第17章 以利沙蒙召
§1
第17章 以利沙蒙召
§2
Chap. 17 - The Call of Elisha
§3
上帝曾经吩咐以利亚膏另一个人接替他作先知。他说：你要“膏……沙法的儿子以利沙作先知接续你；”（王上19:16）以利亚顺从这个命令，就去找以利沙。当他往北而行的时候，所见到的情景与不久之前该有何等的变更啊！那时土地龟裂，田地无人种；因为三年半之久没有雨露降下。如今则周围草木欣欣向荣，仿佛在补偿干旱和饥荒之时的损失似的。[1]{PK 217.1}
§4
God had bidden Elijah anoint another to be prophet in his stead. Elisha the son of Shaphat . . . shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room (1 Kings 19:16), He had said; and in obedience to the command, Elijah went to find Elisha. As he journeyed northward, how changed was the scene from what it had been only a short while before! Then the ground was parched, the farming districts unworked, for neither dew nor rain had fallen for three and a half years. Now on every hand vegetation was springing up as if to redeem the time of drought and famine.{PK 217.1}[1]
§5
以利沙的父亲是一个富有的农夫，在几乎普遍背道的时期，他一家人仍列于未曾向巴力屈膝的人中。他们的家庭是尊敬上帝，又是以忠于以色列的信仰为日常生活之准则的。以利沙的幼年就是在这样的环境中度过的。他在乡村的静穆生活中，并在上帝与大自然的教训以及实用工作的锻炼之下，得以在养成简朴习惯以及顺从父母和上帝的事上接受训练，帮助他配充任以后所要占有的崇高地位。[2]{PK 217.2}
§6
Elishas father was a wealthy farmer, a man whose household were among the number that in a time of almost universal apostasy had not bowed the knee to Baal. Theirs was a home where God was honored and where allegiance to the faith of ancient Israel was the rule of daily life. In such surroundings the early years of Elisha were passed. In the quietude of country life, under the teaching of God and nature and the discipline of useful work, he received the training in habits of simplicity and of obedience to his parents and to God that helped to fit him for the high position he was afterward to occupy.{PK 217.2}[2]
§7
以利沙蒙召作先知，乃是在他与父亲的仆人一同在田间耕作的时候。他一向克尽最切身的本分。他既具有作领袖的才干，又具有随时愿意为人服务的谦卑精神。他虽具有安静温和的精神，但仍不失为刚毅坚定的人。正直、忠实和敬畏上帝都是他的优点；他在日常低下的操作中，获得了坚强的意志和高尚的品格，不断地在恩典和知识上有长进。当他在家庭生活的本分中与他父亲合作时，他就是在学习与上帝合作。[3]{PK 218.1}
§8
The prophetic call came to Elisha while, with his fathers servants, he was plowing in the field. He had taken up the work that lay nearest. He possessed both the capabilities of a leader among men and the meekness of one who is ready to serve. Of a quiet and gentle spirit, he was nevertheless energetic and steadfast. Integrity, fidelity, and the love and fear of God were his, and in the humble round of daily toil he gained strength of purpose and nobleness of character, constantly increasing in grace and knowledge. While co-operating with his father in the home-life duties, he was learning to co-operate with God.{PK 218.1}[3]
§9
以利沙由于在小事上忠心，就是在为担任更重大的委托而作准备。他天天借着实际的经验获得资格，可适于从事更广泛更崇高的工作。他学习从事服务；而在作这样的学习时，他也就学习到怎样从事教养与领导了。这个教训是给众人的。没有人知道上帝的训练中究竟含有什么旨意；但尽人皆可确知；在小事上忠心便是有资格担负更大责任的证据。人生的每一项行为都是品格的表现；唯有在小事上证明自己是“无愧的工人”的人，才能蒙上帝所器重而委以更崇高的服务。[4]{PK 218.2}
§10
By faithfulness in little things, Elisha was preparing for weightier trusts. Day by day, through practical experience, he gained a fitness for a broader, higher work. He learned to serve; and in learning this, he learned also how to instruct and lead. The lesson is for all. None can know what may be Gods purpose in His discipline; but all may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for greater responsibilities. Every act of life is a revelation of character, and he only who in small duties proves himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed can be honored by God with higher service. 2 Timothy 2:15.{PK 218.2}[4]
§11
