第816号 基督复临的临近和耽延
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第816号 基督复临的临近和耽延
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MR No. 816 - Nearness and Delay of the Second Advent
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我们的工作是为主的快来预备一班人。我们要身处世上，但不属于世上。我们要审视我们面前的工作。绝不要忘记我们是上帝的同工。我们应为主预备道路。我们要将自己与祂的圣工绑定。我们没时间浪费在不作为上。我们必须提供设施完成主言明必做的布道工作。我们要教导男女老少在上帝宝座之旁积蓄财富。（《信函》1902年25号第7页，致南方园地的负责人员，1902年2月5日）{10MR265.1}[1]
§4
Our work is to prepare a people for the soon coming of the Lord. We are to be in the world, but not of the world. Let us consider the work before us. Never forget, we are laborers together with God. We are to prepare the way of the Lord. Let us bind ourselves to His sacred work. We have no time to lose in inaction. We must provide facilities for the accomplishment of the missionary work that the Lord has said must be done. We must teach old and young, men and women, to lay up treasure beside the throne of God.--Letter 25, 1902, p. 7. (To Those in Responsible Positions in the Southern Field, February 5, 1902.) {10MR 265.1}[1]
§5
基督迟来是为了让更多的人悔改——谁能说上帝不会做祂所说愿意做的事呢？“上帝是真实的，人都是虚谎的”（罗3:4）。主会在烈火中降临，报应那些不认识上帝、不顺从祂福音的罪人。由于祂无限的怜悯，祂推迟了来到世上的时间以便他们悔改，而罪人却自我麻痹说祂永远不会再来。{10MR265.2}[2]
§6
Coming Delayed to Allow a Larger Span for Repentance--Who will say God will not do what He says He will do? Let God be true, but every man a liar (Romans 3:4). The Lord is coming in flaming fire to take vengeance on those sinners who know not God and obey not His gospel. And because, in His infinite mercy, He delays His coming to give the world a larger span for repentance, sinners flatter themselves [that] He will never come. {10MR 265.2}[2]
§7
在出版界和充满罪恶的地方，还有所谓的科学院校中，存在着一种观点：他们带着轻蔑、嘲弄和取笑，撇嘴看待所给予他们的警告，向数千年来不信之人看齐。所发出的嘲笑和奚落，伤害了那些等待盼望祂显现的人，那些像挪亚那样出于敬畏而预备这件大事的人。这不是新事，而是依旧如故的罪行。这与谎言之父一样虚伪。{10MR265.3}[3]
§8
In the public press, in the haunts of sin, as well as in the schools of science so-called, there is one sentiment: They curl the lips with scorn and jest and ridicule at the warnings given them, and look upon the thousands who will not believe. Jests are uttered, witty paragraphs published at the expense of those who wait and look for His appearing, and [who] with fear, like Noah, prepare for the event. This is not new, but as old as sin. It is as false as the father of lies. {10MR 265.3}[3]
§9
当牧师、农夫、商人、律师、大人物们和外表敬虔的人喊说“平安稳妥”之时，突然毁灭来到了。路加记载基督的话说，上帝的日子要如同网罗来到——如同一只动物正在森林中巡游捕食，看！突然它落入了捕杀者隐蔽的陷阱中。（《文稿》1876年5号第5页，“挪亚的日子”，约于1876年）{10MR266.1}[4]
§10
When ministers, farmers, merchants, lawyers, great men and professedly good men shall cry, Peace and safety, sudden destruction cometh. Luke reports the words of Christ, that the day of God comes as a snare--the figure of an animal prowling in the woods for prey and lo, suddenly he is entrapped in the concealed snare of the fowler.--Manuscript 5, 1876, p. 5. (The Days of Noah, cir. 1876.) {10MR 266.1}[4]
§11
在永恒的岁月中，基督迟来将显得很短暂——亲爱的弟兄姐妹们：基督很快就会来了。祂会看到你在预备等待吗？婚礼的灯要剔净点亮。祂车轮的速度减缓了，因为祂对我们长久忍耐，不愿一个人灭亡，但愿人人都悔改得永生。当我们和蒙赎的群众一同站在玻璃海上，拿着上帝的琴，戴着荣耀的冠冕，在我们前面是无限的永生，那时我们就会看出等候的试验时期是多么短暂。“主人来了，看见仆人儆醒，那仆人就有福了”（路12:37）。（《信函》1886年21号第5页，致希尔兹堡的弟兄姐妹们，1886年7月9日）{10MR266.2}[5]
§12
Delay of Christs Coming Will Seem Short in Eternity--Dear brethren and sisters, Christ is soon to come. Will He find you ready and waiting? The bridal lamps must be kept trimmed and burning. His chariot wheels have been delayed because of His long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance and have eternal life. When we shall stand with the redeemed upon the sea of glass, with harps of God and crowns of glory, and before us the unmeasured eternity, we shall then see how short was the waiting period of probation. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when He cometh shall find watching (Luke 12:37).--Letter 21, 1886, p. 5. (To Brethren and Sisters in Healdsburg, July 9, 1886.) {10MR 266.2}[5]
§13
对活人的查案审判很快就开始了——我要对你们这些会看到这封信、身为领袖、被视为民间首长的人说：“你们扛抬耶和华器皿的人哪，务要自洁”（赛52:11）。要在上帝面前降卑自己的心。耶稣正在圣所里面。我们正处在赎罪的大日。虽然活人的查案审判还没有开始，但很快就会启动了。那真实的见证者所说的话，适合于多少人啊：“我知道你的行为，按名你是活的，其实是死的。你要儆醒，坚固那剩下将要死的。因我见你的行为，在我上帝面前，没有一样是完全的。所以要回想你是怎样领受，怎样听见的。又要遵守，并要悔改。若不儆醒，我必临到你那里如同贼一样。我几时临到，你也决不能知道”（启3:1-3）。{10MR266.3}[6]
§14
Investigative Judgment for the Living Soon to Begin--I address you who shall have this epistle brought before you, who are leaders, who may be termed princes among the people: Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord (Isaiah 52:11). Humble your souls before God. Jesus is in the sanctuary. We are in the great day of atonement, and if the investigative judgment has not already commenced for the living, it will soon begin and to how many are the words of the true witness applicable: I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I shall come upon thee (Revelation 3:1-3). {10MR 266.3}[6]
