約伯倫理 第 1256 章

56. They disdain to follow the multitude of earthly men.—To despise the multitude of the city is to shun the depraved pursuits of human intercourse, so that one no longer takes pleasure in imitating the ruined ways of earthly men, who through the abundance of iniquity are many. For they desire to enter the narrow gate with the few, and do not seek with the many to enter the broad ways that lead to destruction (Matt. 7:13). Wisely they consider by whom and for what purpose they were created, and by right reflection upon the image they have received they disdain to follow the multitude of the crowd. Whence also it is said in the Song of Songs by the voice of the Bridegroom to the Bride:

If thou know not thyself, O fairest among women, go forth and go after the footsteps of the flocks, and feed thy kids (Cant. 1:7[8]). For she who is fairest among women knows her own self, when each chosen soul, even though set among sinners, remembers that she was created after the image and likeness of her Maker (Gen. 1:26), and walks according to the order of the likeness she has received. But if she knows not herself, she goes forth; because, driven out from the secret of her own heart, she is scattered among outward concupiscences.

But having gone forth, she goes after the footsteps of the flocks, because, forsaking her own inward things, she is led into the broad way and follows the examples of the peoples. And now she feeds no longer lambs but kids, because she aims not to nourish the harmless thoughts of the mind but the depraved motions of the flesh. Because, then, each chosen and continent person scorns to go after the footsteps of the flocks, it is rightly said: He despises the multitude of the city. And there is aptly added: