第23章 上帝的印记
§1
第23章 上帝的印记
§2
Chap. 23—The Seal of God
§3
“他向我耳中大声喊叫说，要使那监管这城的人手中各拿灭命的兵器前来。”{5T207.2}[1]
§4
“He cried also in mine ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause them that have charge over the city to draw near, even every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.”?{5T 207.2}[1]
§5
“上帝将那身穿细麻衣、腰间带着墨盒子的人召来。耶和华对他说，你去走遍耶路撒冷全城，那些因城中所行可憎之事叹息哀哭的人，画记号在额上。我耳中听见他对其余的人说，要跟随他走遍全城，以行击杀。你们的眼不要顾惜，也不要可怜他们。要将年老的、年少的、并处女、婴孩和妇女从圣所起全都杀尽，只是凡有记号的人不要挨近他。于是他们从殿前的长老杀起”（结9:1,3-6）。{5T207.3}[2]
§6
“And he called to the man clothed with linen, which had the writer’s inkhorn by his side; and the Lord said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. And to the others he said in mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.”?{5T 207.3}[2]
§7
耶稣快要离开天上至圣所的施恩座，穿上报仇的外衣，要向凡不响应上帝所赐之光的人，大发怒气，实行报应。“因为断定罪名，不立刻施刑，所以世人满心作恶”（传8:11）。那些不敬畏上帝也不喜爱真理的人，不但不受主对他们所施的忍耐及长久宽容软化，反而是心中越发刚硬行恶。然而上帝的宽容也是有限度的，现今许多人正是越过了这些范围。他们已越过了恩典的限度之外，因此上帝必须予以干涉，维护祂自己的尊严。{5T207.4}[3]
§8
Jesus is about to leave the mercy seat of the heavenly?sanctuary to put on garments of vengeance and pour out His wrath in judgments upon those who have not responded to the light God has given them. “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Instead of being softened by the patience and long forbearance that the Lord has exercised toward them, those who fear not God and love not the truth strengthen their hearts in their evil course. But there are limits even to the forbearance of God, and many are exceeding these boundaries. They have overrun the limits of grace, and therefore God must interfere and vindicate His own honor.?{5T 207.4}[3]
§9
关于亚摩利人，耶和华说道：“到了第四代，他们必回到此地，因为亚摩利人的罪孽还没有满盈”（创15:16）。虽然这个国家因为拜偶像及败坏之风而名闻于世，但他们罪恶之杯尚未满，所以上帝就不发出完全除灭的命令。上帝用明显的方式表现其神圣权能，使人们无可推诿。仁慈的创造主情愿宽容他们的罪，直到第四代。届时若无改善之表现，祂的报应就要临到他们。{5T208.1}[4]
§10
Of the Amorites the Lord said: “In the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” Although this nation was conspicuous because of its idolatry and corruption, it had not yet filled up the cup of its iniquity, and God would not give command for its utter destruction. The people were to see the divine power manifested in a marked manner, that they might be left without excuse. The compassionate Creator was willing to bear with their iniquity until the fourth generation. Then, if no change was seen for the better, His judgments were to fall upon them.?{5T 208.1}[4]
§11
无穷之主对于列国都仍留有详确无误的账目。在祂还施发恩典，招呼人悔改之时，这账还是保留未结；但达到上帝所定之数时，祂的怒气就开始发作。这账就结束了。神圣的忍耐亦到此为止，再没有为他们求情的机会了。{5T208.2}[5]
§12
With unerring accuracy the Infinite One still keeps an account with all nations. While His mercy is tendered with calls to repentance, this account will remain open; but when the figures reach a certain amount which God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath commences. The account is closed. Divine patience ceases. There is no more pleading of mercy in their behalf.?{5T 208.2}[5]
§13
先知在他的异象中预见自古以来历代的情形，也见到今日列国的情形。现今列国已经得天独厚，所受的恩典前所未有。天庭最精选的福气已赐给他们，但他们反而增加骄傲，贪心，拜偶像，轻视上帝，忘恩负义，这些罪名正是记在他们的项下。他们正在加速与上帝结算自己的账。{5T208.3}[6]
§14
