鐔津文集 10.18

10.18

右某。今者伏蒙知府端明侍郎。台造特差衙前徐新等遠賚牋疏并帖四道就潤州。請召某往淨惠禪院住持。今月二十日於登雲禪寺已恭受鈞命訖。伏念某道德虛薄器識浮淺。當預大賜實為忝竊。然而教法衰弊緇仵墮怠。斯蓋侍郎念西聖付託之意。特欲振起頹風。曲采庸聲授以師位。詞疏婉雅弘獎勤重。惟恐不勝所舉塵累高明。且愧且幸。卑情無任皇恐感激之至。謹具狀上謝。

The above-named [Qisong] states: Now I have humbly received the exalted command of the Prefect, Academician of the Duanming Hall and Vice Minister, who specially dispatched Yamen-attendant Xu Xin and others to convey from afar a petition, an invitation, and four warrants directly to Runzhou, inviting and summoning me to assume the abbotship of Jinghui Chan Cloister. On the twentieth of this month, at Dengyun Chan Monastery, I reverently received your esteemed directive. I humbly reflect that my Dao and virtue are empty and meager, and my capacity and insight shallow and superficial; to be included in this great bestowal is truly an undeserved presumption. Yet the teachings and the Dharma have fallen into decline, and the monastics are slack and indolent. This is surely because you, Vice Minister, mindful of the Western Sage's intention of entrustment, specially wish to revive the decadent ways, generously gathering up my mediocre reputation to bestow upon me the master's seat. The text of the invitation is gracious and elegant, its grand encouragement earnest and weighty. I fear only that I am unequal to what you have advanced and will bring blemish to your brilliance. Both ashamed and fortunate, my humble feelings are overcome with the utmost trepidation and gratitude. I respectfully prepare this memorial to offer my thanks.