第14章 第一位天使的信息
§1
第十四章 第一位天使的信息
§2
Chapter 14—The First Angel’s Message
§3
《启示录》第十四章所提到的第一位天使的信息，在1840年至1844年的复临运动中应验了。在欧洲和美洲许多大有信心热心祈祷的人，注意到预言，并因研究圣经记载，看出令人信服的凭据，证明万物的结局已近，就深受感动。上帝的灵催促祂的仆人去传扬这警告。于是这永远福音的信息传到远近各地说：“应当敬畏上帝，将荣耀归给祂；因祂施行审判的时候已经到了” （启14:7）。{4SP 222.1}
§4
The prophecy of the first angel’s message, brought to view in Revelation 14, found its fulfillment in the Advent movement of 1840-1844. In both Europe and America, men of faith and prayer were deeply moved as their attention was called to the prophecies, and, tracing down the inspired record, they saw convincing evidence that the end of all things was at hand. The Spirit of God urged his servants, to give the warning. Far and wide spread the message of the everlasting gospel, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come.” [Revelation 14:7.] {4SP 222.1}
§5
凡是基督教宣教士所已经到过的地方，就有基督速速复临的快乐信息传到那里。不同的地方，各孤立的基督徒团体，仅仅借着研究圣经，都得着救主复临已近的信仰。在欧洲的某些区域，当地的律法非常严厉，不准人宣传基督复临的道理，但有小孩子受到激励去宣讲这信息。许多人听到了这严肃的警告。{4SP 222.2}
§6
Wherever missionaries had penetrated, were sent the glad tidings of Christ’s speedy return. In different lands were found isolated bodies of Christians, who, solely by the study of the Scriptures, had arrived at the belief that the Saviour’s advent was near. In some portions of Europe, where the laws were so oppressive as to forbid the preaching of the Advent doctrine, little children were impelled to declare it, and many listened to the solemn warning. {4SP 222.2}
§7
在美国传扬这信息的，有威廉.米勒耳和他的同工。他们的工作所点燃的亮光，照到了远方各处。指明基督要在1843年复临的圣经见证，引起了普遍的兴趣。有许多人深信这预言时期的论据是正确的，便放弃了自己的成见，欣然接受真理。有一些传道人放下了他们宗派的观点和感情，舍弃了薪俸和母会，来联合传扬耶稣复临的信息。虽然如此，接受这信息的传道人比较起来还在少数；因此，这种工作便大半由许多卑微的平信徒担负起来了。农夫离开了田园，工匠放下了工具，商人撇弃了买卖，专业人员牺牲了职位；然而工作人员的数目与所需要完成的大工相比，仍然不足应付。教会的不敬虔状况和卧在恶者手下的世界，使那些忠实守望者的心如荷重负。他们甘心忍受劳苦、穷乏和困难，以便劝人悔改得救。虽然有撒但作对，但工作依然稳步前进。复临的真理竟被成千成万的人所接受了。{4SP 222.3}
§8
To Wm. Miller and his co-laborers it was given to preach the message in America, and the light kindled by their labors shone out to distant lands. The testimony of the Scriptures pointing to the coming of Christ in 1843, awakened wide-spread interest. Many were convinced that the arguments from the prophetic periods were correct, and, sacrificing their pride of opinion, they joyfully received the truth. Some ministers laid aside their sectarian views and feelings, left their salaries and their churches, and united in proclaiming the coming of Jesus. There were but few ministers, however, who would accept this message; therefore it was largely committed to humble laymen. Farmers left their fields, mechanics their tools, traders their merchandise, professional men their positions; and yet the number of workers was small in comparison with the work to be accomplished. The condition of an ungodly church and a world lying in wickedness burdened the souls of the true watchmen, and they willingly endured toil, privation, and suffering that they might call men to repentance unto salvation. Though opposed by Satan, the work went steadily forward, and the Advent truth was accepted by many thousands. {4SP 222.3}