§15
在审判的时候，所有人的案子都会呈上。若是他们的罪没有承认，他们的名字就会从生命册上涂抹。他们的命运就会与淫乱、苟合、欺骗、喜爱撒谎的人一样了。“然而在撒狄你还有几名是未曾污秽自己衣服的。他们要穿白衣与我同行。因为他们是配得过的。凡得胜的，必这样穿白衣。我也必不从生命册上涂抹他的名。且要在我父面前，和我父众使者面前认他的名”（4、5节）。（《信函》1886年51号11页，致G.I.巴特勒，1886年9月6日）{10MR267.1}[7]
§16
The cases of all will be brought up in the judgment and if their sins are not confessed their names will then be blotted from the book of life, and their lot will be with the adulterers and the fornicators, and deceivers, and those who love and make a lie. Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment: and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before His angels (verses 4, 5).--Letter 51, 1886, p. 11. (To G. I. Butler, September 6, 1886.) {10MR 267.1}[7]
§17
怀爱伦虽然渴望天国，但是不匆促——我深蒙主的福气，尽管承受重担，但我全心全意爱耶稣。我想我们的斗争几近结束了。我认为我们已接近了天家。我怀着喜悦想到很快就能安息，但虽然如此盼望，我不急。{10MR267.2}[8]
§18
Though Anxious for Heaven, Ellen White Not in a Hurry--I am much blessed of the Lord, although very much burdened, and I love Jesus with my whole affections. I think our warfare must be nearly ended. I think we are nearing home. I am rejoiced to think the rest will soon come, but even here in this hope I am not in a hurry. {10MR 267.2}[8]
§19
我希望日复一日地耐心而忠诚地执行我的一切工作。还有许多人需要拯救，我们会高兴地看到主推迟来临，给予他们更多的机会做好准备。但是请想一想，一旦得救进入天国，一旦远离今生的诱惑和争斗，一旦进入安息之所，在我们可爱的救赎主面前，那将会如何！{10MR268.1}[9]
§20
I want to do all my work with patience and fidelity day by day. There are many souls to be saved, and we will be glad that the coming of the Lord is delayed to give them a little more opportunity to get ready. But once saved in the kingdom of God--only think of it--once beyond the temptations and warfare of this life, once in the haven of rest, in the presence of our adorable Redeemer--what will it be! {10MR 268.1}[9]
§21
保罗说：“我们这至暂至轻的苦楚，要为我们成就极重无比永远的荣耀。原来我们不是顾念所见的，乃是顾念所不见的。因为所见的是暂时的，所不见的是永远的”（林后4:17,18）。愿上帝帮助我们看见救主脸上的光辉，将乌云驱散。我们需要有更大的信心。（《信函》1886年84号12、13页，致G.I.巴特勒和S.N.赫斯格，1886年9月14日）{10MR268.2}[10]
§22
These light afflictions, Paul says, which are but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18). God help us to look at the brightness of our Saviours countenance and clouds will be dispelled. We must have more faith.--Letter 84, 1886, pp. 12, 13. (To G. I. Butler and S. N. Haskell, September 14, 1886.) {10MR 268.2}[10]
§23
1844年的日期并没有在大失望之前的异象中显示——迫于再三的指责，我们决定收集我所有的早期作品，并以《怀爱伦早期著作》为书名重新发表。我们印制这本小册子，尽可能地分发到各地，如果他们看到了，就会了解事实。但这只能让他们暂时闭嘴。他们会卷土重来，好像书从未印制过一样。{10MR268.3}[11]
§24
44 Date Not Revealed in Vision Before the Disappointment--It was this oft-repeated charge of suppression that led us to determine to gather up all my earliest publications and republish in the book called Early Writings by Mrs. E. G. White. We printed this little book to be scattered everywhere that all might, if they chose, become acquainted with facts. But this did not--only for a time--quiet their reports. They came again just as fresh as though that book had never been printed. {10MR 268.3}[11]
§25
我曾坚定相信1844年的定期，但这个预言的时间并没有在异象中向我显现，因为这个时间过去几个月以后，我才第一次见异象。许多人声称此后会有新的定期，但我蒙指示，我们不应向人们宣扬另一个定期。所有了解我和我工作的人会证实，关于定期，我只作过一个见证。{10MR268.4}[12]
§26
I was a firm believer in definite time in 1844, but this prophetic time was not shown me in vision, for it was some months after the passing of this period of time before the first vision was given me. There were many proclaiming a new time after this, but I was shown that we should not have another definite time to proclaim to the people. All who are acquainted with me and my work will testify that I have borne but one testimony in regard to the setting of the time. {10MR 268.4}[12]
§27
我蒙指示：我们在1844年的失望不是因为预言的时期计算错了，而是弄错了所发生的事件。我们把地球看做是圣所。但是在预言的时期结束时所洁净的圣所是天上的圣所，而不是我们大家所以为的地球。救主确实在1844年进入至圣所，开始对死人进行查案审判的工作。一再有人劝我接受据称是主再来的不同时间。{10MR269.1}[13]
§28
I have been shown that our disappointment in 1844 was not because of failure in the reckoning of prophetic periods, but in the events to take place. The earth was believed to be the sanctuary. But the sanctuary which was to be cleansed at the end of the prophetic periods was the heavenly sanctuary and not the earth as we all supposed. The Saviour did enter the Most Holy Place in 1844 to cleanse the sanctuary and the investigative judgment had commenced for the dead. I have been repeatedly urged to accept the different periods of time proclaimed for the Lord to come. {10MR 269.1}[13]
§29
