第31章 邪灵的工作
§1
第31章 邪灵的工作
§2
Chap. 31 - Agency of Evil Spirits
§3
《圣经》明白指出能看见的与不能看见的二者之间的关系，以及上帝使者的服务和邪灵的工作，这一切也是和人类的历史密切交织着的。但现今一般人不大相信有邪灵存在，同时认为那些“奉差遣为那将要承受救恩的人效力”（来1:14）的圣天使就是死人的灵魂。《圣经》不但说明天使和邪灵的存在，而同时也提供确凿的凭据证明他们决不是死人的灵魂。[1]{GC 511.1}
§4
The connection of the visible with the invisible world, the ministration of angels of God, and the agency of evil spirits, are plainly revealed in the Scriptures, and inseparably interwoven with human history. There is a growing tendency to disbelief in the existence of evil spirits, while the holy angels that minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14) are regarded by many as spirits of the dead. But the Scriptures not only teach the existence of angels, both good and evil, but present unquestionable proof that these are not disembodied spirits of dead men. {GC 511.1}[1]
§5
在上帝创造人类之前，就已经有天使存在了，因为在上帝奠立大地的根基时，“晨星一同歌唱，神的众子也都欢呼。”（伯38:7）在人类堕落之后，有天使奉命把守生命树的道路，这也是在还没有一个人死亡之前的事。再者，天使在本性上乃是超人一等，所以作诗的人说，上帝叫人“比天使微小一点。”（诗8:5）[2]{GC 511.2}
§6
Before the creation of man, angels were in existence; for when the foundations of the earth were laid, the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy. Job 38:7. After the fall of man, angels were sent to guard the tree of life, and this before a human being had died. Angels are in nature superior to men, for the psalmist says that man was made a little lower than the angels. Psalm 8:5. {GC 511.2}[2]
§7
关于天使的数目，能力和荣耀，以及他们和上帝的政权所发生的关系，《圣经》也提供一些资料。“耶和华在天上立定宝座，他的权柄统管万有。”（诗103:19）先知又说：“我听见宝座周围有许多天使的声音。”（启5:11）他们侍立在万王之王的面前，作为“大能的天使”“听从他命令成全他旨意。”（诗103:20-21）先知但以理所看到的天使，为数千千万万。（但7:10）保罗也提到“千万的天使。”（来12:22）他们作为上帝的差役，“往来奔走，好像电光一闪。”（结1:14）他们的荣光如此炫耀，飞翔如此迅速。从前来到救主坟墓之前的天使“像貌如同闪电，衣服洁白如雪，”使看守坟墓的人“吓的浑身乱战，甚至和死人一样。”（太28:3-4）当那傲慢的亚述王西拿基立辱骂并亵渎上帝，又以毁灭来威胁以色列的时候，“当夜耶和华的使者出去，在亚述营中杀了十八万五千人。”（王下19:35）这个使者“进入亚述王营中，把所有大能的勇士和官长，将帅，尽都灭了。亚述王满面含羞的回到本国。”（代下32:21）[3]{GC 511.3}
§8
We are informed in Scripture as to the number, and the power and glory, of the heavenly beings, of their connection with the government of God, and also of their relation to the work of redemption. The Lord hath prepared His throne in the heavens; and His kingdom ruleth over all. And, says the prophet, I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne. In the presence chamber of the King of kings they wait--angels, that excel in strength, ministers of His, that do His pleasure, hearkening unto the voice of His word. Psalm 103:19-21; Revelation 5:11. Ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands, were the heavenly messengers beheld by the prophet Daniel. The apostle Paul declared them an innumerable company. Daniel 7:10; Hebrews 12:22. As Gods messengers they go forth, like the appearance of a flash of lightning, (Ezekiel 1:14), so dazzling their glory, and so swift their flight. The angel that appeared at the Saviours tomb, his countenance like lightning, and his raiment white as snow, caused the keepers for fear of him to quake, and they became as dead men. Matthew 28:3, 4. When Sennacherib, the haughty Assyrian, reproached and blasphemed God, and threatened Israel with destruction, it came to pass that night, that the angel of the Lord went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand. There were cut off all the mighty men of valor, and the leaders and captains, from the army of Sennacherib. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. 2 Kings 19:35; 2 Chronicles 32:21. {GC 511.3}[3]
§9
