第23章 宗教外衣下的自我放纵
§1
第23章 宗教外衣下的自我放纵
§2
Chap.23 Self-indulgence in Religion’s Garb
§3
自称为基督徒的人竟参与贬损耶稣基督之宗教的宴会和娱乐的场合。凡在教会的社交、节期和无数娱乐的聚会中寻求快乐的人不可能对耶稣怀有赤城的爱和神圣的敬畏。祂警告与教训的圣言在他们心中没有分量。如果基督来到专顾玩耍和虚浮娱乐的人中间，祂会说严肃而动听的话：“愿这一家平安”（路10:5）吗？世界的救主会喜欢这种愚蠢狂欢的场面吗？ {Con 64.3}[1]
§4
Professed Christians engage in feastings and in scenes of amusement which degrade the religion of Jesus Christ. It is impossible for those who find pleasure in church socials, festivals, and numerous gatherings for pleasure, to have ardent love and sacred reverence for Jesus. His?words of warning and instruction have no weight upon their minds. Should Christ come into the assembly of those who were absorbed in their plays and frivolous amusements, would the solemn melody of His voice be heard in benediction, saying, “Peace be to this house”? How would the Saviour of the world enjoy these scenes of gaiety and folly??{Con 64.3}[1]
§5
基督徒在这些宴乐的场合中，心灵和精神都与世人联合了。那多受痛苦，常经忧患的一位在这些娱乐的场所是不受欢迎的。那些喜爱欢宴奢华，放荡轻浮的人聚集在这些房间中，虚华闪亮的时尚随处可见。那由黄金和珍珠所制的代表一位被钉死之救赎主的十字架的饰品，却用来装饰他们自己。但这些贵价珠宝所代表的一位却不受欢迎，没有位置。祂的同在对他们的快乐和世俗的娱乐是一种约束，会提醒他们所忽略的责任，让他们想起是他们隐藏的罪恶，使祂愁容满面，悲伤的双眼盈满热泪。{Con 65.1}[2]
§6
Christians and the world unite, one in heart and one in spirit, in these festal occasions. The Man of sorrows, who was acquainted with grief, would find no welcome in these places of amusement. The lovers of pleasure and luxury, the thoughtless and the gay, are collected in these rooms, and the glitter and tinsel of fashion are seen everywhere. The ornament of crosses of gold and pearl, which represent a Redeemer crucified, adorn their persons. But the One whom these highly prized jewels represent finds no welcome, no room. His presence would be a restraint upon their mirth and their sensual amusements, and would remind them of neglected duty, and bring to their remembrance hidden sins which caused that sorrowful countenance and made those eyes so sad and tearful.?{Con 65.1}[2]
§7
基督的同在对于这些寻欢作乐的集会肯定是痛苦的。因为这些娱乐将上帝抛诸脑后，使那条阔路对罪人充满吸引力，祂的面容就因悲伤而比世人憔悴，当然没有人会邀请祂同去。这些令人兴奋的狂欢场面败坏人的理智，消灭人对于神圣之物的敬畏。而自称为基督代表的传道人却往往带头参与这些虚浮的娱乐。基督说，你们是世上的光.。.....你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父”（太5:14,16）。{Con 65.2}[3]
§8
The presence of Christ would be positively painful in these gatherings for pleasure. Surely, none could invite Him there, for His countenance is marred with sorrows more than the sons of men, because of these very amusements which put God out of mind and make the broad road attractive to the sinner. The enchantments of these exciting scenes pervert reason and destroy reverence for sacred things. Ministers who profess to be Christ’s representatives frequently take the lead in these frivolous amusements. “Ye are,” says Christ, “the light of the world.... Let your light so shine before men, that they?may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven.”?{Con 65.2}[3]
§9
真理的光如何能从寻欢作乐的轻率群体中发出来呢？自称跟从耶稣基督却沉溺于声色宴乐的人不能与基督一同受苦。他们体会不到祂的痛苦。他们不喜欢去默想克己和牺牲。他们对于救赎计划所依赖的基督生平的要点没有兴趣，反而效法古时的以色列人坐下吃喝起来玩耍。要正确地描摹一个图样，我们必须仔细研究它的图案。我们如果要真正地得胜，像基督得了胜一样，以便加入上帝宝座前那用宝血洗净的荣耀群体，那么熟悉我们救赎主的生活并像基督那样克己，就是极为重要的。我们必须藉着辛劳与苦难应付试探，克服障碍，靠着耶稣的名得胜，像祂得了胜一样。{Con 66.1}[4]
§10
