第18章 角力的一夜
§1
第18章 角力的一夜
§2
Chap. 18 - The Night of Wrestling
§3
雅各离开巴旦亚兰，虽然是由于顺从上帝的指示，但当他重新踏上二十年前作一个逃亡者所走过的路时，心中忧惧交加。欺骗父亲的罪一直在他眼前。他知道自己长久流亡在外，就是那一桩罪的直接结果，所以他昼夜思想这些事，而且由于良心自责，使他的行程很不愉快。当故乡的山头遥遥在望时，先祖的心中不禁深为感动。过去一切的事活现在他眼前了。他想起他的罪，同时也忆起上帝待他的恩典，和他所赐帮助和引领的应许。[1]{PP 195.1}
§4
Though Jacob had left Padan-aram in obedience to the divine direction, it was not without many misgivings that he retraced the road which he had trodden as a fugitive twenty years before. His sin in the deception of his father was ever before him. He knew that his long exile was the direct result of that sin, and he pondered over these things day and night, the reproaches of an accusing conscience making his journey very sad. As the hills of his native land appeared before him in the distance, the heart of the patriarch was deeply moved. All the past rose vividly before him. With the memory of his sin came also the thought of Gods favor toward him, and the promises of divine help and guidance.{PP 195.1}[1]
§5
当他临近行程的终点时，他一想起以扫，心中就引起许多凶兆，使他烦恼不安。自从雅各逃亡之后，以扫就一直认为自己是承受父亲财产的人。以扫若听见雅各回来，一定会怕他是来争取他的一份产业的。如果以扫有意的话，他现在足能大大加害于他的兄弟，他也可以用强暴的手段待他，不但是为报仇雪恨，也是为了保守他所久已视为己有的产业免受侵扰。[2]{PP 195.2}
§6
As he drew nearer his journeys end, the thought of Esau brought many a troubled foreboding. After the flight of Jacob, Esau had regarded himself as the sole heir of their fathers possessions. The news of Jacobs return would excite the fear that he was coming to claim the inheritance. Esau was now able to do his brother great injury, if so disposed, and he might be moved to violence against him, not only by the desire for revenge, but in order to secure undisturbed possession of the wealth which he had so long looked upon as his own.{PP 195.2}[2]
§7
这时，耶和华又赐给雅各一个凭据，显明他的照顾。当雅各从基列山向南行的时候，似乎有两队天使在前后环绕着，和他的一队人一同前行，保护他们。雅各对伯特利的异象记忆犹新，他知道早年他从迦南地逃亡时，那带给他希望和勇气的上帝的使者，如今在他回来的时候也要保护他，现在他看见这个凭据，他所有忧郁的心情就开始轻松了。他说：“这是上帝的军兵；于是给那地方起名叫玛哈念”——“就是军兵的意思。”（见创32:2）[3]{PP 195.3}
§8
Again the Lord granted Jacob a token of the divine care. As he traveled southward from Mount Gilead, two hosts of heavenly angels seemed to encompass him behind and before, advancing with his company, as if for their protection. Jacob remembered the vision at Bethel so long before, and his burdened heart grew lighter at this evidence that the divine messengers who had brought him hope and courage at his flight from Canaan were to be the guardians of his return. And he said, This is Gods host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim--two hosts, or, camps.{PP 195.3}[3]
§9
虽然如此，雅各觉得为求安全起见，他自己也有应作的事。所以就先派人向哥哥问好，并致求和之意。他把应当怎样称呼以扫的话也教给了他们。在这两个弟兄出世之前曾有预言说，大的要服侍小的，所以雅各怕以扫记得这事，心中难堪，就吩咐仆人，要说他们是被打发到“我主以扫”这里来的；他们来到以扫面前时，要称他们的主人为“你的仆人雅各；”雅各不要以扫想他是一个贫乏的流亡者，回来为争取父亲的产业，所以他又叫仆人在对以扫说话时，务要强调声明：“我有牛、驴、羊群、仆婢，现在打发人来报告我主，为要在你眼前蒙恩。”[4]{PP 195.4}
§10
Yet Jacob felt that he had something to do to secure his own safety. He therefore dispatched messengers with a conciliatory greeting to his brother. He instructed them as to the exact words in which they were to address Esau. It had been foretold before the birth of the two brothers that the elder should serve the younger, and, lest the memory of this should be a cause of bitterness, Jacob told the servants they were sent to my lord Esau; when brought before him, they were to refer to their master as thy servant Jacob; and to remove the fear that he was returning, a destitute wanderer, to claim the paternal inheritance, Jacob was careful to state in his message, I have oxen, and asses, flocks, and menservants, and womenservants: and I have sent to tell my lord, that I may find grace in thy sight.{PP 195.4}[4]