天使也常奉命把恩惠带给上帝的儿女。他们曾将赐福的应许带给亚伯拉罕；曾到所多玛的城门口，去营救义人罗得脱离那城的厄运；他们又在以利亚行将因疲劳和饥饿而死在旷野时来帮助他；并用火车火马去围住那有以利沙被敌人困在其中的小城。当但以理在异教宫廷中寻求上帝的智慧，或被丢在狮子洞里的时候，他们曾来站在他的身旁；或在彼得注定要死在希律王的牢狱之中时为他打开铁门，并为那两个囚在腓立比监狱的使徒行神迹；当保罗和他的同伴在海上遇见暴风时，他们曾来保护他们；又曾启发哥尼流的思想去领受福音，并差派彼得去把救恩的信息传给这个陌生的外邦人，圣天使就是这样在各世代为上帝的子民效力的。[4]{GC 512.1}
§10
Angels are sent on missions of mercy to the children of God. To Abraham, with promises of blessing; to the gates of Sodom, to rescue righteous Lot from its fiery doom; to Elijah, as he was about to perish from weariness and hunger in the desert; to Elisha, with chariots and horses of fire surrounding the little town where he was shut in by his foes; to Daniel, while seeking divine wisdom in the court of a heathen king, or abandoned to become the lions prey; to Peter, doomed to death in Herods dungeon; to the prisoners at Philippi; to Paul and his companions in the night of tempest on the sea; to open the mind of Cornelius to receive the gospel; to dispatch Peter with the message of salvation to the Gentile stranger--thus holy angels have, in all ages, ministered to Gods people. {GC 512.1}[4]
§11
每一个跟从基督的人都有一位护卫的天使奉命来帮助他。这些天上的守望者常保护义人脱离恶者的权势。撒但在以下的一句话中也承认了这一个事实：“约伯敬畏上帝，岂是无故呢？你岂不是四面圈上篱笆围护他和他的家，并他一切所有的吗？”（伯1:9-10）诗人用以下的话说明上帝所用来保护他子民的方法：“耶和华的使者在敬畏他的人四围安营，搭救他们。”（诗34:7）救主论到那些相信他的人说：“你们要小心，不可轻看这小子里的一个；我告诉你们，他们的使者在天上，常见我天父的面，”（太18:10）奉命为上帝的儿女效力的天使是经常来到他面前的。[5]{GC 512.2}
§12
A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one. This Satan himself recognized when he said: Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not Thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? Job 1:9, 10. The agency by which God protects His people is presented in the words of the psalmist: The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. Said the Saviour, speaking of those that believe in Him: Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father. Matthew 18:10. The angels appointed to minister to the children of God have at all times access to His presence. {GC 512.2}[5]
§13
可见上帝的子民虽然经常作为黑暗之君迷人之力量和不休毒恨的目标，但他们也可以确知自己有天使时刻在保护着他们。这样的应许是有其必要的。上帝之所以要赐给他儿女恩典和保护，正是因为他们必须应付强有力的邪灵——这些邪灵是那么众多、凶狠而殷勤，以至没有人能忽视它们的恶毒和能力而想幸免遭害。[6]{GC 513.1}
§14
Thus Gods people, exposed to the deceptive power and unsleeping malice of the prince of darkness, and in conflict with all the forces of evil, are assured of the unceasing guardianship of heavenly angels. Nor is such assurance given without need. If God has granted to His children promise of grace and protection, it is because there are mighty agencies of evil to be met--agencies numerous, determined, and untiring, of whose malignity and power none can safely be ignorant or unheeding. {GC 513.1}[6]
§15
邪灵起初被造的时候是没有罪的，那时他们和现今充当上帝差役的天使在性质、能力和荣耀方面是相等的。如今他们既因罪而堕落了，就团结一致要侮辱上帝并毁灭世人。他们既与撒但联合，并和他一同被赶出天庭，他们便在以后的各世代中在抗拒上帝之权威的争战上与撒但合作。《圣经》有许多教训论到邪灵的同盟和政权，他们不同的类别，他们的聪明与狡猾，以及他们破坏人间和平与幸福的阴谋。[7]{GC 513.2}
§16
Evil spirits, in the beginning created sinless, were equal in nature, power, and glory with the holy beings that are now Gods messengers. But fallen through sin, they are leagued together for the dishonor of God and the destruction of men. United with Satan in his rebellion, and with him cast out from heaven, they have, through all succeeding ages, co-operated with him in his warfare against the divine authority. We are told in Scripture of their confederacy and government, of their various orders, of their intelligence and subtlety, and of their malicious designs against the peace and happiness of men. {GC 513.2}[7]
§17
