第8章 奠定基础 1847-1848)
§1
第8章 奠定基础 (1847-1848)
§2
Chapter 8—(1847-1848) Laying the Foundations
§3
1847年4月，标志着怀雅各第一次重大的出版成果：一份名为《致“小群”》的24页的小册子出版发行了！所用的字体很小，书边的空白很窄，一页书承载了如今两页书的内容。{1BIO 127.1}
§4
The month of April, 1847, marked James White’s first major publishing accomplishment—the issuance of a twenty-four-page pamphlet that he titled A Word to the “Little Flock.” The type was small and the margins narrow, yielding a page with twice the normal content of a book page of today. {1BIO 127.1}
§5
正好一年前的1846年4月6日，他安排发表了爱伦描述她的第一次异象的文章，用的是大幅纸张单面印刷。在缅因州波特兰印刷了250册。马萨诸塞州费尔黑文的一位铁匠H.S.格尼出了一部分印刷费。那本小册子取了一个很有意义的名字《致四散的小群余民》。三栏中，有两栏以上描述爱伦所见的第一个异象。第三栏的一半用来记录1845年二月中的关于天上圣所的异象，以及2300日结束时的大事。 (EW 54-56) {1BIO 127.2}
§6
Just a year earlier, on April 6, 1846, he had arranged for the broadside publication of Ellen’s first vision—a single large sheet printed on one side only. Two hundred and fifty copies were struck off in Portland, Maine. H. S. Gurney, blacksmith of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, shared the printing costs. It carried the significant title “To the Little Remnant Scattered Abroad.” A little more than two of the three columns were given to Ellen’s first vision. Half of the third column was devoted to the vision of mid-February, 1845, concerning the heavenly sanctuary and the events at the end of the 2300 days (Early Writings, 54-56). {1BIO 127.2}
§7
很清楚，《致“小群”》代表了怀雅各与怀爱伦的共同事工。克罗泽的《破晓》只发行了很短的一段时间，怀雅各曾为该报撰写过几篇文章，但没等文章写好，报纸就停止了发行。所以在与豪兰一家及其他人交谈后，他决定以小册子的形式发表这些文章。在小册子的开场白里，他这样解释道： {1BIO 127.3}
§8
Very clearly, A Word to the “Little Flock” represented the joint ministry of both James and Ellen. James had written several articles for publication in Crosier’s short-lived Day-Dawn, but by the time they were ready, that paper had ceased publication. So after talking with the Howlands and some others, he decided to present the materials in pamphlet form. In his opening paragraph he explained: {1BIO 127.3}
§9
我希望这一“小群”人注意那些很快就要在这个地球上发生的事。（《致“小群”》, 第1页) {1BIO 127.4}
§10
I wish to call the attention of the “little flock” to those things which will very soon take place on this earth.—A Word to the Little Flock, 1. {1BIO 127.4}
§11
他引用圣经的预言，然后呼吁人们关注世上令人痛苦的状况，特别是饥荒和金融危机。他说:“我们不能怀疑……有从来没有过的艰难日子快临到地上的列国。”（同上）{1BIO 127.5}
§12
He quoted Bible prophecy and then called attention to distressing world conditions, particularly famine and financial distress. He declared, “we cannot doubt ... that the ‘time of trouble, such as never was’ is fast coming upon the nations of the earth.”—Ibid. {1BIO 127.5}
§13
小册子是以圣经为基础的，有大量经文出处及引文。怀爱伦所见的异象对于怀雅各把一些事情归类，阐明重大事情的顺序，无疑大有帮助。人们会记得，1845年为基督复临定时间的事情被扭转了过来。当时怀爱伦在异象中看到，在基督复临之前，“圣徒们必须经过‘雅各的艰难’，这个时间尚在将来。”（同上，第22页) {1BIO 128.1}
§14
The pamphlet is Bible-based, with copious Scripture references and quotations. It seems clear that the visions given to Ellen helped James to sort things out and clarify the order of events. It will be remembered that in 1845 a move toward time setting had been averted when Ellen was shown that before Christ would come, “the saints must pass through the ‘time of Jacob’s trouble,’ which was future.”—Ibid., 22 {1BIO 128.1}
§15
这本小册子以一篇关于最后七灾的长文开头。在引用了《启示录》15:1后，怀雅各断言:“借着明灯(圣经)的光，虽然未来事件的顺序可能看得不那么清楚，但我们可以清楚地看到我们过去经历的事件。”然后他继续提出某些未来事件可能会发生的顺序,包括“圣徒的盖印”(《致小群人》,第3页)。文章接下来的标题是《上帝的声音》，《艰难的时期》，《雅各遭难的时期》和《启示录14章思考》。因此,正如怀爱伦在1880年代初(《教会证言》卷一78,79页)所指出的,早期信徒清楚地理解第一和第二位天使的信息,但对于提到“上帝的诫命”、“兽”和“兽像”第三位天使信息,他们似乎比较模糊。然而，雅各写道:“很明显，我们生活在第三位天使信息的时代。（《致小群》11页）这时他把爱伦的信介绍给第七章中提到的伊莱?柯蒂斯，信中记载赐给她的异象涉及教义要点，澄清将来事件的关系。{1BIO 128.2}
§16
