第17章 半夜的呼声
§1
第十七章 半夜的呼声
§2
Chapter 17—The Midnight Cry
§3
“新郎迟延的时候，他们都打盹，睡着了。半夜有人声喊着说，新郎来了，你们出来迎接祂。那些童女就都起来收拾灯”（太25:5-7）。{4SP 248.1}
§4
“While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.” [Matthew 25:5-7.] {4SP 248.1}
§5
在1844年的夏季，复临信徒发现他们过去计算预言时期的错误，并作出了正确的计算。他们原来以为《但以理书》八章十四节的2300日，就是众人所相信那延展到基督复临的时期的终点，乃是在1844年春季；但这时他们看出这个时期实在延展到该年的秋季（见附录注释一）。于是复临信徒便以这个日期为救主显现的时候。传开这个有关时间的信息进一步地应验了十童女赴婚筵的比喻。这个比喻适用于复临信徒的经验，是显而易见的。正如比喻中宣布新郎来临的喊声是在半夜发出来的，同样的呼声也是在1844年春季，就是他们原先以为是2300日的终点，和1844年的秋季，就是他们后来发现是2300日的实在终点，这两者之间传出来的，而且所传出的呼声正好也引用了圣经的话：“看哪，新郎来了，你们出来迎接祂”（太25:6）！{4SP 248.2}
§6
In the summer of 1844, Adventists discovered the mistake in their former reckoning of the prophetic periods, and settled upon the correct position. The 2300 days of Daniel 8:14, which all believed to extend to the second coming of Christ, had been thought to end in the spring of 1844; but it was now seen that this period extended to the autumn of the same year, [See Appendix, note 1.] and the minds of Adventists were fixed upon this point as the time for the Lord’s appearing. The proclamation of this time message was another step in the fulfillment of the parable of the marriage, whose application to the experience of Adventists had already been clearly seen. As in the parable the cry was raised at midnight announcing the approach of the bridegroom, so in the fulfillment, midway between the spring of 1844, when it was first supposed that the 2300 days would close, and the autumn of 1844, at which time it was afterward found that they were really to close, such a cry was raised, in the very words of Scripture: “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” {4SP 248.2}
§7
这个运动象潮水一样扫荡了全地。从这城到那城，从这村到那村，深入最遥远的地区，直到一切等候基督的上帝子民都被唤醒了。在这个消息传扬之前，狂热的现象云消雾散了。信徒再一次找到自己的立场；他们的心被希望和勇气所鼓舞。这次工作不像一般出于感情的刺激而不受圣经和圣灵控制的运动那样有极端的趋势。它乃像古时以色列人在听到耶和华的仆人传来责备信息之后所发起的自卑和转向耶和华的运动。它呈现了上帝在每一个世代所发动之工作的特点。这特点少有狂欢的表现，而多有深刻自省，悔改认罪和放弃世俗的精神。许多经过内心挣扎之人的抱负是要预备迎见主。他们恒切祈祷，毫无保留地献身给上帝。{4SP 249.1}
§8
Like a tidal wave the movement swept over the land. From city to city, from village to village, and into remote country places it went, until the waiting people of God were fully aroused. Before this proclamation, fanaticism disappeared, like early frost before the rising sun. Believers once more found their position, and hope and courage animated their hearts. The work was free from those extremes which are ever manifested when there is human excitement without the controlling influence of the word and Spirit of God. It was similar in character to those seasons of humiliation and returning unto the Lord which among ancient Israel followed messages of reproof from his servants. It bore the characteristics which mark the work of God in every age. There was little ecstatic joy, but rather deep searching of heart, confession of sin, and forsaking of the world. A preparation to meet the Lord was the burden of agonizing spirits. There was persevering prayer, and unreserved consecration to God. {4SP 249.1}
§9
威廉.米勒耳形容那时的工作说：“我们当中并没有人表示极度的欢乐；大家好像是把欢乐的事留到将来，因为将来天地万物都要一同欢庆，并有说不出的喜乐和盈溢着的荣耀。我们当中也没有人大声喊叫，这也留到将来；那时从天上必要发出“呼叫的声音’；歌唱的人也止息了；他们正等待参加天使的队伍和天上的歌咏队呢。……我们当中也没有争论的事；众人都有一样的心思，一样的意念”。{4SP 249.2}
§10
