善恶之争(1911)E · 第35章对信仰自由的威胁

第35章对信仰自由的威胁

§1 第35章对信仰自由的威胁

§2 Chap. 35 - Liberty of Conscience Threatened

§3 现今改正教对于罗马教的态度比往年亲善得多了。在一些罗马教会未占优势，而罗马教徒正在利用迁就的手段争取权威的国家中，有一种普遍的趋势，就是一般人不重视那使改正教与罗马教区分的教义。现在有一种流行的看法，就是说：在改正教和罗马教的基本信条之间，毕竟没有我们所想象那么大的距离，只要我们稍微让步，便可使双方更为谅解。昔日的改正教徒非常重视那以极贵重的代价换来的宗教自由。他们曾教训自己的儿女憎恶罗马教，并且主张与罗马妥协就不是忠于上帝。但是今日一般改正教徒所发表的意见，又是何等地不同啊。[1]{GC 563.1}

§4 Romanism is now regarded by Protestants with far greater favor than in former years. In those countries where Catholicism is not in the ascendancy, and the papists are taking a conciliatory course in order to gain influence, there is an increasing indifference concerning the doctrines that separate the reformed churches from the papal hierarchy; the opinion is gaining ground that, after all, we do not differ so widely upon vital points as has been supposed, and that a little concession on our part will bring us into a better understanding with Rome. The time was when Protestants placed a high value upon the liberty of conscience which had been so dearly purchased. They taught their children to abhor popery and held that to seek harmony with Rome would be disloyalty to God. But how widely different are the sentiments now expressed! {GC 563.1}[1]

§5 罗马教的辩护者声称他们的教会是被人诬蔑了，同时改正教界多少也接受了这种说法。许多人主张，若以罗马教在黑暗无知的世纪中所行可憎和可笑的事来批评今日的罗马教，这是不合理的。他们原谅她的恐怖和残忍的手段，认为这些都是当时野蛮落后之社会的结果，并声辩说，现代的文明已经使她改变主张。[2]{GC 563.2}

§6 The defenders of the papacy declare that the church has been maligned, and the Protestant world are inclined to accept the statement. Many urge that it is unjust to judge the church of today by the abominations and absurdities that marked her reign during the centuries of ignorance and darkness. They excuse her horrible cruelty as the result of the barbarism of the times and plead that the influence of modern civilization has changed her sentiments. {GC 563.2}[2]

§7 讲这样话的人难道忘记了这骄傲的权力八百年来所自夸的“绝无错误”的主张吗？这个主张她非但没有放弃，反而在第十九世纪用比先前更为肯定的话来重申了。罗马教既说自己是“绝无错误，永无错误的，”她又怎能否定自己在中古世代的行动方针呢？[3]{GC 564.1}

§8 Have these persons forgotten the claim of infallibility put forth for eight hundred years by this haughty power? So far from being relinquished, this claim was affirmed in the nineteenth century with greater positiveness than ever before. As Rome asserts that the church never erred; nor will it, according to the Scriptures, ever err (John L. von Mosheim, Institutes of Ecclesiastical History, book 3, century II, part 2, chapter 2, section 9, note 17), how can she renounce the principles which governed her course in past ages? {GC 564.1}[3]

§9 罗马教会永不会放弃她那绝无错误的主张。她过去向那些拒绝她教义之人所施行的种种逼迫，她现在还坚持是正当合理的；况且今日如果再有机会的话，她是否还能作出同样的事呢？是的，只要除去现今世上政府的约束，并恢复罗马教先前的权势，她那种残暴和逼迫的惨剧必要迅速重演。[4]{GC 564.2}

§10 The papal church will never relinquish her claim to infallibility. All that she has done in her persecution of those who reject her dogmas she holds to be right; and would she not repeat the same acts, should the opportunity be presented? Let the restraints now imposed by secular governments be removed and Rome be reinstated in her former power, and there would speedily be a revival of her tyranny and persecution. {GC 564.2}[4]

§11 一个近代有名的著作家曾就宗教自由问题论到罗马教的态度，以及其所行的政策将要如何威胁美国的安全，说：[5]{GC 564.3}

§12 A well-known writer speaks thus of the attitude of the papal hierarchy as regards freedom of conscience, and of the perils which especially threaten the United States from the success of her policy: {GC 564.3}[5]

§13 “现今有许多人认为，若对美国的罗马教怀有戒心，乃是顽固或幼稚心理的表现。说这话的人看不出罗马教的性质与态度对于我们的自由有什么妨害，也看不出她的发展有什么不祥的先兆。现在我们不妨将美国政府的基本原则，与罗马教会的相比一下，便可明白了。[6]{GC 564.4}

§14 There are many who are disposed to attribute any fear of Roman Catholicism in the United States to bigotry or childishness. Such see nothing in the character and attitude of Romanism that is hostile to our free institutions, or find nothing portentous in its growth. Let us, then, first compare some of the fundamental principles of our government with those of the Catholic Church. {GC 564.4}[6]

§15 “美国的宪法，是保证人民有宗教自由权的。再没有什么能比这个权利更为宝贵更为基本的了。但教皇庇护九世在一八五四年八月十五日向各地罗马教会发布公告说：‘那拥护宗教自由权的谬论和狂言，乃是一种最有毒害的错误——在一切错误之中，这一个对于国家是最为可怕的。’这同一个教皇又在一八六四年十二月八日的公告中，咒诅了‘那些主张宗教信仰与崇拜自由的人’以及“一切主张教会不可采用武力的人。”[7]{GC 564.5}

§16 The Constitution of the United States guarantees liberty of conscience. Nothing is dearer or more fundamental. Pope Pius IX, in his Encyclical Letter of August 15, 1854, said: `The absurd and erroneous doctrines or ravings in defense of liberty of conscience are a most pestilential error--a pest, of all others, most to be dreaded in a state. The same pope, in his Encyclical Letter of December 8, 1864, anathematized `those who assert the liberty of conscience and of religious worship, also all such as maintain that the church may not employ force. {GC 564.5}[7]

§17 “美国的罗马教虽然声调和婉，但这却不能算是内心的改变。她在孤弱无助的地方总是雍容宽大的。欧康诺主教说：‘我们现在只是容忍宗教自由，何时我们能取消这个自由而不致危害到罗马教界，我们就不再容忍它了。’圣路易市的大主教有一次说：‘信奉异端和没有信仰都是罪恶，所以在信奉罗马教的国家，例如意大利和西班牙就是众人都是罗马教徒，而罗马教已经成为当地律法首要一部分的地方，信奉异端和没有信仰的罪都受法律制裁，象其他罪恶一样。’[8]{GC 565.1}

§18 The pacific tone of Rome in the United States does not imply a change of heart. She is tolerant where she is helpless. Says Bishop OConnor: Religious liberty is merely endured until the opposite can be carried into effect without peril to the Catholic world.. . . The archbishop of St. Louis once said: Heresy and unbelief are crimes; and in Christian countries, as in Italy and Spain, for instance, where all the people are Catholics, and where the Catholic religion is an essential part of the law of the land, they are punished as other crimes.. . . {GC 565.1}[8]

§19 “罗马教会的每一个红衣主教，大主教和主教都必须向教皇宣誓效忠，其誓词如下：‘凡背叛教皇及其继承者的叛教徒和裂教者，我必尽全力逼迫反对之。’”[9]{GC 565.2}

§20 Every cardinal, archbishop, and bishop in the Catholic Church takes an oath of allegiance to the pope, in which occur the following words: Heretics, schismatics, and rebels to our said lord (the pope), or his aforesaid successors, I will to my utmost persecute and oppose.--Josiah Strong, Our Country, ch. 5, pars. 2-4. [SEE APPENDIX FOR CORRECTED REFERENCES.] {GC 565.2}[9]

§21 在罗马教会中确有真实的基督徒。在该教会中，确有成千的人按自己所有的一点真光侍奉上帝。罗马教会不允许他们阅读《圣经》，所以他们也就不能辨识真理。他们从来没有看到出于心灵和诚实的敬拜与徒具形式的侍奉之间有多大的区别。这些人虽然在虚妄而不能使人满意的信仰中受了教育，上帝依然是怜爱他们的。他必使光明射透那包围着他们的浓密的黑暗。他将要向他们显现那在耶稣里面的真理，他们中间将来必有许多人立志与主的子民站在同一条阵线上。[10]{GC 565.3}