The pamphlet opens with an extended article on the seven last plagues. After quoting Revelation 15:1, James White asserts: “By the light of the brightly shining light (the Bible), we can see the events of our past experience distinctly; while future events may not be seen in their order so clearly.” Then he proceeds to suggest the order in which certain future events may be expected to take place, including the “marking or sealing of the saints” (A Word to the Little Flock, 3). Articles that follow carry the titles “The Voice of God,” “The Time of Trouble,” “The Time of Jacob’s Trouble,” and “Thoughts on Revelation 14.” Thus, as Ellen White indicated in the early 1880s (Testimonies for the Church, 1:78, 79), the early believers understood clearly the intent of the first and second angels’ messages, but as to the third, which mentions the “commandments of God” and makes references to “the beast” and “his image,” there seemed to be considerable haziness. However, James wrote, “It is plain that we live in the time of the third angel’s message.”—A Word to the Little Flock, 11. At this point he introduced Ellen’s letter to Eli Curtis, referred to in chapter 7, a communication in which the visions given to her dealt with doctrinal points and clarified the relationship of events to come. {1BIO 128.2}
§17
怀雅各论预言的恩赐
§18
James White on the Prophetic Gift
§19
在介绍了爱伦所见的异象之后，雅各用了一页的篇幅来讲述地球最后日子里的预言之声的題目，开头是《使徒行传》第2章的一句话: {1BIO 128.3}
§20
Having introduced the visions given to Ellen, James devoted a page to the subject of a prophetic voice in earth’s last days, opening with words from Acts 2: {1BIO 128.3}
§21
“上帝说，在末后的日子，我要将我的灵浇灌凡有血气的．你们的儿女要说预言．你们的少年人要见异象。老年人要作异梦。 在那些日子、我要将我的灵浇灌我的仆人和使女，他们就要说预言” （第 17, 18节）——《致小群》 13頁。{1BIO 128.4}
§22
“And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy” [verses 17, 18].—A Word to the Little Flock, 13. {1BIO 128.4}
§23
怀雅各指出: {1BIO 129.1}
§24
White pointed out: {1BIO 129.1}
§25
那一天的预兆已经并且仍在应验，每一个不带偏见的人必须清楚，上帝儿女可以得到祂的梦和异象的时候已经完全来临。（同上）
§26
As the signs of that day have been, and still are fulfilling, it must be clear to every unprejudiced mind that the time has fully come when the children of God may expect dreams and visions from the Lord.—Ibid.
§27
他承认“即使在复临信徒中”，“在该问题上持这种立场也不多。……但在这一点上，我宁愿相信主的话，不相信人的教导”。他继续说: {1BIO 129.2}
§28
He acknowledged that “even among Adventists,” “this is a very unpopular position to hold on this subject ...; but I choose to believe the word of the Lord on this point, rather than the teachings of men.” He continued: {1BIO 129.2}
§29
我知道在复临信徒中有一个很普遍的观点，那就是公元96年约翰写完《启示录》之后，再也没有通过异象启示的亮光了。但如果这个观点是正确的，那么约翰还在拔摩岛上的时候，末日就已经来到了。（同上）{1BIO 129.3}
§30
I know that it is a very popular opinion among Adventists that there was nothing more to be revealed by visions, after John closed up the revelation in A.D. 96. But if this opinion is correct, then the last days ended while John was on the isle of Patmos.—Ibid. {1BIO 129.3}
§31
怀雅各的下一段话阐明了他在整个传道期间的立场: {1BIO 129.4}
§32
James White’s next statement sets forth a position he stood by throughout his ministry: {1BIO 129.4}
§33
圣经是一个完美和完整的启示，是我们信心和行为的唯一准则。但根据彼得的见证，没有理由认为上帝在这末世不会藉着梦和异象，显示祂的话在过去、现在和将来的应验。真正的异象赐下是要带领我们到上帝和祂书面的道面前，但那些提出信心和行为的新准则、背离圣经的异象则不可能来自上帝，应予以拒绝。（同上）{1BIO 129.5}
§34
The Bible is a perfect and complete revelation. It is our only rule of faith and practice. But this is no reason why God may not show the past, present, and future fulfillment of His Word, in these last days, by dreams and visions, according to Peter’s testimony. True visions are given to lead us to God, and His Written Word; but those that are given for a new rule of faith and practice, separate from the Bible, cannot be from God, and should be rejected.—Ibid. {1BIO 129.5}
§35
可以看出，这段率直的宣言有隐射摩门教领袖约瑟夫.史密斯之意。他因自己的一些学说和行为，在1844年遭到杀害。怀雅各则认定圣经是行为的指南和规则。他重新发表了第一个异象，随后又发表了另外两个异象。他说: {1BIO 129.6}
§36
In this forthright declaration may be seen an allusion to Joseph Smith, leader of the Mormons, who, because of some of his teachings and actions, had been murdered in 1844. As for James White, the Bible was the guide and rule of practice. He republished the first vision, followed by two others, stating: {1BIO 129.6}
§37
接下来的异象一年多以前曾在《晨星》上发表。经朋友们的请求，为了一小群的益处，现在这本小册子再版，并附上参考经文。（同上）{1BIO 129.7}
§38
The following vision was published in the Day-Star, more than a year ago. By the request of friends, it is republished in this little work, with Scripture references, for the benefit of the little flock.—Ibid. {1BIO 129.7}
