第10章 旷野的人声
§1
第10章 旷野的人声
§2
Chap. 10 - The Voice in the Wilderness
§3
（本章根据：路1:5-23,57-80，3:1-18；太3:1-12；可1:1-8）
§4
基督的先锋约翰，从以色列长久等候弥赛亚降临的忠实人中间兴起来了。年迈的祭司撒迦利亚和他的妻子以利沙伯，“二人在上帝面前都是义人，”在他们平静圣洁的生活中，有信心之光照耀出来，如同明星照在当时邪恶时代的黑暗之中。上帝应许这一对敬虔的夫妇要生一个儿子，这孩子将来要“行在主的前面，预备他的道路。”[1]{DA 97.1}
§5
From among the faithful in Israel, who had long waited for the coming of the Messiah, the forerunner of Christ arose. The aged priest Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were both righteous before God; and in their quiet and holy lives the light of faith shone out like a star amid the darkness of those evil days. To this godly pair was given the promise of a son, who should go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways. {DA 97.1}[1]
§6
撒迦利亚住在“犹太的山地，”但这时已来到耶路撒冷，在圣殿里供职一周。这职务是每个祭司按着班次一年轮值两次的。“撒迦利亚按班次，在上帝面前供祭司的职分，照祭司的规矩掣签，得进主殿烧香。”[2]{DA 97.2}
§7
Zacharias dwelt in the hill country of Judea, but he had gone up to Jerusalem to minister for one week in the temple, a service required twice a year from the priests of each course. And it came to pass, that while he executed the priests office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priests office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. {DA 97.2}[2]
§8
他正站在第一层圣所的金香坛前，馨香的烟云和以色列人的祷告，一同升到上帝面前。忽然他觉得“有主的使者站在香坛的右边。”但是，撒迦利亚没有注意到：天使所站的位置表示他已得蒙悦纳。多年来，他不断祈求救赎主的降临，现在天庭已经差遣使者来，宣告他的祈祷将蒙应允了！但上帝的仁慈似乎太大，令他难以置信。他心中充满了恐惧和自责。[3]{DA 97.3}
§9
He was standing before the golden altar in the holy place of the sanctuary. The cloud of incense with the prayers of Israel was ascending before God. Suddenly he became conscious of a divine presence. An angel of the Lord was standing on the right side of the altar. The position of the angel was an indication of favor, but Zacharias took no note of this. For many years he had prayed for the coming of the Redeemer; now heaven had sent its messenger to announce that these prayers were about to be answered; but the mercy of God seemed too great for him to credit. He was filled with fear and self-condemnation. {DA 97.3}[3]
§10
天使快乐地向他保证：“撒迦利亚！不要害怕，因为你的祈祷已经被听见了，你的妻子以利沙伯要给你生一个儿子，你要给他起名叫约翰。你必欢喜快乐，有许多人因他出世也必喜乐。他在主面前将要为大，淡酒浓酒都不喝，从母腹里就被圣灵充满了。他要使许多以色列人回转，归于主他们的上帝。他必有以利亚的心志能力，行在主的前面，叫为父的心转向儿女，叫悖逆的人转从义人的智慧，又为主预备合用的百姓。”撒迦利亚对天使说：“我凭着什么可知道这事呢？我已经老了，我的妻子也年纪老迈了。”[4]{DA 98.1}
§11
But he was greeted with the joyful assurance: Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. . . . And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years. {DA 98.1}[4]
§12
撒迦利亚很清楚，亚伯拉罕因信靠上帝的应许，在年老的时候果然得了一个儿子。但这位年迈的祭司一想到血肉之体的软弱，竟忘记了上帝所应许的，他必能成全。他的不信，较之拿撒勒的童女马利亚所具美妙天真的信心，相形之下是何等的悬殊啊！听到天使那奇妙的宣告，马利亚回答说：“我是主的使女，情愿照你的话成就在我身上。”（路1:38）[5]{DA 98.2}
§13
Zacharias well knew how to Abraham in his old age a child was given because he believed Him faithful who had promised. But for a moment the aged priest turns his thought to the weakness of humanity. He forgets that what God has promised, He is able to perform. What a contrast between this unbelief and the sweet, childlike faith of Mary, the maiden of Nazareth, whose answer to the angels wonderful announcement was, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word! Luke 1:38. {DA 98.2}[5]
§14
撒迦利亚得子，正如亚伯拉罕得以撒、马利亚生耶稣一样，是要教导人类一个伟大的属灵真理，这真理是难于学习而易于忘记的。我们本身不能做任何善事，但我们所不能做的，却能借着上帝的能力，成全在每个顺服并相信的人身上。古代的圣徒因着信，得到所应许的儿子。如今我们也只有因着信，才能生发属灵的生命，获得行义的能力。[6]{DA 98.3}
§15
The birth of a son to Zacharias, like the birth of the child of Abraham, and that of Mary, was to teach a great spiritual truth, a truth that we are slow to learn and ready to forget. In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul. It was through faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness. {DA 98.3}[6]
§16
对于撒迦利亚的疑问，天使答道：“我是站在上帝面前的加百列，奉差而来，对你说话，将这好信息报给你。”五百年前，加百列曾把那延伸到基督降临的预言时期传达给但以理。撒迦利亚知道这段时期将满，故心有所感，祈求弥赛亚的降临。这位从前传达预言的天使，如今又来宣布预言的应验了。[7]{DA 98.4}
