William Secker”骄傲是罪人的折磨；谦卑是圣徒的装饰。”

THE CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN
始终如一的基督徒

A Handbook for Christian Living
基督徒生活手册

William Secker, 1660
威廉·塞克尔，1660年

EDITOR’S NOTE
编者按

Without doubt, this is the richest book we have ever read.
毫无疑问，这是我们读过的最丰富的一本书。

In order to gain any spiritual profit from the book—it must be carefully perused.
为了从这本书中获得任何精神上的收益——必须仔细阅读。

It is much like the book of Proverbs, where each line must be contemplated.
它很像箴言书，每一行都必须深思。

Concerning the literary style of the author, Secker abounds in the use of comparisons and contrasts—often using several analogies in the same sentence.
关于作者的文学风格，塞克尔大量使用比较和对比——常常在同一句话中使用几个类比。

Similar to the Old Testament authors, at times Secker ‘purposely exaggerates’ the wording, to make his point.
类似于旧约作者，有时塞克尔”故意夸大”措辞，以强调他的观点。

This handbook for Christian living will be a treasure to all serious Christians.
这本基督徒生活手册将成为所有认真的基督徒的珍宝。

Originally titled “The Nonsuch Professor” this antiquated book has been carefully updated to modern English.
这本原名为”无与伦比的教授”的古老书籍已被仔细更新为现代英语。

(Editors, GraceGems.org)
（编辑，GraceGems.org）

Christian Reader,

亲爱的基督徒读者，

To serve man’s necessity is charitable; to serve his convenience is warrantable; to serve his iniquity is blamable—but to serve his purity is honorable!

服务于人的需要是慈善的;服务于人的便利是合理的;服务于人的罪恶是应受谴责的——但服务于人的纯洁是光荣的!

The design of this piece is not the ostentation of the author—but the edification of the reader. In this subject you have a breviary of true religion. The works enjoined in it are weighty, and the blessings annexed to it are many. Christianity is here dressed in the white linen of purity. As grace begins in God’s love to us—so it ends in our love to Him. Grace both makes our comforts greater—and our crowns brighter. Those children of God who are found moving in the orbits of obedience—shall enjoy the clearest sunshine of their Father’s countenance!

本文的目的不是为了炫耀作者——而是为了启发读者。在这个主题中,你得到了一本真正宗教的简明手册。其中要求的工作是重要的,附带的祝福也是众多的。基督教在这里穿上了纯洁的白色亚麻衣。正如恩典始于上帝对我们的爱——它也终于我们对祂的爱。恩典既使我们的安慰更大——也使我们的冠冕更明亮。那些在顺服轨道中运行的上帝的儿女们——将享受到天父最清晰的笑容阳光!

Beloved, be sure to raise your superstructure upon an immovable foundation; and enter into such a business, as has an immediate tendency to blessedness. It is an unparalleled mercy—to be preserved from corruption in the midst of general infection. It is far better to be innocent than penitent; to prevent the malady, than invent the remedy!

亲爱的,一定要在不可动摇的基础上建立你的上层建筑;并从事那些直接倾向于幸福的事业。在普遍感染中免于腐败——这是无与伦比的怜悯。保持无辜胜过忏悔;预防疾病胜过发明药物!

Remember, reader, that we can call no time our own—but the present. How carefully should we shoot—who have but one arrow to direct at the mark! The more you enjoy the smiles of God—the more you will shine in the eyes of those saints, who judge of the trees of righteousness, by the fruits of righteousness. The enjoyment of this world is neither an evidence of divine favor—nor of divine anger. Do not judge yourself, therefore, by the gold in your bags—but by the grace of God in your heart; not by your wealth—but by your works. If religion is your vineyard to labor in—eternity shall be your bed to rest upon. Every grace that is here exercised—shall be there glorified!

请记住,读者,我们能称之为自己的时间——只有现在。我们应该多么小心地射箭啊——我们只有一支箭可以瞄准目标!你越是享受上帝的微笑——在那些以公义的果子来判断公义之树的圣徒眼中,你就会越发闪耀。享受这个世界既不是神恩的证据——也不是神怒的证据。因此,不要用你包里的金子来评判自己——而要用你心中上帝的恩典来评判;不要用你的财富——而要用你的行为。如果宗教是你辛勤耕耘的葡萄园——那么永恒就是你休息的床榻。在此处操练的每一份恩典——都将在那里得到荣耀!

It is an unseemly thing to put on the fair suit of profession—and to do the foul work of corruption. The time is approaching, when God will burn up those vines which bear only sour grapes. The gospel not only requires diligence—but it also requires excellence; that by the singularity of your actions—you may prove the sincerity of your disposition!

穿上漂亮的职业装——却做腐败的肮脏勾当,这是不得体的。时候将到,上帝将烧毁那些只结酸葡萄的葡萄树。福音不仅要求勤奋——还要求卓越;通过你行为的独特性——你可以证明你性情的真诚!

Christian, the race is short in which you run—but the prize is great for which you run. I wish this gale of divinity may speed your vessel to the haven of felicity! And when God gives in more to me—I shall give out more to you. In the mean time, I shall deem it my highest honor to be instrumental to others’ conversion, and in this relation I beg to subscribe myself, yours in the Lord,

基督徒啊,你奔跑的赛程虽短——但你奔跑的奖赏却是巨大的。我希望这阵神圣的风能加速你的船只驶向幸福的港湾!当上帝赐予我更多时——我也会给予你们更多。同时,我将视成为他人皈依的工具为我最高的荣誉,在这种关系中,我恳请签名为,主内你的,

William Secker

威廉·塞克

OUTLINE
大纲

TEXT
正文

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?” Matthew 5:46-47
“你们若单爱那爱你们的人，有什么赏赐呢？就是税吏不也是这样行吗？你们若单请你弟兄的安，比人有什么长处呢？就是外邦人不也是这样行吗？” 马太福音 5:46-47

DOCTRINE
教义

That singular Christians will perform singular actions.
特别的基督徒会做出特别的行为。

I. Eight reasons WHY a Christian should do more than others—
一、基督徒应当比他人做得更多的八个理由—

Because more is done FOR him than for others.
因为为他所做的比为他人所做的更多。
Because he is more nearly RELATED to God than others.
因为他与上帝的关系比他人更亲近。
Because he PROFESSES more than others.
因为他宣称的比他人更多。
Because he is inwardly CONFORMED to the Redeemer more than others.
因为他在内心上比他人更符合救赎主的形象。
Because he is WATCHED more than others.
因为他比他人更受关注。
Because if he DOES no more than others–it will appear that he IS no more than others.
因为如果他做的不比他人多，就会显得他并不比他人优秀。
Because he is appointed to be a JUDGE of others.
因为他被任命为他人的审判者。
Because he EXPECTS more than others.
因为他期望的比他人更多。

II. WHAT the Christian does more than others—

II. 基督徒比他人多做的事—

He does much good—and makes but little noise.
他行善多—声张少。
He brings up the bottom of his life—to the top of his light.
他将生命的底部—提升到光明的顶点。
He prefers the duty he owes to God—to the danger he fears from man.
他宁愿履行对上帝的职责—也不畏惧来自人的危险。
He seeks the public good of others—above the private good of himself.
他寻求他人的公共利益—高于自己的私利。
He has the most beautiful life—among the vilest people.
他在最卑劣的人群中—过着最美好的生活。
He chooses the worst of sorrows—rather than commit the least sin.
他宁愿选择最深的悲伤—也不愿犯最小的罪。
He becomes a father to all in charity—and a servant to all in humility.
他在慈善中成为所有人的父亲—在谦卑中成为所有人的仆人。
He mourns most before God—for those lusts which appear least before men.
他在上帝面前最为哀悼的—是那些在人前最不显露的情欲。
He keeps his heart lowest—when God raises his estate highest.
当上帝将他的地位提升到最高时—他保持心态最低。
He seeks to be better inwardly in his substance—than outwardly in appearance.
他寻求在内在实质上变得更好—而非外在表象。
He is grieved more at the distresses of the church—than affected at his own happiness.
他为教会的困境感到更多悲伤—而非被自己的幸福所影响。
He renders the greatest good—for the greatest evil.
他以最大的善—回报最大的恶。
He takes those reproofs best—which he needs most.
他最好地接受那些—他最需要的责备。
He takes up duty in point of performance—and lays it down in point of dependence.
他在履行职责时尽心尽力—在依赖时则放下自我。
He takes up his contentment—in God’s appointment.
他在上帝的安排中—找到满足。
He is more in love with the employment of holiness—than with the enjoyment of happiness.
他更热爱圣洁的实践—而非幸福的享受。
He is more employed in searching his own heart—than in censuring other men’s states.
他更多地投入于省察自己的内心—而非批评他人的处境。
He sets out for God at his beginning—and holds out with Him to the end.
他从一开始就为上帝出发—并坚持与祂同行到最后。
He takes all the shame of his sins to himself—and gives all the glory of his services to Christ.
他将自己所有罪的羞耻归于己身—将所有服侍的荣耀归于基督。
He values his heavenly inheritance—above all earthly possessions.
他珍视他的天国产业—超过所有世俗财产。

III. APPLICATION

III. 应用

A. Twenty PRINCIPLES which a believer should walk by —

A. 信徒应当遵循的二十条原则 —

That whatever is transacted by men on earth—is eyed by the Lord in Heaven.
人在地上所做的一切—都被天上的主所看见。
That after all his present receivings—he will be brought to his future reckonings.
在他现在所得的一切之后—他将来必须交账。
That God bears a greater respect to his heart—than to his works.
上帝更看重他的心—而非他的行为。
That there is more final bitterness in reflecting on sin—than there can be present sweetness in the commission of sin.
反思罪恶的最终苦涩—远胜于犯罪时的短暂甜美。
That there is the greatest vanity—in all created excellency.
一切受造的美好中—存在着最大的虚空。
That duties can never have too much attention paid to them—nor too little confidence placed in them.
对责任永远不会过分关注—也不会对其过分信赖。
That those precious promises, which are given to insure his happiness—do not supersede those directions which are laid down for him to seek after happiness.
那些为确保他幸福而给予的宝贵应许—并不取代为他寻求幸福而设定的指引。
That it is dangerous to dress himself for another world—at the looking-glass of this world.
以这个世界的镜子—来装扮自己进入另一个世界是危险的。
That where sin proves hateful—it shall not prove hurtful.
当罪被证明可憎—它就不会造成伤害。
That inward purity is the ready road—to outward plenty.
内心的纯洁是—通向外在丰盛的捷径。
That all the time which God allows him—is but enough for the work which He allots him.
上帝所给予他的所有时间—恰好足够完成祂所分配的工作。
That there can never be too great an estrangement from defilement.
与污秽的疏离永远不会太过分。
That whatever is temporarily enjoyed—should be spiritually improved.
无论暂时享受什么—都应在灵性上得到提升。
That he should speak well of God—whatever trials he receives from God.
无论从上帝那里领受什么试炼—他都应当善言上帝。
That the longer God forbears with the unrelenting sinner in life—the sorer He strikes him in the judgment-day.
上帝在生前对顽固罪人的忍耐越长—在审判日对他的惩罚就越严厉。
That there is no judging of the inward conditions of men—by the outward dispensations of God.
不能通过上帝的外在安排—来判断人内心的状况。
That it is safest to cleave to that good which is the choicest.
坚持最好的善—是最安全的。
That no present worldly business—should interrupt his pursuit of future blessedness.
任何当前的世俗事务—都不应打断他对未来福祉的追求。
That gospel integrity towards God—is the best security against wicked men.
对上帝的福音诚信—是抵御邪恶之人的最佳保障。
That the richness of the crown which shall be received—shall more than compensate for the bitterness of the cross which may here be endured.
将要领受的冠冕的丰富—必将远远补偿在此所忍受的十字架的苦涩。

B. Seven DIRECTIONS to those who wish to do more than others —

B. 对那些希望比他人做得更多的人的七个指引 —

You must deny yourself more than others.
你必须比他人更加克己。
You must pray more than others.
你必须比他人祷告更多。
You must resolve more than others.
你必须比他人更加坚定。
You must love more than others.
你必须比他人更有爱心。
You must believe more than others.
你必须比他人更有信心。
You must know more than others.
你必须比他人知道得更多。
God must reveal Himself more to you, than He does to others.
上帝必须向你显明自己，比向他人显明得更多。

I. WHY a Christian Should Do More than Others

I. 为什么基督徒应该比他人做得更多

In a mountain, the law was propounded to Moses—and in a mountain the law was expounded by Jesus; the former to a man of God—the latter by the Son of God; the one to a prophet of the Lord, the other by the Lord of the prophets.

在一座山上，律法被传授给摩西——在另一座山上，律法被耶稣阐释；前者传给上帝的一个人——后者由上帝之子传授；一个传给主的先知，另一个由先知之主传授。

As the works of Christ were miraculous—so the words of Christ were mysterious; they were such a depth which none could sound but those whom God had furnished with the plummet of an enlightened understanding. Before any one can peruse the Scriptures to profit, the Lamb of God must open the ‘seven seals’.

正如基督的作为是神奇的——基督的话语也是神秘的；它们深奥到只有那些被上帝赐予开明理解力的人才能领悟。在任何人能从圣经中获益之前，上帝的羔羊必须打开”七印”。

In this chapter, the soul-justifying Savior condemns the self-justifying Scribes and Pharisees. Never did men make more boast in the law—but never had men less cause. They knew but little as to the letter—but less of its spirit. They were better acquainted with the customs of nature—than the canons of Scripture. Alas! how shall the blind see—when the seers are blind! They who should have put the eyes of others in, had put their own out!

在这一章中，使灵魂称义的救主谴责自以为义的文士和法利赛人。从未有人如此夸耀律法——却从未有人如此缺乏理由。他们对律法的字面知之甚少——对其精神了解更少。他们更熟悉自然的习俗——而非圣经的准则。唉！当先知都瞎了，瞎子如何能看见！那些本应为他人开眼的人，反而弄瞎了自己的眼睛！

The righteous laws of God cannot connive at the unrighteous lives of men; they not only require truth without—but within also. The rays of this sun enter the most secret chambers of the heart, therefore he who lusts after, and he who lies with a woman are both adulterers. He is a murderer whose heart is full of hatred, though his hands are free from violence. Thus the lusts of men may be predominant, when the lives of men are not inordinate; as guests may be in the house, when they look not out of the windows.

上帝公义的律法不能纵容人不义的生活；它们不仅要求外在的真实——也要求内在的真实。这阳光的光芒进入心灵最隐秘的房间，因此，心中淫念的人和与女人同寝的人都是奸淫者。心中充满仇恨的人是杀人犯，即使他的手没有沾血。因此，人的欲望可能占主导地位，即使人的生活并不放荡；就像客人可能在房子里，即使他们不向窗外张望。

He who begins religion where it should end—will end religion where it should be begun.

那些在应该结束的地方开始信仰的人——将在应该开始的地方结束信仰。

But as the suburbs direct to the city, and the portal leads to the palace—so the context will guide us to the text.

但正如郊区指向城市，门廊通向宫殿——上下文将引导我们理解经文。

“If you love those who love you—what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?” As an echo returns the voice it receives—so many will show kindness where kindness is shown; but shall tax collectors be as godly as the Lord’s disciples? Shall the sons of men—equal the sons of God? Shall the law of nature swell to so high a tide—as the law of grace? This were for the dribbling rivulet to vie with the swelling ocean; this were for royalty to degenerate into beggary; and for the meridian sun to yield no more light than midnight shadows.

“你们若只爱那爱你们的人，还能得什么赏赐呢？就是税吏不也是这样行吗？”正如回声返回它接收到的声音——许多人会在受到善意对待时报以善意；但税吏难道能如主的门徒一样虔诚吗？人之子能与神之子相提并论吗？自然法则能涨到如此高度——与恩典之律相匹敌吗？这就如涓涓细流与汹涌大海相争；这就如王权堕落为乞丐；这就如正午的太阳不比午夜的阴影更明亮。

“And if you greet only your brothers—what are you doing more than others?” I shall not meticulously dissect these words, lest I should present to your view a frightful skeleton; nor shall I lavishly paint these windows, lest my deep colors should shut out the light. The native loveliness of Scripture scorns the unnatural color of a bewitching Jezebel. One rough diamond is of more value—than many smooth counterfeits.

“你们若单请你弟兄的安，比人有什么长处呢？”我不会过分解剖这些话，以免向你们展示一副可怕的骨架；我也不会过度修饰这些窗户，以免我浓重的色彩遮蔽了光线。圣经本身的美丽鄙视那迷人的耶洗别的不自然色彩。一颗粗糙的钻石比许多光滑的赝品更有价值。

My subject treats not of oratory—but divinity; and my design in it is rather to express affections, than to affect expressions. Though the sweetness of the sauce may yield pleasure to the palate—yet it is only the soundness of the meat which can administer nourishment to the blood.

我的主题不是关于演说——而是关于神学；我的设计更多是为了表达情感，而非影响表达。尽管调味汁的甜美可能让味蕾愉悦——但只有肉的营养才能滋养血液。

This text is like a precious jewel—small in quantity, but great in quality. The words contain two parts:

这段经文就像一颗宝石——虽小但质量上乘。这段话包含两个部分：

I. An action propounded.

I. 一个提出的行动。

II. A question proposed.

II. 一个提出的问题。

I. An action propounded, touching that which is lawful: “If you love those who love you.” “And if you greet only your brothers.” This means to greet—with kisses and affection; therefore, what one verse calls greeting, the other calls loving; because greeting is a pledge of affection, it is the overflowing of the heart at the lips. There is a kiss of subjection and obedience—that is the subject’s kiss; there is a kiss of wantonness and temptation—that is the harlot’s kiss; there is a kiss of deception—that is the traitor’s kiss; there is also a kiss of tenderness and affection—and that is the brother’s kiss.

I. 一个提出的行动，涉及合法的事：”如果你爱那些爱你的人。””如果你只问候你的弟兄。”这意味着用亲吻和爱意问候；因此，一节经文称之为问候，另一节称之为爱；因为问候是情感的保证，是心在唇边的溢出。有臣服和顺从的吻——那是臣民的吻；有放荡和诱惑的吻——那是妓女的吻；有欺骗的吻——那是叛徒的吻；还有温柔和爱意的吻——那是兄弟的吻。

Now this Scripture enjoins you, not only to greet your friends—but your enemies also. Party esteem is but withered fruit, and falls rather from Sodom’s vines—than Zion’s trees. There is therefore a kiss of pity and forgiveness—and that is the Christian’s kiss. If this is lacking—the others are vain. For, if you greet your brethren only, then observe what follows, which is:

现在这段经文告诫你，不仅要问候你的朋友——还要问候你的敌人。党派的尊重只是枯萎的果实，更像是从所多玛的葡萄藤上掉落，而不是锡安的树上。因此，有怜悯和宽恕的吻——那是基督徒的吻。如果缺少这个——其他的都是徒劳的。因为，如果你只问候你的弟兄，那么请注意接下来的内容，即：

II. A question proposed, “What are you doing—more than others?” What great or singular thing do you do? The words thus understood contain this golden head of instruction:

II. 一个提出的问题，”你做了什么——比别人多？”你做了什么伟大或独特的事？这样理解的话包含了这个金玉良言的教导：

Doctrine, That singular Christians will perform singular actions.

教义，独特的基督徒会做出独特的行为。

This is the well from which I shall draw the water; and the foundation upon which I shall raise the superstructure. You cannot rationally imagine that you will be supplied with bitter streams—from so sweet a spring; or that I should make a crooked wall or tottering fence—with such choice materials. Those who collect pearls from this spot—will leave as many behind them, as they carry with them.

这是我将汲取水源的井；也是我将建立上层建筑的基础。你不能理性地想象，你会从如此甜美的泉源中得到苦涩的溪流；或者我会用这样精选的材料建造歪斜的墙或摇摇欲坠的栅栏。那些从这里收集珍珠的人——会留下和他们带走一样多的珍珠。

As the disciples of Christ are more than others—so the disciples of Christ do more than others. A religious hypocrite may move beyond a Sodomite—but a true Christian moves beyond them both. Though the naturally dead can do nothing—yet the spiritually dead may do something. Though they can do nothing to merit the grace of life—yet they may do something as to using the means of life.

正如基督的门徒比其他人更多——基督的门徒也比其他人做得更多。宗教伪君子可能超越所多玛人——但真正的基督徒超越了他们两者。虽然自然死亡的人什么也做不了——但灵性死亡的人可能做些什么。虽然他们不能做任何事来赢得生命的恩典——但他们可能在使用生命的方式上做些事情。

Cicero complains of Homer, that ‘he taught the gods—to live like men’. But grace teaches men—to live like gods. It is lamentable that we should live so long in the world—and do so little for God; or that we should live so short a time in the world—and do so much for Satan. Other creatures are not more below a sinner, than a saint is above a sinner. Man is the excellency of the creation, the saint is the excellency of man, grace is the excellency of the saint, and glory is the excellency of grace!

西塞罗抱怨荷马，说”他教导众神——像人一样生活”。但恩典教导人——像神一样生活。令人遗憾的是，我们在世上活了这么长时间——却为上帝做得如此之少；或者我们在世上活的时间如此短暂——却为撒旦做了这么多。其他生物不比罪人低下，就像圣徒不比罪人高尚。人是创造的卓越，圣徒是人的卓越，恩典是圣徒的卓越，荣耀是恩典的卓越！

Believers are among others, as Saul was among the Israelites—the tallest by the head and shoulders. Their birth is truly low—who are not born from above. What are such earthly shrubs—compared with heavenly cedars? Those trees which have their top branches of hope in Heaven—will have their lower boughs of activity on earth. Those who look for a Heaven made ready—will live as though they were already in Heaven.

信徒在其他人中，就像扫罗在以色列人中——头和肩膀都是最高的。那些不是从上面重生的人，他们的出身确实低下。这些尘世的灌木——与天国的香柏相比算什么？那些顶枝充满希望直达天堂的树木——它们的下枝也会在地上活跃。那些期待天堂已经准备好的人——会像已经在天堂一样生活。

Grace not only makes a man more a man—but it also makes him more than a man. The primitive Christians were the best of men. None were more lowly in their dispositions, or more lovely in their conversation. Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation. He was not a sinner among saints—but he was a saint among sinners. Who would have looked for so fair a bird—in so foul a nest! Though he once acted as the sons of men do—yet he was numbered with the sons of God. A field of wheat may be good—and yet have a weed in it. A saint is not free from sin—that is his burden; a saint is not free to sin—that is his blessing. Sin is in him—that is his lamentation; his soul is not in sin—that is his consolation.

恩典不仅使人更像人——而且还使他超越人。原始基督徒是最优秀的人。没有人比他们更谦卑，或在交谈中更可爱。挪亚在他的世代是个义人，是个完全人。他不是圣徒中的罪人——而是罪人中的圣徒。

Mark how an immaculate Savior glories in one of these singular saints, “And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job?” Why, what is there in him so considerable? “There is none like him in all the earth.”
看看这位无瑕的救主如何赞美这些独特的圣徒之一，”耶和华对撒但说：’你曾用心察看我的仆人约伯没有？'”为什么，他有什么值得如此重视的地方？”世上再没有人像他。”

Though there were none in Heaven so bad as Job—yet there were none on earth so good as Job. He was a man so like God—that there was no man like him.
虽然天上没有人像约伯那样坏，但地上也没有人像约伯那样好。他是一个如此像神的人，以至于没有人能与他相比。

A gracious person once hearing how far a hypocrite might go, said “Let hypocrites proceed as far as they can in that which is laudable; and when they can advance no further—I will go beyond them.”
一位仁慈的人曾听说伪君子可能走多远，就说：”让伪君子在值得称赞的事上尽可能地前进；当他们无法再前进时——我将超越他们。”

A true Christian not only does more than others will do—but he also does more than others can do. Whatever is not above the top of nature, is below the bottom of grace.
一个真正的基督徒不仅做得比别人多，而且做得比别人能做的还多。凡不超越自然之巅的，就低于恩典之底。

There are some who pretend to believe—but work not; there are others who work—but believe not. But a saint does both, he so obeys the law, as if there were no gospel to be believed; and so believes the gospel, as though there were no law to be obeyed.
有些人假装相信——却不行动；还有些人行动——却不相信。但圣徒两者兼具，他如此遵守律法，仿佛没有福音可信；又如此相信福音，仿佛没有律法可遵。

True religion consists not singly in believing or doing—but in both.
真正的宗教不仅仅在于相信或行动——而是两者兼具。

There are four sorts of things in the world:
世界上有四种事物：

There are some things which are neither good nor pleasant, such as envy and slander. The eclipsing of another’s sun—will not make your own shine with brighter beams.
有些事既不好也不愉快，比如嫉妒和诽谤。遮蔽他人的阳光——并不会让你自己的光芒更加明亮。

O pare off those envious nails, which are ever disfiguring that face which is fairer than your own. Why do you wound yourself—with that plaster which is laid upon your brother’s sore?
啊，剪掉那些嫉妒的指甲吧，它们总是在毁损那比你自己更美的面容。为什么要用贴在兄弟伤口上的膏药来伤害自己呢？

Why do you weep at every shower—which falls beside your own field? Who would envy an ox that pasture—which only fits it for the slaughter?
为什么要为每一场落在你自己田地旁边的阵雨而哭泣呢？谁会嫉妒一头牛那只适合它被宰杀的牧场呢？

Who would envy the malefactor that carriage—which only conveys him to the place of execution? You have no less—because others have much; nor have they much—because you have little.
谁会嫉妒罪犯那只把他送往刑场的马车呢？你并不会因为别人拥有很多而变得更少；他们也不会因为你拥有很少而变得更多。

Another’s wealth is no more the cause of your need, than Leah’s fruitfulness was the cause of Rachel’s barrenness. O never pine at your neighbor’s prosperity—and you shall never pine away through your own scarcity.
他人的财富不是你贫乏的原因，就像利亚的多产不是拉结不孕的原因一样。啊，永远不要因邻居的繁荣而悲伤——你就永远不会因自己的匮乏而消沉。

He enjoys much—who is thankful for a little. A grateful mind is a great mind.
对少量东西心存感激的人，享受的却很多。一个感恩的心是一个伟大的心。

There are some things which are pleasant—but not good, such as youthful lusts and worldly delights. These bees carry honey in their mouths—but they have a sting in their tails!
有些事情是愉快的——但不好，比如年轻人的欲望和世俗的享乐。这些蜜蜂嘴里含着蜜——但尾巴上有刺！

When this Jael brings forth her milk and her butter—then beware of the nail and the hammer! Death is in the pot—while you are tasting the soup!
当这位雅亿端出她的奶和奶油时——当心钉子和锤子！当你品尝汤的时候——死亡就在锅里！

The world always presents a deadly potion—in the gilded cup of worldly pleasure. If the cup is sinful—do not taste it; if it is lawful—do not carouse over it.
这个世界总是在镀金的世俗快乐杯中呈现致命的毒药。如果这杯子是罪恶的——不要品尝；如果它是合法的——不要沉醉其中。

Reason forbids you, either to taste known poison—or to be intoxicated with pleasant wine. The fish is caught upon the hook—by leaping at the bait.
理智禁止你，既不要品尝已知的毒药——也不要被美酒醉倒。鱼儿跃向诱饵——就被钩子捕获。

Sin is like a river, which begins in a quiet spring—but ends in a tumultuous sea. “Flee from youthful lusts—and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”
罪恶就像一条河流，始于宁静的泉水——但终结于汹涌的大海。”要逃避少年的私欲，同那清心祷告主的人追求公义、信德、仁爱、和平。”

There are some things good—but not pleasant, such as sorrow and affliction. Sin is pleasant—but unprofitable. Affliction is unpleasant—but profitable.
有些事是好的——但不愉快，比如悲伤和苦难。罪是愉快的——但无益的。苦难是不愉快的——但有益的。

“Before I was afflicted I went astray—but now I keep Your word!” “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn Your statutes!”
“我未受苦以先，我走迷了路——但如今我遵守你的话！” “我受苦是与我有益，为要使我学习你的律例！”

By affliction, the Lord separates the sin that He hates—from the soul that He loves. He sends affliction—to take the dirt of the world out of the hearts of His children.
通过苦难，主将祂所恨恶的罪——从祂所爱的灵魂中分离。祂差遣苦难——是为了将世俗的污秽从祂儿女的心中除去。

It is not sent to take down the tabernacle of nature—but to rear up the temple of grace within you.
它的差遣不是为了拆毁自然的帐幕——而是为了在你里面建立恩典的殿。

As waters are purest when they are in motion—so saints are generally holiest when in affliction.
正如水在流动时最为纯净——圣徒在苦难中通常也最为圣洁。

Some Christians resemble those doltish children, who will learn their lessons—no longer than while the rod is on their backs!
有些基督徒就像那些愚笨的孩子，只有在被鞭打时才学习功课——一旦鞭子离开就不再学习！

It is well known that by the greatest affliction—the Lord has sealed the sweetest instruction.
众所周知，通过最大的苦难——主印证了最甜美的教导。

Many are not bettered by the judgments they see—when they have been bettered by the judgments they have felt.
许多人没有因他们所看到的审判而变得更好——而他们却因所经历的审判而变得更好。

The purest gold is the most pliable by being in the furnace. That is the best blade which bends well, without retaining its crooked figure.
最纯的金子在熔炉中最易塑造。最好的刀刃是能弯曲自如，却不保留弯曲形状的那种。

There are some things both good and pleasant, and those are gracious operations on the soul.
有些事既好又愉快，那就是对灵魂的恩慈作为。

A believer’s bed of graces—is more fragrant than the most precious bed of spices.
信徒的恩典之床——比最珍贵的香料床更加芬芳。

He who freely gives His image to us—must of necessity love His image in us.
那位自由地将祂的形象赐给我们的——必然会爱我们里面祂的形象。

How illustrious do the heavens appear—while the sun is radiating them with his beams!
当太阳用它的光芒照耀时——天空显得多么辉煌啊！

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things!”
“最后，弟兄们，凡是真实的、可敬的、公义的、清洁的、可爱的、有美名的，若有什么德行，若有什么称赞——这些事你们都要思念！”

But, as you cannot see so well by a candle under a bushel, as upon a table—I shall therefore hold up the subject to your view in the following light:
但是，正如你无法看清放在斗底下的蜡烛，如同放在桌上一样——因此，我将在以下方面向你阐明这个主题：

Firstly, I shall touch upon the explanation of that which is doctrinal.
首先，我将触及对教义性内容的解释。

Secondly, upon the application of that which is practical.
其次，对实践性内容的应用。

The former is like cutting the garment out—the latter is like putting the garment on.
前者就像裁剪衣服——后者就像穿上衣服。

I am first to treat of that which is DOCTRINAL.

我首先要讨论的是教义方面的内容。

And here I shall show, First—WHY a Christian does more than others; Secondly—WHAT a Christian does more than others.

在这里，我将阐述：第一，为什么基督徒做得比其他人多；第二，基督徒比其他人多做了什么。

I. WHY a Christian does more than others.

一、为什么基督徒做得比其他人多。

Because more is done FOR them—than is done for others.
因为为他们所做的比为其他人所做的多。

There is that done for them—which none but He who made them could do. They are loved, they are atoned for, they are prayed for, and they are provided for—more than others.

只有创造他们的那位才能为他们做到的事情。他们被爱，他们被赎罪，他们被代祷，他们被供应——这些都比其他人多。

Now where there is an overabundance of privilege—there should be an overabundance of practice. We naturally expect more splendor from the beaming of the sun—than from the burning of a candle; and we look for more moisture from the drops from a cloud—than from the drops from a bucket.

现在，在特权过度丰富的地方，实践也应该过度丰富。我们自然期望太阳的光芒比蜡烛的燃烧更加灿烂；我们期望云滴的水分比桶中的水滴更多。

The same heat which melts the wax—will harden the clay. The juice which distills into a rose—is returned in a sweet perfume; but that which drops upon a nettle—is returned in an ill savor.

同样的热度能融化蜡，也会使粘土变硬。蒸馏到玫瑰中的汁液会以甜美的香气回报；但滴落在荨麻上的，则会以恶臭回报。

If the mercies of God are not loadstones to draw us to Heaven—they will be millstones to draw or sink us to Hell! “Do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your hardness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed!”

如果上帝的怜悯不是吸引我们到天堂的磁石，它们就会成为拖累或沉沦我们到地狱的磨石！”你藐视他丰富的恩慈、宽容和忍耐，不晓得他的恩慈是领你悔改吗？但是因着你的刚硬和不悔改的心，你为自己积蓄忿怒，以致神公义审判的日子来到。”

“To whom much is given—of them much shall be required.” The blessings we enjoy are not the fruit of our merit—but the fruit of God’s mercy. By how much the more grace we have received—by so much the more glory we are obliged to return to the Giver.

“多给谁，就向谁多要。”我们享受的祝福不是我们功德的果实，而是上帝怜悯的果实。我们领受的恩典越多，我们就越有义务将更多的荣耀归还给赐予者。

He does not exact much—where little is bestowed; nor does He accept little—where much is received. A drop of praise is an unsuitable acknowledgment for an ocean of mercy!

在给予甚少的地方，他不会要求太多；在接受甚多的地方，他也不会接受甚少。一滴赞美是对浩瀚怜悯的不恰当回应！

“Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O children of Israel—You only have I loved of all the families of the earth.” But was their return according to the benefit? Surely not—otherwise He would not have added, “Therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.”

“以色列人哪，要听耶和华攻击你们的话：在地上万族中，我只认识你们。”但他们的回报是否与所得的益处相称？显然不是——否则他就不会接着说：”所以，我必追讨你们的一切罪孽。”

They were more loved by God than others—therefore they should have acknowledged Him more than others.

他们比其他人更受上帝的爱——因此，他们应该比其他人更加承认他。

Those who have tasted the goodness of God—can never speak good enough of God.
那些品尝过上帝美善的人——永远无法充分赞美上帝。

Reason teaches, that those should bless most—who are most blessed.
理性告诉我们，那些最蒙福的人应当最多地祝福他人。

What are carnal men—compared to Christian men?
与基督徒相比，属世的人算什么？

The power of God appears in the formation of the carnal man—but the stupendous grace of God shines illustriously in the transformation of the Christian man.
上帝的能力在造就属世之人时显现——但上帝奇妙的恩典在基督徒的转变中光辉灿烂。

In creation God has given the productions of the earth for our bodies—but in redemption He has given Himself for our souls!
在创造中，上帝赐予地上的出产养育我们的身体——但在救赎中，祂为我们的灵魂献出了自己！

Thus, it is a greater favor to be converted than to be created; yes, it were better for us to have no being—than not to have a new being.
因此，被转变比被创造更是一种恩惠；是的，对我们来说，不存在还不如没有新生命。

When you were sailing to destruction, before sin’s dangerous blast—then the most blessed gales of mercy sprang up, and changed your course!
当你驶向毁灭，在罪恶危险的狂风前——最蒙福的怜悯之风突然兴起，改变了你的航向！

When you lay in the blood of your transgression—then God beheld you with the affections of His compassion.
当你躺在自己罪过的血中时——上帝以祂怜悯的情感注视着你。

His heart pitied you—and His hand helped you!
祂的心怜悯你——祂的手帮助你！

Now where there is distinguishing mercy—there ought to be distinguishing duty.
如今，在有特殊怜悯的地方——就应当有特殊的责任。

The gardener who holds the largest farms—will pay the greatest rent; and he who sows the most precious seed—will expect the choicest crop.
拥有最大农场的园丁——将支付最高的租金；播种最珍贵种子的人——将期待最上乘的收成。

Now read the great Gardener’s complaint against His vineyard: “My beloved has a vineyard on a rich and fertile hill. He plowed the land, cleared its stones, and planted it with choice vines.”
现在读一读这位伟大园丁对祂葡萄园的抱怨：”我所爱的有葡萄园在肥美的山冈上。他耕地，除净石头，栽种上等的葡萄树。”

Here is an inventory of God’s goodness to His vineyard.
这是上帝对祂葡萄园恩惠的清单。

Now what follows? “He waited for a harvest of sweet grapes—but the grapes that grew were wild and sour!”
接下来会怎样？”他指望结好葡萄，反倒结了野葡萄！”

God looked that they should be better to Him than others—because He had been better to them than He had been to others.
上帝期望他们对祂比其他人更好——因为祂对他们比对其他人更好。

God had made them flowers of His paradise; while others were left as the weeds of Satan’s wilderness.
上帝使他们成为祂乐园中的花朵；而其他人则被遗弃为撒但旷野中的杂草。

While others were Satan’s thoroughfare—they were God’s choice enclosed garden.
当其他人是撒但的通道时——他们是上帝精心围起的花园。

God has made you His own dials—on which the beams of the Sun of righteousness shines!
上帝使你成为祂自己的日晷——公义之阳的光芒照耀其上！

He has made you gems for His crown—while others are stools for His feet!
祂使你成为祂冠冕上的宝石——而其他人则是祂脚下的凳子！

“Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself unto us—and not unto the world?”
“主啊，你将要向我们显现，不向世人显现，这是为什么呢？”

As if he had said: “Lord, what are we more than others—that You should show Yourself to us; when You might have shown Yourself to them—and not to us?”
仿佛他在说：”主啊，我们比别人强在哪里——你要向我们显现；当你本可以向他们显现——而不是向我们？”

Reader! has God made you a vessel unto honor—out of the same lump, as another unto dishonor?
读者啊！上帝是否从同一团泥中造你为贵重的器皿——而造另一个为卑贱的器皿？

Has He shown Himself to you—and not to the world?
祂是否向你显现——而不向世界显现？

And will you not show yourself for God—and not for the world?
你难道不应当为上帝而非为世界显明自己吗？

Remember, that it lay as a great blotch on Hezekiah’s escutcheon, that, “he rendered not unto the Lord—according to the benefit done unto him.”
请记住，希西家盾牌上的一个大污点是，”他没有照他所蒙的恩报答耶和华。”

Another reason why Christians do more than others, is—Because they stand in a nearer RELATION to God than others.
基督徒比其他人做得更多的另一个原因是——因为他们与上帝有更近的关系。

The nearer the relation—the stronger are the ties of obligation. In this view, believers on earth are superior to angels in Heaven. Christ is related to the angels as a master to his servants—but He is united to believers as a head to its members. In this head, there are no glazed eyes—nor are there any withered or dead members in this body. While others are made of God—believers are born of God. While others stand before Him as prisoners before their judge—believers appear before Him as children before their father, and as a bride before a bridegroom. There are no stillborn children in the family of grace. God is the living Father, and therefore all His children live by Him; He is also the everlasting Father, and therefore He will have due honor paid Him. “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is your fear of Me?” As a Father—He will be revered for His goodness; and as a Master—He will be feared for His greatness.
关系越近——义务的纽带就越强。从这个角度来看，地上的信徒比天上的天使更优越。基督与天使的关系就像主人与仆人的关系——但祂与信徒的联合就像头与身体各部分的关系。在这个头中，没有呆滞的眼睛——在这个身体中也没有枯萎或死亡的肢体。其他人是被上帝造的——而信徒是从上帝而生的。其他人站在祂面前如同囚犯站在法官面前——而信徒出现在祂面前如同孩子站在父亲面前，如同新娘站在新郎面前。在恩典的家庭中没有死胎的孩子。上帝是活着的父，因此祂所有的孩子都因祂而活；祂也是永恒的父，因此祂将得到应有的尊崇。”儿子尊敬父亲，仆人敬畏主人。我若为父亲，尊敬我的在哪里呢？我若为主人，敬畏我的在哪里呢？”作为父亲——祂将因祂的良善而受到尊崇；作为主人——祂将因祂的伟大而受到敬畏。

If honor is not the Lord’s due—let Him not have it; if it is His due—let Him not be denied it. As man was born to serve God—he had better never have been born, than to refuse God that service.
如果尊崇不是主应得的——就不要给祂；如果是祂应得的——就不要拒绝给祂。既然人生来就是为了事奉上帝——他还不如从未出生，也不要拒绝上帝那样的事奉。

This is the language of God to His children—I did not give you bodies and souls to serve sin with—but to serve Me with. Our bodies were not formed to be the instruments of unrighteous actions—nor our souls the gloomy abodes of foul spirits.
这是上帝对祂儿女说的话——我赐给你们身体和灵魂不是用来服侍罪——而是用来服侍我。我们的身体不是为了成为不义行为的工具而形成的——我们的灵魂也不是邪恶灵魂的阴暗居所。

The everlasting Father cannot endure the ungrateful behavior of His own children. Therefore, attend to the great complaint He makes against them. “Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for My children refuse to hear! I have nourished and brought up children—and they have rebelled against Me!” Where the relation is the nearest—there the provocation is the greatest. It is far more pleasing to behold rebels becoming children—than to behold children becoming rebels.
永恒的父不能忍受祂自己儿女的忘恩负义行为。因此，要留心祂对他们发出的重大控诉。”天哪，要听！地啊，侧耳而听！因为我的儿女拒绝听从！我养育儿女，将他们养大——他们竟然背叛了我！”关系越亲近——触怒就越严重。看到叛逆者变成儿女要比看到儿女变成叛逆者更令人愉悦。

When Caesar was wounded by the senators of Rome, Brutus a Roman of an illustrious family, also made a thrust at him. With that Caesar gave him a wistful look, saying, “What you—my son Brutus!” How can that tender mother endure to feel those lips sucking her blood—which used to draw her maternal breast? The unkindness of a friend is more sensibly felt—than that of an enemy.
当凯撒被罗马的参议员们刺伤时，布鲁图斯，一个出身显赫的罗马人，也向他刺了一剑。凯撒用忧伤的眼神看着他，说：”什么，你也——我的儿子布鲁图斯！”那位温柔的母亲怎能忍受曾经吸吮她乳房的嘴唇现在吸吮她的血液？朋友的无情比敌人的无情更令人感到痛心。

The Roman censors took such an utter dislike to the debauched son of Africanus, that they refused to let him wear a ring on which his father’s likeness was engraved; alleging, “That he who was so unlike the father—was unworthy to wear the father’s picture.” Thus God will never grant any to enjoy the love of Christ in Heaven—who are destitute of the likeness of Christ on earth.

罗马的监察官对阿非利加努斯的放荡儿子如此厌恶，以至于他们拒绝让他佩戴刻有其父亲肖像的戒指；声称，”一个如此不像父亲的人——不配戴着父亲的画像。”因此，上帝永远不会允许任何在地上缺乏基督样式的人——在天堂享受基督的爱。

Alexander, who was reported to be an exceeding swift runner, was once solicited to run in the Olympic games. He answered “I will, if kings are my competitors.” Give me such a saint who will pursue nothing on earth, which may be unsuitable to his birth from Heaven. What! Shall he walk in darkness—whose Father is light! What! Shall those lips be found broaching falsehood—which were found breathing out prayers! What! Shall those eyes be found gazing on sinful objects—which were found reading the living Word of God!

据说亚历山大是一个极其快速的跑者，有一次被邀请参加奥林匹克运动会。他回答说：”如果国王是我的竞争对手，我就参加。”给我这样一个圣徒，他在地上不追求任何可能不适合他天国出身的事物。什么！他的父亲是光明，他怎能行在黑暗中！什么！那些曾吐露祷告的嘴唇，怎能被发现在散布谎言！什么！那些曾阅读上帝活泼之道的眼睛，怎能被发现在注视罪恶的事物！

The remembrance of our dignity—should engage us to our heavenly duty. “It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine and strong drink.” Such a sin is detestable in a sovereign, who has the eyes of his subjects upon him; but it is aggravated in a saint, who has the eyes of his Savior upon him. A spot in scarlet, is worse than a stain in cotton.

对我们尊严的记忆——应当促使我们履行天国的职责。”利慕伊勒啊，君王不可喝酒，君王不可喝烈酒。”这样的罪在君主身上是可憎的，因为他的臣民的眼睛都在他身上；但在圣徒身上则更为严重，因为他的救主的眼睛在他身上。猩红上的斑点，比棉布上的污渍更糟糕。

Another reason why Christians do more than others, is—Because they PROFESS more than others.
基督徒比其他人做得更多的另一个原因是——因为他们比其他人宣称得更多。

Though there are many professors who are not true believers; yet there are no true believers—who are not professors. As trees are known by their fruits—so believers are known by their works. Such as have received Christ’s bounty—are unwilling to fight under Satan’s banner.

虽然有许多宣称信仰的人不是真信徒；但没有一个真信徒不是信仰的宣称者。正如树木以其果实被认出——信徒也以其行为被认出。那些已经接受基督恩惠的人——不愿意在撒但的旗帜下作战。

There are many who “claim to know God—but by their actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” Man is not what he says—but what he does. For a man to say what he does—and not to do what he says—is to resemble those trees which are full of leaves—but void of fruits; or those barns wherein there is much chaff—but no wheat. “There is a difference between chaff and wheat!—says the Lord.”

有许多人”声称认识上帝——但通过他们的行为却否认了祂。他们是可憎的，不顺服的，不配做任何善事。”人不是他所说的——而是他所做的。一个人说他做什么——却不做他所说的——就像那些长满叶子却没有果实的树；或那些里面有许多糠秕却没有麦子的谷仓。”糠秕和麦子是有区别的！——耶和华说。”

Ah, how intolerable will the punishment of those professors be—who have appeared as burnished gold to men—and are found only base metal in the sight of God!
啊，那些在人前表现得光鲜亮丽、在上帝眼中却只是卑贱金属的教授们，他们的惩罚将是多么难以忍受啊！

What will it profit, to put off the old manners—and not put off the old man?
摒弃旧习惯而不摒弃旧我，这有什么益处呢？

A snake may change its skin—and yet preserve its sting.
蛇可能会蜕皮，但仍保留其毒刺。

The gospel professed, may lift a man unto Heaven—but it is only the gospel possessed, that brings a man into Heaven.
宣称信奉福音可能将人提升到天堂，但只有真正拥有福音，才能将人带入天堂。

To profess piety—and yet to practice impiety—will be so far from advancing a man’s commendation, that it will assuredly heighten his condemnation!
宣称虔诚却实践不敬，这不仅不会增进一个人的美誉，反而必定会加重他的罪责！

“Why do you call Me, Lord, Lord—and do not do the things that I say?” As if He had said, “Either keep My words more—or else call Me Lord no more! Either take Me into your lives—or cast Me out of your lips.”
“你们为什么称呼我’主啊，主啊’，却不遵行我所说的话呢？”就好像他在说，”要么更多地遵守我的话语，要么就不要再称呼我为主！要么将我纳入你们的生活，要么就将我从你们的嘴唇中驱逐出去。”

As princes disdain to have their images on base counterfeits—so the Lord Jesus cannot delight to see His name on rotten hypocrites.
正如王子们鄙视自己的肖像出现在劣质赝品上一样，主耶稣也不会喜欢看到自己的名字出现在腐朽的伪君子身上。

Therefore He says, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ, depart from all iniquity.”
因此他说：”凡称呼基督之名的人都当远离罪孽。”

If godliness is evil—why is it so much professed? If godliness is good—why is it so little practiced?
如果虔诚是邪恶的，为什么有那么多人宣称虔诚？如果虔诚是好的，为什么很少有人实践它？

“Who has saved us—and called us with a holy calling.” Now a holy calling—will be attended with a holy carriage.
“他曾救了我们，以圣召召我们。”现在，圣召将伴随着圣洁的品行。

Many may be found who can talk of grace—but very few can be found who taste of grace.
可以找到许多能谈论恩典的人，但很少能找到品尝恩典的人。

It is not everyone who looks like a Christian—who lives like a Christian.
并非每个看起来像基督徒的人都像基督徒那样生活。

For there are some who make their boast of the law, and yet through breaking the law, they dishonor God.
因为有些人以律法夸口，却通过违反律法而羞辱上帝。

It is a greater glory to us, that we are allowed to serve God—than it is to Him, that we offer Him that service.
对我们来说，能够被允许服侍上帝是更大的荣耀，而不是我们向他提供那种服务对他来说是荣耀。

He is not rendered happy by us—but we are made happy by Him.
他并非因我们而快乐，而是我们因他而快乐。

He can do without such earthly servants—but we cannot do without such a heavenly Master.
他可以没有这样的世俗仆人，但我们不能没有这样的天国主人。

It is unnatural for a Christian’s tongue—to be larger than his hand.
基督徒的舌头大于他的手是不自然的。

It is lamentable for him to hold a lamp to others—and yet to walk in darkness himself.
他为他人举灯照明，自己却在黑暗中行走，这是可悲的。

There are more infected by the undue conduct of some—than there are instructed by the righteous doctrines of others.
被一些人不当行为感染的人比被他人正义教义教导的人更多。

He who gives proper precepts, and then sets improper examples, resembles that foolish person, who labors hard to kindle a fire, and when he has done it, throws cold water upon it to quench it.
给出正确教诲却树立不当榜样的人，就像那个愚蠢的人，辛苦地点燃了火，却在完成后往上面浇冷水将其熄灭。

Though such a physician may administer the reviving cordial to some fainting patient—yet he is in danger himself of dying in a swoon.
尽管这样的医生可能会给一些昏迷的病人施用提神的强心剂，但他自己却有晕厥而死的危险。

I may say of such professors, as was once said of a certain preacher, that “when he was in the pulpit, it was a pity he should ever leave it—for he was so excellent an instructor. But when he was out of the pulpit, it was a pity he should ever ascend it again—for he was so wretched a liver!”
我可以这样说这些教授，就像曾经有人说过某位传教士那样：”当他在讲台上时，真遗憾他要离开——因为他是如此出色的教导者。但当他离开讲台时，真遗憾他还要再次登上讲台——因为他的生活如此糟糕！”

Many people are offended with the profession of religion, because all are not truly pious who make a profession.
许多人对宗教职业感到不满，因为并非所有宣称信仰的人都是真正虔诚的。

A little consideration will correct this error.
稍加考虑就能纠正这个错误。

Does the sheep despise its fleece, because the wolf has worn it?
羊会因为狼穿过它的羊毛而鄙视自己的羊毛吗？

Who blames a crystal river—because some melancholy men have drowned themselves in its streams?
谁会因为一些忧郁的人在溪流中溺水而责怪清澈的河流呢？

Will you refuse medicine—because some have wantonly poisoned themselves with it?
你会因为有些人肆意用药物毒害自己而拒绝药物吗？

He is a bad steward, who having a spot in his garment, cuts off the cloth, instead of rubbing off the dirt.
一个管家如果衣服上有污点，却剪掉布料而不是擦掉污垢，那他就是一个糟糕的管家。

God rejects all religion—but His own.
上帝拒绝所有宗教——除了他自己的。

Another reason why Christians do more than others, is—Because they are inwardly CONFORMED to the image of their Redeemer more than others.
基督徒比其他人做得更多的另一个原因是——因为他们在内心上比其他人更加符合他们救赎主的形象。

As Jesus Christ is the fountain of all excellency—to which all must come; so He is the pattern of excellency—to which all must conform. As He is the root on which a saint grows; so He is the rule by which a saint walks. God has made one Son in the image of us all—that He might make all His sons in the image of that One. Jesus Christ lived to teach us how to live—and died to teach us how to die. Therefore He commands us, saying, “Learn of Me—for I am meek and lowly in heart—and you shall find rest unto your souls.” O Reader! if the life of Christ is not your pattern—the death of Christ will never be your pardon! Though the Lord Jesus was a Man of many sorrows—yet He was not a man of the least sin. No man can equalize Him in holiness; yet every man ought to imitate Him in holiness.
耶稣基督是一切卓越的源泉——所有人都必须来到祂面前；祂也是卓越的典范——所有人都必须效法。祂是圣徒生长的根基；也是圣徒行走的准则。上帝照着我们所有人的形象造了一个儿子——为了使祂所有的儿子都能照着那一位的形象被造。耶稣基督活着是为了教导我们如何生活——死了是为了教导我们如何死去。因此祂命令我们说：”学我的样式——因为我心里柔和谦卑——你们心里就必得享安息。”啊，读者！如果基督的生命不是你的榜样——基督的死就永远不会成为你的赦免！虽然主耶稣是多受痛苦的人——但祂却没有丝毫的罪。没有人能在圣洁上与祂相比；然而每个人都应当在圣洁上效法祂。

As the sun is the glory of creation—so is Christ the glory of redemption. The summit of true religion consists in imitating God. Without this, your religion will be found a Tekel—when it is weighed in the balance, it will be wanting. It would be well if there were as great a similarity between the life of Christ—and the life of Christians; as there is between a copy and the original. What He was by nature—that we should be by grace. As face answers to face in water—so should life answer to life in Scripture. He who was a Way to others—never went out of the way Himself.
正如太阳是创造的荣耀——基督就是救赎的荣耀。真正的宗教的最高境界在于效法上帝。没有这一点，你的宗教就会被发现是Tekel（[待确认]轻的意思）——当被放在天平上称量时，就会显出亏欠。如果基督的生命和基督徒的生命之间有如此大的相似性，那就太好了；就像复制品和原件之间的相似性一样。祂本性如何——我们也应当因恩典而如何。正如水中脸对脸——生命也应当在圣经中与生命相呼应。祂为他人指明道路——自己却从未偏离正道。

A truly pious life, is a looking-glass, wherein Christ sees His own likeness. In our sacramental participations, we show forth the death of Christ; and in our evangelical conversation, we show forth the life of Christ. An excellent Christ—calls for excellent Christians. As He was never unemployed, He was never ill-employed. For, “He went about doing good.” As our happiness lay near His heart—so His honor should lie near our hearts.
一个真正虔诚的生命，是一面镜子，基督在其中看到自己的肖像。在我们的圣礼参与中，我们彰显基督的死；在我们的福音对话中，我们彰显基督的生命。一位卓越的基督——呼召卓越的基督徒。正如祂从不闲置，祂也从不滥用时间。因为，”祂周游四方行善。”正如我们的幸福贴近祂的心——祂的荣耀也应当贴近我们的心。

Jesus Christ even submits His person to be judged by His actions: “If I do not the works of My Father—do not believe Me.” As if He had said, “Never take Me for a Savior—if I act contrary to a Savior.” Thus should it be with a professor, “Never take me for a Christian—if I live contrary to the life of a Christian.” If professors do no more than others, it might be said, “Those are professors; but not Christians.”
耶稣基督甚至让自己的为人接受行为的判断：”我若不行我父的事——你们就不要信我。”就好像祂在说，”如果我的行为与救主相悖——就永远不要把我当作救主。”对于一个信仰宣告者也应如此，”如果我的生活与基督徒的生活相悖——就永远不要把我当作基督徒。”如果信仰宣告者所做的不比其他人多，人们可能会说，”那些人是信仰宣告者；但不是基督徒。”

Man is naturally an aspiring being, and loves to be nearest to those who are highest. Why does he not therefore take as much delight in those precepts which enjoin holiness—as in those promises which ensure happiness?
人天生是有抱负的，喜欢靠近那些最高尚的人。那么，为什么他不像喜悦那些确保幸福的应许一样，喜悦那些要求圣洁的教诲呢？

All those who are conformed to the image of the Redeemer, are as willing to be ruled by Christ, as they are to be esteemed by Him. He who deems His yoke heavy—will not find His crown easy.
所有符合救赎主形象的人，既愿意被基督统治，也愿意被祂看重。认为祂的轭沉重的人——将不会发现祂的冠冕轻省。

By David’s language, there were many singular saints in his day: “To the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.” Was it so then? And should it not be so now? We know the New Testament outshines the Old, as much as the sun outshines the moon. If we then live in a more glorious dispensation, should we not maintain a more glorious conversation?
从大卫的语言中，我们看到在他那个时代有许多独特的圣徒：”论到世上的圣民，他们是尊贵的人，是我所最喜悦的。”那时如此，现在不应该也如此吗？我们知道新约胜过旧约，就像太阳胜过月亮。如果我们生活在一个更荣耀的时代，难道我们不应该保持更荣耀的对话吗？

How blessed would it be for us, to have that blessed Scripture fulfilled in us, “As He was—so are we in this world.”
对我们来说，能够实现那蒙福的经文”祂如何，我们在这世上也如何”，将是多么蒙福啊。

Now if we are in this world as He was—we shall be in Heaven as He is!
现在，如果我们在这世上如同祂一样，我们在天堂也将如同祂一样！

If there be no likeness between Christ and you on earth—there can be no friendship between Christ and you in Heaven!
如果你在地上与基督没有相似之处，那么在天堂里你与基督也就不可能有友谊！

Another reason why Christians should do more than others, is—Because they are WATCHED more than others.
基督徒应该比其他人做得更多的另一个原因是——因为他们比其他人更受关注。

If once a man commences to be a professor—the eyes of all are upon him; and well they may, for his profession in the world, is a separation from the world. Believers condemn those by their lives—who condemn them by their lips! Righteous David saw many who were waiting to triumph in his mistakes. Hence the more they watched—the more he prayed: “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies.” It may be rendered, “because of my observers.”
一旦一个人开始成为一个教授（professor）——所有人的目光都集中在他身上；这是理所应当的，因为他在世上的职业是与世界分离的。信徒以他们的生活谴责那些用言语谴责他们的人！公义的大卫看到许多人等待在他的错误中得胜。因此，他们越是注视，他就越是祈祷：”耶和华啊，求你将你的道指教我，因我的仇敌的缘故引导我走平坦的路。”这也可以解释为”因我的观察者的缘故”。

Christian, if you dwell in the open tent of licentiousness—the wicked will not walk backward, like modest Shem and Japheth, to cover your shame; but they will walk forward, like cursed Ham, to publish it. Thus they make use of your weakness—as a plea for their wickedness.
基督徒啊，如果你住在放荡的开放帐篷里——邪恶的人不会像谦逊的闪和雅弗那样倒退着走来遮盖你的羞耻；相反，他们会像被诅咒的含那样向前走，公开你的羞耻。这样，他们就利用你的软弱——作为他们邪恶的借口。

Men are merciless in their censures of Christians! They have no sympathy for their infirmity. But God weighs them in more equal scales, and says, “The spirit is willing—but the flesh is weak.” While the saint is a dove in the eyes of God—he is only a raven in the estimation of sinners. Consider Christian—that an unholy life strips off the rich ornamental jewels from the neck of the bride, the Lamb’s wife! Sin indulged in a believer, is like a rent in a richly embroidered garment; or like a crack in a golden bell. A foul spot is soonest discerned—in the fairest cloth. The world will sooner make an excuse for its own enormities—than for your infirmities.
人们在批评基督徒时毫不留情！他们对基督徒的软弱没有同情心。但上帝用更公平的天平衡量他们，说：”心灵是愿意的——但肉体是软弱的。”虽然圣徒在上帝眼中是鸽子——但在罪人的评估中他只是一只乌鸦。基督徒要考虑——不圣洁的生活会剥去羔羊妻子（新娘）脖子上富丽的装饰珠宝！信徒放纵的罪，就像华丽刺绣衣服上的裂口；或像金钟上的裂缝。最公平的布料上最容易看出污点。这世界会更快为自己的暴行辩解——而不是为你的软弱辩护。

The behavior of some professors has often given the wicked an opportunity to reproach true religion. Lactantius reports, that the heathens were accustomed to say, “The Master could not be good—when His disciples were so bad.” The malice of sinners is such, that they will reproach the rectitude of God’s Word—for the blemishes of the lives of professors who swerve from it. O that your pure life, did but hang a padlock upon their impure lips! Such will ever be throwing the dirt of professors—upon the face of profession!
一些教授（professors）的行为常常给邪恶之人提供了诽谤真正宗教的机会。拉克坦提乌斯（Lactantius）报告说，异教徒习惯说：”当他的门徒如此糟糕时——主人不可能是好的。”罪人的恶意如此之大，以至于他们会因为偏离上帝话语的教授们生活中的瑕疵而诽谤上帝话语的正直。哦，愿你纯洁的生活能给他们不洁的嘴唇上挂一把挂锁！这样的人总是将教授们的污秽——抛到职业的脸上！

If the sun is eclipsed one day—it attracts more spectators than if it shone a whole year! So if you commit one sin—it will cause you many sorrows—and the world many triumphs.
如果太阳有一天被遮蔽了——它会吸引比它整年照耀时更多的观众！同样，如果你犯了一次罪——它会给你带来许多悲伤——也会给世界带来许多胜利。

Dr. Whitaker, on reading the Sermon on the Mount, broke out, saying, “either this is not the gospel—or we are not of the gospel.”
怀特克博士在读完登山宝训后，不禁说道：”要么这不是福音——要么我们不属于福音。”

The cruelty of the Spaniards to the Indians, made them refuse Christian baptism, “For,” said they, “He must be a wicked God, who has such wicked servants!” O that God’s jewels would sparkle more—in this benighted world!
西班牙人对印第安人的残酷，使他们拒绝接受基督教的洗礼，”因为，”他们说，”有如此邪恶仆人的神，一定是个邪恶的神！”哦，但愿上帝的珍宝能在这个黑暗的世界里更加闪耀！

That was a glorious eulogy given to Zacharias and Elizabeth: “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, blameless.”
这是给予撒迦利亚和伊丽莎白的光荣赞词：”他们二人在神面前都是义人，遵行主的一切诫命礼仪，没有可指摘的。”

God made them both righteous—and then men saw them righteous. Their religion was undefiled before God—and their lives were unspotted from the world.
上帝使他们俩都成为义人——然后人们看到他们是义人。他们的信仰在上帝面前是纯洁的——他们的生活也不被世俗玷污。

Reader! would you be righteous in God’s sight? Then you must be righteous in God’s Son. Would you be unspotted from the world? Then remember, you are not of the world.
读者！你想在上帝眼中成为义人吗？那么你必须在上帝的儿子里成为义人。你想不被世俗玷污吗？那么请记住，你不属于这个世界。

When the godly are left to fall, then the envious sinner will exclaim, “So that is your religion!” No wonder if a Barbarian gives the alarm—when the leprosy is in an Israelitish house.
当虔诚的人堕落时，嫉妒的罪人就会惊呼：”原来这就是你们的信仰！”当麻风病出现在以色列人的家中时，野蛮人发出警报也就不足为奇了。

Another reason why believers should do more than others, is—Because if they do no more—it will appear that they are no more than others.
信徒应该比其他人做得更多的另一个原因是——因为如果他们不做得更多——就会显得他们与其他人没有什么不同。

As there is no man so vicious—but some good may be performed by him to man; so there is no one so religious—but some evil may be committed by him against God.
正如没有人邪恶到不能对他人做些好事；同样，也没有人虔诚到不会对上帝犯下一些罪过。

As one bird does not prove the approach of summer—neither does one good action prove a man to be a believer. There is in every being a natural tendency to some center.
正如一只鸟并不能证明夏天的到来——一个好行为也不能证明一个人是信徒。每个生命中都有一种趋向某个中心的自然倾向。

God is the center of the saints—and glory is the center of grace. Now where we do not discover that bias towards grace—we may deny the being of grace.
上帝是圣徒的中心——荣耀是恩典的中心。现在，如果我们没有发现那种倾向于恩典的偏好——我们可能会否认恩典的存在。

Reader! would you be thought more than tax collectors and sinners? Then beware of living as tax collectors and sinners!
读者！你想被认为比税吏和罪人更好吗？那么要小心不要像税吏和罪人那样生活！

Jesus Christ gives you an excellent mirror in His memorable sermon upon the mount, for you to behold your own likeness in: “You shall know them by their fruits.”
耶稣基督在他那令人难忘的山上宝训中给了你一面绝佳的镜子，让你看到自己的真实面目：”凭着他们的果子，就可以认出他们来。”

There is no ascertaining the quality of a tree—but by its fruits.
除了通过果实，没有其他方法可以确定一棵树的品质。

When the wheels of a clock move within—the hand on the dial will move without.
当时钟内部的齿轮转动时，表盘上的指针就会随之移动。

When the heart of a man is sound in conversion—then the life will be fair in profession.
当一个人的心在归信上是健全的，那么他的生活在信仰上就会是美好的。

How shall we judge of the well—but by the waters which run through the pipes?
我们如何判断一口井的好坏，除了通过从管道流出的水？

As a sinner will reveal the good he desires; so a saint will show the good he enjoys.
就像罪人会显露他所渴望的善，圣徒也会展现他所享受的善。

When the sun dawns upon the earth, it is presently known; and when the Sun of righteousness arises upon the heart—it cannot be hidden.
当太阳照耀大地时，它立即被人知晓；同样，当公义的太阳照耀心灵时，它也无法被隐藏。

It is said of the Savior, that “He could not be hidden.”
经上说到救主，”他是不能隐藏的。”

As it is with the Head—so it is with the members: “You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine among men, that they may see your good works.”
正如头（基督）如此，肢体（信徒）也是如此：”你们是世上的光。你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为。”

When Saul was made a sovereign, he had another spirit poured out upon him; a spirit of government, for a place of government: and when a sinner is made a saint, he has also another spirit poured out upon him.
当扫罗被立为君王时，另一种灵浇灌在他身上；那是一种治理的灵，为了治理的职位：同样，当罪人成为圣徒时，他也有另一种灵浇灌在他身上。

As he is what he was not—so he does what he did not.
正如他成为了他以前不是的人，他也做了他以前不做的事。

It is reported of a harlot, that when she saw a certain person with whom she had committed immorality, she renewed her enticements; to whom he replied, “I am not now what I once was!”
据说有一个妓女，当她看到一个曾与她行淫的人时，她重新开始诱惑他；而那人回答说：”我已不再是从前的我了！”

Though she was the same woman that she was before—yet he was not the same man he was before.
尽管她还是从前的那个女人，但他已不再是从前的那个男人了。

Were the sun to give no more light than a star, you could not believe he was the regent of the day; were he to transmit no more heat than a glow-worm, you would question his being the source of earthly heat.
如果太阳发出的光不比星星多，你就不会相信它是白昼的主宰；如果它传递的热量不比萤火虫多，你就会质疑它是地球热量的来源。

Were God to do no more than a creature—where would His Godhead be?
如果上帝所做的不比受造物多，他的神性又在哪里呢？

Were a man to do no more than a brute—where would his manhood be?
如果一个人所做的不比野兽多，他的人性又在哪里呢？

Were not a saint to excel the sinner—where would his sanctity be?
如果一个圣徒不能胜过罪人，他的圣洁又在哪里呢？

Professor, if you live and walk as a worldling, you subject yourself to that apostolic rebuke, “Are you not carnal—and walk as men?”
教授，如果你像属世的人一样生活行走，你就要受到使徒的责备：”你们岂不是属肉体的人，照世人的样子行吗？”

If men debase themselves as beasts—the Lord will denominate them beasts.
如果人贬低自己如同野兽，主就会称他们为野兽。

If professors live like other men—God will call them unregenerate men.
如果教授们像其他人一样生活，上帝就会称他们为未重生的人。

There is no passing for current coin in Heaven—without the stamp and signature of Heaven.
没有天国的印记和签名，就无法在天国通行。

The disciples of Christ do more than others—Because they are appointed to be JUDGES of others.
基督的门徒比其他人做得更多——因为他们被任命为他人的审判者。

If you consult the Holy Scriptures, you will find that both the Father, the Son—and the saints are to judge the world. The ordination is the Father’s, the execution is the Son’s, and the approbation is the saints’. This shall no more derogate from the honor of Christ, than the sessions of the justices derogate from the authority of the judges.
如果你查阅圣经，你会发现父、子和圣徒都要审判世界。任命权属于父，执行权属于子，认可权属于圣徒。这不会比法官开庭审理案件有损于法官的权威更多地有损于基督的荣誉。

When the apostle Paul would quash the sinful suits among the believing Corinthians, he informed them that they did not so much require men of eminence to terminate their controversy, as men of godliness. “Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? If you are to judge in causes between God and man—how much more in controversies between man and man?” If about matters that are eternal—why not in affairs that are temporal?
当使徒保罗要平息信主的哥林多人之间的罪恶诉讼时，他告诉他们，他们并不需要杰出的人来终止他们的争议，而是需要敬虔的人。”岂不知圣徒要审判世界吗？若世界要被你们审判，难道你们不配审判这最小的事吗？若你们要在上帝与人之间的事上施行审判——何况人与人之间的争议呢？”如果是关于永恒的事——为何不能在世俗事务中呢？

Felons may be jovial in the prison, and bold at the bar—but they will tremble at the hangman’s halter. When wicked men come like miserable captives out of their holes, the godly shall rise like an unclouded sun above the horizon of the grave.
罪犯在监狱里可能很快活，在法庭上可能很大胆——但他们会在刽子手的绞索前颤抖。当恶人像可怜的俘虏一样从他们的洞穴中出来时，虔诚的人将像无云的太阳一样升起在坟墓的地平线之上。

There is a cloud of witnesses to prove the Christian’s judicial process—Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousand of His saints, to execute judgment upon all.” Again he says, “When the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Now the world judges the godly—but then the godly shall judge the world. The act of the Head is imputed to the members, and the act of the members is acknowledged by the Head.
有许多见证人证明基督徒的审判过程——亚当的第七代后裔以诺预言说：”看哪，主带着他的千万圣者降临，要审判众人。”他又说：”当人子坐在他荣耀的宝座上，你们也要坐在十二个宝座上，审判以色列的十二个支派。”现在世界审判虔诚的人——但到那时虔诚的人将审判世界。元首的行为归于肢体，肢体的行为也被元首承认。

Reader! in the great day there will be no distinction made between him who now sits on the bench, and him who stands at the bar. Tell me—how will you be capable of passing a righteous sentence on others, for those evils which you have lived in the constant commission of? The true Christian can cordially subscribe to that ancient maxim, “Because I enjoy the greatest share of religious majesty, I am therefore entitled to the least share of licentious liberty.” It was once said to Caesar, “Seeing all things are lawful to Caesar, therefore it is the less lawful for Caesar to do them.”
读者啊！在那伟大的日子里，现在坐在法官席上的人和站在被告席上的人之间将没有区别。告诉我——你如何能够对他人做出公正的判决，对于那些你一直在犯的罪恶？真正的基督徒可以衷心赞同那古老的格言，”因为我享有最大份额的宗教威严，所以我有权享有最少份额的放纵自由。”曾有人对凯撒说，”既然凡事对凯撒都是合法的，因此凯撒做这些事就更不合法。”

“By faith Noah, being warned of God, prepared an ark—by which he condemned the world.” Noah’s believing set him to prosecute his building. Thus the consistent Christian judges the world, both by his faith and his practice.
“挪亚因着信，既蒙神指示他未见的事，动了敬畏的心，预备了一只方舟——藉此就定了那世代的罪。”挪亚的信促使他进行建造。因此，始终如一的基督徒通过他的信仰和行为来审判世界。

Christian Reader! remember, that the gospel purity of your life—shows to worldlings the impurity of theirs. The usual prejudices which the world has against religion, is—that it makes no man better, though it may make some men stricter.
基督徒读者！请记住，你生活中的福音纯洁性——向世俗之人显示了他们的不纯洁。世界对宗教的普遍偏见是——它并不使人变得更好，尽管它可能使一些人变得更严格。

We too frequently behold that those who exclaim against the pride of others—are as proud as others. As they so constantly meet together, they are expected to be more godly—but they are not more godly for their meeting together. Take away their profession, and you take away their religion. They have nothing belonging to the sheep—but its skin.

我们经常看到，那些谴责他人骄傲的人，自己也同样骄傲。尽管他们经常聚会，人们期望他们更加虔诚，但他们并不因为聚会而变得更加虔诚。若去掉他们的信仰宣称，他们的宗教信仰也就不复存在。他们除了羊皮之外，没有任何属于羊的特质。

Mark, how the God of Israel expostulates with the professing Israel of God, “Has a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but My people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.” Here is a professing people, outdone by a people who made no profession. If heathens take up their gods—they will zealously keep up their gods. They were true to the false gods—while Israel was false to the true God.

注意以色列的神如何与自称属神的以色列争辩：”岂有一国换了他们的神吗？其实那不是神。但我的百姓将他们的荣耀换了那无益的。”这里有一个自称信神的民族，却被那些不信神的民族超越了。如果异教徒信奉他们的神，他们就会热心地维护他们的神。他们对假神忠诚，而以色列却对真神不忠。

“Hear, O heavens, and be astonished, O earth!” Why, what is the matter? “Even the animals—the donkey and the ox—know their owner and appreciate his care—but not My people Israel. No matter what I do for them, they still do not understand.” God does not call in a jury of angels to condemn them—but He calls a jury of oxen and donkeys, to pass sentence upon them. Alas, that oxen and donkeys should be more religious—than men who professed religion! In their kind they are more kind. If their owners feed them, they readily own their owners.

“诸天哪，要听！地啊，侧耳而听！”为什么，发生了什么事？”牛认识主人，驴认识主人的槽，以色列却不认识，我的民却不留意。”无论我为他们做什么，他们仍然不明白。”神并没有召集天使陪审团来谴责他们，而是召集了牛和驴的陪审团来对他们宣判。唉，牛和驴竟比那些自称有信仰的人更有宗教意识！它们以自己的方式更加善良。如果主人喂养它们，它们就会readily承认自己的主人。

And lastly, the disciples of Christ do more than others—Because they EXPECT more than others.
最后，基督的门徒比其他人做得更多，因为他们期待得到的比其他人更多。

A true hope of Heaven—excites an utter dislike to the earth. “And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as He is pure.” Hope is too pure a plant—to flourish or grow in an impure soil.

对天堂的真正盼望会激发对世俗的彻底厌恶。”凡向他有这指望的，就洁净自己，像他洁净一样。”希望是一种太纯洁的植物，无法在不纯洁的土壤中茁壮成长。

Reader! you must not expect to toil for the prince of darkness all the long day of your life—and then sup with the Prince of light at the evening of death. There is no going from Delilah’s lap—to Abraham’s bosom. It is not the tyrannic reign of sin in your mortal body—which makes way for the triumphant reign of your soul in eternal glory. Grace is such a pilot, as without its steerage you will certainly suffer shipwreck in your voyage to everlasting tranquility.

读者！你不能指望终生为黑暗之君劳作，然后在临终时与光明之君共进晚餐。你不能从大利拉的怀抱直接进入亚伯拉罕的怀中。罪在你必朽的身体中的暴虐统治，并不会为你灵魂在永恒荣耀中的胜利统治铺平道路。恩典就像一个舵手，没有它的掌舵，你在通往永恒安宁的航程中必定会遭遇shipwreck[待确认]。

There is no gaining admittance into the King of Heaven’s privy chamber of felicity—without passing through the strait gate of purity. “Blessed are the pure in heart—for they shall see God.” A dirty looking-glass will not clearly represent the face. To look for a Turkish paradise, is to conceive of the Heaven of purity—as a house of impurity; but while they expect to bathe themselves in carnal pleasures—you should look to be the chaste and happy consort of the Lamb!

若不经过纯洁的窄门，就无法进入天国之王的幸福密室。”清心的人有福了，因为他们必得见神。”肮脏的镜子无法清晰地反映面容。寻求土耳其式的天堂，就是将纯洁的天堂视为不洁之所；但当他们期待沉浸于肉欲快感时，你应当期待成为羔羊纯洁而幸福的伴侣！

The Lord’s gratuitous bestowments on saints—awaken the grateful sentiments of saints. “Giving thanks unto the Father—Who has made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”

主的恩赐赐予圣徒——唤醒圣徒感恩的情感。”感谢父——祂使我们有资格在光明中同得圣徒的基业。”

Men commonly season the vessel with water—before they trust it with costly wine. Thus God will season the vessel of your heart with His grace—before He pours into it the wine of His glory.

人们通常用水调和容器——然后才信任它盛放昂贵的酒。因此，上帝会用祂的恩典调和你心灵的容器——然后才将祂荣耀的酒倾倒其中。

It is hard to say, whether God discovers more love in preparing Heavenly mansions for the soul—than in preparing the soul for Heavenly mansions.

很难说，上帝在为灵魂预备天国的住处时——还是在为天国的住处预备灵魂时，显示了更多的爱。

Reader! if the Lord has made you a true believer, you earnestly desire that your present deportment may be suitable to your future preferment. You know there is no living a wicked life—and dying a righteous death.

读者！如果主已经使你成为真正的信徒，你热切地希望你现在的行为举止能够配得上你未来的提升。你知道不可能过着邪恶的生活——却死得正义。

As divine justice crushes none on earth before they are corrupted—so divine mercy crowns none in Heaven before they are converted.

正如神圣的公义在人腐败之前不会击垮任何人——神圣的怜悯在人悔改之前也不会在天堂为任何人加冕。

Holiness and happiness are so wisely joined together—that God will never allow them to be put asunder: “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

圣洁和幸福如此智慧地结合在一起——以至于上帝永远不会允许它们被分开：”你们要追求与众人和睦，并要追求圣洁，非圣洁没有人能见主。”

Though holiness is that which a sinner scorns—yet it is that which a Savior crowns.

尽管圣洁是罪人所蔑视的——但它却是救主所冠冕的。

The soul of man is the Lord’s casket, and grace the jewel. Now, wherever the jewel is not found—the casket will be thrown away.