In what manner is the light of truth shining from that thoughtless, pleasure-seeking company? Professed followers of Jesus Christ who indulge in gaiety and feasting cannot be partakers with Christ in His sufferings. They have no sense of His sufferings. They do not care to meditate upon self-denial and sacrifice. They find but little interest in studying the marked points in the history of the life of Christ upon which the plan of salvation rests, but imitate ancient Israel who ate and drank and rose up to play. In order to copy a pattern correctly we must carefully study its design. If we are indeed to overcome as Christ overcame, that we may mingle with the blood-washed, glorified company before the throne of God, it is of the highest importance that we become acquainted with the life of our Redeemer and deny self as did Christ. We must meet temptations and overcome obstacles, and through toil and suffering, in the name of Jesus, overcome as He overcame.?{Con 66.1}[4]
§11
基督在旷野所受食欲方面的大试探，是要给人类留下了一个克己的榜样。祂长时间禁食的目的，是要使人认识到自称为基督徒者所放纵的食欲乃是罪。基督在旷野所取得的胜利，是要告诉人，他们所非常喜欢的事物，都有罪恶的性质。人类的得救处在千钧一发的关头，取决于基督在旷野所受的考验。如果基督在食欲方面得胜，人类就有得胜的机会。如果撒但用他的诡计获得了胜利，人类就被食欲的势力所捆绑，在放纵食欲的捆索下，他没有道德力挣脱。单凭基督的人性决不能经受住这种考验，但祂的神能与人性结合为人类获得了无限的胜利。在这场胜利中，我们的代表在道德价值上把人提高到了上帝的水准上。{Con 66.2}[5]
§12
The great trial of Christ in the wilderness on the point of appetite was to leave man an example of self-denial. This long fast was to convict men of the sinfulness of the things in which professed Christians indulge. The victory which Christ gained in the wilderness was to show man the sinfulness of the very things in which he takes such pleasure. The salvation of man was in the balance, and to be decided by the trial of Christ in the wilderness. If Christ was a victor on the point of appetite, then there was a chance for man to overcome. If Satan gained the victory through his subtlety, man was bound by the power of appetite in chains of indulgence which he could not have moral power to break. Christ’s humanity alone?could never have endured this test, but His divine power combined with humanity gained in behalf of man an infinite victory. Our representative in this victory raised humanity in the scale of moral value with God.?{Con 66.2}[5]
§13
基督徒既明白敬虔的奥秘，认识到赎罪的崇高和神圣，知道基督在旷野受苦为他们取得了胜利，就会看出这些事情与追求玩乐和放纵食欲的教会活动之间有如此明显的区别，从而厌恶地转离这些纵饮狂欢的场合了。基督徒若经常认真地将自己的生活与那真实的标准，就是基督的生活进行比较，就会大得能力。无数引起过度放纵食欲的社交，节日，野餐（注：怀夫人有时用“野餐”指时尚的且往往是公众性质的社会娱乐。在这种活动中，每一个人都出一份食物摆到共用的餐桌上。七月四日的野餐有时会带有集市或庙会的性质。现今这个词通常是指有一个或更多家庭参与的户外休闲，其性质得到了怀爱伦的认可。——怀爱伦著作托管委员会。）及使人轻浮和忘记上帝的娱乐，不符合世界的救赎主基督的榜样。人若愿象基督那样得胜，唯一可以放心效仿的榜样就是祂。{Con 67.1}[6]
§14
Christians who understand the mystery of godliness, who have a high and sacred sense of the atonement, who realize in the sufferings of Christ in the wilderness a victory gained for them, would see such marked contrast between these things and the church gatherings for pleasure and the indulgence of appetite, as would turn them in disgust from these scenes of revelry. Christians would be greatly strengthened by earnestly and frequently comparing their lives with the true standard, the life of Christ. The numerous socials, festivals, and picnics, [Note: A term at times used by Mrs. White to refer to fashionable and often public social entertainments in which each person contributed food to a common table. Fourth of July picnics sometimes took on the characteristics of a circus or fair. The word as used today usually refers to outdoor recreation of a character commended by Ellen G. White, in which one or more families participate.—White Trustees.]?to tempt the appetite to overindulgence, and the amusements which lead to levity and forgetfulness of God, can find no sanction in the example of Christ, the world’s Redeemer, the only safe pattern for man to copy if he would overcome as Christ overcame.?{Con 67.1}[6]