The prophet, looking down the ages, had this time presented before his vision. The nations of this age have been the recipients of unprecedented mercies. The choicest of heaven’s blessings have been given them, but increased pride, covetousness, idolatry, contempt of God, and base ingratitude are written?against them. They are fast closing up their account with God.?{5T 208.3}[6]
§15
但那叫我寒栗的，却是那些已有最大亮光及特权的人，已被流行的罪恶所沾污。许多人，甚至是自称信仰真理的人，也受四围不义之人的影响，变成冷淡，而为邪恶之洪流所冲倒。举世一致讥诮真实的敬虔与圣洁，以致那些未与上帝有密切联络的人，失去了敬重上帝律法之心。他们若追随真光，从心中顺服真理，这神圣的律法就必在此被人轻视废弃之时，对他们更加宝贵了。轻看上帝律法的情形越明显，那在遵守主律法的人与世俗的人之间的区别，也就越分明。在一等人中，增高爱慕上帝律例的心，而在另一等人中，轻视主律法的心也照样增高。{5T209.1}[7]
§16
But that which causes me to tremble is the fact that those who have had the greatest light and privileges have become contaminated by the prevailing iniquity. Influenced by the unrighteous around them, many, even of those who profess the truth, have grown cold and are borne down by the strong current of evil. The universal scorn thrown upon true piety and holiness leads those who do not connect closely with God to lose their reverence for His law. If they were following the light and obeying the truth from the heart, this holy law would seem even more precious to them when thus despised and set aside. As the disrespect for God’s law becomes more manifest, the line of demarcation between its observers and the world becomes more distinct. Love for the divine precepts increases with one class according as contempt for them increases with another class.?{5T 209.1}[7]
§17
危机正在迅速临近。急速增加的数字显明上帝报应之日已快到了。祂虽不愿降罚，但仍要刑罚，而且这刑罚也快到了。凡行在光中的人，必见到这些危险临近的预兆；但他们却不应该静坐以待，对于预期之毁灭漠不关心，而以上帝必在报应之日掩护其子民自慰。远非如此，他们应觉悟自己的本分是要勤劳作工，以救他人，本着坚固的信心，仰望上帝的帮助。“义人祈祷所发的力量，是大有功效的”（雅5:16）。{5T209.2}[8]
§18
The crisis is fast approaching. The rapidly swelling figures show that the time for God’s visitation has about come. Although loath to punish, nevertheless He will punish, and that speedily. Those who walk in the light will see signs of the approaching peril; but they are not to sit in quiet, unconcerned expectancy of the ruin, comforting themselves with the belief that God will shelter His people in the day of visitation. Far from it. They should realize that it is their duty to labor diligently to save others, looking with strong faith to God for help. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”?{5T 209.2}[8]
§19
敬虔的酵尚未全失其能力。正在教会危机最严重，情况最低落的时候，那站在真光中的小群，就要因地上所行可憎之事，叹息哀哭，并要特别为教会祈求，因为教友们正在追随世人的样式而行。{5T209.3}[9]
§20
The leaven of godliness has not entirely lost its power. At the time when the danger and depression of the church are greatest, the little company who are standing in the light will be sighing and crying for the abominations that are done in the land. But more especially will their prayers arise in behalf?of the church because its members are doing after the manner of the world.?{5T 209.3}[9]
§21
这一班少数忠心之人的恳切祈祷，必不徒然。当主以施行报应者的身分降临时，祂也必以护卫者的姿态出现，来保护那些保持信仰纯洁并保守自己不沾染世俗的人。上帝应许要给那些昼夜呼吁祂的选民伸冤，祂纵然为他们忍了多时，这时也要实现了。{5T210.1}[10]
§22
The earnest prayers of this faithful few will not be in vain. When the Lord comes forth as an avenger, He will also come as a protector of all those who have preserved the faith in its purity and kept themselves unspotted from the world. It is at this time that God has promised to avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them.?{5T 210.1}[10]
