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Thomas Moor托马斯·穆尔

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    Pithy gems from Thomas Moor

    托马斯·穆尔的精辟格言

    The sum of all progress in spiritual life is . . .
    more of Christ in the mind, to better know Him;
    more of Christ in the heart, to better love Him, and to be more influenced by Him;
    more of Christ in the life, to better serve Him.

    灵性生活的所有进步的总和是……
    在思想中有更多的基督,以更好地认识祂;
    在心中有更多的基督,以更好地爱祂,并更多地受祂影响;
    在生活中有更多的基督,以更好地服侍祂。

    Without that one very unpleasant thing!

    没有那一件非常不愉快的事情!

    “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose!” Romans 8:28

    “我们晓得万事都互相效力,叫爱神的人得益处,就是按他旨意被召的人。”罗马书8:28

    “According to His purpose”—for He had purposed before the world was who His called ones would be, and also purposed that all things would work for their good. The doings of His grace in time, are ever the result of the purposes of His grace before the foundation of the world! Romans 8:30

    “按祂的旨意”——因为在世界创立之前,祂就已经定下谁将成为祂所呼召的人,并且也定意让万事都为他们的益处效力。祂在时间中施行的恩典,永远是世界奠基之前祂恩典旨意的结果!罗马书8:30

    “Those who are CALLED according to His purpose.”
    These are called to know themselves as guilty before God and deserving of eternal condemnation.
    These are called to know the all-sufficiency of Christ to save.
    These are called to trust in His sin-atoning death as their only hope of salvation.
    These are called out of the world. They no longer revel in the world’s gaieties, or are swayed by its corrupt principles.
    These are called to be followers of the despised Lord Jesus, treading in His footsteps.
    This is the calling which distinguishes those who love God, and for whose good God causes all things to work together.

    “那些按祂旨意被召的人。”
    这些人被召认识到自己在神面前是有罪的,应当受永恒的谴责。
    这些人被召认识基督拯救的全然充足。
    这些人被召信靠祂赎罪的死亡,作为他们得救的唯一希望。
    这些人被召出世界。他们不再沉迷于世界的欢乐,也不再被其腐败的原则所左右。
    这些人被召成为被藐视的主耶稣的跟随者,步祂的后尘。
    这就是那些爱神的人的呼召,神使万事互相效力,叫他们得益处。

    Yes, “God causes all things to work together for good . . . ” It is not said that they work singly or alone, but in relationship to one another—they “work together.” One little thing which we cannot at all understand, or see the reason of—the Lord sees is necessary to make several other things properly work for our good. Without that one very unpleasant thing—all the rest would not be for our benefit.

    是的,”神使万事互相效力,叫人得益处……”这并不是说它们单独或独立地工作,而是彼此关联——它们”互相效力”。对于我们完全无法理解或看不到原因的一件小事——主看为是必要的,以使其他几件事正确地为我们的益处效力。没有那一件非常不愉快的事情——其余的一切都不会对我们有益。

    We are too apt to look at things singly, and therefore our mind often becomes perplexed. A single thread is not of much importance in itself—but if left out in the weaving, the pattern in the loom would be rendered imperfect.

    我们太容易单独看待事物,因此我们的思维常常变得困惑。一根单独的线本身并不重要——但如果在编织中遗漏了,织机上的图案就会变得不完美。

    These “all things” are so many shuttles running to and fro, weaving the web of goodness and blessing for the children of God. The hand that throws the shuttles is the hand of Jesus. In the web which He weaves, no thread will be found misplaced, when the weaving is over.

    这些”万事”就像许多梭子来回穿梭,为神的儿女编织善良和祝福的网。投掷梭子的手是耶稣的手。在祂编织的网中,当编织结束时,不会发现任何一根线放错了位置。

    Therefore let us leave all things in the hands of Jesus, who has the whole plan of the life of each believer always before Him, and who in His infinite wisdom causes all things to work together for good to them, so as to produce the best results and accomplish all His purposes of love.

    因此,让我们把一切都交在耶稣手中,祂总是将每个信徒的整个人生计划摆在面前,并以祂无限的智慧使万事互相效力,叫他们得益处,以产生最好的结果并完成祂所有的爱的旨意。

    Let us trust Him at all times, even when . . .
    our expectations of earthly things are disappointed,
    or when our plans are frustrated,
    or when darkness surrounds our path,
    or when trials and affliction are our portion.

    让我们在任何时候都信靠祂,即使当……
    我们对世俗事物的期望落空,
    或当我们的计划受挫,
    或当黑暗笼罩我们的道路,
    或当试炼和苦难成为我们的分。

    Be assured that when we have attained a keener vision and a fuller understanding than our pilgrim state affords us—we shall see that God caused all things to perfectly work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose! We will then testify to the wisdom, power, and love of Him who does all things well!

    请确信,当我们获得比朝圣状态所能给予我们的更敏锐的洞察力和更全面的理解时——我们将看到神使万事完美地互相效力,叫爱祂的人得益处,就是按祂旨意被召的人!我们将见证那位做万事都好的祂的智慧、能力和爱!

    What a believer would do, if he could!
    信徒若能做到,他会做什么!

    “The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary the one to the other, so that you cannot do the things that you want to do.” Galatians 5:17
    “情欲和圣灵相争,圣灵和情欲相争,这两个是彼此相敌,使你们不能做所愿意做的。”加拉太书5:17

    “You cannot do the things that you want to do” is indeed often a true testimony as regards the experience of the believer.
    “你们不能做所愿意做的”确实经常是信徒经历的真实写照。

    He would follow Christ in heart and life—but, alas, he sees how little there is of Christ in either heart or life.
    他想在心灵和生活中跟随基督——但是,唉,他看到无论是在心灵还是生活中,基督的成分是多么少。

    He would be spiritually-minded in all things—but often finds that he has been guided by worldly policy and worldly influences, rather than by spiritual principle.
    他想在所有事情上都以属灵的心态对待——但常常发现自己是被世俗的策略和影响所引导,而不是属灵的原则。

    He would be meek and lowly in heart—but he has cause for sorrow that pride of heart is so often and so quickly manifested.
    他想心里谦卑温柔——但他有理由为心中的骄傲如此频繁和迅速地表现出来而悲伤。

    He would sincerely pray—but often finds that he knows not what to ask, and cannot pray as he ought.
    他想诚心祷告——但常常发现自己不知道该求什么,也无法像应该的那样祷告。

    He knows that the reading of God’s Word should always be a pleasure to him—but he often finds that Scripture reading is rather a task than otherwise.
    他知道阅读上帝的话语对他来说应该总是一种乐趣——但他常常发现读经更像是一项任务,而不是其他。

    He would be gentle and easily entreated—yet sometimes he stands upon his rights with a sternness and stubbornness which is not of the Spirit.
    他想温和易劝——但有时他坚持自己的权利,表现出一种不属于圣灵的严厉和固执。

    He would always please Christ—but, alas, he sees how often his motive has rather been self-pleasing, or the pleasing of his fellows.
    他想总是讨基督喜悦——但是,唉,他看到自己的动机多么经常是为了取悦自己,或取悦他人。

    He would have more firmness in holy desires—but he sees how faint, even at the best, are those desires.
    他想在圣洁的渴望上更加坚定——但他看到即使在最好的时候,这些渴望是多么微弱。

    He would have his mind often engaged with spiritual things—but finds how much more readily it runs after things that are trifling and profitless.
    他想让自己的心思常常专注于属灵的事——但发现它更容易追逐琐碎无益的事。

    He would have a more determined will against the seducing influences around him—yet too often his will plays the coward when most needed to be firm and decided.
    他想对周围诱惑的影响有更坚定的意志——但太多时候,当最需要坚定和果断时,他的意志却退缩了。

    He would be thankful to God for the many and great things He has done for him and given him—but sometimes he forgets all, in regret for the loss or refusal of some one thing which his Heavenly Father has in love denied him.
    他想为上帝为他所做和所赐的许多伟大的事感恩——但有时他会因为天父出于爱而拒绝给他的某一件事而感到遗憾,忘记了一切。

    This is a very sad and very humbling exhibition of a believer. It is, however, too often a true one, as many a child of God will sorrowfully testify, who truly knows the evil of his own heart.
    这是一个信徒非常悲伤和谦卑的表现。然而,这往往是真实的,正如许多真正认识自己内心邪恶的上帝的儿女会悲伤地证实的那样。

    “You cannot do the things that you want to do.” This, however, is not written to make us satisfied with such a state of things, but rather to show us that the life of the believer is one of much conflict amidst many opposing influences, and that we have no sufficient strength of our own to overcome them.
    “你们不能做所愿意做的。”然而,这句话的写下并非要让我们对这种状况感到满意,而是要向我们表明,信徒的生活是在许多对立影响中充满冲突的,我们自己没有足够的力量来克服它们。

    Also, to teach us to walk with more watchfulness, humility, and self-distrust, and to go more constantly and earnestly to our Heavenly Father, seeking for the increased assistance of the Holy Spirit, that we may thereby live a life of faith in the Lord Jesus, who alone can enable us to war a good warfare, and continually overcome every evil.
    同时,也是要教导我们以更多的警醒、谦卑和自我不信任来行走,更加持续和恳切地到我们的天父那里,寻求圣灵更多的帮助,使我们因此可以在主耶稣里过信心的生活,只有他能使我们打美好的仗,并持续战胜一切邪恶。

    It is by thus showing us what we are, in our sinfulness and our need—that the Holy Spirit brings us more lowly and willingly to the Lord Jesus to find our all in Him.
    正是通过这样向我们展示我们是什么,我们的罪性和需要——圣灵使我们更加谦卑和甘心地来到主耶稣面前,在他里面找到我们的一切。

    All things, the bitter and the sweet
    一切事物,苦的和甜的

    “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
    “我们晓得万事都互相效力,叫爱神的人得益处,就是按他旨意被召的人。” 罗马书8:28

    Infinite wisdom, as well as infinite love, guides the Lord Jesus in all His doings. Thus it is He sees it best for His own glory and our good, that His doings should at times be contrary to our own desires for ourselves. All things, the bitter and the sweet, are from the hands of Him who makes all work together for our good.
    无限的智慧,以及无限的爱,指引着主耶稣的所有作为。因此,为了祂自己的荣耀和我们的益处,祂认为祂的作为有时应当与我们对自己的愿望相反。一切事物,无论苦涩还是甜美,都来自那位使万事互相效力,叫我们得益处的祂的手中。

    All the trials and afflictions the believer meets with in this life, are for the promotion of . . .
    our growth in grace,
    the true knowledge of self,
    love to Christ, and
    faith in our covenant God and Father.
    信徒在此生中遇到的所有试炼和苦难,都是为了促进…
    我们在恩典中的成长,
    对自我的真实认知,
    对基督的爱,以及
    对我们立约的神和父的信心。

    Christ’s rough-hewn diamonds are precious to Him, but it is His polished ones that shine the brightest, and most reflect His holy image, and have the most conspicuous place among His jewels. Though the process of polishing is often painful to the flesh and trying to the spirit—yet the result is worth it all, for that result is “a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!”
    基督粗糙的钻石对祂来说是宝贵的,但是祂磨亮的钻石才最为闪耀,最能反映祂的圣洁形象,并在祂的珠宝中占据最显著的位置。尽管打磨的过程对肉体常常是痛苦的,对灵性是考验的——但结果是值得的,因为那结果是”极重无比、永远的荣耀”!

    The consciousness of all our infirmities, our inward lusts, and our utter helplessness
    意识到我们所有的软弱,内心的情欲,以及我们完全的无助

    The Christian life is one of continual conflict from its commencement to its close. There is no hope whatever that it can be otherwise. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and never can be anything else but flesh. It continually wars against the spirit—so that oftentimes, as the Apostle says, “When I would do good, evil is present with me.”
    基督徒的生活从开始到结束都是一场持续的冲突。无论如何都不可能有其他情况。从肉身生的就是肉身,永远不可能是其他任何东西。它不断地与灵争战——所以常常如使徒所说,”我愿意为善的时候,便有恶与我同在。”

    This was Paul’s own experience to the end of life, for never did he find any good thing in himself, that is, in his flesh. The flesh never changes for the better. Our only expectation and our encouragement is that through the grace of our Lord Jesus, with watchfulness and prayerfulness, it will be kept under control, and that the spiritual nature will increase in vigor daily.
    这是保罗自己到生命终了的经历,因为他从未在自己里面,就是在他的肉体中,找到任何善良的东西。肉体永远不会变得更好。我们唯一的期望和鼓励是,通过我们主耶稣的恩典,以警醒和祷告,它将被控制住,而灵性的本质将每天增强。

    The consciousness of all our infirmities, our inward lusts, and our utter helplessness—but makes the Lord Jesus more precious! The very lusts we abhor, do serve our best interests when they cause us to look more to Him. Thus they are among the all things that work for our good, by keeping us in our proper place and exalting the Lord.
    意识到我们所有的软弱,内心的情欲,以及我们完全的无助——却使主耶稣变得更加宝贵!我们所厌恶的那些情欲,当它们使我们更多地仰望祂时,反而服务于我们的最大利益。因此,它们也在那使我们得益处的万事之列,通过使我们保持在适当的位置并高举主。

    The Holy Spirit quickens the sinner with new spiritual life. He is thus born again. It is a work complete at once, and one in which the sinner is completely passive.
    This is regeneration.

    圣灵以新的属灵生命使罪人苏醒。他因此重生了。这是一项立即完成的工作,罪人在其中完全被动。
    这就是重生。

    The sinner knows not that he is born again, but by the results which are manifested in the mind, heart and life.

    罪人并不知道自己已经重生,但通过在思想、心灵和生活中显现的结果可以知晓。

    His MIND is enlightened. He becomes deeply conscious of his personal relationship to God’s holiness, to eternity, and to the judgment to come. These are to him realities such as they had never been before. He sees himself to be guilty before God, and deserving of eternal condemnation.
    This is repentance.

    他的思想被启迪。他深刻意识到自己与神的圣洁、永恒以及将来的审判的个人关系。这些对他来说成为了前所未有的现实。他看到自己在神面前是有罪的,应当受永恒的谴责。
    这就是悔改。

    His HEART becomes restless in consequence of his change of mind. He is weary and burdened under a consciousness of guilt. He looks to Jesus dying on the cross as the sinner’s substitute. He trusts in Him as his only hope of salvation, and thus with the heart he believes and is saved.
    This is faith.

    由于思想的改变,他的心变得不安。他在罪疚感的重压下感到疲惫和负担。他仰望在十字架上受死的耶稣作为罪人的替代。他信靠祂作为自己得救的唯一希望,因此他心里相信就得救了。
    这就是信心。

    His LIFE is now changed. The mind and heart being thus affected, the whole current of his outer life is altered. The man turns from the ways of sin and turns to God. He becomes a true disciple and follower of the Lord Jesus.
    This is conversion.

    他的生活现在改变了。思想和心灵既然受到影响,他外在生活的整个走向也改变了。这个人离开罪恶的道路,转向神。他成为主耶稣的真门徒和跟随者。
    这就是归正。

    In other words:

    换句话说:

    I. REGENERATION is the impartation of a new nature, and is in Scripture termed “being born again.” It is an instantaneous work of the Holy Spirit, complete at once, though capable of increase in vigor and manifestation.

