第53章 最后的危机
§1
第53章 最后的危机The Last Crisis
§2
我们现今正处于末世，种种迅速应验的时兆都证明基督的再来已近在眼前了。我们所处的时代实在是十分严肃，十分重要的。上帝的灵确实已渐渐地从地上收回。灾难和审判也已经临到藐视上帝恩典的人。地上的祸患，海里的灾难，社会的动荡，战争的风云，都是预兆，预示将有重大的事件将要发生了。{3TT 280.1}[1]
§3
We are living in the time of the end. The fast-fulfilling signs of the times declare that the coming of Christ is near at hand. The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude.?{3TT 280.1}[1]
§4
罪恶的各种权势，正在纠集力量以巩固阵线，预备应付最后的危机。世界上将要发生重大的变动，而且最后的几幕将是非常迅速。{3TT 280.2}[2]
§5
The agencies of evil are combining their forces and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.?{3TT 280.2}[2]
§6
当今世界各方面的情形，显明艰难的时候快临到我们了。每天新闻纸上所载的许多事情，无非是证明不久将有可怕的争斗发生。大胆的掠夺时有所闻。罢工风潮，盗劫，凶杀等事，屡见不鲜。人们受了恶魔的支配，杀人夺命，甚至屠杀妇孺；并且沉溺于罪恶之中，无所不为，以致各种罪恶的流行，日甚一日。{3TT 280.3}[3]
§7
The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species of evil prevails.?{3TT 280.3}[3]
§8
仇敌在颠倒公义及使人类心中充满私利的欲望上，已经获得了成功，以致“公义站在远处；诚实在街上仆倒，正直也不得进入”（赛59:14）。在大城市之中，一方面有许多可怜无靠的穷人，连衣食住也几乎没有着落；但是在同一座城市中，也有一班锦衣玉食，穷奢极侈之辈，将其所有的金钱消耗在华贵的邸厦和自身的服饰上，或是更进一步，就是虚掷在放纵肉欲，沉湎烟酒，以及其他足以毁伤脑力，紊乱神经，与降低灵性的事物之中，那些穷困之人所发的呼声，已经达到上帝面前，而人们却仍在借着种种压迫勒索的手段，大肆聚敛钱财。?{3TT 280.4}[4]
§9
The enemy has succeeded in perverting justice and in filling men’s hearts with the desire for selfish gain. “Justice standeth afar off: for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter.”?Isaiah 59:14. In the great cities there are multitudes living in poverty and wretchedness, well-nigh destitute of food, shelter, and clothing; while in the same cities are those who have more than heart could wish, who live?luxuriously, spending their money on richly furnished houses, on personal adornment, or worse still, upon the gratification of sensual appetites, upon liquor, tobacco, and other things that destroy the powers of the brain, unbalance the mind, and debase the soul. The cries of starving humanity are coming up before God, while by every species of oppression and extortion men are piling up colossal fortunes.?{3TT 280.4}[4]
§10
【毁灭的场面】
§11
有一次在纽约市，我在夜间异像中见有许多摩天大厦，层层相叠，高耸入云。这些房子都有防火设施。建筑者和屋主造这房屋的宗旨，乃是要荣耀自己。。这些房屋愈造愈高，用了许多最贵重的材料。不过业主们的心里却没有自问：“我们能用什么最好的方法荣耀上帝呢？”因为他们一切所想的，都以为没有上帝。{3TT 281.1}[5]
§12
【A Scene of Destruction】
§13
On one occasion, when in New York City, I was in the night season called upon to behold buildings rising story after story toward heaven. These buildings were warranted to be fireproof, and they were erected to glorify their owners and builders. Higher and still higher these buildings rose, and in them the most costly material was used. Those to whom these buildings belonged were not asking themselves: “How can we best glorify God?” The Lord was not in their thoughts.?{3TT 281.1}[5]
§14
我心里想到：“唉，但愿凡如此使用钱财的人，能象上帝一样看出他们的行动才好。他们虽然建造高楼大厦，但是在宇宙的主眼中看来，他们的打算和计划该是何等的愚蠢！他们并非在尽心竭力地研究如何荣耀上帝，而竟忘了这是人类首要的本分。”{3TT 281.2}[6]
§15
I thought: “Oh, that those who are thus investing their means could see their course as God sees it! They are piling up magnificent buildings, but how foolish in the sight of the Ruler of the universe is their planning and devising. They are not studying with all the powers of heart and mind how they may glorify God. They have lost sight of this, the first duty of man.”?{3TT 281.2}[6]
§16
当这些矗立的大厦造成时，业主们就都傲然自视，十分得意，觉得拥有金钱可用以满足一己的欲望，并引起邻人的妒羡。他们所用的金钱大半是以勒索的手段从贫民身上压榨出来的。他们忘了天上对于人类的每一项事务处理都有记载；凡是不公平的事情和欺诈的行为，无不一一记下。时候将到，这些诡诈傲慢的人，必走到一个上帝再不能容忍他们的地步，那时他们才会知道，耶和华的宽容也是有限度的。.{3TT 281.3}[7]
