Of obedience and subjection
1. It is verily a great thing to live in obedience, to be under
authority, and not to be at our own disposal. Far safer is it to
live in subjection than in a place of authority. Many are in
obedience from necessity rather than from love; these take it
amiss, and repine for small cause. Nor will they gain freedom of
spirit, unless with all their heart they submit themselves for
the love of God. Though you run here and there, you wilt
not find peace, save in humble subjection to the authority of him
who is set over you. Fancies about places and change of them
have deceived many.
2. True it is that every man willingly follows his own bent,
and is the more inclined to those who agree with him. But if
Christ is among us, then it is necessary that we sometimes
yield up our own opinion for the sake of peace. Who is so wise
as to have perfect knowledge of all things? Therefore trust not
too much to your own opinion, but be ready also to hear the
opinions of others. Though your own opinion be good, yet if for
the love of God you forego it, and follow that of another, you shall the more profit thereby.
3. Oftentimes I have heard that it is safer to hearken and to
receive counsel than to give it. It may also come to pass that
each opinion may be good; but to refuse to hearken to others when
reason or occasion requires it, is a mark of pride or
wilfulness.
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