Xvii. Of The Action Of Man Himself
XVII. OF THE ACTION OF MAN HIMSELF
Can man, weak though he be, also help in the action of God towards the government of the world?
Yes, in spite of his weakness, man also can help in a great degree in the activity of God in the government of the world.
How can man thus concur with the action of God in government of the world?
Man can concur with the action of God in the government of the world in co-operating himself for the good of man.
In what way can man co-operate himself for the good of man?
Man co-operates toward the good of man in being used by God as an instrument for the welfare of the soul body of man.
How can man serve as an instrument in God's hands for the benefit of the soul and body of man?
Man serves as an instrument in God's hands for the benefit of the soul of man, because it is due to the operation of man that God creates the soul of each child born to the world; and because this soul develops and grows in perfection under the action of the master who is its teacher (CXVII., CXVIII.).
And how does man serve as an instrument in God's hands as regards the body of man?
Because, according to the laws of nature fixed by Him, God has arranged that the body of the child is formed and is brought forth into the world by the tender care of a father and a mother (CXIX.).