1888年资料集 E · 第46章致M. 米勒长老和H. 米勒长老

第46章致M. 米勒长老和H. 米勒长老

§1 第46章致M. 米勒长老和H. 米勒长老

§2 Chapter 46—To Elders M. and H. Miller

§3 《信函》1889年第4号M-4-18891889年7月23日写于密歇根州巴特尔克里克

§4 Battle Creek, Mich. July 23, 1889

§5 麦迪逊.米勒长老和霍华德.米勒长老

§6 Elders Madison and Howard Miller,—

§7 我的弟兄们：My Brethren,

§8 你们有重要的功课要学习。你们拥有真理的理论，却没有真理的精神。你们心里没有能吸引人归向耶稣的上帝的能力。麦迪逊.米勒弟兄已被安置在负责的岗位上。他若与上帝有正确的关系，就能在那个岗位上成为各教会的一大福气，但他虽认为自己拥有称职所需的全部资格，其实却并没有基督使人成圣的恩典。他并没有上帝的应许给他的有福保证。他并不知道什么是行事为人凭着信心。他没能仔细考虑对他来说还是新东西的教义要点，却总是乐于质疑和挑剔他并不明白的东西，疑惑不信就成了最先浮现的东西。他撒播怀疑的种子，心灵中并不认真寻求基督的恩典。他对那在耶稣里的真理没有个人的兴趣。他并不因使他能得救的上帝之爱的非凡表现而颂扬上帝。他充满了法利赛人的精神，这就把天上的亮光排斥在心灵之外了。他既自得自满，就看不到自己属灵的缺乏。{1888 388.1}

§9 There are lessons that are essential for you to learn. You have a theory of the truth, but you have not the spirit of it. You have not the power of God in your hearts to draw souls to Jesus. Brother Madison Miller has been placed in a responsible position, where he could be a great blessing to the churches, if he were in right relation to God Himself, but he thinks that he has all the qualifications necessary for his position, when he has not the sanctifying grace of Christ. He has not the blessed assurance that the promises of God are for him. He does not know what it is to walk by faith. He fails to carefully consider points of doctrine that are new to him, and is ever ready to question and cavil over that which he does not understand, and unbelief is the first thing that presents itself. He scatters seeds of doubt, and does not seek earnestly for the grace of Christ in His soul. He does not possess a personal interest in the truth as it is in Jesus. He does not glorify God for the marvelous display of His love in bringing salvation within his reach. He is imbued with the spirit of Phariseeism which excludes from the soul the light of heaven. Self-satisfied he does not see his own spiritual destitution. {1888 388.1}

§10 他若愿意成为十字架成功的精兵，就必须被神恩的能力改变。他的精神必须被软化被制服，之后他才能与基督和谐同工。{1888 388.2}

§11 If he would be a successful soldier of the cross, he must be transformed by the power of divine grace. His spirit must be softened and subdued, before he can work in harmony with Christ. {1888 388.2}

§12 米勒弟兄，你和你兄弟霍华德为何在韦克斯福德的聚会上显得那么无精打采呢？主的灵显然在作工；但你却没有看出来。你没有作出与那些上帝正藉着他们作工之人的见证相符的见证。你既不能提供什么东西来光照别人的心灵，为什么要花钱时间来聚会呢？你认为你的冷漠会被算为一种美德吗？你没有起到一点促进聚会的作用。你既没有这种精神，就应和你的种种疑惑与批评一起留在家里，这样会比来聚会更好。{1888 389.1}

§13 Brother Miller, why did you and your brother Howard appear so listless at the Wexford Meeting? The Spirit of the Lord was manifestly at work; but you did not recognize the fact. You bore no testimony that harmonized with the testimony of those through whom God was working. Why did you come to the meeting, have your expenses paid, your time recompensed, when you could offer nothing that would bring light to the souls of others? Did you think your indifference would be counted a virtue? You acted no part to advance the meeting. You did not partake of the spirit, and it would have been better for you to have remained at home, with your doubts and criticisms, than to come to the meeting. {1888 389.1}

§14 主在营地里，人们受到了振奋、鼓励和祝福；但你仍在上帝之灵医治的福惠之外。溪流会上溯到它源头的高度。宗教信仰也是这样；它若来自上帝，就必通向上帝。凡与基督联络的人必是一个活泼的传道士。他一边领受生命水，一边将之分给别人。你一直在喝活水吗？你一直在将它分给别人吗？主已交给我们一道满有意义的信息，其影响深远如同永恒。我们有消息要传给人，这些消息应该给他们的心灵带来喜乐。{1888 389.2}

§15 The Lord was in the encampment, souls were cheered, encouraged, and blessed; but you remained outside of the healing benefit of the spirit of God. A stream of 390water will rise to the height of its source. So it is with religion; if it comes from God, it will lead to God. He who has a connection with Christ is a living missionary. As he receives the water of life, he gives it again to others. Have you been drinking of the living waters? Have you been giving it to others? The Lord has committed to us a message full of interest, that is as far reaching in its influence as eternity. We have tidings to give to the people which should bring joy to their souls. {1888 389.2}

§16 你参与安息日学的工作。从事这项工作的人需要摆脱机械刻板的工作，而要恳切认真，因为基督改变人心的恩典在他们心上。我们在这方面的圣工需要能利用特权就饮于生命泉的人，他们的心灵充满了感恩和赞美，他们能把别人带到活水的泉源。{1888 390.1}

§17 You act a part in the Sabbath school work. Men in this work are needed who do not labor mechanically, but with earnestness, because the transforming grace of Christ is upon their hearts. We want men in this branch of the cause who can avail themselves of the privilege of drinking at the fountain of life, whose souls are full of gratitude and praise, and who can lead others to the well of living waters. {1888 390.1}

§18 霍华德弟兄，你在努力散发文字材料和从事传道工作时，应该每一言每一行都有基督的精神。你需要那位大教师的精神。你需要有小孩子的精神，意识到自己的软弱，乐于以正确的方式受指教。你若有这种精神，就不会枯燥无味而形式化，也不会死气沉沉，而会向大教师学习智慧的宝教训。{1888 390.2}

§19 Bro. Howard, in your labors in the tract and missionary work, you should have the spirit of Christ in all you do and say. You need the spirit of the Great Teacher. You need the spirit of a little child, conscious of your weakness, and willing to be instructed in the right way. If you had this spirit, you would not be dry and formal, and lifeless, you would learn from the Great Teacher precious lessons of wisdom. {1888 390.2}

§20 自尊自大是上帝所憎恶的，却为我们许多的弟兄所怀有和加强了，其中有些人竟认为批评别人的想法、计划和工作是一种美德。麦迪逊和霍华德.米勒弟兄已在批评工作进展的计划中起到了显著的作用。他们感到自己必须坚持每一件讨厌的事，使每一个困难显而易见；若是接受了他们的意见，遵照了他们的建议，就做不了什么来推进上帝的圣工。他们虽乐于提出计划，喜欢批评别人的努力，自己却不全心投入工作，甚至不全力实施他们自己的计划。别人与他们联合是不愉快的，因为他们习惯退缩和批评。工人们与他们商量是困难的，他们也不听劝。当这些人被安置在委员会，商量推进上帝圣工的方式方法时，他们往往用批评使工作很沉重，以致难以推进工作。他们的话不仅不能鼓励人，反而常常确实妨碍人。{1888 390.3}

§21 Self-esteem, which is hateful to God, has been nourished and strengthened by many of our brethren, and some of them have thought it a virtue to criticize the plans and work of others. Brn. Madison and Howard Miller, have taken 391a prominent part in criticizing plans which were made for the advancement of the work. They have felt that they must fasten upon everything objectionable, and make every difficulty apparent; and if their opinions had been received, and their counsel acted upon, far less would have been done, than has been accomplished to advance the work of God. While they are ready to suggest plans, and to criticize the efforts of others, they do not put their whole soul in the work, even to carry out their own plans. It is not pleasant for others to unite with them, because of their habit of holding back and criticizing. It is hard for to advise to take advice. When these men are placed upon committees to consult in regard to ways and means to advance the cause of God, they burden the work so that it is difficult to carry it forward. Their words not only fail to give encouragement, but often they are a positive hindrance. {1888 390.3}

§22 法戈弟兄在明尼阿波利斯要是没有不幸的经验，原会成为范霍恩弟兄的明智顾问。他的悟性自从那次会议之后就扭曲了。霍华德.米勒弟兄现在的状态在任何议事会上都会成为一个障碍。他必须保持沉默，否则他若发言就会频频使向他摆明计划要他考虑之人灰心泄气。制定的很明智的计划屡次摆在他面前，他却因没有亲自制定这些计划而不赞成，于是那些计划就被放弃了，其实是本应该予以实行的。最不幸的是他竟与范霍恩弟兄联络上了，因为他没有照着所应该的帮助他。他不应该认为自己的主要职责是要起来反对和阻止车轮。范霍恩长老不需要这种阻碍。他需要往上拉和往前推的人，无私地弥补他的不足。这两位米勒弟兄若是认为自己的做法是明智的，就大大受骗了。他们的品格必须改变才能成为上帝圣工中有用的人，才能在来生领受得胜者的奖赏。{1888 391.1}

§23 Bro. Fargo would have been a wise counselor to Elder Van Horn had he not had the unfortunate experience that he did at Minneapolis. His understanding has been perverted since that meeting. Bro. Howard Miller, in his present condition, will be a hindrance in any meeting of counsel. He will keep silent, or if he speaks, he will frequently speak to discourage those who lay plans before him for his consideration. Time and again, methods wisely devised have been set before him, and, because he disapproved of them, and they have been given up, when they should have been carried out. 392He should not think that his main business in his official capacity is to raise objections and block the wheels. Eld. Van Horn needs no such hindrance. He needs men who will lift and push, If these Brn. Miller think their course is wise, they are greatly deceived. They must have a transformation of character in order to be useful men in the cause of God, that they may be able to receive the overcomer’s reward hereafter. {1888 391.1}

§24 对计划提出反对意见，看出执行起来的困难，是一件容易的事。有所冒险要比只提问题却顽梗地什么都不做要好得多。不忠心的探子很容易就能看出和提出上帝的子民前进道路上显然难以逾越的障碍。撒但总是随时准备提出疑惑，指出反对的理由好予以狡辩，显示似乎难以克服的困难。但那些站在主一边，站在信心一边的人，却不可让人的声音使他们转离上帝的声音。他们必须以更加坚决的努力向前推进。他们必须以那些怀疑论者在力图阻止他们时所显出的同样认真恳切的精神在主的道路上勇往直前。那些很想挑错的人不知道自己具有怎样的精神。他们以为自己热爱真理和上帝的圣工；但是主的工作若不按照他们自己的心意前进，对他们来说他们自己的想法、他们自己的道路就比圣工的推进更珍贵。让他们放弃自己的道路或意愿，接受和遵行别人的忠告或指示，就像剜掉他们的右眼或砍掉右臂一样。{1888 392.1}

§25 It is an easy matter to find objections to plans, and see difficulty in the way of carrying them out. The unfaithful spies had no trouble in seeing and presenting obstacles that appeared insurmountable in the way of the advancement of the people of God. Satan is ever ready to suggest unbelief, to point out objections over which to quibble, to reveal difficulties that seemingly cannot be overcome. But those who are on the Lord’s side, on the faith side, must must press on with more determined effort. They must press forward in the way of the Lord with as much earnestness as the doubters manifest in seeking to hinder them. Those who find fault know not what spirit they are of. They think they love the truth, and the cause of God; but their own ideas, their own ways are dearer to them than the advancement of the Lord’s work It is like plucking out a right eye or taking off a right arm, to give up their own way or will, and receive and act upon the counsel or direction of others. {1888 392.1}

§26 光明之子都奉命与世人分别；但与同道弟兄断了感情和同情却是一个错误，是来自撒但的作为。愿主帮助这些弟兄以祂的方式作工。他们现在被笼罩在黑暗里；不知道自己因何绊跌。{1888 392.2}

