人们开晨会已有三周之久了。我在这些场合的讲道有了良好的结果；我还对病人们讲了几次。{5T642.3}[3]
§8
We have had morning meetings for the helpers at the sanitarium for three weeks, at half past five. I have spoken on these occasions with good results; I have also spoken to the patients several times.?{5T 642.3}[3]
§9
中午我们和《评论》出版社的工人们一起聚会。主在这里明显运行。自称信奉真理多年可是却似乎从未有过任何热心的人被主的灵眷顾了，你们会听到他们至诚的见证，为上帝在他们心里宝贵的爱作见证。他们中有一些人说自己之前从未悔改过。{5T642.4}[4]
§10
We have had meetings with the workers in the Review office at noon. Here the Lord is manifestly at work. Men who have professed the truth for years and yet have never seemed?to have any warmth of soul have been visited by the Spirit of the Lord, and you should hear their heartfelt testimonies bearing witness to the precious love of God in their souls. Some of them say they were never converted before.?{5T 642.4}[4]
§11
有两周之久，每天在礼拜堂举行两次聚会，所讲的信息抓住了人们的心。所做的见证也很对头。我因这项善工对主充满了感激。我们还在礼拜堂举行一些特别聚会。这个教堂既很宽大，我们在号召人们为安息日下午，就是旧年最后一个安息日祷告之后，就邀请那些感到自己必须认罪的人去到一个小礼拜室，在此给他们一个特别的机会。我曾讲过《玛拉基书》第三章：“人岂可夺取上帝之物呢？”“万军之耶和华说：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。”关于这一点，许多人认了罪。{5T643.1}[5]
§12
Meetings have been held at the Tabernacle twice each day for two weeks, and the message presented has taken hold of hearts. The testimonies borne have the right ring. I am thankful to the Lord for this good work. We have also had some special meetings at the Tabernacle. This church being large, after we had called the people forward for prayers Sabbath afternoon, the last Sabbath of the old year, we invited those who felt that they must make confession, to go into one of the vestries, and here a special opportunity was given them. I had spoken upon the last chapter of Malachi: “Will a man rob God?” “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house, and prove Me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, 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.” Many confessions were made upon this point.?{5T 643.1}[5]
§13
有些人没有真诚地对待自己的邻舍，他们也承认了这些罪，后来作了赔偿。在接下一来的一周中，有些没有公正地对待上帝，结果已使自己与祂分离的人，开始归还他们所扣留的。一位弟兄不交十分之一已有两年之久了。他把自己的票据给了区会的干事，缴纳他所扣留的十分之一及其利息，总计有571.50美元。我感谢主，因为他有勇气做这事。另一位弟兄交出票据纳了300美元。另一个已退后离开上帝那么远以致几乎不怀希望还会使自己的脚回到义路的人，交出票据纳了1,000美元。这些久被扣留的十分之一和供物被提议用于中美洲传道区；所以这些钱和圣诞节捐款一起，近6,000美元已从这个教会入到库中，要被用在传道圣工上。{5T643.2}[6]
§14
Some had not dealt honestly with their neighbors, and they confessed these sins and have since made restitution. During the following week some of those who had not been dealing justly with God, and consequently had been separating themselves from Him, began to restore that which they had withheld. One brother had not paid tithes for two years. He gave his note to the secretary of the conference for the tithe he had withheld and the interest on it, amounting to $571.50. I thank the Lord that he had the courage to do this. Another gave his note for $300. Another man who had backslidden from God so far that but little hope was cherished that he would ever turn his feet into the path of righteousness again, gave his note for $1,000. It was proposed that these long-withheld tithes and offerings be devoted to the Central European Mission; so with?these and the Christmas donations, nearly $6,000 has come into the treasury from this church to be applied to the missionary cause.?{5T 643.2}[6]
