第17章 访问马萨诸塞州和新罕布什尔..
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第17章 访问马萨诸塞州和新罕布什尔..
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Chap. 17—Visit to Mass. and N. H
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一天早上，当我们在豪兰弟兄家里举行家庭礼拜时，我蒙指示，得悉我们有责任要到马萨诸塞州达特默斯去。过不久我丈夫到邮局去，带来一封柯林斯弟兄寄来的信，促请我们到达特默斯去，因为他们的儿子病势严重。我们立时前往，发现柯林斯弟兄十三岁的儿子患百日咳已有九个星期了，他这时身体虚弱，骨瘦如柴。他突然发作的一阵阵的咳嗽会使他喘不过气，他父亲不得不抱着他冲到门口，好让他能恢复呼吸。{2SG 108.2}[1]
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One morning at family prayer, at Bro. Howland’s, I was shown that it was duty for us to go to Dartmouth, Mass. Soon after, my husband went to the post-office and brought a letter from Bro. Collins, urging us to come to Dartmouth, for their son was very sick. We immediately went, and found Bro. Collins’ son, thirteen years old, had been sick nine weeks with the whooping cough, and was wasted almost to a skeleton. He had fits of coughing?which would stop his breath, and his father was obliged to rush to the door with him in his arms that he might regain his breath.?{2SG 108.2}[1]
§5
他的父母以为他是患了肺结核症，并且一想到自己必须丧失独生子，他们就痛苦非常。我们感到一种为他祷告的精神，便恳切求主挽救他的生命。虽然看上去他不可能复原，但我们相信他的病是能好的。这是一个大有能力的时期。我的丈夫把孩子抱在怀里，喊着说：“你必不至死，仍要存活！”我们相信上帝一定能因孩子的痊愈而得到荣耀。我们离开了达特默斯有八天之久。后来我们回到那里时，那个生病的男孩亲自走出来迎接我们。他的体重已经加了四磅。我们发现他们一家人都在上帝里面，因祂施行的奇迹而欢喜快乐。{2SG 109.1}[2]
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The parents thought him to be in consumption, and were greatly distressed that their only son must be taken from them. We felt a spirit of prayer for him, and earnestly besought the Lord to spare his life. We believed that he would get well, although to look at appearance, there was no possibility of his recovery. It was a powerful season. My husband raised him in his arms, and cried out, “You will not die, but live!” We believed that God would be glorified in his recovery. We left Dartmouth, and was absent about eight days. When we returned, the sick boy came out to meet us. He had gained four pounds in flesh. We found the household rejoicing in God, for his wonderful work.?{2SG 109.1}[2]
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我们接到邀请，要我们去新罕布什尔州的新伊普斯威奇拜访黑斯廷斯姊妹。她那时病势严重，我们为这事祈祷，结果得到凭据，知道主一定和我们同去。我们途中寄宿在尼克尔斯弟兄家里，他们就向我们提起波士顿的坦普尔姊妹的病。她臂上长了一个疮，使她非常担心。这疮已经蔓延到肘弯上了。她已经受了很大的痛苦，也曾就医求治，结果终属徒然。她最后治疗的努力竟使病症蔓延到了肺部，她认为自己若不立刻得到帮助，这病势必造成肺结核症。坦普尔姊妹曾留信请我们去为她祈祷。我们以战兢恐惧的心去了。我曾设法先求上帝保证为我们行事，但是似乎一片黑暗。我们只得依赖上帝简明的应许进到病房里去，那些应许非常稳固，我们觉得可以放心依靠。坦普尔姊妹的臂部痛得相当厉害，我们只能把油倒在上面。我们同心祷告，求上帝履行祂的应许。我们祈祷的时候，坦普尔姊妹臂部的剧痛止住了。我们离开时她已经恢复了健康。{2SG 109.2}[3]
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We then received a request to visit Sister Hastings of New Ipswich, N. H. She was greatly afflicted. We made it a subject of prayer, and obtained evidence that the Lord would go with us. We tarried on our way with Bro. Nichols’ family. They informed us of the affliction of Sister Temple of Boston. There was a sore upon her arm which caused her much suffering. It had extended over the bend of the elbow. She had suffered such agony that she had resorted to human means until she saw it was of no use. The last effort?she made drove the disease to her lungs, and unless she obtained immediate help, would end in consumption. She left word for us to come and pray for her. We went with trembling. I had tried in vain to get an assurance that God would work for us, but all seemed dark. But we went into the sick room, relying upon the naked promises of God, which seemed so firm that we felt that we could venture out upon them. Her arm was in such a condition that we were obliged to pour the oil upon it. Then we united in prayer, and claimed the promises of God. The pain and soreness left the arm while we were praying, and we left her recovering.?{2SG 109.2}[3]
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我们看到黑斯廷斯的家处在非常的磨难中。我们亲爱的黑斯廷斯姊妹出来欢迎我们，声泪俱下地说：“在我们需要极迫切的时候，主差你们到我们这里来了。”她有一个八个星期大的婴儿，醒着的时候一直不停地啼哭；再加上她自己的身体虚弱，这样，就很快地把她的精力消耗殆尽了。我们遵照《雅各书》的指示恳切地为这位母亲祷告，并且得到凭据，我们的祈祷已蒙垂听。有耶稣在我们当中来打破撒但的权势，使这被掳的人得释放。{2SG 110.1}[4]
