第16章 浪子回头
§1
第16章 浪子回头
§2
Chap. 16—“Lost, and Is Found”
§3
（根据路15:11-32）
§4
迷羊、失钱和浪子的比喻，都深刻地描绘了上帝对于背离祂之人的怜悯和慈爱，他们虽然离开了上帝，上帝却并没有把他们丢弃在痛苦之中。祂对于一切受狡猾之仇敌试探的人，充满了慈爱和亲切的怜恤。{COL 198.1}[1]
§5
This chapter is based on?Luke 15:11-32.
§6
The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, bring out in distinct lines God’s pitying love for those who are straying from Him. Although they have turned away from God, He does not leave them in their misery. He is full of kindness and tender pity toward all who are exposed to the temptations of the artful foe.?{COL 198.1}[1]
§7
浪子的比喻说明了主怎样对待那些曾经认识天父的爱，后来又让试探者随意虏去的人。{COL 198.2}[2]
§8
In the parable of the prodigal son is presented the Lord’s dealing with those who have once known the Father’s love, but who have allowed the tempter to lead them captive at his will.?{COL 198.2}[2]
§9
“一人有两个儿子；小儿子对父亲说：父亲，请你把我应得的家业分给我。他父亲就把产业分给他们。过了不多几日，小儿子就把他一切所有的都收拾起来，往远方去了。”{COL 198.3}[3]
§10
“A certain man had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country.”?{COL 198.3}[3]
§11
这个小儿子厌烦了父家的约束，认为自己的自由受到了限制。他误解了父亲对他的爱护与关怀，决定随从自己的意思而行。{COL 198.4}[4]
§12
This younger son had become weary of the restraint of his father’s house. He thought that his liberty was restricted. His father’s love and care for him were misinterpreted, and he determined to follow the dictates of his own inclination.?{COL 198.4}[4]
§13
这个青年人没有认识到自己对父亲的本分，也没有表示感激之情，却声称作儿子的享有承受父亲产业的权利。他希望得到本应在父亲死后才能留给他的遗产，只注意到眼前的享受，没有考虑到将来。{COL 199.1}[5]
§14
The youth acknowledges no obligation to his father, and expresses no gratitude; yet he claims the privilege of a child in sharing his father’s goods. The inheritance that would fall to him at his father’s death he desires to receive now. He is bent on present enjoyment, and cares not for the future.?{COL 199.1}[5]
§15
他得到了财产，就离开了父家“往远方去。”他既拥有大笔金钱，又能随意行事，就庆幸自己的目的已经达到。没有人对他说：不要这样做，这对你是有害的。或说：要这样做，因为这是对的。不良的友伴使他更深地沉溺于罪恶之中。他“任意放荡，浪费货财”。{COL 199.2}[6]
§16
Having obtained his patrimony, he goes into “a far country,” away from his father’s home. With money in plenty, and liberty to do as he likes, he flatters himself that the desire of his heart is reached. There is no one to say, Do not do this, for it will be an injury to yourself; or, Do this, because it is right. Evil companions help him to plunge ever deeper into sin, and he wastes his “substance with riotous living.”?{COL 199.2}[6]
§17
圣经说，有一种人“自称为聪明，反成了愚拙”（罗1:22）。这就是比喻中那个青年人的经历。他自私地从父亲那里要来的钱财，尽都花在妓女身上。他的青春浪费了。人生的宝贵年华、智力和青年的光明前景，以及属灵的愿望，都被情欲的火烧尽了。{COL 199.3}[7]
§18
The Bible tells of men who “professing themselves to be wise” “became fools” (Romans 1:22); and this is the history of the young man of the parable. The wealth which he has selfishly claimed from his father he squanders upon harlots. The treasure of his young manhood is wasted.?The precious years of life, the strength of intellect, the bright visions of youth, the spiritual aspirations—all are consumed in the fires of lust.?{COL 199.3}[7]
§19
后来那地方遭到大饥荒，他就穷苦起来。于是他就去投靠那地方的一个人。那人打发他到田里去放猪。在犹太人看来，这是最卑贱的工作了。那个青年人曾庆幸自己的自由，现在却成了一个奴仆。他陷入最痛苦的束缚之中，“被自己的罪恶如绳索缠绕”（箴5:22）。当初诱惑他的美色虚荣消失了。他感受到锁链的重累。在那凄凉饥荒之地，他坐在地上，除了猪群之外，没有一个伴侣。他恨不得拿猪所吃的豆荚充饥。在他有钱的时候围绕在他身边、吃他喝他的友伴们，全都离开了。如今他的狂欢在哪里呢？他曾安抚自己的良心，麻木自己的知觉，自以为快乐无比。但现在他钱已花光，饥饿难当。他的骄傲降卑了，道德观念模糊了，意志软弱而不可信赖，良知似乎已经死亡。他成了一个最可怜的人。{COL 200.1}[8]