§22 It is true that there are real Christians in the Roman Catholic communion. Thousands in that church are serving God according to the best light they have. They are not allowed access to His word, and therefore they do not discern the truth. [PUBLISHED IN 1888 AND 1911. SEE APPENDIX.] They have never seen the contrast between a living heart service and a round of mere forms and ceremonies. God looks with pitying tenderness upon these souls, educated as they are in a faith that is delusive and unsatisfying. He will cause rays of light to penetrate the dense darkness that surrounds them. He will reveal to them the truth as it is in Jesus, and many will yet take their position with His people. {GC 565.3}[10]

§23 但罗马教这个制度现今不比往日更能与基督的福音协和。各改正教会正处于极大的黑暗之中，否则她们必能看出这时代的兆头。罗马教会的策略和行动方针是广泛而远大的。她正在千方百计地努力扩展自己的势力，并增强自己的权柄，准备作一番猛烈而坚决的斗争，为要重新得到统治世界的权柄，再度施行逼迫，并推翻改正教所有的成就。现今罗马教在各方面都有发展。我们且看她在各改正教国家中教堂数目的激增，看她在美国所办的各大学和神学院的声誉日隆，并拥有多少信奉改正教的学生。再看英国国教形式主义的发展，以及其教徒脱离母会而加入罗马教会的普遍现象。这一切都应该使那些重视福音纯正原则的人不胜焦虑之至。[11]{GC 565.4}

§24 But Romanism as a system is no more in harmony with the gospel of Christ now than at any former period in her history. The Protestant churches are in great darkness, or they would discern the signs of the times. The Roman Church is far-reaching in her plans and modes of operation. She is employing every device to extend her influence and increase her power in preparation for a fierce and determined conflict to regain control of the world, to re-establish persecution, and to undo all that Protestantism has done. Catholicism is gaining ground upon every side. See the increasing number of her churches and chapels in Protestant countries. Look at the popularity of her colleges and seminaries in America, so widely patronized by Protestants. Look at the growth of ritualism in England and the frequent defections to the ranks of the Catholics. These things should awaken the anxiety of all who prize the pure principles of the gospel. {GC 565.4}[11]

§25 改正教徒已经向罗马教表示参预，并且予以赞助。他们所作的种种妥协与让步，连罗马教徒都不禁惊奇而莫名其妙。人们闭眼不看罗马教会的真实性质，以及她掌权之后所必有的危险。现今人人需要警惕起来，去抵拒这个政治与宗教自由最阴险的敌人。[12]{GC 566.1}

§26 Protestants have tampered with and patronized popery; they have made compromises and concessions which papists themselves are surprised to see and fail to understand. Men are closing their eyes to the real character of Romanism and the dangers to be apprehended from her supremacy. The people need to be aroused to resist the advances of this most dangerous foe to civil and religious liberty. {GC 566.1}[12]

§27 许多改正教徒以为罗马教是没有吸引力的，以为她的敬拜仪式是一套枯涩而没有意义的形式。他们这种看法错了。罗马教固然是以欺骗为基础的，但她的骗术却不是粗劣笨拙的。罗马教会的宗教仪式是最动人的。她那种华丽的炫耀和严肃的礼节，足能蛊惑人的视听，并止息理智与良心的声音。它的外表足使人的视觉陶醉。壮丽的教堂，盛大的游行，黄金的圣台，珠玉的神龛，精彩的壁画，细巧的雕刻，都足以唤起人的爱美之心。在那里，人的听觉也能入迷，卓绝无比的音乐，洪亮的琴声和大众和谐的雄壮歌声，响彻屋宇，余音绕梁，使人油然生出肃敬尊崇之感。[13]{GC 566.2}

§28 Many Protestants suppose that the Catholic religion is unattractive and that its worship is a dull, meaningless round of ceremony. Here they mistake. While Romanism is based upon deception, it is not a coarse and clumsy imposture. The religious service of the Roman Church is a most impressive ceremonial. Its gorgeous display and solemn rites fascinate the senses of the people and silence the voice of reason and of conscience. The eye is charmed. Magnificent churches, imposing processions, golden altars, jeweled shrines, choice paintings, and exquisite sculpture appeal to the love of beauty. The ear also is captivated. The music is unsurpassed. The rich notes of the deep-toned organ, blending with the melody of many voices as it swells through the lofty domes and pillared aisles of her grand cathedrals, cannot fail to impress the mind with awe and reverence. {GC 566.2}[13]

§29 其实这种外表上的富丽堂皇和隆重的仪式，对于苦恼罪人的心灵不过是望梅止渴，画饼充饥而已，反倒是该教会内部腐化的一个征象。原来基督的真宗教无需这些动人视听的外表作为推荐。在十字架所发的光辉之下，真实的基督教显明其为那么纯洁可爱，甚至任何外表的装饰都不足以增进其本质的可贵。上帝所重视的乃是圣洁的美，乃是温柔而恬静的心灵。[14]{GC 566.3}

§30 This outward splendor, pomp, and ceremony, that only mocks the longings of the sin-sick soul, is an evidence of inward corruption. The religion of Christ needs not such attractions to recommend it. In the light shining from the cross, true Christianity appears so pure and lovely that no external decorations can enhance its true worth. It is the beauty of holiness, a meek and quiet spirit, which is of value with God. {GC 566.3}[14]

§31 外形的显赫不一定是纯洁高尚之思想的标志。艺术上的高度鉴赏，嗜好的清幽雅致，往往还能存在于属世与荒淫的人心中。撒但常利用这些事物来引诱迷惑人，使他们忘记心灵上的需要，以至想不到永久的来生，并转离那位无穷的帮助者，而专为今世而生活。[15]{GC 567.1}

§32 Brilliancy of style is not necessarily an index of pure, elevated thought. High conceptions of art, delicate refinement of taste, often exist in minds that are earthly and sensual. They are often employed by Satan to lead men to forget the necessities of the soul, to lose sight of the future, immortal life, to turn away from their infinite Helper, and to live for this world alone. {GC 567.1}[15]

§33 一种看重外表的宗教，是每一个未经重生的人所欢喜的。罗马教隆重的崇拜仪式，确有一种引诱蛊惑人的力量，许多人因而受了欺骗，他们就把罗马教会看为天堂的门户一般。唯有那些已经稳稳地立在真理的基础上，并且心地已被上帝的灵所重生的人，才能抵挡她的影响。成千上万未曾实在认识基督的人，将要被引诱去接受这徒有敬虔外貌却背了敬虔实意的宗教。这种宗教正是大众所欢迎的。[16]{GC 567.2}

§34 A religion of externals is attractive to the unrenewed heart. The pomp and ceremony of the Catholic worship has a seductive, bewitching power, by which many are deceived; and they come to look upon the Roman Church as the very gate of heaven. None but those who have planted their feet firmly upon the foundation of truth, and whose hearts are renewed by the Spirit of God, are proof against her influence. Thousands who have not an experimental knowledge of Christ will be led to accept the forms of godliness without the power. Such a religion is just what the multitudes desire. {GC 567.2}[16]

§35 罗马教会主张自己有赦罪的权柄，这就使她的教徒觉得可以自由犯罪了。他们所行忏悔认罪的仪式，据他们说，非此罪就不得赦免，也有纵容罪人去作恶的趋向。那跪在一个堕落之人的面前，承认自己心中的秘密思想与意念的人，正是降低了自己的人格，并败坏了自己灵性上的每一种高尚的天性。人向一个有错误，有罪恶，并常为酒色所腐化的神父披露自己平生的罪恶，那就是降低自己人格的标准，结果使自己受了污秽。因为他既以神父为上帝的代表，他对于上帝的观念也就降低到堕落的人类一般。这种腐败的“人向人”的忏悔认罪，乃是一个隐秘的泉源，涌出许多的罪恶，污秽了全世界，并准备使之临到最后的毁灭。虽然如此，但一般喜爱放纵私欲的人还是宁愿向同类的俗人认罪，而不愿向上帝倾心吐意。人的天性宁可苦修而不肯放弃罪恶，用披麻蒙灰，挂链苦行的方法去折磨肉体，总比把肉体的情欲钉在十字架上更容易。喜爱世俗的心只要能规避基督的轭，是不辞任何困难的。[17]{GC 567.3}

