are they that follow me so few? Is it not that the greater number go after gold, and that, from the least even to the greatest, all are devoted to avarice? and, while they serve mammon, they neglect me; for no one can serve two masters?[1]
Oh, how disgraceful is it to Christians to usurp my Name, and be so unlike me in conduct! and, as though they had received their soul for nought, to be so devoted to avarice, which is a service of idols, and boast in the multitude of their riches; and, like the nations that know not God and my providence, to be so troubled about many things, and solicitous about the present only, how they may lay up for themselves treasures upon earth! O ye sons of men, how long will you be dull of heart? why do you love vanity, and seek after lying?[2] Do you not believe to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living? Is it thus you aspire after the eternal happiness that I have prepared for them that love and follow me? Is this the way that I have shewn to you? Bethink thee at least, O man, of my poverty, my wormwood, and my gall.
Man. O King of kings! the whole world and all that is in it is thine, and yet for our sakes thou vouchsafedst to become destitute of all things: truly blessed is he who understands thee in thy poverty and want! ‘Well hast thou called the poor in spirit blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.[3] Oh, that I may merit to become poor and needy with thee, that by thy poverty I may be made rich. Give me to seek before all things the kingdom of God and his justice; but to be less careful for the necessaries (least of all the superfluities) of the body and its life; for these are burdens indeed, heavy and very troublesome to the man that would follow thy steps. Oh, that I may know how to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need;[4] and learn, in whatever state I am, to be content therewith. For godliness with contentment is assuredly great gain.[5]
§ 9. How we are to imitate the wonderful patience of Christ.
Christ. Blessed indeed is the man who has the Lord for his God. The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.[6] What, then, can he want who has him who has all things for his friend? The less a man cleaves to
