第41章 约旦河边的背道
§1
第41章 约旦河边的背道
§2
Chap. 41 - Apostasy at the Jordan
§3
胜利的以色列军队兴高采烈地从巴珊凯旋，他们对上帝的信心因而更加坚固了。他们已经占领了一片重要的地区，而且深信自己可以一鼓作气地去攻取迦南。现在他们和应许之地的中间只隔着一条约旦河。一过了河，就是那绿草如茵的肥美平原，那里有盈溢着的河水灌溉，有繁茂的棕树遮荫。在平原的西边，可以望到耶利哥的城楼和宫殿，周围被棕树林围绕着，所以该城有“棕树城”（申34:3）之称。[1]{PP 453.1}
§4
With joyful hearts and renewed faith in God, the victorious armies of Israel had returned from Bashan. They had already gained possession of a valuable territory, and they were confident of the immediate conquest of Canaan. Only the river Jordan lay between them and the Promised Land. Just across the river was a rich plain, covered with verdure, watered with streams from copious fountains, and shaded by luxuriant palm trees. On the western border of the plain rose the towers and palaces of Jericho, so embosomed in its palm-tree groves that it was called the city of palm trees.{PP 453.1}[1]
§5
在约旦河东，沿着河岸和以色列人所曾行过的高原之间，有一片数里宽的平原。这低洼的山谷地是热带的气候；皂荚树甚是繁茂，所以这平原又称为“什亭谷。”（译者按：什亭是皂荚树原文的字音。）以色列人这时就安营于此，在河边的皂荚树林荫下，他们找到了一个合宜的栖息之所。[2]{PP 453.2}
§6
On the eastern side of Jordan, between the river and the high tableland which they had been traversing, was also a plain, several miles in width and extending some distance along the river. This sheltered valley had the climate of the tropics; here flourished the shittim, or acacia, tree, giving to the plain the name, Vale of Shittim. It was here that the Israelites encamped, and in the acacia groves by the riverside they found an agreeable retreat.{PP 453.2}[2]
§7
但是在这些引人入胜的环境之中，他们所遭遇的祸害，却比敌人的大军和旷野的猛兽更加可怕。那地虽然那么富有自然界的优美，可是已被那里的居民污秽了。在公开敬拜主要的神巴力的祭礼中，时常可以看到最卑劣，最邪恶的行为。在各方面都有著名的拜偶像行邪淫的地方，从这些地方的名称上，就可以看出那里的居民是多么邪淫，多么腐败。[3]{PP 453.3}
§8
But amid these attractive surroundings they were to encounter an evil more deadly than mighty hosts of armed men or the wild beasts of the wilderness. That country, so rich in natural advantages, had been defiled by the inhabitants. In the public worship of Baal, the leading deity, the most degrading and iniquitous scenes were constantly enacted. On every side were places noted for idolatry and licentiousness, the very names being suggestive of the vileness and corruption of the people.{PP 453.3}[3]
§9
这些环境在以色列人身上发生了腐化的影响。他们因经常被邪淫所逗引，就与之亲密起来；他们安逸和懈怠的生活产生了败坏的影响；他们大都不知不觉地离弃了上帝，并到了容易为试探所胜的境地。[4]{PP 453.4}
§10
These surroundings exerted a polluting influence upon the Israelites. Their minds became familiar with the vile thoughts constantly suggested; their life of ease and inaction produced its demoralizing effect; and almost unconsciously to themselves they were departing from God and coming into a condition where they would fall an easy prey to temptation.{PP 453.4}[4]
§11
当以色列人安营在约旦河边的时期中，摩西正忙于作占领迦南的准备。当这个大领袖用全副精神从事工作时，这一段悬而不决和殷殷期待的时间，对百姓却是最难忍耐的。不过几周，以色列人的历史就被最可怕的伤风败俗之事所污损了。[5]{PP 454.1}
§12
During the time of their encampment beside Jordan, Moses was preparing for the occupation of Canaan. In this work the great leader was fully employed; but to the people this time of suspense and expectation was most trying, and before many weeks had elapsed their history was marred by the most frightful departures from virtue and integrity.{PP 454.1}[5]
§13
起先，以色列人与他们异教的邻人没有多少来往，但过了一些时候，米甸的妇女就潜入营中。她们的出现并没有引起人的恐慌，而且她们又是那么秘密地进行她们的计划，甚至摩西也没有注意到她们的问题。这些妇女与希伯来人来往的目的，乃是要诱惑他们违犯上帝的律法，勾引他们去注意异教的礼节和风俗，并引诱他们敬拜偶像。她们审慎地以友谊的外衣掩饰了自己的真目的，所以以色列人没有怀疑她们，连百姓的官长也被她们瞒过了。[6]{PP 454.2}
§14
