第10章 社会环境的影响
§1
第10章 社会环境的影响
§2
Chap. 10 - Influence of Social Surroundings
§3
1872年12月10日，我蒙指示看到K弟兄家的状况。他是一位真正的信徒和爱真理的人，但一直就饮于世界的精神。基督说过：“你的财宝在哪里，你的心也在那里”（太6:21）。K弟兄，你属世的财宝要你关心注意到了没有时间侍奉上帝的程度；可是你妻子还不满意你奉献一点小钱给主。一种属世的愚顽已经占据了她的心。你们二人谁也没有花足够的时间默想和祷告。你们抢夺了上帝每日的侍奉，你们自己正在遭受比世上一切财宝都大的损失。{4T 104.3}[1]
§4
I was shown, December 10, 1872, the state of Brother Ks family. He has been a true believer and lover of the truth, but has been drinking in the spirit of the world. Said Christ: Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Brother K, your earthly treasure claims your interest and attention to such an extent that you do not afford time to serve God; yet your wife is dissatisfied that you give Him the meager pittance that you do. A worldly insanity has taken possession of her heart. Neither of you takes sufficient time for meditation and prayer. God is robbed of your daily service, and you yourselves are meeting with a greater loss than that of every earthly treasure. {4T 104.3}[1]
§5
K姐妹，你离上帝比你丈夫还远。你效法世界，已经把你的救主驱逐到心门之外了；在你的爱情里没有祂的地位。你只稍有一点祈祷和省察己心的意思。你正在献上自己顺从黑暗权势之君。“岂不晓得你们献上自己作奴仆，顺从谁，就作谁的奴仆吗？或作罪的奴仆，以至于死；或作顺命的奴仆，以至成义”（罗6:16）。{4T 104.4}[2]
§6
Sister K, you are still farther from God than your husband is. Your conformity to the world has banished your Saviour from your heart; there is no room for Him in your affections. You have but little inclination for prayer and searching your heart. You are yielding yourself to obey the prince of the powers of darkness. To whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness. {4T 104.4}[2]
§7
K姐妹，你不知道自己在做什么；你没有认识到自己正在与创造主作战，拉拢你丈夫远离真理。你关注的是世界给的利益。你没有培养喜爱虔诚祈祷的心，反而更喜欢劳碌得财的激动和奔忙。你埋头于要跟世人一样的欲望，好得到世界所提供的快乐。你属世的野心和兴趣大过要得到公义和在上帝的国中有分的愿望。{4T 105.1}[3]
§8
Sister K, you know not what you are doing; you do not realize that you are warring against your Creator in drawing your husband away from the truth. Your attention is on the advantages that the world gives. You have not cultivated a love for devotion, but are better pleased with the stir and bustle of laboring to acquire wealth. You are absorbed in your desire to be like the world, that you may receive the happiness that the world gives. Your earthly ambitions and interests are greater than your desire for righteousness and for a part in the kingdom of God. {4T 105.1}[3]
§9
你宝贵的宽容时期浪费在了劳碌求取世俗的福利、服装和模仿世人吃喝的样式上了。你得到的报偿是多么不令人满意，多么微不足道啊！你在自己属世的欲望和追求中，背着比你救主所提出要你背的更重的担子。你的救赎主邀请你说：“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式；这样，你们心里就必得享安息。因为我的轭是容易的，我的担子是轻省的”（太11:27-29）。我的姐妹啊，基督希望你把重担放在祂的脚前，使你顽梗的颈项顺从祂容易的轭。{4T 105.2}[4]
§10
Your precious probationary time is spent in laboring for your temporal welfare, in dressing, and eating, and drinking after the manner of the world. Oh, how unsatisfying, how meager is the recompense obtained! In your worldly desires and pursuits you are carrying a heavier burden than your Saviour has ever proposed to lay upon you. Your Redeemer invites you: Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light. My sister, Christ would have you lay down your heavy weight at His feet and submit your stubborn neck to His easy yoke. {4T 105.2}[4]
§11
要是你的宽容时期现在就结束，将会怎么样呢？你怎么会经受得住主的审查呢？你是怎么利用上帝所借给你要你聪明地善用来荣耀祂的钱财和感化力的呢？上帝已赐给你生命及其福气，不是要你单顾自己的喜悦和自私的满足，而是要你也可使他人受益，要你行善。主已经把银子托付给你，你应该拿给兑换银钱的人，当祂来要回时，你可以连本带利还给祂。{4T 105.3}[5]
§12
What if your probation should close at this time? How would you bear the investigation of the Master? How have you employed the talents of means and influence lent you of God for wise improvement to His glory? God has given you life and its blessings, not to be devoted to your own pleasure and selfish gratification merely, but that you may benefit others and do good. The Master has entrusted you with talents that you should put out to the exchangers, that when He requires them again He may receive His own with usury. {4T 105.3}[5]
§13
你蒙赐予感化力和钱财是要试验你，好显明你心内如何；你应该用它们争取生灵归向基督，从而推进你救赎主的圣工。你若没能这么做，就在犯一个可怕的错误。你用来侍奉自我，取悦朋友们，屈服于他们爱世界的影响而忽视为你舍命的最好朋友的每一天，都在遭受大量损失。{4T 106.1}[6]
§14
Your influence and means have been given you to test you, to reveal what is in your heart; you should use them to win souls to Christ and thus advance the cause of your Redeemer. If you fail to do this you are making a terrible mistake. Every day that you devote to serving yourself, and to pleasing your friends by yielding to their influence in loving the world and neglecting your best Friend, who died to give you life, you are losing much. {4T 106.1}[6]
§15
K姐妹，你以为自己与身边的人不同是不好的。你在一群已在真理上受过试验且拒绝了真理的人中间，而你与他们利益相连情感相系，直到你实在成了他们中的一员。你喜爱他们的陪伴；可是你并不快乐，尽管你自以为是快乐的。你已在心里说：“事奉上帝是徒然的，遵守上帝所吩咐的，在万军之耶和华面前苦苦斋戒，有什么益处呢”（玛3:13,14）？{4T 106.2}[7]
§16
