A Golden Chain

Euseb. I have my conversation among men as sincere as I can in righteousness and holiness, which is after Gods commandments: our Saviour saith, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven.

Euseb. I haue my conuersation among men as sincere as I can in righteousnes and holines, which is after Gods commandements: our Sauiour saith, Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good workes, and glorifie your father which is in heauen.

Timoth. It is but a dim light which we can carry before men, and small are our good works, and to be esteemed of no value: if we were preachers or ⟨p. 634⟩rich men, or noble men, then we might save souls, give good counsel, help many by your alms, but you and I are poor men, of base birth, and of low degree, how can we then do any good works?

Timoth. It is but a dim light which we can carrie before men, and small are our good workes, and to be esteemed of no value: if wee were preachers or ⟨p. 634⟩rich men, or noble men, then we might saue soules, giue good counsell, helpe many by your almes, but you and I are poore men, of base birth, and of lowe degree, how can we then doe any good workes?

Euseb. As touching good works by that measure of knowledge that god hath given me, I think that all works are good which are done according to the obedience of Gods law in faith and with thanksgiving to God, and with a mind desirous of his glory alone, and I think that I or any man else in doing them please God whatsoever I do within the law of God, as when I make water. And trust me if either wind or water were stopped, I should feel what a precious thing it were to do either of both, and what thanks ought to be given God therefore. Moreover, I put no difference between works, but whatsoever cometh into my hands that I do as time, place, and occasion giveth, and according to my degree. For as touching to please God there is no work better then other: God looketh not first on my works as the world doth, or as though he had need of them: but God looketh first on my heart what faith I have to his word, how I believe him, trust him, and how I love him, for his mercy that he hath showed to me, he looketh with what heart I work, and not what I work, how I accept the degree he hath put me in, not of what degree I am. Let us take example. You are a minister and preach the word, I am a kitchen boy, and wash my masters dishes. Of the Ministry hark what the Apostle saith: If I preach I have naught to rejoice in, for necessity is put upon me: If I preach not the gospel; as who should say, God hath made me so, woe is to me if I preach not. If I do it willingly (saith he) then I have my reward: that is, then I am sure that Gods spirit is in me, and that I am elect to eternal life. If I do it against my will, the office is committed to me, that is, I do it not of love to God, but to get a living thereby, and for a worldly purpose, and had rather otherwise live: then do I that office which God hath put upon me, but do not please God. So then if you preached not, or in preaching had not your heart aright, you minister the office, and they that have the spirit of God hear his word, yea, though it were spoken by an Ass, and the woe belongeth to you: but and if you preach willingly with a true heart and conscience to God, then you shall feel the earnest of eternal life, and the working of the spirit of God in you, and your preaching is a good work in you.