泥巴

Answer: Sins receive their aggravations, From the persons offending: if they be of riper age, greater experience or grace, eminent for profession, gifts, place, office, guides to others, and whose example is likely to be followed by others.

2. 與得罪的對象有關的: 如果是直接冒犯神，神的屬性，對神的敬拜；冒犯基督，與祂的恩惠；聖靈，祂的見證與工作；冒犯尊長，以及與我們特別有關係與約定之人；冒犯任何聖徒，特別是弱小弟兄，他們以及他人的心靈，眾人或多人的共同利益。

From the parties offended: if immediately against God, his attributes, and worship; against Christ, and his grace; the Holy Spirit, his witness, and workings; against superiors, men of eminency, and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto; against any of the saints, particularly weak brethren, the souls of them, or any other, and the common good of all or many.

3. 與犯罪性質有關的：直接違反律法的明確內容，違背多條誡命，本身包含諸多罪；不僅心中圖謀，還在言語行為上，絆倒他人，並且不予補償；不顧蒙恩之道、憐憫、審判、自然之光、良心責備、公開或私下的勸誡、教會的勸懲、國家的審判；蓄意、故意、任意、無恥、自誇、惡意、屢次、頑固地違背我們的禱告、決心、允諾、許願、立約、與上帝或他人的約定；在悔改之後, 故態復萌，仍然是歡喜作惡，繼續犯罪。

From the nature and quality of the offense: if it be against the express letter of the law, break many commandments, contain in it many sins: if not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words and actions, scandalize others, and admit of no reparation: if against means, mercies, judgments, light of nature, conviction of conscience, public or private admonition, censures of the church, civil punishments; and our prayers, purposes, promises, vows, covenants, and engagements to God or men: if done deliberately, wilfully, presumptuously, impudently, boastingly, maliciously, frequently, obstinately, with delight, continuance, or relapsing after repentance.

4. 與犯罪時間和地點有關的：在主日，或其它敬拜上帝的時間，或恰在此前，或恰在此後，或不顧攔阻、糾正此類失敗的幫助；或在公共場所，或有他人在場，使其受到刺激或玷污。

From circumstances of time and place: if on the Lord’s day, or other times of divine worship; or immediately before or after these, or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages: if in public, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled.

問152: 每一項罪，在神的手中當受甚麼刑罰?

Question 152: What does every sin deserve at the hands of God?

答: 每一項罪，即使是最小的，都是違犯了神的主權、良善、聖潔，違背了祂公義的律法，在今生與來世都當受祂的震怒與咒詛，除了靠基督的寶血，是無法得到贖罪。

Answer: Every sin, even the least, being against the sovereignty, goodness, and holiness of God, and against his righteous law, deserves his wrath and curse, both in this life, and that which is to come; and cannot be expiated but by the blood of Christ.

問153: 為了使我們逃避因違犯律法而遭到神的震怒與咒詛，神要我們當怎樣行?

Question 153: What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse due to us by reason of the transgression of the law?

答: 為了使我們逃避因違犯律法而遭到的震怒刑罰，神要我們: 向祂悔改，信靠我們的主耶穌基督，殷勤使用外在的施恩媒介，就是中保基督藉以傳達祂恩典的方法。

Answer: That we may escape the wrath and curse of God due to us by reason of the transgression of the law, he requires of us repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and the diligent use of the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation.

問154: 中保基督藉以傳達恩典給我們的外在媒介，有哪些?

Question 154: What are the outward means whereby Christ communicates to us the benefits of his mediation?

答: 基督以其中保職分施行恩典給祂的教會，所經常使用的外在媒介是祂所設立的一切蒙恩管道；特別是聖道、聖禮、禱告；祂叫這些都在選民身上產生果效，使他們得救。

Answer: The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicates to his church the benefits of his mediation, are all his ordinances; especially the Word, sacraments, and prayer; all which are made effectual to the elect for their salvation.

問155: 聖道如何產生使人得救的果效?

Question 155: How is the Word made effectual to salvation?

答: 神的靈使用誦讀神的話，特別是聖道的傳講，來產生得救的果效，光照罪人、勸服罪人、使罪人謙卑；驅使他們脫離自我，吸引他們歸向基督；改造他們成為祂的形像，使他們順服祂的旨意；賜力量給他們勝過試探與敗壞；建造他們在恩典中，堅固他們在聖潔與安慰中長進，藉著信靠而得救到底。

Answer: The Spirit of God makes the reading, but especially the preaching of the Word, an effectual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them to his image, and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace, and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.

問156: 是否所有人都要誦讀神的話?

Question 156: Is the Word of God to be read by all?

答: 雖然在公開聚會中是不容許所有人都向會眾誦讀神的話，然而各種各類的人都應該自己分段來誦讀，並且與家人一同誦讀。為了達到此目的，聖經應當被翻譯成當地普通的語言

Answer: Although all are not to be permitted to read the Word publicly to the congregation, yet all sorts of people are bound to read it apart by themselves, and with their families: to which end, the holy Scriptures are to be translated out of the original into vulgar languages.

問157: 應當如何誦讀神的話?

Question 157: How is the Word of God to be read?

