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

Now again to these two, when a man hath given ¹up himself to Christ, and when he doth mind it, and intend it, and pray for it, you must add to this faith without which no man can do it: for this objection presently cometh: what; must I seek the things of Jesus Christ, and not mine own, what will then become of me? how shall I provide for my self, or for my family, and those that depend upon me? Now there must be faith to give this answer, the Lord will ²provide for thee. For till a man think that there is another that hath will and power to take care for him, and to provide for him, it is impossible that he should seek the the things of that other: but believe this once that God will take care for thee, and then thou wilt be content to deny thy self. As if a Master should say to his servant, be you diligent in my service, I will take care for your meat and drink, and clothing, and when your apprenticeship is out, I will give you sufficient to live upon: if the servant believe this, he will be willing to neglect all other things, and to seek his Masters profit, and to intend his Masters business. So here we should seek the things of Jesus Christ, for saith he I will provide for you. I will take care for you, you shall want nothing in this present life, you shall have all things necessary, and when your apprenticeship is at an end, I will provide an inheritance for you. If you will believe these things, and these promises, you will then seek the things of Jesus Christ, and not your own things.

Now again to these two, when a man hath given ¹up himself to Christ, and when he doth mind it, and intend it, and pray for it, you must add to this faith without which no man can do it: for this objection presently cometh: what; must I seek the things of Jesus Christ, and not mine own, what will then become of me? how shall I provide for my self, or for my family, and those that depend upon me? Now there must be faith to give this answer, the Lord will ²provide for thee. For till a man think that there is another that hath will and power to take care for him, and to provide for him, it is impossible that he should seek the the things of that other: but believe this once that God will take care for thee, and then thou wilt be content to deney thy self. As if a Master should say to his servant, be you diligent in my service, I will take care for your meat and drink, and clothing, and when your apprentiship is out, I will give you sufficient to live upon: if the servant believe this, he will be willing to neglect all other things, and to seek his Masters profit, and to intend his Masters business. So here we should seek the things of Jesus Christ, for saith he I will provide for you. I will take care for you, you shall want nothing in this present life, you shall have all things necessary, and when your appentiship is at an end, I will provide an inheritance for you. If you will believe these things, and these promises, you will then seek the things of Jesus Christ, and not your own things.