凡认为自己无论怎样履行较小任务都无足轻重的人，就证明他不配担任更尊荣的职分。他或许以为自己足能负起更大的责任；但上帝不是仅看外貌的。在经过考验与试炼之后，对于他就有这句判语写下：“你被称在天平里显出你的亏欠。”（但5:27）他的不忠反应在自己身上。他得不到那借着毫无保留的献身所领受的恩典、能力和坚强的品格。[5]{PK 218.3}
§12
He who feels that it is of no consequence how he performs the smaller tasks proves himself unfit for a more honored position. He may think himself fully competent to take up the larger duties; but God looks deeper than the surface. After test and trial, there is written against him the sentence, Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. His unfaithfulness reacts upon himself. He fails of gaining the grace, the power, the force of character, which is received through unreserved surrender.{PK 218.3}[5]
§13
许多人因为没有参加直接的宗教工作，就觉得自己的人生没有用处，以为自己在推进上帝的国度方面并无贡献。如果他们能作一些大事，他们就会多么快乐地担任啊！但他们既然只能在小事上服务，就认为自己可以什么事都不作了。他们这种看法错了。一个人在进行普通日常的事务，如砍树、锄地、犁田时，也可以积极参加上帝的工作。凡为基督而训练自己儿女的母亲，实际上就如牧师在讲台上为上帝工作一样。[6]{PK 219.1}
§14
Because they are not connected with some directly religious work, many feel that their lives are useless, that they are doing nothing for the advancement of Gods kingdom. If they could do some great thing how gladly they would undertake it! But because they can serve only in little things, they think themselves justified in doing nothing. In this they err. A man may be in the active service of God while engaged in the ordinary, everyday duties--while felling trees, clearing the ground, or following the plow. The mother who trains her children for Christ is as truly working for God as is the minister in the pulpit.{PK 219.1}[6]
§15
许多人渴望上帝赐予特别的才能，以便从事非常的工作，而对于那些摆在手边若加以履行就可使人生发出馨香的本分，却忽视了。但愿这样的人克尽当前的本分。成功并不全在乎才干；更有赖于努力与乐意。那能使我们献上可蒙悦纳之服务的，并不在于我们具有卓越的才能；乃在于谨慎履行日常的本分，知足的精神，以及真诚恳挚关心他人的利益。真正的优美可从最卑微的职位上发现。那最平凡的工作，若本着出于爱的忠诚去做，在上帝看来都是佳美的。[7]{PK 219.2}
§16
Many long for special talent with which to do a wonderful work, while the duties lying close at hand, the performance of which would make the life fragrant, are lost sight of. Let such ones take up the duties lying directly in their pathway. Success depends not so much on talent as on energy and willingness. It is not the possession of splendid talents that enables us to render acceptable service, but the conscientious performance of daily duties, the contented spirit, the unaffected, sincere interest in the welfare of others. In the humblest lot true excellence may be found. The commonest tasks, wrought with loving faithfulness, are beautiful in Gods sight.{PK 219.2}[7]
§17
当以利亚蒙神的指示去寻找一个继承人的时候，他经过以利沙正在耕作的田间，就将自己那件象征献身的外衣搭在这个青年人的肩上。沙法的一家已在饥荒时期认识了以利亚的工作和使命；这时，上帝的灵将先知这一行动的意义印入以利沙的心中。对他而言，这就是上帝已经呼召他作以利亚的继承人的记号。[8]{PK 219.3}
§18
As Elijah, divinely directed in seeking a successor, passed the field in which Elisha was plowing, he cast upon the young mans shoulders the mantle of consecration. During the famine the family of Shaphat had become familiar with the work and mission of Elijah, and now the Spirit of God impressed Elishas heart as to the meaning of the prophets act. To him it was the signal that God had called him to be the successor of Elijah.{PK 219.3}[8]
§19
“以利沙就离开牛，跑到以利亚那里，说：求你容我先与父母亲嘴，然后我便跟随你。”以利亚回答说：“你回去吧，我向你作了什么呢？”（王上19:20）这句话并不是拒绝，却是一个信心的测验。以利沙必须计算代价，自行决定接受或拒绝这一呼召。如果他依恋自己的家和它的利益，他尽可以留在那里。但以利沙明白这一呼召的意义。他知道这是从上帝而来的，于是就毫不犹豫地顺从了。他没有为任何属世的利益而错过作上帝信使的机会，或牺牲与上帝仆人同工的特权。他“宰了一对牛，用套牛的器具煮肉给民吃；随后就起身跟随以利亚服侍他。”（王上19:21）以利沙毫不迟疑地离开了他那备受其爱顾的家，而去在先知飘泊无定的生活中随侍左右。[9]{PK 220.1}
§20
