Selections from the Writings of Kierkegaard 239

God Incarnate is betrayed, mocked, deserted by abso- lutely all men ; not a single one, literally not a single one, remains faithful to him — and then, afterwards, afterwards, — oh yes, afterwards, there were millions of men who on their knees made pilgrimage to the places where many hun- dred years ago His feet, perhaps, trod the ground; after- wards, afterwards — oh yes, afterwards, millions wor- shipped a splinter of the cross on which He was crucified!

And so it was always when men were contemporary with the great; but afterwards, afterwards — oh yes, after- wards!

Must one then not loathe being human?

And again, must one not loathe being human ? For these millions who on their knees made pilgrimage to His grave, this throng of people which no power on earth was able to overcome : but one thing were necessary, Christ's return — and all these millions would quickly regain their feet to run their way, so that the whole throng were as if blown away; or would, in a mass, and erect enough, rush upon Christ in order to kill him.

That which Christ and the Apostles and every martyr desires, and desires as the only thing: that we should fol- low in His footsteps, just that is the thing which mankind does not like or does not find pleasure in.

No, take away the danger — so that it is but play, and then the batallions of the human race will (ah, disgusting!) will perform astonishing feats in aping Him; and then instead of an imitation of Christ we get (ah, disgusting!), we get that sacred buffoonery — under guidance and command (ah, disgusting!) of sworn clergymen who do service as ser- geants, lieutenants, etc. — ordained men who therefore have the Holy Spirit's special assistance in this serious business.'