30. Wherefore, that I may
briefly embrace the whole matter, let these persons, who from
perverse understanding of the Gospel labor to pervert apostolical
precepts, either take no thought for the morrow, even as the birds
of the air; or let them obey the Apostle, as dear children: yea
rather, let them do both, because both accord. For things contrary
to his Lord, Paul the servant of Jesus Christ would never advise.2570
This then
we say openly to these persons; If the
birds of the
air ye in such
wise understand in the
Gospel, that ye will not by working with
your
hands procure
food and
clothing; then neither must ye put any
thing by for the morrow, like as the
birds of the
air do put
nothing by. But if to put somewhat by for the morrow, is possibly
not against the
Gospel where it is said, “Behold the
birds of the
air, for they neither sow nor
reap nor
gather into stores;”
2571
then is it
possibly not against the
Gospel nor against similitude of the
birds
of the air, to maintain this life of the flesh by labor of corporal
working.
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