§9
这种鉴察心肠肺腑的见证到处可闻，警告罪人，不论教内教外，都要逃避那将要来的忿怒。像基督的先锋施洗约翰一样，这一班传扬信息的人把斧头放在树根上，恳劝众人结出果子来与悔改的心相称。他们那动人的劝告与普通讲台上所传的平安稳妥的虚言大不相同。这个信息无论在何处传扬，总是使人受感动的。藉着圣灵的能力，圣经简明直接的见证得以深入人心，使人折服，少有人能以全然抗拒。许多有名无实的基督徒，从虚伪的安全感中警醒过来了。他们看出自己的冷淡退后、迷恋世俗、没有信心和骄傲自私。许多人怀着悔改和谦卑的心来寻求上帝。那长久依恋世俗的感情现在却专注天上的事了。有上帝的灵降在他们身上，他们便怀着温柔而顺服的心，参加传扬那信息：“应当敬畏上帝，将荣耀归给祂；因祂施行审判的时候已经到了。”{4SP 223.1}
§10
Everywhere was heard the searching testimony warning sinners, both worldlings and church-members, to flee from the wrath to come. Like John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, the preachers laid the ax at the root of the tree, and urged all to bring forth fruit meet for repentance. Their stirring appeals were in marked contrast to the assurances of peace and safety that were heard from popular pulpits; and wherever the message was given, it moved the people. The simple, direct testimony of the Scriptures, set home by the power of the Holy Spirit, brought a weight of conviction which few were able wholly to resist. Professors of religion were roused from their false security. They saw their backslidings, their worldliness and unbelief, their pride and selfishness. Many sought the Lord with repentance and humiliation. The affections that had so long clung to earthly things they now fixed upon Heaven. The Spirit of God rested upon them, and with hearts softened and subdued they joined to sound the cry, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his Judgment is come.” {4SP 223.1}
§11
许多罪人声泪俱下地问道：“我当怎样行才可以得救？”那素来惯于讹诈人的，现在都急于要赔偿。凡在基督里得到平安的人，都渴望见到别人也享受这种福惠。父母的心转向儿女，儿女的心也转向父母。傲慢和保守的隔阂被撤除了。大家都衷心地认罪。每个家庭中的人都为自己至亲至爱之人的得救问题而作工。人们常常可以听到极诚恳迫切的代求声。到处都有人在深刻的忧伤痛悔中祈求上帝。许多人为求自己的罪得蒙赦免，或是为求自己亲戚或邻居的悔改，竟彻夜地热切祈祷。那种恳切、坚决的信心达到了目的。如果上帝的子民能一直这样迫切祈祷，将自己的请求呈上施恩座，他们就必得到更丰富的经验，远胜于现在所有的经验。可是他们太少祈祷，太少真实地认罪，并且缺少活泼的信心，以致许多人对于我们恩慈的救赎主如此充分供给的恩典仍是缺乏的。{4SP 224.1}
§12
Sinners inquired with weeping, “What must I do to be saved?” Those whose lives had been marked with dishonesty were anxious to make restitution. All who found peace in Christ longed to see others share the blessing. The hearts of parents were turned to their children, and the hearts of children to their parents. The barriers of pride and reserve were swept away. Heartfelt confessions were made, and the members of the household labored for the salvation of those who were nearest and dearest. Often was heard the sound of earnest intercession. Everywhere were souls in deep anguish, pleading with God. Many wrestled all night in prayer for the assurance that their own sins were pardoned, or for the conversion of their relatives or neighbors. That earnest, determined faith gained its object. Had the people of God continued to be thus importunate in prayer, pressing their petitions at the mercy-seat, they would be in possession of a far richer experience than they now have. There is too little prayer, too little real conviction of sin; and the lack of living faith leaves many destitute of the grace so richly provided by our gracious Redeemer. {4SP 224.1}