§15
我们要向所有的基督徒表显这位毫无瑕疵的模范。基督说：“你们是世上的盐。盐若失了味，怎能叫它再咸呢？以后无用，不过丢在外面，被人践踏了。你们是世上的光。城造在山上是不能隐藏的。人点灯，不放在斗底下，是放在灯台上，就照亮一家的人。你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父”（太5:13-16）。{Con 67.2}[7]
§16
We present the faultless Pattern to all Christians. Says Christ, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”?{Con 67.2}[7]
§17
天上的光要藉着跟从基督的人向世人反射出来。这是基督徒一生的工作，要将罪人的心引向上帝。基督徒的人生应当唤醒世人心中关于基督教纯正的崇高观念。这必使相信的人成为世上的盐，成为一股在我们的世界上救人的能力，因为发展良好的基督徒品格在各方面都是和谐的。{Con 67.3}[8]
§18
The light of heaven is to be reflected through Christ’s?followers to the world. This is the Christian’s lifework to direct the minds of sinners to God. The Christian’s life should awaken in the hearts of worldlings high and elevated views of the purity of the Christian religion. This will make believers the salt of the earth, the saving power in our world; for a well-developed Christian character is harmonious in all its parts.?{Con 67.3}[8]
§19
我们因那些自称为基督徒之人所给予现代青年的榜样而为他们感到战兢。我们无法向青年人关闭试探的大门，但我们可以教育他们。他们的言语行为会对他们将来的幸福或者痛苦有直接的影响。他们会遭遇试探。他们要应付外面的仇敌，也要应付内部的仇敌，但是他们可以受到教育坚持他们的忠贞，拥有道德的原则去抵挡试探。贪爱世界的教授们所给予我们的青年人的教训是非常有害的。节日聚会，饕餮盛宴，彩票，戏剧表演，都在做着一项工作，其记录会影响审判的结果。{Con 68.1}[9]
§20
We tremble for the youth of our day because of the example that is given them by those who profess to be Christians. We cannot close the door of temptation to the youth, but we can educate them that their words and their actions may have a direct bearing upon their future happiness or misery. They will be exposed to temptation. They will meet foes without and foes within, but they can be instructed to stand firm in their integrity, having moral principle to resist temptation. The lessons given our youth by world-loving professors are doing great harm. The festal gatherings, the gluttonous feasts, the lotteries, tableau and theatrical performances, are doing a work that will bear a record with its burden of results to the judgment.?{Con 68.1}[9]
§21
披着基督徒善行的外衣来筹募金钱支付教堂的开支，竟被自称基督徒的人所认可，所有这些表里不一的活动都对青年人产生影响，使他们成为爱宴乐不爱上帝的人。他们认为既然基督徒可以鼓励和参与这些博彩和欢宴的场合，将其与神圣之物联合，那他们为特殊目的而对彩票投以兴趣和参与赌博来赢取金钱，又有何不妥呢。{Con 68.2}[10]
§22
All these inconsistencies, sanctioned by professed Christians under a garb of Christian beneficence, to collect means to pay church expenses, have their influence with the youth to make them lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. They think if Christians can encourage and engage in these lotteries and scenes of festivities, and connect them with sacred things, why may not they be safe in taking an interest in lotteries and in engaging in gambling to win money for special objects.?{Con 68.2}[10]
§23
给罪披上光明的外衣，隐藏它的缺陷，使它具有吸引力，是撒但处心积虑的计划。传道人和自称为义的人与人类的仇敌联合帮助其计划。每一位教会的信徒从来没有比现在那样更应当感到自己有责任在上帝面前谦卑谨慎而行。虚妄的哲学，错误的信条和无神论的信仰正呈上升的态势。许多带有基督徒名号的人，因为骄傲的心一直在追求名望，而与所设立的界标渐行渐远。上帝圣言的明令遭到厌弃，因为它们是如此地简明古朴，而虚幻模糊的理论却吸引人心，取悦人的幻想。在这些教会欢宴的场合中，有一种与世界的联合，是上帝的道所不认可的。基督徒和世俗的人在其中联合了。
§24
