第34章 大艰难的时期
§1
第三十四章 大艰难的时期
§2
Chapter 34—The Time of Trouble
§3
“那时保佑你本国之民的天使长米迦勒必站起来，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）。{4SP 431.1}
§4
“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, every one that shall be found written in the book.” [Daniel 12:1.] {4SP 431.1}
§5
在第三位天使的信息结束的时候，基督便不再为世上的罪人代求了。那时，上帝的子民已经完成他们的工作。他们已经领受“晚雨”。“安舒的日子”已经从主面前来到。他们已经为当前的试炼时期作好准备。众天使在天上来来往往。有一位天使从地上回来，宣告他的工作已经完成，上帝的印记（见附录注释9）已经印在祂的子民身上。于是耶稣就停止祂在天上圣所里的中保工作。祂举起手来，大声说，“成了”。当时全体天军都摘下自己的冠冕，敬听主作严肃的宣告说：“不义的叫他仍旧不义，污秽的叫他仍旧污秽，为义的叫他仍旧为义，圣洁的叫他仍旧圣洁”（启22:11）。每一个人的案件都已作了或生或死的决定。基督已经为祂子民作了赎罪的工作，涂抹了他们的罪恶。祂国民的数目已经满足了。“国度，权柄，和天下诸国的大权”（但7:27）将要赐给那承受救恩的人。同时耶稣也要作万王之王，万主之主了。{4SP 431.2}
§6
When the third message closes, mercy no longer pleads for the guilty inhabitants of the earth. The people of God have accomplished their work; they have received the latter rain, or the refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and they are prepared for the trying hour before them. Angels are hurrying to and fro in Heaven. An angel returning from the earth announces that his work is done, that the seal of God [See Appendix, note 9.] has been placed upon his people. Then Jesus ceases his intercession in the sanctuary above. He lifts his hands, and with a loud voice says, “It is done;” and all the angelic host lay off their crowns as he makes the solemn announcement: “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” [Revelation 22:11] Every case has been decided for life or death. Christ has made the atonement for his people, and blotted out their sins. The number of his subjects is made up; “the kingdom and dominion and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,” is about to be given to the heirs of salvation, and Jesus is to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. {4SP 431.2}
§7
当祂离开圣所的时候，黑暗就要蒙蔽全地的居民。在这可怕的时期，义人必须自己站在圣洁的上帝面前而再没有一位中保为他们代求。那约束恶人的灵已经收回，撒但就要完全控制那些始终不肯悔改的人。最后的警告所发挥的能力已经使恶人恼怒。他们痛恨一切接受这信息的人。这时，上帝的子民要被卷入困苦和患难之中，就是先知所形容“雅各遭难的时候。” {4SP 432.1}
§8
When he leaves the sanctuary, darkness covers the inhabitants of the earth. In that fearful time the righteous must live in the sight of a holy God without an intercessor. The restraint which has been upon the wicked is removed, and Satan has entire control of the finally impenitent. The power attending the last warning has enraged them, and their anger is kindled against all who have received the message. The people of God are then plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob’s trouble:— {4SP 432.1}
§9
“耶和华如此说，我们听见的声音，是战抖而不平安的声音。……脸面都变青了呢！哀哉！那日为大，无日可比！这是雅各遭难的时候，但他必被救出来”（耶30:5-7）。{4SP 432.2}
§10
“Thus saith the Lord: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.” “All faces are turned into paleness. Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” [Jeremiah 30:5-7.] {4SP 432.2}
§11
雅各在那惨痛的一夜为脱离以扫的手而“角力”祈祷（见创32:24-30）乃预表上帝的子民在大艰难时期中的经验，雅各因骗取父亲所打算赐给以扫的福，就因他哥哥凶狠的威吓而逃命。在流亡他乡多年之后，他便遵照上帝的吩咐带着妻子儿女，羊群和牛群，起身转回故土。及至到了本乡的边界时，他便满心恐慌，因为听说他的哥哥以扫带着一队战士迎面而来，无疑是要报仇雪恨。雅各这一队人既无武装，又无防御，显然是要沦为强暴与屠杀的可怜牺牲品了。这时，他除了焦虑和惧怕之外，还有自责自恨的重担压在心上；因为这次的危险乃是他自己的罪所招来的。他的唯一希望乃是上帝的怜悯；他的唯一保障就是祷告。虽然如此，他还是尽到自己的力量，去向哥哥认错求和，以避免临头的危险。照样，基督徒也应在艰难的时期临近时，尽量在众人面前把真情实况阐明，为要消除偏见，并避免那威胁良心自由的危险。{4SP 432.3}
§12
Jacob’s night of anguish, when he wrestled in prayer for deliverance from the hand of Esau, [Genesis 32:24-30.] represents the experience of God’s people in the time of trouble. Because of the deception practiced to secure his father’s blessing, intended for Esau, Jacob had fled for his life, alarmed by his brother’s deadly threats. After remaining for many years an exile, he had set out, at God’s command, to return with his wives and children, his flocks and herds, to his native country. On reaching the borders of the land, he was filled with terror by the tidings of Esau’s approach at the head of a band of warriors, doubtless bent upon revenge. Jacob’s company, unarmed and defenseless, seemed about to fall helpless victims of violence and slaughter. And to the burden of anxiety and fear was added the crushing weight of self-reproach; for it was his own sin that had brought this danger. His only hope was in the mercy of God; his only defense must be prayer. Yet he leaves nothing undone on his own part to atone for the wrong to his brother, and to avert the threatened danger. So should the followers of Christ, as they approach the time of trouble, make every exertion to place themselves in a proper light before the people, to disarm prejudice, and to avert the danger which threatens liberty of conscience. {4SP 432.3}
§13
雅各在打发他的家属前行，使他们不得看见他的忧愁之后，他便单独留在后面向上帝祈求。他承认自己的罪，并感谢上帝所赐给他的恩典，同时也深自谦卑地申述上帝与他列祖所立的约，和主在伯特利夜间的异象中，以及在他逃亡之地向他所发的应许。他一生的危机已经来到，形势严重，千钧一发。在黑暗与孤寂之中，他继续祈祷，在上帝面前自卑。忽然有一只手按在他的肩头上，他以为是仇敌来寻索他的命，他就使出全身的力量与这个敌人拼命摔跤。及至天快亮的时候，那个陌生的人用他超人的力量一摸他的对手，强壮的雅各就似乎全身瘫痪了，他便软弱无力地伏在那神秘的敌人颈项上哭泣恳求。这时他才晓得这同他摔跤的乃是那位立约的使者。雅各虽然毫无能力，而且极其疼痛，但他还是不放弃自己的宗旨。他已经长久因自己的罪而忍受困惑、痛悔和苦恼，现在他必须得到蒙赦免的保证。这位神圣的访问者似乎要离开了，但雅各却拉着祂，求祂祝福。天使催着说，“容我去吧，因天黎明了。”但这位先祖却请求说，“祢不给我祝福，我就不容祢去”（创32:26）。这里所显示的是何等的信赖，坚毅和恒忍！倘若这是一种自夸或僭妄的要求，雅各就不免要立刻被除灭。但他所表现的乃是他的确信：承认自己的软弱和不配，而依然信赖守约之上帝的恩典。{4SP 433.1}
§14