§13
各色各等的人都蜂拥来参赴复临运动的聚会，贫富贵贱的人在种种的动机之下，都急切要亲耳聆听复临的道理。在上帝的仆人讲解自己信仰的缘由时，上帝便抑制了反对真理的精神。有时上帝所用的器皿是软弱的，但祂的灵却使祂的真理大有能力。在这些聚会中可以感觉到有圣天使莅临。每天有许多人加入信徒的行列。当他们重述基督快来的凭据时，广大的听众都屏息静听那严肃的警告。天与地似乎是更相接近了。男女老幼都感觉到上帝的能力。人人都在归途中高声赞美，使万籁俱寂的深夜洋溢着喜乐的诗歌。凡是参赴过这些聚会的人，没有一个能忘记那种兴味深浓的情景。{4SP 225.1}
§14
All classes flocked to the Adventist meetings. Rich and poor, high and low, were, from various causes, anxious to hear for themselves the doctrine of the second advent. The Lord held the spirit of opposition in check while his servants explained the reasons of their faith. Sometimes the instrument was feeble; but the Spirit of God gave power to his truth. The presence of holy angels was felt in these assemblies, and many were daily added to the believers. As the evidences of Christ’s soon coming were repeated, vast crowds listened in breathless silence to the solemn words. Heaven and earth seemed to approach each other. The power of God would be felt upon old and young and middle-aged. Men sought their homes with praises upon their lips, and the glad sound rang out upon the still night air. None who attended those meetings can ever forget those scenes of deepest interest. {4SP 225.1}
§15
这确定是基督复临时日的宣告，同时招惹了各等人的反对，从讲台上的传道人起，直到最放肆，最大胆的罪人为止，都纷纷起来反对。伪善的传道人和大胆的讥诮者引用了“没有人知道那日子和那时辰”这句话（太24:36，见附录注释二）。他们掩耳不听那些指出预言的时期已经结束，基督亲自预言作为祂降临的兆头已经出现的人对这节经文清楚和谐的解释。许多自以为热爱救主的人，宣称他们并不反对传讲基督复临的道理；只是反对定出一定的时候。但上帝无所不见的慧眼却能鉴察这些人的心。事实上他们是不愿意听闻基督要复临凭公义审判世界的道理。他们素来是不忠心的仆人。他们的工作经不起那鉴察人心之上帝的检验，所以他们害怕迎见他们的主。像基督第一次降临时的犹太人一样，他们并没有预备欢迎耶稣。撒但和他的使者大为庆喜，并当着基督和圣天使的面，大肆嘲笑，说那些自称为上帝子民的人，竟这样不爱基督，甚至不希望祂显现。{4SP 225.2}
§16
The proclamation of a definite time for Christ’s coming called forth great opposition from many of all classes, from the minister in the pulpit down to the most reckless, Heaven-daring sinner. “No man knoweth the day nor the hour!” [See Appendix, note 2.] was heard alike from the hypocritical minister and the bold scoffer. They closed their ears to the clear and harmonious explanation of the text by those who were pointing to the close of the prophetic periods and to the signs which Christ himself had foretold as tokens of his advent. Many who professed to love the Saviour, declared that they had no opposition to the preaching of his coming; they merely objected to the definite time. God’s all-seeing eye read their hearts. They did not wish to hear of Christ’s coming to judge the world in righteousness. They had been unfaithful servants, their works would not bear the inspection of the heart-searching God, and they feared to meet their Lord. Like the Jews at the time of Christ’s first advent, they were not prepared to welcome Jesus. Satan and his angels exulted and flung the taunt in the face of Christ and holy angels, that his professed people had so little love for him that they did not desire his appearing. {4SP 225.2}
§17
不忠心的守望者阻碍上帝的圣工进展。及至众人被唤醒了，并开始查问得救之道的时候，这些领袖便置身在众人与真理之间，用曲解圣经的方法来镇抚他们的恐惧。在这项工作中，撒但和没有献身的传道人联合起来了，并在上帝没有说平安的时候，喊着说：平安了，平安了！正如基督时代的法利赛人一样。许多人自己不愿意进入天国，还要拦阻别人也不得进去。这些人的血必要归在他们的头上。{4SP 226.1}
§18
