第07章 洪水
§1
第07章 洪水Chap. 7-The Flood
§2
在挪亚的日子，由于亚当犯罪和该隐杀人的后果，地就受了双重的咒诅。虽然如此，自然界的面貌还没有多大的改变。地上固然呈现着衰败的迹象，但在上帝所给予的恩赐上，仍是丰富而美丽的。山上长满了参天蔽日的大树，树上攀满了结果累累的葡萄枝。像花园似的平原上，展开一片青翠的景色，百花吐香，芬芳扑鼻。地上的果子种类繁多，不可胜数。树木的高大，美丽的匀称，是现在任何地方所没有的；其纹理细致，质地坚实，几与石头相等，而耐久性殆亦近似。至于金银宝石，则到处皆是。[1]{PP 90.1}
§3
In the days of Noah a double curse was resting upon the earth in consequence of Adams transgression and of the murder committed by Cain. Yet this had not greatly changed the face of nature. There were evident tokens of decay, but the earth was still rich and beautiful in the gifts of Gods providence. The hills were crowned with majestic trees supporting the fruit-laden branches of the vine. The vast, gardenlike plains were clothed with verdure, and sweet with the fragrance of a thousand flowers. The fruits of the earth were in great variety, and almost without limit. The trees far surpassed in size, beauty, and perfect proportion any now to be found; their wood was of fine grain and hard substance, closely resembling stone, and hardly less enduring. Gold, silver, and precious stones existed in abundance.{PP 90.1}[1]
§4
那时人类还有起初的活力。但因从亚当能接近那使人延长寿命的生命树以来，才只经过了几代；所以人的寿命仍是以百年来计算的。如果这些长寿的人能利用他们非常的能力来计划、工作、并专心侍奉上帝，则他们就可以使创造主的名在地上得到称赞，而且也可以迎合上帝赐他们生命的宗旨。可惜他们没有这样作。那时有许多巨人，身材高大、体力强壮；在智慧上很有名望，在设计上也精巧奇妙，具有惊人的技能；但是他们在罪恶上也放荡无羁，与他们的技巧和智力成了正比例。[2]{PP 90.2}
§5
The human race yet retained much of its early vigor. But a few generations had passed since Adam had access to the tree which was to prolong life; and mans existence was still measured by centuries. Had that long-lived people, with their rare powers to plan and execute, devoted themselves to the service of God, they would have made their Creators name a praise in the earth, and would have answered the purpose for which He gave them life. But they failed to do this. There were many giants, men of great stature and strength, renowned for wisdom, skillful in devising the most cunning and wonderful works; but their guilt in giving loose rein to iniquity was in proportion to their skill and mental ability.{PP 90.2}[2]
§6
上帝赐给这些洪水以前的人许多丰富的恩赐；但是他们只用这些福分来荣耀自己，专心注重恩赐的本身，而忘记赐恩赐的主，于是恩赐反而成了咒诅。他们拿金银宝石和上等的木料为自己建造房屋，并用最精巧的手工装饰自己的住宅，来彼此争奇斗艳。他们只求满足自己倨傲的心，醉心于享乐和邪恶的生活。他们故意不认识上帝，终于否定了他的存在。他们反倒敬拜自然界，而不肯敬拜自然界的上帝。他们以人的天才自豪，敬拜自己手造的偶像，并且也教训他们的儿女如此行。[3]{PP 90.3}
§7
God bestowed upon these antediluvians many and rich gifts; but they used His bounties to glorify themselves, and turned them into a curse by fixing their affections upon the gifts instead of the Giver. They employed the gold and silver, the precious stones and the choice wood, in the construction of habitations for themselves, and endeavored to excel one another in beautifying their dwellings with the most skillful workmanship. They sought only to gratify the desires of their own proud hearts, and reveled in scenes of pleasure and wickedness. Not desiring to retain God in their knowledge, they soon came to deny His existence. They adored nature in place of the God of nature. They glorified human genius, worshiped the works of their own hands, and taught their children to bow down to graven images.{PP 90.3}[3]
§8
他们在田野间和青翠的树下为偶像建筑祭坛。将常年青翠的大丛林作为敬拜假神之用。这些丛林中有美丽的花圃，漫长而曲折的路旁栽种着各样的果树，装饰着各种的雕像，凡足以悦人眼目，引起声色之欲的事物，无不具备，这样就迷惑许多人参加敬拜偶像了。[4]{PP 91.1}
§9
In the green fields and under the shadow of the goodly trees they set up the altars of their idols. Extensive groves, that retained their foliage throughout the year, were dedicated to the worship of false gods. With these groves were connected beautiful gardens, their long, winding avenues overhung with fruit-bearing trees of all descriptions, adorned with statuary, and furnished with all that could delight the senses or minister to the voluptuous desires of the people, and thus allure them to participate in the idolatrous worship.{PP 91.1}[4]
§10
世人故意忘记上帝，敬拜他们所幻想的鬼神，结果他们就越来越败坏了。诗人描写拜偶像之人的结果说：“造他的要和他一样；凡靠他的也要如此。”（诗115:8）这就是人心变移的定律——人常注意什么，就变成什么。人总不能高于他自己想象中的真理、纯洁和神圣。人的心若不超越人类的水准，若不借着信去思考上帝无限的智慧和慈爱，使自己超升起来，那么，他就必要渐渐低落下去。敬拜假神的人认为他们所崇奉之神明的品德和情感是与人类一样的，所以认为假神的品格标准也和犯罪的人类一样。因此这些人也就败坏了。“耶和华见人在地上罪恶很大，终日所思想的尽都是恶。……世界在上帝面前败坏；地上满了强暴。”（创6:5,11）上帝曾将他的诫命赐给人，作为人生的准则，可是他的律法被人违犯了，结果他们就到了无恶不作的地步。世人的恶行是胆大妄为，公义被践踏在脚下，而受压迫之人的冤声上达于天了。[5]{PP 91.2}
§11
Men put God out of their knowledge and worshiped the creatures of their own imagination; and as the result, they became more and more debased. The psalmist describes the effect produced upon the worshiper by the adoration of idols. He says, They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them. Psalm 115:8. It is a law of the human mind that by beholding we become changed. Man will rise no higher than his conceptions of truth, purity, and holiness. If the mind is never exalted above the level of humanity, if it is not uplifted by faith to contemplate infinite wisdom and love, the man will be constantly sinking lower and lower. The worshipers of false gods clothed their deities with human attributes and passions, and thus their standard of character was degraded to the likeness of sinful humanity. They were defiled in consequence. God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. . . . The earth also was corrupt before God; and the earth was filled with violence. God had given men His commandments as a rule of life, but His law was transgressed, and every conceivable sin was the result. The wickedness of men was open and daring, justice was trampled in the dust, and the cries of the oppressed reached unto heaven.{PP 91.2}[5]
