生命的距離～Thomas Chalmers

在我們之上，有個神秘的存在，祂自天堂遼遠的穹蒼，降臨我們低微的地平面。我們與祂之間的距離，遠遠超過我們與我們之下所有帶著氣息之生命的距離。祂如此降尊紓貴，為的是樹立一個典範，也為了贖眾人之罪，以便讓所有基督徒都能將同情憐憫之心，擴展到所有具感知能力與受苦能力的生命身上。

～Thomas Chalmers，英國神學家，1780-1847，〈論動物虐待〉；1826. 3. 5. 於愛丁堡一場講道。

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