It is Satan’s studied plan to clothe sin with garments of light to hide its deformity and make it attractive. And ministers and people professing righteousness unite with?the adversary of souls to help him in his plans. Never was there a time when every member of the church should feel his responsibility to walk humbly and circumspectly before God as at the present. Vain philosophy, false creeds, and infidelity are on the increase. And many who bear the name of Christ’s followers are, through pride of heart, seeking popularity, and are drifting away from the established landmarks. The plain commands of God in His Word are discarded because they are so plain and old-fashioned, while vain and vague theories attract the mind and please the fancy. In these scenes of church festivities there is a union with the world that the Word of God does not justify. Christians and worldlings are united in them.?{Con 68.3}[11]
§25
但是使徒问道：{Con 69.1}[12]
§26
But the apostle inquires:—?{Con 69.1}[12]
§27
“义和不义有什么相交呢？光明和黑暗有什么相通呢？基督和彼列有什么相和呢？信主的和不信主的有什么相干呢？上帝的殿和偶像有什么相同呢？因为我们是永生上帝的殿，就如上帝曾说：我要在他们中间居住，在他们中间来往；我要作他们的上帝，他们要作我的子民。又说：你们务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别，不要沾不洁净的物，我就收纳你们。我要作你们的父，你们要作我的儿女。这是全能的主说的”（林后6:14-18）。{Con 69.2}[13]
§28
“What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”?{Con 69.2}[13]
§29
我们若能够体会上帝儿子在与撒但进行剧烈斗争时的试探与胜利，就会更正确地认识到摆在我们面前克服试探之工作的重大。撒但知道他如果失败了，他的景况就毫无希望了。如果他成功了，他就胜过了全人类，他认为他的生命和国度就可得以建立。{Con 69.3}[14]
§30
When we are able to comprehend the temptations and victories of the Son of God while in severe conflict with Satan, we shall have a more correct idea of the greatness of the work before us in overcoming. Satan knew that if he failed his case was hopeless. If he succeeded he had gained a victory over the entire race, and his life and kingdom he thought would be established.?{Con 69.3}[14]
§31
在自称基督徒的聚会中，撒但给虚妄的快乐和不敬虔的狂欢饮宴，披上了宗教的外衣，使它们有神圣的外表；又因能筹募金钱来支付教堂的开支，就有许多人置良心于不顾了。人们拒绝因爱上帝而奉献，却因爱宴乐和自私地考虑放纵食欲而愿意舍掉他们的钱财。 {Con 70.1}[15]
§32
In professedly Christian gatherings Satan throws a religious garment over delusive pleasures and unholy revelings to give them the appearance of sanctity, and the consciences of many are quieted because means are raised by these to defray church expenses. Men refuse to give for the love of Christ; but for the love of pleasure, and the indulgence of appetite for selfish considerations, they will part with their money.?{Con 70.1}[15]
§33
基督在有关慈善的教训方面、在祂的榜样中、以及上帝的恩典引导人心以财物荣耀祂的事上，难道欠缺了能力，以致要用此种方法来维持教会？这样的娱乐和暴食，对体力、智力和道德方面的健康，都会造成不小的伤害。到了最后结算的大日，就会显出那些受狂欢和愚妄所影响而失丧的人来。 {Con 70.2}[16]
§34
Is it because there is not power in the lessons of Christ upon benevolence, and in His example, and the grace of God upon the heart, to lead men to glorify God with their substance, that such a course must be resorted to in order to sustain the church? The injury sustained to the physical, mental, and moral health in these scenes of amusement and gluttony is not small. And the day of final reckoning will show souls lost through the influence of these scenes of gaiety and folly.?{Con 70.2}[16]
§35
可悲的是，神圣和永恒的事物，竟感动不了自称为基督信徒之人的心，使他们乐意奉献以维持福音工作，甚至比不上宴会和狂欢对人心的诱惑。这些诱惑到处盛行，而神圣永恒的事物却无法影响人心参与慈善工作，这真是一件不幸的事。 {Con 70.3}[17]
§36
It is a deplorable fact that sacred and eternal considerations do not have power to open the hearts of the professed followers of Christ to make freewill offerings to sustain the gospel as the temptation of feasting and general merriment. It is a sad reality that these inducements will prevail when sacred and eternal things will have no force to influence the heart to engage in works of benevolence.?{Con 70.3}[17]
§37
