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1 圣经的传记 2 教会的团结 3 往前走 4 放纵食欲 5 选择属世的财宝 6 真正的慈善 7 与基督同工 8 试验的过程 9,劳动带来健康 10,社会环境的影响 11 分散的心志 12,抬举自己 13,家中的传道工作 14,甘心的顺从 15,十二个探子 16,攻取耶利哥 17,耶利米责备以色列人 18,需要忠心的责备 19,完全的献身 20,需要和谐 21,反对忠心的警告 22, 上帝诫命的神圣性 23,教会和家庭中的自私 24,对传道人的呼吁 25,工人的经验 26 , 预备基督复临 27,致传道人 28,同情犯错误的人 29,得克萨斯州的圣工 30,自私自利的传道人 31,诚实交易 32,日常生活中的宗教 33,传道人的献身 34,论审判 35,我们的书刊 35,我们的书刊 36 基督的使者 37,福音的传道士 38,我们的学院 39,衣阿华州的圣工 40,我们的出版社 41 , 许愿之神圣 42,遗嘱与遗产 43,教会信徒的关系 44,教会中不诚实的行为 45,自制的重要性 46,不合圣经的婚姻 47,主的穷人 48,巴特尔克里克的圣工 49,才能的改善 50,上帝的仆人 51,警告与规劝 52,道德与知识的培养 53,对穷人的责任 54, 宗教与健康 55,忠心的工人 56,基督徒的影响 57,节约与克己 58,疗养院的地位与工作 59 友伴的影响 60,小册子出版会 61,贪爱世界 62,服装的简朴 63,正确的教育 64,对上帝负责 卷四的写作时代

第二十六辑     一八七六年

1   圣经的传记

圣经中的人物传记,都是真人实事。从亚当世世相传至使徒的时代,对于真实发生的事情和真实人物的实际经验,都有朴实的记载。这部灵感的史书,在义人的生平中记录了不少道德上的瑕疵,这一点曾使许多人心中诧异,并给了不信之人一个讥诮批评的藉口。受圣灵感动的作者并不作假见证,以避免人类软弱和过失的记录在圣史上投下阴云。上帝文士的写作,是遵循圣灵的指示,对工作没有自主权。他们记录了不折不扣的事实,揭示严峻冷酷的真实情况,其原因是我们有限的心智无法充分理解的。{4T 9.1}

圣经没有掩饰事实,也没有隐瞒其主要人物的罪,这正是圣经之所以可靠的一个最有力的凭据。许多人认为把日常生活中所发生的事写出来是很容易的。但事实证明,人类不可能公正地把当时代的历史记录下来,也不可能不偏不倚地讲述我们所熟悉之人的故事。人的思想容易局限于成见,几乎不可能做到实事求是。要么昭彰劣绩,要么歌功颂德,全凭作者的好恶。无论史家想做得多么公正,所有的评论家都公认,想做到这一点是很困难的。{4T 9.2}

然而那些上帝所恩膏、超脱人性弱点的作者,能讲述不加掩饰的朴素事实。有多少传记写到一些没有缺点的基督徒,在日常生活和教会关系上堪称虔诚的榜样。没有瑕疵玷污他们圣洁的美,没有错误记录下来使我们想到他们也是血肉之躯,会经受人类日常的试探。但是如果用灵感的笔写他们的历史,他们所呈现的就会是多么不同的状态啊!那就会写出他们人性的软弱,他们怎样与自私,固执,骄傲,也许还有隐藏的罪恶作斗争,灵与肉之间不断地进行交战。即使是私人的日记,也不会记录作者的罪行。他可能诚实地记录自己值得称道的举动和高尚的行为。有时作者也真的想给自己的人生留下一份真实的记录。但是把我们的过错暴露给我们的朋友看,这是人做不到的。{4T 10.1}

