第15章 严肃的盟约
§1
第15章 严肃的盟约
§2
Chap. 15 - Solemn Promises
§3
上帝对夫妇所有的旨意——上帝从男人身上造出一个女人来，作他的配偶和内助，与他成为一体，来安慰，鼓励，并造福于他，而男人所有的分，就是应该作她有力的助手。凡抱着神圣的宗旨——丈夫想从妻子的心中取得纯笃的爱情，而妻子也准备软化并改善她丈夫的品格，使之完善无缺——而缔结婚姻关系的人，就成全了上帝对他们所有的旨意。[1]
§4
Gods Purpose for the Husband and Wife.--God made from the man a woman, to be a companion and helpmeet for him, to be one with him, to cheer, encourage, and bless him, he in his turn to be her strong helper. All who enter into matrimonial relations with a holy purpose--the husband to obtain the pure affections of a womans heart, the wife to soften and improve her husbands character and give it completeness--fulfill Gods purpose for them. {AH 99.1}[1]
§5
基督来并非要破坏这个制度，乃要恢复它原有的神圣和高尚的性质。他来是要在人身上恢复上帝的道德形象，而他的工作便是借着嘉许婚姻关系而开始的。[2]
§6
Christ came not to destroy this institution, but to restore it to its original sanctity and elevation. He came to restore the moral image of God in man, and He began His work by sanctioning the marriage relation. {AH 99.2}[2]
§7
那位将夏娃赐与亚当为内助的主，他的第一个神迹便是在婚礼中施行的。在亲友们欢然相聚的喜筵前，基督开始了为公众服务的布道工作。如此，他认可了婚姻制度，并视之为他亲自制订的一项圣礼。他命定男女应当在神圣的婚姻中合而为一，组织他们的家庭，其中的每一分子都将以尊荣为冠冕，而被承认为天上家庭中的成员。[3]
§8
He who gave Eve to Adam as a helpmeet performed His first miracle at a marriage festival. In the festal hall where friends and kindred rejoiced together, Christ began His public ministry. Thus He sanctioned marriage, recognizing it as an institution that He Himself had established. He ordained that men and women should be united in holy wedlock, to rear families whose members, crowned with honor, should be recognized as members of the family above. {AH 99.3}[3]
§9
耶稣悦纳美满的婚姻——自基督发源的神圣之爱，决不会损及人间的爱，却要将之含蕴在内。借着基督的爱，人间的爱才得以炼净，而趋于纯洁、高雅、尊贵，人间的爱倘不与神圣的性情有分，且接受陶冶而向天生长，就永不会结出宝贵的果实来。耶稣深欲见到许多美满的婚姻，幸福的家庭。[4]
§10
Jesus Wants Happy Marriages.--The divine love emanating from Christ never destroys human love, but includes it. By it human love is refined and purified, elevated and ennobled. Human love can never bear its precious fruit until it is united with the divine nature and trained to grow heavenward. Jesus wants to see happy marriages, happy firesides. {AH 99.4}[4]
§11
婚姻正如上帝托付人类持守的其他佳美的恩赐一样，已被罪恶所败坏，而福音的作用，就是要恢复它原有的纯洁与美满。[5]
§12
Like every other one of Gods good gifts entrusted to the keeping of humanity, marriage has been perverted by sin; but it is the purpose of the gospel to restore its purity and beauty. . . . {AH 100.1}[5]
§13
基督的恩典，也唯有这恩典，才能成全上帝设立此一制度时所有的期望——就是成为一种造福并提拔人的媒介。这样，地上的各家，在他们的合一、安宁与亲爱方面，就可以象征天上的家庭了。[6]
§14
The grace of Christ, and this alone, can make this institution what God designed it should be--an agent for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. And thus the families of earth, in their unity and peace and love, may represent the family of heaven. {AH 100.2}[6]
§15
社会的现状，对于上天为此神圣关系所存的理想，乃是一种可悲的评注。虽然如此，对于那些原希望获得情谊与喜乐却遭遇了痛苦与失望的人，基督的福音仍给予无比的慰藉。[7]
§16
