第07章 洪水
§1
第07章 洪水
§2
Chapter 7. - The Flood.
§3
那些尊荣上帝、不敢得罪上帝的人起先只是轻微地感到了咒诅；而那些转离上帝并践踏祂权威的人却更严重地感受到了咒诅，尤其是在身材和体形的高贵方面。塞特的后裔得称为上帝的儿子；该隐的后裔却被称为人的儿子。上帝的儿子们与人的儿子们混合在一起，他们就趋向败坏了，并因与他们通婚而由于妻子的影响，就丧失了自己那种特殊，圣洁的品格，以致与该隐的儿子们一同敬拜偶像。许多人丢弃了敬畏上帝的心，便践踏祂的诫命。但仍有少数人行义，敬畏并尊荣他们的创造主；挪亚和他一家就列在这少数义人之中。{1SP 66.1}[1]
§4
Those who honored and feared to offend God, at first felt the curse but lightly; while those who turned from God and trampled upon his authority, felt the effects of the curse more heavily, especially in stature and nobleness of form. The descendants of Seth were called the sons of God--the descendants of Cain, the sons of men. As the sons of God mingled with the sons of men, they became corrupt, and by intermarriage with them, lost, through the influence of their wives, their peculiar, holy character, and united with the sons of Cain in their idolatry. Many cast aside the fear of God, and trampled upon his commandments. But there were a few that did righteousness, who feared and honored their Creator. Noah and his family were among the righteous few. {1SP 66.1}[1]
§5
人类如此罪大恶极，并已增长到如此可怕的程度，以致上帝就后悔造人在地上，因为祂看到人的罪恶很大，终日所思想的尽都是恶。{1SP 66.2}[2]
§6
The wickedness of man was so great, and increased to such a fearful extent, that God repented that he had made man upon the earth; for he saw that the wickedness of man was great, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. {1SP 66.2}[2]
§7
咒诅并没有立刻改变大地的外观，地上依然富有上帝已经给它的厚恩。金银甚多。那时的人类身材很高大，具有不可思议的体力。那时的树木也高大得多，远比现在凡人所能看到的树木完美匀称。这些树木纹理细密材质坚固——在这方面更象石头。即使是当时体力那么强健的人，要准备这种木材作建筑的材料，也要比如今这堕落时代体力较弱的人准备地上生长的树木需要更长的时间和更多的劳作。这些木料非常经久耐用，历经许多年而一点不会朽坏。{1SP 66.3}[3]
§8
The curse did not change at once the appearance of the earth. It was still rich in the bounty God had provided for it. There were gold and silver in abundance. The race of men then living was of very great stature, and possessed wonderful strength. The trees were vastly larger, and far surpassing in beauty and perfect proportions anything mortals can now look upon. The wood of these trees was of fine grain and hard substance --in this respect more like stone. It required much more time and labor, even of that powerful race, to prepare the timber for building, than it requires in this degenerate age to prepare trees that are now growing upon the earth, even with the present weaker strength men now possess. These trees were of great durability, and would know nothing of decay for very many years. {1SP 66.3}[3]
§9
先是由于亚当的背命，后是由于该隐犯的凶杀罪，使大地受了沉重的双重咒诅；然而大山小山依然可爱。在最高的山岭上生长着参天的大树，它们的枝条向四面延伸到极远处。平原也是一片鲜绿，就象一个巨大的花园。有些小山满是美丽的树木，且有葡萄树攀缘在雄伟高大的树木上，结果累累。美丽的花卉使空气中充满了香气。然而尽管大地依然富饶华美，若与它受咒请以前的状况相比，还是显出了必然衰败的迹象。{1SP 67.1}[4]
§10
A heavy, double curse, first in consequence of Adams transgression, and second, because of the murder committed by Cain, was resting upon the earth; yet the mountains and hills were still lovely. Upon the highest elevations grew majestic trees, rising to a lofty height, their branches spreading to a great distance on every side, while the plains were covered with verdure, and appeared like a vast garden of flowers. Some of the hills were covered with trees of beauty, and vines climbing the stately trees were loaded with grapes, while beautiful flowers filled the air with their fragrance. But notwithstanding the richness and beauty of the earth, yet, when compared with its state before the curse was pronounced upon it, there was manifest evidence of sure and certain decay. {1SP 67.1}[4]
§11
人们用金银宝石和上等的木材为自己建造房屋，争相胜过他人。他们用极其精心的作品美化和装饰自己的房屋田地，并因他们的恶行惹怒上帝。他们造了偶像来拜，还教导自己的儿女把他们自己的手所造的这些东西当作神明来敬拜。他们不选择思想天地的创造主上帝，也不向祂表示感谢，他们所拥有的一切都是祂赐给他们的。他们甚至否认天上的上帝存在，竟以自己的手工为荣，并且敬拜之。他们用上帝安置在地上为要使人受益的那些东西败坏了自己。他们用结有各种果子的树木为自己预备美丽的道路，并在这些宏伟可爱枝条广布的常青树下安置了他们所敬拜的偶像。整个小树林因有树木的枝条作华盖而被奉献给了他们所崇拜的假神，并且使之显得优美动人，好吸引人们去那里崇拜他们的偶像。{1SP 67.2}[5]
§12
The people used the gold, silver, precious stones, and choice wood, in building houses for themselves, each striving to excel the other. They beautified and adorned their houses and lands with the most ingenious works, and provoked God by their wicked deeds. They formed images to worship, and taught their children to regard these pieces of workmanship made with their own hands, as gods, and to worship them. They did not choose to think of God, the creator of the heavens and the earth, and rendered no grateful thanks to him who had provided them all the things which they possessed. They even denied the existence of the God of Heaven, and gloried in, and worshiped, the works of their own hands. They corrupted themselves with those things which God had placed upon the earth for mans benefit. They prepared for themselves beautiful walks, overhung with fruit trees of every description. Under these majestic and lovely trees, with their wide-spread branches, which were green from the commencement of the year to its close, they placed their idols of worship. Whole groves, because of the shelter of their branches, were dedicated to their idol gods, and made attractive for the people to resort to for their idolatrous worship. {1SP 67.2}[5]