§11
但是仆人回来报说，以扫正带着四百人迎着他来，对于他们所带去表示友好的信息却没有回音。在表面上看来，以扫的确是来报仇的。于是大家都起了恐慌，“雅各就甚惧怕，而且愁烦。”这时他退既不能，进又不敢。他的一队人既没有武装，又不能自卫，完全无力应付敌人的攻击。于是他把所有的人口和牲畜分作两队，心想，倘若这一队受攻击，那一队还有机会逃跑。他又从许多羊群中选出极丰富的礼物送给以扫，并带去友好的信息。他尽了一切的能力来赎回从前亏待哥哥的罪，好避免那威胁着他的危险，然后又自卑而痛悔地恳求上帝的保护，说：“你曾对我说，回你本地本族去，我要厚待你。你向仆人所施的一切慈爱和诚实，我一点也不配得；我先前只拿着我的杖过这约旦河，如今我却成了两队了。求你救我脱离我哥哥以扫的手，因为我怕他来杀我，连妻子带儿女一同杀了。”[5]{PP 196.1}
§12
But the servants returned with the tidings that Esau was approaching with four hundred men, and no response was sent to the friendly message. It appeared certain that he was coming to seek revenge. Terror pervaded the camp. Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed. He could not go back, and he feared to advance. His company, unarmed and defenseless, were wholly unprepared for a hostile encounter. He accordingly divided them into two bands, so that if one should be attacked, the other might have an opportunity to escape. He sent from his vast flocks generous presents to Esau, with a friendly message. He did all in his power to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger, and then in humiliation and repentance he pleaded for divine protection: Thou saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee: I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which Thou hast showed unto Thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands. Deliver me, I pray Thee, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau: for I fear him, lest he will come and smite me, and the mother with the children.{PP 196.1}[5]
§13
这时，他们已经到了雅博河，夜间雅各打发他的家属过了雅博渡口，自己则留在后面。他决定用一夜功夫祷告上帝，他自己要单独与上帝同在。他相信上帝能软化以扫的心。先祖雅各的唯一希望就是上帝。[6]{PP 196.2}
§14
They had now reached the river Jabbok, and as night came on, Jacob sent his family across the ford of the river, while he alone remained behind. He had decided to spend the night in prayer, and he desired to be alone with God. God could soften the heart of Esau. In Him was the patriarchs only hope.{PP 196.2}[6]
§15
这里是一个幽静的山陵地带，是野兽出没之地，是强盗和杀人者匿迹之处。雅各孑然一身，毫无保护，极其悲痛地俯伏在地。这时已是午夜了。他一切的亲人都已离他很远，而且受着危害和死亡的威胁。最使他悲苦的，就是这些无辜的人临到这样的危险，乃是因了他的罪。于是他恳切流泪地在上帝面前祷告。忽然有一只粗壮有力的手抓住了他。他以为这是一个敌人来寻索他的性命，于是尽力想挣脱那加害于他的手。双方一言不发，在黑暗中互相挣扎，各想占据上风。雅各尽一切的力量应战，片刻也没有松懈，他在为自己的性命搏斗时，有犯罪的感觉压在他心上；他所犯的种种罪过都呈到眼前来，把他与上帝隔绝了。幸亏他在可怕的绝境中想起上帝的应许来，于是倾吐心意，向上帝恳求恩典。这一场角斗一直继续到天将破晓的时候，那时雅各的对手用指头将他的大腿窝摸了一把，他的腿立时就扭了。先祖这时才认出他对手的真面目。他知道自己是在与天上的使者角力，所以他虽然用了几乎超人的力量还是不能得胜。这乃是“立约的使者”基督亲自向雅各显现。这时先祖虽然受了伤，并感到剧痛，但是他总不肯放手。他满心悔恨伤痛，抓住天使“哭泣恳求，”（何12:4）求他为他祝福。雅各必须确知他的罪已蒙赦免。肉体上的痛苦也不足以转变他的意志。他的决心越坚定，他的信心就越来越恳切，越坚忍，一直到底。那天使设法挣脱，对他说：“天黎明了，容我去吧；”但是雅各回答说：“你不给我祝福，我就不容你去。”如果雅各这话是出于自负、僭妄和傲慢，他必要立时被杀灭；但他是出于承认自己的不配，而信赖守约的上帝的诚实。[7]{PP 196.3}
§16