Sister K, you have thought that it was not well for you to be different from those around you. You are in a community that has been tested on the truth and has rejected it, and you have linked your interests and affections with theirs until you are to all intents one of them. You love their society; yet you are not happy, though you flatter yourself that you are. You have said in your heart: It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? {4T 106.2}[7]
§17
要一家的人挺身而起，当耶稣的代表，在不信的邻里中遵守上帝的律法，此事非同小可。我们奉命要作“被众人所知道所念诵的”活书信。这个职位涉及严重的责任。为要生活在光中，你必须来到有光照亮之处。K弟兄应意识到负有严肃的责任，不顾任何牺牲，同家人至少出席一年一度的与爱真理之人在一起的聚会。这会使他和他们刚强起来，并预备他们适于应付试炼及实行本分。他们若失去这与同一信仰之人结交的好机会，是不好的，因为真理既在他们的头脑中失去其重要性，他们的心就不再被其成圣的影响所光照所启发。他们也就丧失了属灵的生命。他们没有得到传道人话语的勉励。世俗的思想和世俗的事业不断地占据他们的心，使他们排除了属灵的观念。{4T 106.3}[8]
§18
It is no small matter for a family to stand as representatives of Jesus, keeping Gods law in an unbelieving community. We are required to be living epistles known and read of all men. This position involves fearful responsibilities. In order to live in the light, you must come where the light shines. Brother K, at any sacrifice, should feel under solemn obligation to attend, with his family, at least the yearly gatherings of those who love the truth. It would strengthen him and them, and fit them for trial and duty. It is not well for them to lose the privilege of associating with those of like faith; for the truth loses its importance in their minds, their hearts cease to be enlightened and vivified by its sanctifying influence, and they lose spirituality. They are not strengthened by the words of the living preacher. Worldly thoughts and worldly enterprises are continually exercising their minds to the exclusion of spiritual subjects. {4T 106.3}[8]
§19
大多数的基督徒如果常常不来参加聚会和祈祷，他们的信心就会摇动。要是他们不可能享有这种宗教特权，上帝就会藉天使从天直接送出亮光，去激励，鼓舞和赐福给祂分散各地的子民。但祂无意施行神迹来支持祂圣徒的信心。他们必需爱护真理到甘愿受些痛苦，以求上帝所应许赐给他们的特权和福气。他们最少应当做到每年专用几天的光阴来同心合力促进基督的圣工，交流友好的劝勉与情感支持。{4T 106.4}[9]
§20
The faith of most Christians will waver if they constantly neglect to meet together for conference and prayer. If it were impossible for them to enjoy such religious privileges, then God would send light direct from heaven by His angels, to animate, cheer, and bless His scattered people. But He does not propose to work a miracle to sustain the faith of His saints. They are required to love the truth enough to take some little pains to secure the privileges and blessings vouchsafed them of God. The least they can do is to devote a few days in the year to a united effort to advance the cause of Christ and to exchange friendly counsel and sympathy. {4T 106.4}[9]
§21
许多人几乎把自己的光阴都用在属世的兴趣和享乐了，而不愿花费几天的光阴和一些钱财到离家有段距离的地方去会见奉主的名聚集在一起的人。主的话把贪婪定义为和拜偶像一样；这样，甚至在自称跟从基督的人中，也有多少人是拜偶像的啊！{4T 107.1}[10]
§22
Many devote nearly all their time to their own temporal interests and pleasures, and grudge the few days spent and the expense involved in going a distance from their homes to meet with a company gathered together in the name of the Lord. The word of the Lord defines covetousness as idolatry; then how many idolaters are there, even among those who profess to be the followers of Christ! {4T 107.1}[10]
§23
我们受命要聚在一起和为真理作见证。上帝的使者说过：“那时，敬畏耶和华的彼此谈论，耶和华侧耳而听，且有纪念册在祂面前，记录那敬畏耶和华、思念祂名的人。万军之耶和华说：在我所定的日子，他们必属我，特特归我。我必怜恤他们，如同人怜恤服事自己的儿子”（玛3:16,17）。{4T 107.2}[11]
§24
It is required that we meet together and bear testimony to the truth. The angel of God said: Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name. And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. {4T 107.2}[11]
§25
这样，利用我们力所能及的特权，甚至作出某种牺牲，去与那些敬畏上帝和为祂讲话的人聚在一起是合算的；因为经上描绘祂在侧耳倾听那些见证，同时天使也在将那些见证记在册子上。上帝必记念那些聚在一起思念祂名的人，也必使他们免遭那场大火灾。他们在祂眼中必象珍宝一样，但祂的忿怒要临到罪人没有保障的头上。侍奉上帝不是徒然的。有无价的奖赏要赐给那些奉献一生侍奉祂的人。亲爱的弟兄和姐妹啊，你们一直在渐渐进入黑暗之中，直到几乎不知不觉地使你们将黑暗当作光明。偶尔有一线微光穿透阴暗唤醒你们的心；但周围的影响遮住了那光线，黑暗似乎比之前更浓了。{4T 107.3}[12]
§26
It will pay, then, to improve the privileges within our reach, and, even at some sacrifice, to assemble with those who fear God and speak for Him; for He is represented as hearkening to those testimonies, while angels write them in a book. God will remember those who have met together and thought upon His name, and He will spare them from the great conflagration. They will be as precious jewels in His sight, but His wrath will fall on the shelterless head of the sinner. It is not a vain thing to serve God. There is a priceless reward for those who devote their life to His service. Dear brother and sister, you have been gradually entering the darkness until almost imperceptibly it has grown to appear like the light to you. Occasionally a feeble glimmer penetrates the gloom and arouses the mind; but surrounding influences shut out the ray of light, and the darkness seems denser than before. {4T 107.3}[12]
