第36章 推测与理论的危害
§1
第36章 推测与理论的危害
§2
Chap. 36 - Danger in Speculative Knowledge
§3
追求知识、研究科学的最大弊病之一，就是把人的理性高举在它的真正价值和合理范围之上。许多人想用自己有限的科学知识，来判断创造主和祂的作为。他们发明了种种推测性的理论，来界定无穷之主的性质、能力和权威。他们这样做，就是踏入了禁地。他们的研究得不出有价值的结果，只会给心灵带来危害。{MH 427.1}
§4
One of the greatest evils that attends the quest for knowledge, the investigations of science, is the disposition to exalt human reasoning above its true value and its proper sphere. Many attempt to judge of the Creator and His works by their own imperfect knowledge of science. They endeavor to determine the nature and attributes and prerogatives of God, and indulge in speculative theories concerning the Infinite One. Those who engage in this line of study are treading upon forbidden ground. Their research will yield no valuable results and can be pursued only at the peril of the soul. {MH 427.1}[1]
§5
我们的始祖被引诱犯罪，就是因为想得到上帝不让他们得到的知识。为此他们失去了一切值得拥有的东西。要是亚当和夏娃当初不去碰禁果，上帝本来会赐给他们不带罪恶咒诅、令他们永远快乐的知识。他们听了试探者的话，所得到的只不过是认识了罪和罪的后果而已。因着他们的悖逆，人类与上帝隔绝，地球与天国分离。{MH 427.2}
§6
Our first parents were led into sin through indulging a desire for knowledge that God had withheld from them. In seeking to gain this knowledge, they lost all that was worth possessing. If Adam and Eve had never touched the forbidden tree, God would have imparted to them knowledge-- knowledge upon which rested no curse of sin, knowledge that would have brought them everlasting joy. All that they gained by listening to the tempter was an acquaintance with sin and its results. By their disobedience, humanity was estranged from God and the earth was separated from heaven. {MH 427.2}[2]
§7
这个教训是给我们的。撒但今日引诱人要进入的领域，与从前引诱我们的始祖是一样的。他让世界充满动听的虚言，千方百计诱惑人猜疑上帝。他就是这样设法阻止人得到上帝救恩的知识。{MH 428.1}
§8
The lesson is for us. The field into which Satan led our first parents is the same to which he is alluring men today. He is flooding the world with pleasing fables. By every device at his command he tempts men to speculate in regard to God. Thus he seeks to prevent them from obtaining that knowledge of God which is salvation. {MH 428.1}[3]
§9
泛神论现今潜入各地教育机构和教会的招魂术学说，暗中破坏了人对于上帝和祂圣道的信心。许多自称相信圣经的人，接受了上帝是充满大自然的一种元素的理论。但这种学说不论包装得多么美丽，都是极其危险的欺骗，既误表上帝，又侮辱上帝的伟大和威严，不但迷惑人，还使人堕落。它的成分是黑暗；它的范围是纵欲。接受它的结果，就是与上帝隔绝。对于堕落的人性，它意味着沉沦。{MH 428.2}
§10
【Pantheistic Theories】
§11
Today there are coming into educational institutions and into the churches everywhere spiritualistic teachings that undermine faith in God and in His word. The theory that God is an essence pervading all nature is received by many who profess to believe the Scriptures; but, however beautifully clothed, this theory is a most dangerous deception. It misrepresents God and is a dishonor to His greatness and majesty. And it surely tends not only to mislead, but to debase men. Darkness is its element, sensuality its sphere. The result of accepting it is separation from God. And to fallen human nature this means ruin. {MH 428.2}[4]
§12
罪恶使我们的情形成为不自然的，因此那使我们复元的能力，必须是超自然的，否则即无价值。只有一种能力，能使人心挣断罪恶的束缚，那就是在耶稣基督里的上帝的能力。只有藉着钉十架之主的血，才能洁净罪恶。惟有衪的恩典，才使我们能够抵抗及制服人类堕落本性的倾向。招魂术之关于上帝的理论，却使这种能力无效。因为如果上帝是一种弥漫在全自然界中的元素，则衪也住在一切人身之中；而人要达到圣洁，只须发展他内在的能力就行了。{MH 428.3}
§13