§36 The churchs claim to the right to pardon leads the Romanist to feel at liberty to sin; and the ordinance of confession, without which her pardon is not granted, tends also to give license to evil. He who kneels before fallen man, and opens in confession the secret thoughts and imaginations of his heart, is debasing his manhood and degrading every noble instinct of his soul. In unfolding the sins of his life to a priest,--an erring, sinful mortal, and too often corrupted with wine and licentiousness,--his standard of character is lowered, and he is defiled in consequence. His thought of God is degraded to the likeness of fallen humanity, for the priest stands as a representative of God. This degrading confession of man to man is the secret spring from which has flowed much of the evil that is defiling the world and fitting it for the final destruction. Yet to him who loves self-indulgence, it is more pleasing to confess to a fellow mortal than to open the soul to God. It is more palatable to human nature to do penance than to renounce sin; it is easier to mortify the flesh by sackcloth and nettles and galling chains than to crucify fleshly lusts. Heavy is the yoke which the carnal heart is willing to bear rather than bow to the yoke of Christ. {GC 567.3}[17]

§37 罗马教会和耶稣在世时的犹太教会有着显著的相同点。那些犹太人虽然暗中践踏了上帝律法的每一原则，但在表面上还是严格遵守，并且加上许多枝节和遗传的规则，使顺从律法成了痛苦与烦恼的事。犹太人怎样在口头上尊重律法，罗马教徒也怎样主张尊重十字架。他们一面高举基督受难的象征物，一面却在自己的生活上否认了十字架所代表的主。[18]{GC 568.1}

§38 There is a striking similarity between the Church of Rome and the Jewish Church at the time of Christs first advent. While the Jews secretly trampled upon every principle of the law of God, they were outwardly rigorous in the observance of its precepts, loading it down with exactions and traditions that made obedience painful and burdensome. As the Jews professed to revere the law, so do Romanists claim to reverence the cross. They exalt the symbol of Christs sufferings, while in their lives they deny Him whom it represents. {GC 568.1}[18]

§39 罗马教徒把十字架放在他们教堂的屋顶，讲坛和衣服上。到处都可见到十字架的徽章。各处各地，他们在外表上尊重并高举十字架，但是基督的教训，却被埋没在许多无意义的遗传，虚伪的解说和严格的规条之下。救主指着顽固执迷的犹太人所讲的话，更适用于这些罗马教的领袖：“他们把难担的重担，捆起来搁在人的肩上，但自己一个指头也不肯动。”（太23:4）当这些教会的显贵过着奢华纵欲的生活时，一般真心实意的教徒却经常地被他们慑服于恐怖之中，只怕自己受到所触犯之上帝的忿怒。[19]{GC 568.2}

§40 Papists place crosses upon their churches, upon their altars, and upon their garments. Everywhere is seen the insignia of the cross. Everywhere it is outwardly honored and exalted. But the teachings of Christ are buried beneath a mass of senseless traditions, false interpretations, and rigorous exactions. The Saviours words concerning the bigoted Jews, apply with still greater force to the leaders of the Roman Catholic Church: They bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on mens shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. Matthew 23:4. Conscientious souls are kept in constant terror fearing the wrath of an offended God, while many of the dignitaries of the church are living in luxury and sensual pleasure. {GC 568.2}[19]

§41 敬拜圣像和遗物，向诸圣徒祈祷，并尊崇教皇等等，都是撒但的诡计，要引诱人转离上帝和他的圣子。为要使人趋于毁灭起见，他尽力使他们不注意那唯一能使他们得救的主。他诱惑人去注意任何其他的对象来代替那曾说，“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息”的主（太11:28）。[20]{GC 568.3}

§42 The worship of images and relics, the invocation of saints, and the exaltation of the pope are devices of Satan to attract the minds of the people from God and from His Son. To accomplish their ruin, he endeavors to turn their attention from Him through whom alone they can find salvation. He will direct them to any object that can be substituted for the One who has said: Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28. {GC 568.3}[20]

§43 撒但处心积虑要误表上帝的品性，罪恶的本质，和大斗争的真实关键所在。他的诡辩减轻了人遵守上帝律法的义务，并使人自由犯罪。同时他使人对上帝怀不正确的观念，以至他们不以爱心而以恐惧和憎恨的心看待上帝。他把自己本性的残忍归之于创造主，并搀杂在一些宗教制度中，又用某种敬拜的仪式表现出来。这样许多人的思想便被蒙蔽了，撒但也就利用他们作自己的工具，去与上帝抗战。撒但利用人对于上帝所有不正确的观念使信奉邪教的各国以为人必有献上活人为祭才能蒙神明的喜悦，因此在各种拜偶像的形式之下，发生了许多骇人听闻的残忍暴行。[21]{GC 569.1}

§44 It is Satans constant effort to misrepresent the character of God, the nature of sin, and the real issues at stake in the great controversy. His sophistry lessens the obligation of the divine law and gives men license to sin. At the same time he causes them to cherish false conceptions of God so that they regard Him with fear and hate rather than with love. The cruelty inherent in his own character is attributed to the Creator; it is embodied in systems of religion and expressed in modes of worship. Thus the minds of men are blinded, and Satan secures them as his agents to war against God. By perverted conceptions of the divine attributes, heathen nations were led to believe human sacrifices necessary to secure the favor of Deity; and horrible cruelties have been perpetrated under the various forms of idolatry. {GC 569.1}[21]

§45 罗马教会既把异教和基督教在形式上混合为一，并像异教一样误表上帝的品德，所以他也采用了同样残忍可憎的手段。在罗马教掌权的时代，她发明了许多强迫人赞同她教义的严酷刑具。凡不顺服她主张的人要被绑在柱上用火焚烧。那时惨遭屠杀的人数极多，非至审判大日，无人能知其真相。教会中的显贵们，在他们的主人撒但指使之下，多方研究，发明种种方法，使人受到最剧烈的痛苦，而又不结束他的生命。他们时常重复施行凶恶的手段，直到受难者筋疲力尽，无法支持，而欢迎死亡来结束他们的生命。[22]{GC 569.2}

§46 The Roman Catholic Church, uniting the forms of paganism and Christianity, and, like paganism, misrepresenting the character of God, has resorted to practices no less cruel and revolting. In the days of Romes supremacy there were instruments of torture to compel assent to her doctrines. There was the stake for those who would not concede to her claims. There were massacres on a scale that will never be known until revealed in the judgment. Dignitaries of the church studied, under Satan their master, to invent means to cause the greatest possible torture and not end the life of the victim. In many cases the infernal process was repeated to the utmost limit of human endurance, until nature gave up the struggle, and the sufferer hailed death as a sweet release. {GC 569.2}[22]

§47 以上是那些与罗马教为敌者的遭遇，但对于一些皈依罗马教的人，她却另有一套使人伤心的苦行，例如鞭挞，饥饿和虐待身体等等。这些忏悔者为要得蒙上帝的喜悦，竟违反了自然的律法，因而也就干犯了上帝的律法。教会教训他们要割断上帝所制定使人类地上生活得有幸福与快乐的天伦关系。在教堂的坟地里埋着千万的牺牲者，他们在生前曾妄想制服自己的天然感情，以为上帝憎厌他们对于同胞的同情之念，所以他们设法抑制这些感情。[23]{GC 569.3}

§48 Such was the fate of Romes opponents. For her adherents she had the discipline of the scourge, of famishing hunger, of bodily austerities in every conceivable, heart-sickening form. To secure the favor of Heaven, penitents violated the laws of God by violating the laws of nature. They were taught to sunder the ties which He has formed to bless and gladden mans earthly sojourn. The churchyard contains millions of victims who spent their lives in vain endeavors to subdue their natural affections, to repress, as offensive to God, every thought and feeling of sympathy with their fellow creatures. {GC 569.3}[23]

