第31章 外邦人的希望
§1
第31章 外邦人的希望
§2
Chap. 31 - Hope for the Heathen
§3
以赛亚在他一生的服务中，对于上帝为外邦人所定的旨意作了明确的见证。其他的先知固然也曾提及这个神圣的计划，但他们的话并非常是使人了解的。那要以赛亚向犹大很清楚说明的一项真理，就是在属上帝的以色列人中，将有许多人在肉体方面并不是亚伯拉罕的后裔。这种教训与他那个时代的神学乃是不相符的；然而他却一无所惧地宣讲了上帝所赐给他的信息，并使许多渴慕那应许给亚伯拉罕子孙之属灵福分的心灵得到希望。[1]{PK 367.1}
§4
Throughout his ministry Isaiah bore a plain testimony concerning Gods purpose for the heathen. Other prophets had made mention of the divine plan, but their language was not always understood. To Isaiah it was given to make very plain to Judah the truth that among the Israel of God were to be numbered many who were not descendants of Abraham after the flesh. This teaching was not in harmony with the theology of his age, yet he fearlessly proclaimed the messages given him of God and brought hope to many a longing heart reaching out after the spiritual blessings promised to the seed of Abraham.{PK 367.1}[1]
§5
那位外邦人的使徒在写给罗马信徒的书信中，曾唤起他们注意以赛亚教训的这个特点。保罗声称：“以赛亚放胆说：没有寻找我的，我叫他们遇见；没有访问我的，我向他们显现。”（罗10:20）[2]{PK 367.2}
§6
The apostle to the Gentiles, in his letter to the believers in Rome, calls attention to this characteristic of Isaiahs teaching. Isaiah is very bold, Paul declares, and saith, I was found of them that sought Me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after Me. Romans 10:20.{PK 367.2}[2]
§7
以色列人似乎时常不能或不愿明了上帝对于外邦人的旨意。然而那曾使他们成为一个与众不同的民族，并在地上万国中建立为一个独立国家的，正是这个旨意。他们的先祖亚伯拉罕最先承受立约的应许，曾经蒙召离开自己的本族到远方去，使他可以向外邦人作擎光者。虽然应许中包括他的后裔将要像海边的沙那样多，但他之所以成为迦南地一个大国的建立者，却不是为了自私的目的。上帝与他所立的约包括了地上的万国。耶和华宣称：“我必赐福给你，叫你的名为大；你也要叫别人得福。为你祝福的，我必赐福与他；那咒诅你的，我必咒诅他；地上的万族都要因你得福。”（创12:2-3）[3]{PK 367.3}
§8
Often the Israelites seemed unable or unwilling to understand Gods purpose for the heathen. Yet it was this very purpose that had made them a separate people and had established them as an independent nation among the nations of the earth. Abraham, their father, to whom the covenant promise was first given, had been called to go forth from his kindred, to the regions beyond, that he might be a light bearer to the heathen. Although the promise to him included a posterity as numerous as the sand by the sea, yet it was for no selfish purpose that he was to become the founder of a great nation in the land of Canaan. Gods covenant with him embraced all the nations of earth. I will bless thee, Jehovah declared, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: and I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:2, 3.{PK 367.3}[3]
§9
在以撒诞生之前不久，上帝曾和亚伯拉罕重新立约，并再次说明了他对于人类的旨意。主在论到应许中的儿子时曾这样保证：“地上的万国都必因他得福。”（创18:18）后来那天上的使者又再度宣布：“地上万国都必因你的后裔得福。”（创22:18）[4]{PK 368.1}
§10
In the renewal of the covenant shortly before the birth of Isaac, Gods purpose for mankind was again made plain. All the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him, was the assurance of the Lord concerning the child of promise. Genesis 18:18. And later the heavenly visitant once more declared, In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed. Genesis 22:18.{PK 368.1}[4]
§11
这约所用的包括一切的说法，乃是亚伯拉罕的子子孙孙所熟悉的。以色列人之所以蒙拯救脱离埃及的奴役，乃为要使万国因他们得福，并使上帝的圣名“传遍天下。”（出9:16）他们若遵从他的要求，就要在智慧和悟性方面远超过其他的民族；但他们之所以要达到并保持这种优越的地位，乃为要使上帝对于“地上万国”的旨意可以借着他们而实现。[5]{PK 368.2}
§12