§27 Separation from the world is required of all the children of 393light, but separation in feeling and sympathy, from brethren in the faith, is a mistake, and comes through the working of Satan. May the Lord help these brethren to work in His way. They are now enshrouded in darkness; they know not at what they stumble. {1888 392.2}

§28 两位米勒弟兄在疑惑、法利赛主义和黑暗里已经走到了这种地步，竟不知道何为呼吸出于天国的，出于信心、爱心、勇敢的心和真理的自由空气了。他们若是站在明光中，就不会在与他人的工作衷心合作的道路上看到什么障碍了。上帝不喜悦那种促使他们与弟兄们争论和作对的精神。但他们却没有认识到他们的批评起因于他们自己生来的和养成的品格特性。他们从未看出这些品性实在是邪恶的，也从未看出必需克服这些品性。如果没有这些人的帮助或合作，主也能行事，祂并不需要他们的承认，也没有真的被他们的反对和阻力牵制住，因为上帝必照样行事，但有些人却被他们的榜样的影响了，他们自己也正多受损失，因为他们没有可教的精神。霍华德弟兄极为自负，感觉不到自己非常贫穷。{1888 393.1}

§29 The Brn. Miller have walked in unbelief, Phariseeism, and darkness, to such an extent that they do not know what it is to breathe the atmosphere of heaven, of faith, love, confidence, and truth. If they stood in the clear light, they would not see anything in the way of hearty co-operation with the work of others. God is displeased with the spirit that prompts them to combat and oppose their brethren. But they do not realize that their criticism results from the natural and cultivated traits of their character. They have never seen these to be evil or the necessity of overcoming them. The Lord can do without the aid or co-operation of these men, He does not need their acknowledgment, and is not really hindered by their objections and resistance but some are influenced by their example, and they themselves are losing much because they have not a teachable spirit. {1888 393.1}

§30 “你们中间谁是有智慧、有见识的呢？他就当在智慧的温柔上显出他的善行来。你们心里若怀着苦毒的嫉妒和纷争，就不可自夸，也不可说谎话抵挡真道。这样的智慧不是从上头来的，乃是属地的，属情欲的，属鬼魔的。在何处有嫉妒、纷争，就在何处有扰乱和各样的坏事。惟独从上头来的智慧，先是清洁，后是和平，温良柔顺，满有怜悯，多结善果，没有偏见，没有假冒。并且使人和平的，是用和平所栽种的义果”（雅3:13-18）。{1888 393.2}

§31 “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, 394gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruits of righteousness is sown in the peace of them that make peace.” {1888 393.2}

§32 基督若是碰到这些反对者，就会象对尼哥底母说过的那样对他们说：“人若不重生，就不能见上帝的国”（约3:3）。完全降服于上帝的旨意，悔改，信心和以小孩子的精神接待基督，总是会给心灵带来自由、亮光、福气和平安。{1888 394.1}

§33 If Christ should come in contact with these objectors, He would say to them, as He said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” An entire surrender of the will to God, repentance, faith, and reception of Christ, in the spirit of a little child, will ever bring freedom, light, blessing, and peace to the soul. {1888 394.1}

§34 你们参加议事会时，应当处在上帝之灵的感化下。你们应当乐意沿线前进，与基督的精兵们保持同步。有一项大工要做成，难道你们不愿全心全意投入这项工作，作上帝忠心的哨兵吗？你们是愿意让别人挑重担，然后设法尽力阻碍他们呢；还是愿意受上帝之灵的洗，让真理塑造形成你的品格和生活，使你能与弟兄们达成团结与和睦呢？{1888 394.2}

§35 When in meetings of counsel, you should be under the influence of the spirit of God. You should be ready to advance along the line, keeping step with the soldiers of Christ. There is a great work to be done, and will you not take hold with heart and soul to do this work as a faithful sentinel for God? Will you let others carry the load, and then seek to hinder them to the extent of your ability; or will you be baptized with the spirit of God, and let the truth have its moulding, fashioning power upon your life and character, that you may come into union and harmony with your brethren? {1888 394.2}

§36 在明尼阿波利斯、波特维尔和巴特尔克里克的聚会上，我把一般原则摆在你们面前，希望你们能听到、受感并且回转，使我不致于必需痛苦地个别地与你们讲话。但你们虽然有有幸听到上帝赐给我和别人要传达的信息，可是你们的疑惑和不信却一直在增强而不是减弱，我为你们担心。我知道你们和其他处于相似立场的人不在光明里，你们是在仇敌的阵地上。你们二人都在置身于上帝的灵不能进入你们内心的地步，就像祂以前因犹太人陷于不信而不能进入他们的内心一样。藉着基督，亮光正在照耀人类，天与地连接起来了，上帝的天使正在那个神秘的梯子上上去下来。他们带来警告、责备、指示、鼓励和仁爱的信息。上帝的荣耀在梯子以上，一直照耀到梯子的底部。上帝不会设计某种新方法感动那些自绝于亮光之人的心。他们拒绝亮光是在冒着丧失自己灵魂的危险。{1888 394.3}

§37 At the meetings at Minneapolis, at Potterville, and at Battle Creek, I presented general principles before you, hoping that you might hear, be impressed, and be converted, that I might not be under the painful necessity of addressing you personally. But as you have had the privilege of hearing the message which God has given me and others to bear, and yet your doubts and unbelief 395have been strengthening instead of diminishing, I am alarmed for you. I know you are not in the light, you are on the enemy’s ground. Both of you are placing yourselves where the Spirit of God can no more find access to your hearts than It could find access to the hearts of the Jewish people when they gave themselves up to unbelief. Through Christ, light is shining to man; heaven is connected with earth, and the angels of God are ascending and descending upon the mystic ladder. messages of warning, reproof, instruction, encouragement, and love. The glory of God is above the ladder, and shining down all its length. God will not devise some new way to reach the hearts of those who have shut themselves away from the light. It is at the peril of their souls that they refuse the light. {1888 394.3}

§38 霍华德.米勒弟兄：你已经把自己包裹在不信和属灵骄傲的盔甲里。你认不出主，祂的根源从亘古、从太初就有（弥5:2）。{1888 395.1}

§39 Bro. Howard Miller, you have encased yourself in an armor of unbelief and spiritual pride. You do not recognize Him whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting. {1888 395.1}

§40 荣耀的王以奴仆的形像出现，披着人性的外衣。当祂在拿撒勒开始公开服务时，那里便有了人性当撒但在人心作工时所能有和必有的可悲又可怕的表现。耶稣宣布自己就是受膏者。之前无论是地上博学的人还是高贵的人，甚至连先知或君王也没有敢于这样自称。祂在会堂里站起身来，念了先知以赛亚书上的这些恩言：“主的灵在我身上，因为祂用膏膏我，叫我传福音给贫穷的人；差遣我报告：被掳的得释放，瞎眼的得看见，叫那受压制的得自由，报告上帝悦纳人的禧年”（路4:18,19）。{1888 395.2}

§41 The King of glory appeared in the form of a servant, clothed in the garb of humanity. When He began His public ministry in Nazareth, there was a sad and terrible exhibition of what human nature will be when Satan works on the heart. Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the Anointed One. No man had before, ventured to assume as much, not the learned or noble of the earth, not even the prophets or kings. He arose in the synagogue, and read from the prophet Isaiah these gracious words: “The spirit of the 396Lord God is upon me; because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” {1888 395.2}

§42 会堂里的人都定睛看祂；因为神性透过人性闪耀出来，他们便同声见证祂口中所出的恩言。上帝对他们的心讲了话，给了他们一个见证，他们承认这是真理；但很快就起了疑惑和不信的念头。这个自称是弥赛亚的人是谁呢？他们并不期盼基督以这种方式来临。祂家都是卑微虔诚的人，而不是因财富、学识、地位或权势而闻名的人。{1888 396.1}

§43 The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened upon Him; for divinity flashed through humanity, and with one voice they witnessed to the gracious words that proceeded from His lips. God had spoken to their hearts, and given them a testimony which they acknowledged to be the truth; but soon doubt and unbelief arose. Who was this who claimed to be the Messiah? They did not expect Christ to come in this way. His family connections were humble, pious people, but not distinguished for riches, learning, rank, or power. {1888 396.1}

§44 犹太人期望弥赛亚以大君王的赫赫威仪降临。他们渴望祂作为一位征服者出现，拯救以色列人脱离罗马的轭。他们以为他们将能呼喊说：“这就是那要在大卫的宝座上施行统治的君王。”但这个自称是上帝的受膏者的人，却来自卑微的阶层，是约瑟和马利亚的儿子。他们曾见祂上山下山，曾见祂天天在木匠铺操劳，祂能是弥赛亚吗？圣经中预言过基督所受的耻辱，作为祂神圣品格和使命的一份说明书，本应该使祂受到国中每一家每一人衷心的欢迎。但对骄傲不信的犹太人来说，祂的谦卑却是一种冒犯。{1888 396.2}

§45 The Jews expected the Messiah to come with pomp and ceremony as a great king. They looked for Him to appear as a conqueror, to deliver Israel from the Roman yoke. They thought they would be able to cry, “This is the king that will reign on David’s throne.” But this man who made the claim that He was the Anointed One of God, was from the humble walks of life, the son of Joseph and Mary. They had seen Him going up and down the hills, they had seen Him toiling daily at the carpenter’s bench, and could He be the Messiah? The very humiliation which Christ bore was foretold in the Scriptures as a specification of His divine character and mission, and should have commended Him to every home and heart in the land. 397But to the proud and unbelieving Jews His humility was an offense. {1888 396.2}

§46 拿撒勒人拒绝了生命之君。祂宣读和讲解圣经时曾激励他们内心的上帝的能力受到了抵抗，而当祂说出揭露他们真实状况的真理时，就激起了他们满腔的怒火。刚才还承认祂祝福祂的口，现在发出了咒诅，他们便忿怒如狂地抓住祂，把他拉出会堂，拖到城外，想要把祂扔下山崖。但上帝的天使保护了祂，把祂从狂怒的人群眼前隐藏了，祂就直行过去而没有被注意了。{1888 397.1}

§47 The men of Nazareth refused the Prince of Life. The power of God which has stirred their hearts as He read and expounded to them the Scriptures, was resisted, and their passions were stirred as He spoke truths that revealed to them their real condition. The lips that had so recently acknowledged and blessed Him, now uttered curses, and with the fury of demons they laid hands on Him, and dragged Him from the synagogue, out of the city, and thought to thrust Him over the brow of the hill. But the angels of God protected Him, and hid Him from the sight of the infuriated throng, and He passed on His way unnoticed. {1888 397.1}

§48 拿撒勒人虽然做了撒但的工作；但基督却不能不再给他们一次得救的机会就放弃他们。祂的名声传遍各地之后，他们有时间平息偏见，心智受理智控制之后，祂又来试验他们，以便他们挽回过去对祂的拒绝。{1888 397.2}

§49 The men of Nazareth did Satan’s work; but Christ could not give them up without granting them another opportunity for salvation. After His fame has spread through the country to every region, after they had had time for prejudice to subside, and reason to take control of their minds, He came again to test them, that they might redeem their past rejection of Him. {1888 397.2}

§50 耶稣曾给拿撒勒人清楚明确的证据，证明祂的使命就是祂所宣称的那样。难道他们不愿折回脚步吗？既有祂真理如此的表征在面前，这些盲目狂热的人难道在耶稣身上只看到拿撒勒的木匠，马利亚的儿子吗？在祂传道的开端，他们就迈出拒绝基督的最初几步，把自己交给了撒但的作为和意志，他们的骄傲是那么强，他们的偏见是那么大，以致祂第二次访问他们时，他们还不愿承认祂是弥赛亚，尽管他们有关于祂神性最令人信服的证据。他们在骄傲、不信和偏见的带领下有什么不会做呢！{1888 397.3}

