第114章 在1891年总会会议上宣读的文章
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第114章 在1891年总会会议上宣读的文章
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Chapter 115—Manuscript 40, 1890
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《文稿》1890年第30号MS-30-18901899年3月12日March 12, 1899?
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--在1890[1891]年总会会议上于巴特尔克里克帐幕礼拜堂大堂向大批会众宣读的文章--
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Chapter 115—Manuscript 40, 1890
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上帝的仆人们要使大家铭记亲自查明何为真理的重要性，警醒祷告以求对这道有清晰的理解。告诉他们要再三转向夫子。要是犹太民族的平民蒙允许接受祂的信息，就是祂宝贵的教训，要是他们知道祂就是生命之君，他们原不会拒绝耶稣，就是世上的光，他们的君王和救赎主。然而祭司和官长们却把他们带入了歧途。但愿那些已蒙上帝赋予理智的人亲自查考圣经，亲自获得经验和知识。但愿他们以谦卑折服的心查考，恳切寻找宝贵的矿石。人们接受同胞的意见，没能象贤明的庇哩亚人那样亲自查考圣经，总的来说是太危险了。{1888 906.1}
§7
God’s servants are to impress upon all the importance of finding out for themselves what is truth, watching and praying for a clear understanding of the word. Tell them to go to the Master again and again. Had the common people of the Jewish nation been allowed to receive his message, his precious lessons of instruction, they would not have rejected Jesus, the light of the world, But the priests and rulers led them astray. Let those whom God has imbued with reason search the Scriptures for themselves, obtaining an experience and knowledge for themselves. Let them search with humble and subdued hearts, seeking earnestly for the precious ore. There is altogether too much at stake for men to accept the opinions of their fellow-men, {1888 906.1}
§8
要趁着你还有光行在光中，免得黑暗临到你身上。站着作批评者，向主已本着慈爱使祂的仆人们有资格去传讲的亮光关闭心门，是没有保障的。站在可拉、大坍和亚比兰那样的立场，变得那么自欺，竟称暗为光，称光为暗，视第三位天使的信息为谬论，并且接受谬论当作真理，乃是一件严重的事。上帝既舍了祂的独生子为要藉着替罪人死来拯救人，就要求跟随祂的人在这个危险的时期去做一番不同的工作，而不是去反对祂在那些正寻求遵行祂旨意之人身上表现的精神。防止失败的惟一保障是履行把基督表现出来的高尚职责。这是我们防止对人造成无限伤害的惟一保障。绝对的奉献，完全降服整个身心于上帝之灵的作为，——只有这样才是蒙上帝悦纳的。完全的虔诚是不言自明的。上帝要求凡自称跟从祂的人都要警惕。我们成了一台戏，给世人和天使观看。我们要从众光之源领受亮光，并且光照他人，免得亮光熄灭。{1888 906.2}
§9
Walk in the light while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you. There is no safety in standing as criticizers, closing the door of the heart to the light which the Lord has in loving-kindness qualified his servants to speak. It is a serious matter to stand as did Korah, Dathan and Abiram, to become so self-deceived as to call darkness light and light darkness, to regard the truths of the third 907angel’s message as error, and to accept error as truth. God, who gave his only begotten Son to save soul from ruin by dying in the place of the transgressor, demands his followers to do in this time of peril, than to counter work the manifestations of his spirit in those who are seeking to do his will. The only security against failure is the fulfillment of the high duty of representing Christ. This is our only security against doing infinite harm to souls. Absolute consecration, the entire surrender of the entire being to the work of the spirit of God,—this only is acceptable to God. A piety so thorough will make itself felt. God requires all who profess to be his followers to be on their guard. We are a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men. We are to receive light from the source of all light, and let it shine upon others, lest it go out. {1888 906.2}
§10
我们中间有经验有才能的人，应该照着主必允许的，在工作中找到自己的位置。要给这些弟兄让地方，给他们一席之地。密歇根和其它许多州几乎没有工人；因为那些若是受到鼓励就会做一番善工的人一直没有受到什么鼓励。你们要信任他们。大家都不过是人，既然在你们的工作中也显出不完全，就不要用你们的言行使他们对自己完全丧失信心，以为自己什么也做不了。要把握上帝已使你力所能及的每一点才能。培养主所交给人类的各项才干。不要远离那些做出错误判断的人。要记得你也有错误，是你不看的。要设法纠正他们的错误。鼓励他们得胜，就像你若处在他们的位置就希望受到鼓励一样。要为他们祷告并与他们一起祷告。{1888 907.1}
§11
