My brethren, the law of nature has imposed, and the Word of GOD therefore approves, that we should look about and provide for our necessities. Wherever there is power to do this, the power must be exercised, or we must run the risk of want. The lilies of the field are fed by GOD’S own hand with nourishment, which they cannot seek. The unfledged bird has but to open its mouth to receive the food, which divinely implanted instinct has caused the parent to bring; but when it is grown it must itself make provision—it must search the trees for berries and the earth for worms, or it must die of starvation. GOD takes thought for sparrows, yet He requires, if I may so speak, that they should think for themselves; and thereby He teaches us, confirming this teaching by plain words of revelation, that it is incumbent upon us to make provision for our necessities, and so, of course, to _think_ about them. But _thinking_ is not _taking thought_. When our Bible was translated, to “take thought” meant (as the Greek word which it represents does) to be anxious, troubled, perplexed about a thing, and so to be drawn off by its consideration from other thoughts, and cares, and duties. The consistent, devoted servant of GOD, while intent upon his due and loved service, may and should use precaution and diligence to sustain in appointed ways the lower life and wants of himself and his; but if he takes thought about them, cares more or thinks more about temporal things than spiritual; if he leaves undone religious duties, or transgresses divine commands, or wears out his zeal, or consumes his time (of choice) in securing or seeking worldly provision, then does he attempt to serve mammon as well as GOD, and in so doing—attempting what cannot be—he actually foregoes the service of GOD and becomes an idolater.