|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
Owen is frequently acknowledged as a leading figure of the puritan and nonconformist movements of the seventeenth century.
欧文常被认为是十七世纪清教徒和不从国教运动的领袖人物。
However, while his reputation as a statesman, educator, pastor, polemicist, and theologian is widely recognized, he is not remembered as an exegete of Scripture.
然而，尽管祂作为政治家、教育家、牧师、辩论家和神学家的声誉广为人知，但祂并未因圣经注释家而闻名。
中文下载
Yet throughout his life, Owen engaged in the task of biblical interpretation.
然而，欧文一生都致力于圣经解释的工作。
His massive commentary on Hebrews in particular represents the apex of his career and exemplifies many of the exegetical methods of Protestants in early modern England.
祂关于希伯来书的巨著尤其代表了祂事业的顶峰，并例证了早期现代英格兰新教徒的许多释经方法。
Although often overlooked, Owen’s writings on Hebrews are an important resource for understanding his life and thought.
尽管常被忽视，欧文关于希伯来书的著作是理解祂生平和思想的重要资源。
This seven-volume exposition of Hebrews serves as a premiere example of John Owen’s scholarship and pastoral spirit.
这部七卷本的希伯来书释义，是约翰·欧文学术和教牧精神的杰出范例。
Owen was one of the greatest systematic theologians among the British Puritans, yet he also excelled in pastoral and spiritual theology.
欧文是英国清教徒中最伟大的系统神学家之一，但祂在教牧神学和属灵神学方面也表现卓越。
In this commentary, Owen shows a familiarity with a wide range of biblical scholarship and the ability to supply careful analysis and interpretation.
在这本注释书中，欧文展现了对广泛圣经学术的熟悉，以及提供细致分析和解释的能力。
Also, following the classical Puritan commentary model, the commentary is very concerned with Christian living.
此外，遵循经典的清教徒注释模式，这本注释书非常关注基督徒的生活。
Thus, Owen’s exposition is valued for both in-depth scholarship and practical application.
因此，欧文的阐释因其深入的学术研究和实际应用而备受推崇。
THERE are but few things that I shall here detain thee in the consideration of, and those such as are necessary, if thou intendest the perusal of the ensuing Discourses.
在此，我只耽搁你思考几件事，而且这些事是必要的，如果你打算研读接下来的讲论。
What principally concerneth this Exposition or Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, as to the design, scope, order, and method of it, was fully declared in a preface unto a former volume of Exercitations, with an exposition of the first two chapters thereof.
关于这本《希伯来书注释》的主要内容，就其设计、范围、次序和方法而言，已在前一卷《操练集》的序言中，连同其前两章的注释，作了充分的说明。
Such as have there taken notice of them do deserve to be free from the trouble of their repetition in this place; and unto those by whom their consideration hath been omitted or neglected, either with the whole work or in the perusal of it, it is no wrong to suppose either that they need them not, or to leave them under this direction where they may be found.
凡在那里注意到这些的人，理应免于在此重复的麻烦；至于那些忽略或不予考虑的人，无论是对整部著作还是在研读过程中，假设他们不需要，或者让他们按照此处的指引去查找，都并非不妥。
Wherefore I shall not offer thee any thing with respect unto the exposition of the three following chapters, which is now presented unto thee, as to its design, order, and method, which have been all before declared.
因此，关于现在呈现给你的以下三章的注释，就其设计、次序和方法而言，我将不再提供任何内容，因为这些都已在前面说明过了。
Only, whereas our apostle in the third chapter digresseth unto a pathetical, rational, argumentative exhortation unto those practical duties of faith, love, constancy, and perseverance, which were the principal end of his doctrinal instructions in the whole Epistle, and indispensably necessary to be diligently attended unto by the Hebrews, under their condition and circumstances, in a singular manner; so, in imitation of and compliance with him who is my pattern and guide, as also finding the same duties, under our present circumstances, no less necessary to be singularly attended unto by all professors of the gospel, I have somewhat more largely than ordinary insisted on them, and consequently on the exposition of the chapter itself.