There are men of experience and ability among us, who should find their place in the work as the Lord shall permit. Make room for these men brethren, give them a place. Michigan and many other states are almost destitute of laborers; for but little encouragement has been given to men who if encouraged would do a good work. Give them your confidence. All are but human, and if imperfections are seen in your laborers, do not lead them, by your words and actions to lose all confidence in themselves, to think that they can do nothing. Lay hold of every jot of ability that God places within your reach. Cultivate the talents entrusted to human beings. Do not turn away from those who Remember that you have faults which you do not 908see. Seek to correct their mistakes. Encourage them to overcome, as you would desire to be encouraged were you in their place. {1888 907.1}
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有一项大工要做成。我们需要史密斯弟兄在经验中获得的一切才干。上帝呼召他上山，以便听到祂的声音，看见祂的荣耀，好将这荣耀反照在与他交往的人身上。他需要作工，单单注目于上帝的荣耀。他需要深饮现代真理的精神和能力。他有善于推理的头脑，能看透人们常常提出并被视为正确的低劣无力的主张。{1888 908.1}
§13
There is a great work to be done. We need all the talent that Bro. Smith has gained in his experience. God calls upon him to come into the mount, that he may hear his voice and behold his glory, that he may reflect this glory upon those with whom he is associated. He needs to work with an eye single to the glory of God. He needs to drink deep of the spirit and power of present truth. He has a logical mind, and he can see through the cheap, feeble propositions that are too often made and seconded as right. {1888 908.1}
§14
我们需要利特尔约翰长老。他的智力才华是很有价值的，弟兄们可以藉着赏识他的才能来帮助他。需要大量的努力和繁重的思考才能把最高的心力与道德力同自然、学习和上帝的道所赋予他的东西一起付诸使用。他的成功将与他的忠诚和献身相称，而不是与他先天和后天的才能相称。利特尔约翰长老应该在你们的议事会中有一席之地。主已赐给他才干要用来荣耀祂。若是得到圣化，他清晰有力的判断就会对你们的审议大有帮助。他若愿意与上帝联络，上帝就能使用他。但你们得给他预备道路，他的工作才会有益处。你们若是表现出不怎么重视他的时间和努力，你们就会使他离开工作，阻止他从事积极的服务。这对他和上帝的圣工来说都会是一个损失。{1888 908.2}
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Eld. Littlejohn is needed. His talent of intellect is of value, and his brethren can help him by showing that they appreciate his ability. It requires much labor and taxing thought to put to the tax the highest mental and moral abilities with which nature, study, and the word of God have endowed him. His success will be proportionate to his devotion and consecration rather than to his natural and acquired ability. Eld. Littlejohn should have a place in your counsels. The Lord has given him talents to use to his glory. If sanctified, his clear, strong judgment will be a great help in your deliberations. If he will connect with God, God can use him. But you will have to prepare his way if he works to advantage. If you show that you place little value on his time and labor, you cut him away from the work and discourage him from engaging in active service. This will be a loss to him and to the cause of God. {1888 908.2}
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总要记得利特尔约翰长老已经失明。弟兄们，要鼓励他把他的才能带进工作中，从而尽你们的本分。{1888 909.1}
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Always remember that Eld. Littlejohn has been deprived of his natural sight. Brethren, do your duty by encouraging him to bring his ability into the work. {1888 909.1}
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实行过于严格的节约已经显出你们缺乏信心。节约是值得称赞的，但是有节约过分的危险。你们在实行节约上已经走了极端。在对待利特尔约翰长老的事上，已就付给他的工资说了尖刻的话。那些把绊脚石放在他的道路上，认为他要的太多的人，已经显出那种控制着他们的精神。有大量钱财的人，蒙主惠赐健全理智的人，却表现出了一种吝啬小气的精神，是得罪上帝的。他们培养这种自私的时候，便导致在天上的案卷中写下黑暗的篇章。他们行事不公，没有把上帝的怜悯和慈爱带入自己的宗教经验中。他们今天被称在天平里，显出亏欠。他们甚至会使盲人放弃自己的权利。{1888 909.2}
§19
