第30章 家庭的选择与筹备
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第30章 家庭的选择与筹备
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Chap. 30 - Choice and Preparation of the Home
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福音能神奇地简化人生的难题。人若顺从福音的教训，就能消除许多困惑，摆脱许多错误。福音教导我们评价事物的真正价值，把最大的努力投入最有价值的事业，就是那永恒的事业。这种教训是负起建立家庭之责的人所必不可少的。他们不可偏离那最高尚的目标。他们务要记住，地上家庭是天上家庭的象征和预备。人生是一所训练的学校。父母和儿女都要从这所学校毕业，才能进入上帝家中更高的学校。我们在选择家庭地址的时候，要让这个目标指导所做的决定。要从纯洁、朴素、健康和真正的价值方面考虑，不要被追求金钱的欲望、时尚的趋势和和社会的习俗所左右。{MH 363.1}
§4
The gospel is a wonderful simplifier of lifes problems. Its instruction, heeded, would make plain many a perplexity and save us from many an error. It teaches us to estimate things at their true value and to give the most effort to the things of greatest worth--the things that will endure. This lesson is needed by those upon whom rests the responsibility of selecting a home. They should not allow themselves to be diverted from the highest aim. Let them remember that the home on earth is to be a symbol of and a preparation for the home in heaven. Life is a training school, from which parents and children are to be graduated to the higher school in the mansions of God. As the location for a home is sought, let this purpose direct the choice. Be not controlled by the desire for wealth, the dictates of fashion, or the customs of society. Consider what will tend most to simplicity, purity, health, and real worth. {MH 363.1}[1]
§5
世界上的一切城市，愈来愈变成罪恶汇聚之所了。淫声恶色，肉欲的引诱，和堕落的陷阱，比比皆是。犯罪作恶的潮流，接续膨胀不已。杀人、抢劫、自杀、以及种种莫可名状的罪恶，每天都有强暴的记录。{MH 363.2}
§6
The world over, cities are becoming hotbeds of vice. On every hand are the sights and sounds of evil. Everywhere are enticements to sensuality and dissipation. The tide of corruption and crime is continually swelling. Every day brings the record of violence--robberies, murders, suicides, and crimes unnamable. {MH 363.2}[2]
§7
城市的生活是虚假而造作的。求财的厚欲、作乐的甜情、喧扰的兴奋、虚荣时尚的贪恋和奢华浮躁的追慕，以及人海潮涌般的忙乱，都使人的思想远离人生的真旨。它们正在敞开万恶的门户。这种诱惑，在青年人身上，有几乎不可抵抗的势力。{MH 364.1}
§8
Life in the cities is false and artificial. The intense passion for money getting, the whirl of excitement and pleasure seeking, the thirst for display, the luxury and extravagance, all are forces that, with the great masses of mankind, are turning the mind from lifes true purpose. They are opening the door to a thousand evils. Upon the youth they have almost irresistible power. {MH 364.1}[3]
§9
城市对于青年和孩童最危险最诡诈的引诱之一，就是快乐的追求。休假的日子很多；赛马和种种竞技游戏的场所，挤满了千万的人，这种骚扰奋兴的空气，足使青年人志倒神迷。把人生正经的责任抛在脑后，把应该留作正用的金钱挥霍在娱乐上面。{MH 364.2}
§10
One of the most subtle and dangerous temptations that assail the children and youth in the cities is the love of pleasure. Holidays are numerous; games and horse racing draw thousands, and the whirl of excitement and pleasure attracts them away from the sober duties of life. Money that should have been saved for better uses is frittered away for amusements. {MH 364.2}[4]
§11
由于托拉斯的活动，工会的罢工等事的结果，城市的生活情形就越来越艰难了。严重的困难正在我们面前；将有许多人家必须要搬到乡间去住。{MH 364.3}
§12
Through the working of trusts, and the results of labor unions and strikes, the conditions of life in the city are constantly becoming more and more difficult. Serious troubles are before us; and for many families removal from the cities will become a necessity. {MH 364.3}[5]
