第02章 初世纪的逼迫
§1
第二章 初世纪的逼迫
§2
Chapter 2—Persecution in the First Centuries
§3
当耶稣将耶路撒冷的厄运和祂第二次降临的景象启示给门徒时，祂也预言到从祂被接离开他们直到祂带着权柄和荣耀再来拯救他们，这一段时期中祂百姓所必有的经历。在橄榄山上，救主见到了那将要加于使徒教会身上的暴行。祂的慧眼也看明了跟从祂的人在未来的黑暗和逼迫时期中所要遭受凶狠猛烈的迫害。祂用几句言简意赅的话，预言这世界的掌权者将要怎样对待上帝的教会（太24:1,21-22）。基督的门徒必须踏上他们的夫子所走过的那条遭受屈辱，诬蔑和痛苦的道路。撒但向世界的救赎主所发泄的仇恨，也要对一切信祂名的人发作。{4SP 39.1}
§4
When Jesus revealed to his disciples the fate of Jerusalem and the scenes of the second advent, he foretold also the experience of his people from the time when he should be taken from them, to his return in power and glory for their deliverance. From Olivet the Saviour beheld the storms about to fall upon the apostolic church, and, penetrating deeper into the future, his eye discerned the fierce, wasting tempests that were to beat upon his followers in the coming ages of darkness and persecution. In a few brief utterances, of awful significance, he foretold the portion which the rulers of this world would mete out to the church of God. The followers of Christ must tread the same path of humiliation, reproach, and suffering which their Master trod. The enmity that burst forth against the world’s Redeemer, would be manifested against all who should believe on his name. {4SP 39.1}
§5
早期教会的历史证实了救主的话。地上和阴间的掌权者联合起来攻击跟随基督的人，藉以攻击基督。异教看明：若是福音获得胜利，她的庙宇和神坛势必铲除一尽。故此，她集合她的全部势力来摧毁基督教。于是逼迫的火焰燃起来了。基督徒的财产被夺走，并从自己家中被人赶出。他们“忍受大争战的各样苦难”（来10:32）。他们“忍受戏弄，鞭打，捆锁，监禁”（来11:36）。无数人用自己的血印证了自己所作的见证。贵族和奴隶、富户和穷人，智士和愚夫，一律都被无情地残杀了。{4SP 39.2}
§6
The history of the early church testified to the fulfillment of the Saviour’s words. The powers of earth and hell arrayed themselves against Christ in the person of his followers. Paganism foresaw that should the gospel triumph, her temples and altars would be swept away; therefore she summoned her forces to destroy Christianity. The fires of persecution were kindled. Christians were stripped of their possessions, and driven from their homes. They “endured a great fight of afflictions.” They “had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment.” [Hebrews 11:36.] Great numbers sealed their testimony with their blood. Noble and slave, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, were alike slain without mercy. {4SP 39.2}
§7
基督的门徒不论在何处藏身，总是像野兽般的被人追捕。他们不得不躲避在荒凉偏僻之地，“受穷乏，患难，苦害，在旷野，山岭，山洞，地穴，飘流无定；本是世界不配有的人”（来11:37-38）。与罗马城相连的地下洞穴成了千万人的藏身之处。在泥土和岩石中曾挖了深长的地道为首都宏伟的建筑取材。这些黑暗复杂的地道一直伸展到城墙数里之外。在这些地下的隐蔽处，许多基督徒在被人猜忌而失去法律的保护时，在这里找到了栖身之所，也在这里埋葬了他们的死人。将来那赐生命的主来唤醒一切打过美好之仗的人时，许多为基督殉道的人，将要从这些幽暗的洞穴中出来。{4SP 40.1}
§8
Wherever they sought refuge, the followers of Christ were hunted like beasts of prey. They were forced to seek concealment in desolate and solitary places. “Destitute, afflicted, tormented, of whom the world was not worthy, they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” [Hebrews 11:37, 38.] The subterranean excavations connected with the city of Rome afforded shelter for thousands. Long galleries had been tunneled through earth and rock to procure material for the vast structures of the capital, and the dark and intricate network of passages extended for miles beyond the walls. In these underground retreats, many of the followers of Christ, when suspected and proscribed, found a home; and here also they buried their dead. When the Lifegiver shall awaken those who have fought the good fight, many a martyr for Christ’s sake will come forth from those gloomy caverns. {4SP 40.1}
§9
