do; but only when one enlists as a soldier of God for the sake of such things, so that in what
he does he fixes his eye not on the kingdom of God, but on the acquisition of such things.
58. Hence this whole precept is reduced to the following rule, that even in looking after
such things we should think of the kingdom of God, but in the service of the kingdom of
God we should not think of such things. For in this way, although they should sometimes
be wanting (a thing which God often permits for the purpose of exercising us), they not
only do not weaken our proposition, but even strengthen it, when it is examined and tested.
For, says He, “we glory in tribulations also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and
patience experience, and experience hope: And hope maketh not ashamed, because the love
of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.”424 Now, in
the mention of his tribulations and labours, the same apostle mentions that he has had to
endure not only prisons and shipwrecks and many such like annoyances, but also hunger
and thirst, cold and nakedness.425 But when we read this, let us not imagine that the
promises of God have wavered, so that the apostle suffered hunger and thirst and nakedness
while seeking the kingdom and righteousness of God, although it is said to us, “Seek ye first
the kingdom of God and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you:”
since that Physician to whom we have once for all entrusted ourselves wholly, and from
whom we have the promise of life present and future, knows such things just as helps, when
He sets them before us, when He takes them away, just as He judges it expedient for us;
whom He rules and directs as parties who require both to be comforted and exercised in
this life, and after this life to be established and confirmed in perpetual rest. For man also,
when he frequently takes away the fodder from his beast of burden, is not depriving it of
his care, but rather does what he is doing in the exercise of care.
424 Rom. v. 3–5.
425 2 Cor. xi. 23–27.
132
Chapter XVII