第51章 属灵的奋兴
§1
第51章 属灵的奋兴
§2
Chap. 51 - A Spiritual Revival
§3
以斯拉的到达耶路撒冷是合时的。那边正极其需要他在场的感化力。他的到来给许多长期在艰难中工作之人的心带来了勇气和希望。自从七十多年前、第一批流亡的犹大人在所罗巴伯和约书亚的领导之下回国以来，已经有了不少的成就。圣殿已经竣工，城墙也修好了一部分。但还有许多待办的事。[1]{PK 618.1}
§4
Ezras arrival in Jerusalem was opportune. There was great need of the influence of his presence. His coming brought courage and hope to the hearts of many who had long labored under difficulties. Since the return of the first company of exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, over seventy years before, much had been accomplished. The temple had been finished, and the walls of the city had been partially repaired. Yet much remained undone.{PK 618.1}[1]
§5
在往年回到耶路撒冷的人中，有许多是一生忠于上帝的；但他们的子孙中却有不少已经忘记了上帝律法的神圣性。甚至某些负有重责的人竟在生活中公然犯罪。其他的人所作推进上帝圣工的努力，多半被他们的恶行所抵消了，因为只要公然违犯律法的恶行不加斥责，上天的福惠就不能降于民众的身上。[2]{PK 618.2}
§6
Among those who had returned to Jerusalem in former years, there were many who had remained true to God as long as they lived; but a considerable number of the children and the childrens children lost sight of the sacredness of Gods law. Even some of the men entrusted with responsibilities were living in open sin. Their course was largely neutralizing the efforts made by others to advance the cause of God; for so long as flagrant violations of the law were allowed to go unrebuked, the blessing of Heaven could not rest upon the people.{PK 618.2}[2]
§7
那些和以斯拉一同回来的人，曾享有特别寻求主的时机，这乃是出于上帝的美意。他们从巴比伦回来，一路并未得到人力的保护，这种新近领受到的经验，已经给予他们丰富的属灵教训。许多人在信仰方面已见增强；所以当这些人和住在耶路撒冷的那些灰心冷淡的人相处时，他们的感化力在不久以后所发起的改革中，乃是一项有力的因素。[3]{PK 619.1}
§8
It was in the providence of God that those who returned with Ezra had had special seasons of seeking the Lord. The experiences through which they had just passed, on their journey from Babylon, unprotected as they had been by any human power, had taught them rich spiritual lessons. Many had grown strong in faith; and as these mingled with the discouraged and the indifferent in Jerusalem, their influence was a powerful factor in the reform soon afterward instituted.{PK 619.1}[3]
§9
在抵达耶路撒冷后的第四天，金子和银子等财物，以及在圣所崇事中所用的器皿，都由司库们当着许多见证人点交给圣殿的负责人，而且丝毫不差。每样物件“都点了数目，按着分量写在册上。”（拉8:34）[4]{PK 619.2}
§10
On the fourth day after the arrival, the treasures of silver and gold, with the vessels for the service of the sanctuary, were delivered by the treasurers into the hands of the temple officers, in the presence of witnesses, and with the utmost exactitude. Every article was examined by number and by weight. Ezra 8:34.{PK 619.2}[4]
§11
那些偕同以斯拉回国的被掳之民，“向以色列的上帝献燔祭，”作为赎罪祭，并为圣天使沿途的保护而表示感恩与谢忱。“他们将王的谕旨交给王所派的总督，与河西的省长，他们就帮助百姓，又供给上帝殿里所需用的。”（拉8:35-36）[5]{PK 619.3}
§12
The children of the captivity who had returned with Ezra offered burnt offerings unto the God of Israel for a sin offering and as a token of their gratitude and thanksgiving for the protection of holy angels during the journey. And they delivered the kings commissions unto the kings lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God. Verses 35, 36.{PK 619.3}[5]
§13
过了不久，以色列的几个首领来向以斯拉提出了一项严重的控诉。原来“以色列民和祭司、并利未人”中有些人竟完全不顾耶和华的神圣命令，和邻国的人民通婚。他们告诉以斯拉说：“他们为自己和儿子，娶了这些外邦女子为妻，以致圣洁的种类和这些国的民混杂，而且首领和官长在这事上为罪魁。”（拉9:1-2）[6]{PK 619.4}
§14