在最凶暴的逼迫之下，这些为耶稣作见证的人保持了他们信仰的纯洁。他们虽然失去了生活上的各种便利，与阳光隔绝，居住在地下黑暗而温暖的怀抱中，但他们总是不发怨言的。他们以信心，忍耐和希望的话彼此勉励，来忍受困乏和苦难。他们虽然失去世上所有的享受，但这并不能使他们放弃对基督的信仰。患难和逼迫只能使他们更快地得到他们的安息和奖赏。{4SP 40.2}
§10
Under the fiercest persecution, these witnesses for Jesus kept their faith unsullied. Though deprived of every comfort, shut away from the light of the sun, making their home in the dark but friendly bosom of the earth, they uttered no complaint. With words of faith, patience, and hope, they encouraged one another to endure privation and distress. The loss of every earthly blessing could not force them to renounce their belief in Christ. Trials and persecutions were but steps bringing them nearer their rest and their reward. {4SP 40.2}
§11
他们回想起他们夫子的话，就是当他们为基督的缘故受逼迫时，应该欢喜快乐，因为他们在天国的赏赐是大的；在他们以前的先知，人也是这样逼迫他们的。他们正像古时上帝的仆人们一样，“忍受严刑，不肯苟且得释放，为要得着更美的复活”（来11:35）。他们因自己配为真理受苦而欣喜，于是他们的凯歌从猛烈的火焰中声闻于天了。他们凭着信心，仰望基督和众天使站在天城的城垣上，以深切的关怀注视着他们，并嘉奖他们的坚定意志。随后有声音从上帝的宝座那里传到他们耳中说：“你务要至死忠心，我就赐给你那生命的冠冕”（启2:10）。{4SP 41.1}
§12
They called to mind the words of their Master, that when persecuted for Christ’s sake they were to be exceeding glad; for great would be their reward in Heaven; for so had the prophets been persecuted before them. Like God’s servants of old, they were “tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.” [Hebrews 11:35.] They rejoiced that they were accounted worthy to suffer for the truth, and songs of triumph ascended in the midst of crackling flames. Looking upward by faith, they saw Christ and angels leaning over the battlements of Heaven, gazing upon them with the deepest interest, and regarding their steadfastness with approval. A voice came down to them from the throne of God, “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” [Revelation 2:10.] {4SP 41.1}
§13
撒但虽然用暴力来摧毁基督的教会，但他一切的努力都是徒然的。当这些忠心高举真理旗帜的勇士在他们的岗位上光荣牺牲时，耶稣的门徒所殉身的大斗争并未就此停止。他们在失败中获得了胜利。上帝的工人固然被杀了，可是祂的圣工却稳步前进。福音继续传开，信徒的数目也不断地增多。它深入了最难进去的地区，甚至传到罗马的御营中。有一个基督徒向一些推动逼迫的异教官长申辩说：“你们可以拷问我们，折磨我们，使我们痛苦。你们的邪恶虽然使我们的软弱受到考验，但你们的残暴，并不能使你们成功，只不过更有力地邀请别人来接受我们的信仰。我们被杀的越多，我们的人数就越多；基督徒的血乃是福音的种子”。{4SP 41.2}
§14
In vain were Satan’s efforts to destroy the church of Christ by violence. The great controversy in which the disciples of Jesus yielded up their lives did not cease when these faithful standard-bearers fell at their post. By defeat they conquered. God’s workmen were slain, but his work went steadily forward. The gospel continued to spread, and the number of its adherents to increase. It penetrated into regions that were inaccessible, even to the eagles of Rome. Said a Christian, expostulating with the heathen rulers who were urging forward the persecution: “You may torment, afflict, and vex us. Your wickedness puts our weakness to the test, but your cruelty is of no avail. It is but a stronger invitation to bring others to our persuasion. The more we are mowed down, the more we spring up again. The blood of the Christians is seed.” {4SP 41.2}
§15
千万的人被监禁，被残杀了；可是另有人起来补充他们的空缺。那些为信仰殉身的人，便确定是属于基督的了。祂也认他们为得胜者。他们已打了美好的仗。当基督再来时，他们将要接受荣耀的冠冕。基督徒所忍受的苦难，使他们彼此更为接近，并更亲近他们的救赎主。他们生活的榜样和临死的见证，经常为真理作了申辩；而且在人所最难意料的地方，也有撒但臣仆离开了他的行列，投身到基督的旗帜之下。{4SP 42.1}
§16
Thousands were imprisoned and slain; but others sprung up to fill their places. And those who were martyred for their faith were secured to Christ, and accounted of him as conquerors. They had fought the good fight, and they were to receive the crown of glory when Christ should come. The sufferings which they endured brought Christians nearer to one another and to their Redeemer. Their living example and dying testimony were a constant witness for the truth; and, where least expected, the subjects of Satan were leaving his service, and enlisting under the banner of Christ. {4SP 42.1}
