第13章 “你在这里做什么？”
§1
第13章 “你在这里做什么？”
§2
Chap. 13 - What Doest Thou Here?
§3
（本章根据：王上19:9-18）
§4
以利亚在何烈山的隐居之处虽然没有人知道，但上帝是知道的；这个疲惫而灰心的先知并没有被撇下，而单独与那压迫他的黑暗权势争斗。上帝在以利亚藏身之所的洞口与他相会，借着一位大能的天使去询问他的需要，并向他说明他对以色列所存的旨意。[1]{PK 167.1}
§5
Elijahs retreat on Mount Horeb, though hidden from man, was known to God; and the weary and discouraged prophet was not left to struggle alone with the powers of darkness that were pressing upon him. At the entrance to the cave wherein Elijah had taken refuge, God met with him, through a mighty angel sent to inquire into his needs and to make plain the divine purpose for Israel.{PK 167.1}[1]
§6
以利亚若不先学会完全信靠上帝，那么他为那些迷于敬拜巴力之人所进行的工作，就无法完成了。那在迦密山上所得显著的成功业已开辟道路，以便获致更大的胜利；可惜以利亚因耶洗别的威吓，竟失去了他当前绝佳的机会。这位神人必须明白他现在的处境，比起主所要他占据的有利地位乃是何等的软弱。[2]{PK 167.2}
§7
Not until Elijah had learned to trust wholly in God could he complete his work for those who had been seduced into Baal worship. The signal triumph on the heights of Carmel had opened the way for still greater victories; yet from the wonderful opportunities opening before him, Elijah had been turned away by the threat of Jezebel. The man of God must be made to understand the weakness of his present position as compared with the vantage ground the Lord would have him occupy. {PK 167.2}[2]
§8
上帝有询问临到他这个饱受磨难的仆人说：“你在这里作什么？”我曾差遣你到基立溪旁，后来又打发你到撒勒法的寡妇那里。我已吩咐你回以色列地去，在迦密山上站在那些拜偶像的祭司面前；我也曾以能力给你束腰，去导引亚哈王的车辇到耶斯列的城门。但是谁差你急急忙忙地逃到这旷野里来？你在这里有什么任务呢？[3]{PK 168.1}
§9
God met His tried servant with the inquiry, What doest thou here, Elijah? I sent you to the brook Cherith and afterward to the widow of Sarepta. I commissioned you to return to Israel and to stand before the idolatrous priests on Carmel, and I girded you with strength to guide the chariot of the king to the gate of Jezreel. But who sent you on this hasty flight into the wilderness? What errand have you here?{PK 168.1}[3]
§10
以利亚心中愁苦地发怨言说：“我为耶和华万军之上帝大发热心；因为以色列人背弃了你的约，毁坏了你的坛，用刀杀了你的先知，只剩下我一个人，他们还要寻索我的命。”[4]{PK 168.2}
§11
In bitterness of soul Elijah mourned out his complaint: I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.{PK 168.2}[4]
§12
天使召唤先知从洞中出来，吩咐他站在山上，在主的面前，聆听他的话。“那时耶和华从那里经过，在他面前有烈风大作，崩山碎石，耶和华却不在风中；风后地震，耶和华却不在其中；地震后有火，耶和华也不在火中；火后有微小的声音。以利亚听见，就用外衣蒙上脸，出来站在洞口。”[5]{PK 168.3}
§13
Calling upon the prophet to leave the cave, the angel bade him stand before the Lord on the mount, and listen to His word. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave.{PK 168.3}[5]
§14
上帝所用来向他仆人显现他自己的方式，不在乎展示赫赫的神能，而是借着“微小的声音。”他要教训以利亚：在完成他旨意的事上，最有成效的并不一定常是那最显赫的工作。当以利亚等待主的显现时，有狂风大作，电光闪射，烈火燃烧；但上帝都不在其中。后来有微小的声音发出，先知就蒙上脸，站在主的面前。他那急躁的情绪便镇静下来，他的心灵也柔和驯服了。这时他才知道：安静的信赖，坚定的倚靠上帝，必能使他在缺乏之时得到随时的帮助。[6]{PK 168.4}
§15
Not in mighty manifestations of divine power, but by a still small voice, did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant. He desired to teach Elijah that it is not always the work that makes the greatest demonstration that is most successful in accomplishing His purpose. While Elijah waited for the revelation of the Lord, a tempest rolled, the lightnings flashed, and a devouring fire swept by; but God was not in all this. Then there came a still, small voice, and the prophet covered his head before the presence of the Lord. His petulance was silenced, his spirit softened and subdued. He now knew that a quiet trust, a firm reliance on God, would ever find for him a present help in time of need.{PK 168.4}[6]