Very soon thereafter a few of the chief men of Israel approached Ezra with a serious complaint. Some of the people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites had so far disregarded the holy commands of Jehovah as to intermarry with the surrounding peoples. They have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons, Ezra was told, so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of heathen lands; yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass. Ezra 9:1, 2.{PK 619.4}[6]
§15
以斯拉在研究那导致被掳到巴比伦的种种原因时，得悉以色列的背道大半应归咎于他们与异邦人的混合。他已看出，他们若曾遵守上帝的命令与四围的列国隔离，他们就可免受许多悲惨而羞辱的经验了。如今当他得悉某些知名人物也不顾过去的教训，竟敢违犯那些作为防止背道之屏障的律法时，他的心就大为震惊。他想到上帝的良善，再给他子民在故乡有立足之地，他便因他们的忘恩负义而充满了义怒和悲痛。他说：“我一听见这事，就撕裂衣服和外袍，拔了头发和胡须，惊惧忧闷而坐。”[7]{PK 620.1}
§16
In his study of the causes leading to the Babylonish captivity, Ezra had learned that Israels apostasy was largely traceable to their mingling with heathen nations. He had seen that if they had obeyed Gods command to keep separate from the nations surrounding them, they would have been spared many sad and humiliating experiences. Now when he learned that notwithstanding the lessons of the past, men of prominence had dared transgress the laws given as a safeguard against apostasy, his heart was stirred within him. He thought of Gods goodness in again giving His people a foothold in their native land, and he was overwhelmed with righteous indignation and with grief at their ingratitude. When I heard this thing, he says, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.{PK 620.1}[7]
§17
“凡为以色列上帝言语战兢的，都因这被掳归回之人所犯的罪，聚集到我这里来，我就惊惧忧闷而坐，直到献晚祭的时候。”（拉9:3-4）[8]{PK 620.2}
§18
Then were assembled unto me everyone that trembled at the words of God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice. Verses 3, 4.{PK 620.2}[8]
§19
及至献晚祭的时候，以斯拉便站起来，再次撕裂衣服和外袍，跪下来向上天倾吐心意。他向主伸出双手高声说：“我的上帝啊，我抱愧蒙羞，不敢向我上帝仰面，因为我们的罪孽灭顶，我们的罪恶滔天。”[9]{PK 620.3}
§20
At the time of the evening sacrifice Ezra rose, and, once more rending his garment and his mantle, he fell upon his knees and unburdened his soul in supplication to Heaven. Spreading out his hands unto the Lord, he exclaimed, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to Thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.{PK 620.3}[9]
§21
他继续祈祷说：“从我们列祖直到今日，我们的罪恶甚重；因我们的罪孽，我们和君王、祭司都交在外邦列王的手中，杀害、掳掠、抢夺、脸上蒙羞，正如今日的光景。现在耶和华我们的上帝暂且施恩与我们，给我们留些逃脱的人，使我们安稳如钉子钉在他的圣所，我们的上帝好光照我们的眼目，使我们在辖制之中稍微复兴。我们是奴仆，然而在受辖制之中，我们的上帝仍没有丢弃我们，在波斯王眼前向我们施恩，叫我们复兴，能重建我们上帝的殿，修其毁坏之处，使我们在犹大和耶路撒冷有墙垣。[10]{PK 621.1}
§22
Since the days of our fathers, the suppliant continued, have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. And now for a little space grace hath been showed from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in His holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.{PK 621.1}[10]
§23
“我们的上帝啊，既是如此我们还有什么话可说呢？因为我们已经离弃你的命令，就是你借你仆人众先知所吩咐的。……我们因自己的恶行和大罪，遭遇了这一切的事，并且你刑罚我们轻于我们罪所当得的，又给我们留下这些人。我们岂可再违背你的命令与这行可憎之事的民结亲呢？若这样行，你岂不向我们发怒将我们灭绝，以致没有一个剩下逃脱的人吗？耶和华以色列的上帝啊，因你是公义的，我们这剩下的人才得逃脱，正如今日的光景。看哪！我们在你面前有罪恶，因此无人在你面前站立得住。”（拉9:6-15）[11]{PK 621.2}
§24