§51 Jesus had given the people of Nazareth clear and distinct evidence that His mission was just what He had claimed it to be. Would they not retrace their steps? With such tokens of His truth before them, would these blind, fanatical men see in Jesus nothing more than the carpenter of Nazareth, the son of Mary? At the beginning of His ministry, they had taken their first steps in the rejection of Christ, they had committed themselves to the 398work and the will of Satan, and their pride was so strong, their prejudices so great, that at His second call, they would not acknowledge Him as the Messiah although they had the most convincing proof of His divinity. O, what will not pride, unbelief, and prejudice lead men to do! {1888 397.3}

§52 主已向我显明，我们现今正象基督时代的人一样处在危险中。主正藉着祂所委派的使者讲话；但人们却表现出同样的不信。人们向耶稣关闭了心门，自己坚持受着撒但十足的奴役，还以为自己正在保持作为自由人的尊严；以为自己正在维护为独立思考和行事、相信或怀疑的权利；他们象使徒时代那些轻慢福音的人一样，要惊奇，要灭亡（徒13:41）。{1888 398.1}

§53 we are in just as much danger in our day as were the people in the days of Christ. The Lord is speaking through His delegated messengers; but the same unbelief is exhibited. Men close their hearts against Jesus, and hold themselves in the veriest bondage to Satan, supposing that they are preserving their dignity as free men; that they are maintaining their right to act and think for themselves, to believe or doubt; and like the despisers of the gospel in the apostolic times, they wonder and perish. {1888 398.1}

§54 那些在有争议的特殊场合采取与拿撒勒人相似作法的人应该当心，免得在蒙赐予第二次机会接受真理的恩光时效仿他们的榜样。你们初次拒绝之后，当兴奋和混乱过去之后，上帝的使者会再次拜访你们，你们要当心，免得因偏见和骄傲而硬着心，终于拒绝那要使你们得救的信息。{1888 398.2}

§55 Those who on special occasions of controversy have taken a course similar to that of the men of Nazareth, should take heed lest they follow their example when a second opportunity is given to accept the gracious light of truth. After the first rejection, when excitement and confusion are over, you may again be called upon by the divine messenger, and you should beware lest you harden your hearts in prejudice and pride, and in final rejection of the message that would work for your salvation. {1888 398.2}

§56 你们可能会把自己包裹在骄傲里，继续在基督的使者身上拒绝基督。当人们这么做的时候，使徒的话就会应用在他们身上，象在犹太人的时代一样：“祂到自己的地方来，自己的人倒不接待祂。凡接待祂的，就是信祂名的人，祂就赐他们权柄，作上帝的儿女”（约1:11,12）。基督说过：“我奉我父的名来，你们并不接待我；若有别人奉自己的名来，你们倒要接待他”（约5:43）。{1888 398.3}

§57 You may encase yourselves in pride, and continue to reject Christ in the person of His messengers. do this, the words of the will find an application in their case, as in the time of the Jews: “He came to his own, and his own received 399him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.” Said Christ, “I am come in my father’s name, and you receive me not. If another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.” {1888 398.3}

§58 我们不比犹太人更可原谅；因为我们面前已有他们拒绝了基督和祂使徒的榜样，我们也受了警告，不要步他们不信的后尘。纵观历代教会史，尤其是安息日复临信徒的历史，我们都可看到上帝差祂所拣选的代表传达亮光被那些人拒绝的例子。他们拥有机会和特权，本应该使他们能安心信靠上帝，可是他们却显出了不信的恶心。他们的做法与法老相似。主所传给埃及王的亮光被他藐视和拒绝了。他顽梗的心使他奋起反对亮光。{1888 399.1}

§59 We are less excusable than were the Jews; for we have before us their example of rejection of Christ and His apostles, and we have been warned not to fall after the same example of unbelief. Throughout the history of the church in all ages, and especially in that of the Seventh-day Adventists, we have examples of those who have refused the light God sent them by His chosen agents. They have had opportunities and privileges that should have enabled their faith to rest on God, and yet they have revealed the heart of unbelief. Their course has been similar to that of Pharaoh. The light that the Lord sent to the king of Egypt was rejected by him. His stubborn heart caused him to brace himself against the light. {1888 399.1}

§60 我的弟兄们，主不喜悦我们留在不信之中，象你们所做的那样质疑和争辩真理问题。人确实是容易犯错的，最有智慧的人也常常常犯错，但承认错误而不把心包在偏见里以使自己和别人相信你们采取了正确的做法，却是高尚的行为。你们因拒绝基督所传的信息而拒绝了基督；你们这么做，就置身在黑暗之君的控制之下。你们属灵的辨识力已经迟钝了。上帝已经把光明的信息传给祂的子民，他们要是接受了，那些信息原会成为医治的香膏；但你们和一些人却没有接受。你们象那些拿撒勒人一样，定意拒绝亮光，高抬自己的意见和判断，认为比上帝已使之成为通光管道之人的判断更有价值。这种做法已把你们带到信仰混乱的地步。上帝甜美的、折服人心的爱不是你们工作的特征。你们提出的是枯燥的教义理论，这些东西是不结果子的。你们会满足于提出对何为真理的认识和说明，却仍是枯燥而无生气的。{1888 399.2}

§61 My brethren, the Lord is not pleased to have us settle down in unbelief, and question and quibble over matters as you have done. It is indeed human to err, and the wisest often make mistakes, but it is noble to confess error, and not enclose the heart in prejudice You reject Christ by rejecting the message He sends; in so doing, you place yourselves under the control of the prince 400of darkness. Your spiritual discernment has been blunted. God has sent messages of light to which would have been as healing balm had received them; but you did not do this. Like the men of Nazareth, you set yourselves to refuse the light, you exalted your own opinion and judgment as more valuable than the judgment of those whom God has made channels of light. This course has brought you where your faith has become confused. The sweet, subduing love of God has not characterized your labors. You have presented dry theories of doctrine, which are not productive of fruit. {1888 399.2}

§62 何时你们接受基督的话语，好像是对你们个人讲的，何时你们各自把真理应用在自己身上，好像自己就是基督为之而死的地上惟一一个罪人，你们才能学会根据自己的情况，凭信支取一位被钉而又复活之救主宝血的功劳。你们的宗教经验才会有与现在完全不同的模式。那时法利赛主义就不会存在了；你们就会认为最高的尊荣就是在人前高举耶稣，说：“看哪，上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的”（约1:29）。你们的仪态、你们的姿势、你们的声音、你们的语言、你们的思想才会把耶稣表现出来，然后你们在讲解真理上才会有一番大改变。你们所传的信息，你们在工作中所做的努力，现在并没有正确地表现基督。你们现在并没有把耶稣高举为至高无上的思想目标，高举为能吸引众人归向祂自己的那一位。我们必须教导我们的工作对象：他们必须聆听、顺从和跟随基督。你们不必等候一个重大的场合才做祂的工。你们不必祈求大才能；你们所需要的一切就是要隐藏在耶稣里，好使你们一切的工作可以在上帝里面做成。你们若是如此行，你们的工作就不会仅仅是机械呆板的，而会有生命和能力；会唤醒人，使人有活力。你们就会发自一颗被基督的爱软化了的心由衷地讲述基督的故事。小孩子怎样以单纯的信心把自己的考验和悲伤告诉妈妈，上帝的孩子也照样会来到天父面前，既毫不怀疑祂慈爱的真实性，就把自己的忧伤和喜乐全都告诉祂。{1888 400.1}

§63 When you receive the words of Christ as if they were addressed to you personally, when each himself as if he were the only sinner on the face of the earth for whom Christ died, you will learn to claim by faith the merits of the blood of a crucified and risen Saviour Your religious experience will have a different mould from what it now has. you will think it the highest honor to lift up Jesus before the people, saying, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” Your manner, your attitude, your voice, your language, your thoughts will represent Jesus, The message you bear, the efforts you make in the work, do not now rightly present Christ. Jesus is not now lifted up by you as the supreme object of thought, as the One who can draw all men to Himself. We must teach those for whom we labor that they must hear, obey, and follow Christ. You need 401not wait for a great occasion to do His work. You need not ask for great ability; all you need is to hide in Jesus, that your works may be wrought in God. If you do this, your work will not be merely mechanical, but it will have life and power; it will arouse and vivify. You will tell the story of Christ from a heart softened by His love. With simple faith, as a little child tells its trials and sorrows to its mother, so the child of God will go to His heavenly Father, never doubting the reality of His love, to tell Him all his griefs and joys. {1888 400.1}

§64 那神圣的教师说：“你们当学我的样式，因为我心里柔和谦卑，”而应许是很明确的——“你们心里就必得享安息”（太11:29）。甚愿凡参与上帝圣工的人都赋有属天的智慧，以便显明他们是在基督门下学过的。要是凡参加传道工作的人都依赖主而不依赖自己，上帝的能力就会伴随着祂仆人们的努力，就会成就极大的善工。那些劳苦传道教导人的人，必须是天天查考圣经的人，他们是天天恳切恒切地祈求上帝的启迪，并且那启迪一来他们就领受的人，因为他们已经有属灵的恩膏。传道人若愿个别地将自己无助的心灵寄托在基督身上，他们的讲道就会更加滋润人了。那些已在很大程度上显出干枯不结果子的人，应该认识到，他们之所以如此，根由在于他们与基督没有联络。他们没有从那棵活葡萄树吸取滋养。基督说：“离了我，你们就不能做什么”（约15:5）。自我已交织在许多工人的工作中，但上帝的真儿女却必与施洗约翰有同样的感受，论到基督，他说过：“祂必兴旺，我必衰微”（约3:30）。{1888 401.1}

§65 “Learn of me,” says the divine Teacher; “for I am meek and lowly in heart,” and the promise is positive—“ye shall find rest unto your souls.” O that all who are in any way connected with the work of God were endowed with heavenly wisdom, that they might reveal the fact that they have learned in the school of Christ. If every man who has entered the ministry depended upon the Lord and not upon self, the power of God would attend the efforts of His servants, and great good would be accomplished. Those who labor in word and doctrine, must be men who search the Scriptures daily, who pray earnestly and constantly for divine enlightenment, If the ministers would individually hang their helpless souls upon Christ, there would be much more moisture in their discourses. Those who, to a large degree, give evidence of being dry and fruitless, should realize that the reason for this is found in the fact that they are not connected with Christ. They do not draw sap and 402nourishment from the living Vine. And Christ says, “Without me ye can do nothing.” Self has been woven in the labors of many but the true child of God will feel as did John the Baptist when he said, speaking of Christ, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” {1888 401.1}

§66 许多人认为自己品格上的缺点使自己不可能达到基督所竖立的标准，但这样的人所需要做的一切就是在上帝大能的手下每一步都降卑自己。基督并不按照人的工作量来评价人，而是按照他作工时的精神。当祂看到人们负起担子，设法以谦卑的心承担，不信任自己而是依靠祂时，祂就给他们的工作加上祂的完全和资格，使他们的工作蒙天父悦纳。我们是在爱子里得蒙悦纳的。罪人的缺陷被“耶和华我们的义”的完全和丰满遮盖了。那些以真诚的意志和痛悔的心付出谦卑的努力要做到上帝要求的人，天父以慈怜的爱看着他们；祂看这样的人是孝顺的孩子，基督的义也归给他们。{1888 402.1}

§67 Many feel that their faults of character make it impossible for them to meet the standard that Christ has erected; but all that such ones have to do is to humble themselves at every step under the mighty hand of God. Christ does not estimate the man by the amount of work he does, but by the spirit in which the work is performed. When He sees men lifting the burdens, trying to carry them in the lowliness of mind, with distrust of self, and with reliance upon Him, He adds to their work His perfection and sufficiency, and it is accepted of the Father. We are accepted in the Beloved. The sinner’s defects are covered by the perfection and fullness of the Lord our righteousness. Those who with sincere will, with contrite heart, are putting forth humble efforts to live up to the requirements of God, are looked upon by the Father with pitying, tender love. He regards such as obedient children, and the righteousness of Christ is imputed unto them. {1888 402.1}