答: 應當以極高敬畏之心來誦讀聖經:

(1)確信聖經本身就是神的話，並且只有祂能使我們明白聖經；(2)樂意認識、相信、順從聖經中所顯明的神的旨意；(3)殷勤誦讀，注意聖經的主題內容與整體範圍；(4)以思想、應用、捨己、禱告的方法來讀經。

Answer: The holy Scriptures are to be read with an high and reverent esteem of them; with a firm persuasion that they are the very Word of God, and that he only can enable us to understand them; with desire to know, believe, and obey the will of God revealed in them; with diligence, and attention to the matter and scope of them; with meditation, application, self_denial, and prayer.

問158: 神的話應當藉著誰來傳講?

Question 158: By whom is the Word of God to be preached?

答: 只有具備充分的恩賜、並經過適當的認定、且蒙召從事講道職分的人，才可以傳講神的話。

Answer: The Word of God is to be preached only by such as are sufficiently gifted, and also duly approved and called to that office.

問159: 蒙召傳講神的話的人，應該如何傳講?

Question 159: How is the Word of God to be preached by those that are called thereunto?

答: 蒙召從是神話語職事的人，要以下列方式傳講純正的教義:

(1) 殷勤的，不論得時不得時；

(2) 清晰的，不用人智慧委婉的言語，乃是用聖靈和大能的明證；

(3) 信實的，傳講神全備的旨意；

(4) 智慧的，委身自己配合聽眾的需要和能力；

(5) 熱心的，以火熱的愛來愛神，愛祂子民的靈魂；

(6) 真誠的，只求祂的榮耀，為了使他們悔改、受造就、得救恩。

Answer: They that are called to labor in the ministry of the Word, are to preach sound doctrine, diligently, in season and out of season; plainly, not in the enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power; faithfully, making known the whole counsel of God; wisely, applying themselves to the necessities and capacities of the hearers; zealously, with fervent love to God and the souls of his people; sincerely, aiming at his glory, and their conversion, edification, and salvation.

問160: 對於聽到聖道傳講的人，有何要求?

Question 160: What is required of those that hear the Word preached?

答: 對於聽到聖道傳講的人，有下列要求:

(1) 殷勤的、預備好、以禱告的心來聆聽；

(2) 根據聖經來察驗他們所聽到的；

(3) 以信心、愛心、溫柔、甘心來領受真理，以為是神的道；

(4) 思想神的話，並且彼此談論神的話；

(5) 將神的話存記在心，藏在心裡，並且在他們生活中結出果實

Answer: It is required of those that hear the Word preached, that they attend upon it with diligence, preparation, and prayer; examine: What they hear by the Scriptures; receive the truth with faith, love, meekness, and readiness of mind, as the Word of God; meditate, and confer of it; hide it in their hearts, and bring forth the fruit of it in their lives.

問161: 聖禮如何在救恩生活中，成為有效的施恩媒介?

Question 161: How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

答: 聖禮在救恩生活中成為有效的施恩媒介，並非因為其本身有能力，也不是因為領受聖禮者的敬虔或意願而產生任何功德；乃是藉著聖靈的運行與基督的賜福。聖禮是由基督所設立的。

Answer: The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety or intention of him by whom they are administered, but only by the working of the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of Christ, by whom they are instituted.

問162: 聖禮是什麼?

Question 162: What is a sacrament?

答: 聖禮是神聖的禮儀，是基督在祂的教會中所設立的。祂將祂中保職分的恩福，賜給恩典之約內的子民；而聖禮是用來向他們:

(1) 表記、印證、顯明這些恩福；

(2) 堅固、增加他們的信心；

(3) 使他們有義務來順從；

(4) 見證與激勵他們彼此相愛、彼此相交團契；

(5) 並且將他們與世人分別出來。

Answer: A sacrament is a holy ordinance instituted by Christ in his church, to signify, seal, and exhibit unto those that are within the covenant of grace, the benefits of his mediation; to strengthen and increase their faith, and all other graces; to oblige them to obedience; to testify and cherish their love and communion one with another; and to distinguish them from those that are without.

問163: 聖禮有哪些部分?

Question 163: What are the parts of a sacrament?

答: 聖禮有兩部分: 一是外在可感觸到的記號，是按照基督自己所定規的來使用；另一是內在屬靈的恩惠，是外在記號所指向的。

Answer: The parts of a sacrament are two; the one an outward and sensible sign, used according to Christ’s own appointment; the other an inward and spiritual grace thereby signified.

問164: 在新約裡，基督在祂的教會中所設立的聖禮，有哪些?

Question 164: How many sacraments has Christ instituted in his church under the New Testament?

答: 在新約裡，基督在祂的教會中所設立的聖禮，只有兩個: 洗禮與主的晚餐。

Answer: Under the New Testament Christ has instituted in his church only two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.

問165: 洗禮是什麼?

Question 165: What is Baptism?

答: 洗禮是新約的聖禮，是由基督設立的: 奉聖父、聖子、聖靈的名用水施洗，以作為記號與印證:

(1) 歸屬基督自己、蒙祂寶血赦罪、蒙祂的聖靈重生的；

(2) 被收納成為神的兒女，復活得永生；

(3) 藉此洗禮，受洗者被莊嚴的納入有形的教會，公開表白自己委身主基督，全然專一為主而活。

Answer: Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament, wherein Christ has ordained the washing with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, to be a sign and seal of ingrafting into himself, of remission of sins by his blood, and regeneration by his Spirit; of adoption, and resurrection unto everlasting life; and whereby the parties baptized are solemnly admitted into the visible church, and enter into an open and professed engagement to be wholly and only the Lord’s.