§23
这命令是“你去走遍耶路撒冷全城，那些因城中所行可憎之事叹息哀哭的人，画记号在额上”（结9:4）。这些叹息哀哭的人久已将生命之道表明出来；他们已发出申斥，劝告，及请求。有些曾经羞辱上帝的人，也在祂面前谦心悔改了。然而耶和华的荣耀已经离开以色列了；虽有许多人仍然继续举行宗教的仪式，而其实却缺少祂的能力与同在。{5T210.2}[11]
§24
The command is: “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.” These sighing, crying ones had been holding forth the words of life; they had reproved, counseled, and entreated. Some who had been dishonoring God repented and humbled their hearts before Him. But the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel; although many still continued the forms of religion, His power and presence were lacking.?{5T 210.2}[11]
§25
在祂怒气发出，施行报应之时，这些谦卑、献身跟从基督的人，因为心中痛苦，发出叹息，哭泣，斥责及警告，便与世上其余的人，显有分别。在别人设法掩饰现存的邪恶，原谅各地流行的大恶之时，凡为上帝的尊荣大发热心，及存有爱人之心的人，必不闭口不言，借以讨好任何人。他们的义心天天为不义之人的不圣洁言行而忧伤。他们无力制止罪恶洪流的泛滥，因此满怀忧戚，提心吊胆。他们见到在那些已有大光之人的家庭中，宗教受轻视，便在上帝面前很忧伤。他们因为教会中存在着骄傲，贪心，自私，及各种各式的欺诈，便满心哀叹痛苦。那敏于责罪的上帝之灵，被人蹂躏在足下，而撒但的仆人反得意洋洋。上帝被人藐视，使真理归于无效了。{5T210.3}[12]
§26
In the time when His wrath shall go forth in judgments, these humble, devoted followers of Christ will be distinguished from the rest of the world by their soul anguish, which is expressed in lamentation and weeping, reproofs and warnings. While others try to throw a cloak over the existing evil, and excuse the great wickedness everywhere prevalent, those who have a zeal for God’s honor and a love for souls will not hold their peace to obtain favor of any. Their righteous souls are vexed day by day with the unholy works and conversation of the unrighteous. They are powerless to stop the rushing torrent of iniquity, and hence they are filled with grief and alarm. They mourn before God to see religion despised in the very homes of those who have had great light. They lament and afflict their souls because pride, avarice, selfishness, and deception of almost every kind are in the church. The Spirit?of God, which prompts to reproof, is trampled underfoot, while the servants of Satan triumph. God is dishonored, the truth made of none effect.?{5T 210.3}[12]
§27
那等不为自己的灵性堕落而忧伤，也不为别人的罪恶而痛苦的人，必被撇下不受上帝的印记。耶和华吩咐那手执灭命兵器的使者说：“要跟随他走遍全城，以行击杀。你们的眼不要顾惜，也不要可怜他们。要将年老的、年少的，并处女婴孩和妇女从圣所起全都杀尽，只是凡有记号的人不要接近他。于是他们从殿前的长老杀起”（结9:5,6）。{5T211.1}[13]
§28
The class who do not feel grieved over their own spiritual declension, nor mourn over the sins of others, will be left without the seal of God. The Lord commissions His messengers, the men with slaughtering weapons in their hands: “Go ye after him through the city, and smite: let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at My sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house.”?{5T 211.1}[13]
§29
在这里我们看出教会──主的圣所──乃是首先触犯上帝之怒的。那些长老已蒙上帝赐予大光，处于民众灵性福利监护人的地位，却辜负了圣托。他们主张说，我们不必仰望神迹奇事及上帝大能的出现有如古时一样，因为时代已变迁了。他们竟说，耶和华必不降福，也不降祸，而以这些话来加强自己的不信之心。他们说主是太慈悲的主，必不向祂的百姓在审判时施行报应。因此这些人满口喊说“平安稳妥”，而不能再扬起声来好像吹角，说明上帝百姓的过犯，和雅各家的罪恶。这些不会叫唤的哑吧狗，是要受其所冒犯的上帝之公正惩罚的。男人，处女，及婴孩，也都一并灭亡。{5T211.2}[14]
§30