§17
于是撒但布置了新的计划，把他的旌旗插在基督的教会当中，以便更有效地对上帝的政权作战。若是基督的门徒能被诱惑，因而招致上帝的不悦，那么他们的力量、果敢和坚定将要衰退，而他们就很容易地成为他的掠物了。{4SP 42.2}
§18
Satan therefore laid his plans to war more successfully against the government of God, by planting his banner in the Christian church. If the followers of Christ could be deceived, and led to displease God, then their strength, fortitude, and firmness would fail, and they would fall an easy prey. {4SP 42.2}
§19
那大仇敌撒但这时企图藉着欺骗的手段，来达到他用武力所未能达到的目的。于是逼迫停止了，代之以暂时的兴旺和属世尊荣的可怕引诱。拜偶像者接受了基督教信仰的一部分，而拒绝了其他主要的真理。他们口头上承认耶稣是上帝的儿子，并相信祂的死和复活；可是他们并不自觉有罪，也不感到有悔改或心灵更新的必要。他们既然作了一些让步，就建议基督徒也应有所让步，以便人人可以在信仰基督的大原则上团结起来。{4SP 42.3}
§20
The great adversary now endeavored to gain by artifice what he had failed to secure by force. Persecution ceased, and in its stead were substituted the dangerous allurements of temporal prosperity and worldly honor. Idolaters were led to receive a part of the Christian faith, while they rejected other essential truths. They professed to accept Jesus as the Son of God, and to believe in his death and resurrection; but they had no conviction of sin, and felt no need of repentance or of a change of heart. With some concessions on their part, they proposed that Christians should make concessions, that all might unite on the platform of belief in Christ. {4SP 42.3}
§21
于是教会便处于极可怕的危险之中了。监禁，刑罚，火刑和刀剑比起来倒要算为福气。有一些基督徒坚定不移，宣称他们决不能妥协。其他的人则赞成放弃或修改他们信仰的某些方面，与那些接受了基督教一部分信仰的人团结，并主张说，这样做或许可能使他们彻底悔改。这是忠心的基督徒最痛苦的时期。撒但披着伪装基督教的外衣钻进了教会，为要败坏他们的信仰，并使他们的心转离真理之道。{4SP 43.1}
§22
Now was the church in fearful peril. Prison, torture, fire, and sword were blessings in comparison with this. Some of the Christians stood firm, declaring that they could make no compromise. Others reasoned that if they should yield or modify some features of their faith, and unite with those who had accepted a part of Christianity, it might be the means of their full conversion. That was a time of deep anguish to the faithful followers of Christ. Under a cloak of pretended Christianity, Satan was insinuating himself into the church, to corrupt their faith, and turn their minds from the word of truth. {4SP 43.1}
§23
最后，大多数的基督徒同意降低他们的标准，于是基督教和异教团结起来了。敬拜偶像者虽然口称悔改并加入了教会，但他们并没有放弃拜偶像的习惯，只不过把他们跪拜的对象改换为耶稣甚至马利亚和圣徒的像而已。拜偶像的邪恶影响这样进入教会之后，就不断地发挥其毒害的作用。错误的教义，迷信的礼节和拜偶像的仪式与教会的信仰和崇拜混杂起来了。基督的门徒既与拜偶像者联合，基督教就渐渐腐化了，而教会也就失去她的纯洁和力量。纵然如此，还是有一些人没有因这些诱惑而步入歧途。他们仍坚持效忠真理的创始者，单单敬拜上帝。{4SP 43.2}
§24
At last the larger portion of the Christian company lowered their standard, and a union was formed between Christianity and paganism. Although the worshipers of idols professed to be converted, and united with the church, they still clung to their idolatry, only changing the objects of their worship to images of Jesus, and even of Mary and the saints. The foul leaven of idolatry, thus introduced into the church, continued its baleful work. Unsound doctrines, superstitious rites, and idolatrous ceremonies were incorporated into her faith and worship. As the followers of Christ united with idolaters, the Christian religion became corrupted, and the church lost her purity and power. There were some, however, who were not misled by these delusions. They still maintained their fidelity to the Author of truth, and worshiped God alone. {4SP 43.2}
