第85章 迫近的斗争
§1
第85章 迫近的斗争
§2
Chap. 85—The Impending Conflict
§3
将有一个重大的危机待临于上帝的子民。世界将有一场危机。在我们当前将发生历代以来最严重的斗争。我们凭着先知预言的权威而传扬了四十多年的种种迫近的大事，此刻正出现在我们的眼前。久经争执的宪法修正案，约束宗教自由的条例，现已提交国家的立法议员，并催迫他们去办理。强制执行遵守星期日的问题，已引起了举国的注意与重视。我们十分明白此项运动的后果是什么。但我们是否预备应付这个局势呢？上帝将警告世人当前危险的责任交给我们，我们是否忠诚地执行了呢？{5T711.3}[1]
§4
A great crisis awaits the people of God. A crisis awaits the world. The most momentous struggle of all the ages is just before us. Events which for more than forty years we have upon the authority of the prophetic word declared to be impending are now taking place before our eyes. Already the question of an amendment to the Constitution restricting liberty of conscience has been urged upon the legislators of the nation. The question of enforcing Sunday observance has become one of national interest and importance. We well know what the result of this movement will be. But are we ready for the issue? Have we faithfully discharged the duty which God has committed to us of giving the people warning of the danger before them??{5T 711.3}[1]
§5
许多的人，甚至那些参加制定星期日休业运动的人也在内，对于这一行动的后果如何，却是茫无所知。他们不明白自己所行的正是直接打击了宗教自由的权力。许多人从来未理会圣经上关于安息日的要求，以及星期日制度所根据的虚妄的基础。任何袒护宗教立法的运动，实际上都是一种向教皇权让步的行动，教皇权乃历代以来一贯与信仰自由争战的暴政。遵守星期日已成为一种所谓之基督教制度，其存在乃是出于“不法的隐意；”至于执行星期日休业这一回事，则更是对那作为天主教会基石的主义予以实际上的承认罢了。何时本国（指美国）若弃绝政纲到了强制执行星期日律法的地步，各基督教必在此举上与天主教携手；届时只有叫那伺隙已久，跃跃欲图东山再起的专制暴政有生气罢了。{5T711.4}[2]
§6
There are many, even of those engaged in this movement for Sunday enforcement, who are blinded to the results which will follow this action. They do not see that they are striking directly against religious liberty. There are many who have never understood the claims of the Bible Sabbath and the false foundation upon which the Sunday institution rests. Any movement in favor of religious legislation is really an act of concession to the papacy, which for so many ages has?steadily warred against liberty of conscience. Sunday observance owes its existence as a so-called Christian institution to “the mystery of iniquity;” and its enforcement will be a virtual recognition of the principles which are the very cornerstone of Romanism. When our nation shall so abjure the principles of its government as to enact a Sunday law, Protestantism will in this act join hands with popery; it will be nothing else than giving life to the tyranny which has long been eagerly watching its opportunity to spring again into active despotism.?{5T 711.4}[2]
§7
国家的改良运动，操纵着宗教立法的权力，到了全部发展之时，就必显明出同样的专制与压迫，一如以往历代所盛行的。那时，人的议会僭取了神的特权，在其专制暴力之下，蹂躏宗教自由；对于凡反对其命令的人，妄施以监禁，放逐，及死刑。如果天主教或其主义再受了法定的权力，则逼迫之火，势必复燃，攻击凡不肯牺牲良心及真理以顺从那流行异端的人。这种罪行已将要实现了。{5T712.1}[3]
§8
The National Reform movement, exercising the power of religious legislation, will, when fully developed, manifest the same intolerance and oppression that have prevailed in past ages. Human councils then assumed the prerogatives of Deity, crushing under their despotic power liberty of conscience; and imprisonment, exile, and death followed for those who opposed their dictates. If popery or its principles shall again be legislated into power, the fires of persecution will be rekindled against those who will not sacrifice conscience and the truth in deference to popular errors. This evil is on the point of realization.?{5T 712.1}[3]
§9
上帝既赐我们亮光指出当前的危险，我们若疏忽不尽自己的每一分力量去传给人，我们在祂的眼前怎能清白无辜呢？我们能忍心让他们去应付这场严重的危机，不予警告么？{5T712.2}[4]
§10
When God has given us light showing the dangers before us, how can we stand clear in His sight if we neglect to put forth every effort in our power to bring it before the people? Can we be content to leave them to meet this momentous issue unwarned??{5T 712.2}[4]
