第43章 上帝在大自然中
§1
第43章 上帝在大自然中
§2
Chap. 43—God in Nature
§3
【能力的泉源】
§4
1181. 自然是一种能力，但是掌管自然的上帝，具有无限的能力。祂的工作说明了祂的品格。那些根据祂手的工作判断祂，而不是根据伟人的推测判断祂的人，会看到祂在万有中的临格。他们看到祂在快乐阳光中的微笑，在秋天丰收的田野看到祂对人类的爱与关怀。甚至大地的装饰，就如在绿油油的小草，色彩缤纷的可爱花朵和森林中各种参天的大树上所看到的，也见证我们的上帝父亲般亲切慈爱的关怀，证明祂切愿使祂的儿女快乐。--S. of T., 1884,3.13. No. 11. {HL 285.1}[1]
§5
【The Source of Power】
§6
1181. Nature is a power, but the God of nature is unlimited in power. His works interpret his character. Those who judge him from his handiworks, and not from the suppositions of great men, will see his presence in everything. They behold his smile in the glad sunshine, and his love and care for man in the rich fields of autumn. Even the adornments of the earth, as seen in the grass of living green, the lovely flowers of every hue, and the lofty and varied trees of the forest, testify to the tender, fatherly care of our God, and to his desire to make his children happy.—The Signs of the Times, March 13, 1884.?{HL 285.1}[1]
§7
【教育的目的】
§8
1182. 认识上帝是一切正确教育的基础。……青少年应当铭记在心的第一要紧的功课就是用圣经原则管理人生的义务。……教育的真正目的是要使我们藉着发展和积极运用所拥有的每一才能来适合这种服务。--S. of T., 1884,3.20. No. 12. {HL 285.2}[2]
§9
【Object of Education】
§10
1182. The foundation of all right education is a knowledge of God.... The first and most important lesson to be impressed upon young minds is the duty of regulating the life by the principles of the word of God.... The true object of education is to fit us for this service by developing and bringing into active exercise every faculty that we possess.—The Signs of the Times, March 20, 1884.?{HL 285.2}[2]
§11
1183. 现在人们惟一的保障是要感到将宗教文化与普通教育结合起来的重要性，使我们可以逃脱不圣洁知识的祸根。应该在青少年教育方面做出一切的努力，使他们心中铭记在耶稣里的真理的可爱与能力。当那把时间与永恒隔开的幔子被除掉的时候，许多人的心就会清楚地领悟：与更确的预言相比，人的智慧乃是谬论。一切真科学都引人符合并顺从上帝。--U. T. {HL 285.3}[3]
§12
1183. The only safety for the people now is to feel the importance of combining religious culture with general education, that we may escape the curse of unsanctified knowledge. Every effort should be made in the education of youth to impress their?minds with the loveliness and power of the truth as it is in Jesus. When the veil shall be removed which separates time from eternity, then will come to many minds the clear perception of the fallacy of human wisdom in comparison with the sure word of prophecy. All true science leads to harmony with and obedience to God.—Unpublished Testimonies.?{HL 285.3}[3]
§13
【科学与启示的关系】
§14
1184. 上帝是万物的根源。一切真科学是与祂的作为一致的。一切真教育是使人顺服祂政权的。真科学把新奇的事展开在我们面前。它探索高深的事物。但是它所搜求的事与上帝的启示是没有冲突的。不认识上帝的人固然想借助于科学来支持他们对于上帝的错误观念。但自然界的课本与上帝的话是互相阐明的。若予以正确的理解，它们就能教导我们上帝所实行的智慧和仁慈的律法，使我们认识上帝和祂的品德。我们就这样蒙引导尊崇祂的圣名，并凭着理智信靠祂的话。--S. of T., 1884,3.20. No. 12. {HL 286.1}[4]
§15
【Relation of Science and Revelation】
§16
1184. God is the foundation of everything. All true science is in harmony with his works, all true education leads to obedience to his government. Science opens new wonders to our view; she soars high and explores new depths; but she brings nothing from her research that conflicts with divine revelation. Ignorance may seek to support false views of God by appeals to science; but the book of nature and the written word do not disagree; each sheds light on the other. Rightly understood, they make us acquainted with God and his character by teaching us something of the wise and beneficent laws through which he works. We are thus led to adore his holy name, and to have an intelligent trust in his word.—The Signs of the Times, March 20, 1884.?{HL 286.1}[4]
§17
【圣经是检验标准】
§18
1185. 许多人在发现自己无法用他们自己不完备的科学知识，来衡量创造主和祂的工作以后，就怀疑上帝的存在，而把无限的能力归结于自然。这些人失去了单纯的信心，在心智和精神上远离上帝。应该对上帝圣经的神圣性有坚定的信心。不能用人的科学观念来检验圣经，而应该用万万不错的圣经标准来检验科学。圣经上提到一些自然的实际情况，可以把科学与之相比较，对两者的正确理解，总是证明它们和谐一致。彼此并不矛盾。一切真理，不论是在自然中，还是在启示中，都是一致的。科学研究会为真正聪明的头脑打开广阔的思想和知识领域。他们会在上帝的工作中看见祂、赞美祂。对于他们，上帝会成为第一位的和最好的，他们的心思会集中在祂身上。--S of T.,1884.No.11. {HL 286.2}[5]
§19
【The Bible a Test】
§20