And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. Go back again, was Elijahs answer, for what have I done to thee? This was not a repulse, but a test of faith. Elisha must count the cost--decide for himself to accept or reject the call. If his desires clung to his home and its advantages, he was at liberty to remain there. But Elisha understood the meaning of the call. He knew it was from God, and he did not hesitate to obey. Not for any worldly advantage would he forgo the opportunity of becoming Gods messenger or sacrifice the privilege of association with His servant. He took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him. 1 Kings 19:20, 21. Without hesitation he left a home where he was beloved, to attend the prophet in his uncertain life.{PK 220.1}[9]
§21
如果以利沙询问以利亚所期望于他的是什么，他的工作是什么，他就必得到回答说：上帝知道；他必指示你。如果你等候耶和华，他必回答你的每一个问题。你若有了上帝已经呼召你的证据，你就跟我来吧。你自己务要知道有上帝作我的后盾，而且你所听到的乃是他的声音。你若能把万事看作粪土，为要得着上帝的恩宠，来吧。[10]{PK 220.2}
§22
Had Elisha asked Elijah what was expected of him,--what would be his work,--he would have been answered: God knows; He will make it known to you. If you wait upon the Lord, He will answer your every question. You may come with me if you have evidence that God has called you. Know for yourself that God stands back of me, and that it is His voice you hear. If you can count everything but dross that you may win the favor of God, come.{PK 220.2}[10]
§23
基督对那位少年官提出的问题：“我该作什么善事，才能得永生？”所作的答复，与这临到以利沙的呼召颇为相似。基督回答说：“你若愿意作完全人，可去变卖你所有的，分给穷人，就必有财宝在天上；你还要来跟从我。”（太19:16,21）[11]{PK 221.1}
§24
Similar to the call that came to Elisha was the answer given by Christ to the young ruler who asked Him the question, What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? If thou wilt be perfect, Christ replied, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow Me. Matthew 19:16, 21.{PK 221.1}[11]
§25
以利沙接受了这服务的呼召，并没有略一回顾他所离开的享乐和舒适。但那少年官听见救主的话，“就忧忧愁愁的走了；因为他的产业很多。”（太19:22）他不愿牺牲。他爱财产过于爱上帝。他既不肯为基督放弃一切，就证明他不配在主的工作上占有一席地位。[12]{PK 221.2}
§26
Elisha accepted the call to service, casting no backward glance at the pleasures and comforts he was leaving. The young ruler, when he heard the Saviours words, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Verse 22. He was not willing to make the sacrifice. His love for his possessions was greater than his love for God. By his refusal to renounce all for Christ, he proved himself unworthy of a place in the Masters service.{PK 221.2}[12]
§27
那将一切都献于服务之坛上的呼召临到了每一个人。我们并不是都蒙召要像以利沙一样地服务，我们也没有受命要变卖一切所有的；但是上帝却要我们在自己的生活中以他的服务居首，切勿任凭一天过去而没有作什么推进他地上工作的事。他并不希望人人都从事同样的服务。一个人可能蒙召到国外去传道；另一个人可能受命要奉献他的金钱来支持福音工作。上帝悦纳每一个人的奉献。那不可或缺的，便是要献上一生和一生的利益。凡如此奉献的人，就必听到并顺从上天的呼召。[13]{PK 221.3}
§28
The call to place all on the altar of service comes to each one. We are not all asked to serve as Elisha served, nor are we all bidden to sell everything we have; but God asks us to give His service the first place in our lives, to allow no day to pass without doing something to advance His work in the earth. He does not expect from all the same kind of service. One may be called to ministry in a foreign land; another may be asked to give of his means for the support of gospel work. God accepts the offering of each. It is the consecration of the life and all its interests, that is necessary. Those who make this consecration will hear and obey the call of Heaven. {PK 221.3}[13]
§29