§49 如果我们要明白撒但数百年来所表显的暴戾残虐，不是在没有听说过上帝的人中，而是在基督教界的中心以及其整个范围之内，我们只要翻阅罗马教的历史，便可以一目了然了。罪恶之君利用这个庞大的欺骗机构，遂行自己的目的，使上帝受羞辱，使人类被摧残。只要他们能看明他怎样善于改装自己，又利用教会的领袖去作成他的工作，我们便能更明白他为什么对于《圣经》如此憎恨。人若念了《圣经》，上帝的慈悲与仁爱就必彰显出来；人也必看出，上帝并没有把这些重担放在他们身上。上帝所要的，不过是一颗忧伤痛悔的心和一个谦卑顺从的灵。[24]{GC 570.1}

§50 If we desire to understand the determined cruelty of Satan, manifested for hundreds of years, not among those who never heard of God, but in the very heart and throughout the extent of Christendom, we have only to look at the history of Romanism. Through this mammoth system of deception the prince of evil achieves his purpose of bringing dishonor to God and wretchedness to man. And as we see how he succeeds in disguising himself and accomplishing his work through the leaders of the church, we may better understand why he has so great antipathy to the Bible. If that Book is read, the mercy and love of God will be revealed; it will be seen that He lays upon men none of these heavy burdens. All that He asks is a broken and contrite heart, a humble, obedient spirit. {GC 570.1}[24]

§51 基督在他的生活中并没有什么榜样，叫人把自己禁闭在修道院中，以便取得进天国的资格。他从来没有教训人必须抑制爱心和同情心。原来救主的心是盈溢着慈爱的。人越就近纯全道德的标准，他的感觉便要越为灵敏，他对于罪的知觉也必越为敏锐，对于受苦的人也必越为同情。教皇宣称自己是基督的代理人，但他的品格经得起与我们的救主一比吗？基督可曾因为人没有以他为天上的君王而敬拜他，就把他们投入狱中或放在拷问台上吗？有谁听见过他向那些不接纳他的人宣布死刑呢？当撒玛利亚某一个村庄的人轻视他时，使徒约翰义愤填膺，向主说，“主啊，你要我们吩咐火从天上降下来，烧灭他们，像以利亚所作的吗？”耶稣怜惜地望着自己的门徒，并斥责他的暴躁精神，说：“人子来不是要灭人的性命，是要救人的性命。”（路9:54,56）基督所表现的这种精神，与那自称是他代理者所表现的精神，是何等地不同啊。[25]{GC 570.2}

§52 Christ gives no example in His life for men and women to shut themselves in monasteries in order to become fitted for heaven. He has never taught that love and sympathy must be repressed. The Saviours heart overflowed with love. The nearer man approaches to moral perfection, the keener are his sensibilities, the more acute is his perception of sin, and the deeper his sympathy for the afflicted. The pope claims to be the vicar of Christ; but how does his character bear comparison with that of our Saviour? Was Christ ever known to consign men to the prison or the rack because they did not pay Him homage as the King of heaven? Was His voice heard condemning to death those who did not accept Him? When He was slighted by the people of a Samaritan village, the apostle John was filled with indignation, and inquired: Lord, wilt Thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? Jesus looked with pity upon His disciple, and rebuked his harsh spirit, saying: The Son of man is not come to destroy mens lives, but to save them. Luke 9:54, 56. How different from the spirit manifested by Christ is that of His professed vicar. {GC 570.2}[25]

§53 今日的罗马教会在世人面前摆出一副善良的面目，并用许多推诿之辞遮盖她那残忍可怖的历史。她虽然披上了基督化的外衣，但她本质上并没有改变。罗马教在过去的世代中所具有的每一个行动原则今日依然存在。她在最黑暗的世纪所创的教义，今日依然全部保留。人不可自欺，须知现今基督教徒所倍极推崇的罗马教，也就是那在宗教改革时期管辖世界的罗马教。那时曾有许多属上帝的人冒着性命的危险，起来揭露她的罪恶。她现今具有像往日凌驾王侯之上的同样傲慢作风，并同样宣称自己享有上帝所独有的特权。她现今所有的精神，其残酷和暴虐的程度，比往日扑灭人类自由并杀戮至高者的圣徒时，可谓毫无逊色。[26]{GC 571.1}

§54 The Roman Church now presents a fair front to the world, covering with apologies her record of horrible cruelties. She has clothed herself in Christlike garments; but she is unchanged. Every principle of the papacy that existed in past ages exists today. The doctrines devised in the darkest ages are still held. Let none deceive themselves. The papacy that Protestants are now so ready to honor is the same that ruled the world in the days of the Reformation, when men of God stood up, at the peril of their lives, to expose her iniquity. She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. Her spirit is no less cruel and despotic now than when she crushed out human liberty and slew the saints of the Most High. {GC 571.1}[26]

§55 现代的罗马教，正像预言中所形容的，是末时期的离道反教运动（见帖后2:3-4）。她改装自己的面目，以便最有利于遂行自己的目的，这原是她策略的一部分，但在这变色蛇幻惑的外表之下却藏着永不变质的毒液。她宣告说：“我们对于叛教徒和叛教嫌疑犯不必拘守信义与诺言。”难道这一种势力，就是一千余年来用圣徒的血来写成她历史的教会，我们还能承认她是基督的教会的一部分？[27]{GC 571.2}

§56 The papacy is just what prophecy declared that she would be, the apostasy of the latter times. 2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4. It is a part of her policy to assume the character which will best accomplish her purpose; but beneath the variable appearance of the chameleon she conceals the invariable venom of the serpent. Faith ought not to be kept with heretics, nor persons suspected of heresy (Lenfant, volume 1, page 516), she declares. Shall this power, whose record for a thousand years is written in the blood of the saints, be now acknowledged as a part of the church of Christ? {GC 571.2}[27]

§57 现今在信奉改正教的各国中流行着一种意见说：罗马教与改正教之间的距离，并不如昔日那么远。这种说法倒也不是没有根据的。现今确实有了改变，但这种改变，却不是在罗马教一方面。现代的罗马教确有许多方面是与改正教相同的，因为改正教自从宗教改革运动的日子以来，已经大大退化了。[28]{GC 571.3}

§58 It is not without reason that the claim has been put forth in Protestant countries that Catholicism differs less widely from Protestantism than in former times. There has been a change; but the change is not in the papacy. Catholicism indeed resembles much of the Protestantism that now exists, because Protestantism has so greatly degenerated since the days of the Reformers. {GC 571.3}[28]

§59 现今的改正教因为渴欲博得世人的欢心，便让一种虚伪的爱心蒙蔽了自己的眼睛。他们认为应当看一切的恶事未必是那么恶，结果终不免看一切的善事也未必是那么善。他们不但不为那从前一次交付圣徒的真道竭力争辩，反而为自己过去对罗马教没有爱心的态度谢罪道歉，并请她饶恕他们过去的偏见。[29]{GC 571.4}

§60 As the Protestant churches have been seeking the favor of the world, false charity has blinded their eyes. They do not see but that it is right to believe good of all evil, and as the inevitable result they will finally believe evil of all good. Instead of standing in defense of the faith once delivered to the saints, they are now, as it were, apologizing to Rome for their uncharitable opinion of her, begging pardon for their bigotry. {GC 571.4}[29]

§61 大多数的人，连那些对罗马教没有好感的人在内，都以为罗马教的权力和影响不会有多大危险。许多人说，中古时代学识与道德方面的黑暗有利于罗马教教义、迷信、与压迫的滋长，但现代文化开明、知识普及、宗教自由日有发展等等现象，不容许逼迫与残虐的事再度发生。若有人想在这文明的时代将要重见黑暗世纪的现象，那是要被人嘲笑的。现今固然是学识，道德和宗教方面的光明世代。上帝的《圣经》已经展开了，并有天上的亮光照耀在世上，但也要记得，上帝所赐的亮光越多，那些错用或拒绝这光的人所面临的黑暗也就越深。[30]{GC 572.1}