§13
他们非但不公平地对待邻舍，反而实行他们自己不合法的心愿。他们有多个妻子，这与上帝明智的安排是相反的。起初上帝只给了亚当一个妻子，这向凡要生活在地上的人说明了祂在这方面的秩序和律法。亚当夏娃的犯罪堕落给人类带来了罪恶和不幸，人便随从自己属肉体的欲望，改变了上帝的秩序。人们越给自己多添妻子，就越发邪恶不幸。一个人若是决定夺取邻舍的妻子、牲畜或任何东西，并不认为这有什么不对，要是他能用武力胜过邻舍，或将邻舍杀死，他就这么做，还会因自己的暴行而自豪。他们喜爱毁灭动物的生命。他们以动物为食物，而这使他们更加残忍暴虐，杀人流血，草菅人命。{1SP 68.1}[6]
§14
Instead of doing justice to their neighbors, they carried out their own unlawful wishes. They had a plurality of wives, which was contrary to Gods wise arrangement. In the beginning, God gave to Adam one wife--showing to all who should live upon the earth, his order and law in that respect. The transgression and fall of Adam and Eve brought sin and wretchedness upon the human race, and man followed his own carnal desires, and changed Gods order. The more men multiplied wives to themselves, the more they increased in wickedness and unhappiness. If any one chose to take the wives, or cattle, or anything belonging to his neighbor, he did not regard justice or right, but if he could prevail over his neighbor by reason of strength, or by putting him to death, he did so, and exulted in his deeds of violence. They loved to destroy the lives of animals. They used them for food, and this increased their ferocity and violence, and caused them to look upon the blood of human beings with astonishing indifference. {1SP 68.1}[6]
§15
但是如果有一种导致洪水毁灭人类的极大的罪，那就是人与兽的杂交这种丑化上帝形像并在各处引发混乱的卑劣之罪。上帝定意要灭绝这个强大长寿的并在祂面前败坏堕落的族类。祂不愿让他们活到他们几百年的寿数了。那时距亚当以前吃能延年益寿的生命树的果子的时候只过了几个世代。他在背命之后就不能再吃生命树的果子了，免得成为不死的罪人。人若要拥有永生，就必须继续吃生命树的果子。若是不能吃那树的果子了，人的生命就会逐渐消亡。{1SP 69.1}[7]
§16
But if there was one sin above another which called for the destruction of the race by the flood, it was the base crime of amalgamation of man and beast which defaced the image of God, and caused confusion everywhere. God purposed to destroy by a flood that powerful, long-lived race that had corrupted their ways before him. He would not suffer them to live out the days of their natural life, which would be hundreds of years. It was only a few generations back when Adam had access to that tree which was to prolong life. After his disobedience he was not suffered to eat of the tree of life and perpetuate a life of sin. In order for man to possess an endless life he must continue to eat of the fruit of the tree of life. Deprived of that tree, his life would gradually wear out. {1SP 69.1}[7]
§17
主在洪水前一百多年，就派遣天使到忠心的挪亚那里去，叫他知道祂将不再怜惜这败坏的族类。但祂却不让他们对祂的计划一无所知。祂要教训挪亚，使他成为忠心的传道人，去警告世人那即将到来的毁灭，好叫地上的居民无可推诿。挪亚要向众人传道，同时也要遵照上帝的指示，预备一个方舟，为要救自己和全家。他不但要传道，也要借他建造方舟的榜样，使人人相信他确信他所传的道。{1SP 69.2}[8]
§18
More than one hundred years before the flood the Lord sent an angel to faithful Noah to make known to him that he would no longer have mercy upon the corrupt race. But he would not have them ignorant of his design. He would instruct Noah, and make him a faithful preacher to warn the world of its coming destruction, that the inhabitants of the earth might be left without excuse. Noah was to preach to the people, and also to prepare an ark as God should direct him for the saving of himself and family. He was not only to preach, but his example in building the ark was to convince all that he believed what he preached. {1SP 69.2}[8]
§19
敬畏并顺从上帝的人并不止挪亚和他全家。但挪亚是地上最虔诚圣洁的人，所以上帝保全他的性命，要他在建造方舟并警告世人有关行将临到的厄运上执行祂的旨意。挪亚的祖父玛土撒拉，一直活到洪水的那年；还有其他相信挪亚所传并帮助他建造方舟的人，是在洪水泛滥地上以前死去的。挪亚借他所传的道和建造方舟的实例，定了世人的罪。上帝给予一切愿意悔改而转向祂的人一个机会。但他们不肯相信挪亚所传的道。他们嘲笑他所传的警告，并讥讽他在旱地上建造那巨大船只的事。挪亚劝他的同胞进行改革的努力并没有成功，但他竟作了一百多年坚忍的努力，要使人悔改归向上帝。他敲在方舟上的每一锤都是在向人传道。挪亚一面指导工作，一面传道，同时还作工，而众人却惊奇地观望着，并把他看为宗教狂热者。{1SP 70.1}[9]
§20
Noah and his family were not alone in fearing and obeying God. But Noah was the most pious and holy of any upon the earth, and was the one whose life God preserved to carry out his will in building the ark and warning the world of its coming doom. Methuselah, the grandfather of Noah, lived until the very year of the flood; and there were others who believed the preaching of Noah, and aided him in building the ark, who died before the flood of waters came upon the earth. Noah, by his preaching and example in building the ark, condemned the world. God gave all who chose an opportunity to repent and turn to him. But they believed not the preaching of Noah. They mocked at his warnings, and ridiculed the building of that immense vessel on dry land. Noahs efforts to reform his fellow-men did not succeed. But for more than one hundred years he persevered in his efforts to turn men to repentance and to God. Every blow struck upon the ark was preaching to the people. Noah directed, he preached, he worked, while the people looked on in amazement, and regarded him as a fanatic. {1SP 70.1}[9]
§21
上帝将方舟的准确尺寸和建造的说明都详细告诉挪亚。在许多方面它的构造都不象一只船，却象一座房屋，其基础形状象一只要漂浮在水上的船。方舟两旁没有窗。它共计三层高，而光线却都从顶上的一个窗户射进去。门开在一边。那专供装载各种动物的船舱构造，使船顶窗户的光可以射入各处。方舟是用一种千百年不朽烂的柏木或歌斐木造的。它是非常牢固耐久的建筑物，是人的才智所不能发明的。设计师是上帝，建造师是挪亚。{1SP 70.2}[10]
§22