§39
然后他又加了一句劝勉:“我希望所有阅读的人，都能按照圣经向我们指出的明智而稳妥的方法去做。‘不要藐视先知的讲论． 但要凡事察验．善美的要持守’（帖前5：20，21）。‘人当以训诲和法度为标准．他们所说的、若不与此相符、必不得见晨光’（赛8:20）。（《致小群》13,14页）{1BIO 130.1}
§40
He then added a word of admonition: “I hope that all who may read it will take the wise and safe course pointed out to us by the following passages of Scripture. ‘Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good’ [1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21]. ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them’ [Isaiah 8:20].”—A Word to the Little Flock, 13, 14. {1BIO 130.1}
§41
在重新出版的异象中，他收录了80多处圣经经文，和7处《旧约后典》中的《以斯得拉书下》和《所罗门智训》。所有这些都是用来将他妻子的异象与圣经的类似经文进行比较。只是到了这个版本，才将这些重要的经文与怀爱伦的异象联系起来。如此发表的异象包括怀爱伦在她的第一本小册子里加入的关于新世界的异象，以及最先发表在贝约瑟传单里的天上圣所的异象。她在其中看到上帝的律法。{1BIO 130.2}
§42
Throughout the republished visions he included more than eighty references to Bible passages and seven references to 2 Esdras and the Wisdom of Solomon, of the Old Testament Apocrypha. All these were used to compare his wife’s visions with similar matters in the Bible. Only in this printing did such keyed footnote references appear, linked to the E. G. White visions. The visions thus published included the first to which Ellen White in her first writing added the vision of the new earth; and the vision of the heavenly sanctuary in which she was shown the law of God, as first published in the broadside by Joseph Bates. {1BIO 130.2}
§43
接下来有两页提出支持这些异象的理由，首先是贝约瑟的话，讲了他接受异象的经过，这是贝约瑟在1847年的传单里所描述的。然后是怀雅各简单回顾了“这些异象之作者的经历和恩召”(同上22页)。这本小册子以怀雅各的两篇文章《上帝的圣殿》和《审判》作结尾。他后一篇里谈到了“执行审判”，描述了上帝最后洁净宇宙，“魔鬼和他的使者，以及所有的恶人，将‘根本枝条’全部烧尽”（同上24页）{1BIO 130.3}
§44
There followed two pages of arguments in support of the visions, first Joseph Bates’s remarks giving his experience in accepting the visions, as described in Bates’s 1847 broadside, and then a very brief review by James White on “the experience and calling of the author of these visions” (Ibid., 22). The pamphlet closed with two James White articles, “The Temple of God” and “The Judgment.” In the latter he dealt with the “executive judgment,” giving a description of God finally cleansing the universe as “the devil and his angels, and all the wicked, will be burnt up, ‘root and branch.’”—Ibid., 24 {1BIO 130.3}
§45
小册子《致小群》于1945年再版，在各复临图书中心有售。{1BIO 130.4}
§46
This pamphlet, A Word to the “Little Flock,” was republished in 1945 and is available at Adventist Book Centers. {1BIO 130.4}
§47
当雅各在附近的不伦瑞克准备出小册子的时候，怀雅各夫妇在托普瑟姆度过四月和五月的大部分时光。他们后来回到了戈勒姆，在那里度过夏天，等待他们的第一个孩子出生。雅各能找到什么事情做就做什么，他们决心不依赖别人而生活。{1BIO 130.5}
§48
The Whites were in Topsham through much of April and May while James was getting his pamphlet published in nearby Brunswick. They then returned to Gorham, where, through the summer, awaiting the birth of their first child, James engaged in such labor as he could find, determined not to be dependent on others for their livelihood. {1BIO 130.5}
§49
7月13日，爱伦从戈勒姆写信给贝约瑟。信的开头几段让我们窥见了她的内心和生活: {1BIO 130.6}
§50
From Gorham, Ellen, on July 13, wrote a letter to Joseph Bates. Its opening paragraphs provide some glimpses into her heart and life: {1BIO 130.6}
§51
亲爱的贝约瑟弟兄：Dear Brother Bates,
§52
雅各在工作，姐妹们总是不在家，我想我要给你写几行。我的健康状况相当不错。我依然坚信升入天国的耶稣很快会以祂升天那样的方式回来。{1BIO 131.1}
§53
As James is at work and sisters are from home, thought I would employ myself in writing a line to you. My health is quite good for me. My faith is still strong that that very same Jesus that ascended up into heaven will so come in like manner as He went up, and that very, very soon. {1BIO 131.1}
§54
最近我经历了许多试炼，有时非常灰心，仿佛难以摆脱。但感谢上帝，撒但没能在我身上取得胜利，靠着上帝的恩典他永远无法战胜我。我认识并感受到我的软弱，但我依靠耶和华大能的臂膀，今天我能说我知道我的救赎主活着。祂既活着，我也要活着。{1BIO 131.2}
§55
I have had many trials of late, discouragement at times has laid so fast hold upon me it seemed impossible to shake it off. But thank God, Satan has not got the victory over me yet, and by the grace of God he never shall. I know and feel my weakness, but I have laid hold upon the strong arm of Jehovah, and I can say today I know that my Redeemer liveth, and if He lives I shall live also. {1BIO 131.2}
