第25章 大自然的教训
§1
第25章 大自然的教训
§2
Teaching from Nature
§3
应当将圣经置于青少年教育的首位，其次便是大自然的课本了。上帝创造的万物，彰显祂的慈爱和权能。祂创造了世界和其中一切所有的。上帝是爱美的，在祂为我们所布置的世界中，祂不仅赐给我们一切所需之物，使我们安舒，而且使天地间充满了美丽。我们从秋天丰收的田园中，看见祂的慈爱和恩眷；从和煦的阳光中，看见祂的笑容。祂创造了坚固的磐石和巍峨的群山。参天的树木，按照祂的命令生长。祂在地上铺盖绿色的绒毯，而用灌树丛和百花点缀其间。{CT 185.1}[1]
§4
While the Bible should hold the first place in the education of children and youth, the book of nature is next in importance. God’s created works testify to His love and power. He has called the world into being, with all that it contains. God is a lover of the beautiful; and in the world which He has fitted up for us He has not only given us everything necessary for our comfort, but He has filled the heavens and the earth with beauty. We see His love and care in the rich fields of autumn, and His smile in the glad sunshine. His hand has made the castle-like rocks and the towering mountains. The lofty trees grow at His command; He has spread earth’s green velvet carpet and dotted it with shrubs and flowers.?{CT 185.1}[1]
§5
为什么祂给大地和树木，披上常绿的色彩，而不是幽黑深沉的褐色呢？岂不是为了葱翠悦目吗？当我们从祂创造的奇迹中，看到祂智慧和慈爱的明证时，我们心中怎不满溢感激之情？{CT 185.2}[2]
§6
Why has He clothed the earth and trees with living green, instead of with dark, somber brown? Is it not that they may be more pleasing to the eye? And shall not our hearts be filled with gratitude as we read the evidences of His wisdom and love in the wonders of His creation??{CT 185.2}[2]
§7
那创造世界的大能，如今仍在托住宇宙，维持自然界的秩序。上帝亲手引导行星在穹苍中，按着指定的轨道运行。地球年复一年地环绕着太阳运转，提供丰富的出产，并不是出于它自己的能力。上帝用祂的话管理节令。祂用云遮天，为地降雨，使河谷生产，“使草生长在山上。”（诗147:8）植物繁茂、树叶青葱、百花盛开：都是祂的大能。{CT 185.3}[3]
§8
The same creative energy that brought the world into existence is still exerted in upholding the universe and continuing the operations of nature. The hand of God guides the planets in their orderly march through the heavens. It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth continues her motion round the sun and produces her bounties. The word of God controls the elements. He covers the heavens with clouds and prepares rain for the earth. He makes the valleys fruitful and “grass to grow upon the mountains;”?Psalm 147:8.?It is through His power that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear and the flowers bloom.?{CT 185.3}[3]
§9
整个自然界都是用来解释属灵事物的。当初亚当和夏娃在伊甸园中时，自然界对于他们，充满了认识上帝的知识和神圣的教训。在他们留意倾听的耳朵听来，大自然乃是智慧的声音。他们既听见智慧的声音，就存记在心；因为他们借着上帝创造的万物与祂交通。当这对圣洁的夫妇，干犯了至高者的律法之后，来自上帝面上的荣光，就从地面上撤去了。自然界如今已被罪所败坏。但上帝赋予自然万物的教训，并没有消失。即使是在今日，只要我们正确地加以研究和理解，大自然仍在讲说着它的创造主。……{CT 186.1}[4]
§10
The whole natural world is designed to be an interpreter of the things of God. To Adam and Eve in their Eden home, nature was full of the knowledge of God, teeming with divine instruction. To their attentive ears it was vocal with the voice of wisdom. Wisdom spoke to the eye and was received into the heart, for they communed with God in His created works. As soon as the holy pair transgressed the law of the Most High, the brightness from the face of God departed from the face of nature. Nature is now marred and defiled by sin. But God’s object lessons are not obliterated; even now, rightly studied and interpreted, she speaks of her Creator....?{CT 186.1}[4]