Said Wm. Miller, in describing that work: “There is no great expression of joy; that is, as it were, suppressed for a future occasion, when all Heaven and earth will rejoice together with joy unspeakable and full of glory. There is no shouting; that, too, is reserved for the shout from Heaven. The singers are silent; they are waiting to join the angelic hosts, the choir from Heaven. No arguments are used or needed; all seem convinced that they have the truth. There is no clashing of sentiments; all are of one heart and of one mind.” {4SP 249.2}
§11
自从使徒的日子以来，没有任何宗教运动比1844年秋季的运动更少搀有人的缺欠和撒但的诡计。即便现在，已经过了四十年，凡参加过那次运动而仍坚立在真理基础上的人，仍可感受到那次有福工作的神圣影响，并能证明那是出于上帝的。{4SP 250.1}
§12
Of all the great religious movements since the days of the apostles, none have been more free from human imperfection and the wiles of Satan than was that of the autumn of 1844. Even now, after the lapse of forty years, all who shared in that movement and who have stood firm upon the platform of truth, still feel the holy influence of that blessed work, and bear witness that it was of God. {4SP 250.1}
§13
等待新郎的人一听见“新郎来了，你们出来迎接祂，”便“起来收拾灯。”他们以空前的热烈情绪研究上帝的圣言。有天使奉命从天上下来唤醒那些已经灰心的人，预备他们去接受这信息。这次的工作没有依靠人的智慧和学问，却是依靠上帝的大能。最先听见而最先响应上帝呼召的不是最有天才的人，而是最谦卑，最忠诚的人。农夫把未收的庄稼留在田里，工匠撇下他们的工具，都以欢喜的热泪出去宣扬警告。那些先前领导圣工的人倒是最后参加这次运动的。一般的教会却闭门拒绝这信息，于是一大群拥有活泼见证的人便退出了这些教会。在上帝的领导之下，这个信息同第二位天使的信息联合起来了，并加强了圣工的力量。{4SP 250.2}
§14
At the call, “The Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him,” the waiting ones “arose and trimmed their lamps;” they studied the word of God with an intensity of interest before unknown. Angels were sent from Heaven to arouse those who had become discouraged, and prepare them to receive the message. The work did not stand in the wisdom and learning of men, but in the power of God. It was not the most talented, but the most humble and devoted, who were the first to hear and obey the call. Farmers left their crops standing in the fields, mechanics laid down their tools, and with tears and rejoicing went out to give the warning. Those who had formerly led in the cause were among the last to join in this movement. The churches in general closed their doors against it, and a large company who had the living testimony withdrew from their connection. In the providence of God, this cry united with the second angel’s message, and gave power to that work. {4SP 250.2}
§15
半夜的呼声虽然有清楚而确切的经文为根据，但它并不是一个足资辩论的题目。它却带有一种动人的力量。所以没有人怀疑，没有人问难。从前在基督胜利地进入耶路撒冷的时候，从各地云集来过节的人都蜂拥到橄榄山上，于是他们在参加那护送耶稣的行列时，也就感染到当时的热烈情绪，并同声喊叫：“奉主名来的，是应当称颂的”（太21:9）！那些涌到复临运动会场的非信徒──有的是出于好奇，也有的仅仅出于讥刺的动机──也曾同样地感受到那推动“新郎来了！”之信息令人信服的力量。{4SP 250.3}
§16
The midnight cry was not so much carried by argument, though the Scripture proof was clear and conclusive. There went with it an impelling power that moved the soul. There was no doubt, no questioning. Upon the occasion of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the people who were assembled from all parts of the land to keep the feast, flocked to the Mount of Olives, and as they joined the throng that were escorting Jesus, they caught the inspiration of the hour, and helped to swell the shout, “Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!” [Matthew 21:9.] In like manner did unbelievers who flocked to the Adventist meetings—some from curiosity, some merely to ridicule—feel the convincing power attending the message, “Behold, the Bridegroom cometh!” {4SP 250.3}