At first there was little intercourse between the Israelites and their heathen neighbors, but after a time Midianitish women began to steal into the camp. Their appearance excited no alarm, and so quietly were their plans conducted that the attention of Moses was not called to the matter. It was the object of these women, in their association with the Hebrews, to seduce them into transgression of the law of God, to draw their attention to heathen rites and customs, and lead them into idolatry. These motives were studiously concealed under the garb of friendship, so that they were not suspected, even by the guardians of the people.{PP 454.2}[6]
§15
摩押王依着巴兰的建议，规定了一个庆祝他们神明的大节日，并私下安排由巴兰去劝诱以色列人来参加这一次的盛会。以色列人以为巴兰是上帝的先知，所以他并不难达到他的目的。百姓中有许多人随着他去参观这节日的庆祝。他们冒险踏入禁去之地，就自投于撒但的罗网之中。他们受了音乐和舞蹈的蛊惑，为异教妓女的美色所引诱，就放弃了他们对耶和华的忠贞。当他们参加狂欢宴乐时，因纵饮而麻痹了知觉，拆毁了自制的藩篱。于是情欲完全控制了他们，他们的良心既因淫乱而麻木，就被引诱跪拜偶像。于是他们在异教的祭坛上献祭，并参加了最败坏的仪式。[7]{PP 454.3}
§16
At Balaams suggestion, a grand festival in honor of their gods was appointed by the king of Moab, and it was secretly arranged that Balaam should induce the Israelites to attend. He was regarded by them as a prophet of God, and hence had little difficulty in accomplishing his purpose. Great numbers of the people joined him in witnessing the festivities. They ventured upon the forbidden ground, and were entangled in the snare of Satan. Beguiled with music and dancing, and allured by the beauty of heathen vestals, they cast off their fealty to Jehovah. As they united in mirth and feasting, indulgence in wine beclouded their senses and broke down the barriers of self-control. Passion had full sway; and having defiled their consciences by lewdness, they were persuaded to bow down to idols. They offered sacrifice upon heathen altars and participated in the most degrading rites.{PP 454.3}[7]
§17
不久这腐化的影响像可怕的瘟疫一样，蔓延到以色列全营。那些在战场上能战胜仇敌的勇士，反被异教妇女的诡计所胜。百姓似乎都受了蛊惑。官长和领导人物乃是首先违犯律法的，百姓中有那么多人犯了罪，以致这一次的悖逆变成全国性的了。“以色列人与巴力毗珥连合。”（民25:30）当摩西发觉这罪恶时，他们仇敌的诡计已经到了成功的地步，以致以色列人不但到毗珥山去参加了淫乱的敬拜，而以色列营中也已在举行异教的仪式。这一位年迈的领袖心中充满愤慨，而且也惹起了上帝的烈怒。[8]{PP 454.4}
§18
It was not long before the poison had spread, like a deadly infection, through the camp of Israel. Those who would have conquered their enemies in battle were overcome by the wiles of heathen women. The people seemed to be infatuated. The rulers and the leading men were among the first to transgress, and so many of the people were guilty that the apostasy became national. Israel joined himself unto Baalpeor. When Moses was aroused to perceive the evil, the plots of their enemies had been so successful that not only were the Israelites participating in the licentious worship at Mount Peor, but the heathen rites were coming to be observed in the camp of Israel. The aged leader was filled with indignation, and the wrath of God was kindled.{PP 454.4}[8]
§19
以色列人罪恶的行为使自己与上帝隔绝，这是巴兰一切的法术所未能作到的。百姓因为那迅速临到的刑罚，就觉悟到自己所犯的罪是何等的严重。这时有可怕的瘟疫在营中发生，立时就有几万人死亡了。上帝令审判官把这一次悖逆的首领处死，这命令立时就执行了。主犯都被杀了，他们的尸体当着全以色列人被悬挂起来，使会众看到首领们受了那么严重的处治，就可以深深地感到上帝对他们的罪是多么憎恨，并看出他对他们的忿怒是多么可怕。[9]{PP 455.1}
§20
Their iniquitous practices did that for Israel which all the enchantments of Balaam could not do--they separated them from God. By swift-coming judgments the people were awakened to the enormity of their sin. A terrible pestilence broke out in the camp, to which tens of thousands speedily fell a prey. God commanded that the leaders in this apostasy be put to death by the magistrates. This order was promptly obeyed. The offenders were slain, then their bodies were hung up in sight of all Israel that the congregation, seeing the leaders so severely dealt with, might have a deep sense of Gods abhorrence of their sin and the terror of His wrath against them.{PP 455.1}[9]
§21
百姓都觉得这刑罚是公正的，他们就赶紧到会幕那里去，流泪自卑地承认了自己的罪。当他们正在会幕门口向上帝哭泣，瘟疫正在进行毁灭工作，审判者正在执行他们可怕使命的时候，谁知以色列人的一个首领心利竟敢公然带着一个米甸妓女进入营中，他所带进他帐棚的女子，乃是“米甸一个宗族的首领”的女儿。罪人的胆大妄为和顽梗不化，实无过于此。心利酒性发作，竟说自己的罪恶“好像所多玛一样，”不但不以为耻，反以为光荣呢。当祭司和首领们正忧愁自卑地俯伏“在廊子和祭坛中间哭泣，”求耶和华顾惜他的百姓，不要使他的产业受羞辱时，这一个以色列的首领竟敢当着会众矜夸自己的罪行，好像是公然藐视上帝的报应，并轻慢国内的审判官。当时大祭司以利亚撒的儿子非尼哈就从会中起来，手里拿着一根枪，“跟随那以色列人进亭子里去，”把那两个人都杀了。这样，瘟疫就止息了。而那执行上帝刑罚的祭司，在全以色列人面前得了尊荣，并且坚定了祭司的职分，永远归于他和他的家。[10]{PP 455.2}
§22
All felt that the punishment was just, and the people hastened to the tabernacle, and with tears and deep humiliation confessed their sin. While they were thus weeping before God, at the door of the tabernacle, while the plague was still doing its work of death, and the magistrates were executing their terrible commission, Zimri, one of the nobles of Israel, came boldly into the camp, accompanied by a Midianitish harlot, a princess of a chief house in Midian, whom he escorted to his tent. Never was vice bolder or more stubborn. Inflamed with wine, Zimri declared his sin as Sodom, and gloried in his shame. The priests and leaders had prostrated themselves in grief and humiliation, weeping between the porch and the altar, and entreating the Lord to spare His people, and give not His heritage to reproach, when this prince in Israel flaunted his sin in the sight of the congregation, as if to defy the vengeance of God and mock the judges of the nation. Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the high priest, rose up from among the congregation, and seizing a javelin, he went after the man of Israel into the tent, and slew them both. Thus the plague was stayed, while the priest who had executed the divine judgment was honored before all Israel, and the priesthood was confirmed to him and to his house forever.{PP 455.2}[10]
§23
上帝晓谕说：“非尼哈使我向以色列人所发的怒消了，……因此，你要说：我将我平安的约赐给他。这约要给他和他的后裔，作为永远当祭司职任的约，因他为上帝有忌邪的心，为以色列人赎罪。”（民25:11-13）[11]{PP 455.3}
§24
Phinehas hath turned My wrath away from the children of Israel, was the divine message; wherefore say, Behold, I give unto him My covenant of peace: and he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for His God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.{PP 455.3}[11]
§25
这一次，上帝在什亭因以色列人的罪而降的刑罚，就把在四十年之前受“死在旷野”处分的那一班人，凡剩下的都毁灭了。以色列人安营在约旦平原，照着上帝的指示所核点的民数，就显明了“被数的人中，没有一个是摩西和祭司亚伦从前在西乃的旷野所数过的以色列人；……除了耶孚尼的儿子迦勒，和嫩的儿子约书亚之外，连一个人也没有存留。”（民26:64-65）[12]{PP 456.1}
§26
The judgments visited upon Israel for their sin at Shittim, destroyed the survivors of that vast company, who, nearly forty years before, had incurred the sentence, They shall surely die in the wilderness. The numbering of the people by divine direction, during their encampment on the plains of Jordan, showed that of them whom Moses and Aaron the priest numbered, when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai, . . . there was not left a man of them, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. Numbers 26:64, 65.{PP 456.1}[12]
§27
上帝降刑罚与以色列人，乃是因为他们随从了米甸人的引诱，但是那些试探他们的人，也未能逃过神圣的裁判。从前亚玛力人在利非订攻打以色列人的时候，击杀了那些疲乏、困倦、落在后边的人，他们过了很久才遭受刑罚；但米甸人引诱以色列民犯罪，成了他们最危险的仇敌，就要很迅速地受到上帝的刑罚。上帝吩咐摩西说：“你要在米甸人身上报以色列人的仇，后来要归到你列祖那里。”（民31:2）摩西立时顺从了这命令。他从每支派拣选一千人，并派非尼哈领着他们出去。“他们就照耶和华所吩咐摩西的，与米甸人打仗，……在所杀的人中，杀了米甸的五王，……又用刀杀了比珥的儿子巴兰。”至于进攻军队所掳来的妇女，摩西也吩咐把她们杀了，因为她们的罪恶最大；并是以色列人最危险的仇敌。[13]{PP 456.2}
§28
God had sent judgments upon Israel for yielding to the enticements of the Midianites; but the tempters were not to escape the wrath of divine justice. The Amalekites, who had attacked Israel at Rephidim, falling upon those who were faint and weary behind the host, were not punished till long after; but the Midianites who seduced them into sin were speedily made to feel Gods judgments, as being the more dangerous enemies. Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites (Numbers 31:2), was the command of God to Moses; afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. This mandate was immediately obeyed. One thousand men were chosen from each of the tribes and sent out under the leadership of Phinehas. And they warred against the Midianites, as the Lord commanded Moses. . . . And they slew the kings of Midian, beside the rest of them that were slain; . . . five kings of Midian: Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword. Verses 7, 8. The women also, who had been made captives by the attacking army, were put to death at the command of Moses, as the most guilty and most dangerous of the foes of Israel.{PP 456.2}[13]
§29
这就是那些设计加害于上帝子民之人的结局。诗人说：“外邦人陷在自己所掘的坑中；他们的脚，在自己暗设的网罗里缠住了。”（诗9:15）“因为耶和华必不丢弃他的百姓，也不离弃他的产业。审判要转向公义。”当世人“聚集攻击义人”时，耶和华要“叫他们的罪孽归到他们身上。他们正在行恶之中，他要剪除他们。”（诗94:14-15,21,23）[14]{PP 456.3}
§30
Such was the end of them that devised mischief against Gods people. Says the psalmist: The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. Psalm 9:15. For the Lord will not cast off His people, neither will He forsake His inheritance. But judgment shall return unto righteousness. When men gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, the Lord shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness. Psalm 94:14, 15, 21, 23. {PP 456.3}[14]
§31
当巴兰被请咒诅希伯来人的时候，他虽用尽所有的法术，也不能叫灾祸临到他们；因为耶和华“未见雅各中有罪孽，也未见以色列中有奸恶。”（民23:21）但当他们屈服于试探，违犯上帝律法的时候，他们就没有保障了。当上帝的百姓忠于他诫命之时，“断没有法术可以害雅各，也没有占卜可以害以色列。”（民23:23）因此撒但使用了他一切的权势和诡计，来引诱他们陷入罪中。如果那些自称保守上帝律法的人违犯了律法的条例，他们就使自己与上帝隔绝，也就不能在仇敌面前站立得住了。[15]{PP 457.1}
§32
When Balaam was called to curse the Hebrews he could not, by all his enchantments, bring evil upon them; for the Lord had not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither had He seen perverseness in Israel. Numbers 23:21, 23. But when through yielding to temptation they transgressed Gods law, their defense departed from them. When the people of God are faithful to His commandments, there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel. Hence all the power and wily arts of Satan are exerted to seduce them into sin. If those who profess to be the depositaries of Gods law become transgressors of its precepts, they separate themselves from God, and they will be unable to stand before their enemies.{PP 457.1}[15]
§33
以色列人不能被米甸的军队或法术所胜，却成了米甸妓女的战利品。撒但利用妇女所行使陷害并毁灭人的力量，于此就可见一般了！“因为被她伤害仆倒的不少；被她杀戮的而且甚多。”（箴7:26）塞特的后裔就是这样受引诱偏离了正路，以致圣洁的世系败坏了。约瑟也在这件事上受了试探，参孙因此把他的力量，就是以色列的保障，断送在非利士人手中。大卫在这一点上跌倒了。最有智慧的王所罗门虽然三次称为上帝所喜爱的人，也因这同样的蛊惑而成了情欲的奴隶，并捐弃了他纯洁的品格。[16]{PP 457.2}
§34