§20
A great famine arises, he begins to be in want, and he joins himself to a citizen of the country, who sends him into the field to feed swine. To a Jew this was the most menial and degrading of employments. The youth who has boasted of his liberty, now finds himself a slave. He is in the worst of bondage—“holden with the cords of his sins.” (Proverbs 5:22.) The glitter and tinsel that enticed him have disappeared, and he feels the burden of his chain. Sitting upon the ground in that desolate and famine-stricken land, with no companions but the swine, he is fain to fill himself with the husks on which the beasts are fed. Of the gay companions who flocked about him in his prosperous days and ate and drank at his expense, there is not one left to befriend him. Where now is his riotous joy? Stilling his conscience, benumbing his sensibilities, he thought himself happy; but now, with money spent, with hunger unsatisfied, with pride humbled, with his moral nature dwarfed, with his will weak and untrustworthy, with his finer feelings seemingly dead, he is the most wretched of mortals.?{COL 200.1}[8]
§21
这正是一幅描绘罪人状况的画面！他虽蒙上帝慈爱的福惠所围绕，但为了放纵私欲，追求罪中之乐，竟一心要离开上帝。他像这个忘恩负义的浪子一样，把享有属于上帝的好东西当作自己的权利，认为这是理所当然的，既没有表示感恩，也没有呈献爱心的服务。从前该隐怎样离开上帝的面去寻找自己的家，浪子怎样“往远方去”流浪，罪人也照样从忘记上帝的生活中寻欢作乐（罗1:28）。{COL 200.2}[9]
§22
What a picture here of the sinner’s state! Although surrounded with the blessings of His love, there is nothing that the sinner, bent on self-indulgence and sinful pleasure, desires so much as separation from God. Like the ungrateful son, he claims the good things of God as his by right. He takes them as a matter of course, and makes no return of gratitude, renders no service of love. As Cain went out from the presence of the Lord to seek his home; as the prodigal wandered into the “far country,” so do sinners seek happiness in forgetfulness of God. (Romans 1:28.)?{COL 200.2}[9]
§23
不论外表如何，凡以自我为中心的生活都是浪费的。那些想离开上帝而生活的人，是在糟蹋自己的货财。他在浪费宝贵的年华、心智和心灵的能力，酿成自己永远的损失。凡为了侍奉自己而远离上帝的人，都是玛门的奴隶。上帝所创造的人，原是要与天使交往的，如今却堕落到为世俗和畜生服务的地步。这就是侍奉自我的结局。{COL 200.3}[10]
§24
Whatever the appearance may be, every life centered in self is squandered. Whoever attempts to live apart from?God is wasting his substance. He is squandering the precious years, squandering the powers of mind and heart and soul, and working to make himself bankrupt for eternity. The man who separates from God that he may serve himself, is the slave of mammon. The mind that God created for the companionship of angels has become degraded to the service of that which is earthly and bestial. This is the end to which self-serving tends.?{COL 200.3}[10]
§25
你如果选择了这样的生活，就该知道你是花钱买那不足为食物的，用劳碌得来的买那不使人饱足的。你有时也会意识到自己的堕落。当你身在异乡，顾影自怜，就会在绝望中呼吁：“我真是苦啊！谁能救我脱离这取死的身体呢”（罗7:24）？先知以下的话含有一项普遍真理：“依靠人血肉的臂膀，心中离弃耶和华的，那人有祸了；因他必像沙漠的杜松，不见福乐来到，却要住旷野干旱之处，无人居住的碱地”（耶17:5,6）。上帝“叫日头照好人，也照歹人，降雨给义人，也给不义的人”（太5:45）。但人还是有权利躲避阳光和雨露。同样，当公义的日头照耀，恩典的甘霖为所有的人降下时，我们仍有可能离开上帝而“住旷野干旱之处。”{COL 201.1}[11]
§26
