第14章 “岂不终久给他们伸冤吗？”
§1
第14章 “岂不终久给他们伸冤吗？”
§2
Chap. 14—“Shall Not God Avenge His Own?”
§3
（根据路18:1-8）
§4
基督讲论了祂复临前的那段时期，以及祂的门徒所必经的危险。祂又特别针对那个时代讲了一个比喻，“是要人常常祷告，不可灰心。”{COL 164.1}[1]
§5
This chapter is based on?Luke 18:1-8.
§6
Christ had been speaking of the period just before His second coming, and of the perils through which His followers must pass. With special reference to that time He related the parable “to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”?{COL 164.1}[1]
§7
祂说：“某城里有一个官，不惧怕上帝，也不尊重世人。那城里有个寡妇，常到他那里说：我有一个对头，求你给我伸冤。他多日不准；后来心里说：我虽不惧怕上帝，也不尊重世人；只因这寡妇烦扰我，我就给她伸冤吧；免得她常来缠磨我！主说：你们听这不义之官所说的话。上帝的选民昼夜呼吁祂，祂纵然为他们忍了多时，岂不终久给他们伸冤吗？我告诉你们，要快快地给他们伸冤了。”{COL 164.2}[2]
§8
“There was in a city,” He said, “a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man; and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.”?{COL 164.2}[2]
§9
这里所描写的官既不主持正义，又不怜悯受苦的人。那个催促他办案的寡妇曾多次被他拒绝。她一次一次地到他面前来，都是遭到藐视，从法庭上被赶走。那个官明知她的案由是合理的，并能立时给她申冤，但他没有这样做。他要表现自己的威权。妇人在他面前徒然地请愿、上诉和恳求，令他十分得意。然而寡妇不灰心也不丧志。她不顾法官的无动于衷和硬着心肠，仍然坚持她的请求，直到他同意办案。那个官说：“我虽不惧怕上帝，也不尊重世人，只因这寡妇烦扰我，我就给她申冤吧，免得她常来缠磨我！”他为了自己的名誉，避免给人以偏袒的印象，就为那不住恳求的妇人申冤了。{COL 164.3}[3]
§10
The judge who is here pictured had no regard for right,?nor pity for suffering. The widow who pressed her case before him was persistently repulsed. Again and again she came to him, only to be treated with contempt, and to be driven from the judgment seat. The judge knew that her cause was righteous, and he could have relieved her at once, but he would not. He wanted to show his arbitrary power, and it gratified him to let her ask and plead and entreat in vain. But she would not fail nor become discouraged. Notwithstanding his indifference and hardheartedness, she pressed her petition until the judge consented to attend to her case. “Though I fear not God, nor regard man,” he said, “yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” To save his reputation, to avoid giving publicity to his partial, one-sided judgment, he avenged the persevering woman.?{COL 164.3}[3]
§11
“主说：你们听这不义之官所说的话。上帝的选民昼夜呼吁祂，祂纵然为他们忍了多时，岂不终久给他们申冤吗？我告诉你们，要快快地给他们申冤了。”基督在这里将不义的官与上帝作了鲜明的对比。法官答应寡妇的请求，只是出于自私的动机，想要摆脱她的缠磨。他对寡妇毫无怜悯和同情；寡妇的痛苦他无动于衷。这与上帝对待寻求祂之人的态度是何等的不同啊！祂以无限的同情考虑一切需要和受苦之人的请求。{COL 165.1}[4]
§12
“And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” Christ here draws a sharp contrast between the unjust judge and God. The judge yielded to the widow’s request merely through selfishness, that he might be relieved of her importunity. He felt for her no pity or compassion; her misery was nothing to him. How different is the attitude of God toward those who seek Him. The appeals of the needy and distressed are considered by Him with infinite compassion.?{COL 165.1}[4]
§13
这位向法官请求申冤的妇人，丈夫已经去世。她又贫穷又孤苦，无法挽回自己悲惨的命运。同样，人也因罪而与上帝断绝了关系。人靠着自己也无法得救。但是靠着基督，我们得以亲近天父。上帝的选民是祂所心爱的。他们是蒙召出黑暗进入祂奇妙光明的人，应当彰显祂的美德，并要在世界的黑暗中如明灯照耀。不义的法官对那求助的寡妇并无恻隐之心；但他为了摆脱那妇人可怜的请求，终于听了她的申诉，救她脱离了她的对头。然而上帝却以无穷的慈爱爱护祂的儿女。祂的教会是祂在地上最关怀的对象。{COL 165.2}[5]
§14
The woman who entreated the judge for justice had lost her husband by death. Poor and friendless, she had no means of retrieving her ruined fortunes. So by sin, man lost his connection with God. Of himself he has no means of salvation. But in Christ we are brought nigh unto the Father. The elect of God are dear to His heart. They are those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, to show forth His praise, to shine as lights?amid the darkness of the world. The unjust judge had no special interest in the widow who importuned him for deliverance; yet in order to rid himself of her pitiful appeals, he heard her plea, and delivered her from her adversary. But God loves His children with infinite love. To Him the dearest object on earth is His church.?{COL 165.2}[5]
§15
“耶和华的分本是祂的百姓；祂的产业本是雅各。耶和华遇见他在旷野荒凉野兽吼叫之地，就环绕他，看顾他，保护他，如同保护眼中的瞳人”（申32:9,10）。“万军之耶和华说，在显出荣耀之后，差遣我去惩罚那掳掠你们的列国，摸你们的就是摸祂眼中的瞳人”（亚2:8）。{COL 166.1}[6]
§16