Unfaithful watchmen hindered the progress of the work of God. As the people were roused, and began to inquire the way of salvation, these leaders stepped in between them and the truth, seeking to quiet their fears by falsely interpreting the word of God. In this work, Satan and unconsecrated ministers united, crying, Peace, peace, when God had not spoken peace. Like the Pharisees in Christ’s day, many refused to enter the kingdom of Heaven themselves, and those who were entering in, they hindered. The blood of these souls will be required at their hand. {4SP 226.1}
§19
各教会中最谦卑而最献身的人常是最先接受这信息的。凡自行研究圣经的人便不能不看出那流行的预言解释法是不合圣经的；并且凡不受一般牧师势力支配的人和那些自行查考圣经的人对基督复临的教义，只要与圣经一比，便可确定它的神圣权威。{4SP 226.2}
§20
Wherever the message of truth was proclaimed, the most humble and devoted in the churches were the first to receive it. Those who studied the Bible for themselves could not but see the unscriptural character of the popular views of prophecy, and wherever the people were not deceived by the efforts of the clergy to misstate and pervert the faith, wherever they would search the word of God for themselves, the Advent doctrine needed only to be compared with the Scriptures to establish its divine authority. {4SP 226.2}
§21
许多人被他们不信的弟兄所逼迫。有些人为要保持自己在教会中的地位，便同意不再宣讲自己的指望；但别的人却觉得自己若要效忠上帝，就不该将祂所委托他们的真理隐藏起来。有不少人只因为表示自己信仰基督复临就被驱逐出教。先知以下的话对于这些忍受信仰磨炼的人真是极其宝贵的：“你们的弟兄，就是恨恶你们，因我名赶出你们的，曾说，愿耶和华得荣耀，使我们得见你们的喜乐；但蒙羞的究竟是他们”（赛66:5）。{4SP 227.1}
§22
Many were persecuted by their unbelieving brethren. In order to retain their position in the church, some consented to be silent in regard to their hope; but others felt that loyalty to God forbade them thus to hide the truths which he had committed to their trust. Not a few were cut off from the fellowship of the church for no other reason than expressing their belief in the coming of Christ. Very precious to those who bore the trial of their faith were the words of the prophet, “Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified. But he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” [Isaiah 66:5.] {4SP 227.1}
§23
上帝的众天使以非常深切的关怀注视着这次警告的结果。当各教会普遍地拒绝了这信息的时候，天使便忧忧愁愁地转身离开了。虽然如此，那时各教会中还有许多人对于复临的真理尚未明辨是非。有许多人竟被自己的丈夫，妻子，父母，或儿女所迷惑，以为这种真理乃是异端邪道，甚至于去听复临信徒的教训也是罪恶，上帝便命令天使继续忠心看守这些人；因为还有一道亮光从上帝宝座那里发出照射在他们身上。{4SP 227.2}
§24
Angels of God were watching with the deepest interest the result of the warning. When the churches as a body rejected the message, angels turned away from them in sadness. Yet there were in the churches many who had not yet been tested in regard to the Advent truth. Many were deceived by husbands, wives, parents, or children, and were made to believe it a sin even to listen to such heresies as were taught by the Adventists. Angels were bidden to keep faithful watch over these souls; for another light was yet to shine upon them from the throne of God. {4SP 227.2}
§25
那些已经接受这信息的人心里怀着说不出的渴望，儆醒等候他们救主的降临。他们所盼望与主会面的时辰已经迫在眼前了。他们怀着恬静严肃的心情等待这个时辰。他们一心与上帝作甜蜜的交通。这种经验乃是他们在光明的将来所必要享受之平安的预尝。凡是体验过这种盼望和信靠的人，没有一个能忘记那宝贵的等待时期。在那时候的前几个星期，世俗的业务大半被撇弃在一旁了。信徒们仔细检查了自己的每一个思想和情感，好像在临终之时将要瞑目不再看见地上的景物一样。当时并没有人缝制所谓“升天的白衣”（见附录注释三），但大家都觉得需要内心的凭据来证明自己已经预备好迎见救主。他们的白衣乃是心灵的纯洁，──基督赎罪的血把他们品格上的罪污都洗净了。{4SP 227.3}
