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The only way to live well in impoverishing times. A Discourse occasioned from the decay of earthly Trades, and visible wastes of Practical Piety in the day we live in, offering Arguments and Counsels to all, towards a speedy revival of dying Godliness and timely prevention of the dangerous issues thereof impending on us.
在贫困时代中唯一良好生活的方式。一篇由当今世上尘世贸易的衰败和实践敬虔的明显荒废而引发的论述，向所有人提供论据和劝诫，以促使垂死的敬虔迅速复兴，及时防止由此带来的危险后果。
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To the Reader.
致读者。
Especially Those who are the more peculiar Objects of my Care, Love and Labors.
特别是那些作为我特殊关怀、爱护和劳作对象的人们。
Notwithstanding the high Pretensions to Light and Wisdom in the Times we live in beyond some former Ages, there is no small measure of Soul darkness fallen upon us in this Evening-part of our Gospel day, Isa. 42. 19, 20.
尽管我们所处的时代对光明和智慧有着超越某些前代的高度自诩，在我们福音之日的这黄昏时分，灵魂的黑暗已相当程度地降临在我们身上，以赛亚书42:19-20。
Who is blind but my servant? or deaf as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the Lord’s servant? seeing many things but thou observest not: opening the ear, but he heareth not.
谁比我的仆人更瞎眼呢？谁比我所差遣的使者更聋呢？谁比那完全人更瞎眼呢？谁比耶和华的仆人更瞎眼呢？看见许多事却不领会，耳朵开通却不听见。
Were not a Veil on men’s minds, could it possibly be that CHRIST should be so little precious in this Day of revelation and Land of visions in which we live?
若不是人们心中蒙着帕子，在我们所生活的这启示之日和异象之地，基督怎么可能如此不被珍视呢？
Was there ever a Nation in the World to whom Christ hath been so unveiled and manifestly held forth Crucified before their eyes? and yet not to know the Day of their visitation and the things of their peace, be-speaks shameful Ignorance.
世上可曾有一国家，基督如此毫无遮掩地、明确地在他们眼前被钉十字架示明？然而不认识他们蒙眷顾的日子和关乎他们平安的事，这表明可耻的无知。
Is not this a manifest Evidence of men’s Darkness and folly, to be fondly taken with Airy Notions and vain Speculations, and all the while neglect that Wisdom which maketh wise to salvation, to leave the Fire of the Sanctuary, and sit down by Sparks of their own kindling:
这不是人类黑暗和愚昧的明显证据吗？迷恋于空洞的概念和虚妄的思辨，同时忽视那使人得救有智慧的智慧，离开圣所的火，却坐在自己所点的火花旁：
That having a Kingdom before them which cannot be shaken, and an Inheritance that fadeth not away reserved in the heavens; they should turn again to the beggarly Elements of this world, loathing their Manna and Angels food, and longing again for the Onions and Garlic they had vomited up;
他们面前有一个不能震动的国度，和在天上为他们存留不朽坏的基业；他们却转向这世界贫乏的小学，厌恶他们的吗哪和天使的食物，再次渴望他们曾吐出的葱和蒜；
to leave tried Gold for that which perisheth; to let Heaven drop out of their hands, and hug the World in their hearts; to neglect that Merchandise which brings in unsearchable riches, and drive a Trade for such Goods whose fashion passeth away:
放弃经过试验的金子而取那会朽坏的；让天堂从他们手中滑落，却在心中拥抱世界；忽视那带来难以测度之财富的货物，却从事于那些式样会过去之物品的贸易：
Do plainly argue Ignorance and folly.
这明显证明无知和愚昧。
Are not the silver streams of Jordan better than the muddy waters of Assyria, and our Rock above the worldlings Sandy bottoms (they themselves being Judges?) and yet to lose those pleasant streams for that filthy puddle, is folly indeed.
约旦河的银色溪流不是比亚述的浑浊之水更好吗？我们的磐石不是高过世人的沙地根基（他们自己也是审判者）？然而，为那肮脏的水坑而失去这些宜人的溪流，确实是愚昧。
Will Eagles stoop to Flies?
鹰会俯身捕捉苍蝇吗？
Can Souls who have ascended into the light of the Lord, and seen the things that differ, and had acquaintance with things above upon choice, come down again and prey upon the Carrion Comforts and Interests of a dying World?
那些已上升到主的光中，看见了有区别的事物，并凭选择与上面的事物相熟的灵魂，能否再次降下来，以垂死世界的腐败安慰和利益为食？
O no. Can a Maid forget her Ornaments, or a Bride her Attire?
哦不！少女岂能忘记她的饰物，新妇岂能忘记她的华服？
Oh foolish people and unwise to be unmindful of the Rock that begat them, to leave the Snow of Lebanon, to let down such a gainful Trade as Holiness is, that they may pursue a Soul-cheating, starving, damning World:
哦愚昧无知的民，竟忘记了生他们的磐石，离弃了黎巴嫩的雪水，放下了如此有益的圣洁之道，去追求那欺骗灵魂、使人饥饿、导人灭亡的世界：
demonstrates folly and madness in such as have the knowledge or hopes of better things: are ye so foolish having begun in the spirit; are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Gal. 3. 3.
这表明那些有知识或对更美之事有盼望的人是何等的愚昧和疯狂：你们既靠圣灵入门，如今还靠肉身成全吗？加拉太书3:3。
To obviate or retrieve this folly is the design of this ensuing Discourse, which comes not in the gaudy Dress of curious Art, or in the Excellency of man’s wisdom, but in the plainness and demonstration of the truth as it is in Jesus.