And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken Thy commandments, which Thou hast commanded by Thy servants the prophets. . . . And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that Thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this; should we again break Thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not Thou be angry with us till Thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? O Lord God of Israel, Thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before Thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before Thee because of this. Verses 6-15. {PK 621.2}[11]
§25
以斯拉及其同人因那潜入主圣工之心脏中的恶行而生的忧伤，终于结出了悔改的果子来。许多曾经犯罪的人深受感动。“众民无不痛哭。”（拉10:1）他们开始略为体认到罪恶的可憎，以及上帝对于罪恶的厌恶。他们看出了那在西奈山所颁布之律法的神圣性，许多人一想到自己的罪行就战兢不已。[12]{PK 622.1}
§26
The sorrow of Ezra and his associates over the evils that had insidiously crept into the very heart of the Lords work, wrought repentance. Many of those who had sinned were deeply affected. The people wept very sore. Ezra 10:1. In a limited degree they began to realize the heinousness of sin and the horror with which God regards it. They saw the sacredness of the law spoken at Sinai, and many trembled at the thought of their transgressions.{PK 622.1}[12]
§27
当时在场的人中，有一位名叫示迦尼的，他承认以斯拉所说的话尽都真实。他自认说：“我们在此地娶了外邦女子为妻，干犯了我们的上帝，然而以色列人还有指望。”示迦尼建议凡犯了这种错行的人都与上帝立约，离弃他们的罪，并“按律法而行。”他劝以斯拉说：“你起来，这是你当办的事，我们必帮助你，你当奋勉而行。”“以斯拉便起来，使祭司长和利未人，并以色列众人起誓说，必照这话去行。”（拉10:2-5）[13]{PK 622.2}
§28
One of those present, Shechaniah by name, acknowledged as true all the words spoken by Ezra. We have trespassed against our God, he confessed, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. Shechaniah proposed that all who had transgressed should make a covenant with God to forsake their sin and to be adjudged according to the law. Arise, he bade Ezra; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage. Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. Verses 2-5.{PK 622.2}[13]
§29
这样就开始了一番奇妙的改革。以斯拉和他的同人凭着无限的忍耐和机智，慎重考虑每一有关之人的权利与幸福，竭力引领悔改的以色列人走向正路。最主要的是，以斯拉乃是一位律法师，所以当他亲自审办每一案件时，他就设法使人体悟到这律法的神圣性，以及那因顺从所能获得的福惠。[14]{PK 622.3}
§30
This was the beginning of a wonderful reformation. With infinite patience and tact, and with a careful consideration for the rights and welfare of every individual concerned, Ezra and his associates strove to lead the penitent of Israel into the right way. Above all else, Ezra was a teacher of the law; and as he gave personal attention to the examination of every case, he sought to impress the people with the holiness of this law and the blessings to be gained through obedience. {PK 622.3}[14]
§31
以斯拉无论在哪里工作，哪里就产生了研究《圣经》的奋兴。许多的教师被指派去教导民众，主的律法因此被高举，被尊敬了。人们研究先知的书卷，其中预言弥赛亚降临的篇章，给许多忧伤而疲惫的心灵带来了希望与安慰。[15]{PK 623.1}
§32
Wherever Ezra labored, there sprang up a revival in the study of the Holy Scriptures. Teachers were appointed to instruct the people; the law of the Lord was exalted and made honorable. The books of the prophets were searched, and the passages foretelling the coming of the Messiah brought hope and comfort to many a sad and weary heart.{PK 623.1}[15]
§33
自从“以斯拉定志考究遵行耶和华的律法，”（拉7:10）直到如今已经有两千多年了，时光的消逝并没有削弱了他虔诚榜样的力量。历代以来，他一生献身的记录，已经感动多人决心“考究遵行耶和华的律法。”[16]{PK 623.2}
§34
More than two thousand years have passed since Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it (Ezra 7:10), yet the lapse of time has not lessened the influence of his pious example. Through the centuries the record of his life of consecration has inspired many with the determination to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it.{PK 623.2}[16]