It was in a lonely, mountainous region, the haunt of wild beasts and the lurking place of robbers and murderers. Solitary and unprotected, Jacob bowed in deep distress upon the earth. It was midnight. All that made life dear to him were at a distance, exposed to danger and death. Bitterest of all was the thought that it was his own sin which had brought this peril upon the innocent. With earnest cries and tears he made his prayer before God. Suddenly a strong hand was laid upon him. He thought that an enemy was seeking his life, and he endeavored to wrest himself from the grasp of his assailant. In the darkness the two struggled for the mastery. Not a word was spoken, but Jacob put forth all his strength, and did not relax his efforts for a moment. While he was thus battling for his life, the sense of his guilt pressed upon his soul; his sins rose up before him, to shut him out from God. But in his terrible extremity he remembered Gods promises, and his whole heart went out in entreaty for His mercy. The struggle continued until near the break of day, when the stranger placed his finger upon Jacobs thigh, and he was crippled instantly. The patriarch now discerned the character of his antagonist. He knew that he had been in conflict with a heavenly messenger, and this was why his almost superhuman effort had not gained the victory. It was Christ, the Angel of the covenant, who had revealed Himself to Jacob. The patriarch was now disabled and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not loosen his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the Angel; he wept, and made supplication (Hosea 12:4), pleading for a blessing. He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. Physical pain was not sufficient to divert his mind from this object. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The Angel tried to release Himself; He urged, Let Me go, for the day breaketh; but Jacob answered, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God.{PP 196.3}[7]
§17
雅各“与天使较力并且得胜。”（何12:4）借着自卑、痛悔和虔诚，这个有罪并犯错的人竟胜了天上的君王。他曾用发抖的手紧紧地握住上帝的应许，而无穷慈爱的主总不忍拒绝罪人的恳求。[8]{PP 197.1}
§18
Jacob had power over the Angel, and prevailed. Hosea 12:4. Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinners plea.{PP 197.1}[8]
§19
雅各从前用欺诈骗取长子名分的罪，这时清清楚楚地摆在他眼前。他看出自己从前没有信靠上帝的应许，想要以自己的努力，促成上帝照着他自己的时间和方法所要成就的事。这时，那常常使他想起自己罪的旧名改成了纪念他得胜的新名，作为他已蒙赦罪的凭据。天使说：“你的名不要再叫雅各（攘夺者），要叫以色列；因为你与神与人较力，都得了胜。”（创32:28）[9]{PP 197.2}
§20
The error that had led to Jacobs sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud was now clearly set before him. He had not trusted Gods promises, but had sought by his own efforts to bring about that which God would have accomplished in His own time and way. As an evidence that he had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. Thy name, said the Angel, shall be called no more Jacob [the supplanter], but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.{PP 197.2}[9]
§21
雅各已经领受了他衷心所渴望的福气。他作攘夺者和欺骗者的罪过已经蒙了赦免。他一生的危机已经过去。疑惧、困惑和悔恨，曾使他过去的生活至为悲苦，然而现今一切都改变了；与上帝和好之后的平安真是甜美无比。雅各不再怕与他的哥哥见面了。那已经赦免他罪的上帝必能感动以扫的心，使以扫也悦纳他的自卑和悔改。[10]{PP 198.1}
§22
Jacob had received the blessing for which his soul had longed. His sin as a supplanter and deceiver had been pardoned. The crisis in his life was past. Doubt, perplexity, and remorse had embittered his existence, but now all was changed; and sweet was the peace of reconciliation with God. Jacob no longer feared to meet his brother. God, who had forgiven his sin, could move the heart of Esau also to accept his humiliation and repentance.{PP 198.1}[10]
§23
当雅各与天使较力的时候，另有一位天上的使者奉差遣到以扫那里去。以扫在梦中看见他兄弟离开父家，流亡在外二十年之久；他看到兄弟回来时知道母亲已死，心中所有的悲伤；并看到上帝的军兵四围环绕着他。以扫把这梦告诉了他的兵士，并吩咐他们不可伤害雅各，因为他父亲的上帝与他同在。[11]{PP 198.2}