为防止或挽回这种愚昧是本论述的目的，它不以华丽的艺术装饰，也不以人的智慧的卓越呈现，而是以耶稣里的真理的朴实和明证呈现。
I am not ignorant that Books have their Fashions as well as men, and Discourses that come not forth in the Modish Garb laced with Elegancy and stuffed with Lofty strains, scarce meet with a Look except of Scorn and Contempt from the Wits of this Day:
我深知书籍如同人一样有其时尚，而那些不以时髦的装饰、优雅的点缀和高深的辞藻呈现的论述，很难得到当今才子们的青睐，只会招来轻蔑和鄙视：
But I love not to follow them who darken counsel by words, and by their sublime Speculations and abstruse Notions, lead men into Clouds of their own creating, and while they show Themselves lose their Readers.
但我不愿效法那些用言辞使教导晦暗，用高深的推测和晦涩的观念将人引入自己制造的云雾中，在展示自己的同时却失去了读者的人。
There are many tricks and devices (saith Mr. Dod) that some men use in Preaching, (which we may apply also to Writing) but it seldom does good; the pure Gospel and that Preaching which the World counts foolishness, is that which works most kindly.
道德先生说，有许多技巧和手段是人们在讲道中使用的（这也可应用于写作），但它们很少能带来益处；纯正的福音和那被世人视为愚拙的讲道，才是最有效的。
Christ’s own Weapons are the fittest for his own service, and when there is least of man in God’s work, then usually does there most of God appear.
基督自己的武器最适合祂自己的事工，当人在神的工作中最少时，神通常显现得最多。
The business of this Book is not to feed thy Curiosity, but to find out thy Conscience, and the likeliest way to That is through the plains of Intelligible truth.
这本书的目的不是满足你的好奇心，而是找到你的良心，而通往良心最可能的道路是通过可理解真理的平原。
I cannot expect that Discourse should lead others towards Heaven, that has not its self drained and refined from Earth:
我不能期望一篇论述能引导他人走向天堂，如果它自身没有从尘世中净化和提炼：
Expect not in this anything that may please thy carnal mind, but what may profit thy teachable and obedient Soul; and before thou ascendest the Throne to judge it, take the Balance of the Sanctuary and weigh it:
不要期望在此找到任何能取悦你肉体心思的东西，而是能使你顺服受教的灵魂获益的东西；在你登上宝座评判它之前，先拿圣所的天平称一称：
Be advised to go beyond such Readers who only view the Title, read the Epistle, glance a little on the Book, and if they find not something singular and pleasing their curious Fancy, lay it aside; this shows a full Stomach but an empty Soul, and is a Practice that overturns the Writers pains and the Readers profit;
劝你不要像那些只看标题、读序言、略翻几页，若找不到特别令他们好奇心满意的东西就搁置一旁的读者；这表明饱腹而空心，这种做法使作者的辛劳和读者的益处都付诸东流；
be persuaded to read it thoroughly and impartially, and weigh it seriously, and thou mayest find something that concerns either thy Understanding, Affection, Conscience, or Conversation.
请认真彻底、公正地阅读，认真思考，你可能会发现一些关乎你的理解、情感、良心或生活的事物。
I have chosen to prosecute the Metaphor of (Trading) throughout this Discourse, having a principal respect to that sort of persons in the design of this Book, and the better to insinuate into the mind of ordinary Christians the knowledge of heavenly things, of men’s duties, neglects and backsliding.
我选择在整个论述中贯穿”交易”的比喻，主要是出于对本书所针对的那类人的尊重，也是为了更好地将天国事物、人的责任、疏忽和退步的知识渗透到普通基督徒的心中。
If thou art one who never madest a profession of God farther than blindness, formality or superstition might lead thee; and a stranger to this great pleasant and gainful Trade of Godliness, here thou mayest find Arguments to persuade thee to this rational and necessary Undertaking in order to Life and Salvation, Grace and Glory, with Counsel and Instructions how thou mayest attain to this high and heavenly Calling.
如果你是一个从未在盲目、形式或迷信之外认识神的人；是这伟大、愉悦且有益的敬虔之道的陌生人，在此你可能找到说服你接受这合理且必要的事业的论据，为了生命和救恩，恩典和荣耀，以及如何达到这高尚天国呼召的劝告和指导。
If thou be one who drivest furiously after the World, pursuing thy earthly Interest with greediness, neglecting the things that concern thy peace, and subjecting the Concerns of Heaven and thy immortal Soul to the poor and perishing Trifles of this World; here thou wilt find reasons to convince thee of that folly, and helps to loosen thy heart from that ensnaring Soul ruining bondage.
如果你是一个狂热追逐世界的人，贪婪地追求尘世利益，忽视关乎你平安的事，将天国的关切和你不朽的灵魂置于这世上贫乏易逝的琐事之下；在此你将找到使你确信那愚昧的理由，以及帮助你摆脱那诱惑灵魂、毁灭灵魂的束缚的方法。
If thou meetest with Rebukes upon thy earthly Interests, and crosses on thy Affairs and undertakings in the World, this Book will help thee to find out the Cause of thy Disappointments, and those consuming Moths on thy Estate, and Instruct thee to get Honey out of these Rods, good from these evils, and how to Comport with Divine ends, and thy own Advantages by such Dispensations.
如果你在尘世的利益上遭遇责备，在事务和事业上遇到挫折，这本书将帮助你找出失望的原因，和那些侵蚀你产业的蛀虫，并指导你如何从这些杖中得蜜，从这些恶中得善，以及如何通过这些护理与神圣的旨意和你自己的益处相符合。
Hast thou made a Profession of Godliness, and formerly driven this Heavenly Trade to Advantage, but art now fallen back and decayed in thy Spiritual substance, and become poor in thy Inward man and towards God?
