第40章 尼布甲尼撒的异梦
§1
第40章 尼布甲尼撒的异梦
§2
Chap. 40 - Nebuchadnezzars Dream
§3
（本章根据：但以理二章）
§4
在但以理和他的同伴开始侍奉巴比伦王之后不久，就有一些事件发生，向这敬拜偶像的国家显出了以色列的上帝的能力与信实。尼布甲尼撒作了一个异梦，以致“心里烦乱，不能睡觉。”王的脑海中虽然印象深刻，但他醒来之后，却无法忆起那梦的细节。[1]{PK 491.1}
§5
Soon after Daniel and his companions entered the service of the king of Babylon, events occurred that revealed to an idolatrous nation the power and faithfulness of the God of Israel. Nebuchadnezzar had a remarkable dream, by which his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. But although the kings mind was deeply impressed, he found it impossible, when he awoke, to recall the particulars.{PK 491.1}[1]
§6
尼布甲尼撒在困扰之中，就召集了他的一切哲士，“术士、用法术的、行邪术的，”寻求他们的帮助。他说：“我作了一梦，心里烦乱，要知道这是什么梦。”他既说出自己的困恼，便要他们提出那足使他的心得到宽慰的讲解来。[2]{PK 491.2}
§7
In his perplexity, Nebuchadnezzar assembled his wise men--the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers--and besought their help. I have dreamed a dream, he said, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream. With this statement of his perplexity he requested them to reveal to him that which would bring relief to his mind.{PK 491.2}[2]
§8
哲士们回答说：“愿王万岁！请将那梦告诉仆人，仆人就可以讲解。”[3]{PK 491.3}
§9
To this the wise men responded, O king, live forever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation. {PK 491.3}[3]
§10
王不满意这种推托的回答，并且感到怀疑，因为他们虽然夸言能显明人的隐秘，但又似乎不愿意帮助他，所以他一面以财富和尊荣为奖励，一面又以死亡为威胁来吩咐这些哲士，不但要讲解梦的意义，并且要将梦的内容告诉他。他说：“梦我已经忘了；你们若不将梦和梦的讲解告诉我，就必被凌迟，你们的房屋必成为粪堆。你们若将梦和梦的讲解告诉我，就必从我这里得赠品和赏赐并大尊荣。”[4]{PK 492.1}
§11
Dissatisfied with their evasive answer, and suspicious because, despite their pretentious claims to reveal the secrets of men, they nevertheless seemed unwilling to grant him help, the king commanded his wise men, with promises of wealth and honor on the one hand, and threats of death on the other, to tell him not only the interpretation of the dream, but the dream itself. The thing is gone from me, he said; if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. But if ye show the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honor.{PK 492.1}[4]
§12
哲士们仍旧答复说：“请王将梦告诉仆人，仆人就可以讲解。”[5]{PK 492.2}
§13
Still the wise men returned the answer, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation of it.{PK 492.2}[5]
§14
这时，尼布甲尼撒因他曾经信任之人的明显不忠而勃然大怒说：“我准知道你们是故意迟延，因为你们知道那梦我已经忘了。你们若不将梦告诉我，只有一法待你们；因为你们预备了谎言乱语向我说，要等候时势改变；现在你们要将梦告诉我，因我知道你们能将梦的讲解告诉我。”[6]{PK 492.3}
§15
Nebuchadnezzar, now thoroughly aroused and angered by the apparent perfidy of those in whom he had trusted, declared: I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can show me the interpretation thereof.{PK 492.3}[6]
§16
术士们因自己失败的后果而感到恐惧，便设法向王表明他的要求不太合理，而且他的考验也远超乎一般君王所要求于任何人的。他们辩解说：“世上没有人能将王所问的事说出来，因为没有君王、大臣、掌权的，向术士，或用法术的，或迦勒底人问过这样的事。王所问的事甚难，除了不与世人同居的神明，没有人在王面前能说出来。”[7]{PK 492.4}
§17
Filled with fear for the consequences of their failure, the magicians endeavored to show the king that his request was unreasonable and his test beyond that which had ever been required of any man. There is not a man upon the earth, they remonstrated, that can show the kings matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can show it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.{PK 492.4}[7]
§18
因此“王气忿忿的大发烈怒，吩咐灭绝巴比伦所有的哲士。”[8]{PK 493.1}
§19
Then the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.{PK 493.1}[8]
§20
