fully performed this duty, then, at length, will I myself be thy reward; yes, myself; for when thou hast obtained me, thy desire will be fully satisfied. For the soul that is capable of enjoying the Supreme Good can never be satisfied with less.
Behold, this, my son, is thy end for which thou wert created. For this wert thou placed in this World as a pilgrim and a stranger, not having here a lasting city, but to seek one that is to come. For this wert thou set in this course, that, by running and striving vigorously, thou mightst at last receive the prize and the crown of justice.
But, ah, how blind and wretched are they who are neither wise nor understand this, and so care for nothing less than the end they were created for; and, as if they had received their souls for nothing, care only about things present, and are wholly taken up with those which the Gentiles seek, who know not God; nay, which are objects of desire to the very cattle, which have not understanding to comprehend the end of others. Hence, like beasts, they rot in their dung; they are become corrupt and abominable in their ways, and live as though there were no God, and no knowledge in the Most High, — as though man and beast had one end, and the condition of both were the same. So seldom, or never, do they think of heaven and the rewards of heaven!
Man. The light of thy countenance, O Lord, has indeed been signed upon us; because, together with the light of reason, or the gift of understanding, the traces of thy bounty, love, and favour have been impressed upon our minds. Hence, too, thou hast given joy to my heart, arising from the consideration of so excellent a gift, and of the good things which thou hast prepared for them that love thee, and make a good use of that gift. For thou art the portion of my inheritance and of my cup: it is thou that wilt restore my inheritance to me. For beside thee, what have I in heaven, and what have I desired upon earth, O God of my heart, and God that art my portion for ever!
§4. A right and pure intention.
Christ. Having, then, learnt the end of thy creation, which is my glory, take care to make it the aim and object of all thy actions, that is, to direct all thy works to the greater glory of my name. For the practice of a pure and right intention is as it were the sum of all piety and perfection. If thy eye be single