§17
那时信徒有使祷告得应允的信心，就是“必得大赏赐”的信心。恩惠的圣灵象落在干渴的土地上的雨水一样降在热切寻求的人身上。那些准备很快就迎见救赎主的人感到一种说不出来而严肃的喜乐。当上帝的荣耀象波浪一样一波接一波地漫过在那些忠诚相信的人时，圣灵感化和抑制的能力使他们的心熔化了。{4SP 251.1}
§18
At that time there was faith that brought answers to prayer,—faith that had respect to the recompense of reward. Like showers of rain upon the thirsty earth, the Spirit of grace descended upon the earnest seekers. Those who expected soon to stand face to face with their Redeemer felt a solemn joy that was unutterable. The softening, subduing power of the Holy Spirit melted the heart, as wave after wave of the glory of God swept over the faithful, believing ones. {4SP 251.1}
§19
那些接受信息的人谨慎而严肃地等候他们所指望迎见主的时候。每天早晨他们感觉自己第一个本分就是得到蒙上帝悦纳的凭据。他们的心灵团结一致，所以他们时常在一起彼此代祷。他们常在幽静的地方聚集，与上帝交通，使他们祈祷的声音从田野间和树林中升到天上。他们认为救主的嘉纳比他们每日的饮食更为重要。如果有乌云遮蔽他们的心灵，他们就不能安心，直到它消散为止。当他们感受到赦罪之恩的印证时，他们就渴望看见他们所热爱的主。{4SP 251.2}
§20
Carefully and solemnly those who received the message came up to the time when they hoped to meet their Lord. Every morning they felt that it was their first duty to secure the evidence of their acceptance with God. Their hearts were closely united, and they prayed much with and for one another. They often met together in secluded places to commune with God, and the voice of intercession ascended to Heaven from the fields and groves. The assurance to the Saviour’s approval was more necessary to them than their daily food, and if a cloud darkened their minds, they did not rest until it was swept away. As they felt the witness of pardoning grace, they longed to behold Him whom their souls loved. {4SP 251.2}
§21
但这次他们又是注定要失望了。他们所等候的时期过去了，而他们的救主并没有显现。他们曾以坚稳的信心指望祂复临，所以这时他们的心情正像马利亚来到救主的坟前而发现一个空墓的时候一样。那时她悲叹说：“有人把我主挪了去，我不知道放在哪里”（约20:13）。{4SP 252.1}
§22
But again they were destined to disappointment. The time of expectation passed, and their Saviour did not appear. With unwavering confidence they had looked forward to his coming, and now they felt as did Mary, when, coming to the Saviour’s tomb and finding it empty, she exclaimed with weeping, “They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” [John 20:13.] {4SP 252.1}
§23
不相信这信息的世人一度惟恐这信息或许是真的，所以不免有一种严肃感一时抑制着他们。在时候过去之后，这种感觉没有立时消退。起先众人不敢向失望的人夸胜，但后来众人既看不到什么上帝忿怒的征象，他们就再没有什么惧怕，于是重新进行辱骂嘲笑。有许多曾经承认相信救主快要复临的人放弃了信仰。有一些一度笃信无疑的人因自尊心深受伤害而巴不得能逃出这世界才好。像约拿一样，他们埋怨上帝，向祂求死。那些曾经把信仰建立在别人的意见而不是在圣经上的人，这时又准备改变看法了。那讥诮的人把一些不坚固而怯懦的信徒说服了，于是这些人一同宣称今后再不可能有什么值得惧怕或等待的事了。时候既然过去，而主又没有来，现今的世界可能就一直这样存留下去好几千年，也未可知。{4SP 252.2}
§24
A feeling of awe, a fear that the message might be true, had for a time served as a restraint upon the unbelieving world. After the passing of the time, this did not at once disappear; they dared not triumph over the disappointed ones; but as no tokens of God’s wrath were seen, they recovered from their fears, and resumed their reproach and ridicule. A large class who had professed to believe in the Lord’s soon coming, renounced their faith. Some who had been very confident were so deeply wounded in their pride that they felt like fleeing from the world. Like Jonah, they complained of God, and chose death rather than life. Those who had based their faith upon the opinions of others, and not upon the word of God, were now as ready to again exchange their views. The scoffers won the weak and cowardly to their ranks, and all united in declaring that there could be no more fears or expectations now. The time had passed, the Lord had not come, and the world might remain the same for thousands of years. {4SP 252.2}