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We found Bro. Hastings’ family in deep affliction. Our dear sister Hastings met us with tears, and exclaimed, “The Lord has sent you to us in time of great need.” She had an infant about eight weeks old which cried continually when awake. This, added to her wretched state of health, was fast wearing away her strength. We prayed earnestly to God for the mother, following the direction given in?James 5. We had the assurance that our prayers were heard. Jesus was in our midst to break the power of Satan, and release the captive.?{2SG 110.1}[4]
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但我们也明明看出，孩子的哭声若不止息，母亲决不能恢复体力，我们用油膏了那小孩子，为他祷告，并且深信主必赐给母亲与孩子平安。结果事情就如此成功了。孩子的哭声止息了，我们离去时，母子二人的情形都很好。母亲的感激莫可言宣。我们对那个亲爱家庭的访问乃是一次宝贵的经验。我们彼此心心相印；尤其是黑斯廷斯姊妹的心与我的心深相契合，正如约拿单的与大卫的一样。在她的一生中，我们二人之间始终没有一点隔阂。{2SG 110.2}[5]
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But we felt sure that the mother could not gain much strength until the cries of the child should cease. We anointed the child and prayed over it, believing that the Lord would?give both mother and child peace. It was done. The cries of the child ceased, and we left them doing well. The gratitude of the mother could not be expressed. Our interview with that dear family was precious. Our hearts were knit together, especially was the heart of sister Hastings knit with mine, as were David’s and Jonathan’s. Our union was not marred while she lived.?{2SG 110.2}[5]
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此后约有一年，我们还在纽约州的奥斯威戈的时候，收到了一封悲伤的来信，得知黑斯廷斯姐妹突然去世了。这个消息如同千钧重负临到我，使我很难甘心接受。她能为上帝的圣工行许多善事。她是真理事业的一根柱石，对我们来说，她竟会躺在坟墓里使我们看不到她，她的才干也被埋没，这实在是奥秘的天意。但上帝以一种神秘的方式行祂的奇迹。她的死对她孩子们的得救来说是必要的。她的祈祷已经达到上帝面前，要以祂愿意的任何方式救她的孩子们。这位母亲被迅速取走了，于是她忠心的警告、她恳切的祷告和许多眼泪就受到了重视，并对受到打击的羊群发挥了影响。{2SG 111.1}[6]
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In about one year from that time, while in Oswego, N. Y., a sad letter reached us, giving information of sister H.’s sudden death. This news fell upon me with crushing weight. It was difficult to be reconciled to it. She was capable of doing much good in the cause of God. She was a pillar to the cause of truth, and it seemed indeed to us like a mysterious providence that she should be laid away from our sight, in the grave, and her talents be hid. But God works in a mysterious way his wonders to perform. Her death was needed to save her children. Her earnest prayer had gone up to God, to save them in any way that he should choose. The mother was snatched away, and then her faithful admonitions, her earnest prayers and many tears were regarded, and had an influence upon the smitten flock.?{2SG 111.1}[6]
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1850年6月，我们在这位母亲去世后访问了他们的住所，发现作父亲的虽然丧偶孤独，却在为上帝而活，并且很好地负起了双重责任。他在大忧伤中得了安慰，因为见到他的孩子们转向了主，并且在认真地努力预备，好见他们亲爱的母亲，那时赐生命的主就要打破坟墓的锁链，释放被掳的人，使她出来成为不朽坏的。我丈夫给四个最年长的孩子施了洗。自从那次访问之后，长女已经存着盼望死了，安息在寂静的坟墓里。我在这里要引用来自黑斯廷斯弟兄的一段话：{2SG 111.2}[7]
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We visited the place after the mother’s death, in June, 1850, and found the father bereaved and lonely, but living for God, and bearing well his double burden. He was comforted in his great grief in seeing his children turning unto the Lord, and earnestly seeking a preparation to meet their dear mother, when the Life-giver shall break the fetters of the tomb, release the captive, and bring her forth immortal. My husband baptized the four eldest children. Since that visit the eldest daughter has died in hope, and rests in the silent grave. Here I will give a statement from Bro. Hastings:?{2SG 112.2}[7]
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“怀弟兄和怀姐妹1849年3月第一次来访问我们。那时我妻子处于十分虚弱的健康状态，我们最小的孩子病得也很重。怀弟兄和怀姐妹受到感动为他祷告。他们的信心得胜了，他得了痊愈。从那时起到现在，约有九年了，他一直是一个健壮的男孩。我在这里需要说到我妻子在接下来的两个冬天都受到一种严重疾病的折磨。有时她虚弱得不能在枕头上抬起头来。怀弟兄和怀姐妹同心合意为她恳切祷告。怀姐妹见了异象，看到从上帝那里来的一位天使翱翔在我妻子上方，加给她力量，否则生命就会离开她了。她看到如果上帝的仆人们同心合意地用刚强活泼的信心为她祷告，仇敌的势力之前就会被打破，而且当时仇敌的势力就被打破了。从那时直到她去世，也就是一年的时间，她是完全健康的。我会永远以喜乐感激的心情记得当时与怀弟兄和怀姐妹交往的时光。”{2SG 112.1}[8]
