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.25702570 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;”25712571 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.