問166: 洗禮應當向誰施行?

Question 166: Unto whom is Baptism to be administered?

答: 洗禮不應當向任何在有形教會之外的人施行，因為他們與應許之約無分的局外人。直到他們表白他們信靠基督並且順從祂之後，才可受洗。然而，父母(雙方或一方)已經表白信靠基督且順從祂，則就此而言，其嬰兒是在聖約之內，所以應當受洗。

Answer: Baptism is not to be administered to any that are out of the visible church, and so strangers from the covenant of promise, till they profess their faith in Christ, and obedience to him, but infants descending from parents, either both, or but one of them, professing faith in Christ, and obedience to him, are in that respect within the covenant, and to be baptized.

問167: 我們應當如何增進我們受洗的益處?

Question 167: How is our Baptism to be improved by us?

答: 我們受洗之後，一生都要盡責任來增進洗禮的益處，這是必需的，卻常被忽略。特別是在受試探的時候，與當別人受洗而我們在場時，我們更是遵行此責任:

(1) 以認真與感恩的心，來思想洗禮的性質，與基督設立洗禮的目的，洗禮所帶來與印證的福分與特權，以及我們當初受洗時所許的莊嚴誓願；

(2) 謙卑悔改，為我們自己的犯罪玷汙、軟弱跌倒辜負、偏行己路違背洗禮的恩典，以及我們受洗時的承諾；

(3) 長大成熟，更加確信此聖禮向我們印證的赦罪恩典，以及其他一切恩福；

(4) 我們受洗是歸入基督，我們要從祂的死與復活得力量，以治死罪與靠恩典復生；

(5) 竭力因信而活，在聖潔公義中說話行事為人，正如藉洗禮已將自己的名歸屬基督的人一樣；

(6) 弟兄姐妹彼此相愛，在愛中行事，因為我們都是從同一位聖靈受洗，成為一體。

Answer: The needful but much neglected duty of improving our Baptism, is to be performed by us all our life long, especially in the time of temptation, and when we are present at the administration of it to others; by serious and thankful consideration of the nature of it, and of the ends for which Christ instituted it, the privileges and benefits conferred and sealed thereby, and our solemn vow made therein; by being humbled for our sinful defilement, our falling short of, and walking contrary to, the grace of baptism, and our engagements; by growing up to assurance of pardon of sin, and of all other blessings sealed to us in that sacrament; by drawing strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, into whom we are baptized, for the mortifying of sin, and quickening of grace; and by endeavoring to live by faith, to have our conversation in holiness and righteousness, as those that have therein given up their names to Christ; and to walk in brotherly love, as being baptized by the same Spirit into one body.

問168: 什麼是主的晚餐?

Question 168: What is the Lord’s Supper?

答: 主的晚餐是新約的聖禮，在其中按照耶穌基督的定規，以餅和杯的分發與領受，來表明他的死；

(1) 這是以他的身體與寶血，來餵養按理領受與主相交的人，使他們靈命在恩典中得到養育成長；

(2) 堅固他們與主的聯合與相交團契；

(3) 見證與更新: 他們對神的信靠委身、他們對彼此的相愛團契，因為他們是同一奧秘身體的肢體。

Answer: The Lord’s Supper is a sacrament of the New Testament, wherein, by giving and receiving bread and wine according to the appointment of Jesus Christ, his death is showed forth; and they that worthily communicate feed upon his body and blood, to their spiritual nourishment and growth in grace; have their union and communion with him confirmed; testify and renew their thankfulness, and engagement to God, and their mutual love and fellowship each with other, as members of the same mystical body.

問169: 在主的晚餐聖禮中，基督如何定規餅和杯的分發與領受?

Question 169: How has Christ appointed bread and wine to be given and received in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper?

答: 基督指定他話語職事的傳道人，在施行主的晚餐聖禮中

(1) 藉著宣讀主設立聖餐的話語、感恩、與禱告，將餅和杯分別為聖；

(2) 拿起餅來擘開，將餅和杯都遞給領餐者；

(3) 領餐者按照同一定規，拿起餅來吃，並喝杯，存著感恩的心記念: 基督的身體為他們擘開而捨，他的血為他們而流。

Answer: Christ has appointed the ministers of his Word, in the administration of this sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, to set apart the bread and wine from common use, by the word of institution, thanksgiving, and prayer; to take and break the bread, and to give both the bread and the wine to the communicants: who are, by the same appointment, to take and eat the bread, and to drink the wine, in thankful remembrance that the body of Christ was broken and given, and his blood shed, for them.

問170: 那些按理領受主的晚餐的人，是如何在聖餐中得到基督的身體與寶血的養育?

Question 170: How do they that worthily communicate in the Lord’s Supper feed upon the body and blood of Christ therein?