§11
我们逆料将有一场不断的奋斗，须冒着被囚入狱，没收财产，甚至于牺牲性命的危险，以护卫那被人之律法所废的上帝之律法。在这种情况之下，按世俗的手段而言，必叫人为平安与和睦起见，不妨对当地的法律作表面上的顺从。有些人甚至采用圣经上的话来坚持这种行动说：“在上有权柄的，人人当顺服他；……凡掌权的都是上帝所命的”（罗13:1）。{5T712.3}[5]
§12
There is a prospect before us of a continued struggle, at the risk of imprisonment, loss of property, and even of life itself, to defend the law of God, which is made void by the laws of men. In this situation worldly policy will urge an outward compliance with the laws of the land, for the sake of peace and harmony. And there are some who will even urge such a course from the Scripture: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers.... The powers that be are ordained of God.”?{5T 712.3}[5]
§13
但上帝仆人在已往历代中的方针是怎样的呢？基督复活之后，门徒传基督和祂被钉十字架的道理之时，当局命令他们不可再传，也不可奉耶稣的名去教训人。然而“彼得、约翰说：听从你们，不听从上帝，这在上帝面前合理不合理，你们自己酌量吧。我们所看见所听见的，不能不说”（徒4:19,20）。他们继续传扬靠基督得救的佳音，并有上帝的能力证实这信息。病人治好了，几千人加入了教会。“大祭司和他的一切同人，就是撒都该教门的人，都起来，满心忌恨，就下手拿住使徒，收在外监”（徒5:17,18）。{5T713.1}[6]
§14
But what has been the course of God’s servants in ages past? When the disciples preached Christ and Him crucified, after His resurrection, the authorities commanded them not to speak any more nor to teach in the name of Jesus. “But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” They continued to preach the good news of salvation through Christ, and the power of God witnessed to the message. The sick were healed, and thousands were added to the church. “Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.”?{5T 713.1}[6]
§15
但天上的上帝，宇宙的大能主宰，却亲手处理这事；因为人们乃是攻击祂的工作。祂明白地指示人，在人类之上有一位主宰，祂的权威是当予尊重的。主在夜间差派自己的使者去打开监牢的门，把上帝所委派去作祂工的这些人带领出来。众官长说：“总不可奉耶稣的名讲论、教训人；”但上帝所派的天庭使者却说：“你们去站在殿里，把这生命的道都讲给百姓听”（徒4:18；5:20）。{5T713.2}[7]
§16
But the God of heaven, the mighty Ruler of the universe, took this matter into His own hands; for men were warring against His work. He showed them plainly that there is a ruler above man, whose authority must be respected. The Lord sent His angel by night to open the prison doors, and he brought forth these men whom God had commissioned to do His work. The rulers said, Speak not “at all nor teach in the name of Jesus;” but the heavenly messenger sent by God said, “Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.”?{5T 713.2}[7]
§17
凡设法强迫人遵守天主教的制度，蹂躏上帝权威的人，他们正是作一种与使徒时代的犹太领袖们所作的同样工作。及至地上当局的律法与宇宙最高主宰的律法相抵触时，凡是上帝忠心的子民，就必忠于上帝。{5T713.3}[8]
§18
Those who seek to compel men to observe an institution of the papacy, and trample upon God’s authority, are doing a work similar to that of the Jewish leaders in the days of the apostles. When the laws of earthly rulers are brought into opposition to the laws of the Supreme Ruler of the universe, then those who are God’s loyal subjects will be true to Him.?{5T 713.3}[8]
§19
我们这班人还没有完成上帝委派给我们的工作。我们还没有预备好，可以应付那执行星期日律法之后所要临到我们的局势。当我们见到危机临头的预兆之时，我们的本分就是唤起行动。不可有一人束手坐待逆境之来，而以相信先知早已预言过此项工作必然推进，以及主必护庇其子民来自行安慰。我们若静坐不言，不采任何行动以保障宗教自由的权力，我们便不是奉行上帝的旨意。应当向天庭发出热切有效的祈祷，使这场灾难可以延缓，直到我们能完成这久被疏忽的工作。应当作恳切的祈祷，然后尽力作工以配合我们的祈祷。表面看来，也许撒但是胜利者，真理被异端邪道所压服；上帝所荫庇的人民，及良心受压迫的上帝仆人与真理护卫者所倚为避难所的国家，也许是处于危急之中。但上帝却愿我们回想祂在昔日怎样拯救其子民脱离仇敌的手。当人看来似乎没有机会能从撒但的作为中被救出来的时候，上帝常常采用非常的手段，来显扬祂的权能。人的需要乃是上帝的机会。也许上帝还让祂的子民有一段迟延的时期，以便觉悟而兴起发光。如果古时平原的罪恶城邑，若有十个义人在其中，便可免于灭亡，那么现今上帝岂不是可能垂听祂子民的祈祷，而制止那些要废去上帝律法之人的妄为么？我们岂可不在上帝之前全然虚心，逃到施恩座那里，祈求祂彰显其大能呢？{5T713.4}[9]
§20
