第53章 修造城墙的人
§1
第53章 修造城墙的人
§2
Chap. 53 - The Builders on the Wall
§3
（本章根据：尼希米记2-4章）
§4
尼希米安全地到达了耶路撒冷。王所写给他途经各省省长的诏书，使他得到了优厚的款待和迅速的协助。没有一个仇敌敢于伤害这个既由波斯王权力所保护，又备受各省省长所殷勤接待的官员。虽然如此，但他既带着武装卫队来到耶路撒冷，显明他是负有某种重要使命的，因此引起了一般住在圣城附近的异教民族的嫉妒，这些民族常因仇恨犹太人而肆意侵害侮辱他们。其中行为最恶劣的是这些民族的几位首领，和伦人参巴拉、亚扪人多比雅和亚拉伯人基善。这些首领从起初就密切窥探尼希米的行动，并尽力用各样手段来破坏他的计划，拦阻他的工作。[1]{PK 635.1}
§5
Nehemiahs journey to Jerusalem was accomplished in safety. The royal letters to the governors of the provinces along his route secured him honorable reception and prompt assistance. No enemy dared molest the official who was guarded by the power of the Persian king and treated with marked consideration by the provincial rulers. His arrival in Jerusalem, however, with a military escort, showing that he had come on some important mission, excited the jealousy of the heathen tribes living near the city, who had so often indulged their enmity against the Jews by heaping upon them injury and insult. Foremost in this evil work were certain chiefs of these tribes, Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian. From the first these leaders watched with critical eyes the movements of Nehemiah and endeavored by every means in their power to thwart his plans and hinder his work. {PK 635.1}[1]
§6
尼希米继续运用机警审慎的态度进行工作，像他过去的作风一样。他深知恶毒而坚决的敌人随时准备反对他，所以他暂时不让他们知道他使命的性质，直等到他考察了当时的情况，使他能拟出他的计划来。他希望如此可以在引起敌人的反对之前，先行获得民众的合作而立即动工。[2]{PK 636.1}
§7
Nehemiah continued to exercise the same caution and prudence that had hitherto marked his course. Knowing that bitter and determined enemies stood ready to oppose him, he concealed the nature of his mission from them until a study of the situation should enable him to form his plans. Thus he hoped to secure the co-operation of the people and set them at work before the opposition of his enemies should be aroused.{PK 636.1}[2]
§8
尼希米先拣选了几个他深知可资信托的人，告诉他们他前来耶路撒冷的经过事实、他所希望达成的目的，以及他意欲循行的计划。他们对于他的事工立即发生兴趣，所以就得到了他们的协助。[3]{PK 636.2}
§9
Choosing a few men whom he knew to be worthy of confidence, Nehemiah told them of the circumstances that had led him to come to Jerusalem, the object that he wished to accomplish, and the plans he proposed to follow. Their interest in his undertaking was at once enlisted and their assistance secured.{PK 636.2}[3]
§10
尼希米在抵达后的第三夜，就在半夜起来，和几个亲信的同伴，出去亲自视察耶路撒冷的荒凉状况。他骑着自己的骡子，从圣城的一处走到另一处，视察他列祖之城已被破坏的城墙和城门。当这个犹大的爱国志士衷心忧伤地凝视他所热爱的耶路撒冷已受毁坏的防御工程时，他的脑海中便充满了痛苦的反应。他回想以色列过去的强大，与这屈辱的迹象刚好成了显著的对照。[4]{PK 636.3}
§11
On the third night after his arrival Nehemiah rose at midnight and with a few trusted companions went out to view for himself the desolation of Jerusalem. Mounted on his mule, he passed from one part of the city to another, surveying the broken-down walls and gates of the city of his fathers. Painful reflections filled the mind of the Jewish patriot as with sorrow-stricken heart he gazed upon the ruined defenses of his beloved Jerusalem. Memories of Israels past greatness stood out in sharp contrast with the evidences of her humiliation.{PK 636.3}[4]
§12
尼希米秘密而寂静地环行城墙一周。他后来说：“我往哪里去，我作什么事，官长都不知道；我还没有告诉犹大平民、祭司、贵胄、官长和其余作工的人。”他将当夜余剩的时间用来祷告，因为他知道次日早上须以诚恳地努力，来唤醒并团结他那灰心丧志而意见分歧的同胞。[5]{PK 636.4}
§13