主对每一个分享他恩典的人，都指派有为别人服务的工作。我们都要个别地站在自己的岗位上，说：“我在这里，请差遣我。”一个人无论是传道人或医师，是商人或农夫，是专业人员或技工，都有责任在身。他的工作就是要将救恩的福音传给别人。他所参与的每一种事业都应当成为达到这个目的的媒介。[14]{PK 222.1}
§30
To everyone who becomes a partaker of His grace, the Lord appoints a work for others. Individually we are to stand in our lot, saying, Here am I; send me. Whether a man be a minister of the Word or a physician, whether he be merchant or farmer, professional man or mechanic, the responsibility rests upon him. It is his work to reveal to others the gospel of their salvation. Every enterprise in which he engages should be a means to this end.{PK 222.1}[14]
§31
以利沙首先需要作的并不是什么伟大的工作；他所受的训练只是一些普通的事务。《圣经》论到他说：他是倒水在他夫子以利亚手上的。他乐意作主所指示的任何事情，而且每一步都学得了谦卑和服务的教训。他作先知个人的侍从，一直在小事上表现忠心，而他的志向既趋坚强，就奉献自己从事上帝所指派他的使命。[15]{PK 222.2}
§32
It was no great work that was at first required of Elisha; commonplace duties still constituted his discipline. He is spoken of as pouring water on the hands of Elijah, his master. He was willing to do anything that the Lord directed, and at every step he learned lessons of humility and service. As the prophets personal attendant, he continued to prove faithful in little things, while with daily strengthening purpose he devoted himself to the mission appointed him by God.{PK 222.2}[15]
§33
以利沙跟从以利亚之后的人生，并不是没有试探的。他的试炼重重；但他在每一次紧急事项中都倚靠上帝。他曾受引诱想念他所离开的家庭，但他并未屈从这种试探。他既然手扶着犁，就决定不向后看，并且经受考验和试炼而证明仍忠于所托。[16]{PK 222.3}
§34
Elishas life after uniting with Elijah was not without temptations. Trials he had in abundance; but in every emergency he relied on God. He was tempted to think of the home that he had left, but to this temptation he gave no heed. Having put his hand to the plow, he was resolved not to turn back, and through test and trial he proved true to his trust.{PK 222.3}[16]
§35
传道工作所包括的不仅是讲道而已。它意味着训练青年，就像以利亚训练以利沙一样，从他们的普通业务上选取他们，给他们在上帝的工作上担负责任，起先是一些小责任，及至他们获得力量和经验之后，就给予比较重大的责任。在传道工作中有一些富有信心和勤于祈祷的人，也有人能说：“论到从起初原有的生命之道，就是我们所听见、所看见、亲眼看过、亲手摸过的；……我们将所看见、所听见的，传给你们。”（约一1:1-3）年轻而缺少经验的职工应当与这些经验丰富的上帝的仆人同工，在实际的工作上受训练。这样，他就必学会怎样担负重任了。[17]{PK 222.4}
§36
Ministry comprehends far more than preaching the word. It means training young men as Elijah trained Elisha, taking them from their ordinary duties, and giving them responsibilities to bear in Gods work--small responsibilities at first, and larger ones as they gain strength and experience. There are in the ministry men of faith and prayer, men who can say, That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; . . . that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you. 1 John 1:1-3. Young, inexperienced workers should be trained by actual labor in connection with these experienced servants of God. Thus they will learn how to bear burdens.{PK 222.4}[17]
§37
凡担任此种训练青年工作者的人，乃是在从事高尚的服务。主必亲自与他们通力合作。而那些听受献身呼召的青年，既有特权得与热诚而敬虔的职工有亲密的联络，就当尽量利用他们的机会。上帝既然已经看重他们，拣选他们为他服务，又将他们安置在能获得更高资格以从事服务的地位上；他们就当谦卑、忠心、顺从，并且甘愿牺牲。他们如果顺从上帝的训练，遵行他所指示的，并选择他的仆人为他们的顾问，他们就必培养成为上帝能委以重任的公义、高尚，而稳健的人。[18]{PK 223.1}
§38
Those who undertake this training of young workers are doing noble service. The Lord Himself co-operates with their efforts. And the young men to whom the word of consecration has been spoken, whose privilege it is to be brought into close association with earnest, godly workers, should make the most of their opportunity. God has honored them by choosing them for His service and by placing them where they can gain greater fitness for it, and they should be humble, faithful, obedient, and willing to sacrifice. If they submit to Gods discipline, carrying out His directions and choosing His servants as their counselors, they will develop into righteous, high-principled, steadfast men, whom God can entrust with responsibilities.{PK 223.1}[18]