The all-embracing terms of this covenant were familiar to Abrahams children and to his childrens children. It was in order that the Israelites might be a blessing to the nations, and that Gods name might be made known throughout all the earth (Exodus 9:16), that they were delivered from Egyptian bondage. If obedient to His requirements, they were to be placed far in advance of other peoples in wisdom and understanding; but this supremacy was to be reached and maintained only in order that through them the purpose of God for all nations of the earth might be fulfilled.{PK 368.2}[5]
§13
以色列在脱离埃及的奴役与占领应许之地时所有的神迹奇事，使很多外邦人也承认以色列的上帝为至高的统治者。上帝应许说：“我伸手攻击埃及，将以色列人从他们中间领出来的时候，埃及人就要知道我是耶和华。”（出7:5）甚至连骄傲的法老也不得不承认耶和华的能力。他终于催促摩西和亚伦说：“去侍奉耶和华吧，……并要为我祝福。”（出12:31-32）[6]{PK 369.1}
§14
The marvelous providences connected with Israels deliverance from Egyptian bondage and with their occupancy of the Promised Land led many of the heathen to recognize the God of Israel as the Supreme Ruler. The Egyptians shall know, had been the promise, that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth Mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. Exodus 7:5. Even proud Pharaoh was constrained to acknowledge Jehovahs power. Go, serve the Lord, he urged Moses and Aaron, and bless me also. Exodus 12:31, 32.{PK 369.1}[6]
§15
那向前迈进的以色列众军发现：对于希伯来人之上帝伟大作为的认识已经走在他们的前头了，而在外邦人中竟然有些人明白唯有他是真神。在邪恶的耶利哥城中，那个外邦妇女所作的见证是：“耶和华你们的上帝，本是上天下地的上帝。”（书2:11）那如此传到她的有关耶和华的知识，结果成了她的拯救。“喇合因着信，……就不与那些不顺从的人一同灭亡。”（来11:31）上帝向那些承认他神圣权威的拜偶像之人施恩的例子并不只喇合一个。在迦南地的中部，曾有一个极庞大的民族——基遍人——也放弃了邪教，而与以色列联合，得以分享立约之福。[7]{PK 369.2}
§16
The advancing hosts of Israel found that knowledge of the mighty workings of the God of the Hebrews had gone before them, and that some among the heathen were learning that He alone was the true God. In wicked Jericho the testimony of a heathen woman was, The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Joshua 2:11. The knowledge of Jehovah that had thus come to her, proved her salvation. By faith Rahab perished not with them that believed not. Hebrews 11:31. And her conversion was not an isolated case of Gods mercy toward idolaters who acknowledged His divine authority. In the midst of the land a numerous people--the Gibeonites--renounced their heathenism and united with Israel, sharing in the blessings of the covenant.{PK 369.2}[7]
§17
上帝不承认任何以国籍、种族，或阶级而作的区别，他是全人类的创造主。众人都因创造而同属于一个家庭，众人也因救赎而合而为一。基督来乃是要拆毁每一道隔墙，敞开圣殿院宇的每一层间隔，使人人都能自由地进到上帝面前。他的爱非常宽广，非常深厚，非常丰富，因此它是无微不至的。它超拔凡受撒但迷惑的人，使他们脱离他的影响，并将他们置于接近那为应许之虹所围绕的上帝宝座之处。在基督里，并不分什么犹太人或希腊人，为奴的或自主的。[8]{PK 369.3}
§18
No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption. Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple courts, that every soul may have free access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it penetrates everywhere. It lifts out of Satans influence those who have been deluded by his deceptions, and places them within reach of the throne of God, the throne encircled by the rainbow of promise. In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free.{PK 369.3}[8]
§19
在以色列人占领应许之地以后的年月中，耶和华为拯救外邦人所定的仁爱计划几乎被完全忘记了，因此他必须重新申明这个计划。诗人受感而歌唱说：“地的四极都要想念耶和华，并且归顺他；列国的万族都要在你面前敬拜。”“埃及的公侯要出来朝见上帝；古实人要急忙举手祷告。”“列国要敬畏耶和华的名，世上诸王都敬畏你的荣耀。”“这必为后代的人记下：将来受造的民要赞美耶和华。因为他从至高的圣所垂看；耶和华从天向地观察；要垂听被囚之人的叹息；要释放将要死的人；使人在锡安传扬耶和华的名，在耶路撒冷传扬赞美他的话；就是在万民和列国聚会侍奉耶和华的时候。”（诗22:27；68:31；102:15,18-22）[9]{PK 370.1}
§20
In the years that followed the occupation of the Promised Land, the beneficent designs of Jehovah for the salvation of the heathen were almost wholly lost sight of, and it became necessary for Him to set forth His plan anew. All the ends of the world, the psalmist was inspired to sing, shall remember and turn unto the Lord: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before Thee. Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the Lord. For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem; when the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord. Psalm 22:27; 68:31; Psalm 102:15, 18-22. {PK 370.1}[9]
