第39章 大艰难的时期
§1
第39章 大艰难的时期
§2
Chap. 39 - The Time of Trouble
§3
“那时保佑你本国之民的天使长米迦勒必站起来，并且有大艰难，从有国以来直到此时，没有这样的，你本国的民中，凡名录在册上的，必得拯救。”（但12:1）[1]{GC 613.1}
§4
At that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1. {GC 613.1}[1]
§5
在第三位天使的信息结束的时候，便不再有为世上罪人求恩的了。那时，上帝的子民已经完成他们的工作。他们已经领受“晚雨”，“安舒的日子”已经从主面前来到，他们已经为当前的试炼时期作好准备。众天使在天上来来往往。有一位天使从地上回来，宣告他的工作已经完成，最后的试验已经临到世上，而且已证明自己是忠于上帝诫命的人已经受了“永生上帝的印记”。于是耶稣就停止他在天上圣所里的中保工作。他举起手来，大声说，“成了”。当时全体天军都摘下自己的冠冕，敬听主作严肃的宣告说：“不义的叫他仍旧不义，污秽的叫他仍旧污秽，为义的叫他仍旧为义，圣洁的叫他仍旧圣洁。”（启22:11）每一个人的案件都已作了或生或死的决定。基督已经为他子民作了赎罪的工作，涂抹了他们的罪恶。他子民的数目已经满足了。“国度、权柄和天下诸国的大权，”将要赐给那承受救恩的人，同时耶稣也要作万王之王，万主之主了。[2]{GC 613.2}
§6
When the third angels message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work. They have received the latter rain, the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hastening to and fro in heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done; the final test has been brought upon the world, and all who have proved themselves loyal to the divine precepts have received the seal of the living God. Then Jesus ceases His intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts His hands and with a loud voice says, It is done; and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as He makes the solemn announcement: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. Revelation 22:11. Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for His people and blotted out their sins. The number of His subjects is made up; the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. {GC 613.2}[2]
§7
当他离开圣所的时候，黑暗就要蒙蔽全地的居民。在这可怕的时期，义人必须自己站在圣洁的上帝面前而再没有一位中保为他们代求。那约束恶人的灵已经收回，撒但就要完全控制那些始终不肯悔改的人。上帝的忍耐已经到了尽头。这世界已经拒绝他的恩典，藐视他的慈爱，并践踏他的律法。恶人已经跨过了他们蒙恩时期的界线，上帝的灵既然被他们一味地拒绝，现在已经收回了。他们既没有上帝恩典的保护，便无法脱离那恶者的手。这时撒但要把世上的居民卷入一次最大最后的艰难之中。当上帝的使者不再抑制人类情感的狂焰时，一切足以引起纷乱斗争的因素就要发动了。全世界要陷入一次巨大的毁灭，比较昔日耶路撒冷的灾祸更为可怖。[3]{GC 614.1}
§8
When He leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. Gods long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected His mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon His law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation; the Spirit of God, persistently resisted, has been at last withdrawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they have no protection from the wicked one. Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old. {GC 614.1}[3]
§9
古时，一个天使击杀了埃及国一切的长子，使全地充满了哀哭的声音。在大卫核点民数而得罪上帝的时候，也只有一位天使来处罚他的罪，使国中遭受惨怖的毁灭。圣天使在上帝命令之下所施行的破坏，恶使者在上帝许可之下也必施行。现在已经是剑拔弩张的局面，只待上帝许可，遍地就要遭受毁灭。[4]{GC 614.2}
§10
A single angel destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians and filled the land with mourning. When David offended against God by numbering the people, one angel caused that terrible destruction by which his sin was punished. The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when He permits. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere. {GC 614.2}[4]
§11
那些敬重上帝律法的人已被控告为使刑罚临到世界的人，他们也要被目为一切灾害的祸根，就是引起自然界可怖的灾异和人世间流血的惨剧，使地上充满祸患的人。最后的警告所发挥的能力已经使恶人恼怒，他们痛恨一切接受这信息的人，而且撒但还要火上加油，使世人仇恨逼迫的精神越为炽烈。[5]{GC 614.3}
§12
Those who honor the law of God have been accused of bringing judgments upon the world, and they will be regarded as the cause of the fearful convulsions of nature and the strife and bloodshed among men that are filling the earth with woe. The power attending the last warning has enraged the wicked; their anger is kindled against all who have received the message, and Satan will excite to still greater intensity the spirit of hatred and persecution. {GC 614.3}[5]
§13
当上帝的灵最后离开犹太国的时候，祭司和民众却不知道。虽然他们处于撒但的控制之下，并受最残酷而恶毒的情绪所支配，但他们还自以为是上帝的选民。圣殿里的礼节还是照旧奉行，祭牲照旧献在已被污秽的祭坛上，祭司们每日照旧祈求上帝赐福给那染了上帝爱子之血而同时还在设法杀害他仆人和使徒的子民。照样，正当天上圣所中宣布那无法挽回的判决，而这世界的命运已经永远决定的时候，地上的居民也是不知道的。上帝的圣灵已经最后收回了，但那些人还是照旧举行宗教礼拜，而且邪恶之君所用以鼓动恶人去完成他毒计的热忱，看上去倒像是为上帝发热心呢。[6]{GC 615.1}
§14
When Gods presence was finally withdrawn from the Jewish nation, priests and people knew it not. Though under the control of Satan, and swayed by the most horrible and malignant passions, they still regarded themselves as the chosen of God. The ministration in the temple continued; sacrifices were offered upon its polluted altars, and daily the divine blessing was invoked upon a people guilty of the blood of Gods dear Son and seeking to slay His ministers and apostles. So when the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary has been pronounced and the destiny of the world has been forever fixed, the inhabitants of the earth will know it not. The forms of religion will be continued by a people from whom the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn; and the satanic zeal with which the prince of evil will inspire them for the accomplishment of his malignant designs, will bear the semblance of zeal for God. {GC 615.1}[6]
§15
安息日的问题已经成为全基督教界斗争的焦点。宗教和政治的权威已经联合起来要强迫人去遵守星期日。那时，少数坚决不肯服从群众之要求的人，便要普遍地成为憎恶和咒骂的目标。有人要鼓动说，对于少数反对教会制度和国家法令的人不应予以宽容，宁可让他们受苦，免得全国陷于混乱和无法律的状态之中。在一千八百多年前，犹太“治理百姓的”，也曾拿这同一个论据来反对基督。那狡猾的该亚法说：“独不想一个人替百姓死，免得通国灭亡，就是你们的益处。”（约11:50）这一个论据要显为非常合理。最后便有命令发出，制裁那些尊第四诫之安息日为圣的人，斥责他们为应受最严厉处分的人，并指定一个期限，让众人在期满之后，得以自由把这些人置于死地。旧大陆的罗马教和新大陆背道的基督教都要采取一致的行动，去对付那些尊重全部神圣诫命的人。[7]{GC 615.2}
§16
As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the state ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. The same argument many centuries ago was brought against Christ by the rulers of the people. It is expedient for us, said the wily Caiaphas, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. John 11:50. This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts. {GC 615.2}[7]
§17
这时，上帝的子民要被卷入困苦和患难之中，就是先知所形容“雅各遭难的时候”。“耶和华如此说，我们听见的声音，是战抖而不平安的声音。……脸面都变青了呢！哀哉！那日为大，无日可比！这是雅各遭难的时候，但他必被救出来。”（耶30:5-7）[8]{GC 616.1}
§18