The condition of society presents a sad comment upon Heavens ideal of this sacred relation. Yet even for those who have found bitterness and disappointment where they had hoped for companionship and joy, the gospel of Christ offers a solace. {AH 100.3}[7]
§17
大喜的盛典——《圣经》记载耶稣和他的门徒都受邀参赴这次（在迦拿的）婚筵。基督并不准许基督徒在被邀参赴婚礼时说，我们不应该参与如此喜乐的盛典。借着参赴这次婚筵，基督便是教导我们，要我们在遵守他典章的场合中与欢乐的人同乐。人间无害的宴乐，只要在进行时与天国的律法毫无冲突，他从来没有加以阻止过。基督借着他的临格而使之尊荣的一种聚集，他的门徒当然是可以参赴的。在参赴这次筵席之后，基督还参赴了许多别的宴会，而由于他的临格和教训，也都使之成为圣洁了。[8]
§18
A Joyous Occasion.--The Scriptures state that both Jesus and His disciples were called to this marriage feast [at Cana]. Christ has given Christians no sanction to say when invited to a marriage, We ought not to be present on so joyous an occasion. By attending this feast Christ taught that He would have us rejoice with those who do rejoice in the observance of His statutes. He never discouraged the innocent festivities of mankind when carried on in accordance with the laws of Heaven. A gathering that Christ honored by His presence, it is right that His followers should attend. After attending this feast, Christ attended many others, sanctifying them by His presence and instruction. {AH 100.4}[8]
§19
举行婚礼时不宜炫耀、浪费或狂欢——婚礼往往成了炫耀、浪费和放纵私欲的举动。但倘若男女双方在宗教信仰和生活习惯上都很协调，一切事情也都很合适，而且在举行婚礼的时候也没有铺张，浪费的现象，那么这样的婚礼就决不至于招致上帝的不悦了。[9]
§20
Display, Extravagance, and Hilarity Are Inappropriate At Weddings.--Marriage ceremonies are made matters of display, extravagance, and self-indulgence. But if the contracting parties are agreed in religious belief and practice, and everything is consistent, and the ceremony be conducted without display and extravagance, marriage at this time need not be displeasing to God. {AH 100.5}[9]
§21
即或双方完全相配，也没有什么理由必需大事铺张或任意浪费。[10]
§22
There is no reason why we should make great parade or display, even if the parties were perfectly suited to each other. {AH 101.1}[10]
§23
举行结婚典礼而配以狂欢、喜笑和虚饰伪装，在我看来，乃是一件极不适宜的事。不，这乃是上帝所命定的大礼，应该以非常严肃的眼光正视这一件事。在地上建立家庭的关系，用意乃要借此表明他们将来在天上家庭里的情形。当随时以上帝的荣耀为前提。[11]
§24
It has always seemed so very inappropriate to me to see the marriage ordinance associated with hilarity and glee and a pretense of something. No. It is an ordinance ordained of God, to be looked upon with the greatest solemnity. As the family relation is formed here below, it is to give a demonstration of what they shall be, the family in heaven above. The glory of God is ever to be made first. {AH 101.2}[11]
§25
在作者本人家中举行的一次婚礼——在安息三上午将近十一点钟的时候，我们的大餐厅已经布置妥当，准备举行结婚典礼。由乙弟兄主持典礼，而一切都进行得非常合适。有人要求说……应当请我在婚礼完成后祝祷。主赐给我特别的自由。我的心已被上帝之灵所软化而驯服。在这盛典中，没有轻浮的笑谑或愚妄的言谈。凡与此婚礼有关的一切，都显得极其严肃而神圣。每一件事物都带有高贵的特色，而且感人至深。主已使这次婚礼成圣，而这一对新人如今将各自的志趣结合在一起，准备到国外去从事布道的工作，寻找拯救失丧的人。只要他们肯谦卑地与上帝同行，全然依赖他的应许，他必在他们工作中赐福与他们。[12]
§26
