在我们之上,有个神秘的存在,祂自天堂辽远的穹苍,降临我们低微的地平面。我们与祂之间的距离,远远超过我们与我们之下所有带着气息之生命的距离。祂如此降尊纾贵,为的是树立一个典范,也为了赎众人之罪,以便让所有基督徒都能将同情怜悯之心,扩展到所有具感知能力与受苦能力的生命身上。 ~Thomas Chalmers,英国神学家,1870-1847,〈论动物虐待〉;1826. 3. 5. 于爱丁堡一场讲道。 The distance upward between us and that mysterious Being, who let himself down from heaven’s high concave upon our lowly platform, surpasses by infinity the distance downward between us and every thing that breathes. And He bowed himself thus far for the purpose of an example, as well as for the purpose of an expiation; that every Christian might extend his compassionate regards over the whole of sentient and suffering nature.’ ~~Thomas Chalmers |