If you have chosen such a life, you know that you are spending money for that which is not bread, and labor for that which satisfieth not. There come to you hours when you realize your degradation. Alone in the far country you feel your misery, and in despair you cry, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”?Romans 7:24. It is the statement of a universal truth which is contained in the prophet’s words, “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited.”?Jeremiah 17:5, 6. God “maketh?His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45); but men have the power to shut themselves away from sunshine and shower. So while the Sun of Righteousness shines, and the showers of grace fall freely for all, we may by separating ourselves from God still “inhabit the parched places in the wilderness.”{COL 201.1}[11]
§27
上帝的慈心仍然惦念着那个径自离开祂的人。祂千方百计引导他返回父家。浪子在困境中终于“醒悟过来。”撒但施行在他身上的欺骗势力打破了。他看出自己的苦难是他愚昧的后果。他说：“我父亲有多少的雇工，口粮有余，我倒在这里饿死吗？我要起来，到我父亲那里去。”浪子虽然已经山穷水尽，但仍从对父亲慈爱的信念中看见一线希望。吸引他回家的正是这爱。同样，鼓励罪人归向上帝的，也是上帝慈爱的保证。“祂的恩慈是领你悔改”（罗2:4）。上帝之爱的怜悯和慈悲，犹如一条金链，环绕着每一个处于险境的人。主说：“我以永远的爱爱你，因此我以慈爱吸引你”（耶31:3）。{COL 202.1}[12]
§28
The love of God still yearns over the one who has chosen to separate from Him, and He sets in operation influences to bring him back to the Father’s house. The prodigal son in his wretchedness “came to himself.” The deceptive power that Satan had exercised over him was broken. He saw that his suffering was the result of his own folly, and he said, “How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father.” Miserable as he was, the prodigal found hope in the conviction of his father’s love. It was that love which was drawing him toward home. So it is the assurance of God’s love that constrains the sinner to return to God. “The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.”?Romans 2:4. A golden chain, the mercy and compassion of divine love, is passed around every imperiled soul. The Lord declares, “I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.”?Jeremiah 31:3.?{COL 202.1}[12]
§29
浪子决心承认自己的罪过。他要回到他父亲那里说：“我得罪了天，又得罪了你；从今以后，我不配称为你的儿子。”但他又说：“把我当作一个雇工吧！”这表明他对于父亲慈爱的理解是多么狭窄。{COL 202.2}[13]
§30
The son determines to confess his guilt. He will go to his father, saying, “I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” But he adds, showing how stinted is his conception of his father’s love, “Make me as one of thy hired servants.”?{COL 202.2}[13]
§31
这个青年人离开了猪群和豆荚，起身回家了。他因饥饿而虚弱颤抖，但还是坚持前进。他衣衫褴褛，在痛苦中无自尊可言，急忙前往他长大的地方谋求作一个雇工。{COL 202.3}[14]
§32
The young man turns from the swine herds and the husks, and sets his face toward home. Trembling with weakness and faint from hunger, he presses eagerly on his way. He has no covering to conceal his rags; but his?misery has conquered pride, and he hurries on to beg a servant’s place where he was once a child.?{COL 202.3}[14]
§33
这个轻浮的青年人在离开父家的时候，根本没有想到父亲心中的伤痛和牵挂。当他与放荡的朋友寻欢作乐的时候，也没有想到笼罩在他家中的阴影。现在当他拖着疲惫痛苦的脚步，踏上归途的时候，他也不知道有一位正在等候他回来呢。他“相离还远”，父亲就认出他来了。爱的眼光是很锐利的。虽然受到罪恶多年的毁损，也不能把儿子变得连父亲也认不出他来。父亲“动了慈心，跑去抱着他的颈项，”长久地、紧紧地、温柔地拥抱他。{COL 203.1}[15]
§34
