約伯倫理 第 1337 章

29. What are the bones of Antichrist. — In the body there are bones which both contain the members and are themselves contained. And there are some who are wicked, who nevertheless are held in error by others; and others who are more wicked, who hold others in error and in guile. What else, then, do we take the bones of Antichrist to be, but those in his body who are the stronger? In whose heart, while iniquity has grown vehemently hard, through them the framework of his body holds together. For many in this world appear rich, who, while they are propped up by goods and wealth, are as it were made solid by strength; but by lavishing these very things by which they are supported, they draw others to their own error. Now by gifts they entice some to become perverse, now by bribes they bind others to remain perverse.

What, then, are these but the bones of Antichrist, who, while by their restraining they multiply the wicked, bear flesh in his body? These men sometimes display the sweetness of the tongue to hearers whom they would deceive, because thorns too put forth flowers, and there appears in them something that gives off fragrance, but there lies hidden that which stings. They mingle sweet things with bitter, and flattering things with hurtful, and they desire indeed to be seen as men to be admired for their power, but by the art of deceiving they lay themselves as it were humbly beneath others through easy conversations, and by their speech they insinuate concerning themselves what they deny by their outward showing. 30. Why they are compared to pipes of brass.

— Whence also the bones of this Behemoth are rightly compared to pipes of brass, because, namely, after the manner of insensible metal, they have the sound of speaking well, but have not the sense of living well. For they assert as it were humbly in their speaking that which they despise by their proud living. Whence it is well said through Paul: If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal (1 Cor. 13:1). For he who speaks good things, but by love does not follow those same good things, gives forth a sound like brass or a cymbal, because he himself feels not the words that he himself makes.

— But there are some in the body of this beast who are neither propped up by riches, nor adorned with the appearance of virtues, nor skilled in cunning knowledge, and yet aspire to be seen as what they are not; and for this reason they become more wicked against the life of the good. Concerning whom it also follows: