第22章 世上的穷人
§1
第22章 世上的穷人
§2
Chap. 22 - The Poor of the World
§3
供应穷人的需要——我们四周耳目所及，无非是穷困苦难。多少人家餐餐不济；儿童啼饥索食！多少人家徒四壁，缺乏适当的家具和被褥。许多人寄身于穷街陋巷，穷困潦倒。穷人的冤声已上达于天，上帝已经看到而且也听到了。——《证言》卷六385页. {WM 188.1}[1]
§4
To Supply the Wants of the Poor.--All around us we see want and suffering. Families are in need of food; little ones are crying for bread. The houses of the poor lack proper furniture and bedding. Many live in mere hovels, which are almost destitute of conveniences. The cry of the poor reaches to heaven. God sees; God hears.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 385. {WM 188.1}[1]
§5
虽然上帝本其美意，使地上遍满福惠，贮备生活上的一切需要，可是世间各处仍有穷苦悲惨的现象。慷慨的主已将众生需要的物资丰丰富富地交在人的手中，然而上帝的管家们却不忠心。在自称事奉基督的国家中，许多花于奢侈虚华上的金钱，足够使饥饿的人有食，赤身的人有衣。许多自称是基督名下的人，正在耗费祂的金钱在自私的享乐上，在满足口腹之欲上，在浓酒佳肴，在高楼大厦，家私堂皇，衣饰奢华上，而同时对于受苦的人类，却不屑投以怜恤的一顾，或说一句同情的话。{WM 188.2}[2]
§6
While God in His providence has laden the earth with His bounties and filled its storehouses with the comforts of life, want and misery are on every hand. A liberal Providence has placed in the hands of His human agents an abundance to supply the necessities of all, but the stewards of God are unfaithful. In the professed Christian world there is enough expended in extravagant display to supply the wants of all the hungry and to clothe the naked. Many who have taken upon themselves the name of Christ are spending His money for selfish pleasure, for the gratification of appetite, for strong drink and rich dainties, for extravagant houses and furniture and dress, while to suffering human beings they give scarcely a look of pity or a word of sympathy. {WM 188.2}[2]
§7
在我们所谓基督教的国家内，有多少不幸悲惨的事啊！且想到各大城市中贫民的情形。在这些城市中，有成千成万的人所受的看待与照料，甚至不如畜生所享有的。许多蓬头垢面的可怜儿童，褴褛饥饿，面露犯罪堕落之色。许多的家庭聚居在破屋陋室之中，或是在散发着潮湿污秽之气的阴暗的地下室里。有的孩子们在这些可怕的地方出生。自幼而长，不见可爱之物，不识自然之美，也就是上帝所创造用以悦目怡神的。孩子们在这样的环境中长大，耳濡目染周围全是邪恶犯罪之人的榜样，在品格上受了下流腐败的薰染。他们只在是一种亵渎漫骂的话中听到上帝的名字。污秽的话语，烟酒的臭气，各种各式的道德堕落，败坏了他们的视听。从这些困苦的住处，许多对祈祷一无所知的人发出了求衣乞食的可怜的哀声。{WM 188.3}[3]
§8
What misery exists in the very heart of our so-called Christian countries! Think of the condition of the poor in our large cities. In these cities there are multitudes of human beings who do not receive as much care and consideration as are given to the brutes. There are thousands of wretched children, ragged and half starved, with vice and depravity written on their faces. Families are herded together in miserable tenements, many of them dark cellars reeking with dampness and filth. Children are born in these terrible places. Infancy and youth behold nothing attractive, nothing of the beauty of natural things that God has created to delight the senses. These children are left to grow up molded and fashioned in character by the low precepts, the wretchedness, and the wicked example around them. They hear the name of God only in profanity. Impure words, the fumes of liquor and tobacco, moral degradation of every kind, meet the eye and pervert the senses. And from these abodes of wretchedness piteous cries for food and clothing are sent out by many who know nothing about prayer. {WM 188.3}[3]
§9
我们的各教会有一番工作要作，可惜许多人没有想到，甚至到现在犹未着手去作。基督说：“我饿了，你们给我吃；渴了，你们给我喝；我作客旅，你们留我住；我赤身露体，你们给我穿；我病了，你们看顾我；我在监里，你们来看我”（太25:35,36）。有些人以为，如果他们捐钱襄助这种工作，就再没有什么是需要他们去作的了；然而这是错了。捐钱并不能代替个人亲身的服务。我们捐钱原是应当的，许多人更当多作此事；但是按他们的力量及机会而论，所要求于大家的，乃是个人亲身的服务。{WM 189.1}[4]
§10