§12
多妻制很早就产生了，这是违反上帝起初所安排的。上帝赐给亚当一个妻子，设立了一夫一妻的制度。及至人类堕落之后，世人随着自己罪恶的私欲；结果罪恶与祸患迅速地增多起来。婚姻的关系和私有的产权，都不为人尊重了。谁有力量，谁就可以抢夺邻居的妻子和他的财产，世人反因他们的强暴自豪。他们喜欢杀害动物的生命；肉食使他们的性情更加残忍好杀，他们竟到了草菅人命的地步。[6]{PP 91.3}
§13
Polygamy had been early introduced, contrary to the divine arrangement at the beginning. The Lord gave to Adam one wife, showing His order in that respect. But after the Fall, men chose to follow their own sinful desires; and as the result, crime and wretchedness rapidly increased. Neither the marriage relation nor the rights of property were respected. Whoever coveted the wives or the possessions of his neighbor, took them by force, and men exulted in their deeds of violence. They delighted in destroying the life of animals; and the use of flesh for food rendered them still more cruel and bloodthirsty, until they came to regard human life with astonishing indifference.{PP 91.3}[6]
§14
世界虽然造齐不久，可是罪恶却是那么深重，那么普遍，以至上帝再也不能忍耐了；他说：“我要将所造的人……都从地上除灭。”（创6:7）他宣布：他的灵不能长远为犯罪的人类奋斗。如果他们还是犯罪作恶，败坏世界和其上丰富的出产，上帝就要把他们从地上除灭，也要除灭他所赐给他们供他们享受的一切东西；他必毁灭田野中的走兽，和供给他们食用的那么丰富的植物，并使这美丽的地球荒凉败坏。[7]{PP 92.1}
§15
The world was in its infancy; yet iniquity had become so deep and widespread that God could no longer bear with it; and He said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth. He declared that His Spirit should not always strive with the guilty race. If they did not cease to pollute with their sins the world and its rich treasures, He would blot them from His creation, and would destroy the things with which He had delighted to bless them; He would sweep away the beasts of the field, and the vegetation which furnished such an abundant supply of food, and would transform the fair earth into one vast scene of desolation and ruin.{PP 92.1}[7]
§16
玛土撒拉、挪亚，以及其他许多人处在这腐败的环境中，仍然努力保持着关于真神的知识，并尽力遏止邪恶的潮流。在洪水灭世之前一百二十年，上帝借着一位圣天使向挪亚宣示他的旨意，并指示他造一只方舟。当他建造方舟的时候，同时还要向世人宣告上帝要使洪水泛滥在地上，毁灭恶人。凡决心相信这消息，并悔改自新而为这事作准备的人，必可得到赦免与拯救。以诺曾将上帝指示他有关洪水的事告诉他的儿女，此外，玛土撒拉和他的众子，就是当时还活着听到挪亚警告的人，也都曾帮助过建造方舟。[8]{PP 92.2}
§17
Amid the prevailing corruption, Methuselah, Noah, and many others labored to keep alive the knowledge of the true God and to stay the tide of moral evil. A hundred and twenty years before the Flood, the Lord by a holy angel declared to Noah His purpose, and directed him to build an ark. While building the ark he was to preach that God would bring a flood of water upon the earth to destroy the wicked. Those who would believe the message, and would prepare for that event by repentance and reformation, should find pardon and be saved. Enoch had repeated to his children what God had shown him in regard to the Flood, and Methuselah and his sons, who lived to hear the preaching of Noah, assisted in building the ark.{PP 92.2}[8]
§18
关于方舟准确的尺寸以及建造的详细计划，上帝都给挪亚一个明白的启示。人的智慧决不能策划一个那么坚固耐久的建筑物。设计者乃是上帝，挪亚乃是建筑师。方舟下部的建筑和平常的船一样，可以浮在水面上，但是在其他方面则像一座房子。高达三层，只在旁边开一扇门，亮光是从顶上透进去的，而里面房间的设计则使每一间都有光线。建造方舟的材料是一种柏树，叫歌斐木，这种木料虽经几百年也不会腐烂。建造这么巨大的船只，需要长久的时间和繁重的工作。那时的树木高大，质地坚韧，虽然当时的人有非常的体力，而预备木料比现在也要费更大的人力。为求工程完善起见，凡人力所能的都已作到了，然而方舟本身仍不足抵挡那行将临到地上的暴风雨。唯有上帝能在狂风大浪的水面上保守他的仆人。[9]{PP 92.3}
§19
God gave Noah the exact dimensions of the ark and explicit directions in regard to its construction in every particular. Human wisdom could not have devised a structure of so great strength and durability. God was the designer, and Noah the master builder. It was constructed like the hull of a ship, that it might float upon the water, but in some respects it more nearly resembled a house. It was three stories high, with but one door, which was in the side. The light was admitted at the top, and the different apartments were so arranged that all were lighted. The material employed in the construction of the ark was the cypress, or gopher wood, which would be untouched by decay for hundreds of years. The building of this immense structure was a slow and laborious process. On account of the great size of the trees and the nature of the wood, much more labor was required then than now to prepare timber, even with the greater strength which men then possessed. All that man could do was done to render the work perfect, yet the ark could not of itself have withstood the storm which was to come upon the earth. God alone could preserve His servants upon the tempestuous waters.{PP 92.3}[9]
§20
