第37章 外邦人的财富
§1
第37章 外邦人的财富
§2
Chap. 37 - The Wealth of the Gentiles
§3
不要从圣工取钱——十分之一被分别出来作特殊的用途。不要把它看作穷人基金。十分之一是专门用于维持那些正在把上帝的信息传给世界之人的，不应偏离这个用途。—《评论与通讯》1896.12.1. {WM 277.1}[1]
§4
Not to Take Means From the Cause.--The tithe is set apart for a special use. It is not to be regarded as a poor fund. It is to be especially devoted to the support of those who are bearing Gods message to the world, and it should not be diverted from this purpose.--Review and Herald, Supplement, Dec. 1, 1896. {WM 277.1}[1]
§5
上帝的圣工不应该因为我们优先关心穷人而受到忽视。基督曾就此给了门徒一个非常重要的教训。当马利亚将香膏浇在耶稣头上时，贪婪的犹大以穷人作为藉口，抱怨说他认为这是浪费了金钱。但耶稣为这个行动作了辩护，说：“为什么难为她呢？她在我身上做的是一件美事。”“普天之下，无论在什么地方传这福音，也要述说这女人所做的，以为记念”（可14:6,9）。这就告诉我们应当把我们最好的财物奉献给基督，以此来尊荣祂。要是我们把全部的关心都投入在救济穷人的需要上，上帝的圣工就会遭到忽视。上帝的管家们若尽自己的本分，就应该使两方都不受损，但应当首先考虑上帝的圣工。——《证言》卷四 550，551页. {WM 277.2}[2]
§6
The cause of God should not be overlooked that the poor may receive our first attention. Christ once gave His disciples a very important lesson on this point. When Mary poured the ointment on the head of Jesus, covetous Judas made a plea in behalf of the poor, murmuring at what he considered a waste of money. But Jesus vindicated the act, saying: Why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on Me. Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her. By this we are taught that Christ is to be honored in the consecration of the best of our substance. Should our whole attention be directed to relieving the wants of the poor, Gods cause would be neglected. Neither will suffer if His stewards do their duty, but the cause of Christ should come first.--Testimonies, vol. 4, pp. 550, 551. {WM 277.2}[2]
§7
上帝的要求应当高于任何其他的要求，而且要首先满足；其次是照顾穷困的人。——《青年导报》1897.8.26. {WM 277.3}[3]
§8
Gods claim is to take precedence of any other claim and must be discharged first. Then the poor and the needy are to be cared for.--Youths Instructor, Aug. 26, 1897. {WM 277.3}[3]
§9
从教外来源收取——上帝会为我们开辟我们信徒以外的资源。我不明白为何有人反对收取与我们信仰不同之人的奉献。只有采取极端立场的人才会这样。他们无权这样做。—《给传道人和工人的特别证言》3号43页{WM 277.4}[4]
§10
To Receive From Outside Sources.--God will open the way for us from sources outside our own people. I cannot see how anyone can take exceptions to the receiving of gifts from those not of our faith. They can only do so by taking extreme views and by creating issues which they are not authorized to do.--Special Testimonies to Ministers and Workers, no. 3, p. 43. {WM 277.4}[4]
§11
上帝感动不信的人来帮助——你询问接受外邦人的捐赠是否合适的问题。这个问题并不奇怪。不过我要问你，我们这个世界是属于谁的？谁是房屋和田地的真正主人？岂不是上帝吗？祂已把世上丰富的恩典交在人的手中，使饥饿的人有饭吃，赤身的人有衣穿，无家的人有栖身之所。主会感动世俗的人，甚至是拜偶像的人，以财富来支持圣工，只要我们聪明地接近他们，给他们机会做他们有权去做的事情。他们既愿奉献，我们就有权接受。{WM 278.1}[5]
§12
God Moves Upon Unbelievers to Help.--You inquire with respect to the propriety of receiving gifts from Gentiles or the heathen. The question is not strange; but I would ask you, Who is that owns our world? Who are the real owners of houses and lands? Is it not God? He has an abundance in our world which He has placed in the hands of men, by which the hungry might be supplied with food, the naked with clothing, the homeless with homes. The Lord would move upon worldly men, even idolaters, to give of their abundance for the support of the work, if we would approach them wisely and give them an opportunity of doing those things which it is their privilege to do. What they would give we should be privileged to receive. {WM 278.1}[5]
§13
我们应该认识有地位的人，运用智慧，灵巧象蛇，驯良象鸽子，从他们身上得到帮助，因上帝会感动他们的心，为祂的子民做很多的事情。若有合适的人，以一种合适的方式，把上帝圣工的需要，摆在那些有财有势的人面前，这些人就能在我们的世界里为推展上帝的圣工而大有作为。因为我们离群独处，已经放弃了那本来可以获取利益的特权与机会。但是我们不必牺牲任何一项真理原则，同时仍可利用每一机会来推进上帝的圣工。—《给传道人和工人的特别证言》3号29页. {WM 278.2}[6]
§14