§15
因信基督而生活的人，所渴望的唯一或最大的善事就是知道并遵行上帝的旨意。那使在基督里的信心藉行为得以完全的，乃是上帝的旨意；祂把那些相信之人的得救和永生与这些行为联合起来，并藉着他们提供真理的亮光给各国各民。这就是上帝之灵运行的成果。{5T644.1}[7]
§16
The soul that lives by faith on Christ desires no other nor greater good than to know and to do the will of God. It is God’s will that faith in Christ shall be made perfect by works; He connects the salvation and eternal life of those who believe, with these works, and through them provides for the light of truth to go to all countries and peoples. This is the fruit of the working of God’s Spirit.?{5T 644.1}[7]
§17
真理已抓住了人心，并不是突发的冲动，而是真的转向主，且使执拗的人意顺服上帝的旨意。在十分之一和供物上抢夺上帝之物乃是违背耶和华的明令，并对那些如此行的人造成最深的伤害；因为这使他们丧失了上帝的福惠，就是应许给那些诚实待祂之人的福惠。{5T644.2}[8]
§18
The truth has taken hold of hearts. It is not a fitful impulse, but a true turning unto the Lord, and the perverse will of men is brought into subjection to the will of God. To rob God in tithes and offerings is a violation of the plain injunction of Jehovah and works the deepest injury to those who do it; for it deprives them of the blessing of God, which is promised to those who deal honestly with Him.?{5T 644.2}[8]
§19
我们已在经验中发现，撒但若是不能把人捆绑在冷漠的寒冰中，就会设法把他们推进狂热的烈火中。当主的灵临到祂子民中间时，仇敌也抓住机会作工，试图藉着参与那工作之不同的人特殊、未成圣的特性影响上帝的工作。因而总有一种危险，要做出无智轻率的举动。许多人在坚持开展他们自己所发明的工作，一种上帝并未发起未促成的工作。{5T644.3}[9]
§20
We have found in our experience that if Satan cannot keep souls bound in the ice of indifference, he will try to push them into the fire of fanaticism. When the Spirit of the Lord comes among His people, the enemy seizes the opportunity to work also, seeking to mold the work of God through the peculiar, unsanctified traits of different ones who are connected with that work. Thus there is always danger that unwise moves will be made. Many carry on a work of their own devising, a work which God has not prompted.?{5T 644.3}[9]
§21
然而，就巴特尔克里克这里已进展的工作来说，并没有狂热盲信。我们已感到需要在各方面以最大的关心来保护它；因为仇敌若能把一些个人推向极端，他就会很高兴了。如果没有宗教觉醒，他这样做就不会造成更大的损害。我们知道从没有一次宗教奋兴的努力撒但不尽力挤进来的，在这些末后的日子，他必空前地作这事。他看到自己的时候不多了，就必用一切不义的诡诈行事，把错谬不正确的观点混入上帝的工作，把人们推到虚伪的立场上。{5T644.4}[10]
§22
But, as far as the work has gone here in Battle Creek, there has been no fanaticism. We have felt the need of guarding it on every hand with the greatest care; for if the enemy can push individuals to extremes, he is well pleased. He can thus do greater harm than if there had been no religious awakening. We know that there has never yet been a religious effort made in which Satan has not tried his best to intrude himself, and in these last days he will do this as never before. He sees that his?time is short, and he will work with all deceivableness of unrighteousness to mingle errors and incorrect views with the work of God and push men into false positions.?{5T 644.4}[10]
§23
在我们许多的宗教觉醒中，一直在认罪上犯了错误。虽然认罪对人来说是好的，但必须聪明地行事。{5T645.1}[11]
§24
In many of our religious awakenings mistakes have been made in regard to confession. While confession is good for the soul, there is need of moving wisely.?{5T 645.1}[11]
