第03章 往前走
§1
第03章 往前走
§2
Chap. 3 - Go Forward
§3
以色列大军高高兴兴地离开了埃及，就是他们长期惨遭奴役之地。埃及人不肯放走他们，直到他们得到上帝惩罚的明显警告。复仇的天使来到埃及的每一个家庭，击杀了各家的长子。从法老的继承人到地牢中囚虏之人的长子，没有一人幸免。头生的牲畜也照主的命令被击杀了。但是灭命的天使越过了以色列人的家庭，没有进去。{4T 20.5}[1]
§4
The vast armies of Israel marched in glad triumph from Egypt, the scene of their long and cruel servitude. The Egyptians would not consent to release them until they had been signally warned by the judgments of God. The avenging angel had visited every house among the Egyptians and had stricken with death the first-born of every family. None had escaped, from the heir of Pharaoh to the eldest-born of the captive in his dungeon. The first-born of the cattle also were slain according to the mandate of the Lord. But the angel of death passed over the homes of the children of Israel and did not enter there. {4T 20.5}[1]
§5
法老被临到他百姓身上的灾难吓坏了，连夜叫了摩西和亚伦来，吩咐他们离开埃及。他急于让他们离开，不可迟延；因为他和他的民都担心，如果上帝的咒诅不离开他们，那地会变成一个大坟场。{4T 21.1}[2]
§6
Pharaoh, horror-stricken at the plagues that had befallen his people, called Moses and Aaron before him in the night and bade them depart from Egypt. He was anxious that they should go without delay; for he and his people feared that unless the curse of God was removed from them, the land would become a vast burial ground. {4T 21.1}[2]
§7
以色列人很高兴听到他们得自由的消息，赶紧离开为奴之地。但路途很辛苦，他们最终失去了勇气。他们的旅途经过不毛的山岭和荒凉的平原。第三夜他们发现两侧都是高山脉，前面有红海挡路。他们感到困惑，为自己的处境而悲伤。他们指责摩西把他们带到这里，因为他们认为自己必是走错了路。他们说：“这肯定不是去西奈旷野的路，也不是去应许给我们列祖的迦南地的路。我们不能往前走了；现在要么进入红海，要么回到埃及去。”{4T 21.2}[3]
§8
The children of Israel were joyful to receive the tidings of their freedom and made haste to leave the scene of their bondage. But the way was toilsome, and at length their courage failed. Their journey led them over barren hills and desolate plains. The third night they found themselves walled in on each side by mountain ranges, while the Red Sea lay before them. They were perplexed and greatly deplored their condition. They blamed Moses for conducting them to this place, for they believed they had taken the wrong course. This surely, said they, is not the way to the wilderness of Sinai, nor to the land of Canaan promised to our fathers. We can go no farther; but must now advance into the waters of the Red Sea, or turn back toward Egypt. {4T 21.2}[3]
§9
雪上加霜的是，埃及的军兵来赶来了！法老亲自率领这支威武的军队。他后悔放走了希伯来人，担心他们会成为一个大国与他为敌。对以色列人来说，这是多么困惑痛苦的一夜啊！这与那个光荣的早晨，他们离开埃及的奴役，欢呼起行，进入旷野之时形成了多么鲜明的对照啊！他们在强大的仇敌面前感到多么无能为力！妇孺恐惧的哀号，夹杂着受惊之牲畜的低鸣，加剧了混乱沮丧的局面。{4T 21.3}[4]
§10
Then, as if to complete their misery, behold, the Egyptian host is on their track! The imposing army is led by Pharaoh himself, who has repented that he freed the Hebrews and fears that he has sent them out to become a great nation hostile to himself. What a night of perplexity and distress was this for Israel! What a contrast to that glorious morning when they left the bondage of Egypt and with glad rejoicings took up the line of march into the wilderness! How powerless they felt before that mighty foe! The wailing of the terror-stricken women and children, mingled with the lowing of the frightened cattle and the bleating of the sheep, added to the dismal confusion of the situation. {4T 21.3}[4]
§11
但是上帝难道一点儿也不关心祂的子民，让他们遭受毁灭吗？难道祂不警告他们有危险并救他们脱离仇敌吗？上帝不喜欢自己百姓的困窘。是祂亲自指示摩西在红海边安营的。祂还告诉摩西：“法老必说：‘以色列人在地中绕迷了，旷野把他们困住了。’我要使法老的心刚硬，他要追赶他们，我便在法老和他全军身上得荣耀；埃及人就知道我是耶和华”（出14:3,4）。{4T 22.1}[5]