§62 A large class, even of those who look upon Romanism with no favor, apprehend little danger from her power and influence. Many urge that the intellectual and moral darkness prevailing during the Middle Ages favored the spread of her dogmas, superstitions, and oppression, and that the greater intelligence of modern times, the general diffusion of knowledge, and the increasing liberality in matters of religion forbid a revival of intolerance and tyranny. The very thought that such a state of things will exist in this enlightened age is ridiculed. It is true that great light, intellectual, moral, and religious, is shining upon this generation. In the open pages of Gods Holy Word, light from heaven has been shed upon the world. But it should be remembered that the greater the light bestowed, the greater the darkness of those who pervert and reject it. {GC 572.1}[30]

§63 改正教徒若以祈祷的精神去查考《圣经》，就可以看明罗马教的真情实质，并使他们憎恶而远避之。然而有许多人自以为聪明，甚至觉得自己无需谦卑祈求上帝引导他们明白真理。他们虽然夸张自己开明，但在实际上，他们对于《圣经》和上帝的权能都是一无所知。同时他们必须有一种镇静自己良心的方法，他们便寻找那最不属灵和最不需要自卑的道路。他们所要的乃是一种外表上是记念上帝，而在实际上是忘记上帝的办法。罗马教正足以适应这一等人的需要。她已经预备好方法可以应付世上的两等人——几乎全世界的人都包括在内——一等人是想靠自己的功劳得救，另一等人是想在自己的罪中得救。罗马教权力的秘诀就在于此。[31]{GC 572.2}

§64 A prayerful study of the Bible would show Protestants the real character of the papacy and would cause them to abhor and to shun it; but many are so wise in their own conceit that they feel no need of humbly seeking God that they may be led into the truth. Although priding themselves on their enlightenment, they are ignorant both of the Scriptures and of the power of God. They must have some means of quieting their consciences, and they seek that which is least spiritual and humiliating. What they desire is a method of forgetting God which shall pass as a method of remembering Him. The papacy is well adapted to meet the wants of all these. It is prepared for two classes of mankind, embracing nearly the whole world--those who would be saved by their merits, and those who would be saved in their sins. Here is the secret of its power. {GC 572.2}[31]

§65 我们已经看明：知识黑暗的时代是罗马教成功的有利条件。但我们将必看出，知识开通的时代，也有利于罗马教的成功。在以往的时代，人们没有《圣经》，没有真理的知识，他们的眼睛蒙蔽不明，以至千万人看不见那布置在自己脚前的罗网，结果遭受了陷害。在现今的时代，人们的眼睛倒被一些人为的推论，就是“似是而非的学问”所眩惑，他们没有觉察其中的罗网，所以像盲人一样，轻易陷入其中。上帝的本意是要人把智力视为创造主所给的一种恩赐，应当用来为真理与公义效劳，但人若存骄傲和野心，并高举自己的理论过于《圣经》，那么他的智力便要比无知更为有害。因此，现代的假科学既摧毁了人们信仰《圣经》的心，就必很成功地预备道路使人接受罗马教，及其悦人心目的种种形式，正如在黑暗时代，知识的落后曾为罗马教的昌盛预备条件一样。[32]{GC 572.3}

§66 A day of great intellectual darkness has been shown to be favorable to the success of the papacy. It will yet be demonstrated that a day of great intellectual light is equally favorable for its success. In past ages, when men were without Gods word and without the knowledge of the truth, their eyes were blindfolded, and thousands were ensnared, not seeing the net spread for their feet. In this generation there are many whose eyes become dazzled by the glare of human speculations, science falsely so called; they discern not the net, and walk into it as readily as if blindfolded. God designed that mans intellectual powers should be held as a gift from his Maker and should be employed in the service of truth and righteousness; but when pride and ambition are cherished, and men exalt their own theories above the word of God, then intelligence can accomplish greater harm than ignorance. Thus the false science of the present day, which undermines faith in the Bible, will prove as successful in preparing the way for the acceptance of the papacy, with its pleasing forms, as did the withholding of knowledge in opening the way for its aggrandizement in the Dark Ages. {GC 572.3}[32]

§67 现今美国的改正教正在运动国家来支持教会的制度和习俗，这就是步罗马教的后尘。但在实际上，其意义远不止于此，因为他们正是为罗马教开辟道路，使她在信奉改正教的美洲得以恢复她在欧洲所失去的优势。那使这运动具有更重大意义的，就是他们的主要目标是要强制人遵守星期日，这原是罗马教所创立的制度，也是她所认为是她权力的标记。罗马教的精神也就是要迎合世俗的习惯，尊重人间的遗传过于上帝的诫命，这种精神现今正在渗透于各改正教的教会中，使他们去进行同样的工作，就是罗马教在他们以前所行过的高举星期日的工作。[33]{GC 573.1}

§68 In the movements now in progress in the United States to secure for the institutions and usages of the church the support of the state, Protestants are following in the steps of papists. Nay, more, they are opening the door for the papacy to regain in Protestant America the supremacy which she has lost in the Old World. And that which gives greater significance to this movement is the fact that the principal object contemplated is the enforcement of Sunday observance--a custom which originated with Rome, and which she claims as the sign of her authority. It is the spirit of the papacy--the spirit of conformity to worldly customs, the veneration for human traditions above the commandments of God--that is permeating the Protestant churches and leading them on to do the same work of Sunday exaltation which the papacy has done before them. {GC 573.1}[33]

§69 如果读者要明白在这快要来的大斗争中，罗马教将要如何运用她势力的话，只要翻阅历史的记载，查看在以往的各时代中，罗马教为实现这同一目标所使用的种种手段。如果读者要知道罗马教徒与改正教徒联合之后将要如何对待那些拒绝他们教义的人，可以看一看罗马教过去向安息日和拥护安息日的人所表示的精神。[34]{GC 573.2}

§70 If the reader would understand the agencies to be employed in the soon-coming contest, he has but to trace the record of the means which Rome employed for the same object in ages past. If he would know how papists and Protestants united will deal with those who reject their dogmas, let him see the spirit which Rome manifested toward the Sabbath and its defenders. {GC 573.2}[34]

§71 这异教的节日之所以能逐渐在基督教世界达到尊贵的地位，乃是由于皇帝的谕旨、宗教的会议和政府所支持的教会法案。历史上第一个强迫人遵守星期日的措施，乃是君士坦丁皇帝所制定的法令。这道法令吩咐城市的居民在“可敬的太阳日”休息，但准许农民继续他们的农作。这道法令虽然根本是属于异教的条例，但总是在皇帝名义上信奉基督教之后颁布的。[35]{GC 574.1}

§72 Royal edicts, general councils, and church ordinances sustained by secular power were the steps by which the pagan festival attained its position of honor in the Christian world. The first public measure enforcing Sunday observance was the law enacted by Constantine. (A.D. 321; see Appendix note for page 53.) This edict required townspeople to rest on the venerable day of the sun, but permitted countrymen to continue their agricultural pursuits. Though virtually a heathen statute, it was enforced by the emperor after his nominal acceptance of Christianity. {GC 574.1}[35]

§73 皇帝的谕旨既然不足以代替上帝的权威。就有一个专门讨君王欢心，又与君士坦丁特别接近而喜爱奉承他的主教犹西比乌主张说，基督曾把安息日改为星期日。但他并没有从《圣经》中举出一点凭据来证实这个新的教训。况且犹西比乌自己还在无意之中承认了这种主张的虚假，并说明了这个改变究竟是谁主动的，他说：“凡是人应在安息日遵守的本分，我们已经移到主日上去了。”这个守星期日的论点虽然毫无根据，但总能使一般人大胆践踏主的安息日了。凡是喜爱受世人尊敬的，都接受了这通行的节日。[36]{GC 574.2}

§74 The royal mandate not proving a sufficient substitute for divine authority, Eusebius, a bishop who sought the favor of princes, and who was the special friend and flatterer of Constantine, advanced the claim that Christ had transferred the Sabbath to Sunday. Not a single testimony of the Scriptures was produced in proof of the new doctrine. Eusebius himself unwittingly acknowledges its falsity and points to the real authors of the change. All things, he says, whatever that it was duty to do on the Sabbath, these we have transferred to the Lords Day.--Robert Cox, Sabbath Laws and Sabbath Duties, page 538. But the Sunday argument, groundless as it was, served to embolden men in trampling upon the Sabbath of the Lord. All who desired to be honored by the world accepted the popular festival. {GC 574.2}[36]