§25
在自称为基督徒的人中，向来就有两等人。一等人研究救主的生活，并诚恳地设法改正自己的缺点，以求符合基督的模范；而另一等人，则逃避那暴露他们错误的清楚而实际的真理。即使在最良好的情况下，教会的成员也不完全是真实、纯洁和忠诚的。我们的救主固然教导我们不可让故意放纵罪恶的人加入教会，但祂也使一些在品格上有缺欠的人与自己接近，并以自己的教训和榜样帮助他们，使他们可以有机会看清并改正自己的过错。在十二使徒中有一个是叛徒。犹大之所以被接纳，并不是因为他性格上有缺点，而是因为他虽有缺点，主仍收留他。他与门徒同列，为要让他因基督的指导和榜样而明白什么是基督徒的品格，并藉此看出自己的错误，以致悔改，然后藉上帝恩典的帮助，“因顺从真理”而洁净自己的心。主虽然如此慈爱地让真光照在犹大身上，可是犹大却没有行在光中。他因放纵罪性，招引撒但的试探。他品格上的劣点占了优势。他的思想随从了黑暗权势的操纵，在他的过错受到责备时，他就生气了，终于犯下了出卖他夫子的可怕罪行。凡自称敬虔而心怀罪恶的人，必要同样地恨恶那些责备他们罪行而打搅他们安宁的人。他们遇有适当的机会，就要象犹大一样，出卖那些为了他们的好处而责备他们的人。{4SP 44.1}
§26
There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour’s life, and earnestly seek to correct their defects and to conform to the Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths which expose their errors. Even in her best estate, the church was not composed wholly of the true, pure, and sincere. Our Saviour taught that those who willfully indulge in sin are not to be received into the church; yet he connected with himself men who were faulty in character, and granted them the benefits of his teachings and example, that they might have an opportunity to see and correct their errors. Among the twelve apostles was a traitor. Judas was accepted, not because of his defects of character, but notwithstanding them. He was connected with the disciples, that, through the instructions and example of Christ, he might learn what constitutes Christian character, and thus be led to see his errors, to repent, and, by the aid of divine grace, to purify his soul “in obeying the truth.” But Judas did not walk in the light so graciously permitted to shine upon him. By indulgence in sin, he invited the temptations of Satan. His evil traits of character became predominant. He yielded his mind to the control of the powers of darkness, he became angry when his faults were reproved, and thus he was led to commit the fearful crime of betraying his Master. In like manner do all who cherish evil under a profession of godliness hate those who disturb their peace by condemning their course of sin. When a favorable opportunity is presented, they will, like Judas, betray those who for their good have sought to reprove them. {4SP 44.1}
§27
使徒们曾在教会中遇到一些有敬虔外貌而内心却怀藏罪孽的人。亚拿尼亚与撒非喇行了欺骗的事。他们假装为上帝作了完全的奉献，可是因贪心而为自己留下一份。真理的灵向使徒们揭露了这些伪善者的真面目，于是上帝的刑罚把这可憎的污点从教会中洗除了。基督的灵监察人心的显著凭据表现在教会当中，使伪善和行恶的人大大恐惧。他们不能与那些在习惯和品性上经常代表基督的人长久共处；于是当试炼和逼迫临到祂的信徒时，惟有那些甘心为真理撇弃一切的人才愿意作祂的门徒。因此，何时逼迫延续不断，教会就比较纯洁。可是逼迫一停止，便有较为不真诚和不敬虔的人加入教会，使撒但得到立足之地。{4SP 45.1}
§28
The apostles encountered those in the church who professed godliness while they were secretly cherishing iniquity. Ananias and Sapphira acted the part of deceivers, pretending to make an entire sacrifice for God, when they were covetously withholding a portion for themselves. The Spirit of truth revealed to the apostles the real character of these pretenders, and the judgments of God forever rid the church of this foul blot upon its purity. This signal evidence of the discerning Spirit of Christ in the church was a terror to hypocrites and evil-doers. They could not long remain in connection with those who were, in habit and disposition, constant representatives of Christ; and as trials and persecution came upon his followers, those only who were willing to forsake all for the truth’s sake desired to become his disciples. Thus, as long as persecution continued, the church remained comparatively pure. But as it ceased, converts were added who were less sincere and devoted, and the way was opened for Satan to obtain a foothold. {4SP 45.1}
