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On the basis of fifty years as a pastor, preacher and professor at Princeton Theological Seminary基于作为普林斯顿神学院牧师、讲道者和教授五十年的经历
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Archibald Alexander (1772-1851) deals with the subjective work of the Holy Spirit in the heart in all its phases, from the new birth until final preparation for heaven.
阿奇博尔德·亚历山大(1772-1851)论述圣灵在人心中的主观工作的各个阶段，从重生直到为天堂作最后的预备。
There are two kinds of religious knowledge which, though intimately connected as cause and effect, may nevertheless be distinguished.
有两种宗教知识，虽然它们作为因果紧密相连，但仍然可以加以区分。
These are the knowledge of the truth as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures; and the impression which that truth makes on the human mind when rightly apprehended.
这就是圣经所启示的真理知识；以及当这真理被正确理解时在人心中所产生的印象。
The first may be compared to the inscription or image on a seal, the other to the impression made by the seal on the wax.
第一种可以比作印章上的铭文或图像，另一种则如同印章在蜡上留下的印记。
When that impression is clearly and distinctly made, we can understand, by contemplating it, the true inscription on the seal more satisfactorily, than by a direct view of the seal itself.
当这印记清晰分明地形成时，通过默想它，我们对印章上真实铭文的理解会比直接查看印章本身更为满意。
Thus it is found that nothing tends more to confirm and elucidate the truths contained in the Word, than an inward experience of their efficacy on the heart.
因此可以发现，没有什么比真理在心中发生功效的内在经历更能确认和阐明圣道中所包含的真理。
It cannot, therefore, be uninteresting to the Christian to have these effects, as they consist in the various views and affections of the mind, traced out and exhibited in their connection with the truth, and in their relation to each other.
因此，对基督徒而言，追溯并展示这些效果（它们体现在心思的各种观点和情感中）与真理的联系，以及它们之间的相互关系，必定是令人关注的。
There is, however, one manifest disadvantage under which we must labor in acquiring this kind of knowledge, whether by our own experience or that of others; which is, that we are obliged to follow a fallible guide; and the pathway to this knowledge is very intricate, and the light which shines upon it often obscure.
然而，在获取这种知识时，无论是通过自己的经历还是他人的经历，我们都必须面对一个明显的不利条件；就是我们不得不跟随一个会犯错的向导；而通往这知识的路径非常复杂，照在其上的光常常是晦暗的。
All investigations of the exercises of the human mind are attended with difficulty, and never more so, than when we attempt to ascertain the religious or spiritual state of our hearts.
对人心思活动的所有探究都伴随着困难，而当我们试图确定我们内心的宗教或属灵状态时，这种困难更是达到顶点。
If indeed the impression of the truth were perfect, there would exist little or no difficulty; but when it is a mere outline and the lineaments obscure, it becomes extremely difficult to determine whether it be the genuine impress of the truth: especially as in this case, there will be much darkness and confusion in the mind, and much that is of a nature directly opposite to the effects of the engrafted word.
若真理的印记是完美的，就几乎不会有任何困难；但当它仅仅是一个轮廓，其特征又模糊不清时，要判断它是否为真理的真实印记就变得极其困难：特别是在这种情况下，心中会有许多黑暗和混乱，且许多本性与那栽种的道的果效直接相对。
There is, moreover, so great a variety in the constitution of human minds, so much diversity in the strength of the natural passions, so wide a difference in the temperament of Christians, and so many different degrees of piety—that the study of this department of religious truth is exceedingly difficult.
此外，人的心智构造如此多样，天性中的情感强度差异如此之大，基督徒的性情差异如此之广，虔诚程度又如此不同——以致于研究这个宗教真理的领域极其困难。
In many cases the most experienced and skillful theologian will feel himself at a loss, or may utterly mistake, in regard to the true nature of a case submitted to his consideration.