§75 及至罗马教廷的权势愈形巩固之后，高举星期日的工作也就继续发展下去了。一般信主的农民一度还在星期日不做礼拜的时候从事农作，同时他们也遵守第七日为安息日。但这种情形渐渐又起了变化。到了一个时候，一切担任圣职的人不得在星期日受理一般有关俗务的纠纷。再过不久，当局颁布法令，吩咐众人，不论地位身价如何，都必须在星期日停止普通劳作，凡违犯这命令的，自主的必须付罚款，为奴的必须受鞭打。后来有法令规定：富人必须付出财产的一半作为罚款，如果顽梗不化，最后要被卖为奴。低层阶级的人则要被永远逐出国境。[37]{GC 574.3}

§76 As the papacy became firmly established, the work of Sunday exaltation was continued. For a time the people engaged in agricultural labor when not attending church, and the seventh day was still regarded as the Sabbath. But steadily a change was effected. Those in holy office were forbidden to pass judgment in any civil controversy on the Sunday. Soon after, all persons, of whatever rank, were commanded to refrain from common labor on pain of a fine for freemen and stripes in the case of servants. Later it was decreed that rich men should be punished with the loss of half of their estates; and finally, that if still obstinate they should be made slaves. The lower classes were to suffer perpetual banishment. {GC 574.3}[37]

§77 为要充分加强星期日的法令起见，他们还要捏造许多神迹奇事。其中的一个传说，论到一个农人擅敢在星期日下田耕地。正当他用一个铁条刮犁头时，那铁条就粘在手上了，他只得把它带来带去，两年之久，“痛苦之至，羞耻非常。”[38]{GC 575.1}

§78 Miracles also were called into requisition. Among other wonders it was reported that as a husbandman who was about to plow his field on Sunday cleaned his plow with an iron, the iron stuck fast in his hand, and for two years he carried it about with him, to his exceeding great pain and shame.--Francis West, Historical and Practical Discourse on the Lords Day, page 174. {GC 575.1}[38]

§79 后来教皇下令吩咐各地的神父应当告诫一切干犯星期日的人，劝他们到礼拜堂去祷告，否则必有严重的灾祸临到他们和他们的邻舍身上。某一次的宗教会议还提出论据说，既然有人因在星期日作工而被闪电击杀，可见星期日一定就是安息日了，自古以来，常有人利用这种论据，连改正教徒也不例外。会议上的主教们强调说，“上帝对于人们忽略这日子的极度不悦，于此可见一斑。”于是他们就发布通知，督促各地神父，王侯以及一切忠心守道的庶民，“务要尽力恢复这日子应有的尊荣，并为增进基督教的荣誉起见，今后更要虔诚地遵守这日。”[39]{GC 575.2}

§80 Later the pope gave directions that the parish priest should admonish the violators of Sunday and wish them to go to church and say their prayers, lest they bring some great calamity on themselves and neighbors. An ecclesiastical council brought forward the argument, since so widely employed, even by Protestants, that because persons had been struck by lightning while laboring on Sunday, it must be the Sabbath. It is apparent, said the prelates, how high the displeasure of God was upon their neglect of this day. An appeal was then made that priests and ministers, kings and princes, and all faithful people use their utmost endeavors and care that the day be restored to its honor, and, for the credit of Christianity, more devoutly observed for the time to come.--Thomas Morer, Discourse in Six Dialogues on the Name, Notion, and Observation of the Lords Day, page 271. {GC 575.2}[39]

§81 宗教会议的通令既然还不足以达到高举星期日的目的，教会便要求政府当局颁发命令胁迫人民在星期日停工，于是罗马召开一次会议，将过去一切的会议所通过的法案以更有力更严肃的措辞重申一遍，然后将这些法案编入教会的法典之中，由各地政府，在基督教界全境之内予以执行。[40]{GC 575.3}

§82 The decrees of councils proving insufficient, the secular authorities were besought to issue an edict that would strike terror to the hearts of the people and force them to refrain from labor on the Sunday. At a synod held in Rome, all previous decisions were reaffirmed with greater force and solemnity. They were also incorporated into the ecclesiastical law and enforced by the civil authorities throughout nearly all Christendom. (See Heylyn, History of the Sabbath, pt. 2, ch. 5, sec. 7.) {GC 575.3}[40]

§83 虽然如此，他们还是没有《圣经》的权威作为守星期日的根据，这使他们不胜烦恼。同时，人们还要提出疑问：他们的宗教教师究竟有没有权柄废除耶和华颁布的明令：“第七日是向耶和华你上帝当守的安息日，”去尊重太阳日呢？所以为要弥补《圣经》方面所没有的证据起见，他们必须想出其他方法。在第十二世纪末叶，有一个热心提倡星期日的人去访问英国各地教会，到处遇见忠心为真理作见证的人，他的一切努力都显然无效，于是他暂时离开英国去寻找更好的方法来支持自己的教训。及至回到英国时，他所缺少的凭据果然找到了，而且他日后的工作也因而有了更好的成绩。他带来的是一个文件，据说是上帝亲自发下来的，其中记载着那人所缺少的有关星期日的命令，并附带着可怕的威胁来恐吓一切不肯听从的人。这一个宝贵文献——原来它是与它所支持的制度一样的卑鄙赝造品——据说是从天上落下来的，后来在耶路撒冷的各各他山圣西缅的神坛上被人发现。其实它的真实来源乃是罗马教皇的宫廷。因为罗马教廷向来认为一切旨在增进教会权势和荣誉的伪造品都是合法的。[41]{GC 576.1}

§84 Still the absence of Scriptural authority for Sundaykeeping occasioned no little embarrassment. The people questioned the right of their teachers to set aside the positive declaration of Jehovah, The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God, in order to honor the day of the sun. To supply the lack of Bible testimony, other expedients were necessary. A zealous advocate of Sunday, who about the close of the twelfth century visited the churches of England, was resisted by faithful witnesses for the truth; and so fruitless were his efforts that he departed from the country for a season and cast about him for some means to enforce his teachings. When he returned, the lack was supplied, and in his after labors he met with greater success. He brought with him a roll purporting to be from God Himself, which contained the needed command for Sunday observance, with awful threats to terrify the disobedient. This precious document-- as base a counterfeit as the institution it supported--was said to have fallen from heaven and to have been found in Jerusalem, upon the altar of St. Simeon, in Golgotha. But, in fact, the pontifical palace at Rome was the source whence it proceeded. Frauds and forgeries to advance the power and prosperity of the church have in all ages been esteemed lawful by the papal hierarchy. {GC 576.1}[41]

§85 那个文件禁止人从星期六下午三点钟到星期一日出之时作工，据说这禁令还有许多神迹奇事为证据。说有人因工作越过钟点，便全身瘫痪了。有一个磨坊的主人试图在星期日磨包谷，结果发现磨石间流出鲜血，而且发动磨石的水车虽有大量的水力，但忽然自行停止了。有一个妇人将面团置入烤炉之后，虽然炉中的火甚为炽烈，但拿出来还是一团生面。另一个妇人曾预备一团面，准备在星期六下午三时放入烤炉，但他决定把它留到星期一，次日发现这面已经变成面包，是由神圣的能力烤熟的。还有一个在星期六下午三时烤面包的人次日早上把它擘开时，有血从面包里流出来。提倡星期日的人就是用这一类荒诞迷信的虚言来确定这日子的神圣性质。[42]{GC 576.2}

§86 The roll forbade labor from the ninth hour, three oclock, on Saturday afternoon, till sunrise on Monday; and its authority was declared to be confirmed by many miracles. It was reported that persons laboring beyond the appointed hour were stricken with paralysis. A miller who attempted to grind his corn, saw, instead of flour, a torrent of blood come forth, and the mill wheel stood still, notwithstanding the strong rush of water. A woman who placed dough in the oven found it raw when taken out, though the oven was very hot. Another who had dough prepared for baking at the ninth hour, but determined to set it aside till Monday, found, the next day, that it had been made into loaves and baked by divine power. A man who baked bread after the ninth hour on Saturday found, when he broke it the next morning, that blood started therefrom. By such absurd and superstitious fabrications did the advocates of Sunday endeavor to establish its sacredness. (See Roger de Hoveden, Annals, vol. 2, pp. 526-530.) {GC 576.2}[42]