    I. 重生是赋予新的本性,在圣经中被称为”重生”。这是圣灵瞬间完成的工作,虽然一次就完成,但在活力和表现上能够增长。

    II. REPENTANCE is a change of mind about our relationship to God, whereby we become conscious that however moral or religious we may have been—we are really without God, and without hope in the world. We deeply sense that we are guilty before God and deserving eternal condemnation.

    II. 悔改是对我们与神关系的思想改变,通过这种改变,我们意识到无论我们在道德上或宗教上如何,我们实际上是没有神、在世上没有盼望的。我们深深感到在神面前是有罪的,应当受永恒的谴责。

    III. FAITH is the trust of the heart in Christ crucified, as the way of deliverance from guilt and deserved condemnation.

    III. 信心是心里信靠被钉十字架的基督,作为从罪疚和应得谴责中得拯救的途径。

    IV. CONVERSION is the change of the outward life. Having received Christ as his Savior, the believer now serves and follows Him as his Lord and Master.

    IV. 归正是外在生活的改变。既然接受了基督作为救主,信徒现在就以祂为主宰来服侍和跟随祂。

    The deeper the work of grace

    恩典的工作越深

    It is the characteristic of a growing state of grace not to see its growth, but to see more clearly its shortcomings.

    恩典成长状态的特征是不看到自己的成长,而是更清楚地看到自己的不足。

    The nearer the light, the more visible are the imperfections.

    越接近光明,缺陷就越明显。

    In the same way, the deeper the work of grace, the more opposition will it usually encounter in the heart; and the inward evil will generally become more vividly realized by the believer.

    同样,恩典的工作越深,通常在心中遇到的阻力就越大;信徒通常会更鲜明地意识到内心的邪恶。

    The more we have of each grace, the more clearly shall we discern its opposite within:

    我们拥有的每种恩典越多,就越能清楚地辨别其内在的对立面:

    The more we have of humility, the more shall we know and mourn over our pride.

    我们越是谦卑,就越知道并为我们的骄傲哀悼。

    The more we have of patience, the more shall we know and mourn over our impatience.

    我们越有耐心,就越知道并为我们的不耐烦哀悼。

    The more we have of faith, the more shall we know and mourn over our unbelief.

    我们越有信心,就越知道并为我们的不信哀悼。

    The more we have of conformity to the image of Christ, the more shall we know and mourn over our lack of conformity to Him.

    我们越符合基督的形象,就越知道并为我们缺乏对祂的效法而哀悼。

    The more we have of self-denial, the more shall we know and mourn over our selfishness.

    我们越是克己,就越知道并为我们的自私哀悼。

    The more we have of love to Christ, the more shall we know and mourn over our lack of love to Him.

    我们越爱基督,就越知道并为我们缺乏对祂的爱而哀悼。

    Thus each grace becomes a light to show us how much of the contrary we have by nature.

    因此,每一种恩典都成为一盏灯,照出我们本性中有多少相反的东西。

    Indeed, by this means we grow in grace, because thus we more fully know our great need of the Lord Jesus, and are led to look more humbly, confidently, and helplessly to Him, to whom we can never look in vain. Nothing draws so abundantly from His fullness, as a helpless trusting heart.

    事实上,通过这种方式我们在恩典中成长,因为这样我们更充分地认识到我们对主耶稣的巨大需要,并被引导更谦卑、更有信心、更无助地仰望祂,我们对祂的仰望永远不会徒然。没有什么能像一颗无助信靠的心那样丰富地从祂的丰盛中汲取。

    There are no difficulties, no sorrows or joys which are matters of chance
    没有任何困难、悲伤或喜悦是偶然发生的

    “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered!” Matthew 10:30
    “就是你们的头发也都被数过了。” 马太福音10:30

    “But not a hair of your head will perish!” Luke 21:18
    “然而,你们连一根头发也必不损坏。” 路加福音21:18

    Nothing is more clearly revealed in Scripture than the reality of God’s dealings with each of His redeemed people as individuals, in all that pertains to their providential path through life. In a special manner God is daily working providentially in everything small or great, for those whom He has led to seek for refuge in His once crucified Son.
    圣经中最清楚揭示的莫过于上帝对每一个蒙救赎之人的个别对待,这涉及他们一生中的天命之路。上帝以特殊的方式,每天都在大小事务中providentially[天意地]工作,为那些被祂引导寻求庇护于祂曾被钉十字架之子的人。

    There are no difficulties, no sorrows or joys which are matters of chance.
    没有任何困难、悲伤或喜悦是偶然发生的。

    Every step in their providential path is watched over with the tenderest love and care.
    他们天命之路上的每一步都受到最温柔的爱和关怀的看顾。

    There are no rough places in the way, but those which have been particularly ordained and arranged.
    路途中没有粗糙之处,只有那些特别被命定和安排的。

    There are no lessons to be learned, but had long been prepared by the most wise and loving of Teachers.
    没有需要学习的课程,但早已被最智慧和最有爱心的老师准备好了。

    There are no trials, but were planned to work out great and exceeding good by Him who has all power in Heaven and earth.
    没有任何试炼,但都是由那位拥有天地间所有权柄的祂计划好的,以成就极大的善。

    ~ ~ ~ ~

    Just what is best for you!
    正是最适合你的!

    Remember that among your chief thoughts of the Lord Jesus, this one must ever have a prominent place: that He is ever looking down upon you and watching you with tenderest love, and ordering all things for your eternal good.
    记住,在你对主耶稣的主要思考中,这一点必须永远占据重要地位:祂永远俯视着你,以最温柔的爱看顾你,并为你永恒的益处安排一切。

    Sometimes it is spiritual medicine, at other times it is spiritual nourishment—but at all times it is spiritual good and just what is best for you! He sees and knows beyond anyone else what is best for you in each circumstance of each moment. So, always when you think of Him, think of Him as thus looking down upon you and ever caring for you.
    有时它是属灵的药物,其他时候它是属灵的滋养——但在任何时候它都是属灵的益处,正是最适合你的!祂比任何人都更清楚地看到和知道在每一刻的每种情况下什么对你最好。因此,当你想到祂时,要始终想到祂如此俯视你并永远关心你。

    Often the Lord, in His discipline of love, not only withholds what the heart longs for, but gives what the heart shrinks from naturally. If this is not patiently received at His hands, the discipline is of no avail and the Lord has to begin the discipline again, and sometimes again and again, but all in love—that the believer may at last leave it to Him to give, or take away, or withhold, even as He pleases.
    主在祂爱的管教中,常常不仅扣留心灵所渴望的,还给予心灵本能畏缩的。如果这不能耐心地从祂手中接受,管教就无效了,主就必须重新开始管教,有时一次又一次,但都是出于爱——使信徒最终可以让祂随心所欲地给予、拿走或扣留。

    To enjoy rest in the Lord Jesus in every providence however trying—each trying providence should be interpreted in strict accordance with His covenant love and faithfulness. To the believer, He is all love. His providences never contradict this—however unpleasing, undesirable, or disappointing they may be.
    要在每一个天命中享受在主耶稣里的安息,无论多么艰难——每一个艰难的天命都应该严格按照祂的约定之爱和信实来解释。对信徒来说,祂就是全然的爱。祂的天命从不与此相矛盾——无论它们多么令人不悦、不想要或令人失望。

    The Lord Jesus by affliction calls His people to draw still nearer to Himself in daily fellowship, in secret and personal communion, so that, having become the still deeper necessity of their souls, He may still more become their fullness of life, and peace, and joy.
    主耶稣通过苦难呼召祂的子民在日常交往中,在秘密和个人的交流中更加亲近祂,这样,当祂成为他们灵魂更深层的需要时,祂就能更多地成为他们生命、平安和喜乐的丰盛。

    With believers who are often in much affliction, the question should not be, “Why am I thus afflicted by Him more than many are who appear to be always well?” But rather, “Why am I so loved by Him more than many are; I who deserve this love no more than they do!”
    对于经常处于极大苦难中的信徒,问题不应该是,”为什么我比许多看似总是安好的人受到祂更多的苦难?”而应该是,”为什么我比许多人更受祂的爱;我并不比他们更配得这爱!”

    The Lord Jesus wants the believer to look to Him as his all—both in providence and grace, in temporal things and in spiritual.
    主耶稣希望信徒将祂视为一切——无论是在天命还是恩典中,在暂时的事物还是属灵的事物中。

    Affliction, pain, and trial, are not evil things. Nothing is evil but sin!
    苦难、痛苦和试炼不是邪恶的事物。只有罪才是邪恶的!

    One of the sure results of living by faith, is to bring everything in the daily life, and every thought of the heart, into subjection to the Lord Jesus, and to have no will but His.
    凭信心生活的一个确定结果是,将日常生活中的一切和内心的每一个想法都顺服于主耶稣,除了祂的旨意外别无所求。

    Walking with Christ, you are sure to walk in the path of safety and blessing. What if the way is sometimes marked with rough and thorny places? What if the difficulties and perplexities are many and unexpected? Looking unto Jesus, they will be but His opportunity to prove to you more vividly and fully—what a ready helper, and what a faithful and ever-present friend you have in Him.
    与基督同行,你必定走在安全和祝福的道路上。即使路途有时布满荆棘和坎坷又如何?即使困难和困惑众多且出乎意料又如何?仰望耶稣,这些都将成为祂向你更生动、更充分地证明——你在祂里面有一位多么随时的帮助者,以及一位多么忠实和永远同在的朋友的机会。

    All that the Lord Jesus does in relation to you, is prompted by His special individual love for you.
    主耶稣为你所做的一切,都是出于祂对你特别的个人之爱。

    The gentleness of Jesus in His dealings with us every step of the way
    耶稣在每一步与我们相处时的温柔

    “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
    “凡劳苦担重担的人,可以到我这里来,我就使你们得安息。我心里柔和谦卑,你们当负我的轭,学我的样式,这样,你们心里就必得享安息。因为我的轭是容易的,我的担子是轻省的。” 马太福音11:28-30

    His hand is a gentle one, though it be a mighty one—for to us, it is the once pierced hand of Jesus. The gentleness of Jesus is as much a feature of His character as His love. It is because He loves so much, that He is so gentle in His dealings with His people. No mother can lead her darling child so gently, or watch its path so carefully, or stoop to do such lowly acts for its well-being—as our Jesus leads, and watches over, and works for His people.
    祂的手是温柔的,尽管它是大能的——因为对我们而言,那是曾被刺穿的耶稣之手。耶稣的温柔与祂的爱一样,都是祂性格的特征。正是因为祂如此深爱,祂在对待祂的子民时才如此温柔。没有母亲能像我们的耶稣那样温柔地引导她心爱的孩子,如此仔细地看顾其道路,或屈身为其福祉做如此卑微的事——耶稣就是这样引导、看顾并为祂的子民做工。

    Adversity often finds rough voices and unfriendly conduct where least expected, but it always meets with gentleness in Jesus. Those whose eyes are often blinded by affliction’s tears—best know how gently the gentle hand of the Lord Jesus can wipe sorrow’s tears away. More glorious is omnipotence in wiping those tears away, than in the creation of a universe!
    逆境常在最意想不到的地方遇到粗暴的声音和不友善的行为,但在耶稣那里总能遇到温柔。那些眼睛常被苦难的泪水蒙蔽的人——最了解主耶稣温柔的手如何轻柔地擦去悲伤的泪水。全能在擦去那些泪水时,比创造宇宙更为荣耀!

    It is the glory of omnipotence to be gentle.
    It is the sweetness of majesty to condescend.
    It is the beauty of love to walk in lowliness and uplift the fallen.
    全能的荣耀在于温柔。
    威严的甜美在于俯就。
    爱的美丽在于行在卑微之中并扶起跌倒的人。

    Hearts wounded by disappointed hopes, by misplaced confidence, by harsh treatment—ever meet with sweet solace and soothing consolation in the gentleness of Jesus.
    被失望的希望、被误置的信任、被严厉的对待所伤的心——总能在耶稣的温柔中找到甜美的慰藉和安抚的安慰。

    When the believer’s feet have slipped and he has fallen into sin, fellow-Christians may speak harshly, and upbraid and condemn—but the returning wanderer always meets with gentleness in Jesus. Love never hesitates, and can never stoop too low to multiply the comforts and the joys of the beloved one.
    当信徒的脚步滑跌,陷入罪中时,其他基督徒可能会说话严厉,责备和谴责——但回头的浪子在耶稣那里总能遇到温柔。爱从不犹豫,也永远不会觉得屈尊太低而不去增加所爱之人的安慰和喜乐。

    Psalm 18:35, “Your gentleness has made me great,” for it has raised me up from sin and shame, from sorrow and despair.
    诗篇18:35,”你的温和使我为大”,因为它将我从罪恶和羞耻中,从悲伤和绝望中提升。

    How low our Jesus stooped—let Bethlehem, and Gethsemane, and Calvary tell.
    我们的耶稣俯就得多低啊——让伯利恒、客西马尼和加略山来诉说吧。

    He still stoops low, for He comes down to our lowly walk and our little needs to be our daily companion, and to multiply our daily blessings. And when our lowly walk on earth is over, and from the light of glory we contemplate the path of our earthly pilgrimage—among the many manifestations of love then made clear, will be seen the gentleness of Jesus in His dealings with us every step of the way.
    祂仍然俯就,因为祂降卑来到我们卑微的生活和微小的需要中,成为我们日常的伴侣,并增添我们每日的祝福。当我们在地上卑微的行程结束,从荣耀之光中回顾我们尘世朝圣的道路时——在那时显明的众多爱的彰显中,我们将看到耶稣在每一步与我们相处时的温柔。

    Disagreement with the path, is disagreement with Him who ordained it.
    与道路不一致,就是与命定道路的祂不一致。

    “Be content with such things as you have, for He has said: I will never leave you, nor will I ever forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
    “你们要以自己所有的为足;因为主曾说:’我总不撇下你,也不丢弃你。'” 希伯来书13:5

    The Lord Jesus never leaves His people. Whether they realize His presence or not, it does not alter the fact, for He is ever with them as their loving and sympathizing friend and helper—true God, yet always true man.
    主耶稣从不离开祂的子民。无论他们是否意识到祂的存在,这个事实都不会改变,因为祂始终与他们同在,作为他们慈爱和同情的朋友和帮助者——真正的神,却始终是真正的人。

    “I will never leave you”—there is the assurance of His gracious presence.
    “我总不撇下你”——这是祂恩慈同在的保证。

    “Nor will I ever forsake you”—there is the assurance of His watchful care and changeless love.
    “也不丢弃你”——这是祂警醒看顾和不变之爱的保证。

    It is possible for a person to have much of the company of one by whom he is forsaken in heart affection. The Lord Jesus does not deal thus with His people. His language means, “My presence shall ever go with you, My heart shall ever be towards you, and My hand shall ever hold you.” There is nothing in the darkest and most trying path in which a believer can possibly be placed, that need prevent him constantly realizing the presence and love of His Lord, and quietly resting in Him.
    一个人可能经常与一个在心灵情感上已经抛弃他的人在一起。主耶稣不会这样对待祂的子民。祂的话意味着,”我的同在将永远与你同行,我的心将永远向着你,我的手将永远扶持你。”在信徒可能置身的最黑暗、最艰难的道路上,没有什么能阻止他不断地意识到主的同在和爱,并在祂里面安静地安息。

    Fully, however, to realize the Lord’s presence and love, and quietly rest in Him, there must not only be looking up, and trusting, and waiting—but the heart must also be content with the providential path below.
    然而,要完全意识到主的同在和爱,并在祂里面安静地安息,不仅要仰望、信靠和等候——而且心里还必须对脚下的天命之路感到满足。