摩西在旷野里筹款的办法是非常成功的。他没有用勉强的方法，没有举行盛大的宴会，没有请人来参加狂欢，舞会和娱乐活动，更没有发售彩票，或用这一类世俗化手段，来筹募在旷野建造上帝会幕的经费。上帝吩咐摩西请以色列人把礼物带来。凡出于甘心奉献的礼物，摩西都收纳。结果百姓献上的礼物绰绰有余，以致摩西宣告说足够了。他们得停止奉献，因他们所送来的礼物很多，已经超过需要了。{Con 70.4}[18]
§38
The plan of Moses in the wilderness to raise means was highly successful. There was no compulsion necessary. Moses made no grand feast, and he did not invite the people to scenes of gaiety, dancing, and general amusement. Neither did he institute lotteries or anything of this profane order to obtain means to erect the tabernacle of God in the wilderness. God commanded Moses to invite the children of Israel to bring their offerings. Moses was to accept gifts of every man that gave willingly from his?heart. But the freewill offerings came in so great abundance that Moses proclaimed it was enough. They must cease their presents; for they had given abundantly, more than they could use.?{Con 70.4}[18]
§39
撒但利用放纵享乐和食欲这一点，对自称基督信徒之人所施行的试探是成功的。他披上了光明天使的外衣，并引用圣经来为他放在人前的试探辩护，就是迎合人肉欲之心的放纵食欲和世俗的享乐。那些自称基督徒的人在道德力上软弱，他们被撒但向他们所呈献的贿赂所吸引，于是他便获得胜利了。上帝如何看那些用这样的钱财来维持的教会呢？基督不能接受这些捐款，因为他们不是出自爱心和对祂献身，而是对自我的偶像崇拜。但有许多人不愿因爱基督而做的事，却愿因喜爱珍馐美味而做，好满足口腹之欲，因喜爱世俗的享乐而做，好满足属肉体的心。{Con 71.1}[19]
§40
Satan’s temptations succeed with the professed followers of Christ on the point of indulgence of pleasure and appetite. Clothed as an angel of light he will quote Scripture to justify the temptations he places before men to indulge the appetite and in worldly pleasures which suit the carnal heart. The professed followers of Christ are weak in moral power and are fascinated with the bribe which Satan has presented before them, and he gains the victory. How does God look upon churches that are sustained by such means? Christ cannot accept these offerings, because they were not given through their love and devotion to Him, but through their idolatry of self. But what many would not do for the love of Christ, they will do for the love of delicate luxuries to gratify the appetite, and for love of worldly amusements to please the carnal heart.?{Con 71.1}[19]
§41
每一位真正跟从基督的人都应以神圣的兴趣看待基督在旷野中与撒但的争战。我们应当对我们的救赎主以自己的榜样教导我们如何抵挡和战胜撒但而对祂有最深切的感激之情。耶稣并不是前往狂欢纵饮的场合来获得对我们的救恩如此重要的胜利，而是前往荒凉的旷野。许多人甚至没有思考过基督与堕落的魁首争战的这幅场景。他们不体贴他们救赎主的心。一些人甚至怀疑基督在禁食四十个昼夜期间是否真的感到饥饿的痛苦。{Con 71.2}[20]
§42
The conflict of Christ with Satan in the wilderness will be regarded with sacred interest by every true follower of Christ. We should have feelings of the deepest gratitude to our Redeemer for teaching us by His own example how to resist and overcome Satan. Jesus did not visit scenes of gaiety and feasting to attain the victory so essential to our salvation; but He went into a desolate wilderness. Many do not even contemplate this scene of Christ in conflict with the fallen chief. They do not enter into sympathy with their Redeemer. Some even doubt whether Christ really felt the pangs of hunger in His abstinence from food during the period of forty days and forty nights.?{Con 71.2}[20]
§43
那在髑髅地的十字架上为我们受死的主，所经受最剧烈的饥饿的痛苦正如祂为我们而死所受的痛苦一样。这种痛苦从撒但着手进行试探时就开始了。我们同样有一个要警醒对付的仇敌。撒但能使他的试探适合我们的情况。他会在每一个试探中呈现某种贿赂，某种显然可以获得的好处。但我们可以靠着基督的名取得完全的胜利，抵挡他的诡计。{Con 71.3}[21]
§44
He who suffered death for us on Calvary’s cross, just?as surely suffered the keenest pangs of hunger as that He died for us. And no sooner did this suffering commence than Satan was at hand with his temptations. We have a foe no less vigilant to contend with. Satan adapts his temptations to our circumstances. In every temptation he will present some bribe, some apparent good to be gained. But in the name of Christ we may have complete victory in resisting his devices.?{Con 71.3}[21]