我一直有一个见证要作：主不会在那个时期来临，你们是在削弱甚至是复临信徒的信心，坚固世人的不信。在我面前清楚展示了基督复临之前必要发生的激动人心的重大事件。撒但要从下面积极活动，欺骗世人，而全能的主上帝则会从上面进行工作，预备一班人在祂忿怒的大日站立得住。{10MR269.2}[14]
§30
I have ever had one testimony to bear: The Lord will not come at that period, and you are weakening the faith of even Adventists, and fastening the world in their unbelief. There have been plainly set before me events of great and thrilling interest, which must transpire before Christ will come. Satan will move mightily from beneath, and will delude the world, while the Lord God Omnipotent will move from above and prepare a people to stand in the great day of His wrath. {10MR 269.2}[14]
§31
那些设定日子的人已宣布主的咒诅临到我，把我当作一个说：“我的主人必来得迟”（太24:48）的不信的人。但是我告诉他们，天上的册子不会这样记录我，因为主知道我渴望和爱慕基督的显现。他们一再发出确定时间的信息正是仇敌所想要的，与他的目的甚相吻合，以动摇人们对来自上天的第一次时间宣告的信心。{10MR269.3}[15]
§32
The time-setters have pronounced the curse of the Lord upon me as an unbeliever who said, My Lord delayeth His coming. But I have told them that the books of heaven would not make my record thus, for the Lord knows that I loved and longed for the appearing of Christ. But their oft-repeated message of definite time was exactly what the enemy wanted, and it served his purpose well to unsettle the faith in the first proclamation of time, which was of heavenly origin. {10MR 269.3}[15]
§33
世人对所有的时间宣告一视同仁，称之为谬论、狂热和异端。自从1844年以来，我一直作见证说，我们现在所处的阶段需要谨慎自己，免得我们的心因贪食醉酒和今生的思虑而背负沉重的担子，以致那日子不知不觉地临到我们。我们的本分就是警醒等候，介于1844年预言时期的结束和我们主降临的时间之间，不再有时间的宣布了。我们不知道那日子和那时辰，或者明确的时间，然而预言的计算告诉我们，基督就近在门口了。{10MR270.1}[16]
§34
The world placed all time-proclamation on the same level and called it a delusion, fanaticism and heresy. Ever since 1844 I have borne my testimony that we were now in a period of time in which we are to take heed to ourselves lest our hearts be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon us unawares. Our position has been one of waiting and watching, with no time-proclamation to intervene between the close of the prophetic periods in 1844 and the time of our Lords coming. We do not know the day nor the hour, or when the definite time is, and yet the prophetic reckoning shows us that Christ is at the door. {10MR 270.1}[16]
§35
我们没有丢弃勇敢的心（来10:35），我们的信息也不是依靠明确的时间，但是我们在等待、警醒、祈祷，期盼和爱慕我们救主的显现，尽一切力量为那件大事预备我们的同胞。我们不会失去耐心。虽然迟延，还要等候，因为必然临到，不再迟延。虽然有失望，我们的信心并没有丧失。我们不会退后入沉沦。表面上的迟延并不代表真实的状况，因为到了指定的时候，我们的主就会来临。我们如果保持忠心，就会宣告说：“看哪，这是我们的上帝。我们素来等候祂，祂必拯救我们”（赛25:9）。{10MR270.2}[17]
§36
We have not cast away our confidence, neither have we a message dependent upon definite time, but we are waiting and watching unto prayer, looking for and loving the appearing of our Saviour, and doing all in our power for the preparation of our fellow men for that great event. We are not impatient. If the vision tarry, wait for it, for it will surely come, it will not tarry. Although disappointed, our faith has not failed, and we have not drawn back to perdition. The apparent tarrying is not so in reality, for at the appointed time our Lord will come, and we will, if faithful, exclaim, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us (Isaiah 25:9). {10MR 270.2}[17]
§37
我曾被宣布为骗子，还因为我说过：“主快要来了，要做好准备，做好准备，以免被发现亏欠，要守侯和仰慕祂的显现。”但是在《启示录》中我们读到：“看哪，我必快来。赏罚在我，要照各人所行的报应他”（启22:12）。“看哪，我必快来。凡遵守这书上预言的有福了”（启22:7）。“我必快来，你要持守你所有的，免得人夺去你的冠冕”（启3:11）。难道因为作上述见证的主说自己必快来，却推迟了祂的来临，超过了我们有限心智的预测，就把祂说成是骗子吗？这是那位诚信真实的见证者在发言。祂的话是千真万确的。{10MR270.3}[18]
§38
I have also been pronounced a deceiver because I have said, The Lord will soon come; get ready, get ready that ye may be found waiting, watching and loving His appearing. But in the Revelation I read this statement, Behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be (Revelation 22:12). Behold, I come quickly blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book (Revelation 22:7). Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown (Revelation 3:11). Was the One who bore this testimony a deceiver, because the quickly has been protracted longer than our finite minds could anticipate? It is the faithful and true witness that speaks. His words are verity and truth. {10MR 270.3}[18]
§39
如果我未能把你希望了解的这件事情解释清楚，那就再写信给我，我会尽力把每一点都讲清楚的。但是我不接受说我在异象中看见主会在某日某时来临，结果却没有来的指控。（《信函》1888年38号3-5页，致亲爱的姐妹，1888年8月11日）{10MR271.1}[19]
§40
If I have failed to make this matter plain which you wish to understand, write me again and I will endeavor to make every point plain and clear. But I must plead not guilty to the charge of seeing in vision that the Lord would come at a definite day and hour, which has since passed by. --Letter 38, 1888, pp. 3-5. (To Dear Sister, August 11, 1888.) {10MR 271.1}[19]
§41
