Читать книгу Centuries of Meditations - Thomas Traherne - Страница 33

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True Love as it intendeth the greatest gifts intendeth also the greatest benefits. It contenteth not itself in showing great things unless it can make them greatly useful. For Love greatly delighteth in seeing its object continually seated in the highest happiness. Unless therefore I could advance you higher by the uses of what I give, my Love could not be satisfied in giving you the whole world. But because when you enjoy it you are advanced to the Throne of God and may see His Love ; I rest well pleased in bestowing it. It will make you to see your own greatness, the truth of the Scriptures, the amiableness of Virtue, and the beauty of Religion. It will enable you to contemn the world, and to overflow with praises.

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To contemn the world and to enjoy the world are things contrary to each other. How then can we contemn the world, which we are born to enjoy ? Truly there are two worlds. One was made by God, the other by men. That made by God was great and beautiful. Before the Fall it was Adam's joy and the Temple of his Glory. That made by men is a Babel of Confusions : Invented Riches, Pomps and Vanities, brought in by Sin. Give all (saith Thomas ὰ Kempis) for all. Leave the one that you may enjoy the other.

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