§45
自从基督作为一个人行走在人间已经一千八百多年了。祂到处都发现痛苦和悲惨的事，这对基督来说是何等的屈辱啊！因为祂虽然原是上帝的样式，却亲自取了奴仆的样式。祂在天上本是富足，以荣耀和尊贵为冠冕，却为我们成了贫穷。生命和荣耀的主做了怎样的屈尊俯就之举，以致可以提拔堕落的人类啊！ {Con 72.1}[22]
§46
It is more than eighteen hundred years since Christ walked upon the earth as a Man among men. He found suffering and wretchedness abounding everywhere. What humiliation on the part of Christ! For, though He was in the form of God, He took upon Himself the form of a servant. He was rich in heaven, crowned with glory and honor, and for our sakes He became poor. What an act of condescension of the Lord of life and glory, that He might lift up fallen man.?{Con 72.1}[22]
§47
耶稣并不是以命令和威胁的姿态，而是本着无以伦比的爱来到人面前。爱能唤起爱，因而十字架上所彰显的基督的爱就感化并赢得了罪人的心，使他悔改来就十字架，相信和敬慕一位救主深彻无比的大爱。基督来到世上，要为多人造就公义的品格，救拔堕落的人类。然而世界上不计其数的人中只有少数人会接受祂品格的公义和优美，履行所提出的条件来获得他们的幸福。{Con 72.2}[23]
§48
Jesus did not come to men with commands and threatenings, but with love that is without a parallel. Love begets love; and thus the love of Christ displayed upon the cross woos and wins the sinner, and binds him repenting to the cross, believing and adoring the matchless depths of a Saviour’s love. Christ came to the world to perfect a righteous character for many and to elevate the fallen race. But only a few of the millions in our world will accept the righteousness and excellency of His character and fulfill the requirements given to secure their happiness.?{Con 72.2}[23]
§49
如果人遵循祂的教导，效法祂圣洁的生活，就会抑制那败坏身心的浪潮，这浪潮已玷污了上帝在人身上的道德形像，以致人与伊甸园中圣洁无罪的高贵的亚当几乎没有一点相似之处。上帝的每一条禁令都是为了人类的健康和永远的福利。顺从上帝全部的要求就必得到平安和幸福而不伴有羞耻或良心的责备。{Con 72.3}[24]
§50
His lessons of instruction and His holy life, if followed, would stay the tide of physical and moral wretchedness that has so defiled the moral image of God in man that he bears scarcely a resemblance to the noble Adam as he stood in Eden in his holy innocency. Every prohibition of God is for the health and eternal well-being of?man. In obedience to all the requirements of God there will be peace and happiness unaccompanied with shame or reproaches of conscience.?{Con 72.3}[24]
§51
但是基督教界只有极少数的人谦卑顺从地跟随他们的夫子，在基督徒品格的圣洁和完全上不断进步。不节制和荒淫之风大大增长，很大程度上是在基督教的外衣之下实行的。这种糟糕的情况不是因为人顺从上帝的律法，而是因为他们的心反叛祂的神圣律例。{Con 73.1}[25]
§52
But very few of the Christian world are following their Master in a course of humble obedience, progressing in holiness and perfection of Christian character. Intemperance and licentiousness are greatly increasing, and are practiced to a large extent under the cloak of Christianity. This deplorable state of things is not because men are obedient to God’s law, but because their hearts rise in rebellion to His holy precepts.?{Con 73.1}[25]
§53
当向上帝悔改，因为祂的律法已被违犯，且应信靠耶稣基督是我们被提拔度纯洁生活和与上帝和好的唯一方法。人们如果充分认识使各国各城招致上帝忿怒的所有罪恶，就会发现他们的祸患和灾难是不控制食欲和情欲的结果。{Con 73.2}[26]
§54
Repentance toward God, because His law has been transgressed, and faith in Jesus Christ are the only means whereby we may be elevated to purity of life and reconciliation with God. Were all the sins, which have brought the wrath of God upon cities and nations, fully understood, their woes and calamities would be found to be the results of uncontrolled appetites and passions.?{Con 73.2}[26]