A lack of faith has been shown by practicing a too rigid economy. Economy is but there is danger of carrying it too far. You have gone to extremes in practicing economy. In dealing with Eld. Littlejohn sharp words have been uttered over the price given him for his labor. Those who have placed stumbling blocks in his way, who have thought that he was demanding too much, have revealed the spirit controlling them. Men who have an abundance of means, and who are blessed with all their senses, have manifested a parsimonious spirit which is an offence to God. As they cultivate this selfishness they are causing dark chapters to be written in the books of heaven. They do not deal justly; they do not bring mercy and the love of God into their religious experience. They are weighed today in the balances of the sanctuary and found wanting. They would turn even a blind man from his rights. {1888 909.2}
§20
弟兄们，你们可能很快看到利特尔约翰长老身上有些东西不讨你们喜欢。你们说他在金钱的问题上很苛刻。难道他不诚实吗？他在有些事上犯了错误，并且得到了纠正，但那些对他作出宣判的人在自己的宗教经验上也犯了错误并且继续犯着错误。那些如此随便地批评他的人必须记住，利特尔约翰长老是一个盲人。你们若是阅读旧约圣经，就会发现主特别关照盲人。祂的爱超一位母亲对其受苦儿女的爱，祂已就应该如何对待他们给出了特别的指示。那些在以往数年中对待盲人和能看见的人没有作出区别的人，并没有听从主的声音。他们随从了自己的冲动，竟不顾我们中间那些若是有作工的机会，就会成为帮助和福气之人的疾病。那些无情地对待受苦弟兄之人所采取的做法是受上帝谴责的。{1888 909.3}
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Brethren, you may be quick to see things in Eld. Littlejohn that do not please you. You say he is sharp in money matters. Is he dishonest? He has erred in some things, but those who pronounce judgment against him have made and continue to make mistakes in their religious experience. Those who have criticised so freely must remember that Eld. Littlejohn is a blind man. If you read the Old Testament scriptures you will see that the Lord has a special care for the blind. 910He has a love exceeding the love of a mother for her afflicted children, and he has given special directions in regard to how they should be treated. Those who for several years in the past have made no difference between those who are blind and those who can see, have not obeyed the voice of the Lord. They have followed their own impulses, irrespective of our infirmities of the men who could be a help and blessing to the work, Those who treat their afflicted brethren coldly pursue a course condemned by God. {1888 909.3}
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主有为当代作好准备的人。一个人尽自己的本分，带领人们与他一起改革。主兴起另一个人响应本分的呼召，说：“我在这里，请差遣我”（赛6:8）。主试验他，证实他，要看看他是否会行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心与上帝同行（弥6:8）。然而当一个人视自己的判断绝无错误时，上帝就不能再使用他作代表，表明一个身居要职的人应该成为怎样的人了。上帝所赐的指示乃是，祂的子民总要勇往直前，不断上进。许多人就到他们的教师把他们带到的地步为止，不再前进一步。这个难题在历代基督教界中都存在。上帝的仆人们在一班这样的人中间才能取得最大的成功：他们并不固步自封，固守以前教师的教训，而是询问，这是主的道路吗？{1888 910.1}
§23
The Lord has men prepared for the times. One does his part, carrying the people with him in reforms. The Lord raises up another who answers the call to duty saying, “Here am I, send me.” The Lord tests and proves him, to see if he will deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. But when a man begins to regard his judgment as infallible, God can no longer use him as a representative of what a man who occupies a responsible position should be. The instruction God gives is that his people are ever to press forward and upward. Many cease to advance any further than their teachers carry them. This difficulty has existed in every age of the Christian world. God servants find their greatest success among a class who are not wedded to their previous teacher, who ask, Is this the way of the Lord? {1888 910.1}
§24
工作就是这样继续的。上帝有把握机遇的人，他们准备好遵行祂的吩咐，他们藉着把食物给急需的人来使工作有新鲜的动力，他们等候、祈祷、警醒并且作工。一定不要拣选抵挡上帝之灵并且反对真理与公义的人在你们的议事会里行事。{1888 910.2}
§25
