第93章 预备基督复临
§1
第93章 预备基督复临
§2
Preparation for Christ’s Coming
§3
上次在巴特尔克里克帐棚大会期间，我得见异象，蒙指示看到我们这班人有与世俗同化而不与基督的形像同化的危险。我们现今是在永恒世界的边缘，但众生之敌却蓄意要我们拖延结束的时辰。撒但千方百计攻击自称遵守诫命和等候救主以能力和大荣耀二次驾云降临的上帝子民。他要尽可能地引诱许多的人把那凶险的日子推得很远，效法世界的精神，模仿世界的习俗。我见到世界的精神控制着许多高调信奉真理之人的心思意念，便大为惊讶。他们怀存自私和放纵之念，却不培养真实的敬虔和纯正的忠贞。{1TT 503.1}[1]
§4
In the late vision given me at Battle Creek during our general camp meeting, I was shown our danger, as a people, of becoming assimilated to the world rather than to the image of Christ. We are now upon the very borders of the eternal world, but it is the purpose of the adversary of souls to lead us to put far off the close of time. Satan will in every conceivable manner assail those who profess to be the commandment-keeping people of God and to be waiting for the second appearing of our Saviour in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. He will lead as many as possible to put off the evil day and become in spirit like the world, imitating its customs. I felt alarmed as I saw that the spirit of the world was controlling the hearts and minds of many who make a high profession of the truth. Selfishness and self-indulgence are cherished by them, but true godliness and sterling integrity are not cultivated.?{1TT 503.1}[1]
§5
上帝的天使指着那些自称信仰真理的人，用严肃的声音重述这以下的话：“你们要谨慎，恐怕因贪食醉酒并今生的思虑，累住你们的心，那日子就如同网罗忽然临到你们；因为那日子要这样临到全地上一切居住的人。你们要时时儆醒，常常祈求，使你们能逃避这一切要来的事，得以站立在人子面前”（路21:34-36）。{1TT 503.2}[2]
§6
The angel of God pointed to those who profess the truth, and in a solemn voice repeated these words: “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”?Luke 21:34-36.?{1TT 503.2}[2]
§7
考虑到时间如此短促，我们这班人应当警醒祷告，无论如何都不容许自己被诱放下为应付当前大事作预备的严肃工作。因为时日似乎是耽延了，许多人就在言行上轻忽冷淡。他们不觉得自己的危险，看不出也不明白我们的上帝慈怜地延长了他们的宽容时期，以便他们能有时间培养适宜于来世不朽生命的品格。每一分的光阴都具有极高的价值。所赐给他们的时间，不是要他们用来研究自身的安逸，成为长居在世的人，而是要用来下工夫克服自己品格上的每一缺点，并借以身作则和个人之工，帮助他人看出圣洁的荣美。上帝在地上有一班人正本着信心和盼望查考那迅速应验的预言，力求藉着顺从真理洁净自己的心灵，好在基督显现的时候，不至于显出没有穿着婚姻的礼服。{1TT 503.3}[3]
§8
In consideration of the shortness of time we as a people should watch and pray, and in no case allow ourselves to be diverted from the solemn work of preparation for the great event before us. Because the time is apparently extended,many have become careless and indifferent in regard to their words and actions. They do not realize their danger and do not see and understand the mercy of our God in lengthening their probation, that they may have time to form characters for the future, immortal life. Every moment is of the highest value. Time is granted them, not to be employed in studying their own ease and becoming dwellers on the earth, but to be used in the work of overcoming every defect in their own characters and in helping others, by example and personal effort, to see the beauty of holiness. God has a people upon the earth who in faith and holy hope are tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy and are seeking to purify their souls by obeying the truth, that they may not be found without the wedding garment when Christ shall appear.?{1TT 504.3}[3]
§9
【推断时日的影响】
§10
许多自称为复临信徒的人已经成了推断时日者。他们推断某日某时基督要来，结果却一次次地失败。主曾宣称其降临的确定时日不是世人所能领悟的。甚至为承受救恩之人效力的天使也不晓得那日子，那时辰。“但那日子，那时辰，没有人知道，连天上的使者也不知道，子也不知道，惟独父知道”（太24:36）。因为再三指定的时间已经过去了，世人对基督即将再来的不信就比以前更坚决了。他们厌恶地看着那些指定时间之人的失败，并且因为人们已经如此被骗，他们就转离了上帝的圣言所证实的万物的结局近了的真理。{1TT 504.1}[4]
§11
【Influence of Time Setting】
§12
