1861年
§1
rh18611861年6月25日June 25, 1861榜样的力量Power of Example
§2
在保罗的《提多书》2章13,14节中我们读到：“等候所盼望的福，并等候至大的上帝和我们救主耶稣基督的荣耀显现。祂为我们舍了自己，要赎我们脱离一切罪恶，又洁净我们，特作自己的子民，热心为善。”这项大工只为那些愿意被洁净，成为特别的子民，并热心行善的人成就。多少人畏避洁净的过程啊！他们不愿实行真理，不愿在世人眼中显得独特。正是这种与世俗混杂摧毁了我们的灵性、纯正和热心。撒但的能力在不断运行，要麻木上帝子民的感觉，使他们的良心对错误不敏感，以便消除他们与世人之间的差别。{{RH June 25, 1861, par. 1}
§3
In the epistle of Paul to [Titus 2:13, 14], we read, “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus 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.” This great work is to be performed for those only who are willing to be purified, willing to be peculiar, and who manifest a zeal in good works. How many shrink from the purifying process! They are unwilling to live out the truth, unwilling to appear singular or peculiar in the eyes of the world. It is this mixing up with the world which destroys our spirituality, pureness and zeal. Satan’s power is constantly exercised to stupefy the sensibilities of God’s people, that their consciences may not be sensitive to wrong, and that the sign of distinction between them and the world may be destroyed.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 1}
§4
我经常收到来信询问关于服装的问题。有些人没有正确理解我所写的。呈现在我面前的这班效法世界时尚的人是受影响很慢，改良最晚的。另一班在服装上缺少品味或不修边幅的人，却利用了我所写的，并走向了相反的极端；以为自己脱离了骄傲，而看那些穿着优美整洁的人是骄傲的。有些人把穿得古怪和随便认作一种特殊的美德。这种人采取的做法摧毁了他们对不信之人的感化力。他们令那些原可从他们受益的人厌恶了。主所赐的异象既责备了骄傲和效法世界的时尚，也责备了那些在服饰上马虎大意不整洁、不讲个人卫生的人。我尤其蒙指示看到，那些自称相信现代真理的人，原应在安息日特别注意出现在上帝面前的样式，要表明我们尊敬将那日分别为圣并赐予特别尊荣的创造主。凡对安息日有所尊敬的人，在身体和服装上都应干净整洁；因为他们是要出现在忌邪的上帝面前，不干净不整洁都是冒犯祂的，祂也注意每一不尊敬的表示。有些人以为除了一顶太阳帽，头上什么都不可戴。这等人是走了极端。戴一顶整洁朴素的草帽或丝帽不可被称为骄傲。我们的信仰若是实行出来，就会使我们在着装上朴素，在善行上热心，我们也会显出特殊。但我们若是在服装的干净整洁上丧失了品味，就在事实上离开了真理，因为真理决不使人降格，而是提拔人的。不信的人看守安息日的人是降格退化的，我们若疏忽着装，态度粗鲁，所生的影响就会加强不信之人得出的这个结论。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 2}
§5
I have frequently received letters of inquiry in regard to dress, and some have not rightly understood what I have written. The very class which have been presented before me, who were imitating the fashions of the world, have been very slow, and the last to be affected or reformed. There has been another class who lacked taste and order in dress, who have taken advantage of what I have written, and taken the opposite extreme, and considered that they were free from pride, and have looked upon those who dress orderly and neat as being proud. Oddity and careless dress have been considered by some a special virtue. Such take a course which destroys their influence over unbelievers. They disgust those who might be benefitted. While the visions have reproved pride and imitating the fashions of the world, they have reproved those who were careless of their apparel and lacked cleanliness of person and dress. Especially have I been shown that those who profess present truth should have a special care to appear before God to worship him upon the Sabbath in a manner showing that we respect the Creator who has sanctified and placed special honors upon that day. All who have any regard for the Sabbath should be cleanly in person, neat and orderly in dress, for they are to appear before a jealous God who marks every token of disrespect. God is offended at uncleanness and disorder. Individuals have thought it would be wrong to wear anything upon their heads but a sun-bonnet. Such go to great extremes. It cannot be called pride to wear a neat, plain, straw or silk bonnet. Our faith, if carried out, will lead us to be so plain in dress and zealous of good works that we shall be marked as peculiar. But when we lose taste for order and neatness in dress we virtually leave the truth, for the truth never degrades, but elevates. Unbelievers look upon Sabbath-keepers as degraded, and when individuals are neglectful of their dress, and are coarse and rough, in their manners, their influence strengthens unbelievers in their conclusions.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 2}
§6
那些自称在这些末后的日子中作基督徒，却不效法那谦卑舍己之模范的人，乃是置身于仇敌的队伍中。他看他们为他的臣民，他们像他的任何一个臣民一样，对他来说都有重要的用途，因为他们按名是活的，其实是死的。其他人把他们当作榜样，并因跟从他们而丧失了天国，这些人若不自称是基督徒，人们原不会以他们为榜样。这些未献身的自称信主的人并不知道自己所发影响的分量。他们使那些愿意做上帝特殊子民的人受到更剧烈的冲突。保罗在《提多书》2章15节中提到那班正在期待基督显现的人。他说：“这些事你要讲明，劝戒人，用各等权柄责备人，不可叫人轻看你。”当我们作见证反对骄傲及随从世界的风尚时，就遭遇种种藉口和自我辩白。有些人力陈别人的榜样。某位姐妹穿了撑裙箍；如果我穿撑裙箍是错的，她穿也是错的。孩子们也强调其他孩子的榜样，他们的父母也是守安息日的。A弟兄是教会的一位执事。他的孩子穿着撑裙箍呢，我穿撑裙箍为什么比她们穿更不好呢？那些藉着自己的榜样，给未献身的自称信主之人提供论据，反对那些愿意成为特殊子民之人的人，乃是在软弱之人的路上放置使人绊跌的缘由；他们必须为自己的榜样向上帝交账。人常常问我：“你对撑裙箍怎么看？”我回答说：我已把所赐给我的亮光传给你了。我蒙指示，撑裙箍是一种可耻的东西，我们丝毫不该支持如此可笑的时尚。我常常惊讶地听到有人说“怀姐妹说穿小的撑裙箍是没有错的。”没有一个人曾听到过我说这种话。既见了关于撑裙箍的指示，就没有什么会引诱我给任何人穿撑裙箍以丝毫的鼓励。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 3}
§7
Those who profess to be Christians in these last days which are full of peril, and do not imitate the humble, self-denying Pattern, place themselves in the enemy’s ranks. He considers them his subjects, and they serve as important a purpose for Satan as any of his subjects, for they have a name to live and are dead. Others take them for example, and by their following them, lose heaven, when if they had not professed to be Christians, they would have shunned their example. These unconsecrated professors are not aware of the weight of their influence. They make the conflict much more severe for those who would be God’s peculiar people. Paul in?Titus 2:15, refers to God’s people who are looking for the appearing of Christ. He says, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” As we bear testimony against pride and following the fashions of the world, we are met with excuses and self-justification. Some urge the example of others. Such a sister wears hoops, if it is wrong for me to wear them it is wrong for her. Children urge the example of other children whose parents are Sabbath-keepers. Bro. A. is a deacon of the church. His children wear hoops, and why is it any worse for me to wear them than it is for them? Those who by their example furnish unconsecrated professors with arguments against those who would be peculiar, are laying a cause of stumbling in the way of the weak, and to God they must render an account for such example. I am often asked, “What do you think of hoops?” I reply, I have given you the light which has been given me. I was shown that hoops were a shame, and that we should not give the least countenance to a fashion carried to such ridiculous lengths. I am often surprised to hear that “sister White says it is not wrong to wear small hoops.” No one has ever heard me say this. After being shown what I have in regard to hoops, nothing would induce me to give the least encouragement to any one to wear them.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 3}
§8
一位姐妹写道：“我看不出小的撑裙箍和重绳裙之间的区别，它们像撑裙箍一样炫耀，用来取代撑裙箍的两三条厚棉裙也是一样。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 4}
§9
A sister writes, “I cannot see the difference between small hoops and heavy rope skirts, which show off as much as hoops, or two or three heavy quilted skirts, which are worn to take the place of hoops.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 4}
§10
我同意这位姐妹的观点，要是我们丢弃撑裙箍，却穿上厚棉裙使之看起来尽可能与撑裙箍一样，就是错误的。我们知道穿厚棉裙是有害的。我认为厚重的棉料和撑裙箍都是不必要的。那造我们的主从未计划我们因撑裙箍或类似的东西而损毁变形。但上帝的子民久已受世人的发明和时尚所带领，以致他们不愿开始行动，摆脱世界的时尚和风俗。当我研究上帝的道时，我为上帝在这些末后日子的以色列人感到惊慌。他们受劝诫要远避偶像。我害怕上帝的子民在沉睡，并且如此效法世俗，以致我们几乎无法区分侍奉上帝的人和不侍奉上帝的人。基督和祂子民之间的距离在加宽，而祂子民与世界之间的距离却在缩小。自称基督子民之人和世人之间的区分标志几乎消失了。他们像古时的以色列人一样，追随了周围列国可憎的风俗。根据我所蒙的指示，撑裙箍是一种可憎之物，是有伤风化的；上帝的子民若是略微追随或支持一下这种时尚都是错误的。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 5}
§11
I agree with the sister, if we discard hoops, it is wrong to put on heavy quilts to make it appear as near like hoops as possible. We know that it is injurious to wear heavy quilts. I contend that heavy quilts and hoops are alike unnecessary. He that framed us never designed that we should be deformed with hoops, or anything to look like them. It is the inventions and fashions of the world that have led God’s people, and they are unwilling to move out independent of the fashions and customs of the world. While I study God’s word, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in these last days. They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that God’s people are asleep and so conformed to the world that we can hardly know them, or discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. The distance is widening between Christ and his people, and lessening between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ’s professed people and the world, have almost disappeared. They follow after the abominations of the nations around them, as did ancient Israel. From what has been shown me, hoops are an abomination. They are indecent, and God’s people err, if they follow in the least degree, or give countenance to this fashion.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 5}
§12
自称为上帝特选子民的守安息日的人，应该丢弃撑裙箍，他们的做法应当对那些穿用撑裙箍的人是一种现行的责备。有些人会藉口说是为了方便。我旅行很多，见到了大量穿用撑裙箍带来不方便的情况。那些辩称由于健康的原因必须穿用撑裙箍的人，在冬天穿用它们，比穿加棉的裙子受到更大的伤害。在乘火车和公共马车旅行时，常常使我惊呼：端庄啊，脸红了吧！我曾见到大群的人挤进车厢，为了能够往里走，就得把撑裙箍提起来，抬到不像样的高度，所暴露的形体比不穿用撑裙箍的人多十倍。要不是因为时尚，那些如此不端庄地暴露自己的人会遭人发嘘声反对；但端庄和得体必须被牺牲给时尚之神。愿主救祂的子民脱离这种严重的罪！上帝必不怜悯那些愿作时尚奴隶的人。只因穿用撑裙箍略有方便之处，就证明穿用它们是正当的吗？假使时尚改变了，就不会再有人提到方便了。上帝的每一个儿女都有责任查问：“我在哪里与世界分别了呢？”但愿他们忍受一点儿不便，并且站在安全的一边。上帝的子民要背什么十字架呢？他们与世人混在一起，吸收他们的精神、服装、谈话，行事也像他们。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 6}
§13
Sabbath-keepers who profess to be God’s chosen, peculiar people, should discard hoops, and their practice and example should be a living rebuke to those who wear them. Some may plead convenience. I have traveled much, and have seen a great deal of inconvenience attending the wearing of hoops; and those who plead the necessity on account of health, wear them in the winter, which is a greater injury than quilted skirts. While traveling in the cars and stages, I have often been led to exclaim, Oh, modesty, where is thy blush! I have seen large companies crowding into the cars, and in order to make any headway, the hoops had to be raised and placed into a shape which was indecent. And the exposure of the form was ten-fold more with those who wore hoops, than with those who did not; and were it not for fashion, those who immodestly expose themselves would be hissed at; but modesty and decency must be sacrificed to the god of fashion. May the Lord deliver his people from this grievous sin. God will not pity those who will be slaves to fashion. But supposing there is some little convenience in wearing hoops, does this prove that it is right to wear them? Let the fashion change and convenience would no longer be mentioned. It is the duty of every child of God to inquire, Wherein am I separate from the world? Let them suffer a little inconvenience and be on the safe side. What crosses do God’s people bear? They mingle with the world, partake of their spirit, dress, talk and act like them.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 6}