人的灵魂是主的首饰盒，恩典是珠宝。现在，无论在哪里找不到珠宝——首饰盒都会被丢弃。

Though the wheat is for a garner—yet the chaff is for the fire. The Scripture presents you, not only, with an account of what God will do for a Christian—but also what a Christian will do for God.

虽然麦子是为仓库准备的——但糠秕是为火准备的。圣经不仅向你呈现了上帝为基督徒做什么——还呈现了基督徒为上帝做什么。

The high prize of heavenly bliss, is at the end of the gospel race: “So run—that you may obtain.” To neglect the race of holiness, is to reject the prize of happiness.

天国福乐的高奖，在福音赛跑的终点：”你们要这样跑——好叫你们得着。”忽视圣洁的赛跑，就是拒绝幸福的奖赏。

He who made you without your assistance—will not crown you until He has saved you from your disobedience.

那位不需要你帮助就创造了你的主——在祂拯救你脱离不顺服之前，不会为你加冕。

It would be well for fruitless sinners, were they seriously to consider that fearful Scripture: “Every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit—is cut down and thrown into the fire!”

对于不结果子的罪人来说，如果他们认真考虑那可怕的经文就好了：”凡不结好果子的树——就砍下来丢在火里！”

If you are not fruit-bearing plants—you must be burning brands. There is no making out your salvation, where there is no working out your salvation.

如果你们不是结果子的植物——你们就必须是燃烧的木块。在没有努力实现你们的救恩的地方，就没有实现你们的救恩。

Men are condemned, not only for their profaneness—but also for their slothfulness. Men may perish for being unprofitable servants, as well as for being abominable servants.

人被定罪，不仅因为他们的亵渎——也因为他们的懒惰。人可能因为是无用的仆人而灭亡，也可能因为是可憎的仆人而灭亡。

The Lord binds none in the bundle of life—but such as are heirs of life.
主不将任何人束缚在生命的捆里——只有那些承受生命的人。

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
“所以，我亲爱的弟兄们，你们务要坚固，不可摇动，常常竭力多做主工，因为知道你们的劳苦，在主里面不是徒然的。”

How cheerfully should those cast in their net—who are sure to enclose so excellent a catch of fish!
那些确信会捕获如此丰盛渔获的人，应当多么欢欣地撒下他们的网啊！

Reader! why do you expect more than others in Heaven—if grace has not made you more than others on earth?
读者啊！如果恩典没有使你在地上比他人更优秀，你为何期望在天堂比他人得到更多？

“If you love those who love you—what reward do you have?”
“你们若单爱那爱你们的人，有什么赏赐呢？”

It is but natural, that love should be returned to those from whom it has been received.
爱应该回报给那些给予爱的人，这是很自然的。

Now, natural works—shall have only natural wages.
如今，自然的行为——只能得到自然的报酬。

If you would not have God put you off with a Pharisee’s portion—how can you put Him off with a Pharisee’s performance?
如果你不愿上帝以法利赛人的份额打发你——你怎能以法利赛人的表现来敷衍祂呢？

The Lord hangs the bait of duty—upon the hook of mercy.
主将责任的诱饵——挂在怜悯的钩上。

He sets the promises of the gospel—in the galleries of His ordinances.
祂将福音的应许——置于祂律例的长廊中。

The hardy soldier will undergo a bloody seed time—to enjoy a happy harvest.
坚强的士兵会经历血腥的播种时期——以享受欢乐的收获。

He has nothing more than earthly mammon in his pursuit—but the saint has nothing less than Heavenly mansions in his pursuit.
他在追求中所得不过是世俗的财富——但圣徒在追求中所得不少于天国的宅邸。

Thus have I dispatched the first general head, namely, WHY the disciples of Christ do more than others.
至此，我已经阐述了第一个总论点，即为什么基督的门徒要做得比其他人更多。

I therefore come secondly to consider,
因此，我接下来要考虑的第二点是，

II. WHAT a Christian does more than others.
II. 基督徒做得比其他人多的是什么。

And here I shall form a golden chain of twenty links—for believers to wear about their necks.
在这里，我将为信徒编织一条由二十个环节组成的金链，让他们戴在脖子上。

The first singular action of a consistent Christian, is to do much good—and make but little noise.
一个始终如一的基督徒的第一个独特行为是，多行善事—而少张扬。

Some people say much—and do nothing. But Christians do much—and say nothing. To deserve praise where none is obtained—is better than to obtain praise where none is deserved. The old maxim is worthy to be revived—he who desires honor, is not worthy of honor.
有些人说得多—做得少。但基督徒做得多—说得少。在无人称赞之处值得称赞—比在不值得称赞之处获得称赞要好。这句古老的格言值得重新提起—渴望荣誉的人，不配得到荣誉。

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men—to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in Heaven.” A saint may be seen doing more works than any—and yet he does not desire to do any of the works to be seen. An alms which is seen, is by no means unpleasant to God, provided it be not given with a design to have it seen. Though good ends do not make bad actions lawful; yet bad ends make good actions sinful. The harp sounds sweetly; yet it hears not its own melody. Moses had more glory by his veil—than he had by his face. It is truly pleasant to behold those living in the dust of humility—who have raised others from the dust by their liberality.
“你们要小心，不要在人前行你们的义—以求被人看见。若是这样行，就不能得你们天父的赏赐。”一位圣徒可能被看到做的善事比任何人都多—但他并不希望做任何善事是为了被人看见。一个被看到的施舍，对上帝来说绝不是不悦的，只要它不是为了被看到而施舍。虽然好的目的不能使坏的行为变得合法；但坏的目的却会使好的行为变得有罪。竖琴发出悦耳的声音；但它却听不到自己的旋律。摩西因他的面纱而得到更多的荣耀—而不是因他的面容。看到那些生活在谦卑之尘中的人—却因他们的慷慨而使他人脱离尘埃，这真是令人愉悦的景象。

That ancient caution of our Savior is very suitable to modern times: “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” What the first verse calls doing to be seen by men, this calls doing to receive honor from men.
我们救主的那句古老警告非常适用于现代：”所以，你施舍的时候，不可在你前面吹号，像那假冒为善的人在会堂里和街道上所行的，故意要得人的荣耀。我实在告诉你们，他们已经得了他们的赏赐。”第一节经文称之为做给人看，这里称之为做来接受人的荣耀。

Hypocrites would never be anxious for men to see them—but that by seeing them—men should praise them. The indigent are more indebted to their vanity—than their charity. They give alms, not so much for the poor to live upon—as for the rich to look upon. This is employing the master’s coin—for the servant’s gain. Hypocrites are more zealous for the market—than for the closet. They can pray better in the corners of the streets—than in the corners of their houses.
伪君子之所以急于让人看到他们—是因为他们希望人们看到后—会赞美他们。穷人更多地亏欠他们的虚荣心—而不是他们的慈善。他们施舍，与其说是为了让穷人生存—不如说是为了让富人观看。这是用主人的钱币—来谋取仆人的利益。伪君子对市场比对内室更热心。他们在街角祷告—比在家里角落祷告更好。

It is both food and drink to a formalist to fast—if others do but see it. It is reported, that the nightingale never sings so sweetly—as when others stand by to hear its melody. “Come—see my zeal for the Lord!” when there was no zeal for the Lord to be seen. Jehu only made religion a stirrup—to mount upon the saddle of popularity. Sounding souls are seldom souls that are sound. The boast of a Jehu is always linked to the heart of a Judas. Some people are like hens—which no sooner drop their eggs than they begin to chatter. If such bestow a little money on a church’s repairs—it must be recorded upon a church plaque.
对于形式主义者来说，禁食既是食物又是饮料—只要别人看到就行。据说，夜莺从不像有人在旁听它歌唱时那样甜美地歌唱。”来—看我为耶和华的热心！”当实际上没有为耶和华的热心可看。耶户只是把宗教当作马镫—用来爬上声望的马鞍。响亮的灵魂很少是健全的灵魂。耶户的夸口总是与犹大的心相连。有些人就像母鸡—一下蛋就开始咯咯叫。如果这样的人为教堂修缮捐了一点钱—就一定要记录在教堂的牌匾上。

How frequently do the enemies of grace—lurk under the praises of nature! While a hypocrite is extolled—grace is injured.
恩典的敌人多么频繁地潜伏在对自然的赞美之下！当伪君子被赞扬时，恩典就受到了伤害。

By how much we arrogate to our honor—we derogate from God’s honor. Vain-glory is like Naaman’s leprosy—a foul spot upon a fair paper.
我们越是僭越地夺取荣誉，就越是贬低了上帝的荣耀。虚荣就像乃缦的麻风病——在洁白的纸上留下了污点。

What are the acclamations of man—compared to the approbation of God? Of what real advantage is it, to be praised on earth, by those about us—and damned in Heaven, by Him who is above us?
与上帝的认可相比，人的喝彩算什么？被周围的人在地上赞美，却被天上的祂诅咒，这有什么真正的好处呢？

One flaw in a diamond diminishes both its splendor and value. Where SELF is the end of our actions—there Satan is the rewarder of them!
钻石上的一个瑕疵就会减损其光彩和价值。当自我成为我们行为的目的时，撒旦就成了这些行为的奖赏者！

“But when you give to the needy—do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Acts of mercy are right hand acts—but the left hand must not know them, because it will make them known.
“但你施舍的时候，不要叫左手知道右手所做的。”怜悯的行为是右手的行为——但左手不能知道，因为它会泄露出去。

It is a singular thing for Christians to do much in secret—and to keep it secret when it is done. God is nearer to us—than we are to ourselves.
基督徒在暗中行善并保守秘密是一件独特的事。上帝比我们更了解我们自己。

We need not sound a trumpet for any ‘acts of righteousness’; for when the great trumpet shall sound—every work shall be revealed.
我们不需要为任何”义行”吹号；因为当大号吹响时——每一个行为都将被揭示。

Where the river is the deepest, the water glides the smoothest. Empty casks sound most; whereas the well-fraught vessel, silences its own sound.
河水最深处，水流最为平静。空桶声音最大；而装满的容器，则沉默无声。

As the shadow of the sun is largest, when his beams are lowest; so we are always least—when we make ourselves the greatest.
太阳的影子在光线最低时最大；同样，当我们把自己抬得最高时，我们实际上是最渺小的。

Wicked Saul would rather resign his crown—than his honor: “Honor me before the people!” There is little worth in outward splendor—if grace yield it not an inward luster.
邪恶的扫罗宁愿放弃王冠也不愿失去荣誉：”在百姓面前尊重我！”如果恩典不能赋予内在的光辉，外在的辉煌就没有多少价值。

When the sun of worldly grandeur is in its meridian, it may be masked with a cloud. By climbing too high on the bough of honor—you may hang yourselves on the tree of dishonor.
当世俗荣耀的太阳处于正午时分，它可能被云遮蔽。攀登荣誉之树太高，你可能会把自己挂在耻辱之树上。

Some would rather suffer the agony of the cross—than the infamy of the cross. It is worse, in their esteem, to be dispraised—than it is to be destroyed.
有些人宁愿忍受十字架的痛苦，也不愿承受十字架的耻辱。在他们看来，被贬低比被毁灭更糟糕。

Thus Abimelech, the fratricide, conceived of it: “A woman on the roof threw down a millstone that landed on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. He said to his young armor bearer, “Draw your sword and kill me! Don’t let it be said that a woman killed Abimelech!” Poor man, he dies—but his pride does not die!
因此，弑兄者亚比米勒如此想道：”一个女人从楼顶上扔下一块磨石，砸在亚比米勒的头上，打破了他的头骨。他对给他拿兵器的年轻人说，’拔出你的剑来，杀了我吧！不要让人说是一个女人杀了亚比米勒！'”可怜的人，他死了——但他的骄傲并未死去！

How frequently does God reject those as reprobate silver—whom men esteem as fine gold! “A man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men—but from God.”
上帝多么频繁地拒绝那些被人视为精金的人，把他们当作废银！”作犹太人的，不是外面作的，真割礼也不是外面肉体上的，惟有里面作的，才是真犹太人；真割礼也是心里的，在乎灵，不在乎仪文。这人的称赞不是从人来的，乃是从神来的。”

The praise of a hypocrite is not of God—but of man; the praise of a true Israelite is not of man—but of God. The former desires to appear good—that he may be admired. The latter desires to be good—that God may be honored.
伪君子的赞美不是来自上帝，而是来自人；真以色列人的赞美不是来自人，而是来自上帝。前者希望表现得好——以便被人钦佩。后者希望成为好人——以便上帝得到荣耀。

The self-abased saint on earth, imitates the holy angels in Heaven; while the self-admired sinner on earth, imitates the fallen angels in Hell.
地上谦卑的圣徒模仿天上的圣洁天使；而地上自我欣赏的罪人则模仿地狱中堕落的天使。

The cherubim in Ezekiel’s vision “had the hands of a man under their wings.” They had not their wings under their hands—but their hands under their wings. Their hands denoted skill, their wings denote celerity. Their hands under their wing’s, denote the secrecy of their actions. They would not have others fall down and worship them, who were only around the throne—but they fell down themselves to worship Him, who is upon the throne!

以西结异象中的基路伯”翅膀底下有人的手”。他们不是手在翅膀上方，而是翅膀下面有手。他们的手代表技能，翅膀代表敏捷。翅膀下的手表示行动的隐秘性。他们不会让他人跪拜他们，因为他们只是在宝座周围——而他们自己却俯伏敬拜坐在宝座上的那位！

It was foretold of our Lord Jesus Christ, who did the most excellent works that ever were done, that “He will not cry out or shout or make His voice heard in the streets.” “He will not cry out,” that is—He would not be contentious. “He will not shout or make His voice heard in the streets,” that is—He would not be vain-glorious.

关于我们的主耶稣基督，祂行了有史以来最卓越的工作，预言说：”祂不喧嚷，不扬声，也不使街上听见祂的声音。””祂不喧嚷”，意思是——祂不会好争。”祂不扬声，也不使街上听见祂的声音”，意思是——祂不会虚荣自夸。

How repugnant to this, was the conduct of the boasting Pharisee. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself—’God, I thank you, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector.'” Hypocrites are better in setting forth their own worth—than their own wants; in displaying the banners of their perfections—than in revealing the heinousness of their own transgressions. “I am not as other men are!” As if he had been such a fellow—as had had no fellow. Because he was not so bad as most—he thought himself as good as the best. Ambition is so great a planet—that it must have a whole orbit to move in. Ambition is envious of its equals.

与此相比，那个自夸的法利赛人的行为是多么令人厌恶。”法利赛人站着，自言自语地祷告说：’神啊，我感谢你，我不像别人勒索、不义、奸淫，也不像这个税吏。'”伪君子更善于宣扬自己的价值，而不是自己的需要；更善于展示自己的完美，而不是揭示自己过犯的可憎。”我不像别人！”好像他是个无与伦比的人。因为他不像大多数人那样坏，他就认为自己和最好的人一样好。野心是如此巨大的行星，它必须有一个完整的轨道来运行。野心嫉妒与之平等的人。

A sun-burned face seems fair, compared with an Ethiopian—but ciphers can never constitute a sum. This Pharisee was as far from being religious, as he was from being scandalous. But upon what foundation did he rear his superstructure? “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” He proclaims all out of doors—which was done within doors. He forgot that he was like the sea—which loses as much on one shore as it gains on another. He hid his sins—which he should have confessed; and he published his good deeds—which he should have concealed.

与埃塞俄比亚人相比，晒黑的脸看起来还算白皙——但是零永远不能构成一个数。这个法利赛人既不虔诚，也不可耻。但他的上层建筑是建立在什么基础之上的呢？”我一周禁食两次，凡我所得的都捐上十分之一。”他把在室内做的事都宣扬到室外。他忘记了自己就像大海——在一岸失去多少，就在另一岸获得多少。他隐藏了本应承认的罪，却公开了本应隐藏的善行。

What victory a formalist seemingly obtains over one lust—he loses, by being overcome by another. He trades, not for God’s glory—but for his own vain-glory. If a tear is shed, or a prayer is made, as it is performed by him—so it is divulged by him. He who traffics in God’s service, to freight himself with man’s praises—shall suffer shipwreck in the haven!

形式主义者看似在一种欲望上获胜，却因被另一种欲望击败而失去了。他交易不是为了神的荣耀，而是为了自己的虚荣。如果他流一滴泪，或做一个祷告，正如他所做的那样——他就会宣扬出去。在神的事工中交易，为自己赢得人的赞美的人——将在港口遭遇沉船！

It is reported of Alexander’s footman, that he ran so swift upon the sand, that the prints of his footsteps were not to be seen. Thus may it be with Christians. Nothing is more pleasing to God, than a hand liberally opened—and a tongue strictly silent!

据说亚历山大的仆人在沙滩上跑得如此之快，以至于看不到他的脚印。基督徒也应如此。没有什么比慷慨解囊的手和严格缄默的舌头更让神喜悦的了！

Most people are like Themistocles, who never found himself so much contented as when he heard himself praised. I will not say a gracious heart never lifts up itself in pride—but I will say, that grace in the heart never lifts it up. Grace in the heart constantly acts like itself—but a gracious heart does not always do so.

大多数人都像特米斯托克利斯(Themistocles)一样，当听到别人赞美自己时，他从未感到如此满足。我不会说一颗仁慈的心永远不会因骄傲而自高自大——但我要说，心中的恩典从不会使它自高自大。心中的恩典总是表现得像它本来的样子——但一颗仁慈的心并不总是如此。

Saints should resemble a spire steeple, which is smallest where it is highest; or those orient stars, which the higher they are seated—the less they are seen. Usually the greatest boasters—are the smallest workers. The deep rivers pay a larger tribute to the sea than shallow brooks—and yet empty themselves with less noise. What will a hypocrite not do—so he might but see his own signet upon it when it is done!

圣徒们应该像尖塔一样，在最高处最小；或者像那些东方的星星，它们越高——越不容易被看见。通常最大的吹牛者——是最小的行动者。深河比浅溪向大海贡献更多——却以更少的噪音倾泻而出。伪君子为了在事成之后看到自己的印记，有什么是他不会做的呢！

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to bring up the bottom of his life—to the top of his light.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为，就是将他生命的底部——提升到他光明的顶点。

By how far our hearts are set upon God’s precepts—to love them; by so far are God’s ears set upon our prayers—to answer them. David knew this when he said, “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Since the tree of knowledge has been tasted—the key of knowledge has been rusted.

我们的心有多专注于上帝的戒律——去爱它们；上帝的耳朵就有多专注于我们的祈祷——去回应它们。大卫知道这一点，所以他说：”我若心里注重罪孽，主必不听。”自从知识之树被品尝以来——知识之钥已经生锈。

Therefore, “The natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” Spiritual truths oppose the wickedness of human reason—because they are against it, and therefore it cannot receive them. Spiritual truths also exceed the weakness of human reason—because they are above it, therefore it cannot perceive them. It is better to be a toe in the foot—and that be sound; than to be an eye in the head—and that be blind.

因此，”属血气的人不领会神圣灵的事，反倒以为愚拙，并且不能知道，因为这些事惟有属灵的人才能看透。”属灵的真理与人类理性的邪恶相对——因为它们是与之相悖的，所以人类理性无法接受它们。属灵的真理也超越了人类理性的弱点——因为它们高于人类理性，所以人类理性无法感知它们。做脚上健全的脚趾，胜过做头上失明的眼睛。

There is a great propriety in the exhortation of Peter, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” No knowledge can equal that of Christ; no growth can equal that of grace. Without grace, there may be seeming knowledge—but without grace, there can be no saving knowledge.

彼得的劝勉非常恰当，”你们却要在我们主救主耶稣基督的恩典和知识上有长进。”没有知识能与基督的知识相比；没有成长能与恩典的成长相比。没有恩典，可能有表面的知识——但没有恩典，就不可能有救赎的知识。

There were more enlightened, than enlivened, in the days of Christ; hence He said, “If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” To obey the truth, and not to know it—is impossible. To know the truth, and not obey it—is unprofitable. For, “Not everyone who says unto me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven—but he who does the will of My Father who is in Heaven.” Saving knowledge is not as the light of the moon—to sleep by; but as the light of the sun—to work by. It is not a loiterer in the market-place—but a laborer in the vineyard.

在基督的时代，被启发的人比被激励的人多；因此祂说：”你们既知道这些事，若是去行就有福了。”遵行真理而不知道真理——是不可能的。知道真理而不遵行——是无益的。因为，”凡称呼我’主啊，主啊’的人不能都进天国；惟独遵行我天父旨意的人才能进去。”救赎的知识不像月光——用来睡觉；而是像阳光——用来工作。它不是市场上的闲荡者——而是葡萄园里的劳动者。

A man may be a great scholar—and yet be a great sinner. Judas the traitor—was Judas the preacher!
一个人可能是一位伟大的学者——但同时也可能是一个大罪人。背叛者犹大——曾是传道者犹大！

The snake which has a pearl in its head—has poison in its body!
蛇的头上虽有珍珠——但身体里却有毒液！

The tree of knowledge has often been planted, and flourished—where the tree of life never grew.
知识之树常常被种植，并茂盛生长——在生命之树从未生长的地方。

A man may be acquainted with the grace of truth, and yet not know the truth of grace.
一个人可能熟悉真理的恩典，却不知道恩典的真理。

All abilities and gifts—without grace and holiness—are but like Uriah’s letters, which were the death warrants of him who carried them!
所有的能力和恩赐——若没有恩典和圣洁——就如同乌利亚的信，成为携带者的死亡令！

Mere head knowledge will be as unhelpful to the soul, in the judgment day—as a painted fire is unhelpful to the frozen body, in a cold day.
仅有的头脑知识对灵魂在审判日的帮助——就如同画出的火焰对寒冷日子里冻僵的身体毫无帮助。

As some articles are tanned by the same sun in which others are whitened—so are some professors hardened under the same gospel by which others are softened.
正如有些物品在阳光下被晒黑，而其他物品却被漂白——同样，有些信徒在同样的福音下变得刚硬，而其他人却变得柔软。

I would never have that the brand of Christians, which was the bane of heathens, “Though they knew God—they did not glorify Him as God.”
我绝不愿看到基督徒带有那曾是异教徒祸害的特征，”虽然他们认识神——却不把他当作神来荣耀。”

As it is lost labor to smite the flint—if it disperses no sparks; so it is fruitless toil to furnish our heads with light—if it does not refine our hearts.
正如击打燧石却不能迸发火花是徒劳无功；同样，用光明充实我们的头脑——若不能净化我们的心，也是徒然的劳作。

Satan may as well put out our eyes—that we should not see the truth; as cut off our feet—that we should not walk in the truth.
撒但可能会蒙蔽我们的眼睛——使我们看不见真理；也可能砍掉我们的脚——使我们不能在真理中行走。

Mere theoretical knowledge may make the head giddy—but it will never make the heart holy.
单纯的理论知识可能会让头脑眩晕——但永远不会使心灵圣洁。

Who would wait for such a gale, as would drive them farther from the desired haven? or freight their vessels with such a cargo, as would ruin the owner?
谁会等待这样的大风，将他们推得离理想港口更远？或者用会毁掉船主的货物来装载他们的船只？

Shall we hold the candle of the gospel in one hand—and the sword of rebellion in the other?
我们难道要一手持福音之烛——另一手握叛逆之剑吗？

How many professors are there, who have light enough to know what should be done—but have not love enough to do what they know!
有多少教授拥有足够的智慧知道应该做什么——但却没有足够的爱去实践他们所知道的！

Such people have no advantage from carrying a bright candle in a dark lantern.
这样的人从携带明亮的蜡烛在黑暗的灯笼里没有任何益处。

Give me the Christian who perfectly sees the way he should go—and readily goes the way he sees!
给我那种能完美看清应走之路——并且欣然走上所见之路的基督徒！

That is barren ground—which brings forth no fruit.
那不结果实的——就是贫瘠之地。

“To him who knows to do good, and does it not—to him it is sin.”
“人若知道行善，却不去行，这就是他的罪了。”

The sins of ignorance are most numerous—but the sins of knowledge are most dangerous!
无知之罪最为普遍——但明知故犯之罪最为危险！

That sinner’s darkness will be the greatest in Hell—whose light was the clearest on earth!
在地上光明最清晰的罪人——在地狱里将经历最深重的黑暗！

Pharnaces, the Prince of Pontus, sent a crown to Caesar, at the time he was in rebellion against him.
本都的王子法尔纳西斯在反叛凯撒的时候，给凯撒送去了一顶王冠。

Caesar refused the present, saying, “Let him first lay down his rebellion, and then I will receive his crown.”
凯撒拒绝了这份礼物，说：”让他先放下叛逆，然后我才会接受他的王冠。”

There are many who set a crown of glory upon the head of Christ by a good profession, and yet put a crown of thorns upon His head by an evil conversation.
有许多人通过良好的职业在基督头上戴上荣耀的冠冕，却又通过邪恶的言行给祂戴上荆棘的冠冕。

By the words of our mouth—we may affect to adore religion; but it is by the works of our lives—that we adorn religion.
通过我们口中的言语——我们可能表现出对宗教的崇敬；但是通过我们生命的行为——我们才真正装饰了宗教。

It was a just saying of one, “That in the best reformed churches, there were the most deformed professors.” Look to this, reader—that all will be pulled down without you—if there be no grace set up within you.
有人曾说过一句恰当的话：”在最好的改革教会里，有着最变形的信徒。”读者啊，请注意这一点——如果你内心没有建立恩典，你外在的一切都将被摧毁。

As trees without fruits are unprofitable—so knowledge without good works is abominable! Leah and Rachel are fit emblems of knowledge and obedience. Knowledge, like Rachel, is beautiful—but obedience, like Leah, is fruitful.
正如没有果实的树木是无用的——知识若没有好行为也是可憎的！利亚和拉结是知识和顺服的恰当象征。知识像拉结一样美丽——但顺服像利亚一样富有成效。

He who dislikes to do what he knows—will one day not know what to do.
不喜欢实践所知的人——有一天将不知道该做什么。

“Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Wise as serpents to guard against the wolf’s rapacity; and harmless as doves that you may do no man any injury.
“要灵巧像蛇，驯良像鸽子。”像蛇一样聪明以防御狼的贪婪；像鸽子一样无害以不伤害任何人。

Thus, the serpent’s eye is an ornament when placed in the dove’s head. The lives of many professors are awfully unlike their lights. They have the light of the sun—for wisdom; but lack the heat of a candle—for grace and holiness.
因此，当蛇的眼睛放在鸽子的头上时，它就成了装饰品。许多信徒的生活与他们的光明大相径庭。他们拥有太阳的光芒——作为智慧；但缺乏蜡烛的热量——作为恩典和圣洁。

I have read of a painter, who being warmly reprehended by a cardinal, for putting too much red in the faces of St. Paul and St. Peter, answered, “It is to show how much they blush at the conduct of many who style themselves their successors!”
我读过一个画家的故事，他因在圣保罗和圣彼得的脸上涂抹太多红色而被一位红衣主教严厉斥责，他回答说：”这是为了显示他们对许多自称是他们继承人的人的行为有多么羞愧！”

Were Abraham the father of the faithful, now on earth, how would he disclaim all relation to many who call themselves his offspring! Though there was less grace revealed to the saints of old—yet there was more grace manifested by them. They knew little—and did much; we know much—and do little.
如果信心之父亚伯拉罕现在在世，他会如何否认与许多自称是他后裔的人的关系！虽然古时的圣徒所得到的恩典较少——但他们所彰显的恩典却更多。他们知道得少——却做得多；我们知道得多——却做得少。

John the Baptist “was a burning and a shining light” To shine is not enough, a glow-worm will do so; to burn is not enough, a firebrand will do so. Light without heat—does but little good; and heat without light—does much harm.
施洗约翰”是一盏燃烧和发光的灯”仅仅发光是不够的，萤火虫也能做到；仅仅燃烧也是不够的，火把也能做到。没有热量的光——只能做很少的好事；没有光的热量——会造成很大的伤害。

Give me those Christians who are burning lamps—as well as shining lights.
给我那些既是燃烧的灯——又是发光的明灯的基督徒。

The sun is as vigorous in his moving—as he is illustrious in his shining. I know the light of nature requires grace, to repel the lusts of nature. Will any say, “The day of hope is dawning within them—when the powers of darkness are ruling over them?”
太阳在运行中如此有力——正如他在照耀中如此辉煌。我知道自然之光需要恩典，来抵挡自然的欲望。当黑暗的力量统治着他们时——有谁会说”希望之日正在他们内心破晓”？

How monstrous is it to see a Christian’s tongue larger than his hand! To speak so much of God, to others—and act so little for God, himself.
看到一个基督徒的舌头比他的手还大，这是多么怪异啊！对别人谈论上帝如此之多——而自己为上帝做的却如此之少。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to prefer the duty he owes to God—to the danger he fears from man!
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是，宁愿履行对上帝的责任，也不畏惧来自人的危险！

Christians in all ages have prized their services—above their safety. “The wicked flee, when no man pursues—but the righteous are bold as a lion!” The fearful hare trembles at every noise—but the courageous lion is unmoved by the greatest clamors. Were believers to shrink back at every contrary wind which blows—they would never make their voyage to Heaven.
历代的基督徒都珍视他们的服侍胜过自身的安全。”恶人虽无人追赶也逃跑，义人却胆壮如狮子！”胆小的兔子对每一个声响都会颤抖，而勇敢的狮子却对最大的喧嚣无动于衷。如果信徒每遇到逆风就退缩，他们就永远无法完成通往天堂的航程。

“My righteousness I hold fast—and will not let it go.” Poor Job could hold nothing fast—but his integrity. Grace kept his heart—when he could not keep his gold. Uprightness is so fair a complexion, as not to be subject to any alteration by the scorching beams of persecution. The laurel preserves its verdure amidst the severest blasts of winter. Times of trouble have often been—times of triumph to a believer. Suffering seasons have generally been sifting seasons—in which the Christian has lost his chaff, and the hypocrite his courage!
“我持守我的义，必不放松。”可怜的约伯什么都抓不住，唯独抓住了他的正直。当他无法保住他的金子时，恩典保守了他的心。正直是如此美好的品格，以至于不会因迫害的灼热而有所改变。月桂树在最严酷的冬季风暴中仍保持其青翠。对信徒来说，患难的时期往往是胜利的时期。受苦的季节通常是筛选的季节——在这个季节里，基督徒失去了他的糠秕，而伪善者失去了他的勇气！

Dangers have frequently made the worldling leave his duties. The scythe of persecution—cuts down the tender grass of his devotion. Those who always refuse to carry the yoke of Christ upon their necks—will also refuse to carry the cross of Christ upon their backs. Nothing less than the enjoyment of God, who is altogether good—can permanently support us under the suffering of that which is evil. The flesh is an enemy to suffering; because suffering is an enemy to the flesh. The flesh may make a man an earthly courtier—but it will never make a man a Christian martyr.
危险经常使世俗之人放弃他的职责。迫害的镰刀割倒了他虔诚的嫩草。那些总是拒绝在颈上背负基督的轭的人，也会拒绝在背上背负基督的十字架。只有享受全然美善的上帝，才能在我们承受邪恶之苦时给予永久的支持。肉体是受苦的敌人；因为受苦是肉体的敌人。肉体可能使人成为世俗的朝臣，但永远不会使人成为基督教的殉道者。

Wicked men stumble at every straw in the way to Heaven—but they climb over mountains in the way to destruction! Hang heavy weights on rotten boughs—and they will suddenly break. If mere professors take up religion in a fair day—they will eagerly lay it down in a foul one. The language of such is “Lord, we are willing to serve You—but unwilling to suffer for You. We will go to sea with You—but on condition we have no storms. We have no objections to enter into the war—but upon the promise that we have no fighting!” Such would gladly be wafted to the port of felicity—in such vessels as would not be tossed in the sea of calamity! They think too much of wearing a thorn—though it is borrowed from Christ’s crown!
邪恶的人在通往天堂的路上对每根稻草都会绊倒，但他们在通往毁灭的路上却能翻越高山！在腐朽的树枝上挂重物，它们就会突然断裂。如果仅仅是宗教教授在晴天信教，他们就会在阴天急于放弃。这样的人的语言是：”主啊，我们愿意服侍你，但不愿为你受苦。我们愿意与你同航，但条件是不遇风浪。我们不反对参战，但前提是不用打仗！”这样的人愿意乘坐不会在灾难之海中颠簸的船只，驶向幸福的港湾！他们过分在意戴荆棘——尽管那是从基督的冠冕上借来的！

There are some who would sacrifice a stout heart—to a stubborn will; and would rather die martyrs for their sins—than servants for the truth. How shall those stand for Christ—who never stood in Christ? True believers are more studious how to adorn the cross—than how to avoid the cross. They deem it better to be saved in troubled water—than to be drowned in a calm ocean!
有些人会为了固执的意志而牺牲坚强的心；他们宁愿为自己的罪而死，也不愿为真理作仆人。那些从未在基督里站立的人，如何能为基督站立？真正的信徒更专注于如何装饰十字架，而不是如何避开十字架。他们认为在汹涌的水中得救，比在平静的海洋中溺亡要好！

Temporary professors are like hedge-hogs which have two holes; one to the north and another to the south; when the south wind chaffs them—they turn to the north; and when the north wind chills them—they turn to the south. Thus they lose their activity to preserve their security. That was a beggarly saying which fell from a prince’s lips, “I will sail no farther in the cause of Christ—than while I can preserve my safe retreat to land.”
临时的教授就像刺猬有两个洞；一个在北边，另一个在南边；当南风吹得它们烦躁时，它们转向北边；当北风使它们发冷时，它们又转向南边。这样，他们为了保全安全而失去了活力。从一位王子口中说出的这句话是多么卑劣，”我为基督的事业航行，只到我能保证安全返回陆地为止。”

Man is a short-sighted creature; he is afraid to follow too far upon the heels of truth—lest it should lead him into danger.
人是一个短视的生物；他害怕过于紧随真理的脚步——唯恐它会将他引入危险。

Weak grace may do for God—but it must be strong grace which will die for God.
微弱的恩典可能足以为上帝做事——但只有强大的恩典才能为上帝而死。

A true Christian will lay down his lusts—at the command of Christ; and his life—for the cause of Christ.
一个真正的基督徒会按照基督的命令放下他的欲望；并为基督的事业献出生命。

The more a tree of righteousness is shaken by the wind—the more it is rooted in the ground.
义人之树被风摇动得越厉害——它就越深深扎根于地面。

What, are you a member of Christ—and afraid to be a martyr for Christ?
什么，你是基督的肢体——却害怕为基督殉道吗？

If those are blessed who die in Christ—what must they be who die for Christ!
如果那些在基督里死去的人是有福的——那么为基督而死的人又该是何等的福分！

What though the flesh returns to dust—so long as the spirit returns to Heaven?
肉体归于尘土又何妨——只要灵魂回归天堂？

What is the body of man, for a soul to live in—compared with the bosom of Abraham, for a soul to lie in?
与亚伯拉罕的怀抱相比，人的身体作为灵魂居住的地方又算得了什么？

Righteous Abel, the first martyr in the church militant, was the first saint in the church triumphant.
义人亚伯，在战斗的教会中是第一位殉道者，在得胜的教会中是第一位圣徒。

He offered up a sacrifice—when the altar was sprinkled with his own blood.
当祭坛被他自己的血洒满时，他献上了祭物。

As his body was the first which ever went into the earth—so his soul was the first which ever went into Heaven!
正如他的身体是第一个进入地下的——他的灵魂也是第一个进入天堂的！

“Should such a man as I flee?” says Nehemiah—a man so much owned and honored by God?
“像我这样的人岂可逃跑呢？”尼希米说道——一个如此被上帝所拥有和尊重的人？

It is better to die a conqueror in religion, than to live a coward in religion.
在信仰中死为征服者，胜过在信仰中活为懦夫。

Those who are willing to be combatants for God—shall also be more than conquerors through God.
那些愿意为上帝而战的人——也必将通过上帝成为得胜有余的人。

None are so truly courageous—as those who are truly religious.
没有人比真正虔诚的人更加勇敢。

If a Christian lives—he knows by whose might he stands; and if he dies—he knows for whose sake he falls.
如果一个基督徒活着——他知道靠谁的力量站立；如果他死去——他知道为谁而倒下。

Where there is no confidence in God—there will be no continuance with God.
哪里没有对上帝的信心——哪里就不会与上帝持续同行。

When the wind of faith ceases to fill the sails—the ship of obedience ceases to plough the seas!
当信心之风不再鼓满船帆时——顺服之船就不再破浪前行！

The taunts of Ishmael—shall never make an Isaac disesteem his inheritance.
以实玛利的嘲讽——永远不会使以撒轻视他的产业。

Reader! if a righteous cause brings you into sufferings—a righteous God will bring you out of sufferings.
读者啊！如果正义的事业使你遭受苦难——公义的上帝必将使你脱离苦难。

A Christian is as much indebted to his enemies—as to his friends.
一个基督徒对他的敌人的亏欠——与对他的朋友的亏欠一样多。

The malicious crucifixion of Christ—wrought out the glorious exaltation of Christ.
对基督恶意的钉十字架——成就了基督荣耀的升高。

The worst that men can do against believers—is the best they can do for believers.
人们对信徒能做的最坏的事——就是他们能为信徒做的最好的事。

The worst they can do against them—is to send them out of the earth; and the best they can do for them—is to send them into Heaven!
他们能对信徒做的最坏的事——就是把他们送出这个世界；而他们能为信徒做的最好的事——就是把他们送入天堂！

That was a Christian expression of one of the martyrs to his persecutors, “You take a life from me, which I cannot keep—and bestow a life upon me, which I cannot lose!
这是一位殉道者对他的迫害者所说的基督徒式表达，”你们从我这里夺走了我无法保持的生命——却赐给我一个我无法失去的生命！

This is as if you should rob me of my pennies—and load me with diamonds!”
这就好比你们抢走了我的铜板——却给我装满了钻石！”

He who is assured of a heavenly life which has no end—need not care how soon this earthly life shall end!
确信拥有永恒天国生命的人——何必在意这世上的生命何时结束！

Neither the persecuting hand of men, nor the chastising hand of God—relaxed ancient singular saints. “All this happened to us, yet we had not forgotten You or been false to Your covenant. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from Your path.”
无论是人的迫害之手，还是神的惩戒之手——都没有使古代独特的圣徒松懈。”这一切都临到我们身上，我们却没有忘记你，也没有违背你的约。我们的心没有退后，我们的脚也没有偏离你的道路。”

Believers resemble the moon, which emerges from her eclipse by keeping her motion; and ceases not to shine, because the dogs bark at her. Shall we cease to be professors, because others will not cease to be persecutors?
信徒就像月亮，通过保持运动从日蚀中走出来；也不会因为狗对她吠叫而停止发光。难道我们要因为别人不停止迫害就停止做信徒吗？

By the seed of the serpent—the heel of the woman may be bruised—but by the seed of the woman—the head of the serpent shall be broken! A Christian may enjoy a calm of inward peace—while he sustains the storms of outward trouble. If he enjoys the former—he may expect the latter. If he suffers the latter—he may expect the former. There is no summer without its winter.
通过蛇的后裔——女人的脚跟可能会被伤——但通过女人的后裔——蛇的头必将被打破！一个基督徒可能在承受外部困扰的风暴时——享受内心平静的宁静。如果他享受前者——他可能会预期后者。如果他遭受后者——他可能会期待前者。没有哪个夏天是没有冬天的。

“Many waters” (may drown the world, but) “cannot quench love.” The water of affliction cannot extinguish the fire of affection. If true religion goes against their lusts, formalists will quickly shut up their hearts against it. They will rather tarry out of the land of Canaan—than swim to it through the Red Sea. A man will never sustain trouble for Jesus—until he finds rest in Jesus.
“众水”（可能淹没世界，但）”不能熄灭爱情。”苦难之水不能熄灭爱的火焰。如果真正的宗教与他们的欲望相悖，形式主义者会很快对它关闭心扉。他们宁愿逗留在迦南地之外——也不愿穿过红海游过去。一个人永远不会为耶稣承受苦难——直到他在耶稣里找到安息。

Adventurous Peter could cry, “Lord! if it is You—bid me come to You on the water.” Love to Christ can walk on the water without drowning, and lie in the fire without burning. It is said of the serpent, “That it cares not to what danger it exposes its body—so long as it can but secure its head.” Thus a Christian cares not to what danger he is liable, so long as Jesus is but honored thereby.
冒险的彼得可以喊道，”主啊！如果是你——请吩咐我从水面上走到你那里。”对基督的爱可以在水上行走而不溺水，躺在火中而不燃烧。据说蛇”不在乎它的身体暴露在什么危险中——只要它能保护好它的头。”因此，一个基督徒不在乎他可能面临什么危险，只要耶稣因此而得到尊崇。

Paul, who turned the world upside-down, could not be turned upside-down by the world. “None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself; so that I might finish my course with joy.” A saint is inwardly pious—when he is not outwardly prosperous. The sharper the medicine is—the sounder the patient is for its operation. The higher the flood swells on earth—the nearer the ark mounts to Heaven.
保罗，那个颠覆世界的人，不能被世界颠覆。”这些事没有一样能动摇我，我也不看重自己的性命，只要行完我的路程，欢欢喜喜地完成主耶稣所托付我的职事。”一个圣徒在外表不昌盛时——内心是虔诚的。药越苦——病人因其作用就越健康。洪水在地上涨得越高——方舟就越接近天堂。

God can strike straight strokes—with crooked sticks; and make Satan’s dross burnish His choice vessels. Christians are crucified by the world—that they might be crucified to the world. God makes it their enemy—that He might make them enemies to it. Religion is that phoenix which has always flourished in its own ashes. While reprobates attack the truth with their sword—martyrs defend it with their blood. The loss of their heads—hastens the reception of their crowns.
上帝可以用弯曲的棍子——打出直的一击；并使撒但的渣滓擦亮祂精选的器皿。基督徒被世界钉在十字架上——是为了他们能对世界钉十字架。上帝使世界成为他们的敌人——是为了使他们成为世界的敌人。宗教就是那只凤凰，总是在自己的灰烬中繁荣。当堕落者用剑攻击真理时——殉道者用血捍卫它。他们头颅的丧失——加速了他们王冠的接受。

We would never land in triumph at the haven of rest—if we were not tossed upon the sea of trouble. If Joseph had not been Egypt’s prisoner—he would never have been Egypt’s governor. The iron chains about his feet—ushered in the golden chains about his neck. Temporal losses are only gentle breezes—but eternal losses are insupportable storms.
如果我们不在苦难的海上颠簸——我们就永远不会胜利地抵达安息的港湾。如果约瑟不是埃及的囚犯——他就永远不会成为埃及的总督。他脚上的铁链——引出了他脖子上的金链。暂时的损失只是温和的微风——但永恒的损失是无法承受的暴风雨。

Reader! tell me, is not Christ, with His cross for a few years—better than Dives, with his dainties for a few days? What comparison is there between the short-lived happiness of the wicked—attended with everlasting misery; and the short-lived misery of the righteous—attended with everlasting happiness?
读者！告诉我，基督带着祂的十字架几年——不是比财主(Dives)享受美食几天更好吗？恶人短暂的幸福——伴随着永恒的痛苦；与义人短暂的痛苦——伴随着永恒的幸福，这两者之间有什么可比性呢？

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is—To seek the public good of others above the private good of himself.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是——将他人的公共利益置于自己的私利之上。

The sentiment of Plato, a heathen, is worthy to be adopted by every Christian, “I was not born for myself alone; for my country claims a part, my relations claim a part, and my friends claim a part in me.” As we are not born by ourselves—so we are not born for ourselves.

柏拉图这个异教徒的观点值得每个基督徒采纳，”我不是为自己而生的；因为我的国家要求我付出一部分，我的亲戚要求我付出一部分，我的朋友也要求我付出一部分。”正如我们不是靠自己出生的——我们也不是为自己而生的。

Baruch, the man of God, was forbidden to make SELF the center of his wishes, “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Seek them not!” For saints to set their hearts—upon that whereon beasts set their feet; is as if a king should abdicate his throne—to follow the plough; or, as if a man should desert a golden mine—to dig in a pit of gravel. When we hide ourselves—it denotes that we are virtuous; but when we seek ourselves—it denotes that we are covetous.

巴录，这个属神的人，被禁止把自我作为他愿望的中心，”你为自己图谋大事吗？不要图谋！”圣徒若将心思放在野兽踩踏的地方，就好比国王放弃王位去耕田，或者有人舍弃金矿去挖砾石坑。当我们隐藏自己时——表明我们是有美德的；但当我们寻求自己时——表明我们是贪婪的。

I am unwilling to draw a defective feature in any man’s picture; yet how many are there, who have occupied public places—with private aspirations! While they pretended to undertake everything for the good of others; it has appeared, that they undertook nothing but for the good of themselves. Such suckers at the roots—have drawn away the sap and nourishment from the tree. They have set kingdoms on fire—that they might roast their own venison at the flames. These drones stealing into the hive—have fed upon the honey; while the laboring bees have been famished! Too many resemble ravenous birds, which at first seem to bewail the dying sheep—but at last, are found picking out their eyes!

我不愿在任何人的画像中描绘缺陷；然而有多少人在公共岗位上——怀有私人野心！他们假装为他人利益做一切事；但事实证明，他们所做的一切都只是为了自己的利益。这些吸附在根部的吸食者——已经从树上吸走了汁液和养分。他们点燃王国之火——只为在火焰上烤自己的鹿肉。这些偷偷潜入蜂巢的雄蜂——已经吃光了蜂蜜；而辛勤工作的蜜蜂却挨饿！太多人像是贪婪的鸟儿，起初似乎在为垂死的羊哀悼——但最后，却发现它们在啄食羊的眼睛！

There is a proverb—but none of Solomon’s, “Every man for himself—and God for us all.” But where every man is for himself—the devil will have all. Whoever is a seeker of himself—is not found of God. Though he may find himself in this life—he will lose himself in eternity.

有一句谚语——但不是所罗门的，”人人为己——上帝为我们所有人。”但当每个人都只为自己时——魔鬼就会得到一切。凡是自私自利的人——就不会被上帝找到。虽然他可能在今生找到自己——但他将在永恒中失去自己。

The public spirit of Seneca is a sharp censure to many private-spirited Christians; “I would so live,” said he, “as if I knew I received my being only for the benefit of others.” How justly might that complaint be taken up, which was so sadly laid down by Paul, “All men seek their own—not the things of Jesus Christ.” If some heathens excel Christians—it is not because Christianity does not surpass heathenism. A selfish man will not sow his seed—unless he reap the whole harvest! Nor will he plant the vines—unless he presses all the grapes into his own vessel. The wheel of his diligence will not move—unless the oil of profit is in it. It may be said to many, as a great personage once said to his servant; “your rise has been my fall.”

塞涅卡的公共精神对许多私心重的基督徒来说是一种尖锐的批评；他说，”我要这样生活，就好像我知道我接受生命只是为了造福他人。”保罗曾如此悲伤地说过的那句抱怨是多么恰当啊，”人人都求自己的事，并不求耶稣基督的事。”如果一些异教徒胜过基督徒——这并不是因为基督教不如异教。一个自私的人不会播种——除非他能收获全部的庄稼！他也不会种植葡萄藤——除非他能把所有的葡萄都压进自己的酒器里。他勤奋的车轮不会转动——除非其中有利润的油。可以对许多人说，就像一位大人物曾对他的仆人说的那样；”你的崛起就是我的衰落。”

If Dives is tormented—because he refused to impart his own goods; what shall their torment be—who take that which is another’s!
如果财主因为拒绝分享自己的财物而受折磨，那么那些夺取他人财物的人将受到怎样的折磨！

If those fingers are cut off, which so closely grasp their own property; what will become of those hands, which are always open to grasp at other men’s property!
如果那些紧紧抓住自己财产的手指被切断，那么那些总是伸向他人财产的手将会变成什么样！

It was Israel’s lamentation—that those who were once clad in scarlet—now embraced the dunghill.
这曾是以色列的哀叹——那些曾经身着绯红的人如今却拥抱粪堆。

It may now be England’s lamentation—that many who once embraced the dunghill, are now by injustice, clothed in scarlet.
如今这可能是英格兰的哀叹——许多曾经拥抱粪堆的人，现在却因不公而身着绯红。

Every man’s private interest—is best secured in the pubic good.
每个人的私利最好都保障在公共利益之中。

A drop of water will soon be dried up if alone—but, in the ocean, it will retain its moisture.
一滴水单独存在很快就会干涸，但在海洋中，它将保持湿润。

A single beam of light is suddenly obscured—but in the body of the sun, it retains its splendor.
一束光很快就会被遮蔽，但在太阳的主体中，它保持着光彩。

Too many, in all ages, have turned a common weal—into a common woe.
在所有时代，太多人都将公共利益变成了公共灾难。

They have spun themselves superfine suits, out of the nation’s fleece.
他们从国家的羊毛中为自己纺织出精美的套装。

Many noble birds have been deplumed—that their wings might be richly feathered.
许多高贵的鸟儿被剥去羽毛，以便它们的翅膀能够被华丽地装饰。

When any springs have been opened—they have laid pipes to convey the water into their own cisterns.
当任何泉源被开启时，他们铺设管道将水引入自己的蓄水池。

Such pretended pilots have steered the ship of plenty into their own haven—but God’s justice will certainly squeeze such sponges, and leave them as dry at last as they were at first.
这些伪装的舵手将富足之船驶入自己的港湾，但上帝的正义必将挤压这些海绵，最终使它们像最初一样干枯。

All those moths shall be destroyed—which eat into other men’s garments.
所有那些蛀食他人衣物的蛀虫都将被消灭。

For a man to advance his interest, out of another’s property—is to keep all the meat in his mouth, and starve all the body beside.
一个人从他人的财产中谋取利益，就像把所有的肉都留在自己嘴里，而让身体其他部分挨饿。

Naturally, every man is his own Alpha and his own Omega.
自然而然，每个人都是自己的阿尔法（Alpha）和自己的欧米伽（Omega）。

He has his beginning from himself—and his ending in himself.
他的开始源于自己，他的结束也终于自己。

That was a morose speech of Cain to the Almighty: “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
该隐对全能者说的那句话很阴郁：”我岂是看守我兄弟的吗？”

He thought it was not his duty to be his brother’s keeper—but did not consider that it was against his duty to be his brother’s assassin.
他认为看守兄弟不是他的责任，但没有考虑到成为兄弟的刺客是违背他责任的。

There are many who will not be their brother’s keepers, and yet will be their butchers.
有许多人不愿成为兄弟的看守者，却愿意成为他们的屠夫。

They have riveted themselves to their possessions by the bones of their murdered brethren; and paved causeways to honor with the skulls of honest men.
他们用被谋杀的兄弟的骨头将自己牢牢钉在财产上，用诚实人的头骨铺就了通往荣誉的道路。

Self-seeking has been so long pulling the ropes, that it has rung the death-bell of many nations.
自私自利长期操纵着绳索，以至于它敲响了许多国家的丧钟。

It is sad to see the house in flames, while the chamber is being furnished; the ship sinking, while the cabin is filling; or the tree falling, while the nest is a building.
看到房子着火时房间还在装修，船只下沉时舱室还在填满，或者树木倒下时鸟巢还在建造，这是令人悲伤的。

But better fruit cannot grow upon the trees of cruelty, than wantonness and oppression.
但在残酷的树上，不可能长出比放荡和压迫更好的果实。

God will compel them to drink the dregs of that cup, which they have so unjustly mingled for others.
上帝将强迫他们喝下那杯他们如此不公正地为他人调制的酒的残渣。

Queen Esther was a singular saint; for she preferred the public to her private good.
以斯帖王后是一位非凡的圣徒；因为她将公众利益置于个人利益之上。

“If I perish, I perish!” For how can I endure to see the evil which shall come upon my people?
“我若死就死吧！”因为我怎能忍受看到将要临到我的百姓身上的灾祸？

This Israelitess was not more lovely in appearance, than benevolent in her disposition.
这位以色列女子的外表之美不及她内心的仁慈。

She did not prefer her own life to her people’s—but her people’s to her own.
她并非将自己的生命置于百姓之上，而是将百姓的生命置于自己之上。

When Theodosius lay on his dying pillow, he was more studious how to do his kingdom good—than how to sustain his torturing pains; as appears by his counsel to his sons, to whom he left it.
当狄奥多西乌斯[Theodosius]躺在临终的枕头上时，他更专注于如何为他的王国谋福，而非如何忍受折磨的痛苦；这从他给儿子们的忠告中可见一斑，他将王国留给了他们。

“I counsel you to be deeply concerned for the promotion of religion, and the good of man; for by this, peace will be preserved, and wars no more known.”
“我劝告你们要深切关注宗教的推广和人类的福祉；因为通过这样做，和平将得以保持，战争将不再出现。”

Though the eagle is the queen of birds—yet she was not offered up in sacrifice, because she lived upon the spoil of others.
尽管鹰是鸟中之王，但它并不被用作祭品，因为它以掠夺他人为生。

Grace teaches a Christian not only to act like a man to God—but also like a God to man.
恩典不仅教导基督徒如人对神，还教导他们如神对人。

Our Lord Jesus Christ pleased not Himself; that thereby He might eternally profit us.
我们的主耶稣基督不求自己的喜悦；为的是永远使我们受益。

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor; that you through His poverty might become rich!”
“因为你们知道我们主耶稣基督的恩典，祂本来富足，却为你们成了贫穷，叫你们因祂的贫穷，可以成为富足！”

A drop of His blood is worth more than a sea of ours!
祂的一滴血比我们的整个海洋还要宝贵！

And yet He died our death—that we might live His life; and suffered our Hell—to bring us to His Heaven.
然而祂却死了我们的死亡，使我们能活出祂的生命；祂遭受了我们的地狱之苦，为要带我们进入祂的天堂。

He lay in the feeble arms of His mother—that we might lie in the tender bosom of His Father.
祂躺在母亲软弱的臂弯中，为要让我们躺在天父温柔的怀抱里。

His love began in His eternal purposes of grace—and ends in our eternal possession of glory.
祂的爱始于祂永恒的恩典旨意，终于我们永恒地拥有荣耀。

Why was the Bread of Life hungry—but to feed the hungry with the bread of life!
为何生命的粮会饥饿？为的是用生命的粮喂养饥饿的人！

Why was Rest itself weary—but to give the weary rest!
为何安息本身会疲倦？为的是给疲倦的人安息！

Why did He hang upon the cross on Mount Calvary—but that we might sit upon the throne on Mount Zion!
为何祂悬挂在加略山的十字架上？为的是让我们能坐在锡安山的宝座上！

His glorious face was covered with spittle—that our disfigured faces might be enameled with glory!
祂荣耀的面容被唾沫玷污，为要让我们丑陋的面容能镀上荣耀！

Why did this Jonah cast Himself into the sea of His Father’s wrath—but to save the ship of His church from sinking!
为何这位约拿将自己投入天父愤怒的海中？为的是拯救祂教会的船只免于沉没！

Christ is not only the vessel in which the waters of life are contained—but He is also the pipes through which they are conveyed.
基督不仅是盛装生命之水的容器，祂还是传输这些水的管道。

If the mountains overflow with moisture—the valleys are the richer; but if the head is full of disease, the whole body is the worse.
如果山峰水分充沛，山谷就会更加富饶；但如果头部充满疾病，整个身体就会更加糟糕。

Happy are those people, whom God will use as brooms, to sweep out the dust from His temple; or who shall tug at an oar, in the boat where Christ and His church are embarked.
那些被上帝用作扫帚、清除祂殿中灰尘的人是幸福的；或者那些在基督和祂的教会所乘之船上奋力划桨的人是幸福的。

David was a king who ruled in righteousness, and studied not so much to make himself great—as to make his people happy.
大卫是一位以公义统治的国王，他研究的不是如何使自己伟大，而是如何使他的百姓幸福。

For David, after he had served his own generation, by the will of God, fell asleep.
因为大卫按照上帝的旨意服事了自己的世代之后，就睡了。

His royal services were not swallowed up in the narrow gulf of SELF.
他的王室服务并没有被狭隘的自私所吞噬。

He did not draw all his lines—to the ignoble center of his own ends.
他没有将所有的路线都指向自己卑劣目的的中心。

Such birds are bad in the nest—but worse when they fly abroad.
这样的鸟在巢中就已经很糟糕，但当它们飞出去时会更糟。

He served his own generation, not the preceding; for that was dead before he was alive; nor the following, for he was dead before that was alive.
他服事的是自己的世代，不是前一代；因为那一代在他活着之前就已经死了；也不是后一代，因为他在那一代活着之前就已经死了。

Every gracious person is benevolent—but not every benevolent person is gracious.
每个有恩典的人都是仁慈的，但并非每个仁慈的人都有恩典。

An iron key may open a golden treasury; and lead pipes convey pleasant waters.
铁钥匙可以打开金库；铅管可以输送清甜的水。

Though earthly blessings may be communicated to a spiritual man—yet spiritual blessings will not be communicated to a carnal man.
虽然属世的祝福可能会传递给属灵的人，但属灵的祝福却不会传递给属肉体的

While meteors keep above in the skies, they yield a pleasing luster—but when they decline, and fall to the earth, they come to nothing.
当流星停留在天空中时，它们会散发出令人愉悦的光芒——但当它们下降并落到地上时，就化为乌有。

Though the name of the author of Psalm 137 is not recorded; yet his generous disposition should ever be admired. “May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy!”
虽然诗篇137篇的作者姓名没有被记录下来；但他慷慨的性情应该永远被赞赏。”如果我不记念你，如果我不以耶路撒冷为我最大的喜乐，愿我的舌头贴在上颚上！”

Good old Eli mourned more for the loss of religion—than for the loss of his relations. His heart was broken before his neck.
善良的老以利为宗教的失落哀悼，胜过为他亲人的失去哀悼。他的心在他的脖子断裂之前就已经碎了。

Augustus Caesar possessed such an entire attachment to his country, that he called it his own daughter, and refused to be called its master; because he ruled it, not by fear—but by love. After his decease, his disconsolate people lamented over him, saying, “O that he had never lived—or that he had never died!” Those whose lives deserve no praises, their death deserves no tears.
奥古斯都凯撒对他的国家怀有如此完全的依恋，以至于他称之为自己的女儿，并拒绝被称为它的主人；因为他统治它，不是靠恐惧——而是靠爱。在他去世后，他悲伤的人民为他哀悼，说：”啊，要么他从未活过——要么他从未死去！”那些生前不值得赞美的人，他们的死亡也不值得眼泪。

A self-seeker lives unrespected—and dies unlamented. When once a man becomes a god to himself, he then becomes a devil to others! Such a one cares not who sinks—so long as he arrives safe at shore. Those execrable wretches, whose conduct is recorded in the book of Acts, cared not whether a whole city lost their souls—so that a few shrine-makers might but preserve their gain.
一个自私自利的人活着不受尊重——死后无人哀悼。一旦一个人把自己当作神，他就会成为他人眼中的魔鬼！这样的人不在乎谁沉没——只要他自己能安全到达岸边。那些可憎的恶棍，他们的行为记录在使徒行传中，他们不在乎整个城市的人是否失去灵魂——只要几个神龛制造者能保住他们的利益。

It is reported of Agrippina, the mother of Nero, who being told, that if her son ever came to be an Emperor—he would be her murderer! She made this reply, “I am content to perish, if he may be Emperor.” What she expressed vain-gloriously, that we shall do religiously, “Let us perish—so long as our neighbors, our relations, and our country—is bettered; and the gospel, and the Savior—is honored.” But there are many who entirely reverse this language; if not in words, yet in heart they say, “Let relations, neighbors, country, and religion perish—so long as we are benefited thereby.”
据说尼禄的母亲阿格里皮娜被告知，如果她的儿子成为皇帝——他将成为她的杀手！她这样回答：”只要他能成为皇帝，我愿意死去。”她所表达的虚荣之言，我们应该以宗教的方式去实践，”让我们消亡吧——只要我们的邻居、我们的亲人和我们的国家——变得更好；福音和救主——受到尊崇。”但是有许多人完全颠倒了这种说法；如果不是在言语上，至少在心里他们说，”让亲人、邻居、国家和宗教消亡吧——只要我们从中受益。”

Such was the public spirit of Moses, that when the Lord proposed to him to destroy Israel, and to make a great nation of him—he became intercessor for them; yes, even when they were ready to stone him! His affections as a ruler—were stronger than his affections as a father. Thus Joshua, his honorable successor, so far imitated him, that he first divided Canaan into several allotments and portions for the tribes of Israel, before he made any provision for his own family. Give me such carvers as lay not all the meat upon their own dishes!
摩西就有这样的公共精神，当耶和华提议要毁灭以色列，并使他成为一个大国时——他成为了他们的代求者；是的，即使在他们准备用石头打他的时候！他作为统治者的感情——比他作为父亲的感情更强烈。因此，约书亚，他尊贵的继承人，如此效仿他，以至于他首先将迦南分成几个地块和部分给以色列的各个支派，然后才为自己的家人做安排。给我这样的分肉者，他们不会把所有的肉都放在自己的盘子里！

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to have the most beautiful lives—among the vilest people.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为，是在最邪恶的人群中过着最美好的生活。

As an ungodly man poisons the air in which he breathes; so he pollutes the age in which he lives. The putrid grape corrupts the sound cluster. Pious Joseph, by living in the court of Pharaoh, had learned to swear by the life of Pharaoh. A high priest’s hall instructed Peter how to deny his suffering Master. Fresh waters lose their sweetness—by gliding into the salt sea. Those who sail among the rocks—are in danger of splitting their ships.
正如不敬虔的人污染他呼吸的空气；他也污染了他所生活的时代。腐烂的葡萄会污染整串健康的葡萄。虔诚的约瑟，因生活在法老的宫廷中，学会了以法老的性命起誓。大祭司的院子教导彼得如何否认他受苦的主。淡水流入咸海便失去了甘甜。那些在礁石间航行的人—有船只破裂的危险。

When vice runs in a single stream, it is then a fordable shallow—but when many of these meet together, they then swell into a deeper channel. The Lord has appointed from the beginning, that enmity shall exist between the righteous seed of the woman—and the unrighteous seed of the serpent. There can be no harmony—where the musicians will have a jar. It is far better to have the ungodly man’s enmity—than his society. By his enmity—he is most hateful; but by his society—he is most hurtful. A pious man in the company of wicked men—is like a green branch among dry and burning brands; they can sooner kindle him—than he can quench them.
当罪恶如单一溪流时，它是一个可以涉足的浅滩—但当许多罪恶汇聚时，它们就会膨胀成更深的河道。主从一开始就命定，女人的义种与蛇的不义种之间将存在敌意。当音乐家不和谐时—就不可能有和谐。与不敬虔之人为敌—远胜于与他为伍。他的敌意—使他最可恨；但他的交往—却最有害。一个虔诚的人在邪恶之人的陪伴中—就像干燥燃烧的木柴中的一根绿枝；他们更容易点燃他—而非他能熄灭他们。

As sheep among the thorns injure their fleeces; so saints among sinners do an injury to their graces. Hence it is said, “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” To see a saint and a sinner maintaining familiar fellowship with each other—is to behold the living and the dead keeping house together! The godly are more frequently corrupted by the evil deportment of the worldling—than the worldling is refined by the chaste life of the godly.
正如羊群在荆棘中会损伤它们的羊毛；圣徒在罪人中也会伤害他们的恩典。因此经上说：”你们和不信的原不相配，不要同负一轭。义和不义有什么相交呢？光明和黑暗有什么相通呢？基督和彼列（Belial）[待确认]有什么相和呢？信主的和不信主的有什么相干呢？神的殿和偶像有什么相同呢？因此，主说：你们务要从他们中间出来，与他们分别。不要沾不洁净的物，我就收纳你们。”看到一个圣徒和一个罪人保持熟悉的交往—就像看到活人和死人住在一起！敬虔的人更常被世俗者的邪恶行为所腐蚀—而不是世俗者被敬虔者的纯洁生活所净化。

The impious lives of the wicked, are as contagious as the most fearful plague which infects the air. When the pure doves of Christ lie among such filthy pots—their white feathers are sullied. You may observe, that if you mix an equal portion of sour vinegar and sweet wine together; you will find that the vinegar will sooner sour the wine, than the wine sweeten the vinegar.
邪恶之人的不敬虔生活，就像最可怕的传染瘟疫一样感染空气。当基督的纯洁鸽子躺在这样肮脏的罐子中时—它们的白羽毛会被玷污。你可能会注意到，如果你将等量的酸醋和甜酒混合在一起；你会发现醋会更快地使酒变酸，而不是酒使醋变甜。

That is a sound body which continues healthful in a pest house. It is a far greater wonder to see a saint maintain his purity among sinners, than it is to behold a sinner becoming pure among saints. Christians are not always like fish—which retain their freshness in the salt sea; or like the rose—which preserves its sweetness among the most foul weeds; or like the fire—which burns the hottest when the season is coldest.
在疫病房中保持健康的身体才是健全的。看到一个圣徒在罪人中保持纯洁，比看到一个罪人在圣徒中变得纯洁更令人惊奇。基督徒并不总是像鱼—在咸海中保持新鲜；或像玫瑰—在最污秽的杂草中保持芳香；或像火—在最寒冷的季节燃烧得最旺。

A godly man was once heard to lament, “that as often as he went into the company of the wicked, he returned less a man from them than he was before he joined with them.”
曾有一位虔诚的人被听到感叹：”每次与邪恶之人为伍，他从他们那里回来时，都比加入他们之前更不像一个人。”

As it is a difficult thing to touch melting pitch—and not to be defiled; so it is for saints to act toward sinners as to do much good for them—and receive no injury from them.
就像触摸融化的沥青而不被玷污是一件困难的事情；圣徒对罪人行善而不受伤害也是如此。

If we cannot help them—it is their unholiness; if they hurt us—it is our unhappiness.
如果我们无法帮助他们——那是因为他们的不圣洁；如果他们伤害了我们——那是我们的不幸。

The Lord’s people, by keeping evil company, are like people who are much exposed to the sun—insensibly tanned and darkened.
主的子民，因与恶人为伍，就像长期暴露在阳光下的人——不知不觉地被晒黑和变暗。

Every Christian is a light in the world—though he is not the light of the world.
每个基督徒都是世界上的一盏灯——尽管他不是世界的光。

“Let your light shine before men—that they, seeing your good works, may glorify your Father who is in Heaven!”
“你们的光也当这样照在人前，叫他们看见你们的好行为，便将荣耀归给你们在天上的父！”

O that Christians were more like the light, which abides pure, though the air in which it dwells is corrupted!
哦，愿基督徒更像光一样，尽管所处的空气被污染，却依然保持纯洁！

Men may defile themselves in the light—but they cannot defile the light itself.
人可能在光中玷污自己——但他们无法玷污光本身。

The sun shines throughout an impure world, and yet knows no impurity.
太阳照耀整个不洁的世界，却不知不洁为何物。

Ah, how many resemble swine in the fairest meadow; which would break every bound to find the mire!
啊，多少人像最美丽草地上的猪；会打破一切界限去寻找泥潭！

They remind me of impious Judas, who, instead of being a disciple among devils—was a devil among disciples.
他们让我想起不敬虔的犹大，他不是在魔鬼中间做门徒——而是在门徒中间做魔鬼。

Poor man, he was all precept—and no example.
可怜的人，他全是教条——却没有榜样。

He could attempt to reprove one, who was innocence itself; and encourage one, who was sin itself.
他能尝试责备一个本身就是纯洁的人；却鼓励一个本身就是罪恶的人。

Pious company brings fire to our graces, to kindle them when they are freezing—but impious company brings water to quench them, when they are flaming.
虔诚的伙伴给我们的恩典带来火焰，在它们冻结时点燃它们——但不敬虔的伙伴带来水来熄灭它们，当它们正在燃烧时。

It is observed by some, “that the sweetest flowers may be found among the most offensive herbs.”
有人观察到，”最甜美的花朵可能生长在最令人厌恶的草药中。”

The poets affirm, that “Venus never appeared so beautiful, as when she sat by black Vulcan’s side.”
诗人们断言，”维纳斯从未如此美丽，就像她坐在黑色的伏尔甘身边时那样。”

This we are beyond a doubt concerning, that Stephen’s face never shone so gloriously in the church, where he was admired; as in the council, where he was abhorred.
对此我们毫无疑问，斯蒂芬的脸在教会里从未如此光彩照人，那里他受到赞美；而在议会上，他被憎恶时却更加光彩照人。

Had he been like them—they would not have disliked him.
如果他像他们一样——他们就不会不喜欢他。

Had not God given him spiritual life—they would never have put him to an ignominious death.
如果上帝没有赐给他属灵的生命——他们就永远不会让他遭受耻辱的死亡。

How will the fire consume dry fuel, when it prevailed to such a degree over the green.
火如何吞噬干燥的燃料，当它对绿色的燃料都能如此盛行。

That jewel must be glorious in the sun—which glitters in the shade.
那珠宝在阳光下必定光彩夺目——它在阴影中都能闪耀。

There are many men that can match with any men; they can be professors among those that are professors, and scorners among those that are scorners.
有许多人能与任何人相匹配；他们能在教授中间做教授，在嘲笑者中间做嘲笑者。

These are good in conjunction with those that are good—but evil in conjunction with those that are evil.
这些人与好人在一起时是好的——但与坏人在一起时就是坏的。

Every man loves to be a man that is beloved—and is apt to take pleasure in them who do take pleasure in him; but take heed of ceasing to be good Christians, that others may think you good companions.
每个人都喜欢成为被爱的人——并倾向于从那些喜欢他的人身上获得快乐；但要谨慎，不要为了让别人认为你是好伙伴而停止做好基督徒。

It is hard to be conformed to the world in the outward man—and transformed to God in the inward man; to be an outward heathen—and an inward Christian.
在外表上效法世界——而在内心里归向上帝是很困难的；做一个外表是异教徒——内心是基督徒的人。

It is a Spanish proverb, “Tell me but where you go—and I will tell you what you do.”
有一句西班牙谚语说，”只告诉我你去哪里——我就能告诉你你做什么。”

As our English proverb well states, “Birds of a feather—will flock together.”
正如我们英国谚语所说，”物以类聚——人以群分。”

To be too intimate with sinners—is to intimate that you are sinners!
与罪人过于亲密——就是暗示你自己也是罪人！

“After they were released, they went to their own company.” To whom should believers join—but to believers.
“他们被释放后，就回到自己的同伴那里。”信徒应该与谁结交呢？只应该与信徒结交。

There is no trusting the tamest natures; let but the lions out of their fetters—and they will soon show you their bloody natures!
不要相信最温顺的本性；只要让狮子挣脱枷锁，它们很快就会向你展示它们嗜血的本性！

How dare you be found lodging—in that house where God Himself is not found dwelling.
你怎敢住在上帝自己都不居住的房子里。

There is no sleeping with dogs—without swarming with fleas.
与狗同睡，必定满身跳蚤。

It is a royal diadem that Christ sets on the head of His spouse.
基督为祂的新娘戴上的是一顶皇冠。

“Like a lily among thorns—is my beloved among the maidens.”
“我的佳偶在女子中，好像百合花在荆棘中。”

There are many thorns that are among the lilies—but few lilies that are among the thorns.
荆棘中有许多百合花，但百合花中很少有荆棘。

How rare a spectacle is it to see a believer keep his purity—in the midst of vanity; to be like Noah—a new man in an old world.
在虚荣中保持纯洁的信徒是多么罕见的景象啊；就像挪亚一样，在旧世界中成为新人。

If Lot had been polluted with Sodom’s sins—he might have been consumed in Sodom’s flames!
如果罗得被所多玛的罪恶玷污，他可能已经被所多玛的火焰吞噬了！

It is ill breathing—in an infectious air.
在受感染的空气中呼吸是有害的。

Satan’s progeny do not want to go to Hell—without society.
撒但的后裔不想独自下地狱。

A man may pass through Ethiopia and yet be unchanged—but if he remains there, he will be discolored.
一个人可以穿过埃塞俄比亚而保持不变，但如果他留在那里，他的肤色就会改变。

Church history says of Valens, the Emperor, that by marrying an Arian lady, he was himself ensnared in that wicked opinion.
教会历史记载，瓦伦斯皇帝因娶了一位亚流派的女子，自己也陷入了那邪恶的观点中。

“Then I heard another voice from Heaven say: “Come out of her, My people, so that you will not share in her sins—so that you will not receive any of her plagues!”
“我又听见从天上有声音说：’我的民哪，你们要从那城出来，免得与她一同有罪，受她所受的灾殃。'”

Where the Catholic Church is fallen away from God—there let us fall away from them.
哪里的天主教会背离了上帝，我们就要在那里脱离他们。

Where such worms breed in the body of a nation—they will be sure to eat out the vitals of true religion.
当这样的蛀虫在一个国家的躯体中滋生时，它们必定会吞噬真正宗教的生命力。

Not to take away such traitors—is to make a nest wherein to hatch their treasons.
不除掉这些叛徒，就等于为他们的背叛提供孵化的巢穴。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian—is to choose the worst of sorrows—before he will commit the least of sins. The wicked entirely reverse this—for they prefer the greatest sin—to the least sufferings!
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是——宁愿选择最糟糕的悲伤——也不愿犯最轻微的罪。邪恶之人完全相反——他们宁愿犯最大的罪——也不愿遭受最小的苦难！

This is to leap out of the hot pan—into the consuming fire! By seeking to shun an external calamity—they rush into eternal misery! This is as if a man should lose his head—to preserve his hat! Or, as if the mariner should sink the vessel—to avoid the rising storm.

这就像从热锅里跳出来——却跳进了吞噬一切的火焰中！为了逃避外部的灾难——他们却冲进了永恒的痛苦之中！这就好比一个人为了保住帽子——而丢掉了自己的头！或者，就像水手为了避开即将来临的风暴——而沉没了自己的船只。

Above every evil, we should consider sin as the greatest evil. Sin is the only target—at which all the arrows of divine vengeance are shot! Sinners are those spiders which weave their own webs—and are afterwards entangled in them. Our own destruction—is but the fruit of our own transgression.

在所有的罪恶之上，我们应该将罪视为最大的恶。罪是唯一的目标——所有神圣复仇的箭都射向它！罪人就像那些织自己网的蜘蛛——最后却被自己的网缠住。我们自己的毁灭——不过是我们自己犯罪的果实。

Sin has every evil united to it. Sin is the fountain and origin of all evils. Thus the prophet viewed it, “Why does a living man complain—for the punishment of his sins?” When man had no evil within him—he had no evil upon him. He began to be sorrowful—when he began to be sinful. When the soul shall be fully released from the guilt of iniquity—the body shall be wholly delivered from the burden of infirmity. Sorrow shall never be a visitant—where sin is not an inhabitant. Sorrow would be a foreigner—if sin were not a sojourner.

罪集合了所有的邪恶。罪是所有邪恶的源泉和起源。因此先知如此看待它，”活人因自己的罪受惩罚，为何发怨言呢？”当人内心没有邪恶时——他身上就没有邪恶。他开始悲伤——是在他开始犯罪的时候。当灵魂完全摆脱罪孽的罪责时——身体就将完全从软弱的重担中解脱出来。悲伤永远不会是访客——在罪不是居民的地方。如果罪不是寄居者——悲伤就会成为外国人。

God is as far from chastening His children for nothing—as He is from beating them to nothing. A hole in the ship will sink it to the bottom. A small bite from a poisonous serpent will affect the whole body. There is no way to calm the sea—but by excommunicating Jonah from the ship. If the root is killed—the branches will soon be withered. If the spring is diminished—there is no doubt but the streams will soon fail. Where the fuel of corruption is removed—there the fire of affliction is extinguished.

上帝绝不会无缘无故惩戒祂的儿女——就像祂绝不会将他们打得一无所有一样。船上的一个洞会使它沉到海底。毒蛇的一小口会影响整个身体。平息海浪的唯一方法——就是将约拿逐出船外。如果根被杀死——枝条很快就会枯萎。如果泉源减少——毫无疑问，溪流很快就会干涸。在腐败的燃料被清除的地方——苦难之火就会熄灭。

The wages of sin—is death. As the works of sin are dishonorable; so the wages of sin are deadly! The corruption of nature is the cause of the dissolution of nature. The candle of our lives—is blown out by the wind of our lusts! Sin is that noxious weed—which chokes out the choicest grain. Sin is that offensive smoke—which depresses the rising flame. Sin is that dismal cloud—which overshadows the beaming sun.