在官长们准备执行王命而寻找的人中，也包括但以理和他的朋友在内。当他们听说根据这道命令他们也必须死的时候，但以理就“用婉言”问护卫长亚略说：“王的命令为何这样紧急呢？”亚略就告诉他王怎样因他的异梦而困恼不安，以及他未能从他一向寄予充分信任之人那里获得帮助的经过。但以理听到这话，便冒着生命的危险，进去觐见王，恳求宽限一时，让他祈求他的上帝将那梦和梦的讲解启示与他。[9]{PK 493.2}
§21
Among those sought for by the officers who were preparing to fulfill the provisions of the royal decree, were Daniel and his friends. When told that according to the decree they also must die, with counsel and wisdom Daniel inquired of Arioch, the captain of the kings guard, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Arioch told him the story of the kings perplexity over his remarkable dream, and of his failure to secure help from those in whom he had hitherto placed fullest confidence. Upon hearing this, Daniel, taking his life in his hands, ventured into the kings presence and begged that time be granted, that he might petition his God to reveal to him the dream and its interpretation.{PK 493.2}[9]
§22
王允准了这个请求。“但以理回到他的居所，将这事告诉他的同伴哈拿尼雅、米沙利、亚撒利雅。”于是他们共同向那光明与知识的根源祈求智慧。他们的信心坚定，意识到这是上帝将他们安置在当时的境地中，他们正是在从事他的工作，并在适应本分的需求。他们过去每逢困惑和危险的时候，总是向他祈求指导和保护，而他也显明是随时的帮助。现在他们怀着痛悔的心，重新向审判全地的主屈膝，恳求他在他们有这种特别需要的时候赐予拯救。结果他们并没有徒然请求。他们所一向尊荣的上帝，这时也重看了他们。主的灵降在他们身上，而王的梦和梦的讲解，“就在夜间异象中”显示给但以理了。[10]{PK 493.3}
§23
To this request the monarch acceded. Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions. Together they sought for wisdom from the Source of light and knowledge. Their faith was strong in the consciousness that God had placed them where they were, that they were doing His work and meeting the demands of duty. In times of perplexity and danger they had always turned to Him for guidance and protection, and He had proved an ever-present help. Now with contrition of heart they submitted themselves anew to the Judge of the earth, pleading that He would grant them deliverance in this their time of special need. And they did not plead in vain. The God whom they had honored, now honored them. The Spirit of the Lord rested upon them, and to Daniel, in a night vision, was revealed the kings dream and its meaning.{PK 493.3}[10]
§24
但以理所采取的第一个行动，就是为所赐与他的启示而感谢上帝。他赞叹说：“上帝的名是应当称颂的，从亘古直到永远；因为智慧能力都属乎他；他改变时候、日期；废王、立王，将智慧赐与智慧人，将知识赐与聪明人；他显明深奥隐秘的事，知道暗中所有的，光明也与他同居。我列祖的上帝啊，我感谢你，赞美你！因你将智慧才能赐给我，允准我们所求的，把王的事给我们指明。”[11]{PK 494.1}
§25
Daniels first act was to thank God for the revelation given him. Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, he exclaimed; for wisdom and might are His: and He changeth the times and the seasons: He removeth kings, and setteth up kings: He giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him. I thank Thee, and praise Thee, O Thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of Thee: for Thou hast now made known unto us the kings matter.{PK 494.1}[11]
§26
但以理立即去见王所派来灭绝哲士的亚略，对他说：“不要灭绝巴比伦的哲士；求你领我到王面前，我要将梦的讲解告诉王。”这位首长就急忙将但以理领到王面前，对王说：“我在被掳的犹大人中遇见一人，他能将梦的讲解告诉王。”[12]{PK 494.2}
§27
Going immediately to Arioch, whom the king had commanded to destroy the wise men, Daniel said, Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will show unto the king the interpretation. Quickly the officer ushered Daniel in before the king, with the words, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.{PK 494.2}[12]
§28
且看这个犹太的俘虏，在世上最强盛的帝国君王面前仍保持镇定，泰然自若。他一开口就不将荣耀归给自己，却高举上帝为一切智慧的源头。对于王所发焦急的问题：“你能将我所作的梦和梦的讲解告诉我吗？”他回答说：“王所问的那奥秘事，哲士、用法术的、术士、观兆的，都不能告诉王；只有一位在天上的上帝，能显明奥秘的事，他已将日后必有的事指示尼布甲尼撒王。”[13]{PK 494.3}
§29