建立基督复临安息日会学院的理由——安息日复临信徒建立院校的目的是什么呢？是要尽可能给我们的青年提供最好的教育。这种教育摆脱一切错谬，在各方面都不受腐败的影响。在我们的国家里，有许多学校的文化教育达到了很高的水准，但还达不到圣经的教育标准。敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端。要让主来主持我们的学校。否则耗巨资把它们建立起来的宗旨就会无法实现。我们自称相信重要的真理，相信主很快就会驾天云、带着能力和大荣耀来临，接忠心的人到祂去预备的住宅里那更高的学校去。我们应该比不相信这些严肃真理的人达到高得多的标准。（《信函》1890年25a号4、5页，致格雷厄姆弟兄，1890年7月14日）{10MR271.2}[20]
§42
Reason for Establishment of SDA Colleges--What is the object of establishing colleges among Seventh-day Adventists? It is to provide for our youth, so far as possible, the very best instruction--that which is free from error and in every respect pure from corrupting influences. There are in our land schools in abundance where education in the sciences may be carried to a high point, but they fail to reach the Bible standard of education. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The Lord must preside in our institutions of learning, or the object for which they were brought into existence, with great outlay of means, will fail of being accomplished. We profess to believe important truth, that the Lord is soon coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory to take the faithful to the higher school in the mansions He has gone to prepare for them. We should meet a standard very much higher than do those who do not believe these solemn truths.--Letter 25a, 1890, pp. 4, 5. (To Brother Graham, July 14, 1890.) {10MR 271.2}[20]
§43
我们要时常预备基督的来临——我们应当明白自己与上帝的正确关系；我们应当知道如何站立在上帝面前。我希望你们明白，上帝的旨意决非是让任何有限的人凭借任何手段，和以为自己能弄明白数字、象征和表号，就确知主来临的时间。我们要知道什么呢？我们要研究表明祂已在门口的兆头。你们可能会说：“我一直在期待，我已经等了很长时间，主还是没有来；这么长时间的等待使得我认为祂不会来了。”愚拙的童女就是这么想的。她们没有储备恩典的油，使自己能经得起试炼和考验。{10MR272.1}[21]
§44
We Are to Be Ever Ready for Christs Coming--We want to understand our proper relation to God: we want to know how we stand in the presence of God. I want you to see that it is not in the providence of God that any finite man shall, by any device or reckoning that he may make of figures, or of symbols, or of types, know with any definiteness in regard to the very period of the Lords coming. What shall we know? We are to study the signs which show that He is at the door. You may say, I have expected it, and I have waited a long time, and the Master has not come yet: and this long time of waiting makes me think that He is not coming. Just so those foolish virgins began to think. They did not have any supply of grace to enable them to stand the test or trial. {10MR 272.1}[21]
§45
是的，这需要时间，上帝知道这一点。祂用时间来考验和证明我们，看看谁真正拥有基督的义。祂要考验我们，看看我们是否能抱着忍耐、等候、警醒、作工的态度来承受。我们可能需要等待，但不是懒惰地期盼，说：“我不愿意种树，因为主快来了。我不愿意从事建造礼拜堂、让人们聚集敬拜上帝的工作，因为主快要来了。”不是的。既然主快要来了，我们就应当更加殷勤地工作，支持和聚集主的羊群，把它们带进羊栏。我们需要学院。为什么？因为我们希望把学生带出世界，摆脱世界的风俗、习惯、迷信和策略，受到教育，明白什么是真理。{10MR272.2}[22]
§46
Yes, it takes time, and God knew it: and He takes time to test us and to prove us, to see who has the real, genuine righteousness of Christ, and He will test us to see if we can bear with patience, waiting and watching, and working as well. We may be waiting, but not in idle expectancy, saying, I will not plant that tree, because the Lord is coming. I will not do this work in building a meetinghouse for the people to assemble to worship God, because the Lord is coming. No: if the Lord is coming, we want to work with the more diligence to uphold and to gather the Lords sheep and to bring them into the fold. We want our colleges. Why?--because we want to bring the students out of the world that they may leave its practices, its customs, its superstitions and its policy: and that they may be educated as to what truth is. {10MR 272.2}[22]
§47
把实际的信仰带进生活是很有意义的。有许多人自称虔诚，可是你无法从他们的着装、外观、谈吐、行为和举止上看出他们与世人有任何区别。{10MR273.1}[23]
§48
It means something to bring practical religion into the life. There are so many who profess godliness, and yet you cannot distinguish by their dress, by their appearance, by their conversation, by their deportment, or by any of their actions, that there is any difference between them and the world. {10MR 273.1}[23]
§49
我们要表显耶稣基督。我们要观察祂的品格和祂克己、忍耐、仁慈、宽容的生活。祂与税吏和罪人同席吃饭，不是为了分享他们的奢侈、娱乐和盛宴，而是为了在坐席的时候散布真理的珍宝，把这些珍宝分出去。从祂口中出来的连珠妙语会留在他们心中。虽然他们可能不会立即接受圣灵的感动，但他们会受到祂话语的影响，最终接受它们。为什么？因为祂始终吸引着他们。（《文稿》1891年9号9、10页，“正确使用才干”，在密歇根州巴特尔克里克的讲道，1891年8月22日）{10MR273.2}[24]
§50
We are to represent Jesus Christ. We are to look at His character, at His life of self-denial, patience, kindness, and forbearance. He ate with publicans and sinners, not that He might partake of their luxuries, or their amusements, or of their feasting, but that He might diffuse the precious gems of truth, and scatter these gems as He was sitting at their table. And those precious jewels of truth which fell from His lips would remain in their hearts. And although they might not yield at once to the influence of the Spirit of God, they would be affected by them and finally yield to them. Why?--because He is drawing them all the time.--Ms. 9, 1891, pp. 9, 10. (Make Proper Use of Talents, sermon preached at Battle Creek, Michigan, August 22, 1891.) {10MR 273.2}[24]