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“Bro. and sister White made us their first visit in March, 1849. At that time my wife’s health was quite feeble, also our youngest child was much afflicted. Bro. and sister White were moved to pray for him. Their faith prevailed, and he was made whole. From that time to the present, which is about nine years, he has been a rugged, healthy boy. I would here remark that my wife had been afflicted with a severe illness for two succeeding winters. At times she was so weak she could not raise her head from the pillow. Bro. and sister White united in earnest prayer for her. Sister White had a vision, and saw that an angel from God had hovered over my wife, and had strengthened her, or life would have departed from her. She saw if God’s servants had united in prayer with strong and living faith for her the power of the enemy would have been broken before, and that then his power was broken. From this time until her death, which was one year, she enjoyed perfect health. The season?then enjoyed, in Bro. and Sr. White’s society will ever be remembered by me with feelings of joy and gratitude.”?{2SG 112.1}[8]
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约在我们为T姐妹祷告以后八天，我们从新伊普斯威奇回到波士顿时，发现她已经很健康，在洗衣服。{2SG 113.1}[9]
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On our return from New Ipswich to Boston, about eight days after we had prayed for sister T., we found her at the wash-tub in the enjoyment of good health.?{2SG 113.1}[9]
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我们再次访问康涅狄格州。1849年6月，克拉丽莎.M.班斐姐妹打算与我们同住。她的父母刚刚过世，所分的家具使她有一个小家庭开始过日子所需要的一切东西。她高兴地让我们用这些东西，并做我们的工作。我们住在罗基希尔贝尔登弟兄的房子里。班斐姐妹是上帝的一个宝贝孩子。她具有高兴快乐的性情，从不阴郁，也不轻浮琐碎。我的丈夫到新罕布什尔和缅因州去参赴聚会。他出门之后，我就深感不安，恐伯他传染到当时所流行的霍乱。 {2SG 113.2}[10]
§22
Again we visited Connecticut, and in June, 1849, Sr. Clarissa M. Bonfoey proposed to live with us. Her parents had recently died, and a division of furniture, &c., at the homestead, had given her everything necessary for a small family to commence housekeeping. She cheerfully gave us the use of these things, and did our work. We occupied a part of Bro. Belden’s house at Rocky Hill. Sister B. was a precious child of God. She possessed a cheerful and happy disposition, never gloomy, yet not light and trifling. My husband attended meetings in New Hampshire and Maine, and in his absence I was much troubled, fearing he might take the cholera, which was then prevailing.?{2SG 113.2}[10]
§23
但有一夜我梦见当许多人正因患霍乱症而死亡的时候，我的丈夫建议我们出去散步。在散步时我注意到他眼睛充血，脸上发红，嘴唇发青。我对他说，我恐怕他容易传染到霍乱症。他说：“再向前走几步，我就要向你指出一个治霍乱的最灵验的方法。” 当我们向前走的时候，我们来到一条小河那里，走上一道桥，当时我丈夫突然撇下我，跳到河里不见了。我吃了一惊；但他很快就从水中出来，手里拿着一杯清凉晶莹的水。他把水喝下去，说：“这水能医治各式各样的疾病。”他再翻到水里去不见了；但他很快又从水中出来又拿起一杯水来，说了相同的话。当时我很懊丧，因为他没有让我喝那水。他说：“这条河的河底有一个秘密泉源，能治好各式各样的病症；但人人必须冒险跳下去，才能得着。谁都不能替别人取；各人必须亲自跳下去。”当他喝那杯水的时候，我察看他的脸，见他的气色是健美自如的。他似乎很健康很强壮。我醒过来时，所有的惧怕都消泯了，我就把我丈夫交给一位慈怜的上帝，并完全相信上帝能使他安全归来。{2SG 113.3}[11]
§24
But one night I dreamed that many were dying with the cholera. My husband proposed that we should walk out. In our walk I noticed that his eyes looked blood-shot, his countenance flushed, and his lips pale. I told him I feared that he would be an easy subject for the cholera. Said he, “Walk on a little further, and I will show you a sure remedy for the?cholera.” As we walked on we came to a bridge over a stream of water. He abruptly left me, and plunged out of sight into the water. I was frightened. But he soon arose, holding his hand a glass of sparkling water. He drank it, saying, “This water cures all manner of diseases.” He plunged in again out of sight, and brought up another glass of clear water, and as he held it up, repeated the same words. I felt sad that he did not offer me some of the water. Said he, “There is a secret spring in the bottom of this river which cures all manner of diseases, and all who obtain it must plunge at a venture. No one can obtain it for another. Each must plunge for it himself.” As he drank the glass of water, I looked at his countenance. His complexion was fair and natural. He seemed to possess health and vigor. When I awoke, all my fears were dispelled, and I trusted my husband to the care of a merciful God, fully believing that he would return him to me in safety.?{2SG 113.3}[11]