旧约的历史中有几处提到邪灵的存在和他们的工作。但他们以最显著的方式表现自己能力的时候，乃是当基督在世的日子。那时基督已经降临来实施救赎人类的计划，所以撒但便决心要行使自己统治全世界的权利。当时除了巴勒斯坦之外，他已经在世界各处很顺利地建立了拜偶像的制度，于是基督到这独一没有完全依从那试探人者之统治的地方，来将天上的光芒照耀那里的人。这里便有两个敌对的势力互相争雄了。耶稣在那里伸出慈爱的膀臂，邀请一切愿意的人来，在他里面得到赦罪与平安。因此黑暗的大军看明自己并没有支配全局的权柄，而且明白如果基督的使命成功的话，他们的统治即将结束。于是撒但如同困兽一般，大肆狂怒，并放胆在人的身体和灵魂上逞凶。[8]{GC 513.3}
§18
Old Testament history presents occasional mention of their existence and agency; but it was during the time when Christ was upon the earth that evil spirits manifested their power in the most striking manner. Christ had come to enter upon the plan devised for mans redemption, and Satan determined to assert his right to control the world. He had succeeded in establishing idolatry in every part of the earth except the land of Palestine. To the only land that had not fully yielded to the tempters sway, Christ came to shed upon the people the light of heaven. Here two rival powers claimed supremacy. Jesus was stretching out His arms of love, inviting all who would to find pardon and peace in Him. The hosts of darkness saw that they did not possess unlimited control, and they understood that if Christs mission should be successful, their rule was soon to end. Satan raged like a chained lion and defiantly exhibited his power over the bodies as well as the souls of men. {GC 513.3}[8]
§19
新约《圣经》明白记载鬼魔附在人身上的事。那些遭受这种残害的人，不仅是患了自然的病痛。基督很明了他所要对付的是什么，并且他也承认有邪灵亲自出动并直接作工。[9]{GC 514.1}
§20
The fact that men have been possessed with demons, is clearly stated in the New Testament. The persons thus afflicted were not merely suffering with disease from natural causes. Christ had perfect understanding of that with which He was dealing, and He recognized the direct presence and agency of evil spirits. {GC 514.1}[9]
§21
《圣经》所记载基督医好那两个格拉森被鬼附着之人的经过，有力地说明邪灵的众多，力量和凶恶，同时也说明基督的能力和慈爱。那两个可怜疯狂的人不受任何约束，只知挣扎，吐沫咆哮，使空中充满他们的喊叫声，同时他们还毁伤自己的身体并危害一切胆敢就近他们的人。他们那血迹斑斑，伤痕累累的身体和失了常态的意识，使黑暗之君甚为满意。附在他们身上的一个鬼魔说：“我名叫群，因为我们多的缘故。”（可5:9）在当时代的罗马军队中，一个“军团”（译者按：此处所用的“群”在原文与“军团”为同一个字。）约有三千至六千人之多。撒但的军队也是分列成队的，每一队所有的鬼魔的数目并不较一军团为少。[10]{GC 514.2}
§22
A striking example of their number, power, and malignity, and also of the power and mercy of Christ, is given in the Scripture account of the healing of the demoniacs at Gadara. Those wretched maniacs, spurning all restraint, writhing, foaming, raging, were filling the air with their cries, doing violence to themselves, and endangering all who should approach them. Their bleeding and disfigured bodies and distracted minds presented a spectacle well pleasing to the prince of darkness. One of the demons controlling the sufferers declared: My name is Legion: for we are many. Mark 5:9. In the Roman army a legion consisted of from three to five thousand men. Satans hosts also are marshaled in companies, and the single company to which these demons belonged numbered no less than a legion. {GC 514.2}[10]
§23
一经耶稣吩咐，那些邪灵便离开了那两个被害者，让他们安静地坐在救主脚前。他们已经是驯服，清醒而温良的了。同时耶稣准许那些邪灵把一群猪赶到海里去，在格拉森的居民看来，这一个损失比基督所赐的远为重大，所以他们去求那位神圣的医师离开他们。这正是撒但所希望的结果。他把他们受损失的责任推到耶稣身上，借此引起了民众自私的顾虑，不让他们听到耶稣的训言。撒但也经常这样把损失，不幸和受苦的事怪罪基督徒，而不让这责任落在自己和自己的爪牙身上。[11]{GC 514.3}
§24
At the command of Jesus the evil spirits departed from their victims, leaving them calmly sitting at the Saviours feet, subdued, intelligent, and gentle. But the demons were permitted to sweep a herd of swine into the sea; and to the dwellers of Gadara the loss of these outweighed the blessings which Christ had bestowed, and the divine Healer was entreated to depart. This was the result which Satan designed to secure. By casting the blame of their loss upon Jesus, he aroused the selfish fears of the people and prevented them from listening to His words. Satan is constantly accusing Christians as the cause of loss, misfortune, and suffering, instead of allowing the reproach to fall where it belongs--upon himself and his agents. {GC 514.3}[11]