§29
光明之君和黑暗之君是没有什么相干的，所以跟从光明之君和跟从黑暗之君的人也没有什么相干。当基督徒同意和那些刚从异教中出来而没有彻底悔改的人联合时，他们就是走上了一条离真理越来越远的道路。撒但见到自己欺骗了这么多的基督徒，便大为庆喜。他将力量完全用在这些人身上，促使他们去逼迫那些仍然效忠上帝的人。那些一度护卫基督教信仰而后背道的人，最有办法反对基督教的真信仰。这些叛道的基督徒会同一些半信异教半信基督教的人，对基督教教义中最主要的特点进行攻击。{4SP 45.2}
§30
But there is no union between the Prince of light and the prince of darkness, and there can be no union between their followers. When Christians consented to unite with those who were but half converted from paganism, they entered upon a path which led farther and farther from the truth. Satan exulted that he had succeeded in deceiving so large a number of the followers of Christ. He then brought his power to bear more fully upon them, and inspired them to persecute those who remained true to God. None could so well understand how to oppose the true Christian faith as could those who had once been its defenders; and these apostate Christians, uniting with their half-pagan companions, directed their warfare against the most essential features of the doctrines of Christ. {4SP 45.2}
§31
既有这些披着宗教外衣的人进入教会，施行欺骗和可憎之事，凡要忠心坚决抵抗这些事的人，就不得不作一番拚命的奋斗。那时圣经已不再公认为信仰的标准了。宗教自由的教义已被斥为异端。拥护宗教自由的人，反而遭到恨恶，被人排斥。{4SP 46.1}
§32
It required a desperate struggle for those who would be faithful to stand firm against the deceptions and abominations which were disguised in sacerdotal garments and introduced into the church. The Bible was not accepted as the standard of faith. The doctrine of religious freedom was termed heresy, and its upholders were hated and proscribed. {4SP 46.1}
§33
经过长期剧烈的斗争之后，少数忠实的信徒认明，如果这叛道的教会不肯放弃虚伪和拜偶像的罪，他们就必须和她割断一切关系。他们看出，如果他们要遵从上帝的道，则这种分裂是绝对必要的。他们不敢容忍任何对灵性有致命之害的谬道，也不敢留下一个足以危及子子孙孙信仰的榜样。为求和平与团结起见，只要不妨碍他们对上帝的忠贞，他们尽可让步。可是他们认为，如果必须牺牲真理的原则去换取和平，其代价是太高了。如果为求团结而必须牺牲真理和正义，那就让它分裂吧，即使引起战争也在所不计。{4SP 46.2}
§34
After a long and severe conflict, the faithful few decided to dissolve all union with the apostate church if she still refused to free herself from falsehood and idolatry. They saw that separation was an absolute necessity if they would obey the word of God. They dared not tolerate errors fatal to their own souls, and set an example which would imperil the faith of their children and children’s children. To secure peace and unity they were ready to make any concession consistent with fidelity to God; but they felt that even peace would be too dearly purchased at the sacrifice of principle. If unity could be secured only by the compromise of truth and righteousness, then let there be difference, and even war. {4SP 46.2}
§35
当时鼓励那些坚定不移的圣徒的原则，如能重新振作现代自称为上帝子民之人的心，那么教会和世界都必受到良好的影响。如今一般人对基督教的基本教义表现出惊人的冷淡。许多人认为教义问题毕竟不是最重要的。这种看法已在逐渐得势了。这种退化的现象正在加强撒但的势力，以致多年来忠实信徒冒着性命的危险所去抗拒并揭露的虚假理论和阴毒欺骗，这时倒被千万自称为基督徒的人所赞同了。{4SP 46.3}
§36
Well would it be for the church and the world if the principles that actuated those steadfast souls were revived in the hearts of God’s professed people. There is an alarming indifference in regard to the doctrines which are the pillars of the Christian faith. The opinion is gaining ground, that, after all, these are not of vital importance. This degeneracy is strengthening the hands of the agents of Satan, so that false theories and fatal delusions which the faithful in ages past imperiled their lives to resist and expose, are now regarded with favor by thousands who claim to be followers of Christ. {4SP 46.3}