§14
请读提前2:9,10：“又愿女人廉耻、自守，以正派衣裳为妆饰，不以编发、黄金、珍珠，和贵价的衣裳为妆饰；只要有善行，这才与自称是敬上帝的女人相宜。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 7}
§15
Please read?1 Timothy 2:9, 10. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh godliness) with good works.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 7}
§16
彼前3:3-5：“你们不要以外面的辫头发，戴金饰，穿美衣为妆饰，只要以里面存着长久温柔、安静的心为妆饰；这在上帝面前是极宝贵的。因为古时仰赖上帝的圣洁妇人正是以此为妆饰，顺服自己的丈夫。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 8}
§17
1 Peter 3:3-5: “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 8}
§18
榜样的力量是强大的。A姐妹冒险穿用了小的撑裙箍。B姐妹说：我用撑裙箍不会比A姐妹更坏，她就用了更大一点儿的。C姐妹仿效了A姐妹和B姐妹的榜样，用了比A和B更大一点儿的撑裙箍，但都主张说自己的撑裙箍是小的。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 9}
§19
The power of example is great. Sister A. ventures to wear small hoops; sister B. says it is no worse for me to wear hoops than sister A., and she wears hoops a little larger. Sister C. imitates the example of sister A. and B., and wears her hoops a little larger than A. and B., but all contend that their hoops are small.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 9}
§20
父母们若愿教导自己的儿女随从世界时尚的害处，就有一场硬仗要打。他们会遇到反对说：“妈妈，为什么A、B和C姐妹都穿着撑裙箍呢？如果我穿撑裙箍很坏，她们穿很坏。”父母能说什么呢？他们应该在自己的儿女面前树立一个正确的榜样，虽然自称跟从基督之人的榜样使孩子们以为自己的父母对他们的限制太过谨慎严厉了，但上帝必赐福这些尽责父母的努力。父母们若是不采取坚决、坚定的做法，他们的儿女就会被潮流卷走，因为撒但和他的恶使者们正在他们的心上运行，而且未献身的自称信主之人的榜样也使他们儿女得胜的工作远为艰苦。然而凭着对上帝的信心和恳切的祷告，信主的父母应该在责任的崎岖道路上迫进。十字架的路乃是向前向上的路。当我们在这条路上前进，寻求上面的事时，我们必须越来越远离属于尘世的事。当世人和属肉体的自称信主的人急速地向下冲向死亡时，那些登山的人必须要付出努力，否则就会被他们带到向下的宽路去。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 10}
§21
Parents who would teach their children the evil of following the fashions of the world, have a hard battle. They are met with, “Why, mother, sisters A., B. and C. wear hoops; if it is wicked for me, it is for them.” What can the parents say? They should set a right example before their children, and although the example of professed followers of Christ causes the children to think that their parents are too careful and severe in their restrictions, yet God will bless the efforts of these conscientious parents. If the parents do not take a decided, firm course, their children will be borne down with the current, for Satan and his evil angels are working upon their minds, and the example of unconsecrated professors is against their efforts which makes the work of overcoming far more laborious for their children. Yet with faith in God and earnest prayer, believing parents may press on in this rugged path of duty. The way of the cross is an onward, upward way. And as we advance therein, seeking the things that are above, we must leave farther and farther in the distance the things which belong to the earth. While the world and carnal professors are rushing downward to death, those who climb the hill will have to put forth efforts or they will be carried down in the broad road.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 10}
§22
世界之子被称为黑暗之子。他们被这世界的神弄瞎了心眼，并且被黑暗之君的精神带领着。他们不能喜爱天上的事。光明之子将自己的情意固定在天上的事上，把这世界的事丢在背后。他们实现那命令：“从他们中间出来，与他们分别。”那有条件的应许乃是：“我就收纳你们”（林后6:17）。从一开始，基督就拣选了祂的子民脱离世界，并且要他们分别出来，与不结果子的暗昧行为断了关系。他们若爱上帝并守祂的诫命，就远远不会与世俗为友，也不会喜爱世上的宴乐。基督与彼列不能相和。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 11}
§23
The children of the world are called the children of darkness. They are blinded by the god of this world, and are led by the spirit of the prince of darkness. They cannot enjoy heavenly things. The children of light have their affections set on things above. They leave behind them the things of this world. They fulfill the command, “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” Here is the conditional promise, “I will receive you.” Christ from the beginning has chosen his people out of the world, and required them to be separate, having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. If they love God and keep his commandments, they will be far from having the friendship, and loving the pleasures, of the world. There is no concord between Christ and Belial.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 11}
§24
先知以斯拉和犹太教会的其他忠心仆人曾感到震惊，因为众首领来到他们那里说：“以色列民和祭司并利未人，没有离绝迦南人、赫人、比利洗人、耶布斯人、亚扪人、摩押人、埃及人、亚摩利人，仍效法这些国的民，行可憎的事。”“上帝啊，我们因自己的恶行和大罪，遭遇了这一切的事，并且祢刑罚我们轻于我们罪所当得的，又给我们留下这些人。我们岂可再违背祢的命令，与这行可憎之事的民结亲呢？若这样行，祢岂不向我们发怒，将我们灭绝，以致没有一个剩下逃脱的人吗？耶和华以色列的上帝啊，因祢是公义的，我们这剩下的人才得逃脱，正如今日的光景。看哪，我们在祢面前有罪恶，因此无人在祢面前站立得住”（拉9:1,13-15）。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 12}
§25
The prophet Ezra, and faithful servants of the Jewish church, were astonished when the princes came to them saying, “The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this, should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? Wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold we are before thee in our trespasses, for we cannot stand before thee because of this.”?Ezra 9:1, 13-15.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 12}
§26
《历代志下》36:14-16：“众祭司长和百姓也大大犯罪，效法外邦人一切可憎的事，污秽耶和华在耶路撒冷分别为圣的殿。耶和华他们列祖的上帝因为爱惜自己的民和祂的居所，从早起来差遣使者去警戒他们。他们却嘻笑上帝的使者，藐视祂的言语，讥诮祂的先知，以致耶和华的忿怒向祂的百姓发作，无法可救。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 13}
§27
2 Chronicles 36:14-16: “Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes and sending; because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling-place. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against this people, till there was no remedy.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 13}
§28
《利未记》18:26,27：“故此，你们要守我的律例典章。这一切可憎恶的事，无论是本地人，是寄居在你们中间的外人，都不可行，（在你们以先居住那地的人行了这一切可憎恶的事，地就玷污了）。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 14}
§29
Leviticus 18:26, 27: “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you; (for all these abominations have the men of the land done which were before you, and the land is defiled.)”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 14}
§30
《申命记》32:16-22：“他们敬拜别神，触动上帝的愤恨，行可憎恶的事，惹了祂的怒气。所祭祀的鬼魔并非真神，乃是素不认识的神，是近来新兴的，是你列祖所不畏惧的。你轻忽生你的磐石，忘记产你的上帝。耶和华看见祂的儿女惹动祂，就厌恶他们，说：我要向他们掩面，看他们的结局如何。他们本是极乖僻的族类，心中无诚实的儿女。他们以那‘不算为神’的触动我的愤恨，以虚无的神惹了我的怒气。我也要以那‘不成子民’的触动他们的愤恨，以愚昧的国民惹了他们的怒气。因为在我怒中有火烧起，直烧到极深的阴间，把地和地的出产尽都焚烧，山的根基也烧着了。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 15}
§31
Deuteronomy 32:16-22: “They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods, that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities, and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 15}
§32
我们在这些经文中读到了上帝赐给以古以色列人的警告。祂的美意并不是让他们在旷野漂流那么久；要是他们顺从祂并且喜爱由祂带领，祂原本要立即把他们带入应许之地；但是因为他们在旷野那么经常使祂伤心，以致祂在怒中起誓说，除了两个全然跟从祂的人之外，他们断不可进入祂的安息。上帝要祂的子民唯独信赖祂。祂不愿意他们从那些不侍奉祂的人得帮助。请读《以斯拉记》4:1-5：“犹大和便雅悯的敌人听说被掳归回的人为耶和华以色列的上帝建造殿宇，就去见所罗巴伯和以色列的族长，对他们说：‘请容我们与你们一同建造；因为我们寻求你们的上帝，与你们一样。自从亚述王以撒哈顿带我们上这地以来，我们常祭祀上帝。’但所罗巴伯、耶书亚，和其余以色列的族长对他们说：‘我们建造上帝的殿与你们无干，我们自己为耶和华以色列的上帝协力建造，是照波斯王古列所吩咐的。’那地的民，就在犹大人建造的时候，使他们的手发软，扰乱他们；从波斯王古列年间，直到波斯王大利乌登基的时候，贿买谋士，要败坏他们的谋算。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 16}
§33
We here read the warnings which God gave to ancient Israel. It was not his good pleasure that they should wander so long in the wilderness, and he would have brought them immediately to the promised land, if they had submitted, and loved to be led by him; and because they so often grieved him in the desert, he sware in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest, save two, who wholly followed him. God required his people to trust in him alone. He did not wish them to receive help of those who did not serve him. Please read?Ezra 4:1-5: “Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel, then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon, king of Assur, which brought us up hither. But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 16}
§34
《以斯拉记》8:21-23：“那时，我在亚哈瓦河边宣告禁食，为要在我们上帝面前克苦己心，求祂使我们和妇人孩子，并一切所有的，都得平坦的道路。我求王拨步兵马兵帮助我们抵挡路上的仇敌，本以为羞耻；因我曾对王说：‘我们上帝施恩的手必帮助一切寻求祂的；但祂的能力和忿怒必攻击一切离弃祂的。’所以我们禁食祈求我们的上帝，祂就应允了我们。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 17}
§35
Ezra 8:21, 23: “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way; because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this, and he was entreated of us.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 17}
§36
先知和这些先祖们并不看那地的人是敬拜真神上帝的人，这些人虽自称友好并且愿意帮助，但他们不敢在有关敬拜上帝的事上与他们有任何的联合。当上到耶路撒冷去建造上帝的殿并且恢复对祂的敬拜时，他们不愿请求帝王的帮助在路上援助他们，而是藉着禁食和祷告寻求耶和华的帮助。他们相信上帝愿意在祂仆人努力侍奉祂时保护并兴旺他们。万有的创造主不需要祂的敌人帮助建立对祂的敬拜。祂不要邪恶的牺牲，也不悦纳除了耶和华以外还有别神之人的奉献。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 18}
§37
The prophet and these fathers did not consider them the worshipers of the true God, and though they professed friendship and wished to help them, they dare not unite with them in anything relating to his worship. When going up to Jerusalem, to build the temple of God and to restore his worship, they would not ask help of the king to assist them in the way, but by fasting and prayer sought the Lord for help. They believed God would defend and prosper his servants in their efforts to serve him. The Creator of all things needeth not the help of his enemies to establish his worship. He asks not the sacrifice of wickedness, nor accepts the offerings of those who have other gods before the Lord.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 18}
§38
我们常听到有话说：“你们太排外了。”作为一班子民，我们愿意为救灵或为把他们引向真理而做出任何牺牲。但我们不敢与他们联合，爱他们所爱的事物，与世俗为友，因为那样我们就会与上帝为敌了。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 19}
§39
We often hear the remark, You are too exclusive. As a people we would make any sacrifice to save souls, or lead them to the truth. But to unite with them, to love the things that they love, and have friendship with the world, we dare not, for we should then be at enmity with God.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 19}
§40
藉着阅读下述经文，我们就会了解上帝如何看待古以色列人：{RH June 25, 1861, par. 20}
§41
By reading the following scriptures we shall see how God regarded his ancient Israel:?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 20}
§42
《诗篇》135:4：“耶和华拣选雅各归自己，拣选以色列特作自己的子民。” {RH June 25, 1861, par. 21}
§43
Psalm 135:4: “For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 21}
§44
《申命记》14:2：“因为你归耶和华你上帝为圣洁的民，耶和华从地上的万民中拣选你特作自己的子民。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 22}
§45
Deuteronomy 14:2: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 22}
§46
《申命记》7:6,7：“因为你归耶和华你上帝为圣洁的民；耶和华你上帝从地上的万民中拣选你，特作自己的子民。耶和华专爱你们，拣选你们，并非因你们的人数多于别民，原来你们的人数在万民中是最少的。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 23}
