第04章 我们的责任
§1
第04章 我们的责任
§2
Chap. 4—Our Responsibility
§3
我多次在异象中清楚地看到余民教会的状况，这个教会对因缺乏现代真理的知识而行将灭亡的世界表现出惊人的冷漠。这使我数小时，有时数天之久深感痛苦。许多受托以第三位天使信息之救恩真理的人，没有认识到救灵工作是有赖于上帝教会的献身和行动。许多人在用他们的福气为自己服务。他们非基督化的行为使基督受到羞辱，令我心痛不已！但在痛苦之余，我要更加努力地唤醒他们无私地从事拯救同胞的工作。{8T 24.1}[1]
§4
There are times when a distinct view is presented to me of the condition of the remnant church, a condition of appalling indifference to the needs of a world perishing for lack of a knowledge of the truth for this time. Then I have hours, and sometimes days, of intense anguish. Many to whom have been committed the saving truths of the third angel’s message fail of realizing that the salvation of souls is dependent upon the consecration and activity of God’s church. Many are using their blessings in the service of self. Oh, how my heart aches because Christ is put to shame by their un-Christlike behavior! But, after the agony is past, I feel like working harder than ever to arouse them to put forth unselfish effort for the saving of their fellow men.?{8T 24.1}[1]
§5
上帝已使祂的子民成为祂恩典和真理的管家。他们若忽略把这些福气分给同胞，祂会怎样看待他们呢？假设一个属于英国的海外殖民地因饥荒和战争的威胁而处于极大的痛苦之中。大批的人因饥饿而垂垂待毙。强大的敌人集结在边境，威胁着要加速毁灭的工作。国内的政府自然会打开仓库；公众的慈善工作立时启动。救济的物资从众多的渠道源源而来。装满宝贵的救命物资的舰队随即奉命驶往受灾地区，还伴随着那些心受激动愿来帮助之人的祈祷。起先舰队是直接驶往目的地的，但因看不见陆地，受托送食品给灾民的人热情减退了。虽然他们从事的是使他们与天使同工的工作，但他们丧失了原来的良好印象。因着不良的顾问，试探乘虚而入。{8T 24.2}[2]
§6
God has made His people stewards of His grace and truth, and how does He regard their neglect to impart these blessings to their fellow men? Let us suppose that a distant colony belonging to Great Britain is in great distress because of famine and threatened war. Multitudes are dying of starvation, and a powerful enemy is gathering on the frontier, threatening to hasten the work of death. The government at home opens its stores; public charity pours forth; relief flows through many channels. A fleet is freighted with the precious means of life and is sent to the scene of suffering, accompanied by the prayers of those whose hearts are stirred to help. And for a time the fleet sails directly for its destination. But, having lost sight of land, the ardor of those entrusted with carrying food to the starving sufferers abates. Though engaged in a work that makes them colaborers with angels, they lose the good impressions with which they started forth. Through evil counselors, temptation enters.?{8T 24.2}[2]
§7
在他们的航程中有许多岛屿，虽然远非他们的目的地，他们还是决定前往。已经进入的试探变得更大了。自私的精神占据了他们的心。他们所看到的，只是商业的利益。负责舰队的人在利诱之下决定留在岛上。他们原先慈善的宗旨消失了。他们忘记了前去救济的灾民。他们用交托他们的物资牟利。慈善的物品转为自私之用。他们把救命的财物换成自私的财富，任凭同胞饿死。垂死之人的呼声上达于天。上帝把这种盗窃的行为记录在册子上。{8T 24.3}[3]
§8
A group of islands lies in their course, and, though far short?of their destination, they decide to call. The temptation that has already entered grows stronger. The selfish spirit of gain takes possession of their minds. Mercantile advantages present themselves. Those in charge of the fleet are prevailed on to remain on the islands. Their original purpose of mercy fades from their sight. They forget the starving people to whom they were sent. The stores entrusted to them are used for their own benefit. The means of beneficence is diverted into channels of selfishness. They barter the means of life for selfish gain, and leave their fellow beings to die. The cries of the perishing ascend to heaven, and the Lord writes in His record the tale of robbery.?{8T 24.3}[3]
§9
想想这事多么恐怖，人们因那些经管救济物资之人不忠于所托而行将死亡！我们不难认识到人会因犯这么大的罪而有罪。可是我蒙指示要对你们说，我的弟兄，我的姐妹，基督徒们天天在犯这样的罪。{8T 25.1}[4]
§10