    If a believer would walk in loving fellowship with the Lord Jesus when in the path of trial—there must be a quiet, contented, patient abiding in that path where the Lord has placed him; for there, and there alone, will the Lord Jesus meet with him. Disagreement with the path, is disagreement with Him who ordained it.
    如果信徒想在试炼的道路上与主耶稣保持爱的交通,就必须在主安置他的道路上安静、满足、耐心地坚守;因为只有在那里,主耶稣才会与他相遇。与道路不一致,就是与命定道路的祂不一致。

    There should be not only abiding with the Lord as the source of rest and comfort, but abiding in the path as the way of His appointment in love. The lack of this patient abiding is the reason why so many believers have such a joyless, anxious, troubled, barren experience. “Be content with such things as you have, for He has said: I will never leave you nor will I ever forsake you.”
    不仅要与主同住作为安息和慰藉的源泉,还要在道路上坚守,因为这是祂在爱中的指派。缺乏这种耐心的坚守是许多信徒经历如此无joy、焦虑、烦恼、贫瘠的原因。”你们要以自己所有的为足;因为主曾说:’我总不撇下你,也不丢弃你。'”

    Heaven’s hiding-place for earth-worn souls
    天国对疲惫灵魂的庇护所

    “In the world you shall have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!” John 16:33
    “在世上,你们有苦难;但你们可以放心,我已经胜了世界!”约翰福音16:33

    Stern conflict makes the experienced warrior. It is the battle alone that produces the conqueror. The believer’s path is one of warfare, because he is walking through an opposing world; but it is also one of victory, if therein he walks with Jesus. So much depends upon the soul’s position in faith. If from the midst of worldly associations it views Jesus afar off, it will be often overcome; but if it views the world and its associations from a walk of close fellowship with Him, it will always conquer, for it is ever in the place of victory. To such, the world’s tribulations but make Jesus, who is Heaven’s hiding-place for earth-worn souls, more welcome and more precious; for here on earth the Lord Jesus is best known by the help He affords, and the joy He gives to His needy and tempted ones.
    严酷的冲突造就经验丰富的战士。只有战斗才能产生征服者。信徒的道路是一条战争之路,因为他正穿越一个敌对的世界;但如果他与耶稣同行,这也是一条胜利之路。一切都取决于灵魂在信仰中的位置。如果它从世俗的联系中远远地看耶稣,它常常会被击败;但如果它从与祂亲密同行的角度看世界及其联系,它就会永远征服,因为它始终处于胜利之地。对这样的人来说,世界的苦难只会使耶稣,这位天国为疲惫灵魂预备的庇护所,变得更加受欢迎和宝贵;因为在这地上,主耶稣最为人所知的是祂所给予的帮助,以及祂赐予需要和受试探之人的喜乐。

    The conscious need of the believer is one of his highest claims upon his Lord’s omnipotence. It is that experience of soul which most prevails with Jesus and moves Him to send forth His choicest covenant blessings.
    信徒意识到的需要是他对主全能的最高诉求之一。正是这种灵魂的经历最能打动耶稣,促使祂发出祂最珍贵的约定祝福。

    Oh, my soul, do not be cast down though tribulations multiply; for your Jesus is ever near. Look to Him, walk closer with Him, listening to His words of love and grace, “Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world,” and you too shall be conqueror, yes, more than conqueror through Him who loves you.
    噢,我的灵魂,虽然苦难倍增,但不要沮丧;因为你的耶稣永远在近旁。仰望祂,与祂更亲密地同行,倾听祂爱与恩典的话语,”放心吧,我已经胜了世界”,你也将成为征服者,是的,通过那爱你的祂,你将成为得胜有余的人。

    ~  ~  ~  ~

    Christian joy
    基督徒的喜乐

    “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls!” 1 Peter 1:8-9
    “你们虽然没有见过他,却是爱他;如今虽不得看见,却因信他就有说不出来、满有荣光的大喜乐;因为你们得到信心的目标,就是你们的灵魂的救恩。”彼得前书1:8-9

    Much of the joy of believers may be the joy of pleasant circumstances. The result, therefore, is that, when circumstances are changed, the joy of the believer ceases. Whereas, if his joy were in the Lord, then no circumstances would alter it. Yes, even adverse circumstances would, through His grace, cause the soul more than ever to look for consolation and joy in Him.
    信徒的许多喜乐可能是愉快环境带来的喜乐。因此,结果是,当环境改变时,信徒的喜乐就消失了。然而,如果他的喜乐在于主,那么任何环境都无法改变它。是的,即使是逆境,通过祂的恩典,也会使灵魂比以往任何时候都更多地在祂里面寻求安慰和喜乐。

    ~  ~  ~  ~

    When you have any cross to bear, when anything more than usually trying meets you in your path, if you would walk safely and cheerfully—you must bring it at once to the Lord Jesus, to receive from Him all needed power and grace.
    当你有任何十字架要背负,当你在路上遇到比平常更艰难的事时,如果你想安全愉快地行走——你必须立即把它带到主耶稣面前,从祂那里接受所需的一切力量和恩典。

    ~  ~  ~  ~

    The weak, the poor, and the ignorant!
    软弱的、贫穷的和无知的!

    “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of Heaven.” Matthew 18:3
    “我实在告诉你们,你们若不回转,变成小孩子的样式,断不得进天国。”马太福音18:3

    Our great aim is to be as little children before the Lord.
    我们的伟大目标是在主面前如同小孩子。

    We should always be as little children before the Lord, looking to Him at every step as needy and helpless ones, and resting with believing hearts on His assurance of help and grace.
    我们应当始终在主面前如同小孩子,在每一步都仰望祂,如同需要帮助和无助的人,并以信心的心安息在祂的帮助和恩典的保证上。

    We should never go to the Lord as strong ones—but as weak ones, as very children. It is . . .
    not strong ones to whom He gives grace,
    nor rich ones to whom He gives treasure,
    nor wise ones to whom He increases knowledge—
    but the weak, the poor, and the ignorant are those whom He blesses.
    我们永远不应以强者的身份来到主面前——而应当作为弱者,如同小孩子。
    祂赐恩典的不是强者,
    祂赐财宝的不是富人,
    祂增加知识的不是智者——
    而是软弱的、贫穷的和无知的人,这些是祂所祝福的。

    Happy is that soul which learns to profit by learning that it has nothing in itself, but everything in Christ.
    快乐的灵魂是那些学会从认识到自己一无所有,但在基督里拥有一切中获益的灵魂。

    “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was Your good pleasure.” Matthew 11:25-26
    “父啊,天地的主,我感谢你!因为你将这些事向聪明通达人就藏起来,向婴孩就显出来。父啊,是的,因为你的美意本是如此。”马太福音

    The Lord Jesus delights in a childlike trust. Too often His people want to come to Him with a trust that is man-like. That is, with a trust that has some self-reliance, some self-reasoning, or self-ability, or some self-wise plans and arrangements, or a trust that commends itself by the many things its hand has accomplished.

    主耶稣喜悦孩童般的信任。太多时候,祂的子民想要带着成人式的信任来到祂面前。也就是说,带着一种有些自我依赖、自我推理、自我能力,或一些自以为聪明的计划和安排的信任,或者是一种因自己手所成就的诸多事情而自我推荐的信任。

    Whereas a childlike trust—that trust which is the result of becoming like a little child—has no self-reliance, or reasoning, or ability, or plans, or great works to encourage it—but has only a consciousness of need, and ignorance and helplessness; and looks hopefully to Him who has never yet been known to fail His trusting ones.

    然而,孩童般的信任——那种成为小孩子的结果——没有自我依赖,或推理,或能力,或计划,或伟大的作为来鼓励它——只有对需要、无知和无助的意识;并满怀希望地仰望那位从未让信靠祂的人失望的主。

    The childlike trust which grows out of weakness, pain and affliction, is more honoring to the Lord Jesus—than the trust which grows out of health, and ease, and the impulse of many activities.

    从软弱、痛苦和苦难中生长出来的孩童般的信任,比从健康、安逸和众多活动的冲动中生长出来的信任更能荣耀主耶稣。

    Where there is true growth in grace, such growth is sure to manifest itself by . . .
    a closer walk with the Lord Jesus,
    an increased and increasing experimental knowledge of Him,
    and an increasing power over evil within and around.

    在恩典中有真正的成长时,这种成长必定会通过以下方式表现出来……
    与主耶稣更亲密的同行,
    对祂不断增加的经验性知识,
    以及对内在和周围邪恶的日益增长的控制力。

    If evil is consciously encouraged in the heart of the believer, or if evil rises within which he does not at once oppose, by bringing it to the Lord, and seeking help against it—such evil will surely increase in power (though it may be for a time secretly and quietly) until it be eventually not only a complete hindrance to the soul’s walk in fellowship with the Lord, but the cause of growing inconsistency in life.

    如果信徒的心中有意识地鼓励邪恶,或者内心升起邪恶而他不立即反对,不将其带到主面前寻求帮助来对抗它——这样的邪恶必定会增长力量(尽管可能一时是秘密和安静的),直到最终不仅完全阻碍灵魂与主同行的交通,还会成为生活中日益增长的不一致的原因。

    The way of safe walking is to look at the evil as an enemy to be overcome at once, by bringing it to the light before the Lord Jesus, and looking to Him for grace to overcome it. Evil thus treated will result in increased fellowship with the Lord, by bringing the believer to Him on an errand of need which is sure to meet with success.

    安全行走的方式是将邪恶视为需要立即克服的敌人,将它带到主耶稣面前的光中,仰望祂赐下恩典来战胜它。这样处理邪恶将会导致与主更深的交通,因为信徒带着需要来到祂面前,这必定会得到成功的回应。

    Living by faith in Christ includes the wish to have everything as He sees best, and to walk contentedly with Him in every incident in the path of life which He appoints; so that you would not have anything altered until He sees fit.

    在基督里凭信心生活包括希望一切都按祂认为最好的方式发生,并在祂所指定的人生道路上的每一个事件中满足地与祂同行;因此,你不会希望任何事情改变,直到祂认为合适。

    The possession of much scriptural knowledge about Christ

    拥有大量关于基督的圣经知识

    Love for Christ, or joy in Christ, is not always according to the amount of doctrinal knowledge. There may be very much knowledge of revealed truth concerning Him—and yet but little true joy in Him, or desire after Him.

    对基督的爱,或在基督里的喜乐,并不总是与教义知识的多少成正比。可能有很多关于祂的启示真理的知识——却很少有在祂里面的真正喜乐,或对祂的渴慕。

    There may be, on the other hand, but little doctrinal knowledge—yet much joy in Him as a personal Savior, and Friend, and Helper.

    另一方面,可能只有很少的教义知识——却对祂作为个人救主、朋友和帮助者有很多喜乐。

    The possession of much scriptural knowledge about Christ, without living more fully upon Him by faith, is like being in the possession of much food, and understanding its nature and excellency, but not partaking of it. The failure of spiritual strength, like the failure of physical strength—is caused either by hidden disease, open irregularities, improper food, or insufficiency of that which is good.

    拥有大量关于基督的圣经知识,却没有更充分地凭信心活在祂里面,就像拥有大量食物,了解其性质和优点,却不去食用一样。属灵力量的衰退,就像身体力量的衰退一样——是由隐藏的疾病、公开的不规律、不当的食物,或良好事物的不足所造成的。

    Growing in grace
    在恩典中成长

    Remember that among your chief thoughts of the Lord Jesus, one must ever have a prominent place: that He is ever looking down upon you and watching you with tenderest love, and ordering all things for your good.
    请记住,在你对主耶稣的主要思想中,必须始终有一个突出的位置:祂永远俯视着你,以最温柔的爱看顾你,并安排一切事物都为你的益处。

    Sometimes it is spiritual medicine, at other times it is spiritual nourishment—but at all times it is spiritual good, and just what is best for you. He sees and knows beyond any one else just what is best for each day and hour. So, always when you think of Him, think of Him as thus looking down upon you and ever caring for you.
    有时是属灵的良药,有时是属灵的滋养—但无论何时都是属灵的益处,正是最适合你的。祂比任何人都更清楚每一天每一刻什么是最好的。因此,当你想到祂时,要想到祂正这样俯视你,永远关心你。

    The Holy Spirit is always assisting us in our calm, judicious, prayerful thinking about Jesus and His Word, and also in looking to Jesus for grace to help in all we do. He is ever leading us in all to think of Christ and to live for Christ and continually to look to Christ. In fewer words, the Holy Spirit helps us to look to Christ for everything, and to serve Christ in everything.
    圣灵总是在帮助我们平静、明智、虔诚地思考耶稣和祂的话语,也帮助我们在所做的一切事上仰望耶稣的恩典。祂一直引导我们在一切事上思想基督,为基督而活,并不断仰望基督。简而言之,圣灵帮助我们在一切事上仰望基督,在一切事上事奉基督。

    The natural mind makes self the center, and self the end.
    The spiritual mind makes Christ the center, and Christ the end.
    天然的心以自我为中心,以自我为目的。
    属灵的心以基督为中心,以基督为目的。

    The more we seek Christ, and the less we seek self—the more we please the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
    我们越寻求基督,越少寻求自我—就越讨父、子、圣灵的喜悦。

    Christ is the source and end both of grace on earth and glory in Heaven.
    Grace in the heart, is glory in its beginnings.
    Glory in Heaven, is grace in its full consummation.
    基督是地上恩典和天上荣耀的源头和目标。
    心中的恩典,是荣耀的开端。
    天上的荣耀,是恩典的完全实现。

    Growing in grace is living more upon Christ, and living more for Christ, and growing more like Christ here on earth.
    在恩典中成长就是更多地靠基督而活,更多地为基督而活,在地上越来越像基督。

    To learn of Christ and live upon Christ, is the highest experience of the soul here or hereafter.
    学习基督并靠基督而活,是现在和将来灵魂最高的经历。

    ~  ~  ~  ~

    The most prominent object of the soul’s regard
    灵魂最关注的对象

    “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
    “我如今在肉身活着,是因信神的儿子而活,他是爱我,为我舍己。”加拉太书2:20

    You would realize more of His love if you were to individualize it to yourself, even as you do His death for your individual personal salvation. Concerning the latter, nothing will satisfy you fully but your ability consciously to adopt the language of the Apostle, “He gave Himself for me!”
    如果你能将祂的爱个人化,就像你对待祂为你个人救恩而死一样,你就会更多地认识到祂的爱。关于后者,除非你能有意识地采用使徒的话语”祂为我舍己!”,否则没有什么能完全满足你。

    So, in relation to His love, nothing can fully satisfy you but to be able consciously to say, “He loved me!”
    因此,关于祂的爱,除非你能有意识地说”祂爱我!”,否则没有什么能完全满足你。

    He so loved you as if He had singled you out that He might fix His special personal love upon you—upon you individually and personally. This He really has done. It is no vain supposition, but a fact—a wonderful fact for which you will praise Him hereafter, world without end.
    祂如此爱你,仿佛祂特意挑选了你,好将祂特别的个人之爱倾注在你身上—个别地、亲自地倾注在你身上。这确实是祂所行的。这不是空洞的假设,而是事实—一个奇妙的事实,为此你将在永恒中赞美祂。

    The most prominent object of the soul’s regard, at all times, should be the God-man; the Lord Jesus, ever living, and loving, and sympathizing, and supporting; who is ever present with us, and to whom, though He is God, we can speak in holy, loving, childlike confidence, and with whom, because He is man, we can realize a nearness and relationship we could not do if He were only God. He it is who so often assures and comforts us by His presence and love.

