頌詩譯選

互相謙讓

凌風 譯

 

有人以為在基督徒理想裏，
　　禮貌並沒有一席之地；
只要看內心就足矣，
　　不必計較外表的禮儀。

人的內心只有主能鑒讀，
　　祂留給我們這樣的吩咐，
叫我們讓別人領先起步，
　　那就可以安然心滿意足。

主的門徒因誰為大相爭，
　　基督耶穌給調停和平，
祂給他們示範一名孩童，
　　使激烈的爭論寧息無聲。

若我得的恩賜較大分度，
　　我應當在基督面前俯伏，
留意對人作更大的照顧，
　　就當服事人也要肯給予。

靠你的謙和會使這團契，
　　能發生更大的影響力；
後來者若有人不能及時，
　　也可能同我的偉大相比。

司馬特（Christopher Smart, 1722-1771）英國詩人。

 

 

Mutual Subjection　Hymn 26

Some think that in the Christian scheme
　　Politeness has no part;
The manners we should disesteem,
　　And look upon the heart.

The heart the Lord alone can read,
　　Which left us this decree,
That men alternate take the lead
　　In sweet complacency.

When his Disciples great dispute
　　Christ Jesus reconcil'd,
He made their sharp contention mute,
　　By shewing them a child.

If I have got the greater share
　　Of talents—I shou'd bow
To Christ, and take the greater care
　　To serve and to allow.

This union with thy grace empow'r
　　More influence to supply;
Hereafter, he that lacks this hour,
　　May be as great as I.

Christopher Smart（1722-1771）
English Poet