第08章 但以理在考验下的忠贞
§1
第08章 但以理在考验下的忠贞
§2
Chap. 08 - Daniels Integrity Under Test
§3
先知但以理是一位杰出的人物。他是一个光明的例证，显明世人若与智慧的上帝联合时，可以成为何等人。关于这位属上帝的圣人，留下了简略的史记，好鼓励后来蒙召要经受考验与试探的人。{FE 77.1}[1]
§4
The prophet Daniel was an illustrious character. He was a bright example of what men may become when united with the God of wisdom. A brief account of the life of this holy man of God is left on record for the encouragement of those who should afterward be called to endure trial and temptation. {FE 77.1}[1]
§5
当以色列民，他们的君王，贵族和祭司被俘时，其中有四位被拣选，要在巴比伦王的宫庭里服务。但以理是四人中的一位；他从早年就表明日后会造就出色的才干。这些青年都出身王族；圣经说他们“没有残疾，相貌俊美，通达各样学问，知识聪明俱备，足以侍立在王宫里的”（但1:4）。尼布甲尼撒既看出这些青年有卓越的才能，就决意训练他们充任国内的重要职位。按照东方的习惯，为了使他们有足够的资格胜任宫廷的工作，他们须首先学习迦勒底人的语言，并经过三年体格和智力方面的充分培训。{FE 77.2}[2]
§6
When the people of Israel, their king, nobles, and priests, were carried into captivity, four of their number were selected to serve in the court of the king of Babylon. One of these was Daniel, who early gave promise of the remarkable ability developed in later years. These youth were all of princely birth, and are described as children in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them. Perceiving the superior talents of these youthful captives, King Nebuchadnezzar determined to prepare them to fill important positions in his kingdom. That they might be fully qualified for their life at court, according to Oriental custom, they were to be taught the language of the Chaldeans, and to be subjected for three years to a thorough course of physical and intellectual discipline. {FE 77.2}[2]
§7
这所培训学校里的青年，不但有权利进入王宫，还可以享用来自王桌上的膳食，喝王所饮的酒。王认为这不仅表明他非常看重他们，而且要使他们在身体和智力上得到最好的发展。{FE 77.3}[3]
§8
The youth in this school of training were not only to be admitted to the royal palace, but it was provided that they should eat of the meat, and drink of the wine, which came from the kings table. In all this the king considered that he was not only bestowing great honor upon them, but securing for them the best physical and mental development that could be obtained. {FE 77.3}[3]
§9
摆在王桌上的膳食，有猪肉和摩西律法所宣布为不洁净的其它肉类。这些肉食是明令禁止希伯来人食用的。但以理在这个问题上遭遇了严峻的考验。他应该坚持他祖先们关于饮食的教训，从而得罪国王，很可能不仅会丧失他的地位，还会失丧他的生命呢？还是要不顾主的命令，只求王的恩宠，从而在知识上获得很大的优势，并拥有最诱人的前景呢？{FE 77.4}[4]
§10
Among the viands placed before the king were swines flesh and other meats which were declared unclean by the law of Moses, and which the Hebrews had been expressly forbidden to eat. Here Daniel was brought to a severe test. Should he adhere to the teachings of his fathers concerning meats and drinks, and offend the king, and probably lose not only his position but his life? or should he disregard the commandment of the Lord, and retain the favor of the king, thus securing great intellectual advantages and the most flattering worldly prospects? {FE 77.4}[4]
§11
但以理没有长久犹豫。他决意保持自己的忠贞，结果如何，在所不计。他“立志，不以王的膳，和王所饮的酒，玷污自己”（但1:8）。{FE 78.1}[5]
§12
Daniel did not long hesitate. He decided to stand firm in his integrity, let the result be what it might. He purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the kings meat, nor with the wine which he drank. {FE 78.1}[5]
§13
今日有许多自称基督徒的人，会认为但以理过于拘泥小节，说他既狭隘又固执。他们认为饮食问题无足轻重，不需要持这样强硬的立场，以致可能丧失一切属世的利益。但是这样认为的人，在审判的日子，会发现自己偏离了上帝明确的要求，以自己的意见作为是非的标准。他们还会发现自己所视为无足轻重的事，上帝并不那么看。祂的要求必须严格遵守。有些人接受和遵守上帝的某一条命令，是因为方便这么去做，同时他们却拒绝上帝的另一条命令，因为遵守它需要作出牺牲。这些人降低了正义的标准。他们用自己的榜样，引导别人藐视上帝圣洁的律法。“耶和华如此说”应成为我们在凡事上的法则。{FE 78.2}[6]
§14