§25
我蒙指示，许许多多的认罪都决不应叫凡人听见；因为其结果是有限之人的狭窄的判断所没有预期的。恶种被撒在了那些听人认罪之人的心思意念里，当他们在试探之下时，这些种子就会发芽生长结出果实，同样可悲的经历就会重演。因为，那受试探的人想，这些罪不会那么严重；因为那些认过罪的，久已作基督徒的人，不也做这些事吗？这样，在教会里公开承认这些隐密的罪就会证明是一种死的香气叫人死而不是活的香气叫人活。{5T645.2}[12]
§26
I have been shown that many, many confessions should never be spoken in the hearing of mortals; for the result is that which the limited judgment of finite beings does not anticipate. Seeds of evil are scattered in the minds and hearts of those who hear, and when they are under temptation, these seeds will spring up and bear fruit, and the same sad experience will be repeated. For, think the tempted ones, these sins cannot be so very grievous; for did not those who have made confession, Christians of long standing, do these very things? Thus the open confession in the church of these secret sins will prove a savor of death rather than of life.?{5T 645.2}[12]
§27
在这个问题上不该有任何不计后果的群体行动，因为上帝的圣工可能会在不信的人眼中被看为是声名狼藉的。他们若是听到了那些自称跟随基督之人所承认的卑鄙行为，就会给祂的圣工带来耻辱。撒但若能用任何手段散布这种印象，让人认为安息日复临信徒是万物中的渣滓，他必欣然行之。千万不该给他机会！我们若是单向耶稣承认我们内心隐秘的、与生俱来的败坏，就会比将之向有限、犯错的人公开能更好地荣耀上帝，人无法做出公正的判断，除非他的心不断被上帝的灵充满。上帝知道人心，连人心中的每一个秘密都知道；因而不要向人的耳朵倾诉唯独上帝应该听到的事。{5T645.3}[13]
§28
There should be no reckless, wholesale movements in this matter, for the cause of God may be made disreputable in the eyes of unbelievers. If they hear confessions of base conduct made by those who profess to be followers of Christ, a reproach is brought upon His cause. If Satan could by any means spread the impression that Seventh-day Adventists are the offscouring of all things, he would be glad to do it. God forbid that he should have occasion! God will be better glorified if we confess the secret, inbred corruption of the heart to Jesus alone than if we open its recesses to finite, erring man, who cannot judge righteously unless his heart is constantly imbued with the Spirit of God. God knows the heart, even every secret of the soul; then do not pour into human ears the story which God alone should hear.?{5T 645.3}[13]
§29
有些认罪的性质应该被带到特选的几个人面前，并由罪人以最深刻的谦卑承认出来。这事不可做得使恶行被解释为德行，罪人也不可以自己的恶行为荣。若有一些具有可耻性质的事应该使教会知道，就要把这些事带到少许蒙拣选的适当的人面前，使他们听见，而不要将教会中存在的伪善广而告之，公开羞辱基督的圣工。这会有损那些已受过考验要在品格上象基督之人的名誉。应该考虑这些事。{5T645.4}[14]
§30
There are confessions of a nature that should be brought before a select few and acknowledged by the sinner in deepest humility. The matter must not be conducted in such a way?that vice shall be construed into virtue and the sinner made proud of his evil doings. If there are things of a disgraceful nature that should come before the church, let them be brought before a few proper persons selected to hear them, and do not put the cause of Christ to open shame by publishing abroad the hypocrisy that has existed in the church. It would cast reflections upon those who had tried to be Christlike in character. These things should be considered.?{5T 645.4}[14]
§31
有些罪是主吩咐我们要彼此承认的。你若用言语或行为错待了弟兄，就要先去与他和好，然后你的敬拜才蒙上天悦纳。要向那些你曾伤害过的人认罪，并作出赔偿，结出果子来与悔改的心相称。任何人若对一位弟兄有苦毒、忿怒或怨恨的情绪，他就要亲自去到弟兄那里，承认自己的罪，并寻求饶恕。{5T646.1}[15]
§32