God gave Noah the exact dimensions of the ark, and explicit directions in regard to the construction of it in every particular. In many respects it was not made like a vessel, but prepared like a house, the foundation like a boat which would float upon water. There were no windows in the sides of the ark. It was three stories high, and the light they received was from a window in the top. The door was in the side. The different apartments prepared for the reception of different animals were so made that the window in the top gave light to all. The ark was made of the cypress or gopher wood, which would know nothing of decay for hundreds of years. It was a building of great durability, which no wisdom of man could invent. God was the designer, and Noah his master-builder. {1SP 70.2}[10]
§23
挪亚在竭尽一切所能使各部分工程正确完成之后，若要使方舟本身经受得起上帝的烈怒所要降在地上的暴风雨，仍是不可能的。完成建造的工作是缓慢的过程。每一块木料都要坚密地契合，每一道缝隙都要抹上松香。凡人所能使工程完善的事都作到了；但尽管如此，仍只有上帝才能借祂神奇的能力，在那汹涌澎湃的巨浪中保全这建筑物。{1SP 71.1}[11]
§24
After Noah had done all in his power to make every part of the work correct, it was impossible that it could of itself withstand the violence of the storm which God in his fierce anger was to bring upon the earth. The work of completing the building was a slow process. Every piece of timber was closely fitted, and every seam covered with pitch. All that men could do was done to make the work perfect; yet, after all, God alone could preserve the building upon the angry, heaving billows, by his miraculous power. {1SP 71.1}[11]
§25
有许多人初时表面上接受了挪亚的警告，然而却没有真诚悔改完全转向上帝。在洪水未来之前，有一段作为他们宽限的恩典时期赐予他们要受考验和试炼。结果他们未能经受考验，当时流行的腐化胜过了他们，他们终于和其他败坏的人一同讥诮并嘲骂忠心的挪亚。他们不肯放弃他们的罪，却持续他们的多妻制并放纵败坏的情欲。{1SP 71.2}[12]
§26
A multitude at first apparently received the warning of Noah, yet did not fully turn to God with true repentance. There was some time given them before the flood was to come, in which they were to be placed upon probation--to be proved and tried. They failed to endure the trial. The prevailing degeneracy overcame them, and they finally joined others who were corrupt, in deriding and scoffing at faithful Noah. They would not leave off their sins, but continued in polygamy, and in the indulgence of their corrupt passions. {1SP 71.2}[12]
§27
他们的恩典时期很快就要结束了，世界上不信和讥诮的居民，将要看到上帝神能的特别表现。挪亚已经忠心地遵循上帝所给他的命令，方舟已经完全依照上帝的指示竣工了，他已经贮藏巨量的食物以供人和动物的需用。这事完成之后，上帝吩咐忠心的挪亚说：“你和你的全家都要进入方舟，因为在这世代中，我见你在我面前是义人。”天使奉差遣从森林和原野集合上帝所创造的动物。天使在前面引领着这些动物，它们便一公一母，两个两个地跟在后面，洁净的动物每种七对，这些动物，从最凶猛的到最驯良的，都安静而严肃地走进了方舟。天上云集了各种各色的飞鸟。它们也飞到方舟来，一公一母，两个两个地进去，洁净的飞鸟每种七对。世人惊异不置地观望着——有些人感到恐惧，但他们已因悖逆而成为十分刚硬的，以致上帝能力的这一重大表现在他们身上也只有短暂的影响。这些动物陆续进入方舟历时七日之久，挪亚则在忙着将它们安置在备妥的地方。{1SP 71.3}[13]
§28
The period of their probation was drawing near its close. The unbelieving, scoffing inhabitants of the world were to have a special sign of Gods divine power. Noah had faithfully followed the instructions God had given to him. The ark was finished exactly as God had directed. He had laid in store immense quantities of food for man and beast. And after this was accomplished, God commanded the faithful Noah, Come thou, and all thy house, into the ark, for thee have I seen righteous before me. Angels were sent to collect from the forest and field the beasts which God had created. Angels went before these animals and they followed, two and two, male and female, and clean beasts by sevens. These beasts, from the most ferocious, down to the most gentle and harmless, peacefully and solemnly marched into the ark. The sky seemed clouded with birds of every description. They came flying to the ark, two and two, male and female, and the clean birds by sevens. The world looked on with wonder--some with fear, but they had become so hardened by rebellion that this most signal manifestation of Gods power had but a momentary influence upon them. For seven days these animals were coming into the ark, and Noah was arranging them in the places prepared for them. {1SP 71.3}[13]
§29
当那厄运已定的人类看到阳光普照，大地几乎有如伊甸园一样的美丽时，他们便借狂欢作乐驱散他们不断增加的恐惧，似乎要借凶暴的行为鼓舞那业已发作的上帝的忿怒降在他们身上。{1SP 72.1}[14]
§30
And as the doomed race beheld the sun shining in its glory, and the earth clad in almost its Eden beauty, they drove away their rising fears by boisterous merriment; and by their deeds of violence seemed to be encouraging upon themselves the visitation of the already awakened wrath of God. {1SP 72.1}[14]
§31
现在样样都已齐备，方舟的门关闭了，原来那门是挪亚无法从里面关闭的。嘲笑的群众看见有一位天使从天而降，身披闪电般的光辉，他关闭外面那巨大的门，然后又升回天上去了。挪亚一家在方舟里停留了七天之后，雨水才开始降在地上。在这段时间内，他们为他们长久住在方舟里度过洪水泛滥全地的时期作了安排。这几天也正是不信的群众亵慢狂欢的日子。他们想挪亚的预言既没有在他进入方舟之后立即应验，因此他必定受了迷惑，而且世界也不可能被洪水所毁灭。在此以前，地上从来没有落过雨。水上常有雾气上升，上帝使之在夜间如同露水下降，滋润草木，使之生长繁盛。{1SP 72.2}[15]
§32
Everything was now ready for the closing of the ark, which could not have been done by Noah from within. An angel is seen by the scoffing multitude descending from Heaven, clothed with brightness like the lightning. He closes that massive outer door, and then takes his course upward to Heaven again. Seven days were the family of Noah in the ark before the rain began to descend upon the earth. In this time they were arranging for their long stay while the waters should be upon the earth. And these were days of blasphemous merriment by the unbelieving multitude. They thought because the prophecy of Noah was not fulfilled immediately after he entered the ark, that he was deceived, and that it was impossible that the world could be destroyed by a flood. Previous to this there had been no rain upon the earth. A mist had risen from the waters, which God caused to descend at night like dew, reviving vegetation and causing it to flourish. {1SP 72.2}[15]
