第04章 基督工人面临的世界状况
§1
第04章 基督工人面临的世界状况
§2
Chap. 04 - World Conditions Facing the Christian Worker
§3
【世界的戏剧】
§4
这世界乃是一个剧场；演员就是世上的居民，正准备要在最后大戏剧中扮演各自的角色。就广大的群众而言，并没有什么统一团结，除非人们以联盟达成其自私自利的意图。上帝也在观看着。祂对其背叛子民的旨意终必完成。上帝虽然容忍捣乱和骚扰分子暂时得势，但世界并非已交在世人的手中。一种从下面来的权势正在活动着，要造成这戏剧最后重要的几幕──撒但要冒充基督降临，藉着那些与秘密社团联合之人，施行各样出于不义的诡诈。凡屈从这种参加同盟之激情的人，无非是在实现仇敌的计谋而已，既有其因，就必有其果。（《证言》卷八第27，28页）{ChS 50.1}[1]
§5
【The World Drama】
§6
The world is a theater; the actors, its inhabitants, are preparing to act their part in the last great drama. With the great masses of mankind, there is no unity, except as men confederate to accomplish their selfish purposes. God is looking on. His purposes in regard to His rebellious subjects will be fulfilled. The world has not been given into the hands of men, though God is permitting the elements of confusion and disorder to bear sway for a season. A power from beneath is working to bring about the last great scenes in the drama,--Satan coming as Christ, and working with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in those who are binding themselves together in secret societies. Those who are yielding to the passion for confederation are working out the plans of the enemy. The cause will be followed by the effect.--Testimonies, vol. 8, pp. 27, 28. {ChS 50.1}[1]
§7
【戏剧的最后一幕】
§8
这道信息应用于今日，是具有空前力量的。因为世人越来越不顾上帝的要求而大胆的犯罪。世上的居民几乎恶贯满盈，全地几乎到了使上帝容许那毁坏者在其上随意行事的地步。这场戏剧的最后一幕，就是以人为的律法来代替上帝的律法，单凭人的权势来高举星期日以顶替圣经上的安息日。一旦这种替代的工作普遍了，上帝就要亲自显现。祂要在大威严中兴起，使地大大震动。祂要从祂的居所出来，刑罚地上居民的罪孽，地也必露出其中的血，不再掩盖被杀的人（赛26:21）。（《证言》卷七141页）{ChS 50.2}[2]
§9
【Last Act of the Drama】
§10
Never did this message apply with greater force than it applies today. More and more the world is setting at naught the claims of God. Men have become bold in transgression. The wickedness of the inhabitants of the world has almost filled up the measure of their iniquity. This earth has almost reached the place where God will permit the destroyer to work his will upon it. The substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the exaltation, by merely human authority, of Sunday in place of the Bible Sabbath, is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself. He will arise in His majesty to shake terribly the earth. He will come out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the world for their iniquity, and the earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.--Testimonies, vol. 7, p. 141. {ChS 50.2}[2]
§11
【历代的危机】
§12
我们正站在历代以来最大危机的门口。上帝的刑罚将要接踵而至，──就是火灾、水灾、地震、战争和流血的事。我们对于现今所发生有决定性的大事不应感到惊奇；因为上帝怜悯的使者不能在世上继续停留很久，来护庇不肯悔改的人了。（《先知与君王》第278页）{ChS 51.1}[3]
§13
【The Crisis of the Ages】
§14
We are standing on the threshold of the crisis of the ages. In quick succession the judgments of God will follow one another,--fire, and flood, and earthquake, with war and bloodshed. We are not to be surprised at this time by events both great and decisive; for the angel of mercy cannot remain much longer to shelter the impenitent.-- Prophets and Kings, p. 278. {ChS 51.1}[3]
§15
危机正逐渐悄悄地临到我们。照耀诸天的太阳照样在轨道上运行，穹苍仍在宣扬上帝的荣耀。世人照常吃喝玩乐，耕种建造，男婚女嫁。商人仍在买卖交易。人们勾心斗角，争夺最高的权位。贪爱宴乐的人仍挤满剧院、马场和赌馆。世上风行最刺激的娱乐。然而宽容的时间很快就要结束。每一个案件即将永远决定。撒但看到他的时日不多，就动员他的全部力量进行活动，使世人受骗、上当、迷恋、心醉、直到宽容的日子结束，慈悲的门户永远关闭。（《南方守望者》1905年10月3日）{ChS 51.2}[4]
§16
The crisis is stealing gradually upon us. The sun shines in the heavens, passing over its usual round, and the heavens still declare the glory of God. Men are still eating and drinking, planting and building, marrying and giving in marriage. Merchants are still buying and selling. Men are jostling one against another, contending for the highest place. Pleasure lovers are still crowding to theaters, horse races, gambling hells. The highest excitement prevails, yet probations hour is fast closing, and every case is about to be eternally decided. Satan sees that his time is short. He has set all his agencies at work that men may be deceived, deluded, occupied, and entranced until the day of probation shall be ended, and the door of mercy forever shut.--Southern Watchman, Oct. 3, 1905. {ChS 51.2}[4]
§17
世上的罪孽过犯，几乎已到了极限。混乱遍布人间，一场惊慌即将临到人类。万物的结局已是非常迫近。我们身为认识真理的人，应当为这快要发生于世上的一场惊人巨变早作准备。（《证言》卷八第28页）{ChS 51.3}[5]
§18
Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise.--Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 28. {ChS 51.3}[5]
§19
在这罪恶流行的世代，我们可以确知最后的危机已经迫近了。当全地几乎都违抗上帝的律法，而祂的子民受到他们同胞的压迫和残害时，主就要出面干涉。（《基督比喻实训》第178页）{ChS 51.4}[6]
§20
In this time of prevailing iniquity we may know that the last great crisis is at hand. When the defiance of Gods law is almost universal, when His people are oppressed and afflicted by their fellow men, the Lord will interpose.-- Christs Object Lessons, p. 178. {ChS 51.4}[6]
§21
我们正站在伟大而严肃的事件的门口。许多的预言正在应验中。天庭的册上正在记录着人间新奇而重大的史事。我们世界上的每一事物都在骚动中。有打仗和打仗的风声。邦国在发怒，审判死人的时候已经到了。种种大事正在改变，使上帝的日子临近，临近而且甚快。可以说，只剩下一点点时候了。目前虽有民攻打民，国攻打国，然而现在还没有一场普遍的战争。到现在地上四方的风还是被执掌着，直到上帝的仆人都在额上受了印记。到那时候，地上的列强便要布署自己的军队，出来作最后的大战。（《证言》卷六14页）{ChS 51.5}[7]
§22
We are standing upon the threshold of great and solemn events. Prophecies are fulfilling. Strange, eventful history is being recorded in the books of heaven. Everything in our world is in agitation. There are wars, and rumors of wars. The nations are angry, and the time of the dead has come, that they should be judged. Events are changing to bring about the day of God which hasteth greatly. Only a moment of time, as it were, yet remains. But while already nation is rising against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, there is not now a general engagement. As yet the four winds are held until the servants of God shall be sealed in their foreheads. Then the powers of earth will marshal their forces for the last great battle.-- Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 14. {ChS 51.5}[7]
§23
【上帝约束之灵即将收回】
§24
上帝约束之灵现今正从地上渐渐收回，飓风，暴雨，暴风雪，火灾，水灾，以及海上陆地各种灾难，接踵而来。科学欲探求这一切事的解答。其实这一切在我们四周增厚的兆头，无一不是说明上帝的儿子即将来临，但人却归之于其它原因。世人不能看出那守望的天使在执掌四方的风，叫风不吹，直等到上帝的众仆人都受了印记；可是一旦上帝吩咐祂的使者放开这风，则战争之惨烈，将非笔墨所能形容的了。（《证言》卷六第408页）{ChS 52.1}[8]
§25
【Restraining Spirit of God Being Withdrawn】
§26
