第09章 诸侯的抗议
§1
第九章 诸侯的抗议
§2
Chapter 9—Protest of the Princes
§3
信从基督的德国诸侯在施派尔提出的抗议，乃是人们为改革运动所作最伟大的一个见证。这些属上帝的人所有的勇敢，信心和坚稳，终于为后代争取了思想和信仰的自由。他们的抗议使改革的教会得了“改正教”的名称（译者按：英文作“抗议教”），而它所倡导的主义乃是“改正教的本质”。{4SP 156.1}
§4
One of the noblest testimonies ever uttered for the Reformation was the Protest offered by the Christian princes of Germany at the Diet of Spires. The courage, faith, and firmness of these men of God, gained for succeeding ages liberty of thought and of conscience. Their Protest gave to the reformed church the name of Protestant; its principles are the very essence of Protestantism. {4SP 156.1}
§5
一个黑暗而可怕的日子临到了宗教改革运动。在一段时间里，宗教自由在帝国中仍是相当普遍的。上帝曾遏止了种种反对的势力，使福音能获得更稳固的立足之处。但现在罗马调集力量要扑灭真理。在施派尔，罗马教徒曾公开表达了他们对宗教改革家及其支持者的敌意。梅兰克吞说：“我们成了世界的渣滓和垃圾；但基督必要垂顾祂可怜的百姓，并要保守他们”。信服福音的诸侯来参赴会议的时候，即使在自己的住处请人宣讲福音，也是不可以的。但是施派尔的居民渴慕上帝的圣言。成千的人不顾这个禁令，竟蜂拥到撒克逊选侯的会堂里，去参加那里所举行的早晚礼拜。{4SP 156.2}
§6
A dark and threatening day had come for the Reformation. For a season religious toleration had prevailed in the empire; God’s providence had held opposing elements in check, that the gospel might obtain a firmer foothold; but Rome had now summoned her forces to crush out the truth. At Spires the papists openly manifested their hostility toward the Reformers and all who favored them. Said Melancthon, “We are the execration and the sweepings of the earth; but Christ will look down on his poor people, and will preserve them.” The evangelical princes in attendance at the Diet were forbidden even to have the gospel preached in their dwellings. But the people of Spires thirsted for the word of God, and, notwithstanding the prohibition, thousands flocked to the morning and evening worship still held in the chapel of the Elector of Saxony. {4SP 156.2}
§7
这事结果促成了危机的来到。皇帝向议会发布命令说，准许宗教自由（良心自由）的决议既引起了极大的骚扰，故此必须下令予以废除。这种专制独断的行为使信从福音的人极其愤概而恐慌。有一个人说：“基督再度落到该亚法和彼拉多手中了。”随后罗马教徒更为残暴了。一个顽固的罗马教徒说：“信从路德的人远不如土耳其人呢；因为土耳其人还遵守禁食的日子，而信从路德的人却予以破坏。如果我们必须在上帝的圣经和教会古老的谬道之间选择其一，我们宁可拒绝上帝的圣经”。梅兰克吞说：“斐勃尔每天在全体议会前用新的武器来攻击我们传福音的人”。{4SP 157.1}
§8
This hastened the crisis. An imperial message announced to the Diet that as the resolution granting liberty of conscience had given rise to great disorders, the emperor declared it to be annulled. This arbitrary act excited the indignation and alarm of the evangelical Christians. Said one, “Christ has again fallen into the hands of Caiaphas and Pilate.” The Romanists became more violent. A bigoted papist declared, “The Turks are better than the Lutherans; for the Turks observe fast-days, and the Lutherans violate them. If we must choose between the Holy Scriptures of God and the old errors of the church, we should reject the former.” Said Melancthon, “Every day, in full assembly, Faber casts some new stone against the Gospellers.” {4SP 157.1}
§9
宗教信仰自由既是依法成立的，信从福音的各邦就决定要反抗这侵犯他们权利的命令。这时路德仍在俄姆斯议会所颁布的禁令之下，所以不能到施派尔来出席议会；但他的地位却被他的同工和一些诸侯所代替了。上帝曾兴起这一班人在这危急之秋为祂的圣工辩护。从前保护路德的撒克逊选侯腓特烈已死；继承者是他的兄弟约翰公爵。他曾欣然欢迎改革运动。他虽然主张和平，但在一切有关信仰的事上，他却显示了极大的力量和勇气。{4SP 157.2}
§10
Religious toleration had been legally established, and the evangelical States were resolved to oppose the infringement of their rights. Luther, being still under the ban imposed by the edict of Worms, was not permitted to be present at Spires; but his place was supplied by his co-laborers and the princes whom God had raised up to defend his cause in this emergency. The noble Frederick of Saxony, Luther’s former protector, had been removed by death; but Duke John his brother, who succeeded to the throne, had joyfully welcomed the Reformation, and while a friend of peace, he displayed great energy and courage in all matters relating to the interests of the faith. {4SP 157.2}