Having sent his family away, that they may not witness his distress, Jacob remains alone to intercede with God. He confesses his sin, and gratefully acknowledges the mercy of God toward him, while with deep humiliation he pleads the covenant made with his fathers, and the promises to himself in the night vision at Bethel and in the land of his exile. The crisis in his life has come; everything is at stake. In the darkness and solitude he continues praying and humbling himself before God. Suddenly a hand is laid upon his shoulder. He thinks that an enemy is seeking his life, and with all the energy of despair he wrestles with his assailant. As the day begins to break, the stranger puts forth his superhuman power; at his touch the strong man seems paralyzed, and he falls, a helpless, weeping suppliant, upon the neck of his mysterious antagonist. Jacob knows now that it is the Angel of the covenant with whom he has been in conflict. Though disabled, and suffering the keenest pain, he does not relinquish his purpose. Long has he endured perplexity, remorse, and trouble for his sin; now he must have the assurance that it is pardoned. The divine visitant seems about to depart; but Jacob clings to him, pleading for a blessing. The Angel urges, “Let me go; for the day breaketh;” but the patriarch exclaims, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” What confidence, what firmness and perseverance, are here displayed! Had this been a boastful, presumptuous claim, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his weakness and unworthiness, yet trusts the mercy of a covenant-keeping God. {4SP 433.1}
§15
他“与天使较力，并且得胜”（何12:4）。藉着自卑，痛悔和自我降服，这个有罪，犯错而必死的人竟然得胜了天上的主宰。他曾用战战兢兢的手紧紧握住上帝的应许，而无穷慈爱的主不能拒绝这个罪人的恳求。为要证明他的胜利，并鼓励别人效法他的榜样，天使就改了他的名字，把那叫他想起自己罪恶的名字改为一个纪念他胜利的名字。雅各既“得胜”了上帝，这就保证他也必得胜世人。他不再惧怕去应付他哥哥的忿怒了，因为上帝已经作了他的保障。{4SP 434.1}
§16
“He had power over the Angel, and prevailed.” [Hosea 12:4.] Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of Heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp upon the promises of God, and the heart of Infinite Love could not turn away the sinner’s plea. As an evidence of his triumph, and an encouragement to others to imitate his example, his name was changed from one which was a reminder of his sin, to one that commemorated his victory. And the fact that Jacob had prevailed with God was an assurance that he would prevail with men. He no longer feared to encounter his brother’s anger; for the Lord was his defense. {4SP 434.1}
§17
撒但曾在上帝的众天使面前控告雅各，并因他的罪而声称自己有权毁灭他。撒但已经挑动以扫前来攻击他，并且在这位先祖整夜角力时，竭力用一种自知有罪的感觉压迫他，为要使他灰心，并折断他那握住上帝的手。雅各被迫濒于绝境，但他知道若没有从天上来的帮助，他就必灭亡。他已经真诚地悔改自己的大罪，并且祈求上帝的怜悯。所以他决不转离自己的宗旨，却紧紧握住天使，并用热切和惨痛的哭声呈上他的恳求，直到他得了胜利为止。有天上的使者奉命去感动以扫的心，将他的仇恨和报复之念化为兄弟的亲情。{4SP 434.2}
§18
Satan had accused Jacob before the angels of God, claiming the right to destroy him because of his sin; he had moved upon Esau to march against him; and during the patriarch’s long night of wrestling, Satan endeavored to force upon him a sense of his guilt, in order to discourage him, and break his hold upon God. Jacob was driven almost to despair; but he knew that without help from Heaven he must perish. He had sincerely repented of his great sin, and he appealed to the mercy of God. He would not be turned from his purpose, but held fast the Angel, and urged his petition with earnest, agonizing cries, until he prevailed. Heavenly messengers were sent to move upon Esau’s heart, and his purpose of hatred and revenge was changed to fraternal affection. {4SP 434.2}
§19
撒但怎样鼓动以扫来攻击雅各，照样，他也要在大艰难的时期鼓动恶人起来毁灭上帝的子民。他从前如何控告雅各，将来也要如何控告主的百姓。他把全人类都看为自己的属下；只有少数遵守上帝诫命的人拒绝他的威权。如果他能把他们从地上除灭，他的胜利就必是完全的了。他看见有圣天使在保护他们，从此他推断他们的罪必是已蒙赦免，但他还不知道他们的案件在天上的圣所里已经决定了。他清楚地知道自己过去引诱他们犯了什么罪。这时他把这些罪夸大地胪列在上帝面前，并声称这些人应该像他一样被排除在上帝的恩眷之外。他声称上帝若赦免这些人的罪，而毁灭他和他的使者，就是不公平的。他主张这些人是他的俘虏，所以要求把他们交在他手中，任他除灭他们。{4SP 435.1}
§20
As Satan influenced Esau to march against Jacob, so he will stir up the wicked to destroy God’s people in the time of trouble. And as he accused Jacob, he will urge his accusations against the people of God. He numbers the world as his subjects; but the little company who keep the commandments of God are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. He sees that holy angels are guarding them, and he infers that their sins have been pardoned; but he does not know that their cases have been decided in the sanctuary above. He has an accurate knowledge of the sins which he has tempted them to commit, and he presents these before God in the most exaggerated light, representing this people to be just as deserving as himself of exclusion from the favor of God. He declares that the Lord cannot in justice forgive their sins, and yet destroy him and his angels. He claims them as his prey, and demands that they be given into his hands to destroy. {4SP 435.1}
§21
当撒但因上帝的子民的罪而在祂面前控告他们时，主让他尽量试炼他们。他们对于上帝的信心，他们的忠心和坚毅将要受到严格的考验。当他们回顾自己的一生时，他们的希望消沉了，因为在他们的整个生活中简直看不出什么良善。他们充分认识自己的软弱和不配。撒但要恐吓他们，叫他们想自己是没有希望的，以为自己污秽的罪迹是永远不能洗除的。他希望能破坏他们信心，叫他们屈从他的试探，不再效忠上帝。{4SP 436.1}
§22
As Satan accuses the people of God on account of their sins, the Lord permits him to try them to the uttermost. Their confidence in God, their faith and firmness, will be severely tested. As they review the past, their hopes sink; for in their whole lives they can see little good. They are fully conscious of their weakness and unworthiness. Satan endeavors to terrify them with the thought that their cases are hopeless, that the stain of their defilement will never be washed away. He hopes to so destroy their faith that they will yield to his temptations, and turn from their allegiance to God. {4SP 436.1}
