Menno Simons on ... the right use of riches
Since,
then, the mouth of the Lord, as also his faithful servants, James and
Paul, have so plainly expressed the dangers of the rich and of those of
high standing; since experience teaches how proud-hearted they are, as
may be educed from their high titles, houses, shields, medals, clothes,
servants, horses and dogs; and since Christ says, "Verily I say unto
you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not
enter into the kingdom of heaven," Matt 18:3; therefore it would
be more in accordance with evangelical righteousness, if Gellius, instead,
would industriously teach such proud hearts and high persons, the humility
of Christ, so that they may learn to forsake themselves; may learn to
know themselves, of what they are born, what they are and what they will
be; that they may die unto their excessive pomp, splendor, superfluity
and ungodliness; may fear God in all sincerity, and walk in his ways;
that they may faithfully serve their neighbors, with their abundance,
in true humility of heart. [p. 17]
All excerpts are from The complete works of Menno Simon (Elkhart, Ind., 1871).