Many who have called themselves Adventists have been time setters. Time after time has been set for Christ to come, but repeated failures have been the result. The definite time of our Lord’s coming is declared to be beyond the ken of mortals. Even the angels who minister unto those who shall be heirs of salvation know not the day nor the hour. “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”?Matthew 24:36. Because the times repeatedly set have passed, the world is in a more decided state of unbelief than before in regard to the near advent of Christ. They look upon the failures of the time setters with disgust; and because men have been so deceived, they turn from the truth substantiated by the word of God that the end of all things is?at hand.?{1TT 504.1}[4]
§13
那些人如此武断地宣传主来的确定日子，使众生之敌大为快慰，因为他们正在推进无信仰，而非推进基督教。他们引经据典，加以错误的解说，显示出一连串的论据，似是而非地自圆其说。然而他们的失败，却显出他们是假先知，没有按正意解说灵感的话。上帝的话是真理，是确切的，然而人们却曲解其真意。这些错误使上帝适合于这些末后日子的真理声名扫地；复临信徒也被各教会的传道人所嘲笑，然而上帝的仆人们却不可静默不言。预言中所预示的时兆，正在我们的四围迅速地应验着。这应当使每位忠实的基督徒觉悟起来，热心行事。{1TT 504.2}[5]
§14
Those who so presumptuously preach definite time, in so doing gratify the adversary of souls; for they are advancing infidelity rather than Christianity. They produce Scripture and by false interpretation show a chain of argument which apparently proves their position. But their failures show that?they are false prophets, that they do not rightly interpret the language of inspiration. The word of God is truth and verity, but men have perverted its meaning. These errors have brought the truth of God for these last days into disrepute. Adventists are derided by ministers of all denominations, yet God’s servants must not hold their peace. The signs foretold in prophecy are fast fulfilling around us. This should arouse every true follower of Christ to zealous action.?{1TT 504.2}[5]
§15
有些人以为必须传确定的时日，方可使人受感动，他们工作的立场是不正确的。可能激发了人们的感情，引起了他们的恐惧，却没有使他们凭原则行事。一场奋兴掀起了；及至时日过去之后，我们曾屡见不鲜，那些受时日感动的人，便退后沦入冷淡，黑暗，罪恶之中，非藉某种更大的刺激，就几乎不能再感动他们的良心了。{1TT 505.1}[6]
§16
Those who think they must preach definite time in order to make an impression upon the people do not work from the right standpoint.?The feelings of the people may be stirred and their fears aroused, but they do not move from principle. An excitement is created; but when the time passes, as it has done repeatedly, those who moved out upon time fall back into coldness, darkness, and sin, and it is almost impossible to arouse their consciences without some great excitement.?{1TT 505.1}[6]
§17
在挪亚的日子，古代世界的居民曾讥诮那传义道的，把他所传的称为迷信的恐惧和预兆。他们斥责他是痴人说梦，狂人，杞人忧天。“挪亚的日子怎样，人子的日子也要怎样”（路17:26）。人们要拒绝现代严肃的警告信息，正如古人在挪亚的日子所行的一样。他们要指着那些曾预言时事及推断时日的假教师们，并说他们不信我们的警告，正如他们不信那些人的预言一样。这就是今日世人的态度。到处流行疑惑不信，传扬基督复临受人戏笑和轻视。这就使凡信真理的人格外需要以自己的行为表现信仰。他们应因自己所信的真理成圣；因他们要么是活的香气叫人活，要么是死的香气叫人死。.?{1TT 505.2}[7]
§18
In Noah’s day the inhabitants of the old world laughed to scorn what they termed the superstitious fears and forebodings of the preacher of righteousness. He was denounced as a visionary character, a fanatic, an alarmist. “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.”?Luke 17:26. Men will reject the solemn message of warning in our day, as they did in Noah’s time. They will refer to those false teachers who have predicted the event and set the definite time, and will say that they have no more faith in our warning than in theirs. This is the attitude of the world today. Unbelief is widespread, and the preaching of Christ’s coming is mocked at and derided. This makes it all the more essential?that those who believe present truth should show their faith by their works. They should be sanctified through the truth which they profess to believe; for they are a savor of life unto life or of death unto death.?{1TT 505.2}[7]
§19