§13
城市的环境，往往对于身体的健康是有害的。那污浊的空气，不清洁的水，不安全的食物，黑暗拥塞的房屋，以及随时疾病传染的危险，都不过是城市的一部分害处而已。{MH 365.1}
§14
The physical surroundings in the cities are often a peril to health. The constant liability to contact with disease, the prevalence of foul air, impure water, impure food, the crowded, dark, unhealthful dwellings, are some of the many evils to be met. {MH 365.1}[6]
§15
上帝的旨意，不要人挤在城市之中，扎在狭小的巷子里面。祂初造人时，把我们的始祖安置在和乐美丽的景色中，这种自然的景色，也是祂现在所要我们享受的。我们的生活愈与上帝的初旨相近，我们的身体、思想和心灵就愈容易到健全活泼的地步。{MH 365.2}
§16
It was not Gods purpose that people should be crowded into cities, huddled together in terraces and tenements. In the beginning He placed our first parents amidst the beautiful sights and sounds He desires us to rejoice in today. The more nearly we come into harmony with Gods original plan, the more favorable will be our position to secure health of body, and mind, and soul. {MH 365.2}[7]
§17
宏壮的房屋，富丽的陈设，以及一切安逸豪华的装置，都不是快乐有为之生活的必需品。耶稣到世上来，是要成就人间最伟大的事业。祂以上帝特使的资格，来教导我们怎样生活，以求人生最佳的成效。但是那全能的天父为祂儿子所选择的环境是怎样的呢？加利利山中一间僻静的房子；一个勤苦操劳靠手艺度日的家庭；一种简单的生活；每日与艰难困苦奋斗；克己、节省、忍耐和快乐的服务；在母亲旁边打开经卷勤读的光阴；青葱的山谷，晨曦暮蔼的逸景；大自然圣洁的陶化；对上帝的创造和旨意的研究；以及与上帝心灵上的相通――这些便是耶稣早年生活的状况和境遇。{MH 365.3}
§18
An expensive dwelling, elaborate furnishings, display, luxury, and ease, do not furnish the conditions essential to a happy, useful life. Jesus came to this earth to accomplish the greatest work ever accomplished among men. He came as Gods ambassador, to show us how to live so as to secure lifes best results. What were the conditions chosen by the infinite Father for His Son? A secluded home in the Galilean hills; a household sustained by honest, self-respecting labor; a life of simplicity; daily conflict with difficulty and hardship; self-sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome service; the hour of study at His mothers side, with the open scroll of Scripture; the quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley; the holy ministries of nature; the study of creation and providence; and the souls communion with God--these were the conditions and opportunities of the early life of Jesus. {MH 365.3}[8]
§19
历代最敬虔高贵之人的生活环境，也大都与耶稣相仿。请阅读亚伯拉罕，雅各，约瑟，摩西，大卫，和以利沙的历史。请研究后来许多最可敬地受托担任要职、其影响已经最有效地促进了社会进步、道德提高之人们的生活。{MH 366.1}
§20
So with the great majority of the best and noblest men of all ages. Read the history of Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph, of Moses, David, and Elisha. Study the lives of men of later times who have most worthily filled positions of trust and responsibility, the men whose influence has been most effective for the worlds uplifting. {MH 366.1}[9]
§21
这些人有多少都是在乡村中长大的啊。他们不知道奢华为何物，也不把少年的光阴用来追求宴乐。有许多人更不得不与艰难和困苦奋斗。从很小的时候，他们就学习工作；户外活泼的生活，使他们一切才能都能全面发展。他们不得不仗赖自己的机智，于是就学会了抵抗困难、胜过障碍，并且得了勇气和毅力。他们学会了自立和自制的功课。他们没有多大机会与恶友相交，所以得享一点自然界的清福和几个良朋益友，就知足了。他们的兴致和习惯，都是简纯而有节制的。他们悉听原则的指挥，长大后，就成了纯洁坚强忠实的人。负起人生的责任时，尤能把身体和脑筋的精力都运用在所做的事业上；仗着活泼的精神，能谋能行的才智，以及抗御罪恶的刚毅之气，他们就成了世界上为人群谋福利的积极力量。{MH 366.2}
§22