§56
遇到一班具有相同宝贵信仰的人，用圣经神圣快乐的话互相劝告和安慰是多么好啊！现在羊群四散各处的，但感谢上帝，他们正被聚集到一个美好的牧场。能在我们上帝的城中见到所有经过宝血洁净的人是多么温馨啊！（《信函》1847年3号）{1BIO 131.3}
§57
O how good it would be to meet with a few of like precious faith to exhort and comfort one another with words of holy cheer from the Word of God. The sheep are now scattered, but thank God they are about to be gathered to a good pasture. O how sweet it will be to meet all the blood-washed throng in the city of our God—Letter 3, 1847. {1BIO 131.3}
§58
贝约瑟曾写信询问早期的一些异象。爱伦回答了他的问题，在我们今天获得的最早的手写信中，她用钢笔写了几页。这些为她和她丈夫的工作和旅行提供了有益的文档记录: {1BIO 131.4}
§59
Bates had written asking about some of the early visions. Ellen took up his questions and wrote a number of pages in the earliest handwritten letter we have today from her pen. It provides helpful documentation of her and her husband’s work and travels: {1BIO 131.4}
§60
贝约瑟弟兄，你在写给雅各的信里提到新郎的来临，如同最初发表的异象所陈述的。在信中你表示想知道我是否在见异象之前就拥有新郎来临的亮光。我可以马上回答说：没有。主在十二月对我显示了复临团体的艰难和半夜的呼声，但直到次年二月祂才向我显示新郎的来临。你也许希望我发表一个关于两个异象的声明。（同上）{1BIO 131.5}
§61
Brother Bates, you write in a letter to James something about the Bridegroom’s coming, as stated in the first published visions. By the letter you would like to know whether I had light on the Bridegroom’s coming before I saw it in vision. I can readily answer, No. The Lord showed me the travel of the Advent band and the midnight cry in December, but He did not show me the Bridegroom’s coming until February following. Perhaps you would like to have me give a statement in relation to both visions.—Ibid. {1BIO 131.5}
§62
由于是对早期历史的回顾，这封信已在其他章节中加以引用。五周后，就在他们的第一个儿子出生的前几天，怀雅各从戈勒姆写信给新罕布什尔州新伊普斯维奇的埃尔韦拉.黑斯廷斯，讲述了他的家庭情况: {1BIO 131.6}
§63
As it is a review of earlier history, this letter has been drawn upon in other chapters. Five weeks later, just a few days before their first son was born, James White wrote from Gorham to Elvira Hastings, of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, telling of his family’s situation: {1BIO 131.6}
§64
当我第一次写信给你并寄给你这些异象的时候(以传单的形式)，我腿瘸了，欠着债，还负责为“小群”出版文字。从那以后，我出版了我的小册子，现在已经摆脱了债务，并且有足够的钱来满足我们目前的需要。上帝多多赐福给我，使我得以健康，可以亲手劳动。今年夏天，我的瘸腿并没有给我带来什么困扰。在过去的六个星期里，我赚了大约25美元，我的健康也有了很大的改善。……{1BIO 132.1}
§65
When I first wrote to you and sent the visions [in broadside form] I was lame, in debt, and burdened with the duty of publishing for the “little flock.” Since that [time] I have been able to publish my humble pamphlet, and am now free from debt, and have enough for our present wants. God has abundantly blessed me with health to labor with my hands. My lameness has not troubled me but little this summer. I have been able to earn about $25 the past six weeks; and my health is very much improved.... {1BIO 132.1}
§66
我们拜访分散的圣徒时，没有什么特别的事要做，我觉得自己有责任用双手劳动，以免成了别人的负担。这是我的荣幸。（怀雅各致埃尔韦拉?黑斯廷斯, 1847年8月22日）{1BIO 132.2}
§67
When we have no special work to do in visiting the scattered saints, I feel it my duty to labor with my hands, so as not to be chargeable to others. This is a privilege to me.—JW to Elvira Hastings, August 22, 1847. {1BIO 132.2}
§68
展望未来，他说: {1BIO 132.3}
§69
Looking into the immediate future, he commented: {1BIO 132.3}
§70
我们不能为未来制定明确的计划，但我们预计今年秋天将去西部(新英格兰和纽约州的范围内)。当我们有责任去的时候，上帝会很明确告诉我们，给我们提供朋友和資金。目前我们必须留在戈勒姆。爱伦在异象中看见我们应当在主来之前到西部去，因此，我相信我们要去，然而是在9月还是在以后一段时间，我们现在不能决定。我们把这一切都交托在上帝的手中，藉着祂的恩典，我们将尽到现在的责任。（同上）.
§71
We can lay no certain plans for the future; but we expect to go west [this would be in the confines of the New England States and New York] this fall. When it is our duty to go, God will make it very plain, and provide friends and means. At present we must remain at Gorham. Ellen has seen in vision that we should go west before the Lord comes; therefore I believe we shall go, but whether it will be in September or at a later period we cannot now decide. We leave all this in the hands of God, and by His grace will try to attend to present duty.— Ibid.