We should become acquainted with men in high places, and by exercising the wisdom of the serpent and the harmlessness of the dove we might obtain advantage from them, for God would move upon their minds to do many things in behalf of His people. If proper persons would set before those who have means and influence, the needs of the work of God in a proper light, these men might do much to advance the cause of God in our world. We have put away from us privileges and advantages that we might have had the benefit of, because we chose to stand independent of the world. But we need not sacrifice one principle of truth while taking advantage of every opportunity to advance the cause of God.--Ibid., pp. 29, 30. {WM 278.2}[6]
§15
呼召伟大而善良的人来帮助我们——有一个世界要警告，我们却一向疏于呼召教内教外富有的人在这工作上援助我们。我们希望凡自称基督徒的人都和我们站在一起，一心一意慷慨地协助我们在这世界上建立上帝的国度。我们应呼召伟大而善良的人，在我们基督徒所努力的工作上给予帮助。他们应被邀请，来赞助我们寻找拯救失丧之人的努力。—《感恩计划的来源与发展》第5页。{WM 279.1}[7]
§16
Call Upon Great and Good Men to Help Us.-- There is a world to be warned, and we have been very delicate about calling upon rich men, either church members or worldlings, to aid us in the work. We would that all professed Christians stood with us. We would that their souls might be drawn out in liberality in aiding us in building up the kingdom of God in our world. We should call upon great and good men to help us in our Christian endeavor work. They should be invited to second our efforts in seeking to save that which is lost.--The Origin and Development of the Thanksgiving Plan, p. 5. {WM 279.1}[7]
§17
不要拒绝这种礼物——何时我们向世界、天使和人们表明上帝圣工的兴旺是我们首要的考虑事项，上帝就会赐福给我们。祂有时藉着不信的人作工，使意外的救济来到。主将帮助人的意念放在人们心中。不要拒绝这样来到的钱财。当有来自不信之人的钱财时，人们要用来尊荣上帝。每一位有属灵的心思，全心全意奉献的人，都必正确地使用上帝所托付的才干。{WM 279.2}[8]
§18
Such Gifts Not to Be Refused.--When we show to the world, to angels, and to men that the prosperity of the cause of God is our first consideration, God will bless us. Sometimes He works through unbelievers, and unexpected relief comes. The Lord puts it into the hearts of men to help. The means coming in this way is not to be refused. When means comes from unbelievers it is to be used by the human agent to honor God. Every spiritually-minded, wholehearted giver will rightly apply every God-entrusted talent. {WM 279.2}[8]
§19
主无须倚靠我们的钱财。祂不会受人力的限制。祂的道路总是最好的道路。凡能推进我们机构上帝事工的任何帮助，都要被当作由祂而来的予以使用。不要拒绝来自不信之人的礼物。金钱是主的，应该感激地接受。要让上帝藉着祂所愿意的人作工传信。……我们相信时间正在结束。永恒在即。我们钱财的供应是有限的，而要做成的工作很大。现在是必须运用信心的时候。我们能够担当是在于上帝。—《文稿》1899. 47 {WM 279.3}[9]
§20
The Lord does not have to depend upon our means. He will not be restricted by the human agent. His way is always the best way, and any help that may come to advance His cause and work in any of our institutions is to be used as coming from Him. Gifts from unbelievers are not to be refused. The money is the Lords, and is to be received with gratitude. Let God work and send by whom He will. . . . We believe time is closing. Eternity is at hand. Our supply of means is limited, and the work to be done is great. It is now that faith must be exercised. Our sufficiency is in God.--Manuscript 47, 1899. {WM 279.3}[9]
§21
财富会提供便利——让那些为上帝圣工的利益而劳力的人，把某地方圣工的需要，摆在世上富足人的眼前。在行这事时，应当小心而聪明。告诉他们你想要办的事是什么。向他们募捐。他们的金钱是属于上帝的，他们当用这些钱财来开导世界。{WM 280.1}[10]
§22
Wealthy Will Provide Facilities.--Let those who labor in the interests of the cause of God lay the necessities of the work in ----- before the wealthy men of the world. Do this judiciously. Tell them what you are trying to do. Solicit donations from them. It is Gods means which they have, means which should be used in enlightening the world. {WM 280.1}[10]
§23
世上有许多金银财宝被人积聚起来。人们的财富日积月累。应当到这些人那里，以充满爱基督和受苦人类的心，请他们帮助你正在设法为主作的善工。在他们见到你表现上帝的慈悲大爱之时，他们的心就会被触动而引起共鸣回响。他们就会认识到，通过作医疗布道工作可以成为基督的助手。他们必被引导与上帝同工，蒙主给予各种必要的方便，使必要完成的工作开始进展。—《文稿》1901.41. {WM 280.2}[11]