1185. Many, when they find themselves incapable of measuring the Creator and his works by their own imperfect knowledge of science, doubt the existence of God and attribute infinite power to nature. These persons have lost the simplicity of faith, and are removed far from God in mind and spirit. There should be a settled faith in the divinity of God’s holy word. The Bible is not to be tested by men’s ideas of science, but science is to be brought to the test of this unerring standard. When the Bible?makes statements of facts in nature, science may be compared with the written word, and a correct understanding of both will always prove them to be in harmony. One does not contradict the other. All truths, whether in nature or revelation, agree. Scientific research will open to the minds of the really wise, vast fields of thought and information. They will see God in his works, and will praise him. He will be to them first and best, and the mind will be centered upon him.—The Signs of the Times, March 13, 1884.?{HL 286.2}[5]
§21
1186. 大自然不是上帝，永远也不是。上帝在大自然中。自然界的声音为上帝作见证。但是自然界不等于上帝。作为上帝的创作，大自然只是见证祂的能力。有一位圣父上帝，还有一位圣子基督。--U. T., 1898.7.3 {HL 287.1}[6]
§22
1186. Nature is not God, nor ever was God. God is in nature, the voice of nature testifies of God, but nature is not God. It only bears testimony to God’s power as his created works. There is a personal God, the Father; there is a personal Christ, the Son.—Unpublished Testimonies, July 3, 1898.?{HL 287.1}[6]
§23
1187. 上帝虽已容许大量的光倾注在科学与艺术的发现上，但自称的科学家仅仅从人的立场来讲述或书写这些题目的时候，他们必然会得到错误的结论。即或是人间最伟大的思想家，若不在科学的研究上遵循圣经的指引，便要在试图考察科学与启示的关系时感到惶惑不解了。创造主和祂的工作原是超乎他们所能理解的。他们既不能用自然的定律来解释这些事，便认为圣经中的历史是不可靠的。那些以新旧约的记载为不可靠的人，往往还要进一步怀疑上帝的存在；他们既割断了真理的锚碇，结果只有撞在无神主义的礁石上。摩西的著作是在上帝圣灵的引导之下写成的。真正的地质学决不致有什么发现与是摩西的言论不一致的。那种使许多人绊跌的想法，认为上帝使地球存在的时候，并没有创造物质。这种讲法，限制了以色列的圣者的能力。--S. of T., 1884, 3.13.No. 11. {HL 287.2}[7]
§24
1187. God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the world in discoveries in science and art; but when professedly scientific men lecture and write upon these subjects from a merely human standpoint, they will assuredly come to wrong conclusions. The greatest minds, if not guided by the word of God in their research, become bewildered in their attempts to investigate the relations of science and revelation. The Creator and his works are beyond their comprehension; and because they cannot explain these by natural laws, Bible history is considered unreliable. Those who doubt the reliability of the records of the Old and New Testaments will be led to go a step farther, and doubt the existence of God; and then, having let go their anchor, they are left to beat about upon the rocks of infidelity. Moses wrote under the guidance of the Spirit of God,?and a correct theory of geology will never claim discoveries that cannot be reconciled with his statements. The idea that many stumble over, that God did not create matter when he brought the world into existence, limits the power of the Holy One of Israel.—The Signs of the Times, March 13, 1884.?{HL 287.2}[7]
§25
1188. 亚当堕落以前，没有一丝乌云笼罩在我们始祖心头，使他们看不清上帝的品格。他们完全顺服上帝的旨意，有一层美丽的光，就是上帝的荣光环绕着他们。大自然是他们的课本。主指教他们有关大自然的世界，而后留下这敞开的书在他们的手中，使他们从眼目所及的万物上看见荣美。主来访问这对圣洁的夫妇，藉着祂手所创造之物教导他们。{HL 288.1}[8]
§26
1188. Before the fall of Adam, not a cloud rested on the minds of our first parents to obscure their clear perception of the divine character of God. They were perfectly conformed to the will of God. A beautiful light, the light of God, surrounded them. Nature was their lesson book. The Lord instructed them in regard to the natural world, and then left with them this open book, that they might behold beauty in every object upon which their eyes should rest. The Lord visited the holy pair, and instructed them through the works of his hands.?{HL 288.1}[8]
§27
自然的美景表达了上帝对于人类的慈爱。在伊甸园中，我们始祖周围自然界的万物证明了上帝的存在。园中的每一棵树都在对他们说话，说明上帝的永能和神性是明明可知的，虽是眼不能见，但藉着所造之物，就可以晓得。{HL 288.2}[9]
§28