§33
他们虽然目睹上帝的能力的非常表现，动物反常地从森林和原野出来进入方舟，以及上帝的使者披着光辉和可怕的威严降临，将门关闭。但他们依然硬着心肠，并照常寻欢作乐，而轻看神能的显著表现。但是到了第八天，天空变为幽暗了。隆隆的雷声和闪闪的电光开始使人兽惊恐万状。雨水从他们头上的云彩中降下了，这是他们从未见过的，因此他们惊得魂飞魄散了。许多野兽惊骇如狂，横街直冲，它们所发杂乱的鸣声似乎在为自己的命运和人类的劫数呻吟号哭。暴风雨越来越剧烈了，直到雨水犹如瀑布洪流一般从天上倾盆而降。从江河涨起，水漫山谷。深渊裂开，水从地下喷出，力大无比，将大石抛掷天空，竟达数百尺之高，落下时就深埋地下了。{1SP 73.1}[16]
§34
Notwithstanding the solemn exhibition they had witnessed of Gods power--of the unnatural occurrence of the beasts leaving the forests and fields, and going into the ark, and the angel of God clothed with brightness, and terrible in majesty, descending from Heaven and closing the door; yet they hardened their hearts, and continued to revel and sport over the signal manifestations of divine power. But upon the eighth day the heavens gathered blackness. The muttering thunders, and vivid lightning flashes, began to terrify man and beast. The rain descended from the clouds above them. This was something they had never witnessed, and their hearts began to faint with fear. The beasts were roving about in the wildest terror, and their discordant voices seemed to moan out their own destiny and the fate of man. The storm increased in violence until water seemed to come from heaven like mighty cataracts. The boundaries of rivers broke away, and the waters rushed to the valleys. The foundations of the great deep also were broken up. Jets of water would burst up from the earth with indescribable force, throwing massive rocks hundreds of feet into the air, and then they would bury themselves deep in the earth. {1SP 73.1}[16]
§35
众人首先看见自己亲手所作的工程被毁。他们的壮丽建筑，和安置偶像的华美园林，都被天上来的电光所摧毁了；碎瓦残碑遍地皆是。他们曾在丛林中建立祭坛，专供崇拜偶像之用；他们也曾在这些坛上献活人为祭。上帝所憎恶的这一切，都在他们面前被祂的烈怒所摧毁了，使他们都在创造天地的永生上帝的能力面前颤抖，并叫他们知道：他们之所以招致灭亡，乃是因为自己所行的可憎之事以及那崇拜偶像所献的恐怖的牺牲。{1SP 74.1}[17]
§36
The people first beheld the destruction, of the works of their hands. Their splendid buildings, their beautifully-arranged gardens and groves, where they had placed their idols, were destroyed by lightning from heaven. Their ruins were scattered everywhere. They had erected altars in groves, and consecrated them to their idols, whereon they offered human sacrifices. These which God detested were torn down in his wrath before them, and they were made to tremble before the power of the living God, the Maker of the heavens and the earth, and they were made to know that it was their abominations and horrible, idolatrous sacrifices, which had called for their destruction. {1SP 74.1}[17]
§37
暴风雨猛烈加剧了，狂风暴雨的骚乱中夹杂着那曾轻视上帝权威之人的哭号声。树木、房屋、大石和泥土到处乱飞。人和兽的恐怖之状，决非言语所能形容。甚至连那不得不留在暴风雨中的撒但，也深恐自己的性命难保。他曾因控制这么强大的族类而欣喜，也希望他们一直活下去，进行他们那些可憎的事，并加紧反抗天上的上帝。这时他咒骂上帝，诉说祂是不公义而残忍的。许多人也象撒但一样亵渎上帝，如果可能进行叛乱的话，他们巴不得将祂从审判的宝座上推下来。在许多人亵渎并咒骂他们创造主的同时，另一些人却惊恐发狂，伸手向方舟呼救，请求准他们进去。但这是不可能的。上帝已经将那唯一入口的门关闭了，把挪亚关在里面，把不敬虔的人都撇在外面。惟有祂才能打开那门。他们的恐惧和悔改都来得太晚了。他们这时不得不认明真有一位比人更强大的上帝，就是他们所曾抗拒并亵渎的。他们恳切地呼求祂，但祂的耳朵却不垂听他们的呼声，有一些人在绝望之余，竟想闯进方舟，但他们无法打开那坚固的建筑。有一些人攀住方舟，直到他们被汹涌的波涛冲去，或是被从四面八方冲来的岩石和树木所撞击而松手。那些曾经轻视挪亚的警告并讥讽那位忠心传义道者的人们，这时为自己的不信而懊悔业已太晚了。方舟被猛烈地摇撼抛掷着。内中走兽以各种不同的吼声，表示它们疯狂的恐怖；然而在狂风暴雨和波涛汹涌之中，以及在与岩石树木猛烈撞击之下，方舟仍安然行驶。有大能的天使引导方舟，并保护它不受损害，在那四十昼夜可怕的暴风雨中，方舟每时每刻都得蒙保卫，这实在是上帝大能所显的神迹。{1SP 74.2}[18]
§38
The violence of the storm increased, and there were mingled with the warring of the elements, the wailings of the people who had despised the authority of God. Trees, buildings, rocks, and earth, were hurled in every direction. The terror of man and beast was beyond description. And even Satan himself, who was compelled to be amid the warring elements, feared for his own existence. He had delighted to control so powerful a race, and wished them to live to practice their abominations, and increase their rebellion against the God of Heaven. He uttered imprecations against God, charging him with injustice and cruelty. Many of the people, like Satan, blasphemed God, and if they could have carried out their rebellion, would have torn him from the throne of justice. While many were blaspheming and cursing their Creator, others were frantic with fear, stretching their hands toward the ark, pleading for admittance. But this was impossible. God had closed the door, the only entrance, and shut Noah in, and the ungodly out. He alone could open the door. Their fear and repentance came too late. They were compelled to know that there was a living God who was mightier than man, whom they had defied and blasphemed. They called upon him earnestly, but his ear was not open to their cry. Some in their desperation sought to break into the ark, but that firm-made structure resisted all their efforts. Some clung to the ark until borne away with the furious surging of the waters, or their hold was broken off by rocks and trees that were hurled in every direction. Those who had slighted the warning of Noah, and ridiculed that faithful preacher of righteousness, repented too late of their unbelief. The ark was severely rocked and tossed about. The beasts within expressed, by their varied noises, the wildest terror, yet amid all the warring of the elements, the surging of the waters, and the hurling about of trees and rocks, the ark rode safely. Angels that excel in strength guided the ark and preserved it from harm. Every moment during that frightful storm of forty days and forty nights the preservation of the ark was a miracle of almighty power. {1SP 74.2}[18]