Then there are confessions that the Lord has bidden us make to one another. If you have wronged your brother by word or deed you are first to be reconciled to him before your worship will be acceptable to heaven. Confess to those whom you have injured, and make restitution, bringing forth fruit meet for repentance. If anyone has feelings of bitterness, wrath, or malice toward a brother, let him go to him personally, confess his sin, and seek forgiveness.?{5T 646.1}[15]
§33
从基督对待犯错之人的方式上，我们可以学到有益的教训，同样是适用于认罪的事的。祂吩咐我们要到已堕入试探之中的人那里去，并且单独与他努力。如果不可能帮助他，因为他的心暗昧且与上帝隔绝，我们就要再试一次，带两三个别的人同去。若仍不能使他改邪归正，那时，也只有那时，才可将之告诉教会。若能改邪归正并医好损伤而不把问题带到全教会面前，就会好得多了。教会不是用来容纳各种抱怨或认罪的。{5T646.2}[16]
§34
From Christ’s manner of dealing with the erring we may learn profitable lessons which are equally applicable to this work of confession. He bids us go to the one who has fallen into temptation, and labor with him alone. If it is not possible to help him, because of the darkness of his mind and his separation from God, we are to try again with two or three others. If the wrong is not righted, then, and only then, we are to tell it to the church. It is far better if wrongs can be righted and injuries healed without bringing the matter before the whole church. The church is not to be made the receptacle for the outpouring of every complaint or confession.?{5T 646.2}[16]
§35
另一方面，我看出有屈服于试探的危险，要隐瞒罪或与之妥协，因而扮演伪君子。要确保认罪充分涵盖所犯错误的影响，不要对上帝、你的邻舍、对教会有未尽的本分，然后你就可以用信心持住基督，期待祂的祝福。但如何认罪及应该向谁认罪的问题，需要予以小心地、常常祈祷地研究。我们必须从各方面考虑这个问题，在上帝面前权衡它，并寻求神圣的光照。我们应该求问公开承认我们已犯的罪将会带来益处还是害处。这会宣扬那召我们出黑暗入祂奇妙光明者的美德吗？这会帮助净化众人的心呢，还是会因公开叙述在否认真理时所行的种种欺骗而后会有一种影响，毒害别人的心意并破坏我们的信心呢？{5T646.3}[17]
§36
I recognize, on the other hand, the danger of yielding to the temptation to conceal sin or to compromise with it, and thus act the hypocrite. Be sure that the confession fully covers the influence of the wrong committed, that no duty to God, to your neighbor, or to the church is left undone, and then you may lay hold upon Christ with confidence, expecting His blessing. But the question of how and to whom sins should be confessed is one that demands careful, prayerful study. We must?consider it from all points, weighing it before God and seeking divine illumination. We should inquire whether to confess publicly the sins of which we have been guilty will do good or harm. Will it show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of the darkness into His marvelous light? Will it help to purify the minds of the people, or will the open relation of the deceptions practiced in denying the truth have an after influence to contaminate other minds and destroy confidence in us??{5T 646.3}[17]
§37
人们没有来自上帝的智慧和来自所有能力之源的不断光照，对他们来说，随从冲动或印象不会是安全的。在我的经验中，已看到这样行造成的毁灭，不仅毁灭那些遵照这个原则行事的人，而且毁灭了许多受他们影响的别人。随从冲动行事的结果乃是最狂野的放纵。接下来便是信心的衰退，不信与怀疑论变得越来越强，与宗教兴奋上的极端行为相称。及至兴奋一过，这种并非在上帝里做的工作就等于零了。{5T647.1}[18]
§38
Men have not the wisdom from God and the constant enlightenment from the Source of all power that would make it safe for them to follow impulses or impressions. In my experience I have seen this done to the destruction, not only of those who acted upon this principle, but of many others who came under their influence. The wildest extravagance was the result of this impulsive work. A declension in faith followed, and unbelief and skepticism became strong in proportion to the extreme in religious excitement. The work that is not wrought in God comes to nought as soon as the excitement is over.?{5T 647.1}[18]