§11
在会议上，神父们要求那些接受改革运动的各邦绝对服从罗马教的权威。而那些宗教改革家则坚持以前所通过的宗教信仰自由。他们不同意让罗马教再把那些已经自愿接受上帝圣言的各邦重新置于她的支配之下。最后议会提出一个折衷的方案，就是在改革运动还没有成立的地方，必须严格执行俄姆斯所通过的禁令；而“在那些已经不遵该禁令，以及禁令的执行不免引起暴乱的地方，则必须限制他们，不可进行任何新的改革，不可引起辩论，不可反对弥撒礼，不可让任何罗马教徒归依路德教”。{4SP 157.3}
§12
The priests demanded that the States which had accepted the Reformation submit implicitly to Romish jurisdiction. The Reformers, on the other hand, claimed the liberty which had previously been granted. They could not consent that Rome should again bring under her control those nations that had with so great joy received the word of God. The Diet finally decreed, that where the Reformation had not become established, the edict of Worms should be rigorously enforced; and that in the evangelical States, where there would be danger of revolt, no new reform should be introduced, there should be no preaching upon disputed points, the celebration of the mass should not be opposed, and no Roman Catholic should be permitted to embrace Lutheranism. {4SP 157.3}
§13
如果执行这一道命令的话，则“改革运动既不能扩展到新的地区，也不能在已经有这运动的地方建立稳固的基础”。言论的自由必要被禁止。人也再不得悔改信奉基督教了。议会饬令改革运动的赞助者立时服从这些限制和禁令；世界的希望似乎将要消灭了。“罗马教会制度的重建……必毫无疑问地使从前的暴政死灰复燃；”而且一有机会，罗马教就可以使那已经被狂热派和内讧“所严重地摇动了的工作趋于完全的毁灭” 。{4SP 158.1}
§14
If this decree became a law, the Reformation could neither be extended where as yet it had not reached, nor be established on a firm foundation where it already existed. Liberty of speech would be prohibited. No conversions would be allowed. And to these restrictions and prohibitions the friends of the Reformation were required at once to submit. The hopes of the world seemed about to be extinguished. The re-establishment of the papal hierarchy would inevitably cause a revival of the ancient abuses; and an occasion would readily be found for completing the destruction of a work that had already been shaken by fanaticism and dissension. {4SP 158.1}
§15
后来当信从福音的同人聚集商讨这问题的时候，他们只能彼此对望，茫然若失。他们互相发问说：“我们将如何应付？”世界已经临到一个重要的关头。要是这些人被野心或自私支配，他们就会接受这道命令。他们显然需要自行决定要不要维护自己的信仰。他们不该对此感到满意吗？他们应该投身到在全世界竭力争取良心自由的斗争中吗？他们应该使自己面临罗马教的报复吗？{4SP 158.2}
§16
As the evangelical party met for consultation, one looked to another in blank dismay. From one to another passed the inquiry, “What is to be done?” Mighty issues for the world were at stake. Had these men been controlled by ambition or selfishness, they might have accepted the decree. They themselves were apparently left free to maintain their faith. Ought they not to be satisfied with this? Should they throw themselves into the conflict to wrestle for liberty of conscience in all the world? Should they expose themselves to the vengeance of Rome? {4SP 158.2}
§17
这些人从未处于如此难堪的境地；但他们坚持了原则，经受住了考验。笼罩他们心头的迷雾消散时，他们就看出这道命令会有怎样的结果。他们岂可用自己的影响力去恢复火刑柱和苦刑架吗？他们岂可反对真理的进展，——反对上帝之灵召人归向基督的工作吗？他们岂能拒绝服从救主的吩咐：“你们往普天下去，传福音给凡受造的听”（可16:15）吗？他们岂可同意这道命令，以致那些希望弃绝谬论的人必须放弃这个权利吗？他们自己既已进入天国，岂应挡住路，让别人进不来吗？他们宁愿牺牲自己的国家，自己的冠冕，自己的性命。{4SP 159.1}
§18
Never were these men placed in a more trying position; but they came forth from the test with principles unsullied. As the mist that had hovered over their minds cleared away, they saw what would be the result of this decree. Should they lend their influence to restore the stake and the torture? Should they oppose the advancement of truth,—oppose the Spirit of God in its work of calling men to Christ? Could they refuse obedience to the Saviour’s command, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature”? [Mark 16:15.] Ought they to consent that those who might desire to renounce error should be denied the privilege? Having entered the kingdom of Heaven themselves, should they bar the way so that others could not enter? Rather would they sacrifice their dominions, their titles, and their own lives. {4SP 159.1}