A Wedding in Mrs. Whites Home.--About 11 a.m. Tuesday our large dining room was prepared for the wedding ceremony. Brother B officiated in the service, and it passed off nicely. The request was made . . . that Sister White should offer prayer after the marriage ceremony. The Lord gave me special freedom. My heart was softened and subdued by the Spirit of God. On this occasion there were no light jests or foolish sayings: everything was solemn and sacred in connection with this marriage. Everything was of an elevating character and deeply impressive. The Lord sanctified this marriage, and these two now unite their interests to work in the mission field, to seek and to save them that are lost. God will bless them in their work if they walk humbly with Him, leaning wholly upon His promises. {AH 101.3}[12]
§27
两个生命的融结——刚才这一对新人，在诸位面前将他们的志趣、感情、爱心，以及拯救生灵的服务工作，都系结在一起了，对于他们而言，这乃是生命史上最重要的一页。在婚姻关系之中，还有一个非常重要的必经步骤——就是两个生命融结为一。按照上帝的旨意，夫妇二人应该在他的圣工上联合一致，在全备的圣洁中推进工作。这也是他们可能作的。[13]
§28
The Blending of Two Lives. [NOTE: REMARKS BY MRS. E. G. WHITE ON THE OCCASION OF A WEDDING CEREMONY AT SANITARIUM CALIFORNIA, IN 1905.]--This is an important period in the history of the ones who have stood before you to unite their interests, their sympathies, their love, their labor, with each other in the ministry of the saving of souls. In the marriage relation there is a very important step taken--the blending of two lives into one. . . . It is in accord with the will of God that man and wife should be linked together in His work, to carry it forward in a wholeness and a holiness. They can do this. {AH 101.4}[13]
§29
上帝的福惠倾降于这保持合一的家庭中，必如天上阳光的照临，因为这是主所命定的旨意，夫妇二人要在圣洁的连系中合而为一，在耶稣基督之下，顺服他的管理，以及他的灵的引导。[14]
§30
The blessing of God in the home where this union shall exist is as the sunshine of heaven, because it is the Lords ordained will that man and wife should be linked together in holy bonds of union, under Jesus Christ, with Him to control, and His spirit to guide. . . . {AH 102.1}[14]
§31
上帝深愿家庭成为地上最快乐的地方，成为天家的真正象征。在家庭中负起婚姻所有的责任，将他们的志趣与耶稣基督联结起来，并依靠在他的圣臂和他的保证之上，夫妻二人便可以在这样的结合中，共享上帝的天使所嘉许的福乐了。[15]
§32
God wants the home to be the happiest place on earth, the very symbol of the home in heaven. Bearing the marriage responsibilities in the home, linking their interests with Jesus Christ, leaning upon His arm and His assurance, husband and wife may share a happiness in this union that angels of God commend. {AH 102.2}[15]
§33
婚姻非但不致削弱他们的效能，反要使之加强起来。他们可以使婚后的生活成为一种传道工作，拯救生灵归于基督；而我自己可以证实上面所说的话，因为我的丈夫和我结婚已三十六年，凡是主所吩咐我们去的地方，我们都去了。从这件事上，我们确知在婚姻关系方面已得到了上帝的嘉许。因此，婚礼乃是一种庄重严肃的仪式。[16]
§34
Marriage does not lessen their usefulness, but strengthens it. They may make that married life a ministry to win souls to Christ; and I know whereof I speak, because for thirty-six years my husband and I were united, and we went everywhere that the Lord said Go. In this matter we know that we have the commendation of God in the marriage relation. Therefore it is a solemn ordinance. . . . {AH 102.3}[16]
§35
现在我要和我们这位弟兄握手；也要和你，他的妻子握手，并勉励你们二人要同心合意地推进上帝的圣工。我奉劝你们：要以上帝为你们的顾问。愿你们融融洽洽，永结同心。[17]
§36