“For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.”?Deuteronomy 32:9, 10. “For thus saith the Lord of hosts: After the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you; for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.”?Zechariah 2:8.?{COL 166.1}[6]
§17
寡妇的求告“我有一个对头，求你给我申冤”代表上帝子民的祷告。撒但是他们的大仇敌。他“控告我们弟兄”，在上帝面前昼夜控告他们（启12:10）。他不断地污蔑、控告、诱惑和毁灭上帝的子民。在这个比喻中，基督教导祂的门徒要祈求上帝拯救他们脱离撒但和他爪牙的势力。{COL 166.2}[7]
§18
The widow’s prayer, “Avenge me”—“do me justice” (R.V.)—“of mine adversary,” represents the prayer of God’s children. Satan is their great adversary. He is the “accuser of our brethren,” who accuses them before God day and night. (Revelation 12:10.) He is continually working to misrepresent and accuse, to deceive and destroy the people of God. And it is for deliverance from the power of Satan and his agents that in this parable Christ teaches His disciples to pray.?{COL 166.2}[7]
§19
撒迦利亚的预言展示了撒但控告的工作，和基督对付祂子民之仇敌的工作。先知说：“天使又指给我看，大祭司约书亚站在耶和华的使者面前，撒但也站在约书亚的右边，与他作对。耶和华向撒但说：撒但哪！耶和华责备你，就是拣选耶路撒冷的耶和华责备你；这不是从火中抽出来的一根柴吗？约书亚穿着污秽的衣服，站在使者面前”（亚3:1-3）。{COL 166.3}[8]
§20
In the prophecy of Zechariah is brought to view Satan’s accusing work, and the work of Christ in resisting the adversary of His people. The prophet says, “He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.”?Zechariah 3:1-3.?{COL 166.3}[8]
§21
上帝的子民在这里被比作一个正在受审的罪犯。大祭司约书亚正在为他处在大艰难中的同胞祈求福气。他在上帝面前恳求时，撒但站在他的右边与他作对，控告上帝的子民，要尽量使他们的案情显得没有希望。他在上帝面前提出他们的罪恶和缺点，指出他们的过错和失败，希望他们在基督眼中显得十分可恶，不在他们极需要的时候帮助他们。约书亚作为上帝子民的代表，穿着污秽的衣服，站在那里受到指控。他意识到自己百姓的罪，非常灰心。撒但把罪的感觉压在他心头，使他感到几近绝望了。然而虽有撒但与他作对，他仍然站在那里恳求。{COL 166.4}[9]
§22
The people of God are here represented as a criminal?on trial. Joshua, as high priest, is seeking for a blessing for his people, who are in great affliction. While he is pleading before God, Satan is standing at his right hand as his adversary. He is accusing the children of God, and making their case appear as desperate as possible. He presents before the Lord their evil doings and their defects. He shows their faults and failures, hoping they will appear of such a character in the eyes of Christ that He will render them no help in their great need. Joshua, as the representative of God’s people, stands under condemnation, clothed with filthy garments. Aware of the sins of his people, he is weighed down with discouragement. Satan is pressing upon his soul a sense of guiltiness that makes him feel almost hopeless. Yet there he stands as a suppliant, with Satan arrayed against him.?{COL 166.4}[9]
§23
撒但控告的工作是从天上开始的。人类堕落以来，他一直在进行控告。我们越接近世界历史的末叶，他就越变本加厉。他看见自己的时候不多，就更加努力地进行欺骗和毁灭的工作。当他看到地上有一班人虽然软弱有罪，却仍尊重耶和华的律法，就非常生气。他决心让他们不顺从上帝，希望他们配不上蒙恩。他专为每一个人设下诡计，好让他们全部落入网罗而与上帝分离。他竭力控告和指责上帝，以及一切在世界上以怜悯、仁慈、同情和宽恕的精神努力实行上帝旨意的人。{COL 167.1}[10]
§24
The work of Satan as an accuser began in heaven. This has been his work on earth ever since man’s fall, and it will?be his work in a special sense as we approach nearer to the close of this world’s history. As he sees that his time is short, he will work with greater earnestness to deceive and destroy. He is angry when he sees a people on the earth who, even in their weakness and sinfulness, have respect to the law of Jehovah. He is determined that they shall not obey God. He delights in their unworthiness, and has devices prepared for every soul, that all may be ensnared and separated from God. He seeks to accuse and condemn God and all who strive to carry out His purposes in this world in mercy and love, in compassion and forgiveness.?{COL 167.1}[10]
§25
上帝每一次为祂的子民显示祂的神能，都激起了撒但的仇视。上帝每一次为他们作工，撒但和他的使者就会作出新的努力想毁灭他们。他嫉妒一切以基督为力量的人。他的目的就是煽动罪恶。及至成功后，他就把一切责任都推到受试探的人身上。他指出他们污秽的衣服，就是有缺点的品格。他提出他们的软弱和愚昧，以及忘恩负义和非基督的生活等有辱于救赎主的罪。他将这一切作为有力的证据，证明他有权随意毁灭他们。他竭力威胁他们，使他们以为自己的案情是没有希望的，自己的污点是永远不能洗涤的。他希望消灭他们的信心，使他们完全屈从他们的试探而不再效忠上帝。{COL 168.1}[11]
§26