The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacobs trouble. Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. . . . All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacobs trouble; but he shall be saved out of it. Jeremiah 30:5-7. {GC 616.1}[8]
§19
雅各在那惨痛的一夜为脱离以扫的手而“摔跤”祈祷（见创32:24-30）乃预表上帝的子民在大艰难时期中的经验，雅各因骗取父亲所打算赐给以扫的福，就因他哥哥凶狠的威吓而逃命。在流亡他乡多年之后，他便遵照上帝的吩咐带着妻子儿女，羊群和牛群，起身转回故土。及至到了本乡的边界时，他便满心恐慌，因为听说他的哥哥以扫带有一队战士迎面而来，无疑地是要报仇雪恨。雅各这一队人既无武装，又无防御，显然是要沦为强暴与屠杀的可怜牺牲品了。这时，他除了焦虑和惧怕之外，还有自责自恨的重担压在心上，因为这次的危险乃是他自己的罪所招来的。他的唯一希望乃是上帝的怜悯，他的唯一保障就是祷告。虽然如此，他还是尽到自己的力量，去向哥哥认错求和，以避免临头的危险。照样，基督徒也应在艰难的时期临近时，尽量在众人面前把真情实况阐明，为要消除偏见，并避免那威胁良心自由的危险。[9]{GC 616.2}
§20
Jacobs night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau (Genesis 32:24-30), represents the experience of Gods people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his fathers blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brothers deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at Gods command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esaus approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacobs company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach, for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience. {GC 616.2}[9]
§21
雅各在打发他的家属前行，使他们不得看见他的忧愁之后，他便单独留在后面向上帝祈求。他承认自己的罪，并感谢上帝所赐给他的恩典，同时也深自谦卑地申述上帝与他列祖所立的约，和主在伯特利夜间的异象中，以及在他逃亡之地向他所发的应许。他一生的危机已经来到，形势严重，千钧一发。在黑暗与孤寂之中，他继续祈祷，在上帝面前自卑。忽然有一只手按在他的肩头上，他以为是仇敌来寻索他的命，他就使出全身的力量与这个敌人拼命摔跤。及至天快亮的时候，那个陌生的人用他超人的力量一摸他的对手，强壮的雅各就似乎全身瘫痪了，他便软弱无力地伏在那神秘的敌人颈项上哭泣。这时他才晓得这同他摔跤的乃是立约的天使。雅各虽然毫无能力，而且极其疼痛，但他还是不放弃自己的宗旨。他已经长久因自己的罪而忍受困惑、痛悔和苦恼，现在他必须得到蒙赦免的保证。这位神圣的访问者似乎要离开了，但雅各却拉着他，求他祝福。天使催着说，“容我去吧，因天黎明了。”但这位先祖却请求说，“你不给我祝福，我就不容你去。”这里所显示的是何等的信赖，坚毅和恒忍！倘若这是一种自夸或僭妄的要求，雅各就不免要立刻被除灭，但他所表现的乃是一颗赤心：承认自己的软弱和不配，而依然信赖守约之上帝的恩典。[10]{GC 616.3}
§22
Having sent his family away, that they may not witness his distress, Jacob remains alone to intercede with God. He confesses his sin and gratefully acknowledges the mercy of God toward him while with deep humiliation he pleads the covenant made with his fathers and the promises to himself in the night vision at Bethel and in the land of his exile. The crisis in his life has come; everything is at stake. In the darkness and solitude he continues praying and humbling himself before God. Suddenly a hand is laid upon his shoulder. He thinks that an enemy is seeking his life, and with all the energy of despair he wrestles with his assailant. As the day begins to break, the stranger puts forth his superhuman power; at his touch the strong man seems paralyzed, and he falls, a helpless, weeping suppliant, upon the neck of his mysterious antagonist. Jacob knows now that it is the Angel of the covenant with whom he has been in conflict. Though disabled and suffering the keenest pain, he does not relinquish his purpose. Long has he endured perplexity, remorse, and trouble for his sin; now he must have the assurance that it is pardoned. The divine visitant seems about to depart; but Jacob clings to Him, pleading for a blessing. The Angel urges, Let Me go, for the day breaketh; but the patriarch exclaims, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. What confidence, what firmness and perseverance, are here displayed! Had this been a boastful, presumptuous claim, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his weakness and unworthiness, yet trusts the mercy of a covenant-keeping God. {GC 616.3}[10]
§23
他“与天使较力，并且得胜。”（何12:4）借着自卑、痛悔和献身，这个有罪、犯错而必死的人竟然得胜了天上的主宰。他曾用战战兢兢的手紧紧握住上帝的应许，而无穷慈爱的主不能拒绝这个罪人的恳求。为要标志他的胜利，并鼓励别人效法他的榜样起见，他的名字就改变了，把那叫他想起自己罪恶的名字改为一个纪念他胜利的名字。雅各既“得胜”了上帝，这就保证他也必得胜世人。他不再惧怕去应付他哥哥的忿怒了，因为上帝已经作了他的保障。[11]{GC 617.1}
§24
He had power over the Angel, and prevailed. Hosea 12:4. Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinners plea. As an evidence of his triumph and an encouragement to others to imitate his example, his name was changed from one which was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. And the fact that Jacob had prevailed with God was an assurance that he would prevail with men. He no longer feared to encounter his brothers anger, for the Lord was his defense. {GC 617.1}[11]
§25
撒但曾在上帝的众天使面前控告雅各，并因他的罪而声称自己有权毁灭他，撒但已经激动以扫前来攻击他，并且在这位先祖整夜角力时，设法用一种自知有罪的感觉压迫他，使他灰心，并折断他那握住上帝的手。雅各被迫濒于绝境，但他知道若没有从天上来的帮助，他就必灭亡。他已经真诚地悔改自己的大罪，并且祈求上帝的怜悯。所以他决不转离自己的宗旨，却紧紧握住天使，并用热切和惨痛的哭声呈上他的恳求，直到他得了胜利为止。[12]{GC 618.1}
§26
Satan had accused Jacob before the angels of God, claiming the right to destroy him because of his sin; he had moved upon Esau to march against him; and during the patriarchs long night of wrestling, Satan endeavored to force upon him a sense of his guilt in order to discourage him and break his hold upon God. Jacob was driven almost to despair; but he knew that without help from heaven he must perish. He had sincerely repented of his great sin, and he appealed to the mercy of God. He would not be turned from his purpose, but held fast the Angel and urged his petition with earnest, agonizing cries until he prevailed. {GC 618.1}[12]
§27
撒但怎样鼓动以扫来攻击雅各，照样，他也要在大艰难的时期鼓动罪人起来毁灭上帝的子民。他从前如何控告雅各，将来也要如何控告主的百姓。他把全人类都看为自己的属下，只有少数遵守上帝诫命的人拒绝他的威权。如果他能把他们从地上除灭，他的胜利就必是完全的了。他看见有圣天使在保护他们，从此他推断他们的罪必是已蒙赦免，但他还不知道他们的案件在天上的圣所里已经决定了。他清楚地知道自己过去引诱他们犯了什么罪。这时他把这些罪夸大地罗列在上帝面前，并声称这些人应该像他一样被排除在上帝的恩眷之外。他声称上帝若赦免这些人的罪，而毁灭他和他的使者，那是不公平的。他主张这些人是他的俘虏，所以要求把他们交在他手中，任他除灭他们。[13]{GC 618.2}
§28
As Satan influenced Esau to march against Jacob, so he will stir up the wicked to destroy Gods people in the time of trouble. And as he accused Jacob, he will urge his accusations against the people of God. He numbers the world as his subjects; but the little company who keep the commandments of God are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. He sees that holy angels are guarding them, and he infers that their sins have been pardoned; but he does not know that their cases have been decided in the sanctuary above. He has an accurate knowledge of the sins which he has tempted them to commit, and he presents these before God in the most exaggerated light, representing this people to be just as deserving as himself of exclusion from the favor of God. He declares that the Lord cannot in justice forgive their sins and yet destroy him and his angels. He claims them as his prey and demands that they be given into his hands to destroy. {GC 618.2}[13]