Behold the Jewish captive, calm and self-possessed, in the presence of the monarch of the worlds most powerful empire. In his first words he disclaimed honor for himself and exalted God as the source of all wisdom. To the anxious inquiry of the king, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? he replied: The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, show unto the king; but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.{PK 494.3}[13]
§30
但以理宣称：“你的梦，和你在床上脑中的异象是这样，王啊，你在床上想到后来的事；那显明奥秘事的主，把将来必有的事指示你。至于那奥秘的事显明给我，并非因我的智慧胜过一切活人，乃为使王知道梦的讲解和心里的思念。”[14]{PK 497.1}
§31
Thy dream, Daniel declared, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and He that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart.{PK 497.1}[14]
§32
“王啊！你梦见一个大像。这像甚高，极其光耀，站在你面前，形状甚是可怕。这像的头是精金的，胸膛和膀臂是银的，肚腹和腰是铜的，腿是铁的，脚是半铁半泥的。[15]{PK 497.2}
§33
Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This images head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.{PK 497.2}[15]
§34
你观看，见有一块非人手凿出来的石头，打在这像半铁半泥的脚上，把脚砸碎。于是金、银、铜、铁、泥都一同砸得粉碎，成如夏天禾场上的糠秕，被风吹散，无处可寻；打碎这像的石头，变成一座大山，充满天下。”[16]{PK 497.3}
§35
Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.{PK 497.3}[16]
§36
但以理充满自信地说：“这就是那梦。”尼布甲尼撒王全神贯注地倾听每一细节，知道这就是使他心里十分烦乱的梦。这样他的思想就有了准备，愿意领受这梦的讲解。那位万王之王就要将伟大的真理传给这位巴比伦王。上帝要显明自己具有超乎世上万国的权柄，就是立王、废王的权柄。如果可能，他要使尼布甲尼撒心中觉悟到自己对于上天所有的责任。那些直到末时的未来大事，这时就要向他启明了。[17]{PK 497.4}
§37
This is the dream, confidently declared Daniel; and the king, listening with closest attention to every particular, knew it was the very dream over which he had been so troubled. Thus his mind was prepared to receive with favor the interpretation. The King of kings was about to communicate great truth to the Babylonian monarch. God would reveal that He has power over the kingdoms of the world, power to enthrone and to dethrone kings. Nebuchadnezzars mind was to be awakened, if possible, to a sense of his responsibility to Heaven. The events of the future, reaching down to the end of time, were to be opened before him.{PK 497.4}[17]
§38
但以理继续说：“王啊！你是诸王之王；天上的上帝已将国度、权柄、能力、尊荣都赐给你。凡世人所住之地的走兽，并天空的飞鸟，他都交付你手，使你掌管这一切。你就是那金头。[18]{PK 498.1}
§39
Thou, O king, art a king of kings, Daniel continued, for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and fowls of the heaven hath He given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.{PK 498.1}[18]
§40
在你以后必另兴一国，不及于你；[19]{PK 498.2}
§41
And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.{PK 498.2}[19]
§42
又有第三国，就是铜的，必掌管天下。第四国，必坚壮如铁；铁能打碎、克制百物，又能压碎一切，那国也必打碎、压制列国。”[20]{PK 498.3}
§43
And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.{PK 498.3}[20]
§44
“你既见像的脚和脚指头，一半是窑匠的泥，一半是铁，那国将来也必分开；你既见铁与泥搀杂，那国也必有铁的力量。那脚指头，既是半铁半泥，那国也必半强半弱。你既见铁与泥搀杂，那国民也必与各种人搀杂；却不能彼此相合，正如铁与泥不能相合一样。”[21]{PK 498.4}
§45
And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.{PK 498.4}[21]
§46
“当那列王在位的时候，天上的上帝必另立一国，永不败坏，也不归别国的人，却要打碎、灭绝那一切国，这国必存到永远。你既看见非人手凿出来的一块石头，从山而出，打碎金、银、铜、铁、泥，那就是至大的上帝把后来必有的事给王指明；这梦准是这样，这讲解也是确实的。”[22]{PK 499.1}
§47
In the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.{PK 499.1}[22]
§48
王确信这讲解是真实的，便存着谦卑和敬畏的心“俯伏在地……下拜”说：“你既能显明这奥秘的事，你们的上帝诚然是万神之神，万王之王，又是显明奥秘事的。”[23]{PK 499.2}
§49
The king was convinced of the truth of the interpretation, and in humility and awe he fell upon his face, and worshiped, saying, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.{PK 499.2}[23]
§50
尼布甲尼撒撤消了灭绝一切哲士的命令。他们的生命之得以幸存，都是由于但以理与那显明奥秘事的主之间所有的关系。结果，“王高抬但以理，赏赐他许多上等礼物，派他管理巴比伦全省，又立他为总理，掌管巴比伦的一切哲士。但以理求王，王就派沙得拉、米煞、亚伯尼歌管理巴比伦省的事务，只是但以理常在朝中侍立。”[24]{PK 499.3}
§51