§51
在美国接受教育所花的时间太多了——我劝你不要建议波马尔（一个来自新西兰的毛利族青年，被派往巴特尔克里克接受培训，以便在本族人中开展工作）继续留在巴特尔克里克。要让他到自己的工作园地去，运用所获得的知识，与耶稣基督一同负轭，成为上帝的同工。一个年级一个年级的学习负担不应取代在基督的学校里学习祂的心里柔和谦卑。世界有史以来最伟大的教师说：“我心里柔和谦卑，你们当负我的轭，学我的样式，这样，你们心里就必得享安息”（太11:29）。{10MR273.3}[25]
§52
Spending Too Much Time Getting Educated in the United States--I would counsel you not to advise Pomare [A MAORI STUDENT FROM NEW ZEALAND SENT TO BATTLE CREEK TO GAIN A TRAINING TO WORK AMONG HIS PEOPLE.] to remain in Battle Creek longer. Let him go to his field of labor, to use the knowledge that he has already gained, and in yoking up with Jesus Christ he will become a laborer together with God. The loading down of one man with degree after degree of study will not take the place of learning in the school of Christ His meekness and His lowliness of heart. Learn of Me, said the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls (Matthew 11:29). {10MR 273.3}[25]
§53
有人劝我把霍尔德姐妹送到巴特尔克里克去，由我来支付费用，因为她的灵魂处于危险之中。于是我付了钱，但不知道多少，因为莱西弟兄要参加学习。卡罗姐妹带了波马尔弟兄，花了大笔的钱。我曾答应帮助她支付费用，但没有想到他要花几年时间接受教育，好在他本族的人中间工作。威利目前在新西兰，说他已向伦敦和巴特尔克里克索取汇票，因为要付给卡罗姐妹60英镑，解除她的困境。{10MR274.1}[26]
§54
I was urged to send Sister Houlder to Battle Creek. My purse paid her expenses, for her soul was in peril. Then I have paid, I do not know just how much, for Brother Lacey to go through his studies. Sister Caro has carried Brother Pomare, which has consumed large sums of money. I promised her I would help her bear the burden of expense, not expecting that he was to be kept years in gaining an education to work among his own people. Willie, now in New Zealand, states that he has sent for drafts from London and Battle Creek, for sixty pounds to be paid to Sister Caro to relieve her of embarrassment. {10MR 274.1}[26]
§55
已经寄钱支持林登弟兄上学。他在去美国之前，接受过很好的教育，早就应该在他的园地里工作了。在这个国家里，转账很有意义，因为需要资金推进尚未进入之园地的工作。要用这紧缺的钱，送学生去接受各方面的教育，以帮助我们这里的工作。这样，时间过去了，钱也花了，工作却进展缓慢，因为需要得力的工人进入新区，为基督服务，把真理的亮光传递给将亡的生灵，就是现代考验性的真理。{10MR274.2}[27]
§56
Money has been sent to support Brother Lyndon in school. He had a very good education before he went to America, and should have been in his field of labor long since, and at work. In this country it means much to transfer the means so essential to advance the work in fields that have not been entered, and consume this means, of which there is a dearth, in sending students to be educated in any lines to help us in the work here. And then time is passing and money expended, and the work moving so slowly because of the need of energetic workmen to enter the new fields and practice in the service of Christ in giving to perishing souls the light of truth, present, testing truth. {10MR 274.2}[27]
§57
我们觉得需要更多的帮助，但是区会没有钱支付工人们回到这个国家或者派遣工人的费用。我们不知道该怎么办。对这样的局面我很难过。我现在每周要支付这些工人19美元。他们要维持自己的家庭并提供服务。我如果有资金的话，就能做更多这方面的工作。金额在增加，直到我每周要付5英镑。（《信函》1895年46号2、3页，致J.H.凯洛格，1895年4月15日）{10MR275.1}[28]
§58
We feel the need of more help, but the conference has not money to pay the expenses of laborers to return to this country or to transport laborers. We know not what to do. I am distressed over the situation. I am now paying these workers $19 per week, and they support their families and give their services. I could do more of this work if I had the money to do it with. This sum was increased until I paid five pounds per week.--Letter 46, 1895, pp. 2,3. (To J. H. Kellogg, April 15, 1895.) {10MR 275.1}[28]
§59
澳大利亚的星期日法律——我们正在经历对所有在澳大利亚的人来说十分关键的时代。星期日律法的压力已经和正在临到。业已下令所有的店铺在星期日关门。这条法律正在严厉地实施。政府试图让上帝在宪法里得到承认。我们的信徒正在尽量积极采取行动予以抵制。他们在征集签名进行请愿以达到这个目的。我们能够看到，我们最近三十五年一直在讲的事情——这条法律导致高举星期日，用人的发明取代上帝的圣日——已经发生。在这些问题上，大家都很兴奋。{10MR275.2}[29]
§60
Sunday Laws in Australia--We are having interesting times for all in Australia. The pressure of the Sunday law has come and is coming. It has been ordered that all stores shall be closed on Sunday, and this is being rigidly enforced. The government is trying to have God acknowledged in the constitution. Our people are making just as vigorous a stand as possible that it shall not be. They have been securing names to a petition to this effect. We can see that that which we have been talking about for the last thirty-five years--this law causing the Sunday to be exalted and making human inventions take the place of Gods holy day--is now being fulfilled. There is much excitement now in regard to these matters. {10MR 275.2}[29]