如果我们美好的圣经是没有受圣灵感动的人所写的,那就完全不是这个样子了。它会使我们这些常有过失,不断与本性的软弱和狡敌的试探作斗争的必死人类,读了以后灰心绝望了。但事实上我们拥有圣经历史著名人物宗教经验的准确记录。那些为上帝所眷爱并负有重任的人,有时也不免被试探所胜而犯罪,正如我们今日往往奋斗,有时动摇,而常在错误之中跌倒一般。但是令我们失望的心感到鼓舞的是,这些人靠着上帝的恩典重新得力,克服了自己罪恶的本性。想到这里,我们就会振作起来,继续奋斗了。{4T 10.2}

古代以色列人的怨天尤人,叛逆不满,上帝为他们施行的大能奇事,以及惩罚他们偶像崇拜和忘恩负义等,都为了我们的益处记录下来了。古代以色列人的例子,原是要警戒现今上帝的子民,使他们避免不信,逃脱主的愤怒。如果圣经只记载希伯来人的美德优点,不提他们的罪恶过失,他们的历史就不能象现在那样给我们教训了。{4T 11.1}

不信和喜爱犯罪的人,用上帝古时所看重之人的过犯,来袒护自己的罪行。他们辩称:既然这些圣人都不免为试探所胜而犯罪,我们犯罪作恶就不足为奇了。他们还说,既有前人的罪恶昭彰,他们自己就算不上很坏了。{4T 11.2}

公义的原则要求忠实地记录事实,使阅读圣经的人获得益处。我们从这里看到上帝智慧的凭据。圣经要求我们顺从上帝的律法,不仅告诉我们悖逆的惩罚,还为帮助和警告我们而记录了亚当和夏娃在乐园中的历史,以及他们违背上帝命令的不幸后果。这份记录完整而清晰。圣经记录上帝在伊甸园中赐人律法,并说明悖逆会受到惩罚。然后是人类受试探和堕落,以及惩罚临到我们始祖的故事。他们的事例是要警告我们不可背逆,并确知罪的工价乃是死,上帝的报应绝不会落空。祂要求自己所创造的万有严守祂的诫命。在西奈山颁布律法时,祂曾明确指出犯罪的刑罚,叫人明白干犯律法必受惩处。记录下来的事例证明了这一点!{4T 11.3}

灵感之笔忠于职责,告诉我们挪亚,罗得,摩西,亚伯拉罕,大卫和所罗门等人所犯的罪,甚至以利亚在可怕的试炼下,因试探而意志消沉。约拿的违命和以色列人的偶像崇拜,都忠实地记录下来。彼得的否认基督,保罗与巴拿巴的尖锐争执,先知与使徒们的软弱和失败,都由掀开人心内幕的圣灵揭露了。这些信徒的生活,连同他们的过错和愚妄都摆在我们面前,为了给他们后世历代的人一个教训。如果他们没有缺点的话,他们就成了超人了。而我们有罪的本性就没有希望达到如此优越的地步了。但当我们看到他们的挣扎和跌倒,又怎样重新壮胆,并靠着上帝的恩典而得了胜,我们就得到了鼓舞,去排除我们堕落的本性堆在我们道路上的障碍。{4T 12.1}

上帝决不姑息罪恶。祂派先知去警告罪人,斥责他们的罪,并宣布他们的惩罚。有人问,圣经为什么如此坦然地指出上帝子民的罪恶,使圣徒痛心,而讥诮者称快呢?他们应该想到,这一切记录下来都是为了给他们教训,使他们规避所记下的事,只效法侍奉主之人的义行。{4T 12.2}

圣经给我们的教训,正是我们所需要的。它既揭露罪恶,又记录罪的报应。犯罪后的悲伤和忏悔,患罪病之心的哭泣,从古时传给我们,让我们知道当时的人和现在一样,需要上帝赦罪之恩。圣经告诉我们,上帝惩罚罪恶,但祂怜悯及饶恕悔改的罪人。{4T 12.3}

主本着祂的美意认为需要用各种方法警告和教训祂的子民。祂通过直接的命令,通过圣经,通过预言之灵,使人明白祂的旨意。我的工作素来是明确地指出上帝子民的过错。某些人罪恶的曝光,不能证明他们在主的眼中比许多罪恶未被记录下来的人罪更大。我蒙指示,我的工作不是出于自己的选择,而只是谦卑地顺从上帝的旨意。自命为基督徒者生活上的过失和错行被记录下来,是为教训那些在同样的试探下容易跌倒的人。一个人的经验要作为一座灯塔,警告别人免触礁石。{4T 12.4}