Our condition through sin is unnatural, and the power that restores us must be supernatural, else it has no value. There is but one power that can break the hold of evil from the hearts of men, and that is the power of God in Jesus Christ. Only through the blood of the Crucified One is there cleansing from sin. His grace alone can enable us to resist and subdue the tendencies of our fallen nature. The spiritualistic theories concerning God make His grace of no effect. If God is an essence pervading all nature, then He dwells in all men; and in order to attain holiness, man has only to develop the power within him. {MH 428.3}[5]
§14
这些理论随着他们逻辑推断的结果，扫荡了全部基督教的制度。它们废除了救赎的必要性，并使人成为自己的救主。这些有关上帝的理论使主的道无效，并且凡接受的人亦陷于极大的危险之中，终于受迷惑而视全部圣经为虚构的作品。在这些理论中也许是重视德行过于恶行，但却推翻了上帝主宰的公正地位，反以人类的力量为依恃；然而人力若无上帝，原是毫无价值的。单靠人类的意志，并没有实力去抵抗及克服邪恶。于是人心灵的防线就崩溃，而没有什么保障可以抗御罪恶了。何时我们拒绝了上帝的道及圣灵的约束，就会沉溺于不可测知的深渊中了。“上帝的言语句句都是炼净的，投靠祂的，祂便作他们的盾牌。祂的言语，你不可加添，恐怕祂责备你，你就显为说谎言的”（箴30:5,6）。 “恶人必被自己的罪孽捉住，他必被自己的罪恶如绳索缠绕”（箴5:22）。{MH 428.4}
§15
These theories, followed to their logical conclusion, sweep away the whole Christian economy. They do away with the necessity for the atonement and make man his own savior. These theories regarding God make His word of no effect, and those who accept them are in great danger of being led finally to look upon the whole Bible as a fiction. They may regard virtue as better than vice; but, having shut out God from His rightful position of sovereignty, they place their dependence upon human power, which, without God, is worthless. The unaided human will has no real power to resist and overcome evil. The defenses of the soul are broken down. Man has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of Gods word and His Spirit are rejected, we know not to what depths one may sink. Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him. Add thou not unto His words, Lest He reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, And he shall be holden with the cords of his sins. Proverbs 30:5, 6; 5:22. {MH 428.4}[6]
§16
探索上帝的奥秘“明显的事是永远属我们和我们子孙的；”但“隐秘的事是属耶和华我们上帝的”（申29:29）。上帝在圣经中所赐关于祂自己的启示，是供我们研究的。这是我们可以寻求明白的，此外我们就不应该去探察。人间最聪明的人，若要推测上帝的本性，尽可以绞尽脑汁，仍必毫无结果，因为上帝没有要人类解决这个问题。人的思想不能领会上帝。但愿有限的人不要企图解释祂。但愿不要有人沉湎于臆测祂的本性。在这件事上，缄默便是雄辩。全知的上帝，是不可议论的。{MH 429.1}
§17
【Searching Into Divine Mysteries】
§18
The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever. Deuteronomy 29:29. The revelation of Himself that God has given in His word is for our study. This we may seek to understand. But beyond this we are not to penetrate. The highest intellect may tax itself until it is wearied out in conjectures regarding the nature of God, but the effort will be fruitless. This problem has not been given us to solve. No human mind can comprehend God. None are to indulge in speculation regarding His nature. Here silence is eloquence. The Omniscient One is above discussion. {MH 429.1}[7]
§19
天上的父子议定救人计划之时，连天使也不准加入会议。人类不可侵入至高者的奥秘。我们像孩童一样对上帝无知，然而我们可以像孩童那样敬爱上帝，顺从上帝。我们不要臆测上帝的性质和权威，而应听从祂所说的话：
§20