§23
虽然上帝的子民被那些决心要毁灭他们的仇敌所围困，但他们所感到的愁苦，还不是因为怕为真理受逼迫，乃是怕自己还没有悔改一切的罪，或因自己的某一些过失而使救主的应许不能实现在他们身上：“我必在普天下人受试炼的时候，保守你免去你的试炼”（启3:10）。他们若能得到赦免的保证，就不怕受苦刑或死亡了；但如果他们不配作祂的子民，并因自己品格上的缺点而丧命，那么上帝的圣名就必受到羞辱。{4SP 436.2}
§24
Though God’s people will be surrounded by enemies who are bent upon their destruction, yet the anguish which they suffer is not a dread of persecution for the truth’s sake; they fear that every sin has not been repented of, and that through some fault in themselves they shall fail to realize the fulfillment of the Saviour’s promise, “I will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world.” If they could have the assurance of pardon, they would not shrink from torture or death; but should they prove unworthy, and lose their lives because of their own defects of character, then God’s holy name would be reproached. {4SP 436.2}
§25
他们从各处所听到的尽是背信的阴谋，所看到的尽是叛逆的工作，这使他们从心中发出一种迫切的渴望，希望这种大叛道早日结束，恶人的罪恶立即终止。但当他们祈求上帝制止这叛逆的工作时，他们也深深自责，因为他们没有更大的力量去抗拒并阻止这罪恶的洪流。他们感到如果他们过去用尽一切的才能来事奉基督，并再接再厉地向前迈进，撒但的势力就不至于这么猖獗地攻击他们了。{4SP 436.3}
§26
On every hand they hear the plottings of treason, and see the active working of rebellion; and there is aroused within them an intense desire, an earnest yearning of soul, that this great apostasy may be terminated, and the wickedness of the wicked may come to an end. But while they plead with God to stay the work of rebellion, there is a throb of self-reproach that they themselves have no more power to resist and urge back the mighty tide of evil. They feel that had they always employed all their ability in the service of Christ, going forward from strength to strength, Satan’s forces would have less power to prevail against them. {4SP 436.3}
§27
他们在上帝面前刻苦己心，指出自己过去怎样为许多罪恶悔改，并提出救主的应许说：“让他持住我的能力，使他与我和好，愿他与我和好”（赛27:5）。他们并不因自己的祷告未能立时蒙允而失去信心。他们虽然感到深切的焦虑，恐惧和窘迫，但他们仍不停止祈祷。他们持住上帝的能力，正如雅各持住天使一样，他们心灵的呼声，乃是：“你不给我祝福，我就不容你去。”{4SP 437.1}
§28
They afflict their souls before God, pointing to their past repentance of their many sins, and pleading the Saviour’s promise, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me, and he shall make peace with me.” [Isaiah 27:5.] Their faith does not fail because their prayers are not immediately answered. Though suffering the keenest anxiety, terror, and distress, they do not cease their intercessions. They lay hold of the strength of God as Jacob laid hold of the Angel; and the language of their souls is, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” {4SP 437.1}
§29
雅各过去若没有悔改那骗取长子权分的罪，上帝就不会垂听他的祈祷而慈怜地保全他的性命。照样，在大艰难的时期中，当上帝的子民因惧怕和痛苦而受折磨时，如果他们发现还有未曾承认的罪，他们就必站立不住，他们的信心必因绝望而消灭，他们就再没有把握祈求上帝拯救他们了。但事实上他们虽然深觉自己不配，却并没有发现什么隐藏的罪。原来他们的罪已经“先到审判案前”（提前5:24）被涂抹了，这时他们自己也想不起来了。{4SP 437.2}
§30
Had not Jacob previously repented of his sin in obtaining the birthright by fraud, God would not have heard his prayer and mercifully preserved his life. So in the time of trouble, if the people of God had unconfessed sins to appear before them while tortured with fear and anguish, they would be overwhelmed; despair would cut off their faith, and they could not have confidence to plead with God for deliverance. But while they have a deep sense of their unworthiness, they have no concealed wrongs to reveal. Their sins have gone beforehand to Judgment, and have been blotted out; and they cannot bring them to remembrance. {4SP 437.2}
§31
撒但引诱许多人相信，上帝必要放过他们在小事上的不忠心。但从主对待雅各的事上，我们可以看出：祂决不认可或容忍罪恶。凡想原谅或遮盖自己的罪，并让它留在天上的案卷中未经承认也未蒙赦免的人，都要被撒但所胜。他们的表白越夸耀，他们的地位越尊贵，他们的罪在上帝看来就越为严重，而他们的大仇敌撒但所得的胜利也就越为确定了。凡迟迟不为上帝的大日作准备的人，决不能在大艰难的时期之中，或在该时期之后，再有准备机会了。这一等人的案件都是没有希望的。那些不为最后可怕的大斗争作准备的有名无实的基督徒，将要在绝望之中用悔恨悲痛的话承认自己的罪，同时恶人要因他们的苦恼而欢喜雀跃。{4SP 437.3}
§32
Satan leads many to believe that God will overlook their unfaithfulness in the minor affairs of life; but the Lord shows in his dealings with Jacob that he will in no wise sanction or tolerate evil. All who endeavor to excuse or conceal their sins, and permit them to remain upon the books of Heaven, unconfessed and unforgiven, will be overcome by Satan. The more exalted their profession, and the more honorable the position which they hold, the more grievous is their course in the sight of God, and the more sure the triumph of their great adversary. Those who delay a preparation for the day of God cannot obtain it in the time of trouble or at any subsequent time. The case of all such is hopeless. Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict unprepared, will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. {4SP 437.3}
§33
雅各的历史也是一个凭据，证明凡受欺骗，遭试探，并陷于罪恶之中的人，只要回头，真心悔改归主，上帝决不丢弃他们。撒但虽然设法除灭这一等人，但上帝却要差遣天使在危险时期安慰并保护他们。撒但的袭击固然猛烈而坚决，他的欺骗固然可怕，但耶和华的眼目必眷顾祂的子民，祂的耳朵垂听他们的呼求。他们的苦难虽然惨重，熊熊的烈火似乎要烧灭他们，但那熬炼他们的主必要把他们从火中取出来，如同火炼的金子一样。上帝对祂儿女的爱心在试炼最剧烈的时候，和在顺利繁荣的时候是一样坚强而温慈的。但他们被放置于炉火中乃是必需的。他们那世俗化的成分必须焚烬，使基督的形像可以在他们身上完全反映出来。{4SP 438.1}
§34
Yet Jacob’s history is an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, God will send his angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord’s eye is upon his people, and his ear listens to their cries. Their affliction is great, the flames of the furnace seem about to consume them; but the Refiner will bring them forth as gold tried in the fire. God’s love for his children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity; but it is needful for them to be placed in the furnace fire; their earthliness must be removed that the image of Christ may be perfectly reflected. {4SP 438.1}
