第49章 我们对于政府当局的态度
§1
第49章 我们对于政府当局的态度
§2
Chap. 49—Our Attitude Toward the Civil Authorities
§3
我们有些弟兄在言论和文字上提到的许多事情，被认为是反对政府与法律的表示。这种使我们自己容易遭受误会的做法，实是错误。对政府当局的管理者们不断地寻差挑错，乃为不智之举。因为抨击个人或机关，并不是我们的任务。我们应当极其谨慎，以免被人误会我们是反对政府当局的。固然，我们所从事的战争常是采取攻势的，但我们所使的武器，却须基于“耶和华如此说”这一句明白的话。我们的任务乃是要预备一班人，能以在上帝的大日站立得住。因此我们千万不要转移阵线，以致在与我们不同信仰的人中间，激起争论，或引致敌对的行为。{6T394.1}[1]
§4
By some of our brethren many things have been spoken and written that are interpreted as expressing antagonism to government and law. It is a mistake thus to lay ourselves open to misunderstanding. It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by the rulers of government. It is not our work to attack individuals or institutions. We should exercise great care lest we be understood as putting ourselves in opposition to the civil authorities. It is true that our warfare is aggressive, but our weapons are to be those found in a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Our work is to prepare a people to stand in the great day of God. We should not be turned aside to lines that will encourage controversy or arouse antagonism in those not of our faith.?{6T 394.1}[1]
§5
我们的工作方式绝不应显出叫人误认本会是支持叛逆的。务须从我们的言论和著作中，除去那凡足以为人断章取义，招致误解，以为我们是公然反抗法令与秩序的措辞。凡事皆当深思熟虑，以免为我们自己留下鼓励叛国违法的恶名。我们并没有受命公然反抗执政掌权者。虽然到了某一时期，我们要为拥护圣经真理的缘故，被人当作叛逆看待；但我们绝不可用轻妄之举激起仇恨与争斗，而促使这一时期的来到。{6T394.2}[2]
§6
We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as seeming to advocate treason. We should weed out from our writings and utterances every expression that, taken by itself, could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic to law and order. Everything should be carefully considered, lest we place ourselves on record as encouraging disloyalty to our country and its laws. We are not required to defy authorities. There will come a time when, because of our advocacy of Bible truth, we shall be treated as traitors; but let not this time be hastened by unadvised movements that stir up animosity and strife.?{6T 394.2}[2]
§7
时候将到，我们的弟兄中若有人因一时失检，以致偶尔在言论或著作中发表了攻击或非难他人的意见，仇敌就必加以利用，作为定我们有罪的根据。这类资料不但会被用以断定那发表这种意见之人的罪，更要被用来控诉整个复临信徒的团体。那控诉我们的人要说，在某一天，有我们的一位负责人曾如此这般地说过反对政府的法律行政的话。那时许多人将因看到多少事情已被仇敌存记罗织，作为争辩的论据，而感到惊讶。也有不少的人要十分惊奇地听到他们自己所说的话，被人牵强附会到莫须有的意义上去。故此我们的工人无论在任何时间，任何环境之下，说话都必须仔细检点。但愿大家谨慎，以免因冒失的言谈，而在那试炼人心的大危机之前，就招致艰难。{6T394.3}[3]
§8
The time will come when unguarded expressions of a denunciatory character, that have been carelessly spoken or written by our brethren, will be used by our enemies to condemn us. These will not be used merely to condemn those who made the statements, but will be charged?upon the whole body of Adventists. Our accusers will say that on such and such a day one of our responsible men said thus and so against the administration of the laws of this government. Many will be astonished to see how many things have been cherished and remembered that will give point to the arguments of our adversaries. Many will be surprised to hear their own words strained into a meaning that they did not intend them to have. Then let our workers be careful to speak guardedly at all times and under all circumstances. Let all beware lest by reckless expressions they bring on a time of trouble before the great crisis which is to try men’s souls.?{6T 394.3}[3]
§9
无论是在美国或在别的国家当中，我们直接控告执政掌权者越少，我们所能完成的工作也就必越多。别的国家将要效法美国的榜样。虽然这事是由美国肇端，但是这同一的危机仍要临到世界各处我们的信徒的身上。{6T395.1}[4]
§10
The less we make direct charges against authorities and powers, the greater work we shall be able to accomplish, both in America and in foreign countries. Foreign nations will follow the example of the United States. Though she leads out, yet the same crisis will come upon our people in all parts of the world.?{6T 395.1}[4]