§19
诸侯说：“我们务要拒绝这道指令，在良心的问题上，多数是没有权柄作决定的。”议员们声明：德国享有和平，是因为有宗教信仰自由的法令；如果废止那法令，势必使德国充满苦难和分裂的事。他们说：“会议除了保障信仰自由，以待举行全体大会之外，无权办理其他的事”。保障信仰自由（即良心自由）乃是国家的本分。在宗教的事上，它的权威只限于此。政府若想用国家的权力来规定或强制宗教的遵守，就是牺牲了许多基督徒英勇奋斗所得来的原则。{4SP 159.2}
§20
“Let us reject this decree,” said the princes. “In matters of conscience the majority has no power.” The deputies declared that Germany was indebted to the decree of toleration for the peace which she enjoyed, and that its abolition would fill the empire with troubles and divisions. “The Diet is incompetent,” said they, “to do more than preserve religious liberty until a council meets.” To protect liberty of conscience is the duty of the State, and this is the limit of its authority in matters of religion. Every secular government that attempts to regulate or enforce religious observances by civil authority is sacrificing the very principle for which the evangelical Christians so nobly struggled. {4SP 159.2}
§21
罗马教徒决意压服这个他们所谓“大胆的顽固。”他们开始尽力在支持改革运动的人中间进行挑拔离间。并恫吓一切没有公然赞助这运动的人。最后他们召集诸侯到会议中来。诸侯要求延缓，也未蒙允准。那些不肯牺牲良心自由和个人决断之权利的人，明知自己所取的立场必要受到批评，定罪，和逼迫。有一个改革家曾这样说：“我们必须或否认上帝的话，或被焚而死”。{4SP 160.1}
§22
The papists determined to put down what they termed daring obstinacy. They began by endeavoring to cause divisions among the supporters of the Reformation, and to intimidate all who had not openly declared in its favor. The princes were at last summoned before the Diet. They pleaded for delay, but in vain. Those who still refused to sacrifice liberty of conscience and the right of individual judgment well knew that their position marked them for future criticism, condemnation, and persecution. Said one of the Reformers, “We must either deny the word of God or—be burned.” {4SP 160.1}
§23
代表皇帝出席会议的斐迪南王看出若不能劝诱诸侯接受并拥护这道指令，势必造成严重的分裂。他熟知采用武力必使这些人更加坚决，所以他企图说服他们。他“请求诸侯接受议会的指令，这样他保证皇帝必要非常喜悦他们。”但是这些忠心的人承认那比地上君王更高的权威，所以镇静地回答说：“我们一定在一切足以维护和平与上帝尊荣的事上顺服皇帝。” {4SP 160.2}
§24
King Ferdinand, the emperor’s representative at the Diet, saw that the decree would cause serious divisions unless the princes could be induced to accept and sustain it. He therefore tried the art of persuasion, well knowing that to employ force with such men would only render them more determined. He begged them to accept the decree, assuring them that such an act would be highly gratifying to the emperor. But these faithful men acknowledged an authority above that of earthly rulers, and they answered calmly, “We will obey the emperor in everything that may contribute to maintain peace and the honor of God.” {4SP 160.2}
§25
最后斐迪南当着议会向撒克逊选侯和他的朋友宣布说：他们唯一的出路就是服从多数。他说了这话就退出议会，没有给改革家讨论或回答的机会。“他们派代表去请王回来，结果也是徒然。”他对他们的抗议只是回答说：“事情已经决定了；只剩下顺服一条路可走了。” {4SP 160.3}
§26
In the presence of the Diet, the king at last announced to the elector and his friends that their only remaining course was to submit to the majority. Having thus spoken, he withdrew from the assembly, giving the Reformers no opportunity for deliberation or reply. In vain they sent messengers entreating him to return. To their remonstrances he answered only, “It is a settled affair; submission is all that remains.” {4SP 160.3}
§27
皇帝派看出信基督的诸侯必要坚持主张圣经比人的道理和要求有更高的权威；他们也知道，接受这个原则最终会颠覆教皇的权威。但是他们自欺自慰说，皇帝和教皇的党羽强大，而改革家的势力弱小。如果改革家单单信赖人力的援助，他们真会像罗马教徒所想像的那么弱小了。但他们虽然在人数方面远比罗马教少，却另有力量。他们“以上帝的圣言对抗议会的议案，以万王之王，万主之主耶稣基督对抗德国皇帝”。{4SP 161.1}
§28