Even the angels were not permitted to share the counsels between the Father and the Son when the plan of salvation was laid. And human beings are not to intrude into the secrets of the Most High. We are as ignorant of God as little children; but, as little children, we may love and obey Him. Instead of speculating in regard to His nature or His prerogatives, let us give heed to the words He has spoken: Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea. Where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man knoweth not the price thereof; Neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: And the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, With the precious onyx, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: And the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: For the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold. Whence then cometh wisdom? And where is the place of understanding? . . . Destruction and death say, We have heard the fame thereof with our ears. God understandeth the way thereof, And He knoweth the place of thereof. For He looketh to the ends of the earth, And seeth under the whole heaven. . . . When He made a decree for the rain, And a way for the lightning of the thunder: Then did He see it, and declare it; He prepared it, yea, and searched it out. And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding. Job 11:7-9; 28:12-28. {MH 429.2}[8]
§21
“你考察，就能测透上帝吗？你岂能尽情测透全能者吗？祂的智慧高于天，你还能作什么？深于阴间，你还能知道什么？其量，比地长，比海宽”（伯11:7-9） 。“然而，智慧有何处可寻？聪明之处在哪里呢？智慧的价值无人能知，在活人之地也无处可寻。深渊说，不在我内；沧海说，不在我中。智慧非用黄金可得，也不能平白银为它的价值。俄斐金和贵重的红玛瑙，并蓝宝石，不足与较量。黄金和玻璃不足与比较，精金的器皿不足与兑换；珊瑚、水晶都不足论，智慧的价值胜过珍珠。古实的红壁玺，不足与比较。精金，也不足与较量。智慧从何处来呢？聪明之处在哪里呢？……灭没和死亡说，我们风闻其名。上帝明白智慧的道路，晓得智慧的所在。 “祂鉴察直到地极，遍观普天之下，……祂为雨露定命令，为雷电定道路。那时祂看见智慧，而且述说；祂坚定，并且查究。祂对人说，敬畏主就是智慧，远离恶便是聪明”（伯28:12-28）。{MH 429.2}
§22
Neither by searching the recesses of the earth nor in vain endeavors to penetrate the mysteries of Gods being, is wisdom found. It is found, rather, in humbly receiving the revelation that He has been pleased to give, and in conforming the life to His will. {MH 431.1}[9]
§23
搜寻地的深处，刺探上帝存在的奥秘，都不能使人得智慧。求智慧的真法，就是谦心诚意地接受上帝所愿意给我们的指示，顺从祂的旨意为人。 耶和华彰显在自然界中的奥秘，即使世上最聪明的人，也不能了解。神圣的启示中含有许多问题，纵是最渊博的学者，也无法解答的。然而提出这些问题，并非要我们答复，而是要唤起我们注意上帝极深的奥秘，并教导我们知道自己的智慧是有限的，在我们日常生活环境中，有许多事物是我们这有限的心智所不能了解的。{MH 431.2}
§24
Men of the greatest intellect cannot understand the mysteries of Jehovah as revealed in nature. Divine inspiration asks many questions which the most profound scholar cannot answer. These questions were not asked that we might answer them, but to call our attention to the deep mysteries of God and to teach us that our wisdom is limited; that in the surroundings of our daily life there are many things beyond the comprehension of finite beings. {MH 431.2}[10]
§25
怀疑论者拒绝相信上帝，因为他们不能理解上帝藉以显示自己的无限神能。然而我们应当从上帝所未曾显示衪自己的事物上，也从衪已向我们的有限智力所显明的事物上，来承认衪。在神圣的启示和自然界中，上帝向人显示衪的奥秘以博取我们的信仰，这是必然如此的。我们尽管永久探寻，永久追求，永久学习，仍是无穷无限的。“谁曾用手心量诸水，用手虎口量苍天，用升斗盛大地的尘土，用秤称山岭，月天平平冈陵呢？谁曾测度耶和华的心，或作祂的谋士指教祂呢？看哪，万民都像水桶的一滴，又算如天平上的微尘；祂举起众海岛，好像极微之物。黎巴嫩的树林不够当柴烧，其中的走兽也不够作燔祭。万民在祂面前好像虚无，被祂看为不及虚无，乃为虚空，你们究竟将谁比上帝，用什么形像与上帝比较呢？……你们岂不曾知道吗？你们岂不曾听见吗？从起初岂没有人告诉你们吗？自从立地的根基，你们岂没有明白吗？上帝坐在有地球大圈之上，地上的居民好像蝗虫。祂铺张穹苍如幔子，展开诸天如可住的帐棚。……那圣者说，你们将谁比我，叫他与我相等呢？你们向上举目，看谁创造这万象，按数目领出，祂一一称其名；因祂的权能，又因祂的大能大力，连一个都不缺。 “雅各啊，你为何说，我的道路向耶和华隐藏；以色列啊，你为何言，我的冤屈上帝并不查问。你岂不曾知道吗？你岂不曾听见吗？永在的上帝耶和华，创造地极的主，并不疲乏，也不困倦；祂的智慧无法测度”（赛40:12-28）。{MH 431.3}
§26