§39
那些受暴风雨袭击的动物冲到人面前，要与人类作伴，好像是希望从他们得到帮助。有一些人将自己和儿女绑在强大的走兽身上，知道这些动物必为求生存而顽抗，也必攀登最高的山峰来逃避那继续高涨的水。暴风雨的猛烈并未减退——水的涨势较比初时更快了。有人将自己绑在地上最高之处的大树上，可是这些树终于被连根拔了起来，猛抛在空中，连同石头泥土，一齐投在那翻腾澎湃的波涛之中。人和兽在那最高山峰上挣扎着要保持立足之地，直到他们全都被冲到浪涛汹涌的水中，这时水势几已达到陆地上的最高岭脊了。过不久，这些最高的地方也被水淹没了，人类和禽兽都一同因洪水而灭亡了。{1SP 75.1}[19]
§40
The animals exposed to the tempest rushed toward man, choosing the society of human beings, as though expecting help of them. Some of the people would bind their children and themselves upon powerful beasts, knowing that they would be tenacious for life, and would climb the highest points to escape the rising water. The storm does not abate its fury--the waters increase faster than at first. Some fasten themselves to lofty trees upon the highest points of land, but these trees are torn up by the roots, and carried with violence through the air, and appear as though angrily hurled, with stones and earth, into the swelling, boiling billows. Upon the loftiest heights human beings and beasts would strive to hold their position until all were hurled together into the foaming waters, which nearly reached the highest points of land. The loftiest heights are at length reached, and man and beast alike perish by the waters of the flood. {1SP 75.1}[19]
§41
挪亚和他的全家焦急地等候水势消退，他渴望再回到陆地上。他放出一只乌鸦去，那乌鸦在方舟附近飞来飞去，他没有得到所希望的凭据，所以又放出一只鸽子，这鸽子找不到落脚之地，便飞回方舟。过了七天，再放出鸽子，便看到它嘴里叼着橄榄枝叶子回来了，那长久关闭在方舟的一家八口大为庆幸。又有一位天使下来，将方舟的门打开，挪亚能撤去方舟的顶，但他却不能打开上帝所关闭的门。上帝借那开门的天使向挪亚说话，吩咐挪亚全家从方舟里出来，并将各样活物都带出来。{1SP 76.1}[20]
§42
Anxiously did Noah and his family watch the decrease of the waters. He desired to go forth upon the earth again. He sent out a raven which flew back and forth to and from the ark. He did not receive the information he desired, and he sent forth a dove which, finding no rest, returned to the ark again. After seven days the dove was sent forth again, and when the olive leaf was seen in its mouth, there was great rejoicing by this family of eight, which had so long been shut up in the ark. Again an angel descends and opens the door of the ark. Noah could remove the top, but he could not open the door which God had shut. God spoke to Noah through the angel who opened the door, and bade the family of Noah go forth out of the ark, and bring forth with them every living thing. {1SP 76.1}[20]
§43
挪亚没有忘记那位曾经慈怜地保全了他们的上帝，于是立时筑了一座坛，在坛上奉献各类洁净的牲畜飞鸟为燔祭，借此表示他信仰那伟大的牺牲基督，同时也表示他对上帝奇妙保护的感激。挪亚的祭物象馨香一般升到上帝面前。祂悦纳了这祭并且赐福给挪亚和他全家。这是给予一切存活在世上之人的一个教训，说明上帝每次向他们表现怜悯和慈爱时，他们所应首先采取的行动，就是向祂表示感激的答谢和谦恭的敬拜。{1SP 76.2}[21]
§44
Noah did not forget God who had so graciously preserved them, but immediately erected an altar and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar, showing his faith in Christ the great sacrifice, and manifesting his gratitude to God for their wonderful preservation. The offering of Noah came up before God like a sweet savor. He accepted the offering, and blessed Noah and his family. Here a lesson is taught all who should live upon the earth, that for every manifestation of Gods mercy and love toward them, the first act of all should be to render to him grateful thanks and humble worship. {1SP 76.2}[21]
§45
上帝因恐以后每遇乌云四合，大雨下降，世人就会惧怕，而且经常心惊胆寒，惟恐再有一次洪水来到，所以就凭祂的恩慈发一道应许来勉励挪亚全家：“我与你们和你们的后裔立约；并与你们这里的一切活物，就是飞鸟、牲畜、走兽，凡从方舟里出来的活物立约。我与你们立约，凡有血肉的，不再被洪水灭绝，也不再有洪水毁坏了。上帝说：我与你们，并你们这里的各样活物所立的永约，是有记号的。我把虹放在云彩中，这就可作我与地立约的记号了，我使云彩盖地的时候，必有虹现在云彩中。……虹必现在云彩中，我看见，就要记念我与地上各样有血肉的活物所立的永约。”{1SP 77.1}[22]
§46
And lest man should be terrified with gathering clouds, and falling rains, and should be in continual dread, fearing another flood, God graciously encourages the family of Noah by a promise. And I will establish my covenant with you; neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations. I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. {1SP 77.1}[22]
§47
上帝是何等的屈尊降卑啊！上帝这样将美艳缤纷的虹放在云彩中，作为伟大真神与世人立约的记号，祂对于犯错的人类是何等的慈怜啊！这个虹要向世世代代作见证，说明上帝曾因地上居民的罪大恶极而用洪水毁灭他们的这一事实。祂的旨意乃是要后世子孙看到云彩中的虹，而询问这道横跨天空的拱形灿烂彩虹的原由时，他们的父母便可向他们解说上古世界因人们放纵各种罪恶而被洪水毁灭的事，并说明至高者的手曾将虹张开放在云彩中，作为祂绝不再使洪水泛滥全地的记号。这道在云彩中的记号，乃是要坚定众人的信心，使他们建立对上帝的信任，因为它乃是表明上帝向人类所施怜爱与良善的标记；虽然上帝曾被激怒以致用洪水毁灭全地，但祂的慈怜依然环绕大地。上帝说，祂看见云彩中的虹，就要记念，祂并不是要我们以为祂会忘记，而是用人自己的口气向人说话，使人们更能领会祂的意思。{1SP 77.2}[23]
§48