The imperial party were convinced that the Christian princes would adhere to the Holy Scriptures as superior to human doctrines and requirements; and they knew that an acceptance of this principle would eventually overthrow the papacy. But they flattered themselves that weakness was on the side of the Reformation, while strength was with the emperor and the pope. Had the Reformers made flesh their arm, they would have been as powerless as the papists supposed. But though weak in numbers, and at variance with Rome, they had their strength. They appealed from the decision of the Diet to the word of God, and from the emperor of Germany to the King of kings and Lord of lords. {4SP 161.1}
§29
当斐迪南不肯理睬诸侯们出于良心的主张时，他们就决定不管斐迪南在场与否，立时向这全国性的议会提出他们的抗议书。所以他们写好一篇庄严的声明，提交议会：{4SP 161.2}
§30
As Ferdinand had refused to regard their conscientious convictions, the princes decided not to heed his absence, but to bring their Protest before the national council without delay. A solemn declaration was therefore drawn up, and presented to the Diet:— {4SP 161.2}
§31
“我们用这个文件在上帝面前向会议提出抗议。祂是我们唯一的创造主，保护者，救赎主和拯救者；到了一天，祂将要作我们的审判者。我们在万人万有面前，为我们自己和我们的百姓提出抗议，声明我们决不同意也不能以任何方式，服从议会所建议的命令，去违背上帝，违背祂的圣言，违背我们正义的良心，并妨害我们灵魂的得救。……当全能的上帝召呼一个人来领受祂的知识时，我们能说这个人不可以领受吗？……除了与上帝圣言相符的道理之外，没有其他可靠的道理。……上帝也禁止人传讲任何别的道理。每句经文必须用其他更清楚的经文来解释；……在这一本神圣的经书中，凡有关基督徒所必需明白的事，都是易于领会的，并足以驱散黑暗。我们决意要靠着上帝的恩典，单单传讲上帝纯洁的圣言，就是记在《旧约》和《新约》经卷中的教训，也不加添任何与之相抵触的话。上帝的圣言是唯一的真理；它是一切道理与生活的可靠规律，它决不会使我们失望，也不会使我们受骗。凡在这根基上建造的人，必能抵挡一切地狱的权势，而世人所用来反对它的谎谬言论，必要在上帝面前全然失败。”“为这个缘故，我们拒绝那加在我们身上的轭。” {4SP 161.3}
§32
“We protest by these presents, before God, our only Creator, Preserver, Redeemer, and Saviour, and who will one day be our Judge, as well as before all men and all creatures, that we, for us and our people, neither consent nor adhere in any manner whatever to the proposed decree in anything that is contrary to God, to his word, to our right conscience, or to the salvation of our souls.... We cannot assert that when Almighty God calls a man to his knowledge, he dare not embrace that divine knowledge.... There is no true doctrine but that which conforms to the word of God. The Lord forbids the teaching of any other faith. The Holy Scriptures, with one text explained by other and plainer texts, are, in all things necessary for the Christian, easy to be understood, and adapted to enlighten. We are therefore resolved by divine grace to maintain the pure preaching of God’s only word, as it is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, without anything added thereto. This word is the only truth. It is the sure rule of all doctrine and life, and can never fail or deceive us. He who builds on this foundation shall stand against all the powers of hell, whilst all the vanities that are set up against it shall fall before the face of God.” “We therefore reject the yoke that is imposed upon us.” {4SP 161.3}
§33
抗议书给议会留下了深刻的印象。多数议员对于抗议者的勇敢不胜惊异。在他们看来，国家的前途波涛汹涌，动荡不定。分裂，纷争，流血的事，似乎是无可避免的了。但是改革家深知自己的事业是正义的，便依靠无所不能者的膀臂，“大有勇敢，坚定不移。”{4SP 162.1}
§34
A deep impression was made upon the Diet. The majority were filled with amazement and alarm at the boldness of the protesters. The future appeared to them stormy and uncertain. Dissension, strife, and bloodshed seemed inevitable. But the Reformers, assured of the justice of their cause, and relying upon the arm of Omnipotence, were full of courage and firmness. {4SP 162.1}
§35
这份抗议书拒绝政府在上帝与良心之间的问题上立法，与先知和使徒同说：“顺从上帝，不顺从人，是应当的”（徒5:29）。它还拒绝教会的专权，还奠定了一个正确的原则，就是人的一切教训都必须置于上帝的圣言之下。抗议者们已经抛弃了人间霸权的轭，并且在教会尊崇基督为至高，在讲台尊崇祂的道为至高。良心的权柄置于国权之上，而圣经的权威则在可见的教会之上。基督的冠冕被高举在教皇的三重冠和皇帝的王冕之上。再者，这些抗议者声明自己有权自由发表自己对真理的主见。他们不单要相信并顺从真理，而也要将上帝的话教导人，并否认神父或官府有权干涉。施派尔的抗议乃是反对宗教偏狭的一个严肃的见证，并声明人人都有依照自己的良心敬拜上帝的权利。{4SP 162.2}
§36