Every manifestation of God’s power for His people arouses the enmity of Satan. Every time God works in their behalf, Satan with his angels works with renewed vigor to compass their ruin. He is jealous of all who make Christ their strength. His object is to instigate evil, and when he has succeeded, throw all the blame upon the tempted ones. He points to their filthy garments, their defective characters. He presents their weakness and folly, their sins of ingratitude, their unlikeness to Christ, which have dishonored their Redeemer. All this he urges as an argument proving his right to work his will in their destruction. He endeavors to affright their souls with the thought that their case is hopeless, that the stain of their defilement can never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield fully to his temptations, and turn from their allegiance to God.?{COL 168.1}[11]
§27
对于撒但的控告，上帝的子民无法自己答辩。当他们观察自己的时候，几乎要绝望了。但他们求助于那位神圣的辩护者。他们提出救赎主的功劳。上帝能够显明“祂自己为义，也称信耶稣的人为义”（罗3:26）。上帝的子民以坚定的信心呼求祂制止撒但的控告，并使他的诡计落空。他们祷告说：“我有一个对头，求你给我申冤。”于是基督藉着十字架的有力证据，制止了这个猖狂的控告者。{COL 168.2}[12]
§28
The Lord’s people cannot of themselves answer the charges of Satan. As they look to themselves they are ready to despair. But they appeal to the divine Advocate. They plead the merits of the Redeemer. God can be “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”?Romans 3:26. With confidence the Lord’s children cry unto Him?to silence the accusations of Satan, and bring to naught his devices. “Do me justice of mine adversary,” they pray; and with the mighty argument of the cross, Christ silences the bold accuser.?{COL 168.2}[12]
§29
“耶和华向撒但说：撒但哪！耶和华责备你，就是拣选耶路撒冷的耶和华责备你；这不是从火中抽出来的一根柴吗？”当撒但想要用黑暗遮盖上帝的子民，并毁灭他们的时候，基督出来干涉了。他们虽然犯过罪，但基督已经将他们的罪过放在祂自己的心上。祂像从火中抽出一根柴一样夺回了人类。祂用自己的人性与人类联络，同时藉着祂的神性与无穷的上帝合而为一。将亡的人类就此得到帮助。仇敌受到了责备。{COL 169.1}[13]
§30
“The Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” When Satan seeks to cover the people of God with blackness, and ruin them, Christ interposes. Although they have sinned, Christ has taken the guilt of their sins upon His own soul. He has snatched the race as a brand from the fire. By His human nature He is linked with man, while through His divine nature He is one with the infinite God. Help is brought within the reach of perishing souls. The adversary is rebuked.?{COL 169.1}[13]
§31
“约书亚穿着污秽的衣服，站在使者面前。使者吩咐站在面前的说：你们要脱去他污秽的衣服。又对约书亚说：我使你脱离罪孽，要给你穿上华美的衣服。我说：‘要将洁净的冠冕戴在他头上。’他们就把洁净的冠冕戴在他头上，给他穿上华美的衣服。”天使就以万军之耶和华的权威，向代表上帝子民的约书亚立了一个庄严的誓约：“你若遵行我的道，谨守我的命令，你就可以管理我的家，看守我的院宇；我也要使你在这些站立的人中间来往”——就是在围绕着上帝宝座的天使中间来往（亚3:3-7）。{COL 169.2}[14]
§32
“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel: and he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments.” Then with the authority of the Lord of hosts the angel made a solemn pledge to Joshua, the representative of God’s people: “If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by”—even among the angels that surround the throne of God. (Zechariah 3:3-7.)?{COL 169.2}[14]
§33
上帝的子民虽然有过错，但基督并不会转离祂所关心的这些人。祂有权更换他们的服装，祂脱去那些悔改相信祂之人污秽的衣服，让他们穿上祂公义的外袍，并且在天上记录册他们的名下写着“赦免”。祂在全宇宙面前承认他们是属于祂的。他们的仇敌撒但被证明是诬告者和欺骗者。上帝一定会为自己的选民伸冤。{COL 169.3}[15]
§34
Notwithstanding the defects of the people of God, Christ does not turn away from the objects of His care. He has the power to change their raiment. He removes the filthy?garments, He places upon the repenting, believing ones His own robe of righteousness, and writes pardon against their names on the records of heaven. He confesses them as His before the heavenly universe. Satan their adversary is shown to be an accuser and deceiver. God will do justice for His own elect.?{COL 169.3}[15]
§35
“我有一个对头，求你给我申冤，”不仅是指撒但，也是指一切撒但所利用来污蔑、试探和残害上帝子民的爪牙。凡决心顺从上帝诫命的人，必从自己的经验中看出他们确实有被阴间的权势所控制的对头。这些对头曾不可思议的决心和恒心步步追逼基督。基督的门徒也必像他们的主一样，不断地遭受试探。{COL 170.1}[16]
§36
The prayer, “Do me justice of mine adversary,” applies not only to Satan, but to the agencies whom he instigates to misrepresent, to tempt, and to destroy the people of God. Those who have decided to obey the commandments of God will understand by experience that they have adversaries who are controlled by a power from beneath. Such adversaries beset Christ at every step, how constantly and determinedly no human being can ever know. Christ’s disciples, like their Master, are followed by continual temptation.?{COL 170.1}[16]
§37