By our churches there is a work to be done of which many have little idea, a work as yet almost untouched. I was an hungred, Christ says, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me. Matthew 25:35, 36. Some think that if they give money to this work, it is all they are required to do, but this is an error. Donations of money cannot take the place of personal ministry. It is right to give our means, and many more should do this; but according to their strength and opportunities, personal service is required of all. {WM 189.1}[4]
§11
这种招集穷人，受压迫之人，遭苦痛之人，贫穷缺乏之人的工作，正是每个相信现代真理的教会早就应该作的工作。在接济人肉体的需要上，在使饥饿之人得饱足，将飘流的穷人接到我们的家中，以及在每日从上帝接受恩典及力量，以便能深入人类苦海中帮助那些不能自救之人上，我们应该要表现良善的撒玛利亚人的温柔同情之心。在进行这种工作时，我们就有顺利的机会宣扬那被钉十字架的基督了。——《证言》卷六274-276页. {WM 189.2}[5]
§12
The work of gathering in the needy, the oppressed, the suffering, the destitute, is the very work which every church that believes the truth for this time should long since have been doing. We are to show the tender sympathy of the Samaritan in supplying physical necessities, feeding the hungry, bringing the poor that are cast out to our homes, gathering from God every day grace and strength that will enable us to reach to the very depths of human misery and help those who cannot possibly help themselves. In doing this work we have a favorable opportunity to set forth Christ the crucified One.--Ibid., pp. 274-276. {WM 189.2}[5]
§13
从帮助邻居开始——每位教友应当觉得这是自己的特别义务，当为他的邻里工作。应当研究如何能向那些对宗教不感兴趣的人作最好的帮助。在你拜访邻居朋友之时，应当表示你很关心他们属灵的福惠，正如你关心他们属世的福利一样。应当显扬基督为赦罪的救主。邀请邻人到你的家中，与他们同读宝贵的圣经，及那些解释圣经真理的书，再结合简短的诗歌及热切的祷告，就会感动他们的心。教友们应当教育自己从事此项工作。这种工作，正如同到国外去救那些黑暗中的人的工作是一样必要的。当有些人为远方的生灵心中背负重责之时，许多人也当为自己四围的宝贵生灵挂心负责，并殷勤为他们的得救服务。{WM 190.1}[6]
§14
Begin by Helping Your Neighbors.--Every church member should feel it his special duty to labor for those living in his neighborhood. Study how you can best help those who take no interest in religious things. As you visit your friends and neighbors show an interest in their spiritual as well as in their temporal welfare. Present Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. Invite your neighbors to your home, and read with them from the precious Bible and from books that explain its truths. This, united with simple songs and fervent prayers, will touch their hearts. Let church members educate themselves to do this work. This is just as essential as to save the benighted souls in foreign countries. While some feel the burden of souls afar off, let the many who are at home feel the burden of precious souls around them and work just as diligently for their salvation. {WM 190.1}[6]
§15
经常消耗在于身心无益之娱乐的时间，应当用来访问贫穷，患病和受难的人，或致力于帮助需要的人。{WM 190.2}[7]
§16
The hours so often spent in amusement that refreshes neither body nor soul should be spent in visiting the poor, the sick, and the suffering, or in seeking to help someone who is in need. {WM 190.2}[7]
§17
在设法帮助那些穷苦的，被人轻视的，遭人弃绝的人时，不可将自己的尊严及优越当作高跷，而高高在上地向他们作工，因为那样的作法，是毫无所成的。应当真心悔改，并学主的样式，祂心里是柔和谦卑的。我们必须将耶和华常摆在我们面前。既然作基督的仆人，就当常常说这样的话，免得你们忘记了：“我是重价买来的。”{WM 190.3}[8]
§18
In trying to help the poor, the despised, the forsaken, do not work for them mounted on the stilts of your dignity and superiority, for in this way you will accomplish nothing. Become truly converted, and learn of Him who is meek and lowly in heart. We must set the Lord always before us. As servants of Christ keep saying, lest you forget it, I am bought with a price. {WM 190.3}[8]