We as a people have not accomplished the work which God has committed to us. We are not ready for the issue to which the enforcement of the Sunday law will bring us. It is our duty, as we see the signs of approaching peril, to arouse to action. Let none sit in calm expectation of the evil,?comforting themselves with the belief that this work must go on because prophecy has foretold it, and that the Lord will shelter His people. We are not doing the will of God if we sit in quietude, doing nothing to preserve liberty of conscience. Fervent, effectual prayer should be ascending to heaven that this calamity may be deferred until we can accomplish the work which has so long been neglected. Let there be most earnest prayer, and then let us work in harmony with our prayers. It may appear that Satan is triumphant and that truth is overborne with falsehood and error; the people over whom God has spread His shield, and the country which has been an asylum for the conscience-oppressed servants of God and defenders of His truth, may be placed in jeopardy. But God would have us recall His dealings with His people in the past to save them from their enemies. He has always chosen extremities, when there seemed no possible chance for deliverance from Satan’s workings, for the manifestation of His power. Man’s necessity is God’s opportunity. It may be that a respite may yet be granted for God’s people to awake and let their light shine. If the presence of ten righteous persons would have saved the wicked cities of the plain, is it not possible that God will yet, in answer to the prayers of His people, hold in check the workings of those who are making void His law? Shall we not humble our hearts greatly before God, flee to the mercy seat, and plead with Him to reveal His mighty power??{5T 713.4}[9]
§21
如果我们的人一直照旧表示着没精打采的态度，上帝就不能降祂的灵在他们的身上。他们没有预备与祂合作。他们不觉悟当前的情况，也不明白那威胁人的危险。他们现今应当空前地感觉到自己需要警醒及一致行动。{5T714.1}[10]
§22
If our people continue in the listless attitude in which they have been, God cannot pour upon them His Spirit. They are unprepared to co-operate with Him. They are not awake to the situation and do not realize the threatened danger. They should feel now, as never before, their need of vigilance and concerted action.?{5T 714.1}[10]
§23
第三天使特别工作的重要性尚未被人看出。上帝原欲祂的子民比今日所处的地位更要前进得多。而今，到了他们应该跃起行动之时，但他们却还在作准备的工作。当国家改革派开始催促制定法令去约束宗教自由之时，我们的领袖们早就应该敏赴事机，迫切努力反击这些活动。上帝无意叫我们的人不见此亮光，也就是他们此刻所需要的现代真理。我们传扬第三天使信息的传道人，并非个个都切实明白这信息是什么所构成的。有些人竟以为国家改革运动是无关宏旨的，以致认为对此无需加以注意，甚而觉得如果那样行，势必花费功夫去研究与第三天使信息无关的各项问题。但愿主饶恕我们的弟兄们对于现代信息作此解释之罪。{5T714.2}[11]
§24
The peculiar work of the third angel has not been seen in its importance. God meant that His people should be far?in advance of the position which they occupy today. But now, when the time has come for them to spring into action, they have the preparation to make. When the National Reformers began to urge measures to restrict religious liberty, our leading men should have been alive to the situation and should have labored earnestly to counteract these efforts. It is not in the order of God that light has been kept from our people—the very present truth which they needed for this time. Not all our ministers who are giving the third angel’s message really understand what constitutes that message. The National Reform movement has been regarded by some as of so little importance that they have not thought it necessary to give much attention to it and have even felt that in so doing they would be giving time to questions distinct from the third angel’s message. May the Lord forgive our brethren for thus interpreting the very message for this time.?{5T 714.2}[11]
§25
