Esto igitur gratus in minimo, et eris dignus majora
accipere. Sit tibi minimum pro maximo et contemtibile pro speciali dono.
Si dignitas datoris inspicitur, nullum datum parvum aut minus vile
videbitur. Non enim parvum est quod a summo Deo donatur, etiam si pœnas
et verbera donaverit, gratum esse debet, quia semper pro salute nostra
facit quidquid nobis advenire permittit. Qui gratiam Dei retinere
desiderat, sit gratus pro gratia Dei data, patiens pro sublata, oret ut
reddatur, cautus sit et humilis ne amittat.
Be thankful, therefore,
for the least benefit and you shall be
worthy to receive greater. Let the least be unto you even as the
greatest, and let that which is of little account be unto you
as a special gift. If the majesty of the Giver be considered,
nothing that is given shall seem small and of no worth,
for that is not a small thing which is given by the Most High
God. Yea, though He gave punishment and stripes, we ought to
be thankful, because He always does for our profit whatever He allows
to come upon us. He who seeks to retain the favor of
God, let him be thankful for the favor which is given, and patient
in respect of that which is taken away. Let him pray
that
it may return; let him be wary and humble that he lose it not.
Imitation of Christ, II, 10:5
No comments:
Post a Comment