只是，我们的使徒在第三章中，转向了对信心、爱心、恒心和坚忍这些实践性本分的感人、理性、论证性的劝勉，这些本分是祂在整封书信中教义教导的主要目的，也是希伯来人在其特殊处境和情况下，不可或缺、必须殷勤遵守的；因此，效法并顺从这位我的榜样和引导者，并且发现这些同样的本分，在我们目前的处境下，对于所有福音的宣认者来说，也同样需要特别加以遵守，所以我比平时更详尽地强调了它们，并因此也强调了本章本身的注释。
And if any one shall hereon conceive our discourses over long or tedious, or too much diverting from the expository part of our work, I have sundry things to offer towards his satisfaction: as,—
如果有人因此认为我们的论述过于冗长或乏味，或者过于偏离我们工作的释经部分，我有几点可以向他说明，以求其满意：——
- The method of the whole is so disposed, as that any one, by the sole guidance of his eye, without further trouble than by turning the leaves of the book, may carry on or continue his reading of any one part of the whole without interruption or mixing any other discourses therewithal.
- 整个方法的安排是这样的，任何人只需用眼睛引导，除了翻书之外，无需费力，就可以不间断地、不掺杂任何其他论述地继续阅读整个部分的任何一部分。
So may he, in the first place, go over our consideration of the original text, with the examination of ancient and modern translations, and the grammatical construction and signification of the words, without diverting unto any thing else that is discoursed on the text.
因此，他可以首先研读我们对原文的考量，以及对古代和现代译本的审查，还有词语的语法结构和意义，而无需分心于文本中讨论的其他任何内容。
In like manner, if any desire to peruse the exposition of the text and context, with the declaration and vindication of the sense and meaning of the Holy Ghost in them, without the least intermixture of any practical discourses deduced from them, he may, under the same guidance, and with the same labour, confine himself thereunto from the beginning unto the end of the work.
同样，若有人希望研读经文及其上下文的注释，以及其中圣灵意义的宣告和辩护，而不夹杂任何从中引申出的实践性论述，他也可以在同样的引导下，付出同样的努力，从头到尾专注于此。
And whereas the practical observations with their improvement do virtually contain in them the sense and exposition of the words, and give light unto the intendment of the apostle in his whole design, for ought I know some may be desirous to exercise themselves principally in those discourses; which they may do by following the series and distinct continuation of them from first to last.
然而，实践性的观察及其改进，实际上包含了词语的意义和解释，并阐明了使徒在其整个设计中的意图，据我所知，有些人可能希望主要在这些论述中操练自己；他们可以从头到尾遵循它们的系列和清晰的延续来做到这一点。
Wherefore, from the constant observation of the same method as to the principal distinct parts of the whole Exposition, every one is at liberty to use that order in the perusal of it which he judgeth most for his own advantage.
因此，由于对整个注释的主要不同部分始终采用相同的方法，每个人都可以自由地按照他认为最有利于自己的顺序来研读它。
- There will be relief found against that discouragement which the appearing length of these discourses may give the reader, from the variety of their subject-matter or the things that are contained in them; for there are few of them on any single head that extend themselves beyond a page, or leaf at the most.
- 这些论述表面上的长度可能会给读者带来挫败感，但从其主题的多样性或其中包含的内容来看，可以找到慰藉；因为其中很少有针对单一主题的论述会超过一页，最多也就一页纸。
Wherefore, although all of them together may make an appearance of some tediousness unto the reader, yet he will find it not easy to fix his charge on any one in particular, unless he judge it wholly impertinent; and for those few of them which much exceed the bounds mentioned, their importance will plead an excuse for their taking up so much room in the work itself.
因此，尽管它们合在一起可能会让读者感到有些冗长，但他会发现很难具体指责其中任何一个，除非他认为它完全不相干；至于那些远超所述篇幅的少数几个，其重要性将为其在著作本身中占据如此多篇幅辩解。
As, for instance (to confine myself unto the third chapter, the exposition whereof seems principally, if not solely, liable to this objection), the authority of Christ, as the Son of God, over the church; the nature of faith, as also of unbelief, and the danger of eternal ruin wherewith it is attended; the deceitfulness of sin, with the ways and means of the hardening the hearts of men thereby; the limitation of a day or season of grace; with the use of Old Testament types and examples, which are therein treated of by the apostle,—are things which, in their own nature, deserve a diligent inquiry into them and declaration of them.