圣经描述了基督复临前夕世界的情形。使徒雅各描写了那时所流行的贪婪和压迫。他说：“嗐！你们这些富足人哪，……你们在这末世，只知积攒钱财。工人给你们收割庄稼，你们亏欠他们的工钱，这工钱有声音呼叫；并且那收割之人的冤声，已经入了万军之主的耳了。你们在世上享美福，好宴乐，当宰杀的日子竟娇养你们的心。你们定了义人的罪，把他杀害，他也不抵挡你们”（雅5:1-6）。这正是今日世界的画面。人们用各种欺压和勒索的手段为自己囤积大量的财富，而饥饿之人的呼声则已到达上帝面前了。{COL 170.2}[17]
§38
The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ’s second coming. James the apostle pictures the greed and oppression that will prevail. He says, “Go to now, ye rich men, ... ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton. Ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.”?James 5:1-6. This is a picture of what exists today. By every species of oppression and extortion, men are piling up colossal fortunes, while the cries of starving humanity are coming up before God.?{COL 170.2}[17]
§39
“公平转而退后，公义站在远处；诚实在街上仆倒，正直也不得进入。诚实少见，离恶的人反成掠物”（赛59:14,15）。这段经文曾应验于基督地上的生活中。祂忠于上帝的诫命，废除了世人所推崇来代替诫命的遗传和规条。为此祂受到仇视和迫害。这一段历史现今正在重演。人的律法和遗传被高举在上帝的律法之上，凡忠于上帝诫命的人反而受到指责和迫害。基督因忠于上帝，竟被人指控为干犯安息日和亵渎上帝的。人说祂是被鬼附着的，并且骂祂是别西卜。同样，跟从祂的人也会受到控告和污蔑。撒但希望用这种手段引他们犯罪，羞辱上帝。{COL 170.3}[18]
§40
“Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth?from evil maketh himself a prey.”?Isaiah 59:14, 15. This was fulfilled in the life of Christ on earth. He was loyal to God’s commandments, setting aside the human traditions and requirements which had been exalted in their place. Because of this He was hated and persecuted. This history is repeated. The laws and traditions of men are exalted above the law of God, and those who are true to God’s commandments suffer reproach and persecution. Christ, because of His faithfulness to God, was accused as a Sabbathbreaker and blasphemer. He was declared to be possessed of a devil, and was denounced as Beelzebub. In like manner His followers are accused and misrepresented. Thus Satan hopes to lead them to sin, and cast dishonor upon God.?{COL 170.3}[18]
§41
基督在比喻中提出那不惧怕上帝，也不尊重世人之法官的品行，来说明当时司法界的状况，这种状况不久后在祂受审时得到证实。祂希望祂各时代的子民认识到，在他们遭到患难的时候，地上的官吏和法官是多么地不可靠。上帝的选民往往不得不站在那些不以圣经为向导和顾问，随从自己不圣洁而放荡之情感的官吏面前。{COL 171.1}[19]
§42
The character of the judge in the parable, who feared not God nor regarded man, was presented by Christ to show the kind of judgment that was then being executed, and that would soon be witnessed at His trial. He desires His people in all time to realize how little dependence can be placed on earthly rulers or judges in the day of adversity. Often the elect people of God have to stand before men in official positions who do not make the word of God their guide and counselor, but who follow their own unconsecrated, undisciplined impulses.?{COL 171.1}[19]
§43
基督在不义法官的比喻中告诉我们应当怎样做。“上帝的选民昼夜呼吁祂，祂纵然为他们忍了多时，岂不终久给他们伸冤吗？”我们的榜样基督没有做什么来表白或解救自己。祂把自己的案子交托给上帝。同样，祂的门徒也不可控告人或定人的罪，用武力来解救自己。{COL 171.2}[20]
§44
In the parable of the unjust judge, Christ has shown what we should do. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him?” Christ, our example, did nothing to vindicate or deliver Himself. He committed His case to God. So His followers are not to accuse or condemn, or to resort to force in order to deliver themselves.?{COL 171.2}[20]
§45
当我们遭遇似乎难以理解的试炼时，切不可失去平静的心态。我们所遭遇的不论多么委屈，也不要意气用事。我们若有报复的心理，就会损害自己，影响自己对上帝的信靠，并使圣灵担忧。必有天上的使者在我们旁边观察。他必为我们向仇敌举起旗帜。他要用公义日头的光辉普照我们。撒但无法冲过这一道屏障。他不能越过这圣洁光辉的盾牌。{COL 171.3}[21]
§46
When trials arise that seem unexplainable, we should not allow our peace to be spoiled. However unjustly we may be treated, let not passion arise. By indulging a spirit?of retaliation we injure ourselves. We destroy our own confidence in God, and grieve the Holy Spirit. There is by our side a witness, a heavenly messenger, who will lift up for us a standard against the enemy. He will shut us in with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Beyond this Satan cannot penetrate. He cannot pass this shield of holy light.?{COL 171.3}[21]
§47
在世界的邪恶日益加剧之际，我们切不可因一帆风顺，没有遭遇困难而沾沾自喜。正是这些困难把我们带进至高上帝的接见大厅。我们可以向无限智慧的主寻求指导。{COL 172.1}[22]
§48
While the world is progressing in wickedness, none of us need flatter ourselves that we shall have no difficulties. But it is these very difficulties that bring us into the audience chamber of the Most High. We may seek counsel of One who is infinite in wisdom.?{COL 172.1}[22]
