3. I may also consider that these creatures were created, as the Holy Scripture says, that by them I might know the perfections and excellences of the Creator, [1] and that I might love Him with all my heart; and so I may imagine that every one stands crying to me, and saying, " This perfection which I have is better in God than in me. He gave it me. Know Him, love Him, and use it for His service." And with this consideration, I will excite myself to ascend from the visible creatures to the invisible Creator to unite myself to Him as to my last and final end.
POINT III.
1. The third point is, a practical conclusion drawn from what has been said in the two preceding points; that is to say, how from henceforward I am to use creatures and what indifference my will has to hold in the use of them, not coveting more than that which may help me to serve my Creator, and to obtain the end for which I was created, procuring as much as lies in me, not to desire riches rather than poverty, honour than dishonour, health than sickness, long than short life; but only that which shall be most convenient for my salvation. For it is a great part of wisdom not to take of the means more than is meet to obtain the end, as of any purgative drug we take not a greater quantity than is necessary for our health.
2. With this consideration I must also enter into my heart and make a dissection of the disordered inclinations and affections that it has to riches, honours and delicacies; to parents, kindred and friends; and its own health and life; labouring to move my will to desire to mortify the
- ↑ Sap. xiii. 4.