§29
当撒但因上帝的子民的罪而在他面前控告他们时，主让他尽量试炼他们。他们对于上帝的信心，他们的忠心和坚毅将要受到严格的考验。当他们回顾自己的一生时，他们的希望消沉了，因为在他们的整个生活中简直看不出什么良善。他们充分认识自己的软弱和不配。撒但要恐吓他们，叫他们想自己是没有希望的，以为自己污秽的罪迹是永远不能洗除的。他希望能破坏他们信仰，叫他们屈从他的试探，并不再效忠上帝。[14]{GC 618.3}
§30
As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations and turn from their allegiance to God. {GC 618.3}[14]
§31
虽然上帝的子民被那些决心要毁灭他们的仇敌所围困，但他们所感到的愁苦，还不是因为怕为真理受逼迫，乃是怕自己还没有悔改一切的罪，或因自己的某一些过失而使救主的应许不能实现在他们身上。“我必在普天下人受试炼的时候，保守你免去你的试炼。”（启3:10）他们若能得到赦免的保证，就不怕受苦刑或死亡了，但如果他们不配作他的子民，并因自己品格上的缺点而丧命，那么上帝的圣名就必受到羞辱。[15]{GC 619.1}
§32
Though Gods people will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon their destruction, yet the anguish which they suffer is not a dread of persecution for the truths sake; they fear that every sin has not been repented of, and that through some fault in themselves they will fail to realize the fulfillment of the Saviours promise: I will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world. Revelation 3:10. If they could have the assurance of pardon they would not shrink from torture or death; but should they prove unworthy, and lose their lives because of their own defects of character, then Gods holy name would be reproached. {GC 619.1}[15]
§33
他们从各处所听到的尽是背信的阴谋，所看到的尽是叛逆的积极活动，这使他们从心中发出一种迫切的渴望，希望这种大叛道早日结束，恶人的罪恶立即终止。但当他们祈求上帝制止这叛逆的工作时，他们也深深自责，因为他们没有更大的力量去抗拒并阻止这罪恶的洪流。他们感到如果他们过去用尽一切的才能来侍奉基督，并再接再厉地向前迈进，撒但的势力就不至于这么猖獗地攻击他们了。[16]{GC 619.2}
§34
On every hand they hear the plottings of treason and see the active working of rebellion; and there is aroused within them an intense desire, an earnest yearning of soul, that this great apostasy may be terminated and the wickedness of the wicked may come to an end. But while they plead with God to stay the work of rebellion, it is with a keen sense of self-reproach that they themselves have no more power to resist and urge back the mighty tide of evil. They feel that had they always employed all their ability in the service of Christ, going forward from strength to strength, Satans forces would have less power to prevail against them. {GC 619.2}[16]
§35
他们在上帝面前刻苦己心，指出自己过去怎样为许多罪恶悔改，并提出救主的应许说：“让他持住我的能力，使他与我和好，愿他与我和好。”（赛27:5）他们并不因自己的祷告未能立时蒙允而失去信心。他们虽能感到深切的焦虑，恐惧和窘迫，但他们仍不停止祈祷。他们持住上帝的能力，正如雅各持住天使一样，他们心灵的呼声，乃是：“你不给我祝福，我就不容你去。”[17]{GC 619.3}
§36
They afflict their souls before God, pointing to their past repentance of their many sins, and pleading the Saviours promise: Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me. Isaiah 27:5. Their faith does not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. Though suffering the keenest anxiety, terror, and distress, they do not cease their intercessions. They lay hold of the strength of God as Jacob laid hold of the Angel; and the language of their souls is: I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me. {GC 619.3}[17]
§37
雅各过去若没有悔改那骗取长子权分的罪，上帝就不会垂听他的祈祷而慈怜地保全他的性命。照样，在大艰难的时期中，当上帝的子民因惧怕和痛苦而受折磨时，如果他们发现还有未曾承认的罪，他们就必站立不住，他们的信心必因绝望而消灭，他们就再没有把握祈求上帝拯救他们了。但事实上他们虽然深觉自己不配，他们并没有发现什么隐藏的罪。原来他们的罪已经“先到审判案前”被涂抹了，这时他们自己也想不起来了。[18]{GC 620.1}
§38
Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God would not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So, in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have gone beforehand to judgment and have been blotted out, and they cannot bring them to remembrance. {GC 620.1}[18]
§39
撒但引诱许多人相信，上帝必要放过他们在小事上的不忠心，但从主对待雅各的事上，我们可以看出，他决不容忍罪恶。凡想原谅或遮盖自己的罪，并让它留在天上的案卷中未经承认也未蒙赦免的人，都要被撒但所胜。他们的表白越夸耀，他们的地位越尊贵，他们的罪在上帝看来就越为严重，而他们的大仇敌撒但所作的胜利也就越为确定了。凡迟迟不为上帝的大日作准备的人，决不能在大艰难的时期之中，或在该时期之后，再有准备机会了。这一等人的案件都是没有希望的。[19]{GC 620.2}
§40
Satan leads many to believe that God will overlook their unfaithfulness in the minor affairs of life; but the Lord shows in His dealings with Jacob that He will in no wise sanction or tolerate evil. All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the books of heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of God and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary. Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless. {GC 620.2}[19]
§41
那些不为最后可怕的大斗争作准备的自命为基督徒的，将要在绝望之中用悔恨悲痛的话承认自己的罪，同时恶人要因他们的苦恼而欢喜雀跃。这些人的认罪同以扫和犹大的认罪是一样的。他们乃是为罪的结果，不是为罪的本身而悔恨。他们没有感觉真实的痛悔，也没有憎恨罪恶。他们之所以承认自己的罪，乃是因为惧怕刑罚，但他们正像古时的法老一样，只要刑罚一消除，他们就必转过来反抗上天。[20]{GC 620.3}
§42
Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict unprepared will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. These confessions are of the same character as was that of Esau or of Judas. Those who make them, lament the result of transgression, but not its guilt. They feel no true contrition, no abhorrence of evil. They acknowledge their sin, through fear of punishment; but, like Pharaoh of old, they would return to their defiance of Heaven should the judgments be removed. {GC 620.3}[20]
§43
雅各的历史也是一个凭据，证明凡受欺骗，遭试探，并陷于罪恶之中的人，只要回头，真心悔改归主，上帝决不丢弃他们。撒但虽然设法除灭这一等人，但上帝却要差遣天使在艰难中安慰并保护他们。撒但的袭击固然猛烈而坚决，他的欺骗固然可怕，但耶和华的眼目必眷顾他的子民，他的耳朵垂听他们的呼求。他们的苦难虽然惨重，熊熊的烈火似乎要烧灭他们，但那熬炼他们的主必要把他们从火中取出来，如同火炼的金子一样。上帝对他儿女的爱心在试炼最剧烈的时候，和在顺利繁荣的时候是一样坚强而温慈的。但他们放置于炉火中乃是必需的，他们那世俗化的成分必须焚烬，使基督的形象可以在他们身上完全反映出来。[21]{GC 621.1}
§44
Jacobs history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, God will send His angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lords eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. Gods love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace of fire; their earthliness must be consumed, that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected. {GC 621.1}[21]
§45