§35
以斯拉的动机是高尚而圣洁的，他在一切所行的事上，常为深切爱人的心所激励。他对于那些犯罪的人，不论是出于故意或无知所表现的怜悯和温柔，对于一切力图进行改革的人而言，都具有实际的教训。上帝的仆人在有关正义原则的事上，固应坚如磐石；但同时他们也必须表现同情与容忍。他们必须像以斯拉一样，将那作为一切义行之基础的原则灌输与人，借以教导犯罪的人明白生命之道。[17]{PK 623.3}
§36
Ezras motives were high and holy; in all that he did he was actuated by a deep love for souls. The compassion and tenderness that he revealed toward those who had sinned, either willfully or through ignorance, should be an object lesson to all who seek to bring about reforms. The servants of God are to be as firm as a rock where right principles are involved; and yet, withal, they are to manifest sympathy and forbearance. Like Ezra, they are to teach transgressors the way of life by calculating principles that are the foundation of all rightdoing.{PK 623.3}[17]
§37
在现今的世界上，正值撒但千方百计地设法弄瞎男男女女的心眼，使他们看不出上帝律法中约束人的要求时，亟需有一班人能使人“因上帝的命令战兢。”（拉10:3）需要有真正的改革家向罪人指出那位伟大的立法者，并教导他们“耶和华的律法全备，能苏醒人心。”（诗19:7）需要大有能力讲解《圣经》的人；其一言一行都高举耶和华之律例的人；致力于加强别人信心的人。唉，那能鼓舞人心、使之尊重并爱慕《圣经》的教师，该是多么地需要啊！[18]{PK 623.4}
§38
In this age of the world, when Satan is seeking, through manifold agencies, to blind the eyes of men and women to the binding claims of the law of God, there is need of men who can cause many to tremble at the commandment of our God. Ezra 10:3. There is need of true reformers, who will point transgressors to the great Lawgiver and teach them that the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. Psalm 19:7. There is need of men mighty in the Scriptures, men whose every word and act exalts the statutes of Jehovah, men who seek to strengthen faith. Teachers are needed, oh, so much, who will inspire hearts with reverence and love for the Scriptures.{PK 623.4}[18]
§39
今日不法的事之所以充斥各处，大半都应归咎于没有研究并顺从《圣经》所致，因为上帝的圣言何时被弃置一旁，则其遏制肉心邪情私欲的能力也就被拒绝了。人们既顺着情欲撒种，就必从情欲收败坏。[19]{PK 624.1}
§40
The widespread iniquity prevalent today may in a great degree be attributed to a failure to study and obey the Scriptures, for when the word of God is set aside, its power to restrain the evil passions of the natural heart is rejected. Men sow to the flesh and of the flesh reap corruption.{PK 624.1}[19]
§41
随弃置《圣经》而俱来的，便是转离上帝的律法。所谓世人不必顺从神圣律例的论调，已经削弱了道德责任的力量，并为全世界开放了罪恶的水闸。以至不法、放荡、和腐败的事像洪水一样泛滥全地。到处都可见到嫉妒、猜疑、伪善、离间、争竞、不睦、背叛神圣的委托和纵欲等情形。那原应作社交生活之基础与纲纪的宗教原则、和要道的整个系统，看上去似已变成岌岌可危，摇摇欲坠的乱堆了。[20]{PK 624.2}
§42
With the setting aside of the Bible has come a turning away from Gods law. The doctrine that men are released from obedience to the divine precepts, has weakened the force of moral obligation and opened the floodgates of iniquity upon the world. Lawlessness, dissipation, and corruption are sweeping in like an overwhelming flood. Everywhere are seen envy, evil surmising, hypocrisy, estrangement, emulation, strife, betrayal of sacred trusts, indulgence of lust. The whole system of religious principles and doctrines, which should form the foundation and framework of social life, seems to be a tottering mass, ready to fall in ruins.{PK 624.2}[20]
§43
在这世界历史的末叶，那从西奈山上发言的声音依然宣称：“除了我以外，你不可有别的神。”（出20:3）人已经定意反抗上帝的旨意，但他却不能禁压这命令的话语。人的思想决不能逃避它对更高权力的责任。理论与臆测尽管层出不穷，人们尽管试图用科学来反对启示，想借此废除上帝的律法。但是这道“当拜主你的上帝，单要侍奉他”（太4:10）的命令却愈来愈有力了。[21]{PK 624.3}
§44
