第06章 1843至1844年的失望
§1
第06章 1843至1844年的失望
§2
Chapter 6—The Disappointment of 1843-44
§3
我们谨慎战兢地等候所期待救主显现的日子。我们全体信徒以严肃的热忱力求使自己的生活纯洁，以便在祂降临的时候预备妥当迎见祂。我们仍然在城中各处私人家里继续召开聚会，效果很好。信徒们都受到鼓励，踊跃地为自己的亲友工作，悔改归主的人数也与日俱增。{LS 54.1}[1]
§4
With carefulness and trembling we approached the time when our Saviour was expected to appear. With solemn earnestness we sought, as a people, to purify our lives, that we might be ready to meet Him at His coming. Meetings were still held at private houses in different parts of the city, with the best results. Believers were encouraged to work for their friends and relatives, and conversions were multiplying day by day.?{LS 54.1}[1]
§5
【贝多芬堂的聚会】
§6
虽然传道人和各教会反对，但波特兰城中的贝多芬堂夜夜都挤满了人；特别是在周日有大型集会的时候。各界的人士也蜂涌而来。无论贫富贵贱，教牧人员或平信徒，都抱着不同的动机急欲亲自聆听基督复临的道理；许多人来了，见会堂拥挤得没有立足之地，就很失望地走回家去。{LS 54.2}[2]
§7
【Meetings in Beethoven Hall】
§8
Notwithstanding the opposition of ministers and churches, Beethoven Hall, in the city of Portland, was nightly crowded; especially was there a large congregation on Sundays. All classes flocked to these meetings. Rich and poor, high and low, ministers and laymen, were all, from various causes, anxious to hear for themselves the doctrine of the second advent. Many came who, finding no room to stand, went away disappointed.?{LS 54.2}[2]
§9
聚会的程序很简单。通常先有一篇简短而切题的讲道，然后让各人自由发表劝勉人的话。虽然聚会的人数很多，但是会场内总保持着十分肃静的空气。当主的忠仆们述说自己信仰的缘由时，祂便遏制住反对的势力。有时作器皿的人软弱了，但有上帝的灵使祂的真理大有权威和能力；听众都觉得有圣天使在场，天天都有人加入这一小群的信徒当中。{LS 54.3}[3]
§10
The order of the meetings was simple. A short and pointed discourse was usually given, then liberty was granted for general exhortation. There was, as a rule, the most perfect stillness possible for so large a crowd. The Lord held the spirit of opposition in check while His servants explained the reasons of their faith. Sometimes the instrument was feeble, but the Spirit of God gave weight and power to His truth. The presence of the holy angels was felt in the assembly, and numbers were daily added to the little band of believers.?{LS 54.3}[3]
§11
【布朗长老的勉励】
§12
有一次，当斯托克曼长老讲道的时候，有一位浸礼会的传道人布朗长老，之前曾提到过他的名字，他坐在讲台旁边，以深切地注意听讲。他大受感动，忽然脸色变成灰白如同死人，晕倒在他的座位上了，当他正要倒在地上的时候，斯托克曼长老连忙伸出手臂去扶住他，把他放在讲台后面的沙发椅上，他便软弱无力地躺在那里，直到讲道结束的时候。{LS 55.1}[4]
§13
【An Exhortation by Elder Brown】
§14
On one occasion, while Elder Stockman was preaching, Elder Brown, a Christian Baptist minister, whose name has been mentioned before in this narrative, was sitting in the desk listening to the sermon with intense interest. He became deeply moved, and suddenly his face grew pale as the dead, he reeled in his chair, and Elder Stockman caught him in his arms just as he was falling to the floor, and laid him on the sofa back of the desk, where he lay powerless until the discourse was finished.?{LS 55.1}[4]
§15
后来他站了起来，虽然脸色还是苍白，却焕发着从那公义的日头而来的光辉，并作了一个很动人的见证。他似乎是从上天领受了圣灵的恩膏。他向来说话缓慢，带着恳切地态度，全然没有兴奋激昂的样子。这时他那严肃而慎重的话，带有一种新的力量。{LS 55.2}[5]
§16
He then arose, his face still pale, but shining with light from the Sun of Righteousness, and gave a very impressive testimony. He seemed to receive holy unction from above. He was usually slow of speech, with an earnest manner, entirely free from excitement. On this occasion his solemn, measured words carried with them a new power.?{LS 55.2}[5]