Here we see that the church—the Lord’s sanctuary—was the first to feel the stroke of the wrath of God. The ancient men, those to whom God had given great light and who had stood as guardians of the spiritual interests of the people, had betrayed their trust. They had taken the position that we need not look for miracles and the marked manifestation of God’s power as in former days. Times have changed. These words strengthen their unbelief, and they say: The Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. He is too merciful to visit His people in judgment. Thus “Peace and safety” is the cry from men who will never again lift up their voice like a trumpet to show God’s people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins. These dumb dogs that would not bark are the ones who feel the just vengeance of an offended God. Men, maidens, and little children all perish together.?{5T 211.2}[14]
§31
那些忠心之人所哀哭叹息的可憎之事，不过是肉眼所能见的，但那最坏而最惹那圣洁忌邪之上帝生气的，却是那些隐藏未露的罪恶。那伟大的鉴察人心之主，洞悉犯罪之徒在暗中所行的每一罪恶。这些人觉得自己的欺骗是很稳当的，又因为上帝是长久忍耐，竟然说主是看不见的，而我行我素，好像上帝已弃绝了这个地球一样。然而上帝必要察出他们的虚伪，并要将他们极小心隐藏的罪恶，公开揭露在人前。{5T211.3}[15]
§32
The abominations for which the faithful ones were sighing and crying were all that could be discerned by finite eyes, but by far the worst sins, those which provoked the jealousy of the pure and holy God, were unrevealed. The great Searcher of hearts knoweth every sin committed in secret by the workers of iniquity. These persons come to feel secure in their deceptions and, because of His long-suffering, say that the Lord?seeth not, and then act as though He had forsaken the earth. But He will detect their hypocrisy and will open before others those sins which they were so careful to hide.?{5T 211.3}[15]
§33
人若听其诡诈的心而行，则其等级，位分，及属世的智慧，无论是何等优越，也不拘其在圣职上居何等的地位，都不足以防止其不牺牲正义原理。那些曾被目为有价值有正义的人，却要显出是叛道的魁首，并在冷淡及滥用上帝的恩典上，作不良的榜样。上帝将不再宽容他们的恶行，祂要毫不怜悯地在义怒中处置他们。{5T212.1}[16]
§34
No superiority of rank, dignity, or worldly wisdom, no position in sacred office, will preserve men from sacrificing principle when left to their own deceitful hearts. Those who have been regarded as worthy and righteous prove to be ring-leaders in apostasy and examples in indifference and in the abuse of God’s mercies. Their wicked course He will tolerate no longer, and in His wrath He deals with them without mercy.?{5T 212.1}[16]
§35
对于那些已蒙大光照耀之福，并在服务他人的事上曾感圣道大能的人，主是不愿离开他们的。他们曾作祂忠心的仆人，曾蒙祂同在及引导之恩，但后来却离弃祂，并引别人也陷于错误之中，因此他们就落在神圣的怒气之下。{5T212.2}[17]
§36
It is with reluctance that the Lord withdraws His presence from those who have been blessed with great light and who have felt the power of the word in ministering to others. They were once His faithful servants, favored with His presence and guidance; but they departed from Him and led others into error, and therefore are brought under the divine displeasure.?{5T 212.2}[17]
§37
上帝报仇之日现正临到我们了；上帝的印记要盖在那些为世上所行可憎之事而叹息哀哭之人的额上。凡与世俗表同情的人，犹如与酒徒同食共饮，必定要与不法之徒一同灭亡。“因为主的眼看顾义人，主的耳听他们的祈祷；惟有行恶的人，主向他们变脸”（彼前3:12）。{5T212.3}[18]
§38
The day of God’s vengeance is just upon us. The seal of God will be placed upon the foreheads of those only who sigh and cry for the abominations done in the land. Those who link in sympathy with the world are eating and drinking with the drunken and will surely be destroyed with the workers of iniquity. “The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and His ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.”?{5T 212.3}[18]
§39
我们自己的行动必决定我们是否要受永生上帝的印记，或是要被灭命的兵器所灭。上帝的忿怒已有几滴降在世上了；但到了末后七大灾难斟在祂那忿怒的纯一不杂之杯中时，人要悔改及寻求安身之所，就必永远悔恨太晚，再没有赎罪和好之血可以洗清罪孽的污迹了。{5T212.4}[19]