你是否曾宣告敬虔，并曾有利可图地经营这天国的买卖，但如今在灵性上已退步衰退，在内心和对神的关系上变得贫乏？
here mayest thou find the Discoveries and Evidences of a backsliding Soul, with the Causes of it: thou wilt also meet with Awakening Considerations to Affect and Afflict thy heart with the sense of thy evil Case:
在此你可找到退步之魂的表现和证据，及其原因：你还会遇到唤醒的思考，使你的心因自己的恶状而感到触动和痛苦：
Here also mayest thou know whether thy Decays are curable, and what course thou mayest take to get out of thy languishing estate.
在此你也可知道你的衰退是否可治，以及你可采取什么方法脱离衰弱的状态。
Art thou one that doest profess this Heavenly Trade? this Piece will tell thee what thy work is, and wherein this Employment lies; what are the Important duties of Piety to be driven on every Day, with Directions and Rules about it.
你是否宣称从事这天国的买卖？这篇文章将告诉你什么是你的工作，这职业包含什么；每日当勤勉的敬虔之重要责任是什么，以及相关的指导和规则。
If thou art one who keepest up this Trade for Heaven and thrivest therein, here hast thou marks of a Prosperous Trade in Godliness, and several Doubts cleared up about thy Soul-thriving’s, with those Important Duties opened which this Peculiar Mercy calls for:
如果你是一个坚持这天国买卖并在其中兴盛的人，在此你有敬虔兴旺的标志，以及澄清关于你灵魂兴盛的几个疑问，还有这特殊怜悯所要求的重要责任：
Gather out of this Garden what Physic or Food thou needest, and Apply and Improve it, praying for the Assistance of that Spirit that hath been frequently and solemnly begged both for the Forming and Blessing of this Discourse unto all that read it.
从这园中采集你所需的药物或食物，运用并改进它，祈求那圣灵的帮助，这圣灵常被恳切地祈求，为的是使这论述得以形成并赐福给所有阅读它的人。
You who have been Hearers of this Subject, though in somewhat different Expressions suited to your Capacity and Advantage in the Delivery of it, have reason above others to Receive and Improve this: Message Twice sent unto you.
你们这些曾听过这主题的人，尽管表达方式略有不同以适合你们的理解能力和在传递中的益处，比他人更有理由接受并改进这两次发送给你们的信息。
But you Especially my dear Friends, the Care of whose Souls is upon me, for whose sake chiefly these Truths were at first Delivered, and are now made Public have the most obliging reasons to get them Copied out upon your Hearts and in your Lives.
但特别是你们，我亲爱的朋友们，你们的灵魂是我所关心的，这些真理最初主要是为你们而传讲，现在公开发表，你们有最令人信服的理由将它们抄录在你们的心上和生活中。
To you Firstly, more Especially, yea, most Affectionately was and is this Word of salvation fent and presented again to your View, that you might have these things abiding with you, and that they might live in your Eye which have founded in your Ear, and be speaking to you when I shall be removed out of your sight, and be beyond all Capacity to serve your precious and immortal Souls, that when I can plead no more for God or with you, I may in this be speaking to you and others in the behalf of Christ, and glorious though despised Holiness.
首先是对你们，特别是对你们，是的，最亲切地将这救恩之道发送并再次呈现在你们面前，使这些事常存于你们中间，使那些在你们耳中响起的在你们眼中活现，当我离开你们的视线，无法再服侍你们宝贵不朽的灵魂时，仍能对你们说话，使我在无法再为神或与你们辩护时，仍能在此代表基督向你们和他人讲论，讲论那荣耀却被轻视的圣洁。
This has been the prevailing Argument with me to discover my weakness to the World, and expose myself to the censure or scorn of some.
这一直是促使我向世界展示自己的软弱，使自己面对某些人的批评或嘲讽的有力论据。
I have the greatest reason to expect from you the Entertainment of these Truths, who have chosen and received me in the Lord, to declare the Gospel of his Son to you:
我有充分的理由期望你们接受这些真理，因为你们在主里选召并接纳了我，使我向你们宣讲祂儿子的福音：
You also have known my Labors, Infirmities and Afflictions with you and for your sake; that for Twenty years space I have served you in the Gospel, in reproach, wants, weaknesses; dangers and sufferings, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the Ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God:
你们也知道我为你们所付出的劳苦、软弱和苦难；我在二十年的时间里在福音中服事你们，经历羞辱、缺乏、软弱、危险和苦难；我不以性命为念，只要能欢欢喜喜地完成我的路程，完成我从主耶稣所领受的职事，为神恩典的福音作见证：
yea. being so affectionately desirous of you, I have been willing to have imparted to you not the Gospel of God only, but also my own Soul.
是的，我如此深切地爱慕你们，我愿意不仅将神的福音传给你们，也将我自己的性命给你们。
Because you were dear unto me, you know and have acknowledged the suitableness of this Subject unto your own Cases, and how evidently the condition of most of you is opened here and suited, by the convictions, counsels, reprehensions, & consolations of this discourse;
因为你们对我是宝贵的，你们知道并承认这个主题与你们自身的处境是何等相符，并且你们大多数人的情况在这里都被明白揭示并对应，通过这篇讲论中的劝勉、忠告、责备和安慰；
there are some among you that I am jealous of with a godly jealousy, lest I should have labored in vain for you, and your minds be corrupted from the simplicity of the Gospel through the temptations of this present world:
我为你们中的一些人存着敬虔的忌妒，恐怕我为你们所做的工是徒然的，你们的心思因今世的诱惑而偏离了福音的单纯：
I have often cried aloud in your ears against the sin, and have warned you of the danger of an earthly spirit and conversation, and do tell you now even weeping, that such are enemies to the Cross of Christ, who mind earthly things, until you are crucified to the world, you have no saving benefit of the cross of Christ, or can ever behold the face of God in heaven, until you are redeemed from the earth;
我常在你们耳边大声反对罪恶，警告你们属世心灵和言行的危险，现在甚至流泪告诉你们，那些专注于世俗事物的人是基督十字架的仇敌，除非你们向世界已经钉死，否则你们无法得到基督十字架的救恩之益，也不能在天堂中见神的面，直到你们从世界中被救赎；
all your Profession, Parts, Duties and Enjoyments will be but so many Witnesses against you, if after all you are lovers of this present World:
你们所有的宣信、才能、职责和享受都将成为控告你们的见证，如果你们终究是爱这现今世界的人：
Coveting to be rich will also make your Souls poor, and deprive you of the refreshments of his presence and consolations of his blessed spirit, and will be a manifest evidence that you have little of those pleasures that are from above.