§24
There are stored up in the earth large treasures of gold and silver. Mens riches have accumulated. Go to these men with a heart filled with love for Christ and suffering humanity and ask them to help you in the work you are trying to do for the Master. As they see that you reveal the sentiments of Gods benevolence, a chord will be touched in their hearts. They will realized that they can be Christs helping hand by doing medical missionary work. They will be led to cooperate with God, to provide the facilities necessary to set in operation the work that needs to be done. --Manuscript 40, 1901. {WM 280.2}[11]
§25
受圣灵感动而奉献——上流社会的人士很奇怪的被忽略了。在从事高层职业的人当中，会找到许多对真理做出响应的人，因为真理是合理一致的，并带有福音的高尚品质的标记。从这样得来的有才干的人，将有不少人会毅然地参加主的圣工。{WM 280.3}[12]
§26
Impressed by the Spirit to Give.--The higher classes have been strangely neglected. In the higher walks of life will be found many who will respond to the truth, because it is consistent, because it bears the stamp of the high character of the gospel. Not a few of the men of ability thus won to the cause will enter energetically into the Lords work. {WM 280.3}[12]
§27
主呼召那些负责任有地位，那些已蒙祂赋予宝贵恩赐的人，运用他们的才智及资财为祂服务。我们的职工当在这些人面前，简明地提出我们工作的计划，告诉他们我们需要什么来帮助贫苦缺乏的人，和怎样建立这种工作在稳固的根基上。其中有些人要受圣灵的感动，将主所赐的资财，用来投资推进主的圣工。他们会帮助在大城市中设立感化人的中心机构，以成全主的旨意。——《证言》卷七112页. {WM 280.4}[13]
§28
The Lord calls upon those who are in positions of trust, those to whom He has entrusted His precious gifts, to use their talents of intellect and means in His service. Our workers should present before these men a plain statement of our plan of labor, telling them what we need in order to help the poor and needy and to establish this work on a firm basis. Some of these will be impressed by the Holy Spirit to invest the Lords means in a way that will advance His cause. They will fulfill His purpose by helping to create centers of influence in the large cities.--Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 112. {WM 280.4}[13]
§29
会有人奉献金钱——如果人愿意让圣灵运行，使徒时代的经验就会临到我们。凡有自私的动机所参与的地方，主就会撤走祂的祝福。如果普天下上帝的子民都无私地为救拔人类而作工，那么上帝就会沛降祂的良善。祂的工作应该是慈爱的象征，是赢得这个世界的信任的象征，会带来财力推进福音。—《特别证言》系列二，1号20页。{WM 281.1}[14]
§30
Money Will Be Given.--The experience of apostolic days will come to us if men will be worked by the Holy Spirit. The Lord will withdraw His blessing where selfish interests are indulged, but He will put His people in possession of good throughout the world if they will unselfishly use their ability for the uplifting of humanity. His work is to be a sign of His benevolence, a sign that will win the confidence of the world and bring in resources for the advancement of the gospel.--Special Testimonies, series B, no. 1, p. 20. {WM 281.1}[14]
§31
那是上帝的钱——为何不向外邦人求助？我已得蒙指示，世上有许多男女是有同情心的；当受苦之人的需要摆在他们面前时，他们便会受感动而生出同情心。{WM 281.2}[15]
§32
It Is Gods Money.--Why not ask the Gentiles for assistance? I have received instruction that there are men and women in the world who have sympathetic hearts, and who will be touched with compassion as the needs of suffering humanity are presented before them. . . . {WM 281.2}[15]
§33
这事已清楚地指示给我了。我们的工作应当是积极进取的。金钱原是上帝的，若是以正确方式接近富人，上帝就会感动他们的心，把金钱捐献出来。上帝的钱在这些人的手中，其中有些人会注意求助的呼吁。{WM 281.3}[16]
§34
The matter has been presented to me in this light. Our work is to be aggressive. The money is the Lords, and if the wealthy are approached in the right way, the Lord will touch their hearts and impress them to give of their means. Gods money is in the hands of these men, and some of them will heed the request for help. {WM 281.3}[16]
§35
要谈论这事，并要尽你一切的能力来获取捐款。我们不要认为向世人要求钱财是不合适的，其实这正是我们所要做的工作。这计划指示给我，要作为接触世上富人的方法，使得他们有不少的人因关心这事，而能听到和相信现代真理。——《理财系列》1号15，16页。{WM 281.4}[17]