Skeptics refuse to believe in God because they cannot comprehend the infinite power by which He reveals Himself. But God is to be acknowledged as much from what He does not reveal of Himself, as from that which is open to our limited comprehension. Both in divine revelation and in nature, God has given mysteries to command our faith. This must be so. We may be ever searching, ever inquiring, ever learning, and yet there is an infinity beyond. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And meted out heaven with the span, And comprehend the dust of the earth in a measure, And weighed the mountains in scales, And the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of Jehovah, Or being His counselor hath taught Him? . . . Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, And are accounted as the small dust of the balance: Behold, He taketh up the isles as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, Nor the beasts thereof sufficient for a burnt offering. All the nations are as nothing before Him; They are accounted by Him as less than nothing, and vanity. To whom then will ye liken God? Or what likeness will ye compare unto Him? . . . Have ye not known? Have ye not heard? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He that sitteth above the circle of the earth, And the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; That stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, And spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in. . . . To whom then will ye liken Me? . . . Saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, And see who hath created these, That bringeth out their host by number; He calleth them all by name; By the greatness of His might, and for that He is strong in power, Not one is lacking. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from Jehovah, And the justice due to me is passed away from my God? Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard? The everlasting God, Jehovah, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Fainteth not, neither is weary; There is no searching of His understanding. Isaiah 40:12-28, A.R.V. {MH 431.3}[11]
§27
从圣灵指示祂的先知的话中，我们可以略知我们上帝的伟大。先知以赛亚曾写道： {MH 432.1}
§28
From the representations given by the Holy Spirit to His prophets, let us learn the greatness of our God. The prophet Isaiah writes: {MH 432.1}[12]
§29
“当乌西雅王崩的那年，我见主坐在高高的宝座上。祂的衣裳垂下，遮满圣殿，其上有撒拉弗侍立，各有六个翅膀；两个翅膀遮脸，用两个翅膀遮脚，两个翅膀飞翔，彼此呼喊说：‘圣哉！圣哉！圣哉！万军之耶和华，祂的荣光充满全地！’因呼喊者的声音，门槛的根基震动，殿充满了烟云。{MH 432.2}
§30
In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and His train filled the temple. Above Him stood the seraphim: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is Jehovah of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory. And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke. {MH 432.2}[13]
§31
“那时我说：‘祸哉！我灭亡了！因为我是嘴唇不洁的人，又住在嘴唇不洁的民中；又因我眼见大君王万军之耶和华。’”{MH 433.1}
§32
Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, Jehovah of hosts. {MH 433.1}[14]
§33
“有一撒拉弗飞到我跟前，手里拿着红炭，是用火剪从坛上取下来的。将炭沾我的口说：“看哪！这炭沾了你的嘴；你的罪孽便除掉，你的罪恶就赦免了”（赛6:1-7）。 “耶和华啊，没有能比祢的，祢本为大，有大能大力的名。万国的王啊，谁不敬畏祢”（耶10:6,7）。 “耶和华啊，祢已经鉴察我，认识我。我坐下，我起来，祢都晓得；祢从远处知道我的意念，我行路，我躺卧，祢都细察，祢也深知我一切所行的。耶和华啊，我舌头上的话，祢没有一句不知道的。祢在我前后环绕我，按手在我身上。这样的知识奇妙，是我不能测的；至高，是我不能及的”（诗139:1-6）。{MH 433.2}
§34
Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: and he touched my mouth with it, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin expiated. Isaiah 6:1-7, A.R.V., margin. There is none like unto Thee, O Lord; Thou art great, And Thy name is great in might. Who would not fear Thee, O King of nations? O Lord, Thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset my behind and before, And laid Thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it. Jeremiah 10:6, 7; Psalm 139:1-6. {MH 433.2}[15]