§68 自我必须始终隐藏在耶稣里。巴不得我能在你们面前把祂宣扬出来！巴不得能让弟兄们看明必需钉死自我，然后我才能指望他们不仅在今生有用，而且可以获得不朽的来生。愿主不断用祂的圣灵充满我。巴不得我能呈现基督的优美，以致我的工作对象能够全神贯注！巴不得我的弟兄们能赏识上帝应许的宽宏与丰满！然后他们才能得救脱离自己，脱离自信、批评、不信和法利赛主义。然后高抬自我的精神才不会增长，而会减少——属灵的骄傲消除了。有许多人自称相信基督，却还没有跌在磐石上并且跌碎，自我活着，并且得到了高举。这样的人看不出基督是怎样的，也看不出基督对凡信靠祂的人将要怎样。{1888 402.2}

§69 Self must be kept hid in Jesus. O, if I could but set Him forth before you! O that our brethren could be brought to see the necessity of self-crucifixion, then I would have hopes that they might not only be useful, in this life, but might attain unto the future, 403immortal life. O, that I could present the attractions of Christ so as to engross the whole mind ! O that my brethren might appreciate the promises of God in all their breath and fullness! Then they might be saved from themselves, from self-confidence, criticism, unbelief, and phariseeism. Then self-exaltation would not be increasing, but decreasing. There are many who claim to believe in Christ, who have not yet fallen upon the Rock and been broken, self lives, and is exalted. To such Christ does not appear what He is, or what He will be to all those who believe on Him. {1888 402.2}

§70 我们必须亲自了解基督教的内涵、了解什么是真理、什么是我们所接受的信心，什么是圣经的规则——也就是最高的权威赐给我们的规则。有许多相信的人，信心没有理性的依据，关于事情的真实性也没有充分的证据。若是所提出来一个观点符合他们的先入之见，他们就立刻准备接受，而不辨明因果的关系。他们的信心没有真正的基础。在患难之日，他们会发现自己是建立在沙土之上的。{1888 403.1}

§71 We should know for ourselves what constitutes Christianity, what is truth, what is the faith that we have received, what are the Bible rules—the rules given us from the highest authority. There are many who believe without a reason on which to base their faith, without sufficient evidence as to the truth of the matter. If an idea is presented that harmonizes with their own preconceived opinions, they are all ready to accept it. They do not reason from cause to effect, their faith has no foundation, and in the time of trial they will find that they have built upon the sand. {1888 403.1}

§72 凡心满意足于自己目前不完全的圣经知识，以为这足以使自己得救的人，是依赖一种致命的欺骗。有许多人没有充分装备圣经的论据，也就不能看出错误，谴责一切一直冒充真理的遗传和迷信。撒但已将他自己的想法介绍到对上帝的敬拜中，以致他能败坏基督福音的纯朴。大批的人自称相信现代真理，却不知何为曾一次交付圣徒的真道——基督在你们里面，成了荣耀的盼望。他们以为自己在捍卫古老的陆标，但他们却是不冷不热漠不关心的。他们不知道何为拥有爱心与信心的真实美德，并将之交织到自己的经验中。他们不是密切研究圣经的人，而是懒惰疏忽的。当对圣经的章节出现意见分歧时，这些没有定意研究圣经，不确定自己所信的是什么的人，就跌倒离开真理了。我们应该使众人牢记，必需殷勤查究神圣的真理，以便知道自己确实知道何为真理。有些人自称很有知识，且对自己的状况感到满意，其实他们并不比自己若从未认识上帝更有热心工作，更热爱上帝和基督为之而死的生灵。他们并不阅读圣经以便将其髓甘用于自己的心灵。他们并不觉得圣经是上帝对他们讲话的声音。但是，我们若愿明白得救之路，若愿见到公义日头的光辉，就必须有目的地研究圣经，因为圣经的应许和预言已将清朗的荣光照在神圣的救赎计划上，其宏大的真理是人们还没有清楚领悟的。{1888 403.2}

§73 He who rests satisfied with his own present imperfect knowledge of the Scriptures, thinking this sufficient for his salvation, is resting in a fatal deception. There are many who are not thoroughly furnished with Scriptural arguments, that they may be able to discern error, and condemn all the tradition and superstition that has been palmed off as truth. Satan has introduced 404his own ideas into the worship of God, that he might corrupt the simplicity of the gospel of Christ. A large number who claim to believe the present truth, know not what constitutes the faith that was once delivered to the saints, they are lukewarm and indifferent. They know not what it is to possess the real virtue of love and faith. They are not close Bible students, but are lazy and inattentive. When differences of opinion arise upon the passages of Scripture, these who have not studied to a purpose and are not decided as to what they believe, fall away from the truth. We ought to impress upon all the necessity of inquiring diligently into divine truth, that they may know that they do know what is truth. Some claim much knowledge, and feel satisfied with their condition, when they have no more zeal for the work, no more ardent love for God, and for souls for whom Christ died, than if they had never known God. They do not read the Bible They do not feel that it is the voice of God speaking to them. But, if we would understand the way of salvation, if we would see the beams of the Sun of righteousness, we must study the Scriptures for the promises and prophecies of the Bible shed clear beams of glory upon the divine plan of redemption, {1888 403.2}

§74 你们缺乏灵性和你们枯燥的形式主义并不荣耀上帝。你们的工作虽然不是毫无价值的，但却一直极有缺陷。甚愿你们以往的基督徒生活能如实地展现在你们面前，你们就会看出天使如何看待你们手中所出的工作及其全部意义。{1888 404.1}

§75 The Lord is not glorified by your lack of spirituality, by your dry formalism. While your labors have not been worthless, they have been exceedingly defective. O that your past Christian life could be opened before you, just as it has been, 405and you could see how angels look upon the work, in all its bearings, which has come forth from your hands. {1888 404.1}

§76 上帝已传给你们一道信息，是祂希望你们接受的——一道对上帝的子民来说是亮光、希望和安慰的信息。通光的管道不是由你来选择的。主愿意通过基督我们的义这一属天真理的香膏医治祂大羊小羊的创伤。但愿论到你们，经上千万不要说：“瘦弱的，你们没有养壮；有病的，你们没有医治；受伤的，你们没有缠裹；被逐的，你们没有领回；失丧的，你们没有寻找”（结34:4）。{1888 405.1}

§77 God has sent you a message which He wishes you to receive—a message of light and hope and comfort for the people of God. It is not for you to choose the channel through which the light shall come. The Lord desires to heal the wounds of His sheep and lambs, through the heavenly balm of the truth that Christ is our righteousness. May God forbid that it shall be said of you, “The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost.” {1888 405.1}

§78 需要喂养的羊分散在以色列的群山上；他们因枯燥的理论快要饿死了。我的弟兄们，你们没有喂养羊群，你们没有信心、谦卑和爱心。最严肃的责任落在那些已经接受牧养上帝羊群职位的人身上。但自称为基督传道人的人若不赋有从高处来的能力，他们就不适合做这时代的工作。这工作需要有属灵活力和深远眼力的人。上帝把亮光传给祂的子民，以便他们按照他们的特权活在祂的亮光中。有许多人对自己那一点点的成就感到满意，他们拒绝上帝传给他们的亮光，他们的态度是在说：“我是富足，已经发了财，一样都不缺”（启3:17）。他们这么做，就不仅使自己的心灵丧失了属灵的知识，而且抢夺了别人的心灵。他们努力要帮助的那些人，不得不承受损失，因为教师们没能按照上帝希望的方式使用他们的才干，却选择把他们自己有限的、狭隘的经验摆在人们面前，而不摆明基督荣耀的福音。他们就像指向错误方向的路标。他们必丧失上帝的眷爱，遭到祂的不悦，除非他们断然改变自己的行径，并在上帝面前谦卑己心。{1888 405.2}

§79 The sheep that need to be fed, are scattered upon the mountains of Israel; they are starving to death on dry theories. My brethren, you do not feed the flock, you do not have faith, humility, and love. The most sacred responsibility rests upon those who have accepted the position of shepherds to the flock of God. But if the professed ministers of Christ are not endowed with the power from on high, they are not fit for the work of this time. The work calls for men who have spiritual energy, and far seeing discernment. God sends light to His people that they may live in His light according to their privileges. There are many who feel satisfied with their meager attainments, and they refuse the light that God sends them, In so doing they not only rob 406their own souls of spiritual knowledge, but they rob the souls of others. Those endeavor to help, have to suffer loss because the teachers fail to employ their talents in the way that God would have them, and choose to place their own limited, narrow experience before the people, instead of the glorious gospel of Christ. They are like guide posts pointing in the wrong direction. They will forfeit the favor of God, and come under His displeasure, unless they change their course {1888 405.2}

§80 我们有些弟兄现在所做的，在上帝看来是一种严重的罪，就是他们挡在信徒和上帝原希望传给他们的信息之间。有些人象犹太人一样，正在竭尽全力使上帝的信息无效。要让这些怀疑、质疑的人要么接受现代真理的亮光，要么站到路外，好让别人有机会接受真理，使上帝的忿怒不至于临到他们身上，因为祂希望他们成为光明的团体，他们却成了黑暗的团体。{1888 406.1}

§81 It is a grievous sin in the sight of God for men to place themselves between the people and the message that He would have come to them There are some who, like the Jews, are doing their utmost to make the message of God of none effect. Let these doubting, questioning ones either receive the light of the truth for this time, or let them stand out of the way, that others may have an opportunity of receiving the truth, that the wrath of God may not come on them because they are bodies of darkness, when He be bodies of light. {1888 406.1}

§82 那些生活在基督第二次显现前夕的人，可以期待祂圣灵的沛降；但他们若不警醒祷告，上帝若一直在藉着我讲话，我们有些领袖就在重蹈基督时代犹太人的复辙，拒绝怜悯的信息。他们若转离亮光，就必达不到上帝对这个重要时期的崇高圣洁的要求，他们就履行不了祂已托付他们的神圣职责。{1888 406.2}

§83 Those who live just prior to the second appearing of Christ, may expect a large measure of His Holy Spirit; but if they do not watch and pray, going over the same ground of refusing the message of mercy, as the Jews did in the time of Christ. If they turn away from the light, they will fail to meet the high and holy claims of God they will fail to fulfill the sacred responsibility that He has entrusted to them. {1888 406.2}

§84 上帝子民的品格和前景与犹太人的相似，他们因不信而没能进去。自负、自大和属灵的骄傲使他们与上帝隔绝，祂也掩面不看他们。使徒劝诫我们：“上帝既不爱惜原来的枝子，也必不爱惜你。”“他们因为不信，所以被折下来；你因为信，所以立得住；你不可自高，反要惧怕”（罗11:21,20）。{1888 406.3}

§85 The character and prospects of the people of God are similar 407to those of the Jews, who could not enter in because of unbelief. Self-sufficiency, self-importance, and spiritual pride separate them from God, and He hid His face from them. The apostle exhorts us, “If God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” “Because of unbelief, they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear.” {1888 406.3}

§86 犹太人藐视了基督时期提供给他们的利益。上帝在长久忍耐之后，那关系他们平安的事就从他们眼前隐藏了。他们若接受原会成为他们最大福气的东西反成了他们的绊脚石。今日我们中间也是如此。他们认为基督的教训是在抵消从起初以来惟一古老信仰的影响。他们一旦拒绝了亮光，心眼就瞎了，他们就认为基督的教训是仇敌的欺骗。基督是在以真正的亮光说出古时的信仰，他们却自行离开古道，离开古老的真理，允许人的习惯和遗传取代惟一有生命的信仰。{1888 407.1}

§87 The Jews despised the good that was proffered them in the time of Christ, and after long forbearance of God, the things that were for their peace were hidden from their eyes— They thought that Christ’s teaching was counteracting the influence of the old and only religion that had been from the beginning. After they had once rejected the light, their minds were blinded, and they thought Christ’s teaching was a deception of the enemy. Christ was bringing out the old religion in its light, but they had separated themselves from the old paths, from the old truths, and had permitted the customs and traditions of men to take the place of the only vital faith. {1888 407.1}