§16
那足以折服并改变人心的，并不一定常是对上帝真理所作的最精辟的论述。那深入人心的，并不在于口才或理论，而是在于圣灵甘美的感化力，这种感化力安静而切实地运行，以从事改变并发展人的品格。那真有能力改变人心的，乃是上帝圣灵的“微小的声音。”[7]{PK 169.1}
§17
It is not always the most learned presentation of Gods truth that convicts and converts the soul. Not by eloquence or logic are mens hearts reached, but by the sweet influences of the Holy Spirit, which operate quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character. It is the still, small voice of the Spirit of God that has power to change the heart.{PK 169.1}[7]
§18
那声音问道：“以利亚啊，你在这里作什么？”先知又回答说：“我为耶和华万军之上帝大发热心；因为以色列人背弃了你的约，毁坏了你的坛，用刀杀了你的先知，只剩下我一个人，他们还要寻索我的命。”[8]{PK 169.2}
§19
What doest thou here, Elijah? the voice inquired; and again the prophet answered, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.{PK 169.2}[8]
§20
耶和华回答以利亚说：以色列中作恶的人都必受罚。必有一班特别拣选的人来惩罚这拜偶像的国家，以成全神的旨意。有一种严厉的工作必须完成，使人人都有机会可以采取自己的立场，而站在真神上帝这一边。以利亚本人必须回到以色列去，与其他的人一同负起实施改革的重任。[9]{PK 169.3}
§21
The Lord answered Elijah that the wrongdoers in Israel should not go unpunished. Men were to be especially chosen to fulfill the divine purpose in the punishment of the idolatrous kingdom. There was stern work to be done, that all might be given opportunity to take their position on the side of the true God. Elijah himself was to return to Israel, and share with others the burden of bringing about a reformation.{PK 169.3}[9]
§22
耶和华吩咐以利亚说：“你回去，从旷野往大马士革去；到了那里，就要膏哈薛作亚兰王，又膏宁示的孙子耶户作以色列王，并膏亚伯米何拉人沙法的儿子以利沙作先知接续你。将来躲避哈薛之刀的，必被耶户所杀；躲避耶户之刀的，必被以利沙所杀。”[10]{PK 169.4}
§23
Go, the Lord commanded Elijah, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: and Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.{PK 169.4}[10]
§24
以利亚原以为在以色列中，只有他一个人是敬拜真神上帝的。但那位洞察万人之心的主，却向先知指明在多年背道之中仍有许多人是忠于他的。上帝说：“但我在以色列人中为自己留下七千人，是未曾向巴力屈膝的，未曾与巴力亲嘴的。”[11]{PK 170.1}
§25
Elijah had thought that he alone in Israel was a worshiper of the true God. But He who reads the hearts of all revealed to the prophet that there were many others who, through the long years of apostasy, had remained true to Him. I have left Me, God said, seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.{PK 170.1}[11]
§26
从以利亚在那些灰心丧志和显然失败的日子所有的经验中，有许多可以汲取到的教训，这些教训对于在普遍背离正义的现代作上帝仆人的人，乃是非常有价值的。今日流行的背道情形，与那在先知的日子流行于以色列中的相似。今日许多人在高举世人过于真神，恭维世俗的领袖，敬拜玛门，并将科学的知识置于启示的真理之上等事上，正在随从巴力而行。怀疑和不信正在思想和心灵上发挥其毒害的影响，而许多人却正以人的理论代替上帝的圣言。如今有人公开教导说：我们已经到了应当高举人的理性过于《圣经》教训的时候。又宣称说：上帝的律法，就是公义的神圣标准，已经失去效用了。真理的仇敌正在运行其欺骗的能力，引使男男女女将人的制度放在上帝所应居的地位上，并忘记那为人类幸福和得救所定的标准。[12]{PK 170.2}
§27
From Elijahs experience during those days of discouragement and apparent defeat there are many lessons to be drawn, lessons invaluable to the servants of God in this age, marked as it is by general departure from right. The apostasy prevailing today is similar to that which in the prophets day overspread Israel. In the exaltation of the human above the divine, in the praise of popular leaders, in the worship of mammon, and in the placing of the teachings of science above the truths of revelation, multitudes today are following after Baal. Doubt and unbelief are exercising their baleful influence over mind and heart, and many are substituting for the oracles of God the theories of men. It is publicly taught that we have reached a time when human reason should be exalted above the teachings of the Word. The law of God, the divine standard of righteousness, is declared to be of no effect. The enemy of all truth is working with deceptive power to cause men and women to place human institutions where God should be, and to forget that which was ordained for the happiness and salvation of mankind.{PK 170.2}[12]