§11
教导未认识上帝的外邦人最有效的方法，乃是通过上帝的创作。这种方法能比其他方法更快地使他们认识到他们所造的偶像，和天地的主宰真神有何等的区别。……这些直接来自自然界的教训，赋有纯朴的特质，对于已经相信的人，也有极高的价值。青少年和各年级的学生，都需要来自这个泉源的教训。自然本身的美，就会引导人心脱离罪恶世界的吸引，倾向清洁、平安与上帝。{CT 186.2}[5]
§12
The most effective way to teach the heathen who know not God is through His works. In this way, far more readily than by any other method, they can be made to realize the difference between their idols, the works of their own hands, and the true God, the Maker of heaven and earth.... There is a simplicity and purity in these lessons direct from nature that makes of the highest value to others besides the heathen. The children and youth, all classes of students, need the lessons to be derived from this source. In itself the beauty of nature leads the soul away from sin and worldly attractions, and toward purity, peace, and God.?{CT 186.2}[5]
§13
因此，耕耘是青少年一项有益的工作，会使他们直接接触自然界和自然界的上帝。我们的学校，应尽可能地开辟大规模的花园和农场，使学生能获得这方面的好处。{CT 186.3}[6]
§14
For this reason the cultivation of the soil is good work for children and youth. It brings them into direct contact with nature and nature’s God. And that they may have this advantage, there should be, as far as possible, in?connection with our schools, large flower gardens and extensive lands for cultivation.?{CT 186.3}[6]
§15
在这样的环境中实行教育，是符合上帝有关教育青年的指示的。但这与多数学校所实行的方式大不相同。……青少年的头脑中，已经装满了科学和哲学的书。这些书中隐藏着一些怀疑主义的荆棘。他们的心还装满了虚构荒谬的小说，以及那些名为讲论圣经的书。事实上这些书的作者，却凭着自己的想象加以解释。这类书的教训，像种子一样撒在心中，必生长结果，收获许多不信上帝的果实。其后果从人类家庭的堕落状况中可略见一斑。{CT 187.1}[7]
§16
An education amid such surroundings is in accordance with the directions which God has given for the instruction of youth; but it is in direct contrast with the methods employed in the majority of schools.... The minds of the young have been occupied with books of science and philosophy, where the thorns of skepticism have been only partially concealed; with vague, fanciful fairy stories; or with the works of authors who, although they may write on Scripture subjects, weave in their own fanciful interpretations. The teaching of such books is as seed sown in the heart. It grows and bears fruit, and a plentiful harvest of infidelity is reaped. The result is seen in the depravity of the human family.?{CT 187.1}[7]
§17
如能回到简朴的教学方法，必为青少年所欢迎。在花园和田地里从事劳作，对于那些疲乏于抽象课程的人，乃是一个可喜的改变，年幼的心智绝不应局限于抽象的课程。尤其对于因绞尽脑汁记忆课本内容，而用脑过度的儿童或青少年，这种变化非常可贵。研究大自然，可以使他获得快乐和健康。其中的教训，必使他铭记不忘，因为这些教训，已与他经常看见的事物联系在一起。{CT 187.2}[8]
§18
A return to simpler methods will be appreciated by the children and youth. Work in the garden and field will be an agreeable change from the wearisome routine of abstract lessons to which the young minds should never be confined. To the nervous child or youth, who finds lessons from books exhausting and hard to remember, it will be especially valuable. There is health and happiness for him in the study of nature; and the impressions made will not fade out of his mind, for they will be associated with objects that are continually before his eyes.?{CT 187.2}[8]
§19