The restraining Spirit of God is even now being withdrawn from the world. Hurricanes, storms, tempests, fire and flood, disasters by sea and land, follow each other in quick succession. Science seeks to explain all these. The signs thickening around us, telling of the near approach of the Son of God, are attributed to any other than the true cause. Men cannot discern the sentinel angels restraining the four winds that they shall not blow until the servants of God are sealed; but when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there shall be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture.--Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 408. {ChS 52.1}[8]
§27
我们所处的时代实在是十分严肃，十分重要的。上帝的灵确实已渐渐地从地上收回。灾难和审判也已经临到藐视上帝恩典的人。地上的祸患，海里的灾难，社会的动荡，战争的风云，都是预兆，预示将有重大的事件将要发生了。罪恶的各种权势，正在纠集力量以巩固阵线，预备应付最后的危机。世界上将要发生重大的变动，而且最后的几幕将会非常迅速。（《证言》卷九11页）{ChS 52.2}[9]
§28
The days in which we live are solemn and important. The Spirit of God is gradually but surely being withdrawn from the earth. Plagues and judgments are already falling upon the despisers of the grace of God. The calamities by land and sea, the unsettled state of society, the alarms of war, are portentous. They forecast approaching events of the greatest magnitude. The agencies of evil are combining their forces, and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 11. {ChS 52.2}[9]
§29
时候已近，全世界将要临到一次祸患，其创伤是人的药石所无法医治的。上帝的灵已经渐渐收回了。海上和陆地的灾祸接踵而至。我们常听到各地有狂风地震，火灾水灾和生命财产的巨大损失！这些灾祸看上去似乎是自然能力的偶然失常，是人力所完全无法控制的；但我们可以在这一切灾害之中看出上帝的旨意。这都是上帝所采用的方法，来唤醒世人，使他们看明自己的危险。（《先知与君王》第277页）{ChS 52.3}[10]
§30
The time is at hand when there will be sorrow in the world that no human balm can heal. The Spirit of God is being withdrawn. Disasters by sea and by land follow one another in quick succession. How frequently we hear of earthquakes and tornadoes, of destruction by fire and flood, with great loss of life and property! Apparently these calamities are capricious outbreaks of disorganized, unregulated forces of nature, wholly beyond the control of man; but in them all, Gods purpose may be read. They are among the agencies by which He seeks to arouse men and women to a sense of their danger.--Prophets and Kings, p. 277. {ChS 52.3}[10]
§31
【世界象一所传染病院】
§32
人们盲目地夸说奇妙的进步与文明；但天上的众守望者看到地上充斥腐败与强暴。因为罪的缘故，我们这个世界的气氛已变成了像一所传染病院中的气氛。（《证言》卷六10，11页）{ChS 53.1}[11]
§33
【The World a Pesthouse】
§34
Men in their blindness boast of wonderful progress and enlightenment; but the heavenly watchers see the earth filled with corruption and violence. Because of sin the atmosphere of our world has become as the atmosphere of a pesthouse.--Testimonies, vol. 6, pp. 10, 11. {ChS 53.1}[11]
§35
【罪恶的流行病】
§36
我们生活在罪病流行的时代。凡是肯深思而又敬畏上帝的人，莫不为之胆战心惊。世上盛行的腐败之风；实非人笔墨所能形容。政治方面的争竞，贿赂，欺诈，日新月异；违法，暴力，对人类的痛苦漠不关心，无情无义，残害人命，这种种痛心的记录日有所闻。还有谋财害命，自杀，以及疯狂的事，更是日益增加。撒但的使者在人间的活动越演越烈，要扰乱和败坏人的心智，污染和摧毁人的身体，这一点还有什么可疑呢？（《服务真诠》第142，143页）{ChS 53.2}[12]
§37
【An Epidemic of Crime】
§38
We are living in the midst of an epidemic of crime, at which thoughtful, God-fearing men everywhere stand aghast. The corruption that prevails, it is beyond the power of the human pen to describe. Every day brings fresh revelations of political strife, bribery, and fraud. Every day brings its heart-sickening record of violence and lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish destruction of human life. Every day testifies to the increase of insanity, murder, and suicide. Who can doubt that satanic agencies are at work among men with increasing activity to distract and corrupt the mind, and defile and destroy the body?--Ministry of Healing, pp. 142, 143. {ChS 53.2}[12]
