Two Treatises on the Nature of the Elements and the Fifth Essence

than we truly are. Likewise, neither do I know you, nor you know me, most intimately. Furthermore, if wickedness, sloth, and hatred are set aside, and we begin to occupy ourselves in good and honorable things, shall we not also be wise in that simplicity (simplicitate)? Shall we not be wealthy in that humility (humilitate) and submission (submissione)? And are we not to one another, you to me and I to you, like brothers? What do you find in your possession that was not granted to you freely, or at least as a loan? Or what would there be in me, for which I should deem myself worthy of glory? Woe to us if we value ourselves and our belongings more than is right, and allow our brother to go without them. Here, cast your eyes upon the infinite goodness of GOD (DEI bonitatem), how with such a generous hand He offers us all things, even more than one knows how to ask. Examine the riches of your soul. You will find yourself a king of this most excellent workmanship (opificij) created by GOD. And do not all the riches of the world serve you? Even when, one day, you are to leave these things behind, will GOD not immediately bless you with a far more excellent gift, the unfading crown of eternal life (coronâ æternæ vitæ)?

a 4