What a condescension on the part of God! What compassion for erring man, to place the beautiful, variegated rainbow in the clouds, a token of the covenant of the great God with man! This rainbow was to evidence the fact to all generations that God destroyed the inhabitants of the earth by a flood, because of their great wickedness. It was his design that as the children of after generations should see the bow in the cloud, and should inquire the reason of this glorious arch that spanned the heavens, that their parents could explain to them the destruction of the old world by a flood, because the people gave themselves up to all manner of wickedness, and that the hands of the Most High had bended the bow, and placed it in the clouds, as a token that he would never bring again a flood of waters on the earth. This symbol in the clouds was to confirm the belief of all, and establish their confidence in God; for it was a token of divine mercy and goodness to man; that although God had been provoked to destroy the earth by the flood, yet his mercy still encompasseth the earth. God says when he looketh upon the bow in the cloud, he will remember. He would not have us understand that he would ever forget; but he speaks to man in his own language, that man may better understand him. {1SP 77.2}[23]
§49
圣经描述在天上有一道虹围绕着宝座，基督的头上也有虹，象征上帝的慈怜环绕着地球。人因自己的大恶惹动上帝的忿怒时，人类的代求者基督便为人辩护，并且指着云中的虹作为上帝对犯错之人有大慈怜的证据；宝座上和祂头上的虹还象征着上帝的荣耀和怜悯为了悔改之人的益处而停留在那里。{1SP 78.1}[24]
§50
A rainbow is represented in Heaven round about the throne, also above the head of Christ, as a symbol of Gods mercy encompassing the earth. When man, by his great wickedness, provokes the wrath of God, Christ, mans intercessor, pleads for him, and points to the rainbow in the cloud, as evidence of Gods great mercy and compassion for erring man; also the rainbow above the throne and upon his head, emblematical of the glory and mercy from God resting there for the benefit of repentant man. {1SP 78.1}[24]
§51
上帝创造的每一种动物都保存在方舟之内。那些非上帝所造的、由杂交而产生的混乱物种，则被洪水吞灭了。洪水以后，人和兽又发生了杂交的现象，造成了几乎无数种动物和某些人种。{1SP 78.2}[25]
§52
Every species of animals which God had created was preserved in the ark. The confused species which God did not create, which were the result of amalgamation, were destroyed by the flood. Since the flood, there has been amalgamation of man and beast, as may be seen in the almost endless varieties of species of animals, and in certain races of men. {1SP 78.2}[25]
§53
挪亚出离方舟以后，看到他周围从方舟带出来的大而猛的野兽，又看到他家的八口人，就非常害怕他们会被洪水所毁灭。但是主差派天使对挪亚说：“凡地上的走兽和空中的飞鸟都必惊恐、惧怕你们，连地上一切爬物并海里一切的鱼都交付你们的手，凡活着的动物都可以作你们的食物。这一切我都赐给你们，如同菜蔬一样。”{1SP 78.3}[26]
§54
After Noah had come forth from the ark, he looked around upon the powerful and ferocious beasts which he brought out of the ark, and then upon his family numbering eight, and was greatly afraid that they would be destroyed by the beasts. But the Lord sent his angel to say to Noah, The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hands are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things. {1SP 78.3}[26]
§55
此前上帝并没有允许人吃动物的肉。地面上人能藉以维生的一切生活物质都被毁掉了，所以上帝允许挪亚吃祂曾带进方舟的洁净动物的肉。上帝对挪亚说：“凡活着的动物都可以作你们的食物。这一切我都赐给你们，如同菜蔬一样。”上帝从前怎样把地上的菜蔬和田野的果子赐给他们，如今在他们所处的特殊情况下，便照样允许他们吃动物的肉。然而我看到动物的肉对人来说并不是最健康的食物。{1SP 79.1}[27]
§56
Previous to this time God had given man no permission to eat animal food. Every living substance upon the face of the earth upon which man could subsist had been destroyed; therefore God gave Noah permission to eat of the clean beasts which he had taken with him into the ark. God said to Noah, Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you, even as the green herb have I given you all things. As God had formerly given them the herb of the ground and fruit of the field, now, in the peculiar circumstances in which they are placed, he permits them to eat animal food. Yet I saw that the flesh of animals was not the most healthful article of food for man. {1SP 79.1}[27]
§57
洪水改变了整个地表。如今第三道可怕的咒诅因人类的犯罪而临到了大地。美丽的树林和开花的灌丛虽然被淹没了，挪亚却把种子保留下来，带进方舟。上帝也用祂奇妙的能力为以后的世代保存了各种树木和灌丛。洪水以后不久，从岩石中长出了树林和其他植物。按照上帝的旨意，种子撒落在岩缝中间，为人类今后的使用而安全保存着。{1SP 79.2}[28]
§58
The whole surface of the earth was changed at the flood. A third dreadful curse now rested upon it in consequence of mans transgression. The beautiful trees and shrubbery bearing flowers were destroyed, yet Noah preserved seed and took it with him into the ark, and God by his miraculous power preserved a few of the different kinds of trees and shrubs alive for future generations. Soon after the flood, trees and plants seemed to spring out of the very rocks. In Gods providence seeds were scattered and driven into the crevices of the rocks, and there securely hid for the future use of man. {1SP 79.2}[28]
§59
洪水比世上最高的山还高出十五肘。主记念挪亚，当洪水消退时，祂便使方舟停在群山的顶上。上帝用祂的能力保存了这些山岭，使他们经受住了猛烈的暴风雨。这些山岭相距很近，方舟漂来漂去，先是停留在这些山的一个山岭上，然后又停留在另一个山岭上，不再在无边无际的水面上漂来漂去了。这使挪亚和所有在方舟里的生物都大得安慰。当大山小山显露出来时，它们都已支离破碎，处在很粗糙的状态。它们周围的一切看上去就象一片混水或烂泥。{1SP 80.1}[29]
§60
The waters had been fifteen cubits above the highest mountains. The Lord remembered Noah, and as the waters decreased, he caused the ark to rest upon the top of a cluster of mountains, which God in his power had preserved and made to stand fast all through that violent storm. These mountains were but a little distance apart, and the ark moved about and rested upon one, then another, of these mountains, and was no more driven upon the boundless ocean. This gave great relief to Noah and all within the ark. As the mountains and hills appeared, they were in a broken, rough condition, and all around them appeared like a sea of roiled water or soft mud. {1SP 80.1}[29]