§40
Our own course of action will determine whether we shall receive the seal of the living God or be cut down by the destroying weapons. Already a few drops of God’s wrath have fallen upon the earth; but when the seven last plagues shall be poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation, then it will be forever too late to repent and find shelter. No atoning blood will then wash away the stains of sin.?{5T 212.4}[19]
§41
“那时，保佑你本国之民的大君米迦勒必站起来，并且有大艰难，从有国以来直到此时，没有这样的。你本国的民中，凡名录在册上的，必得拯救”（但12:1）。当这大艰难的时期来到之时，一切的案件都已判定；再没有宽容时期，再没有为不悔改之人求恩的机会，永生上帝的印记已印在祂子民的身上了。这微小的余民，在与龙的众使者所统率的地上各权势一决生死之时，不能自卫，因此就以上帝为他们的保障。世上最高当局已发出命令，用逼迫及死亡之苦，要他们拜兽和受兽的印记。惟愿上帝现今救助祂的子民，因为在这样一场可怕的斗争中，若无祂相助，他们还能作什么呢！{5T212.5}[20]
§42
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince?which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, everyone that shall be found written in the book.” When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is no longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the living God is upon His people. This small remnant, unable to defend themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. May God help His people now, for what can they then do in such a fearful conflict without His assistance!?{5T 212.5}[20]
§43
勇敢，坚忍，信心，及纯全倚靠上帝能力施救之心，都非一蹴而就的。这些天赐的美德，是由经年累月的经验而来的。上帝的子民借着圣洁努力，坚执正义的生活，便决定了自己的命运。在无数的试探所围困之下，他们知道必须坚决抵御，否则难免失败。他们觉得自己有一番伟大的工作要作，并且随时有奉命放下武器之可能，若是到了生命结束之时而工作尚未完成，那就成为永远的损失了。他们热切接受上天的光，犹如早期门徒从耶稣口中领受的一样。那些早期基督徒在流亡山林荒野之时，在地牢挨饿，受冻，及被拷打至死之时，在殉道似为唯一解除己身痛苦之时，他们看自己被算是配为那替他们被钉十字架的基督受苦，便欢喜快乐。他们有价值的榜样，将为上帝子民在经受空前大艰难之时的安慰及鼓励。{5T213.1}[21]
§44
Courage, fortitude, faith, and implicit trust in God’s power to save do not come in a moment. These heavenly graces are acquired by the experience of years. By a life of holy endeavor and firm adherence to the right the children of God were sealing their destiny. Beset with temptations without number, they knew they must resist firmly or be conquered. They felt that they had a great work to do, and at any hour they might be called to lay off their armor; and should they come to the close of life with their work undone, it would be an eternal loss. They eagerly accepted the light from heaven, as did the first disciples from the lips of Jesus. When those early Christians were exiled to mountains and deserts, when left in dungeons to die with hunger, cold, and torture, when martyrdom seemed the only way out of their distress, they rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ, who was crucified for them. Their worthy example will be a comfort and encouragement to the people of God who will be brought into the time of trouble such as never was.?{5T 213.1}[21]
§45
凡自称遵守安息日的人，并非都受印记。甚至于在那些向别人教授真理之人中，也有许多在额上不得受上帝的印记。他们虽有了真理之光，知道主的旨意，也明白本会信仰的每一要点，但他们的行为却不与此相称。那些对于预言及上帝智慧宝藏非常熟悉的人，是应当实行其信仰的。他们应当吩咐自己的眷属效法他们，以便用有规律的家庭向世人显明真理感化人心的大能。{5T213.2}[22]
§46
Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed.?There are many even among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master’s will, they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works. These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the influence of the truth upon the human heart.?{5T 213.2}[22]