我们需要一种能以忍受疲劳，迟延和饥饿的信心来应付那即将临到我们的忧患和痛苦的时期，这种信心纵然经受最惨重的试炼，也不至于衰退。上帝给人一个恩典时期，使人人都可以准备应付这未来的考验。雅各的得胜是因为他有恒心和决心。他的胜利说明了恳切祈祷的力量。凡能像雅各一样持守上帝的应许，并像他一样热切呼求坚持到底的人，必能像他一样成功。凡不愿克己，不愿在上帝面前挣扎，不愿恒切求主赐福的人，必一无所得。与上帝“角力”，能体会这一句话的人，真是寥寥无几！有几个人曾因渴慕上帝而不遗余力地寻求他呢？当那说不出来的绝望之感，像浪涛一样猛然冲击祈求上帝的人时，又有几个人能以不屈不挠的信心持住上帝的应许呢？[22]{GC 621.2}
§46
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger--a faith that will not faint though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of Gods promises, as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for His blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God--how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. {GC 621.2}[22]
§47
那些在目前很少操练信心的人，将来最容易屈服于撒但诱惑的能力和强迫信仰的法令之下。即或他们经得起这种试炼，但他们在大艰难的时期却要被卷入更深的忧患和痛苦之中，因为他们没有养成信赖上帝的习惯。他们现今所忽略信心的操练，他们必须在灰心绝望的非常压力之下从头学起。[23]{GC 622.1}
§48
Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement. {GC 622.1}[23]
§49
我们现今就应当借着实验上帝的应许去认识他。每一个真诚恳切的祈祷，天使都要记录下来。我们宁可放弃自私的享乐，而不可忽略与上帝交往。最贫困的环境和应克己的生活，只要得到上帝的喜悦，总比安富尊荣，高朋满座更有价值。我们必须用功夫祈祷。如果我们让自己的思想专注于属世的事业上，上帝或许会挪去我们的美宅良田，金银财宝等偶像，使我们有功夫与他亲近。[24]{GC 622.2}
§50
We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving His promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with His approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to be absorbed by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands. {GC 622.2}[24]
§51
青年人若能远离歧途，而只行在他们所确信上帝能以赐福的道路上，他们就不至于受引诱而陷入罪恶之中了。现今那些向世人宣传最后严肃警告的福音使者若不是以冷淡、轻率和懒惰的态度，而能像雅各一样热切地凭着信心祈求上帝赐福，他们就必有许多的地方可以说是，“我面对面见了上帝，我的性命仍得保全。”（创32:30）天庭也要看他们为以色列，有得胜上帝和世人的能力。[25]{GC 622.3}
§52
The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path save that upon which they could ask Gods blessing. If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner, but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places where they could say: I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved. Genesis 32:30. They would be accounted of heaven as princes, having power to prevail with God and with men. {GC 622.3}[25]
§53
“从有国以来直到此时”所没有过的大艰难，很快就要在我们面前展开了，所以我们需要一种我们现今还没有，而许多人懒于寻求的经验。世间往往有一些艰难，实际上并不像所预料的那么严重，但这一个摆在我们面前的危机却不是这样。最生动的言语也不足以形容这一次的大考验于万一。在这个时期中，每一个人必须单独站立在上帝面前。“虽有挪亚、但以理、约伯在其中，主耶和华说，我指着我的永生起誓，他们连儿带女都不能救，只能因他们的义救自己的性命。”（结14:20）[26]{GC 622.4}
§54
The time of trouble, such as never was, is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. In that time of trial, every soul must stand for himself before God. Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in the land, as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness. Ezekiel 14:20. {GC 622.4}[26]
§55
现今，在我们的大祭司还在为我们赎罪的时候，我们应当追求在基督里得以完全。我们的救主就是在一个念头上，也从来没有屈服于试探的势力。撒但在人的心中总能找到立足之地，在那里总保留有一点罪恶的欲望，使撒但能发挥他试探的力量。但基督却论到自己说：“这世界的王将到，他在我里面是毫无所有。”（约14:30）撒但在上帝儿子里面找不到什么可以使他胜过基督的余地。基督已经遵守天父的诫命，所以在他里面没有罪恶可供撒但利用。这种条件乃是一切要在大艰难的时期中站立得住的人所必须具备的。[27]{GC 623.1}
§56
Now, while our great High Priest is making the atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. Not even by a thought could our Saviour be brought to yield to the power of temptation. Satan finds in human hearts some point where he can gain a foothold; some sinful desire is cherished, by means of which his temptations assert their power. But Christ declared of Himself: The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me. John 14:30. Satan could find nothing in the Son of God that would enable him to gain the victory. He had kept His Fathers commandments, and there was no sin in Him that Satan could use to his advantage. This is the condition in which those must be found who shall stand in the time of trouble. {GC 623.1}[27]
§57
我们必须在今生借着信赖基督赎罪的宝血与罪恶脱离关系。我们可爱的救主邀请我们与他联合，使他的力量补足我们的软弱，使他的智慧代替我们的愚昧，使他的功劳遮盖我们的不配。上帝所引领的道路无异是我们的学校，使我们可以学习耶稣的柔和与谦卑。上帝为我们指明的途径不是我们自己所要选择似乎比较容易比较愉快的，而是那符合人生真宗旨的途径。我们的责任就是与上天的能力合作，这能力要使我们的品格与那神圣的模范相符。没有人能忽略或延误这种工作，而不在灵性上受到极可怕的危害。[28]{GC 623.2}
§58
It is in this life that we are to separate sin from us, through faith in the atoning blood of Christ. Our precious Saviour invites us to join ourselves to Him, to unite our weakness to His strength, our ignorance to His wisdom, our unworthiness to His merits. Gods providence is the school in which we are to learn the meekness and lowliness of Jesus. The Lord is ever setting before us, not the way we would choose, which seems easier and pleasanter to us, but the true aims of life. It rests with us to co-operate with the agencies which Heaven employs in the work of conforming our characters to the divine model. None can neglect or defer this work but at the most fearful peril to their souls. {GC 623.2}[28]
§59
使徒约翰在异象中听见从天上有大声音说：“地与海有祸了！因为魔鬼知道自己的时候不多，就气忿忿的下到你们那里去了。”（启12:12）那使天庭发出这种感叹的现象是极其可怕的。撒但的时间越短，他的忿怒就越大，所以他欺骗和毁灭的工作要在大艰难的时期中达到顶点。[29]{GC 623.3}
§60
The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in heaven exclaiming: Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. Revelation 12:12. Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction will reach its culmination in the time of trouble. {GC 623.3}[29]
§61
不久天空要出现一种超自然的惊人现象，作为行奇事的魔鬼能力的表征。恶魔的灵将要出动到“普天下众王”那里，诱惑他们，并怂恿他们在反抗天上政权的最后斗争中与撒但联合。因这些恶灵的工作，统治者和一般平民都要受他的欺骗。有人要起来假冒基督，叫人把那应当归给世界救赎主的尊号敬拜归给他们。他们要行医病的神迹奇事，并声称自己有天上来的启示，与《圣经》的见证相反。[30]{GC 624.1}
§62
Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world, to fasten them in deception, and urge them on to unite with Satan in his last struggle against the government of heaven. By these agencies, rulers and subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be Christ Himself, and claiming the title and worship which belong to the worlds Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of healing and will profess to have revelations from heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures. {GC 624.1}[30]
§63
