《信使》
§1
1892年12月15日December 15, 1892祷告的特权Privilege of Prayer
§2
耶稣在约旦河里受了约翰的洗，就从水里上来，在河岸上俯伏拜恳求祂的天父。因祂的祷告，天就开了，从永远的宝座上，射出上帝荣耀的光，比正午的太阳还明亮。有彷佛鸽子的形状、环绕上帝的儿子。从极美的荣耀里听见有声音说：“这是我的爱子，我所喜悦的”。{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 1}
§3
After Christ was baptised of John in Jordan, He came up out of the water, and bowed upon the bank of the river, and prayed fervently to his Heavenly Father. The heavens were opened to his prayer, and the light of the glory of God, brighter than the sun at noonday, shone from the eternal throne. The form of a dove encircled the Son of God, while the clear voice from the excellent glory was heard saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”?{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 1}
§4
基督是人类的代表。祂放弃了祂的荣耀，从祂的宝座上下来，把祂的神性与人性结合起来，以便用祂的人类的手臂来环绕人类，用祂神圣的手臂达到无穷的宝座。祂接受了人的本性，在凡事上受试探和我们一样。作为一个人，祂在上帝的宝座前祈祷，恳求祂的父亲接受祂代表人类的祈祷;祂诚心祈求，天就开了。天使从来没有听过这样的祷告。天上威严的荣光照耀着祂。有爱和赞赏的话语向祂保证，祂作为人类代表的祈求一定会被接受。上帝借着基督的功劳接纳了堕落的人类。{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 2}
§5
Christ was the representative of humanity. He had laid aside his glory, stepped down from his throne, clothed his divinity with humanity, that with his human arm He might encircle the race, and with his divine arm reach the throne of the Infinite. He took upon Him the nature of man, and was tempted in all points like as we are. As a man He supplicated at the throne of God, beseeching his Father to accept his prayer in behalf of humanity; and to his earnest petition the heavens were opened. Never before had angels listened to such a prayer, and the glory of the Majesty of heaven shone upon Him, and words of love and approval assured Him of the acceptance of his petition as man’s representative. God accepted the fallen race through the merits of Christ.?{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 2}
§6
天与地之间、上帝与人类之间的联系由于亚当的堕落而中断了。但借着基督，人可以重新与上帝相交。那无罪的成了罪，好让祂的义归给人。通过基督完美的品格，人性在道德价值上提升到上帝的水平；有限的人与无限的上帝联系在一起。罪孽所造成的鸿沟就这样被世界的救赎主连接起来了。{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 3}
§7
Communication between heaven and earth, between God and man, had been broken by the fall of Adam; but through Christ man could again commune with God. He who knew no sin became sin for the race, that his righteousness might be imputed to man. Through the perfection of Christ’s character, humanity was elevated in the scale of moral value with God; finite man was linked with the infinite God. Thus the gulf which sin had made was bridged by the world’s Redeemer.?{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 3}
§8
我们应该感谢基督在我们面前打开天堂为我们所获得的特权。天父对代表人类的基督所说：“这是我的爱子，我所喜悦的”给人带来了多大的希望啊！天父借着接纳代表人类的基督向我们保证：因着祂儿子的功劳，我们可以接近上帝。我们可以在爱子里得蒙悦纳。世界的救赎主耶稣已经打开了道路，让那些最有罪、最贫穷、最受压迫、最受鄙视的人可以来到上帝面前，在耶稣为爱祂的人所预备的住宅里有一个家。{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 4}
§9
How grateful should we be for the privileges which Christ has gained for us in opening heaven before us. What hope does it give to man that the Father said to Christ, who represented humanity, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” In the Father’s acceptance of Christ in man’s behalf, we are assured that through the merits of his Son, we may find access to God. We may be accepted in the Beloved. Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, has opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to God, may have a home in the mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for those who love Him.?{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 4}
§10
雅各布布在异象中看见一个神秘的梯子，顶天立地。梯子上有天使上去下来。天上的荣光从上帝的宝座照射出来。这个梯子代表人与上帝之间指定的沟通媒介——耶稣。祂若不是以祂的仁慈跨越了罪在上帝和祂百姓之间所造成的鸿沟，天使就不可能作服役的灵与堕落的人类沟通。但是通过基督，软弱无助的人与无限力量的源头连接起来了。{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 5}
§11
In a vision Jacob beheld a mystic ladder reaching from earth to heaven, on which were angels ascending and descending, and from the throne of God the glory of heaven streamed down. This ladder represented Jesus, the appointed medium of communication between man and God. Had He not by his humanity bridged the gulf of separation that sin had made between God and his people, the angels could never have been ministering spirits to communicate with fallen man; but through Christ man in his weakness and helplessness is connected with the source of infinite power.?{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 5}