“挪亚因着信，既蒙上帝指示他未见的事，动了敬畏的心，预备了一只方舟，使他全家得救；因此就定了那世代的罪，自己也承受了那从信而来的义。”（来11:7）当挪亚向世人传警告的信息时，他实际的行动便证实了他的真诚。他的信心就是这样成全并显明了。他给世人留下一个相信上帝之话的榜样。他将一切所有的都投在建造方舟上。当他在旱地上开始建造这么一只大船时，许多人从各方各处来观看这一件奇怪的事，并听这位奇特的传道者所讲诚恳热切的话。他敲在方舟上的每一锤，都是对众人作的一个见证。[10]{PP 95.1}
§21
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Hebrews 11:7. While Noah was giving his warning message to the world, his works testified of his sincerity. It was thus that his faith was perfected and made evident. He gave the world an example of believing just what God says. All that he possessed, he invested in the ark. As he began to construct that immense boat on dry ground, multitudes came from every direction to see the strange sight and to hear the earnest, fervent words of the singular preacher. Every blow struck upon the ark was a witness to the people.{PP 95.1}[10]
§22
起先，许多人似乎接受了警告，但他们并没有真心悔改转向上帝。他们不愿放弃罪行。在洪水以前的一段时期中，他们的信心受了考验，但他们却经不起这种试炼。他们被流行的不信所胜，终于和从前的同伴一起拒绝了这严重的警告。有一些人曾深受感动，原想听从这警告，但是又有那么多人在那里嘲笑讥诮，所以他们就感染了这同样的精神，竟抗拒了慈爱的邀请，而且不久就列在那些最大胆、最傲慢的讥诮群之中。因为那些曾一度接受真光而后拒绝圣灵感动的人，是最不受约束，最容易坠入罪恶的。[11]{PP 95.2}
§23
Many at first appeared to receive the warning; yet they did not turn to God with true repentance. They were unwilling to renounce their sins. During the time that elapsed before the coming of the Flood, their faith was tested, and they failed to endure the trial. Overcome by the prevailing unbelief, they finally joined their former associates in rejecting the solemn message. Some were deeply convicted, and would have heeded the words of warning; but there were so many to jest and ridicule, that they partook of the same spirit, resisted the invitations of mercy, and were soon among the boldest and most defiant scoffers; for none are so reckless and go to such lengths in sin as do those who have once had light, but have resisted the convicting Spirit of God.{PP 95.2}[11]
§24
那时代的人，并不都是真的完全拜偶像者；许多人还自称是敬拜上帝的。他们说自己的偶像不过是代表上帝，借着这些偶像，可以使人对上帝有更清楚的观念。这一等人是最先拒绝挪亚所传之道的。他们既然企图用具体的东西来代表上帝，他们的心眼就昏昧了，以至看不出上帝的威严和能力；他们再体会不到他品德的圣洁，他律法的神圣与不变的性质。当罪恶普遍流行时，人们对罪的看法就越来越随便了，他们终于宣称上帝的律法不再生效；并说惩罚罪恶是与上帝的本性相反的；所以他们否定了上帝要降灾在地上的说法。如果那世代的人顺从了上帝的律法，他们就必在上帝仆人的警告中认出他的声音来；但他们既因拒绝真光以至心眼昏昧，所以就真以为挪亚的信息不过是一种无稽之谈。[12]{PP 95.3}
§25
The men of that generation were not all, in the fullest acceptation of the term, idolaters. Many professed to be worshipers of God. They claimed that their idols were representations of the Deity, and that through them the people could obtain a clearer conception of the divine Being. This class were foremost in rejecting the preaching of Noah. As they endeavored to represent God by material objects, their minds were blinded to His majesty and power; they ceased to realize the holiness of His character, or the sacred, unchanging nature of His requirements. As sin became general, it appeared less and less sinful, and they finally declared that the divine law was no longer in force; that it was contrary to the character of God to punish transgression; and they denied that His judgments were to be visited upon the earth. Had the men of that generation obeyed the divine law, they would have recognized the voice of God in the warning of His servant; but their minds had become so blinded by rejection of light that they really believed Noahs message to be a delusion.{PP 95.3}[12]
§26
那时，大多数的人都未曾站在真理的一方。全世界都在反抗上帝的公义和他的律法，即连挪亚也被视为狂热之徒。从前撒但引诱夏娃违背上帝的时候，曾对夏娃说：“你们不一定死。”（创3:4）洪水时代的伟人、显贵和智士，也都重说这同样的话。他们说：“你们不必惊慌，上帝所说威胁的话，目的不过是要恫吓人，这是决不会实现的。上帝毁灭他所造的世界，刑罚他所造的人，这是不会有的事。放心吧，不要害怕。挪亚是一个荒唐的狂热之徒。”世人都取笑这个迷信的老人。他们并不在上帝面前自卑，反而仍旧悖逆行恶，好像上帝未曾借着他仆人向他们说话一样。[13]{PP 96.1}
§27
It was not multitudes or majorities that were on the side of right. The world was arrayed against Gods justice and His laws, and Noah was regarded as a fanatic. Satan, when tempting Eve to disobey God, said to her, Ye shall not surely die. Genesis 3:4. Great men, worldly, honored, and wise men, repeated the same. The threatenings of God, they said, are for the purpose of intimidating, and will never be verified. You need not be alarmed. Such an event as the destruction of the world by the God who made it, and the punishment of the beings He has created, will never take place. Be at peace; fear not. Noah is a wild fanatic. The world made merry at the folly of the deluded old man. Instead of humbling the heart before God, they continued their disobedience and wickedness, the same as though God had not spoken to them through His servant.{PP 96.1}[13]
§28
但是挪亚犹如屹立在暴风雨中的磐石一般。虽在轻视和讥诮包围之中，他却独具圣洁、忠诚和不移的信心。他的话带着能力，因为这是上帝借着他的仆人向世人发言。他与上帝联络，所以就从无穷的能力之中获得力量。因而他那庄严的声音，能落在那世代之人的耳中有一百二十年之久；而他所传将要临到的事，照人的智慧看来，乃是不可能的。[14]{PP 96.2}
§29
But Noah stood like a rock amid the tempest. Surrounded by popular contempt and ridicule, he distinguished himself by his holy integrity and unwavering faithfulness. A power attended his words, for it was the voice of God to man through His servant. Connection with God made him strong in the strength of infinite power, while for one hundred and twenty years his solemn voice fell upon the ears of that generation in regard to events, which, so far as human wisdom could judge, were impossible.{PP 96.2}[14]