§39
叛乱的风气遍及各国。各地时时发生暴动使世人恐慌畏惧。这些只不过是被遏止着的情欲和不法之事的火焰。一旦失了控制，地上就必充满灾祸，全然荒凉。圣经描写洪水以前时代的情形，正是近代社会所迅速形成的局面。就是在现世纪自称为基督教的国家之中，人们所犯的罪，也正同洪水淹没之人的罪一样黑暗，一样可怕。在洪水毁灭世界之前，上帝差遣挪亚警告世人，领人悔改，以便逃避那将要临到的毁灭。在基督第二次显现的日子临近的时候，上帝也要差祂的仆人警告世人，叫他们预备应付那将要来的大事。许多人一直在违犯上帝的律法，所以祂现在凭着慈悲召呼他们顺从祂律法的神圣条例。凡愿意向上帝悔改并信靠基督而离弃罪恶的人，都可以得到赦罪之恩。（《先祖与先知》第102页）{ChS 53.3}[13]
§40
The spirit of anarchy is permeating all nations, and the outbreaks that from time to time excite the horror of the world are but indications of the pent-up fires of passion and lawlessness that, having once escaped control, will fill the earth with woe and desolation. The picture which Inspiration has given of the antediluvian world, represents too truly the condition to which modern society is fast hastening. Even now, in the present century, and in professedly Christian lands, there are crimes daily perpetrated, as black and terrible as those for which the old-world sinners were destroyed. Before the flood, God sent Noah to warn the world, that the people might be led to repentance, and thus escape the threatened destruction. As the time of Christs second appearing draws near, the Lord sends His servants with a warning to the world to prepare for that great event. Multitudes have been living in transgression of Gods law, and now He in mercy calls them to obey its sacred precepts. All who will put away their sins by repentance toward God and faith in Christ, are offered pardon.--Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 102. {ChS 53.3}[13]
§41
当今世界各方面的情形，显明艰难的时候快临到我们了。每天新闻报纸上所载的许多事情，无非是证明不久将有可怕的争斗发生。大胆的掠夺时有所闻。罢工风潮，盗劫，凶杀等事，屡见不鲜。人们受了恶魔的支配，杀人夺命，甚至屠杀妇孺；并且沉溺于罪恶之中，无所不为，以致各种罪恶的流行，日甚一日。（《证言》卷九11页）{ChS 54.1}[14]
§42
The condition of things in the world shows that troublous times are right upon us. The daily papers are full of indications of a terrible conflict in the near future. Bold robberies are of frequent occurrence. Strikes are common. Thefts and murders are committed on every hand. Men possessed of demons are taking the lives of men, women, and little children. Men have become infatuated with vice, and every species of evil prevails.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 11. {ChS 54.1}[14]
§43
【大骗子正在活动】
§44
现今，正当万物的结局迅速临近的时候，撒但要使出全副的精力来牢笼世人。他千方百计地引诱人心，使他们不注意那些得救所必需的真理。在每一座城市中，他的爪牙正忙于把那些反对上帝律法的人组织起来。这个大骗子正在发动一些混乱和叛逆的因素，而人们竟被一种没有理智的狂热所鼓动。（《使徒行述》第219页）{ChS 54.2}[15]
§45
【The Archdeceiver at Work】
§46
At the present time, when the end of all things earthly is rapidly approaching, Satan is putting forth desperate efforts to ensnare the world. He is devising many plans to occupy minds, and to divert attention from the truths essential to salvation. In every city his agencies are busily organizing into parties those who are opposed to the law of God. The archdeceiver is at work to introduce elements of confusion and rebellion, and men are being fired with a zeal that is not according to knowledge.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 219. {ChS 54.2}[15]
§47
撒但也是殷勤研究圣经的学者。他知道自己的时候不多，因此便尽心竭力，企图在各方面阻挠上帝在地上的工作。（《证言》卷九16页）{ChS 54.3}[16]