§47
Deuteronomy 7:6, 7: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 23}
§48
《出埃及记》33:16：“人在何事上得以知道我和祢的百姓在祢眼前蒙恩呢？岂不是因祢与我们同去、使我和祢的百姓与地上的万民有分别吗？”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 24}
§49
Exodus 33:16: “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 24}
§50
古时的以色列人多么经常地反叛，又多么经常地受到刑罚啊。成千上万的人被杀，因为他们不愿听从曾拣选他们的上帝的命令！{RH June 25, 1861, par. 25}
§51
How frequently ancient Israel rebelled, and how often were they visited with judgments, and thousands slain because they would not heed the commands of God who had chosen them.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 25}
§52
上帝的以色列人在这些末后的日子总是处在与世人混杂并丧失上帝选民之一切记号的危险中。请再读《提多书》2:13-15。这段经文把我们带到了末后的日子，上帝此时正在洁净一班特殊的子民归祂自己。我们岂可像古时的以色列人一样惹动祂的忿怒吗？我们岂可藉着离开祂并与世人混杂，追求我们周围列国的可憎之物而使祂的忿怒临到我们身上吗？{RH June 25, 1861, par. 26}
§53
The Israel of God in these last days are in constant danger of mixing with the world and losing all signs of their being the chosen people of God. Read again?Titus 2:13-15. We are brought down to the last days, when God is purifying unto himself a peculiar people. Shall we provoke God as did ancient Israel? Shall we bring his wrath upon us by departing from him and mingling with the world, and following the abominations of the nations around us??{RH June 25, 1861, par. 26}
§54
耶和华已分别虔诚人归祂自己。《旧约》和《新约》都清楚而断然地吩咐我们要这样献身并与世界分离。主已亲自在这世界的事和祂已从世界拣选出来归祂自己的事之间建立了一道隔断的墙。上帝子民的职业和品格都是特别的，他们的前途也是特别的。这些特性使他们与其它的民族迥然有别。从开始到时间结束，上帝在地上所有的子民都是一体。他们有一个“元首”指导并支配全身。对于古代以色列人的吩咐，也临到上帝现今的子民身上，要他们与世人分别。教会伟大的元首并没有改变。基督徒在这些末后日子的经验必须与古代以色列人所走的道路相似。请阅读《哥林多前书》第10章，特别是第6-15节：{RH June 25, 1861, par. 27}
§55
The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself, and this consecration to God and separation from the world is plainly declared and positively enjoined in both the Old and New Testaments. There is a wall of separation which the Lord himself has established between the things of the world and the things he has chosen out of the world and sanctified unto himself. The calling and character of God’s people are peculiar. Their prospects are peculiar, and these peculiarities distinguish them from all people. All of God’s people upon the earth are one body, from the beginning to the end of time. They have one head that directs and governs the body. The same injunctions rest upon God’s people now, to be separate from the world, as rested upon ancient Israel. The great Head of the church has not changed. The experience of Christians in these days are much like the travels of ancient Israel. Please read?1 Corinthians 10, especially from the?6th to the 15th?verse.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 27}
§56
“这些事都是我们的鉴戒，叫我们不要贪恋恶事，像他们那样贪恋的；也不要拜偶像，像他们有人拜的。如经上所记：‘百姓坐下吃喝，起来玩耍。’……也不要试探基督，像他们有人试探的，就被蛇所灭。你们也不要发怨言，像他们有发怨言的，就被灭命的所灭。他们遭遇这些事，都要作为鉴戒；并且写在经上，正是警戒我们这末世的人。所以，自己以为站得稳的，须要谨慎，免得跌倒。你们所遇见的试探，无非是人所能受的。上帝是信实的，必不叫你们受试探过于所能受的；在受试探的时候，总要给你们开一条出路，叫你们能忍受得住。我所亲爱的弟兄啊，你们要逃避拜偶像的事。我好像对明白人说的，你们要审察我的话。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 28}
§57
“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.... Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 28}
§58
《约翰壹书》3:1：“你看父赐给我们是何等的慈爱，使我们得称为上帝的儿女；我们也真是祂的儿女。世人所以不认识我们，是因未曾认识祂。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 29}
§59
1 John 3:1: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 29}
§60
《约翰壹书》2:15-17：“不要爱世界和世界上的事。人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了。因为凡世界上的事，就像肉体的情欲，眼目的情欲，并今生的骄傲，都不是从父来的，乃是从世界来的。这世界和其上的情欲都要过去，惟独遵行上帝旨意的，是永远常存。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 30}
§61
1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 30}
§62
《彼得后书》2:20：“倘若他们因认识主救主耶稣基督，得以脱离世上的污秽，后来又在其中被缠住、制伏，他们末后的景况就比先前更不好了。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 31}
§63
2 Peter 2:2: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 31}
§64
《雅各书》4:4：“岂不知与世俗为友就是与上帝为敌吗？所以凡想要与世俗为友的，就是与上帝为敌了。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 32}
§65
James 4:4: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 32}
§66
《雅各书》1:27：“在上帝我们的父面前，那清洁没有玷污的虔诚，就是看顾在患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且保守自己不沾染世俗。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 33}
§67
James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 33}
§68
《提多书》2:12-14：“教训我们除去不敬虔的心和世俗的情欲，在今世自守、公义、敬虔度日，等候所盼望的福，并等候至大的上帝和（或无“和”字）我们救主耶稣基督的荣耀显现。祂为我们舍了自己，要赎我们脱离一切罪恶，又洁净我们，特作自己的子民，热心为善。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 34}
§69
Titus 2:12-14: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus 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.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 34}
§70
《罗马书》12:2：“不要效法这个世界，只要心意更新而变化，叫你们察验何为上帝的善良、纯全、可喜悦的旨意。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 35}
§71
Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 35}
§72
《约翰福音》17:14,15,17：“我已将祢的道赐给他们。世界又恨他们；因为他们不属世界，正如我不属世界一样。我不求祢叫他们离开世界，只求祢保守他们脱离那恶者。”“求祢用真理使他们成圣；祢的道就是真理。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 36}
§73
John 17:14, 15, 17: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 36}
§74
《路加福音》6:22,23：“人为人子恨恶你们，拒绝你们，辱骂你们，弃掉你们的名，以为是恶，你们就有福了！当那日，你们要欢喜跳跃，因为你们在天上的赏赐是大的。他们的祖宗待先知也是这样。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 37}
§75
Luke 6:22, 23: “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 37}
§76
《约翰福音》15:16-19：“不是你们拣选了我，是我拣选了你们，并且分派你们去结果子，叫你们的果子常存，使你们奉我的名，无论向父求什么，祂就赐给你们。我这样吩咐你们，是要叫你们彼此相爱。世人若恨你们，你们知道，恨你们以先已经恨我了。你们若属世界，世界必爱属自己的；只因你们不属世界，乃是我从世界中拣选了你们，所以世界就恨你们。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 38}
§77
John 15:16-19: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 38}
§78
《约翰壹书》4:4,5：“小子们哪，你们是属上帝的，并且胜了他们；因为那在你们里面的，比那在世界上的更大。他们是属世界的，所以论世界的事，世人也听从他们。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 39}
§79
1 John 4:4, 5: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 39}
§80
《约翰壹书》2:5,6：“凡遵守主道的，爱上帝的心在他里面实在是完全的。从此我们知道我们是在主里面。人若说他住在主里面，就该自己照主所行的去行。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 40}
§81
1 John 2:5, 6: “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 40}
§82
《彼得前书》2:9：“惟有你们是被拣选的族类，是有君尊的祭司，是圣洁的国度，是属上帝的子民，要叫你们宣扬那召你们出黑暗入奇妙光明者的美德。”{RH June 25, 1861, par. 41}
§83
1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 41}
§84
我们阅读上帝的话，就会明白祂的子民应当成为特殊的人，与周围不信的世人迥然有别。我们的立场又吸引人又叫人害怕。我们生活在末后的日子，多么需要效法基督的榜样并照祂所行的去行啊。“若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，背起他的十字架来跟从我”（太16:24）。务必不可让人的意见和智慧指导或支配我们，它们总是会使我们离开十字架。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 42}
§85
As we read the word of God, how plain that God’s people are peculiar and distinct from the unbelieving world around them. Our position is interesting and fearful; living in the last days, how important that we imitate the example of Christ, and walk even as he walked. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” The opinions and wisdom of men must not guide or govern us. They always lead away from the cross.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 42}
§86
基督仆人们的家乡和财宝都不在此世。但愿他们都能明白，只是因为主在作王，我们才蒙允许平安稳妥地住在我们的敌人们中间。我们的特权并不是要求世人特别的恩待。我们必须同意在他们中间处贫穷受轻视，直到战争结束，赢得胜利。基督的肢体蒙召要从世界出来，拒绝世界的友谊和精神；他们的力量和能力乃在于成为蒙上帝悦纳的选民。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 43}
§87
The servants of Christ have not their home or their treasure here. Would that all of them could understand that it is only because the Lord reigns that we are even permitted to dwell in peace and safety among our enemies. It is not our privilege to claim special favors of the world. We must consent to be poor and despised among men until the warfare is finished and the victory won. The members of Christ are called to come out and be separate from the friendship and spirit of the world, and their strength and power consists in their being chosen and accepted of God.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 43}
§88
上帝的独生子原是万有的继承者，世上诸国的权柄和荣耀都应许要归给祂。可是当祂显在这世界时，却既没有财富也没有光彩。世人不明白祂与父的合一；祂神圣品格的荣耀与优美向他们是隐藏的。所以祂“被藐视，被人厌弃，”而“我们却以为祂受责罚，被上帝击打苦待了”（赛53:3,4）。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 44}
§89
The Son of God was the heir of all things, and the dominion and glory of the kingdoms of this world were promised to him. Yet when he appeared in this world it was without riches or splendor. The world understood not his union with the Father; and the excellency and glory of his divine character were hid from them. He was therefore “despised and rejected of men,” and “we did esteem him smitten of God and afflicted.”?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 44}
§90
基督在世上如何，跟随祂的人也要如何。他们是上帝的儿女，与基督一同为后嗣；国度与权柄也属于他们。世人不理解他们的品格和圣召；认识不到他们被收养进入了上帝的家庭。他们与圣父圣子的联合与相交对世人来说并不显然，世人既看到他们蒙羞受辱，就看不出是他们是何等人，也看不出他们将要成为何等人。他们是外人。世界不认识他们，也不赏识促使他们行动的动机。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 45}
§91
Even so the members of Christ are as he was in this world. They are the sons of God and joint heirs with Christ; and the kingdom and dominion belong to them. The world understand not their character and holy calling. They perceive not their adoption into the family of God. Their union and fellowship with the Father and the Son are not manifest to the world, and while they behold their humiliation and reproach, it does not appear what they are, or what they shall be. They are strangers. The world knows them not, and appreciate not the motives which actuate them.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 45}
§92
世界正在走向灭亡。上帝只能再忍受罪人一点点时候了。他们必须喝祂未掺怜悯的忿怒之杯中的渣滓。那些愿意成为上帝的后嗣，与基督同为后嗣，承受不朽产业的人，要成为特别的人。是的，要成为非常特别的人，以致上帝在他们身上印下一个印记，证明他们是全然属于祂的。你们以为上帝会接受、尊荣并承认一班与世人如此混杂以致只是在名义上与他们不同之人吗？请再读《提多书》2:13-15。不久就要知道谁是在主这边，谁不会以耶稣为耻了。那些没有道德勇气面对不信的人凭良心采取自己的立场，离弃世界的时尚，并且效法基督之舍己生活的人，乃是以祂为耻的，不喜爱祂的榜样。{RH June 25, 1861, par. 46}
§93
The world is ripening for its destruction. God can bear with sinners but a little longer. They must drink the dregs of the cup of his wrath unmixed with mercy. Those who will be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to the immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them as his, wholly his. Think ye that God will receive, honor and acknowledge a people so mixed up with the world that they differ from them only in name? Read again?Titus 2:13-15. It is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, who will not be ashamed of Jesus. Those who have not moral courage to take their position conscientiously in the face of unbelievers, and leave the fashions of the world and imitate the self-denying life of Christ, are ashamed of him, and do not love his example.?{RH June 25, 1861, par. 46}
§94
怀爱伦Ellen G. White.1861年8月27日August 27, 1861怀姐妹的来信
§95
Communication from Sister White
§96
奴隶制与战争
§97
Slavery and the War.