§17
To the question of Zacharias, the angel said, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings. Five hundred years before, Gabriel had made known to Daniel the prophetic period which was to extend to the coming of Christ. The knowledge that the end of this period was near had moved Zacharias to pray for the Messiahs advent. Now the very messenger through whom the prophecy was given had come to announce its fulfillment. {DA 98.4}[7]
§18
“我是站在上帝面前的加百列，”天使这句话，显明了他在天庭的崇高地位。当传信给但以理时，他说：“除了你们的大君米迦勒（基督）之外，没有帮助我抵挡这两魔君的。”（但10:21）在启示录中，救主论到加百列说：“他就差遣使者，晓谕他的仆人约翰。”（启1:1）这位使者向约翰宣称：“我与你和你的弟兄众先知，……同是作仆人的。”（启22:9）奇哉！这位尊荣仅次于上帝爱子的天使，竟蒙拣选向有罪的世人显明上帝的旨意。[8]{DA 99.1}
§19
The words of the angel, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God, show that he holds a position of high honor in the heavenly courts. When he came with a message to Daniel, he said, There is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael [Christ] your Prince. Daniel 10:21. Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revelation, saying that He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John. Revelation 1:1. And to John the angel declared, I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets. Revelation 22:9, R. V. Wonderful thought--that the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men. {DA 99.1}[8]
§20
撒迦利亚既怀疑天使的话，他就暂时丧失了语言能力，直到这些话应验为止。天使说：“到了时候，这话必然应验，只因你不信，你必哑巴不能说话，直到这事成就的日子。”按理，担任这职分的祭司，必须为民众和国家的罪和弥赛亚的降临祷告，但当撒迦利亚想这样作时，却连一句话也说不出来。[9]{DA 99.2}
§21
Zacharias had expressed doubt of the angels words. He was not to speak again until they were fulfilled. Behold, said the angel, thou shalt be dumb, . . . until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season. It was the duty of the priest in this service to pray for the pardon of public and national sins, and for the coming of the Messiah; but when Zacharias attempted to do this, he could not utter a word. {DA 99.2}[9]
§22
他从圣所出来，要为百姓祝福，“直向他们打手式，竟成了哑巴。”百姓等候了很久，早已恐惧起来，只怕他已经受到上帝的责罚而被击杀了。但他从圣殿里出来时，脸上发出上帝的荣光，“他们就知道他在殿里见了异象。”撒迦利亚手里比划着，将所见所闻传达给他们，及至“他供职的日子已满，就回家去了。”[10]{DA 99.3}
§23
Coming forth to bless the people, he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. They had waited long, and had begun to fear, lest he had been cut down by the judgment of God. But as he came forth from the holy place, his face was shining with the glory of God, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. Zacharias communicated to them what he had seen and heard; and as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house. {DA 99.3}[10]
§24
那应许的孩子出世不久，他父亲的舌头也舒展了，“就说出话来，称颂上帝。周围居住的人都惧怕，这一切的事就传遍了犹太的山地。凡听见的人，都将这事放在心里，说：‘这个孩子，将来怎么样呢？’”这一切都使人注意到弥赛亚的降临，因为约翰就是为他的降临预备道路的。[11]{DA 99.4}
§25
Soon after the birth of the promised child, the fathers tongue was loosed, and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all they that heard them laid them up 1in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! All this tended to call attention to the Messiahs coming, for which John was to prepare the way. {DA 99.4}[11]
§26
圣灵降在撒迦利亚身上，他用以下的辞句预言儿子的使命：“孩子啊！你要称为至高者的先知；因为你要行在主的前面，预备他的道路，叫他的百姓因罪得赦，就知道救恩；因我们上帝怜悯的心肠，清晨的日光从高天临到我们，要照亮坐在黑暗中死荫里的人，把我们的脚引到平安的路上。”（路1：76-79）[12]{DA 100.1}
§27
The Holy Spirit rested upon Zacharias, and in these beautiful words he prophesied of the mission of his son: Thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest; For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto His people By the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God, Whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace. {DA 100.1}[12]
§28
“那孩子渐渐长大，心灵强健，住在旷野，直到他显明在以色列人面前的日子。”约翰出世之前，天使曾说：“他在主面前将要为大，淡酒浓酒都不喝，从母腹里就被圣灵充满了。”上帝已呼召撒迦利亚的儿子，去从事一件最伟大的工作，从来没有人受过比这更大的委托。为了不辱使命，他必须有主与他同工。如果他留意天使的指示，上帝的灵就必与他同在了。[13]{DA 100.2}