Thus the work goes on. God has his men of opportunity, who are ready to do his bidding, who give fresh impetus to the work by bringing in food for needy souls, who wait and pray and watch and work. 911Be sure men are not chosen to act on your councils who have withstood the Spirit of God and have opposed truth and righteousness. {1888 910.2}
§26
我本着敬爱上帝的心告诉今天在我面前的人，有更多的亮光给我们，接受这亮光便有大福气来到。而当我看到弟兄们竟被激怒，反对上帝的信息和信使时，我便想起在基督和改革家们的生平中有过相似的场面。以往时代上帝仆人们受到的待遇与今日上帝藉以传达宝贵亮光之人受到的待遇是一样的。今日民中的领袖们采取的做法与犹太人曾采取的做法是一样的。他们批评指责，提出一个又一个问题，拒绝承认证据，对待所传给他们的亮光的方式与犹太人对待基督带给他们的亮光是一样的。{1888 911.1}
§27
In the fear and love of God I tell those before whom I stand today that there is increased light for us, and that great blessings come with the reception of this light. And when I see my brethren stirred with anger against God’s messages and messengers, I think of similar scenes in the life of Christ and the reformers. The reception given to God’s servants in past ages is the same as the reception that those today receive through whom God is sending precious rays of light. The leaders of the people today pursue the same course of action that the Jews pursued. They criticize and ply question after question, and refuse to admit evidence, treating the light sent them in the very same way that the Jews treated the light Christ brought them. {1888 911.1}
§28
在基督的工作中，没有中立立场，没有中间地带。祂宣布：“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）。耶稣看见并且懂得那些在祂面前之人的动机，就像看一本展开的书一样，他们的良心宣告他们是有罪的。大斗争愈演愈烈。基督不是与有限的人争战，而是与执政的，掌权的，和空中属灵气的恶魔争战。祂告诉祂的听众，人出于无知的一切罪和亵渎的话，都可以赦免。人在大盲目之中可能说出侮辱嘲笑人子的话，但仍处在怜悯的范围之内。然而当圣灵的能力降在祂的使者身上时，他们就站在圣地之上了。忽视上帝的灵，将之污蔑为鬼魔的灵，会使他们处在上帝的能力所达不到的地方。上帝帮助他们悔改的任何办法对他们都是无效的。{1888 911.2}
§29
In Christ’s work there can be no neutrality, no middle ground He declared, “He that is not with me, is against me, and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” Jesus saw and read like an open book the motives which actuated those before him, whose consciences pronounced them guilty. The great controversy was waxing strong. Christ was not warring against finite men, but against principalities and powers, against spiritual wickedness in high places. He tells his hearers that all manner of sin and blasphemy may be forgiven if done in ignorance. In their great blindness they might speak words of insult and derision against the Son of man, and yet be within the boundary of mercy. But when the power and Spirit of God rested upon his messengers 912they were on holy ground. To ignore the Spirit of God, to charge it with being the Spirit of the devil, placed them in a position where God had no power to reach their souls. {1888 911.2}
§30
在巴特尔克里克有些人若不改变自己的行径，就必走到这个地步。他们会置身于上帝命定的一切方法都不能纠正他们的地方。他们的意愿并不是上帝的旨意，他们的固执也不是圣徒的恒心。在言语上得罪基督，说祂的工作出于撒但，把圣灵的表现说成是狂热，本身并不是不可赦的罪，但是导致这种断言的精神使他们处在顽固抵抗，看不见属灵亮光的地方。有些人绝不会折回脚步，绝不会藉着承认自己的错误来谦卑己心，却会象犹太人一样继续发出断言，误导他人。他们不肯坦诚地调查证据，却象可拉、大坍、亚比兰一样，定意反对亮光。{1888 912.1}
§31
Some in Battle Creek will surely reach this point if they do not change their course. They will place themselves where none of God’s ordained means will be able to set them right. Their will is not God’s will, their persistency is not the perseverance of the saints. To speak against Christ, charging his work to Satanic agencies, and attributing the manifestations of the Spirit to fanaticism, is not of itself a damning sin, but the spirit that leads men to make these assertions places them in a position of stubborn resistance, where they cannot see spiritual light, Some will never retrace their steps, they will never humble their hearts by acknowledging their wrongs, but like the Jews will continually make assertions that mislead others. They refuse to investigate evidence candidly and frankly, but like Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, set themselves against the light. {1888 912.1}