§25
但结果基督的旨意并没有受到阻挠。他让那些邪灵毁灭那一群猪，借此责备那为财利而畜养这些不洁净之动物的犹太人。况且如果基督没有限制那些邪灵的话，他们就会把养猪的人一起扫入海中。他们之所以幸存，完全是因为基督慈爱地施用了他的能力来保护他们。再者，基督准许这事发生，使门徒可以目睹撒但对于人类和兽类所行使的残酷能力。救主要这些跟从他的人对自己所必须应付的仇敌有所认识，以便不致被他的诡计所迷惑而被他制服。基督也要那一带的居民看出他打破撒但之捆锁，并解救他俘虏的大能。而且耶稣本人虽然离开了那地，但那两个蒙他神奇拯救的人却仍留在那里向人宣讲恩主的慈爱。[12]{GC 515.1}
§26
But the purposes of Christ were not thwarted. He allowed the evil spirits to destroy the herd of swine as a rebuke to those Jews who were raising these unclean beasts for the sake of gain. Had not Christ restrained the demons, they would have plunged into the sea, not only the swine, but also their keepers and owners. The preservation of both the keepers and the owners was due alone to His power, mercifully exercised for their deliverance. Furthermore, this event was permitted to take place that the disciples might witness the cruel power of Satan upon both man and beast. The Saviour desired His followers to have a knowledge of the foe whom they were to meet, that they might not be deceived and overcome by his devices. It was also His will that the people of that region should behold His power to break the bondage of Satan and release his captives. And though Jesus Himself departed, the men so marvelously delivered, remained to declare the mercy of their Benefactor. {GC 515.1}[12]
§27
《圣经》中还记载一些其他类似的事件。那叙利非尼基妇人的女儿曾被鬼附身，而耶稣的一句话就把鬼赶走了（见可7:26-30）。还有那“被鬼附着，又瞎又哑的人；”（太12:22）和那被哑吧鬼附着的青年，屡次被鬼“把他扔在火里，水里，要灭他；”（可9:17-27）还有那搅扰迦百农会堂中安息日聚会的“被污鬼的精气附着”的疯子（路4:33-36），这些人都被慈悲的救主医好了。基督几乎每一次都以邪灵为有思想有意识的对象同他们讲话，并吩咐他们从所害的人身上出来，不许再摧残他们。在迦百农会堂敬拜的人看到基督的大能时“都惊讶，彼此对问说，这是什么道理呢？因为他用权柄能力吩咐污鬼，污鬼就出来。”（路4:36）[13]{GC 515.2}
§28
Other instances of a similar nature are recorded in the Scriptures. The daughter of the Syrophoenician woman was grievously vexed with a devil, whom Jesus cast out by His word. (Mark 7:26-30). One possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb (Matthew 12:22); a youth who had a dumb spirit, that ofttimes cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him (Mark 9:17-27); the maniac who, tormented by a spirit of an unclean devil (Luke 4:33-36), disturbed the Sabbath quiet of the synagogue at Capernaum--all were healed by the compassionate Saviour. In nearly every instance, Christ addressed the demon as an intelligent entity, commanding him to come out of his victim and to torment him no more. The worshipers at Capernaum, beholding His mighty power, were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power He commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. Luke 4:36. {GC 515.2}[13]
§29
一般说来，被鬼附的人是受着剧烈痛苦的，但也有一些例外。为要得着超自然的能力起见，有一些人还要欢迎撒但的势力，这等人自然就不会与邪灵发生什么矛盾了。古时具有占卜之灵的人，行邪术的西门，行法术的以吕马，和那在腓立比跟随着保罗和西拉的女孩子，都是属于这一等的人。[14]{GC 516.1}
§30
Those possessed with devils are usually represented as being in a condition of great suffering; yet there were exceptions to this rule. For the sake of obtaining supernatural power, some welcomed the satanic influence. These of course had no conflict with the demons. Of this class were those who possessed the spirit of divination,--Simon Magus, Elymas the sorcerer, and the damsel who followed Paul and Silas at Philippi. {GC 516.1}[14]
§31