§19
上帝不但要你行善事，也要你有喜乐的容颜，说希望的话语，并与人握手。当你去拜望信主的受苦之人时，你会发现有许多人已经断绝了希望；务要使他们重见光明。有些人需要生命之粮；要向他们读上帝的话。还有些人是心灵患病的，药石无灵，群医束手；应当为他们祈祷，领他们到耶稣面前。{WM 190.4}[9]
§20
God calls not only for your benevolence but for your cheerful countenance, your hopeful words, the grasp of your hand. As you visit the Lords afflicted ones you will find some from whom hope has departed; bring back the sunshine to them. There are those who need the bread of life; read to them from the Word of God. Upon others there is a soul sickness that no earthly balm can reach or physician heal; pray for these, and bring them to Jesus. {WM 190.4}[9]
§21
在一些特别情形之下，有的人一任情感用事，以致有冲动的行为。他们可能以为这样是在为基督作更大的服务，其实不然。他们的热心很快就冷淡了，为基督的服务也就被忽略了。上帝所悦纳的不是浮躁无定的服务，感情上的间歇性活动，不能使我们对同胞有所贡献。一暴十寒的行善，结果往往是害多益少。——《证言》卷六276，277页. {WM 191.1}[10]
§22
On special occasions some indulge in sentimental feelings which lead to impulsive movements. They may think that in this way they are doing great service for Christ, but they are not. Their zeal soon dies, and then Christs service is neglected. It is not fitful service that God accepts; it is not by emotional spasms of activity that we can do good to our fellow men. Spasmodic efforts to do good often result in more injury than benefit.--Ibid., pp. 276-277. {WM 191.1}[10]
§23
提供正确的帮助——应当先谨慎地藉着祈祷，将帮助穷人的方法妥为考虑。我们要向上帝求智慧，因为祂比眼光短浅的凡人更能明白应当如何照顾祂所创造的人。有些人不分青红皂白地给一切求助的人帮忙。他们这样行也是错了。在试图去帮助穷人之时，我们应当小心地给他们以合适的帮助。有些人在受了帮助之后，会一直使自己成为受人救济的特别对象。只要他们有所倚赖，便长此以靠人为生。对于这等人，我们若过于耗时费事，就可能助长懒惰，不自助，浪费，及不节制了。{WM 191.2}[11]
§24
Give the Right Kind of Help.--Methods of helping the needy should be carefully and prayerfully considered. We are to seek God for wisdom, for He knows better than shortsighted mortals how to care for the creatures He has made. There are some who give indiscriminately to everyone who solicits their aid. In this they err. In trying to help the needy we should be careful to give them the right kind of help. There are those who when helped will continue to make themselves special objects of need. They will be dependent as long as they see anything on which to depend. By giving undue time and attention to these we may encourage idleness, helplessness, extravagance, and intemperance. {WM 191.2}[11]
§25
每当我们周济穷人之时，应当先为考虑：“我是否助长浪费？我是帮助他们呢？或是害了他们？”无论何人，凡能自力谋生的，就没有权力依赖他人。{WM 191.3}[12]
§26
When we give to the poor we should consider, Am I encouraging prodigality? Am I helping or injuring them? No man who can earn his own livelihood has a right to depend on others. {WM 191.3}[12]
§27
谚云：“世界当养活我，”这话含有荒谬，虚假，及抢夺的本质。一个人能作工，能自食其力，世界并没有当养活他的责任。但若有人来到门前求食，我们也不该让他饿着肚子而去。他的穷乏也许是由于什么不幸所致。{WM 192.1}[13]
§28
The proverb, The world owes me a living, has in it the essence of falsehood, fraud, and robbery. The world owes no man a living who is able to work and gain a living for himself. But if one comes to our door and asks for food, we should not turn him away hungry. His poverty may be the result of misfortune. {WM 192.1}[13]
§29
我们应当帮助那些家庭中食口浩繁，不断与软弱和穷苦奋斗的人。许多孀居的妇人，要负责抚育自己的遗孤，为保守她的小儿女在身边，维持他们的衣食，劳苦之重，远非她力所能胜。许多这样的母亲，常因劳瘁丧生。每个寡妇都需要希望及鼓励的话来安慰她，也有许多寡妇应该得到实物上的补助。——《证言》卷六277，278页. {WM 192.2}[14]
§30