§26
With unspeakable desire those who had received the message watched for the coming of their Saviour. The time when they expected to meet him was at hand. They approached this hour with a calm solemnity. They rested in sweet communion with God, an earnest of the peace that was to be theirs in the bright hereafter. None who experienced this hope and trust can forget those precious hours of waiting. Worldly business was for the most part laid aside for a few weeks. Believers carefully examined every thought and emotion of their hearts as if upon their death-beds and in a few hours to close their eyes upon earthly scenes. There was no making of “ascension robes;” [See Appendix, note 3.] but all felt the need of internal evidence that they were prepared to meet the Saviour; their white robes were purity of soul,—characters cleansed from sin by the atoning blood of Christ. {4SP 227.3}
§27
上帝原是要试验自己的子民。在他们算错预言时期的时候，祂的手掩盖了那个错误（见附录注释一）。复临信徒没有觉察到这个错误，而那些反对他们的人中最有学问的人也没有觉察到。这些人只说：“你们对于预言时期的推算是正确无误的。到了时候，将要发生一件大事，但这大事却不是米勒耳先生所预告的；这大事乃是指着全世界要悔改，而不是指着基督要复临。” {4SP 228.1}
§28
God designed to prove his people. His hand covered a mistake in the reckoning of the prophetic periods. [See Appendix, note 1.] Adventists did not discover the error, nor was it discovered by the most learned of their opponents. The latter said, “Your reckoning of the prophetic periods is correct. Some great event is about to take place; but it is not what Mr. Miller predicts; it is the conversion of the world, and not the second advent of Christ.” {4SP 228.1}
§29
所期待的时辰过去了，基督并没有显现来拯救祂的子民。凡真心信仰并爱慕救主降临的人，都经历了一场苦楚的失望。然而上帝的旨意正在实现；祂正在试验那些自称为等候祂显现之人的心。其中有许多人的动机无非是惧怕。他们口头上的信仰并没有影响到他们的内心和生活。在所希望的大事落空之后，这些人宣告说，他们并不感到失望，他们本来就不相信基督会复临。他们也是最先向那些陷于忧苦之中的真实信徒大肆讥诮的。{4SP 228.2}
§30
The time of expectation passed, and Christ did not appear for the deliverance of his people. Those who with sincere faith and love had looked for their Saviour, experienced a bitter disappointment. Yet the Lord had accomplished his purpose: he had tested the hearts of those who professed to be waiting for his appearing. There were among them many who had been actuated by no higher motive than fear. Their profession of faith had not affected their hearts or their lives. When the expected event failed to take place, these persons declared that they were not disappointed; they had never believed that Christ would come. They were among the first to ridicule the sorrow of the true believers. {4SP 228.2}
§31
然而耶稣和众天使却以慈爱和同情的心垂顾那些受了试炼而仍然忠心的失望者。如果这隔开物界和灵界的帘幔能揭开，人们就会见到天使正在就近这些坚信不拔的人，并在掩护他们脱离撒但的毒箭。{4SP 229.1}
§32
But Jesus and all the heavenly host looked with love and sympathy upon the tried and faithful yet disappointed ones. Could the vail separating the visible from the invisible world have been swept back, angels would have been seen drawing near to these steadfast souls, and shielding them from the shafts of Satan. {4SP 229.1}