§17
As these lofty buildings went up, the owners rejoiced with ambitious pride that they had money to use in gratifying self and provoking the envy of their neighbors. Much of the money that they thus invested had been obtained through exaction, through grinding down the poor. They forgot that in heaven an account of every business transaction is kept; every unjust deal, every fraudulent act, is there recorded. The time is coming when in their fraud and insolence men will reach a point that the Lord will not permit them to pass, and they will learn that there is a limit to the forbearance of Jehovah.?{3TT 281.3}[7]
§18
此后，我忽然听见失火的警报。人们望着这些想来能防火的大厦说：“不要紧，这些房子是绝对不会有危险的。”岂知这些房子却完全被火烧净，好像是松脂做的一样。消防车不能扑灭火势，消防队也无济于事。{3TT 282.1}[8]
§19
The scene that next passed before me was an alarm of fire. Men looked at the lofty and supposedly fireproof buildings and said: “They are perfectly safe.” But these buildings were consumed as if made of pitch. The fire engines could do nothing to stay the destruction. The firemen were unable to operate the engines.?{3TT 282.1}[8]
§20
我蒙指示，知道人们骄傲好大的心若不改变过来，及至主的时期一到，他们就要晓得那有力量施行拯救的手，也有力量施行毁灭，世界上没有什么能力可以阻止上帝的手。到了上帝所预定的时期，衪就要照着世人对衪律法的蔑视和自私的野心而施以报应，那时世上没有什么材料可以造成上帝所不能毁灭的建筑物。{3TT 282.2}[9]
§21
I am instructed that when the Lord’s time comes, should no change have taken place in the hearts of proud, ambitious human beings, men will find that the hand that had been strong to save will be strong to destroy. No earthly power can stay the hand of God. No material can be used in the erection of buildings that will preserve them from destruction when God’s appointed time comes to send retribution on men for their disregard of His law and for their selfish ambition.?{3TT 282.2}[9]
§22
【不明白真正的原因】
§23
世界上的人，就连教育家和政治家，也没有几个能明白现在社会之所以呈此景象的原因。执政的人也无法解决目前道德败坏，罪行增多，以及饥饿穷困等问题。他们虽极力要想出一种更可靠的基础来处理人类的事业，但这种计划等于泡影。如果人对于上帝的话和教训多加留意，就必寻得解决这些困惑人的难题的办法来。{3TT 282.3}[10]
§24
【True Causes Not Understood】
§25
There are not many, even among educators and statesmen, who comprehend the causes that underlie the present state of society. Those who hold the reins of government are not able to solve the problem of moral corruption, poverty, pauperism, and increasing crime. They are struggling in vain to place business operations on a more secure basis. If men would give more heed to the teaching of God’s word, they would find a solution of the problems that perplex them.?{3TT 282.3}[10]
§26
圣经描述基督复临以前世上所有的情况。论到人借着强取豪夺的手段以攫致大富，经上记着说：“你们在这末世只知积攒钱财。工人给你们收割庄稼，你们亏欠他们的工钱，这工钱有声音呼叫；并且那收割之人的冤声已经入了万军之主的耳了。你们在世上享美福，好宴乐，当宰杀的日子竟娇养你们的心。你们定了义人的罪，把他杀害，他也不抵挡你们”（雅5:3-6）。{3TT 282.4}[11]
§27
The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ’s second coming. Of the men who by robbery and extortion are amassing great riches, it is written: “Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doeth not resist you.”?James 5:3-6.?{3TT 282.4}[11]
§28
但是有谁明白各种迅速应验之时兆所给的警告呢？一般世俗的人受了什么感动呢？他们的态度显出了什么改变呢？唉！没有什么改变，正与挪亚时代的人无异。洪水以前的人因为专顾世事和宴乐，以致“不知不觉洪水来了，把他们全都冲去”（太24:39）。他们虽然有天赐的警告，却不肯听。照样，今日的世界也全然不顾上帝的声音，正奔向那永远灭亡的路上去了。{3TT 283.1}[12]
§29