§21
如果以色列忠于所受的委托，则地上的万国就必分享她的福惠。可惜那些承受得救之真理知识的人，却对其四周之人的需要无动于衷。上帝的旨意既已忘却，外邦人就被视为是不在他怜悯的范围之内的了。真理的光既被扣留，黑暗就弥漫各处。列国都被蒙蔽在无知之中；上帝的爱很少为人所知；而谬道与迷信则大为盛行了。[10]{PK 371.1}
§22
Had Israel been true to her trust, all the nations of earth would have shared in her blessings. But the hearts of those to whom had been entrusted a knowledge of saving truth, were untouched by the needs of those around them. As Gods purpose was lost sight of, the heathen came to be looked upon as beyond the pale of His mercy. The light of truth was withheld, and darkness prevailed. The nations were overspread with a veil of ignorance; the love of God was little known; error and superstition flourished.{PK 371.1}[10]
§23
这就是以赛亚蒙召负起先知使命时所遇见的情形；然而他并不灰心，因为他的耳中仍回响着那围绕上帝宝座之众天使的胜利诗歌：“他的荣光充满全地。”（赛6:3）同时他的信心也因上帝教会光荣胜利的远景而增强，那时“认识耶和华的知识要充满遍地，好像水充满洋海一般。”（赛11:9）那“遮盖万民之物，和遮蔽万国蒙脸的帕子”终于要被除灭（赛25:7）。上帝要将他的灵浇灌凡有血气的。凡饥渴慕义的人都要列于那属上帝的以色列人中。先知说：“他们要发生在草中，像溪水旁的柳树。这个要说：我是属耶和华的；那个要以雅各的名自称；又一个要亲手写归耶和华的，并自称为以色列。”（赛44:4-5）[11]{PK 371.2}
§24
Such was the prospect that greeted Isaiah when he was called to the prophetic mission; yet he was not discouraged, for ringing in his ears was the triumphal chorus of the angels surrounding the throne of God, The whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6:3. And his faith was strengthened by visions of glorious conquests by the church of God, when the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Isaiah 11:9. The face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations, was finally to be destroyed. Isaiah 25:7. The Spirit of God was to be poured out upon all flesh. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness were to be numbered among the Israel of God. They shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the watercourses, said the prophet. One shall say, I am the Lords; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel. Isaiah 44:4, 5.{PK 371.2}[11]
§25
先知曾蒙启示，得悉上帝将怙恶不悛的犹大分散在地上万国之中的美意。主说：“我的百姓必知道我的名；到那日，他们必知道说这话的就是我。”（赛52:6）他们不仅自己要学习顺从和信靠的教训；也要在他们的流亡之地将有关永生上帝的知识传给别人。在外邦人的子孙中，有许多将会懂得敬爱他，视他为他们的创造主与救赎主；他们也要开始遵守他的圣安息日为他创造大能的纪念；而且当他“在万国眼前露出圣臂”来搭救他子民脱离俘囚之时，“地极的人”都要看见上帝的救恩（赛52:10）。在这些转离邪教的悔改之人中，有很多想要与以色列人完全联合，并与他们一同回到犹大地去。这些人没有一个会说：“耶和华必定将我从他民中分别出来；”（赛56:3）因为上帝借着他先知向那些服从他并遵守他律法的人所讲的话，乃是说他们今后必要列于属灵的以色列——就是他在地上的教会中。[12]{PK 371.3}
§26
To the prophet was given a revelation of the beneficent design of God in scattering impenitent Judah among the nations of earth. My people shall know My name, the Lord declared; they shall know in that day that I am He that doth speak. Isaiah 52:6. And not only were they themselves to learn the lesson of obedience and trust; in their places of exile they were also to impart to others a knowledge of the living God. Many from among the sons of the strangers were to learn to love Him as their Creator and their Redeemer; they were to begin the observance of His holy Sabbath day as a memorial of His creative power; and when He should make bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, to deliver His people from captivity, all the ends of the earth should see of the salvation of God. Verse 10. Many of these converts from heathenism would wish to unite themselves fully with the Israelites and accompany them on the return journey to Judea. None of these were to say, The Lord hath utterly separated me from His people (Isaiah 56:3), for the word of God through His prophet to those who should yield themselves to Him and observe His law was that they should thenceforth be numbered among spiritual Israel--His church on earth.{PK 371.3}[12]