挪亚向他那个世代的人传道说，上帝要给他们一百二十年悔罪改过，到方舟中避难，但他们却拒绝这恩惠的邀请。上帝给他们充分的时间，可以转离罪恶，战胜坏习惯，发展正直的品格。可是许多人犯罪的倾向起初虽是微弱，后来却因一再放纵而加强，终于把他们加速地卷入无可挽救的沉沦之中。他们用讥诮，戏笑，轻视来拒绝上帝的慈悲警告；这就使他们被撇在黑暗之中，随其罪恶之心所选的途径而行。然而他们的不信，并未阻延那预定的大事。结果洪水就来了，这场普遍的毁灭也显明了上帝的大怒。{1TT 506.1}[8]
§20
Noah preached to the people of his time that God would give them one hundred and twenty years in which to repent of their sins and find refuge in the ark, but they refused the gracious invitation. Abundant time was given them to turn from their sins, overcome their bad habits, and develop righteous characters. But inclination to sin, though weak at first with many, strengthened through repeated indulgence and hurried them on to irretrievable ruin. The merciful warning of God was rejected with sneers, with mockery and derision; and they were left in darkness to follow the course that their sinful hearts had chosen. But their unbelief did not hinder the predicted event. It came, and great was the wrath of God which was seen in the general ruin.?{1TT 506.1}[8]
§21
基督的话应当深入一切相信现代真理之人的心中，祂说：“你们要谨慎，免得因贪食醉酒并今生的思虑，累住你们的心，那日子就如同网罗忽然临到你们。”基督亲自把我们的危险向我们提明了。祂知道我们在这些末后的日子所要遇到的危险，也希望我们早作准备。“挪亚的日子怎样，人子的日子也要怎样。”他们又吃又喝，又耕种又盖造，又嫁又娶，不知其他，到挪亚进方舟的那日，洪水就来把他们全都冲灭了。{1TT 506.2}[9]
§22
These words of Christ should sink into the hearts of all who believe present truth: “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” Our danger is presented before us by Christ Himself. He knew the perils we should meet in these last days, and would have us prepare for them. “As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.” They were eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage, and knew not until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the Flood came and swept them all away.?{1TT 506.2}[9]
§23
在上帝的大日临到之时，也要见到许多人照样地醉心于世俗的业务和娱乐，沉迷于宴会和酒肉，放纵败坏的食欲，喝污秽人的酒，吸麻痹人的烟。今日的世界已经如此，甚至于在自称上帝子民的人中，也有这些放纵的事，他们中有些人随从习俗，与世界的罪恶有份。律师，技师，农夫，商人，甚至于教堂讲台上的传道人，都在大喊，“平安稳妥”（帖前5:3），其实灭亡之日正在迅速地临近他们。{1TT 506.3}[10]
§24
The day of God will find men absorbed in like manner in the business and pleasures of the world, in feasting and gluttony, and in indulging perverted appetite in the defiling use of liquor and the narcotic tobacco. This is already the condition of our world, and these indulgences are found even among God’s professed people, some of whom are following the?customs and partaking of the sins of the world. Lawyers, mechanics, farmers, traders, and even ministers from the pulpit are crying, “Peace and safety,” when destruction is fast coming upon them.?{1TT 506.3}[10]
§25
【信心与殷勤】
§26
我们相信人子快要驾着天云降临，但这种信心并不会叫真实的基督徒轻忽不理今生日常的业务。凡等候仰望基督显现的人，必不懒惰，反要殷勤办事。他们必不粗率欺诈地作工，而是要忠实，敏捷，认真彻底。凡是自诩说“在今生的事上漠不关心乃是表明其重视灵性和与世界分离”的人，是受了大欺骗了。他们的诚实，忠直和坚贞，必在今生暂时的事物上受试验；因为他们若在最小的事上忠心，在大事上也必忠心。{1TT 507.1}[11]
§27
【Belief and Diligence】
§28
Belief in the near coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven will not cause the true Christian to become neglectful and careless of the ordinary business of life. The waiting ones who look for the soon appearing of Christ will not be idle, but diligent in business. Their work will not be done carelessly and dishonestly, but with fidelity, promptness, and thoroughness. Those who flatter themselves that careless inattention to the things of this life is an evidence of their spirituality and of their separation from the world are under a great deception. Their veracity, faithfulness, and integrity are tested and proved in temporal things. If they are faithful in that which is least they will be faithful in much.?{1TT 507.1}[11]
§29