But who reads the warnings given by the fast-fulfilling signs of the times? What impression is made upon worldlings? What change is seen in their attitude? No more than was seen in the attitude of the inhabitants of the Noachian world. Absorbed in worldly business and pleasure, the antediluvians “knew not until the Flood came, and took them all away.”?Matthew 24:39. They had heaven-sent warnings, but they refused to listen. And today the world, utterly regardless of the warning voice of God, is hurrying on to eternal ruin.?{3TT 283.1}[12]
§30
【耶和华的日子临近】
§31
战争的精神激动了世界。《但以理书》第十一章的预言，几乎全都应验了。预言所论到的种种艰难情形，不久就要实现了。{3TT 283.2}[13]
§32
【The Day of the Lord At Hand】
§33
The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place.?{3TT 283.2}[13]
§34
“看哪，耶和华使地空虚，变为荒凉；又翻转大地，将居民分散。……因为他们犯了律法，废了律例，背了永约。所以地被咒诅吞灭，住在其上的显为有罪。……击鼓之乐止息，宴乐人的声音完毕，弹琴之乐也止息了”（赛24:1-8）。{3TT 283.3}[14]
§35
“Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. ... Because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate. ... The mirth of tabrets ceaseth, the noise of them that rejoice endeth, the joy of the harp ceaseth.”?Isaiah 24:1-8.?{3TT 283.3}[14]
§36
“哀哉，耶和华的日子临近了！这日来到，好像毁灭从全能者来到。……谷种在土块下朽烂，仓也荒凉，廪也破坏，因为五谷枯干了。牲畜哀鸣，牛群混乱，因为无草；羊群也受了困苦。”“葡萄树枯干，无花果树衰残、石榴树、棕树、苹果树连田野一切的树木也都枯干；众人的喜乐尽都消灭”（珥1:15-18，12）。{3TT 283.4}[15]
§37
“Alas for the day! for the day of the Lord is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come. ... The seed is rotten under their clods, the garners are laid desolate, the barns are broken down; for the corn is withered. How do the beasts groan! the herds of cattle are perplexed, because they have no pasture; yea, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.” “The vine is dried up, and the fig tree languisheth; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all the trees of the field, are withered: because joy is withered away from the sons of men.”?Joel 1:15-18, 12.?{3TT 283.4}[15]
§38
“我心疼痛！……我不能静默不言，因为我已经听见角声和打仗的喊声。毁坏的信息连络不绝，因为全地荒废”（耶4:19，20）。?{3TT 283.5}[16]
§39
“I am pained at my very heart; ... I cannot hold my peace, because thou hast heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet,?the alarm of war. Destruction upon destruction is cried; for the whole land is spoiled.”?Jeremiah 4:19, 20.?{3TT 283.5}[16]
§40
“我观看地，不料，地是空虚混沌；我观看天，天也无光。我观看大山，不料，尽都震动，小山也都摇来摇去。我观看，不料，无人，空中的飞鸟也都躲避。我观看，不料，肥田变为荒地，一切城邑……都被拆毁”（耶4:23-26）。{3TT 284.1}[17]
§41
“I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down.”?Verses 23-26.?{3TT 284.1}[17]
§42
“哀哉！那日为大，无日可比，这是雅各遭难的时候，但他必被救出来”（耶30:7）。.{3TT 284.2}[18]
§43
“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.”?Jeremiah 30:7.?{3TT 284.2}[18]
§44
【少数忠心的人】
§45
并非全世界的人，都站在仇敌的那一边来反抗上帝，也不都变成了不忠顺的。还有少数忠心顺从上帝的人，因约翰写道：“他们是守上帝诫命和耶稣真道的”（启14:12）。那侍奉上帝和不侍奉上帝的两派人之间的战争，不久就要转趋剧烈。凡能被震动的东西，不久都要被震动，“使那不被震动的长存”（来12:27）。{3TT 284.3}[19]
§46
【A Faithful Few】
§47
Not all in this world have taken sides with the enemy against God. Not all have become disloyal. There are a faithful few who are true to God; for John writes: “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”?Revelation 14:12. Soon the battle will be waged fiercely between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Soon everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain.?{3TT 284.3}[19]
§48
撒但也是殷勤研究圣经的学者。他知道自己的时候不多，因此便尽心竭力，企图在各方面阻挠上帝在地上的工作。当天上的荣光与昔日的逼迫的再现混合在一起的时候，那生活在地上的上帝子民之经验，真是无法形容的。他们必在上帝宝座而来的光中行走。天与地也要借着天使的来往，持续相通。撒但也要在许多恶使者的拥戴中，冒充上帝，并且施行各种的神迹奇事，倘若能行，连选民也要迷惑了。所以上帝的百姓靠行神迹奇事是不足以站立得稳的，因为撒但也会模仿他们所行的神迹奇事。不过凡是受过试炼的上帝百姓，都可以从出31：12-18所载的证据上得着能力。他们要以“经上记着说”这一句活泼的话为根据，因为只有这一句话才是安全立身的根基。凡破坏与上帝所立之约的人，那时就必成为没有上帝，没有指望的了。{3TT 284.4}[20]
