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The first of the passions of the soul and affections
of the will is joy, which, in so far as concerns that
which we propose to say about it, is naught else than
a satisfaction of the will together with esteem for
something which it considers desirable; for the will
never rejoices save when an object affords it
appreciation and satisfaction.
This has reference to active joy, which arises
when the soul clearly and distinctly understands the
reason for its rejoicing, and when it is in its own
power to rejoice or not. There is another and a
passive joy, a condition in which the will may find
itself rejoicing without understanding clearly and
distinctly the reason for its rejoicing, and which
also occurs at times when it does understand this;
but it is not in the soul's power to rejoice or not.
Of this condition we shall speak hereafter. For the
present we shall speak of joy when it is active and
voluntary and arises from things that are distinct
and clear.
2. Joy may arise from six kinds of good things or
blessings,[536] namely: temporal, natural, sensual,
moral, supernatural and spiritual. Of these we shall
speak in their order, controlling the will with
regard to them so that it may not be encumbered by
them and fail to place the strength of its joy in
God.
To this end it is well to presuppose one
fundamental truth, which will be as a staff whereon
we should ever lean as we progress; and it will be
well to have understood it, because it is the light
whereby we should be guided and whereby we may
understand this doctrine, and direct our rejoicing in
all these blessings to God.
This truth is that the will must never rejoice
save only in that which is to the honour and glory of
God; and that the greatest honour we can show to Him
is that of serving Him according to evangelical
perfection; and anything that has naught to do with
this is of no value and profit to man. |