§17
他简单而直爽地叙述自己的经验，以致许多向来深怀成见的人亦为之潸然泪下。他的言词和面容都反映上帝的灵。他以圣洁的兴奋放胆声明他已经接受圣经为他的顾问；他的疑惑已经一扫而空，他的信心却坚强了。他诚恳地劝告他同会的牧师，教友，罪人和不信的人等务要自行查考圣经，并嘱咐他们不可让任何人使他们放弃探究何为真理的决心。{LS 55.3}[6]
§18
He related his experience with such simplicity and candor that many who had been greatly prejudiced were affected to tears. The Spirit of God was felt in his words and seen upon his countenance. With a holy exaltation he boldly declared that he had taken the word of God as his counselor; that his doubts had been swept away and his faith confirmed. With earnestness he invited his brother ministers, church members, sinners, and infidels to examine the Bible for themselves, and charged them to let no man turn them from the purpose of ascertaining what was the truth.?{LS 55.3}[6]
§19
他讲完之后，便请凡愿意要上帝子民代祷的人起立。当时有几百个人响应这个呼召。圣灵临格在会中，天与地似乎是互相接近了。聚会一直延到深夜。无论是青年、老年，或中年人，都感觉到有上帝的能力在他们身上。{LS 55.4}[7]
§20
When he had finished speaking, those who desired the prayers of the people of God were invited to rise. Hundreds responded to the call. The Holy Spirit rested upon the assembly. Heaven and earth seemed?to approach each other. The meeting lasted until a late hour of the night. The power of the Lord was felt upon young, old, and middle-aged.?{LS 55.4}[7]
§21
布朗长老始终没有与他的浸信会脱离关系，他的会友都非常敬重他。{LS 56.1}[8]
§22
Elder Brown did not either then or afterward sever his connection with the Christian church, but he was looked upon with great respect by his people.?{LS 56.1}[8]
§23
【快乐的期望】
§24
在我们分手回家的时候，有赞美上帝的声音从一方传来，另一方，再另一方则似乎是回声相应地发出赞美的喊声，说：“荣耀归上帝，耶和华为王！”人们回家时，一路上颂赞上帝，他们快乐的歌声冲破了静夜的天空。这种深刻而动人的景象，是每一个参赴这些聚会的人所永不能忘记的。{LS 56.2}[9]
§25
【Joyous Expectancy】
§26
As we returned to our homes by various ways, a voice praising God would reach us from one direction, and as if in response, voices from another and still another quarter shouted, “Glory to God, the Lord reigneth!” Men sought their homes with praises upon their lips, and the glad sound rang out upon the still night air. No one who attended these meetings can ever forget those scenes of deepest interest.?{LS 56.2}[9]
§27
凡诚心爱耶稣的人，必能体会到那些极其迫切仰望救主降临之人的心情。所期望的时辰临近了。我们希望与主相会的时日已近在眼前。我们以镇静严肃的心情临近了这个时辰。真实的信徒们安歇在与上帝最亲密的交往中，——这乃是光明之来生中他们所有平安的预尝。凡经历过这样的希望和信靠的人，永不会忘记那宝贵的期待时辰。{LS 56.3}[10]
§28
Those who sincerely love Jesus can appreciate the feelings of those who watched with the most intense longing for the coming of their Saviour. The point of expectation was nearing. The time when we hoped to meet Him was close at hand. We approached this hour with a calm solemnity. The true believers rested in a sweet communion with God,—an earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in the bright hereafter. None who experienced this hope and trust can ever forget those precious hours of waiting.?{LS 56.3}[10]
§29
几个星期之久，世俗的事务多半都放弃了。我们仔细地查验自己心中的每一思想和感情，好像我们正卧在临终的床上，再过几小时，就要闭目与世上的景物永别了。我们并没有裁制什么“升天所穿的白袍”，准备应付那个重大的时机；只觉得需要内在的凭据能证明我们已经准备好迎见基督，而我们的白袍就是纯洁的心灵，以及那被我们救主的赎罪宝血所洁净无罪的品格。{LS 56.4}[11]
§30
