the imitation of christ(效仿基督)-第49节
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commandments。 Many have lost devotion whilst they sought to search
into deeper things。 Faith is required of thee; and a sincere life; not
loftiness of intellect; nor deepness in the mysteries of God。 If thou
understandest not nor comprehendest the things which are beneath thee;
how shalt thou comprehend those which are above thee? Submit thyself
to God; and humble thy sense to faith; and the light of knowledge shall be
given to thee; as shall be profitable and necessary unto thee。
3。 There are some who are grievously tempted concerning faith and the
Sacrament; but this is not to be imputed to themselves but rather to the
enemy。 Care not then for this; dispute not with thine own thoughts; nor
make answer to the doubts which are cast into thee by the devil; but
believe the words of God; believe His Saints and Prophets; and the wicked
enemy shall flee from thee。 Often it profiteth much; that the servant of
God endureth such things。 For the enemy tempteth not unbelievers and
sinners; because he already hath secure possession of them; but he
tempteth and harasseth the faithful and devout by various means。
4。 Go forward therefore with simple and undoubting faith; and draw
nigh unto the Sacrament with supplicating reverence。 And whatsoever
thou art not enabled to understand; that commit without anxiety to
Almighty God。 God deceiveth thee not; he is deceived who believeth too
much in himself。 God walketh with the simple; revealeth Himself to the
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THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
humble; giveth understanding to babes; openeth the sense to pure minds;
and hideth grace from the curious and proud。 Human reason is weak and
may be deceived; but true faith cannot be deceived。
5。 All reason and natural investigation ought to follow faith; not to
precede; nor to break it。 For faith and love do here especially take the
highest place; and work in hidden ways in this most holy and exceeding
excellent Sacrament。 God who is eternal and incomprehensible; and of
infinite power; doth great and inscrutable things in heaven and in earth;
and His wonderful works are past finding out。 If the works of God were
of such sort that they might easily be comprehended by human reason;
they should no longer be called wonderful or unspeakable。
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