§12
But had God lost all care for His people that He should leave them to destruction? Would He not warn them of their danger and deliver them from their enemies? God had no delight in the discomfiture of His people. It was He Himself who had directed Moses to encamp by the Red Sea, and He had further informed him: Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden Pharaohs heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honored upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. {4T 22.1}[5]
§13
耶稣站在那支大军之首。日间的云柱和夜间的火柱象征着他们神圣的领袖。但希伯来人没有耐心忍受上帝的考验。他们大声责骂他们看得见的领袖摩西使他们陷入这么大的危险。他们不信靠上帝保护的大能，也没有意识到祂的手制止了包围着他们的种种灾祸。他们在狂乱恐惧之中忘记了摩西用来使尼罗河的水变成血的杖，和上帝因埃及人苦待祂的选民而报应他们的灾难。他们忘记了上帝为了他们而进行的一切神奇干预。{4T 22.2}[6]
§14
Jesus stood at the head of that vast army. The cloudy column by day and the pillar of fire by night represented their divine Leader. But the Hebrews did not patiently bear the test of the Lord. Their voices were lifted up in reproaches and denunciations against Moses, their visible leader, for bringing them into this great peril. They did not trust in the protecting power of God nor recognize His hand staying the evils that surrounded them. In their frantic terror they had forgotten the rod with which Moses had changed the water of the Nile to blood, and the calamities which God had visited upon the Egyptians for their persecution of His chosen people. They had forgotten all the miraculous interpositions of God in their behalf. {4T 22.2}[6]
§15
他们喊着说：“我们留在为奴之地多好啊！做奴隶比饿死累死在旷野里或被我们的敌人杀死要好。”他们苦苦地责难摩西，说他没有把他们留在原来的地方，反而把他们领到旷野来送死。{4T 22.3}[7]
§16
Ah, they cried, how much better for us had we remained in bondage! It is better to live as slaves than to die of hunger and fatigue in the desert, or be slain in war with our enemies. They turned upon Moses with bitter censure because he had not left them where they were instead of leading them out to perish in the wilderness. {4T 22.3}[7]
§17
摩西因百姓虽然多次看见上帝为他们显示权能，而他们的信心竟然还是如此渺小，心中甚为难过。他既是依着上帝明白的指示行事，他们怎能把现在危险艰难的景况归罪于他呢？但他有坚强的信心，相信主会把他们带到安全之地。他应付和平息了百姓的责备和恐惧，尽管他自己还没看到拯救他们的计划。{4T 22.4}[8]
§18
Moses was greatly troubled because his people were so wanting in faith, especially as they had repeatedly witnessed the manifestations of the power of God in their favor. He felt grieved that they should charge upon him the dangers and difficulties of their position, when he had simply followed the express commands of God. But he was strong in the faith that the Lord would bring them into safety; and he met and quieted the reproaches and fears of his people, even before he could himself discern the plan of their deliverance. {4T 22.4}[8]
§19
固然，若非上帝干涉，他们就不可能得救；但摩西觉得他们既然是因顺从上帝的命令而到了这个地步，就不必为其后果担心。他“对百姓说：不要惧怕，只管站住！看耶和华今天向你们所要施行的救恩。因为，你们今天所看见的埃及人必永远不再看见了。耶和华必为你们争战；你们只管静默，不要作声”（出14:13）。{4T 23.1}[9]
§20
True, they were in a place from which there was no possibility of release unless God Himself interposed to save them; but they were brought into this strait by obeying the divine commands, and Moses felt no fear of the consequences. He said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen today, ye shall see them again no more forever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. {4T 23.1}[9]
§21