我蒙指示见到，在这场试验上有许多人将要失败。他们在处理今生的事物上，显示其真品格。他们对待同胞不忠实，设阴谋，行诡诈。他们不思想自己将来不朽的生命取决于今生的操行如何，也不思想最严格的忠贞乃是形成正直品格所不可缺少的。在我们各阶层的人中，皆有诡诈不实的事，因此许多自称信仰真理的人，便变成不冷不热的了。他们没有与基督联络，他们在欺骗自己的心。甚至在遵守安息日的人之中，也令人担忧地缺乏诚实，执笔至此，不胜痛心之至！.{1TT 507.2}[12]
§30
I have been shown that here is where many will fail to bear the test. They develop their true character in the management of temporal concerns. They manifest unfaithfulness, scheming, dishonesty, in dealing with their fellow men. They do not consider that their hold upon the future, immortal life depends upon how they conduct themselves in the concerns of this life, and that the strictest integrity is indispensable to the formation of a righteous character. Dishonesty is practiced all through our ranks, and this is the cause of lukewarmness on the part of many who profess to believe the truth. They are not connected with Christ and are deceiving their own souls. I am pained to make the statement that there is an alarming lack of honesty even among Sabbathkeepers.?{1TT 507.2}[12]
§31
【凭果子识别】
§32
主指示我注意基督的山边宝训。伟大的教师在此发出训言：“无论何事，你们愿意人怎样待你们，你们也要怎样待人，因为这就是律法和先知的道理”（太7:12）。基督的这道命令是最重要的，应予严格顺从。这命令就如金苹果在银网子里（箴25:11）。现今有多少人的生活，是照基督在这里所吩咐的原则实行，正如他们要别人在类似的情况下待他们那样地待人呢？读者啊，请回答吧。{1TT 507.3}[13]
§33
【Known by Their Fruits】
§34
I was referred to Christ’s Sermon on the Mount. Here we have the injunction of the Great Teacher: “All things?whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.”?Matthew 7:12. This command of Christ is of the highest importance and should be strictly obeyed. It is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. How many carry out in their lives the principle Christ has here enjoined, and deal with others just as they would wish to be dealt with under similar circumstances? Reader, please answer.?{1TT 507.3}[13]
§35
按照基督的尺度，一个诚实的人，是会表现出严格的正直。许多人用欺人的法码和虚伪的天平骗取今生的利益，在上帝的眼中是可憎的。可惜许多自称遵守上帝诫命的人也用虚伪的法码与天平。人若真与上帝联络，真是遵守主的律法，他的生活必要显出实情来；因为他的一切行动都必与基督的教训相合。他必不为得利出卖自己的荣誉。他的原则是建立于稳妥的根基之上，他在世俗事务上的行为，乃是他原则的反映。在世俗的渣滓垃圾之中，坚定的正直却要发光如金。欺诈，虚伪和不信实的行为，虽可蒙蔽人的眼目，但却不能蒙蔽上帝的眼目。那观察人品格发展，及衡量人道德价值的天使，要把这些表现人品格的小作为登记在天上的簿册中。如果一个工人在其日常职业生活上不忠实，或怠慢其工作，世人若按他的办事标准来估量他的宗教标准，这种评估并非不正确。{1TT 508.1}[14]
§36
An honest man, according to Christ’s measurement, is one who will manifest unbending integrity. Deceitful weights and false balances, with which many seek to advance their interests in the world, are abomination in the sight of God. Yet many who profess to keep the commandments of God are dealing with false weights and false balances. When a man is indeed connected with God, and is keeping His law in truth, his life will reveal the fact; for all his actions will be in harmony with the teachings of Christ. He will not sell his honor for gain. His principles are built upon the sure foundation, and his conduct in worldly matters is a transcript of his principles. Firm integrity shines forth as gold amid the dross and rubbish of the world. Deceit, falsehood, and unfaithfulness may be glossed over and hidden from the eyes of man, but not from the eyes of God. The angels of God, who watch the development of character and weigh moral worth, record in the books of heaven these minor transactions which reveal character. If a workman in the daily vocations of life is unfaithful and slights his work, the world will not judge incorrectly if they estimate his standard in religion according to his standard in business.?{1TT 508.1}[14]
§37
“人在最小的事上忠心，在大事上也忠心，在最小的事上不义，在大事上也不义”（路16:10）。事情公正与否，并不在于它的大小。人怎样对待同胞，也必怎样对待上帝。凡在不义的钱财上不忠心的人，主决不会把真实的财富授托给他。上帝的子民应当谨记在心，他们要在其一切业务上被试验，在圣所的天平上过秤。?{1TT 508.2}[15]
§38