How many of these were reared in country homes. They knew little of luxury. They did not spend their youth in amusement. Many were forced to struggle with poverty and hardship. They early learned to work, and their active life in the open air gave vigor and elasticity to all their faculties. Forced to depend upon their own resources, they learned to combat difficulties and to surmount obstacles, and they gained courage and perseverance. They learned the lessons of self-reliance and self-control. Sheltered in a great degree from evil associations, they were satisfied with natural pleasures and wholesome companionships. They were simple in their tastes and temperate in their habits. They were governed by principle, and they grew up pure and strong and true. When called to their lifework, they brought to it physical and mental power, buoyancy of spirit, ability to plan and execute, and steadfastness in resisting evil, that made them a positive power for good in the world. {MH 366.2}[10]
§23
强健的身体，健全的思想，以及高尚的品格，乃是你们所能给予儿女最好的礼物，这比什么遗产都更宝贵。所以凡是明晓人生成功真谛的人，必定未雨绸缪。当他们在选择家庭的时候，也必不忘记人生的最佳事务。{MH 366.3}
§24
Better than any other inheritance of wealth you can give to your children will be the gift of a healthy body, a sound mind, and a noble character. Those who understand what constitutes lifes true success will be wise betimes. They will keep in view lifes best things in their choice of a home. {MH 366.3}[11]
§25
与其住在一处地方，终日只见人的作为，和常常引起罪恶思想的声色，以及惹人厌倦的纷扰喧嚷，不如到能够欣赏上帝作为的地方去。到那幽雅明媚的自然美景中，去求心灵的安息。在那里，你们可以看到绿野、树林、和丘陵。看到未被城市烟尘模糊了的湛蓝的天空，呼吸到旷心怡神的清新气息。去那里，远避城市生活的娱乐和放荡，你们就能与儿女结伴，在上帝的作为中教导他们认识上帝，训练他们度正直有为的人生。{MH 367.1}
§26
Instead of dwelling where only the works of men can be seen, where the sights and sounds frequently suggest thoughts of evil, where turmoil and confusion bring weariness and disquietude, go where you can look upon the works of God. Find rest of spirit in the beauty and quietude and peace of nature. Let the eye rest on the green fields, the groves, and the hills. Look up to the blue sky, unobscured by the citys dust and smoke, and breathe the invigorating air of heaven. Go where, apart from the distractions and dissipations of city life, you can give your children your companionship, where you can teach them to learn of God through His works, and train them for lives of integrity and usefulness. {MH 367.1}[12]
§27
摆设的简朴我们虚伪的习俗，剥夺了我们的许多福气和享受，使我们无法过最有用的人生。奢华昂贵的家具不但浪费金钱，还浪费了比金钱贵一千倍的东西，给家庭带来挂虑、辛劳和烦恼的重担。{MH 367.2}
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【Simplicity in Furnishing】
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Our artificial habits deprive us of many blessings and much enjoyment, and unfit us for living the most useful lives. Elaborate and expensive furnishings are a waste not only of money, but of that which is a thousandfold more precious. They bring into the home a heavy burden of care and labor and perplexity. {MH 367.2}[13]
§30
一些家境并不宽裕的人家，主要的家务都落在母亲身上。这些家庭的状况怎样呢？最好的房间里所布置的家俱，超过了家庭的经济能力，既不方便，又不实用。还有昂贵的地毯，雅致的帷廉，精雕细琢的家俱。桌子，壁炉台和其他空间，摆满了装饰品，墙上挂满了图画，令人望而生厌。整理和清洁这些陈设，需要化大量的工夫。这项工作和家中其他追求时尚的习俗，要求家庭主妇无休止地劳累。{MH 367.3}
§31