The Israelites, who could not be overcome by the arms or by the enchantments of Midian, fell a prey to her harlots. Such is the power that woman, enlisted in the service of Satan, has exerted to entrap and destroy souls. She hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. Proverbs 7:26. It was thus that the children of Seth were seduced from their integrity, and the holy seed became corrupt. It was thus that Joseph was tempted. Thus Samson betrayed his strength, the defense of Israel, into the hands of the Philistines. Here David stumbled. And Solomon, the wisest of kings, who had thrice been called the beloved of his God, became a slave of passion, and sacrificed his integrity to the same bewitching power.{PP 457.2}[16]
§35
“他们遭遇这些事，都要作为鉴戒，并且写在经上，正是警戒我们这末世的人。所以自己以为站得稳的，须要谨慎，免得跌倒。”（林前10:11-12）撒但深知他所要引诱之人的心地本质如何。他知道每个人最容易受诱惑的弱点，因他已经疯狂似的集中心力研究了几千年。在以后的世代中，他常用这一次在巴力毗珥所用有效的试探，来败坏以色列中最坚强的首领。而且历代以来，已有许多人这样陷于放纵肉欲的罗网中，以致身败名裂。当我们临近末日，当上帝的子民站在天上迦南的边界时，撒但必要像古时一样，加倍努力地阻止他们进入那美地。他为每一个人布置了网罗。所以须要提防的，不仅是那些无知和未受教养的人；也是那些居于最高地位，担任最圣洁职分的人；如果他能引诱他们污秽自己的心灵，他就能借着他们败坏许多人。而且他如今所用的方法，正与三千年前所用的一样。他用属世的友谊、女子的美色、享乐、狂欢、宴会或纵饮，引诱人违犯第七条诫命。[17]{PP 457.3}
§36
Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:11, 12. Satan well knows the material with which he has to deal in the human heart. He knows--for he has studied with fiendish intensity for thousands of years--the points most easily assailed in every character; and through successive generations he has wrought to overthrow the strongest men, princes in Israel, by the same temptations that were so successful at Baalpeor. All along through the ages there are strewn wrecks of character that have been stranded upon the rocks of sensual indulgence. As we approach the close of time, as the people of God stand upon the borders of the heavenly Canaan, Satan will, as of old, redouble his efforts to prevent them from entering the goodly land. He lays his snares for every soul. It is not the ignorant and uncultured merely that need to be guarded; he will prepare his temptations for those in the highest positions, in the most holy office; if he can lead them to pollute their souls, he can through them destroy many. And he employs the same agents now as he employed three thousand years ago. By worldly friendships, by the charms of beauty, by pleasure seeking, mirth, feasting, or the wine cup, he tempts to the violation of the seventh commandment.{PP 457.3}[17]
§37
撒但先引诱以色列人犯了淫乱的罪，然后进一步使他们敬拜偶像。那些肯败坏上帝的形象，并污秽他在自己里头的圣殿的人，也必毫无忌惮地满足心中腐败的欲望，而置上帝的荣耀于度外。肉欲的放纵必定使人悟性迟钝，败坏人的心灵。满足兽欲必使人的智力昏昧，道德观念麻木，而且人若成了情欲的奴隶，就看不清他对上帝律法的神圣本分，或感戴救赎的大恩，或对人的灵性价值有正确的认识。良善、纯洁、真理、对上帝的尊敬、对神圣事物的喜爱，这一切，使人与上天联接起来的圣洁感情和高尚愿望——都被情俗的火焰烧尽了。人心就成了黑暗荒凉的废墟、恶灵的住处和“各样污秽可憎之雀鸟的巢穴。”那照着上帝形象所造的人就与禽兽无异了。[18]{PP 458.1}
§38
Satan seduced Israel into licentiousness before leading them to idolatry. Those who will dishonor Gods image and defile His temple in their own persons will not scruple at any dishonor to God that will gratify the desire of their depraved hearts. Sensual indulgence weakens the mind and debases the soul. The moral and intellectual powers are benumbed and paralyzed by the gratification of the animal propensities; and it is impossible for the slave of passion to realize the sacred obligation of the law of God, to appreciate the atonement, or to place a right value upon the soul. Goodness, purity, and truth, reverence for God, and love for sacred things--all those holy affections and noble desires that link men with the heavenly world--are consumed in the fires of lust. The soul becomes a blackened and desolate waste, the habitation of the evil spirits, and the cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Beings formed in the image of God are dragged down to a level with the brutes.{PP 458.1}[18]
