The first way: is when we consider what everything created is in itself, and find all things are vanity because, just as each creature comes into being out of nothing, so too its daily changes show that in itself, it also tends to nothing.

The second way: is when we consider what the same creature is according to the gift of the “Prime Mover,” and perceive in it the likeness of His mind. For the selfsame creatures, through the state in which they are created are subject to change, nevertheless receive this benefit from their Creator that they never entirely cease to be. Thus, after a fashion, the temporal work mirrors the immutability of the Eternal Author of the work.

The third way: is when we consider how the “Prime Mover” uses the ministry of things created to fulfill His judgments, whether of His mercy in bestowing benefits, or in dispensing sufferings for our merit’s sake. By these considerations we discover that all things are the instruments of the divine economy, and the very proof of our depravity. In this kind of observance we hear every creature saying three things to us. First it says, “Receive”, then it says, “Give”, thirdly it says “Flee.” Receive the blessing, render the debt, flee the punishment.

Note: The first is the voice of a servant, the second of an adviser, the third of one who threatens.

The servant’s voice:

The sky says, “I afford you light by day that you may be awake, darkness by night that you may rest. For your pleasure I bring about the welcome changes of the seasons, the gentle warmth of spring, the heat of summer, the ripeness of autumn, and the cold of winter. I make the days and nights different by a regular progression of variable lengthenings, so that change may take away your growing boredom and order and afford you delight.”

Air says, “I afford you the breath by which you live, and send you every kind of bird for your enjoyment.”

Water says, “I give you drink. I wash away your dirt. I water your dry places, and provide you with a diet of every kind of fish.”

Earth says, “I carry you. I feed you. I strengthen you with bread, I gladden you with wine, I delight you with all kinds of fruit, I load your tables with different meats.”

The warning voice;
The world says, “See, human, how much He loved you, who for your sake made me. I serve you, for I was created for your sake, that you in turn might serve Him who made both you and me; you for His own and me for your sake. If you appreciate this benefit, then pay your debt. You receive the favor, give your love in return. This is what He gives, and this is what He requires.”

The threatening voice;

Fire says, “You will be burnt by me.”

Water says, “You will be drowned by me.”

Earth says, “You will be sucked up by me.”

Hell says, “You will be swallowed down by me.”

For as every created thing is of its nature for the service of humanity, so also does it threaten the disobedient with the reminder of their evil dessert; to the intent that they may fear lest it should happen to them through each created thing even as they know they have deserved. For this same reason it is also said, “The wicked flee when no one pursues, for the wicked one is just as fearful when things go well, as the righteous one is calm when things go badly.”

The fourth way: of observance is when we look at things created in the light of the use that humanity can make of them in order to satisfy the lust of our concupiscence, and considers them not as an aid to our natural weakness, but as affording satisfaction to our passions. It was from this point of view that Eve “saw that the tree was pleasant to the eyes, would make her wise, and was good for food, and she took of the fruit.” And well…as they say, the rest is history and here we all are.

Once again all desires fall into these three segments.

In summation, in the first level there is knowledge, in the second works, in the third virtue, and at the top the reward of virtue, Jesus Christ our Lord. If we gather and do not disperse, we will surely be consumed by what we hoard. I for one, enjoy the pass through, for in this way, I am able to receive something new, escalate up the ladder and return it to another, and I also benefit from the exercise. For it was never mine initially, nor to keep, thus I only can pass it on. Rise, rise-up I tell you, arise and step above the “Peter Principle.” Know your worth, know what you have to offer and your due payment.

Peace,

Bro Smith SGS

http://revelationinsight.tripod.com