这巨大的骗局之中最惊人的一幕乃是撒但亲自化装为基督。教会久已声称她仰望救主的复临，作为她一切希望的最后实现。这时那大骗子撒但便要出现，使人信相基督已经来了。撒但要在许多地方以辉煌和威严的姿态出现在人面前，好像先知约翰在启示录中所形容上帝儿子的样式（见启1:13-15）。他周围的荣光是肉眼所从来没有见过的。于是凯旋呐喊要响彻云霄，说：“基督已经来了！基督已经来了！”众人要俯伏在他面前敬拜他，同时他要举起双手，为他们祝福，正像基督在世上为门徒祝福一样。他的声调优美、温柔和婉。他也要用文雅慈祥的口吻，说出一些救主从前所发表亲切的属天的真理，他先治众人的疾病，最后便要冒基督的名宣称自己已经把安息日改为星期日，并命令人人都要守他所赐福的日子为圣日。他又说，那些坚持遵守第七日为圣日的人正是亵渎了他的圣名，因为他们不听从他所差来带亮光与真理给他们的天使。这乃是最强烈而压倒一切的大欺骗。正如古时撒玛利亚人受了行邪术的西门的欺骗一样，许多的人，从最小的到最大的，都要信服这些邪术，说：这是“上帝的大能”（徒8:10）。[31]{GC 624.2}
§64
As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviours advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. Revelation 1:13-15. The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air: Christ has come! Christ has come! The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed His disciples when He was upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying: This is the great power of God. Acts 8:10. {GC 624.2}[31]
§65
但上帝的真子民却不至于受迷惑。因为这个假基督的教训是与《圣经》不相符合的。他乃是为那些拜兽和兽像的人祝福，论到这一等人，《圣经》有话说，上帝纯一不杂的忿怒必要倾在他们身上。[32]{GC 625.1}
§66
But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures. His blessing is pronounced upon the worshipers of the beast and his image, the very class upon whom the Bible declares that Gods unmingled wrath shall be poured out. {GC 625.1}[32]
§67
再者，上帝也不准撒但伪装基督再来的真样式。救主已经警告他的子民，在这一点上不要受欺骗，并且已经很清楚地预言到自己复临的样式，说：“因为假基督、假先知，将要起来，显大神迹、大奇事，倘若能行，连选民也就迷惑了。……若有人对你们说：看哪！基督在旷野里，你们不要出去；或说，看哪！基督在内屋中，你们不要信。闪电从东边发出，直照到西边，人子降临也要这样。”（太24:24-27,31；25:31；启1:7；帖前4:16-17）这种降临的样式是撒但所无法假冒的，而是全世界的人所必定知道，亲眼看见的。[33]{GC 625.2}
§68
And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of Christs advent. The Saviour has warned His people against deception upon this point, and has clearly foretold the manner of His second coming. There shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. . . . Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert; go not forth; behold, He is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Matthew 24:24-27, 31; 25:31; Revelation 1:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. This coming there is no possibility of counterfeiting. It will be universally known--witnessed by the whole world. {GC 625.2}[33]
§69
唯有那些殷勤查考《圣经》，并“领受爱真理的心”的人，才能得蒙护庇，不受这迷惑全世界的大欺骗。由于《圣经》的见证，这些人必能看穿欺骗者的伪装。这试验的时候将要临到每一个人。由于试探的淘汰作用，真实的基督徒就要显露出来。今日上帝的子民是否能坚立在《圣经》上，以至不屈从自己耳闻目睹的事情呢？在这危机之中，他们能不能固守《圣经》，以《圣经》为唯一的根据呢？撒但必要在可能的范围之内阻止他们，不让他们有功夫作准备，以便在那日来到时能以站立得住。他要布置环境拦阻他们的进路，用属世的财富来缠住他们，使他们担负沉重烦恼的担子，以至他们的心被今生的思虑所累，这样，那试炼的日子就必像贼一样的临到。[34]{GC 625.3}
§70
Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the Bible testimony these will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To all the testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation the genuine Christian will be revealed. Are the people of God now so firmly established upon His word that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling to the Bible and the Bible only? Satan will, if possible, prevent them from obtaining a preparation to stand in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that their hearts may be overcharged with the cares of this life and the day of trial may come upon them as a thief. {GC 625.3}[34]
§71
当基督教世界各国的执政者发布命令制裁守诫命的人，声明政府不再保护他们，并任凭那些希望看他们消灭的人肆意蹂躏的时候，上帝的子民便要从各城镇各乡村中，成群结队地迁居到极荒凉的偏僻之处。许多人要在山寨中找到避难所。像昔日皮德梦特山谷中的瓦典西信徒一样，他们要以地上的高处作他们的居所，并且为这“磐石的坚垒”感谢上帝（见赛33:16）。但从各国和各阶层中必有许多人，不分富贵贫贱，不论肤色黑白，都要落到极不公平而残酷的束缚之下。上帝所喜爱的子民必要经过困苦的日子，被铁链捆锁，囚在牢狱之内，被判死刑，有些人要被放在黑暗而污浊的地窖里，显然被丢在那里饿死。那时没有人倾听他们的哀苦呻吟，也没有人伸手援助他们。[35]{GC 626.1}
§72
As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against commandment keepers shall withdraw the protection of government and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the people of God will flee from the cities and villages and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries and will thank God for the munitions of rocks. Isaiah 33:16. But many of all nations and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The beloved of God pass weary days, bound in chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons. No human ear is open to hear their moans; no human hand is ready to lend them help. {GC 626.1}[35]
§73
在这考验的时期，耶和华是否要忘记他的百姓呢？当刑罚临到洪水世代的时候，上帝曾忘记了忠心的挪亚吗？当天上降火焚烧所多玛平原诸城的时候，他曾忘记罗得吗？当约瑟被困在埃及拜偶像的人中时，主曾忘记他吗？当耶洗别发誓要使以利亚与巴力诸先知同遭杀戮时，主曾忘记以利亚吗？主曾忘记那在黑暗凄凉的泥坑中的耶利米吗？他曾忘记那在烈火窑中的三个志士吗？他曾忘记那在狮子洞中的但以理吗？[36]{GC 626.2}
§74
Will the Lord forget His people in this trying hour? Did He forget faithful Noah when judgments were visited upon the antediluvian world? Did He forget Lot when the fire came down from heaven to consume the cities of the plain? Did He forget Joseph surrounded by idolaters in Egypt? Did He forget Elijah when the oath of Jezebel threatened him with the fate of the prophets of Baal? Did He forget Jeremiah in the dark and dismal pit of his prison house? Did He forget the three worthies in the fiery furnace? or Daniel in the den of lions? {GC 626.2}[36]
§75
“锡安说，耶和华离弃了我，主忘记了我。妇人焉能忘记她吃奶的婴孩，不怜恤她所生的儿子？即或有忘记的，我却不忘记你，看哪，我将你铭刻在我掌上。”（赛49:14-16）万军之耶和华说：“摸你们的，就是摸他眼中的瞳人。”（亚2:8）[37]{GC 626.3}
§76
Zion said, The Lord hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me. Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands. Isaiah 49:14-16. The Lord of hosts has said: He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye. Zechariah 2:8. {GC 626.3}[37]
§77
仇敌虽然把他们投在监牢里，但临牢的墙却不能阻隔他们与基督之间的交通。那知道他们每一弱点，熟悉他们每一试炼的主，是超乎一切地上权威之上的，他要差遣天使到这些凄凉的牢狱中，将天上的平安与光辉带给他们。这些监牢将要变成王宫，因为大有信心的人住在其中，阴沉的墙垣将被天上的光辉所照耀，如同保罗和西拉在腓立比的监牢中半夜唱诗祈祷的时候一样。[38]{GC 627.1}
§78
Though enemies may thrust them into prison, yet dungeon walls cannot cut off the communication between their souls and Christ. One who sees their every weakness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above all earthly powers; and angels will come to them in lonely cells, bringing light and peace from heaven. The prison will be as a palace; for the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy walls will be lighted up with heavenly light as when Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises at midnight in the Philippian dungeon. {GC 627.1}[38]
§79
上帝的刑罚要临到一切想要压迫并消灭他子民的人。因上帝长久宽容恶人，所以他们就大胆犯罪，他们的报应虽然迟延多时，但至终必然来到，毫厘不爽。“耶和华必兴起，像在毗拉心山，他必发怒，像在基遍谷，好作成他的工，就是非常的工；成就他的事，就是奇异的事。”（赛28:21）在我们慈悲的上帝看来，施行刑罚乃是一桩奇异的事。“主耶和华说，我指着我的永生起誓，我断不喜悦恶人死亡。”（结33:11）耶和华“是有怜悯，有恩典的上帝，不轻易发怒，并有丰盛的慈爱和诚实。……赦免罪孽，过犯和罪恶，万不以有罪的为无罪。”“耶和华不轻易发怒，大有能力，万不以有罪的为无罪。”（出34:6-7；鸿1:3）主将“以威严秉公义”维护他那被践踏之律法的权威。从耶和华的迟迟不愿执行公义报应的这一件事上，我们可以看出那将要临到世人身上的刑罚必是多么可怕。上帝所容忍已久的百姓，他不加以打击，直到他们在上帝面前恶贯满盈，那时他们便要喝那“纯一不杂”的忿怒之杯。[39]{GC 627.2}
§80
Gods judgments will be visited upon those who are seeking to oppress and destroy His people. His long forbearance with the wicked emboldens men in transgression, but their punishment is nonetheless certain and terrible because it is long delayed. The Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perazim, He shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that He may do His work, His strange work; and bring to pass His act, His strange act. Isaiah 28:21. To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Ezekiel 33:11. The Lord is merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, . . . forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin. Yet He will by no means clear the guilty. The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. Exodus 34:6, 7; Nahum 1:3. By terrible things in righteousness He will vindicate the authority of His downtrodden law. The severity of the retribution awaiting the transgressor may be judged by the Lords reluctance to execute justice. The nation with which He bears long, and which He will not smite until it has filled up the measure of its iniquity in Gods account, will finally drink the cup of wrath unmixed with mercy. {GC 627.2}[39]
§81
当基督在天上的圣所中停止他中保的工作时，那宣布在一切拜兽和兽像和接受兽印之人身上的纯一不杂的忿怒，将要倾出。（见启14:9-10）上帝在要拯救以色列人出埃及的时候所降给埃及人的灾难，和他子民最后得救之前所要降给世人更可怖，更普遍的刑罚是相似的。蒙启示的使徒约翰形容这些骇人的惩罚，说：“有恶而且毒的疮，生在那些有兽印记，拜兽像的人身上。……海就变成血，好像死人的血，海中的活物都死了。……江河与众水的泉源……，水就变成血。”（启16:2-4）这些灾害固然极其可怕，但上帝的公义却借此完全显明了。上帝的天使说：“昔在今在的圣者啊，你这样判断是公义的，他们曾流圣徒和先知的血，现在你给他们血喝，这是他们所该受的。”（启16:5-6）他们既然判定上帝的子民受死，所以即或他们没有亲手去执行，但实际上他们已经流了圣徒的血。正如基督所说，自从亚伯的时代起，杀害一切圣人的血，都要归在基督时代的犹太人身上，这是因为他们具有屠杀先知者的同一个精神，并打算作同一种工作。[40]{GC 627.3}
§82
When Christ ceases His intercession in the sanctuary, the unmingled wrath threatened against those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark (Revelation 14:9, 10), will be poured out. The plagues upon Egypt when God was about to deliver Israel were similar in character to those more terrible and extensive judgments which are to fall upon the world just before the final deliverance of Gods people. Says the revelator, in describing those terrific scourges: There fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshiped his image. The sea became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea. And the rivers and fountains of waters . . . became blood. Terrible as these inflictions are, Gods justice stands fully vindicated. The angel of God declares: Thou art righteous, O Lord, . . . because Thou hast judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and Thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. Revelation 16:2-6. By condemning the people of God to death, they have as truly incurred the guilt of their blood as if it had been shed by their hands. In like manner Christ declared the Jews of His time guilty of all the blood of holy men which had been shed since the days of Abel; for they possessed the same spirit and were seeking to do the same work with these murderers of the prophets. {GC 627.3}[40]
§83
接着而降的灾难，就是有能力加给日头，“叫日头能用火烤人，人被大热所烤。”（启16:8-9）先知形容世界在这可怖时期中的景况，说：“田荒凉，地悲哀，因为五谷毁坏，……田野一切的树木，也都枯干，众人的喜乐尽都消灭。”“谷种在土块下朽烂，仓也荒凉。……牲畜哀鸣，牛群混乱，因为无草。……溪水干涸，火也烧灭旷野的草场。”“主耶和华说，那日殿中的诗歌变为哀号，必有许多尸首在各处抛弃，无人作声。”（珥1:10-12；17-20；摩8:3）[41]{GC 628.1}
§84
In the plague that follows, power is given to the sun to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat. Verses 8, 9. The prophets thus describe the condition of the earth at this fearful time: The land mourneth; . . . because the harvest of the field is perished. . . . All the trees of the field are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men. The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate. . . . How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture. . . . The rivers of water are dried up, and the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness. The songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence. Joel 1:10-12, 17-20; Amos 8:3. {GC 628.1}[41]
§85
这些灾难并不是普遍的，否则，地上的居民就要全数消灭了。虽然如此，这些灾难仍是人类有史以来所从来没有见过的极悲惨的灾殃。在恩典时期结束之前，上帝所降给人类的一切刑罚，其中都带有慈悲怜悯的成分。那时有基督的宝血护庇罪人，使他们不致受尽罪恶的刑罚，但在最后的刑罚中，上帝要发出纯一不杂的忿怒，其中没有一点慈悲怜悯的成分。[42]{GC 628.2}
§86
These plagues are not universal, or the inhabitants of the earth would be wholly cut off. Yet they will be the most awful scourges that have ever been known to mortals. All the judgments upon men, prior to the close of probation, have been mingled with mercy. The pleading blood of Christ has shielded the sinner from receiving the full measure of his guilt; but in the final judgment, wrath is poured out unmixed with mercy. {GC 628.2}[42]
§87
在那日，许多人要渴望得到他们所长久轻视的上帝的怜悯为避难所。“主耶和华说，日子将到，我必命饥荒降在地上，人饥饿非因无饼，干渴非因无水，乃因不听耶和华的话。他们必飘流，从这海到那海，从北边到东边，往来奔跑寻求耶和华的话，却寻不着。”（摩8:11-12）[43]{GC 629.1}
§88
In that day, multitudes will desire the shelter of Gods mercy which they have so long despised. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord: and they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it. Amos 8:11, 12. {GC 629.1}[43]
§89
上帝的子民也不免遭受苦难，但他们虽然常遭逼迫，多经忧患，忍受穷乏，缺乏饮食，却必不至灭亡。那眷顾以利亚的上帝决不疏忽一个克己牺牲的儿女。那曾数过他们头发的主必要眷顾他们，而且在饥荒的时候他们必得饱足。当罪人因饥荒瘟疫而死亡的时候，天使要保护义人，并供应他们的需要。主曾应许那“行公义”的人说，“他的粮必不缺乏，他的水必不断绝。”“困苦穷乏人寻求水却没有，他们因口渴，舌头干燥，我耶和华必应允他们，我以色列的上帝必不离弃他们。”（赛33:16；41:17）[44]{GC 629.2}