There are many among professed Christians today who would decide that Daniel was too particular, and would pronounce him narrow and bigoted. They consider the matter of eating and drinking as of too little consequence to require such a decided stand,--one involving the probable sacrifice of every earthly advantage. But those who reason thus will find in the day of judgment that they turned from Gods express requirements, and set up their own opinion as a standard of right and wrong. They will find that what seemed to them unimportant was not so regarded of God. His requirements should be sacredly obeyed. Those who accept and obey one of His precepts because it is convenient to do so, while they reject another because its observance would require a sacrifice, lower the standard of right, and by their example lead others to lightly regard the holy law of God. Thus saith the Lord is to be our rule in all things. {FE 78.2}[6]
§15
但以理遭遇了最严厉的试探；这些试探也可能袭击今日的青年。但他忠于他早年所领受的宗教教训。他周围的影响，足以败坏在原则和欲念之间摇摆不定的人；但圣经记载他具有无瑕疵的品格。但以理不敢信赖自己的道德力量。他以上帝为他的力量，以祈祷为他的必需，并在处理人生的一切事务时，始终敬畏上帝。{FE 78.3}[7]
§16
Daniel was subjected to the severest temptations that can assail the youth of today; yet he was true to the religious instruction received in early life. He was surrounded with influences calculated to subvert those who would vacillate between principle and inclination; yet the word of God presents him as a faultless character. Daniel dared not trust to his own moral power. Prayer was to him a necessity. He made God his strength, and the fear of God was continually before him in all the transactions of his life. {FE 78.3}[7]
§17
但以理具有真正温柔的美德。他忠诚，坚定，高尚。他追求与众人和睦相处，但在涉及原则问题的时候，他就象挺拔的香柏树那样的坚定不移。在不与他对上帝的效忠相冲突的事情上，他总是尊重和顺从那些有权管辖他的人；但他对上帝的要求非常看重，把地上统治者的要求放在次要的地位。他不愿因任何自私的考虑而偏离他的职责。{FE 78.4}[8]
§18
Daniel possessed the grace of genuine meekness. He was true, firm, and noble. He sought to live in peace with all, while he was unbending as the lofty cedar wherever principle was involved. In everything that did not come in collision with his allegiance to God, he was respectful and obedient to those who had authority over him; but he had so high a sense of the claims of God that the requirements of earthly rulers were held subordinate. He would not be induced by any selfish consideration to swerve from his duty. {FE 78.4}[8]
§19
但以理的品格呈现在世人面前，乃是一个出色的例证，说明上帝的恩典在本性堕落又被罪所败坏的人身上所能达到的成就。他那高尚克己的人生记录，对我们一般人类来说乃是一个鼓励。我们可以从中获得力量，勇敢地抵制试探，并以温柔的美德，在最严峻的考验之中，为正义而坚定站立。{FE 79.1}[9]
§20
The character of Daniel is presented to the world as a striking example of what Gods grace can make of men fallen by nature and corrupted by sin. The record of his noble, self-denying life is an encouragement to our common humanity. From it we may gather strength to nobly resist temptation, and firmly, and in the grace of meekness, stand for the right under the severest trial. {FE 79.1}[9]
§21
但以理本来可以找出一个说得过去的理由，作为偏离他严格节制习惯的借口；但他把上帝的悦纳看得比世上最有权势之君王的恩宠更加宝贵，甚至比生命更宝贵。但以理的谦恭有礼既获得了管理希伯来青年的委办的好感，他就请求让他们不用王的膳，不饮王的酒。委办担心如果答应了这个要求，会招惹王的不悦，从而危及自己的性命。他象今日的许多人一样，认为节制饮食会使这些青年脸色苍白，显出病态，缺乏体力，而来自王桌的珍馐美味，却会使他们面容红润俊美，并增进身体和心智的活力。{FE 79.2}[10]
§22
Daniel might have found a plausible excuse to depart from his strictly temperate habits; but the approval of God was dearer to him than the favor of the most powerful earthly potentate--dearer even than life itself. Having by his courteous conduct obtained favor with Melzar, the officer in charge of the Hebrew youth, Daniel made a request that they might not eat of the kings meat or drink of his wine. Melzar feared that should he comply with this request, he might incur the displeasure of the king, and thus endanger his own life. Like many at the present day, he thought that an abstemious diet would render these youth pale and sickly in appearance, and deficient in muscular strength, while the luxurious food from the kings table would make them ruddy and beautiful, and would promote physical and mental activity. {FE 79.2}[10]
§23
但以理请求用十天时间进行试验，再作决定——让这些希伯来青年在这短短的时间里可以用简单的食物，而他们的同伴则仍享用王桌上的饮食。他们的要求最后得到许可；但以理坚信自己会成功。他虽然很年轻，却已看到饮酒和奢华的生活对于身心健康的危害。{FE 79.3}[11]
§24
