John of Ruysbroeck
excerpts
from
THE ADORNMENT
OF THE SPIRITUAL MARRIAGE
translated by
Evelyn Underhill
BOOK I THE ACTIVE LIFE
CHAPTER XXI
OF
TEMPERANCE AND SOBRIETY
FROM this zeal [Chapter
XX] there spring
temperance and sobriety, both inward and outward; for none can possess the
right measure of sobriety save him who is greatly zealous and diligent to
keep his soul and body in righteousness. Sobriety divides the higher powers
from the animal powers; it saves a man from intemperance and from excess.
Sobriety wishes neither to taste, nor to know, those things which are
forbidden.
The incomprehensible and most
high Nature of God transcends all creatures in heaven and on earth. For all
that a creature can comprehend is of the creature; but God is above all
creatures and within and without all creatures, and every created
comprehension is too narrow to comprehend Him. But if a creature is to
comprehend and to understand God, it must be caught up beyond itself into
God, and comprehend God with God. Whosoever then would know and understand
what God is—which is not permitted—he would go mad. Behold, all created
light is powerless to know what God is. What God is in Himself, transcends
all creatures; but that God exists, is testified by nature, and by Holy
Writ, and by every creature. We should believe the articles of faith, and
not desire to understand them, for this is impossible as long as we are here
below: such is sobriety. The mysterious and subtle teachings of Holy Writ,
inspired by the Holy Ghost, should not be explained and understood in any
other way than in their bearing upon the lives of Christ and His saints.
Man should consider nature, and the Scriptures, and all creatures, and take
from these that which profits him and nothing more. Such is sobriety of
spirit.
A man should keep his senses in
sobriety and should restrain the animal powers by means of the reason; so
that the lusts of the flesh do not enter too far into the savouring of food
and of drink; but he should eat and drink as the sick take their physic,
because it is needful to support his strength, that he may serve God
therewith. This is sobriety of body. He should also observe method and
moderation in doing and in leaving undone, in words and in works, in silence
and in speaking, in food and in drink, according to the custom of Holy
Church, and after the example of the saints.
By inward and ghostly temperance
and sobriety a man preserves firmness and constancy of faith, purity of
intelligence, that tranquillity of reason necessary to the comprehension of
truth, an impulse towards all virtues according to the will of God, peace of
heart, and serenity of conscience. And herewith he possesses an enduring
peace, in God and in himself.
And by temperance and sobriety
of the outward bodily senses, a man often preserves the health and the
soundness of his natural body, the dignity of his outward life, and a good
reputation. And thus he lives in peace with himself and with his
neighbours; for by his temperance and sobriety he draws to himself and
pleases all men of good-will. And thus he casts out the sixth mortal sin,
which is intemperance, greed or Gluttony. Of all such Christ says: BLESSED
ARE THE PEACEMAKERS: FOR THEY SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD; for they
are like unto the Son, Who has made peace in every creature who desired
peace. And whosoever makes peace in himself through his temperance and
sobriety shall partake with Him of the inheritance of His Father; and shall
possess it with Him in eternity.