§35
我们需要一种能以忍受疲劳，迟延和饥饿的信心，来应付那即将临到我们的忧患和痛苦的时期，──这种信心纵然经受最惨重的试炼，也不至于衰退。上帝给人一个恩典时期，使人人都可以准备应付这未来的考验。雅各的得胜是因为他有恒心和决心。他的胜利说明了恳切祈祷的力量。凡能像雅各一样持守上帝的应许，并像他一样热切呼求坚持到底的人，必能像他一样成功。凡不愿克己，不愿在上帝面前挣扎，不愿恒切求主赐福的人，必一无所得。与上帝“角力”，能体会这一句话的人，真是寥寥无几！有几个人曾因渴慕上帝而不遗余力地寻求祂呢？当那说不出来的绝望之感，象浪涛一样猛然冲击祈求上帝的人时，又有几个人能以不屈不挠的信心持住上帝的应许呢？{4SP 438.2}
§36
The season of distress and anguish before us will require a faith that can endure weariness, delay, and hunger,—a faith that will not faint, though severely tried. The period of probation is granted to all to prepare for that time. Jacob prevailed because he was persevering and determined. His victory is an evidence of the power of importunate prayer. All who will lay hold of God’s promises as he did, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. Those who are unwilling to deny self, to agonize before God, to pray long and earnestly for his blessing, will not obtain it. Wrestling with God—how few know what it is! How few have ever had their souls drawn out after God with intensity of desire until every power is on the stretch. When waves of despair which no language can express sweep over the suppliant, how few cling with unyielding faith to the promises of God. {4SP 438.2}
§37
那些现在很少操练信心的人，将来最容易屈服于撒但迷惑的能力和强迫良心的法令之下。即使他们经得起这种试炼，他们在大艰难的时期也要被卷入更深的忧患和痛苦之中，因为他们没有养成信赖上帝的习惯。他们现今所忽略信心的操练，必须在灰心绝望的非常压力之下从头学起。{4SP 439.1}
§38
Those who exercise but little faith now, are in the greatest danger of falling under the power of Satanic delusions and the decree to compel the conscience. And even if they endure the test, they will be plunged into deeper distress and anguish in the time of trouble, because they have never made it a habit to trust in God. The lessons of faith which they have neglected, they will be forced to learn under a terrible pressure of discouragement. {4SP 439.1}
§39
我们现今就应当藉着实验上帝的应许去认识祂。每一个真诚恳切的祈祷，天使都要记录下来。我们宁可放弃自私的享乐，而不可忽略与上帝交往。最贫困的环境和最克己的生活，既有上帝嘉许，就好过安富尊荣，高朋满座而无上帝嘉许。我们必须用工夫祈祷。如果我们让自己的思想专注于属世的事业上，上帝或许会挪去我们的美宅良田，金银财宝等偶像，使我们有工夫与祂亲近。{4SP 439.2}
§40
We should now acquaint ourselves with God by proving his promises. Angels record every prayer that is earnest and sincere. We should rather dispense with selfish gratifications than neglect communion with God. The deepest poverty, the greatest self-denial, with his approval, is better than riches, honors, ease, and friendship without it. We must take time to pray. If we allow our minds to be absorbed by worldly interests, the Lord may give us time by removing from us our idols of gold, of houses, or of fertile lands. {4SP 439.2}
§41
青年人若能远离歧途，而只行在他们能求上帝赐福的道路上，就不至于受引诱而陷入罪恶之中了。现今那些向世人宣传最后严肃警告的福音使者若不是以冷淡、轻率、和懒惰的态度，而能像雅各一样热切地凭着信心祈求上帝赐福，他们就必有许多的地方可以说是，“我面对面见了上帝，我的性命仍得保全”（创32:30）。天庭也要看他们为“以色列，”有得胜上帝和世人的能力。{4SP 440.1}
§42
The young would not be seduced into sin if they would refuse to enter any path, save that upon which they could ask God’s blessing. If the messengers who bear the last solemn warning to the world would pray for the blessing of God, not in a cold, listless, lazy manner, but fervently and in faith, as did Jacob, they would find many places where they could say, “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” They would be accounted of Heaven as princes, having power to prevail with God and with men. {4SP 440.1}
§43
“从有国以来直到此时”所没有过的大艰难很快就要在我们面前展开了，所以我们需要一种我们现今还没有，而许多人懒于寻求的经验。世间往往有一些艰难，实际上并不象所预料的那么严重。但这一个摆在我们面前的危机却不是这样。最生动的言语也不足以形容这一次的大考验于万一。现今，在我们宝贵的救主还在为我们赎罪的时候，我们应当追求在基督里得以完全。上帝所引领的道路无异是我们的学校，使我们可以学习耶稣的柔和与谦卑。上帝为我们指明的途径不是我们自己所要选择似乎比较容易比较愉快的，而是那符合人生真宗旨的途径。没有人能忽略或延误这种工作，而不在灵性上受到极可怕的危害。{4SP 440.2}
§44
The time of trouble such as never was, is soon to open upon us; and we shall need an experience which we do not now possess, and which many are too indolent to obtain. It is often the case that trouble is greater in anticipation than in reality; but this is not true of the crisis before us. The most vivid presentation cannot reach the magnitude of the ordeal. And now, while the precious Saviour is making an atonement for us, we should seek to become perfect in Christ. God’s providence is the school in which we are to learn the meekness and lowliness of Jesus. The Lord is ever setting before us, not the way we would choose, which is easier and pleasanter to us, but the true aims of life. None can neglect or defer this work but at the most fearful peril to their souls. {4SP 440.2}
§45
使徒约翰在异象中听见从天上有大声音说：“地与海有祸了！因为魔鬼知道自己的时候不多，就气忿忿的下到你们那里去了”（启12:12）。那使天庭发出这种感叹的现象是极其可怕的。撒但的时间越短，他的忿怒就越大，所以他欺骗和毁灭的工作要在大艰难的时期中达到顶点。上帝的宽容已经停息。世人已拒绝祂的怜恤，蔑视祂的仁爱，将祂的律法践踏脚下。恶人既已越过他们宽容的界限，主就收回祂的保护，撇下他们去任凭他们所选首领的处置。撒但要控制那些委身于他的人，把世上的居民卷入一次最大最后的艰难之中。当上帝的使者不再抑制人类情感的狂焰时，一切足以引起纷乱斗争的因素就要发动了。全世界要陷入一次巨大的毁灭，比较昔日耶路撒冷的灾祸更为可怖。{4SP 440.3}
§46