We should help those who with large families to support have constantly to battle with feebleness and poverty. Many a widowed mother with her fatherless children is working far beyond her strength in order to keep her little ones with her and provide them with food and clothing. Many such mothers have died from overexertion. Every widow needs the comfort of hopeful, encouraging words, and there are very many who should have substantial aid.--Ibid., pp. 227, 228. {WM 192.2}[14]
§31
关心每一个穷人——这是上帝的旨意，使穷人与富人用同情相助之绳索，彼此密切联系。祂吩咐我们应当对自己所知道的各个穷苦人家，表示关切之心。不可以为去服务穷苦之人，是有损自己的尊严。……{WM 192.3}[15]
§32
Take Note of Every Case of Need.--It is Gods purpose that the rich and the poor shall be closely bound together by the ties of sympathy and helpfulness. He bids us interest ourselves in every case of suffering and need that shall come to our knowledge. Think it not lowering to your dignity to minister to suffering humanity. . . . {WM 192.3}[15]
§33
许多与我们信仰不同的人正在切望基督徒分内所当给他们的帮助。如果上帝的子民肯向邻舍表现真正的关心，许多人就会被现代特别真理所感动了。没有什么能比到人们所在之处去帮助他们，更能使这工作增光添色。如果那些自称爱上帝且守祂诫命的人，肯象基督一样作工，则今日早就有成千成万的人欣然接受这信息了。——《证言》卷六279，280页. {WM 192.4}[16]
§34
Many not of our faith are longing for the very help that Christians are in duty bound to give. If Gods people would show a genuine interest in their neighbors, many would be reached by the special truths for this time. Nothing will or ever can give character to the work like helping the people just where they are. Thousands might today be rejoicing in the message if those who claim to love God and keep His commandments would work as Christ worked.--Ibid., pp. 279, 280. {WM 192.4}[16]
§35
今日接触人心的最佳方法——藉着对受苦人类的需要表示关心，我们能最好地接触人心。当我们感到对他人的这种温柔的同情以致分散我们的利益和特权去救济他们的需要时，完成心与脑的修养就容易得多了。——《信函》1897. 116. {WM 192.5}[17]
§36
The Best Way to Reach Hearts Today.--By showing an interest in the wants of suffering humanity we can best reach hearts. The culture of the mind and heart is much more easily accomplished when we feel such tender sympathy in others that we scatter our benefits and privileges to relieve their necessities.-- Letter 116, 1897. {WM 192.5}[17]
§37
我们需要藉着伸手帮助别人来表现基督。我们要在基督给祂门徒们的使命之下工作：“所以，你们要去，使万民作我的门徒，奉父、子、圣灵的名给他们施洗。凡我所吩咐你们的，都教训他们遵守，我就常与你们同在，直到世界的末了”（太28:19,20）。这就是我们的工作，要接触被忽视的人，争取他们归向基督。{WM 193.1}[18]
§38
We want to represent Christ by reaching out to others. We are to work under the commission Christ gave to His disciples, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. This, then, is our work, to reach the people who are neglected, and win them to Christ. {WM 193.1}[18]
§39
直到最近，我们的人都没有做出什么努力去帮助这些人。基督来不是要召义人，而是召罪人悔改。祂愿意让每一个都视祂宝血的功效有无限的价值，能将凡愿意被说服来到祂面前的人拯救到底。祂愿意让我们人类每一个照着祂的形像受造的人都记住上帝是无限的，而祂在基督为全人类所做的赎罪中所显示的爱，显明了祂放在人类身上的价值。祂吩咐他们来就祂并且得救。我们必须来就我们一切怜悯之源。祂要使用人们作祂的代理，去争取他们的同胞脱离罪恶。——《信函》1898. 33. {WM 193.2}[19]
§40
Until recently our people have made but little or no effort to help these. Christ came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. He would have every soul regard the efficacy of His blood as of unlimited value, able to save unto the uttermost all who will be persuaded to come to Him. He would have every individual of our race, formed in His image, remember that God is infinite, and that His love revealed in the atonement of Christ, in favor of all mankind, makes manifest the value He places on humanity. He bids them come to Him and be saved. To the Source of all our mercies we must come. He will use men as His agents to win their fellow men from sin.--Letter 33, 1898. {WM 193.2}[19]