In secrecy and silence Nehemiah completed his circuit of the walls. The rulers knew not whither I went, he declares, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. The remainder of the night he spent in prayer; for he knew that the morning would call for earnest effort to arouse and unite his dispirited and divided countrymen.{PK 636.4}[5]
§14
尼希米固然携有王命，吩咐居民都协助他修建城墙，但他并没有倚靠实施威权的方法。他宁愿设法博取民众的信任与同情，因为他知道当前的大工非但需要群策群力，也需要一德一心。及至次日他招集民众聚在一起时，他所提出的论据也是经过熟虑而唤醒他们的潜力，并团结他们的离散分子的。[6]{PK 637.1}
§15
Nehemiah bore a royal commission requiring the inhabitants to co-operate with him in rebuilding the walls of the city, but he did not depend upon the exercise of authority. He sought rather to gain the confidence and sympathy of the people, knowing that a union of hearts as well as of hands was essential in the great work before him. When on the morrow he called the people together he presented such arguments as were calculated to arouse their dormant energies and unite their scattered numbers.{PK 637.1}[6]
§16
尼希米的听众并不知道他曾在前一夜作过一次巡视，他也没有告诉他们。但他所作的这次巡视，却大大地有助于他的成功，因为他能很详细而准确地谈论圣城的现状，借使听众感到惊奇。而他在视察耶路撒冷的衰微与败落时所感受的印象，也使他所讲的话更为诚恳有力。[7]{PK 637.2}
§17
Nehemiahs hearers did not know, neither did he tell them, of his midnight circuit of the night before. But the fact that he had made this circuit contributed greatly to his success; for he was able to speak of the condition of the city with an accuracy and a minuteness that astonished his hearers. The impression made upon him as he had looked upon the weakness and degradation of Jerusalem, gave earnestness and power to his words.{PK 637.2}[7]
§18
尼希米向民众说明他们在外邦人中所受的耻辱，他们的宗教被污蔑，他们的上帝被亵渎。他告诉他们，他在远方听到了他们所受的苦，因此曾为他们的缘故恳求上天的恩眷，当他祈祷的时候，他曾决心请求国王准他前来协助他们。他曾祈求上帝，非但要使王准如所请，更要授予他权柄和从事工作所需要的帮助，结果他的祈祷果然如愿而得蒙应允，显明这个计划确是出于主的。[8]{PK 637.3}
§19
Nehemiah presented before the people their reproach among the heathen--their religion dishonored, their God blasphemed. He told them that in a distant land he had heard of their affliction, that he had entreated the favor of Heaven in their behalf, and that, as he was praying, he had determined to ask permission from the king to come to their assistance. He had asked God that the king might not only grant this permission, but might also invest him with the authority and give him the help needed for the work; and his prayer had been answered in such a way as to show that the plan was of the Lord.{PK 637.3}[8]
§20
尼希米提述了这一切，也表明了他是为以色列的上帝和波斯王的双重权威所支持之后，就直接询问民众是否愿意利用这次机会起来修造城墙。[9]{PK 638.1}
§21
All this he related, and then, having shown that he was sustained by the combined authority of the God of Israel and the Persian king, Nehemiah asked the people directly whether they would take advantage of this opportunity and arise and build the wall.{PK 638.1}[9]
§22
这个号召直接打动了众人的心。他们想到上天的恩眷如何向他们显明，就深以自己的恐惧为耻，他们便怀着新的勇气异口同声地说：“我们起来建造吧。”“于是他们奋勇作这善工。”[10]{PK 638.2}
§23
The appeal went straight to their hearts. The thought of how Heavens favor had been manifested toward them put their fears to shame, and with new courage they said with one voice, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.{PK 638.2}[10]
§24
尼希米全心贯注于他所从事的工作。他的希望、活力、热诚和决心是具有感染性的，鼓舞别人也生出了同样崇高的勇毅和伟大的志愿。于是每一个人都变成了一个尼希米，转而去帮助自己的邻舍，使他的心和手都趋于坚强。[11]{PK 638.3}