§88 曾有充足的亮光赐给犹太人，以便他们知道“眷顾他们的时候”。上帝赐下祂的儿子，就是给了他们“道路、真理和生命”。基督作为耶和华的使者来了，祂的路径以福惠为标志。祂奉派要将父表明出来。祂的一生直到最后的牺牲，原是上帝对人的一个启示。髑髅地本身宣布祂是“是有怜悯有恩典的上帝，不轻易发怒，并有丰盛的慈爱和诚实，赦免罪孽、过犯和罪恶，万不以有罪的为无罪。”从世界的光基督身上，发出了祂父清晰明亮的荣耀光辉。可是犹太人却不领会。{1888 408.1}

§89 Sufficient light was given to the Jewish people so that they might have known “the time of their visitation.” God had sent them “the way, the truth, and the life,” in the gift of His Son. Christ came as the messenger of Jehovah, and His path was marked with blessings. He was sent to make known the Father. His whole life to its final sacrifice was a revelation of God to men. Calvary itself announced Him, “the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering and abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” From Christ, the Light of the world, shone forth the clear, bright beams of His Father’s glory. Yet the Jews comprehended it not. {1888 408.1}

§90 我们的时代也是这样。真理的亮光正照耀在我们身上，象曾照在犹太人身上一样清晰，但人们的心却象基督时代的人心一样刚硬而不易受感动，因为他们不知道自己反对的是什么。许多自称站在光里的人正在黑暗里而不自知。他们把自己遮蔽在不信里，以致称暗为光，称光为暗了。他们对于自己所谴责所反对的一无所知。但他们的无知并不是上帝会原谅的那种无知，因为祂已赐给他们亮光，但他们没有接受。他们虽有过去的鉴戒摆在面前，却不愿受警告，疑惑不信正把他们包围在不能穿透的黑暗里。他们拒绝接受应该相信的证言，却乐于接受流言蜚语和人的见证，表明他们轻信和乐于去信他们想要相信的。{1888 408.2}

§91 Thus it is in our day. The light of truth is shining upon us as clearly as it shone upon the Jewish people, but the hearts of men are as hard and unimpressible as in the days of Christ, Many who claim to be standing in the light are in darkness and know it not. They have so enshrouded themselves in unbelief that they call darkness light, and light darkness. They are ignorant of that which they condemn and oppose. But their ignorance is not such as God will excuse, for He has given them light, and they reject it. They have before them the example of the past, but they will not be warned, and unbelief is enclosing them in impenetrable darkness. {1888 408.2}

§92 我们的各教会中有一种令人担心的状况。圣经说：“你们的罪孽使这些事转离你们；你们的罪恶使你们不能得福。因为在我民中有恶人。他们埋伏窥探，好像捕鸟的人；他们设立圈套陷害人。……先知说假预言，祭司藉他们把持权柄；我的百姓也喜爱这些事，到了结局你们怎样行呢”（耶5:25,26,31）？“他们轻轻忽忽地医治我百姓的损伤，说：平安了！平安了！其实没有平安”（耶6:14）。“现在因你们行了这一切的事，我也从早起来警戒你们，你们却不听从；呼唤你们，你们却不答应。所以我要向这称我为名下、你们所倚靠的殿，与我所赐给你们和你们列祖的地施行，照我从前向示罗所行的一样。我必将你们从我眼前赶出，正如赶出你们的众弟兄”（耶7:13-15）。上帝必向那些不肯听、不愿看、拒绝祂所赐亮光的人履行祂的话。{1888 409.1}

§93 There is an alarming condition of things in our churches. Says the Word of God, “Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men; they lay in wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men....The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so, and what will ye do in the end thereof?” “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, peace, peace; when there is no peace.” “And now because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spake unto you, rising up early and speaking, but ye heard not; and I called you, but ye answered not; therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh, and I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your brethren.” {1888 409.1}

§94 本应该警醒注意上帝子民的需要，好为主预备道路的人，却在拦截上帝希望传给祂子民的亮光，拒绝祂医治恩典的信息。弟兄们，我劝你们配合上帝现代的工作。甚愿你们少信赖你们自己的意见！甚愿你们能看出正是你们遗传的和养成的内心的顽梗在使你们远离真理的亮光！你们的自尊自大，你们的固执己见并不符合上帝的命令。你们需要培养谦卑与柔和，好使主有机会为你们行事。我们每天都需要上帝的赐福，而你们必须认识到有祂的精神常住在心中。你们若将自己的意志完全放在主的一边，受基督教育和训练，它就一点也不强了。{1888 409.2}

§95 The very men who ought to be on the alert to see what the people of God need, that the way of the Lord may be prepared, are intercepting the light God would have come to His people, and rejecting the message of His healing grace. Brethren, I beseech you to come into harmony with the work of God for this time. O that you would have less confidence in your own opinions! O that you might see that it is your inherited and cultivated stubbornness of heart which is keeping 410you away from the light of truth! Your self-esteem, your persistency in having your own will, are not according to God’s order. You need to cultivate humility and meekness, that the Lord may have room to work for you. We all need the blessing of God everyday, and you must have a realization of His abiding spirit in the heart. Your will is none too strong, if you place it wholly on the Lord’s side, to be educated and trained by Christ. {1888 409.2}

§96 每一项工作的成功都依赖上帝的赐福。主若与你们同工，你们就能做祂所指定给你们的工作。若有上帝同在，一人就能追赶千人，二人就能使万人逃跑。但只要你们保持这种法利赛人的精神，上帝的灵就不会，也不能与你们同工，因为你们并不感到自己是完全依赖祂的。何时你们成了基督门下的学生，你们才会有小孩子那样的单纯和温柔，且会乐于与弟兄姐妹们磋商，愿意恳切祈求上帝帮助了。你们的耳朵那时才会开通，你们才能衷心地说：“耶和华请说，仆人敬听。”{1888 410.1}

§97 The success of every work depends upon the blessing of God. If the Lord works with you, you will be able to do what He has appointed you to do. With God, one can chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. But just as long as you maintain this spirit of Pharisaism, God’s spirit will not, cannot, work with you, because you do not feel your utter dependence upon Him. When you become learners in the school of Christ, you will have the simplicity and meekness of little children, and will be willing to counsel with your brethren and sisters, and will pray earnestly for help from God. Your ears will then be opened, and you will be enabled to say from the heart, “Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.” {1888 410.1}

§98 上帝希望给你们披戴祂的精神；但你们在如此充满自我时，祂无法这么做。当自我死去时，你们才会感到上帝之灵苏醒人心的感化力。上帝的子民奉命要追求团结，好使他们能被构建在一起，成为主的圣殿。“你们是上帝所建造的房屋，所耕种的田地”（林前3:9）。这不是疏远不和的时候，不是放纵自私、乖僻精神的时候。你们是愿意把握自己呢，还是愿意视自己顽梗不屈的性情为忠心正直的证据呢？你们千万不要象法利赛人那样盲目，以善为恶，以恶为善。关于上帝的灵正在哪里运行，你们决不会得到比已经得到的更大的证据了。主从来无意消除人们一切怀疑的机会。祂必赐下充分的证据，使公正坦率的心能作出正确的决定；但你们若是决心偏行己路，若象扫罗一样，因内心的骄傲和顽梗、因不知道你们自己属灵缺乏的状况而不愿改变自己的行径，你们就不会认出那光。你们就会象扫罗一样说：“耶和华的命令我已遵守了”（撒上15:13）。{1888 410.2}

§99 God wants to put His spirit upon you; but He cannot do this while you are so full of self. When self dies, you will feel the quickening influence of the spirit of God. God’s people are enjoined to seek for unity, that they may be framed together into an holy temple for the Lord. . This is no 411time for alienation and discord, for the indulgence of a selfish, perverse spirit. Will you take yourselves in hand, or will you be ready to regard your stubborn, unyielding disposition as an evidence of faithful integrity? God forbid that you should be blinded, as were the Pharisees, and place good for evil, and evil for good. You will never have any greater evidence than you have had as to where the spirit of God is working. The Lord never proposes to remove all occasion for doubt. He will give sufficient evidence to bring the candid mind to a right decision; but if you are determined to have your own way, if you are like Saul, unwilling to change your course because of pride and stubbornness of heart, because of ignorance of your own condition of spiritual destitution, you will not recognize the light. [1 Samuel 15:13.]? {1888 410.2}

§100 你们心里一直说：“我是富足，已经发了财，一样都不缺。”你们不知道自己是贫穷、困苦、可怜、瞎眼、赤身的。你们需要听从那为始为终者的话：“我劝你向我买火炼的金子，叫你富足；又买白衣穿上，叫你赤身的羞耻不露出来；又买眼药擦你的眼睛，使你能看见”（启3:18）。{1888 411.1}

§101 The language of your soul has been, “I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” You have not known that you were poor and wretched, and miserable, and blind, and naked. You need to hear the words of Him who is the first and the last: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear: Anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see.” {1888 411.1}

§102 自私的骄傲正使你们不能受益，你们惟一的希望就是跌在磐石上并且跌碎。当这些话临到你们时，你们会说：“没有别人需要受同样的责备吗？”有许多人需要看出老底嘉的信息适用于那些看不见它的人。我清晰地写出你们的情况，不仅要使你们受益，而且要使别人看出他们处于同样的状况，他们可以与你们一起，在上帝和祂的子民面前，在自己的态度上作出明确的改变。{1888 411.2}

§103 Selfish pride is holding you from good, and your only hope is to fall upon the Rock and be broken. As these words 412come to you, you will say, “Are there no others who need the same reproof?” There are many who need to see that the Laodicean message applies to them I write out your case definitely, that others may see [that] they are in the same condition, and that they with you may make decided changes in their attitude before God and before His people. {1888 411.2}

§104 你们必须停止打听别人的职责，而要去为自己的灵魂努力。藉着对基督的信心，你们可以来就光。何时你们看到基督的真体，你们才会降低对自己的估计，而祂必兴旺。上帝藉着撒母耳对扫罗说的话值得你们思考；因为这些话适用于你们的情况：“听命胜于献祭；顺从胜于公羊的脂油。悖逆的罪与行邪术的罪相等；顽梗的罪与拜虚神和偶像的罪相同”（撒上15:22,23）。你们那么顽强地抗拒了亮光，而主不会强迫你们对基督有信心；但人非有信，就不能得上帝的喜悦。那生发仁爱并且洁净心灵的信心，产生出谦卑、忍耐、宽容、恒忍、平安、喜乐和乐意顺从的果子。圣经说：“凡不出于信心的都是罪”（罗14:23）。“到上帝面前来的人必须信有上帝，且信祂赏赐那寻求祂的人”（来11:6）。{1888 412.1}

§105 You must stop inquiring about the duty of others, and go to work for your own soul. Through faith in Christ, you may come to the light. When you view Christ as He is, you will decrease in your own estimation, and He will increase. The words of God spoken to Saul by Samuel are worthy of your consideration; for they apply in your case: “Obedience is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams; for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” You have set yourselves to stoutly resist the light, and the Lord will not compel you to have faith in Christ; but without faith it is impossible to please God. The faith that works by love, and purifies the soul, produces the fruit of humility, patience, forbearance, long suffering, peace, joy, and willing obedience. Says the Scripture, “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” “He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” {1888 412.1}

§106 上帝的应许包含软弱有罪必死的凡人所需要的一切属灵的福气，人类无法自救或造福自己。那应该使我们感到最深切喜乐的事实是上帝赦免罪恶。我们若照祂的话接受祂，并且离弃自己的罪，祂就随时乐意洁净我们脱离一切不义。祂必赐给我们一颗清洁的心，并有祂的灵持久同在；因为耶稣活着为我们代求。但是要记住，我的弟兄们，惟有属灵的人才能看透属灵的事。一种活泼、积极、持久的信心才能看出上帝的旨意，将祂的应许据为己有，并因圣经的真理而受益。不是因为我们是义的，而是因为我们有依赖性、有缺点、犯错误、自己很无奈，所以我们必须依赖基督的义，而不是依赖我们自己。那自视富足、光荣、正义的人，感受不到自己的缺乏，因此也就无法祈求和领受。他既不感到缺乏，就被打发空手回去了。{1888 412.2}