§49
上帝说：“要在患难之日求告我”（诗50:15）。祂邀请我们把烦恼、缺欠和对于上帝帮助的需要都告诉祂。祂嘱咐我们要经常祷告。一旦遭遇困难，就要向祂献上诚挚恳切的祈求。我们要用恒切的祷告来表明我们对于上帝的坚定信靠。我们既感觉到自己的需要，就会诚恳地祷告。我们的天父一定会被我们的呼求所感动。{COL 172.2}[23]
§50
The Lord says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble.”?Psalm 50:15. He invites us to present to Him our perplexities and necessities, and our need of divine help. He bids us be instant in prayer. As soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer to Him our sincere, earnest petitions. By our importunate prayers we give evidence of our strong confidence in God. The sense of our need leads us to pray earnestly, and our heavenly Father is moved by our supplications.?{COL 172.2}[23]
§51
那些为了信仰而遭受毁谤和逼迫的人，往往受到试探，以为上帝离弃了他们。在人的眼中，他们是少数人。表面上看来，他们的仇敌已经战胜了他们。但是他们不可违背自己的良心。那位曾为他们受难，并担负他们忧患和痛苦的主并没有离弃他们。{COL 172.3}[24]
§52
Often those who suffer reproach or persecution for their faith are tempted to think themselves forsaken by God. In the eyes of men they are in the minority. To all appearance their enemies triumph over them. But let them not violate their conscience. He who has suffered in their behalf, and has borne their sorrows and afflictions, has not forsaken them.?{COL 172.3}[24]
§53
上帝的儿女并没有被弃在孤独无助之中。祈祷能够感动全能者的臂膀。祈祷曾“制伏了敌国，行了公义，得了应许，堵了狮子的口，灭了烈火的猛势，……打退外邦的全军”（来11:33,34）。当我们听到古代为信仰而牺牲之殉道士的故事时，我们必明白这些话的意义。{COL 172.4}[25]
§54
The children of God are not left alone and defenseless. Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. Prayer has “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire”—we shall know what it means when we hear the reports of the martyrs who died for their faith—“turneth to flight the armies of the aliens.”?Hebrews 11:33, 34.?{COL 172.4}[25]
§55
如果我们献身为上帝服务，就绝不会处身在祂所没有预备好的地方。我们的境遇不论如何，总要一位向导来指引我们的路。我们不论多么困惑，总有一位可靠的顾问。不论遭到怎样的忧愁、丧亡和孤独，总有一位同情我们的朋友。如果我们因无知而走错了路，基督绝不会离弃我们。祂明确地对我们说：“我就是道路、真理、生命”（约14:6）。“因为穷乏人呼求的时候，祂要搭救。没有人帮助的困苦人，祂也要搭救”（诗72:12）。{COL 173.1}[26]
§56
If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”?John 14:6. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.”?Psalm 72:12.?{COL 173.1}[26]
§57
上帝宣布说，祂必因那些亲近祂，忠心为祂服务的人而得荣耀。“坚心倚赖祢的，祢必保守他十分平安，因为他倚靠祢”（赛26:3）。全能者的膀臂已经伸出来引导我们不断前进。主说：前进吧，我必帮助你。你所求的是为了荣耀我的名，所以就必得着。我要在那些等着要看你失败的人面前得到尊荣。他们必看见我圣言的光荣胜利。“你们祷告，无论求什么，只要信，就必得着”（太21:22）。{COL 173.2}[27]
§58
The Lord declares that He will be honored by those who draw nigh to Him, who faithfully do His service. “Thou?wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.”?Isaiah 26:3. The arm of Omnipotence is outstretched to lead us onward and still onward. Go forward, the Lord says; I will send you help. It is for My name’s glory that you ask, and you shall receive. I will be honored before those who are watching for your failure. They shall see My word triumph gloriously. “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”?Matthew 21:22.?{COL 173.2}[27]
§59
凡受人苦待和冤屈的人，务要求告上帝，不要去求告铁石心肠的人，要把你的请求告诉你的创造主。凡怀着痛悔的心到祂面前来的人，没有一个会遭到拒绝。没有一句真诚的祈祷会落空。上帝在天国诗班的乐声中，能听到最软弱之人的呼求。我们可以在自己的密室中倾心吐意，或在路上默然祷告，我们的话语都必达到宇宙主宰的宝座之前。这些祈祷也许不为任何人所听到，但是绝不会默然消失，也不会淹没在日常的事务中。没有什么事物能压抑心灵的愿望。它能从街市的吵闹和人群的纷扰中直升天庭。我们既向上帝倾诉，我们的祈祷就必蒙垂听。{COL 174.1}[28]
§60
Let all who are afflicted or unjustly used, cry to God. Turn away from those whose hearts are as steel, and make your requests known to your Maker. Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart’s desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. They may be inaudible to any human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can they be lost through the activities of business that are going on. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion of the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.?{COL 174.1}[28]
§61
最觉得自己不配的人，也可以放心把你的案情交给上帝。祂既藉着基督为世人的罪舍去自己，就接受了每一个人的案件。“上帝既不爱惜自己的儿子为我们众人舍了，岂不也把万物和祂一同白白赐给我们吗”（罗8:32）？祂难道不会实现这句鼓励和加强我们的恩言吗？{COL 174.2}[29]
§62