The beauties of nature are an expression of the love of God for human intelligences, and in the garden of Eden the existence of God was demonstrated in the objects of nature that surrounded our first parents. Every tree planted in the garden spoke to them, saying that the invisible things of God were clearly seen, being understood by the things which were made, even his eternal power and Godhead.?{HL 288.2}[9]
§29
虽然当时大自然这样将上帝明明地彰显出来，但不可由此推论说，人类堕落之后，大自然仍能向亚当和他的后嗣将上帝完全地彰显出来。人类无罪时大自然可向他们传达她的教训，但犯罪与违命已使大自然受了不良的影响，并且介入大自然与大自然的上帝之间。要是人从未违背他的创造主，要是他始终保持自己全然正直的状态，他就能明白并认识上帝。可是当人违背了上帝时，就证明自己相信一位背叛者的话，胜似相信上帝的圣言。仇敌告诉他要吃分别善恶树的果子。上帝曾说过：“你们不可吃，……免得你们死”（创3:3）。但撒但却说人吃了它就会提升到与上帝同等。 {HL 288.3}[10]
§30
But while thus God could be discerned in nature, this affords no solid argument in favor of a perfect knowledge of God being revealed in nature to Adam and his posterity after the fall. Nature could convey her lessons to man in his innocence; but sin and transgression brought a blight upon nature, and intervened between nature and nature’s God. Had man never disobeyed his Creator, had he remained?in his state of perfect rectitude, he could have understood and known God. But when man disobeyed God, he gave evidence that he believed the words of an apostate rather than the words of God. He was told by the enemy to eat of the tree of knowledge. God had said, “Ye shall not eat of it, ... lest ye die.” But Satan declared that by eating of it man would be exalted to an equality with God.?{HL 288.3}[10]
§31
亚当和夏娃听了试探者的话，得罪了上帝。天上纯洁光明的衣袍便离开了这两个受了试探而上当的人。他们既失去了纯洁的衣袍，就用不认识上帝的黑暗衣袍遮身。原来一直环绕他们的清晰完美的亮光，照亮了他们周围的一切事物。但是自从丧失了这属天的光明之后，亚当的后裔就再也不能从上帝的创作上探索上帝的品格了。所以，在人类堕落以后，大自然并不是人类唯一的教师。为了不让世界永远留在黑暗和属灵的黑夜中，创造大自然的上帝藉着耶稣基督与我们接触。上帝的儿子来到世界将天父显示出来。祂是“真光，照亮一切生在世上的人”（约1:9）。{HL 289.1}[11]
§32
Adam and Eve listened to the voice of the tempter, and sinned against God. The light, the garments of heavenly innocence, departed from these tried, deceived souls, and in parting with the garments of innocence, they drew about them the dark robes of ignorance of God. The clear and perfect light of innocence which had hitherto surrounded them, had lightened everything which they had approached, but deprived of that heavenly light, the posterity of Adam could no longer trace the character of God in his created works. Therefore, after the fall, nature was not the only teacher of man. In order that the world might not remain in darkness, in eternal, spiritual night, the God of nature must meet man through Jesus Christ. The Son of God came to the world as a revelation of the Father. He was “that true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”?{HL 289.1}[11]
§33
人若蒙上帝的能力保守，那么他最不容易虚心学习的教训，就是他无法依靠自己的智慧，无法靠自己的努力正确地解读大自然。他的视野因犯罪而模糊。他解释大自然，免不了要把自然高举在上帝之上。--U. T.,1898.7.3{HL 289.2}[12]
§34
The most difficult and humiliating lesson which man has to learn, if he is kept by the power of God, is his own inefficiency in depending upon human wisdom, and the sure failure of his own efforts to read nature correctly. Sin has obscured his vision, and he cannot interpret nature without placing it above God.—Unpublished Testimonies, July 3, 1898.?{HL 289.2}[12]
§35
1189. 许多人教导说，物质本身具有生命的能力，就是说物质赋有某种特性，能靠它内在的能力来活动。又说，自然界的一切作用是循着不变的定律的，连上帝自己也不能加以干涉。其实这是虚假的科学，是圣经所不能赞同的。原来自然不是自动的。她是创造主的仆役。上帝决不废除自己的律法，也不违反律法行事，却常用律法作祂的工具。自然界说明有一位全智者，一位神，一种活力凭着自然律法并在其中运行而且超乎自然律法之上。在自然界中有圣父和圣子经常地在工作着。基督说：“我父做事直到如今，我也做事”（约5:17）。 {HL 290.1}[13]
§36
1189. Many teach that matter possesses vital power. They hold that certain properties are imparted to matter, and it is then left to act through its own inherent power; and that the operations of nature are carried on in harmony with fixed laws, that God himself cannot interfere with. This is false science, and is sustained by nothing in the word of God. Nature is not self-acting; she is the servant of her Creator. God does not annul his laws nor work contrary to them; but he is continually using them as his instruments. Nature testifies of an intelligence, a presence, an active agency, that works in, and through, and above her laws. There is in nature the continual working of the Father and the Son. Said Christ, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.”?{HL 290.1}[13]