§24
While Jacob was wrestling with the Angel, another heavenly messenger was sent to Esau. In a dream, Esau beheld his brother for twenty years an exile from his fathers house; he witnessed his grief at finding his mother dead; he saw him encompassed by the hosts of God. This dream was related by Esau to his soldiers, with the charge not to harm Jacob, for the God of his father was with him.{PP 198.2}[11]
§25
最后，这两队人彼此走近了，一边是那旷野的族长以扫，带领着他的武士，一边是雅各与他的妻子儿女，有牧人和仆婢左右伺候，随着是一长列的牛羊。先祖雅各拄着拐杖，前去迎接那一队兵士。他因最近的搏斗面色苍白，身上受伤，他缓缓前行，每走一步，就要因疼痛而休止；但是他面上焕发着喜乐平安的容光。[12]{PP 198.3}
§26
The two companies at last approached each other, the desert chief leading his men of war, and Jacob with his wives and children, attended by shepherds and handmaidens, and followed by long lines of flocks and herds. Leaning upon his staff, the patriarch went forward to meet the band of soldiers. He was pale and disabled from his recent conflict, and he walked slowly and painfully, halting at every step; but his countenance was lighted up with joy and peace.{PP 198.3}[12]
§27
以扫一看见这个瘸腿疼痛的兄弟，就“跑来迎接他，将他抱住，又搂着他的颈项与他亲嘴，两个人就哭了。”（创33:4）这一幕情景连以扫的粗鲁兵士看了也不禁动心。虽然以扫已经把他的梦兆告诉兵士，但他们还不明白他们的首领为什么有这样的改变。他们虽然看见先祖雅各的软弱，可是，他们没有想到他的软弱正是他的力量。[13]{PP 198.4}
§28
At sight of that crippled sufferer, Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him: and they wept. As they looked upon the scene, even the hearts of Esaus rude soldiers were touched. Notwithstanding he had told them of his dream, they could not account for the change that had come over their captain. Though they beheld the patriarchs infirmity, they little thought that this his weakness had been made his strength.{PP 198.4}[13]
§29
雅各在雅博河边一夜的惨痛中，似乎面临死亡的时候，他学得了一个教训，就是人的帮助是多么地虚空，依靠人的力量是多么地无用。他看出他唯一的希望必须从他所严重得罪过的主而来。他自觉软弱不配，故只重述上帝向痛悔的罪人所发的慈悲应许。那个应许使他确信上帝必要赦免他，接纳他。天地要废去，上帝的应许却不能废去，这就在那可怕的搏斗中支持了他。[14]{PP 198.5}
§30
In his night of anguish beside the Jabbok, when destruction seemed just before him, Jacob had been taught how vain is the help of man, how groundless is all trust in human power. He saw that his only help must come from Him against whom he had so grievously sinned. Helpless and unworthy, he pleaded Gods promise of mercy to the repentant sinner. That promise was his assurance that God would pardon and accept him. Sooner might heaven and earth pass than that word could fail; and it was this that sustained him through that fearful conflict.{PP 198.5}[14]
§31
雅各那一夜挣扎的痛苦经验，预表上帝的子民，在基督第二次降临的前夕，所必须经过的试炼。先知耶利米在异象中看到这时候，说：“我们听见声音，是战抖惧怕而不平安的声音。……脸面都变青了呢。哀哉，那日为大，无日可比，这是雅各遭难的时候，但他必被救出来。”（耶30:5-7）[15]{PP 201.1}
§32
Jacobs experience during that night of wrestling and anguish represents the trial through which the people of God must pass just before Christs second coming. The prophet Jeremiah, in holy vision looking down to this time, said, We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. . . . All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacobs trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:5-7.{PP 201.1}[15]
§33
当基督停止为人类作中保的时候，则雅各遭难的时候就要开始了。那时每人的案件都已确定，再没有赎罪的宝血来洁净罪恶了。当基督离开他在上帝面前作人类代求者的地位时，就必有严肃的宣告发出说：“不义的，叫他仍旧不义；污秽的，叫他仍旧污秽；为义的，叫他仍旧为义；圣洁的，叫他仍旧圣洁。”（启22:11）于是上帝约束的灵就要从地上收回了。雅各发怒的哥哥怎样以死亡威胁他，照样，上帝的子民也必在那些想要除灭他们的恶人手中遭遇危险。先祖雅各为了要脱离以扫的手怎样终夜的挣扎，照样，义人也要昼夜呼吁上帝，拯救他们脱离围绕他们的仇敌。[16]{PP 201.2}
