Page:The Christian's Last End (Volume 2).djvu/371
omnipotent Lord, who did not wish to see any of them perishing of hunger, knew how to increase that small provision, so that all received a share of it, and that too in abundance, so that not only was their hunger stilled, but they had “as much as they would.” Nay, after they were filled, twelve basketfuls remained of the fragments of the food. See there, my dear brethren, a figure, etc. Continues as above.
SIXTY-SIXTH SERMON.
ON THE SUFFICIENT THOUGH UNEQUAL GRACES FOR SALVATION THAT ARE GIVEN TO ALL MEN.
Subject.
1. In what manner have all men abundant means of gaining heaven? 2. Why have not all men the same means of gaining heaven?—Preached on the twelfth Sunday after Pentecost.
Text.
Quid faciendo vitam æternam possidebo?…Diliges Dominum Deum tuum ex toto corde tuo.—Luke x. 25, 27.
“What must I do to possess eternal life?…Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart.”
Introduction.
A very beautiful and necessary question: “what must I do to possess eternal life?” This question should touch the hearts of all men, because all, without exception, are created for eternal life. A short answer embracing the whole divine law was given to the question: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” This again holds good for all men, not one excepted; all must love their God with their whole heart and their neighbor as themselves; for such is the will and desire of God, who, as far as in Him lies, earnestly wishes all men to be saved. And all can love God and their neighbor in that way, for no one is without the graces and helps, which the divine generosity has prepared for all in abundance and plenty, as I have already shown. Meanwhile there are people who indulge in curious thoughts