§72
8月25日星期三，他再次拿起那封信，补充道: {1BIO 132.4}
§73
He picked the letter up again on Wednesday, August 25, and added: {1BIO 132.4}
§74
上面是星期日晚上写的。我星期一和星期二得去工作，所以没能写完。我赶紧再写几行，以便明天早上把这封信寄出去。{1BIO 132.5}
§75
The above was written Sunday eve. I had to go to work Monday and Tuesday, and therefore could not finish. I haste to write a few lines more so as to mail this tomorrow morning. {1BIO 132.5}
§76
我很抱歉请你这位肉身上的陌生人帮助我支付发表上一次异象的费用，就像我在另一封信中所做的那样。那时候，我的腿瘸了，还欠着债，不知道如何还清大约10美元的小债来维持生计。但主善待我，消除了我的畏惧。赞美祂可爱的圣名！（同上）{1BIO 132.6}
§77
I have felt like offering an apology for inviting you (a stranger in the flesh) to assist me in paying for the publication of the last vision, as I did in my other letter. At that time I was lame, some in debt, and knew not how to clear myself from the small debt of about $10 and obtain a living. But the Lord has been better to me than my fears, praise His dear name.— Ibid. {1BIO 132.6}
§78
他还添加了几个附言。他提到爱伦快要生第一个孩子。他们給孩子起名叫亨利。他说: {1BIO 133.1}
§79
Several postscripts were added. He made reference to Ellen, just on the verge of giving birth to her first child, whom they named Henry. He stated: {1BIO 133.1}
§80
我应该让爱伦写一点，但她做不到。她多年来身体不好，现在很痛苦，但她对上帝的信心是坚定的。你的信给了她很大的安慰。她和我一起对你或你可能遇到的所有珍贵的、分散的“小群”充满了爱。请为我们祷告。我们要遵守上帝的诫命，好叫我们“获得永生”。{1BIO 133.2}
§81
I should choose that Ellen fill this sheet, but she is not able. She has been out of health for years, and suffers much at this time; still her faith in God is firm. Your letter was of much comfort to her. She joins with me in much love to all the precious, scattered “little flock” with you or with whom you may meet; also to yourself. Pray for us. And we may keep the commandments of God that we may “enter into life.” {1BIO 133.2}
§82
我多么想见耶稣和天使，我要见那黄金之城。我想见享受永生、住在光里的众圣徒。（同上）O{1BIO 133.3}
§83
O! I want to see Jesus and the angels, I want to see that golden city. I want to see all the saints clothed with immortality, dwelling in the light.— Ibid. {1BIO 133.3}
§84
在另一则附言中，他写道: {1BIO 133.4}
§85
In another postscript he noted: {1BIO 133.4}
§86
你在信中说:“怀姊妹提到上帝说到耶稣来临的日子和时辰。”你问:“我想知道这话在我们听到以前是否说过。”
§87
In your letter you say, “Sister W. mentions God spoke the day and hour of Jesus’ coming,” and you inquired, “I should like to know if it is to be spoken before we all hear it.”
§88
为了回答这个问题，我把爱伦刚才躺在我的写字台旁边的床上说的话写了下来。“告诉她，在所有的人都听到这声音之前，谁也不能听见。到那时，上帝一切活着的儿女都会听见和认识上帝的声音，告诉我们那日子和时辰。然后喜乐和荣耀就会充满每一个人的心。”（同上）{1BIO 133.5}
§89
To this question, I answer by writing Ellen’s words that she has just spoken while lying on the bed beside my writing stand. “Tell her that none hear the voice until all hear it. Then every living child of God will hear and know the voice of God as He gives us the day and hour. Then joy and glory will fill every heart.”— Ibid. {1BIO 133.5}
§90
那封信仍然没有寄出。9月1日，怀雅各在托普舍姆写道: {1BIO 133.6}
§91
Still the letter was not mailed. On September 1 James White added, writing in Topsham: {1BIO 133.6}
§92
这封信是放在抽屉里的，我原本打算上星期四寄出。……但是在我收拾行李准备去这里（豪兰家）的时候，我发现了这封信。{1BIO 133.7}
§93
This letter was laid in the drawer and I intended to mail it last Thursday.... But while packing up to come to this place [the Howland home], I found this letter. {1BIO 133.7}
§94
在此，我要冒昧地告诉你们，我妻子生了一个小儿子，明天就满一个星期了。我之所以这么说是因为我从贝约瑟兄弟那里得知你完全相信爱伦的预言，所以对她很感兴趣。她很好，宝贝也很好。上帝一直与她同在。多年来爱伦经常晕厥。我们结婚那年直至上星期一她发作了多次。我们那些不信主的邻居们认为，她会在昏厥中死去，但令人惊讶的是，她已经有两个星期没有昏厥了。至于我自己，我一点也不害怕。我没有想到她会死，正如我没有想到太阳会掉到地上一样。我知道她会活下来，因为上帝已经在异象中向她表明，她为小群人的工作还没有完成。……{1BIO 133.8}
§95
