_That all things are to be referred unto God,
as unto their last end._
_Christ._ SON, I ought to be thy last end, if thou desirest to be truly
blessed.
By this intention thy affection shall be purified, which is often
inordinately bent down to itself, and unto creatures.
For if in any thing thou seekest thyself, thou soon fallest into a
langour.
Refer therefore all things unto me, for I am he that hath given all.
*2. Out of me, as out of a living fountain, the little and the great,
the poor and the rich, draw the water of life: and they that willingly
and freely serve me, shall receive grace for grace.
But he that will glory out of me, or be delighted in any good that
tends not to me, shall not be grounded in true joy, nor enlarged in
his heart, but shall be many ways incumbered and straitned.
Thou oughtest therefore to ascribe nothing of good unto thyself, nor
attribute goodness unto any man; but give all unto God, without whom
man hath nothing.
I have bestowed all, and will that all be returned unto me again: and
with great strictness, I require thanks.
3. This is the truth that putteth to flight vain-glory.
And if true love enter in, there shall be no envy, or straitness of
heart, neither shall there be any place for self-love.
If thou art truly wise, in me alone thou wilt rejoice, in me alone thou
wilt hope: for none is good but God alone, who is to be praised above
all things, and to be blessed in all.