§61
洪水泛滥之时，人和兽也都聚集到地上各处最高的地方，及至水势从地上消退，死尸就留在高山、丘陵和平原上。人和兽的尸体都在地面上。然而上帝不愿让这些尸体在地面上腐烂以致污染空气，所以祂就使地球成了一个巨大的坟场。祂使强风刮过大地，为的是把水吹干，风力极大，有时竟把山顶刮走，象大雪崩一样，形成了从前没有见过的巨大丘陵和高高的山岭，将死尸连同树木、石头和泥土一同埋在下面。这些山岭和丘陵的体积增大了，其形状也因所堆聚的石头、岩脊、树木和泥土而变得更加不规则，这些东西是被强风刮到它们周围的。在洪水之前使世界富有、装饰了世界并且为地上居民偶像化的宝贵木材、宝石和金银，沉在地表以下了。以强力喷出来的水移动了土和岩石，并把它们堆积在大地的财宝之上，形成了多处大山，压在这些财宝之上，把它们隐藏起来，不叫人看见和找到。{1SP 80.2}[30]
§62
In the time of the flood the people, and beasts also, gathered to the highest points of land, and as the waters returned from off the earth, dead bodies were left upon high mountains and upon the hills, as well as upon the plains. Upon the surface of the earth were the bodies of men and beasts. But God would not have these to remain upon the face of the earth to decompose and pollute the atmosphere, therefore he made of the earth a vast burying ground. He caused a powerful wind to pass over the earth for the purpose of drying up the waters, which moved them with great force--in some instances carrying away the tops of the mountains like mighty avalanches, forming huge hills and high mountains where there were none to be seen before, and burying the dead bodies with trees, stones, and earth. These mountains and hills increased in size and became more irregular in shape by collections of stones, ledges, trees, and earth, which were driven upon and around them. The precious wood, stone, silver and gold, that had made rich and adorned the world before the flood, and which the inhabitants had idolized, was sunk beneath the surface of the earth. The waters which had broken forth with such great power, had moved earth and rocks, and heaped them upon earths treasures, and in many instances formed mountains above them to hide them from the sight and search of men. {1SP 80.2}[30]
§63
上帝看到祂越使罪人富足兴旺，他们就越在祂面前败坏自己的行为。这些财宝本应使人荣耀赐恩的主，谁知人竟敬拜财宝而不敬拜上帝，赐人财宝的上帝竟被拒绝了。{1SP 81.1}[31]
§64
God saw that the more he enriched and prospered sinful man, the more he corrupted his way before him. These treasures, which should have led man to glorify the bountiful giver, had been worshiped instead of God, while the giver had been rejected. {1SP 81.1}[31]
§65
美丽匀称的群山已经消失了。从前看不到的石头、岩脊和粗糙的岩石显露在一些地方。从前曾是大山小山的地方，如今不见山的痕迹了。从前曾是披着绿衣和可爱植被的美丽平原，如今成了由石头、树木和泥土形成的大小山冈，堆在人和兽的尸体之上。整个地表都呈现出一片混乱的状态。有些地方比其它地方损毁得更严重。一度曾是地上最富有金银宝石的地方，如今见到的却是受咒诅最重的记号。无人居住的乡间，以及地上那些犯罪最少的地方，所受的咒诅则较轻。{1SP 81.2}[32]
§66
The beautiful, regular-shaped mountains had disappeared. Stones, ledges, and ragged rocks, appeared upon some parts of the earth which were before out of sight. Where had been hills and mountains, no traces of them were visible. Where had been beautiful plains covered with verdure and lovely plants, hills and mountains were formed of stones, trees, and earth, above the bodies of men and beasts. The whole surface of the earth presented an appearance of disorder. Some parts of the earth were more disfigured than the others. Where once had been earths richest treasures of gold, silver, and precious stones, were seen the heaviest marks of the curse. And upon countries which were not inhabited, and those portions of the earth where there had been the least crime, the curse rested more lightly. {1SP 81.2}[32]
§67
洪水之前地上有广大的森林。林中的树木比我们现在见到的树木要大许多倍。它们都非常结实耐用，历经千百年而不朽坏。洪水时这些森林都被拔起推倒埋入地中。有些地方这些巨树被洪水大量冲到一起，并被石头和泥土埋起来。此后它们便石化成了煤，构成了如今所发现的大煤层。这种煤产生了石油。上帝使大量的煤和石油被点燃并燃烧起来。岩石被烧得极热，石灰石被烧尽，铁矿石也熔化了。水与铁在地表下面相遇。水遇到石灰石加剧了强热，就产生了地震、火山和极热物质。火与水在岩脊和矿脊的活动引发了声如闷雷的大爆炸。这些奇异的现象在基督降临之前和世界的末了会越来越多，越来越可怕，预示着世界的速速毁灭。{1SP 81.3}[33]
§68
Before the flood there were immense forests. The trees were many times larger than any trees which we now see. They were of great durability. They would know nothing of decay for hundreds of years. At the time of the flood, these forests were torn up or broken down and buried in the earth. In some places large quantities of these immense trees were thrown together and covered with stones and earth by the commotions of the flood. They have since petrified and become coal, which accounts for the large coal beds which are now found. This coal has produced oil. God causes large quantities of coal and oil to ignite and burn. Rocks are intensely heated, limestone is burned, and iron ore melted. Water and fire under the surface of the earth meet. The action of water upon the limestone adds fury to the intense heat, and causes earthquakes, volcanoes, and fiery issues. The action of fire and water upon the ledges of rocks and ore causes loud explosions which sound like muffled thunder. These wonderful exhibitions will be more numerous and terrible just before the second coming of Christ and the end of the world, as signs of its speedy destruction. {1SP 81.3}[33]
§69
煤与石油一般在没有火山或极热物质的地方。当火与水在地表下相遇时，这些极热的物质往往得不到充分的出口。于是地壳震动——地面颤抖、膨胀、起伏，且有沉重的声音如同地下的雷声。空气热得令人窒息。地迅速开了口，我便看见许多乡村、城市和燃烧着的山脉一起陷入了地中。{1SP 82.1}[34]