The apostle John in vision heard a loud voice in Heaven exclaiming, “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” [Revelation 12:12.] Fearful are the scenes which call forth this exclamation from the heavenly voice. The wrath of Satan increases as his time grows short, and his work of deceit and destruction reaches its culmination in the time of trouble. God’s long-suffering has ended. The world has rejected his mercy, despised his love, and trampled upon his law. The wicked have passed the boundary of their probation, and the Lord withdraws his protection, and leaves them to the mercy of the leader they have chosen. Satan will have power over those who have yielded themselves to his control, and he will plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble. As the angels of God cease to hold in check the fierce winds of human passion, all the elements of strife will be let loose. The whole world will be involved in ruin more terrible than that which came upon Jerusalem of old. {4SP 440.3}
§47
古时，一个天使击杀了埃及国一切的长子，使全地充满了哀哭的声音。在大卫核点民数而得罪上帝的时候，也只有一位天使来处罚他的罪，使国中遭受惨怖的毁灭。圣天使在上帝命令之下所施行的破坏，恶使者在上帝许可之下也必施行。现在已经是剑拔弩张的局面，只待上帝许可，遍地就要遭受毁灭。{4SP 441.1}
§48
A single angel destroyed all the first-born of the Egyptians, and filled the land with mourning. When David offended against God by numbering the people, one angel caused that terrible destruction by which his sin was punished. The same destructive power exercised by holy angels when God commands, will be exercised by evil angels when he allows. There are forces now ready, and only waiting the divine permission, to spread desolation everywhere. {4SP 441.1}
§49
不久天空要出现一种超自然的惊人现象，作为行奇事的魔鬼能力的表征。恶魔的灵将要出动到“普天下众王”那里。统治者和一般平民都要受他的欺骗。有人要起来假冒基督，叫人把那应当归给世界救赎主的尊号和敬拜归给他们。他们要行医病的神迹奇事，并声称自己有天上来的启示，与圣经的见证相反。{4SP 441.2}
§50
Fearful sights of a supernatural character will soon be revealed in the heavens, in token of the power of miracle-working demons. The spirits of devils will go forth to the kings of the earth and to the whole world. Rulers and subjects will be alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending to be Christ, and claiming the title and the worship which belong to the world’s Redeemer. They will perform wonderful miracles of healing, and will profess to have revelations from Heaven contradicting the testimony of the Scriptures. {4SP 441.2}
§51
这巨大的骗局之中最惊人的一幕乃是撒但亲自化装为基督。教会久已声称仰望救主的复临，作为她一切希望的最后实现。这时那大骗子撒但便要出现，使人相信基督已经来了。撒但要在许多地方以辉煌和威严的姿态出现在人面前，好像先知约翰在《启示录》中所形容上帝儿子的样式（见启1:13-15）。他周围的荣光是肉眼所从来没有见过的。于是凯旋呐喊要响彻云霄，说：“基督已经来了！基督已经来了！”众人要俯伏在他面前敬拜他；同时他要举起双手，为他们祝福，正像基督在世上为门徒祝福一样。他的声调温柔和蔼，好像音乐一般。他也要用甜蜜慈祥的口吻，说出一些救主从前所发表亲切而属天的真理。他先治众人的疾病，最后便要冒基督的名宣称自己已经把安息日改为星期日，并命令人人都要守他所赐福的日子为圣日。他又说，那些坚持遵守第七日为圣日的人正是亵渎了他的名，因为他们不听从他所差来带亮光与真理给他们的天使。这乃是强烈而几乎压倒一切的大欺骗。正如古时撒玛利亚人受了行邪术的西门的欺骗一样，许多的人，从最小的到最大的，都要信服这些邪术，说：这是“上帝的大能”（徒8:10）。{4SP 442.1}
§52
As the crowning act in the great drama of deception, Satan himself will attempt to personate Christ. The church has long professed to look to the Saviour’s advent as the consummation of her hopes. Now the great deceiver will make it appear that Christ has come. In different parts of the earth, Satan will manifest himself among men as a majestic being of dazzling brightness, resembling the description of the Son of God given by John in the Revelation. [Revelation 1:13-15.] The glory that surrounds him is unsurpassed by anything that mortal eyes have yet beheld. The shout of triumph rings out upon the air, “Christ has come! Christ has come!” The people prostrate themselves in adoration before him, while he lifts up his hands, and pronounces a blessing upon them, as Christ blessed his disciples when he was personally upon the earth. His voice is soft and subdued, yet full of melody. In gentle, compassionate tones he presents some of the same gracious, heavenly truths which the Saviour uttered; he heals the diseases of the people, and then, in his assumed character of Christ, he claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sunday, and commands all to hallow the day which he has blessed. He declares that those who persist in keeping holy the seventh day are blaspheming his name by refusing to listen to his angels sent to them with light and truth. This is the strong, almost overmastering delusion. Like the Samaritans who were deceived by Simon Magus, the multitudes, from the least to the greatest, give heed to these sorceries, saying, This is “the great power of God.” {4SP 442.1}
§53
但上帝的子民却不至于受迷惑。因为这个假基督的教训是与圣经不相符合的。他乃是为那些拜兽和兽像的人祝福。论到这一等人，圣经有话说，上帝纯一不杂的忿怒必要倾在他们身上。再者，上帝也不准撒但伪装基督复临的样式。圣经说：“闪电从东边发出，直照到西边，人子降临也要这样”（太24:27）。“祂驾云降临．众目要看见祂”（启1:7）。“主必亲自从天降临、有呼叫的声音、和天使长的声音、又有上帝的号吹响”（帖前4:16）。“当人子在祂荣耀里、同着众天使降临的时候”（太25:31），“祂要差遣使者、用号筒的大声、将祂的选民、从四方、从天这边、到天那边、都招聚了来”（太24:31）。那些领受了爱真理的心的人，将得蒙护庇，不受这迷惑全世界的大欺骗。由于圣经的见证，这些人必能看穿欺骗者的伪装。{4SP 443.1}
§54
But the people of God will not be misled. The teachings of this false Christ are not in accordance with the Scriptures. His blessing is pronounced upon the worshipers of the beast and his image,—the very class upon whom the Bible declares that God’s unmingled wrath shall be poured out. And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted to counterfeit the manner of Christ’s advent. The Scriptures teach that “as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be;” [Matthew 24:27.] that he “cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him;” [Revelation 1:7.] that he will “descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God;” [1 Thessalonians 4:16.] that he will “come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him,” [Matthew 25:31.] and will “send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect.” [Matthew 24:31.] Those who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive. By the testimony of the Scriptures they will detect the deceiver in his disguise. {4SP 443.1}