§27
要是你们若干年前改变了居住地点，原会对你们属灵的福利更有好处。真理之光试验了你们所住社区的人。少数人接受了怜悯和警告的信息，而许多人却拒绝了它。另有一班人不接受它是因为有一个十字架要背。他们采取了中间立场，以为只要他们不与真理作战就做得挺好了，但他们疏于接受和珍爱的亮光熄灭在黑暗里了。他们尽力安抚自己的良心，对上帝的灵说：“祢暂且去吧，等我得便再叫祢来”（徒24:25）。那个得便的时候永远不会到来了。他们忽略的黄金机会再也不会回来了，因为世界已经遮住了他们所拒绝的亮光。今生的兴趣和刺激性快乐的魅力吸引了他们的心思意念，而他们最好的朋友，可称颂的救主，却被拒绝被忘却了。{4T 108.1}[13]
§28
It would have been better for your spiritual welfare had you changed your place of residence some years ago. The light of truth tested the community in which you live. A few received the message of mercy and warning, while it was rejected by many. Still another class did not accept it because there was a cross to lift. They took a neutral position and thought that if they did not war against the truth they would be doing quite well, but the light they neglected to receive and cherish went out in darkness. They endeavored to quiet conscience by saying to the Spirit of God: Go Thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for Thee. That convenient season has never come. They neglected the golden opportunity that has never again returned to them, for the world has shut out the light that they refused. The interests of this life and the charm of exciting pleasures absorb their minds and hearts, while their best Friend, the blessed Saviour, is rejected and forgotten. {4T 108.1}[13]
§29
K姐妹虽生性拥有优秀的品质，却被她不信的朋友和亲戚拉拢远离上帝，那些亲友不爱真理，也不支持为真理的缘故所必须付出的牺牲和舍己。K姐妹没有认识到照上帝的命令所吩咐的与世人分别的重要性。她耳闻目睹的事已经败坏了她的心。{4T 108.2}[14]
§30
Sister K, although possessing excellent natural qualities, is being drawn away from God by her unbelieving friends and relatives, who love not the truth and have no sympathy with the sacrifice and self-denial that must be made for the truths sake. Sister K has not felt the importance of separation from the world, as the command of God enjoins. The sight of her eyes and the hearing of her ears have perverted her heart. {4T 108.2}[14]
§31
施洗约翰是一个生来就被圣灵充满的人，而且在他那个时代中，也只有他一个人实实在在地始终保持清白，未受当代腐化势力的影响。然而他却并不冒险仗恃自己的力量，他使自己与亲友隔离，以免天然的感情成为他自己的罗网。他不愿毫无必要地置身于试探之途，也不愿任由奢侈豪华，甚至不愿让生活上的舒适利便，导致他贪图安逸或满足食欲，以致削弱自己身心方面的力量，因为那会使他不能完成重要使命。{4T 108.3}[15]
§32
John the Baptist was a man filled with the Holy Ghost from his birth, and if there was anyone who could remain unaffected by the corrupting influences of the age in which he lived, it was surely he. Yet he did not venture to trust his strength; he separated himself from his friends and relatives, that his natural affections might not prove a snare to him. He would not place himself unnecessarily in the way of temptation nor where the luxuries or even the conveniences of life would lead him to indulge in ease or to gratify his appetite, and thus lessen his physical and mental strength. By such a course the important mission upon which he came would have failed of its accomplishment. {4T 108.3}[15]
§33
他在旷野中使自己经受穷困孤寂之苦，而在那里藉着研读大自然的课本，得以保持对上帝威严的神圣感觉，熟悉祂在自己奇妙的作为中显示的品格。这是一种刻意完善道德修养，不断保持敬畏耶和华的氛围。基督的先锋约翰并没有让自己受邪恶谈话之害和世俗腐化的影响，他深恐会在他的良心上留下印象，以致罪对于他不显得极其邪恶，他宁愿定居旷野，在那里他的感觉不至被四周的环境败坏。基督论到他说：“凡妇人所生的，没有一个兴起来大过施洗约翰的”（太11:11）。我们岂不应从这位祂所看重之人的榜样，学得一些教训么？{4T 109.1}[16]
§34
He subjected himself to privation and solitude in the wilderness, where he could preserve the sacred sense of the majesty of God by studying His great book of nature and there becoming acquainted with His character as revealed in His wonderful works. It was an atmosphere calculated to perfect moral culture and to keep the fear of the Lord continually before him. John, the forerunner of Christ, did not expose himself to evil conversation and the corrupting influences of the world. He feared the effect upon his conscience, that sin might not appear to him so exceedingly sinful. He chose rather to have his home in the wilderness, where his senses would not be perverted by his surroundings. Should we not learn something from this example of one whom Christ honored and of whom He said: Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist? {4T 109.1}[16]
§35
基督头三十年的生活是在退隐中度过的。祂与那些农民和工人肩并肩地一同行走，不被人认识，也不受人尊敬时，有服役的天使伺候着祂的生活。这些高尚的榜样应该教我们避免邪恶的影响，避开那些生活不正确之人的陪伴。我们不应自以为很坚强，足以抵抗会侵袭我们的任何这类影响，而应存谦卑的心自卫，免蹈险境。{4T 109.2}[17]
§36
The first thirty years of Christs life were passed in retirement. Ministering angels waited upon the Lord of life as He walked side by side with the peasants and laborers among the hills of Nazareth, unrecognized and unhonored. These noble examples should teach us to avoid evil influences and to shun the society of those who do not live aright. We should not flatter ourselves that we are too strong for any such influences to affect us, but we should in humility guard ourselves from danger. {4T 109.2}[17]
§37