§39
当福音在其纯洁的优美中被传开的时候，必有人蒙召从农业和那大部分是劳心的普通商界职业中出来，与老练的人联合而获得造就。当他们学习如何有效地工作时，他们就必大有能力地传扬真理。借着神意最奇妙的运行，困难的大山必被挪开，投在海里。地上的居民必得听闻并且明白那对他们大有意义的信息。人们也必知道何为真理。圣工必一直向前进展不已，直致全地都获得警告；然后末期就必来到。[19]{PK 223.2}
§40
As the gospel is proclaimed in its purity, men will be called from the plow and from the common commercial business vocations that largely occupy the mind and will be educated in connection with men of experience. As they learn to labor effectively, they will proclaim the truth with power. Through most wonderful workings of divine providence, mountains of difficulty will be removed and cast into the sea. The message that means so much to the dwellers upon the earth will be heard and understood. Men will know what is truth. Onward and still onward the work will advance until the whole earth shall have been warned, and then shall the end come.{PK 223.2}[19]
§41
在以利沙蒙召之后，以利亚与以利沙同工好几年，这个青年人对于他的工作每天都得到更佳的准备。以利亚曾作上帝消除极大邪恶的工具。那曾经亚哈和异教徒耶洗别所支持并曾引诱全国的拜偶像之风，这时已受了决定性的阻遏。巴力的先知已经被杀。全以色列民已经深受感动，许多人也已转回敬拜上帝。以利沙身为以利亚的继承者，务须借着谨慎而忍耐的教训，努力引导以色列走上安全之道。他的得与那位自从摩西的日子以来最大的先知以利亚同工，使他为不久所要独自负担的工作有所准备。[20]{PK 224.1}
§42
For several years after the call of Elisha, Elijah and Elisha labored together, the younger man daily gaining greater preparedness for his work. Elijah had been Gods instrument for the overthrow of gigantic evils. The idolatry which, supported by Ahab and the heathen Jezebel, had seduced the nation, had been given a decided check. Baals prophets had been slain. The whole people of Israel had been deeply stirred, and many were returning to the worship of God. As Elijahs successor, Elisha, by careful, patient instruction, must endeavor to guide Israel in safe paths. His association with Elijah, the greatest prophet since the days of Moses, prepared him for the work that he was soon to take up alone.{PK 224.1}[20]
§43
在联合传道的这些年间，以利亚时时奉召以严厉的责备应付严重的罪恶。当邪恶的亚哈侵占拿伯的葡萄园时，那预言他和他全家之厄运的乃是以利亚的声音。当亚哈谢在他父亲亚哈死后，转离永生上帝而去求问以革伦的神巴力西卜时，又一次听到以利亚的声音发出诚恳的抗议。[21]{PK 224.2}
§44
During these years of united ministry, Elijah from time to time was called upon to meet flagrant evils with stern rebuke. When wicked Ahab seized Naboths vineyard, it was the voice of Elijah that prophesied his doom and the doom of all his house. And when Ahaziah, after the death of his father Ahab, turned from the living God to Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, it was Elijahs voice that was heard once more in earnest protest.{PK 224.2}[21]
§45
撒母耳所创办的先知学校，在以色列人背道年间已陷于停顿。以利亚恢复了这些学校：为青年男子提供一种可以获得导致他们“使律法为大、为尊”的教育。《圣经》记载中提到三所这样的学校：一所在吉甲，一所在伯特利，一所在耶利哥。正在以利亚被接升天之前，他和以利沙一同访问了这几处训练中心。上帝的先知现在又将以前访问时所给予他们的教训重述了一遍。他特别将有关他们保持忠于天上上帝崇高的特权教导他们。他也将那须在他们的教育各方面都表现简朴的重要性，在他们心中留下深刻的印象。唯有以这样的方式，他们才能接受上天的陶冶，按着主的方法出去作工。[22]{PK 224.3}
§46