§11
我们的任务是要将上帝的律法高举并发扬光大；要使上帝圣言的真理彰显出来。我们要高擎圣经为人生的准则。我们要凡事谦逊，存心感恩，并在上帝的爱中，向人指出耶和华上帝为创造天地的主宰，第七日为主的安息日。{6T395.2}[5]
§12
It is our work to magnify and exalt the law of God. The truth of God’s holy word is to be made manifest. We are to hold up the Scriptures as the rule of life. In all modesty, in the spirit of grace, and in the love of God we are to point men to the fact that the Lord God is the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord.?{6T 395.2}[5]
§13
我们要奉主名往前走，扬起祂的旌旗，表彰祂的真道。一旦执政者下令叫我们停止这种工作，禁止我们传布上帝的诫命和耶稣的真道，那时，我们就需要象使徒们一般说：“听从你们，不听从上帝，这在上帝面前合理不合理，你们自己酌量吧！我们所看见、听见的，不能不说”（徒4:19,20）。{6T395.3}[6]
§14
In the name of the Lord we are to go forward, unfurling His banner, advocating His word. When the authorities command us not to do this work, when they forbid us to proclaim the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, then it will be necessary for us to say as did the apostles: “Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.”?Acts 4:19, 20.?{6T 395.3}[6]
§15
真理原需依赖圣灵的能力而传开，惟其如此，方能使我们的话语生效。只有藉着圣灵的能力，才可以获得并且保持胜利。人必须受上帝之灵的激励。凡为上帝作工的人，必须因信蒙上帝的能力保守以致得救。他们必须具有神圣的智慧，以免发出什么言论，会激起人们闭塞我们的路。藉着属灵真理的教导，我们要预备一班人，若有世上最高执政掌权者问他们心中信仰的缘由时，能以温柔敬畏的心回答各人。{6T396.1}[7]
§16
The truth is to be set forth in the power of the Holy Spirit. This alone can make our words effective. Only through the Spirit’s power will victory be gained and held. The human agent must be worked by the Spirit of God. The workers must be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. They must have divine wisdom, that nothing may be uttered which would stir up men to close our way. Through the inculcation of spiritual truth we are to prepare a people who shall be able, in meekness and fear, to give a reason for their faith before the highest authorities in our world.?{6T 396.1}[7]
§17
我们需要本着真理的纯洁提出真理，提倡实际的敬虔；这一切都应本着基督的精神去行。因为这种精神的表现，不但能使我们个人的心灵受到最好的影响，也能对别人发生一种令人信服的力量。要给主藉着祂自己的代理人而工作的机会。不要妄想你自己能为将来作何计划；总要随时随在承认是由上帝在为你掌舵，祂要利用各种合适的方法来维持，增加，并且增进祂自己的子民。{6T396.2}[8]
§18
We need to present the truth in its simplicity, to advocate practical godliness; and we should do this in the spirit of Christ. The manifestation of such a spirit will have the best influence upon our own souls, and it will have a convincing power upon others. Give the Lord opportunity to work through His own agents. Do not imagine that it will be possible for you to lay out plans for the future; let God be acknowledged as standing at the helm at all times and under every circumstance. He will work by means that will be suitable, and will maintain, increase, and build up His own people.?{6T 396.2}[8]
§19
主的仆人应具有成圣的热心，就是一种完全在祂控制之下的热心。暴风雨时期即将迅速来临，然而你我自己却不应采取什么行动来促成它。那行将临到的艰难，将促使凡愿全然单独属于上帝的人来归向祂。在未经苦难洪炉的考验之前，我们并不认识我们自己，因此不宜去衡量他人品格的好歹，更不宜去定那些还未获得第三位天使信息的亮光之人的罪。{6T396.3}[9]
§20
The Lord’s agents should have a sanctified zeal, a zeal that is wholly under His control. Stormy times will come rapidly enough upon us, and we should take no course of our own that will hasten them. Tribulation will come of a character that will drive to God all who wish to be His, and His alone. Until tested and proved in the furnace of trial, we do not know ourselves, and it is not proper for us to measure the characters of others and to condemn those who have not yet had the light of the third angel’s message.?{6T 396.3}[9]
§21
如果我们想要别人也信服我们所相信的真理能使心灵成圣，使品格改变，那么，我们就不要不断地用激烈的谴责控告他们。倘如此行，我们就会迫使他们得到这样的结论：认为我们所宣传的道理既未把我们自己造就成为和善而谦恭有礼的人，那就决不会是基督的道理了。因为基督教是决不会在拳击似的指控与定罪里表达出来的。{6T396.4}[10]
§22