§37
上帝虽已完成了祂的创造性工作，但祂的活力仍在用来维持祂所造的物体。脉博呼吸之所以循环不息，并不是由于机械式的作用，不是一经发动就可凭它内在的能力运行不已的。其实每一呼吸，每一心跳都说明上帝无所不在的看顾，“我们生活，动作，存留，都在乎祂”（徒17: 28）。地球每年出产丰富，继续绕着太阳公转，并不是由于它内在的力量，乃是因为有上帝的手引领着行星，使它们各在本位，照着一定的轨道在天空运行。植物繁茂，长叶开花，也是靠着上帝的能力。祂的话管理一切的自然力，祂使山谷中结果累累。祂用云遮天，为地降雨。祂“使草生长在山上”（诗147:8）。“祂降雪如羊毛，撒霜如炉灰。”“祂一发声，空中便有多水激动；祂使云雾从地极上腾；祂造电随雨而闪，从祂府库中带出风来”（诗147:16;耶10:13）。--S. of T., 1884, 3.20.No. 12. {HL 290.2}[14]
§38
God has finished his creative work, but his energy is still exerted in upholding the objects of his creation. It is not because the mechanism that was once been set in motion continues its work by its own inherent energy that the pulse beats, and breath follows breath; but every breath, every pulsation of the heart, is an evidence of the all-pervading care of Him in whom we live and have our being. It is not because of inherent power that year by year the earth produces her bounties, and continues her motion around the sun. The hand of God guides the planets, and keeps them in position in their orderly march through the heavens. It is through his power that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves appear and the flowers bloom. His word controls the elements, and by him the valleys are made fruitful. He covers?the heavens with clouds, and prepares rain for the earth; he “maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.” “He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.” “When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.”—The Signs of the Times, March 20, 1884.?{HL 290.2}[14]
§39
【我们惟一的保障】
§40
1190. 人们所发明的一切哲学体系都导致了混乱和羞耻，因为上帝没有得到承认和尊荣。对上帝失去信心是可怕的。一旦对上帝的道失去了信心，繁荣就不能成为国家或个人的大福气。除了永恒性质的事物，没有什么是真正伟大的。真理、正义、怜悯、纯洁和上帝的爱，是不朽的。当人们具有这些品质时，就得以与上帝有亲密的关系，成为人类能有志达到的最高提升的候选人。他们就会漠视人的称赞，超越失望、疲倦、口舌的争闹和权势的争夺。{HL 291.1}[15]
§41
【Our Only Security】
§42
1190. All the systems of philosophy devised by men have led to confusion and shame when God has not been recognized and honored. To lose faith in God is terrible. Prosperity cannot be a great blessing to nations or individuals, when once faith in his word is lost. Nothing is truly great but that which is eternal in its tendencies. Truth, justice, mercy, purity, and the love of God are imperishable. When men possess these qualities, they are brought into close relationship to God, and are candidates for the highest exaltation to which the race can aspire. They will disregard human praise, and will be superior to disappointment, weariness, the strife of tongues, and contentions for supremacy.?{HL 291.1}[15]
§43
被上帝的灵充满的人必学会信任倚靠的功课。他既接受圣经为自己的顾问和向导，就会发现科学可以帮助他了解上帝，但他不会变得自高以致盲目自大到对上帝愚昧无知。--S. of T., 1884, No. 11. {HL 291.2}[16]
§44
He whose soul is imbued with the Spirit of God will learn the lesson of confiding trust. Taking the written word as his counselor and guide, he will find in science an aid to understand God, but he will not become exalted till, in his blind self-conceit, he is a fool in his ideas of God.—The Signs of the Times, March 13, 1884.?{HL 291.2}[16]
§45
1191. 上帝不会与那些拒绝祂的真理的人同住；因为凡漠视真理的，都羞辱真理的作者。论到每一个没有耶稣作常住贵宾的家庭，祂在收回祂的临格时说：“你们的家成为荒场留给你们”（太23:38）。那些没有上帝光照的人怎么能够正确地理解上帝的计划和作为呢？他们若不是完全否认上帝和无视上帝存在，就是以自己有限的精于世故的意见和观念来限制上帝的权能。惟独与无限的上帝有了联系的人才能适宜地利用他们的学识，和无所不知的创造主所交托他们的才能。无论何人，若不与智慧和全能的上帝相联系，就不能真正在知识与感化力上胜过他人。--U. T. {HL 291.3}[17]
§46