§28
这背道的情形虽然相当广泛，但还不是普遍性的。世上的人并不都是无法无天犯罪作恶的；也不都是决定站在仇敌那一边的。上帝有成千上万未曾向巴力屈膝的人，有许多渴望更充分地明白那有关基督和他律法之事的人，也有许多眼巴巴地指望耶稣快来结束这罪恶与死亡掌权时期的人。还有许多由于愚昧无知而敬拜巴力的人，上帝的灵仍要赢取他们。[13]{PK 171.1}
§29
Yet this apostasy, widespread as it has come to be, is not universal. Not all in the world are lawless and sinful; not all have taken sides with the enemy. God has many thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal, many who long to understand more fully in regard to Christ and the law, many who are hoping against hope that Jesus will come soon to end the reign of sin and death. And there are many who have been worshiping Baal ignorantly, but with whom the Spirit of God is still striving.{PK 171.1}[13]
§30
这等人需要那些业已认识上帝和他圣言能力之人的亲自帮助。在现今这样的时候，上帝的每一个儿女都当积极从事帮助别人的工作。当那些明白《圣经》真理的人设法去寻找渴慕真光的男女时，上帝的天使就必伴随着他们。既有天使同去，任何人就毋需害怕前进。经过献身工人忠诚的努力，结果许多人就必转离偶像，而去敬拜永生的上帝。许多人就必不再尊敬人为的制度，却要一无所惧地采取自己的立场，而站在上帝和他律法的一边了。[14]{PK 171.2}
§31
These need the personal help of those who have learned to know God and the power of His word. In such a time as this, every child of God should be actively engaged in helping others. As those who have an understanding of Bible truth try to seek out the men and women who are longing for light, angels of God will attend them. And where angels go, none need fear to move forward. As a result of the faithful efforts of consecrated workers, many will be turned from idolatry to the worship of the living God. Many will cease to pay homage to man-made institutions and will take their stand fearlessly on the side of God and His law.{PK 171.2}[14]
§32
很多事情都有赖乎忠实信徒的恒切努力；为了这个缘故，撒但要尽其全力来破坏那借顺从之人而实行的神圣旨意。他要使一些人忘记他们崇高而神圣的使命，并对于今生的享乐感到满足。他诱使他们耽于安逸，或因谋求更大的属世利益，而离开他们原能成为一股为善力量的地方。他促使另一些人因遭受反对或逼迫，而灰心丧志地逃离工作的岗位。但所有这样的人都是上天最慈怜关怀着的。有问题向每一被众生之敌成功地止息了声音之上帝的儿女发出说：“你在这里作什么？”我曾吩咐你往普天下去传福音，为上帝的大日预备一班合用的百性。你为什么在这里？是谁差你来的？[15]{PK 171.3}
§33
Much depends on the unceasing activity of those who are true and loyal, and for this reason Satan puts forth every possible effort to thwart the divine purpose to be wrought out through the obedient. He causes some to lose sight of their high and holy mission, and to become satisfied with the pleasures of this life. He leads them to settle down at ease, or, for the sake of greater worldly advantages, to remove from places where they might be a power for good. Others he causes to flee in discouragement from duty, because of opposition or persecution. But all such are regarded by Heaven with tenderest pity. To every child of God whose voice the enemy of souls had succeeded in silencing, the question is addressed, What doest thou here? I commissioned you to go into all the world and preach the gospel, to prepare a people for the day of God. Why are you here? Who sent you?{PK 171.3}[15]
§34
那摆在基督前面的喜乐，那支持他经过牺牲和痛苦的喜乐，就是看到罪人得救所有的喜乐。这也应当成为每一个跟从他的人的喜乐，以鼓舞他的志向。凡认识救赎之功对于他们和他们的同胞有什么意义的人，纵然认识的非常有限，也就必多少明白人类的巨大需要了。当他们看到千万置身于可怕厄运的阴影之下的人们，在道德和属灵方面的缺乏，而肉体的痛苦与之比较就算不得什么时，他们就必受感而生出恻隐之心来了。[16]{PK 172.1}
§35