答: 因為基督的身體與寶血，並非以形質或肉體方式臨在於餅和杯之內、之旁、之下，然而以真實信心領受者，的確在聖靈中領受了基督的身體和寶血，其真實性不亞於他們外在感官所領受的餅和杯。

所以，在主的晚餐聖禮中按理領受的人，的確是得到基督的身體與寶血的養育，並非是形質上與肉體上的，乃是在聖靈中；然而他們藉著信心領受，就是真實的得著基督釘十字架的身體與寶血，以及他受死所成就的一切恩福。

Answer: As the body and blood of Christ are not corporally or carnally present in, with, or under the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper, and yet are spiritually present to the faith of the receiver, no less truly and really than the elements themselves are to their outward senses; so they that worthily communicate in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, do therein feed upon the body and blood of Christ, not after a corporal and carnal, but in a spiritual manner; yet truly and really, while by faith they receive and apply unto themselves Christ crucified, and all the benefits of his death.

問171: 領受主的晚餐的人，在他們來領受之前，應當如何預備自己?

Question 171: How are they that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper to prepare themselves before they come unto it?

答: 領受主的晚餐的人，他們在領受之前，應當以省察己心來預備自己:

1. 省察自己在基督裡的情形，自己的罪惡與需求，自己對真理的認知、有無真實的信心、是否真正的悔改；

2. 省察自己是否愛神與愛弟兄姐妹，是否對眾人有愛心，是否饒恕那些得罪我們的人；

3. 省察自己是否愛慕基督，是否有更新的順服；

4. 並且重新運用這些恩典，嚴肅認真的默想反省，熱心虔誠的禱告祈求。

Answer: They that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper are, before they come, to prepare themselves thereunto, by examining themselves of their being in Christ, of their sins and wants; of the truth and measure of their knowledge, faith, repentance; love to God and the brethren, charity to all men, forgiving those that have done them wrong; of their desires after Christ, and of their new obedience; and by renewing the exercise of these graces, by serious meditation, and fervent prayer.

問172: 那懷疑自己是否在基督裡，或懷疑自己是否預備得當的人，可不可以來領主的晚餐?

Question 172: May one who doubts of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation, come to the Lord’s Supper?

答: 那懷疑自己是否在基督裡，或懷疑自己是否預備得當來領受主的晚餐聖禮的人，可能是真正在基督裡有分，雖然他還沒有對此確信；如果他因擔憂自己未在基督裡而深感困擾，並且真誠渴慕得以在基督裡、遠離罪惡，則上帝算他是有分的: [因為上帝賜下應許，設立此聖禮，為要釋放軟弱與懷疑的基督徒]，所以在此情況下，他務要痛悔自己的不信，努力解除自己的疑惑；他這樣作之後，則他可以並且應該來領主的晚餐，使他得以再次被堅固。

Answer: One who doubts of his being in Christ, or of his due preparation to the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, may have true interest in Christ, though he be not yet assured thereof; and in God’s account has it, if he be duly affected with the apprehension of the want of it, and unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ, and to depart from iniquity: in which case (because promises are made, and this sacrament is appointed, for the relief even of weak and doubting Christians) he is to bewail his unbelief, and labor to have his doubts resolved; and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord’s Supper, that he may be further strengthened.

問173: 任何告白信仰並願意來領主的晚餐者，可以遭到禁止嗎?

Question 173: May any who profess the faith, and desire to come to the Lord’s Supper, be kept from it?

答: 那些被發現是無知妄解或惡名昭彰的人，雖然他們告白信仰且願意來領主的晚餐，然而基督的教會根據祂所賜的權柄，可以且應當禁止他們領受此聖禮，直到他們領受教訓並且顯出他們悔改歸正之後。

Answer: Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of the faith, and desire to come to the Lord’s Supper, may and ought to be kept from that sacrament, by the power which Christ has left in his church, until they receive instruction, and manifest their reformation.

問174: 在施行「主的晚餐」聖禮時，對於領受者的要求是什麼?

Question 174: What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the

答: 對於「主的晚餐」聖禮的領受者，有下列要求:

(1) 當此聖禮施行時，我們在其中，要以全然聖潔的敬畏與儆醒之心，等候神；

(2) 認真觀看聖禮的餅和杯，以及聖禮的進行過程；留心分辨是主的身體；以深情默想主為我們受死與所受的痛苦；以此來激勵自己，活潑有力的操練我們所得的恩；

(3) 省察我們自己，為罪憂傷難過；

(4) 真切飢渴的仰望基督，以信心領受祂的餵養，領受祂的豐盛，信靠祂的功德，在祂的愛中歡欣，為祂的恩典獻上感謝；

(5) 更新我們與上帝的聖約，更新我們對眾聖徒的愛。

Lord’s Supper in the time of the administration of it?

Answer: It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance, diligently observe the sacramental elements and actions, heedfully discern the Lord’s body, and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings, and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces; in judging themselves, and sorrowing for sin; in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christ, feeding on him by faith, receiving of his fulness, trusting in his merits, rejoicing in his love, giving thanks for his grace; in renewing of their covenant with God, and love to all the saints.

問175: 基督徒在領受主的晚餐聖禮之後，所當盡的職責是什麼?

Question 175: What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper?