贪图富足也会使你们的灵魂贫穷，剥夺你们在祂同在中的更新和祂圣灵的安慰，这将明显证明你们几乎没有从上面来的喜乐。
‘Twas said of pious Mr. Bain, That he sought not great matters in the World, being taken up with comforts and griefs to which the World was a stranger.
据说虔诚的班恩先生不追求世上的大事，而是专注于那些世人所不知的安慰与忧伤。
The more a Soul converses in heaven and lives upon the first fruits of the other world, the less will he be taken with things below:
一个灵魂越多地与天堂交通，越多地靠着来世的初熟果子生活，就越不会被地上的事物所吸引：
when Abraham came to live by faith, and in a view of that City whose Maker and Builder is God, the Plains of Sodom and Spoils of Canaan were to him but mean things;
当亚伯拉罕因信而活，并仰望那座以神为创造者和建造者的城时，所多玛平原和迦南的掠物对他而言不过是微不足道的事物；
I never cared much for the world (saith one) since I came to know better things.
自从我认识了更美之事后，我就不再太在乎这世界（有人如此说）。
You have tasted that the Lord is gracious; you have fed on the fat things of his house, and have found a day in his Courts better than a thousand elsewhere, and must be self-condemned if you prefer not God above Ten thousand Worlds, and count the enjoyment of himself riches enough;
你们已经尝过主恩的滋味；你们已经享受祂家中的美物，并发现在祂院宇中的一日胜过在别处的千日，若你们不把神看得比万千世界更宝贵，不以享受祂自己为足够的财富，你们必将自我定罪；
yea, if you esteem not the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt.
是的，若你们不以为基督受的凌辱比埃及的财宝更宝贵。
‘Twas a brave speech of that noble Galeatius when he had left his Honor, Interest and Relations for Christ and the Gospel sake: I have saith he, riches honor and joy enough while in this Cottage I may live in the Church of God, enjoy his Word and People, and have time to converse with God by holy meditation, and with my Friends about God’s great goodness to me in my Conversion, cursed forever be that Religion which weds men to the World, and divorces them from God.
那位高贵的加勒阿修斯为基督和福音的缘故舍弃了他的荣誉、利益和关系时所说的勇敢话语是：”只要在这小屋中我能生活在神的教会里，享受祂的话语和祂的子民，有时间通过圣洁默想与神交通，并与我的朋友们谈论神在我归信中向我显示的极大恩慈，我就有足够的财富、荣誉和喜乐，愿那使人与世界结合而与神分离的宗教永远受咒诅。”
There are others of you (I fear) fallen back in your spiritual state; former days were better than now, and the shadow gone back some degrees upon the Dial of your hearts, who it may be have left your first love, have lost your spiritual taste, more dead to the things of God, Cold and Formal in Duty;
你们中的另一些人（我担忧）在灵命上已经退后；从前的日子比如今更好，你们心灵的日晷上的影子已退后了几度，你们可能已经离弃了起初的爱心，失去了属灵的品味，对神的事物更加麻木，在尽本分上冷淡而形式化；
possibly you have hid your face from God, and he hath compassed himself with a cloud before you.
你们可能已经向神掩面，而祂也在你们面前以云彩遮蔽自己。
You have neglected your walks with God, and he hath withheld converse with you:
你们已经忽视了与神同行，而祂也已经不再与你们交通：
For the recovery of such from whence they have fallen to their first love and labors, is part of this Discourse framed;
为了使这样的人从堕落之处恢复到起初的爱心和工作，是本讲论所设计的部分目的；
hear what the Spirit saith therein, Attend and Obey those Counsels, return to your first love, and do your first works, least the Lord take the Candlestick out of his place, and leave you in that wilderness into which you wander.
听圣灵在其中所说的话，留心并顺服那些劝勉，回到你起初的爱心，行起初所行的，免得主将你的灯台从原处挪去，把你们留在你们所流浪的旷野中。
Some of you who are fearers of God yet walk in darkness, and see no light, have your continual Exercises and frequent Complaints, that he who should have comforted your souls, is removed far from you:
你们中有些敬畏神的人却行在黑暗中，看不见光，有持续的挣扎和频繁的抱怨，认为那本应安慰你们灵魂的主已远离你们：
My Advice to you is, to walk in the light when you sit in darkness, and wait for the light when the even shadows are upon you.
我给你们的建议是，当你们坐在黑暗中时要行在光明中，当暮影临到时要等候光明。
‘It is but a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry; the Son of righteousness is upon his journey towards you, and ’twill not be long ere it be risen upon you.
“还有一点点时候，那要来的就来，并不迟延；公义的太阳正在向你们前行，不久就要为你们升起。”
Are there any of you who have better days, does your Bow abide in strength, are your Affections warm towards your Beloved, and your hearts sometimes burn within you while he is talking to you in his Word?
你们中有没有人正经历更好的日子，你们的弓仍然有力，你们对你们所爱的主心存温暖，当祂在祂的话语中对你们说话时，你们的心有时在你们里面燃烧吗？
Do you long for his Appearance, and delight in his Presence, and press hard after him in his Appointments?