Worldly business was for the most part laid aside for a few weeks. We carefully examined every thought and emotion of our hearts, as if upon our deathbeds, and in a few hours to close our eyes forever upon earthly scenes. There was no making of “ascension robes” for the great event; we felt the need of internal evidence that we were prepared to meet Christ, and our white robes were purity of soul,?character cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of our Saviour.?{LS 56.4}[11]
§31
【困惑的日子】
§32
但所期望的日子过去了。对于那些信仰并期待耶稣驾天云降临的人们，这是第一次严重的试炼。那一班在等候中的上帝百姓的失望是很大的。讥诮的人大大夸胜了，并赢得懦弱胆怯的人归于他们的行列。有一些先前似乎有真实信仰的人，结果显明他们完全是出于惧怕的心理；现在时候既然过去，他们又恢复勇气，大胆地与那些讥诮的人联合，宣称他们本来就没有真正相信那疯狂盲信的米勒耳所传的道理。此外还有一些本性柔顺或优柔寡断的人，则默默地退出了。{LS 57.1}[12]
§33
【Days of Perplexity】
§34
But the time of expectation passed. This was the first close test brought to bear upon those who believed and hoped that Jesus would come in the clouds of heaven. The disappointment of God’s waiting people was great. The scoffers were triumphant, and won the weak and cowardly to their ranks. Some who had appeared to possess true faith seemed to have been influenced only by fear; and now their courage returned with the passing of the time, and they boldly united with the scoffers, declaring that they had never been duped to really believe the doctrine of Miller, who was a mad fanatic. Others, naturally yielding or vacillating, quietly deserted the cause.?{LS 57.1}[12]
§35
那时我们甚感困惑与失望，但我们却没有放弃信仰。许多人还是坚决相信耶稣必不长久耽延祂的复临；因为主的话既是确实的，必不至落空。我们觉得已经尽到自己的本分，行事为人与这宝贵的信仰相称；我们纵然失望，但并未灰心。因为许多时兆说明万物的结局已经近了；我们必须儆醒预备，随时等候主的降临。我们必须存着希望与信靠的心而等待，不可忽略聚会，要互相劝导，勉励，安慰，使我们的亮光照耀这黑暗的世界。{LS 57.2}[13]
§36
We were perplexed and disappointed, yet did not renounce our faith. Many still clung to the hope that Jesus would not long delay His coming; the word of the Lord was sure, it could not fail. We felt that we had done our duty, we had lived up to our precious faith; we were disappointed, but not discouraged. The signs of the times denoted that the end of all things was at hand; we must watch and hold ourselves in readiness for the coming of the Master at any time. We must wait with hope and trust, not neglecting the assembling of ourselves together for instruction, encouragement, and comfort, that our light might shine forth into the darkness of the world.?{LS 57.2}[13]
§37
【计算的错误】
§38
我们对于预言时期的计算是那么简单而清楚，甚至连儿童也能明白。根据《以斯拉书》第七章，我们晓得波斯王出令是在公元前457年；《但以理书》八章十四节的二千三百年，就是从这时候开始，而其终点应在公元1843年。因此我们便确定这一年的终了为仰望主复临的日子。可是全年过去，而救主并没有来，我们感到悲痛地失望了。{LS 57.3}[14]
§39
【An Error in Reckoning】
§40
Our calculation of the prophetic time was so simple and plain that even children could understand it. From the date of the decree of the king of Persia,?found in?Ezra 7, which was given in 457 before Christ, the 2300 years of?Daniel 8:14?were supposed to terminate with 1843. Accordingly we looked to the end of this year for the coming of the Lord. We were sadly disappointed when the year entirely passed away, and the Saviour had not come.?{LS 57.3}[14]
§41
我们在当初并没有发现这命令不是在公元前457年初发出的，因此二千三百年的终点也不可能在1843年的年底。后来我们再查考，才确定那命令的发出是靠近公元前457年的年底，故此预言时期的终结也必须延到1844年秋季。可见那启示的时期并没有迟延，虽然在人看来似乎是迟延了。我们从先知的话中得到了安慰：“因为这默示有一定的日期，快要应验，并不虚谎；虽然迟延，还要等候；因为必然临到，不再迟延”(哈2:3)。{LS 58.1}[15]