§37
早期的基督徒确实是一班特殊的人。他们那种无可指摘的操行和毫不动摇的信仰，乃是不断使罪人感觉不安的一种责备。他们人数虽少，又没有财富，地位或尊称，可是不论在什么地方，只要他们的品格和教训为人所共知，作恶的人就必战兢恐惧。因此，他们被恶人恨恶，正如亚伯被不敬虔的该隐恨恶一样。为了该隐杀死了亚伯的同一个原因，那些想要摆脱圣灵约束的人也把上帝的子民害死了。犹太人之拒绝并钉死救主，也是为了这个缘故。因为祂性格的纯洁和圣善，对于他们的自私和腐化乃是一种经常的斥责。从基督的时代直到如今，祂忠心的门徒不断激起了喜爱和随从罪恶道路者的仇恨和反对。{4SP 47.1}
§38
The early Christians were indeed a peculiar people. Their blameless deportment and unswerving faith were a continual reproof that disturbed the sinner’s peace. Though few in numbers, without wealth, position, or honorary titles, they were a terror to evil-doers wherever their character and doctrines were known. Therefore they were hated by the wicked, even as Abel was hated by the ungodly Cain. For the same reason that Cain slew Abel did those who would throw off the restraint of the Holy Spirit, put to death God’s people. It was for the same reason that the Jews rejected and crucified the Saviour,—because the purity and holiness of his character was a constant rebuke to their selfishness and corruption. From the days of Christ until now, his faithful disciples have excited the hatred and opposition of those who love and follow the ways of sin. {4SP 47.1}
§39
既是这样，福音怎么称为和平的信息呢？当以赛亚预言弥赛亚的降生时，他称祂为“和平的君”（赛9:6）。当天使向牧羊人宣告基督的降生时，他们在伯利恒的平原上歌颂说：“在至高之处荣耀归与上帝，在地上平安归于祂所喜悦的人”（路2:14）。可是基督曾说：“我来，并不是叫地上太平，乃是叫地上动刀兵”（太10:34）。基督的这一句话，好像与以上预言的宣告有矛盾。其实我们如能正确理解这两方面的意思，便可以看出它们是完全一致的。福音确是一个和平的信息。基督教的制度若为众人所接受所遵守，那么和平、融洽和幸福必要洋溢于全世界。基督的信仰能使一切接受其教训的人团结起来，如同弟兄一般亲热。耶稣的使命就是使人与上帝和好，藉此使人与人之间也彼此和好。可是世界大部分还伏在基督的死敌撒但的控制之下。福音既带给他们一种与他们的习惯和欲望完全不同的生活原则，他们就要起来反对。他们恨恶那足以暴露并指责他们罪恶的纯洁生活，于是他们就要逼迫并毁灭那些劝他们服从福音正直圣洁之要求的人。正因这个缘故，──福音所带来高尚的真理，必要激起人的仇恨和反对，──所以福音又称为“刀兵。”{4SP 47.2}
§40
How, then, can the gospel be called a message of peace? When Isaiah foretold the birth of the Messiah, he ascribed to him the title, “Prince of peace.” When angels announced to the shepherds that Christ was born, they sung above the plains of Bethlehem, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” [Luke 2:14.] There is a seeming contradiction between these prophetic declarations and the words of Christ, “I came not to send peace, but a sword.” [Matthew 10:34.] But rightly understood, the two are in perfect harmony. The gospel is a message of peace. Christianity is a system, which, received and obeyed, would spread peace, harmony, and happiness throughout the earth. The religion of Christ will unite in close brotherhood all who accept its teachings. It was the mission of Jesus to reconcile man to God, and thus to his fellow-man. But the world at large are under the control of Satan, Christ’s bitterest foe. The gospel presents to them principles of life which are wholly at variance with their habits and desires, and they rise in rebellion against it. They hate the purity which reveals and condemns their sins, and they persecute and destroy those who would urge upon them its just and holy claims. It is in this sense—because the exalted truths it brings, occasion hatred and strife—that the gospel is called a sword. {4SP 47.2}
§41
让义人在恶人手中遭受逼迫的神秘天意，常使信心薄弱的人大惑不解。因为上帝往往容许最卑鄙的人称心如意，而最良善最纯洁的人，倒被恶人的残暴势力所苦害。所以有些人就想放弃他们对上帝的信仰了。他们疑问道，一位公正、仁慈而有无穷能力的上帝，怎能容忍这种不公正的行为和压迫呢？这是我们不必过问的事。对于上帝的慈爱，祂已经给了我们充分的凭据。我们不应该因不能了解祂的作为和美意而怀疑祂的良善。救主曾预先看到门徒在患难和黑暗的时期中所要产生的疑虑，所以祂对他们说：“你们要记念我从前对你们所说的话，仆人不能大于主人。他们若逼迫了我，也要逼迫你们”（约15:20）。耶稣为我们所受的苦，比任何跟随祂的人在恶人的残暴之下所受的苦远为惨重。凡蒙召为道受难殉身的人，无非是在追随上帝爱子的脚踪而已。{4SP 48.1} “主所应许的尚未成就，……其实不是耽延”（彼后3:9）。祂并没有忘记或疏忽祂的儿女。祂让恶人暴露他们的真面目，叫一切愿意遵行祂旨意的人，对于这些人不再存什么幻想。再者，义人被置于苦难的炉火中，乃是要熬炼他们，使他们纯洁，叫别人因他们的榜样而看出这信仰和敬虔是真实的；同时，他们言行一致的作风，也必定那不敬虔和不信之人的罪。{4SP 49.1}