应当唤醒众人明白现代的危险。守望者睡着了。我们已落后多年了。惟愿担任守望者领袖的人，觉得有自行谨慎的迫切需要，免得失去了那赐他们能看清危险的机会。{5T715.1}[12]
§26
The people need to be aroused in regard to the dangers of the present time. The watchmen are asleep. We are years behind. Let the chief watchmen feel the urgent necessity of taking heed to themselves, lest they lose the opportunities given them to see the dangers.?{5T 715.1}[12]
§27
如果各区会的领袖们现今不领受上帝给他们的信息，立即列队行动，各教会就要蒙受大损失。如果守望者见到刀剑临近，吹起号角一定的声音，队上的信徒就要响应这警告，这样大家就有机会可以预备，应付战斗。可惜往往作领袖的人，站着犹豫不决，似乎在说：“我们不可太忙乱。也许这是一场错误。我们应当小心，不要发出一个假的警报啊。”他的迟疑不定，无异是向人喊说：“‘平安稳妥’。不要激动。不必惊惶。这种信仰自由修正的法案实行之日尚远呢。这场骚动必要全归沉静的。”他这样行，简直是否认上帝所发的信息，并使那原欲用以激动诸教会的警告全然无效。守望者的号角没有吹出一定的声音，信徒就无从预备作战。惟愿守望者警醒觉悟起来，免得因为他的犹豫及迟延，遂使人们灭亡了，并要从他的手中索取他们的血。{5T715.2}[13]
§28
If the leading men in our conferences do not now accept the message sent them by God, and fall into line for action, the churches will suffer great loss. When the watchman, seeing the sword coming, gives the trumpet a certain sound, the people along the line will echo the warning, and all will have opportunity to make ready for the conflict. But too often the leader has stood hesitating, seeming to say: “Let us not be in too great haste. There may be a mistake. We must be careful not to raise a false alarm.” The very hesitancy and uncertainty on his part is crying: “‘Peace and safety.’ Do not get excited. Be not alarmed. There is a great deal more made of this religious amendment question than is demanded. This agitation will all die down.” Thus he virtually denies the?message sent from God, and the warning which was designed to stir the churches fails to do its work. The trumpet of the watchman gives no certain sound, and the people do not prepare for the battle. Let the watchman beware lest, through his hesitancy and delay, souls shall be left to perish, and their blood shall be required at his hand.?{5T 715.2}[13]
§29
多年以来，我们已经注意到星期日的律法要在本国执行，而今这种运动已面临着我们了，我们问道：我们的人肯在这件事上尽到自己的本分么？我们能否高举旗号，应命向前，为那些关心信仰自由权力的人们作一臂之助呢？时日迫近，届时凡宁愿听从上帝过于听从人的人，必要感觉到人的压迫手段。当上帝神圣的诸诫命被人蹂躏于足下之时，我们难道要保持静默，而使上帝蒙羞么？{5T716.1}[14]
§30
We have been looking many years for a Sunday law to be enacted in our land; and, now that the movement is right upon us, we ask: Will our people do their duty in the matter? Can we not assist in lifting the standard and in calling to the front those who have a regard for their religious rights and privileges? The time is fast approaching when those who choose to obey God rather than man will be made to feel the hand of oppression. Shall we then dishonor God by keeping silent while His holy commandments are trodden underfoot??{5T 716.1}[14]
§31
当此基督教界在态度上向罗马天主教妥协让步之时，我们应当觉醒起来，明了现况，并看清当前争执的真相。惟愿守望者现今扬声，传布现代真理的信息。但愿我们向人显明现今是处于预言历史的哪一阶段，并设法激起真正的改正教精神，唤醒世人感觉到这享受已久的宗教自由权力之价值。{5T716.2}[15]
§32
While the Protestant world is by her attitude making concessions to Rome, let us arouse to comprehend the situation and view the contest before us in its true bearings. Let the watchmen now lift up their voice and give the message which is present truth for this time. Let us show the people where we are in prophetic history and seek to arouse the spirit of true Protestantism, awaking the world to a sense of the value of the privileges of religious liberty so long enjoyed.?{5T 716.2}[15]
§33
上帝呼召我们警醒起来，因为结局已近了。在天庭方面看来，现今所度的每一点钟，都应积极用以在世预备一班人，在那即将展开的大场面中演出一份角色。片刻光阴的消逝，看似没有多大的价值，可是对于永恒的福利却有重大的作用。这些光阴正在注定人的命运是永生或永死。我们今日落在人们耳中的话语，我们所行的事，和我们传扬信息的精神，都是一种活的香气叫人活，或是死的香气叫人死。{5T716.3}[16]
§34