§39
在主所行的事中，有能力和永久性，无论是祂藉人力作的还是用别的手段作的。人心中恩典之工的进展与完成，并不依赖兴奋或过分的表现。在上帝之灵影响下的人心，必与祂的旨意有甜美的和谐。我蒙指示，当主藉祂的圣灵作工时，在其运行中不会有任何会在世人面前降格主子民的事，而是会高举他们。基督的宗教不会使那些信奉它的人粗鲁无礼。恩典的国民并非不可受教的，而总是乐于学基督的样式并彼此商议。{5T647.2}[19]
§40
There is power and permanency in what the Lord does, whether He works by human instrumentality or otherwise. The progress and perfection of the work of grace in the heart are not dependent upon excitement or extravagant demonstration. Hearts that are under the influence of the Spirit of God will be in sweet harmony with His will. I have been shown that when the Lord works by His Holy Spirit, there will be nothing in its operations which will degrade the Lord’s people before the world, but it will exalt them. The religion of Christ does not make those who profess it coarse and rough. The subjects of grace are not unteachable, but ever willing to learn of Jesus and to counsel with one another.?{5T 647.2}[19]
§41
凡我们向那伟大的真理教师所学的，必是永久的；它必不会有自满自负的风味，而会使人温柔谦卑；我们做的工作也必是有益的、纯洁的、使人高贵的，因为是在上帝里做的。那些如此做工的人，必在他们的家庭生活中，也在他们与人的交往中，表明他们有基督的心。恩典与真理必在他们心中作王，鼓舞并净化他们的动机，控制他们外在的行动。{5T647.3}[20]
§42
What we learn of the Great Teacher of truth will be enduring; it will not savor of self-sufficiency, but will lead to humility and meekness; and the work that we do will be wholesome,?pure, and ennobling, because wrought in God. Those who thus work will show in their home life, and in their association with men, that they have the mind of Christ. Grace and truth will reign in their hearts, inspiring and purifying their motives, and controlling their outward actions.?{5T 647.3}[20]
§43
我希望没有人存着这种想法，以为认罪就会赚得上帝的恩宠，或以为向人认罪就有什么特别的德行。我们的经验中必须有那种生发仁爱并洁净心灵的信心。基督的爱会征服属肉体的种种倾向。真理不仅自证它来自天上，也证明藉着上帝之灵的恩典，它在净化人心上是有效力的。主愿意我们每天带着我们一切的烦恼和认罪到祂面前来，在我们负祂的轭，担祂的担子时，祂能赐给我们安息。祂的圣灵及其仁厚高尚的感化力，必充满我们的心，使我们的每个思想都顺服基督。{5T648.1}[21]
§44
I hope that none will obtain the idea that they are earning the favor of God by confession of sins or that there is special virtue in confessing to human beings. There must be in the experience that faith that works by love and purifies the soul. The love of Christ will subdue the carnal propensities. The truth not only bears within itself the evidence of its heavenly origin, but proves that by the grace of God’s Spirit it is effectual in the purification of the soul. The Lord would have us come to Him daily with all our troubles and confessions of sin, and He can give us rest in wearing His yoke and bearing His burden. His Holy Spirit, with its gracious influences, will fill the soul, and every thought will be brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ.?{5T 648.1}[21]
§45
而今我担心因你们一些人的错误，在某地已临到你们的祝福会变成一个咒诅；会得到某种错误的观念，以致你们在数月后会处于比这次复兴的工作之前更为恶劣的状况中。你们若不保守自己的心，就会在不信的人面前显得极其恶劣。上帝不会因为这种断断续续的服务得荣耀。当心不要把事情带到极端，使上帝宝贵的圣工长久受责备。许多人的失败乃是他们在蒙受上帝赐福之后，没有本着基督的谦卑努力成为他人的祝福。既然永生之道已撒在你们心里，我就恳劝你们要存心谦卑与上帝同行，做基督的工作，并多结果子以至成义。我确实盼望并祈愿你们行事象至高者的儿女，不变成极端分子，也不会做任何会使上帝的灵担忧的事。{5T648.2}[22]