§29
And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel. Before the birth of John, the angel had said, He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. God had called the son of Zacharias to a great work, the greatest ever committed to men. In order to accomplish this work, he must have the Lord to work with him. And the Spirit of God would be with him if he heeded the instruction of the angel. {DA 100.2}[13]
§30
约翰要出去作耶和华的使者，将上帝的光带给世人。他必须给他们的思想指出一个新的方向，他必将上帝所需要的圣洁印在他们心上，使他们感到需要上帝完美的公义。这样的使者必须是圣洁的，他必须成为上帝圣灵居住的殿。为了完成使命，他必须有健全的体格、智力和灵力。因此他需要控制食欲和情欲来控制自己的能力，以便傲立于世，不为环境所动摇，如同旷野的岩石和山岭一样。[14]{DA 100.3}
§31
John was to go forth as Jehovahs messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of Gods requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness. {DA 100.3}[14]
§32
在施洗约翰时代，贪钱财、爱奢华、好炫耀的习惯很盛行。肉体的享乐、欢宴和醉酒，导致了疾病和衰弱，麻痹了属灵的理解力，使人们放松对罪恶的警惕。约翰要来做个改革者，以他节制的生活和简朴的服饰，斥责当时的奢侈和纵欲。因此，有种种指示赐给约翰的父母。有天使从上帝的宝座前奉命而来，带给他们节制的教训。[15]{DA 100.4}
§33
In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to 1rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John,--a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven. {DA 100.4}[15]
§34
在青春期，人的品格最容易受外界影响，故必须在此时期培养自制力。炉边和桌旁的日常生活所产生的影响足以支配一生。幼年时养成的习惯比任何天赋更能决定人生的成败。青年是撒种的时期，今生和来世的收成如何，都是在这时决定的。[16]{DA 101.1}
§35
In childhood and youth the character is most impressible. The power of self-control should then be acquired. By the fireside and at the family board influences are exerted whose results are as enduring as eternity. More than any natural endowment, the habits established in early years decide whether a man will be victorious or vanquished in the battle of life. Youth is the sowing time. It determines the character of the harvest, for this life and for the life to come. {DA 101.1}[16]
§36
作为先知，约翰的使命是要“叫为父的心转向儿女，叫悖逆的人转从义人的智慧，又为主预备合用的百姓。”他为基督第一次降临预备道路，正是当代为主第二次降临“预备合用的百姓”的忠实信徒的代表。世界上多少地方正沉溺于任性的放纵之中，社会上充斥着错误和怪诞的学说。撒但陷害人的罗网越来越多。凡敬畏上帝而愿达到完全圣洁的人，必须学习节制和自制的功课。食欲和情感，必须服从更高理智的约束。这种自我管教，是培养心智的能力和属灵的见识所不可或缺的，它能使我们明白《圣经》中的神圣真理，并付诸实践。为此，节制在基督再来的预备中，占有重要的地位。[17]{DA 101.2}
§37
As a prophet, John was to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. In preparing the way for Christs first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lords second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satans snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of Gods word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christs second coming. {DA 101.2}[17]
§38
按常规，撒迦利亚的儿子是要受教育作祭司的。可是拉比学校的训练，反而会使他难以胜任自己的工作。上帝并没有差遣他到神学教师门下学习解经，却呼召他到旷野去认识大自然和大自然的上帝。[18]{DA 101.3}
§39
In the natural order of things, the son of Zacharias would have been educated for the priesthood. But the training of the rabbinical schools would have unfitted him for his work. God did not send him to the teachers of theology to learn how to interpret the Scriptures. He called him to the desert, that he might learn of nature and natures God. {DA 101.3}[18]
§40
约翰住于幽静之地，往来于荒山、野谷和岩穴之间。为求旷野的严格训练，他自愿放弃人生的享乐和奢华。这里的环境，对约翰养成简朴、克己的习惯是有利的。他不被世俗的喧嚣所烦扰，能在这里研究自然，寻求上天的启示和教训。他那敬畏上帝的父母常常把天使的话讲给他听。从幼年起，他们就常以他的使命来提醒他，而他也甘愿接受这神圣之托。旷野的孤独环境，对约翰来说倒是求之不得的，让他避开那充斥着猜疑、不信和污秽的社会，他对自己抵挡试探的能力不敢自信，也不敢常与罪恶接触，唯恐对罪的极端邪恶失去警觉。[19]{DA 101.4}
§41
It was a lonely region where he found his home, in the midst of barren hills, wild ravines, and rocky caves. But it was his choice to forgo the enjoyments and luxuries of life for the stern discipline of the wilderness. Here his surroundings were favorable to habits of simplicity and self-denial. Uninterrupted by the clamor of the world, he could here study the lessons of nature, of revelation, and of Providence. The words of the angel to Zacharias had been often repeated to John by his God-fearing parents. From childhood his mission had been kept before him, and he had accepted the holy trust. To him the solitude of the desert was a welcome escape from society in which suspicion, unbelief, and impurity had become well-nigh all-pervading. He distrusted his own 1power to withstand temptation, and shrank from constant contact with sin, lest he should lose the sense of its exceeding sinfulness. {DA 101.4}[19]