§98
上帝正因奴隶制这一大罪惩罚这个国家。这个国家的命运掌握在祂手中。祂要因奴隶制的罪刑罚南方。北方也要因长久容忍奴隶制的蔓延和横行而受到惩罚。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 1}
§99
God is punishing this nation for the high crime of slavery. He has the destiny of the nation in his hands. He will punish the South for the sin of slavery, and the North for so long suffering its overreaching and overbearing influences.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 1}
§100
全天庭都愤慨地看着一班照上帝形像造的人被他们的同胞摧残到最卑微的地步，甚至被降到牲畜的程度。一班自称跟从那因目睹人类的祸患而动慈心的宝贵救主的信徒，竟热烈参与这种滔天罪行，买卖奴隶和人口。天使已经把这一切都记录下来了；这些事都写在天上的册子里。敬虔的男女奴隶，父母、儿女、弟兄姊妹们所流的热泪都已经装在天上的瓶子里。人类的痛苦被带到了各地，并且被买被卖。上帝的忿怒只能再抑制一个很短的时期了。祂的烈怒要向这个国家发作，尤其向那些赞助并参与这种可怕的交易的宗教团体发作。许多自称跟随那柔和谦卑之耶稣的信徒竟能目睹这种不公正、压迫和痛苦的事而无情地漠不关心，而且他们自己也能以可恨的满足在黑奴身上加以残虐的迫害；然后他们竟敢前来敬拜上帝。这是阴沉的嘲笑；撒但为之欢欣雀跃；他拿这些自相矛盾的教徒来挖苦耶稣和众天使，恶毒得意地对他们说：“跟从基督的就是这样的人！”{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 2}
§101
All heaven beholds with indignation, human beings, the workmanship of God, reduced to the lowest depths of degradation, and placed on a level with the brute creation by their fellow-men. And professed followers of that dear Saviour whose compassion was ever moved as he witnessed human woe, heartily engage in this enormous and grievous sin, and deal in slaves and souls of men. Angels have recorded it all. It is written in the book. The tears of the pious bond-men and bond-women, of fathers, mothers and children, brothers and sisters, are all bottled up in heaven. Agony, human agony, is carried from place to place, and bought and sold. God will restrain his anger but a little longer. His anger burns against this nation, and especially against the religious bodies who have sanctioned, and have themselves engaged in this terrible merchandise. Such injustice, such oppression, such sufferings, many professed followers of the meek and lowly Jesus can witness with heartless indifference. And many of them can inflict, with hateful satisfaction, all this indescribable agony themselves, and yet dare to worship God. It is solemn mockery, and Satan exults over it, and reproaches Jesus and his angels with such inconsistency, saying, with hellish triumph,?Such are Christ’s followers!?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 2}
§102
这些自称的基督徒往往因阅读古时殉道者所受的苦难而流泪。他们诧异，想不到别人怎么能变得那么心硬，竟以如此残酷的手段对待自己的同胞。殊不知，这样思想并说这话的人自己正在将人束缚在奴役之下呢。非但如此，他们甚至丧尽天良，天天残酷地压迫自己的同胞。他们能在黑奴身上加以最无人性的折磨，而且他们所表现的残酷无情正像从前罗马教廷和异教徒逼迫基督信徒的手段一样。当上帝执行审判的日子，那些异教徒和罗马教廷所受的要比这一等人还容易呢。受迫害之人的冤声已经上达于天，众天使看到那些照上帝形像受造的人类所加于自己同胞的说不尽的无情痛苦而不胜惊异。那些压迫黑奴之人的名字是用鲜血写下来，用鞭痕划出来的，充满着辛酸悲凄、火烧火燎的苦难之泪。上帝的烈怒必不止息，直到祂使这个享受福音亮光的国家喝尽祂大怒的酒杯。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 3}
§103
These professed christians read of the sufferings of the martyrs, and tears course down their cheeks. They wonder that men could ever possess hearts so hardened as to practice such inhuman cruelties toward their fellow-men, while at the same time they hold their fellow-men in slavery. And this is not all. They sever the ties of nature, and cruelly oppress from day to day their fellow-men. They can inflict most inhuman tortures with relentless cruelty, which would well compare with the cruelty papists and heathens exercised toward Christ’s followers. It will be more tolerable for the heathen and for papists in the day of the execution of God’s judgment than for such men. The cries and sufferings of the oppressed have reached unto heaven, and angels stand amazed at the hard-hearted, untold, agonizing suffering, man in the image of his Maker, causes his fellow-man. The names of such are written in blood, crossed with stripes, and flooded with agonizing, burning tears of suffering. God’s anger will not cease until he has caused the land of light to drink the dregs of the cup of his fury.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 3}
§104
8月3日安息日，在纽约州罗斯福城的会议上，弟兄姐妹们聚在一起，把这日定为谦卑、禁食和祈祷的日子。主的灵停留在我们身上，我被带进了异象中，蒙指示看到了奴隶制的罪恶。它是本国长期以来的咒诅。逃奴法足以消灭人类对受苦受压的奴隶每一分高尚慷慨的同情心。这种法律是直接反对基督教导的。上帝的惩罚现已临到北方，因为他们长期容忍了奴隶制的滋长。北方支持奴隶制度之人的罪是大的。他们因纵容奴隶制的扩张而加强了南方的力量；他们在使国家陷入当前的不幸状况的事上起了重要作用。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 4}
§105
At the Roosevelt conference, when the brethren and sisters were assembled on the day set apart for humiliation, fasting and prayer, Sabbath, August 3, the Spirit of the Lord rested upon us, and I was taken off in vision, and shown the sin of slavery. Slavery has long been a curse to this nation. The fugitive slave law was calculated to crush out of man every noble, generous feeling of sympathy, that should arise in his heart for the oppressed and suffering slave. It was in direct opposition to the teaching of Christ. God’s scourge now is upon the North, that they have so long submitted to the advances of the slave power. The sin of Northern pro-slavery men is great. They have strengthened the South in their sin, and sanctioned the extension of slavery, and acted a prominent part in bringing the nation into its present distressed condition.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 4}
§106
我蒙指示，见到许多人没有认识到已临到我们身上的不幸有多大。他们盲目乐观，以为国家的困难很快就能克服，混乱与战争很快就会结束，但所有的人将会看到，现实比他们所预想的严酷得多。许多人渴望北方给予打击并结束战争。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 5}
§107
I was shown that many realize not the extent of the evil which has come upon us. They have flattered themselves that the national difficulties would soon be settled, and confusion and war end; but all will be convinced that there is more reality in the matter than was anticipated. Many have looked for the North to strike a blow, and the controversy be ended.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 5}
§108
我蒙指示回顾古以色列在埃及为奴的时候。主藉摩西和亚伦对他们施行了拯救。种种神迹奇事行在法老面前，要使他确信这二人是上帝特别差遣的，吩咐他给以色人放行。但法老硬着心反对上帝的使者，并用理论解释他们所行的奇事。于是就使埃及人受到了上帝的刑罚，品尝了灾难的报应。在遭受那些灾难的时候，法老同意让以色列人走。但灾难一停止，他的心就又刚硬了。他的谋士和将士们也硬着心反对上帝，尽力将灾难解释为自然的因素。来自上帝的惩罚一次比一次严厉，可是他们仍不愿放以色列人走，直到主的使者杀了埃及人的长子。从坐宝座的君王到最卑微的人，无不悲哀哭号。于是法老发令让以色列人离开；但埃及人在埋葬了他们的死人之后，法老又后悔让以色列人走了。他的谋士和将士们设法对他们亲人的死亡作出解释。他们不愿承认这天谴或惩罚是来自上帝的，所以就去追赶以色列人。当以色列人看到埃及的追兵有些在马上，有些在车上，都顶盔贯甲为要争时战，他们的心就消化了。前有红海，后有埃及的追兵。他们看不到逃生之路。埃及人既看到以色列人完全在他们的权下，就爆发出了胜利的呐喊。以色列人大大战兢。但主命令摩西吩咐他们前进，并扬起杖伸向红海，将海分开。摩西照做了，看哪，红海分开了，以色列人过了红海连鞋都没有湿。法老久已抵挡上帝，硬着心反对祂的大能奇妙的作为，以致他盲目地冲进了上帝奇妙地为祂的子民预备的道路。摩西再次受命向红海伸手，“海水仍旧复原”（出14:27），淹没了埃及军兵，他们都被淹死了。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 6}
§109
I was pointed back to ancient Israel held in bondage by the Egyptians. The Lord wrought by Moses and Aaron to deliver the children of Israel. Miracles were performed before Pharaoh to convince him that they were especially sent of God to bid him to let Israel go. But Pharaoh’s heart was hardened against the messengers of God, and he reasoned away the miracles performed by them. Then the Egyptians were made to feel God’s judgments. They were visited by plagues. While suffering under the effect of the several plagues, Pharaoh consented to let Israel go. But as soon as the cause of their suffering was removed, his heart was hardened. His mighty men and counselors strengthened themselves against God and endeavored to explain the plagues as the result of natural causes. Each visitation from God was more severe than the preceding one, yet they would not release the children of Israel, until the angel of the Lord slew the first-born of the Egyptians. From the king upon the throne, down to the most humble and lowly, was there wailing and mourning. Then Pharaoh commanded to let Israel go. After the Egyptians had buried their dead, Pharaoh relented that he had let Israel go. His counselors and mighty men tried to account for their bereavement. They would not admit that the visitation or judgment was from God, and they pursued after the children of Israel. When the Israelites beheld the Egyptian host in pursuit, some upon horses and some in chariots, and equipped for war, their hearts failed them. The Red sea was before, the Egyptian host behind. They could see no way of escape. A shout of triumph burst from the Egyptians to find Israel completely in their power. The Israelites were greatly terrified. The Lord commanded Moses to bid the children of Israel go forward, to lift up the rod and stretch out his hand over the sea and divide it. He did so, and lo, the sea parted and the children of Israel passed over dry shod. Pharaoh had so long withstood God, and hardened his heart against his mighty, wondrous works, that he in blindness rushed into the path God had miraculously prepared for his people. Again Moses was commanded to stretch forth his hand over the sea, “and the sea returned to his strength,” and the waters covered the Egyptian host and they were drowned.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 6}
§110
这个场面呈现在我眼前，为要说明奴隶制的自私性，说明南方为坚持这个制度而要采取孤注一掷的措施，以及他们在屈服之前所要走到的可怕地步。奴隶制已把人类降格到了畜类的水平。大多数奴隶主看奴隶就像畜类一样。这些奴隶主的良心已被烙惯了，刚硬的像法老一样；若是被迫释放了奴隶，他们的原则还是没有改变。倘若可能，他们还会欺压奴隶。在我看来，现在似乎不可能消除奴隶制。惟有上帝才能把奴隶从铤而走险，残酷无情的压迫者手中救出来。向奴隶所施的一切暴虐和残忍行为，都要公正地记在支持奴隶制度之人的账上，无论是在南方还是在北方。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 7}