God calls upon us to awake, for the end is near. Every passing hour is one of activity in the heavenly courts to make ready a people upon the earth to act a part in the great scenes that are soon to open upon us. These passing moments, that seem of so little value to us, are weighty with eternal interests. They are molding the destiny of souls for everlasting life or eternal death. The words we utter today in the ears of the people, the works we are doing, the spirit of the message we are bearing, will be a savor of life unto life or of death unto death.?{5T 716.3}[16]
§35
我的弟兄们哪，你们明白自己的得救以及别人的命运，都依赖于你们为当前的磨难而作的准备么？你们有否那种强烈的热忱，那种虔诚与献身，足以使你们在遭受反对之时能站立得住呢？如果上帝曾藉着我说话，那么时候必到，那时你们要被带到公堂之前，你们所持守的每一真理立场，都要经过严格的评判。应当将现今所荒废的许多光阴，用于上帝所交托我们的工作，为那迫近的危机作准备。{5T716.4}[17]
§36
My brethren, do you realize that your own salvation, as?well as the destiny of other souls, depends upon the preparation you now make for the trial before us? Have you that intensity of zeal, that piety and devotion, which will enable you to stand when opposition shall be brought against you? If God has ever spoken by me, the time will come when you will be brought before councils, and every position of truth which you hold will be severely criticized. The time that so many are now allowing to go to waste should be devoted to the charge that God has given us of preparing for the approaching crisis.?{5T 716.4}[17]
§37
上帝忠实的子民，现今应当空前地更加爱护及尊重上帝的律法。在不论男女老幼一切信徒的脑中及心里，最要紧应当记着基督的命令：“你们要查考圣经”（约5:39）。应当研究圣经，远胜往日。你们若非在宗教的生活上升到更高更圣洁的地步，就不会预备好等候我们的主显现。既有大光照亮，上帝就期望在祂子民这一方面也要发起相应的热心，忠诚，及献身。必须有更属灵的生活，更深切地献身于上帝，及在祂的圣工上更加空前热心。必须多用工夫祈祷，使我们品格的衣袍可在羔羊的血中洗净洁白。{5T717.1}[18]
§38
The law of God should be loved and honored by His true people now more than ever before. There is the most imperative necessity of urging the injunction of Christ upon the minds and hearts of all believers, men and women, youth and children: “Search the Scriptures.” Study your Bible as you have never studied it before. Unless you arise to a higher, holier state in your religious life, you will not be ready for the appearing of our Lord. As great light has been given, God expects corresponding zeal, faithfulness, and devotion on the part of His people. There must be more spirituality, a deeper consecration to God, and a zeal in His work that has never yet been reached. Much time should be spent in prayer, that our garments of character may be washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb.?{5T 717.1}[18]
§39
我们尤其是应当本着绝不摇动的信心，求上帝降赐恩典及能力给祂现代的子民。我们不相信上帝让我们的自由受拘束的时候已经完全来到了。先知见到有“四位天使站在地的四角，执掌地上四方的风，叫风不吹在地上、海上和树上。”另有一位天使，从东方上来，向他们喊叫说：“地与海并树木，你们不可伤害，等我们印了我们上帝众仆人的额”（启7:13）。这里指出了我们现在应作之工。一种重大的责任，现正交给全球各地虔诚祈祷的男女信徒们，应当祈求上帝驱退邪恶凶险之风云，再赏几年恩典的光阴，以便为主作工。但愿我们向上帝呼吁，使天使执掌四方的风，直到能派布道士到天涯海角，向违背耶和华律法之人发出警告。{5T717.2}[19]
§40
Especially should we, with unwavering faith, seek God for grace and power to be given to His people now. We do not believe that the time has fully come when He would have our liberties restricted. The prophet saw “four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree.” Another angel, ascending from the east, cried to them, saying: “Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” This points out the work we have now to do. A vast responsibility is devolving upon men and?women of prayer throughout the land to petition that God will sweep back the cloud of evil and give a few more years of grace in which to work for the Master. Let us cry to God that the angels may hold the four winds until missionaries shall be sent to all parts of the world and shall proclaim the warning against disobeying the law of Jehovah.?{5T 717.2}[19]