例如（仅限于第三章，其注释似乎主要地，如果不是唯一地，会受到这种反对），基督作为神子的权柄，统管教会；信心的本质，以及不信的本质，及其所伴随的永恒毁灭的危险；罪的诡诈，以及藉此使人心刚硬的方式和方法；恩典之日或时节的限制；以及旧约预表和例证的运用，这些都是使徒在其中论述的——这些事物本身就值得殷勤查考和宣告。
And however others, who have had only some particular design and aim in the exposition of this Epistle, or any other book of the Scripture, may satisfy themselves in opening the words of the text so far as it suits their design, yet he who professedly undertakes a full and plenary exposition cannot discharge his duty and undertaking without the interpretation and improvement of the things themselves treated of, according to the intention and mind of the Spirit of God.
然而，其他人，在注释这封书信或圣经其他任何书卷时，可能只有某些特定的设计和目的，他们或许会满足于在符合其设计的范围内解释经文；但是，公开承担全面完整注释的人，若不按照神圣灵的意图和心意，解释和改进所论述的事物本身，就无法履行其职责和承诺。
And I could heartily wish that the temptations and sins of the days wherein we live did not render the diligent consideration of the things mentioned more than ordinarily necessary unto all sorts of professors.
我衷心希望，我们所处时代的试探和罪恶，不致使对所述事物的殷勤思考，对所有各类宣信者而言，都比平时更为必要。
- The reader may observe, that most of those discourses themselves do, if not consist in the exposition of other places of Scripture, suggested by their analogy unto that under consideration, yet have such expositions, with a suitable application of them, everywhere intermixed with them.
- 读者可以注意到，这些论述本身，大多数即使不包含对圣经其他经文的解释——这些解释是由它们与所讨论经文的类似性而提出的——也至少在各处都夹杂着这样的解释及其适当的应用。
Unto them to whom these things are not satisfactory with respect unto the length of these discourses, I have no more to offer, but that if they think meet, on this or any other consideration, to spare their charge in buying or their labour in reading the book itself, they will have no reason to complain with respect unto any thing contained in it or the manner of its handling.
对于那些因这些论述的长度而不满意的人，我没有更多可说的了，但如果他们因这个或其他任何考虑，认为可以省下购买这本书的费用或阅读这本书的劳力，那么他们就没有理由抱怨其中包含的任何内容或其处理方式。
There is one thing also peculiarly respecting the exposition of the fourth chapter, which the reader is to be acquainted withal.
还有一件事特别关系到第四章的注释，读者需要了解。
The doctrine of the original, confirmation, translation or change of a sabbatical day of divine worship, being declared therein, I had in its exposition continual respect unto those Exercitations on that subject which I had published about two years ago.
其中宣告了关于神圣敬拜安息日的起源、确认、转移或改变的教义，我在其注释中不断参考我大约两年前出版的关于该主题的《操练集》。
And indeed those Exercitations were both prepared and designed to be a part of the preliminary Discourses unto this part of our Exposition, but were forced from me by the importunate desires of some and the challenges of others to prove the divine institution of the Lord’s-day sabbath.
事实上，那些《操练集》既是为我们注释的这一部分的绪论而准备和设计的，但却因一些人的恳切要求和他人的挑战，要我证明主日安息日的神圣设立，而不得不提前发表。
But now, finding that two editions of that book of Exercitations are dispersed, I would not consent unto the reprinting of them in this treatise, although peculiarly belonging unto the doctrine of the apostle in this chapter, that the charge of those readers who had them already might not be increased.
但现在，发现那本《操练集》已有两个版本流传，我便不愿同意在这本论文中重印它们，尽管它们特别属于本章使徒的教义，以免增加那些已经拥有它们的读者的负担。
Yet I cannot but mind the reader, that in the exposition of that passage or discourse of the apostle about the several rests mentioned in the Scripture, I will not absolutely stand to his censure and judgment upon the perusal of the Exposition alone (though I will maintain it to be true, and hope it to be clear and perspicuous), without regard unto those Exercitations, wherein the truth of the Exposition itself is largely discussed and vindicated.
