Is it not an express principle in the teaching of our Lord himself and of his Apostles, that means and instruments and agencies are not to be worshipped in themselves but to be estimated with reference to the end they are to promote? Think, for example, what is implied in that pregnant sentence, “The Sabbath was[293] made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.” Means and instruments are not dishonored by this principle. If the end they serve is high and precious, they also will deserve to be valued. If the spiritual freedom of man is important, then the
ordinance1 of a Day of Rest, which ministers to it, may well be sacred. But it is often appointed in the
Providence2 of God that an apparent dishonor should be cast on means, that the minds of men may be forced away from resting upon them. And means may be
varied3, according to circumstances, whilst the same permanent end is to be sought.
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1
ordinance
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| n.法令；条令；条例 |
参考例句： |
- The Ordinance of 1785 provided the first land grants for educational purposes.1785年法案为教育目的提供了第一批土地。
- The city passed an ordinance compelling all outdoor lighting to be switched off at 9.00 PM.该市通过一条法令强令晚上九点关闭一切室外照明。
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2
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 |
参考例句： |
- It is tempting Providence to go in that old boat.乘那艘旧船前往是冒大险。
- To act as you have done is to fly in the face of Providence.照你的所作所为那样去行事，是违背上帝的意志的。
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3
varied
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| adj.多样的，多变化的 |
参考例句： |
- The forms of art are many and varied.艺术的形式是多种多样的。
- The hotel has a varied programme of nightly entertainment.宾馆有各种晚间娱乐活动。
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