§49
Satan is a diligent Bible student. He knows that his time is short, and he seeks at every point to counterwork the work of the Lord upon this earth. It is impossible to give any idea of the experience of the people of God who shall be alive upon the earth when celestial glory and a repetition of the persecutions of the past are blended. They will walk in the light proceeding from the throne of God. By means of the angels there will be constant communication between heaven and earth. And Satan, surrounded by evil angels, and claiming to be God, will work miracles of all kinds, to deceive, if possible, the very elect. God’s people will not find their safety in working miracles, for Satan will counterfeit the miracles that will be wrought. God’s tried and tested people will find their?power in the sign spoken of in?Exodus 31:12-18. They are to take their stand on the living word: “It is written.” This is the only foundation upon which they can stand securely. Those who have broken their covenant with God will in that day be without God and without hope.?{3TT 284.4}[20]
§50
敬拜上帝的人可以从他们对第四条诫命的尊重上特别区分出来，因为这是上帝创造权的记号，同时也是人类对上帝当尽的顺服和尊敬之明证。恶人也必从他们力谋推翻创造者的记念日，并高举罗马教的制度上被分别出来。在争执之中，一切基督教徒必分成二大队：一队是遵守上帝诫命和耶稣真道的，另一队是敬拜兽和兽像并受他印记的。虽然教会要与政府联合起来，用强权威迫，使世人“无论大小贫富、自主的、为奴的，”（启13:16）都受兽的印记，但是上帝的子民总不受这印记的，拔摩海岛的先知曾看见过“那些胜了兽和兽的像，并它名字数目的人，都站在玻璃海上，拿着上帝的琴，”唱着摩西和羔羊的歌（启15:2）。{3TT 285.1}[21]
§51
The worshipers of God will be especially distinguished by their regard for the fourth commandment, since this is the sign of God’s creative power and the witness to His claim upon man’s reverence and homage. The wicked will be distinguished by their efforts to tear down the Creator’s memorial and to exalt the institution of Rome. In the issue of the conflict all Christendom will be divided into two great classes, those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark. Although church and state will unite their power to compel all, “both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond,” to receive the mark of the beast, yet the people of God will not receive it.?Revelation 13:16. The prophet of Patmos beholds “them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God,” and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.?Revelation 15:2.?{3TT 285.1}[21]
§52
可怕的试炼和艰难正等待着上帝的子民。好战的精神正在激动全世界的各个国家。但在那将要临到的艰难时期之中──从有国以来直到此时，没有这样的──上帝的选民仍必屹立不动。撒但和他的使者决不能伤害他们，因为有大能的天使要保护他们。（9T.11-17.1909年）{3TT 285.2}[22]
§53
Fearful tests and trials await the people of God. The spirit of war is stirring the nations from one end of the earth to the other. But in the midst of the time of trouble that is coming,—a time of trouble such as has not been since there was a nation,—God’s chosen people will stand unmoved. Satan and his host cannot destroy them, for angels that excel in strength will protect them.?{3TT 285.2}[22]
§54
上帝的惩罚——主正在从地上撤除衪的约束，不久就必有死亡和毁灭，与日俱增的罪行，以及对那曾经高抬自己压迫穷人的富户，施以强暴残恶的行为发生。凡没有上帝保护的人，在任何处所，任何地位，都必找不到安全的保障。有人正在受着训练，并在运用其发明的能力，操纵那最强有力的机械来从事伤人害命的事。（8T.50.1904年）?{3TT 285.3}[23]
§55