§35
“我们的主为大，最有能力。祂的智慧无法测度”（诗147:5）。{MH 433.3}
§36
Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:5. {MH 433.3}[16]
§37
“因为人所行的道都在耶和华眼前，祂也修平人一切的路”（箴5:21）。{MH 433.4}
§38
The ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21. {MH 433.4}[17]
§39
“祂显明深奥隐秘的事，知道暗中所有的，光明也与祂同居”（但2:22）。{MH 433.5}
§40
He revealeth the deep and secret things: He knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with Him. Daniel 2:22. {MH 433.5}[18]
§41
“这话是从创世以来显明这事的主说的”（徒15:18）。“谁知道主的心？谁作过祂的谋士呢？谁是先给了祂，使祂后来偿还呢？因为万有都是本于祂，倚靠祂，归于祂。愿荣耀归给祂，直到永远”（罗11:34-36）。{MH 433.6}
§42
Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world. Who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been His counselor? Or who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be glory forever. Acts 15:18; Romans 11:34-36. {MH 433.6}[19]
§43
“但愿尊贵，荣耀归与那不能朽坏、不能看见、永世的君王”（提前1:17）。“就是那独一不死，住在人不能靠近的光里，是人未曾看见，也是不能见的，要将祂显明出来。但愿尊贵和永远的权能都归给祂”（提前6:16）。 “祂的尊荣，岂不叫你们惧怕吗？祂的惊吓，岂不临到你们吗”（伯13:11）？“上帝岂不是在高天吗？你看星宿何其高呢”（伯22:12）？“祂的诸军，岂能数算？祂的光亮一发。谁不蒙照呢”（伯25:3）？ “祂行大事，我们不能测透。祂对雪说，‘要降在地上；’对大雨和暴雨也是这样说。祂封住各人的手，叫所造的万人，都晓得祂的作为。……祂使密云盛满水气；布散电光之云；这云是借祂的指引，游行旋转，得以在全地面上行祂一切所吩咐的。或为责罚，或为润地，或为施行慈爱。……“你要留心听，要站立思想上帝奇妙的作为。上帝如何吩咐这些，如何使云中的电光照耀，你知道吗？云彩如何浮于空中，那知识全备者奇妙的作为，你知道吗？……你岂能与上帝同铺穹苍吗？这穹苍坚硬，如同铸成的镜子。我们愚昧不能陈说、请你指教我们该对祂说什么话。………现在有云遮蔽，人不得见穹苍的光亮；但风吹过，天又发晴。金光出于北方，在上帝那里有可怕的威严。论到全能者，我们不能测度；祂大有能力，有公平和大义，……所以人敬畏祂”（伯37:5-24）。 “谁像耶和华我们的上帝呢？祂坐在至高之处，自己谦卑，观看天上地下的事”（诗113:56）。“祂乘旋风和暴雨而来，云彩为祂脚下的尘土”（鸿1:3）。 “耶和华本为大，该受大赞美；其大无法测度。这代要对那代颂赞祢的作为，也要传扬祢的大能。我要默念祢威严的尊荣，和祢奇妙的作为。人要传说祢可畏之事的能力；我也要传扬祢的大德。他们记念祢的大恩，就要传出来；并要歌唱祢的公义。……“耶和华啊，祢一切所造的，都要称谢祢；祢的圣民也要称颂祢，传说祢国的荣耀，谈论祢的大能；好叫世人知道祢大能的作为，并祢国度威严的荣耀。祢的国是永远的国，祢执掌的权柄，存到万代。……我的口要说出赞美耶和华的话，惟愿凡有血气的，都永永远远称颂祂的圣名”（诗145:3-21）。{MH 434.1}
§44
Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. 1 Timothy 1:17; 6:16. Shall not His excellency make you afraid? And His dread fall upon you? Is not God in the height of heaven? And behold the height of the stars, how high they are! Is there any number of His armies? And upon whom doth not His light arise? Great things doeth He, which we cannot comprehend. For He saith to the snow, Fall thou on the earth; Likewise to the shower of rain, And to the showers of His mighty rain. He sealeth up the hand of every man, That all men whom He hath made may know it.... He spreadeth abroad the cloud of His lightning: And it is turned round about by His guidance, That they may do whatsoever He commandeth them Upon the face of the habitable world; Whether it be for correction, or for His land, Or for loving-kindness, that He cause it to come. Hearken unto this:... Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God. Dost thou know how God layeth His charge upon them, And causeth the lightning of His cloud to shine? Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, The wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge?... Canst thou with Him spread out the sky, Which is strong as a molten mirror? Teach us what we shall say unto Him; For we cannot set our speech in order by reason of darkness.... And now men cannot look on the light when it is bright in the skies, When the wind hath passed, and cleared them. Out of the north cometh golden splendor: God hath upon Him terrible majesty. Touching the Almighty, we cannot find Him out: He is excellent in power; And in justice and plenteous righteousness.... Men do therefore fear Him. Who is like unto the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high, Who humbleth Himself to behold the things that are in heaven, and in the earth! The Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, And the clouds are the dust of His feet. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; And His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Thy works to another, And shall declare Thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honor of Thy majesty, And of Thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of Thy terrible acts: And I will declare Thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of Thy great goodness, And shall sing of Thy righteousness.... All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord; And Thy saints shall bless Thee. They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom, And talk of Thy power; To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, And the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.... My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord: And let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever. Job 13:11;:12; Job 25:3;:5-24, A.R.V., margin; Psalm 113:5, 6; Nahum 1:3; Psalm 145:3-21. {MH 434.1}[20]
§45
我们对上帝的认识既越来越多，对我们在祂眼中状态的认识越来越多，就会在祂面前恐惧战兢。古时有人凭着自己的臆断，擅动上帝所命为圣的事物，他们的送命应作我们现代人的鉴戒。当约柜从非利士地运回之际，有以色列人冒险去开，就因他们不恭敬的唐突，显然受了刑罚。{MH 435.1}
§46
As we learn more and more of what God is, and of what we ourselves are in His sight, we shall fear and tremble before Him. Let men of today take warning from the fate of those who in ancient times presumed to make free with that which God had declared sacred. When the Israelites ventured to open the ark on its return from the land of the Philistines, their irreverent daring was signally punished. {MH 435.1}[21]
§47
再思考乌撒所受的刑罚。当大卫作王时，就把约柜运到耶路撒冷，乌撒伸手去扶约柜。约柜是上帝亲临的表号，上帝因他冒渎的罪，就把他立时击杀在约柜之旁。{MH 436.1}
§48
Again, consider the judgment that fell upon Uzzah. As in Davids reign the ark was being carried to Jerusalem, Uzzah put forth his hand to keep it steady. For presuming to touch the symbol of Gods presence, he was smitten with instant death. {MH 436.1}[22]
§49
摩西见荆棘被火烧着，却没有认出上帝的临格，就转过身去看那奇异的景象，当时即有声音吩咐他说： {MH 436.2}
§50
At the burning bush, when Moses, not recognizing Gods presence, turned aside to behold the wonderful sight, the command was given: {MH 436.2}[23]
§51
“不要近前来，当把你脚上的鞋脱下来，因为你所站之地是圣地……”摩西蒙上脸，因为怕看上帝（出3:5,6）。{MH 436.3}
§52
Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.... And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God. Exodus 3:5, 6. {MH 436.3}[24]
§53
“雅各出了别是巴向哈兰走去。到了一个地方，因为太阳落了，就在那里住宿，便拾起那地方的一块石头枕在头下，在那里躺卧睡了。”{MH 436.4}
§54
And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. {MH 436.4}[25]
§55
“梦见一个梯子立在地上，梯子的头顶着天，有上帝的使者在梯子上，上去下来。耶和华站在梯子以上说：{MH 436.5}
§56
And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, {MH 436.5}[26]
§57
“我是耶和华你祖亚伯拉罕的上帝，也是以撒的上帝，我要将你现在所躺卧之地赐给你和你的后裔；……我也与你同在，你无论往哪里去，我必保佑你，领你归回这地，总不离弃你，直到我成全了向你所应许的。”{MH 436.6}
§58
