the imitation of christ(效仿基督)-第3章
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 5
Of the reading of Holy Scriptures
It is Truth which we must look for in Holy Writ； not cunning of words。
All Scripture ought to be read in the spirit in which it was written。 We
must rather seek for what is profitable in Scripture； than for what
ministereth to subtlety in discourse。 Therefore we ought to read books
which are devotional and simple； as well as those which are deep and
difficult。 And let not the weight of the writer be a stumbling…block to
thee； whether he be of little or much learning； but let the love of the pure
Truth draw thee to read。 Ask not； who hath said this or that but look to
what he says。
2。 Men pass away； but the truth of the Lord endureth for ever。 Without
respect of persons God speaketh to us in divers manners。 Our own
curiosity often hindereth us in the readings of holy writings； when we seek
to understand and discuss； where we should pass simply on。 If thou
wouldst profit by thy reading； read humbly； simply； honestly； and not
desiring to win a character for learning。 Ask freely； and hear in silence
the words of holy men； nor be displeased at the hard sayings of older men
than thou； for they are not uttered without cause。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 6
Of inordinate affections
Whensoever a man desireth aught above measure； immediately he
becometh restless。 The proud and the avaricious man are never at rest；
while the poor and lowly of heart abide in the multitude of peace。 The
man who is not yet wholly dead to self； is soon tempted； and is overcome
in small and trifling matters。 It is hard for him who is weak in spirit； and
still in part carnal and inclined to the pleasures of sense； to withdraw
himself altogether from earthly desires。 And therefore； when he
withdraweth himself from these； he is often sad； and easily angered too if
any oppose his will。
2。 But if； on the other hand； he yield to his inclination； immediately he
is weighed down by the condemnation of his conscience； for that he hath
followed his own desire； and yet in no way attained the peace which he
hoped for。 For true peace of heart is to be found in resisting passion； not
in yielding to it。 And therefore there is no peace in the heart of a man who
is carnal； nor in him who is given up to the things that are without him； but
only in him who is fervent towards God and living the life of the Spirit。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 7
Of fleeing from vain hope and pride
Vain is the life of that man who putteth his trust in men or in any
created Thing。 Be not ashamed to be the servant of others for the love of
Jesus Christ； and to be reckoned poor in this life。 Rest not upon thyself；
but build thy hope in God。 Do what lieth in thy power； and God will help
thy good intent。 Trust not in thy learning； nor in the cleverness of any that
lives； but rather trust in the favour of God； who resisteth the proud and
giveth grace to the humble。
2。 Boast not thyself in thy riches if thou hast them； nor in thy friends if
they be powerful； but in God； who giveth all things； and in addition to all
things desireth to give even Himself。 Be not lifted up because of thy
strength or beauty of body； for with only a slight sickness it will fail and
wither away。 Be not vain of thy skilfulness or ability； lest thou displease
God； from whom cometh every good gift which we have。
3。 Count not thyself better than others； lest perchance thou appear
worse in the sight of God； who knoweth what is in man。 Be not proud of
thy good works； for God's judgments are of another sort than the
judgments of man； and what pleaseth man is ofttimes displeasing to Him。
If thou hast any good； believe that others have more； and so thou mayest
preserve thy humility。 It is no harm to thee if thou place thyself below all
others； but it is great harm if thou place thyself above even one。 Peace is
ever with the humble man； but in the heart of the proud there is envy and
continual wrath。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 7
Of the danger of too much familiarity
Open not thine heart to every man； but deal with one who is wise and
feareth God。 Be seldom with the young and with strangers。 Be not a
flatterer of the rich； nor willingly seek the society of the great。 Let thy
company be the humble and simple； the devout and the gentle； and let thy
discourse be concerning things which edify。 Be not familiar with any
woman； but commend all good women alike unto God。 Choose for thy
companions God and His Angels only； and flee from the notice of men。
2。 We must love all men； but not make close companions of all。 It
sometimes falleth out that one who is unknown to us is highly regarded
through good report of him； whose actual person is nevertheless
unpleasing to those who behold it。 We sometimes think to please others
by our intimacy； and forthwith displease them the more by the faultiness
of character which they perceive in us。
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
CHAPTER 8
Of obedience and subjection
It is verily a great thing to live in obedience； to be under authority； and
not to be at our own disposal。 Far safer is it to live in subjection than in a
place of authority。 Many are in obedience from necessity rather than
from love； these take it amiss； and repine for small cause。 Nor will they
gain freedom of spirit； unless with all their heart they submit themselves
for the love of God。 Though thou run hither and thither； thou wilt not
find peace； save in humble subjection to the authority of him who is set
over thee。 Fancies about places and change of them have deceived many。
2。 True it is that every man willingly followeth his own bent； and is the
more inclined to those who agree with him。 But if Christ is amongst us；
then it is necessary that we sometimes yield up our own opinion for the
sake of peace。 Who is so wise as to have perfect knowledge of all things？
Therefore trust not too much to thine own opinion； but be ready also to
hear the opinions of others。 Though thine own opinion be good； yet if for
the love of God thou foregoest it； and followest that of another； thou shalt
the more profit thereby。
3。 Ofttimes I have heard that it is safer to hearken and to receive
counsel than to give it。 It may also come to pass that each opinion may
be good； but to refuse to hearken to others when reas