§107 The promises of God comprehend all the spiritual blessings needed by weak, sinful mortals, who cannot save or bless themselves. That which should cause us the deepest joy is the 413fact that God forgives sin. If we take Him at His word, and forsake our sins, He is ready and willing to cleanse us from all He will give us a pure heart, and the abiding presence of His spirit; for Jesus lives to intercede for us. But bear in mind, my brethren, that spiritual things are spiritually discerned. It is a living, active, abiding faith that discerns the will of God, that appropriates the promises, and profits by the truths of His word. It is not because we are righteous, but because we are dependent, faulty, erring, and helpless of ourselves, that we must rely upon Christ’s righteousness, and not upon our own. He that is rich and honorable and righteous in his own eyes, cannot feel his destitution, therefore he cannot ask and receive. He feels no lack, therefore he is sent empty away. {1888 412.2}

§108 基督说过：“我就是道路、真理、生命”（约14:6）。你们的好行为若是道路，那么基督就不会说：“我就是道路”了。我们的行为和功劳不会救我们。人类若能凭自己的努力得到天国，基督就不必受死为我们赎罪了。但凡行走通向天国的窄路的人，都要结出虔诚的果子，拿出证据表明他们是世上的光。{1888 413.1}

§109 Christ has said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” If your good works were the way, then Christ would not have said, “I am the way.” It is not our doings and deservings that will save us. If man could have gained heaven by his own efforts, Christ need not have died to make an atonement for our sins. Yet all who tread the narrow path that leads to heaven, will bear the fruits of godliness, and give evidence that they are the light of the world. {1888 413.1}

§110 那不退后，而是相信上帝口中所出一切话的人有福了。我们不要站着不动，不要退后以致沉沦；主吩咐祂的子民要往前走，从亮光前进到更大的亮光。有些人已有大光，他们一直蒙福，已相信上帝为基督的缘故赦免了他们的罪；但他们却停在那里，不再前进了。他们没有达到更大的信心或更宽广的经验，因为他们没有接受那不断向那些跟随世界之光者展开的真理亮光。基督的血洁净我们一切的不义，然而一个人一停止凭信而行，就笼罩在黑暗里了。任何一个人惟一的安全保障就是前进，在真理的知识上长进，因真理而成圣。那些满足于讲旧道理的人，祷告千篇一律的人，没能善用上帝给他们的才干，这些才干就会从他们夺去。我的弟兄们，你们若是拥有你们自以为拥有的洞察力，就会看透属灵的事。“凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来”（太7:20）。{1888 413.2}

§111 Blessed is the man who draweth not back, but believeth every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Let there be no standing still, drawing back unto perdition; the Lord commands His people to go forward, from light to a 414greater light. Some have had great light, they have been blessed, they have believed that God for Christ’s sake forgave their sins; but there they have stopped, and have made no further advancement. They have not attained unto a greater faith or broader experience, because they have not received the light of the truth which is constantly unfolding to those who follow the light of the world. The blood of Christ cleanseth from all unrighteousness, but just as soon as a soul ceases to walk by faith, he becomes enshrouded in darkness. The only safety for any one is to advance, to increase in the knowledge of the truth, to be sanctified by it. Those who are content with preaching old discourses, and praying stereotyped prayers, fail to improve the talents that God has given them, and these talents will be taken from them. My brethren, If you had the penetration you think you have, you would discern spiritual things. “By their fruits you shall know them.” {1888 413.2}

§112 霍华德.米勒弟兄，你已听到上帝赐给我要作的见证，但你虽自称相信，内心却拒绝了信息。我有责任对你说，你有上帝就祂在这个时期要唤醒不冷不热昏睡的教会正在做的特别工作而愿意赐给你的一切证据。那些接受所赐信息的人，会听从那真实见证者给老底嘉教会的劝勉，且会买金子，就是信心和爱心；白衣，就是基督的义；和眼药，就是属灵的辨识力。基督说：“凡我所疼爱的，我就责备管教他；所以你要发热心，也要悔改。看哪，我站在门外叩门，若有听见我声音就开门的，我要进到他那里去，我与他，他与我一同坐席”（启3:19,20）。{1888 414.1}

§113 Brother Howard Miller, you have heard the testimony which God has given me to bear, but while you have professed to believe, you have in spirit rejected the message. It is my duty to say to you that you have had all the evidence that the Lord will give you in regard to the special work He is doing at this time to arouse a lukewarm, slumbering church. Those who accept the message given, will heed the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans, and will buy the gold, which is faith and love; the white raiment, which is the 415 righteousness of Christ; and the eyesalve, which is spiritual discernment. Says Christ, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”{1888 414.1}

§114 教会若是不肯听从那位天国商人的声音，拒绝开门，基督就会过去，教会就被撇弃，没有基督同在，丧失了真正的财富，却自以为义地说：“我是富足，已经发了财，一样都不缺”（启3:17）。{1888 415.1}

§115 If the church refuses to hear the voice of the heavenly Merchantman, refuses to open the door, then Christ will pass on, and it will be left destitute of His presence, destitute of true riches, but saying in self-righteousness, “I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing.” {1888 415.1}

§116 许多不接受主所赐信息的人，正设法搜罗怀疑的依据，为他们拒绝天上的亮光寻找藉口。面对明显的证据，他们象犹太人一样说：“显个神迹给我们看，我们就会信了。这些使者如果拥有真理，为什么不医治病人呢？”这些反对的意见叫人想起经上论到基督的话：“耶稣的弟兄就对祂说：‘祢离开这里上犹太去吧，叫祢的门徒也看见祢所行的事。人要显扬名声，没有在暗处行事的；你如果行这些事，就当将自己显明给世人看。’因为连祂的弟兄说这话，是因为不信祂”（约7:3-5）。从那里经过的人辱骂祂，摇着头说：“‘你这拆毁圣殿、三日又建造起来的，可以救自己吧！你如果是上帝的儿子，就从十字架上下来吧！’祭司长和文士并长老也是这样戏弄祂，说：‘祂救了别人，不能救自己。祂是以色列的王，现在可以从十字架上下来，我们就信祂。祂倚靠上帝，上帝若喜悦祂，现在可以救祂；因为祂曾说：我是上帝的儿子’”（太27:39-44）。{1888 415.2}

§117 Many who refuse the message which the Lord sends them are seeking to find pegs on which to hang doubts, to find some excuse for rejecting the light of heaven. In the face of clear evidence, they say as did the Jews, “Show us a miracle, and we will believe. If these messengers have the truth, why do they not heal the sick?” These objections recall to mind what was said concerning Christ: “His brethren therefore said unto him, depart hence, and go into Judea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth anything in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, show thyself to the world. For neither did his brethren believe in him.” And they that passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildeth it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the son of 416God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests, mocking him with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others, himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him; for he said, I am the Son of God.” {1888 415.2}

§118 我们的弟兄既有主的生平和荣耀的历史摆在面前，怎么能张口说出与谋害我们主之人相似的嘲笑的话呢？难道主引导我们的弟兄们说这些话吗？我的回答，不是的。他们不知道自己是出于怎样的精神。他们的眼睛若能睁开，就会看到恶天使在他们周围欢喜雀跃，夸耀自己欺骗他们的能力。时候将到，撒但要回应这些怀疑者的要求，显出许多奇事来巩固那些寻找此类证据之人的信心。那些闭眼不看真光、却寻求奇事来坚固他们所受欺骗之人的处境将是多么可怕啊！{1888 416.1}

§119 How can any of our brethren who have before them the history of the Lord of life and glory, open their lips to utter words similar to the taunting words of the murderers of our Lord? Does the Lord lead our brethren to say these things? I answer, No. They know not what spirit they are of. Could their eyes be opened, they would see evil angels exulting around them, and triumphing in their power to deceive them. The day is just before us when Satan will answer the demand of these doubters, and present numerous miracles to confirm the faith of all those who are seeking this kind of evidence. How terrible will be the situation of those who close their eyes to the light of truth, and ask for miracles to establish them in deception! {1888 416.1}

§120 当人们闭眼不看上帝传给他们的亮光时，他们就会拒绝最明显的真理，相信最愚蠢的谬论。正是撒但引导人们采取错误的立场。我们很可以问，就像保罗在他的日子问已经转离纯正道理的弟兄们一样：“谁又迷惑了你们，叫你们不顺从真理呢”（加1:1; 5:7）？那些自称是上帝儿女的人，正因无知而在敌挡祂，反抗祂天意的安排，反对祂的计划，不肯去做祂安排给他们的工作。他们非但不尽自己的本分，还努力使一切的事都符合他们自己狭隘的观点。他们非但不使自己的意愿顺从上帝，好成就祂的旨意，反而选择自己叛逆的道路，不肯服从祂的指导。{1888 416.2}

§121 When men close their eyes to the light that God sends them, they will reject the most evident truth, and believe the most foolish errors. It Satan that leads men to take false positions. Well might we ask, as did Paul in his day concerning brethren who had turned away from sound doctrine, “Who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth?” Those 417who claim to be children of God, are, in their ignorance, working against Him, rebelling against His providence, opposing His plans, and refusing to do the work that He has placed upon them. Instead of doing their duty, they strive to bring everything into harmony with their own narrow views. Instead of bringing their will into subjection to God, that His purpose may be accomplished, they choose their own rebellious ways, and will not yield to His guidance. {1888 416.2}

§122 主一直在用警告、督责和劝勉呼吁祂的子民；但他们却充耳不闻耶稣的话。一些人已经说过：“A. T.琼斯弟兄一直在传给教会的这个信息若是真理，为什么史密斯弟兄和巴特勒弟兄没有接受它，也没有与他一同宣传它呢？这些很聪明的人肯定知道这是不是真理的信息。”{1888 417.1}

§123 The Lord has been appealing to His people in warnings, in reproofs, in counsels; but their ears have been deaf to the words of Jesus. Some have said, “If this message that Brother A. T. Jones has been giving to the church is the truth, why is it that Brother Smith and Brother Butler have not received it, and have not united with him in heralding it? These good intelligent men would surely know if this was the message of truth.” {1888 417.1}

§124 在基督的日子，当祂来把救恩的消息传给世人时，人们也表达了与上述观点类似的情绪。百姓望着他们的领袖，问道：“如果这是真理，祭司和官长们岂会不知道吗？”圣经说：“差役回到祭司长和法利赛人那里。他们对差役说；‘你们为什么没有带祂来呢？’差役回答说：‘从来没有象祂这样说话的！’法利赛人说：‘你们也受了迷惑吗？官长或是法利赛人岂有信祂的呢？但这些不明白律法的百姓是被咒诅的’”（约7:45-48）！{1888 417.2}

§125 Sentiments similar to these were expressed in the days of Christ, when He came to bear to earth the tidings of salvation. The people looked to their leaders, and asked, “If this were the truth, would not the priests and rulers know it?” Says the Scripture, “Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said unto them, Why have you not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? Have any of the rulers of the Pharisees believed 418on him? But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed.” {1888 417.2}

§126 在基督的日子，有许多人招致重罪，因为他们公开抨击了祂的教训，没有注意仔细研究那些教训对他们的要求。我们很遗憾地说，今日正因类似的原因招致类似的罪过。有许多人听了基督的话，却不以道德上的自立转向上帝的道去查考圣经，要晓得这道是与不是。他们虽有灵魂要得救或沦丧，却胆敢依赖他们的宗教教师给出的解释和应用。上帝已赋予人推理的能力，使他们能将经文与经文相对照，亲自知道何为真理，以致能以温柔敬畏的心说出他们心中盼望的缘由。当主惠赐我们知道真理的方法时，我们若转离宝贵的特权，对祂的信息漠不关心，就侮辱了上帝的灵，就必行在黑暗中，因不信而失足。{1888 418.1}