§27
“还有那些与耶和华联合的外邦人要侍奉他，要爱耶和华的名，要作他的仆人，就是凡守安息日不干犯，又持守他约的人；我必领他们到我的圣山，使他们在祷告我的殿中喜乐；他们的燔祭和平安祭，在我坛上必蒙悦纳；因我的殿必称为万民祷告的殿。主耶和华，就是招聚以色列被赶散的，说：在这被招聚的人以外，我还要招聚别人归并他们。”（赛56:6-8）[13]{PK 372.1}
§28
The sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, everyone that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of My covenant; even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon Mine altar; for Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. The Lord God which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to Him, beside those that are gathered unto Him. Verses 6-8.{PK 372.1}[13]
§29
先知蒙准展望到数世纪之后那应许的弥赛亚降临的时期。起先他所见到的“尽是艰难、黑暗和幽暗的痛苦。”（赛8:22）很多渴慕真理之光的人都被假师傅领到哲学和招魂术的迷途之中；另一些人则仗恃自己敬虔的外貌，却不在生活中实践真正的圣洁。景况似乎是毫无希望的；但不久这种情形改变了，随着就有奇妙的远景展现在先知的眼前。他看见那“公义的日头”出现，其光线有医治之能；于是他就不胜赞佩地扬声说：“那受痛苦的必不再见幽暗；从前上帝使西布伦地和拿弗他利地被藐视，末后却使这沿海的路，约旦河外，外邦人的加利利地得着荣耀。在黑暗中行走的百姓，看见了大光；住在死荫之地的人，有光照耀他们。”（赛9:1-2）[14]{PK 373.1}
§30
The prophet was permitted to look down the centuries to the time of the advent of the promised Messiah. At first he beheld only trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish. Isaiah 8:22. Many who were longing for the light of truth were being led astray by false teachers into the bewildering mazes of philosophy and spiritism; others were placing their trust in a form of godliness, but were not bringing true holiness into the life practice. The outlook seemed hopeless; but soon the scene changed, and before the eyes of the prophet was spread a wondrous vision. He saw the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings; and, lost in admiration, he exclaimed: The dimness shall not be such as was in her vexation, when at the first He lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward did more grievously afflict her by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, in Galilee of the nations. The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Isaiah 9:1, 2.{PK 373.1}[14]
§31
这荣耀的“世上之光”要将救恩带给各国、各族、各方、各民。先知又听见永在的父论到那摆在基督面前的使命说：“你作我的仆人，使雅各众支派复兴，使以色列中得保全的归回，尚为小事；我还要使你作外邦人的光，叫你施行我的救恩，直到地极。”“在悦纳的时候，我应允了你；在拯救的日子，我济助了你。我要保护你，使你作众民的中保，复兴遍地，使人承受荒凉之地为业。对那被捆绑的人说：‘出来吧！’对那在黑暗的人说：‘显露吧！’”“看哪，这些从远方来，这些从北方、从西方来，这些从秦国来。”（赛49:6-9,12）[15]{PK 373.2}
§32
This glorious Light of the world was to bring salvation to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Of the work before Him, the prophet heard the eternal Father declare: It is a light thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth. In an acceptable time have I heard Thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped Thee: and I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim. Isaiah 49:6, 8, 9, 12.{PK 373.2}[15]
§33
先知再展望到更遥远的时代，看到了这些荣耀应许的正确应验。他看到传报救恩喜信的人前往地极和各族各民去。他听到上帝论到传布福音的教会说：“我要使平安延及她，好像江河；使列国的荣耀延及她，如同涨溢的河。”（赛66:12）他也听到这个命令说：“要扩张你帐幕之地，张大你居所的幔子，不要限止；要放长你的绳子；坚固你的橛子；因为你要向左向右开展；你的后裔必得多国为业。”（赛54:2-3）[16]{PK 374.1}
§34