§90
The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be left to perish. That God who cared for Elijah will not pass by one of His self-sacrificing children. He who numbers the hairs of their head will care for them, and in time of famine they shall be satisfied. While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield the righteous and supply their wants. To him that walketh righteously is the promise: Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. Isaiah 33:15, 16; 41:17. {GC 629.2}[44]
§91
“虽然无花果树不发旺，葡萄树不结果，橄榄树也不效力，田地不出粮食，圈中绝了羊，棚内也没有牛，然而我要因耶和华欢欣，因救我的上帝喜乐。”（哈3:17-18）[45]{GC 629.3}
§92
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet shall they that fear Him rejoice in the Lord and joy in the God of their salvation. Habakkuk 3:17, 18. {GC 629.3}[45]
§93
“保护你的是耶和华，耶和华在你右边荫庇你。白日太阳必不伤你，夜间月亮必不害你。耶和华要保护你，免受一切的灾害，他要保护你的性命。”“他必救你脱离捕鸟人的网罗和毒害的瘟疫。他必用自己的翎毛遮蔽你，你要投靠在他的翅膀底下，他的诚实，是大小的盾牌。你必不怕黑夜的惊骇，或是白日飞的箭，也不怕黑夜行的瘟疫，或是午间灭人的毒病。虽有千人仆倒在你旁边，万人仆倒在你右边，这灾却不得临近你。你唯亲眼观看，见恶人遭报。耶和华是我的避难所，你已将至高者当你的居所，祸患必不临到你，灾害也不挨近你的帐棚。”（诗121:5-7；91:3-10）[46]{GC 629.4}
§94
The Lord is thy keeper: the Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall preserve thy soul. He shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. Psalm 121:5-7; 91:3-10. {GC 629.4}[46]
§95
照人的眼光看来，上帝的子民不久必要用自己的血来印证他们的见证，如同先前的殉道者一样。他们自己也开始疑虑，耶和华已把他们交在仇敌手中了。那真是一个令人极其惊惶苦恼的时候。他们昼夜呼求上帝施行拯救。那时，恶人欢喜雀跃，发出讥诮的喊声说，“你们的信心现今在哪里呢？你们若真是上帝的子民，他为什么不拯救你们脱离我们的手呢？”但那些等候拯救的人却想起耶稣在髑髅地十字架上临死的时候，大祭司和官长如何大声戏弄他说，“他救了别人，不能救自己。他是以色列的王，现在可以从十字架上下来，我们就信他。”（太27:42）上帝的子民也要像雅各一样，与上帝摔跤角力。他们的脸上要表露内心的挣扎。各人面若死灰。然而他们仍是不住地恳切祈求。[47]{GC 630.1}
§96
Yet to human sight it will appear that the people of God must soon seal their testimony with their blood as did the martyrs before them. They themselves begin to fear that the Lord has left them to fall by the hand of their enemies. It is a time of fearful agony. Day and night they cry unto God for deliverance. The wicked exult, and the jeering cry is heard: Where now is your faith? Why does not God deliver you out of our hands if you are indeed His people? But the waiting ones remember Jesus dying upon Calvarys cross and the chief priests and rulers shouting in mockery: He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He be the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. Matthew 27:42. Like Jacob, all are wrestling with God. Their countenances express their internal struggle. Paleness sits upon every face. Yet they cease not their earnest intercession. {GC 630.1}[47]
§97
如果他们能用属天的眼光来观察，他们就必看见成群有能力的天使在一切遵守基督忍耐之道的人四围安营。天使怀着同情的怜悯，已经看见他们的苦难，并听见他们的祈祷。他们正在等候他们元帅的命令去抢救他们脱离危险。但是他们还必须等候片刻。上帝的子民必须喝基督所喝的杯，并受他所受的洗。这种迟延虽然在他们是那么痛苦难堪，却是上帝对于他们的祈求所能作最美满的答复。当他们竭力信靠而等候耶和华的作为时，他们就不得不操练信心，盼望和忍耐，这些都是他们在属灵的经验上向来所缺少的。虽然如此，但为选民的缘故，这艰难的时期将要缩短。“上帝的选民昼夜呼吁他，他纵然为他们忍了多时，……我告诉你们，要快快的给他们伸冤了。”（路18:7-8）末日之来临，要比人们所想望的更快。麦子要被收割成捆，藏入上帝的仓库，但稗子却要像柴薪一样捆成捆，准备投入毁灭的火中。[48]{GC 630.2}
§98
Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christs patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and have heard their prayers. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait trustingly for the Lord to work they are led to exercise faith, hope, and patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious experience. Yet for the elects sake the time of trouble will be shortened. Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him? . . . I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Luke 18:7, 8. The end will come more quickly than men expect. The wheat will be gathered and bound in sheaves for the garner of God; the tares will be bound as fagots for the fires of destruction. {GC 630.2}[48]
§99
守望的天使忠于职责，继续看守。虽然当局已经发出公告，规定一个期限，要把遵守诫命的人置于死地，但他们有一些仇敌不等限期来到就要设法害死他们。然而没有一个人能越过那驻守在每一个忠心信徒身旁的大能守卫者。有的地方，恶人想要袭击那从城市和乡村中逃出的义人，但那举起来击杀他们的刀剑忽然折断，并堕落于地，脆弱如草。另一些义人则有天使显出战士的形状来保护他们。[49]{GC 631.1}
§100
The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war. {GC 631.1}[49]
§101
在各世代中，上帝常用天使援助并拯救他的子民。众天使时常积极参加人间的事务，他们曾穿着发光如同闪电的衣服出现，也曾装作一个旅客来到人间。天使曾以人的形状出现在上帝的仆人面前。他们曾装作疲倦的行人在炎热的晌午，休息于橡树荫下。他们曾接受人的款待。他们曾作迷路旅客的向导者，他们曾亲手点燃祭坛上的火。他们曾打开监狱的铁门释放上帝的仆人。他们曾披着天上的甲胄，来挪移救主坟墓门口的石头。[50]{GC 631.2}
§102
In all ages, God has wrought through holy angels for the succor and deliverance of His people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared clothed in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men in the garb of wayfarers. Angels have appeared in human form to men of God. They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes. They have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They have, with their own hands, kindled the fires at the altar. They have opened prison doors and set free the servants of the Lord. Clothed with the panoply of heaven, they came to roll away the stone from the Saviours tomb. {GC 631.2}[50]
§103
天使时常以人的样式来参赴义人的聚会，也去访问恶人的议会，像从前到过所多玛城去察看他们的行为，以便决定他们是否已经越过上帝宽容的限度。耶和华喜悦怜悯，所以为了少数真心服侍主的人，他就遏制灾害，延长多数人的平安。一般的罪人很少想到自己生命之所以幸存，乃是为了他们所乐于讥诮，压迫的少数忠心信徒的缘故。[51]{GC 631.3}
§104
In the form of men, angels are often in the assemblies of the righteous; and they visit the assemblies of the wicked, as they went to Sodom, to make a record of their deeds, to determine whether they have passed the boundary of Gods forbearance. The Lord delights in mercy; and for the sake of a few who really serve Him, He restrains calamities and prolongs the tranquillity of multitudes. Little do sinners against God realize that they are indebted for their own lives to the faithful few whom they delight to ridicule and oppress. {GC 631.3}[51]
§105
地上的掌权者虽然不理会此事，但在他们的议会中，常有天使向他们发言。人的眼睛曾看见他们的形体，人的耳朵曾听见他们的劝告，人的口曾反对他们的建议，并讥诮他们的规劝。人的手也曾侮辱虐待他们。在议事厅和法庭上，这些天使曾显明自己是极熟悉人类历史的，他们也善于为许多受压迫的人代求，强过最有能干最有口才的辩护者。他们曾经破坏许多足以使上帝工作大受阻拦或使他子民大受痛苦的恶计阴谋。在危险多难之秋，“耶和华的使者，在敬畏他的人四围安营，搭救他们。”（诗34:7）[52]{GC 632.1}