§42
It was not at first perceived that if the decree did not go forth at the beginning of the year 457 B. C., the 2300 years would not be completed at the close of 1843. But it was ascertained that the decree was given near the close of the year 457 B. C., and therefore the prophetic period must reach to the fall of the year 1844. Therefore the vision of time did not tarry, though it had seemed to do so. We learned to rest upon the language of the prophet: “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.”?Habakkuk 2:3.?{LS 58.1}[15]
§43
1843年的时期已经过去；上帝藉此试炼并考验了祂的百姓。这种在计算预言时期上的错误，当时并没有人发觉，甚至连那些有学问而反对基督降临之见解的人也没有看出来。许多学者对于米勒耳先生所提出的这时期的计算虽已认可了，但对那时所要发生的重大事故尚有所争辩。可是他们和那些在期待中的上帝子民，在这时间的问题上都犯了一样的错误。{LS 58.2}[16]
§44
God tested and proved His people by the passing of the time in 1843. The mistake made in reckoning the prophetic periods was not at once discovered, even by learned men who opposed the views of those who were looking for Christ’s coming. Scholars declared that Mr. Miller was right in his calculation of the time, though they disputed him in regard to the event that would crown that period. But they, and the waiting people of God, were in a common error on the question of time.?{LS 58.2}[16]
§45
好在那些遭受失望的人们，并没有长久陷于黑暗之中；因为他们恳切祈祷地去查考预言时期，结果发现错误，并看出预言之笔是如何追述那一段迟延的时期。先前他们因欢然期待基督的降临，竟没有把这默示的迟延的时间计算在内，结果造成一次伤痛的意想不到的失望。虽然如此，但这次的试炼乃是为了培植并坚固一班诚心相信真理的人所必不可少的。{LS 58.3}[17]
§46
Those who had been disappointed were not long left in darkness; for in searching the prophetic periods with earnest prayer the error was discovered, and the tracing of the prophetic pencil down through the tarrying time. In the joyful expectation of the coming of Christ, the apparent tarrying of the vision?had not been taken into account, and was a sad and unlooked-for surprise. Yet this very trial was necessary to develop and strengthen the sincere believers in the truth.?{LS 58.3}[17]
§47
【希望复燃】
§48
从此我们的希望便集中于主在1844年降临的大事上了。这时也正该是传扬第二位天使信息的时候，他飞在空中大声喊着说：“巴比伦大城倾倒了，倾倒了”(启14:8)。这个信息最初是上帝的仆人在1844年夏季传开的。结果，有许多人离开了倾倒的教会。与这信息有关的“半夜呼声”(参太25:1-13)也在这时发出说：“新郎来了，你们出来迎接祂。”有关这信息的光辉照耀到各方，这呼声也唤醒了千万的人们；从这城传到那城，从这村传到那村，一直传到穷乡僻壤。它非但传给一般无名小卒，而也传给许多文人才子。{LS 59.1}[18]
§49
【Hope Renewed】
§50
Our hopes now centered on the coming of the Lord in 1844. This was also the time for the message of the second angel, who, flying through the midst of heaven, cried, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city.”?Revelation 14:8. That message was first proclaimed by the servants of God in the summer of 1844. As a result, many left the fallen churches. In connection with this message the “midnight cry” [See?Matthew 25:1-13.] was given: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him.” In every part of the land light was given concerning this message, and the cry aroused thousands. It went from city to city, from village to village, and into the remote country regions. It reached the learned and talented, as well as the obscure and humble.?{LS 59.1}[18]
§51
这是我一生中最快乐的一年。我的心中充满了快乐的期望；但我也为那些灰心丧胆以及在耶稣里没有指望的人们感到极其可惜与忧虑。我们同心合意地恳求主赐我们一个切实的经验和无误的凭据，证明我们已为上帝所悦纳。{LS 59.2}[19]
§52