§39
希伯来人之所以被引诱违犯上帝的律法，并使全国受到上帝的刑罚，乃是因为他们与拜偶像的人结交，并参加拜偶像的宴会。今日撒但也在引诱基督徒与不敬虔的人结交，使之参加他们的娱乐——这是撒但诱惑他们陷在罪恶之中最有效的方法。主说：“你们务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别，不要沾不洁净的物。”（林后6:17）上帝今日要他的子民在风俗习惯和原则上，与世人保持很大的区别，像他吩咐古时的以色列人一样。如果他们忠心顺从《圣经》的教训，这种区别就必一直存在，这是必然之理。那从前警戒希伯来人不可与外邦人同化的话，与现今禁止基督徒不可随从不敬虔之人的精神和习惯的话，是一样的肯定而明确。基督对我们说：“不要爱世界和世界上的事。人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了。”“岂不知与世俗为友，就是与上帝为敌吗？所以凡想要与世俗为友的，就是与上帝为敌了。”（约一2:15；雅4:4）跟从基督的人务须自行远离罪人，除非是找机会为他们造福，就不可与他们交往。对于那些能影响我们离开上帝的人，我们务要坚决地远离他们。当我们祷告“不叫我们遇见试探”的时候，我们当尽量躲避试探。[19]{PP 458.2}
§40
It was by associating with idolaters and joining in their festivities that the Hebrews were led to transgress Gods law and bring His judgments upon the nation. So now it is by leading the followers of Christ to associate with the ungodly and unite in their amusements that Satan is most successful in alluring them into sin. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean. 2 Corinthians 6:17. God requires of His people now as great a distinction from the world, in customs, habits, and principles, as He required of Israel anciently. If they faithfully follow the teachings of His word, this distinction will exist; it cannot be otherwise. The warnings given to the Hebrews against assimilating with the heathen were not more direct or explicit than are those forbidding Christians to conform to the spirit and customs of the ungodly. Christ speaks to us, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15. The friendship of the world is enmity with God; whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4:4. The followers of Christ are to separate themselves from sinners, choosing their society only when there is opportunity to do them good. We cannot be too decided in shunning the company of those who exert an influence to draw us away from God. While we pray, Lead us not into temptation, we are to shun temptation, so far as possible.{PP 458.2}[19]
§41
以色列人被引诱陷入罪中，正是他们自以为平安稳妥的时候。他们忘记了上帝，忽略了祷告，并存着自恃的精神。安逸和放纵能使心灵的防御松弛戒备，于是败坏的思想便乘机而入。那使以色列人落在撒但权势之下的，乃是在城墙之内推翻了正义堡垒的叛国之人。撒但今日仍是这样设法达到败坏人心的目的。一个基督徒在公开犯罪之前，心中必先经一番长久的思想过程，这过程是世人所不知道的。人的心并不是从纯洁圣善的景况立刻陷于败坏，堕落和犯罪的地步的；那些照着上帝形象而造的人堕落到与禽兽无异，或与鬼魔一般的地步，是需要相当长久的时间。我们因常注意，自己就改变了。人能因放纵不正当的思想，而使自己的心受污秽的影响，以至他原先所憎恶的罪，却变成他所爱好的事了。[20]{PP 459.1}
§42
It was when the Israelites were in a condition of outward ease and security that they were led into sin. They failed to keep God ever before them, they neglected prayer and cherished a spirit of self-confidence. Ease and self-indulgence left the citadel of the soul unguarded, and debasing thoughts found entrance. It was the traitors within the walls that overthrew the strongholds of principle and betrayed Israel into the power of Satan. It is thus that Satan still seeks to compass the ruin of the soul. A long preparatory process, unknown to the world, goes on in the heart before the Christian commits open sin. The mind does not come down at once from purity and holiness to depravity, corruption, and crime. It takes time to degrade those formed in the image of God to the brutal or the satanic. By beholding we become changed. By the indulgence of impure thoughts man can so educate his mind that sin which he once loathed will become pleasant to him.{PP 459.1}[20]