If we wish men to be convinced that the truth we believe sanctifies the soul and transforms the character,?let us not be continually charging them with vehement accusations. In this way we shall force them to the conclusion that the doctrine we profess cannot be the Christian doctrine, since it does not make us kind, courteous, and respectful. Christianity is not manifested in pugilistic accusations and condemnation.?{6T 396.4}[10]
§23
我们中间许多人有一种危险，就是企图将控制权用在别人身上，如此便使他们的同伴受到压迫。还有一种危险，却是那些受托担负责任的人只承认一种权势，就是那未成圣之意志的权势。有的人已肆意滥用这种权势，以致在主所使用的人身上造成了极大的困苦。世上最大祸患之一（它在教会与社会中亦到处可见）即是贪爱极权。人们都汲专注于攫取权势和牢笼人心。这种精神表现在遵守安息日的人中，实在是我们的羞耻和忧患。惟有那些在基督门下学得柔和谦卑的人，才能获得属灵的成功。{6T397.1}[11]
§24
Many of our people are in danger of trying to exercise a controlling power upon others and of bringing oppression upon their fellow men. There is danger that those who are entrusted with responsibilities will acknowledge but one power, the power of an unsanctified will. Some have exercised this power unscrupulously and have caused great discomfiture to those whom the Lord is using. One of the greatest curses in our world (and it is seen in churches and in society everywhere) is the love of supremacy. Men become absorbed in seeking to secure power and popularity. This spirit has manifested itself in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers, to our grief and shame. But spiritual success comes only to those who have learned meekness and lowliness in the school of Christ.?{6T 397.1}[11]
§25
我们当记得世人要按我们所表现的判断我们。但愿那些立志代表基督的人谨慎自守，不要展示矛盾的品格特征。在我们尚未受众人注视之先，应确有把握得知已蒙从上面来的圣灵浇灌。既有如此情形，我们就必给人传达一种确定的信息，并不象某些人所传讲的一般，具有非难的性质；而且凡相信的人，也必对于那与我们作对之人的得救问题，表示更多的热心。至于谴责执政掌权者的事，则应全然听凭上帝处理。我们当作忠心的守望者，以温柔和爱心，维护那在耶稣里的真理原则。{6T397.2}[12]
§26
We should remember that the world will judge us by what we appear to be. Let those who are seeking to represent Christ be careful not to exhibit inconsistent features of character. Before we come fully to the front, let us see to it that the Holy Spirit is poured upon us from on high. When this is the case, we shall give a decided message, but it will be of a far less condemnatory character than that which some have been giving; and all who believe will be far more earnest for the salvation of our opponents. Let God have the matter of condemning authorities and governments wholly in His own keeping. In meekness and love let us as faithful sentinels defend the principles of truth as it is in Jesus.?{6T 397.2}[12]
§27
【弟兄相爱】
§28
上帝守诫命的子民最需要珍爱的特点就是耐心，坚忍，和平与仁爱。一旦缺乏爱，就会遭受无法挽回的损失；因为甚至在人们参与了上帝的圣工之后，若没有了爱，也会被赶离真理。我们身居要职的弟兄们，是有影响力的人，当记住使徒保罗被圣灵感动所说的话：“我们坚固的人，应当担代不坚固人的软弱，不求自己的喜悦。我们各人务要叫邻舍喜悦，使他得益处，建立德行。因为基督也不求自己的喜悦，如经上所记：辱骂你人的辱骂，都落在我身上”（罗15:1-3）。他还说：“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。你们各人的重担要互相担当，如此，就完全了基督的律法”（加6:1,2）。{6T398.1}[13]
§29
【Love Among Brethren】
§30
The characteristics most needful to be cherished by God’s commandment-keeping people are patience and long-suffering, peace and love. When love is lacking, irretrievable loss is sustained; for souls are driven away from the truth, even after they have been connected with the cause of God. Our brethren in responsible positions, who have strength of influence, should remember the words of the apostle Paul, spoken by the Holy Spirit: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not Himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached Thee fell on Me.”?Romans 15:1-3. Again he says: “Brethren, if a man be over taken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”?Galatians 6:1, 2.?{6T 398.1}[13]
§31
要记住恢复的工作是我们的责任。这项工作不应当以傲慢，专横，霸道的方式去做。不要用你的仪态说：“我有权力，我会使用的，”并把一大堆控告的话加给那犯错误的人。你们做恢复的工作“当用温柔的心，……又当自己小心，恐怕也被引诱”。那摆在我们面前要为我们的弟兄们去做的工作，不是把他们抛弃，不是迫使他们陷入灰心绝望，对他们说：“你已使我失望，我不会再努力帮助你了。”那高抬自己，自认为充满智慧和力量的人，重重压制那受压迫，沮丧并渴望得到帮助的人，他显示出法利赛人的精神，把自己包裹在他自己一手织就的尊严袍子里，他以自己的精神感谢上帝，因他不像别人那样，而且自认为他的行为是值得称赞的，他太坚强了不会被试探。但如果“人若无有，自己还以为有，就是自欺了”（第3节）。他自己乃是处在持续不断的危险中。那不顾自己弟兄的严重需要的人，会在上帝的天意安排中，经历自己弟兄所经历的考验和忧伤，藉着痛苦的经历，会证明他自己和那遭他拒绝的弟兄一样，是无助和缺乏的。“不要自欺，上帝是轻慢不得的；人种的是什么，收的也是什么”（第7节）。{6T398.2}[14]