§61
保罗的第二封书信应当结合这些情况来阅读。在保罗的时代上帝的圣徒所遭受的压制和迫害不久会临到当代所有的信徒。（《信函》1897年28号1、2页，致贝尔登弟兄夫妇，1897年7月29日）{10MR275.3}[30]
§62
The second Epistle of Paul should be read in connection with these things. The same work of oppression and persecution which was suffered by the saints of God in Pauls day is soon to come to all who believe in this age.--Letter 28, 1897, pp. 1,2. (To Brother and Sister Belden, July 29, 1897.) {10MR 275.3}[30]
§63
基督复临的推迟是因为对恶人的工作还没有完成——就像洪水以前的日子一样，不知悔悟的人看不到恐惧的理由。他们照旧吃喝嫁娶。大事早就已经预言了，可是时间过去，许多人依旧公然说：“我的主人必来得迟”（太24:48）。时间的推迟是因为对恶人的工作还没有完成。{10MR275.4}[31]
§64
Advent Delayed Because Work Not Done for the Wicked--As in the days that were before the Flood, the impenitent see no cause for alarm. They eat, they drink, they marry and are given in marriage. The event has been long foretold, but time has passed on, and many distinctly say, My Lord delayeth His coming. It is because the work has not been done for the wicked that time delays. {10MR 275.4}[31]
§65
上帝的长久忍耐是奇妙的。主受到了无礼的对待，对祂所赐的福气，人们不知感恩。世界疯狂了。世人没有想到上帝对恶人的长久忍耐是祂伟大计划的一部分。审判必然会临到。长久忍耐的上帝必做祂的工。祂必会公正而准确地进行辨别。（《文稿》1898年151号第6页，“昆士兰帐篷大会笔记，1898年11月2日抄录）{10MR276.1}[32]
§66
Gods long forbearance is wonderful. The Master is treated with disrespect, He receives but little thanksgiving for His bestowment of blessings. The world is mad. They do not consider that His long forbearance toward the wicked is a part of His great plan, that judgments will surely come. But the long-suffering God will do His work. He will discriminate with justice and accuracy.--Ms. 151, 1898, p. 6. (Notes of the Queensland Camp Meeting, copied November 2, 1898.) {10MR 276.1}[32]
§67
可能还得留在这里更多的年份——昨天收到了你从芝加哥的来信。我很难过会发生这种局面。但你为什么如此没有信心呢？感谢上帝不让你有很多的学生，因为你还没有作好接受大批学生的准备。你和萨瑟兰弟兄做得很勇敢，很好。为什么你们担心你们宝贵救主的手臂不会拥抱你们呢？天国的银行倒闭了吗？你们的资金透支了吗？躺在约瑟新坟墓里的难道不是世上的光基督吗？我们难道没有读到：“凡靠着祂进到上帝面前的人，祂都能拯救到底。因为祂是长远活着，替他们祈求”（来7:25）吗？不要看任何令人沮丧的表现，因为我们有一位永活的基督，凡靠祂进到上帝面前的人，祂都能拯救到底。天国的银行并没有倒闭。你还没有透支。……{10MR276.2}[33]
§68
May Have to Remain Here Many More Years--Your letter from Chicago received yesterday. I am very sorry that circumstances have taken the shape that they have, but why are you so faithless? Thank the Lord that you have few students, because you are not prepared for a large number. Brother Sutherland and yourself have done bravely and well, and why will you worry yourself out of the arms of your precious Saviour? Has the bank of heaven failed? Have you overdrawn the resources? Is Christ, the Light of the world, in Josephs new tomb? Do we not read, Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by Him, seeing that He ever liveth to make intercession for them (Hebrews 7:25)? Now look away from every discouraging presentation, because we have a living Christ to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him. The bank of heaven has not failed: you have not overdrawn. . . . {10MR 276.2}[33]
§69
关于学校，你似乎认为，植物在深深扎根好进行这项伟大的工作之前，就要结出满满的鲜花、百合、玫瑰和石竹。你必须从小规模开始，不要以为你能全力以赴地按照先进的标准建立一所学校，引进高等学科；在有足够的学生保证你所采取的步骤之前，你不要担心主要教员或一般教员的问题。不要让人的骄傲损害你的记录。你难道不明白上帝能看见和熟知有利和不利的表现吗？主难道不会监督自己的工作吗？我的弟兄们，你们可能认为，必须由你们来做所有的设计、强化和组织工作。我问你们，表现出你们对上帝的信心难道不是最好吗？视上帝为我们的管理者和指导者难道不是最好吗？你不要担心发展得太快。天意的手正在操纵着机器。那只手一旦启动了轮子，一切事情都会开展起来。{10MR277.1}[34]
§70
Now in regard to the school, you seem to think that the plant is to put forth full bloom, lilies, roses, and pinks before the root is fully set deep to do this grand work. You must begin small, and not think that you can show all strength in establishing a school after an advanced order, taking in higher studies, and do not worry about leading teachers or under teachers before you have sufficient students to warrant the steps you take. Let not human pride hurt your record. Do not you suppose the Lord sees and is acquainted with the favorable and unfavorable presentations? Has not the Lord an oversight over His own work? You may suppose, my brethren, that you have to do all the devising, all the strengthening, and all the organizing, and I ask you, Is it not best to show that you have confidence in God? Is it not best to consider that our God is manager--that He is director? You must not be anxious to develop too fast. The hand of providence is holding the machinery. When that hand starts the wheel then all things will begin to move. {10MR 277.1}[34]
§71
有限的人类怎么担当得起时代的责任重担呢？祂的子民已经大大落后了。在上帝的规划下，人会发现一些失败之处，因为拥有大光的人不具备相应的虔诚、圣洁和热情，来实现上帝的特别计划。他们陷入不利之中；若是他们实行上帝的计划和旨意，他们在推进真理上本来是会取得成就的。人无法跨越一直不随从神圣领袖的工人们所造成的鸿沟。{10MR277.2}[35]
§72