这时要使以色列全营安静地在耶和华面前等候，确是一件不容易的事。他们激动不安，满心惊恐。他们既没有纪律，又不能自制。既因可怕的处境所迫，就很容易发生暴力或无理取闹。他们认为自己很快就要落到压迫他们之人的手里，所以他们就大声号啕痛哭起来。那奇妙的云柱曾在他们的旅途中伴随着他们，保护他们脱离日头炎热的光线。它整天都在他们面前威武前行，使他们既不遭日晒，又不受雨淋风吹；晚上它就变成火柱，照亮他们的路途。他们一直跟随着它，看它为上帝叫他们前进的记号；但这时他们却自相疑问，这个云柱会不会是大难临头的先兆；因为它岂不是带错了路，领他们陷于绝境吗？这样，上帝的使者在这一班糊涂的人看来，倒成了灾难的兆头。{4T 23.2}[10]
§22
It was not an easy thing to hold the hosts of Israel in waiting before the Lord. They were excited and full of terror. They lacked discipline and self-control. Impressed by the horrors of their situation, they became violent and unreasonable. They expected speedily to fall into the hands of their oppressors, and their wailings and recriminations were loud and deep. The wonderful pillar of cloud had accompanied them in their wanderings, and served to protect them from the fervid rays of the sun. All day it had moved grandly before them, subject neither to sunshine nor storm; and at night it had become a pillar of fire to light them on their way. They had followed it as the signal of God to go forward; but now they questioned among themselves if it might not be the shadow of some terrible calamity that was about to befall them, for had it not led them on the wrong side of the mountain into an impassable way? Thus the angel of God appeared to their deluded minds as the harbinger of disaster. {4T 23.2}[10]
§23
但如今当埃及全军逼近，以为可以很容易地掳掠他们时，那云柱就凛然升上天空，越过以色列人，降在他们和埃及军队之间。因此，在追赶者和被追赶者之间，有一道黑暗的墙隔开。埃及人再也看不见希伯来人的营盘，只得停了下来。当黑夜来临的时候，这云柱成了希伯来人的大光，普照全营，如同白昼一般。{4T 23.3}[11]
§24
But now, as the Egyptian host approaches them, expecting to make them an easy prey, the cloudy column rises majestically into the heavens, passes over the Israelites, and descends between them and the armies of Egypt. A wall of darkness interposes between the pursued and their pursuers. The Egyptians can no longer discern the camp of the Hebrews and are forced to halt. But as the darkness of night deepens, the wall of cloud becomes a great light to the Hebrews, illuminating the whole camp with the radiance of day. {4T 23.3}[11]
§25
于是在以色列人心中又生出可能得救的希望来了。摩西扬声向耶和华呼求。“耶和华对摩西说，你为什么向我哀求呢？你吩咐以色列人往前走。你举手向海伸杖，把水分开，以色列人要下海中走干地”（出14:15,16）。{4T 24.1}[12]
§26
Then the hope that they might be delivered came to the hearts of Israel. And Moses lifted up his voice unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto Me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: but lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. {4T 24.1}[12]
§27
于是摩西顺从上帝的命令，伸出他的仗，水就分开了，在两边立起如垒，留下一条宽阔的道路让以色列人穿过红海。来自火柱的亮光照在翻滚的巨浪上，照亮了如同巨大的犁划过红海开出的道路，直到消失在朦胧遥远的彼岸。{4T 24.2}[13]
§28
Then Moses, obeying the divine command, stretched out his rod, and the waters parted, rolling up in a wall on either side, and leaving a broad pathway across the bed of the sea for the children of Israel. The light from the pillar of fire shone upon the foam-capped billows, lighting the road that was cut like a mighty furrow through the waters of the Red Sea until it was lost in the obscurity of the farther shore. {4T 24.2}[13]
§29
整夜都响着以色列大军穿越红海的脚步声；但云柱隐藏了他们，使仇敌看不见他们。埃及人因急行军而感到疲惫，那夜便安营在海滨。他们曾看到希伯来人就在他们前面不远处，而且似乎不可能从那里逃脱，便决定休息一晚，早上再轻而易举地俘获希伯来人。那夜极黑，乌云似乎包围着他们，好像某种实在的东西。埃及全营都沉沉睡去；连哨兵都在自己的岗位上睡着了。{4T 24.3}[14]
§30
All night long sounded the tramping of the hosts of Israel crossing the Red Sea; but the cloud hid them from the sight of their enemies. The Egyptians, weary with their hasty march, had encamped upon the shore for the night. They saw the Hebrews only a short distance before them, and as there seemed no possibility of escape, they decided to take a nights rest and make an easy capture in the morning. The night was intensely dark, the clouds seemed to encompass them like some tangible substance. Deep sleep fell upon the camp; even the sentinels slumbered at their posts. {4T 24.3}[14]