The joy set before Christ, the joy that sustained Him through sacrifice and suffering, was the joy of seeing sinners saved. This should be the joy of every follower of His, the spur to his ambition. Those who realize, even in a limited degree, what redemption means to them and to their fellow men, will comprehend in some measure the vast needs of humanity. Their hearts will be moved to compassion as they see the moral and spiritual destitution of thousands who are under the shadow of a terrible doom, in comparison with which physical suffering fades into nothingness.{PK 172.1}[16]
§36
对于各个家庭，正如对于个人一般，也发出了这个问题说：“你在这里作什么？”在许多教会里，有一些受过《圣经》真理良好教导的家庭，他们若迁移到那需要他们所能给予服务的地方去，就可能扩大他们影响力的范围了。上帝呼召基督化的家庭到黑暗的地区去，聪明而恒切地为那些被笼罩在属灵幽暗之中的人工作。要响应这个呼召，必须实行自我牺牲。可惜正当许多人等待一切障碍尽都消除之时，许多的生灵已在没有指望、没有上帝的情形之下死去了。人们为了属世的利益，为了追求科学的知识，甘愿冒险到瘟疫流行的地区去，忍受艰难和困乏。请问，那些为了将救主传给他人而乐于同样行的人在哪里呢？[17]{PK 172.2}
§37
Of families, as of individuals, the question is asked, What doest thou here? In many churches there are families well instructed in the truths of Gods word, who might widen the sphere of their influence by moving to places in need of the ministry they are capable of giving. God calls for Christian families to go into the dark places of the earth and work wisely and perseveringly for those who are enshrouded in spiritual gloom. To answer this call requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, souls are dying, without hope and without God. For the sake of worldly advantage, for the sake of acquiring scientific knowledge, men are willing to venture into pestilential regions and to endure hardship and privation. Where are those who are willing to do as much for the sake of telling others of the Saviour?{PK 172.2}[17]
§38
凡具有属灵能力的人如果处在试炼的环境之下，因压力过重而致灰心丧胆；如果他们有时看不出人生有何乐趣而不想再活，这并不是一件新奇的事。凡有这种经历的人务要记得：从前最有能力的先知之一，尚且在一个盛怒妇人的恫吓之下匆忙逃命呢。作为一个仆仆风尘、困乏劳顿的逃亡者，因痛苦的失望而伤心欲绝，他竟至祷告求死。但正在希望已告断绝，他的一生工作似有失败之虞的时候，他学得了生平最宝贵的教训。在他最软弱的时辰，他明白了在极度不利的环境之下依然笃信上帝的需要与可能。[18]{PK 173.1}
§39
If, under trying circumstances, men of spiritual power, pressed beyond measure, become discouraged and desponding, if at times they see nothing desirable in life, that they should choose it, this is nothing strange or new. Let all such remember that one of the mightiest of the prophets fled for his life before the rage of an infuriated woman. A fugitive, weary and travel-worn, bitter disappointment crushing his spirits, he asked that he might die. But it was when hope was gone and his lifework seemed threatened with defeat, that he learned one of the most precious lessons of his life. In the hour of his greatest weakness he learned the need and the possibility of trusting God under circumstances the most forbidding.{PK 173.1}[18]
§40
凡在自我牺牲的工作上费去一生的精力，而受试探陷于灰心和不信之中的人，都可从以利亚的经验中汲取勇气。上帝仆人们的热忱虽然被人误会或辜负，他们的劝勉和责备被人藐视，以及他们对于改革所作的努力被人报以仇恨和反对，但上帝亲切的眷顾，他的慈爱，他的能力，却必为他们而特别地彰显。[19]{PK 173.2}
§41
Those who, while spending their life energies in self-sacrificing labor, are tempted to give way to despondency and distrust, may gather courage from the experience of Elijah. Gods watchful care, His love, His power, are especially manifest in behalf of His servants whose zeal is misunderstood or unappreciated, whose counsels and reproofs are slighted, and whose efforts toward reform are repaid with hatred and opposition. {PK 173.2}[19]
§42