§46
Now I am fearful that by some error on your part the blessing of God which has come to you in ----- will be turned into a curse; that some false idea will obtain, so that you will be in a worse condition in a few months than you were before this work of revival. If you do not keep your souls guarded you will appear in the worst possible light to unbelievers. God would not be glorified with this fitful kind of service. Be careful not to carry matters to extremes and bring lasting reproach upon the precious cause of God. The failure that many make is that after they have been blessed of God they do not, in the humility of Christ, seek to be a blessing to others. Now that words of eternal life have been sown in your hearts, I entreat you to walk humbly with God, do the works of Christ, and bring forth much fruit unto righteousness. I do hope and pray that you will act like sons and daughters of the Most High and not become extremists or do anything that shall grieve the Spirit of God.?{5T 648.2}[22]
§47
不要注意人也不要指望他们，觉得他们是没有错误的；而要不断注意耶稣。不要说任何会使我们的信仰受责备的话。要独自在你的上帝面前承认你隐秘的罪。要向那位全然知道怎样处理你案件的主承认你心思的迷惘。假若你得罪了你的邻居，就当向他承认你的罪过，而且要予以补偿，藉以显示认罪的成果。然后要求所应许的福。当本着你现在的状况到上帝面前来，让祂医治你一切的软弱。当在施恩宝座前迫切呈报你的案件；务求工作彻底。在与上帝交往和对待自己心灵的事上都要真诚笃实。你若本着一颗真正悔罪的心来就祂，祂就必将胜利赐给你。然后你可以做关于自由的美好见证，宣扬那召你出黑暗入祂奇妙光明者的美德。祂绝不至误解或误断你。你的同胞不能赦免你的罪或洁除你的愆尤。惟有耶稣才能赐你平安。祂爱你，且为你舍了自己的性命。祂那伟大的爱心“能体恤我们的软弱”（来4:15）。试问有什么罪过太大是祂不能赦免的呢？有什么生灵是过于黑暗并被罪恶压伤而为祂所不能拯救的呢？祂是仁慈宽厚的，并不指望我们里面有什么功德，乃是以祂自己无限的良善来医治我们背道的病，并在我们还作罪人的时候，就甘心爱我们。祂是“不轻易发怒，有丰盛慈爱的；”祂“宽容你们，不愿有一人沉沦，乃愿人人都悔改”（尼9:17;彼后3:9）。{5T649.1}[23]
§48
Do not look to men nor hang your hopes upon them, feeling that they are infallible; but look to Jesus constantly. Say nothing that would cast a reproach upon our faith. Confess your secret sins alone before your God. Acknowledge your heart wanderings to Him who knows perfectly how to treat your case. If you have wronged your neighbor, acknowledge to him your sin and show fruit of the same by making restitution. Then claim the blessing. Come to God just as you are, and let Him heal all your infirmities. Press your case to the throne of grace; let the work be thorough. Be sincere in dealing with God and your own soul. If you come to Him with a heart truly contrite, He will give you the victory. Then you may bear a sweet testimony of freedom, showing forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. He will not misapprehend or misjudge you. Your fellow men cannot absolve you from sin or cleanse you from iniquity. Jesus is the only one who can give you peace. He loved you and gave Himself for you. His great heart of love is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities?” What sins are too great for Him to pardon? what soul too dark and sin-oppressed for Him to save? He is gracious, not looking for merit in us, but of His own boundless goodness healing our backslidings and loving us freely, while we are yet sinners. He is “slow to anger, and of great kindness;” “long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”?{5T 649.1}[23]
