Trinity, the Triune God, is proposed as the object of worship, in the clear vision and fruition of whom consists the end of man. For God himself is the reward of his own service.
II. This end might appear arduous and unattainable to us, were it not that we behold it attained already by others. In order, therefore, not to be too tardy in our endeavours, we ought to be stirred by their example. For why should we despair of our ability to do what we know that others have effected? The Blessed have effected it, who now reign in heaven with God; and they aid us by their patronage, that we may be able to effect it likewise. Their Worship and Veneration, therefore, will be treated of in the Second Part.
III. Further, we cannot imitate the Saints, nor have them for our patrons, unless we recover ourselves from our sins, and do penance like them, putting off the old man, and putting on the new. Hence, therefore, the right practice of Penance and of Confession of Sins will be treated in the Third Part.
IV. But it is not enough to decline from evil , unless we also do good,[1] and are equally attentive to the duties of Christian justice. The Fourth Part, therefore, will treat of the Spiritual and Religious Life, and of the virtues and means that belong to it.
V. This life, however, needs aliment, that it may not become weak and faint, but increase more and more in strength and stature. But aliment of what kind? The Bread which strengthens man's heart,[2] that, namely, which came down from heaven, and gives life to the world. For the Flesh of Christ is meat indeed, and his Blood is drink indeed.[3] This it is that refreshes and strengthens the powers of the soul, that we may not faint in the way. Therefore Holy Communion and the Sacrifice of the Mass will be treated of in the Fifth Part.
VI. Again, because the life of man is ever exposed to