§25
那些认真诚心的信徒已经为基督舍弃了一切，并曾感受到祂前所未有地与他们同在。他们也相信他们已经向世界传了最后的警告。他们希望很快就被接去与他们神圣的夫子和天使同在，所以他们已经很少和不信的群众来往。他们曾热切地祈祷说：“主耶稣啊，我愿祢来，愿祢快来。”但结果祂没有来。现在他们必须重新负起每日操劳和困恼的重担，并忍受那些嘲笑他们之人的讥讽和辱骂。这真是信心和忍耐最艰苦的考验。{4SP 253.1}
§26
The earnest, sincere believers had given up all for Christ, and had shared his presence as never before. They had, as they believed, given their last warning to the world, and, expecting soon to be received into the society of their divine Master and the heavenly angels, they had, to a great extent, withdrawn from the unbelieving multitude. With intense desire they had prayed, “Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly.” But he had not come. And now to take up again the heavy burden of life’s cares and perplexities, and to endure the taunts and sneers of a scoffing world, was indeed a terrible trial of faith and patience. {4SP 253.1}
§27
但这次的失望还没有像从前基督第一次降临时祂的门徒所经验的失望那么大呢。当耶稣胜利地骑驴进入耶路撒冷时，祂的门徒确信祂即将登上大卫的宝座，并拯救以色列脱离那些压迫他们的人。他们以热切的希望和快乐的预感，争先向他们的王表示尊敬。许多人把自己的衣袍铺在路上，让祂经过，或拿棕树枝散铺在祂脚前。他们在热烈的狂欢中，共同地喊叫说：“和散那归于大卫的子孙！”法利赛人因这种欢乐的表现而受到搅扰并发怒时，就请耶稣斥责祂的门徒。耶稣回答说：“我告诉你们，若是他们闭口不说，这些石头必要呼叫起来”（路19:40）。预言是必定要应验的。那些门徒正在实现上帝的旨意，但他们还是注定要痛苦失望的。过了不多几日，他们便亲眼看到救主惨痛的死，并把祂放在坟墓里。他们所希望的许多事竟没有一样实现，所以他们的希望也就和耶稣一同死了。及至他们的主胜利地从坟墓里出来时，他们才看明这一切早已在预言中指出来了，并看明基督必须受害，从死里复活（徒17:3）。预言以同样的方式应验在第一位和第二位天使的信息中。它们是在合适的时候赐下的，成就了上帝所要藉它们成就的工作。{4SP 253.2}
§28
Yet this disappointment was not so great as was that experienced by the disciples at the time of Christ’s first advent. When Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, his followers believed that he was about to ascend the throne of David, and deliver Israel from her oppressors. With high hopes and joyful anticipations they vied with one another in showing honor to their King. Many spread their outer garments as a carpet in his path, or strewed before him the leafy branches of the palm. In their enthusiastic joy they united in the glad acclaim, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” When the Pharisees, disturbed and angered by this outburst of rejoicing, wished Jesus to rebuke his disciples, he replied, “If these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.” [Luke 19:40.] Prophecy must be fulfilled. The disciples were accomplishing the purpose of God; yet they were doomed to a bitter disappointment. But a few days had passed ere they witnessed the Saviour’s agonizing death, and laid him in the tomb. Their expectations had not been realized in a single particular, and their hopes died with Jesus. Not till their Lord had come forth triumphant from the grave could they perceive that all had been foretold by prophecy, and “that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead.” [Acts 17:3.] In like manner was prophecy fulfilled in the first and second angels’ messages. They were given at the right time, and accomplished the work which God designed to accomplish by them. {4SP 253.2}