    灵魂在任何时候最应关注的对象,应该是神人;永远活着、充满爱、同情和支持的主耶稣;祂始终与我们同在,尽管祂是神,我们却能以圣洁、爱慕、孩童般的信心与祂交谈,又因为祂是人,我们能与祂建立一种亲密关系,这是单单作为神所无法实现的。正是祂经常以祂的同在和爱来安慰和保证我们。

    How comforting and assuring is this!

    这是多么令人感到安慰和确信啊!

    Jesus well knows what it is to pass through stormy waters and fierce fires. He is always with His people in similar experience, according to His Word: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” Isaiah 43:1-3

    耶稣深知什么是经历暴风骤雨和烈火。当祂的子民经历类似的经历时,祂总是与他们同在,正如祂的话所说:”不要惧怕,因为我救赎了你。我曾提你的名召你,你是属我的!你从水中经过,我必与你同在;你趟过江河,水必不漫过你;你从火中行过,必不被烧,火焰也不着在你身上。因为我是耶和华你的神,是以色列的圣者,你的救主!”以赛亚书43:1-3

    He does not say there will be no waters to pass through, nor fires to walk through—but He does say that they shall not harm us.

    祂并没有说我们不会经过水,也不会经过火—但祂确实说这些不会伤害我们。

    Mark the blessedness: it is not that He sends help by His angels, that would not be sufficient for His loving heart. It is, “I will be with you.” How comforting and assuring is this! Had omnipotence been joined to an angel, while the help would have been sure, the loving sympathy and precious fellowship could not have been the same. But, for our help and joy, omnipotence is for us in a man—a man true and tried in every respect—true God and real man. So the weary one finding his weak and trembling hand held by a man, and one who is not ashamed to call him brother—he finds also that it is held by omnipotence, for He is the Son of man with fellow-feeling to sympathize, and the Son of God with omnipotence to help!

    注意这福分:祂并非派天使来帮助,那对祂慈爱的心来说是不够的。而是说,”我必与你同在。”这是多么令人感到安慰和确信啊!若全能与天使相连,虽然帮助是确定的,但那充满爱的同情和宝贵的团契就不会一样了。但为了帮助我们,给我们喜乐,全能存在于一个人里面—一个在各方面都真实可靠的人—真神也是真人。因此,疲惫的人发现自己软弱颤抖的手被一个人握住,而这人不以称他为弟兄为耻—他还发现这手也被全能握住,因为祂是人子,能感同身受地同情,又是神子,拥有全能来帮助!

    The Lord’s way of helping His people in trial, is most frequently not by removing the trial, but by Himself becoming their companion, and friend, and helper in it. Therefore the more sure way of blessing is to look to the Lord Jesus in the trial, to take it from His hand, and walk with Him in it.

    主帮助祂的子民度过试炼的方式,通常不是移除试炼,而是亲自成为他们在试炼中的伙伴、朋友和帮助者。因此,更确实的蒙福方式是在试炼中仰望主耶稣,从祂手中接受试炼,并与祂同行其中。

    Nothing can be more clearly revealed in Scripture than the reality of God’s dealings with each of His people as individuals in all that pertains to their providential path through life.

    在圣经中,没有什么比神对待每一个属祂的人如同个体,在他们人生的每一个护理道路上的真实性更清晰地显明的了。

    The Christian finds in the death of Christ, not only a way of deliverance from his fears, but a way to more personal thoughts of God, and to closer relationship and more intimacy with Him than he had ever thought possible. Reconciliation, deliverance, peace, forgiveness, redemption, acceptance—are all intensely personal, and he begins to understand them as such. He comprehends as he never could before, that God is to him a personal God, and a personal Father; not one who merely takes upon Himself the character of a Father—but the real, loving, gracious Father of each of His sinful children!

    基督徒在基督的死中不仅找到了摆脱恐惧的方法,还找到了一条通向更个人化地思考神,与祂建立更亲密关系的道路,这种亲密关系是他从未想过可能的。和好、拯救、平安、宽恕、救赎、接纳—这些都极其个人化,他开始如此理解它们。他理解到,就像他以前从未理解过的那样,神对他来说是一位个人的神,一位个人的父;不仅仅是一位具有父亲特质的存在—而是每一个有罪孩子真实、慈爱、恩慈的父!

    He is now also brought into personal fellowship with the Lord Jesus as a personal Savior and friend and helper, and as one who is the first-born among many brethren; not one who condescends to speak of Himself as merely having the feelings of such—but really, tangibly, personally, unchangeably so!

    他现在也被带入与主耶稣的个人团契中,耶稣成为他个人的救主、朋友和帮助者,是众多弟兄中的长子;祂不是屈尊自称仅仅有这样的感受—而是真实的、有形的、个人的、永恒不变的!

    Heaven now is to him no longer a dim and perplexing uncertainty of the future, but a bright and sure prospect of endless fellowship with a real Father and a real Christ!

    天堂对他来说不再是未来模糊而令人困惑的不确定性,而是与真实的父和真实的基督无尽相交的光明而确定的前景!

    The Gospel . . .
    cheers the downcast,
    strengthens the feeble,
    encourages the timid,
    heals the broken-hearted,
    gives light in darkness,
    supplies rest to the weary,
    and stable joy to the sorrowful.

    福音……
    使沮丧者振奋,
    使软弱者坚强,
    使胆怯者鼓舞,
    医治心碎的人,
    在黑暗中给予光明,
    为疲惫者提供安息,
    为悲伤者带来稳固的喜乐。

    If you would realize these blessings, it can only be by having the chief and most prominent feature in your soul’s experience, the constant assurance of the presence of an unseen but real man—the God-man who is ever ever watching over you and caring for you with an unceasing love, however little you may have been conscious of it. A true man, who is also the true God, He is one to whom you can tell with confidence and comfort all your needs, all your evils, all your sorrows, and with whom you can walk in holy fellowship . . .
    as an unseen but true-hearted friend,
    and as the first-born among many brethren,
    and an almighty and ever-loving helper!

    如果你想实现这些祝福,唯一的方法就是在你灵魂的经历中拥有最主要和最突出的特征,那就是对一个看不见但真实存在的人——上帝成为人的持续确信,祂永远在看顾你,以不息的爱关心你,即使你可能很少意识到这一点。祂是一个真实的人,也是真正的上帝,你可以满怀信心和安慰地向祂诉说你所有的需要、所有的罪恶、所有的悲伤,你可以与祂在圣洁的团契中同行……
    如同一个看不见却真心诚意的朋友,
    如同众多弟兄中的长子,
    如同全能且永远慈爱的帮助者!

    Endeavor to attain the constant habit of . . .

    努力养成以下的习惯……

    Try continually to think of the Lord Jesus as the God-man, who is . . .
    ever watching over you,
    ever loving you,
    ever caring for you,
    and ever listening to you.

    不断努力将主耶稣视为上帝成为人的形象,祂……
    永远看顾你,
    永远爱你,
    永远关心你,
    永远倾听你。

    Endeavor to attain the constant habit of speaking to Jesus as a true-hearted man and a loving friend, telling Him the circumstances of your daily life according as they arise.

    努力养成与耶稣交谈的习惯,把祂当作一个真诚的人和慈爱的朋友,随时向祂倾诉你日常生活中发生的情况。

    Let your duties be done for Jesus.

    让你的责任为耶稣而尽。

    Let your sufferings be borne for Jesus.

    让你的苦难为耶稣而承担。

    Let your study be to learn more of Jesus.

    让你的学习是为了更多地认识耶稣。

    Let your aim be to grow more like Jesus.

    让你的目标是更像耶稣。

    Let your one purpose ever be to please Jesus.

    让你唯一的目的永远是取悦耶稣。

    Live, looking into His face.

    活着,注视祂的面容。

    Live, sitting at His feet.

    活着,坐在祂的脚前。

    Live, walking by His side.

    活着,行走在祂身边。

    Live, leaning on His arm.

    活着,依靠祂的臂膀。

    You will find your chief foes more frequently within you than elsewhere. You will more often have need to ask Jesus to save you from, and help you against, yourself—than to save you from or help you against anything or anyone else.

    你会发现你的主要敌人更多地存在于你的内心,而不是其他地方。你会更经常需要请求耶稣拯救你脱离自己,帮助你对抗自己,而不是拯救你脱离其他事物或其他人,或帮助你对抗其他事物或其他人。

    But whatever the evil is, when it first shows itself, it must at once be taken to Jesus. The least evil is too strong for us successfully to overcome. We must at once tell Jesus about it. Delay is dangerous. Delay gives strength to the evil.

    但无论是什么样的邪恶,当它第一次显露时,必须立即带到耶稣面前。即使最微小的邪恶对我们来说也太强大,无法成功战胜。我们必须立即告诉耶稣。拖延是危险的。拖延会给邪恶增添力量。

    To seek to overcome in any other way, than by bringing it to Him, is simply to prepare the way to be overcome by the evil.

    试图用任何其他方式而不是带到祂面前来战胜邪恶,只会为被邪恶战胜铺平道路。

    True heart-experience is ever the result of true knowledge. Whenever the experience of the heart is not guided by a right understanding of God’s Word, it becomes dangerous and delusive both as regards the inner life and the daily walk.

    真正的心灵体验永远是真知识的结果。每当心灵的体验不是由对上帝话语的正确理解所引导时,它就会变得危险和具有欺骗性,无论是对内在生活还是日常生活都是如此。

    Such persons are guided more by the promptings of their inward feelings, than by the simple Word of God. They too often mistake the impressions of a fervid imagination, and the feelings of an easily excited emotional nature—for the influences of the Holy Spirit within them.

    这些人更多地被他们内心感觉的驱使所引导,而不是被上帝简单的话语所引导。他们经常错把热烈想象的印象和容易被激动的情感本性的感觉,当作是他们内心圣灵的影响。

    The religion of the Gospel is the religion of sanctified common sense that can give a reason for things, because guided by the plain teachings of God’s Word. The exhortation of the Apostle to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,” directs to a double growth:

    1. Growth in grace, which is heart-growth.
    2. Growth in knowledge, which is mind-growth.

    福音的宗教是一种圣化的常识宗教,能为事物给出理由,因为它是由上帝话语的简单教导所引导的。使徒劝勉”在我们主救主耶稣基督的恩典和知识上有长进”,指向双重成长:

    1. 在恩典中成长,即心灵的成长。
    2. 在知识中成长,即思想的成长。

    The healthiness and correctness of the heart-growth depend greatly upon the healthiness and correctness of the mind-growth. This should lead us to great watchfulness and prayerfulness concerning what we hear and read, and how we hear and read; for errors clothed in the garb of truth have been a great hindrance and stumbling-block to multitudes.

    心灵成长的健康和正确性在很大程度上取决于思想成长的健康和正确性。这应该引导我们对我们所听和所读的内容,以及我们如何听和如何读保持高度警惕和祷告;因为披着真理外衣的错误对许多人来说一直是巨大的障碍和绊脚石。

    “This Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hebrews 10:12

    “这个人,在他永远献上一次赎罪祭之后,就坐在了上帝的右边。”希伯来书10:12

    “This Man.” How the heart bounds with joy at the remembrance that the exalted and Holy One, who is now seated in the place of power, “the right hand of God,” ruling throughout all creation, is a real man, possessing a humanity like our own—body, soul, and mind. How much more real, more human, more tangible, heavenly things are—when we are conscious that at the head of all is “this Man,” Jesus; and that the Being whom angels worship and adore, and before whom they bow in loving submission, is the very one who dwelt a lowly one among men!

    “这个人。”想到那位被高举的圣者,如今坐在权力之所,”上帝的右边”,统治整个创造,是一个真实的人,拥有与我们相似的人性——身体、灵魂和思想,心中是多么充满喜悦。当我们意识到万物之首是”这个人”耶稣时,天国的事物变得多么真实、多么人性化、多么触手可及;而天使所敬拜和崇拜的,他们以爱心顺服俯伏在祂面前的那位存在,正是曾经在人间卑微生活的那一位!

    One with the Father as God—yet is He ever “this Man.” Little do we know how wonderfully His humanity was fashioned and mellowed by His many sufferings, and weaknesses, and sorrows, and pains, and persecutions—in order that He might the better sympathize with His people, and be the more consciously and really like unto His tried and suffering ones.

    作为上帝与父同为一体,但祂永远是”这个人”。我们几乎不知道祂的人性是如何通过许多苦难、软弱、悲伤、痛苦和迫害而被奇妙地塑造和柔化的——为的是祂能更好地同情祂的子民,更有意识地、更真实地与祂那些经历试炼和苦难的人相似。

    “This Man,” so loving, so gentle, so gracious, so kind, so humble-hearted, so tender in His sympathy, and faithful in His love, is ours—still our Shepherd, Friend, and Guide, our ever-gracious Sympathizer and ever-ready Helper.

    “这个人”,如此慈爱,如此温柔,如此仁慈,如此善良,如此谦卑,如此富有同情心,如此忠诚于祂的爱,是属于我们的——仍然是我们的牧者、朋友和向导,我们永远仁慈的同情者和随时准备帮助我们的人。

    “From the fullness of His grace, we have all received grace upon grace.” John 1:16
    “我们都从他丰盛的恩典中,领受了恩上加恩。”约翰福音1:16

    He is still the same, and in Him is . . .
    all fullness for all our needs;
    fullness of strength, for our weakness;
    fullness of wisdom, for our ignorance;
    fullness of joy, for our sorrow;
    fullness of knowledge, for our perplexity.
    Yes, a fullness of grace, for every duty, every trial, and every affliction.
    他仍然如此,在他里面有…
    满足我们一切需要的丰盛;
    对我们软弱的力量的丰盛;
    对我们无知的智慧的丰盛;
    对我们忧愁的喜乐的丰盛;
    对我们困惑的知识的丰盛。
    是的,对每一项责任、每一次试炼和每一次苦难,都有恩典的丰盛。

    The reason of so much of our spiritual weakness and soul-deadness is, because there is such a lack of a receiving disposition. “From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another.”
    我们灵性软弱和心灵麻木的原因,是因为我们缺乏接受的心态。”我们都从他丰盛的恩典中,领受了一个又一个的祝福。”

    Oh for the humble, childlike, receiving heart, which, out of “His fulness”—the fullness of our Lord Jesus—is continually receiving “grace upon grace.”
    哦,愿我们有谦卑、如孩童般的接受之心,从”他的丰盛”——我们主耶稣的丰盛中——不断地领受”恩上加恩”。

    Those whom You have given Me
    “你所赐给我的人”

    “I do not pray for the world, but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours; and all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine.” John 17:9
    “我为他们祈求,不为世人祈求,却为你所赐给我的人祈求,因他们本是你的。凡是我的,都是你的;你的也是我的。”约翰福音17:9

    It is very comforting to think how peculiarly and wonderfully precious believers are to the Father and to the Son. We belong to the Father, and we belong to Jesus. The Father gave us to Jesus in covenant love, before He drew us to Jesus by constraining grace.
    想到信徒对父和子来说是如此特别和奇妙地宝贵,这是非常令人安慰的。我们属于父,也属于耶稣。父在用约束的恩典吸引我们到耶稣面前之前,就已经在立约的爱中将我们赐给了耶稣。

    He gave us to Jesus, that we might be redeemed from eternal misery.
    He gave us to Jesus, that we might be separated from the world.
    He gave us to Jesus, that we might be preserved from the power of the evil one, and from the dominion of sin.
    He gave us to Jesus, that we might be brought safely home at last, and presented unto Himself pure and beauteous in His own image!
    他将我们赐给耶稣,使我们可以从永恒的痛苦中被救赎。
    他将我们赐给耶稣,使我们可以与世界分离。
    他将我们赐给耶稣,使我们可以免受恶者的权势和罪的统治。
    他将我们赐给耶稣,使我们最终可以安全地回到家中,并以他自己的形象纯洁美丽地呈现在他面前!