How can finite man carry the burdens of responsibility for this time? His people have been far behind. Human agencies under the divine planning may recover something of what is lost because the people who had great light did not have corresponding piety, sanctification, and zeal in working out Gods specified plans. They have lost to their own disadvantage what they might have gained to the advancement of the truth if they had carried out the plans and will of God. Man cannot possibly stretch over that gulf that has been made by the workers who have not been following the divine Leader. {10MR 277.2}[35]
§73
我们可能由于不顺从，还得留在这个世界上许多年，像以色列民那样。可是为了基督的缘故，祂的子民不应该把自己错误行动的后果归咎于上帝而罪上加罪。自称相信上帝圣言的人有没有学到听命胜于献祭的功课呢（撒上15:22）？“世人哪，耶和华已指示你何为善。祂向你所要的是什么呢？只要你行公义，好怜悯，存谦卑的心，与你的上帝同行”（弥6:8）。{10MR277.3}[36]
§74
We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as did the children of Israel, but for Christs sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action. Now, have men who claim to believe the Word of God learned their lesson that obedience is better than sacrifice? He hath showed thee (this rebellious people), O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Micah 6:8). {10MR 277.3}[36]
§75
主并不喜欢祂所任命从事某项工作的人接手多项工作来做，直到筋疲力尽。你和其他人都无法医治因疏忽高举上帝的旗帜、占领新区域而对祂的子民所造成的伤害。各教会现在应该本着自己的力量，用才能、才干和财力开展工作，达到更高更宽的容量，以战无不胜的真理的能力，站立在世人面前。{10MR278.1}[37]
§76
Now the Lord will not be pleased with those men whom He hath appointed to do a certain work, to take on many lines of work and carry them until they become so wearisome that it breaks their strength. You, nor any other agency, cannot heal the hurt that has come to Gods people by neglect to lift up His standard and occupy new territory. The churches should now be acting in their strength, with capabilities, talents, and means, carrying the work, reaching higher and broader in capacity to stand before the world in the power of invincible truth. {10MR 278.1}[37]
§77
然而如果所有的人都认识到并承认悔改自己离开上帝的真理、随从世人计划的行为，主就会宽恕他们。警告一直在临到，却没有受到重视。如今一些设法跨越那条严重得罪上帝之鸿沟的人应当放慢脚步，否则旗手倒下了。谁来接他们的班呢？{10MR278.2}[38]
§78
But if all now would only see and confess and repent of their own course of action in departing from the truth of God, and following human devising, then the Lord would pardon. Warnings have been coming, but they have been unheeded. But a few who may now seek to bridge the gulf that stands so offensively before God must make haste slowly, else the standard bearers will fail, and who will take their place? {10MR 278.2}[38]
§79
我的弟兄：我为你和你的家庭深感难过。我不是责备你的热忱，因为如果别人照他们本应该做的分担了你的担子，圣工原会大大地推进。但是现在你必须离开，休息一段时间。不必挂虑你的工资问题。上帝不会让你、你的妻子和孩子得不到帮助和安慰。要在主里壮胆，完全信任祂。让主来担学校的担子。你不要承担过多只会完成有限的人能做之工的担子。你若完全信靠上帝，就会看到在你经历的每一段中，都有一位行在你面前预备道路。{10MR278.3}[39]
§80
Now, my brother, I am deeply sorry for you and your family. I reproach thee not for thy zeal, for if others had shared thy burdens as they should have done, the work would have been far advanced. But now, just now, you must come apart and rest awhile. Be not concerned in regard to your wages. God will not leave you without some help and comfort for yourself, your wife, and little ones. Be of good courage in the Lord. Trust Him fully. Let the Lord carry the burden of the school. You are not to become loaded down with burdens that will accomplish only the work that finite man can do. When you put your trust wholly in God, then you will see in every passage of your experience One going before you preparing the way. {10MR 278.3}[39]
§81
我无法告诉你应该做什么，但我能告诉你不要做什么。不要忧虑，不要不信，不要以为植物一旦栽进新的土壤，就马上能发展成一所完美的学校。要记住栽种和成熟都是需要时间的。你只要坚守已经拥有的每一寸土地。（《信函》1901年184号1-6页，1901年12月7日写于马萨诸赛州南兰开斯特，致P.T.马根教授，在他致力于创办密歇根州贝林斯普林斯学院的最初岁月里）{10MR279.1}[40]
§82
I cannot tell you what you should do, but I can tell you what not to do: Do not worry, be not unbelieving, and do not think that you can blossom into a perfect school at its very planting on new soil. You must remember that it takes time to plant, and to perfect that plant. You just hold fast every inch you have.--Letter 184, 1901, pp. 1-6. (To Prof. P. T. Magan during the early months of his endeavor to establish the college at Berrien Springs, Mich. Written at South Lancaster, Mass., December 7, 1901.) {10MR 279.1}[40]
§83
怀爱伦如何面对将来和基督的来临——主就要降临了，我必须预备妥当，安然迎见祂。我确信世界上即将进行最后的大斗争。我决心竭尽自己的能力，将光分与我四周的人。我不要忧愁，而要欢喜快乐，并且时常保持主耶稣在我面前。祂即将复临了，我们必须预备妥当，等候祂的显现。啊！得以亲眼看见祂，并以因祂的功劳而得蒙救赎的身份受祂的欢迎，那该是何等地光荣啊！我们虽然等待已久，但我们的信心却不要变得软弱。我们看见时兆应验的时候，应当更加坚强。末日近了，我们要全力以赴，准备从这所低级学校上升到天上的学校里去。（《信函》1903年94号第1页，致露辛达·霍尔，1903年5月21日）{10MR279.2}[41]
§84