在许多情况下，即使是最有经验和最熟练的神学家，在面对提交给他考虑的案例的真实本质时，也会感到茫然，或可能完全判断错误。
The complete and perfect knowledge of the deceitful heart of man is a prerogative of the omniscient God. “I the Lord search the hearts and try the reins of the children of men.” (Psalm 7:9; Rev 2:23)
对人虚伪之心的完全和完美认识是全知的神的特权。”我耶和华是察看人心，试验人肺腑的。”（诗篇7:9；启示录2:23）
But we are not on this account forbidden to search into this subject. So far is this from being true, that we are repeatedly exhorted to examine ourselves in relation to this very point, and Paul expresses astonishment that the Corinthian Christians should have made so little progress in self-knowledge.
但这并不意味着我们被禁止探究这个主题。事实恰恰相反，我们反复被劝勉要在这一点上省察自己，保罗对哥林多信徒在自我认识上进展如此之少表示惊讶。
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Cor 13:5)
“你们总要自己省察有信心没有，也要自己试验。岂不知你们若不是可弃绝的，就有耶稣基督在你们心里吗？”（哥林多后书13:5）
In judging of religious experience it is all-important to keep steadily in view the system of divine truth contained in the Holy Scriptures; otherwise, our experience, as is too often the case, will degenerate into wild enthusiasm.
在判断宗教经历时，始终牢记圣经所含的神圣真理体系至关重要；否则，我们的经历就会像经常发生的那样，堕落为狂热的热忱。
Many ardent professors seem too readily to take it for granted that all religious feelings must be good. They therefore take no care to discriminate between the genuine and the spurious, the pure gold and the tinsel.
许多热心的信徒似乎过于轻易地认定所有宗教情感都一定是好的。因此，他们不加分辨真伪，不分辨纯金与金箔。
Their only concern is about the ardor of their feelings; not considering that if they are spurious, the more intense they are, the further will they lead them astray.
他们只关心感受的热度；却没有考虑到如果这些感受是虚假的，它们越强烈，就会使他们越偏离正道。
In our day there is nothing more necessary than to distinguish carefully between true and false experiences in religion; to “test the spirits—whether they are from God.” (1 John 4:1) And in making this discrimination, there is no other test but the infallible Word of God; let every thought, motive, impulse and emotion be brought to this touchstone.
在我们这个时代，没有什么比仔细分辨宗教中的真假经历更重要的了；要”试验那些灵是出于神的不是。”（约翰一书4:1）而在作这样的分辨时，除了神无误的话语外别无他法；让每一个思想、动机、冲动和情感都接受这试金石的检验。
“To the law and the testimony; if they speak not according to these, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa 8:20)
“人当以训诲和法度为标准，他们所说的，若不与此相符，必不得见晨光。”（以赛亚书8:20）
If genuine religious experience is nothing but the impression of divine truth on the mind, by the energy of the Holy Spirit, then it is evident that a knowledge of the truth is essential to genuine piety.
如果真正的宗教经历不过是圣灵的能力将神圣真理印在心灵上，那么显然，对真理的认识对于真诚的虔诚是至关重要的。
Error never can under any circumstances produce the effects of truth. This is now generally acknowledged.
谬误在任何情况下都不能产生真理的效果。这一点现在已被普遍认可。
But it is not so clearly understood by all, that any defect in our knowledge of the truth must, just so far as the error extends, mar the symmetry of the impression produced.
但并非所有人都清楚地明白，我们对真理认识的任何缺陷，都会在错误所及的范围内，损害所产生的印象的对称性。
The error, in this case, is of course not supposed to relate to fundamental truths, for then there can be no genuine piety; but where a true impression is made, it may be rendered very defective, for lack of a complete knowledge of the whole system of revealed truth; or its beauty marred by the existence of some errors mingled with the truth, which may be well illustrated by returning again to the seal.
在这种情况下，错误当然不应该涉及基本真理，因为那样就不可能有真正的虔诚；但即使在产生真实印象的地方，由于缺乏对整个启示真理体系的完整认识，这种印象可能变得很有缺陷；或者因为一些错误与真理混杂而破坏了其美感，这可以通过再次回到印章的比喻来很好地说明。
Suppose that some part of the image inscribed on it has been defaced, or that some of the letters have been obliterated, it is evident that when the impression is made on the wax, there will be a corresponding deficiency or deformity, although in the main the impress may be correct.
