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 '''48. Did God create the world because He needed it?'''

No; God is infinitely rich and happy in Himself, and: needs nothing besides Himself.

49. If God needs nothing besides Himself, why did He create other beings?

He created them because He is infinitely good, and desired to impart His goodness also to other beings.

50. Did, then, God create the world for His creatures?

No; God created the world for Himself — that is, for His glory — but, nevertheless, for the good of His creatures.

51. What does God still do, that the world which He has created may not return into its original nothing?

He preserves and governs it.

52. How does God preserve the world?

By the same power of His will with which He created the world He causes it also to continue, in the manner He pleases, and as long as He pleases.

53. How does God govern the world?

He takes care of all things,$1$ orders all things, and, in His wisdom and goodness, directs all things to the end for which He has created the world.$2$