§49
不要寻求受伤以至兴奋高昂；而要去为别人作工，存心忍耐地教导他们。你们现在会倾向于推测每个人都有一担子的罪恶要承认，你们也会有危险以此来攻击人。你们会想要把每个人都带到你们曾处于的同样的境地，你们也会觉得什么都不能做，直到每个人都经历了同样认罪的事。你们不会倾向于从事帮助他人的工作，尽管上帝的灵停留在你们身上，你们自己的心被洁净之工的深切运行软化折服。你们会有大危险藉着运用你们自己的灵毁坏上帝的工作。你们若存心谦卑、信赖地依靠上帝来为生灵作工，祂灵的光辉若以一种基督化的品格从你们身上反射出来，同情、仁慈、忍耐、仁爱若成为你们生活中长存的原则，你们就会对凡在你们周围的人成为一个祝福。你们就不会批评别人，也不会向他们表现一种苛刻非难的精神；你们不会觉得必须使他们的想法达到你们的标准；而会在你们里面显出耶稣的爱与和平的义果。{5T649.2}[24]
§50
Do not seek to get wound up to a high pitch of excitement; but go to work for others, and patiently instruct them. You will be inclined now to conjecture that everyone has a load of evil to confess, and you will be in danger of making this the point of attack. You will want to bring everyone over the same ground that you have been over, and you will feel that nothing can be done until all have gone through the same work of confession. You will not be disposed to take up the labor of helping others with the Spirit of God resting upon you, your?own hearts softened and subdued by the deep-wrought work of cleansing. You will be in great danger of marring the work of God by exercising your own spirit. If you work for souls with humble, trustful dependence upon God, if the radiance of His Spirit is reflected from you in a Christlike character, if sympathy, kindness, forbearance, and love are abiding principles in your life, you will be a blessing to all around you. You will not criticize others or manifest a harsh, denunciatory spirit toward them; you will not feel that their ideas must be made to meet your standard; but the love of Jesus and the peaceable fruits of righteousness will be revealed in you.?{5T 649.2}[24]
§51
“圣灵所结的果子，就是仁爱、喜乐、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信实、温柔、节制……凡属基督耶稣的人，是已经把肉体连肉体的邪情私欲同钉在十字架上了。我们若是靠圣灵得生，就当靠圣灵行事。不要贪图虚名，彼此惹气，互相嫉妒”（加5:22-26）。{5T650.1}[25]
§52
“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.... And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another.”?{5T 650.1}[25]
§53
仇敌甚至会努力挤到你们的宗教活动中。每条途径都需忠心把守，免得自私和骄傲交织在你们的工作中。自我若真的和邪情私欲一起被钉死在十字架上，结果就必表现在善行中，归荣耀于上帝。我本着对上帝的敬畏劝你们，不要让你们的行为走下坡路。要作始终如一，匀称的基督徒。当心将它的情意献给基督时，旧事已过，都成为新的了。{5T650.2}[26]
§54
The enemy will seek to intrude himself even amid your religious exercises. Every avenue will need to be faithfully guarded lest selfishness and pride become interwoven with your work. If self has really been crucified, with the affections and lusts, the fruit will appear in good works to the glory of God. I entreat you, in the fear of God, not to let your works degenerate. Be consistent, symmetrical Christians. When the heart has given its affections to Christ, old things have passed away, and all things have become new.?{5T 650.2}[26]
§55
我们的宗教必须是合乎理性的。从上头来的智慧必加强，坚固、稳定我们。我们必须不断前进，向前向上，从亮光到更大的亮光，上帝也必不断向我们显示祂的荣耀。这荣耀是祂没有向世人显示的。[27]
§56
Our religion must be intelligent. The wisdom from above must strengthen, establish, and settle us. We must go on and on, forward and upward, from light to still greater light, and God will still reveal His glory to us as He doth not unto the world.?{5T 650.3}[27]
§57
于1889年1月6日写于密歇根州巴特尔克里克。{5T650.3}[28]
§58
Battle Creek, Michigan,January 6, 1889[28]