Little did the gay, thoughtless youth, as he went out from his father’s gate, dream of the ache and longing left in that father’s heart. When he danced and feasted with his wild companions, little did he think of the shadow that had fallen on his home. And now as with weary and painful steps he pursues the homeward way, he knows not that one is watching for his return. But while he is yet “a great way off” the father discerns his form. Love is of quick sight. Not even the degradation of the years of sin can conceal the son from the father’s eyes. He “had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck” in a long, clinging, tender embrace.?{COL 203.1}[15]
§35
父亲不愿让人看不起他儿子狼狈的样子，就把自己身上宽厚的外袍脱下来，披在儿子瘦弱的身上。青年悔恨交加地抽泣说：“父亲，我得罪了天，又得罪了你，从今以后，我不配称为你的儿子。”父亲把他搂在他的身旁，带回家，根本没有让他作仆人。他依然是儿子，可以享受家里最好的东西。男女仆人也要伺候他。{COL 203.2}[16]
§36
The father will permit no contemptuous eye to mock at his son’s misery and tatters. He takes from his own shoulders the broad, rich mantle, and wraps it around the?son’s wasted form, and the youth sobs out his repentance, saying, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” The father holds him close to his side, and brings him home. No opportunity is given him to ask a servant’s place. He is a son, who shall be honored with the best the house affords, and whom the waiting men and women shall respect and serve.?{COL 203.2}[16]
§37
父亲对仆人说：“把那上好的袍子快拿出来给他穿；把戒指戴在他指头上；把鞋穿在他脚上；把那肥牛犊牵来宰了，我们可以吃喝快乐；因为我这个儿子，是死而复活，失而又得的。他们就快乐起来。”{COL 204.1}[17]
§38
The father said to his servants, “Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.”?{COL 204.1}[17]
§39
浪子在年幼无知的时候，总以为父亲是严厉苛刻的。现在他对父亲的看法完全变了。那些受撒但欺骗的人，也以为上帝是严厉刻薄的，不住地窥视他们，要责罚他们，定他们的罪，只要有不帮助罪人的合法借口，祂就不接纳他们。律法在他们看来，是对人类自由的限制，是他们所乐于摆脱的重担。但是人的眼睛如果因基督的爱而开启，就会看见上帝是满有怜悯的。祂并不像一个暴虐残忍的君王，却像一个渴望怀抱悔改浪子的父亲。罪人可以和诗人同说：“父亲怎样怜恤他的儿女，耶和华也怎样怜恤敬畏祂的人”（诗103:13）。{COL 204.2}[18]
§40
In his restless youth the prodigal looked upon his father as stern and severe. How different his conception of him now! So those who are deceived by Satan look upon God as hard and exacting. They regard Him as watching to denounce and condemn, as unwilling to receive the sinner so long as there is a legal excuse for not helping him. His law they regard as a restriction upon men’s happiness, a burdensome yoke from which they are glad to escape. But he whose eyes have been opened by the love of Christ will behold God as full of compassion. He does not appear as a tyrannical, relentless being, but as a father longing to embrace his repenting son. The sinner will exclaim with the Psalmist, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.”?Psalm 103:13.?{COL 204.2}[18]
§41
比喻中并没有讥讽和指责浪子过去的罪行。浪子感到自己的过去已蒙赦免，不再纪念，永远涂抹了。同样，上帝也对罪人说：“我涂抹了你的过犯，像厚云消散，我涂抹了你的罪恶，如薄云灭没”（赛44:22）。“我要赦免他们的罪孽，不再纪念他们的罪恶”（耶31:34）。“恶人当离弃自己的道路；不义的人当除掉自己的意念，归向耶和华；耶和华就必怜恤他；当归向我们的上帝，因为上帝必广行赦免”（赛55:7）。“耶和华说，当那日子、那时候，虽寻以色列的罪孽，一无所有；虽寻犹大的罪恶，也无所见”（耶50:20）。{COL 204.3}[19]
§42
In the parable there is no taunting, no casting up to the prodigal of his evil course. The son feels that the past is forgiven and forgotten, blotted out forever. And so God says to the sinner, “I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins,”?Isaiah 44:22. “I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember?their sin no more.”?Jeremiah 31:34. “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”?Isaiah 55:7. “In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found.”?Jeremiah 50:20.?{COL 204.3}[19]