§87 在苏格兰，也像在英格兰一样，人们曾设法把安息日一部分的光阴划归星期日，借以使之更显神圣。但所规定守为圣日的时间各有出入。苏格兰国王所发布的命令，规定“圣日从星期六中午开始，”从这时起，人人都不许从事俗务，直到星期一早晨为止。[43]{GC 577.1}

§88 In Scotland, as in England, a greater regard for Sunday was secured by uniting with it a portion of the ancient Sabbath. But the time required to be kept holy varied. An edict from the king of Scotland declared that Saturday from twelve at noon ought to be accounted holy, and that no man, from that time till Monday morning, should engage in worldly business.--Morer, pages 290, 291. {GC 577.1}[43]

§89 罗马教徒虽然多方努力要确定星期日为圣日，但他们自己还是公认安息日乃是有上帝的权威为根据的，并承认那代替安息日的日子乃是人所设立的。在第十六世纪，某一次罗马教的会议曾明白宣布说：“基督徒都应记得，第七日是上帝所定为圣的。它不但为犹太人，而也是为一切愿意敬拜上帝的人所接受而遵守的，但我们基督徒已经把他们的安息日变更为主日了。”可见这些蓄意破坏上帝律法的人对于自己所进行之工作的性质，并不是不知道的。他们明明是故意抬高自己在上帝之上。[44]{GC 577.2}

§90 But notwithstanding all the efforts to establish Sunday sacredness, papists themselves publicly confessed the divine authority of the Sabbath and the human origin of the institution by which it had been supplanted. In the sixteenth century a papal council plainly declared: Let all Christians remember that the seventh day was consecrated by God, and hath been received and observed, not only by the Jews, but by all others who pretend to worship God; though we Christians have changed their Sabbath into the Lords Day.-- Ibid., pages 281, 282. Those who were tampering with the divine law were not ignorant of the character of their work. They were deliberately setting themselves above God. {GC 577.2}[44]

§91 罗马教向瓦典西派（其中有些是守安息日的）所施行长期血腥的逼迫，可以有力地说明她对待反对者的策略。那时还有许多别的人也因忠心遵守第四诫而遭受同样的苦待。埃提阿伯和阿比西尼亚的教会史，尤其有重大的意义。在黑暗时代的朦胧之中，中非洲一带的基督教会被世人所忽视所遗忘了，因此他们几百年来，一直享有自由，遂行自己的宗教。但到了后来，罗马教既知道有他们存在，便立刻用奸计欺骗阿比西尼亚的皇帝承认教皇为基督的代理者。随后他又作了许多的让步。他发出一道敕令，用严刑禁止人遵守安息日。但教皇的暴政不久成了一个严酷的重轭，以至阿比西尼亚的人民决定要把它挣断。经过了惨烈的斗争之后，罗马教徒被逐出国境，阿比西尼亚便恢复了古代的信仰。那里的教会因他们所有的自由而欢庆，以后也再没有忘记自己从罗马教的欺骗、狂信和暴虐专横的势力中所得的教训。他们甘愿在他们那偏僻的地区，而不求闻达于各基督教国家。[45]{GC 577.3}

§92 A striking illustration of Romes policy toward those who disagree with her was given in the long and bloody persecution of the Waldenses, some of whom were observers of the Sabbath. Others suffered in a similar manner for their fidelity to the fourth commandment. The history of the churches of Ethiopia and Abyssinia is especially significant. Amid the gloom of the Dark Ages, the Christians of Central Africa were lost sight of and forgotten by the world, and for many centuries they enjoyed freedom in the exercise of their faith. But at last Rome learned of their existence, and the emperor of Abyssinia was soon beguiled into an acknowledgment of the pope as the vicar of Christ. Other concessions followed. An edict was issued forbidding the observance of the Sabbath under the severest penalties. (See Michael Geddes, Church History of Ethiopia, pages 311, 312.) But papal tyranny soon became a yoke so galling that the Abyssinians determined to break it from their necks. After a terrible struggle the Romanists were banished from their dominions, and the ancient faith was restored. The churches rejoiced in their freedom, and they never forgot the lesson they had learned concerning the deception, the fanaticism, and the despotic power of Rome. Within their solitary realm they were content to remain, unknown to the rest of Christendom. {GC 577.3}[45]

§93 非洲的各教会所遵守的安息日就是罗马教会没有完全背道之前所遵守的。他们一面顺从上帝的诫命遵守第七日，一面依照教会的习惯，在星期日停止工作。及至罗马教会获得了至上权力之后，她便践踏了上帝的安息日，为要高举她自己的，非洲的教会既隐藏了几有一千年之久，就没有参与这种背道。但到了他们屈就罗马教的权力之后，他们便被迫废弃真的安息日，而高举假的，但后来他们一恢复独立，就重新遵守第四条诫命了。[46]{GC 578.1}

§94 The churches of Africa held the Sabbath as it was held by the papal church before her complete apostasy. While they kept the seventh day in obedience to the commandment of God, they abstained from labor on the Sunday in conformity to the custom of the church. Upon obtaining supreme power, Rome had trampled upon the Sabbath of God to exalt her own; but the churches of Africa, hidden for nearly a thousand years, did not share in this apostasy. When brought under the sway of Rome, they were forced to set aside the true and exalt the false sabbath; but no sooner had they regained their independence than they returned to obedience to the fourth commandment. (See Appendix.) {GC 578.1}[46]

§95 这些历史记载清楚地显明罗马教对于真安息日及其拥护者所怀的敌意，以及她为尊敬自己所创立的制度而施用的种种手段。上帝的《圣经》告诉我们，当罗马教徒与基督教徒联合起来高举星期日的时候，以上的史实必要重演。[47]{GC 578.2}

§96 These records of the past clearly reveal the enmity of Rome toward the true Sabbath and its defenders, and the means which she employs to honor the institution of her creating. The word of God teaches that these scenes are to be repeated as Roman Catholics and Protestants shall unite for the exaltation of the Sunday. {GC 578.2}[47]

§97 启示录第十三章预言说，两角如同羊羔的兽将要“叫地和住在其上的人，”去敬拜罗马教皇“形状像豹”的兽。这两角如同羊羔的兽也要“迷惑住在地上的人，说，要给那受刀伤还活着的兽作个像，”并且命令“众人，无论大小贫富，自主的，为奴的，”都要受“兽的印记。”（见启13:11-16）我们已经证明，这两角如同羊羔的兽代表美国，并且这段预言将要在美国政府强迫人遵守星期日——罗马教所宣称为其最高权力的特别标记——的时候完全应验。但在这敬拜罗马教皇的事上，美国政府倒也不是独自进行的。在那些受过罗马教统治的国家中，罗马教的势力至今依然存在。预言也说罗马教的权力必要东山再起。“我看见兽的七头中，有一个似乎受了死伤，那死伤却医好了，全地的人都希奇跟从那兽。”（启13:3）这兽所受的死伤是指一七九八年罗马教皇的势力衰败而言。先知说，在它受了死伤之后，“那死伤却医好了，全地的人都希奇跟从那兽。”保罗很明白地说，这大罪人要存留到主第二次降临的日子（见帖后2:8）。他要进行欺骗的工作，直到末日。蒙启示的约翰也预言到罗马教皇说：“凡住在地上，名字从创世以来，没有记在被杀之羔羊生命册上的人，都要拜他。”（启13:8）将来不论在旧大陆或新大陆，人们都要在遵守星期日——完全根据罗马教的权威而创立的制度上崇奉罗马教皇。[48]{GC 578.3}