§127 In the days of Christ there were many who incurred deep guilt because they denounced His teaching, without carefully investigating its claims to their attention. We are sorry to say that similar guilt is incurred today through a similar cause. There are many who hear the words of Christ, but they do not in moral independence go to the Word of God to search the Scriptures and see whether or not these things are so. Though they have souls to save or to lose, they dare to rely upon the interpretation and application that their religious teachers give. God has endowed men with reasoning powers, that they may compare scripture with scripture, and know for themselves what is truth, that they may be able to give a reason for the hope that is within them, with meekness and fear. When the Lord graciously sends to us the means of knowing the truth, and we turn from the precious privilege, and are indifferent to His message, we insult the spirit of God, and we shall walk in darkness and stumble in unbelief. {1888 418.1}

§128 当基督告诉彼得由于他的信仰，将要有什么事临到他身上时，彼得转向约翰，问道：“主啊，这人将来如何？”主说：“与你何干？你跟从我吧”（约21:21,22）！要是史密斯长老和巴特勒长老拒绝主已传给这时代子民的真理信息，他们的不信就会使这信息错误吗？——不会。我们不要随从任何人，只要随从基督。若是身居领导职位的人觉得有权藐视信息和信使，他们的不信是不可原谅的。我们的得救是一种个人的工夫。当审判的日子，无论是史密斯弟兄、巴特勒弟兄，还是其他任何一个凡人，都不能为我的灵魂或你的灵魂付上赎价。当那日，你将因疏于接受主所传给你的信息而无可推诿。{1888 418.2}

§129 When Christ told Peter what should come upon him because of his faith, Peter turned to John, and asked, “Lord, and what shall this man do?” The Lord said, “What is that to thee? Follow thou me.” If Elder Smith or Elder Butler should reject the message of truth which the Lord has sent to the people of this time, would their unbelief make the message error?—No. We are to follow no one but Christ. If men who have occupied leading positions feel at liberty to 419despise the message and the messenger, their unbelief is no for others. Our salvation is an individual work. Neither Brother Smith, Brother Butler, nor any other mortal man can pay a ransom for my soul or yours in the day of judgment. In that day there will be no excuse to offer for neglecting to receive the message the Lord sent you. {1888 418.2}

§130 今日的教会存在着最令人厌恶的罪。上帝子民的惊人状况需要扎心的讲道激发人的道德感，而不是乏味无生气、没有基督精神的说教。撒但正在吸引人性最低劣的习性。但这些习性无需培养，就像荆棘和蒺藜一样，自私、爱自己的心、忌恨、嫉妒、恶意的猜测、自尊自大只要得到放任，就会生长茂盛。但最崇高最高贵的能力却需要不断运用才能发展。天天得胜的基督徒，正在寻求荣耀上帝、努力蒙祂赞许的基督徒，不仅会小心避免错误，还会不断去做正确的事。{1888 419.1}

§131 Sins of the most revolting character exist in the church today. The alarming situation of the people of God requires more than tame, spiritless, Christless, sermons to cut through the fleshy tablets of the heart, and to arouse the moral sensibility. Satan is appealing to the lowest propensities of human nature. But these do not need cultivation. Like thistles and briers, selfishness, self-love, envying, jealousy, evil surmisings, self-esteem, will grow up luxuriantly if only left to themselves. But the highest, noblest faculties need to be kept in exercise that they may be developed. Christians who are overcoming day by day, who are seeking the glory of God and His approbation, will be careful not only to avoid wrong, but continually to perform what is right. {1888 419.1}

§132 我们应该不以任何人为我们的榜样；因为我们要亲自看见并知道何为真理。对我们来说至关重要的是：我们不要让任何人来到我们和我们的上帝之间。我们不应接受任何人的意见和想法，除非我们通过亲自查考，发现那些看法和想法带有上天的认证。最重要的是，我们个人要向圣灵使人知罪的能力敞开心门。让上帝藉着祂的道对我们讲话吧；让上帝感动心灵吧。{1888 419.2}

§133 We should take no man for our pattern; for we are to see and know for ourselves what is truth. It is of vital importance to us that we allow no one to come between us and our God. We should not accept any man’s opinions and ideas unless through careful searching for ourselves, we find that they 420bear the credentials of heaven. It is of the greatest importance that we individually open our hearts to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. Let God speak to us through His Word; let God impress the soul. {1888 419.2}

§134 务要把握每一线亮光。你们对自己、对家人、对上帝，都有义务克服自己令人反感的品格特性。这些品性若不加以抑制和克服，就会发展，不仅毁及己身，还会危害他人。圣化的决心、克己自制，爱基督为至上，才会使你与上帝与人保持正常的关系。上帝已把一道又一道的信息传给祂的子民，而几乎使我心碎的是，竟然看到那些我们认为是受上帝教导和带领的人，倒在了仇敌迷人的权势之下，仇敌引导他们拒绝了现代真理。{1888 420.1}

§135 It is your duty to grasp every ray of light. You owe it to yourselves, to your family, and to your God, to overcome your objectionable traits of character. If these are not checked and overcome, they will develop, so as to work not only your ruin, but the ruin of others. Sanctified resolution, self-control, supreme love for Christ, will place you in right relation to God and to humanity. God has sent message upon message to His people, and it has nearly broken my heart to see those who, we thought, were taught and led by God, fall under the bewitching power of the enemy, who led them to reject the truth for this time. {1888 420.1}

§136 人们没有从圣经中得知，最近临到各教会的信息正是完成我们中间一直在进行的工作所必须得到的信息吗？一些本应该最先了解属天的真理启示的人，却直接反对了上帝的信息。他们一直在竭尽全力表示对信息和信使的轻蔑，而耶稣因他们的不信就不能多行异能了。但真理必定前进，与那些藐视它拒绝它的人擦肩而过。它虽然表面上受了阻碍，却不会被消灭。当上帝的信息遭遇反对时，祂就加给它额外的力量，使它发挥更大的影响。它既获得重要的属天活力，就会披荆斩棘，冲破最坚固的壁垒，驱散黑暗，驳斥谬论，东征西讨，战胜每一个障碍。我说的是我确实知道的，我证明的是我已经见到的。那些要在真理里得胜的人，必要在宇宙面前尽到本分，这会使他们得到“做得好”的奖赏。他们必被称为与上帝同工的人。{1888 420.2}

§137 Do not men know from the Word of God, that just such a message as has lately been going to the churches, must be given in order that the very work which has been going on among us might be accomplished? Some who ought to have been first to catch the heavenly inspiration of truth, have been directly opposed to the message of God. They have been doing all that was in their power to show contempt for both the message and the messenger, and Jesus could not do many mighty works because of their unbelief. However, truth will move on, passing by those who despise and reject it. Although apparently 421retarded, it cannot be extinguished. When the message of God meets with opposition, He gives it additional force that it may exert greater influence. Endowed with vital, heavenly energy, it will cut its way through the thickest barriers, dispel darkness, refute error, gain conquests, and triumph over every obstacle. I speak that I do know, I testify of that which I have seen. Those who would triumph in the truth, will have to act a part in the sight of the universe which will bring to them the reward of “well done.” They will be known as laborers together with God. {1888 420.2}

§138 对真理误解和误用会使那些一直是弟兄的人离心离德。但是如果自我和自尊，如果习惯和遗传没有被真理的信息打扰，就不会这样。应该始终培养和显出忍耐、适度、自制、言语上的慎重。然而当我们显出这些可嘉的品格特性时，也要为基督的缘故大声喊叫，不可止息。上帝的道说：“扬起声来，好像吹角。向我百姓说明他们的过犯；向雅各家说明他们的罪恶”（雅58:1）。{1888 421.1}

§139 Misunderstanding, misapplication, of the truth will alienate the hearts of those who have been brethren. But this would not be if self and self-esteem, if customs and traditions, were not disturbed by the message of truth. Patience, moderation, self-control, and carefulness of speech should ever be cultivated and manifested. But while we show these commendable traits of character, for Christ’s sake let us cry aloud and spare not. Says the Word of God, “Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sin.” (Isaiah 58:1.) {1888 421.1}

§140 锡安城墙上的守望者们睡着了。许多人毫无工作的负担，他们没有明确的警告要发。有许多人听了给现代的信息，也看到了这信息的果效，不得不承认这是善工，但由于恐惧，有些人会采取极端的立场，我们的队伍中也会出现狂热盲信，他们允许自己的想象创造出许多障碍，拦阻工作的进展，他们还把这些困难讲给了别人，详述接受那道理的危险。他们力图抵消真理信息的影响。假使他们的这些努力取得了成功，结果会怎么样呢？那要唤醒不冷不热教会的信息就会止息，那要高举基督之义的证言就会沉寂。如果偏见发挥了有害的作用，如果工作交在这些反对者和喜欢挑剔的人手中，允许他们向教会讲他们愿意讲的道理，做他们愿意作的工；难道他们会讲什么比主已藉着祂所拣选的代表传给祂当代子民的信息更好的东西吗？难道怀疑者们的信息会唤醒各教会摆脱不冷不热的状态吗？难道其影响会使上帝的子民有活力和热情，心灵振奋吗？那些已经公开或私下反对了亮光的人一直在给人们滋养心灵的好东西吗？他们一直在传讲时代需要的信息，使全营得以洁净，脱离一切道德污秽吗？他们提供了什么来取代真理吗？这真理是以热诚和热心传扬的，要为主的降临预备道路。{1888 421.2}

§141 The watchmen on the walls of Zion are asleep. Many have no burden of the work, they have no positive warning to give. There are many who have heard the message for this time and have seen its results, and they cannot but acknowledge that the work is good, but from fear that some will take 422extreme positions, and that fanaticism may arise in our ranks, they have permitted their imagination to create many obstacles to hinder the advance of the work, and they have presented these difficulties to others, expatiating on the dangers of accepting the doctrine. They have sought to counteract the influence of the message of truth. Suppose they should succeed in these efforts, what would be the result? The message to arouse a lukewarm church should cease, and the testimony exalting the righteousness of Christ would be silenced. Suppose that prejudice should do its baleful work, suppose the work should be given into the hands of these opposers and faultfinders, and they should be permitted to give to the church the doctrine and the labor they desire to give; would they present anything better than the Lord has sent to His people at this time, through His chosen agents? Would the message of the doubters arouse the churches from their lukewarmness? Would its influence tend to give energy and zeal, to uplift the souls of the people of God? Have those who have opposed the light openly or in secret, been giving the people the food that would nourish their souls? Have they been presenting the message which the time demands, that the camp may be purified from all moral defilement? Have they anything to offer to take the place of the truth which has been given with fervor and zeal to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming? {1888 421.2}

§142 上帝所派工人的品格、动机和目的已经被而且会继续被曲解。人们会抓住他们以为是错误的言语和声明，且会放大和歪曲这些话。然而这些旁观者在做的是哪种工作呢？难道主把他们安置在了审判席上，去给祂的信息和信使定罪吗？这些反对者要是有那么多的亮光，为何不把握这工作呢？他们若在信息的讲解上看到缺陷，为何不以更好的方式讲解它呢？他们若是具有这种远见卓识，这种谨慎，这种智能，为何不去工作并有所作为呢？{1888 423.1}

§143 The character, the motives and purposes of the workmen whom God has sent, have been, and will continue to be, misrepresented. Men will catch at words and statements that they suppose to be faulty, and will magnify and falsify these utterances. But what kind of work are these lookers-on doing? Has the Lord placed them on the judgment-seat to condemn His message and messengers? Why do not these opposers lay hold of the work, if they have so much light? If they see defects in the presentation of the message, why do they not present it in a better way? If they possess such farseeing discernment, such caution, such intelligence, why do they not go to work and do something? {1888 423.1}