古时的以色列人蒙上帝特别指示要成为与万民有区别的民族。他们不可观看周围那些民族的偶像崇拜，免得他们自己的心被败坏，免得看惯了不虔诚的行为使他们视那些行为不是很邪恶。很少有人认识到自己的软弱，而且人心本性的罪恶往往破坏他们最高尚的努力。{4T 109.3}[18]
§38
Ancient Israel were especially directed by God to be and remain a people separate from all nations. They were not to be subjected to witnessing the idolatry of those about them, lest their own hearts should be corrupted, lest familiarity with ungodly practices should make them appear less wicked in their eyes. Few realize their own weakness and that the natural sinfulness of the human heart too often paralyzes their noblest endeavors. {4T 109.3}[18]
§39
罪恶的邪恶影响毒害了人的生活。我们唯一的保障在于与那些生活在黑暗中的人分离。上帝吩咐我们要从他们中间出来，与他们分别，不摸不洁净的物，祂就必收纳我们，且要作我们的父，我们要作祂的儿女。我们若是希望被接纳到上帝家里，成为天上君王的儿女，就必须遵守祂的条件；我们必须从世界出来，在上帝面前作特别的子民，顺从祂的律例和侍奉祂。{4T 109.4}[19]
§40
The baleful influence of sin poisons the life of the soul. Our only safety is in separation from those who live in its darkness. The Lord has enjoined upon us to come out from among them and be separate, and to touch not the unclean thing, and He will receive us and will be a Father unto us, and we shall be His sons and daughters. If we wish to be adopted into the family of God, to become children of the heavenly King, we must comply with His conditions; we must come out from the world and stand as a peculiar people before the Lord, obeying His precepts and serving Him. {4T 109.4}[19]
§41
罗得根据世俗的眼光，从目前可以获得的利益出发，选择所多玛为家。但他定居下来发了财以后，才认识到自己犯了错误。他没有考虑到他安家的地方道德上的状况。{4T 110.1}[20]
§42
Lot chose Sodom for his home because he saw that there were advantages to be gained there from a worldly point of view. But after he had established himself, and grown rich in earthly treasure, he was convinced that he had made a mistake in not taking into consideration the moral standing of the community in which he was to make his home. {4T 110.1}[20]
§43
所多玛居民是败坏的；他每天听到的是卑鄙下流的话语，他的义心因无力阻止暴力和罪行而天天伤痛。他的孩子们也在变得象这些恶人，因为与他们交往已败坏了他们的品德。他想念到这一切的事，便认为所获得属世财富的价值似乎微不足道，实在不值他所付上的代价。他的亲族关系甚为广大，因他的孩子们已与所多玛的居民通婚。{4T 110.2}[21]
§44
The dwellers in Sodom were corrupt; vile conversation greeted his ears daily, and his righteous soul was vexed by the violence and crime he was powerless to prevent. His children were becoming like these wicked people, for association with them had perverted their morals. Taking all these things into consideration, the worldly riches he had gained seemed small and not worth the price he had paid for them. His family connections were extensive, his children having married among the Sodomites. {4T 110.2}[21]
§45
主的忿怒终于向该城罪恶的居民发作，于是有上帝的天使来到所多玛城要带领罗得出来，免得他在该城倾覆的时候一同灭亡。他们吩咐罗得带上他的家人，他妻子和已在邪恶的所多玛结婚的儿女，并告诉他要逃离那个地方。天使说：“我们要毁灭这地方；因为城内罪恶的声音在耶和华面前甚大，耶和华差我们来，要毁灭这地方”（创19:13）。{4T 110.3}[22]
§46
The Lords anger was finally kindled against the wicked inhabitants of the city, and angels of God visited Sodom to bring forth Lot, that he should not perish in the overthrow of the city. They bade Lot bring his family, his wife, and the sons and daughters who married in wicked Sodom, and told him to flee from the place. For, said the angels, we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. {4T 110.3}[22]
§47
罗得就出去恳劝他的儿女们。他重述了天使的话：“你们起来离开这地方，因为耶和华要毁灭这城”（罗19:14）。他女婿们却以为他说的是戏言；因为他们已经在所多玛住了那么久，以致变得与所多玛人的罪恶有分了。罗得的女儿们也受了她们丈夫的影响，以为她们的父亲是疯了。他们在那里住得很好。他们富足，有大量的财产；而且他们无法相信美丽的所多玛，这个富有肥沃的国家，会被一位报复罪恶的上帝的忿怒所毁灭。{4T 110.4}[23]
§48
And Lot went out and entreated his children. He repeated the words of the angel: Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed unto his sons-in-law as one who mocked; for they had lived so long in Sodom that they had become partakers of the sins of the people. And the daughters were influenced by their husbands to believe that their father was mad. They were well enough off where they were. They were rich and had great possessions; and they could not believe it possible that beautiful Sodom, a rich and fertile country, would be destroyed by the wrath of a sin-avenging God. {4T 110.4}[23]
§49
罗得悲哀地回到天使那里，叙述了他劝说失败的事。于是天使就吩咐他起来，带着他的妻子和两个仍在家里的女儿，离开那城。但罗得很悲伤；他妻子不肯跟他们一起出去，一想到要离开自己的孩子和妻子，他的心都要碎了。要不是主本着祂的大怜悯，差祂的天使搭救，他们都会在所多玛可怕的毁灭中灭亡。{4T 111.1}[24]
§50
Lot returned sorrowfully to the angels and repeated the story of his failure. Then the angels commanded him to arise, and take his wife and the two daughters who were yet in his house, and leave the city. But Lot was sad; the thought of leaving his children and his wife, for she refused to go without them, almost broke his heart. They would all have perished in the terrible ruin of Sodom, had not the Lord, in His great mercy, sent His angels to the rescue. {4T 111.1}[24]
§51
罗得听到即将临到的大灾难，惊得发呆了。他一想到要离弃地上所心爱的一切，就忧伤得不知所措。但是当他拖延时，上帝的天使拉住他的手和他妻子及两个女儿的手，把他们带出了那城，并且嘱咐他们逃命，不可回头看，也不可在平原站住，要往山上逃跑。{4T 111.2}[25]
