Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

And here before we enter into conflict with trouble, take heed that we do not strengthen our selves in other things: this breeds a man much vexation of spirit in the day of fear and danger; because he gives his heart to rely upon a broken staff, the arm of flesh, and when these come to break, and disappoint him, he falls to the ground. Therefore, my brethren, however we be provided in regard of second means against the time of trial, as for example, it may be we have healthful bodies, good estates, and are full of friends in this country, and in foreign countries, where we may betake our selves whatever may happen; yet we must look on these things as David did on his sword and his bow when he went to the battle, I ⟨p. 330⟩will not trust in my bow, my sword shall not help me. Mark, he saith not that his bow should help him, or his sword deliver him. Now surely David knew what his sword was, and what his bow could do: but before he set out, he gave these his good word, he made sure before hand that these should not be his strength: and if he did overcome, they should not carry the praise and thanks of it, but he would be sure to reserve these for the Lord, which were his due. So we should do in other things, though we have this and that means to support, and sustain our selves, take heed that we be not strong in these, for these will deceive us.

And here before we euter into conflict with trouble, take heed that we do not strengthen our selves in other things: this breeds a man much vexation of spirit in the day of fear and danger; because he gives his heart to rely upon a broken staff, the arm of flesh, and when these come to break, and disappoint him, he falls to the ground. Therefore, my brethren, however we be provided in regard of second means against the time of tryal, as for example, it may be we have healthfull bodies, good estates, and are full of friends in this countrey, and in forreign countreys, where we may betake our selves whatever may happen; yet we must look on these things as David did on his sword and his bow when he went to the battel, I ⟨p. 330⟩will not trust in my bow, my sword shall not helpe me. Mark, he sayth not that his bow should help him, or his sword deliver him. Now surely David knew what his sword was, and what his bow could do: but before he set out, he gave these his good word, he made sure before hand that these should not be his strength: and if he did overcome, they should not carry the praise and thanks of it, but he would be sure to reserve these for the Lord, which were his due. So we should do in other things, though we have this and that means to support, and sustain our selves, take heed that we be not strong in these, for these will deceive us.