John Trapp on Matthew 6:30

Verse 30. The grasse of the field, which to day is, and tomorrow [illegible: 1 word] cast into the oven.] A fit resemblance of all outward things, the subject of our carking cares, likened (when they are at best) to the flower of grasse, Isa. 40. 6. The Sun is no sooner risen, saith S. James, with a burning heat, but it withereth the grasse, and [illegible: 1 word]. 1. 10, 11. the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his waies, his riches cannot ransom him. But as grasse, when ripe, withereth, and is carried away, either by the teeth of beasts, or hands of men: so are all, by impartiall death. And as the sithe with a few stroaks, mows down thousands of piles and forms of grasse; so do Gods judgements millions of men, Psal. 9. 17. Prov. 11. 21. And as grasse is to day a flourishing field, to morrow cast into the oven: so are the greatest into their graves (if not into that burning fiery fornace) then when they are in their prime and pride, in their greatest flourish, in the ruff of all their jollity: as the rich fool, therefore a fool, because he stuck his clothes with these flowers of the field, these fading felicities, and thought himself thereby becomeAct. 8. 9. (as Simon Magus) some great one. Contrarily S. James makes it a signe of a convert, that though of high degree in theJam. 1. 10. expounded. world, yet he is herein made low, that he hath low thoughts of these low things, which he seeth to be mutable and momentary, as the flower of the grasse; and bids him rejoyce in that he is exalted, Animo magno [illegible: 1 word] magnum. in that he is now made a greater man ever since; being converted he is become too big for these petty businesses: As a man grown up, delights to deal in lands, and laies by his Cherry-stones. But we pitty that want of wit which maketh the minde run on bables, but never think on ought substantiall. O ye of little faith.] Ye petty fidians, ye small faiths. Unbelief is that root of bitternesse, whence carefulnesse springeth. Hence it was, that the Heathen so abounded in it. Strive we therefore to a full assurance of faith and hope: so shall we rowl our selves upon God for all things needfull to life and godlinesse. Faith fearsFides famen [illegible: 2 words]. no famine, it quelleth and killeth [illegible: 1 word] fear: but awfull dread, it breedeth, feedeth, fostereth and cherisheth. When a man can sayHier. ex Tert. with Abraham, God will provide, he will be out of fear and doubt: when he can believe not only Gods promise, but his providence, as David, 1 Sam. 26. 10, 11.