§31
终于，一阵响亮的声音唤醒了全军！乌云在消逝！希伯来人在前进！行军的声音来自红海。天仍旧很黑，他们看不见正在逃走的以色列人，但有命令发出，要迅速追击。于是便听到战士们顶盔贯甲的声音和战车隆隆的声音，军长集合的号令和战马的嘶鸣。终于列好队伍前进了，他们穿过黑暗向着群众逃亡的方向逼进。{4T 24.4}[15]
§32
At last a ringing blast arouses the army! The cloud is passing on! The Hebrews are moving! Voices and the sound of marching come from toward the sea. It is still so dark that they cannot discern the escaping people, but the command is given to make ready for the pursuit. The clatter of arms and the roll of chariots, the marshaling of captains and the neighing of steeds, are heard. At length the line of march is formed, and they press on through the obscurity in the direction of the escaping multitude. {4T 24.4}[15]
§33
他们在黑暗和混乱中仓促追击，不知道自己已经进入了海底，两边是水墙。他们渴望雾与黑暗都消散，好看到希伯来人和他们自己在哪里。战车的轮子深深陷入了柔软的沙地，战马被困住，难以驾驭了。虽然一片混乱，但他们依然强行前进，觉得必定得胜。{4T 24.5}[16]
§34
In the darkness and confusion they rush on in their pursuit, not knowing that they have entered upon the bed of the sea and are hemmed in on either hand by beetling walls of water. They long for the mist and darkness to pass away and reveal to them the Hebrews and their own whereabouts. The wheels of the chariots sink deep into the soft sand, and the horses become entangled and unruly. Confusion prevails, yet they press on, feeling sure of victory. {4T 24.5}[16]
§35
神秘的云柱终于变成火柱了，他们目瞪口呆。他们周围电闪雷鸣，巨浪翻滚，使得他们心中惊恐莫名。在恐怖和混乱中，可怕的闪电使吃惊的埃及人看到了两边可怕的水墙。他们看到上帝为祂的子民在发光的海沙上开出的宽阔道路，也看到了胜利的以色列人安全抵达了彼岸。{4T 25.1}[17]
§36
At last the mysterious cloud changes to a pillar of fire before their astonished eyes. The thunders roll and the lightnings flash, the waves roll about them, and fear takes possession of their hearts. Amid the terror and confusion, the lurid light reveals to the amazed Egyptians the terrible waters massed up on the right hand and on the left. They see the broad path that the Lord has made for His people across the shining sands of the sea, and behold triumphant Israel safe on the farther shore. {4T 25.1}[17]
§37
埃及人十分狼狈，极其惊慌。他们在雷电风水的发作之下，似乎听见了上帝忿怒的吼声。他们想要掉转脚步，逃回他们所离开的岸上去。但摩西伸出他的杖，于是洪涛汹涌，海水回流，将埃及的军兵吞到深渊之中。骄傲的法老和他的军兵，镀金的战车和闪光的铠甲，战马和骑兵都被暴怒的红海吞没了。以色列大能的上帝拯救了自己的子民，他们感恩的歌声升达上天，上帝为他们行了非常的奇事。{4T 25.2}[18]
§38
Confusion and dismay seize them. Amid the wrath of the elements, in which they hear the voice of an angry God, they endeavor to retrace their steps and fly to the shore they have quitted. But Moses stretches out his rod, and the piled-up waters, hissing, roaring, and eager for their prey, tumble down upon the armies of Egypt. Proud Pharaoh and his legions, gilded chariots and flashing armor, horses and riders, are engulfed beneath a stormy sea. The mighty God of Israel has delivered His people, and their songs of thanksgiving go up to heaven that God has wrought so wonderfully in their behalf. {4T 25.2}[18]
§39
以色列子民的历史是作为历代一切基督徒的教训和鉴戒而写的。当以色列人突然遭遇危险困难，似乎是到了山穷水尽的地步之时，他们失了信心，就埋怨及攻击上帝所委派的领袖。他不过是顺从上帝的命令而已，但他们却责备他，说他把他们带到死地。{4T 25.3}[19]
§40