§48
Satan is a diligent Bible student. He knows that his time is short, and he seeks at every point to counterwork the work of the Lord upon this earth.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 16. {ChS 54.3}[16]
§49
撒但现正设法使上帝的子民居于一种呆滞不灵的情况中，不让他们去尽其传扬真理的本分，以便在末日审判之时，他们可以被称在天秤里显出亏欠来。（《证言》卷一260页）{ChS 54.4}[17]
§50
Satan is now seeking to hold Gods people in a state of inactivity, to keep them from acting their part in spreading the truth, that they may at last be weighed in the balance and found wanting.--Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 260. {ChS 54.4}[17]
§51
【战争的精神激动了世界】
§52
战争的精神激动了世界。《但以理书》第十一章的预言，几乎全都应验了。预言所论到的种种艰难情形，不久就要实现了。（《证言》卷九14页）{ChS 54.5}[18]
§53
【World Stirred With the Spirit of War】
§54
The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 14. {ChS 54.5}[18]
§55
我蒙指示，看到地上的居民处于极大的混乱中。战争、流血、穷困、缺乏、饥荒和瘟疫广布全地。……然后我的注意力从这个场面被召回。似乎有了少许和平时期。之后地上的居民再次被呈现在我面前；万事重又陷于极大的混乱中了。冲突、战争和流血，连同饥荒和瘟疫，肆虐各处。其它国家也参加了这场战争和混乱。战争引起了饥荒。缺乏和流血引起了瘟疫。于是“人想起那将要临到世界的事，就都吓得魂不附体”。（《证言》卷一第268页）{ChS 55.1}[19]
§56
I was shown the inhabitants of the earth in the utmost confusion. War, bloodshed, privation, want, famine, and pestilence were abroad in the land. . . . My attention was then called from the scene. There seemed to be a little time of peace. Once more the inhabitants of the earth were presented before me; and again everything was in the utmost confusion. Strife, war, and bloodshed, with famine and pestilence, raged everywhere. Other nations were engaged in this war and confusion. War caused famine. Want and bloodshed caused pestilence. And then mens hearts failed them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.--Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 268. {ChS 55.1}[19]
§57
【属灵的黑暗】
§58
现在是世上各教会属灵黑暗的时代。对神圣事物的无知已将上帝和真理掩蔽了。罪恶的势力正在养精蓄锐。撒但为笼络其同工，说他要做一种迷惑全世界的工作。当教会工作局部停顿的时候，撒但和他的军队却在积极活动。自命为基督教的各教会并没有感化世人，因为他们自己已为自私和骄傲所腐化。他们只有自己体验上帝改变人心的能力，才能引导别人达到更纯洁更高尚的标准。（《证言》卷九65页）{ChS 55.2}[20]
§59
【Spiritual Darkness】
§60
This is a time of spiritual darkness in the churches of the world. Ignorance of divine things has hidden God and the truth from view. The forces of evil are gathering in strength. Satan flatters his coworkers that he will do a work that will captivate the world. While partial inactivity has come upon the church, Satan and his hosts are intensely active. The professed Christian churches are not converting the world; for they are themselves corrupted with selfishness and pride, and need to feel the converting power of God in their midst before they can lead others to a purer or higher standard.--Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 65. {ChS 55.2}[20]
§61
现在和古时一样，圣经重要的真理被人的理论和学说所排斥。许多自命为福音使者的人，并不接受全部圣经为上帝所启示的话。有的学者拒绝了圣经的一部分，有的学者则质疑另一部分。他们把自己的见解置于圣经之上，即使讲论圣经，也是以他们自己的意见为权威。圣经的神圣性遭到了破坏。不信的种子就是这样播撒开来。人们的思维被扰乱了，不知所从。有许多信条是人所不可以接受的。（《基督比喻实训》第39页）{ChS 55.3}[21]
§62