§12
耶稣过着祷告的生活。祂劳碌了一整天，向无知识的人传道，医治有病的人，叫瞎子看见，叫死人复活，叫众人吃饱。一个又一个晚上，耶稣离开混乱的城市，在一个僻静的地方痛哭流泪，向祂天父恳求。有时明亮的月光照在祂那弯腰曲背的身体上；乌云和黑暗又把一切光明都遮住了。当祂以恳求者的姿态鞠躬时，露水和夜霜落在祂身上。祂常常整夜不停地祈求。人类的救主尚且觉得我们需要祷告，软弱有罪的人就更应认识到要为自己献上火热不断的祷告! {Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 6}
§13
Jesus lived a life of prayer; after toiling all day, preaching to the ignorant, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, raising the dead, feeding the multitudes, evening after evening He went away from the confusion of the city, and in some retired place, poured forth supplication to his Father with strong crying and tears. At times the bright beams of the moon shone upon his bowed form, and again clouds and darkness shut away all light. While bowed in the attitude of a suppliant, the dew and the frost of night rested upon Him. He frequently continued his petitions through the entire night. If the Saviour of men felt the need of prayer in our behalf, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of prayer—fervent, constant prayer—on their own account!?{Messenger December 15, 1892, par. 6}
§14
怀爱伦夫人Mrs. E. G. White1893年1月4日January 4, 1893上帝眷顾我们
§15
The Intimacy of God’s Care for Us
§16
耶稣教导祂的门徒祷告。祂指示他们在上帝面前提出他们日常的需要。当我们认识到我们在属世和属灵的福分上都依赖上帝时，我们就会献上热诚有效的祷告。我们的巨大需要本身就是一个有利于我们的最雄辩的理由。你的需要，你的欢乐，你的悲伤，你的忧虑，你的恐惧，都可以呈在上帝面前。你累不倒祂，也不会使祂担当不了。没有什么事情是大道无法承受的，因为祂托住诸世界，治理全宇宙。没有一件事情是小到祂不屑一顾的，因为连麻雀掉下祂都关注，又数点过你们的头发。祂对人的需要不会漠不关心。耶和华极其怜悯，大有恩慈。祂同情我们的痛苦，甚至痛哭的表情都能感动祂那伟大无限之爱的心。在我们的经历中，没有一章是祂读不懂的，没有什么困惑是祂解不开的。我们的天父不会不注意到这一切。祂看到我们的眼泪，记下我们的叹息，注意到我们的快乐和悲伤。“祂医好伤心的人、裹好他们的伤处”（诗147：3）。{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 1}
§17
Jesus taught his disciples to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God. As we realise our dependence upon God for both temporal and spiritual blessings, we may offer up fervent and effectual prayer. Our great need is in itself an argument that pleads most eloquently in our behalf. Your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, your fears, you may present before God. You cannot weary Him, you cannot burden his heart. Nothing is too great for Him to bear; for He upholds the worlds and rules the universe. Nothing is too small for his notice; for He marks the sparrow’s fall, and numbers the hairs of your head. He is not indifferent to the wants of his people. The Lord is very pitiful and of tender mercy. He is touched by our sorrows, and even the utterance of them moves his great heart of infinite love. There is no chapter in our experience too dark for Him to read, no perplexity too complicated for Him to unravel. Our Heavenly Father is not unobserving; He sees our tears, He marks our sighs, He notes our joys and sorrows. “He healeth the broken heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”?{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 1}
§18
上帝和每个人之间的关系都很明确。祂对你的关心细微到就像没有其他的灵魂需要祂关注似的。诗人说：“祢从远处知道我的意念。我行路，我躺卧，祢都细察，祢也深知我一切所行的。耶和华啊，我舌头上的话，祢没有一句不知道。祢在我前后环绕我，按手在我身上”（诗139：2-4）。“我几次流离，祢都记数。求祢把我眼泪装在祢的皮袋里。这不都记在你册子上吗”（诗56：8）？诗人的字里行间，表达了上帝对祂所造生灵亲密与温柔的照顾。“我们的大祭司并非不能体恤我们的软弱，祂也曾凡事受过试探，与我们一样，只是祂没有犯罪。所以我们只管坦然无惧的来到施恩的宝座前，为要得怜恤，蒙恩惠，作随时的帮助”（来4：15，16）。{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 2}
§19
The relation between God and each soul is distinct. His care to you is as minute as though there were no other soul to claim his attention. The psalmist says, “Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. There is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, Thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.” “Thou tellest my wanderings; put Thou my tears in thy bottle; are they not in thy book?” In the words of the psalmist is expressed the intimacy and tenderness with which God cares for his creatures. “For we have not an High Priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”?{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 2}
§20
我们应该意识到，我们在法庭上有一个朋友，一个可以为我们的灵魂辩护的朋友，一个在任何紧急情况下都会帮助我们的朋友。我们应该能唱歌：?{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 3}
§21
We should realise that we have a friend at court, one who can plead the cause of our soul, one who will be our helper in every emergency. We should be able to sing,?{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 3}
§22
“耶稣是我最好朋友，负我罪孽担我忧，
§23
“What a Friend we have in Jesus,?All our sins and griefs to bear;?