圣经也说明了撒但的诡计和罗网,完善基督徒品格的重要性,以及达到这种效果的方法。上帝还指出如何获得祂的福惠。许多人一旦自己的某些罪恶受到责备,便大起反感。这个世代的精神,乃是“要向我们说柔和的话”(赛30:10)。然而预言之灵只说出事实。因不法的事增多,许多自称跟从基督之人的爱心渐渐冷淡了。他们看不见自己心中的罪恶,不觉得自己软弱和无助的状况。上帝本着祂的怜悯,揭开帷幕,向他们指出,在幕后背景里,有慧眼在洞悉他们的隐藏的罪恶,明察他们行为的一切动机。{4T 13.1}

一般教会的罪恶都被粉饰起来。许多信徒放纵最卑劣的罪恶,沉湎于过犯之中。巴比伦倾倒了,成了各样污秽可憎之雀鸟的巢穴!这世代最恶心的罪恶,竟隐藏在基督教的外衣之下。许多人声称上帝的律法废除了,并且他们的生活也确实与他们的信仰一致。没有律法就没有犯法,也就没有罪了,因为违犯律法才是罪。{4T 13.2}

体贴肉体的,是与上帝为仇,违抗祂的旨意。人一旦挣开顺从的轭,就不知不觉地滑入违背律法的罪恶之中。不法之事充斥那些高谈阔论宗教纯洁完全自由的人中间。他们的行为在主看来是可憎的。他们是人类仇敌的同工。他们看不到已显明之真理的光。圣洁的美在他们看来如同阴影。{4T 13.3}

奇怪的是,许多人把天国的希望建立在这么脆弱的根基上!他们轻慢无穷之主的律法,仿佛向主挑战,要取消祂的话似的。一些仇恨律法的传道人在讲台上所说的话,是熟悉上帝律法的撒但也不敢说的。但撒但很高兴他们的亵渎。{4T 14.1}

我蒙指示看到人不认识上帝旨意时的状况。他的一生充满罪恶过犯。但当上帝的灵向他启示律法的全部意义时,他的心就会发生极大的变化!他会象伯沙撒那样领悟全能之主的手迹,心中深受感动。上帝圣言的雷霆把他从昏睡中惊醒。他奉耶稣的名祈求怜悯。这种谦卑的恳求,上帝总是乐意垂听的。祂从不离弃忏悔的人,而不予以安慰。{4T 14.2}

主已照祂的美意将祂子民的需要和错误启示我。我虽然感到难过,仍按照上帝之灵的指示,忠实地把过错和弥补的方法摆在犯错的人面前。这种情况曾多次使我遭人毁谤,饱受我所辛劳服务之人的怨恨。但我没有因此而改变我的做法。上帝把这份工作交给我,又用祂扶持的力量支持我。我履行了祂摆在我面前的痛苦职责。上帝之灵就这样宣布警告和报应,但祂也不偏留慈怜的甜美应许。{4T 14.3}

如果上帝的子民认识到祂对待他们方法,领受祂的教训,他们的脚前就会有笔直的道路,并有亮光引导他们穿过黑暗与灰心。大卫从上帝对待他的方法上得到智慧,谦卑地俯伏接受至高者的管教。先知拿单忠实地指出他的真实状况,使他认识自己的罪,并帮助他弃绝罪恶。他谦卑地领受训诲,在上帝之前虚心,说:“耶和华的律法全备,能苏醒人心”(诗19:7)。{4T 14.4}

悔改的罪人必不因人提醒其罪孽及警告其危险而自感绝望。这些为他们而发的努力,表明上帝是多么爱他们,切望拯救他们。他们只须听从祂的忠告,实行祂的旨意,以便承受永生。上帝将祂犯错子民的罪恶摆在他们面前,以便他们能在神圣真理的光照下看明罪孽的深重。然后他们的本分就是永远离弃罪恶。{4T 15.1}