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.”?Luke 16:10. It is not the magnitude of the matter that makes it fair or unfair. As a man deals with his fellow men, so will he deal with God. He that is unfaithful in the mammon of unrighteousness, will never be entrusted with the true?riches. The children of God should not fail to remember that in all their business transactions they are being proved, weighed in the balances of the sanctuary.?{1TT 508.2}[15]
§39
基督曾说：“好树不能结坏果子，坏树不能结好果子。”“所以凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”（太7:18-20）。人的生活所为，就是人的果子。人若在今生的事务上欺诈不实，他就是结荆棘与蒺藜；他在宗教生活上也必不诚实，也必劫夺上帝的十分之一和捐献。{1TT 509.1}[16]
§40
Christ has said: “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.” “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”?Matthew 7:18, 20. The deeds of a man’s life are the fruit he bears. If he is unfaithful and dishonest in temporal matters he is bringing forth briers and thorns; he will be unfaithful in the religious life and will rob God in tithes and offerings.?{1TT 509.1}[16]
§41
圣经用最强烈的措辞斥责一切虚伪，欺诈和不诚实的行为。是非善恶已有明训。但我蒙指示却见到上帝的子民置身于仇敌的境地，屈服于他的试探，顺从他的奸计，以致他们的感觉变得非常迟钝了。在金钱得失的事上，人常以为稍微不诚实，或略为改变上帝的要求，总不致算为罪大恶极。然而罪就是罪，不论犯罪的人是百万富翁还是街头小乞。凡用虚伪方法取得财产的，正是判决自身的重罪。一切由诡诈欺骗而得的财利，只能是得利者的一个祸根。{1TT 509.2}[17]
§42
The Bible condemns in the strongest terms all falsehood, false dealing, and dishonesty. Right and wrong are plainly stated. But I was shown that God’s people have placed themselves on the enemy’s ground; they have yielded to his temptations and followed his devices until their sensibilities have become fearfully blunted. A slight deviation from truth, a little variation from the requirements of God, is thought to be, after all, not so very sinful, when pecuniary gain or loss is involved. But sin is sin, whether committed by the possessor of millions or by the beggar in the streets. Those who secure property by false representations are bringing condemnation on their souls. All that is obtained by deceit and fraud will be only a curse to the receiver.?{1TT 509.2}[17]
§43
亚当夏娃违背上帝的明命，遭受了惨重的后果。他们或曾推断说：这是很小的罪，必不足以介意。然而上帝却把此事看作可怕的大恶；他们犯法的祸患，将影响各世代。在我们所生活的时代，自称为上帝子民的人常犯大得多的罪。自称为上帝子民的人在办理业务时，言行诡诈，以致上帝向他们发怒，也使主的圣工蒙羞受辱。稍微偏离真实和正直，就是干犯上帝的律法。继续纵容罪恶，会使人惯于行恶，却不减轻罪恶的重大性。上帝制定了不变的原则，祂决不会改变，除非祂改变了自己的全部本性。凡自称信仰真理的人，若是忠实地研究圣经，在属灵的事上，就必不会发育不全了。人在今生轻看上帝的要求，若能到天国，也必不会尊重祂的权威。{1TT 509.3}[18]
§44
Adam and Eve suffered the terrible consequences of disobeying the express command of God. They might have reasoned: This is a very small sin, and will never be taken into account. But God treated the matter as a fearful evil, and the woe of their transgression will be felt through all time. In the times in which we live, sins of far greater magnitude are often committed by those who profess to be God’s children. In the transaction of business, falsehoods are uttered and acted by God’s professed people that bring His frown upon them and a reproach upon His cause. The least departure from truthfulness and rectitude is a transgression of the law of God. Continual indulgence in sin accustoms the person?to a habit of wrongdoing, but does not lessen the aggravated character of the sin. God has established immutable principles, which He cannot change without a revision of His whole nature. If the word of God were faithfully studied by all who profess to believe the truth, they would not be dwarfs in spiritual things. Those who disregard the requirements of God in this life would not respect His authority were they in heaven.?{1TT 509.3}[18]
§45
【圣经是无误的指南】
§46
圣经将各种的不道德向我们清楚地陈述出来，且将其结果摆在我们面前。那放纵下等情欲的罪，在我们面前显出了极其可憎的性质。一个人无论如何糊涂，也不至于看错。然而我蒙指示看到许多自称遵行上帝全部诫命的人，却在心中怀有这种罪恶。上帝必照祂的话来审判每一个人。{1TT 510.1}[19]
