The Kolbrin Bible: 21st Century Master Edition [Janice Manning] (fb2) читать постранично, страница - 246

wood from a decayed or naturally fallen tree or branch and

unused stone.

BRT:7:67 There are three forms of sonship: A son born within a marriage, a son born outside a marriage but publicly acknowledged by the

father and a son by adoption.

BRT:7:68 There are three types of thieves not to be punished: A woman compelled to steal by her father or husband, a young child and a starving

person who steals to eat.

BRT:7:69 There are three things, which must remain open and free to all:

Rivers, roads and places of worship. BRT:7:70 It is said that Alfred the Homeborn re-wrote these things, but it is also said that what was is lost, and he put this in.

Chapter Eight - Nobility

BRT:8:1 Nobility and honour are words much abused, but in truth nobility is not bestowed by birthright, but resides in the soul, and honour is not a thing bartered among kings, but comes from a sense of goodness. Men sell their honour for gold, and nobility is conferred on those who have done nothing more than their duty. This is wrong.

BRT:8:2 When titles are given as the reward of true, selfless service, when he who serves his fellows well is ennobled, both giver and receiver are

raised in stature, and the realm benefits.

BRT:8:3 When they who inherit titles also inherit the virtues, which earned these, then all is well; but when he who inherits, to whom they descend, is unlike he who earned them, then they can no longer be borne with

honour.

BRT:8:4 Honour and nobility, in their true sense, are not things which can inevitably be inherited; they are not in the blood. The man who, being without merit himself, appeals to the actions of his ancestors, for his justification is like a thief claiming justification in possession. What good is it

to the blind that his parents could see, or what benefit to the deaf that his grandfather heard? Is this more foolish then that a mean-hearted man should claim nobility because his forbears were noble? A man who serves the people well has no need of ancestors. The noble mind does not derive pleasure in receiving honours, but in deserving them. Is it not better that men say, 'Why has this man not been honoured by the king?" than to ask why he has been?

BRT:8:5 I speak to knights who, surely of all men, are the most noble. Eat slowly and with good manners, even if alone at the table. Do not gulp down ale or water, for food hastily eaten sits on an uncomfortable stomach. Though we must feed our bodies, even as animals have to, we are not as they and must do so with good manners. This is also a knightly discipline, which

will enhance the light of your soul. BRT:8:6 This soul has an inner stronghold, an unassailable keep, which remains impregnable against all outside influences. It is an inner zone of silence, so that even in the most crowded street, amid the din of commerce, the hustle and hassle of everyday life, in joy, sorrow, success and failure, there is always an inner sanctuary, a place of retirement, a retreat, to which one can always retire, assured that no intruder can assail anyone there. This is the citadel of the soul, against which all the tempests and turmoils of life's storms may beat in vain. Within, all will be serene, peaceful and secure, and if it be well built, nothing can ever overthrow it. BRT:8:7 Loyalty is an attribute of the knightly man. It is expressed in deed and service. Be audacious in confrontation. It is a bold mouse that pulls the cat's whiskers. Be renowned for what you achieve, not for what you are. The renown of a bowman is not earned by his bow, but by his aim. BRT:8:8 Those who seek to shun the battle of life because of cowardice or selfishness find that their attempts to run away are in vain, for the Law compels them to engage. Because human destiny, individual and collective, is bound to the rock of the Law, that which is avoided is enforced. BRT:8:9 I come before the dire days to carry a sword against evils, which threaten our race, and to direct the struggle of man into correct channels. Be true to yourself, and answer accordingly to your own inner knowledge. Are your God-given qualities, which all possess, marshalled to carry out the

Designs of God?

BRT:8:10 The rallying call has sounded, and it echoes in every responsive heart. Arm yourself for the fray with the God-given powers within. Align them to fight on the side of good. The call has gone out, and the inner forces of every Real Man are required to rally to the cause of

humankind.

BRT:8:11 If everyone in the world would rally their own special forces within and throw these into the battle on the side of good, the Earth would

overflow with goodness. BRT:8:12 Men and women are apathetic; instead of taking up the sword against evil, they stand aside like menials. So evil grows, and the main cause of the present sorry state of the people is man's lack of fighting spirit. In war, it is the cause that counts and it is not enough to resist evil. It must be

attacked.

BRT:8:13 When you have conquered the weakness within yourself and assumed full control, you are a true knight ready to go out and fight. The trumpet has sounded, and the rallying cry rings out, so do not seek the place of protection. Do not hesitate in this dramatic hour. Say not that these things foreshadow things in days far ahead, or that they are residue from the past. BRT:8:14 Cease all disagreement among yourselves. Unite as comrades

in arms. There will, of course, be arguments and differences, but be men enough not to let them divide you. We are in our present sorry state because of past disunity and disobedience to the Law. Do not allow the knights of right to be disarmed, and fight against the Realm of Darkness. BRT:8:15 It is a manifest thing that kingdoms divided against themselves are destroyed by more united forces. Yet, is not the Kingdom of God divided

against itself?

BRT:8:16 Truth and faith are the handmaidens of love. They bring confidence, and how can a man stand steadfast unless he has confidence, for in confidence is strength. The qualities of knighthood are such that those who have them can look the world in the eye. They have no furtive deeds to hide within where they eat away at a knight's integrity.

BRT:8:17 Praise no day until nightfall, no wife until she is buried, no sword until blooded, no maid until married and no ale until drunk. Never be a talebearer, for this is despicable in a man. BRT:8:18 Persons who, within themselves, are really enemies often come garbed as friends, and among these are the following: He who takes little care to hide his intentions to rob or violate and does it brazenfaced, he who gives a little with the intention of getting much back in return; he who puts on a friendly front out of fear and he who acts friendly to serve his own ends.

BRT:8:19 The man with the well greased, mobile tongue can be distinguished in this manner. He is inclined to talk much about himself and his past accomplishments, or he will fill your ears with boasts about his future deeds; he assails your ears with empty words and with the sweet draught of flattery. Walk warily, for these are false-fronted friends and when their friendship is put to the test, it falls apart like rotten wood. When called upon for assistance in time of need they plead their own misfortunes and handicaps as excuses for standing aside.

BRT:8:20 The smooth-tongued hypocrite glosses over the misdeeds of others. He excuses unworthiness and sings your praises before your face, in your hearing, but reviles you behind your back. Avoid all such as these, for

their friendship is worthless. BRT:8:21 The other to avoid is the wastrel. He will be a pleasant companion in the drinking parlours. He will be your amiable companion in the places of pleasure, where there is gaiety and laughter. He will be a charming companion at feasts and festivals. He will be quick to suggest gambling and dissipation and all things that lead to sloth.

BRT:8:22 Here are the earmarks of a true-hearted friend: He will help you when help is really needed and requires real sacrifice on his part; he remains unchanged amidst the fluctuations of fortune; he is the one who is not afraid to tell you what is for your own good; he is the one who declares his friendship and loyalty in the company of those who condemn you.

BRT:8:23 True friends are few and are treasures