§111
This scene was presented before me to illustrate the selfish love of slavery, the desperate measures the South would adopt to cherish the institution, and the dreadful lengths to which they would go before they would yield. The dreadful system of slavery has reduced and degraded human beings to the level of the brutes, and the majority of slave-masters regard them as such. Their consciences have become seared and hardened as was Pharaoh’s; and if compelled to release their slaves, their principles are unchanged, and they would make the slave feel their oppressive power if possible. It looked to me like an impossibility now for slavery to be done away. God alone can wrench the slave from the hand of his desperate, relentless oppressor. All the abuse and cruelty exercised toward the slave is justly chargeable to the upholders of the slave system, whether they be Southern men or Northern men.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 7}
§112
北方和南方的的情况我都看到了。北方被南方蒙骗了。南方的人已经准备好要打仗，但他们却说不要打仗。他们大部分男人都会使用武器。有些人打过仗，其他人有喜爱运动的习惯。他们在这方面胜过北方人。但一般来说，南方的人没有北方人的勇猛和吃苦耐劳。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 8}
§113
The North and the South were presented before me. The North have been deceived in regard to the South. They are better prepared for war than has been represented. Most of their men are well skilled in the use of arms, some of them from experience in battle, others from habitual sporting. They have the advantage of the North in this respect, but have not, as a general thing, the power of endurance and valor that Northern men have.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 8}
§114
我看到弗吉尼亚州马纳萨斯镇的惨烈战斗。那是一个令人胆战心寒，痛苦难当的场面。南方的军队在各方面都占优势，预备进行殊死的搏斗。北方的军队乘胜前进，毫不怀疑自己会得胜。许多人莽撞傲慢地前行，好像已经得胜了似的。当他们接近战场时，许多人因疲倦和缺少休息而几乎要晕倒了。他们没有料到会有如此猛烈的一场遭遇战。他们冲入战场，勇敢而拼命地作战。双方都有死伤。北方和南方都吃了不少苦头。南方人尝到了这场战斗的滋味，本来很快就会被迫进一步后退。北方的人仍在猛冲，尽管他们的伤亡极重。就在那时，一位天使下来，向后挥手。军队中立即起了混乱。北方人似乎觉得他们的军队在撤退，实际上并非如此。随即一场突如其来的撤退开始了。我感到很惊奇。然后有解释说，这个国家在上帝手中，祂不容许得胜快过祂所命定的，也不允许北方人的伤亡过于祂的智慧认为他们的罪所该受的刑罚。要是北方的军队在他们精疲力竭地状况下仍旧推进战斗，就会有更大的搏斗和伤亡等待着他们，原会使南方大大获胜。上帝不愿允许这事发生，就差一位天使来干预。北方军队的突然退却对所有人来说都是一个奥秘。他们不知道上帝的手在掌管这件事。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 9}
§115
I had a view of the late disastrous battle at Manassas, Va. It was a most exciting, thrilling, distressing scene. The Southern army had everything in their favor, and were prepared for a dreadful contest. The Northern army was moving on with triumph, not doubting but that they would be victorious. Many were reckless, and marched forward boastingly as though victory were already theirs. As they neared the battle-field, many were almost fainting through weariness and want of refreshment. They did not expect so fierce an encounter. They rushed into battle and fought bravely, desperately. The dead and dying were on every side. Both the North and the South suffered severely. The Southern men felt the battle, and in a little would have been driven back still further. Northern men were rushing on, although their destruction was very great. Just then an angel descended and waved his hand backward. Instantly there was confusion in their ranks. It appeared to the Northern men that their armies were retreating, when it was not in reality so; and a precipitate retreat commenced. It seemed wonderful to me. Then it was explained, that God had this nation in his own hand, and would suffer no victories to be gained faster than he ordained, and no more losses to the Northern men than in his wisdom he saw fit, to punish the North for their sin. And in this battle had the Northern army pushed the battle still further, in their fainting, exhausted condition, a far greater struggle and destruction awaited them, which would have caused great triumph in the South. God would not permit this, and sent an angel to interfere. The sudden falling back of the Northern troops was a mystery to all. They knew not that God’s hand was in the matter.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 9}
§116
南方军队的伤亡极重，以致他们无心自夸。既看到已死、垂死和受伤的军兵，就使他们没有什么勇气夸胜。他们占尽了有利条件，而北方处于极大的劣势，在这种情况下出现如此的伤亡使他们非常困惑。他们知道，若是北方与他们有同等的机会，胜利就必属于北方。他们唯一的希望在于占据难以接近的阵地，然后才能作出强有力的安排，在各方面打击北方。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 10}
§117
The destruction of the Southern army was so great that they had no heart to boast. The sight of the dead, dying and wounded gave them but little courage to triumph. This destruction, occurring when they had every advantage, and the North great disadvantage, caused them great perplexity. They know that if the North have an equal chance with them, victory is certain for the North. Their only hope is to occupy positions difficult of approach, and then have formidable arrangements to hurl destruction on every hand.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 10}
§118
南方从开始叛乱以来，已大大加强了实力。北方若在当时采取了积极的措施，原会迅速平息这次叛乱。但那起初微小的已增加了实力和人数，直到成了极大的势力。其它国家正在密切关注该国，出于何种目的我未蒙指示，它们正在为某件大事大作准备。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 11}
§119
The South have been strengthening themselves greatly since their rebellion first commenced. Then if active measures had been taken by the North, this rebellion would have been speedily crushed out. But that which was small at first has increased in strength and numbers until it is a most powerful rebellion. Other nations are intently watching this nation, for what purpose I was not informed, and are making great preparations for some event.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 11}
§120
我们的国人中间现在有极大的困惑和焦虑。他们中间有支持奴隶制度的人和背叛者。这些人虽自称支持联邦，影响着联邦的决定，但他们中有些人是支持南方的。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 12}
§121
The greatest anxiety now exists among our national men. They are in great perplexity. Pro-slavery men and traitors are in their very midst, and while they are professedly in favor of the Union, they have an influence in decisions, some of which even favor the South.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 12}
§122
我蒙指示，看到地上的居民处于极大的混乱中。战争、流血、穷困、缺乏、饥荒和瘟疫广布全地。这一切的事都包围着上帝的子民，他们开始团结在一起，消除他们小小的歧见。自尊不再控制他们；深刻的谦卑掌权了。苦难、困窘和缺乏使理智恢复了王权，急躁易怒而且不讲道理的人变得神智健全了，行事慎重而有智慧。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 13}
§123
I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. There was war, bloodshed, want, privation, famine and pestilence, in the land; and as these things were without, God’s people began to press together, and cast aside their little difficulties. Self-dignity no longer controlled them. Deep humility took its place. Suffering, perplexity and privation, caused reason to resume its throne, and the passionate and unreasonable man became sane, and acted with discretion and wisdom.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 13}
§124
然后我的注意力从这个场面被召回。似乎有了少许和平时期。之后地上的居民再次被呈现在我面前；万事重又陷于极大的混乱中了。冲突、战争和流血，连同饥荒和瘟疫，肆虐各处。其它国家也参加了这场战争和混乱。战争引起了饥荒。缺乏和流血引起了瘟疫。于是“人想起那将要临到世界的事，就都吓得魂不附体”（路21:26）。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 14}
§125
My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be a little time of peace. Then the inhabitants of the earth were again presented before me, and everything was in the utmost confusion again. Strife, war and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this confusion and war. War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then men’s hearts will fail them for fear, “and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.”?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 14}
§126
不信的世界不久就要想想他们的服装和外表以外的东西了；当他们的心思因不幸和混乱而被迫转离这些东西时，他们就会无所适从。他们不是被囚而有指望的人，所以并不转回“保障”（亚9:12）。他们的心将因抱怨和恐惧而消化。他们没有使上帝成为自己的避难所，那时祂必不安慰他们，却要因他们遭灾而发笑，因惊恐临到他们而嗤笑（箴1:26）。他们藐视并践踏了上帝之道的真理。他们沉湎于奢华的装扮，欢闹快乐地过了一生。他们所种的是风，所收的是暴风（何8:7）。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 15}
§127
The unbelieving world will soon have something to think of besides their dress and appearance; and as their minds are torn from these things by distress and perplexity, they have nothing to turn to. They are not prisoners of hope, and therefore do not turn to the?“Strong Hold.” Their hearts will fail them for repining and fear. They have not made God their refuge, and he will not be their consolation then, but will laugh at their calamity, and mock when their fear cometh. They have despised and trampled upon the truths of God’s word. They have indulged in extravagant dress, and have spent their lives in hilarity and glee. They have sown to the wind, they must reap the whirlwind.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 15}
§128
在列国遇难窘困的时候，会有许多人没有完全迷恋世界的败坏性影响，也没有完全侍奉撒但，他们会在上帝面前谦卑自己，全心转向祂，得蒙悦纳和赦免。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 16}
§129
