Knowing Himself from all eternity, in the most perfect manner by intuitive vision, He begets from all eternity a perfect image of Himself, "the image of God and the figure of His substance." (2 Cor. iv. 4, and Heb. i. 3.) This image is the eternal Word, distinct from the Father, but being a perfect image of His substance, is of the same nature. These two perfect beings of the same nature are necessitated to love each other from all eternity; this mutual love which they "breathe" towards each other is the Divine Spirit. Thus the Father communicates to the Son and Holy Ghost His entire nature without division, retaining His own proper personality uncommunicated, while the Holy Ghost proceeds from them both. Admire and adore this most profound mystery, exercise your faith in acts upon it, and acknowledge the weakness of the human intellect, in attempting to comprehend the immensity of the Divinity. Say with the Apostle of nations, " O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God!" (Rom. xi. 33)
II. Although all the external works of God, are common to the three persons of the Trinity; the works of omnipotence, nevertheless, are appropriated to the Father; such as are, creation, preservation and providence. Hence, you should learn how much you ought to love that Being, Who has created you, Who preserves you, and Who for your sake has formed this admirable world. Learn, too, how much reason you have to fear that Being, " that can destroy both body and soul in hell." (Matt. x. 28.)
III. This eternal Father, so great and incomprehensible, has stooped so low beneath Himself, as, for love of His poor insignificant vassals, to condescend to make us His adopted children and heirs of heaven. " The Father