The Protest denied the right of civil rulers to legislate in matters between the soul and God, and declared with prophets and apostles, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” It rejected also the arbitrary power of the church, and set forth the unerring principle that all human teaching should be in subjection to the oracles of God. The protesters had thrown off the yoke of man’s supremacy, and had exalted Christ as supreme in the church, and his word in the pulpit. The power of conscience was set above the State, and the authority of the Holy Scriptures above the visible church. The crown of Christ was uplifted above the pope’s tiara and the emperor’s diadem. The protesters had moreover affirmed their right to freely utter their convictions of truth. They would not only believe and obey, but teach what the word of God presents, and they denied the right of priest or magistrate to interfere. The Protest of Spires was a solemn witness against religious intolerance, and an assertion of the right of all men to worship according to the dictates of their own consciences. {4SP 162.2}
§37
声明书已经写成了。它不但写在千万人的心中，而且也记在天上的册子里，是世人所无法磨灭的。德国的基督徒都采纳了这个抗议作为自己信仰的宣言。各处的人都在这声明书中看出一个更光明的新纪元。有一个诸侯对施派尔的抗议者说：“全能的上帝既赐给你们恩典，使你们积极、充分而无畏地承认了真理，我就愿祂保守你们基督徒的坚稳，直到永远”。{4SP 163.1}
§38
The declaration had been made. It was written in the memory of thousands, and registered in the books of Heaven, where no effort of man could erase it. All evangelical Germany adopted the Protest as the expression of its faith. Everywhere men beheld in this declaration the promise of a new and better era. Said one of the princes to the Protestants of Spires, “May the Almighty, who has given you grace to confess energetically, freely, and fearlessly, preserve you in that Christian firmness until the day of eternity.” {4SP 163.1}
§39
如果改革运动在取得一点成功之后，随即缓和下来，以讨世人的喜悦，那就是既不忠于上帝，又不忠于自己，而且必要注定自己的败亡。这些高尚的改革家所有的经验，足以给后世一个教训。撒但用来反抗上帝和祂圣经的种种方法是始终不变的；他今日反对人以圣经为人生的指导，正如他在十六世纪所反对的一样。今日人们已经远离了圣经的教训和典章，所以我们必须恢复基督教改革运动的大原则──单单以圣经为信仰与职责的规范。撒但仍在千方百计地设法破坏宗教信仰的自由。在施派尔提出抗议之人所拒绝的敌基督的势力，现在正重整旗鼓，想要重新建立它所失去的优势。宗教改革运动在那次危机中所表现坚持上帝圣言的精神，乃是今日改革运动的唯一希望。{4SP 163.2}
§40
Had the Reformation, after attaining a degree of success, consented to temporize to secure favor with the world, it would have been untrue to God and to itself, and would thus have insured its own destruction. The experience of those early reformers contains a lesson for all succeeding ages. Satan’s manner of working against God and his word has not changed; he is still as much opposed to the Scriptures being made the guide of life as in the sixteenth century. In our time there is a wide departure from its doctrines and precepts, and there is need of a return to the great Protestant principle,—the Bible and the Bible only as the rule of faith and duty. Satan is still working through every means which he can control to destroy religious liberty. The anti-christian power which the protesters of Spires repudiated, is now with renewed vigor seeking to reestablish its lost supremacy. The same unswerving adherence to the word of God manifested at that crisis of the Reformation, is the only hope of reform today. {4SP 163.2}
§41
那时有种种迹象显明改正教徒是处于危险之中；但也有许多迹象说明上帝已伸出祂的圣臂要保护忠心的人。约在此时，梅兰克吞领了他的朋友格里诺经过施派尔的街道，急忙向莱因河走去，并催他赶紧过渡。格里诺对这种慌张火急的情形至为惊异，想要知道这次突然逃走的原因。梅兰克吞说：“刚才有一个白发苍苍，态度严肃，素来不相识的老人出现在我面前对我说：‘在一分钟之内，斐迪南必派法警来捉拿格里诺。’”梅兰克吞在莱因河畔等候，直到这一条河流的水拯救他所爱的朋友脱离寻索他性命之人的手。当梅兰克吞看到他的朋友到了对岸时，便说：“他终于从渴欲流无辜人血之人的口中被抢救出来了。”{4SP 164.1}
§42