§32
Bear in mind that the work of restoring is to be our burden. This work is not to be done in a proud, officious, masterly way. Do not say, by your manner, “I have the power, and I will use it,” and pour out accusations upon the erring one. Do your restoring “in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” The work set before us to do for our brethren is not to cast them aside, not to press them into discouragement or despair by saying: “You have disappointed me, and I will not try to help you.” He who sets himself up as full of wisdom and strength, and bears down upon one who is oppressed and distressed and longing for help, manifests the spirit of the Pharisee, and wraps himself about with the robe of his own self-constituted dignity. In his spirit?he thanks God that he is not as other men are, and supposes that his course is praiseworthy and that he is too strong to be tempted. But “if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.”?Verse 3. He himself is in constant danger. He who ignores the grave necessities of his brother will in the providence of God be brought over the same ground that his brother has traveled in trial and sorrow, and by a bitter experience it will be proved to him that he is as helpless and needy as was the suffering one whom he repulsed. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”?Verse 7.?{6T 398.2}[14]
§33
“所以在基督里若有什么劝勉，爱心有什么安慰，圣灵有什么交通，心中有什么慈悲怜悯，你们就要意念相同，爱心相同，有一样的心思，有一样的意念，使我的喜乐可以满足。凡事不可结党，不可贪图虚浮的荣耀；只要存心谦卑，各人看别人比自己强。各人不要单顾自己的事，也要顾别人的事。你们当以基督耶稣的心为心”（腓2:1-5）。{6T399.1}[15]
§34
“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfill ye My joy, that ye be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”?Philippians 2:1-5.?{6T 399.1}[15]
§35
我们越保持与基督亲近，越柔和、谦卑、不信靠自己，我们就会越发持定基督，我们的能力也会越大，藉着基督来使罪人回转；因为那感动人心的，并非人力。天上的智能与人力合作，使真理打动人心。我们既住在基督里，就能对他人发挥一种影响；但这是因为有主同在的缘故，祂说：“看哪，我常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:20）。我们所拥有的战胜撒但的能力，乃是基督在我们心中运行的结果，使我们立志行事，为要成就祂的美意。{6T399.2}[16]
§36
The closer we keep to Christ, and the more meek and lowly and self-distrustful we are, the firmer will be our hold on Christ, and the greater will be our power, through Christ, to convert sinners; for it is not the human agent that moves the soul. Heavenly intelligences co-operate with the human agent and impress the truth upon the heart. Abiding in Christ we are able to exert an influence over others; but it is because of the presence of Him who says: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”?Matthew 28:20. The power we have to overcome Satan is the result of Christ working in us to will and to do of His good pleasure.?{6T 399.2}[16]
§37
【温柔地提出真理】
§38
应当用神圣的机智、优雅和温柔来讲述真理。它应当出自一个已经变得柔和并且富有同情的心。我们需要与上帝有亲密的交往，免得自我兴起，就像它曾在耶户里面兴起来一样，我们就滔滔不绝地讲出不合宜的话来，不象滋润的露水，也不象使枯萎的植物得以复苏的甘霖。当我们努力得人时，说话应该温和文雅。凡向神圣的源头祈求智慧的人，上帝必赐给他智慧。我们应当在各方面寻找机会，儆醒祷告，常作准备，以温柔敬畏的心讲出我们心中盼望的缘由。为了不让基督为之而死的人得到不良的印象，我们的心应当保持向往上帝，以致当机会来到的时候，我们会在适当的时间，讲说适当的话。如果你这样为上帝承担工作，上帝的灵就会帮助你。圣灵就会使本着爱心讲出的话对人心产生作用。在基督恩典的影响之下，所讲的真理，将具有苏醒人心的能力。{6T400.1}[17]
§39
【Present Truth with Gentleness】
§40