撒但乃是乘人最软弱的时候用他最猛烈的试探向人进袭。他曾希望借此制胜上帝的儿子；因为他过去曾用这种策略在人类身上赢得了许多胜利。当意志消沉与信心薄弱的时候，那些长久而勇敢地坚持正义的人也向试探低头了。摩西因经过四十年飘流与（以色列人的）不信的岁月而感到厌倦，以致一时放松了他对那无限权能的持握。他竟在应许之地的边境上失败了。以利亚也是如此。他曾在干旱饥荒的岁月中坚持对于耶和华的信赖；他曾不屈不挠地站在亚哈面前；他曾在那考验的日子，整天在迦密山上当着全以色列民单独为真神上帝作见证，最后竟因一时的疲乏，而让怕死的心理胜过了他对于上帝的信心。[20]{PK 174.1}
§43
It is at the time of greatest weakness that Satan assails the soul with the fiercest temptations. It was thus that he hoped to prevail over the Son of God; for by this policy he had gained many victories over man. When the will power weakened and faith failed, then those who had stood long and valiantly for the right yielded to temptation. Moses, wearied with forty years of wandering and unbelief, lost for a moment his hold on Infinite Power. He failed just on the borders of the Promised Land. So with Elijah. He who had maintained his trust in Jehovah during the years of drought and famine, he who had stood undaunted before Ahab, he who throughout that trying day on Carmel had stood before the whole nation of Israel the sole witness to the true God, in a moment of weariness allowed the fear of death to overcome his faith in God.{PK 174.1}[20]
§44
今日也是如此。当我们被疑虑所困，为环境所逼，或因穷乏患难而受苦时，撒但就设法要动摇我们信靠耶和华的心。就在这时，他要把我们的种种过错摆在我们面前，引诱我们不信上帝，怀疑他的慈爱。他指望使我们灰心，并要拆散我们对上帝的持握。[21]{PK 174.2}
§45
And so it is today. When we are encompassed with doubt, perplexed by circumstances, or afflicted by poverty or distress, Satan seeks to shake our confidence in Jehovah. It is then that he arrays before us our mistakes and tempts us to distrust God, to question His love. He hopes to discourage the soul and break our hold on God.{PK 174.2}[21]
§46
那些站在战斗的前线，并受圣灵的激励而从事特别工作的人，往往会在重压消除之后感到一种反作用。沮丧的情绪可能会动摇最英伟的信心，削弱最坚强的意志。但上帝了解这一切，他依然怜悯眷爱。他洞悉心中的动机和意志。凡作上帝圣工之领袖的人，都需要学习在万事似乎黑暗之际忍耐等候并笃信不移的教训。上天决不会在他们遭难的日子丢弃他们。一个自觉一无所有而完全倚靠上帝的人，再没有较之表面上更为软弱，而实际上更为刚强的了。[22]{PK 174.3}
§47
Those who, standing in the forefront of the conflict, are impelled by the Holy Spirit to do a special work, will frequently feel a reaction when the pressure is removed. Despondency may shake the most heroic faith and weaken the most steadfast will. But God understands, and He still pities and loves. He reads the motives and the purposes of the heart. To wait patiently, to trust when everything looks dark, is the lesson that the leaders in Gods work need to learn. Heaven will not fail them in their day of adversity. Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness and relies wholly on God.{PK 174.3}[22]
§48
以利亚重新学会如何在遭难时倚靠上帝之经验的教训，并不是单给任重责之人的。那为以利亚的力量之主足能支持他每一个在挣扎中的儿女，不论他是多么的软弱。他期望每一个人效忠，他也根据每一个人的需要而赐予力量。人靠自己的力量原是软弱无能的；但他若靠上帝的大能，就有力量可以得胜邪恶并帮助别人得胜。撒但决不能胜过那以上帝为保障的人。“人论我说：公义，能力，唯独在乎耶和华。”（赛45:24）[23]{PK 175.1}
§49
Not alone for men in positions of large responsibility is the lesson of Elijahs experience in learning anew how to trust God in the hour of trial. He who was Elijahs strength is strong to uphold every struggling child of His, no matter how weak. Of everyone He expects loyalty, and to everyone He grants power according to the need. In his own strength man is strengthless; but in the might of God he may be strong to overcome evil and to help others to overcome. Satan can never gain advantage of him who makes God his defense. Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength. Isaiah 45:24.{PK 175.1}[23]
§50