§34
When Christ shall cease His work as mediator in mans behalf, then this time of trouble will begin. Then the case of every soul will have been decided, and there will be no atoning blood to cleanse from sin. When Jesus leaves His position as mans intercessor before God, the solemn announcement is made, He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:11. Then the restraining Spirit of God is withdrawn from the earth. As Jacob was threatened with death by his angry brother, so the people of God will be in peril from the wicked who are seeking to destroy them. And as the patriarch wrestled all night for deliverance from the hand of Esau, so the righteous will cry to God day and night for deliverance from the enemies that surround them.{PP 201.2}[16]
§35
撒但曾当着上帝的天使面前控告雅各，说因雅各的罪，他就有毁灭他的权利；撒但曾唆使以扫向他进军；当先祖终夜较力的时候，撒但则企图用他犯罪的感觉压服他，想要使他灰心丧胆，并放弃依靠上帝的心。当雅各在忧苦之中抓住天使流泪恳求时，天上的使者为要试验他的信心，也曾使他想起自己的罪来，并想要挣脱他的手。但是雅各总不肯松手。他已经深知上帝是慈爱的，他就要依靠上帝的慈怜。他向天使说明他已经痛悔自己的罪，所以恳求上帝的拯救。当他回顾他的一生时，就几乎陷于绝望之中了；但他紧紧抓住那天使，用恳切惨痛的哭声力陈他的请求，直到得了胜利。[17]{PP 201.3}
§36
Satan had accused Jacob before the angels of God, claiming the right to destroy him because of his sin; he had moved upon Esau to march against him; and during the patriarchs long night of wrestling, Satan endeavored to force upon him a sense of his guilt, in order to discourage him, and break his hold upon God. When in his distress Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and made supplication with tears, the heavenly Messenger, in order to try his faith, also reminded him of his sin, and endeavored to escape from him. But Jacob would not be turned away. He had learned that God is merciful, and he cast himself upon His mercy. He pointed back to his repentance for his sin, and pleaded for deliverance. As he reviewed his life, he was driven almost to despair; but he held fast the Angel, and with earnest, agonizing cries urged his petition until he prevailed.{PP 201.3}[17]
§37
上帝的子民在与邪恶的势力作最后挣扎的时候，也必须有这样的阅历。上帝必要试验他们的信心，他们的坚忍，以及他们对于他拯救能力的信赖。撒但必要企图恐吓他们，叫他们以为自己的失败已没有什么希望；他们的罪太重，不能得到赦免。他们必要深深感觉自己的缺点，然而当他们回顾自己的生活时，一切的希望都要丧失了。但是他们想起上帝恩典的伟大和自己真诚的悔改，就提出他借基督向软弱而痛悔的罪人所发的应许。虽然他们的祷告没有立时蒙垂听，他们也不至于丧失信心。他们必要抓住上帝的能力，像雅各抓住天使一样，他们从心灵中所发出的呼求是：“你不给我祝福，我就不容你去。”[18]{PP 202.1}
§38
Such will be the experience of Gods people in their final struggle with the powers of evil. God will test their faith, their perseverance, their confidence in His power to deliver them. Satan will endeavor to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless; that their sins have been too great to receive pardon. They will have a deep sense of their shortcomings, and as they review their lives their hopes will sink. But remembering the greatness of Gods mercy, and their own sincere repentance, they will plead His promises made through Christ to helpless, repenting sinners. Their faith will not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. They will lay hold of the strength of God, as Jacob laid hold of the Angel, and the language of their souls will be, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.{PP 202.1}[18]
§39
如果雅各没有事先悔改他用欺诈的手段取得长子名分的罪，上帝就不能垂听他的祷告，并慈怜地保全了他的性命。在上帝的子民遭难的时候，也是如此；如果他们在遭受惧怕和痛苦时发现还有未曾承认的罪，他们就必站立不住；绝望必要消灭他们的信心，他们就没有把握来求上帝的拯救了。但他们虽然深深感到自己的不配，却没有什么隐瞒的罪过必须承认。因为他们的罪都已被基督赎罪之血所涂抹，不再记念了。[19]{PP 202.2}