In the time of distress and perplexity of nations there will be many who have not given themselves wholly to the corrupting influences of the world and the service of Satan, who will humble themselves before God, and turn to him with their whole heart and find acceptance and pardon.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. A, par. 16}
§130
1861年8月27日August 27, 1861危险时期Perilous Times
§131
在守安息日的人中，那些一直不愿作出任何牺牲，而是屈服于世界的影响的人，要经受考验。末后危险的日子正在临到我们，在年轻人面前有一个考验，是他们未曾预料的。他们要被带入极其痛苦难熬的困惑混乱中。他们信仰的真实性要受考验。他们自称期待人子的降临，可是他们中的有些人却一直是不信之人的坏榜样。他们一直不愿放弃世界，而是与世人联合，参加野餐和其它的宴乐聚会，自以为参加的是无罪的娱乐。然而我蒙指示，正是这种放纵使他们与上帝隔绝，成了世界之子。上帝并不承认寻欢作乐的人是祂的跟从者。祂并没有给我们这种榜样。唯有那些舍己，过自守、谦卑、圣洁生活的人，才是真正跟从耶稣的人；这种人不会参加也不会喜爱贪爱世界之人轻佻空虚的交谈。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 1}
§132
Those among Sabbath-keepers who have been unwilling to make any sacrifice, but have yielded to the influence of the world, are to be tested and proved. The perils of these last days are upon us, and a trial is before the young which they have not anticipated. They are to be brought into most distressing perplexity. The genuineness of their faith will be proved. They profess to be looking for the coming of the Son of man, yet some of them have been a miserable example to unbelievers. They have not been willing to give up the world, but have united with them, have attended picnics, and other gatherings of pleasure, flattering themselves that they were engaged in innocent amusement. Yet I was shown that it was just such indulgences that separate them from God and make them children of the world. God owns not the pleasure or amusement seeker as his follower. He has given us no such example. Those only who are self-denying, and who live a life of sobriety, humility and holiness, are true followers of Jesus; and such cannot engage in and enjoy the frivolous, empty conversation of the lovers of the world.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 1}
§133
《以赛亚书》第3章的预言呈现在我面前，我蒙指示看到这个预言适用于这些末后的日子，其中的责备是给锡安女子的，她们只想着外表和炫耀。请读25节：“你的男丁必倒在刀下；你的勇士必死在阵上。”我蒙指示，这节经文将字字应验。自命为基督徒，却毫无基督徒的经验，没有任何负担，也觉不到个人责任的青年男女要受考验。他们将被降卑到尘埃，并将渴望在上帝的事上有经验，就是他们没能获得的经验。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 2}
§134
Isaiah 3, was presented before me. I was shown that this prophecy has its application to these last days; and the reproofs are given to the daughters of Zion who have thought only of appearance and display. Read?verse 25: “Thy men shall fall by the sword and thy mighty in the war.” I was shown that this portion of Scripture will be strictly fulfilled. Young men and women professing to be christians, yet having no christian experience, and having borne no burdens, and felt no individual responsibility, are to be proved. They will be brought low in the dust, and long for an experience in the things of God, which they failed to obtain.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 2}
§135
“战争扬起他的头盔到眉梢；上帝啊，而今惟祢的子民是保！”{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 3}
§136
“War lifts his helmet to his brow,?O God, protect thy people now.”?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 3}
§137
令人心碎的痛苦日子就在我们前面。我蒙指示，应该作那率直的见证，而且那些愿意前来帮助耶和华的人必领受祂的赐福。但守安息日的人有一项工作要做。我蒙指示，撑裙箍是一件可憎之物，每一个守安息日之人的影响都要谴责这种可笑的时尚，这种时尚成了罪孽的屏障，它来自巴黎一个臭名昭著的家庭。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 4}
§138
A day of heart-rending anguish is before us. I was shown that pointed testimonies should be borne, and those who will come up to the help of the Lord, will receive his blessing. But Sabbath-keepers have a work to do. Hoops, I was shown, were an abomination, and every Sabbath-keeper’s influence should be a rebuke to this ridiculous fashion, which has been a screen to iniquity. It arose from a house of ill-fame in Paris.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 4}
§139
我蒙指示看到有些人会藐视教导，即使是来自天上的教导；他们会设计一些藉口，回避极其率直的见证，并且不顾所赐的一切亮光和所作的见证，穿上撑裙箍，因为它是时尚，并且冒险承担后果。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 5}
§140
Individuals were shown me who will despise instruction, even if it comes from heaven, and they will frame some excuse to avoid the most pointed testimony, and in defiance of all the light given, and testimony borne, will put on hoops because it is the fashion, and risk the consequences.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. B, par. 5}
§141
1861年8月27日August 27, 1861组织Organization
§142
我蒙指示，有些人担心他们若是组织起来，就会变成巴比伦；但那些在纽约中部的教会已经完全是巴比伦了，非常混乱。现在各教会若不组织起来建立秩序，他们将来就没什么指望了。他们必定分崩离析。早先的教训已滋养了分裂的成分。人们怀有了监视和控告的精神，而非发展壮大的精神。上帝的传道人若是联合一致地采取立场，并且断然维持之，就会在上帝的群羊中有团结的影响。分隔的栅栏就会断成碎片。人心就会涌流到一起，像两滴水一样融在一起。那时守安息日的人就会有能力有力量，远超过我们所见过的任何事。当上帝的仆人旅行于各教会中，应付其他传道弟兄对立的影响时，心中感到悲伤。有些人已准备好反对上帝子民所采取的每一前进步骤。那些敢于冒险前进的人因同道弟兄缺乏一致的行动而悲痛伤心。我们正生活在一个严肃的时期。撒但和恶天使正在以大能行事，有世界站在他们旁边帮助他们。声称相信严肃重要真理的自命守安息日的人，却将自己的势力与黑暗权势的复合影响联合起来，要分散并拆毁上帝所计划要发展壮大的。这种人的影响被记录为是阻碍上帝子民中间的前进和改革之工的。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. C, par. 1}
§143
I was shown that some have been fearing they should become Babylon if they organize; but the churches in Central New York have been perfect Babylon, confusion. And now unless the churches are so organized that they can carry out and enforce order, they have nothing to hope for in the future. They must scatter into fragments. Previous teachings have nourished the elements of disunion. A spirit has been cherished to watch and accuse, rather than to build up. If ministers of God would unitedly take their position and maintain it with decision, there would be a uniting influence among the flock of God. Separating bars would be broken to fragments. Hearts would flow together and unite like two drops of water. Then there would be power and strength in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers far exceeding anything we have yet witnessed. The hearts of God’s servants are made sad by meeting, as they journey from church to church, the opposing influence of other ministering brethren. Individuals have stood ready to oppose every step of advance God’s people have made. Those who have dared to venture out have their hearts saddened and distressed by the lack of union of action on the part of their fellow-laborers. We are living in solemn times. Satan and evil angels are working with mighty power, with the world on their side to help them. And professed Sabbath-keepers, claiming to believe important, solemn truth, unite their forces with the combined influence of the powers of darkness to distract and tear down that which God designs to build up. Their influence is recorded as those who retard the work of advance and reform among God’s people.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. C, par. 1}
§144
组织问题所引起的兴奋，显示出传扬现代真理的传道人极其缺乏道德勇气。有些确信组织是正确的人，没能大胆地支持并提倡它。他们让少许人知道他们是支持组织的。这就是上帝要求于他们的一切吗？不是的；祂不喜悦他们胆怯的沉默和缺少行动。他们害怕责备和反对。他们在勇敢地支持自己所相信是对的事情之前，通常先注意看弟兄们的意向如何。人们在等待他们所喜爱的传道人的意见，他们既听不到传道人对组织的支持，就确定组织是错的。这样，有些传道人的影响就成了反对组织的，虽然他们自称要支持组织。他们害怕失去自己的影响。但必须有人开始行动并负起责任来，冒险牺牲自己的影响；他既已习惯责难和责备，便因忍受这一切而受苦。他的同工们，本应站在他旁边，分担这担子，却在观望他如何在独自作战中得胜。但上帝记下了他的悲痛，他的苦恼，他的眼泪，他的灰心和失望，他的心力几乎要交瘁了；当他即将下沉时，上帝扶他起来，并向他指明疲乏者要得的安息，忠心者要得的奖赏；于是他就再次肩负重担。我看到各人都要照自己所行的受报。那些躲避责任的人最终要遭受损失。当战争变得猛烈的时候，正是传道人要站在一起的时候。{RH August 27, 1861, Art. C, par. 2}
§145
The agitation of the subject of organization has revealed a great lack of moral courage on the part of ministers proclaiming present truth. Some who were convinced that organization was right failed to stand up boldly and advocate it. They let some few understand that they favored it. Was this all God required of them? No: he was displeased with their cowardly silence, and lack of action. They feared blame and opposition. They watched the brethren generally to see how their pulse beat before standing manfully for what they believed to be right. The people waited for the voice of their favorite minister in the truth, and because they could hear no response in favor from them, decided that the subject of organization was wrong. Thus the influence of some of the ministers was against this matter while they professed to be in favor. They were afraid of losing their influence. Some one must move here and bear responsibility, and venture his influence; and as he has become inured to censure and blame, he is suffered to bear it. His fellow-laborers who should stand by his side and take their share of the burden, are looking on to see how he succeeds in fighting the battle alone. But God marks his distress, his anguish, his tears, his discouragements and despair, while his mind is taxed almost beyond endurance; and as he is ready to sink, God lifts him up and points him to the rest for the weary, the reward for the faithful; and again he puts his shoulder under the heavy burden. I saw that all will be rewarded according as their works shall be. Those who shun responsibility will meet with loss in the end. The time for ministers to stand together is when the battle goes hard.?{RH August 27, 1861, Art. C, par. 2}
§146
1861年8月16日于纽约圣法县草河
§147
Grass River, St. Law. Co., N.Y.,August 16, 1861.