§30
洪水以前的人认为多少世纪以来，自然律一向是固定不变的。春夏秋冬，循环不息。直到那时，从来没有降过雨水；土地是由雾气和露水所滋润的。江河从来没有涨过水，总是安然地流入大海。有一定的命令使江河的水不致涨出两岸。但是这些擅长辩论的人却没有在这些定律中看出上帝的作为来，因为他曾为诸水定界限，说：“你只可到这里，不可越过。”（伯38:11）[15]{PP 96.3}
§31
The world before the Flood reasoned that for centuries the laws of nature had been fixed. The recurring seasons had come in their order. Heretofore rain had never fallen; the earth had been watered by a mist or dew. The rivers had never yet passed their boundaries, but had borne their waters safely to the sea. Fixed decrees had kept the waters from overflowing their banks. But these reasoners did not recognize the hand of Him who had stayed the waters, saying, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further. Job 38:11.{PP 96.3}[15]
§32
日子一天一天地过去，自然界没有显出什么变化，那些一度恐惧战兢的人又渐渐的放心了。正如现代的人推论一样，他们推论着自然界的本身是超乎自然界之上帝的；自然界的定律是坚定不移的，就是上帝也不能改变它。他们认为如果挪亚所传的消息是可靠的话，那么自然界就必越出常轨了；所以他们在世人面前传说挪亚的信息乃是无稽之谈，是一种最大的欺骗。他们照常进行未曾听见警告之前所行的一切事，表明他们轻视上帝的警告。他们继续的欢宴，终日贪食醉酒，又吃又喝，又耕种，又盖造，进行计划图谋财利；并且犯罪作恶，更加猖獗；他们为要表示不怕上帝，竟公然不顾上帝的律法。他们竭力主张：如果挪亚所说的话有任何真理存在，则那些有名望的人——诸如当代的智者、哲士和伟人——一定也会明白的。[16]{PP 97.1}
§33
As time passed on, with no apparent change in nature, men whose hearts had at times trembled with fear, began to be reassured. They reasoned, as many reason now, that nature is above the God of nature, and that her laws are so firmly established that God Himself could not change them. Reasoning that if the message of Noah were correct, nature would be turned out of her course, they made that message, in the minds of the world, a delusion--a grand deception. They manifested their contempt for the warning of God by doing just as they had done before the warning was given. They continued their festivities and their gluttonous feasts; they ate and drank, planted and builded, laying their plans in reference to advantages they hoped to gain in the future; and they went to greater lengths in wickedness, and in defiant disregard of Gods requirements, to testify that they had no fear of the Infinite One. They asserted that if there were any truth in what Noah had said, the men of renown--the wise, the prudent, the great men--would understand the matter.{PP 97.1}[16]
§34
如果洪水以前的人相信挪亚的警告，悔改他们的恶行，耶和华必回心转意，后悔不发烈怒，正如他后来向尼尼微所行的一样。无奈他们竟顽固地抗拒良心的责备和上帝先知的警告，所以那世代已经恶贯满盈，毁灭的时机已成熟了。[17]{PP 97.2}
§35
Had the antediluvians believed the warning, and repented of their evil deeds, the Lord would have turned aside His wrath, as He afterward did from Nineveh. But by their obstinate resistance to the reproofs of conscience and the warnings of Gods prophet, that generation filled up the measure of their iniquity, and became ripe for destruction.{PP 97.2}[17]
§36
宽容的期限快满了。挪亚忠心地照着上帝所给他的教训而行。方舟的各部分都已造成，正如上帝所指示的一样；为人和走兽所预备的粮食也都已经储藏好了。于是上帝的仆人向世人发出最后的严肃劝告。他带着言语所不能形容的渴望，恳劝他们及早来投奔避难所。但他们仍然拒绝他的话；并扬声讥诮他。忽然，嘲笑的人群变得鸦雀无声了。他们看见各种的走兽——最凶猛的和最驯良的，都从山林中走出，静静地向方舟而来。百鸟从各方飞集，都依着次序飞入方舟，数目之多几至遮天蔽日，飞翔之声好像狂风过境一般。禽兽都服从上帝的命令，而人类竟悖逆不听。圣天使引着它们，“一对一对的，有公有母，到挪亚那里进入方舟，”（创7:9）洁净的畜类有七公七母。世人看见这情景极为希奇，有些人则颇觉恐怖。他们请哲士来说明这奇特的事故，但也是枉然；这原是他们无法推测的奥秘。但是世人既硬着心肠，执迷不悟，拒绝真光，甚至这样的景象，也只能使他们产生短暂的印象。当这些注定遭劫的人看到红日高照，光芒万丈，大地美丽犹如伊甸之时一样，他们便以狂欢来消除心中的惧怕，而且他们似乎在以暴行招惹上帝所已经发出的忿怒。[18]{PP 97.3}
§37
The period of their probation was about to expire. Noah had faithfully followed the instructions which he had received from God. The ark was finished in every part as the Lord had directed, and was stored with food for man and beast. And now the servant of God made his last solemn appeal to the people. With an agony of desire that words cannot express, he entreated them to seek a refuge while it might be found. Again they rejected his words, and raised their voices in jest and scoffing. Suddenly a silence fell upon the mocking throng. Beasts of every description, the fiercest as well as the most gentle, were seen coming from mountain and forest and quietly making their way toward the ark. A noise as of a rushing wind was heard, and lo, birds were flocking from all directions, their numbers darkening the heavens, and in perfect order they passed to the ark. Animals obeyed the command of God, while men were disobedient. Guided by holy angels, they went in two and two unto Noah into the ark, and the clean beasts by sevens. The world looked on in wonder, some in fear. Philosophers were called upon to account for the singular occurrence, but in vain. It was a mystery which they could not fathom. But men had become so hardened by their persistent rejection of light that even this scene produced but a momentary impression. As the doomed race beheld the sun shining in its glory, and the earth clad in almost Eden beauty, they banished their rising fears by boisterous merriment, and by their deeds of violence they seemed to invite upon themselves the visitation of the already awakened wrath of God.{PP 97.3}[18]
§38