你们渴望祂的显现，喜悦祂的同在，并在祂所定的法则中竭力追随祂吗？
Do you love the Word of his mouth more than your necessary food?
你们爱祂口中的话语胜过爱你们必需的食物吗？
Can you be content to let your own things sit, that you may seek the things that are Christ’s? and sit at his feet, when others are in the market-place, and abroad in the crowd of their earthly affairs;
当别人在市场上，忙于他们世俗的事务时，你们能否放下自己的事务去寻求基督的事，坐在祂的脚前？
Are you alone with Christ in a corner?
你们是否在角落里与基督单独相处？
If so, your Mercy is singular, and your Obligations strong to be entirely the Lord’s; to be no more your own, but wholly devoted to his fear, to live a life of praise and well-pleasingness unto God, to think well of Christ, and bear his pleasure;
如果是这样，你们所得的怜悯是特别的，你们有强烈的责任要完全归属主；不再属于自己，而是完全献身于敬畏祂，过一种赞美神并讨祂喜悦的生活，对基督存良善的想法，且承担祂的喜悦；
to be patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer, to long for the Well-head of your mercies, and to be beginning a life of glory while you are here in a life of grace.
在患难中要忍耐，恒切祷告，渴慕你们怜悯的源头，并且在你们在恩典生命中时就开始荣耀的生命。
I shall close up this Discourse with a few words of general Advice to you all.
我将以几句对你们大家的一般性劝勉来结束这篇讲论。
First, lay the foundation sure on which you build all your Temporary labors and your Eternal hopes:
首先，要为你一切暂时的劳作和永恒的盼望奠定稳固的根基：
You cannot be too certain, in that on which depends your all.
在那关乎你一切的事情上，你再怎么确定也不为过。
Consider how often Satan hath battered down; yea, your own hearts have disputed away those Evidences on which you could sometimes have adventured your Souls, and yet the strongest Assaults are to come, and the greatest Forces of Hell reserved for the last Battle.
想想撒但曾多少次猛烈攻击；是的，你们自己的心也曾辩驳掉那些有时你们愿意为之冒险献出灵魂的证据，而且最猛烈的攻击即将到来，地狱最大的力量为最后的战斗预备着。
Bottom not your hopes on anything short of a Crucified Christ, not on your Frames, but on his Favor; not upon your Duties, but his Righteousness; nor upon any kindnesses received from him short of a saving union with him; rest not till your Convictions be clear, deep and distressing, such as discover sin to be the greatest evil in its nature and fruits, and its residence and indwelling in you, a burden intolerable; such Convictions as will not admit of after favor or reconciliation to the least known or most beloved sin; that can make your heart to bleed afresh upon every new touch of it, and never at rest till the whole kind of it be destroyed out of your Souls:
不要将你的盼望建立在任何低于被钉十字架的基督的事物上，不要建立在你的心境上，而要建立在祂的恩惠上；不要建立在你的责任上，而要建立在祂的义上；也不要建立在任何从祂领受的恩慈上，除非是与祂有得救的联合；不要停止，直到你的确信清晰、深刻且令人痛苦，这样的确信能揭示罪在本性和果实上是最大的邪恶，并且罪居住和内住在你里面，是一个无法忍受的重担；这样的确信不允许之后对最小的已知或最喜爱的罪有任何偏袒或和解；每当罪有新的触碰时，它都能使你的心再次流血，并且永不安宁，直到罪的整个种类从你的灵魂中被摧毁：
Labor to see such a Beauty in Christ, as may render all Created Glory as dross and dung in your Eye; stop not till you come to the Excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ as your Lord; till you can discern such a worth in the Person as well as Purchase of Christ, as will make you content to throw all over board, to take in him, and be sick of love till you enjoy him:
努力看见基督里那样的美，以至于使一切被造的荣耀在你眼中都如同渣滓和粪土；不要停止，直到你认识耶稣基督为你的主的那种卓越；直到你能辨别出基督的位格以及祂的救赎具有那样的价值，以至于使你甘愿抛弃一切，接受祂，并且因爱成病，直到你享受祂：
be sure your close with Christ be right with his whole Person, Will and Designs, to be one with him upon all his own terms.
务必确保你与基督的联合与祂的整个位格、旨意和计划相符，按照祂自己的所有条件与祂合一。
And that this union be not in Judgment and Consent only, but in Heart and Will from your whole Souls, finding an inward likeness and love to him in your renewed nature.
并且这联合不仅在判断和赞同上，而且在从你整个灵魂发出的心和意志上，在你更新的本性中找到与祂内在的相似和对祂的爱。
2ly, Go on towards perfection, press after nearer and more complete Conformity to the Nature and Will of Christ every day:
第二，要继续迈向完全，每天努力追求更近和更完全地与基督的本性和旨意相符：
Think how short your highest measures do come of perfect holiness in the sight of God; set the Pattern before you every day, that you may be the more ashamed at your present attainments in Grace, and more provoked to higher Aims and Achievements; compare yourselves with them that are above you, with the Rule of Righteousness, and with all your Obligations, Time, Means and Mercies, to keep you humble in your own eyes; look upon your Wants as well as Enjoyments, that you may be as poor in spirit as in condition; that which is wanting in you cannot be numbered:
想想你在神眼中最高的尺度与完全的圣洁还差多少；每天将那榜样摆在你们面前，使你们对目前在恩典上的成就更加羞愧，并更加被激励去追求更高的目标和成就；将你们自己与那些高于你们的人、与公义的准则、以及与你们所有的义务、时间、方法和怜悯相比，使你们在自己眼中保持谦卑；察看你们的缺乏以及你们的享受，使你们在灵里和境况上都一样贫穷；你们所缺乏的数不过来：
Who am I and what is my people that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? 1 Chron. 19. 14.