上帝今日有能力救人离罪,正如先祖,大卫,众先知和使徒的时代一样。圣史所记载上帝拯救祂的子民脱离罪恶的许多事迹,应当使今日的基督徒切心领受上帝的训诲,热心完善自己的品格,以便经得起审判的严格检查。{4T 15.2}

圣经的历史也提到人盼望上帝恩典时伤心的状况。当我们看到别人在与我们一样的逆境中怎样挣扎,怎样在试探之下象我们一样跌倒,而又怎样重新壮胆,蒙了上帝的赐福时,我们就无需绝望了。灵感的话语安慰和鼓舞犯错的人。虽然先祖和使徒具有人性的软弱,但他们凭着信心作了美好的见证,靠着主的力量投身战斗,获得光荣的胜利。我们也可以这样信靠主赎罪牺牲的功劳,奉耶稣的名作得胜的人。从亚当的日子直到今天,世上的人毕竟是人;而上帝的大爱历经千秋万世都是无与伦比的。{4T 15.3}

   The lives recorded in the Bible are authentic histories of actual individuals. From Adam down through successive generations to the times of the apostles we have a plain, unvarnished account of what actually occurred and the genuine experience of real characters. It is a subject of wonder to many that inspired history should narrate in the lives of good men facts that tarnish their moral characters. Infidels seize upon these sins with great satisfaction and hold their perpetrators up to ridicule. The inspired writers did not testify to falsehoods to prevent the pages of sacred history being clouded by the record of human frailties and faults. The scribes of God wrote as they were dictated by the Holy Spirit, having no control of the work themselves. They penned the literal truth, and stern, forbidding facts are revealed for reasons that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend. {4T 9.1}[1]

  It is one of the best evidences of the authenticity of the Scriptures that the truth is not glossed over nor the sins of its chief characters suppressed. Many will urge that it is an easy matter to relate what has occurred in an ordinary life. But it is a proved fact that it is a human impossibility to give an impartial history of a contemporary; and it is almost as difficult to narrate, without deviating from the exact truth, the story of any person or people with whose career we have become acquainted. The human mind is so subject to prejudice that it is almost impossible for it to treat the subject impartially. Either the faults of the person under review stand out in glaring relief, or his virtues shine with undimmed luster, just as the writer is prejudiced for or against him. However impartial the historian may design to be, all critics will agree that it is a very difficult matter to be truly so. {4T 9.2}[2]

  But divine unction, lifted above the weaknesses of humanity, tells the simple, naked truth. How many biographies have been written of faultless Christians, who, in their ordinary home life and church relations, shone as examples of immaculate piety. No blemish marred the beauty of their holiness, no fault is recorded to remind us that they were common clay and subject to the ordinary temptations of humanity. Yet had the pen of inspiration written their histories, how different would they have appeared. There would have been revealed human weaknesses, struggles with selfishness, bigotry, and pride, hidden sins perhaps, and the continual warfare between the spirit and the flesh. Even private journals do not reveal on their pages the writer's sinful deeds. Sometimes the conflicts with evil are recorded, but usually only when the right has gained the victory. But they may contain a faithful account of praiseworthy acts and noble endeavors; this, too, when the writer honestly intends to keep a faithful journal of his life. It is next to a human impossibility to lay open our faults for the possible inspection of our friends. {4T 10.1}[3]

  Had our good Bible been written by uninspired persons, it would have presented quite a different appearance and would have been a discouraging study to erring mortals, who are contending with natural frailties and the temptations of a wily foe. But as it is, we have a correct record of the religious experiences of marked characters in Bible history. Men whom God favored, and to whom He entrusted great responsibilities, were sometimes overcome by temptation and committed sins, even as we of the present day strive, waver, and frequently fall into error. But it is encouraging to our desponding hearts to know that through God's grace they could gain fresh vigor to again rise above their evil natures; and, remembering this, we are ready to renew the conflict ourselves. {4T 10.2}[4]

  The murmurings of ancient Israel and their rebellious discontent, as well as the mighty miracles wrought in their favor and the punishment of their idolatry and ingratitude, are recorded for our benefit. The example of ancient Israel is given as a warning to the people of God, that they may avoid unbelief and escape His wrath. If the iniquities of the Hebrews had been omitted from the Sacred Record, and only their virtues recounted, their history would fail to teach us the lesson that it does. {4T 11.1}[5]

