of pleasing God Alone, and of glorifying Him, is worth infinitely more (so to speak) than many actions in themselves of the greatest value and worth, but springing from other motives. Thus, a single penny given to a poor man, with the sole object of pleasing His Divine Majesty, is more acceptable in His Sight than the entire renunciation of all our possessions, however great they may be, from some other motive, even for the attainment of the Bliss of Heaven,—an object not merely good, but one which is in the highest degree desirable.
This practice of doing every thing with the simple intention of pleasing God Alone, appears difficult at first, but becomes easy and delightful by use, and by frequently fixing our desires on God Himself, and by longing after Him with the warm affections of our hearts, as our only and highest Good—the One Who deserves that all beings should seek Him for Himself, and should serve and love Him above all things.
The more seriously and constantly we meditate upon the Infinite Excellence of God, the more fervent and frequent will these acts of the will become; and we shall easily acquire in this way the habit of performing every action out of love to that Lord, Who Alone is worthy of it.
Lastly, in order to gain this divine intention, I advise you to seek it from God by earnest