    Jesus loved the Father’s gift and received it joyfully at His hands, and undertook all responsibility for its full salvation, and for its well-being here, and glory hereafter. But, oh! at what a mighty cost, His lowly birth, His laborious life, His shameful death do testify.
    耶稣爱父的礼物,欣然从他手中接受,并承担起其完全救赎、今生福祉和来世荣耀的全部责任。但是,哦!这付出了何等巨大的代价,他卑微的出生、辛劳的一生和羞辱的死亡都证明了这一点。

    How wonderful that the deep eternal love of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, should be fixed on such as we are! No gift the Father could have bestowed was so much prized, so longed for by the Son, as the gift to Him of those for whom He died. Oh, then, with such a Jesus, and such a Father—all must be well, and all the experiences of time are but the secret whisperings of a love without beginning and without end.
    父、子和圣灵深邃永恒的爱竟然固定在我们这样的人身上,这是多么奇妙啊!父所能赐予的礼物中,没有比将那些他为之而死的人赐给他更珍贵、更令子渴望的了。哦,那么,有这样的耶稣,这样的父——一切都必然很好,时间的所有经历不过是一种无始无终之爱的秘密低语。

    God forgets the sins of His people, but He never forgets them, nor their sorrows
    神忘记祂子民的罪,但祂永不忘记他们,也不忘记他们的悲伤

    “Many, O Lord my God, are Your thoughts to us.” Psalm 40:5
    “耶和华我的神啊,你向我们所怀的意念甚多。” 诗篇40:5

    God’s thoughts are ever in a very special manner towards His tried ones:
    thoughts of love;
    thoughts of wisdom;
    thoughts of gentleness;
    thoughts of tenderness;
    thoughts of blessing.
    神对祂经历试炼的子民始终怀有特别的心意:
    爱的意念;
    智慧的意念;
    温柔的意念;
    温情的意念;
    祝福的意念。

    The believer’s thoughts may often wander from Him, but the Lord’s thoughts never wander from the believer. They are fixed thoughts, for He thinks always and with a loving remembrance of every need.
    信徒的思想可能经常偏离祂,但主的意念从不偏离信徒。这些是固定的意念,因为祂始终思念并以爱记念每一个需要。

    His thoughts towards them are many, reaching to the very least thing which has any relation to their well-being. God forgets the sins of His people, but He never forgets them, nor their sorrows. Why then should the child of God be anxious, or perplexed, or burdened, or disquieted, or cast down, when the Lord—so gracious, so tender-hearted, and so mighty—has so many and such loving thoughts towards Him!
    祂对他们的意念众多,涉及到与他们福祉有关的最微小的事物。神忘记祂子民的罪,但祂永不忘记他们,也不忘记他们的悲伤。那么,当主——如此恩慈,如此温柔,如此大能——对祂的儿女怀有如此多且充满爱的意念时,神的儿女为何还要焦虑、困惑、负重、不安或沮丧呢?

    ~  ~  ~  ~
    ~  ~  ~  ~

    Thus the path of conscious weakness
    因此,意识到软弱的道路

    “Most gladly therefore will I rather boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
    “所以,我更喜欢夸自己的软弱,好叫基督的能力覆庇我。” 哥林多后书12:9

    How often the believer makes his weakness the excuse . . .
    for non-success in resisting temptations and overcoming evil,
    for breaking down under trial and difficulty,
    for drawing back from active duty,
    for shrinking from the solitary path of suffering.
    信徒多么经常以自己的软弱为借口 . . .
    无法成功抵挡诱惑和战胜邪恶,
    在试炼和困难中崩溃,
    退缩不履行积极的职责,
    畏缩于孤独的受苦道路。

    Whereas it is only through conscious weakness he can succeed in anything, because human weakness is the channel through which divine power delights to manifest itself.
    然而,只有通过意识到软弱,他才能在任何事上成功,因为人的软弱是神圣力量乐于彰显自己的渠道。

    If believers were consciously weaker, they would be really stronger; even as the Apostle Paul says: “when I am weak, then am I strong.” “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If he had not realized his own weakness, he would never have realized Christ as his strength, therefore he boasted in his infirmities, that Christ’s power might more fully rest upon him, and thus Christ’s name and grace be exalted.
    如果信徒更意识到自己的软弱,他们实际上会更强大;就像使徒保罗所说:”我什么时候软弱,什么时候就刚强了。” “我靠着那加给我力量的基督,凡事都能做。”如果他没有意识到自己的软弱,他就永远不会意识到基督是他的力量,因此他夸耀自己的软弱,好叫基督的能力更充分地覆庇他,从而基督的名和恩典得以彰显。

    The power of Christ rests upon weak ones, and rests most upon those who are most weak, and who, wisely knowing their weakness, look to Him.
    基督的能力覆庇软弱的人,最覆庇那些最软弱的人,他们明智地知道自己的软弱,仰望祂。

    “I can do nothing,” says the believer, thinking of himself.
    “I can do all things,” says the believer, looking unto Jesus.
    “我什么都不能做,”信徒这样想着自己说。
    “我凡事都能做,”信徒仰望耶稣说。

    Thus the path of conscious weakness is to the soul that trusts in Jesus, the path of omnipotence.
    因此,对于信靠耶稣的灵魂来说,意识到软弱的道路就是全能的道路。

    You are going home to Jesus!

    你正在回家去耶稣那里!

    True, the wilderness path is strange and trying, and you are weak and weary and can not see one step before you, but Jesus is with you. Look to Him, and fear not. The path is not strange to Him—He knows it well, and He is with you in it.

    诚然,旷野的道路陌生而艰难,你疲惫不堪,看不清前方的每一步,但耶稣与你同在。仰望祂,不要惧怕。这条路对祂来说并不陌生——祂熟悉这条路,并与你同行。

    You are going home to Jesus! Each day’s journey brings you nearer to the blessed end. Your path winds through the wilderness, but it is the right way home. You will soon be there!

    你正在回家去耶稣那里!每天的旅程都让你更接近那蒙福的终点。你的路径穿过旷野,但这是回家的正确道路。你很快就会到达那里!

    You are going home to Jesus! You will soon see Him, and be with Him, and be like Him. You will soon be done forever with sin and sorrow, pain and sickness, temptation and conflict, weariness and weakness, darkness and doubt, and all the ills of earth!

    你正在回家去耶稣那里!你很快就会见到祂,与祂同在,像祂一样。你很快就会永远摆脱罪恶和悲伤,痛苦和疾病,诱惑和冲突,疲惫和软弱,黑暗和怀疑,以及地上的一切苦难!

    You are going home to Jesus! You will soon be with the loved ones who have gone before you, and with all the redeemed, and with the holy angels—in the Father’s house of many mansions!

    你正在回家去耶稣那里!你很快就会与先你而去的亲人在一起,与所有得救赎的人在一起,与圣洁的天使在一起——在天父的许多住处里!

    You are going home to Jesus! Think of this when the way is dark and dreary, when you are weary and discouraged, when the cross is heavy and the conflict is sore. You are going home to Jesus! Onward, then, with quickened step and upward glance and song of hope!

    你正在回家去耶稣那里!当道路黑暗而沉闷,当你疲惫不堪和灰心丧气,当十字架沉重而冲突激烈时,请想想这一点。你正在回家去耶稣那里!那么,继续前进吧,脚步加快,目光向上,唱着希望之歌!

    Do you say that it is a lonely path? But remember that He is with you, therefore you can never be alone, for He will never leave you. He knows that you are weary, but He is with you. Lean on Him—His arm is your support. Lean on it—lean hard—you can never weary Him, He is your everlasting strength.

    你说这是一条孤独的路吗?但请记住,祂与你同在,因此你永远不会孤单,因为祂永远不会离开你。祂知道你疲惫不堪,但祂与你同在。依靠祂——祂的臂膀是你的支撑。倚靠它——用力倚靠——你永远不会使祂疲倦,祂是你永恒的力量。

    Do you say that you meet with none who truly understand you, none who truly sympathize with you. But Jesus is with you. He understands you, He knows you—He knew you from eternity past. Before He created the world and all that is therein, your name was written in His book of life and engraved on His hands. He knows you and He knows the difficult path you take. He fashioned you, He called you His own, and planned this way that you should walk with Him therein, and learn how deep His sympathy and love are.

    你说你遇不到真正理解你的人,没有人真正同情你。但耶稣与你同在。祂理解你,祂了解你——祂从永恒的过去就认识你。在祂创造世界和其中的一切之前,你的名字就已写在祂生命册上,刻在祂的手掌上。祂认识你,祂知道你走的艰难道路。祂塑造了你,祂称你为祂的子民,并计划让你与祂同行,以此学习祂的同情和爱有多么深厚。

    Do you look around, and do thoughts cause your tears to flow? But look to Him; He is with you, your joy, your light, your peace. Be of good cheer, “let not your heart be troubled.”

    你环顾四周,是否有想法让你泪流不止?但要仰望祂;祂与你同在,是你的喜乐,你的光明,你的平安。要欢欣鼓舞,”不要心里忧愁”。

    Remember, too, that you are going home! Every step shortens the homeward journey. In a very little while, and you will be home—home with Jesus—home forever!

    也要记住,你正在回家的路上!每一步都缩短了回家的旅程。很快,你就会到家——与耶稣同在的家——永远的家!

    You are now a traveler, a pilgrim—but you are going home to Jesus! There you will behold Him, be like Him, and share His glory forever and ever! Then fear not, for Jesus says:
    “So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
    I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with My righteous right hand!”

    你现在是一个旅行者,一个朝圣者——但你正在回家,回到耶稣那里!在那里,你将看见祂,像祂一样,并永远分享祂的荣耀!所以不要害怕,因为耶稣说:
    “你不要害怕,因为我与你同在;
    不要惊惶,因为我是你的神。
    我必坚固你,我必帮助你;
    我必用我公义的右手扶持你!”

    One of their most marked peculiarities

    他们最显著的特点之一

    “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Romans 7:24, 25

    “我真是苦啊!谁能救我脱离这取死的身体呢?感谢神,靠着我们的主耶稣基督就能脱离了。”罗马书 7:24, 25

    True believers are a peculiar people in many ways. One of their most marked peculiarities is the constant presence of two opposing influences within them:

    真信徒在许多方面都是独特的。他们最显著的特点之一是内心常常存在两种对立的影响:

    One of these influences moves them to desire earthly good as the chief end of life.

    其中一种影响驱使他们将追求世俗利益作为生活的主要目标。

    The other moves them to seek those things which are above, and to find the chief end of life in a growing intimacy with Christ, and in the consecration to Him of all that they are or have.

    另一种影响驱使他们寻求上面的事,并在与基督日益亲密的关系中,以及在将自己所有和所是奉献给祂中,找到生命的主要目标。

    In every step in the inner life of grace the believer is sure to find a hindering influence in the consciousness and longings of his carnal and earthly nature. But if he is looking unto the Lord Jesus for strength, crying unto Him for help against the foe, while no encouragement is willingly allowed to sin, he will find that grace is given according to his need, and that the opposing influence of the earthly nature is not only overcome, but that it is overruled to work for his good, in bringing him nearer to Christ, and teaching him, more than ever, the all-sufficiency of His grace, and His readiness to help.

    在恩典内在生命的每一步中,信徒必定会在他肉体和世俗本性的意识和渴望中发现阻碍的影响。但如果他仰望主耶稣寻求力量,向祂呼求帮助对抗敌人,同时不故意容许任何对罪的鼓励,他就会发现恩典是按他的需要而赐予的,并且世俗本性的对立影响不仅被克服,而且被转化为对他有益的作用,使他更亲近基督,并比以往更深刻地教导他基督恩典的全然充足,以及祂随时施以援手的预备。

    “He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice.” John 10:4
    “他在羊前头走,羊也跟着他,因为认得他的声音。” 约翰福音 10:4

    Child of God, that path is not untrodden into which your sometimes reluctant feet are guided. The good Shepherd goes before you. Jesus, the Father’s Shepherd over the Father’s sheep, knows every step. He sees every danger—the end as well as the beginning is marked out by Him. Therefore in that path, however trying and unexpected, all is, all will be well.
    上帝的孩子,你那有时不情愿的脚步所引导的路径并非无人走过。好牧人在你前面引路。耶稣,天父的羊群的牧者,知道每一步。他看到每一个危险——终点和起点都由他标记。因此,在那条路上,无论多么艰难和出乎意料,一切都是,也将会是好的。

    “He goes before them”—then looking to Him, they cannot go wrong. The path of duty is where He leads in His providence, and directs by His Word; for in His providence He gives the opportunities for action, and in His Word He gives the principles by which to act.
    “他在他们前头走”——然后注视着他,他们就不会走错。责任之路就是他在他的护理中引导,并通过他的话语指引的地方;因为在他的护理中,他给予行动的机会,在他的话语中,他给予行动的原则。

    The path of duty is ever the path of safety, for there—and there only, “He goes before them.”
    责任之路永远是安全之路,因为在那里——只有在那里,”他在他们前头走。”

    Why should the disciple fear and be dismayed, why be doubtful, and wavering, and discouraged? The path He points out, judged by sense and not by faith, may seem more difficult and more uncertain in its outcome, and be more opposed to his own wishes; but if it is the path of duty, it matters not how sure and desirable other ways may appear to be; in this and this only can it be said, “He goes before them,” and therefore in no other way but this can blessing be experienced, and blessing be the outcome.
    为什么门徒要恐惧和沮丧,为什么要怀疑、动摇和气馁?他指出的道路,如果用感官而不是信心来判断,可能看起来更加困难,结果更加不确定,更加违背自己的意愿;但如果这是责任之路,那么其他道路看起来多么确定和令人向往都无关紧要;只有在这条路上才能说,”他在他们前头走,”因此只有通过这条路才能经历祝福,才能得到祝福的结果。

    The path may be dark and trying at the beginning, but it will be light and joyful at the end. Whereas, however light and joyful other ways may appear to be at the outset, there will be darkness and sorrow at the end, with the knowledge of time lost, and the right way to be sought at last amidst increasing difficulties. But even then the right way is well sought, though late and amidst increasing difficulties; for being at last the right one, He now goes before, and all is well.
    这条路一开始可能黑暗而艰难,但最终会变得光明和喜乐。相比之下,其他道路一开始可能看起来光明和喜乐,但最终会有黑暗和悲伤,伴随着时间浪费的认知,以及在日益增加的困难中寻找正确道路。但即使在那时,寻找正确的道路也是值得的,尽管晚了并且困难重重;因为最终找到了正确的道路,他现在在前面引路,一切都好。

    It is better, however, never to go out of His way—so shall our joy abound, and our path ever be as the ways of pleasantness, and the paths of peace—for “He goes before.”
    然而,最好永远不要偏离他的道路——这样我们的喜乐就会充满,我们的道路永远如同愉悦之路和平安之径——因为”他在前面引路。”

    My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. John 10:27-28
    我的羊听我的声音,我也认识他们,他们也跟着我。我又赐给他们永生;他们永不灭亡,谁也不能从我手里把他们夺去。约翰福音 10:27-28