§24
何等权利能将万事，带到上帝面前求”（《恩友歌》）。{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 4}
§25
What a privilege to carry?Everything to God in prayer.”?{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 4}
§26
耶稣说:“你们祷告的时候，要信你们得着所求的，就必得着。”你们要到天父那里，倒空心中的一切罪孽和污秽，以成就主的应许。你不能放纵你自己的脾气，任意而行，同时还指望得到上帝儿女的好处。你必须与遗传的倾向作斗争，不要屈服于诱惑。“到上帝面前来的人，必须信有上帝，且信祂赏赐那寻求祂的人。”就像一个孩子来到他的父母那里，你也要来到耶稣那里，告诉祂你想要什么，在祂面前展示你对祂的同在和恩典的需要。主应许把圣灵赐给求祂的人。为了说明我们的需要和祂的乐意帮助，祂在我们面前呈现了一个饥饿的孩子，向他属世的父母要饼。“你们中间谁有儿子求饼，反给他石头呢。他若求鱼，反给他蛇呢？”祂指出父母对孩子天然的关爱，然后说:“你们虽然不好，尚且知道拿好东西给儿女，何况你们的天父，岂不更把圣灵给求祂的人吗?” {Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 5}
§27
Jesus says, “When ye pray, believe that ye receive the things ye ask for, and ye shall have them.” You are to come to the Father, emptying the soul of every sin and defilement, that you may prove the promises of the Lord. You cannot indulge your own temper, and have your own way, and still expect to have the advantages of the children of God; you must struggle with hereditary tendencies, and yield not to temptation. “He that cometh to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” As a child comes to its parent, so you are to come to Jesus, telling Him just what you want, presenting before Him your need of his presence and grace. The Lord has promised to give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him; and as an illustration of our need, and his willingness to give, He presents before us a hungry child asking his earthly parent for bread. The question is asked, “What man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?” He appeals to the tender natural affection of a parent for his child, and then says, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.”?{Messenger January 4, 1893, par. 5}
§28
怀爱伦夫人Mrs. E. G. White1893年1月18日January 18, 1893“带着你们的需要到耶稣面前来”
§29
“Come in Your Need to Jesus”
§30
那些以谦卑热切的祷告呼求主的人，将得到与试探作斗争、忍受试炼力量和恩典。恳求者来到上帝面前时，必须以基督作为他的权威，以基督的功劳作为他请求的理由。当这些条件得到满足时，上帝保证天国会为忏悔谦卑的心灵敞开。{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 1}
§31
Those that call upon the Lord in humble, fervent prayer, will receive the strength and grace that they need to battle with temptation and to endure trials. In coming to God, the petitioner must present Christ as his authority, Christ’s merit as his plea; and when these conditions are fulfilled, God has pledged his word that heaven is open unto the cries of the penitent and humble soul.?{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 1}
§32
仇敌会来到你面前说：“你祷告是没用的。你没有做过那件坏事吗?你没有得罪上帝吗?你没有违背你的良心吗?你要回答说：“有的；但基督已经吩咐我祷告。祂曾说，我们若认自己的罪，上帝是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗净我们一切的不义”。{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 2}
§33
The enemy will come to you, and say, “It is of no use for you to pray. Did you not do that evil thing? Have you not transgressed against God? Have you not violated your conscience?” Answer him, “Yes; but Christ has bidden me pray. He has said, ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’”?{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 2}
§34
让忏悔的人重提耶稣的承诺：“到我这里来的，我总不丢弃他”（约6：37）。让他对仇敌说：“祂儿子耶稣基督的血洗净我们一切的罪。”“基督耶稣降世，为要拯救罪人。这话是可信的，是十分可佩服的。在罪人中我是罪魁”。要对仇敌说，你知道你的衣服被罪沾染了。但因着信你可以获得基督的义。要转向耶稣，告诉祂你所有的烦恼。基督知道你所有的处境，知道你所有的试探和痛苦。仇敌会建议你远离基督，直到你变得更好，直到你足够好，才能来到上帝面前。但你不要听他的建议，因为你若要等到自己足够好再来到上帝面前，你就永远来不了。你可以等到审判的时候，却依然不配到基督那里去。“现在正是悦纳的时候，现在正是拯救的日子”（林后6：2）。今天你要顺服基督之爱的牵引，以你的本来面目来亲近祂。当你来的时候，祂会继续吸引你，直到你所有的思想都顺服耶稣。当仇敌阻拦你亲近救主，指控你是罪人时，你就告诉他，你有权柄到主那里去。因为祂曾说：“我来本不是召义人，乃是召罪人悔改”。弟兄的控告者对悔改的税吏说：“你是个罪人”。他连举目望天也不敢，只捶着胸说：“上帝啊，开恩可怜我这个罪人”。于是他得以称义，回到自己家里去了。基督十分欢迎罪人来。祂说：“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息。我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式。这样，你们心里就必得享安息”。基督在世时有一次几位希腊人前来说：“先生，我们要见耶稣”。周围到处都是残忍的人，带着恶意，寻求机会要除灭耶稣。因为他们厌弃荣耀的主。现在居然有人真心想见耶稣，祂感到何等欣慰啊！夫子的心因为有人想见耶稣而满足。当上帝的声音与心灵对话，心灵予以回应时，我们将听到这样的询问:“先生，我要见耶稣。”天国随时准备接纳那些接纳耶稣的人。所以让我们往祂那里去，求我们所需用的东西，并相信必得着。{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 3}
§35
Let the repenting soul repeat the promise that Jesus has made,—“Him that cometh unto Me I will in no wise cast out.” Let him tell the enemy, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” Tell the enemy that you know your garments are stained with sin, but that by faith you claim the righteousness of Christ. Turn to Jesus, and tell Him all your trouble; Christ sees all your circumstances, knows all your temptations and sorrows. The enemy will suggest that you stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God; but do not listen to his suggestions; for if you wait till you are good enough to come to God, you will never come. You might wait until the judgment, but you would not be fit to come to Christ. “Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation.” You are to yield to the drawing power of Christ’s love today, and come to Him as you are. As you come, He will continue to draw you, until every thought shall be brought into captivity to Jesus. When the enemy would keep you from your Saviour, accusing you of being a sinner, tell him that you are entitled to go to the Lord, since He has said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” The accuser of the brethren told the repentant