1191. God will not dwell with those who reject his truth; for all who disregard truth dishonor its Author. Of every house that has not Jesus for an?abiding guest, he says when he withdraws his presence, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” How can those who are destitute of divine enlightenment have correct ideas of God’s plans and ways? They either deny him altogether, and ignore his existence, or they circumscribe his power by their own finite, worldly-wise views and opinions. Those who are connected with the infinite God are the only ones who can make a proper use of their knowledge or of the talents entrusted to them by the omniscient Creator. No man can ever truly excel in knowledge and influence unless he is connected with the God of wisdom and power.—Unpublished Testimonies.?{HL 291.3}[17]
§47
1192. 有一位永活上帝的实际证据并非只在乎理论；乃在乎上帝已写在我们心中的确信，并由祂的圣言所照亮与阐明。这证据也在乎圣化的眼目在祂的创造工作上所看明的活生生的权能。由上帝启发的珍贵的信心使人有品格的力量与高贵。天赋的能力因圣洁的顺从得以扩大。我们因信上帝的儿子而活的人生是连续胜利的人生，虽然不常为关怀我们的人所看见所了解，但其结果涉及遥远的将来，到那时我们要全看明全知道，如同主知道我们一样。--U. T. {HL 292.1}[18]
§48
1192. The real evidence of a living God is not merely a theory; it is the conviction that God has written in our hearts, illuminated and explained by his word. It is the living power in his created works, seen by a sanctified eye. The precious faith inspired of God gives strength and nobility of character. The natural powers are enlarged because of holy obedience. The life which we live by faith on the Son of God is a series of triumphs, not always seen and understood by the interested parties, but with results reaching far into the future, where we shall see and know as we are known.—Unpublished Testimonies.?{HL 292.1}[18]
§49
【伪称的科学】
§50
1193. 许多人竭力否认上帝运用祂崇高的旨意和权能建立宇宙的秩序，以至于他们贬低了祂创造的最高杰作——人类。哲学的理论和推测要使我们相信人类不仅是从蛮荒的状态，而且是从低级的生物慢慢进化过来的，他们不承认上帝的奇妙大能，从而摧毁了人的尊严。{HL 292.2}[19]
§51
【Science Falsely So Called】
§52
1193. Many are so intent upon excluding God from the exercise of sovereign will and power in the established order of the universe, that they demean man, the noblest of his creatures. The theories and speculations of philosophy would make us believe that man has come by slow degrees, not merely from a savage state, but from the very lowest form of the?brute creation. They destroy man’s dignity because they will not admit God’s miraculous power.?{HL 292.2}[19]
§53
上帝藉着艺术和科学的发明启发有才智的人，把亮光倾降在世上。但是如果单从人的观点来看问题，就必得出错误的结论。错谬、怀疑、和不信的荆棘，披上了哲学和科学的外衣。撒但发明了这些花样，是要使人心离开永生的上帝，离开真理与宗教，他高举大自然在大自然的上帝之上。--U. T. {HL 293.1}[20]
§54
God has illuminated the human intellect, and poured a flood of light on the world in the discoveries of art and science. But those who view these from a merely human standpoint will most assuredly come to wrong conclusions. The thorns of error, skepticism, and infidelity are disguised by being covered with the garments of philosophy and science. Satan has devised this ingenious manner of winning the soul away from the living God, away from the truth and religion. He exalts nature above nature’s Creator.—Unpublished Testimonies.?{HL 293.1}[20]
§55
1194. 有人可能把自然界中这些宏伟的事物当作上帝，其实不然；它们只是在宣扬祂的荣耀。古代的哲学家们为自己高明的知识而自豪。然而让我们看看使徒在圣灵启示下对此所作的论述：“自称为聪明，反成了愚拙；将不能朽坏之上帝的荣耀变为偶像，仿佛必朽坏的人和飞禽、走兽、昆虫的样式。……他们将上帝的真实变为虚谎，去敬拜侍奉受造之物，不敬奉那造物的主，主乃是可称颂的，直到永远”（罗1:22-25）。{HL 293.2}[21]
§56
1194. Some may suppose that these grand things in the natural world are God, but they are not God; they but show forth his glory. The ancient philosophers prided themselves upon their superior knowledge. But let us read the inspired apostle’s understanding of the matter: “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.... Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever.”?{HL 293.2}[21]
§57
世人本着人间的智慧不认识上帝。世上的智者从上帝的创造之工中收集了关于祂的不完全的知识，然后因盲目而推崇自然和自然律在自然界的上帝之上。大自然是一本敞开的书，它彰显上帝。凡被自然界吸引的人都可在其中见到他们的创造主上帝。但那些没有因接受上帝藉着基督所作有关祂自己之启示的人，就不认识上帝。他们在自然界中对上帝的认识是不完全的。这种知识与对于上帝的崇高理念相去甚远，不能使人顺从上帝的旨意，倒会使人崇拜偶像。他们自称为聪明，反倒成了愚拙。-- U. T.,1898.7.3 {HL 293.3}[22]
§58