Looking on still farther through the ages, the prophet beheld the literal fulfillment of these glorious promises. He saw the bearers of the glad tidings of salvation going to the ends of the earth, to every kindred and people. He heard the Lord saying of the gospel church, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream; and he heard the commission, Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles. Isaiah 66:12; 54:2, 3.{PK 374.1}[16]
§35
耶和华向先知宣称：他要差遣他的见证人“到列国去，就是到他施、普勒、拉弓的路德和土巴、雅完、并……辽远的海岛。”（赛66:19）“那报佳音、传平安、报好信、传救恩的，对锡安说：‘你的上帝作王了！’这人的脚登山何等佳美。”（赛52:7）[17]{PK 374.2}
§36
Jehovah declared to the prophet that He would send His witnesses unto the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, . . . to Tubal, and Javan, to the isles afar off. Isaiah 66:19. How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, That publisheth peace; That bringeth good tidings of good, That publisheth salvation; That saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth! Isaiah 52:7. {PK 374.2}[17]
§37
先知听到上帝的声音在呼召他的教会负起所指定与她的工作，俾为他永久的天国预备道路。那信息是清晰无误的：“兴起，发光！因为你的光已经来到，耶和华的荣耀发现照耀你。看哪，黑暗遮盖大地，幽暗遮盖万民，耶和华却要显现照耀你，他的荣耀要现在你身上。万国要来就你的光，君王要来就你发现的光辉。你举目向四方观看，众人都聚集来到你这里。你的众子从远方而来，你的众女也被怀抱而来。”“外邦人必建筑你的城墙，他们的王必服侍你。我曾发怒击打你，现今却施恩怜恤你。你的城门必时常开放，昼夜不关；使人把列国的财物带来归你，并将他们的君王牵引而来。”“地极的人都当仰望我，就必得救，因为我是上帝，再没有别神。”（赛60:1-4,10-11；45:22）[18]{PK 375.1}
§38
The prophet heard the voice of God calling His church to her appointed work, that the way might be prepared for the ushering in of His everlasting kingdom. The message was unmistakably plain: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, And the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And gross darkness the people: But the Lord shall arise upon thee, And His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, And kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: All they gather themselves together, they come to thee: Thy sons shall come from far, And thy daughters shall be nursed at thy side. And the sons of strangers shall build up thy walls, And their kings shall minister unto thee: For in My wrath I smote thee, But in My favor have I had mercy on thee. Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; They shall not be shut day nor night; That men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, And that their kings may be brought. Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: For I am God, and there is none else. Isaiah 60:1-4, 10, 11; 45:22.{PK 375.1}[18]
§39
这些论到大黑暗时期中属灵的大奋兴的预言，今日正在那不断伸展到世界各黑暗地区的布道事工上应验了。先知将那在异教地区大批的布道士比作“大旗”，作为那些寻求真理之光者的向导。[19]{PK 375.2}
§40
These prophecies of a great spiritual awakening in a time of gross darkness are today meeting fulfillment in the advancing lines of mission stations that are reaching out into the benighted regions of earth. The groups of missionaries in heathen lands have been likened by the prophet to ensigns set up for the guidance of those who are looking for the light of truth.{PK 375.2}[19]
§41
以赛亚说：“到那日，耶西的根立作万民的大旗；外邦人必寻求他；他安息之所大有荣耀。当那日，主必二次伸手救回自己百姓中所余剩的。……他必向列国竖立大旗，招回以色列被赶散的人，又从地的四方聚集分散的犹大人。”（赛11:10-12）[20]{PK 376.1}
§42
In that day, says Isaiah, there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people. . . . And He shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. Isaiah 11:10-12.{PK 376.1}[20]
§43
得救的日子近了。“耶和华的眼目遍察全地，要显大能帮助向他心存诚实的人。”（代下16:9）他在各国各族各方中见到许多祈求亮光与知识的男女。他们的心灵得不到满足；他们久已以灰为食（见赛44:20）。众义之敌已经使他们偏离正路，因此他们像盲人一样摸索而行。但他们的心地是诚实的，并且渴望知道何为更美善之道。他们虽然陷身于邪教的深渊中，并对上帝明文的律法和他的儿子耶稣毫无认识，但他们在很多方面都显明有一种神能在心智和品格上运行。[21]{PK 376.2}
§44