  Infidels and lovers of sin excuse their crimes by citing the wickedness of men to whom God gave authority in olden times. They argue that if these holy men yielded to temptation and committed sins, it is not to be wondered at that they, too, should be guilty of wrongdoing; and intimate that they are not so bad after all, since they have such illustrious examples of iniquity before them. {4T 11.2}[6]

  The principles of justice required a faithful narration of facts for the benefit of all who should ever read the Sacred Record. Here we discern the evidences of divine wisdom. We are required to obey the law of God, and are not only instructed as to the penalty of disobedience, but we have narrated for our benefit and warning the history of Adam and Eve in Paradise, and the sad results of their disobedience of God's commands. The account is full and explicit. The law given to man in Eden is recorded, together with the penalty accruing in case of its disobedience. Then follows the story of the temptation and fall, and the punishment inflicted upon our erring parents. Their example is given us as a warning against disobedience, that we may be sure that the wages of sin is death, that God's retributive justice never fails, and that He exacts from His creatures a strict regard for His commandments. When the law was proclaimed at Sinai, how definite was the penalty annexed, how sure was punishment to follow the transgression of that law, and how plain are the cases recorded in evidence of that fact! {4T 11.3}[7]

  The pen of inspiration, true to its task, tells us of the sins that overcame Noah, Lot, Moses, Abraham, David, and Solomon, and that even Elijah's strong spirit sank under temptation during his fearful trial. Jonah's disobedience and Israel's idolatry are faithfully recorded. Peter's denial of Christ, the sharp contention of Paul and Barnabas, the failings and infirmities of the prophets and apostles, are all laid bare by the Holy Ghost, who lifts the veil from the human heart. There before us lie the lives of the believers, with all their faults and follies, which are intended as a lesson to all the generations following them. If they had been without foible they would have been more than human, and our sinful natures would despair of ever reaching such a point of excellence. But seeing where they struggled and fell, where they took heart again and conquered through the grace of God, we are encouraged, and led to press over the obstacles that degenerate nature places in our way. {4T 12.1}[8]

  God has ever been faithful to punish crime. He sent His prophets to warn the guilty, denounce their sins, and pronounce judgment upon them. Those who question why the word of God brings out the sins of His people in so plain a manner for scoffers to deride and saints to deplore, should consider that it was all written for their instruction, that they may avoid the evils recorded and imitate only the righteousness of those who served the Lord. {4T 12.2}[9]

  We need just such lessons as the Bible gives us, for with the revelation of sin is recorded the retribution which follows. The sorrow and penitence of the guilty, and the wailing of the sin-sick soul, come to us from the past, telling us that man was then, as now, in need of the pardoning mercy of God. It teaches us that while He is a punisher of crime, He pities and forgives the repenting sinner. {4T 12.3}[10]

  In His providence the Lord has seen fit to teach and warn His people in various ways. By direct command, by the sacred writings, and by the spirit of prophecy has He made known unto them His will. My work has been to speak plainly of the faults and errors of God's people. Because the sins of certain individuals have been brought to light, it is no evidence that they are worse in the sight of the Lord than many whose failings are unrecorded. But I have been shown that it is not mine to choose my work, but humbly to obey the will of God. The errors and wrongdoings in the lives of professed Christians are recorded for the instruction of those who are liable to fall into the same temptations. The experience of one serves as a beacon light to warn others off the rocks of danger. {4T 12.4}[11]

  Thus are revealed the snares and devices of Satan, the importance of perfecting Christian character, and the means by which this result may be obtained. Thus God indicates what is necessary to secure His blessing. There is a disposition on the part of many to let rebellious feelings arise if their peculiar sins are reproved. The spirit of this generation is: "Speak unto us smooth things." But the spirit of prophecy speaks only the truth. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many who profess to follow Christ waxes cold. They are blind to the wickedness of their own hearts and do not feel their weak and helpless condition. God in mercy lifts the veil and shows them that there is an eye behind the scenes that discerns their hidden guilt and the motives of their actions. {4T 13.1}[12]

