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

than we really are. Likewise, [it is no wonder] that neither I know you, nor you know me, in our innermost depths. Furthermore, if we cast aside wickedness and sloth and hold them in hatred, and if we begin to occupy ourselves with good and honorable things, shall we not also be wise in that very simplicity? Shall we not be rich in that humility and submission original: "humilitate & submiſſione." In the 17th century, these terms often referred to a state of being "lowly" or "yielding" to divine will, a necessary state for a philosopher to receive truth.? And are you not to me, and I to you, just like brothers?

What do you find in your own possession that was not granted to you freely, or at least as if lent original: "commodatò." A legal term for a loan of something that must be returned, implying our talents and possessions are only ours temporarily. to you? Or what could be in me that would make me deem myself worthy of glory? Woe to us if we value ourselves and our belongings more than is right, and yet allow our brother to suffer in need of them.

At this point, cast your eyes upon the infinite goodness of GOD original: "DEI bonitatem.", and see with how generous a hand He offers us all things—even more than one knows how to ask for. Examine the riches of your own mind. You will find yourself to be a king of this most excellent workmanship original: "opificij." This refers to the human being as a masterpiece of divine "craft" or "engineering." created by GOD. And do not all the riches of the world serve you? Even when the time comes that you must leave these things behind, will GOD not immediately bless you with a far more excellent gift: the unfading crown of eternal life?