    Spiritual growth
    属灵成长

    “Grow in grace.” 2 Peter 3:18
    “你们要在我们主救主耶稣基督的恩典和知识上有长进。” 彼得后书 3:18

    Believers can judge as to their growth by comparing their present experience with that of years ago, and considering whether the Lord Jesus is more a reality to them as their refuge, their friend, their helper, and their Lord. Also, whether there is a growing distaste for those things that hinder fellowship with Him, and a more ardent desire after whatever has been found helpful to growth in the knowledge of Him, and likeness to Him. Also, whether they are more self-distrustful, and more Christ-trustful, and more content with Him and His providential disposal of all things concerning them.
    信徒可以通过比较他们现在的经历与多年前的经历来判断他们的成长,并考虑主耶稣是否对他们来说更加真实,成为他们的避难所、朋友、帮助者和主。同时,也要考虑是否对那些阻碍与他相交的事物越来越厌恶,对那些有助于在认识他和像他方面成长的事物有更加热切的渴望。此外,还要考虑他们是否更加不信任自己,更加信靠基督,更加满足于他和他对他们一切事务的护理安排。

    Spiritual growth, like physical growth, results from living upon suitable food, and avoiding whatever is injurious to health.
    属灵成长,就像身体成长一样,源于摄取适当的食物,并避免任何有害健康的东西。

    To live to the pleasing of the flesh is always injurious to spiritual health; whereas, to live daily a life of faith upon Christ, seeking continually to be strong in the grace that is in Him, and to act in all things according to His Word, is the sure way to promote spiritual health and growth.
    为取悦肉体而活总是有害于属灵健康;而每天过一种依靠基督的信心生活,不断寻求在祂的恩典中刚强,并在一切事上按照祂的话语行事,才是促进属灵健康和成长的确实方法。

    Growth downward into a deeper experience of spiritual things, in close heart-walk with the Lord Jesus—will result in a fuller manifestation of healthy fruit.
    向下生长进入更深的属灵经历,与主耶稣保持亲密的心灵同行——将会结出更丰盛的健康果实。

    A superficial rooting can never produce a very prosperous tree, though it may make a very showy appearance for a time.
    浅层的根系永远无法产生一棵繁茂的树,尽管它可能在一段时间内看起来很漂亮。

    In the Lord’s garden no two plants are alike—so many things exist to make each a special object with Him, that it is never well to judge ourselves in comparison with others.
    在主的园子里,没有两株植物是相同的——存在如此多的事物使每一株都成为祂眼中的特别对象,因此我们永远不应该通过与他人比较来评判自己。

    The ever-sympathizing, ever-loving Man; the ever-gracious, ever-loving God!
    永远富有同情心、永远充满爱的人;永远恩慈、永远充满爱的神!

    “I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever!” Revelation 1:18
    “我是那存活的;我曾死过,现在又活了,直活到永永远远。”启示录1:18

    He “was dead “—mark that. These words mean much—they tell you that Jesus as a man trod the path of earthly life, experiencing
    祂”曾死过”——请注意这一点。这些话意味深长——它们告诉你,耶稣作为一个人走过了尘世的道路,经历了
    its trials, its weaknesses,
    它的试炼,它的软弱,
    its necessities, its sorrows,
    它的需要,它的悲伤,
    its afflictions,
    它的苦难,
    its loneliness,
    它的孤独,
    its sufferings,
    它的痛苦,
    and then—He died.
    然后——祂死了。

    Oh, how well He understands what human life is, and how well able to sympathize with and support you, for remember He now lives, and lives forevermore—the ever-sympathizing, ever-loving Man; the ever-gracious, ever-loving God, in one person.
    哦,祂多么深刻地理解人类的生活,多么能够同情和支持你,因为要记住祂现在活着,并且永远活着——永远富有同情心、永远充满爱的人;永远恩慈、永远充满爱的神,集于一身。

    Be then of good cheer—nothing can do you harm since Jesus lives, for He is yours, and you are His.
    因此要振作精神——既然耶稣活着,没有什么能伤害你,因为祂是你的,你也是祂的。

    “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7
    “因我们行事为人是凭着信心,不是凭着眼见。”哥林多后书5:7

    Yet many believers are walking for the most part by sight and not by faith, very much to the discomfort of their souls, and to the hindrance of their growth in spiritual life and spiritual understanding.

    然而,许多信徒大多凭眼见而非凭信心行走,这极大地使他们的灵魂不安,并阻碍了他们在属灵生命和属灵理解上的成长。

    But if they walked by faith in Christ, by faith in His watchful and constant care for them, and in the assurance that nothing can befall them but what His love and grace ordains, and did by faith walk with Him in the path He appoints—their hearts would be filled with confidence and peace.

    但如果他们凭着对基督的信心行走,凭着对祂对他们的警醒和持续关怀的信心,并确信除了祂的爱和恩典所命定的,没有什么能降临到他们身上,并且凭信心与祂同行在祂所指定的道路上——他们的心就会充满信心和平安。

    “My meditation of Him shall be sweet.” Psalm 104:34

    “我默想他甚为甘甜。”诗篇104:34

    A believer never need be without pleasant and sweet thoughts, if the Lord Jesus is the subject of his meditation.

    如果信徒以主耶稣为默想的对象,就永远不会缺少愉悦和甜美的思想。

    How sweet to meditate on His everlasting love to His people—so astonishing, so fervent, so pure, so changeless.

    默想祂对祂子民的永恒之爱是多么甜美啊——如此令人惊叹,如此热烈,如此纯洁,如此永恒不变。

    How sweet to meditate on His unfailing faithfulness amidst all the ever changeful circumstances of life, and the too frequent changefulness of earthly friends.

    在生活中不断变化的环境中,以及世俗朋友过于频繁的变化中,默想祂永不改变的信实是多么甜美啊。

    How sweet to meditate on His life on earth, so gentle, so kind, so holy, so self-denying, so perfect as a servant in carrying out his Father’s eternal purposes of love in bringing many sons unto glory.

    默想祂在地上的生活是多么甜美啊,如此温和,如此仁慈,如此圣洁,如此克己,作为仆人如此完美地执行祂父亲将许多儿子带入荣耀中的永恒爱的旨意。

    How sweet to meditate on His constant presence with His people, who laid down His life for them, and who watches over their every step, with a care and an interest far beyond that of any earthly mother for her only child.

    默想祂与祂的子民同在是多么甜美啊,祂为他们舍命,看顾他们的每一步,祂的关心和兴趣远远超过任何世上母亲对她唯一的孩子的关心。

    How sweet to meditate on His second coming, when we shall see Him, and be made like Him, and realize the blessedness of being with the Lord forever!

    默想祂的再来是多么甜美啊,那时我们将看见祂,变得像祂,并实现永远与主同在的福分!

    How sweet to meditate on His eternal presence in the midst of the eternally loved family, in the glorious family home above—its leader, its teacher, its joy forever.

    默想祂在永恒蒙爱的家庭中间的永恒同在是多么甜美啊,在那荣耀的天家中——祂是其领袖,其教师,其永恒的喜乐。

    Truly my meditation of Him is sweet!

    诚然,我对祂的默想是甜美的!

    The right thing is sure to be done at the right time, and in the right way!

    正确的事必定会在正确的时间,以正确的方式完成!

    “Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious unto you.” Isaiah 30:18

    “耶和华必然等候,要施恩给你们。”以赛亚书30:18

    The Lord Jesus is never in a hurry. However much unbelief may desire to hasten His hand—He still abides His own time. Omnipotence can afford to wait, because it is always sure of success; and when that omnipotence is combined with infinite love and wisdom, the right thing is sure to be done at the right time, and in the right way!

    主耶稣从不匆忙。不管不信的人多么想要催促祂的手——祂仍然按自己的时间行事。全能者可以等待,因为祂总是确信成功;当这全能与无限的爱和智慧结合时,正确的事必定会在正确的时间,以正确的方式完成!

    Sometimes the Lord waits until it is quite dark before He breaks forth in refreshing and delivering and directing light and grace. The dusk becomes more gloomy, and yet He waits. He waits to be gracious. He waits His own opportunity; and then, when twilight has ceased and it is night, when . . .
    all plans are frustrated,
    all hopes disappointed,
    no help seems near,
    and darkness thickens—
    then He shines forth suddenly and gloriously, and there is light abundant. The deliverance is complete and the way made plain to the end.

    有时主等到一片漆黑时才突然显现出令人耳目一新的拯救和指引的光和恩典。黄昏变得更加阴郁,然而祂仍在等待。祂等待着要施恩。祂等待着自己的机会;然后,当暮色消散,夜幕降临,当……
    所有计划都受挫,
    所有希望都落空,
    似乎没有帮助在近处,
    黑暗变得更加浓重——
    这时祂突然荣耀地闪耀,充足的光明就来到。拯救完全,道路明晰直到终点。

    Thus it is that patient perseverance in the path of duty, amidst many and great difficulties, often results through the Lord’s grace in more complete and unexpected success than could otherwise have been accomplished. Therefore, believer, do what you can, and when the right time comes the Lord’s hand will be manifest, for He “waits to be gracious unto you.”

    因此,在职责的道路上耐心坚持,在众多巨大的困难中,常常通过主的恩典带来比原本可能实现的更完全和意想不到的成功。所以,信徒啊,尽你所能,当正确的时机来临时,主的手必会显现,因为祂”等候要施恩给你们”。

    Deep love creates deep interest in the very least things that pertain to the object loved. Oh, what love is His! How deep is His interest in us, as the very hairs of our head are all numbered. As the all-seeing God, He knows everything everywhere; but He knows us and everything pertaining to us in a special, and particular, and gracious, and fatherly manner.

    深爱会对所爱之人的最微小事物产生深厚的兴趣。噢,祂的爱是何等伟大!祂对我们的关心是何等深切,连我们头上的头发都被数算过。作为无所不知的上帝,祂洞悉万物;但祂以特殊、具体、仁慈和慈父般的方式了解我们和与我们有关的一切。

    Two emphatic words here denote the particularity of the love, and the universality of its interest:
    “Your” as distinct from those who are not His own.
    “All,” as showing that not even a little one is unnoticed.

    这里有两个强调的词表明了这爱的特殊性和其兴趣的普遍性:
    “你的”,区别于那些不属于祂的人。
    “所有”,表明即使是最微小的事物也不会被忽视。

    We, however, cease to wonder at our Father’s special and watchful care for us in little things, when we remember that He gave His Son, His only-begotten Son for us!

    然而,当我们记起祂为我们献出了祂的儿子,祂的独生子时,我们就不再对天父对我们在小事上的特别照顾和细心关怀感到惊讶了!

    If such minute things as the hairs of our head are a special object of thought to Him—then how much more the varied things of daily life which have such an influence over our lives for good or evil. Let us then trust in Him at all times, and let our expectation be continually from Him.

    如果像我们头发这样微小的事物都是祂特别关注的对象,那么对于那些对我们生活有善恶影响的各种日常事物,祂会更加关心。因此,让我们时刻信靠祂,并不断地从祂那里寻求期望。

    ~  ~  ~  ~

    A heart experience of constant need continually and abundantly met by the fullness which is in Christ Jesus

    一颗心经历持续不断的需求,不断且丰富地被基督耶稣里的丰盛满足

    “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:31

    “夸口的,当指着主夸口。”哥林多前书1:31

    Those most glory in the Lord Jesus, who most make Him their all—for such find Him to be what they make Him, namely, their all.

    那些最荣耀主耶稣的人,是那些最把祂当作一切的人——因为这样的人发现祂就是他们所认为的,即他们的一切。

    Glorying in the Lord comes not from a mere intellectual knowledge of Him, but from a heart experience of constant need continually and abundantly met by the fullness which is in Christ Jesus.

    在主里夸口不是源于对祂的单纯知识认知,而是源于内心经历持续不断的需求,不断且丰富地被基督耶稣里的丰盛满足。

    Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, and that heart which is filled with Christ will give forth, as from a living fountain, praise and glory to His most holy name.

    心里所充满的,口里就说出来,那颗被基督充满的心会如同活泉一般涌出对祂至圣名的赞美和荣耀。

    Whatever hinders this glorying in the Lord is of the flesh; and no greater hindrance is there than being occupied with self in any of its various forms, such as . . .
    self-vileness, or self-righteousness,
    self-hardness, or self-obedience,
    self-hating, or self-pleasing.

    任何阻碍在主里夸口的都是出于肉体;没有比专注于自我的各种形式更大的障碍,比如……
    自我贬低,或自以为义,
    自我固执,或自我服从,
    自我厌恶,或自我取悦。

    To a heart full of Christ, self is never a subject of consideration. Such a one is occupied with Christ, and looks at all things from the perspective of Christ, and evermore glories in Him, whatever be the path of providence into which He may lead His beloved one. “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”

    对于一颗充满基督的心来说,自我从不是考虑的对象。这样的人专注于基督,从基督的角度看待一切事物,无论祂引导祂所爱的人走上何种天意之路,都永远以祂为荣。”夸口的,当指着主夸口。”

    The tighter they are grasped, the sooner they wither and perish
    它们被抓得越紧,就越快凋零和消亡

    Closeness to Jesus, not only includes wider separation from everything that would draw us away from Him, but often an acquaintance with those things that make this world still more a wilderness than before.
    亲近耶稣,不仅包括与一切可能使我们远离祂的事物保持更大距离,还常常包括认识那些使这个世界比以前更像荒野的事物。

    When Jesus, however, really becomes all to the believer, life is such a very different thing. Then all earthly things, and earthly joys, even the most innocent and desirable—are held with a loose grasp; so that when it pleases Him to remove them, the already loosened grasp makes it easier to let them go. If the tear does fall, it is soon wiped away by His loving and gentle hand. If the heart does feel a wound, it is soon alleviated by Him who delights to comfort those who mourn, and to lift up those that be bowed down.
    然而,当耶稣真正成为信徒的一切时,生活就变得如此不同。那时,所有世俗的事物和欢乐,即使是最无辜和令人向往的,也会被轻松地持有;因此当祂想要拿走它们时,已经松开的抓握使放手变得更容易。如果泪水落下,很快就会被祂慈爱温柔的手擦去。如果心灵感到创伤,很快就会被那位喜欢安慰哀悼者、扶起弯腰者的祂所减轻。

    Earth’s fairest flowers should ever have Christ for their root. Severed from Him they soon lose their fragrance. The tighter they are grasped, the sooner they wither and perish, leaving nothing but thorns behind.
    地上最美的花朵应当永远以基督为根。与祂分离,它们很快就失去芳香。抓得越紧,它们就越快凋零消亡,只留下荆棘。

    ~ ~ ~ ~

    A Christ to lean upon
    一个可以依靠的基督

    “Return unto your rest, O my soul.” Psalm 116:7
    “我的心哪,你要归回安息。” 诗篇116:7

    We cannot ourselves decide what is best for our ultimate good, and it is therefore a comfort to know that we are in the hands of One who is as able as He is willing to decide for us.
    我们自己无法决定什么对我们最终的益处最好,因此,知道我们在一位既愿意又能够为我们做决定的主手中,是一种安慰。

    It is certain that all His dealings with His people are but to make Himself more a necessity and a reality to them. This result is produced when physical weakness and perplexing circumstances make us more fully conscious of our complete inability to help ourselves.
    可以肯定的是,祂对祂子民的所有作为,都是为了使自己对他们来说更加必要和真实。当身体软弱和令人困惑的处境使我们更充分地意识到自己完全无力自助时,就会产生这种结果。