在大自然中，上帝已经把开启祂圣言宝库的钥匙，放在人手中。祂用看得见的事物，来说明看不见的事物。上帝的智慧，永恒的真理，无穷的恩惠，都借着祂所创造的万物显明了。所以青年应当熟悉自然和自然的规律。他们的心智应得到尽量的发展。为了胜任人生的实际职责，他们的体力，也当得到锻炼。但我们也要教导他们，上帝创造这个美好的世界，是因为祂喜欢我们快乐。祂还在那不再有罪恶的世界，为我们预备一个更美的家乡。经上说：“上帝为爱祂的人所预备的；是眼睛未曾看见、耳朵未曾听见、人心也未曾想到的”（林前2:9）。{CT 187.3}[9]
§20
In the natural world, God has placed in the hands of the children of men the key to unlock the treasure house of His word. The unseen is illustrated by the seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace, are understood by the things that God has made. Then let the children and?youth become acquainted with nature and nature’s laws. Let the mind be developed to its utmost capacity and the physical powers trained for the practical duties of life. But teach them also that God has made this world fair because He delights in our happiness; and that a more beautiful home is preparing for us in that world where there will be no more sin. The word of God declares: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”?1 Corinthians 2:9.?{CT 187.3}[9]
§21
小孩子尤应接触自然界。为了使他们不至受时代潮流的影响，应当让他们像羊羔那样，在温暖晴朗的日光下自由玩耍。要把灌丛、百花、草坪、雅丽的小草和高耸的树木，指给他们看，使他们熟悉这些事物美丽、奇妙和优雅的样式。要教导他们从上帝的创作中，看出祂的智慧和慈爱。当他们的心充满喜乐和感恩之爱的时候，就让他们与小鸟同声歌颂赞美。{CT 188.1}[10]
§22
The little children should come especially close to nature. Instead of putting fashion’s shackles upon them, let them be free like the lambs to play in the sweet, fresh sunlight. Point them to shrubs and flowers, the lowly grass and the lofty trees, and let them become familiar with their beautiful, varied, and delicate forms. Teach them to see the wisdom and love of God in His created works; and as their hearts swell with joy and grateful love, let them join the birds in their songs of praise.?{CT 188.1}[10]
§23
要教育青少年思考那伟大艺术家的作品，以大自然的恩赐为借鉴，来塑造自己的品格。当他们的心为上帝的爱所胜时，就必把圣洁的美，带进他们的生活中。如此，他们就能用他们的才能，造福别人并尊荣上帝了。（《教育特别证言》58-62页，1896年5月20日）{CT 188.2}[11]
§24
Educate the children and youth to consider the works of the great Master Artist, and to imitate the attractive graces of nature in their character building. As the love of God wins their hearts, let them bring into their lives the beauty of holiness. So shall they use their capabilities to bless others and to honor God.—Special Testimonies On Education, 58-62; written May 20, 1896.?{CT 188.2}[11]
§25
自然界充满上帝之爱的教训，只要正确加以理解，就能引人亲近创造主。这些教训，从自然界中指出自然界的上帝，并显示纯朴圣洁的真理。这些真理能洁净人心，使人与上帝亲近。{CT 188.3}[12]
§26
Nature is full of lessons of the love of God. Rightly understood, these lessons lead to the Creator. They point from nature to nature’s God, teaching those simple, holy?truths that cleanse the mind and bring it into close touch with God.?{CT 188.3}[12]
§27
大教师基督要大自然反映那充满天国的光，引导人顺从祂的话。大自然顺从创造主的吩咐。太阳、月亮、星辰、参天的树木、田间的花朵，都在向上帝的恩典所感化的心灵，发出恳劝的话。种子的撒播，告诉人应当在心中播撒属灵的种子：挺立的树木，说明好树不能结坏果子，坏树不能结好果子。“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来。”（太7:16）就是稗子也有教训。稗子为撒但所播撒，若任其生长，势必影响麦子。{CT 189.1}[13]
§28