What are the conditions in many homes, even where resources are limited and the work of the household rests chiefly on the mother? The best rooms are furnished in a style beyond the means of the occupants and unsuited to their convenience and enjoyment. There are expensive carpets, elaborately carved and daintily upholstered furniture, and delicate drapery. Tables, mantels, and every other available space are crowded with ornaments, and the walls are covered with pictures, until the sight becomes wearying. And what an amount of work is required to keep all these in order and free from dust! This work, and the other artificial habits of the family in its conformity to fashion, demand of the housewife unending toil. {MH 367.3}[14]
§32
在许多家庭，妻子和母亲没有时间阅读，增加知识，作丈夫的伴侣，没有时间与儿女正在发育的心智接触，没有时间和地点与宝贵的救主作亲密的伴侣。她逐渐成为家务的奴隶。她的精力、光阴和兴趣，专注于越用越坏的事物上。等她意识到自己在家中几乎成了一个陌生人，已经为时太晚了。她影响她亲爱的儿女过更高尚生活的宝贵机会已经错过，一去不返了。{MH 368.1}
§33
In many a home the wife and mother has no time to read, to keep herself well informed, no time to be a companion to her husband, no time to keep in touch with the developing minds of her children. There is no time or place for the precious Saviour to be a close, dear companion. Little by little she sinks into a mere household drudge, her strength and time and interest absorbed in the things that perish with the using. Too late she awakes to find herself almost a stranger in her own home. The precious opportunities once hers to influence her dear ones for the higher life, unimproved, have passed away forever. {MH 368.1}[15]
§34
主妇们要遵循更智慧的生活计划。你们的首要目标是建立一个快乐的家庭。要添置能减轻辛劳、增进健康和舒适的设施。要预备好款待基督吩咐我们欢迎的客人。祂说：“这些事你们既作在我这弟兄中最小的一个身上，就是作在我身上了”（太25:40）。{MH 369.1}
§35
Let the homemakers resolve to live on a wiser plan. Let it be your first aim to make a pleasant home. Be sure to provide the facilities that will lighten labor and promote health and comfort. Plan for the entertainment of the guests whom Christ has bidden us welcome, and of whom He says, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me. Matthew 25:40. {MH 369.1}[16]
§36
你们的家具要简单朴素，经久耐用，又容易保洁，可以更换而费不了许多钱。家中只要有爱和知足，你就能藉着高雅的品味将简单的家布置得美丽动人。{MH 370.1}
§37
Furnish your home with things plain and simple, things that will bear handling, that can be easily kept clean, and that can be replaced without great expense. By exercising taste, you can make a very simple home attractive and inviting, if love and contentment are there. {MH 370.1}[17]
§38
美丽的环境上帝是爱美的。祂让美充满天地之间。祂怀着慈父般的喜乐，观看祂的儿女欣赏祂所创造之物。祂希望我们的家坐落在自然的美景中。{MH 370.2}
§39
【Beautiful Surroundings】
§40
God loves the beautiful. He has clothed the earth and the heavens with beauty, and with a Fathers joy He watches the delight of His children in the things that He has made. He desires us to surround our homes with the beauty of natural things. {MH 370.2}[18]
§41
住在乡间的人，不论多么贫穷，几乎都有一块草地，几棵树木，和一些美丽的花丛。它们对于家庭幸福的贡献，远超过任何人工的妆饰。它们给家庭带来柔和高雅的气氛，加强人对大自然的爱，使一家人彼此更加亲近，也与上帝更加亲近。{MH 370.3}
§42
Nearly all dwellers in the country, however poor, could have about their homes a bit of grassy lawn, a few shade trees, flowering shrubbery, or fragrant blossoms. And far more than any artificial adorning will they minister to the happiness of the household. They will bring into the home life a softening, refining influence, strengthening the love of nature, and drawing the members of the household nearer to one another and nearer to God. {MH 370.3}[19]