§32
不信的恶心会使谎言看似真理，真理看似谎言，且会坚持这个立场，无论什么证据被提出来。对基督的可怕控告，若是被人坚定地坚持下去，就会使罪人处在天上的亮光不能影响他们之处。他们就会继续行在自己所点火把的光中，直到他们会亵渎来自天上的最神圣的影响。他们走上了一条通向午夜黑暗的道路。他们自以为随从清醒的理智，其实是在跟从另一个领袖。他们受一个他们在盲目中所完全不了解的权势所左右。他们敌挡的，是那唯一能引导他们，光照他们，拯救他们的灵。他们正走在今生和来世都不得赦免的犯罪道路上。不是因为有什么罪超过了上帝恩典的范围，而是因为骄傲和固执导致他们藐视上帝的灵，到了圣灵无法帮助他们认罪的地步。他们不愿意降服自己顽固的意志。{1888 912.2}
§33
The evil heart of unbelief will make falsehood appear as truth and truth as falsehood, and will adhere to this position, whatever evidence may be produced. The terrible accusation against Christ, if perseveringly persisted in, places the guilty ones in a position where rays of light from heaven cannot reach them. They will continue to walk in the light of the sparks of their own kindling, until they will blaspheme the most sacred influences that ever came from heaven They enter upon a path that leads to the darkness of midnight. They think they are following sound reason, but they are following another 913leader. They have placed themselves under the control of a power which in their blindness they are wholly ignorant of. They have resisted the only Spirit that could lead them, enlighten them, save them. They are following in the path of guilt for which there can be no forgiveness, in this life or in the life to come. Not that any degree of guilt would exhaust the mercy of God, but because pride and persistent stubbornness leads them to do despite to the Spirit of God, to occupy a place where no manifestation of the Spirit can convince them of their error. {1888 912.2}
§34
在我们这个时代，人们已使自己处在完全不能实现悔改认罪之条件的状况中，所以就得不到怜悯和饶恕。偶然的言语和行为并不构成亵渎圣灵的罪。它是一种对真理和确据的坚决抵制。{1888 913.1}
§35
In this our day men have placed themselves where they are wholly unable to fulfil the conditions of repentance and confession; therefore they cannot find mercy and pardon. The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit does not lie in any sudden word or deed; it is the firm, determined resistance of truth and evidence. {1888 913.1}
§36
主一直在招呼祂的子民。祂以十分显著的方式显明了祂神圣的临格。但信息和信使没有得到接受，却遭到了藐视。我渴望那些非常需要圣爱信息的人会听见基督在心门口敲门的声音，并让天上的贵宾进来。但耶稣是徒然敲有些人的心门了。人们拒绝在明尼阿波利斯传达的信息，就犯了罪。他们还因多年来对上帝的信使们保持同样憎恨的精神，因拒绝圣灵一直在激励人深入了解的真理而犯了远为更大的罪。他们既轻视所赐的信息，就在轻视上帝的道。每一次拒绝呼吁，每一次不听从劝告，都使心地更加刚硬，使他们坐上亵慢人的座位。{1888 913.2}
§37
The Lord has been calling his people. In a most marked manner he has revealed his divine presence. But the message and the messengers have not been received but despised. I longed that those who have greatly needed the message of divine love would hear Christ’s knock at the door of the heart, and let the heavenly guest enter. But at the hearts of some Jesus has knocked in vain. In rejecting the message given at Minneapolis, men committed sin. They have committed far greater sin by retaining for years the same hatred against God’s messengers, by rejecting the truth that the Holy Spirit has been urging home. By making light of the message given, they are making light of the word of God. Every appeal rejected, every entreated unheeded, furthers 914the work of heart-hardening, and places them in the seat of the scornful. {1888 913.2}
§38
这些拒绝亮光的人，就认不出亮光了。他们心灵被一种有害的气氛包围着，有些人尽管没有公然显出敌意，但那些有属灵辨识力的人却会认识到那包围着他们心灵的冰冷寒意。{1888 914.1}
§39
These rejecters of light cease to recognize light. Their souls are surrounded by a malarious atmosphere, and though may not show open hostility, those who have spiritual discernment will realize the icy coldness which surrounds their souls. {1888 914.1}