罪的工价——就是死。正如罪的行为是可耻的；罪的工价也是致命的！自然的腐败是自然解体的原因。我们生命的蜡烛——被我们欲望的风吹灭了！罪是那有毒的杂草——它扼杀了最优质的谷物。罪是那令人不快的烟雾——它压制了上升的火焰。罪是那阴郁的乌云——它遮蔽了闪耀的太阳。

Were it not for sin—death would never have had a beginning! Were it not for death—sin would never have an ending!
若非罪恶，死亡就永远不会有开始！若非死亡，罪恶就永远不会有结束！

Man, as a creature, is a debtor to the commands of God, as a Sovereign—but as a sinner, he is a debtor to the severity of God, as a Judge.
人作为受造物，是上帝这位君王的命令的债务人——但作为罪人，他是上帝这位审判者的严厉的债务人。

What is so sweet a good as Christ? And what is so great an evil as lust?
有什么善良比基督更甜美？有什么邪恶比情欲更严重？

Sin has brought many a believer into suffering—and suffering has instrumentally kept many a believer out of sin.
罪恶使许多信徒陷入苦难——而苦难又成为工具，使许多信徒远离罪恶。

It is better to be preserved in brine—than to rot in honey!
宁可在盐水中保存，也不要在蜂蜜中腐烂！

The bitterest medicine is to be preferred—before the sweetest poison.
最苦的药应当优先于最甜的毒药。

In the same fire wherein the dross is consumed—the precious gold is refined.
在同一把火中，渣滓被烧尽，而宝贵的黄金则被炼净。

There are many thousands of souls, who would never have obtained the hopes of Heaven—if they had not been brought there by the gates of Hell.
有成千上万的灵魂，若不是被带到地狱之门，他们就永远不会获得天堂的希望。

As every mercy is a drop derived from the ocean of God’s goodness; so every misery is a grain weighed out by the supreme wisdom of God’s providence.
正如每一项怜悯都是源自上帝善良之海的一滴；每一项苦难也是由上帝护理的至高智慧衡量出的一粒。

When Eudocia angrily threatened Chrysostom with banishment, he calmly replied; “Go tell her I fear nothing but sin!”
当Eudocia（优多西娅）愤怒地威胁要流放Chrysostom（克里索斯托姆）时，他平静地回答说：”去告诉她，我除了罪恶什么都不怕！”

He who serves God—need fear nothing so much as sin!
服侍上帝的人——除了罪恶，什么都不需要如此畏惧！

Those who launch out into any voyage, should always previously look well to their tackling, lest a destructive storm should drown them.
那些启航的人，应该总是事先仔细检查他们的装备，以免毁灭性的风暴将他们淹没。

A bad conscience embitters the sweetest comforts—but a good conscience sweetens the bitterest crosses.
一个坏良心会使最甜的安慰变苦——但一个好良心会使最苦的十字架变甜。

How great a wound do vices make in the conscience; yes, even in our infant years!
恶习在良心上造成多大的伤口啊；是的，甚至在我们幼年时期！

Though the hardened sinner is not afraid to do evil—yet he will be afraid to suffer evil.
虽然顽固的罪人不怕作恶——但他会害怕遭受恶果。

They need not fear a cross on their back—who feel a Christ in their heart!
那些心中感受到基督的人——不需要害怕背上的十字架！

The water outside the ship may toss it—but it is the water inside the ship, which sinks it!
船外的水可能会颠簸它——但使它沉没的是船内的水！

It is better to have the body consumed to ashes for the sake of Christ—than to have the soul dwell in everlasting burnings, through being ashamed of Christ!
为基督的缘故让身体化为灰烬——比因为羞于承认基督而让灵魂永远烧灼要好得多！

Though Christians have no warrant to expect that they shall live here without afflictions; yet in the exercise of them, faith will teach them to live above afflictions.
虽然基督徒没有保证能在此世无忧无虑地生活；但在经历苦难时，信心将教导他们超越苦难而活。

That noble servant of Christ, Ignatius, gloried in reproaches for his Lord.
基督那位高贵的仆人，Ignatius（伊格纳修），因为他的主而荣耀于责难。

He truly delighted to suffer for Christ, “I am not worthy to suffer for Jesus.”
他真正以为基督受苦为乐，”我不配为耶稣受苦。”

Every Christian’s Patmos—is his way to paradise.
每个基督徒的Patmos（拔摩岛）——就是他通往天堂的道路。

Suppose the furnace is heated ‘seven times hotter’—yet God can make the sufferer seventy times happier. Those who are here persecuted for well-doing, shall hereafter be crowned with well-dying. There are none more welcome to the spiritual Canaan—than those who swim to it through the red sea of their own blood.

假设熔炉被加热得”七倍热”——然而上帝能使受苦者快乐七十倍。那些在此因行善而受迫害的人，此后将因善终而得冠冕。没有人比那些游过自己血液的红海到达属灵迦南的人更受欢迎。

Christian Reader! when you come into the world—you do but live to die again! And when you leave the world—you do but die to live again! What is the grain the worse—for the fan by which it is winnowed? What is the gold the worse—for the fire by which it is refined?

基督徒读者！当你来到这个世界时——你不过是为了再次死亡而活！当你离开这个世界时——你不过是为了再次活着而死！谷物因被扇子簸扬而变坏了吗？黄金因被火炼净而变差了吗？

Pendleton, a self-confident professor, promised to fry out his fat body in the flames of martyrdom, rather than betray religion. But when the trial approached, he changed his note, and said, “I came not into the world burning—neither will I go out of the world flaming.”

彭德尔顿，一个自信的教授，曾承诺宁愿在殉道的火焰中烤干他肥胖的身体，也不背叛宗教。但当考验临近时，他改变了态度，说：”我来到这个世界时并非燃烧——我离开这个世界时也不会火焰熊熊。”

Those who refuse to give up their lusts for Christ—will never be inclined to give up their lives for Christ! Paul and Silas had their prison songs—in their prison sufferings. Those caged birds sang with as much melody—as any which have sky liberty. Thus Ignatius, in his epistle to the persecutors of the church, gloried, saying, “The wild beasts may grind me, as corn between their teeth—but I shall by that become as choice bread, in the hand of my God!”

那些拒绝为基督放弃欲望的人——永远不会倾向于为基督放弃生命！保罗和西拉在狱中受苦时唱着监狱之歌。那些被关在笼中的鸟儿唱得如同任何享有天空自由的鸟儿一样悦耳动听。因此，伊格那丢在写给教会迫害者的书信中荣耀地说：”野兽可能会像磨玉米一样把我磨碎——但我将因此成为上帝手中的精选面包！”

I have read an account of a woman, who was imprisoned for her faith; and being in travail with child, she cried out with pain. The keeper derided her, saying. “How can you endure the fire—seeing you make so much noise in bringing forth a child?” “Very well,” said she, “for now I suffer as a sinner—but then I shall suffer for my Savior.”

我读过一个女子的故事，她因信仰而被监禁；当她分娩时，痛苦地哭喊着。看守嘲笑她说：”你生孩子时发出这么大的噪音——怎么能忍受火刑呢？””很好，”她说，”因为现在我作为罪人受苦——但到那时我将为我的救主受苦。”

There is more real evil in a particle of corruption, than in an ocean of tribulation! In suffering—the offence is offered to us; in sinning—the offence is committed against God. In suffering, there is an infringement of man’s liberty; in sinning, there is a denial of God’s authority. The evil of suffering is transient—but the evil of sin is permanent. In suffering—we lose the favor of men; but in sinning—we hazard the favor of God.

一粒腐败中的真实邪恶，比一片苦难的海洋更甚！在受苦中——冒犯是加诸于我们的；在犯罪中——冒犯是针对上帝的。在受苦中，人的自由受到侵犯；在犯罪中，上帝的权威被否认。受苦的邪恶是短暂的——但罪的邪恶是永久的。在受苦中——我们失去人的青睐；但在犯罪中——我们危及上帝的恩宠。

The rose is sweeter under the still where it drops—than upon the stalk whereon it grows. The face of godliness is never so beautiful—as when it is spit upon! The best of wheat—is that which sustains all the drifts of wintry snow.

玫瑰在落下的蒸馏器下比在生长的茎上更甜美。虔诚的面容从未如此美丽——当它被唾弃时！最好的小麦——是那些经受住所有冬季雪堆的麦子。

That was an heroic saying of Vincentius, to his hardened persecutors, “You may rage and do your worst—but you shall find the Spirit of God administering more strength to the tormented, than the spirit of the devil affording strength to my tormentors!”
这是文森修斯（Vincentius）对他顽固的迫害者所说的英勇之言：”你们可以愤怒并尽你们所能——但你们会发现上帝的灵给受折磨者的力量，比魔鬼的灵给我的折磨者的力量更大！”

Where Christians choose that which is truly best—there let malicious persecutors do their worst.
当基督徒选择真正最好的东西时——就让恶意的迫害者尽其所能地为难吧。

Though you may feel their might—yet you need not feel their malice.
虽然你可能感受到他们的力量——但你不需要感受他们的恶意。

They can have no just grounds of fear, whose confidence is in God.
那些信心在上帝里的人，没有任何正当的恐惧理由。

Life is only to be desired—by those to whom death would be no gain.
生命只有对那些死亡不会带来任何益处的人才是可欲的。

It is reported of Hooper the martyr, that when he was going to suffer, a certain person addressed him, saying, “O Sir, take care of yourself! Life is sweet—and death is bitter!”
据报道，殉道者胡珀（Hooper）在即将受难时，有人对他说：”先生，请保重！生命是甜美的——而死亡是痛苦的！”

“Ah, I know that,” he replied, “but eternal life is full of more sweetness than this mortal life! And eternal death is full of more bitterness than this fiery death!”
“啊，我知道，”他回答道，”但永恒的生命比这必死的生命更加甜美！而永恒的死亡比这火焰中的死亡更加痛苦！”

A man may suffer without sinning—but he cannot sin without suffering.
一个人可以受苦而不犯罪——但他不能犯罪而不受苦。

That was animating language which dropped from the lips of the three Hebrew children, or rather of the three champions, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power. But even if He doesn’t, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up!”
这是从三个希伯来少年，或者说三位勇士口中说出的鼓舞人心的话：”尼布甲尼撒啊，我们在你面前不需要为自己辩护。如果我们被扔进烈火的熔炉，我们所事奉的上帝能够拯救我们。祂会救我们脱离你的权力。但即使祂不这样做，陛下也要确信，我们永远不会事奉你的神明或敬拜你所立的金像！”

Either they must sin foully—or suffer sadly.
他们要么犯下可耻的罪——要么悲惨地受苦。

They must either bow to a golden image—or burn in a flaming furnace.
他们要么向金像屈膝——要么在熊熊烈火中焚烧。

But they were as far from worshiping his gods—as he was from worshiping their God!
但他们远离敬拜他的神明——就如同他远离敬拜他们的上帝一样！

The beloved Daniel chose rather to die in the den of lions; than shamefully desert the cause of the Lamb.
亲爱的但以理宁可死在狮子坑中，也不愿可耻地背弃羔羊的事业。

Shall not we, for His sake, bear the wrath of man—who, for our sakes, bore the wrath of God?
难道我们不应该为了祂的缘故忍受人的愤怒吗——祂为了我们的缘故承担了上帝的愤怒？

Though obedience is better than sacrifice—yet sometimes, for a man to sacrifice himself is the best obedience.
虽然顺服比献祭更好——但有时，一个人牺牲自己就是最好的顺服。

He who loses a base life for Christ—shall hereafter find a better life in Christ.
为基督失去卑贱生命的人——此后必在基督里找到更美好的生命。

When some attempted to turn Polycarp from the faith, by insinuating, that, “There was no evil in calling Caesar LORD, and offering sacrifices to him.” He replied, that, “He had served Jesus Christ for many years, and had always found Him a good Master—that he would therefore, submit himself to all the tortures they should inflict; rather than deny Him.”
当有人试图通过暗示”称凯撒为主，向他献祭并无恶意”来使坡旅甲（Polycarp）背弃信仰时，他回答说：”他已经事奉耶稣基督多年，一直发现祂是个好主人——因此，他宁愿忍受他们所施加的一切折磨，也不愿否认祂。”

Moses, that memorable worthy, “Chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin.”
那位值得纪念的摩西，”宁可和上帝的子民一同受苦，也不愿暂时享受罪中之乐。”

What is a cup of medicine, which removes a disease; compared with a cup of poison, which takes away the life?
一杯能治愈疾病的药，与一杯夺去生命的毒药相比，算什么呢？

Those who live upon God, in the use of the creature; can also live upon Him, in the loss of the creature.
那些在使用受造之物时依靠上帝而活的人；在失去受造之物时也能依靠祂而活。

That was a noble expression, of a noble Christian, “Whatever I thankfully receive, as a token of God’s love to me; I part with contentedly, as a token of my love to Him.”
这是一位高尚的基督徒所说的高尚表达：”无论我感恩地接受什么，作为上帝对我爱的象征；我都心满意足地舍弃，作为我对祂爱的象征。”

“Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.” Shall one even dare to die for a good man—and shall we refuse to die for a good God?

“很少有人会为一个义人而死，尽管为一个好人，也许有人敢于一死。”若有人甚至敢为一个好人而死——我们岂能拒绝为一位良善的上帝而死？

“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.” Some would have used any pick-lock, to have opened a passage to their liberty; but they knew too much of another world to bid at so high a rate for the present.

“又有人忍受严刑，不肯苟且得释放，为要得着更美的复活。”有些人会用任何撬锁工具来打开通往自由的道路；但他们对另一个世界了解太多，不愿为现世付出如此高的代价。

It is reported of Hormisdas, a nobleman of Persia; who being degraded of all his promotions, because he would not change his profession of Christ; that afterward, his persecutors restored them all again, and solicited him to deny Christ. But he rent his purple robe, and laid all his honors at the feet of the Emperor, saying, “If you restore these honors, with an intention to make me desert my Savior; I decline to accept them, upon such conditions!” Good man, he thought, and that justly too—that Christ without worldly honor—was better than worldly honor without Christ.

据报道，波斯贵族霍尔米斯达斯(Hormisdas)因不愿改变他对基督的信仰而被剥夺了所有的晋升；后来，他的迫害者又恢复了他的一切，并恳求他否认基督。但他撕裂了自己的紫袍，将所有的荣誉置于皇帝脚下，说道：”如果你恢复这些荣誉是为了让我背弃我的救主，我拒绝在这种条件下接受它们！”这位好人认为，而且他的想法是正确的——没有世俗荣誉的基督，比没有基督的世俗荣誉更好。

It is recorded concerning one of the martyrs, that when he was going to the stake, a nobleman besought him, in a compassionate manner, to take care for his soul. “So I will,” he replied, “For I give my body to be burnt—rather than have my soul defiled.” How many professors are there, who would rather have sinful self satisfied, than crucified!

有记载说，一位殉道者在走向火刑柱时，一位贵族以同情的方式恳求他照顾好自己的灵魂。”我会的，”他回答道，”因为我宁愿让我的身体被焚烧，也不愿让我的灵魂被玷污。”有多少教授宁愿满足有罪的自我，而不愿将其钉在十字架上！

As the power of grace, comes in at one door; the love of vice, will go out at another! The only way, to have the house of Saul weakened; is to get the house of David strengthened. Those Philistines, who lacked courage to meet Sampson when he was in vigor; could insultingly dance round him, when he was in weakness.

当恩典的力量从一扇门进来时，对罪恶的爱就会从另一扇门出去！削弱扫罗之家的唯一方法，就是加强大卫之家。那些在参孙强壮时缺乏勇气面对他的非利士人，在他软弱时却能侮辱性地围着他跳舞。

Reader! consider seriously—that it is sin which in this life debases a person; and in the next life destroys him. Their state must be dreadful, whose end is damnation, because their damnation is without end. No condition can be so intolerably doleful—as that which is unalterably dreadful.

读者！认真考虑——是罪在今生贬低一个人，在来世毁灭他。那些结局是永罚的人，他们的状态一定是可怕的，因为他们的永罚是无止境的。没有什么状况能如此令人难以忍受地悲伤——如同那不可改变的可怕。

A certain person, on seeing a Christian woman go cheerfully to prison, said to her, “O you have not yet tasted of the bitterness of death!” She as cheerfully answered, “No, nor shall I ever; for Christ has promised, that those who keep His sayings, shall never see death.”

一个人看到一位基督徒妇女欢快地走向监狱，对她说：”哦，你还没有尝到死亡的苦涩！”她同样欢快地回答：”不，我也永远不会尝到；因为基督已经应许，那些遵守他话语的人，永远不会见到死亡。”

A believer may feel the stroke of death; but he shall never feel the sting of death. The first death may bring his body to corruption; but the second death shall never bring his soul to destruction. Though he may endure the cross—yet he shall not endure the curse. There can be no condemnation, to those Christians, who belong to Christ.

信徒可能会感受到死亡的打击；但他永远不会感受到死亡的刺痛。第一次死亡可能会使他的身体腐朽；但第二次死亡永远不会使他的灵魂毁灭。尽管他可能会忍受十字架——但他不会忍受诅咒。对那些属于基督的基督徒来说，不会有定罪。

Another singular action, of a consistent Christian, is—to be a father to all in charity—and yet a servant to all in humility.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是——在慈善中成为所有人的父亲，却又在谦卑中成为所有人的仆人。

First, to be a father to all—in charity. That crop that is sown in mercy—shall be reaped in glory. In Heaven, there are riches enough—but no poor to receive them. In Hell, there are poor enough—but no riches to relieve them. How many of the most wealthy—are deaf to the most importunate requests for mercy! They will do no good, in the world—with the goods of the world. They too much resemble sponges—which greedily suck up the waters, but will not yield a return of them again, until they are well squeezed.
首先，在慈善中成为所有人的父亲。以慈悲播种的庄稼——将在荣耀中收获。在天堂，有足够的财富——但没有穷人来接受它们。在地狱，有足够的穷人——但没有财富来救济他们。有多少最富有的人——对最迫切的怜悯请求充耳不闻！他们不会用世界的财物在世界上行善。他们太像海绵——贪婪地吸收水分，但直到被挤压才会再次释放。

Necessity, is not likely to be supplied by the hand of misery; while so many, who would help, cannot, for lack of ability; and so many, who may help, will not, for lack of charity. There is not a drop of water—for such a Dives in Hell; who has not a crumb of bread—for a poor distressed Lazarus upon earth. Every act of charity—is but an act of equity. It is not the bestowment of our gifts; but the payment of our debts.
需求，不太可能由悲惨之手来供给；而那么多想要帮助的人，因为缺乏能力而无法帮助；那么多可以帮助的人，因为缺乏慈善而不愿帮助。在地狱中的财主（Dives）没有一滴水；他在世上没有给予贫困的拉撒路一块面包屑。每一个慈善行为——都只是一个公平行为。这不是我们恩赐的赐予；而是我们债务的偿还。

The rich man’s excess, was ordained to relieve the poor man’s necessity. A lady on giving sixpence to a beggar, said thus to him, “I have now given you more than ever God gave to me.” To whom he replied, “No, madam! No, madam—God has given you all your abundance.” “That is your mistake” said she, “for He has but lent it me—that I might bestow it on such as you.”
富人的剩余，注定要缓解穷人的需求。一位女士给乞丐六便士时，对他说：”我现在给你的比上帝曾经给我的还多。”他回答说：”不，夫人！不，夫人——上帝已经给了你所有的丰富。”她说：”那是你的错误，因为他只是把它借给我——以便我能赐予像你这样的人。”

John, the beloved disciple of Christ, inculcates the doctrine of love, to the disciples of Christ, “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father—loves His children, too.” As holiness works a likeness to Him who begets it; so it works a love to those who enjoy it. It is impossible for anyone to love the person of Christ—who does not delight in the picture of Christ. While he is out of charity with his brother—he shows that God is out of charity with him. We lose more for lack of God’s love—than our brethren lose for lack of our love.
约翰，基督所爱的门徒，向基督的门徒灌输爱的教义，”凡信耶稣是基督的，都是从神而生，凡爱生他之神的，也必爱从神生的。”正如圣洁使人像那生出圣洁的主；它也使人爱那些享有圣洁的人。不喜悦基督形象的人——不可能爱基督本人。当他对他的弟兄缺乏慈善时——他表明上帝对他也缺乏慈善。我们因缺乏上帝的爱而失去的——比我们的弟兄因缺乏我们的爱而失去的更多。

He is not a covetous man, who lays up something providentially—but he is a covetous man, who gives out nothing willingly. He is as prudent a man, who sometimes distributes discreetly—as he who accumulates hastily. Men frequently manifest more wisdom in laying out—than in laying up.
他不是一个贪婪的人，他有先见之明地储蓄一些——但他是一个贪婪的人，他不愿意给出任何东西。他是一个谨慎的人，有时明智地分配——就像那些匆忙积累的人一样。人们在支出时常常表现出比积累时更多的智慧。

Reader! the hope of living long on earth, should not make you covetous—but the prospect of living long in Heaven should make you bounteous. Though the sun of charity rises at home—yet it should always set abroad.
读者！在地上长寿的希望，不应使你贪婪——但在天堂长寿的前景应使你慷慨。虽然慈善之阳升起在家中——但它应该总是落在国外。

Seneca, the heathen, inculcates a principle worthy of the acceptance of every Christian, “I truly enjoy no more of the world’s affluence—than what I willingly distribute to the needy.”
西塞罗，这位异教徒，提出了一个值得每个基督徒接受的原则，”我真正享受的世界财富，不过是我willingly（心甘情愿地）分发给需要的人的那些。”

Without your mercy—the poor cannot live on earth; and without God’s mercy—you shall not live in Heaven!
没有你的怜悯，穷人无法在地上生存；没有上帝的怜悯，你也无法在天堂生活！

Some men’s churlishness entirely swallows up their charitableness.
有些人的粗鲁完全吞噬了他们的慈善。

Instead of praying one for another—they are making a prey of one another.
他们不是彼此代祷，而是互相掠夺。

When I consider that our hearts are no softer—I wonder that the times are no harder.
当我考虑到我们的心并没有变得更柔软时，我感到惊讶的是时代并没有变得更艰难。

It is a reproach to many rich men, that God should give them so much—and that they should give the poor so little.
对许多富人来说，这是一种责备，上帝给了他们这么多，而他们给穷人的却如此之少。

Some observe that the most barren grounds—are nearest to the richest mines.
有人观察到，最贫瘠的土地离最富有的矿藏最近。

It is too often true in a spiritual sense, that those whom God has made the most fruitful in estates—are most barren in good works.
从精神意义上说，这种情况太常见了，那些上帝赐予最丰富财产的人，在行善方面却最贫乏。

It is too generally true, that the rich spend their substance wantonly—while the poor give their alms willingly.
普遍存在的事实是，富人挥霍他们的财富，而穷人willingly（乐意地）施舍他们的救济。

A penny comes with more difficulty out of a bag that is pressing full—than a dollar out of a purse that is half empty.
从一个塞得满满的袋子里拿出一便士比从一个半空的钱包里拿出一美元更困难。

Why does the Lord make your cup run over—but that other men’s lips might taste the liquor?
为什么主让你的杯子满溢，难道不是为了让其他人也能品尝到那液体吗？

The showers which fall upon the highest mountains, should glide into the lowest valleys.
落在最高山峰上的阵雨，应该流向最低的山谷。

“Give—and it shall be given you,” is a maxim little believed.
“施舍，你就会得到回报”，这是一个很少被相信的格言。

It is infidelity which is the spring of all cruelty.
不忠是一切残酷的源泉。

Wherever you can discover the face of one, you may also hear the sound of the other’s feet.
无论在哪里，当你发现一个人的面孔时，你也可能听到另一个人的脚步声。

If you deny relief to those who are virtuous—you kill laborious bees; if you bestow your gifts on those who are wicked—you do but support drones.
如果你拒绝帮助那些有美德的人，你就是在杀死勤劳的蜜蜂；如果你把你的礼物bestow（赐予）给那些邪恶的人，你只是在支持懒惰的人。

But it is better to favor an illegitimate child—than to murder a legitimate child.
但是，偏爱一个非婚生子女总比谋杀一个婚生子女要好。

God looks not so much on the merits of the beggar—as upon the mercy of the giver.
上帝看重的不是乞丐的功德，而是施予者的怜悯。

“The Lord has already told you what is good, and this is what He requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
“耶和华已经告诉你什么是好的，这就是他的要求：行正直，好怜悯，存谦卑的心与你的神同行。”

Here is a trinity of precepts—from a trinity of Persons.
这里有一个三位一体的教诲，来自三位一体的神。

Pharisees more delight to plead this precept, than to practice it; which is, as if a man should cry up the kindness of his king—and at the same time join in rebellion against him.
法利赛人更乐于宣扬这个教诲，而不是实践它；这就好比一个人大声赞美他的国王的仁慈，同时却参与反叛他。

If all were rich—no alms need be received; if all were poor—no alms could be bestowed.
如果人人都富有，就不需要接受救济；如果人人都贫穷，就没有人能施舍。

God, who could have made all men wealthy, has made most men poor; that the poor might have Christ for an example of patience—and the rich for an example of goodness.
上帝本可以使所有人富有，却使大多数人贫穷；这是为了让穷人以基督为忍耐的榜样，而富人以基督为善良的榜样。

Cruelty is one of the highest scandals to piety; for instead of turning lions into lambs—it turns lambs into lions!
残酷是对虔诚最大的丑闻之一；因为它不是把狮子变成羔羊，而是把羔羊变成狮子！

“Be merciful—as your Father in Heaven is merciful.”
“要有怜悯之心——如同你们在天上的父有怜悯之心。”

Clemency is one of the brightest diamonds in the crown of majesty.
仁慈是王权冠冕上最闪耀的钻石之一。

How cheerfully should we practice benevolence, when we consider who has set us the example!
当我们考虑是谁为我们树立了榜样时，我们应该多么愉快地实践仁慈啊！

“Be perfect—even as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
“你们要完全——如同你们的天父是完全的。”

What one Scripture calls mercy—the other styles perfection; as if this one perfection of mercy included all.
一处经文称之为怜悯——另一处称之为完全；仿佛这一种怜悯的完全包含了一切。

He who shows mercy when it may be best spared—will receive mercy when it shall most be needed.
在最可以省略怜悯之时仍施予怜悯的人——将在最需要怜悯之时得到怜悯。

It is reported of one of the dukes of Savoy, that, being asked by certain ambassadors at his court what hounds he kept; he conducted them into a large room, where there were a number of poor people sitting at his table.
据说，萨伏伊公爵之一被他宫廷中的某些大使问及他养了什么猎犬时，他带领他们进入一个大房间，那里有许多穷人坐在他的餐桌旁。

“These” said he, “are all the hounds I have upon earth; and with whom I am in pursuit of the kingdom of Heaven.”
“这些，”他说，”就是我在世上所有的猎犬；我与他们一同追求天国。”

It is counted an honor to live like princes—but it is a greater honor to give like princes.
像王子一样生活被视为荣耀——但像王子一样施予是更大的荣耀。

“Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”
“在我们的神和父面前，纯洁无玷污的信仰是这样的：照顾在患难中的孤儿寡妇，并保持自己不被世俗玷污。”

The flames of piety towards God—must be accompanied with the incense of charity towards man.
对神的虔诚之火——必须伴随着对人的慈善之香。

Mercy is so good a servant—that it will never allow its master to die a beggar.
怜悯是如此好的仆人——它永远不会让它的主人像乞丐一样死去。

Those who have drained their own wells dry, in order to fill the poor man’s cistern—shall never perish for lack of water to quench their thirst.
那些为了填满穷人的水箱而抽干自己井水的人——永远不会因缺水解渴而灭亡。

Those who have blessed others—shall be blessed themselves.
那些祝福他人的人——自己也将得到祝福。

“Then the King will say to those on His right—Come, you who are blessed by My Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”
“那时，君王要对他右边的人说——你们这蒙我父赐福的，可来承受那创世以来为你们所预备的国。”

“For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me.”
“因为我饿了，你们给我吃；渴了，你们给我喝；我作客旅，你们留我住；我赤身露体，你们给我穿；我病了，你们看顾我；我在监里，你们来看我。”

Mercy is the queen of beauty—and the blessed offspring of the King of glory!
怜悯是美的女王——是荣耀之王的蒙福子嗣！

Scarcely any virtue in the whole Scripture has been returned with greater interest—than the love of mercy.
在整个圣经中，几乎没有任何美德能比慈爱得到更大的回报。

Though charity may make your purse lighter one day; yet God will make it heavier another.
虽然慈善可能会让你的钱包在某一天变轻；但上帝会在另一天让它变重。

All who have their names registered in the book of eternity—will have the poor man’s distresses recorded upon the heart of sympathy.
所有名字记在永恒之书上的人——都会将穷人的苦难记录在同情之心上。

For though they are so poor as to be unable to relieve him—yet they are so tender as to pity him.
因为尽管他们贫穷到无法救济他——但他们仍然温柔到怜悯他。

I know no better way to preserve your meal—than by parting with your cake.
我不知道有比分享你的蛋糕更好的方法来保存你的面粉。

Large springs should send forth their waters, without pumping.
大泉应该自然涌出水来，无需抽取。

Your benevolence should seek the poor—before the poor seek your benevolence.
你的善意应该主动寻找穷人——在穷人寻求你的善意之前。

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness….” He who distributes in compassion, has put on the badge of election. Many can love at their tongue’s end—but the godly love at their finger’s end.
“所以，你们既是神的选民，圣洁蒙爱的人，就要穿上怜悯、恩慈….” 那以怜悯分施的人，已经穿上了蒙拣选的徽章。许多人能在舌尖上爱人——但敬虔的人在指尖上爱人。

If a man is without proper clothing, it is easy for the miser to bid him be clothed; or if he is empty, he can easily bid him be filled; as if poor Christians were able to live upon the air. Liberality does not consist in good words—but in good works!
如果一个人没有适当的衣服，吝啬鬼很容易叫他穿上衣服；或者如果他是空的，他可以轻易地叫他被填满；好像贫穷的基督徒能靠空气生活一样。慷慨不在于好话——而在于好行为！

The doubtful are to be resolved by our counsels—but the necessitous are to be relieved by our morsels. It is exceedingly lovely to behold the pictures of purity, though they be hung in the frames of poverty.
疑惑的人要靠我们的劝告解决——但贫困的人要靠我们的食物救济。看到纯洁的画面是极其可爱的，即使它们悬挂在贫穷的框架中。

Reader would you be covetous of anything? let it be rather to lay out on necessity, than to lay up for posterity. Generosity is seed; and the gardener does not become wealthy by saving his seed—but by sowing of his seed.
读者，你会贪恋什么吗？与其为后代积蓄，不如为需要而付出。慷慨是种子；园丁不是通过保存种子而致富——而是通过播种而致富。

Secondly, A servant to all—in humility. Our first fall was by rising against God—but our best rise, is by falling down before Him. The acknowledgment of our own impotence, is the only stock upon which the Lord engrafts divine assistance.
其次，谦卑地成为所有人的仆人。我们的第一次堕落是因为反抗上帝——但我们最好的上升，是在祂面前俯伏。承认我们自己的无能，是主接上神圣帮助的唯一根基。

A humble saint—looks most like a citizen of Heaven. “Whoever will be chief among you—let him be your servant.” He is the most lovely Christian, who is the most lowly Christian. As incense smells the sweetest when it is beaten smallest—so saints look loveliest when they lie lowest.
一个谦卑的圣徒——最像天国的公民。”谁愿为首，就必作你们的仆人。”最可爱的基督徒，就是最谦卑的基督徒。正如香料被捣得最细小时香味最甜美——圣徒在最低处时看起来最可爱。

Arrogance in the soul, resembles the spleen in the body; which grows most, while other parts are decaying. God will not allow such a weed to grow in His garden, without taking some course to root it up. A believer is like a vessel cast into the sea—the more it fills, the more it sinks.
灵魂中的傲慢，就像身体中的脾脏；当其他部分在衰退时，它却生长最多。上帝不会允许这样的杂草在祂的花园里生长，而不采取某些方法将其根除。信徒就像被投入海中的船只——越是装满，就越是下沉。

“Pride goes before destruction—and a haughty spirit before a fall.” It is not all the world that can pull a humble man down—because God will exalt him; nor is it all the world that can keep a proud man up—because God will debase him.
“骄傲在败坏之先，狂心在跌倒之前。”全世界都不能拉倒一个谦卑的人——因为上帝会高举他；全世界也不能扶持一个骄傲的人——因为上帝会贬低他。

Do but mark how one of the best of saints, views himself as one of the least of saints; “For I am the least of the apostles—and do not even deserve to be called an apostle!” In the highest heavens—the beams of majesty are displayed; but to the lowest hearts—the streams of mercy are discovered.
只要注意最好的圣徒之一是如何看待自己为最小的圣徒之一；”我原是使徒中最小的，不配称为使徒！”在最高的天上——威严的光芒被展示；但对最低微的心——怜悯的溪流被发现。

“Be clothed with humility.” Pride is a sinner’s torment—but humility is a saint’s ornament. The garment of humility—should always be worn on the back of Christianity.
“要以谦卑为衣裳。”骄傲是罪人的折磨——但谦卑是圣徒的装饰。谦卑的外衣——应该永远穿在基督教的背上。

God many times places a thorn in the flesh—to pierce the balloon of pride. He makes us feel a sense of our misery—that we may sue for His unmerited mercy. The first Adam was for self-advancement—but the second Adam is for self-abasement. The former was for having SELF deified—the latter is for having SELF crucified.
上帝多次在肉体中放置一根刺——刺破骄傲的气球。祂使我们感受到我们的悲惨——以便我们祈求祂不配得的怜悯。第一个亚当是为了自我提升——但第二个亚当是为了自我贬低。前者是为了让自我神化——后者是为了让自我被钉十字架。

Though there may be something left by self-denial; yet there can be nothing lost by self-denial.
虽然自我克制可能会留下一些东西；但通过自我克制不会失去任何东西。

Nay, a man can never enjoy himself—until he is brought to deny himself.
不，一个人永远无法享受自己——直到他被带到否定自己。

We live—by dying to ourselves; and die—by living to ourselves.
我们活着——是通过向自己死去；我们死去——是通过为自己而活。

There is no proud man—who is not a foolish man; and scarcely is there any foolish man—who is not a proud man.
没有一个骄傲的人——不是愚蠢的人；几乎没有一个愚蠢的人——不是骄傲的人。

It is the night-owl of ignorance, which broods and hatches the peacock of pride.
正是无知的夜枭，孵化并孕育了骄傲的孔雀。

God abhors those people worst—who adore themselves most.
上帝最厌恶那些——最崇拜自己的人。

Pride is not a Bethel—that is, a house where God dwells; but a Babel—that is, a stinking dungeon in which Satan abides.
骄傲不是伯特利（Bethel）——即上帝居住的房子；而是巴别（Babel）——即撒旦居住的恶臭地牢。

Pride is not only a most hateful evil—but it is a radical evil.
骄傲不仅是最可恨的邪恶——而且是根本的邪恶。

As all other lusts are found lodging in it—so they are found springing from it.
正如所有其他欲望都在其中找到栖身之处——它们也源于骄傲。

Pride is a foul leprosy, in the face of morality; and a hurtful worm, gnawing at the root of humility.
骄傲是道德面前的可怕麻风；是啃噬谦卑根基的有害蠕虫。

Pride is a cancer within, and a spreading plague without.
骄傲是内在的癌症，是外在蔓延的瘟疫。

“God resists the proud—but gives grace to the humble.”
“上帝抵挡骄傲的人——但赐恩给谦卑的人。”

Give me the lovely vessel of humility, which God shall preserve—and fill with the wine of His grace; rather than the varnished cup of pride, which He will dash in pieces, like a potter’s vessel.
给我那可爱的谦卑之器，上帝将保存它——并用祂恩典的酒充满它；而不是那上了漆的骄傲之杯，祂将把它摔成碎片，如同陶匠的器皿。

Where humility is the corner-stone—there glory shall be the top-stone.
在谦卑是基石的地方——荣耀将成为顶石。

It is impossible to have true thoughts of ourselves, while we entertain high thoughts of ourselves.
当我们对自己怀有高傲的想法时，就不可能对自己有真实的认识。

“Even if everyone else deserts You, I never will!”
“即使所有人都离弃你，我永远不会！”

Poor Peter, he was the most impotent—when he was the most arrogant.
可怜的彼得，他最无能——正是在他最傲慢的时候。

He had no doubt of standing, while others were falling.
当其他人都在跌倒时，他毫不怀疑自己能站立得住。

But it proved at last, that he fell while others stood.
但最终证明，他跌倒了，而其他人却站立住了。

That was an excellent saying of one; “Where a gracious person would sit below me—I will acknowledge his dignity; but where a proud person would move above me—I would abhor his vanity!”
这是一个人所说的绝妙话；”当一个有恩典的人愿意坐在我下面时——我会承认他的尊严；但当一个骄傲的人想要高于我时——我会厌恶他的虚荣！”

A humble heart may meet with opposition from man—but it shall meet with approbation from God.
一颗谦卑的心可能会遇到人的反对——但它将得到上帝的赞许。

As humility is a grace very excellent in itself; so it is very pleasing to God.
正如谦卑本身是一种极其优秀的恩典；它也非常讨上帝喜悦。

He who is a subject of the former—shall hereafter be an inheritor with the latter.
他若是前者的臣民——将来必成为后者的继承人。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian is—To mourn most before God—for those lusts which appear least before men.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是——在上帝面前为那些在人前最不显眼的欲望而最为哀悼。

Others cannot mourn in secret for public sins—but we should mourn in public for our secret sins. That must be sought with repentance, which has been so long lost by disobedience. Outward acts are most scandalous among men—but inward lusts are most atrocious before God.
他人无法私下为公开的罪恶哀悼——但我们应该公开为我们的隐秘罪恶哀悼。那些因不服从而长期失去的东西，必须通过悔改来寻求。外在的行为在人们中间最为可耻——但内心的欲望在上帝面前最为可憎。

Reader! if you would know the heart of your sin—then you must know the sins of your heart! “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are the things that defile a man!” These streams of defilement which appear in your life—do but show what a fountain of wickedness there is in your heart! Even the “thought of foolishness in sin!” “When sin has conceived, it brings forth death!” There is no sin so little—as not to kindle an eternal fire! Sin’s first-born is death—and its last-born is Hell.
读者啊！如果你想知道你罪恶的核心——那么你必须了解你内心的罪恶！”因为从心里发出来的，有恶念、凶杀、奸淫、苟合、偷盗、妄证、谤讟。这都是污秽人的！”这些在你生活中出现的污秽之流——只是显示了你内心有多么邪恶的源泉！甚至是”罪中愚妄的想法！””罪既怀了胎，就生出死来！”没有哪个罪是如此微小——以至于不能点燃永恒的火！罪的头生子是死亡——而它的幼子是地狱。

Though repentance is the act of man—yet it is the gift of God. It requires the same power to melt the heart—as to make it. As we are deeply fallen from a state of innocence, so we should rise to a state of penitence. Those sins shall never make a Hell for us—which are a Hell to us. Some people do nothing more—than make work for repentance; and yet do nothing less—than repent of their works. They have sin enough for all their sorrows—but not sorrow enough for all their sins. Their eyes are windows to let in lusts—when they should be flood-gates to pour out tears!
虽然悔改是人的行为——但它却是上帝的恩赐。融化心灵需要与创造心灵相同的力量。正如我们深深地从无辜状态堕落，我们也应该上升到悔悟的状态。那些对我们来说如同地狱的罪恶——永远不会为我们造就地狱。有些人除了为悔改创造工作外——什么也不做；然而他们却又最不愿意为自己的行为悔改。他们有足够的罪为所有的悲伤；但没有足够的悲伤为所有的罪。他们的眼睛是让欲望进入的窗户——而它们本应该是倾泻泪水的闸门！

When godly sorrow takes possession of the house—it will quickly shut sin out of doors. There must be a falling out with our lusts—before there can be a genuine falling off from our lusts. There must be a sincere loathing of sin in our affections—before a true leaving of sin in our actions. It is a hearty mourning for our transgressions, which makes way for a happy funeral of our corruptions!
当敬虔的悲伤占据这个房子时——它会迅速把罪关在门外。在我们能真正摆脱欲望之前——必须先与我们的欲望决裂。在我们的行为中真正离开罪之前——必须先在我们的情感中真诚地厌恶罪。正是对我们过犯的由衷哀悼，为我们腐败的快乐葬礼铺平了道路！

Sinner, you have filled the book of God with your sins—and will you not fill the bottle of God with your tears? Remember, that when Christ draws the likeness of the new creature, His first brush is dipped in water: “Unless you repent—you shall all likewise perish!” Is it not better to repent without perishing—than to perish without repenting? Godly sorrow is such a grace, that without it—not a soul shall be saved; and with it—not a soul shall be lost! Is it not therefore better to swim in the water-works of godly repentance—than to burn in the fire-works of divine vengeance? Do not think that the tears which are shed in Hell—will in the least abate the torments which are suffered in Hell!
罪人啊，你用你的罪恶填满了上帝的书——难道你不用你的眼泪填满上帝的瓶子吗？记住，当基督描绘新造之人的形象时，祂的第一笔蘸的是水：”你们若不悔改，都要如此灭亡！”难道不是在灭亡之前悔改更好——而不是在不悔改中灭亡吗？敬虔的悲伤是如此的恩典，没有它——没有一个灵魂能得救；有了它——没有一个灵魂会失丧！因此，难道不是在敬虔悔改的水中游泳更好——而不是在神圣惩罚的烟火中燃烧吗？不要以为在地狱中流下的眼泪——会丝毫减轻在地狱中遭受的折磨！

Repentance is a priceless grace—for it is the bestowment of a priceless Savior.
悔改是无价的恩典——因为它是无价救主的赐予。

“God exalted Him to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins.”
“神将他升为至高，叫他作君王，作救主，将悔改的心和赦罪的恩赐给以色列人。”

As a prince He gives repentance—and as a priest He gives pardon.
作为君王，他赐予悔改；作为祭司，他赐予赦免。

Our humiliation—is the fruit of His exaltation.
我们的谦卑——是他被高举的果实。

As He was abased for the sinner’s advancement—so He was exalted for the sinner’s abasement!
正如他为罪人的进步而自卑——他也为罪人的自卑而被高举！

Remember, sinner, if your heart is not broken in you—your guilt is not broken from you.
记住，罪人啊，如果你的心没有破碎——你的罪疚就没有从你身上消除。

If you lay not your sins to heart—that you may be humbled; God will lay your sins to your charge—that you may be damned.
如果你不将罪放在心上——以致你可以谦卑；上帝就会将你的罪归咎于你——以致你可能被定罪。

Though repentance is not a pardon’s obtainer; yet it is a pardon’s forerunner.
虽然悔改不是获得赦免的方法；但它是赦免的先导。

He who lives in sin, without repentance—shall die in sin, without forgiveness.
生活在罪中而不悔改的人——将死在罪中，得不到宽恕。

There is no coming to the fair haven of glory—without sailing through the narrow strait of repentance.
没有穿过悔改的狭窄海峡——就无法到达荣耀的美好港湾。

Christ rejoices over those as blessed—who mourn over themselves as cursed.
基督为那些视自己为受咒诅而哀悼的人欢喜——认为他们是有福的。

“Blessed are those who mourn—for they shall be comforted.”
“哀恸的人有福了，因为他们必得安慰。”

Out of the saltiest water—God can brew the sweetest cordial.
从最咸的水中——上帝能酿造出最甜美的甘露。

The skillful bee gathers the best honey—from the bitterest herbs.
熟练的蜜蜂从最苦的草药中——采集最好的蜂蜜。

When the cloud has been dissolved into a shower—there soon follows a glorious sunshine.
当云层化作阵雨——紧接着就是灿烂的阳光。

The more a stone is chiseled by the hand of the engraver—the greater the beauty of the gem.
雕刻师的手越是精雕细琢——宝石就越发美丽。

By groans unutterable—the Lord ushers in joys unspeakable.
通过难以言表的叹息——主引进了难以言喻的喜乐。

None do more sing in the possession of Christ, than such as most lament the departure of Christ.
没有人比那些最为哀悼基督离去的人——更能在拥有基督时歌唱。

Usually their joys—are commensurate to their sorrows.
通常他们的喜乐——与他们的悲伤成正比。

A tender heart is like melting wax—ah what choice impressions are made upon such soft dispositions!
柔软的心如同融化的蜡——啊，在这样柔软的性情上会留下何等美好的印记！

A Christian should mourn more for the lusts of the flesh—than for the works of the flesh; for the sin of our nature transcends the nature of all our outward sins.
基督徒应该为肉体的情欲哀悼——胜过为肉体的行为哀悼；因为我们本性的罪超越了所有外在罪行的本质。

Carnal sins defile the soul by the body—but spiritual sins defile the soul in the body.
肉体的罪通过身体玷污灵魂——但属灵的罪在身体里玷污灵魂。

Many people can mourn over a body from which a soul is departed—but they cannot mourn over a soul whom God has deserted!
许多人能为失去灵魂的身体哀悼——但他们不能为被上帝遗弃的灵魂哀悼！

Alas! What is the bite of a flee—compared to the bite of a lion?
唉！跳蚤的叮咬——与狮子的咬伤相比算什么？

What is a spot in the face—compared to a stab in the heart?
脸上的斑点——与心脏的刺伤相比又算什么？

Inward diseases are least visible—and yet most fatal.
内在的疾病最不易察觉——却最为致命。

A man may die of an internal cancer—although a spot never appears on his body.
一个人可能死于内部的癌症——尽管他的身体上从未出现过斑点。

Sin in the soul, is like Jonah in the ship—it turns the smoothest water into a troubled ocean. We must mourn for sin on earth—or burn for sin in Hell! It is the coldness of our hearts—which kindles the fire of God’s anger. “They will look on Me whom they have pierced and mourn for Him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for Him as for a firstborn son who has died!” Christians! the nails which pierced Christ’s hands—should now pierce your hearts! You should now be deeply wounded with godly sorrow, for having so deeply wounded Him with your ungodly sins! It should grieve your spirits—to remember how much you have grieved His Spirit.

灵魂中的罪恶，就像约拿在船上——它将最平静的水面变成汹涌的海洋。我们必须在地上为罪哀悼——否则就要在地狱里为罪焚烧！正是我们内心的冷漠——点燃了上帝愤怒的火焰。”他们必仰望我，就是他们所扎的；必为我悲哀，如丧独生子，又为我愁苦，如丧长子。”基督徒们！那些曾刺穿基督双手的钉子——现在应当刺穿你们的心！你们应当因为用不敬虔的罪深深地伤害了祂而深感忧伤，被敬虔的悲痛所深深刺痛！想起你们曾如何伤害祂的灵，你们的灵应当悲伤。

A believer puts on the sackcloth of contrition—for having put off the garment of perfection. As the sugar-cube is dissolved, and weeps itself away—when dipped in wine. Likewise do our hearts melt under a sense of divine love. Our language at such a season is, “O that we should be such base children—to such a blessed Father!”

信徒穿上悔改的麻衣——因为他们脱去了完美的外衣。就像糖块在浸入酒中时溶解，流泪消融一样。同样，我们的心在感受到神圣的爱时也会融化。在这种时刻，我们会说：”啊，我们怎么能成为如此卑劣的孩子——对如此蒙福的父亲！”

Man must be convinced of sin—before he can truly repent of sin. Unbelief in the heart is like the worm in Jonah’s gourd—an unseen adversary. Unbelief is least visible—but most hurtful. Unbelief is the worst of robbers—it both plunders and wounds the soul. Christ may dwell in the heart—where unbelief lurks—but not where it reigns. If Christ destroys its armor—it becomes as weak as other men. The chief strength in which unbelief trusts—is ignorance! It is no wonder why men sigh so little for sin—when they see so little of sin. They have tears enough for their outward losses—but none for their inward lusts! They can mourn for the evil which sin brings—but not for sin which brings the evil.

人必须先意识到罪——才能真正悔改。心中的不信就像约拿葫芦里的虫子——一个看不见的敌人。不信最不易察觉——却最具伤害性。不信是最糟糕的强盗——它既掠夺又伤害灵魂。基督可能住在不信潜伏的心里——但不会住在不信掌权的心里。如果基督摧毁了不信的盔甲——它就会变得和其他人一样软弱。不信所依赖的主要力量——是无知！难怪人们很少为罪叹息——因为他们看到的罪太少了。他们为外在的损失有足够的眼泪——却没有为内心的欲望流泪！他们可以为罪带来的恶果哀悼——却不为带来恶果的罪哀悼。

Pharaoh more lamented the hard strokes that were upon him, than the hard heart which was within him! Esau did not mourn, because he sold the birthright, which was his sin—but because he lost the blessing, which was his punishment. This is like weeping over an onion—the eye sheds tears because it hurts! When the sailing is smooth, the mariner has his heart set on his costly cargo—yet he casts it overboard in a storm. Many complain more of the sorrows to which they are born—than of the sins with which they were born! They tremble more at the vengeance of sin—than at the venom of sin. The venom of sin delights them—the vengeance of sin affrights them!

法老更多地哀叹落在他身上的严厉打击，而不是他内心的刚硬！以扫并不因为卖掉长子名分而哀悼，那是他的罪——而是因为失去祝福而哀悼，那是他的惩罚。这就像为洋葱流泪——眼睛流泪是因为它刺痛！当航行平稳时，水手的心系在他昂贵的货物上——然而在暴风雨中他却将其抛入海中。许多人更多地抱怨他们生来就遭受的悲伤——而不是他们生来就带有的罪！他们对罪的报应更加战栗——而不是对罪的毒性。罪的毒性使他们欢喜——罪的报应使他们惊恐！

“The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling seizes the ungodly!” Why—what is the matter? “Who among us can dwell with a consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with ever-burning flames?” They feared sin—not as it was a black coal which defiled—but as it was a fire which burned them!” A stroke from God’s justice broke the heart of Judas into despair; while a look from Christ’s mercy melted Peter’s heart into tears!

“锡安中的罪人都惧怕；不敬虔的人被战兢抓住！”为什么——怎么回事？”我们中间谁能与吞灭的火同住？我们中间谁能与永远的火焰同住？”他们害怕罪——不是因为它是玷污人的黑炭——而是因为它是燃烧他们的火！”上帝公义的一击使犹大的心陷入绝望；而基督怜悯的一瞥却使彼得的心融化成泪水！

There are two evil things in our sins: the devilishness of them, and the dangerousness of them. Now take a saint and an unrepentant sinner; the saint says, “What evil have I done?” The sinner says, “What evil must I suffer?” One mourns for the sin—the other mourns for the punishment! The saint grieves because his soul is defiled—the sinner grieves because his soul is damned. Water may gush from a rock—when it is smitten with a rod. But all such streams are lost; for they neither quench the flames of Hell—nor fill God’s bottles in Heaven.

我们的罪中有两种邪恶：它们的魔鬼性和危险性。现在看一个圣徒和一个不悔改的罪人；圣徒说：”我做了什么恶事？”罪人说：”我必须遭受什么恶果？”一个为罪哀悼——另一个为惩罚哀悼！圣徒悲伤是因为他的灵魂

Our whole life should be a life of repentance—and such repentance, as needs not to be repented of. While the vessel is leaking, the pump may be going. Reader, it is an unfavorable symptom, if you can wipe away tears from your eyes—before God has washed away guilt from your conscience. It is better traveling to Heaven sadly—than to Hell merrily! Give me a sorrowful saint—rather than a merry sinner.

我们的整个人生应该是一个悔改的人生——这种悔改是不需要再被悔改的。当船只在漏水时，水泵可能正在运转。读者啊，如果你能在上帝洗去你良心中的罪疚之前就擦干眼泪，这是一个不利的症状。悲伤地前往天堂比欢乐地前往地狱要好！给我一个忧伤的圣徒——而不是一个快乐的罪人。

Did the rocks rend—when Christ died for sin? And shall not our hearts rend—for having lived in sin? “If we confess our sin—He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin; and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Did ever words like these drop from the lips of any being—except God? Here, the sinner is desired only to acknowledge the debt—and the mountain of sin shall be canceled. Is it not therefore better to be saved by divine mercy—than to be damned by divine justice? As soon as we are oppressed, and groan under our burden of sin—we are sure to be eased by Christ’s shoulders. If we repent of our offences with sincere grief—the offended Lord joyfully forgives and forgets them all.

当基督为罪而死时，岩石是否裂开？我们的心难道不应为活在罪中而裂开吗？”我们若认自己的罪，神是信实的，是公义的，必要赦免我们的罪，洗净我们一切的不义。”除了上帝，这样的话曾从任何存在的口中说出过吗？在这里，罪人只需承认债务——罪的山就会被取消。因此，被神圣的怜悯拯救不是比被神圣的正义定罪更好吗？一旦我们被压迫，在罪的重担下呻吟——我们肯定会被基督的肩膀减轻。如果我们以真诚的悲伤悔改我们的过错——被冒犯的主会欣喜地原谅并忘记它们。

Where misery passes undiscerned—there mercy passes undesired. Christ may knock long at such doors—before He gains admittance. He only enters into those—who enter into themselves. “Behold I stand at the door and knock!” Christ oftener comes to the door—than He enters the house. As we knock at His door for audience—so He does at ours for entrance. If Christ is shut out of our heart—our prayers will be shut out of His heart. Why should God show him mercy—who never acknowledged himself guilty? A saint’s tears—are better than a sinner’s triumphs.

哪里的苦难未被察觉——那里的怜悯就未被渴望。基督可能在这样的门前长久敲门——才能获准进入。他只进入那些进入自己内心的人。”看哪，我站在门外叩门！”基督更常来到门前——而不是进入房子。正如我们敲他的门寻求垂听——他也在我们的门前寻求进入。如果基督被关在我们心门之外——我们的祈祷也会被关在他心门之外。为什么上帝要向从未承认自己有罪的人施以怜悯？圣徒的眼泪——比罪人的胜利更好。

Bernard says, “The tears of penitents—are the wine of angels!” When a sinner repents—the angels rejoice! Give me such a mourning on earth—as creates music in Heaven. Many are battered as lead by the hammer—who were never bettered as gold by the fire. Sometimes, that repentance which begins in the fears of Hell—ends in the flames of Hell!

伯纳德说：”忏悔者的眼泪——是天使的美酒！”当一个罪人悔改时——天使欢喜！给我在地上如此的哀悼——在天上创造音乐。许多人被锤子击打如铅——却从未被火炼成金。有时，始于对地狱恐惧的悔改——最终会在地狱的火焰中结束！

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to keep his heart the lowest—when God raises his estate the highest.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个特殊行为是，当上帝将他的地位提升到最高时，仍保持自己的心处于最低的位置。

Paul saw the need of this, when he enjoined Timothy to charge those who were rich in this world not to be proud-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches. Sinful arrogance, usually attends creature-confidence. Worldly wealth is a bellows to swell the balloon of pride! For when men’s estates are lifted up—it is but too common for men’s hearts to be puffed up. Oh! how fond is thin dust—of thick clay! Pride breeds in great estates—as worms do in sweet fruits.

保罗看到了这一需要，当他嘱咐提摩太要叮嘱那些今世富足的人不要心高气傲，也不要倚靠无定的钱财。罪恶的傲慢通常伴随着对受造物的信心。世俗的财富是膨胀骄傲气球的风箱！因为当人的产业被提升时，人的心也常常被膨胀。哦！薄尘多么喜爱厚泥啊！骄傲在大产业中滋生，如同虫子在甜美的果实中滋生。

Remember, Christian, if you are poor in the world—you should be rich in faith; and if you are rich in this world, you should be poor in spirit. The way to ascend—is to descend; the deeper a tree roots—the wider do its branches spread. The sun of prosperity shines the clearest—in the sphere of humility. The true nobility of the mind—consists in the humbleness of the mind. Consider, that as none have so little—but they have great cause to bless God; so none have so much—as to have the least cause to boast before God.

记住，基督徒，如果你在世上贫穷，你应该在信心上富足；如果你在今世富足，你应该在灵里贫穷。上升的方法是下降；树根扎得越深，枝叶就越茂盛。繁荣的阳光在谦卑的领域里照耀得最明亮。心灵的真正高贵在于心灵的谦卑。要考虑到，没有人拥有的如此之少，以至于没有充分的理由感谢上帝；也没有人拥有的如此之多，以至于有丝毫理由在上帝面前夸口。

Shall the theatrical vagrant be proud of his borrowed robes, or the mud wall swell because the beams of a beautiful sun shine upon it? Gold in your bags may make you great—but it is grace in your hearts which makes you godly. Godliness, without greatness, shall be esteemed; when greatness, without godliness shall be confounded. Proud sinners are the fittest companions—for proud devils. The more prosperity man enjoys—the more humility God enjoins.

戏剧中的流浪者应该为他借来的长袍骄傲吗？或者泥墙因为美丽的阳光照耀在它身上而膨胀吗？你袋中的金子可能使你伟大，但使你敬虔的是你心中的恩典。没有伟大的敬虔将受到尊重；而没有敬虔的伟大将被混淆。骄傲的罪人是骄傲的魔鬼最合适的伙伴。人享受的繁荣越多，上帝要求的谦卑就越多。

Nature teaches us, that those trees bend the most freely—which bear the most fully. As a proud heart loves none but itself—so it is beloved by none but itself. Who would attempt to gain those pinnacles—that none have ascended without fears, or descended without falls? When men through daring pride cast off all allegiance to God—He in just derision casts them out from the inheritance of God. If we refuse to acknowledge Him—He will refuse to acknowledge us.

自然教导我们，那些结果最丰满的树木弯曲得最自由。正如骄傲的心只爱自己一样，它也只被自己所爱。谁会去尝试攀登那些高峰，没有人能不带恐惧地登上，或不跌倒地下来？当人们因大胆的骄傲抛弃对上帝的忠诚时，祂就会公正地嘲笑他们，将他们从上帝的产业中驱逐出去。如果我们拒绝承认祂，祂也会拒绝承认我们。

It is reported of Philip of Macedon, that after having obtained the honor of an unexpected victory, he was observed to look very much dejected. On being asked the reason, he replied, “that the honors which are obtained by the sword, might also be lost by the sword.” Was he pensive—when providence crowned him with victory? and shall we be vainly elated—when providence makes us wealthy? The Supreme Majesty cannot allow us to glory in any, but Himself. Therefore, when we glory in our pride—He stains the pride of our glory. It is a difficult matter—to be grand in the estimation of others—and base in our own estimation. The face of no mere man ever shone so illustriously, as that of the ancient Jewish lawgiver’s; and yet it is affirmed that no man’s heart was ever so meek. But most men resemble chameleons; which no sooner take in the air—than they begin to swell.

据报道，马其顿的腓力在获得一次意外胜利的荣誉后，被观察到看起来非常沮丧。当被问及原因时，他回答说：”由剑获得的荣誉，也可能会因剑而失去。”当天意使他获得胜利时，他是忧郁的；而当天意使我们富足时，我们应该虚荣地兴高采烈吗？至高的威严不允许我们在任何事物中夸耀，除了祂自己。因此，当我们在骄傲中夸耀时，祂就玷污我们荣耀的骄傲。在他人的评价中显得伟大，而在自己的评价中保持卑微，这是一件困难的事。没有一个普通人的面容曾如此光彩照人，如同那位古代犹太立法者的面容；然而据说没有人的心曾如此温顺。但大多数人就像变色龙；它们一吸入空气就开始膨胀。

As that is a rebellious heart—in which sin is allowed to reign; so that is not a very enlarged heart—which the world can fill.
正如一颗允许罪恶统治的心是叛逆的心；一颗能被世界填满的心也不是一颗真正宽广的心。

Alas, what will it profit us to sail before the pleasing gales of prosperity—if we are afterwards overset by the gusts of vanity?
唉，如果我们在顺风顺水中航行，却最终被虚荣的阵风掀翻，这对我们有什么益处呢？

Your bags of gold should be ballast in your vessel—to keep her always steady; instead of being topsails to your masts—to make your vessel giddy.
你的金袋应该是船上的压舱物——使船保持稳定；而不是桅杆上的顶帆——使船变得摇晃不定。

Give me that distinguished Christian, who is rather pressed down under the weight of all his honors—than puffed up with vain-glory.
给我那种杰出的基督徒，他宁愿被所有荣誉的重量压倒，也不愿被虚荣心膨胀。

It has been observed by those who are experienced in the sport of angling, that the smallest fishes bite the fastest.
那些有钓鱼经验的人观察到，最小的鱼咬钩最快。

Oh, how few great men do we find so much as nibbling at the gospel hook!
噢，我们发现有多少伟人甚至愿意轻咬福音的钩啊！

“But the leaders had utterly rejected their God.”
“但是领袖们完全拒绝了他们的上帝。”

Mercy favored them—but gratitude could not bind them.
怜悯眷顾了他们——但感恩无法约束他们。

When King James’ tutor lay upon his expiring pillow, his Majesty sent to inquire how he did, “Go tell my royal sovereign, that I am going where few kings go.”
当詹姆斯国王的导师躺在临终的枕头上时，国王派人inquire[询问]他的情况，”去告诉我的皇家君主，我正在前往很少有国王去的地方。”

The tree of life is not often planted—in an earthly paradise.
生命树并不常被种植在尘世的天堂里。

Under the Levitical law, the lamb and the dove were offered in sacrifice—while the lion and the eagle were rejected.
在利未法下，羔羊和鸽子被献作祭品——而狮子和鹰却被拒绝。

The shining diamond of a great estate—may frequently be found upon an unsound and idolatrous heart.
一个巨大财产的闪耀钻石——可能经常被发现在一颗不健全和拜偶像的心上。

Great prosperity is not to be deemed the greatest security.
巨大的繁荣不应被视为最大的安全保障。

The lofty unbending cedar is more exposed to the injurious blast, than the lowly shrub.
高大挺拔的雪松比低矮的灌木更容易遭受有害的风暴。

The little rowboat rides safely along the shore—while the gallant ship is wrecked in the wide ocean.
小划艇安全地在岸边航行——而雄伟的大船却在广阔的海洋中遭遇shipwreck[沉船]。

Those sheep which have the most wool—are generally the soonest fleeced.
那些拥有最多羊毛的羊——通常最先被剪毛。

Poverty is its own defense against robbery.
贫穷是自身对抗抢劫的防御。

A fawning world—is worse than a frowning world.
一个阿谀奉承的世界——比一个皱眉不悦的世界更糟糕。

Who would shake those trees—upon which there is no fruit?
谁会去摇那些没有果实的树呢？

Many think they are saved—because they are poor; and others—because they are rich—but these are all capitally mistaken!
许多人认为他们得救了——因为他们贫穷；而其他人——因为他们富有——但这些都是大错特错的！

For much of the former are not saved, and not many of the latter will be saved.
因为前者中的大多数并未得救，而后者中也不会有很多得救。

“Not many of the worldly wise; not of the influential; not many of noble birth—are called.”
“属世的智慧人不多；有权势的也不多；出身高贵的也不多——被召的不多。”

You nobles, I call you to see—that not many nobles are called.
你们这些贵族，我呼吁你们看到——不是很多贵族被召唤。

He does not say, not any—but not many.
他没有说，一个都没有——而是说不多。

Blessed be God, we can say of them, as Luther once said of Elizabeth, a pious queen of Denmark, “Christ will sometimes carry a queen to Heaven.”
上帝保佑，我们可以这样说他们，就像Luther[路德]曾经说丹麦的虔诚女王Elizabeth[伊丽莎白]那样，”基督有时会带一位女王上天堂。”

Rich men are choice dishes at God’s table.
富人是上帝餐桌上的精选佳肴。

Some people, when their estates are low—their hearts are high. But true believers, when their estates are high—their hearts are low.
有些人，当他们的财产低微时——他们的心却高傲。但真正的信徒，当他们的财产丰厚时——他们的心却谦卑。

What an excellent commendation does the beloved prophet of Israel give the beloved prince of Israel, “Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and prayed—Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and what is my family, that You have brought me this far?”
以色列备受爱戴的先知对以色列备受爱戴的君王给予了多么优秀的赞美啊，”然后大卫王进去，坐在耶和华面前祷告说：主耶和华啊，我是谁，我的家算什么，你竟带我到这地步？”

The weighty clusters of mercy completely bowed the branches of this royal vine! He does not contend with God for mercies denied—but he adores Him for mercies granted.
沉重的怜悯之果完全压弯了这棵王室葡萄藤的枝条！他不因被拒绝的怜悯与上帝争辩——而是因获得的怜悯崇拜祂。

The eye of his humility views the grace of God—and then he is thankful; it also views the folly of his heart—and this makes him mournful.
他谦卑的眼睛看到了上帝的恩典——于是他感恩；它也看到了自己内心的愚昧——这使他悲伤。

Theodosius deemed it more honorable to be a child of God—than a monarch of the world; and so did King David.
狄奥多西乌斯认为成为上帝的孩子比成为世界的君主更加荣耀；大卫王也是如此。

Ah! why will you set your heart upon vanity? For everything will come to nothing—but He who formed all things out of nothing.
啊！你为何要将心放在虚荣上？因为一切都将归于虚无——唯有祂从虚无中创造了万物。

Many think it must go well with them hereafter, because it is so well with them here; as if silver and gold, which came out of the dirt of the earth—would carry them to the bosom of the God of Heaven.
许多人认为他们将来一定会过得很好，因为他们现在过得如此之好；好像从地上尘土中来的金银——能将他们带到天上上帝的怀抱一样。

Though the gates of Heaven will open to admit the Heaven-born soul; yet they are not unlocked with a golden key.
虽然天国的大门会为天生的灵魂打开；但它们并非用金钥匙开启。

A man may bask in the beams of prosperity now—and yet burn in the flames of eternity hereafter!
一个人现在可能沐浴在繁荣的光芒中——但之后却可能在永恒的火焰中燃烧！

The worm of pride is always injurious to celestial plants! Either this vice must be shut out on earth—or we shall be shut out in Heaven.
骄傲的蠕虫总是对天国的植物有害！要么这种恶习必须在地上被排除——要么我们将被排除在天国之外。

The bowing reed of a humble mind—shall be preserved entire; while the sturdy oak of a proud lofty mind—shall be broken to shivers.
谦卑心灵的弯曲芦苇——将完整保存；而骄傲高傲心灵的坚固橡树——将被打碎成片。

A proud person thinks everything too much—which is done by him; and everything too little—which is done for him.
一个骄傲的人认为他所做的一切都太多——而为他所做的一切都太少。

God is as far from pleasing him with his gifts—as he is from pleasing God with his works.
上帝用祂的恩赐使他满意——与他用自己的行为使上帝满意一样遥远。

Remember what the observant prophet Habakkuk declares, “Behold! his soul which is lifted up in him, is not upright.”
记住观察敏锐的先知哈巴谷所宣告的，”看哪！心中高傲的人，他的心不正直。”

Observe, he introduces the subject with a “Behold!” He who lifts up himself—is not lifted up of God.
注意，他用”看哪！”来引入这个主题。自高的人——不是被上帝高举的。

I will not say, ‘a godly man is never proud’—but I will say, ‘a proud man is never godly.’
我不会说，”敬虔的人从不骄傲”——但我会说，”骄傲的人从不敬虔。”

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to seek to be better inwardly in his substance—than outwardly in appearance.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是，追求在内在实质上比外在表现更好。

“Having a form of godliness—but denying its power.” This is a business which no hypocrite chooses to be employed in—he prefers varnish—to solid gold. It little concerns him how much the house is infected with the leprosy—just so long as it is but outwardly fair to human inspection. He forgets that, “A man is not a Jew if he is only one outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man’s praise is not from men, but from God.”

“有敬虔的外貌，却背了敬虔的实意。”这是伪君子绝不会选择从事的事业——他们更喜欢表面的光鲜亮丽，而非内在的真金实料。他们并不在意房子内部被麻风病侵蚀到何种程度——只要外表看起来能通过人的检查就行。他们忘记了，”外表是犹太人的，不是真犹太人；外表肉体的割礼，也不是真割礼。惟有里面作的，才是真犹太人；真割礼也是心里的，在乎灵，不在乎仪文。这人的称赞不是从人来的，乃是从神来的。”

Formality frequently takes its dwelling near the chambers of integrity, and so assumes its name; the soul not suspecting that Hell should make so near an approach to Heaven. A rotten post, though covered with gold, is more fit to be burned in the fire, than for the building of a fabric. Where there is a pure conscience—there will be a pure conversation. The dial of our faces does not infallibly show—the time of day in our hearts. The humblest looks may enamel the face—while unbounded pride governs the heart! Unclean spirits may inhabit the house—when they look not out at the window.

形式主义经常与正直为邻，因此冒用其名；灵魂并不怀疑地狱会如此接近天堂。一根腐朽的柱子，即使包裹着金子，也更适合被扔进火里烧掉，而不是用来建造房屋。哪里有纯洁的良心，哪里就会有纯洁的谈话。我们脸上的表情并不能准确无误地显示我们内心的时刻。最谦卑的外表可能装饰着脸庞——而内心却被无限的骄傲所掌控！污秽的灵可能住在房子里——即使它们不从窗户往外看。

A hypocrite may be both the fairest—and the foulest creature in the world! He may be fairest outwardly in the eyes of man—and foulest inwardly in the sight of God. How commonly do such unclean swans cover their black flesh with their white feathers! Though such wear the mantle of Samuel—they should bear the name of Satan!

伪君子可能是世界上最美丽——也是最肮脏的生物！他在人眼中可能外表最美——在上帝眼中却内心最污秽。这些不洁的天鹅多么常用白羽毛遮掩他们的黑肉啊！虽然他们披着撒母耳的外衣——却应该背负撒但的名字！

Many appear righteous—who are only righteous in appearance. But while they are deceiving others with the false shows of holiness—they are also deceiving themselves with the false hopes of happiness. The hypocrite would not willingly appear evil—and yet would inwardly be evil. He would gladly be accounted godly—and yet would not be godly. Man, either appear what you are—or be what you appear. What will the form of godliness do for you—if you deny the power thereof? Own this—or God will disown you! Those who have the power of godliness, cannot deny the form; while those who have the form of godliness, may deny the power.

许多人看似正直——但只是表面正直。但当他们用虚假的圣洁表象欺骗他人时——他们也在用虚假的幸福希望欺骗自己。伪君子不愿表现出邪恶——却在内心邪恶。他乐于被认为是虔诚的——却不愿成为虔诚的。人啊，要么表现出你的本来面目——要么成为你表现出的样子。如果你否认敬虔的能力，敬虔的形式对你有什么用呢？承认这一点——否则上帝将不认你！那些拥有敬虔能力的人，不能否认其形式；而那些只有敬虔形式的人，可能会否认其能力。

Hypocrites resemble looking-glasses—which present the faces that are not in them. Oh, how desirous are men to put the fairest gloves—upon the foulest hands; and the finest paint—upon the rottenest posts! To counterfeit the coin of Heaven, is to commit treason against the King of Heaven. Who would spread an exquisite cloth—upon a dirty table?

伪君子就像镜子——呈现出不在其中的面孔。哦，人们多么渴望把最漂亮的手套戴在最肮脏的手上；把最精美的油漆涂在最腐朽的柱子上！伪造天国的钱币，就是对天国之王犯下叛国罪。谁会在肮脏的桌子上铺上精美的桌布呢？

If a mariner sets sail in an unsound ship—he may reasonably expect to lose his voyage. No wise virgin would carry a lamp—without light. O professor, either get the light—or part with the lamp. None are so black in the eyes of the all knowing God—as those who paint for spiritual beauty.

如果水手驾驶一艘不牢固的船出海——他可以合理地预期会失去航程。没有一个聪明的处女会携带一盏没有光的灯。哦，教授[待确认]，要么获得光明，要么放弃灯具。在全知上帝的眼中，没有人比那些为了精神美而粉饰自己的人更黑暗。

Some people are better in show—than in substance. But not so with true Christians; they are not like painted tombs, which enclose decayed bones. The king’s daughter “is all glorious within!” She is all glorious within—though within is not all her glory. That is a sad charge, which the God of truth brings against certain false professors, “I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and are not—but are the synagogue of Satan!” A false friend—is worse than an open enemy. A painted harlot is less dangerous—than a painted hypocrite. A treacherous Judas is more abhorred by God—than a bloody Pilate!

有些人表面比实质更好。但真正的基督徒并非如此；他们不像粉饰的坟墓，内里封存着腐朽的骨头。国王的女儿”内里全然荣耀！”她内里全然荣耀——尽管内在并非她全部的荣耀。这是一个悲哀的指控，真理之神对某些虚假的教授提出：”我知道那些自称是犹太人却不是的人的亵渎，他们实际上是撒旦的会堂！”一个虚假的朋友——比公开的敌人更糟糕。一个粉饰的妓女——比一个粉饰的伪君子危害更小。一个背叛的犹大——比一个血腥的彼拉多更令上帝憎恶！

Professors! Remember the sheep’s clothing will soon be stripped from the wolf’s back! The velvet plaster of profession—shall not always conceal the offensive ulcer of corruption. Neither the ship of formality nor hypocrisy—will carry one person to the harbor of felicity. The blazing lamps of foolish virgins may light them to the bridegroom’s gate—but not into his chamber. Either get the nature of Christ within you—or take name of Christ away from you.

教授们！记住，羊皮很快就会从狼背上剥下来！职业的天鹅绒膏药——不能永远掩盖腐败的恶性溃疡。无论是形式主义的船还是虚伪的船——都不能将一个人带到幸福的港湾。愚蠢处女的闪耀灯光可能会引导她们到新郎的大门——但不能进入他的房间。要么在你内心获得基督的本性——要么从你身上去掉基督的名字。

Oh, what vanity is it to lop off the boughs—and leave the roots which can send forth more; or to empty the cistern, and leave the fountain running which can soon fill it again! Such may swim in the water as the visible church—but when the net is drawn to shore, they must be thrown away as bad fishes. Though the tares and the wheat may grow in the field together—yet they will not be housed in the granary together.

哦，砍掉树枝却留下能长出更多枝条的根，或者清空水箱却让能很快再次填满它的水源继续流动，这是多么虚妄啊！这样的人可能在可见的教会中如鱼得水——但当渔网拉到岸边时，他们必将如同坏鱼一样被丢弃。虽然稗子和麦子可能在田里一起生长——但它们最终不会一起被收进粮仓。

How pious and devout did the Pharisees appear before men! The people concluded these religious leaders, to be the only saints upon the earth. They judged the inward man by the outward—but not so with the heart-searching God!
法利赛人在人前显得多么虔诚和虔诚啊！人们认定这些宗教领袖是地上唯一的圣人。他们以外表来判断内心——但洞察人心的上帝却不这样！

For He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men—but God knows your hearts! What is highly valued among men—is detestable in God’s sight!” That sepulcher is not always the repository of gold—which is outwardly garnished.
因为祂对他们说：”你们是在人前自以为义的——但上帝知道你们的心！人所看重的——在上帝眼中是可憎的！”那外表装饰华丽的坟墓并不总是藏金之处。

Herod was a god in the esteem of the people—when he was but a fiend in the sight of the Lord; they adored him—but God destroyed him.
希律在民众的尊崇中如同神明——但在主眼中却只是个恶魔；他们崇拜他——但上帝毁灭了他。

A man’s outward life may be civilized—when his heart is not evangelized. There is as much difference between nature restrained—and nature renewed, as between the glimmering of a glowworm—and the splendor of the noonday sun!
一个人的外在生活可能是文明的——但他的内心却未被福音改变。被约束的本性与被更新的本性之间的差异，就如同萤火虫的微光与正午阳光的辉煌之间的差异一样巨大！

A bad man is certainly the worst—when he is seemingly the best. We must not account everyone a soldier—who swaggers with a sword. A rusty sword—may frequently be found in a highly decorated scabbard.
一个坏人在看似最好的时候——肯定是最坏的。我们不能把每个佩剑耀武扬威的人都当作士兵。生锈的剑——常常可以在装饰华丽的剑鞘中找到。

What good is it to have our hands as white as snow—if our hearts are as black as the bottomless pit! Such professors resemble soap bubbles—smooth and pretty without—yet only filled with air!
如果我们的心像无底洞一样黑暗，那么手如雪白又有什么用呢！这样的教授们就像肥皂泡一样——外表光滑漂亮——却只是充满了空气！

A man may wear the Savior’s livery—and yet be busied in Satan’s drudgery! The skin of an apple may be fair—when it is rotten at the core! Though all gold may glitter—yet all is not gold that glitters.
一个人可能穿着救主的制服——却忙于撒旦的苦工！苹果的皮可能很漂亮——但核心却已腐烂！虽然所有的金子都会闪闪发光——但并非所有闪光的都是金子。

The worst hypocrite may have the color of gold—but not the value of gold. What comparison is there, between the golden cup filled with putrid water—and the clay cup filled with fine wine?
最糟糕的伪君子可能有金子的颜色——但没有金子的价值。装满腐水的金杯——与装满美酒的陶杯相比，有什么可比性呢？

Very few deceivers duly weigh that notable saying of the wise man, “The man of integrity walks securely—but he who takes crooked paths will be found out!” God, who promises to cover the true Christian’s infirmities—threatens also to disclose the hypocrite’s impieties.
很少有骗子认真考虑智者的那句名言：”正直人行走安稳——但走弯曲道路的人必被发现！”上帝应许遮盖真正基督徒的软弱——同时也威胁要揭露伪君子的不敬虔。

Well would it be for such to remember, that arch-traitor Judas, purchased nothing by his deceitful dealings—but a halter for his body, in which he was hanged; and fire for his soul, in which he is burning!
这些人最好记住，那大叛徒犹大，通过他的欺骗行为所得到的——只不过是一条用来上吊的绳子，他被吊死在其中；以及一团火焰，他的灵魂在其中焚烧！

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to be more afflicted at the distresses of the church, than affected at his own happiness.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个特殊行为是，对教会的苦难比对自己的幸福更感到痛苦。

When we suffer not from the enemies of Christ by persecution—we should then suffer for the friends of Christ by compassion. Let not Zion’s sons be rejoicing—while their mother is mourning. “Are not her breaches like the sea—and there is none to heal her?” If her breaches be irreparable—our hearts should be inconsolable. It is observed of doves, that if one is sick, the other laments. Yes, the savage beasts will mourn over the afflicted creatures of their own species; and shall that be lost among men—which is found among beasts?