§47
由于他们缺乏献身和敬虔，以及没有达到高尚的宗教标准，就使别人也欣欣自满于自己的情况。因为见解有限的人，看不出自己若以这些常向其展示圣经宝藏之人为模范，就必使自己的灵命陷入危险。耶稣乃是唯一的真模范。现今各人若要明白主对他所要求的是什么，就当存孺子谦虚可教之心，跪在上帝之前，自己查考圣经。任何传道人无论怎样蒙上帝恩眷，若不照上帝所发给他的亮光去行，不肯象小孩子一样受教，他就要陷入黑暗及撒但的迷惑之中，也要领别人行于同一条道路上了。{5T214.1}[23]
§48
By their lack of devotion and piety, and their failure to reach a high religious standard, they make other souls contented with their position. Men of finite judgment cannot see that in patterning after these men who have so often opened to them the treasures of God’s word, they will surely endanger their souls. Jesus is the only true pattern. Everyone must now search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, if he would know what the Lord requires of him. However high any minister may have stood in the favor of God, if he neglects to follow out the light given him of God, if he refuses to be taught as a little child, he will go into darkness and satanic delusions and will lead others in the same path.?{5T 214.1}[23]
§49
我们当中任何人若在品格上仍有一点污点，就决不能受上帝的印记。那补救自己品格上的瑕疵，洁净灵宫中的每一污秽之工作，是留给我们自己去作的。这样，晚雨就必降在我们身上，犹如早雨在五旬节降于门徒们身上一样了。{5T214.2}[24]
§50
Not one of us will ever receive the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul temple of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain fell upon the disciples on the Day of Pentecost.?{5T 214.2}[24]
§51
我们对于自己的造诣太容易自满了。我们觉得富足，已经发了财，却不知道自己是那“困苦、可怜、贫穷、瞎眼、赤身的”（启3:17）。现在是我们应当留意那诚信真实见证者的警告之时了。祂对我们说：“我劝你向我买火炼的金子，叫你富足；又买白衣穿上，叫你赤身的羞耻不露出来；又买眼药擦你的眼睛，使你能看见”（同上18节）。{5T214.3}[25]
§52
We are too easily satisfied with our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods and know not that we are “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Now is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be?clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.”?{5T 214.3}[25]
§53
在今生我们必要遇到火炼的试验，作重大的牺牲，但可获得基督的平安为赏赐。克己牺牲及为基督受苦之事，一向是如此的微少，以致十字架几乎完全被人忘记了。我们若果要胜利地与祂同坐在祂的宝座上，就必须与祂同受苦难。何时我们仍然选取放纵自我的安逸道路，惧怕克己自制，我们的信心就永不得坚定，既不能明白耶稣的平安，也不自觉胜利的快乐。那身穿白衣，站在上帝与羔羊宝座前极尊贵的得救群众，因为曾亲身经历的大患难，所以知道争斗胜利的经过。那些屈服于环境，而不参加这场斗争的人，在那痛苦临到众人之日，便不知如何能站立得住；那时虽有挪亚，约伯，及但以理在地上，他们连儿带女都不能救，只能因他们的义救自己的性命。{5T215.1}[26]
§54
In this life we must meet fiery trials and make costly sacrifices, but the peace of Christ is the reward. There has been so little self-denial, so little suffering for Christ’s sake, that the cross is almost entirely forgotten. We must be partakers with Christ of His sufferings if we would sit down in triumph with Him on His throne. So long as we choose the easy path of self-indulgence and are frightened at self-denial, our faith will never become firm, and we cannot know the peace of Jesus nor the joy that comes through conscious victory. The most exalted of the redeemed host that stand before the throne of God and the Lamb, clad in white, know the conflict of overcoming, for they have come up through great tribulation. Those who have yielded to circumstances rather than engage in this conflict will not know how to stand in that day when anguish will be upon every soul, when, though Noah, Job, and Daniel were in the land, they could save neither son nor daughter, for everyone must deliver his soul by his own righteousness.?{5T 215.1}[26]
§55