§42
约翰从出生时起，就被献作一个拿细耳人，（注：“拿细耳人”就是“归主的人”，见民数记六章。）他以毕生的献身来实践这一誓愿。他穿的是古代先知的骆驼毛衣服，腰里束着皮带，吃的是旷野里的“蝗虫、野蜜”，喝的是山间的清泉。[20]{DA 102.1}
§43
Dedicated to God as a Nazarite from his birth, he made the vow his own in a life-long consecration. His dress was that of the ancient prophets, a garment of camels hair, confined by a leather girdle. He ate the locusts and wild honey found in the wilderness, and drank the pure water from the hills. {DA 102.1}[20]
§44
然而，约翰的一生并不是在苦修的郁闷或独善其身的孤寂闲懒之中消磨度过的。他常常出去与人们来往，并经常留意社会的动态，从幽居之地细察时事的变迁，靠圣灵的启迪研究世人的品性，以便将天上的讯息送到他们心里。他认真对待自己的重大使命。为了胜任他所面临的一生的工作，约翰在独居中，透过默想与祈祷，努力武装自己的心灵。[21]{DA 102.2}
§45
But the life of John was not spent in idleness, in ascetic gloom, or in selfish isolation. From time to time he went forth to mingle with men; and he was ever an interested observer of what was passing in the world. From his quiet retreat he watched the unfolding of events. With vision illuminated by the divine Spirit he studied the characters of men, that he might understand how to reach their hearts with the message of heaven. The burden of his mission was upon him. In solitude, by meditation and prayer, he sought to gird up his soul for the lifework before him. {DA 102.2}[21]
§46
他虽然住在旷野，但还是免不了遭遇试探。他虽力堵撒但入侵的每一条通道，但还是受到试探者的袭击。他属灵的见解是清晰的；他已经培育了品格上的毅力和决断，靠圣灵的帮助，能觉察撒但的愉袭，并能抵抗他的魔力。[22]{DA 102.3}
§47
Although in the wilderness, he was not exempt from temptation. So far as possible, he closed every avenue by which Satan could enter, yet he was still assailed by the tempter. But his spiritual perceptions were clear; he had developed strength and decision of character, and through the aid of the Holy Spirit he was able to detect Satans approaches, and to resist his power. {DA 102.3}[22]
§48
旷野成了约翰的学校和圣所。正像摩西在米甸的山间一样，他住在全能者的阴下，并被上帝大能的种种明证所环绕。他的时运并不像以色列的大领袖（摩西）那样，能住在僻静、庄严、巍峨的山中。可是，在他的面前，却有约旦河外摩押的山岗向他显示那以大能束腰、用力量安定诸山的主。他的旷野之家显示出荒芜可怖的一面，生动地刻画了当时以色列的状况。耶和华肥沃的葡萄园变成了荒废凄凉之地。但是在旷野之上，却有光明美丽的穹苍。虽然有时黑云密布，风雨交加，但雨后总会出现那立约的虹。照样，在以色列的败坏之上，也有应许弥赛亚为王的荣光照耀；在上帝震怒的乌云之中，也有他立约的慈悲之虹出现。[23]{DA 102.4}
§49
John found in the wilderness his school and his sanctuary. Like Moses amid the mountains of Midian, he was shut in by Gods presence, and surrounded by the evidences of His power. It was not his lot to dwell, as did Israels great leader, amid the solemn majesty of the mountain solitudes; but before him were the heights of Moab, beyond Jordan, speaking of Him who had set fast the mountains, and girded them with strength. The gloomy and terrible aspect of nature in his wilderness home vividly pictured the condition of Israel. The fruitful vineyard of the Lord had become a desolate waste. But above the desert the heavens bent bright and beautiful. The clouds that gathered, dark with tempest, were arched by the rainbow of promise. So above Israels degradation shone the promised glory of the Messiahs reign. The clouds of wrath were spanned by the rainbow of His covenant-mercy. {DA 102.4}[23]
§50
在寂静的夜空，约翰独自诵读上帝给亚伯拉罕的应许，保证他的后裔必如众星不可胜数。晨曦的光芒给摩押的诸山披上了金黃的衣装，彰显了那“必像日出的晨光，如无云的清晨”的主（撒下23:4）。在正午的阳光中，他看到了主显现的辉煌，即“耶和华的荣耀必然显现，凡有血气的必一同看见”的情形（赛40:5）。[24]{DA 102.5}
§51
Alone in the silent night he read Gods promise to Abraham of a seed numberless as the stars. The light of dawn, gilding the mountains of Moab, told of Him who should be as the light of the morning, when the 1sun riseth, even a morning without clouds. 2 Samuel 23:4. And in the brightness of noontide he saw the splendor of His manifestation, when the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Isaiah 40:5. {DA 102.5}[24]