§55
这试验的时候将要临到每一个人。由于试探的淘汰作用，真实的基督徒就要显露出来。今日上帝的子民是否能坚立在圣经上，以致不屈从自己耳闻目睹的事情呢？在这危机之中，他们能不能固守圣经，以圣经为唯一的根据呢？撒但必要在可能的范围之内阻止他们，不让他们有工夫作准备，以便在那日来到时能以站立得住。他要安排事务拦阻他们的进路，用属世的财富来缠住他们，使他们担负沉重烦恼的担子，以致他们的心被今生的思虑所累。这样，那试炼的日子就必像贼一样临到他们。{4SP 443.2}
§56
To all, the testing time will come. By the sifting of temptation, the genuine Christian will be revealed. Are the people of God now so firmly established upon his word that they would not yield to the evidence of their senses? Would they, in such a crisis, cling to the Bible, and the Bible only? Satan will, if possible, prevent them from obtaining a preparation to stand in that day. He will so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that their hearts may be overcharged with the cares of this life, and the day of trial may come upon them as a thief. {4SP 443.2}
§57
撒但继续扮演两面派的角色。他要装出带来大福气和神圣真理的样子，用他虚谎的奇迹将世界控制在自己手中。同时他要制造痛苦和毁灭，释放他的恶毒，并指控上帝的子民为引起自然界可怖灾异和人世间流血惨剧，使地上充满祸患的祸根。他就是这样火上加油，使世人仇恨逼迫的精神越为炽烈。上帝从不强迫人的意志或良心。但撒但要运用最残忍的手段控制人的良心，以确保人崇拜他。这项强迫的工作总是迎合世人的信条和法律，违抗上帝的圣律法。{4SP 444.1}
§58
Satan will continue to act a double part. Appearing to be the dispenser of great blessings and divine truths, he will, by his lying wonders, hold the world under his control; and at the same time he will indulge his malignity by causing distress and destruction, and will accuse God’s people as the cause of the fearful convulsions of nature and the strife and bloodshed among men which are desolating the earth. Thus he will excite to greater intensity the spirit of hatred and persecution against them. God never forces the will or the conscience; but Satan will employ the most cruel measures to control the consciences of men, and to secure worship to himself. And this work of compulsion is always in favor of human creeds and laws, and in defiance of God’s holy law. {4SP 444.1}
§59
在最后的冲突中，安息日的问题将成为全基督教世界斗争的焦点。宗教和政治的权威已经联合起来要强迫人去遵守星期日。比较温和的措施既未能奏效，就会制订出最为严酷的法律。有人要鼓动说，对于少数反对教会制度和国家法令的人不应予以宽容。最后便有命令发出，斥责他们为应受最严厉处分的人，并指定一个期限，让众人在期满之后，得以自由把这些人置于死地。旧大陆的罗马教和新大陆背道的基督教都要采取相似的行动，去对付那些尊重神圣诫命的人。{4SP 444.2}
§60
In the last conflict the Sabbath will be the special point of controversy throughout all Christendom. Secular rulers and religious leaders will unite to enforce the observance of the Sunday; and as milder measures fail, the most oppressive laws will be enacted. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the land ought not to be tolerated, and a decree will finally be issued denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment, and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World, and apostate Protestantism in the New, will pursue a similar course toward those who honor the divine precepts. {4SP 444.2}
§61
那时，上帝的子民要从各城镇各乡村中，成群结队地迁居到极荒凉的偏僻之处。许多人要在山寨中找到避难所。象昔日皮德蒙特山谷中的基督徒一样。他们要以地上的高处作他们的居所，并且为这“磐石的坚垒”感谢上帝（见赛33:16）。但从各国和各阶层中必有许多人，不分富贵贫贱，不论肤色黑白，都要落到极不公平而残酷的束缚之下。上帝所喜爱的子民必要经过困苦的日子，被铁链捆锁，囚在牢狱之内，被判死刑，有些人要被放在黑暗而污浊的地窖里，显然被丢在那里饿死。那时没有人倾听他们的哀苦呻吟，也没有人伸手援助他们。{4SP 445.1}
§62
The people of God will then flee from the cities and villages, and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries, and will thank God for the “munitions of rocks.” But many of all nations and all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The beloved of God pass weary days, bound in chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons. No human ear is open to hear their moans; no human hand is ready to lend them help. {4SP 445.1}
§63
在这考验的时期，耶和华是否要忘记祂的百姓呢？当刑罚临到洪水世代的时候，上帝曾忘记了忠心的挪亚吗？当天上降火焚烧平原诸城的时候，祂曾忘记罗得吗？当约瑟被困在埃及拜偶像的人中时，主曾忘记他吗？当耶洗别发誓要使以利亚与巴力诸先知同遭杀戮时，主曾忘记以利亚吗？主曾忘记那囚在黑暗凄凉的泥坑中的耶利米吗？祂曾忘记那在烈火窑中的三个志士吗？祂曾忘记那在狮子洞中的但以理吗？基督不会放弃祂用自己的宝血所买来、视之为眼中瞳人的子民。{4SP 445.2}
§64
Will the Lord forget his people in this trying hour? Did he forget faithful Noah when judgments were visited upon the antediluvian world? Did he forget Lot when the fire came down from heaven to consume the cities of the plain? Did he forget Joseph surrounded by idolaters in Egypt? Did he forget Elijah when the oath of Jezebel threatened him with the fate of the Baal prophets? Did he forget Jeremiah in the dark and dismal pit of his prison-house? Did he forget the three worthies in the fiery furnace? or Daniel in the den of lions? Christ cannot forsake those who are as the apple of his eye, the purchase of his precious blood. {4SP 445.2}
§65
虽然上帝的子民也不免遭受苦难，甚至缺乏饮食，却不至灭亡。当上帝的惩罚临到大地，恶人死于饥渴之时，天使会向义人供应饮食。耶稣在赐给祂门徒有关信心的教训中说：“你想，乌鸦也不种，也不收，又没有仓，又没有库，上帝尚且养活它。你们比飞鸟是何等地贵重呢”（路12:24）？“两个麻雀不是卖一分银子吗？若是你们的父不许。一个也不能掉在地上。就是你们的头发也都被数过了。所以，不要惧怕．你们比许多麻雀还贵重”（太10:29-31）。{4SP 446.1}
§66
Though the people of God endure privation, and even suffer for want of food, they are not left to perish. While God’s judgments are visited upon the earth, and the wicked are dying from hunger and thirst, angels provide the righteous with food and water. Said Jesus, in his lessons of faith to his disciples: “Consider the ravens; for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them; how much more are ye better than the fowls?” [Luke 12:24.] “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” [Matthew 10:29-31.] {4SP 446.1}
§67