答: 基督徒在領受主的晚餐聖禮之後，要認真思想在領受當時，我們所行的是什麼，是否受益而不是招損；

(1) 如果我們發現靈命復甦與心得安慰，則為此稱謝神，祈求主繼續施行此恩福，儆醒免得靈命倒退，實行我們所許的願，並且勉勵自己經常不斷參加領受此聖禮；

(2) 如果我們發現自己沒有受益，則應該更加切實反省自己，在領受聖禮前是如何預備的，在領受當時是如何行的。如果在這兩方面，我們在神面前省察、面對自己良心，都能驗證自己是無愧的，則我們必須等候領受聖禮的果效；

如果我們看見自己在領受之前沒有認真預備，或是在領受當時沒有按理而行，則我們必須謙卑悔改，在下次聖餐時以更加認真小心的態度來領受。

Answer: The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, is seriously to consider: How they have behaved themselves therein, and with: What success; if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for it, beg the continuance of it, watch against relapses, fulfil their vows, and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance: but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament; in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait for the fruit of it in due time: but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled, and to attend upon it afterwards with more care and diligence.

問176: 洗禮與主的晚餐，這兩個聖禮相同之處在哪裡?

Question 176: Wherein do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper agree?

答: 洗禮與主的晚餐這兩個聖禮，相同之處在於:

(1) 二者都是神所設立的；

(2) 二者的屬靈層面，都是基督和祂的恩福；

(3) 二者都是同一聖約的印記；

(4) 都必須由福音的傳道人來施行，不可由其他人；都要在基督的教會中繼續施行，直到祂的再來。

Answer: The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper agree, in that the author of both is God; the spiritual part of both is Christ and his benefits; both are seals of the same covenant, are to be dispensed by ministers of the gospel, and by none other; and to be continued in the church of Christ until his second coming.

問177: 洗禮與聖餐，這兩個聖禮不同之處在哪裡？

Question 177: Wherein do the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper differ?

答：洗禮與聖餐，這兩個聖禮不同之處在於：

(1) 洗禮只施行一次，以水作為記號與印證，表明我們的重生與與基督聯合，歸屬基督，並且也施行給嬰兒；

(2) 聖餐是經常施行的，以餅與杯為表記，來表明展示基督是養育我們靈魂的生命之糧；來保證我們在祂裡面的持續與成長；並且只能施行給長大成熟且有能力省察自己的人。

Answer: The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper differ, in that Baptism is to be administered but once, with water, to be a sign and seal of our regeneration and ingrafting into Christ, and that even to infants; whereas the Lord’s Supper is to be administered often, in the elements of bread and wine, to represent and exhibit Christ as spiritual nourishment to the soul, and to confirm our continuance and growth in him, and that only to such as are of years and ability to examine themselves.

問178禱告是什麼？

Question 178: What is prayer?

答：禱告是奉基督的名，藉著祂的聖靈，將我們的心願呈獻神；在禱告中我們承認自己的罪，以感謝的心認定祂的憐憫恩慈。

Answer: Prayer is an offering up of our desires unto God, in the name of Christ, by the help of his Spirit; with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgment of his mercies.

問179：我們是否只向神禱告？

Question 179: Are we to pray unto God only?

答：只有神能鑒察人心，垂聽祈求，赦免罪惡，成就眾人的心願；只有祂才是我們信靠的主，以敬虔之心來敬拜的對象；禱告是屬於敬拜內容的特別部分，因此眾人只應單單向祂獻上禱告，不可向其他任何對象禱告。

Answer: God only being able to search the hearts, hear the requests, pardon the sins, and fulfil the desires of all; and only to be believed in, and worshiped with religious worship;

prayer, which is a special part thereof, is to be made by all to him alone, and to none other.

問180：奉基督的名禱告是什麼意思？

Question 180: What is it to pray in the name of Christ?

答：奉基督的名禱告，是：

（1）順從祂的命令，信靠祂的應許，為了祂的緣故祈求憐憫；

（2）並非僅是提及祂的名字，乃是依靠基督與祂的中保職分，吸引我們鼓勵我們來禱告，使得我們在禱告中得著勇氣，力量，盼望，知道必蒙垂聽。

Answer: To pray in the name of Christ is, in obedience to his command, and in confidence on his promises, to ask mercy for his sake; not by bare mentioning of his name, but by drawing our encouragement to pray, and our boldness, strength, and hope of acceptance in prayer, from Christ and his mediation.

問181：為何我們要奉基督的名禱告？

Question 181: Why are we to pray in the name of Christ?

答：我們是罪人，且因罪的結果使我們與神疏離，情況是如此的嚴重，因此我們若沒有中保，是不能來到神面前；除了基督以外，在天上或地上沒有任何一位被指定，也沒有任何一位適合，來擔任如此榮耀的中保工作。因此，我們唯獨奉基督的名禱告，不可奉其他任何的名字。

Answer: The sinfulness of man, and his distance from God by reason thereof, being so great, as that we can have no access into his presence without a mediator; and there being none in heaven or earth appointed to, or fit for, that glorious work but Christ alone, we are to pray in no other name but his only.

問182: 聖靈如何幫助我們禱告?

Question 182: How does the Spirit help us to pray?

答: 我們本不曉得當怎樣禱告，我們的軟弱有聖靈幫助，

(1) 聖靈使我們能夠知道: 為誰與為何禱告，以及如何禱告；

(2) 祂在我們心裡運行，甦醒我們的心 (雖然甦醒的情況，並非所有人都一樣，也不是所有時候都相同)，使我們得著盡此禱告本分所必須有的悟性、情感、以及各樣恩惠，使我們能正確的禱告。

Answer: We not knowing: What to pray for as we ought, the Spirit helps our infirmities, by enabling us to understand both for whom, and: What, and: How prayer is to be made; and by working and quickening in our hearts (although not in all persons, nor at all times, in the same measure) those apprehensions, affections, and graces which are requisite for the right performance of that duty.