There appeared tokens of danger to the Protestants. There were tokens, also, that the divine hand was stretched out to protect the faithful. It was about this time that Melancthon hurried his friend Grynaeus through the streets of Spires to the Rhine, and urged him to cross the river without delay. Grynaeus, in astonishment, desired to know the reason for this sudden flight. Said Melancthon, “An old man of grave and solemn aspect, but who is unknown to me, appeared before me, and said, ‘In a minute the officers of justice will be sent by Ferdinand to arrest Grynaeus.’” On the banks of the Rhine, Melancthon waited until the waters of that stream interposed between his beloved friend and those who sought his life. When he saw him on the other side at last, he said, “He is torn from the cruel jaws of those who thirst for innocent blood.” {4SP 164.1}
§43
格里诺曾与一位罗马教著名的博士关系密切，但是对他的一次讲道感到震惊，就到他那里，恳求他不要再与真理作战。这位罗马教徒当时隐忍了自己的愤怒，立时到王那里，领到逮捕这位抗议者的命令。当梅兰克吞回到家时，他被告之当他离开之后，有追捕格里诺的法警到他家里来彻底地搜查了他家。他就深信这是上帝要拯救他的朋友，所以派了一位圣天使预先警告他。{4SP 164.2}
§44
Grynaeus had been on intimate terms with a leading papist doctor; but, having been shocked at one of his sermons, he went to him, and entreated that he would no longer war against the truth. The papist concealed his anger, but immediately repaired to the king, and obtained from him authority to arrest the protester. When Melancthon returned to his house, he was informed that after his departure officers in pursuit of Grynaeus had searched it from top to bottom. He ever believed that the Lord had saved his friend by sending a holy angel to give him warning. {4SP 164.2}
§45
这时，改革运动在地上的伟人之前将要更进一步地传开。斐迪南王曾拒绝听取这些信从福音之诸侯的申诉；如今他们却蒙允准，予以机会在皇帝以及教会和国家的显要人物面前，提出他们的案由。查理五世为要平息那滋扰他帝国的纷争起见，在施派尔抗议之后的次年，在奥格斯堡召开了一次会议，并声明他要亲自主持。基督教改革信徒的领袖们也被召出席。{4SP 165.1}
§46
The Reformation was to be brought into greater prominence before the mighty ones of the earth. The evangelical princes had been denied a hearing by King Ferdinand; but they were to be granted an opportunity to present their cause in the presence of the emperor and the assembled dignitaries of Church and State. To quiet the dissensions which disturbed the empire, Charles Fifth convoked a Diet at Augsburg, over which he announced his intention to preside in person. Thither the Protestant leaders were summoned. {4SP 165.1}
§47
改革运动临到了可怕的危险；但维护这运动的人仍然将他们的事业交托上帝，并立志效忠福音，始终不渝。他们决定要根据圣经的凭据，把他们的信仰用有系统的方式写成一篇报告呈给议会；并决定由路德，梅兰克吞，和他们的同工起草。这一个信仰声明书后来就由改正教徒接受为他们信仰的宣言。这重要的文件既已写成，他们就召集一次聚会，以便在其上签名。那确是一个严肃，考验的时候。改革家切望自己的事业不要与政治问题混淆在一起；他们深觉宗教改革运动除了上帝的话之外，不该运用其他的势力。正当信从基督的诸侯前来在信仰声明书上签名的时候，梅兰克吞拦阻他们说：“发动这些事的应该是神学家和牧师们；让地上有势力之人的权威留待用在别的事上吧。”撒克逊的约翰回答说：“你们要把我排除在外吗？断乎不可。我已决定作我所该作的事，利害如何，在所不计。我愿意承认主耶稣。在我，选侯的冠冕和职权不如耶稣基督的十字架那么可贵。” 他说了这话，就把自己的名字签上了。另有一个王侯拿起笔来说：“如果我主耶稣基督的尊荣有所需要，我愿意把我的财物和性命置诸脑后。”他继续说：“我宁可放弃我的臣民和国土，宁可空手离去祖国，而不愿在这信仰声明书所列举的信条之外接受任何其他的教义”。这些属上帝的人所有的信心和勇敢，于此可见一斑。{4SP 165.2}
§48
Great dangers threatened the Reformation; but its advocates still trusted their cause with God, and pledged themselves to be firm to the gospel. They determined to prepare a statement of their views in systematic form, with the evidence from the Scriptures, to present before the Diet; and the task was committed to Luther, Melancthon, and their associates. The Confession thus prepared was accepted by the Protestants as an exposition of their faith, and they assembled to affix their names to the important document. It was a solemn and trying time, The Reformers were solicitous that their cause should not be confounded with political questions; they felt that the Reformation should exercise no other influence than that which proceeds from the word of God. As the Christian princes advanced to sign the Confession, Melancthon interposed, saying, “It is for the theologians and ministers to propose these things, while the authority of the mighty ones of earth is to be reserved for other matters.” “God forbid,” replied John of Saxony, “that you should exclude me. I am resolved to do my duty without being troubled about my crown. I desire to confess the Lord. My electoral hat and robes are not so precious to me as the cross of Jesus Christ.” Having thus spoken, he wrote down his name. Said another of the princes as he took the pen, “If the honor of my Lord Jesus Christ requires it, I am ready to leave my goods and life behind me.” “Rather would I renounce my subjects and my States, rather would I quit the country of my fathers, staff in hand,” he continued, “than to receive any other doctrine than is contained in this Confession.” Such was the faith and daring of those men of God. {4SP 165.2}