然而，我不能不提醒读者，在解释使徒关于圣经中提到的几个安息的那段经文或论述时，我不会单凭研读注释本身就绝对接受他的批评和判断（尽管我将坚持其真实性，并希望其清晰易懂），而不考虑那些《操练集》，在《操练集》中，注释本身的真理得到了广泛的讨论和辩护。
Unto the whole there are tables added,—collected, I confess, in too much haste, and not digested into so convenient a method as might be desired; but those who are acquainted with my manifold infirmities, not to mention other occasions, employments, and diversions, will not, perhaps, too severely charge upon me such failures in accuracy, and other effects of strength and leisure, as might otherwise be expected.
全书附有索引——我承认，收集得过于仓促，而且没有整理成理想的便捷方法；但那些了解我诸多软弱的人，更不用说其他事务、工作和分心之事，或许不会过分苛责我在这方面的准确性以及其他本应具备的力量和闲暇所产生的效果上的不足。
And as for those unto whom my circumstances are unknown, I shall not concern myself in their censures any further than I am convinced of the weight of those reasons whereon they are grounded, and the importance of the matter about which they are exercised: for if such censures be either rash and precipitate, without a due examination of all that belongs unto what they reflect upon; if they openly savour of malevolence or envy; if they are about things of small moment, such as wherein neither the truth, nor reasonableness, nor soundness of the discourses themselves are concerned, or be such as might possibly, in a work of this nature and length, escape a commendable diligence,—let them be expressed in words of the highest disdain, the design of their authors will be utterly frustrate, if they intend the least disquietment unto my mind or thoughts about them, nor will, I suppose, be very successful with any persons of learning or ingenuity whom they shall endeavour to leaven thereby.
至于那些不了解我情况的人，我不会在意他们的批评，除非我确信他们批评所依据的理由的分量，以及他们所关注问题的重要性：因为如果这类批评是轻率鲁莽的，没有对所批评内容进行适当的审查；如果它们公然带有恶意或嫉妒；如果它们是关于无关紧要的事情，例如不涉及论述本身的真理性、合理性或健全性，或者是在这种性质和长度的著作中可能疏忽了值得称赞的勤奋——那么，即使它们用最鄙视的言辞表达出来，如果其作者意图扰乱我的心思或想法，他们的企图也必将彻底失败，而且我推测，他们也不会在任何有学问或有才智的人身上取得什么成功，如果他们试图藉此影响他们的话。
Much less shall I be moved with the vain reproaches of any, however expressed in words suited to expose either my person, or endeavours in this kind to serve the church of Christ, unto contempt and scorn; not only because I am forewarned to look for such entertainment in the world, and instructed how to deport myself under it, but also because I have had a full experience of an absolute contrary event unto what hath been designed in them.
更不用说，我不会被任何人的空洞责难所动摇，无论这些责难如何用词，意图将我个人或我在这方面服事基督教会的努力置于蔑视和嘲笑之下；这不仅因为我预先知道在世上会遇到这样的待遇，并受教导如何在其中自处，也因为我已充分体验到与他们意图完全相反的结果。
I have not more to add concerning the ensuing Exposition; for to give the reader a particular account either of my travail therein or of the means used in its carrying on, beyond what I have mentioned in the preface unto the preceding volume, I judge not convenient, as not willing to give the least appearance of any satisfaction, much less glorying, in any thing of my own but my infirmities, as I neither do, nor desire, nor dare to do.
关于接下来的注释，我没有更多要补充的了；因为，除了我在前一卷序言中提到的内容之外，再向读者详细说明我在这方面的辛劳，或其进行过程中所使用的方法，我认为不妥，因为我不愿在任何属于我自己的事情上，除了我的软弱之外，显露出丝毫的满足感，更不用说夸耀了，我既不这样做，也不想这样做，也不敢这样做。
This only duty binds me to declare, that as I used the utmost sincerity whereof I am capable in the investigation and declaration of the mind of the Spirit of God in the text, without the least respect unto any parties of men, opinions, ways of worship, or other differences that are amongst us in and about the affairs of religion, because I feared God; so in the issue and product of my endeavours, the reader will find nothing savouring of an itch after novelty or curiosity, nothing that will divert him from that sound doctrine and form of wholesome words wherein the professors of this nation have been educated and instructed.