How E. G. White Faced the Future and Christs Coming--The Lord is soon to come, and I must be prepared to meet Him in peace. I am sure that the world is ripening for the last great conflict. I am determined to do all in my power to impart light to those around me. I am not to be sad, but cheerful, and I am to keep the Lord Jesus ever before me. He is coming soon, and we must be ready and waiting for His appearing. O how glorious it will be to see Him and be saved through His merits. Long we have waited, but our faith is not to become weak. It is to grow stronger as we see the signs of the times fulfilling. The end is near and we are to put all our energies into the work of preparing to move from this lower school to the school above.--Letter 94, 1903, p. 1. (To Lucinda Hall, May 21, 1903.) {10MR 279.2}[41]
§85
早期的复临信徒如何看待基督复临的耽延——第四条诫命焕发出亮光来。上帝正在打开许多人的悟性，让他们看到自己一直在违犯主的安息日。“上帝天上的殿开了，在祂殿中现出祂的约柜”（启11:9），可以说，是在引起人们关注施恩座下面的上帝律法。施恩座旁的天使恭敬地注视着那律法。上帝已委托我们保管祂的律法。我们造就与上帝的律法和谐的品格，有着何等的责任！我们离主显现的严肃大事越来越近了。“凡向祂有这指望的，就洁净自己，像祂洁净一样”（约壹3:3）。{10MR280.1}[42]
§86
How Early Advent Believers Reacted to the Delay in Christs Coming--The light is shining forth upon the fourth commandment; God is opening the understanding of many to see that they have been breaking the Lords Sabbath. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament (Revelation 11:9), calling, as it were, the attention of the people to the law of God covered by the mercy seat; and the angels are represented as all looking reverentially into that law. God has made us the repositories of His law. What a responsibility is ours to form characters in harmony with the law of God! We are drawing nearer and still nearer the solemn event of our Lords appearing, And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as He is pure (1 John 3:3). {10MR 280.1}[42]
§87
在聚会中有一种自由的气氛；所作的见证似乎正确而有生机。宝贵的恩赐已经赐给人。我们必须予以善用而不是滥用。我们如果聪明地予以利用，就会改善我们所影响的人，并充实自己道德的力量，使我们成为明灯，照亮黑暗之中的人。……{10MR280.2}[43]
§88
There has been a spirit of freedom in the meetings; the testimonies borne seemed to be spirited and had the right ring. Precious gifts have been entrusted to men. We may improve or abuse them. If we will wisely improve them we may make those within the sphere of our influence better and we will be enriching ourselves with moral power to be a light to others who are in darkness. . . . {10MR 280.2}[43]
§89
这是你父亲（怀雅各）早年工作的场面。许多人提到那时从他的口中第一次听到基督快来的信息。他们很感兴趣，尽管他们还只是孩子。留在他们心中的印象挥之不去，因为他们受到深深的感动。他们的心为伴随着信息的上帝之灵所感染。{10MR280.3}[44]
§90
This is the scene of your fathers [James Whites] earlier labors. Quite a number refer to that time when they first heard the message of Christs near coming from his lips. They were deeply interested, although they were but children. The impression has never left them, for they were then convicted and their hearts imbued by the Spirit of God which accompanied the message. {10MR 280.3}[44]
§91
现在他们已经人到中年，对教义有了更深的理解，在现代真理上有了更坚实和丰富的经验。他们眉飞色舞地讲述他们的盼望和信仰，仰望和催促人子驾天云带着能力和大荣耀来临。承载着严肃警告的第三位天使信息把他们的心引向曾经深深感动他们的神圣真理。耶和华本为善。对祂的子民来说，祂非常宝贵。（《信函》1875年31号3、4页，写于缅因州里士满，致W.C.怀特，1875年9月3日）{10MR281.1}[45]
§92
Now they are in middle age and understand more fully the doctrine and have a more firm and rich experience in present truth. They speak of their hopes and faith with animated countenance, looking forward and hastening unto the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. The message of the third angel sounding in solemn warning calls their minds to the sacred truths which once affected their hearts so sensibly. The Lord is good. He is very precious to His people.--Letter 31, 1875, pp. 3,4. (Written from Richmond, Maine, to W. C. White, September 3, 1875.) {10MR 281.1}[45]
§93
对主的来临没有抱着应有急迫感的危险——我看到不久以前，J姐妹怀着叛逆的精神，任性顽固；她不愿意放弃自己的意志，意志成了她的偶像，若不赶紧牺牲，就会把她关在天国门外。我看到她对主的来临没有抱着应有的急迫感，她的心不应放在（纽约州的）罗彻斯特，而应完全投入上帝的圣工；她应该寻找机会帮助她的丈夫，托住他的手，只要有机会就作工。（《文稿》1867年第3号第1页，致一位著名的工人夫妇，约于1867年）怀爱伦著作托管委员会1980年9月10日发布于华盛顿{10MR281.2}[46]
§94
Danger of Not Bringing the Lords Coming as Near as One Should-I saw that for some time past, Sister J has had a rebellious spirit, has been self-willed; that her will had not yet been broken; that that will was her idol, and that that idol would shut her out of heaven unless speedily sacrificed. I saw that she did not bring the coming of the Lord as near as she should, and that her mind, instead of being at Rochester, [New York], should be all swallowed up in the work of God, and she should be seeking opportunities to help her husband, to hold up his hands, and to labor wherever there was an opportunity.--Ms. 3, 1867, p. 1. (To a prominent worker and his wife, circa 1867.) White Estate Washington, D. C. September 10, 1980 {10MR 281.2}[46]