The history of the children of Israel is written for the instruction and admonition of all Christians. When the Israelites were overtaken by dangers and difficulties, and their way seemed hedged up, their faith forsook them, and they murmured against the leader whom God had appointed for them. They blamed him for bringing them into peril, when he had only obeyed the voice of God. {4T 25.3}[19]
§41
上帝的命令乃是：“往前走！”他们不应等到前途明朗，能看到整个拯救的计划之时。上帝的圣工是前进的，祂必为自己的子民开路。犹豫及埋怨乃是表示不信任以色列的圣者。上帝照着自己的美意引领希伯来人到了红海前面的山谷中，以便施行拯救，永远脱离他们的仇敌。祂尽可以用其他的方法拯救他们。但祂选用这个方法，乃是为要试验他们的信心，并加强他们依靠祂的心。{4T 25.4}[20]
§42
The divine command was: Go forward. They were not to wait until the way was made plain, and they could comprehend the entire plan of their deliverance. Gods cause is onward, and He will open a path before His people. To hesitate and murmur is to manifest distrust in the Holy One of Israel. God in His providence brought the Hebrews into the mountain fastnesses, with the Red Sea before them, that He might work out their deliverance and forever rid them of their enemies. He might have saved them in any other way, but He chose this method in order to test their faith and strengthen their trust in Him. {4T 25.4}[20]
§43
我们不能因为百姓埋怨摩西，便说他有错。他们悖逆不羁的心使他们责难这一位上帝所选派领导祂子民的人。当摩西存着敬畏上帝的心，遵照祂的指导，满怀对祂的应许的信心前进的时候，那些本来应该拥护他的人，却灰心丧志，只看到前面的灾难，失败和死亡。{4T 26.1}[21]
§44
We cannot charge Moses with being at fault because the people murmured against his course. It was their own rebellious, unsubdued hearts that led them to censure the man whom God had delegated to lead His people. While Moses moved in the fear of the Lord, and according to His direction, having full faith in His promises, those who should have upheld him became discouraged, and could see nothing before them but disaster, defeat, and death. {4T 26.1}[21]
§45
现今主正在帮助祂相信现代真理的子民。祂计划取得重大的成果。当祂本着祂的美意为了这个目标工作的时候，祂对祂的子民说：“往前走！”诚然，前途尚未开朗，但是他们若本着信心的能力和勇气前进，上帝就要在他们的眼前将前途显明。历来总是有些人怨天尤人，象古代以色列人一样，他们把自己处境的困难归罪于上帝特为推进圣工而兴起的人身上。他们意识不到上帝领他们到此困境是要考验他们。在这种境地，除了祂的圣手之外，别无拯救。{4T 26.2}[22]
§46
The Lord is now dealing with His people who believe present truth. He designs to bring about momentous results, and while in His providence He is working toward this end, He says to His people: Go forward. True, the path is not yet opened; but when they move on in the strength of faith and courage, God will make the way plain before their eyes. There are ever those who will complain, as did ancient Israel, and charge the difficulties of their position upon those whom God has raised up for the special purpose of advancing His cause. They fail to see that God is testing them by bringing them into strait places, from which there is no deliverance except by His hand. {4T 26.2}[22]
§47
一个基督徒的生活往往被危险所包围。他似乎难以履行自己的本分。在他的想象中，前面是即将临到的毁灭，后面是捆绑或死亡。然而上帝的声音超越一切的沮丧，清清楚楚地：“往前走！”我们虽然看不透黑暗，而且只觉到自己的脚浸在冰冷的波涛中，我们还是应该服从上帝的这个命令，不拘后果如何。{4T 26.3}[23]
§48
There are times when the Christian life seems beset by dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and bondage or death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly above all discouragements: Go forward. We should obey this command, let the result be what it may, even though our eyes cannot penetrate the darkness and though we feel the cold waves about our feet. {4T 26.3}[23]
§49
那时希伯来人固然疲乏恐惧，但当摩西吩咐他们前进的时候，他们若是退后，上帝就决不会为他们开路。他们前进下到水中，乃是表明他们相信上帝藉着摩西所说的话。他们先在自己的力量范围之内作了所能作的事，然后以色列的大能者才分开海水为他们辟开一条道路。{4T 26.4}[24]
§50