§52
他以敬畏而喜乐的精神，在先知的书中查考有关弥赛亚降临的启示——就是应许要来“伤蛇的头”的后裔，那“赐平安者”的细罗（创49:10）将于“不再有王坐在大卫宝座上”之前出现。现在时辰已到，有罗马的统治者坐在锡安山的宫殿里。上帝的话，真实无误：基督已经降生了。[25]{DA 103.1}
§53
With awed yet exultant spirit he searched in the prophetic scrolls the revelations of the Messiahs coming,--the promised seed that should bruise the serpents head; Shiloh, the peace giver, who was to appear before a king should cease to reign on Davids throne. Now the time had come. A Roman ruler sat in the palace upon Mount Zion. By the sure word of the Lord, already the Christ was born. {DA 103.1}[25]
§54
以赛亚对弥赛亚的荣耀所作引人入胜的描写，是约翰昼夜研究的主题——从耶西的根所发的枝条，要“凭公义行政”，“以正直判断世上的谦卑人”。他是“避暴雨的隐密处，……像大磐石的影子在疲乏之地”。以色列“必不再称为撇弃的”，她的国土“也不再称为荒凉的”，却要被耶和华“称为我所喜悦的”，她的国“也必称为有夫之妇”（赛11:4,32:1-2,62:4）。孤处旷野的约翰心中充满了光辉的异象。[26]{DA 103.2}
§55
Isaiahs rapt portrayals of the Messiahs glory were his study by day and by night,--the Branch from the root of Jesse; a King to reign in righteousness, judging with equity for the meek of the earth; a covert from the tempest; . . . the shadow of a great rock in a weary land; Israel no longer to be termed Forsaken, nor her land Desolate, but to be called of the Lord, My Delight, and her land Beulah. Isaiah 11:4; 32:2; 62:4, margin. The heart of the lonely exile was filled with the glorious vision. {DA 103.2}[26]
§56
他既见了宇宙之君的荣美，就忘却了自己。他看到天父圣洁的威仪，更感到自己的无能和不配。他已准备好作天庭的信使；他不惧怕世人，因他已瞻见过上帝。他能毫无惧色地屹立在世上的君王面前，因他已在万王之王脚前俯伏跪拜。[27]{DA 103.3}
§57
He looked upon the King in His beauty, and self was forgotten. He beheld the majesty of holiness, and felt himself to be inefficient and unworthy. He was ready to go forth as Heavens messenger, unawed by the human, because he had looked upon the Divine. He could stand erect and fearless in the presence of earthly monarchs, because he had bowed low before the King of kings. {DA 103.3}[27]
§58
约翰并不完全明白弥赛亚国度的性质。他固然渴望以色列从敌人手中被拯救出来，但必有一王秉公义行政，并把以色列建立为圣洁的国度，这才是他最大的希望。他坚信这样就能实现他出生时所启示的预言：“记念他的圣约，……叫我们既从仇敌手中被救出来，就可以终身在他面前，坦然无惧的用圣洁公义侍奉他。”[28]{DA 103.4}
§59
John did not fully understand the nature of the Messiahs kingdom. He looked for Israel to be delivered from her national foes; but the coming of a King in righteousness, and the establishment of Israel as a holy nation, was the great object of his hope. Thus he believed would be accomplished the prophecy given at his birth,-- To remember His holy covenant; . . . That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies Might serve Him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life. {DA 103.4}[28]
§60
约翰看到同胞们受骗上当、自负自满，沉睡于罪恶之中，就渴望唤醒他们过更圣洁的生活。上帝交给他的信息，原是要他们从醉梦中惊醒，并为自己的滔天大罪而战栗。在福音的种子未能扎根之前，必须将心田的土壤松开。在他们愿意向耶稣求医之前，必须觉悟自己罪恶的创伤是何等危险可怕。[29]{DA 103.5}
§61
He saw his people deceived, self-satisfied, and asleep in their sins. He longed to rouse them to a holier life. The message that God had given him to bear was designed to startle them from their lethargy, and 1cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness. Before the seed of the gospel could find lodgment, the soil of the heart must be broken up. Before they would seek healing from Jesus, they must be awakened to their danger from the wounds of sin. {DA 103.5}[29]
§62
上帝差遣他的使者，不是来诓哄安抚罪人的。他传的不是一道平安的信息，让不圣洁的人陷入致命的虚谎的安全感中。却要把沉重的担子压在罪人的良心上，用觉悟的利箭刺透他们的心灵。为人效劳的天使将上帝可怕的报应展示在他们面前，使他们倍觉需要上帝的救恩，惊呼；“我当怎样行才可以得救？”于是，那使人降卑到尘土之中的手，要将悔罪者救拔起来。那曾谴责罪恶并使骄傲的野心蒙羞的声音，要用最温慈的关怀说：“你要我为你作什么？”[30]{DA 104.1}
§63
God does not send messengers to flatter the sinner. He delivers no message of peace to lull the unsanctified into fatal security. He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the wrongdoer, and pierces the soul with arrows of conviction. The ministering angels present to him the fearful judgments of God to deepen the sense of need, and prompt the cry, What must I do to be saved? Then the hand that has humbled in the dust, lifts up the penitent. The voice that has rebuked sin, and put to shame pride and ambition, inquires with tenderest sympathy, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? {DA 104.1}[30]