§36
Talk this over, and do all in your power to secure gifts. We are not to feel that it would not be the thing to ask men of the world for means, for it is just the thing to do. This plan was opened before me as a way of coming in touch with wealthy men of the world. Through this means not a few will become interested, and may hear and believe the truth for this time.-- Stewardship Series, no. 1, pp. 15, 16. {WM 281.4}[17]
§37
如何接近——世上有许多兴盛的人，从来没有涉足于普通形式的各种恶事，可是却因贪爱财富而自趋灭亡。……{WM 282.1}[18]
§38
How to Make the Approach.--Multitudes who are prosperous in the world and who never stoop to the common forms of vice are yet brought to destruction through the love of riches. . . . {WM 282.1}[18]
§39
这些人需要福音。他们的眼睛必须从物质虚荣的事上，转移到宝贵不朽的财宝上。他们必须学习施舍之乐，及与上帝作同工的福气。{WM 282.2}[19]
§40
These men are in need of the gospel. They need to have their eyes turned from the vanity of material things to behold the preciousness of the enduring riches. They need to learn the joy of giving, the blessedness of being coworkers with God. {WM 282.2}[19]
§41
这一等的人往往是最难接近的，然而基督却能开路使人们可以与他们取得联系。但愿最聪明，最可靠，及心中最有指望的工人，去寻找这些人。让他们用神圣之爱所生的智慧与机敏，及由基督居心而得之文雅及礼貌，去为这些被世间财宝的炫丽所眩惑，而见不到天庭珍宝的人们作工。工人们当与他们一起研究圣经，用圣洁的真理去感动他们的心，向他们读上帝的话：“但你们得在基督耶稣里是本乎上帝，上帝又使祂成为我们的智慧、公义、圣洁、救赎。”“耶和华如此说，智慧人不要因他的智慧夸口，勇士不要因他的勇力夸口，财主不要因他的财物夸口；夸口的却因他有聪明，认识我是耶和华，又知道我喜悦在世上施行慈爱公平和公义，以此夸口，这是耶和华说的。”“我们借这爱子的血得蒙救赎，过犯得以赦免，乃是照祂丰富的恩典。”“我的上帝必照祂荣耀的丰富，在基督耶稣里使你们一切所需用的都充足”（林前1:30；耶9:23,24；弗1:7；腓4:19）。{WM 282.3}[20]
§42
Persons of this class are often the most difficult of access, but Christ will open ways whereby they may be reached. Let the wisest, the most trustful, the most hopeful laborers seek for these souls. With the wisdom and tact born of divine love, with the refinement and courtesy that result alone from the presence of Christ in the soul, let them work for those who, dazzled by the glitter of earthly riches, see not the glory of the heavenly treasure. Let the workers study the Bible with them, pressing sacred truth home to their hearts. Read to them the words of God: But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:30; Jeremiah 9:23, 24; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 4:19. {WM 282.3}[20]
§43
本着基督的精神发出这种请求，必不被人认为不恰当的。它必感动许多上层社会人士的心。{WM 283.1}[21]
§44
Such an appeal, made in the spirit of Christ, will not be thought impertinent. It will impress the minds of many in the higher classes. {WM 283.1}[21]
§45
藉着出于智慧及爱心的努力，可以使许多财主觉悟自己的责任，以及他应向上帝交账的本分。及至显明了主期望他们作祂的代表，去救助遭受苦难的人类，许多人就会响应，藉着捐款和同情之心来造福穷人。当他们的心这样被吸引，转离了他们自己自私的利益，许多人就会蒙引导将自己投诚于基督。他们必乐于用其财力与感化力，甘心与上帝所差领他悔改的谦卑的传道人一起，协力合作慈善之工了。藉着正确使用其地上的财宝，他们就会“预备……用不尽的财宝在天上，就是贼不能近，虫不能蛀的地方”（路12:33）。他们必为自己得到智慧所贡献的财宝，就是“恒久的财并公义”（箴8:18）。——《证言》卷六256-258页. {WM 283.2}[22]
§46
By efforts put forth in wisdom and love, many a rich man may be awakened to a sense of his responsibility and his accountability to God. When it is made plain that the Lord expects them as His representatives to relieve suffering humanity, many will respond and will give of their means and their sympathy for the benefit of the poor. When their minds are thus drawn away from their own selfish interests, many will be led to surrender themselves to Christ. With their talents of influence and means they will gladly unite in the work of beneficence with the humble missionary who was Gods agent in their conversion. By a right use of their earthly treasure they will lay up a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. They will secure for themselves the treasure that wisdom offers, even durable riches and righteousness.--Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 256-258. {WM 283.2}[22]