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

For alas, (my brethren) what is it that we have of all our labours under the Sun? but only the riches of good works, those only go with us. The good that we do is only a foundation sure, and steadfast, as you have it, 1 Tim. 6. 19. Laying up a sure foundation, that is, a foundation upon which you may build.

For alas, (my brethren) what is it that we have of all our labors under the Sun? but onely the riches of good works, those onely go with us. The good that we do is onely a foundation sure, and stedfast, as you have it, 1 Tim. 6. 19. Laying up a sure foundation, that is, a foundation upon which you may build.

All other things that you have in this life, are of a contingent nature; but your good works, the things you do for God, your seeking after the things of Christ, they are of a sure nature, and will not fail you. Therefore let us consider what we do in this case, when we come to any business wherein we are to deny our selves, and ⟨p. 379⟩let us think thus with our selves, what are these things that I call mine own? The truth is there is no man that hath any thing that is his own: therefore when there is an occasion offered you to speak any thing, you ought to say, this is not my credit, this is not my wealth, this is not my strength; these are not my friends; this is not my estate, but they are the Lords; and shall I withhold them from him, when he stands in need of them? this is to rob God of his due, it is sacrilege. This consideration will make a man think that it is reasonable for him to do it when he considers that it is none of his, but it is Gods.

All other things that you have in this life, are of a contingent nature; but your good works, the things you do for God, your seeking after the things of Christ, they are of a sure nature, and will not fail you. Therefore let us consider what we do in this case, when we come to any business wherein we are to deny our selves, and