Here I shall take the liberty to state to you that my wife has a young son, a week old tomorrow. Why I state this is that I learn from Brother Bates that you are a full believer in Ellen’s visions, therefore interested for her. She is very well, also the babe. God has been with her in power. For years Ellen has been subject to fainting spells. She has had many the year (last Monday) that we have been married. It was the opinion of our unbelieving neighbors that she would die in one of her faint spells, but to the astonishment of all she has not had a faint spell for two weeks. For myself, I had not a fear. I as little expected her death as I expected the sun to fall to the earth. I knew she would live, for God had shown her in vision that her work was not done up for the little flock.... {1BIO 133.8}
§96
这是一个强大的团队，十三名勇敢的战士，凭着对基督的爱，在真理的精神和力量下联合在一起。（同上）{1BIO 134.1}
§97
Here is a strong band of thirteen bold soldiers in this place, in union and in the spirit and power of the truth and love of Christ.— Ibid. {1BIO 134.1}
§98
New Responsibilities
§99
从此，雅各和怀爱伦不得不考虑这个事实——他们是个家庭。豪兰一家很快邀请这对夫妇把家安在他们托普舍姆之家的楼上。爱伦这样写道这件事： {1BIO 134.2}
§100
From this point on, James and Ellen White must take into account the fact that they were a family. The Howlands soon invited the couple to set up housekeeping in the upstairs rooms of their home in Topsham. Of this Ellen White wrote: {1BIO 134.2}
§101
十月，豪兰弟兄和姐妹友善地从他们的住处中腾出一间给我们住，我们高兴地接受了，并着手用借来的家具安家。我们很穷，真可说是捉襟见肘！（1LS 241, 242）{1BIO 134.3}
§102
In October, Brother and Sister Howland kindly offered us a part of their dwelling, which we gladly accepted, and commenced housekeeping with borrowed furniture. We were poor and saw close times.—Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White (1880), 241, 242. {1BIO 134.3}
§103
可以引证许多事件来说明他们贫穷。这对年轻人决心在经济上独立，因此，雅各每日出去做工。一条新修的铁路从不伦斯瑞克附近通过，他找到一份拖石头的工作。他的手许多地方磨破皮出血，又很难拿到工钱。在经济萧条的时期，豪兰一家无偿地把他们拥有的东西分给这对年轻夫妇。雅各后来在附近的森林里劈木头，从早干到晚，每天挣50美分。一身疼痛，晚上无法入睡。但是这对年轻夫妇决心靠自己来生活－－宁可贫困也不借债。靠他们非常有限的钱，爱伦每天只能和她的孩子共喝一品托的奶。有一天她不得不挤出9美分（三天的牛奶钱）凑足钱给婴儿买布做一些简单的衣物。“我放弃了牛奶，”她写道，“买了一块布，好给我的孩子做件衣服，遮住他光光的手臂。” （1LS 243）{1BIO 134.4}
§104
Many incidents might be cited illustrating their poverty. The young people were determined to be independent financially, so James engaged in daily labor. He secured work in hauling stone as a railroad cut was thrust through close to Brunswick. He wore the skin on his hands to the bleeding point in many places, and then had difficulty in collecting his wages. Freely the Howlands divided what they had with the young couple in the economically depressed times. James then cut cordwood in a nearby forest, working from early till late, and earned 50 cents a day. Severe pain in his side made for sleepless nights. But the young couple resolved to live within their means—and to suffer want rather than to run into debt. On their very limited budget Ellen could afford only one pint of milk a day for her child and herself. Then came a day when she had to cut out the nine-cent allowance for the milk supply for three days to have enough money to buy a bit of cloth for a simple garment for the baby. “I gave up the milk,” she wrote, “and purchased the cloth for an apron to cover the bare arms of my child.”—Ibid., 243. {1BIO 134.4}
§105
埃愛的沮丧达到了有史以来的最低点
§106
Ellen Hits an All-Time Low in Discouragement
§107
她这样描述她们的经历： {1BIO 135.1}
§108
She wrote of their experience: {1BIO 135.1}
§109
我们尽力鼓足勇气，相信救主。我没有抱怨……有一天我们没吃的了，我丈夫到他的老板那里去要钱或者要一些吃的。这一天有暴风雨，他走了三英里，回来时又淋着雨。他把粮袋扛在背后，路过不伦斯瑞克村庄，他经常在这里演讲，这些公寓里的人都和他有过联络。
§110
We endeavored to keep up good courage and trust in the Lord. I did not murmur.... One day when our provisions were gone, husband went to his employer to get money or provisions. It was a stormy day, and he walked three miles and back in the rain, passing through the village of Brunswick, where he had often lectured, carrying a bag of provisions on his back, tied in different apartments.