In our day, as of old, the vital truths of Gods word are set aside for human theories and speculations. Many professed ministers of the gospel do not accept the whole Bible as the inspired word. One wise man rejects one portion; another questions another part. They set up their judgment as superior to the Word; and the Scripture which they do teach rests upon their own authority. Its divine authenticity is destroyed. Thus the seeds of infidelity are sown broadcast; for the people become confused, and know not what to believe. There are many beliefs that the mind has no right to entertain.--Christs Object Lessons, p. 39. {ChS 55.3}[21]
§63
邪恶已经发展到空前的高峰，但许多传福音的人还在高呼“平安稳妥”（帖前5:3）。虽然如此，上帝忠心的使者却当稳步向前，推进圣工。他们要穿戴天上的全副军装，无畏而胜利地前进，非到他们所能接近的每一个人都领受现代真理的信息，决不罢休。（《使徒行述》第220页）{ChS 55.4}[22]
§64
Wickedness is reaching a height never before attained, and yet many ministers of the gospel are crying, Peace and safety. But Gods faithful messengers are to go steadily forward with their work. Clothed with the panoply of heaven, they are to advance fearlessly and victoriously, never ceasing their warfare until every soul within their reach shall have received the message of truth for this time.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 220. {ChS 55.4}[22]
§65
今日的宗教界实在有令人恐慌的现象。上帝的慈怜已经被人轻视了。许多人废弃了耶和华的律法，“将人的吩咐当作道理教导人”（太15:9）。不信的精神流行于许多教会之中；这种不信并不是公开否认圣经，而是披着基督教的外衣，阴谋使人不信圣经为上帝的启示。空洞的形式主义已代替了热诚的崇拜和真实的敬虔。结果离道反教和情感主义到处盛行。基督曾说：“好像罗得的日子；……人子显现的日子，也要这样”（路17:28;30）。每天所发生的事故证明祂的话已经应验了。世界很快地在走向该当毁灭的地步了。不久，上帝的刑罚必要倾下，而罪和罪人都要消灭净尽。（《先祖与先知》第166页）{ChS 56.1}[23]
§66
There is a cause for alarm in the condition of the religious world today. Gods mercy has been trifled with. The multitude make void the law of Jehovah, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Infidelity prevails in many of the churches in our land; not infidelity in its broadest sense,--an open denial of the Bible,--but an infidelity that is robed in the garb of Christianity, while it is undermining faith in the Bible as a revelation from God. Fervent devotion and vital piety have given place to hollow formalism. As the result, apostasy and sensualism prevail. Christ declared, As it was in the days of Lot, . . . even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. The daily record of passing events testifies to the fulfillment of His words. The world is fast becoming ripe for destruction. Soon the judgments of God are to be poured out, and sin and sinners are to be consumed.--Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 166. {ChS 56.1}[23]
§67
【把麦子与糠秕分出来】
§68
上帝施行毁灭报应之时，也正是一般还没有机会认识真理之人的恩典时期。主以慈怜的心肠垂顾他们。祂动了慈心，仍旧伸着手要拯救他们；但对于那般不肯进去的人，门也就关闭了。（《证言》卷九97页）{ChS 56.2}[24]
§69
【Separating the Wheat From the Tares】
§70
The time of Gods destructive judgments is the time of mercy for those who have had no opportunity to learn what is truth. Tenderly will the Lord look upon them. His heart of mercy is touched; His hand is still stretched out to save, while the door is closed to those who would not enter.-- Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 97. {ChS 56.2}[24]
§71
那侍奉上帝和不侍奉上帝的两派人之间的战争，不久就要转趋剧烈。凡能被震动的东西，不久都要被震动，“使那不被震动的长存”（来12:27）。（《证言》卷九15，16页）{ChS 56.3}[25]
§72
Soon the battle will be waged fiercely between those who serve God and those who serve Him not. Soon everything that can be shaken will be shaken, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain.--Testimonies, vol. 9, pp. 15, 16. {ChS 56.3}[25]
