A MAN IS BORN TO THE END THAT HE MAY BECOME A CHARITY; BUT HE CANNOT BECOME A CHARITY UNLESS HE CONSTANTLY DOES THE GOOD OF USE TO THE NEIGHBOUR FROM AFFECTION AND DELIGHT.

General explanation in this order:

(1) The general good exists from the goods of use the individuals each perform; and the goods of use they each perform subsist from the general good.

(2) Ministries, functions, offices, and various employments are the goods of use the individuals each perform, from which the general good exists.

(3) All the offices and employments in a kingdom, commonwealth, or community, regarded as to the goods of use, make a form which corresponds to the heavenly form.

(4) They also make a form which corresponds to the human form.

(5) In this form, each one is a good of use in accordance with the scope of his office or employment.* * Sections 4 and 5 represent in each case the Author's second version, as shown by crossed out passages in the MS. A sixth section, which has been scored out, is substantially the same as the heading of chapter VII, number 158.