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

Thus I have briefly set down the process of mens foolish choice in this degenerate state. Now that we may with a free uncorrupted Judgment compare things in order to a wise choice of true Felicity, it follows from what has been said, that as the Apostle in obeying his Heavenly Commission, conferred not with Flesh and Blood; We must not in this matter of infinite importance, attend

Thus I have briefly set down the process of mens foolish choice in this degenerate state. Now that we may with a free uncorrupted Judgment compare things in order to a wise choice of true Felicity, it follows from what has been said, that as the Apostle in obeying his Heavenly Commission, conferr'd not with Flesh and Blood; We must not in this matter of infinite importance, attend

1. To the suggestions and desires of the Senses and carnal Appetite, which are the worst Councillors, as being uncapable of judging what is our proper Happiness, deceitful and importunate.

1. To the suggestions and desires of the Senses and carnal Appetite, which are the worst Councellors, as being uncapable of judging what is our proper Happiness, deceitful and importunate.

First, They are uncapable of apprehending Spiritual Eternal Things, which alone bring fit and complete satisfaction to the Soul: and cannot look forward to the end of sinful Pleasures, and balance the terrible Evils they leave at parting, with the slight vanishing ⟨p. 172⟩content that springs from their Presence. Therefore as blind Persons lay hold on things they feel, so the sensitive Faculties adhere to gross present enjoyment, not understanding the pure spotless Felicity that is to come, and despising what they do not understand. Now who would in an Affair upon which his All depends, advise with Children and Fools, whose Judgment of things is without Counsel, their Counsel without Discourse, their Discourse without Reason? There is nothing more contrary to the order of Nature, than for Men that should affect with Judgment, to judg by their Affections.