当我们没有因迫害而遭受基督敌人的苦难时，我们就应该通过同情来为基督的朋友们受苦。不要让锡安的儿子们欢欣鼓舞，而他们的母亲却在哀悼。”她的创伤岂不像海洋一样广阔，无人能医治吗？”如果她的创伤无法修复，我们的心就应该无法安慰。人们观察到，如果一只鸽子生病了，另一只就会哀鸣。是的，即使是野兽也会为同类的苦难哀悼；难道在人类中会失去在野兽中存在的东西吗？

Christianity never was designed to strip men of humanity. Reader! Can you see the church bleeding—and never ask balm for her wounds? How can you rejoice when she stands—if you do not mourn when she falls? It thrilled impious Nero to see the Christians burning—but it should wound us to hear of it. The cruel massacre of the Judean infants—was a pleasant sight to bloody Herod.

基督教从未打算剥夺人的人性。读者啊！你能看到教会流血而不为她的伤口寻求药膏吗？如果你在她跌倒时不哀悼，你怎能在她站立时欢欣？看到基督徒被烧死让不敬虔的尼禄兴奋不已，但听到这种事应该让我们感到痛心。犹太婴儿的残酷屠杀对嗜血的希律来说是一个令人愉悦的景象。

We may justly prefer that charge against many nominal Christians, which God did against nominal Israel. “You drink wine by the bowlful, and you perfume yourselves with exotic fragrances, caring nothing at all that your nation is going to ruin!”

我们可以公正地对许多有名无实的基督徒提出那项指控，就像上帝对有名无实的以色列所做的那样。”你们大碗饮酒，用名贵香料抹身，却毫不在意你们的国家正走向毁灭！”

Many can weep a flood for the groans of a child—but they cannot drop a tear for the groans of the church. Their love to relations transcends their love to religion. He who has property on board the church’s ship, cannot but be alarmed at every storm. Many professors are like a silver eye in the spiritual head, and a wooden leg in the spiritual body—which are insensible to all its sorrows. That man who has no compassion for afflicted Christians, may rest persuaded that God will have no compassion on him! His language will be, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave Me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite Me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe Me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after Me.”

许多人能为一个孩子的呻吟痛哭流涕，却无法为教会的呻吟落下一滴眼泪。他们对亲属的爱超越了对宗教的爱。在教会之船上有财产的人，不可能不对每一场风暴感到警惕。许多教授就像灵性头脑中的银眼睛，灵性身体中的木腿——对所有的悲伤都无动于衷。对受苦的基督徒没有同情心的人，可以确信上帝也不会对他有怜悯！祂的语言将会是，”你们这被咒诅的人，离开我！进入为魔鬼和他的使者所预备的永火里去。因为我饿了，你们不给我吃；渴了，你们不给我喝；我作客旅，你们不留我住；我赤身露体，你们不给我穿；我病了，我在监里，你们不来看顾我。”

The enemies of the church may toss her as waves—but they shall not split her as rocks.
教会的敌人可能会像波浪一样抛掷她——但他们不能像岩石一样将她分裂。

She may be dipped in water as a feather—but shall not sink therein as lead.
她可能会像羽毛一样浸入水中——但不会像铅一样沉没其中。

He who is a well of water within her, to keep her from fainting—will also prove a wall of fire about her, to preserve her from falling.
在她内心如水井般的那位，使她不致昏厥——也将成为她周围的火墙，保护她不致跌倒。

Tried she may be—but destroyed she cannot be.
她可能会受到试炼——但她不会被毁灭。

Her foundation is the Rock of Ages—and her defense the everlasting Arms.
她的根基是永恒的磐石——她的防御是永恒的膀臂。

It is only such fabrics as are founded upon the sand—which are overthrown by the wind.
只有那些建立在沙土上的结构——才会被风吹倒。

The adversaries of God’s people will push at them as far as their horns will go—but when they have scoured them by prosecution as tarnished vessels—then God will throw such wisps into the fire!
上帝子民的对手会尽其所能地攻击他们——但当他们通过迫害像擦拭污损的器皿一样清洗他们时——上帝就会把这些[wisp]（草把）扔进火里！

Many would rather see the church’s expiration—than her reformation.
许多人宁愿看到教会的消亡——而不是她的改革。

It would afford them more pleasure to find her nullified, than purified; for they suppose that happiness increases—in proportion as holiness decreases.
发现她被废除比被净化更能给他们带来快乐；因为他们认为幸福随着圣洁的减少而增加。

Christians! when persecutors make long furrows upon the saint’s back—then we should cast in the seed of sympathetic tears!
基督徒们！当迫害者在圣徒背上犁出长长的沟痕时——我们应该播下同情的泪水之种！

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” Thus the Head cries out in Heaven—while the toe is trod upon on earth!
“扫罗，扫罗，你为什么逼迫我？”这样，头在天上呼喊——而脚趾在地上被践踏！

Though Jesus Christ has altered His condition—yet He has not changed His affection.
虽然耶稣基督改变了祂的处境——但祂并未改变祂的爱。

Death took away His life for us—but not His love from us.
死亡夺去了祂为我们献出的生命——但没有夺走祂对我们的爱。

He who washed away the blood of guilt from our hearts—will soon wipe away those briny tears which disfigure our cheeks.
那位洗去我们心中罪恶之血的主——很快就会擦去那些使我们面容变形的咸泪。

He who paid so great a price for our redemption, will not resign us into the hands of our cruel tormentors.
那位为我们的救赎付出如此巨大代价的主，不会将我们交到残酷折磨者的手中。

“Comfort, comfort My people—says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and that her sins are pardoned.”
“你们要安慰，安慰我的百姓——你们的神说。要对耶路撒冷说安慰的话。告诉她，她悲伤的日子已经过去，她的罪已得赦免。”

If the Father of mercies thus proclaims pardon to returning prodigals—we may expect soon to hear of music and rejoicing among all the heavenly harpers!
如果这位怜悯之父如此宣告赦免归回的浪子——我们可以期待很快就会听到所有天上的竖琴手奏乐欢庆！

When we see the church suffering in the cup of affliction—we should then help her with the cup of consolation.
当我们看到教会在苦难的杯中受苦时——我们就应该用安慰的杯帮助她。

A heavy burden may easily be borne—by the assistance of many shoulders.
一个沉重的负担可以轻松承担——只要有许多肩膀的帮助。

Some are like Gallio, “none of these things concerned them.”
有些人像迦流一样，”这些事一概与他们无关。”

Nay, when they should be sympathizers, they are censurers.
不，当他们应该成为同情者时，他们却成了批评者。

They conclude that the gold is not good, because it is tried; and that the ground is worthless, because it is ploughed.
他们认为金子不好，因为它经过试炼；他们认为土地无用，因为它被耕种。

They wound those with the arrows of reproach—whom God has only corrected with the rod of reproof.
他们用责备的箭伤害那些——上帝仅用责备的杖管教的人。

It is dangerous to smite those with our tongues—whom God has smitten with His hand.
用我们的舌头击打那些——上帝已用祂的手击打的人是危险的。

His right to correct—is not our right to correct.
祂纠正的权利——不是我们纠正的权利。

Because Christ suffered for transgressors, many numbered Him with transgressors—but that was to give Him the sharpest vinegar, when they should have given Him the sweetest wine.
因为基督为罪人受苦，许多人将祂列在罪犯之中——但这是给祂最酸的醋，而他们本应给祂最甜的酒。

“Pour out your fury on them; consume them with Your burning anger!” Why, David? “For they persecute those You wound and talk about the pain of those You have wounded.”
“将你的愤怒倾倒在他们身上；用你的烈怒消灭他们！”为什么，大卫？”因为他们迫害你所击打的人，谈论你所伤害之人的痛苦。”

Sympathy is a debt we owe to sufferers. For Christians to be rejoicing when their brethren are weeping—is like putting silver-lace upon a mourning suit.
同情是我们欠受苦者的债。基督徒在他们的弟兄姐妹哭泣时欢喜——就像在丧服上缝银边。

Our own particular losses and distresses resemble the extinguishing of a candle, which only occasions darkness in one room—but the general distresses of the church are like the eclipsing of the sun, which overshadows the whole hemisphere.
我们个人的损失和痛苦就像熄灭一支蜡烛，只会使一个房间变暗——但教会的普遍苦难就像日食，笼罩整个半球。

Pliny informs us of two goats meeting together on a narrow bridge, where neither of them could either proceed or recede; at last one of them lay down, that the other might go over him. How much of the man was there in those beasts—and how much of the beast is there in some men!
普林尼告诉我们，两只山羊在一座窄桥上相遇，它们既无法前进也无法后退；最后，其中一只卧下，让另一只从它身上走过去。那些野兽身上有多少人性——而一些人身上又有多少兽性！

It is certainly better to be in the humble posture of a mourner—than in the proud gesture of a scorner. The woman of Canaan could not rest—while her daughter was restless. The torture of one—was the torment of the other—but a word from Jesus relieved them both.
处于哀悼者谦卑的姿态肯定比处于蔑视者骄傲的姿态要好。迦南妇人无法安息——当她的女儿不安时。一个人的折磨——就是另一个人的痛苦——但耶稣的一句话解脱了她们俩。

Sympathy renders a doleful state—more joyful. Alexander refused water in a time of great scarcity, because there was not enough for his whole army.
同情使悲惨的状态——变得更加愉快。亚历山大在极度缺水的时候拒绝喝水，因为没有足够的水供给他的整个军队。

It should be among Christians, as among lute-strings—when one is touched, the others tremble. Believers should be neither proud flesh—nor dead flesh. Fellow members—should ever have fellow feelings. Other men’s woes are our warnings—their desolation should be our information.
基督徒之间应该像琵琶弦一样——当一根被触碰时，其他的也会颤动。信徒既不应是骄傲的肉体——也不应是死去的肉体。同伴之间——应该永远有同理心。他人的悲伤是我们的警示——他们的荒凉应该成为我们的信息。

Jeremiah suffered not in his own person, being under the protection of the Divine Being—but though he dwelt securely from the hand of mortality—yet he was filled with the affections of sympathy. Though he wrote of the Jews desolations—yet he named them Jeremiah’s Lamentations.
耶利米本人并未受苦，因为他受到神的保护——但尽管他安全地远离死亡之手——他却充满了同情的情感。尽管他写的是犹太人的荒凉——但他将其命名为耶利米哀歌。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to render the greatest good for the greatest evil.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为，是以最大的善回报最大的恶。

Mariners look for a storm at sea, when the waters begin to utter a murmuring noise. Theodosius the emperor, being urged to execute one who had reviled him, answered, “I am so far from gratifying your wish; that were it in my power, if he were dead, I would raise him to life again; rather than, being alive, to put him to death.”
水手们在海水开始发出喃喃声时，就会预料到海上将有风暴。当有人催促狄奥多西皇帝处决一个辱骂过他的人时，他回答说：”我绝不会满足你的愿望；如果我有能力的话，即使他已经死了，我也会让他复活；而不是在他还活着的时候把他处死。”

He makes a good market of bad commodities, who with kindnesses overcomes injuries. For a man to be captivated by his own angry passions, and conquer another person—is but to lose the palace of a prince—to gain the cottage of a peasant. A spark of fire falling in the ocean, expires immediately; but dropping upon combustibles, burns furiously. God has bound every believer in gospel cords—to godly behavior.
以善意克服伤害的人，能从坏商品中获得好市场。一个人被自己的愤怒情绪所俘虏，并征服另一个人——这无异于失去王子的宫殿，却只获得农民的小屋。火星落入海洋，立即熄灭；但落在易燃物上，却会猛烈燃烧。上帝已经用福音之绳将每个信徒束缚——使他们有敬虔的行为。

A carnal man may love his friends—but it is a Christian man who loves his enemies. “But I tell you—love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.” He calls to patience, who is patience itself! He who gives the precepts—enforces it by His own example. It is unnatural to hate those who love us; and it is supernatural to love those who hate us. A sinner can do much evil—but he can suffer none; a saint can suffer much evil—but he will do none.
一个属肉体的人可能爱他的朋友——但只有基督徒才会爱他的敌人。”但我告诉你们——要爱你们的仇敌，为那咒诅你们的祝福，善待那恨你们的，为那凌辱你们、迫害你们的祷告。”他呼吁人要有耐心，而他自己就是耐心的化身！给出教诲的人——以自己的榜样来执行。恨那些爱我们的人是不自然的；而爱那些恨我们的人则是超自然的。罪人能做许多恶事——但他无法忍受任何恶；圣徒能忍受许多恶——但他不会做任何恶。

He who takes up fire to throw at his adversaries, is in great danger of burning his own fingers! A badly loaded gun, instead of hitting the mark, does but recoil on him who discharges it. He who glories in wounding others—will finally wound himself. If injuries are our enemies’ weapons, forgiveness should be ours. How many have had their blood seen, because they would not have their backs seen. Men’s bad actions towards others—are generally excused by others’ bad actions towards them. There is a two-fold madness: that of the head—which deprives men of prudence; and that of the heart—which deprives them of their patience. To forget an injury, is more than nature can promise—but to forgive it, is what grace can perform. Patience affords us a shield to defend ourselves—but innocence denies us a sword to offend others. If ever you hope that your charity should live after you—then let resentment die before you.
拿起火去扔向对手的人，很有可能烧伤自己的手指！装填不当的枪，不仅打不中目标，反而会反弹伤及开枪的人。以伤害他人为荣的人——最终会伤害自己。如果伤害是我们敌人的武器，那么宽恕就应该是我们的武器。有多少人因为不愿让人看到他们的背影而让人看到了他们的鲜血。人们对他人的恶行——通常被他人对他们的恶行所原谅。有两种疯狂：一种是头脑的疯狂——剥夺了人的谨慎；另一种是心灵的疯狂——剥夺了他们的耐心。忘记伤害，是大自然无法承诺的——但宽恕它，却是恩典能够做到的。耐心给了我们一面盾牌来保护自己——但无辜却不给我们一把剑去伤害他人。如果你希望你的慈善在你死后依然存在——那就让怨恨在你之前死去。

It is written in the law of Mahomet, that “God made angels of light—and devils of flame.”
在穆罕默德的律法中写道：”上帝创造了光明的天使和火焰的魔鬼。”

But of this I am sure—that they are of hellish constitutions, who play off the fire-works of contention.
但我确信，那些玩弄争论烟火的人有着地狱般的本性。

“Be angry—and sin not.”
“生气却不要犯罪。”

Anger should not be a burning coal from Satan’s furnace—but a blazing coal from God’s altar.
愤怒不应是来自撒旦熔炉的燃烧煤炭，而应是来自上帝祭坛的炽热煤炭。

It should resemble fire in straw—which is as easily quenched, as suddenly kindled.
它应该像稻草中的火一样——既容易被点燃，也容易被熄灭。

He who would be angry and not sin—must be angry at nothing but sin!
想要生气却不犯罪的人，必须只对罪恶生气！

“Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a mighty foothold to the devil!”
“不要含怒到日落，因为愤怒会给魔鬼留下巨大的立足之地！”

He who carries angry passions to bed with him—will find that the devil will creep between the sheets!
带着愤怒情绪上床的人，会发现魔鬼会潜入被单之间！

Why should we give place to Satan—who crowds in so fast himself?
为什么我们要给撒旦留地方呢——他自己已经挤得那么快了？

O man, shall your life be mortal—and your wrath immortal?
哦，人啊，你的生命是短暂的，难道你的愤怒要永恒吗？

Should we not give place to an offending brother, rather than to be a designing murderer?
我们难道不应该给冒犯我们的兄弟留余地，而不是成为一个蓄意的谋杀者吗？

How many are there who profess to forgive—but cannot forget an injury!
有多少人宣称要宽恕——却无法忘记伤害！

Such are like people who sweep the chamber—but leave the dust behind the door.
这样的人就像那些打扫房间却把灰尘留在门后的人。

Whenever we grant our offending brethren a discharge—our hearts also should set their hands to the acquittance.
每当我们给予冒犯我们的兄弟一个释放时——我们的心也应该在这份谅解书上签字。

We should not only break the teeth of malice by forgiveness—but pluck out its sting by forgetfulness.
我们不仅应该通过宽恕来折断恶意的牙齿——还应该通过遗忘来拔出它的毒刺。

To store our memories by dwelling on injuries—is to fill that chest with rusty iron—which was made for refined gold.
通过沉溺于伤害来储存我们的记忆——就是用生锈的铁填满那本应装精金的箱子。

The pot of malice should not stand upon the fire—until it boils over.
恶意的锅不应该放在火上——直到它沸腾溢出。

Christian, can you expect better treatment in the world—than He who was better than the world?
基督徒，你能期望在这世界上得到比那位比世界更好的祂更好的对待吗？

When Aristides, the Athenian general, sat to arbitrate a difference between two people, one of them said, “This fellow accused you at such a time!”
当雅典将军阿里斯蒂德坐下来调解两个人之间的纷争时，其中一人说：”这家伙曾在某时指控过你！”

To whom Aristides answered “I sit, not to hear what he has done against me—but against you.”
阿里斯蒂德回答说：”我坐在这里，不是为了听他对我做了什么——而是对你做了什么。”

How should a Christian shine, if a heathen gives such light!
如果一个异教徒能发出这样的光芒，一个基督徒又该如何闪耀！

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
“你的仇敌若饿了，就给他食物；若渴了，就给他水喝。因为你这样行，就是把炭火堆在他的头上。”

Not the coals of vengeance to consume him—but the coals of kindness to soften him.
不是用复仇的炭火来烧毁他——而是用善意的炭火来软化他。

Jesus was an intercessor both in His life and death; His dying breath was praying breath—and that not only for His sorrowful disciples—but for His enraged murderers also.
耶稣在生前和死时都是代祷者；祂临终的呼吸是祷告的呼吸——不仅为祂悲伤的门徒——也为祂愤怒的杀害者。

“Father, forgive them—for they know not what they do.”
“父啊，赦免他们！因为他们所做的，他们不晓得。”

Thus He gave them the best wine—for the bitterest gall.
因此，祂给了他们最好的酒——换取最苦的胆汁。

The Lord Jesus spreads a large table every day, and the major part who feed thereat—are His enemies!
主耶稣每天摆设丰盛的筵席，而在那里吃饭的大部分人——都是祂的敌人！

“In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard and the goat will be at peace. Calves and yearlings will be safe among lions, and a little child will lead them all!”
“那日，狼必与羊羔同居，豹子与山羊羔同卧。牛犊和小狮子并肥畜同群；小孩子要牵引它们。”

The Lord Jesus can both tame the most cruel beast—and quench the most raging lust!
主耶稣既能驯服最凶残的野兽——也能熄灭最狂暴的欲望！

None but a patient Christ—can make us patient Christians. As our passions were the cause of His—so His passion is the cure of ours. Reader, if you cannot forgive others—God will not forgive you. You have His own authority for this, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” In vain do we ask God to be pacified to us—while we live at variance with others. How can we expect to have pounds remitted to us—if pence are not remitted by us?

唯有一位有耐心的基督，才能造就有耐心的基督徒。正如我们的情欲是祂受难的原因，祂的受难也是我们情欲的良药。读者啊，如果你不能原谅他人，上帝也不会原谅你。这是祂亲自的权威：”你们饶恕人的过犯，你们的天父也必饶恕你们的过犯。你们不饶恕人的过犯，你们的天父也必不饶恕你们的过犯。”当我们与他人不和时，我们徒然祈求上帝对我们息怒。如果我们不肯免去别人的便士，我们怎能指望自己的英镑得到免除？

I have read of a person who imbrued his hands in his own blood, because they were too short to reach his enemy’s. Poor revenge! How repugnant was this to the apostolic advice, “Do not take revenge, my friends—but leave room for God’s wrath.” This was the conduct of dying Stephen, “Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice—Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” Could living men do worse to a dying man—or a dying man pray better for living men?

我读到过一个人将双手浸在自己的血中，因为他的手臂太短够不到敌人。多么可怜的复仇啊！这与使徒的劝诫是多么的相悖，”亲爱的弟兄，不要自己伸冤，宁可让步，听凭主怒。”这正是临终的司提反所行的，”他跪下大声喊着说：主啊，不要将这罪归于他们！”活着的人还能对一个垂死的人做出更坏的事吗？或者一个垂死的人还能为活着的人做出更好的祷告吗？

To do evil for good, is human corruption; to do good for good, is civil retribution—but to do good for evil, is Christian perfection. Though forgiveness is not the grace of nature—yet it is the nature of grace.

以恶报善，是人性的败坏；以善报善，是世俗的报偿——但以善报恶，才是基督徒的完全。虽然宽恕不是本性的恩典，却是恩典的本性。

When Shimei cursed David in his distress, Abishai was for an immediate retaliation. “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head!” What was David’s answer? “No!” the king said. “If the Lord has told him to curse me, who am I to stop him?” He was so far from taking off his head, that he does not even attempt to shut his mouth. The shoulders of charity—are able to carry the burden of injury—without either being moved with violence, or removed from patience.

当示每在大卫遭难时咒骂他，亚比筛想要立即报复。”这死狗岂可咒骂我主我王呢？求你容我过去，割下他的头来！”大卫的回答是什么？王说：”不可！如果耶和华吩咐他咒骂大卫，我有什么资格阻止他呢？”他不仅没有砍下示每的头，甚至没有试图堵住他的嘴。仁爱的肩膀能够承担伤害的重担——既不被暴力所动，也不失去耐心。

Though God does not allow His people to sin in avenging their enemies—yet He allows not the sin of their enemies to go unavenged. “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay! says the Lord.” “Anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Where there is the most indignation, there is the least discretion. No men do more readily brook insults from others—than such as have learned to despise themselves. Make not an enemy of your friend—by returning evil for good; but make a friend of your enemy—by returning him good for evil.

虽然上帝不允许祂的子民因报复敌人而犯罪，但祂也不会让敌人的罪行不受惩罚。”伸冤在我，我必报应！这是主说的。””怒气止息在愚妄人的怀中。”哪里愤怒最盛，哪里就最缺乏明智。没有人比那些学会轻视自己的人更能容忍他人的侮辱。不要因以恶报善而使朋友成为敌人，而要因以善报恶而使敌人成为朋友。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to take those reproofs best—which he needs most.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是，最能接受那些他最需要的责备。

It was the saying of a heathen, though no heathenish saying, “That he who would be good, must either have a faithful friend to instruct him, or a watchful enemy to correct him.” Should we murder a physician—because he comes to cure us? Should we like him worse—because he would make us better?
这是一个异教徒的说法，虽然并非异教的说法，”一个想要变好的人，要么有一个忠实的朋友指导他，要么有一个警惕的敌人纠正他。”我们应该杀害医生吗——因为他来治愈我们？我们应该更不喜欢他吗——因为他想让我们变得更好？

The flaming sword of reprehension—is but to keep us from the forbidden fruit of transgression. “Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine. Don’t let me refuse it.” ‘Let him smite me as with an hammer,’ for so the word signifies. A Boanerges is as necessary as a Barnabas.
责备的火焰剑——不过是为了使我们远离违法的禁果。”让虔诚的人打我吧！这将是一种善意！如果他们责备我，这是舒缓的药物。别让我拒绝它。””让他用锤子击打我”，因为这就是这个词的意思。一个Boanerges（雷子）和一个Barnabas（安慰之子）一样必要。

“Have I become your enemy—because I tell you the truth?” Truth is not always relished—where sin is nourished. Light is pleasant—yet it may be offensive to sore eyes. Honey is sweet—though it causes the wound to smart. We must not neglect the sinful actions of friends—for fear of drawing upon ourselves the suspicions of being enemies. It is better to lose the smiles of men—than the souls of men. “You must not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor directly, and you will not incur guilt because of him.” He who loves a garment—hates the moths which fret it.
“我因为告诉你真相就成了你的敌人吗？”真理并不总是受人喜爱——在罪恶滋生的地方。光是令人愉悦的——但它可能会刺痛疼痛的眼睛。蜂蜜是甜的——尽管它会让伤口刺痛。我们不能因为担心被视为敌人而忽视朋友的罪行。失去人们的微笑总比失去人们的灵魂要好。”你不可心里恨你的弟兄。要坦诚地责备你的邻舍，免得因他担罪。”爱护衣服的人——会憎恨蛀蚀它的蛾子。

“Rebuke a wise man—and he will love you. Rebuke a scorner—and he will hate you.” Reproof slides from a scorner’s breast—as water from an oiled post. Instead of loving a man amidst all his injuries—he will hate him for all his civilities. Most people are like unruly horses, which no sooner feel the ‘bit’—than they strike with their heels. Or like bees, which no sooner are angered—than they give a sharp sting!
“责备智慧人——他就会爱你。责备好讥诮的人——他就会恨你。”责备从好讥诮者的胸膛滑落——如同水从涂油的柱子上滑落。他不会在所有伤害中爱一个人——反而会因所有的礼貌而恨他。大多数人就像不驯服的马，一感觉到”嚼子”——就用后蹄踢人。或者像蜜蜂，一被激怒——就会狠狠地蜇人！

There is much discretion to be manifested in reprehension. A word will do more with some—than a blow with others. A Venice glass is not to be rubbed so hard—as an iron kettle. The tender reed is more easily bowed—than the sturdy oak. Christ’s warfare requires no carnal weapons. Dashing storms do but destroy the seed—while gentle showers nourish it. Chariots too furiously driven, may be overturned by their own vehemence.
在责备中需要表现出很多谨慎。对某些人来说，一句话的效果比对其他人的一击更大。威尼斯玻璃不应像铁壶那样用力擦拭。柔软的芦苇比坚硬的橡树更容易弯曲。基督的争战不需要肉体的武器。猛烈的风暴只会毁坏种子——而温和的阵雨则会滋养它。驾驶过于猛烈的战车，可能会因自身的激烈而翻车。

How many are there, who check passion—with passion; and are very angry—in reproving anger! Thus to slay one devil—they raise another; and leave more work to be undone, than they found to be done. Such a reproof of vice—is a vice to be reproved. In reprehension, we should always beware of carrying our teeth in our tongues; and of biting while we are speaking. A surgeon would not be justifiable in dismembering a body—if he could effect a cure without such drastic measures.

有多少人用激情来制止激情，在斥责愤怒时自己却非常愤怒！这样，为了杀死一个魔鬼，他们却唤醒了另一个；留下了比他们原本发现的更多未完成的工作。这种对恶行的斥责本身就是一种需要被斥责的恶行。在责备时，我们应当始终警惕不要让牙齿长在舌头上；在说话时不要咬人。如果不采取如此极端的措施就能治愈，外科医生就不应该肢解身体。

“Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit.” The word signifies, to set a dislocated bone. This requires the lady’s hand; tenderness—as well as skillfulness. Reprehension is not an act of butchery—but an act of surgery. Take heed of putting too keen an edge, upon this scalpel. Mark the reason which the apostle assigns for gentle reproof: “But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”

“弟兄们，若有人偶然被过犯所胜，你们属灵的人就当用温柔的心把他挽回过来。”这个词的意思是复位脱臼的骨头。这需要女士的手；既要温柔，又要技巧。责备不是屠宰的行为，而是外科手术的行为。要注意不要让这把手术刀太锋利。请注意使徒给出温和责备的理由：”但要小心自己，免得也被引诱。”

If your neighbor’s house is on fire—your own may be in danger. We should be willing to lend mercy at one time—as we may have occasion to borrow it at another. We should do with other’s sins, as we do with our own sores; which, if a gentle cut will produce a sufficient healing, we avoid sharp slashing. If ravenous birds can be frightened away by a look—we need not expend powder and shot.

如果你邻居的房子着火了，你自己的房子可能也会有危险。我们应该愿意在某个时候施予怜悯，因为我们可能在另一个时候需要借用它。我们应该像对待自己的伤口一样对待他人的罪；如果轻轻一刀就能充分治愈，我们就避免深深的切割。如果贪婪的鸟儿能被一个眼神吓跑，我们就不需要浪费火药和子弹。

It is true, open sinners deserve open censures—but private admonitions will best suit private offences. While we seek to heal a wound in our brother’s actions, we should be careful not to leave a scar upon his person. That is a choice friend, who conceals our faults from the view of others—and yet reveals them to our own view. That medicine which rouses the evil humors of the body, and does not carry them off—only leaves it in a worse condition than it found it.

诚然，公开的罪人应当受到公开的谴责，但私下的过错最适合私下的劝诫。当我们试图治愈弟兄行为中的伤口时，应当小心不要在他的人格上留下疤痕。那才是真正的朋友，他在别人面前隐藏我们的过错，却向我们自己揭示这些过错。那种激起身体邪恶体液却不能清除它们的药物，只会让身体比原来的状况更糟。

It must be lamented, that many are as deaf to the softest tongue of reproof—as the adder is deaf to the sweet voice of the charmer. They are always administering the bitter pills of calumny—for the sweet cordials of charity. Men love to be adored—yet hate to be reproved. But how can we praise what they do—when they are so far from doing what is worthy to be praised?

令人遗憾的是，许多人对最温和的责备之声充耳不闻，就像蝰蛇对魔术师甜美的声音充耳不闻一样。他们总是在施用诽谤的苦药，而不是仁爱的甜美良药。人们喜欢被崇拜，却讨厌被责备。但是，当他们的所作所为离值得称赞的事情如此遥远时，我们又怎能赞美他们所做的呢？

How securely would David have slept—if Nathan had not been sent to rouse him! How far do many travel in the downward road—for lack of a wholesome friend to stop them in their journey!
如果没有拿单被派去唤醒他，大卫会睡得多么安稳啊！由于缺少一个健康的朋友来阻止他们的旅程，许多人在下坡路上走得多远啊！

Private admonition is rather a proof of benevolence, than of malevolence. It was the saying of Augustine, when his hearers resented his frequent reproofs, “Change your conduct—and I will change my conversation!”
私下的劝诫更多是仁慈的证明，而非恶意的表现。奥古斯丁曾说，当他的听众对他频繁的责备感到不满时，”改变你们的行为——我就改变我的谈话！”

The more a serpent is stirred—the more he gathers up his poison!
蛇被激怒得越多，它聚集的毒液就越多！

Some are to reproof, as tigers are to drums; because they cannot stop them, they will tear their own flesh. Man is a cross creature—yet cannot endure to be crossed.
有些人对责备的反应，就像老虎对鼓声的反应；因为他们无法阻止责备，就会撕裂自己的肉体。人是一个易怒的生物——却无法忍受被激怒。

He would have a “touch me not” written upon himself—but who would chide the dog for barking, when the thief is approaching!
他希望在自己身上写上”请勿触摸”——但当小偷靠近时，谁会责备狗叫呢！

Sin is like a nettle, which stings when it is gently touched—but hurts not when it is roughly handled. Beloved, this rough hewing of reproof is but to square us for the celestial building.
罪就像荨麻，轻轻触碰时会刺痛——但粗暴对待时却不会伤害。亲爱的，这种粗糙的责备只是为了让我们适应天国的建筑。

As for flatterers, they may be named the devils upholsterers. They no sooner see men troubled at their lusts—than they are for laying pillows under their elbows!
至于奉承者，他们可以被称为魔鬼的室内装饰师。他们一看到人们为自己的欲望所困扰，就立即在他们的肘部垫上枕头！

But let such know, that their lack of the fire of zeal—will be punished with the fire of Hell. He is an unskillful artist—who paints deformities with the loveliest of colors.
但让这样的人知道，他们缺乏热忱之火——将受到地狱之火的惩罚。用最可爱的颜色描绘畸形的人是一个不熟练的艺术家。

Reprehension should tread upon the heels of transgression. The plaster should be applied—as soon as the wound is received.
责备应该紧随过错之后。石膏应该在伤口刚刚形成时就立即敷上。

It is easier to extinguish a burning match—than a burning house. Gentle medicine will serve for a new distemper—but chronic diseases require powerful remedies.
扑灭一根燃烧的火柴比扑灭一座燃烧的房子更容易。温和的药物可以治疗新的疾病——但慢性病需要强效的药物。

The sword of reproof should be drawn against the offence—and not against the offender. Man thinks this cup is not sufficiently bitter—unless he mingles it with his wormwood and gall.
责备之剑应该针对过错而不是针对犯错的人。人们认为这杯药不够苦——除非他把苦艾和胆汁混在里面。

But the wrath of man does not work the righteousness of God. The severest reproofs of the godly are not mortal—but medicinal. They are to raise the dead to life—and not put the living to death.
但人的愤怒并不能成就神的义。虔诚者最严厉的责备不是致命的——而是治疗性的。它们是为了使死人复活——而不是使活人死亡。

Who knows how much the kindness of a reprover—may tame the insolence of an offender. He who hates reproof is brutish.
谁知道责备者的善意——可能会多大程度地驯服冒犯者的傲慢。憎恨责备的人是愚蠢的。

He is brutish, like an angry dog, that snarls and bites while the festering thorn is being taken out of his foot! Or like a wicked horse, that kicks the groomer while he is rubbing off the dirt.
他就像一只愤怒的狗，当人们试图从它脚上取出化脓的刺时，它却咆哮和咬人！或者像一匹邪恶的马，当马夫为它擦去污垢时，它却踢他。

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.”
“如果你的弟兄得罪你，你就去，只在你和他之间指出他的错。他若听你，你便得了你的弟兄。”

The spaniel loses the prey—by barking at the game. The presence of a multitude—makes a man take up an unjust defense, rather than lie down under just shame.
西班牙猎犬因对猎物吠叫而失去了猎物。众人在场——使人采取不公正的辩护，而不是承担应得的羞耻。

It is better to censure a man in private—than to spread his guilt by proclamation. How many do that in the market, which they should do in the closet!
私下责备一个人比公开宣扬他的罪过要好。有多少人在市场上做那些本应在密室里做的事！

Sin is a slippery mire; if we attempt to help others out, and do not—we sink them the deeper. Remember, tender lambs, if straying, must be gently restored to the fold.
罪是一个滑溜的泥潭；如果我们试图帮助他人脱离，却没有成功——我们会让他们陷得更深。记住，温柔的羔羊，如果迷失了，必须温和地将它们带回羊圈。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to take up every duty in point of performance; and lay down in point of dependence.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是，在履行义务时全力以赴；在依赖时却完全放下。

When the purest duties have been performed—the purest mercies should be implored. Many have passed the rocks of gross sins—who have suffered shipwreck upon the sands of self-righteousness. Some people live more upon their customs—than they do upon Christ; more upon the prayers which they make to God—than upon the God to whom they make their prayers. This is, for the redeemed captive to reverence the sword—instead of the hand which wrought his rescue!
当最纯粹的责任已经履行时—应当恳求最纯粹的怜悯。许多人已经越过了重大罪恶的岩石—却在自义的沙滩上遭遇了沉船。有些人更多地依赖于他们的习俗—而不是依赖于基督；更多地依赖于他们向上帝所作的祷告—而不是依赖于他们向之祷告的上帝。这就好比被救赎的俘虏崇敬剑—而不是成就他获救的手！

The Name of God with a sling and a stone—will do more than Goliath with all his armor. Duties are but dry pits, though ever so meticulously wrought—until Christ fills them. Reader, I would neither have you be idle in the means—nor make an idol of the means. Though it be the mariner’s duty to weigh his anchor, and spread his sails—yet he cannot make his voyage until the winds blow. The pipes will yield no conveyance, unless the springs yield their concurrence.
上帝的名字配上投石器和石头—将比全副武装的歌利亚更有作为。责任只不过是干涸的坑洞，即使再精心雕琢—直到基督填满它们。读者啊，我既不希望你在方法上闲置—也不要将方法偶像化。虽然水手有责任起锚扬帆—但在风吹起之前他无法启航。除非泉水涌流，管道也无法输送。

What is hearing without Christ—but like a cabinet without a jewel? What is receiving without Christ—but like a glass without a cordial? We can only ascend to Heaven—upon that ladder which was let down from Heaven.
没有基督的聆听—不就像没有珠宝的柜子吗？没有基督的接受—不就像没有滋补品的玻璃杯吗？我们只能通过从天降下的梯子—才能升到天堂。

The most diligent saint—has been the most self-distrusting saint, “that I may gain Christ and be found in Him—not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law—but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.” If you are found in your own righteousness, you will be lost by your own righteousness. That garment which was worn to shreds on Adam’s back—will never make a complete covering for you.
最勤奋的圣徒—一直是最不信任自己的圣徒，”为要得着基督，并且找到自己在他里面，不是有自己因律法而得的义，乃是有信基督的义，就是因信上帝而来的义。”如果你被发现在你自己的义中，你将因你自己的义而失丧。那件在亚当背上穿破的衣服—永远不会成为你完整的遮盖。

Duties may be good crutches to go upon—but they are bad “Christs” to lean upon. When Augustus Caesar desired the senate to join some person with him in the consulship, they replied, “They held it as a great dishonor to him—to have anyone joined with him, who was so capable himself.” It is the greatest disparagement that Christians can offer to Christ—to put their services in the scale with His suffering. The beggarly rags of the first Adam—must never be put on with the princely robe of the second Adam!
责任可能是行走的好拐杖—但却是糟糕的依靠对象”基督”。当奥古斯都凯撒希望元老院派人与他共同担任执政官时，他们回答说：”对于如此有能力的他来说，让任何人与他同任，都是极大的不敬。”基督徒能对基督做出的最大贬低—就是将他们的服事与祂的受难相提并论。第一个亚当的破烂衣衫—绝不能与第二个亚当的王子长袍一同穿戴！

Man is a creature too much inclined to warm himself by the sparks of his own fire—though he lies down in eternal flames for kindling them! Though Noah’s dove made use of her wings—yet she found no rest but in the ark. Duties can never have too much of our diligence—or too little of our confidence. “For he who is entered into rest—has ceased from his own works.” A believer does not perform good works to live—but he lives to perform good works.
人是一种过于倾向于用自己点燃的火花取暖的生物—尽管他为点燃这些火花而躺在永恒的火焰中！虽然诺亚的鸽子使用了她的翅膀—但除了方舟之外她找不到安息之处。责任永远不会得到我们过多的勤勉—或过少的信心。”因为那进入安息的，乃是歇了自己的工。”信徒不是为了生存而行善—而是为了行善而活着。

It was a haughty saying of one, “I will not accept of Heaven, gratis.” But he shall have Hell as his debt—who will not take Heaven as a gift.
有人傲慢地说：”我不会白白接受天堂。”但是那些不愿意接受天堂作为礼物的人，将以地狱作为他们的债务。

“For we are the true circumcision, the ones who serve by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, and do not put confidence in the flesh.”
“因为我们才是真正受割礼的，是靠着神的灵事奉、在基督耶稣里夸口、不靠着肉体的。”

A true Christian stands at as great distance from trusting in the best of his services—as in the worst of his sins. He knows that the greatest part of his holiness—will not make the least part of his justifying righteousness.
一个真正的基督徒，对于信靠他最好的服事和最坏的罪恶同样保持距离。他知道，他最大程度的圣洁也不能构成他称义之义的最小部分。

He has unreservedly subscribed to that sentiment, “That when we have done all—we are only unprofitable servants.”
他毫无保留地赞同这种观点：”即使我们做了一切，我们也只是无用的仆人。”

When we have kept all the commandments, there is one commandment above all to be kept; that is, “all our righteous acts are like filthy rags!”
当我们遵守了所有的诫命，还有一条高于一切的诫命要遵守；那就是，”我们所有的义行都像污秽的衣服！”

In most of our works—we are abominable sinners; and in the best of our works—we are unprofitable servants.
在我们大多数的工作中，我们是可憎的罪人；即使在我们最好的工作中，我们也是无用的仆人。

Our works are not like the crystal streams of a living fountain—but like the impure overflowings of an unruly torrent.
我们的工作不像活泉的清澈流水，而像不受控制的洪流的污浊泛滥。

“I will go in in the strength of the Lord God. O Sovereign Lord, I will proclaim Your righteousness, Yours alone.”
“我要倚靠主耶和华的大能。主耶和华啊，我要单单传扬你的公义。”

You see, beloved, the righteousness of Christ is to be magnified—when the righteousness of a Christian is not to be mentioned.
你看，亲爱的，当基督徒的义不被提及时，基督的义就被放大了。

It is hard for us to be “nothing in ourselves” amidst all our works; and to be “all things in Christ,” amidst all our weakness.
在我们所有的工作中，要做到”在自己里面算不得什么”是很难的；在我们所有的软弱中，要做到”在基督里成为一切”也是很难的。

To undertake every duty—and yet to overlook every duty—is a lesson which none can learn—but Christ’s scholars.
承担每一项责任，却又不过分看重每一项责任，这是一课只有基督的门徒才能学会。

Our obedience, at best, is like good wine—which relishes of a bad cask.
我们最好的顺服，就像好酒——却有坏桶的味道。

The ‘Law of God’ will not accept ninety-nine for a hundred. It will not accept the coin of our obedience, either short in quantity—or base in quality.
“神的律法”不会接受九十九当作一百。它不会接受我们顺服的硬币，无论是数量不足，还是质量低劣。

The duty it exacts, is as impossible to be performed in this our fallen state—as the penalty it inflicts is intolerable to be endured in our eternal state!
它所要求的责任，在我们堕落的状态下是不可能履行的——就像它所施加的惩罚在我们永恒的状态下是无法忍受的！

We do not sail to glory—in the salt sea of our own tears—but in the red sea of the Redeemer’s blood!
我们不是在自己眼泪的咸海中航行到荣耀——而是在救赎主鲜血的红海中！

The cross of Christ—is the only key of paradise!
基督的十字架——是通往天堂的唯一钥匙！

We owe the life of our souls—to the death of our Savior.
我们灵魂的生命——归功于我们救主的死亡。

It was His going into the fiery furnace—which keeps us from the devouring flames!
正是他进入火炉——使我们免于被吞噬的火焰！

Man lives—by death: his natural life is preserved by the death of the creature; and his spiritual life by the death of the Redeemer.
人靠死亡而活：他的自然生命靠受造物的死亡而保存；他的属灵生命靠救赎主的死亡而存活。

Moses must lead the children of Israel through the wilderness—but Joshua must conduct them into Canaan.
摩西必须带领以色列的子民穿过旷野——但约书亚必须引导他们进入迦南。

While we are in the wilderness of this world, we walk under the guidance of Moses—but when we enter the spiritual Canaan, it must be under the leadings of Jesus.
当我们在这个世界的旷野中时，我们在摩西的引导下行走——但当我们进入属灵的迦南时，必须在耶稣的带领下。

The same hand which shut the doors of Hell—to keep us out of perdition—has opened the gates of Heaven—to admit us to its eternal fruition.
那关闭地狱之门——使我们免于沉沦的手——也打开了天堂之门——让我们进入永恒的享受。

Those who carry their vessel of hope to the puddle of their own merit—will never draw the water of comfort, from the fountain of God’s mercy!
那些将希望之器携带到自己功德之水坑的人——永远无法从上帝怜悯之泉中汲取安慰之水！

Luther compares the law and gospel—to earth and Heaven.
路德将律法和福音比作地和天。

We should walk in the earth of the law, in point of obeying; and in the Heaven of the gospel, in point of believing.
我们应当在遵守律法的大地上行走；在相信福音的天堂中翱翔。

It was the saying of one, that “He would swim through a sea of brimstone—if he might but arrive safely at Heaven.”
有人曾说：”即使要游过一片硫磺之海——只要能安全到达天堂，他也愿意。”

Ah, how would natural men sing—if they could but soar to Heaven upon the pinions of their own merit!
啊，如果世人能够凭借自己功德的翅膀飞升天堂，他们该会如何欢歌！

The sunbeams of Divine justice—will soon melt such weak and wax wings!
神圣公义的阳光——很快就会融化这些脆弱的蜡翼！

He who has no better righteousness than what is of his own providing, shall meet with no higher happiness than what is of his own deserving.
那些除了自己所提供的义之外没有更好义的人，所遇到的幸福不会高于他们自己所应得的。

“They disregarded the righteousness from God—and attempted to establish their own righteousness.”
“他们不顾从上帝而来的义——而试图建立自己的义。”

If such people rest not from duty—then they rest in duty.
如果这些人不从责任中得到安息——那么他们就在责任中安息。

They are determined to sail in their own ship—though they sink in the ocean!
他们决心驾驶自己的船——即使会沉没在海洋中！

I would that all such did but know, that though good works are not destroyed by Christ—yet they must be denied for Christ.
我希望所有这样的人都能知道，尽管善行不会被基督摧毁——但它们必须为基督而被否定。

When a looking-glass reflects the brightness of the sun, there is but an acknowledgment of what was—not an addition of what was not.
当镜子反射太阳的光芒时，那只是对已有之物的承认——而非对不存在之物的添加。

A well-drawn picture praises a beautiful face; not by communicating what it lacks—but by presenting what it has.
一幅画得精美的画像赞美一张美丽的面孔；不是通过传达它所缺乏的——而是通过展示它所拥有的。

As God has none the less—for the mercy He gives; so He has none the more—for the duty He receives.
正如上帝因施予怜悯而不会减少什么一样；祂因接受责任而也不会增加什么。

Man is such a debtor to God, that he can never pay his obligation to God; yes, the more we pay Him—the more we owe Him for our payments.
人对上帝如此亏欠，以至于永远无法偿还对上帝的义务；是的，我们付出得越多——我们就因我们的付出而欠祂更多。

It is Christ alone, who is the righteousness of God to man, and man to God.
唯有基督，是上帝对人的义，也是人对上帝的义。

We are so far from paying the utmost farthing—that at the utmost, we have not a farthing to pay!
我们离偿还最后一分钱还差得远——因为在极限情况下，我们连一分钱都拿不出来！

That man will be a miserable spectacle of vanity—who stands upon the lame feet of his own ability.
那个站在自己能力的跛脚上的人——将成为可悲的虚荣景象。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to take up his contentment, in God’s appointment.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为，是在上帝的安排中找到满足。

As many do the things which God dislikes—so they dislike the things which God does. If the children of Israel obtain no meat for their lusts—then they are weary of their lives. They are delighted with their burning corruption—but are enraged with their trying condition. This is nothing less, than to be in love with their malady—and to hate their remedy. They studied more how to gratify their humor—than to satisfy their hunger. They complained of the shoe—but the disease lay in the foot.
许多人做上帝不喜欢的事情—同样地，他们也不喜欢上帝所做的事。如果以色列的子民得不到满足他们欲望的肉食—他们就厌倦了生活。他们对自己燃烧的败坏感到高兴—却对自己的困境感到愤怒。这无异于爱上自己的疾病—而憎恨治疗的方法。他们更多地研究如何满足自己的情绪—而不是满足饥饿。他们抱怨鞋子—但病在脚上。

Those who think too highly of their own deserts—will think too lowly of their estates. It is the task of God—to satisfy the desires of men. He can do everything—but they are not pleased with anything.
那些对自己的功德想得太高的人—会对自己的产业看得太低。满足人的欲望是上帝的任务。祂无所不能—但他们对任何事都不满意。

There is no man, but who has received more good—than he has deserved. Likewise, there is no man, who has done less evil—than has been inflicted upon him. He should therefore be contented, though he sees but little good. And he should not be discontented, though he suffers much evil. “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said—Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Where the seal of faith has been set to the bond of truth—He who has said it will maintain you in the lack of earthly provisions.
没有人不是得到的好处—比他应得的多。同样，也没有人做的坏事—比他所遭受的少。因此，即使他看到的好处很少，他也应该知足。即使他遭受很多苦难，他也不应该不满。”你们要远离钱财的贪爱，以自己所有的为足，因为神曾说：我总不撇下你，也不丢弃你。”当信心的印记被盖在真理的契约上时—那位说过这话的主必在你缺乏地上供应时扶持你。

When a wicked man’s purse grows light—his heart grows heavy. When he has something without to afflict him—he has nothing within to support him. That well known Scripture is unknown to him: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
当一个邪恶的人的钱包变轻时—他的心就变重了。当他有外在的事物折磨他时—他内心没有什么可以支撑他。那个著名的经文对他来说是陌生的：”我已经学会了，无论在什么景况都可以知足。我知道怎样处卑贱，也知道怎样处丰富；或饱足，或饥饿；或有余，或缺乏，随事随在，我都得了秘诀。我靠着那加给我力量的，凡事都能做。”

It is hard to carry a full cup—without spilling; or to stand under a heavy load—without bowing. It is difficult to walk in the clear day of prosperity—without wandering; or in the dark night of adversity—without stumbling. But from whatever point the wind blows—the skillful mariner knows how to meet it with his sails.
端着满杯而不溢出是很难的；承受重担而不弯腰也是很难的。在顺境的晴天行走而不迷失方向是困难的；在逆境的黑夜行走而不绊倒也是困难的。但无论风从哪个方向吹来—熟练的水手都知道如何用帆迎接它。

Repenting is the act of Christian men—but repining is the act of carnal men. Though their estates are like a fruitful paradise—yet their hearts are like a barren wilderness. Such people are like those spiders—which suck poison out of the sweetest flowers—and by an infernal chemistry, extract dross from the purest gold!
悔改是基督徒的行为—而抱怨是属肉体的人的行为。尽管他们的产业如同丰产的乐园—但他们的心却如同贫瘠的荒野。这样的人就像那些蜘蛛—从最甜美的花朵中吸取毒液—并通过一种邪恶的炼金术，从最纯净的黄金中提取渣滓！

Outward prosperity cannot create inward tranquility. Hearts-ease is a flower which never grew in the world’s garden. The ground of a wicked man’s trouble, is not because he has not enough of the creature—but because he cannot find enough in the creature to satisfy him! His possession is great enough—but his disposition is not good enough.

外在的繁荣无法创造内心的平静。心灵的安宁是一朵从未在世俗花园中生长的花。邪恶之人烦恼的根源，不是因为他没有足够的被造物，而是因为他无法在被造物中找到足够的满足！他的财产足够多，但他的心性却不够好。

Some are satisfied under the hand of God, because they are not sensible of the hand of God. They never fret, because they never feel.

有些人在上帝的手下感到满足，是因为他们感受不到上帝的手。他们从不烦恼，因为他们从不感受。

We are not to be troubled—that we have no more from God; but we are to be troubled—that we do no more for God. Christian, if you are well pleased with your eternal salvation—should not you be well pleased with your temporal condition?

我们不应为从上帝那里得到的不够多而烦恼；但我们应为没有为上帝做更多而烦恼。基督徒啊，如果你对你的永恒救恩感到满意，难道不应该对你的现世处境也感到满意吗？

Believers should be like sheep, which change their pastures at the will of the shepherd; or like vessels in a house, which stand to be filled or emptied—at the pleasure of their owner. He who sails upon the sea of this world in his own ship—will sink at last into a bottomless ocean. Never were any their own carvers—but they were sure to cut their own fingers.

信徒应该像羊一样，按照牧羊人的意愿改变牧场；或像房子里的器皿，随主人的喜好被填满或倒空。那些驾驶自己的船在这个世界的海洋上航行的人，最终将沉入无底的海洋。从未有人能完全掌控自己的命运，但他们肯定会伤到自己。

A covetous man is fretful—because he has not as much as he desires. But a gracious man is thankful—because he has more than he deserves. It is true, I have not the sauce—but then, I merit not the meat. I have not the lace—but then, I deserve not the coat. I want that which may support my vanity—but I have that which supplies my necessity. “If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.” Here is the flesh of the creature to fill us—and the fleece of the creature to cover us.

贪婪的人烦躁不安，因为他没有得到他所欲望的一切。但恩慈的人心存感激，因为他得到的比他应得的更多。诚然，我没有调味酱，但我也不配得到肉。我没有花边，但我也不配得到外衣。我想要的是满足我虚荣的东西，但我已经拥有满足我必需的东西。”我们有了食物和衣服，就当知足。”这里有被造物的肉来填饱我们，有被造物的毛来遮盖我们。

It is reported of a woman who, being sick, was asked whether she was willing to live or die; she answered, “Whatever God pleases.” “But,” said one “if God should refer it to you, which would you choose?” “Truly,” replied she, “I would refer it to Him again.” Thus, that man obtains his will from God—whose will is subjected to God.

据说有一位生病的妇女被问及是愿意活着还是死去；她回答说：”随上帝的心意。””但是，”有人说，”如果上帝让你来选择，你会选择什么？””真的，”她回答说，”我会再次把选择权交给祂。”因此，那些将意志顺服于上帝的人，才能从上帝那里获得他的旨意。

A contented heart is an even sea in the midst of all storms. It is like a tree in autumn, which secures its life—when it has lost its leaves. When worthy Mr. Hern lay upon his deathbed, his wife, with great concern, asked him what was to become of her and her large family? he answered, “Peace, sweetheart. That God who feeds the ravens, will not starve the Herns.” If the child questions his father’s affection—he will soon be dubious of his father’s provision.

一颗知足的心在所有风暴中都如同平静的海面。它像秋天的树木，即使失去了叶子也能保全生命。当值得尊敬的赫恩先生躺在临终的床上时，他的妻子非常担忧地问他，她和她的大家庭将会怎么样？他回答说：”安心吧，亲爱的。那位养活乌鸦的上帝，不会让赫恩家挨饿的。”如果孩子质疑父亲的爱，他很快就会对父亲的供给产生怀疑。

Our most golden conditions in this life are set in bronze frames. There is no gathering a rose without a thorn—until we come to Immanuel’s land.
我们今生最辉煌的境况也被置于青铜框架之中。在我们到达以马内利之地之前，采摘玫瑰总是伴随着荆棘。

If there were nothing but showers—we would conclude the world would be drowned. If there were nothing but sunshine—we would fear the earth would be burned.
如果只有阵雨，我们会认为世界会被淹没。如果只有阳光，我们会担心地球会被烧焦。

Our worldly comforts would be a sea to drown us—if our crosses were not a plank to save us! By the fairest gales—a sinner may sail to destruction! By the fiercest storms—a saint may sail to glory!
如果没有十字架作为救命的木板，我们的世俗安逸就会成为淹没我们的大海！借着最顺风的微风，罪人可能航向毁灭！借着最猛烈的风暴，圣徒可能航向荣耀！

When our circumstances become necessitous, our corruptions become impetuous; they rage the more, because stopped by the dam of poverty. If God withholds the Hand of providence, we employ the tongue of insolence.
当我们的处境变得贫困时，我们的败坏变得冲动；它们变得更加猖狂，因为被贫穷的大坝阻挡。如果上帝收回眷顾之手，我们就会使用傲慢的舌头。

We too frequently bite at the stone—until we break our teeth! We murmur because we are in want—and therefore want because we murmur.
我们经常咬石头直到把牙齿咬断！我们因为缺乏而抱怨，因此又因为抱怨而缺乏。

Contentment is the best food to preserve a sound man—and the best medicine to restore a sick man. It resembles the gilt on bitter pills, which makes a man take them—without tasting their bitterness.
知足是保持健康人状态的最佳食物，也是恢复病人健康的最佳良药。它就像苦药上的镀金，使人服用时不觉其苦。

Contentment will make a cottage look as fair as a palace. He is not a poor man who has but little—but he is a poor man who desires much. In this sense, the poorest are often the richest, and the richest the poorest.
知足会使简陋的小屋看起来如同宫殿一般美好。拥有很少的人并不贫穷，而渴望很多的人才是贫穷的。从这个意义上说，最贫穷的人往往是最富有的，而最富有的人反而是最贫穷的。

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.” This is too precious a flower to grow in every soil. Though every godly man may not always be contented—yet every truly contented man is godly.
“敬虔加上知足便是大利”。这是一朵过于珍贵的花，不是每种土壤都能生长。虽然不是每个敬虔的人都总是知足，但每个真正知足的人都是敬虔的。

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.” Such a Scripture will bring us plenty in scarcity; and fullness out of emptiness.
“耶和华是我的牧者，我必不至缺乏。”这样的经文会在匮乏中带给我们丰富，在空虚中带来充实。

The water in a cloud soon ceases—but the water of a fountain continues.
云中的水很快就会消失，但泉水却源源不断。

As Seneca said to Polybius, “Never complain of your hard condition, so long as Caesar is your friend.” So say I to you, “Never complain of your hard condition, Christian, so long as Jesus is your Friend!”
正如塞内卡对波利比乌斯说的：”只要凯撒是你的朋友，就永远不要抱怨你的困境。”所以我对你说：”基督徒啊，只要耶稣是你的朋友，就永远不要抱怨你的困境！”

Let your condition be ever so flourishing—it is a Hell without Him. Let your condition be ever so fluctuating—it is a Heaven with Him.
让你的处境再怎么繁荣昌盛，没有祂就是地狱。让你的处境再怎么起起落落，有祂就是天堂。

Can that man lack anything—who enjoys Christ; or can he be said to enjoy anything—who is without Christ? Why should Hagar lament the loss of the water in her bottle—while there is a well so near?
拥有基督的人还会缺少什么吗？没有基督的人又怎能说是享受了什么呢？为什么夏甲要为失去皮袋里的水而哀叹，当附近就有一口井呢？

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to be more in love with the employment of holiness, than with the enjoyment of happiness.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为，是更爱圣洁的工作，而非幸福的享受。

Thousands of professors prize the wages of religion above its works—but a Christian will prize its works above its wages. Give me that singular preacher, who prefers his labor—to his lucre; and who prefers the flock he attends—to the fleece he obtains. Some men serve God—that they may serve themselves upon God. He loves not religion sincerely, who does not love it superlatively.
成千上万的教授重视宗教的报酬胜过其工作—但基督徒会重视其工作胜过报酬。给我那个独特的传教士，他更喜欢自己的劳作—而非利润；他更喜爱他所照料的羊群—而非他获得的羊毛。有些人服侍上帝—是为了通过上帝来服侍自己。不至高无上地爱宗教的人，就不是真诚地爱宗教。

“Israel is an empty vine—he brought forth fruit for himself.” Empty—and yet fruitful; fruitful—and yet empty. Thus that fertility which springs up from the bitter roots of self—has nothing but vacuity in the account of God.
“以色列是一棵空虚的葡萄树—他为自己结出果实。”空虚—却又多产；多产—却又空虚。因此，从自私的苦根中长出的肥沃—在上帝的账目中只有虚空。

Such professors do not make gain stoop to godliness—but godliness to gain; which is, as if a man should fit his foot to the shoe—when he should fit the shoe to his foot. In all the good a carnal man does for God—he seeks himself more than God. The clock of his heart will stand still—unless its wheels of profit are oiled.
这样的教授们不是让利益屈从于虔诚—而是让虔诚屈从于利益；这就好比一个人应该让鞋子适应脚—却让脚去适应鞋子。在一个属世之人为上帝所做的所有善事中—他寻求自己多于寻求上帝。他心灵的时钟会停止转动—除非其利益的齿轮得到润滑。

If the virgin should only give her hand in matrimony for her bridegroom’s riches—she would not espouse herself unto his person—but unto his portion. This would not make a marriage with him—but a merchandise of him. Augustine has an excellent saying; “He loves not Christ at all—who does not love Christ above all.”
如果处女只是为了新郎的财富而嫁给他—她就不是嫁给了他这个人—而是嫁给了他的财产。这不是与他结婚—而是把他当做商品。奥古斯丁有一句精彩的说法：”不爱基督胜过一切的人—就根本不爱基督。”

“You seek Me, not because you saw the miracles—but because you ate the loaves, and were filled.” Christ was the object of their actions—but self was the end of their actions. They came to Christ—to serve their own turns; and when their turns were served—they then turned away their service. When the loaves were gone—these ‘disciples’ were gone. When He left off feeding them—they left off following Him!
“你们找我，并不是因为看见了神迹—而是因为吃饼得饱。”基督是他们行动的对象—但自我是他们行动的目的。他们来到基督面前—是为了满足自己的需求；当他们的需求得到满足—他们就转身离开了。当面包没有了—这些’门徒’也就消失了。当他停止供养他们—他们就停止跟随他！

Reader, until you can love the naked truth—you will never love to go naked for the truth. Most people are mercenary in those works, wherein they should be filial and free. They look more after the streams—than upon the spring from whence they constantly run; and admire the beams more than the sun from whence they are emitted. The desire for pardon, is the only spring of a servile man’s duty; he plies his prayers, as sailors do their pumps—only in a storm, or when fearful of sinking!

读者啊，除非你能爱上赤裸的真理，否则你永远不会愿意为真理赤身裸体。大多数人在那些应该孝顺和自由的事上都是唯利是图的。他们更多地关注溪流，而不是溪流持续流淌的源泉；他们更欣赏光线，而不是发出光线的太阳。对赦免的渴望是奴性之人职责的唯一动力；他像水手使用水泵一样祈祷——只在风暴来临或担心沉船时才这么做！

“And now, O Father, glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.” Christ prayed for glory, more for the Father’s sake, Who bestowed it—than for His Own sake, Who received it. A true Christian not only desires grace that God may glorify him—but that he also may glorify God.

“父啊，现在求你荣耀你的儿子，使儿子也荣耀你。”基督祈求荣耀，更多是为了赐予荣耀的父的缘故，而不是为了接受荣耀的自己。一个真正的基督徒不仅渴望上帝的恩典使自己得荣耀，更渴望能荣耀上帝。

Could carnal men find the mercies of God—they would never seek the God of mercies. Could they tell how to be well without Him—they would never desire to come to Him. God has but little of their society—except when they can find no other company.

如果属肉体的人能找到上帝的怜悯，他们就永远不会寻求怜悯之神。如果他们知道如何在没有祂的情况下过得好，他们就永远不会想要来到祂面前。上帝很少得到他们的陪伴，除非他们找不到其他伙伴。

Worldlings, instead of looking upon godliness as their greatest gain, will look upon gain as their greatest godliness. They love religion, not for the beauty existing in it—but for the dowry annexed to it. They are like the fox, that follows the lion for the prey that is falling from him. If there is no honey in the pot—such wasps will no longer hover about it!

世俗之人不会将敬虔视为最大的收获，而是将收获视为最大的敬虔。他们爱宗教，不是因为其内在的美，而是因为附带的嫁妆。他们就像狐狸，跟随狮子是为了捡拾掉落的猎物。如果罐子里没有蜂蜜，这些黄蜂就不会再盘旋其上！

Mark how the long-suffering God expostulates with self-seeking Israel, “During those seventy years of exile, when you fasted and mourned in the summer and at the festival in early autumn, was it really for Me that you were fasting? And even now in your holy festivals, you don’t think about Me but only of pleasing yourselves.” In fasting and in festivals—their eyes were not cast upon God—but upon themselves! They did not forgot to eat when they were hungry—but they forgot to praise God when they were full. Their greediness swallowed up all their thankfulness.

注意长期忍耐的上帝如何责备自私的以色列人，”在那七十年的流放期间，当你们在夏天和初秋的节期禁食哀悼时，你们真的是为我而禁食吗？即使在现在的圣节期间，你们想的不是我，而只是取悦自己。”在禁食和节期中，他们的眼睛没有注视上帝，而是注视自己！他们饥饿时没有忘记吃东西，但他们饱足时却忘记赞美上帝。他们的贪婪吞噬了所有的感恩之心。

Reader! Remember that God will shut your duties out of Heaven—if your duties shut Him out on earth. I have heard an account of a woman, who had fire in one hand and water in the other—and was asked what she was going to do with them. She answered, “With this fire I am going to burn up all the joys of Heaven; and with this water I am going to quench all the flames of Hell; that my services to my God might neither arise from the fear of punishment, nor hope of reward.”

读者！请记住，如果你的职责在地上将上帝排除在外，上帝就会将你的职责排除在天堂之外。我听说过一个女人的故事，她一手拿着火，一手拿着水，有人问她要用它们做什么。她回答说：”我要用这火烧尽天堂的所有喜乐；用这水熄灭地狱的所有火焰；这样我对上帝的服侍就既不源于对惩罚的恐惧，也不源于对奖赏的希望。”

The less emphasis you lay upon your own works—the more will God lay upon them. Those who are most righteous in themselves—are least righteous to God. God has three sorts of servants in the world: some are ‘slaves’ and serve Him from a principle of fear; others are ‘hirelings’ and serve Him for the sake of wages; and the last are ‘sons’ and serve Him under the influence of love.

你越不强调自己的行为，上帝就越重视它们。那些自以为最为正义的人，在上帝眼中反而最不正义。上帝在世上有三种仆人：一些是”奴隶”，出于恐惧而事奉祂；另一些是”雇工”，为了工钱而事奉祂；最后是”儿子”，在爱的影响下事奉祂。

Now a hireling will be a changeling. He who will not serve God except something is given to him—would serve the devil, if the devil would give him more! Anyone shall have his works—who will but augment his wages. Many are advocates for the enjoyment of happiness, and enemies to the employment of holiness.

现在，雇工将成为变心者。那些除非得到回报才愿意事奉上帝的人，如果魔鬼给他们更多，他们就会去事奉魔鬼！只要增加工钱，任何人都可以得到他们的服务。许多人提倡享受幸福，却敌视追求圣洁。

Demetrius cries up the goddess Diana; yet it was not her temple—but her silver shrines, he so much adored. He was more in love with her wealth—than with her worship. “Men, you know we receive a good income from this business.” If her temple had been demolished, their trade would have been diminished. “Does Job serve God for nothing?” Yes, for Job served God when he had nothing. He was as pious in his poverty—as in his plenty. In this sense, that man who will not serve God for nothing—is nothing in His services.

底米丢（Demetrius）高呼戴安娜（Diana）女神；然而他如此崇拜的并非她的神庙，而是她的银龛。他更爱她的财富，而非她的崇拜。”诸位，你们知道我们从这生意中获得了可观的收入。”如果她的神庙被拆毁，他们的生意就会减少。”约伯（Job）事奉上帝难道是无缘无故的吗？”是的，因为约伯在一无所有时仍然事奉上帝。他在贫穷时和富足时一样虔诚。从这个意义上说，那些不愿意无偿事奉上帝的人，在祂的事工中毫无价值。

Love does not serve for selfish returns—but it amply pays itself in serving its beloved. It is reported of one, who, being asked for whom he labored most, he answered, “For my friends.” And being asked for whom he labored least, he answered, “For my friends.” Love does most—and yet thinks least of what it does.

爱不是为了自私的回报而服务，而是在服务所爱之人时得到丰厚的回报。据说有人被问及为谁劳作最多，他回答说：”为我的朋友。”当被问及为谁劳作最少时，他又回答：”为我的朋友。”爱做得最多，却最少考虑自己所做的。

Hypocrites are more in love with the gold of the altar, than with the God of the altar. “Woe unto you, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites; for you devour widows houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you shall receive the greater damnation!” They painted their avarice in religious colors, and put the arms of Christ upon the devil; that iniquity might, by that means, be esteemed under the garb of religion. They fasted all the day—that they might feed upon the widows’ houses at night. They hatched the birds of oppression in the nests of devotion. These spiders weaved the web of their own works—to catch the flies of other men’s wealth!

伪君子更爱祭坛上的金子，而不是祭坛上的上帝。”文士和法利赛人，你们这些伪君子有祸了！因为你们侵吞寡妇的房产，假意做很长的祷告。因此，你们要受更重的刑罚！”他们用宗教的色彩粉饰自己的贪婪，将基督的徽章贴在魔鬼身上；以此方式，罪恶可能在宗教的外衣下被尊崇。他们整天禁食，为的是晚上可以吞噬寡妇的房产。他们在虔诚的巢穴里孵化压迫的幼鸟。这些蜘蛛编织自己行为的网，以捕捉他人财富的苍蝇！

The observation of Augustine is founded on much truth: “There is often a vast difference between the face of the workman—and the heart of the workman.” But a man influenced by the Lord in His services, though he may find self in them as an intruder—yet he will not allow self in them as a leader.

奥古斯丁的观察建立在许多真理之上：”工人的面容与工人的内心之间往往存在巨大差异。”但一个在服侍中受主影响的人，尽管可能发现自我在其中作为一个入侵者，却不会允许自我在其中成为领导者。

A Christian is more in love with his present duty—than he is with his future glory. Paul was contented to stay a while out of Heaven—that he might be the instrument of bringing other souls into Heaven. “To me—to live, is Christ, and to die is gain.” His life was most useful to others—but his death was most profitable to himself. By dying, he might have enjoyed his inheritance sooner; but by living, God made his usefulness greater.

一个基督徒更爱他当前的职责，而非他未来的荣耀。保罗满足于暂时留在天堂之外，以便成为引领其他灵魂进入天堂的工具。”对我而言，活着就是基督，死了就有益处。”他的生命对他人最有用，但他的死亡对自己最有益。通过死亡，他可能更早享受他的产业；但通过活着，上帝使他的有用性更大。

Were it possible to put those things asunder—which God Himself has joined together, a Christian would rather be holy without any happiness—than happy without any holiness.

如果可能将上帝自己结合在一起的事物分开，一个基督徒宁愿没有幸福而圣洁，也不愿没有圣洁而幸福。

Luther had this expression; “I had rather be in Hell with Christ—than in Heaven without Christ.” Indeed, Hell itself would be a Heaven—if Christ was in it; and Heaven would be a Hell—if Christ was not in it. These are hard sayings to an uncircumcised ear—but the real choice of every renewed heart.

路德有这样的表达：”我宁愿与基督一起在地狱，也不愿没有基督而在天堂。”确实，如果基督在其中，地狱本身就会成为天堂；如果基督不在其中，天堂就会成为地狱。这些对未受割礼的耳朵来说是难以接受的话语，但却是每个更新的心灵的真实选择。

A gracious man makes this request of his soul: “Lord, let me rather have a gracious heart—than a great estate; let me rather be pious without prosperity—than prosperous without piety.” Though he may love many things besides true religion—yet he would not love anything above true religion.

一个有恩典的人向他的灵魂提出这样的请求：”主啊，让我宁可有一颗恩慈的心，而不是一份巨大的财产；让我宁可虔诚而不富裕，也不要富裕而不虔诚。”尽管他可能爱许多除真正宗教之外的事物，但他不会爱任何高于真正宗教的事物。

The earth is our work-house—but Heaven is our store-house. The earth is a place to run in—and Heaven is a place to rest in.