§73
在列国遇难窘困的时候，会有许多人没有完全迷恋世界的败坏性影响，也没有完全侍奉上帝，他们会在上帝面前谦卑自己，全心转向祂，得蒙悦纳和赦免。（《证言》卷一第269页）{ChS 56.4}[26]
§74
In the time of distress and perplexity of nations there will be many who have not given themselves wholly to the corrupting influences of the world and the service of Satan, who will humble themselves before God, and turn to Him with their whole heart and find acceptance and pardon.-- Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 269. {ChS 56.4}[26]
§75
现今有许多人正在阅读圣经而不能明白其真实的意义。世界各地有无数男女在眼巴巴地望着上天。他们的祷告，眼泪和询问上达天庭。他们渴望得到亮光、恩惠和圣灵。许多人已经站在天国的边缘，等着有人把他们领进去。（《使徒行述》第109页）{ChS 57.1}[27]
§76
There are many who are reading the Scriptures who cannot understand their true import. All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. Prayers and tears and inquiries go up from souls longing for light, for grace, for the Holy Spirit. Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in.--The Acts of the Apostles, p. 109. {ChS 57.1}[27]
§77
【从以利亚的经验中吸取教训】
§78
以利亚在那些灰心丧志和显然失败的日子所有的经验中，足以给我们许多教训，──这些教训对于现代作上帝仆人的人是非常有价值的。今日流行的背道现象与以利亚的日子流行于以色列中的相似。许多人喜爱高举人的作为过于上帝，恭维世俗的领袖，敬拜玛门，并把科学家的知识置于上帝所启示的真理之上，这与随从巴力没有多少区别。怀疑和不信正在人们的心灵上发挥其毒害的影响。许多人正以人的理论来代替上帝的圣言。如今有人公开教导说：我们已经到了可以高举人的智慧过于圣经教训的时候。又说：上帝的律法，就是祂所定公义的标准，已经失去效用了。真理的仇敌正在运行他那欺骗的能力，使男男女女把人的制度放在上帝所应居的地位上，并使人忘记上帝为人类所定幸福和得救的标准。这种背道的现象虽然相当广泛，但还不是普遍性的。世上的人并不都是犯法作恶的，并没有全数决定站在仇敌撒但一边。上帝有成千上万未曾向巴力屈膝的人。他们渴望更充分地明白那有关基督和祂律法的事，并眼巴巴地指望耶稣快来结束这罪恶与死亡掌权的时期。上帝的灵仍要感动许多由于无知而仍在敬拜巴力的人。（《先知与君王》第170，171页）{ChS 57.2}[28]
§79
【Lessons From Elijahs Experience】
§80
From Elijahs experience during those days of discouragement and apparent defeat, there are many lessons to be drawn,--lessons invaluable to the servants of God in this age, marked as it is by general departure from right. The apostasy prevailing today is similar to that which in the prophets day overspread Israel. In the exaltation of the human above the divine, in the praise of popular leaders, in the worship of mammon, and in the placing of the teachings of science above the truths of revelation, multitudes today are following after Baal. Doubt and unbelief are exercising their baleful influence over mind and heart, and many are substituting for the oracles of God the theories of men. It is publicly taught that we have reached a time when human reason should be exalted above the teachings of the Word. The law of God, the divine standard of righteousness, is declared to be of no effect. The enemy of all truth is working with deceptive power to cause men and women to place human institutions where God should be, and to forget that which was ordained for the happiness and salvation of mankind. Yet this apostasy, widespread as it has come to be, is not universal. Not all in the world are lawless and sinful; not all have taken sides with the enemy. God has many thousands who have not bowed the knee to Baal, many who long to understand more fully in regard to Christ and the law, many who are hoping against hope that Jesus will come soon to end the reign of sin and death. And there are many who have been worshiping Baal ignorantly, but with whom the Spirit of God is still striving.--Prophets and Kings, pp. 170, 171. {ChS 57.2}[28]