只有这项责任驱使我声明，在我查考和宣告经文中神圣灵的心意时，我尽了我所能的最大诚意，丝毫不顾及任何人的派别、观点、敬拜方式，或我们中间在宗教事务上存在的其他分歧，因为我敬畏神；因此，在我努力的成果中，读者不会发现任何追求新奇或好奇的痕迹，也不会发现任何会使他偏离这国家宣信者所受教育和教导的纯正教义和健全话语模式的东西。
For the Exercitations premised unto the Exposition, I must acknowledge that I have not been able to compass the whole of what I did design.
至于注释前的《操练集》，我必须承认，我未能完成我所设计的全部内容。
Not only continued indisposition as to health, but frequent relapses into dangerous distempers, forced the utmost of my endeavours to give place unto them for a season, and to take off my hand from that work before I had finished the whole of what I aimed at: for it was in my purpose to have pursued the tradition, and given an account of sacrifices with priests for their offering; as also the occasions, rise, and discharge of the office of the priesthood among the principal nations of the world during the state of Gentilism, and their apostasy from God therein.
不仅持续的健康不佳，而且频繁复发的危险疾病，迫使我尽了最大努力，暂时搁置它们，并在完成我所设定的全部目标之前，停止了那项工作：因为我原计划追溯传统，并说明献祭以及献祭的祭司；还有在异教时期，世界主要民族中祭司职分的缘起、兴起和履行，以及他们在其中背离神的情况。
Moreover, what doth concern the person and priesthood of Melchizedek I had designed as a part of this work and undertaking; and I had also purposed an historical account of the succession and actings of the high priests among the Jews from the institution of their office unto its dissolution: all which belong unto the illustration of that office which, as vested in Jesus Christ, is the subject of these discourses.
此外，我曾计划将有关麦基洗德位格和祭司职分的内容作为这项工作和事业的一部分；我还曾打算对犹太人大祭司从其职分设立到废除的传承和作为作一历史性的记述：所有这些都属于阐明那赋予耶稣基督的职分，而这职分正是这些论述的主题。
These things, with others of the like nature, I have been forced, for the reasons mentioned, to reserve unto another part of this work, if God shall be pleased to give life, strength, and opportunity for the finishing of it, which may be no less seasonable; for although they do all, as was said, belong unto the illustration of the priestly office and its administration, yet the doctrine of the priesthood of Christ is complete without them.
这些事情，以及其他类似性质的事情，由于上述原因，我不得不保留到这项工作的另一部分，如果神乐意赐予生命、力量和机会来完成它，这可能同样适时；因为尽管它们都如前所述，属于阐明祭司职分及其施行，但基督祭司职分的教义没有它们也是完整的。
Let not, therefore, the reader suppose that on this occasion our Exercitations concerning the priesthood of Christ are imperfect or defective as to the subject-matter of them, as though any thing materially belonging thereunto were left undiscussed; although other imperfections and defects, it is most probable, they may be justly charged withal.
因此，读者切勿以为，在此情况下，我们关于基督祭司职分的《操练集》，就其主题而言是不完整或有缺陷的，仿佛其中任何实质性的内容都未加讨论；尽管其他方面的瑕疵和缺陷，很可能它们确实会受到指责。
And I shall only say concerning them, that as it is wholly without the compass of my knowledge and conjecture, if the reader can find any by whom the doctrine of the priesthood of Christ hath been so handled, in its proper order and method, as to its original, causes, nature, and effects; so for the truth that is taught concerning it, and its discharge unto the benefit and salvation of the church, I shall, God assisting, be accountable for it unto any by whom it shall be called into question.
关于它们，我只想说，如果读者能找到任何一位以适当的次序和方法，就基督祭司职分的起源、原因、性质和果效作了如此处理的人，这完全超出了我的知识和推测范围；至于其中所教导的真理，以及它为教会的益处和救恩而履行的职责，我将在神的帮助下，对任何质疑它的人负责。
The greatest opposition that ever was made among Christians unto the doctrine of the priesthood of Christ, or rather unto the office itself, is that which at this day is managed by the Socinians.