In its human wisdom the world knows not God. Its wise men gather an imperfect knowledge of God through his created works, and then in their foolishness exalt nature and the laws of nature above nature’s God. Nature is an open book which reveals God. All who are attracted to nature may behold?in it the God that created them. But those who have not a knowledge of God, in their acceptance of the revelation God has made of himself in Christ, will obtain only an imperfect knowledge of God in nature. This knowledge, so far from giving elevated conceptions of God, so far from elevating the mind, the soul, the heart, and bringing the whole being into conformity to the will of God, will make men idolaters. Professing to be wise, they become as fools.—Unpublished Testimonies, July 3, 1898.?{HL 293.3}[22]
§59
【无限的上帝】
§60
1195. 最聪明的人也不能明白耶和华显示在自然界中的奥秘。圣经所提出的许多问题是最渊博的学者所不能解答的。提出这些问题不是让我们解答，而是要引起我们注意上帝的奥秘，使人知道自己的智慧是有限的。在日常生活中有许多谜是我们有限的心智所无法理解的。上帝的判断和旨意不能明察，祂的智慧难以探索。祂若要向人显示自己，就把自己隐蔽在奥秘的厚云之中。上帝的旨意是隐藏的多而让人知道的少。如果人能充分明白上帝的踪迹和作为，就不会相信祂是一位无穷者了。人无法理解祂的智慧，判断和旨意。“祂的踪迹何其难寻”（罗11:33）。祂的慈爱无法在自然原理中得到解释。否则的话，我们就不会觉得需要把心灵的利益交托给祂了。怀疑派不肯相信上帝，是因为他们有限的心智不能领会祂藉以向人显示祂自己的无限权能。甚至人体的机理人们也无法充分理解，其中的谜足令最聪明的人百思不解。由于人类的科学研究不能解释创造主的踪迹和作为，人们便怀疑上帝的存在，并把无穷的权能归诸大自然。上帝的存在、祂的品德和律法，是人间最聪明的头脑所不能反驳的事实。他们否认上帝的要求，疏忽自己心灵的利益，是因为他们不明白祂的踪迹和作为。然而上帝总是设法指教有限的人类，使他们能信靠祂，将自己完全交托在祂手中。每一滴雨、每一片雪、每一根草茎以及每一张叶子，每一朵花，以及灌木都为上帝作见证。这些我们周围的小事物都在指教我们：一切都在无穷上帝的关注之下。没有什么事是太小而不值得祂注意的。--U. T. {HL 294.1}[23]
§61
【The Infinite God】
§62
1195. 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 supposing that we could answer them, but to call our attention to the deep mysteries of God, and to make men know that their wisdom is limited, that in the common things of daily life there are mysteries past the comprehension of finite minds; that the judgment and purposes of God are past finding out, his wisdom unsearchable. If he reveals himself to man, it is by shrouding himself in the thick cloud of mystery. God’s purpose is to conceal more of himself than he makes known to men. Could men fully understand the ways and works of God, they would not then believe him to be the infinite one. He is not to be comprehended by man in his wisdom, and reasons, and purposes. “His ways are past finding out.” His love can never be explained upon natural principles. If this could be done, we would not feel that we could trust him with the interests of our souls. Skeptics refuse to believe?because with their finite minds they cannot comprehend the infinite power by which God reveals himself to men. Even the mechanism of the human body cannot be fully understood; it presents mysteries that baffle the most intelligent. Yet because human science cannot in its research explain the ways and works of the Creator, men will doubt the existence of God, and ascribe infinite power to nature. God’s existence, his character, his law, are facts that all the reasoning of men of the highest attainments cannot controvert. They deny the claims of God and neglect the interests of their souls, because they cannot understand his ways and works. Yet God is ever seeking to instruct finite men, that they may exercise faith in him, and trust themselves wholly in his hands. Every drop of rain or flake of snow, every spear of grass, every leaf and flower and shrub, testifies of God. These little things, so common around us, teach the lesson that nothing is beneath the notice of the infinite God, nothing is too small for his attention.—Unpublished Testimonies.?{HL 294.1}[23]
§63
1196. “你想野地里的百合花，怎样长起来。”人间的技艺也许能临摹植物和花卉的优美形态和精致色彩，但怎么能够将生命赋予一朵小花或一片野草呢？路旁的每一朵小花，都来自那铺张穹苍星宿的能力。一切受造之物，都搏动着来自上帝伟大慈心的生命脉息。……主既赐给你生命，自然知道你需要食物维持生命。祂创造了你身体，不会不考虑你衣着的需要。祂已把那更大的恩赐给了我们，难道祂不也会把我们所需要的全都赐给我们吗？ --M. of B., 95. {HL 295.1}[24]
§64