§40
我被上帝激励要叫你们注意基督的话：“光在你们中间还有不多的时候，应当趁着有光行走，免得黑暗临到你们；那在黑暗里行走的，不知道往何处去。你们应当趁着有光，信从这光，使你们成为光明之子。……信我的，不是信我，乃是信那差我来的。人看见我，就是看见那差我来的。我到世上来，乃是光，叫凡信我的，不住在黑暗里。若有人听见我的话不遵守，我不审判他。我来本不是要审判世界，乃是要拯救世界。弃绝我、不领受我话的人，有审判他的，就是我所讲的道在末日要审判他”（约12:35-50）。“你们当听，当侧耳而听。不要骄傲，因为耶和华已经说了。耶和华你们的上帝未使黑暗来到，你们的脚未在昏暗山上绊跌之先，当将荣耀归给祂；免得你们盼望光明，祂使光明变为死荫，成为幽暗。你们若不听这话，我必因你们的骄傲在暗地哭泣；我眼必痛哭流泪，因为耶和华的群众被掳去了”（耶13:15-17）。{1888 914.2}
§41
I am constrained by God to call your attention to Christ’s words, “Yet a little while is the light with you, walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light.... He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” “Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.” {1888 914.2}
§42
基督从橄榄山注视着耶路撒冷，嘴唇颤抖，心中忧伤地说：“巴不得你在这日子知道关系你平安的事；无奈这事现在是隐藏的，叫你的眼看不出来”（路19:42）。祂想到要是耶路撒冷保持了与上帝的活泼联络原会成为怎样的城，要是百姓善用了自己因上帝恒久忍耐的恩典和怜悯而享有的特权与福气原会得到何等的福气。耶路撒冷原会因位置而变得华美，为全地所喜悦。上帝原会使锡安成为祂圣洁的居所。{1888 915.1}
§43
From Olivet Christ looked upon Jerusalem, and with trembling lips and grief-burdened soul he said, if thou hadst known, even thou, in this thy day the things that belong unto thy peace: but now they are hid from thy eyes. He thought of what Jerusalem might have been had she maintained a living connection with God, of what blessings might have rested upon the people had they improved their privileges and blessings they enjoyed through the mercy and grace of a long suffering God. Jerusalem would have become beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth. God would have made Zion his holy habitation. {1888 915.1}
§44
基督心里说：“我怎能舍弃你？”祂待以色列人，如同仁慈宽宏的父亲对待忘恩刚愎的孩子。祂以无所不知的慧眼看到耶路撒冷城注定了她自己的命运。多世纪以来，她离弃上帝，拒绝恩典，滥用特权，藐视机会。百姓自己所积累的、毫无怜悯的复仇之云将要突然临到他们身上。基督伤心地哽咽着说：“巴不得你在这日子知道关系你平安的事；无奈这事现在是隐藏的，叫你的眼看不出来。”无可挽回的判决已经宣布。{1888 915.2}
§45
Christ’s heart had said “How can I give thee up.” He had dealt with Israel as a loving forgiving father would deal with an ungrateful wayward child. With the eye of Omniscience he saw that the city had decided her own destiny. For centuries there had been a turning away from God. Grace had been resisted, privileges abused, opportunities slighted. The people themselves had been loading the cloud of vengeance which unmingled with mercy was about to burst upon them. With choked, half broken utterance, Christ exclaimed, “O that thou hadst known, even thou in this thy day the things that belong unto thy peace; but now they are hid from thine eyes.” The irrevocable sentence was pronounced. {1888 915.2}
§46
在当代，来自上帝宝座的亮光长久被拒绝，当作是讨厌的东西。它被视为黑暗，被说成是狂热盲信，是某种危险的东西，要避开。人们就这样成了指向错误方向的路标。他们随从了犹太人所树立的榜样。他们紧抱自己错误的理论和格言，直到这些东西对他们来说变得象宝贵的基本要道一样。他们已经认为要是放弃这些东西，就会摧毁他们的信仰基础。要是凡自称相信现代真理的人都敞开心门接受信息和真理的灵，就是上帝的怜悯、正义和慈爱，他们原不会收集那么浓重的黑暗以致看不出亮光，也不会把圣灵的运行称为狂热和错误。{1888 915.3}
§47
In this time light from the throne of God has been long resisted as an objectionable thing. It has been regarded as darkness and spoke of as fanaticism, as something dangerous, Thus men have become 916guide-posts pointing in the wrong direction. They have followed the example set by the Jewish people. They have hugged their false theories and maxims to their hearts until they have become to them as precious fundamental doctrines. They have come to think that if they let them go, the foundations of their faith will be destroyed. If those who claim to believe present truth had opened their hearts to receive the message, and the spirit of truth, which is the mercy and justice and love of God, they would not have gathered about the darkness so dense that they could not discern light. They would not have called the operations of the Holy Spirit fanaticism and error. {1888 915.3}