§64
约翰开始工作时，以色列全国正处于激愤与不满之中，革命一触即发。亚基老撤职之后，犹太便直辖于罗马帝国。罗马巡抚的暴政和苛捐杂税，以及大肆推行异教的徽号及风俗，激起了叛乱，致使千万以色列勇敢的人士被血腥镇压。这使民众越加痛恨罗马当局，极欲摆脱其权势的呼声日益高涨。[31]{DA 104.2}
§65
When the ministry of John began, the nation was in a state of excitement and discontent verging on revolution. At the removal of Archelaus, Judea had been brought directly under the control of Rome. The tyranny and extortion of the Roman governors, and their determined efforts to introduce the heathen symbols and customs, kindled revolt, which had been quenched in the blood of thousands of the bravest of Israel. All this intensified the national hatred against Rome, and increased the longing to be freed from her power. {DA 104.2}[31]
§66
在这一片扰攘不安之中，忽然有一个惊人而严肃的声音从旷野传出，其中满含着希望：“天国近了！你们应当悔改。”这声音里有一种新奇的力量，激荡着人心。根据众先知的预言，基督的降临是在遥远的将来。约翰却说，此事已近在眼前。他奇特的形象使听众想到古代的先知先见。约翰的神态和服饰与以利亚相似。他也用以利亚的心志和能力，痛斥国家的腐败，谴责泛滥的罪恶。他的话简明易懂，切中要害，令人折服。许多人相信，他是先知里的一位，从死里复活了。全国沸腾了起来，成群的人向旷野蜂拥而去。[32]{DA 104.3}
§67
Amid discord and strife, a voice was heard from the wilderness, a voice startling and stern, yet full of hope: Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. With a new, strange power it moved the people. Prophets had foretold the coming of Christ as an event far in the future; but here was an announcement that it was at hand. Johns singular appearance carried the minds of his hearers back to the ancient seers. In his manner and dress he resembled the prophet Elijah. With the spirit and power of Elijah he denounced the national corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. His words were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many believed him to be one of the prophets risen from the dead. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness. {DA 104.3}[32]
§68
约翰宣布弥赛亚即将降临，并劝告众人悔改。他在约旦河里为他们施洗，作为从罪恶里得洁净的表号。他用这一个富有意义的具体仪礼，宣布那些自称为上帝选民的人已被罪恶所玷污，而且他们的心灵和生活若不洁净，就在弥赛亚的国里无分。[33]{DA 104.4}
§69
John proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, and called the people to repentance. As a symbol of cleansing from sin, he baptized them in the waters of the Jordan. Thus by a significant object lesson he declared that those who claimed to be the chosen people of God were defiled by sin, and that without purification of heart and life they could have no part in the Messiahs kingdom. {DA 104.4}[33]
§70
贵胄、拉比、兵丁、税吏和乡民，都来听这位先知的讲论。这从上帝而来的严肃警告，一时之间使他们惶恐不宁。许多人就此悔改领受了洗礼。各色各等的人，为了加入施洗约翰所宣告即将建立的国，就都履行了他所提出的条件。[34]{DA 105.1}
§71
Princes and rabbis, soldiers, publicans, and peasants came to hear the prophet. For a time the solemn warning from God alarmed them. Many were brought to repentance, and received baptism. Persons of all ranks submitted to the requirement of the Baptist, in order to participate in the kingdom he announced. {DA 105.1}[34]
§72
许多文士和法利赛人也来承认他们的罪，并要求受洗。他们曾高抬自己，看自己比别人强，并使百姓仰慕他们的虔诚，如今他们生活中隐密的罪恶暴露出来了。约翰被圣灵感动，知道其中许多人没有真正悔罪。他们不过是投机分子，希望以先知朋友的资格，得到那将要到来之王的青眯。同时想通过这位著名青年教师的手中受洗，来巩固其在民间的势力。[35]{DA 105.2}
§73
Many of the scribes and Pharisees came confessing their sins, and asking for baptism. They had exalted themselves as better than other men, and had led the people to entertain a high opinion of their piety; now the guilty secrets of their lives were unveiled. But John was impressed by the Holy Spirit that many of these men had no real conviction of sin. They were timeservers. As friends of the prophet, they hoped to find favor with the coming Prince. And by receiving baptism at the hands of this popular young teacher, they thought to strengthen their influence with the people. {DA 105.2}[35]