§43
这里为上帝接纳悔改罪人的诚意，提供了多大的保证啊！亲爱的读者，你有没有偏行己路呢？你有没有远离上帝呢？你有没有要吃罪恶的果子，而发现这些果子在你嘴边都化为灰烬呢？现在你的财富已经耗尽，人生的计划已经失败，你的希望已成为泡影，你是否孤独凄凉地坐在那里？那一贯向你的内心说话，而你始终不肯听的声音，现在清楚地劝告你：“你们起来去吧，这不是你们安息之所，因为污秽使人毁灭，而且大大毁灭”（弥2:10）。回到你父家去吧！祂邀请你说：“你当归向我，因我救赎了你”（赛44:22）。{COL 205.1}[20]
§44
What assurance here, of God’s willingness to receive the repenting sinner! Have you, reader, chosen your own way? Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? And now, your substance spent, your life-plans thwarted, and your hopes dead, do you sit alone and desolate? Now that voice which has long been speaking to your heart but to which you would not listen comes to you distinct and clear, “Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest; because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.”?Micah 2:10. Return to your Father’s house. He invites you, saying, “Return unto Me; for I have redeemed thee.”?Isaiah 44:22.?{COL 205.1}[20]
§45
不要听从仇敌的暗示，非等到你使自己变得好一些，或有足够的良善到上帝面前来，就不到基督面前来。你如果等到那时再来，就永远来不了。当撒但指出你污秽的衣服时，你要重述基督的应许说：“到我这里来的，我总不丢弃他”（约6:37）。要对那仇敌说：耶稣基督的宝血能洗净一切罪恶。要像大卫那样祈祷说：“求祢用牛膝草洁净我，我就干净；求祢洗涤我，我就比雪更白”（诗51:7）。{COL 205.2}[21]
§46
Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better; until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then,?you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of Jesus, “Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.”?John 6:37. Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin. Make the prayer of David your own, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”?Psalm 51:7.?{COL 205.2}[21]
§47
起来到你父亲那里去吧。祂会远远地前来迎接你。只要你向祂迈出悔改的第一步，祂就会赶紧用祂无穷之爱的膀臂拥抱你。祂会凝神倾听悔改之人的呼声。祂能够察觉人心中寻求祂的最初愿望。人所献上的每一句祈祷，不论多么含糊其辞，人所流出的每一滴眼泪，不论多么隐秘，人所怀寻求上帝的真诚愿望，不论多么微弱，圣灵都会来接应。即使是在祈祷尚未出口，心中的渴望还没有说出来之前，基督的恩典就要来接应那正在人心中运行的恩典。{COL 206.1}[22]
§48
Arise and go to your Father. He will meet you a great way off. If you take even one step toward Him in repentance, He will hasten to enfold you in His arms of infinite love. His ear is open to the cry of the contrite soul. The very first reaching out of the heart after God is known to Him. Never a prayer is offered, however faltering, never a tear is shed, however secret, never a sincere desire after God is cherished, however feeble, but the Spirit of God goes forth to meet it. Even before the prayer is uttered or the yearning of the heart made known, grace from Christ goes forth to meet the grace that is working upon the human soul.?{COL 206.1}[22]
§49
你的天父要脱下你被罪玷污的衣服。在撒迦利亚美妙而富有寓意的预言中，那穿着污秽的衣服，站在上帝使者面前的大祭司约书亚代表罪人。主说：“你们要脱去他污秽的衣服。又对约书亚说：我使你脱离罪孽，要给你穿上华美的衣服。……他们就把洁净的冠冕戴在他头上，给他穿上华美的衣服”（亚3:4,5）。上帝也要用“拯救为衣”给你穿上，并以“公义为袍”给你披上（赛61:10）。“你们安卧在羊圈的时候，好像鸽子的翅膀镀白银，翎毛镀黄金一般”（诗68:13）。{COL 206.2}[23]
§50
Your heavenly Father will take from you the garments defiled by sin. In the beautiful parabolic prophecy of Zechariah, the high priest Joshua, standing clothed in filthy garments before the angel of the Lord, represents the sinner. And the word is spoken by the Lord, “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.... So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments.”?Zechariah 3:4, 5. Even so God will clothe you with “the garments of salvation,” and cover you with “the robe of righteousness.”?Isaiah 61:10. “Though ye have lien among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.”?Psalm 68:13.?{COL 206.2}[23]
