We have not, as
St. Paul saith, our dwelling-city here, but we are seeking for the
city that is to come. And St. Paul telleth us that we do seek for
it, because he would put us in mind that we should seek for it, as
good folk who fain would come thither. For surely whosoever setteth
so little by it that he careth not to seek for it, it will I fear
be long ere he come to it, and marvellous great grace if ever he
come thither. "Run," saith St. Paul, "so that you may get it." If
it must then be gotten with running, when shall he come at it who
lifteth not one step toward it?
Now, because this world is, as I tell you, not our eternal
dwelling, but our little-while wandering, God would that we should
use it as folk who were weary of it. And he would that we should in
this vale of labour, toil, tears, and misery not look for rest and
ease, game, pleasure, wealth, and felicity. For those who do so
fare like a foolish fellow who, going towards his own house where
he should be wealthy, would for a tapster's pleasure become a
hostler by the way, and die in a stable, and never come home.
And would God that those that drown themselves in the desire of
this world's wretched wealth, were not yet more fools than he! But
alas, their folly as far surpasseth the foolishness of that silly
fellow as there is difference between the height of heaven and the
very depth of hell.
Pages:
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61