§74
约翰严厉地质问他们说：“毒蛇的种类，谁指示你们逃避将来的愤怒呢？你们要结出果子来，与悔改的心相称，不要自己心里说：‘有亚伯拉罕为我们的祖宗。’我告诉你们，上帝能从这些石头中，给亚伯拉罕兴起子孙来。”[36]{DA 105.3}
§75
John met them with the scathing inquiry, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance; and think not to say within yourselves, 1We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. {DA 105.3}[36]
§76
犹太人曲解了上帝永远眷爱以色列的应许：“那使太阳白日发光，使星月有定例，黑夜发亮，又搅动大海，使海中波浪砰訇的，万军之耶和华是他的名，他如此说：‘这些定例，若能在我面前废掉，以色列的后裔也就在我面前断绝，永远不再成国，这是耶和华说的。’耶和华如此说：‘若能量度上天，寻察下地的根基，我就因以色列后裔一切所行的弃绝他们，这是耶和华说的。’”（耶31:35-37）犹太人自诩为亚伯拉罕的嫡系子孙，有权承受以上的应许。可是他们忽略了上帝所提出的条件。未曾赐下这应许之前，上帝曾说：“我要将我的律法放在他们里面，写在他们心上，我要作他们的上帝，他们要作我的子民。……我要赦免他们的罪孽，不再记念他们的罪恶。”（耶31:33-34）[37]{DA 106.1}
§77
The Jews had misinterpreted Gods promise of eternal favor to Israel: Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The Lord of hosts is His name: If those ordinances depart from before Me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me forever. Thus saith the Lord; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 31:35-37. The Jews regarded their natural descent from Abraham as giving them a claim to this promise. But they overlooked the conditions which God had specified. Before giving the promise, He had said, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. . . . For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. Jeremiah 31:33, 34. {DA 106.1}[37]
§78
凡将上帝律法铭刻在心的人，上帝对他们的恩眷是确实可靠的。因为他们与他是合一的。但是犹太人已经与上帝隔绝。由于他们的罪，他们正在上帝的刑罚之下受苦。这就是他们受异邦奴役的原因。他们的心思因犯罪变成黒暗，并因上帝过去曾赐给他们这么大的恩典，就原谅自己的罪。他们自以为比别人好，应该得上帝的福惠。[38]{DA 106.2}
§79
To a people in whose hearts His law is written, the favor of God is assured. They are one with Him. But the Jews had separated themselves from God. Because of their sins they were suffering under His judgments. This was the cause of their bondage to a heathen nation. Their minds were darkened by transgression, and because in times past the Lord had shown them so great favor, they excused their sins. They flattered themselves that they were better than other men, and entitled to His blessings. {DA 106.2}[38]
§80
这些事“写在经上，正是警戒我们这末世的人。”（林前10:11）我们也时常误解上帝所赐的福，以为我们蒙恩是因为自己有长处。所以上帝想作的就不能作在我们身上。他的恩赐反被用来增添我们的自满，使我们的心在不信和罪恶中更刚硬了。[39]{DA 106.3}
§81
These things are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:11. How often we misinterpret Gods blessings, and flatter ourselves that we are favored on account of some goodness in us! God cannot do for us that which He longs to do. His gifts are used to increase our self-satisfaction, and to harden our hearts in unbelief and sin. {DA 106.3}[39]
§82
约翰向以色列的教师们指出他们的骄傲、自私和残酷，显明他们是毒蛇的种类，他们对于民众是可怕的祸害，岂能算为公义而顺命的亚伯拉罕的子孙呢！就他们从上帝所受的恩光而言，他们简直比他们认为远不如他们的外邦人还坏，他们忘记了自己是“被凿而出的磐石，被挖而出的岩穴。”（见赛51:1）上帝并不一定要靠他们来成全他的旨意。如今他也能呼召别人来为他服务，正如他从前呼召亚伯拉罕从外邦人中出来一样。即或人的心像野地里的石头一样无生气，上帝的灵还能赋予他们活力，去实行他的旨意，并承受他的应许。[40]{DA 106.4}
§83
John declared to the teachers of Israel that their pride, selfishness, and cruelty showed them to be a generation of vipers, a deadly curse to the people, rather than the children of just and obedient Abraham. In view of the light they had received from God, they were even worse than the heathen, to whom they felt so much superior. They had forgotten the rock whence they were hewn, and the hole of the pit from which they had been digged. God was not dependent upon them for the fulfilling of 1His purpose. As He had called Abraham out from a heathen people, so He could call others to His service. Their hearts might now appear as lifeless as the stones of the desert, but His Spirit could quicken them to do His will, and receive the fulfillment of His promise. {DA 106.4}[40]
§84
先知说：“现在斧子已经放在树根上，凡不结好果子的树，就砍下来，丢在火里。”一棵树的价值，不在于它的名称，而在于它的果实。若是果子无用，单是名称决不能使它免于刀斧。约翰向犹太人宣布：人在上帝面前的地位，取决他们的品格和生活。单凭口说是没有价值的。如果他们的生活和品格与上帝的律法不符，他们就不是他的子民。[41]{DA 107.1}