那些抹杀《圣经》所提供坦白而充足之见证，而不承认魔鬼和他使者之存在与工作的人，最容易受邪灵的危害。只要我们不理会他们的诡计，他们就必占有几乎无限的优势。许多人在听从邪灵的建议时，还以为是在遂行自己的智慧呢。因此，当我们临近末期，就是撒但用他最大的能力迷惑并毁灭人的时候，他便要到处散布那种主张他根本不存在的看法。他的策略乃是要隐蔽自己和自己的工作方式。[15]{GC 516.2}
§32
None are in greater danger from the influence of evil spirits than those who, notwithstanding the direct and ample testimony of the Scriptures, deny the existence and agency of the devil and his angels. So long as we are ignorant of their wiles, they have almost inconceivable advantage; many give heed to their suggestions while they suppose themselves to be following the dictates of their own wisdom. This is why, as we approach the close of time, when Satan is to work with greatest power to deceive and destroy, he spreads everywhere the belief that he does not exist. It is his policy to conceal himself and his manner of working. {GC 516.2}[15]
§33
那大骗子所最怕的就是被我们认出他的诡计。所以为要更好地伪装自己的真性质和用意起见，他叫人把他形容成一种只足以引人戏笑或轻视的怪物。他喜欢人把他描绘成一个四不像，或极为可憎，半人半兽的妖怪。他很喜欢听一些自作聪明通达的人用他的名字作为笑谈和讥刺的话柄。[16]{GC 516.3}
§34
There is nothing that the great deceiver fears so much as that we shall become acquainted with his devices. The better to disguise his real character and purposes, he has caused himself to be so represented as to excite no stronger emotion than ridicule or contempt. He is well pleased to be painted as a ludicrous or loathsome object, misshapen, half animal and half human. He is pleased to hear his name used in sport and mockery by those who think themselves intelligent and well informed. {GC 516.3}[16]
§35
正因撒但已经巧妙的伪装了自己，所以许多人要问：“这样的东西究竟是存在的吗？”一般宗教界既然是那么普遍地接受了一些否认《圣经》明文的学说，这就足以说明撒但在这方面所有的成功了。而且正因为撒但能很容易地控制那些不理会他存在之人的思想，所以《圣经》才给我们提出那么多的例子来说明撒但恶毒的工作，借此揭露他潜伏的力量，使我们可以提防他的进袭。[17]{GC 517.1}
§36
It is because he has masked himself with consummate skill that the question is so widely asked: Does such a being really exist? It is an evidence of his success that theories giving the lie to the plainest testimony of the Scriptures are so generally received in the religious world. And it is because Satan can most readily control the minds of those who are unconscious of his influence, that the word of God gives us so many examples of his malignant work, unveiling before us his secret forces, and thus placing us on our guard against his assaults. {GC 517.1}[17]
§37
我们若不能在救赎主的卓越大能里面找到避身的所在和拯救，那么我们真该因撒但的能力和凶狠而惊慌了。我们时常很谨慎地用门闩和锁钥保守自己的住宅，使自己的生命财产不致受恶人侵犯，但我们很少想到那些经常在设法陷害我们的邪灵恶魔，何况我们对于他们的侵袭自己还没有任何的抵御方法呢！如果邪灵得到许可的话，他们很能打乱我们的思想，残害我们的身体，并毁灭我们的生命财产。他们唯一的乐趣就是使人类受痛苦，遭毁灭。可见那些抗拒上帝的旨意，并顺从撒但的试探，直到上帝任凭他们受邪灵控制之人的情况是何等可怕。但那些跟从基督的人既然受他的看顾，就是永保安全的了。必有大能的天使奉命下来保护我们。那恶者决不能冲破上帝在他子民四围所设置的保障。[18]{GC 517.2}
§38
The power and malice of Satan and his host might justly alarm us were it not that we may find shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our Redeemer. We carefully secure our houses with bolts and locks to protect our property and our lives from evil men; but we seldom think of the evil angels who are constantly seeking access to us, and against whose attacks we have, in our own strength, no method of defense. If permitted, they can distract our minds, disorder and torment our bodies, destroy our possessions and our lives. Their only delight is in misery and destruction. Fearful is the condition of those who resist the divine claims and yield to Satans temptations, until God gives them up to the control of evil spirits. But those who follow Christ are ever safe under His watchcare. Angels that excel in strength are sent from heaven to protect them. The wicked one cannot break through the guard which God has stationed about His people. {GC 517.2}[18]