Steps of Ascension to God

HE that desires in earnest to erect a Ladder by which he may ascend as high as to God Almighty, ought to make the first Step, from the Consideration of himself. For every Individual amongst us, is both the Creature and Image of God, and nothing is nearer to us than our selves. Moses therefore with good reason thus advises, Attend to, or narrowly observe thy self. Upon which words Basil the great compos’d a notable Discourse. For he that shall carefully survey the outward, and diligently inspect the inner Man, will find himself to be a fort of Epitome, and Abridgement of the Universe, and hence easily take his Rise to the Creator of all things.