§111
当他拖着疲倦的身子走进房子的时候，我的心难过极了。我的第一感觉是上帝抛弃了我们。我对我丈夫说，“我们走到这一步了吗？上帝抛弃了我们吗？”我抑制不住我的眼泪，大声哭了几个钟头，直到昏了过去。（1LS 242） {1BIO 135.2}
§112
As he entered the house very weary my heart sank within me. My first feelings were that God had forsaken us. I said to my husband, “Have we come to this? Has the Lord left us?” I could not restrain my tears, and wept aloud for hours until I fainted.—Ibid., 242. {1BIO 135.2}
§113
年轻的母亲情绪空前低落。为什么啊？为什么他们全心地献身于上帝的圣工，而他们的生活竟会如此艰难？重新恢复知觉后，她感到圣灵使她的精神振奋。她为自己在沮丧中消沉下去而感到遗憾。回忆起那段经历，她写道： “我们极愿跟随基督并效法祂；但是有时我们竟会躲避考验，离祂很远。苦难和考验使我们亲近耶稣。窑里的火足以焚尽渣滓，锻炼精金。” （1LS 243）{1BIO 135.3}
§114
The young mother had reached an all-time low. Why, oh, why were their lives so hard when they had been dedicated to the cause of God? Regaining consciousness, she felt the cheering influence of the Spirit of God and regretted that she had sunk so low under discouragement. Recounting the experience, she wrote that “we desire to follow Christ and be like Him; but we sometimes faint beneath trials and remain at a distance from Him. Suffering and trials bring us nigh to Jesus. The furnace consumes the dross and brightens the gold.”—Ibid., 243. {1BIO 135.3}
§115
他们在豪兰家的房子里住了六个月，但这确实是很受考验的日子。据雅各说，他在精神上和身体上受到的磨难，非笔墨所能形容。(《怀雅各写给伦纳德和埃尔韦拉黑斯廷斯的信》1848年4月27日) {1BIO 135.4}
§116
For six months they maintained their home in the Howland residence, but it was indeed a trying time. According to James, he suffered more in mind and body than he could show with pen and paper (JW to Leonard and Elvira Hastings, April 27, 1848). {1BIO 135.4}
§117
后来雅各和爱伦完全理解了他们经历这种困难的意义。她想到，既然他们有孩子了，她就不可能旅行，他们的计划就要改变。在一次异象中，上帝向她揭示他们所面临的考验的目的： {1BIO 135.5}
§118
Then James and Ellen discovered a true understanding of what their difficult time was all about. She had thought that now that they had a child it would be impossible for her to travel and a change must come about in their program. A vision from God revealed the purpose of the trials they were facing: {1BIO 135.5}
§119
在异象中，我了解到救主考验我们是为我们好，让我们作好准备为别人工作；他搅动我们的窝，是为了不让我们耽于安逸之中，我们的工作乃是要救灵；如果我们的处境很好，家里舒适惬意，就会不愿意去旅行。我们一直经历着艰难，是要预备我们，好面对将来旅途中要经受的更大的冲击。（1LS 243）{1BIO 135.6}
§120
I was shown that the Lord had been trying us for our good, and to prepare us to labor for others; that He had been stirring up our nest, lest we should settle down in ease, and that our work was to labor for souls; that if we had been prospered, home would be so pleasant that we would be unwilling to leave it to travel, and that we had been suffering trial to prepare us for still greater conflicts that we would suffer in our travels.—Ibid., 243. {1BIO 135.6}
§121
一次伤心的经历增强了他们对异象中的信息的理解。亨利病得很厉害，很快进入不省人事的状况。他们和朋友们都束手无策，不能减轻他的痛苦。他们想到小亨利已经成为他们“不旅行、不为别人的利益而工作的借口”，他们担心上帝会去除他们找借口的根据。在痛苦的祈祷中，他们向上帝保证：如果小孩的生命得以保全，他们愿意信靠上帝的指引；无论到哪，都会勇往直前，义无反顾。他们凭着信心照上帝的应许求。从他们下决心的那一刻开始，亨利的高烧开始退了下来，慢慢开始康复。怀爱伦写道： {1BIO 136.1}
§122
A heart-rending experience enforced the message of the vision. Henry was taken very ill and soon lapsed into unconsciousness. Nothing they or their friends could do brought relief. Recognizing that they had made their little Henry “an excuse for not traveling and laboring for the good of others,” they feared that God was about to remove the basis for their excuses. With the agonizing prayer of faith they pledged God that if the child’s life were spared they would go forth trusting in Him wherever He might send them. By faith they claimed the promises of God. From the hour of this resolution and consecration the fever turned, and Henry began to recover. Wrote Ellen White: {1BIO 136.1}
§123
天庭的灯透过云层，又照亮了我们。希望复活了，我们的祈祷得到了仁慈的应答。（1LS 244）{1BIO 136.2}
§124
Light from heaven was breaking through the clouds, and shining upon us again. Hope revived. Our prayers were graciously answered.—Ibid., 244. {1BIO 136.2}
§125
改变工作Careers Changed
§126
雅各和怀爱伦现在看清，无论是家庭的舒适也好、天伦之乐也罢、或是责任，他们的一生都将是献身服务的一生，包括旅行、受苦、并要热心地为别人工作。{1BIO 136.3}
§127
James and Ellen White could now see that regardless of home comforts, pleasures, and responsibilities, their life was to be a life of dedicated service involving travel, suffering, and earnest labor for others. {1BIO 136.3}
§128
不久，他们收到邀请，请他们参加在康涅狄格州举行的安息日复临信徒的一个会议。他们抱着七个月大的亨利去了那里。雅各砍木头挣了10美元，他们花了一半的钱为旅行作准备，其它一半用于买车票。他们把所有的东西放入一个大箱子，箱子还空一大半。他们到了波士顿，在那里他们住在尼科尔斯家里。他们没有把他们身无分文的窘境告诉尼科尔斯一家，但在他们离开的时候，尼科尔斯夫人给了雅各五美元，用这五美元买好车票后，只剩下五十美分。他们乘车去康涅狄格州的米德尔敦，这是去罗克希尔的艾伯特?贝尔登家的最近的车站；会议将于4月20号星期四晚上开始，在贝尔登家里举行。{1BIO 136.4}
§129