The schools of the prophets, established by Samuel, had fallen into decay during the years of Israels apostasy. Elijah re-established these schools, making provision for young men to gain an education that would lead them to magnify the law and make it honorable. Three of these schools, one at Gilgal, one at Bethel, and one at Jericho, are mentioned in the record. Just before Elijah was taken to heaven, he and Elisha visited these centers of training. The lessons that the prophet of God had given them on former visits, he now repeated. Especially did he instruct them concerning their high privilege of loyally maintaining their allegiance to the God of heaven. He also impressed upon their minds the importance of letting simplicity mark every feature of their education. Only in this way could they receive the mold of heaven and go forth to work in the ways of the Lord.{PK 224.3}[22]
§47
以利亚见到借着这些学校而有的成就，心中甚为欣慰。改革的工作虽然尚未完成，但他在全国中却能见到已经证实了主的话：“我在以色列中为自己留下七千人，是未曾向巴力屈膝的。”（王上19:18）[23]{PK 225.1}
§48
The heart of Elijah was cheered as he saw what was being accomplished by means of these schools. The work of reformation was not complete, but he could see throughout the kingdom a verification of the word of the Lord, Yet I have left Me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal. 1 Kings 19:18.{PK 225.1}[23]
§49
当以利沙伴随先知巡视各校时，他的信心和决心又再度受了考验。在吉甲，以后又在伯特利和耶利哥，先知再三请他回去。以利亚对他说：“耶和华差我往伯特利去；你可以在这里等候。”但以利沙在早年扶犁操作上的事上，已经学会不灰心也不丧胆；如今他既已将手扶在另一种本分的犁上，就不愿改变他的初衷。只要还有机会得到进一步的造就以从事服务，他就不愿与他的夫子分离。以利亚不知道先知学校的门徒，特别是以利沙，已经得知他将要被接升天的启示。如今这位神人的受过考验的仆人紧紧地跟着他。当每一次转回去的劝告发出时，以利沙总是回答说：“我指着永生的耶和华，又敢在你面前起誓，我必不离开你。”[24]{PK 225.2}
§50
As Elisha accompanied the prophet on his round of service from school to school, his faith and resolution were once more tested. At Gilgal, and again at Bethel and Jericho, he was invited by the prophet to turn back. Tarry here, I pray thee, Elijah said; for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. But in his early labor of guiding the plow, Elisha had learned not to fail or to become discouraged, and now that he had set his hand to the plow in another line of duty he would not be diverted from his purpose. He would not be parted from his master, so long as opportunity remained for gaining a further fitting up for service. Unknown to Elijah, the revelation that he was to be translated had been made known to his disciples in the schools of the prophets, and in particular to Elisha. And now the tried servant of the man of God kept close beside him. As often as the invitation to turn back was given, his answer was, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee.{PK 225.2}[24]
§51
“于是二人一同前往。……二人在约旦河边站住。以利亚将自己的外衣卷起来，用以打水，水就左右分开，二人走干地而过。过去之后，以利亚对以利沙说：我未曾被接去离开你，你要我为你作什么，只管求我。”[25]{PK 226.1}
§52
And they two went on. . . . And they two stood by Jordan. And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground. And it came to pass, when they were gone over, that Elijah said unto Elisha, Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee.{PK 226.1}[25]
§53
以利沙既没有求属世的尊荣，也没有求跻身世上大人物之间的崇高地位。他所恳求的，乃是上帝曾经十分充分地赐与这位即将被接升天之人的大量圣灵。他深知除了那降在以利亚身上的圣灵之外，没有任何事物能使他有资格充任上帝呼召他在以色列中所有的地位；所以他要求说：“愿感动你的灵加倍的感动我。”[26]{PK 226.2}
§54
Elisha asked not for worldly honor, or for a high place among the great men of earth. That which he craved was a large measure of the Spirit that God had bestowed so freely upon the one about to be honored with translation. He knew that nothing but the Spirit which had rested upon Elijah could fit him to fill the place in Israel to which God had called him, and so he asked, I pray thee, let a double portion of thy Spirit be upon me.{PK 226.2}[26]
§55
以利亚回答这个要求，说：“‘你所求的难得；虽然如此，我被接去离开你的时候，你若看见我，就必得着；不然，必得不着了。’他们正走着说话，忽有火车火马，将二人隔开；以利亚就乘旋风升天去了。”（见王下2:1-11）[27]{PK 227.1}