In the last days of this earths history the voice that spoke from Sinai is still declaring, Thou shalt have no other gods before Me. Exodus 20:3. Man has set his will against the will of God, but he cannot silence the word of command. The human mind cannot evade its obligation to a higher power. Theories and speculations may abound; men may try to set science in opposition to revelation, and thus do away with Gods law; but stronger and still stronger comes the command, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve. Matthew 4:10.{PK 624.3}[21]
§45
世上根本没有什么削弱或加强耶和华律法的事。这律法过去如何，今日仍然如何。它过去一直是圣洁、公义、善良而全备的，将来永必如此。它不可能被废除或更改。所谓“尊重”或“不尊重”律法，不过是人的说法而已。[22]{PK 625.1}
§46
There is no such thing as weakening or strengthening the law of Jehovah. As it has been, so it is. It always has been, and always will be, holy, just, and good, complete in itself. It cannot be repealed or changed. To honor or dishonor it is but the speech of men.{PK 625.1}[22]
§47
真理与谬论之间的争斗，必在人的法律与耶和华的诫命之间作最后一场大决战。我们现今正被卷入这次争斗，并不是敌对教会互争雄长的争斗，而是《圣经》的宗教与虚谈及遗传的宗教之间的争斗。那联合起来反抗真理的各种媒介现今正在积极活动。上帝的圣言原是付出痛苦与流血的重大代价而传给我们的，但很少人重视。真正接受《圣经》为人生规律的人很少。不信的风气不但在世界上，而且在教会中也普遍流行到了惊人的程度。许多人已达到否认那为基督教信仰柱石之要道的地步。那些受灵感之作者所陈述有关创造的伟大事实；人类的堕落；赎罪的计划；律法的永恒性，这一切实际上已被大多数所谓基督教界弃绝了。数以千计以学识自豪的人认为笃信《圣经》，乃是软弱的表现，反之对《圣经》吹毛求疵，或用“属灵”的说法抹杀《圣经》中最重要的真理，却是有学问的证据。[23]{PK 625.2}
§48
Between the laws of men and the precepts of Jehovah will come the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error. Upon this battle we are now entering--a battle not between rival churches contending for the supremacy, but between the religion of the Bible and the religions of fable and tradition. The agencies which have united against truth are now actively at work. Gods Holy Word, which has been handed down to us at so great a cost of suffering and bloodshed, is little valued. There are few who really accept it as the rule of life. Infidelity prevails to an alarming extent, not in the world only, but in the church. Many have come to deny doctrines which are the very pillars of the Christian faith. The great facts of creation as presented by the inspired writers, the fall of man, the atonement, the perpetuity of the law--these all are practically rejected by a large share of the professedly Christian world. Thousands who pride themselves on their knowledge regard it as an evidence of weakness to place implicit confidence in the Bible, and a proof of learning to cavil at the Scriptures and to spiritualize and explain away their most important truths. {PK 625.2}[23]
§49
基督徒应为不久即将在世上爆发的惊人事变作准备，而他们作准备的方法乃应殷勤地研究上帝的圣言，并努力使自己的生活得与其中的训诲相符一致。永恒的严重结局、需要我们具有一种超乎幻想的宗教——就是单有理论与形式而避讳真理的宗教——之外的信仰。上帝所要的乃是奋兴与改革。从讲坛上所听到的，应该是《圣经》——单单是《圣经》的话语。可惜《圣经》的能力已被剥夺，而所见到的结果则是灵性生活水准的下降。在今日的许多讲道中，并没有那唤醒良心并使心灵得着生命之神能的彰显。听众不能说：“他和我们说话，给我们讲解《圣经》的时候，我们的心岂不是火热的吗？”（路24:32）许多人正在呼求永生的上帝，渴慕他的临格。唯愿上帝的圣言向人心说话。唯愿那些向来只听到遗传、人的理论与格言的人，得听那能使心灵更新直到永生之主的声音。[24]{PK 626.1}
§50