§85
And now also, said the prophet, the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with Gods law, they were not His people. {DA 107.1}[41]
§86
在这深入人心的谴责之下，约翰的听众服罪了。他们来到他面前问道：“这样我们当作什么呢？”他回答说：“有两件衣裳的，就分给那没有的，有食物的，也当这样行。”他又警告税吏勿行不义，兵丁不可强施暴力。[42]{DA 107.2}
§87
Under his heart-searching words, his hearers were convicted. They came to him with the inquiry, What shall we do then? He answered, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. And he warned the publicans against injustice, and the soldiers against violence. {DA 107.2}[42]
§88
约翰教导说：凡要成为基督国里居民的人，必须拿出信心和悔改的凭据。在生活上必须显出仁慈、诚实和忠义的美德。也要帮助贫寒的人，并向上帝献礼，要保卫无依无靠的人，并留下善良同情的榜样。这样，跟从基督的人就有了具体的表现，证明圣灵改换人心的能力。在日常生活上就能看出正义、怜悯和爱上帝的美德。不然的话，就要像糠粃一样丢在火里了。[43]{DA 107.3}
§89
All who became the subjects of Christs kingdom, he said, would give evidence of faith and repentance. Kindness, honesty, and fidelity would be seen in their lives. They would minister to the needy, and bring their offerings to God. They would shield the defenseless, and give an example of virtue and compassion. So the followers of Christ will give evidence of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. In the daily life, justice, mercy, and the love of God will be seen. Otherwise they are like the chaff that is given to the fire. {DA 107.3}[43]
§90
约翰又说：“我是用水给你们施洗，叫你们悔改。但那在我以后来的，能力比我更大，我就是给他提鞋也不配。他要用圣灵与火给你们施洗。”（太3:11）先知以赛亚说：耶和华要“以公义的灵和焚烧的灵”（赛4:4）洁净他子民的罪孽。耶和华对以色列说：“我必反手加在你身上，炼尽你的渣滓，除净你的杂质。”（赛1:25）对于罪，无论它在何处出现，“我们的上帝乃是烈火，”（来12:29）凡完全服从上帝权能的人，上帝的灵必在他们里面烧尽罪恶。但是人若依恋罪恶，他们便要被罪同化。以致上帝毁灭罪恶的荣光也必毁灭他们。雅各与天使通夜角力之后，喊着说：“我面对面见了上帝，我的性命仍得保全。”（创32:30）雅各在对待以扫的事上犯过大罪，但他也悔改了。他的过犯已蒙赦免，他的罪恶已被洗净，所以他才受得住上帝的亲自临格。但是，无论哪里，若有人故意怀着罪恶来到上帝面前，就必被毁灭。在耶稣第二次降临时，恶人要被他“口中的气”灭绝，被他“降临的荣光废掉。”（帖后2:8）那时，上帝赐生命给义人的威荣之光，必将恶人杀灭。[44]{DA 107.4}
§91
I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance, said John; but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Matthew 3:11, R. V., margin. The prophet Isaiah had declared that the Lord would cleanse His people from their iniquities by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. The word of the Lord to Israel was, I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin. Isaiah 4:4; 1:25. To sin, wherever found, our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them. Jacob, after his night of wrestling with the Angel, exclaimed, I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Genesis 32:30. 1Jacob had been guilty of a great sin in his conduct toward Esau; but he had repented. His transgression had been forgiven, and his sin purged; therefore he could endure the revelation of Gods presence. But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed with the Spirit of His mouth, and destroyed with the brightness of His coming. 2 Thessalonians 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked. {DA 107.4}[44]
§92
在施洗约翰的日子，基督即将出来作上帝品格的彰显者。只要有他在世人中间，世人的罪自然就会暴露出来。唯有当他们愿意从罪恶里得蒙洗净时，才能与他相交。唯有清心的人才能存活在他的面前。[45]{DA 108.1}
§93
In the time of John the Baptist, Christ was about to appear as the revealer of the character of God. His very presence would make manifest to men their sin. Only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter into fellowship with Him. Only the pure in heart could abide in His presence. {DA 108.1}[45]
§94
施洗约翰就如此宣讲上帝给以色列民的讯息。许多人听从了他的教训。为遵行他的话而牺牲了一切。民众到处跟着这位新兴的教师，也有不少人怀着希望，想他或许就是弥赛亚。但约翰看见民众正在转向他，就利用一切机会，将他们的信仰引向那将要来的一位身上。[46]{DA 108.2}
§95
Thus the Baptist declared Gods message to Israel. Many gave heed to his instruction. Many sacrificed all in order to obey. Multitudes followed this new teacher from place to place, and not a few cherished the hope that he might be the Messiah. But as John saw the people turning to him, he sought every opportunity of directing their faith to Him who was to come. {DA 108.2}[46]