假设印章上刻的图像有一部分被损坏，或者一些字母被抹去，显然，当印在蜡上时，虽然主要的印记可能是正确的，但会出现相应的缺陷或变形。
There is reason to believe, therefore, that all ignorance of revealed truth, or error respecting it, must be attended with a corresponding defect in the religious exercises of the person.
因此，有理由相信，对启示真理的所有无知，或与之相关的错误，必然会在个人的宗教操练中带来相应的缺陷。
This consideration teaches us the importance of truth, and the duty of increasing daily in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. This is the true and only method of growing in grace.
这一考虑教导我们真理的重要性，以及每日增进对我们的主和救主耶稣基督的认识的责任。这是在恩典中成长的真实且唯一的方法。
There may be much correct theoretical knowledge, I admit, where there is no impression corresponding with it on the heart; but still, all good impressions on the heart are from the truth, and from the truth alone.
我承认，可能存在许多正确的理论知识，但心中却没有与之相对应的印象；但是，所有印在心上的美善印象都来自真理，而且唯独来自真理。
Hence we find, that those denominations of Christians which receive the system of evangelical truth only in part, have a defective experience; and their Christian character, as a body, is so far defective; and even where true piety exists, we often find a sad mixture of wild enthusiasm, self-righteousness, or superstition.
因此我们发现，那些只部分接受福音真理体系的基督教派别，都有缺陷的经历；他们作为整体的基督徒品格也是有缺陷的；即使在存在真正虔诚的地方，我们常常发现狂热、自以为义或迷信的悲哀混合。
And even where the theory of doctrinal truth is complete, yet if there be an error respecting the terms of Christian communion, by narrowing the entrance into Christ’s fold to a degree which His Word does not authorize, this single error, whatever professions may be made to the contrary with the lips, always generates a narrow spirit of bigotry, which greatly obstructs the free exercise of that brotherly love which Christ made the badge of discipleship.
即使在教义真理的理论完整的地方，如果对基督徒团契的条件存在错误，将进入基督羊圈的门路狭窄到祂的话语所不允许的程度，这一个错误，无论口头上如何相反地宣称，总是产生狭隘的偏执精神，极大地阻碍了基督设立为门徒标志的弟兄之爱的自由运作。
If these things be so, then let all Christians use unceasing diligence in acquiring a correct knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus;
若此事确实如此，就让所有基督徒以不懈的勤勉追求在耶稣里的真理的正确知识；
and let them pray without ceasing for the influence of the Holy Spirit to render the truth effectual in the sanctification of the whole man, soul, body, and spirit.
并让他们不住地祈求圣灵的影响，使真理在全人的成圣上产生功效，包括灵、魂与身体。
“Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth”, (John 17:17) was a prayer offered up by Christ in behalf of all whom the Father had given Him.
“求祢用真理使他们成圣，祢的道就是真理”（约翰福音17:17），这是基督为天父所赐给祂的人所献上的祷告。
Table of Contents
目录
Preface
前言
Early Religious Impressions
早期宗教印象
Piety in Children
儿童的虔诚
The New Birth an Event of Great Importance
重生：一个重大事件
Causes of Diversity in Experience Continued
经历多样性的原因续篇
Effect of Sympathy Illustrated
同理心效应说明
Erroneous Views of Regeneration
重生的错误观点
Considerations on Dreams, Visions, etc.
关于梦境、异象等的思考
Religious Conversation
属灵交谈
Christian Experience of R__ C__.
R__ C__的基督徒经历
Imperfect Sanctification
不完全的成圣
The Spiritual Conflict
属灵争战
Growth in Grace
在恩典中成长
Backsliding
退后
The Rich and the Poor
富人与穷人
Deathbed of the Believer
信徒的临终
Remarks on Deathbed Exercises
关于临终操练的评论
Preparation for Death
为死亡做准备
A Prayer for One Who Feels that he is Approaching the Borders of Another World
为感到自己正接近另一个世界边界之人的祷告