可是照人的眼光看来，上帝的子民不久必要用自己的血来印证他们的见证，如同先前的殉道者一样。他们自己也开始疑虑，耶和华已把他们交在仇敌手中了。那真是一个令人极其惊惶苦恼的时候。他们昼夜呼求上帝施行拯救。那时，恶人欢喜雀跃，发出讥诮的喊声说，“你们的信心现今在哪里呢？你们若真是上帝的子民，祂为什么不拯救你们脱离我们的手呢？”但那些等候拯救的人却想起耶稣在髑髅地十字架上临死的时候，大祭司和官长如何大声戏弄祂说，“祂救了别人，不能救自己。祂是以色列的王，现在可以从十字架上下来，我们就信祂”（太27:42）。上帝的子民也要像雅各一样，与上帝摔跤角力。他们的脸上要表露内心的挣扎。各人面若死灰，然而他们仍是不住地恳切祈求。{4SP 446.2}
§68
Yet to human sight it will appear that the people of God must soon seal their testimony with their blood, as did the martyrs before them. They themselves begin to fear that the Lord has left them to fall by the hand of their enemies. It is a time of fearful agony. Day and night they cry unto God for deliverance. The wicked exult, and the jeering cry is heard, “Where now is your faith? Why does not God deliver you out of our hands if you are indeed his people?” But the waiting ones remember Jesus dying upon Calvary’s cross, and the chief priests and rulers shouting in mockery, “He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.” [Matthew 27:42.] Like Jacob, all are wrestling with God. Their countenances express their internal struggle. Paleness sits upon every face. Yet they cease not their earnest intercession. {4SP 446.2}
§69
如果他们能用属天的眼光来观察，他们就必看见成群有能力的天使在一切遵守基督忍耐之道的人四围安营。天使怀着同情的温慈，已经看见他们的苦难，并听见他们的祈祷。他们正在等候他们元帅的命令去抢救他们脱离危险。但是他们还必须等候片刻。上帝的子民必须喝基督所喝的杯，并受祂所受的洗。这种迟延虽然在他们是那么痛苦难堪，却是上帝对于他们的祈求所能作最美满的答复。当他们竭力信靠而等候耶和华的作为时，他们就不得不操练信心，盼望和忍耐；这些都是他们在属灵的经验上向来所缺少的。虽然如此，但为选民的缘故，这艰难的时期将要缩短。末日之来临，要比人们所想望的更快。麦子要被收割成捆，藏入上帝的仓库；但稗子却要象柴薪一样捆成捆，准备投入毁灭的火中。{4SP 447.1}
§70
Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ’s patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress, and have heard their prayers. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup, and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait trustingly for the Lord to work, they are led to exercise faith, hope, and patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious experience. Yet for the elect’s sake, the time of trouble will be shortened. The end will come more quickly than men expect. The wheat will be gathered and bound in sheaves for the garner of God; the tares will be bound as fagots for the fires of destruction. {4SP 447.1}
§71
守望的天使忠于职责，继续看守。有一些仇敌不等法令所规定的限期来到就要设法害死等候救主的人。然而没有一个人能越过那驻守在每一个忠心信徒身旁的大能守卫者。有的地方，恶人想要袭击那从城市和乡村中逃出的义人，但那举起来击杀他们的刀剑忽然折断，并堕落于地，脆弱如草。另一些义人则有天使显出战士的形状来保护他们。{4SP 447.2}
§72
The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. In some cases, before the time specified in the decree, enemies will rush upon the waiting ones to put them to death. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall as powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war. {4SP 447.2}
§73
在各世代中，上帝常用天使援助并拯救祂的子民。众天使时常积极参加人间的事务。他们曾穿着发光如同闪电的衣服出现，也曾装作一个旅客来到人间。天使曾以人的形状出现在上帝的仆人面前。他们曾装作疲倦的行人在炎热的晌午，休息于橡树荫下。他们曾接受人的款待。他们曾作迷路旅客的向导者。他们曾亲手点燃祭坛上的火。他们曾打开监狱的铁门，释放上帝的仆人。他们曾披着天上的甲胄，来挪移救主坟墓门口的石头。{4SP 447.3}
§74
In all ages God has wrought through holy angels for the succor and deliverance of his people. Celestial beings have taken an active part in the affairs of men. They have appeared clothed in garments that shone as the lightning; they have come as men, in the garb of wayfarers. Angels have appeared in human form to men of God. They have rested, as if weary, under the oaks at noon. They have accepted the hospitalities of human homes. They have acted as guides to benighted travelers. They have, with their own hands, kindled the fires of the altar. They have opened prison doors, and set free the servants of the Lord. Clothed with the panoply of Heaven, they came to roll away the stone from the Saviour’s tomb. {4SP 447.3}
§75
天使时常以人的样式来参赴义人的聚会，也去访问恶人的议会，象从前到过所多玛城去记录他们的行为，以便决定他们是否已经越过上帝宽容的限度。耶和华喜悦怜悯，所以为了少数真心服事主的人，祂就遏制灾害，延长多数人的平安。一般的罪人很少想到自己生命之所以幸存，乃是因为他们所乐于讥诮压迫的少数忠心信徒的缘故。{4SP 448.1}
§76
In the form of men, angels are often in the assemblies of the righteous, and they visit the assemblies of the wicked, as they went to Sodom, to make a record of their deeds, to determine whether they have passed the boundary of God’s forbearance. The Lord delights in mercy; and for the sake of a few who really serve him, he restrains calamities, and prolongs the tranquillity of multitudes. Little do sinners against God realize that they are indebted for their own lives to the faithful few whom they delight to ridicule and oppress. {4SP 448.1}
§77
地上的掌权者虽然不晓得此事，但在他们的议会中，常有天使向他们发言。人的眼睛曾看见他们的形体；人的耳朵曾听见他们的劝告；人的口曾反对他们的建议，并讥诮他们的规劝。人的手也曾侮辱虐待他们。在议事厅和法庭上，这些天使曾显明自己是极熟悉人类历史的。他们也善于为许多受压迫的人代求，强过最能干最有口才的辩护者。他们曾经破坏许多足以使上帝工作大受阻拦或使祂子民大受痛苦的恶计阴谋。在危险多难之秋，“耶和华的使者，在敬畏祂的人四围安营，搭救他们”（诗34:7）。{4SP 448.2}
§78
Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have listened to their appeals; human lips have opposed their suggestions and ridiculed their counsels; human hands have met them with insult and abuse. In the council hall and the court of justice, these heavenly messengers have shown an intimate acquaintance with human history; they have proved themselves better able to plead the cause of the oppressed than their ablest and most eloquent defenders. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have greatly retarded the work of God, and would have caused great suffering to his people. In the hour of peril and distress let it never be forgotten that “the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” [Psalm 34:7] {4SP 448.2}