§51
祂要把你带入筵宴所，以爱为旗在你以上（歌2:4）。祂说：“你若遵行我的道，……我也要使你在这些站立的人中间来往。”就是在环绕祂宝座的圣天使中间来往（亚3:7）。{COL 206.3}[24]
§52
He will bring you into His banqueting house, and His?banner over you shall be love. (Song of Solomon 2:4) “If thou wilt walk in My ways,” He declares, “I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by”—even among the holy angels that surround His throne. (Zechariah 3:7.)?{COL 206.3}[24]
§53
“新郎怎样喜悦新妇，你的上帝也要照样喜悦你”（赛62:5）。“耶和华……施行拯救。……祂在你中间必因你欢欣喜乐，默然爱你，且因你喜乐而欢呼”（番3:17）。天和地要同声歌唱天父欢乐的诗歌：“因为我这个儿子是死而复活，失而又得的。”{COL 207.1}[25]
§54
“As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.”?Isaiah 62:5. “He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love; He will joy over thee with singing.”?Zephaniah 3:17. And heaven and earth shall unite in the Father’s song of rejoicing: “For this My son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.”?{COL 207.1}[25]
§55
至此，救主的比喻中还没有什么不协调的声音来破坏这欢乐的场面。但基督接着讲了另一个情节。浪子回家的时候，“大儿子正在田里。他回来，离家不远，听见作乐跳舞的声音，便叫过一个仆人来，问是什么事。仆人说：‘你兄弟来了；你父亲因为得他无灾无病的回来，把肥牛犊宰了。’大儿子却生气，不肯进去。”这个哥哥一向没有像父亲那样牵挂和期待那个失丧者。所以他不会像父亲那样因浪子回头而快乐。欢乐的声音在他心中引不起共鸣。他向仆人打听欢宴的原因，所得到的答复引起了他的妒忌，他不肯进去欢迎他曾失去的兄弟。他把父亲对浪子的恩宠看作是对他的侮辱。{COL 207.2}[26]
§56
Thus far in the Saviour’s parable there is no discordant note to jar the harmony of the scene of joy; but now Christ introduces another element. When the prodigal came home, the elder son “was in the field; and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in.” This elder brother has not been sharing in his father’s anxiety and watching for the one that was lost. He shares not, therefore, in the father’s joy at the wanderer’s return. The sounds of rejoicing kindle no gladness in his heart. He inquires of a servant the reason of the festivity, and the answer excites his jealousy. He will not go in to welcome his lost brother. The favor shown the prodigal he regards as an insult to himself.?{COL 207.2}[26]
§57
父亲出来劝他的时候，他本性的骄傲和恶毒就暴露无遗了。他认为自己在父家的生活是一种没有酬劳的服务，而给予刚回家浪子的优厚待遇是不合理的。这表明他向来是以雇工的态度，而不是以儿子的态度工作的。他本来可以在父亲面前获得恒久的喜乐，可是他却一心想着自己安分的生活所应得到的利益。他的话表明他放弃罪中之乐，就是为了这个目的。如今他的兄弟既要分享父亲的财产，他就认为自己吃亏了。他嫉妒他兄弟所的到的恩宠。他明确表示，如果他是父亲，就不会收容浪子。他居然不认他为兄弟，却冷淡地称之为“你这个儿子。”{COL 207.3}[27]
§58
When the father comes out to remonstrate with him, the pride and malignity of his nature are revealed. He dwells upon his own life in his father’s house as a round of unrequited service, and then places in mean contrast the favor shown to the son just returned. He makes it plain that his own service has been that of a servant rather?than a son. When he should have found an abiding joy in his father’s presence, his mind has rested upon the profit to accrue from his circumspect life. His words show that it is for this he has foregone the pleasures of sin. Now if this brother is to share in the father’s gifts, the elder son counts that he himself has been wronged. He grudges his brother the favor shown him. He plainly shows that had he been in the father’s place, he would not have received the prodigal. He does not even acknowledge him as a brother, but coldly speaks of him as “thy son.”?{COL 207.3}[27]