The Great Teacher calls on nature to reflect the light that floods the threshold of heaven, that men and women may be led to obey His word. And nature does the bidding of the Creator. To the heart softened by the grace of God, the sun, the moon, the stars, the lofty trees, the flowers of the field, utter their words of counsel and advice. The sowing of the seed carries the mind to spiritual seed sowing. The tree stands forth declaring that a good tree cannot bear evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bear good fruit. “Ye shall know them by their fruits.”?Matthew 7:16. Even the tares have a lesson to teach. They are of Satan’s sowing, and if left unchecked, will spoil the wheat by their rank growth.?{CT 189.1}[13]
§29
人若与上帝和好，自然万物就会向他们讲说属天智慧的话语，并为圣经的永生真理作见证。当基督把自然万物的意义告诉我们时，真宗教的科学就发出光辉来，向我们说明自然界定律，与属灵界定律之间的关系了。{CT 189.2}[14]
§30
When man is reconciled to God, the things of nature speak to him in words of heavenly wisdom, bearing testimony to the eternal truth of God’s word. As Christ tells us the meaning of the things in nature, the science of true religion flashes forth, explaining the relation of the law of God to the natural and the spiritual world.?{CT 189.2}[14]
§31
燕子与仙鹤注意季节的变化。他们按照上帝的旨意，从一国到另一国，来去寻找适于他们生活和幸福的地方，他们顺从管理他们的定律。但按照上帝形像而造的人类，却不能顺从自然的定律来尊荣祂。由于忽视了管理身体的定律，他们无法为上帝作工。上帝警告他们不要因干犯生命的定律，而干犯了祂的律法。但习惯是顽强的，他们不愿听上帝的话。他们由于决意坚持那些习惯和行为而身体受苦，心灵不安，他们自食其果，是无可推诿的。他们因无知和自私，而牺牲了健康、平安和幸福。{CT 189.3}[15]
§32
The swallow and the crane observe the changes of the seasons. They migrate from one country to another to find a climate suitable to their convenience and happiness, as the Lord designed they should. They are obedient to the laws which govern their life. But the beings formed in the image of God fail to honor Him by obeying the laws of nature. By disregarding the laws that govern the human organism, they disqualify themselves for serving?God. He sends them warnings to beware how they break His law in breaking the laws of life; but habit is strong, and they will not heed. The days are filled with pain of body and disquietude of mind because they are determined to follow wrong habits and practices. They will not reason from cause to effect, and they sacrifice health, peace, and happiness to their ignorance and selfishness.?{CT 189.3}[15]
§33
智慧的人劝告懒惰的人说：“懒惰的人哪，你去察看蚂蚁的动作，就可得智慧。蚂蚁没有元帅、没有官长、没有君王，尚且在夏天预备食物，在收割时聚敛粮食”（箴6:6-8）。蚂蚁聚敛的习惯，显出机智和忍耐。哪怕是一颗小小的谷粒，只要有机可乘，他们总是坚持不懈地完成搬运的奇迹。{CT 190.1}[16]
§34
The wise man addresses the indolent in the words: “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”?Proverbs 6:6-8. The habitations that the ants build for themselves show skill and perseverance. Only one little grain at a time can they handle, but by diligence and perseverance they accomplish wonders.?{CT 190.1}[16]
§35
所罗门指着蚂蚁的勤劳，责备那些在闲懒和败坏肉体灵魂的行为中虚度光阴的人。蚂蚁能为未来作准备，但许多有理性的人，都没有为将来的永生作好准备。{CT 190.2}[17]
§36
Solomon points to the industry of the ant as a reproach to those who waste their hours in idleness or in practices that corrupt soul and body. The ant prepares for future seasons; but many gifted with reasoning powers fail to prepare for the future immortal life.?{CT 190.2}[17]
§37
太阳、月亮、星辰、坚固的磐石、涌流不竭的泉水、波澜壮阔的海洋：都显示了全人类所必须留意的教训。{CT 190.3}[18]
§38
The sun, the moon, the stars, the solid rocks, the flowing stream, the broad, restless ocean, teach lessons that all would do well to heed.?{CT 190.3}[18]