I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed.... And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. {MH 436.6}[27]
§59
“雅各睡醒了说：‘耶和华真在这里，我竟不知道。’就惧怕说，‘这地方何等可畏，这不是别的，乃是上帝的殿，也是天的门’”（创28:10-17）。{MH 436.7}
§60
And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. Genesis 28:10-17. {MH 436.7}[28]
§61
旷野的会幕和圣殿都是地上的上帝居所的象征，都有一间上帝临格的至圣所。至圣所门口垂着那绣上基路伯的幔子，除了一人之外，没有别人可以把它拉开。没有奉命而拉开圣幔，闯入至圣所神秘的禁地就是死。因为在施恩座上面有至圣者的荣光，这荣光是无人能见而存活的。每年只有一天是特定进至圣所服务的日子，那天，大祭司战栗地进到上帝面前，当时有烟云遮住那荣光使他看不见。圣殿的院内一切都是肃静无声。外面的坛上也没有别的祭司献祭。参加礼拜的众人都敬虔静默地跪着，恭求上帝的怜悯。{MH 437.1}
§62
In the sanctuary of the wilderness tabernacle and of the temple that were the earthly symbols of Gods dwelling place, one apartment was sacred to His presence. The veil inwrought with cherubim at its entrance was not to be lifted by any hand save one. To lift that veil, and intrude unbidden into the sacred mystery of the most holy place, was death. For above the mercy seat dwelt the glory of the Holiest-- glory upon which no man might look and live. On the one day of the year appointed for ministry in the most holy place, the high priest with trembling entered Gods presence, while clouds of incense veiled the glory from his sight. Throughout the courts of the temple every sound was hushed. No priests ministered at the altars. The host of worshipers, bowed in silent awe, offered their petitions for Gods mercy. {MH 437.1}[29]
§63
“他们遭遇这些事都要作为鉴戒，并且写在圣经上，正是警戒我们这末世的人”（林前10:11）。“惟耶和华在祂的圣殿中；全地的人都当在祂面前肃敬静默”（哈2:20）。 “耶和华作王，万民当战抖。祂坐在二基路伯上，地当摇动。耶和华在锡安为大；祂超乎万民之上。他们当称赞祂大而可畏的名；祂本为圣”（诗99:1-3）。 “耶和华的宝座在天上，祂的慧眼察看世人”（诗11:4）。“祂从至高的圣所垂看，”“耶和华从天向地观察”（诗102:19）。“从祂的居所往外察看地上一切的居民。祂是那造成他们众人心的，留意他们一切作为的”（诗33:14,15）。“愿全地都敬畏耶和华，愿世上的居民都惧怕祂”（诗33:8）。{MH 438.1}
§64
These things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Corinthians 10:11. The Lord is in His holy temple: Let all the earth keep silence before Him. The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble: He sitteth between the cherubims; let the earth be moved. The Lord is great in Zion; And He is high above all the people. Let them praise Thy great and terrible name; For it is holy. The Lords throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men. From the height of His sanctuary He hath looked down; From the place of His habitation He looketh Upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; He considereth all their works. Let all the earth fear the Lord: Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. Habakkuk 2:20; Psalm 99:1-3; :4; 102:19; 33:14, 15, 8. {MH 438.1}[30]
§65
人不能藉考察测透上帝。我们不要试图用冒失僭越的手去掀开那遮掩祂荣光的幔子。“祂的判断，何其难测，祂的踪迹，何其难寻”（罗11:33）！祂的威权向我们隐藏，正是祂仁慈的证据；因为我们若掀开那遮掩神圣临格的幔子，就必要死。人类易朽的脑筋，不能明了这位大能者的居住和行为的秘密。惟有从祂看为适于启示的事上，我们才可以认识祂。我们的理智必须承认一个比它本身更高的权威。我们的心思和智慧，必须拜倒于那位伟大的自有永有者之前。{MH 438.2}
§66
Man cannot by searching find out God. Let none seek with presumptuous hand to lift the veil that conceals His glory. Unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out. Romans 11:33. It is a proof of His mercy that there is the hiding of His power; for to lift the veil that conceals the divine presence is death. No mortal mind can penetrate the secrecy in which the Mighty One dwells and works. Only that which He sees fit to reveal can we comprehend of Him. Reason must acknowledge an authority superior to itself. Heart and intellect must bow to the great I AM. {MH 438.2}[31]