§29
那时世人一直在观望着，总想时候一过，而基督没有显现，复临运动的整个系统将要一败涂地。虽然有许多人因强烈的试探而放弃了信仰，但仍有一些人坚立不动。他们查不出自己对于预言时期的算法有什么错误。连他们最有学识的敌人也未能推翻他们的立场。固然，他们所期望的事没有实现，但这并不足以动摇他们对于圣经的信心。约拿曾在尼尼微的街道上宣传说，再过四十天那城就要倾覆了，后来上帝悦纳了尼尼微人的自卑，并把他们的宽容时期延长了。虽然如此，约拿的信息仍是出于上帝的，而且尼尼微也照祂的旨意受了试验。复临信徒相信上帝也是这样引领了他们去传扬审判的警告。他们尽管失望，仍确信他们已经到了最危急的关头。{4SP 254.1}
§30
The world had been looking on, expecting that if the time passed and Christ did not appear, the whole system of Adventism would be given up. But while many, under strong temptation, yielded their faith, there were some who stood firm. They could detect no error in their reckoning of the prophetic periods. The ablest of their opponents had not succeeded in overthrowing their position. True, there had been a failure as to the expected event, but even this could not shake their faith in the word of God. When Jonah proclaimed in the streets of Nineveh that within forty days the city would be overthrown, the Lord accepted the humiliation of the Ninevites, and extended their period of probation; yet the message of Jonah was sent of God, and Nineveh was tested according to his will. Adventists believed that God had in like manner led them to warn the world of the coming Judgment, and notwithstanding their disappointment, they felt assured that they had reached a most important crisis. {4SP 254.1}
§31
恶仆人的比喻适用于那些希望推迟主来临的人：“倘若那恶仆心里说：‘我的主人必来得迟’，就动手打他的同伴，又和酒醉的人一同吃喝。在想不到的日子，不知道的时辰，那仆人的主人要来，把他腰斩了，定他和假冒为善的人同罪，在那里必要哀哭切齿了”（太24:48-51）。{4SP 254.2}
§32
The parable of the wicked servant was regarded as applying to those who desired to put off the coming of the Lord: “If that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.” [Matthew 24:48-51.] {4SP 254.2}
§33
威廉.米勒耳以下的话，足以代表那些依然相信自己过去的经验是出于上帝引领之人的感受：“如果我能重新作人，而所能看明的真理和过去完全一样的话，那么我也只得照我过去所作的去作，才能对得起上帝和人类。”“我想我的衣服上可以不再染有别人的血。我感觉我已经尽到我的责任，所以无论何人灭亡，罪都不在我身上。”这个属上帝的人写着说，“我虽然两次失望，但我仍不灰心，也不丧志。……我对于基督复临的信仰依然是坚强的。我所作的无非是我经过多年的审慎考虑之后，认明是我所必须尽到的严肃义务。如果我错了，那么我是错在爱心的一边──爱我的同胞，并向上帝尽责。”“我确知一件事，就是我过去所宣讲的，都是我所诚心相信的，而且上帝也曾与我同在，祂的能力已经在我的工作上表现出来，并且这工作有了良好的效果。”“成千的人，照人的眼光看来，已经因这有关时间的道理而开始研究圣经了；而且因此他们藉着信心和基督宝血的功劳，也已经与上帝和好了”。“我从来没有设法讨骄傲之人的喜欢，或因世人的敌意而恐惧。现在我也决不求他们的友谊，或越出范围去惹他们的仇恨。我永不会因苟全性命而同他们妥协，并希望自己也不会怕死，如果上帝的美意是要我死的话”。{4SP 255.1}
§34
The feelings of those who held fast the Advent truth are expressed in the words of Wm. Miller: “Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with God and men I should have to do as I have done.” “I hope I have cleansed my garments from the blood of souls; I feel that, as far as possible, I have freed myself from all guilt in their condemnation.” “Although I have been twice disappointed,” wrote this man of God, “I am not yet cast down or discouraged.” “My hope in the coming of Christ is as strong as ever. I have done only what, after years of sober consideration, I felt it my solemn duty to do. If I have erred, it has been on the side of charity, the love of my fellow-man, and my conviction of duty to God.” “One thing I do know, I have preached nothing but what I believed; and God’s hand has been with me, his power has been manifested in the