The Hebrews were weary and terrified; yet if they had held back when Moses bade them advance, if they had refused to move nearer to the Red Sea, God would never have opened the path for them. In marching down to the very water, they showed that they had faith in the word of God as spoken by Moses. They did all that it was in their power to do, and then the Mighty One of Israel performed His part, and divided the waters to make a path for their feet. {4T 26.4}[24]
§51
在踌躇疑惧的精神之下，我们道路上的疑云是永不会消散的。不信的心说：“我们决不能超越这些阻碍。让我们等待障碍消除之后，我们就能清楚地看出我们的路线。”但是信心却勇敢地督促我们前进，凡事盼望，凡事相信。顺从上帝肯定会带来胜利。只有凭着信心，我们才能到达天庭。{4T 27.1}[25]
§52
The clouds that gather about our way will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Unbelief says: We can never surmount these obstructions; let us wait until they are removed, and we can see our way clearly. But faith courageously urges an advance, hoping all things, believing all things. Obedience to God is sure to bring the victory. It is only through faith that we can reach heaven. {4T 27.1}[25]
§53
我们的历史与以色列民的历史十分相似。上帝带领祂的子民从埃及进入旷野，在那里他们可以遵守祂的律法，听从祂的声音。目无上帝的埃及人安营在以色列人附近；那对于法老的军兵来说是一道使黑夜更加黑暗的云墙，对于希伯来人却是一道大光，照耀全营，并光照他们前面的道路。{4T 27.2[26]
§54
There is great similarity between our history and that of the children of Israel. God led His people from Egypt into the wilderness, where they could keep His law and obey His voice. The Egyptians, who had no regard for the Lord, were encamped close by them; yet what was to the Israelites a great flood of light, illuminating the whole camp, and shedding brightness upon the path before them, was to the hosts of Pharaoh a wall of clouds, making blacker the darkness of night. {4T 27.2}[26]
§55
照样，现代也有一班人蒙上帝付托祂的律法。对于顺从的人，上帝的诫命犹如火柱，照耀指引他们走那永远得救的道路。但对于那些无视祂诫命的人，诫命就象夜间的黑云。“敬畏耶和华是智慧的开端”（诗111:10）。明白圣经胜过一切其他的知识。遵守主的诫命必得大赏赐。世上任何的诱惑都不能使基督徒片时动摇他们的忠诚。富贵，尊荣和人间的浮华，都如渣滓，将在上帝忿怒的烈火中化为灰烬。{4T 27.3}[27]
§56
So, at this time, there is a people whom God has made the depositaries of His law. To those who obey them, the commandments of God are as a pillar of fire, lighting and leading the way to eternal salvation. But unto those who disregard them, they are as the clouds of night. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Better than all other knowledge is an understanding of the word of God. In keeping His commandments there is great reward, and no earthly inducement should cause the Christian to waver for a moment in his allegiance. Riches, honor, and worldly pomp are but as dross that shall perish before the fire of Gods wrath. {4T 27.3}[27]
§57
上帝要祂忠心的子民“往前走”的吩咐，往往充分考验他们的信心。人若等待一切疑云尽都从他心中消散，再无失败的危险时才肯顺从，他就永远不可能前进。那些认为只有前途明朗清楚之后才能顺服上帝的旨意、信靠祂应许的人，必永远不会顺服。信心不是确实地知道，而是“所望之事的实底，是未见之事的确据”（来11:1）。要得上帝的悦纳，只有顺从祂的诫命。“往前走”应成为基督徒的口号。{4T 27.4}[28]
§58
The voice of the Lord bidding His faithful ones go forward frequently tries their faith to the uttermost. But if they should defer obedience till every shadow of uncertainty was removed from their understanding, and there remained no risk of failure or defeat, they would never move on at all. Those who think it impossible for them to yield to the will of God and have faith in His promises until all is made clear and plain before them, will never yield at all. Faith is not certainty of knowledge; it is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. To obey the commandments of God is the only way to obtain His favor. Go forward should be the Christians watchword. {4T 27.4}[28]