§43
撒但正在用各样的方法，使罪恶和邪淫的事成为流行的习尚。当我们行过城市中的街道时，总会看到一些触目的广告，是基于某一本小说所叙述，或由某一个戏院所表演的罪恶事件。许多人习于和罪恶相狎了。一般卑鄙邪恶之徒所作的坏事，常在当天的报纸和杂志中公诸大众。凡足以引起情欲的事，都在带有刺激性的小说里供人阅读。他们既听到并读到那么多卑劣可憎的事，他们那曾因这事而惊避的敏锐感觉就渐渐麻木，以致他们反以贪而无餍的兴趣来欣赏了。[21]{PP 459.2}
§44
Satan is using every means to make crime and debasing vice popular. We cannot walk the streets of our cities without encountering flaring notices of crime presented in some novel, or to be acted at some theater. The mind is educated to familiarity with sin. The course pursued by the base and vile is kept before the people in the periodicals of the day, and everything that can excite passion is brought before them in exciting stories. They hear and read so much of debasing crime that the once tender conscience, which would have recoiled with horror from such scenes, becomes hardened, and they dwell upon these things with greedy interest.{PP 459.2}[21]
§45
今日世上所流行的许多娱乐，与古代外邦人中所有的娱乐，结果都是一样；就是自命为基督徒者所爱好的娱乐，也是如此。这些娱乐之中，没有多少是撒但不能用来败坏人心的。历代以来，他曾利用戏剧来刺激情欲，并夸耀恶行。许多歌剧的动人表演、迷人的音乐，以及一般的大宴会、跳舞、玩牌等等，都已被撒但利用来打破正义的藩篱，并打开放纵情欲的门路。每一个追求宴乐，助长骄傲、或放纵食欲的场合，都是使人忘记上帝，忘记永生利益的所在；都是撒但进行活动、牢笼人心的地方。[22]{PP 459.3}
§46
Many of the amusements popular in the world today, even with those who claim to be Christians, tend to the same end as did those of the heathen. There are indeed few among them that Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls. Through the drama he has worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice. The opera, with its fascinating display and bewildering music, the masquerade, the dance, the card table, Satan employs to break down the barriers of principle and open the door to sensual indulgence. In every gathering for pleasure where pride is fostered or appetite indulged, where one is led to forget God and lose sight of eternal interests, there Satan is binding his chains about the soul.{PP 459.3}[22]
§47
智慧人劝告说：“你要保守你心，胜过保守一切；因为一生的果效，是由心发出。”人“心怎样思量，他为人就是怎样。”（箴4:23；23:7）人心必须被上帝的恩典所更新，不然，他若想追求人生的纯洁，必定是徒然的。人想要建立高尚德行的品格，而不靠基督的恩典，无异是在流沙上建造房屋。一旦遇见试探的猛烈风暴，就必倒塌。大卫的祷告应当作每一个人的恳求，他说：“上帝啊，求你为我造清洁的心，使我里面重新有正直的灵。”（诗51:10）我们既能与上天的恩赐有份，就要“因信蒙上帝能力保守，”（彼前1:5）[23]{PP 460.1}
§48
Keep thy heart with all diligence, is the counsel of the wise man; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23. As man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7. The heart must be renewed by divine grace, or it will be in vain to seek for purity of life. He who attempts to build up a noble, virtuous character independent of the grace of Christ is building his house upon the shifting sand. In the fierce storms of temptation it will surely be overthrown. Davids prayer should be the petition of every soul: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10. And having become partakers of the heavenly gift, we are to go on unto perfection, being kept by the power of God through faith. 1 Peter 1:5.{PP 460.1}[23]
§49