§52
Lot was paralyzed by the great calamity about to occur; he was stupefied with grief at the thought of leaving all he held dear on earth. But as he lingered, the angels of God laid hold upon his hand, and the hands of his wife and two daughters, and brought them out of the city, and charged them to flee for their lives, neither to look behind them nor to stay upon all the plain, but to escape to the mountains. {4T 111.2}[25]
§53
罗得多么不愿听从天使的吩咐，尽量远离败坏的、注定要完全毁灭的所多玛呀！他不信任上帝，恳求留下来。住在那个邪恶的城市已经削弱了他的信心和对上帝公义的信任。他辩解说自己不能照所要求的去做，恐怕某种灾祸会临到他，他就死了。天使奉差执行特殊的使命，要救罗得和他家人的性命；但是罗得已那么久被败坏的影响所包围，以致他的感觉迟钝了，不能看出上帝的作为和旨意；他不能把自己托付在祂手里，去做祂所吩咐的。他在不住地为自己辩解，而这种不信要了他妻子的性命。她回顾所多玛，并且抱怨上帝的作为，就被变成了一根盐柱，矗立为一个鉴戒，警告一切漠视上天的特别怜悯和天意安排的人。在这场可怕的报应之后，罗得不再敢在途中逗留，而是按照天使的指示，逃到山上去了。他的女儿们在离开所多玛后的罪恶行为乃是与那地的人邪恶交往的结果。她们心中的是非观念是混乱的，罪对她们来说不象罪了。{4T 111.3}[26]
§54
How reluctant was Lot to obey the angel and go as far as possible from corrupt Sodom, appointed to utter destruction! He distrusted God and pleaded to remain. Living in the wicked city had weakened his faith and confidence in the justice of the Lord. He pleaded that he could not do as he was required, lest some evil should overtake him, and he should die. Angels were sent on a special mission to save the lives of Lot and his family; but Lot had so long been surrounded by corrupting influences that his sensibilities were blunted, and he could not discern the works of God and His purposes; he could not trust himself in His hands to do His bidding. He was continually pleading for himself, and this unbelief cost him the life of his wife. She looked back to Sodom, and, murmuring against the dealings of God, she was changed to a pillar of salt, that she might stand as a warning to all those who disregard the special mercies and providences of Heaven. After this terrible retribution, Lot no longer dared to linger by the way, but fled into the mountains, according to the direction of the angels. The sinful conduct of his daughters after leaving Sodom was the result of wicked associations while there. The sense of right and wrong was confused in their minds, and sin did not appear as sin to them. {4T 111.3}[26]
§55
罗得的情况应当成为凡希望过虔诚生活之人的一个警告，要远离一切会使他们离开上帝的影响。罗得留在恶人中那么久，以致他仅能救自己和两个女儿的性命，就连他的女儿们也因寄居在所多玛而在道德上败坏了。{4T 112.1}[27]
§56
The case of Lot should be a warning to all those who wish to live godly lives, to separate themselves from all influences calculated to lead them away from God. Lot remained so long among the wicked that he was only able to save himself and two daughters, and even they were corrupted in morals by their sojourn in Sodom. {4T 112.1}[27]
§57
上帝说一不二，祂是轻慢不得的！多少眼光短浅、有罪必死的凡人向上帝恳求，要劝诱祂满足他们的条件啊，其实只要他们愿意毫无保留地降服在祂手中，祂就会成功地拯救他们并赐给他们宝贵的胜利。{4T 112.2}[28]
§58
God means what He says, and He will not be trifled with. Oh! how many shortsighted, sinful mortals plead with God to induce Him to come to their terms, while if they would only yield themselves unreservedly into His hands He would compass their salvation and give them precious victories. {4T 112.2}[28]
§59
K姐妹，你有会做出很伤害自己的决定的危险。上帝有一项工作要你去做，是谁也不能替你做的，而且你若不做就不能得救。上帝爱你，不愿你在普遍的毁灭中灭亡。祂邀请你离开那些会阻碍你在属灵上进步的事，并且在祂里面得到你所需要的力量和安慰。你在自己的家中有烦恼和重担要背，往往使你很忧虑；但你若只做那些对你暂时的安舒和幸福来说必要的事，你就会有时间以虔诚的兴趣阅读圣经，完善基督徒的品格。{4T 112.3}[29]
§60
Sister K, you are in danger of making decisions that will be very injurious to you. God has a work for you to do which none can do for you, and without doing this your soul cannot be saved. God loves you and is unwilling that you should perish in the general ruin. He invites you to leave those things which hinder your spiritual advancement, and to find in Him that strength and consolation which you need. You have cares and burdens to bear in your family that often worry you; but if you do only those things necessary to your temporal comfort and happiness, you will find time to read your Bible with prayerful interest and to perfect a Christian character. {4T 112.3}[29]
§61
K弟兄，你曾经历过许多令人沮丧的事；但你仍须恳切、坚定坚决地去尽你在家中的责任，倘若可能，要将他们一齐带去。你应不遗余力地劝服他们与你同奔天程。但如果母亲和儿女不愿与你同行，反而引诱你撇弃你的义务和宗教权利，你仍须勇往直前，即使单独而行也当如此。你该存着敬畏上帝的心而生活。你也该善用机会参赴聚会，尽力获取属灵的能力，因为在将要来到的日子里，你会需要属灵的力量。罗得的产业已全部化为灰烬了。你若遇见损失，不应该气馁；而你若只能救你家中一部分的人，也比完全丧失好多了。{4T 112.4}[30]
§62
Brother K, you have had many discouragements; but you must be earnest, firm, and decided to do your duty in your family, and take them with you if possible. You should spare no effort to prevail upon them to accompany you on your heavenward journey. But if the mother and the children do not choose to accompany you, but rather seek to draw you away from your duties and religious privileges, you must go forward even if you go alone. You must live in the fear of God. You must improve your opportunities of attending the meetings and gaining all the spiritual strength you can, for you will need it in the days to come. Lots property was all consumed. If you should meet with loss you should not be discouraged; and if you can save only a part of your family, it is much better than to lose all. {4T 112.4}[30]
