Читать книгу Centuries of Meditations - Thomas Traherne - Страница 28

to find myself mistaken on this point : but at present I am unable to see that any meaning can be placed upon the last sentence of the passage which I have quoted, save that which I have indicated.

Another friend, who has also seen the proof-sheets of the Introduction, is moved to protest against the statement of my opinion as to the unsuitability of " The Imitation of Christ" for the use of members of the Church of England. He has pointed out to me that ever since its first translation into the English language, it has been very largely used by members of the English Church, not only with the approval, but with the direct sanction of many of the leading authorities of the Anglican communion. There are, he adds, not more than two or three passages in the " Imitation " which can possibly be regarded as contrary to the tenets of the English Church. I am a child in these matters, and I will not dispute these facts. After all, my argument was not so much directed to show that the " Imitation " was an unsuitable book for Protestant readers, as to point out that Traherne's work, having been written by one of the most zealous ministers of the English Church, is necessarily better suited for members of that Church, and of the Nonconformist Churches, than a work which was written by a Roman Catholic for Roman Catholics. But, as I have already said, I have no wish to disparage the " Imitation " ; all I desire to do is to show that Traherne's " Centuries " is worthy to be placed beside it.

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