This was the happiest year of my life. My heart was full of glad expectation; but I felt great pity and anxiety for those who were in discouragement and had no hope in Jesus. We united, as a people, in earnest prayer for a true experience and the unmistakable evidence of our acceptance with God.?{LS 59.2}[19]
§53
【信心的考验】
§54
我们当时需要极大的忍耐，因为讥诮的人很多。人们常拿过去失望的经验来讽刺我们。一般所谓“正统派”的教会也用尽各种方法来阻止基督快来的信仰传开。在他们的聚会中，也不给予凡敢于提述基督快来之指望的人以发言的自由。许多自称爱耶稣的人，轻慢地拒绝了那被称为他们最好的朋友不久就要来与他们相见的喜讯。他们对于那些传扬祂快来的信息，以及切望早日见祂在荣耀中显现的人们极感恼火。{LS 59.3}[20]
§55
【A Trial of Faith】
§56
We needed great patience, for the scoffers were many. We were frequently greeted by scornful references to our former disappointment. The orthodox churches used every means to prevent the belief in Christ’s soon coming from spreading. No liberty?was granted in their meetings to those who dared mention a hope of the soon coming of Christ. Professed lovers of Jesus scornfully rejected the tidings that He whom they claimed as their best Friend was soon to visit them. They were excited and angered against those who proclaimed the news of His coming, and who rejoiced that they should speedily behold Him in His glory.?{LS 59.3}[20]
§57
【准备的时期】
§58
在我看来，每一分钟都是极其重要的，我觉得我们目前乃是在为永生而工作；而且那些疏忽和冷漠的人们，乃是处在极大危险之中。我的信心是清朗的，并将耶稣宝贵的应许视为己有。祂曾对自己的门徒说：“你们求，就必得着”(约16:24)。我坚信凡是合乎上帝旨意的事，我只要求，就必蒙应允。我以谦卑的心情伏在耶稣脚前，我的心也与祂的旨意和谐一致。{LS 60.1}[21]
§59
【A Period of Preparation】
§60
Every moment seemed to me of the utmost importance. I felt that we were doing work for eternity, and that the careless and uninterested were in the greatest peril. My faith was unclouded, and I appropriated to myself the precious promises of Jesus. He had said to His disciples, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” I firmly believed that whatever I asked in accordance with the will of God, would certainly be granted to me. I sank in humility at the feet of Jesus, with my heart in harmony with His will.?{LS 60.1}[21]
§61
我常去拜访人家，也常与那些为惧怕和沮丧所压迫的人们一同恳切地祈祷。我的信心颇为坚强，甚至我毫不疑惑上帝必定应允我的祈祷。结果毫无例外地，每一次耶稣的恩惠与平安都因我们的谦卑祈求而降在我们身上，那些颓丧绝望者的心也因光明与希望而得到快乐。{LS 60.2}[22]
§62
I often visited families, and engaged in earnest prayer with those who were oppressed by fears and despondency. My faith was so strong that I never doubted for a moment that God would answer my prayers. Without a single exception, the blessing and peace of Jesus rested upon us in answer to our humble petitions, and the hearts of the despairing ones were made joyful by light and hope.?{LS 60.2}[22]
§63
我们勤恳地检查内心并谦卑地认罪，时刻祷告以迎接所期待的时日。每天早晨我们觉得我们第一要紧的工作，就是要得着凭据，证明自己的生活在上帝面前是正当的。我们实在感到我们在圣洁上若没有进步，就必退后。我们彼此关切的心也增加了；常常在一起祷告，并且互相代求。我们常到果木园或小树林中聚集，与上帝交通，奉献我们的祈求。并因如此置身于祂大自然的作为中，便更体认到祂的临格。救恩的快乐也显得比我们日常的饮食更为不可或缺。倘若有云雾笼罩我们的心灵，我们就不敢休息或睡眠，直到我们确知已蒙主悦纳，以致一切的疑云尽都消散为止。{LS 60.3}[23]
§64