    Christ likes to be to His people, a Christ to lean upon. Not merely a Christ to be worshiped, a Christ to be followed, a Christ to be preached, but especially a Christ to be leaned upon. He is a Christ for weary and needy souls. This is His glory, and this is our blessing. Whatever therefore brings us nearer to Him as a helpful Christ, is a messenger of love.
    基督喜欢成为祂子民可以依靠的基督。不仅仅是一个被崇拜的基督,一个被跟随的基督,一个被传讲的基督,而是特别成为一个可以依靠的基督。祂是疲惫和需要的灵魂的基督。这是祂的荣耀,也是我们的祝福。因此,无论什么使我们更接近祂这位乐于帮助的基督,都是爱的使者。

    When the Lord deals very specially with any child of His, bringing that child very low, He means that the result shall be special blessing. The voice of all His dealings with us is, “Come nearer to Me!” Did He not love us, He would not desire this.
    当主特别对待祂的任何一个孩子,使那孩子变得非常卑微时,祂的意思是结果将是特别的祝福。祂对我们所有作为的声音是:”靠近我!”如果祂不爱我们,祂就不会渴望这个。

    ~ ~ ~ ~

    “Nevertheless I am continually with You! You hold me by my right hand.” Psalm 73:23
    “然而,我常与你同在!你搀着我的右手。” 诗篇73:23

    This is the utterance of a faith which triumphs over contradictory circumstances and contradictory experiences.
    这是一种战胜矛盾环境和矛盾经历的信心的表达。

    Believer in Jesus, bear in mind that this “nevertheless” stands firm for you also, whatever may be the “although” of adverse circumstances and experiences you put before it.
    信耶稣的人啊,请记住,无论你在它之前放置什么逆境和经历的”尽管如此”,这个”然而”对你来说也是坚定不移的。

    Because of the covenant faithfulness of Him in whose hand of grace and love you are, you can truly say:
    因为你在祂恩典和爱的手中,祂的约的信实,你可以真诚地说:

    Although I am weak and helpless, “Nevertheless I am continually with You.”
    虽然我软弱无助,”然而我常与你同在。”

    Although I am vile and undeserving, “Nevertheless I am continually with You.”
    虽然我卑劣不配,”然而我常与你同在。”

    Although I am so foolish and prone to wander, “Nevertheless I am continually with You.”
    虽然我愚蠢易迷途,”然而我常与你同在。”

    Although trials and afflictions beset me, “Nevertheless I am continually with You.”
    虽然试炼和苦难围绕我,”然而我常与你同在。”

    Although all forsake me, “Nevertheless I am continually with You.”
    虽然所有人都离弃我,”然而我常与你同在。”

    Although I cannot realize Your presence, “Nevertheless I am continually with You.”
    虽然我无法感受到你的同在,”然而我常与你同在。”

    Thus, whatever may be your “although,” let the “nevertheless” of your faith always triumph, for . . .
    因此,无论你的”虽然”是什么,让你信心的”然而”总是得胜,因为. . .

    the grasp of Christ’s hand never slackens,
    基督的手从不松开,

    the power of Christ’s arm never fails,
    基督的臂膀从不失力,

    the love of Christ’s heart never changes.
    基督的心爱从不改变。

    The path is always open and always free!
    道路始终畅通无阻!

    Christian! Always remember that all grace, and all light, and all joy is for you in a Person, and that Person is Jesus:
    基督徒!永远记住,所有的恩典、所有的光明和所有的喜乐都在一个人身上,那个人就是耶稣:

    Jesus your Savior,
    耶稣是你的救主,

    Jesus your Friend,
    耶稣是你的朋友,

    Jesus your Helper, and
    耶稣是你的帮助者,

    Jesus your constant companion.
    耶稣是你永恒的伴侣。

    The Lord Jesus never places anything between your heart’s need, and Himself.
    主耶稣从不在你内心的需要和祂自己之间设置任何障碍。

    The path is always open and always free.
    这条道路总是畅通无阻。

    ~  ~  ~  ~

    In the darkest path, faith knows that there is . . .
    在最黑暗的道路上,信心知道有……

    an omniscient eye watching that never slumbers;
    一只无所不知的眼睛在不停地守望;

    a omnipotent hand working that never wearies;
    一只无所不能的手在不知疲倦地工作;

    a loving heart that never changes;
    一颗永不改变的慈爱之心;

    and that both eye, and hand, and heart are, through sovereign grace, engaged in completing the work that grace began.
    而这只眼睛、这只手和这颗心,通过至高无上的恩典,都在致力于完成恩典所开始的工作。

    ~  ~  ~  ~

    The streams of grace never cease flowing, for . . .
    恩典的溪流永不停歇,因为……

    Jehovah is the fountain whence they spring,
    耶和华是它们涌出的泉源,

    and Jesus the channel in which they run,
    耶稣是它们流淌的渠道,

    and needy hearts are the vessels they fill.
    而需要的心是它们所充满的器皿。

    Oh! for a heart steadfastly fixed on Him, whose heart is so fixed in unchanging love on us.
    啊!愿我们的心坚定地注目于祂,祂的心以不变的爱坚定地注目于我们。

    How slow we are in following Christ! Oh! how impossible it sometimes seems to overcome that natural unlikeness to Christ which we still possess.
    我们跟随基督是多么缓慢啊!哦!有时候要克服我们仍然拥有的那种与基督天然的不相似,似乎是多么不可能啊。

    How difficult to avoid doing all things to please self, to exalt self—self with its leanings, and longings, and gratifications, and plans, and dislikes.
    要避免做一切事情来取悦自己,抬高自己是多么困难啊——自我及其倾向、渴望、满足、计划和厌恶。

    Believing in the same Lord Jesus as an ever-present friend and sure helper, brings the joy and peace of fellowship. This results in a sure hope of full deliverance from every evil, and a quiet waiting for the Lord’s time and way.
    相信同一位主耶稣是永远同在的朋友和可靠的帮助者,带来团契的喜乐与平安。这导致了对完全脱离一切邪恶的确切盼望,以及平静地等候主的时间和方式。

    The Holy Spirit is ever working within, when the thoughts are quietly and trustfully fixed on Jesus. A believing and trusting heart is to the Holy Spirit a palace of delight, where He rejoices to heap up His hidden treasures, and unfold his deeper secrets. These treasures, these secrets are all in Christ Jesus. Yes, it is all “in believing,” believing and trusting as a little child.
    当思想安静而信靠地专注于耶稣时,圣灵就在内心不断工作。一颗相信和信靠的心对圣灵来说是一座喜悦的宫殿,在那里祂欣然堆积祂隐藏的宝藏,展开祂更深的奥秘。这些宝藏,这些奥秘都在基督耶稣里。是的,这一切都在于”相信”,像小孩子一样相信和信靠。

    Leaning on Him, looking to Him, and walking with Him in conscious need, and conscious fellowship, our path will be as the morning light which shines more and more to the perfect day.
    依靠祂,仰望祂,在意识到需要和团契的情况下与祂同行,我们的道路将如同晨光,越照越明,直到日午。

    Christian! In Jesus alone can you realize a sufficiency for every need, both for time and eternity.
    基督徒!只有在耶稣里,你才能意识到对每一个需要的充足,无论是现在还是永恒。

    Jesus Himself is for our heart, trust, and love
    耶稣自己是为了我们的心、信任和爱

    In weakness and affliction, how precious it is to know that we have a Person to look to—a Person to lean upon; and that Person such a gracious and faithful friend as the Lord Jesus, who loved us so much as to die to save us. However much the mind may be interested in doctrines, nothing satisfies the heart but the consciousness of the sympathy and love of a real living friend, such as the Lord Jesus is. Doctrine is for our instruction and belief—Jesus Himself is for our heart, trust, and love.
    在软弱和苦难中,知道我们有一个可以仰望的人、可以依靠的人,是多么宝贵啊;这个人就是主耶稣,如此仁慈和忠诚的朋友,爱我们到为我们舍命的地步。无论头脑对教义多么感兴趣,唯有意识到一个真实活着的朋友的同情和爱,才能满足人心,而主耶稣正是这样的朋友。教义是为了我们的教导和信仰—耶稣自己是为了我们的心、信任和爱。

    Jesus is not a friend for sunny hours only, but also when the storm comes, and the thick black cloud, for He is in both storm and cloud with His ever-ready hand and His ever-loving heart. No changing providences imply any change in Him. All glory be to His name for evermore!
    耶稣不仅是晴朗时光的朋友,当风暴来临,乌云密布时,祂也在那里,祂的手总是准备就绪,祂的心永远充满爱。任何环境的变化都不意味着祂有任何改变。愿荣耀永远归于祂的名!

    We should make heart-work of all our dealings with Christ and doings for Christ. Many professors say and do, without the heart being engaged. As the heart is—so are we before the Lord. We may be very religious, very active, very faithful among our fellows and be much loved by them—and yet be very, very far from pleasing the Lord.
    我们应该用心处理与基督的一切交往和为基督所做的一切。许多教授说话和行动,却没有用心参与。我们的心如何,我们在主面前就如何。我们可能在同伴中非常虔诚、非常积极、非常忠诚,并深受他们的爱戴—但可能离讨主喜悦还很远很远。

    There may be a correct walk, according to man’s judgment, without a correct heart. The trees of the Lord’s planting bear fruit as the result of a good root—a heart rooted in Christ.
    根据人的判断,可能有正确的行为,却没有正确的心。主所栽种的树结果子是因为有好根—一颗扎根于基督的心。

    The Apostle Paul could say, “For me to live is Christ,” because he could say, “Christ lives in me.” The fruit of his life was Christ, because the root of his life was Christ.
    使徒保罗能说”我活着就是基督”,因为他能说”基督活在我里面”。他生命的果实是基督,因为他生命的根源是基督。

    You may say, “How can I be sure that I am in Christ?”
    你可能会说,”我怎么能确定我在基督里?”

    Very easily. The Word of God gives its judgment concerning those who are in Christ by declaring that “If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature (creation): old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
    很简单。神的话语对那些在基督里的人给出了判断,宣告说:”若有人在基督里,他就是新造的人:旧事已过,都变成新的了。”

    The great distinction here is the new creature, or new creation. This new creation, or new life, is distinguished by its manifestations. The heart that possesses this new life has sorrows and joys and desires peculiar to itself.
    这里的重大区别是新造的人,或新创造。这个新创造,或新生命,以其表现形式而区别。拥有这新生命的心有其独特的忧伤、喜乐和渴望。

    It has SORROW because of spiritual failure and unfaithfulness.
    It has sorrow because of cold-heartedness and lack of deeper interest in Divine things.
    It has sorrow because of the ease with which the mind slides away from the consideration of spiritual things, to busy itself with the lesser matters, even the trifles of the day.
    It has sorrow because of weariness, and wandering of thought in prayer.
    It has sorrow because it is unable to read or meditate on holy things with more profit.
    It has sorrow in so soon forgetting what is learned.
    It has sorrow because the things known have so little influence in the heart and life.
    它有忧伤,因为属灵的失败和不忠。
    它有忧伤,因为心灵冷淡和对神圣事物缺乏更深的兴趣。
    它有忧伤,因为思想很容易从考虑属灵事物滑向忙于较小的事务,甚至是日常琐事。
    它有忧伤,因为在祷告中感到疲倦,思想游离。
    它有忧伤,因为无法更有益地阅读或默想圣洁的事物。
    它有忧伤,因为很快就忘记了所学的东西。
    它有忧伤,因为已知的事物对心灵和生活的影响如此微小。

    These are some of the peculiar sorrows of the heart that possesses the new life—the sorrows of those who are in Christ.
    这些是拥有新生命的心所特有的一些忧伤—那些在基督里的人的忧伤。

    The heart that possesses this new life has also its peculiar JOYS. The “old things” of the world are no longer the sources of highest joy, but the “new things” of the gospel kingdom, the kingdom of grace and love. It counts it one of its highest joys to have a realized interest in God’s salvation, and to realize in daily life the presence and love of the Lord Jesus.
    拥有这新生命的心也有其特有的喜乐。世界的”旧事”不再是最高喜乐的来源,而是福音国度的”新事”,恩典和爱的国度。它认为最大的喜乐之一是对神的救恩有切实的兴趣,并在日常生活中体验到主耶稣的同在和爱。

    Its ruling DESIRES, too, are not after the “old things” of a world-pleasing or carnal-pleasing nature—but after Christ . . .
    它主导的渴望也不再是追求讨世界喜悦或肉体喜悦的”旧事”—而是追求基督…

    Some things to be remembered!

    要记住的一些事情!

    The Apostle Paul speaks of “putting in mind.” The Apostle Peter also says, “I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you know them;” and again, “I think it fit to stir you up, by putting you in remembrance.”

    使徒保罗谈到”提醒”。使徒彼得也说:”我不会疏忽,总要提醒你们这些事,虽然你们已经知道了。”他还说:”我认为适合唤醒你们,通过提醒你们。”

    It is as needful now as in the days of the apostles, for believers to stir up one another by putting each other in remembrance of truths already known. Therefore—

    现在和使徒时代一样,信徒们需要通过互相提醒已知的真理来激励彼此。因此——

    Remember that your salvation is an accomplished fact which nothing can alter.

    记住,你的救恩是一个已经完成的事实,没有什么可以改变它。

    Remember that your salvation was accomplished when the Lord Jesus died; for by His death was removed the condemnation which your sins deserved.

    记住,你的救恩是在主耶稣死的时候完成的;因为通过他的死,你应得的罪的谴责被除去了。

    Remember that you have nothing whatever to do to make the death of Christ effectual for your salvation; for it was made effectual for you personally by God your Father, when, in covenant with His beloved Son, He laid all your iniquities upon Him who bore them in His own body on the cross.

    记住,你无需做任何事来使基督的死对你的救恩生效;因为当你的父神与他亲爱的儿子立约时,他已经亲自为你使之生效,他将你所有的罪孽都加在了那位在十字架上亲身承担它们的主身上。

    Remember it was because His death was effectual for your salvation you were brought by the Holy Spirit’s quickening influence (which quickening influence is one of the blessings resulting from salvation already provided) to see your need of this salvation, and your utter hopelessness without it.

    记住,正是因为他的死对你的救恩有效,你才被圣灵的复苏影响(这种复苏影响是已经提供的救恩所带来的祝福之一)带领,看到你对这救恩的需要,以及没有它你完全无望的处境。

    Remember that your salvation was not accomplished because of any foreknowledge on God’s part that you would, as an awakened sinner, have a desire for reconciliation, and a desire after Christ. This desire for reconciliation, and this desire after Christ, are also blessings resulting from salvation already provided, and cannot, therefore, be any conditions to procure it. They are God’s gracious gift; He foreknowing that you would never have any true desires after Christ, until He awakened those desires by the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    记住,你的救恩的完成不是因为神预先知道你作为一个被唤醒的罪人会有和好的渴望,和对基督的渴望。这种和好的渴望,以及对基督的渴望,也是已经提供的救恩所带来的祝福,因此,不能成为获得救恩的任何条件。它们是神恩典的礼物;他预先知道你永远不会有对基督的真正渴望,直到他通过圣灵的恩赐唤醒这些渴望。

    Remember that no tears of sorrow for sin, no prayers, no duties of any kind whatever—could have removed you from the position of a guilty criminal before justice, and have left you simply in the position of a child before a loving Father; but that this has been solely the doing of the glorious Three in One—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, in covenant—whereby Christ Himself took the criminal position as your substitute, that you might take your place as a child, and look up to God as your Father, seeking daily forgiveness for daily sins from Him as your loving and gracious Father.