我是谁，我的民又是谁，竟能如此乐意奉献呢？历代志上19:14。
Keep low thoughts in yourselves under the greatest services you do for God, and the highest honor you receive from God.
即使在你们为神做了最大的服事，并从神领受了最高的荣誉时，也要在自己里面保持卑微的想法。
Alas (said the Lord Du-Plessis to one that commended him for the improvement of his Talent) What is there of mine in that Work? say not that it was I, but God in me.
唉（杜普莱西斯勋爵对一位称赞他发挥才能的人说），在那工作中有什么是属于我的呢？不要说那是我做的，而是神在我里面做的。
I know more (saith another) by myself to abase me, than any man could know to extol me.
我知道更多（另一个人说）关于我自己的事情可以贬低我，胜过任何人所知道的可以抬举我的事情。
So much humility a man hath, so much grace he hath and worth and no more: Dr. Har.
一个人有多少谦卑，他就有多少恩典和价值，仅此而已：哈里斯博士（Dr. Harris）。
3ly, Keep up a life of faith upon Christ in the promises:
第三，在应许中，保持对基督的信心生活：
As the first quickening of a Christian is by faith, so his whole life is maintained by believing; no longer than you believe can you live:
正如基督徒最初的苏醒是藉着信心，所以他的一生都是藉着相信来维持的；你相信多久，你就能活多久：
Gal. 2. 20.
加拉太书2:20。
Your life is hid with Christ in God.
你们的生命与基督一同藏在神里面。
Draw fresh Influence thence by faith upon your Hopes, Comforts and Graces under every want, fears and deaths within you; make not your graces or duties the grounds of believing, but encouragements to Faith; study more the nature, freeness, fullness and unchangeableness of redemption grace, and get acquaintance with the promise and persuasions of the truth of them in Christ:
藉着信心，从那里汲取新鲜的影响，加在你们的盼望、安慰和恩典上，在你们里面的每一个缺乏、恐惧和死亡之下；不要使你们的恩典或责任成为相信的基础，而是成为信心的鼓励；更多地学习救赎恩典的性质、自由、丰满和不变性，并认识应许和在基督里这些真理的确信：
To live only by faith (saith Dr. Harris) and a bare Promise without a pawn, and to give all to free grace and to Christ alone, are mighty works; and some of those things he found most difficult.
单单藉着信心（哈里斯博士说）和没有抵押的空洞应许而活，并将一切都归给白白的恩典和唯独基督，是伟大的工作；而他发现其中一些事情是最困难的。
4ly, Walk in Love as Christ hath loved you:
第四，在爱中行事，正如基督爱你们一样：
This is the life of Heaven, and beginning of that Excellent glory which shall never be removed; there is nothing does make thee more like to God, more near and dear to him, and more fit for his use than this Grace of Love:
这是天堂的生活，也是那永不挪去的卓越荣耀的开始；没有什么比这爱的恩典更能使你像神，更亲近和珍爱祂，以及更适合祂的使用：
Let your Affections be extended as large as the objects of them; unto God, his Word, Ways and People; love God to obey him; his Ways to walk in them, his People to delight in them, to sympathize with them, to mourn over them in their sufferings, to help them in their necessities, to rejoice with them in their consolations, counting their mercies your own, which is no easy part of your duty.
让你们的感情尽可能地扩展到感情的对象；对神、祂的话语、道路和百姓；爱神以致顺服祂；爱祂的道路以致行在其中，爱祂的百姓以致喜爱他们，与他们同情，在他们的苦难中为他们哀恸，在他们的需要中帮助他们，在他们的安慰中与他们一同喜乐，将他们的怜悯视为你们自己的，这不是一件容易的事。
It is far harder (saith one) to adopt another’s Comforts than his Sorrows, and to hold ones self-exalted in another’s exaltation.
采纳别人的安慰比采纳别人的悲伤更难（有人说），并且在别人的高升中保持自己的高尚。
5ly, In the enjoyment of the World, get above it, and while you live in it, be daily dying to it; so much as you get above the World, so near are you to God and Glory, and no nearer.
第五，在享受世界时，要超越它，并且当你们活在其中时，要每天向它死去；你们越超越世界，就越靠近神和荣耀，不会更近了。
Covet not another’s Goods, the World is none of your Portion, if God be your part.
不要贪图别人的财物，如果神是你的那份，世界就不是你的产业。
Oh how much beneath the Extraction, Dignity and Duty of Saints is the love to, and life upon this low and dirty World: leave not Children’s bread to feed on such Carrion dogs-meat, and filthy excrements, with which Satan feeds his Laborers.
哦，对这低下和污秽世界的爱和生活，是多么低于圣徒的出身、尊严和责任：不要留下孩子们的食物去喂养那些腐肉狗食和污秽的排泄物，撒但用这些喂养他的工人。
But having spoke largely of this matter in the Book, I advise your Eye and Heart thither for Conviction and Counsel herein.
但是，既然我已经在这本书中详细地谈论了这件事，我建议你们的眼睛和心转向那里，以寻求这方面的确信和劝告。
6ly, Make much of the Time and Means of Grace while you have them; your Glass runs, your Sun hastens, and the Wind blows when and where it listeth.
第六，趁着你们拥有时间和恩典的方法时，要充分利用它们；你们的沙漏在流逝，你们的太阳在加速，风随着自己的意思吹。
O make use of Time while you have it: God who made nothing in vain, hath work for every hour of your short Day; work as hard as you can, you will find something to do when you come to die.