publican that he was a sinner; and he dared not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, but smote upon his breast, and cried, “God, be merciful to me a sinner,” and he went down to his house justified. The coming of the sinner is not unwelcome to Christ. He says, “Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” When Christ was upon earth, at one time certain Greeks came, saying. “Sir, we would see Jesus.” On every side were those who were cruel and vindictive, who were seeking an opportunity to put Jesus out of the way, for they rejected the Lord of glory; and how precious to Jesus was the thought that there were earnest souls who desired to see Him. The Master’s heart warmed with satisfaction that some one wanted to see Jesus. When the voice of God speaks to the heart, and the heart responds to it, we shall hear the inquiry, “Sir, I would see Jesus.” Heaven is all ready to receive those who receive Jesus. Then let us come to Him, asking for the very things that we need, believing that we shall receive them.?{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 3}
§36
“信就是所望之事的实底，是未见之事的确据”（来11:1）。“到基督面前来，必须运用信心。我们需要把祂带进我们每日的生活中；于是我们才会有平安和喜乐，我们就会凭经验知道祂话语的意思，“你们若遵守我的命令，就常在我们的爱里，正如我遵守了我父的命令，常在祂的爱里”（约15:10）。我们的信心必须支取这个应许，以便住在耶稣的爱里。耶稣说过：“这些事我已经对你们说了，是要叫我的喜乐存在你们心里，并叫你们的喜乐可以满足”（约15:11）。{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 4}
§37
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” In coming to Christ there must be an exercise of faith. We need to bring Him into our every-day life; then we shall have peace and joy, and we shall know by experience the meaning of his word, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.” Our faith must claim the promise, that we may abide in the love of Jesus. Jesus said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”?{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 4}
§38
信心生发仁爱，并洁净心灵。圣灵藉着信心得到进入人心的途径，并在那里创造圣洁。人若不藉着圣灵与上帝交通，就不能成为一个代理去做基督的工作。我们惟有藉着品格的改变才能适合天国；我们若要能到父那里去，就必须有基督的义作我们的证书。我们必须与上帝的性情有分，脱离世上从情欲而来的败坏。我们必须天天被圣灵的感化力改变，因为圣灵的工作乃是通过向人的心灵呈现耶稣无比的优美来提高人的品味，洁净人心，使整个人高贵。{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 5}
§39
Faith works by love and purifies the soul. Through faith the Holy Spirit finds access to the heart, and creates holiness therein. Man cannot become an agent to work the works of Christ unless he is in communion with God through the Holy Spirit. We can be fitted for heaven only through a transformation of character; we must have Christ’s righteousness as our credentials, if we would find access to the Father. We must be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. We must daily be transformed by the influence of the Holy Spirit; for it is the work of the Holy Spirit to elevate the taste, to sanctify the heart, to ennoble the whole man, by presenting to the soul the matchless charms of Jesus.?{Messenger January 18, 1893, par. 5}
§40
怀爱伦夫人Mrs. E. G. White1893年4月12日April 12, 1893上帝的选民The Elect of God
§41
“愿恩惠、平安从上帝我们的父和主耶稣基督归与你们。祂在基督里曾赐给我们天上各样属灵的福气。就如上帝在创立世界以前，在基督里面拣选了我们，使我们在祂面前成为圣洁，无有瑕疵。又因爱我们，就按自己意旨所喜悦的，预定我们藉着耶稣基督得儿子的名分，使祂荣耀的恩典得着称赞。这恩典是祂在爱子里所赐给我们的。我们藉这爱子的血得蒙救赎，过犯得以赦免，乃是照祂丰盛的恩典。这恩典是上帝用诸般智慧聪明，充充足足赏给我们的，都是照祂自己所预定的美意，叫我们知道祂旨意的奥秘；要照所安排的，在日期满足的时候，使天上地上一切所有的，都在基督里面同归于一。我们也在祂里面得了基业，这原是那位随己意行作万事的，照着祂旨意所预定的”（弗1：2-11）。Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 1}
§42
“Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ; according as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace; wherein He hath abounded towards us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself; that in the dispensation of the fulness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in Him: in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”?{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 1}
§43
天上的议会作出规定：人虽然犯了罪，却不要在罪孽中灭亡，而应借着相信基督而成为上帝的选民，按照祂的美意，被耶稣基督接纳为祂的儿女。上帝希望人人得救。祂赐下祂的独生子作为人的赎价，为拯救世界作了充足的准备。没有人一定必须灭亡，除非他们拒绝通过基督耶稣成为上帝的儿女。许多人让骄傲阻碍了他们接受救恩的条件。他们不愿意因信基督的名而让祂的恩典归与他们。但是人的功劳无法使人在上帝面前蒙悦纳。他们不能依赖自己的行为，因为离了基督，人就不能行善。选民就是那些藉着基督被拣选，因圣灵成圣，相信真理的人。但上帝不喜悦祂所造的人受苦。祂不希望任何一个人沉沦，而是希望人人都悔改明白真道。{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 2}
§44
In the council of heaven provision was made that man, though a transgressor, should not perish in his disobedience, but through faith in Christ as his substitute and surety might become the elect of God, predestinated unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. God wills that all men should be saved; and in giving his only begotten Son as man’s ransom, He has made ample provision of the salvation of the world. None need perish unless they refuse to be adopted as children of God through Christ Jesus. Many permit pride to hinder them from accepting of the provisions of salvation. They will not consent to have the grace of Christ imparted to them through faith in his name; but human merit will not make man acceptable before God. No dependence can be placed upon their works; for without Christ they can do no good thing. The elect are those who are chosen through Christ unto sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth. But God willeth not the misery of any one of his creatures; it is his desire that none should be lost, but all should come to repentance and to the acknowledging of the truth.?{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 2}
§45
耶稣邀请众人说：“凡劳苦担重担的人，可以到我这里来，我就使你们得安息”（太11：29）。“你们一切干渴的都当就近水来。没有银钱的也可以来。你们都来，买了吃。不用银钱，不用价值，也来买酒和奶”（赛55：1）。“圣灵和新妇都说来。听见的人也该说：来！口渴的人也当来；愿意的，都可以白白取生命的水喝”（启22：17）。耶稣还说：“到我这里来的，我总不丢弃他”。{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 3}
§46
The invitation is given to all, “Come unto Me,?all?[no one is excluded] ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money, come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” Jesus adds, “Him that cometh unto Me, I will in no wise cast out.”?{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 3}
§47
基督的心不断地向堕落的人表示同情。祂在世时唯一的使命就是拯救罪人；虽然祂对罪恶深恶痛绝，但祂对罪人表现出最温柔的同情。当忏悔的罪人意识到愧疚和不配，来到基督面前，觉得自己该受惩罚，但依靠基督的慈爱和怜悯时，上帝的赦罪之爱就会向他显示；他心里就会为救主的无限同情和慈爱涌出快乐感恩。在创造世界以前，天上的议会就已经为他制定计划：由基督承担罪的惩罚，将祂的义赐给他。这将使他惊讶万分，口中不禁发出感激和崇敬的诗歌。{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 4}
§48
The heart of Christ is constantly drawn out in sympathy towards fallen man. While upon earth, his only mission was to save sinners; although He had a deep abhorrence of sin, He manifested the tenderest compassion towards the sinner. When the repenting sinner, conscious of guilt and unworthiness, comes to Christ, realising that he is deserving of punishment, but relying on the love and mercy of Christ, the pardoning love of God will be revealed to him, and joyful gratitude will spring up in his heart for the infinite compassion and love of his Saviour. The provision made for him in the counsels of heaven before the foundation of the world, that Christ should take upon Him the penalty of his transgression, and impute to him his righteousness, will overwhelm him with amazement, and call forth from his lips songs of gratitude and adoration.?{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 4}
§49
那些响应基督的吸引的人，由于上帝至高的仁慈而被拣选得救，成为上帝的顺从的儿女。上帝白白的恩典，就是祂爱我们的大爱显在他们身上。父爱祂生活在人间的选民，因为他们接受基督用自己的宝血为他们买来的救赎。凡自卑像小孩子，以孩子般的单纯接受和顺从上帝之道的人，将列身于上帝的选民中。{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 5}
§50
Those who respond to the drawing of Christ, through the sovereign mercy of God, are elected to be saved as the obedient children of God. Upon them is manifested the free grace of God, the great love wherewith He hath loved us. The Father sets his love upon his elect people, who live in the midst of men, because they accept the redemption which Christ has purchased for them by his own precious blood. Every one who will humble himself as a little child, who will receive and obey the Word of God with a child’s simplicity, will be among the elect of God.?{Messenger April 12, 1893, par. 5}
§51
怀爱伦夫人Mrs. E. G. White1893年4月26日April 26, 1893在基督里蒙拣选Chosen in Christ
§52
我们应该相信自己是上帝所拣选的，靠赖基督的恩典和圣灵的工作，以及信心的运用而得救，并为上帝白赐之恩典的神奇显示而赞美荣耀祂。上帝的爱吸引人归向基督，为要仁慈地接纳他，把他呈献给天父。藉着圣灵的工作，上帝与罪人的关系得以重建。我们的天父说：“我要作他们的上帝，他们要作我的子民。我要以饶恕的爱爱他们，把我的喜乐赐给他们。他们要作属我的子民；这百姓是我为自己所造的，好述说我的美德”（见耶30:22；31:1,3,33；出19:5；赛43:21）。{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 1}
§53
We are to believe that we are chosen of God to be saved by the exercise of faith, through the grace of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit; and we are to praise and glorify God for such a marvellous manifestation of his unmerited favour. It is the love of God that draws the soul to Christ to be graciously received and presented to his Father. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the divine relationship between God and the sinner is renewed. Our Heavenly Father says, “I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people. I will exercise forgiving love towards them, and bestow upon them my joy. They shall be to Me a peculiar treasure; for this people whom I have formed for myself shall show forth my praise.”?{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 1}
§54
基督正呼召人到祂面前来，我们去听从和响应这呼召，是为了我们现今和永恒的利益。耶稣说：“不是你们拣选了我，是我拣选了你们”（约15:16）。那么就让凡愿意被称为上帝儿女的人都响应基督的邀请吧，并且置身于天国的亮光会照在他们身上之处，就是会使他们认识到何为听见并遵行基督话语、何为跟随世界的光并且在爱子里得蒙悦纳之处。{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 2}
§55
Christ is calling souls to come unto Him, and it is for our present and eternal interest to hear and respond to the call. Jesus says, “Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you.” Then let all who would be called children of God respond to the invitation of Christ, and place themselves where the light of heaven will shine upon them, where they will realise what it is to be hearers and doers of the words of Christ, what it is to follow the Light of the world, and be accepted in the Beloved.?{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 2}
§56
上帝已经行了祂为救赎人类所能行的一切事。在一个丰富的礼物里，祂倾尽了天国的宝库。祂邀请，祂恳求，祂力劝；但祂绝不强迫人们来归向祂。祂等待他们的合作。祂等待意志的允许，以便祂能赐与罪人祂在创世之时就为他们准备的丰富恩典。人无法将自己建造成圣灵的居所，除非人的意志与上帝的旨意相配合，上帝就不能为他做任何事。虽然主是大工师，但人也有他的一份工作，要与上帝配合，否则天上的建筑就不能完成。一切能力都出于上帝，但责任都落在人身上，因为没有人的配合，上帝就不能为他做什么。主并未计划让人的力量瘫痪；而是要借着与上帝合作，使人在祂的手上成为更有功效的媒介。虽然人软弱、犯错、脆弱、有罪和不完美，主仍赐给他们与祂合作的特权。{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 3}
§57