§59
然而父亲还是婉言相劝。他说：“儿啊！你常和我同在，我一切所有的，都是你的。”你兄弟在外漂流的这么多岁月里，你难道没有享受与我同在的权利吗？”{COL 208.1}[28]
§60
Yet the father deals tenderly with him. “Son,” he says, “thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.” Through all these years of your brother’s outcast life, have you not had the privilege of companionship with me??{COL 208.1}[28]
§61
凡能增进儿女幸福的一切事物都是白白属于他们的。儿子不必提出恩赐或奖赏的问题。“我一切所有的，都是你的。”你只需要相信我的爱，并领受那白白提供的恩赐就行了。{COL 208.2}[29]
§62
Everything that could minister to the happiness of his?children was freely theirs. The son need have no question of gift or reward. “All that I have is thine.” You have only to believe my love, and take the gift that is freely bestowed.?{COL 208.2}[29]
§63
小儿子曾因不认识父亲的爱，一度离家出走。但现在他已经回来了。欢乐的热潮将冲走一切烦恼的思虑。“你这个兄弟是死而复活，失而又得的。”{COL 209.1}[30]
§64
One son had for a time cut himself off from the household, not discerning the father’s love. But now he has returned, and the tide of joy sweeps away every disturbing thought. “This thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”?{COL 209.1}[30]
§65
大儿子是否觉察自己的自私和忘恩呢？他有没有想到他的弟弟虽然品行不端，但依然是他的兄弟呢？他有没有懊悔自己的嫉妒和心肠刚硬呢？基督没有说下去。因为比喻还在延续中，其结果要由听众来决定。{COL 209.2}[31]
§66
Was the elder brother brought to see his own mean, ungrateful spirit? Did he come to see that though his brother had done wickedly, he was his brother still? Did the elder brother repent of his jealousy and hardheartedness? Concerning this, Christ was silent. For the parable was still enacting, and it rested with His hearers to determine what the outcome should be.?{COL 209.2}[31]
§67
大儿子代表基督时代不肯悔改的犹太人，以及各时代中视他人为税吏和罪人的法利赛人。他们因自己没有公然犯罪，就充满自以为义的精神。对于这些吹毛求疵的人，基督以其人之道，还其人之身。他们像比喻中的大儿子一样，享受上帝所赐的种种特权。他们自称是上帝家中的儿子，却表现出雇工的精神。他们作工不是出于爱，而是希望得到赏赐。在他们看来，上帝是一个严厉的监工。他们看见基督邀请税吏和罪人来白白领受祂的恩典，就大为不满。这恩典是拉比们希望单凭辛劳和苦修获得的。浪子回头，使父亲的心中充满喜乐，却引起了他们的嫉妒。{COL 209.3}[32]
§68
By the elder son were represented the unrepenting Jews of Christ’s day, and also the Pharisees in every age, who look with contempt upon those whom they regard as publicans and sinners. Because they themselves have not gone to great excesses in vice, they are filled with self-righteousness. Christ met these cavilers on their own ground. Like the elder son in the parable, they had enjoyed special privileges from God. They claimed to be sons in God’s house, but they had the spirit of the hireling. They were working, not from love, but from hope of reward. In their eyes, God was an exacting taskmaster. They saw Christ inviting publicans and sinners to receive freely the gift of His grace—the gift which the rabbis hoped to secure only by toil and penance—and they were offended. The prodigal’s return, which filled the Father’s heart with joy, only stirred them to jealousy.?{COL 209.3}[32]
§69
比喻中父亲对大儿子的劝告，也就是上天对法利赛人婉言相劝。“我一切所有的，都是你的。”不是薪水，而是恩赐。你也像浪子一样，可以接受天父凭着祂的爱心白白给你的恩赐。{COL 209.4}[33]
§70
In the parable the father’s remonstrance with the elder son was Heaven’s tender appeal to the Pharisees. “All that?I have is thine”—not as wages, but as a gift. Like the prodigal, you can receive it only as the unmerited bestowal of the Father’s love.?{COL 209.4}[33]
§71
