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

1. The nature of Consideration is discovered by its end, which is this; that the Mind being satisfied in the just Reasons upon which the choice of Heaven is to be made, the Will and Affections may be engaged in an earnest joyful and constant pursuit of it. And in this respect it differs from simple Knowledge, and naked Speculation, that informs the Mind without influence and efficacy upon the Heart. Like a Garland of Flowers that adorns the Head without any benefit and refreshing to him that wears it. And practical meditation differs from the study of divine things in order to the instructing of others. That is like a Merchant's buying of Wine for Sale, this like providing it for our own use.

1. The nature of Consideration is discovered by its end, which is this; that the Mind being satisfied in the just Reasons upon which the choice of Heaven is to be made, the Will and Affections may be ingaged in an earnest joyful and constant pursuit of it. And in this respect it differs from simple Knowledg, and naked Speculation, that informs the Mind without influence and efficacy upon the Heart. Like a Garland of Flowers that adorns the Head without any benefit and refreshing to him that wears it. And practical meditation differs from the study of divine things in order to the instructing of others. That is like a Merchant's buying of Wine for Sale, this like providing it for our own use.

2. That the Consideration of Eternal ⟨p. 194⟩Things may be effectual, it must be,

1. Serious and deliberate. For the Affair is great in reality above all possible conception or comparison. All other things, how considerable soever in themselves, yet respectively and in parallel with this, are of no account. Our Saviour told Martha, One thing is necessary: Mary hath chosen the better part, that shall not be taken from her. What Instance can be of equal moment with that of entertaining the Son of God? yet a serious attention to the Words of Eternal Life dropping from his Lips, was more necessary than making Provision for him. The greatest and most weighty Affairs in the World are but a vain Employment, but irregularity and impertinence, in compare with Eternal Salvation. And the greatest solemnity of Thoughts is requisite, to undeceive the Mind, and engage the Will for Heaven. 'Tis very observable that Errors in Judgment and Choice spring from the same causes, the not sincere and due weighing of Things. In the decisions of Questions, Truth is discovered by comparing, with an equal staid Attention, the Reasons of the one and the other part: but when some vicious Affection