地球是我们的工作场所，但天堂是我们的储藏室。地球是奔跑的地方，而天堂是休息的地方。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to be more employed in searching his own heart—than he is in censuring other men’s states.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是，更多地专注于省察自己的内心，而不是评判他人的状态。

Those bishops are too busily employed—who lord it over another man’s diocese. “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds.” It is a matter of greater importance, to know the state of our hearts—than the state of our flocks.
那些过分忙于管辖他人教区的主教们实在是太忙碌了。”要殷勤地了解你羊群的状况，并好好照看你的牛群。”了解我们内心的状态比了解我们羊群的状态更为重要。

Censorious men commonly take up magnifying glasses—to look at other people’s imperfections; and diminishing glasses—to look at their own enormities.
爱挑剔的人通常拿放大镜来看别人的缺点，却用缩小镜来看自己的过错。

While Plato was entertaining a few friends at an elegantly spread table Diogenes, a famous cynic philosopher, trampled upon it saying, “I trample upon the pride of Plato!” To whom Plato immediately replied, “Yes, but with greater pride in Diogenes!”
当柏拉图在一个精致的餐桌前款待几位朋友时，著名的愤世嫉俗哲学家第欧根尼踩踏着餐桌说：”我践踏柏拉图的骄傲！”柏拉图立即回答说：”是的，但第欧根尼的骄傲更甚！”

They are the first to find fault—in whom there is much fault to be found. “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye—and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” He who blows into a heap of dust—is in danger of putting out his own eyes.
那些最先找茬的人，往往是自身最多缺点的人。”你这伪君子，先把自己眼中的梁木拿掉，然后你才能看清楚，好去掉你弟兄眼中的刺。”向尘堆吹气的人，有可能把自己的眼睛弄瞎。

“What makes you better than anyone else?” Reader, are there not the same lusts lodging in your heart—which are reigning in other men’s lives? The reason why there is so little self-condemnation, is because there is so little self-examination. For lack of this, many people are like travelers, skilled in other countries—but ignorant in their own.
“是什么让你比别人更好？”读者啊，在你的内心中，难道不也潜伏着与他人生活中肆虐的欲望相同的欲望吗？自我谴责如此之少的原因，是因为自我省察太少。由于缺乏这种省察，许多人就像那些熟悉他国却对自己国家一无所知的旅行者。

It is an evidence that those tradesmen are bankrupt in their estates—who are afraid to look into their books. Likewise, it is plain that there is something wrong within, among all those who are afraid to look within. The trial of ourselves—is the ready road to the knowledge of ourselves. He who buys a jewel in a box, deserves to be deceived with a fake stone.
那些不敢查看账簿的商人，显然是资产已经破产。同样，那些不敢内省的人，显然内心出了问题。自我审视是认识自我的捷径。那些购买盒中珠宝的人，理应被假石头欺骗。

Reader, would you see God? then cast your eyes upwards; would you see yourself? then cast you eyes inward. Contemplation is a magnifying glass to see our Savior in—but examination is a looking-glass to view ourselves in. Are we then in the narrow way, which leads to life—or in the broad way which leads to death? Are we Christ’s bride—or Satan’s harlots? Are our hearts chairs for vice to sit on—or thrones for grace to rule in?
读者，你想看见上帝吗？那就向上仰望；你想看清自己吗？那就向内省察。沉思是看见我们救主的放大镜，而自省则是观察自己的镜子。那么，我们是在通往生命的窄路上，还是在通往死亡的宽路上？我们是基督的新娘，还是撒旦的妓女？我们的心是罪恶栖息的椅子，还是恩典统治的宝座？

Nero thought no person chaste—because he was so unchaste himself.
尼禄认为没有人是贞洁的——因为他自己如此不贞洁。

Such as are troubled with the jaundice—see all things yellow.
那些患有黄疸病的人——看一切事物都是黄色的。

Those who are most pious—are least censorious.
那些最虔诚的人——最不爱批评他人。

“Who are you that judge another man’s servant?”
“你是谁，竟论断别人的仆人呢？”

Those who are fellow creatures with men—should not be fellow judges with God.
那些与人同为受造物的——不应与上帝同为审判者。

Reader, why will you probe another man’s wound—while your own is festering?
读者啊，为什么你要探查他人的伤口——而你自己的伤口正在溃烂？

Take heed that your own vesture is not full of dirt—when you are brushing the dust off your neighbor.
当你为邻舍拂去灰尘时——要当心自己的衣服不要沾满污垢。

Complain not of dirty streets—when heaps of rubbish lie at your own doors!
当自己门前堆满垃圾时——不要抱怨街道肮脏！

Many people are not happy—unless they are poking their fingers into another’s sores.
许多人不快乐——除非他们用手指戳别人的伤口。

Such are no better in their conduct than crows—which prey only upon carrion.
这样的人在行为上不比乌鸦好——乌鸦只捕食腐肉。

“But let every man prove his own work—and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
“但各人应当察验自己的行为——这样他所夸的就专在自己，不在别人了。”

For lack of self-examination, men have their accounts to cast up—when they should have them to deliver up.
由于缺乏自省，人们在应该交账时——却还在计算账目。

They have their evidences of grace to seek—when they should have them to show.
他们在应该展示恩典的证据时——却还在寻找这些证据。

They lie down with such hopes in their beds of rest—with which they dare not lie down in their beds of dust.
他们带着这样的希望躺在安息的床上——却不敢带着这样的希望躺在尘土的床上。

Conversion begins in consideration.
悔改始于深思。

The hasty shower falls fastest—but the soft snow sinks the deepest.
急雨落得最快——但柔软的雪却沉得最深。

As that mariner who is inattentive to his helm, is in danger of wrecking his vessel—so he who knows not himself, is likely to lose himself.
就像那个不留心掌舵的水手有船只失事的危险一样——不了解自己的人很可能会迷失自我。

“Examine yourselves—to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.”
“你们总要自己省察有信心没有，也要自己试验。”

If your heart is not the cabinet of such a jewel—your head will never be graced with a diadem in glory.
如果你的心不是这样珍宝的匣子——你的头永远不会戴上荣耀的冠冕。

If you must needs be a judge—then pray sit upon your own bench.
如果你一定要做法官——那就请坐在你自己的法庭上。

I shall ever esteem such to be but religious lepers—who care not for Scripture looking-glasses.
我将永远把那些不关心圣经镜子的人——视为宗教麻风病人。

He who never cries out, “Woe is me—for I am undone!” will never hear Christ’s “Go in peace.”
从不呼喊”我有祸了——我灭亡了！”的人——永远不会听到基督说”平平安安地去吧。”

Self-examination, is the beaten path to perfection; it is like fire—which not only tries the gold—but purifies it also.
自省是通向完美的常走之路；它就像火——不仅试炼黄金——也净化黄金。

The heathen tell us, that “Know yourself” was an oracle which came down from Heaven. It is this oracle, which will lead us up to the God of Heaven.
异教徒告诉我们，”认识你自己”是一个来自天堂的神谕。正是这个神谕，将引导我们走向天堂之神。

The sight of yourself in grace—will bring you to the sight of God in glory! The plague of the body is not every man’s plague—but the plague of the soul is.
在恩典中看到自己，将带你看到荣耀中的上帝！身体的瘟疫并非每个人都有，但灵魂的瘟疫却是普遍的。

If the plague of the soul were known more—the plague of the body would be feared less. Though there may be a more pleasant sight—yet there is not a more profitable sight.
如果人们更了解灵魂的瘟疫，就会less[待确认]惧怕身体的瘟疫。虽然可能有更愉悦的景象，但没有比这更有益的景象了。

Until you know how deep the pit is, into which you are fallen—you will never properly praise that Hand which raises you out of it.
直到你知道你所陷入的深渊有多深，你才能真正赞美那将你从中拉出的手。

The bottom of our diseases—lies in not searching our diseases, to the bottom. So we put on some filthy rags to cover our nakedness—and we then wickedly despise the Savior’s righteousness.
我们疾病的根源在于没有彻底探究我们的疾病。因此，我们用肮脏的破布遮掩自己的赤裸，然后又邪恶地蔑视救主的公义。

“He who trusts his own heart is a fool!” And yet such fools are we—as to trust our own hearts! The Lord searches all hearts by His omniscient eye; but He searches His people’s hearts by the eye of His mercy.
“相信自己内心的人是愚蠢的！”然而我们就是这样的愚人，竟然相信自己的内心！主用祂全知的眼睛搜查所有人的心；但祂用祂怜悯的眼睛搜查祂子民的心。

If a man would know whether the sun shines—it is better to view its beams on the pavement, than its body in the sky. The readiest way to know whether you are in Christ—is to know whether Christ is in you.
如果一个人想知道太阳是否在照耀，最好看pavemnt[待确认]上的阳光，而不是天空中的太阳本体。知道你是否在基督里的最快方法，就是知道基督是否在你里面。

For the fruit on the tree is more visible—than the root of the tree.
因为树上的果实比树根更容易看见。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to set out for God at our beginning—and to hold out with God unto the end.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个特殊行为是，在我们的开始就为上帝出发——并坚持到底与上帝同行。

First—To set out for God at our beginning. “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come.” In the distillation of strong waters, the first drawn is fullest of spirits. “The first of the first-fruits of your land—you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.” God prizes a Christian in the bud—and delights in the blossoms of youth, above the sheddings of old age.
首先——在我们的开始就为上帝出发。”要在你年轻的日子记念造你的主，在患难的日子来到之前。”在蒸馏烈酒时，最先提取的是最富含酒精的。”你地里首先初熟的果子，要带到耶和华你神的殿里。”上帝珍视处于萌芽状态的基督徒——并且更喜悦青春的花朵，胜过老年的凋零。

Naturalists inform us, that the most orient pearls, are generated from the morning dew. That field is full of the richest corn—which is cleansed from its noxious weeds in the spring. How pleasant is it to see the thousands of spiritual Israel, seeking the heavenly manna in the morning of their lives. Is it not better to cry for mercy on earth with the publican—than to call for water in Hell with Dives? To discover grace in an old sinner, is well—but to view it in vigorous youth, is better. All the sacrificial animals, were offered to God in their prime. Jesus was carried in triumph upon a colt.
自然学家告诉我们，最珍贵的东方珍珠是由晨露形成的。那片在春天清除了有害杂草的田地会结出最丰硕的谷物。看到成千上万的属灵以色列人在他们生命的早晨寻求天上的吗哪，是多么愉悦啊。难道不是在地上与税吏一同呼求怜悯更好——而不是在地狱里与财主一起呼喊要水吗？在老年罪人身上发现恩典是好的——但在朝气蓬勃的年轻人身上看到它则更好。所有献祭的动物都是在它们最好的状态下献给上帝的。耶稣骑着一匹驴驹凯旋而行。

No music could ever equalize the Heaven-born cries of new-born babes. When the snow-drops of youth appear in the garden of the church—it shows that there is a glorious summer approaching.
没有任何音乐能够与新生婴儿天生的啼哭相媲美。当教会的花园里出现青春的雪花莲时——这表明一个荣耀的夏天即将到来。

If youth is sick of the will-nots, old age is in danger of dying of the shall-nots. It is hard to cast off the devil’s yoke—when we have worn it long upon our necks! “Can a man be born again—when he is old?” Grace seldom grafts upon such withered stocks. An old sinner is nearer to the second death—than he is to the second birth. It is more likely to see his soul taken out of the flesh—than the flesh taken out of his soul. His body is nearer to corruption, than his soul is to salvation.
如果年轻人厌倦了”不愿意”，老年人就有可能死于”不能够”。当我们长期背负魔鬼的轭时，要摆脱它是很困难的！”人已经老了，岂能重生吗？”恩典很少嫁接在这样枯萎的树干上。一个老年罪人离第二次死亡更近——而不是第二次出生。更有可能看到他的灵魂从肉体中被取出——而不是肉体从他的灵魂中被除去。他的身体离腐朽更近，而不是他的灵魂离救赎更近。

Where the enemy is the strongest—there the victory is the hardest. Usually, where the devil pleads antiquity—he keeps propriety. As there are none so old, as that they should despair of mercy—so there are none so young, as that they should presume on mercy. If God’s “today” is too soon for your repentance; your “tomorrow” may be too late for His acceptance. Mercy’s clock does not always strike at our beck! The longer poison stays in the body—so much the more harmful are its effects. O how amiable are the golden apples of grace—in the silver pictures of blooming youth! God prizes a young friend—but punishes an old enemy. Old sinners are much like old serpents—the fullest of poison!
敌人最强大的地方——胜利就最艰难。通常，魔鬼在声称古老之处——他就保持所有权。正如没有人老到应该对怜悯绝望——也没有人年轻到应该擅自依赖怜悯。如果上帝的”今天”对你的悔改来说太早；你的”明天”可能对祂的接纳来说太晚了。怜悯的钟声并不总是按我们的召唤而响！毒素在体内停留的时间越长——其危害就越大。哦，恩典的金苹果在绽放青春的银色图画中是多么可爱啊！上帝珍视年轻的朋友——但惩罚年老的敌人。老年罪人很像老蛇——充满了毒液！

It is singularly pleasant to view the Ancient of Days—in infants of days; and to see green pieces of timber—being squared for the celestial building.
观看亘古常在者在襁褓婴儿中显现，以及看到绿色木料被加工成天国建筑的方材，这是一种独特的愉悦。

Blessed are those in whom grace is in its prosperity, while their nature is in its minority.
那些在本性尚未成熟时就已充满恩典的人是有福的。

“I have more understanding than my teachers.” His youth—was wiser than their age.
“我比我的老师更有悟性。”他年轻时的智慧超过了他们年长时的智慧。

His dawning was brighter than their noontide.
他的黎明比他们的正午更加明亮。

And this was the more admirable, because it was in his youth; for when our lives are the most vigorous—our lusts are the most boisterous.
这更令人钦佩，因为这发生在他年轻的时候；而在我们生命最充沛时，我们的欲望也最汹涌。

You teach a dog while he is a pup; and break a horse while he is a colt.
你在狗还是小狗时训练它；在马还是小马驹时驯服它。

A plentiful harvest, is the outcome of an early seed time.
丰收是早播种的结果。

Young reader, remember that your youthful sins—lay a foundation for aged sorrows.
年轻的读者，请记住，你年轻时的罪过为年老时的悲伤奠定了基础。

You have but one arrow to shoot at the mark—and if that is shot at random, God may never put another into your bow!
你只有一支箭可以射向目标——如果随意射出，上帝可能永远不会再给你的弓上另一支箭！

“I am Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the ending; the first and the last.”
“我是阿尔法和俄梅戛；是始也是终；是首先的，也是末后的。”

He who is the first and the last, should be served from the first to the last.
他既是首先的，也是末后的，应当从始至终地事奉他。

You can never come too soon—to Him who is your beginning; and you can never stay too long—with Him who is your ending.
对于作为你起初的他，你永远不会来得太早；对于作为你终结的他，你永远不会停留太久。

The flower of life is of Christ’s setting, and shall it be of the devil’s cropping?
生命之花是基督栽种的，难道要让魔鬼收割吗？

But what is setting out, without holding out?
但是，如果没有坚持到底，开始又有什么用呢？

Mutability is at best but the badge of infirmity.
变化无常充其量不过是软弱的标志。

It can only be those trees which are unsound at their roots—which cease from putting forth leaves in their season.
只有那些根部不健康的树木才会在应当发叶的季节停止生长。

Those who at present are inwardly corrupt—will in the future be openly profane.
那些现在内心腐败的人——将来会公然亵渎。

False grace is always declining, until it is wholly lost.
虚假的恩典总是在衰退，直到完全消失。

But true grace goes from a morning’s dawn—unto a meridian splendor.
但真正的恩典则从晨曦升至正午的辉煌。

It is just to be cast off from God—for casting off the ways and works of God.
因为抛弃了上帝的道路和作为而被上帝抛弃，这是公正的。

“Be faithful unto death—and I will give you the crown of life.”
“你务要至死忠心，我就赐给你生命的冠冕。”

He has a crown for the runner—but a curse for the run-away.
他为奔跑的人预备冠冕——但为逃跑的人预备咒诅。

God accounts not Himself served at all—if He is not always served.
如果不是一直事奉他，上帝就认为根本没有得到事奉。

It is not enough to begin our course well—unless it is crowned with perseverance.
开始我们的道路很好是不够的——除非它以坚持不懈为冠冕。

Some trees put forth fair blossoms—but their flattering spring is turned into an unfruitful winter.
有些树开出美丽的花朵——但它们虚假的春天转变成了不结果的冬天。

Some clear mornings have become overcast with the thickest clouds.
一些晴朗的早晨被最厚的云层遮蔽。

The corn which promised a large harvest in the blade of profession, is blasted in the ear.
那些在信仰的嫩芽中承诺丰收的麦子，在穗中却被毁坏了。

The light remains—no longer than while the sun shines.
光明只在太阳照耀时存在。

When God ceases to be gracious—man ceases to be righteous.
当上帝不再施恩时——人就不再公义。

The flowers of paradise would quickly wither on earth—if they were not watered with drops from Heaven.
如果不是被天上的雨露浇灌，天堂的花朵在地上会很快枯萎。

How have the mighty fallen—when the Almighty has not stood by them!
当全能者没有站在他们身边时，强者是如何倒下的！

The devil would soon put out our candles—if Christ did not carry them in His lantern.
如果基督没有将我们的蜡烛放在他的灯笼里，魔鬼很快就会熄灭它们。

“Do not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”
“行善不可丧志，因为若不灰心，到了时候就要收成。”

To see a ship sink in the harbor of profession, is more grievous, than if it had perished in the open sea of profaneness.
看到一艘船在信仰的港口沉没，比它在公然亵渎的公海中灭亡更令人悲伤。

There goes forth the same power of God—to strengthen a saint—as to quicken a sinner. He who sets us up and makes us holy—must keep us up and make us steady.

上帝用来坚固圣徒的力量，与使罪人复活的力量是一样的。那位建立我们并使我们成圣的主，必须保守我们并使我们坚定不移。

How many professors have seemed to be just ready to cast an eternal anchor—when a contrary wind has driven them to sea, and they have perished forever!

有多少信徒看似已准备好抛下永恒的锚，却被逆风吹向大海，最终永远沉沦！

“O Israel and Judah, what should I do with you?” Why, what is the matter? “Your love vanishes like the morning mist and disappears like dew in the sunlight.”

“以色列和犹大啊，我该如何对待你们？”为什么，出了什么事？”你们的爱像晨雾一样消散，像朝露一样在阳光下消失。”

Some have beat Jehu’s march; they have driven furiously in religion; but within a few years, they have knocked off their chariot wheels. After they have lifted up their hands to God—they have lifted up their heels against Him!

有些人曾像耶户那样急行军；他们在宗教上狂热前进；但几年之内，他们就把战车的轮子撞掉了。他们曾向上帝举手，却又对祂举起脚跟！

That man’s beginning was in hypocrisy—whose ending is in apostasy! Reader, you look for happiness as long as God has a being in Heaven—and God looks for holiness as long as you have a being on earth.

那人的开始是虚伪的，其结局就是背道！读者啊，只要上帝在天上存在，你就寻求幸福——而只要你在地上存在，上帝就寻求你的圣洁。

“He who endures to the end—shall be saved.”

“坚持到底的，必然得救。”

“If any man draws back—My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” He who draws back from his profession on earth—shall be kept back from any possession in Heaven.

“若有人退后，我的心就不喜欢他。”在地上退缩不前的人，在天上也将无法得到任何产业。

He that departs in the faith, shall be saved; but he who departs from the faith, shall be damned.

在信仰中离世的人，必得救赎；但离弃信仰的人，必受诅咒。

That mariner has no praise—who sinks his ship before he comes to the harbor. That soldier obtains no glory—who lays down his weapons in the heat of the battle.

那个在抵达港口之前就沉没自己船只的水手不值得称赞。那个在战斗最激烈时放下武器的士兵得不到荣耀。

Some say, that the chrysolite, which is of a golden color in the morning, loses its splendor before the evening. Such are the glittering shows of hypocrites.

有人说，金绿宝石在早晨呈现金黄色，但在傍晚之前就失去了光彩。伪君子的炫耀也是如此。

Though fiery meteors fall to die on earth—yet fixed stars remain in Heaven.

尽管火流星坠落在地上消亡，但固定的星星仍然留在天上。

When once that fire which is laid on God’s altar is kindled, it shall no more be quenched. True grace may be shaken in the soul—but it cannot be shaken out of the soul.

一旦上帝祭坛上的火被点燃，就再也不会熄灭。真正的恩典可能在灵魂中动摇，但不会从灵魂中被摇出去。

It may be a bruised reed—but it shall never be a broken reed.

它可能是压伤的芦苇，但永远不会是折断的芦苇。

Christ is more tender of His mystical body—than He was of His natural body. Though a believer may fall foully—yet he shall never fall finally.

基督对祂奥秘的身体比对祂自然的身体更加温柔。尽管信徒可能会严重跌倒，但他永远不会最终堕落。

The gates of Hell shall not prevail—against the heirs of Heaven. The fiery darts of the devil, which in themselves are intentionally mortal—shall be to saints eventually medicinal.

地狱的门不能胜过天国的继承者。魔鬼的火箭，虽本意是致命的，对圣徒来说最终却是医治。

These bees may sting him—but their venom shall not destroy him. His light may be eclipsed for a time; but the sun will break forth again.

这些蜜蜂可能会刺他，但它们的毒液不会毁灭他。他的光可能暂时被遮蔽，但太阳终将再次破晓。

Under the law, the Lord had His evening sacrifice—as well as His morning sacrifice. “No man who puts his hand to the plough—and looks back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

在律法之下，主有晚祭，也有晨祭。”手扶着犁向后看的人，不配进上帝的国。”

Our labors are never fulfilled, until our days are fulfilled. There is nothing pleasant—but what is constant.

我们的劳作永远不会完成，直到我们的日子满足。只有恒久的事物才是愉悦的。

Though a saint may sometimes be weary in doing the work of the Lord—yet he is at no time weary of doing the work of the Lord. There may be a suspension of the operation of grace; but there cannot be a destruction of the being of grace.

尽管圣徒有时可能在做主的工作时感到疲倦，但他从不厌倦做主的工作。恩典的运作可能会暂停，但恩典的本质不会被摧毁。

This babe may lie upon a sick-bed; but it shall never lie upon a death-bed.

这个婴孩可能躺在病床上，但永远不会躺在死亡的床上。

Christ is called the Finisher of our faith—as well as the Author of our faith. There is as much necessity for the Spirit to keep up our graces—as there is to bring forth our graces.

基督被称为我们信仰的完成者——也是我们信仰的创始者。圣灵维持我们恩典的必要性——与产生我们恩典的必要性一样重要。

Indifference in true religion—is the first step to apostasy from religion. Though Christians are not altogether kept from falling; yet they are kept from falling altogether. They may show an apathy toward Christ for a time; but they shall not depart from Christ forever. The trees of righteousness may have their winter; but they shall also have their spring. There is never so low an ebb—but there is also as high a tide.

对真正的宗教漠不关心——是背教的第一步。虽然基督徒并非完全不会跌倒；但他们不会完全跌倒。他们可能暂时对基督表现出冷漠；但他们不会永远离开基督。公义的树木可能会有冬天；但它们也会有春天。潮水永远不会低到没有相应的高潮。

Christians are like crocodiles—which grow until they die! They are like the moon, which increases in her beauty, until she is at the full. They have no desire of putting off the robes of purity—while they are on this side of eternity. They wish to hold the sword of piety in their hands—until God sets the crown of glory upon their heads!

基督徒就像鳄鱼——直到死亡才停止生长！他们像月亮一样，美丽不断增加，直到圆满。在永恒的这一边，他们没有脱下纯洁长袍的欲望。他们希望手持虔诚之剑——直到上帝将荣耀之冠戴在他们头上！

Professing reader, if piety is not the way of safety—why do you set forth in it? And if piety is the way—why do you shrink back from it? Usually those who ride fastest at the beginning of their journey—are the first who talk of halting on the road.

自称虔诚的读者啊，如果虔诚不是安全之道——你为何踏上它？如果虔诚是正道——你为何又退缩？通常那些在旅程开始时骑得最快的人——是最先谈论要在路上停下来的人。

See what a sparkling diamond there is set in the apostle’s crown, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith! Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of glory!” Paul the warrior—was Paul the conqueror. And Paul the conqueror—was Paul the crowned. Jesus Christ is never a father of abortive children. Where He gives strength to conceive, He gives strength to bring forth. He turns the bruised reed—into a brazen pillar; and the smoking flax—into an enduring flame.

看看使徒冠冕上镶嵌的闪亮钻石，”我已经打了美好的仗，我已经跑完了当跑的路，我已经守住了信心！从此以后，有公义的冠冕为我存留！”战士保罗——是征服者保罗。征服者保罗——是戴冠的保罗。耶稣基督从不是流产之子的父亲。在祂赐予孕育的力量之处，祂也赐予生产的力量。祂将压伤的芦苇——变成坚固的铜柱；将将残的灯火——变成持久的火焰。

Another singular action of a consistent Christian, is to take all the shame of his sins unto himself—and to give all the glory of his services unto Christ.
一个始终如一的基督徒的另一个独特行为是，将他罪的所有羞耻归于自己，而将他服事的所有荣耀归于基督。

Many people take all the glory of their services to themselves—and lay all the share of their sins on Christ; as if He who died on earth to redeem us from sin—should live in Heaven to confirm us in sin.
许多人将他们服事的所有荣耀归于自己，而将他们罪的所有份额归咎于基督；好像那位在地上死去以救赎我们脱离罪的祂，应该在天上活着以确认我们在罪中。

The devil may flatter us—but he cannot force us. He may tempt us to sin—but he cannot compel us to sin. He could never come off a conqueror, were he not joined by our forces. The fire is his—but the tinder is ours. He could never enter into our houses—if we did not set open our doors.
魔鬼可能奉承我们，但他不能强迫我们。他可能诱惑我们犯罪，但他不能迫使我们犯罪。如果不是我们的力量加入他，他永远不会成为征服者。火是他的，但引火物是我们的。如果我们不打开门，他永远不能进入我们的房子。

Many complain for lack of liberty—who thrust their feet into Satan’s fetters! “Then the man replied—The woman You gave to be with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate.” As if he had said, “I took that as a gift from her—whom You gave as a gift to me.” It is the worst of sins—to charge God with our sins! They may receive their punishment from Him—but they shall never receive their temptation from Him. He cannot be the unrighteous upholder—of what He is the righteous avenger. O blasphemy, to charge that sun with darkness, by which the Heaven’s are enlightened; or that sea with a lack of moisture, by which the whole earth is watered! Our impiety is as truly the offspring of our souls—as our posterity is the issue of our bodies. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Whatever is truly good—has its origin in God. Now the same spring cannot send forth—both sweet and bitter waters. It is a known rule—contraries destroy each other.
许多人抱怨缺乏自由，而他们却将自己的脚伸进撒但的镣铐中！”那人回答说：你所赐给我、与我同居的女人，她把那树上的果子给我，我就吃了。”好像他在说：”我把那当作礼物从她那里接受，而她是你给我的礼物。”将我们的罪归咎于上帝是最糟糕的罪！他们可能从祂那里接受惩罚，但他们永远不会从祂那里接受诱惑。祂不能成为不义的支持者，因为祂是公义的报应者。啊，亵渎啊，竟然指责那使天堂得到光明的太阳带来黑暗；或指责那浇灌整个地球的海洋缺乏水分！我们的不敬虔确实是我们灵魂的产物，就像我们的后代是我们身体的产物一样。”各样美善的恩赐和各样全备的赏赐都是从上头来的，从众光之父那里降下来的；在他并没有改变，也没有转动的影儿。”凡是真正美善的，都源于上帝。现在，同一泉源不能既发出甜水，又发出苦水。这是众所周知的规律：对立面会相互毁灭。

Many have more leaves to cover their wickedness—than they have garments to cover their nakedness. They lay their heresy at the door of the sanctuary; and call their diabolical seductions, ‘evangelical revelations’. As if the Father of light, could bring forth the darkness of sin. What is this, but to set a crown of lead, upon a head of gold! We can defile ourselves—but we cannot cleanse ourselves. The sheep can go astray alone—but can never return to the fold, without the assistance of the shepherd. Until we taste the bitterness of our own misery—we shall never relish the sweetness of God’s mercy. Until we see how foul our sins have made us—we shall never pay our tribute of praise to Christ for washing us. If we were left to ourselves but for a moment—we would destroy ourselves in that moment!
许多人有更多的树叶来掩盖他们的邪恶，却没有足够的衣服来遮盖他们的赤裸。他们将自己的异端放在圣所的门口；并将他们的魔鬼般的诱惑称为”福音启示”。好像光明之父能生出罪的黑暗一样。这不就是在金头上戴上铅冠吗！我们能玷污自己，但我们不能洁净自己。羊可以独自迷失，但若没有牧羊人的帮助，就永远无法回到羊圈。直到我们尝到自己苦难的苦涩，我们才能品味上帝怜悯的甜美。直到我们看到我们的罪使我们变得多么污秽，我们才会为基督洗净我们而献上赞美的贡献。如果我们哪怕只有一刻被留给自己，我们就会在那一刻毁灭自己！

Many advance themselves—to depreciate Christ; but we should look upon ourselves as nothing—and Christ as everything. “I am less than the least of all God’s people.” Paul was willing to be esteemed a cipher—so that Christ might stand for a figure. Well may we abase ourselves for His advancement, who abased Himself for our salvation. “Let Luther be accounted a devil—so long as Christ may be exalted as Savior!” said that flaming seraph of himself.
许多人抬高自己以贬低基督；但我们应该把自己看作无物，把基督看作一切。”我比众圣徒中最小的还小。”保罗愿意被视为一个零，以便基督可以成为一个数字。我们可以为了祂的提升而贬低自己，因为祂为了我们的救赎而贬低了自己。”让路德被视为魔鬼吧，只要基督能被高举为救主！”那位炽热的天使[路德]如此说道。

“Without Me, you can do nothing.” The pen may as soon write without the hand which holds it—as our hearts work unless the Spirit moves them.
“离了我，你们就不能做什么。”笔若没有握笔的手就无法书写，我们的心若没有圣灵的感动也无法运作。

Not only the enjoyment of our talents, is from God; but the improvement of them, is from Him.
我们不仅享受才能是从神而来，而且才能的提升也是从祂而来。

“Lord, Your pound has gained ten pounds.” It is not my pains—but Your pound which has done it.
“主啊，你的一磅银子已经赚了十磅。”这不是我的辛劳，而是你的一磅银子做到了这一点。

The children of God are like a clock, which soon stands still—if it is not wound up.
神的儿女就像一个钟，如果不上发条很快就会停止。

“Did not our hearts burn within us!” But how long did the flame last? All the time He talked with them.
“我们的心岂不是火热的吗！”但这火焰持续了多久？只在祂与他们谈话的时候。

When He gave over breathing on them—their fuel gave over burning.
当祂停止向他们吹气时，他们的燃料就停止燃烧。

Gracious hearts are like the moon in the heavens—which shines not by its own splendor.
恩慈的心就像天上的月亮，不是靠自己的光辉照耀。

He who takes the brick—must give the straw to make it.
取砖的人必须给予制砖的稻草。

There is no water—unless he smites the rock; nor fire—unless he strikes the flint.
除非他击打磐石，否则就没有水；除非他击打燧石，否则就没有火。

If He calls us to the work of angels—He will supply us with the strength of angels.
如果祂呼召我们做天使的工作，祂就会赐给我们天使的力量。

“For when we were without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”
“因我们还软弱的时候，基督就按所定的日期为罪人死。”

A Christless soul—is also a strengthless soul.
没有基督的灵魂也是无力的灵魂。

Man is indebted to God for what he has—but God is not indebted to man for what he does.
人因所拥有的而亏欠神，但神并不因人所做的而亏欠人。

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever!”
“因为万有都是本于他，倚靠他，归于他。愿荣耀归给他，直到永远！”

The humble heart knows no foundation but God’s grace; and the upright man knows no end but God’s glory.
谦卑的心除了神的恩典别无根基；正直的人除了神的荣耀别无目标。

Whatever action has God for its author—has God for its center.
凡以神为作者的行为，都以神为中心。

A circular line makes its ending, where it had its beginning.
圆形线条的终点就是它的起点。

Reader, take heed of turning a sacred privilege, into a privy sacrilege.
读者啊，当心不要把神圣的特权变成私下的亵渎。

If God gives that grace, which is not due to you—will you deny the praise, which is due to Him?
如果神赐予你不应得的恩典，你会否认应归于祂的赞美吗？

The wicked make their end—their god; but we make God—our end.
邪恶的人以自己的目的为神；但我们以神为我们的目的。

The sky is made more glorious by one sun—than by all the stars which stud the heavens.
天空因一轮太阳而更显荣耀，胜过满天繁星。

Thus Jesus Christ has more glory given to Him from one saint—than from all the world besides.
因此，耶稣基督从一个圣徒那里得到的荣耀，比从世界其他所有人那里得到的还多。

He takes more pleasure in their prayers—and is more honored by their praise.
祂更喜悦他们的祷告，更因他们的赞美而得荣耀。

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do—do all to the glory of God.” From the lowest act of nature, to the highest act of grace, there is no argument for the pride of man—but every argument for the praise of God. If He makes our nature gracious—we should make His name glorious. He that would be stealing the honor of God—is not worthy to receive the honor of a man.

“无论你们吃喝，或做什么—都要为荣耀神而行。”从最低微的自然行为，到最高尚的恩典之举，没有任何理由让人骄傲—但有充分理由赞美上帝。如果祂使我们的本性变得仁慈—我们就应当使祂的名字荣耀。那些想要窃取上帝荣耀的人—不配得到人的尊敬。

Caesar once said to his opponent, “Either I will be Caesar—or nobody.” So the Lord says, “Either I will be a great God—or no God.” That man disparages the glory of the sun—who sets it upon a level with the twinkling stars. The glory of God is the golden mark—at which all the arrows of obedience are shot, otherwise they fall short of their mark. The body has two eyes—but the soul must have but one; and that so firmly fixed upon Christ, as never once to glance beside Him. A single eye is fittest for a single object.

凯撒曾对他的对手说：”要么我做凯撒—要么就什么都不是。”同样，主说：”要么我是伟大的上帝—要么就不是上帝。”那个将太阳的荣耀与闪烁的星星相提并论的人—贬低了太阳的荣耀。上帝的荣耀是金色的标靶—所有顺服的箭都应射向它，否则就会偏离目标。身体有两只眼睛—但灵魂只能有一只；而且要如此坚定地注视基督，从不瞥向别处。单一的目光最适合单一的对象。

“When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying—The gods have come down to us in the form of men!” But do they take that glory to themselves, which is idolatrously given to them from others? No! “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you.” As if they had said, “We are so far from possessing the glorious perfections of God, that we are clothed with all the weaknesses and sins of men.”

“当众人看到保罗所做的事，他们就高声说—众神以人的形象降临我们中间了！”但他们是否接受了别人偶像般给予他们的荣耀？不！”各位，为什么这样做呢？我们也不过是人，与你们一样。”仿佛他们在说，”我们离拥有上帝的荣耀完美还很远，我们身上带着人所有的软弱和罪。”

Ungodly Herod was not like Paul and Silas, “The people gave a shout, saying—This is the voice of a god, not of a man!” What the people gave foolishly—he took fearlessly. “Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died!” Ah, how soon this worm-eaten wretch—was a wretch eaten up by worms! Every little river pays its tribute to the great sea—and shall we refuse ours to the great God?

不敬虔的希律不像保罗和西拉，”百姓喊着说—这是神的声音，不是人的声音！”百姓愚蠢地给予的—他却无畏地接受了。”立刻，因希律不将荣耀归给上帝，主的使者击打他，他被虫所咬，气就绝了！”啊，这个被虫蛀蚀的可怜虫—多快就成了被虫吃掉的可怜虫！每条小河都向大海进贡—难道我们要拒绝向伟大的上帝进贡吗？

As there is no time, in which God is not blessing His children—there should be no time, in which His people are not praising Him. As He designs our happiness, in all He does—it is but reasonable that we should seek His honor in all we do. We have no way to turn the streams unto God, the ocean of all bounty—but through the pipes of gratitude.

既然没有上帝不祝福祂子民的时候—就不应该有祂的子民不赞美祂的时候。既然祂在所做的一切中都为我们设计幸福—我们在所做的一切中寻求祂的荣耀也是合理的。我们没有别的方法将溪流引向上帝，这一切恩惠的海洋—只能通过感恩的管道。

“Giving thanks unto the Father who has made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” It is very fit—that He should be magnified by us; when He makes us fit—to be glorified with Him.

“感谢父，祂叫我们能与众圣徒在光明中同得基业。”这是非常合适的—祂应当被我们尊崇；当祂使我们配得—与祂一同得荣耀时。

As the best of means should make us fruitful, so the least of mercies should make us thankful. “The twenty-four elders fall down and worship the one who lives forever and ever! And they lay their crowns before the throne and say—You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power!” Whatever ointment is poured out upon Christ’s head, will run down to the skirts of His garment. What a saint gives to Christ in copper, shall be returned to him in silver! Yes, the only way to keep our crowns on our heads—is to cast them down at His feet!

最好的方法应该使我们结果子，最小的怜悯也应该使我们感恩。”二十四位长老就俯伏敬拜那活到永永远远的主！他们把冠冕放在宝座前，说—我们的主，我们的上帝，你是配得荣耀、尊贵、权柄的！”无论什么香膏倒在基督的头上，都会流到祂衣服的下摆。圣徒以铜给基督的，必以银归还给他！是的，保持我们头上冠冕的唯一方法—就是把它们放在祂的脚前！

The last singular action of a consistent Christian, is that he values his heavenly inheritance, above all earthly possessions.
一个始终如一的基督徒的最后一个独特行为是，他重视他的天国继承权胜过所有世俗的财产。

“God has reserved a priceless inheritance for His children. It is kept in Heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.” “Our citizenship is in Heaven!”
“上帝为他的子民保留了一份无价的遗产。它为你保存在天国，纯洁无瑕，超越了变化和腐朽的范围。” “我们的公民身份在天国！”

Some say, that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush—but surely such a bird in the bush, is worth two in the hand. If others dote upon the streams—let us admire the fountain. Socrates, being asked what his native country was, answered, “I am a citizen of the whole world.” But ask a Christian what his native country is—and he will answer, “I am a citizen of all Heaven!” Believers build their tombs—where worldlings build their habitations. The men of the world—fix their hearts upon the things of the world. This fleeting world, is the cabinet in which they lock up all their jewels! Though God has given the earth to beasts—yet such beasts are men—as to give themselves to the earth!
有人说，一鸟在手胜过双鸟在林——但肯定这样一只在林中的鸟，胜过两只在手中的。如果其他人迷恋于溪流——让我们赞美泉源。苏格拉底被问及他的祖国是什么，回答说：”我是全世界的公民。”但问一个基督徒他的祖国是什么——他会回答：”我是全天国的公民！”信徒们建造他们的坟墓——在世俗之人建造他们住所的地方。世俗之人——将他们的心系于世俗之物。这个短暂的世界，是他们锁住所有珍宝的柜子！尽管上帝把地球给了野兽——然而这样的野兽就是人——他们把自己献给了尘世！

It was the saying of a cursed cardinal, “I prefer a part in the honors of Paris—to a part in the happiness of paradise.” What is the glimmering of a candle, compared to the shining of the sun? or the value of dirt, compared with gold? Foolish children are taken up more with fleeting pleasures—more than with eternal glory. Thus while the shadow is embraced, the substance is neglected.
一个被诅咒的红衣主教曾说：”我宁愿在巴黎的荣誉中占一份，也不愿在天堂的幸福中占一份。”蜡烛的微光与太阳的光辉相比如何？或者泥土的价值与黄金相比如何？愚蠢的孩子们更多地沉迷于短暂的快乐——而不是永恒的荣耀。因此，当拥抱影子时，实质却被忽视了。

That man who is a laboring bee, for earthly prosperity; will be but an idle drone, for heavenly felicity. “If you are risen with Christ—seek those things which are above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God.”
那个为世俗繁荣而辛勤劳作的人，对于天国的幸福却只是一只懒惰的雄蜂。”如果你已经与基督一同复活——就当寻求上面的事，那里有基督坐在上帝的右边。”

There is no need of blotting out the characters of our affections—but of writing them on fairer paper. There is no necessity for drying up these running waters—but for diverting them into their proper channels. Why should we wholly destroy these valuable plants—when they might thrive so well in a better soil? He who looks upon Heaven with desire—will look upon earth with disdain. Our affections were made for the things which are above us—and not for the things which are about us.
我们无需抹去我们情感的特质——而是要将它们写在更美好的纸上。我们无需干涸这些流动的水——而是要将它们引导到适当的渠道。为什么我们要完全毁坏这些宝贵的植物——当它们可能在更好的土壤中茁壮成长？用渴望的眼光看待天国的人——会用蔑视的眼光看待尘世。我们的情感是为那些在我们之上的事物而造——而不是为那些围绕我们的事物而造。

What is an earthly manor—compared to a heavenly mansion!
一座尘世的庄园与天国的大厦相比算得了什么！

As carnal things seem small to a spiritual man—so spiritual things appear small to a carnal man.
正如属肉体的事物在属灵之人眼中显得渺小一样，属灵的事物在属肉体之人眼中也显得微不足道。

There is no desiring, and living for things, which are beyond the sphere of our own knowledge.
对于超出我们认知范围的事物，我们既不会渴望，也不会为之而活。

Heaven is to the worldling—as a mine of gold which is buried deep in the earth—he does not realize that it exists.
对于世俗之人来说，天国就像深埋地下的金矿——他们意识不到它的存在。

But if he had the eyes of an eagle to see it—he would wish for the wings of an eagle to soar to it.
但如果他们有鹰的眼睛去看到它，他们就会希望有鹰的翅膀飞向它。

How little would the great world seem to us—if the great God were not so little in us!
如果伟大的上帝在我们心中不是如此渺小，这个伟大的世界在我们眼中会显得多么渺小啊！

Either men have no thoughts of a future state—or else they have low thoughts of a future state.
人们要么对未来的状态毫无想法，要么对未来的状态抱有低劣的想法。

If we had souls without any bodies—then there would be no need of the earth to keep us; if we had bodies without any souls—there would be no need of Heaven to crown us.
如果我们只有灵魂而没有身体，那么就不需要地球来容纳我们；如果我们只有身体而没有灵魂，那么就不需要天堂来为我们加冕。

Such as have no present holiness—are for a present happiness.
那些当下没有圣洁的人——只追求当下的快乐。

“Many are saying—who will show us any good?”
“许多人在说——谁能指示我们什么好处？”

Any good will serve those—who know not the chief good.
任何好处都能满足那些不知最高善的人。

But David adds, “O Lord, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.”
但大卫补充道：”耶和华啊，求你仰起脸来，光照我们。”

O how sordid is it for men to prefer the garlic and onions of Egypt—to the milk and honey of Canaan!
啊，人们竟然宁愿选择埃及的蒜和葱，而不要迦南的奶与蜜，这是多么可耻啊！

Visible trifles to them—are better than invisible realities.
对他们来说，可见的琐事比不可见的真实更好。

They mind the present world so much—as if it would never have any end; and the eternal world so little—as if it would never have a beginning.
他们如此在意现世，仿佛它永远不会结束；却如此轻视永恒的世界，仿佛它永远不会开始。

Reader, why should you be so taken up with your riches—when you will be so soon taken from your riches?
读者啊，当你即将被带离你的财富时，为何还要如此执着于你的财富呢？

Why do you dote upon a flower—which may wither in an hour?
为什么你要如此钟爱一朵可能在一小时内就会凋谢的花呢？

As you are traveling beyond the world—it would be your wisdom to be trading above the world.
当你正在超越这个世界旅行时——明智的做法是在世界之上进行交易。

But alas, such are not easily awakened—who fall so fast asleep on the world’s pillow!
但可悲的是，那些在世俗枕头上沉睡的人是如此难以唤醒！

When the Gauls had tasted the wine of Italy—they asked where the grapes grew; and would never rest until they came there.
当高卢人品尝了意大利的葡萄酒后，他们询问葡萄在哪里生长；他们永不停歇，直到到达那里。

Thus may you cry, “O that I had the wings of a dove—that I might fly away and be at rest!”
因此你可能会呼喊：”啊，但愿我有鸽子的翅膀，我就飞去，得享安息！”

A believer is willing to lose the world—for the enjoyment of grace.
信徒愿意失去世界——为了享受恩典。

He is willing to leave the world—for the fruition of glory.
他愿意离开世界——为了实现荣耀。

As the worst on this side of eternity, compared with Hell—is mercy; so the best on this side of eternity, compared with Heaven—is misery.
就如永恒此岸最坏的事物与地狱相比是仁慈一样；永恒此岸最好的事物与天堂相比也是苦难。

There is no more comparison to be made between earth—and Heaven; than there is between a piece of rusty iron—and refined gold.
地球与天堂之间的比较，就如同一块生锈的铁与精炼的黄金之间的比较一样不可同日而语。

Augustine says, “The hope of immortal life—is the life of our mortal lives.” It is the expectation of a future glorious inheritance, which is the Jacob’s staff of saints—with which they walk through this dark pilgrimage. Because we have hope in Christ, after this life—we may be of all men the most comfortable!

奥古斯丁说：”不朽生命的希望——是我们凡人生命的生命。”这是对未来荣耀继承的期待，是圣徒的雅各杖——他们用它走过这段黑暗的朝圣之旅。因为我们在基督里有盼望，在今生之后——我们可能成为所有人中最安慰的！

Though we have desires in the world—yet we have no desires after the world. “In this world we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling.” A believer longs most for that place—where he shall be best. He not only grows in grace—but groans for glory. Perfection is the boundary of the strongest expectation. As it is satisfied with nothing less—so it looks for nothing more. Everything in eternity—is wound up to its highest capacity. It is in Heaven, that mercy will be received unmixed—and majesty viewed unveiled. What is a worthless pebble—compared with a matchless diamond!

尽管我们在世上有欲望——但我们对世界没有欲望。”在这个世界上，我们叹息，渴望穿上我们天上的住处。”信徒最渴望的是那个地方——他将在那里成为最好的自己。他不仅在恩典中成长——还为荣耀而叹息。完美是最强烈期待的边界。它不满足于任何更少的东西——也不寻求任何更多的东西。永恒中的一切——都被提升到最高的能力。在天堂，怜悯将被纯净地接受——威严将被无遮掩地观看。一块无价值的卵石——与无与伦比的钻石相比算什么！

What a sweet salutation is that of the Savior to His servant, “Enter into the joy of your Lord!” O, what joy shall enter into the believer—when he shall enter into the joy of his Redeemer! Then the vessels of mercy, shall have sea-room enough—in the ocean of glory!

救主对祂仆人的问候是多么甜美啊，”进入你主人的喜乐吧！”哦，当信徒进入他救赎主的喜乐时——将有何等的喜乐进入信徒！那时，怜悯的器皿，将在荣耀的海洋中——有足够的海域！

Those whom love has closely united together—cannot contentedly dwell forever asunder. “Come, you who are blessed by My Father—inherit the kingdom prepared for you before the foundation of the world!” That which makes Hell so full of horror—is that it is below all hopes; and that which makes Heaven so full of splendor—is that it is above all fears. Hell is a night—without the return of day; Heaven is a day—free from the approach of night. Who would not seek after glory with the greatest diligence, and wait for glory with the greatest patience; seeing we increase the interest, while we wait for the principle.

那些被爱紧密联系在一起的人——不能满足地永远分离。”你们这蒙我父赐福的，可来承受那创世以来为你们所预备的国！”使地狱如此充满恐怖的——是因为它低于所有希望；而使天堂如此充满辉煌的——是因为它高于所有恐惧。地狱是一个永无白昼的黑夜；天堂是一个永不来临黑夜的白昼。谁不会以最大的勤奋寻求荣耀，以最大的耐心等待荣耀呢；因为我们在等待本金的同时，还在增加利息。

There are some deluded professors, who aspire after earthly grandeur; as if the place where saints are crucified, were the place where they are glorified. This were to consider the church, in a triumphant condition, rather than a militant condition. The ark of the church, which is now tossed upon a tumultuous sea—shall then rest in the harbor of eternal tranquility.

有些受迷惑的教授，渴望世俗的宏伟；好像圣徒被钉十字架的地方，就是他们得荣耀的地方。这是将教会视为处于凯旋状态，而非战斗状态。教会的方舟，现在虽在汹涌的海上颠簸——但终将在永恒宁静的港湾中安息。

“In My Father’s house are many mansions—I go to prepare a place for you.”
“在我父的家里有许多住处——我去为你们预备地方。”

Our Redeemer is our forerunner. He who takes possession of us on earth—takes possession for us in Heaven.
我们的救赎主是我们的先锋。祂在地上占有我们的——在天上为我们占有。

As we are not long here without Him—so He will not be long there without us.
正如我们在这里没有祂就不会长久——祂在那里也不会没有我们而长久。

Here on earth—all the world is not enough for one carnal man; but there in eternity—one Heaven shall be enough for all Christians.
在地上——整个世界对一个属肉体的人来说都不够；但在永恒中——一个天堂对所有基督徒来说就足够了。

In this life—there are showers of tears which fall from the saint’s eyes; but in that eternal life—there shall be a perpetual sunshine of glory in the saint’s heart.
在今生——圣徒的眼中有泪水如雨；但在那永恒的生命中——圣徒的心中将永远有荣耀的阳光。

Many temptations may accost a Heaven-born soul—but no temptation shall finally prevail against him.
许多诱惑可能会攻击一个天生的灵魂——但没有诱惑最终能胜过他。

Flying birds are never taken in a fowler’s snare.
飞翔的鸟永远不会被捕鸟人的网罗捕获。

What is all that we enjoy here on earth; but as a dying spark—of that living flame! as a languishing ray—of that illustrious sun! or as a small drop—of that overflowing spring!
我们在地上所享受的一切不过是什么；只是那活火的垂死火花！那灿烂阳光的微弱光线！或那溢流泉源的一小滴！

“You love Him, though you have not seen Him. And though not seeing Him now, you believe in Him and rejoice with inexpressible and glorious joy!”
“你们虽然没有见过祂，却是爱祂。如今虽不得看见，却因信祂就有说不出来、满有荣光的大喜乐！”

If there is so much delight in believing—oh, how much is there in beholding!
如果相信就有如此多的喜悦——哦，亲眼看见会有多少喜悦啊！

What is the wooing day, compared to the wedding day!
求爱的日子与婚礼的日子相比算什么！

What is the sealing of the will, compared to the enjoyment of the inheritance!
立遗嘱与享受遗产相比算什么！

What are the foretastes of glory, compared to the fullness of glory!
荣耀的预尝与荣耀的丰满相比算什么！

The good things of that life are so great—as not to be measured; they are so many—as not to be enumerated; and so precious—as not to be estimated!
那生命中的美好事物是如此伟大——无法衡量；是如此之多——无法计数；是如此宝贵——无法估量！

If the picture of holiness is so lovely—in its rough draft; how lovely a piece will it be—in all its perfections!
如果圣洁的画面在其草稿中就如此可爱——在其完美状态下将会是多么可爱的作品啊！

Every grace which is here seen in its minority—shall be seen there in its maturity.
每一种在此处以幼小形态看到的恩典——在那里都将以成熟的状态被看到。

APPLICATIONS
应用

Having dispatched that which is doctrinal—I now come to the discussion of that which is practical.
已经处理完教义性的内容——我现在来讨论实践性的内容。

And I shall here propose two considerations:
在此我将提出两个考虑：

Firstly, for the erection of singular principles.
首先，为建立独特的原则。

Secondly, the direction of singular practices.
其次，独特实践的指导。

Application #1

应用 #1

Twenty PRINCIPLES which a believer should walk by.

信徒应当遵循的二十条原则。

Natural men obey natural principles—and spiritual men obey spiritual principles. No man can expect that bitter roots—should produce sweet fruits. Though civil principles may be kindled at the torch of nature—yet sacred principles are lighted at the blaze of Scripture. Now there are twenty singular principles which I shall consider, as the rise and spring of singular practices.

属世的人遵循自然原则—而属灵的人遵循属灵原则。没有人能指望苦根会结出甜果。虽然世俗原则可能由自然之火点燃—但神圣原则却是由圣经之光照亮。现在我将考虑二十条独特的原则，它们是独特行为的起源和源泉。

The first principle which believers walk by is this: that whatever is transacted by men on earth—is eyed by the Lord in Heaven.
信徒遵循的第一条原则是：人在地上所做的一切—都被天上的主所察看。

A man may hide God from himself—and yet he cannot hide himself from God. This, even a prodigal could acknowledge, “I have sinned against Heaven—and in Your sight.” When a man wishes God to be like himself—it argues that he is wicked; but when he desires to be like God—it indicates that he is virtuous.

人可能将神隐藏于自己—却无法将自己隐藏于神。就连浪子也能承认这一点，”我得罪了天—也得罪了你。”当一个人希望神像他自己—这表明他是邪恶的；但当他渴望像神—这表明他是有美德的。

A false god—would be most acceptable to a false heart. For, “Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.” They have mouths—but they speak not for our direction; they have eyes—but they cannot see our condition; they have ears—but they cannot hear our supplication; they have hands—but they cannot work our redemption. These were not the gods that made men—but the gods that men made.

一个虚假的神—最能被一颗虚假的心所接受。因为，”他们的偶像是金银的，是人手所造的。”它们有口—却不能为我们指引；它们有眼—却看不到我们的处境；它们有耳—却听不到我们的祈求；它们有手—却不能成就我们的救赎。这些不是创造人的神—而是人所造的神。

“All things are naked and open before the eyes of Him, with whom we have to do.” We cannot always see His will in His works—but He can always discover our works in our will. To Him the most hidden roots are as visible—as the uppermost branches. Though the place where we sin, is to men as dark as Egypt—yet to God, it is as light as Goshen. That advice which one gave to his friend privately—is worthy to be adapted publicly. “So act towards men—as in the sight of God; and so pray to God—as in the sight of men.” He is a bold thief—who will cut your purse while you look in his face!

“万物在那与我们有关系的主眼前，都是赤露敞开的。”我们不能总是在祂的作为中看到祂的旨意—但祂总能在我们的意志中发现我们的作为。对祂而言，最隐秘的根—与最高的枝条一样可见。虽然我们犯罪的地方，对人来说如同埃及般黑暗—但对神而言，却如同歌珊地般明亮。一个人私下给朋友的建议—值得公开采纳。”对待人—如同在神的眼前；向神祷告—如同在人的眼前。”他是个大胆的小偷—会在你注视他的脸时偷走你的钱包！

“All a man’s ways seem right in his own eyes—but the Lord weighs the motives.” The Lord sees faults—where men see none. Atoms which are invisible in the candle light of reason—are all made to dance naked in the sun-shine of omniscience! Cato was so grave and so good a man, that none would behave wrongly in his presence: whence it grew to a proverbial caution, “Take heed what you do—for Cato sees you!” How reproachful is it to us—that the eyes of a man should have more effect upon our actions—than the penetrating eyes of God!

“人所行的，在自己眼中都看为正—惟有耶和华衡量人心。”主看到过错—在人看不到的地方。在理性烛光下不可见的原子—在全知的阳光下都赤裸地舞动！卡托是如此庄重和善良的人，以至于没有人会在他面前行为不当：这就成了一句谚语式的警告，”当心你的所作所为—因为卡托在看着你！”这对我们是多么羞耻—一个人的眼睛对我们的行为竟比神洞察一切的眼睛更有影响力！

God has a clear window into the darkest houses. He sees what is done in them, when none other can.
上帝对最黑暗的房子也有一扇清晰的窗户。当其他人看不到时，祂能看到其中所发生的一切。

To God’s omnipotence, there is nothing impossible; and to God’s omniscience, there is nothing invisible.
对于上帝的全能来说，没有什么是不可能的；对于上帝的全知来说，没有什么是不可见的。

I never look for those people to strain at gnats—who will easily and greedily swallow camels.
我从不期望那些轻易贪婪地吞下骆驼的人会去滤出蚊子。

What is the reason that men do the works of darkness—but that they think they do their works in thick darkness?
人们为什么做黑暗的事——不就是因为他们认为自己是在浓密的黑暗中做事吗？

They suppose that no eye sees them—no, not God’s eye, which does nothing else but see.
他们以为没有眼睛能看到他们——不，连上帝的眼睛也不能，而上帝的眼睛除了看之外什么都不做。

“Yet you say—What does God know? Can He judge through thick darkness? Clouds veil Him—so that He cannot see!”
“然而你说——上帝知道什么？祂能透过浓密的黑暗进行审判吗？云彩遮蔽了祂——所以祂看不见！”

Ah, how gladly would the hand of man—draw a veil over the face of God!
啊，人的手多么乐意在上帝的脸上画一层面纱啊！

A sinful man—would be an unseen man!
一个有罪的人——会希望成为一个看不见的人！

“Pay attention, you stupid people! Fools, when will you be wise? Can the One who shaped the ear—not hear? Can the One who formed the eye—not see?”
“注意听，你们这些愚蠢的人！愚人啊，你们什么时候才能变得明智？造耳朵的——难道听不见吗？造眼睛的——难道看不见吗？”

What, will you make Him deaf—who gives you ears! Will you make Him blind—who gives you eyes!
什么，你要使赐你耳朵的祂——变聋吗！你要使赐你眼睛的祂——变瞎吗！

This is acting like a beast among men; and not as a man among beasts.
这是在人群中表现得像野兽；而不是在野兽中表现得像人。

But, “The Lord knows the thoughts of man; He knows that they are futile!”
但是，”耶和华知道人的思想；祂知道它们是徒劳的！”

Foolish men think that God does not know the vanity of their thoughts. This is the vainest thought of them all!
愚蠢的人认为上帝不知道他们思想的虚妄。这是所有想法中最虚妄的！

Reader, you cannot set down your lusts, in such characters—but what the eyes of God can read them!
读者啊，你无法用这样的方式记下你的欲望——但上帝的眼睛却能读懂它们！

As He can save in the greatest extremity, so He can see in the deepest obscurity.
正如祂能在最极端的情况下拯救，祂也能在最深的晦暗中看见。

Though we cannot see God while we live—yet He can see how we live.
虽然我们活着时看不见上帝——但祂能看到我们如何生活。

“His eyes are on the ways of men; He sees their every step. There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.”
“祂的眼睛注视着人的道路；祂看到他们的每一步。没有黑暗之处，没有深沉的阴影，能让作恶者藏身。”

Man may gild over the leaves of a blurred life, with the profession of holiness; but God can unmask the painted Jezebel of hypocrisy, and lay her naked to her own shame!
人可能会用圣洁的职业为模糊不清的生活镀金；但上帝能揭开伪善的耶洗别的面具，让她赤裸地面对自己的羞耻！

Because sin has put out our eyes, we vainly imagine—that it has put out God’s eyes!
因为罪蒙蔽了我们的眼睛，我们徒然地想象——它也蒙蔽了上帝的眼睛！

Because we cannot see what God does in Heaven for us; we think, that He cannot see what we do on earth against Him.
因为我们看不见上帝在天上为我们所做的；我们认为，祂也看不见我们在地上对祂所做的。

Men do not care what sins they do—when they believe that God does not see what sins are done.
当人们相信上帝看不见所犯的罪时，他们不在乎自己犯什么罪。

“They kill the widow and the foreigner, and murder the fatherless. They say—The Lord does not see it. The God of Jacob does not pay attention!”
“他们杀害寡妇和外邦人，谋杀孤儿。他们说——耶和华看不见。雅各的上帝并不在意！”

The adulterer waits for the twilight. His sin gets up—when the sun goes down.
通奸者等待黄昏。他的罪行在日落时开始。

The time of darkness, pays most tribute to the prince of darkness.
黑暗的时刻，最能向黑暗之王致敬。

There are many that blush to confess their faults, who never blush to commit them.
有许多人羞于承认自己的过错，却从不因犯错而脸红。

When poor Adam had sinned, he sought not the fairest fruits to satisfy his hunger—but the broadest leaves to cover his nakedness.
当可怜的亚当犯罪后，他不是寻找最美的果实来满足饥饿——而是寻找最大的树叶来遮盖赤裸。

It is God’s gracious eye placed upon us—which makes us pious; and it is our believing eye fixed on Him—which keeps us pious.
是上帝恩慈的眼睛注视着我们——使我们虔诚；是我们信靠的眼睛注视着祂——使我们保持虔诚。

What servant is there—who would pilfer, under the view of his master?
有哪个仆人——会在主人的注视下偷窃？

What soldier would appear a coward, in the presence of his prince?
有哪个士兵会在王子面前表现得懦弱？

Another principle by which a Christian should walk, is this: that after all his present receivings—he will be brought to his future reckonings.
基督徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：在他现在所领受的一切之后——他将面临未来的清算。

Thus the certain rich man dealt with his steward, “Give an account of your stewardship, for you may no longer be steward!” Man’s enjoyment of outward blessings, is not a lordship but a stewardship. God communicates those good things of life to men—not that they should lay them up for their own vanity—but that they should lay them out for His glory. The richest man had as poor a beginning—as the poorest; and the poorest will have as rich an end—as the wealthiest.
因此，那个财主这样对待他的管家说：”把你管家的账目交代清楚，因为你不能再作我的管家了！”人对外在祝福的享受，不是主人身份而是管家身份。上帝将生活中的美好事物传达给人——不是让他们为自己的虚荣而积累——而是让他们为祂的荣耀而使用。最富有的人和最贫穷的人一样有着贫穷的开始；最贫穷的人也将和最富有的人一样有着富足的结局。

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Augustine says, “We can never do that—unless we number every day, as our last day.” Many put their last day—far away. They refuse to leave the earth, when the earth is about to take its leave of them. People of the greatest eminence, have anciently had their monitors—to remind them of their mortality. Agathocles, a Sicilian Prince, had his earthen plate set before him, to remind him that he had been a potter. The Roman triumphers in the meridian of their splendor, had a servant behind them, crying to each, “Remember that you are only a man!”
“求你指教我们怎样数算自己的日子，好叫我们得着智慧的心。”奥古斯丁说：”除非我们把每一天都当作最后一天来计算，否则我们永远无法做到这一点。”许多人把他们的最后一天——推得很远。当大地即将离他们而去时，他们拒绝离开大地。古时最显赫的人物都有他们的监督者——提醒他们自身的死亡。阿加索克利斯(Agathocles)，一位西西里王子，在他面前摆放着一个陶土盘，提醒他曾经是个陶工。罗马凯旋者在其辉煌的巅峰时期，身后都有一个仆人，对每个人喊道：”记住，你只是个凡人！”

Men, who are gods in office—are too apt to think themselves gods in essence; but the change of the name, can make no change in the man. The royal Psalmist, who was raised to princely dignity, ridicules such a haughty prince’s vanity, “I have said, you are gods—but you will die like mere men; you will fall like every other ruler.” All human divinity, will soon be shrouded in mortality; and those who would appear as gods before men—shall soon appear as men before God.
那些在职位上如同神一样的人——太容易认为自己本质上也是神；但名称的改变，并不能改变人的本质。那位被提升到王子尊位的皇家诗人，嘲笑了这样一个傲慢王子的虚荣，”我曾说，你们是神，都是至高者的儿子——然而你们要死，与世人一样；要仆倒，像王子中的一位。”所有人类的神性，很快就会被死亡所笼罩；那些在人前表现得如同神一样的人——很快就会在上帝面前显为凡人。

Death levels the highest mountains—with the lowest valleys. Death mows down the fairest lilies—as well as the foulest thistles. The robes of illustrious princes, and the rags of destitute peasants, are both laid aside in the wardrobe of the grave. As the cloud and pillar which led Israel through the wilderness, left them on the brink of Jordan—so shall all the glittering shows of life be forgotten, in the solemn article of death!
死亡使最高的山与最低的谷相平。死亡同时收割最美的百合花——和最丑的蓟。显赫王子的华服，和贫困农民的破衣，都被放在坟墓的衣柜里。就如引领以色列人穿越旷野的云柱，在约旦河边离开了他们——生命中所有耀眼的表现，都将在庄严的死亡时刻被遗忘！

Then those ungodly mortals, who were determined not to approach the throne of grace—shall be obliged to appear before the throne of judgment. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
那时，那些决心不接近恩典宝座的不敬虔之人——将被迫出现在审判宝座前。”因为我们众人必要在基督台前显露出来，叫各人按着本身所行的，或善或恶受报。”

At the shrill voice of the last trumpet, every jailer shall deliver up all his prisoners.
在最后一声尖锐的号角声中，每个狱卒都将释放他所有的囚犯。

Now we see the living fall into the arms of death; but then we shall behold the dead awake, and rise to an unchanging life!
现在我们看到活着的人落入死亡的怀抱；但到那时我们将看到死者醒来，并复活进入永恒不变的生命！

Then the scattered dust of all Adam’s children, shall ride upon the wings of the wind, until it meets together in its own bodies.
然后，亚当所有子孙的散落尘埃，将乘风而行，直到它们在各自的身体中重聚。

Then the purchased bodies of saints, shall be claimed by their heavenly Owner.
然后，圣徒被赎回的身体，将被他们天上的主人认领。

“But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead.”
“但你的死人要复活，尸首要兴起。睡在尘埃中的啊，要醒起歌唱！因你的甘露好像菜蔬上的甘露，地也要交出死人来。”

All the various animals which have feasted on human flesh—shall then find that their food was too rich for digestion.
所有曾以人肉为食的各种动物——将发现他们的食物太过丰富难以消化。

The bellies of beasts and whales, are not to be always the bed of God’s Jonahs.
野兽和鲸鱼的腹中，不会永远是上帝的约拿们的床榻。

Death will cut us down—but he shall not eternally keep us down.
死亡会将我们砍倒——但它不会永远将我们压制。

Now the same glorious Person, who shall come to raise the dead, will also come to judge the dead.
现在，那位将要来使死人复活的荣耀之人，也将来审判死者。

“In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”
“就在神藉耶稣基督审判人隐秘事的日子，照着我的福音所言。”

The same rule which God has given the world to act by—the same rule has He taken to Himself to judge by.
上帝给予世界用以行动的规则——祂也用同样的规则来审判。

Reader, if you obstinately and finally disobey the precious Word of God—revealed from Heaven to you; you must suffer the eternal wrath of God—revealed from Heaven against you.
读者啊，如果你顽固地最终不顺从上帝宝贵的话语——那从天上向你启示的；你必须承受上帝永恒的愤怒——那从天上向你显明的。

Though you may now obstinately resist the judgments which He sets before your eyes; yet you cannot then resist those judgments, which He will angrily pour out upon your soul.
尽管你现在可能顽固地抵抗祂摆在你眼前的审判；但到那时你将无法抵抗那些祂将愤怒地倾倒在你灵魂上的审判。

Poor sinner, will you yet so willfully embrace those poisonous vipers, your lusts, which will so assuredly sting you with the pains of eternal damnation?
可怜的罪人啊，你还要如此执意地拥抱那些毒蛇，你的欲望，它们必定会以永恒诅咒的痛苦刺伤你吗？

Why will you rashly pursue anything in this world, which will subject you to the intolerable curse of God in the eternal world?
为什么你要鲁莽地追求这世界上的任何事物，这些事物会使你在永恒的世界里遭受上帝难以忍受的诅咒？

“God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness, by that Man whom He has ordained.”
“因为他已经定了日子，要藉着他所设立的人按公义审判天下。”

It is the Son of man—by whom the believing world is redeemed; and it will be by the same Son of man—that the whole world shall be judged.
是人子——藉着祂信仰的世界得到救赎；也将是这同一位人子——整个世界将被审判。

He who was guarded to the cross, by a band of soldiers—shall soon be attended to the bench, by a shining company of angels!
那位曾被一队士兵押送到十字架前的祂——不久将由一群闪耀的天使陪伴来到审判台前！

The ancient Thebans pictured their judges without eyes—that they might not favor persons; and without hands—to denote that no bribes should be received.
古代底比斯人将他们的法官描绘成没有眼睛的——以免他们偏袒某些人；没有手的——表示不应接受任何贿赂。

“But the Judge of all the earth shall do right.”
“但审判全地的主必行公义。”

The wills of human judges, are to be regulated by the laws of righteousness; but so glorious is the heavenly Judge, that even the laws of righteousness are regulated by His will.
人间法官的意志，应当受公义法则的约束；但天上的法官如此荣耀，以至于连公义的法则都受祂的意志所规范。

As all His works are great and marvelous—so are all His ways just and righteous.
正At the shrill voice of the last trumpet, every jailer shall deliver up all his prisoners. Now we see the living fall into the arms of death; but then we shall behold the dead awake, and rise to an unchanging life!
在最后一声尖锐的号角声中，每个狱卒都将释放所有囚犯。现在我们看到生者坠入死亡的怀抱；但到那时我们将看到死者醒来，并复活到永恒不变的生命中！

Then the scattered dust of all Adam’s children, shall ride upon the wings of the wind, until it meets together in its own bodies. Then the purchased bodies of saints, shall be claimed by their heavenly Owner.
然后，亚当所有子孙的散落尘土，将乘着风的翅膀，直到它们在自己的身体中重聚。然后，圣徒们被赎回的身体，将被他们的天国主人认领。

All the various animals which have feasted on human flesh—shall then find that their food was too rich for digestion. The bellies of beasts and whales, are not to be always the bed of God’s Jonahs. Death will cut us down—but he shall not eternally keep us down.
所有曾经享用过人肉的各种动物——将会发现它们的食物太过丰富以至于无法消化。野兽和鲸鱼的肚子，不会永远成为上帝的约拿们的床。死亡会击倒我们——但它不会永远将我们压倒。

Now the same glorious Person, who shall come to raise the dead, will also come to judge the dead. “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”
现在，那位将要来复活死者的荣耀之人，也将来审判死者。”就在神藉耶稣基督审判人隐秘事的日子，照着我的福音所言。”

The same rule which God has given the world to act by—the same rule has He taken to Himself to judge by. Reader, if you obstinately and finally disobey the precious Word of God—revealed from Heaven to you; you must suffer the eternal wrath of God—revealed from Heaven against you.
上帝赐予世界行事的规则——也是祂用来审判的同一规则。读者啊，如果你顽固地最终不服从上帝从天上向你启示的宝贵话语；你必须承受上帝从天上向你显明的永恒愤怒。

Poor sinner, will you yet so willfully embrace those poisonous vipers, your lusts, which will so assuredly sting you with the pains of eternal damnation? Why will you rashly pursue anything in this world, which will subject you to the intolerable curse of God in the eternal world?
可怜的罪人啊，你还要如此故意拥抱那些毒蛇，你的欲望，它们必定会用永恒诅咒的痛苦刺痛你吗？为什么你要鲁莽地追求这个世界上的任何事物，这些事物会使你在永恒的世界中遭受上帝无法忍受的诅咒？

“God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness, by that Man whom He has ordained.” It is the Son of man—by whom the believing world is redeemed; and it will be by the same Son of man—that the whole world shall be judged.
“因为他已经定了日子，要藉着他所设立的人按公义审判天下。”正是人子——藉着他信仰的世界得到救赎；也将是同一位人子——整个世界将受到审判。

He who was guarded to the cross, by a band of soldiers—shall soon be attended to the bench, by a shining company of angels!
那位被一队士兵押送到十字架前的人——很快将由一群闪耀的天使陪伴到审判席上！

The ancient Thebans pictured their judges without eyes—that they might not favor persons; and without hands—to denote that no bribes should be received. “But the Judge of all the earth shall do right.”
古代底比斯人将他们的法官描绘成没有眼睛的——以免他们偏袒某些人；没有手——表示不应接受贿赂。”但全地的审判者必行公义。”

The wills of human judges, are to be regulated by the laws of righteousness; but so glorious is the heavenly Judge, that even the laws of righteousness are regulated by His will. As all His works are great and marvelous—so are all His ways just and righteous.
人类法官的意志应当受公义法则的约束；但天上的审判者如此荣耀，以至于连公义的法则都受祂意志的调节。正如祂所有的作为都是伟大奇妙的——祂所有的道路也都是公正和公义的。

Reader, there will be no possibility of standing before Christ—but by standing in Christ. What hopes can you entertain of an acquittal at the final judgment, if your conscience condemns you before you appear at the bar?

读者啊，除非站在基督里，否则无法站在基督面前。如果你的良心在你出庭前就已经谴责你了，那么在最后审判时，你还能对无罪释放抱有什么希望呢？

Those who freight their minds with carnal pleasures, will one day be condemned for carrying contraband commodities. “Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see.” This were brave indeed, if it could but be secured forever: but alas, after the flash of lightning—then comes the dreadful clap of thunder, “But know that for all these things—God will bring you to judgment!” This is just as if God had said, “Well, poor sinner, run down the hill as fast as you please; but know, that you will be sure to break your neck at last!”

那些心中充满肉欲享乐的人，有朝一日将因携带违禁品而受到谴责。”年轻人哪，在你年少时你要快乐，在幼年时让你的心欢畅，随从你的心所愿行，看你眼所爱看的。”如果这能永远保证，那确实很勇敢：但是，可悲的是，闪电过后—接踵而来的是可怕的雷鸣，”但你要知道，为这一切的事，神必审问你！”这就好像上帝在说，”好吧，可怜的罪人，你尽管往山下跑吧，随你高兴；但要知道，你最终肯定会摔断脖子的！”

This is the day of God’s long-suffering—but the judgment day will be the day of the sinner’s long-suffering. Here the cords of patience, do, as it were, tie the hands of vengeance; but our Samson will at last be roused, and break all these cords, and then, woe be to all the Philistines! Sinners may have sparing patience exercised towards them—and yet, not have converting grace revealed in them. All such, at the world’s end—will be at their wit’s end.

这是上帝长期忍耐的日子—但审判日将是罪人长期受苦的日子。在这里，忍耐的绳索似乎捆住了复仇的双手；但我们的参孙最终会被唤醒，挣断所有这些绳索，那时，非利士人就要遭殃了！罪人可能受到宽容的对待—然而，他们内心并未显露出悔改的恩典。所有这样的人，在世界末日—将束手无策。

He who now shakes His sword over the hardened sinner’s head—will in the great day, sheathe it in his heart! In the awful storm of death, if his vessel be wrecked—there will be no plank to swim to shore upon. “Then the kings of the earth, the princes, the generals, the rich, the mighty, and every slave and every free man hid in caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They called to the mountains and the rocks—Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of Their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

现在在顽固罪人头上挥舞宝剑的祂—在那伟大的日子里，将把剑插入他的心脏！在可怕的死亡风暴中，如果他的船只遭遇沉船—将没有木板可以游到岸边。”地上的君王、臣宰、将军、富户、壮士，和一切为奴的、自主的，都藏在山洞和岩石穴里。向山和岩石说：倒在我们身上吧！把我们藏起来，躲避坐宝座者的面目和羔羊的愤怒；因为他们愤怒的大日到了，谁能站得住呢？”

Thus, all who refuse and reject Him as a refining fire—must be obliged to meet, and feel Him as a consuming fire! How can they endure the wrath of the Lamb, who have consistently disregarded the death of the Lamb? If the night of death finds them graceless—the day of judgment will find them speechless!

因此，所有拒绝和否认祂是炼净之火的人—必须被迫面对并感受祂是烈火！那些一直忽视羔羊之死的人，如何能承受羔羊的愤怒呢？如果死亡之夜发现他们没有恩典—审判之日将发现他们无言以对！

Peter informs us of some, who deridingly challenge God to come to judgment, “In the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say—Where is this ‘coming’ He promised?” These cowards may boast and discharge the artillery of their venom, and appear as conquering heroes now; but when God appears with His naked sword, they will wish for the wings of the wind, with which to make their escape!

彼得告诉我们，有些人嘲笑地挑战上帝来审判，”在末世必有好讥诮的人随从自己的私欲出来讥诮说：他要来的应许在哪里呢？”这些懦夫现在可能自吹自擂，发泄他们的毒液，表现得像征服英雄；但当上帝手持祂的利剑出现时，他们会希望能长出风的翅膀来逃脱！

As a dying man has generally a short resurgence before his departure; and as an expiring candle gives a brighter glare when just going out, so these, in their boasted security—will be surprised with eternal misery!

正如一个临终的人通常在离世前会有短暂的复苏；正如一支即将熄灭的蜡烛会发出更亮的光芒，那些自夸安全的人也会突然遭遇永恒的痛苦！

As God’s mercy lets no service pass unregarded—so God’s justice lets no sin pass unrevenged.

正如上帝的怜悯不会忽视任何服侍，上帝的公义也不会让任何罪过不受惩罚。

He who now takes no account of His coming—will have a sad account to give at His coming.

现在不在意祂降临的人，在祂来临时将要交出一份悲惨的账目。

One observes, that the resurrection of the body, is placed between the forgiveness of sins, and everlasting glory; to show, that only then can the resurrection of the body be a benefit, when remission of sin precedes it, and eternal life follows it.

有人观察到，身体的复活被置于罪的赦免和永恒荣耀之间；这表明，只有在罪得赦免之后，并且永生随之而来时，身体的复活才能成为一种益处。

It is reported of a Hungarian king, who being extremely dejected, was asked the cause of it by his brother, “O, I have been a great sinner against God!” said he, “and know not how I shall appear before Him in judgment!”

据说有一位匈牙利国王，他极度沮丧，他的兄弟问他原因，”啊，我一直是一个得罪上帝的大罪人！”他说，”我不知道在审判时该如何在祂面前出现！”

His brother ridiculed these thoughts as too melancholy, and as unworthy of the king’s thought.

他的兄弟嘲笑这些想法太过忧郁，不值得国王去想。

The king then made no further reply; but it was customary in that country, that if the executioner sounded a trumpet at any man’s door, he was immediately to be brought forth to execution.

国王没有再回答；但在那个国家有个习俗，如果刽子手在任何人的门前吹响号角，那人就会立即被带出去处决。

The king, at midnight, sent the trumpeter to sound an alarm at his brother’s door; which so terrified him, that he ran to the king with a trembling heart, a pale and frightful countenance, and besought him to make known, wherein he had offended him.

国王在午夜派号手在他兄弟的门前吹响警报；这吓坏了他，他带着颤抖的心和苍白恐惧的面容跑到国王那里，恳求他告知自己哪里得罪了他。

“O brother,” said the king, “you have never displeased me; but if the sight of my executioner is so dreadful in your eyes, what must the sight of God’s be in mine!”

“哦，兄弟，”国王说，”你从未让我不悦；但如果我的刽子手的景象在你眼中如此可怕，那么上帝的景象在我眼中该是多么可怕啊！”

Reader, if you have uniformly lifted up your rebellious hand against Christ—how will you be able to lift up your guilty head before Christ?

读者，如果你一直举起反叛的手对抗基督，你将如何在基督面前抬起你有罪的头？

“For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil!”

“因为上帝必将一切行为带入审判，包括一切隐藏的事，无论善恶！”

If men were to be their own judges—they would never be just judges.

如果人要做自己的法官，他们永远不会成为公正的法官。

But God shall bring every work into judgment.

但上帝将把每一件事都带入审判。

As God is too merciful to condemn the innocent—so He is too just to acquit the guilty!

正如上帝太仁慈而不会定无辜者的罪，祂也太公正而不会开释有罪者！

“For by your words you shall be justified—and by your words you shall be condemned.”

“因为凭你的话你将被称义，凭你的话你将被定罪。”

Though the arrows of idle words, may be shot out of sight for a season; yet they will certainly hereafter, fall down upon the heads of those who discharged them!

尽管闲言碎语的箭矢可能暂时消失在视线之外；但它们最终肯定会落在那些发射它们的人头上！

Reader, if your servant is capable of offending you by his words—is it not as reasonable to suppose that you are capable of offending God with your evil words?

读者，如果你的仆人能用他的话冒犯你，那么假设你也能用你的恶言冒犯上帝，这难道不是合理的吗？

“Out of the same mouth proceed both blessing and cursing.”

“祝福和咒诅从同一个口中出来。”

There is nothing better—than a good tongue; and there is nothing worse—than an evil tongue.

没有什么比一个好舌头更好的了；也没有什么比一个恶舌头更坏的了。

Jesus Christ, will in the great day, pass a sentence—upon every sentence that has passed.

耶稣基督在那伟大的日子里，将对每一个已经说过的句子作出判决。

There is in the same rose—honey for the bee, and poison for the spider. The same person who shall say, “Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!” will also say, “Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!”

同一朵玫瑰中，既有蜜蜂的蜜，也有蜘蛛的毒。同一个人将会说：”你们这蒙我父赐福的，可来承受那创世以来为你们所预备的国！”也将会说：”你们这被咒诅的人，离开我！进入那为魔鬼和他的使者所预备的永火里去！”

As both blessing and cursing proceed out of the mouth of the same man—so both blessing and cursing will come out of the mouth of the same Christ! Man’s curse is a curse of wicked execration—but Christ’s curse is a curse of righteous execution.

正如祝福和咒诅都出自同一个人的口，祝福和咒诅也将从同一位基督的口中发出！人的咒诅是邪恶的诅咒，而基督的咒诅是公义的执行。

As the same wind—may send one vessel into the haven, and sink another in the ocean; so shall the same voice of Christ—doom the sinner to eternal damnation, and welcome the saint to eternal salvation! That same gate which is opened for a citizen to go abroad for recreation, may also be opened for a malefactor to go out to execution!

就像同一阵风可能将一艘船送入港湾，却将另一艘船沉入海底；基督的同一个声音也将把罪人判入永恒的诅咒，却欢迎圣徒进入永恒的救赎！同一扇为公民出国游玩而开的门，也可能为罪犯走向刑场而开！

Reader, how sad is that tragedy—which shall never be ended! On the stage of eternity, the rich man’s bags will be emptied—to see how the poor man’s box has been filled. Then the charge of the pilgrim’s journey, will be examined in the steward’s accounts. Ah, how can you hear the doleful knell of an everlasting funeral! Will those transient glances at former prosperity, lessen the intolerable weight of eternal calamity?

读者啊，那永不结束的悲剧多么悲伤！在永恒的舞台上，富人的钱袋将被倒空，以看穷人的箱子如何被填满。那时，朝圣者旅程的费用将在管家的账目中被审查。啊，你怎能听到永恒葬礼的悲惨钟声！那些对往日繁荣的短暂回顾，能减轻永恒灾难的难以承受的重担吗？

The wheat and the chaff may grow together—but they shall not always lie together. There may be but of a few moments of breathing, between the sinner—and his everlasting burning! The day of retribution, will prove to him a day of separation. While the wheat is secured in the garner—the tares are consumed in the fire!

