Yesterday this universe neither existed nor appeared
to exist, while to-day it appears to exist but has no
real existence: it is a mere semblance, and to-morrow
nothing thereof will be seen. What does it profit
thee to allow thyself to be guided by vain passions
and desires? Why dost thou place reliance on these
transitory objects that glitter with false lustre?
Turn thy heart away from all of them, and firmly
attach it to God. Break loose from all these, and
cleave closely to Him. It is only He who always has
been and always will continue to be. The countenance
of His eternity is never scarred by the thorn of
contingency.