§144 世界成了第二个所多玛，结局就要临到我们；认为没有信息要预备好一班人在上帝预备的日子站立得住，这难道是合理的吗？为何这么没有眼光呢？为何这么缺少深刻、恳切、衷心的努力呢？为何有这么多拉后腿的事呢？为何一直有人喊平安稳妥，而不遵照主的命令前进呢？第三位天使的信息是要熄灭在黑暗里呢，还是要用它的荣耀照亮全地呢？难道上帝之灵的亮光要被熄灭，教会要被撇下，缺乏基督的恩典，就像基利波山缺乏雨露一样吗？人人肯定都要承认，现在正是应该使一种生机勃勃的属天感化力临到我们各教会的时候。现在正是应该把不信、骄傲、喜爱争权夺势的心、恶意的猜测、贬低他人的工作、放荡和伪善从我们的队伍中清除出去的时候。{1888 423.2}

§145 The world is a second Sodom, the end is right upon us; and is it reasonable to think that there is no message to make ready a people to stand in the day of God’s preparation? Why is there so little eyesight? So little deep, earnest, heartfelt labor? Why is there so much pulling back? Why is there such a continual cry of peace and safety, and no going forward in obedience to the Lord’s command? Is the third angel’s message to go out in darkness, or to lighten the whole earth with its glory? Is the light of God’s spirit to be quenched, and the church to be left as destitute of the grace of Christ as the hills of Gilboa were of dew and rain? Certainly all must admit that it is time that a vivifying, heavenly influence should be brought to bear upon our churches. 424It is time that unbelief, pride, love of supremacy, evil surmising, depreciation of the work of others, licentiousness, and hypocrisy should go out of our ranks. {1888 423.2}

§146 好人都会意气相投，怀疑不信的人也会沆瀣一气，加强上帝之灵的证言已经责备并敦促人们克服的品性。我们要问每一个男女，你的影响是在哪一边呢？你是在与上帝同工呢，还是在与仇敌同工呢？基督说：“不与我相合的，就是敌我的；不同我收聚的，就是分散的”（太12:30）。{1888 424.1}

§147 All the good will have a tendency to press together, and all doubting, unbelieving ones will keep each other in countenance, and strengthen the very elements of character that the testimonies of God’s spirit have reproved, and urged men to overcome. We would ask every man and woman, On which side is your influence? Are you working where God is working, or are you working with the enemy? Says Christ, “He that is not with me, is against me, and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad.” {1888 424.1}

§148 许多人接受的观念是人可以做他在良心上认为是对的任何事。但问题是，那人拥有的是受过良好教育的、无亏的良心呢，还是因自己的成见而有偏差和歪曲的良心呢？良心不可取代“耶和华如此说。”良心并不都是和谐一致的，也不都有一样的灵感。有些人的良心是死的，象被热铁烙焦了一样。人们既会本着良心做正确的事，也会本着良心做错误的事。保罗曾经并不相信拿撒勒人耶稣，他从这城到那城追捕基督徒，确实相信他所做的是在侍奉上帝。{1888 424.2}

§149 The idea is entertained by many that a man may practice anything that he conscientiously believes to be right. But the question is, Has the man a well-instructed good conscience, or is it biased and warped by his own preconceived opinions? Conscience is not to take the place of “Thus saith the Lord.” Consciences do not all harmonize, and are not all inspired alike. Some consciences are dead, seared as with a hot iron. Men may be conscientiously wrong, as well as conscientiously right. Paul did not believe in Jesus of Nazareth, and he hunted the Christians from city to city, verily believing that he was doing service to God. {1888 424.2}

§150 有鉴于此，我们就能看出极需寻求上帝的忠告，极需以谦卑虔诚的心查考圣经，以便主启迪我们的悟性，使我们能仔细权衡所讲真理的每一个要点。我们应该注意它的倾向，看它的果子是否证明它是出于上帝的。{1888 424.3}

§151 In view of these things, we can see that there is great need of seeking counsel of God, of searching the Scriptures 425with a humble, prayerful spirit, that the Lord may enlighten our understanding, so that we can carefully weigh every point of truth that is presented. We should watch the tendency of it, and see whether its fruit testifies that it is of God. {1888 424.3}

§152 圣经说：“应当趁着有光行走，免得黑暗临到你们”（约12:35）。没有教会能靠自己所点的火把生活，基督徒若不能扩散来源于天的荣耀，也不能成为世上的光。救主说：“你里头的光若黑暗了，那黑暗是何等大呢”（太6:23）！{1888 425.1}

§153 Says the Scripture, “Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you.” No church can live by sparks of its own kindling, neither can Christians be the light of the world if they fail to diffuse the glory derived from a heavenly source. Says the Saviour, “If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” {1888 425.1}

§154 上帝的信息已经清晰有力地传给人们；它正是上帝打算让祂的教会在此时拥有的信息。你们不肯听这信息，你们拒绝了它，这虽然不会阻止工作，却会给你们的心灵造成极大的损失。上帝所赐给祂子民的每一线亮光对他们应付要来的紧急情况来说都是必要的；然而若是你们没有认出天上的亮光，没有赏识、接受和遵行天上的亮光，你们自己就会失去属天的福惠，且使别人得不到上帝原打算藉着你们传给他们的亮光。{1888 425.2}

§155 The message of God has been presented to the people with clearness and force; it is the very message which God means that His shall have at this time. Your refusal to listen to it, your rejection of it, while it will not stop the work, will result in great loss to your souls. Every ray of light that God has given to His people is necessary for them in the emergency that is to come; but if the rays of heaven’s light are not discerned, if they are not appreciated, accepted and acted upon, you will lose the heavenly benefit yourselves, and keep the light from others whom God designed should receive it through you. {1888 425.2}

§156 最有教养、最训练有素的基督门徒在将亮光反照世人和吸引别人到亮光之源方面，所能做的也够少的了。但每一个人都能有所作为。每一天都有特权和机会为荣耀上帝和救人而付出无私的努力。必须考虑树立良好榜样的责任。我们必须忠心地权衡我们行为的结果。我们若是认为某种做法不会给我们自己造成任何伤害，然后就应从别人的立场考虑这种做法，问问这会对别人有怎样的影响。有疏忽之罪，也有干犯之罪，我们都在影响着别人的行径。疏忽摆在你们面前的工作，与做出某种有罪的行为一样是错误的；因为你既疏忽职责，就没能完成上帝伟大工作中的你这一环。你的影响就没有支持祂的圣工。{1888 425.3}

§157 It is little enough that the most educated and well-disciplined disciples of Christ can do to reflect light to the world, and attract others to the source of light. But every 426one can do something. Every day brings its privileges and opportunities to make unselfish efforts for the glory of God and the salvation of men. The duty of setting a good example must be considered. We must weigh faithfully the results of our actions. If we think a certain course will do us no harm, we should then look at it from the standpoint of others, and ask how will it affect them? There are sins of omission, as well as sins of commission, and all of us are influencing the course of others. A neglect when the work is laid before you, is as wrong as to perform some sinful action; for in neglecting your duty, you fail to supply your link in the chain of God’s great work. Your influence does not sustain His cause. {1888 425.3}

§158 许多应该在这紧急之秋听从元帅命令的人却是不忠心的。他们在危险的日子是不可靠的。他们开始质询、疑问、作主张，其实仇敌正在占尽一切便宜。要去做的惟一正确的事，就是要毫无疑问地听从元帅的命令，不要停下来理论这事，也不要提建议，或争辩某个次要问题。我们看到成千上万的人在灭亡的边缘，惟有迅速行动才能拯救许多人的灵魂。{1888 426.1}

§159 Many who ought to obey their Captain’s orders in this time of emergency are unfaithful. They cannot be depended upon in the day of peril. They begin to inquire and question and make propositions, when the foe is gaining every advantage. The only right thing to do is to obey the Captain’s orders without question, not stopping to reason about the matter, or to make suggestions, or to quibble over some minor point. We see thousands upon the very brink of ruin, and prompt action and this alone will avail to save the souls of many. {1888 426.1}

§160 在这个危险的时期，撒但若能影响人们品格中不圣洁的成分，以致使他们一直诡辩和质疑，直到搭救正在迅速脱离拯救范围的灵魂已为时太晚，他就会这么做。我蒙指示看见这正是他在做的事。他正使人们远离他们应该做的工作，使他们后退不听从元帅的命令，谄媚奉承他们自以为智慧的判断，批评推进上帝圣工的计划。有许多人的讲道，哀叹当今世界现存的大量可悲的堕落恶习，却没能尽自己的本分，将天上的亮光照到世界道德的黑暗里。{1888 426.2}

§161 In this time of danger, if Satan can work upon the unconsecrated elements of men’s characters, so as to keep them 427quibbling and questioning, until it is too late to rescue souls who are rapidly getting beyond the reach of help, he will do it. I have been shown that this is just what he is doing. He is holding men away from the work that they should do, holding them back from obedience to their Captain’s orders, in subservience to their own supposed wise judgment and criticism of plans for the advancement of the work of God. There are many who preach discourses, lamenting the extensive and deplorable depravity now existing in the world, but they fail to do their part in shedding heaven’s light into the world’s moral darkness. {1888 426.2}

§162 甚愿我们有教师能言传身教地向人们说明相信和实践真理的意义！我们的教师们行事为人为何象属灵盲目的人呢？象在基督的日子一样，他们有眼睛，却看不见；有耳朵，却听不见，惟恐他们会回转并得医治。需要有上帝使人心悔改的能力临到我们传道弟兄们身上；因为信徒中的许多人在属上帝的事上，远比他们有经验。正确地理解此时的工作，涉及众人今生和来世的最高利益。{1888 427.1}

§163 O that we had teachers who would show men by precept and example what it means to believe and live the truth! Why are our teachers walking and acting like those who are spiritually blind? As in the days of Christ, they have eyes, but they see not; they have ears, but they hear not, lest they should be converted and be healed. There is need that the converting power of God should come upon our ministering brethren; for many of the people are far in advance of them in experience in the things of God. The highest interest of souls both for time and eternity, is involved in a proper understanding of the work for this time. {1888 427.1}

§164 我们哀叹人们竟以自己的意见为偶像。他们乐于受自己的成见而不是清楚明白的“耶和华如此说”控制。世界上最困难的事就是去说服那些不想被说服的人。撒但蒙蔽人的知觉，使人心刚硬，以致人们不愿放弃自己的道路，好作工拯救背道退后的教会，并向罪人指出“上帝的羔羊，除去世人罪孽的。”他们非但不忠心地从事这工作，反而退缩，几乎希望和祈愿主已使之肩负重担的那些人不会成功；因为这些负重担之人的努力若是取得了成功，就会证明这些怀疑者是错的。{1888 427.2}

§165 We deplore the fact that men idolize their own opinions, that they are willing to be governed by their own preconceived ideas rather than by a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” It is 428the most difficult thing in the world to convince men who do not want to be convinced. Satan beclouds the perceptions, and hardens the heart so that men will not give up their own ways that they may work for the salvation of a backslidden church, and point sinners to the “Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” Instead of engaging heartily in this work, they hold back, and almost hope and pray that those upon whom the Lord has laid the burden, will not succeed; for if success crowns the efforts of the burden-bearers, it will prove these doubters to be in the wrong. {1888 427.2}

§166 当人们向不信敞开心门的时候，就向那大骗子，那控告弟兄者敞开了心门。你们既有发自上帝的真理的荣光，既有丰富的证据证明此时的工作是上天命定的，就要当心，不要硬着心肠要求更多的证据，说：“显一个神迹给我们看。”比喻中的那个财主祈求主派一个从死里复活的人去警告他的兄弟们，叫他们不至于来到他所在的那个痛苦折磨的地方。他说：“若有一个从死里复活的，到他们那里去的，他们必要悔改。”但给他的回答也是今天给我们的回答：“若不听从摩西和先知的话，就是有一个从死里复活的，他们也是不听劝”（路16:30,31）。{1888 428.1}

§167 When men open their hearts to unbelief, they open them to the great deceiver, the accuser of the brethren. With the glorious light of truth emanating from God, with abundant evidence that the work for this time is ordained of heaven, beware that you do not harden your hearts and ask for further proof, saying, “Show us a miracle.” The rich man of the parable prayed that one might be sent from the dead to warn his brethren, that they might not come to the place of torment in which he found himself. He said, “If one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.” But the answer came to him as it comes to us today, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.” {1888 428.1}