§47
【The Bible an Unerring Guide】
§48
Every species of immorality is plainly delineated in the word of God and its result spread before us. The indulgence of the lower passions is presented before us in its most revolting character. No one, however dark may be his understanding, need to err. But I have been shown that this sin is cherished by many who profess to be walking in all the commandments of God. God will judge every man by His word.?{1TT 510.1}[19]
§49
基督说：“你们应当查考圣经，因你们以为内中有永生；给我作见证的就是这经”（约5:39）。圣经是无误的南针。它要求人在言语，思想和行为上完全纯洁。惟独具有高尚无瑕疵品格的人，才会获准来到圣洁纯全的上帝面前。人若研究和顺从圣经，就会蒙圣经引导，如同古时日间云柱夜间火柱领导以色列人一样。圣经是上帝向人显明祂的旨意。它是品格的唯一完全标准，把人生无论何种境地中的责任都列明了。我们在今生是要担负许多责任的，若是忽略了这些责任，就会不但自己受苦，也会贻害他人。{1TT 510.2}[20]
§50
Said Christ: “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.”?John 5:39. The Bible is an unerring guide. It demands perfect purity in word, in thought, and in action. Only virtuous and spotless characters will be permitted to enter the presence of a pure and holy God. The word of God, if studied and obeyed, would lead the children of men, as the Israelites were led by a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of cloud by day. The Bible is God’s will expressed to man. It is the only perfect standard of character, and marks out the duty of man in every circumstance of life. There are many responsibilities resting upon us in this life, a neglect of which will not only cause suffering to ourselves, but others will sustain loss in consequence.?{1TT 510.2}[20]
§51
许多自称尊重圣经及顺从其教训的男女，却在许多方面没有履行其要求。他们按自己刚愎的性情教养儿女，没有照上帝所显明的旨意去行。这样的疏忽责任使千万人陷入灭亡。圣经定出了管教儿女的正法。父母们若果留意上帝的这些要求，我们今日在人生舞台上所见的青年就必大不相同了。可惜许多自称研读圣经及顺从圣经的父母们所行的事，却与圣经的教训直接相背。我们听到父母们为儿女的行为长嘘短叹，却不知道这些苦恼忧患，乃是咎由自取。他们的溺爱，反而败坏了自己的儿女。他们没有认识到上帝所给他们的责任，是要他们从幼训练儿女有良好的习惯。{1TT 510.3}[21]
§52
Men and women professing to revere the Bible and follow its teachings fail in many respects to perform its requirements. In the training of children they follow their own perverse natures rather than the revealed will of God. This neglect of duty involves the loss of thousands of souls. The Bible lays?down rules for the correct discipline of children. Were these requirements of God heeded by parents, we should today see a different class of youth coming upon the stage of action. But parents who profess to be Bible readers and Bible followers are going directly contrary to its teachings. We hear the cry of sorrow and anguish from fathers and mothers who bewail the conduct of their children, little realizing that they are bringing this sorrow and anguish upon themselves, and ruining their children, by their mistaken affection. They do not realize their God-given responsibilities to train their children to right habits from their babyhood.?{1TT 510.3}[21]
§53
父母们哪，你们为儿女的灵魂负有重大的责任。许多人忽略了自己对于子女幼年时代的本分，心想等到他们长大些，就要留心压制他们的错误，教育他们行义。但他们实在应当在儿女的襁褓时代做这项工作。父母对儿女娇生惯养，迎合迁就，是不对的；虐待他们也不对。坚定、明确、正直的行动，必可生出最佳的效果。（4T.306-313.1879年）{1TT 511.1}[22]
§54
Parents, you are in a great degree responsible for the souls of your children. Many neglect their duty during the first years of their children’s lives, thinking that when they get older they will then be very careful to repress wrong and educate them in the right. But the very time for them to do this work is when the children are babes in their arms. It is not right for parents to pet and humor their children; neither is it right for them to abuse them. A firm, decided straightforward course of action will be productive of the best results.?{1TT 511.1}[22]