§40
Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God could not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they will have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins will have been blotted out by the atoning blood of Christ, and they cannot bring them to remembrance.{PP 202.2}[19]
§41
撒但引诱许多人相信，上帝必要宽恕人在小事上的不忠心；但是耶和华在对待雅各的事上，显明他是决不许可或容忍邪恶的。人若原谅或掩饰自己的罪恶；让它留在天上的册子里而不承认，不蒙赦免，他们就要被撒但所胜。他们讲得越好听，在教会里的地位越尊贵，他们的行为在上帝面前就越发可憎，他们为撒但所胜也就更肯定了。[20]{PP 202.3}
§42
Satan leads many to believe that God will overlook their unfaithfulness in the minor affairs of life; but the Lord shows in His dealing with Jacob that He can in no wise sanction or tolerate evil. All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession, and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of God, and the more certain the triumph of the great adversary.{PP 202.3}[20]
§43
然而雅各的历史却保证上帝决不会丢弃那些陷在罪中，而后来仍以真诚的悔改归向他的人。雅各曾因虔诚并笃信上帝，而得到他原想靠自己的力量所不能得到的胜利。上帝这样教训他的仆人，使他知道唯有借着神圣的权能和恩典，他才能得到所渴望的福分。那些住在末世代的人也要如此。当危险环绕着他们，绝望压在他们心灵上的时候，他们必须单单依靠救赎的大功。我们靠自己不能作什么。在我们软弱不配的景况中，我们必须依靠被钉死和复活的救主的功劳。当人这样行的时候就决不至灭亡。我们一切的愆尤过犯都摆列在无穷的主眼前。那记录完全无缺，我们的罪过没有一件被漏掉了。但那古时垂听他仆人呼求的主，也必答应信心的祈祷，赦免我们的罪过。他既已应许，就必成就。[21]{PP 202.4}
§44
Yet Jacobs history is an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. It was by self-surrender and confiding faith that Jacob gained what he had failed to gain by conflict in his own strength. God thus taught His servant that divine power and grace alone could give him the blessing he craved. Thus it will be with those who live in the last days. As dangers surround them, and despair seizes upon the soul, they must depend solely upon the merits of the atonement. We can do nothing of ourselves. In all our helpless unworthiness we must trust in the merits of the crucified and risen Saviour. None will ever perish while they do this. The long, black catalogue of our delinquencies is before the eye of the Infinite. The register is complete; none of our offenses are forgotten. But He who listened to the cries of His servants of old, will hear the prayer of faith and pardon our transgressions. He has promised, and He will fulfill His word.{PP 202.4}[21]
§45
雅各之所以得胜，是因了他有恒忍和坚决的心。他的经验说明了恒切祷告的力量。现在我们要学习这得胜的祷告和坚固的信心的教训。基督的教会或基督徒个人最大的胜利，并不是那些由于才干、教育、财富或人的同情而得的胜利，乃是当他们以恳切坚定的信心握住全能者的膀臂，并在密室中谒见上帝时所得的胜利。[22]{PP 203.1}
§46
Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His experience testifies to the power of importunate prayer. It is now that we are to learn this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyielding faith. The greatest victories to the church of Christ or to the individual Christian are not those that are gained by talent or education, by wealth or the favor of men. They are those victories that are gained in the audience chamber with God, when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold upon the mighty arm of power.{PP 203.1}[22]
§47
凡不愿放弃一切罪恶，并恳切地追求上帝所赐之福的人，必不能得到这福分。但是一切愿意像雅各一样抓住上帝的应许，并像他一样恳切坚决的人，必要成功像他成功一样。“上帝的选民，昼夜呼吁他，他纵然为他们忍了多时，岂不终久给他们伸冤吗？我告诉你们，要快快的给他们伸冤了。”（路18:7-8）[23]{PP 203.2}
§48
Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for Gods blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of Gods promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Luke 18:7, 8.{PP 203.2}[23]