Choose a topic from Part 2A:

16. Use

1. Use is an act by which the will applies itself and other powers to the carrying out of an intention by means chosen and consented to. First of all, use is the will's applying of itself to its operation. When the will uses subordinate powers to carry out its commanded acts, these powers are employed as instruments for the will's use; the will remains the principal cause of the act. Use, primarily, is use of will.

2. Since use presupposes intention, counsel, consent, and election, it is an act that belongs to the rational or intellectual order, and therefore it is not found in nonrational animals.

3. Use applies the will to means for achieving an end. Hence use refers to means. When the last end is attained, use will have no further service to render.

4. In the sequence of will-acts, use regularly follows choice; means are chosen, and then the will uses them. There is one exception to this sequence, for use precedes choice in the applying of the intellect to study and counsel before choice of means is made.

"The greatest glory we can give to God is to do his will in everything."
St Alphonsus de Liguori

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"Let persons in the world sanctify themselves in their own houses, for neither the court, professions, or labour, are any hindrance to the service of God."
St Philip Neri

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"Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars."
Thomas á Kempis

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