§98 The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns shall cause the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the papacy --there symbolized by the beast like unto a leopard. The beast with two horns is also to say to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast; and, furthermore, it is to command all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive the mark of the beast. Revelation 13:11-16. It has been shown that the United States is the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this homage to the papacy the United States will not be alone. The influence of Rome in the countries that once acknowledged her dominion is still far from being destroyed. And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. Verse 3. The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798. After this, says the prophet, his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. Paul states plainly that the man of sin will continue until the second advent. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-8. To the very close of time he will carry forward the work of deception. And the revelator declares, also referring to the papacy: All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life. Revelation 13:8. In both the Old and the New World, the papacy will receive homage in the honor paid to the Sunday institution, that rests solely upon the authority of the Roman Church. {GC 578.3}[48]

§99 近数十年来，在美国研究《圣经》预言的人已经向世人发出这种见证了。从现今的时事上可以看出以上的预言正在迅速应验。现今基督教的教师们正在同样地主张星期日是出于上帝神圣的权威，但他们也同样地拿不出《圣经》的凭据来，正像那些伪造神迹奇事来代替上帝命令的罗马教领袖们一样。他们将要旧话重提，说上帝的刑罚要临到一切干犯星期日的人；现今已经有人提出这种论调。那强迫人遵守星期日的运动现今正迅速地得势了。[49]{GC 579.1}

§100 Since the middle of the nineteenth century, students of prophecy in the United States have presented this testimony to the world. In the events now taking place is seen a rapid advance toward the fulfillment of the prediction. With Protestant teachers there is the same claim of divine authority for Sundaykeeping, and the same lack of Scriptural evidence, as with the papal leaders who fabricated miracles to supply the place of a command from God. The assertion that Gods judgments are visited upon men for their violation of the Sunday-sabbath, will be repeated; already it is beginning to be urged. And a movement to enforce Sunday observance is fast gaining ground. {GC 579.1}[49]

§101 罗马教会的机诈与奸巧实在惊人。她有先见之明，料事如神。她能静待时机，因她看出现今的基督教会正是因接受伪安息日而向她致敬，并且正在准备把她从前所用过的手段如法炮制，强迫人守星期日。凡拒绝真理之光的人将要求助于这自称为绝无错误的权威来高举她自己所创立的制度。在这种工作上，我们不难想象到她将要如何乐于赞助这些改正教会！有谁能比罗马教的领袖们更有办法去应付那些不顺从罗马教会的人呢？[50]{GC 580.1}

§102 Marvelous in her shrewdness and cunning is the Roman Church. She can read what is to be. She bides her time, seeing that the Protestant churches are paying her homage in their acceptance of the false sabbath and that they are preparing to enforce it by the very means which she herself employed in bygone days. Those who reject the light of truth will yet seek the aid of this self-styled infallible power to exalt an institution that originated with her. How readily she will come to the help of Protestants in this work it is not difficult to conjecture. Who understands better than the papal leaders how to deal with those who are disobedient to the church? {GC 580.1}[50]

§103 罗马教会分布于全球各地，他们是一个庞大的组织，完全受教皇的控制，并共图促进教皇的势力。散居全球各国的千百万罗马教徒都受过效忠教皇的训练。不论他们的国借和政府如何，他们总要以罗马教会的权威为至上。纵然他们向国家宣誓效忠，但在这个誓约之外，他们还有顺从罗马教会的誓言，这一个誓言自动取消一切与教皇势力相冲突的其他誓约。[51]{GC 580.2}

§104 The Roman Catholic Church, with all its ramifications throughout the world, forms one vast organization under the control, and designed to serve the interests, of the papal see. Its millions of communicants, in every country on the globe, are instructed to hold themselves as bound in allegiance to the pope. Whatever their nationality or their government, they are to regard the authority of the church as above all other. Though they may take the oath pledging their loyalty to the state, yet back of this lies the vow of obedience to Rome, absolving them from every pledge inimical to her interests. {GC 580.2}[51]

§105 我们查阅历史，便可看出罗马教是怎样奸巧而恒切地设法干预国政，及至得到立足地之后，他便要遂行自己的策略，甚至于摧残王侯与庶民。一二零四年，教皇英诺森三世曾勒令阿拉冈王彼得第二向他宣誓如下：“我彼得，阿拉冈人的王，今特承认并应许永远效忠我主英诺森教皇和他的继承者，与罗马教会，并忠心保持我全国顺从教皇，努力护卫天主教的信仰，并逼迫异端邪教。”这正与罗马教皇自取的权力相合，他声称“自己有合法的权力，可以废除君王，”并“能吩咐其臣民解除效忠不义之统治者的义务。”[52]{GC 580.3}

§106 History testifies of her artful and persistent efforts to insinuate herself into the affairs of nations; and having gained a foothold, to further her own aims, even at the ruin of princes and people. In the year 1204, Pope Innocent III extracted from Peter II, king of Arragon, the following extraordinary oath: I, Peter, king of Arragonians, profess and promise to be ever faithful and obedient to my lord, Pope Innocent, to his Catholic successors, and the Roman Church, and faithfully to preserve my kingdom in his obedience, defending the Catholic faith, and persecuting heretical pravity. --John Dowling, The History of Romanism, b. 5, ch. 6, sec. 55. This is in harmony with the claims regarding the power of the Roman pontiff that it is lawful for him to depose emperors and that he can absolve subjects from their allegiance to unrighteous rulers.--Mosheim, b. 3, cent. 11, pt. 2, ch. 2, sec. 9, note 17. (See also Appendix note for page 447.) {GC 580.3}[52]

§107 我们还要记着，罗马教会向来自夸说她是永不改变的。贵钩利七世和英诺森三世的政策至今还是罗马教会的政策。只要她有权在手，仍必雷厉风行，像在中古世纪一样。在高举星期日的事上，基督教会想要接受罗马教会的帮助，但他们对于自己所行之事的实际性质，却没有充分的认识。当他们正在努力达成自己的目的时，罗马教会却在设法重建自己的势力，并恢复她所失去的至上权威。美国何时实现政教联合，就是说，教会可以运用或统治政府的权力，并用政治法令强迫人遵守宗教礼节，总而言之，何时教会与国家的权力可以管制人的信仰，那时罗马教在美国的胜利也就确定了。[53]{GC 581.1}

§108 And let it be remembered, it is the boast of Rome that she never changes. The principles of Gregory VII and Innocent III are still the principles of the Roman Catholic Church. And had she but the power, she would put them in practice with as much vigor now as in past centuries. Protestants little know what they are doing when they propose to accept the aid of Rome in the work of Sunday exaltation. While they are bent upon the accomplishment of their purpose, Rome is aiming to re-establish her power, to recover her lost supremacy. Let the principle once be established in the United States that the church may employ or control the power of the state; that religious observances may be enforced by secular laws; in short, that the authority of church and state is to dominate the conscience, and the triumph of Rome in this country is assured. {GC 581.1}[53]

§109 关于这种迫近的危险，《圣经》已经发出警告，基督教徒若忽略不听，他们就要在那难逃罗网，悔之晚矣的时候，才发觉罗马教的真实性质与宗旨。她现今正在暗暗地扩充势力。她的教义正在立法院中、各教会内和世人的心理上发挥作用。她正在为自己建造高大雄伟的教堂，而在这些建筑物的隐密处，她过去的残忍逼迫将要重演。现今她正在静悄悄而出人不意地增强自己的势力，及至她采取行动的时候一到，她就要推行自己的策略。目前，她所渴望的是要取得优势，这种便利，她已逐渐得到了。我们不久将要看到并感受到罗马教的企图何在。凡信仰并顺从《圣经》的人将要因而招致侮辱和逼迫。[54]{GC 581.2}

§110 Gods word has given warning of the impending danger; let this be unheeded, and the Protestant world will learn what the purposes of Rome really are, only when it is too late to escape the snare. She is silently growing into power. Her doctrines are exerting their influence in legislative halls, in the churches, and in the hearts of men. She is piling up her lofty and massive structures in the secret recesses of which her former persecutions will be repeated. Stealthily and unsuspectedly she is strengthening her forces to further her own ends when the time shall come for her to strike. All that she desires is vantage ground, and this is already being given her. We shall soon see and shall feel what the purpose of the Roman element is. Whoever shall believe and obey the word of God will thereby incur reproach and persecution. {GC 581.2}[54]