颂诗译选

互相谦让

凌风 译

 

有人以为在基督徒理想里，
　　礼貌並沒有一席之地；
只要看內心就足矣，
　　不必计较外表的礼仪。

人的內心只有主能鉴读，
　　祂留给我们这样的吩咐，
叫我们让別人领先起步，
　　那就可以安然心满意足。

主的门徒因谁为大相爭，
　　基督耶稣给调停和平，
祂给他们示范一名孩童，
　　使激烈的爭论宁息无声。

若我得的恩赐较大分度，
　　我应当在基督面前俯伏，
留意对人作更大的照顾，
　　就当服事人也要肯给予。

靠你的谦和会使这团契，
　　能发生更大的影响力；
后来者若有人不能及时，
　　也可能同我的伟大相比。

司马特（Christopher Smart, 1722-1771）英国诗人。

 

 

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