§106
Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have listened to their appeals; human lips have opposed their suggestions and ridiculed their counsels; human hands have met them with insult and abuse. In the council hall and the court of justice these heavenly messengers have shown an intimate acquaintance with human history; they have proved themselves better able to plead the cause of the oppressed than were their ablest and most eloquent defenders. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have greatly retarded the work of God and would have caused great suffering to His people. In the hour of peril and distress the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. Psalm 34:7. {GC 632.1}[52]
§107
上帝的子民怀着热切的渴望等候他们的王降临的征兆。当人们问守望者说：“夜里如何？”他就毫不踌躇地回答说，“早晨将到，黑夜也来。”（赛21:11-12）在山顶的云彩上已经发出微光。不久主的荣耀就要显现。公义的日头即将出现。早晨和黑夜都已近在眼前，在义人，这是永恒白昼的开始，在恶人，则是永久黑夜的来临。[53]{GC 632.2}
§108
With earnest longing, Gods people await the tokens of their coming King. As the watchmen are accosted, What of the night? the answer is given unfalteringly, The morning cometh, and also the night. Isaiah 21:11, 12. Light is gleaming upon the clouds above the mountaintops. Soon there will be a revealing of His glory. The Sun of Righteousness is about to shine forth. The morning and the night are both at hand--the opening of endless day to the righteous, the settling down of eternal night to the wicked. {GC 632.2}[53]
§109
当那些与上帝角力的人在他面前殷切祈祷的时候，那阻隔人的目光，使他们看不见属灵世界的帷幔似乎将要揭开了。诸天放射着永恒白昼的曙光，又有声音像天使和谐的歌声，传到义人耳中说：“务要坚持着你们的忠贞，援助即将来到。”全能的得胜者基督举起永不衰残的荣耀冠冕，要赐给他那些疲乏的战士，他从稍微开启的天门里发出声音说：“看哪，我与你们同在。不要惧怕。我熟知你们一切的忧伤，我已经担当你们的悲苦。你们不是与未经败仗的敌人争战。我已经为你们打过仗了，所以你们要奉我的名得胜而有余。”[54]{GC 632.3}
§110
As the wrestling ones urge their petitions before God, the veil separating them from the unseen seems almost withdrawn. The heavens glow with the dawning of eternal day, and like the melody of angel songs the words fall upon the ear: Stand fast to your allegiance. Help is coming. Christ, the almighty Victor, holds out to His weary soldiers a crown of immortal glory; and His voice comes from the gates ajar: Lo, I am with you. Be not afraid. I am acquainted with all your sorrows; I have borne your griefs. You are not warring against untried enemies. I have fought the battle in your behalf, and in My name you are more than conquerors. {GC 632.3}[54]
§111
我们可爱的救主要在我们最需要的时候来援助我们。那走向天国的路因有了他的足迹而成为神圣。一切伤害我们脚的荆棘也曾伤害他的脚。我们蒙召去背负的每一个十字架，他都已在我们前头背负过了。耶和华让斗争兴起，为要预备人心得享平安。大艰难的时期是上帝子民必经的一次可怕的磨难，但那也是每一个忠实信徒应当挺身昂首的时候，并因着信得以看见那应许之虹环绕他们。[55]{GC 633.1}
§112
The precious Saviour will send help just when we need it. The way to heaven is consecrated by His footprints. Every thorn that wounds our feet has wounded His. Every cross that we are called to bear He has borne before us. The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace. The time of trouble is a fearful ordeal for Gods people; but it is the time for every true believer to look up, and by faith he may see the bow of promise encircling him. {GC 633.1}[55]
§113
“耶和华救赎的民必归回，歌唱来到锡安；永乐必归到他们的头上，他们必得着欢喜快乐；忧愁叹息尽都逃避。唯有我，是安慰你们的。你是谁，竟怕那必死的人？怕那要变如草的人？却忘记铺张诸天、立定地基、创造你的耶和华？又因欺压者图谋毁灭要发的暴怒，整天害怕，其实那欺压者的暴怒在哪里呢？被掳去的快得释放，必不死而下坑；他的食物，也不致缺乏。我是耶和华 ——你的上帝——搅动大海，使海中的波浪砰訇，万军之耶和华是我的名。我将我的话传给你，用我的手影遮蔽你。”（赛51:11-16）[56]{GC 633.2}
§114
The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am He that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy Maker; . . . and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: The Lord of hosts is His name. And I have put My words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of Mine hand. Isaiah 51:11-16. {GC 633.2}[56]
§115
“因此，你这困苦却非因酒而醉的，要听我言。你的主耶和华，就是为他的百姓辩屈的上帝，如此说：看哪，我已将那使人东倒西歪的杯，就是我忿怒的爵，从你手中接过来；你必不至再喝。我必将这杯递在苦待你的人手中；他们曾对你说：你屈身，由我们践踏过去吧！你便以背为地，好像街市，任人经过。”（赛51:21-23）[57]{GC 633.3}
§116
Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted, and drunken, but not with wine: Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of His people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of My fury; thou shalt no more drink it again: but I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over. Verses 21-23. {GC 633.3}[57]
§117
上帝的眼睛看到万世万代，早已注意到自己的子民在地上掌权者攻击他们时所必有的遭遇。他们像被掳的囚犯一样，将要陷于被饿死或受残暴的恐怖之中。但那位在以色列面前分开红海的圣者将要彰显他的大能，使他们从苦境转回。“万军之耶和华说，在我所定的日子，他们必属我，特特归我，我必怜恤他们，如同人怜恤服侍自己的儿子。”（玛3:17）基督的忠心见证人若在此时舍身流血，那就不能像从前殉道者的血一样作为福音的种子，为上帝生长庄稼。他们的忠诚再也不能作为一种见证，使别人信服真理，因为那些顽梗刚愎的心已经多次击退慈爱的浪涛，直到这浪涛不再回来了。倘若义人这时被他们的仇敌掳去，那就要成为黑暗之君的胜利了。诗人说：“我遭遇患难，他必暗暗的保守我；在他亭子里，把我藏在他帐幕的隐密处。”（诗27:5）基督已经说过：“我的百姓啊，你们要来进入内室，关上门，隐藏片时，等到忿怒过去。因为耶和华从他的居所出来，要刑罚地上居民的罪孽。”（赛26:20-21）凡忍耐等候主复临，并有名字录在生命册上的人所蒙的拯救。乃是光荣的。[58]{GC 634.1}
§118
The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed upon the crisis which His people are to meet, when earthly powers shall be arrayed against them. Like the captive exile, they will be in fear of death by starvation or by violence. But the Holy One who divided the Red Sea before Israel, will manifest His mighty power and turn their captivity. They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Malachi 3:17. If the blood of Christs faithful witnesses were shed at this time, it would not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for God. Their fidelity would not be a testimony to convince others of the truth; for the obdurate heart has beaten back the waves of mercy until they return no more. If the righteous were now left to fall a prey to their enemies, it would be a triumph for the prince of darkness. Says the psalmist: In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me. Psalm 27:5. Christ has spoken: Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. Isaiah 26:20, 21. Glorious will be the deliverance of those who have patiently waited for His coming and whose names are written in the book of life. {GC 634.1}[58]