自以为义的精神不仅使人误表上帝，也使人冷酷挑剔地对待自己的弟兄。大儿子自私嫉妒地窥视着他的兄弟，批评他的一举一动，为最小的缺点指控他。他调查兄弟的每一个过错，夸大他的每一个缺点，想藉此证明自己不宽恕人的精神是对的。今天也有许多人这样做。当一个人开始与试探的潮流搏斗时，他们却站在旁边，偏执己见，自以为是，埋怨不休，吹毛求疵。他们也许自称是上帝的儿女，但他们却表现出撒但的精神。这些控告弟兄的人因其对弟兄的态度，使自己处在上帝圣颜的荣光所不能照耀的地方。{COL 210.1}[34]
§72
Self-righteousness not only leads men to misrepresent God, but makes them coldhearted and critical toward their brethren. The elder son, in his selfishness and jealousy, stood ready to watch his brother, to criticize every action, and to accuse him for the least deficiency. He would detect every mistake, and make the most of every wrong act. Thus he would seek to justify his own unforgiving spirit. Many today are doing the same thing. While the soul is making its very first struggles against a flood of temptations, they stand by, stubborn, self-willed, complaining, accusing. They may claim to be children of God, but they are acting out the spirit of Satan. By their attitude toward their brethren, these accusers place themselves where God cannot give them the light of His countenance.?{COL 210.1}[34]
§73
许多人经常问：“我朝见耶和华，在至高上帝面前跪拜，当献上什么呢？岂可献一岁的牛犊为燔祭吗？耶和华岂喜悦千千的公羊，或是万万的油河吗？”但是“世人哪！耶和华已指示你何为善；祂向你所要的是什么呢？只要你行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心，与你的上帝同行”（弥6:6-8）。{COL 210.2}[35]
§74
Many are constantly questioning, “Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt-offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil?” But “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”?Micah 6:6-8.?{COL 210.2}[35]
§75
上帝所拣选的祭祀是“松开凶恶的绳，解下轭上的索，使被欺压的得自由，折断一切的轭，……顾恤自己的骨肉而不掩藏”（赛58:6,7）。你如果认识到自己是唯独天父的爱才能拯救的罪人，就会温柔地同情其他在罪中受苦的人了。你也必不再以嫉妒和指责的态度来对待伤心痛悔的人了。你心中自私的寒冰融化以后，就会与上帝心心相印，分享祂拯救沦丧者的喜乐了。{COL 210.3}[36]
§76
This is the service that God has chosen—“to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke, ... and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh.”?Isaiah 58:6, 7. When you see yourselves as sinners saved only by the love of your heavenly Father, you will have tender pity for others who are suffering in sin. You will no longer meet misery and repentance with jealousy and censure.?When the ice of selfishness is melted from your hearts, you will be in sympathy with God, and will share His joy in the saving of the lost.?{COL 210.3}[36]
§77
你可以自称为上帝的儿女。但如果真是这样，你就会承认那“死而复活，失而又得的”为“你的兄弟”了。他与你有非常亲密的关系。因为上帝认他为祂的儿子。你如果否认自己与他的关系，就表明自己只是家里的一个雇工，而不是上帝家庭中的儿女。{COL 211.1}[37]
§78
It is true that you claim to be a child of God; but if this claim be true, it is “thy brother” that was “dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.” He is bound to you by the closest ties; for God recognizes him as a son. Deny your relationship to him, and you show that you are but a hireling in the household, not a child in the family of God.?{COL 211.1}[37]
§79
你虽然不肯去参加欢迎浪子，欢乐依然在继续着。那个失而复得的儿子，要在父亲身边参加祂的工作。蒙赦免多的，爱也更多。但你却要留在外面的黑暗里。“没有爱心的。就不认识上帝，因为上帝就是爱”（约14:8）。{COL 211.2}[38]
§80
Though you will not join in the greeting to the lost, the joy will go on, the restored one will have his place by the Father’s side and in the Father’s work. He that is forgiven much, the same loves much. But you will be in the darkness without. For “he that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”?1 John 4:8.?{COL 211.2}[38]