上帝吩咐挪亚说：“你和你的全家都要进入方舟，因为在这世代中，我见你在我面前是义人。”（创7:1）挪亚的警告已为世人所拒绝，但他的影响和榜样，结果使他全家蒙福。上帝以拯救他的全家作他忠心正直的报赏。这对忠诚事主的父母该是何等的鼓励啊！[19]{PP 98.1}
§39
God commanded Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before Me in this generation. Noahs warnings had been rejected by the world, but his influence and example resulted in blessings to his family. As a reward for his faithfulness and integrity, God saved all the members of his family with him. What encouragement to parental fidelity!{PP 98.1}[19]
§40
慈悲的呼声，不再向犯罪的人们发出了。天空的飞鸟和野地的走兽已经到了避难之所。挪亚和他的全家已经进入方舟，“耶和华就把他关在方舟里头。”有一道耀目的白光出现，一朵比闪电的光更强的荣耀云彩从天上降下，停留在方舟的入口之处。方舟的大门从舟内是不能关闭的，这时有人眼看不见的手，慢慢地把它关了起来。挪亚已被关在方舟里面，而那些拒绝上帝恩典的人却都被关在方舟外了。方舟门上有上天的印封着；上帝已经将门关上，也只有上帝能把它打开。照样，将来基督停止为罪人代求的时候，在他驾着天云降临之前，恩典的门也要关闭。那时上帝的恩典不再抑制恶人，撒但必要完全控制凡拒绝上帝恩典的人。他们要企图杀害上帝的子民；但挪亚怎样被关在方舟里面，上帝的能力也必怎样保护义人。[20]{PP 98.2}
§41
Mercy had ceased its pleadings for the guilty race. The beasts of the field and the birds of the air had entered the place of refuge. Noah and his household were within the ark, and the Lord shut him in. A flash of dazzling light was seen, and a cloud of glory more vivid than the lightning descended from heaven and hovered before the entrance of the ark. The massive door, which it was impossible for those within to close, was slowly swung to its place by unseen hands. Noah was shut in, and the rejecters of Gods mercy were shut out. The seal of Heaven was on that door; God had shut it, and God alone could open it. So when Christ shall cease His intercession for guilty men, before His coming in the clouds of heaven, the door of mercy will be shut. Then divine grace will no longer restrain the wicked, and Satan will have full control of those who have rejected mercy. They will endeavor to destroy Gods people; but as Noah was shut into the ark, so the righteous will be shielded by divine power.{PP 98.2}[20]
§42
挪亚和他的家属进入方舟之后，过了七天；自然界并没有显出什么暴风雨即将来临的迹象。在这一段时期之内，他们的信心受到考验，而方舟外面的人则得意扬扬。这表面上的延搁，使他们确认挪亚的信息是一种无稽之谈，他们以为洪水是决不会来到的。他们虽然已经眼见这些严肃的景象——禽兽进入方舟，上帝的天使关了方舟的门；然而他们仍然继续从事他们的娱乐和欢宴，甚至于讥诮这些上帝权能明白的显示。他们群集在方舟外面，肆无忌惮地嘲笑里面的人，这种嘲笑是他们以前所决不敢作的。[21]{PP 98.3}
§43
For seven days after Noah and his family entered the ark, there appeared no sign of the coming storm. During this period their faith was tested. It was a time of triumph to the world without. The apparent delay confirmed them in the belief that Noahs message was a delusion, and that the Flood would never come. Notwithstanding the solemn scenes which they had witnessed--the beasts and birds entering the ark, and the angel of God closing the door--they still continued their sport and revelry, even making a jest of these signal manifestations of Gods power. They gathered in crowds about the ark, deriding its inmates with a daring violence which they had never ventured upon before.{PP 98.3}[21]
§44
可是到了第八天，黑云布满天空。接着雷声隆隆，电光闪闪。不久大雨开始下降。这是世人从来没有见过的。人人就吓得心惊胆战。大家都私下问说：“挪亚的话可能是真的，世人果然要注定被毁灭吗？”天越来越黑，雨越来越大。许多野兽惊怖骇惧，漫山狂奔；它们所发杂乱的嗥叫声，似乎是为自己的结局和人类的厄运而悲呜。于是“大渊的泉源，都裂开了，天上的窗户，也敞开了。”（创7:11）雨从云中降下犹如瀑布倾泻一般。江河涨起，水漫山谷。泉源从地下喷出时，力大无穷，将大石抛掷天空，竟有数百尺之高，落下时就深埋地下了。[22]{PP 99.1}
§45
But upon the eighth day dark clouds overspread the heavens. There followed the muttering of thunder and the flash of lightning. Soon large drops of rain began to fall. The world had never witnessed anything like this, and the hearts of men were struck with fear. All were secretly inquiring, Can it be that Noah was in the right, and that the world is doomed to destruction? Darker and darker grew the heavens, and faster came the falling rain. The beasts were roaming about in the wildest terror, and their discordant cries seemed to moan out their own destiny and the fate of man. Then the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. Water appeared to come from the clouds in mighty cataracts. Rivers broke away from their boundaries, and overflowed the valleys. Jets of water burst from the earth with indescribable force, throwing massive rocks hundreds of feet into the air, and these, in falling, buried themselves deep in the ground.{PP 99.1}[22]
§46
众人初次看见自己亲手所建的工程尽被毁灭。他们壮丽的建筑，以及安置偶像的华美园林，都被天上的电光所毁坏了；瓦砾乱飞，遍地皆是。他们所筑用来献活人为祭的坛也倒塌了，那些拜偶像的人看见永生上帝的能力，便大大震惊，并知道他们之所以招致灭亡，就是因为他们的腐化和拜偶像的罪。[23]{PP 99.2}
§47
The people first beheld the destruction of the works of their own hands. Their splendid buildings, and the beautiful gardens and groves where they had placed their idols, were destroyed by lightning from heaven, and the ruins were scattered far and wide. The altars on which human sacrifices had been offered were torn down, and the worshipers were made to tremble at the power of the living God, and to know that it was their corruption and idolatry which had called down their destruction.{PP 99.2}[23]
§48
当狂风暴雨猛势加剧时，树木房屋、大石泥土，到处乱飞。人兽惊惶之状，远非言语所能形容。轻视上帝权威之人的哀声，竟高过暴风的长啸。那时，撒但被迫留在暴风雨之中，也深恐自己的性命难保。他曾因自己能控制这么强大的人类而庆幸，并希冀他们能一直生存下去，以便进行他们那些可憎的事，继续反抗天地的主宰。这时他咒骂上帝，说他是不公平而残忍的。许多人也像撒但一样亵渎上帝，如果可能的话，他们巴不得将他从全能的宝座上拖下来。另一些人则惊恐万状，伸手向方舟呼吁，请求准他们进去。但是，他们的恳求乃是枉然的。他们终于良心发现了，知道有一位掌管天地的主宰。他们恳切地求告他，但他的耳朵不再听他们的呼求了。在那可怕的时辰，他们看出自己的灭亡，是由于自己违犯上帝的律法。然而他们承认自己的罪，乃是因为惧怕刑罚，并没有真正的觉悟、痛悔，也没有憎恶罪恶。即使当时上帝撤销了他的判决，他们仍必转去公然背叛天庭。照样，将来当上帝的刑罚降在地上，地球未被火焚毁之前，那些怙恶不悛的人也必知道自己罪恶的真相，就是轻视上帝神圣的律法。但是他们也不会比洪水以前的罪人，显出更真诚的悔改。[24]{PP 99.3}