Nebuchadnezzar revoked the decree for the destruction of the wise men. Their lives were spared because of Daniels connection with the Revealer of secrets. And the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.{PK 499.3}[24]
§52
在人类历史的记录中，国家的成长，邦国的兴衰，似乎有赖于人的意志和武力；而事态的形成似乎大都取决于人的权势、野心、或反复无常的意愿。但在上帝的圣言中，幔子业已掀开，使我们从世人的利益、权势和情感所引起之千变万化的冲突的上面，幕后，或其中，都可看出那位大有慈悲之主的许多媒介，正在默然忍耐地实现他自己旨意的训令。[25]{PK 499.4}
§53
In the annals of human history, the growth of nations, the rise and fall of empires, appear as if dependent on the will and prowess of man; the shaping of events seems, to a great degree, to be determined by his power, ambition, or caprice. But in the word of God the curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and power and passions, the agencies of the All-merciful One, silently, patiently working out the counsels of His own will.{PK 499.4}[25]
§54
使徒保罗曾用无比美妙而柔和的话语，向雅典的哲士说明创造与分布万族万邦的神旨。使徒说：“创造宇宙和其中万物的上帝，……从一本造出万族的人，住在全地上，并且预先定准他们的年限和所住的疆界；要叫他们寻求上帝，或者可以揣摩而得。”（徒17:24-27）[26]{PK 500.1}
§55
In words of matchless beauty and tenderness, the apostle Paul set before the sages of Athens the divine purpose in the creation and distribution of races and nations. God that made the world and all things therein, declared the apostle, hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him. Acts 17:24-27.{PK 500.1}[26]
§56
上帝已经说明，凡愿意的，都可以来“被约拘束。”（结20:37）他创造的旨意乃要全地都住满人，他们的存活不但要自身蒙福，而且互相造福、并要尊荣创造他们的主。凡愿意的都可以使自己与这个旨意契合。有话论到这等人说：“这百姓是我为自己所造的，好述说我的美德。”（赛43:21）[27]{PK 500.2}
§57
God has made plain that whosoever will, may come into the bond of the covenant. Ezekiel 20:37. In the creation it was His purpose that the earth should be inhabited by beings whose existence would be a blessing to themselves and to one another, and an honor to their Creator. All who will may identify themselves with this purpose. Of them it is spoken, This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise. Isaiah 43:21.{PK 500.2}[27]
§58
上帝在他的律法中已阐明了那为一切真兴盛——无论国家或个人的真兴盛之基础的原则。摩西曾向以色列人论及这律法说：“这就是你们在万民眼前的智慧、聪明。”“因为这不是虚空与你们无关的事；乃是你们的生命。”（申4:6；32:47）那应许赐给以色列的福分，也必按相同的条件和相同的程度，应许赐给普天之下每一个国家和每一个人。[28]{PK 500.3}
§59
In His law God has made known the principles that underlie all true prosperity, both of nations and of individuals. To the Israelites Moses declared of this law: This is your wisdom and your understanding. It is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life. Deuteronomy 4:6; 32:47. The blessings thus assured to Israel are, on the same conditions and in the same degree, assured to every nation and to every individual under the broad heavens.{PK 500.3}[28]
§60
在某些国家尚未登上历史舞台之前千百年，那位无所不知的主已经看清往后各世纪的过程，并且预言世上列国的兴衰。上帝向尼布甲尼撒宣称：巴比伦国必要倾覆，另一个国度要兴起，而这个国度也必有它的试验时期。它既不能高举真神上帝，它的荣耀就必衰退，而第三个国度必起而代之。这国也必过去，而第四个刚强如铁的国度将制服世上列国。[29]{PK 501.1}
§61
Hundreds of years before certain nations came upon the stage of action, the Omniscient One looked down the ages and predicted the rise and fall of the universal kingdoms. God declared to Nebuchadnezzar that the kingdom of Babylon should fall, and a second kingdom would arise, which also would have its period of trial. Failing to exalt the true God, its glory would fade, and a third kingdom would occupy its place. This also would pass away; and a fourth, strong as iron, would subdue the nations of the world.{PK 501.1}[29]
§62
如果巴比伦——地上最富强的国度——的君王们经常敬畏耶和华，他们就必蒙赋予智慧和能力，俾使他们与他联合，并得保持长久强盛。但他们只在遇到困难或烦扰时，以上帝为他们的避难所。在这样的时候，他们因为从自己的哲士得不到帮助，才向但以理这样的人求助，他们明知这班人是尊重永生上帝，也是他所看重的。他们向这些人请求解释上帝的奥秘；因为那班骄傲的巴比伦的统治者虽是智力极高的人，但他们已因犯罪而远离上帝，以致他们无法了解那些赐予他们的有关将来的启示与警告。[30]{PK 501.2}
