Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation 48VII

We shall yet, cousin, consider in these outward goods of fortune--as riches, good name, honest estimation, honourable fame, and authority--in all these things we shall, I say, consider that we love them and set by them either as things commodious unto us for the state and condition of this present life, or else as things that we purpose by the good use of them to make matter of our merit, with God's help, in the life to come.

Let us then first consider them as things set by and beloved for the pleasure and commodity of them for this present life.