Think of the horror of human beings dying because those placed in charge of the means of relief proved unfaithful to their trust. It is difficult for us to realize that man could be guilty of so terrible a sin. Yet I am instructed to say to you, my brother, my sister, that Christians are daily repeating this sin.?{8T 25.1}[4]
§11
在伊甸园中，人从崇高的地位堕落了，并因犯罪开始遭受死亡。天庭既看到人类在灭亡，上帝的慈心便被激动了。祂以无限的代价设计了一个解救之方。祂“爱世人，甚至将祂的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生”（约3:16）。除了藉着基督，罪人别无指望。上帝看见“无人拯救，无人代求，甚为诧异，就用自己的膀臂施行拯救，以公义扶持自己”（赛59:16）。{8T 25.2}[5]
§12
In Eden, man fell from his high estate and through transgression became subject to death. It was seen in heaven that human beings were perishing, and the compassion of God was stirred. At infinite cost He devised a means of relief. He “so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”?John 3:16. There was no hope for the transgressor except through Christ. God saw that “there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore His arm brought salvation unto Him; and His righteousness, it sustained Him.”?Isaiah 59:16.?{8T 25.2}[5]
§13
主拣选了一班人，使他们作祂真理的保管人。祂的旨意是要藉着以色列人启示祂的品格，吸引人归向祂。福音的邀请是要给全世界的。藉着献祭崇祀的教训使基督在万民之前被高举，使一切仰望祂的人都可得到生命。{8T 25.3}[6]
§14
The Lord chose a people and made them the depositories of His truth. It was His purpose that by the revelation of His character through Israel, men should be drawn to Him. To all the world the gospel invitation was to be given. Through?the teaching of the sacrificial service, Christ was to be uplifted before the nations, and all who would look unto Him should live.?{8T 25.3}[6]
§15
但以色列人没有实现上帝的旨意。他们忘记了自己作上帝代表的崇高特权。他们忘记了上帝。他们所领受的福分并没有转而造福他人。他们专用自己的一切权利来满足自己。上帝所要他们作的工作，他们没有作。人类所应当从他们身上得到的宗教指导和圣洁榜样，他们也没有表现。{8T 26.1}[7]
§16
But Israel did not fulfill God’s purpose. They forgot God and lost sight of their high privilege as His representatives. The blessings that they had received brought no blessing to the world. All their advantages were appropriated for their own glorification. They robbed God of the service He required of them, and they robbed their fellow men of religious guidance and a holy example.?{8T 26.1}[7]
§17
上帝最后差祂儿子来显示那位不可见者的品格。基督来了，并在这世上过了顺从上帝律法的一生。祂舍了自己宝贵的生命要救世人，并使祂的仆人们成为祂的管家。天庭一切的财宝都与基督的恩赐一同赐给了人类。教会装满了天粮要救即将饿死的人。这就是上帝的子民受命要带到世界的财宝。他们要忠心尽责，继续作工，直到怜悯的信息包围了世界。{8T 26.2}[8]
§18
God finally sent His Son to reveal to men the character of the Unseen. Christ came and lived on this earth a life of obedience to God’s law. He gave His precious life to save the world and made His servants His stewards. With the gift of Christ all the treasures of heaven were given to man. The church was freighted with the food of heaven for starving souls. This was the treasure that the people of God were commissioned to carry to the world. They were faithfully to perform their duty, continuing their work until the message of mercy had encircled the world.?{8T 26.2}[8]
§19
基督升到了天上，差遣祂的圣灵来赐能力给祂门徒的工作。一天之内就有数千人悔改了。在一个世代之内，福音就传遍了天下各国。但渐渐发生了改变。教会失去了她起初的爱心。她变得自私而且爱安逸了，怀有了世俗的精神。仇敌将他的魅力投在那些已蒙上帝赐予亮光的人身上，这亮光是为一个在黑暗中的世界赐下的，原应在好行为中照耀出来。世界已被抢夺了上帝切望人们领受的祝福。{8T 26.3}[9]
§20
Christ ascended to heaven and sent His Holy Spirit to give power to the work of His disciples. Thousands were converted in a day. In a single generation the gospel was carried to every nation under heaven. But little by little a change came. The church lost her first love. She became selfish and ease-loving. The spirit of worldliness was cherished. The enemy cast his spell upon those to whom God had given light for a world in darkness, light which should have shone forth in good works. The world was robbed of the blessings that God desired men to receive.?{8T 26.3}[9]