§63
Had the rulers of Babylon--that richest of all earthly kingdoms--kept always before them the fear of Jehovah, they would have been given wisdom and power which would have bound them to Him and kept them strong. But they made God their refuge only when harassed and perplexed. At such times, failing to find help in their great men, they sought it from men like Daniel--men who they knew honored the living God and were honored by Him. To these men they appealed to unravel the mysteries of Providence; for though the rulers of proud Babylon were men of the highest intellect, they had separated themselves so far from God by transgression that they could not understand the revelations and the warnings given them concerning the future.{PK 501.2}[30]
§64
凡研究上帝圣言的人，都可在各国的历史中看出神圣的预言如何逐字地应验。巴比伦终于粉碎崩溃而消灭了，因为它的统治者曾在强盛中以为自己不必倚靠上帝，并将国家的光荣归功于人的丰功伟绩。后来玛代波斯国也遭受上天的刑罚，因为上帝的律法在该国曾遭受到蹂躏。在绝大多数人的心中，敬畏耶和华竟毫无地位。邪恶、亵渎和腐败的事却普遍流行。相继兴起的几个国家则更为卑鄙腐败，它们在道德价值的天平上已越降越低了。[31]{PK 501.3}
§65
In the history of nations the student of Gods word may behold the literal fulfillment of divine prophecy. Babylon, shattered and broken at last, passed away because in prosperity its rulers had regarded themselves as independent of God, and had ascribed the glory of their kingdom to human achievement. The Medo-Persian realm was visited by the wrath of Heaven because in it Gods law had been trampled underfoot. The fear of the Lord had found no place in the hearts of the vast majority of the people. Wickedness, blasphemy, and corruption prevailed. The kingdoms that followed were even more base and corrupt; and these sank lower and still lower in the scale of moral worth.{PK 501.3}[31]
§66
地上每一个统治者所执掌的权柄，都是上天所赐的，因此他的成功乃在乎如何运用这种赐予的权柄。那神圣的“守望者”有话对每一个人说：“你虽不认识我，我必给你束腰。”（赛45:5）而那昔日对尼布甲尼撒所说的话，也是对每一个人所发生命的教训：“以施行公义断绝罪过，以怜悯穷人除掉罪孽，或者你的平安可以延长。”（但4:27）[32]{PK 502.1}
§67
The power exercised by every ruler on the earth is Heaven-imparted; and upon his use of the power thus bestowed, his success depends. To each the word of the divine Watcher is, I girded thee, though thou hast not known Me. Isaiah 45:5. And to each the words spoken to Nebuchadnezzar of old are the lesson of life: Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by showing mercy to the poor: if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. Daniel 4:27.{PK 502.1}[32]
§68
人若明白这一切，明白“公义使邦国高举。”而且“国位是靠公义坚立，”“也因仁慈立稳。”（箴14:34；16:12；20:28）并认清这些原则如何借着那位“废王、立王”之主能力的彰显而实现出来，这才算是明白历史的哲学。[33]{PK 502.2}
§69
To understand these things,--to understand that righteousness exalteth a nation; that the throne is established by righteousness, and upholden by mercy; to recognize the outworking of these principles in the manifestation of His power who removeth kings, and setteth up kings,-- this is to understand the philosophy of history. Proverbs 14:34; 16:12; Proverbs 20:28; Daniel 2:21.{PK 502.2}[33]
§70
唯有上帝的圣言清楚地阐明了这种哲学。其中也显明了邦国的强盛犹如个人一般，并不在于那似乎造成他们之优势的机会或条件；也不在于他们所夸耀的伟大。它却是根据他们实现上帝旨意之忠诚的程度而定的。[34]{PK 502.3}
§71
In the word of God only is this clearly set forth. Here it is shown that the strength of nations, as of individuals, is not found in the opportunities or facilities that appear to make them invincible; it is not found in their boasted greatness. It is measured by the fidelity with which they fulfill Gods purpose.{PK 502.3}[34]