§70
Coal and oil are generally to be found where there are no burning mountains or fiery issues. When fire and water under the surface of the earth meet, the fiery issues cannot give sufficient vent to the heated elements beneath. The earth is convulsed, the ground heaves, and rises into swells or waves, and there are heavy sounds like thunder under ground. The air is heated, and suffocating. The earth quickly opens, and I saw villages, cities and burning mountains carried down together into the earth. {1SP 82.1}[34]
§71
上帝控制着这一切的自然力；它们是祂的工具，用来执行祂的旨意；祂使这些力量行动起来去实现祂的意图。这些极热的物质已经作了祂的工具，而且还要作祂的工具，要把非常邪恶的城市从地上除掉。他们要象可拉、大坍、亚比兰一样，活活地坠入深渊。这是上帝能力的证据。那些看到火山爆发的人因那壮观的场面而恐惧震惊——喷出烈火与火焰和大量熔岩，使河流干涸消失。他们便充满了敬畏，好像在观看上帝无限的能力。{1SP 82.2}[35]
§72
God controls all these elements; they are his instruments to do his will; he calls them into action to serve his purpose. These fiery issues have been, and will be, his agents to blot out from the earth very wicked cities. Like Korah, Dathan and Abiram, they go down alive into the pit. These are evidences of Gods power. Those who have beheld these burning mountains pouring forth fire, and flame, and a vast amount of melted ore, drying up rivers and causing them to disappear, have been struck with terror at the grandeur of the scene. They have been filled with awe as though they were beholding the infinite power of God. {1SP 82.2}[35]
§73
这些现象带有上帝能力的特别记号，原是要使地上的人在祂面前战兢，并且止息一些人的声音，那些人会象法老一样骄傲地说：“耶和华是谁，使我听祂的话呢”（出5:2）？以赛亚指着上帝能力的这些显现惊叹说：“愿祢裂天而降，愿山在祢面前震动，好像火烧干柴，又象火将水烧开；使祢敌人知道祢的名，使列国在祢面前发颤。祢曾行我们不能逆料、可畏的事；那时祢降临，山岭在祢面前震动”（赛64:1-3）。{1SP 83.1}[36]
§74
These manifestations bear the special marks of Gods power, and are designed to cause the people of the earth to tremble before him, and to silence those who, like Pharaoh, would proudly say, Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice? Isaiah refers to these exhibitions of Gods power where he exclaims, Oh! that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, as when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence! When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence. Isaiah 64:1-3. {1SP 83.1}[36]
§75
“耶和华不轻易发怒，大有能力，万不以有罪的为无罪。祂乘旋风和暴风而来，云彩为祂脚下的尘土。祂斥责海，使海干了，使一切江河干涸。巴珊和迦密的树林衰残；黎巴嫩的花草也衰残了。大山因祂震动；小山也都消化。大地在祂面前突起；世界和住在其间的也都如此。祂发忿恨，谁能立得住呢？祂发烈怒，谁能当得起呢？祂的忿怒如火倾倒；磐石因祂崩裂”（鸿1:3-6）。{1SP 83.2}[37]
§76
The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet. He rebuketh the sea and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers. Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth. The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before his indignation? and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him. Nahum 1:3-6. {1SP 83.2}[37]
§77
“耶和华啊，求祢使天下垂，亲自降临，摸山，山就冒烟。求祢发出闪电，使他们四散，射出祢的箭，使他们扰乱”（诗144:5,6）。{1SP 84.1}[38]
§78
Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. Cast forth lightning, and scatter them: shoot out thine arrows, and destroy them. Psalm 144:5, 6. {1SP 84.1}[38]
§79
在基督复临之前不久，世人必要看见从来没有见过的更大的奇迹。“在天上我要显出奇事，在地下我要显出神迹，有血、有火、有烟雾”（徒2:19）。“又有闪电、声音、雷轰、大地震。自从地上有人以来，没有这样大、这样厉害的地震。”“各海岛都逃避了，众山也不见了，又有大雹子从天落在人身上，每一个约重一他连得（一他连得约有九十斤）。为这雹子的灾极大，人就亵渎上帝”（启16:18;20-21）。 {1SP 84.2}[39]
§80
Greater wonders than have yet been seen will be witnessed by those upon the earth a short period previous to the coming of Christ. And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent; and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great. {1SP 84.2}[39]
§81
地的深处乃是耶和华的武库。祂曾从其中拿出兵器来毁灭洪水以前的世界。水曾从地下涌出来，连同从天上降下的雨水成就了毁灭的工作。洪水之后，上帝也曾用火毁灭罪大恶极的城邑。{1SP 84.3}[40]
§82
The bowels of the earth were the Lords arsenal, from which he drew forth the weapons he employed in the destruction of the old world. Waters in the bowels of the earth gushed forth, and united with the waters from heaven, to accomplish the work of destruction. Since the flood, God has used both water and fire in the earth as his agents to destroy wicked cities. {1SP 84.3}[40]
§83
在耶和华的日子，就在基督降临之前，上帝要在忿怒中从天上发出闪电，天上的闪电要与地上的火焰联合起来。那时众山就要燃烧象火窑一般，并要倾泻出一股可怕的熔岩洪流，摧毁田园，乡村和城邑。沸腾的熔岩和热泥要被倾入江河之中，使众水滚沸。又有非常巨大的力量射出大石，并散布其碎片于地上。河水必要干涸，地必要震动，到处都有可怕的地震和爆炸。上帝要降灾于地上的恶人，直到将他们从地上除灭。圣徒却在这些可怕的震荡中得蒙保守，如同洪水时期挪亚在方舟中得蒙保守一样。{1SP 84.4}[41]
§84
In the day of the Lord, just before the coming of Christ, God will send lightnings from heaven in his wrath, which will unite with fire in the earth. The mountains will burn like a furnace, and will pour forth terrible streams of lava, destroying gardens and fields, villages and cities; and as they pour their melted ore, rocks and heated mud, into the rivers, will cause them to boil like a pot, and send forth massive rocks, and scatter their broken fragments upon the land with indescribable violence. Whole rivers will be dried up. The earth will be convulsed, and there will be dreadful eruptions and earthquakes everywhere. God will plague the wicked inhabitants of the earth until they are destroyed from off it. The saints are preserved in the earth in the midst of these dreadful commotions, as Noah was preserved in the ark at the time of the flood. {1SP 84.4}[41]