1196. “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow.” The graceful forms and delicate hues of the plants and flowers may be copied by human skill; but what touch can impart life to even one flower or blade of grass? Every wayside blossom owes its being to the same power that set the starry worlds on high. Through all created things thrills one pulse of life from the great heart of God.... He who has given you life, knows your need of food to sustain it. He who created the body is not unmindful of your need of raiment. Will not he who?has bestowed the greater gift, bestow also what is needed to make it complete?—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 136.?{HL 295.1}[24]
§65
【上帝的奥秘】
§66
1197. 我们应当从上帝所未曾显示祂自己的事物上，较比从祂已向我们有限智力所显明的事物上，更加承认祂。人们若能领会上帝不可测的智慧，并能说明祂所做的或能做的，他们就不会再崇敬祂或敬畏祂的权能了。在神圣的启示和自然界中，上帝向人显示祂不可思议的奥秘以博取他们的信仰，这是必然如此的。要是有限的人心能解释上帝的道路和作为，祂就不是至高的了。人们尽管永久探寻，永久追求，永久学习，仍有无穷无限在远处。亮光正在照耀，始终以增强的亮度照在我们的道路上，只要我们行在它神圣的光线中。然而无论哪种来源的黑暗，都不象那种因拒绝上天的亮光而来的黑暗那么浓重、那么难以穿透。{HL 296.1}[25]
§67
【The Mystery of God】
§68
1197. God is to be acknowledged more from what he does not reveal of himself than from that which is open to our limited comprehension. If men could comprehend the unsearchable wisdom of God, and could explain that which he has done or can do, they would no longer reverence him or fear his power. In divine revelation God has given to men mysteries that are incomprehensible, to command their faith. This must be so. If the ways and works of God could be explained by finite minds, he would not stand as supreme. Men may be ever searching, ever inquiring, ever learning, and yet there is an infinity beyond. The light is shining, ever shining with increasing brightness upon our pathway, if we but walk in its divine rays. But there is no darkness so dense, so impenetrable, as that which follows the rejection of Heaven’s light, through whatever source it may come.?{HL 296.1}[25]
§69
人们能理解上帝吗？——不能。他们可以推测祂的道路和作为，只不过照有限的人所能做的。--U. T. {HL 296.2}[26]
§70
Can men comprehend God?—No. They may speculate in regard to his way and works, but only as finite beings can.—Unpublished Testimonies.?{HL 296.2}[26]
§71
1198. 那些以为离开了上帝的代表，就是圣经所说“祂本体的真像”（来1:3）的主，而竟能认识上帝的人，必须在自己的估计上变得愚昧，然后他们才会得到智慧。基督作为一位个人救主亲临世间，祂代表一位个人的上帝，又作为一位个人的救主，升到高天。祂怎样升天，还会怎样再来。单从自然界不可能获得对上帝的完全认识；因为自然界本身并不完善。它蒙受了诅咒和摧残。自然界的万物虽然遭到罪的毁损，仍然体现出有关那位艺术大师的真理。全能的上帝凭着能力、良善、慈爱和怜悯创造了地球。大地即使在受到破坏的状态下，仍然保留了许多美丽。大自然的声音在说话，指出在它的背后有一位上帝。但它处在不完全的状态中，无法代表上帝，无法展示上帝完美的品德。--U. T.,1898.7.3 86. {HL 296.3}[27]
§72
1198. Those who think they can obtain a knowledge of God aside from his Representative, whom the word declares is “the express image of his person,” will need to become fools in their own estimation before they can be wise. Christ came as a personal Saviour to the world. He represented a personal God. He ascended on high as a personal Saviour, and will come again as he ascended into heaven, a personal Saviour. It is impossible to gain a perfect?knowledge of God from nature, for nature itself is imperfect. A curse, a blight, is upon it. Yet the things of nature, marred as they are by the blight of sin, inculcate truths regarding the skilful Master Artist. One omnipotent Power, great in goodness in mercy, and in love, has created the earth, and even in its blighted state much that is beautiful remains. Nature’s voice speaks, saying that there is a God back of nature, but it does not, in its imperfections, represent God. Nature cannot reveal the character of God in his moral perfection.—Unpublished Testimonies, July 3, 1898?{HL 296.3}[27]
§73
【灯塔的光】
§74
1199. 圣经是人间最古老最全面的史书。它从永恒真理之泉发源。上帝的圣手，在各世代中保守它的纯正。它照亮了人类的研究所无法追溯的远古。只有在上帝的话中，我们才能看到关于创造的可信记述。在这里我们看到那立定大地根基，铺张诸天的能力。只有在这里，我们才能看见列国起源的可靠记载。只有圣经才能提供那没有被人的骄傲和偏见所沾染的人类史。……{HL 297.1}[28]
§75
【Beacon Lights】
§76
1199. The Bible is the most comprehensive and the most instructive history that men possess. It came fresh from the Fountain of eternal truth; and a divine hand has preserved its purity through all the ages. Its bright rays shine into the far-distant past, where human research seeks vainly to penetrate. In God’s word only we find an authentic account of creation. Here we behold the power that laid the foundation of the earth, and that stretched out the heavens. In this word only can we find a history of our race unsullied by human prejudice or human pride....?{HL 297.1}[28]