§21
在这个世代岂不是在重复着同样的事吗？在我们这个时代，许多人在扣留主为拯救一个未蒙警告未得救的世界而委托给他们的东西。圣经描写一位天使飞在空中，“有永远的福音要传给住在地上的人，就是各国、各族、各方、各民。他大声说：‘应当敬畏上帝，将荣耀归给祂！因祂施行审判的时候已经到了。应当敬拜那创造天地海和众水泉源的’”（启14:6,7）。{8T 26.4}[10]
§22
Is not the same thing repeated in this generation? Many in our day are keeping back that which the Lord has entrusted to them for the salvation of a world unwarned, unsaved. In the word of God an angel is represented as flying in the midst of heaven, “having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them?that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”?Revelation 14:6, 7.?{8T 26.4}[10]
§23
《启示录》第14章的信息是我们要传给世界的信息。它乃是这些末后日子的生命之粮。千百万的人正在无知和罪孽中灭亡。但许多已蒙上帝托付生命贮备的人却对这些人漠然置之。许多人忘记了自己已受托给那些急需救恩之人的生命之粮。{8T 27.1}[11]
§24
The message of?Revelation 14?is the message that we are to bear to the world. It is the bread of life for these last days. Millions of human beings are perishing in ignorance and iniquity. But many of those to whom God has committed the stores of life look upon these souls with indifference. Many forget that to them has been entrusted the bread of life for those starving for salvation.?{8T 27.1}[11]
§25
为了成为献身的基督徒，为了基督化的一致性，为了有那生发仁爱并洁净心灵的信心！愿上帝帮助我们悔改，把我们慢吞吞的动作变成献身的活动。愿祂帮助我们在我们的言语行为中表明我们以将亡之人为我们自己的负担。{8T 27.2}[12]
§26
Oh, for consecrated Christians, for Christlike consistency, for the faith that works by love and purifies the soul! May God help us to repent and change our sluggish movements into consecrated activity. May He help us to show in our words and works that we make the burden of perishing souls our own.?{8T 27.2}[12]
§27
但愿我们因上帝忍耐我们迟缓不信的行动而时刻感恩。在做了这么少之后，我们不该因我们已做了什么的想法而自鸣得意，而要认真地做更多的工。我们不可停止努力或放松警惕。我们的热心决不要减退。我们属灵的生命必须每日被那使我们上帝的城喜乐的溪流复兴。我们必须总是伺机使用上帝所赐给我们的才干。{8T 27.3}[13]
§28
Let us be thankful every moment for God’s forbearance with our tardy, unbelieving movements. Instead of flattering ourselves with the thought of what we have done, after doing so little, we are to labor still more earnestly. We are not to cease our efforts or relax our vigilance. Never is our zeal to grow less. Our spiritual life must be daily revived by the stream that makes glad the city of our God. We must be always on the watch for opportunities to use for God the talents He has given us.?{8T 27.3}[13]
§29
这世界乃是一个剧场；演员就是世上的居民，正准备要在最后大戏剧中扮演各自的角色。就广大的群众而言，并没有什么统一团结，除非人们以联盟达成其自私自利的意图。上帝也在观看着。祂对其背叛子民的旨意终必完成。上帝虽然容忍捣乱和骚扰分子暂时得势，但世界并非已交在世人的手中。一种从下面来的权势正在活动着，要造成这戏剧最后重要的几幕──撒但要冒充基督降临，藉着那些与秘密社团联合之人，施行各样出于不义的诡诈。凡屈从这种参加同盟之激情的人，无非是在实现仇敌的计谋而已，既有其因，就必有其果。{8T 27.4}[14]
§30
The world is a theater; the actors, its inhabitants, are preparing to act their part in the last great drama. With the great masses of mankind there is no unity, except as men confederate to accomplish their selfish purposes. God is looking on. His purposes in regard to His rebellious subjects will be fulfilled. The world has not been given into the hands of men, though?God is permitting the elements of confusion and disorder to bear sway for a season. A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama—Satan coming as Christ, and working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who are binding themselves together in secret societies. Those who are yielding to the passion for confederation are working out the plans of the enemy. The cause will be followed by the effect.?{8T 27.4}[14]
§31
