When Christ saw those gluttons, seeking their bellies, flocking so fast unto him, after his wonted manner (the occasion taken, to teach and preach unto them, of the things now moved) he said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye seek me not because ye have seen my miracles, but because ye have eaten of the loaves and were well filled.” ‘But as for me, I am not come into this world only to fill men’s bellies, but to feed and satisfy their souls. Ye take great pains to follow me for the meat of your bellies; but, O sluggards, work, take pains, and labour rather to get that meat that shall never perish. For this meat that ye have sought of me hitherto, perisheth with your bellies; but the meat that I shall give you, is spiritual, and may not perish, but abideth for ever, giving life everlasting. For my Father hath consigned and confirmed me, with his assured testimony, to be that assured saving health and earnest-penny of everlasting life.’ When the Jews understood not what Christ meant, bidding them to “work and labour for that meat that should never perish,” they asked him, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”—supposing that he had spoken of some outward work required of them. Wherefore Jesus answered, saying, “Even this is the work of God, to believe and trust in him whom the Father hath sent.” Lo, here may ye see that work of God which he requireth of us, even to believe in Christ. Also consider again what this meat is, which he bade them here prepare and seek for, saying, ‘Work, take pains, and seek for that meat, &c.’ and thou shalt see it none other meat than the belief in Christ: wherefore he concludeth, that this meat so often mentioned, is faith; of the which meat (saith the prophet) the just liveth. Faith in him is therefore the meat which Christ prepareth and dresseth so purely; pouldering and spicing it with spiritual allegories in all this chapter following, to give us everlasting life through it.
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