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

So also in regard of Christ. Partly in respect of his ¹love and goodness, he hath already showed to us: you know when a man hath done much for one he hath reason to respect him. When Christ hath done so much for us, if there were nothing to come there is reason, and justice, and equity to seek him, to do whatsoever may be for his advantage, that we should seek not our own things but the things of Jesus Christ. And partly also why we should seek the things of Jesus Christ, is in regard of the wages which are to come, they are so large that he is not worthy to have them; he is not worthy to be saved by him that will not do something for him, that will not deny himself, and neglect his own things for his sake. So you see what reason there is for this duty why we should do.

So also in regard of Christ. Partly in respect of his ¹love and goodness, he hath already shewed to us: you know when a man hath done much for one he hath reason to respect him. When Christ hath done so much for us, if there were nothing to come there is reason, and justice, and equity to seek him, to do whatsoever may be for his advantage, that we should seek not our own things but the things of Jesus Christ. And partly also why we should seek the things of Jesus Christ, is in regard of the wages which are to come, they are so large that he is not worthy to have them; he is not worthy to be saved by him that will not do something for him, that will not deny himself, and neglect his own things for his sake. So you see what reason there is for this duty why we should do.

1. 12. In respect of Christ.

Now to make use of it, if this be a duty that lies upon every man not to seek his own things, but the things of ¹Jesus Christ; what remains, but that you consider how you have kept this, and if you be failing in it, that you stir up your selves to do it in a better manner then you have done formerly. Let every man therefore ask this question with himself, have I sought the things of Jesus Christ? have I not many times sat still for my own ease, for my own safety, for my credit, and profit, when if I had stirred I might have done something for the advantage of Jesus Christ? And consider that our behaving of our selves after this manner is not only sinful, but it is very unreasonable, and disadvantageous for our selves: for the more we lose for Christ the more we gain; he that will be content to be no body in the flesh, he shall be the more in the spirit. For that rule holds true, he that will lose his life shall save it: I say it holds true in every thing else, he that will lose his credit, shall gain his credit: he that will be content to let go his friends, or profits, or advantages, he shall be a gainer by it. So that he that is most prodigal of all these things to spend them for Christs advantage, he that is most forward to suffer imprisonment, and loss of goods, to endure infamy and disgrace for Christs sake, he is the wisest man, the happiest man, he provides best for himself.