And now I can at this time take by the hand this our brother; . . . and we take by the hand you, his wife, and urge you to carry on the work of God unitedly. I would say, Make God your counselor. Blend, blend together. {AH 102.4}[17]
§37
给一对新婚夫妇的劝告——我亲爱的弟兄和姊妹：你们已缔订了白首之约。你们婚姻生活的教育现在开始了。婚后第一年乃是经验之年，在这一年中，夫妻二人都要互相学习认识对方的品性上的差异之点，犹如儿童在学校里学习功课一般。在你们婚后第一年的生活中，但愿不要让任何事故来破坏你们未来的幸福。[18]
§38
Counsel to a Newly Wedded Pair.--My Dear Brother and Sister: You have united in a lifelong covenant. Your education in married life has begun. The first year of married life is a year of experience, a year in which husband and wife learn each others different traits of character, as a child learns lessons in school. In this, the first year of your married life, let there be no chapters that will mar your future happiness. . . . {AH 102.5}[18]
§39
我的弟兄，你妻子的光阴、力量和幸福，如今都与你的联结在一起了。你在她身上所生的影响，可能成为活的香气叫她活，也可能成为死的香气叫她死。你当十分谨慎，不要破坏了她的人生。[19]
§40
My brother, your wifes time and strength and happiness are now bound up with yours. Your influence over her may be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death. Be very careful not to spoil her life. {AH 103.1}[19]
§41
我的姊妹，你现在就要学习有关婚姻生活之责任的初步实际课程。每天都当忠实地学习这些功课。当不断地谨防，以免为私欲所逞。[20]
§42
My sister, you are now to learn your first practical lessons in regard to the responsibilities of married life. Be sure to learn these lessons faithfully day by day. . . . Guard constantly against giving way to selfishness. {AH 103.2}[20]
§43
在你们的终身结合之中，你们的爱情须对于彼此的幸福有所贡献。你们也当各自为对方谋福。这原是上帝对你们所有的旨意。固然你们应当融洽如一，却也不可丧失彼此的个性。你们的个性原是属于上帝的。你们当求问于他：何为是？何为非？我怎能完善地实现主创造我所有的宗旨呢？[21]
§44
In your life union your affections are to be tributary to each others happiness. Each is to minister to the happiness of the other. This is the will of God concerning you. But while you are to blend as one, neither of you is to lose his or her individuality in the other. God is the owner of your individuality. Of Him you are to ask: What is right? What is wrong? How may I best fulfill the purpose of my creation? {AH 103.3}[21]
§45
在属天的证人之前立约——上帝命定在那缔结婚姻关系之人中间，应该有完全的爱与完全的和谐。但愿新郎和新娘在全宇宙之前立下盟约，彼此相爱，因为上帝已命定他们应当如此行。妻子当敬重她的丈夫，而丈夫也当爱护他的妻子。[22]
§46
A Pledge Before Heavenly Witnesses.--God has ordained that there should be perfect love and harmony between those who enter into the marriage relation. Let bride and bridegroom, in the presence of the heavenly universe, pledge themselves to love each other as God has ordained they should. . . . The wife is to respect and reverence her husband, and the husband is to love and cherish his wife. {AH 103.4}[22]
§47
无论男女，在婚姻生活开始之时，就都当重新将自己献与上帝。[23]
§48
Men and women, at the beginning of married life, should reconsecrate themselves to God. {AH 103.5}[23]
§49
你们当坚如金石般忠于婚约，决不在思想或言行上污损你们敬畏上帝并遵守他诫命的记录。[24]
§50
Be as true as steel to your marriage vows, refusing, in thought, word, or deed, to spoil your record as a man who fears God and obeys His commandments. {AH 104.1}[24]