Page:SermonOnTheMount1900.djvu/133

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nothing, but are incapable by your very condition of possessing anything.

'— for a man’s life doth not consist in the abundance of things that he possesseth.’ In vain do you say I have enough to live upon: you will live none the longer because of it. And in vain may you think I have nothing to fear — I possess all things in abundance: — ' Thou fool, this night do they require thy soul of thee.’ Take note how death is here explained: ' thy soul is required? It is not your own: your very life is only lent to you: an account of it will be demanded. And when? ' This night.’ You will be found to-morrow morning dead in your bed; and all these goods that you have been boasting of will not have helped you in the least, or have lengthened your life by a single second.

'What shall I do? ’ asks this rich man, in the midst of his abundance. Yes: here is the chief effect of great riches: — care and uneasiness. What shall I do with them? Where put them? How protect them? 'I will pull down my barns and will build greater.. and I will say to my soul: "Soul... take thy rest. Eat, drink and make good cheer.” ’ That is, ' refuse nothing to the senses, and repose on the thought of your