The sovereign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain itThe soveraign and final happiness of man with the effectual means to obtain it

The generality of Men pursue a false Happiness. The causes of their mistake. Rules to direct in the search after the blessed End of Man. The Wisdom and Goodness of the Creator, the frame of Man's Nature, and the Holy Scriptures discover it. The things of the World are defective, in all the essential Conditions requisite to Man's Felicity. God alone who is a spiritual infinite eternal Good, can make him perfectly blessed.

THAT the Inclination to Happiness is as universal as the Human Nature, we have the clearest testimony from the experience of all Men. This inclination is neither cold nor barren, but vigorously exerts it self in motions of flight, and aversation from what is apprehended as Evil, and in the pursuit of what is conceived under the appearance of Good. From hence proceeds the unwearied Industry of Men in using ⟨p. 6⟩means to accomplish their general End. Some waste their Time and Strength in an eager pursuit of sensual Pleasures, and Riches, and Dignities; Others in acquiring the more valuable Treasures of Knowledge, or in purchasing an honourable Reputation, as if the obtaining of these things were the cure of their distempered Desires. But the concurrence of all particular Goods that enrich the Soul within the Sphere of Nature, or that preserve and delight the Body, cannot afford true Content. The Heart still remains empty, and languishes for Satisfaction. 'Tis therefore a just cause of wonder, that an intelligent Creature finding the product of all his Diligence unanswerable to his Hopes, should vainly seek for Happiness where 'tis not to be found; and after innumerable disappointments fly at an impossibility. An Error in the first enquiry might have some colour of excuse, but that having been so often deceived with painted Grapes for the Fruits of Paradise, Men should still seek for substantial Blessedness to fill the Soul, in vain shows that can only feed the Eye, is Madness exceeding all Admiration. What powerful charm obstructs their ⟨p. 5⟩true judging of things? What Spirit of Error possess them? The only Account that can be given of it is this: Man being fallen from the Holiness and Perfection of his Original State, the Affections are viciously inclined to sensible things, and the fumes arising from carnal Lusts cloud and overshade the Mind, and hinder its clear discovery of that universal comprehensive Good in whose Fruition true Happiness consists, therefore he earnestly applies himself to please the lower Faculties, allured by present Delights, and the facility of obtaining them.