哦，趁着你们拥有时间时，要利用时间：神没有徒然造任何东西，在你们短暂的白昼中，每个小时都有工作；尽你们所能地努力工作，当你们临死时，你们会发现有事情要做。
Loss of time (saith Dr. Harris on his Death-bed) sits very near upon me; work, work apace, assure yourselves nothing will more trouble you when you come to die, than that you have done no more for that God which hath done so much for you.
浪费时间（哈里斯博士在临终时说）使我非常难过；工作，快点工作，要确信，当你们临死时，没有什么比你们没有为那位为你们做了这么多事的神做更多的事更让你们烦恼的了。
Wait upon and walk in the light while you have it; if Grace thinks it not much to spread a Table for you, donit you think it much to spare time to sit down at it:
趁着你们拥有光明时，要等候并在光明中行事；如果恩典不认为为你们摆设筵席是过分的，难道你们不认为抽出时间来坐在筵席旁是过分的吗：
You that find so many things to do when God calls for your Company, will shortly find that God hath other things to do than to mind you when you need his Cordials; how glad would you be of enjoying time to hear the voice of peace when you are entering upon Eternity, who are not at leisure now to hear Divine precepts while in the possession of time: neglect not hearing praying seasons, which are your Seed-time for Glory O that every day (saith one) were a Sabbath or a Fast-day, for then I should be well.
当神呼召你们与祂相交时，你们发现有这么多事情要做，不久你们会发现，当你们需要祂的安慰时，神有其他事情要做，而不是顾念你们；当你们进入永恒时，你们会多么高兴地享受时间来聆听平安的声音，而你们现在却无暇在拥有时间时聆听神的训诫：不要忽略聆听祷告的季节，那是你们为荣耀撒种的时候。哦，但愿每一天（有人说）都是安息日或禁食日，那样我就好了。
Buy not your ease or earthly interest at so dear a rate as the loss of salvation, time and helps:
不要以失去救恩、时间和帮助这样昂贵的代价来购买你们的安逸或世俗的利益：
Evidence your love to God by your valuation of his Presence in his Ordinances; How can you long for the enjoyment of God in Heaven, who care not for his company on Earth, or his glorious appearances in his Sanctuary.
通过你们对祂在祂的圣礼中同在的重视来证明你们对神的爱；你们既然不关心祂在地上的同在，或祂在祂圣所中荣耀的显现，又怎能渴望在天堂享受神呢？
Stick at nothing that may yield him delight or give him glory, how expensive soever it be on your dearest Comforts and Interests:
对于任何能给祂带来喜悦或荣耀的事情，都不要犹豫，无论它在你们最珍爱的安慰和利益上花费多少：
When one told Du Moulin in his sickness that he wronged himself by speaking so much; ‘It is true, said he, but I will die glorifying of God.
当有人在杜穆林生病时告诉他，他说了这么多话是在委屈自己；”是的，这是真的，”他说，”但我宁愿在荣耀神中死去。”
A Soul that supremely loves God, will count nothing too much to do, part with or suffer that may bring him glory.
一个全心爱神的灵魂，会认为没有什么事是做起来过分的，没有什么东西是舍弃起来过分的，也没有什么苦难是受起来过分的，只要能给祂带来荣耀。
7ly. Rest not in your enjoyments of means, without improvement of them: What’s a full Table if thy Soul abide empty, and frequent feeding, if thy inner man languish:
第七，不要仅仅满足于拥有蒙恩之道而不加以改进：如果你的灵魂依然空虚，丰盛的筵席又有何益处？如果你的内在生命日渐衰微，频繁的喂养又有何用？
’tis a time of dying and secret waste in most Christians; O covet earnestly the best gifts, that you may flourish in the Courts of God, and grow as the Cedars of Lebanon;
这是大多数基督徒灵命垂死和暗中衰退的时期；噢，切切渴慕那更大的恩赐，使你能在神的院宇中兴旺，如同利巴嫩的香柏树一样成长；
that you may be thoroughly furnished to every good work, and your profiting appear to all men:
使你能够预备行各样的善工，并使你的长进显明在众人面前：
Be deeply sensible of your little Fruit under great dressing, and be humbled;
要深刻意识到你在蒙受极大栽培之下所结的果子却是如此之少，并要谦卑自己；
take heed of spiritual pride, and puffing’s up in your apprehended Excellencies or Privileges;
要谨防属灵的骄傲，以及因为你所认为的卓越或特权而自高自大；
’tis the humble soul is the most thriving soul; keep your Hearts pure, and Lives unspotted:
唯有谦卑的灵魂才是最茁壮成长的灵魂；保守你的心纯洁，生活无瑕：
As sound bodies, so sincere souls are most growing:
如同健康的身体一样，诚实的灵魂最能成长：
pare off luxuriant branches as they sprout out, and lay the Ax to the root of them every day;
当枝条过度生长时要修剪它们，每天都要将斧子放在它们的根上；
keep up Faith in the Promises of Soul-prosperity to them that serve him in sincerity, Psal. 92. 12, 13. and stay on Christ by Faith for help:
要持守对那些诚心事奉祂之人灵魂兴盛应许的信心，诗篇92:12-13，并凭信心倚靠基督寻求帮助：
when you see nothing but Discouragements in yourselves, and when you are afraid to apply the Promises, even then bless God for them.
当你在自己身上只看到灰心之事，当你害怕应用这些应许时，即使在那时也要为这些应许感谢神。
These Promises, said a doubting Soul, are none of mine, yet I am glad that God hath made them, and for their sakes that shall partake of them; Mr. White.
一个疑惑的灵魂说，这些应许不属于我，但我仍为神立下了这些应许而欢喜，也为那些将要得着这些应许的人欢喜；怀特先生如是说。
8thly, Neglect not secret transactions between God and your Souls, to which I fear some of you may be too great strangers:
第八，不要忽略神与你灵魂之间的私密交通，我担心你们中有些人对此可能太过陌生：
no wonder that Intimacy between God and Souls does fall, when they are seldom together in retirements.