§25
Nehemiahs whole soul was in the enterprise he had undertaken. His hope, his energy, his enthusiasm, his determination, were contagious, inspiring others with the same high courage and lofty purpose. Each man became a Nehemiah in his turn and helped to make stronger the heart and hand of his neighbor.{PK 638.3}[11]
§26
当以色列的仇敌听说犹大人希望成就的事工时，他们就嗤笑说：“你们作什么呢？要背叛王吗？”但尼希米回答说：“天上的上帝必使我们亨通。我们作他仆人的，要起来建造，你们却在耶路撒冷无分、无权、无记念。”[12]{PK 638.4}
§27
When the enemies of Israel heard what the Jews were hoping to accomplish, they laughed them to scorn, saying, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king? But Nehemiah answered, The God of heaven, He will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.{PK 638.4}[12]
§28
祭司们最先感染到尼希米热切诚恳的精神。由于他们举足轻重的地位，这些人在推进或拦阻这工都能起很大的作用，所以他们一开始就乐意合作，这对于工作的成功贡献不小。以色列的首领和官长们多半能克尽厥职，而这班忠心分子在上帝的圣书中也得到了表扬。但有少数人，就是提哥亚的贵胄，“不用肩担他们主的工作。”这些懒惰仆人的事迹遗留了可耻的污名，流传下来作为世世代代的警戒。[13]{PK 638.5}
§29
Among the first to catch Nehemiahs spirit of zeal and earnestness were the priests. Because of their influential position, these men could do much to advance or hinder the work; and their ready co-operation, at the very outset, contributed not a little to its success. The majority of the princes and rulers of Israel came up nobly to their duty, and these faithful men have honorable mention in the book of God. There were a few, the Tekoite nobles, who put not their necks to the work of their Lord. The memory of these slothful servants is branded with shame and has been handed down as a warning to all future generations.{PK 638.5}[13]
§30
在每一项宗教运动中，总有一些人虽然不能否认这是上帝的圣工，但他们依然袖手旁观，不肯出力协助。这样的人最好要记得那保留在高天的记录，在那书卷中决无遗漏或错误，而他们将来都要根据它受审判。每一被忽略了的为上帝作工的机会都已记下。而每一出于信心与爱心的行为，也都在其上受到永远的记念。[14]{PK 639.1}
§31
In every religious movement there are some who, while they cannot deny that the cause is Gods, still hold themselves aloof, refusing to make any effort to help. It were well for such ones to remember the record kept on high--that book in which there are no omissions, no mistakes, and out of which they will be judged. There every neglected opportunity to do service for God is recorded; and there, too, every deed of faith and love is held in everlasting remembrance.{PK 639.1}[14]
§32
幸而提哥亚贵胄的坏榜样，在尼希米在场的感召力之下，未能发挥多少影响。一般说来，民众都为爱国心及热忱所激励。有才有势的人将各阶层的居民分组成队，由各队队长负责修建城墙的某一段。《圣经》论到某些人说，他们“对着自己的房屋修造。”[15]{PK 639.2}
§33
Against the inspiring influence of Nehemiahs presence the example of the Tekoite nobles had little weight. The people in general were animated by patriotism and zeal. Men of ability and influence organized the various classes of citizens into companies, each leader making himself responsible for the erection of a certain part of the wall. And of some it is written that they builded everyone over against his house.{PK 639.2}[15]
§34
这时工作实际上已经开始，而尼希米的热忱并未稍减。他以不息不倦的警惕监督建造、指挥工人、留意障碍，并准备应付危机。他的感化力一直贯彻于全长三英里的城墙之上。他用合时的话语勉励胆怯的人，督促怠惰的人，称赞殷勤的人。同时他也经常注视敌人的行动，因为他们不时在城外某处聚集，共同商议，似乎在策划毒计，然后来接近工人，企图转移他们的注意力。[16]{PK 639.3}
§35