With diligent searching of heart and humble confessions, we came prayerfully up to the time of expectation. Every morning we felt that it was our first work to secure the evidence that our lives were right before God. We realized that if we were not advancing in holiness, we were sure to retrograde. Our interest for one another increased; we prayed?much with and for one another. We assembled in the orchards and groves to commune with God and to offer up our petitions to Him, feeling more fully in His presence when surrounded by His natural works. The joys of salvation were more necessary to us than our food and drink. If clouds obscured our minds, we dared not rest or sleep till they were swept away by the consciousness of our acceptance with the Lord.?{LS 60.3}[23]
§65
【时间过去】
§66
那一班在等待中的上帝子民，终于临到他们所热切希望救主降临使他们的喜乐得以满足的时辰了。但是那时候又过去了，而耶稣仍然没有复临。这是临到这一小群人身上的一场极其痛苦的失望，因为他们的信心原是那么的坚强，他们的希望又是那么的热切。但奇怪得很，我们却感觉在主里面非常自由，并有祂的能力与恩典大力地支持着。{LS 61.1}[24]
§67
【The Passing of the Time】
§68
The waiting people of God approached the hour when they fondly hoped their joys would be complete in the coming of the Saviour. But the time again passed unmarked by the advent of Jesus. It was a bitter disappointment that fell upon the little flock whose faith had been so strong and whose hope had been so high. But we were surprised that we felt so free in the Lord, and were so strongly sustained by His strength and grace.?{LS 61.1}[24]
§69
虽然如此，但前一年的经验这时却更广泛地重演了一遍。一大批的人放弃了他们的信仰。有一些信心曾经极为坚强的人竟认为他们的自尊心大受损伤，甚至巴不得逃出这个世界。他们像约拿一样，竟埋怨上帝，宁可求死而不愿再活下去。有些人的信仰原来只是以别人的证据为基础的，而没有把它建立在上帝的圣言之上，现在他们又准备改变他们的见解了。这第二次的大考验暴露了许多没有价值的随波逐流者。他们曾被吸引到复临信仰的强大洪流中，一度与真信徒和热心的工人同行。{LS 61.2}[25]
§70
The experience of the former year was, however, repeated to a greater extent. A large class renounced their faith. Some who had been very confident, were so deeply wounded in their pride that they felt like fleeing from the world. Like Jonah, they complained of God, and chose death rather than life. Those who had built their faith upon the evidence of others, and not upon the word of God, were now as ready to again change their views. This second great test revealed a mass of worthless drift that had been drawn into the strong current of the advent faith, and been borne along for a time with the true believers and earnest workers.?{LS 61.2}[25]
§71
我们虽然失望，但并未灰心。我们决意不因这次考验我们的试炼而发怨言，因为这乃是主所用的方法，要除去我们的渣滓，如同金子在熔炉中被熬炼一样。我们决心忍受上帝所认为必需的锻炼的程序；并以耐心盼望等候救主来救赎祂一切受着磨炼的忠心子民。{LS 61.3}[26]
§72
We were disappointed, but not disheartened. We resolved to refrain from murmuring at the trying?ordeal by which the Lord was purging us from the dross and refining us like gold in the furnace; to submit patiently to the process of purifying that God deemed needful for us; and to wait with patient hope for the Saviour to redeem His tried and faithful ones.?{LS 61.3}[26]
§73
我们深信这传扬一定时期的事乃是出乎上帝的。因为这事引领人殷勤查考圣经，从而发现了先前所不明白的真理。约拿曾奉上帝的差遣往尼尼微去，在大街上宣称四十日之内城必倾覆，但是后来上帝悦纳了尼尼微人的谦卑悔改，因而延长了他们的宽容时期。然而约拿所传的信息乃是出于上帝的，尼尼微还是照上帝的旨意受了试验。当时世人都看我们的盼望为一种骗局，而认为我们的失望为其必然的失败。虽然我们对于那时所要发生的大事有了错误的认识，但对于那似乎迟延了的异象的真实性却依然认为是可靠的。{LS 62.1}[27]
§74
We were firm in the belief that the preaching of definite time was of God. It was this that led men to search the Bible diligently, discovering truths they had not before perceived. Jonah was sent of God to proclaim in the streets of Nineveh that within forty days the city would be overthrown; but God accepted the humiliation of the Ninevites, and extended their period of probation. Yet the message that Jonah brought was sent of God, and Nineveh was tested according to His will. The world looked upon our hope as a delusion, and our disappointment as its consequent failure; but though we were mistaken in the event that was to occur at that period, there was no failure in reality of the vision that seemed to tarry.?{LS 62.1}[27]
§75
但那些盼望主降临的人，并不是没有安慰的。他们已在查考圣经的事上获得了宝贵的知识。他们更加清楚地了解到救恩的计划。他们每天从圣经中发现了新的美妙，并发现全部圣经是如何奇妙地融会贯通，可以经文解释经文，而没有一句是多余的。{LS 62.2}[28]
§76
Those who had looked for the coming of the Lord were not without comfort. They had obtained valuable knowledge in the searching of the Word. The plan of salvation was plainer to their understanding. Every day they discovered new beauties in the sacred pages, and a wonderful harmony running through all, one scripture explaining another, and no word used in vain.?{LS 62.2}[28]
§77
其实我们的失望还不如昔日门徒的失望那么大。当人子胜利地骑驴入耶路撒冷时，他们希望祂可以立刻登基作王。民众从各处蜂拥而至，喊叫说：“和散那归于大卫的子孙”(太21:9)。及至祭司与长老们请耶稣止住群众时，祂回答说，若是他们闭口不说，连石头也要喊叫起来了，因为先知的预言是必须应验的。然而不到数日之后，这些门徒亲眼看见他们亲爱的夫子，就是他们所相信要登大卫宝座为王的主，被钉在残酷的十字架上，受着法利赛人的讥讽和嘲笑。他们最热烈的希望消失了，死亡的阴影笼罩着他们。虽然如此，基督却信守祂的应许。祂所给予祂子民的安慰是甜蜜的，祂所给予忠心真诚之子民的赏赐是丰厚的。{LS 62.3}[29]
§78
Our disappointment was not so great as that of the disciples. When the Son of man rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, they expected Him to be crowned king. The people flocked from all the region about, and cried, “Hosanna to the Son of David.”?Matthew 21:9. And when the priests and elders besought Jesus to still the multitude, He declared that if they should hold their peace, even the stones would cry?out, for prophecy must be fulfilled. Yet in a few days these very disciples saw their beloved Master, whom they believed would reign on David’s throne, stretched upon the cruel cross above the mocking, taunting Pharisees. Their high hopes were disappointed, and the darkness of death closed about them. Yet Christ was true to His promises. Sweet was the consolation He gave His people, rich the reward of the true and faithful.?{LS 62.3}[29]
§79
米勒耳先生和他的同人以为《但以理书》第八章十四节所说洁净圣所的话，是指着地球要被火洁净作为圣徒的家乡。这是要在基督第二次降临时实现的；因此，我们相信这是在二千三百日或年结束时的大事。但是经过这次的大失望之后，我们便细心地查考圣经，并恳切地祷告，认真地思索；过了一段悬念的时期，就有明光照亮我们的黑暗；疑惑与不定都扫除净尽了。{LS 63.1}[30]
§80
Mr. Miller and those who were in union with him supposed that the cleansing of the sanctuary spoken of in?Daniel 8:14?meant the purifying of the earth by fire prior to its becoming the abode of the saints. This was to take place at the second advent of Christ; therefore we looked for that event at the end of the 2300 days, or years. But after our disappointment the Scriptures were carefully searched, with prayer and earnest thought; and after a period of suspense, light poured in upon our darkness; doubt and uncertainty were swept away.?{LS 63.1}[30]
§81
从此我们就明白《但以理书》第八章十四节的预言，并不是指着地球被洁净，而是指着我们的大祭司在天上最后的一段赎罪的工作，为要预备祂的百姓在祂降临之日站立得稳。I{LS 63.2}[31]
§82
Instead of the prophecy of?Daniel 8:14?referring to the purifying of the earth, it was now plain that it pointed to the closing work of our High Priest in heaven, the finishing of the atonement, and the preparing of the people to abide the day of His coming.?{LS 63.2}[31]