The day of deliverance is at hand. The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9. Among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, He sees men and women who are praying for light and knowledge. Their souls are unsatisfied; long have they fed on ashes. See Isaiah 44:20. The enemy of all righteousness has turned them aside, and they grope as blind men. But they are honest in heart and desire to learn a better way. Although in the depths of heathenism, with no knowledge of the written law of God nor of His Son Jesus, they have revealed in manifold ways the working of a divine power on mind and character.{PK 376.2}[21]
§45
那些除了在神恩运行之下获得些许概念、而对上帝并无认识的人，有时竟善待他的仆人们，甚至冒着自己生命的危险来保护他们。圣灵正在将基督的恩典培植于许多高尚而寻求真理之人的心中，激发那与其本性相违、并与其以前所受教育相反的同情。那“照亮一切生在世上的人”的光（约1:9），正照在他们的心灵中；人若顺从这光，这光就必引领他的脚步走向上帝的国。先知弥迦说：“我虽坐在黑暗里，耶和华却作我的光。……他必领我到光明中，我必得见他的公义。”（弥7:8-9）[22]{PK 376.3}
§46
At times those who have no knowledge of God aside from that which they have received under the operations of divine grace have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. The Holy Spirit is implanting the grace of Christ in the heart of many a noble seeker after truth, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his former education. The Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this Light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God. The prophet Micah said: When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me. . . . He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness. Micah 7:8, 9.{PK 376.3}[22]
§47
上天的救恩计划是够宽广的，足以包括全世界。上帝渴欲将生命的气息吹入仆到的人类的鼻孔里。任何真诚渴慕那较比此世所能提供的、更为高尚优美之事物的人，上帝决不至令他失望。他时常差遣他的天使到那些处在最令人气馁的环境中，而依然凭着信心祈祷，渴求一种比自身更强的能力来充满他们的人那里去，并带来拯救与平安。上帝必用各种方式向他们显现，并使他们得与天恩神意有所接触，借此建立他们对于那位献上自己作众人赎价之主的信仰：“好叫他们仰望上帝，不忘记上帝的作为，唯要守他的命令。”（诗78:7）[23]{PK 377.1}
§48
Heavens plan of salvation is broad enough to embrace the whole world. God longs to breathe into prostrate humanity the breath of life. And He will not permit any soul to be disappointed who is sincere in his longing for something higher and nobler than anything the world can offer. Constantly He is sending His angels to those who, while surrounded by circumstances the most discouraging, pray in faith for some power higher than themselves to take possession of them and bring deliverance and peace. In various ways God will reveal Himself to them and will place them in touch with providences that will establish their confidence in the One who has given Himself a ransom for all, that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments. Psalm 78:7.{PK 377.1}[23]
§49
“勇士抢去的岂能夺回，该掳掠的岂能解救吗？但耶和华如此说：就是勇士所掳掠的，也可以夺回；强暴人所抢的，也可以解救。”“倚靠雕刻的偶像，对铸造的偶像说：你是我们的神；这等人要退后，全然蒙羞。”（赛49:24-25；42:17）[24]{PK 378.1}
§50
Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered. Isaiah 49:24, 25. They shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods. Isaiah 42:17.{PK 378.1}[24]
§51
“以雅各的上帝为帮助，仰望耶和华他上帝的，这人便为有福。”“你们被囚而有指望的人，都要转回保障！”（诗146:5；亚9:12）对于一切处于外邦地区的心地诚实的人，就是上天所视为“正直”的人，“在黑暗中有光向他发现。”（诗112:4）上帝说：“我要引瞎子行不认识的道，领他们走不知道的路；在他们面前使黑暗变为光明，使弯曲变为平直。这些事我都要行，并不离弃他们。”（赛42:16）[25]{PK 378.2}
§52
Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God! Psalm 146:5. Turn you to the stronghold, ye prisoners of hope! Zechariah 9:12. Unto all the honest in heart in heathen lands--the upright in the sight of Heaven--there ariseth light in the darkness. Psalm 112:4. God hath spoken: I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16. {PK 378.2}[25]