You who feel the most unworthy, fear not to commit your case to God. When He gave Himself in Christ for the sin of the world, He undertook the case of every soul. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”?Romans 8:32. Will He not fulfill the gracious word given for our encouragement and strength??{COL 174.2}[29]
§63
基督最大的愿望就是将祂的产业从撒但的权下救赎出来。但在我们摆脱撒但外面的权势之前，必须先摆脱他在我们里面的权势。上帝允许试探临到我们，是为了洁净我们品格上的俗念、自私、粗鲁和非基督化的性情。祂让痛苦的深水漫过我们的心灵，是为了使我们能认识祂和祂所差来的耶稣基督，产生渴望得蒙洁净脱离污秽的深切愿望，以致从试炼中出来时更加纯净，更加圣洁，更加快乐。当我们走进苦难的熔炉时，我们的心灵往往被自私所蒙蔽。但如果我们能经得起严格的考验，出来时就必反映上帝的品格。当祂在苦难中的旨意实现时，“祂要使你的公义如光发出，使你的公平明如正午”（诗37:6）。{COL 174.3}[30]
§64
Christ desires nothing so much as to redeem His heritage from the dominion of Satan. But before we are delivered from Satan’s power without, we must be delivered?from his power within. The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character. He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace of trial with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we shall come forth reflecting the divine character. When His purpose in the affliction is accomplished, “He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.”?Psalm 37:6.{COL 174.3}[30]
§65
不必担心主会忽略祂子民的祈祷，所要担心的是他们在试炼中灰心丧志，以致不恒切祈祷。{COL 175.1}[31]
§66
There is no danger that the Lord will neglect the prayers of His people. The danger is that in temptation and trial they will become discouraged, and fail to persevere in prayer.?{COL 175.1}[31]
§67
救主曾对叙利立非尼基的妇人表现出神圣的同情。祂看见她的悲伤，心中深受触动。祂很想立刻向她保证说她的祈祷已蒙应允。但祂要给祂的门徒一个教训，所以一时看上去似乎没有理会她伤心的请求。及至这妇人的信心表现出来之后，祂才向她说了悦纳的话，并让她带着她所求的宝贵恩惠走了。门徒们始终没有忘记这个教训，就把它记下来说明恒切祷告的效果。{COL 175.2}[32]
§68
The Saviour manifested divine compassion toward the Syrophenician woman. His heart was touched as He saw her grief. He longed to give her an immediate assurance that her prayer was heard; but He desired to teach His disciples a lesson, and for a time He seemed to neglect the cry of her tortured heart. When her faith had been made manifest, He spoke to her words of commendation and sent her away with the precious boon she had asked. The disciples never forgot this lesson, and it is placed on record to show the result of persevering prayer.?{COL 175.2}[32]
§69
这位母亲不屈不挠的信心是基督亲自所赐的。而那位寡妇在法官面前的勇气和决心也是基督所赐的。多世纪之前在雅博渡口的那场神秘的角力中，以同样不懈的信心鼓舞雅各的，也是基督。祂决不会不报赏祂所亲自培育的信心。{COL 175.3}[33]
§70
It was Christ Himself who put into that mother’s heart the persistence which would not be repulsed. It was Christ who gave the pleading widow courage and determination before the judge. It was Christ who, centuries before, in the mysterious conflict by the Jabbok, had inspired Jacob with the same persevering faith. And the confidence which He Himself had implanted, He did not fail to reward.?{COL 175.3}[33]
§71
祂住在天上的圣所中，凭公义施行审判。祂喜悦那些在罪恶的世界中与试探作斗争的子民，超过祂宝座周围的天军。{COL 176.1}[34]
§72
He who dwells in the heavenly sanctuary judges righteously. His pleasure is more in His people, struggling with temptation in a world of sin, than in the host of angels that surround His throne.?{COL 176.1}[34]
§73
全宇宙对于我们这个微小的世界表显出极大的关怀，因为基督为其上的居民付出了无限的代价。世界的救赎主常藉着天使把天与地联系起来，因为有上帝的赎民在这里。天上的生灵如今仍然来访问地球，正如他们古时与亚伯拉罕和摩西同行共语一样。在各大城市的繁忙活动中，在街道市场拥挤的人群中，人们从早到晚忙忙碌碌，似乎人生的目的就是为了俗务、娱乐和消遣。很少有人想到那看不见的现实——就是上天仍然将守望者和圣洁生灵派到我们世上。有看不见的天使在观察着人类的言行。在每一个商业或宴乐集会中，在每一次敬拜的聚会中，除肉眼所看得见的听众之外，总还有一些听众在场。有时天使会揭开遮掩那看不见之世界的幔子，使我们的思想可以摆脱生活的繁忙，去考虑一下我们的一切言行都有看不见的使者在旁观察。{COL 176.2}[35]
§74
In this speck of a world the whole heavenly universe manifests the greatest interest, for Christ has paid an infinite price for the souls of its inhabitants. The world’s Redeemer has bound earth to heaven by ties of intelligence, for the redeemed of the Lord are here. Heavenly beings still visit the earth as in the days when they walked and talked with Abraham and with Moses. Amid the busy activity of our great cities, amid the multitudes that crowd the thoroughfares and fill the marts of trade where from morning till evening the people act as if business and sport and pleasure were all there is to life, where there are so few to contemplate unseen realities—even here heaven has still its watchers and its holy ones. There are invisible agencies observing every word and deed of human beings. In every assembly for business or pleasure, in every gathering for worship, there are more listeners than can be seen with the natural sight. Sometimes the heavenly intelligences draw aside the curtain which hides the unseen world that our thoughts may be withdrawn from the hurry and rush of life to consider that there are unseen witnesses to all we do or say.?{COL 176.2}[35]
