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

Besides, the most clear and rational enforcements by the actings of the Thoughts, are necessary to make a strong impression on the Affections, and rescue them from the captivity of the Flesh. In other things as soon as the Mind is enlightened, the Will resolves, and the inferior Faculties obey; but such is the resistance of the carnal Heart, that although 'tis evident from infallible Principles there is an everlasting Glory, infinitely to be preferred above the little appearances of Beauty and Pleasure here, yet the most piercing reasons enter heavily without earnest inculcation. Slight or sudden Thoughts may produce vanishing Affections of complacence, or distaste, and fickle resolutions, that like sick Feathers drop away, and leave the Soul naked to the next Temptation; but solemn and fixed Thoughts are powerful on the Heart, in making a thorough and lasting Change. When the Clouds dissolve in a gentle Shower, the Earth drinks in all, and is made Fruitful; but a few sprinkling Drops, or a short storm of Rain, that wets only the Surface, without ⟨p. 197⟩sinking to the Root, is little beneficial. In short, there may be some excitations to Good, and retractions from Evil, some imperfect faint essays towards Heaven, from an impulse on the Mind; but solid Conversion is produced by deliberate Discourse, by the due consideration and estimation of things, 'tis rational and perpetual.

Besides, the most clear and rational enforcements by the actings of the Thoughts, are necessary to make a strong impression on the Affections, and rescue them from the captivity of the Flesh. In other things as soon as the Mind is inlightned, the Will resolves, and the inferior Faculties obey; but such is the resistance of the carnal Heart, that although 'tis evident from infallible Principles there is an everlasting Glory, infinitely to be prefer'd above the little appearances of Beauty and Pleasure here, yet the most piercing reasons enter heavily without earnest inculcation. Slight or sudden Thoughts may produce vanishing Affections of complacence, or distaste, and fickle resolutions, that like sick Feathers drop away, and leave the Soul naked to the next Temptation; but solemn and fixed Thoughts are powerful on the Heart, in making a thorow and lasting Change. When the Clouds dissolve in a gentle Shower, the Earth drinks in all, and is made Fruitful; but a few sprinkling Drops, or a short storm of Rain, that wets only the Surface, without ⟨p. 197⟩