Nor did Nehemiahs energy abate, now that the work was actually begun. With tireless vigilance he superintended the building, directing the workmen, noting the hindrances, and providing for emergencies. Along the whole extent of that three miles of wall his influence was constantly felt. With timely words he encouraged the fearful, aroused the laggard, and approved the diligent. And ever he watched the movements of their enemies, who from time to time collected at a distance and engaged in conversation, as if plotting mischief, and then, drawing nearer the workmen, attempted to divert their attention.{PK 639.3}[16]
§36
尼希米在他的许多活动当中，总没有忘记他力量的来源。他的心经常高举到那鉴察万有的上帝面前。他大声说：“天上的上帝必使我们亨通。”而这句话传来传去，使城墙上所有工人的心大得鼓舞。[17]{PK 640.1}
§37
In his many activities Nehemiah did not forget the source of his strength. His heart was constantly uplifted to God, the great Overseer of all. The God of heaven, he exclaimed, He will prosper us; and the words, echoed and re-echoed, thrilled the hearts of all the workers on the wall. {PK 640.1}[17]
§38
但恢复耶路撒冷防御的工作，在进行时并不是毫无阻碍的。撒但一直在努力煽动反对，引致灰心。他在这项图谋中的主要工具参巴拉、多比雅、和基善，这时便下手阻挠修建的工作。他们竭力在工人当中挑拔离间。他们嗤笑建筑者的努力，声称这项工作是不可能的，并且预料一定遭遇失败。[18]{PK 641.1}
§39
But the restoration of the defenses of Jerusalem did not go forward unhindered. Satan was working to stir up opposition and bring discouragement. Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, his principal agents in this movement, now set themselves to hinder the work of rebuilding. They endeavored to cause division among the workmen. They ridiculed the efforts of the builders, declaring the enterprise an impossibility and predicting failure.{PK 641.1}[18]
§40
参巴拉讥诮说：“这些软弱的犹大人作什么呢？要保护自己吗？……要从土堆里拿火烧的石头再立墙吗？”多比雅更轻蔑地说：“他们所修造的石墙，就是狐狸上去，也必滑倒。”[19]{PK 641.2}
§41
What do these feeble Jews? exclaimed Sanballat mockingly; will they fortify themselves? . . . will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? Tobiah, still more contemptuous, added, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.{PK 641.2}[19]
§42
建造的人不久便遭遇到更积极的反对。他们不得不经常提防他们仇敌的阴谋，因为仇敌一面表示友善，一面却千方百计地造成混乱和烦扰，并引起猜疑。他们力图挫折犹大人的勇气，他们设计各样阴谋，要使尼希米陷入他们的圈套，而一些虚伪成性的犹大人还甘愿帮助这种阴谋的进行。各处都散布谣言说，尼希米在阴谋反叛波斯国王，意欲高抬自己作以色列王，所以凡帮助他的都是叛逆者。[20]{PK 642.1}
§43
The builders were soon beset by more active opposition. They were compelled to guard continually against the plots of their adversaries, who, professing friendliness, sought in various ways to cause confusion and perplexity, and to arouse distrust. They endeavored to destroy the courage of the Jews; they formed conspiracies to draw Nehemiah into their toils; and falsehearted Jews were found ready to aid the treacherous undertaking. The report was spread that Nehemiah was plotting against the Persian monarch, intending to exalt himself as a king over Israel, and that all who aided him were traitors.{PK 642.1}[20]
§44
但尼希米却继续仰望上帝的引领和扶持，而且“百姓专心作工。”工程继续进展，直到一切缺口都已修妥，而全部城墙也造到了预计高度的一半。[21]{PK 642.2}
§45
But Nehemiah continued to look to God for guidance and support, and the people had a mind to work. The enterprise went forward until the gaps were filled and the entire wall built up to half its intended height.{PK 642.2}[21]
§46
当以色列的敌人看出自己的努力都不生效时，他们便大发烈怒。到此为止，他们还不敢动用武力，因为他们知道尼希米和他的同工是在执行王命，所以他们恐怕积极的反对他，可能招致王的不悦。但这时他们在狂怒之下，自己倒犯了他们控告尼希米所犯的罪。他们聚集商议，“同谋要来攻击耶路撒冷。”[22]{PK 642.3}
§47