当人们很少在隐密处与神相会时，神与灵魂之间的亲密关系衰落也就不足为奇了。
Oh take heed of passing by thy Closet or secret corners one day, Matth. 6. 6. or posting out of them before God and your Souls have some Converse together;
噢，要谨慎，不要一日不进入你的内室或隐密处，马太福音6:6，也不要在神与你的灵魂还未交通之前就匆忙离开；
and be not only constant in it, but careful to please God in the spiritual performance of it:
不仅要持之以恒，还要谨慎地在属灵操练中讨神喜悦：
Let not Custom or Formality deprive thee of the sweetness of that bread eaten in secret.
不要让习惯或形式主义夺去你在隐密处吃饼的甘甜。
You are in this Book more fully called upon to these Duties of secret Prayer, meditation, heart-searching, and watching-work, to which I refer you.
在这本书中，你被更充分地呼召去履行这些私下祷告、默想、省察内心和守望的责任，对此我将你们引向这些内容。
9ly; Make conscience of every Duty you owe towards others, in your Relations, Places and Callings;
第九，在你的关系、地位和呼召中，要有良心地履行你对他人的每一项责任；
keep up Family duty, or write Heathen upon thy doors, that the World may know thee:
持守家庭敬拜，否则就在你的门上写上”外邦人”，让世人认出你：
If you neglect God’s service, he will not be your Sanctuary;
如果你忽略神的事奉，祂就不会成为你的避难所；
Prayerless houses have broken walls and doors, and no defense against the least evil:
不祷告的家庭墙壁和门户已经破损，对最小的邪恶也毫无防御：
If you will not give God your breathings, how can you think he will give you his blessings:
如果你不将你的气息献给神，你怎能期望祂会将祂的祝福赐给你：
‘It is sad that any, especially such whom God hath taken into his house, should shut him out of their doors;
令人悲伤的是，任何人，尤其是那些已被神接纳进祂家中的人，却将祂拒之门外；
or give him such pitiful service as some do, scarce ever reading the Scriptures in their Families from one Lord’s-day to another;
或像有些人那样，给祂如此可怜的事奉，从一个主日到另一个主日，几乎从不在家中诵读圣经；
only send him a little hasty fruit, some short and shuffled prayers once a day:
只是每天向祂献上一点匆忙的果子，一些简短而混乱的祷告：
no wonder that salvation come not to their houses, or converting grace into their families, but a flying Roll is over their habitations, and the black marks of Ruin on their Children and Servants:
难怪救恩不临到他们的家，转变的恩典不进入他们的家庭，反而有飞行的书卷悬在他们的住所之上，毁灭的黑色印记落在他们的儿女和仆人身上：
think it not strange that God makes thy pleasant Roses pricking Briars and Thorns to thee, who hast made them Spears and Swords to him.
不要以为奇怪，神使你悦人的玫瑰变成刺人的荆棘和蒺藜，因为你已将它们变成了刺向祂的矛和剑。
Oh keep with God in every duty of his service, your Relation, Calling and Employments.
噢，在祂一切事奉的责任中，在你的关系、呼召和职业中，都要与神同行。
Lastly, in every condition walk with God, and wait for God;
最后，在任何境况中都要与神同行，等候神；
if he lead you in ways of mercy, follow him in ways of duty.
如果祂引导你走怜悯之路，你就当在尽责之路上跟随祂。
If you have Comforts take heed of doting on or abusing of them:
如果你有安慰，要谨防溺爱或滥用它们：
when he sends you Afflictions receive them;
当祂差遣苦难临到你时，要接受它们；
be not fainting nor froward under them, but sanctify God in them, and by their hand return to him;
不要在苦难中昏倒或任性，而要在其中尊神为圣，借着苦难之手回转归向祂；
do not over-love your mercies, or over-fear your troubles:
不要过度爱慕你的恩惠，也不要过度惧怕你的患难：
prepare for Changes, but live upon Immutability, and be settled under all your unsettlements;
为变化做准备，但要依靠那不变的主，在一切不稳定中保持稳固；
count nothing strange but sin, and nothing hard to bear, but the absence or anger of a gracious God:
除了罪以外，不要以为任何事奇怪，除了恩慈之神的缺席或愤怒外，没有什么是难以承受的：
lose not your fears in times of peace, neither cast away your confidence in the day of trouble:
在平安时期不要失去敬畏，在患难日子也不要丢弃信心：
let your Lamps be always burning, that you may see the way of your duty in the Night of your danger;
让你的灯常常点着，使你在危险的黑夜中能看见你当尽的本分之路；
and how to get in Comfort in your Adversity;
以及如何在逆境中得安慰；
and let your loins be girt, that you may be ready both to do your work and to meet your wages;
要束紧你的腰带，使你既预备好做工，也预备好领取工价；
and be always looking and waiting for the coming of your Lord, who will welcome you in the Acceptance of your Duties, uncloath you of your sins and sufferings, and crown your sincerity and faithfulness with a Come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you;
要常常仰望等候你主的来临，祂将在悦纳你的责任中欢迎你，脱去你的罪恶和苦难，并以”你们这蒙我父赐福的，可来承受那为你们所预备的国”来冠冕你的诚实和忠心；
which is the longed for Fruit of all his Labors with you, and the subject matter of his daily prayers for you, who is in him that was and is, and is to come,
这是祂与你们一切劳苦的渴望之果实，也是祂每日为你们祷告的主题，祂在那位昔在、今在、以后永在的主里面，
Your Affectionate Laborer, Fellow Servant, and Brother, Barthol. Ashwood.
你们亲爱的工人、同工和弟兄，巴索罗缪·阿什伍德。