§49
指定谒见皇上的时候到了。查理五世坐在他的宝座上，周围坐着选侯和诸侯，于是信奉基督教的改革家就蒙召觐见。他们宣读了他们的信仰声明书。在那庄严的集会中，福音的真理被清楚地发表出来，罗马教会的错谬也被指明了。因此，这一日被称为“宗教改革运动最伟大的日子，也是基督教和人类史上最光荣的一天”。{4SP 166.1}
§50
The appointed time came to appear before the emperor. Charles Fifth, seated upon his throne, surrounded by the electors and the princes, gave audience to the Protestant Reformers. The confession of their faith was read. In that august assembly the truths of the gospel were clearly set forth, and the errors of the papal church were pointed out. Well has that day been pronounced “the greatest day of the Reformation, and one of the most glorious in the history of Christianity and of the world.” {4SP 166.1}
§51
自从威丁堡的那位修道士单独站在俄姆斯全国议会前作证，到这时不过几年之久。如今代替他的乃是国内最尊贵最有权势的王侯。路德不得在奥格斯堡出现，但他却藉着他的言论和祷告参赴会议。他写道：“我能活到这时，得以看到基督在那么重要的聚会中，由那么显赫的人的宣言而被公然高举，真使我大喜过望”。这样就应验了圣经的话说：“我也要在君王面前，论说祢的法度”（诗119:46）。{4SP 166.2}
§52
But a few years had passed since the monk of Wittemberg stood alone at Worms before the national council. Now in his stead were the noblest and most powerful princes of the empire. Luther had been forbidden to appear at Augsburg, but he had been present by his words and prayers. “I am overjoyed,” he wrote, “that I have lived until this hour, in which Christ has been publicly exalted by such illustrious confessors, and in so glorious an assembly. Herein is fulfilled what the Scripture saith, ‘I will declare thy testimony in the presence of kings.’” {4SP 166.2}
§53
在保罗的日子，他虽然为福音的缘故被捆锁，福音也曾这样传到罗马城的王侯和贵族面前。这时的情形也是如此，皇帝所禁止，不准人在讲台上宣扬的福音却在王宫里传讲了；许多人所认为连奴仆也不宜于听聆的福音，却为国内的显要人物和贵族们所谛听了。君王和伟人是听众，头戴冠冕的王侯是传道人，讲章是上帝至尊的真理。有一个作家说：“自从使徒时代以来，还没有比这更伟大的工作，也没有比这更庄重的信仰耶稣基督的宣言”。{4SP 167.1}
§54
In the days of Paul, the gospel for which he was imprisoned was thus brought before the princes and nobles of the imperial city. So on this occasion, that which the emperor had forbidden to be preached from the pulpit, was proclaimed in the palace; what many had regarded as unfit even for servants to listen to, was heard with wonder by the masters and lords of the empire. “Kings and great men were the auditory, crowned princes were the preachers, and the sermon was the royal truth of God.” “Since the apostolic age,” says a writer, “there has never been a greater work, or a more magnificent confession of Jesus Christ.” {4SP 167.1}
§55
有一个罗马教的主教声称：“路德派的人所说的话都是实在的；我们无法加以否认。”另一个人问艾克博士说：“你能用正确的理由驳倒选侯和他的同盟所提出的信仰宣言吗？“他回答说：“用使徒和先知的著作吗？——不能！但用教父和议会的著作──则能。”发问的人应声说：“我明白了，照你的说法，路德派的人有圣经的根据，而我们则没有”。德国又有一些王侯相信了改正教的信仰。皇帝也亲自宣称基督教徒所提出的意见确是真理。这一份信仰声明书译成许多方言，通行全欧，后世也有亿万人接受它为自己信仰的声明。{4SP 167.2}
§56
“All that the Lutherans have said is true, and we cannot deny it,” declared a papist bishop. “Can you by sound reasons refute the Confession made by the elector and his allies?” asked another, of Doctor Eck. “Not with the writings of the apostles and prophets,” was the reply; “but with the Fathers and councils I can.” “I understand, then,” responded the questioner, “that the Lutherans are entrenched in the Scriptures, and we are only outside.” Some of the princes of Germany were won to the reformed faith. The emperor himself declared that the Protestant articles were but the truth. The Confession was translated into many languages, and circulated through all Europe, and it has been accepted by millions in succeeding generations as the expression of their faith. {4SP 167.2}