§56
In response to this request, Elijah said, Thou hast asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so. And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. See 2 Kings 2:1-11.{PK 227.1}[27]
§57
以利亚乃是预表基督再来时仍然活在地上的圣徒，他们“就在一霎时，眨眼之间，号筒末次吹响的时候，”“都要改变，”（林前15:52,51）不尝死味。当基督在地上的工作行将结束之时，以利亚所以蒙准在变像的山上与摩西一同站在救主旁边，乃要作为凡在将来要这样变化升天之人的代表。当时门徒在这几位得了荣耀之人的身上，看到了得赎之民国度的缩影。他们望见耶稣披着天国的光辉，他们听见“有声音从云彩里出来，”（路9:35）承认他为上帝的儿子；他们看见摩西，代表那些在基督再来时从死里复活的人；还有以利亚站在那里，代表那些在世界历史结束时从必死的变成不死的，并被接升天而不见死亡的人。[28]{PK 227.2}
§58
Elijah was a type of the saints who will be living on the earth at the time of the second advent of Christ and who will be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, without tasting of death. 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52. It was as a representative of those who shall be thus translated that Elijah, near the close of Christs earthly ministry, was permitted to stand with Moses by the side of the Saviour on the mount of transfiguration. In these glorified ones, the disciples saw in miniature a representation of the kingdom of the redeemed. They beheld Jesus clothed with the light of heaven; they heard the voice out of the cloud (Luke 9:35), acknowledging Him as the Son of God; they saw Moses, representing those who will be raised from the dead at the time of the second advent; and there also stood Elijah, representing those who at the close of earths history will be changed from mortal to immortal and be translated to heaven without seeing death. {PK 227.2}[28]
§59
以利亚置身旷野之中，在孑然一身与灰心失望时，曾说他已经活够了，并且曾经求死。主本着他的怜悯，并没有照他的话而行。因为还有一项大工要以利亚去作；而且在他的工作完成之后，他不是要在灰心和孤独之中死去。他也不要下到坟墓里，而是要与上帝的天使一同升到他荣耀的面前。[29]{PK 228.1}
§60
In the desert, in loneliness and discouragement, Elijah had said that he had had enough of life and had prayed that he might die. But the Lord in His mercy had not taken him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude. Not for him the descent into the tomb, but the ascent with Gods angels to the presence of His glory.{PK 228.1}[29]
§61
“以利沙看见，就呼叫说：‘我父啊！我父啊！以色列的战车马兵啊！’以后不再见他了。于是以利沙把自己的衣服撕为两片。他拾起以利亚身上掉下来的外衣，回去站在约旦河边；他用以利亚身上掉下来的外衣打水，说：‘耶和华，以利亚的上帝在哪里呢？’打水之后，水也左右分开，以利沙就过来了。住耶利哥的先知门徒从对面看见他，就说：‘感动以利亚的灵感动以利沙了。’他们就来迎接他，在他面前俯伏于地。”(王下2:12-15)[30]{PK 228.2}
§62
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan; and he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah? and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over. And when the sons of the prophets which were to view at Jericho saw him, they said, The Spirit of Elijah doth rest on Elisha. And they came to meet him, and bowed themselves to the ground before him. 2 Kings 2:12-15.{PK 228.2}[30]
§63
当主照着他的美意认为合适将那些他所赋予智慧的人挪离他的工作时，他就帮助并加强他们的继承人，只要这些人愿意仰望他的援助并遵行他的道路。他们甚至可能较比他们的前辈更有智慧；因为他们可以因前辈的经验获益，并自前辈的错误上学得智慧。[31]{PK 228.3}
§64
When the Lord in His providence sees fit to remove from His work those to whom He has given wisdom, He helps and strengthens their successors, if they will look to Him for aid and will walk in His ways. They may be even wiser than their predecessors; for they may profit by their experience and learn wisdom from their mistakes.{PK 228.3}[31]
§65
此后以利沙就接替了以利亚。那在小事上已经忠心的人，将要证明他在大事上也是忠心的。[32]{PK 228.4}
§66
Henceforth Elisha stood in Elijahs place. He who had been faithful in that which was least was to prove himself faithful also in much.{PK 228.4}[32]