Of obedience and subjection
The Following of Christ, in Four Books, 1819, no. IXSource and notes
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Chap. IX.—Of obedience and subjection
Source
| Printed in | The Following of Christ, in Four Books |
|---|---|
| Imprint | London, Keating, Brown and Co., 1819 |
| Number | IX |
| Pages | pp. 20–21 |
| Scan | leaf 24, leaf 25 of the Internet Archive copy |
| Rights | Public domain in the United States. |
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IT is a very great thing to stand in obedience, to live under a superior, and not to be at our own disposal.
It is much more secure to be in the state of subjection; than in authority.
Many are under obedience more out of necessity, than for the love of God: and such as these are in pain, and easily repine.
Nor will they gain freedom of mind, unless they submit themselves with their whole heart for God's sake.
Run here or there, thou will find no rest, but in an humble subjection under the government of a superior.
The imagination and changing of places has deceived many.
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It is true, every one is desirous of acting according to his own liking; and is more inclined to such as are of his own mind.
But if God be amongst us, we must sometimes give up our own opinion for the sake of peace.
Who is so wise as to be able fully to know all things?
Therefore trust not too much to thine own thoughts: but be willing also to hear the sentiments of others.
Although thy opinion be good, yet if for God's sake thou leavest it, to follow that of another, it will be more profitable to thee.
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For I have often heard, that it is more safe to hear and take counsel, than to give it.
It may also happen, that each one's thought may be good; but to refuse to yield to others, when reason or a just cause requires it, is a sign of pride and wilfulness.