Everything that God could do has been done for the salvation of man. In one rich gift He poured out the treasures of heaven. He invites, He pleads, He urges; but He will not compel men to come unto Him. He waits for their co-operation. He waits for the consent of the will, that He may bestow upon the sinner the riches of his grace, reserved for him from the foundation of the world. A man does not build himself into an habitation for the Spirit, and unless there is a co-operation of man’s will with God’s will, the Lord can do nothing for him. Though the Lord is the great Master-worker, yet the human agent has his part to act with the divine worker, or the heavenly building cannot be completed. All the power is of God; yet all the responsibility rests with the human agent, for God can do nothing without the co-operation of man. The Lord does not design that human power should be paralysed; but that by co-operation with God, man may become a more efficient agent in his hands. Though weak, erring, frail, sinful, and imperfect, the Lord holds out to man the privilege of co-partnership with Himself.?{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 3}
§58
罪人相信耶稣为个人的救主，凭着信接受祂的义，从而与上帝的性情有份，脱离世上从情欲而来的败坏。基督徒因圣灵住在心中而能抵挡试探，秉公行义。没有神性，没有圣灵的影响，人就不能成就自己的得救；因为必须有上帝在他心中运行，使他立志行事成就祂的美意。基督说过：“离了我你们就不能作什么”。{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 4}
§59
Believing in Jesus as his personal Saviour, accepting of his righteousness by faith, the sinner becomes a partaker of the divine nature, and escapes the corruption that is in the world through lust. It is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that the Christian is enabled to resist temptation and to work righteousness. Without the divine nature, without the influence of the Spirit of God, man cannot work out his own salvation; for God must work in him to will and to do of his good pleasure. Christ has said, “Without Me ye can do nothing.”?{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 4}
§60
堕落的人类只有借着与上帝同等者的功劳才得以恢复。虽然基督是如此的崇高，但祂还是同意接受人性，以便为人类工作，帮助祂不忠的子民与上帝和好。基督用祂的功劳为我们祈求。祂作为我们的替身和中保，代表我们与黑暗的势力作斗争，战胜我们心灵的仇敌，把救恩之杯递给我们。生命之君同意忍受侮辱和嘲笑，痛苦和死亡。祂在髑髅地十字架上为沦丧的世界偿付了赎价。这是祂所爱的世界，是祂要带回羊圈的迷羊。髑髅地的十字架述说上帝对罪人的奇妙的爱。祂无限珍视人类，将自己的独生子赐给他们，叫一切信祂的，不至灭亡，反得永生。如果上帝的爱不能唤起人心的回应，不能软化和征服人心，我们就彻底沦丧了。没有其他力量可以影响罪人了。上天最丰富的礼物已经免费提供给我们接受。上帝之爱最伟大的表现莫过于髑髅地的十字架。如果基督的爱不能软化和征服人心，人还有什么办法呢?你没有回应祂灵的恳劝吗?你不要再硬着心。要打开心门，接受基督——上天最好的礼物。不要让残酷的不信影响你拒绝天上派来的宾客。不要让基督指着你们说：“你们不肯到我这里来得生命”（约5：41）。祂带着慈爱的恳劝追踪罪人说:“你们转回，转回吧。离开恶道，何必死亡呢？”（结33：11）{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 5}
§61
The fallen race could be restored only through the merit of Him who was equal with God. Though so highly exalted, Christ consented to take upon Him human nature, that He might work in behalf of man, and reconcile to God his disloyal subject. Christ pleads his merit in our behalf. As our substitute and surety, He undertook to combat the powers of darkness in our behalf, and prevailed against the enemy of our souls, presenting to us the cup of salvation. The Prince of Life consented to bear insult and mockery, pain and death. Upon the cross of Calvary He paid redemption’s price for a lost world. It was the world that He loved, the one lost sheep that He would bring back to his fold. The cross of Calvary speaks the amazing love of God for the sinner. He valued him at an infinite price, giving his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. If the love of God fails to call forth a response from the human heart, if it fails to soften and subdue the soul, we are utterly lost. There is no reserve power through which to influence the sinner. Heaven’s richest gift has been freely offered for our acceptance. No greater manifestation of God’s love can be given than that which was given on Calvary’s cross. If the love of Christ does not melt and subdue the heart, by what means can man be reached? Have you failed to respond to the pleadings of his Spirit? Then no longer fortify your heart in hardness. Open the door of the heart to receive Christ, the best gift of Heaven. Let not cruel unbelief influence you to refuse the heaven-sent guest. Let not Christ say of you, “Ye will not come unto Me that ye might have life.” With loving entreaties He follows the sinner, pleading, “Turn ye, turn ye; for why will ye die?”?{Messenger April 26, 1893, par. 5}
§62
怀爱伦夫人Mrs. E. G. White1893年5月10日May 10, 1893基督是我们盼望的根基
§63
Christ the Ground of Our Hope
§64
世界的救赎主承受了与沦丧世界的罪相称的苦难。基督在髑髅地十字架上的牺牲满足了律法的要求，当罪的感觉压在心里，重担似乎无法忍受时，耶稣邀请罪人仰望祂而活下去。在基督里有能力净化心灵。耶和华说：“你们来，我们彼此辩论。你们的罪虽像朱红，必变成雪白。虽红如丹颜，必白如羊毛”。生命的礼物已经白白、亲切、高兴地呈献给堕落的人类。环绕上帝宝座的是应许的彩虹，保证上帝要接纳每一个在自己的义上放弃了永生的一切希望、接受世界救赎主的义、相信基督是个人救主的罪人。当罪人意识到自己的绝望、沦丧和被判永远死亡、没有任何力量救赎自己、而接受基督为他全备救主的时候，上帝的话就应验了——祂说：“我要宽恕他们的不义，不再记念他们的罪愆”（来8：12）。{Messenger May 10, 1893, par. 1}
§65