§79
上帝的子民怀着热切的渴望等候他们的王降临的征兆。当人们问守望者说：“夜里如何？”他就毫不踌躇地回答说：“‘早晨将到，黑夜也来’（赛21:11-12）。在山顶的云彩上已经发出微光。不久主的荣耀就要显现。公义的日头即将出现。早晨和黑夜都已近在眼前，──在义人，这是永恒白昼的开始，在恶人，则是永久黑夜的来临。”{4SP 449.1}
§80
With earnest longing, God’s people await the tokens of their coming King. As the watchmen are accosted, “What of the night?” the answer is given unfalteringly, “‘The morning cometh, and also the night.’ Light is gleaming upon the clouds above the mountain tops. Soon will there be a revealing of His glory. The Sun of Righteousness is about to shine forth. The morning and the night come hand in hand,—the opening of endless day to the righteous, the settling down of eternal night to the wicked.” {4SP 449.1}
§81
当那些与上帝角力的人在祂面前殷切祈祷的时候，那将他们与看不见的世界隔开的帷幔似乎揭开了。诸天放射着永恒白昼的曙光，又有声音象天使和谐的歌声，传到义人耳中说：“务要坚持你们的忠贞，援助即将来到。”全能的得胜者基督举起永不衰残的荣耀冠冕，要赐给祂那些疲乏的战士。祂从稍微开启的天门里发出声音说：“看哪，我与你们同在。不要惧怕。我熟知你们一切的忧伤，我已经担当你们的悲苦。你们不是与未经败仗的敌人争战。我已经为你们打过仗了，所以你们要奉我的名得胜而有余。”{4SP 449.2}
§82
As the wrestling ones urge their petitions before God, the vail separating them from the unseen seems almost withdrawn. The heavens glow with the dawning of eternal day, and, like the melody of angel songs, the words fall upon the ear, “Stand fast to your allegiance. Help is coming.” Christ, the almighty victor, holds out to his weary soldiers a crown of immortal glory; and his voice comes from the gates ajar: “Lo, I am with you. Be not afraid. I am acquainted with all your sorrows; I have borne your griefs. You are not warring against untried enemies. I have fought the battle in your behalf, and in my name you are more than conquerors.” {4SP 449.2}
§83
我们可爱的救主要在我们最需要的时候来援助我们。那走向天国的路因有了祂的足迹而成为神圣。一切伤害我们脚的荆棘也曾伤害祂的脚。我们蒙召去背负的每一个十字架，祂都已在我们前头背负过了。耶和华让斗争兴起，为要预备人心得享平安。我们若不经风雨，不历阴暗，就不能赏识阳光。大艰难的时期是上帝子民必经的一次可怕的磨难，但那也是每一个忠实信徒应当挺身昂首的时候，并因着信得以看见那应许之虹环绕他们。{4SP 449.3}
§84
The precious Saviour will send help just when we need it. The way to Heaven is consecrated by his footprints. Every thorn that wounds our feet has wounded his. Every cross that we are called to bear, he has borne before us. The Lord permits conflicts, to prepare the soul for peace. If we had no storms, no shadows, we could not appreciate the sunshine. The time of trouble is a fearful ordeal for God’s people; but it is the time for every true believer to look up, and by faith he may see the bow of promise encircling him. {4SP 449.3}
§85
“耶和华救赎的民必归回，歌唱来到锡安，永乐必归到他们的头上，他们必得着欢喜快乐，忧愁叹息尽都逃避。惟有我，是安慰你们的，你是谁，竟怕那必死的人，怕那要变如草的人，却忘记铺张诸天，立定地基，创造你的耶和华，又因欺压者图谋毁灭要发的暴怒，整天害怕？其实那欺压者的暴怒在哪里呢？被掳去的快得释放，必不死而下坑，他的食物也不致缺乏。我是耶和华你的上帝，搅动大海，使海中的波浪砰訇，万军之耶和华是我的名。我将我的话传给你，用我的手影遮蔽你”（赛51:11-16）。{4SP 450.1}
§86
“The redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. I, even I, am he that comforteth you; who art thou, that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; and forgettest the Lord thy Maker; ... and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. But I am the Lord thy God, that divided the sea, whose waves roared. The Lord of hosts is his name. And I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand.” {4SP 450.1}
§87
“因此，你这困苦却非因酒而醉的，要听我言，你的主耶和华，就是为祂的百姓辨屈的上帝，如此说，看哪，我已将那使人东倒西歪的杯，就是我忿怒的爵，从你手中接过来，你必不至再喝。我必将这怀递在苦待你的人手中，他们曾对你说，你屈身，由我们践踏过去吧，你便以背为地，好像街市，任人经过”（赛51:21-23）。{4SP 450.2}
§88
“Therefore hear now this, thou afflicted and drunken, but not with wine: Thus saith thy Lord the Lord, and thy God that pleadeth the cause of his people, Behold, I have taken out of thine hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; thou shalt no more drink it again. But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict thee; which have said to thy soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and thou hast laid thy body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over.” [Isaiah 51:11-16, 21-23.] {4SP 450.2}
§89
上帝的眼睛看到万世万代，早已注意到自己的子民在地上掌权者攻击他们时所必有的危机。他们像被掳的囚犯一样，将要陷于被饿死或受残暴的恐怖之中。但那位在以色列面前分开红海的圣者将要彰显祂的大能，使他们从苦境转回。“万军之耶和华说，在我所定的日子，他们必属我，特特归我，我必怜恤他们，如同人怜恤服事自己的儿子”（玛3:17）。基督的忠心见证人若在此时舍身流血，那就不能象从前殉道者的血一样作为福音的种子，为上帝生长庄稼。他们的忠诚再也不能作为一种见证，使别人信服真理，因为那些顽梗刚愎的心已经多次击退慈爱的浪涛，直到这浪涛不再回来了。倘若义人这时被他们的仇敌掳去，那就要成为黑暗之君的胜利了。但基督已经说过：“我的百姓啊，你们要来进入内室，关上门，隐藏片时，等到忿怒过去。因为耶和华从祂的居所出来，要刑罚地上居民的罪孽”（赛26:20-21）。凡忍耐等候主复临，并有名字录在生命册上的人所蒙的拯救是光荣的。{4SP 451.1}
§90
The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed upon the crisis which his people are to meet, when earthly powers shall be arrayed against them. Like the captive exile, they will be in fear of death by starvation or by violence. But the Holy One who divided the Red Sea before Israel, will manifest his mighty power and turn their captivity. “They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” [Malachi 3:17.] If the blood of Christ’s faithful witnesses were shed at this time, it would not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for God. Their fidelity would not be a testimony to convince others of the truth; for the obdurate heart has beaten back the waves of mercy until they return no more. If the righteous were now left to fall a prey to their enemies, it would be a triumph for the prince of darkness. But Christ has spoken: “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity.” [Isaiah 26:20, 21.] Glorious will be the deliverance of those who have patiently waited for him, and whose names are written in the book of life. {4SP 451.1}