§63
亲爱的弟兄和姐妹，作为父母，你们在很大程度上要为自己儿女的灵魂负责。你们既把他们生到世上，就应该藉着言传身教把他们引向上帝和天庭。你们应该使他们心中铭记，他们现世的利益若与他们永恒的利益比较，就无足轻重了。{4T 113.1}[31]
§64
Dear brother and sister, as parents you are in a great measure accountable for the souls of your children. You have brought them into existence; and you should, by precept and example, lead them to the Lord and the courts of heaven. You should impress them with the thought that their temporal interests are of little consequence when compared with their eternal welfare. {4T 113.1}[31]
§65
这些宝贵的孩子生活在世人中间，吸收着喜爱虚荣生活的精神。你们的儿子L是一个心肠好精神也好的男孩；但他需要一位母亲警醒不倦的照顾，母亲在基督徒日常生活中的经验会使她适于劝勉和教导自己的儿子。他正处于一位温柔贤惠的母亲能够藉着自己的感化力塑造他的年纪；然而K姐妹啊，我担心你宁愿谋求按照这世界的风尚塑造你的儿女，却忽略教导他们明白，形成可以确保不朽的品格才是人生要务。{4T 113.2}[32]
§66
These dear children are living among worldly people, and they are imbibing a love for the vanities of life. Your son L is a kindhearted, fine-spirited boy; but he needs the watchful care of a mother whose daily experience in the Christian life will fit her to counsel and instruct him. He is at just that age when a tender, judicious mother can mold him by her influence; but I fear, Sister K, that you seek rather to mold your children after the fashion of this world, and neglect to teach them that the important work of life is to form characters that will ensure immortality. {4T 113.2}[32]
§67
L若是忽视信仰的主题和实际的基督教，他的人生就会失败。他应该看到自己需要在属灵的事上受教育，以便完全为上帝使用自己的才能。主需要年轻人在祂的葡萄园中作工。年经人不应忽略基础教育。但是他们如果完全致力于求学，而忽略在信仰的大主题上聪明起来，也不获得基督徒的经验，就会丧失为上帝作工的资格。所受的教育无论多么优越，都需要书本以外的某种知识来拯救生灵和引人悔改。花上数年的时间单单获得科学知识，不能预备人在侍奉上帝上成为能干的工人。{4T 113.3}[33]
§68
If L neglects to become acquainted with religious subjects and practical Christianity, his life will be a mistake. He should see that he needs an education in spiritual things, that he may use his abilities wholly for God. The Lord calls for young men to work in His vineyard. Young men should not neglect the essential branches of education. But if they turn their entire attention to secular study, and neglect to become intelligent on the great subject of religion, and do not acquire a Christian experience, they are becoming disqualified for the work of God. However favorable the educational advantage may be, something besides the knowledge of books is necessary to save the soul and lead others to repentance. Devoting a period of years to the acquisition of scientific knowledge alone is not preparing to be an efficient laborer in the service of God. {4T 113.3}[33]
§69
年轻人应该花大量时间学习；但他们也应该将体力劳动与脑力劳动结合起来，并且学以致用，藉着有益地运用使身体的全部才能可以均衡发展。他们不应忽略得救所必要的事，也不应认为那些事的重要性比不上今生的任何事。{4T 114.1}[34]
§70
Young men should devote much time to study; but they should also unite physical labor with their mental efforts, and put in practice the knowledge they have gained, that by useful exercise all the faculties of the mind and powers of the body may be equally developed. They should not neglect the things necessary to salvation, nor consider them secondary to anything in this life. {4T 114.1}[34]
§71
亲爱的弟兄和姐妹，上帝爱你们的家庭，希望倾降祂特别的福气给你们，好使你们成为义的器具，把他人带往天国。K弟兄若是全然献身于上帝，就会在他的建议和影响能更好的得到接受和赏识的社区中行大量的善事。我们强烈盼望你们二人纠正生活中的错误，更新你们的信仰，并且顺从上帝，从祂重新得力，祂已应许要帮助那些呼求祂名的人。{4T 114.2}[35]
§72
Dear brother and sister, God loves your family, and desires to shower His special blessings upon you, that you may become instruments of righteousness in leading others toward heaven. If entirely consecrated to God, Brother K could do a great amount of good in a community where his advice and influence would be better received and appreciated. We have strong hopes that both of you will correct that which is wrong in your lives, and renew your faith and obedience to God, receiving new strength from Him who has promised to help those who call upon His name. {4T 114.2}[35]
§73
年轻的L弟兄啊，你已经在自己的人生中犯了一个错误。你在紧张地追求学业时，忽略了发展自己全部的才能。你在道德上的成长决不应不及获得教育的努力，而应在远远高于通常所认为必需的程度上受到培养。我亲爱的年轻弟兄啊，你一直有志于求知。这种抱负是值得称赞的；但是为了满足这种雄心，你竟忽略了自己永恒的利益，使之居于学业之次。上帝和天国已在你的情感中居于次要位置。你在日常生活中一直没有郑重遵守上帝圣洁律法的要求。你已亵渎了安息日，占用那神圣的时间为你自己的目的求学。上帝说过：“这一日无论何工都不可做”（出20:10）。{4T 114.3}[36]
§74