§49
As the violence of the storm increased, trees, buildings, rocks, and earth were hurled in every direction. The terror of man and beast was beyond description. Above the roar of the tempest was heard the wailing of a people that had despised the authority of God. Satan himself, who was compelled to remain in the midst of the warring elements, feared for his own existence. He had delighted to control so powerful a race, and desired them to live to practice their abominations and continue their rebellion against the Ruler of heaven. He now uttered imprecations against God, charging Him with injustice and cruelty. Many of the people, like Satan, blasphemed God, and had they been able, they would have torn Him from the throne of power. Others were frantic with fear, stretching their hands toward the ark and pleading for admittance. But their entreaties were in vain. Conscience was at last aroused to know that there is a God who ruleth in the heavens. They called upon Him earnestly, but His ear was not open to their cry. In that terrible hour they saw that the transgression of Gods law had caused their ruin. Yet while, through fear of punishment, they acknowledged their sin, they felt no true contrition, no abhorrence of evil. They would have returned to their defiance of Heaven, had the judgment been removed. So when Gods judgments shall fall upon the earth before its deluge by fire, the impenitent will know just where and what their sin is--the despising of His holy law. Yet they will have no more true repentance than did the old-world sinners.{PP 99.3}[24]
§50
当时有一些人在绝望之中，想要闯进方舟，但他们无法打开这坚固的建筑。有些人拉住方舟，直到他们被汹涌的波涛冲去，或被岩石和树木所碰撞而松手。当那巨大的方舟正被无情的暴风雨所袭击，为翻腾的巨浪所抛掷时，似乎全舟都在震动。方舟内走兽的吼声，表明他们的惧怕和痛苦。但是在暴风雨之中，方舟仍是安全地漂浮着。因有大能的天使奉差遣来保护着它。[25]{PP 100.1}
§51
Some in their desperation endeavored to break into the ark, but the firm-made structure withstood their efforts. Some clung to the ark until they were borne away by the surging waters, or their hold was broken by collision with rocks and trees. The massive ark trembled in every fiber as it was beaten by the merciless winds and flung from billow to billow. The cries of the beasts within expressed their fear and pain. But amid the warring elements it continued to ride safely. Angels that excel in strength were commissioned to preserve it.{PP 100.1}[25]
§52
暴露在风雨之中的走兽冲到人面前，好像是希望从他们得到帮助一般。有一些人把自己和儿女绑在壮大的走兽身上，因为他们知道这些走兽会为生命挣扎，必能攀登最高的山峰，来逃避继续上涨的洪水；也有一些人把自己绑在山顶的大树上，可是这些树被大风拔起来，连其上的人一同抛在澎湃的波涛之中。人原来认为安全的地点，一处一处都放弃了。当水越涨越高时，众人就逃到最高的山上去躲避。到处都可以看见人和兽在争据一个立足之地，直到他们都被水冲去而后已。[26]{PP 100.2}
§53
The beasts, exposed to the tempest, rushed toward man, as though expecting help from him. Some of the people bound their children and themselves upon powerful animals, knowing that these were tenacious of life, and would climb to the highest points to escape the rising waters. Some fastened themselves to lofty trees on the summit of hills or mountains; but the trees were uprooted, and with their burden of living beings were hurled into the seething billows. One spot after another that promised safety was abandoned. As the waters rose higher and higher, the people fled for refuge to the loftiest mountains. Often man and beast would struggle together for a foothold, until both were swept away.{PP 100.2}[26]
§54
那些逃到最高山峰上的人只见地上一片汪洋，了无边际。这时他们再也不以上帝仆人的严肃警告为可讥诮的了。那些注定遭劫的罪人该是多么希望重得他们以前所轻视的机会！他们是多么恳切地哀求再得一小时的宽限，再有一次蒙恩的机会，再从挪亚口中得听一次呼召啊！但他们再也听不到慈爱的悦耳之声了。慈爱与公义一般，也需要上帝的刑罚来遏止罪恶。于是施行报应的洪水冲掉了最后的一个避难所，一切轻慢上帝的人都沉沦在深渊之中了。[27]{PP 100.3}
§55
From the highest peaks men looked abroad upon a shoreless ocean. The solemn warnings of Gods servant no longer seemed a subject for ridicule and scorning. How those doomed sinners longed for the opportunities which they had slighted! How they pleaded for one hours probation, one more privilege of mercy, one call from the lips of Noah! But the sweet voice of mercy was no more to be heard by them. Love, no less than justice, demanded that Gods judgments should put a check on sin. The avenging waters swept over the last retreat, and the despisers of God perished in the black depths.{PP 100.3}[27]
§56
“凭上帝的命……当时的世界被水淹没就消灭了；但现在的天地，还是凭着那命存留，直留到不敬虔之人受审判遭沉沦的日子，用火焚烧。”（彼后3:5-7）另一次风暴行将来到。上帝的忿怒必再度使地荒凉，罪和罪人必被除灭净尽。[28]{PP 101.1}
§57
By the word of God . . . the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: but the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. 2 Peter 3:5-7. Another storm is coming. The earth will again be swept by the desolating wrath of God, and sin and sinners will be destroyed.{PP 101.1}[28]
§58
