The end in creation finds expression in the lasts of it,
which is for everything to return to the Creator
and conjunction take place.
We must first say something about ends.
There are in everything
three ingredients which follow in order,
called the first end,
the intermediate end,
and the last end,
and called also end, cause, and effect.
These three ingredients must
exist concurrently in
everything for it to be anything . . .
The fact of this can be comprehended
if one considers that
an end without an effect
or cut off from the effect
is not anything
having expression,
so that it is nothing but a word.
For to be an end in
actuality,
an end must end in something,
and it ends in the effect,
in
which for the first time it is called an end
because it is the end.
It
appears as though
an instrumental or efficient cause occurs by itself,
but this is an appearance
arising from the fact that it exists in the
effect.
But if it is cut off from the effect,
it instantly disappears.
It is apparent from this
that these three ingredients -
end, cause and effect -
must exist in everything for it to be anything.
DLW 170
. . . the Lord is present in every work created by Him.
For everything was created ultimately
for the sake of mankind.
Consequently the uses of all that He created
ascend by degrees
from the
lowest created forms to mankind,
and through mankind to God the Creator
from whom they originate . . ..
DLW 172
The existence of these three
- end, cause and effect -
in each and all
things that have been created
can also be seen from the fact
that all
effects, which are called last ends,
become anew first ends in unbroken
succession
extending from their origin,
which is the Lord the Creator,
to their last,
which is the conjunction of mankind with Him.
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