work, and much good has been effected.” “Many thousands, to all human appearance, have been made to study the Scriptures by the preaching of the time; and by that means, through faith and the sprinkling of the blood of Christ, have been reconciled to God.” “I have never courted the smiles of the proud, nor quailed when the world frowned. I shall not now purchase their favor, nor shall I go beyond duty to tempt their hate. I shall never seek my life at their hands, nor shrink, I hope, from losing it, if God in his good providence so orders.” {4SP 255.1}
§35
上帝没有丢弃祂的子民；祂的灵仍与那些不肯冒昧否定过去所接受的亮光，或转过来痛斥复临运动的人同在。使徒保罗既看到以后的时代，便写下勉励和警告的话给那些在这个危机中受考验而忍受等候的信徒说：“所以你们不可丢弃勇敢的心，存这样的心必得大赏赐。你们必须忍耐，使你们行完了上帝的旨意，就可以得着所应许的。因为还有一点点时候，那要来的就来，并不迟延。只是义人必因信得生；他若退后，我心里就不喜欢他。我们却不是退后入沉沦的那等人；乃是有信心以至灵魂得救的人”（来10:35-39）。{4SP 256.1}
§36
God did not forsake his people; his Spirit still abode with those who did not rashly deny the light which they had received, and denounce the Advent movement. The apostle Paul, looking down through the ages, had written words of encouragement and warning for the tried, waiting ones at this crisis: “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” [Hebrews 10:35-39.] {4SP 256.1}
§37
这段经文所警戒的人有放弃信心的危险。他们已经因顺从上帝的灵和圣经的引领而遵行祂的旨意。但他们还不明白祂在他们过去的经验中有什么旨意，也看不明自己的前途，因此他们受试探怀疑上帝究竟是不是在引领着他们。这时以下的话就特别适用了：“义人必因信得生。”当那“半夜呼声”的光辉照耀他们的路途，而他们又能看到预言应验和许多时兆迅速出现，来说明基督的复临已经近了的时候，他们可以说是凭着眼见而行走。但这时在他们因失望而悲伤，他们只能藉着相信上帝和祂的圣言而站立得稳。讥诮的人向他们说：“你们是受骗了。放弃信仰吧，承认复临运动是出于撒但的吧！”但上帝的话却声明：“他若退后，我心里就不喜欢他。”这时若有什么人放弃信仰或否定伴随这信息的圣灵的能力，他就是“退后入沉沦”的人了。他们却因保罗以下的话受了勉励，坚定不移：“你们不可丢弃勇敢的心；”“你们必须忍耐，”“因为还有一点点的时候，那要来的就来，并不迟延。”他们唯一安全的途径乃是保守他们已经从上帝那里所领受的光，坚守祂的应许并继续查考圣经而忍耐等候更进一步的亮光。{4SP 256.2}
§38
The people here addressed were in danger of making shipwreck of faith. They had done the will of God in following the guidance of his Spirit and his word; yet they could not understand his purpose in their past experience, nor could they discern the pathway before them, and they were tempted to doubt whether God had indeed been leading them. At this time the words were specially applicable, “Now the just shall live by faith.” As the bright light of the midnight cry had shone upon their pathway, and they had seen the prophecies unsealed, and the rapidly fulfilling signs telling that the coming of Christ was near, Adventists had walked, as it were, by sight. But now, bowed down by disappointed hopes, they could stand only by faith in God and in his word. The scoffing world were saying, “You have been deceived. Give up your faith, and say that the Advent movement was of Satan.” But God’s word declared, “If any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” To renounce their faith now, and deny the power of the Holy Spirit which had attended the message, would be drawing back toward perdition. They were encouraged to steadfastness by the words of Paul, “Cast not away therefore your confidence;” “ye have need of patience;” “for yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Their only safe course was to cherish the light which they had already received of God, hold fast to his promises, and continue to search the Scriptures, and patiently wait and watch to receive further light. {4SP 256.2}