Christians should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise, and this preparation they should make by diligently studying the word of God and striving to conform their lives to its precepts. The tremendous issues of eternity demand of us something besides an imaginary religion, a religion of words and forms, where truth is kept in the outer court. God calls for a revival and a reformation. The words of the Bible and the Bible alone, should be heard from the pulpit. But the Bible has been robbed of its power, and the result is seen in a lowering of the tone of spiritual life. In many sermons of today there is not that divine manifestation which awakens the conscience and brings life to the soul. The hearers cannot say, Did not our heart burn within us, while He talked with us by the way, and while He opened to us the Scriptures? Luke 24:32. There are many who are crying out for the living God, longing for the divine presence. Let the word of God speak to the heart. Let those who have heard only tradition and human theories and maxims, hear the voice of Him who can renew the soul unto eternal life.{PK 626.1}[24]
§51
从众先祖与先知那里已有伟大的亮光照射出来。有关上帝圣城锡安的荣耀事物已有论述。主定意要这光如此借着他今日的信徒照耀出来。如果旧约的圣徒已作过如此光荣的忠实见证，那么一切领受历代累积之光的人，岂不也应为真理的能力作出更为显著的见证吗？各项预言荣耀的光辉已照在我们的道路之上。在上帝的儿子舍命的事上，预表已经与所代表的本体会合了。基督已经从死里复活，并在裂开的坟墓上声称：“复活在我，生命也在我。”（约11:25）他已经差遣他的圣灵到世上来，叫我们想起他对我们所说的一切话。他已施展大能的神迹，在各世代中保全他的《圣经》。[25]{PK 626.2}
§52
Great light shone forth from patriarchs and prophets. Glorious things were spoken of Zion, the City of God. Thus the Lord designs that the light shall shine forth through His followers today. If the saints of the Old Testament bore so bright a testimony of loyalty, should not those upon whom is shining the accumulated light of centuries, bear a still more signal witness to the power of truth? The glory of the prophecies sheds their light upon our pathway. Type has met antitype in the death of Gods Son. Christ has risen from the dead, proclaiming over the rent sepulcher, I am the resurrection, and the life. John 11:25. He has sent His Spirit into the world to bring all things to our remembrance. By a miracle of power He has preserved His written word through the ages.{PK 626.2}[25]
§53
那些因抗议而使基督教得名的宗教改革家们，觉得上帝已呼召他们将福音的真光传给全世界。他们在努力从事这一工作时，无不准备牺牲自己的财物、自己的自由，甚至自己的生命。在与逼迫及死亡相对抗之下，福音已被传到远近各方。上帝的圣言已被传给世人，以至各阶层的人，无论贵贱、贫富、智愚，都热切地自行研究。试问我们在这大争斗的最后决战中，是否要像早期的改革家一样忠于自己的委托呢？[26]{PK 627.1}
§54
The Reformers whose protest has given us the name of Protestant, felt that God had called them to give the light of the gospel to the world; and in the effort to do this they were ready to sacrifice their possessions, their liberty, even life itself. In the face of persecution and death the gospel was proclaimed far and near. The word of God was carried to the people; and all classes, high and low, rich and poor, learned and ignorant, eagerly studied it for themselves. Are we, in this last conflict of the great controversy, as faithful to our trust as the early Reformers were to theirs?{PK 627.1}[26]
§55
“你们要在锡安吹角，分定禁食的日子，宣告严肃会。聚集众民，使会众自洁，招聚老者，聚集孩童。……侍奉耶和华的祭司要在廊子和祭坛中间哭泣说，耶和华啊，求你顾惜你的百姓，不要使你的产业受羞辱。”“你们应当禁食、哭泣、悲哀，一心归向我。你们要撕裂心肠，不撕裂衣服，归向耶和华你们的上帝；因为他有恩典有怜悯，不轻易发怒，有丰盛的慈爱，并且后悔不降所说的灾，或者他转意后悔，留下余福……也未可知。”（珥2:15-17,12-14）[27]{PK 627.2}
§56
Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children: . . . let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare Thy people, O Lord, and give not Thine heritage to reproach. Turn ye even to Me with all your hearts, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth Him of the evil. Who knoweth if He will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind Him? Joel 2:15-17, 12-14.{PK 627.2}[27]