§75
我们需要更加明白天使访问的任务。我们最好能想到在我们的一切工作中，都有天使的照顾和合作。凡相信和承受上帝应许的柔和谦卑的人，都为看不见的光明大能的天军所照顾。有基路伯、撒拉弗和千千万万大能的天使侍立在主的右边。他们“都是服役的灵，奉差遣为那将要承受救恩的人效力”（来1:14）。{COL 176.3}[36]
§76
We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angel visitants. It would be well to consider that in all our work we have the co-operation and care of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and seraphim and angels that excel in strength—ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands—stand at His right hand, “all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.”?Hebrews 1:14.?{COL 176.3}[36]
§77
这些天上的使者为人类的言行保留着准确的记录。人加在上帝子民身上的每一件暴行和冤屈，恶势力让他们所受的一切痛苦，在天上都有记录。{COL 177.1}[37]
§78
By these angel messengers a faithful record is kept of the words and deeds of the children of men. Every act of cruelty or injustice toward God’s people, all they are caused to suffer through the power of evil workers, is registered in heaven.?{COL 177.1}[37]
§79
“上帝的选民昼夜呼吁祂，祂纵然为他们忍了多时，岂不终久给他们伸冤吗？我告诉你们，要快快地给他们伸冤了。”{COL 177.2}[38]
§80
“Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.”?{COL 177.2}[38]
§81
“所以你们不可丢弃勇敢的心，存这样的心必得大赏赐。你们必须忍耐，使你们行完了上帝的旨意，就可以得着所应许的。因为还有一点点时候，那要来的就来，并不迟延”（来10:35-37）。“看哪，农夫忍耐等候地里宝贵的出产，直到得了秋雨、春雨。你们也当忍耐，坚固你们的心，因为主来的日子近了”（雅5:7,8）。{COL 177.3}[39]
§82
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.”?Hebrews 10:35-37. “Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.”?James 5:7, 8.?{COL 177.3}[39]
§83
上帝的忍耐是奇妙的。当祂以怜悯恳劝人的时候，祂的公义在长久等待着。但“公义和公平是祂宝座的根基”（诗97:2）。“耶和华不轻易发怒；”但祂“大有能力，万不以有罪的为无罪；祂乘旋风和暴风而来，云彩为祂脚下的尘土”（鸿1:3）。{COL 177.4}[40]
§84
The long-suffering of God is wonderful. Long does justice wait while mercy pleads with the sinner. But “righteousness and judgment are the establishment of His throne.”?Psalm 97:2, margin. “The Lord is slow to anger;” but He is “great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.”?Nahum 1:3.?{COL 177.4}[40]
§85
世人干犯上帝的律法，已经变得胆大妄为了。他们竟因祂的长久忍耐而践踏祂的权威。他们彼此怂恿，压迫和欺侮上帝的子民，说：“上帝怎能晓得？至高者岂有知识呢”（诗73:11）？但是有一条界线是他们所不能越过的。他们即将到达所规定的限度了。就是现在，他们也几乎已越过上帝忍耐的界线，就是祂恩典和怜悯的限度。主必要出面维护祂自己的尊荣，拯救祂的子民，制止罪恶的狂澜。{COL 177.5}[41]
§86
The world has become bold in transgression of God’s law. Because of His long forbearance, men have trampled upon His authority. They have strengthened one another in oppression and cruelty toward His heritage, saying, “How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?”?Psalm 73:11. But there is a line beyond which they cannot pass. The time is near when they will have reached the prescribed limit. Even now they have almost exceeded the bounds of the long-suffering of God, the limits of His?grace, the limits of His mercy. The Lord will interpose to vindicate His own honor, to deliver His people, and to repress the swellings of unrighteousness.?{COL 177.5}[41]
§87
在挪亚的日子，世人藐视上帝的律法，直到几乎完全忘记了他们的创造主。他们罪恶滔天，招惹上帝使洪水泛滥全地，将其上邪恶的居民全部冲去。{COL 178.1}[42]
§88
In Noah’s day, men had disregarded the law of God until almost all remembrance of the Creator had passed away from the earth. Their iniquity reached so great a height that the Lord brought a flood of waters upon the earth, and swept away its wicked inhabitants.?{COL 178.1}[42]
§89
上帝曾世世代代显明祂的作为。每当危机来到时，祂总是显示祂自己，出面阻止撒但实行他的计划。祂往往允许国家、家庭和个人遇到危急情况，好使祂的作为更为显著。这样，祂就证明了在以色列中确实有一位上帝；祂必维护祂的律法，并为祂的子民伸冤。{COL 178.2}[43]
§90
From age to age the Lord has made known the manner of His working. When a crisis has come, He has revealed Himself, and has interposed to hinder the working out of Satan’s plans. With nations, with families, and with individuals, He has often permitted matters to come to a crisis, that His interference might become marked. Then He has made manifest that there is a God in Israel who will maintain His law and vindicate His people.?{COL 178.2}[43]