§57
上帝忠心的仆人并不是孤独地在工作着。当“执政的，掌权的，以及天空属灵气的恶魔”联合起来反对他们时，主却没有丢弃祂的子民。如果他们的眼睛能以睁开，他们就要像古时的一位先知一样，得以看见上帝与他们同在并帮助他们的显著凭据。当以利沙的仆人将围绕他们并截断他们逃路的敌军指给他主人看时，先知祷告说：“耶和华啊，求祢开这少年人的眼目，使他能看见”（王下6:17）。他就看见满山有火车火马，有天军驻扎在那里保护上帝的仆人。众天使也是这样护卫着从事宗教改革运动的人。上帝既已命令祂的仆人建造，就没有反对的势力能把他们驱离城墙。{4SP 168.1}
§58
God’s faithful builders were not toiling alone. While “principalities and powers and wicked spirits in high places” were leagued against them, the Lord did not forsake his people. Could their eyes have been opened, they would have seen as marked evidence of divine presence and aid as was granted to a prophet of old. When Elisha’s servant pointed his master to the hostile army surrounding them, and cutting off all opportunity for escape, the prophet prayed, “Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see.” [2 Kings 6:17.] And, lo, the mountain was filled with chariots and horses of fire, the army of Heaven stationed to protect the man of God. Thus did angels guard the workers in the cause of the Reformation. God had commanded his servants to build, and no opposing force could drive them from the walls. {4SP 168.1}
§59
伟大的改革运动所有震动世界的力量，乃是从祈祷的密室中而来的。主的仆人在密室中以圣洁的镇静，把他们的脚立在祂应许的磐石上。在奥格斯堡的挣扎时期中，路德“每天至少要用三个小时祷告的，而且这几个小时，乃是从最适宜于研究的时间中抽出来的。在他私人的密室中，可以听见他在上帝面前倾心吐意。“满有尊荣，敬畏，希望，像人与朋友谈话一样。”他说：“我知道祢是我们的天父，是我们的上帝，我也知道祢必要驱散那些逼迫祢儿女的人；因为祢自己与我们同受苦难。这一切的事都是祢的，我们只是因了祢的激励才从事这工作。那么，天父啊，求祢保护我们！”那时，梅兰克吞被压在忧虑和惧怕的重担之下，路德写信给他说：“愿恩惠平安在基督里归于你！我是说在基督里，而不是在世界里。阿们！我非常痛恨那些消耗你精力的过分忧虑。如果我们的事业是不正义的，那么放弃它好了；如果我们的事业是正义的，那么我们为什么辜负那吩咐我们安心睡眠之主的应许呢？……对于正义和真理的工作，基督有充足的能力。祂是长远活着，祂掌管万有；既然如此，我们还有什么可惧怕的呢？” {4SP 168.2}
§60
From the secret place of prayer came the power that shook the world in the Great Reformation. There, with holy calmness, the servants of the Lord set their feet upon the rock of his promises. During the struggle at Augsburg, Luther did not fail to devote three hours each day to prayer; and these were taken from that portion of the day most favorable to study. In the privacy of his chamber he was heard to pour out his soul before God in words full of adoration, fear, and hope, as if speaking to a friend. “I know that thou art our Father and our God,” he said, “and that thou wilt scatter the persecutors of thy children; for thou art thyself endangered with us. All this matter is thine, and it is only by thy constraint that we have put our hands to it. Defend us then, O Father!” To Melancthon, who was crushed under the burden of anxiety and fear, he wrote: “Grace and peace in Christ! In Christ, I say, and not in the world, Amen! I hate with exceeding hatred those extreme cares which consume you. If the cause is unjust, abandon it; if the cause is just, why should we belie the promises of Him who commands us to sleep without fear?” “Christ will not be wanting to the work of justice and truth. He lives, he reigns; what fear, then, can we have?” {4SP 168.2}
§61
上帝果然垂听了祂仆人的呼求。祂赐给王侯和牧师们恩惠和勇敢来维护真理，并抵挡这世界黑暗的统治者。主说：“看哪，我把所拣选所宝贵的房角石，安放在锡安；信靠祂的人，必不至于羞愧”（彼前2:6）。基督教的改革家已经建造在基督身上，所以阴间的权柄不能胜过他们。{4SP 169.1}
§62
God did listen to the cries of his servants. He gave to princes and ministers grace and courage to maintain the truth against the rulers of the darkness of this world. Saith the Lord, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious, and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.” [1 Peter 2:6.] The Protestant Reformers had built on Christ, and the gates of hell could not prevail against them. {4SP 169.1}