没有一个人需要说自己已陷于绝境，不能度基督徒的生活。基督为众人而死，祂已为各人作了充足有余的准备。耶稣是我们困乏之日随时的帮助。只要凭着信心向祂求，祂已应许要垂听及应允你的请求。{5T215.2}[27]
§56
No one need say that his case is hopeless, that he cannot live the life of a Christian. Ample provision is made by the death of Christ for every soul. Jesus is our ever-present help in time of need. Only call upon Him in faith, and He has promised to hear and answer your petitions.?{5T 215.2}[27]
§57
唉，我们是何等地需要活泼积极的信心啊！我们必须有这样的信心，否则在患难之日，我们就要失败了，那时，虽有黑暗弥漫途中，我们也不必丧胆，亦不至于绝望。它乃是上帝降临分赐鸿福时，用以遮掩祂荣耀的幔子。根据过去的经验，我们应明白此事。在上帝与祂的百姓争辩之日，这种经验就要成为安慰与希望之源了。{5T215.3}[28]
§58
Oh, for a living, active faith! We need it; we must have it, or we shall faint and fail in the day of trial. The darkness that will then rest upon our path must not discourage us or drive us to despair. It is the veil with which God covers His glory when He comes to impart rich blessings. We should know this by our past experience. In that day when God has a controversy with His people this experience will be a source of comfort and hope.?{5T 215.3}[28]
§59
现今正是我们必须保守自己及自己的儿女，不受世俗的沾染；现今正是我们必须在羔羊的血中洗净自己品格的衣袍使之洁白。现今正是我们必须战胜骄傲，情欲，及灵性的懒惰。现今正是我们必须警醒，尽心竭力求品格的均衡发展。“你们今日若听祂的话，就不可硬着心”（来3:7,8,15）。我们是处于极艰难的地位，警醒等候主的显现。世界正在黑暗之中。保罗说：“弟兄们，你们却不在黑暗里，叫那日子临到你们象贼一样”（帖前5:4）。上帝历来的旨意是要等候仰望的人，在黑暗中得光明，在忧苦中得喜乐，在疲倦中得安息。{5T215.4}[29]
§60
It is now that we must keep ourselves and our children unspotted from the world. It is now that we must wash our robes?of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. It is now that we must overcome pride, passion, and spiritual slothfulness. It is now that we must awake and make determined effort for symmetry of character. “Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” We are in a most trying position, waiting, watching for our Lord’s appearing. The world is in darkness. “But ye, brethren,” says Paul, “are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” It is ever God’s purpose to bring light out of darkness, joy out of sorrow, and rest out of weariness for the waiting, longing soul.?{5T 215.4}[29]
§61
弟兄们哪，在这种预备的大工上，你们正在作什么呢？那些与世俗联合的人，正在接受世界的陶铸，预备受兽的印记。凡不信靠自己，而在上帝面前虚己，及因顺从真理而洁净己心的人，乃是接受上天的陶铸，预备在额上受上帝的印记。及至命令发出之时，印记已盖好了，他们的品格就要永远保持纯洁，无瑕无疵。{5T216.1}[30]
§62
What are you doing, brethren, in the great work of preparation? Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth—these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity.?{5T 216.1}[30]
§63
现在正是预备之时。上帝的印记永不印在污秽之男女的额上；也决不印在野心勃勃，贪爱世俗之男女的额上；更不印在心存诡诈或口吐谎言之男女的额上。凡接受这印记的人，必须在上帝面前毫无瑕疵，作天庭的候选者。我的弟兄姐妹们哪，前进吧！我此时只能简述这几点，仅欲唤醒你们注意预备之必要。你们应当自行查考圣经，以便明白现时可怕的严肃。{5T216.2}[31]
§64
Now is the time to prepare. The seal of God will never be placed upon the forehead of an impure man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of the ambitious, world-loving man or woman. It will never be placed upon the forehead of men or women of false tongues or deceitful hearts. All who receive the seal must be without spot before God—candidates for heaven. Go forward, my brethren and sisters. I can only write briefly upon these points at this time, merely calling your attention to the necessity of preparation. Search the Scriptures for yourselves, that you may understand the fearful solemnity of the present hour.?{5T 216.2}[31]