follow it by degrees, since they spring out of it, and in it have their root and life.
You will clearly see this, as we proceed; for according to a man's love for anything so is his desire for it, and his delight in it; and according to his love he either hates, or shuns, or is grieved by that which hinders or offends the thing loved. Neither does he hope for anything, except for that which he loves; and of the same does he despair, when the difficulty of obtaining it seems invincible and insurmountable. Neither is he fearful, bold, or enraged, except concerning something which hinders or offends the object of his love.
The way to conquer and regulate this first passion is, to consider the objects of its love and attachment, their qualities, and what end it has in view in this attachment and love. And, finding in it qualities of beauty and of goodness, and claims of delight and usefulness, you may say again and again to yourself: "Can anything exceed the Beauty and Goodness of God, Who is the Sole Source of all goodness and perfection?"
"And what claim to usefulness and delight can be imagined greater than that which is to be found in the love of God, since that love transforms a man into Him, and makes him rejoice and delight in Him Alone?"
Moreover, the heart of man belongs to God,