The world’s Redeemer endured sufferings commensurate to the guilt of a lost world. The sacrifice of Christ on Calvary’s cross fulfilled the demands of the law, and when a sense of sin presses upon the heart, and the burden seems intolerable, Jesus invites the sinner to look to Him and live. There is power in Christ to cleanse the soul. “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” The gift of life has been freely, graciously, joyously offered to fallen man. Encircling the throne of God is the rainbow of promise, that God will receive every sinner who gives up all hope of eternal life on the ground of his own righteousness, and accepts the righteousness of the world’s Redeemer, believing in Christ as his personal Saviour. It is when the sinner realises that he is without hope, lost, condemned to eternal death, incapable of doing anything to redeem himself, but accepting of Christ as his complete Saviour, that the word of God is fulfilled, when He says, “I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”?{Messenger May 10, 1893, par. 1}
§66
在恩典之约下，永生的条件与在伊甸园给予人类的条件完全相同。信主的罪人，靠着他的神圣替身和中保，顺从上帝的律法。祂为我们舍了自己，要赎我们脱离一切的罪孽，“洁净我们，特作自己的子民，热心为善”（多2：14）。人类借着基督所赐的义而得救的规定，不会取消善行，不会解除我们遵守律法的义务，也丝毫不会削弱律法圣洁的要求。基督来是要高举律法，使律法为尊，显示其广泛不变的性质。恩典福音的荣耀乃是基督称我们为义，借着圣灵住在我们心中，使我们顺从上帝的律法，从而提供一条得救之路。{Messenger May 10, 1893, par. 2}
§67
Under the covenant of grace, the conditions of eternal life are precisely the same as those given to man in Eden. The believing sinner, through his divine substitute and surety, renders obedience to the law of God. Mercy granted to man is the reward of the merit of Christ, who gave Himself for us that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and “purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Provision made for the salvation of men through the imputed righteousness of Christ, does not do away with good works, release us from our obligation to keep the law, nor lessen in the least its holy claim. Christ came to exalt the law and make it honourable, to reveal its exceeding breadth and changeless character. The glory of the gospel of grace is the imputed righteousness of Christ, providing a way of salvation through obedience to the law of God by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.?{Messenger May 10, 1893, par. 2}
§68
基督必须是我们盼望的根基；因为我们只有借着祂才能承受永生。根据某些条件，一份不朽的产业摆在我们面前。我们如果没有完全的产权，就不能继承这个世界上的财产。同样，我们在未来世界继承产业的权利，也必须通过完美的产权予以明确的证实。承受天上产业的方法在圣经中显明出来了。我们必须遵守亚伯拉罕之约的条款，其中的要求是：“你们既属乎基督，就是亚伯拉罕的后裔，是照着应许承受产业的了”（加3：20）。我们若属于基督，就完全有权承受天上的产业，与恩典之约的条款相合。我们藉着恩典使我们的恩召和拣选坚定不移，得以承受基督优美的精神和品格。人若不经过洁净、熬炼、提高和成圣，就不能得到属天的产业。所以我们务要殷勤，使我们所蒙的恩召和拣选坚定不移，好叫我们丰丰富富地得以进入我们主救主耶稣基督永远的国。{Messenger May 10, 1893, par. 3}
§69
Christ must be the ground of our hope; for only through Him can we be heirs to eternal life. An immortal inheritance is presented to us on certain conditions. We cannot inherit a possession in this world unless we have a title that is without a flaw, and our right to an inheritance in the world to come, must also be clearly proved through a faultless title. The line through which the heavenly inheritance is to come is plainly revealed in the Word of God. We must come under the provisions of the Abrahamic covenant, and the requirements are, “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” If we are Christ’s, our title to the heavenly inheritance is without a flaw, and in harmony with the provisions of the covenant of grace. Through grace we shall be able to make our calling and election sure, putting on the excellency of Christ in spirit and character. No one will be entitled to the heavenly inheritance who has not been purified, refined, ennobled, and sanctified. Then let us be diligent to make our calling and election sure, that an entrance may be administered unto us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.?{Messenger May 10, 1893, par. 3}
§70
怀爱伦夫人Mrs. E. G. White1893年6月7日June 7, 1893堕落人类的希望
§71
The Hope of the Fallen Race
§72
只有基督的恩典才能使铁石心肠变为血肉之心，在上帝面前活过来，并能改变人的品格，使一个堕落的罪中之子，成为上帝的孩子，天国的后嗣。人没有能力称自己为义，使心灵成圣。只有通过大医师的能力，才能治愈道德上的疾病。天国的最高恩赐，就是天父的独生子，充充满满地有恩典有真理，能救赎沦丧的人类。{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 1}
§73
The grace of Christ alone could change the heart of stone to a heart of flesh, make it alive unto God, and transform the character, so that a degraded child of sin might become a child of God, an heir of heaven. Man had no power to justify the soul, to sanctify the heart. Moral disease could be healed only through the power of the great Physician. The highest gift of Heaven, even the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, was able to redeem the lost.?{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 1}
§74
堕落的人类唯一的希望是与上帝和好。撒但歪曲了上帝，使人类对祂的品格没有正确的认识。基督来到世上施行救恩的计划，向人显明“上帝就是爱”。{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 2}
§75
The only hope for the fallen race was found in becoming reconciled to God. Satan had so misrepresented God that man had no true conception of the divine character. Christ came to the world, and, in carrying out the plan of salvation, revealed to man that “God is love.”?{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 2}
§76
当救恩的计划向天使显示的时候，难以形容的喜乐充满天国。一个被救赎之世界的荣耀和幸福，分量甚至超过了生命之王的痛苦。天庭里回荡着天使在伯利恒山上首唱的歌：:“至高之处的荣耀归与上帝，在地上平安归与祂所喜悦的人。”在伊甸园里，当那对沦丧的夫妇以罪犯的身份站在公义的法官面前，等待着对他们罪行的判决时，却听到了上帝的第一声应许。在向他们说明罪所带来劳苦愁烦的生活之前，在宣布罪的工价就是死之前，他们听见了救赎的应许。虽然他们必须在强敌的权势底下受苦，但靠着基督的功劳，他们仍然可以期待胜利。上帝对蛇说：“我又要叫你和女人彼此为仇。你的后裔和女人的后裔也彼此为仇。女人的后裔要伤你的头，你要伤祂的脚跟”（创3：15）。即便撒但用他似是而非的试探触及人类的头，人类的家庭沦丧了，主也已经说明恩典奥秘的宗旨和计划，宣布基督要把蛇踩在脚下。{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 3}
§77