Young Brother L, you have made a mistake in your life. In closely pursuing your studies you have neglected the development of all your faculties. The moral growth should never be dwarfed in the effort to acquire an education, but should be cultivated in a far higher degree than is usually deemed necessary. My dear young brother, you have been ambitious to secure knowledge. This ambition is praiseworthy; but in order to gratify it, you have neglected your eternal interests and made them secondary to your studies. God and heaven have occupied a subordinate position in your affections. The claims of Gods holy law have not been sacredly observed in your daily life. You have desecrated the Sabbath by bringing your studies into that holy time which was not yours to occupy for your own purposes. God has said: In it thou shalt not do any work. {4T 114.3}[36]
§75
“你若在安息日掉转你的脚步，在我圣日不以操作为喜乐，称安息日为可喜乐的，称耶和华的圣日为可尊重的；而且尊敬这日，不办自己的私事，不随自己的私意，不说自己的私话，你就以耶和华为乐。耶和华要使你乘驾地的高处，又以你祖雅各的产业养育你。这是耶和华亲口说的”（赛58:13,14）。你屈服于爱好而不是本分，使你的学业高过了至高者的明令。{4T 114.4}[37]
§76
If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. You have yielded to inclination rather than duty and made your studies paramount to the expressed command of the Most High. {4T 114.4}[37]
§77
我们帐棚聚会的安排与举行，费用很大。提倡不受欢迎之真理的上帝的传道人们在这些大聚会中格外出力作工，传扬那由被钉十字架的救赎主向可怜堕落的罪人发出的慈悲信息。人若忽略这些信息，或是对之漠不关心，便是轻看上帝的慈悲和祂警告和恳劝的声音。你缺席这些聚会对你属灵的福利大有损害。你没有得到原可藉着听人传讲上帝的道和与相信真理的人聚在一起得到的力量。你的心智被哄骗，陷入一种冷漠中，这对你心灵的安宁是致命的。你已高举世俗的教育在从基督的门下获得的知识之上。在真正的信仰生活中，经验是必不可少的，以便形成可蒙上帝悦纳的品格，获得带有天上亮光的纯洁美德。{4T 115.1}[38]
§78
Our camp meetings are arranged and held at great expense. Gods ministers who advocate unpopular truth, labor excessively at these large gatherings to bear the message of mercy from a crucified Redeemer to poor fallen sinners. To neglect or treat these messages with indifference is to slight the mercy of God and His voice of warning and entreaty. Your absence from these meetings has been very detrimental to your spiritual welfare. You have missed the strength that you might have gained there by listening to the preached word of God, and mingling with the believers of the truth. Your mind has been lulled into a fatal apathy in regard to the well-being of your soul. You have exalted your secular education above the knowledge to be gained in the school of Christ. Experience in a true religious life is necessary in order to form a character acceptable to God and to secure the pure virtues that will bear the light of heaven. {4T 115.1}[38]
§79
你显得多么急于藉着学习训练自己的心智，好完全熟悉自己的课本，以便在教师、朋友和感兴趣的旁观者面前通过值得赞扬的考试呀！你又是多么野心勃勃地志在证明自己一直是个勤奋的学生，忠诚地把时间用在了将有益的知识存记在心啊！你一直切心渴望在学业上进步，也同样急于得到朋友和老师们的称赞。你也因获得奖学金而得到了尊荣。但你的心智在信仰上受到了怎样的训练呢？你岂不是想也不想就把上帝的国和祂的义放在你的学业进步之下了吗？确实，所赐给人的一些本领特别是为了使人从事现世的事，但心智的更高能力应该完全奉献给上帝。这些能力控制人，形成他的生活和品格。你不应忽视宗教以外的学习，也无权将自己的注意力全部投入其中，而应特别致力于达到你的天父对你在道德和属灵上的要求。{4T 115.2}[39]
§80
What anxiety you have manifested to discipline your mind by study, to become properly conversant with your textbooks, that you might pass a creditable examination before instructors, friends, and interested spectators! How ambitious you have been to prove that you have been a diligent student and have faithfully employed your time in storing your mind with useful knowledge! You have been as sincerely anxious to progress in your studies as you have been to secure the commendation of your friends and teachers. You have justly earned the honors you have received for scholarship. But how has your mind been disciplined in religion? Have you not unthinkingly placed the kingdom of God and His righteousness below your advancement in the sciences? True, some of the human faculties were given more especially for the purpose of engaging in temporal matters, but the higher powers of the mind should be wholly consecrated to God. These control the man, these form his life and character. And while you should not neglect your secular studies, you have no right to give them all your attention, but should devote yourself especially to the moral and spiritual requirements of your heavenly Father. {4T 115.2}[39]
§81
你显得不怎么渴望善用力所能及的宗教优势，获得对上帝律法更透彻的认识，并且决心遵守之。你没怎么努力成为一个忠心有见识的基督徒。这样，你又怎么能预备好通过那庄严的审查呢？在那里你一切的行为和工作，连同你内心最隐秘的思想都会敞开在那大法官和集合的众圣徒众天使面前。你没什么志向去使自己在属灵上适于在那尊贵的群众面前经受这场严格的审查。那时，就你的道德和宗教造诣作出的最终裁决将是什么呢？那个裁决是无处上诉的。将有什么荣誉归给你，因你忠实地保持了信仰和追求学业之间所必需的协调呢？你愿意屹立为一个具有坚定的道德勇气的人，显出既有卓越的人间知识，又有对上帝的圣洁热心和对祂律法的顺从吗？{4T 116.1}[40]
§82
How little anxiety you have manifested to improve the religious advantages within your reach to gain a more thorough knowledge of the laws of God, and determination to abide by them! You have made little effort to become a loyal and intelligent Christian. How, then, will you be prepared to pass the grand review, where all your deeds and words, and the inmost thoughts of your heart, will be laid open before the great Judge and the assembled saints and angels? You have had little ambition to obtain a spiritual fitness to bear this close examination in the presence of that exalted throng. What, then, will be the final decision as to your moral and religious attainments, that decision from which there is no appeal? What will be the honors accredited to you because of your faithfulness in preserving the required harmony between religion and the pursuit of the sciences? Will you stand as one possessing unfaltering moral courage, in whom is shown excellence of human knowledge united with a holy zeal for God and the obedience of His law? {4T 116.1}[40]
