5. For what end, then, were the things of this world principally given to us?
That we may use them for the purpose of knowing and serving God.
'All men are vain, in whom there is not the knowledge of God, and who by those good things that are seen could not understand Him that is, neither by attending to the works have acknowledged who was the Workman' (Wisd. xiii. 1). 'Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God' (1 Cor. x. 31).
6. Why does God require us to know Him, love Him, and serve Him?
God requires us: 1. To know Him, because he is the Eternal Truth; 2. To love Him, because He is the most bountiful and most lovable God; and 3. To serve Him, because He is the Sovereign Lord.
7. What will become of those who will not know, love, and serve Him?
God will cast them from Him for ever.
'The unprofitable servant cast ye out into the exterior darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth' (Matt. XXV. 30).
8. What is, then, most necessary in this life?
In this life the most necessary thing is, that we should know, love, and serve God, and thereby obtain eternal happiness.
'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His justice' (Matt. vi. 33). 'For what doth it profit a man, if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul?' (Matt. xvi. 26).
9. What must we do, if we would know and serve God, and be eternally happy?
1. We must believe all that God has revealed; 2. We must keep all the Commandments which God has ordered to be kept; and 3. We must use the means of grace which God has ordained for our salvation.
Or, in other words: We must have Religion; for Religion (from religare) is the lively union of man with God. which