The Judgments of God. The Lord is removing His restrictions from the earth, and soon there will be death and destruction, increasing crime, and cruel, evil working against?the rich who have exalted themselves against the poor. Those who are without God’s protection will find no safety in any place or position. Human agents are being trained and are using their inventive power to put in operation the most powerful machinery to wound and to kill.—1904,?Testimonies for the Church 8:50.?{3TT 285.3}[23]
§56
不久各国之间就要发生严重的纠纷——直到耶稣再来不会停息的纠纷。我们需要空前地团结在一起，侍奉那位“在天上立定宝座，祂的权柄统管万有”（诗103:19）的主。上帝并没有弃绝祂的子民，我们的能力在于不离弃祂。{3TT 286.1}[24]
§57
Soon grievous troubles will arise among the nations,—trouble that will not cease until Jesus comes. As never before, we need to press together, serving Him who has prepared His throne in the heavens, and whose kingdom ruleth over all. God has not forsaken His people, and our strength lies in not forsaking Him.?{3TT 286.1}[24]
§58
上帝的刑罚正降在地上。打仗和打仗的风声，火灾与水灾的破坏，都清楚地说明艰难时期——直到末时的艰难时期，已经临近了。（《评论与通讯》1904.11.24）?{3TT 286.2}[25]
§59
The judgments of God are in the land. The wars and rumors of wars, the destruction by fire and flood, say clearly that the time of trouble, which is to increase until the end, is very near at hand.—The Review and Herald, November 24, 1904.?{3TT 286.2}[25]
§60
被拣选的族类——上帝对衪的子民说：“你们务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别，不要沾不洁净的物，我就收纳你们。我要作你们的父，你们要作我的儿女。”“你们是被拣选的族类，是有君尊的祭司，是圣洁的国度，是属上帝的子民，要叫你们宣扬那召你们出黑暗、入奇妙光明者的美德”（林后6:17，18；彼前2:9）。上帝的百姓必须与世人分别，成为全心全意专一侍奉上帝的族类，不求自己的尊荣，并且要记住自己曾与上帝立了严肃的约，作上帝的仆人，单独侍奉衪。{3TT 286.3}[26]
§61
A Chosen Generation. God’s word to His people is: “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ... and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters.” “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”?2 Corinthians 6:17, 18;?1 Peter 2:9. God’s people are to be distinguished as a people who serve Him fully, wholeheartedly, taking no honor to themselves, and remembering that by a most solemn covenant they have bound themselves to serve the Lord and Him only.?{3TT 286.3}[26]
§62
“耶和华晓谕摩西说：你要吩咐以色列人说，你们务要守我的安息日，因为这是你我之间世世代代的证据，使你们知道我耶和华是叫你们成为圣的。所以你们要守安息日，以为圣日。凡干犯这日的，必要把他治死；凡在这日作工的，必从民中剪除。六日要作工，但第七日是安息圣日，是向耶和华守为圣的；凡在安息日作工的，必要把他治死。故此，以色列人要世世代代守安息日为永远的约。这是我和以色列人永远的证据，因为六日之内耶和华造天地，第七日便安息舒畅”（出31:12-17）。?{3TT 286.4}[27]
§63
“The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily My Sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations: that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth?sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: everyone that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord: whosoever doeth any work in the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested, and was refreshed.”?Exodus 31:12-17.?{3TT 286.4}[27]
§64
以上的话岂不是指出我们乃是上帝所命名的子民吗？不是明说我们应该永久珍爱我们教会所赋有的庄严特质吗？从前的以色列人要世世代代守安息日为“永远的约”。安息日毫未失去它的意义；现在仍是上帝和衪子民之间的证据，且必永远如此。（9T17，18.1909年）{3TT 287.1}[28]
§65
Do not these words point us out as God’s denominated people? and do they not declare to us that so long as time shall last, we are to cherish the sacred, denominational distinction placed upon us? The children of Israel were to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations “for a perpetual covenant.” The Sabbath has lost none of its meaning. It is still the sign between God and His people, and it will be so forever.—1909,?Testimonies for the Church 9:17, 18.?{3TT 287.1}[28]