麦子和糠秕可能一起生长，但它们不会永远躺在一起。罪人与他永恒的燃烧之间可能只有几个呼吸的时间！报应的日子对他来说将是分离的日子。当麦子被安全地收入仓库时，稗子却在火中被焚烧！

Sinner, if you now hold the righteous in derision—you would then give a thousand worlds to be their companion! Then their enjoyments will be incomparably pleasant—while your torments shall be intolerably painful.
罪人啊，如果你现在嘲笑正义的人——到那时你会愿意付出千万个世界来成为他们的同伴！那时他们的欢愉将是无比愉悦的——而你的折磨将是难以忍受的痛苦。

The sea of damnation will not be sweetened with a drop of compassion! If once you fall into Hell, after millions of ages are elapsed, you will be as far from coming out, as you were at going in!
诅咒之海不会因一滴同情而变甜！一旦你坠入地狱，即使过去了数百万年，你离出来的距离，和你刚进去时一样遥远！

There will not be a sinner in Heaven—to interrupt the joys of saints; nor will there be a saint in Hell—to soften or soothe the anguish of sinners!
天堂里不会有罪人——来打扰圣徒的欢乐；地狱里也不会有圣徒——来缓解或安抚罪人的痛苦！

Those who have the ear-mark of election, and those who have the hand-mark of transgression, shall be put into separate folds.
那些带有选民标记的人，和那些带有罪过印记的人，将被分别放入不同的羊圈。

How will those magistrates appear, who have stained the sword of authority, with the blood of innocency? They have turned its back against the wicked, and whet its edge against the righteous.
那些用无辜者的鲜血玷污了权威之剑的官员们，将会以何种面目出现？他们背对邪恶，却将剑锋对准正义之人。

Many an unjust judge, who now sits confidently on the bench—will then stand tremblingly at the bar!
许多现在自信地坐在法官席上的不公正法官——到那时将颤抖着站在被告席前！

How will those ministers appear—who like the dog and wolf—combine to macerate and fleece the flock! Who instead of treading out the corn, tread it down! Who instead of nurturing the child—have strangled the child!
那些像狗和狼一样——联合起来折磨和剥削羊群的牧师们，将会以何种面目出现！他们本应踩出谷粒，却将其踩碎！他们本应抚育孩子，却将孩子扼杀！

How will fair-faced, gilded professors appear—when they shall be found no better than Hell’s freeholders! How will they appear—when the painted sepulcher shall be opened—and the dead men’s bones disclosed!
那些表面光鲜、镀金的教授们，当他们被发现不过是地狱的自由民时，将会以何种面目出现！当粉饰的坟墓被打开——死人的骨头暴露出来时，他们又将如何现形！

They will not be judged by the whiteness of their hands—but by the blackness of their hearts! The black hand—must then part with its white glove!
他们将不会因其手的洁白而被审判——而是因其心的黑暗！黑手——必须与其白手套分离！

That solemn day of judgment, will be too critical—for the hypocritical. All those who now color for show—will then be shown in their own colors.
那庄严的审判日，对于虚伪的人来说将是过于严峻的。所有现在为了表面装饰的人——到那时将以其本来面目示人。

Another principle which believers should walk by, is this: that God bears a greater respect to their hearts—than He does to their works.
信徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：上帝对他们的心更加看重，而非他们的行为。

“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” God looks most—where man looks least. We cannot trust God too much—or ourselves too little. God is our merciful keeper; the heart is our barbarous traitor.
“耶和华不像人看人，人是看外貌，耶和华是看内心。”上帝最看重的，恰恰是人最少关注的。我们不能过分信任上帝，也不能过分不信任自己。上帝是我们仁慈的守护者；而内心是我们野蛮的背叛者。

“My son—give Me your heart!” God, who is all in all to us—calls for that which is all in all in us. We may commit our estates—into the hands of men; but we must not commit our hearts—into the hands of any but God. None of our hearts are so good—but He deserves them; and none so bad—but He can refine them. On whom do parents bestow their hearts—but upon their children? And on whom should children bestow their hearts—but upon their parents?
“我儿，要将你的心归我！”上帝，我们的一切，呼唤我们内心的一切。我们可以将财产托付给人；但我们绝不能将心交给上帝以外的任何人。我们的心没有好到不配得上帝；也没有坏到上帝不能净化。父母将心给予谁呢？不就是他们的孩子吗？而孩子又应该将心给予谁呢？不就是他们的父母吗？

Ah, how unwilling is man to give—what he has no right to keep! As God prefers the heart to everything, such is the wickedness of man—that he will give God anything, but the heart!
啊，人是多么不愿意给出他无权保留的东西啊！上帝看重心胜过一切，而人的邪恶却是——他愿意给上帝任何东西，唯独不给心！

“This people draws near unto Me with their mouth, and honors Me with their lips—but their heart is far from Me.” Heartless operations, are but hearty deceptions. Men may keep their works to themselves, if they refuse to yield their hearts to Jesus Christ. He who regards the heart, without anything; He also will not regard anything, without the heart.
“这百姓用嘴唇尊敬我，心却远离我。”没有心的行为，不过是热心的欺骗。如果人拒绝将心献给耶稣基督，他们可以将行为留给自己。祂重视心胜过一切；没有心，祂也不会看重任何事物。

“I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.” He who makes all he has—has a right to have all he makes. The formalist is all for outward activity—and the pietist is all for inward sincerity. The formalist has nothing within him, therefore he is for that which is outward. The pietist has nothing without him, therefore he is for that which is inward. But it is not the pretense of inward sincerity, which can justify outward impiety. Nor will a show of outward piety—be an excuse for inward hypocrisy.
“所以弟兄们，我以上帝的慈悲劝你们，将身体献上，当作活祭，是圣洁的，是上帝所喜悦的，你们如此事奉乃是理所当然的。”创造一切的祂，有权拥有祂所造的一切。形式主义者全然注重外在行为，而虔诚主义者则完全关注内心诚意。形式主义者内心空虚，因此他追求外在；虔诚主义者外在空虚，因此他追求内在。但内心诚意的伪装不能为外在的不敬虔辩护。同样，外在敬虔的表现也不能成为内心虚伪的借口。

Though the brain is the spring of cognitive motion—yet the heart is the original spring of vital motion. The heart is the first that lives—and the last that dies.
虽然大脑是认知运动的源泉，但心脏才是生命运动的原始源泉。心脏是最先存活的器官，也是最后停止的器官。

“Wash your heart from wickedness! How long shall vain thoughts lodge within you!”
“洗净你心中的邪恶！虚妄的思想要在你里面停留多久！”

Vain thoughts defile the heart—as well as vile thoughts. Snails leave their slime behind them—as well as serpents.
虚妄的思想玷污心灵，就像邪恶的思想一样。蜗牛和蛇一样，都会留下黏液。

If the mildew takes hold of a single thread—it will soon spread over the whole piece. Though sinful thoughts will rise—yet they must not reign.
如果霉菌抓住了一根线头，它很快就会蔓延到整块布料。虽然罪恶的思想会产生，但它们不能统治我们。

Though these foul birds may hover over the Christian’s heart—yet he does not allow them to build their nests in it!
虽然这些污秽的鸟可能盘旋在基督徒的心上，但他不允许它们在其中筑巢！

The devil knows, that if there is any choice treasure—it is in our hearts; and he would gladly have the key of these cabinets—that he might rob us of our jewels!
魔鬼知道，如果有任何珍贵的宝藏，那就在我们的心里；他很乐意拿到这些柜子的钥匙，这样他就能偷走我们的珠宝！

A heart which is sanctified, is better than a tongue which is silvered. He who gives only the skin of worship to God—receives only the shell of comfort from God.
一颗圣洁的心胜过一张能言善辩的嘴。只给上帝表面敬拜的人，从上帝那里只能得到安慰的外壳。

It is not the bare touching of the strings, which makes an harmonious tune. A spiritual man may pray carnally—but a carnal man cannot pray spiritually.
仅仅触碰琴弦并不能产生和谐的音乐。属灵的人可能会用属肉体的方式祷告，但属肉体的人无法用属灵的方式祷告。

If God’s mercies do not eat out the heart of our sins—our sins will soon eat out the heart of our duties!
如果上帝的怜悯没有吞噬我们罪恶的核心，我们的罪恶很快就会吞噬我们责任的核心！

A work which is heartless, is a work which is fruitless. God cares nothing for the decorated cabinet—but for the precious jewel.
没有心的工作就是没有结果的工作。上帝不在乎装饰华丽的柜子，而在乎珍贵的珠宝。

It is said of Hannibal, the great Carthaginian commander, that he was the first who went into the field of battle—and the last who came out of it.
据说伟大的迦太基指挥官汉尼拔，总是第一个进入战场，最后一个离开战场。

Thus should it be in all the operations of a Christian—the heart should be the first that comes into the house of God, and the last that goes out of it.
基督徒的所有行为都应如此——心应该是第一个进入上帝之家的，也是最后一个离开的。

In prayer, the heart should first speak the words—and then the words should speak the sentiments of the heart.
在祷告中，心应该先说出话语，然后话语应该表达心的感受。

If the heart is indicting a good matter—the tongue will then be as the pen of a ready writer.
如果心在指示一件好事，舌头就会像一个熟练作家的笔一样。

It is observed of the spider, that in the morning, before she seeks her prey, she mends her broken web; and in doing this, she always begins in the middle.
人们观察到，蜘蛛在早晨寻找猎物之前，会修补它破损的网；在这个过程中，它总是从中间开始。

And shall those who call themselves Christians, rise and pursue the callings and profits of the world, and yet be unconcerned about the broken webs of their lives, and especially of their hearts?
那些自称为基督徒的人，难道要起来追求世界的呼召和利益，却对他们生命中破碎的网，特别是他们心中的破碎毫不关心吗？

Those who would have the wells run with wholesome water—should look well to the springs that supply them.
那些希望井水清澈的人——应当好好关注供水的源头。

The Christian’s heart is the guest room—where the King of glory takes up His residence.
基督徒的心是客房——荣耀之王在此居住。

That which is most worthy in us, should be resigned to Him who is most worthy of us.
我们最有价值的部分，应当交给最配得上我们的祂。

Good words without the heart, are but flattery!
没有发自内心的好话，不过是奉承！

And good works without the heart—are but hypocrisy!
没有发自内心的善行——不过是虚伪！

Though God pities stumbling Christians—yet He punishes halting hypocrites!
虽然上帝怜悯跌倒的基督徒——但祂惩罚犹豫不决的伪善者！

It is reported of Cranmer, that after his flesh and bones were consumed in the flames—his heart was found whole.
据报道，克兰默(Cranmer)的肉体和骨骼在火焰中被焚烧殆尽后——他的心脏却完好无损。

A gracious man is clothed with sincerity—in the midst of his infirmities.
一个蒙恩的人即使在软弱中——也披戴着真诚。

“God is a spirit, and those who worship Him, must worship Him in spirit, and in truth.”
“上帝是个灵，所以拜祂的必须用心灵和诚实拜祂。”

None can ever give Him the heart of their services, unless they are enabled to give Him their hearts in their services.
除非他们能在服事中献上自己的心，否则没有人能给祂真心的服事。

The sorrowful sighing of the heart in worship—is preferable to the most elevated and harmonious voice.
在敬拜中内心的悲叹——比最高昂悦耳的声音更可取。

One is the production of grace—the other is the exertion of nature.
一个是恩典的产物——另一个是本性的努力。

Pride may be at the root of one—but God is the foundation of the other.
骄傲可能是一个的根源——但上帝是另一个的根基。

One may ravish our ears—but the other ravishes God’s heart!
一个可能使我们的耳朵陶醉——但另一个使上帝的心欢喜！

It is said of the Lacedemonians, who were a poor and stupid people—that they offered lean sacrifices to their gods; and that the Athenians, who were a wise and wealthy people—offered fat and costly sacrifices.
据说拉西底莫尼亚人(Lacedemonians)是贫穷愚昧的民族——他们向神明献上瘦弱的祭物；而雅典人(Athenians)是聪明富有的民族——他们献上肥美昂贵的祭物。

And yet in their wars, the Lacedemonians had always the mastery of the Athenians.
然而在战争中，拉西底莫尼亚人总是胜过雅典人。

Whereupon, the Athenians went to “the oracle” to know the reason why those should fare worst—who gave most.
于是，雅典人去求问”神谕”，想知道为何付出最多的人反而最不顺利。

The oracle returned this answer to them, “That the Lacedemonians were a people, who gave their hearts to their gods; but that the Athenians only gave their gifts to their gods.”
神谕给他们这样的回答：”拉西底莫尼亚人是将心献给神明的民族；而雅典人只是将礼物献给神明。”

Thus a heart without a gift—is better than a gift without a heart!
因此，没有礼物的心——胜过没有心的礼物！

True religion is a sacrifice—but the heart is the altar upon which it must be offered.
真正的信仰是一种献祭——但心灵是必须献上的祭坛。

As the body is at the command of the head which rules it; so should the soul be at the command of God, who gives it.
正如身体听从掌管它的头脑的指挥；灵魂也当听从赐予它的上帝的指挥。

For a man to take his body to the service of God, and leave his soul behind him—is as if a person should send his garments stuffed with straw, instead of making a personal appearance.
一个人若将身体带到上帝的事奉中，却把灵魂留在身后——就如同一个人派遣塞满稻草的衣服，而不是亲自出席一样。

Another principle by which believers will walk, is this: that there is more final bitterness in reflecting upon sin—than there can be present sweetness in the commission of sin.
信徒将遵循的另一个原则是：回顾罪恶时的最终苦涩，远胜于犯罪时的当前甜美。

The ‘ways of sin’ may have popular approval—but they shall also have divine abhorrence marked upon them.
“罪恶的道路”可能会得到大众的认可，但它们也将被标记上神圣的憎恶。

This Delilah may please us for a time—but she will betray us at last!
这个大利拉(Delilah)可能会暂时取悦我们，但她最终会背叛我们！

Though Satan’s apples may have a fair skin—yet they certainly have a bitter core!
虽然撒但的苹果可能有美丽的外表，但它们的内核肯定是苦涩的！

Methinks the flaming sword in one hand, and the golden scepter in the other hand—should guard us from the forbidden tree; and make our hearts like wet tinder to all the sparks of Satan.
我认为，一手持火焰剑，一手持金色权杖，应该能保护我们远离禁果；并使我们的心对撒但的所有火花如同湿润的火绒。

Reader, if you behold nothing but pleasure in the commission of sin—you will experience nothing but the most dreadful pain in the conclusion of sin.
读者，如果你在犯罪时只看到快乐，那么在罪恶的结局中，你将只体验到最可怕的痛苦。

“The wages of sin—is death.”
“罪的工价就是死。”

All workmen should have their wages; and those who employ you, it is but reasonable that they should pay you.
所有工人都应该得到他们的工资；雇用你的人理应付给你工资。

But, however you may delight in the works of sin—you will by no means relish the wages of sin.
但是，无论你多么喜欢罪恶的工作，你绝不会享受罪恶的工价。

Ah, what wise man would toil so long in sin’s drudgery—whose wages are no better than eternal misery!
啊，有什么聪明人会在罪恶的苦工中劳作如此之久，而其工资不过是永恒的痛苦！

Though all sins are not equal in their nature—yet all sins are in their very nature, deadly.
虽然所有的罪在本质上并不相等，但所有的罪在其本质上都是致命的。

The candle of man’s life is blown out—by the wind of his lusts!
人生命的蜡烛被他欲望的风吹灭了！

The corruption of nature tends to the dissolution of nature.
自然的腐败倾向于自然的解体。

When the plague was in the Jewish houses—they were immediately to be demolished.
当瘟疫进入犹太人的房屋时，这些房屋立即就要被拆毁。

It is at that enemy, SIN—which God shoots all His arrows!
正是对那个敌人，罪恶，上帝射出了他所有的箭！

Reader, you began to be sinful—when you began to be mortal.
读者，当你开始成为凡人时，你就开始变得罪恶。

If you had never had anything to do with sin—death could never have had anything to do with you.
如果你从未与罪有任何关系，死亡就永远不会与你有任何关系。

It can only be your impiety which divests you of the chartered blessings of immortality.
只有你的不敬虔才会剥夺你获得永生的特许祝福。

Sin is like a serpent in your bosom—which stings you!
罪就像你怀中的蛇，会刺伤你！

Sin is like a thief in your closet—who plunders you!
罪就像你衣柜里的小偷，会掠夺你！

Sin resembles poison in the stomach; or a sword to the heart—both of which tend to death!
罪就像胃中的毒药；或刺向心脏的剑，两者都倾向于死亡！

Like John’s little book—sin may be sweet in your mouth—but it will be bitter in your belly!
就像约翰的小书卷一样，罪在你口中可能是甜的，但在你肚子里却是苦的！

However fair iniquity might appear to some, it will only be found like a bleary-eyed Leah to God.
无论罪恶对某些人来说多么美好，在上帝眼中它只会像是一个眼睛模糊的利亚(Leah)。

The foul dregs—lie at the bottom of the vessel. The golden cup of sin—is filled with the most poisonous ingredients!
污秽的渣滓——沉积在容器的底部。罪恶的金杯——充满了最毒的成分！

Sinner, that which is now like a rose flourishing in your bosom—will in a very little time be like a poisoned dagger in your heart!
罪人啊，现在在你怀中盛开如玫瑰的东西——很快就会变成刺入你心脏的毒匕首！

Poor soul, beware of those embraces—which are but signals of destruction. While such a Judas kisses—he kills!
可怜的灵魂，当心那些拥抱——它们不过是毁灭的信号。当犹大亲吻时——他就在杀戮！

While the ivy twines round the oak—it eats out its sap.
当常春藤缠绕橡树时——它正吸食着树液。

If sin were not so delightful—it would not be so deceitful. Like a cunning angler—sin shows the bait, but conceals the hook!
如果罪恶不那么令人愉悦——它就不会如此具有欺骗性。就像狡猾的钓手——罪恶展示诱饵，却隐藏钩子！

Now it presents its present painted beauty—but casts a covering over its future misery.
现在它展现其当前粉饰的美丽——却遮掩了未来的痛苦。

Wickedness is certainly like a river which begins in a quiet spring—but ends in a tumultuous sea.
邪恶确实如同一条河流，始于宁静的泉水——却终于汹涌的海洋。

Every being produces its own likeness. “Do men gather grapes from thorns—or figs of thistles?”
每个生命都产生其相似之物。”人们能从荆棘上摘葡萄——或从蒺藜里采无花果吗？”

The grapes of tranquility cannot grow upon the thorns of impiety. Inward peace—can only be espoused to inward purity.
平静的葡萄无法生长在不敬虔的荆棘上。内心的平和——只能与内心的纯洁相配。

A good way to have conscience untormented—is to have it undefiled. He who made you clean within—will also keep you calm within.
保持良心不受折磨的好方法——就是保持它不被玷污。使你内心洁净的那位——也会使你内心平静。

A saint cannot so sin as to destroy his grace—but he may so sin as to disturb his peace.
圣徒不会因犯罪而毁灭他的恩典——但他可能因犯罪而扰乱他的平安。

The spider cannot destroy the bee-hive—but it may get in and spoil the honey.
蜘蛛无法摧毁蜂巢——但它可能进入并污染蜂蜜。

If you, O man, are found nibbling at the bait—you may justly expect the hook!
如果你，哦，人啊，被发现在啃咬诱饵——你就该公正地预料到钩子的到来！

O think, you who now boast in nothing so much as sin—that there is a time approaching when you will be ashamed of nothing but sin!
哦，想想吧，你这现在除了罪恶别无可夸的人——将有一天到来，你除了罪恶别无可耻！

You will be eternally sinful—but you cannot be eternally joyful. In Hell, all that sugar will be melted, in which this bitter pill of sin was wrapped!
你将永远罪恶——但你不能永远快乐。在地狱里，所有包裹这苦涩罪恶药丸的糖衣都将融化！

Hell is too hot a climate for wanton delights to live in!
地狱是个太热的环境，放纵的欢愉无法在那里生存！

The pleasures of sin are but for a season—but the torments of unpardoned sin are of an eternal duration.
罪恶的快乐不过是短暂的——但未被宽恕的罪的折磨却是永恒的。

Our first parents soon ate of the forbidden fruit—but the world to this day feels that it is not freed from the miserable consequence of that stolen ‘apple’!
我们的始祖很快就吃了禁果——但直到今天，世界仍感受到它未能摆脱那偷食”苹果”的悲惨后果！

Solomon exactly describes sin’s rise and fall! “Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is grief.”
所罗门准确描述了罪恶的兴衰！”即使在欢笑中心也是悲伤的，欢乐的尽头是忧愁。”

Death will turn all the waters of pleasure—into blood. The serpent of sensual delight—always carries a deadly sting in its tail!
死亡将把所有快乐之水——变成血。感官愉悦之蛇——尾巴上总是带着致命的毒刺！

All the blaze of worldly pomp—will soon end in midnight darkness and horror!
所有世俗荣华的光彩——很快就会在午夜的黑暗和恐怖中结束！

Sinner, will gall and wormwood—ever make you pleasant wine? Will thick and poisonous vapors—ever yield you sweet and wholesome showers? If you pursue sin for profit—you will never profit by your sin.

罪人啊，苦胆和苦艾能否酿造美酒？浓厚的毒雾能否降下甘甜健康的雨水？如果你为了利益而追求罪恶，你永远不会从罪恶中获益。

O that England did but look with Scripture glasses, upon all its departing glories, and solemnly say, “If sin had not been here—our miseries would never have been here.” It is better to make your lodgings in a bed of snakes—than in the forbidden bed of sinful lusts! Who would spread the silken sails of the mind—upon the pirate ship of wantonness?

但愿英格兰能以圣经的眼光审视其逝去的荣耀，庄严地说道：”若非罪恶在此，我们的苦难也不会在此。”宁可在蛇窝中安身，也不要躺在罪恶欲望的禁忌之床上！谁会在放荡的海盗船上展开心灵的丝绸之帆？

When the pale horse of death goes before—the red horse of wrath follows after! When the sinner’s body goes to the worms to be consumed—then his soul goes to Hell to be tormented! A wise man knows, that it is far better to forego the pleasures of sin here—than to undergo the pains of wrath hereafter!

当死亡的苍白骏马走在前面时，愤怒的红色骏马紧随其后！当罪人的身体被虫蛀噬时，他的灵魂则下地狱受折磨！智者知道，放弃此处的罪恶快感，远胜于承受来世的愤怒之苦！

Reader, if you delight in sin, I wish you to remember, that your ill-doing, will shortly be your undoing. “What benefit did you reap at that time—from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!” “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed, feasting lavishly every day.” What pleasure does Dives now reap in Hell, from all the choice banquets he sat down to, on earth? “I am in agony in this fire!” The stench and torment of everlasting burnings—will take away the sweetest perfumes which ever covered sin!

读者啊，如果你以罪为乐，我希望你记住，你的恶行很快就会成为你的毁灭。”你从那些现在令你羞耻的事中获得了什么好处？那些事的结果就是死亡！””曾有一个富人，穿着华丽的衣服，天天奢华宴乐。”如今，大富翁(Dives)在地狱中从他在世上享用的精美宴席中获得了什么快乐？”我在这火中极其痛苦！”永恒燃烧的恶臭和折磨，将夺走曾经掩盖罪恶的最甜美的香气！

Young Joseph chose rather to be a bound prisoner for Christ, than to be an open slave to his lusts. “How can I do this wickedness—and sin against God!” It does not only grieve a saint, that God is displeased at what he does—but that He is dishonored by what he does. He is more distressed for sin which brings evil—than for the evil which sin brings.

年轻的约瑟宁愿为基督成为被束缚的囚徒，也不愿公开成为欲望的奴隶。”我怎能作这大恶，得罪神呢！”圣徒不仅为上帝对他所做之事不悦而悲伤，更为上帝因他所做之事而蒙羞而悲伤。他为带来邪恶的罪而更加痛苦，而非为罪带来的邪恶而痛苦。

When the mute son of Croesus saw his father’s life in danger—he cried out so loud in his fright, that his tongue-strings broke, and he exclaimed, “Do not kill King Croesus!” Did Christ open His veins for our redemption, and shall not we open our mouths for His vindication? “The crown is fallen from our heads, woe to us—that we have sinned.” Sin is not only a monster, which unmans us; but it is also a tyrant, which uncrowns us. Nay, it not only takes the crown from off the sinner’s head—but it also entails the curse upon the sinner’s soul.

当克洛伊斯(Croesus)的哑巴儿子看到父亲的生命危在旦夕时，他因恐惧大声呼喊，以至于舌根断裂，他喊道：”不要杀克洛伊斯王！”基督为我们的救赎流尽血脉，难道我们不该为祂的辩护开口吗？”冠冕从我们的头上落下，我们有祸了，因为我们犯了罪。”罪不仅是使我们失去人性的怪物，也是剥夺我们冠冕的暴君。不，它不仅夺走罪人头上的冠冕，还将诅咒加于罪人的灵魂。

There are many who vainly suppose that the fountain of their sin is quite dried up, when alas, the streams are only turned into another channel. A hand taken off from sinful practices, without a heart taken off from sinful principles, is only like a field, which having for a time lain fallow, afterward springs up with greater increase! or it is like a stream which having been dammed for a while, at last runs with greater violence, when the sluices are opened!

许多人徒然地以为他们罪恶的源泉已经干涸，但可悲的是，罪恶的溪流只是转向了另一个渠道。若只是停止犯罪的行为，而内心未脱离罪恶的原则，这就如同一块暂时荒芜的田地，之后会长出更多的庄稼！或者就像一条被暂时拦截的溪流，当闸门打开时，最终会以更大的力量奔流！

Another singular principle for believers to walk by, is this: that there is the greatest vanity—in all created excellency.
信徒应当遵循的另一个独特原则是：一切受造之物的卓越中都存在着最大的虚空。

“Vanity of vanities! Everything is vanity!” If this truth were more believed—this world would be less adored.
“虚空的虚空！凡事都是虚空！”若这真理更被人相信，这世界就会少受崇拜。

A lady being once told, that the world, in all its glory, was but vanity; returned for answer, “True, I have heard that Solomon said so—but he tried it, before he said it, and so will I.” Thus, many believe not a serpent to be poisonous, until they are envenomed with it! They forget, that it is not only vanity—but also vexation of spirit; and all who are resolved to try the former, must also feel the latter.
有一位女士曾被告知，这世界及其所有荣耀不过是虚空；她回答说：”没错，我听说所罗门是这么说的——但他在说这话之前先尝试过，我也要这样。”因此，许多人直到被蛇毒侵害，才相信蛇是有毒的！他们忘记了，这不仅是虚空——还是精神的烦恼；所有决心尝试前者的人，必然也会感受到后者。

He who knocks at the creature’s door for supplies—will find an empty house kept there! “All the rivers run into the sea—yet the sea is not full.” Though all the rising streams of worldly profits may run into the hearts of men—yet they cannot fill up the hearts of men. Reader, did you ever hear a rich man complain of the lack of riches? Though he has enough to support him—yet he never has enough to content him!
向受造物叩门寻求供给的人——将发现那里只有一座空房子！”江河都往海里流，海却不满。”尽管世俗利益的所有涌流可能流入人心，却无法填满人心。读者啊，你可曾听过富人抱怨缺少财富？虽然他有足够的财富支撑，却从未有足够的财富使他满足！

“All things are wearisome, more than one can say. The eye never has enough of seeing, nor the ear its fill of hearing.” Were it possible for the eye to see all that is to be seen—yet it would not be satisfied with seeing. If there is not enough in the world to satisfy the senses of men—how should there be enough in it to satisfy the souls of men? The earth is not a satisfying substance—but a fleeting shadow!
“万事令人厌烦，人不能说尽。眼看，看不饱；耳听，听不足。”即便眼睛能看到所有可见之物——也不会对所见感到满足。如果世界上的事物不足以满足人的感官——又怎能满足人的灵魂呢？大地不是令人满足的实体——而是转瞬即逝的影子！

“For the fashion of this world passes away.” The most excellent and flourishing appearances in the whole creation—are continually hastening to dissolution! We are commanded to use the world—as though we used it not; because while we use the world—it is not! The tide of worldly grandeur which brings the gallant ship into the haven, may suddenly leave her in the mud. The higher the sun of prosperity approaches on its meridian—the nearer it is to its setting.
“因为这世界的样式正在逝去。”整个创造中最卓越、最繁荣的表象——正不断地走向消亡！我们被命令要使用这个世界——好像不用它一样；因为当我们使用这个世界时——它已不复存在！将华丽的船只带入港湾的世俗荣华潮水，可能突然将其遗弃在泥潭中。繁荣之阳越接近其正午时分——就越接近其落日时刻。

O all you who caress the world, have you not seen some who have begun their lives in a palace—to end them in a prison?
哦，所有你们这些抚慰世界的人，难道你们没有看到有些人开始生活在宫殿中，却最终结束在监狱里吗？

The golden chains about their necks—have been turned into iron fetters about their feet!
他们脖子上的金链子已经变成了脚上的铁镣铐！

The substance of this life, is but for the season of this life.
这生命的实质，不过是为了这生命的季节。

All creature felicity will become a victim to mortality.
所有生物的幸福终将成为死亡的牺牲品。

You who feed upon golden dust—must have all your gold turned to dust!
你们这些以金尘为食的人，必定会看到你们所有的黄金都变成尘土！

The short summer of your prosperity—will usher in the long winter of damnation.
你们短暂的繁荣之夏，将引来漫长的诅咒之冬。

Those who now rejoice in the world, will before long—have no world wherein to rejoice.
那些现在在世界中欢欣的人，不久之后将没有世界可供他们欢欣。

“Arise and depart; for this is not your rest, because it is polluted! It shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction.”
“起来，离开吧；因为这不是你们的安息之所，因为它已被玷污！它必定会毁灭你们，甚至是以痛苦的毁灭。”

Heart’s-ease is a flower which does not grow in the world’s garden.
心安（Heart’s-ease）是一朵不在世界花园中生长的花。

Where does that fish swim, which will not nibble at that hook, on which there hangs a golden bait?
哪条鱼游动时不会去啄那挂着金色诱饵的钩子呢？

How many perish eternally—to gain that which perishes in the using.
多少人为了获得使用中会消耗殆尽的东西而永远地毁灭了。

Poor worldling, why do you seek for wealth with such incessant anxiety, seeing the greatest misers are laid as naked in their grave—as the poorest beggars?
可怜的俗人啊，你为何如此焦虑不断地追求财富，难道没有看到最大的守财奴在坟墓里和最贫穷的乞丐一样赤裸吗？

The tighter you grasp the world in your hands—the sooner it slides between your fingers.
你越是紧紧抓住世界在手中，它就越快从你的指间溜走。

“For what is a man profited if he shall gain the whole world—and lose his own soul?”
“人若赚得全世界，却赔上自己的生命，有什么益处呢？”

He who made this world—knew its worth.
创造这个世界的那位，知道它的价值。

If the world is gained—it may be lost again; but if the soul be lost at death—it can never be recovered.
如果获得了世界，它可能会再次失去；但如果灵魂在死亡时失去，它就永远无法恢复。

There is one way to keep a man out of Hell—but there is no way to get a man out of Hell.
有一种方法可以让人远离地狱，但没有办法把人从地狱中解救出来。

It is as easy for a stone to lodge in the air—as for a man to find rest in the earth.
石头要停留在空中，就如同人在尘世中寻找安息一样困难。

Not few are there who have resolved to ascend the pinnacle of honor—but what have left a good conscience at the bottom of the ladder!
不少人决心攀登荣誉的巅峰，却将良知遗落在阶梯底部！

Believers themselves would be glutted with the world’s sweets—if a gracious God were not to call them away from the banquet.
信徒们自己也会被世俗的甜头所填满，如果不是仁慈的上帝将他们从宴席上召唤离开。

Creature comforts, are like the soft morning dews, which, while they water the branches of the tree, leave the roots dry.
生物的安慰，就像柔软的晨露，虽然它们浇灌树的枝条，却让根部干燥。

Why should professors be found eagerly pursuing those trifles—which even heathens have been found flying from?
为什么要发现教授们热切追求那些连异教徒都在逃避的琐事呢？

The world is rather a sharp brier to wound us—than a sweet flower to delight us.
这个世界更像是一根锋利的荆棘刺伤我们，而不是一朵甜美的花朵使我们愉悦。

As poison works more furiously in wine—than in water; so corruptions manifest themselves more in a state of plenty—than they do in a state of poverty.
正如毒药在酒中比在水中作用更猛烈；腐败在富足状态下比在贫穷状态下表现得更为明显。

One compares this life to a beautiful nut, which, however fair it may seem—is full of nothing but worms and rottenness!
有人将此生比作一颗美丽的坚果，尽管外表看似美好——内里却尽是虫蛀和腐烂！

The earth is for a saint’s passage—but Heaven is prepared for him as his portion.
大地是圣徒的过道——但天堂是为他准备的归宿。

The earth is for a believer’s use—but Heaven alone, is a believer’s choice.
大地供信徒使用——但唯有天堂，才是信徒的选择。

Everything below Heaven—is too base for the soul’s nobility, and too brittle for the soul’s stability.
天堂之下的一切——对灵魂的高贵而言太过卑贱，对灵魂的稳定而言太过脆弱。

A professor boasting of the world—is but like a balloon filled with the wind.
一个自夸世俗的教授——不过如同一个充满风的气球。

Those who set out at first, like Judas, for the world—may be put off at last, like Demas, with the world.
那些起初如犹大般追逐世俗的人——最终可能会像底马一样被世俗所抛弃。

“Son, remember that you, in your life time, received your good things.”
“儿子，记住你在世时已经享受了你的福分。”

These blossoms will fall off from all such spreading trees—when death comes to shake the boughs!
当死亡来摇晃树枝时——这些花朵将从所有如此茂盛的树上凋落！

The world is too frequently gotten with anxious cares, kept with alarming fears, and lost with heart-rending groans!
世俗常常以焦虑的关切而获得，以惊恐的恐惧而保持，以撕心裂肺的呻吟而失去！

We see the outside of the great estate—but not the inside of it.
我们看到了大庄园的外表——却看不到它的内里。

We behold the field of corn—but not the tares that are mixed with it.
我们注视着玉米田——却看不到其中混杂的稗子。

We do not always see the worldling’s clouds and dark nights—but his clear day and sunshine.
我们并不总是看到世俗之人的阴云和黑夜——而是他的晴天和阳光。

The riches, honors and pleasures of the world are like beautiful—but poisonous trees.
世俗的财富、荣誉和快乐就像美丽——却有毒的树木。

The devil shows us the fair leaves, and offers us the pleasant fruits—but conceals from us their deadly nature!
魔鬼向我们展示美丽的叶子，提供诱人的果实——却对我们隐藏了它们致命的本质！

The world pretends to be a nurse—but those who draw her breasts will find in one the water of vanity; and in the other the wind of vexation.
世俗假装是一位保姆——但那些吮吸她乳房的人会发现一边是虚荣之水；另一边是烦恼之风。

It is counted miraculous to find a diamond in a vein of gold; but it is more miraculous to find a pure and precious Christ in the bosom of an earthly professor.
在金矿脉中发现钻石被视为奇迹；但在一个世俗教授的怀抱中找到纯洁珍贵的基督更是奇迹。

When we have the least of creature enjoyments, it is then our duty to bless God for them.
当我们拥有最少的物质享受时，我们有责任为此感谢上帝。

When we have most of creature enjoyments, it is then our distinguished privilege not to bless ourselves in them.
当我们拥有最多的物质享受时，我们的特殊特权是不为此自我祝福。

The world does us infinitely more hurt by loving it—than it can possibly do us good by having it.
爱世俗对我们造成的伤害无限大——远超过拥有世俗可能带来的好处。

“Labor not for the food which perishes—but for that which endures to everlasting life.”
“不要为那会朽坏的食物劳作——而要为那存到永生的食物劳作。”

Ah, what a fool is he who would hazard a glorious crown above, for a single crumb below!
啊，为了地上的一粒面包而冒险失去天上荣耀冠冕的人，是多么愚蠢啊！

The higher the larks are in their flight—the sweeter are their songs. The higher a Christian is raised above the things of the earth—the more he is ravished with the joys of Heaven.
云雀飞得越高，歌声越甜美。基督徒越是超脱世俗之物，就越是陶醉于天国的喜乐。

The least portion of grace—is preferable to a mountain of gold. One ray of God’s mercy—is better than a sun of earthly pleasure!
最微小的恩典也胜过一座金山。上帝的一线怜悯胜过世俗快乐的阳光！

One whisper of love from Christ’s voice—is worth more than all the symphony of nature. Give me that friend who lives forever, and that true wealth which lasts forever!
基督之声的一声爱的低语，比大自然的所有交响乐更有价值。给我那永生的朋友，和那永恒的真正财富！

I desire those blessings which come freely, satisfy fully, and continue eternally!
我渴望那些自由而来、完全满足、永远持续的祝福！

“Surely every man walks in a vain show! Surely he is disquieted in vain. He heaps up riches—not knowing who shall gather them.”
“诚然，每个人都在虚荣的表演中行走！诚然，他徒然不安。他积聚财富——却不知道谁将收取它们。”

Every carnal man walks in a vain show—and yet how vain is he of his show of vanity! He is disquieted in vain—and it is only vanity which disquiets him.
每个属肉体的人都在虚荣的表演中行走——然而他对自己虚荣的表演又是多么自负！他徒然不安——而使他不安的只是虚荣。

He labors all his life for the profit of riches, and yet in death, his riches will not profit him. He who views an ox grazing in a fat pasture, should but conclude that he is being prepared for the day of slaughter!
他终生劳作以获取财富的利益，然而在死亡时，他的财富对他毫无益处。看到一头牛在肥沃的牧场上吃草的人，应该得出结论：它是在为宰杀之日做准备！

Worldly enjoyments are but like hot waters, which, as some affirm, are soonest congealed in frosty weather.
世俗的享乐就像热水，正如有人所说，在寒冷天气里最快凝结。

The greatest happiness of the creature—is not to have the creature for his happiness. It is far better not to have the world at all—than to have our all in the world.
受造物最大的幸福——不是以受造物为他的幸福。完全没有世界——远胜于我们的一切都在世界中。

Who would be like the raven—to feed upon the carrion of this execrated world, while there is much more wholesome food for doves—in the ark?
谁愿像乌鸦一样——以这被诅咒的世界的腐肉为食，而方舟中却有更多健康的食物给鸽子？

The world at best, is but a looking-glass; there is a face presented by it—but there is no face seated in it. When you have sifted out its finest flour—it turns to bran.
世界充其量不过是一面镜子；它呈现出一张面孔——但其中并没有真实的面孔。当你筛出它最细的面粉时——它变成了麸皮。

“Labor not to be rich.” A strange paradox! If it were not for labor—who would be rich? And if it were not for riches—who would labor?
“不要劳碌以求富足。”多么奇怪的悖论！若不是为了劳作——谁会富有？若不是为了财富——谁会劳作？

But see what follows! “Will you set your eyes upon that which is not?” While riches are—they are not. They are not what they look like—they have not in them what we look for.
但看接下来的话！”你岂要定睛在虚无的东西上吗？”当财富存在时——它们又不存在。它们不是它们看起来的样子——它们里面没有我们所寻找的东西。

But what are they not? They are not durables—but changeables. “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone—for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle!”
但它们不是什么？它们不是持久的——而是变化的。”你只是看一眼，财富就不见了——因为它们必定长翅膀，如鹰向天飞去！”

The gourd may flourish in the day—but it will wither at night.
葫芦可能在白天茂盛——但在夜晚就会枯萎。

The cup which now overflows with wine—may soon be filled up to the brim with water. When the sun of earthly happiness is in its meridian—it may be eclipsed.
现在盛满酒的杯子——可能很快就会被水填满到边缘。当世俗幸福的太阳处于正午——它可能会被蚀。

A man rejoices in health—and a severe illness shakes him. He delights in honor—and a cloud shadows him. He delights in riches—and a thief robs him.
一个人因健康而欢欣——但重病使他动摇。他以荣誉为乐——但阴云笼罩他。他以财富为乐——但盗贼抢劫他。

He delights in peace—and a rumor disturbs him. He delights in life—and death disappoints him!
他以和平为乐——但谣言扰乱他。他以生命为乐——但死亡令他失望！

The heavens at first had their dropsy—and then the old world was drowned. The heavens at last shall have their fever—and then the new world shall be burned.
天空起初患上了水肿病——然后旧世界被淹没。天空最终将发烧——然后新世界将被烧毁。

The earth is big in our hopes—but little in our hands. It is like Sodom’s apples, beautiful to the eye at a distance—but when they are touched, they crumble into ashes. “Wealth is worthless in the day of wrath.” Wealth is worthless in the day of man’s wrath—to preserve him from plundering. Wealth is worthless in the day of God’s wrath—to keep him from punishment. Pleasures are but a shield of melting wax, against a sword of power; they can no more keep an evil conscience from tormenting, than a velvet sleeve can keep a broken arm from aching.
地球在我们的希望中是巨大的——但在我们手中却很渺小。它就像所多玛的苹果，远看很美——但一碰就化为灰烬。”财富在愤怒之日毫无价值。”在人的愤怒之日，财富无法保护他免于掠夺。在神的愤怒之日，财富无法保护他免受惩罚。快乐不过是一面融化的蜡盾，面对权力之剑；它们不能阻止邪恶良知的折磨，就像天鹅绒袖子不能阻止断臂的疼痛一样。

See how the men of the world toil upon their hands and knees for the vanities of the world! “There are many who say—Who will show us any good?” As if they could find a Heaven—in the trifles of earth. That was a hard expression of a hardened worldling: “Let God but give me enough of the earth—and I will never complain of the loss of Heaven.” Thus we see the curse of the serpent—entailed upon the seed of the serpent. What God pronounces as a malediction—they take as a benediction!
看看世人如何为世界的虚荣而匍匐劳作！”有许多人说——谁能指给我们什么好处？”仿佛他们能在尘世的琐事中找到天堂。这是一个顽固世俗之人的刻薄言论：”只要上帝给我足够的尘世之物——我就永远不会抱怨失去天堂。”因此我们看到蛇的诅咒——落在蛇的后裔身上。上帝宣布为咒诅的——他们却当作祝福！

The devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give You,” he said, “if You will bow down and worship me.” If a covetous man had been there, O how he would have snatched the promise out of the devil’s lips—lest he should have gone back from his word! Some are so enchanted with their golden bags, that they will run hastily to Hell—if they might but be well paid with golden wedges for their pains. All such covetous Balaams—must fall by their own devices!
魔鬼带耶稣上了一座很高的山，将世上的万国与其荣华显给他看。”你若俯伏拜我，我就把这一切都赐给你，”他说。如果有一个贪婪的人在那里，哦，他会多么迫不及待地从魔鬼口中抢夺这个承诺——生怕魔鬼反悔！有些人被他们的金袋迷住了，以至于他们会匆忙奔向地狱——只要能用金块得到丰厚的报酬。所有这些贪婪的巴兰——必将因自己的计谋而败落！

Covetousness is incompatible with the love of holiness. The truly excellent of the earth—can see no excellency in the earth. This world is no better than a loathsome dunghill, upon which the wealthy stand crowing—and about which the poor are scraping! If he alone is blessed—who lives above the world; then those cannot be blessed—who live in conformity to the world.
贪婪与对圣洁的爱是不相容的。地上真正优秀的人——在地上看不到任何优秀之处。这个世界不过是一个令人厌恶的粪堆，富人在上面自鸣得意——而穷人则在周围刮擦！如果只有那些超脱世俗的人才是有福的；那么那些随波逐流的人就不可能得到祝福。

Another singular principle by which a Christian should walk, is this: that DUTIES can never have too much attention paid to them, or too little confidence placed in them.
基督徒应当遵循的另一个独特原则是：对于责任永远不会过分关注，也永远不会过分信赖。

The Christian owes nothing to his corruptions—but their crucifixion. “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh—to live after the flesh.” Where God becomes a donor—man becomes a debtor. The debt of sin is mercifully discharged for him—that the debt of service might be willingly discharged by him. Every created thing has its bounds—but grace has none. In true godliness—there is no excess. Those wells which are of God’s digging—can never be too full of water. He delights to see the trees of righteousness, laden with the fruits of righteousness!
基督徒对他的罪性不欠任何债—除了将其钉死在十字架上。”所以弟兄们，我们并不是欠肉体的债去顺从肉体活着。”当上帝成为施予者时—人就成为欠债者。罪的债务被慈悲地免除—为的是服事的债务能被他甘心地偿还。每个被造之物都有其界限—但恩典却没有。在真正的敬虔中—没有过度一说。那些上帝所挖的井—永远不会水满溢出。祂喜悦看到公义的树木，结满公义的果实！

Though faith alone justifies the soul—yet that faith which justifies the soul, is not alone. Faith without good works—is like trees without their fruits. In proof of sanctification, good works cannot be sufficiently magnified! But in point of justification, good works cannot be sufficiently nullified! The lamp of duty can only shine clearly—as it is trimmed with the oil of mercy.
虽然唯独信心称义灵魂—但那称义灵魂的信心，并非独自存在。没有好行为的信心—就像没有果实的树木。在证明成圣方面，好行为怎么强调都不为过！但在称义方面，好行为怎么否定都不为过！责任之灯只有在用怜悯之油修剪时—才能明亮地照耀。

Some choice ship captains, when they have approached the shore, have left the bottom of merit, to sail in the bark of mercy, crying out, “Our greatest safety is to rest only in the mercy of God.” The law of God is such a master as to require the whole task of duty without mitigation; and the mercy of God is so good a benefactor, as to be capable of pardoning every transgression without limitation. He who ignorantly trusts in his own righteousness—will feel God’s angry sword! And he who, as lost and helpless, trusts in the mercy of God—shall be enabled to touch the golden scepter!
一些优秀的船长，当他们靠近岸边时，已经离开了功德的底部，驾驶着怜悯的小船，高呼：”我们最大的安全就是只依靠上帝的怜悯。”上帝的律法是这样一位主人，要求完成全部责任而不减轻；而上帝的怜悯是如此良善的施恩者，能够无限地宽恕每一个过犯。无知地信靠自己的义的人—将感受到上帝愤怒的剑！而那些作为迷失和无助的人，信靠上帝怜悯的人—将被允许触摸金色的权杖！

Most that perish, it is not their disease which kills them—but their physician! They think to cure themselves—and this leaves them incurable. Good works are so indigent—that no man can be saved by them! And yet are so excellent—that no man can go to Heaven without them! It would be well for Christ’s members—if it were with them as it is with skillful mariners, who have their eyes on the stars, and their hands at the stern! The self-righteous man is too prone to wrap himself in his religious duties! But this is making bad—worse! For he who vainly thinks to wipe off old scores by his merit—does but increase his enormous debt!
大多数灭亡的人，不是因为他们的疾病而死—而是因为他们的医生！他们想要自己治愈自己—这使他们变得无法治愈。好行为是如此贫乏—以至于没有人能靠它们得救！然而又是如此卓越—以至于没有人能不靠它们进天国！如果基督的肢体能像熟练的水手一样，眼睛盯着星星，手握着船舵，那该多好啊！自以为义的人太容易把自己包裹在宗教责任中！但这只会使坏事变得更糟！因为徒然地认为可以用自己的功德抹去旧账的人—只会增加他巨大的债务！

“Now we know that whatever things the law says, it says to those who are under the law—that every mouth may be stopped!” How shall any mouth be opened to plead guiltless—when God has stopped every mouth with its own guilt? It is in vain to stand up and plead innocence before Him who is all eye—to see the blackest flesh, under the whitest feathers; and the foulest heart under the fairest act!
“我们知道律法上的话都是对律法以下之人说的，好塞住各人的口。”当上帝用每个人自己的罪堵住了每个人的口，还有谁能开口辩称无罪呢？在那全知全能的上帝面前站起来辩称无辜是徒劳的—祂能看到最白的羽毛下最黑的肉体；最美好的行为下最污秽的心灵！

Reader, though good works may be our Jacob’s staff to walk with on earth—yet they cannot be our Jacob’s ladder to climb to Heaven with!
读者啊，尽管善行可能是我们在地上行走的雅各的杖，但它们却不能成为我们攀登天堂的雅各的梯子！

To lay the salve of our services upon the wound of our sins—is as if a man who is stung by a wasp should wipe his face with a nettle! Or as if a person should busy himself in supporting a tottering shack, with a burning fire-brand!
将我们服务的药膏涂抹在我们罪恶的伤口上，就如同一个被黄蜂蜇伤的人用荨麻擦脸一样！或者就像一个人忙着用一根燃烧的火把来支撑一个摇摇欲坠的棚屋一样！

It is the greatest folly to expect profit—from that which is unprofitable. Could we have done all that was commanded us—yet, without the mercy of God, all that we could have done—would certainly undo us.
期望从无利可图的事物中获得利益，这是最大的愚蠢。即使我们能做到所有被命令的事情，但若没有上帝的怜悯，我们所做的一切肯定会毁掉我们。

When the river fails us in its supplies of water, we then look up to the clouds for moisture. If Christ does not breathe into our religious services, it is impossible to grow under them.
当河流无法为我们提供水源时，我们就仰望云彩寻求水分。如果基督没有向我们的宗教服务注入生气，我们就不可能在其中成长。

It was not the tempered clay which cured the blind man—but Christ’s anointing his eyes therewith. The clay was more likely, without Christ—to make a seeing man blind—than a blind man see!
不是调和的泥土治愈了盲人，而是基督用泥土膏抹他的眼睛。没有基督，这泥土更可能使一个能看见的人变盲，而不是让一个盲人看见！

Thus, though we may receive our spiritual sight in the ordinances—yet it is not the ordinances which give us sight.
因此，尽管我们可能在宗教仪式中获得属灵的视力，但并非是这些仪式本身赐予我们视力。

It was not the troubling of the pool in Bethesda, which made it healing; but the coming down of the angel into it. That man must famish at last, who always feeds upon the dish—instead of the meat.
不是毕士大池水的搅动使之具有治愈能力，而是天使降临其中。那个总是只吃盘子而不吃肉的人最终必定会饿死。

There is no instruction to be gotten from the sun-dial of duty, except the Sun of Righteousness shines upon it.
除非公义的太阳照耀其上，否则从责任的日晷上是无法获得指引的。

Reader, it is dangerous for you to take shelter in your own righteousness; for the lightning of divine vengeance, which flashes before you; and the curses of the law, which thunder around you—may suddenly shake your house down upon you.
读者啊，躲在你自己的义中是危险的；因为在你面前闪耀的神圣复仇之闪电，以及在你周围轰鸣的律法诅咒，可能会突然将你的房子震塌在你身上。

As fast as you lay on your own plasters—a spiritual conscience will rub them off again. Nothing but the grace of the gospel—can perfectly heal the wounds which a broken law has made.
你刚贴上自己的膏药，属灵的良知就会再次将它们擦掉。只有福音的恩典才能完全治愈被破碎的律法所造成的伤口。

Though at the command of Christ—you may let down the net; yet it is only by the blessing of Christ—that you can enclose a profitable catch.
尽管按照基督的命令，你可能会撒下网；但只有通过基督的祝福，你才能捕获丰盛的渔获。

Christian people judge that, as they can never see God according to the greatness of His majesty—so they can never serve Him according to the greatness of His mercy.
基督徒认为，正如他们永远无法按照上帝威严的伟大来看见祂一样，他们也永远无法按照祂怜悯的伟大来服侍祂。

When Paul wrote to Philemon concerning his receiving his servant Onesimus back, he used this argument to prevail with him, “You owe to me, even your own self.”
当保罗写信给腓利门，关于接纳他的仆人阿尼西谋回来时，他用这个论点来说服他：”你连自己都亏欠我。”

Thus man not only owes his services—but also himself to God. No man can merit a reward—by paying his debts; much less can a sinner merit mercy—by being an insolvent debtor.
因此，人不仅欠上帝服务，还欠上帝自己。没有人能通过偿还债务来赢得奖赏；更不用说一个无力偿还的债务人能通过这种方式赢得怜悯了。

The body of a man can as soon labor incessantly without food—as the soul of a Christian can live continually without ordinances.
人的身体不吃食物就无法不间断地劳作，基督徒的灵魂也无法在没有圣礼的情况下持续生存。

Paul’s religion was dearer to him than his life, “I consider my life worth nothing to me—if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me.”
保罗的信仰比他的生命更珍贵，”我不以性命为念，也不看为宝贵，只要行完我的路程，成就我从主耶稣所领受的职事。”

Jesus Christ laid down His precious life—to secure the possession of Heaven for man; and shall man refuse to lay out his life—in pursuing the glories of Heaven?
耶稣基督舍弃了祂宝贵的生命，为人类确保了天国的产业；那么人岂能拒绝为追求天国的荣耀而付出自己的生命？

Was Heaven worth Christ’s passion—and shall it not be worth our seeking?
天国值得基督受难，难道不值得我们去寻求吗？

Alas, what is our sweat—compared to His blood!
唉，我们的汗水与祂的宝血相比算什么呢！

What could Jesus do more—than to die for us!
耶稣还能为我们做什么比死更多的事呢！

What can we do less—than to live for Him!
我们还能做什么比为祂而活更少的事呢！

“To whom much is given—of them much shall be required.”
“多给谁，就向谁多要。”

You cannot fathom all the good which He has bestowed upon you—nor all the evil which He has forgiven you!
你无法测度祂赐予你的所有恩惠，也无法测度祂赦免你的所有罪恶！

Such is His goodness—that He deserves infinitely more from you than He demands of you.
祂的良善如此之大，祂配得的远远超过祂向你所要求的。

If Heaven could be obtained by human endeavors, then Heaven must either be of little worth, or the endeavors must be of great value.
如果天国可以通过人的努力获得，那么天国要么价值不大，要么人的努力必定价值极高。

But He who puts an estimate upon all things according to their true value, has said, “When you have done everything which was commanded, you should say—We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which was our duty to do.”
但那位按真实价值评估一切的主说：”你们做完了一切所吩咐的，只当说：我们是无用的仆人，所做的本是我们应分做的。”

We are not only unprofitable when all is to be done—but when all has been done.
我们不仅在一切待做之时是无用的，就是在一切都做完之后也是无用的。

We are unprofitable to God, because He is necessarily and eternally blessed without us!
我们对神是无用的，因为祂必然且永恒地蒙福，不需要我们！

We are not profitable to ourselves, because without Him we shall be everlastingly cursed in ourselves!
我们对自己也无益处，因为没有祂，我们将永远被诅咒！

It is our bounden duty—to live in obedience; but it will prove our utter ruin—to live on obedience.
活在顺服中是我们的本分；但若靠顺服而活，将导致我们彻底毁灭。

Heaven is either the gift of mercy, or the reward of duty.
天国要么是怜悯的恩赐，要么是责任的报酬。

If the latter, Christ died in vain; but if the former, we boast in vain.
如果是后者，基督就白白死了；但如果是前者，我们就徒然自夸。

“Fear not, little flock—for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
“你们这小群，不要惧怕，因为你们的父乐意把国赐给你们。”

Thus we see that Heaven is not the product of man’s labor—but the token of God’s good pleasure.
由此我们看到，天国不是人的劳作所得，而是神美意的象征。

Many proud sinners will labor hard in the storms of life, and hurricanes of death, rather than cry with Peter, “Lord, save me—I perish!” But God is determined that every person shall die a malefactor, who dies without a Mediator.
许多骄傲的罪人宁愿在生命的风暴和死亡的飓风中艰难挣扎，也不愿像彼得那样呼喊：”主啊，救我——我要灭亡了！”但上帝已决定，每个没有中保就死去的人都将作为罪犯而死。

The dignity of good works does not lie in their merit—but in God’s grace alone; for were He to examine and estimate them according to the rigor of the law, and separate from Christ—instead of their being valuable as refined gold, they would be as despicable as worthless tinsel!
善行的尊严不在于其功德，而仅在于上帝的恩典；因为如果祂按照律法的严格标准来审视和评估它们，并将其与基督分开——它们就不会像精炼的黄金那样宝贵，反而会像毫无价值的俗丽装饰品一样可鄙！

Our highest perfections are darkened with the blackest shades of imperfection. If Christ is not the foundation of our perfection on earth, He will not be the top-stone of our salvation in Heaven.
我们最高的完美也被最深的不完美阴影所笼罩。如果基督不是我们在地上完美的根基，祂就不会成为我们在天堂得救的顶石。

Reader, what person would thank you—for holding a candle to assist the light of the sun? Or what prince would praise you—for setting a dirty pebble in his crown of precious diamonds?
读者啊，谁会感谢你举着蜡烛来辅助太阳的光芒呢？又有哪个王子会因为你在他珍贵的钻石王冠中镶嵌了一颗肮脏的卵石而赞美你呢？

How then can it be supposed that those works which are pregnant with evil—can be pleasing to God?
那么，怎么能认为那些充满罪恶的行为会令上帝喜悦呢？

If man lays too much weight upon the pillars raised by his own hands—he will pull the building down upon his own head! God, who cannot lie, has said, “So then, it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs—but of God who shows mercy.”
如果人把太多重量放在他自己手中竖起的柱子上，他就会把建筑物拉倒在自己头上！那不能说谎的上帝说过：”这样看来，这不在乎那定意的，也不在乎那奔跑的，只在乎发怜悯的上帝。”

It is not of him who wills—though he wills ever so heartily; nor of him who runs—though he runs ever so hastily. Man’s crown of glory—is only made by the hand of God’s mercy.
这不在乎那定意的——即使他再怎么诚心定意；也不在乎那奔跑的——即使他再怎么急切奔跑。人的荣耀冠冕——只能由上帝怜悯的手所造。

Man’s working is not the cause of God’s grace—but God’s grace is the cause of man’s working! The creature may do something against grace—but he can do nothing without it.
人的工作不是上帝恩典的原因——而是上帝的恩典是人工作的原因！受造物可能做一些违背恩典的事——但没有恩典他什么也做不了。

It is dangerous to hang the weight of eternity—upon the slender threads of our activity. The boundless life of felicity—flows only from the bottomless love of the Deity.
把永恒的重量悬挂在我们行为的细线上是危险的。无边的幸福生活——只能从神性无底的爱中流出。

Another principle by which a believer should walk, is this: that those precious promises, which are given to insure his happiness—do not supersede those precepts which are laid down for him to seek after happiness.
信徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：那些为确保他幸福而给予的宝贵应许——并不能取代那些为他寻求幸福而制定的训诫。

“Thus says the Lord—I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel—to do it for them.” As those under the law—were not without a gospel to save them; so those who are under the gospel—are not without a law to rule them. There is the same impropriety in divorcing those who are united—as in uniting those who are divorced.
“耶和华如此说——我要为这事被以色列家所求问，好为他们成就。”正如那些在律法之下的人——并非没有福音来拯救他们；那些在福音之下的人——也并非没有律法来管理他们。将那些联合的人分离——与将那些分离的人联合——同样不恰当。

“Ask—and it shall be given you; seek—and you shall find; knock—and it shall be opened unto you.” Continued gospel importunity—is the most powerful oratory. Man’s importunity, has no meritorious claim upon God. God has a right to the former—but we have no right to the latter. He who enables us to find Him—enjoins us to seek Him. The Lord delights, neither to see us slothful seekers—nor doubtful seekers.
“祈求——就给你们；寻找——就寻见；叩门——就给你们开门。”持续的福音恳求——是最有力的演说。人的恳求，对上帝没有功德性的要求。上帝有权要求前者——但我们无权要求后者。使我们能找到祂的那位——命令我们寻求祂。主既不喜悦看到我们成为懒惰的寻求者——也不喜悦看到我们成为怀疑的寻求者。

He who refuses to hear the voice of Christ—shall never see the face of Christ! “He who says he abides in Christ; ought himself also so to walk, even as Christ walked.” Then only, does the watch of our lives move regularly—when the hand of mercy winds it up. The law condemns those as criminals, who lay claim to the royal crown—when they are not of royal blood. Many would be like Christ in bliss—who would not be like Him by grace. They are willing to have those promises which confirm them in happiness—but dislike those precepts which are to regulate their conduct!
拒绝听从基督之声的人——将永远看不到基督的面！”那说自己住在基督里面的，就该自己照基督所行的去行。”只有当怜悯之手上紧发条时——我们生命的钟表才会规律运转。律法将那些不是皇室血统却妄图王冠的人——定为罪犯。许多人想要像基督那样享受幸福——却不愿像祂那样靠恩典生活。他们愿意接受那些确保他们幸福的应许——却不喜欢那些规范他们行为的训诫！

“The Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our King—He will save us.” Wherever the Lord is a priest for pardon—He is a prince for dominion. He is always a Ruler—where He is a Savior. As Jesus Christ is the foundation of our happiness—so is He the fountain of all our holiness. Reader, remember, if Christ be not a refiner’s fire, in you; He will be a consuming fire, to you! “But bring here these enemies of mine, who did not want me to rule over them—and slaughter them in my presence!” Thus, if you refuse Him to reign over you—He will refuse you to reign with Him.
“耶和华是我们的审判者，耶和华是我们的立法者，耶和华是我们的王——祂必拯救我们。”无论在哪里，主是赦罪的祭司——祂就是统治的君王。哪里祂是救主——哪里祂就是统治者。正如耶稣基督是我们幸福的根基——祂也是我们所有圣洁的源泉。读者，请记住，如果基督不是在你里面的炼净之火；祂就会成为烧毁你的烈火！”但那些不要我作他们王的仇敌，把他们带到这里来，在我面前杀了吧！”因此，如果你拒绝让祂统治你——祂也会拒绝让你与祂一同统治。

“As many as walk according to this rule—peace be on them.” To tread in any other path on earth—is to miss the one way to Heaven.
“凡按此规则行的人——愿平安归于他们。”在地上走任何其他的道路——就是错过通往天堂的唯一道路。

If the golden chains of love to God—do not bind you to duty; the iron chain of God’s wrath—will bind you to eternal misery!
如果对上帝的爱的金链——不能将你束缚于责任；上帝愤怒的铁链——将把你束缚于永恒的痛苦之中！

He who abuses his liberty in this world—will forever lose it in the eternal world.
在这个世界上滥用自由的人——将在永恒的世界里永远失去它。

“Blessed are those who do His commandments—that they may have the right to the tree of life.” To look upon a precept without a promise—is the high road to desperation.
“遵行他诫命的人有福了——他们将有权利得到生命树。”看待诫命而不看应许——是通往绝望的捷径。

To look upon a promise without a precept—is the high road to damnation. The promise is like the cork in the net—to preserve it from sinking.
看待应许而不看诫命——是通往咒诅的捷径。应许就像网中的软木——防止它下沉。

The precept is like lead to the net—to keep it from floating.
诫命就像网的铅坠——防止它漂浮。

A believer is like the mariner’s compass; which is governed by the constant heavens—and not by the variable winds.
信徒就像航海罗盘；它受恒定天空的支配——而不是变幻莫测的风。

Reader, will you make Him a stumbling stone—whom God has made a foundation stone?
读者，你会把上帝立为基石的那位——变成绊脚石吗？

Remember, the fire can consume the dross—as well as refine the gold. The strength of a rock is seen not only in supporting the house which is built upon it—but in breaking the ships which dash against it.
记住，火能消耗渣滓——也能炼净黄金。岩石的力量不仅体现在支撑建在其上的房屋——还体现在击碎撞向它的船只。

The pillar of cloud was as dreadful in the darkness it gave to the Egyptians—as it was glorious in the light it gave to the Israelites!
云柱在给埃及人带来黑暗时是如此可怕——就如同它给以色列人带来光明时是如此荣耀！

Whenever Christ takes the burden of guilt from a sinner’s shoulders—He then lays a yoke of obedience upon his neck.
每当基督从罪人肩上卸下罪疚的重担时——祂就把顺服的轭放在他的颈上。

Though God can give a pardon to the greatest sin—yet He cannot grant a patronage to the least sin.
尽管上帝能赦免最大的罪——但祂不能庇护最小的罪。

To be lascivious, because God is gracious—what is this, but to drown yourself in that river—in which you should wash yourself!
因为上帝有恩典就放纵情欲——这不就是在你应该洗濯自己的河里——溺死自己吗！

To live a life of gospel obedience—is the liberty of God’s children. But to give your licentious appetite the reins—is the bondage of Satan’s slaves!
过福音顺服的生活——是上帝儿女的自由。但放纵你的淫荡欲望——是撒但奴隶的枷锁！

That soul was never related to Christ—who was never devoted to Christ.
从未献身于基督的人——其灵魂从未与基督有关联。

“Not everyone who says unto Me, Lord, Lord—shall enter the kingdom of Heaven; but only he who does the will of My Father, who is in Heaven.”
“不是每一个称呼我’主啊，主啊’的人——都能进天国；唯有遵行我天父旨意的人，才能进去。”

Subjection to the will of God, is not only a test of our present duty—but it is also an evidence of our future glory!
顺服上帝的旨意，不仅是对我们当前责任的考验——也是我们未来荣耀的证据！

To expect to see God in Heaven, and not to seek Him on earth—is as foolish, as if a gardener should leave his plough into the barn, and then look for a rich harvest.
期望在天堂见到上帝，却不在地上寻求祂——就像园丁把犁放在谷仓里，却指望丰收一样愚蠢。

Sitting birds are the fowler’s targets; while those which soar as the eagle are in safety.
栖息的鸟儿是捕鸟人的目标；而那些如鹰般翱翔的则安全无虞。

When men are out of the way of their worldly callings—it is easy to call them out of their heavenly way.
当人们偏离了世俗职业的道路时，很容易将他们从天国的道路上召唤出来。

God works with—and without means.
上帝既用方法工作，也不用方法工作。

With means—that man should not be indolent. Without means—that he should not be self-confident.
用方法——是为了人不懒惰。不用方法——是为了人不自负。

Jacob makes his prayers to his heavenly Father—and yet present his gifts to his angry brother.
雅各向他的天父祈祷，却仍向他愤怒的兄弟献上礼物。

David went out against Goliath in the name of the God of Israel—and yet went to the brook to fetch stones for his sling.
大卫以以色列上帝的名义出战歌利亚，却仍去溪边取石子装进他的投石器。

The sword of Joshua must go with the prayers of Moses—and the prayers of Moses accompany the sword of Joshua.
约书亚的剑必须与摩西的祈祷同行，摩西的祈祷也伴随着约书亚的剑。

Had they fought and not prayed—they would have obtained no victory, because God will not be neglected.
如果他们只战斗不祈祷，就不会获得胜利，因为上帝不会被忽视。

Had they prayed and not fought—they would have obtained no victory, because God will not be tempted.
如果他们只祈祷不战斗，也不会获得胜利，因为上帝不会被试探。

“This is He who came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ.”
“这就是借着水和血而来的，就是耶稣基督。”

He did not come by water without any blood—or by blood without any water.
他不是只凭水而来，没有血；也不是只凭血而来，没有水。

He came not to pardon—and to leave the soul unpurged.
他来不是为了赦免，却让灵魂未得洁净。

Nor did He come to merely purge—and to leave the soul unpardoned.
他也不是仅仅来洁净，却让灵魂未得赦免。

Wherever the death of Christ clears a soul from guilt—the Spirit of Christ cleanses that soul from filth.
无论基督的死在哪里洗清了一个灵魂的罪责，基督的灵就在那里洁净那个灵魂的污秽。

A man may be justified without immediate glorification; but not without attendant sanctification.
一个人可能被称义而不立即得荣耀；但不能没有随之而来的成圣。

The law by which God rules us—is as dear to Him, as the gospel by which He saves us.
上帝用来管理我们的律法，对他来说与用来拯救我们的福音一样珍贵。

Many would use faith as an eye to see with—but not as a foot to walk with.
许多人会用信心作为看的眼睛，却不用它作为行走的脚。

They look for the crown of victory—but are unwilling to fight the good fight of faith.
他们寻求胜利的冠冕，却不愿打那美好的信心之仗。

That faith which sets men to oppose their internal enemies—sets God also to oppose their external adversaries.
那使人对抗内在敌人的信心，也使上帝对抗他们外在的对手。

Prayer is the midwife of the promises!
祈祷是应许的助产士！

The promises are wells of comfort to the church—and believing prayer is the cup to draw the water out of the wells!
应许是教会安慰的井，相信的祈祷是从井中汲水的杯！

Another principle by which a believer should walk, is this: that it is dangerous dressing himself for the heavenly world—by the looking-glass of this present world.
信徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：以现今世界的镜子来装扮自己以进入天国是危险的。

“You shall not follow a multitude—to do evil.” Satan’s herd of swine—is larger than Christ’s flock of sheep! Let them be ever so mighty—they are not to be feared. Let them be ever so many—they are not to be followed. To infer that way to be the truest which is the largest—is to conclude upon the quality of the cloth—by the size of the cloth.
“你不可随众行恶。”撒但的猪群比基督的羊群更大！无论他们多么强大，也不应害怕。无论他们多么众多，也不应跟随。认为最大的道路就是最真实的道路，就如同以布料的大小来判断布料的质量。

Remember—the multitude of people, are like the droves of cattle—which go to the slaughter! “Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sand on the seashore—only the remnant will be saved.” The whole piece belongs to the devil—but God cuts off a remnant for Himself! There are many birds of prey—to one bird of paradise. Pebbles lie abundant in the streets—but pearls are rare to find.
记住——众人如同被赶往屠宰场的牛群！”虽然以色列人如同海边的沙那样多，但只有余民会得救。”整块都属于魔鬼——但上帝为自己切下一小块！猛禽众多——而天堂鸟（bird of paradise）稀少。鹅卵石遍布街道——但珍珠难得一见。

The Scripture not only presents us with an account of the purity of those who shall be saved—but also with the smallness of their number. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to Hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way. But the gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it!” “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom!”
圣经不仅向我们展示了那些将得救之人的纯洁——还展示了他们数量的稀少。”你们要进上帝的国，必须从窄门进入。通往地狱的大道宽阔，其门为选择容易道路的众人而大开。但通往生命之门狭小，道路狭窄，只有少数人能找到！””你们这小群，不要惧怕，因为你们的父乐意把国赐给你们！”

The Persians thought a crooked nose was a great ornament, because the face of their Emperor had a crooked nose. Great men’s vices are more imitated—than poor men’s graces. The ill humors of the head—may consume the vital organs of the body. Inferiors love to go the way—which superiors are accustomed to go. The actions of their rulers—are too much the rule of the people. Such people conceive by the eye—like Jacob’s sheep, which brought forth their lambs suitable to the color of the rods. Those who follow after others in sinning—will be sure to follow them in suffering! Alas, then the greatness of the multitude—will not extinguish the fierceness of the flame! The number of those immortal fagots—will but intensify the fury of the eternal fire!
波斯人认为鹰钩鼻是一种美丽的装饰，因为他们的皇帝有一个鹰钩鼻。大人物的恶习更容易被效仿——而非穷人的美德。头部的不良情绪——可能会消耗身体的重要器官。下级喜欢走上级习惯走的路。统治者的行为——过多地成为了人民的准则。这些人通过眼睛来孕育——就像雅各的羊，它们生下的羔羊适合杆子的颜色。那些在犯罪中跟随他人的人——必定会在受苦中跟随他们！唉，那时众人的伟大——将无法熄灭火焰的猛烈！那些不朽的柴薪（fagots）的数量——只会加剧永恒之火的怒火！

“Many are called—but few are chosen.” It is not, many are chosen—and few called; but many are called—and few are chosen.
“被召的人多，选上的人少。”不是许多人被选上而很少人被召，而是许多人被召但很少人被选上。

Sinners are certainly the greatest company—but they are also the worst company.
罪人无疑是最大的群体，但他们也是最糟糕的伙伴。

Though the nature of believers is the greatest—yet their numbers are the smallest.
尽管信徒的本质是最伟大的，但他们的数量却是最少的。

One said that, “All the names of the good emperors, might be engraved on a little ring.”
有人说过，”所有好皇帝的名字，可能都能刻在一个小戒指上。”

I will not say there are not any godly men who are great—but I will say, that there are not many great men who are godly.
我不会说没有伟大的敬虔之人，但我要说，很少有伟大的人是敬虔的。

The trees of righteousness are thinly planted in the world’s orchard.
在世界的果园中，公义的树木稀疏地种植着。

As in one righteous man there are many sins—so to one godly man—there are many wicked sinners!
正如一个义人身上有许多罪，对于一个敬虔的人来说，也有许多邪恶的罪人！

The generality of people, will rather walk in the way that most people go—than in the way that the best people go.
大多数人宁愿走大多数人走的路，而不是走最好的人走的路。

They are like dead fish, which float down the stream, wherever it runs; or like the water, which takes the fragrance of the vessel in which it is contained.
他们就像死鱼，随着水流漂向任何方向；或者像水一样，吸收了盛放它的容器的香气。

The ‘voice of the people’—is often the voice of the devil.
“民众的声音”常常是魔鬼的声音。

Whatever is engraved upon the seal—is imprinted upon the wax.
印章上刻的任何东西都会印在蜡上。

If we will not have the people of the world to be our leaders—we shall be sure to have them as our troublers.
如果我们不让世俗之人成为我们的领袖，我们肯定会让他们成为我们的麻烦制造者。

If they cannot seduce us into their evil way—they will oppose us in our holy way.
如果他们不能诱惑我们走上邪恶的道路，他们就会反对我们走圣洁的道路。

If they cannot scorch us with their fire—they will try to blacken us with their smoke.
如果他们不能用火烧伤我们，他们就会试图用烟熏黑我们。

They will speak evil of us—because we do not run into the same excess of evil with them.
他们会说我们的坏话，因为我们不与他们一起沉溺于同样的恶行中。

Because we refuse to play the fool with them—they will say that we are mad.
因为我们拒绝与他们一起装疯卖傻，他们就会说我们疯了。

Those who would arrive where the righteous now are—should be found in the road in which they once were.
那些想要到达义人现在所在之处的人，应该走在义人曾经走过的路上。

“Be followers of those, who through faith and patience, inherit the promises.”
“要效法那些凭信心和忍耐承受应许的人。”

What is the reason that there are so many scribbling professors in the world—but that they write after such imperfect copies!
世界上为什么有这么多乱涂乱画的教授，不过是因为他们抄写了如此不完美的范本！

The best of men—are but men, at the best.
最好的人，充其量也不过是人。

It is better to imitate an evil man in that which is good—than imitate a good man in that which is evil.
模仿一个坏人的好处，要比模仿一个好人的坏处更好。

Paul said, “Be followers of me.” But his exhortation has its limitation—”Even as I am a follower of Christ.” Where he follows Christ—there we must follow him. But if a Paul forsakes Christ, we must forsake even Paul! That was a good saying of Thomas More, “I will not pin my faith upon any man’s sleeve, because I know not where he will carry it.”

保罗说：”你们要效法我。”但他的劝勉是有限制的——”正如我效法基督一样。”他在哪里效法基督，我们就在哪里效法他。但如果保罗背弃基督，我们就必须背弃保罗！托马斯·莫尔有一句很好的话：”我不会把我的信仰别在任何人的袖子上，因为我不知道他会把它带到哪里去。”

Believers have not only infirmities which are natural—but they have also such as are sinful. Noah was no sooner delivered from a deluge of water—than he was drowned in a deluge of wine!

信徒不仅有自然的软弱，还有罪恶的软弱。挪亚刚从洪水的灾难中得救，就淹没在酒的洪流中！

The failings of Christians do not flow from a want of grace—but from a weakness in grace; not from their depravity of spirit—but from the corruptions of the flesh. As they are not what they have been—before conversion; so they are not altogether what they would be—after conversion. Those roses which are now in blossom—shall hereafter be fully blown! And the stars which are yet concealed under a cloud—shall be seen in a clear sky.

基督徒的过失不是源于缺乏恩典，而是源于恩典的软弱；不是源于他们灵性的堕落，而是源于肉体的败坏。正如他们不再是悔改前的样子；他们也不完全是悔改后应有的样子。现在正在绽放的玫瑰，日后将完全盛开！而现在还被云层遮蔽的星星，将在晴朗的天空中被看见。

Those are but suspicious Christians, who will approve all which believers do. Their lives must be followed no further—than they agree with the Scripture.

那些赞同信徒所做的一切的人，只不过是可疑的基督徒。他们的生活只能在与圣经相符的范围内被效法。

He is a rotten professor, who says in his heart, “Why may not I be drunk as well as Noah, and commit adultery as well as David?” Did you ever hear of any who plucked out their eyes—because others were smitten with blindness? Or of any who cut off their legs—because others went on crutches?

那些在心里说”为什么我不能像挪亚那样醉酒，像大卫那样犯奸淫？”的人，是腐败的教师。你有没有听说过有人因为别人眼睛失明就把自己的眼睛挖出来？或者有人因为别人用拐杖走路就把自己的腿砍掉？

If you have sinned as David and Noah did—you should also mourn as they did! Their sins are not for our imitation—but for our caution. They are not land-marks to direct travelers—but sea-marks to warn mariners. If a man finds a piece of gold covered with dust—will he preserve the dirt, and throw away the gold?

如果你像大卫和挪亚那样犯了罪，你也应该像他们那样哀悼！他们的罪不是让我们效仿的，而是让我们警惕的。它们不是指引旅行者的路标，而是警告航海者的海标。如果一个人发现一块被灰尘覆盖的金子，他会保留灰尘而丢弃金子吗？

“You have heard of the patience of Job.” Yes, and of his impatience also! Instead of cursing the sin with which he was born, he cursed the day in which he was born!

“你听说过约伯的忍耐。”是的，也听说过他的不耐烦！他没有诅咒与生俱来的罪，反而诅咒了他出生的那天！

You have heard of the meekness of Moses, and yet this even thread was not without its knots. While he is bringing water out of the rock—he is also fetching fire out of his own heart!

你听说过摩西的温顺，然而这根平直的线也并非没有结。当他从岩石中引出水来时，他也从自己的心中取出火来！

Peter not only forsook his Lord—but also forswore Him. Who would ever have suspected, that he who had his name from an immovable rock—should have proved such a shaken reed!