§83
我的弟兄啊，你应该认为上帝的智慧才是重中之重。宗教必须与科学携手并进，以便使你的教育成为一个行善和使别人转向真理的圣洁手段。我们越在基督的门下学习，就越渴望在那种知识上长进。我们所有的成就若不因信仰而有高尚的性质，就毫无价值。上帝有特别的责任给每一个人去履行，且要决定人是否在每一件事上忠心完成了这些责任。{4T 116.2}[41]
§84
My brother, you should consider the wisdom of God as all in all. Religion must go hand in hand with science, in order to make your education a sanctified means of doing good and turning others to the truth. The more we learn in the school of Christ, the more eager we are to advance in that knowledge. All our acquirements are of little value unless the character is ennobled by religion. God has special duties for every individual to perform, and a decision will be passed upon every case as to the faithfulness with which these duties have been accomplished. {4T 116.2}[41]
§85
上帝经常把我们放在不同的位置，好激励我们作出更大的努力。在祂的天意安排中，有时会出现特别烦人的事，为要考验我们的耐心和信心。上帝让我们学习倚靠的功课。祂希望教我们知道在急需时到哪里寻求帮助和力量。这样，我们就获得关于祂神圣旨意的实际知识，这是我们的人生经验中所非常需要的。信心在与疑惑和惧怕的认真斗争中变得强壮。弟兄啊，你若谨慎留意自己的道路，就可成为一位得胜者。你应将自己年轻的生命奉献于上帝的圣工并且祈求成功。你不应闭眼不看自己的危险，而应毅然准备对付你基督徒进程中的每一个困难。要花时间反省和谦卑恳切地祈祷。你才干卓著，有望将来成功；但你若不了解自己本心的软弱，就必定会失望。{4T 116.3}[42]
§86
The Lord frequently places us in difficult positions to stimulate us to greater exertion. In His providence special annoyances sometimes occur to test our patience and faith. God gives us lessons of trust. He would teach us where to look for help and strength in time of need. Thus we obtain practical knowledge of His divine will, which we so much need in our life experience. Faith grows strong in earnest conflict with doubt and fear. Brother, you may be a conqueror if you take careful heed to your ways. You should devote your young life to the cause of God and pray for success. You should not close your eyes to your danger, but should resolutely prepare for every difficulty in your Christian advancement. Take time for reflection and for humble, earnest prayer. Your talents are marked, and you are hopeful in regard to your future success; but unless you comprehend the weakness of your natural heart you will be disappointed. {4T 116.3}[42]
§87
你的人生才刚刚开始；你到了要自己负责任的年龄。这是你人生中的一个关键时期。而今，你正用自己的青春在人生的园地中撒种。你种的是什么，收的也将是什么；因为种子如何，结果也会如何。你若疏忽不顾永恒的事，你自己就会遭受大损失，且会藉着你的影响，阻止他人尽他们对上帝的义务。{4T 117.1}[43]
§88
You are just starting out in life; you have arrived at an age to bear responsibilities for yourself. This is a critical period in your life. Now, in your youth, you are sowing in the field of life. That which you sow you will also reap; as was the seed, so will be the harvest. If you are neglectful and indifferent concerning eternal things you will sustain a great loss yourself and, through your influence, will prevent others from fulfilling their obligations to God. {4T 117.1}[43]
§89
两个世界都在你面前。你愿意选择哪一个呢？要有智慧和持定永生。无论你的责任在当前的紧急情况中看来多么讨厌，也不要偏离你的正直。或许看来你要作出大牺牲才能保持自己心灵的纯正，但是不要犹豫；要本着敬畏上帝的心奋力前进，祂就会祝福你的努力并且报偿你千倍。不要放弃你宗教的要求和权利去满足你未献身之亲友的心愿。你蒙召要采取支持真理的立场，即使这会使你与你所亲近的人直接冲突。但愿这最后的考验不临到你，以试验和证明你对正义的忠诚。{4T 117.2}[44]
§90
Both worlds are before you. Which will you choose? Be wise and lay hold of eternal life. Swerve not from your integrity, however unpleasant your duties may appear in the present emergency. It may seem that you are about to make great sacrifices to preserve your purity of soul, but do not hesitate; press forward in the fear of God, and He will bless your efforts and recompense you a thousandfold. Do not yield your religious claims and privileges in order to gratify the wishes of your unconsecrated friends and relatives. You are called to take your position for the truth, even if it should be in direct opposition to those who are closely connected with you. God forbid that this last trial should ever come to you, to test and prove your integrity for the right. {4T 117.2}[44]
§91
要在那亘古的磐石上打下你基督徒品格的根基，且要把房屋建得坚固稳定。{4T 117.3}[45]
§92
Lay the foundation of your Christian character upon the eternal Rock of salvation, and let the structure be firm and sound. {4T 117.3}[45]
§93
我们希望你母亲会帮助你和你的弟兄姐妹们努力依照基督的样式完善真正的品格，好使你们在道德上适于在荣耀的天国里与天使作伴。{4T 117.4}[46]
§94
We hope that your mother will aid you and your brothers and sisters in your efforts to perfect true characters after the pattern of Christ, that you may have a moral fitness for the society of holy angels in the kingdom of glory. {4T 117.4}[46]