  The sins of the popular churches are whitewashed over. Many of the members indulge in the grossest vices and are steeped in iniquity. Babylon is fallen and has become the cage of every foul and hateful bird! The most revolting sins of the age find shelter beneath the cloak of Christianity. Many proclaim the law of God abolished, and surely their lives are in keeping with their faith. If there is no law, then there is no transgression, and therefore no sin; for sin is the transgression of the law. {4T 13.2}[13]

  The carnal mind is enmity against God, and it rebels against His will. Let it once throw off the yoke of obedience and it slips unconsciously into the lawlessness of crime. Iniquity abounds among those who talk grandly of pure and perfect religious liberty. Their conduct is abhorrent to the Lord, and they are co-workers with the adversary of souls. The light of revealed truth is turned from their sight, and the beauties of holiness are but as shadows to them. {4T 13.3}[14]

  It is astonishing to see upon what flimsy foundations very many build their hopes of heaven! They rail at the law of the Infinite One as though they would defy Him and make His word null. Even Satan with his knowledge of the divine law would not dare to make the speeches which some law-hating ministers make from the pulpit, yet he exults in their blasphemy. {4T 14.1}[15]

  I have been shown what man is without a knowledge of the will of God. Crimes and iniquity fill up the measure of his life. But when the Spirit of God reveals to him the full meaning of the law, what a change takes place in his heart! Like Belshazzar, he reads intelligently the handwriting of the Almighty, and conviction takes possession of his soul. The thunders of God's word startle him from his lethargy, and he calls for mercy in the name of Jesus. And to that humble plea God always listens with a willing ear. He never turns the penitent away comfortless. {4T 14.2}[16]

  The Lord has seen fit to give me a view of the needs and errors of His people. Painful though it has been to me, I have faithfully set before the offenders their faults and the means of remedying them, according to the dictates of the Spirit of God. This has, in many instances, excited the tongue of slander and embittered against me those for whom I have labored and suffered. But I have not been turned from my course because of this. God has given me my work, and, upheld by His sustaining strength, I have performed the painful duties He has set before me. Thus has the Spirit of God pronounced warnings and judgments, withholding not, however, the sweet promise of mercy. {4T 14.3}[17]

  If God's people would recognize His dealings with them and accept His teachings, they would find a straight path for their feet and a light to guide them through darkness and discouragement. David learned wisdom from God's dealings with him and bowed in humility beneath the chastisement of the Most High. The faithful portrayal of his true state by the prophet Nathan made David acquainted with his own sins and aided him to put them away. He accepted counsel meekly and humiliated himself before God. "The law of the Lord," he exclaims, "is perfect, converting the soul." {4T 14.4}[18]

  Repentant sinners have no cause to despair because they are reminded of their transgressions and warned of their danger. These very efforts in their behalf show how much God loves them and desires to save them. They have only to follow His counsel and do His will, to inherit eternal life. God sets the sins of His erring people before them, that they may behold them in all their enormity under the light of divine truth. It is then their duty to renounce them forever. {4T 15.1}[19]

  God is as powerful to save from sin today as He was in the times of the patriarchs, of David, and of the prophets and apostles. The multitude of cases recorded in sacred history where God has delivered His people from their own iniquities should make the Christian of this time eager to receive divine instruction and zealous to perfect a character that will bear the close inspection of the judgment. {4T 15.2}[20]

  Bible history stays the fainting heart with the hope of God's mercy. We need not despair when we see that others have struggled through discouragements like our own, have fallen into temptations even as we have done, and yet have recovered their ground and been blessed of God. The words of inspiration comfort and cheer the erring soul. Although the patriarchs and apostles were subject to human frailties, yet through faith they obtained a good report, fought their battles in the strength of the Lord, and conquered gloriously. Thus may we trust in the virtue of the atoning sacrifice and be overcomers in the name of Jesus. Humanity is humanity the world over from the time of Adam down to the present generation, and the love of God through all ages is without a parallel. {4T 15.3}[21]

 

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