彼得不仅抛弃了他的主，还发誓否认了祂。谁能想到，那个因坚如磐石而得名的人，竟会证明自己是如此摇摆不定的芦苇！

Reader, if you do not turn your back upon Egypt—you will fall short of the land of Canaan!

读者啊，如果你不背弃埃及，你就无法到达迦南之地！

When God comes to pass sentence, He will bring every sinner to the bar. His laws are not like spider’s webs—which keep the little flies prisoners—but which the greater will break with smaller struggles.

当上帝来宣判时，祂会将每个罪人带到审判台前。祂的法律不像蜘蛛网，只能困住小苍蝇，而让大虫子轻易挣脱。

Though man may have many under him upon earth—yet he has One in Heaven who is above him. “The Lord God called to Adam, and said to him, Where are you?” Not, where were you? but where are you? Oh how quickly have you forfeited that inheritance, which I so lately settled on you in paradise!

虽然人在地上可能有许多臣服于他的人，但在天上却有一位凌驾于他之上的。”耶和华神呼唤亚当，对他说，你在哪里？”不是你在哪里来着，而是你在哪里？哦，你多么快就失去了我最近在伊甸园中赐予你的产业！

“The woman whom You gave me—she gave me of the tree—and I ate.” Because she put it into his hands—was that any reason why he should put it into his mouth?

“你所赐给我的女人，她把树上的果子给我，我就吃了。”因为她把果子放在他手中，这就是他应该把它放进嘴里的理由吗？

The monsters of sin are so hateful when they are brought forth—that we are unwilling to own them ourselves; therefore we lay them at the doors of others.

罪恶的怪物一旦被揭露就如此可憎，以至于我们不愿承认它们是我们自己的；因此我们把它们归咎于他人。

The stable mountains are not so firm—but they may be removed by fearful earthquakes. Those saints who have been as the greatest stars or suns, have at times had their sad eclipses.

稳固的山脉并非如此坚固，它们也可能被可怕的地震移动。那些曾如最明亮的星辰或太阳般的圣徒，有时也会经历悲伤的蚀。

Another principle by which a believer should walk, is this: That wherever sin proves hateful—it shall not prove hurtful.
信徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：无论罪在何处被证明是可恨的，它都不应被证明是有害的。

What an apology does a sorrowful Savior make for His sleeping saints! “The spirit is willing—but the flesh is weak!” Take a carnal man, and what he can do—that he will not do. Take a Christian man, and what he would do—that he cannot do.

一位悲伤的救主为祂沉睡的圣徒们做出了何等的辩护！”心灵固然愿意，肉体却软弱了！”看看属肉体的人，他能做的事—他却不愿意做。看看基督徒，他愿意做的事—他却做不到。

God will pity impotency—but He will punish obstinacy. God has mercy for his own can-nots—but none for the devil’s will-nots! Adam’s want was rather in his will—than in his power; but a saint’s want is rather in his power—than in his will. “O that my ways were directed to keep your statutes!” A saint’s will begins where his work ends.

神会怜悯无能—但祂会惩罚顽固。神对祂自己的人的”做不到”有怜悯—但对魔鬼的”不愿意”却没有！亚当的缺乏更多在于他的意愿—而不是他的能力；但圣徒的缺乏更多在于他的能力—而不是他的意愿。”但愿我的道路被指引，好遵守你的律例！”圣徒的意愿始于他的工作结束之处。

“Lord, I believe—help my unbelief!”
Lord, I see—but enlighten my darkness!
Lord, I hear—but cure my deafness!
Lord, I move—but quicken my dullness!
Lord, I desire—but help my unwillingness!

“主啊，我信—但求主帮助我的不信！”
主啊，我看见了—但请照亮我的黑暗！
主啊，我听见了—但请治愈我的耳聋！
主啊，我行动了—但请加快我的迟钝！
主啊，我渴望—但请帮助我的不情愿！

In playing over a tune upon an instrument, a single string may jar and slip, and yet the main be musical. It would be folly, indeed, to think that our fields have no grain in them—because there is some chaff about the wheat; or that the ore had no gold in it—because there is some dross among it. In Heaven there is service alone—without any sin; in Hell there is sin alone—without service; but on earth, there is sin and service in the same man—as there is light and shade in the same picture.

在用乐器演奏一首曲子时，单根琴弦可能会不协调和滑音，但主旋律仍然是悦耳的。认为我们的田地里没有谷物—仅仅因为麦子周围有些糠秕；或者认为矿石中没有黄金—仅仅因为其中有些渣滓，这确实是愚蠢的。在天堂只有服侍—没有任何罪；在地狱只有罪—没有服侍；但在地上，同一个人里面既有罪又有服侍—就如同一幅画中既有光明又有阴影。

Christian Reader! to condemn your evil—is good; but to condemn your good—is evil.
基督徒读者！谴责你的恶行是好的；但谴责你的善行是错误的。

Here on earth, believers are like the Israelites, who in their darkest night—had a pillar of fire; and in their clearest day—had a pillar of a cloud.
在这世上，信徒就像以色列人，他们在最黑暗的夜晚有火柱；在最晴朗的白天有云柱。

Above us—there is light without any darkness; below us—there is darkness without any light; but in this world—it is neither day nor night—but in the evening time it shall be light.
在我们之上，有没有任何黑暗的光明；在我们之下，有没有任何光明的黑暗；但在这个世界上，既不是白天也不是黑夜——而是在傍晚时分将会有光明。

Though the lowest believer is above the power of sin—yet the highest believer is not above the presence of sin!
虽然最卑微的信徒也超越了罪的权势，但最高尚的信徒也无法摆脱罪的存在！

It is in a living Christian that sin is to be mortified—but it is only in a dying Christian that sin is to be destroyed.
在活着的基督徒身上，罪要被治死——但只有在垂死的基督徒身上，罪才能被彻底摧毁。

When the body and the soul are separated by mortality—sin and the soul, will be separated to eternity!
当身体和灵魂被死亡分离时——罪与灵魂将永远分离！

Though a forced subjection is sufficient to satisfy a tyrant; yet it is only a sincere obedience which is true homage to a king.
虽然强制的服从足以满足暴君；但只有真诚的顺服才是对君王真正的敬意。

Sin never ruins—but where it reigns.
罪永远不会毁灭——除非它统治。

Sin is not damning—where it is disturbing.
罪不会令人遭受诅咒——在它只是造成困扰的地方。

The more trouble sin receives from us—the less trouble sin does to us.
罪从我们这里受到的麻烦越多——它给我们造成的麻烦就越少。

Sin is only a murderer—where it is a governor.
罪只有在作为统治者时——才是凶手。

The rose is a fragrant flower, though it be surrounded with piercing thorns.
玫瑰是芳香的花朵，尽管它被尖锐的刺包围。

The Passover was a feast, though the Israelites ate it with bitter herbs.
逾越节是一个盛宴，尽管以色列人吃它时伴有苦菜。

There is always too much of the wild olive tree—in those who are engrafted into the true olive tree.
在那些被嫁接到真橄榄树上的人中——总是有太多野橄榄树的特性。

Our graces are our best jewels—but they do not yield their brightest luster in this world.
我们的恩典是我们最好的珍宝——但它们在这个世界上并不能发出最亮的光彩。

The moon, when she shines brightest—has its spots; and the fire, when it burns the hottest—has its smoke.
月亮在最明亮时——也有斑点；火在燃烧最旺盛时——也有烟雾。

“I said in my haste, I am cut off from before Your eyes; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplication.” Who would have thought those prayers should ever have had any prevalency in God’s ear—which were mixed with so much infidelity in the petitioner’s heart?

“我曾急促地说：’我从你眼前被隔绝’；然而，你仍听了我恳求的声音。”谁能想到那些祷告竟会在上帝耳中有任何效力——这些祷告中混杂了祈求者内心如此多的不信？

Sin is an enemy at the Christian’s back—but not a friend in his bosom. Although believers should be mournful—because they have infirmities; yet they should be thankful—because they are but infirmities. It is true they have sin in them—and that should make them sorrowful. But it is just as true, that they have a Savior for them—and that should make them joyful. It is not the interposition of a cloud—but the departure of the sun, which constitutes a night.

罪是基督徒背后的敌人——而非他怀中的朋友。虽然信徒应当哀伤——因为他们有软弱；但他们也应当感恩——因为那只是软弱而已。诚然，他们内心有罪——这应当使他们忧愁。但同样真实的是，他们有一位救主——这应当使他们喜乐。构成黑夜的不是云层的遮蔽——而是太阳的离去。

Take the purest believer in the world, and you will find him fuller of sin—than he is of prayer. There is too much of the earth—in his most heavenly employments. But as Alexander’s painter could find a finger to conceal the scar on his master’s face—so when Jesus Christ draws the picture of the saint’s excellency, He can find a covering for all the scars of their infirmities.

即便是世上最纯洁的信徒，你也会发现他充满罪——比他充满祷告更甚。即便在他最属天的事工中——也有太多属地的成分。但正如亚历山大的画师能找到一根手指遮掩主人脸上的疤痕——当耶稣基督描绘圣徒的美德时，祂也能找到遮盖他们所有软弱疤痕的办法。

The Savior looks over that which is His own—and overlooks that which is His people’s. Where there is no sin allowed by them—there shall be grains of allowance to them. God will not throw away His jewels—for every speck of dirt which may be on them!

救主关注属于祂自己的——而忽视属于祂子民的。在他们不容许罪的地方——那里就会有恩典的施予。上帝不会因珠宝上的一点污渍——就将它们丢弃！

Though Christ honors grace in its maturity—yet He owns it in its minority. “You of little faith—why did you doubt?” Poor Peter had faith enough to keep him from drowning—but not enough to keep him from doubting. The least buds draw sap from the root—as well as the greatest branches. Though one star exceeds another in magnitude—yet both are alike seated in the heavens. Though one member of the body is larger than another—yet each has an equal union with the head.

虽然基督尊崇成熟的恩典——但祂也认可幼小的恩典。”你这小信的人哪，为什么疑惑呢？”可怜的彼得有足够的信心使他不至溺水——却没有足够的信心使他不至怀疑。最小的花蕾也能从根部吸取养分——就如最大的枝干一样。虽然一颗星比另一颗更大——但它们都同样安置在天上。虽然身体的一个肢体比另一个更大——但每个肢体都与头部有同等的联合。

The conduct of a Christian may sometimes be spotted with infirmity—when the heart is sound in the love of sanctity. Jacob halted—and yet was blessed. As his blessing did not take away his halting—so his halting did not keep away his blessing.

基督徒的行为有时可能会带有软弱的污点——即使内心对圣洁的爱是纯正的。雅各跛行——却仍蒙福。正如他的祝福没有消除他的跛行——他的跛行也没有阻挡他的祝福。

Hagar will have a room in Sarah’s house—until death turns her out of doors. As death leaves the body soulless—so it leaves the soul sinless. “For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.” God does not expect the pump to run with pleasant water—where there is none put into the cistern.

夏甲将在撒拉的家中有一个房间——直到死亡将她赶出门外。正如死亡使身体失去灵魂——它也使灵魂失去罪恶。”因为人若有愿做的心，必蒙悦纳，乃是照他所有的，并不是照他所无的。”上帝不会期望水泵流出甜水——如果蓄水池中没有注入任何水的话。

The heavenly Bridegroom will not put out a believer’s candle—because of the dimness of its burning; nor will He overshadow a believer’s sun—because of the weakness of its shining.

天上的新郎不会因为信徒的蜡烛燃烧昏暗而熄灭它；祂也不会因为信徒的太阳光芒微弱而遮蔽它。

Though that vice may be found in us, for which He might justly damn us; yet that grace is to be found in Him, by which He can easily save us. He does not come with water to extinguish the fire—but with wind to disperse the smoke!

尽管我们身上可能存在祂有理由谴责我们的恶习；但在祂里面却能找到轻易拯救我们的恩典。祂不是带着水来扑灭火焰——而是带着风来驱散烟雾！

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord!” because the incense savors of the hand which offers it! Not only the wicked man’s designs against the godly are sinful—but all his prayers to God are also hateful. Not so for the righteous; for, the prayer of the upright is God’s delight. If the vessel of the heart is clean—God will taste of the sweet wine which is drawn from it! “O My dove, in the clefts of the rock, in the crevices of the cliff—let Me see your face, let Me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely!”

“恶人的祭物是耶和华所憎恶的！”因为香气带有献祭之人的手味！恶人不仅对敬虔之人的计谋是罪恶的——他向上帝的所有祷告也是可憎的。对于义人则不然；因为正直人的祷告是上帝所喜悦的。如果心灵的器皿是洁净的——上帝就会品尝从中流出的甜美之酒！”我的鸽子啊，你在磐石穴中，在悬崖隐密处——让我看见你的面貌，让我听见你的声音；因为你的声音甘甜，你的面貌秀美！”

Another principle that a Christian should walk by, is this: That inward purity is the ready road to outward plenty.
基督徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：内在的纯洁是通向外在丰盛的捷径。

That is but a Hell-made proverb, “Honest dealing is a jewel—but he who adheres to it shall die a beggar.”

这只是一句地狱制造的谚语：”诚实交易是一颗宝石——但坚持它的人将死于乞丐。”

Though true religion is against our sloth—yet it is not against our interest. Oh what rich clusters of grapes hang all along our way to Canaan! True religion is so bountiful a master—that none need be afraid of becoming its servant. “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you!” Our work below is the best done—when our work for above is the first done. He who has most of Heaven in his heart—has not always the least of earth in his hand.

尽管真正的宗教反对我们的懒惰——但它并不违背我们的利益。哦，在我们通往迦南的路上悬挂着多么丰富的葡萄串啊！真正的宗教是如此慷慨的主人——没有人需要害怕成为它的仆人。”你们要先求神的国和神的义，这些东西都要加给你们了！”我们在下面的工作最好完成——当我们为上面的工作先完成时。心中拥有最多天堂的人——手中并不总是拥有最少的地上之物。

“The young lions lack and suffer hunger—but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.” As they would feel no evil thing within, so they shall lack no good thing without.

“少壮狮子还缺食忍饿，但寻求耶和华的什么好处都不缺。”正如他们内心不会感到任何邪恶，他们外在也不会缺乏任何美好。

He who freely opens the upper spring—will never wholly close the nether springs. There shall be no silver lacking in Benjamin’s sack—while Joseph has it to throw in. Grace is not such a beggarly visitant—as will not pay its own way. When the best of beings is adored—the best of blessings are enjoyed.

自由开启上泉的人——永远不会完全关闭下泉。当约瑟有银子可以投入时——便雅悯的口袋里就不会缺少银子。恩典不是那种不付自己路费的乞丐访客。当最好的存在被崇拜时——最好的祝福就会被享受。

While the rough Esau of this world hunts after the venison—the smooth Jacob shall carry away the blessing! “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly!” Why need a saint fear darkness—when he has such a sun to guide him! Or why should he dread dangers—when he has such a shield to guard him!

当这个世界的粗犷的以扫追猎鹿肉时——温和的雅各将带走祝福！”因为耶和华神是日头，是盾牌；耶和华要赐下恩惠和荣耀。他未尝留下一样好处不给那些行动正直的人！”当一个圣徒有这样的太阳引导他时，他为何需要惧怕黑暗！或者当他有这样的盾牌保护他时，他为何应该畏惧危险！

Christian, the God whom you serve is so excellent—that no good can be added to Him; and He is so infinite, that no good can be diminished in Him!

基督徒啊，你所侍奉的上帝是如此卓越——没有任何美善可以被加添给祂；祂是如此无限，以至于没有任何美善可以从祂身上减少！

He blesses others—and yet He is not the less full. He shows mercy to the full—and yet remains full of mercy.

祂祝福他人——却丝毫不减少自身的丰盛。祂完全地施怜悯——却仍然满有怜悯。

Sinners look upon times of obedience—as times of hindrance. They trust to their own toiling—and not to God’s undertaking.

罪人将顺服的时期——视为阻碍的时期。他们信靠自己的劳作——而不是上帝的作为。

They carry on such a trade for the earth—as makes them miscarry in their merchandise for Heaven. Though every rich man is not truly godly—yet every godly man is truly rich!

他们如此经营世俗的买卖——以至于在天国的交易中失败。虽然并非每个富人都是真正敬虔的——但每个敬虔的人都是真正富足的！

The sun can as easily diffuse its beams over the whole world, as upon a single field. What God receives from man—makes Him no richer; and what man receives from God—makes God none the poorer.

太阳能轻易地将光芒散布到整个世界，就如同照耀在一片田地上一样。上帝从人那里得到的——并不会使祂更富足；人从上帝那里得到的——也不会使上帝变得贫穷。

His goodness may be imparted—but cannot be impaired.

祂的良善可以被分享——但绝不会被损害。

Christian Reader! if the deep fountain is still running—why should you fear to fill your little vessel?

基督徒读者啊！如果那深邃的泉源仍在涌流——你为何要害怕填满你的小器皿呢？

“The Lord is my shepherd—there is nothing I lack!” The sheep of Christ may change their pasture—but they shall never lack a pasture.

“耶和华是我的牧者——我必不至缺乏！”基督的羊可能会改变牧场——但他们永远不会缺少牧场。

“Is not the life—more than food; and the body—more than clothing?” If God grants to us great things—shall we distrust Him for small things?

“生命不是比食物更重要吗；身体不是比衣裳更重要吗？”如果上帝赐给我们大事——我们岂能在小事上不信任祂？

He who has given us heavenly blessings—will also give us earthly blessings. The great Gardener never under-stocked His own gardens.

那位赐给我们天上祝福的——也必赐给我们地上的祝福。这位伟大的园丁从未使祂自己的园子存货不足。

Jehu, who only served God in hypocrisy, had an external kingdom; and shall those who serve Him from a principle of inward purity, be put off without a heavenly kingdom?

耶户，那个只是虚伪地侍奉上帝的人，尚且得到了一个外在的王国；那些从内心纯洁原则出发侍奉祂的人，岂能被拒绝天国？

If God valued counterfeit coin so much—how highly will He esteem the true gold! If He drops so much blessing into a vessel of wrath—what will He put into a vessel of mercy!

如果上帝如此看重假币——祂会多么高度重视真金！如果祂将如此多的祝福倾倒在忿怒的器皿中——祂会在怜悯的器皿中放入什么！

If He gives so much to a bond-slave of Hell—what will He do for a free-born child of Heaven!

如果祂给予地狱的奴仆如此之多——祂会为天国的自由之子做什么！

“Have I been a wilderness unto Israel, a land of darkness?” God was not a wilderness to them—when they were in the wilderness. When they wanted bread—He gave them manna; when they wanted water—He opened a rock; and though they had no new apparel—yet their old garments did not wear out. Thus they were never better off—than when they were ready to give up all as lost.

“我岂是以色列的旷野，或是幽暗之地吗？”当他们在旷野中时，上帝对他们并非旷野。当他们需要面包时——祂赐给他们吗哪；当他们需要水时——祂开了一块岩石；虽然他们没有新衣服——但他们的旧衣服并未穿破。因此，当他们准备放弃一切视为失去时，他们从未比那时更好过。

Oh how good is the believer’s God, who not only shortens his pilgrimage for him—but also sweetens it to him! Had Christians too much of temporal things—they might care too little for spiritual things. Daniel appeared better with his plain vegetables, than the Babylonians with all their royal feasts. Some have rowed safely in a narrow river—and been drowned afterwards in a large sea. A little is sufficient—to him who with it enjoys God’s all-sufficiency.

信徒的上帝是多么美好啊，祂不仅缩短了他的朝圣之旅——还使之变得甜美！如果基督徒拥有太多世俗之物——他们可能会对属灵之事关心太少。但以理用他简单的蔬菜看起来比巴比伦人的所有皇家盛宴更好。有些人在狭窄的河流中安全划船——却在之后的大海中溺水。对于那些与之一同享受上帝全然丰足的人来说，一点点就足够了。

Godliness is so full a spring—that it will not let the Christian perish for lack of water. “Let the people praise You, God, let all the people praise You!” (What then?) “Then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our own God, shall bless us.” Our unthankfulness is the cause of the earth’s unfruitfulness. While man is blessing God for His mercies—He is blessing man with His mercies.

虔诚是如此充沛的泉源——它不会让基督徒因缺水而灭亡。”神啊，愿众民称颂你！愿万民都称颂你！”（然后呢？）”那时，地就必有出产；神，就是我们的神，要赐福与我们。”我们的不感恩是地球不结果实的原因。当人为祂的怜悯祝福上帝时——祂正以祂的怜悯祝福人。

Some are afraid of true religion, because they suppose they shall lose all their earthly mammon, while they are seeking heavenly manna. They think that piety—is the greatest enemy to prosperity. Could they but reap profit by praying, they would be found more at prayer. Ignorant worldlings look upon gain as their greatest godliness—and not on godliness as their greatest gain. But a golden plaster is a poor application for a wounded conscience. When the worm of carnality is gnawing at the root of religious performances, all the formalist’s blooming hopes will fade, and die away at last!

有些人害怕真正的宗教，因为他们认为在寻求天上的吗哪时，会失去所有世俗的财富（mammon）。他们认为虔诚是繁荣最大的敌人。如果他们能通过祷告获得利益，他们就会更多地祷告。无知的世俗之人将利益视为他们最大的虔诚——而不是将虔诚视为他们最大的利益。但金色的膏药对受伤的良心来说是一种糟糕的应用。当肉欲的虫子啃噬宗教表现的根基时，所有形式主义者繁盛的希望终将褪色，最终消亡！

“Godliness is profitable to all things; having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” Who knows how many rich productions there are in the pleasure-garden of religion! There is mellow fruit in it for every day in the year.

“敬虔凡事都有益处，因有今生和来生的应许。”谁知道在宗教的快乐花园中有多少丰富的产物！其中每年每天都有成熟的果实。

“Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, and delights greatly in His commandments; wealth and riches shall be in his house; and his righteousness endures forever.”
“敬畏耶和华并大大喜悦祂诫命的人有福了；财富和富有必在他家中；他的公义永远长存。”

All worldly gain, while we live, we may lose it; and when we die, we must leave it—but in keeping God’s commandments there is great reward.
所有世俗的得着，我们活着时可能会失去；当我们死时，必须离开它—但遵守上帝的诫命有大赏赐。

There is a reward of God’s approbation in life; of the believer’s confirmation in death; and of their complete salvation in glory.
在生命中有上帝赞许的赏赐；在死亡中有信徒确认的赏赐；在荣耀中有他们完全救恩的赏赐。

In earthly services the master enjoys the profit—but in pious services the servant enjoys the profit.
在世俗的服务中主人享受利益—但在虔诚的服务中仆人享受利益。

“And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obed-Edom three months; and the Lord blessed Obed-Edom, and all his household.”
“耶和华的约柜在俄别·以东的家中三个月；耶和华赐福给俄别·以东和他的全家。”

The ark was not blessed for the sake of his household—but his household was blessed for the sake of the ark.
约柜不是为了他的家庭而得福—而是他的家庭因约柜的缘故而得福。

The ark of God always pays for its hospitality, wherever it dwells.
上帝的约柜无论住在哪里，总是回报其款待。

Many will side with religion while they can live upon it—and desert it when it must live upon them.
许多人在能靠宗教生活时会支持宗教—而当宗教必须依靠他们时就会抛弃它。

But that saying is yet true; “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”
但那句话仍然是真实的；”敬虔加上知足就是大利。”

It is only the Christian man, who is the truly contented man; and what are our enjoyments without contentment?
只有基督徒才是真正知足的人；没有知足我们的享受又算什么？

What is a great possession—if wedded to great vexation?
如果与巨大的烦恼相伴—巨大的财产又算什么？

Wicked men make this world their treasure—and God makes it their torment.
恶人将这个世界当作他们的财宝—而上帝使之成为他们的折磨。

When they want estates—they are troubled for them; when they have estates—they are troubled with them.
当他们想要产业时—他们为之烦恼；当他们拥有产业时—他们又因之烦恼。

When they would drink of the river—God disturbs the water.
当他们想要饮河水时—上帝搅动水面。

Reader! if you know nothing of Christ, I wish you to remember, that when you come to die—you will find true religion necessary; and while you live—you will find it profitable.
读者啊！如果你对基督一无所知，我希望你记住，当你临终时—你会发现真正的宗教是必要的；而当你活着时—你会发现它是有益的。

The purest honey—is gathered out of the hive of holiness.
最纯净的蜂蜜—是从圣洁的蜂巢中采集的。

The ways of iniquity—are the ways of beggary.
罪孽的道路—就是乞讨的道路。

It is but reasonable that God should fall out with those in the course of His providence, who fall off from Him in the course of their obedience.
上帝在祂的护理过程中与那些在顺服过程中离弃祂的人发生冲突，这是合理的。

“In Wisdom’s right hand is length of days; and in her left hand riches and honor.”
“在智慧的右手中是长寿；在她的左手中是财富和荣誉。”

Look to which ever hand you will—and you will find it full.
无论你看向哪只手—你都会发现它是满的。

Another principle that a believer should walk by, is this: That all the time which God allows him—is but enough for the work which He allots him.
信徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：上帝给予他的所有时间——仅够完成祂分配给他的工作。

“Man that is born of a woman, is of few days, and full of trouble.” Nature’s womb—sometimes proves nature’s tomb.
“妇人所生的人，日子短少，多有患难。”大自然的子宫——有时成为大自然的坟墓。

With many it is ebb water—before the tide is at the full. The lamps of their lives are extinguished—almost as soon as they are lighted. The sand of their hour-glass is run out—when they think it is but newly turned.
对许多人来说，潮水还未满就已退去。他们生命的灯——几乎刚点亮就熄灭了。他们以为沙漏刚刚翻转——却已经流尽。

When men feel sickness arresting—then they fear death is approaching. But we begin to die—as soon as ever we began to live. Every man’s death-bell, hangs in his own steeple. Take him in his four elements, of earth, air, fire, and water. In the earth—he is as fleeting dust; in the air—he is as a disappearing vapor; in the water—he is as a breaking bubble; and in the fire—he is as consuming smoke. Many think not of living any holier—until they can live no longer; but one today is worth two tomorrows.
当人感到疾病袭来时——他们就惧怕死亡临近。但我们一开始活着——就开始死亡。每个人的死亡钟声，都悬挂在自己的尖塔上。以他的四大元素来看，即土、气、火、水。在土中——他如飞逝的尘土；在空气中——他如消散的蒸汽；在水中——他如破裂的泡沫；在火中——他如消耗的烟雾。许多人直到无法继续活下去——才想到要活得更圣洁；但今日一日胜过明日两日。

Reader, you know not how soon the sails of your life may be rolled up—or how near you are to your eternal haven; and if you have not Jesus as your pilot within you—you will suffer an eternal shipwreck!
读者啊，你不知道你生命的帆何时会被卷起——或者你离永恒的港湾有多近；如果你内心没有耶稣作为引航员——你将遭受永恒的沉船之灾！

Poor soul what will you do, if you begin to die naturally, before you begin to live spiritually!
可怜的灵魂啊，如果你开始自然死亡，却还未开始属灵生活，你将如何是好！

How will you be astonished, if the tabernacle of nature be taken down—before the temple of grace be raised up!
如果自然的帐幕被拆毁，而恩典的殿堂尚未建立，你将会多么震惊！

What must you feel, if your paradise is laid waste, before the tree of life is set in it!
如果你的乐园被毁坏，生命树还未种植其中，你会感到何等痛苦！

How can you bear to give up the spirit, before you have received the Holy Spirit?
在你还未接受圣灵之前，你如何能忍受放弃灵魂？

Eternal will be your darkness—if the sun of your life sets within you, before the Sun of Righteousness shines upon you.
如果你生命的太阳在你里面落下，而公义的太阳还未照耀你，你将永远处于黑暗之中。

Woe be to you—if your body is returned into the earth—before your soul is fit to be taken into Heaven.
如果你的身体归于尘土，而你的灵魂还不适合被带入天堂，你将遭遇祸患。

If the second birth has no place in you—the second death will assuredly have power over you.
如果第二次出生（重生）在你身上没有发生，第二次死亡必定会掌控你。

Our life can be compared to a DAY.
我们的生命可以比作一天。

Infancy is the day dawn; youth is the sun rising; adulthood is the sun’s meridian; and old age is the setting sun.
婴儿期是黎明；青年期是日出；成年期是正午；老年期是日落。

By the light of the day—the Lord helps us to do the work of the day.
借着白天的光，主帮助我们完成一天的工作。

“O that you had known in this your day, the things that belong to your peace; but now they are hidden from your eyes!”
“唯愿你在这属于你的日子里，知道那关乎你平安的事；但如今这些事向你的眼睛隐藏了！”

O how just it is—that they should miss of Heaven at last, who never seek for Heaven until the last!
那些直到最后才寻求天堂的人最终错过天堂，这是多么公正啊！

How reasonable it is—that God should deny them His grace to repent—who abuse His grace to sin!
那些滥用上帝恩典去犯罪的人，上帝拒绝给他们悔改的恩典，这是多么合理啊！

It is a maxim, that everything has a principle to return to its own source.
这是一个格言，万物都有回归其本源的原则。

The rivers which have their efflux from the sea—have their reflux to the sea.
从海洋流出的河流，最终又流回海洋。

Out of the dust man was formed—and therefore into the dust man will be returned.
人是由尘土造成的，因此也将归于尘土。

Aged Reader! how much of your life is gone—and yet how little of God is known!
年长的读者啊！你的生命已逝去多少，却对上帝知之甚少！

How can you appear before God—if you are not found in God?
如果你不在上帝里面，你如何能在上帝面前显现？

Your being ancient in days—will be no plea for you before the Ancient of Days.
你年纪老迈，在亘古常在者面前并不能成为你的辩护。

If you have not Christ the hope of glory in you—you must have Christ the God of glory against you.
如果你里面没有基督这荣耀的盼望，你就必定有基督这荣耀的上帝与你为敌。

If you do not partake of what Christ has done—you will be eternally undone!
如果你不分享基督所成就的，你将永远沉沦！

O fresh picture of youth—how lovely will you appear, if hung up in Heaven’s palace!
青春的鲜活画面啊——如果挂在天国的宫殿里，你将会显得多么可爱！

And will you spend your youthful life—in following youthful lusts?
你会把年轻的生命花在追随年轻的欲望上吗？

Do you not know that the blossom is as subject to be nipped—as the flower to be withered; and the spark to be extinguished—as the flame to be consumed?
难道你不知道，花蕾同样会被掐断，如同鲜花会凋谢；火花同样会被熄灭，如同火焰会被吞噬吗？

Veins full of youthful blood, may be emptied by an accident, as readily as those that are leakish with old age.
充满年轻血液的血管，可能会因意外而耗尽，就像那些因年老而衰弱的血管一样容易。

As there are none too old for eternity—so there are none too young for mortality.
正如没有人太老而不能进入永恒——也没有人太年轻而不会面对死亡。

In Golgotha, there are skulls of all sizes.
在各各他，有各种大小的头骨。

Tell me—how will you live when you die—if you are dead while you live?
告诉我——如果你活着的时候就已经死了，那么当你死的时候你将如何活着？

Every step that your body takes, is towards the earth.
你身体迈出的每一步，都是朝向大地。

Oh that every step your soul takes may be towards Heaven!
但愿你灵魂迈出的每一步都是朝向天堂！

The vine which brings forth no grapes—shall be cut down as well as that which brings forth wild grapes.
不结葡萄的葡萄树——将被砍倒，就像结野葡萄的葡萄树一样。

Oh how sad is it, to be taken out of the world—before we are taken off from the world!
哦，在我们与世界脱离之前就被带离这个世界，这是多么悲伤啊！

“Today if you hear His voice—do not harden your hearts.”
“今天，如果你们听到祂的声音——不要硬着心肠。”

We have but a day wherein we are called to repent—and therefore, should repent while it is called today.
我们只有一天的时间被呼召悔改——因此，应当在它被称为今天的时候悔改。

He is the deafest adder—who stops his ears to the voice of the sweetest charmer.
他是最聋的蝰蛇——对最甜美的迷惑者的声音充耳不闻。

The Lord has made a promise to late repentance—but He has not made a promise of late repentance.
主已经对迟来的悔改做出了承诺——但祂并没有承诺会有迟来的悔改。

If the heart of man is not now thawed—it will be forever frozen.
如果人的心现在没有融化——它将永远冻结。

A pardon is sometimes given to a thief at the gallows—but he who trusts to that, usually has a rope for his wages!
有时会在绞刑架上给盗贼赦免——但信赖这个的人，通常会得到一根绳子作为报酬！

“Do not boast of tomorrow; for you don’t know what a day may bring forth.”
“不要为明天自夸；因为你不知道一天会带来什么。”

Man is such a blind creature, that he cannot unerringly see a day before him.
人是如此盲目的生物，以至于他无法准确地看到眼前的一天。

O see the end of one day—before you glory in the beginning of another!
哦，在你为另一天的开始欢欣之前——先看看这一天的结束吧！

Many a man’s days deceive him—they pass away like a shadow by moonshine, which appears longest when the moon is lowest.
许多人的日子欺骗了他——它们像月光下的影子一样消逝，当月亮最低时影子看起来最长。

You may not have half a day to live—when you think that you have not lived out half your days.
当你认为自己还没有活过一半寿命时——你可能连半天的生命都没有了。

“The night is coming—wherein no man can work.”
“黑夜将至——届时无人能工作。”

The grave is a bed to rest in—but not a shop to trade in.
坟墓是休息的床——而不是交易的店铺。

There is no setting up under ground, for those who have neglected their souls above ground.
对于那些在地上忽视灵魂的人来说，地下没有重新开始的机会。

When the soul takes her flight from her loving mate the body—they shall meet no more until the great day of retribution. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation!”
当灵魂从其挚爱的伴侣——身体中飞离时，它们将不再相遇，直到那伟大的报应之日。”看哪，现在正是蒙悦纳的时候；看哪，现在正是拯救的日子！”

Opportunities are for eternity—but not to eternity. Mercy’s clock does not strike at the sinners beck! Where the means of grace are greatest—there they are often the shortest.
机会是为永恒而存在的——但并非永恒存在。怜悯之钟不会按罪人的呼唤而敲响！在恩典方法最丰富的地方——那里的恩典往往最短暂。

You may be unhappy all your days, for despising the happiness of these days.
你可能终生不快乐，因为你蔑视了这些日子的幸福。

That was a sad cry of one, “My life is done—but my work is undone.” “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise.”
这是一个人悲伤的呐喊，”我的生命已尽——但我的工作未完。””你这懒惰人哪，去察看蚂蚁的动作就可得智慧。”

Though the summer of life is but just opening—yet the winter of death is approaching. And how can you live in that winter, if there be no honey in your hive in this summer?
虽然生命的夏天才刚刚开始——但死亡的冬天却在迫近。如果你在这个夏天没有在蜂巢中储存蜂蜜，你怎能在那个冬天生存？

“Seek the Lord while He may be found—call upon Him while He is near!” Young person, the sufferings of eternal death are but the consequence of your willful contempt of eternal life.
“要趁耶和华可寻找的时候寻找他，相近的时候求告他！”年轻人啊，永恒死亡的痛苦不过是你故意蔑视永恒生命的后果。

Methinks the worth of such a heavenly pearl as Christ—should sparkle in your eyes. Oh that you may walk in the light of that Sun—by the beams of which you may see your way to Heaven!
我想，像基督这样的天国珍珠的价值——应该在你眼中闪耀。哦，愿你能在那太阳的光芒中行走——借着它的光线，你可以看清通往天堂的道路！

No disease is more fatal—than that which stimulates you to reject the restoring medicine. What a sad thing it is—that such mines of grace should be opened, and not a penny of this treasure fall to your share!
没有比刺激你拒绝恢复性药物更致命的疾病了。多么可悲啊——如此丰富的恩典矿藏被开启，却没有一分钱的财富落到你的份上！

Come, I trust you are not gone so far in sin—as to be beyond all hope of returning. A returning prodigal—may yet meet with a welcome reception. The eternal Father is yet a tender Father. He delights to see a repenting prodigal; to hear a mourning Ephraim; and help a sinking Peter.
来吧，我相信你还没有在罪中走得太远——以至于失去所有回头的希望。一个回归的浪子——可能还会受到欢迎的接待。永恒的父仍是一位温柔的父。他喜悦看到一个悔改的浪子；听到一个哀悼的以法莲；并帮助一个下沉的彼得。

How much time has God bestowed upon man—before man has returned any of it to Him again? It is good to have an ark prepared, before that deluge comes, in which you may be overwhelmed.
在人将任何时间回报给上帝之前，上帝已经赐予人多少时间？在那可能淹没你的洪水来临之前，预备好方舟是明智的。

Remember that God can as easily turn you into dust—as He took you out of the dust. Delays are no more numerous, than they are dangerous. Before you can do good—you must be made good.
记住，上帝可以轻易地将你变回尘土——就像他从尘土中造你一样。拖延不仅频繁，而且危险。在你能行善之前——你必须先变得善良。

For who would look for fresh water—from a drained river; or that sweet grapes should grow upon a withered vine?
谁会从干涸的河流中寻找清水；或期望甜美的葡萄能长在枯萎的藤蔓上？

For a man to make his soul’s concern his last concern; what is this—but as if a gardener should be putting in his plough—when he should be thrusting in his sickle!
一个人把他灵魂的关切作为最后的关切；这是什么——不就像一个园丁应该挥动镰刀收割的时候却在插入犁头！

Know, man, that there is but one Heaven! Miss that, and where will you take up your eternal lodging—but in Hell!
要知道，人啊，只有一个天堂！错过了它，你将在何处永恒居住——除了地狱！

A wicked man’s life expires like a tallow candle, leaving a foul odor behind it—but a gracious man’s life expires like a wax candle—which leaves a sweet perfume behind it.
一个邪恶之人的生命如同牛脂蜡烛般消逝，留下一股恶臭——但一个仁慈之人的生命如同蜂蜡蜡烛般消逝——留下一股甜美的香气。

Another principle that a Christian will walk by, is this: That there can never be too great an estrangement, from defilement.
基督徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：与污秽之事永远不会有太大的疏离。

He who now gives way to the least sin—may be given up to the greatest sins. We are never far enough from lust—while we are on earth; or near enough to Christ—while we are out of Heaven. A sound eye cannot endure the least spot. O, stand far off from the devil’s mark—unless you would be hit by his arrows!
现在对最小的罪妥协的人，可能会被交给最大的罪。我们在地上时，永远无法离欲望够远；在天堂之外时，也永远无法离基督够近。健康的眼睛无法忍受任何污点。噢，要远离魔鬼的标记——除非你想被他的箭射中！

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” The drawing near to the appearance of evil—is the first step to the accomplishment of the most enormous evil. A spark of fire—will easily catch in a box of tinder. Little streams will find a passage to the great sea. Christian Reader! restriction is a good barrier to transgression. Why should you venture on slippery places—who can scarcely stand upon the firmest ground?
“要远离一切邪恶的表象。”接近邪恶的表象是实现最巨大邪恶的第一步。一点火星很容易在一盒火绒中燃起。小溪终会找到通向大海的道路。基督徒读者啊！约束是防止越轨的良好屏障。你在最坚实的地面上都难以站稳，为何还要冒险踏入滑溜的地方？

As faith is a grace which feeds all the rest—so fear is a grace that guards all the rest. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” That man who is the most watchful—is the least sinful. He may quickly be cast down by a sinful temptation—who is already prepared for it by a sinful occasion. Who will pity that man whose house is blown up with gun powder—if he stores it in the chimney corner?
信心是滋养所有其他美德的恩典，而敬畏则是守护所有其他美德的恩典。”要警醒祷告，免得陷入试探。”最警惕的人最不容易犯罪。那些已经为罪恶场合做好准备的人，可能很快就会被罪恶的诱惑击倒。如果一个人把火药存放在壁炉角落，当他的房子被炸毁时，谁会同情他呢？

Such is the monstrous wickedness of men, that they use spurs and whips to that horse, which of itself rushes too fast into the battle. Though the streams and currents of their own lusts carry them too swiftly already—yet they hoist up sails to catch the devil’s winds! Such have a title good enough for Hell—without so much trouble to make it surer.
人类的邪恶如此可怕，他们对那匹自己已经冲得太快的战马还要用马刺和鞭子。尽管他们自己欲望的洪流已经把他们卷得太快，他们却还要扬起帆来迎接魔鬼的风！这样的人已经有了足够进入地狱的资格——无需再费心去确保它。

The fowler spreads his net—but the wings of the bird carry her into it! Do you murmur for lack of liberty—and yet surrender yourself to slavery? If you would not step into the harlot’s house—you should not go by the harlot’s door! If you would not gather the forbidden fruit, then beware how you look on the tree where it grows!
捕鸟人撒下网，但鸟儿的翅膀却把它带入网中！你抱怨缺乏自由——却又把自己交给奴役？如果你不想踏入妓女的房子，就不该经过妓女的门！如果你不想摘取禁果，就要当心你如何看待长着禁果的树！

Those who would not fall into the river—should beware how they approach too near to its banks.
那些不想掉进河里的人——应当当心不要靠河岸太近。

He who crushes the egg—need not fear the biting of the serpent.
捏碎蛋的人——不必担心蛇的咬伤。

He who would not drink of the wine of divine wrath—let him not touch the cup of sinful pleasure.
不想饮神之怒的酒的人——就不要碰罪恶快乐的杯子。

He who would not hear the bell of eternal death, should not play with the rope of sin.
不想听到永恒死亡之钟声的人，不应玩弄罪恶之绳。

A person who carries gunpowder about him—can never stand too far from the fire.
随身携带火药的人——永远不会离火太远。

If we accompany sin one mile—it will compel us to go two.
如果我们与罪同行一英里——它会迫使我们走两英里。

It swells like Elijah’s cloud, from the size of a man’s hand to such an expansion, as to cover the whole sky.
它像以利亚的云一样膨胀，从一个人手掌大小扩展到覆盖整个天空。

“Let him who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall.”
“自以为站得稳的，须要谨慎，免得跌倒。”

You will quickly lose your standing—if you are fearless of falling.
如果你不怕跌倒——你会很快失去立足之地。

He who abstains from no lawful thing—may soon be brought to commit something that is sinful.
不戒除任何合法之事的人——可能很快就会被引导去做一些有罪的事。

Many a man has been thrown out of the saddle of profession, by riding with too slack a rein of circumspection.
许多人因骑马时缰绳太松而被抛出职业的马鞍。

An honest woman will blush to be found in the attire of a sluttish woman.
一个诚实的女人会因被发现穿着放荡女人的服装而脸红。

Reader, will you invite that sin into the chamber of your heart—which brought Christ unto the cross?
读者，你会邀请那将基督带到十字架上的罪进入你心灵的内室吗？

Is your house so largely built, that you can afford that sin a harbor, which you know to be a traitor?
你的房子建得如此之大，以至于你能够为你知道是叛徒的罪提供庇护所吗？

“Hate even the garment spotted by the flesh.”
“连那被肉体沾染的衣服也当厌恶。”

Those garments which are defiled with the leprosy of sin—must either be cleansed by the priest, or burnt outside the camp.
那些被罪的麻风病玷污的衣服——要么必须由祭司洁净，要么必须在营外焚烧。

If a sick man dislikes the cup out of which he took his bitter medicine—how should he refuse and abhor that which is filled with deadly poison!
如果一个病人讨厌他喝苦药的杯子——他该如何拒绝和厌恶那装满致命毒药的杯子！

A believer disbands those auxiliaries, who have assisted his adversaries.
信徒解散那些曾协助他对手的援军。

If an Achan handles the golden wedge—his next work will be to steal it.
如果亚干触摸金子——他的下一步就是偷窃它。

If you take the devil’s cup into your hand—it is to be feared that you will quickly lift it to your head.
如果你把魔鬼的杯子拿在手中——恐怕你很快就会把它举到头上。

Another principle by which a believer should walk, is this: That whatever is temporally enjoyed, should be spiritually improved.
信徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：凡今世所享受的，都应当在属灵上得到提升。

All that a believer receives is from the hand of divine bounty—and should be employed to the end of the divine glory. Others make an earthly use of heavenly things—but he makes a heavenly use of earthly things. The more God oils our wheels on earth—the swifter our chariots move to Heaven. Grace can teach how to plume the wings of riches, and instruct us how to lay up that treasure in Heaven, which comes out of the midst of this earth.

信徒所领受的一切都来自神圣恩惠之手——应当用于实现神圣荣耀的目的。其他人将天上的事物用于尘世——而他却将尘世的事物用于天上。神越是润滑我们在地上的车轮——我们的战车就越快地驶向天堂。恩典能教导如何装饰财富的羽翼，指导我们如何将源自这尘世中的财宝积攒在天上。

There is a divine chemistry, which can extract the purest spirits out of the most foul matter. The beast on the altar differs not in kind—from the beast at the slaughter. There is a lawful craft of coining our money over again, and adding the image and superscription of God—to that which is Caesar’s. It is said of the philosopher’s stone—that it turns whatever it touches, into gold.

有一种神圣的炼金术，能从最污秽的物质中提取出最纯净的精华。祭坛上的兽与屠宰场上的兽在种类上并无区别。有一种合法的技艺，可以重新铸造我们的钱币，在凯撒的物上加上神的形象和铭文。据说哲学家之石——能将其触碰的一切变成黄金。

Whatever mill a saint has going in the world—he will spread the sails of it for the wind of divine approbation, that it may move round for God’s glory. When God sets him up above the world—then he holds up God to the world.

圣徒在世上无论经营什么磨坊——他都会为获得神圣赞许之风而扬起帆，使之为神的荣耀而转动。当神将他置于世界之上时——他就向世界高举神。

It is unequal, to be hot in our petitions—and cold in our praises. Many will cry aloud, “Give us this day our daily bread” and whisper out, “Hallowed be Your name.” This is like opening our windows to admit the light, and then shutting them tightly to keep out the sun.

在祈求时热切——而在赞美时冷淡，这是不公平的。许多人会大声呼喊”我们日用的饮食，今日赐给我们”，却低声细语”愿你的名被尊为圣”。这就像打开窗户让光线进来，然后又紧紧关上以阻挡阳光。

It cannot be praiseworthy to remember God in our necessities—and then forget Him in our prosperity.
在我们有需要时记念上帝，而在我们繁荣时忘记祂，这是不值得称赞的。

His kindness is as proper a ground for praising Him—as His promise is for praying to Him.
祂的仁慈是赞美祂的适当理由，就像祂的应许是向祂祈祷的理由一样。

If under our miseries we can seek God with diligence—then under the weight of His mercies we should praise Him with cheerfulness.
如果在我们的苦难中我们能勤勉地寻求上帝，那么在祂的怜悯重担下，我们就应该欣然赞美祂。

Mercies are such gifts—as advance our debts.
怜悯是这样的礼物——增加了我们的债务。

It is as unpleasant to see a Christian in an ungrateful temper—as it is unnatural to see Pharaoh’s lean cows in a fat pasture.
看到一个基督徒处于忘恩负义的情绪中，就像看到法老的瘦牛在肥沃的牧场上一样不自然，令人不快。

If God gives us any enjoyment—it is for His own entertainment.
如果上帝给我们任何享受——那是为了祂自己的娱乐。

Well may those hands reap the fruits, which set the plants.
那些种植的手很可能会收获果实。

Is he not worthy to feed at that table—which his own hands have spread?
他难道不配在他自己双手摆设的桌子上进食吗？

Where former blessings have been acknowledged, there future blessings shall be enjoyed.
在过去的祝福得到承认的地方，未来的祝福也将被享受。

When man fights against God with His gifts—he fights against himself with his own sins.
当人用上帝的恩赐与上帝对抗时——他就是用自己的罪与自己对抗。

Take a wicked man, and you will not find him led to God, by that which comes from God.
拿一个邪恶的人来说，你不会发现他被那来自上帝的东西引向上帝。

He, like the sea, turns the sweetest showers—into the saltiest waters.
他，就像大海一样，把最甜美的阵雨——变成最咸的水。

The greater substance he has from God—the less service has God from him.
他从上帝那里得到的实质越多——上帝从他那里得到的服侍就越少。

Like the moon he is furthest from the sun—when he shines with the greatest splendor.
就像月亮一样，当他最光彩夺目时——他离太阳最远。

The more a dunghill has the sunbeams upon it—the more stinking is the vapor arising from it.
粪堆上的阳光越多——从中升起的蒸汽就越臭。

Sinners, instead of having vials full of sweet odors—have hearts full of foul evils.
罪人，不是拥有充满甜美香气的小瓶——而是拥有充满污秽邪恶的心。

How many are there, who are highly above others in false greatness, and yet are greatly below them in real goodness!
有多少人在虚假的伟大中高人一等，却在真正的善良上远远落后于他人！

To turn from God while He is blessing them—is worse than to turn from Him when He is smiting them!
在上帝祝福他们时背离祂——比在祂惩罚他们时背离祂更糟糕！

Jesus answered, “Many good works have I showed you—for which of these good works do you stone Me?”
耶稣回答说：”我向你们显示了许多善行——你们为哪一件善行要用石头打我呢？”

He showed them His goodness—and they stoned Him for the goodness He had shown.
祂向他们显示了祂的善良——而他们却因祂所显示的善良而用石头打祂。

They were like Aesop’s snake, which lay still in the frost—but stung him who laid it in his bosom!
他们就像伊索寓言中的蛇，在霜冻中一动不动——但却刺伤了把它放在怀里的人！

If it be a sin to return unto man evil for evil—what must it be to return unto God evil for good?
如果以恶报恶是一种罪——那么以恶报善对上帝来说又会是什么呢？

When we taste the sweet wine—we should not forget the vine whereon the grapes grew.
当我们品尝甜美的葡萄酒时——我们不应忘记葡萄生长的藤蔓。

When we are refreshed by the rolling streams—it would be well to remember the spring from whence they arose.
当我们被流动的溪流所refreshed（刷新）时——最好记住它们源自何处的泉水。

A load of earth has crushed many a man to death!
一堆泥土已经压死了许多人！

The richer some professors have been without—the poorer they have been within.
一些教授在外表上越富有——他们内心就越贫乏。

Notwithstanding the pious pretenses of the Romish conclave, the Indians brought more of the Spaniards to worship their gold, than ever the Spaniards brought of the Indians to worship their God.
尽管罗马教廷有虔诚的pretenses（伪装），印第安人使更多的西班牙人崇拜他们的黄金，而不是西班牙人使印第安人崇拜他们的上帝。

The Indians had made more infidels—than the Spaniards had made converts.
印第安人造就了更多的异教徒——而不是西班牙人造就了皈依者。

Outward mercies to our bodies, are divine baits—which are sometimes laid to catch our souls.
对我们身体的外在怜悯，是神圣的诱饵——有时用来捕获我们的灵魂。

God tries the vessel with plain water—that He may fill it with sweet wine.
上帝用清水试验容器——以便祂可以用甜酒填满它。

Every stream leads an observant believer—to the fountain-head.
每条溪流都引导一个细心的信徒——到达源头。

The more God’s hand is enlarged in blessing him—the more his heart is enlivened in blessing God.
上帝的手在祝福他时越是扩大——他的心在祝福上帝时就越活跃。

Where the sun of mercy shines hottest—there the fruits of grace grow fastest.
怜悯之阳照耀最热烈的地方——恩典之果生长最快。

In the book of nature—we may read the God of nature.
在自然之书中——我们可以读到自然之神。

The creature is like a tuned instrument, and the Christian’s hand can strike it to the Redeemer’s praise.
生物就像一件调音的乐器，而基督徒的手可以弹奏它来赞美救赎主。

As a saint has a heart to seek God in what He has promised—so he has a hand to serve Him with what he possesses.
正如圣徒有一颗寻求上帝所应许之事的心——他也有一只用他所拥有的来服侍祂的手。

The greater the wages are which he receives—the better is the work which he performs.
他获得的工资越多——他完成的工作就越好。

If he has five talents committed to him—he earns five more.
如果他被委以五种talents（才能）——他就赚得五种更多。

If he has one—he improves one.
如果他有一种——他就改进一种。

The more a merchant adventures at sea—the greater are the returns expected at land.
商人在海上冒险越多——在陆地上期望的回报就越大。

The tallest vines should always bear the sweetest grapes, because they lie most open to the sun.
最高的葡萄藤应该总是结出最甜的葡萄，因为它们最暴露在阳光下。

It is sacrilege to possess the largest crops—and return to God the smallest gifts of gratitude.
拥有最丰盛的收成——却回报给上帝最小的感恩礼物，这是亵渎。

The requital of good for evil—is admirable.
以善报恶——是令人钦佩的。

The requital of good for good—is laudable.
以善报善——是值得称赞的。

The requital of evil for evil—is blamable.
以恶报恶——是应受谴责的。

The requital of evil for good—is abominable!
以恶报善——是可憎的！

The April showers which invigorate the herbage, and beautify the spring—do likewise bring forth many offensive, croaking frogs.
四月的阵雨既能使草木焕发生机，让春天变得美丽——同时也会带来许多令人讨厌的呱呱叫的青蛙。

Man should resemble the rivers, which as they receive their increase from the sea—are restlessly returning to their source.
人应当像河流一样，正如它们从海洋获得增长——也在不停地回流到它们的源头。

Who is so unworthy of God’s blessing as man? Who is so worthy of man’s praises as God?
谁像人一样如此不配得到上帝的祝福？谁像上帝一样如此值得人的赞美？

Beloved, we have not longer enjoyed the blessings of the earth—than we have abused them.
亲爱的，我们享受地上的祝福还没有多久——就已经开始滥用它们了。

This gives too much cause to fear, that though the child of mercy, like Jacob, has put forth his hand—yet the child of judgment, like Esau, may supersede him.
这给了我们太多理由去担心，尽管蒙怜悯的孩子，如雅各，已经伸出了他的手——但审判的孩子，如以扫，可能会取代他。

The devout Bernard observes, “Ingratitude is a parching wind—which will dry up the divine springs of bounty, and dews of mercy.”
虔诚的伯纳德观察到，”忘恩负义是一阵干燥的风——它将使神圣的恩惠之泉和怜悯之露干涸。”

Man was formed the last of the creation—that he might contemplate upon God through every creature.
人是创造的最后被造的——这是为了让他能通过每一个受造物来思考上帝。

Beloved, when you survey the spacious skies, and behold it hung with such resplendent gems—then think that if the suburbs are so beautiful, what must the city be!
亲爱的，当你观察广阔的天空，看到它挂满如此灿烂的宝石时——想一想，如果郊区都如此美丽，那城市会是什么样子！

What is God’s footstool, compared to the His throne!
与上帝的宝座相比，祂的脚凳算什么！

When you view the evening star above you—then reflect upon the morning star within you.
当你仰望头顶的晚星时——请思考你内心的晨星。

When you sit down at your table to eat, let this be your first course—how happy are all those who shall eat bread in the kingdom of Christ!
当你坐在餐桌前用餐时，让这成为你的第一道菜——那些将在基督的国度里吃饼的人是多么幸福啊！

Those are the rarest feasts—which are graced with the most royal guests.
那些最稀有的盛宴——是由最尊贵的客人所装点的。

When you see the winged travelers swiftly part the skies; or the winding rivers hastening to their origin—then consider how rapidly the little rivers of opportunity are pushing their way to the great ocean of eternity.
当你看到有翅膀的旅行者迅速划过天空；或蜿蜒的河流匆忙奔向它们的源头时——请思考机会的小溪是如何迅速地冲向永恒的大海。

When you are decorating your bodies with fine clothing—then reflect how the eternal Word put on the rough suit of humanity.
当你用华美的衣服装饰你的身体时——请思考永恒的道是如何穿上了粗糙的人性外衣。

Think how mercy undressed itself—to cover you with its garments!
想想怜悯是如何脱去自己的衣服——来用它的衣裳遮盖你！

When you take off your apparel—then remember that you must put off this tabernacle.
当你脱下衣服时——要记住你必须脱下这个帐幕（tabernacle，指身体）。

Be going to your bed—as if you were going to your grave; and so close your eyes in one world—as if you were immediately to open them in another.
去睡觉时——要如同你要去坟墓一般；在这个世界闭上眼睛——仿佛你将立即在另一个世界睁开眼睛。

When you behold your garden stored with trees, and richly laden with fruit—then contemplate upon the Great Gardener, the true Vine, and His believing branches.
当你看到你的花园里种满树木，果实累累时——要思考那位伟大的园丁、真正的葡萄树，以及祂忠信的枝子。

It cannot be so pleasant to see our orchards bearing fruits for us—as it is to God, to see us bringing forth fruit to Him.
看到我们的果园为我们结出果实，远不如上帝看到我们为祂结出果实那样令人愉悦。

When you gaze upon the stately buildings, the shady groves, the crystal streams, the pleasant meadows, and all the pomp of wicked men—then think if sinners go away with such large portions—how great shall Benjamin’s portion be!
当你凝视那些宏伟的建筑、阴凉的树林、清澈的溪流、宜人的草地，以及恶人的所有奢华时——要想，如果罪人能得到如此丰厚的份额——本雅悯（Benjamin）的份额将会有多大！

If the children of the concubines have such possessions, what shall be the inheritance of the children of promise!
如果妾生的孩子拥有如此的财产，应许之子的继承将会是什么！

If the dogs fare so well beneath the table—how must the children fare at it!
如果桌下的狗都能吃得那么好——孩子们在桌边该吃得多好啊！

Give me that eye which can see God in all; and that hand which can serve God with all; and that heart which can bless God for all.
赐给我能在万事中看见上帝的眼睛；能全心全意服侍上帝的双手；能为一切事物感谢上帝的心。

Growing worse and worse!

Another principle that a Christian is to walk by is this: that he should speak well of God—whatever affliction he receives from God.
基督徒应该遵循的另一个原则是：无论从神那里得到什么苦难，他都应该善言神。

“What! Shall we receive good at the hand of God—and shall we not receive evil?”
“什么！难道我们从神手里得福，不也该受祸吗？”

While the water is quiet—the mud lies at the bottom; but when it is disturbed—it rises to the top. Every small row-boat can float in a shallow river; but it must be a strong vessel which ploughs the troubled ocean. “The Lord gives—and the Lord takes away; blessed be the Name of the Lord.” God gives before He takes—and He takes only what He gives. The hour-glass of outward happiness soon runs out! Today Job is the richest man in all the east; tomorrow Job is the poorest man in all the world. Yet his heart was like a fruitful paradise—when his estate was like a barren wilderness! Though God burnt up his houses—yet his palace (his heart) was left standing.
当水静止时——淤泥沉在底部；但当水被搅动时——淤泥就浮到表面。每一艘小划船都能在浅河中漂浮；但必须是坚固的船只才能在汹涌的海洋中航行。”耶和华赐予，耶和华收取；耶和华的名是应当称颂的。”神在收取之前先赐予——祂只收取祂所赐予的。外在幸福的沙漏很快就会流尽！今天约伯是全东方最富有的人；明天约伯就成了世界上最贫穷的人。然而，当他的产业如同荒芜的旷野时——他的心却如同硕果累累的乐园！尽管神烧毁了他的房屋——但他的宫殿（他的心）依然屹立不倒。

Outward mercies are like the tide—which ebbs as well as flows. Outward mercies are like the sky—which sometimes is clear, and at another time clouded. Outward mercies are like a budding flower—which opens on a warm day, and shuts on a cold day. If God blesses us in taking—as well as in giving; let us bless Him for taking—as well as for giving.
外在的恩惠如同潮汐——既有退潮也有涨潮。外在的恩惠如同天空——有时晴朗，有时多云。外在的恩惠如同含苞待放的花朵——在温暖的日子绽放，在寒冷的日子闭合。如果神在收取时也祝福我们——正如在赐予时一样；让我们为祂的收取而称颂祂——正如为祂的赐予而称颂祂一样。

That is the best musician—who can play well upon a broken instrument. To be impatient with our affliction, and patient with our corruption—is to be angry with the medicine which heals us, and in love with the poison which kills us! Beloved, it is sometimes a mercy to us—that God removes outward mercies from us. He never wounds a saint to kill him—but to heal him! A gracious person once said, “Though I am sometimes full of pain—yet I am at all times full of patience! I often mourn under my corruption—but I never murmur under my affliction.” Some can rejoice in anything but in Christ, and grieve for anything but lust.
最好的音乐家是那些——能在破损的乐器上演奏出美妙音乐的人。对我们的苦难不耐烦，却对我们的罪性有耐心——这就像对治愈我们的药物发怒，却爱上杀死我们的毒药！亲爱的，有时对我们来说，这是一种怜悯——神从我们身上移除外在的恩惠。祂从不伤害圣徒以致于杀死他——而是为了医治他！一位蒙恩的人曾说：”虽然我有时充满痛苦——但我始终充满耐心！我常常为我的罪性哀悼——但我从不因我的苦难发怨言。”有些人能为任何事欢喜，唯独不为基督欢喜；能为任何事悲伤，唯独不为情欲悲伤。

Too many think that God is cutting down the whole tree—when He is but lopping off its wasteful branches.
太多人认为上帝在砍倒整棵树——而实际上祂只是在修剪掉浪费的枝条。

They imagine that He is demolishing the superstructure, when He is only laying a right foundation.
他们以为祂在拆毁上层建筑，而实际上祂只是在奠定正确的基础。

Poor souls, He is not nipping the flowers—but plucking up the weeds!
可怜的灵魂啊，祂不是在掐花——而是在拔除杂草！

He is not laying your land fallow—but ploughing the field!
祂不是让你的土地荒芜——而是在耕耘田地！

He is not putting out the light—but snuffing the candle.
祂不是在熄灭光明——而是在剪烛芯。

God’s Providence has a beautiful face—under a black mask!
上帝的眷顾有一张美丽的面孔——藏在黑色面具之下！

God has the fairest ends—in the foulest ways!
上帝有最美好的目的——在最污秽的途径中！

The sheep may be dipped in water to wash it, when there is no design in the Good Shepherd to drown it!
羊可能被浸入水中清洗，而好牧人并无意要淹死它！

Christian reader, you may read the marks of a kind Father—in the severe stripes of His children.
基督徒读者啊，你可以在祂孩子们严厉的鞭痕中——读出慈爱父亲的印记。

Every twig of His black rod of affliction—is but to draw His image upon you!
祂苦难黑杖的每一根枝条——都是为了在你身上刻画祂的形象！

Could we but bury our friends alive—we should not mourn so much for them when they are dead.
如果我们能把朋友活着埋葬——当他们死后我们就不会如此哀悼他们了。

Did not the possession of riches sometimes draw away our hearts—then the loss of them would not break our hearts!
如果拥有财富有时不会吸引我们的心——那么失去它们就不会伤透我们的心！

“Behold, I take away the desire of your eyes with a stroke!”
“看哪，我要一击夺去你眼中所喜爱的！”

Though God takes your wife out of your bosom—He is taking her into His own.
虽然上帝将你的妻子从你怀中带走——祂是将她带入祂自己的怀抱。

You may embrace a creature—until you kill it with kindness.
你可能拥抱一个生物——直到你用善意杀死它。

You may wither the sweetest flowers—by smelling them too often.
你可能使最甜美的花朵凋谢——因为闻得太频繁。

God takes that out of your hands—which would thrust Him out of your heart.
上帝从你手中拿走的——是那些会将祂从你心中挤出去的东西。

He who mingles his angry passions with his afflictions—is like a foolish patient, who chews the bitter pills—which he should swallow whole.
将愤怒的情绪与苦难混合在一起的人——就像一个愚蠢的病人，咀嚼本应整个吞下的苦药。

He who carnally disturbs his soul for the loss of his substance—casts away the kernel, because God has taken away the shell.
为失去财物而在肉体上扰乱自己灵魂的人——因为上帝拿走了外壳，就把核心也丢弃了。

If the tree yields us good fruit—it will be no very great loss, though the wind blows away the leaves.
如果树给我们结出好果子——即使风吹走了树叶，也不会是很大的损失。

To bless God for mercies—is the way to increase them; to bless God for miseries—is the way to remove them.
为恩典感谢上帝——是增加恩典的方法；为苦难感谢上帝——是消除苦难的方法。

No good lives so long—as that which is thankfully improved; no evil dies so soon—as that which is patiently sustained.
没有任何善能活得如此长久——如同那些因感恩而得到改善的；没有任何恶能死得如此之快——如同那些被耐心忍受的。

God can make a plaster—of a disease; and bring soundness to the inward man—by the sickness of the outward man.
上帝能将疾病变成良药；并通过外在人的疾病——带给内在人健康。

When the stars do not shine, the sun appears, exchanging the loss of the smaller lights with brighter beams.
当星星不发光时，太阳出现了，用更明亮的光芒交换了较小光源的损失。

In the loss of withered bouquets, you may smell flowers fresh on the stalk.
在失去枯萎的花束时，你可能闻到茎上新鲜的花朵。

When Christians have their candles put out, they may fetch their light from the Sun; and when they have their streams cut off, they may drink at the Fountain.
当基督徒的蜡烛熄灭时，他们可以从太阳那里获取光明；当他们的溪流被切断时，他们可以在泉源处饮水。

The birds of paradise make the swiftest flight, when they have the smallest feathers.
极乐鸟在羽毛最小时，飞得最快。

Those nightingales warble the most sweetly, when they are pierced by a thorn.
那些夜莺在被刺穿时，歌唱得最甜美。

The creature often interrupts the respect which we owe to our Creator; and then no wonder if He breaks the cistern—to bring us to the Fountain.
受造物常常打断我们对造物主应有的尊重；那么如果祂打破水槽——将我们带到泉源，也就不足为奇了。

Those who are found blessing God under all their losses—shall find God blessing them after all their losses.
那些在所有损失中仍然祝福上帝的人——将发现上帝在他们所有损失之后祝福他们。

Another principle by which a Christian should walk is this: that the longer God forbears with the unrepenting sinner in life—the sorer He strikes him in the judgment-day.
基督徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：上帝在生命中对不悔改的罪人忍耐得越久，在审判日对他的惩罚就越严厉。

Divine patience is to be adored by all—and abused by none. Sinners usually take God’s forbearance, for their acquittance. Because they sin unpunished for a time—they imagine there is no punishment for sin in eternity. They forget that it is one thing to forbear the debtor—and another to forgive the debt.

神圣的耐心应当被所有人敬仰，而不应被任何人滥用。罪人通常将上帝的宽容视为他们的赦免。因为他们一时没有受到惩罚，就以为永恒中不会有对罪的惩罚。他们忘记了，宽容债务人是一回事，而免除债务则是另一回事。

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily; therefore, the heart of men is fully set in them to do evil.” Because the Lord continues to spare them, therefore they go on to provoke Him. As He adds to their lives—so they add to their lusts. What is this, but as if a man should break all his bones—because there is a surgeon who is able to set them again!

“因为断定罪名不立刻执行，所以世人满心作恶。”因为主继续宽恕他们，所以他们继续激怒祂。祂延长他们的生命，他们就增加他们的欲望。这不就像一个人故意折断自己所有的骨头，只因为有一个外科医生能够重新接好它们吗！

Christian reader, you were greatly in debt to divine justice—but mercy stopped the dreadful arrest of vengeance. Many others have been taken from the earth—by a sudden arrow darted from Heaven. Adulterous Zimri and Cozbi unloaded their lives and their lusts at the same time. Because Justice seems to wink—men suppose her blind; because she delays punishment—they imagine she denies to punish them; because she does not always reprove them for their sins—they suppose she always approves of their sins. But let such know, that the silent arrow can destroy as well as the roaring cannon. Though the patience of God is lasting—yet it is not ever-lasting. Believer, the sword of justice is dipped in the oil of mercy for your sake; and it afflicts some parts of your body—that the whole might not be destroyed. “He who being often reproved, hardens his neck—shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy!”

基督徒读者，你曾经大大亏欠神圣的公义，但怜悯阻止了可怕的复仇逮捕。许多其他人已被天上射出的突然之箭带离了人世。淫乱的心利和哥斯比同时卸下了他们的生命和欲望。因为正义似乎在眨眼，人们就以为她是盲目的；因为她延迟惩罚，他们就以为她拒绝惩罚他们；因为她不总是责备他们的罪，他们就以为她总是赞同他们的罪。但让这样的人知道，无声的箭矢和轰鸣的大炮一样能够摧毁。尽管上帝的耐心是持久的，但它并非永恒的。信徒啊，为了你的缘故，正义之剑浸在怜悯的油中；它折磨你身体的某些部分，以免整个身体被毁灭。”屡次受责备，仍然硬着颈项的，必顷刻败坏，无法可治！”

God loves all men so as to feed and forbear them; yet He loves but few men so as to forgive them. He was six days in making the whole world—and seven days in destroying one city. Our garrisons are fairly summoned, before they are furiously stormed. If God’s warnings are not sanctified to us—His vengeance will be executed upon us. It is sad for the iron—to gather rust under the file.

上帝爱所有人，以至于养育他们并宽容他们；然而祂只爱少数人到能够宽恕他们的程度。祂用六天创造了整个世界，却用七天毁灭了一座城市。我们的要塞在被猛烈攻击之前都会得到公平的通告。如果上帝的警告对我们没有起到圣化作用，祂的复仇就会降临到我们身上。铁在锉刀下生锈是令人悲哀的。

Reader, remember that if you are corrected—the Lord takes the scourge out of your own house.
读者，请记住，如果你受到纠正——主会将鞭子从你自己的房子里拿走。

“I gave her space to repent of her fornication—but she repented not.”
“我给了她悔改淫乱的机会——但她没有悔改。”

Many have the space of repentance, who have not the grace of repentance.
许多人有悔改的空间，却没有悔改的恩典。

But what follows? “Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds.”
但接下来会发生什么？”看哪，我要将她扔在床上，也要叫那些与她行淫的人同受大患难，除非他们悔改自己的行为。”

Sinners may cast themselves upon a bed of false hope; but justice will cast them into a bed of real torment.
罪人可能将自己投入虚假希望的床上；但公义会将他们投入真实折磨的床上。

Mark how the long-slumbering arm of Deity, awakes to the prey: “I have long been silent; yes, I have restrained Myself. But now I will give full vent to My fury!”
注意神明长期沉睡的手臂如何苏醒捕捉猎物：”我长久闭口不言，是的，我抑制了自己。但现在我要完全发泄我的怒火！”

The longer God is in raising His hand—the heavier will the blow be when it falls.
神举起手的时间越长——当它落下时，打击就会越重。

Carnal security resembles a flash of lightning—which ushers in a clap of thunder; or it is like a profound calm at sea—which is generally followed by a dreadful storm.
肉体的安全感就像一道闪电——引发一声雷鸣；或者就像海上的深度平静——通常会紧随一场可怕的风暴。

Know, sinner, that God is pleased, sometimes, to shake your feeble cottage before He throws it down; He often makes it totter before it tumbles.
要知道，罪人，神有时会在摧毁你脆弱的小屋之前先震动它；祂常常在它倒塌之前让它摇摇欲坠。

It may be a fair, sunshiny season with you now—but a whirlwind may soon arise and dash you to pieces!
现在对你来说可能是晴朗阳光的季节——但旋风可能很快就会兴起，将你撕成碎片！

We pity a body that is going to the block—and shall we not pity a soul that is hastening to the bottomless pit?
我们同情即将被处决的身体——难道我们不应该同情正在匆忙奔向无底坑的灵魂吗？

He dies the most comfortably, who lives the most heavenly.
活得最天国的人，死得最舒适。

It is easier for a bird to avoid the snare—than to break the snare.
对于鸟来说，避开陷阱比破坏陷阱更容易。

The very beasts will shun the places—where their own species have miscarried.
即使是野兽也会避开那些同类遭遇不幸的地方。

The rising sun in the morning—was no proof that Sodom should not be entombed in its own ashes before the evening.
早晨升起的太阳——并不能证明所多玛在晚上之前不会被埋葬在自己的灰烬中。

That day which begins in prosperity—may end in adversity.
以繁荣开始的那一天——可能以逆境结束。

Attend to the charge which the King of Heaven brings against the priests of Israel: “These things you have done and I kept silent; you thought I was altogether like you. But I will rebuke you and accuse you to your face!”
注意天国之王对以色列祭司的指控：”这些事你们做了，我却闭口不言；你们以为我恰恰像你们。但我要责备你，将这些事摆在你面前！”

But what is the application of this? “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with none to rescue!”
但这有什么应用呢？”你们这些忘记神的人，要思想这事，否则我要把你们撕碎，无人搭救！”

Justice proportions the sinner’s punishment to his sin—so that we may behold the greatness of the offence—in the fitness of the punishment.
公义使罪人的惩罚与他的罪相称——因此我们可以在惩罚的适当性中看到罪过的巨大。

“If a person does not repent, God will sharpen His sword; He will bend and string His bow. He will prepare His deadly weapons and ignite His flaming arrows.”
“如果一个人不悔改，上帝将磨利祂的剑；祂将弯弓搭箭。祂将准备祂的致命武器并点燃祂的火箭。”

The sharpening of the sword—is but to give it a keener edge, that it may cut the deeper.
磨剑——只是为了让它更锋利，以便切得更深。

God is long silent—but when the sword is sharpened—it is to cut; and when the bow is bent—it is to kill.
上帝长期保持沉默——但当剑被磨利时——是为了切割；当弓被拉开时——是为了杀戮。

Woe be to that man—who is God’s target!
祸哉那成为上帝目标的人！

Enraged justice will avenge the quarrel of abused mercy.
被激怒的正义将为被滥用的怜悯讨回公道。

For, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!”
因为，”落入活神之手是可怕的事！”

It is a good thing to fall at His feet—but a fearful thing to fall into His hands.
倒在祂脚前是好事——但落入祂手中是可怕的事。

The stronger the enemy’s arm is—the stronger will his blow be.
敌人的手臂越强壮——他的打击就越强烈。

Never did a weary traveler complain of being at his journey’s end too soon.
疲惫的旅行者从未抱怨过太早到达旅程的终点。

But a sinner, if he dies soon—it does but hasten his torment; and if he lives long—it does but heighten his torment.
但对于罪人来说，如果他很快死去——只会加速他的痛苦；如果他活得长久——只会加剧他的痛苦。

Ah, what a dreadful vision is that—where the black horse of death, precedes, and the red horse of wrath, follows after!
啊，多么可怕的景象啊——死亡的黑马在前，愤怒的红马紧随其后！

Sinner, how fearful is it, to be preserved from small evils—and reserved for great evils!
罪人啊，从小恶中被保护——却被保留给大恶，这是多么可怕啊！

The higher you are raised—the greater will be your fall.
你被抬得越高——你的跌落就会越惨重。

You should wonder more at the divine indulgence which has so long reprieved you—than at the Almighty vengeance which will soon overtake you.
你应该更惊讶于长期宽恕你的神圣宽容——而不是即将降临的全能报复。

You were dry enough for eternal flames—when you were wrapped in your swaddling bands: for “You were by nature a child of wrath—even as others.”
当你还裹在襁褓中时——你就已经干燥到足以承受永恒的火焰：因为”你本为可怒之子，和别人一样。”

All who draw their first breath in corruption—deserve to draw their second breath in destruction!
所有在腐败中呼出第一口气的人——都应该在毁灭中呼出第二口气！

It is a wonder that He should add to our days—when we are adding to our sins.
当我们在不断增添罪孽时——祂还给我们增添寿命，这真是奇迹。

God has His vials of wrath, filled with indignation—for those who are vessels of wrath, fitted for destruction.
上帝有祂的愤怒之瓶，充满了义愤——为那些适合毁灭的愤怒之器皿准备的。

If His patience does not draw the sinner to repentance, His wrath will drown him in desperation!
如果祂的耐心不能引导罪人悔改，祂的愤怒将使他淹没在绝望之中！

O sinner, either seek a Savior to deliver you from the wrath of God—or else find a shoulder to bear you up under the wrath of God.
噢，罪人啊，要么寻求一位救主将你从上帝的愤怒中拯救出来——要么找一个肩膀在上帝的愤怒下支撑你。

Another principle by which a Christian should walk, is this: that there is no judging of the inward conditions of men—by the outward dispensations of God.
基督徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：不能通过神对人外在的安排来判断人内心的状况。

“For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” The greatness of our estates—is no argument of the goodness of our hearts.

“我曾嫉妒狂傲的人，见恶人享平安。”我们产业的丰厚并不能证明我们内心的良善。

To prize ourselves by what we have—and not by what we are; is to estimate the value of the jewel—by the box which contains it.

以我们拥有的而非我们本质来评价自己，就如同以装jewel（珠宝）的盒子来估算jewel（珠宝）的价值。

Grace and gold can live together; but the smallest degree of grace in the heart, is preferable to a thick chain of gold around the neck.

恩典与黄金可以共存；但内心最微小的恩典，也胜过脖子上粗重的金链。

Here on earth, it is sometimes evil with the righteous—and well with the wicked.

在这世上，有时义人遭遇恶运，恶人却享福。

Those who live most upon God, sometimes fare the worst in the world.