問183: 我們當為誰禱告？

Question 183: For whom are we to pray?

答：我們當為在地上所有的基督教會禱告；為政府官員，為傳道人；為我們自己，我們的弟兄姊妹們，甚至也為我們的仇敵；為各種各類活著的人，或為我們的下一代，但是不可為死人禱告，也不可為那些已知犯了至於死的罪的人

Answer: We are to pray for the whole church of Christ upon earth; for magistrates, and ministers; for ourselves, our brethren, yea, our enemies; and for all sorts of men living, or that shall live hereafter; but not for the dead, nor for those that are known to have sinned the sin unto death.

問184：我們當為何事禱告？

Question 184: For what things are we to pray?

答：我們當為一切榮耀神的事，造就教會的事，使自己或他人得益的事禱告；但是不可為任何不合法的事禱告。

Answer: We are to pray for all things tending to the glory of God, the welfare of the church, our own or others good; but not for anything that is unlawful.

問185：我們當如何禱告？

Question 185: How are we to pray.?

答：我們禱告時，

(1) 當以敬畏之心來認識神的威嚴，並深深感到我們自己的不配，貧乏，罪惡；

(2) 以悔罪，感恩，釋放的心來禱告；

(3) 以悟性，信心，誠心，熱心，愛，恆忍來禱告；

(4) 等候神，以謙卑的心順從祂的旨意。

Answer: We are to pray with an awful apprehension of the majesty of God, and deep sense of our own unworthiness, necessities, and sins; with penitent, thankful, and enlarged hearts; with understanding, faith, sincerity, fervency, love, and perseverance, waiting upon him, with humble submission to his will.

問186：神已經賜給我們什麼規範，指引我們盡禱告的職責？

Question 186: What rule has God given for our direction in the duty of prayer?

答：整本聖經都是用來指引我們盡禱告的職責，然而特別作為指引禱告的規範，是我們救主基督教導祂門徒的禱告，一般通稱為「主禱文」。

Answer: The whole Word of God is of use to direct us in the duty of prayer; but the special rule of direction is that form of prayer which our Savior Christ taught his disciples, commonly called the Lord’s Prayer.

問187：應當如何使用「主禱文」？

Question 187: How is the Lord’s Prayer to be used?

答：「主禱文」不只是作為我們禱告的指引，規範我們一切的禱告；其本身也可以作為我們的禱告。我們當以悟性，信心，敬虔，與其他一切善盡禱告職責所必須的恩賜，來使用「主禱文」。

Answer: The Lord’s Prayer is not only for direction, as a pattern, according to which we are to make other prayers; but may also be used as a prayer, so that it be done with understanding, faith, reverence, and other graces necessary to the right performance of the duty of prayer.

問188: 主禱文包括有多少部分?

Question 188: Of how many parts does the Lord’s Prayer consist?

答: 主禱文包括三部分: 序言、祈求、結語。

Answer: The Lord’s Prayer consists of three parts; a preface, petitions, and a conclusion.

問189: 主禱文的序言教導我們什麼?

Question 189: What does the preface of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?

答: 主禱文的序言(「我們在天上的父」)教導我們:

(1) 當我們禱告時，是來到上帝面前，確信祂是良善的天父，關心我們；

(2) 我們是以敬畏，以及一切孩子倚靠父親的心，來禱告；思念天上的家，正確認識祂的主權大能、威嚴，並深知祂的恩典，屈尊俯就我們；

(3) 並且與他人一起禱告，也為他人禱告。

Answer: The preface of the Lord’s Prayer (contained in these words, Our Father which art in heaven), teaches us, when we pray, to draw near to God with confidence of his fatherly goodness, and our interest therein; with reverence, and all other childlike dispositions, heavenly affections, and due apprehensions of his sovereign power, majesty, and gracious condescension: as also, to pray with and for others.

問190: 在第一祈求中，我們所禱告的是甚麼?

Question 190: What do we pray for in the first petition?

答: 在第一祈求「願人都尊禰的名為聖」中，我們承認: 按照我們自己與所有人的本相，是完全無能且無心以正確方式來榮耀神。所以我們禱告:

Answer: In the first petition (which is, Hallowed be thy name), acknowledging the utter inability and indisposition that is in ourselves and all men to honor God aright, we pray,

(1) 求神以祂的恩典，**使我們與他人能夠且傾心來認識、承認、高高的尊崇祂，祂的聖名、屬性、誡命、話語、工作、以及祂所樂意啟示祂自己的一切媒介；

(2) 在我們的思想、言語、行為各方面，都榮耀祂；

(3) 求祂阻止並除去無神論、無知、偶像崇拜、褻瀆、以及一切不榮耀祂的事情；

(4) 求祂以祂的主權護理，導引並運行萬事，榮耀祂自己的聖名。

that God would by his grace enable and incline us and others to know, to acknowledge, and highly to esteem him, his titles, attributes, ordinances, Word, works, and: Whatsoever he is pleased to make himself known by; and to glorify him in thought, word, and deed: that he would prevent and remove atheism, ignorance, idolatry, profaneness, and: Whatsoever is dishonorable to him; and, by his overruling providence, direct and dispose of all things to his own glory.