The truth should be presented with divine tact, gentleness, and tenderness. It should come from a heart that has been softened and made sympathetic. We need to have close communion with God, lest self rise up, as it did in Jehu, and we pour forth a torrent of words that are unbefitting, that are not as dew or as the still showers that revive the withering plants. Let our words be gentle as we seek to win souls. God will be wisdom to him who seeks for wisdom from a divine source. We are to seek opportunities on every hand, we are to watch unto prayer, and be ready always to give a reason for the hope that is in us, with meekness and fear. Lest we shall impress unfavorably one soul for whom Christ died we should keep our hearts uplifted to God, so that when the opportunity presents itself, we may have the right word to speak at the right time. If you thus undertake work for God, the Spirit of God will be your helper. The Holy Spirit will apply the word spoken in love for the soul. The truth will have quickening power when spoken under the influence of the grace of Christ.?{6T 400.1}[17]
§41
上帝的计划，是首先到达人心。要说出真理，并让上帝推进感化力和原则。不要提及反对者们所说的，而要单单推进真理。真理能切中要害。要以充足的感染力阐明上帝的道。{6T400.2}[18]
§42
God’s plan is first to get at the heart. Speak the truth, and let Him carry forward the reformatory power and principle. Make no reference to what opponents say, but let the truth alone be advanced. The truth can cut to the quick. Plainly unfold the word in all its impressiveness.?{6T 400.2}[18]
§43
当我们周围的试炼加深的时候，在我们队伍中，就会同时看到团结和分裂。有些现在预备好、拿起武器作战的人，当真正的危险来临之际，却会表明他们并没有建造在坚固的磐石上；他们会向试探屈服。那些虽然得到了伟大的亮光和宝贵的特权，却没有予以善用的人，会假借这种或那种托辞，从我们中间出去。他们既没有领受爱真理的心，就必被仇敌的迷惑所欺骗；他们必听从引诱人的邪灵和鬼魔的道理，离弃真道。但另一方面，当逼迫的风暴真的要临到我们身上的时候，真正的羊必听到那真牧人的声音。他们必会付出舍己的种种努力去拯救亡羊，而且许多已离群迷失的羊，也都要回来跟从“大牧人。”上帝的子民会团结起来，向敌人显出一个联合阵线。由于共同的危险，争大的事就会止息；不会再有关于谁要被算为大的争论了。没有一个真正的信徒会说：“我是属保罗的，我是属亚波罗的，我是属矶法的。”他们都会这样作见证说：“我专靠基督；我因祂作我个人的救主而欢喜快乐。”{6T400.3}[19]
§44
As trials thicken around us, both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks. Some who are now ready to take up weapons of warfare will in times of real peril make it manifest that they have not built upon the solid rock; they will yield to temptation. Those who have had great light and precious privileges, but have not improved them, will, under one pretext or another, go out from us.?Not having received the love of the truth, they will be taken in the delusions of the enemy; they will give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, and will depart from the faith. But, on the other hand, when the storm of persecution really breaks upon us, the true sheep will hear the true Shepherd’s voice. Self-denying efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to the enemy a united front. In view of the common peril, strife for supremacy will cease; there will be no disputing as to who shall be accounted greatest. No one of the true believers will say: “I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas.” The testimony of one and all will be: “I cleave unto Christ; I rejoice in Him as my personal Saviour.”?{6T 400.3}[19]
§45
这样，真理就会被带入实际的生活中，这样也会响应基督的祈祷，就是祂在受辱受死前所做的祈祷：“使他们都合而为一；正如祢，父，在我里面，我在祢里面，使他们也在我们里面：叫世人可以信祢差了我来”（约17:21）。爱基督，爱我们的弟兄，就会向世界证明，我们是和耶稣在一起，并学祂的样式的。然后第三天使的信息要逐渐增强为大呼声，全地都要因主的荣耀发光。{6T401.1}[20]
§46
Thus will the truth be brought into practical life, and thus will be answered the prayer of Christ, uttered just before His humiliation and death: “That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.”?John 17:21. The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord.?{6T 401.1}[20]
§47
我们的信念需要每天藉着谦卑诚恳的祷告和读经予以加强。尽管我们每人都有自己的个性，尽管我们都当坚定地持守我们的信念，但我们必须把这些信念持守为上帝的真理，并靠上帝所赐的力量来持守之。如果我们不这样做，它们就会从我们的手中被夺去。{6T401.2}[21]
§48
Our convictions need daily to be reinforced by humble, sincere prayer and reading of the word. While we each have an individuality, while we each should hold our convictions firmly, we must hold them as God’s truth and in the strength which God imparts. If we do not, they will be wrung from our grasp.?{6T 401.2}[21]