洪水以前招致天谴的罪，今日依然存在着。世人没有敬畏上帝的心，而且鄙弃上帝的律法，视为无足轻重。洪水时代的人好贪恋世俗，现代的人也是如此。基督曾说：“当洪水以前的日子，人照常吃喝嫁娶，直到挪亚进方舟的那日；不知不觉洪水来了，把他们全都冲去。人子降临也要这样。”（太24:38-39）上帝并没有因吃喝而定洪水以前之人的罪；他曾丰丰富富地赐给他们地里的出产，来供给他们肉体的需要。他们的罪是在领受这些恩赐时没有感激赐恩的主，并毫无抑制地放纵食欲来败坏自己。嫁娶也是合法的；因为婚姻原是上帝所定的，是他最先所设立的两个制度之一。关于这个制度，他曾赐给人类特别的指示，使之成为神圣、美满，可是他们忘记了这些指示；败坏了婚姻的制度，而用来放纵情欲。[29]{PP 101.2}
§59
The sins that called for vengeance upon the antediluvian world exist today. The fear of God is banished from the hearts of men, and His law is treated with indifference and contempt. The intense worldliness of that generation is equaled by that of the generation now living. Said Christ, As in the days that were before the Flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:38, 39. God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drinking; He had given them the fruits of the earth in great abundance to supply their physical wants. Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without gratitude to the Giver, and debasing themselves by indulging appetite without restraint. It was lawful for them to marry. Marriage was in Gods order; it was one of the first institutions which He established. He gave special directions concerning this ordinance, clothing it with sanctity and beauty; but these directions were forgotten, and marriage was perverted and made to minister to passion.{PP 101.2}[29]
§60
现今也有这同样的情形存在。那本来合法的事却被人行得过分了。人们都在放纵食欲，漫无限制。今日一般自称跟从基督的人也与醉酒的人一同吃喝，而他们的名字却登记在教会圣徒的名册上。种种不节制的事麻醉了人道德和灵性的力量，为放纵肉体的情欲预备道路。许多人不觉得自己有克制声色之欲的本分，所以就成了情欲的奴隶。他们活着是为满足声色之欲；单求此世和今生的享受。骄奢淫逸之风普遍于社会各阶层之间。人为了奢华炫耀，不惜牺牲正义。他们急于追求富足，竟屈枉正直，压迫穷人；“奴仆，人口”（启18:13）仍旧作为买卖的商品。人公开地舞弊营私，贿赂盗窃；并且上行下效，无人责问。报纸上常见谋杀的新闻，这些罪行是那么冷酷无情，又是那么毫无理由，好像人类的天性已经完全丧尽了。而且这些暴行已经成了司空见惯的事，人们几乎毫不动心，不以为奇。叛乱的风气普遍各国，各地时时发生暴动，使人发生恐慌畏惧；这些不过都是被遏止着的热情，和不法之事的气焰；倘若一旦失了控制，就必使地上充满灾祸，全然荒凉。《圣经》描写洪水以前时代的情形，正是近代社会所即将形成的局面。就是在现代自称为基督教的国家之中，人们所犯的罪，也正如洪水淹没之人的罪一样黑暗，一样可怕。晚上“[30]{PP 101.3}
§61
A similar condition of things exists now. That which is lawful in itself is carried to excess. Appetite is indulged without restraint. Professed followers of Christ are today eating and drinking with the drunken, while their names stand in honored church records. Intemperance benumbs the moral and spiritual powers and prepares the way for indulgence of the lower passions. Multitudes feel under no moral obligation to curb their sensual desires, and they become the slaves of lust. Men are living for the pleasures of sense; for this world and this life alone. Extravagance pervades all circles of society. Integrity is sacrificed for luxury and display. They that make haste to be rich pervert justice and oppress the poor, and slaves and souls of men are still bought and sold. Fraud and bribery and theft stalk unrebuked in high places and in low. The issues of the press teem with records of murder--crimes so cold-blooded and causeless that it seems as though every instinct of humanity were blotted out. And these atrocities have become of so common occurrence that they hardly elicit a comment or awaken surprise. The spirit of anarchy is permeating all nations, and the outbreaks that from time to time excite the horror of the world are but indications of the pent-up fires of passion and lawlessness that, having once escaped control, will fill the earth with woe and desolation. The picture which Inspiration has given of the antediluvian world represents too truly the condition to which modern society is fast hastening. Even now, in the present century, and in professedly Christian lands, there are crimes daily perpetrated as black and terrible as those for which the old-world sinners were destroyed.{PP 101.3}[30]
§62
在洪水之前，上帝差遣挪亚警告世人，领人悔改，以便躲避那将要临到的毁灭。在基督第二次显现的日子临近的时候，上帝也差遣他的仆人警告世人，叫他们预备应付那将要来的大事。许多人一直是在违犯上帝的律法，所以他现在凭着慈悲召呼他们顺从他神圣的命令。凡愿意向上帝悔改，并信靠基督而离弃罪恶的人，都可以得蒙饶恕。但是许多人认为离弃罪恶所需的牺牲太大了。只因他们的生活不合乎上帝公义政府的圣洁法律，所以他们拒绝了他的警告，并否认他律法的权威。[31]{PP 102.1}
§63
Before the Flood God sent Noah to warn the world, that the people might be led to repentance, and thus escape the threatened destruction. As the time of Christs second appearing draws near, the Lord sends His servants with a warning to the world to prepare for that great event. Multitudes have been living in transgression of Gods law, and now He in mercy calls them to obey its sacred precepts. All who will put away their sins by repentance toward God and faith in Christ are offered pardon. But many feel that it requires too great a sacrifice to put away sin. Because their life does not harmonize with the pure principles of Gods moral government, they reject His warnings and deny the authority of His law.{PP 102.1}[31]
§64
洪水以前地上的居民人口极多，但只有八个人相信，并顺从上帝借着挪亚所传的道。这位传义道的挪亚用了一百二十年功夫，把那时将要临到的毁灭警告世人；但是，他们竟然轻视并拒绝了他的信息。现今也必如此。在设立律法的主来刑罚悖逆的人之前，他也要先警告犯罪的人悔改归正，但这些警告对于多数的人却是徒然。使徒彼得说：“在末世必有好讥诮的人，随从自己的私欲出来讥诮说：主要降临的应许在哪里呢？因为从列祖睡了以来，万物与起初创造的时候仍是一样。”（彼后3:3-4）如今我们不是听见人在说这样的话吗？不但那些公然不敬虔的人这样讲，连讲台上的牧师也是如此。他们说：“我们不必惊惶，基督降临之前，全世界的人都必悔改，公义必盛行一千年。放心吧，放心吧！万物同起初的时候仍是一样。不要让那些杞忧之人所说耸人听闻的话，搅扰你们。”其实，这一千禧年的道理与基督和他使徒的教训并不相符。基督曾发过一个意义深长的问题说：“然而人子来的时候，遇得见世上有信德吗？”（路18:8）他也说，世界的状况，正如方才我们所读到的，必要与挪亚的日子一样。保罗警告我们，当末日临近的时候，我们总必看见罪恶增多的现象；他说：“圣灵明说，在后来的时候，必有人离弃真道，听从那引诱人的邪灵和鬼魔的道理。”（提前4:1）使徒又说：“末世必有危险的日子来到。”（提后3:1）同时他列举徒有敬虔外貌之人一连串的惊人罪恶。[32]{PP 102.2}