As the enemies of Israel saw how unavailing were their efforts, they were filled with rage. Hitherto they had not dared employ violent measures, for they knew that Nehemiah and his companions were acting under the kings commission, and they feared that active opposition against him might bring upon them the monarchs displeasure. But now in their anger they themselves became guilty of the crime of which they had accused Nehemiah. Assembling for counsel, they conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem.{PK 642.3}[22]
§48
正在撒玛利亚人阴谋反对尼希米和他工作的同时，犹大人中的一些领袖人物也起了贰心，他们夸大工作的困难，企图借此使他灰心。他们说：“灰土尚多，扛抬的人力气已经衰败，所以我们不能建造城墙。”[23]{PK 642.4}
§49
At the same time that the Samaritans were plotting against Nehemiah and his work, some of the leading men among the Jews, becoming disaffected, sought to discourage him by exaggerating the difficulties attending the enterprise. The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, they said, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.{PK 642.4}[23]
§50
令人灰心的事又从另一方面发生了。“那靠近敌人居住的犹大人，”就是没有参加工作的人，竟将敌人的说话和谣言传来传去，用以削弱勇气而造成分裂。[24]{PK 643.1}
§51
Discouragement came from still another source. The Jews which dwelt by, those who were taking no part inthe work, gathered up the statements and reports of their enemies and used these to weaken courage and create disaffection.{PK 643.1}[24]
§52
但嗤笑与讥讽、反对与恫吓，似乎只能激使尼希米更为坚决，更为警惕。他固然认清在这次与敌人争战中所必定遭遇的危险，但他的勇气却绝无丝毫挫折。他说：“我们祷告我们的上帝，……派人看守，昼夜防备。”“所以我使百姓各按宗族拿刀，拿枪，拿弓，站在城墙后边低洼的空处。我察看了，就起来对贵胄、官长和其余的人说，不要怕他们，当记念主是大而可畏的；你们要为弟兄、儿女、妻子、家产争战。”[25]{PK 643.2}
§53
But taunts and ridicule, opposition and threats, seemed only to inspire Nehemiah with firmer determination and to arouse him to greater watchfulness. He recognized the dangers that must be met in this warfare with their enemies, but his courage was undaunted. We made our prayer unto our God, he declares, and set a watch against them day and night. Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.{PK 643.2}[25]
§54
“仇敌听见我们知道他们的心意，见上帝也破坏他们的计谋，就不来了。我们都回到城墙那里，各作各的工。从那日起，我的仆人一半作工，一半拿枪、拿盾牌、拿弓、穿铠甲。……修造城墙的、扛抬材料的，都一手作工，一手拿兵器。修造的人都腰间佩刀修造。”[26]{PK 643.3}
§55
And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, everyone unto his work. And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons. . . . They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, everyone had his sword girded by his side, and so builded.{PK 643.3}[26]
§56
尼希米身旁随侍着一个吹角的人，同时在城墙不同的部分，也驻有带着圣所号筒的祭司。民众在工作时都是散开的，但任何地点一有危险发生，就有信号使众人立即奔往那里。尼希米说：“于是我们作工，一半拿兵器，从天亮直到星宿出现的时候。”[27]{PK 644.1}
§57
Beside Nehemiah stood a trumpeter, and on different parts of the wall were stationed priests bearing the sacred trumpets. The people were scattered in their labors, but on the approach of danger at any point a signal was given for them to repair thither without delay. So we labored in the work, Nehemiah says, and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.{PK 644.1}[27]
§58
凡是过去住在耶路撒冷郊外村镇中的人，这时都必须移住在城内，一方面为护卫工作，一方面为准备一早开工。这样就可避免不必要的耽误，同时也不让敌人有机会在工人往返时攻击他们。尼希米和他的同工决不因困难和艰巨的工作而畏缩。不论昼夜，就是在短短的睡觉时间中，他们也都没有脱下衣服或卸除盔甲。[28]{PK 644.2}
§59