    请记住,无论是为罪而流的悔恨之泪,还是祷告,或任何种类的义务—都无法将你从公义面前有罪罪犯的地位移除,并将你单单置于慈爱父亲面前孩子的地位;但这完全是荣耀的三位一体—圣父、圣子和圣灵立约的作为—基督亲自取代你成为罪犯,使你能够成为孩子,仰望上帝为你的父,每日向祂这位慈爱仁慈的父寻求日常罪过的赦免。

    Remember that your Father readily gives more abundantly the Holy Spirit to His reconciled children, that they may better understand what He has done for them, and what the Lord Jesus has done for them; and to enable them to look more and more to the Lord Jesus, now at the right hand of God, so that they may receive from Him that grace which will enable them better to love and serve Him.

    请记住,你的父更加乐意丰富地赐下圣灵给祂和好的儿女,使他们更好地理解祂为他们所做的,以及主耶稣为他们所做的;并使他们能够越来越仰望现今坐在上帝右边的主耶稣,好叫他们从祂那里领受恩典,使他们能更好地爱祂、事奉祂。

    Remember that the evidence that salvation is yours, and, consequently, that all the good things of the covenant of grace are yours, and that Christ Himself is yours, rests on God’s pledged word.

    请记住,救恩属于你的证据,因此恩典之约的一切美善都属于你,基督自己也属于你,这一切都建立在上帝的应许之言上。

    That word is pledged on behalf of all sinners who are conscious of their guilt, and of their need of Christ, and who trust in Him for all their salvation. That word declares that they shall never perish, and that all the blessings of the covenant of grace are theirs (John 3:16; Romans 8:32; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; Philippians 1:6).

    这话是为所有意识到自己罪责、认识到需要基督并信靠祂得救恩的罪人所应许的。这话宣告他们永不灭亡,恩典之约的一切福分都属于他们(约翰福音3:16;罗马书8:32;哥林多前书3:21-23;腓立比书1:6)。

    You know that through grace you have been made conscious of your guilt and of your need of Christ, and that you rest only in the precious blood of Christ for salvation. Therefore to you is God’s Word pledged, and that Word is unchangeable.

    你知道借着恩典,你已意识到自己的罪责和对基督的需要,并且你只依靠基督宝贵的血得救。因此,上帝的话向你应许,这话是永不改变的。

    These are a few of the blessings which are yours; and if you have them in constant remembrance, you cannot fail to have much comfort thereby, through the gracious influence of the Holy Spirit. Nor can you fail to render grateful praise, in heart and life, to the God of all grace, who has thus loaded you with benefits.

    这些是属于你的一些福分;如果你常常记念这些,你必定会因此得到莫大的安慰,这是通过圣灵恩慈的影响。你也必定会在心中和生活中向这位赐下一切恩典的上帝献上感恩的赞美,因祂如此厚待你。

    ~  ~  ~  ~

    The most prominent truths, with their effects in experience and practice, which the Holy Spirit usually teaches out of His Word to the soul that, notwithstanding every hindrance, really follows on to know the Lord, are as follows:

    圣灵通常从祂的话语中教导那些真正追求认识主的灵魂的最重要真理,以及这些真理在经历和实践中的影响,尽管有各种阻碍,这些真理如下:

    First. The soul experiences a state of unrest from a knowledge of its guilt before God, and inability to obey His law, and procure peace and salvation by its own efforts.

    第一,灵魂因意识到在上帝面前的罪责,无力遵行祂的律法,也无法靠自己的努力获得平安和救恩,而经历不安的状态。

    Second. The soul becomes conscious that salvation is through Christ alone, because of His bearing the curse of the law instead of the guilty, and thus looks only to Him, trusts only in Him. This soul is saved though it may not have the full assurance of a higher experience, or a spiritual understanding of the deep things of God.

    第二,灵魂意识到救恩唯独通过基督,因为祂代替有罪的人承担了律法的咒诅,因此只仰望祂,只信靠祂。这灵魂得救了,尽管它可能还没有更高经历的完全确据,或对上帝深奥事物的属灵理解。

    Third. The soul learns its full acceptance, as well as full deliverance in Christ. It learns its standing in perfect and changeless righteousness before God, and rejoices with thankfulness in having been already made fit for the heavenly inheritance (Colossians 1:12).

    第三,灵魂学会在基督里完全被接纳,也完全得释放。它认识到自己在上帝面前站立在完全且永不改变的义中,并因已经被预备好承受天上的基业而欢喜感恩(歌罗西书1:12)。

    Fourth. The soul further learns that salvation is not merely the manifestation of God’s mercy to undeserving sinners, but the manifestation of a Father’s love for His wandering and ruined children, for whom He has made all needful provision, so that they might at last reach the family home above, which His Fatherly love had provided for them. The soul now begins to realize sonship as well as salvation, and consciously takes its position as a child of God.

    第四,灵魂进一步认识到救恩不仅仅是上帝对不配得的罪人显明怜悯,更是天父对祂流离失所、败坏的儿女之爱的彰显,祂为他们预备了一切所需,使他们最终能到达天上的家,这是祂父爱为他们预备的。灵魂现在开始意识到儿子的身份和救恩,并有意识地站在上帝儿女的位置上。

    Fifth. The soul learns that salvation and its attendant blessings are the result of covenant arrangements between the Father and the Son before the world was; arrangements in which the Holy Spirit also had His part and office; and that nothing can hinder the full accomplishment of the Father’s purposes of everlasting love concerning His chosen family.

    第五,灵魂认识到救恩及其相伴的祝福是世界创造之前父与子之间立约安排的结果;这些安排中圣灵也有祂的角色和职分;并且没有什么能阻碍父对祂所拣选家庭的永恒之爱的旨意完全实现。

    Sixth. The soul now begins to realize that it is one with Christ in all that Christ is, and has, as the first-born among many brethren, and their representative before the Father.

    第六,灵魂现在开始意识到它在基督所是和所有的一切中与基督合一,作为众弟兄中的长子,以及他们在父面前的代表。

    Seventh. The soul becomes more fully conscious of a hidden life before God, which is more its real life than its outward life among its fellows—a life of daily heart-communion with the risen and ascended—yet ever-present Jesus, as a loving friend and ever-ready helper in all the incidents, and duties, and trials of the daily path; earnestly desiring in all things to please Him and live to His glory; walking also in daily communion with the Father in a loving yet reverential manner, realizing His presence and love as that of a real Father, and earnestly desiring to live always as becomes the child of such a Father.

    第七,灵魂更充分地意识到在神面前有一个隐藏的生命,这比它在同伴中的外在生命更真实——这是一种与复活升天却又常在的耶稣每日心灵相通的生活,祂是所有日常事件、职责和试炼中慈爱的朋友和随时准备帮助的人;在一切事上热切渴望讨祂喜悦并为祂的荣耀而活;也以爱慕yet恭敬的态度与父每日交通,意识到祂的同在和爱如同真正的父亲,并热切渴望始终活得像这样一位父亲的孩子。

    Such are some of the more prominent truths of the Word of God, which the Holy Spirit generally leads the soul into the experimental knowledge of.

    这些是圣灵通常引导灵魂进入实验性认知的上帝之道中一些更突出的真理。

    Alas! how few understand the glorious privileges given them by the God of grace and love!

    唉!多么少人理解恩典和爱的上帝赐予他们的荣耀特权!

    He will never leave any sinner to die unquickened

    祂永远不会让任何罪人未被点活就死去

    The Holy Spirit never fails in due time to quicken with new life, all those whom Christ redeemed from the curse of the law by being made a curse for them.

    圣灵从不失败,适时用新生命点活所有基督通过成为咒诅而从律法的咒诅中救赎的人。

    He will never leave any sinner to die unquickened, for whom Jesus died.

    祂永远不会让耶稣为之而死的任何罪人未被点活就死去。

    Our needs are particularly ordained by the Lord for each of His children, with a view to the particular spiritual training of each. Wisely and graciously He works, and with untiring discernment as to what is best suited for each, for He well knows that what is suitable for one will not be suitable for another. No two of His dearly loved ones have been led in exactly the same path of experience, although all are led by the hand of the same Father, and by the hand of the same Friend and Savior, the Lord Jesus (John 10:28, 29).

    我们的需要是主为祂的每个孩子特别安排的,目的是为了每个人特定的属灵训练。祂智慧而恩慈地工作,以不倦的洞察力辨别什么最适合每个人,因为祂深知适合一个人的不一定适合另一个人。祂深爱的人中没有两个人经历完全相同的道路,尽管所有人都由同一位父亲的手引导,由同一位朋友和救主,主耶稣的手引导(约翰福音10:28, 29)。

    Often His best and most blessed help is not in the exercise of His power to deliver, but in the gift of His grace to bear—not in the removal of tribulation, but in giving joy in the midst thereof.

    通常,祂最好和最有福的帮助不是行使祂的能力来拯救,而是在赐予祂的恩典来承担——不是在消除苦难,而是在苦难中赐予喜乐。

    It is a cause for thankfulness if the Lord Jesus does not permit us to lean on any creature whatever. When we keep quite close to Him and do not even expect rest in anything or anybody else, nothing will move us. Let us then ever remember that Jesus is always with us. We have not to make His presence a fact, but to live conscious of that which is already and always a fact. We rest on that, and what our lips cannot even whisper forth of the struggling within, let our heart speak in silent communings with that loving One, who well knows all we are, and all we feel.

    如果主耶稣不允许我们依靠任何受造物,这是值得感恩的原因。当我们紧紧靠近祂,甚至不期望在其他任何事物或任何人身上得到安息时,没有什么能动摇我们。让我们永远记住耶稣总是与我们同在。我们不必使祂的同在成为事实,而是要有意识地活在已经存在且始终是事实的事物中。我们安息在其中,对于我们的嘴唇甚至无法诉说的内心挣扎,让我们的心在与那位爱我们的主静默交通中诉说,祂深知我们的一切,也知道我们所有的感受。

    It is when His perfect power meets our perfect weakness, and His greater grace our deeper ill-desert–that both His power and grace obtain their highest glory in us.

    当祂完美的力量遇到我们完美的软弱,祂更大的恩典遇到我们更深的不配时——祂的力量和恩典在我们身上获得了最高的荣耀。

    Avoid all unnecessary things that have a tendency to lead you astray from Jesus.

    避开所有可能使你偏离耶稣的不必要之事。

    True believers are often wretched because they are not what they want to be. They doubt their sincerity because they see so many evils within, some of which, to their great grief, occasionally find an outlet in the daily life.

    真正的信徒常常感到痛苦,因为他们不是自己想成为的样子。他们怀疑自己的诚意,因为他们看到内心有如此多的邪恶,其中一些,令他们极其悲伤的是,偶尔会在日常生活中表现出来。

    It is always well to look above second causes for the secret reason of things, and to the believer such secret reason is ever found in that eternal love which chose him in Christ Jesus before the world was. That love, in union with infinite wisdom, plans all the path of grace, and all the path of providence to the end of the journey here.

    最好总是在次要原因之上寻找事物的隐秘理由,对信徒来说,这种隐秘理由永远存在于那在创世之前就在基督耶稣里拣选了他的永恒之爱中。那爱,与无限的智慧结合,计划了所有恩典之路,以及所有护理之路,直到此生旅程的终点。

    The great cause of the lack of spirituality of mind in believers is that they do not live in daily life as before the Lord, walking as in His presence with a sincere heart, being perfectly sincere before Him, perfectly open with Him in all things, and sincerely desirous of growing in the knowledge of Him.

    信徒心灵缺乏灵性的主要原因是,他们在日常生活中没有如同在主面前那样生活,没有以真诚的心行走在祂的同在中,没有在祂面前完全诚实,没有在所有事上对祂完全开放,也没有真诚地渴望在对祂的认识上成长。

    It is well to remember that the best help, in every season of need, is the realized presence and love of Jesus

    要记住,在每个需要的季节,最好的帮助就是意识到耶稣的同在和爱。

    The heart of God the Father is ever full of love to all His chosen, redeemed, regenerate children. He loves them with an everlasting love. It is love from all eternity to all eternity.

    父神的心永远充满对祂所有蒙拣选、被救赎、重生之子女的爱。祂以永恒的爱爱他们。这是从永恒到永恒的爱。

    If you would have full joy in Him, and constant strength for all from Him–then you must make much use of Him, as your living and ever-watchful, ever-present friend.

    如果你想在祂里面得到完全的喜乐,并从祂那里获得持续的力量——那么你必须多多利用祂,把祂当作你活着的、永远警醒的、永远同在的朋友。

    By bringing your need to Him, you not only obtain help, but you give Him glory by acknowledging Him thus, as your only hope and helper. Be intimate and constant in your dealings with Him, as the special friend and helper given you by your Father to be your guide, and strength, and joy all through life.

    通过将你的需要带到祂面前,你不仅获得帮助,还通过如此承认祂为你唯一的希望和帮助者而归荣耀给祂。在与祂的交往中要亲密和持续,把祂当作你父亲赐给你的特别朋友和帮助者,作你一生的向导、力量和喜乐。

    Ever remember that this power of the Holy Spirit is given to believers to enable them to look more to Christ, to live more upon Christ, and to realize more fully the presence and love of Christ, and to receive more grace out of the fullness of Christ; for the power by which to live to God, and walk in faithfulness and victory, is the power and grace of Christ!

    永远记住,圣灵的这种能力赐给信徒,是为了使他们能更多仰望基督,更多依靠基督而活,更充分地认识基督的同在和爱,并从基督的丰盛中领受更多的恩典;因为使人为神而活,在忠诚和得胜中行走的能力,就是基督的能力和恩典!

    A Believer should look to the Lord Jesus and walk in fellowship with Him, as One who, though invisible, is yet personally watching over him as his almighty, ever-gracious, wise, and loving friend.

    信徒应当仰望主耶稣,与祂同行,就像与一位虽然看不见,却亲自看顾他的全能、永远恩慈、智慧和慈爱的朋友同行一样。

    The religion of the Gospel is the religion of sanctified common sense that can give a reason for things, because guided by the plain teachings of God’s Word.

    福音的宗教是一种圣化了的常识宗教,它能为万事给出理由,因为它受到上帝话语的明确教导的指引。

    The believer carries within him, a foe as artful and deceitful as any outside, but more annoying and more untiring than those outside, because this enemy within is ever at hand and always ready to seize every opportunity to manifest its evil propensities.
    信徒内心携带着一个敌人,它与外部的敌人一样狡猾和欺骗,但比外部的敌人更令人烦恼和不知疲倦,因为这个内在的敌人总是在身边,随时准备抓住每个机会来显露其邪恶倾向。

    Our hearts are ever a sowing and a growing ground. We may be assured that if the wheat is not growing luxuriantly within–then the tares are springing up a prolific crop.
    我们的心永远是一片播种和生长的土地。我们可以确信,如果麦子没有在内心茂盛生长,那么稗子就会茁壮成长,结出丰硕的作物。

    Our most earnest desire in fellowship with other believers should be increased fellowship with Jesus, increased knowledge of Him, increased likeness to Him, increased love for Him, and a fuller consecration to His service.
    在与其他信徒的团契中,我们最迫切的愿望应该是增进与耶稣的团契,增加对祂的认识,更像祂,更爱祂,并更全面地奉献于祂的事工。