§77
对于那些已经学会与上帝交通的人，大自然的各种景象中，也有许多有关上帝智慧的教训。当初在清明的光辉中，向伊甸园第一对夫妇所展开的课本，如今蒙上一层阴影。衰残临到了美丽的受造之物。但不论我们转向何方，我们仍能看见原始美景的遗迹，听见上帝的声音，并看到祂的创作。{HL 297.2}[29]
§78
In the varied scenes of nature also are lessons of divine wisdom for all who have learned to commune with God. The pages that opened in undimmed brightness to the gaze of the first pair in Eden, bear now a shadow. A blight has fallen upon the fair creation. And yet, wherever we turn are traces of primal loveliness. Wherever we may turn, we hear the voice of God, and behold his handiwork.?{HL 297.2}[29]
§79
从隆隆的雷声，不停翻滚的海洋，到林间婉转的歌唱，自然界千万声音，一齐赞美上帝。在大地、在海洋、在太空，万物奇光异彩，千变万化，争艳斗美，我们可以从中瞻仰上帝的荣耀。长久以来，永恒的山岭述说祂的权能。树木在阳光中挥动翠绿的枝条，向我们指出它们的创造主。花卉象宝石一般点缀在大地上，以美妙的低语，向我们述说伊甸的风光，使我们满心渴慕那水不衰残的胜景。褐色的大地铺上嫩绿的草坪，说明上帝对祂最小的创造物所有的关怀。海的洞穴，地的深渊，蕴藏着祂的财宝。那一位把珍珠安放在海洋中，将紫石英和橄榄石隐藏在岩石中的上帝是爱美的。在穹苍中升起的太阳，代表那作为一切受造之物的生命和亮光的上帝。装饰在大地，显示在诸天的一切荣耀和美丽，都在述说上帝。{HL 298.1}[30]
§80
From the solemn roll of the deep-toned thunder and old ocean’s ceaseless roll, to the glad songs that make the forests vocal with melody, nature’s ten thousand voices speak his praise. In earth and air and sky, with their marvelous tint and color, varying in gorgeous contrast or softly blended in harmony, we behold his glory. The everlasting hills tell us of his power. The trees wave their green banners in the sunlight, and point us upward to their creator. The flowers that gem the earth with their beauty, whisper to us of Eden, and fill us with longings for its unfading loveliness. The living green that carpets the brown earth, tells us of God’s care for the humblest of his creatures. The caves of the sea and the depths of the earth reveal his treasures. He who placed the pearls in the ocean, and the amethyst and chrysolite among the rocks, is a lover of the beautiful. The sun rising in the heavens is the representative of him who is the life and light of all that he has made. All the brightness and beauty that adorn the earth and light up the heavens, speak of God.?{HL 298.1}[30]
§81
【一块尚未探究的园地】
§82
我们既享受了主的恩赐，岂能忘记这位施恩者？这一切都应使我们深思祂的良善和慈爱。我们地上家乡的一切华美，都应使我们想到在天上家乡中水晶般的河流，碧绿般的田野，摇戈生姿的树木，活水的泉源，辉煌的城邑和身穿白衣的歌咏队。那个地方的华美，是笔墨所难以描写，言语所无法形容的。“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）。{HL 298.2}[31]
§83
【An Unexplored Field】
§84
Shall we, in the enjoyment of the gifts, forget the Giver? Let them rather lead us to contemplate his goodness and his love. Let all that is beautiful in our earthly home remind us of the crystal river and green fields, the waving trees and the living fountains, the shining city and the white-robed singers, of our heavenly home,—that world of beauty which no artist can picture, no mortal tongue describe. “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.”?{HL 298.2}[31]
§85
永远住在这蒙福者的家乡，在灵、智、体方面，不再留有罪恶和咒诅的黑暗痕迹，却带有创造主的完全形像，千秋万代。在智慧和知识及圣洁方面的提高，还要永远探究新的思想领域，发现新的奇迹和新的荣耀，增加见识，欣赏和仁爱的能力，并认识到还有我们所追求不尽的无限喜乐、慈爱和智慧——这就是基督徒盼望的目标，是基督化教育所预备人们去承受的一切。接受这种教育，并帮助别人获得，应成为基督徒生活的目标。--R. and H., 1882, No 28. {HL 299.1}[32]
§86
To dwell forever in this home of the blest, to bear in soul, body, and spirit, not the dark traces of sin and the curse, but the perfect likeness of our Creator, and through ceaseless ages to advance in wisdom, in knowledge and holiness, ever exploring new fields of thought, ever finding new wonders and new glories, ever increasing in capacity to know and to enjoy and to love, and knowing that there is still beyond us joy and love and wisdom infinite,—such is the object to which the Christian hope is pointing, for which Christian education is preparing. To secure this education, and to aid others to secure it, should be the object of the Christian’s life.—The Review and Herald, July 11, 1882 par. 21.?{HL 299.1}[32]