渐渐达到完全的地步。但为要抵抗试探，我们也有当尽的本分。凡不愿落在撒但的诡计中成为他牺牲品的人，就必须慎重地保卫心灵的每一条通道。我们不可读、看、或听那足以引起污秽思想的事物。我们切不可让心思随着仇敌的诱惑任意游荡。使徒彼得说：“所以要约束你们的心，谨慎自守，……不要效法从前蒙昧无知的时候，那放纵私欲的样子。那召你们的既是圣洁，你们在一切所行的事上也要圣洁。”（彼前1:13-15）保罗说：“凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的。若有什么德行，若有什么称赞，这些事你们都要思念。”（腓4:8）人若要作到这一点，就必须恳切祷告，警醒不倦。我们必须有圣灵住在我们里面，他就能帮助我们，使我们心意高超，并训练我们的心时常思念纯正和圣洁的事。我们也必须殷勤地研究上帝的圣言。“少年人用什么洁净他的行为呢？是要遵行你的话。”诗人说：“我将你的话藏在心里，免得我得罪你。”（诗119:9,11）[24]{PP 460.2}
§50
Yet we have a work to do to resist temptation. Those who would not fall a prey to Satans devices must guard well the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts. The mind should not be left to wander at random upon every subject that the adversary of souls may suggest. Girding up the loins of your mind, says the apostle Peter, Be sober, . . . not fashioning yourselves according to your former lusts in . . . your ignorance: but like as He which called you is holy, be ye yourselves also holy in all manner of living. 1 Peter 1:13-15, R.V. Says Paul, Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Philippians 4:8. This will require earnest prayer and unceasing watchfulness. We must be aided by the abiding influence of the Holy Spirit, which will attract the mind upward, and habituate it to dwell on pure and holy things. And we must give diligent study to the word of God. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word. Thy word, says the psalmist, have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Psalm 119:9, 11. {PP 460.2}[24]
§51
以色列人在伯毗珥所犯的罪使全国受了上帝的刑罚，这同样的罪，今日即或没有受到那样迅速的刑罚，但早晚终是要受到报应的。“若有人毁坏上帝的殿，上帝必要毁坏那人。”（林前3:17）自然业已对这些罪加上了可怕的刑罚，这刑罚早晚必要临到每一个违犯律法的人身上。这种罪比任何其他的罪更能使人类有可怕的退化现象，以及遭受到那咒诅全世界的疾病和痛苦。人或许也能隐瞒自己淫乱的罪而不至被别人发觉，但罪人终必收获这罪的结果，就是痛苦、疾病、虚弱或死亡。而且来生还要站在审判台前，受永刑的报应。“行这样事的人，必不能承受上帝的国。”他们的分就是与撒但和恶天使同在“火湖”里，“这是第二次的死。”（加5:21；启21:8）[25]{PP 461.1}
§52
Israels sin at Beth-peor brought the judgments of God upon the nation, and though the same sins may not now be punished as speedily, they will as surely meet retribution. If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy. 1 Corinthians 3:17. Nature has affixed terrible penalties to these crimes--penalties which, sooner or later, will be inflicted upon every transgressor. It is these sins more than any other that have caused the fearful degeneracy of our race, and the weight of disease and misery with which the world is cursed. Men may succeed in concealing their transgression from their fellow men, but they will no less surely reap the result, in suffering, disease, imbecility, or death. And beyond this life stands the tribunal of the judgment, with its award of eternal penalties. They which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God, but with Satan and evil angels shall have their part in that lake of fire which is the second death. Galatians 5:21; Revelation 20:14.{PP 461.1}[25]
§53
“淫妇的嘴滴下蜂蜜，她的口比油更滑；至终却苦似茵陈，快如两刃的刀。”“你所行的道要离她远，不可就近她的房门；恐怕将你的尊荣给别人，将你的岁月给残忍的人；恐怕外人满得你的力量，你劳碌得来的，归入外人的家。终久你皮肉和身体销毁，你就悲叹。”“她的家陷入死地。”“凡到她那里去的不得转回。”“她的客在阴间的深处。”（箴5:3-4,8-11；2:18-19；9:18）[26]{PP 461.2}
§54
The lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. Proverbs 5:3, 4. Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: lest thou give thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger; and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed. Verses 8-11. Her house inclineth unto death. None that go unto her return again. Proverbs 2:18, 19. Her guests are in the depths of hell. Proverbs 9:18.{PP 461.2}[26]