Those who had been living in towns and villages outside Jerusalem were now required to lodge within the walls, both to guard the work and to be ready for duty in the morning. This would prevent unnecessary delay, and would cut off the opportunity which the enemy would otherwise improve, of attacking the workmen as they went to and from their homes. Nehemiah and his companions did not shrink from hardship or trying service. Neither by day nor night, not even during the short time given to sleep, did they put off their clothing or lay aside their armor.{PK 644.2}[28]
§60
在尼希米时代修建圣城的人，从公开的仇敌和虚伪的朋友那里，所遭受的反对与阻碍，乃是预表今日为上帝作工的人所必有的经验。基督徒遭受磨难，不但是由于敌人的忿怒、轻视和残酷，而且也是由于一些自称为友人和助手的怠情、反复无常、不冷不热，与叛变的行为。嘲笑与辱骂肆意加于他们。而且这同一诱人侮蔑的仇敌，如果遇见有利的机会，就会采取更为残酷而强暴的手段呢。[29]{PK 644.3}
§61
The opposition and discouragement that the builders in Nehemiahs day met from open enemies and pretended friends is typical of the experience that those today will have who work for God. Christians are tried, not only by the anger, contempt, and cruelty of enemies, but by the indolence, inconsistency, lukewarmness, and treachery of avowed friends and helpers. Derision and reproach are hurled at them. And the same enemy that leads to contempt, at a favorable opportunity uses more cruel and violent measures.{PK 644.3}[29]
§62
撒但必要利用每一个没有献身的分子，来达成他的目的。在自称赞助上帝圣工的人中，竟有一些与他的仇敌联合，这样便使他的圣工敞露于他最凶狠仇敌的侵袭之下了。甚至那些渴望上帝圣工兴旺的人，也会因聆听、传布，并半信他仇敌所讲谤渎、夸耀和威胁的话，而使他仆人的手“发软”。撒但常以奇妙的成就借着他的爪牙作工；所以凡屈从他们影响的人，就易受那种毁损聪明人的智慧与贤达人的悟性的蛊惑力所害。但上帝的子民务要像尼希米一样，既不惧怕、也不轻视他们的敌人。他们乃应信靠上帝，稳步前进，怀着无私之心从事他的圣工，并将他们所拥护的大工交托于他的安排。[30]{PK 645.1}
§63
Satan takes advantage of every unconsecrated element for the accomplishment of his purposes. Among those who profess to be the supporters of Gods cause there are those who unite with His enemies and thus lay His cause open to the attacks of His bitterest foes. Even some who desire the work of God to prosper will yet weaken the hands of His servants by hearing, reporting, and half believing the slanders, boasts, and menaces of His adversaries. Satan works with marvelous success through his agents, and all who yield to their influence are subject to a bewitching power that destroys the wisdom of the wise and the understanding of the prudent. But, like Nehemiah, Gods people are neither to fear nor to despise their enemies. Putting their trust in God, they are to go steadily forward, doing His work with unselfishness, and committing to His providence the cause for which they stand.{PK 645.1}[30]
§64
尼希米在极度灰心之中，总以上帝为他的倚靠和稳固的屏障。而那位在当时作他仆人之支持的主，也曾作每一世代中他子民的倚靠。在每一危机之中，他的子民尽可断然确信地宣称：“上帝若帮助我们，谁能敌挡我们呢？”（罗8:31）撒但和他的爪牙所布伏的阴谋不管多么狡黠，上帝总能看穿，并使他们的一切毒计全然落空。今日信心的答复，也就是尼希米当年所作的答复：“我们的上帝必为我们争战，”由于上帝也参加这种工作，所以任何人都不能阻碍它的最后成功。[31]{PK 645.2}
§65
Amidst great discouragement, Nehemiah made God his trust, his sure defense. And He who was the support of His servant then has been the dependence of His people in every age. In every crisis His people may confidently declare, If God be for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31. However craftily the plots of Satan and his agents may be laid, God can detect them, and bring to nought all their counsels. The response of faith today will be the response made by Nehemiah, Our God shall fight for us; for God is in the work, and no man can prevent its ultimate success.{PK 645.2}[31]