問191: 在第二祈求中，我們所禱告的是甚麼?

Question 191: What do we pray for in the second petition.?

答: 在第二祈求「願禰的國降臨」中，我們承認: 我們自己與全人類的本性，都是臣服在罪與惡者統治之下。所以我們禱告:

Answer: In the second petition (which is, Thy kingdom come), acknowledging ourselves and all mankind to be by nature under the dominion of sin and Satan, we pray,

(1) 罪和惡者的國度被摧毀，福音傳遍全世界，猶太人蒙召得救，外邦人的數目添滿了；

that the kingdom of sin and Satan may be destroyed, the gospel propagated throughout the world, the Jews called, the fulness of the Gentiles brought in;

(2) 教會裡有足夠的福音聖職人員，與聖道事工，除去一切腐敗得潔淨，得到政府官員的鼓勵與支持；

the church furnished with all gospel officers and ordinances, purged from corruption, countenanced and maintained by the civil magistrate:

(3) 祈求基督的聖道事工得以純淨的執行，有效的使那些仍在罪中的人悔改歸正，使那些已經悔改歸正的人得到堅固、安慰、建立；

that the ordinances of Christ may be purely dispensed, and made effectual to the converting of those that are yet in their sins, and the confirming, comforting, and building up of those that are already converted:

(4) 祈求基督此時此地在我們心中掌權治理，並且祈求祂快快再來，使我們與祂一同作王，直到永遠

that Christ would rule in our hearts here, and hasten the time of his second coming, and our reigning with him forever:

(5) 祈求祂樂意在全世界施行祂大能的國度，以最佳方式促成這些目的。

and that he would be pleased so to exercise the kingdom of his power in all the world, as may best conduce to these ends.

問192: 在第三祈求中，我們所禱告的是甚麼?

Question 192: What do we pray for in the third petition?

答: 在第三祈求「願禰的旨意行在地上，如同行在天上」，我們承認: 按照本性，我們與全人類，不僅是全然無能與不願認識遵行神的旨意，也是傾向於背叛反對祂的聖道、抱怨嘀咕不滿祂的護理、一心趨向遵行肉體與惡者的意思。所以，我們禱告:

(1) 求神藉著祂的聖靈，除去我們自己與他人心中的一切盲目、軟弱、憎嫌、悖逆；

(2) 求神藉著祂的恩典，使我們能夠且樂意在一切事上，認識、遵行、順從祂的旨意；如同在天上的使者一般，以謙卑、喜樂、信實、勤勉、熱心、真誠、恆定來遵行。

Answer: In the third petition (which is, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven), acknowledging, that by nature we and all men are not only utterly unable and unwilling to know and do the will of God, but prone to rebel against his Word, to repine and murmur against his providence, and wholly inclined to do the will of the flesh, and of the devil: we pray, that God would by his Spirit take away from ourselves and others all blindness, weakness, indisposedness, and perverseness of heart; and by his grace make us able and willing to know, do, and submit to his will in all things, with the like humility, cheerfulness, faithfulness, diligence, zeal, sincerity, and constancy, as the angels do in heaven.

問193: 在第四祈求中，我們所禱告的是甚麼?

Question 193: What do we pray for in the fourth petition?

答: 在第四祈求「我們日用的飲食，今日賜給我們」中，我們承認: 我們在亞當裡，並且因我們自己的罪，我們已經喪失今生一切外在恩福的權利，應該被神剝奪所有這些恩福，並且我們在使用它們時，它們成為我們的咒詛。它們本身不能維持我們的生命，我們也不配得，也不是靠自己努力賺取它們；而且我們傾向違背律法，來追求、獲取、享受它們。所以我們為自己與他人禱告:

Answer: In the fourth petition (which is, Give us this day our daily bread), acknowledging, that in Adam, and by our own sin, we have forfeited our right to all the outward blessings of this life, and deserve to be wholly deprived of them by God, and to have them cursed to us in the use of them; and that neither they of themselves are able to sustain us, nor we to merit, or by our own industry to procure them; but prone to desire, get, and use them unlawfully:

(1) 我們與他人，天天都等候仰望神的護理，使用合法的媒介，可以享受祂的白白恩典，按照天父的智慧所看為最好的，來充足領受這些恩福；

(2) 求祂繼續不斷的賜福供應我們，使我們以聖潔與安舒的方式來享用這些恩福，並且以感恩知足的心來領受它們；

(3) 求祂保守我們，知足於今生我們所需的夠用安享之恩典，遠離一切與此目的相反的事物。

we pray for ourselves and others, that both they and we, waiting upon the providence of God from day to day in the use of lawful means, may, of his free gift, and as to his fatherly wisdom shall seem best, enjoy a competent portion of them; and have the same continued and blessed unto us in our holy and comfortable use of them, and contentment in them; and be kept from all things that are contrary to our temporal support and comfort.

問194: 在第五祈求中，我們所禱告的是甚麼?

Question 194: What do we pray for in the fifth petition?