§148
怀爱伦Ellen G. White.1861年11月19日November 19, 1861我们对穷人的本分
§149
Our Duty to the Poor
§150
常有人问说，我们对于那些持守第三天使信息的穷人有何本分？我们自己也是久已急欲知道，对于那些守安息日之贫苦家庭，应当怎样谨慎处理才好。然而1861年8月3日，在纽约州罗斯福的时候，我蒙指示一些关于穷人的事。{RH November 19, 1861, par. 1}
§151
Inquiries are often made in regard to our duty to the poor who embrace the third message; and we have long been anxious to know, ourselves, how to manage with discretion the cases of poor families who embrace the Sabbath. But while at Roosevelt, N.Y., August 3, 1861, I was shown some things in regard to the poor.?{RH November 19, 1861, par. 1}
§152
上帝并未要求我们的弟兄去负起每一个信仰本会信息之贫苦家庭的责任，若他们要那样行，教会的经济就要枯竭，传道人便必须停止开拓新工了。许多人的贫穷是因其本身缺乏殷勤、节俭，及不知如何善用其钱财所致。果真要帮助这等人，那就等于害他们。有些人老是贫穷，若常予以最优的救济，他们的情形仍是不能改善。他们不会好好地盘算，所能得的钱财，不论是多是少，都要完全用光。有些人不知克己，不善理财，及为清偿债务而未雨绸缪。如果教会要帮助这等人，不让他们去自食其力，至终他们就要受害，因为他们徒知仰赖教会，想望得教会的帮助，而不知在光景好的时日，实行舍己和节约。他们若不能每次都得到教会的帮助，撒但就试探他们，使他们变成嫉妒猜疑的人，对于会中的弟兄们非常认真，深恐他们对自己没有尽其一切本分。这种错误是在他们自己的身上。他们是受欺骗了。他们不是主的穷人。{RH November 19, 1861, par. 2}
§153
God does not require our brethren to take charge of every poor family that shall embrace this message. If they should do this, the work of the messengers to enter new fields must cease, for the fund would be exhausted. Many are poor from their own lack of diligence and economy, and they know not how to use means aright. If they should be helped it would hurt them. Some will always be poor. If they should have the very best advantages, their case would not be helped. They have not good calculation, and would use all the means they could obtain, be it much or little. Some know nothing of denying self and economizing to keep out of debt, and get a little ahead for a time of need. If the church should help such individuals instead of leaving them to rely upon their own resources, they would injure them in the end; for they look to the church, and expect to receive help from them, and do not practice self-denial and economy when they are well provided for. And if they do not receive help every time, Satan tempts them, and they become jealous, and very conscientious for their brethren, fearing that they do not do all their duty to them. The mistake is on their own part. They are deceived. They are not the Lord’s poor.?{RH November 19, 1861, par. 2}
§154
圣经上所给我们的教训，并不是要我们帮助前面所提的那一等穷人，乃是要我们帮助那些不幸而遭难受苦的人。上帝本其美意使一些遭难受苦的人来试验及证明别的人。教会中有寡妇及残废的人，乃是证明一种给予教会的福气。他们也是上帝所选用的方法之一，来培养一般自命为基督徒者的真品格，并要他们发挥那在我们慈悲救赎主身上所表现的宝贵品性。{RH November 19, 1861, par. 3}
§155
The instructions given in the word of God in regard to helping the poor do not touch such cases. The instructions given in God’s word are for the unfortunate and afflicted. God in his providence has afflicted individuals to test and prove others. Widows and invalids are in the church to prove a blessing to the church. They are part of the means God has chosen to develop the true character of Christ’s professed followers, and to call into exercise the precious traits of character manifested by our compassionate Redeemer.?{RH November 19, 1861, par. 3}
§156
许多人在过单身生活之时，已经是很清苦了，在明知自己无力养家之时，偏要成家立室。还有更较此难堪者，就是他们不知齐家理室之道。他们全家的情形，都是显着一片散漫懈怠的恶习性。他们丝毫不知自治，尽是纵情任性，不忍耐，暴躁易怒。到了这等人接受信息之后，他们却觉得自己应当受那些较为富足的弟兄们济助；如果他们的期望没有兑现，他们就埋怨教会，声斥他们没有照着信仰去生活为人。像这种情形，谁该受苦呢？难道要为照应这些穷苦的大家庭，使上帝圣工的元气被吮尽，各地的财库因而枯竭么？不是的。受苦的应当是那些家庭中的父母们，因为一般而论，他们在接受了安息日的道理之后，他们所受的穷苦，并不比他们以前所受的更多。{RH November 19, 1861, par. 4}
§157
Many who are single, and can but barely live, choose to marry and raise a family, when they know they have nothing to support them. And worse than this, they have no family government. Their whole course in their family is marked with their loose, slack habits. They have but little control of themselves, are passionate, impatient, and fretful. Such embrace the message, and then feel that they are entitled to assistance from their more wealthy brethren; and if their expectations are not met, they complain of the church and accuse them of not living out their faith. Who must be the sufferers in this case? Must the cause of God be sapped, and the treasury in different places exhausted, to take care of these large families of poor? No. The parents must be the sufferers. They will not as a general thing suffer any greater lack after they embrace the Sabbath than they did before.?{RH November 19, 1861, par. 4}
§158
现今在一些穷人的身上，有一种不良的现象，他们若不胜过这种情形，就必趋于灭亡。他们接受真理之时，还是有粗野不文的恶习性，并要经过相当的时期之后，他们才能看明自己的粗野性情，认识到那是与基督的品性不合的。他们看到别的人更文雅更整齐，便说他们是骄傲，你还可听到他们说“真理要使我们大家一律平等”的话。他们这样以为真理会使相信的人降格，这完全是错了。其实真理是要使人高尚，修炼人的品味，圣化人的判断力。人若照着真理生活，真理就必不住地修正他，使他配加入上帝圣城中圣天使的社会。真理的作用，就是要把我们大家提高，升到高等的水准上。{RH November 19, 1861, par. 5}
§159
There is an evil among some of the poor which will certainly prove their ruin unless they overcome it. They have embraced the truth with their coarse, rough, uncultivated habits, and it takes some time for them to see and realize their coarseness, and that it is not in accordance with the character of Christ. They look upon others who are more orderly and refined as being proud, and you may hear them say, “The truth brings us all down upon a level.” Here is an entire mistake in thinking that the truth brings the receiver down. It brings him up, refines his taste, sanctifies his judgment, and if lived out is continually fitting him for the society of holy angels in the city of God. The truth is designed to bring us all up upon a level.?{RH November 19, 1861, par. 5}
§160
在应付穷苦弟兄的事上，那多有能力的人应当时常去尽一种高尚的慷慨的本分，也当给他们良好的劝导，然后让他们去与生活奋斗。我蒙指示，教会应尽一番最严重的本分，特别照应那些困苦的寡妇、孤儿及残废的人们。{RH November 19, 1861, par. 6}
§161
The more able should ever act a noble, generous part in their deal with their poorer brethren, and also give them good advice, and then leave them to fight life’s battles through. I was shown that a most solemn duty rests upon the church to have an especial care for the destitute widows, orphans, and invalids.?{RH November 19, 1861, par. 6}
§162
怀爱伦Ellen G. White.1861年11月26日November 26, 1861给教会的证言
§163
Testimony to the Church
§164
1861年8月3日我在纽约罗斯福的时候，上帝子民的状况被呈现在我面前。许多人没能达到我们救主所设立的标准。他们处在令人担心的状况中，不仔细检查自己盼望的根基，反而对自己的状况漠不关心，自己骗自己。我看到一些人已经离开上帝而与世界的精神联合了。随着不同的时尚被引进，一个又一个人的从坚固的地步坠落，丧失了他们的独特性。从世界出来并与他们分别，是有违他们的意愿的。人们一旦停止与世界的精神作战，就很容易被撒但掳去了。我们的努力太软弱，抵挡不了一种影响，——那种影响使我们离开上帝，并使我们与世界联合。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 1}
§165
When at Roosevelt, N.Y., August 3, 1861, the condition of God’s people was presented before me. Many failed in coming up to the standard set up by our Saviour. They are in an alarming condition, not careful to examine the foundation of their hope, but are indifferent to their state, and self-deceived. Some, I saw, had departed from God, and were united with the spirit of the world. As different fashions are introduced, one after another have fallen back from their steadfastness, and have lost their peculiarity. It is crossing to come out from the world and be separate. As soon as individuals cease warring against the spirit of the world they are Satan’s easy prey. Our efforts are too feeble to resist an influence which leads us from God, and which brings us in union with the world.?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 1}
§166
那些与上帝分离并丧失灵性的人，并不是一下子就跌落到被那位真实见证者称为不冷不热状态的。他们一点儿一点儿地效法世界。当世界的影响偷偷地临到他们时，他们没能抵挡它并持续作战。在迈出与世俗为友的第一步之后，黑暗随之而来，他们就准备好迈出下一步了。他们每向下走一步，黑暗都在他们周围聚集，直到把他们罩住了。他们在效法世界时，就丧失了上帝之灵改变人心的影响力。他们并没有认识到自己与上帝的距离，还以为自己情况良好，因为他们自称相信真理。他们变得越来越软弱，直到上帝的灵被收回，上帝吩咐祂的天使说：任凭他们吧！耶稣将他们从祂口中吐出来。祂虽已把他们的名字带到祂的父面前，祂虽已为他们代求，但祂停止代求了。他们的名字被删掉，他们被撇下与世人在一起了。他们却没有意识到任何改变。他们仍自称是基督徒。他们并没有非常显眼地偏离正义的外表。但他们已如此与世界同化，以致当天国的光被收回时，他们并不想念它。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 2}
§167
Those who separate from God and lose their spirituality, do not fall back all at once into a state which the true Witness calls lukewarm. They conform to the world little by little. As its influence steals upon them, they fail to resist it and maintain the warfare. After the first step is taken to have friendship with the world, darkness follows and they are prepared for the next. At every step they take in the downward course darkness gathers about them, until they are enshrouded. As they conform to the world they lose the transforming influence of the Spirit of God. They do not realize their distance from God. They think themselves in good case because they profess to believe the truth. They grow weaker and weaker, until the Spirit of God is withdrawn, and God bids his angels,?Let them alone! Jesus spues them out of his mouth. He has borne their names to his Father; he has interceded for them, but he ceases his pleadings. Their names are dropped, and they are left with the world. They realize no change. Their profession is the same. There has not been so glaring a departure from the appearance of right. They had become so assimilated to the world that when heaven’s light was withdrawn they did not miss it.?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 2}
§168
交托给我们的真理是曾交给地上凡人的最神圣的真理，但我们这班人却没有忠于所托。不忠心的守安息日的人是真理可能有的最恶劣的敌人。如果那些自称信奉真理的人愿意活出真理，主就会使祂的名在他们中间显大，并使他们成为强大的民。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 3}
§169
Truths have been committed to our trust more sacred than were ever imparted to mortals upon earth, yet we have not as a people been faithful to our trust. Unfaithful Sabbath-keepers are the worst enemies the truth can have. If those who profess the truth would live it out, then the Lord would magnify his name among them, and make them a powerful people.?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 3}
§170
地上的居民都陷于偶像崇拜。他们的罪孽之杯正在满盈。时尚是一个暴君，几乎所有的人都成了它的奴隶。乘坐火车轮船旅行，或在你想去的任何地方，都会看到装饰奢华并因撑裙箍而变形的人的形体。谦虚质朴很罕见；它似乎已经离开了这个文明时代。在审判的时候，所多玛和蛾摩拉会起来定这个世代的罪，因为他们若是曾有如今照耀在地上居民身上的亮光，原会早就悔改了。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 4}
§171
The inhabitants of the earth are given to idolatry. They are filling the cup of their iniquity. Fashion is a tyrant, and nearly all are slaves to it. Travel in the cars, steamboats, or where you will, and you will see the human frame covered with extravagant decorations, and deformed with hoops. Modesty is rare; it seems to have departed from this enlightened age. Sodom and Gomorrah will rise up in the judgment and condemn this generation, for if they had been privileged with the light which now shines upon the inhabitants of the earth, they would have repented long ago.?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 4}
