disdain for the present life and setting our hearts on celestial
and righteousness? Where is our thankfulness to God for clothing if we, because of luxurious garments, become conceited and look down upon others? If our love for ostentation and splendor paves the way for immodesty? Where is our acknowledgment of God if our minds are captivated by the allure of these things? Many are so devoted to sensory pleasures that their minds lie buried, and others are so enamored with marble, gold, and paintings that their hearts become cold as stone and they resemble mere painted figures. The aromas of the kitchen seduce them to the point that they lose their spiritual discernment. Similar examples can be found in various aspects of life. Therefore, it is evident that there is a great need to restrain and control these licentious abuses, adhering to the guidance of the apostle Paul: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Romans 13:14). When excessive liberty is granted to these desires, they burst forth without measure or restraint.
4. There is no surer or swifter path to this than by embracing a disdain for the present life and setting our hearts on celestial immortality. From this foundation, two guiding principles emerge: First, it remains imperative for those who have wives to live as if they had none, and for those who engage with the world to do so without abusing it. (1 Corinthians 7:29, 31) Secondly, we must cultivate a spirit of tranquility and patience, whether we endure poverty or experience abundance. The one who adheres to the principle of using this world as if not consumed by it not only eradicates all gluttony in relation to food and drink, and all excesses of indulgence, ambition, pride, lavish displays, and unnecessary frugality in matters of sustenance, dwelling, and attire, but also eliminates every care and affection that might divert or impede their pursuit of the heavenly life and the nurturing of their soul's welfare. Cato wisely observed that luxury begets great anxiety and fosters a profound disregard for virtue. There is an ancient proverb which states, "Those who are overly preoccupied with caring for the body tend to neglect the soul." Therefore, while a Christian's liberty in external matters is not strictly bound by rigid regulations, it is nevertheless subject to this