同作基督徒的人啊，撒但熟知你的弱点；所以务要依附耶稣。常在上帝的爱里，你就可经得起每一次的考验。唯有基督的义才能给予你力量，以抵挡那泛滥于全世界的罪恶潮流。要以信心充实你的经验。信心足以减轻一切重担，消解一切疲乏。借着不断地信靠上帝，你就可解明许多现在似乎不可思议的神旨。务要凭着信心行走在他所指示的路上。考验必然来到；但尽管前进。这必坚固你的信心，并使你适于服务。神圣历史之所以被记载下来，不单是供我们阅读并赞叹的，而是要使那从前在上帝众仆人身上有效的信心，也在我们身上生效。今日何处有相信的心作上帝能力的媒介，他也必以同样显著的方式行事。[24]{PK 175.2}
§51
Fellow Christian, Satan knows your weakness; therefore cling to Jesus. Abiding in Gods love, you may stand every test. The righteousness of Christ alone can give you power to stem the tide of evil that is sweeping over the world. Bring faith into your experience. Faith lightens every burden, relieves every weariness. Providences that are now mysterious you may solve by continued trust in God. Walk by faith in the path He marks out. Trials will come, but go forward. This will strengthen your faith and fit you for service. The records of sacred history are written, not merely that we may read and wonder, but that the same faith which wrought in Gods servants of old may work in us. In no less marked manner will the Lord work now, wherever there are hearts of faith to be channels of His power.{PK 175.2}[24]
§52
有话对我们，犹如从前对彼得一样地说：“撒但想要得着你们，好筛你们，像筛麦子一样；但我已经为你祈求，叫你不至于失了信心。”（路22:31-32）基督决不丢弃他为之受死的人。我们或许会离开他，而被试探压倒；但基督却决不转离任何一个他为之付上自己性命作赎价的人。我们属灵的眼光若能敏锐起来，就当见到许多的生灵因愁苦而屈服，被忧伤所重压，如同背负千斤的重担，随时要在失望之中倒毙了。我们也必见到天使迅速飞来帮助这些受试探的人，击退那包围他们的邪恶全军，并使他们的脚步置于稳固的根基之上。那在这两军之间所进行的战争，正如世上军队对敌一样的真实，而永恒的命运也取决于这场属灵战争的结果。[25]{PK 175.3}
§53
To us, as to Peter, the word is spoken, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. Luke 22:31, 32. Christ will never abandon those for whom He has died. We may leave Him and be overwhelmed with temptation, but Christ can never turn from one for whom He has paid the ransom of His own life. Could our spiritual vision be quickened, we should see souls bowed under oppression and burdened with grief, pressed as a cart beneath sheaves, and ready to die in discouragement. We should see angels flying quickly to the aid of these tempted ones, forcing back the hosts of evil that encompass them, and placing their feet on the sure foundation. The battles waging between the two armies are as real as those fought by the armies of this world, and on the issue of the spiritual conflict eternal destinies depend.{PK 175.3}[25]
§54
在先知以西结所见的异象中，在基路伯的翅膀之下显出有人手的样式。这是要教训上帝的仆人：那赐予成功的乃是神圣的能力。凡蒙上帝使用而作他信使的人，切莫以为他的工作乃依赖着他们。有限的人类并未被撇下背负这重责巨任。那位永不打盹并为成全他的意旨而不断工作的主，必要推进他的工作。他必挫败恶人的意图，并扰乱那些设计陷害他子民之人的阴谋。那位身为大君、万军之耶和华的主，仍然坐在基路伯之间，并在列国战乱纷扰中保护着他的儿女。当列王的要塞均告瓦解之时，当忿怒的利箭射透他仇敌的心之时，他的子民必在他手中安全无恙。[26]{PK 176.1}
§55
In the vision of the prophet Ezekiel there was the appearance of a hand beneath the wings of the cherubim. This is to teach Gods servants that it is divine power that gives success. Those whom God employs as His messengers are not to feel that His work is dependent on them. Finite beings are not left to carry this burden of responsibility. He who slumbers not, who is continually at work for the accomplishment of His designs, will carry forward His work. He will thwart the purposes of wicked men and will bring to confusion the counsels of those who plot mischief against His people. He who is the King, the Lord of hosts, sitteth between the cherubim, and amidst the strife and tumult of nations He guards His children still. When the strongholds of kings shall be overthrown, when the arrows of wrath shall strike through the hearts of His enemies, His people will be safe in His hands.{PK 176.1}[26]