§65
Of the vast population of the earth before the Flood, only eight souls believed and obeyed Gods word through Noah. For a hundred and twenty years the preacher of righteousness warned the world of the coming destruction, but his message was rejected and despised. So it will be now. Before the Lawgiver shall come to punish the disobedient, transgressors are warned to repent, and return to their allegiance; but with the majority these warnings will be in vain. Says the apostle Peter, There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning. 2 Peter 3:3, 4. Do we not hear these very words repeated, not merely by the openly ungodly, but by many who occupy the pulpits of our land? There is no cause for alarm, they cry. Before Christ shall come, all the world is to be converted, and righteousness is to reign for a thousand years. Peace, peace! all things continue as they were from the beginning. Let none be disturbed by the exciting message of these alarmists. But this doctrine of the millennium does not harmonize with the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Jesus asked the significant question, When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth? Luke 18:8. And, as we have seen, He declares that the state of the world will be as in the days of Noah. Paul warns us that we may look for wickedness to increase as the end draws near: The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. 1 Timothy 4:1. The apostle says that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 Timothy 3:1. And he gives a startling list of sins that will be found among those who have a form of godliness.{PP 102.2}[32]
§66
洪水以前的人，在他们的宽容限期行将结束时，竟沉溺于种种有刺激性的娱乐和宴会之中。那些具有势力和影响力的人，一心一意地使众人的心专注于狂欢和享乐上，免得有人受那最后严肃警告的感动。今日我们岂不是见到这同样的情形吗？当上帝的仆人传扬万物结局近了的时候，世人却在专求娱乐和享受。这种宴乐冶游，纸醉金迷的生活，终必使人对上帝漠不关心，并对真理的感化力麻木不仁，殊不知唯有这些真理才能救他们脱离那快要临到的毁灭呢。[33]{PP 103.1}
§67
As the time of their probation was closing, the antediluvians gave themselves up to exciting amusements and festivities. Those who possessed influence and power were bent on keeping the minds of the people engrossed with mirth and pleasure, lest any should be impressed by the last solemn warning. Do we not see the same repeated in our day? While Gods servants are giving the message that the end of all things is at hand, the world is absorbed in amusements and pleasure seeking. There is a constant round of excitement that causes indifference to God and prevents the people from being impressed by the truths which alone can save them from the coming destruction.{PP 103.1}[33]
§68
在挪亚的日子，哲学家们声称世界被洪水毁灭是一件不可能的事；照样，今日也有科学家想证明世界不可能被火烧灭，他们说，这是与自然的定律相抵触的。然而自然界的上帝——自然律的制定者和管理者，他能用他的作为来施行自己的旨意。[34]{PP 103.2}
§69
In Noahs day philosophers declared that it was impossible for the world to be destroyed by water; so now there are men of science who endeavor to show that the world cannot be destroyed by fire--that this would be inconsistent with the laws of nature. But the God of nature, the Maker and Controller of her laws, can use the works of His hands to serve His own purpose.{PP 103.2}[34]
§70
当伟人和智士们自满地证明了世界被洪水毁灭是一件不可能的事，当民众的惧怕已经消失，当他们将挪亚的警告视为无稽之谈并把他看作一个狂热之徒的时候，上帝的时候就到了。“大渊的泉源，都裂开了，天上的窗户，也敞开了，”（创7:11）那些讥诮的人都沉没于洪流之中了。这时世人才明白他们所引为自豪的哲学；才知道他们的智慧乃是愚拙；因设立律法的主比自然的定律更大；无所不能的上帝是不担忧无法成就他自己旨意的，可是，他们的后悔已经太晚了。“挪亚的日子怎样，”“人子显现的日子，也要怎样。”（路17:26,30）“但主的日子要像贼来到一样；那日天必有大响声废去，有形质的都要被烈火销化，地和其上的物都要烧尽了。”（彼后3:10）当哲学家的理论消除了人们对上帝审判的惧怕；宗教的教师们展望到长期的和平与繁荣；世人醉心于例行的事务和享乐，耕种盖造，宴乐狂欢，拒绝上帝的警告，并讥诮他的使者时，正在那时，灾祸必忽然临到他们，他们绝不能逃脱。（见帖前5:3）[35]{PP 103.3}
§71
When great and wise men had proved to their satisfaction that it was impossible for the world to be destroyed by water, when the fears of the people were quieted, when all regarded Noahs prophecy as a delusion, and looked upon him as a fanatic--then it was that Gods time had come. The fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened, and the scoffers were overwhelmed in the waters of the Flood. With all their boasted philosophy, men found too late that their wisdom was foolishness, that the Lawgiver is greater than the laws of nature, and that Omnipotence is at no loss for means to accomplish His purposes. As it was in the days of Noah, even thus shall it be in the days when the Son of man is revealed. Luke 17:26, 30. The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. 2 Peter 3:10. When the reasoning of philosophy has banished the fear of Gods judgments; when religious teachers are pointing forward to long ages of peace and prosperity, and the world are absorbed in their rounds of business and pleasure, planting and building, feasting and merrymaking, rejecting Gods warnings and mocking His messengers--then it is that sudden destruction cometh upon them, and they shall not escape. 1 Thessalonians 5:3.{PP 103.3}[35]