They soon received an earnest invitation to attend a conference of the Sabbathkeeping Adventists in Connecticut. They would go, taking their 7-month-old Henry with them in their arms. James White had received $10 in settlement for his work in cutting wood. They used half of the money in preparation for the trip south and kept the other half for transportation. With all their earthly possessions half filling a trunk, they went to Boston, where they stayed with the Nichols family. They did not make known their penniless plight to the family, but as they left, Mrs. Nichols handed James $5. With all but 50 cents of this they purchased tickets to Middletown, Connecticut, the closest rail point to Rocky Hill and the Albert Belden home, where the conference was to begin on Thursday night, April 20. {1BIO 136.4}
§130
安息日复临信徒的第一次“大会”
§131
The First “General Conference” of Sabbathkeeping Adventists
§132
直到那时，信徒们聚集在一起开会学习的小团契松散地被称为“区会”。后来，怀爱伦所提到的“安息日复临信徒的第一次大会”(《文稿》1886年第76号)，指的就是这一次在罗基希尔的艾伯特.贝尔登家尚未峻工的房子里所召开的会议。怀雅各说它是“信息指引下的第一次会议”。(RH 1863.9.29） {1BIO 137.1}
§133
While up to this time little companies of believers met together to study in meetings loosely termed as conferences, it was this meeting in the unfinished chamber of Albert Belden’s home at Rocky Hill that Ellen White later referred to as “the first conference that was ever held among Seventh-day Adventists” (Manuscript 76, 1886). James White spoke of it as “the first under the message” (The Review and Herald, September 29, 1863). {1BIO 137.1}
§134
这次会议是由康涅狄格州米德尔敦的E.L.H.张伯伦召集的，将在罗基希尔以北8英里处举行。周四晚上，当会议开始时，有15个人聚集在一起。怀雅各描述了会议开始时的情况: {1BIO 137.2}
§135
The meeting had been called by E.L.H. Chamberlain, of Middletown, Connecticut, and was to be held at Rocky Hill, some eight miles north. Thursday evening, when the meeting opened, fifteen people had come together. Ellen White described what took place as the conference got under way: {1BIO 137.2}
§136
星期五上午，弟兄们来了，大约有五十人。他们并非都明白真理。我们那天的会议很引人入胜。贝约瑟弟兄以清晰的亮光主讲诫命，有力的见证使诫命的重要性深入人心。他的一席话，对行在真理中的人既有鞭策之效，又对还没有完全下定决心的人有唤醒之功。（1LS 245）{1BIO 137.3}
§137
Friday morning the brethren came in until we numbered about fifty. These were not all fully in the truth. Our meeting that day was very interesting. Brother Bates presented the commandments in a clear light, and their importance was urged home by powerful testimonies. The word had effect to establish those already in the truth and to awaken those who were not fully decided.—Life Sketches of James White and Ellen G. White (1880), 245. {1BIO 137.3}
§138
怀雅各在他热情洋溢的会议报告中宣称: {1BIO 137.4}
§139
Exuberant in his report of the meeting, James White declared: {1BIO 137.4}
§140
上帝在清晰的亮光中把真理赐给祂的仆人，他们就用庄严的能力说出来。贝約瑟兄弟的主题是诫命。他清楚地说明，遵守诫命是“生命”的唯一入口，而违背诫命就肯定是“死”(永恒的)。……愛伦以很大的能力讲述了上帝在关于安息日的异象中向她展示的东西。（怀雅各致伦纳德.黑斯廷斯和埃尔维拉.黑斯廷斯，1848年4月27日）
§141
God gave His servants the truth in a clear light, and they spoke it with solemn power. Brother Bates’s principal subject was the commandments. He was able to make the case plain that the only entrance to “life” was by keeping the commandments, and to break them was sure “death” (eternal).... Ellen spoke with considerable power of what God showed her in vision concerning the Sabbath.—JW to Leonard and Elvira Hastings, April 27, 1848.
§142
关于这次在安息日的真理上联合起来之人的会议，怀雅各写道: 1BIO 137.5}
§143
Of this general meeting of those united in the Sabbath truth, White wrote: {1BIO 137.5}
§144
星期一上午结束的会议很有意义。我从未参加过比这更好的会议。……会议期间发生了许多令人深感兴趣的事情，但我没有时间一一说明。亲爱的孩子们怀着对彼此的大爱分开了。大家都觉得会开得比他们预期的要好。他们都得到了祝福。（同上）{1BIO 137.6}
§145
Our conference which closed Monday morning was deeply interesting. I never attended a better meeting.... There are many things of deep interest which occurred during the meeting, but I have not time to state all. The dear children parted with great love for each other. All had a better meeting than they expected. All were blessed.— Ibid. {1BIO 137.6}
§146
怀雅各和怀爱伦来参加会议时，对下一步该做什么还没有确定的想法。他们想他们可以在康涅狄格或马萨诸塞逗留几个星期，然后回缅因州，尽管没有什么事让他们到缅因州比到任何其他地方都多。他说: {1BIO 138.1}
§147
James and Ellen White had come to the conference with no settled conviction as to what their next step might be. They thought that they might stay in Connecticut or Massachusetts a few weeks and then return to Maine, although there was nothing to call them to Maine more than to any other place. He declared: {1BIO 138.1}
§148
我们除了事奉上帝，到祂为我们开路的地方去，没有别的事可做。我盼望能尽我对上帝和我亲爱弟兄们的一切职分。（同上）{1BIO 138.2}
§149
We have nothing else to do but to serve God and go where God opens the way for us.... I hope to be able to do all my duty to God and my dear brethren.— Ibid. {1BIO 138.2}