§42
The mysterious providence which permits the righteous to suffer persecution at the hand of the wicked, has been a cause of great perplexity to many who are weak in faith. Some are even ready to cast away their confidence in God because he suffers the basest of men to prosper, while the best and purest are afflicted and tormented by their cruel power. How, it is asked, can One who is just and merciful, and who is also infinite in power, tolerate such injustice and oppression? This is a question with which we have nothing to do. God has given us sufficient evidence of his love, and we are not to doubt his goodness because we cannot understand the workings of his providence. Said the Saviour to his disciples, foreseeing the doubts that would press upon their souls in days of trial and darkness, “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” [John 15:20.] Jesus suffered for us more than any of his followers can be made to suffer through the cruelty of wicked men. Those who are called to endure torture and martyrdom, are but following in the steps of God’s dear Son. {4SP 48.1}“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise.” [2 Peter 3:9.] He does not forget or neglect his children; but he permits the wicked to reveal their true character, that none who desire to do his will may be deceived concerning them. Again, the righteous are placed in the furnace of affliction, that they themselves may be purified; that their example may convince others of the reality of faith and godliness; and also that their consistent course may condemn the ungodly and unbelieving. {4SP 49.1}
§43
上帝让恶人兴盛，并显露他们对于祂的仇恨，乃是要在他们恶贯满盈而被毁灭时，人人都可看出上帝的公义和慈爱。祂报应的日子迫近了。那时凡违犯祂律法并压迫祂百姓的人，将要得到他们行为的报应。那时恶人对上帝忠心的子民所行的每一件残暴或不公正的行为，都将受到惩罚，如同是行在基督身上一样。{4SP 49.2}
§44
God permits the wicked to prosper, and to reveal their enmity against him, that when they shall have filled up the measure of their iniquity, all may see his justice and mercy in their utter destruction. The day of his vengeance hastens, when all the transgressors of his law and the oppressors of his people will meet the just recompense of their deeds; when every act of cruelty or oppression toward God’s faithful ones will be punished as though done to Christ himself. {4SP 49.2}
§45
另有一个更重要的问题，是今日的教会所当注意的。使徒保罗宣称：“凡立志在基督耶稣里敬虔度日的，也都要受逼迫”（提后3:12）。但是现在为什么逼迫似乎大为削弱了呢？唯一的原因，就是教会效法了世界的标准，所以引不起反对。今日流行的宗教已经失去了基督及使徒时代信仰的纯洁和神圣的特质。基督教之所以能博得群众的赞许，乃是因为它与罪恶的妥协精神，因为它对圣经的伟大真理的漠不关心，并因为它缺乏真正的敬虔。只要把早期教会的信心和能力恢复起来，则逼迫的风云必将再起，逼迫的火焰也必复燃。{4SP 49.3}
§46
There is another and more important question that should engage the attention of the churches of today. The apostle Paul declares that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” [2 Timothy 3:12.] Why is it, then, that persecution seems in a great degree to slumber?—The only reason is, that the church has conformed to the world’s standard, and therefore awakens no opposition. The religion current in our day is not of the pure and holy character which marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ and his apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise with sin, because the great truths of the word of God are so indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and the fires of persecution will be rekindled. {4SP 49.3}