世上的罪孽过犯，几乎已到了极限。混乱遍布人间，一场惊慌即将临到人类。万物的结局已是非常迫近。我们身为认识真理的人，应当为这快要发生于世上的一场惊人巨变早作准备。{8T 28.1}[15]
§32
Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise.?{8T 28.1}[15]
§33
约翰写道：“我又看见一个白色的大宝座与坐在上面的；从祂面前天地都逃避，再无可见之处了。我又看见死了的人，无论大小，都站在宝座前。案卷展开了，并且另有一卷展开，就是生命册。死了的人都凭着这些案卷所记载的，照他们所行的受审判”（启20:11,12）。{8T 28.2}[16]
§34
John writes: “And I saw a great white throne, and Him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”?Revelation 20:11, 12.?{8T 28.2}[16]
§35
我们这班人是否都在打盹睡觉呢？啊，那班在我们各机构中，现在没有为主的显现准备妥当，不配成为主家里的分子的青年男女们若能辨别时兆，则在他们身上将要看见何等的改变啊！主耶稣现在号召克己牺牲的工作人员来跟从祂的脚踪行，与祂同行合作，高举十字架，追随祂所引领的路。{8T 28.3}[17]
§36
Are we as a people asleep? Oh, if the young men and young women in our institutions who are now unready for the Lord’s appearing, unfitted to become members of the Lord’s family, could only discern the signs of the times, what a change would be seen in them! The Lord Jesus is calling for self-denying workers to follow in His footsteps, to walk and work for Him, to lift the cross, and to follow where He leads the way.?{8T 28.3}[17]
§37
有许多人向主献上微不足道的服务便心满意足。他们的基督徒精神软弱无力。基督为救罪人而将自己舍了。我们看见世人在罪孽中沦亡，心中应该怎样为救灵而焦急不安啊！这些生灵都是以重价买来的。上帝的儿子在髑髅地十字架上的死亡，乃是他们的身价。他们日复一日地在决定究竟是要享有永远的生命，或遭遇永远的死亡。可是一般自称是侍奉主的男女人士，却仍然心安理得的把时间和注意力用在无足轻重的小事上。他们逞心纵意的彼此争论。如果他们真是献身从事主的工作，他们就决不致像一家不守规矩的小孩子一般在争争闹闹了。每一个人手都必参加服务。各人都必站在自己负责的岗位上，作基督十字架的传道人，全心全意地从事工作。救赎主的灵必住在工人们的心中，也必有公义的行为表现出来。工人们会把觉醒之教会的同情和祈祷带到他们的服务中去。他们必从基督那里接受指示，再也找不到时间去吵闹争论了。{8T 28.4}[18]
§38
Many are readily satisfied with offering the Lord trifling acts of service. Their Christianity is feeble. Christ gave Himself for sinners. With what anxiety for the salvation of souls we should be filled as we see human beings perishing in sin! These souls have been bought at an infinite price. The death of the Son of God on Calvary’s cross is the measure of their?value. Day by day they are deciding whether they will have eternal life or eternal death. And yet men and women professing to serve the Lord are content to occupy their time and attention with matters of little importance. They are content to be at variance with one another. If they were consecrated to the work of the Master, they would not be striving and contending like a family of unruly children. Every hand would be engaged in service. Everyone would be standing at his post of duty, working with heart and soul as a missionary of the cross of Christ. The spirit of the Redeemer would abide in the hearts of the laborers, and works of righteousness would be wrought. The workers would carry with them into their service the prayers and sympathy of an awakened church. They would receive their directions from Christ and would find no time for strife and contention.?{8T 28.4}[18]
§39
信息会从被来自神圣祭坛的炭火沾过的嘴唇传出来。恳切、炼净的话语会讲出来。谦卑、破碎的心发出的信心的祈祷，会上达于天。工人们会用一只手握住基督，用另一只手握住罪人，使他们靠近救主。{8T 29.1}[19]
§40
Messages would come from lips touched with a live coal from the divine altar. Earnest, purified words would be spoken. Humble, heartbroken intercessions would ascend to heaven. With one hand the workers would take hold of Christ, while with the other they would grasp sinners and draw them to the Saviour.?{8T 29.1}[19]
§41
“这天国的福音要传遍天下，对万民作见证，然后末期才来到”（太24:14）。{8T 29.2}[20]
§42
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”?Matthew 24:14.?{8T 29.2}[20]
§43
“人被拉到死地，你要解救，人将被杀，你须拦阻，你若说：‘这事我未曾知道’；那衡量人心的岂不明白吗？保守你命的岂不知道吗？祂岂不按各人所行的报应各人吗”（箴24:11,12）？{8T 29.3}[21]
§44
“If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? and He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?”?Proverbs 24:11, 12.?{8T 29.3}[21]