那些最依靠神而活的人，有时在世上境遇最糟。

Under the law, the dove was preferred in sacrifice—to the swine.

在律法下，献祭时鸽子比猪更受青睐。

Riches are called ‘thick clay’. They are more likely to weaken the back—than strengthen the heart.

财富被称为”厚重的泥土”。它们更可能使背负重担，而非坚固内心。

You cannot read the wrath of God—in the black lines of adversity; or the love of God—in the white lines of prosperity.

你无法从逆境的黑线中读出神的愤怒；也无法从顺境的白线中读出神的爱。

God often gives a full cup of temporal blessings to wicked men, though there are dregs at the bottom.

神常常给恶人满满一杯今世的祝福，尽管杯底有渣滓。

They may be fruitful vines—and yet only laden with sour grapes.

他们可能是多结果子的葡萄树，却只结出酸葡萄。

It is seldom that the sparkling diamond of a great estate—is set in the golden ring of a pious heart.

巨大财富的闪耀钻石，很少镶嵌在虔诚之心的金戒指上。

Riches have made many good men—worse; but they never made any bad man—better.

财富使许多好人变坏；但从未使任何坏人变好。

Thus if we discern but a spark of grace in a nobleman, we cry it up as a blazing comet, and speak of it in the superlative degree.

因此，如果我们在一个贵族身上看到一丝恩典的火花，我们就会把它夸大成耀眼的彗星，用最高级来描述它。

Though a Christian is made happy in the world—yet he is not made happy by the world.

虽然基督徒在世上可以快乐，但他的快乐并非来自世界。

Give me those judgments which give birth to mercy—rather than those outward mercies which give birth to judgments.

给我那些产生怜悯的审判，而非那些产生审判的外在怜悯。

There are many who are temporally happy, who will be eternally miserable; and many are now temporally miserable, who will be eternally happy.

有许多人现在暂时快乐，却将永远痛苦；也有许多人现在暂时痛苦，却将永远快乐。

If poverty could procure Heaven—how many poor people would then be saved; and if wealth could free a man from Hell—how very few of the rich would be damned!
如果贫穷能够获得天堂——那么有多少穷人会得救；如果财富能使人免于地狱——那么富人中又有多少人会被诅咒！

The kingdom of Christ—is the kingdom of the cross.
基督的国度——是十字架的国度。

Those who attempt to take the cross from the Christian’s shoulders, do, in effect, aim to remove the crown from his head.
那些试图从基督徒肩上卸下十字架的人，实际上是想从他头上摘下王冠。

“God causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good—and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
“上帝使祂的太阳升起，照耀邪恶的人和善良的人——并降雨给义人和不义的人。”

The sun of prosperity shines upon the dunghill—as well as upon beds of spices.
繁荣的阳光照耀在粪堆上——也照耀在香料床上。

The rain of adversity falls upon the fruitful garden—as well as the barren wilderness.
逆境的雨落在肥沃的花园里——也落在贫瘠的荒野上。

The abundance of the infidel is a golden chain—to bind him to the earth; and the apparent miseries of the believer are as fiery chariots—to convey him to Heaven!
不信者的富足是一条金链——将他绑在地上；而信徒表面上的苦难则如同火焰战车——将他送往天堂！

“Now, those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them, go free of harm.”
“如今，作恶的人变得富有，那些胆敢挑战上帝惩罚他们的人，却安然无恙。”

God’s jewels may here be trodden under foot—but hereafter, they will be fixed in His royal diadem.
上帝的珠宝在此可能被踩在脚下——但此后，它们将被镶嵌在祂的皇冠上。

If we look for a saint, he is not always to be found upon a bed of down—but sometimes he has been seen on a heap of dust.
如果我们寻找圣人，他并不总是躺在柔软的羽绒床上——有时他也会出现在尘土堆上。

Poor Lazarus rises to Heaven—and rich Dives sinks to Hell.
贫穷的拉撒路升入天堂——而富有的财主沉入地狱。

Benjamin was not the less regarded by Joseph, because the silver cup was discovered in his sack.
便雅悯并没有因为银杯被发现在他的袋子里而被约瑟轻视。

We must not infer the absence of God’s affections—from the presence of numerous afflictions.
我们不能从众多苦难的存在推断上帝爱的缺失。

Though the north wind may chill us—yet the warm beams of summer can soon revive us.
尽管北风可能使我们感到寒冷——但夏日温暖的阳光很快就能让我们恢复活力。

Those stones which are designed for the building are frequently wounded by the chisel; while those which are neglected lie in ruinous heaps.
那些被设计用于建筑的石头经常被凿子伤害；而那些被忽视的石头则堆积在破败的废墟中。

A saint is glorious in his misery—but a sinner is miserable amidst all his glory.
圣徒在苦难中是光荣的——而罪人在他所有的荣耀中却是可悲的。

We must not therefore think evil of religion, though we should behold a Joseph in the prison, while a Pharaoh is in a palace; or a Job on the ash-heap, while a Julian is on a throne.
因此，我们不能认为宗教是邪恶的，尽管我们可能看到约瑟在监狱里，而法老在宫殿中；或者约伯在灰堆上，而朱利安在王位上。

The most choice pearls are often enclosed in the most hideous shells.
最珍贵的珍珠常常被包裹在最丑陋的贝壳里。

“Judge nothing according to appearance—but judge righteous judgment.”
“不要按外表判断——而要作出公正的判断。”

Those who judge of a man’s real greatness by his apparent grandeur, are unfit to sit upon the judicial bench.
那些根据一个人表面的宏伟来判断他真实伟大的人，不适合坐在法官席上。

That apple which has the fairest skin—may have the rottenest core.
那个有着最漂亮外皮的苹果——可能有着最腐烂的果核。

The tinsel glare upon a sinner, is too apt to blind the weak eyes of a saint.
罪人身上的浮华光彩，很容易蒙蔽圣徒的软弱眼睛。

Alas, why should he envy him a little light—who is to be shrouded in everlasting darkness!
唉，为何要羡慕那将被永恒黑暗笼罩之人的一点微光呢！

Why should we throw bludgeons at those boughs—which are only laden with poisonous fruits!
为何要对那些只结有毒果实的树枝投掷棍棒呢！

“Deliver my soul from the wicked—who have their portion in this life.”
“求你救我的灵魂脱离恶人——他们在今生已得了自己的分。”

The things of the world are the only happiness of the men of the world.
世俗之物是世人唯一的快乐。

None of their flowers grow in paradise.
他们的花朵没有一朵在天堂生长。

They are anxious for the creature—and indifferent about the Creator.
他们对受造物忧心忡忡，却对造物主漠不关心。

A man’s estate in this world may be great—and yet his state for the eternal world may be fearful.
一个人在今世的产业可能很大——然而他在永恒世界的状态可能令人恐惧。

God may say to him as to Pharaoh, “For this purpose have I raised you up—that I might show My power upon you.”
上帝可能对他说，如同对法老所说的：”我将你兴起，是要在你身上显明我的大能。”

The same Hand which now pours abundance on ungodly men like oil—will soon pour down wrath upon them like fire.
现在如油般将丰盛倾倒在不敬虔之人身上的同一只手——不久将如火般将愤怒倾倒在他们身上。

Under all their wealth—their hearts are sinful; and after all the riches are fled—their situation will be doleful!
在他们所有的财富之下——他们的心是罪恶的；当所有财富都逃离后——他们的处境将是悲惨的！

It is far better to pass through the Valley of Baca (Valley of Weeping) to Zion; than to pitch our tents in the plains of Sodom.
穿过巴卡谷（哭泣之谷）到达锡安，远胜于在所多玛平原搭建帐篷。

Luther’s expression was not the less true because it was homely: “The whole Turkish empire is but a crust—which God threw to the dogs.”
路德的表达虽然朴实无华，但并不因此而减少其真实性：”整个土耳其帝国不过是上帝扔给狗的一块面包皮。”

One said, “I would rather have Paul’s plain coat, with his heavenly graces—than the purple robes of princes, with all their kingdoms.”
有人说：”我宁愿拥有保罗朴素的外衣和他的天国恩典，也不要王子们的紫袍和他们所有的王国。”

Lest riches should be accounted evil in themselves, God sometimes gives them to the righteous; and lest they should be considered as the chief good, God frequently bestows them on the wicked.
为免财富本身被视为邪恶，上帝有时将其赐予义人；为免财富被视为至高无上的善，上帝经常将其赐予恶人。

But they are more generally the portion of God’s enemies—than His friends.
但财富更普遍地是上帝敌人的分——而非祂朋友的分。

Alas, what is it to receive, and not to be received!
唉，接受却不被接受是何等悲哀！

Alas, what is it to have no other dews of blessing—than such as shall be followed with showers of brimstone!
唉，除了那些将被硫磺雨跟随的祝福露水外别无他物，是何等悲哀！

We may compass ourselves with sparks of security—and afterwards be secured in eternal misery!
我们可能用安全的火花环绕自己——而后却被永恒的痛苦所困！

This world is a floating island, and so sure as we cast anchor upon it, we shall be carried away by it.
这个世界是一座浮动的岛屿，我们若在其上抛锚，必定会被它带走。

He can never lack treasure, who has such a golden mine as God!
拥有上帝这样的金矿的人，永远不会缺少财宝！

He is enough without the creature—but the creature is not anything without Him.
没有受造物祂也足够——但没有祂受造物就什么都不是。

It is, therefore, better to enjoy Him without anything else—than to enjoy everything else without Him.
因此，没有其他一切而享受祂——胜过拥有其他一切却没有祂。

It is better to be a wooden vessel filled with wine, than a golden vessel filled with water.
做一个盛满酒的木器，胜过做一个盛满水的金器。

Another principle by which a Christian should walk is this: that it is safest to cleave to that good which is the choicest.
基督徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：紧紧依附最佳的善是最安全的。

There never was one who thought he had made a bad exchange—by selling all, for the Pearl of great price.
从未有人认为，为了获得无价之珠而变卖一切是一笔糟糕的交易。

“Lord, to whom shall we go? for You have the words of eternal life.” Peter knew that a soul who was truly changed—was not for changing. There cannot be a better being for us—than for us to be with the Lord; and shall those who have forsaken all to follow Him—forsake Him again to follow nothing?
“主啊，我们还能归从谁呢？你有永生之道。”彼得知道，一个真正改变的灵魂是不会再改变的。对我们来说，没有比与主同在更好的存在了；那些为了跟随祂而舍弃一切的人，难道会再次离弃祂去追随虚无吗？

Reader, you cannot tread in the steps of Christ—without drinking of the cup of Christ. The nearer you are to such a spring—the clearer will your streams be. When every other gourd is withered, He will prove a refreshing shelter. “How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand. When I awake, I am still with You.”
读者啊，你不能踏上基督的脚步而不饮基督的杯。你越靠近这样的泉源，你的溪流就会越清澈。当其他一切葫芦都枯萎时，祂将成为一个令人耳目一新的庇护所。”神啊，你的意念向我何等宝贵！其数何等众多！我若数点，比海沙更多。我睡醒的时候，仍和你同在。”

David was least alone—when he was most alone. His heart was like the needle in the compass, which always inclines to the northern pole. Believers are desirous of leaving their hearts with God now—that they may dwell with Him forever. “Whom have I in Heaven but You; and there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.” Let a believer search Heaven and earth—yet he can find nothing comparable to God! As Judah said of Jacob, “His life is bound up in the life of the lad;” so say I of the Christian—his life is bound up in God. To draw near to Him in present holiness—is to be near to Him in eternal happiness.
大卫在最孤独的时候反而最不孤独。他的心就像指南针的指针，总是指向北极。信徒渴望现在就将心留在神那里，以便将来永远与祂同住。”除你以外，在天上我有谁呢？除你以外，在地上我也没有所爱慕的。”让信徒搜遍天地，他也找不到能与神相比的！正如犹大论及雅各所说：”他的命与孩子的命相连”；我也这样说基督徒——他的生命与神紧密相连。在当下的圣洁中亲近祂，就是在永恒的幸福中靠近祂。

Many unstable professors may justly be reflected upon. They will readily attend an applauded Christ—but will hastily desert a crucified Christ. But a true Christian is as willing to follow Him to the cross—as to the throne! He has no desire to turn like a shadow from Him—in whom there is no shadow of turning.
许多不稳定的信徒[professors]可能会受到正当的批评。他们会欣然追随一个受欢呼的基督，但会迅速抛弃一个被钉十字架的基督。但一个真正的基督徒既愿意跟随祂到十字架上，也愿意跟随祂到宝座前！他不想像影子一样背离那位毫无转动影儿的主。

As there is no natural good in us—to lead us to God; so there is no evil outside of us—which shall finally draw us from Him.
正如我们内心没有天生的善良来引导我们归向上帝；外界也没有邪恶最终能将我们从祂那里拉走。

Who—but an idiot, would address a picture instead of a person; or prefer a shadow to a substance?
除了傻子，谁会对着图画而不是对着人说话；或者宁愿要影子而不要实体？

There is nothing which can do us so much good as God’s presence—or so much evil as His absence.
没有什么能像上帝的同在那样给我们带来如此大的益处，也没有什么能像祂的缺席那样带来如此大的祸害。

It is far better to part with a thousand worlds—for one Christ; than with one Christ—for a thousand worlds.
为了一个基督而放弃一千个世界，远比为了一千个世界而放弃一个基督要好得多。

How dreadful is their darkness—who live in the absence of such a Sun!
那些生活在如此太阳缺席中的人，他们的黑暗是多么可怕啊！

Reader, every step you take to Christ—is a step toward Heaven; and every step you take from Him—is a moral step towards Hell.
读者啊，你朝基督迈出的每一步都是朝天堂迈进的一步；而你离开祂的每一步，在道德上都是朝地狱迈进的一步。

“‘One thing you lack. Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow Me.’ At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.”
“‘你还缺少一件：去变卖你所有的，分给穷人，就必有财宝在天上；你还要来跟从我。’听见这话，那人脸上就变了色，忧忧愁愁地走了，因为他的产业很多。”

This poor rich man, or rather this rich poor man, came hastily to Jesus, and ran heavily from Him.
这个可怜的富人，或者说这个富有的可怜人，匆忙来到耶稣面前，又沉重地离开了祂。

If he may not enjoy God and mammon—he will leave God for mammon.
如果他不能同时拥有上帝和[mammon]（财富），他就会为了[mammon]而离开上帝。

Jesus was for selling all—and the rich man was for saving all.
耶稣主张卖掉一切，而这个富人则想保留一切。

Ah, what false balances are those which will make corruptible silver—outweigh an incorruptible Savior!
啊，多么虚假的天平啊，竟让可朽坏的银子胜过不朽坏的救主！

The ‘prince of darkness’ employs the men of the world to draw us from God—and the things of the world to keep us from God.
“黑暗之王”利用世俗之人将我们从上帝那里拉走，又用世俗之物使我们远离上帝。

Truly that good was never worth seeking—which is not worth keeping.
确实，那些不值得保留的善，从一开始就不值得追求。

Reader, is it not a fault to depart from that God, in whom there is no fault?
读者，离开那位毫无过错的上帝，难道不是一种过错吗？

As Saul said to his servants, “Listen, men of Benjamin! Will the son of Jesse give all of you fields and vineyards? Will he make all of you commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds?”
就像扫罗对他的仆人说的：”便雅悯人哪，你们要听！耶西的儿子能把田地和葡萄园赐给你们各人吗？能立你们各人作千夫长百夫长吗？”

So say I to sinners: Can sin, Satan, or the world—do that for you which God can?
所以我对罪人说：罪恶、撒但或世界能为你们做上帝能做的事吗？

It is only the best of beings—who can convey the best of blessings.
只有最好的存在才能传递最好的祝福。

None but that God who has the keys of Heaven—can open the gates of Heaven.
除了掌管天国钥匙的上帝，没有人能打开天国之门。

By Him we obtain admittance, into the celestial inheritance.
通过祂，我们获得进入天国遗产的许可。

What is our life but a warfare; and what is the world but a thoroughfare?
我们的生命不过是一场战争；这个世界不过是一条通道？

Know sinner, if you reject the Savior, you despise grace—which is the fairest jewel on earth; and glory—which is the brightest sun beyond this life.
罪人要知道，如果你拒绝救主，你就是蔑视恩典——这是地上最美的珍宝；以及荣耀——这是今生之外最明亮的太阳。

No set of men are in greater danger of losing the life to come, than those who are contented with the present.
没有哪类人比那些满足于现状的人更有可能失去来世的生命。

A drop is more easily dried up—than a river; and a spark sooner extinguished—than a flame.
一滴水比河流更容易干涸；一点火星比火焰更快熄灭。

What powerful constraints does our God lay upon us to seek His friendship!
我们的上帝为让我们寻求祂的友谊，施加了何等强大的约束！

“I will never leave you, nor ever forsake you.”
“我必不撇下你，也不丢弃你。”

It would be better for us to leave all behind—than that He should leave us behind.
我们宁可抛下一切，也不愿被祂抛下。

It is not the brightest star that can constitute day when the sun is set; or the thickest cloud that can make a night if the sun is risen
当太阳落山时，最亮的星星也无法构成白天；当太阳升起时，最厚的云层也无法形成黑夜。

Another principle by which a Christian should walk, is this: that no present worldly business—should interrupt his pursuit of future blessedness.
基督徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：当前的世俗事务不应打断他对未来福祉的追求。

Solomon says, “All the labor of man is for his mouth.” Though he says it is so—yet he does not say it should be so. This would encourage a Christian—to become a glutton.
所罗门说：”人的一切劳碌都为口腹。”虽然他说事实如此，但他并没有说应该如此。这样会鼓励基督徒成为贪食者。

That hawk which follows the world’s prey—is in danger of falling into God’s snare! Why should I lay out that time in seeking worthless pebbles, which may be better employed in search of priceless jewels? What God bestows on some men as a temporary pension, they embrace as their only portion. Such foolish travelers are so taken up with the inn—as to forget the end of their journey. They may indeed sow this seed—but it will produce nothing but wormwood.
追逐世俗猎物的鹰有陷入上帝陷阱的危险！为什么我要花时间寻找无价值的鹅卵石，而这时间本可以用来寻找无价的珠宝？上帝赐予一些人作为临时养老金的东西，他们却将其视为唯一的分。这些愚蠢的旅客如此沉迷于旅店，以至于忘记了旅程的终点。他们确实可能播下这种种子，但它只会结出苦艾。

Outward mercies are not so base as to be totally neglected; or so great as to be primarily desired. If they are seducements from the mercy-seat, they will prove to be indictments at the judgment-seat.
外在的恩惠不至于卑微到完全被忽视；也不至于伟大到成为首要追求。如果它们是从施恩座引诱而来，它们将在审判座前成为控诉。

I may say of the earth, as one said of Athens, “It may serve for a transient lodging—but not for a constant dwelling.” Outward plenty may be a comfortable ship for indigence to sail in; but it is a dangerous rock for confidence to build upon. Give some people the earth in their hands—and they care not who has Heaven in his heart.
我可以这样说地球，就像有人说雅典：”它可以作为短暂的住所，但不能作为永久的居所。”外在的丰富可能是贫困者航行的舒适船只；但它是一块危险的岩石，不适合建立信心。给一些人整个地球，他们就不在乎谁的心里有天堂。

When Crates threw his gold into the sea, he cried out, “I will destroy you—lest you should destroy me!” Thus, if the world is not put to death here—it will put us to death hereafter. Then we shall say, as Cardinal Wolsey, when discarded by his prince, and abandoned to the fury of his enemies, “If I had served my God as faithfully as my king, He would not have thus forsaken me.” Poor man, all the perfumes on earth—are unable to prevail over the stench of Hell.
当克拉特斯（Crates）将他的金子扔进海里时，他喊道：”我要毁灭你，免得你毁灭我！”因此，如果世界在此处没有被治死，它日后就会使我们死亡。那时我们会像沃尔西（Wolsey）红衣主教被他的王子抛弃并遭到敌人愤怒对待时所说的那样：”如果我服侍上帝如同服侍我的国王那样忠诚，祂就不会这样抛弃我。”可怜的人啊，地上所有的香水都无法战胜地狱的恶臭。

It would be well for Christians could they say, as one did, “I desire riches no more—than a feeble beast wishes for a heavy burden.”
基督徒若能像有人所说的那样，”我对财富的渴望不超过一只虚弱的野兽对重担的渴望”，那就再好不过了。

Cares are bound to crowns.
忧虑与王冠相伴而生。

Anxiety disfigures the face of prosperity.
焦虑使繁荣的面容变得丑陋。

A body laden with cares, and a soul laden with spiritual fruits—cannot well unite together.
一个身体背负忧虑，灵魂充满属灵果实的人，难以达到和谐统一。

Those who die trifling with salvation, will, after death—tremble under the pains of damnation.
那些生前轻视救恩的人，死后将在地狱的痛苦中颤抖。

I have heard of a woman, who, being busied to save her goods, when her house was in flames—forgot her child!
我听说过一个女人，当她的房子着火时，忙着抢救财物，却忘记了自己的孩子！

But the child being soon after inquired for, she cried out, “O my child, my child!”
但当不久后有人询问孩子的下落时，她大声哭喊：”哦，我的孩子，我的孩子！”

Thus will many thoughtless sinners in a worse fire cry out, “O our souls, our souls!”
同样，许多粗心大意的罪人在更糟糕的火中也会喊道：”哦，我们的灵魂，我们的灵魂！”

Poor Sisera was not much better for the milk and butter—when he so soon after felt the nail and the hammer!
可怜的西西拉喝了牛奶和奶油后并没有好到哪里去——因为不久之后他就感受到了钉子和锤子！

Ah! how careful are men of their outward concerns—and how careless about their inward concerns!
啊！人们对外在事物是多么小心谨慎，却对内在事物如此漫不经心！

In a vigorous body—there is a wicked soul.
在强壮的身体里，可能藏着一个邪恶的灵魂。

The evil disposition of the soul—spoils the good composition of the body.
灵魂的邪恶倾向会破坏身体的良好构造。

For a man to be attentive to his flesh—and inattentive to his spirit; what is this but as if a gardener should gather in his stubble—and leave his grain behind?
一个人专注于肉体而忽视灵性，这不就像一个园丁收集麦秸却把谷物丢在田里吗？

Or as if a goldsmith should hoard his dross—and cast away his gold?
或者像一个金匠囤积渣滓而丢弃黄金？

Reader, will you decorate your scabbard—and let the costly sword decay with rust?
读者啊，你会装饰刀鞘，却让昂贵的剑锈蚀吗？

If there is nothing done in your soul on earth—there will be nothing done for it in Heaven.
如果你在世上不为自己的灵魂做任何事，那么在天堂也不会有人为它做什么。

It is truly lamentable that the soul, which received its being from God—should be excluded from being with God.
灵魂从上帝那里获得存在，却被排除在与上帝同在之外，这实在令人惋惜。

Another principle that a believer should walk by is this: that gospel integrity towards God, is the best security against wicked men.
信徒应当遵循的另一个原则是：对上帝的福音诚信是抵御邪恶之人的最佳保障。

Surly mastiffs which have no teeth may bark—but they cannot bite. Who would fear the hissing serpent—if he knew it had no sting? A naked man with innocence, is preferable to Goliath with his coat of armor.
没有牙齿的凶猛獒犬可以吠叫——但它们无法咬人。如果知道蛇没有毒刺，谁会害怕它的嘶嘶声？一个赤身裸体但无辜的人，比穿着盔甲的歌利亚更可取。

“Who shall harm you—if you are followers of that which is good?” As no flattery can heal a bad conscience—so no cruelty can wound a good one. As the ways of God—have happiness connected with them; so sufferings for the sake of God—have honor annexed to them. A pious martyr has more renown, than a bloody persecutor.
“如果你们是行善的追随者，谁能伤害你们呢？”正如奉承无法治愈坏良心一样，残酷也无法伤害好良心。上帝的道路与幸福相连；为上帝受苦也与荣誉相附。一个虔诚的殉道者比一个血腥的迫害者更有声望。

Integrity may not keep us from infamy. The choicest professors have had their black marks in the world’s calendars. But though integrity may not keep us from being shot at—yet it will preserve us from injury.
正直可能不会使我们免于名誉败坏。最优秀的教授在世界的日历上也有他们的污点。但尽管正直可能不会使我们免于被攻击，它却能保护我们不受伤害。

“With the Lord for me as my Helper, I will look in triumph on those who hate me.” God will either find a shield to ward off sufferings—or a hand to sustain us under them. Though the Christian is as a sheep among wolves—God can save him from being torn by them. Though the Christian is as a ship amidst waves—God can keep him from being overwhelmed by them.
“有主作我的帮助，我必得胜看那些恨我的人。”上帝要么会找到一面盾牌来抵御苦难，要么会伸出一只手在苦难中支撑我们。尽管基督徒如同羊群中的一只羊——上帝能救他不被狼群撕碎。尽管基督徒如同波涛中的一艘船——上帝能保护他不被淹没。

Whether God plucks up the tares, or lets them stand, it is only for the sake of His people. Noah was sound in the faith—when all the earth was polluted; and he was saved in the ark—while it was deluged.
无论上帝是拔除稗子，还是任其生长，都只是为了祂的子民。当全地被污染时，挪亚在信仰上依然坚定；当洪水泛滥时，他在方舟中得救。

The shields of salvation—are not hung up in the way of transgression. All the wiles of Hell—cannot conquer a single soldier in Christ’s camp, much less rout His whole army. “The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to Him and are safe!” The name of the Lord is a strong fortress—both for sublimity and security. When Christ is our harbor—we may safely run our vessels into so desirable a haven.
救恩的盾牌——不会挂在罪过的道路上。地狱的所有诡计——都无法征服基督阵营中的一个士兵，更不用说击溃祂的整个军队。”耶和华的名是坚固台；义人奔入便得安稳！”耶和华的名是坚固台——既崇高又安全。当基督是我们的港湾时——我们可以安全地将我们的船只驶入这个理想的避风港。

“You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain.” As God numbers the hairs of His people—so He preserve their heads. He has a strong hedge of protection for them, when their enemies would break in upon them.

“你是关锁的园，我的妹子，我的新妇；你是关闭的井，你是封闭的泉源。”上帝数算祂子民的头发，祂也保护他们的头。当敌人想要闯入时，祂为他们设立了一道坚固的保护屏障。

“But now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are Mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior!” Here is a dangerous voyage—but a safe convoy. God never deals with His friends—as we do with ours. We serve them too often as we do sun-dials; which we only look upon when the sun of prosperity shines; or as ladies do with flowers, who while they are fresh—place them in their bosoms; but when they fade—cast them away. But when our need is greatest—God’s help is nearest. The more grievous is our oppression—the more glorious is our deliverance.

“但现在，以色列啊，创造你的耶和华如此说：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。因为我是耶和华你的神，是以色列的圣者，你的救主！”这是一次危险的航程，但有安全的护航。上帝从不像我们对待朋友那样对待祂的朋友。我们常常像对待日晷一样对待他们；只有在繁荣之阳照耀时才看它们；或者像女士们对待鲜花一样，当花朵新鲜时，将它们戴在胸前；但当它们凋谢时，就将它们丢弃。但当我们最需要的时候，上帝的帮助就最近。我们所受的压迫越是严重，我们得到的拯救就越是荣耀。

When our misery is most powerful—then the Lord’s mercy is most visible. “As our tribulations abound—so our consolations much more abound.”

当我们的苦难最强烈时，主的怜悯就最明显。”我们所受的患难越多，我们所得的安慰也越多。”

When God’s benignity is most admired—our calamity is more easily endured. Israel often slumbers and sleeps—but He who keeps Israel does neither. Thus we may boldly say, “If God is for us—who can be against us?” Against us they may be—to hate us; but against us they shall not be—to hurt us.

当上帝的仁慈最受赞赏时，我们的灾难就更容易忍受。以色列常常打盹睡觉，但那看守以色列的却不打盹也不睡觉。因此我们可以大胆地说：”神若帮助我们，谁能敌挡我们呢？”他们可能敌对我们——恨我们；但他们不能敌对我们——伤害我们。

Noah rides safely in a well-pitched ark—while the old world is drowned. When Israel is led captive, Jeremiah is set at liberty. The prophet found more favor with the princes of Babel, than from the people of Israel. Gideon’s fleece was wet—when the earth was dry. Thus will God always preserve integrity—and punish vanity. His grain is often gathered into the garner, before He comes to burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire!

诺亚安全地乘坐在一艘涂抹得很好的方舟上，而旧世界却被淹没了。当以色列被掳时，耶利米却获得自由。先知在巴比伦的王子那里得到的恩宠，比从以色列人那里得到的还多。基甸的羊毛是湿的，而地面却是干的。因此，上帝总是会保护正直，惩罚虚荣。祂的麦子常常在祂来用不灭的火烧掉糠秕之前就已经收进仓里了！

Lastly, a Christian will walk by this principle: that the richness of the crown—which shall be received; shall more than compensate for the bitterness of the cross—which may here be endured.
最后，基督徒将遵循这一原则行事：将要领受的冠冕的丰富，将远远补偿在此所忍受的十字架的苦涩。

The last wine which Christ draws—is the best wine which Christians drink. When the waters cover the earth, where should the dove-like spirits fly—but to the ark of Christ? He who left Heaven—to make them righteous; will come from Heaven—to make them glorious!
基督所取的最后的酒，是基督徒所饮的最好的酒。当洪水淹没大地时，鸽子般的灵魂应该飞往何处——除了基督的方舟？那位离开天堂来使他们称义的，将从天堂再来使他们得荣耀！

“You joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.” O how did the glory of their heavenly mansions—outshine all the glare of their earthly possessions!
“你们欢欢喜喜地忍受财物被抢夺，因为知道自己有更美长存的家业。”啊，他们天上的住处的荣耀是如何胜过他们地上所有财产的光彩！

Christian, you are now on a troubled sea—do not say that you shall never arrive at your sure resting-place. What, has God plucked you out of the fire of destruction—and will He leave you in the water of affliction! In a small moment you will cheerfully sing: “The winter is past, and the rain is over and gone. The flowers are springing up, and the time of singing birds has come, even the cooing of turtledoves. The fig trees are budding, and the grapevines are in blossom. How delicious they smell! Yes, spring is here!” The blessed Sun of Righteousness will shine clearer, when these clouds are blown over. If there is so much delight in a single grape, what must there be in the whole cluster!
基督徒啊，你现在正在汹涌的海上——不要说你永远无法到达你安全的休息之处。什么，上帝已经将你从毁灭之火中拯救出来——难道祂会将你遗弃在苦难之水中吗！片刻之后，你将欢欣地歌唱：”冬天已过，雨水止住了。百花开放，百鸟齐鸣的时候已经来到，斑鸠的叫声也听见了。无花果树的果子渐渐成熟，葡萄树开花放香。多么芬芳啊！是的，春天来了！”当这些乌云散去时，那蒙福的公义之阳将更加明亮地照耀。如果一粒葡萄就能带来如此多的喜悦，那么整串葡萄又会带来怎样的欢愉呢！

Take a believer while he lives—and God has a servant on earth; take him when he dies—and God has a servant in Heaven. Christian, you must never look for an end to your sorrows—until you see an end to your sins! As your sorrows did not come a day before your sins—so they will not stay a day after your sins! “As many as I love—I rebuke and chasten.” Well may you bear the rod, when infinite love makes it up—and lays it on. When you lie under God’s afflicting hand—you then lie near His loving heart. Rake a dunghill—and its stench will be foul; but beat perfume, and its fragrance will be sweet.
当信徒活着时，上帝在地上就有了一个仆人；当他死去时，上帝在天上就有了一个仆人。基督徒啊，你切不可期望你的悲伤会结束——除非你看到你的罪恶已经终止！正如你的悲伤不会在你的罪恶之前一天到来——它们也不会在你的罪恶之后一天停留！”凡我所爱的，我就责备管教。”当无限的爱塑造它并施加于你身上时，你当然可以承受这杖。当你躺在上帝管教的手下时，你就躺在祂慈爱的心旁。翻动粪堆——其恶臭会令人作呕；但拍打香水，其芬芳会令人愉悦。

I have read of a fountain that is cold at mid-day—and warm at midnight.
我读到过一个泉水，在正午时分是冷的，而在午夜时分是温暖的。

Thus are saints frequently cold in the mid-day of prosperity—and warm in the midnight of adversity.
因此，圣徒们常常在繁荣的正午时分变得冷淡，而在逆境的午夜时分变得温暖。

Afflictions are not a consuming fire—but a refining fire to the godly.
对于虔诚的人来说，苦难不是毁灭之火，而是精炼之火。

They are like the thorn at the nightingale’s breast, which rouses and puts her upon her delightful notes.
它们就像夜莺胸前的刺，唤醒并激发她发出悦耳的歌声。

“I reckon that the sufferings of this present life—are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
“我认为现今的苦楚，若比起将来要显于我们的荣耀，就不足介意了。”

Our present sufferings fall as far short of glory—as the least filings of gold—fall short of all the riches of India.
我们现在的苦难与荣耀相比，就像最微小的金屑与印度所有的财富相比一样微不足道。

If the faint glimmerings of Christ’s face, overpower the pains of our afflictions; what must the full meridian of His glorious light do?
如果基督面容的微弱光芒就能压倒我们苦难的痛苦，那么祂荣耀之光的正午时分会带来什么样的效果呢？

“For our light afflictions which are but for a moment—work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
“我们这至暂至轻的苦楚，要为我们成就极重无比、永远的荣耀。”

Ah, how light is a grain of reproach, compared to a weight of glory; and how short a moment’s pain, compared to an eternity of pleasure!
啊，一粒责备与荣耀的重量相比是多么轻微；一瞬间的痛苦与永恒的喜乐相比又是多么短暂！

He should not be weary of the cross—who is sure of the crown.
确信会得到冠冕的人不应厌倦十字架。

After the cup of affliction, then comes the cup of salvation.
在苦难之杯之后，就是救恩之杯。

The wine-press prepares for the wine-cellar.
压酒器为酒窖做准备。

The painful throes of travail—are soon forgotten in the fond embraces of a tender babe.
分娩的痛苦很快就会在温柔婴儿的亲密拥抱中被遗忘。

Sour fruits require something to sweeten them.
酸涩的果实需要一些东西来调和。

Death is grateful to no creature—but it is profitable to every Christian.
死亡对任何生物来说都不是愉快的，但对每个基督徒来说却是有益的。

Our good Physician will not continue us a moment longer in His infirmary—than is necessary.
我们的好医生不会让我们在祂的医院里多待一刻不必要的时间。

Our Refiner regards His choice gold too much—to consume it in the flames.
我们的精炼者太珍视祂精选的金子，不会让它在火焰中消耗殆尽。

Those who are patient in the seed time of sorrow, shall soon reap the glorious harvest of unfading joy!
那些在悲伤的播种时期保持耐心的人，很快就会收获不褪色的喜乐的荣耀丰收！

We may converse concerning our future greatness—but we shall never know the weight of the crown, until it be placed on our heads.
我们可以谈论我们未来的伟大，但直到冠冕戴在我们头上之前，我们永远不会知道它的重量。

Come, O Christian, be of good comfort, though the cloth is cut—it is only to make it up into a splendid garment.
来吧，基督徒啊，要心存安慰，虽然布料被剪裁了，但这只是为了将它制成华丽的衣裳。

The hewing of the timber—is only to prepare it for the structure.
木材的砍伐只是为了准备建造结构。

The new corn—which lives in summer; is produced from the old corn—which died in the winter.
夏天生长的新谷物，是由冬天死去的旧谷物产生的。

It is neither commendable to rush into the arms of death—contrary to the dictates of reason; or to fly from the arms of death—when God calls us to them.
既不值得称赞违背理性地冲向死亡的怀抱，也不应当在上帝呼召我们时逃避死亡的怀抱。

Shall Jesus come down from Heaven to die for you—and will you be unwilling to ascend from earth to Heaven to live with Him!
耶稣会从天堂降临为你而死——而你却不愿意从地上升到天堂与祂同住吗！

A saint’s reluctancy to meet death, arises from his apprehensions of un-readiness to meet Him.
圣徒不愿面对死亡，源于他觉得自己还没有准备好迎见祂。

A pardon may have passed the prince’s seal—which is not put into the prisoner’s hand.
赦免可能已经盖上了王子的印章——但还没有交到囚犯手中。

The edge of the sword of death—has been blunted ever since it was sheathed in Christ’s side!
死亡之剑的锋刃——自从它插入基督的肋旁后就已经变钝了！

After the vessel has endured the storms—it will arrive at the haven.
船只经历风暴之后——就会到达避风港。

Though the Christian’s triumphs never end—yet, blessed be God, his trials shall soon end.
虽然基督徒的胜利永不终止——但感谢上帝，他的试炼终将结束。

When his body and soul shall part asunder—then God and his soul shall meet together.
当他的身体和灵魂分离之时——上帝和他的灵魂就会相会。

“Though you have lain among the pots—yet shall you be as the wings of a dove, covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.”
“虽然你曾躺卧在炉灶之间——但你将如鸽子的翅膀，镀上白银，羽毛镀上黄金。”

Suppose the lancet makes a deep incision—it is only to reach the depth of your wound, and render the cure more complete.
假设手术刀做了一个深切口——那只是为了触及你伤口的深处，使治疗更加彻底。

Health is most pleasant—after sharp sickness; and liberty is most pleasant—after the most rigorous bondage.
健康在经历严重的疾病后最令人愉悦；自由在经历最严酷的束缚后最令人愉悦。

Sailors most rejoice at the appearance of land—after a long and tedious voyage.
水手在长期乏味的航行后——最欣喜于看到陆地的出现。

All the grapes in Christ’s vineyard—must pass through the wine-press.
基督葡萄园里的所有葡萄——都必须经过压榨机。

However pleasant a sinner’s beginning may be—his end is damnation!
无论罪人的开始多么愉快——他的结局是永远的沉沦！

And however troublesome a saint’s beginning may be—his end shall be salvation!
无论圣徒的开始多么艰难——他的结局必是得救！

The fresh rivers of carnal pleasures—run into the salt sea of eternal destruction.
肉欲快感的清流——流入永恒毁灭的咸海。

But the seed-time of a pious life—ends in the blessed harvest of eternal glory.
但虔诚生活的播种期——终将结出永恒荣耀的蒙福果实。

When Adrianus asked how the Christians could so patiently endure the tortures he had inflicted on them?
当阿德里安努斯（Adrianus）问基督徒如何能如此耐心地忍受他加诸于他们的折磨时？

They answered, “The love of Christ constrains us—and the love of Heaven encourages us!”
他们回答说：”基督的爱激励我们——天堂的爱鼓舞我们！”

Those who are born blind cannot judge of the glories—which dazzle the eyes of angels.
那些生来就是瞎眼的人无法判断——那些使天使眼花缭乱的荣耀。

One smile from God’s face—will forever dry up all the tears from the saint’s eyes!
上帝脸上的一个微笑——将永远擦干圣徒眼中的所有泪水！

As fish dropping out of a narrow brook into the large ocean, do not lose—but enlarge their element; so when the godly leave this life, they do not forsake—but increase their blessedness.
就像鱼儿从狭窄的小溪游入广阔的海洋，不是失去——而是扩大了它们的生存环境；同样，当敬虔的人离开这个生命时，他们不是放弃——而是增加了他们的福分。

As the flames of a burnt-offering ascend to Heaven—while its ashes fall to the ground; so the soul of a saint rises to glory—while his body falls into the dusty grave!
就像燔祭的火焰上升到天堂——而灰烬落在地上；圣徒的灵魂也升入荣耀之中——而他的身体则落入尘土的坟墓！

Application #2

应用 #2

Seven DIRECTIONS to those who wish to do more than others.

给那些希望做得比他人更多的人的七个指引。

Having thus digested the twenty singular principles by which a believer walks; I come lastly, to give directions to those who wish to do more than others. And here I shall stud your golden ring with seven precious diamonds.

既然已经消化了信徒行走的二十个独特原则；我最后要给那些希望做得比他人更多的人一些指引。在这里，我将用七颗宝贵的钻石镶嵌你的金戒指。

Would you therefore DO more than others?

因此，你是否愿意做得比他人更多？

You must deny yourself more than others.
你必须比他人更多地克制自己。
You must pray more than others.
你必须比他人祷告得更多。
You must resolve more than others.
你必须比他人更加坚定。
You must love more than others.
你必须比他人更多地去爱。
You must believe more than others.
你必须比他人更加相信。
You must know more than others.
你必须比他人知道得更多。
God must reveal Himself more to you, than He does to others.
上帝必须向你显示得比向他人更多。

Would you do more than others? Then DENY yourselves more than others.
你想比他人做得更多吗？那么就比他人更多地否定自己。

Either self must be laid aside—or God will lay us aside. What can any true Israelite behold in this Dagon—that the Ark of God should bow before it?
要么放下自我，要么上帝会将我们放在一边。任何真正的以色列人怎能看到这个大衮（Dagon）[待确认]——以至于上帝的约柜要在它面前俯首？

Though self-seeking had its birth in Heaven—yet, being justly cast out, it can never find its way there again. “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” This is the very basis of our profession. Sinful self is to be destroyed—and natural self is to be denied.
虽然自私自利起源于天堂——但它被公正地驱逐出去后，就再也无法找到回去的路。”若有人要跟从我，就当舍己，背起他的十字架来跟从我。”这是我们信仰的根本基础。有罪的自我必须被摧毁——而天然的自我必须被否定。

A little will satisfy a man who is strong in grace; much will but satisfy him who is weak in grace; but nothing will satisfy him who is void of grace. As we are called to lay out all in the cause of God—so we are to lay down all at the call of God.
一点点就能满足在恩典中坚强的人；很多才能满足在恩典中软弱的人；但对于没有恩典的人，什么都无法使他满足。正如我们被召为上帝的事业付出一切——我们也要在上帝的呼召下放下一切。

Would you do more than others? Then you must PRAY more than others.
你想比他人做得更多吗？那么你必须比他人祷告得更多。

Our daily bread—calls for our daily prayers; because one want is created while another is supplied. Are we called by the name of Christ—and shall we not call upon the name of Christ? Take away spiritual breath—and you take away spiritual life. There never was one new-born soul—who was still-born.
我们的日用饮食——需要我们每日的祷告；因为当一个需求被满足时，另一个需求又产生了。我们既然被称为基督的名下——难道不应当呼求基督的名吗？拿走属灵的气息——你就拿走了属灵的生命。从未有一个新生的灵魂——是死产的。

Who would not stretch out a beggar’s hand—to receive a jewel of infinite value? With what boldness should those appear at court—who are sure of the king’s ear!
谁不愿伸出乞丐的手——去接受一颗无限价值的宝石呢？那些确信得到国王垂听的人——应当以何等的胆量出现在朝廷上！

Spiritual prayer resembles Noah’s dove—which returned with an olive branch. Prayers were never rightly offered to God—but they were quickly answered. We are as much bound to pray while on earth, as angels are to praise while in Heaven.
属灵的祷告就像挪亚的鸽子——它衔回了一根橄榄枝。祷告从未正确地献给上帝——却不被迅速回应。我们在地上祷告的责任，就如天使在天上赞美的责任一样。

He who would speed in his enjoyment—should plead for the attainment. The prayerless soul—is a fruitless soul. The waters of life are sweet—and it is blessed to bring the vessels of prayer to these wells. Throw a dry sponge into the river—it will soon fill itself with water.
想要在喜乐中快速前进的人——应当恳求获得。不祷告的灵魂——是不结果子的灵魂。生命之水是甘甜的——把祷告的器皿带到这些井边是有福的。把一块干海绵扔进河里——它很快就会吸满水。

Many will cast off this duty, because they are ashamed to go to it with crutches—but these lacks of accomplishment, should not be a discouragement; for many dumb beggars have been relieved at Christ’s gate—by making signs.
许多人会放弃这项责任，因为他们羞于拄着拐杖去做——但这些成就的缺乏不应成为灰心的理由；因为许多哑巴乞丐在基督的门前通过做手势得到了救济。

“As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became dazzling white.” Christ had the bright sunshine of His Father’s affection, when He was moving in the orbit of supplication.
“当他祷告的时候，他的面貌改变了，衣服洁白发光。”基督在祈祷的轨道中运行时，享有天父慈爱的明媚阳光。

Reader, is not that mercy worth your breath—which was worth a Savior’s blood! Why should we cease petitioning, while God continues granting?
读者啊，那值得救主流血的怜悯难道不值得你用口气祈求吗！当上帝仍在赐予时，我们为何要停止祈求？

“Lord, what will You give me—seeing I go childless?” Thus may you pray: “Lord, what will You give me—seeing I go comfortless?”
“主啊，我既无子，你还能给我什么呢？”因此你可以这样祷告：”主啊，我既无安慰，你还能给我什么呢？”

Believing prayer is a trading for those commodities which are only locked up in Heaven’s storehouse. Why should we be dumb—seeing God is not deaf?
信心的祷告是为那些只锁在天国仓库中的商品进行交易。既然上帝不聋，我们为何要哑口无言？

By fasting—the body learns to obey the soul; by praying—the soul learns to command the body.
通过禁食——身体学会服从灵魂；通过祷告——灵魂学会指挥身体。

No Christian has so little from Christ—but there is ground for praise; and no Christian has so much from Christ—but he has need of prayer. Every day we find it is a great work—to accomplish a little work. Every new act of obedience, requires fresh assistance.
没有基督徒从基督那里得到的如此之少——以至于没有赞美的理由；也没有基督徒从基督那里得到的如此之多——以至于不需要祷告。每天我们发现，完成一点小工作都是一项伟大的工作。每一个新的顺服行为，都需要新的帮助。

“Ask, and receive—that your joy may be full.” Spiritual supplication is the channel to consolation. Now none are more fruitful in divine labor—than those who are most joyful under a sense of the divine favor. Death shortens our way to Heaven—but prayer sweetens our way to Heaven.
“你们求，就必得着——叫你们的喜乐可以满足。”属灵的祈求是通向安慰的渠道。如今，在神圣劳作中最富有成效的——莫过于那些在神圣恩宠感受下最喜乐的人。死亡缩短了我们通往天堂的路程——但祷告使我们通往天堂的路程变得甜美。

A neglect to prune the flowers, does but increase the growth of the weeds. A small vessel with large gales—will sail faster than a large ship with small winds. I never expect that branch to bear any fruit—which receives no sap from the vine. When prayer mounts upon the wings of fervor to God—then answers come down like lightning from God.
忽视修剪花朵，只会增加杂草的生长。一艘小船乘大风——航行速度会比一艘大船乘小风更快。我从不期望那些没有从葡萄树接收汁液的枝条能结出任何果实。当祷告乘着热忱的翅膀飞向上帝时——答案就如闪电般从上帝那里降下。

The gift of prayer may have praise from men—but it is the grace of prayer which has power with God. A few grapes prove the plant to be a vine, and not a thorn. Though prayer is God’s due as a Creator; yet it is more truly performed when offered to Him as a Father.
祷告的恩赐可能会得到人的赞美——但能在上帝面前有能力的是祷告的恩典。几颗葡萄证明这植物是葡萄藤，而不是荆棘。虽然祷告是作为造物主的上帝应得的；但当我们把祂当作父亲来祷告时，祷告才更真实地被履行。

Though none can pray aright but new creatures—yet all ought to pray because they are creatures.
虽然只有新造的人才能正确祷告——但所有人都应该祷告，因为他们是受造之物。

Christians will never lack a praying time—if they possess a praying frame. In the morning, prayer is a golden key—to open the heart for God’s service; and in the evening, prayer is an iron lock—to guard the heart against sin.
如果基督徒拥有祷告的心境，他们永远不会缺少祷告的时间。在早晨，祷告是一把金钥匙——打开心扉为上帝服务；在晚上，祷告是一把铁锁——守护心灵抵御罪恶。

“Peter was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him.” These prayers fetched an angel out of Heaven—to fetch Peter out of prison. Their prayer went up like fire, and brought down blessings like water. It is not always that hound which barks the loudest, which catches the hare; but that which follows closest in the chase.
“彼得被关在监狱里；但教会为他向上帝不住地祷告。”这些祷告从天上召来一位天使——把彼得从监狱里救出来。他们的祷告如火上升，带下祝福如水倾泻。并不总是叫得最响的猎犬抓到兔子；而是在追逐中紧随其后的那只。

Believers should not only pray one with another—but one for another. Next to the breach of piety in religion, we should abominate the breach of charity in communion.
信徒不仅应该彼此一同祷告——还要互相代祷。继宗教中虔诚的破裂之后，我们应该憎恶团契中慈爱的破裂。

Reader, when the vessel of your soul has given up sailing, we may conclude the divine winds have given up blowing. He who is omniscient—to know your needs; is also omnipotent—to grant your requests. Are you made a spiritual priest—and will you refuse to offer up spiritual sacrifices! Your affections should soar like an eagle, when your lips cannot move faster than a snail.
读者，当你灵魂的船只停止航行时，我们可以断定神圣的风已经停止吹拂。那位全知的主——知晓你的需要；也是全能的——能够应允你的请求。你已被立为属灵的祭司——难道你会拒绝献上属灵的祭物吗！当你的嘴唇动得不比蜗牛快时，你的情感应该像鹰一样翱翔。

“Pray without ceasing.” We may pray continually, though you be not continually at prayer. If the lesson is not always playing—yet the instrument must be kept in tune.
“不住地祷告。”我们可以持续祷告，尽管你不是一直在祷告。即使课程不是一直在进行——乐器也必须保持调音。

“And this is the confidence that we have in Him—that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” That soul shall have its will with God—who desires nothing but what God wills. They should never be dying petitioners—who have an ever-living Intercessor. It matters not, how often you carry your empty pitcher—to so full a river!
“我们若照他的旨意求什么，他就听我们，这是我们向他所存坦然无惧的心。”那些除了上帝的旨意之外别无所求的灵魂，必能得到上帝的应允。那些有着永活的中保的人——永远不应成为垂死的祈求者。你带着空水罐去一条满溢的河流——去多少次都无关紧要！

The intercession of Christ is a golden censor, and can we desire Him to offer up our drossy prayer for incense?
基督的代求是一个金香炉，我们岂能期望祂将我们渣滓般的祈祷献上作为馨香之祭？

It was an expression of Luther’s: “Let my will be done—mine Lord, because it is Yours.”
这是路德的一句话：”愿我的旨意成就——我的主，因为它是你的。”

Because it fixed in the same center—he was bold to call for the fulfilling of it.
因为它固定在同一个中心——他大胆地呼吁实现它。

The covenant of grace without us—turns precepts into promises; but the Spirit of grace within us—turns promises into prayers.
没有我们的恩典之约——将训诫变为应许；但在我们里面的恩典之灵——将应许变为祷告。

“Take with you words and turn unto the Lord; say unto Him, take away all our iniquity, and receive us graciously.”
“带着言语归向耶和华；对祂说，除去我们一切的罪孽，悦纳我们。”

Oh how willing is God that we should hit the mark—when He teaches us how to direct our arrows!
当祂教导我们如何瞄准箭矢时，上帝多么愿意我们能命中目标啊！

What desires are there in Him that we should prevail—when He shows us how we should wrestle!
当祂向我们展示如何摔跤时，祂多么渴望我们能获胜啊！

Spiritual breathings are more potent than carnal roarings.
灵性的呼吸比肉体的咆哮更有力量。

None but such desires as lack good aims—do lack good outcomes.
只有缺乏良好目标的欲望——才会缺乏良好结果。

Nothing will get up to Heaven—but that which has first come down from Heaven.
没有什么能上达天堂——除非它先从天堂降下。

That prayer meets with no answer—which is not offered up in faith.
那没有凭信心献上的祷告——得不到回应。

Deny not God faith in prayer—and God will not deny a faithful prayer.
在祷告中不要否认对上帝的信心——上帝就不会否认忠实的祷告。

Would you do more than others? You must RESOLVE more than others.
你想比他人做得更多吗？你必须比他人更加坚定。

God looks more at our wills—than at our works.
上帝更看重我们的意志——而非我们的行为。

The first fruits of conversion—hang upon the trees of holiness.
归信的初熟果子——悬挂在圣洁的树上。

“I will arise—and go to my Father!”
“我要起来，到我父亲那里去！”

Arrows weakly shot—fall short of the mark.
软弱射出的箭——达不到目标。

Shame is that which sinful nature abhors—and danger is what timorous nature declines.
羞耻是罪恶本性所厌恶的——危险是胆怯本性所回避的。

Reformation is an icy path, and cowardly spirits love to have it well beaten by others, before they will venture to tread it.
改革是一条冰冷的道路，怯懦的灵魂喜欢让他人先踏出一条路，然后才敢冒险前行。

“As for me and my house—we will serve the Lord!”
“至于我和我家，我们必定事奉耶和华！”

Firm resolutions are like rocks—which the waves cannot move.
坚定的决心如同磐石——浪潮无法撼动。

By our prayers we show what we wish God to do for us; and by our purposes we manifest what we desire to do for God.
通过我们的祷告，我们展示我们希望上帝为我们做什么；通过我们的目标，我们表明我们渴望为上帝做什么。

By the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the heart conceives holiness; the will resolves on holiness; and the life produces holiness.
借着圣灵的光照，心灵孕育圣洁；意志决定圣洁；生命产生圣洁。

“I am determined to know nothing among you—except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified!”
“我决心在你们中间不知道别的，只知道耶稣基督并他钉十字架！”

Until we attain to strong resolutions, we shall not be conquerors of Satan’s strong temptations.
直到我们达到坚定的决心，我们才能战胜撒但的强大诱惑。

As diseases resort most to that part of the body which is weakest—so the devil’s attacks will be most frequent where he is likely to be most prevailing.
正如疾病最容易侵袭身体最弱的部位一样，魔鬼的攻击也最常出现在他最有可能得逞的地方。

The Law’s curse is the motive of a servile spirit—but the love of God is the motive of a true Christian.
律法的诅咒是奴性的动机，但对上帝的爱才是真正基督徒的动机。

The resolutions of a Christian are like the water of a fountain—which flows by itself; but the resolutions of a sinner resemble the water of a pit—which must be forced up by artificial engines.
基督徒的决心就像泉水，自然流动；但罪人的决心则像井水，必须靠人工机械强行抽取。

Some never form resolutions—but under heavy afflictions; such are like goats, which never yield any milk—until they are stung; or like children under the rod—full of promises, but empty of performances.
有些人只有在遭受重大苦难时才下定决心；这些人就像山羊，被刺痛才产奶；或像受鞭打的孩子，满口承诺却从不兑现。

The sinner’s determinations are like ice—which thaws in the burning sun, but freezes again in the cold shade.
罪人的决心就像冰，在烈日下融化，但在阴凉处又重新冻结。

What! shall we vow against our sins—and then sin against our vows?
什么！我们难道要立誓反对罪恶，然后又违背誓言犯罪吗？

This is to take the wages from one master, and do the work for another master!
这就是从一个主人那里领工钱，却为另一个主人工作！

This is to make our promises to God—and our performances to the devil!
这就是向上帝许诺，却为魔鬼效劳！

Sacred vows bind us to obedience—and sinful vows to repentance.
神圣的誓言约束我们顺服，罪恶的誓言则要求我们悔改。

Reader, say not that you have noble blood running in your veins—except you can prove it by heroic actions.
读者啊，除非你能用英勇的行动证明，否则不要说你的血管里流淌着高贵的血液。

Would you do more than others? You must LOVE more than others.
你想比别人做得更多吗？你必须比别人更加爱。

“The love of Christ constrains us.” There is no sin so sweet—but the love of Christ restrains them from it; there is no service so great—but the love of Christ constrains them to it.
“基督的爱激励我们。”没有罪恶如此甜美，但基督的爱使我们远离它；没有服侍如此伟大，但基督的爱促使我们去做。

If once this affection takes fire—the room becomes too hot for any sin to stay in. The heart becomes a chamber for Christ—but not a harbor for lust.
一旦这种爱情燃烧起来，房间就变得太热，任何罪恶都无法停留。心灵成为基督的居所，而不是欲望的港湾。

“The mandrakes give forth their fragrance, and the rarest fruits are at our doors, the new as well as old, for I have stored them up for you, O my beloved.” Love never shakes the boughs—but for Christ to eat the fruits.
“风茄散发芳香，最稀有的果实就在我们门前，新的和旧的都有，因为我为你，我的爱人，储存了它们。”爱从不摇动树枝，除非是为了让基督品尝果实。

Many pay the performance of duties, as oppressed subjects do heavy taxes—with sad complaints; but the spouse of Christ looks upon what she is—as not great enough for His remembrance; and what she does—as not good enough for His acceptance.
许多人履行职责，如同被压迫的臣民缴纳沉重的税收——伴随着悲伤的抱怨；但基督的新娘认为她的所是不足以被祂记念，她所做的不足以被祂接纳。

Had she anything a thousand times better than herself, or were she herself a thousand times better—it would be bestowed upon Him! What is that little which He desires, compared to that much which He deserves.
即使她有比自己好一千倍的东西，或者她自己变得好一千倍，也会全部奉献给祂！祂所渴望的那一点点，与祂应得的那么多相比，又算得了什么。

When Achilles was asked what enterprises he found most easy; he answered: “Those which I undertake for my friends.” Seven years service seemed like nothing to Jacob, because of the love he bore to Rachel.
当阿喀琉斯(Achilles)被问及他认为什么事业最容易时，他回答说：”那些我为朋友所做的事。”对雅各来说，七年的服侍似乎算不了什么，因为他对拉结的爱。

Love, as it acts the most excellently, so it acts the most easily: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” The crystal streams of divine actions—bubble from the pure spring of divine affection.
爱，既能最出色地行动，也能最轻松地行动：”你们若爱我，就必遵守我的命令。”神圣行为的水晶溪流——从神圣爱情的纯净泉源中涌出。

“Faith works by love.” The Christian’s love advances—by equal paces with the Christian’s faith; as the heat of the day advances—with the shining of the sun.
“信心通过爱运作。”基督徒的爱随着基督徒的信心同步前进；如同白昼的热度随着阳光的照耀而增加。

Faith like Mary sits at the feet of Christ to hear His sermons; and love like Martha, compasses Him about with services. Faith is the great receiver—and love is the great disburser.
信心如同马利亚坐在基督脚前聆听祂的讲道；爱如同马大，以服侍环绕祂。信心是伟大的接受者，爱是伟大的分配者。

We take in all by believing—and we lay out all by loving. Faith at first—works love; and then it works by love, as the workman sharpens an edge upon his tools, and then carves and cuts with them.
我们通过相信接受一切，通过爱付出一切。信心起初产生爱；然后通过爱运作，如同工匠先磨砺工具的边缘，然后用它们雕刻和切割。

The scripture has exceeding high expressions of this affection. Christ brings the ten commandments, down into two commandments, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind; this is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it—you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
圣经对这种情感有极高的表述。基督将十诫归纳为两条诫命，”你要尽心、尽性、尽意爱主你的神，这是第一条最大的诫命。其次也相仿，就是要爱人如己。”

Paul folds them up into one word: “For the Law is fulfilled in one word.” What is that word? Surely it is too big for any mouth to utter: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
保罗将它们浓缩成一个词：”因为全律法都包含在一句话里。”这个词是什么？确实，它太大了，任何嘴都无法说出：”你要爱人如己。”

He who is not lacking in this duty—is lacking in no duty. Love is called “An old commandment, and a new commandment.” It is as old as the law of Moses—and yet as new as the gospel of Jesus Christ.
不缺乏这种责任的人，就不缺乏任何责任。爱被称为”旧命令，也是新命令”。它和摩西的律法一样古老，却又和耶稣基督的福音一样新。

Faith is the grace which first seals the title to Heaven—and love is the grace that at last possesses the heavenly inheritance. Faith unites Christ and sanctified souls together on earth—but love unites God and glorified souls together in Heaven.
信心是首先为天堂盖章的恩典，而爱是最终拥有天国产业的恩典。信心在地上将基督和圣洁的灵魂联合在一起，但爱在天堂将上帝和得荣耀的灵魂联合在一起。

As the spleen grows—the body decays; and as hatred increases—so holiness abates. It is best that dissension should never be born among brethren—and next that it should die presently after its birth.
正如脾脏增大，身体就衰退；仇恨增加，圣洁就减少。最好是兄弟之间永远不要产生分歧，其次是分歧一产生就立即消亡。

When any leak springs in the ship of Christian society, we should use our endeavors to stop it speedily! The nearer the union is—the more dangerous is the breach. Things which are glued together may (if severed) be set together as beautiful as ever—but bodies rent and torn, cannot be healed without a scar.
当基督徒社会的船只出现任何泄漏时，我们应该迅速努力阻止它！联合越紧密，破裂就越危险。用胶水粘在一起的东西，即使分开了，也可以重新粘合得和以前一样美好，但是被撕裂的身体，无法在不留疤痕的情况下愈合。

The love in a hypocrite’s bosom is just like the fire in the Israelite’s bush, which was not burning all the while it was blazing; his estate and relations have the chief and strength of his affections; they admit the world not only into the suburbs of their senses—but into the city of their souls.
伪君子心中的爱就像以色列人灌木丛中的火，虽然在闪耀，却并非一直在燃烧；他的财产和关系占据了他情感的主要部分和力量；它们不仅让世界进入了他们感官的郊区，还进入了他们灵魂的城市。

But the love of a Savior in the soul of a believer, is as oil put into a vial with water, in which, though both be ever so much shaken together, the oil will be uppermost.
但在信徒灵魂中对救主的爱，就像把油倒入装水的瓶子里，无论怎么摇晃，油都会浮在上面。

The expression of Absalom is also the language of God’s people: “Now, therefore, let me see the king’s face!”
押沙龙的表达也是神的子民的语言：”现在，让我见王的面吧！”

It is Heaven on earth—for His children to see Him; and it is Heaven in Heaven—for His children to dwell with Him!
对祂的儿女来说，在地上见到祂就是天堂；而在天堂里与祂同住，则是天上的天堂！

Love does not put off the pursuit of duty—until it attains the possession of glory.
爱不会推迟履行职责，直到获得荣耀。

There is no rocking this babe to sleep—but in the cradle of the grave.
除了在坟墓的摇篮里，没有什么能使这个婴儿入睡。

A soul who loves much—will work much.
一个深爱的灵魂会做更多的工作。

The injunctions of love are not grievous—but precious.
爱的命令不是痛苦的，而是宝贵的。

God is not so much displeased at our having sin—as at our loving sin.
神对我们有罪并不太不悦，但对我们爱罪却很不悦。

He is more pleased at our loving His service—than at our performing His service.
祂更喜悦我们爱祂的服侍，而不是我们执行祂的服侍。

None can serve God like a believer; because none can love Him as a believer; for the obedience of the heart—is the heart of obedience.
没有人能像信徒那样服侍神；因为没有人能像信徒那样爱祂；因为心的顺服是顺服的核心。

Would you do more than others? Then it is necessary to BELIEVE more than others.
你想做得比别人多吗？那么就有必要比别人更加相信。

If there is life in the body—the pulse will beat; and if there is faith in the heart—it will work.
如果身体里有生命，脉搏就会跳动；如果心里有信心，它就会发挥作用。

“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?”
“我的弟兄们，若有人说自己有信心，却没有行为，有什么益处呢？这样的信心能救他吗？”

An idle faith—is an evil faith; for the faith which works not—saves not.
懒惰的信心是邪恶的信心；因为不起作用的信心是不能拯救的。

Perceiving of Christ, bespeaks our knowledge—but receiving Him, bespeaks our faith.
感知基督表明我们的知识，但接受祂则表明我们的信心。

“To as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe on His name.”
“凡接待祂的，就是信祂名的人，祂就赐他们权柄，作神的儿女。”

Faith not only looks upon Christ as a fountain—but it also lays pipes to convey the water into its own cistern.
信心不仅将基督视为泉源，还铺设管道将水引入自己的水池。

The window only radiates the room as a medium, by which the rays of light are let in.
窗户只是作为一个媒介照亮房间，通过它让光线进入。

As faith can do nothing without Christ, so it will do nothing against Christ.
正如信心离开基督就不能做什么，它也不会做任何违背基督的事。

A true faith resembles the spring in a watch, which moves all the golden wheels—but only as it is wound up.
真正的信心就像手表里的发条，它驱动所有金色的齿轮——但只有在上紧发条时才能运转。

“The father of the child cried out with tears: Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.”
那孩子的父亲带着眼泪喊道：”主啊，我信；但我信不足，求主帮助。”

Though his tears dropped to the earth—yet his faith reached up to Heaven.
虽然他的眼泪落在地上，但他的信心却上达天庭。

Divine confidence can swim upon those seas—which feeble reason cannot fathom.
神圣的信心能在那些微弱理性无法测度的海洋中游泳。

Strong distrust—begets weak obedience.
强烈的不信任会产生软弱的顺服。

The cords of unbelief once tied the hands of Christ—but not so strongly but He could have broken them.
不信的绳索曾经捆绑基督的手，但并非如此牢固以至于祂无法挣脱。

Now if they bound this greater than Samson—what must they do to feeble Israelites?
如今，如果它们捆绑了这位比参孙更伟大的，那么它们对软弱的以色列人又会做什么呢？

It is as natural for a believing man to be a working man—as it is for the sun to shine, or the fire to burn.
对于一个信仰的人来说，成为一个工作的人是很自然的——就像太阳会发光，火会燃烧一样。

Other graces, like the common people of Israel, stand in the outward court; but faith, like the high-priest, enters within the veil.
其他恩典，如同以色列的平民，站在外院；但信心，如同大祭司，进入幔内。

If Satan can undermine the foundation, the superstructure will soon totter and fall.
如果撒但能够破坏根基，上层建筑很快就会摇摇欲坠并倒塌。

The great Bernard said, “Infidels fear the devil as a lion—but those who are strong in the faith, despise him as a very little worm.”
伟大的Bernard[待确认]说：”不信的人惧怕魔鬼如同惧怕狮子，但那些信心坚强的人，蔑视他如同一条微不足道的小虫。”

As there is no grace which glorifies God so much as faith—so there is no grace which He magnifies so much as faith.
没有哪种恩典能像信心那样荣耀上帝，也没有哪种恩典是祂如此看重的。

Martha and Mary both said, “Lord, if You had been here, our brother would not have died.”
马大和马利亚都说：”主啊，你若早在这里，我兄弟必不死。”

What then, could not He have saved him while absent—as well as present?
那么，祂不在场时难道就不能救他，就像在场时一样吗？

Could He not as easily have sent him health—as brought it?
祂难道不能像带来健康一样轻易地赐予健康吗？

But does their unbelief stop here? No!
但他们的不信是否就此止步？不！

“Lord, by this time there is a bad odor!”
“主啊，到现在已经臭了！”

True—but their unbelief stank more in Christ’s nostrils—than Lazarus’ body did in theirs.
没错——但他们的不信在基督鼻中的臭味，比拉撒路的尸体在他们鼻中的臭味更甚。

“Being strengthened in his faith, he gave glory to God.”
“信心越发坚固，将荣耀归给神。”

Skillful swimmers are not afraid to venture beyond their depth; while learners paddle along the river bank.
熟练的游泳者不怕冒险进入深水区；而学习者则在河岸边划水。

As faith receives the righteousness of Christ for justification, so it receives the holiness of Christ for sanctification.
正如信心接受基督的义以称义，它也接受基督的圣洁以成圣。

Faith is the hand, the mouth, and the eye of the child of God.
信心是上帝儿女的手、口和眼。

It is the ring by which the soul is united to God.
它是灵魂与上帝联结的戒指。

“He who believes, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”
“信我的人，从他腹中要流出活水的江河来。”

When saints would advance to a high degree in other virtues, then they generally pray for an increase of faith.
当圣徒想要在其他美德上达到高度时，他们通常会祈求增加信心。

“Lord, increase our faith!” is no uncommon prayer.
“主啊，增加我们的信心！”这并非罕见的祷告。

What the root sucks from the earth—it soon disperses through the branches.
根从土壤中吸收的养分很快就会分散到枝叶中。

Lusts may struggle like wounded soldiers on their stumps, and rally like broken troops; but they shall never be masters of that field where faith is fighting.
情欲可能像断肢的伤兵一样挣扎，像溃败的军队一样重整旗鼓；但在信仰战斗的战场上，它们永远不会成为主宰。

As our sins would not let Christ live in us—so Christ will not let them live within us.
正如我们的罪不让基督在我们里面活着—基督也不会让罪在我们里面活着。

“Holding the mystery of the faith—in a pure conscience.”
“用清洁的良心持守信仰的奥秘。”

If faith is a precious pearl, a good conscience is the cabinet that contains it.
如果信仰是珍贵的明珠，那么良好的良心就是盛放它的柜子。

This heavenly manna of faith—must be laid up in a golden pot of a good conscience.
这信仰的天降吗哪—必须存放在良好良心的金罐中。

When faith comes out of the battle a glorious conqueror—then fear is foiled and taken prisoner.
当信仰从战斗中作为光荣的胜利者出来时—恐惧就被挫败并被俘虏。

Faith is as able to keep us from falling into temptations, and from fainting under afflictions.
信仰既能使我们不陷入诱惑，也能使我们在苦难中不致昏倒。

A man in the exercise of faith, is like Joseph; the archers may hit him—but his bow shall abide in strength.
一个在操练信心的人，就像约瑟；弓箭手可能射中他—但他的弓仍然坚固。

He is a rich man—who lives upon his wealth; and he is a righteous man—who lives by faith.
靠财富生活的人是富人；靠信心生活的人是义人。

Christians are far from wrapping up the talent of faithfulness in the napkin of idleness.
基督徒绝不会将忠诚的才能包裹在懒惰的餐巾中。

Unbelief not only blinds the eyes to the purity of the Law—but deafens the ears to the music of the Gospel—and deadens the affections to the glories of Heaven.
不信不仅使眼睛看不见律法的纯洁—还使耳朵听不见福音的音乐—并使情感对天堂的荣耀麻木不仁。

Every appeal to an unbeliever is like a spark of fire falling into the water, which is no sooner in—than it is out.
对不信者的每一次呼吁就像火星落入水中，刚一进入就熄灭了。

Would you do more than others? Then you should KNOW more than others.
你想要做得比别人更多吗？那么你应该比别人知道得更多。

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins.” “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” “You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” “God has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
“我是世界的光。跟从我的，就不在黑暗里走，必要得着生命的光。” “我差你到他们那里去，要叫他们的眼睛得开，从黑暗中归向光明，从撒但权下归向神，使他们得蒙赦罪。” “从前你们是暗昧的，但如今在主里面是光明的，行事为人就当像光明的子女。” “你们都是光明之子，都是白昼之子。我们不属黑夜，也不属幽暗。” “神已经召你们出黑暗入奇妙光明。”

“Wisdom makes the face to shine.” I may say of divine wisdom, as was said of a Grecian lady, that no man ever saw her—but he loved her. That Christian is most excellent, who is the most intelligent.
“智慧使人的脸发光。”我可以这样说智慧，就像人们形容一位希腊女士那样，没有人见过她，却都爱她。最优秀的基督徒，就是最有智慧的基督徒。

The papists cry up “ignorance” as the mother of devotion. But we cry down “ignorance” as the father of superstition. Satan binds all his captives down in the dark dungeon of ignorance! Like the cunning falconer, he blindfolds his birds—that he may carry them to Hell more securely. The Father of Light takes no pleasure in the children of darkness. He is not accustomed to carry souls to Heaven—as mariners do their passengers to their port, who shut them under the hatches, so that they cannot see where they are going. It is no wonder that Christ should be so much undesired, when He is so much unknown.
天主教徒称颂”无知”为虔诚之母。但我们谴责”无知”为迷信之父。撒但将他所有的俘虏都束缚在无知的黑暗地牢里！就像狡猾的驯鹰者，他蒙住鸟儿的眼睛，以便更安全地将它们带入地狱。光明之父不喜悦黑暗之子。祂不习惯像水手那样将乘客关在舱底，使他们看不到去向就把灵魂带到天堂。当基督如此不为人知时，人们不渴慕祂也就不足为奇了。

A person without understanding, is but the soul of a beast, imprisoned in the body of a man. “If you know these things, happy are you, if you do them.” The will of God must be known on earth, as it is in Heaven; before it can be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Utter darkness is the recompense of inward darkness. None will ever be darkened by walking in the beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Where there is a veil upon the eye of knowledge—there will be a chain upon the hand of diligence. An ignorant man neither cares what he does—nor knows where he is going. When such a one is taken off the earth—he cannot be taken into Heaven.
一个没有理解力的人，不过是野兽的灵魂被囚禁在人的身体里。”你们既知道这事，若是去行就有福了。”神的旨意必须先在地上被认知，如同在天上一样；然后才能在地上行出来，如同在天上一样。彻底的黑暗是内心黑暗的报应。没有人会因行走在公义之阳的光芒中而变得黑暗。知识之眼上有帘幕的地方，勤奋之手上就会有锁链。无知的人既不关心自己做什么，也不知道自己要去哪里。当这样的人离开世界时，他就不能被带入天堂。

Wherever there is a trade carried on for Heaven, the Spirit of God must first open the shop windows.
无论何处为天国进行交易，上帝的灵必须首先打开店铺的窗户。

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me, while it is day; the night comes when no man can work.”
“趁着白日，我必须做那差我来者的工；黑夜将到，就没有人能做工了。”

There is no doing the work of the day—but by the light of the day.
唯有借着白昼的光明，才能完成白天的工作。

Darkness is the devil’s element—and the sinner’s punishment.
黑暗是魔鬼的领域，也是罪人的惩罚。

“He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves.”
“他救了我们脱离黑暗的权势，把我们迁到他爱子的国里。”

“My people perish—for lack of knowledge.”
“我的民因无知识而灭亡。”

When the candle of the soul is extinguished, it must needs sit in darkness.
当灵魂的蜡烛熄灭时，必然陷入黑暗之中。

“Taking vengeance with flaming fire on those who don’t know God!”
“要报应那不认识神的人，用烈火施行报应！”

The infidel’s lack of judgment—is a sin that Christ will bring to judgment.
不信者缺乏判断力，这是基督将要审判的罪。

Ah, how do blinded men take that for devotion—which is only superstition! and that for a Bethel—which is no better than a Babel.
啊，被蒙蔽的人们竟将迷信当作虔诚！将不过是巴别塔的东西当作伯特利[Bethel]！

To preserve the understanding as a Goshen from the darkness of Egypt—is the way to avoid the plagues of Egypt.
将理解力保存为歌珊[Goshen]，远离埃及的黑暗，这是避免埃及灾祸的方法。

“I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins.”
“我差你到他们那里去，要叫他们的眼睛得开，从黑暗中归向光明，从撒但权下归向神，又因信我，得蒙赦罪。”

Spiritual acts require spiritual eyes; and the clearer we see them—the better we perform them.
属灵的行为需要属灵的眼睛；我们看得越清楚，就越能更好地行出来。

He who desires to see the face of holiness in its native luster—must not let his carnal judgment draw the picture!
想要看到圣洁本真光辉的人，绝不能让他属肉体的判断来描绘这幅画像！

Would you do more than others? Then you must have God reveal Himself more to you—than He does to others.
你想比其他人做得更多吗？那么你必须让上帝向你显明祂自己，比祂向其他人显明的更多。

Man does not first come to God—that he might be taught; but he is first taught—that he may come to God. “Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom.” God gives—and then we know. When He opens our eyes—then we can see. When He loosens our tongues—then we can speak. When He says come forth—then we live. When He commands us to be of good comfort—then we can rejoice.
人不是先来到上帝面前以便受教；而是先受教，然后才能来到上帝面前。”认识天国的奥秘，是赐给你们的。”上帝赐予，然后我们才知道。当祂开启我们的眼睛时，我们才能看见。当祂松开我们的舌头时，我们才能说话。当祂说”出来吧”时，我们才活过来。当祂命令我们心里得安慰时，我们才能欢喜。

God is first in all the works of creation and providence. He is all in nature, all in grace, and all in glory. “Without Me—you can do nothing.”
上帝在一切创造和护理的工作中居首位。祂是自然界的一切，恩典中的一切，荣耀中的一切。”离了我，你们就不能做什么。”

Thus, if you would deny yourselves; pray; resolve; love; believe, or know more than others—it can only be by the gracious revelation of God to your heart. All the difference which exists between man and man, is only from the Lord Almighty; who is wonderful in counsel. You may cast the net on any side of the ship of piety—but God alone can enclose it with spiritual blessings. Only thus, may you be taught to acknowledge who He is, rest on what He does, and finally be with Him where He is. And though your journey is attended with bitterness—yet He shall soon crown you with eternal blessedness!
因此，如果你想比他人更能舍己、祷告、立志、爱、相信或认识，这只能通过上帝对你内心的恩典启示来实现。人与人之间存在的所有差异，只来自全能的主；祂的谋略奇妙。你可以在虔诚之船的任何一侧撒网，但只有上帝才能用属灵的祝福充满它。只有这样，你才能被教导承认祂是谁，安息在祂所做的事上，最终与祂同在祂所在之处。虽然你的旅程伴随着苦涩，但祂很快就会以永恒的福分为你加冕！