基督徒中对基督祭司职分教义，或者更确切地说，对该职分本身最大的反对，就是今天索西尼派所进行的反对。
It is therefore manifest, and, as I suppose, will be confessed by all who inquire into these things, that I could not answer my design, of the full declaration of it, unto the edification of the present church, without an accurate discussion of their sentiments about it, and opposition unto it.
因此，显而易见的是，并且我推测，所有研究这些事物的人都会承认，若不准确地讨论他们对此的观点以及对它的反对，我就无法实现我充分阐明它的目的，以造就当今的教会。
This, therefore,was so necessary unto the occasion, that my undertaking an express examination and refutation of their principles in this matter is no way liable unto any just exception.
因此，这对于当时的情况是如此必要，以致我着手明确审查和驳斥他们在这件事上的原则，绝不会受到任何正当的异议。
Only, it may seem inconvenient unto some, that, in a discourse of this nature, the discussion of the writings of particular men, as Enjedinus, Socinus, Smalcius, Crellius, and others, should be so much insisted on; and I must acknowledge that at first it seemed unto myself not altogether suited unto the nature of my design.
只是，有些人可能会觉得不便，在这样性质的论述中，如此强调对某些特定人物著作的讨论，例如恩耶迪努斯、索西努斯、斯马尔修斯、克雷利乌斯等人；我必须承认，起初我自己也觉得这不完全符合我设计的性质。
But second thoughts inclined me unto this course; for it is known unto them who are any way exercised in these things, with how many artifices this sort of men do palliate their opinions, endeavouring to insinuate contrary and adverse principles under and by those words, phrases of speech, and expressions, whereby the truth is declared.
但再三思量后，我倾向于采取这种做法；因为凡是在这些事上有所涉猎的人都知道，这类人会用多少诡计来掩饰他们的观点，试图用那些宣告真理的词语、措辞和表达方式，来暗中灌输相反和对立的原则。
Wherefore, if any one shall charge them with what is indeed their mind and judgment in these things, he may sometimes be thought unduly to impose upon them what they do not own, yea, what their words seem expressly to free them from.
因此，若有人指责他们在这类事情上的真实想法和判断，有时可能会被认为是不当地将他们不承认的，甚至他们的话语似乎明确表明他们与之无关的事情强加于他们。
For instance, suppose that it should be reflected as a crime on them, that they deny the priestly office of Christ itself,—deny that he was ever a priest on earth, or yet is so in heaven,—deny that he offered himself a perfect expiatory sacrifice unto God, or that he maketh intercession for us; those who are less wary and circumspect, or less exercised in these controversies, might possibly, on the consideration of their words and profession, suspect that this charge must needs be very severe, if not highly injurious: for nothing occurs more frequently in their writings, than a fair mention of the sacerdotal office of Christ and his expiatory sacrifice.
例如，假设有人指责他们否认基督的祭司职分本身——否认祂曾在地上作祭司，或现在在天上作祭司——否认祂曾将自己作为完全的赎罪祭献给神，或祂为我们代求；那些不够谨慎周密，或对这些争论不够熟悉的人，在考虑到他们的话语和宣称时，可能会怀疑这种指责必定非常严厉，如果不是极具伤害性的话：因为在他们的著作中，没有什么比公正地提及基督的祭司职分和祂的赎罪祭更常见的了。
What way, therefore, remained in this case, to state a right judgment in this controversy, but a particular discussion of what their principal authors and leaders, with great agreement among themselves, do teach in this matter?
因此，在这种情况下，除了具体讨论他们的主要作者和领袖们在这件事上（他们彼此之间有很大的一致性）所教导的内容之外，还有什么方法可以在这场争论中作出正确的判断呢？
And if from thence it do appear, that what they call the sacerdotal office of Christ is indeed no such office, nor any thing that holds the least analogy with what is properly so called; and that what they term his expiatory sacrifice and his intercession is neither sacrifice nor intercession, nor hath the least resemblance of what is so indeed; the principal difficulty which lieth in our contest with them is despatched out of our way.