When the plan of salvation was revealed to the angels, joy, inexpressible joy, filled heaven. The glory and blessedness of a world redeemed, out-measured even the anguish of the Prince of life. Through the celestial courts echoed the first strain of that song that angels sang above the hills of Bethlehem: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” And the lost pair in the garden of Eden, standing as criminals before the righteous Judge, waiting the sentence their transgression merited, heard the first notes of the divine promise. Before the life of toil and sorrow which sin had brought upon them was depicted before them, before the decree that the wages of sin is death was pronounced, they heard the promise of redemption. Though they must suffer from the power of their mighty foe, still through the merits of Christ they could look forward to victory. The mystery of the gospel was spoken in Eden when God said to the serpent: “I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” If Satan could have touched the Head with his specious temptations, the human family would be lost; but the Lord had made known the purpose and plan of the mystery of grace, declaring that Christ should bruise the serpent under his feet.?{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 3}
§78
不但人类处于那骗子的权势之下，连地球本身和人的统治权也被仇敌抢夺了。藉着救恩的计划，藉着基督的牺牲，不但人类，就连他的统治权都得到恢复。因着基督的功劳，人凡因罪所失区的，都要重新获得。不再有咒诅；上帝的宝座必在重新设立在地上；祂的仆人要事奉祂。“义人必承受地土，永居其上” 的应许要应验。{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 4}
§79
Not only had man come under the power of the deceiver, but the earth itself, the dominion of man, was usurped by the enemy. Through the plan of salvation, through the sacrifice of Christ, not only man, but his dominion, was to be redeemed. Because of the merits of Christ, all that man lost through sin was to be restored. The time would come when there should be no more curse, but the throne of God should be in the earth renewed, and his servants should serve Him. The promise would be fulfilled, “The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever.”?{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 4}
§80
藉着救恩的计划，有一个比世人得救和世界得赎更伟大的宗旨要成就。藉着在基督身上所彰显上帝的品德，上帝政权的优越性就显明在全宇宙之前。撒但的控告被驳倒了。罪的性质与后果得以揭露。律法的永存性也得到充分证明。撒但曾宣称上帝的律法是错误的，宇宙的利益要求改变它的要求。在抨击法律的同时，他还想推立法者的权威，为自己赢得最高的忠诚。但通过拯救的计划，律法的条例被证明是完美的和不可改变的；荣耀和仁爱的浪潮最后将涌遍宇宙，将尊贵、荣耀和赞美归给在宝座上和羔羊，直到永永远远。{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 5}
§81
Through the plan of salvation, a larger purpose is to be wrought out even than the salvation of man and the redemption of the earth. Through the revelation of the character of God in Christ, the beneficence of the divine government will be manifested before the universe, the charge of Satan against God refuted, the nature and result of sin made plain, and the perpetuity of the law fully demonstrated. Satan had declared that the law of God was faulty, and that the good of the universe demanded a change in its requirements. In attacking the law, he thought to overthrow the authority of its Author, and gain for himself the supreme allegiance. But through the plan of salvation, the precepts of the law were to be proved perfect and immutable, that at last one tide of glory and love might go up throughout the universe, ascribing glory and honour and praise to Him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever.?{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 5}
§82
诸世界的居民都会在平息叛乱和根除罪恶的事上认识到律法的公义。当人类被撒但的权势所欺骗，违犯了上帝的律法时，上帝即使是为了拯救沦丧的人类，也不能改变那律法。上帝就是爱，改变律法就是否定自己，推翻与宇宙的福祉息息相关的原则。救恩计划的实现不仅向世人，也向天使显示上帝的品格，而且历经永世诸生都要因圣父和圣子救赎叛逆人类所付的代价而明白罪的恶毒性质。在那从创世以来被杀的羔羊基督身上，诸世界都要看到咒诅的记号，天使和世人都要将尊贵荣耀归于救赎主，他们全因祂而得保安全，不会背道了。十字架的功效会保护赎民脱离第二次堕落的危险。基督的生与死有效地揭露了撒但的欺骗，驳倒了他的主张。基督为堕落的人类牺牲不仅吸引世人，而且吸引天使归向祂，与祂形成不可分解的联合。藉着救恩的计划，上帝的公义和仁慈得到了充分的证实，直至永恒反叛永不会再兴起，痛苦决不会再沾染上帝的宇宙了。
§83
The inhabitants of all worlds will be convinced of the justice of the law in the overthrow of rebellion and the eradication of sin. When man, beguiled by Satan’s power, disobeyed the divine law, God could not, even to save the lost race, change that law. God is love, and to change the law would be to deny Himself, to overthrow those principles with which are bound up the good of the universe. The working out of the plan of salvation reveals not only to men but to angels, the character of God, and through the ages of eternity the malignant character of sin will be understood by the cost to the Father and the Son of the redemption of a rebel race. In Christ, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, all worlds will behold the marks of the curse, and angels as well as men will ascribe honour and glory to the Redeemer through whom they are all made secure from apostasy. The efficiency of the cross guards the redeemed race from the danger of a second fall. The life and death of Christ effectually unveils the deceptions of Satan, and refutes his claims. The sacrifice of Christ for a fallen world draws not only men, but angels unto Him bonds of indissoluble union. Through the plan of salvation the justice and mercy of God are fully vindicated, and to all eternity rebellion will never again arise, affliction never again touch the universe of God.?{Messenger June 7, 1893, par. 6}
§84
怀爱伦夫人Mrs. E. G. White