§91
在这罪恶流行的世代，我们可以确知最后的危机已经迫近了。当全地几乎都违抗上帝的律法，而祂的子民受到他们同胞的压迫和残害时，主就要出面干涉。{COL 178.3}[44]
§92
In this time of prevailing iniquity we may know that the last great crisis is at hand. When the defiance of God’s law is almost universal, when His people are oppressed and afflicted by their fellow men, the Lord will interpose.?{COL 178.3}[44]
§93
时候快到了。祂必说：“我的百姓啊！你们要来进入内室，关上门，隐藏片时，等到忿怒过去。因为耶和华从祂的居所出来，要刑罚地上居民的罪孽；地也必露出其中的血，不再掩盖被杀的人”（赛26:20,21）。如今自称为基督徒的人尽可以欺诈和压迫穷人，他们尽可以抢夺孤儿和寡妇，他们也尽可以因不能控制上帝子民的良心而发泄恶魔般的恼恨；但上帝必要为这一切审判他们。他们“要受无怜悯的审判，”因为他们“不怜悯人”（雅2:13）。再过不久，他们要站在审判全地的主面前，为他们使上帝子民身心所受的痛苦交账。他们现在尽可以任意诬告、讥笑上帝所委派做祂圣工的人；他们也尽可以把相信祂的人下在监里，强迫他们去服劳役，或放逐，或处死他们。但是他们终必为加在人身上的每一项痛苦和所流的每一滴眼泪负责。上帝要为他们的罪加倍地报应他们。论到那预表背道教会的巴比伦，上帝对执行判决的使者说：“因她的罪恶滔天，她的不义，上帝已经想起来了。她怎样待人，也要怎样待她，按她所行的加倍报应她；用她调酒的杯加倍的调给她喝”（启18:5,6）。{COL 178.4}[45]
§94
The time is near when He will say, “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.”?Isaiah 26:20, 21. Men who claim to be Christians may now defraud and oppress the poor; they may rob the widow and fatherless; they may indulge their Satanic hatred because they cannot control the consciences of God’s people; but for all this God will bring them into judgment. They “shall have judgment without mercy” that have “showed no mercy.” (James 2:13.) Not long hence they will stand before the Judge of all the earth,?to render an account for the pain they have caused to the bodies and souls of His heritage. They may now indulge in false accusations, they may deride those whom God has appointed to do His work, they may consign His believing ones to prison, to the chain gang, to banishment, to death; but for every pang of anguish, every tear shed, they must answer. God will reward them double for their sins. Concerning Babylon, the symbol of the apostate church, He says to His ministers of judgment, “Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.”?Revelation 18:5, 6.?{COL 178.4}[45]
§95
从印度，到非洲，从中国，从各海岛和所谓基督教国家千万受压迫的人民中，痛苦的哀声已经升到上帝面前。这哀声不久必蒙应允。上帝要洁净地球上道德的败坏，不是用挪亚时代的洪水，而是用人所无法扑灭的火海。{COL 179.1}[46]
§96
From India, from Africa, from China, from the islands of the sea, from the downtrodden millions of so-called Christian lands, the cry of human woe is ascending to God. That cry will not long be unanswered. God will cleanse the earth from its moral corruption, not by a sea of water as in Noah’s day, but by a sea of fire that cannot be quenched by any human devising.?{COL 179.1}[46]
§97
“那时保佑你本国之民的天使长米迦勒，必站起来，并且有大艰难，从有国以来直到此时，没有这样的；你本国的民中，凡名录在册上的，必得拯救”（但11:17）。{COL 179.2}[47]
§98
“There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time Thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.”?Daniel 12:1.?{COL 179.2}[47]
§99
从阁楼里，从茅屋中，从地窖里，从苦刑架上，从山谷和旷野中，从地洞和海底里，基督要召集祂的子民。在地上他们是饥寒交迫，饱经苦楚，受尽折磨的。千千万万的人曾因不肯屈从撒但欺骗的主张而带着臭名下到坟墓里去。上帝的儿女曾被人间的法庭判为最可恶的罪魁祸首。可是“上帝施行审判的”日子近了（诗50:6）。那时世人的判决将被推翻。祂要“除掉普天下祂百姓的羞辱”（赛25:8）。将有白衣赐给他们每一个人（启6:11）。“人必称他们为圣民，为耶和华的赎民”（赛62:12）。{COL 179.3}[48]
§100
From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself. On earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Millions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the vilest criminals. But the day is near when “God is judge Himself.” (Psalm 50:6). Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. “The?rebuke of His people shall He take away.”?Isaiah 25:8. White robes will be given to every one of them. (Revelation 6:11.) And “they shall call them the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.”?Isaiah 62:12.?{COL 179.3}[48]
§101
上帝的儿女不论曾蒙召背负什么样的十字架，不论他们曾蒙受什么样的损失，曾遭遇什么样的迫害，甚至丧失他们暂时的生命，他们终必得着充分的报赏。他们“要见祂的面。祂的名字必写在他们的额上”（启22:4）。{COL 180.1}[49]
§102
Whatever crosses they have been called to bear, whatever losses they have sustained, whatever persecution they have suffered, even to the loss of their temporal life, the children of God are amply recompensed. “They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.”?Revelation 22:4.?{COL 180.1}[49]