Daniel requested that the matter be decided by a ten days trial, the Hebrew youth during this brief period being permitted to eat of simple food, while their companions partook of the kings dainties. The request was finally granted, and then Daniel felt assured that he had gained his case. Although but a youth, he had seen the injurious effects of wine and luxurious living upon physical and mental health. {FE 79.3}[11]
§25
在十天的试验之后，结果正与委办所担忧的相反。实行节制习惯的人，不但在个人的外貌上，而且在身心的活力上，明显超过他们那些放纵食欲的同伴。结果，但以理和他的朋友蒙准在整个为从事王国的服务而受训的期间吃简单的食物。{FE 80.1}[12]
§26
At the end of the ten days the result was found to be quite the opposite of Melzars expectations. Not only in personal appearance, but in physical activity and mental vigor, those who had been temperate in their habits exhibited a marked superiority over their companions who had indulged appetite. As a result of this trial, Daniel and his associates were permitted to continue their simple diet during the whole course of their training for the duties of the kingdom. {FE 80.1}[12]
§27
主悦纳这些希伯来青年的坚贞与克己，祂赐福给他们，“在各样文字学问上，赐给他们聪明知识；但以理又明白各样的异象和梦兆”（但1:17）。三年训练期满，他们的能力和学识要经过王的考试。王“见少年人中，无一人能比但以理、哈拿尼雅、米沙利、亚撒利雅，所以留他们在王面前侍立。王考问他们一切事，就见他们的智慧聪明比通国的术士和用法术的胜过十倍”（但1:19，20）。{FE 80.2}[13]
§28
The Lord regarded with approval the firmness and self-denial of these Hebrew youth, and His blessing attended them. He gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. At the expiration of the three years of training, when their ability and acquirements were tested by the king, he found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. {FE 80.2}[13]
§29
但以理的人生，启示了成圣品格的要素。它提供了一个给众人，特别是给青年的教训。严格顺从上帝的要求，对身心的健康都有好处。为了达到道德和智力的最高标准，就必须向上帝寻求智慧和能力，并在一切生活习惯上实行严格的节制。我们从但以理与他同伴的经验中，看到了一个原则战胜放纵食欲之试探的事例。它也告诉我们，青年人藉着宗教的原则能克服肉体的私欲，保持对上帝要求的忠诚，即使要为此作出极大的牺牲。{FE 80.3}[14]
§30
The life of Daniel is an inspired illustration of what constitutes a sanctified character. It presents a lesson for all, and especially for the young. A strict compliance with the requirements of God is beneficial to the health of body and mind. In order to reach the highest standard of moral and intellectual attainments, it is necessary to seek wisdom and strength from God, and to observe strict temperance in all the habits of life. In the experience of Daniel and his companions we have an instance of the triumph of principle over temptation to indulge the appetite. It shows us that through religious principle young men may triumph over the lusts of the flesh, and remain true to Gods requirements, even though it cost them a great sacrifice. {FE 80.3}[14]
§31
假如但以理和他的同伴与那些异教的官长妥协了，屈从于形势的压力，接受巴比伦人饮食的惯例，结果会怎么样呢？那一次偏离原则的行为势必削弱他们的正义感和对错误的憎厌。放纵食欲会牺牲他们身体的活力，心智的锐敏和属灵的力量。走错了一步，会步步错下去，直到他们割断了与上天的联系，被试探卷走。{FE 80.4}[15]
§32
What if Daniel and his companions had made a compromise with those heathen officers, and had yielded to the pressure of the occasion, by eating and drinking as was customary with the Babylonians? That single instance of departure from principle would have weakened their sense of right and their abhorrence of wrong. Indulgence of appetite would have involved the sacrifice of physical vigor, clearness of intellect, and spiritual power. One wrong step would probably have led to others, until, their connection with Heaven being severed, they would have been swept away by temptation. {FE 80.4}[15]
§33
上帝说：“尊重我的，我必重看他”（撒上2:30）。当但以理以毫不动摇的信心投靠上帝时，就有预言之灵的能力降在他身上。当他在宫廷生活的本分中从人那里领受教训时，他也受到上帝的教导，能明白将来之事的奥秘，并用表号和象征将世界历史直到末时的种种大事，为后来的世代记录下来。——《时兆》1882年9月28日。{FE 81.1}[16]
§34
God has said, Them that honor Me, I will honor. While Daniel clung to his God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. While he was instructed of man in the duties of court life, he was taught of God to read the mysteries of future ages, and to present to coming generations, through figures and similitudes, the wonderful things that would come to pass in the last days.--Signs of the Times, Sept. 28, 1882. {FE 81.1}[16]