答: 在第五祈求「免我們的債，如同我們免了人的債」中，我們承認: 我們與所有的人都是有罪的，既有遺傳的罪性、又有實際的罪行，因此我們虧欠了神的公義，成為欠罪債的人；無論我們或任何受造物，一點都不能補償那罪債。所以我們為自己與他人禱告:

Answer: In the fifth petition (which is, Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors), acknowledging, that we and all others are guilty both of original and actual sin, and thereby become debtors to the justice of God; and that neither we, nor any other creature, can make the least satisfaction for that debt:

(1)求神因祂的白白恩典，藉著基督的順服與償清罪債，使我們因著信來領悟與領受，將我們的罪咎與刑罰都免除盡淨，接納我們在祂的愛子裡；

we pray for ourselves and others, that God of his free grace would, through the obedience and satisfaction of Christ, apprehended and applied by faith, acquit us both from the guilt and punishment of sin, accept us in his Beloved;

(2)求神繼續施恩賜平安給我們，赦免我們每日的過犯，以平安喜樂充滿我們的心，每日賜給我們越來越多蒙赦免的確據；

continue his favor and grace to us, pardon our daily failings, and fill us with peace and joy, in giving us daily more and more assurance of forgiveness;

(3) 當我們有此見證在我們心中時，求神使我們更加有膽量來祈求、更加有勇氣來期盼: 我們要從心裡饒恕別人的過犯。

which we are the rather emboldened to ask, and encouraged to expect, when we have this testimony in ourselves, that we from the heart forgive others their offenses.

問195: 在第六祈求中，我們所禱告的是甚麼?

Question 195: What do we pray for in the sixth petition?

答: 在第六祈求「不叫我們遇見試探，救我們脫離兇惡」中，我們承認:

(1) 至為智慧、公義、恩慈的上帝，為了達到各種聖潔公義的目的，掌管事情的發生，以致容許我們被試探攻擊、包圍、有時陷入其中被擄；

Answer: In the sixth petition (which is, And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil), acknowledging, that the most wise, righteous, and gracious God, for divers holy and just ends, may so order things, that we may be assaulted, foiled, and for a time led captive by temptations;

(2) 撒但、世界、肉體常常大力牽引我們走偏，使我們陷入網羅；

that Satan, the world, and the flesh, are ready powerfully to draw us aside, and ensnare us;

(3) 我們即使在自己的罪得赦免之後，也會因著自己的敗壞、軟弱、疏於儆醒，不僅是容易屈服試探、傾向暴露自己於試探之下，也是無能且不願抵擋試探、脫離試探、革除試探；我們是罪有應得，配得被試探轄制的下場。

and that we, even after the pardon of our sins, by reason of our corruption, weakness, and want of watchfulness, are not only subject to be tempted, and forward to expose ourselves unto temptations, but also of ourselves unable and unwilling to resist them, to recover out of them, and to improve them; and worthy to be left under the power of them:

所以，我們禱告:

(1) 求神制勝世界和其中的一切、制伏肉體、遏止撒但，命定萬事萬物、賞賜並賜福一切施恩的媒介、甦醒我們注意使用它們，以致我們與所有屬祂的子民，藉著祂的護理，蒙保守不受試探而犯罪；

we pray, that God would so overrule the world and all in it, subdue the flesh, and restrain Satan, order all things, bestow and bless all means of grace, and quicken us to watchfulness in the use of them, that we and all his people may by his providence be kept from being tempted to sin;

(2) 如果遭遇試探，則求神藉著祂的聖靈，以大能支持我們，使我們在受試探時能站立得住；

or, if tempted, that by his Spirit we may be powerfully supported and enabled to stand in the hour of temptation:

(3) 當我們跌倒時，求神使我們再站起來，脫離試探，並且學到成聖的功課，靈命改進；

or when fallen, raised again and recovered out of it, and have a sanctified use and improvement thereof:

(4) 求神使我們的成聖與得救，至終得已完全，撒但被踹在我們腳下，我們全然從罪、試探、一切邪惡中得釋放，直到永遠。

that our sanctification and salvation may be perfected, Satan trodden under our feet, and we fully freed from sin, temptation, and all evil, forever.

問196: 主禱文的結語教導我們甚麼?

Question 196: What does the conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer teach us?

答: 主禱文的結語「因為國度、權柄、榮耀全是禰的，直到永遠，阿們」教導我們:

Answer: The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer (which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.),

要說明理由，來增強我們的祈求，而這理由並非來自我們自身或其他受造物的任何價值，乃是來自神；要以我們的禱告加上頌讚，將永遠國權、全能、榮耀尊貴，唯獨歸與神；正因祂能夠且樂意幫助我們，所以我們因著信坦然無懼的求告祂，並且安靜倚靠祂來成就我們的祈求。並且，為了見證這是我們的心願與確據，我們說「阿們」。

Answer: The conclusion of the Lord’s Prayer (which is, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.), teaches us to enforce our petitions with arguments, which are to be taken, not from any worthiness in ourselves, or in any other creature, but from God; and with our prayers to join praises, ascribing to God alone eternal sovereignty, omnipotency, and glorious excellency; in regard whereof, as he is able and willing to help us, so we by faith are emboldened to plead with him that he would, and quietly to rely upon him, that he will fulfil our requests. And, to testify this our desire and assurance, we say, Amen.