如果由此看来，他们所谓的基督祭司职分，实际上并非如此职分，也与通常所称的职分毫无相似之处；他们所谓的祂的赎罪祭和代求，既非献祭也非代求，与实际情况也毫无相似之处；那么，我们与他们争论的主要困难就迎刃而解了。
And herein,—that none might suspect that advantages have been sought against them, by undue collections of passages out of their writings, or a misrepresentation of their sense and intentions,—it was necessary they should be heard to speak for themselves, and their own words at large, without alteration or diminution, be represented unto the reader; and this is done so fully, out of their principal authors, as that I dare say with some confidence, there is nothing in the writings of the whole party, of any importance in this cause, which is not strictly examined.
在此——以免有人怀疑我们藉着不当摘录他们著作中的段落，或曲解他们的意思和意图来占他们的便宜——有必要让他们为自己辩护，并将他们的原话，不加删改地完整呈现给读者；这一点，从他们的主要作者那里已经做得非常充分，以致我敢自信地说，整个派别的著作中，凡是在这件事上具有重要性的内容，没有不经过严格审查的。
And the reader is desired to observe, that if the truth which we profess concerning this office of Christ, and his discharge thereof, be sufficiently confirmed and vindicated, all the other notions of these men, concerning a metaphorical redemption, a metaphorical sacrifice, and the like, do vanish and disappear.
读者务请注意，如果我们所宣称的关于基督此职分及其履行的真理得到充分证实和辩护，那么这些人关于隐喻性救赎、隐喻性献祭等其他所有观念都将烟消云散。
So that although I intend, if God will, and I live, a full declaration of the true nature of the sacrifice of Christ, and the vindication of the doctrine of the church of God concerning it, I must take it for granted, that, whilst what we have asserted and confirmed concerning his priesthood remains unshaken, the whole truth relating thereunto will not only easily but necessarily follow: and what in these discourses is effected towards that end, is left to the judgment of the learned and candid reader.
因此，尽管我打算，如果神愿意，并且我还活着，对基督献祭的真实本质作一充分的宣告，并为神教会关于此事的教义辩护，但我必须假定，只要我们所断言和证实的关于祂祭司职分的内容仍然稳固，那么与之相关的全部真理不仅会轻易地，而且必然会随之而来：这些论述为实现这一目的所作的努力，则留给博学而公正的读者来判断。
Besides, I thought it not unmeet to give a specimen of the way and manner whereby this sort of men do manage their opposition unto the principal truths and mysteries of the gospel, that such as are less conversant and exercised in their writings, may be cautioned against those sophistical artifices whereby they endeavour to inveigle and infect the minds or imaginations of men; for this is their peculiar excellency (or call it what you will), that, under an appearance and pretence of perspicuity, clearness, and reason, they couch the most uncouth senses, and most alien from the common reason of mankind, that can possibly fall under the imagination of persons pretending to the least sobriety.
此外，我认为提供一个例子，说明这类人如何反对福音的主要真理和奥秘，并非不合时宜，这样那些较少接触和研究他们著作的人，就可以警惕他们用来引诱和败坏人心或想象力的那些诡辩伎俩；因为这是他们独特的优点（或者随便你怎么称呼它），即在清晰、明白和理性的表象和借口下，他们隐藏着最粗鄙的意义，以及与人类普遍理性最疏远的东西，这可能只有那些自称最清醒的人才能想象得到。
Instances hereof, and those undeniable, the reader will find in the ensuing discourses plentifully produced and discovered.
这方面的例子，而且是无可否认的例子，读者将在接下来的论述中大量看到并发现。
I have only further to advertise the reader, that whereas, by reason of my absence from it, many mistakes and errors have escaped the press, especially in the Exercitations, and those the most of them corrupting the sense of the words or places which they have befallen,—some whereof I have, in a cursory view of the whole, collected,—I must entreat his favour, that the failure of others may not be imputed unto me, nor any thing be interpreted to be my neglect, which, being duly considered, gives its own account to have been the effect of the want of skill or diligence in others.
我只想进一步告知读者，由于我不在场，印刷中出现了许多错误和疏漏，尤其是在《操练集》中，其中大部分错误都歪曲了所涉及词语或段落的意义——其中一些错误，我在粗略浏览全书时已经收集起来——我必须恳请读者原谅，不要将他人的失误归咎于我，也不要将任何事情解释为我的疏忽，因为经过适当考虑，这些错误本身就表明是他人缺乏技巧或勤奋的结果。
JOHN OWEN.
约翰·欧文。