§172
上帝必有一班分别出来的独特的百姓。他们的信仰是独特的。他们的前途是独特而光荣的，他们若不认为所提供给他们的天上的诱因有足够的价值导致他们放弃世界的时尚，当上帝起来刑罚地上居民的罪孽时，他们就必与世人一起灭亡。请阅读以赛亚书26:21和雅各书4:4。“岂不知与世俗为友就是与上帝为敌吗？所以凡想要与世俗为友的，就是与上帝为敌了。”约壹2:15：“不要爱世界和世界上的事。人若爱世界，爱父的心就不在他里面了。”我们蒙召在这些危险的日子中要提高标准。标准已经被拖曳到尘埃了。世界的时尚把上帝的子民捆绑住了。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 5}
§173
God will have a separate and peculiar people. Their faith is peculiar. Their prospects are peculiar and glorious, and if they do not consider the heavenly inducement offered them of sufficient value to lead them to renounce the fashions of the world, when God rises up to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity, they must perish with them. Please read?Isaiah 26:21;?James 4:4. “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”?1 John 2:15: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” We are called upon in these perilous times to elevate the standard. It has been left to trail in the dust. The fashions of the world hold God’s people in bondage.?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 5}
§174
那些已经真地选择上帝和天国作为他们的份的人必是独特的。真理使人成圣的影响已将他们从世界分别出来，他们必有道德能力实行他们的信仰，并用他们简朴的服装和圣洁的生活谴责这个时代的偶像崇拜和奢侈浪费。自称守安息日却愿意提倡穿撑裙箍和佩戴无用装饰的人，无论他们的信仰表白多么高尚，真理在他们心上都没有圣化的影响。他们没有向世界死。树死了，叶子就掉了。跟从耶稣基督的人与世俗的人有很大的不同，就像一棵长满绿叶的树和一棵枯死无叶的树之间的区别一样大。真理为接受的人成就一番工夫。它使他们向世界死，向上帝活。这样的人在用鲜花装饰自己的头时得不到任何满足，但他们却真实地意识到他们的救赎主因他们的罪而受的苦难。祂那神圣的额头戴着残忍的荆棘冠，荆棘刺伤了祂圣洁的双鬓。这样的思想应该足以使每一个跟从耶稣的人抛弃身上任何无用的装饰。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 6}
§175
Those who have really chosen God and heaven as their portion will be peculiar. The sanctifying influence of the truth has separated them from the world, and they will have moral courage to carry out their faith, and by their simple plainness of dress and holy living condemn the idolatry and extravagance of this age. Professed Sabbath-keepers who would advocate the wearing of hoops and useless ornaments, no matter how high their profession, the truth has not had its sanctifying influence upon the heart. They are not dead to the world. When the tree dies the leaves fall off. There is just as wide a difference between the follower of Jesus Christ and the worldling, as there is between a tree clothed with its green foliage and a dead and leafless tree. The truth accomplishes a work for the receivers. It causes them to die to the world, and live unto God. Such can receive no satisfaction in adorning their heads with flowers, while they have a true sense of the sufferings of their Redeemer on account of their sins. His sacred brow was encircled with cruel thorns, which bruised his holy temples. This thought should be enough to cause every true follower of Jesus to discard any useless ornaments to decorate their bodies.?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 6}
§176
一些守安息日的人如此切愿与世俗为友，以致严重损毁了自己的感情，没能下工夫跟从基督。他们既想要上帝的嘉许又想要世界的友谊。我看到，这种人肯定会丧失天国。他们也不享有这个世界，因此他们丧失了两个世界。在宽容时期的这些时辰里，人人只要愿意，都可拣选生命。他们的果子必显明他们的选择。对于在此世度谦卑顺从生活的人，上帝将来必赐予丰厚的赏赐。祂只悦纳完全的奉献。在许多人的心上，甚至在守安息日之人的心上，都有一个可怕的欺骗。他们疏于珍爱和跟从上帝已经赐给他们的亮光，上帝就任由他们完全受骗了。请阅读马太7:21-23。“凡称呼我‘主啊，主啊’的人不能都进天国；惟独遵行我天父旨意的人才能进去。当那日必有许多人对我说：‘主啊，主啊，我们不是奉祢的名传道，奉祢的名赶鬼，奉祢的名行许多异能吗？’我就明明的告诉他们说：‘我从来不认识你们，你们这些作恶的人，离开我去吧！’”{RH November 26, 1861, par. 7}
§177
Some Sabbath-keepers so earnestly desire to have friendship with the world, that they mangle their feelings and make wretched work of following Christ. They desire the approval of God and the friendship of the world too. Such, I saw, would certainly lose heaven. They do not enjoy this world, therefore they lose both. In these hours of probation all can choose life if they will. Their fruits will show their choice. For a life of humble obedience here, God will grant the rich reward hereafter. He will accept of nothing but entire consecration. A dreadful deception is upon many minds, even of Sabbath-keepers. They have neglected to cherish and follow the light God has given them, and have been left completely deceived. Please read?Matthew 7:21-23. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 7}
§178
人们将在完全受骗的状态下走向上帝的报应之日。他们为自己规划出了一条路线。他们并不让圣灵为他们规定界限。他们没有听从这个劝诫：“你们务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别；不要沾不洁净的物，我就收纳你们”（林后6:17）。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 8}
§179
Souls will come up to the day of God’s visitation under a perfect deception. They had marked out a course for themselves. They did not let the Bible place the bounds for them. They did not heed the exhortation, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean; and I will receive you.”?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 8}
§180
我蒙指示看见，如果上帝的子民愿意顺从祂的要求，祂在祂的应许上就不懈怠。那应许我们的是信实的。我们被上帝接纳的条件是，要使我们自己与世人分别。跟从耶稣的人与世人不能联合。请阅读约17:14：“我已将祢的道赐给他们。世界又恨他们；因为他们不属世界，正如我不属世界一样。”约15:18,19：“世人若恨你们，你们知道（或作：该知道），恨你们以先已经恨我了。你们若属世界，世界必爱属自己的；只因你们不属世界，乃是我从世界中拣选了你们，所以世界就恨你们。”{RH November 26, 1861, par. 9}
§181
I was shown that God is not slack concerning his promises, if his people will obey his requirements. He is faithful who hath promised. The condition of our being received of God is, to separate ourselves from the world. The followers of Jesus and the world can not unite. Please read?John 17:14: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world.”?John 15:18, 19: “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 9}
§182
在一些守安息日的人中间有一种倾向要庆幸自己有上帝的道所支持而且不信的人不能反驳的真理，他们就满意地休息了，不在神圣的生活上做出任何进步；他们的信心没有藉行为得以完全；他们感觉不到自己灵性的缺乏，反而自夸拥有真理，有时还以一种不适当的方式提倡真理。他们感到富足，已经发了财，一样都不缺，却不知道自己是困苦、可怜、贫穷、瞎眼、赤身的。我们在不符合上帝旨意的时候，在误以敬虔的外貌为敬虔的精神和能力，在什么都需要却以为自己什么都不需要时，竟认为我们是在正确的根基上，认为上帝悦纳我们的工作，还有什么迷惑能比这个更有力地欺骗人心呢？请阅读雅各书1:27：“在上帝我们的父面前，那清洁没有玷污的虔诚，就是看顾在患难中的孤儿寡妇，并且保守自己不沾染世俗。”{RH November 26, 1861, par. 10}
§183
There is a disposition among some Sabbath-keepers to rejoice that they have truths that can be sustained by the word of God, and that the unbeliever can not gainsay, and they rest satisfied. They make no advancement in the divine life; their faith is not made perfect by works; they do not feel their lack of spirituality, but boast that they have the truth, and they sometimes advocate it in an unbecoming manner. They feel rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and know not that they are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. What stronger delusion can deceive the human mind than that which makes us believe we are on the right foundation, and God accepts our works, when we are not conforming to his will, and when we mistake the form of godliness for the spirit and power thereof, supposing we need nothing when we need all things. Please read?James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 10}
§184
何等艰巨的工作摆在我们面前啊！我蒙指示看见人生的道路上一路都树立着舍己和十字架。我们能在这样的一场战争中坚持不懈吗？恩典与本性作对，自我的全部力量都反对胜利。我们能背起十字架，跟在耶稣后面，同意像祂一样吗？祂凡事受了试探与我们一样，只是祂没有犯罪。当世上的宴乐来到我们面前时，我们必须立即放弃它们，宁愿得上帝的恩惠和基督的十字架。而在这种自我牺牲的过程中，我们必得到胜利，至终赢得永远的荣耀。我蒙指示看到不信的世界，他们不愿服从上帝政权的要求和秩序。他们拒绝顺从祂的旨意；他们与造他们的主不一致，他们的言语和行为反对祂政权的原则和律法。因此我们不能享受世界的友谊，也不能与世界和谐一致而变得与上帝疏远。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 11}
§185
What a work is before us! Self-denial and the cross were shown me as standing all along in the way of life. Can we persevere in such a warfare as this? Grace is against nature, and the whole strength of self is opposed to the victory. Can we take up the cross and bear it after Jesus, and consent to be like him who was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin? When the pleasures of the world come before us, we must renounce them instantly, and prefer before these the favor of God and the cross of Christ. And in this self-denying course we shall obtain victories, and in the end win eternal glory. The unbelieving world were shown me, unwilling to submit to the claims and order of God’s government. They refuse obedience to his will; they are at variance with their Maker, and their words and works are opposed to the principles and laws of his government. Therefore we can not enjoy, and be in harmony with, the friendship of the world, and not become estranged from God.?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 11}
§186
阿摩斯书9:9,10被呈现在我面前：“我必出令，将以色列家分散在列国中，好像用筛子筛谷，连一粒也不落在地上。我民中的一切罪人说：灾祸必追不上我们，也迎不着我们。他们必死在刀下。”{RH November 26, 1861, par. 12}
§187
Amos 9:9, 10, was presented before me. “For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth. All the sinners of my people shall die by the sword, which say, The evil shall not overtake nor prevent us.”?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 12}
§188
上帝的子民要受测试被考验。清楚率直的见证必须在这项工作中起到显著作用。在这些黑暗危险的日子里，谁能站得住并说出全部真理呢？许多教师说柔和的话（赛30:10）。他们看不到有什么特别的缘由要对自称上帝子民之人的现状感到担忧。百姓在沉睡，教师们也在沉睡。他们喊叫说，平安了，平安了，众人听信他们的话，就放心了。这就使得忠心的教师们更有必要作出率直忠心的见证。目前是洗涤和净化的时期，是战争和考验的时期。以色列家正在被筛选，就像用筛子筛谷一样。糠秕必须被除掉，需要很细致的工作才能将糠秕和谷粒分开。上帝的慧眼必察出最小的一点糠秕，却不会叫一粒谷落在地上。{RH November 26, 1861, par. 13}
§189
God’s people will be tested and proved. The plain and pointed testimony must act a prominent part in this work. In these days of darkness and peril who is able to stand and speak the whole truth? Multitudes of teachers prophesy smooth things. They see no special cause of alarm in the present condition of the professed people of God. The people are asleep, and the teachers are asleep. They cry, Peace, peace, and the multitude that hear believe their report and are at ease. This makes the necessity greater for faithful teachers to bear the pointed, faithful testimony. The present is a time of scouring and purifying, a time of warfare and trial. The house of Israel is being sifted, even as corn is sifted in a sieve. The chaff must be removed, and it will require close work to separate the chaff from the kernels of grain. God’s discerning eye will detect the smallest particle of chaff, and yet he will not cause to fall upon the ground the least kernel of grain.?{RH November 26, 1861, par. 13}
§190
怀爱伦Ellen G. White.